- Status
Sleepyj
WASHINGTON (-106)
Analysis: Say goodbye to the Grienke streak of innings pitched without a run...Washington will get after Greinke here today..Washington has been hitting the ball well since the break...Mad Max at home will out shine Greinke here today...Im not sold with the Dodgers on the road and a win yesterday with Kershaw won't scare me off the Nats with Scherzer..That streak goes down today and so do the boys in blue..i would not be surprised to see Greinke get lit up big time today one bit..he was on such a roll and his groove is now all thrown off...Nats roll big.
WASHINGTON (-106)
Analysis: Say goodbye to the Grienke streak of innings pitched without a run...Washington will get after Greinke here today..Washington has been hitting the ball well since the break...Mad Max at home will out shine Greinke here today...Im not sold with the Dodgers on the road and a win yesterday with Kershaw won't scare me off the Nats with Scherzer..That streak goes down today and so do the boys in blue..i would not be surprised to see Greinke get lit up big time today one bit..he was on such a roll and his groove is now all thrown off...Nats roll big.
BRUCE MARSHALL
Tampa Bay Rays/Toronto Blue Jays Under
Tampa Bay's Chris Archer has been hit awfully hard in two of his last three starts and the Rays usually don't provide their pitchers with many runs. All adding up to a scary scenario in the rubber match of this series at Rogers Centre against Toronto starter Marco Estrada, who almost no-hit the Rays last month at the Trop and has a 2.12 ERA in his last five starts. Play Rays-Blue Jays "Under" 8 runs
Tampa Bay Rays/Toronto Blue Jays Under
Tampa Bay's Chris Archer has been hit awfully hard in two of his last three starts and the Rays usually don't provide their pitchers with many runs. All adding up to a scary scenario in the rubber match of this series at Rogers Centre against Toronto starter Marco Estrada, who almost no-hit the Rays last month at the Trop and has a 2.12 ERA in his last five starts. Play Rays-Blue Jays "Under" 8 runs
MLB
Sunday, July 19
Trend Report
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1:05 PM
SEATTLE vs. NY YANKEES
The total has gone UNDER in 11 of Seattle's last 16 games when playing NY Yankees
Seattle is 1-7 SU in their last 8 games when playing NY Yankees
The total has gone UNDER in 11 of NY Yankees's last 16 games when playing Seattle
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of NY Yankees's last 6 games
1:07 PM
TAMPA BAY vs. TORONTO
Tampa Bay is 9-4 SU in its last 13 games when playing Toronto
Tampa Bay is 1-5 SU in its last 6 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Toronto's last 6 games when playing at home against Tampa Bay
Toronto is 4-9 SU in its last 13 games when playing Tampa Bay
1:08 PM
BALTIMORE vs. DETROIT
Baltimore is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games on the road
Baltimore is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games when playing Detroit
The total has gone OVER in 10 of Detroit's last 11 games at home
The total has gone OVER in 22 of Detroit's last 25 games
1:10 PM
CLEVELAND vs. CINCINNATI
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Cleveland's last 8 games
Cleveland is 6-3 SU in its last 9 games on the road
Cincinnati is 9-1 SU in its last 10 games when playing at home against Cleveland
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Cincinnati's last 6 games when playing Cleveland
1:35 PM
LA DODGERS vs. WASHINGTON
LA Dodgers are 5-2 SU in their last 7 games
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of LA Dodgers's last 9 games when playing on the road against Washington
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Washington's last 8 games
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Washington's last 5 games at home
1:35 PM
MIAMI vs. PHILADELPHIA
Miami is 6-15 SU in its last 21 games when playing on the road against Philadelphia
The total has gone UNDER in 7 of Miami's last 10 games on the road
Philadelphia is 4-12 SU in its last 16 games
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Philadelphia's last 6 games when playing at home against Miami
2:10 PM
TEXAS vs. HOUSTON
Texas is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 14 of Texas's last 20 games on the road
Houston is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games when playing Texas
Houston is 1-7 SU in its last 8 games
2:10 PM
PITTSBURGH vs. MILWAUKEE
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Pittsburgh's last 6 games on the road
Pittsburgh is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games when playing on the road against Milwaukee
Milwaukee is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games at home
Milwaukee is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games when playing at home against Pittsburgh
2:10 PM
KANSAS CITY vs. CHI WHITE SOX
Kansas City is 17-6 SU in their last 23 games when playing Chi White Sox
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Kansas City's last 7 games when playing Chi White Sox
Chi White Sox are 6-18 SU in their last 24 games when playing at home against Kansas City
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Chi White Sox's last 6 games when playing at home against Kansas City
2:15 PM
NY METS vs. ST. LOUIS
NY Mets are 1-4 SU in its last 5 games when playing St. Louis
NY Mets are 5-11 SU in its last 16 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of St. Louis's last 5 games at home
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of St. Louis's last 7 games when playing at home against NY Mets
4:05 PM
MINNESOTA vs. OAKLAND
Minnesota is 5-2 SU in its last 7 games when playing Oakland
Minnesota is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games
Oakland is 14-5 SU in its last 19 games when playing Minnesota
Oakland is 2-5 SU in its last 7 games when playing Minnesota
4:10 PM
SAN FRANCISCO vs. ARIZONA
San Francisco is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games
San Francisco is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games when playing Arizona
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Arizona's last 6 games
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Arizona's last 7 games when playing San Francisco
4:10 PM
COLORADO vs. SAN DIEGO
Colorado is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games when playing San Diego
