Sunday 5/24/15 service plays chatter/comps/requests & other stuff...

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Reds (18-23) at Indians (18-23)
Game: 3
Venue: Progressive Field
Date: May 24, 2015 1:10 PM EDT

While the stumbling Cincinnati Reds hope their rotation doesn't miss its ace for long, the Cleveland Indians are enjoying a resurgence behind a string of strong performances from their starters.

The visiting Reds will try to avoid their longest losing streak in six years without All-Star Johnny Cueto on Sunday, when Trevor Bauer looks to throw the latest gem for the red-hot Indians.

Cincinnati starters had posted an 11.57 ERA over six straight losses before offensive woes led to Saturday's 2-1 loss at Progressive Field. The Reds had nine hits off Corey Kluber but went 0 for 7 with runners in scoring position.

"We just didn't capitalize on those opportunities," said manager Bryan Price, who displayed some of the team's frustration when he was ejected before Saturday's first pitch.

They've gone 1 for 24 in those situations over the last four games and have been outscored 49-17 during a seven-game losing streak. Cincinnati (18-24) twice had seven-game skids last season but hasn't had a longer one since dropping eight in a row July 28-Aug. 4, 2009.

Making matters worse, Cueto has been scratched from Sunday's start because of elbow stiffness. Price says he doesn't believe the injury is serious, though he'd like to give the right-hander extra time between starts.

Cueto, who won a career-high 20 games while leading the NL in strikeouts in 2014, entered Saturday leading the majors with 65 1-3 innings pitched and tops Cincinnati's starters with a 3.03 ERA.

"He's been our workhorse - so if he needs a little rest, he certainly has earned it," Price said.

Cuban rookie Raisel Iglesias (1-0, 3.94 ERA) will fill in after allowing three runs and seven hits over three innings in his last two relief appearances. He had a 2.77 ERA in two starts before Cincinnati opted to go with a four-man rotation.

The right-hander must contend with the red-hot Jason Kipnis, who had the go-ahead RBI double in the eighth inning Saturday. The second baseman leads the majors in May with a .465 average, a .545 on-base percentage and 23 runs.

Kipnis is also batting .591 during a 11-game home hitting streak and has gone 9 for 16 in his last four against the Reds.

Cleveland starters have a 1.47 ERA over the past six games after Kluber allowed one run over eight innings to extend the club's winning streak to five - the longest by the Indians (19-23) since a six-game run May 30-June 4, 2014.

Bauer (3-1, 3.31) hopes to continue that trend after allowing one run and four hits over 7 1-3 innings in each of his last two starts. After striking out 10 in his previous outing, he fanned seven in Tuesday's 3-1 win over the Chicago White Sox for his first victory since April 15.

"I feel a bit better mechanically and I'm probably back to where I need to be," Bauer said. "I also feel better attacking guys."

In his only start against the Reds, the right-hander gave up four runs and issued five walks over three innings of a 4-0 loss in 2012 while with Arizona.

Cincinnati's Joey Votto had been 3 for 20 over his previous five contests before going 2 for 4 with a double Saturday. Jay Bruce is 11 for 22 over a six-game hitting streak, while Brandon Phillips is 6 for 13 over his last three.

Devin Mesoraco won't be available after he experienced pain in his left hip Friday during catching drills.

Cleveland's Yan Gomes, a 2014 Silver Slugger catcher, is expected to be activated after missing 37 games due to a sprained right knee.

SERIES AT A GLANCE

Reds at Indians
Fri, May 22 Final 3 to 7
Boxscores • Recaps

GAME 2
Reds at Indians
Sat, May 23 Final 1 to 2
Boxscores • Recaps

GAME 3
Reds at Indians
Sun, May 24 - 1:10PM EDT

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Athletics (14-30) at Rays (24-19)
Game: 4
Venue: Tropicana Field
Date: May 24, 2015 1:10 PM EDT

A slumbering offense that hasn't done much to help ace Sonny Gray in recent outings finally showed some life as the major league-worst Oakland Athletics ended their latest losing streak.

Now the visiting A's will try to provide some run support for their right-hander as they attempt to win consecutive games for the first time in almost six weeks Sunday against the Tampa Bay Rays.

Oakland (15-30) had averaged just 2.9 runs while dropping 14 of its previous 16 games before Eric Sogard delivered an RBI single and former Ray Sam Fuld added a two-run single to key Saturday's 5-0 win.

'They came through for us,' manager Bob Melvin said. 'A win is what they did. We desperately needed a win.'

Sogard and Josh Reddick finished with two hits apiece as the A's snapped their four-game skid and reached double-digit hits for the second time in their last eight. They also scored more than three for the first time in nine games in Tampa.

Sogard has been a bright spot, going 5 for 10 in the first three of this four-game series. Billy Burns had his first career RBI Saturday, but is 2 for 17 with six strikeouts over his past four games.

Coco Crisp was hitting .044 in 13 games before being placed on the disabled list before the game with a cervical strain. Melvin also said Brett Lawrie is a little banged up and could miss his second straight game Sunday.

Gray (4-2, 1.92 ERA), who ranks among MLB leaders in ERA, is 0-2 in his last three starts with Oakland scoring just five runs for him. He didn't have his best stuff Tuesday, allowing three runs, seven hits and three walks over five innings in a 6-4 loss at Houston.

The 25-year-old now looks to lead the A's to their first back-to-back wins since April 13-14.

Gray limited the Rays to one run over 14 2-3 innings in his first two starts against them before he was tagged for seven runs in 4 1-3 innings in a 7-3 home loss on Aug. 6.

James Loney is 3 for 7 with two walks off him, though Desmond Jennings (1 for 9), Evan Longoria (2 for 9), David DeJesus (1 for 6) and Nick Franklin (1 for 6) have scuffled in the matchup.

The Rays (24-20) had batted .302 with five homers while averaging 5.0 runs during a 4-1 stretch before managing six hits and going 0 for 6 with runners in scoring position Saturday.

DeJesus looks to stay hot after going 10 for 23 (.435) over his last seven games.

Tampa Bay has held opponents to three or fewer runs nine times while posting a 2.44 ERA during a 7-4 stretch. Erasmo Ramirez (2-1, 6.44) hopes to continue that trend while helping the Rays bounce back from their first home loss in six games.

The right-hander threw five scoreless innings in a 6-1 home win over the New York Yankees in his return to the rotation May 14. He allowed three runs in the second inning Tuesday but didn't give up a hit in his other four in a 5-3 win at Atlanta.

Ramirez hasn't had much success versus Oakland, going 0-5 with a 4.99 ERA in six career starts. Reddick, though, won't be thrilled to see him again since he's 0 for 11 with four strikeouts.


SERIES AT A GLANCE

GAME 1
Athletics at Rays
Thu, May 21 Final 0 to 3
Boxscores • Recaps

GAME 2
Athletics at Rays
Fri, May 22 Final 2 to 5
Boxscores • Recaps

GAME 3
Athletics at Rays
Sat, May 23 Final 5 to 0
Boxscores • Recaps

GAME 4
Athletics at Rays
Sun, May 24 - 1:10PM EDT

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Brewers (16-27) at Braves (20-21)
Game: 4
Venue: Turner Field
Date: May 24, 2015 1:35 PM EDT

Milwaukee Brewers manager Craig Counsell believes Jimmy Nelson discovered the key to his success last time out when he didn't allow an outfield fly ball after the third inning.

