Saturday 9/19/15 service plays chatter/comps/requests & other stuff...

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Handicapped by The Walker Group at Lone Star

Always check program numbers.
Odds shown are morning line odds.


Race 2 - Claiming - 300y on the Dirt. Purse: $4600 Class Rating: 68

QUARTER HORSE 300Y, FOR TEXAS ACCREDITED THREE YEAR OLDS AND UPWARD WHICH HAVE NEVER WON TWO RACES. THREE YEAR OLDS, 124 LBS.; OLDER, 126 LBS. CLAIMING PRICE $3,200.


RECOMMENDED CHOICES

The Walker Group Picks

# 3 KATYBUGS ROCK SOLID 7/2


# 6 JAZZING TO THE BLUES 3/1


# 5 IB FLYIN 5/1


I think KATYBUGS ROCK SOLID is a very good choice. Should be given a chance for this event if only for the quite good speed figure put up in the last contest. Is tough not to examine given the company run in lately. JAZZING TO THE BLUES - Has a strong shot here if you like back class. Could provide positive dividends based on strong recent Equibase Speed Figures with an average of 66.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Handicapped by The Walker Group at Prairie Mdws

Always check program numbers.
Odds shown are morning line odds.


Race 2 - Allowance - 330y on the Dirt. Purse: $18044 Class Rating: 72

QUARTER HORSE 330Y, FOR REGISTERED STATE BRED THREE YEAR OLD AND UPWARD WHICH HAVE NEVER WON A RACE OTHER THAN MAIDEN, CLAIMING, STARTER, OR TRIAL OR WHICH HAVE NEVER WON THREE RACES. THREE YEAR OLDS, 124 LBS.; OLDER, 126 LBS. NON-WINNERS OF A RACE SINCE JULY 19, 2015 ALLOWED 2 LBS.


RECOMMENDED CHOICES

The Walker Group Picks

# 1 IRIS DASHING ROYAL 2/1


# 2 JESSGOWITHIT 6/1


# 5 TRS AMAZING ZACH 5/1


IRIS DASHING ROYAL looks like the wager in here. Should be carefully examined as he drops to compete against this easier group. Must be considered given the class of races run as of late. Is a very solid contender based on figs garnered recently under today's conditions. JESSGOWITHIT - Recorded a very good Equibase Speed Fig last time out. TRS AMAZING ZACH - Ought to come out sharp - I have liked the way this gelding has moved quickly to the front end recently. Ran a sharp last race.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Handicapped by The Turf Club Analysts

Bar

Penn National - Race #2 - Post: 6:27pm - Claiming - 8.0 furlongs on the Turf. Purse: $19,000 Class Rating: 97

Rating: Golden DollarGolden DollarGolden Dollar

#6 CASUAL CREEPER (IRE) (ML=5/1)
#3 TRUCIAL STATE (ML=6/1)
#5 BOLD DEED (ML=9/2)
#8 SWITCHING TO GLIDE (ML=10/1)


CASUAL CREEPER (IRE) - Last workout was the second fastest of the day. Certainly on edge for a good one today. This mount could be tough in today's race, especially since Rodriguez rode in the last race and now should be acquainted with this one. A racer coming back this soon after a solid effort is a good signal. Based on his last TrackMaster turf rating alone, I'm going to play this racer. This gelding is obviously on the improve with Equibase speed figures of 71, 81, 90 last three out. TRUCIAL STATE - Zimmerman has an 'uncoupled' entry here. Best to beware of the longer priced half. This gelding is in superb form right now. Ran third last time out and comes back soon. The improved speed ratings over the last three races is great. Zimmerman drops him in this race in great shape. BOLD DEED - Likes to go to the lead and the fact that today is a shorter distance should be beneficial. This racer coming off a good try in the last month is a serious competitor in my humble opinion. A little change in scenery has got to do this horse well. Reading the PP lines, it seems like he likes to visit the winner's circle at multiple tracks. The 97 most recent race rating looks sound on paper. SWITCHING TO GLIDE - I really like that recent effort on Sep 3rd at Penn National where he finished third. Owns the highest Equibase speed figure on the turf at this distance. I'm focusing on the class of this horse, and this one is the 'classiest' of the bunch.

Vulnerable Contenders: #4 LEFT FOOT SLEWIE (ML=3/1), #7 TIME FOR TUTT (ML=7/2), #1 NIN'S THERMOMETER (ML=6/1),

LEFT FOOT SLEWIE - I don't normally play a morning-line choice that hasn't been to the track in the last 3 weeks. Going to have a hard go of it with all the other front-runners in this race. TIME FOR TUTT - This horse doesn't have a winner's attitude. Time-and-again finishes second or third. When looking at today's Equibase class figure, he will have to earn a better speed figure than last time out to compete in this turf route. NIN'S THERMOMETER - Equibase speed figures tell a tale of declining condition. Didn't perform too well last time out of the box. Probably won't make a winning move in today's race.

Top HatGUEST COMMENTARY: Hal - CASUAL CREEPER (IRE) - This gelding is going to be tough against these horses in today's affair. He loves to win at Penn National.


STRAIGHT WAGERS:
Put your money on #6 CASUAL CREEPER (IRE) on the nose if you can get odds of 5/1 or more

EXACTA WAGERS:
Box [3,6] Box [6,8]

TRIFECTA WAGERS:
Skip

SUPERFECTA WAGERS:
Pass

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Handicapped by The Turf Club Analysts

Bar

Monmouth - Race #6 - Post: 3:22pm - Claiming - 8.5 furlongs on the Turf. Purse: $19,000 Class Rating: 81

Rating: Golden DollarGolden DollarGolden DollarGolden Dollar

#6 SAINT ABBEY (ML=7/2)


SAINT ABBEY - Horses out of the barn of Cibelli have been great on the grass. I'd calculate a good performance. Stretching a racer out to a route after two sprints is a classic conditioning maneuver.

Vulnerable Contenders: #2 WORKERBEE (ML=3/1), #3 WELL COMPOSED (ML=4/1), #10 LUCKYSTRIKEDELCOCO (ML=5/1),

WORKERBEE - 3/1 is not enough of a reward to take on most any horse that has run poorly in back to back efforts. This mount likes to land in the top three, but doesn't usually get the job done. Leave out of the top spot. WELL COMPOSED - 4/1 is too short of a price to take on most any animal that has run poorly in back to back outings. LUCKYSTRIKEDELCOCO - This thoroughbred just hasn't looked ready lately.

Top HatGUEST COMMENTARY: Winston - SAINT ABBEY - Taking a very big class fig tumble today. Let's make some money on the significant drop.


