Sunday 7/12/15 service plays chatter/comps/requests & other stuff...

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Nationals (47-39) at Orioles (44-43)
Game: 3
Venue: Oriole Park at Camden Yards
Date: July 12, 2015 1:35 PM EDT

Max Scherzer won't be pitching in Tuesday's All-Star Game, but he will be on the mound for Washington's final contest before the break.

That could mean bad news for the struggling Baltimore Orioles.

Scherzer seeks his 10th victory for the Nationals on Sunday at Camden Yards.

Though he's been selected for his third consecutive Midsummer Classic, Scherzer (9-7, 2.12 ERA) won't be participating. A clause in the collective bargaining agreement allows pitchers who start on the Sunday before to pitch in the All-Star Game, but Scherzer has elected not to.

"It's a great honor to be able to pitch in an All-Star Game," manager Matt Williams said, "But his view is that the most important thing is to help us win games."

Scherzer is looking to join Felix Hernandez as the only other pitcher to win at least 10 games before the break each of the last three seasons. He'll have to shake off his worst outing of the year, however, after giving up five runs over a season-low 4 2-3 innings in Tuesday's 5-0 loss to Cincinnati.

"I've had stinkers before. It's just part of the deal," he told MLB's official website. "I don't get fazed by them anymore."

Scherzer is trying to snap his third two-game skid of the season, and he was nearly untouchable the last time he pitched after a second straight loss. He struck out a career-high 16 in a one-hit 4-0 win at Milwaukee on June 14.

The right-hander is 3-1 with a 3.92 ERA in six career starts against Baltimore.

Bryce Harper and Danny Espinosa went deep Saturday in a 7-4 victory, snapping a three-game losing streak for the Nationals (47-39). The Orioles (44-43) lost for the ninth time in 12 games, a span in which they're 7 for 80 (.088) with runners in scoring position. They were hitting a major league-best .319 previously.

"We're just going through it right now, a tough period" said Steve Pearce, who hit his seventh homer. "We've got to try to battle through it, and we'll do it."

Chris Davis is 1 for 11 with runners in scoring position in the last 12, while J.J. Hardy and Jimmy Paredes are a combined 0 for 19 in such situations. Davis is 7 for 17 against Scherzer and Jones is 9 for 18. Hardy is 4 for 23.

Opponents are 7 for 16 off Scherzer with runners in scoring position over his last three starts. They had been 11 for 56 (.196).

Baltimore's Wei-Yin Chen (4-4, 2.82) hasn't lost in six starts, though he has surrendered two solo shots in each of his last three. The six home runs match the most he's ever allowed in a three start-span.

The left-hander's 1.50 home runs allowed per nine innings marks the highest rate of his four-year career, though manager Buck Showalter has been OK with the long balls given Chen's ability to limit the damage.

"Usually (solo home runs) don't beat you," Showalter told MLB's official website. "(Chen) found his step there and gave us a really good chance to win. Two runs are two runs anyway you look at it."

Chen is 1-2 with a 6.60 ERA in three career starts against Washington, surrendering four home runs in 15 innings.


SERIES AT A GLANCE

GAME 1
Nationals at Orioles
Fri, Jul 10 Final 2 to 3
Boxscores • Recaps

GAME 2
Nationals at Orioles
Sat, Jul 11 Final 7 to 4
Boxscores • Recaps

GAME 3
Nationals at Orioles
Sun, Jul 12 - 1:35PM EDT

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Yankees (47-40) at Red Sox (42-46)
Game: 3
Venue: Fenway Park
Date: July 12, 2015 1:35 PM EDT

With their home losing streak against the New York Yankees over, the Boston Red Sox can try for an accomplishment that has eluded them for two years - beating their arch rivals in a series at Fenway Park.

That task will fall Sunday afternoon to Wade Miley, who has been a steady presence in Boston's rotation over recent weeks.

The Red Sox (42-46) had lost five straight against New York (47-40) before Saturday's 5-3 victory. Hanley Ramirez hit his 19th home run, Alejandro De Aza had two hits and two runs and Eduardo Rodriguez pitched 6 1-3 innings in Boston's ninth win in 12 games.

They haven't won a series against the Yankees at Fenway since Sept 13-15, 2013.

'Everyone in that dugout knows full well where we are,' manager John Farrell said. 'Tonight was a big win for us, with a chance to win the series tomorrow.'

Miley (8-7, 4.50 ERA) has yet to record a win against the Yankees despite a 1.05 WHIP in three meetings, but has won three of his last five games overall while posting a 3.26 ERA - best among active Red Sox starters since June 16.

The left-hander recorded a season-high nine strikeouts Tuesday, surrendering three runs in 6 2-3 innings of a 4-3 win against Miami.

"Wade's performance tonight was a very strong one," Farrell said. "He was sharp. He had a very good fastball."

New York will enter the All-Star break leading the AL East for the first time since 2012 thanks to a high-powered offense, though runs have been more difficult to come by lately. Ranking second in baseball with 4.6 runs per game, the Yankees have averaged 3.3 runs in their last 12 games while scoring three or fewer eight times.

Jacoby Ellsbury and Alex Rodriguez have been bright spots in that effort, each hitting a home run on Saturday. Ellsbury is hitting .353 with four RBIs in four games since returning from a right knee sprain. Rodriguez has homered in three of his last five games and has hit safely in all eight contests against the Red Sox this season, batting .345.

Nathan Eovaldi (8-2, 4.45) will take the mound for New York looking to replicate his performance at Boston on May 2, when he allowed two runs in 6 2-3 innings of a 4-2 win.

The right-hander had a 5.12 ERA through 13 outings this season, but has not allowed more than two runs in any of his last four starts. He gave up two over 5 1-3 innings before leaving without a decision in a 4-3 loss to Oakland on Tuesday.

"I feel like I threw the ball pretty well tonight," Eovaldi told MLB's official website. "My split felt good tonight. I've just got to do a better job of going deeper into ballgames.

This is an extremely favorable matchup for Pablo Sandoval, who is 12 for 17 with a home run and three doubles against Eovaldi. Among current players with at least 17 at-bats, Sandoval is tied with Washington's Anthony Rendon (against Atlanta's Alex Wood) for MLB's best batting average against a single pitcher.


SERIES AT A GLANCE

GAME 1
Yankees at Red Sox
Fri, Jul 10 Final 5 to 1
Boxscores • Recaps

GAME 2
Yankees at Red Sox
Sat, Jul 11 Final 3 to 5
Boxscores • Recaps

GAME 3
Yankees at Red Sox
Sun, Jul 12 - 1:35PM EDT

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Blue Jays (45-45) at Royals (51-34)
Game: 3
Venue: Ewing M. Kauffman Stadium
Date: July 12, 2015 2:10 PM EDT

Edwin Encarnacion circled the bases after his homer snapped a 27-inning scoreless streak for the Toronto Blue Jays, providing some relief for a struggling offense that has been among the best in baseball.

