Saturday 8/8/15 service plays chatter/comps/requests & other stuff...

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Mohawk: Saturday 8/8 Analysis
By Garnet Barnsdale

DRF HARNESS

Race 4 - $50,000 Guaranteed Pick Four Pool

EARLY PICK 4:

1,4,8/3,7/5,8,9/6,7 = $36


LATE PICK 4: 1,6,7/2/2,8,9/1,4,5,7 = $36

MEET STATS: 209 - 692 / $1198.40 BEST BETS: 29 - 62 / $99.10

SPOT PLAYS: 8 - 62 / $66.90

Best Bet: GO DADDY GO (3rd)

Spot Play: JUSTCALLMEARNOLD (2nd)


Race 1

(4) MYSTIQUE BEACHBUM lands in a field where there could be lots of early action and she could trip out here at a square price and roll by late; top call in the opener. (3) LOTSA MATZAH has won two straight easily; she might also trip out in the pocket here. (1) MISS ALI MACH N is and interesting newcomer from Australia sent out by connections that look for immediate returns; beware.

Race 2

Last time (10) JUSTCALLMERONALD raced in a similar class he won easily at a big price; maybe history repeats? (2) JUSTALITTLEFASTER continues to race well since returning from a break and will be passing horses late. (7) CAL CHIPS BROTHER is a good one for the bottom rungs of your tris and supers.

Race 3

(5) GO DADDY GO made a strong move to the front on the backside into a strong pace then stubbornly tried to hold off the pocket-sitter down the lane last time. That was his strongest effort of the year so far. Anything close to a repeat should get the job done here. (1) PRESCOTTS HOPE missed three weeks then wasn't asked for much vs, better from an outside post; expect him to blast and try to last here. (4) BUCKEROO draws much better but faces some tough ones. He should be closing for a slice, however.

Race 4

(4) HIS BOY ELROY raced first-over the entire back 1/2 last week and chased down a strong leader in a sharp effort; call to repeat. (8) SUGARSAM was out a long way before making the front and just failed to hold off the choice. There is little to separate these two; use both on your early pick 4 tickets. (1) MR CARROTS has faced better lately but has a penchant for grabbing minor awards no matter the company he faces.

Race 5

(3) ACE OF CLUBS was on poor cover last week but still managed to circle up for 2nd. He seems to be at his sharpest now; top call. (7) TWIN B SCANDAL put up some big fractions and almost held on to blow up the toteboard. He is a threat to lead all the way here. (5) LANCASTER PARK is better than his last couple of lines would suggest, He has upset possibilities if he's put into the race earlier this time.

Race 6

(9) MMS LUCKY BOY showed speed at Hoosier last time and was beating better than these earlier this year; price play. (5) FLEXIBLE WOMAN won easily and took a new life's mark when last in this class; contender. (8) BURNIN MONEY tried to go down the road on the class drop last time and tired late. He is likely to return to a deep closing style here which seems to work better for him.

Race 7

(7) DOCTOR TERROR made a huge move in the third 1/4 at The Meadows to take a Pennsylvania Sires Stake and a new speed badge. She is fast and classy and can beat her elders here if the intent is there. (6) LIGHTS GO OUT confirmed she is at the top of her game again by firing off a :25 3/5 kicker last time. She is still dependent on the pace slowing somewhat though. (3) MARLEE B had too much to do late last time and a :26 3/5 final 1/4 got her nothing. She can upset with the right trip.

Race 8

(1) LETS ROCK TOGETHER never got a breather at any point last week and understandably tired. He gets post relief here and can convert with a better trip. (7) MAJOR HOMER drops in class here and is a hard trier that rarely gets bet. He could offer some nice value in all pools facing easier. (6) HERE COMES WILLIAM closed okay in a swift mile last time and could also crash the exotics at a big price here.

Race 9

(2) REASONABLE FORCE did little from the outside last week but two back set some serious splits and drove away from his foes. These are easier than last week's opponents and he should be prominent throughout. (7) JUST PLAIN LUCK faced some tough sophomores in his past two starts and wasn't disgraced. Watch for him late here. (8) ROCK ME AMASTREOS dropped and popped at Georgian last time and will likely be sent hard here. He could set the table for the choice if that one lands in his pocket at the start.

Race 10

(8) SHAMBALLA has been the best horse on the grounds the past month and tonight gets to show how good he is with a tough invader lined up beside him; top call. (9) LUCK BE WITH YOU has been facing the best aged pacers all year and is the main danger, obviously. (2) ULTIMATE BEACHBOY just about circled the field last week, powering home in :53 flat. He shouldn't be taken lightly, especially if he is ignored by the public.

Race 11

(3) DADDY WARBUCKS moves back into a claimer and should have lots of pace to chase. Top call at a square price. (6) I SCOOT SAM also figures to drop back and close late which is a better strategy for him. He should be passing many of these late. (1) INTENDED STYLE brings a 4-race wins streak to this dash and can't be dismissed.

Race 12

(3) THUNDER STEELER takes a drop in class here and likely tries to take these coast-to-coast. (5) PISTON BROKE also drops but is more likely to complete the exacta than top it. (1) CHEYENNE REIDER has been consistent as an optional claimer all year and should get a piece of this. (9) BOOMBOOM BALLYKEEL was sent hard early last time in a higher class and stopped badly. He will be closing late here, likely for a minor award. (2) MACHAL JORDAN gets a cozy starting slot from which to work a following trip and grab a cheque.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Meadowlands: Saturday 8/8 Analysis
By Derick Giwner

DRF HARNESS

Race 1 - $50,000 Guaranteed Pick Five Pool

Race 3 - $50,000 Guaranteed Pick Four Pool

Race 7 - $75,000 Guaranteed Pick Five Pool

Race 9 - $100,000 Guaranteed Pick Four Pool

Race 13 - $100,000 Guaranteed Pick Four Pool

Race 16 – Jackpot Hi-Five Mandatory Payout ($231,403.14 C/O)

CHAMPIONSHIP MEET STATS: 105 - 356 / $540.70 BEST BETS: 14 - 27 / $54.70

Best Bet: WIGGLE IT JIGGLEIT (11th)

Spot Play: RESOLVE (10th)


Race 1

(8) GREAT VINTAGE has been rolling of late and really hasn’t thrown in any bad races all year. While this field is loaded with top Open foes, his versatility gives him the edge. (6) ODDS ON EQUULEUS couldn’t be any sharper than he is right now and is a must on most tickets. (1) CLEAR VISION & (1A) ALL BETS OFF form a powerful entry from trainer Ron Burke. Either horse is capable with a top effort.

Race 2

(3) BROADWAY DONNA is perfect in five career starts and is clearly more advanced than this group right now. She would have to make a mistake or one of the others in here would have to step up their games by three to five lengths for her to be upset. (1) CELEBRITY EVENTSY has displayed the ability to chase a leader and gain ground in the stretch. She has early speed and should be in tracking position with every chance for second money. (5) MISS TEZSLA finished strongly in her most recent start and continues to progress nicely. I like the driver change to Callahan, but fear that may drop her odds lower than warranted. (6) SUNSET GLIDER can certainly leave fast but needs to trot two seconds faster to compete.

Race 3

(2) ROCKLAMATION was stuck on the rim for every step of the Golden Girls and got locked in with no room to stretch her legs last week. She may not be the same mare she was last year, but her form is better than it looks on paper and these open mare races have been crapshoots. (5) ANNDROVETTE shocked in the Golden Girls and was unsurprisingly flat in an Open race that didn’t matter much a week ago. She is a clear player in a race that doesn’t appear to have an abundance of early speed. (4) ACT NOW comes off a break but reunites with a driver that drove her well in her prior start. Four-year-old is talented enough to blow up the tote board with a clear trip. (11) VENUS DELIGHT had no chance in her last start here. If driver Jason Bartlett gets more aggressive and puts her in play, I’d give her a legitimate chance.

Race 4

(6) JK ENDOFANERA proved very game a week ago when it seemed like he couldn’t possibly win heading past three quarters. Jimmy Takter-trained 4-year-old has a strong 5 for 11 record at the Big M and finds a field that seems to lack much early speed. (9) FOILED AGAIN was locked in with pace last week and certainly would have finished better than fifth with clearance. My only concern is that race went in 1:49 and this one will be faster, something that doesn’t suit the old guy. (1) MACH IT SO could be handled more aggressively this week. We’ve seen he can go with this group. (5) STATE TREASURER is always at the mercy of the pace. If he can come home in 25 and change, he’ll have a big shot.