STRAIGHT WAGERS:
Have to go with #6 SAINT ABBEY on the win end if we get at least 1/1 odds

EXACTA WAGERS:
Pass

TRIFECTA WAGERS:
Skip

SUPERFECTA WAGERS:
Skip

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Handicapped by Rick Needham at Belmont Park

RACE #8 - BELMONT PARK - 4:46 PM EASTERN POST


The Noble Damsel Stakes

8.0 FURLONGS TURF GRADE III FILLIES AND MARES THREE YEARS OLD AND UPWARD STAKES $200,000.00 PURSE

#1 COFFEE CLIQUE
#2 MARBRE ROSE
#8 LADY LARA
#5 RECEPTA

Here in the 32nd running of the Noble Damsel Stakes (originally named as the Lexiable Stakes), which is named for the filly, owned by G. Watts Humphrey Jr., who won the New York Handicap in 1982, #1 COFFEE CLIQUE takes a class drop (-6) this afternoon to enter this graded stakes test, is the overall speed leader in this field racing at today's distance of a mile on the dirt, and has produced "POWER RUN PERFORMANCES" in each of her last five outings, hitting the board in three, including a "POWER RUN WIN" in her 2nd race back. #2 MARBRE ROSE, an Irish-bred entry, and a 5-1 shot, has also produced "POWER RUN PERFORMANCES" in 5 straight, hitting the board in four of those "adventures," including a pair of "POWER RUN WINS" being embedded in this recent streak of racing consistency.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Balmoral: Saturday 9/19 Analysis
By Jeremey Day

DRF HARNESS

Race 9 - $25,000 Guaranteed Pick Four Pool

Best Bet (41 - 62 / $145.20): FOX VALLEY GYPSY (1st)

Spot Play: VICK VALOR (7th)


Race 1

(7) FOX VALLEY GYPSY should offer a fair price in a field full of question marks. (6) INFATUATED LOVE showed a nice burst of speed last week in the consolation and has some upside. (1) LEXIROSE has been terrible in three straight but is facing weaker; command a price.

Race 2

(4) OCAPTAIN MYCAPTAIN well bred pacer has room to improve in an evenly matched race; driver's choice. (8) J B'S HERO has been facing much tougher but will offer low value and is 0 for the year. (6) ALWAYS KENZER was much improved in the qualifier and should offer a big price.

Race 3

(4) BOWEDFORTYOVA nice looking 2-year-old was an easy winner last week against similar. (2) FOX VALLEY CHINO went a huge effort last week after missing the gate. If the pacer races back to that effort he's the horse to beat. (1) BAYSIDE TEQUILLA fits in with this group nicely and gets the best post.

Race 4

(4) GOINDUNESIDE freshman pacer is ready for a breakthrough mile any week; top driver's choice. (5) RED RED REDNECK took his shot in the Super Night final, it just didn't work out; threat. (1) FOX VALLEY ELI owns some ability and gets the best post.

Race 5

(9) SWISS MOCHA is just now back in racing shape and will offer a big price in a weak and inconsistent field. (3) REGAL MOTION well bred 2-year-old just needs to be closer turning for home; threat. (6) PASTOR CLINT has breaking issues and faces older but when the gelding trotter stays flat he's very fast.

Race 6

(4) BS TYRICHESS takes a big drop down in competition and will be used very aggressively. (5) I Y Q TOO filly had tough racing luck in the final but had been showing some improvement prior. (2) DUNESIDE PERTTIE has yet to win on the year and really lacked pop late last out; use underneath.

Race 7

(7) VICK VALOR could be starting to blossom late in the season off a nice effort. (8) FOX VALLEY YOKO should have been better off the slow middle fractions last week; use caution. (1) GRC TRAVEL KING usually is good for the first few starts of the season and is capable of popping at a price off the layoff.

Race 8

(4) FOX VALLEY ELIJAH was unable to get into the mile last week but can score against this bunch with a good setup. (9) ENGINE ONE O ONE went from super sharp to empty in the final last week. The pacer was the top driver's choice and will look to bounce back; fires early. (7) LUCPARK had some tough racing luck last week with bad cover; threat.

Race 9

In a very tough race to gauge, (6) ST ELMO HERO finds a softer spot and will be firing early. (9) REX PASSUS gelding pacer has been super in a new barn and will offer another big price. (7) BEST MAN HANOVER is very inconsistent from week to week but a good effort puts him in the mix.

Race 10

(4) GIBBS should be able to handle this bunch with a trouble-free trip. (3) EXTRAVAGANT ART couldn't win against easier last start but has a history of being competitive at this level; threat. (6) MAJOR MONET was improved off the layoff last out and could be one of few threats to the top choice.

Race 11

(1) EVA BELLA was super last week just missing at a big price. (3) FOX VALLEY PIPA is capable of a good brush when timed right; threat. (5) GET THE TERROR has a terrible record on the year but is capable of hitting the board with a good effort; use underneath.

Race 12

(3) ALLAMERICAN MOTIVE takes a huge drop down to the lowest class; big chance. (1) PHANTOM DAN could be the sleeper in the race at a price with some better racing luck. (4) JO JO SPUR is always a threat at this level with a smooth trip.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Mohawk: Saturday 9/19 Analysis
By Garnet Barnsdale

DRF HARNESS

Race 4 - $100,000 Guaranteed Pick Four Pool

EARLY PICK 4:

4,5,10/2,4/1,2,3,4/1,4 = $48


LATE PICK 4: 1,2,3/2,4/4/1,2,5,6,7 = $30

MEET STATS: 319 - 1018 / $1735.70 BEST BETS: 45 - 91 / $146.30

SPOT PLAYS: 12 - 87 / $92.30

Best Bet: SOUTHWIND FRANK (3rd)

Spot Play: CHEYENNE REIDER (13th)


Race 1

(6) P L IDAHO has faced some of the best sophomore pacers around in his last two and will appreciate this class relief; top call in the opener of a great card. (7) CORSICA HALL has put together a nice record so far this season but will have trouble with the choice here if he's on his game. (8) MOONWRITER has hit his best stride the past two but this race could be used as a stepping stone to a bigger purse. He will likely be closing from far back for a minor share.

Race 2

(4) ANNDROVETTE had a tightener for this at Harrah's Philly, now gets Tetrick back and will likely look to wire this Milton Stakes elimination. (7) YAGONNAKISSMEORNOT is having a good season and has done well at this track in the past. She looks next best. (1) KATIE SAID has two miles of 1:50 flat in her past three which puts her in the ballpark here, but she has to prove it against these classy foes.

Race 3

(4) SOUTHWIND FRANK appeared to be toying with his foes last week and should have no problems here in the Wellwood Final. (7) BROOKLYN HILL has amassed a nice bankroll by mostly finishing 2nd to the choice, which is also likely here. (3) DEEP IMPACT looks best of the locals and could better this placing if he can land in the choice's pocket early.

Race 4

(4) ALEXIE MATTOSIE drops in class and returns to a 7-day cycle here; top call in a tough opening leg of the early pick 4. (5) THINKING OUT LOUD is in the midst of a disappointing season but returns from a break off a good qualifier and could go better here. (10) WAZZUP WAZZUP also drops in class and is in with a shot if he can land in the top 5 early.

Race 5

(2) EMOTICON HANOVER was conservatively-driven last week but was closing fast on the end of his mile. She draws a good post and could benefit from some mid-race battling; call to upset. (4) CAPRICE HILL has only lost once and is obviously the filly to beat; must-use in the pick 4. (5) CELEBRITY EVENTSY peeled off an impressive front-end win in her elimination and will be winging early here too, no doubt.