Colorado is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games
San Diego is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing at home against Colorado
San Diego is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games
5:05 PM
CHI CUBS vs. ATLANTA
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Chi Cubs's last 6 games on the road
Chi Cubs are 4-1 SU in their last 5 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Atlanta's last 6 games when playing at home against Chi Cubs
Atlanta is 8-3 SU in its last 11 games at home
8:05 PM
BOSTON vs. LA ANGELS
The total has gone UNDER in 7 of Boston's last 10 games when playing LA Angels
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Boston's last 6 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of LA Angels's last 6 games when playing at home against Boston
LA Angels are 8-3 SU in their last 11 games when playing at home against Boston
Sunday, July 19
Trend Report
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1:05 PM
SEATTLE vs. NY YANKEES
The total has gone UNDER in 11 of Seattle's last 16 games when playing NY Yankees
Seattle is 1-7 SU in their last 8 games when playing NY Yankees
The total has gone UNDER in 11 of NY Yankees's last 16 games when playing Seattle
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of NY Yankees's last 6 games
1:07 PM
TAMPA BAY vs. TORONTO
Tampa Bay is 9-4 SU in its last 13 games when playing Toronto
Tampa Bay is 1-5 SU in its last 6 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Toronto's last 6 games when playing at home against Tampa Bay
Toronto is 4-9 SU in its last 13 games when playing Tampa Bay
1:08 PM
BALTIMORE vs. DETROIT
Baltimore is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games on the road
Baltimore is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games when playing Detroit
The total has gone OVER in 10 of Detroit's last 11 games at home
The total has gone OVER in 22 of Detroit's last 25 games
1:10 PM
CLEVELAND vs. CINCINNATI
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Cleveland's last 8 games
Cleveland is 6-3 SU in its last 9 games on the road
Cincinnati is 9-1 SU in its last 10 games when playing at home against Cleveland
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Cincinnati's last 6 games when playing Cleveland
1:35 PM
LA DODGERS vs. WASHINGTON
LA Dodgers are 5-2 SU in their last 7 games
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of LA Dodgers's last 9 games when playing on the road against Washington
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Washington's last 8 games
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Washington's last 5 games at home
1:35 PM
MIAMI vs. PHILADELPHIA
Miami is 6-15 SU in its last 21 games when playing on the road against Philadelphia
The total has gone UNDER in 7 of Miami's last 10 games on the road
Philadelphia is 4-12 SU in its last 16 games
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Philadelphia's last 6 games when playing at home against Miami
2:10 PM
TEXAS vs. HOUSTON
Texas is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 14 of Texas's last 20 games on the road
Houston is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games when playing Texas
Houston is 1-7 SU in its last 8 games
2:10 PM
PITTSBURGH vs. MILWAUKEE
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Pittsburgh's last 6 games on the road
Pittsburgh is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games when playing on the road against Milwaukee
Milwaukee is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games at home
Milwaukee is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games when playing at home against Pittsburgh
2:10 PM
KANSAS CITY vs. CHI WHITE SOX
Kansas City is 17-6 SU in their last 23 games when playing Chi White Sox
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Kansas City's last 7 games when playing Chi White Sox
Chi White Sox are 6-18 SU in their last 24 games when playing at home against Kansas City
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Chi White Sox's last 6 games when playing at home against Kansas City
2:15 PM
NY METS vs. ST. LOUIS
NY Mets are 1-4 SU in its last 5 games when playing St. Louis
NY Mets are 5-11 SU in its last 16 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of St. Louis's last 5 games at home
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of St. Louis's last 7 games when playing at home against NY Mets
4:05 PM
MINNESOTA vs. OAKLAND
Minnesota is 5-2 SU in its last 7 games when playing Oakland
Minnesota is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games
Oakland is 14-5 SU in its last 19 games when playing Minnesota
Oakland is 2-5 SU in its last 7 games when playing Minnesota
4:10 PM
SAN FRANCISCO vs. ARIZONA
San Francisco is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games
San Francisco is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games when playing Arizona
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Arizona's last 6 games
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Arizona's last 7 games when playing San Francisco
4:10 PM
COLORADO vs. SAN DIEGO
Colorado is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games when playing San Diego
Colorado is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games
San Diego is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing at home against Colorado
San Diego is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games
5:05 PM
CHI CUBS vs. ATLANTA
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Chi Cubs's last 6 games on the road
Chi Cubs are 4-1 SU in their last 5 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Atlanta's last 6 games when playing at home against Chi Cubs
Atlanta is 8-3 SU in its last 11 games at home
8:05 PM
BOSTON vs. LA ANGELS
The total has gone UNDER in 7 of Boston's last 10 games when playing LA Angels
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Boston's last 6 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of LA Angels's last 6 games when playing at home against Boston
LA Angels are 8-3 SU in their last 11 games when playing at home against Boston
WNBA
Long Sheet
Sunday, July 19
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MINNESOTA (11 - 3) at TULSA (10 - 6) - 7/19/2015, 4:35 PM
Top Trends for this game.
