Saturday 9/5/15 service plays chatter/comps/requests & other stuff...

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Handicapped by The Turf Club Analysts

Bar

Arlington - Race #2 - Post: 1:46pm - Claiming - 8.5 furlongs on the Turf. Purse: $8,550 Class Rating: 95

Rating: Golden DollarGolden DollarGolden Dollar

#2 EXCHANGING KISSES (ML=6/1)
#7 ICE CLIMBER (ML=3/1)
#6 SNAPPED (ML=5/2)


EXCHANGING KISSES - Forgive the outside the top 3 finish on the off track last time out. Under better track conditions, has a chance right here. If this gelding gets out of the gate cleanly, he'll be tough to catch. A repeat of that last effort on August 22nd where he earned a rating of 82 looks high enough to win in this contest. Horse made up some ground in deep stretch in the last race on August 22nd at Arlington. That event is better than it looked. ICE CLIMBER - This gelding has higher odds on the morning line than the other entrant from the stable of Rivelli. Better watch out for this angle. Comparing how the horses in this field have fared under similar conditions, I see this animal has the highest Equibase speed fig for the distance/surface. This gelding is in good physical condition, having run a nice race on Aug 22nd, finishing fifth. Average Equibase class figure is tops in this field. I think that is a big edge for a race on the grass. This equine didn't run well on the soft turf in his last race at Arlington. You may want to overlook that effort. Out of the money finish last time around the track at Arlington was better than it looked on paper. He improved position down the homestretch and never gave up. SNAPPED - Although it's been awhile, this gelding won at a higher class level and at today's distance. I think he could run back to that old form today. This rider and conditioner have a high win percentage together.

Vulnerable Contenders: #5 HAPMAN (ML=5/1), #8 BADGER BAY (ML=6/1), #1 HARVEST HOME (ML=8/1),

HAPMAN - Tough for this closer horse to get up today. Without a hot pace to stir things up, the lone pace is going to make it awfully hard to get the job done. BADGER BAY - This closer should have a rough go of it to be along in time with an absence of pace in this race. Difficult to take this mount at this price after the finish (fifth) in the last race. Don't believe this runner will make an impact in today's event. That last speed fig was disappointing when compared with today's Equibase class figure. HARVEST HOME - This animal hasn't been in the mix in either of his last couple of efforts. A rallier like this one needs a speed battle to set things up and he isn't likely to get one this time around.

Top HatGUEST COMMENTARY: Winston - EXCHANGING KISSES - Last time out is deceiving, better than it looked. Will give a nice performance this time.


STRAIGHT WAGERS:
#2 EXCHANGING KISSES is the play if we get odds of 4/1 or better

EXACTA WAGERS:
Box [2,7]

TRIFECTA WAGERS:
Box [2,6,7] Total Cost: $6

SUPERFECTA WAGERS:
[2,6,7] with [2,6,7] with [2,5,6,7,8] with [2,5,6,7,8] Total Cost: $36

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Handicapped by The Turf Club Analysts

Bar

Charles Town - Race #2 - Post: 7:31pm - SO - 8.5 furlongs on the Dirt. Purse: $19,000 Class Rating: 85

Rating: Golden DollarGolden DollarGolden DollarGolden Dollar

#6 LATENT FIRE (ML=8/1)
#4 JAZZY'S QUATTRO (ML=8/5)
#1 HOOCHED EXPRESS (ML=9/5)


LATENT FIRE - A wise man taught me to wager on the lone speed horse. Take a look at this thoroughbred. When Larrosa and Starkey work together on animals the return on investment has been fantastic at +48. Dropping in class rating points from his August 19th race at Charles Town. Based on that valuable data, I will give this horse the advantage. JAZZY'S QUATTRO - This thoroughbred coming off a solid race in the last month is a strong challenger in my humble opinion. I like the case that this gelding's last fig, 92, is tops in this bunch. HOOCHED EXPRESS - I'm expecting this beautiful animal to run a big one today.

Vulnerable Contenders: #3 MAJESTIC INDEED (ML=7/2),

MAJESTIC INDEED - You always think this horse has a shot to win, but he falls short often. The speed rating in the last race doesn't fit very well in this clash when I look at the class figure of today's contest. Mark this horse as a possibly overvalued contestant.


STRAIGHT WAGERS:
Bet on #6 LATENT FIRE to win if you can get at least 7/2 odds

EXACTA WAGERS:
Box [4,6]

TRIFECTA WAGERS:
Box [1,4,6] Total Cost: $6

SUPERFECTA WAGERS:
Pass

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Handicapped by Rick Needham at Saratoga

RACE #10 - SARATOGA RACE COURSE 5:47 PM EASTERN POST


The Woodward Stakes

9.0 FURLONGS DIRT GRADE I THREE YEARS OLD AND UPWARD STAKES $600,000.00 PURSE

#2 LIAM'S MAP
#8 PROTONICO
#1 WICKED STRONG
#6 COACH INGE

Rick's "History Lesson" continues ... the Woodward is named in memory of William Woodward, Sr. who was chairman of the Jockey Club from 1930 to 1950 and whose Belair Stud colors were carried to victory by father-son Triple Crown winners Gallant Fox and Omaha and champions such as Nashrullah, Nashua, Granville and Johnstown. Horses bred by Belair won every major stakes in America as well as the Epsom Oaks, St. Leger Stakes, and 1000 Guineas in Britain. The Woodward, run through the years as a handicap, a weight-for-age event and an allowance stakes, was inaugurated in 1954 at Belmont Park and also was run several times at Aqueduct before being moved to Saratoga with the expansion of the meet to include Labor Day in 2006. Here in the 62 running of this Grade I event, #2 LIAM'S MAP has hit the board in "POWER RUN FASHION" in each of his last five outings, and this recent streak of racing consistency includes a quart of "POWER RUN WINS!" #8 PRONTONICO, a 12-1 BOMB, is the speed leader in this field, and comes off back-to-back "POWER RUN WINS" in his last two starts.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Balmoral: Saturday 9/5 Analysis + Pick Five Ticket
By Jeremey Day

DRF HARNESS

Race 4 - $20,000 Guaranteed Pick Five Pool ($5,922 C/O)

Race 9 - $25,000 Guaranteed Pick Four Pool

Jeremey’s 50 cent Pick Five Play:

ALL / 3 / 2,4,6,7 / 8 / 3,5,6 = $48

Best Bet: BS TYRRIFIC (7th)

Spot Play: TOGETHERFOREVER (8th)


Race 1

(3) GIMMEAZZZMOOCH pacing mare will be looking for a good payday and has no final to race for next week. (1) LEX filly will be using the race as a tuneup but should be in good position turning for home. (4) FOX VALLEY AUBREY is another in the race likely saving her bullets for next week.

Race 2

(1) LEXINGTON LADY filly was powerful last week stamping herself the horse to beat going into the final next week. (6) CHAR N MARG was no match for the top choice last week but has beat her in the past. (8) FOX VALLEY ADDISON needs much more to hit the top spot; use underneath.

Race 3

(7) UNLOCKED four-year-old stallion was dominant last week kicking clear late. (3) A COOL CARD will look to bounce back at a big price this week. The pacer had been sharp for the new barn prior to last week. (1) IAM BONASERA is the best closer in the race with a good setup; fires late.

Race 4

(4) LK'S NANCY LEE filly isn't the most consistent but has a good shot in the softest division. (5) SARA'S TERROR probably has the most ability in the field but does come off a scratch; use caution. (1) DANDY'S DIVA lightly raced filly gets the best post and has room to improve.

Race 5

In a race that could see several use the race as a tuneup for the final next week, (3) FOX VALLEY CHARM has really been clicking as of late; fires early. (6) LUVNIECESTOPIECES gets sent out for proven connections and will offer a big price. (7) SPORTSMUFFLER is probably best used underneath this week.

Race 6

(4) DIXIE'S BOY has good closing ability in a field with some question marks. (7) ENGINE ONE O ONE will look to make it three straight. (6) FOX VALLEY ELIJAH has been very good in some starts and very average some starts; threat.

Race 7

(8) BS TYRRIFIC is the horse to beat with a trouble-free trip. (5) SHOOTIN TO KILL was pushed into a fast half mile last start but should have had much more; command a price. (1) SAGEBRUSH STAR had some sneaky late pace last out and has shown improvement.

Race 8

(5) TOGETHERFOREVER mare gets a nice post with options and will offer a nice price. (6) FEEL LIKE DANCING is facing tougher but has been sharp; threat. (3) RYLEIGH'S LILLY mare has a lot of questions off almost six weeks. If the 5-year-old is ready she lays over the field on ability.

Race 9

(6) RED RED REDNECK has really blossomed in his last few. The pacer finds a weak division and is the horse to beat. (3) GRIZZER BEAR has flashed some ability and has room to improve. (1) THESLEAZYPRINCE was dreadful last week, however the freshman pacer has shown some nice efforts.

Race 10

(4) TIME TO ROLL will look to make it four straight and owns a class edge on the field when right. (5) SOUTHWIND SCORPION former four claimer is in career form and should offer another big price. (6) FORT SILKY pacer is not what he once was but should be in the mix with a good effort.

Race 11

(4) M A SMASH ON is the sleeper in the race getting sent out for proven connections. (5) WONDROUS SPORT will be used very aggressively and should be on the lead or in the pocket. (7) DAN D DUNE might have the most upside of all coming off an easy victory.

