Saturday 9/24/16 service plays chatter/comps/requests & other stuff...

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

At the Gate - Saturday
By Mike Dempsey

Some of the top three-year-olds in the U.S. will line up today at Parx Racing in the $1.25 million Pennsylvania Derby (G2) including Kentucky Derby (G1) winner Nyquist and Preakness Stakes (G1) winner Exaggerator.

The race serves as a final prep before these three-year-olds take on older in the Breeders Cup Classic (G1) on Nov. 5.

In addition, the brilliant filly Songbird will be the heavy favorite while she tries to keep her perfect record intact in the $1 million Cotillion (G1).

I would be more excited except for the fact that I absolutely despite Parx Racing. A track with purses infused by money from slot machines, the track has the second worst takeout percentage for trifectas in the U.S. at a larcenous 30%. The only track higher is Penn National at 31%.

For a track that depends on slot money, fleecing horseplayers with a 30% takeout is disgusting.

In addition, trainer Ramon Preciado should be on the sidelines after being handed a 270-day suspension for a series of clenbuterol positives that occurred in 2015.

He decided to sue both Sam Elliott, the Parx director of racing, and Walter Remmert, the executive secretary of the Pennsylvania Horse Racing Commission, and lo and behold he is back training horses and has runners in four races on Saturday.

I’m not going to tell you not to wager on Parx this afternoon, but stay out of the trifecta and superfecta pools, and maybe fire up the off shore account. Apparently Parx does not need your cash, they have plenty of slot machines humming to pay the bills.


Here is the opening race from Belmont Park to get the day off to a good start:

BEL Race 1 Md Sp Wt (1:30 ET)
#2 Unforeseeable 10-1
#5 Win With Pride 2-1
#1 Big Handsome 9-5
#6 Sethary 5-1

Analysis: Unforeseeable is a $555,000 Keeneland purchase by Unbridled's Song out of the stakes winner Stage Shop ($252,320) who has dropped four winners, two stakes winners, top earner Mylute ($933,772). The colt has solid looking works on the morning tab for the Jerkens barn that is 14% winners with first time starters.

Win With Pride debuts for the Pletcher barn that is 19% winners with first time starters. The colt was a $450,000 Keeneland purchase by Distorted Humor (16% winner with debut runners) out of the stakes winner Love and Pride ($985,760), her first foal to race. Johnny V takes the call and this barn usually has them ready to go at first asking.

Wagering
WIN: #2 to win at 9-2 or better.
EX: 2,5 / 1,2,5
TRI: no play

Today’s Featured Race of the Day from Belmont Park:

BEL Race 8 The Noble Damsel G3 (5:16 ET)
#5 Mrs McDougal 9-5
#7 Stormy Victoria 3-1
#6 Zindaya 5-2
#1 Akatea 12-1

Analysis: Mrs McDougal gets some class relief here after taking on Grade 1 company in her last two starts. Two back she made a mild late rally to finish third in the Just a Game over the turf here in her first go off a two-month break. Last out she tracked the early pace and weakened in the stretch to finish seventh in the Diana (G1), beaten 4 1/4 lengths for the top spot. The third place finisher was stablemate Raina Da Bateria came back to win the Canadian (G2) at Woodbine with Dacita running second. Fifth place finisher Strike Charmer came back to win the Ballston Spa (G2) in her next outing on Aug. 27. She has won graded stakes win, taking the Lake George (G2) last summer at the Spa. The cut back to a mile will suit her.

Stormy Victoria is coming off a good effort in a runner up finish in the restricted De La Rose last out at the Spa, beaten a length by Lady Lara. She has won twice in the U.S. in four starts, beating Alw-2 and Alw-3 optional claimers. She steps up a notch in class here but comes in here very sharp for the Clement barn that has won this race five times.

Zindaya was third in the De la Rose behind our second choice last out, beaten two lengths for the top spot. The Brown trainee earned a career top speed fig two back winning the Intercontinental over the turf here going seven furlongs. That win came in her second start off a 10-month layoff. The mare has done her best work sprinting but she looks as if she has matured this year and can handle the distance against this group.

Wagering
WIN: #5 to win at 9-5 or better.
EX: 5,7 / 1,5,6,7
TRI: 5,7 / 1,5,6,7 / 1,2,5,6,7

Today’s Featured Race of the Day from Parx Racing:

PRX Race 11 The Pennsylvania Derby G2 (5:45 ET)
#10 Sunny Ridge 12-1
#9 Nyquist 5-2
#2 Exaggerator 9-2
#4 Connect 12-1

Analysis: Sunny Ridge is going to get overlooked on the tote and looks primed fora big effort today. The gelding showed plenty of promise as a juvenile, winning the Sapling and running second in the Champagne (G1) before missing in the Delta Jackpot (G3) in a photo. He started his three-year-old campaign by winning the Withers (G3) at the Big A and his connections said at the time the ultimate goal was not the Derby but the Haskell. After a fourth in the Gotham (G3) he skipped the Triple Crown races and ran pretty well in the slop in the Haskell, checking in third at 31-1, beaten 3 1/2 lengths. He has shown he runs well fresh and comes in here off a two-month break for the Servis barn that has won with 5 of 12 starters here. He should get a good tracking trip behind what could be a sharp pace and is going to get the jump on the late runners.

Nyquist started his career winning eight in a row including the Kentucky Derby (G1) but his connections blew it strategy wise by sending him to the lead in the Preakness (G1) where he was dueled into defeat. He then weakened to finish fourth last out in the Haskell, his last pair both over wet tracks that rival Exaggerator relishes. He gets a fast track today and unlikely he is going to be on the lead here. He should bounce back with a better effort but the question is whether he offers much value.

Exaggerator faded to finish a well beaten 11th in the Travers last out and with his 11th in the Belmont (G1) it sure looks as if he really wants a wet track. He is not going to get it today, but he will get an honest pace and that should be enough to make him a player here.

Wagering
WIN: #10 to win at 8-2 or better.
EX: 9,10 / 2,4,9,10
TRI: no play into a takeout of 30%.

Live Longshots:
These are price plays for exotic players looking to find a couple of extra contenders to use in their trifecta and superfecta wagers. Or for those with smaller bankrolls, you might want to get in a small win-place wager.

Belmont Park
R1: #2 Unforseeable 10-1
R3: #2 Everybodyluvsrudy 8-1
R6: #7 On Tap 8-1
R7: #4 Patterson Cross 8-1
R8: #1 Akatea 12-1
R9: #2 Whateveryouwant 10-1
R9: #4 Cinder Block 10-1
R9: #1 Champagne Therapy 10-1

Good luck today!

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Handicapped by Chatsworth Consortium at Century Downs

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

Race 3 - Post: 1:50 - 1 mile. PACE - Class Rating: 67 - Purse:$5000 - ABSS ALBERTA MARQUIS THREE YEAR OLD FILLIES ELIMINATION
CONSORTIUM*CHOICES

# 1 OUTLAWSURSHOTSHARK 2/1
# 2 SENGA NAPTHA 4/1
# 3 JUST BECOZ 6/1

OUTLAWSURSHOTSHARK is the most favorable wager in this contest. Cannot put a finger on it, but back this filly for a bet. This contender looks dangerous. Look at the 74 average speed fig. She has nice class stats, averaging 70. Could be considered for a bet for this one. SENGA NAPTHA - It's a bit risky to consider solely based on class, but this filly has among the most solid class ratings of the race. JUST BECOZ - This contender has been making trips to the winner's circle on a routine basis, look for her to make another showing soon. Can't ignore this nice horse, especially in exotics. Pace numbers put her in the mix here.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Handicapped by Chatsworth Consortium at Mohawk Racetrack

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

Race 7 - Post: 9:30 - 1 mile. PACE - Class Rating: 94 - Purse:$311000 - MILTON - FINAL - FILLIES & MARES. ALSO ELIGIBLE: EMPRESS DEO
CONSORTIUM*CHOICES

