Coach Fletcher’s Saturday NCAA FB free Pick
Saturday, Sept. 12
Rutgers Scarlet Knights vs Washington State Cougars
The Pick Rutgers -3.5
There were plenty of people who trumpeted the Scarlet Knights this year as a potentially excellent team. Even though their first week opponent was FCS in nature. The Scarlet Knights trounced them 63-13 and people were saying “See, I told you so.”
People connected to the Washington State program also had things to say. Most of them were not very nice. The Cougars suffered a rather humiliating defeat at the hands of Portland State. The Cougars were outscored 24-7 in the second half. Some people called it the worst lost in the program’s history.
This week will certainly be a gut check for the Cougars and head coach Mike Leach. Leach evidently tried motivating his players by bad-mouthing New Jersey football saying “they have good players, but bad football.” Whether he intended to give Rutgers good old bulletin board motivation, it’s certain that he did. He may well regret those words. There were unhappy Washington State folks who felt that Leach had no business talking after losing to a FCS program.
There is a little controversy on the Rutgers side concerning the quarterback situation, not what you’d expect from a team that won by fifty. Sophomore Chris Laviano will get the start over LSU transfer Hayden Rettig. Laviano was 4-43 for 138 yards and two scores. Laviano was suspended for the first half of the game which probably saved Norfolk State from an even more humiliating outcome. Rettig played the first half and was 9-11 for 110 yards and a TD. Coach Flood name Laviano the starter on Monday, so everyone has had plenty of time to accept it.
The Cougars had better be prepared to play this week. They will need more from quarterback Luke Falk who tossed for 289 yards and two touchdowns in a decent effort. While the offense was acceptable, what happened in the second half was not acceptable on the defensive front. After holding Norfolk State scoreless in the first half, the defensive unit collapsed and gave up 24 second half points
Last year these same two teams met and Rutgers was victorious ina thrilling finish. Receiver Leonte Carroo took a 78 yard pass to the end zone on their first play from scrimmage. Rutgers was victorious 41-38.
The starting of Laviano is not without its critics. Flood cited Laviano’s “body of work” as the deciding factor, but the body of work only includes 15 career passes. Some high profile players like Paul James and Leonte Carroo have publicly announced their preference for Rettig. It’s possible Rettig may get the nod in future games, but it seems that despite his inexperience, Laviano has proven that he can be more than effective and does not have to control the game. Rutgers has two things that don’t really affect Laviano – great defense and a powaerful running game. He’s not likely to have to make big plays from scrimmage against a team at Washington States level. If he has to hurry throws, I wouldn’t be surprised to see Rettig get some time.
Washington State saw enough of Carroo last season to wish they didn’t have to see him again this season. Portland State only threw 12 passes last week which hardly caused the secondary to break a sweat. Carroo is in a position to break team records as a receiver this season and I expect he’ll be targeted often.
Watch the quarterback situation at Rutgers. The word is that Laviano is the “safe” play at QB but Rettig has all the upside. Carroo didn’t play in the first half last week so Rettig didn’t have his best receiver available as did Laviano. Rettig has a great arm and is much more likely to make a big play. He is a threat to go to the end zone from anywhere and everywhere on the field. If Rutgers offense stalls, I think that Flood will have to see Rettig, regardless of what he says.
This should be a game played with plenty of enthusiasm. Both coaches are also under severe scrutiny. Leach was soundly criticized for not having his team ready for Portland State. I agree with that criticism. Floyd has created a winning program, but what has happened off the field have plagued Floyd and the Rutgers administration. Player arrests, suspensions and dismissals have occurred all too often at Rutgers during Flood’s reign. That kind of stuff happens when you ramp up the roster with talented players and questionable backgrounds.
Coach’s Conclusion:
Unless Leach was holding back some of the team’s talent and then couldn’t turn it around when the flow changed, Washington State could be in trouble here. Rutgers should be able to manage the Cougar offense, though certainly not stop it, and offensively they should give the Cougars fits. The Cougar secondary will probably see more passes in the first 20 minutes of the first half than they saw all of last week. And the Scarlet Knights should be able to mix in a good running game to keep the Cougars off balance. I like the Scarlet Knights of Rutgers in this one.
The Pick Rutgers -3.5
Saturday, Sept. 12
Rutgers Scarlet Knights vs Washington State Cougars
The Pick Rutgers -3.5
There were plenty of people who trumpeted the Scarlet Knights this year as a potentially excellent team. Even though their first week opponent was FCS in nature. The Scarlet Knights trounced them 63-13 and people were saying “See, I told you so.”
People connected to the Washington State program also had things to say. Most of them were not very nice. The Cougars suffered a rather humiliating defeat at the hands of Portland State. The Cougars were outscored 24-7 in the second half. Some people called it the worst lost in the program’s history.
This week will certainly be a gut check for the Cougars and head coach Mike Leach. Leach evidently tried motivating his players by bad-mouthing New Jersey football saying “they have good players, but bad football.” Whether he intended to give Rutgers good old bulletin board motivation, it’s certain that he did. He may well regret those words. There were unhappy Washington State folks who felt that Leach had no business talking after losing to a FCS program.
There is a little controversy on the Rutgers side concerning the quarterback situation, not what you’d expect from a team that won by fifty. Sophomore Chris Laviano will get the start over LSU transfer Hayden Rettig. Laviano was 4-43 for 138 yards and two scores. Laviano was suspended for the first half of the game which probably saved Norfolk State from an even more humiliating outcome. Rettig played the first half and was 9-11 for 110 yards and a TD. Coach Flood name Laviano the starter on Monday, so everyone has had plenty of time to accept it.
The Cougars had better be prepared to play this week. They will need more from quarterback Luke Falk who tossed for 289 yards and two touchdowns in a decent effort. While the offense was acceptable, what happened in the second half was not acceptable on the defensive front. After holding Norfolk State scoreless in the first half, the defensive unit collapsed and gave up 24 second half points
Last year these same two teams met and Rutgers was victorious ina thrilling finish. Receiver Leonte Carroo took a 78 yard pass to the end zone on their first play from scrimmage. Rutgers was victorious 41-38.
The starting of Laviano is not without its critics. Flood cited Laviano’s “body of work” as the deciding factor, but the body of work only includes 15 career passes. Some high profile players like Paul James and Leonte Carroo have publicly announced their preference for Rettig. It’s possible Rettig may get the nod in future games, but it seems that despite his inexperience, Laviano has proven that he can be more than effective and does not have to control the game. Rutgers has two things that don’t really affect Laviano – great defense and a powaerful running game. He’s not likely to have to make big plays from scrimmage against a team at Washington States level. If he has to hurry throws, I wouldn’t be surprised to see Rettig get some time.
Washington State saw enough of Carroo last season to wish they didn’t have to see him again this season. Portland State only threw 12 passes last week which hardly caused the secondary to break a sweat. Carroo is in a position to break team records as a receiver this season and I expect he’ll be targeted often.
Watch the quarterback situation at Rutgers. The word is that Laviano is the “safe” play at QB but Rettig has all the upside. Carroo didn’t play in the first half last week so Rettig didn’t have his best receiver available as did Laviano. Rettig has a great arm and is much more likely to make a big play. He is a threat to go to the end zone from anywhere and everywhere on the field. If Rutgers offense stalls, I think that Flood will have to see Rettig, regardless of what he says.
This should be a game played with plenty of enthusiasm. Both coaches are also under severe scrutiny. Leach was soundly criticized for not having his team ready for Portland State. I agree with that criticism. Floyd has created a winning program, but what has happened off the field have plagued Floyd and the Rutgers administration. Player arrests, suspensions and dismissals have occurred all too often at Rutgers during Flood’s reign. That kind of stuff happens when you ramp up the roster with talented players and questionable backgrounds.
Coach’s Conclusion:
Unless Leach was holding back some of the team’s talent and then couldn’t turn it around when the flow changed, Washington State could be in trouble here. Rutgers should be able to manage the Cougar offense, though certainly not stop it, and offensively they should give the Cougars fits. The Cougar secondary will probably see more passes in the first 20 minutes of the first half than they saw all of last week. And the Scarlet Knights should be able to mix in a good running game to keep the Cougars off balance. I like the Scarlet Knights of Rutgers in this one.