Race 5

(1) INTIMIDATE wasn’t exactly loaded with trot last Saturday, but took a positive step in the right direction while making just his third start in 54 days. We’ve all seen what this 6-year-old gelding can do when he is right and I think we’ll see a peak effort Saturday. (10) WIND OF THE NORTH does some of his best work on the lead and is in a race loaded with early speedsters; bad combination, right? Maybe not. He is certainly one of the fastest off the wings and this race is at the 1-1/8 distance which gives him plenty of time to make the front before the first turn. (5) OBRIGADO wasn’t exactly loaded with trot last week but is as consistent as they come. If he is sitting off cover or somehow in the pocket, he can win. (9) NATURAL HERBIE might have been my pick if he drew inside. It seems this guy is getting better every week, but I fear he’ll have too many horses to pass this week. (6) MARKET SHARE certainly has a shot, but I’d need better than a price in the range of 3-1 or 4-1. (4) MAGIC TONIGHT went wire to wire in the Elitlopp. If he can accomplish that here I’ll be shocked. I usually like European imports, but this time I want to see a race. (2) FLANAGAN MEMORY won a leg of the TVG a week ago and is certainly capable of going back to back.

Race 6

(6) BEE A MAGICIAN has basically toyed with her competition all year long. I wouldn’t say she is unbeatable in this spot, but she’ll have to throw in a dud or get very unlucky to lose. (10) D’ONE was quite sharp in her first U.S. qualifier. Royally bred 5-year-old mare is very intriguing. (11) SHAKE IT CERRY has been hit and miss most of the year. I like the way she raced with Johnny Takter in the bike last time. (8) HANDOVER BELLE couldn’t be any sharper; upset chance. (1) ALLIE LABROOK closed well last time but still has something to prove at this level. (4) CLASSIC MARTINE has the class but lacks form; your call.

Race 7

I’m really not sure if (9) BAR HOPPING can get a trip good enough to win the Haughton final. I do feel reasonably confident that he is the best horse. So I’m going to take a chance at what should be a healthy price. (2) SOUTHWIND FRANK is clearly the horse to beat, but has he separated himself so much that a price around even money is warranted? I’m thinking probably not. (4) MILLIGAN’S SCHOOL certainly impressed in his elimination and I can find no real knocks against him; using. (5) WINTER HARBOR was certainly green during his last mile but also finished up with trot; tough call. (1) BROOKLYN HILL is the one I really wanted to pick because he should be in a good spot from this post, but his previous two races just weren’t very good; mixed feelings.

Race 8

(2) THE BANK drew far inside the other three top contenders in this race. That gives Johnny Takter options the other drivers simply won’t have. I predict he either leaves and sits the pocket or brushes to the front between the first two calls. (8) CENTURION ATM certainly made up a ton of ground in the Dancer, but you do have to wonder why he made a break in the first place. Driver Ake Svanstedt will have to move to the rim early and hope for decent cover, which I think he’ll get in a talented field. (10) PINKMAN certainly has his work cut out for him from post 10. You know Yannick Gingras will be leaving . . . how hard will depend on what others inside do. I respect his chances but lean against except as a saver in multi-race exotics. (9) CANEPA HANOVER could be the fastest horse in the race, but from post 9 I think he’ll play to just finish in the top five and make the final. (1) DONATOMITE could have a huge role in the outcome of this race. He has post one and high early speed; using underneath.

Race 9

(2) MISSION BRIEF obviously comes with some risk, but she looked great in her last start at Vernon and is reportedly training great leading up to the Hambletonian. If she comes with anything near a top effort, she wins! It has been a battle all year for (9) MUSCLE DIAMOND to even get on the track. This guy is loaded with talent and is a horse I fear if the top choice has any trouble. (7) UNCLE LASSE should be flying off the wings of the gate and bring his usual top effort; hard to toss. (6) FRENCH LAUNDRY is a use for only the bottom of the exotics on my tickets.

Race 10

(10) RESOLVE has been chasing the likes of JL Cruze for months and came close to beating him last time out. Don’t be fooled by his 0-for-6 record, this guy is very sharp and ready to win. (2) IL SOGNO DREAM comes off a nice confidence building win and is clearly a fit with this group. (6) ETRUSCAN HANOVER has raced very well in three of his last four starts up North; worth using. (9) DAYLON MAGICIAN is closing in on $2 million earned for his career; trip player.

Race 11

(2) WIGGLE IT JIGGLEIT looks like a free square in the pick four and pick five. He’s been the best pacer in the sport all year and faces the same foes he has dispatched week after week. (8) YANKEE BOUNTY hasn’t lived up to his strong rookie campaign, but his recent efforts have been much improved. If you dig deep in his PP lines, he used to show plenty of early speed and I wouldn’t be shocked if Gingras elected to shake him up early and see if he can respond. (1) DUDE’S THE MAN has been extremely reliable and proved he could step up with a win when the waters were a bit shallower in the Adios. (5) ARTSPEAK was better in the New Jersey Classic but still not the horse many were expecting to see this year.

Race 12

(2) WILD HONEY took some air early and trotted home very willingly in her elimination last week. While I like the addition of Gingras to the bike, I fear it means a much shorter price than I would have received with Takter. (7) LIVININTHEFASTLANE is the one filly I fear the most. There is a big mile coming from her at some point and trainer Julie Miller said she wasn’t 100% last time. (1) LOCK DOWN LINDY showed what she can do last week. She’s clearly dangerous. (5) RULES OF THE ROAD has plenty of early zip, but I see this as a spot she may be better off with a patient steer; using for third and fourth only.

Race 13

It is hard to pick a winner without knowing the horses or post positions. That said, I selected CENTURION ATM as my top trotter back in February and that would be hard to accomplish without winning the Hambletonian. It is obvious Ake Svanstedt has changed his style of training this year with an eye on the second half of the stakes season. I feel like this horse’s one and only goal all year has been winning on August 8.

Race 14

(4) WICKED LITTLE MINX showed what kind of filly she is by winning the Miss NJ last time out. Trainer Nancy Johansson has said she thinks this gal could be the best in the division by year’s end and I’m starting to agree. (2) BAND OF ANGELS raced better than I thought she would in the Mistletoe Shalee and seems a bit more consistent than some of the other possible contenders. (6) STACIA HANOVER & (5) BETTOR BE STEPPIN are each capable given a smooth journey.

Race 15

(4) EXPLOSIVE MAN was being considered for the Hambletonian, so that should tell you his connections feel he has talent. He doesn’t have the best gait in the world, but he looks like he can handle a tough trip and still win. (2) MUSICAL RHYTHM closed a ton in his first start on Lasix. I’m almost expecting an even better effort this week; very dangerous. (8) SUIT AND TIE has raced very well here and has the early speed to make plenty of noise.

Race 16

There is a $231,403 carryover in the Super Hi-5 this race which must be paid out. If you are able to hit it, you’ll have earned the money, because this race is far from easy to decipher. (8) MY NAME IS SAM made a powerful move to the front after chasing fast fractions and came up just short at the wire. Although he is moving up on paper, this field doesn’t look much tougher to my eyes. (10) MCARDLES LIGHTNING was unlucky to draw post 10, but being this is a 1-1/8 mile race, he should have ample opportunity to fire out. Three-year-old has tackles some good ones in his division and should feel at home versus this group. (6) GRAB YOUR KEYS was a solid second at this level last time and Brett Miller’s choice over my top pick. (1) BETTOR THAN YOU has speed, an inside post and Burke/Gingras in his corner. (7) GARNET RIVER A has plenty of early speed and has been racing well of late.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Yonkers: Saturday 8/8 Analysis
By Matt Rose

DRF HARNESS

MEET STATS: 221 - 709 / $1245.50 BEST BETS: 30 - 56 / $103.60

Best Bet: LONEWOLF CURRIER (3rd)

Spot Play: SOMEWHERE FANCY (9th)


Race 1

(2) CHEYENNE SEEBER gets some needed class relief and also moves back inside, which will give him a much better edge. Siegelman trainee deserves top billing in a race full of camera-shy types. (1) V I P BAYAMA is also back inside and figures to be live on the tote board. (6) TAURANGA ships up from the Delaware/Maryland circuit, picks up leading driver Bartlett and figures to be firing from the gate.

Race 2

(4) FAMEOUS WESTERN is more than capable on his best day and the class relief plus the switch to Bartlett certainly won't hurt. (3) BJ'S BEQUIA got collared after setting a swift pace versus cheaper up at Saratoga and he's a proven entity with these. (6) MICKEY HANOVER hasn't really gotten underway yet this season and was gapping most of the way last out; tough to endorse on top.

Race 3

(6) LONEWOLF CURRIER debuts for the Allard barn via sale purchase and I don't see much standing in his way here. (1) DEMOCRACY N is up in class but draws best and could be good enough to keep up for a share. (3) ROCK TO GLORY is much better than last week's debacle.

Race 4

(2) NATIONAL DEBT has been a big failure since going for big bucks early last year but note the barn change here to Tony Alagna. That angle is enough for me to point in his direction. (1) FLIPPER J drops, gets post relief and should be prominent throughout. (4) ALL WEEK fired off the gate in his debut for new connections and he may be trying the same tactics tonight.