That blast also helped end the Kansas City Royals' winning streak, and the Blue Jays will send Felix Doubront to the mound Sunday looking to take two of three heading into the All-Star break.

Toronto (45-45) dropped below .500 for the first time since early June after a 3-0 loss in Friday's series opener, the second straight shutout for the team that leads the majors in runs by a wide margin.

Encarnacion's two-run homer in the fourth inning Saturday plated Toronto's first runs since the fifth inning of Wednesday's 7-6, 11-inning loss to the Chicago White Sox. Danny Valencia added a three-run shot in the ninth as the Blue Jays snapped the Royals' six-game winning streak with a 6-2 victory.

"We did what we do," manager John Gibbons said. "A couple of homers, and that was the difference."

Valencia entered the contest in the sixth for record-setting All-Star vote-getter Josh Donaldson. Gibbons said Donaldson has been battling an illness and became dehydrated from the heat.

Despite those obstacles, the Blue Jays picked up their first win since Doubront (1-0, 2.00 ERA) gave up one run in 6 2-3 innings of Tuesday's 2-1 victory over the White Sox in his first start of the season.

The left-hander, released by the Chicago Cubs on March 28, was called up from the minors July 3 and pitched 2 1-3 innings of relief in a loss to Detroit in his only other appearance.

'I'm so blessed to be (in the majors) again and have the opportunity with this team,' Doubront said. "I tried to help the team win. That's the main goal.'

Doubront last faced the Royals in 2013 with Boston and gave up three runs and walked four in four innings of a 5-3 win. He has a 5.87 ERA in three career starts against Kansas City (51-34), which had only five hits Saturday.

The AL Central-leading Royals finished with at least 11 in each of their last five but struggled to get much going in their third game without Alex Gordon, who is expected to miss eight weeks with a severe groin strain.

Mike Moustakas has gone hitless in the series since returning from the bereavement list and is 3 for 39 over his last 11.

"We've got the best winning percentage in the American League. What more do you want?," manager Ned Yost said. "We're doing fine."

The Royals look to bounce back behind Edinson Volquez, who has had to grind in each of his last two outings.

Volquez (8-4, 3.40) tossed 91 pitches while allowing five runs in five-plus innings of a 6-5 loss to Houston on July 1 before throwing 101 over five and giving up one run in a 7-1 victory over Tampa Bay on Tuesday.

The right-hander has had similar trouble against the Blue Jays. Volquez is 0-3 with an 8.84 ERA while not getting past the fifth in any of his career four career starts against Toronto, including a 7-2 loss in the most recent outing when he allowed six runs May 4, 2014, while with Pittsburgh.

Jose Reyes, who is riding a seven-game hitting streak, is 6 for 9 off Volquez.

SERIES AT A GLANCE

GAME 1
Blue Jays at Royals
Fri, Jul 10 Final 0 to 3
Boxscores • Recaps

GAME 2
Blue Jays at Royals
Sat, Jul 11 Final 6 to 2
Boxscores • Recaps

GAME 3
Blue Jays at Royals
Sun, Jul 12 - 2:10PM EDT

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Tigers (44-43) at Twins (48-40)
Game: 4
Venue: Target Field
Date: July 12, 2015 2:10 PM EDT

The Minnesota Twins have pounded their way to a successful homestand leading into the All-Star break.

They'll look to maintain that offensive success while trying for a third consecutive victory over the Detroit Tigers on Sunday.

Minnesota (48-40) has belted eight homers while averaging 6.0 runs and 10 hits to go 5-1 on a seven-game home stay. Less than 24 hours after a seven-run ninth resulted in Friday's improbable 8-6 victory, the Twins recorded 16 hits en route to a 9-5 win over Detroit (44-43).

'Every time we step on the field we're ready to win the ballgame. Real gritty and right from the get-go," said second baseman Brian Dozier, who was named an All-Star injury replacement Saturday.

Torii Hunter hit a towering two-run homer and Trevor Plouffe and Eddie Rosario each had three hits as Minnesota's Nos. 5-9 hitters went 11 for 19 with six RBIs. Rosario is 5 for 8 in the last two games.

The Twins' offensive surge could continue against Shane Greene (4-6, 5.82 ERA), who was recalled to make his first major league appearance since June 10. The right-hander allowed one earned run over 23 innings to win his first three starts then went 1-6 with an 8.60 ERA in his last 10.

He gave up 22 runs in 14 2-3 innings to lose his final four outings before being demoted to Triple-A Toledo, where he was 1-1 with a 3.42 ERA in five starts. Manager Brad Ausmus has not decided if Greene will remain with the Tigers following the break.

"He's been working hard down there," Ausmus told MLB's official website. "No one wants to get sent down to Triple-A from the big leagues. I've never met anyone that's happy about that move."

Greene began his season April 9 by yielding an unearned run and four hits in eight innings of a 7-1 home victory over the Twins. On April 29, he was tagged for seven and nine hits in 4 1-3 innings of a 10-7 win at Minnesota.

Plouffe is 3 for 6 with a home run against Greene this season.

Kyle Gibson (7-6, 3.04), meanwhile, tries to win four straight starts for the first time in his three-year career. He's posted a 1.74 ERA in the last three, and allowed a two-run homer and struck out seven in six innings of Tuesday's 8-3 victory over Baltimore.

'All these are learning experiences and definitely a good feeling when you can go out there and execute a couple of pitches when you don't feel your best,' Gibson said.

The right-hander opposed Greene on April 9 when he yielded six runs, eight hits and walked a season-high five in 3 2-3 innings. He was much better at Detroit on May 12, allowing a J.D. Martinez homer over seven innings in a 2-1, 10-inning defeat.

Martinez has homered twice off Gibson this season, and is 7 for 17 (.412) against him overall. Teammate Anthony Gose is 4 for 6 with a double against Gibson in 2015.

Neftali Feliz pitched a scoreless inning Saturday, hours after Detroit signed him following his release from Texas last week. Feliz, who recorded 72 saves for the Rangers in 2010 and '11, was 1-2 with a 4.58 ERA and six saves in 18 games for Texas this season.

'Feliz was good, yeah,' Ausmus said. 'If he can pitch similar to that on a regular basis, he can be a nice addition to the bullpen.'

He was brought in to help a Tigers bullpen that ranks among the worst in baseball with a 4.02 ERA and has yielded nine runs in 6 1-3 innings over the last two contests.


SERIES AT A GLANCE

GAME 1
Tigers at Twins
Thu, Jul 9 Final 4 to 2
Boxscores • Recaps

GAME 2
Tigers at Twins
Fri, Jul 10 Final 6 to 8
Boxscores • Recaps

GAME 3
Tigers at Twins
Sat, Jul 11 Final 5 to 9
Boxscores • Recaps

GAME 4
Tigers at Twins
Sun, Jul 12 - 2:10PM EDT

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: White Sox (41-44) at Cubs (46-40)
Game: 3
Venue: Wrigley Field
Date: July 12, 2015 2:20 PM EDT

Jake Arrieta doesn't need an All-Star Game invitation to verify his status as one of the NL's top pitchers. He doesn't even consider his exclusion a snub.