TULSA is 35-20 ATS (+13.0 Units) as an underdog over the last 3 seasons.
TULSA is 7-0 ATS (+7.0 Units) as a home underdog of 3.5 to 6 points over the last 3 seasons.
TULSA is 26-15 ATS (+9.5 Units) in May, June, or July games over the last 2 seasons.
MINNESOTA is 55-38 ATS (+13.2 Units) in all games over the last 3 seasons.
MINNESOTA is 51-32 ATS (+15.8 Units) as a favorite over the last 3 seasons.
MINNESOTA is 38-24 ATS (+11.6 Units) vs. division opponents over the last 3 seasons.
MINNESOTA is 20-9 ATS (+10.1 Units) after a non-conference game over the last 3 seasons.
MINNESOTA is 25-11 ATS (+12.9 Units) after 3 or more consecutive wins over the last 3 seasons.
Head-to-Head Series History
TULSA is 6-5 against the spread versus MINNESOTA over the last 3 seasons
MINNESOTA is 9-2 straight up against TULSA over the last 3 seasons
7 of 11 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons
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SAN ANTONIO (4 - 11) at CHICAGO (9 - 6) - 7/19/2015, 6:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
SAN ANTONIO is 23-13 ATS (+8.7 Units) as an underdog over the last 2 seasons.
SAN ANTONIO is 8-1 ATS (+6.9 Units) in road games against Eastern conference opponents over the last 2 seasons.
SAN ANTONIO is 8-1 ATS (+6.9 Units) in road games in non-conference games over the last 2 seasons.
CHICAGO is 4-15 ATS (-12.5 Units) against Western conference opponents over the last 2 seasons.
CHICAGO is 4-15 ATS (-12.5 Units) in non-conference games over the last 2 seasons.
CHICAGO is 12-22 ATS (-12.2 Units) after allowing 75 points or more over the last 2 seasons.
Head-to-Head Series History
SAN ANTONIO is 4-1 against the spread versus CHICAGO over the last 3 seasons
SAN ANTONIO is 3-2 straight up against CHICAGO over the last 3 seasons
3 of 5 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons
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CONNECTICUT (7 - 6) at WASHINGTON (7 - 6) - 7/19/2015, 7:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
CONNECTICUT is 8-2 ATS (+5.8 Units) as an underdog this season.
CONNECTICUT is 113-77 ATS (+28.3 Units) revenging a loss versus opponent since 1997.
WASHINGTON is 264-325 ATS (-93.5 Units) in all games since 1997.
WASHINGTON is 168-214 ATS (-67.4 Units) vs. division opponents since 1997.
WASHINGTON is 8-22 ATS (-16.2 Units) after a division game over the last 2 seasons.
WASHINGTON is 10-25 ATS (-17.5 Units) after allowing 55 points or less since 1997.
Head-to-Head Series History
WASHINGTON is 6-4 against the spread versus CONNECTICUT over the last 3 seasons
WASHINGTON is 8-2 straight up against CONNECTICUT over the last 3 seasons
8 of 10 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons
Long Sheet
Sunday, July 19
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MINNESOTA (11 - 3) at TULSA (10 - 6) - 7/19/2015, 4:35 PM
Top Trends for this game.
TULSA is 35-20 ATS (+13.0 Units) as an underdog over the last 3 seasons.
TULSA is 7-0 ATS (+7.0 Units) as a home underdog of 3.5 to 6 points over the last 3 seasons.
TULSA is 26-15 ATS (+9.5 Units) in May, June, or July games over the last 2 seasons.
MINNESOTA is 55-38 ATS (+13.2 Units) in all games over the last 3 seasons.
MINNESOTA is 51-32 ATS (+15.8 Units) as a favorite over the last 3 seasons.
MINNESOTA is 38-24 ATS (+11.6 Units) vs. division opponents over the last 3 seasons.
MINNESOTA is 20-9 ATS (+10.1 Units) after a non-conference game over the last 3 seasons.
MINNESOTA is 25-11 ATS (+12.9 Units) after 3 or more consecutive wins over the last 3 seasons.
Head-to-Head Series History
TULSA is 6-5 against the spread versus MINNESOTA over the last 3 seasons
MINNESOTA is 9-2 straight up against TULSA over the last 3 seasons
7 of 11 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons
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SAN ANTONIO (4 - 11) at CHICAGO (9 - 6) - 7/19/2015, 6:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
SAN ANTONIO is 23-13 ATS (+8.7 Units) as an underdog over the last 2 seasons.
SAN ANTONIO is 8-1 ATS (+6.9 Units) in road games against Eastern conference opponents over the last 2 seasons.
SAN ANTONIO is 8-1 ATS (+6.9 Units) in road games in non-conference games over the last 2 seasons.
CHICAGO is 4-15 ATS (-12.5 Units) against Western conference opponents over the last 2 seasons.
CHICAGO is 4-15 ATS (-12.5 Units) in non-conference games over the last 2 seasons.