Race 5

(1) ONE THROUGH TEN is not a prolific winner but he has plenty of speed, the best draw, takes another drop in class and returns to Sears. Deserving favorite here. (6) KR'S POWER SURGE ships from Pennsylvania for the Brandon Todd barn....who knows what to expect. I guess we need to watch the board. (2) FEELS LIKE MAGIC N will be sitting close up throughout, perhaps even in the pocket.

Race 6

(4) FORTY FIVE RED lacks the class of some others in here but that was some speed display last out in what was ultimately a track-record mile. He can be firing again from this midpack post in this wide-open event. (1) SAPPHIRE CITY is back up in the Open ranks and despite not being at his best recently we all know he fits with these. (8) TEXICAN N has been awesome in all recent efforts and he will provide value from this tough outside spot.

Race 7

(7) MICHAEL'S POWER needs an alert getaway from this outside spot and if he can clear the lead he can outclass these to the wire. (1) SMOOTH CRIMINAL returns off a big effort at Saratoga and the Sabot trainee will be looking to hold his position from the rail. (3) MACHS BEACH BOY is as steady as they come and the Lachance charge looks for two straight.

Race 8

(5) BACKSTREET HANOVER has proven she can compete at this Open level and tonight's edition didn't come up particularly strong; Stalbaum drives again and he usually likes to get aggressive early. (8) DAYLON MIRACLE is probably best but she didn't fully fire last out and she's stuck outside again. (7) TOBER surprised me by changing tactics and winning from off the pace last out versus lesser.

Race 9

(3) SOMEWHERE FANCY has quickly become one of my favorite horses. The Toscano trainee has really done nothing wrong since arriving at Yonkers and the 4-year-old should be aggressively handled again tonight. (7) IDEAL COWBOY was nailed by a sharp rival last out then took a week off; Bartlett returns tonight. (5) FORT KNOX gave way in the late stages last week after being used hard.

Race 10

(6) ROCK ON MOE takes a needed drop from the Open ranks, where he didn't disgrace himself but proved to be just a fringe player. Obviously Dube has to be forwardly placed for his best chance. (7) LUCAN HANOVER jogged last out and the Casie Coleman trainee certainly has the class to repeat but it shouldn't be as easy tonight. (1) STEVENSVILLE flattened from the pocket with little excuse two back from a similar spot but he may be good enough to hold off the rest for a small share.

Race 11

(1) FORT VALLEY AS was denied the front and ended up sitting third in the Open last week, a race won by Bee A Magician. This veteran trotter needs the front to show off his best, and that won't be a problem tonight. (7) AS YA'LL LIKE IT double-jumps in class after winning by open lengths in her first two starts for the Staffan Lind barn; is she good enough to compete here? (8) ZOOMING closed a ton last week but is stuck in post eight again.

Race 12

(1) LIFE UP FRONT takes a needed drop in class off an improved effort and he seems to have no excuse to fail from this spot. (6) BIG N BAD had too far to come last week but closed with pace; he should be trying to leave the gate from this spot. (4) ALBERTO CONTADOR N was an open-lengths winner when last at this level and he figures for a board spot with these.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

SPOT PLAYS

For Saturday


TRACK (RACE) HORSE, MORNING LINE


Arlington Park (1st) Enchanted Facts, 5-1
(8th) Rapid Red, 9-2


Belterra Park (2nd) Tynah Tyme, 9-2
(4th) A Passage of Power, 7-2


Canterbury (3rd) Born Force, 8-1
(6th) Alvear, 9-2


Charles Town (1st) Jacky's Notion, 3-1
(4th) Righteous Again, 7-2


Delaware Park (4th) Sky Above, 7-2
(8th) Kodiak Syd, 7-2


Del Mar (2nd) Mudge, 4-1
(7th) Discatsonthesquare, 5-1


Ellis Park (4th) Speedy Kitten, 4-1
(8th) Wallflower, 7-2


Emerald Downs (1st) Dynasty Nwo, 6-1
(6th) Montelena, 5-1


Evangeline Downs (4th) Lady Lavendator, 8-1
(8th) Satellite Sopo, 5-1


Finger Lakes (2nd) Battle Notes, 7-2
(3rd) Rico Act, 6-1


Gulfstream Park (7th) Legacy Danseur, 4-1
(11th) Danbury, 5-1


Indiana Grand (3rd) Layin Low, 6-1
(6th) Check Or a Wreck, 10-1


Laurel (2nd) Blimey, 9-2
(4th) Thurmont, 7-2


Louisiana Downs (4th) Warren's Rebel, 8-1
(5th) Heatseeker Sharon, 3-1


Monmouth Park (6th) Better Man, 6-1
(10th) Heaven's Runway, 6-1


Mountaineer (4th) Elevensixtyseven, 4-1
(7th) Spectacular Lady, 5-1


Parx Racing (1st) Dangerous Maize, 6-1
(9th) Ourtaleoftwocities, 8-1


Penn National (2nd) Chance Encounter, 3-1
(8th) Pennie My Love, 6-1


Prairie Meadows (7th) Net Gain, 7-2
(10th) Makoshika, 5-1


Santa Rosa (6th) Ink Well, 3-1
(7th) Whyugottabesomean, 8-1


Saratoga (2nd) Conquest Windycity, 5-1
(10th) Kitten's Point, 6-1


Thistledown (2nd) Run Don't Hide, 10-1
(8th) Rollover Bella, 5-1


Woodbine (1st) Scatter the Silver, 5-1
(5th) Bear's Profit, 8-1

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Blue Jays (59-52) at Yankees (61-47)

Game: 2
Venue: Yankee Stadium
Date: August 08, 2015 1:05 PM EDT

David Price's first road start for the Toronto Blue Jays may prove exactly why the club dealt for him.

He can pitch the Blue Jays to a seventh straight win and draw them within 2 1/2 games of the first-place New York Yankees in Saturday's matchup in the Bronx.

Price (10-4, 2.45 ERA) was thrilled after he allowed one run and struck out 11 in eight innings in his Toronto debut Monday in a 5-1 victory over Minnesota witnessed by NBA superstar Kevin Durant. He was acquired from Detroit on July 30.

His clubs have won his last six starts at Yankee Stadium, where he is 4-0 with a 2.16 ERA and 49 strikeouts over 41 2-3 innings in that span.

More notable to Price is how he has been tagged for eight runs in his last two outings versus the Yankees (61-47), failing to last past the third inning both times.

"I've given up more runs than I've gotten outs against the Yankees in my last two starts," he told MLB's official website Friday. "I'm going to throw the ball better tomorrow. I have the utmost confidence in myself to go out there and throw the ball the way I'm capable of throwing it."

The left-hander has a long history with many Yankees hitters, with Jacoby Ellsbury (.353 in the regular season) and Brian McCann (9 for 16 with three homers) faring well. Alex Rodriguez (.239 with 18 strikeouts in 46 at-bats), Mark Teixeira (.211), Brett Gardner (.136) and Stephen Drew (0 for 10 with five strikeouts in the regular season) have not.

Chris Young is 1 for 8 in this matchup, though the outfielder will likely start due to his .358 average against lefties. McCann's status is unclear since he often rests in day games after night games and has been bothered by a stiff knee.

New York can improve to 9-1 against lefty starters since the All-Star break and even this three-game set. Jose Bautista's 10th-inning homer was the difference in the Blue Jays' 2-1 victory Friday.

'We won the first game of the series. Everyone knows what our offense is capable of. We've got David Price going,' said Bautista, who has six RBIs in his last three games. 'I don't think they feel good right now, going home.'

The other runs came on the 30th homers of Josh Donaldson in the first and Teixeira in the second. Toronto is second in the majors with 149 homers, with New York third at 147.

"They're very similar to us," Yankees manager Joe Girardi said. "They have that ability to really hit the ball out of the ballpark up and down their lineup like we do."

Donaldson is hitting .375 with six homers and 14 RBIs in his last 10 games and Edwin Encarnacion is batting .405 during a 10-game hitting streak.

Teixeira is batting .391 with eight homers and 15 RBIs in his last 18 games.

Yankees starter Ivan Nova (4-3, 3.10) has posted a 2.65 ERA in winning three straight starts, his first such streak since a five-outing run in 2012.

New York is 5-0 in the right-hander's home starts versus Toronto, with Nova going 3-0 with a 4.44 ERA. Encarnacion is 8 for 22 with a homer against him and Bautista is 4 for 12 with one homer.

Price has a 1.95 ERA in day games and Nova is at 2.04.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Dodgers (62-47) at Pirates (63-44)

Game: 2
Venue: PNC Park
Date: August 08, 2015 4:05 PM EDT

The Pittsburgh Pirates have thrived against NL West teams the past two seasons and have proved one of the most challenging opponents for the Los Angeles Dodgers.