What's most important to him and manager Joe Maddon is that he's giving the Chicago Cubs a chance to win every time he takes the mound.

The Cubs need a victory Sunday at Wrigley Field to avoid being swept by the crosstown rival White Sox, who counter with another hot pitcher in Jose Quintana.

Arrieta (9-5, 2.80 ERA) has been especially effective over his last four starts while going 3-0 with a 1.17 ERA and 0.75 WHIP. He allowed two runs over 6 2-3 innings in a 7-4 victory over St. Louis on Tuesday.

"He's a strike-thrower," Maddon said. "His stuff is in that elite category of stuff. ... He's an elite pitcher."

The right-hander is part of a large group of NL pitches with a sub-3.00 ERA that left All-Star manager Bruce Bochy with tough decisions. Ultimately, Arrieta became one of the odd men out.

"I figured I had a shot. I just knew that there are a lot of (pitchers) putting together tremendous years," Arrieta said. "There were some guys left off that could have easily been in there, but it's just about the amount of spots they have."

Arrieta didn't have All-Star stuff the last time he faced the White Sox (41-44), though, as he allowed four runs and nine hits in four innings of a 12-5 win May 8, 2014.

That's the only victory in the last six meetings for the Cubs (46-40), who dropped Friday's opener 1-0 and were shut down again the next day in a 5-1 defeat. All-Star rookie Kris Bryant went hitless with three strikeouts Saturday and is 2 for 17 over his last five.

Carlos Rodon and Chris Sale kept the majority of Cubs' lineup quiet through the first two games. The Cubs haven't helped themselves by hitting into six double plays.

"We've seen good pitching,' Maddon said. 'That's it. We are a swing-and-miss team. That's part of our DNA. They've gotten the better of us, but I'm not discouraged in the least.'

White Sox starters have a 1.99 ERA and are holding opponents to a .198 average during a 9-2 stretch, including four straight wins. Now Quintana (4-8, 3.69) looks to improve those fantastic numbers.

Quintana is 2-2 with a 2.70 ERA over his last six starts and has struck out 19 while not walking any over the last three. He gave up two runs and four hits over eight innings Tuesday in a tough-luck 2-1 loss to Toronto.

He struck out five straight over the fourth and fifth innings and at one point retired 10 consecutive hitters. He's gone eight straight starts pitching at least six innings while allowing three runs or fewer.

"I try to do what is best for me every five days," Quintana said. "I try to get a win for us every time. It's the middle of the season. Let's change it the next start."

The White Sox provided enough offense the last time Quintana faced the Cubs, as he allowed one run in seven innings of a 3-1 victory May 5, 2014. They scored fewer than three runs in three of their last four prior to Saturday.

Cubs catcher Miguel Montero will have an MRI after leaving before the third inning with a left thumb injury. David Ross has been medically cleared from a concussion and could be activated to replace Montero in this contest if needed.


SERIES AT A GLANCE

GAME 1
White Sox at Cubs
Fri, Jul 10 Final 1 to 0
Boxscores • Recaps

GAME 2
White Sox at Cubs
Sat, Jul 11 Final 5 to 1
Boxscores • Recaps

GAME 3
White Sox at Cubs
Sun, Jul 12 - 2:20PM EDT

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Braves (42-46) at Rockies (38-49)
Game: 4
Venue: Coors Field
Date: July 12, 2015 4:10 PM EDT

The Colorado Rockies have disappointed during the season's first half, but they've put themselves in position to head into the All-Star break on a positive note.

They'll look to finish off a four-game sweep of the Atlanta Braves on Sunday at Coors Field.

Colorado (38-49) is a non-factor in the playoff picture as it stands, currently 8 1/2 games out of the NL's second wild-card spot. However, after a 3-2 victory Saturday, the Rockies can match a season high with a fourth straight win and their first-ever four-game sweep of Atlanta (42-46)

They're batting .357 over the last four games, and Carlos Gonzalez clinched Saturday's win with a ninth-inning single. Gonzalez, who homered for the second straight day, is 12 for 25 with three home runs and four doubles in his last six games. Charlie Blackmon is 14 for 31 in his last seven after going 3 for 4 with a triple.

Keeping Colorado's lineup in check represents the final first-half assignment for starter Alex Wood (6-5, 3.34 ERA). Wood is taking the mound three days after throwing two pitches in Thursday's 5-3 loss, not returning after a 2 hour, 6 minute rain delay.

"I was pretty surprised that they wanted us to start that game, but that's the way it goes," said the left-hander, who is 4-2 with a 2.11 ERA over his last seven road starts. "You've just got to deal with it and move on and I look forward to taking the ball on Sunday."

Wood won his only other start against Colorado, allowing three runs over seven innings in an 11-3 home victory July 30, 2013.

The Rockies' nine homers against lefties are the second-fewest in the majors, though Nolan Arenado took Wood deep in their matchup two years ago. Troy Tulowitzki, whose hitting streak was snapped at 21 games Saturday, is 14 for 28 off lefties since May 29.

There's some uncertainty behind Wood after Jason Grilli tore his Achilles in the ninth inning Saturday. Grilli, who is out for the season, suffered the injury while attempting to cover first base.

Grilli, who took the loss after being charged with the go-ahead run, has converted 24 of 26 save opportunities with a 2.94 ERA. He's been one of the few highlights amid a terrible bullpen, which owns a 4.30 ERA that ranks near the bottom of baseball.

Jim Johnson might be the top candidate to slide into the closer role. Though he has converted only five of eight save opportunities, he owns a 15 2-3 innings scoreless streak and recorded 101 saves for Baltimore from 2012-13.

Chad Bettis (4-4, 4.95) gets the ball for Colorado trying to bounce back from the worst outing of his career. He gave up 10 runs and eight hits - including four homers - over 2 1-3 innings in a 10-2 loss to the Los Angeles Angels on Tuesday. The four homers matched what he had allowed in 61 1-3 innings on the season.

"Chad had been one of our most consistent starters and had been throwing the ball really well for us," manager Walt Weiss said. "He had a lot of balls in the middle of the plate, belt high, and they didn't miss them."

Bettis lost his only start against Atlanta, surrendering five runs in five innings in an 11-2 road defeat Aug. 1, 2013.

These teams were a combined 1 for 16 with runners in scoring position Saturday.

Colorado's five-game winning streak in the series is its longest ever.