That's a trend the right-hander might be able to continue against a team that rarely hits fly balls over the wall.

Nelson will try to post consecutive wins for the first time in his career Sunday when the visiting Brewers try for a series split against the Atlanta Braves.

After allowing five home runs in dropping his previous two starts, Nelson (2-4, 3.73 ERA) earned his first win in seven outings - and just his fourth in 21 career starts - when he gave up one run and three hits over eight innings in Tuesday's 8-1 victory at Detroit.

The 25-year-old coaxed a season-high 13 groundouts against the Tigers after he had gotten a total of 24 over his previous four starts. He didn't allow a fly ball to the outfield in his final five innings.

"(Groundballs) started coming in bunches," Counsell told MLB's official website. "I think that's who Jimmy is going to be."

Nelson hopes to build on that performance after an up-and-down start. He had a 1.35 ERA through his first three outings before posting a 6.75 mark over the next four.

"He's got good stuff, he just has to put it together. We know how good he can be," third baseman Aramis Ramirez said. "It's just like I say, go out there and be consistent."

A former Braves fan while attending the University of Alabama and growing up in Niceville, Florida, Nelson should have a good chance to remain a ground-ball machine as he faces Atlanta (21-21) for the first time.

The Braves have one of the highest groundball-to-flyball ratios in the majors at 1.65. They're tied for last in the majors with 26 home runs after failing to hit one in the past six games and 12 of 14.

However, Atlanta enters with a chance to get above .500 for the first time since April 27 partly because of how well it does with runners in scoring position. The Braves are among the MLB leaders in that category with a .302 average after going 4 for 10 in Saturday's 3-2, 11-inning victory. They were 7 for 16 in those situations in Thursday's 10-1 series-opening win before going 0 for 3 in Friday's 11-0 defeat.

Cameron Maybin and Freddie Freeman each have three RBIs in the series, Nick Markakis has gone 5 for 11 with two doubles and Jace Peterson came through with the single that drove in Alberto Callaspo with the winning run Saturday.

"Probably one of the most fun times I've ever had playing baseball," Peterson said of the victory celebration.

Atlanta will try to claim its seventh win in nine games by giving the ball to Mike Foltynewicz (2-1, 5.32). He's looking to recover from his first defeat after yielding five runs over five innings in Tuesday's 5-3 home loss to Tampa Bay.

"It's only my fourth start and I'm just still trying to learn things," he said. "I'm trying to make my mechanics clean and all that stuff, working on the slider still. But other than that, it's just baby steps and it's coming along good now."

The right-hander will have to contend with Ryan Braun in his first look at the Brewers (16-28). Braun is batting .367 with five home runs and 16 RBIs over his last nine games and has driven in at least one in five straight.

Carlos Gomez contributed two doubles Saturday and is hitting .375 over his last six games. Ramirez, however, is still seeking his first hit in the series (0 for 9) and is 3 for 25 over his past seven.


SERIES AT A GLANCE

GAME 1
Brewers at Braves
Thu, May 21 Final 1 to 10
Boxscores • Recaps

GAME 2
Brewers at Braves
Fri, May 22 Final 11 to 0
Boxscores • Recaps

GAME 3
Brewers at Braves
Sat, May 23 -Final 2 - 3
Boxscores

GAME 4
Brewers at Braves
Sun, May 24 - 1:35PM EDT

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Phillies (18-26) at Nationals (25-17)
Game: 3
Venue: Nationals Park
Date: May 24, 2015 1:35 PM EDT

Among the unexpected stories of this season, few have been more surprising than the inconsistencies of the Washington Nationals' starting rotation.

Following yet another poor outing, the Nationals will turn to Gio Gonzalez on Sunday afternoon to face the Philadelphia Phillies and Aaron Harang.

Washington (25-18) has enjoyed steady performances from starters Max Scherzer and Jordan Zimmermann, who've combined for a 2.31 ERA, but the remainder of the staff has failed to meet expectations.

Stephen Strasburg and Gonzalez have headlined those struggles. The former allowed six runs in 3 2-3 innings Saturday to inflate his ERA to 6.50 as Washington fell 8-1, ending a season-best six-game winning streak.

"We need to play well to give ourselves a chance to win," manager Matt Williams said. "Today was a clunker, but all in all over the past couple weeks its been darn good. I'm not worried about their intensity level. It was just one of those games. We'll get back at it tomorrow."

Ryan Howard hit his 10th home run and rookie Maikel Franco added a two-run shot for Philadelphia (19-26), which has won eight of 11.

Howard is 8 for 18 in his last four games with three home runs, three doubles and four RBIs. His homer Saturday was his 40th all-time against the Nationals - third-most against any opponent.

'Just the way he took the at_bats, his approach, was the vintage Ryan Howard I've grown accustomed to seeing, especially that home run that he hit,' said winning pitcher Cole Hamels.

Howard will have a tough assignment Sunday against Gonzalez, who he is 0 for 11 against lifetime with six strikeouts.

Gonzalez (3-2, 4.94 ERA) looks to rebound from consecutive poor outings, however. The left-hander has managed to avoid losses in both starts despite allowing 11 runs over 10 innings while walking four and striking out four.

He surrendered six runs for the second time this season, lasting five innings before leaving without a decision in an 8-6 win over the New York Yankees on Tuesday. He's enjoying a 5.51 run support average, which ranks near the top of the NL, and the Nationals have won six of his eight starts.

This is a very favorable matchup for Ben Revere, who is 9 for 22 against Gonzalez. Freddy Galvis has also hit Gonzalez well, going 6 for 17 with a homer and two doubles.

Washington can win its eighth consecutive series and move to 16-5 this month with a victory Sunday, but will be up against Harang (4-3, 1.82), who has been a revelation for Philadelphia.

The 37-year-old ranks among the league leaders with a 0.98 WHIP and has not allowed an earned run in either of his last two starts. He gave up three unearned runs and three hits over six innings but didn't receive a decision Tuesday in a 6-5 loss at Colorado.

Harang is 3-1 with a 1.91 ERA in his last five starts against the Nationals.

Bryce Harper went 0 for 4 Saturday, marking his first full game without reaching base since May 5. Harper, whose homer Friday was his 11th in 14 games, is 9 for 20 with a home run against Harang.


SERIES AT A GLANCE

GAME 1
Phillies at Nationals
Fri, May 22 Final 1 to 2
Boxscores • Recaps

GAME 2
Phillies at Nationals
Sat, May 23 Final 8 to 1
Boxscores • Recaps

GAME 3
Phillies at Nationals
Sun, May 24 - 1:35PM EDT

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Mets (24-19) at Pirates (19-22)
Game: 3
Venue: PNC Park
Date: May 24, 2015 1:35 PM EDT

The New York Mets' starting pitching had been a strength all season, but the rotation has hit a slight bump against the Pittsburgh Pirates.

Trying to avoid a three-game sweep, the Mets will somewhat modify that staff Sunday when they look for their first road win in seven tries.

Noah Syndergaard was outpitched by Gerrit Cole in Friday's 4-1 loss and Matt Harvey followed consecutive scoreless outings by getting tagged for a career-high seven runs in a career-low four innings in Saturday's 8-2 defeat. Andrew McCutchen hit his sixth home run of the season, Pedro Alvarez hit his eighth and Josh Harrison extended his hitting streak to 10.