Race 6

(4) ODDS ON EQUULEUS made two moves last time and tired only late to be nailed by closers that enjoyed good trips. Picking up Tetrick here is a bonus; top call. (2) MCWICKED couldn't keep up with State Treasurer in the Pacing Derby - but no one could - and should be much more of a threat here. (3) ARTHUR BLUE CHIP has returned from a long layoff in sharp form and wouldn't be a shock here stepping up to the top class.

Race 7

(1) RESOLVE is in the best form of his career and was a confident winner of his elimination - albeit aided by soft fractions. He can race effectively using any style and has options leaving from the rail; top call. (4) FLANAGAN MEMORY was one of few closing ground on the choice last week; notice the upset win in the TVG Open the last time Tetrick drove. (2) BEE A MAGICIAN couldn't convert a perfect trip last week and will likely be overbet on home soil here. She is worth trying to beat at a short price.

Race 8

(3) VENUS DELIGHT was asked for little from the 8-hole at Yonkers last time but won the Artiscape in a new life's mark two back and should be tough in here from close range. (2) LADY SHADOW tuned up for this with an easy win in the Mares Preferred last week and has only lost once - to males - since being sold. She's the one to beat. (1) COLORS A VIRGIN has drawn a string of bad posts recently and shouldn't be discounted here leaving from the inside.

Race 9

(2) MUSCLE BABY DOLL has been sensational all year and now meets the toughest assignment of her racing career. Her excellent late speed gives her a puncher's chance; call to upset. (4) MISSION BRIEF was outstanding last week and is the obvious class of the field. She can't be left off late pick 4 tickets. (1) ELEGANT SERENITY has really blossomed in the past two months and shouldn't be far behind the top two.

Race 10

(4) PINKMAN returned to his best form last week and the Hambletonian winner is the one to beat here. (3) UNCLE LASSE converted a perfect pocket trip last week and could be the one to challenge the choice if he can land in the two-hole and work out a similar trip. (10) THE BANK hasn't been that far behind his stablemate all year but the 10-hole likely dooms him to a minor award here.

Race 11

(6) CHAMPAGNE PHIL had to set faster fractions that he wanted to last week with a challenger hung out and still almost got the job done. He's razor-sharp now and doesn't need the lead to win. (1) FOREVER JUST wasn't far back of several Preferred types that were getting some class relief last week. This gelding is capable at a price. (5) SING FOR ME GEORGE did well at Yonkers mostly from bad posts and is a threat here.

Race 12

(8) THORN IN YOUR SIDE was a solid winner Tuesday night in this same class and should handle this group as well. (1) LIVE AND LEARN has been racing well since MacDonell took over driving duties and could take this if the choice faces some heat on the lead. (4) MONTE CHRISTO drops in class but rarely wins in any class; minor slice predicted.

Race 13

(7) CHEYENNE REIDER returns to action off a qualifier and gets what is a preferred outside post for him. He can chase these down late if he can grab reasonable cover. (9) SOUTHWIND AMAZON is another closer that gets a favorable pace scenario and he should be right there on the wire. (6) VEGAS ROCKS has won his last two by big margins but will likely face pace pressure here which could be his undoing. (4) PUSH BACK drops in class and may work himself out a good trip. (3) CARACCI HANOVER should make the bottom of the ticket off a following trip.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Yonkers: Saturday 9/19 Analysis
By Matt Rose

DRF HARNESS

MEET STATS: 277 - 855 / $1548.10 BEST BETS: 40 - 68 / $138.60

Best Bet: ALBERTO CONTADOR N (10th)

Spot Play: TWIN B IMPRESSIVE (7th)


Race 1

(1) SOMESIZESOMESTYLE had no chance last out from the eight hole and was used hard the start prior; 4-year-old from overdue connections can get the job done with a smooth rail journey. (2) CYCLONE KIWI N and (6) SOHO JACKMAN N both arrive from down-under and came out of the same qualifier last week where they both performed well; one is 4/1 and the other is 20/1 on the morning line for some reason....use both of them when calling out numbers.

Race 2

(4) SHADY CITY was a going-away winner two back versus one notch lesser; proven grinder is always a threat if within reach. (1) SOLAR SURPRISE was overmatched versus 75K claimers; he just missed in his last two starts at this level. (3) SNAP TO IT A was a sharp-closing second last week from an outside post and looms a solid player here.

Race 3

(5) UF ROCKIN DRAGON returns locally off a troubled-trip fourth up at Saratoga; he's unproven at this level but so are most of these. (3) AMERICAN FLIGHT is the most likely win candidate from this spot but he's not the most prolific of winners; Bartlett's back driving. (1) SAND BENELLI is up in class off a win just five days ago for the live Robertson barn.

Race 4

(7) ROCK ON MOE seemed to make plenty of sense last week but he didn't leave the gate and that was that; he drops again and I would be shocked if Dube wasn't aggressive with him. (1) TWIN B HOLLISTER had a troubled trip last week but he never looked like he was going to fire anyway; he will go better tonight from the rail. (3) IN COMMANDO failed in his last two in lower conditions at Saratoga which is a bit troubling but he's raced well with better here in the past.

Race 5

(8) LUMINOSITY bounced back from his break two back with a solid win last week defeating Meladys Monet in the process; he will be forwardly placed again and could be slightly better value than nemesis (7) NOT AFRAID. The latter just missed versus Obrigado last out in a great try and he does have the slight post edge; great matchup. (2) UVA HANOVER may currently be a notch below the top class but he's developing into a solid trotter and he should be good for a share from this inside spot.

Race 6

(5) SOMEWHERE IN L A returns from a nice effort at Scioto versus the best of the best and his start prior he was a game second to lock-city E Z Noah; Takter trainee looks best in this different-look Open. (1) CROMBIE A gets serious post relief and figures to be more involved. (6) MACHS BEACH BOY took his usual Lachance money last week upon hiking to this level and raced pretty well; he merits consideration.

Race 7

(2) TWIN B IMPRESSIVE returns locally with some class relief and he rarely puts in a bad performance; gelding has a post edge on his main rivals which may make the difference. (5) SECOND WIND N also drops a notch and I would be surprised if Stratton didn't have him in play early. (1) LIVE ON doesn't win often but he should be involved from the rail.

Race 8

(8) ALWAYS AT MY PLACE looks for his seventh straight and he was dead-game in victory last week out of the eight hole; he's the King of this class until proven otherwise. (5) YS LOTUS left hard in front of the winner last week, released and sat the trip then was held at bay; despite the presence of other speed types it's conceivable the same scenario plays out tonight. (3) SOMEWHERE FANCY rallied for a small piece last out and the Toscano trainee is a proven entity at this level.

Race 9

(3) MUSSELSFRMBRUSSELS returns locally for Allard and when this veteran is good, he's really good. I think he might be a nice fit at this claiming level. (1) VALIDUS DEO gets much-needed post relief and it's hard to ignore him from this spot. (8) KIWI IDEAL N is stuck outside again but he's in shape and I'll try to sneak him into the number at a price.