CHICAGO is 12-22 ATS (-12.2 Units) after allowing 75 points or more over the last 2 seasons.
Head-to-Head Series History
SAN ANTONIO is 4-1 against the spread versus CHICAGO over the last 3 seasons
SAN ANTONIO is 3-2 straight up against CHICAGO over the last 3 seasons
3 of 5 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons
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CONNECTICUT (7 - 6) at WASHINGTON (7 - 6) - 7/19/2015, 7:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
CONNECTICUT is 8-2 ATS (+5.8 Units) as an underdog this season.
CONNECTICUT is 113-77 ATS (+28.3 Units) revenging a loss versus opponent since 1997.
WASHINGTON is 264-325 ATS (-93.5 Units) in all games since 1997.
WASHINGTON is 168-214 ATS (-67.4 Units) vs. division opponents since 1997.
WASHINGTON is 8-22 ATS (-16.2 Units) after a division game over the last 2 seasons.
WASHINGTON is 10-25 ATS (-17.5 Units) after allowing 55 points or less since 1997.
Head-to-Head Series History
WASHINGTON is 6-4 against the spread versus CONNECTICUT over the last 3 seasons
WASHINGTON is 8-2 straight up against CONNECTICUT over the last 3 seasons
8 of 10 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons
WNBA
Sunday, July 19
Trend Report
4:30 PM
MINNESOTA vs. TULSA
Minnesota is 20-2 SU in its last 22 games when playing Tulsa
The total has gone OVER in 7 of Minnesota's last 10 games when playing Tulsa
Tulsa is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games at home
The total has gone OVER in 7 of Tulsa's last 10 games when playing Minnesota
6:00 PM
SAN ANTONIO vs. CHICAGO
San Antonio is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games when playing Chicago
San Antonio is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games on the road
Chicago is 1-4 ATS in its last 5 games when playing at home against San Antonio
Chicago is 1-5 ATS in its last 6 games when playing San Antonio
7:00 PM
CONNECTICUT vs. WASHINGTON
The total has gone UNDER in 8 of Connecticut's last 11 games when playing Washington
Connecticut is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games when playing on the road against Washington
The total has gone UNDER in 8 of Washington's last 9 games when playing at home against Connecticut
Washington is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games when playing at home against Connecticut
Sunday, July 19
Trend Report
4:30 PM
MINNESOTA vs. TULSA
Minnesota is 20-2 SU in its last 22 games when playing Tulsa
The total has gone OVER in 7 of Minnesota's last 10 games when playing Tulsa
Tulsa is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games at home
The total has gone OVER in 7 of Tulsa's last 10 games when playing Minnesota
6:00 PM
SAN ANTONIO vs. CHICAGO
San Antonio is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games when playing Chicago
San Antonio is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games on the road
Chicago is 1-4 ATS in its last 5 games when playing at home against San Antonio
Chicago is 1-5 ATS in its last 6 games when playing San Antonio
7:00 PM
CONNECTICUT vs. WASHINGTON
The total has gone UNDER in 8 of Connecticut's last 11 games when playing Washington
Connecticut is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games when playing on the road against Washington
The total has gone UNDER in 8 of Washington's last 9 games when playing at home against Connecticut
Washington is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games when playing at home against Connecticut
Preview: Mariners at Yankees
GAME: Seattle Mariners (42-49) at New York Yankees (49-41)
DATE/TIME: Sunday, July 19 - 1:05 PM EST
WHERE: Yankee Stadium, Bronx, New York
LINE: -130, 120 TOTAL: 7.5
The Seattle Mariners haven't won a series in more than two weeks, but they'll have their ace on the mound for the rubber match of a three-game road set with the New York Yankees on Sunday. Felix Hernandez will try to pitch the Mariners to their first series victory since taking two at San Diego from June 30-July 1.
The Mariners have the opportunity to take this set thanks to Robinson Cano, who hit a pair of home runs against his former team in Saturday's 4-3 victory — his first multi-homer game since leaving New York as a free agent following the 2013 season. Cano has 81 home runs in 406 games at Yankee Stadium, where he is a .312 career hitter. Hernandez also has fared well in the Bronx, where he is 5-1 with a 1.37 ERA in seven starts, though Yankees first baseman Mark Teixeira is 20-for-66 with four doubles and six homers against the ace. The Yankees will counter with CC Sabathia, who is 12-5 with a 2.65 ERA in 23 starts against Seattle.
TV: 1:05 p.m. ET, ROOT (Seattle), WPIX (New York)
PITCHING MATCHUP: Mariners RH Felix Hernandez (11-5, 2.84 ERA) vs. Yankees LH CC Sabathia (4-8, 5.47)
Hernandez closed out the first half with an impressive performance against the Los Angeles Angels, allowing five hits over seven scoreless innings. The 29-year-old ace was tagged for eight runs in one-third of an inning at Houston on June 12 but has posted a 1.56 ERA in five starts since. Hernandez is 9-6 with a 3.26 ERA in 18 career starts against the Yankees, who touched him for seven runs in 4 2/3 innings in a loss on June 1 in Seattle.