# 4 SOLAR SISTER 5/2
# 3 LADY SHADOW 8/5
# 6 FROST DAMAGE BLUES 15/1

Look no further than SOLAR SISTER as the wager in this one. May provide us a triumph based on very good recent TrackMaster Speed Ratings - earning an average of 95. LADY SHADOW - This race could be controlled by this mare. A single look at the avgerage TrackMaster Speed Rating will confirm that. The 93 average class ranking may give this mare a distinct edge in the group. FROST DAMAGE BLUES - The consortium will always toss in a nice horse from the 6 post here at Mohawk Racetrack, definite exotic possibilities. If effort in the last race is any indicator, this interesting entrant will have a very good shot today. High last race speed figure.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Handicapped by The Walker Group at Delaware Park

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


Race 4 - Claiming - 6.0f on the Dirt. Purse: $13000 Class Rating: 69

FOR FILLIES AND MARES THREE YEARS OLD AND UPWARD WHICH HAVE NEVER WON TWO RACES. THREE YEAR OLDS, 120 LBS.; OLDER, 123 LBS. NON-WINNERS OF A RACE SINCE AUGUST 24 ALLOWED 3 LBS. CLAIMING PRICE $5,000.


RECOMMENDED*CHOICES


# 1 RESIDUAL VALUE 5/1

# 7 ARCH'S CUTIE 7/2

# 8 STARSHIP STACHE 6/1

RESIDUAL VALUE is the most favorable wager in this race. Looks competitive for the conditions of this race today, showing solid figures in dirt sprint races as of late. Ought to be given a shot in this contest if only for the very good speed figure garnered in the last race. Has to be given consideration here on the basis of the figs in the speed department alone. ARCH'S CUTIE - Win percentage one of the most respectable in this group of horses in this race. STARSHIP STACHE - Is worth a close look and may be a bet - strong speed figures (52 average) at today's distance and surface lately.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Handicapped by The Walker Group at Indiana Downs

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


Race 1 - Maiden Claiming - 7.5f on the Turf. Purse: $20000 Class Rating: 77

FOR MAIDENS, FILLIES AND MARES THREE, FOUR, AND FIVE YEARS OLD. THREE YEAR OLDS, 118 LBS.; OLDER, 122 LBS. CLAIMING PRICE $25,000, FOR EACH $2,500 TO $20,000 1 LB. IF THIS RACE IS TAKEN OFF THE TURF, IT WILL BE RUN AT 1 MILE ON THE MAIN TRACK.


RECOMMENDED*CHOICES


# 9 SHE'S A TEN 3/1

# 6 ENGLISH FLOWER 4/1

# 8 EXPLOSIVE VACATION 5/1

SHE'S A TEN is the strongest bet in this race. Formidable average speed figures in turf sprint races make this equine a key contender. Jimenez has been scorching the last month, winning at a nifty 15 percent rate. ENGLISH FLOWER - Had one of the top Speed Figures of this field in her last contest. The quick return to racing points to a formidable effort this time around. EXPLOSIVE VACATION - This jock and conditioner team has produced some solid return on investment numbers at this track. She has put up strong figs under today's conditions and will most likely fare well against this group of animals.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Handicapped by The Turf Club Analysts

Parx Racing - Race #11 - Post: 5:45pm - Stakes - 9.0 furlongs on the Dirt. Purse: $1,250,000 Class Rating: 110 Pennsylvania Derby (Grade 2)

Rating:

#9 NYQUIST (ML=5/2)
#7 GUN RUNNER (ML=6/1)
#5 CUPID (ML=5/1)
#3 SUMMER REVOLUTION (ML=8/1)
#10 SUNNY RIDGE (ML=12/1)


NYQUIST - A little change in scenery has got to do this one well. Reading the PPs, it seems like he likes to visit the winner's circle on different tracks. The recent bullet 138.2 work should put this colt on track for today's contest. This colt is almost always on the board. This horse collects a lot of money per race around the track. Tops in this race. GUN RUNNER - This colt is very reliable, frequently finishing in the money. This colt is in good condition. Finished third on August 27th. This horse has shown the form to win on different tracks. Making the move from Saratoga for today's event, I have to believe he's ready to run. CUPID - This jock and handler have a great winning pct when they partner up. Changes tracks from last out at Mountaineer Park to here. Multiple wins at different tracks tell me this animal likes to switch it up, so that's a good sign. SUMMER REVOLUTION - Based on morning blow outs, I look for this colt to run a big race. After a pair of sprints, he's routing today, which is probably what this colt wants to do. In his last race, this colt showed good early zip then fell back before finishing nicely. Last ran at Saratoga and finished fourth. Reviewing his PP lines, I see he was close at the finish, within 5 of the winner. SUNNY RIDGE - When this jock and handler team up you have to take a look. Bravo and Servis have been wonderful together. This thoroughbred already beat the morning-line favorite last race out at Monmouth Park.

Vulnerable Contenders: #2 EXAGGERATOR (ML=9/2),

EXAGGERATOR - This steed didn't race too well last time finishing eleventh. Don't see any hint of any betterment in today's event.


STRAIGHT WAGERS:

#7 GUN RUNNER to win at post-time odds of 7/1 or better

EXACTA WAGERS:

Box [7,10]

TRIFECTA WAGERS:

[5,7,9] with [3,5,7,9,10] with [3,5,7,9,10] Total Cost: $36

SUPERFECTA WAGERS:

[7,9] with [5,7,9] with [3,5,7,9,10] with [3,5,7,9,10] Total Cost: $24

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Handicapped by The Turf Club Analysts

Arlington - Race #4 - Post: 2:49pm - Allowance - 6.5 furlongs on the Dirt. Purse: $24,800 Class Rating: 91

Rating:

#3 DR. CLARK (ML=5/2)
#2 CADET CAPTAIN (ML=4/1)


DR. CLARK - Becker brings him back again. I advise you stick with this live gelding. Gelding's last race was against tougher open company. He's in with easier 'state breds' today. The 104 last race speed rating looks strong on paper. CADET CAPTAIN - This horse coming off a solid race in the last month or so is a win candidate in my humble opinion.

Vulnerable Contenders: #4 SMOKEY ROW MAC (ML=7/2), #8 PRAIRIE REBEL (ML=9/2), #6 GOLDEN DART (ML=6/1),

SMOKEY ROW MAC - Looked like he was in good form on September 3rd. Hasn't been near the track since then though. Not a positive sign. PRAIRIE REBEL - Finished first in his most recent race with a mediocre rating. When I look at today's class rating, it would take an improved performance to score after that in this field. GOLDEN DART - Today's race is 6 1/2 furlongs. Hasn't finished in the money in a short distance race in the last couple months. Not the best of signs. When examining today's class rating, he will have to register a much better speed rating than last race out to compete in this dirt sprint.