Race 10

(1) ALBERTO CONTADOR N was a winner his last two starts at this level and with the best draw he clearly deserves top billing. (2) LIFE UP FRONT put in a good effort last week versus lesser in a race where everyone was bothered at the five-eighths; he's up in class tonight but he's a proven entity at this level. (3) HERE WE GO AGAIN lucked out last week in the race mentioned above and he can figure for a small share.

Race 11

(8) DW'S NY YANK hasn't been in this soft in a long time and he's too classy to ignore here, despite the eight hole draw. (1) ZOOMING was a solid winner two back then picked up a small share in last week's Open; Buter's gelding is clearly the main threat. (2) BOURBON BAY likes to win and the four-year-old has proven that he has class to him.

Race 12

(2) BETTOR'S EDGE returns locally off a nice wakeup score last week upon dropping out of stakes competition and he looks just a bit better than these. This looks like a Burke/Brennan back class double looming. (6) THE REAL ONE rarely misses a check racing in the Open week in and week out; expect Lachance to be a player here. (3) FREESPIN N dominated a softer group of NW25000 last week; it won't be as easy tonight.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

SPOT PLAYS

For Saturday


TRACK (RACE) HORSE, MORNING LINE


Arlington Park (5th) Silver Liner, 3-1
(6th) Laur Net, 6-1


Belmont Park (3rd) Orzo, 4-1
(7th) Decent, 5-1


Belterra Park (1st) Elegant Beni, 4-1
(7th) Sweet Sandy Sue, 6-1


Charles Town (2nd) Little Big Sime, 6-1
(8th) Perfect Cross, 9-2


Churchill Downs (10th) Chester's Park, 5-1
(11th) Know You Now, 4-1


Delaware Park (1st) Haldor, 8-1
(8th) Supsa, 7-2


Emerald Downs (4th) Web of Demons, 7-2
(6th) Nosetodagrindstone, 3-1


Finger Lakes (6th) Mandolin Wins, 6-1
(8th) Letters of Fire, 3-1


Gulfstream Park (1st) Cantinflas, 6-1
(2nd) West Ride, 8-1


Hastings (5th) Ya Kula, 6-1
(6th) Mario's Win, 4-1


Indiana Grand (5th) Ahh Youbetchya, 8-1
(7th) Clyde Park, 8-1


Kentucky Downs (6th) Annulment, 9-2
(11th) Miss Double d'Oro, 6-1


Laurel (5th) Grain, 7-2
(6th) Slew Hot to Handle, 8-1


Los Alamitos (6th) Counterplay, 6-1
(7th) Dream Police, 4-1


Louisiana Downs (1st) Lukie Joe, 8-1
(2nd) Merry Mike, 9-2


Monmouth Park (4th) Dreamingoffirst, 9-2
(6th) Saint Abbey, 7-2


Mountaineer (4th) Tail White, 7-2
(7th) Loadherupletherrip, 4-1


Parx Racing (5th) Wise Son, 10-1
(7th) Market Blaster, 6-1


Penn National (1st) One Trick Nomad, 4-1
(2nd) Bold Deed, 9-2


Remington Park (6th) Cajun Don, 6-1
(7th) Delancy, 4-1


Retama Park (3rd) L'Argour, 7-2
(7th) My Ide, 3-1


Stockton (9th) City by the Bay, 3-1
(11th) Slammer Time. 3-1


Thistledown (2nd) Pedroia, 7-2
(8th) Lucky Fellow, 7-2


Woodbine (4th) On Draft, 5-1
(7th) Pengally Bay, 4-1

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Cardinals (92-55) at Cubs (86-61)

Game: 2
Venue: Wrigley Field
Date: September 19, 2015 1:05 PM EDT

The Chicago Cubs might not catch St. Louis atop the NL Central, but their recent play against the Cardinals has created an air of confidence and pride that's revived this rivalry.

Though the Cubs won't win the season series for a fifth straight year, they can move closer to the division leaders with a fifth consecutive victory Saturday at Wrigley Field.

In good position to claim at least the second-wild card spot, Chicago (86-61) continued its pursuit of St. Louis with an 8-3 victory Friday to open the teams' final series. The Cubs lost eight of the first 10 matchups against the Cardinals (92-55) while averaging 2.6 runs, compared to 6.4 as they've won five of the last seven.

Starlin Castro went deep twice and had six RBIs for Chicago, which has hit 73 home runs and averaged 5.3 runs while going an NL-best 34-14 since July 29.

"They seem to be swinging the bat against everybody right now," St. Louis right-hander Lance Lynn said of the Cubs, who are six games back of the Cardinals.

Led by first-year manager Joe Maddon, the Cubs won't be intimidated by their longtime rivals.

Two innings after Dan Haren unintentionally plunked St. Louis pinch-hitter Matt Holliday in the head, Anthony Rizzo was hit for the second time when Matt Belisle threw behind him. Rizzo made a move to the mound but was quickly stopped.

"I'm really disappointed in what the Cardinals did right there," Maddon said. "To become this vigilante group that all of a sudden wants to get their own pound of flesh is absolutely insane, ridiculous and wrong. ... Furthermore, we don't start stuff but we will stop stuff.

"I don't know who put out the hit. I don't know if Tony Soprano was in the dugout. I didn't see him in there. We're not going to put up with that from them or anybody else."

Belisle shed no real light on the issue.

"I had to try to pitch in, so what can you do," he said.

The Cardinals had no answer for Castro, who despite no longer being considered an everyday player is batting .417 with four homers and 12 RBIs in his last 11 contests.

"When his name has been called, he's been ready," Maddon said.

Castro is batting .474 with two doubles and two homers against Michael Wacha (16-5, 2.96 ERA). The right-hander is 5-1 with a 2.20 ERA in his last eight starts, but that defeat came Sept. 8 when he surrendered a three-run homer to Castro, a two-run shot to Rizzo and one other run in four innings of an 8-5 defeat.

Wacha is 1-1 with a 6.75 ERA in three starts against Chicago this year.

Though St. Louis manager Mike Matheny said Holliday was fine following Friday's contest, it's uncertain if he'll make his first start since returning to action Thursday after missing more than a month with a quad injury.

Holliday is batting .372 with four homers and five doubles against Travis Wood (5-4, 4.11), who makes his second spot start in eight days. The left-hander pitched three scoreless innings at Philadelphia last Saturday and probably won't work any longer in this contest considering he pitched Thursday, throwing two perfect innings to save a 9-6 win at Pittsburgh.

Wood, dropped from the rotation in mid-May, is 2-2 with a 5.18 ERA in eight starts this year. He gave up 10 runs in 7 2-3 innings in his first two games against the Cardinals this year but has since held them scoreless in four innings of relief - all at Wrigley.

Mark Reynolds had a grand slam off Wood in May and has hit .375 against him but is 1 for 18 in his last nine games.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Yankees (80-66) at Mets (84-63)

Game: 2
Venue: Citi Field
Date: September 19, 2015 1:05 PM EDT

New York Mets manager Terry Collins feels the Subway Series is an ideal chance to give his young starters experience ahead of the playoffs.