The Pick Rutgers -3.5
MLB
Saturday, September 12
Trend Report
1:05 PM
ST. LOUIS vs. CINCINNATI
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of St. Louis's last 5 games when playing on the road against Cincinnati
The total has gone UNDER in 9 of St. Louis's last 10 games when playing Cincinnati
Cincinnati is 2-4-1 SU in its last 7 games ,when playing at home against St. Louis
The total has gone UNDER in 9 of Cincinnati's last 10 games when playing St. Louis
1:05 PM
KANSAS CITY vs. BALTIMORE
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Kansas City's last 5 games when playing on the road against Baltimore
Kansas City is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games on the road
Baltimore is 2-6 SU in its last 8 games at home
Baltimore is 2-5 SU in its last 7 games when playing at home against Kansas City
1:05 PM
TORONTO vs. NY YANKEES
The total has gone UNDER in 7 of Toronto's last 8 games when playing NY Yankees
Toronto is 6-2 SU in their last 8 games when playing NY Yankees
The total has gone UNDER in 7 of NY Yankees's last 8 games when playing Toronto
NY Yankees are 0-5 SU in their last 5 games when playing at home against Toronto
4:35 PM
TORONTO vs. NY YANKEES
Toronto11-4-1 SU in its last 16 games on the road
Toronto6-2-1 SU in their last 9 games when playing NY Yankees
NY Yankees are 2-6-1 SU in their last 9 games ,when playing Toronto
NY Yankees are 0-4-1 SU in their last 5 games ,when playing at home against Toronto
6:10 PM
BOSTON vs. TAMPA BAY
The total has gone OVER in 6 of Boston's last 8 games
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Boston's last 5 games when playing Tampa Bay
Tampa Bay is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games when playing at home against Boston
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Tampa Bay's last 5 games when playing Boston
7:05 PM
CHI CUBS vs. PHILADELPHIA
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Chi Cubs's last 6 games
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Chi Cubs's last 6 games when playing Philadelphia
Philadelphia is 1-5 SU in its last 6 games at home
Philadelphia is 1-8 SU in its last 9 games
7:05 PM
MILWAUKEE vs. PITTSBURGH
Milwaukee is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games
Milwaukee is 8-4 SU in its last 12 games
Pittsburgh is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games
Pittsburgh is 1-7 SU in its last 8 games when playing Milwaukee
7:10 PM
DETROIT vs. CLEVELAND
Detroit17-7-1 SU in its last 25 games when playing Cleveland
Detroit is 5-15-1 SU in its last 21 games ,
Cleveland11-4-1 SU in its last 16 games
Cleveland6-0-1 SU in its last 7 games at home
7:10 PM
WASHINGTON vs. MIAMI
Washington is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Washington's last 6 games
Miami is 5-2 SU in its last 7 games when playing at home against Washington
The total has gone UNDER in 9 of Miami's last 13 games at home
7:10 PM
NY METS vs. ATLANTA
The total has gone OVER in 11 of NY Mets's last 15 games when playing Atlanta
NY Mets are 5-0 SU in its last 5 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 11 of Atlanta's last 15 games when playing NY Mets
The total has gone OVER in 6 of Atlanta's last 9 games when playing at home against NY Mets
7:10 PM
MINNESOTA vs. CHI WHITE SOX
Minnesota is 10-4 SU in its last 14 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 11 of Minnesota's last 16 games when playing on the road against Chi White Sox
Chi White Sox are 2-5 SU in their last 7 games at home
Chi White Sox are 1-4 SU in their last 5 games when playing Minnesota
8:05 PM
OAKLAND vs. TEXAS
Oakland is 2-7 SU in its last 9 games
Oakland is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games when playing Texas
Texas is 10-5 SU in its last 15 games
The total has gone UNDER in 7 of Texas's last 8 games
8:10 PM
LA DODGERS vs. ARIZONA
The total has gone OVER in 4 of LA Dodgers's last 5 games when playing on the road against Arizona
LA Dodgers are 12-6 SU in their last 18 games when playing on the road against Arizona
Arizona is 2-9 SU in their last 11 games when playing LA Dodgers
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Arizona's last 5 games when playing at home against LA Dodgers
9:05 PM
SAN DIEGO vs. SAN FRANCISCO
San Diego is 2-6 SU in its last 8 games
San Diego is 2-7 SU in its last 9 games when playing on the road against San Francisco
San Francisco is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games when playing San Diego
The total has gone OVER in 4 of San Francisco's last 5 games at home
9:05 PM
HOUSTON vs. LA ANGELS
Houston is 4-2 SU in their last 6 games when playing LA Angels
Houston is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of LA Angels's last 5 games when playing at home against Houston
LA Angels are 6-3 SU in their last 9 games
9:10 PM
COLORADO vs. SEATTLE
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Colorado's last 7 games on the road
Colorado is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Seattle's last 5 games at home
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Seattle's last 6 games
Saturday, September 12
Trend Report
1:05 PM
ST. LOUIS vs. CINCINNATI
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of St. Louis's last 5 games when playing on the road against Cincinnati
The total has gone UNDER in 9 of St. Louis's last 10 games when playing Cincinnati
Cincinnati is 2-4-1 SU in its last 7 games ,when playing at home against St. Louis
The total has gone UNDER in 9 of Cincinnati's last 10 games when playing St. Louis
1:05 PM
KANSAS CITY vs. BALTIMORE
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Kansas City's last 5 games when playing on the road against Baltimore
Kansas City is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games on the road
Baltimore is 2-6 SU in its last 8 games at home
Baltimore is 2-5 SU in its last 7 games when playing at home against Kansas City
1:05 PM
TORONTO vs. NY YANKEES
The total has gone UNDER in 7 of Toronto's last 8 games when playing NY Yankees
Toronto is 6-2 SU in their last 8 games when playing NY Yankees
The total has gone UNDER in 7 of NY Yankees's last 8 games when playing Toronto
NY Yankees are 0-5 SU in their last 5 games when playing at home against Toronto
4:35 PM
TORONTO vs. NY YANKEES
Toronto11-4-1 SU in its last 16 games on the road
Toronto6-2-1 SU in their last 9 games when playing NY Yankees
NY Yankees are 2-6-1 SU in their last 9 games ,when playing Toronto
NY Yankees are 0-4-1 SU in their last 5 games ,when playing at home against Toronto
6:10 PM
BOSTON vs. TAMPA BAY
The total has gone OVER in 6 of Boston's last 8 games
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Boston's last 5 games when playing Tampa Bay
Tampa Bay is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games when playing at home against Boston
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Tampa Bay's last 5 games when playing Boston
7:05 PM
CHI CUBS vs. PHILADELPHIA
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Chi Cubs's last 6 games
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Chi Cubs's last 6 games when playing Philadelphia
Philadelphia is 1-5 SU in its last 6 games at home
Philadelphia is 1-8 SU in its last 9 games
7:05 PM
MILWAUKEE vs. PITTSBURGH
Milwaukee is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games
Milwaukee is 8-4 SU in its last 12 games
Pittsburgh is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games
Pittsburgh is 1-7 SU in its last 8 games when playing Milwaukee
7:10 PM
DETROIT vs. CLEVELAND
Detroit17-7-1 SU in its last 25 games when playing Cleveland
Detroit is 5-15-1 SU in its last 21 games ,
Cleveland11-4-1 SU in its last 16 games
Cleveland6-0-1 SU in its last 7 games at home
7:10 PM
WASHINGTON vs. MIAMI
Washington is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Washington's last 6 games
Miami is 5-2 SU in its last 7 games when playing at home against Washington
The total has gone UNDER in 9 of Miami's last 13 games at home
7:10 PM
NY METS vs. ATLANTA
The total has gone OVER in 11 of NY Mets's last 15 games when playing Atlanta
NY Mets are 5-0 SU in its last 5 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 11 of Atlanta's last 15 games when playing NY Mets
The total has gone OVER in 6 of Atlanta's last 9 games when playing at home against NY Mets
7:10 PM
MINNESOTA vs. CHI WHITE SOX
Minnesota is 10-4 SU in its last 14 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 11 of Minnesota's last 16 games when playing on the road against Chi White Sox
Chi White Sox are 2-5 SU in their last 7 games at home
Chi White Sox are 1-4 SU in their last 5 games when playing Minnesota
8:05 PM
OAKLAND vs. TEXAS
Oakland is 2-7 SU in its last 9 games
Oakland is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games when playing Texas
Texas is 10-5 SU in its last 15 games
The total has gone UNDER in 7 of Texas's last 8 games
8:10 PM
LA DODGERS vs. ARIZONA
The total has gone OVER in 4 of LA Dodgers's last 5 games when playing on the road against Arizona
LA Dodgers are 12-6 SU in their last 18 games when playing on the road against Arizona