Francisco Liriano will try to lead the Pirates to another win over the Dodgers on Saturday and their 14th in 17 home games.

Pittsburgh (63-44) is 32-14 against the West, including 12-2 this season following a 6-5 win in 10 innings Friday in its first meeting with Los Angeles in 2015. The Pirates scored four runs off Clayton Kershaw while ending his scoreless streak at 37 innings, and Pedro Alvarez's bases-loaded single pushed them to 6-2 versus the Dodgers since the beginning of 2014.

Los Angeles (62-47) lost for the second time in eight games and dropped to 23-30 against NL Central teams in the past two seasons, compared with a 79-46 record against division rivals and a 35-26 mark versus the NL East.

Liriano (7-6, 2.92 ERA) is out to bolster his team's postseason chances during a challenging stretch of its schedule. Pittsburgh has a five-game lead for the league's first wild-card spot but Friday started a nine-game run against the NL's three division leaders.

Liriano is 3-0 with a 2.03 ERA in his last five starts but wasn't at his sharpest in his latest official outing, a 10-4 win in Minnesota on July 29. The left-hander gave up a season-high 10 hits and three runs in 5 2-3 innings, but didn't walk any batters after giving up a combined seven free passes in his previous two games.

He pitched two innings Monday against the Chicago Cubs before the first of two rain delays that totaled nearly 3 1/2 hours and washed out that game.

That leaves Liriano to seek his third win in as many starts while facing a team he's thrived against. He's 3-0 with a 1.37 ERA in as many starts versus the Dodgers and went 2-0 with a 0.71 ERA last season.

Liriano is also 2-0 with a 1.89 ERA in his last five home starts but might have to outduel Mat Latos (4-7, 4.29) in this one. The right-hander, acquired from Miami on July 30, gave up one run in six innings in his Dodgers debut Sunday, a 5-3 win against the Angels.

Latos has a 2.79 ERA in his eight starts since returning from a left knee injury June 13, and a 1.73 mark in his four since the beginning of July.

"(My health is) ten times better," Latos told MLB's official website. "It's hard to explain. Imagine having a lot of fluid in your knee, a lot of pain. That's my landing foot so I'm putting all my weight on that knee. It's allowed me to clear that front side and drive the ball down."

Latos didn't fare well in his only matchup with Pittsburgh last year, giving up four runs in five innings in a 6-5 win for Cincinnati on July 11.

Latos is 5-1 with a 3.13 ERA in 12 career starts against the Pirates. He's 3-0 with a 2.87 ERA in his six in Pittsburgh but hasn't pitched there since Sept. 20, 2013.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Giants (59-50) at Cubs (60-48)

Game: 3
Venue: Wrigley Field
Date: August 08, 2015 4:05 PM EDT

Kyle Schwarber is finally making Wrigley Field his own Friendly Confines and giving Joe Maddon the type of headache managers love.

The seemingly indispensable rookie looks to make another contribution as the Chicago Cubs continue their series Saturday versus the San Francisco Giants.

While the 22-year-old Schwarber is batting .345 with six homers and 20 RBIs through his first 26 games, it took him some time to adjust to hitting in front of the home fans. He had gone 2 for 13 in his first seven appearances at Wrigley before picking an opportune time to break out during this four-game series between NL wild-card hopefuls.

Schwarber hit a three-run homer in Thursday's 5-4 victory and added a two-run tiebreaking single Friday that sparked a five-run fifth and powered the Cubs (60-48) to a 7-3 win, their eighth in the last nine games that also extended their lead for the second wild-card spot over the Giants (59-50) to 1 1/2 games

"It's a nice compliment," Schwarber said about Maddon making room for him by dropping Starlin Castro. "I'm going to do whatever I can to help this team win."

It was the fourth time Maddon used Schwarber in left field, a position where he may get more consistent playing time since starting catcher Miguel Montero is healthy again and backup David Ross serves as Jon Lester's personal backstop. While three may be a crowd at the position, Maddon is riding the hot hand as Chicago chases its first playoff berth since 2008.

"At the end of the day it's about the Cubs winning," Maddon told MLB's official website prior to Friday's game. "Schwarber is the impetus regarding this maneuver, more than Starlin. We have to include Kyle right now."

Schwarber is hitting .381 with a 1.157 OPS against right-handers and will get his first crack at Giants veteran Matt Cain (2-2, 4.91 ERA), who is still trying to find his footing after undergoing elbow surgery last year. He's yielded eight runs and 18 hits in 11 innings spanning his last two starts, and opponents are hitting .303 against him in the six he's made since his return.

Cain, though, is 6-2 with a 2.38 ERA in 15 lifetime starts versus Chicago - his lowest ERA against any NL team. He has not recorded a decision in his last five starts at Wrigley dating back to 2008, and his only victory there came in his first outing in 2006.

Montero may be the odd man out Saturday since he's a .204 lifetime hitter versus Cain in 54 at-bats, and Anthony Rizzo is 1 for 16 with seven strikeouts.

San Francisco has dropped four of its last six and may need a deep outing from Cain after Ryan Vogelsong struggled as a fill-in starter for the injured Mike Leake on Friday. Its bullpen has logged eight innings in the first two games, and after throwing four shutout innings Thursday, the relievers were reached for four runs Friday.

"There's a lot of baseball left and that's enough said," manager Bruce Bochy said. "This is a tough group and we'll find a way to come out of this."

Kyle Hendricks (5-5, 3.67) is trying to win back-to-back starts after limiting Milwaukee to one run in seven-plus innings of a 4-2 victory last Saturday. It was a strong bounce-back effort by the right-hander, who had yielded nine runs in 11 innings over his previous two outings.

Hendricks is making his first appearance versus San Francisco.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Astros (61-50) at Athletics (49-62)

Game: 3
Venue: O.co Coliseum
Date: August 08, 2015 4:05 PM EDT

Confidently and somewhat quietly going about his business, Collin McHugh continues to be a major asset for the Houston Astros.

The right-hander can become the AL's first 14-game winner by winning his fifth consecutive start Saturday against the Oakland Athletics at the Coliseum.

Though McHugh (13-5, 4.27 ERA) is part of a revamped rotation that includes more prominent names like Dallas Keuchel and Scott Kazmir, he's recorded the most wins in the majors since Aug. 1, 2014, going 20-5 with a 3.47 ERA in 32 starts. Prior to this run, McHugh was 4-16 with a 5.06 ERA in his first 24 starts.

'It's hard to really put into words what it came from, what my first calendar year looked like in major league baseball versus this one,' he said. 'It has been a blessing to play on a good team like this, a good group of guys, and the organization putting faith in me the way they have to put me out there every five days.'

McHugh has yielded one or two runs in three of his last four starts, including Sunday when he gave up one in seven innings of a 4-1 victory over Arizona.

'At one point I looked up there and he had like 15 or 16 balls of like 75 or 80 pitches,' Houston manager A.J. Hinch said. 'That's incredible strike-throwing."

McHugh hasn't had too much trouble finding the strike zone while going 2-0 with a 1.26 ERA, 18 strikeouts and three walks against Oakland (49-62).

He hopes to continue that success and help the Astros (61-50) rebound from Friday's 3-1 defeat. Sonny Gray yielded a Luis Valbuena home run and four other hits to help Oakland even this four-game set.

'We knew going into the game that this was going to be a pretty difficult task on both sides (with Keuchel also starting),' said Hinch, whose team has a 1 1/2-game lead over the Los Angeles Angels in the AL West. 'They found some hits, they found some holes."

Danny Valencia homered and Marcus Semien had three hits as the A's beat Houston at home for the first time in five tries this season. Semien is batting .409 in seven games this month.

Jesse Chavez (5-11, 3.88) is 0-2 with a 10.03 ERA in his last three starts, and looks to bounce back after he yielded six runs and two homers in 3 2-3 innings of a 9-2 home loss to Baltimore on Monday.

'What's frustrating is I'm physically fine, I feel strong,' said Chavez, who has failed to complete four innings in two of those three outings. 'It's just one little mechanical thing that can make it look like you're dragging.'

As the right-hander tries to figure out what exactly the problem is and avoid extending his AL-leading loss total in day games to seven, he makes his first start this season against the Astros after throwing a scoreless inning of relief at Houston on April 13. Chavez went 2-1 with a 5.32 ERA in four starts against the Astros in 2014.

Carlos Gomez is 1 for 12 in the last three games but 2 for 5 with two doubles against Chavez.

The Astros added help in the bullpen Friday, acquiring lefty reliever Oliver Perez from Arizona for a minor league pitcher.

"They're in a good spot right now," Perez said. "This is why we play baseball. It's going to be a really good opportunity for me."

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Rangers (54-54) at Mariners (51-59)

Game: 2
Venue: Safeco Field
Date: August 08, 2015 4:10 PM EDT

Texas' inability to contain a sizzling Nelson Cruz led to another loss to the Seattle Mariners, but the Rangers could soon get some help in the next matchup from a familiar face.