The New York Yankees are more concerned with getting back into the AL East chase.

Noah Syndergaard gets his first taste of this rivalry as the Mets try to beat the Yankees again Saturday at Citi Field.

With the Mets (84-63) atop the NL East by eight games on second-place Washington with 15 to go, Collins hopes this three-game series helps prepare his team for the pressures of the postseason.

"All of them said the most success they had was when they had to play hard right until the end, when every game meant something," Collins told MLB's official website of a recent meeting with the team's senior members. "Therefore the energy these guys play with was always there. Playing a team like the Yankees hopefully will get us back to where we were."

So far, the plan has worked as the Mets followed back-to-back defeats with a 5-1 win Friday behind rookie Steven Matz's six strong innings in front of the second-largest crowd in Citi Field history (43,602).

Syndergaard (8-6, 3.20 ERA) is looking forward to facing the Yankees (80-66), who lead the AL's wild-card race but trail East-leading Toronto by 4 1/2 games.

"We're both playoff teams, we're both in the race," Syndergaard said. "I'm really excited for (Saturday)."

The rookie right-hander is 7-1 with a 2.15 ERA in 10 home starts, with the Mets winning the last seven as he's gone 5-0.

Syndergaard was dominant on the road in his most recent outing, yielding one run and two hits in seven innings with eight strikeouts last Saturday in Atlanta. His previously scheduled start was skipped in order to preserve him for the playoffs.

Talk of Yoenis Cespedes as NL MVP has calmed with him going 0 for 12 over the past three games after hitting .382 with nine homers and 19 RBIs in the previous 13.

Homers by Daniel Murphy, Lucas Duda and Juan Uribe picked up the slack for Cespedes' 0-for-4 effort Friday.

"Yo has been unbelievable, but in the last couple of weeks you keep looking up and other guys are getting big hits, and (Friday) other guys had big hits," Collins said.

The Yankees, losers of seven of their last 10, may not have Alex Rodriguez in the lineup for a second straight game since they're in an NL park and his last start at third base came April 27.

Brian McCann, though, is expected back after getting a day off.

"I've seen these guys put up runs before," said manager Joe Girardi, whose team is batting .214 in the last 10 games. "I know we don't have Alex. I know we don't have McCann, too, our big boppers. But we had our opportunities."

Girardi hands the ball to Michael Pineda (10-8, 4.25), who has a 5.82 ERA in four starts after missing a month with a strained right forearm.

The right-hander has surrendered eight runs, 12 hits and four walks in 11 1-3 innings over his last two starts without getting a decision. He matched a career high by serving up three homers last Saturday against the Blue Jays.

Pineda beat the Mets on April 24 in his only career start against them, yielding one run with seven strikeouts in 7 2-3 innings in a 6-1 win.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Marlins (64-84) at Nationals (76-71)

Game: 3
Venue: Nationals Park
Date: September 19, 2015 4:05 PM EDT

The setting for a bounce-back Jordan Zimmermann outing is almost perfect, and that's basically what the Washington Nationals will need to be to have any chance at a postseason run in the season's final two weeks.

Zimmermann will try to keep his club's bleak playoff hopes alive against a Miami Marlins team he has owned of late as the NL East foes continue a four-game series Saturday at Nationals Park.

Washington's 5-4, 10-inning victory on Friday was its fifth in sixth games after dropping the opener. Jayson Werth slid home with the winning run to keep the Nationals (76-71) eight games behind the division-leading New York Mets with 15 games remaining.

'We're in a must-win situation,' said Werth, who was hit by a pitch and added a double to tie his career-high streak of consecutive games reaching base at 27. 'We've got to win pretty much every game every night we have a chance.'

Zimmermann (12-8, 3.51 ERA) figures to give Washington a good opportunity Saturday. The right-hander is 3-1 with a 1.88 ERA in his last seven starts in the series.

His only loss in that span came on July 28 when he allowed three runs in six innings of a 4-1 loss in Miami, though he bounced back by holding the Marlins to one run in seven of a 5-1 victory on Aug. 29.

Zimmermann tries to recover yet again, this time from the six runs he surrendered in six innings of an 8-7 win at Philadelphia on Monday. A return home should help as Zimmermann is 7-3 with a 2.47 ERA in 17 starts at Nationals Park this year and 26-8 with a 2.55 ERA there over the last three seasons. That includes a 4-0 mark and 2.22 ERA versus Miami.

Martin Prado is 13 for 29 with three doubles in his career against Zimmermann and 20 for 60 with two home runs against Washington pitchers this season, but he was out of Miami's lineup Friday as a precaution to deal with a wrist injury.

Rookie Justin Nicolino will make his 10th start for the Marlins (64-84), who have won 12 of 17.

Nicolino (3-3, 3.81) has a 3.35 ERA in the last six outings of his second stint with the team, but it still finding his way in the majors. The left-hander carried a 3-1 lead into the sixth inning Monday at New York but surrendered a two-out, two-run home run to Travis d'Arnaud as the Mets went on to win 4-3.

"I wanted that pitch back so bad,' Nicolino said. 'It's just one of those games that you take and keep learning from.'

Miami second baseman Dee Gordon is 3 for 8 so far in this series, extending his hitting streak at Nationals Park to 10 games.

Manager Dan Jennings said All-Star slugger Giancarlo Stanton could take live batting practice on Saturday for the second time this week as he pushes toward a return from a fractured left wrist that has kept him out since late June.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Diamondbacks (70-77) at Giants (77-70)

Game: 2
Venue: AT&T Park
Date: September 19, 2015 4:05 PM EDT

The San Francisco Giants seemed intent on making things interesting in the playoff race, but a setback in the series opener has put their playoff chances on life support.

Things could get even more difficult for the defending World Series champs on Saturday.

As the Giants try to bounce back with their ninth win in 13 games, left-hander Patrick Corbin hopes to resume his impressive comeback for the visiting Arizona Diamondbacks.

San Francisco (77-70) failed to make the playoffs following world championships in 2010 and 2012, and is very likely to continue that trend after a seven-game skid from Aug. 29-Sept. 4 derailed its bid.

The Giants had won five of the first six on this nine-game homestand before Friday's 2-0 defeat. They're now 8 1/2 games behind the NL West-leading Los Angeles Dodgers and nine back of a wild-card spot with just 15 remaining.

'We can't afford any (more) losses,' said losing pitcher Madison Bumgarner. 'All you can do is try to come back tomorrow and keep working until it's over."

Singles by Matt Duffy and Buster Posey were San Francisco's only hits against Rubby De La Rosa and four relievers. Posey is batting .435 over his last 18 games and .360 in 25 at-bats versus Corbin.

As was expected, Corbin (5-4, 3.29 ERA) had been inconsistent early on after missing all of last season following Tommy John surgery. The 26-year-old, though, has displayed the form that made him an All-Star in 2013 by posting a 1.85 ERA over his past four starts.

Corbin suffered his only defeat in that span Sunday when he allowed two runs over six innings in a 4-3 loss to the Dodgers. He's been on a strict pitch count since returning in July.