STRAIGHT WAGERS:

Putting our cash on #3 DR. CLARK to win. Have to have odds of at least 3/2 or better though

EXACTA WAGERS:

Box [2,3]

TRIFECTA WAGERS:

3 with 2 with [4,7,8] Total Cost: $3

SUPERFECTA WAGERS:

3 with 2 with [1,4,6,7,8] with [1,4,6,7,8] Total Cost: $20

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Handicapped by Rick Needham at Belmont Park

RACE #4 - BELMONT PARK - 3:04 PM EASTERN POST

The Ashley T. Cole Stakes

9.0 FURLONGS INNER TURF THREE YEARS OLD AND UPWARD STAKES $125,000.00 PURSE

#3 KING KREESA
#5 OFFERING PLAN
#6 TAPITATION
#4 KHARAFA

Well folks .... this race is named in honor of the late Ashley T. Cole who served as chairman of the New York State Racing Commission. He played a pivotal role in the formation of The New York Racing Association. Here in the 31st running of The Cole, #3 KING KREESA, a 4-1 shot, is the overall speed and pace profile leader in this field written for N.Y. Breds, and has produced "POWER RUN PERFORMANCES" in each of his last five outings, hitting the board in three, including a pair of "POWER RUN WINS" found in both his last start, as well as in his 3rd race back. #5 OFFERING PLAN, the morning line favorite, has also produced "POWER RUN PERFORMANCES" in five straight, hitting the board in three, including a "POWER RUN WIN" in his 4th race back. Jockey Irad Ortiz and Trainer Chad Brown send him to the post ... they've hit the board with 60% of more than 250 entries saddled as a team to date.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Hawthorne: Saturday 9/24 Analysis
By Jeremey Day

DRF

Race 7 - $20,000 Guaranteed Pick Four Pool

Best Bet (20 - 36 / $99.60): SIR MAMMO (4th)

Spot Play: CAFFEINE KID (3rd)


Race 1

In a very competitive field, (7) DUNESIDE SPORT has been knocking on the door against this group and will offer a big price. (4) SUMMER SHANDY should be closer turning for home this week. (2) WINNING DREAM was a game winner at this level last start. The pacer gets sent out for a hot barn.

Race 2

(4) SAND OF THE BEACH has improved greatly over the last month. The pacer should offer another big price and finished a good second last out. (7) COOL LIKE THAT isn't the most consistent but has been very competitive against similar. (1) FOX VALLEY ELIJAH has burned cash in four of five; use caution.

Race 3

(2) CAFFEINE KID picked a terrible time to make a miscue in the final last out. The pacer had really started to blossom prior to that. (5) BROOKLYNITE impeccably bred pacer is fast enough to beat this bunch with a good setup. (6) BEST MAN HANOVER has been dreadful in his last two showing very little effort; command a price.

Race 4

(7) SIR MAMMO owns a big burst of speed especially with a good setup. The pacer should offer a nice price and might get a fast pace to close into. (4) RED HOT ART always had the ability and now has the look of a serious pacer. (6) AIMO HANOVER needed the start over the track last week. The pacer finds a slightly softer bunch.

Race 5

(4) MR COOLIE takes a huge dropdown and will be tough to beat with a smooth trip; short price. (2) KELLY D put in a huge effort last week just missing. The pacer can threaten with a similar effort. (1) DELIGHT FASHION gets the best post but has just been racing evenly; use underneath.

Race 6

(2) COLE HEAT veteran Illinois bred finds a much softer spot to get back on track. (3) DINKY DUNE will likely offer the best price of the contenders; threat. (4) FIVEKNUCKLESHUFFLE the effort two starts ago was super. The pacer has a tendency to be inconsistent from week to week but is more than capable.

Race 7

(1) LOUSCIPHER should offer a better price this week with the miscue in his recent start. The 2-year-old was super sharp the start prior. (5) LOUGAZI has hit the board in five straight. The 2-year-old can threaten with some racing luck. (6) POLAR B has finished first or second in seventy percent of his starts. The 2-year-old is very versatile.

Race 8

(6) GABE HENRY was able to win from a tough spot last week. The freshman pacer will try and prove he's the best despite finishing third in the final. (1) FOX VALLEY HERBIE has been a completely different horse for the new pilot. (7) FOX VALLEY NEMITZ still races greenly but has tons of ability.

Race 9

(8) KANSAS WILDCAT twelve-year-old stallion finds a weak and inconsistent field. The pacer has been close in two straight. (3) TWOMICKEYTRIP closed a bunch of late ground after being far back against better last week. (5) FORT SILKY veteran pacer might be able to mount one more good mile before his retirement.

Race 10

(1) MAJOR LEGACY almost lasted on the lead last week. The pacer gets the best post and looks to be one of few threats in the race. (6) HE GONE JACK owns wins against better on the year. (7) CITIZEN KANE will look to make it three straight for proven connections.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Mohawk: Saturday 9/24 Analysis
By Garnet Barnsdale

DRF

Race 1 - $30,000 Guaranteed Pick Five Pool

Race 4 - $50,000 Guaranteed Pick Four Pool


20-CENT PICK 5: 1,4/1/3,4,6,8,10/4,5,6/1,3,6,8 = $24

EARLY PICK 4: 4,5,6/1,3,6,8/5,8,10/3 = $36

LATE PICK 4: 1,2,3/6/1,4/2,3,5,6,9 = $30

MEET STATS: 360 - 1081 / $1865.90 BEST BETS: 59 - 99 / $185.90

SPOT PLAYS: 21 - 99 / $131.00

Best Bet: ANIKADABRA (2nd)

Spot Play: GEORGIES POCKETS (3rd)


Race 1

(1) NIRVANA SEELSTER will likely try to control things throughout in this short field and he stands a good chance of doing so. (4) ELLIS PARK faces mostly easier here and may try to grind the leader down first up; respect. (5) ROCKIN IN HEAVEN should get a spot near the front early here. If he can drop into the choice's pocket he will be dangerous. (6) AMERICAN VIRGIN will be looking for a live helmet and would benefit from a mid-race duel here.

Race 2

(1) ANIKADABRA has been lights out in her past three starts and she looks like the most likely winner in several Grassroots finals tonight in which there are sure to be some upsets; top call and Pick 5 single. (4) STRITCH tried the choice first up last time and was easily repelled but she could offer some exacta value here as she can capitalize off a better trip. (5) DELCREST MAGICSTAR is getting hot at the right time but she still needs to find more speed to challenge the choice. (7) LATE SHIFT can close late for a share here.

Race 3

(10) GEORGIES POCKETS was super last week, taking a new life's mark despite missing 5 1/2 weeks. His price should be good again here starting from out there; top call. (8) MUSCLES FOR LIFE, Grand Circuit winner two back, easily beat many of these last week and he's the one to beat here. (4) WINDSUN MISSILE has really turned up his game in his two most recent starts and he will be coming late here again. (6) MASS BALANCE went a big trip from the 10-hole last week; he isn't out of this and he should offer a good price again here.

Race 4

(5) P L KARIS had a perfect tightener for this final last week now she moves to a much better post; slight nod. (4) P L KAHLUAA has been excellent racing in Grassroots company as has (6) DUDESALADY. Pace and trip will likely decide things here. (2) DAENERYS HANOVER can close up late for a small slice here.

Race 5

(1) MAGICAL VALENTINE was in no hurry to start her move last week and she paid the price late. Expect more aggression from this filly here. (3) SUNRISE AVENUE has had two first-up trips in a row and didn't miss by much. Zeron could work out a better trip this time and beat them all. (6) MAGICAL STEPH is always right in the picture racing in the Grassroots; using. (8) ANNELI HANOVER is another in with a serious chance in a competitive dash. Consider her for multi-race bets, too.

Race 6

(5) MANY A MAN should get a good stalking trip behind a few early speed types here and prevail late. (8) SANTINI showed a new dimension last week which makes him extra-tough; using. (10) HEAD TURNING JAG is another that could benefit from a hot early pace here if he can stay trotting. (1) THEMANOFMYDREAMS will try to control the front here but he is likely to get hounded early and often.

Race 7

(3) LADY SHADOW got a beautiful trip last week and capitalized late. She should be fresh and ready here for the Milton final. (4) SOLAR SISTER was rusty after missing three weeks but she did show some grit late in her mile. She could be much better returning in a week here. (6) FROST DAMAGE BLUES is lightly-raced this year and sharp; beware. (9) BEDROOMCONFESSIONS can work out a better trip this time and close late for a piece.

Race 8

(2) FOREVER LIZA gets a rare inside post to work with here which makes her the pick. (1) FREE SHOW took a new life's mark last week and she couldn't be sharper right now. Toss her on Pick 4 bets. (3) WINDSUN GLORY should be better here returning quicker. She isn't out of this. (5) BERNADETTE should be passing many of these late. Use her on the bottom exotic rungs.