The Mets' starters entered Saturday ranked third in the majors with a 3.43 ERA.

"It's just a pretty terrible outing," Harvey said.

Now they'll turn to Jonathan Niese (3-4, 3.72 ERA), coming off a dreadful start of his own, allowing a career high-tying eight runs and 11 hits in five-plus innings in Tuesday's 10-2 loss to St. Louis. He is 3-1 despite a 4.41 ERA in six starts against the Pirates (20-22) with the Mets winning five times.

Dillon Gee will also be in the mix, and his reintroduction to the roster Sunday likely marks the start of a six-man rotation. After suffering a groin strain on May 9 that landed him on the disabled list, Gee was replaced by Syndergaard, who earned his stay with three strong starts and a 3.63 ERA to begin his career.

The six-man rotation will allow the Mets (24-20) to more strategically manage the innings of Syndergaard, second-year pitcher Jacob deGrom and Harvey, coming off elbow surgery in 2014.

"We've got a lot of managing to do of workloads," manager Terry Collins told MLB's official website. "A lot of it. When you add Noah to deGrom to Harvey, there's a lot of maneuvering that needs to be done. ... We'll come up with a plan that's hopefully going to work for us all."

Pittsburgh will go with Francisco Liriano (1-4, 4.15), whose only previous outing against the Mets came two years ago.

Liriano has revitalized his career since joining Pittsburgh in 2013, but provided cause for concern Tuesday with his shortest outing as a Pirate. The left-hander allowed seven runs in two innings in an 8-5 loss to Minnesota.

"That start didn't work out well for him. He'll be back. He'll be better," manager Clint Hurdle said. "He's going to work. He's going to take ownership of it."

He takes the hill following dominant starts from Cole, who went 8 1-3 innings in the series opener, and A.J. Burnett, who lowered his ERA to 1.37 with one run allowed while striking out 10 in seven innings Saturday.

New York is 2 for 31 (.065) with runners in scoring position during its six-game road losing skid. Prior to this series, the Mets were swept in four games at the Chicago Cubs from May 11-14.

David Wright's return has been pushed back after the third baseman was shut down for at least another week because of a back problem. Wright, who hasn't played since mid-April, has been diagnosed with stenosis, a narrowing of the spinal column. He will rest one week before being reassessed.

'It's just something that seems to be taking longer than we initially thought,' Mets assistant general manager John Ricco said. 'The way it was progressing, (doctors) thought it would be gone by now.'


SERIES AT A GLANCE

GAME 1
Mets at Pirates
Fri, May 22 Final 1 to 4
Boxscores • Recaps

GAME 2
Mets at Pirates
Sat, May 23 Final 2 to 8
Boxscores • Recaps

GAME 3
Mets at Pirates
Sun, May 24 - 1:35PM EDT

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Twins (23-18) at White Sox (19-20)
Game: 3
Venue: U.S. Cellular Field
Date: May 24, 2015 2:10 PM EDT

There's something about the Chicago White Sox that continues to bring out the best in the Minnesota Twins' pitching staff.

Kyle Gibson has had a hand in that success.

The right-hander looks to stymie the White Sox for the second time this month Sunday at U.S. Cellular Field.

Minnesota (24-18) has posted a 2.65 ERA while going 6-3 versus Chicago this season, and allowed 14 runs while winning five of the last six meetings. The Twins have a 4.51 ERA in their other 33 contests.

Second-year right-hander Trevor May became the latest Twin to handle the White Sox (19-21), allowing three runs and striking out nine over a career-high seven innings of Saturday's 4-3 victory. Minnesota has won twice while playing three straight one-run games.

"Runs in today's game are tough to come by," Twins manager Paul Molitor said.

Last in the AL averaging 3.7 runs, Chicago is 1-4 since winning six in a row and has failed to score more than three runs in any of its last six contests.

Gibson (3-3, 2.98 ERA) allowed three runs and eight hits over five innings of an 11-3 loss to Tampa Bay last Sunday. In his previous four starts, Gibson yielded 18 hits while going 2-0 with an 0.96 ERA. That stretch included a May 1 outing when he gave up four hits over eight innings of a 1-0 victory over the White Sox.

"I think it was one of those nights where once I got into a groove things were going pretty good," Gibson told MLB's official website.

Jose Quintana (2-4, 4.13) was the hard-luck loser in that contest, lasting seven innings and yielding the lone run on a wild pitch in the fifth. Though Chicago has dropped four of Quintana's last seven starts against the Twins, he's gone 3-1 with a 1.81 ERA.

The left-hander has a 2.18 ERA in his last five overall but is 1-3 while receiving an average of 2.18 runs of support during that stretch. He allowed two runs, eight hits and walked four in seven innings of a 3-1 loss to Cleveland on Tuesday.

Torii Hunter, 10 for 26 versus Quintana, homered in the second inning off Chris Sale on Saturday to help Minnesota improve to 14-5 against left-handed starters. He's batting .429 with two home runs and four RBIs in the last five against the White Sox.

Though Joe Mauer didn't start Saturday, he'll be in the lineup for the finale. Mauer went 0 for 2 with a walk versus Quintana earlier this month but is batting .391 with two home runs all-time against him.

"His Quintana numbers are pretty good," Molitor said. "So he'll be back in there (Sunday)."

Jose Abreu is 0 for 6 with three strikeouts against Gibson, who is 1-0 but with a 4.26 ERA in two starts at Chicago. Abreu's 17-game hitting streak ended by going 0 for 4 with two strikeouts Saturday.

Teammate Alexei Ramirez is 7 for 12 with three RBIs in the last three home games versus Minnesota. He went 0 for 4 versus Gibson this month but is 3 for 6 with a home run and double against him at U.S. Cellular.

SERIES AT A GLANCE

GAME 1
Twins at White Sox
Fri, May 22 Final 2 to 3
Boxscores • Recaps

GAME 2
Twins at White Sox
Sat, May 23 Final 4 to 3
Boxscores • Recaps

GAME 3
Twins at White Sox
Sun, May 24 - 2:10PM EDT

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Cardinals (27-15) at Royals (27-14)
Game: 3
Venue: Ewing M. Kauffman Stadium
Date: May 24, 2015 2:10 PM EDT

The Kansas City Royals haven't swept a home series from the St. Louis Cardinals in 14 years.

It won't be easy ending that drought since St. Louis has won 10 straight regular-season starts by Michael Wacha.

Wacha can become the NL's first seven-game winner if he earns his first interleague victory in seven tries and ends the Royals' five-game win streak Sunday.

This three-game set between the top teams in each league has begun with Kansas City (28-14) winning 5-0 on Friday and 3-2 a day later in a rain-shortened game that was called in the sixth inning. Alex Gordon hit a go-ahead two-run homer in the second.

"We'll take it," said Gordon, batting .410 in his last 12 games against the Cardinals. "We knew the weather was coming and it was going to be bad, so we wanted to make sure we had that lead after the fifth inning just to be sure."

St. Louis (27-16) has dropped a season-high three straight and seeks to avoid being swept for the first time. The Cardinals were last swept in Kansas City from June 12-14, 2001, going 27-12 thereafter at Kauffman Stadium.