After being re-acquired from Boston, Mike Napoli is hoping to arrive in time for Saturday's game in Seattle and the Rangers' attempt at an eighth win in 10 games.

Cruz hit one of Seattle's three home runs off Cole Hamels in a 4-3 victory Friday and Texas' sixth consecutive loss to the Mariners (51-59). Cruz tied the game in the sixth with his 32nd, one fewer than major league leader Mike Trout, and extended his MLB-best hit streak to 17 games.

"You want to get it done, especially when you're (trailing) and you're tired," Cruz said. "To be able to do it when it matters is definitely good."

Cruz is batting .421 with 11 homers during his run and has gone deep in six of the last seven games. He's 14 for 30 (.467) with four homers in the seven games against Texas this season.

Before having a four-game win streak snapped, the Rangers (54-54) picked up Napoli from Boston for a player to be named and cash. Napoli's averages dipped in each of his three seasons with the Red Sox - down to .207 this year - but he was batting .281 in his past 17 games.

His 13 homers and 40 RBIs were his fewest since 2007.

Before signing with Boston, Napoli played from 2011-12 in Texas and had his best season in that initial campaign, batting .320 with 30 homers. He had 24 home runs in 2012 but batted just .227.

Napoli was primarily a catcher in his first stint with the Rangers but is slated to serve as a first baseman or designated hitter this time. He's expected to start mainly against left-handed pitchers, and will see rookie southpaw Mike Montgomery (4-4, 3.07 ERA) if his expected morning flight from Boston arrives on time.

Napoli's .845 OPS against left-handers was second-best among Red Sox hitters who had played at least 42 games. Texas' .239 average versus lefties is 13th in the AL.

"He is a guy who always hits lefties. It's an area where we have struggled this year,' general manager Jon Daniels said. "He is a guy we know. We know he's going to fit our culture. He has a winning makeup."

Montgomery will seek to end a five-game winless drought in his first appearance against the Rangers. He's allowed four runs over 12 2-3 innings in his last two games but has gotten a combined four runs of support.

He yielded one run in six innings last Saturday in Minnesota, but Carson Smith gave up two runs in the ninth in a 3-2 loss.

Montgomery will next try to lead Seattle to its first seven-game win streak against Texas since 1995 and its sixth victory in eight overall contests.

Martin Perez (1-2, 6.64) looks to build on his first win since returning from Tommy John surgery, a 2-1 victory over San Francisco on Sunday. The left-hander yielded one run and two hits in 8 1-3 innings after getting tagged for eight runs in one-plus inning in a 21-5 drubbing to the New York Yankees on July 28.

Perez is 2-1 with a 3.22 ERA in four starts against Seattle with his most recent Aug. 28, 2013. Cruz has never faced him, but Kyle Seager is 6 for 14 with two homers.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Mets (59-50) at Rays (54-56)

Game: 2
Venue: Tropicana Field
Date: August 08, 2015 6:10 PM EDT

Noah Syndergaard has enjoyed an electric rookie season for the New York Mets, though they're still waiting for his success at Citi Field to translate elsewhere.

He seeks his first road victory Saturday against the Tampa Bay Rays.

Syndergaard (6-5, 2.66 ERA) is 4-1 with a 1.80 ERA in his last nine games. Sunday's 5-2 win against Washington marked the second straight outing in which he fanned nine over eight innings. The two runs he allowed to the Nationals came on solo homers, including one on his fifth pitch, but he retired the next 10 batters and didn't issue a walk for the second consecutive start.

His 5.0 strikeout-to-walk ratio is the best in franchise history among Mets rookies with at least 10 starts. The second-highest is Dwight Gooden's 3.8 mark from 1984.

"This guy knows what he's doing out there," manager Terry Collins told MLB's official website. "He's got a feel for it."

Those last two outings were at home, though, where he's 6-1 with a 1.57 ERA in eight contests. On the road, he's 0-4 with a 4.34 mark. Citi Field has been one of baseball's most pitcher-friendly parks this year - the 3.47 ERA there is second-lowest in the majors, narrowly trailing Tropicana Field (3.46).

The Rays' offensive approach could also help Syndergaard's cause. They're striking out every 4.5 plate appearances, and the nine they had in Friday's 4-3 loss to open this series gives them 79 in the last eight games.

New York (59-50) extended its lead over Washington in the NL East to 2 1/2 games with its seventh consecutive win. The Mets, who have trailed in four games during their winning streak, went ahead in the ninth on Wilmer Flores' two-out single after Tampa Bay (54-56) took the lead on Evan Longoria's eighth-inning home run.

Collins' club allowed fewer than four runs for the ninth time in 12 games and is seeking a fifth consecutive road win for the first time since July 25-29, 2011.

"Tonight was pure character,' he said. "I can't say enough. They know these games are big."

The Rays had three solo homers with James Loney and Grady Sizemore also going deep. Longoria is batting .467 during a seven-game hitting streak, while Asdrubal Cabrera is 12 for 21 in his last five.

Another low-scoring game could be in order with Nathan Karns (6-5, 3.37) on the mound for Tampa Bay. He owns a 3-2 record and 2.73 ERA in his last nine outings and has been particularly tough to hit in the last three with opponents are batting .161.

He struck out seven over 5 1-3 innings and gave up a two-run homer in Tampa Bay's 5-4 win against the Chicago White Sox on Monday.

This marks Karns' first appearance against the Mets. He won both previous interleague starts this year, limiting Miami and Philadelphia to one earned run and five hits over 12 innings.

Michael Cuddyer could return this weekend for New York after going 0 for 3 with an intentional walk in a rehab game for Class-A St. Lucie on Friday. He hasn't played since July 21 due to left knee inflammation and was hitting .193 over his last 19 games.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Rockies (46-61) at Nationals (56-52)

Game: 2
Venue: Nationals Park
Date: August 08, 2015 7:05 PM EDT

Facing their largest deficit in nearly three months, the Washington Nationals are hoping Stephen Strasburg's return from the disabled list can kick-start a playoff push.

Chasing down NL East-leading New York will be more manageable, however, if Strasburg can dominate like he did right before landing on the DL and not pitch like he did in the season's first two months.

Strasburg takes the ball for the first time since Independence Day as the Nationals try to bounce back from a discouraging loss to the last-place Colorado Rockies on Saturday night.

Washington (56-52) was well on its way to a win Friday with a 4-1 lead in the eighth inning before Carlos Gonzalez hit a grand slam off former closer Drew Storen, sending the Nationals to a 5-4 loss. It was the sixth defeat in eight games for Washington, which fell 2 1/2 games out of the division lead for the first time since May 12.

'I guarantee none of the teams in our division feel sorry for us. The Mets are happy,' Danny Espinosa said. " ... For us, we've just got to keep going, keep plugging and go day-to-day and try to get wins.'

A win Saturday will come much easier if Strasburg (5-5, 5.16 ERA) can pick up where he left off before getting injured.

Strasburg recorded a 6.55 ERA in his first 10 starts with the Nationals losing seven times before going to the DL on May 30 due to neck tightness. At the time of his injury, his ERA was the second-highest among the 116 pitchers with at least 45 innings thrown.

A five-week stint on the DL seemed to work wonders as he came off pitching like an All-Star.

The right-hander posted a 1.50 ERA with 15 strikeouts over 12 innings in winning his first two starts and was again pitching well in his third. He had allowed one hit over 3 2-3 scoreless innings against San Francisco on July 4 before hurting his side. He went on the DL the next day with a strained left oblique.

Strasburg was getting knocked around before his first injury, as opponents had a .497 slugging percentage, and struck out 20.7 percent of the batters he faced. The top pick of the 2009 draft was once again overpowering batters after coming off the DL, striking out 30.0 percent of hitters and holding batters to a .232 slugging percentage.

Replicating that kind of success won't be easy against a Rockies team which is averaging an NL-best 4.6 runs and is second in the majors in slugging at .442.

Gonzalez is 7 for 18 with two homers, two doubles and seven RBIs in his last five games and leads the league with 19 home runs since June 1. Nolan Arenado is second on that list with 14 but is 0 for 5 lifetime against Strasburg.

DJ LeMahieu, fifth in the NL with a .319 average, is 4 for 9 with a homer lifetime in their matchups.

"Our guys fight to the final out,' Colorado manager Walt Weiss said. 'We've had some really tough losses ... but our guys continue to fight."

Strasburg went 1-1 with a 3.46 ERA against the Rockies (46-61) last season. He is 2-1 with a 1.74 ERA in three career home starts against them.

Colorado rookie Eddie Butler (3-8, 5.45) is being pushed up a day to make his first appearance against Washington in his fourth start since being recalled from Triple-A Albuquerque.