Sabathia finished the first half on a positive note, holding Oakland to two runs in 5 1/3 innings to earn his first win since June 7. It was a nice rebound for the 34-year-old former ace, who had pitched to a 6.65 ERA over his previous four starts. Sabathia was managed to keep the Mariners in check on June 2 in Seattle, allowing two runs and nine hits over 5 2/3 innings in a no-decision as the Yankees claimed a 5-3 victory.
WALK-OFFS
1. Mariners 3B Kyle Seager is 14-for-31 with two homers during an eight-game hitting streak, but he is 1-for-13 with seven strikeouts versus Sabathia.
2. Yankees LF Brett Gardner is 11-for-32 during an eight-game hitting streak and is 10-for-29 versus Hernandez.
3. New York DH/3B Alex Rodriguez went 0-for-4 on Saturday and remains one hit behind Lou Brock (3,023) for 23rd place on the majors’ all-time list.
PREDICTION: Mariners 5, Yankees 2
GAME: Seattle Mariners (42-49) at New York Yankees (49-41)
DATE/TIME: Sunday, July 19 - 1:05 PM EST
WHERE: Yankee Stadium, Bronx, New York
LINE: -130, 120 TOTAL: 7.5
The Seattle Mariners haven't won a series in more than two weeks, but they'll have their ace on the mound for the rubber match of a three-game road set with the New York Yankees on Sunday. Felix Hernandez will try to pitch the Mariners to their first series victory since taking two at San Diego from June 30-July 1.
The Mariners have the opportunity to take this set thanks to Robinson Cano, who hit a pair of home runs against his former team in Saturday's 4-3 victory — his first multi-homer game since leaving New York as a free agent following the 2013 season. Cano has 81 home runs in 406 games at Yankee Stadium, where he is a .312 career hitter. Hernandez also has fared well in the Bronx, where he is 5-1 with a 1.37 ERA in seven starts, though Yankees first baseman Mark Teixeira is 20-for-66 with four doubles and six homers against the ace. The Yankees will counter with CC Sabathia, who is 12-5 with a 2.65 ERA in 23 starts against Seattle.
TV: 1:05 p.m. ET, ROOT (Seattle), WPIX (New York)
PITCHING MATCHUP: Mariners RH Felix Hernandez (11-5, 2.84 ERA) vs. Yankees LH CC Sabathia (4-8, 5.47)
Hernandez closed out the first half with an impressive performance against the Los Angeles Angels, allowing five hits over seven scoreless innings. The 29-year-old ace was tagged for eight runs in one-third of an inning at Houston on June 12 but has posted a 1.56 ERA in five starts since. Hernandez is 9-6 with a 3.26 ERA in 18 career starts against the Yankees, who touched him for seven runs in 4 2/3 innings in a loss on June 1 in Seattle.
Sabathia finished the first half on a positive note, holding Oakland to two runs in 5 1/3 innings to earn his first win since June 7. It was a nice rebound for the 34-year-old former ace, who had pitched to a 6.65 ERA over his previous four starts. Sabathia was managed to keep the Mariners in check on June 2 in Seattle, allowing two runs and nine hits over 5 2/3 innings in a no-decision as the Yankees claimed a 5-3 victory.
WALK-OFFS
1. Mariners 3B Kyle Seager is 14-for-31 with two homers during an eight-game hitting streak, but he is 1-for-13 with seven strikeouts versus Sabathia.
2. Yankees LF Brett Gardner is 11-for-32 during an eight-game hitting streak and is 10-for-29 versus Hernandez.
3. New York DH/3B Alex Rodriguez went 0-for-4 on Saturday and remains one hit behind Lou Brock (3,023) for 23rd place on the majors’ all-time list.
PREDICTION: Mariners 5, Yankees 2
Preview: Rays at Blue Jays
GAME: Tampa Bay Rays (47-46) at Toronto Blue Jays (46-47)
DATE/TIME: Sunday, July 19 - 1:07 PM EST
WHERE: Rogers Centre, Toronto, Ontario
LINE: -118, 109 TOTAL: 8
All-Star Chris Archer takes the mound looking to end a three-game winless streak as his Tampa Bay Rays go for an important series victory against the host Toronto Blue Jays on Sunday. The Rays rallied for a 3-2 win on Saturday to even the series at one apiece and move within 3 ½ games of the first-place New York Yankees in the American League East.
Tampa Bay has won eight of 12 games in the season series, holding the top-scoring team in the majors to three or fewer runs nine times, and Archer is 5-1 lifetime against the Blue Jays. Marco Estrada, who took a perfect game into the eighth inning at Tampa Bay four starts back, will oppose Archer. Slugger Jose Bautista has just three hits in 29 at-bats versus the Rays this season – all of them homers, including a solo blast Saturday. Florida State product Devon Travis is 12-of-33 against Tampa Bay in 2015 and will attempt to extend his hitting streak to eight games overall.