Wacha (6-0, 2.13 ERA) has a 2.39 ERA during the Cardinals' 10-game regular-season win streak with him on the mound, including eight this season. He can match Seattle's Felix Hernandez for baseball's most victories.

The right-hander established a career high with his sixth win Tuesday, surrendering two runs in seven innings in a 10-2 rout of the New York Mets.

"He's improved," manager Mike Matheny told MLB's official website. "I think he's just getting a better idea of how to use his stuff each night, and he's adjusting real well."

Wacha is 0-1 with a 2.77 ERA in two starts against the Royals and 0-3 with a 3.60 ERA in six in interleague play. The Cardinals lost his first five starts against the AL before a 2-1 win at Cleveland on May 14.

St. Louis' Matt Holliday is hitless in six at_bats in this series, though he has been hit by a pitch in each contest to keep alive an impressive streak. He has reached base in his first 40 games, two shy of Albert Pujols' club record from 2008.

His streak is 42 straight regular-season games dating to last season; Stan Musial has the club record with 55 in 1943. Holliday is also among baseball's leaders with a .455 average with runners in scoring position.

He has a double in two at_bats against Yordano Ventura (3-3, 4.56), who is 3-0 with a 2.52 ERA in four career interleague starts. That includes a 3-2 win in his only appearance against the Cardinals on June 5, when he outdueled Wacha by allowing two runs in six innings.

Ventura snapped a five-start winless streak by going seven innings in Tuesday's 3-0 home win over Cincinnati. The right-hander left after 88 pitches due to an index fingernail tear from his previous outing that flared up again.

"I started to feel something in the sixth inning and (manager Ned Yost) just told him let's get your ready for the next start, let's take you out of this one," Ventura said through teammate Christian Colon acting as his interpreter.

Kansas City third baseman Mike Moustakas was removed after four innings Saturday with a bruised left collarbone.

St. Louis slugger Jason Heyward sat out due to tightness in his hip.

Royals catcher Salvador Perez is 4 for 6 in this series and batting .375 during a nine-game hitting streak.

SERIES AT A GLANCE

GAME 1
Cardinals at Royals
Fri, May 22 Final 0 to 5
Boxscores • Recaps

GAME 2
Cardinals at Royals
Sat, May 23 - Final 2 - 3
Boxscores

GAME 3
Cardinals at Royals
Sun, May 24 - 2:10PM EDT

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Angels (22-20) at Red Sox (19-23)
Game: 3
Venue: Fenway Park
Date: May 24, 2015 1:35 PM EDT

If Mike Napoli could face his former team more often, he might have avoided going through an early season slump.

The Boston first baseman will try to continue to pester the Los Angeles Angels on Sunday while leading the Red Sox to their first series victory at home this month.

Napoli was batting .178 with four homers and 13 RBIs in 36 games before this series but showed signs that he was perhaps ready to break out this past week. He went 4 for 12 with a home run in three contests against Texas and has followed with three more longballs against Los Angeles (22-21). He had a pair in an 8-3 win Saturday that ended a three-game losing streak for Boston (20-23).

Napoli, who played his first five seasons with the Angels, is batting .327 with 17 homers and 32 RBIs in 46 games against them. His .716 slugging percentage and 1.163 OPS are the best all-time marks against Los Angeles among qualifying players.

"It's been impressive to see what he's done against that team," manager John Farrell said. "I think more importantly for us, he's on time. It's more consistent than what we've seen in a number of years from Nap."

The Red Sox will next try to win a home series for the first time since taking two of three from Toronto from April 27-29. They had lost eight of 10 at Fenway Park before Saturday.

The Angels, winners in 11 of 17, will send out Hector Santiago (3-2, 2.25 ERA) as they try to finish with a winning record on a 10-game trip. The left-hander is 1-0 with a 0.93 ERA in his last three starts and 3-1 with a 1.90 ERA in his last seven.

Santiago yielded two runs in seven innings Tuesday in a 3-2 win at Toronto.

"What Hector is doing is really impressive. He's staying away of a lot of the trouble he got into last year," manager Mike Scioscia told MLB's official website. "He's able to command the ball better. And he has good stuff. He has the stuff to pitch out of jams, and he's done it."

Santiago is 0-2 with a 3.45 ERA in three career starts against Boston and pitched six scoreless innings Aug. 10 in his lone matchup last season.

Wade Miley (3-4, 5.10) will attempt to capture his third consecutive win after losing in three straight starts. The left-hander, owner of a 1.32 ERA in his past two outings, gave up two runs in seven innings and struck out seven in a 4-3 win over Texas on Tuesday.

Miley will face the Angels for the first time. David Freese and Chris Iannetta are among the three Los Angeles players to have batted against him with each going 3 for 5.

Iannetta did not play Saturday after hitting a three-run homer in a 12-5 victory Friday, Los Angeles' fifth in a row against the Red Sox. He is 9 for 21 with two homers and eight RBIs in his last six games.

Napoli is 0 for 4 with three strikeouts against Santiago but has walked five times. Dustin Pedroia has three doubles in seven at_bats versus Santiago and Shane Victorino is 2 for 2.

It's unclear if Victorino will play after leaving Saturday with an ailing left calf.


SERIES AT A GLANCE

GAME 1
Angels at Red Sox
Fri, May 22 Final 12 to 5
Boxscores • Recaps

GAME 2
Angels at Red Sox
Sat, May 23 - Final 3 - 8
Boxscores

GAME 3
Angels at Red Sox
Sun, May 24 - 1:35PM EDT

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Orioles (19-20) at Marlins (16-27)
Game: 3
Venue: Marlins Park
Date: May 24, 2015 1:10 PM EDT

Regardless of what the future holds, Dan Jennings and the Miami Marlins made the most of his first managerial victory.

Now that the party's ended, they'll look to win consecutive games for the first time in three weeks Sunday against the visiting Baltimore Orioles.

Miami (17-27) recorded seven hits in 13 innings but the last by Martin Prado with two-out and the bases loaded was the difference in Saturday's 1-0 victory that snapped an eight-game skid and gave Jennings his first victory since moving from the front office to the dugout.

"It has been a tough week and a half," Prado said. "Everybody was trying so hard to win a game. Everybody was trying to be a hero, but sometimes it doesn't happen.'

The Marlins came close over the previous five games since Jennings took over for the fired Mike Redmond, losing 3-2 in 13 innings to Arizona in his debut Monday and 7-6 to the Diamondbacks on Thursday.

'This is not about me,' said Jennings, the team's former general manager who splashed around in the stadium's nightclub pool after the win. 'Am I thrilled to have a first win as a manager? You bet. But much more important to me as a manager is to break an eight-game losing streak.'

While the victory was a relief, the Marlins still have been held to two or fewer runs seven times while winning twice in the last 13 games. They last won two straight as part of a four-game run April 28-May 2.

Giancarlo Stanton hasn't helped much while going 3 for 27 in his last seven games.

Building on that much-needed victory likely won't be easy against Miguel Gonzalez (5-2, 3.24 ERA), who tries to win a third straight start for Baltimore (19-21).

The right-hander allowed a solo homer and a three-run shot over the first three innings of the seven he lasted during Tuesday's 9-4 win over Seattle. It's the fourth time he's completed at least seven innings.