Arizona is 2-9 SU in their last 11 games when playing LA Dodgers
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Arizona's last 5 games when playing at home against LA Dodgers
9:05 PM
SAN DIEGO vs. SAN FRANCISCO
San Diego is 2-6 SU in its last 8 games
San Diego is 2-7 SU in its last 9 games when playing on the road against San Francisco
San Francisco is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games when playing San Diego
The total has gone OVER in 4 of San Francisco's last 5 games at home
9:05 PM
HOUSTON vs. LA ANGELS
Houston is 4-2 SU in their last 6 games when playing LA Angels
Houston is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of LA Angels's last 5 games when playing at home against Houston
LA Angels are 6-3 SU in their last 9 games
9:10 PM
COLORADO vs. SEATTLE
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Colorado's last 7 games on the road
Colorado is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Seattle's last 5 games at home
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Seattle's last 6 games
MLB
Dunkel
Saturday, September 12
Toronto @ NY Yankees
Game 967-968
September 12, 2015 @ 1:05 pm
Dunkel Rating:
Toronto
(Estrada) 17.695
NY Yankees
(Pineda) 15.225
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Toronto
by 2 1/2
6 1/2
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
NY Yankees
No Line
N/A
Dunkel Pick:
Toronto
N/A
Boston @ Tampa Bay
Game 969-970
September 12, 2015 @ 6:10 pm
Dunkel Rating:
Boston
(Porcello) 16.325
Tampa Bay
(Moore) 14.947
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Boston
by 1 1/2
9
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Tampa Bay
-110
7 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Boston
(-110); Over
Minnesota @ Chicago White Sox
Game 971-972
September 12, 2015 @ 7:10 pm
Dunkel Rating:
Minnesota
(Milone) 12.740
Chicago White Sox
(Quintana) 14.790
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Chicago White Sox
by 2
9
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Chicago White Sox
-130
8
Dunkel Pick:
Chicago White Sox
(-130); Over
St. Louis @ Cincinnati
Game 951-952
September 12, 2015 @ 1:05 pm
Dunkel Rating:
St. Louis
(Lynn) 16.663
Cincinnati
(DeSclfni) 12,215
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
St. Louis
by 4 1/2
9
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
St. Louis
-145
8
Dunkel Pick:
St. Louis
(-145); Over
Detroit @ Cleveland
Game 973-974
September 12, 2015 @ 7:10 pm
Dunkel Rating:
Detroit
(Verlander) 14.075
Cleveland
(Anderson) 18.432
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Cleveland
by 4 1/2
7
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Cleveland
-170
8 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Cleveland
(-170); Under
Chicago Cubs @ Philadelphia
Game 953-954
September 12, 2015 @ 7:05 pm
Dunkel Rating:
Chicago Cubs
(Haren) 17.812
Philadelphia
(Eickhoff) 13.330
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Chicago Cubs
by 4 1/2
8
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Chicago Cubs
-185
9
Dunkel Pick:
Chicago Cubs
(-185); Under
Oakland @ Texas
Game 975-976
September 12, 2015 @ 8:05 pm
Dunkel Rating:
Oakland
(Nolin) 13.747
Texas
(Gallardo) 15.364
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Texas
by 1 1/2
8
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Texas
-175
9
Dunkel Pick:
Texas
(-175); Under
Milwaukee @ Pittsburgh
Game 955-956
September 12, 2015 @ 7:05 pm
Dunkel Rating:
Milwaukee
(Davies) 16.741
Pittsburgh
(Locke) 15.586
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Milwaukee
by 1
8
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Pittsburgh
-170
8 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Milwaukee
(+150); Under
Houston @ LA Angels
Game 977-978
September 12, 2015 @ 9:05 pm
Dunkel Rating:
Houston
(McCullers) 17.464
LA Angels
(Santiago) 14.347
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Houston
by 3
9
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Houston
-125
8
Dunkel Pick:
Houston
(-125); Over
Washington @ Miami
Game 957-958
September 12, 2015 @ 7:10 pm
Dunkel Rating:
Washington
(Roark) 15.879
Miami
(Fernandez) 13.880
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Washington
by 2
8
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Miami
-160
7
Dunkel Pick:
Washington
(+140); Over
Colorado @ Seattle
Game 979-980
September 12, 2015 @ 9:10 pm
Dunkel Rating:
Colorado
(Flande) 16.071
Seattle
(Elias) 15.122
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Colorado
by 1
9
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Seattle
-170
8
Dunkel Pick:
Colorado
(+150); Over
NY Mets @ Atlanta
Game 959-960
September 12, 2015 @ 7:10 pm
Dunkel Rating:
NY Mets
(Syndrgrd) 17.450
Atlanta
(Perez) 13.341
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
NY Mets
by 4
9
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
NY Mets
-210
8
Dunkel Pick:
NY Mets
(-210); Over
Toronto @ NY Yankees
Game 981-982
September 12, 2015 @ 4:05 pm
Dunkel Rating:
Toronto
(Stroman) 16.509
NY Yankees
(Nova) 15.122
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Toronto
by 1 1/2
6 1/2
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
NY Yankees
No Line
N/A
Dunkel Pick:
Toronto
N/A
LA Dodgers @ Arizona
Game 961-962
September 12, 2015 @ 8:10 pm
Dunkel Rating:
LA Dodgers
(Bolsnger) 16.329
Arizona
(DeLaRosa) 14.850
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
LA Dodgers
by 1 1/2
7
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
LA Dodgers
-120
8 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
LA Dodgers
(-120); Under
San Diego @ San Francisco
Game 963-964
September 12, 2015 @ 9:05 pm
Dunkel Rating:
San Diego
(Kennedy) 16.071
San Francisco
(Bumgarner) 15.110
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
San Diego
by 1
7 1/2
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
San Francisco
-185
6 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
San Diego
(+165); Over
Kansas City @ Baltimore
Game 965-966
September 12, 2015 @ 1:05 pm
Dunkel Rating:
Kansas City
(Ventura) 14.695
Baltimore
(Tillman) 16.035
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Baltimore
by 1 1/2
8
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Kansas City
-135
8 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Baltimore
(+115); Under
Dunkel
Saturday, September 12
Toronto @ NY Yankees
Game 967-968
September 12, 2015 @ 1:05 pm
Dunkel Rating:
Toronto
(Estrada) 17.695
NY Yankees
(Pineda) 15.225
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Toronto
by 2 1/2
6 1/2
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
NY Yankees
No Line
N/A
Dunkel Pick:
Toronto
N/A
Boston @ Tampa Bay
Game 969-970
September 12, 2015 @ 6:10 pm
Dunkel Rating:
Boston
(Porcello) 16.325
Tampa Bay
(Moore) 14.947
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Boston
by 1 1/2
9
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Tampa Bay
-110
7 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Boston
(-110); Over
Minnesota @ Chicago White Sox
Game 971-972
September 12, 2015 @ 7:10 pm
Dunkel Rating:
Minnesota
(Milone) 12.740
Chicago White Sox
(Quintana) 14.790
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Chicago White Sox
by 2
9
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Chicago White Sox
-130
8
Dunkel Pick:
Chicago White Sox
(-130); Over
St. Louis @ Cincinnati
Game 951-952
September 12, 2015 @ 1:05 pm
Dunkel Rating:
St. Louis
(Lynn) 16.663
Cincinnati
(DeSclfni) 12,215
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
St. Louis
by 4 1/2
9
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
St. Louis
-145
8
Dunkel Pick:
St. Louis
(-145); Over
Detroit @ Cleveland
Game 973-974
September 12, 2015 @ 7:10 pm
Dunkel Rating:
Detroit
(Verlander) 14.075
Cleveland
(Anderson) 18.432
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Cleveland
by 4 1/2
7
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Cleveland
-170
8 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Cleveland
(-170); Under
Chicago Cubs @ Philadelphia
Game 953-954
September 12, 2015 @ 7:05 pm
Dunkel Rating:
Chicago Cubs
(Haren) 17.812
Philadelphia
(Eickhoff) 13.330
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Chicago Cubs
by 4 1/2
8
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Chicago Cubs
-185
9
Dunkel Pick:
Chicago Cubs
(-185); Under
Oakland @ Texas
Game 975-976
September 12, 2015 @ 8:05 pm
Dunkel Rating:
Oakland
(Nolin) 13.747
Texas
(Gallardo) 15.364
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Texas
by 1 1/2
8
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Texas
-175
9
Dunkel Pick:
Texas
(-175); Under
Milwaukee @ Pittsburgh
Game 955-956
September 12, 2015 @ 7:05 pm
Dunkel Rating:
Milwaukee
(Davies) 16.741
Pittsburgh
(Locke) 15.586
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Milwaukee
by 1
8
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Pittsburgh
-170
8 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Milwaukee
(+150); Under
Houston @ LA Angels
Game 977-978
September 12, 2015 @ 9:05 pm
Dunkel Rating:
Houston
(McCullers) 17.464
LA Angels
(Santiago) 14.347
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Houston
by 3
9