TV: 1:07 p.m. ET, Sun Sports (Tampa Bay), SNET (Toronto)
PITCHING MATCHUP: Rays RH Chris Archer (9-6, 2.74 ERA) vs. Blue Jays RH Marco Estrada (6-5, 3.52)
Archer suffered two rough outings in his last three starts, capped by a six-inning stint against Kansas City on July 8 when he yielded nine runs and 12 hits. The North Carolina native boasts 147 strikeouts in 121 2/3 innings and has limited opponents to two runs 12 times in 19 starts this season. Dioner Navarro (6-for-18, two homers) and Jose Reyes (9-for-25) have had success against Archer, who boasts a 2.51 ERA in 12 starts versus Toronto.
Estrada frustrated the Rays on June 24, allowing two hits and striking out 10 over 8 2/3 innings without gaining a decision as the Blue Jays won in the 12th. The 32-year-old from Mexico also shut out Tampa Bay over 4 1/3 innings of relief in April and is 0-1 with a 0.54 ERA lifetime versus the Rays. David DeJesus is 4-for-20 with a homer against Estrada, who has struck out six and walked the same amount in his last three starts while going 1-2.
WALK-OFFS
1. Toronto has outscored every AL team in the season series in 2015 except Detroit (21-19) and the Rays (51-43).
2. Tampa Bay OF/DH John Jaso has reached base in nine of his 10 games this season, going 12-for-30 with five walks and four RBIs.
3. The Blue Jays fell to 10-19 in one-run games after Saturday’s defeat – 7-9 at home.
PREDICTION: Rays 5, Blue Jays 2
GAME: Tampa Bay Rays (47-46) at Toronto Blue Jays (46-47)
DATE/TIME: Sunday, July 19 - 1:07 PM EST
WHERE: Rogers Centre, Toronto, Ontario
LINE: -118, 109 TOTAL: 8
All-Star Chris Archer takes the mound looking to end a three-game winless streak as his Tampa Bay Rays go for an important series victory against the host Toronto Blue Jays on Sunday. The Rays rallied for a 3-2 win on Saturday to even the series at one apiece and move within 3 ½ games of the first-place New York Yankees in the American League East.
Tampa Bay has won eight of 12 games in the season series, holding the top-scoring team in the majors to three or fewer runs nine times, and Archer is 5-1 lifetime against the Blue Jays. Marco Estrada, who took a perfect game into the eighth inning at Tampa Bay four starts back, will oppose Archer. Slugger Jose Bautista has just three hits in 29 at-bats versus the Rays this season – all of them homers, including a solo blast Saturday. Florida State product Devon Travis is 12-of-33 against Tampa Bay in 2015 and will attempt to extend his hitting streak to eight games overall.
TV: 1:07 p.m. ET, Sun Sports (Tampa Bay), SNET (Toronto)
PITCHING MATCHUP: Rays RH Chris Archer (9-6, 2.74 ERA) vs. Blue Jays RH Marco Estrada (6-5, 3.52)
Archer suffered two rough outings in his last three starts, capped by a six-inning stint against Kansas City on July 8 when he yielded nine runs and 12 hits. The North Carolina native boasts 147 strikeouts in 121 2/3 innings and has limited opponents to two runs 12 times in 19 starts this season. Dioner Navarro (6-for-18, two homers) and Jose Reyes (9-for-25) have had success against Archer, who boasts a 2.51 ERA in 12 starts versus Toronto.
Estrada frustrated the Rays on June 24, allowing two hits and striking out 10 over 8 2/3 innings without gaining a decision as the Blue Jays won in the 12th. The 32-year-old from Mexico also shut out Tampa Bay over 4 1/3 innings of relief in April and is 0-1 with a 0.54 ERA lifetime versus the Rays. David DeJesus is 4-for-20 with a homer against Estrada, who has struck out six and walked the same amount in his last three starts while going 1-2.
WALK-OFFS
1. Toronto has outscored every AL team in the season series in 2015 except Detroit (21-19) and the Rays (51-43).
2. Tampa Bay OF/DH John Jaso has reached base in nine of his 10 games this season, going 12-for-30 with five walks and four RBIs.
3. The Blue Jays fell to 10-19 in one-run games after Saturday’s defeat – 7-9 at home.
PREDICTION: Rays 5, Blue Jays 2
Preview: Orioles at Tigers
GAME: Baltimore Orioles (45-45) at Detroit Tigers (45-45)
DATE/TIME: Sunday, July 19 - 1:08 PM EST
WHERE: Comerica Park, Detroit, Michigan
LINE: 101, -109 TOTAL: 8.5
If the Detroit Tigers hope to make a real run at their fifth straight American League Central Division title, they are going to need Justin Verlander to pitch like a former Cy Young Award winner. Verlander will try to pick up his first win of the season when the Tigers host the Baltimore Orioles in the finale of a three-game series on Sunday.
Verlander sat out the first 2 1/2 months of the season with a right triceps strain following a down 2014 campaign and has yet to put together two straight quality starts. The former MVP on Sunday will try to pick his team up after a tough 3-0 loss in which David Price struck out 12 in seven innings but could not get any offensive support. Baltimore’s win on Saturday not only evened the series but brought both teams level on the season with identical 45-45 records. One will come out of the series above .500 when Verlander goes up against Orioles right-hander Miguel Gonzalez.