Race 12

(4) STATE STREET LIZ mare is very versatile and will offer the better price of the contenders. (5) PARTY HANGOVER should probably be considered the horse to beat in against weaker. (6) JOYFUL GAME made an unfortunate break last week but was sharp prior.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Mohawk: Saturday 9/5 Analysis
By Garnet Barnsdale

DRF HARNESS

Race 4 - $50,000 Guaranteed Pick Four Pool

Race 8 - $100,000 Guaranteed Pick Four Pool


EARLY PICK 4:

3,5,9,10/2,4,5/4/2,4 = $24

LATE PICK 4: 2,3,4,5/2/3,4,6/1,6,8,9

MEET STATS: 278 - 903 / $1566.20 BEST BETS: 38 - 81 / $126.30

SPOT PLAYS: 11 - 78 / $86.80

Best Bet: SPLIT THE HOUSE (6th)

Spot Play: ARTHUR BLUE CHIP (4th)


Race 1

(3) REAL KID made a middle move last week chasing the very tough Betting Line then tired in the lane. He will be a good price here and gets a slight nod in a wide-open Metro Stakes Consolation. (6) SOSSYS KING KONG has shown good closing speed in every mile and should be dangerous here from close range. (7) RODEO ROCK finished slightly ahead of the choice last time and is one of many in with a chance here.

Race 2

(7) CANEPA HANOVER has faced the best all year and should handle this group as long as he stays flat throughout. (3) DON'T RUSH saves his best for the biggest races and is most likely to take advantage if the choice falters. (6) IRON had a useful tightener here last week and can get a good share of this.

Race 3

(2) ELLIS PARK was right up on the pace for most of his Canadian Pacing Derby elim before tiring and just missing the final. Waples has done well with him and should have him in a good spot to pounce late. (7) DUC DORLEANS has won two straight on the lead but has been able to steal breathers in the 2nd 1/4 both times. He may not get that luxury this time. (6) ODDS ON EQUULEUS sat the pocket last time but couldn't chase down the leader who had too much in reserve. He's capable of taking these off the right trip.

Race 4

(3) ARTHUR BLUE CHIP, the country's top two-year-old in 2013, raced well from the 10-hole in his comeback race last week and can build off that here. He should be able to get a better trip and is capable of taking this if not first-over again. (5) PRESCOTTS HOPE continues to race tough and produce big speed. He's the one to beat. (9) ALEXAS JACKPOT came home in :53 1/5 in the Preferred last week and will be a big threat if Zeron can get him into the top five early.

Race 5

(5) STERLING COOPER was pushed to setting some swift fractions Monday night and held on well considering. He can wire these with better rating. (4) CZAR SEELSTER was sharp in defeat last week, just about chasing down the leader in an accelerating late pace. He's dangerous here. (2) PRINCE CLYDE broke before the start last time when dropped to this class and heavily-favored. He can bounce back and challenge here if flat.

Race 6

(4) SPLIT THE HOUSE has won against all but the very best so far in his career and deserves top call despite the presence of (2) REVEREND HANOVER HERE. The latter will need a lifetime-best performance to get close to the choice here, which also isn't out of the question. (5) THE WAYFARING MAN has been racing very well the past month and could sneak by late if the top two choices get into a speed duel mid-race.

Race 7

(4) CONTROL THE MOMENT comes into the Metro Stakes Final with a perfect record and hasn't really been tested late in any of his miles. He can race effectively in any style the driver chooses which is a big advantage here; top call. (2) BETTING LINE was impressive in his elimination win and is sure to try to take these down the road. He will have to deal with the choice at some point, however. (3) VORACITY just got up late in the slowest elimination and likely will find the top two too tough here. (10) AMERICAN PASSPORT is one of the best horses in here and would have been placed higher if he had a better post. Keep him in mind when making exotic bets.

Race 8

(2) STATE TREASURER showed some grit digging in late off a tough trip on a wet track last week. He is likely to improve on a fast track and gets top billing here in the Canadian Pacing Derby Final. (5) SHAMBALLA had to play his hand early last week and got picked off late by the pocket-sitter. He's more dangerous coming off a helmet and might motor by all of them late here; beware. (4) ALL BETS OFF just failed to get past the choice late and has been very sharp the past month; another to consider for pick 4 tickets. (3) JK ENDOFANERA was aggressively driven early which led to a good trip in the pocket and an elimination victory. He's another in with a shot in what should be a great race.

Race 9

(2) MUSCLE DIAMOND has raced great in all but his Hambletonian elimination where he suffered a long trip and broke stride late. He'll be tough to beat here. (5) LUCK O THE IRISH keeps winning and keeps getting faster in doing so. He should get a big share of this $115K purse. (4) WHOM SHALL I FEAR has been keeping good company all year and has shown the necessary speed and class to take this; another contender.

Race 10

(3) THATSOVERYVERYNICE already has two sub-1:52 winning miles in her short career and is capable of winning off what seems to be any trip. Slight nod to her over (4) L A DELIGHT, who is 7 for 8 lifetime and the other obvious contender in this Shes A Great Lady Final. (6) DARLINONTHEBEACH has an eye-catching late move last week to nail down 2nd and isn't without a shot, although the top two look very tough here.

Race 11

(8) GLAMOUR SEELSTER uncorked a wild late rally last time to just miss. She can mow these down late if close enough. (1) THE SHOW RETURNS did well here last summer and should get a good trip starting from the inside here. (6) INVEST IN ART comes off a swift win at Pocono and will likely be overbet off that mile.

Race 12

(4) BURNING SHORE used a :26 flat third 1/4 to blow past his rivals last time and record a new life's mark. A repeat of anything close to that should take this. (6) LETS ROCK TOGETHER showed little last time but now returns to a 7-day cycle and should go much better here. (2) SOUTHWIND AMAZON parlayed a good trip into a win last week in this class and should get another good trip here.

Race 13

(3) HIS BOY ELROY is always passing horses late and should get a good pace to chase here. (6) WINDSONG LIGHTNING tried Reverend Hanover first up last week which turned out to be a mistake. He's another with a great late kick when it's used correctly. He should get a good piece of this. (8) MIKES POWERHOUSE raced evenly in an OSS Gold last time but should be a speed threat here. (5) MOONWRITER races better for Filion - as do many horses - and is another threat here. (9) A MARCOU STORY has been firing home quickly in every start and should be passing most of these late.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

SPOT PLAYS

For Saturday


TRACK (RACE) HORSE, MORNING LINE

Arlington Park (2nd) Exchanging Kisses, 6-1
(3rd) Fort Dixie, 6-1


Belterra Park (1st) Be Nice, 4-1
(4th) Sideways Vision, 8-1


Canterbury Park (6th) Red Wolf, 9-2
(7th) Steep Paladin, 6-1


Charles Town (2nd) Latent Fire, 8-1
(5th) Grip and Ride, 10-1


Del Mar (4th) Chicago Angel, 5-1
(8th) Spirit of Ten, 5-1


Delaware Park (3rd) Freelander, 3-1
(7th) Three Timer, 3-1


Ellis Park (1st) Sofia With Wings, 7-2
(4th) Oxnard, 6-1


Emerald Downs (1st) Rana Bear, 3-1
(5th) Northern Choice, 7-2


Finger Lakes (5th) Starship Chloe, 6-1
(6th) Go Get the Basil, 4-1


Golden Gate Fields (1st) Find Water, 9-2
(5th) Loveintheshadows, 5-1


Gulfstream Park (5th) Me Llamo Sam, 4-1
(11th) Wicked Rascal, 9-2


Indiana Grand (6th) Small Kiss, 7-2
(7th) Irish Mate, 5-1


Kentucky Downs (3rd) Aroney, 4-1
(6th) Flashy Chelsey, 4-1


Louisiana Downs (4th) Rebel Miss, 7-2
(7th) Lydle Kitten, 4-1


Monmouth Park (4th) Remarkable Tale, 6-1
(11th) Eire En Pointe, 7-2


Mountaineer (3rd) Vanilla Score, 8-1
(6th) Krista's Rose, 8-1


Parx Racing (5th) Parker Lily, 3-1
(9th) R Frosty One, 6-1


Penn National (3rd) Racy, 7-2
(6th) Antares, 4-1


Remington Park (8th) Cowboy U Know, 3-1
(9th) Signature Event, 5-1


Retama Park (6th) Ellie's Flyer, 4-1
(9th) Love Takes Flight, 7-2


Saratoga (2nd) Donegal Moon, 4-1
(6th) Furyofthenorsemen, 6-1


Suffolk Downs (3rd) Grand Madam, 10-1
(13th) Here's Johnny, 10-1


Thistledown (6th) Red River Heidi, 3-1
(7th) Silver Tongued, 3-1


Woodbine (3rd) Starship Sabrina, 7-2
(10th) Colleen's Sailor, 6-1

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

UFC 191 Preview
By Brian Edwards

Demetrious 'Mighty Mouse' Johnson (22-2-1 MMA, 10-1-1 UFC) will face John Dodson in Saturday's main event for UFC 191 at MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas. It will be a rematch of the UFC on FOX 6 thriller won by Johnson to retain his flyweight championship in January of 2013.

Johnson beat Dodson by unanimous decision (49-46, 48-47, 48-47) in Chicago. He had to overcome a rough start, including three knockdowns from Dodson in the first two rounds. But by the end of the fifth and final round, Johnson was fresher and landing big shots in succession in the waning seconds.