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Houston
-125
8
Dunkel Pick:
Houston
(-125); Over
Washington @ Miami
Game 957-958
September 12, 2015 @ 7:10 pm
Dunkel Rating:
Washington
(Roark) 15.879
Miami
(Fernandez) 13.880
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Washington
by 2
8
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Miami
-160
7
Dunkel Pick:
Washington
(+140); Over
Colorado @ Seattle
Game 979-980
September 12, 2015 @ 9:10 pm
Dunkel Rating:
Colorado
(Flande) 16.071
Seattle
(Elias) 15.122
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Colorado
by 1
9
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Seattle
-170
8
Dunkel Pick:
Colorado
(+150); Over
NY Mets @ Atlanta
Game 959-960
September 12, 2015 @ 7:10 pm
Dunkel Rating:
NY Mets
(Syndrgrd) 17.450
Atlanta
(Perez) 13.341
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
NY Mets
by 4
9
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
NY Mets
-210
8
Dunkel Pick:
NY Mets
(-210); Over
Toronto @ NY Yankees
Game 981-982
September 12, 2015 @ 4:05 pm
Dunkel Rating:
Toronto
(Stroman) 16.509
NY Yankees
(Nova) 15.122
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Toronto
by 1 1/2
6 1/2
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
NY Yankees
No Line
N/A
Dunkel Pick:
Toronto
N/A
LA Dodgers @ Arizona
Game 961-962
September 12, 2015 @ 8:10 pm
Dunkel Rating:
LA Dodgers
(Bolsnger) 16.329
Arizona
(DeLaRosa) 14.850
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
LA Dodgers
by 1 1/2
7
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
LA Dodgers
-120
8 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
LA Dodgers
(-120); Under
San Diego @ San Francisco
Game 963-964
September 12, 2015 @ 9:05 pm
Dunkel Rating:
San Diego
(Kennedy) 16.071
San Francisco
(Bumgarner) 15.110
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
San Diego
by 1
7 1/2
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
San Francisco
-185
6 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
San Diego
(+165); Over
Kansas City @ Baltimore
Game 965-966
September 12, 2015 @ 1:05 pm
Dunkel Rating:
Kansas City
(Ventura) 14.695
Baltimore
(Tillman) 16.035
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Baltimore
by 1 1/2
8
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Kansas City
-135
8 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Baltimore
(+115); Under
Preview: Royals at Orioles
GAME: Kansas City Royals (83-57) at Baltimore Orioles (68-72)
DATE/TIME: Saturday, September 12 - 1:05 PM EST
WHERE: Oriole Park at Camden Yards, Baltimore, Maryland
LINE: N/A TOTAL: N/A
The American League Central-leading Kansas City Royals are just trying to iron out some kinks on their way to the playoffs, and the pitching staff is one area they are hoping to improve. The Royals will try get some length out of their starting pitcher by swapping Johnny Cueto and Yordano Ventura when they visit the Baltimore Orioles for the middle contest of their three-game series on Saturday.
Cueto has struggled of late, losing each of his last four starts, and was given the option of starting Saturday's afternoon game or the night contest on Sunday, and the All-Star chose to go at night. "It's all about getting (Cueto) comfortable and getting him going in a good direction," Kansas City manager Ned Yost told reporters. "Yordano was OK with it. He doesn't care.” The Royals got a solid start on Friday from Danny Duffy, who allowed two runs in five innings and left with a lead before watching the bullpen implode in a 14-8 loss in the series opener. The Orioles, who need all the runs they can get to back the struggling Chris Tillman, hit a pair of grand slams among four homers en route to their third straight win.
TV: 1:05 p.m. ET, FOX
PITCHING MATCHUP: Royals RH Yordano Ventura (10-8, 4.34 ERA) vs. Orioles RH Chris Tillman (9-11, 5.15)
Ventura had a string of eight straight starts without a loss come to an end when he was charged with four runs on eight hits and five walks in 5 1/3 innings against Minnesota on Monday. The 24-year-old allowed a total of four runs in 32 frames over his previous five outings. One of those came against Baltimore on Aug. 27, when Ventura struck out 11 and scattered two hits over six scoreless innings to earn the win.
Tillman is one of several reasons the Orioles have dropped out of the wild-card race over the last few weeks and is 0-4 with an 8.85 ERA in his last four starts. The worst of the bunch came at Toronto on Sunday, when the 27-year-old was lit up for six runs and eight hits – three homers – in three innings. Tillman lasted six frames against Ventura on Aug. 27 but was charged with four runs and nine hits to fall to 2-3 with a 6.17 ERA in six career starts against Kansas City.
WALK-OFFS
1. Orioles C Matt Wieters (wrist) had an MRI come back clean and could return to the starting lineup on Saturday.
2. Kansas City has dropped six of seven but still sits 10 games ahead of Minnesota in the AL Central.
3. Baltimore C Steve Clevenger and OF Nolan Reimold each hit a grand slam during a 10-run eighth inning on Friday.
PREDICTION: Royals 8, Orioles 3
GAME: Kansas City Royals (83-57) at Baltimore Orioles (68-72)
DATE/TIME: Saturday, September 12 - 1:05 PM EST
WHERE: Oriole Park at Camden Yards, Baltimore, Maryland
LINE: N/A TOTAL: N/A
The American League Central-leading Kansas City Royals are just trying to iron out some kinks on their way to the playoffs, and the pitching staff is one area they are hoping to improve. The Royals will try get some length out of their starting pitcher by swapping Johnny Cueto and Yordano Ventura when they visit the Baltimore Orioles for the middle contest of their three-game series on Saturday.
Cueto has struggled of late, losing each of his last four starts, and was given the option of starting Saturday's afternoon game or the night contest on Sunday, and the All-Star chose to go at night. "It's all about getting (Cueto) comfortable and getting him going in a good direction," Kansas City manager Ned Yost told reporters. "Yordano was OK with it. He doesn't care.” The Royals got a solid start on Friday from Danny Duffy, who allowed two runs in five innings and left with a lead before watching the bullpen implode in a 14-8 loss in the series opener. The Orioles, who need all the runs they can get to back the struggling Chris Tillman, hit a pair of grand slams among four homers en route to their third straight win.
TV: 1:05 p.m. ET, FOX
PITCHING MATCHUP: Royals RH Yordano Ventura (10-8, 4.34 ERA) vs. Orioles RH Chris Tillman (9-11, 5.15)
Ventura had a string of eight straight starts without a loss come to an end when he was charged with four runs on eight hits and five walks in 5 1/3 innings against Minnesota on Monday. The 24-year-old allowed a total of four runs in 32 frames over his previous five outings. One of those came against Baltimore on Aug. 27, when Ventura struck out 11 and scattered two hits over six scoreless innings to earn the win.
Tillman is one of several reasons the Orioles have dropped out of the wild-card race over the last few weeks and is 0-4 with an 8.85 ERA in his last four starts. The worst of the bunch came at Toronto on Sunday, when the 27-year-old was lit up for six runs and eight hits – three homers – in three innings. Tillman lasted six frames against Ventura on Aug. 27 but was charged with four runs and nine hits to fall to 2-3 with a 6.17 ERA in six career starts against Kansas City.
WALK-OFFS
1. Orioles C Matt Wieters (wrist) had an MRI come back clean and could return to the starting lineup on Saturday.
2. Kansas City has dropped six of seven but still sits 10 games ahead of Minnesota in the AL Central.
3. Baltimore C Steve Clevenger and OF Nolan Reimold each hit a grand slam during a 10-run eighth inning on Friday.
PREDICTION: Royals 8, Orioles 3
Preview: Blue Jays at Yankees
Toronto Blue Jays (80-60) at New York Yankees (77-62)
DATE/TIME: Saturday, September 12 - 1:05 PM EST
WHERE: Yankee Stadium, Bronx, New York
LINE: N/A TOTAL: N/A
The Toronto Blue Jays flexed their muscles and sent a message to the New York Yankees by swatting five home runs in the opener of their four-game showdown for supremacy in the American League East. The Blue Jays stretched their division lead to 2 1/2 games with Friday's rout, but the host Yankees have a chance to cut into the deficit in Saturday's doubleheader.
Aside from taking their lumps in the series opener, New York absorbed a major blow earlier Friday upon learning that first baseman Mark Teixeira was done for the season after an MRI exam revealed a fracture in his leg. "You can't really put into words how disappointed I am," said Teixeira, who has a team-high 31 homers. "I feel like this team has a chance to win a World Series. I really do. And not to be able to be on the field during that run is really tough to take." Toronto third baseman Josh Donaldson belted his 38th homer Friday and is 10-for-19 with five RBIs and five runs scoring during a five-game hitting streak. Ex-Yankee Russell Martin was 0-for-12 in his previous four games before clubbing a pair of homers and driving in four runs as part of a three-hit night.