Race 9

(6) ARSENIC has ratcheted up his late speed in his past two starts and he should be tough to beat here. (7) CONTINUAL HANOVER - winner of three straight Grassroots dashes - is the obvious danger. (10) ST LADS MOONWALK has shown he can overcome this post, but things get tougher in the final; smaller share predicted. (3) BIG PLACE can pass most of these in the second 1/2 and take a share.

Race 10

(1) DREAMFAIR B J raced tough first-up last week and he could offer a great price and get a better trip here. I'll stab with him. (4) TYMAL PEACEMAKER is obviously the one to beat and a must-use in the late Pick 4. (3) DARK SHADOW should get a good following trip near the front again and take a share. (2) BET ON BRETT has shown he likes Grassroots company and he is another that should be in the picture here.

Race 11

(3) HIDDEN POTENTIAL has been live for all three starts here and hasn't been able to work out a winning trip; maybe tonight at a price? (2) NOCTURNAL BLUECHIP was passing horses in an accelerating back 1/2 last week. He can go forward off that good effort here. (5) VEGAS ROCKS provided perfect cover for the winner last week. He is sharp but needs a better trip, which he could get here. (6) PRINT MEDIA has been facing some tough sophomores. Give him a look at a price here. (9) UFDRAGONS ROCKET is a consistent earner that could better this prediction.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Yonkers: Saturday 9/24 Analysis
By Matt Rose

DRF

MEET STATS: 332 - 966 / $1,797.80

BEST BETS: 43 - 80 / $144.90

Best Bet: FUNKNWAFFLES (3rd)

Spot Play: BIT OF A LEGEND N (9th)


Race 1

(5) ROARING TO GO won easily in his two local starts and he has a post edge on two of his main rivals, which will make working out a winning trip an easier task. (7) PLANET ROCK is almost perfect in her young career for Toscano and would be the clear choice if not for the post. (8) TEQUILA MONDAY joined the party late with just four lifetime starts but she has impressed in all of them; bad post presents a major problem, however.

Race 2

(2) NON STICK broke stride in two of her last four but that was with Dan Dube driving. Owner/trainer Ake Svanstedt gets back in the bike and he steered the filly to two easy wins last month; top billing with the post edge. (5) FAD FINANCE is sure-gaited and is loaded with ability; obvious player. (8) EARN YOUR WINGS overcame the eight hole to upset here last month and I have to assume Bartlett will be leaving looking to improve position early.

Race 3

(4) FUNKNWAFFLES put on an awesome speed display last out and coasted home in 1:54 3/5. Anything resembling that effort will make her a winner tonight. (2) MISO FAST bounced back from two subpar efforts with a front-end stroll last out; Burke trainee is clearly the main threat to the top choice. (3) BARRY HANOVER gets some post relief and keeps Bartlett in the bike; consider underneath at a price.

Race 4

(4) DEVIOUS MAN looks for his fifth straight for the team of Andy and Julie Miller; freshman trotter looks clearly best in here from this spot but he'll have to work harder than he did in his last couple. (1) STICK WITH ME KID should be good enough to secure a live stalking trip from this spot and appears capable of holding his ground late. (7) MONEY MACINTOSH is another Julie Miller entrant who picks up Tetrick in the bike but he's coming off a break and the outside post may present a problem.

Race 5

(3) SOFT IDEA has had her moments this season including two upset wins at Yonkers; she could be in line for a live cover trip from this spot and have the strongest late kick. (2) NO CLOUDS BLUE CHIP has been a solid commodity all year including an impressive win in the EBC at Vernon; filly may be the favorite here. (5) DIME A DANCE just missed last out and the Burke trainee returns to Kakaley in the sulky.

Race 6

(5) MAMORA BAY has been very impressive in her young career for Sam Schillaci and that race last month where she recovered from a break and swept the field is still fresh in my mind. I'll take a stab with her on top. (3) BARN BELLA has been super since Jeff Gregory took over the driving but she's missed time with a scratched-sick line which may be a cause for concern. (8) AMBER ELLA jogged last out after avoiding the breakers and she looks for five straight but is stuck in the eight hole.

Race 7

(7) TALK SHOW qualified effortlessly last week in preparation for this NYSS Final event and Morrill sticks with him over his barnmate; outside post will help his price in what looks like the toughest race to decipher of the eight finals. (1) BOTTOM DEALS has been much better in his last few and he draws best with Tetrick driving. (2) CRAFTSHIP has been a fringe player with these but he does draw well enough and has the hot Scott Zeron driving.

Race 8

(2) SMALLTOWNTHROWDOWN came up just shy to Marion Marauder in the Yonkers Trot and followed that up with a nice front-end score in his latest. Dan Daley will have him winging early from this spot and will have to be caught. (4) DANTE had a nice trip in behind the winner last out but was clearly no match late. Svanstedt trainee is quite accomplished in just 11 lifetime starts however and would be no surprise. (8) DAYSON is arguably the most talented in the field but he broke last out while trying to brush to the front and he may have too far to come from the outermost post.

Race 9

(5) BIT OF A LEGEND N got away last which sealed his fate in last week's Open. Obviously the Levy champ is a big threat if closer to the action. (2) DOCTOR BUTCH picks up Tetrick and is always a threat with an inside post. (8) ROCKEYED OPTIMIST is a legitimate talent but he may be done in here by the eight hole.

Race 10

(3) COOPERSTOWN didn't leave the gate last week, which is his best game, but he did pace home decently from too far back. Post relief should help his cause. (2) BLOOD BROTHER was flying home from nowhere last out and is now the one to beat from this spot but will he be overbet? (7) MCARDLES LIGHTNING was sacrificed uncovered into Wiggle It Jiggleit in the Quillen at Harrington but he raced well in the Open here in his prior starts.

Race 11

(3) CRAZSHANA needed last week's race after missing some time; Bamond trainee proved earlier in the year that he can compete with these. (6) ALLERAGE STAR put in a solid two-move effort last week just missing at a big price; she can be forwardly placed again. (7) MELADY'S MONET finally returned to the win column but he's got much to do tonight from the outside post assignment.

Race 12

(4) BOURBON BAY was overmatched in stakes competition last out, his second start for Svanstedt. Trotter has raced well here in the past. (2) TOBER will appreciate the move inside. (6) SPRINGBANK SAM N has looked very good since arriving in the U.S. for Tritton and he may have more to offer.

Race 13

(6) TAKE IT BACK TERRY was outbattled by Polak A last week after cutting the mile. Burke trainee is probably better from off the pace and appears way overdue. (1) DREAM OUT LOUD N gets some class relief and is given a nice rail assignment; threat. (3) WESTERN ROCKSTAR raced well last week for a board spot after having missed three weeks.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