SERIES AT A GLANCE

GAME 1
Braves at Rockies
Thu, Jul 9 Final 3 to 5
Boxscores • Recaps

GAME 2
Braves at Rockies
Fri, Jul 10 Final 3 to 5
Boxscores • Recaps

GAME 3
Braves at Rockies
Sat, Jul 11 Final 2 to 3
Boxscores • Recaps

GAME 4
Braves at Rockies
Sun, Jul 12 - 4:10PM EDT

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Athletics at Indians

GAME: Oakland Athletics (40-50) at Cleveland Indians (42-45)
DATE/TIME: Sunday, July 12 - 1:10 PM EST
WHERE: Progressive Field, Cleveland, Ohio
LINE: 109, -118 TOTAL: 6.5

Carlos Santana is doing his best to distance himself from a pronounced slump and enter the All-Star break with a flourish. The 29-year-old Dominican looks to continue his hot hand and guide the Cleveland Indians to victory in Sunday afternoon's rubber match of their three-game series versus the visiting Oakland Athletics.

Santana has followed a brutal 4-for-32 stretch by recording four multi-hit performances in his last five games, highlighted by a two-run homer in Cleveland's 5-4 loss on Saturday. Unfortunately for Santana, he is 0-for-5 lifetime against Sunday starter Sonny Gray. While the Indians had their four-game winning streak halted and fell for the fourth time in 13 contests, Billy Butler's two-run double in the eighth inning helped American League West cellar-dwelling Oakland end its three-game skid. Butler has a homer and three doubles in his last five games but is 4-for-24 (.167) with eight strikeouts against Sunday starter Corey Kluber.

TV: 1:10 p.m. ET, CSN California (Oakland), SportsTime Ohio (Cleveland)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Athletics RH Sonny Gray (9-3, 2.20 ERA) vs. Indians RH Corey Kluber (4-9, 3.45)

In his first start since dealing with a severe bout of salmonella, Gray overcame a rocky start to escape with a no-decision against the New York Yankees on Tuesday. The 25-year-old has fared well on the road, posting a 6-1 record with a 2.10 ERA and 1.15 WHIP. Gray recorded his lone decision in his last meeting with Cleveland, permitting one run on two hits and striking out nine over six innings to pick up the victory.

Kluber posted his first win since May 28 after scattering five hits - all singles - over 6 2/3 innings en route to a 2-0 triumph over Houston on Tuesday. The 29-year-old went 0-4 in his six outings between victories, permitting just 18 earned runs in 42 frames. Kluber has struggled mightily against Oakland, posting an 0-3 record in four appearances while allowing the Athletics to bat .324 against him.

WALK-OFFS

1. Cleveland LF Michael Brantley is 8-for-19 with six runs scored in his last five contests.

2. Oakland CF Billy Burns has just one hit in 13 at-bats over his last three games.

3. Indians RF Brandon Moss is 0-for-14 with 10 strikeouts in his last five contests and made a throwing error that allowed a third run to score on Butler's double on Saturday.

PREDICTION: Athletics 3, Indians 2

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Astros at Rays

GAME: Houston Astros (49-41) at Tampa Bay Rays (45-45)
DATE/TIME: Sunday, July 12 - 1:10 PM EST
WHERE: Tropicana Field, St. Petersburg, Florida
LINE: -119, 110 TOTAL: 7

The Tampa Bay Rays look to head into the All-Star break with some positive thoughts as they attempt to complete a three-game home sweep of the struggling Houston Astros on Sunday afternoon. The Astros managed just one run over the first two games of the series and will look to 21-year-old Tampa native Lance McCullers to end their five-game losing streak.

McCullers has solidified his spot in Houston's rotation, allowing only 43 hits in his first 58 1/3 innings, as he makes the 11th start of his rookie campaign. The Rays, who moved to 45-45 with Saturday’s 3-0 triumph, came into the series with three victories in their previous 18 contests. Ninth-place hitter Rene Rivera has led Tampa Bay’s offense of late, going 8-for-19 with seven RBIs over the last six games. The Rays could be without shortstop Asdrubal Cabrera, who suffered a strained hamstring and left Saturday's game in the second inning.

TV: 1:10 p.m. ET, ROOT (Houston), Sun Sports (Tampa Bay)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Astros RH Lance McCullers (4-2, 2.16 ERA) vs. Rays LH Matt Moore (0-0, 8.00)

McCullers, who was the Gatorade National Player of the Year in 2012 at Jesuit High in Tampa, has been brilliant in his first 10 career starts - limiting opponents to two runs of fewer eight times. The former first-round pick has given up three runs over 18 innings in his last three outings, with just one victory to show for it. McCullers has struck out 61 in the major leagues after fanning 43 over 29 frames in the minors earlier this year.

Moore has struggled in his first two starts since returning from a stretch of almost 15 months away due to Tommy John surgery. The 26-year-old, who is 29-17 in his career, allowed four runs in each outing and 15 hits over a total of nine innings against Cleveland and Kansas City. Colby Rasmus is 1-for-12 versus Moore, who held the Astros to two hits and struck out nine over seven scoreless innings in their only meeting in 2013.

WALK-OFFS

1. The Astros have scored four runs in their last five games, leaving 26 on base and going 1-for-21 with runners in scoring position.

2. Tampa Bay 3B Evan Longoria is 13-for-40 with seven RBIs in his last 10 contests.

3. Houston’s 20-year-old rookie SS Carlos Correa has cooled off a bit since his strong start, recording just two hits in 23 at-bats over the last six games.

PREDICTION: Rays 4, Astros 3

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Diamondbacks at Mets

GAME: Arizona Diamondbacks (42-44) at New York Mets (46-42)
DATE/TIME: Sunday, July 12 - 1:10 PM EST
WHERE: Citi Field, New York City, New York
LINE: 104, -113 TOTAL: 7.5

The New York Mets haven't been shy about flexing their muscle against the Arizona Diamondbacks, belting 12 homers en route to winning four of the six meetings this season. New York looks to continue the power display on Sunday afternoon as it vies for a three-game sweep of visiting Arizona in the teams' final contest before the All-Star break.

After launching a three-run homer in Friday's series-opening victory, Duda joined pitcher Matt Harvey and Ruben Tejada by going deep the following afternoon as the Mets posted their second straight 4-2 win. Duda has recorded four RBIs and two runs scored in the series, matching the sum totals of his previous 18 games. While New York has won five of its last six to remain on the heels of National League East-leading Washington, Arizona has cooled off after emerging victorious in five of six heading into the series. David Peralta belted a two-run homer on Saturday and has hit safely eight of his last nine contests.

TV: 1:10 p.m. ET, FSN Arizona, WPIX (New York)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Diamondbacks RH Rubby De La Rosa (6-4, 4.89 ERA) vs. Mets LH Jonathon Niese (4-8, 3.58)

Following four straight strong outings, De La Rosa put up a clunker last tme out when he allowed six runs on eight hits - including two homers - in five innings of a 6-4 loss to Colorado on Sunday. The 26-year-old Dominican had permitted just four earned runs in his previous four tilts before getting ripped by the Rockies. De La Rosa dropped his lone career outing versus New York and is 2-3 on the road this season.

Niese posted his first win since May 9 after scattering three hits over eight innings in a 3-0 triumph over San Francisco on Monday. The 28-year-old fell to 2-3 in his career versus Arizona after permitting three runs on six hits in as many frames in a 7-2 setback on June 5. Niese is getting the nod in place of rookie Steven Matz, who landed on the disabled list with a lat strain.