"He finds a way to sit there and make pitches when he needs to and keep the team in the game," catcher Caleb Joseph told MLB's official website.

Gonzalez is 2-1 with a 2.36 ERA in five interleague starts.

It remains to be seen if any disciplinary action will be taken against Baltimore reliever Brian Matusz, who was ejected in the 12th after umpires checked his arm for a foreign substance. The incident came one day after Milwaukee's Will Smith was suspended eight games for a similar issue Thursday in Atlanta.

'We're not going to address the issue right now,' said Matusz, 1-2 with a 3.60 ERA in 13 games. 'Obviously I have my own personal opinions about the issue, but right now with emotions running high we're going to let this settle and address questions at a later time.'

With two hits Saturday, teammate Jimmy Paredes is tied for the AL lead with a .352 average. He's 10 for 20 in the last four road games.

Baltimore slugger Chris Davis continues to struggle, going 0 for 6 with four strikeouts Saturday to drop his average to .210. He's 2 for 29 with 11 strikeouts in his last eight games.

The Orioles will get their first look at Tom Koehler (2-3, 3.70), who makes a second straight start with Jarred Cosart on the disabled list. Following one relief appearance, Koehler allowed two unearned runs in 6 2-3 innings while not factoring in the decision of Tuesday's 4-2 loss to Arizona.

"I'm not a guy that feels good about outings when we end up losing," said Koehler, who has yielded one earned run over 12 2-3 innings in his last two starts.

Though the right-hander has a 5.66 ERA in his last four interleague starts, he's gone 3-0.


SERIES AT A GLANCE

GAME 1
Orioles at Marlins
Fri, May 22 Final 8 to 5
Boxscores • Recaps

GAME 2
Orioles at Marlins
Sat, May 23 - Final 0 - 1
Boxscores • Recaps

GAME 3
Orioles at Marlins
Sun, May 24 - 1:10PM EDT

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Mariners at Blue Jays

GAME: Seattle Mariners (20-22) at Toronto Blue Jays (19-26)
DATE/TIME: Sunday, May 24 - 1:07 PM EST
WHERE: Rogers Centre, Toronto, Ontario
LINE: 113, -122 TOTAL: 9

The Toronto Blue Jays are sliding in the wrong direction and attempt to avoid being swept when they host the Seattle Mariners in Sunday’s finale of a three-game set. The Blue Jays have lost nine of their last 11 games and stand a season-worst seven games below .500.

Seattle won each of the first two games of the series by one run and that has been an increasingly annoying trend for Toronto. The Blue Jays are 2-10 in one-run games and have lost their last six such contests. “All losing is frustrating,” Blue Jays manager John Gibbons told reporters. “I don’t know if it’s any more frustrating (to lose by one).” Taijuan Walker takes the mound for Seattle in the finale and he has been atrocious on the road with a 1-3 mark and 10.71 ERA in five starts.

TV: 1:07 p.m. ET, ROOT (Seattle), RSN (Toronto)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Mariners RH Taijuan Walker (1-4, 7.47 ERA) vs. Blue Jays RH Aaron Sanchez (3-4, 4.17)

Walker is experiencing a four-start winless stretch and opponents are batting .321 against him this season. He allowed four runs and seven hits in 3 2/3 innings against Baltimore in his last turn, marking the fourth time this season he has pitched four innings or less. Walker lost his lone outing against Toronto last September despite giving up one run and four hits in eight innings.

Sanchez has lost consecutive starts after winning his previous three decisions. He worked a career-long 7 1/3 innings in his last turn while losing to the Los Angeles Angels as he gave up three runs and six hits. Sanchez threw a scoreless inning to earn a save last season in his lone appearance against Seattle.

WALK-OFFS

1. Mariners 3B Kyle Seager homered on Saturday to extend his hitting streak to nine games.

2. Toronto DH Jose Bautista is 0-for-5 in the series but has drawn three walks and has reached base in 34 straight games against Seattle dating to 2009.

3. Mariners 2B Robinson Cano is hitless in seven at-bats in the series and just 5-for-28 over the last seven games.

PREDICTION: Blue Jays 8, Mariners 6

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Astros at Tigers

GAME: Houston Astros (28-16) at Detroit Tigers (26-18)
DATE/TIME: Sunday, May 24 - 1:08 PM EST
WHERE: Comerica Park, Detroit, Michigan
LINE: 138, -150 TOTAL: 8.5

The Houston Astros look to earn a split of a four-game series with Detroit when they visit the Tigers in Sunday’s finale. Detroit won the first two games of the series before Houston rebounded with a 3-2 win on Saturday.

The Astros turned their first triple play since 2004 in Saturday’s game on Ian Kinsler’s grounder in the bottom of the fifth and then scored two runs in the top of sixth to take the lead for good. Reigning American League batting champ Jose Altuve is struggling for Houston and is 1-for-12 in the series and 3-for-32 over the last eight games. Detroit first baseman Miguel Cabrera is 5-for-10 in the series to extend his hitting streak to 11 games. Tigers center fielder Anthony Gose is hot in the series as he drove in both runs on Saturday and is 6-for-12 in the three games.

TV: 1:08 p.m. ET, ROOT (Houston), FSN Detroit

PITCHING MATCHUP: RH Roberto Hernandez (2-3, 3.99 ERA) vs. RH Anibal Sanchez (3-5, 5.60)

Hernandez has pitched six or more innings in each of his last seven outings. He defeated Oakland in his last turn when he gave up two runs and seven hits in six innings. Hernandez is 8-7 with a 4.16 ERA in 21 career appearances (18 starts) against the Tigers.

Sanchez suffered through his second worst outing of the season in his last turn when he gave up seven runs and seven hits in 3 2/3 innings against Milwaukee. He allowed three consecutive homers before being pulled and has allowed nine blasts in 54 2/3 innings this season after giving up four in 126 innings in 2014. Sanchez is 4-1 with a 2.15 ERA in eight career starts against Houston.

WALK-OFFS

1. Astros RF George Springer was hitless in four at-bats on Saturday after recording three consecutive two-hit games.

2. Detroit LF Yoenis Cespedes is hitless in seven of his last 11 games and had three hits in each of the other four.

3. Houston RHP Luke Gregerson converted his eighth consecutive save opportunity on Saturday and 11th of the season.

PREDICTION: Tigers 6, Astros 5

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Orioles at Marlins

GAME: Baltimore Orioles (19-21) at Miami Marlins (17-27)
DATE/TIME: Sunday, May 24 - 1:10 PM EST
WHERE: Marlins Park, Miami, Florida
LINE: -107, -101 TOTAL: 7.5

Less than 24 hours after ending a lengthy losing streak with an extra-inning victory, the Miami Marlins attempt to win their first series since the beginning of the month when they host the Baltimore Orioles in the finale of their three-game set Sunday afternoon. Miami kicked off its 10-game homestand with eight consecutive losses but showed signs of breaking out of its slump by scoring at least five runs in each of its last two defeats after totaling 11 over the first six.

The Marlins finally ended the slide with their second win in 13 games, a 1-0 triumph on Saturday in which Martin Prado delivered a two-out RBI single in the 13th inning to earn Dan Jennings his first win in six games since taking over as manager. The loss was just the second in six contests for Baltimore, which registered only two extra-base hits - both doubles. Jimmy Paredes remained hot, going 2-for-6 to extend his hitting streak to seven games, while Manny Machado and Travis Snider also recorded two hits apiece. The Orioles finished with nine hits overall and went 1-for-10 with runners in scoring position.