Since winning the division's inaugural belt in a split-decision triumph over Joseph Benavidez at UFC 152, Johnson has successfully defended his 125-pound strap six times, earning a Fight Night bonus on four of those occasions. He has earned a second scalp of Benavidez by first-round KO, in addition to wins over the likes of John Moraga, Ali Bagautinov, Chris Cariaso and Kyoji Horiguchi.

Dodson (17-6 MMA, 6-1 UFC) has won three consecutive fights since falling to Johnson, including a pair of KO victories over Darrell Montague and Moraga. In his last outing, he took a UD over Zach Makovsky.

As of Tuesday, most books had Johnson listed as an enormous -500 favorite, leaving Dodson at +400 on the comeback (risk $100 to win $400). However, by Friday afternoon, the number was up to -600, increasing Dodson's underdog odds to +450. The total is 4.5 rounds (-180 for the 'over,' +155 to the 'under').

Prediction: I'll take a shot with Dodson for the monster +450 payout, but let's go gentle here with just a one-half unit wager.

In the co-main event, Frank Mir (18-9 MMA, 16-9 UFC) will take on Andrei Arlovski in a crucial battle between former heavyweight champions. The winner will be one step closer to an improbable title shot that seemed inconceivable for both fighters not too long ago.

Mir will make his 26th walk to the Octagon after posting back-to-back first-round knockout wins over Antonio 'Bigfoot' Silva and Todd Dufee. The two-time champ was considering retirement in the aftermath of a four-fight losing streak. However, after taking time off and then returning to the gym with a renewed emphasis on his boxing, Mir has bagged a pair of Performance of the Night bonuses.

Arlovski (24-10-1 MMA, 13-4 UFC) is in the midst of a similar revival to his career. After posting a 6-1-1 record during an eight-fight run with smaller promotions, he signed up for a second tour of duty in the UFC. 'The Pitbull' was fortunate to win his first bout, capturing a split-decision win over Brendan Schaub. I had it 29-28 for 'The Hybrid' but after getting a nice break from the judges, Arlovski has looked spectacular in back-to-back performances.

First, he went down to Brazil and KO'd Silva in the first round. Next, he produced one of his best career outings, shaking off a calf injury that nearly prompted UFC officials to cancel his bout against Travis Browne at UFC 187.

Instead of getting bumped from the card, Arlovski scored a first-round KO in an epic slugfest. Arlovski had Browne badly hurt, wobbling and backing up from a ruthless combination. But Browne, who proved how dangerous he can be despite being badly hurt in his comeback win over Alistair Overeem, was able to connect with a monster right hook while in desperation mode. The punch floored Arlovski and Browne tried to pounce on him.

But after landing one hammer fist, Browne still didn't have his legs under him and lost his balance. This gave Arlovski time to get up and then he landed a huge right, followed it up with several more strikes, and it was over.

Most betting shops are listing Arlovski as a -150 'chalk' with Mir as the +130 underdog. The total is 1.5 rounds (-155 to the 'under,' +135 for the 'over').

Prediction: I think Mir should be favored. I believe both fighters' stand-up games are on an equal level, while Mir has a clear-cut advantage if the bout goes to the ground. I don't think that'll happen, though, as Mir is as confident in his boxing as ever. Give me four units on Mir as the +130 underdog.

Anthony 'Rumble' Johnson (19-5 MMA, 10-5 UFC) will face Jimi Manuwa in a light-heavyweight contest. Johnson has been dealing with negative publicity galore in his preparation for this bout. The UFC launched an investigation by a third-party law firm to look into a recent incident between Johnson and a woman at a South Florida gym.

In a nasty rant on social media, Johnson called the woman 'ugly' among other things. Johnson has a history of domestic-violence incidents, so it wasn't a good look at all. Nevertheless, the UFC opted not to cut or suspend Johnson after he agreed to counseling and making a donation to a women's charity in Florida.

When Johnson has been inside the cage, things have never been better. He was moments away from becoming the UFC's 205-pound kingpin in his last outing. Johnson sent Daniel Cormier down and sprawling across the Octagon early in their UFC 187 showdown. Johnson had Cormier in all sorts of trouble, but Cormier was able to survive the early onslaught.

When the former Strikeforce heavyweight champ got an early takedown in Round 2, the momentum of the fight was completely turned around. Cormier beat Johnson up with serious ground-and-pound strikes throughout the second stanza, and he finished the fight in the third with the same recipe.

The loss ended a nine-fight winning streak for Johnson.

Manuwa (15-1 MMA, 4-1 UFC) bounced back from his first career loss to Alexander Gustafsson in March of 2014 by capturing a UD victory over Jan Blachowicz in April. Manuwa collected a trio of finishes in his first three trips to the Octagon with wins over Kyle Kingsbury, Cyrille Diabate and Ryan Jimmo.

As of Friday, most books had Johnson as the -550 favorite, while Manuwa was a +375 underdog. The total is 1.5 rounds ('under' -155, 'over' +135).

Prediction: I love Johnson to win by first-round KO, but he's too expensive to back with the straight price. Therefore, I'll go with the 'under' (1.5 rounds) for one unit at the -155 price.

In another 205-pound scrap, Jan Blachowicz (18-4 MMA, 1-1 UFC) will take on Corey Anderson. Blachowicz is a -140 favorite with Anderson as the +120 underdog. The total is 2.5 rounds ('over' -165, 'under' +145).

Blachowicz is a 32-year-old from Poland who had a sensational Octagon debut at UFC Fight Night 53 in Stockholm, where he scored a first-round KO over 15th-ranked Ilir Latifi. Blachowicz is the former KSW light-heavyweight champ who has notable wins over Goran Relijic and Houston Alexander. He lost a UD to Manuwa in his last outing in April.

Anderson (5-1 MMA, 2-1 UFC) won the Light Heavyweight Tournament in Season 19 of The Ultimate Fighter, beating Matt Van Buren by KO in just 61 seconds. In his next fight, Anderson collected a UD victory over Justin Jones at UFC 181. However, he lost for the first time by third-round KO to Gian Villante in April, but he did bag a 50K bonus for Fight of the Night honors.

Prediction: I'll go with one unit on the 'under' for the +145 payout.

In the pay-per-view opener, rising star Paige VanZant (5-1 MMA, 2-0 UFC) is the biggest favorite on the board. Most spots have Van Zant as a -1500 favorite vs. Alex Chambers, who is a +700 underdog. The total is 2.5 rounds ('under' -125, 'over' +105).

VanZant, the 21-year-old from Oregon who is ranked ninth in the women's 115-pound loop, owns UFC wins over Kailin Curran and Felice Herrig. Chambers (5-2 MMA, 1-1 UFC) garnered a Performance of the Night bonus with her armbar finish of Curran in May.

Prediction: VanZant will win but she's too expensive to support with a wager. Pass.

Paul Felder and Ross Pearson will collide in the prelims headliner on Fox Sports 1. Felder (10-1 MMA, 2-1 UFC) was installed as an enormous -360 favorite early in the week. That number is up to -440 at most spots and as high as -500 at Bovada. Pearson is a lucrative +350 underdog (risk $100 to win $350). The 'over/under' is 1.5 rounds ('over' -165, 'under' +145).

Both fighters are off losses and are jumping back into the fire quickly. Felder suffered his first career loss in a hotly-contested battle with Edson Barboza at UFC on FOX 16 in Chicago. Barboza won a unanimous decision (29-28, 28-29, 29-28) in a back-and-forth slugfest on July 25.

Pearson (17-9-1 MMA, 9-6-1 UFC) got dominated by Evan Dunham in his last outing on July 18, dropping a UD by scores of 30-27, 29-28 and 30-27. The 30-year-old owns notable career wins over the likes of Dennis Siver, George Sotiropoulos, Gray Maynard and Sam Stout. Pearson won Season 9 of The Ultimate Fighter by capturing a UD win over Andre Winner>.

Prediction: I like Felder a lot, but he's overpriced here. Pearson should really be 10-5-1 in the UFC because he got robbed in a loss to Diego Sanchez in the 'Nightmare's hometown of Albuquerque. With that said, I'm still not over Pearson's lackluster performance on his home turf in the lopsided loss to Dunham. If there's a wager here, it's Pearson but I'm going to remain on the sidelines. Pass.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Game of the Day: Wisconsin at Alabama

Wisconsin Badgers at Alabama Crimson Tide (-12, 51)

Third-ranked Alabama and No. 18 Wisconsin aren't timidly entering the season as the two powerhouses square off Saturday in a showdown in Arlington, Texas. The Crimson Tide are seeking to win 10 or more games for the eighth straight season while the Badgers are breaking in a new coach in Paul Chryst.

Chryst replaced Gary Andersen, who departed for Oregon State, after three seasons as coach of Pittsburgh and now finds himself facing Nick Saban and Alabama in his Wisconsin debut. "It's not about me and I've never gone into a game where I felt that it was about me," Chryst told reporters. "I think that this game is a big game and it's probably happening because of what both programs have done previous years." Saban had yet to announce a starting quarterback at mid-week and said senior Jake Coker, sophomore Cooper Bateman and junior Alec Morris are all still in the running. "We're going to make the decision when we think it's the right time to make the decision for this group of guys," Saban told reporters. "I would have liked to have made it three months ago."

TV: 8 p.m. ET, ABC.

LINE HISTORY: After opening the Tide as 10.5-point home favorites, sportsbooks have since adjusted that number to -12.

INJURY REPORT: Wisconsin - T. McEvoy (probable), H. Biegel (out indefinitely). Alabama - K. Kirven (questionable), P. Barrineau (questionable).