"It's just frustrating coming out," Corbin told MLB's official website. "I told (manager Chip Hale) that's the best I've felt, but I understand everything right now and where we are in the season."

After going 0-4 with a 4.79 ERA over his previous six starts versus San Francisco, Corbin worked six scoreless innings in a 6-1 home win Sept. 7. He'll face the Giants for a third time this season, though he hasn't pitched at AT&T Park since September 2013.

Mike Leake will try to end San Francisco's five-game home losing streak versus Arizona (70-77). He opposed Corbin earlier this month at Chase Field and allowed six runs and 11 hits over 5 2-3 innings.

Leake, 1-2 with a 5.40 ERA in his last four starts, pitched better in his last outing Sunday when he yielded three runs over six innings in a 10-3 home win over San Diego. The right-hander also contributed with his second home run of the season.

Leake (10-8, 3.72) has a 5.36 ERA in his eight career starts against the Diamondbacks. A.J. Pollock is 5 for 8 with a home run off him, but Welington Castillo and Paul Goldschmidt have gone a combined 5 for 36 with no homers in the matchup.

Pollock and Goldschmidt teamed for four of Arizona's five hits in the opener. Goldschmidt is batting .414 while hitting safely in all eight games at San Francisco this season.

San Francisco's Brandon Belt might not be available after leaving Friday's game because he had trouble concentrating. On Tuesday, he was kneed in the head while sliding into second base.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Red Sox (69-77) at Blue Jays (85-62)

Game: 2
Venue: Rogers Centre
Date: September 19, 2015 4:07 PM EDT

Something about Rogers Centre - and pretty much the road in general lately - has given Wade Miley fits.

It has brought out the best in R.A. Dickey and the Toronto Blue Jays recently.

Dickey looks to win a sixth straight home start when he faces Miley and the Boston Red Sox on Saturday.

The Blue Jays (85-62) have won 17 of 21 on their field since Aug. 2 after beating Boston 6-1 on Friday to open a nine-game homestand, their last of the season before closing with a seven-game trip.

Toronto also extended its AL East lead to 4 1/2 games after the New York Yankees lost to the Mets. Justin Smoak and Josh Donaldson drove in two runs and Ryan Goins had an RBI triple, but Edwin Encarnacion's franchise-record 44-game streak of reaching base ended.

Donaldson finished 2 for 4 and is batting .480 during a six-game hitting streak against the Red Sox (69-77). He's batting .339 at home compared to .265 on the road.

"I love pitching here," Marcus Stroman said after going seven innings to earn the win. "I feel great when I'm out there. When the roof is open it's my favorite place to be. I don't want to be anywhere else. It's special. I feel like I just thrive off everyone's energy."

Dickey (10-11, 4.08 ERA) might feel the same way. He has a 1.69 ERA in his last six at Rogers Centre with wins in his last five, including a complete-game, 5-1 win over Cleveland in his most recent appearance there Sept. 2.

He had a 2.67 ERA over his previous 12 starts overall - the Blue Jays won the last 10 - before he allowed all of the Yankees' runs in 7 2-3 innings of a 5-0 road loss Sunday.

The right-hander, who suffered his first defeat since July 9, gave up two runs in 15 innings over his previous two outings.

Dickey went 0-3 with a 5.76 ERA in his first four starts against the Red Sox this season before allowing one run in six innings of a 5-1, 10-inning win Sept. 8. Mookie Betts and Pablo Sandoval are both 5 for 14 off Dickey this year, with Betts having two triples and Sandoval hitting a homer and three doubles.

Betts has hit .434 in his last 13 games and is batting .421 during an 18-game hitting streak against Toronto.

Miley (11-10, 4.41) has had no suck luck with the Blue Jays, posting a 9.24 ERA in three career starts against them. The left-hander has allowed eight runs and 15 hits in 11 innings over two games at Rogers Centre this season. Miley walked a career high-tying seven the last time he took the mound there July 2, but he's walked just two in 36 innings over his last five outings.

He's 0-1 with a 5.96 ERA in his last four road starts as opposing batters have hit .342, although he was better last Friday at Tampa Bay while giving up three runs in seven innings before the bullpen blew the lead in an 8-4 defeat.

That loss opened a nine-game road trip for Boston, during which it has gone 3-4. Josh Rutledge drove in the Red Sox's lone run with a fifth-inning single Friday.

"We just gave this team extra chances at times and they took advantage of them," interim manager Torey Lovullo said. "That's why they're in first place."

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Orioles (72-75) at Rays (71-76)

Game: 3
Venue: Tropicana Field
Date: September 19, 2015 6:10 PM EDT

The Baltimore Orioles and Tampa Bay Rays are running out of time for a playoff push.

Mikie Mahtook is giving the Rays a glimmer of hope.

After tying the franchise record for hits, Mahtook will try to continue giving the Rays a lift Saturday night against the Baltimore Orioles.

With 15 games left, Tampa Bay (71-76) is 5 1/2 behind Houston for the AL's second wild-card spot, while Baltimore (72-75) is 4 1/2 back.

Losing 10 of their last 15 has severely damaged the Rays' chances, but they're hoping Friday's 8-6 win over Baltimore could be the start of a turnaround.

Mahtook is providing a spark, hitting .417 in 14 games since being recalled from Triple-A Durham on Sept. 1. He had his best performance yet Friday, going 5 for 5 to become the eighth player - and first rookie - in franchise history with five hits, including a pair of doubles.

He's 8 for 12 in the past three games, giving him a .441 average with nine runs over his last 11 games.

"Obviously you want to focus on the now and what you can do to help the team," Mahtook said. "My goal is to make this team next year out of camp and not ever have to go back to Triple-A. Hopefully my progress and results are helping out now."

Erasmo Ramirez (10-5, 3.75 ERA) is coming off a superb outing, taking a no-hitter into the eighth before he left with two outs in his longest outing of the year. The right-hander didn't allow a run, but the bullpen wasted the effort in a 4-1 loss to the New York Yankees on Monday.

He was 0-1 with a 6.20 ERA over his previous four starts.

"Maybe the difference was about how I attacked the hitters, mix the pitches," Ramirez told MLB's official website. "I just used fastball-changeup the whole time."

Ramirez has a 1.84 ERA in his last seven home starts. He's been backed by two runs or fewer in each of the past six outings there, going 1-1 with a 0.95 ERA in the last three.

He's 1-1 with a 4.42 ERA in three starts against the Orioles this season.

Baltimore turns to Wei-Yin Chen (9-7, 3.44), who's trying to build on his performance from Sunday's 8-2 win over Kansas City. The left-hander yielded two runs in seven innings after surrendering 10 in 9 2-3 of his previous two, losing his only decision - 6-3 to Tampa Bay on Aug. 31.

He was tagged for five runs and nine hits in 4 2-3 innings of that matchup.

"During the past two starts, maybe I was trying too hard, maybe I was kind of overthinking and I couldn't stay calm in the game," Chen said through his interpreter. "So I was just focusing on my pitching, and hoped that I can do better than the previous two starts."

Chen is 1-0 with a 2.91 ERA in his last four starts at Tampa Bay, with the last three ending in Baltimore victories.