TV: 1:10 p.m. ET, MASN2, WJZ (Baltimore), FSN Florida (Miami)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Orioles RH Miguel Gonzalez (5-2, 3.24 ERA) vs. Marlins RH Tom Koehler (2-3, 3.70)

Gonzalez is coming off his second straight win and fifth in six decisions, a 9-4 triumph over Seattle on Tuesday in which he yielded four runs in seven innings. The Mexican, who turns 31 on Wednesday, has lost two of his three official road starts this season but posted a victory over the Rays in Tampa Bay on May 2 in what was deemed a home game for the Orioles as the series was moved due to social unrest in the Baltimore community. Gonzalez has yet to face Miami in his career.

Koehler's winless streak reached four starts on Tuesday as he settled for a no-decision against Arizona despite allowing two unearned runs over 6 2/3 innings. It was the second straight appearance in which the 28-year-old did not yield an earned run, as he tossed three scoreless frames of relief versus Atlanta last Saturday. Koehler will be pitchinig against Baltimore for the first time in his career.

WALK-OFFS

1. Orioles LHP Brian Matusz was ejected in the 12th inning after umpires discovered a foreign substance on his arm following a request by Jennings.

2. The Marlins added a pair of arms to their bullpen Saturday, recalling Andre Rienzo and purchasing the contract of fellow RHP Vin Mazzaro from Triple-A New Orleans.

3. Baltimore reportedly has agreed to terms with Cuban LHP Ariel Miranda on a minor-league contract.

PREDICTION: Orioles 5, Marlins 3

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Reds at Indians

GAME: Cincinnati Reds (18-24) at Cleveland Indians (19-23)
DATE/TIME: Sunday, May 24 - 1:10 PM EST
WHERE: Progressive Field, Cleveland, Ohio
LINE: 171, -186 TOTAL: 7.5

A pair of teams going in opposite directions square off when the surging Cleveland Indians attempt to complete a three-game sweep of the visiting Cincinnati Reds on Sunday. The Indians won their third straight series with Saturday's 2-1 victory and look to run their winning streak to six games against the skidding Reds, who have dropped seven in a row.

Cleveland, which has yielded only 10 runs in the past five games, prevailed Saturday on an RBI double by red-hot Jason Kipnis in the eighth inning. The situation behind home plate mirrors the current fortunes of each team, with Indians catcher Yan Gomes set to return to the lineup Sunday for the first time since suffering a knee injury on April 11. Meanwhile, Cincinnati counterpart Devin Mesoraco had a setback with his hip injury and could be facing season-ending surgery. Indians right-hander Trevor Bauer will face rookie Raisel Iglesias, who will make the start in place of ailing ace Johnny Cueto.

TV: 1:10 p.m. ET, FSN Ohio (Cincinnati), SportsTime Ohio (Cleveland)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Reds RH Raisel Iglesias (1-0, 3.94 ERA) vs. Indians RH Trevor Bauer (3-1, 3.31)

Iglesias has made a pair of relief appearances since turning in a sensational outing in a spot start on May 13, holding Atlanta to one run on two hits over eight innings. The 25-year-old Cuban rookie has struggled out of the bullpen since then, giving up three runs and seven hits over three innings. Iglesias has been tough on right-handed hitters in his brief tenure, holding them to a collective .172 batting average.

Bauer put an end to a five-start winless drought last time out by tossing 7 1/3 strong innings of one-run ball to beat the Chicago White Sox. The former No. 3 overall draft selection also was superb in his previous turn, striking out 10 while limiting to one run and four hits over 7 1/3 innings. Bauer's lone start against Cincinnati came in his fourth major-league appearance in 2011 and he gave up four runs in three innings.

WALK-OFFS

1. Reds RF Jay Bruce is 11-for-22 during a six-game hitting streak.

2. Kipnis has multiple hits in nine of his last 14 games.

3. Reds 2B Brandon Phillips is batting .377 on the road this season.

PREDICTION: Indians 5, Reds 2

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Athletics at Rays

GAME: Oakland Athletics (15-30) at Tampa Bay Rays (24-20)
DATE/TIME: Sunday, May 24 - 1:10 PM EST
WHERE: Tropicana Field, St. Petersburg, Florida
LINE: -133, 123 TOTAL: 7

Sonny Gray, who has been one of the few bright spots for the Oakland Athletics this season, attempts to gain them a split of their four-game series against the host Tampa Bay Rays on Sunday. Gray, who ranks second in the American League in ERA (1.92), has held opponents to fewer than two earned runs in six of his nine outings.

The Athletics, who own the worst record in baseball at 15-30, snapped a four-game slide and won for only the third time in 17 contests with a 5-0 triumph on Saturday. Eric Sogard has led the offense of late, going 6-for-14 in his last four games - including two hits and two runs in Saturday’s triumph. David DeJesus continues to shine for the Rays, recording 12 hits in 29 at-bats with five RBIs over his last nine games after a 2-for-2 effort Saturday. Erasmo Ramirez will oppose Gray as he makes his fifth start of the season.

TV: 1:10 p.m. ET, CSN California (Oakland), Sun Sports (Tampa Bay)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Athletics RH Sonny Gray (4-2, 1.92 ERA) vs. Rays RH Erasmo Ramirez (2-1, 6.44)

Gray has dropped his last two decisions despite allowing a total of four runs over 12 innings, including three in five frames against Houston last time out. The Vanderbilt product has limited opponents to two or fewer runs in seven of his nine turns and recorded 57 strikeouts in 61 innings. James Loney (3-for-7) and Kevin Kiermaier (1-for-2, home run) have had success versus Gray, who is 1-1 with a 3.32 ERA in three career starts against the Rays.

Ramirez comes in off consecutive victories, permitting a total of three runs and three hits over 10 innings to beat the New York Yankees and Atlanta. The 25-year-old Nicaraguan has struck out 25 and allowed 26 hits in 29 1/3 frames – 12 as a reliever. Josh Reddick is 0-for-11 with four strikeouts versus Ramirez, who went 0-5 with a 4.83 ERA in seven appearances (six starts) against Oakland while with Seattle.

WALK-OFFS

1. Oakland INF Brett Lawrie, who was rested Saturday, is 27-for-82 (.329) this month after batting .229 in April.

2. Loney went 0-for-4 on Saturday to halt a nine-game hitting streak during which he went 13-for-32.

3. The Athletics, who are 2-13 in one-run contests, have won only twice in 15 day games after Saturday’s victory.

PREDICTION: Rays 4, Athletics 3

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Angels at Red Sox

GAME: Los Angeles Angels (22-21) at Boston Red Sox (20-23)
DATE/TIME: Sunday, May 24 - 1:35 PM EST
WHERE: Fenway Park, Boston, Massachusetts
LINE: 104, -113 TOTAL: 9

The Boston Red Sox look to break even on their six-game homestand when they take on the Los Angeles Angels in the rubber match of their three-game series Sunday. Boston edged Texas in the opener of its string at Fenway Park but dropped its next three contests before ending the slide Saturday with an 8-3 triumph over Los Angeles.