WEATHER: At game time, the forecast is calling for temperatures of 91 degrees Fahrenheit with precipitation not expected to play a factor.

WHAT CAPPERS SAY: "It's the first time in a long time that Alabama isn't considered a favorite to win the title, but the Crimson Tide have to replace a long list of key contributors. They lose their starting quarterback, their top running back, and No. 1-wideout Amari Cooper. They still have a proven star in the backfield in Derrick Henry, and their defensive line ranks among the best in the nation." Jesse Schule

ABOUT WISCONSIN (2014: 11-3): All-everything running back Melvin Gordon is on to the NFL but there's not an abundance of fear over that loss with junior Corey Clement (949 yards, nine touchdowns) coming off a highly productive backup season. Senior quarterback Joel Stave looks to rebound after throwing more interceptions (10) than touchdowns (nine) last season and Chryst visions him returning to his 2013 form when he tossed 24 scoring passes. The Badgers ranked fourth nationally in total defense last season (294.1) and return two standout outside linebackers in junior Vince Biegel (team-best 16.5 tackles for losses) and senior Joe Schobert (13.5) as well senior safety Michael Caputo (team-high 106 tackles).

ABOUT ALABAMA (2014: 12-2): Coker passed for 403 yards and four touchdowns as a backup last season while neither Bateman nor Morris have thrown a pass in a college contest. As usual, The Crimson Tide will have a strong running game with junior Derrick Henry (990 yards, 11 touchdowns in 2014) and senior Kenyan Drake, who missed most of last season due to a broken leg. The Crimson Tide ranked sixth in scoring defense (18.4) defense last season and will be strong again with junior defensive end Jonathan Allen (11.5 tackles for loss) and senior inside linebacker Reggie Ragland (10.5 TFL) leading the way.

TRENDS:

*Over is 13-3-1 in Crimson Tide last 17 neutral site games.
*Crimson Tide are 3-12-1 ATS in their last 16 non-conference games.
*Badgers are 1-4 ATS in their last 5 neutral site games.
*Over is 3-0-2 in Badgers last 5 games overall.

CONSENSUS: 51 percent of spread wagers are currently on the visiting Badgers.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Where the action is: Betting the biggest games of college football Week 1
By JASON LOGAN

Breathe it in football fans. College is back. And while Week 1 may be littered with uninteresting matchups, like barn burners such as Charlotte at Georgia State, that’s why the good gambling gods created pointspreads. It isn’t all crap either. Here’s a look at the action coming in on some of the biggest games on the Week 1 college football board, according to sportsbooks online and in Las Vegas.

Wisconsin Badgers vs. Alabama Crimson Tide – Open: -10, Move: -12

Bettors love them some SEC schools in the early goings, and they get no bigger than Alabama. The Crimson Tide stake a claim for the national title right out of the gate and the market likes their chances enough to tack on as much as two extra points to this spread.

At the MGM Mirage in Las Vegas, there is a little bit of Alabama money making its way to the window but the majority of the action has Wisconsin linked in parlays. That’s put Jay Rood, vice president of race and sports at MGM, in a funny spot this Saturday.

“We are going to need Alabama in this, which is odd,” Rood, who is dealing Alabama -11, tells Covers. “Much of that is because of the quarterback issues with them this year.”

Online at offshore book GTBets.eu, the money is coming in on the Crimson Tide at a 4/1 clip and they could see this spread going past 12 before kickoff Saturday night.

“If you like Bama, now is the time to grab them,” Mick Sloan, lines manager for GTBets.eu tells Covers.

Texas Longhorns at Notre Dame Fighting Irish – Open: -8.5, Move: -10, Move: -9.5

This matchup of college football royalty opened as low as Notre Dame -8.5 but has settled between 9.5 and 10 at most shops. Offshore, there hasn’t been the same public push for the Irish as past season, with Notre Dame money holding a 2/1 edge on Longhorns bets.

In Vegas, it’s been all Notre Dame at the Mirage but some sharp money has shown on Texas, which was enough for Rood to trim his spread from Longhorns +10 to +9.5.

“Ticket count is about 3/2 in favor of Notre Dame and all the parlay money is tied into the Irish,” he says. “We’re going to be big Texas fans for this one. Hopefully Charlie Strong gets a good start.”

Louisville Cardinals at Auburn Tigers – Open: -11, Move: -11.5, Move: -10.5

“This one’s not getting much attention really,” says Rood. “There’s good balance with this game, only about $200 separates the bets on both sides. We took some pops on this one a couple weeks ago, with some sharp players taking Louisville.”

Rood says they opened Auburn as a 11-point favorite and dropped to 10.5 when those wiseguys hit, but expects the weekend crowd at the Mirage to side with the SEC member, and will eventually leave the book cheering for Louisville.

Online, underdog bettors have been drawn to the Cardinals getting 10.5 points. Sloan says the handle is split with half the money riding on UL as of Friday night but agrees with his Nevada counterpart.

“The late action will likely come in on Auburn, but I don’t see this line really moving much,” he says.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Saturday's college football Top 25 betting cheat sheet: Week 1

A handful of Top 25 programs have already played but the vast majority take the field to get their respective seasons underway Saturday. We break down all the need-to-know facts and figures for Saturday's Top 25 contests:

Tennessee-Martin Skyhawks at (15) Mississippi Rebels (Off, Off)

* The FCS-member Skyhawks were picked to finish fourth in the Ohio Valley Conference preseason poll and are led by fifth-year senior quarterback Jarod Neal, who completed 63.5 percent of his passes for 1,880 yards and 14 touchdowns against six interceptions last season.

* Ole Miss coach Hugh Freeze said Chad Kelly will start at quarterback, culminating a troubled return to the FBS level for the junior. Kelly, who led East Mississippi CC to the NJCAA national championship in 2014 after being dismissed from Clemson for conduct detrimental to the team, was arrested on assault, harassment, menacing, obstruction and resisting arrest charges in January after an incident outside a Buffalo nightclub.


(21) Stanford Cardinal at Northwestern Wildcats (+11, 47.5)

* Stanford quarterback Kevin Hogan flirted with the idea of declaring for the NFL draft after throwing for 2,792 yards and 19 touchdowns in 2014 but decided on deadline day to return for his senior season. "I felt like I've grown up a lot in the last year and can help other guys on the team and lead us in the right direction," Hogan told reporters. "I've got a better grip on my emotions and can calm myself down."

* Redshirt freshman Clayton Thorson has been named the Wildcats' quarterback after an intense three-man battle and hopes to ignite an offense that averaged just 216.5 passing yards per game. "Obviously, I feel for the other guys as they are my friends," Thorson told reporters. "But at the same time, I was determined and I knew it was my time to be the quarterback."


UL Monroe Warhawks at (9) Georgia Bulldogs (-35, 53.5)

* The Warhawks rushed for just 834 yards last season, so ULM will look to the passing game as senior receiver Rashon Ceaser seeks to build on his strong finish last season. ULM’s top receiver averaged 107 yards per contest in his final five games while second-leading rusher Tyler Cain moves back to receiver this season.

* Virginia transfer Greyson Lambert will start the opener under center for Georgia. Lambert passed for 1,632 yards and 10 scores in nine games for Virginia in 2014, but threw 11 interceptions and lost his starting job in the spring.


Wofford Terriers at (12) Clemson Tigers (Off, Off)

* Wofford is coming off a somewhat disappointing season (6-5 SU) after missing the FCS playoffs but returns 10 starters on offense and eight on defense.

* Clemson has won its last 27 games against unranked opponents by at least four points, the longest current streak in the nation.


Virginia Cavaliers at (14) UCLA Bruins (-19.5, 52)

* Virginia’s run defense is expected to be anchored by defensive tackle David Dean, who helped limit two of the nation’s top rushers last season, James Conner of Pittsburgh and Duke Johnson of Miami, to season-low rush totals.

* UCLA running back Paul Perkins finished the season with 1,575 rushing yards, the second most in program history, and if he can come close to duplicating those numbers, he’ll take a lot of pressure off true-freshman quarterback Josh Rosen.


UTEP Miners at (20) Arkansas Razorbacks (-33, 49.5)

* Mack Leftwich won the Miners' starting quarterback job after redshirting last season and is hoping to help revive a passing attack that ranked last in the league in yards (1,858). Five starters return for a defense that led the conference against the pass (191.2 yards).

* Building upon the strong finish last season will depend on his time-tested formula of pounding the football behind Jonathan Williams and Alex Collins, who made the Razorbacks the only team in the country to return two 1,000-yard rushers, and a beefy line that returns four starters.


Louisville Cardinals at (7) Auburn Tigers (-10.5, 58)

* The Cardinals have limited experience returning at the quarterback position as well and have listed four different players as potential starters on Saturday. "I know who is starting, yeah," Louisville head coach Bobby Petrino told reporters. "I think we're good with it, we feel comfortable with it. There's just really no advantage to announce it.”

* The Tigers will have to replace Nick Marshall at quarterback, but their offense should be in good shape with Jeremy Johnson who looked quite sharp as a backup the last two seasons.


SE Missouri State Redhawks at (23) Missouri Tigers (Off, Off)

* Southeast Missouri might have the most dynamic individual player on the field in preseason All-America wide receiver Paul McRoberts, who has 99 receptions for 1,495 yards and 20 TDs during his three-year career despite missing five games last season.

* The Tigers and Redhawks have met only twice previously, with Missouri winning both by a combined score of 72-3. The Tigers have won 13 straight season-openers and 17 of 18 dating back to 1997.