SPOT PLAYS

For Saturday

TRACK (RACE) HORSE, MORNING LINE

Arlington Park (3rd) Midnight Blue Note, 8-1
(6th) Alazan Shiner, 4-1


Belmont Park (7th) Hunter O'Riley, 8-1
(10th) Flying K C, 3-1


Belterra Park (2nd) Thankless, 3-1
(7th) Equulei, 3-1


Charles Town (1st) Bull Bailey, 7-2
(7th) Big Distinction, 5-1


Churchill Downs (2nd) Afleet Jay, 5-1
(4th) Lilly's Dream, 3-1


Delaware Park (2nd) Dancin Debbie, 3-1
(3rd) Joyful Holiday, 3-1


Finger Lakes (5th) Grady, 7-2
(8th) Palace Barista, 5-1


Gulfstream Park (8th) Starship Frontier, 6-1
(10th) Norman's Hero, 4-1


Hastings Park (3rd) Ariki Princess, 4-1
(7th) We Found Gold, 4-1


Indiana Grand (1st) English Flower, 4-1
(7th) Corinthian's Glory, 6-1


Laurel Park (2nd) Royal Crusader, 8-1
(11th) Peppermint Prince, 3-1


Los Alamitos (4th) Jeoffie, 5-1
(9th) Star Express, 3-1


Louisiana Downs (1st) Kid Creole, 6-1
(3rd) Social Doll, 8-1


Monmouth Park (5th) Tybalt's Queen, 3-1
(6th) Secretive, 9-2


Mountaineer (3rd) Real Catchy Tune, 4-1
(9th) Go Heat, 6-1


Parx Racing (3rd) Uncle Hen, 3-1
(5th) Flashy Kyem, 8-1


Penn National (5th) Hide a Rose, 3-1
(9th) Kingdom's Crown, 7-2


Pleasanton (6th) Tres Twain, 9-2
(9th) Quick and Silver, 3-1


Remington Park (1st) Fastanista, 6-1
(3rd) Magnolia March, 9-2


Retama Park (7th) Witts Lil Apache, 3-1
(8th) Prince Isaac, 9-2


Thistledown (1st) Aristocrat Again, 3-1
(5th) Kyles Marigold, 7-2


Woodbine (4th) Miss Steffi, 3-1
(7th) Victory 'n Rouge, 10-1

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

September Pitchers Report
By Marc Lawrence

Much like our waistlines after a tasty Labor Day barbeque, MLB rosters have expanded to accommodate September, the final month of the season. And as College Football and the NFL crash onto the scene, MLB pitchers take the final spotlight in hopes of leading their teams on to the playoff trail.

The question is which ones can we count on and which ones figure to be candidates for offseason Weight Watchers meetings?

Check it out.

Listed below are hurlers that have enjoyed a two-to-one or better success ratio in team starts the last three seasons during the month of September. On the flip side, we’ve also listed pitchers that struggle in September team starts, winning 33% percent or less of their efforts.

To qualify pitchers must have made a minimum of 10 starts, with at least one start each September over the last three years.

Note: * designates a categorical repeat appearance by this pitcher, maintaining status quo from last season’s September’s list.

Enjoy the games.

GOOD MONTH PITCHERS:

Arrieta, Jake - 12-2 (8-1 H)

For nearly two full seasons, Arrieta has been as good as it gets in baseball as a starting pitcher. While strikeouts have been down a bit and walks are up of late, at this time it hard to find fault with a hurler who has opposing batters hitting below .200 against him and has a 2.84 ERA to start the month.

Cole, Gerrit - 14-3 (6-0 H)

The Pittsburgh ace has frankly had a mediocre injury-plagued season and on August 27th had an MRI on his elbow, which revealed no damage. If Pirates the are going to snare a third consecutive Wild Card bid, they will need the Cole of the past two years. Note: Cole’s record also represents his MLB career team start mark during the month of September.

*Grenike, Zack - 13-3 (7-1 H)

Greinke's ERA is higher than past year's but pitching in thinner air of Arizona has contributed to this. While the Diamondbacks have little too play for, expect Grienke to be tough as nails like usual.

Hamels, Cole - 12-5 (6-2 H)

Need a big game pitched in September? It’s hard to go wrong with Hamels, whose ERA of 2.91 is well below career mark of 3.26. Still owns lively fastball and changeup is knee-buckling. A true professional.

*Jimenez, Ubaldo - 12-1 (6-0 H)

Still toeing the rubber every five days or for Baltimore in spite of mid-sixes ERA. Baltimore has few options and Jimenez is not trustworthy in the bullpen either. Orioles need big month from their big man to reach the playoffs and this is his best month.

*Kershaw, Clayton - 12-3 (6-1 A)

Kershaw threw in simulated game on August 30 and later said "feeling really good" and if all goes well, the Dodgers hope Kershaw can pitch in September and beyond in some role, which only makes the Dodgers a bigger threat. Best pitcher in baseball.

Kluber, Corey - 10-3 (5-1 A)

Has been back to Cy Young form since the All-Star break with an ERA under 2.00 and Cleveland has won his last six outings. When he commands both sides of dish with fastball, for whatever reason, his curveball has more break. A true established ace for the Tribe trying to win the division.

Koehler, Tom - 10-5 (5-1 A)

Been very effective in a quiet way nationally, but has been extremely dependable for two months leading to this month for Miami, supplying six to seven solid innings per start. If he's throwing strikes inside to batters, he’s tough to hit. Note: Koehler’s record also represents his MLB career team start mark during the month of September.

Peavy, Jake - 11-3 (5-1 H)

Went on DL in late August with lower back strain. Had been working out of bullpen most of August and future status with San Francisco is as cloudy as the weather in the Bay.

*Price, David - 12-5 (7-2 H)

After a largely below season in Boston, Price has been much sharper in latter stages of August, which is what the Red Sox need. What has changed is Price became more effective in keeping the ball lower and is getting more fly ball outs as a power pitcher, which are genuinely more routine.

*Scherzer, Max - 11-4 (6-3 H)

After a somewhat slow start, Scherzer has been getting better and better and base hits allowed are well below innings pitched (128 vs. 190), yet walking few batters (45), especially compared to strikeouts (238). Back to pacing around mound like the king of the jungle.

*Shields, James - 13-4 (8-0 A)

It has been a wild ride for Shields this season, with numerous hideous outings blended in with several sharp ones. At this stage, hard to think the 34-year righty can duplicate the past seasons.

Strasburg, Stephen- 9-4 (5-1 A)

Starts the month on the DL after some very ugly starts last month. If Washington is to do anything in the postseason, Strasburg needs to regain early season form, which features moving fastball and big breaking curve.

*Zimmermann, Jordan - 11-4 (6-2 A)

If rehab assignments go well, September 10th is target date for return. Zimmermann has not been very effective for quite some time and easy to forget he had ERA of 2.45 in mid-May, compared to current 4.44.

BAD MONTH PITCHERS:

*Hellickson, Jeremy - 2-10 (1-5 H)

All things considered, Hellickson has not had a bad year in Philadelphia. However, upon closer inspection, most of his numbers are now near career norms and if that ends being the same this month, real bet against potential.

Leake, Mike - 5-10 (1-7 A)

The Cardinals right-hander has been a lot like his teams, when Leake has been good, he and St. Louis have generally won, when not they have too often lost badly. Cards are hoping not to see a repeat performance from the veteran.

Ross, Tyson - 3-11 (1-6 A)

Started on Opening Day and has not been seen since for San Diego with bum shoulder. Still trying to work way bad through rehab. Probably best to forget 2016.

*Sale, Chris - 2-12 (0-8 A)

It is almost unimaginable Sale could have a record like this in September, yet he does. Part of it is the White Sox offense is too unreliable and Sale's miscues end up being quite costly. Let's see what the final month brings for the big lefty.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

MLB roundup: Cubs clinch NL homefield advantage
By The Sports Xchange

CHICAGO -- Jake Arrieta's goal may be perfection but he realizes he can occasionally ease up and still have good outcomes.
Arrieta (18-7) scattered five hits in a seven-inning shutout effort as the Chicago Cubs beat the St. Louis Cardinals 5-0 on Friday at Wrigley Field.
Chicago (98-55) topped last year's 97-win total and matched the most victories by any Cubs team since 1945 with its fourth straight in the opener of a three-game weekend series.
The Cubs also clinched home-field advantage throughout the National League playoffs, thanks to the Washington Nationals' loss to the Pittsburgh Pirates Friday night. The Cardinals are a half game behind the Giants for the second wild card.

Rangers 3, Athletics 0
OAKLAND, Calif. -- Cole Hamels pitched seven shutout innings, Adrian Beltre hit a two-run homer and Texas clinched the American League West crown with a victory against Oakland at the Oakland Coliseum.
The Rangers won the West for the second straight year and for the fourth time in the past seven seasons. They've made the postseason five times overall in that span and reached the World Series in 2010 and 2011 but lost both years.
Hamels (15-5) allowed six hits, struck out seven and walked two. He won for the first time since Aug. 25 against Cleveland. Hamels went 0-1 with a 10.50 ERA in his previous four starts. But he looked ready for the postseason in a rematch against the A's and right-hander Kendall Graveman, seven days after allowing six runs over six innings and getting a no-decision in a 7-6 Rangers win in Arlington.