TV: 1:05 p.m. ET, FOX
PITCHING MATCHUP: Blue Jays RH Marco Estrada (12-8, 3.18 ERA) vs. Yankees RH Michael Pineda (10-8, 4.15)
Estrada has been a model of consistency, allowing two earned runs or fewer in 13 of his last 15 starts after beating Baltimore with five innings of two-run ball last time out. The 32-year-old faced the Yankees twice in a seven-day span last month, but settled for splitting a pair of decisions despite allowing two runs and only six hits over 12 1/3 innings. He must be wary of Brian McCann (6-for-15) and Jacoby Ellsbury (4-for-11).
Pineda's rough patch continued when he was reached for four runs and six hits over six innings in a no-decision versus the Orioles last time out. It marked the fourth time in five starts that the 26-year-old Pineda has permitting at least four runs, a stretch in which he has surrendered five home runs. Pineda improved to 2-2 with a 3.22 ERA in seven career starts versus the Blue Jays after tossing eight scoreless innings at Toronto on May 5.
WALK-OFFS
1. Blue Jays DH Edwin Encarnacion is three RBIs shy of reaching 100 for the third time in four seasons.
2. Yankees SS Didi Gregorius is 22-for-53 with four homers and 18 RBIs in his last 14 games.
3. Blue Jays LHP Brett Cecil set a franchise record with his 26th consecutive scoreless appearance.
PREDICTION: Blue Jays 5, Yankees 4
Toronto Blue Jays (80-60) at New York Yankees (77-62)
DATE/TIME: Saturday, September 12 - 1:05 PM EST
WHERE: Yankee Stadium, Bronx, New York
LINE: N/A TOTAL: N/A
The Toronto Blue Jays flexed their muscles and sent a message to the New York Yankees by swatting five home runs in the opener of their four-game showdown for supremacy in the American League East. The Blue Jays stretched their division lead to 2 1/2 games with Friday's rout, but the host Yankees have a chance to cut into the deficit in Saturday's doubleheader.
Aside from taking their lumps in the series opener, New York absorbed a major blow earlier Friday upon learning that first baseman Mark Teixeira was done for the season after an MRI exam revealed a fracture in his leg. "You can't really put into words how disappointed I am," said Teixeira, who has a team-high 31 homers. "I feel like this team has a chance to win a World Series. I really do. And not to be able to be on the field during that run is really tough to take." Toronto third baseman Josh Donaldson belted his 38th homer Friday and is 10-for-19 with five RBIs and five runs scoring during a five-game hitting streak. Ex-Yankee Russell Martin was 0-for-12 in his previous four games before clubbing a pair of homers and driving in four runs as part of a three-hit night.
TV: 1:05 p.m. ET, FOX
PITCHING MATCHUP: Blue Jays RH Marco Estrada (12-8, 3.18 ERA) vs. Yankees RH Michael Pineda (10-8, 4.15)
Estrada has been a model of consistency, allowing two earned runs or fewer in 13 of his last 15 starts after beating Baltimore with five innings of two-run ball last time out. The 32-year-old faced the Yankees twice in a seven-day span last month, but settled for splitting a pair of decisions despite allowing two runs and only six hits over 12 1/3 innings. He must be wary of Brian McCann (6-for-15) and Jacoby Ellsbury (4-for-11).
Pineda's rough patch continued when he was reached for four runs and six hits over six innings in a no-decision versus the Orioles last time out. It marked the fourth time in five starts that the 26-year-old Pineda has permitting at least four runs, a stretch in which he has surrendered five home runs. Pineda improved to 2-2 with a 3.22 ERA in seven career starts versus the Blue Jays after tossing eight scoreless innings at Toronto on May 5.
WALK-OFFS
1. Blue Jays DH Edwin Encarnacion is three RBIs shy of reaching 100 for the third time in four seasons.
2. Yankees SS Didi Gregorius is 22-for-53 with four homers and 18 RBIs in his last 14 games.
3. Blue Jays LHP Brett Cecil set a franchise record with his 26th consecutive scoreless appearance.
PREDICTION: Blue Jays 5, Yankees 4
Preview: Cardinals at Reds
GAME: St. Louis Cardinals (88-52) at Cincinnati Reds (58-81)
DATE/TIME: Saturday, September 12 - 1:05 PM EST
WHERE: Great American Ball Park, Cincinnati, Ohio
LINE: N/A TOTAL: N/A
The St. Louis Cardinals are off to a shaky start on their 10-game road trip, opening it with an 11-0 drubbing by the Cincinnati Reds before rain forced a suspension of Friday's game with the teams tied at 2-2 in the eighth inning. The Cardinals and Reds will play Saturday's regularly scheduled game 40 minutes after the conclusion of the suspended contest, which begins at 12:30 p.m. ET.
The suspended game caused St. Louis to have its lead atop the National League Central trimmed to four games over Pittsburgh, which knocked off Milwaukee. The Cardinals got a much-needed solid start from John Lackey on Friday after their pitching staff was raked over for 38 runs in the previous five games. Cincinnati first baseman Joey Votto received a two-game suspension from Major League Baseball on Friday for "inappropriate actions" in Wednesday's ejection, but he is appealing the punishment. Anthony DeSclafani will make the 43rd straight start by a rookie for the Reds, extending their league record, and be opposed by Lance Lynn.
TV: (suspended game) 12:30 p.m. ET, FSN Midwest (St. Louis); 1:05 p.m. ET, FOX
PITCHING MATCHUP: Cardinals RH Lance Lynn (11-9, 3.12 ERA) vs. Reds RH Anthony DeSclafani (8-10, 3.75)
After missing one start with a sprained ankle, Lynn lasted only 2 1/3 innings in a loss to the Chicago Cubs on Monday, giving up six runs and seven hits. He had won his previous two starts, permitting a combined two runs over 13 innings, to reach double digits in victories for the fourth consecutive season. Lynn held the Reds to one run over seven innings on July 27 to improve to 7-3 with a 3.51 ERA against them.
DeSclafani put an end to a five-start winless drought with a strong performance against Pittsburgh last time out, giving up one run on seven hits over 7 1/3 innings. DeSclafani has not surrendered a home run in each of his last three starts and has limited the opposition to three runs of fewer in eight of his last nine turns. He won back-to-back starts against the Cardinals on July 27 and Aug. 2, yielding two runs in 13 innings.
WALK-OFFS
1. Reds CF Billy Hamilton stole two bases Friday and is 10-for-10 against St. Louis C Yadier Molina.
2. Cardinals 1B Brandon Moss is hitless in his last 19 at-bats.
3. Reds C Ramon Cabrera hit his first major-league homer in his fourth career game.
PREDICTION: Cardinals 4, Reds 2
GAME: St. Louis Cardinals (88-52) at Cincinnati Reds (58-81)
DATE/TIME: Saturday, September 12 - 1:05 PM EST
WHERE: Great American Ball Park, Cincinnati, Ohio
LINE: N/A TOTAL: N/A
The St. Louis Cardinals are off to a shaky start on their 10-game road trip, opening it with an 11-0 drubbing by the Cincinnati Reds before rain forced a suspension of Friday's game with the teams tied at 2-2 in the eighth inning. The Cardinals and Reds will play Saturday's regularly scheduled game 40 minutes after the conclusion of the suspended contest, which begins at 12:30 p.m. ET.
The suspended game caused St. Louis to have its lead atop the National League Central trimmed to four games over Pittsburgh, which knocked off Milwaukee. The Cardinals got a much-needed solid start from John Lackey on Friday after their pitching staff was raked over for 38 runs in the previous five games. Cincinnati first baseman Joey Votto received a two-game suspension from Major League Baseball on Friday for "inappropriate actions" in Wednesday's ejection, but he is appealing the punishment. Anthony DeSclafani will make the 43rd straight start by a rookie for the Reds, extending their league record, and be opposed by Lance Lynn.
TV: (suspended game) 12:30 p.m. ET, FSN Midwest (St. Louis); 1:05 p.m. ET, FOX
PITCHING MATCHUP: Cardinals RH Lance Lynn (11-9, 3.12 ERA) vs. Reds RH Anthony DeSclafani (8-10, 3.75)
After missing one start with a sprained ankle, Lynn lasted only 2 1/3 innings in a loss to the Chicago Cubs on Monday, giving up six runs and seven hits. He had won his previous two starts, permitting a combined two runs over 13 innings, to reach double digits in victories for the fourth consecutive season. Lynn held the Reds to one run over seven innings on July 27 to improve to 7-3 with a 3.51 ERA against them.
DeSclafani put an end to a five-start winless drought with a strong performance against Pittsburgh last time out, giving up one run on seven hits over 7 1/3 innings. DeSclafani has not surrendered a home run in each of his last three starts and has limited the opposition to three runs of fewer in eight of his last nine turns. He won back-to-back starts against the Cardinals on July 27 and Aug. 2, yielding two runs in 13 innings.