Former Angel Mike Napoli was the offensive star for the Red Sox, slugging a solo homer in the second inning and a two-run shot in the sixth as Boston mustered its highest run output since an 11-8 loss to Toronto on April 28. Kole Calhoun delivered a two-run double in the first inning to open an early lead for the Angels, who fell to 5-4 on their 10-game road trip. Los Angeles is hoping to avoid its first series loss since the beginning of the month, when it was swept of a three-game set at San Francisco. The Angels are 3-0-2 in series since being outscored 13-6 by the Giants.

TV: 1:35 p.m. ET, FSN West (Los Angeles), NESN (Boston)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Angels LH Hector Santiago (3-2, 2.25 ERA) vs. Red Sox LH Wade Miley (3-4, 5.10)

Santiago produced his third straight strong effort Tuesday, allowing two runs - one earned - and four hits over seven innings of a victory at Toronto. The 27-year-old has given up fewer than two earned runs in each of his last three starts and six of his last seven. Santiago has yet to defeat Boston in his career, going 0-2 with a 3.86 ERA in four games (three starts).

Miley is seeking his third consecutive win after allowing a total of two runs over 13 2/3 innings in triumphs over Oakland and Texas. The 28-year-old lost each of his previous three outings, surrendering 14 runs over 15 1/3 frames in the process. Miley, who has posted a 6.61 ERA in three home starts this year, has yet to face the Angels in his career.

WALK-OFFS

1. Red Sox RF Shane Victorino left Saturday's game in the third inning after aggravating a calf injury that sidelined him for the previous two contests.

2. The Angels also lost a player to injury as RHP Mike Morin exited in the seventh with a left oblique strain.

3. Boston recalled RHP Heath Hembree from Triple-A and optioned LHP Robbie Ross Jr. to Pawtucket.

PREDICTION: Angels 3, Red Sox 1

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Brewers at Braves

GAME: Milwaukee Brewers (16-28) at Atlanta Braves (21-21)
DATE/TIME: Sunday, May 24 - 1:35 PM EST
WHERE: Turner Field, Atlanta, Georgia
LINE: -121, 112 TOTAL: 7.5

The Atlanta Braves wrap up a four-game home series Sunday with the Milwaukee Brewers before starting a 10-game road trip, but there are reasons for optimism as Atlanta finds itself back at .500 for the season. Atlanta (21-21) sits only 3 ½ games behind first-place Washington in the National League East and injured third baseman Chris Johnson is expected to rejoin the team later this week.

Johnson’s return from a left hand injury should bolster the Braves' lineup considering his replacement, Phil Gosselin, is sidelined for at least six weeks with a fractured left thumb. The Brewers have dropped two of the first three games in Atlanta and own the worst record in the NL at 16-28. Carlos Gomez collected two hits in Saturday’s 3-2, 11-inning loss and is batting .364 through nine games of Milwaukee’s 10-game road swing. The Brewers have tallied at least 10 hits seven times in the past 15 games.

TV: 1:35 p.m. ET, FSN Wisconsin (Milwaukee), FSN South (Atlanta)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Brewers RH Jimmy Nelson (2-4, 3.73 ERA) vs. Braves RH Mike Foltynewicz (2-1, 5.32)

Nelson snapped a two-start losing streak with an outstanding effort Tuesday at Detroit, giving up one run on three hits in eight innings. The 25-year-old is holding opponents to a .213 batting average and a 1.11 WHIP, but his 4.91 road ERA is more than two runs higher than his home mark (2.83). Nelson, who makes his first career appearance against Atlanta, is 4-12 lifetime with a 4.22 ERA in 21 career starts.

Foltynewicz looks to rebound after the roughest outing of his season Tuesday against Tampa Bay, giving up five runs on eight hits in five innings to suffer his first loss. The 23-year-old rookie has struck out seven in each of his past three starts and fanned 23 versus 11 walks in four starts since being promoted from Triple-A Gwinnett. Left-handed batters are hitting .391 in 46 at-bats against Foltynewicz with eight extra-base hits.

WALK-OFFS

1. Atlanta RHP Jim Johnson struck out two in a perfect eighth inning Saturday, his eighth consecutive scoreless appearance.

2. Milwaukee LHP Will Smith, who is appealing his eight-game suspension for having a foreign substance on his arm during Thursday’s game, stuck out three in 1 2/3 innings Saturday.

3. Atlanta LHP Alex Wood, scratched from Friday’s start due to the flu, is expected to take his scheduled turn in the rotation Wednesday in Los Angeles against the Dodgers.

PREDICTION: Braves 4, Brewers 2

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Mets at Pirates

GAME: New York Mets (24-20) at Pittsburgh Pirates (20-22)
DATE/TIME: Sunday, May 24 - 1:35 PM EST
WHERE: PNC Park, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
LINE: 147, -160 TOTAL: 7

Former National League MVP Andrew McCutchen has turned his season around over the past 2 1/2 weeks and looks to lead the Pittsburgh Pirates to a three-game sweep of the visiting New York Mets in Sunday's series finale. The Pirates have won 11 of the last 15 against New York after battering Mets ace Matt Harvey in Saturday's 8-2 victory.

McCutchen was languishing below the Mendoza line with a .188 batting average on May 6, but he is up to .253 after collecting three hits and coming up a triple shy of the cycle in Saturday's win. It was the sixth consecutive road loss for New York, which announced Saturday that third baseman David Wright is suffering from spinal stenosis and will be shut down for at least another week. Wright has been sidelined since April 14 and his absence puts more pressure on an offense that has produced two runs or fewer eight times in the last 12 games. New York sends Jon Niese to the hill to face Francisco Liriano in a matchup of left-handers who were shelled in their previous start.

TV: 1:35 p.m. ET, SNY (New York), ROOT (Pittsburgh)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Mets LH Jon Niese (3-4, 3.72 ERA) vs. Pirates LH Francisco Liriano (1-4, 4.15)

Niese is coming off a forgettable outing in which he was battered by St. Louis for eight runs and 11 hits over five-plus innings. It was the fourth defeat in the last five turns for Niese, who allowed one run or less in five of his first six starts this season. He is 3-1 with a 4.41 ERA in six career starts against the Pirates, but McCutchen is 5-for-13 with three doubles against him.

Liriano lost his third consecutive start with an ugly outing versus Minnesota on Tuesday, lasting only two innings and giving up seven runs on five hits. The 31-year-old Dominican permitted only seven runs over his first five starts of the season but registered only one victory in that span. Liriano has surrendered four homers in his last two starts and remains winless at home with an 0-3 mark and 7.45 ERA in four turns.

WALK-OFFS

1. Pirates 3B Josh Harrison is 21-for-43 during a 10-game hitting streak.

2. Mets 2B Daniel Murphy is 6-for-11 over the past three games.

3. McCutchen set the PNC Park record with his 62nd homer Saturday.

PREDICTION: Pirates 4, Mets 3

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Phillies at Nationals

GAME: Philadelphia Phillies (19-26) at Washington Nationals (25-18)
DATE/TIME: Sunday, May 24 - 1:35 PM EST
WHERE: Nationals Park, Washington, District of Columbia
LINE: 155, -168 TOTAL: 7.5

Winning seven of their past nine games has vaulted the Washington Nationals into first place in the National League East, but the hands-down division favorite continues to show flaws. The Nationals host the Philadelphia Phillies in Sunday’s finale of a three-game series after committing four errors, running their total to 34 through 43 games – second-highest in the National League – in Saturday’s 8-1 loss.