This has been a good matchup for James Loney, who is 7 for 21 with a homer and two doubles off Chen. The first baseman had a two-run double Friday and is hitting .455 with four RBIs in his last six games against Baltimore.

The Orioles' Steve Pearce, a Lakeland, Fla. native, hit a pair of homers Friday, giving him seven and 14 RBIs in his last 17 games at Tampa Bay.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Royals (86-61) at Tigers (68-78)

Game: 2
Venue: Comerica Park
Date: September 19, 2015 7:08 PM EDT

Although their grip on the AL's top record continues to loosen, the Kansas City Royals can at least take some solace in ace Johnny Cueto's series-opening performance.

Now they're hoping Edinson Volquez can make progress of his own against the Detroit Tigers.

The right-hander will try to end his roller-coaster stretch Saturday night when Kansas City looks to string back-to-back quality starts for only the second time in three weeks.

The Royals have maintained a sense of calm despite dropping 10 of the past 14 games. They may be breathing easier after Cueto allowed two runs over seven innings in Friday's 5-4, 12-inning loss at Comerica Park. He had a 9.57 ERA while losing his previous five starts.

Kansas City has had its lead in the race for home-field advantage throughout the playoffs cut to one game while its starters have recorded consecutive quality starts once since Aug. 28.

The Royals (86-61) hope Volquez (13-8, 3.59 ERA) can regain some consistency after alternating between good and bad over his last eight starts. He was on the rocky side Monday when he gave up four runs over five innings in an 8-3 loss at Cleveland.

"We hear some people getting kind of crazy," Volquez told MLB's official website. "We hear that. But we know what we can do. We're not worried."

After allowing two runs over six innings in a 2-1 loss to Detroit (68-78) on May 2, the team's wins leader has gone 0-1 with a 9.90 ERA in two meetings over the past five weeks. He's making his first start at Comerica Park since September 2007, when he was with Texas.

Anthony Gose is 4 for 7 with a home run and Ian Kinsler is 4 for 9 versus Volquez this season. Victor and J.D. Martinez, though, are combined 1 for 23 lifetime in the matchup.

Kinsler finished with four hits and Miguel Cabrera went 2 for 4 with two RBIs Friday. Dixon Machado delivered a walk-off single after Kansas City's Salvador Perez tied it with a two-out homer in the ninth inning and the Royals had taken a one-run lead in the 12th.

'We fought back and got a great win," Tigers manager Brad Ausmus said.

Matt Boyd will try to help last-place Detroit win four straight for the first time since a 6-0 start. He's making his first start in 11 days after his last turn was skipped due to back-to-back rainouts.

The rookie left-hander, acquired from Toronto in the David Price trade, hasn't won in seven outings since beating Kansas City in his Detroit debut Aug. 5. He allowed one run and scattered seven hits over seven innings in that 2-1 home win.

After going 1-1 with a 2.92 ERA in his first two starts against the Royals this season, Boyd (1-5, 8.02) didn't get a decision despite yielding six runs and only recording three outs while opposing Volquez in a 15-7 loss at Kauffman Stadium on Sept. 3.

Lorenzo Cain, 3 for 8 with a home run off Boyd, could return after sitting the past two games with a possible ankle injury. Omar Infante left Friday's game with an oblique strain and Alcides Escobar might be sidelined after getting hit by a pitch in the 10th inning.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Reds (62-84) at Brewers (62-85)

Game: 2
Venue: Miller Park
Date: September 19, 2015 7:10 PM EDT

The Milwaukee Brewers have dropped into the NL Central basement and are on the verge of matching their longest losing streak of the season.

Handing the ball to rookie Taylor Jungmann against the Cincinnati Reds could solve both issues.

Jungmann looks to dominate the Reds again and win his fifth consecutive home start Saturday night.

Milwaukee (62-85) is on its third losing streak of at least seven games this year, dropping eight straight from April 15-22.

The current skid, which includes hitting .163 with runners in scoring position, has moved the Brewers one-half game behind Cincinnati (62-84) into last place.

Milwaukee went 0 for 11 with runners in scoring position in Friday's 5-3 series-opening loss.

"We got runners on, we just didn't get that next hit," manager Craig Counsell said. "That was the story of the game."

Jungmann (9-6, 3.05 ERA) has been a pleasant surprise in an otherwise very disappointing season for the Brewers, who likely will lose at least 90 games for the first time since 2004.

The right-hander is 5-2 with a 1.50 ERA in eight starts at Miller Park this year, winning four straight behind a 1.07 ERA.

That stretch includes six innings of a 5-0 win over the Reds on Aug. 28. He also beat them at Cincinnati on July 5, yielding one run in eight innings of a 6-1 victory.

Jungmann, however, wasn't that effective in his last two starts - both on the road - giving up 10 runs and three homers in 9 2-3 innings while losing his only decision.

He's held Joey Votto and Todd Frazier to a combined 2 for 11.

Votto will be back in the lineup after serving a one-game suspension for his tirade against umpire Bill Welke on Sept. 9. The slugger is hitting .462 with five homers and 16 RBIs in his last 15 road games, including 6 for 10 with a homer and three RBIs in three at Milwaukee.

He has a .426 average while driving in 13 runs in his last 12 games at Miller Park.

Frazier is batting .345 with two homers, two doubles and seven RBIs in seven games there this year. He had an RBI single and a double Friday.

Offensive support would be welcome with Josh Smith (0-2, 7.36) making his fourth career start and first since he was hit hard by the Brewers.

The 28-year-old rookie right-hander was tagged for five runs and walked three in 4 1-3 innings of a 7-3 loss to them on July 4. He also hit four batters, tying a franchise record set by Jake Weimer in 1907 and marking the most in a single game since Livan Hernandez did it with Washington on July 20, 2005.

Smith's performance earned him a demotion to the minors, but he returned to the Reds last week to make a pair of relief appearances. He served up a two-run homer and retired one batter in a 9-2 loss to St. Louis on Sunday.

This is the first three-game series since 1913 that will have rookies starting every game for both teams. Cincinnati is scheduled to start Anthony DeSclafani opposite Milwaukee's Ariel Pena on Sunday.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Phillies (56-92) at Braves (58-90)

Game: 2
Venue: Turner Field
Date: September 19, 2015 7:10 PM EDT

Each start holds importance for Jerad Eickhoff's role in the Philadelphia Phillies' future rotation, but the rookie right-hander is trying to keep his mind on this season's final two weeks.

Eickhoff will make his sixth start Saturday night against fellow rookie Ryan Weber as the last-place Phillies try to snap a four-game losing streak against the Atlanta Braves in a matchup of MLB's two worst teams at Turner Field.

Eickhoff (1-3, 3.90 ERA) has lost his last three decisions, but four quality starts since his promotion from Triple-A Lehigh Valley on Aug. 21 has the Phillies (56-92) perhaps looking to keep him in the rotation next year.

At the moment, though, Eickhoff is focused on his final three starts in 2015.

"Right now, I'm not really thinking about it or worried about it," he told MLB's official website. "I'm trying to go every five days, or whenever they tell me to throw, and go as long as I can. I think that's all I can do."