WALK-OFFS

1. Should New York win on Sunday, its home record (32-14) at the All-Star break will tie the 1986 club for the best in franchise history.

2. Arizona 1B Paul Goldschmidt is 0-for-7 with four strikeouts in the series.

3. Mets LF Michael Cuddyer is 5-for-12 with a homer in his last three games after going 2-for-36 in his previous 12 contests.

PREDICTION: Diamondbacks 3, Mets 1

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Reds at Marlins

GAME: Cincinnati Reds (39-46) at Miami Marlins (37-51)
DATE/TIME: Sunday, July 12 - 1:10 PM EST
WHERE: Marlins Park, Miami, Florida
LINE: -154, 142 TOTAL: 6.5

The Miami Marlins will end a difficult first half of the season without All-Star second baseman Dee Gordon when they host Cincinnati in the finale of a four-game series Sunday. Gordon, a member of the National League roster for the second time and the major-league leader in hits, suffered a dislocated left thumb during Saturday's 14-3 rout of the Reds.

The Marlins' lone representative for the Midsummer Classic enters the break with a .338 average after recording three of Miami's season-high 21 hits in the drubbing. Christian Yelich, Cole Gillespie and J.T. Realmuto also had three hits apiece in the Marlins' best offensive showing of the season, which also gave them five wins in their last six home games. Cincinnati had given up just four runs during a 3-1 stretch prior to the implosion and fell to 17-28 on the road. The Reds do have a chance to enter the break on a good note behind Sunday's starter, ace Johnny Cueto, who is coming off a shutout in Washington.

TV: 1:10 p.m. ET, FSN Ohio (Cincinnati), FSN Florida (Miami)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Reds RH Johnny Cueto (6-5, 2.61 ERA) vs. Marlins RH Dan Haren (6-5, 3.34)

Cueto, whose days in Cincinnati could be numbered as he remains a prime trade chip, struck out 11 while allowing just two hits in his complete-game gem against the Nationals on Tuesday. He has allowed one run on six hits while fanning 19 in 17 innings this month. The 29-year-old is 4-1 with a 4.04 ERA in seven career starts against the Marlins.

Haren is on a six-start winless streak but pitched well Tuesday at Fenway Park, limiting the Red Sox to a run in six innings. He has allowed three earned runs or fewer in nine of his last 10 starts and has just 11 walks in that span. The veteran gave up two runs in 6 1/3 innings of a tough-luck loss at Cincinnati on June 19.

WALK-OFFS

1. Reds RF Jay Bruce is 5-for-7 with a homer and two runs scored in the last two games.

2. With a win Miami clinches its first season series win against Cincinnati since 2005.

3. Marlins 3B Casey McGehee is 3-for-6 since being signed earlier in the week.

PREDICTION: Reds 4, Marlins 2

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Nationals at Orioles

GAME: Washington Nationals (47-39) at Baltimore Orioles (44-43)
DATE/TIME: Sunday, July 12 - 1:35 PM EST
WHERE: Oriole Park at Camden Yards, Baltimore, Maryland
LINE: N/A TOTAL: N/A

After igniting their sputtering offense to snap a three-game losing streak, the Washington Nationals look to secure a series victory against the host Baltimore Orioles on Sunday afternoon in the teams' final contest before the All-Star break. Danny Espinosa belted a three-run shot in Saturday's 7-4 triumph for his second homer in four games for the Nationals, who mustered just four runs during their skid.

Bryce Harper launched his team-leading 26th homer to move within one of tying Alfonso Soriano (2006) for the franchise record of blasts before the All-Star break. While Washington is nursing a two-game lead over the New York Mets in the National League East, Baltimore has dropped seven of nine to reside three games behind the first-place New York Yankees in the American League East. Despite their struggles, the Orioles haven't been shy about going deep as they have belted 11 homers in their last seven games and 16 in their last 12. Unfortunately for Baltimore, it is 1-for-35 with runners in scoring position in the last five contests as it prepares to face Max Scherzer on Sunday.

TV: 1:35 p.m. ET, MASN2, WUSA 9 (Washington), MASN, WJZ (Baltimore)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Nationals RH Max Scherzer (9-7, 2.12 ERA) vs. Orioles LH Wei-Yin Chen (4-4, 2.82)

Originally slated to pitch in the All-Star Game, Scherzer was given the nod for the series finale by manager Matt Williams. The 30-year-old looks to rebound from his second straight loss, allowing a season high-tying five runs in a campaign-low 4 2/3 innings en route to a 5-0 setback against Cincinnati on Tuesday. Scherzer, who has not issued a walk in his last four outings, owns a 3-1 record in six career appearances versus Baltimore.

Chen allowed two homers for the third consecutive outing before exiting with a no-decision against Minnesota on Monday. Home runs aside, the 29-year-old native of Taiwan is 3-0 in his last six outings, permitting 10 runs in that span. Chen has struggled in three career outings versus Washington, posting a 1-2 mark with a 6.60 ERA and 1.80 WHIP while allowing the Nationals to bat .338 against him.

WALK-OFFS

1. Baltimore CF Adam Jones is 1-for-13 with a solo homer in his last three contests.

2. Washington LF Michael Taylor and 1B Clint Robinson are both 4-for-8 in the series.

3. Orioles 3B Manny Machado has hit safely in five straight contests and eight of his last nine.

PREDICTION: Orioles 4, Nationals 2

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Yankees at Red Sox

GAME: New York Yankees (47-40) at Boston Red Sox (42-46)
DATE/TIME: Sunday, July 12 - 1:35 PM EST
WHERE: Fenway Park, Boston, Massachusetts
LINE: 111, -120 TOTAL: 9

The Boston Red Sox are on a roll as the All-Star break arrives and seek their sixth victory in seven games when they host the New York Yankees on Sunday. The teams split the first two contests of the series as Boston improved to 9-3 over its last 12 games.

New York third baseman Alex Rodriguez has homered in both games of the series and has gone deep against the Red Sox 56 times in his career. Yankees center fielder Jacoby Ellsbury went 3-for-4 with a homer on Saturday against his former club and is 6-for-17 in four games since returning from a knee injury. Boston left fielder Hanley Ramirez was 2-for-4 with a homer on Saturday and has gone deep four times over his past eight games. Red Sox outfielder Mookie Betts is 3-for-8 in the series and has two or more hits in six of the past 11 games.

TV: 1:35 p.m. ET, TBS, YES (New York), NESN (Boston)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Yankees RH Nathan Eovaldi (8-2, 4.45 ERA) vs. Red Sox LH Wade Miley (8-7, 4.50)

Eovaldi won three consecutive starts before taking a no-decision in his last outing. He gave up two runs and six hits in 5 1/3 innings against Oakland and has allowed just six runs over his last four starts. Eovaldi is 1-0 with a 3.75 ERA in two starts this season against Boston and struggles against third baseman Pablo Sandoval (12-for-17 with one homer and 10 RBIs).