Bowling Green Falcons at (25) Tennessee Volunteers (-21.5, 69)

* Quarterback Matt Johnson, who is back for the Falcons after suffering a season-ending hip injury in last year’s season opener, passed for 3,467 yards and 25 touchdowns in 2013.

* Tennessee suspended leading receiver Alton Howard (54 catches, 618 yards in 2014) for Saturday’s game for an unspecified violation of team rules.

(16) Arizona State Sun Devils at Texas A&M Aggies (-3.5, 70)

* Arizona State, picked by ESPN's Kirk Herbstreit to make the four-team College Football Playoff this year, returns 17 starters from a squad that defeated USC (38-34), Stanford (26-10), Utah (19-16 in OT) and Notre Dame (55-31) a year ago.

* "We challenged him in January to become a better leader, and his knowledge not only of our offense, but of (opposing) defenses," A&M coach Kevin Sumlin said fo sophomore quarterback Kyle Allen. "He's had an excellent spring ... he got a number of quality reps, then Kyler (Murray) showed up and he's had great competition, and he's accepted that."


Akron Zips at (19) Oklahoma Sooners (-33, 56.5)

* Two-time first-team all-conference performer Jatavis Brown (99 tackles, 14.5 for loss) is the only returning starter at linebacker for the Zips while nose tackle Cody Grice, a Lombardi Award candidate, anchors the front four of the nation’s 28th-ranked scoring defense from a season ago.

* New offensive coordinator Lincoln Riley – a 32-year-old former Texas Tech and East Carolina assistant – was hired to bring his “Air Raid” offense to Oklahoma and breathe some life into the country’s 83rd-ranked passing attack from a season ago.


Texas Longhorns at (11) Notre Dame Fighting Irish (-10, 49)

* The Longhorns held a competition for the starting quarterback spot between incumbent Tyrone Swoopes and freshman Jerrod Heard, with Swoopes hanging onto the job. “I’m convinced (Swoopes’) won over the locker room, just the way he’s played and how he really came on and just his leadership ability right now,” first-year coach Charlie Strong told reporters. “Even the players will tell you that…It’s going to be fun to watch him.”

* Everett Golson is gone after a transfer to Florida State and Malik Zaire, who started a win over LSU in the Music City Bowl last season, will take over under center. Zaire threw for 96 yards and a touchdown in the Music City Bowl and ran for another 96 and a score.


McNeese State Cowboys at (13) LSU Tigers (Off, Off)

* The Cowboys had won two straight games against FBS opponents before falling to Nebraska, 31-24, in last year's season opener - a game in which they allowed a 58-yard touchdown pass with 20 seconds left. They return 16 starters this season, including a shifty quarterback in senior Daniel Sams, who rushed for 711 yards in 10 games a season ago.

* The 13th-ranked Tigers aim to win their season opener for the 13th straight year while extending their national-best streak to 50 consecutive regular-season victories against non-conference foes.


Texas State Bobcats at (8) Florida State Seminoles (-30, 63.5)

* The Bobcats were 31st in the nation in scoring at 33.8 points per game last season and Tyler Jones was the biggest reason. The junior quarterback threw for 2,670 yards and 22 touchdowns against only seven interceptions and set a school record by completing 65.4 percent of his passes.

* Golson replaces Jameis Winston - the No. 1 pick in the NFL draft - and has a fellow weapon in the backfield in running back Dalvin Cook, who was suspended a month and a half before being reinstated Aug. 25 after he was found not guilty on a misdemeanor battery charge.


Eastern Washington Eagles at (5) Oregon Ducks (Off, Off)

* The Eagles are switching to a 4-2-5 defensive alignment with junior safety Zach Bruce (two interceptions in 2014) and sophomore cornerback Victor Gamboa (three interceptions) leading the back end and junior linebacker Miquiyah Zamora (102 tackles) and junior defensive end Samson Ebukam (team-best 7.5 sacks) highlighting the front six.

* Fifth-ranked Oregon breaks in new quarterback Vernon Adams on Saturday and his home debut comes against the same Eastern Washington team that he starred for the past three seasons.


(18) Wisconsin Badgers at (3) Alabama Crimson Tide (-14, 51)

* The Badgers ranked fourth nationally in total defense last season (294.1) and return two standout outside linebackers in junior Vince Biegel (team-best 16.5 tackles for losses) and senior Joe Schobert (13.5) as well senior safety Michael Caputo (team-high 106 tackles).

* Alabama head coach Nick Saban had yet to announce a starting quarterback at mid-week and said senior Jake Coker, sophomore Cooper Bateman and junior Alec Morris are all still in the running. "We're going to make the decision when we think it's the right time to make the decision for this group of guys," Saban told reporters. "I would have liked to have made it three months ago."


Arkansas State Red Wolves at (10) USC Trojans (-27.5, 69)

* Dual-threat quarterback Fredi Knighten, a preseason All-Sun Belt Conference First Team selection, leads an up-tempo Red Wolves offense that averaged 476.5 yards in total offense last season.

* Coach Steve Sarkisian drew plenty of attention for his drunken appearance at a booster event last month, but that shouldn’t overshadow the Trojans’ formidable talent on the field. USC, which returns 16 starters and was picked to finish first in the Pac-12 South Division, boasts an offense that averaged 36 points last year and could be even more potent this season.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Free College Football Picks: Purdue Boilermakers at Marshall Thundering Herd
by Alan Matthews

I would argue this Sunday is the worst Sunday for a sports betting fan until Feb. 7. Why? We are on the eve of the NFL football season -- so close yet so far! -- but there's no action among the professionals this Sunday. There will be every Sunday afterward until Feb. 7, which is the Sunday after Super Bowl 50. OK, technically we only get the stupid Pro Bowl in the Sunday in between the conference championship games and the Super Bowl, but you have all those Super Bowl props to analyze and tide you over.

But don't fret, there is football action this Sunday: Purdue travels to Marshall in the only college action of the day. And I can guarantee you the betting action on this one will dwarf any game involving the Thundering Herd the rest of the season. Maybe Purdue, too, although of course the Boilers will take heavy action against when they are in Big Ten play. Incidentally, this is the first time ever a Big Ten team has visited Marshall.


Purdue Boilermakers at Marshall Thundering Herd Betting Story Lines

Now that Illinois already has fired Tim Beckman (a week before the season!?!?!), the hottest coaching seat in the Big Ten belongs to Purdue's Darrell Hazell. His first two seasons have resulted in a 4-20 record. Only one of those wins was against a Power 5 program, and the Boilermakers haven't won a conference home game since 2012. The Boilers are again projected in preseason Big Ten polls to finish last in the Big Ten West.

An upset here, considering Purdue hasn't won a nonconference road game since 2007 at Toledo, could serve as a springboard after the last two seasons. But a loss to a Conference USA team, albeit a very good one, and Hazell already starts walking the plank. Purdue's final three nonconference games are at home, but it will be an underdog on Sept. 19 vs. Virginia Tech. And Purdue at most will be favored in only two Big Ten games.

Junior Austin Appleby, to no surprise, won the QB competition in camp. He started the final seven games last year, with the first a win over Illinois for Hazell's only Big Ten victory. Appleby was very up-and-down, completing 52.9 percent for 1,449 yards, 10 TDs and 11 picks. The Boilermakers' top two rushers from last year, Akeem Hunt (the team's best player, also led in receptions) and Raheem Mostert, are gone. But No. 1 receiver Danny Anthrop (38 catches, 616 yards, four TDs) and the entire O-Line are back. Seven starters return on defense.

Marshall was so close to earning the Group of 5's automatic bid to a New Year's Six bowl game last year. The Herd were unbeaten and No. 24 in the nation when they hosted Western Kentucky in the regular-season finale, and Marshall was stunned 67-66 in overtime in a thrilling game. WKU opted to go for 2 points after scoring in overtime and converted. The 15 combined TD passes were the most in a game involving FBS teams. Marshall allowed a school-record 738 yards. The Herd were still able to beat Louisiana Tech in the Conference USA Championship Game and then Northern Illinois in the Boca Raton Bowl.

I suppose you could say the two major schools with the biggest QB shoes to fill this season are Oregon (Marcus Mariota) and Florida State (Jameis Winston). Statistically, those guys had nothing on departed Marshall QB Rakeem Cato. He was a four-year-starter who passed for 3,903 yards and 40 touchdowns last season. Overall in his career he threw for 14,079 yards and broke Russell Wilson's NCAA record for consecutive games with a TD pass; Cato set the mark at 46. His replacement is Michael Birdsong, who sat out last season after transferring from FCS school James Madison. It will be the first time since 2005 that the Thundering Herd have had a fourth-year junior making his first Marshall start at quarterback.

The Herd were the only FBS team ranked in the Top 20 nationally in rushing offense (No. 8, 271.9 yards per game) and passing offense (No. 17, 287.3 yards per game) last year, but they may lean more toward the run in 2015 with tailback Devon Johnson returning. He rushed for at least 100 yards 10 times last season. The former tight end led C-USA with 1,767 rushing yards and 17 touchdowns. Overall, five starters are back on offense and seven on defense.


Purdue at Marshall Betting Odds and Trends

Marshall is a 7.5-point favorite -- tells you all you need to know about the state of the football program at Purdue these days that it's more than a touchdown dog at a C-USA team -- with a total of 61. The Herd are -300 on the moneyline. Purdue is 3-1-2 against the spread in its past six road games. Marshall is 4-0 ATS in its past four nonconference games. The "over/under" is 4-1 in the Herd's past five out of conference. The Boilers are 1-9 SU in their past 10 as a road dog of at least 7.5 but have covered five of them. Marshall is 0-5 vs. the Big Ten this century but has covered twice.