Just as concerning for Washington is seeing Stephen Strasburg’s ERA swell to 6.50 after he allowed five earned runs in 3 2/3 innings Saturday. Philadelphia has won eight of 11 and first baseman Ryan Howard continues to find his stroke. Howard is hitting .385 with three homers through the first six contests of the Phillies’ 10-game road trip and fell a triple shy of the cycle for the second time in the past four games. Philadelphia starters have surrendered only 16 earned runs in their past 69 1/3 innings, good for a 2.08 ERA.

TV: 1:35 p.m. ET, CSN Philadelphia, MASN, WUSA 9 (Washington)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Phillies RH Aaron Harang (4-3, 1.82 ERA) vs. Nationals LH Gio Gonzalez (3-2, 4.94)

Harang continues to experience a resurgence late in his career as the 37-year-old ranks fifth in the National League in ERA and ninth in WHIP (0.98). He has not allowed an earned run in his past two starts, scattering eight hits across 14 innings with 13 strikeouts. Harang beat the Nationals on April 18 in Washington, yielding three runs on seven hits in six innings.

Gonzalez drew no-decisions in his past two starts thanks to his offense, after allowing 11 earned runs on 15 hits in 10 innings against Arizona and the New York Yankees. He opened the season by losing at Philadelphia on April 10, giving up three runs on five hits in 6 1/3 innings. Gonzalez, who is 45-28 with Washington as he makes his 100th appearance with the Nationals, is 6-5 with a 3.15 ERA lifetime against the Phillies, going 1-2 in four starts last season.

WALK-OFFS

1. Philadelphia 2B Chase Utley went hitless in four at-bats Saturday with three strikeouts, after hitting .458 in his previous seven games with only one strikeout in 24 at-bats.

2. Washington SS Ian Desmond doubled Saturday, extending his hitting streak to eight games.

3. The Nationals held Philadelphia to 14 runs in their previous six matchups before Saturday.

PREDICTION: Nationals 3, Phillies 2

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Twins at White Sox

GAME: Minnesota Twins (24-18) at Chicago White Sox (19-21)
DATE/TIME: Sunday, May 24 - 2:10 PM EST
WHERE: U.S. Cellular Field, Chicago, Illinois
LINE: 134, -145 TOTAL: 8.5

The Minnesota Twins seek their seventh victory in the last 10 games when they visit the Chicago White Sox in the finale of a three-game set. The teams split the first two contests with Minnesota beating Chicago ace Chris Sale on Saturday for the second time this season.

The Twins are 3-1 entering the finale of a five-game swing through Pittsburgh and Chicago and sit six games above .500. Minnesota recovered from a dreadful 1-6 start and has posted a strong 14-6 mark thus far in May with a six-game homestand against Boston and Toronto looming. The White Sox are suddenly struggling with four losses in five games after posting six consecutive victories. Chicago first baseman Jose Abreu struck out twice in four hitless at-bats on Saturday as his 17-game hitting streak reached an end.

TV: 2:10 p.m. ET, MLB Network, FSN North (Minnesota), CSN Chicago

PITCHING MATCHUP: Twins RH Kyle Gibson (3-3, 2.98 ERA) vs. White Sox LH Jose Quintana (2-4, 4.13)

Gibson lost to Tampa Bay in his last outing when he allowed three runs and eight hits in five innings. He had allowed just three runs in 28 innings over a four-start span before struggling against the Rays. Gibson is 2-0 with a 2.61 ERA in three career starts against the White Sox, including a victory on May 1 when he pitched eight innings of four-hit shutout ball.

Quintana has allowed two runs or fewer in each of his last five starts but is just 1-3 during the stretch. He lost to Cleveland is his last outing when he gave up two runs and eight hits in seven innings. Quintana is 3-3 with a 4.06 ERA in 11 career outings against the Twins and lost 1-0 against Gibson in May when he gave up one run and six hits in seven innings.

WALK-OFFS

1. Minnesota LHP Glen Perkins recorded his major-league leading 16th save on Saturday.

2. Chicago DH Adam LaRoche is 2-for-19 over his last six games.

3. Twins RF Torii Hunter hit his seventh homer of the season on Saturday with six coming in May.

PREDICTION: Twins 5, White Sox 4

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Cardinals at Royals

GAME: St. Louis Cardinals (27-16) at Kansas City Royals (28-14)
DATE/TIME: Sunday, May 24 - 2:10 PM EST
WHERE: Kauffman Stadium, Kansas City, Missouri
LINE: 104, -113 TOTAL: 7

Although five games provides a pretty small sample size, it might be fair to say the St. Louis Cardinals will be happy to get away from interleague play after this weekend. The Cardinals look to stay undefeated when they send Michael Wacha to the mound as they try to avoid a three-game sweep in Kansas City when they face the Royals on Sunday.

St. Louis dropped two of three at home to Detroit last weekend and hasn’t enjoyed any more success against the Tigers’ American League Central rival, watching Kendrys Morales club two homers and account for all the offense in a 5-0 series-opening win. Kansas City sent the Cardinals to their season-high third straight setback on Saturday, using a two-run blast by Alex Gordon to post a 3-2 victory in a game that was called in the sixth inning due to rain. The weather is expected to remain a factor in Sunday’s series finale, but little has cooled off the Royals’ pitching lately. Kansas City, which owns the best home record in the AL at 17-6 and the best overall mark in the majors at 28-14 thanks in part to an AL-best 3.16 ERA, has tossed three shutouts and given up a total of three runs during its five-game winning streak.

TV: 2:10 p.m. ET, MLBN, FSN Midwest (St. Louis), FSN Kansas City

PITCHING MATCHUP: Cardinals RH Michael Wacha (6-0, 2.13 ERA) vs. Royals RH Yordano Ventura (3-3, 4.56)

Outside of surrendering a two-run homer to Daniel Murphy, Wacha allowed no more runs and only three other hits over seven innings en route to 10-2 rout of the New York Mets on Tuesday. The 19th overall selection in the 2012 draft has yet to give up more than six hits in any of his eight outings and yielded two or fewer runs in seven of those turns. Wacha has kept the Royals in check in two career starts (0.77 WHIP, .191 batting average against) but is 0-1 with a 2.77 ERA.

Ventura snapped a five-start winless streak with a seven-inning gem on Tuesday, holding Cincinnati to four singles while fanning six in an 88-pitch outing. It was a reversal of fortune for the 23-year-old Dominican, who had been tagged for five runs in each of his three losses during the drought. Ventura also was in fine form in his only other career start versus the Cardinals last June, yielding two runs over six frames to get the win over Wacha in Kansas City.

WALK-OFFS

1. St. Louis LF Matt Holliday was hit by a pitch on Saturday to extend his on-base streak to 40 games – two shy of matching Albert Pujols’ club record to start a season set in 2008.

2. Cardinals C Yadier Molina’s RBI grounder in the second inning on Saturday ended a streak of 27 scoreless frames by Kansas City’s starting pitchers.

3. Gordon needs two RBIs to reach 500 for his career.

PREDICTION: Cardinals 3, Royals 1