TV: 1:08 p.m. ET, MASN2 (Baltimore), FSN Detroit
PITCHING MATCHUP: Orioles RH Miguel Gonzalez (7-6, 4.24 ERA) vs. Tigers RH Justin Verlander (0-2, 5.34)
Gonzalez is looking for some consistency himself after trading off wins and losses in his four starts prior to the All-Star break. The Mexico native was ripped for six runs and nine hits – including two homers – over five innings in a loss to Washington on July 11. Gonzalez has never had much success against Detroit, posting an 0-2 record with an 8.47 ERA in four games – three starts.
Verlander thought he had his first win locked up at Minnesota on July 10, when he allowed one run in 7 2/3 innings, but the bullpen permitted seven runs in an 8-6 loss. That came on the heels of a loss against Toronto in which he was blasted for seven runs in five frames. Verlander is 9-2 with a 3.43 ERA in 15 career regular-season starts against Baltimore and did not factor in the decision in his lone start versus the Orioles in the 2014 ALDS.
WALK-OFFS
1. Tigers 2B Ian Kinsler had the team’s lone hit on Saturday with a single leading off the first to push his hitting streak to six games.
2. Orioles CF Adam Jones is 6-for-13 in his last three contests.
3. Baltimore 2B Jonathan Schoop is 7-for-15 in his last four games and double in each of the first two contests of the series.
PREDICTION: Tigers 5, Orioles 3
GAME: Baltimore Orioles (45-45) at Detroit Tigers (45-45)
DATE/TIME: Sunday, July 19 - 1:08 PM EST
WHERE: Comerica Park, Detroit, Michigan
LINE: 101, -109 TOTAL: 8.5
If the Detroit Tigers hope to make a real run at their fifth straight American League Central Division title, they are going to need Justin Verlander to pitch like a former Cy Young Award winner. Verlander will try to pick up his first win of the season when the Tigers host the Baltimore Orioles in the finale of a three-game series on Sunday.
Verlander sat out the first 2 1/2 months of the season with a right triceps strain following a down 2014 campaign and has yet to put together two straight quality starts. The former MVP on Sunday will try to pick his team up after a tough 3-0 loss in which David Price struck out 12 in seven innings but could not get any offensive support. Baltimore’s win on Saturday not only evened the series but brought both teams level on the season with identical 45-45 records. One will come out of the series above .500 when Verlander goes up against Orioles right-hander Miguel Gonzalez.
TV: 1:08 p.m. ET, MASN2 (Baltimore), FSN Detroit
PITCHING MATCHUP: Orioles RH Miguel Gonzalez (7-6, 4.24 ERA) vs. Tigers RH Justin Verlander (0-2, 5.34)
Gonzalez is looking for some consistency himself after trading off wins and losses in his four starts prior to the All-Star break. The Mexico native was ripped for six runs and nine hits – including two homers – over five innings in a loss to Washington on July 11. Gonzalez has never had much success against Detroit, posting an 0-2 record with an 8.47 ERA in four games – three starts.
Verlander thought he had his first win locked up at Minnesota on July 10, when he allowed one run in 7 2/3 innings, but the bullpen permitted seven runs in an 8-6 loss. That came on the heels of a loss against Toronto in which he was blasted for seven runs in five frames. Verlander is 9-2 with a 3.43 ERA in 15 career regular-season starts against Baltimore and did not factor in the decision in his lone start versus the Orioles in the 2014 ALDS.
WALK-OFFS
1. Tigers 2B Ian Kinsler had the team’s lone hit on Saturday with a single leading off the first to push his hitting streak to six games.
2. Orioles CF Adam Jones is 6-for-13 in his last three contests.
3. Baltimore 2B Jonathan Schoop is 7-for-15 in his last four games and double in each of the first two contests of the series.
PREDICTION: Tigers 5, Orioles 3
Preview: Indians at Reds
GAME: Cleveland Indians (43-47) at Cincinnati Reds (40-48)
DATE/TIME: Sunday, July 19 - 1:10 PM EST
WHERE: Great American Ball Park, Cincinnati, Ohio
LINE: 102, -110 TOTAL: 7
The Cleveland Indians look to put an exclamation point on the season series with their in-state rivals when they visit the Cincinnati Reds for the finale of their three-game set on Sunday. Cleveland improved to 4-1 in this year's Battle of Ohio with Saturday's 9-4 triumph.
The Indians used the long ball to even the weekend series at one win apiece as Michael Brantley and Yan Gomes belted three-run homers while Brandon Moss launched a two-run shot. Jay Bruce went deep and drove in four runs for Cincinnati, which has been outscored 23-10 in the four losses to Cleveland. The Reds have dropped three of four overall, allowing a total of 31 runs in the defeats while scoring only eight. Cincinnati sends ace Johnny Cueto to the mound for what could be his last start for the team as the July 31 non-waiver trade deadline quickly is approaching.
TV: 1:10 p.m. ET, SportsTime Ohio (Cleveland), FSN Ohio (Cincinnati)
PITCHING MATCHUP: Indians RH Carlos Carrasco (10-7, 4.07 ERA) vs. Reds RH Johnny Cueto (6-6, 2.73)
Carrasco was forced to settle for a no-decision against Oakland on July 11 despite allowing only two runs in seven innings. It marked the fifth time in six outings the 28-year-old Venezuelan yielded three runs or fewer. Carraso improved to 2-0 in three career games (two starts) versus Cincinnati on May 22, when he gave up two runs and four hits in six frames.