WALK-OFFS
1. Reds CF Billy Hamilton stole two bases Friday and is 10-for-10 against St. Louis C Yadier Molina.
2. Cardinals 1B Brandon Moss is hitless in his last 19 at-bats.
3. Reds C Ramon Cabrera hit his first major-league homer in his fourth career game.
PREDICTION: Cardinals 4, Reds 2
Preview: Blue Jays at Yankees
GAME: Toronto Blue Jays (80-60) at New York Yankees (77-62)
DATE/TIME: Saturday, September 12 - 4:05 PM EST
WHERE: Yankee Stadium, Bronx, New York
LINE: N/A TOTAL: N/A
The Toronto Blue Jays flexed their muscles and sent a message to the New York Yankees by swatting five home runs in the opener of their four-game showdown for supremacy in the American League East. The Blue Jays stretched their division lead to 2 1/2 games with Friday's rout, but the host Yankees have a chance to cut into the deficit in Saturday's doubleheader.
Aside from taking their lumps in the series opener, New York absorbed a major blow earlier Friday upon learning that first baseman Mark Teixeira was done for the season after an MRI exam revealed a fracture in his leg. "You can't really put into words how disappointed I am," said Teixeira, who has a team-high 31 homers. "I feel like this team has a chance to win a World Series. I really do. And not to be able to be on the field during that run is really tough to take." Toronto third baseman Josh Donaldson belted his 38th homer Friday and is 10-for-19 with five RBIs and five runs scoring during a five-game hitting streak. Ex-Yankee Russell Martin was 0-for-12 in his previous four games before clubbing a pair of homers and driving in four runs as part of a three-hit night.
TV: 4:35 p.m. ET, SNET (Toronto), YES (New York)
PITCHING MATCHUP: Blue Jays RH Marcus Stroman (2014: 11-6, 3.65 ERA) vs. Yankees RH Ivan Nova (6-7, 4.50)
Stroman was not expected to pitch this season after undergoing surgery to repair a torn ACL in March, but he'll come off the 60-day disabled list to make his fourth career start versus the Yankees. Stroman made the final start of his rookie season at Yankee Stadium, posting the victory by giving up two runs and eight hits over six innings. Overall, he struggled away from home last year with a 4-4 record and 5.60 ERA.
Nova halted a three-start losing streak by limiting Tampa Bay to three runs and six hits over six innings on Sunday - the sixth straight start in which he has allowed at last three runs. The 28-year-old was tagged for 13 runs and 20 hits over 15 innings during his three-game skid. Nova gave up four runs in 5 1/3 innings in a loss to the Blue Jays on Aug. 8 before winning at Toronto six days later with seven innings of three-run ball.
WALK-OFFS
1. Blue Jays DH Edwin Encarnacion is three RBIs shy of reaching 100 for the third time in four seasons.
2. Yankees SS Didi Gregorius is 22-for-53 with four homers and 18 RBIs in his last 14 games.
3. Blue Jays LHP Brett Cecil set a franchise record with his 26th consecutive scoreless appearance.
PREDICTION: Yankees 6, Blue Jays 4
GAME: Toronto Blue Jays (80-60) at New York Yankees (77-62)
DATE/TIME: Saturday, September 12 - 4:05 PM EST
WHERE: Yankee Stadium, Bronx, New York
LINE: N/A TOTAL: N/A
The Toronto Blue Jays flexed their muscles and sent a message to the New York Yankees by swatting five home runs in the opener of their four-game showdown for supremacy in the American League East. The Blue Jays stretched their division lead to 2 1/2 games with Friday's rout, but the host Yankees have a chance to cut into the deficit in Saturday's doubleheader.
Aside from taking their lumps in the series opener, New York absorbed a major blow earlier Friday upon learning that first baseman Mark Teixeira was done for the season after an MRI exam revealed a fracture in his leg. "You can't really put into words how disappointed I am," said Teixeira, who has a team-high 31 homers. "I feel like this team has a chance to win a World Series. I really do. And not to be able to be on the field during that run is really tough to take." Toronto third baseman Josh Donaldson belted his 38th homer Friday and is 10-for-19 with five RBIs and five runs scoring during a five-game hitting streak. Ex-Yankee Russell Martin was 0-for-12 in his previous four games before clubbing a pair of homers and driving in four runs as part of a three-hit night.
TV: 4:35 p.m. ET, SNET (Toronto), YES (New York)
PITCHING MATCHUP: Blue Jays RH Marcus Stroman (2014: 11-6, 3.65 ERA) vs. Yankees RH Ivan Nova (6-7, 4.50)
Stroman was not expected to pitch this season after undergoing surgery to repair a torn ACL in March, but he'll come off the 60-day disabled list to make his fourth career start versus the Yankees. Stroman made the final start of his rookie season at Yankee Stadium, posting the victory by giving up two runs and eight hits over six innings. Overall, he struggled away from home last year with a 4-4 record and 5.60 ERA.
Nova halted a three-start losing streak by limiting Tampa Bay to three runs and six hits over six innings on Sunday - the sixth straight start in which he has allowed at last three runs. The 28-year-old was tagged for 13 runs and 20 hits over 15 innings during his three-game skid. Nova gave up four runs in 5 1/3 innings in a loss to the Blue Jays on Aug. 8 before winning at Toronto six days later with seven innings of three-run ball.
WALK-OFFS
1. Blue Jays DH Edwin Encarnacion is three RBIs shy of reaching 100 for the third time in four seasons.
2. Yankees SS Didi Gregorius is 22-for-53 with four homers and 18 RBIs in his last 14 games.
3. Blue Jays LHP Brett Cecil set a franchise record with his 26th consecutive scoreless appearance.
PREDICTION: Yankees 6, Blue Jays 4
Preview: Cubs at Phillies
GAME: Chicago Cubs (82-58) at Philadelphia Phillies (54-88)
DATE/TIME: Saturday, September 12 - 7:05 PM EST
WHERE: Citizens Bank Park, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
LINE: N/A TOTAL: N/A
Citizens Bank Park has been bringing out the Chicago Cubs’ power for the past three years, and the club’s young sluggers are happy to join the party. The hot-hitting Cubs hope to continue their power display when they face the host Philadelphia Phillies for the third contest of a four-game set Saturday night.
Chicago has homered in eight of its last 10 games in Philadelphia dating to 2012, including four blasts in a doubleheader sweep Friday. Kyle Schwarber blasted two homers and fellow rookie Kris Bryant homered in the nightcap, giving Cubs rookies a combined 60 home runs this season. Chicago right-hander Dan Haren faces the Phillies for the fourth time this season, having gone 1-1 while allowing nine runs over 18 innings in three previous meetings. The Phillies counter with a piece from the Cole Hamels deal for the second straight night as rookie right-hander Jerad Eickhoff makes his second home start for his new club.
TV: 7:05 p.m. ET, CSN Chicago, CSN Philadelphia
PITCHING MATCHUP: Cubs RH Dan Haren (9-9, 3.73 ERA) vs. Phillies RH Jerad Eickhoff (1-3, 4.70)
Haren turned in by far his best start with the Cubs in his last outing, throwing seven scoreless frames to win at St. Louis on Monday. It was the 34-year-old’s first quality start since July 30 with Miami and marked his first outing without giving up a home run since July 12, a span of nine starts. Haren is 2-6 with a 4.50 ERA in 13 career starts against the Phillies, including 0-5 in seven outings in Philadelphia.
Eickhoff recorded quality starts in each of his first three big-league outings but was roughed up in his last turn. The 25-year-old was tagged for six runs and eight hits in four innings at Boston on Sunday, losing his third straight start. Eickhoff lost his only previous home start, giving up four runs (three earned) in six innings against the New York Mets.
WALK-OFFS
1. Bryant drove in four runs in Friday’s doubleheader and has set a franchise rookie record with 90 RBIs.
2. Phillies 1B Ryan Howard, a career .235 hitter against the Cubs, snapped an 0-for-35 skid with a double in the seventh inning of Friday’s second game.
3. The Cubs have recorded at least one extra-base hit in 44 consecutive games, their longest streak since a 52-game stretch in 2011.
PREDICTION: Cubs 6, Phillies 4
GAME: Chicago Cubs (82-58) at Philadelphia Phillies (54-88)
DATE/TIME: Saturday, September 12 - 7:05 PM EST
WHERE: Citizens Bank Park, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
LINE: N/A TOTAL: N/A
Citizens Bank Park has been bringing out the Chicago Cubs’ power for the past three years, and the club’s young sluggers are happy to join the party. The hot-hitting Cubs hope to continue their power display when they face the host Philadelphia Phillies for the third contest of a four-game set Saturday night.