Free College Football Picks: Purdue at Marshall Betting Predictions

The last time Purdue came off a three-win season, the Boilermakers went 9-3. That's not happening. I don't see more than four wins. No Marshall quarterback in his first start has ever beaten a major college opponent in the opening game of a season. I say that changes, but I'll take the points here. Cato was everything to Marshall, and it will take some time to adjust to life without him. Herd win a close, high-scoring game, so go over.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Rays (66-68) at Yankees (75-58)

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

Mark Teixeira's absence has done nothing to slow the New York Yankees' offense. In fact, it seems to have provided a spark.

Nathan Eovaldi has taken full advantage of the added run support and will look to help the Yankees win for the seventh time in eight games when he faces the visiting Tampa Bay Rays on Saturday.

The Yankees (75-58) have averaged 8.9 runs in their last seven since Teixeira - the club's leader with 31 homers - was sidelined by a bone bruise on his right shin.

Greg Bird, who has been filling in for Teixeira at first base, hit a two-run homer for the second straight game Friday, and Alex Rodriguez hit his 27th of the season in a 5-2 win over the Rays (66-68).

Brian McCann also homered for the wild card-leading Yankees, who pulled within one-half game of Toronto for the AL East lead. New York's only other hit was an infield single from Brett Gardner in the eighth.

"We need to hit the ball out of the ballpark and we did," manager Joe Girardi said.

The Yankees have scored often with Eovaldi (14-2, 4.17 ERA) on the mound, especially recently. He wasn't very sharp Sunday, allowing five runs in five-plus innings against Atlanta, but he still was credited with a 20-6 victory that extended his unbeaten streak to 13 starts. The right-hander is 9-0 with a 3.32 ERA and a major league-high 7.89 run-support average in that stretch.

"Any time you get a lead, you want to try to go after the hitters as much as possible," Eovaldi said. "You try to pitch like it's a 0-0 ballgame all the time. It's a good feeling, getting a lot of run support."

The Yankees didn't have enough to back him against the Rays on May 12. Eovaldi gave up four runs in 7 1-3 innings of a 4-2 loss. Tampa Bay has dropped three of the last four meetings, though, despite Evan Longoria's homer that followed the two he hit in Wednesday's defeat at Baltimore.

James Loney had two of the nine hits for the Rays, who still have three teams in front of them for the AL's final playoff spot.

"We got the hits but couldn't get anything across," manager Kevin Cash said.

Matt Moore (1-3, 8.78) looks to help get Tampa Bay back on track as he takes a major league mound for the first time in over a month. Moore made six starts after he returned July 2 following his recovery from Tommy John surgery, but after losing his last three with a 10.66 ERA, the Rays sent him to the minors following his last outing Aug. 1.

The left-hander went 2-1 with a 3.30 ERA in five starts and showed enough to earn a spot back in the Rays' rotation. He'll replace Nathan Karns, who has been reassigned to the bullpen.

"He went down, he did what was needed, what was asked," Cash told MLB's official website. "We decided, given the matchup coming up against the Yankees, all the lefties, all the switch-hitters, the short porch in right - figured we'd take a crack at it with a left-handed pitcher."

Lefties are hitting .306 off Moore this season, but it's unclear if he'll have to face Jacoby Ellsbury after he left Friday's game after the fourth inning with a stomach issue.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Orioles (65-69) at Blue Jays (76-58)

Game: 2
Venue: Rogers Centre
Date: September 05, 2015 1:07 PM EDT

Chris Davis is looking like his 2013 self, but if the power surge is to continue, it'll have to come against an ace he's seen plenty of without yet showing off his home run trot.

The Baltimore Orioles face David Price on Saturday, and the Toronto Blue Jays are in danger of losing consecutive games for just the second time since they acquired the former Cy Young winner.

Davis homered twice for the second straight game in Friday's 10-2 win in Toronto, giving him five in three contests and making him the first Baltimore player with 40 in multiple seasons.

The Orioles (65-69) have won consecutive games following a crippling 1-12 span, and it was also their third straight over the Blue Jays.

"(Toronto) is playing well, they're obviously at the top of the division, making a run for it," Davis said. "It was big for us to come in here and have the kind of game that we had."

The Blue Jays (76-58), now one-half game up on New York, didn't homer for the third time in four games and fell to 7-29 when failing to do so for the third-worst winning percentage in baseball behind Cincinnati (8-41) and Baltimore (7-33). Edwin Encarnacion went hitless for a third straight contest after his 26-game hitting streak.

Toronto is 26-7 dating to July 29, and it dealt for Price (13-5, 2.47 ERA) the next day.

The left-hander, who had his start moved up a day to rest Mark Buehrle, will be trying to bounce back from his first loss with Toronto, though it was hardly a poor outing. He gave up three runs and six hits with nine strikeouts in seven innings of Monday's 4-2 home defeat to Cleveland, falling to 4-1 with a 2.28 ERA in six starts since joining the Blue Jays.

Baltimore has done a better job of chasing him from games sooner. Price allowed a run and six hits with 12 strikeouts in a 3-0 loss in Detroit on July 18, but that was the only time in his last six starts against the Orioles he made it beyond six innings. He's 1-2 with a 3.97 ERA in that span.

"They've got a powerful lineup over there," Blue Jays manager John Gibbons said. "If you don't pitch well, they can pound you."

Matt Wieters is 15 for 44 with a home run and six doubles off Price, and Steve Pearce (5 for 15 with a home run), Manny Machado (5 for 18 with a homer) and Adam Jones (13 for 47) have all at least been respectable against him. Davis is 5 for 18, but Price is one of three of the 23 pitchers he has at least 18 at-bats against without homering.

The Orioles will probably end up leaning heavily on the bullpen with Mike Wright (2-3, 4.99) facing a pitch-count limit after making a rehab start Tuesday. Wright was activated Friday after being on the disabled list since a July 31 relief appearance with a strained calf. He's filling in for Miguel Gonzalez, who landed on the DL with shoulder tendinitis.

Manager Buck Showalter said Wright will be limited to around 60 pitches. The rookie lost his last three starts with a 12.19 ERA back in June, but his season with Triple-A Norfolk has been dominant with a 9-1 record and 2.22 ERA in 15 games.

His last start came in a 5-4 loss in Toronto on June 19 after giving up four runs and three hits with four walks in 1 1-3 innings.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Brewers (58-75) at Reds (55-77)

Game: 2
Venue: Great American Ball Park
Date: September 05, 2015 6:10 PM EDT

Because the award hasn't been given to a player on a last-place team in 28 years, Joey Votto might not be given enough serious consideration to win the NL MVP.

Nevertheless, Votto looks to continue arguably MLB's best second-half performance Saturday when the Cincinnati Reds try to deny the visiting Milwaukee Brewers a fifth straight win in the opener of a day-night doubleheader.

Votto, a four-time All-Star, probably won't be the first player from a bottom-feeding club to win the NL MVP since Chicago's Andre Dawson in 1987. Washington's Bryce Harper and Arizona's Paul Goldschmidt are among the top candidates.

Since the All-Star break, however, Votto leads the majors with a .399 average, 59 walks and a .576 on-base percentage while ranking among MLB's best in runs (39) and slugging percentage (.748).

The first baseman hit a three-run homer in the ninth inning of a 7-4 victory over the Cubs on Wednesday that gave the Reds their first series win since July 28-30. It also capped a six-game trip in which he homered three times and reached base in 18 of 27 plate appearances.

"I'm starting to play up to a standard I've set for myself," Votto told MLB's official website. "Hopefully, you get an opportunity to help the team win and do your part to feel like you're supporting every win."

Votto went 6 for 10 with a homer as Cincinnati dropped two of three at Miller Park last week. He's batting .306 with four home runs against Milwaukee (58-75) this season but is 3 for 22 at home.

Votto went 2 for 3 off Game 1 starter Matt Garza (6-14, 5.56 ERA) before homering in the ninth of last Saturday's 12-9 win. Garza had been 3-0 with a 1.26 ERA in his previous four starts against Cincinnati (55-77) before allowing seven runs over 3 2-3 innings.

The right-hander will try to avoid becoming the first 15-game loser in the majors.

"I don't think I can get any further down," he said. "This is already bottom. I just have to keep fighting and keep going. The worst thing I can do is quit and mentally check out."

Jay Bruce is batting .367 with three home runs in 30 at-bats against Garza, while Todd Frazier is hitting .316 with three homers in 19. Jason Bourgeois is 3 for 3 off him this season.

The Reds, who begin a 10-game homestand after Friday's series opener was postponed, have hit .218 while dropping 11 of 12 at Great American Ball Park. They haven't won two in a row at any venue since Aug. 12-13.

Milwaukee seeks its first five-game winning streak since an eight-game run June 28-July 5. Hernan Perez had three hits and Domingo Santana hit his fourth home run in Thursday's 5-3 home win over Pittsburgh.

Jonathan Lucroy singled to extend his hitting streak to a career-high 11 games.

The Brewers have batted .343 while averaging 6.8 runs over the past five games. They'll try to keep it going in the opener against rookie John Lamb, who is 0-3 with a 5.24 ERA in four starts since being acquired from Kansas City in the Johnny Cueto deal.

The left-hander lost 4-1 at Milwaukee on Sunday, allowing two runs while striking out eight in six innings. He's fanned 29 and walked five in 22 1-3 innings.