The right-hander is 0-2 with a 7.80 ERA since a seven-week stay in the minors and yielded three homers over four innings in Monday's 8-7 loss to Seattle.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Red Sox (49-61) at Tigers (53-56)

Game: 2
Venue: Comerica Park
Date: August 08, 2015 7:08 PM EDT

The baseball season is clearly in the dog days of summer for non-contending teams that have spent more than half a calendar year together with minimal postseason hopes to provide motivation.

The Detroit Tigers don't seem to be handling this unfamiliar situation too well.

The Tigers look to even this three-game home series with the Boston Red Sox on Saturday night after a fight between two of their players in the dugout was the major story of the opener.

These teams look to be finishing up disappointing campaigns. Detroit (53-56) is 11 1/2 games out in the AL Central with six teams ahead of it in the wild-card race while Boston (49-61) is 13 games out in the East.

The Tigers will likely see their streak of reaching the postseason end at four years, and their 7-2 loss Friday was marred by an altercation between catcher James McCann and shortstop Jose Iglesias in the sixth inning that third baseman Nick Castellanos helped break up.

'You spend seven months with each other, there's going to be disagreements and sometimes it leads to pushing and shoving,' beleaguered manager Brad Ausmus said.

'I've seen it dozens of times during my playing career. It's generally just because they care about winning and losing and that's what it was tonight.'

The Red Sox served further notice that they are looking to the future by trading Mike Napoli to Texas on Friday for a player to be named or cash. Napoli batted .207 in 98 games.

Pablo Sandoval was originally given Friday off but replaced Napoli in the lineup and went 1 for 3 with a walk. David Ortiz homered while Xander Bogaerts and Rusney Castillo each had three hits in Boston's second win in 11 road games.

Detroit's J.D. Martinez drilled his 30th homer - his third in the last seven games.

Saturday's pitching matchup features starters with identical 4.55 ERAs who met twice last year for underachieving NL teams. Now Alfredo Simon and Wade Miley are in similar circumstances after switching leagues.

They went 1-1 in their 2014 matchups, with Simon (10-6) posting a 3.38 ERA for Cincinnati and Miley (8-9) at 2.84 for Arizona.

Simon has allowed five runs over 11 2-3 innings in winning consecutive road outings, yielding one run in six innings to earn a 5-1 victory over the Red Sox on July 25 in his first start against them in nearly four years. Ortiz is 2 for 8 with four walks against him and Hanley Ramirez is 3 for 6.

The right-hander, who had this start pushed back three days by groin issues that cropped up the last time he faced the Red Sox, is 0-1 with a 7.64 ERA in his last three home outings.

Boston has dropped five straight starts by Miley, who is 0-2 with a 4.58 ERA in his last six. He has allowed two runs or fewer in three of his last four.

The left-hander has never faced Detroit, with Ian Kinsler 0 for 3 against him. He may be wary of Iglesias, a .372 hitter versus southpaws.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Cardinals (70-39) at Brewers (47-64)

Game: 2
Venue: Miller Park
Date: August 08, 2015 7:10 PM EDT

Randal Grichuk was drafted one spot before Mike Trout six years ago. While he hasn't become one of the game's best players, he's blossoming into a star in his own right for the St. Louis Cardinals.

He and St. Louis' dominant pitching staff seek a fourth straight victory Saturday night against the Milwaukee Brewers at Miller Park.

The Los Angeles Angels selected Grichuk 24th overall in 2009 and picked Trout next. They dealt Grichuk, along with Peter Bourjos, to St. Louis after the 2013 season in exchange for Fernando Salas and David Freese, a deal that's looking better for the Cardinals by the day.

Grichuk, who never posted a minor league OPS better than .805 for a season at a level above Class-A, currently leads all rookies with at least 50 games played with a .913 OPS and is batting .350 with seven homers, seven doubles and 19 RBIs in his last 20 games.

Freese has hit .252 with a .389 slugging percentage since the deal after posting .286 and .427 marks over five seasons for St. Louis, while Salas owns a 4.35 ERA in 48 relief appearances this year.

Grichuk had a three-run shot during a six-run fifth inning in Friday's 6-0 win against the Brewers. Matt Carpenter also stayed locked in, doubling twice to improve his average to .381 over the last 11 games.

The Cardinals (70-39) have been able to get by without big innings given their excellence on the mound. They've allowed eight runs in the last five games with Friday being their second straight shutout. The bullpen has been especially impressive, allowing one run and six hits over 19 innings in the last five contests, and posting a 1.26 ERA since July 21.

"They are pitching well and you know it's going to be a low-scoring game for you to win," Milwaukee manager Craig Counsell said.

Jaime Garcia (3-4, 1.98 ERA) looks to continue the staff's run after limiting Colorado to one run and two hits over five-plus innings in a 3-2 victory on Sunday, though he also yielded four walks.

He's walked six over 11 innings in two games since returning from a strained groin, an uncharacteristic number for a player who averaged 1.3 walks per nine innings in seven starts before the injury.

Garcia was a tough-luck loser against Milwaukee on June 1, allowing one run and three hits over seven innings in a 1-0 defeat. He's still 6-4 with a 2.81 ERA in 13 career starts in the series, however.

The Brewers (47-64) had scored 22 runs while winning three straight before being stifled Friday. Ryan Braun was yanked after seven innings for the second time in a lopsided loss in five days, though he extended his hitting streak to six games with a single. He's hitting .205 with six strikeouts in 39 at-bats against Garcia.

Rookie Shane Peterson is batting .423 in his last eight games after going 3 for 4.

Wily Peralta, (2-6, 4.55) is also making his third start since coming back from injury. He'll be looking to bounce back from his toughest outing of the season, having given up six runs, eight hits and three walks over 3 1-3 innings in a 13-5 loss to San Diego on Monday.

"I'm hoping it's just a one-time thing," Counsell said.

Peralta is 4-6 with a 4.43 ERA in 11 starts against St. Louis, including an 0-3 mark in the last four meetings while receiving four runs of support in 24 innings.

Carpenter is batting .444 off Peralta in 27 at-bats, while Jason Heyward is 6 for 14.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Marlins (43-67) at Braves (50-60)

Game: 3
Venue: Turner Field
Date: August 08, 2015 7:10 PM EDT

While they've been mediocre against the rest of the NL East, the Atlanta Braves continue to thrive against the Miami Marlins.

The Braves seek another win over Miami on Saturday night but face the only current Marlins starter to have beaten them this season, Tom Koehler.

Atlanta (50-60) is 24-24 against its division rivals but improved to 9-2 against Miami with a 6-3 victory Friday. The Marlins (43-67) took a short-lived lead by scoring three runs in the seventh, and the Braves responded with four in their half.

Nick Markakis hit a two-run single, and Atlanta took advantage of two errors, giving Miami nine in the past 10 games. Markakis went 3 for 4 to extend his hitting streak to an NL-best 14 games.

Atlanta, which has not won three straight in more than a month, has a tough task in solving Koehler (8-8, 3.71 ERA), who is 1-1 with a 2.63 ERA in his last four starts against the Braves and 1-0 with a 2.50 ERA in his last three in Atlanta. He picked up one of Miami's two wins over the Braves on April 14 by allowing two runs in 5 1-3 innings in an 8-2 win at Turner Field.

Koehler, however, has hardly been at his best lately, allowing a combined 12 runs in 10 1-3 innings in back-to-back losses. He matched a season high by giving up seven in 4 1-3 innings in a 12-1 drubbing to the New York Mets on Monday.

That triggered the Marlins' current five-game losing streak. They've also dropped 12 of 14 overall and 20 of 25 on the road.

"It's certainly not indicative of what he's done this year, just a bad game. Unfortunately, you're going to have some of those," manager Dan Jennings said.

Mike Foltynewicz (3-3, 5.40) also struggled in his latest outing Monday, his second since being called up from the minors. The right-hander gave up six runs on a career-high four homers in his six innings against San Francisco but avoided a loss as the Braves rallied for a 9-8 victory in 12 innings.

Foltynewicz, making his first appearance against the Marlins, gave up a pair of solo homers in his six innings July 29 in a 2-0 loss in Baltimore.

The Braves could have Michael Bourn and Nick Swisher in uniform for this game after acquiring the two players from Cleveland on Friday for Chris Johnson.

"I think with the addition of these two players, we're getting winning players with good makeups," Braves president John Hart told MLB's official website. "They've been around winners and they play the game the right way. I think these guys will fit what we're doing."

Bourn, who played 208 games for Atlanta from 2011-12, is batting .400 (14 for 35) in his last 11 games after hitting .224 in his first 84. Swisher has been rehabbing from inflammation on one of his surgically repaired knees and is batting .198 in 30 games this season.