Eickhoff is one of four rookies getting a shot in the Phillies' rotation late in the season, and he and Aaron Nola are favorites to crack next year's group. He will try to help Philadelphia win for just the fourth time in 16 games.

Eickhoff won his major league debut but followed with three straight losses, the last of which he allowed six runs in four innings of a 6-2 defeat at Boston. He rebounded his last time out, though, by holding the Chicago Cubs to three hits and one run in seven innings of a 7-5 win last Saturday. Eickhoff struck out eight and walked three.

Philadelphia hopes to wake up an offense that has scored three runs in its last three games and struck out 53 times in the past four. The Phillies stranded 12 runners and left the bases loaded in the ninth inning during Friday's series-opening 2-1 loss.

'We're not getting the big hits we should get,' interim manager Pete Mackanin said. 'The only way we're scoring is home runs and we're not a home-run hitting team.'

Weber (0-1, 4.38) will try to help Atlanta (58-90) string together two wins for the first time since a three-game run Aug. 7-8.

He also had that chance against the Phillies in his first start on Sept. 8, but was a tough-luck loser, allowing two runs and four hits over six innings in a 5-0 defeat.

The right-hander wasn't as sharp against the New York Mets on Sunday, yielding four runs in 6 1-3 innings but left without a decision in a 10-7 loss. Weber retired 11 of 14 from the third inning through the sixth but left two runners on in the seventh that later scored.

"I wanted to pitch against a first-place team, and I proved to myself that I could pitch well against a first-place team," Weber said.

The Braves have won four of the last five against the Phillies, batting .315 and outscoring them 23-11.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Athletics (64-84) at Astros (77-71)

Game: 2
Venue: Minute Maid Park
Date: September 19, 2015 7:10 PM EDT

The Houston Astros' current slide began with another loss while Scott Kazmir was on the mound.

Losers in his last four starts, the Astros can end that skid by avoiding a sixth consecutive defeat Saturday night against the visiting Oakland Athletics.

Houston (77-71) began the week with a 1 1/2-game lead over Texas in the AL West before Kazmir (7-10, 2.63 ERA) allowed three runs in seven innings Monday while not factoring in the decision of a 5-3 loss to the Rangers. The Astros have lost every day this week and trail the Rangers by 2 1/2 in the division.

They appeared in good shape to end their losing streak Friday, but blew a 3-0 advantage before falling 4-3. The last of Danny Valencia's two homers was a two-run, go-ahead shot in the eighth that helped Oakland (64-84) drop the Astros to 4-12 in September by beating them for the sixth time in seven contests.

'We've picked a rough time to have a stretch where it's been rocky,' said manager A.J. Hinch, whose club holds the second wild-card spot. 'The good news is we do have more baseball to play.'

Kazmir ranks among the major league ERA leaders but is 1-5 with a 4.02 ERA while Houston has dropped seven of his last eight starts. He's received an average of 2.63 runs of support in his 10 starts since coming over from Oakland on July 23.

'You just want to go out there and give your team a chance to win,' he said.

Kazmir gave up a solo homer to Billy Burns and a three-run shot to Mark Canha in six innings of a 4-0 loss Sept. 8 in his first start since the trade. He was opposed by Sonny Gray (13-7, 2.56), who yielded five hits in seven innings to improve to 2-1 with 1.71 ERA in three starts against the Astros in 2015.

"You've got to earn your keep against these guys and find ways to scratch runs across," Hinch told MLB's official website.

Gray, however, is 1-3 with a 4.89 ERA in six starts since that outing. He'll look to bounce back after allowing a season-high seven runs and eight hits over three-plus innings of Monday's 8-7, 14-inning loss to the Chicago White Sox.

"I'm not going to look too much into it," said Gray, who carried a 1.72 road ERA into that contest. "That was tough, but you just keep going."

Jose Altuve and Carlos Correa are a combined 3 for 17 against the right-hander this season. Correa is batting .167 against the A's in 2015, and is hitless in 12 at-bats over the last three meetings.

The Astros won't have cleanup hitter Carlos Gomez, who will miss a seventh consecutive contest with intercostal discomfort.

"I haven't even thought about (swinging) yet," he said. "This is a new injury for me. It is getting better, and we're testing it every day."

Playing with four teams, Valencia is batting .415 with six home runs and 13 RBIs in 16 career games against Houston.

'There are certain teams that you gain some confidence against and swing the bat well against them and you feel good," manager Bob Melvin said.

Valencia is 1 for 5 against Kazmir.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: White Sox (69-77) at Indians (73-73)

Game: 2
Venue: Progressive Field
Date: September 19, 2015 7:10 PM EDT

With Chris Sale out of the picture and Carlos Carrasco back in it, the Cleveland Indians have a chance to start stringing ever-important wins together.

After pounding Chicago's ace, the Indians look for Carrasco to continue his climb back from the disabled list as they try to draw closer to a wild-card spot against the White Sox on Saturday night.

Cleveland (73-73) used a Carlos Santana grand slam in a six-run third inning off Sale to win the opener 12-1, but the Indians have traded wins and losses in their last six games. There is barely any wiggle room left as they trail Houston for the AL's second wild card by three games and sit behind two others with 16 to play.

A big boost would be a late surge at the plate from Santana, who hit his first home run since Aug. 23 and 16th of the season to go with 72 RBIs and a .237 batting average.

'We've all waited for that one real hot streak,' said manager Terry Francona, whose team totaled five runs while being swept in four at home against Chicago in July. 'He's always had that. In this last 16 games that would really be something to get him hot.'

Cleveland has a shot at its 16th win in 23 games if Carrasco (13-10, 3.62 ERA) can avoid pitching the way he has against the White Sox and instead do what he did in his second start back from a right shoulder injury on Monday.

After returning with a dismal start against Chicago, Carrasco found his old form in an 8-3 win over Kansas City. He held the Royals to one run in six innings, striking out nine, to pick up his first win since Aug. 21.

But the right-hander is 3-7 with a 6.08 ERA in 12 career starts against the White Sox, including a 1-3 mark and 10.03 ERA in four this season.

Carrasco came back from the DL with his second-shortest outing of the year, allowing four runs in 2 2-3 innings of a 7-4 loss to Chicago on Sept. 8. His only shorter one came against the White Sox on April 14, when he was forced to leave without recording an out after giving up two runs and taking a line drive off the side of his face.

Carlos Rodon (7-6, 3.94) earned the win against Carrasco earlier this month after limiting the Indians to one run in seven innings, improving to 2-0 and lowering his ERA to 1.64 in three starts and a relief appearance against Cleveland in his rookie season.

The White Sox (69-77) skipped Rodon's latest turn in the rotation, giving the left-hander a breather since his 135 2-3 combined innings between the majors and minors are a career high.

"I don't know if he necessarily needed it, but I think with what we have within the rotation, you're able to give him that break," manager Robin Ventura told MLB's official website.

Carrasco was held to 58 and 82 pitches in his first two starts back from the DL, respectively, but will not have a pitch count Saturday.