Cincinnati will start another rookie in the nightcap in Keyvius Sampson, who is 0-1 with an 11.45 ERA in his last three starts.

The right-hander hopes to fare better than last Saturday when he gave up six runs over 3 2-3 innings. Scooter Gennett had three hits off Sampson (2-2, 6.43).

Milwaukee hands the ball to Wily Peralta (5-8, 4.30) in Game 2. He opposed Lamb last weekend and gave up one run over seven innings to improve to 3-1 with a 3.74 ERA in his last four starts.

Adam Lind is batting .457 with four home runs in his last 10 games against Cincinnati.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Diamondbacks (65-70) at Cubs (76-57)

Game: 2
Venue: Wrigley Field
Date: September 05, 2015 2:20 PM EDT

Jake Arrieta is eager to get back on the mound for the first time since throwing his first no-hitter.

He'll try to become the majors' first 18-game winner and capture his seventh straight start Saturday when he faces the visiting Arizona Diamondbacks, who will start a pitcher winless in his last nine outings.

Arrieta (17-6, 2.11 ERA) struck out a season-high 12 with one walk in Sunday's 2-0 victory at the Los Angeles Dodgers for his first no-hitter. He became the first Cubs pitcher since 1950 to take a no-hitter into the seventh inning three times in one season in 2014, and finally finished one off this year.

'It's something that everybody wants,' he said. 'It's something I've wanted for a long time. I've been close on a couple of occasions, and tonight I was just fortunate that everything aligned right.'

The outing capped an August in which he won all six starts while posting a 0.43 ERA. The right-hander is second in the majors in ERA and opponent batting average (.195) to the Dodgers' Zack Greinke, and is 11-1 with a 1.07 ERA in his last 14 outings.

"I'm just focused on Arizona and pitching against them, and then trying to win as many games as we can leading into the postseason to try to put ourselves in a good position," Arrieta told MLB's official website.

Arrieta is 0-1 with a 4.26 ERA in two career starts against the Diamondbacks, with Aaron Hill 7 for 17 against him and Jarrod Saltalamacchia 3 for 4 with two doubles.

The Cubs (76-57) will continue this three-game set when they face Robbie Ray (3-10, 3.72), who is 0-6 with a 5.40 ERA in nine starts since the All-Star break. Ray allowed one run in 5 2-3 innings Monday in a 5-4 loss at Colorado in which the bullpen blew a three-run lead in the ninth to cost him the victory.

The left-hander has never faced Chicago, though he has seen Austin Jackson (1 for 5 against him), Chris Denorfia (3 for 3) and Dexter Fowler (2 for 3).

Arizona (65-70) expects to welcome back Paul Goldschmidt on Saturday after he missed the last two games while his wife gave birth. Goldschmidt, who has a 1.000 OPS with 97 RBIs, is 0 for 4 with two walks against Arrieta.

"Fly in and be ready to play (Saturday)," manager Chip Hale said. "I have not heard from him, so I'm assuming that's what the plan is going to be. If he needs more time, he'll let us know."

The Cubs will be without rookie slugger Kyle Schwarber for at least three days while he deals with a mild rib cage strain.

They didn't miss him in a 14-5 rout Friday. Another rookie, Addison Russell, notched his first career two-homer effort and Anthony Rizzo drilled a grand slam, going deep for the second straight game in Chicago's second-highest scoring effort of 2015.

'Hitting's contagious," Russell said. "Everyone wants to get a knock. You just want to get the next one."

Former Chicago catcher Welington Castillo had a double in three at-bats in his return to Wrigley Field.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Pirates (80-53) at Cardinals (86-48)

Game: 2
Venue: Busch Stadium
Date: September 05, 2015 4:05 PM EDT

The Pittsburgh Pirates may have loosened St. Louis' grip on the NL Central, but they'll need Charlie Morton to change his luck against the Cardinals to inch any closer.

Morton and the Pirates get that chance Saturday as the pivotal division series against the Cardinals continues at Busch Stadium.

The Pirates ended a four-game losing streak Friday with a 9-3 victory which was just their eighth in 29 games at Busch Stadium since the start of 2013 - including a 1-2 showing there in the 2013 division series.

A win Saturday would give Pittsburgh its first series win in St. Louis since April 26-28, 2013, and more importantly cut into the Cardinals' 5 1/2-game division lead.

The Pirates (80-53) need to improve on their 8-21 road record against the Central to chew into that deficit, starting with five games in as many days in St. Louis and Cincinnati. Pittsburgh is 22-32 against its own division.

"One of the things we need to be mindful of - and I share this with the guys - is that past performance doesn't need to predict future performance," manager Clint Hurdle told MLB's official website. "Past performance needs to be used as information for present success."

The Pirates, four games up on the Chicago Cubs in the wild-card race, can build off a 17-hit performance in the opener that moved their season record at Busch to 2-5. The hit total was their most against the Cardinals since June 29, 2012.

Morton (8-6, 4.22 ERA) was on the disabled list with a hip injury during Pittsburgh's first two series against St. Louis this year and didn't line up to pitch in the next two.

The right-hander is 2-10 with a 5.58 ERA in 16 starts against the Cardinals and the Pirates have lost each of his last nine outings against them - a span in which he is 0-7 with a 5.13 ERA. Morton is 1-4 with a 6.38 ERA in eight road starts against the Cardinals.

St. Louis (86-48) has lost two straight, but manager Mike Matheny said his team wouldn't alter its playing style this series.

"For us to change how we've gone about it and build this series up would be crazy," he told MLB's official website. "We get that there is a lot of build-up to this, and hopefully there is a buzz in this stadium all weekend long and into next week."

Jaime Garcia takes the mound for his first start against the Pirates in three years.

Garcia (7-4, 2.03) has won his last four decisions and the Cardinals have been victorious in his last six starts. The left-hander holds a 2.08 ERA during that time.

The stretch includes his roughest outing of the year, though, in a 7-5 win over San Francisco on Sunday. Garcia - 1-1 with a 0.84 ERA in three career starts against Pittsburgh - surrendered season highs in hits (10) and earned runs (four) in 6 1-3 innings while finishing with a season-low one strikeout.

St. Louis was held scoreless Friday until rookie Stephen Piscotty's RBI double in the eighth. Piscotty is hitting .426 with 12 RBIs during a career-best 11-game hitting streak.

Brandon Moss also kept swinging a hot bat, recording his fourth multi-hit game in a row on the tail end of an eight-game hitting streak in which he is batting .464.

Cardinals outfielder Jon Jay entered in the sixth and went 0 for 2 in his return from a left wrist injury that sidelined him in late June.

Andrew McCutchen was back in the lineup for the Pirates and went 2 for 4 after missing a game with left knee soreness.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Phillies (53-82) at Red Sox (62-72)

Game: 2
Venue: Fenway Park
Date: September 05, 2015 4:05 PM EDT

The Philadelphia Phillies haven't been shy about throwing the two pitching prospects they received for Cole Hamels into the mix.

Alec Asher's next audition comes in Saturday's visit to the Boston Red Sox, who have been one of the best offensive teams in the majors since right before the deal was finalized.

Asher is the second pitcher from the July 31 trade with Texas to start in the majors for the Phillies after Jerad Eickhoff debuted Aug. 21. The 23-year-old impressed by going 2-0 with a 2.08 ERA in four starts with Triple-A Lehigh Valley, but his MLB debut wasn't as glamorous.

Asher surrendered four runs and eight hits with two home runs in 5 2-3 innings of Sunday's 9-4 home loss to San Diego. It probably wasn't the beginning the right-hander had hoped for, but his interim manager saw promise.

"I liked him," Pete Mackanin told MLB's official website. "I liked his stuff. I liked his approach. He got behind too often, he left the ball up in the zone a little too often. It's understandable when a guy is in his first major league appearance in front of his home (fans)."

Fenway Park figures to provide an even more demanding setting. The Red Sox (62-72) opened the series with Friday's 7-5 win, and for all their struggles, they're 18-13 in their last 31 at home. Dating to July 30, they've hit an MLB-leading .295 and averaged 6.0 runs, which trails only Toronto and the New York Mets.

Philadelphia (53-82), meanwhile, has a 6.48 ERA over a 3-8 span and is in danger of dipping to 30 games under .500 again after peeking out over that mark July 22. The Phillies haven't won a series at Fenway since 1999, going 4-11 with a 7.53 ERA out of the starting staff.

Boston's Mookie Betts is hitting .341 on a 10-game hitting streak, and Jackie Bradley's .400 average over his last 25 contests trails only Cleveland's Francisco Lindor (.402).

David Ortiz has come around with a .348 average, nine homers and 23 RBIs in his last 26 games. Xander Bogaerts is hitting .362 in his last 24, and the shortstop's .321 average is 22 points higher than his career on-base percentage entering the season.

"Coming up in the minors, I know I've always had good (offensive) numbers," Bogaerts said. "Last year, I kind of got away from my whole approach that I always had coming up. Some stuff went on last year that we all know. But this is a new year, fresh."

They'll try to keep bringing the support for Wade Miley.

Miley (10-10, 4.57 ERA) has made it through at least six innings in his last six starts, but the last two haven't been impressive, going 0-1 with a 6.39 ERA. He hasn't surrendered a home run and has only issued two walks, but he's been incredibly hittable with a .386 opponent batting average.

The left-hander has at least improved in his last three home starts with a 2-0 record and 2.14 ERA after going 4-4 with a 5.34 mark in his first nine there.