Markakis, hitting .361 during his streak, is 3 for 6 lifetime against Koehler. A.J. Pierzynski, batting .426 during a 12-game run, is 5 for 9 with two homers.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: White Sox (51-56) at Royals (64-44)

Game: 2
Venue: Ewing M. Kauffman Stadium
Date: August 08, 2015 7:10 PM EDT

As the Kansas City Royals continue to find comfort at home, the Chicago White Sox have struggled no matter where they've played of late.

The Royals will try for a sixth consecutive home victory over the White Sox on Saturday night.

Kansas City (64-44) dropped six of the last eight to conclude a 4-6 road trip but bounced back with Friday's 3-2 victory over Chicago. Edinson Volquez threw seven strong innings and Lorenzo Cain had two hits to help the Royals win for the 12th time in their last 15 at Kauffman Stadium.

"(To) bounce back (Friday) and get a win against a division team is huge," Cain said.

Kansas City is 35-18 at home, where it's held the White Sox (51-56) to 11 runs during a five-game winning streak that dates to last season.

"(It's) always been a tough team for us to play," said Chicago manager Robin Ventura, whose club fell to 3-8 against the Royals this season after losing for the sixth times in the last eight games.

Cain is hitting .233 with one RBI in his last 11 road contests but .387 with 13 RBIs in his last 16 at home. The veteran is batting .409 with eight RBIs while hitting safely in all 11 games against Chicago this season.

He's 3 for 5 this year off Jeff Samardzija (8-6, 4.35 ERA), who has a 6.23 ERA in losing two starts against the Royals in 2015.

The right-hander completed at least seven innings in 10 straight starts before matching a season high with nine runs allowed in 4 2-3 innings of Sunday's 12-3 loss to the New York Yankees.

"If you are not sharp and on top of it, you are going to pay for it," Ventura told MLB's official website.

It doesn't seem likely Samardzija will have leadoff hitter Adam Eaton behind him Saturday after the center fielder jammed his left shoulder making a catch in the opener. Though Eaton is 2 for 13 with seven strikeouts in the last four games, he's hit .432 with a .528 on-base percentage in his last 12.

'It was enough to take him out," Ventura said about Eaton, who is day to day. "He couldn't really do anything. He knew right away. It was enough that we were going to have to get him checked out."

Trayce Thompson, brother of Golden State All-Star guard Klay Thompson, could make his first start in place of Eaton after recording two hits and scoring on Jose Abreu's double in his second career game Friday.

Batting .344 with 19 RBIs in his last 17 games, Abreu came through but the White Sox went 0 for 9 with runners in scoring position in the opener.

They'll hope to rebound against Jeremy Guthrie (7-7, 5.65), who remains in Kansas City's rotation despite going 0-2 with a 7.27 ERA and yielding 30 hits in three starts since the All-Star break. Due to an off day the right-hander hasn't pitched since July 29 when he gave up eight runs and three homers in 5 1-3 innings of a 12-1 loss at Cleveland.

'It just unraveled for me and was not a good outing when you look back at it,' Guthrie said.

Though the Royals pulled out a 7-6, 13-inning win at Chicago on July 18, Guthrie allowed three runs and nine hits in five innings.

Melky Cabrera is batting .364 with five doubles, a triple and a home run in 44 at-bats against Guthrie.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Twins (55-54) at Indians (49-59)

Game: 2
Venue: Progressive Field
Date: August 08, 2015 7:10 PM EDT

For the Minnesota Twins, anywhere would've been better than Toronto. Few places have been more enjoyable for visiting teams lately than Cleveland.

The Twins try to win two straight for the first time in two weeks Saturday night when they continue this three-game series against the last-place Indians.

Minnesota (55-54) probably couldn't wait to leave Toronto after it was outscored 26-12 in four consecutive defeats, giving it 14 losses in 18 games. That stretch dropped the Twins from the top of the wild-card race to three games behind the second spot.

It looked like Minnesota would easily end its five-game skid after scoring six runs in the third inning in Friday's series opener. The Indians, though, answered back with four runs in the bottom half and went ahead 9-7 with five more runs in the fourth.

After forging a 9-all tie with a run in the fifth and sixth, the Twins finally regained the lead on Torii Hunter's homer in the ninth and held on for the 10-9 win.

'This is not my first rodeo,' Hunter said. 'I know how to bear down and get it done. That's what I did. I really wanted to help this ballclub out.'

Hunter fell a triple shy of the cycle and finished with three RBIs. Brian Dozier also homered and Eddie Rosario had a pair of triples for the Twins, who avoided falling under .500 for the first time since they were 11-12 on May 1.

Friday's loss was the fifth in six games for Cleveland (49-59), which has lost nine of 10 at home to fall to a major league-worst 20-33. The Indians are a season-high 10 games under .500.

Cleveland continued to overhaul its roster Friday, acquiring third baseman Chris Johnson from Atlanta in exchange for outfielders Michael Bourn and Nick Swisher. This trade follows the recent deals that shipped Brandon Moss, David Murphy and Marc Rzepczynski out of Cleveland.

'We can stay neutral or we can go backwards,' manager Terry Francona said. 'None of those are very good options. Or we can take what's been thrown at us and try to get better, and learn and figure out how we want to be as a team. We want to move forward.'

Michael Brantley had three RBIs and has hit safely in 10 straight starts, batting .368 in those games. Brantley, though, is hitting .192 in 26 at-bats against Ervin Santana (2-2, 3.89 ERA), who looks to continue his excellent work on the road.

Santana is 2-1 with a 1.52 ERA in four starts away from home, pitching at least 7 2-3 innings in three of those games. The right-hander rebounded from his worst performance of the season with a much better outing in a 5-1 loss at Toronto on Monday, allowing three runs over six innings.

Although he's 3-9 with a 4.09 ERA in 17 starts against the Indians, Santana has posted a 1.61 ERA in the last four meetings.

Trevor Bauer (8-8, 3.98) seeks to end a personal three-game losing streak and record his first win in a month. The right-hander is 0-3 with a 4.91 ERA in his last four starts, but has allowed only three runs and nine hits over 15 2-3 innings in his past two.

Bauer more then held his own matched up with Oakland ace Sonny Gray on Sunday, yielding one run and four hits over 6 2-3 innings in a 2-1, 10-inning loss.

The Twins have been a difficult matchup for Bauer, who is 0-3 with a 6.07 ERA in five starts. He was tagged for five runs and nine hits over five-plus innings in a 9-3 home loss May 8.

Hunter is 6 for 12 with two homers and two doubles against Bauer.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Reds (48-59) at Diamondbacks (53-55)

Game: 2
Venue: Chase Field
Date: August 08, 2015 8:10 PM EDT

Welington Castillo might have found a home with an Arizona Diamondbacks team that's trying to remain relevant in the final two months of the season.

Perhaps the club's biggest surprise this season, Castillo should have a chance to continue his recent power surge and help the Diamondbacks move within one game of .500 on Saturday night against the visiting Cincinnati Reds.

Castillo belted his career-high 14th home run and Chase Anderson pitched seven strong innings in his return from the disabled list to lead Arizona (53-55) to a 2-0 victory Friday. Though the Diamondbacks are 8 1/2 games back of first place in the NL West and seven out of the final wild-card spot, they've won nine of the last 13 and improved to 10-1 when Castillo homers.

"The most important thing is this team is giving me the opportunity to be out there every day and have a chance to be better and better every time," he told MLB's official website.

Playing for his third team this season, Castillo is batting .394 with seven home runs and 10 RBIs in his last 10 games. A former prized catching prospect with the Chicago Cubs, Castillo has hit all but two of his homers after being acquired by Arizona in the June 3 trade that sent Mark Trumbo to Seattle and is batting .299 with 25 RBIs in 43 games with the Diamondbacks.

"It's just getting the at-bats. He has a good swing," manager Chip Hale said. "If a pitcher makes a mistake, he's able to cash in."

Castillo also has built a good rapport with Diamondbacks pitchers, including rookie Robbie Ray (3-6, 3.01 ERA) despite him being 0-3 with a 4.44 ERA in five starts at home.

The left-hander also has gone 0-2 with a 4.98 ERA in four starts since winning at Texas on July 7, but makes his first appearance against a Cincinnati team that's been limited to 10 hits while being shut out in its last two contests.

Looking to avoid a fourth consecutive defeat, the Reds (48-59) were last blanked in three straight games April 18-21, 1989.

Though Cincinnati has totaled 14 runs while losing five of the last seven, Joey Votto's .468 batting average in his last 20 games is the highest in the majors since the All-Star break.

Teammate Todd Frazier, however, is hitting .114 with 14 strikeouts in the last 11 contests.

Cincinnati's Keyvius Sampson (0-1, 4.50) retired the first seven batters he faced during his first career start Sunday against Pittsburgh and yielded three runs and struck out six with a walk in five innings of a 3-0 defeat.

"I know there is always room to improve," he told MLB's official website. "Just going to work on things and be more consistent as far as my breaking stuff."