Tigers 8, Royals 3
DETROIT -- Victor Martinez, Justin Upton and Cameron Maybin blasted home runs to back rookie Michael Fulmer's seven innings of one-run ball in Detroit's victory over Kansas City that kept the Tigers in control of the American League's second wild-card spot.
Detroit remains a half-game up on Baltimore for the second spot and the Tigers' fifth win in a row kept them one game behind Toronto.
Fulmer (11-7) allowed eight hits, struck out seven and didn't walk a batter. His seven innings gave him 155 2/3, enough to qualify for and assume the league's ERA lead at 2.95. He needs 6 1/3 innings in his final start of the season Wednesday against Cleveland to reach the 162 he needs to qualify for the ERA crown.

Orioles 3, Diamondbacks 2 (12 innings)
BALTIMORE -- Mark Trumbo led off the bottom of the 12th inning with his 44th homer of the season and Baltimore rallied past Arizona.
Trumbo lined a 1-2 pitch from Matt Koch (1-1) into the left field seats to snap a four-game losing streak for the Orioles.
Baltimore remains a 1/2 game behind Toronto and Detroit, both of which won Friday night, in the wild-card standings.
The Orioles loaded the bases with one out in the 11th, but failed to score as Manny Machado flied to short left and Chris Davis flied to center.

Red Sox 2, Rays 1
ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. -- Boston won its ninth straight game, getting a first-inning home run from David Ortiz and letting it stand in a win over Tampa Bay at Tropicana Field.
Ortiz, greeted to cheers in his final series at the Trop, tagged Rays starter Chris Archer (8-19) with a two-run home run, in what would end up as Archer's 11th straight loss against Boston over a span of 16 starts. Drew Pomeranz (3-5) threw five innings and the bullpen held Tampa Bay to one hit in the final four.
Boston (90-64) came in with a 5 1/2-game lead in the American League East and held that lead on Toronto, now with eight games to play. The Rays have dropped four of their last five, and are now 7-10 against the Red Sox this season. Archer set a franchise record with his 19th loss and now leads the majors as well.

Blue Jays 9, Yankees 0
TORONTO -- Troy Tulowitzki had four RBIs, Josh Donaldson hit a two-run homer, Francisco Liriano pitched six scoreless innings and Toronto defeated New York.
The Blue Jays maintained their hold on the first American League wild-card spot while dealing a blow to the wild-card chances of the Yankees. The Blue Jays are still one game ahead of the Detroit Tigers, who hold the second wild-card spot. The Yankees fall to four games behind the Tigers.
Liriano (8-13) allowed three hits, two walks and struck out six to even his record at 2-2 since joining the Blue Jays in August after a trade with the Pittsburgh Pirates.

Braves 3, Marlins 2
MIAMI -- Adonis Garcia's ninth-inning single drove in the go-ahead run as Atlanta continued to haunt Miami with a victory at Marlins Park.
The last-place Braves are 11-6 against the Marlins this season.
Pinch-hitter Emilio Bonifacio started the ninth-inning rally with a one-out single. He stole second and advanced to third on a throwing error by catcher J.T. Realmuto. Bonifacio scored when Garcia stroked a 2-2 pitch to left for a single.

Indians 10, White Sox 4
CLEVELAND -- Jose Ramirez doubled, homered and had four RBIs, Coco Crisp had three hits and three RBIs and Cleveland beat Chicago at Progressive Field.
The win is Cleveland's fourth in a row as the Indians reduced their magic number for clinching the American League Central Division title to three games.
The Indians trailed 2-0 after three innings, but then scored 10 runs over the next three innings to hand the White Sox their sixth loss in a row.

Mets 10, Phillies 5
NEW YORK -- Michael Conforto's three-run homer capped a six-run fifth inning by New York, who retained at least a share of the National League wild-card lead by using six pitchers to patch together a vital victory over Philadelphia at Citi Field.
The Mets have a one-game lead over the San Francisco Giants for the top wild card in the NL. New York is 1 1/2 games ahead of the St. Louis Cardinals, who fell to the Chicago Cubs 5-0.
The Phillies have lost two straight for the first time since a three-game skid from Sept. 9-11.

Padres 7, Giants 2
SAN DIEGO -- Right-hander Edwin Jackson held San Francisco to two runs over six innings and Wil Myers put San Diego ahead to stay with a three-run homer in the first inning as the Padres defeated the Giants at Petco Park.
The loss dropped the Giants a game behind the New York Mets in the National League wild-card race, although San Francisco still holds a half-game lead over St. Louis for the second wild-card berth.
The win was the Padres' seventh in eight games against the Giants since the All-Star break after the Giants won the season's first nine meetings.

Brewers 5, Reds 4
MILWAUKEE -- Chris Carter hit his 38th home run of the season and Ryan Braun hit a two-run single in the seventh as Milwaukee rallied for a victory over Cincinnati at Miller Park.
Reds right-hander Anthony DeSclafani (8-5) worked six innings and allowed five runs on six hits and three walks while striking out four.
Jose Peraza had two hits for Cincinnati, including a three-run home run in the fifth that put the Reds up, 3-1.

Pirates 6, Nationals 5 (11 innings)
PITTSBURGH -- Pinch-hitter Jacob Stallings hit a bases-loaded, two-out, full-count RBI single to left in the 11th as Pittsburgh came from behind to beat Washington at PNC Park and keep the Nationals from moving closer to clinching the National League East title.
Washington still has a magic number of two for clinching, thanks to its loss and a win by the New York Mets.
Pittsburgh has won seven of its past 10 and eight of its past 12, but time is running out on its playoff hopes. It was four games out of an NL wild-card spot, pending San Francisco's later game, with nine games remaining.

Mariners 10, Twins 1
MINNEAPOLIS -- Seattle posted a six-run seventh inning to open its three-game visit to Minnesota decisively, blasting past the struggling Twins.
Robinson Cano went 4-for-5, scored twice and had a pair of RBIs for Seattle, which remained two games behind Detroit for the final wild-card spot in the American League after winning for the third time in five games.
Left-hander James Paxton (5-7) went seven innings for the Mariners, allowing one run, five hits and striking out nine Twins for his first win since Aug. 7. Although most of the damage was done after he left the game, Minnesota starter Kyle Gibson (6-11) took the loss, allowing five hits and two runs in five innings.

Angels 10, Astros 6
HOUSTON -- C.J. Cron, whose throwing error in the sixth inning yielded a run, delivered a bloop single in the ninth inning to help Los Angeles to a comeback victory over Houston at Minute Maid Park.
The Angels mounted a stunning rally against Astros closer Ken Giles (2-5), starting with a leadoff single from nine-hole hitter Cliff Pennington with Houston leading 6-4. Third baseman Yunel Escobar followed with a game-tying, two-run homer four batters before Cron deposited a hit into shallow center field to score Mike Trout.
The Astros were knocked out by another bloop hit, this one a three-run double off the bat of pinch-hitter Rafael Ortega. Astros shortstop Carlos Correa made a diving attempt at the ball in center field but came away empty, allowing Ortega to clear the bases with two outs. Correa left the game following the play.

Dodgers 5, Rockies 2
LOS ANGELES -- Joc Pederson and Andre Ethier homered, and Los Angeles inched closer to a fourth straight National League West title with a victory over Colorado at Dodger Stadium.
With the second-place San Francisco Giants losing to the Padres 7-2 in San Diego, the Dodgers reduced their magic number to two to win the division.
Reliever Ross Stripling worked three scoreless inning for the win. Stripling led a parade of relievers to the mound after Dodgers starter Scott Kazmir lasted just one inning before leaving with right intercostal spasms. Kazmir, who allowed two hits and threw 19 pitches (13 strikes), was making his first appearance in a month after dealing with neck issues.
Rockies starter Jon Gray struck out 10, walked three and surrendered four runs on three hits in four innings.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Cardinals (80-73) at Cubs (98-55)

Game: 2
Venue: Wrigley Field
Date: September 24, 2016 1:05 PM EDT

CHICAGO -- There's something about Wrigley Field that continues to bring out the best in Chicago Cubs pitcher Jason Hammel.