Chicago has homered in eight of its last 10 games in Philadelphia dating to 2012, including four blasts in a doubleheader sweep Friday. Kyle Schwarber blasted two homers and fellow rookie Kris Bryant homered in the nightcap, giving Cubs rookies a combined 60 home runs this season. Chicago right-hander Dan Haren faces the Phillies for the fourth time this season, having gone 1-1 while allowing nine runs over 18 innings in three previous meetings. The Phillies counter with a piece from the Cole Hamels deal for the second straight night as rookie right-hander Jerad Eickhoff makes his second home start for his new club.
TV: 7:05 p.m. ET, CSN Chicago, CSN Philadelphia
PITCHING MATCHUP: Cubs RH Dan Haren (9-9, 3.73 ERA) vs. Phillies RH Jerad Eickhoff (1-3, 4.70)
Haren turned in by far his best start with the Cubs in his last outing, throwing seven scoreless frames to win at St. Louis on Monday. It was the 34-year-old’s first quality start since July 30 with Miami and marked his first outing without giving up a home run since July 12, a span of nine starts. Haren is 2-6 with a 4.50 ERA in 13 career starts against the Phillies, including 0-5 in seven outings in Philadelphia.
Eickhoff recorded quality starts in each of his first three big-league outings but was roughed up in his last turn. The 25-year-old was tagged for six runs and eight hits in four innings at Boston on Sunday, losing his third straight start. Eickhoff lost his only previous home start, giving up four runs (three earned) in six innings against the New York Mets.
WALK-OFFS
1. Bryant drove in four runs in Friday’s doubleheader and has set a franchise rookie record with 90 RBIs.
2. Phillies 1B Ryan Howard, a career .235 hitter against the Cubs, snapped an 0-for-35 skid with a double in the seventh inning of Friday’s second game.
3. The Cubs have recorded at least one extra-base hit in 44 consecutive games, their longest streak since a 52-game stretch in 2011.
PREDICTION: Cubs 6, Phillies 4
Preview: Red Sox at Rays
GAME: Boston Red Sox (66-74) at Tampa Bay Rays (69-71)
DATE/TIME: Saturday, September 12 - 6:10 PM EST
WHERE: Tropicana Field, St. Petersburg, Florida
LINE: N/A TOTAL: N/A
The Tampa Bay Rays need only to look around the field at the current matchup to know that hope is not lost in the race for the second American League wild card. The Rays will try to keep their slim postseason hopes alive and clinch a series win when they host the Boston Red Sox in the second contest of a three-game series Saturday.
Tampa Bay was nine games behind the Red Sox heading into September of 2011 but came all the way back to steal the wild card spot away on the last day of the regular season. The Rays aren’t struggling this time to overcome Boston, which is in last place in the AL East, but is trying to climb over four other teams in the wild-card race. Tampa Bay came from behind to claim an 8-4 victory in Friday’s opener and sits five games behind the Texas Rangers, who lead the race for the second wild card, while the Red Sox squandered an opportunity to tighten things up at the bottom of the East and possibly climb out of the basement by the end of the weekend. Boston will try to spoil things for its division rivals when it sends Rick Porcello to the mound to oppose Matt Moore on Saturday.
TV: 6:10 p.m. ET, NESN (Boston), Sun Sports (Tampa Bay)
PITCHING MATCHUP: Red Sox RH Rick Porcello (7-12, 5.12 ERA) vs. Rays LH Matt Moore (1-3, 8.04)
Porcello is 2-1 with a 1.61 ERA in three starts since returning from the disabled list and is coming off a win over Toronto. The sinkerballer surrendered a pair of home runs in that outing but limited the damage to four runs (three earned) on eight hits and a pair of walks in 7 1/3 frames. Porcello went seven scoreless innings in a home win over Tampa Bay on May 5 but was reached for three runs in six frames without factoring in the decision at the Rays on June 26.
Moore is making his second start since being recalled from the minors and was solid in an abbreviated outing at the New York Yankees on Sept. 5. The Tommy John survivor allowed two runs and three hits in 4 2/3 innings before being pulled after 78 pitches. Moore was sent to the minors after getting rocked for six runs and nine hits in three innings at Boston on Aug. 1.
WALK-OFFS
1. Red Sox CF Mookie Betts is hitting .379 during his 16-game hitting streak.
2. Tampa Bay 3B Evan Longoria is 8-for-15 with six RBIs and five runs scored in his last four games.
3. Boston DH David Ortiz recorded two hits Friday but both stayed in the park, leaving him two homers shy of 500.
PREDICTION: Rays 4, Red Sox 3
GAME: Boston Red Sox (66-74) at Tampa Bay Rays (69-71)
DATE/TIME: Saturday, September 12 - 6:10 PM EST
WHERE: Tropicana Field, St. Petersburg, Florida
LINE: N/A TOTAL: N/A
The Tampa Bay Rays need only to look around the field at the current matchup to know that hope is not lost in the race for the second American League wild card. The Rays will try to keep their slim postseason hopes alive and clinch a series win when they host the Boston Red Sox in the second contest of a three-game series Saturday.
Tampa Bay was nine games behind the Red Sox heading into September of 2011 but came all the way back to steal the wild card spot away on the last day of the regular season. The Rays aren’t struggling this time to overcome Boston, which is in last place in the AL East, but is trying to climb over four other teams in the wild-card race. Tampa Bay came from behind to claim an 8-4 victory in Friday’s opener and sits five games behind the Texas Rangers, who lead the race for the second wild card, while the Red Sox squandered an opportunity to tighten things up at the bottom of the East and possibly climb out of the basement by the end of the weekend. Boston will try to spoil things for its division rivals when it sends Rick Porcello to the mound to oppose Matt Moore on Saturday.
TV: 6:10 p.m. ET, NESN (Boston), Sun Sports (Tampa Bay)
PITCHING MATCHUP: Red Sox RH Rick Porcello (7-12, 5.12 ERA) vs. Rays LH Matt Moore (1-3, 8.04)
Porcello is 2-1 with a 1.61 ERA in three starts since returning from the disabled list and is coming off a win over Toronto. The sinkerballer surrendered a pair of home runs in that outing but limited the damage to four runs (three earned) on eight hits and a pair of walks in 7 1/3 frames. Porcello went seven scoreless innings in a home win over Tampa Bay on May 5 but was reached for three runs in six frames without factoring in the decision at the Rays on June 26.
Moore is making his second start since being recalled from the minors and was solid in an abbreviated outing at the New York Yankees on Sept. 5. The Tommy John survivor allowed two runs and three hits in 4 2/3 innings before being pulled after 78 pitches. Moore was sent to the minors after getting rocked for six runs and nine hits in three innings at Boston on Aug. 1.
WALK-OFFS
1. Red Sox CF Mookie Betts is hitting .379 during his 16-game hitting streak.
2. Tampa Bay 3B Evan Longoria is 8-for-15 with six RBIs and five runs scored in his last four games.
3. Boston DH David Ortiz recorded two hits Friday but both stayed in the park, leaving him two homers shy of 500.
PREDICTION: Rays 4, Red Sox 3
Preview: Nationals at Marlins
GAME: Washington Nationals (71-69) at Miami Marlins (60-81)
DATE/TIME: Saturday, September 12 - 7:10 PM EST
WHERE: Marlins Park, Miami, Florida
LINE: N/A TOTAL: N/A
When healthy, Jose Fernandez has been dazzling during his brief career – especially at home. The young Miami Marlins ace will try to make history when he takes the mound against the visiting Washington Nationals on Saturday.
Fernandez will make his first start since Aug. 7, and a win would make him 16-0 all-time at Marlins Park, matching the major-league record for home victories without a loss to begin a career. He will face a reeling Washington team that has dropped four straight to crush its playoff hopes. The Nationals were the overwhelming favorite to win the National League East in the preseason, but Friday’s 2-1 loss to the Marlins dropped them to two games over .500 and 8 1/2 back of the New York Mets in the division. Miami has won eight of its last 10 as it fights to avoid the NL East cellar.
TV: 7:10 p.m. ET, MASN (Washington), FSN Florida (Miami)
PITCHING MATCHUP: Nationals RH Tanner Roark (4-4, 4.41 ERA) vs. Marlins RH Jose Fernandez (4-0, 2.30)
Roark returned to the rotation Sept. 4 after pitching out of the bullpen for most of the season and allowed one run over 4 1/3 innings in a no-decision against Atlanta. The 28-year-old Illinois native is 3-1 with a 5.21 ERA in seven starts this season and has only two quality starts. Roark is 2-2 with a 2.14 ERA in 10 appearances (four starts) against the Marlins.