Miley has won three of his last four decisions and has allowed 11 runs over his last five starts. He received a no-decision against Miami in his last outing when he struck out a season-high nine in 6 2/3 innings and gave up three runs and seven hits. Miley is 0-1 with a 3.79 ERA in three career starts against the Yankees and the loss came on May 2 when he allowed three runs and seven hits over seven innings.

WALK-OFFS

1. Yankees 2B Rob Refsnyder went 0-for-3 in his major-league debut and INF Cole Figueroa was sent to Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre to open up the 25-man roster spot.

2. Boston placed RHP Clay Buchholz (elbow) on the disabled list and recalled LHP Brian Johnson.

3. New York 3B Chase Headley (groin) was 1-for-4 in his return from a three-game absence.

PREDICTION: Red Sox 5, Yankees 4

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Tigers at Twins

GAME: Detroit Tigers (44-43) at Minnesota Twins (48-40)
DATE/TIME: Sunday, July 12 - 2:10 PM EST
WHERE: Target Field, Minneapolis, Minnesota
LINE: 133, -144 TOTAL: 8.5


The Minnesota Twins have been one of the biggest surprises in the majors in the first half of the season, and they'll try to enter the All-Star break on a high note when they wrap up a four-game series with the visiting Detroit Tigers. The Twins have won five of their last six, including two straight against the Tigers, after Saturday's 9-5 triumph.



The Tigers lead the season series 8-4, but the Twins rallied from a 6-0 deficit to score seven runs in the ninth and win Friday before jumping out to a 7-0 lead Saturday. Now Minnesota sends its most consistent starting pitcher to the mound with right-hander Kyle Gibson facing Detroit righty Shane Greene. Gibson is 2-4 with a 5.97 ERA in seven career starts against Detroit with J.D. Martinez (7-for-17, 2 HR) and Ian Kinsler (7-for-18, HR) doing the most damage against him. Greene struggled in the majors earlier this season but was 1-1 with a 3.42 ERA in five starts in the minors over the past month.

TV: 2:10 p.m. ET, FSN Detroit, FSN North (Minnesota)



PITCHING MATCHUP: Tigers RH Shane Greene (4-6, 5.82 ERA) vs. Twins RH Kyle Gibson (7-6, 3.04)

Greene will be called up to make his first major-league start since June 10. The 26-year-old was dominant in his first three starts of the season but was hit hard before being sent to the minors, posting a 12.27 ERA while losing each of his last four big-league starts. Greene faced Minnesota twice in April, pitching eight strong innings in a victory April 9 but getting tagged for seven runs in 4 1/3 innings in a no-decision April 29.

Gibson has been streaky, and he's in the midst of a hot one at the moment, having won three straight starts. The 27-year-old followed up eight scoreless innings against Kansas City with another solid outing in his last turn, holding Baltimore to two runs over six innings. The Tigers roughed up Gibson on April 9, as he gave up six runs in 3 2/3 innings in a loss, but he held them to one run over seven frames in a no-decision May 12.



WALK-OFFS

1. Detroit LF Yoenis Cespedes is a career .375 hitter against the Twins and has posted a .453 average while hitting safely in all 15 games he has played at Target Field.

2. Tigers CF Anthony Gose and Cespedes are riding nine-game hitting streaks while Twins 1B/DH Joe Mauer has hit safely in eight straight.

3. Minnesota 2B Brian Dozier was named to the American League All-Star team Saturday, replacing injured Toronto OF Jose Bautista.



PREDICTION: Twins 6, Tigers 4

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Blue Jays at Royals

GAME: Toronto Blue Jays (45-45) at Kansas City Royals (51-34)
DATE/TIME: Sunday, July 12 - 2:10 PM EST
WHERE: Kauffman Stadium, Kansas City, Missouri
LINE: -103, -105 TOTAL: 8.5

Before several of their members head to Cincinnati to take part in the All-Star Game, the Kansas City Royals look to pick up another series win when they host Toronto in the rubber game of a three-game set Sunday. Seven Royals made the American League roster for the Midsummer Classic, including four who were voted in as starters, though left fielder Alex Gordon will not be able to play due to a recent injury.

Kansas City had won six straight before suffering a 6-2 loss to the Blue Jays on Saturday. Danny Valencia slugged a three-run homer and Edwin Encarnacion went deep with a man on to lead Toronto's 11-hit attack. It broke the Blue Jays' three-game slide and gave them an opportunity - with a win Sunday - to enter the All-Star break with a winning record. Lefty Felix Doubront will make his second start of the season for Toronto opposite Royals right-hander Edinson Volquez.

TV: 2:10 p.m. ET, SNET (Toronto), FSN Kansas City

PITCHING MATCHUP: Blue Jays LH Felix Doubront (1-0, 2.00 ERA) vs. Royals RH Edinson Volquez (8-4, 3.40)

After making nine starts at Triple-A and one relief appearance for the Blue Jays, Doubront shined in his first start with the team Tuesday. He allowed a run on six hits and a walk while striking out six in 6 2/3 innings of a 2-1 road win over the Chicago White Sox. The 27-year-old has given up 10 earned runs in 15 1/3 innings over three career starts against Kansas City.

Volquez gave up a run in five innings against Tampa Bay on Tuesday, the sixth time in his last eight outings he has failed to last six frames. It was his second straight no-decision following a string of four consecutive wins. The Dominican Republic native, who is 5-2 with a 3.08 ERA in nine home starts this year, has been pounded for 21 runs (19 earned) in 19 1/3 innings in his career against the Blue Jays.

WALK-OFFS

1. The Royals are attempting to win 52 games before the break for the first time in franchise history.

2. Blue Jays All-Star 3B Josh Donaldson is 0-for-11 in his last three games and was removed from Saturday's win with an illness.

3. Toronto SS Jose Reyes is 11-for-33 with four stolen bases and four runs scored during a seven-game hitting streak.

PREDICTION: Royals 5, Blue Jays 4

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: White Sox at Cubs

GAME: Chicago White Sox (41-44) at Chicago Cubs (46-40)
DATE/TIME: Sunday, July 12 - 2:20 PM EST
WHERE: Wrigley Field, Chicago, Illinois
LINE: 148, -161 N/A TOTAL: N/A


Jose Quintana has a tough act to follow, as the left-hander takes the mound for the Chicago White Sox on Sunday with the team having allowed only one run over its past three games. Quintana will try to pitch the White Sox to a fifth consecutive victory and a three-game sweep of the host Chicago Cubs.



The White Sox have allowed two runs or fewer in nine of their last 11 games following a 5-1 victory Saturday. They've also won nine of their last 11, climbing within three games of .500 for the first time since June 12. The Cubs, meanwhile, have dropped three straight, and their bats have gone cold against their crosstown rivals. After managing only three hits in a 1-0 loss in Friday's series opener, the Cubs had six hits Saturday but left seven men on base and went 1-for-6 with runners in scoring position.