The right-hander was the 12th different pitcher to start for the Reds this season, and the fifth consecutive rookie to do so for Cincinnati. The latter hadn't happened since September 1935.

"He showed good stuff and he was around the plate," manager Bryan Price said. "He showed a four-pitch mix around the plate. I thought he had great composure for a guy making his (starting) debut. I was very impressed with the way he threw the baseball, and we look forward to seeing a lot more of Keyvius."

The Reds won't need to worry about facing veteran reliever Oliver Perez, whom the Diamondbacks dealt to Houston following Friday's game for a minor leaguer.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Phillies (43-67) at Padres (52-58)

Game: 2
Venue: PETCO Park
Date: August 08, 2015 8:40 PM EDT

No pitcher in the majors issues more walks than the San Diego Padres' Tyson Ross.

No NL club has more trouble drawing walks than the Philadelphia Phillies.

One of those trends won't hold up Saturday night when Ross tries to win three straight starts for the first time this season as he faces the visiting Phillies in the middle game of this series.

Ross (8-8, 3.37 ERA) has walked 63 hitters with a major league-worst ratio of 4.24 per nine innings. He has pitched effectively his last two times out, yielding four runs over 11 innings in victories though he has issued six walks.

Philadelphia's lack of plate discipline may prove to be his biggest asset Saturday. The Phillies (43-67) have walked 250 times.

Ross is 0-1 with a 5.40 ERA in four appearances - two starts - against Philadelphia. Chase Utley is 1 for 5 against him, Carlos Ruiz is 2 for 4 and Domonic Brown is hitless in four at-bats.

The right-hander, 3-5 with a 4.47 ERA in nine home starts, has seen his lack of control be an asset at times. Batters swing and miss at 30.8 percent of his pitches for one of baseball's best marks.

Ross has received 20 runs of support in his last two outings. That's seven more than the Padres (52-58) gave him in his six prior.

"It's huge any time you get guys swinging like that," Ross said. "It motivates you to get quick outs and pitch deep into the game."

Backup Austin Hedges, a .176 hitter, could be his batterymate since he has caught Ross eight times - more than any other starter.

The Phillies welcomed the return Friday of Utley, who went 1 for 5 in his first action since June 22 after being out due to right ankle inflammation. Cesar Hernandez had been playing second base in his absence, batting .387 in a seven-game hitting streak that ended when he struck out in his only official at-bat in a 4-3, 12-inning win.

Cameron Rupp's homer in the 12th was the difference for Philadelphia, which is a major league-best 14-5 since the All-Star break. Brown, Ryan Howard and Cody Asche also went deep for the Phillies, who rallied from a 3-0 deficit.

'We're being aggressive,' Rupp said. 'We're having good at-bats. When pitchers make mistakes, we're ready for them.'

Brown has homered in consecutive games, with four homers and 11 RBIs in his last eight. He is hitting .345 with three home runs in his last seven games at Petco Park.

San Diego has totaled 10 runs and batted .210 while losing four straight. Matt Kemp is 2 for 15 in that stretch, Yonder Alonso is 2 for 13 and Jedd Gyorko is 1 for 13.

The Padres have a 13-10 record when they face left-handed starters as they get their first look at Phillies rookie Adam Morgan (2-3, 4.46), who was charged with four runs over five innings in Sunday's 6-2 loss to Atlanta. Philadelphia had captured his previous three outings.

Morgan is 1-2 with a 4.76 ERA in three road starts.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Orioles (55-53) at Angels (58-50)

Game: 2
Venue: Angel Stadium of Anaheim
Date: August 08, 2015 9:05 PM EDT

Mike Trout celebrated his birthday in a big way, and the Los Angeles Angels hope it was a sign of more things to come after their recent slump.

Facing a struggling Ubaldo Jimenez could be conducive for another big offensive performance Saturday night against the Baltimore Orioles at Angel Stadium.

Trout, who turned 24, had been 1 for 20 with seven strikeouts over his previous five games before going 2 for 3 with his major league-leading 33rd homer and two walks in an 8-4 win in Friday's series opener. Trout is already three shy of last year's career-high home run total and has gone yard in six of his last 11 home games against Baltimore.

The AL wild card-leading Angels (58-50) had scored three runs or fewer seven times during a 1-9 stretch, but have since won three of four while scoring 17 runs in the victories. Friday was a balanced effort with five players besides Trout driving in a run, including three RBIs and two doubles between Nos. 8 and 9 hitters Johnny Giavotella and Chris Iannetta.

Jimenez (8-7, 4.04 ERA) is 1-4 in his last six starts and has been shelled in the last four, allowing a .309/.378/.605 slash line while serving up six homers in 18 2-3 innings. He had been yielding 0.72 home runs per nine innings prior to that stretch, which would have been his lowest mark since 2010.

The right-hander gave up six runs over 4 2-3 innings in Sunday's 6-1 loss to Detroit.

"He was wild in the strike zone again," manager Buck Showalter told MLB's official website. "He had trouble getting the ball where he wanted to get it, especially with some counts in his favor."

Jimenez has lost all five previous starts against the Angels with a 5.34 ERA, though that was inflated by his last trip to Anaheim in 2012 when he gave up eight runs in four innings of a 9-6 loss with Cleveland. He's actually posted quality starts in three of his last four matchups, and permitted two runs in seven innings in a 6-1 loss May 16.

Trout is 3 for 9 with a double against Jimenez.

The Orioles (55-53) could use a lengthy outing from Jimenez after Kevin Gausman allowed six runs in 5 2-3 innings, the sixth time in eight games they've gotten fewer than six innings from their starter.

Garrett Richards (11-8, 3.46) is also seeking his first win against this opponent, having gone 0-2 with a 6.16 ERA in three starts against Baltimore. He surrendered seven runs over 4 1-3 innings in the first in 2012. The offense faltered behind him May 17 when he limited the Orioles to two runs over 7 2-3 innings in a 3-0 loss.

Richards is looking to improve to 8-2 at home, where he owns a 2.36 ERA in 10 outings. Monday's 5-4 win over Cleveland, in which he surrendered four runs in 7 1-3 innings, marked just the second time he failed to deliver a quality start in his last 18 games at Angel Stadium. His 11 strikeouts tied a career high, however.

Jimenez has one quality start in his last five road outings and owns a 5.25 ERA in 12 this year.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

MLB betting cheat sheet: Cleveland does not rock for the Indians
By JESSE SCHULE

Here's a comprehensive look at betting notes for the weekend major-league schedule:

Home Sick

The Cleveland Indians have really struggled at home this season, in fact they have a major league low 20 home wins. They've dropped six of their last seven home games heading into a home series versus Minnesota this weekend. The Twins though have lost eight of their last nine on the road.

Hot Diggity Dog

The Phillies are coming off back to back home losses to the Dodgers, but they've still won 13 of their last 18. They were an underdog in most of those games, and they'll likely be a dog in all three games at San Diego this weekend. The Padres are coming off three straight losses at Milwaukee.

AL Wild Card

The Texas Rangers have won seven of their last eight, putting them right in the thick of things in the Wild Card race. They trail the Angels by just three games, and they are 2.5 games back of the Blue Jays who currently hold the final Wild Card spot. Texas will be in Seattle this weekend, and the Mariners have won eight of the last 10 games in this series.

Weather Notes

High winds and potential thundershowers are in store for Kauffman Stadium Saturday. There is a 20 to 30 percent chance of rain with winds gusting from home plate to left field between eight and 12 miles per hour.

Pitching Notes

*The Kansas City Royals are known to have the best bullpen in the major leagues, but after a handful of sub-par performances over the last week, they no longer hold the distinction of the team with the lowest ERA by reliever. That honor goes to the St. Louis Cardinals, who's relievers boast an ERA of 2.26.

Hitting Notes

*Crush Davis - The Orioles slugger is hitting .306 with nine home runs and 27 RBIs since the All Star break, and he was 2-for-4 with a home run and four RBIs in Thursday's win at Oakland. The Orioles will be in Anaheim this weekend, and Davis has really struggled, hitting just .167 at Angels Stadium since 2012.

*Josh Donaldson is having an MVP caliber season for the Blue Jays, and he's really turned things on recently. He's hitting .306 with eight home runs and 21 RBIs since the All Star break.

Totals Streak

Over the last few years, we've come to think of San Diego's PETCO Park as one of the most pitcher friendly in the majors. That's quickly becoming a myth here in 2015. The bookmakers still set extremely low totals for most of the Padres home games, and the over is 13-4 in Padres last 17 home games with the total set at 6.5 or lower. They host the Phillies this weekend, and eight of the last nine meetings in this series have gone over the total.

Injury Notes

*The Yankees have put Michael Pineda on the 15 day DL with a right forearm strain. That's the last thing they need right now with the Blue Jays hot on their heels.

*Mike Leake was scratched from his scheduled start on Friday versus the Cubs, and he's officially listed as day to day with a sore hamstring.