Fernandez was terrific in seven starts following his return from Tommy John surgery, recording six straight quality starts before giving up two runs over five innings Aug. 7 at Atlanta, where he suffered a biceps strain that sent him back to the disabled list. The 23-year-old has been nearly unhittable in 24 career home starts, never having allowed more than three runs in a game. Fernandez has dominated the Nationals in four meetings, going 2-0 with a 0.69 ERA.
WALK-OFFS
1. Washington’s Ryan Zimmerman is batting .435 during an 11-game hitting streak but has missed the past three games with a left oblique injury.
2. Marlins C J.T. Realmuto is 11-for-28 during an eight-game hitting streak.
3. Miami OF Ichiro Suzuki is hitless in his last 15 at-bats.
PREDICTION: Marlins 4, Nationals 2
GAME: Washington Nationals (71-69) at Miami Marlins (60-81)
DATE/TIME: Saturday, September 12 - 7:10 PM EST
WHERE: Marlins Park, Miami, Florida
LINE: N/A TOTAL: N/A
When healthy, Jose Fernandez has been dazzling during his brief career – especially at home. The young Miami Marlins ace will try to make history when he takes the mound against the visiting Washington Nationals on Saturday.
Fernandez will make his first start since Aug. 7, and a win would make him 16-0 all-time at Marlins Park, matching the major-league record for home victories without a loss to begin a career. He will face a reeling Washington team that has dropped four straight to crush its playoff hopes. The Nationals were the overwhelming favorite to win the National League East in the preseason, but Friday’s 2-1 loss to the Marlins dropped them to two games over .500 and 8 1/2 back of the New York Mets in the division. Miami has won eight of its last 10 as it fights to avoid the NL East cellar.
TV: 7:10 p.m. ET, MASN (Washington), FSN Florida (Miami)
PITCHING MATCHUP: Nationals RH Tanner Roark (4-4, 4.41 ERA) vs. Marlins RH Jose Fernandez (4-0, 2.30)
Roark returned to the rotation Sept. 4 after pitching out of the bullpen for most of the season and allowed one run over 4 1/3 innings in a no-decision against Atlanta. The 28-year-old Illinois native is 3-1 with a 5.21 ERA in seven starts this season and has only two quality starts. Roark is 2-2 with a 2.14 ERA in 10 appearances (four starts) against the Marlins.
Fernandez was terrific in seven starts following his return from Tommy John surgery, recording six straight quality starts before giving up two runs over five innings Aug. 7 at Atlanta, where he suffered a biceps strain that sent him back to the disabled list. The 23-year-old has been nearly unhittable in 24 career home starts, never having allowed more than three runs in a game. Fernandez has dominated the Nationals in four meetings, going 2-0 with a 0.69 ERA.
WALK-OFFS
1. Washington’s Ryan Zimmerman is batting .435 during an 11-game hitting streak but has missed the past three games with a left oblique injury.
2. Marlins C J.T. Realmuto is 11-for-28 during an eight-game hitting streak.
3. Miami OF Ichiro Suzuki is hitless in his last 15 at-bats.
PREDICTION: Marlins 4, Nationals 2
Preview: Brewers at Pirates
GAME: Milwaukee Brewers (62-79) at Pittsburgh Pirates (84-56)
DATE/TIME: Saturday, September 12 - 7:05 PM EST
WHERE: PNC Park, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
LINE: N/A TOTAL: N/A
The Pittsburgh Pirates have struggled mightily against National League Central rivals throughout the season, but they've recently altered their fortunes to give themselves an outside shot at the division title. Winners of five of their last eight against division foes, the Pirates look to keep surging ahead when they play the third contest of their four-game series versus the Milwaukee Brewers on Saturday.
Jung Ho Kang recorded an RBI double in Friday's 6-3 triumph to improve to 6-for-18 with two homers, six RBIs and six runs scored in his last four contests. Andrew McCutchen also has gone deep twice and has five RBIs and as many runs scored in that stretch for Pittsburgh, which improved to 26-35 against the rest of the NL Central. The Pirates reside four games behind first-place St. Louis and two in front of the Chicago Cubs for the first wild card. Milwaukee, which suffered its fourth loss in 12 contests overall and first in eight meetings with Pittsburgh, sends rookie Zach Davies to the mound against Pittsburgh's Jeff Locke.
TV: 7:05 p.m. ET, FSN Wisconsin (Milwaukee), ROOT (Pittsburgh)
PITCHING MATCHUP: Brewers RH Zach Davies (1-0, 3.97 ERA) vs. Pirates LH Jeff Locke (7-10, 4.56)
After struggling in his major-league debut, Davies picked up his first career victory on Monday by tossing seven solid innings in a 9-1 triumph over Miami. The 22-year-old allowed one run on four hits and did not walk a batter, as opposed to the three free passes he issued in a no-decision versus Pittsburgh on Sept. 2. Davies is making his third start of the month after going 1-2 in five outings with Triple-A Colorado Springs following the Gerardo Parra deal with Baltimore.
Locke suffered his second straight loss and fourth in five decisions on Monday after allowing three runs and four hits in five innings of a 3-1 setback to Cincinnati. Although owning just a 3-4 record, the 27-year-old has pitched considerably better at PNC Park (3.62 ERA) as opposed to on the road (5.69). Locke is 4-4 lifetime versus Milwaukee and 2-2 this season, having followed consecutive wins in April with a hard-luck loss on July 19 before getting blitzed for five runs in 3 2/3 innings of a 9-4 setback on Sept. 2.
WALK-OFFS
1. Brewers OF Ryan Braun, who was limited to pinch-hitting duty on Friday, is 12-for-28 (.429) during his last seven games.
2. Pittsburgh RHP Mark Melancon (45 saves) is one shy of the club record held by Mike Williams in 2002.
3. Milwaukee CF Logan Schafer is 3-for-4 with an RBI and a run scored in the series after collecting one hit in his previous 13 plate appearances.
PREDICTION: Pirates 6, Brewers 2
GAME: Milwaukee Brewers (62-79) at Pittsburgh Pirates (84-56)
DATE/TIME: Saturday, September 12 - 7:05 PM EST
WHERE: PNC Park, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
LINE: N/A TOTAL: N/A
The Pittsburgh Pirates have struggled mightily against National League Central rivals throughout the season, but they've recently altered their fortunes to give themselves an outside shot at the division title. Winners of five of their last eight against division foes, the Pirates look to keep surging ahead when they play the third contest of their four-game series versus the Milwaukee Brewers on Saturday.
Jung Ho Kang recorded an RBI double in Friday's 6-3 triumph to improve to 6-for-18 with two homers, six RBIs and six runs scored in his last four contests. Andrew McCutchen also has gone deep twice and has five RBIs and as many runs scored in that stretch for Pittsburgh, which improved to 26-35 against the rest of the NL Central. The Pirates reside four games behind first-place St. Louis and two in front of the Chicago Cubs for the first wild card. Milwaukee, which suffered its fourth loss in 12 contests overall and first in eight meetings with Pittsburgh, sends rookie Zach Davies to the mound against Pittsburgh's Jeff Locke.
TV: 7:05 p.m. ET, FSN Wisconsin (Milwaukee), ROOT (Pittsburgh)
PITCHING MATCHUP: Brewers RH Zach Davies (1-0, 3.97 ERA) vs. Pirates LH Jeff Locke (7-10, 4.56)
After struggling in his major-league debut, Davies picked up his first career victory on Monday by tossing seven solid innings in a 9-1 triumph over Miami. The 22-year-old allowed one run on four hits and did not walk a batter, as opposed to the three free passes he issued in a no-decision versus Pittsburgh on Sept. 2. Davies is making his third start of the month after going 1-2 in five outings with Triple-A Colorado Springs following the Gerardo Parra deal with Baltimore.
Locke suffered his second straight loss and fourth in five decisions on Monday after allowing three runs and four hits in five innings of a 3-1 setback to Cincinnati. Although owning just a 3-4 record, the 27-year-old has pitched considerably better at PNC Park (3.62 ERA) as opposed to on the road (5.69). Locke is 4-4 lifetime versus Milwaukee and 2-2 this season, having followed consecutive wins in April with a hard-luck loss on July 19 before getting blitzed for five runs in 3 2/3 innings of a 9-4 setback on Sept. 2.
WALK-OFFS
1. Brewers OF Ryan Braun, who was limited to pinch-hitting duty on Friday, is 12-for-28 (.429) during his last seven games.
2. Pittsburgh RHP Mark Melancon (45 saves) is one shy of the club record held by Mike Williams in 2002.
3. Milwaukee CF Logan Schafer is 3-for-4 with an RBI and a run scored in the series after collecting one hit in his previous 13 plate appearances.
PREDICTION: Pirates 6, Brewers 2