Hammel (15-9, 3.56 ERA) brings the second-best home ERA in baseball (1.84) into Saturday's middle game against the St. Louis Cardinals. He's also 10-1 in 14 home starts.

But whether Hammel is one of the Cubs starters in the post-season has yet to be determined.

"The way I look at it is there's no wrong choice," said Hammel earlier week after tossing a four-hit ffort over seven innings in the Cubs' 5-2 victory over the Cincinnati Reds. "We got 25 guys who are going to put up wins for us, whether it's hitting, pitching, defense. ... So we're going to continue to what we do, do our work and show up and play, and they'll put up the best team out there."

The Cubs got some critical bullpen reinforcement on Friday with the return of right-hander Pedro Strop off the disabled list following a left meniscus tear suffered last month and subsequent arthroscopic surgery.

Strop, 31, is 2-2 with 21 holds and a 2.892 ERA in 51 relief appearances with the Cubs this season.

The Cubs enter Saturday's middle game with the Cardinals needing just two victories to hit 100 for the season and are currently on a pace to secure 103.

They'll wrap up the home season on Sunday as left hander Jon Lester (18-4) meets Cardinals righty Carlos Martinez (15-8, 3.16 ERA). Lester has the second-lowest ERA in the league behind teammate Kyle Hendricks (2.06).

Chicago will hit the road next week for four games at Cincinnati and three at Pittsburgh before opening the NL playoffs next month.

The Cardinals, on the outside looking in for one of two final wild card berths, will try to break out of a two-game losing streak as Alex Reyes (3-1, 1.03 ERA) makes his 11th appearance and fourth start of the season in Saturday's middle game of the Cubs-Cardinals series.

Reyes has won his last two starts, including a Sept. 18 outing against the Giants where he allowed no runs on four hits while striking out six and walking two over seven innings in the Cardinals 3-0 victory.

It's not known whether shortstop Aledmys Diaz returns to the lineup on Saturday. He's was sidelined for the second game in the last three on Friday due to continued arm soreness. Diaz is batting .303 in 104 games with 26 doubles and 61 RBI.

Mike Holliday won't return to action on Saturday either but there's hope the veteran Cardinals outfielder could play before the season wraps up.

He took live batting practice on Friday and could have one more before the Cardinals decide whether to active him from the disable list or shut him down.

Holliday has been on the disabled list since Aug. 12 with a right thumb fracture and has missed 38 games.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Royals (77-77) at Tigers (83-70)

Game: 2
Venue: Comerica Park
Date: September 24, 2016 1:05 PM EDT

DETROIT -- "Just win" continues to be the daily mantra of Detroit and Kansas City until winning will no longer be mathematically good enough to get them into baseball's postseason.

"They're trained themselves not to look too far ahead," manager Brad Ausmus said of his Tigers, who Saturday afternoon host the Royals in the middle game of their weekend series. "They're not looking past (this game)."

The Tigers beat the Royals 8-3 on Friday night to maintain their position as the second wild-card team in the American League. Detroit is a half-game up on Baltimore and a game back of Toronto.

Kansas City is on track to become the latest World Series winner not to qualify for the playoffs the season after.

The Royals must climb over multiple teams to claim a wild-card spot and it gets less likely with each loss.

"The injuries definitely took a toll on us this year," Kansas City manager Ned Yost said. "We lost some key players and two big pieces in the middle of our lineup with Moose (Mike Moustakas) and with (Lorenzo) Cain.

"We lost Hoch (reliever Luke Hochevar) and we lost Wade (closer Davis) twice. Wade's doing fine. It's part of the game. You've just got to be able to deal with it and continue to keep striving and keep moving forward."

Kansas City right-hander Yordano Ventura (11-11, 4.35 ERA) takes the ball Saturday and opposes left-hander Daniel Norris (3-2, 3.63).

Ventura is coming off his second career complete game in his last outing, an 8-3 victory over the Chicago White Sox. He's 5-4 with a 3.42 ERA in 13 post-All-Star game starts.

The Tigers have yet to beat Ventura, who in 10 starts plus one relief appearance is 7-0 against Detroit with a 2.84 ERA.

Norris has faced the Royals three times previously in his two-season career with an 0-1 record and 3.57 ERA in three starts. Two of those starts and one loss have come this year.

"I think there's a little bit of a sense of urgency now," Ausmus said. "This is our last home stand now; last chance at home to try and do something in the standings.

"We're playing against two teams that know each other very well in Kansas City and Cleveland and we know (them) very well. For some reason, maybe I was the only one who felt it, but I thought there was more energy.

"You just keep moving forward. That's how you're trained when you play this game. You just keep plowing forward. There's no rearview mirror."

"We control where we end up," said Ian Kinsler, who reached base four times Friday with two walks, a single and a double in his return to the lineup after missing three games with concussion symptoms.

"I thought, being back home with the music in the background, the fans cheering, it was a little bit of a different atmosphere,' Ausmus said. "We're hoping the rest of this homestand, the next six games, we see similar results, and we see the same atmosphere in the stadium.

"There was a palpable difference in the ballpark."

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Yankees (79-74) at Blue Jays (84-69)

Game: 2
Venue: Rogers Centre
Date: September 24, 2016 4:07 PM EDT

TORONTO -- As the New York Yankees' run production dwindles, so do their faint chances of earning an American League wild-card spot.

They were shut out for the second game in a row Friday, this time 9-0 by the Toronto Blue Jays, who tightened their grip on one of the wild-card spot. It followed a 2-0 loss by the Yankees to the Tampa Bay Rays on Thursday.

The Yankees have been blanked 12 times this season, with five coming in September.

"It's not what you want," Yankees manager Joe Girardi said. "It's frustrating. We just weren't able to get anything going. We haven't swung the bats particularly well the last couple of nights."

The Blue Jays have been the team that was having trouble hitting and the second game of the four-game series with the Yankees on Saturday could provide further indication if the bats are back.

The Blue Jays have had 10 or more hits in five of their past eight games. In their previous 12 games, they had reached 10 or more hits only twice.

Despite the win Friday, they are still only 8-12 in September and have a slim one-game advantage over the Detroit Tigers for the first wild-card spot. The Yankees slipped to four games behind the Tigers, who occupy the second wild-card spot.

"Things are kind of slipping away at this point," Yankees left fielder Brett Gardner said. "We're not out of it but we're definitely not in a good position. It's frustrating."

It was a different story in the Toronto clubhouse.

"That was fun," said Blue Jays second baseman Devon Travis, who doubled and singled to improve his batting average to .308. "If we could score nine every game, that's definitely ideal. I think it's what this offense is capable of doing."

The Blue Jays were 5-for-11 with runners in scoring position Friday after going a combined 5-for-44 with runners in scoring position in the five previous games.

"We just did some really good things offensively tonight," Blue Jays manager John Gibbons said.

Travis has been one of the few Blue Jays who has been hitting. He ended his 17-game hitting streak in the 2-1, 12-inning loss to the Seattle Mariners on Wednesday. He did walk in that game and after the game Friday, he has reached base in 19 straight games. He is batting .360 (31-for-86) during September.

The Blue Jays will start right-hander Marcus Stroman (9-9, 4.50 ERA) Saturday against Yankees left-hander CC Sabathia (8-12, 4.19 ERA).

Stroman will be trying for his first win since Aug. 14. He completed August with two no-decisions before losing all four starts in September, despite an ERA of 3.91.

He is 1-1 with a 2.77 ERA in two starts this season against the Yankees and is 5-2 with a 2.53 ERA against them in seven career starts.