TV: 2:20 p.m. ET, CSN Chicago (White Sox), ABC 7 (Cubs)



PITCHING MATCHUP: White Sox LH Jose Quintana (4-8, 3.69 ERA) vs. Cubs RH Jake Arrieta (9-5, 2.80)

Quintana is putting together another solid season but has been plagued by a lack of run support. The 26-year-old Colombian has recorded eight straight quality starts but has only two wins over that span despite a 2.70 ERA. He took the loss last time out despite holding Toronto to two runs and four hits over eight innings with eight strikeouts.

Arrieta has won three straight decisions and recorded four consecutive quality starts. The 29-year-old beat St. Louis last time out, allowing two runs and seven hits over 6 2/3 innings, and he has not allowed a homer in his last four starts. Arrieta is 1-1 with a 5.49 ERA in four starts against the White Sox and was tagged for four runs (three earned) in four innings in the only meeting last season.



WALK-OFFS

1. Cubs C Miguel Montero left Saturday's game with a jammed left thumb and could go on the disabled list with C David Ross eligible and medically cleared to return from the 7-day concussion DL.

2. White Sox DH/1B Jose Abreu is riding a 13-game hitting streak, the fifth streak of 13 games or longer in his two-year career.

3. Arrieta is trying to become the first Cubs pitcher with 10 wins before the All-Star break since Carlos Zambrano and Ryan Dempster did so in 2008.



PREDICTION: Cubs 3, White Sox 2

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Padres at Rangers

GAME: San Diego Padres (40-49) at Texas Rangers (42-45)
DATE/TIME: Sunday, July 12 - 3:05 PM EST
WHERE: Globe Life Park in Arlington, Arlington, Texas
LINE: 113, -122 TOTAL: 8.5

The San Diego Padres attempt to ride the momentum of their comeback victory to a series win as they visit the Texas Rangers for the rubber match of their three-game interleague set on Sunday. San Diego scored three runs in the ninth inning to avoid its seventh consecutive loss and posted a 6-5 victory on Saturday.

Melvin Upton Jr. closed the gap with an RBI single and scored on Yangervis Solarte's two-out homer as the Padres improved to 3-6 on their 10-game road trip with their first triumph in eight days. Mitch Moreland belted a pair of solo shots for the Rangers, who were looking to register back-to-back victories for the first time this month. The inability to hold the late lead was just another black eye on a horrific homestand for Texas, which fell to 1-6 on the eight-game stretch. San Diego has not won a road series since taking two of three at Cincinnati from June 5-7.

TV: 3:05 p.m. ET, FSN San Diego, FSN Southwest (Texas)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Padres RH Tyson Ross (5-7, 3.56 ERA) vs. Rangers RH Yovani Gallardo (7-7, 2.67)

Ross, who worked only two innings at Pittsburgh on Tuesday due to rain, has not lost since yielding four runs on seven hits and four walks against Oakland on June 15. The 28-year-old is riding a franchise-record streak of 13 consecutive starts without allowing a home run. Ross has struggled against Texas in his career, going 1-2 while surrendering seven runs over 10 1/3 frames for a 6.10 ERA in five games (one start).

Gallardo had his string of four straight scoreless outings snapped by Arizona on Tuesday, when he allowed three runs on eight hits and five walks in 5 2/3 innings en route to his first loss since May 19. The 29-year-old Mexican went 2-0 during his scoreless streak, allowing 14 hits over 26 1/3 frames, and hadn't given up more than two runs in any of his eight starts prior to facing the Diamondbacks. Gallardo is 4-3 with a 4.06 ERA in 10 career turns versus San Diego.

WALK-OFFS

1. Rangers LHP Ross Detwiler was designated for assignment after going 0-5 with a 7.12 ERA in 17 games (seven starts).

2. San Diego RHP Brandon Morrow, who has been sidelined with inflammation in his shoulder since May 3, threw a simulated game Saturday.

3. Texas recalled RHP Roman Mendez from Triple-A Round Rock.

PREDICTION: Rangers 5, Padres 3

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Phillies at Giants

GAME: Philadelphia Phillies (29-61) at San Francisco Giants (45-43)
DATE/TIME: Sunday, July 12 - 4:05 PM EST
WHERE: AT&T Park, San Francisco, California
LINE: 191, -209 TOTAL: 7.5

The San Francisco Giants appeared destined for a gloomy All-Star break just days ago, but the Philadelphia Phillies and their generous pitching staff changed that in a hurry. After scoring 23 runs in the first two games of the series, the Giants aim for a sweep on Sunday against the major league-worst Phillies, who have lost 14 of their last 17.

The Phillies have served as an instant elixir for Giants center fielder Angel Pagan, who has two RBI in back-to-back games after going 78 contests without a multi-RBI game. The Giants are sending four players to next week’s All-Star game, including second baseman Joe Panik, who is 8-for-18 with six runs scored over the last four games. Closer Jonathan Papelbon is the lone All-Star representative for Philadelphia, which will set a club record for the most losses ever before the break with a loss in Sunday’s series finale. First baseman Ryan Howard is looking to build on Saturday's effort, when he broke out of a lengthy slump by going 2-for-4 with a home run and two RBI in the 8-5 loss.

TV: 4:05 p.m. ET, CSN Philadelphia, CSN Bay Area (San Francisco)



PITCHING MATCHUP: Phillies RH Chad Billingsley (1-2, 6.67 ERA) vs. Giants RH Chris Heston (8-5, 3.51)

Billingsley earned his first victory in over two years last Tuesday by holding the Dodgers to two runs in six innings as the Phillies rolled to a 7-2 win. “It’s been a long road,” Billingsley told reporters. “I was pretty excited to be back out there. There were a lot of emotions.” Hunter Pence is 7-for-13 with a home run against the 30-year-old, who is 8-6 with a 3.16 ERA in 27 career games (22 starts) against San Francisco.

Heston has solidified his spot in the rotation by allowing three runs or fewer in each of his last six starts, going 3-1 with a 2.25 ERA during that span. The 27-year-old rookie received a no-decision against the Mets last Monday, when he yielded three hits over 7 1/3 scoreless innings. Heston, who is making his first career appearance against the Phillies, owns a 2.72 ERA in nine starts at AT&T Park this season.

WALK-OFFS

1. The Giants have won 11 of the last 14 meetings against the Phillies and outscored them by a 84-50 margin.

2. The Phillies are 1-16-1 over their last 18 road series.

3. San Francisco RHP George Kontos has not allowed any of his 25 inherited runners to score this season.

PREDICTION: Giants 7, Phillies 4

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Brewers at Dodgers

GAME: Milwaukee Brewers (38-51) at Los Angeles Dodgers (50-39)
DATE/TIME: Sunday, July 12 - 4:10 PM EST
WHERE: Dodger Stadium, Los Angeles, California
LINE: 154, -167 TOTAL: 7.5

Carlos Gomez attempts to continue his hot hitting when the visiting Milwaukee Brewers close a three-game series against the Los Angeles Dodgers on Sunday. The center fielder doubled twice for five RBIs in Saturday's 7-1 victory and has three homers and 15 RBIs over his past seven games.