Jeff Francoeur (3 for 4), Cody Asche (2 for 3) and Darin Ruf (2 for 4 with a home run and a double) have had some success off Miley.

Boston's Pablo Sandoval was scratched from Friday's game because of back tightness, and Hanley Ramirez has missed seven straight with a sore right shoulder.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Braves (54-81) at Nationals (69-65)

Game: 3
Venue: Nationals Park
Date: September 05, 2015 7:05 PM EDT

While other players may also be chipping in, Bryce Harper and Ryan Zimmerman are taking on the leading roles in the Washington Nationals' sudden uprising.

The star sluggers look to stay hot against the historically bad Atlanta Braves on Saturday night when host Washington tries to tighten the NL East race with its fourth straight win.

With Friday's opener tied in the 10th inning, Harper and Zimmerman delivered singles ahead of Michael Taylor's walk-off, three-run homer in a 5-2 victory. The Nationals (69-65) had evened the game in the ninth on a pinch-hit, RBI single by Matt den Dekker.

Harper went 2 for 3 with his 32nd home run to raise his average to .396 over his last 15 home games. The right fielder is 4 for 9 with 11 walks in 21 plate appearances over his last five overall.

"He's been patient enough in viewing it as 'OK, I'm not going to expand my zone," manager Matt Williams said. "If they chose not to pitch to me, then I've got somebody behind me who can pick it up.''

Zimmerman picked up two more hits as Washington won for the ninth time in 11 games at Nationals Park. The first baseman is batting .404 with seven homers and 23 RBIs over his past 12 overall.

The Nationals now hope to trim more off their deficit after closing to within five games of the first-place New York Mets, who suffered an extra-inning defeat at Miami.

Harper and Zimmerman might have a tough time extending their torrid stretch since they're a combined 4 for 20 lifetime off scheduled starter Shelby Miller (5-12, 2.56 ERA).

Miller, however, is trying to avoid a 20th consecutive winless start, a run of futility that is the longest by a Braves pitcher since the team moved to Atlanta in 1966. The right-hander is 0-11 with a 3.13 ERA while getting one or no runs from the offense 13 times during the streak.

"I've never seen anything like this," manager Fredi Gonzalez told MLB's official website.

Miller had been 2-0 with an 0.85 ERA in five meetings versus Washington before giving up five runs over five innings in a 6-1 loss June 30. He'll have to be careful with Jayson Werth, who is batting .370 during a six-game hitting streak, and Yunel Escobar, who is hitting .464 in his last eight.

The Braves (54-81) have lost 10 straight and 17 of 18, 11 in a row on the road, and eight consecutive games in Washington. They haven't lost 11 straight since 1982 and last dropped 12 in a row on the road in 1942, when the franchise was in Boston.

An anemic offense has been the biggest problem for Atlanta, which is batting .219 and averaging 2.2 runs during the 10-game skid.

Gio Gonzalez (9-7, 4.13) will try to keep them scuffling as he looks to build on only his second quality start in his last eight. After posting a 10.22 ERA in dropping three straight, he allowed three runs over six innings but did not factor in Monday's 8-5 loss at St. Louis.

The left-hander had been 0-7 with a 5.32 ERA over an eight-start stretch versus Atlanta before giving up two runs over seven innings in a 9-2 home win May 8.

Freddie Freeman, who went 3 for 4 with two doubles Friday, had a pair of doubles versus Gonzalez in May and he's 9 for 27 with two home runs lifetime off him.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Indians (65-68) at Tigers (61-73)

Game: 2
Venue: Comerica Park
Date: September 05, 2015 7:08 PM EDT

Danny Salazar battled through a draining illness in his last outing to extend an impressive run that ranks him as one of the AL's stingiest pitchers over the last two months.

The Detroit Tigers only wish they could pinpoint what's been wrong with Alfredo Simon lately.

Simon hasn't been the same since he beat the Cleveland Indians in mid-June, and he'll oppose Salazar looking to help the plummeting Tigers avoid a 13th loss in 15 games Saturday night at Comerica Park.

Salazar's 2.05 ERA in nine starts since July 10 leads the AL after he allowed two runs and struck out 10 in seven innings of Monday's 4-2 win at Toronto. Salazar (12-7, 3.27 ERA) admitted to being tired throughout that outing after being forced to miss his scheduled start against the Los Angeles Angels on Aug. 28 because of an illness.

'He didn't take any hitters off, because you can't,' manager Terry Francona said. 'We were keeping an eye on his endurance. I'm glad we waited a few days or that would have been more of an issue.'

Saturday marks the right-hander's fourth straight start on the road, where he's 3-1 with a 2.20 ERA in his last five. Salazar is 1-1 while pitching seven innings in both outings this season at Comerica Park, giving up four runs and striking out 17.

Detroit roughed him up in Cleveland on June 23, though, scoring each run in Salazar's 4 1-3 innings in a 7-3 victory. Miguel Cabrera has a homer among three hits off Salazar this season and is hitting .364 in their matchups lifetime.

The last-place Tigers (61-73) have won nine of 13 meetings this season despite losing Friday's series opener 8-1. Simon (11-9, 5.09) had a 2.58 ERA after pitching five scoreless innings in an 8-1 win over Cleveland on June 14, but he's gone 4-6 with a 7.84 ERA in 13 starts since while allowing at least four runs 11 times.

Detroit hoped the right-hander was getting back on track after pitching a one-hit shutout against Texas on Aug. 20, but he's given up 14 runs in 9 1-3 innings while dropping back-to-back starts.

Simon gave up a career-high four homers in Sunday's 9-2 loss to Toronto. He hasn't allowed any while posting a 2.12 ERA and winning all three of his starts against the Indians this season.

Michael Brantley has hit Simon well this year, though, and is 10 for 17 with four doubles in their career matchups. Brantley went 2 for 5 with an RBI double Friday to increase his average to .322, second in the AL to Cabrera's .360.

Brantley is hitting .438 with two homers and six doubles in his last 15 at Detroit.

Jerry Sands hit a two-run homer and added a triple for the Indians (65-68), who have won seven of nine. They're still fighting for the AL's second wild card, but would need to jump four other teams.

'I don't do anything differently against them than anyone else,' said Sands, who is 6 for 13 in four games against the Tigers this season. 'It is just one of those things that you can't explain.'

Detroit has been outscored 102-43 during a 2-12 stretch and has dropped six of seven at home. Cabrera drove in the only run Friday for the Tigers, who learned before the game they will be without shortstop Jose Iglesias for two weeks.

Iglesias fractured his right middle finger after he was hit trying to bunt in Thursday's loss at Kansas City.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Mets (74-60) at Marlins (56-79)

Game: 2
Venue: Marlins Park
Date: September 05, 2015 7:10 PM EDT

As the New York Mets continue their push toward the postseason, Bartolo Colon seems to be hitting his stride.

Riding a 16-inning scoreless stretch, Colon tries to win a third consecutive start against the streaking Miami Marlins on Saturday night.

Colon (12-11, 4.42 ERA) went 1-4 with a 6.08 ERA in his first seven starts following the All-Star break, but he's struck out 17 and walked three over 15 innings in the last two. In between those outings, the 42-year-old fanned two during a scoreless inning of relief in a 3-1 loss to Boston last Saturday.

'He's incredible,' teammate Michael Conforto said after Colon struck out nine in eight innings of Monday's 3-1 victory over Philadelphia. 'He's masterful with the way he pitches, so it's very fun to watch.'

It hasn't been much fun for Colon's recent opponents.

"When he's on like (Monday), his ball is moving everywhere,' Phillies veteran Jeff Francoeur said. 'People are like, he throws 85 percent fastballs and that's true to an extent - but his fastball can range from 85 to 93 (mph). ... He knows how to pitch.'

Colon has looked strong while going 3-1 with a 2.83 ERA and not walking a batter against the Marlins (56-79) this season. In his last visit to Miami on Aug. 3, the right-hander gave up a run in eight innings of a 12-1 victory.

It appears Colon won't have to face Giancarlo Stanton, who is not expected to be activated from the disabled list for this series. The All-Star slugger has been on the DL since June 27 with a hand injury.

"It's day to day," manager Dan Jennings told MLB's official website. "It's just a matter of when the wrist and the soreness goes out of the hand."

Miami hasn't missed Stanton while totaling 24 runs during a four-game winning streak. Martin Prado's two-out RBI double in the 11th inning Friday was his fifth hit of the night and gave the Marlins a 6-5 victory.

'It would be easy to cash it in right now, because this season on the front end hasn't turned out the way we all thought,' Jennings said. 'But you have a group of guys who come out every night ready to do battle.'

The loss snapped a season-high seven-game road winning streak for New York (74-60), which owns a five-game lead over Washington in the NL East.

Prado is batting .415 with nine RBIs in his last 10 games, and .382 in 14 against the Mets this season. He's 4 for 13 when facing Colon in 2015.

Brad Hand (4-4, 4.54) is 3-2 with a 3.79 ERA in six starts since joining the Marlins' rotation last month. However, he gave up five runs and eight hits in 4 2-3 innings of a 7-4 loss at Washington on Sunday. The left-hander allowed five hits in four scoreless innings of a 5-1 loss to New York on Aug. 4.

Yoenis Cespedes, who went 1 for 2 against Hand earlier this season, has homered in each of the last three games while going 7 for 15 with five RBIs. He's hit 11 of his career-high 29 home runs in 31 games since joining the Mets, but has never homered in four consecutive contests.