Sabathia will be going for his eighth career win at Rogers Centre Saturday. He is 7-3 with a 3.19 ERA in 11 career starts at Rogers Centre.

In 25 career starts against the Blue Jays, he is 15-9 with a 3.45 ERA. As a Yankee, he is 8-6 with a 3.45 ERA in 15 starts against Toronto.

The Yankees have lost six games in a row at Rogers Centre, their longest losing streak there since they lost seven in a row in 1992-93.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Rangers (91-63) at Athletics (66-87)

Game: 2
Venue: Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum
Date: September 24, 2016 4:05 PM EDT

OAKLAND, Calif. -- The Texas Rangers took the first step Friday night toward what they hope will be a World Series championship when they clinched the American League West crown.

One day after beating the Oakland A's 3-0, the Rangers will try to zero in on their next goal, securing home-field advantage for the AL playoffs.

Rangers right-hander Yu Darvish will face A's rookie right-hander Raul Alcantara in the second game of the three-game series at the Oakland Coliseum on Saturday afternoon.

"It's important to start, no matter who you're playing, at home," Rangers third baseman Adrian Beltre said. "Obviously we went through a tough series with Toronto last year and we played the last game at their place. Sometimes when you play at your place it's a little easier for you because you got the fans behind you and you're more familiar with the stadium you play in."

Texas is 91-63, but Cleveland, which leads the AL Central by seven games, is 90-63. And Boston, which leads the East by 5 1/2 games, is 90-64.

"It's really important," said Rangers left-hander Cole Hamels, who pitched seven shutout innings for the win Friday. "There's a comfort knowing you're (playing) in front of your fans. So that's something we got a lot of work to do because there are some good teams that are going to be trying to do the same this week."

Darvish, who missed the entire 2015 season while recovering from Tommy John surgery, will make his 16th start of the season and second straight against the A's. A week ago in Arlington, Darvish gave up seven runs on seven hits over five innings in an 11-2 loss to Oakland and Alcantara. He struck out eight and walked four.

In his past three starts, Darvish is 0-2 with a 7.47 ERA over 15 2/3 innings. He allowed 13 runs and 17 hits during that span while striking out 21 and walking eight.

Alcantara will make his fourth career major league start and second straight against the Rangers in a rematch with Darvish.

Alcantara allowed two run on five hits over 5 2/3 innings at Globe Life Park a week ago. He struck out three and walked none.

"I thought he pitched really well," A's manager Bob Melvin said. "Every time out he seems to get more and more comfortable, and more so last time than any. We're (on) a little bit of a pitch count with some of these guys and an innings count. Whether it's him or (Jharel) Cotton, we're not going to overextend them. But I thought pitching in that ballpark against that lineup and having the success he did was big for him."

What was working well for Alcantara against the Rangers?

"Everything," Melvin said. "The velocity on the heater was good, his secondary pitches were good. He kind of put everything together that maybe in his first two starts, certainly in his first start, wasn't there. We saw the last game what our development people have been saying about him."

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Red Sox (90-64) at Rays (65-88)

Game: 2
Venue: Tropicana Field
Date: September 24, 2016 6:10 PM EDT

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. -- The Boston Red Sox have won nine straight, their longest win streak in more than five years, and as they look to extend that stretch Saturday against the Tampa Bay Rays, their bullpen has been an underappreciated part of their success.

Friday was an excellent example, as closer Craig Kimbrel and reliver Koji Uehara got the night off for rest and the bullpen still came through with four scoreless innings to make a two-run home run in the first hold up for a 2-1 victory.

"Can't say enough of the run that entire group has been on," manager John Farrell said. "When you consider tonight we were staying away from Kimbrel and Koji. We were able to match up all the way through ... They continue to come in and execute extremely well."

Brad Ziegler pitched the ninth for his fourth save with the Red Sox -- and 22nd of the season -- but four relievers helped get the game there. Joe Kelly pitched a scoreless sixth, Robbie Ross got two outs, Matt Barnes three and Robby Scott one in a high-leverage situation.

Boston might not need the bullpen as much Saturday, with right-hander Rick Porcello on the mound with a 21-4 record and 3.08 ERA. He's thrown at least seven innings and allowed three runs or less in 11 straight starts, matching Cy Young (1904) and Pedro Martinez (2000) for the longest such streaks ever in a single season by a Red Sox pitcher.

His toughest challenge in his last five starts came against the Rays, who got him for six hits and three runs in seven innings in a game the Red Sox still pulled out on Aug. 29.

Not as fortunate down the stretch has been Matt Andriese, whose win last weekend at Baltimore ended a personal seven-game losing streak. Andriese has pitched well against Boston in his career -- 1-1 with a 4.58 ERA, including a 2.08 ERA at Tropicana Field. His last outing against Boston was a rough one, giving up a career-high seven runs and 10 hits, including seven for extra bases, on August 29.

Rays manager Kevin Cash got a strong night from his bullpen in Friday's loss, as four Rays relievers combined for three innigns of scoreless, two-hit relief, but that hasn't been the norm in the final two months of the season.

The final week and a half of the season is a chance for not only the team, but for individuals to finish the season with momentum going into the offseason, like OF Mikie Mahtook, who had a home run among two hits in Friday's 2-1 loss.

"It's been a little bit of a different season for me," Mahtook said. "Obviously I haven't played to my expectations or my ability. We still have a few games left, and I think I can repeat what I did last September over these last 10 games or so."

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Nationals (89-64) at Pirates (77-76)

Game: 2
Venue: PNC Park
Date: September 24, 2016 7:05 PM EDT

PITTSBURGH -- It might feel like a do-over Saturday when the Washington Nationals and Pittsburgh Pirates play the second game of their three-game series at PNC Park.

Thanks to Pittsburgh's 11-inning, 6-5 win Friday, Washington is still trying to clinch the National League East title, and the Pirates are still clinging to long odds that they will get into the postseason.

Actually, even if the Nationals had won Friday, they would not have clinched because their magic number was two and the New York Mets won. But a win would have left Washington in control and needing just a win Saturday -- or in any of its last nine regular-season games -- to capture its third division title in five years.

Pittsburgh also has nine games left, but a 3 1/2-game mountain to get into a wild-card position might be insurmountable.

Still, getting the win Friday to help keep their hopes alive and avoid a scenario where Washington gets to celebrate at their home park was something positive for the Pirates -- and especially for rookie Jacob Stallings, who hit a walk-off pinch-hit RBI single with two outs and a full count in the 11th.

"Obviously, it's a big win for us trying to make the playoffs," Stallings said. "It was pretty cool."

Washington's Joe Ross (7-5, 3.48 ERA) is slated to start Saturday, his second start since coming off the disabled list after recovering from a shoulder injury.

After being out 2 1/2 months, Ross allowed one run on six singles in three innings on Sunday, throwing 51 pitches, in the Nationals' rain-shortened loss against Atlanta the Braves.

"I felt good, and that was what I was mainly concerned with," Ross told the Washington Post after that game. "Just going out there feeling good and competing."

The Nationals hope for a little more from Ross, and look for him to go longer Saturday. That is particularly true now after Washington used seven relievers Friday.

Before he got hurt, Ross struck out a career-best 11 in 7 1/3 innings in a 4-1 Washington win over Pittsburgh that was Ross' third major league start.

Ross will be matched against one of the Pirates' steadiest starters over the past seven weeks.

Ivan Nova (12-7, 4.19 ERA) has been more than steady since the Pirates acquired him from the New York Yankees Aug. 1.

In his first nine starts with Pittsburgh, he is 5-1 with a 2.93 ERA with 46 strikeouts and just three walks.

He has made just one career start against Washington, a 4-1 win while pitching for the Yankees in 2012.

Nova has been so good that reports abound that the Pirates will not be able to afford to re-sign him despite their interest in doing so.

For now, Pittsburgh needs him to keep its playoff hopes alive Saturday.