It was the second time in seven games that Gomez matched his career best for RBIs and he is 10-for-25 during the span. Milwaukee has won 10 of its past 13 games as is playing better on the road (22-23) than at home (16-28). Los Angeles had a three-game winning streak halted Saturday when it managed just three hits off Taylor Jungmann, who went the distance for the Brewers. Dodgers catcher Yasmani Grandal had two of the hits and is 10-for-16 with two homers, three doubles and nine RBIs against Milwaukee this season.

TV: 4:10 p.m. ET, FSN Wisconsin (Milwaukee), SportsNet LA (Los Angeles)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Brewers RH Kyle Lohse (5-10, 6.29 ERA) vs. Dodgers LH Brett Anderson (5-5, 3.12)

Lohse won consecutive starts before falling to Atlanta in his last turn when he gave up four runs and 11 hits in five innings. He has allowed four or more runs in seven of his last nine outings while struggling most of the season. Lohse is 2-4 with a 4.43 ERA in 13 career appearances (11 starts) against the Dodgers and received a no-decision May 4 when he gave up three runs and four hits in five innings.

Anderson lost to Philadelphia in his last outing to halt a three-start winning streak. He had allowed two runs or less in four straight starts before giving up four runs (three earned) and six hits in five innings against the Phillies. Anderson has served up just one homer over his last five turns and seven on the season.

WALK-OFFS

1. Dodgers LF Alex Guerrero is 0-for-15 over his last nine appearances.

2. Milwaukee LF Gerardo Parra went 3-for-5 on Saturday and has two or more hits in seven of his last 10 games.

3. Los Angeles 3B Justin Turner is hitless in 10 at-bats over the past three games.

PREDICTION: Dodgers 7, Brewers 4

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Angels at Mariners

GAME: Los Angeles Angels (47-40) at Seattle Mariners (41-47)
DATE/TIME: Sunday, July 12 - 4:10 PM EST
WHERE: Safeco Field, Seattle, Washington
LINE: 115, -125 TOTAL: 7

Mark Trumbo got off to a slow start upon joining Seattle but he has recently settled into a groove as the host Mariners conclude a four-game series against the Los Angeles Angels on Sunday. Trumbo went 2-for-3 with two RBIs in Saturday's 5-0 victory and is 12-for-22 over his past seven contests.

Trumbo, acquired from Arizona in early June, was batting .139 in 79 at-bats with the Mariners before his current hot streak. Seattle designated hitter Nelson Cruz is 7-for-12 in the series after getting three hits for the second time in three nights, and third baseman Kyle Seager is 6-for-9 with three walks after reaching base four times with two hits and two walks Saturday. The Angels had just four singles Saturday and remain a half-game out in the American League West after failing to take advantage of first-place Houston's fifth consecutive loss. Los Angeles center fielder Mike Trout is 15-for-40 with seven homers and 12 RBIs over the last 11 games.

TV: 4:10 p.m. ET, FSN West (Los Angeles), ROOT (Seattle)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Angels LH Andrew Heaney (2-0, 1.77 ERA) vs. Mariners RH Taijuan Walker (7-6, 4.53)

Heaney has won back-to-back starts and has pitched well in three outings since being recalled. He defeated the Colorado Rockies in his last turn when he gave up two runs and eight hits in 7 1/3 innings. Heaney has struck out 17 and walked three while limiting opponents to a .192 average.

Walker received a no-decision in his last turn after winning his previous five starts. He gave up five runs and six hits in six innings against Detroit on Tuesday while allowing his most runs since May 2. Walker defeated the Angels on June 26 when he gave up one run and seven hits over seven innings.

WALK-OFFS

1. Angels 1B Albert Pujols is 1-for-13 with four strikeouts in the series.

2. Seattle CF Austin Jackson (back) was hitless in five at-bats Saturday after missing the first two games of the series.

3. Los Angeles 3B David Freese struck out three times in four at-bats and is 1-for-10 in the series.

PREDICTION: Angels 5, Mariners 3

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Braves at Rockies

GAME: Atlanta Braves (42-46) at Colorado Rockies (38-49)
DATE/TIME: Sunday, July 12 - 4:10 PM EST
WHERE: Coors Field, Denver, Colorado
LINE: 112, -121 TOTAL: 10

Carlos Gonzalez suffered through an injury-marred 2014 and found himself hitting .219 at the beginning of June, but the Colorado Rockies’ right fielder is showing the form that made him an All-Star in 2012 and 2013. Gonzalez slugged his ninth homer since June 1 on Saturday and comes into Sunday’s home game with the Atlanta Braves batting .305 with 22 RBIs in his past 36 games.

Gonzalez has three three-hit games in the past week, and the Rockies have won the first three games of the series and five in a row overall against Atlanta. The series has been a disaster for the Braves, who have lost four in a row overall. Atlanta has failed to take advantage of the offensive-friendly confines of Coors Field, going 2-for-18 with runners in scoring position. The Braves lost closer Jason Grilli for the season when he ruptured his left Achilles in the ninth inning Saturday, then lost the game when Gonzalez’s pop up dropped between Cameron Maybin and Andrelton Simmons. The Braves are 10-12 since first baseman Freddie Freeman sprained his right wrist.

TV: 4:10 p.m. ET, FSN South (Atlanta), ROOT (Colorado)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Braves LH Alex Wood (6-5, 3.34 ERA) vs. Rockies RH Chad Bettis (4-4, 4.95)

Wood makes his second appearance of the series after throwing just two pitches Thursday before a two-hour, six-minute rain delay ended his night. He won his previous two starts, shutting out Pittsburgh on five hits in 7 1/3 innings June 28 before giving up four runs on 10 hits in six frames July 4 against the Phillies. Wood has done his best work away from home, going 5-2 with a 2.43 ERA.

Bettis won his final two starts of June but is 0-2 in July, getting shelled for 10 runs on eight hits – including four homers – in just 2 1/3 innings Tuesday against the Los Angeles Angels. He has benefited from ample run support in his victories as Colorado scored 28 times in those four games. A second-round selection by the Rockies in the 2010 draft, Bettis lost to the Braves in his major-league debut on Aug. 1, 2013.

WALK-OFFS

1. Colorado SS Troy Tulowitzki’s hitting streak ended at 21 games Saturday, but his ninth-inning walk extended his on-base streak to 37 games and he was named as an injury replacement for the National League All-Star team after the contest.

2. The Braves have homered 12 times in 11 July games after hitting only 28 in May and June combined (55 games).

3. Rockies’ CF Charlie Blackmon is hitting .338 since June 3 after collecting three hits Saturday.

PREDICTION: Rockies 7, Braves 2