Cueto is coming off a loss at Miami on July 12 in which he was tagged for five runs - three earned - in five innings. The 29-year-old Dominican had given up a total of three runs over 23 frames in his previous three starts. Cueto has been superb against Cleveland in his career, going 4-0 with two complete games and a 2.08 ERA in six outings.
WALK-OFFS
1. Bruce's homer on Saturday left him four shy of 200 for his career.
2. Cleveland CF Michael Bourn is a lifetime .375 hitter against Cueto.
3. Cincinnati LHP Tony Cingrani (shoulder) tossed five scoreless innings Friday in a rehab start for Triple-A Louisville and could start against the Chicago Cubs on Wednesday.
PREDICTION: Reds 3, Indians 2
GAME: Cleveland Indians (43-47) at Cincinnati Reds (40-48)
DATE/TIME: Sunday, July 19 - 1:10 PM EST
WHERE: Great American Ball Park, Cincinnati, Ohio
LINE: 102, -110 TOTAL: 7
The Cleveland Indians look to put an exclamation point on the season series with their in-state rivals when they visit the Cincinnati Reds for the finale of their three-game set on Sunday. Cleveland improved to 4-1 in this year's Battle of Ohio with Saturday's 9-4 triumph.
The Indians used the long ball to even the weekend series at one win apiece as Michael Brantley and Yan Gomes belted three-run homers while Brandon Moss launched a two-run shot. Jay Bruce went deep and drove in four runs for Cincinnati, which has been outscored 23-10 in the four losses to Cleveland. The Reds have dropped three of four overall, allowing a total of 31 runs in the defeats while scoring only eight. Cincinnati sends ace Johnny Cueto to the mound for what could be his last start for the team as the July 31 non-waiver trade deadline quickly is approaching.
TV: 1:10 p.m. ET, SportsTime Ohio (Cleveland), FSN Ohio (Cincinnati)
PITCHING MATCHUP: Indians RH Carlos Carrasco (10-7, 4.07 ERA) vs. Reds RH Johnny Cueto (6-6, 2.73)
Carrasco was forced to settle for a no-decision against Oakland on July 11 despite allowing only two runs in seven innings. It marked the fifth time in six outings the 28-year-old Venezuelan yielded three runs or fewer. Carraso improved to 2-0 in three career games (two starts) versus Cincinnati on May 22, when he gave up two runs and four hits in six frames.
Cueto is coming off a loss at Miami on July 12 in which he was tagged for five runs - three earned - in five innings. The 29-year-old Dominican had given up a total of three runs over 23 frames in his previous three starts. Cueto has been superb against Cleveland in his career, going 4-0 with two complete games and a 2.08 ERA in six outings.
WALK-OFFS
1. Bruce's homer on Saturday left him four shy of 200 for his career.
2. Cleveland CF Michael Bourn is a lifetime .375 hitter against Cueto.
3. Cincinnati LHP Tony Cingrani (shoulder) tossed five scoreless innings Friday in a rehab start for Triple-A Louisville and could start against the Chicago Cubs on Wednesday.
PREDICTION: Reds 3, Indians 2
Preview: Dodgers at Nationals
GAME: Los Angeles Dodgers (52-40) at Washington Nationals (49-40)
DATE/TIME: Sunday, July 19 - 1:35 PM EST
WHERE: Nationals Park, Washington, District of Columbia
LINE: -104, -104 TOTAL: 6.5
A faulty circuit breaker turned the opener of the Los Angeles Dodgers’ three-game series in Washington into a two-day affair, but a light-outs effort on Saturday from Clayton Kershaw evened the series. Two of the most dominant pitchers in the majors will try to match the reigning National League MVP’s performance on Sunday when the Nationals’ Max Scherzer and Dodgers’ Zack Greinke square off in the rubber match.
Friday’s game was suspended at the end of the fifth inning after a bank of lights on the third-base side of Nationals Park went out three times, but pinch-hitter Matt den Dekker’s tiebreaking two-run blast in the eighth inning when the game resumed on Saturday powered Washington to a 5-3 win. Kershaw stopped the Nationals in their tracks in the regular-scheduled contest, however, allowing three singles and fanning a season-high 14 in eight scoreless frames en route to a 4-2 victory. Scherzer ranks first in the majors in WHIP (0.78), is tied for second in complete games (three) and paces the NL in innings pitched (132). His 2.11 ERA is tied for the second-best mark in the majors behind only Greinke, who hasn’t been scored upon since June 13 – a span of a career-high 35 2/3 innings.
TV: 1:35 p.m. ET; TBS, SportsNet LA (Los Angeles), MASN and WUSA 9 (Washington)
PITCHING MATCHUP: Dodgers RH Zack Greinke (8-2, 1.39 ERA) vs. Nationals RH Max Scherzer (10-7, 2.11)
Greinke made his successful bid to start the Midsummer Classic for the NL on July 9, yielding only a second-inning single to Ryan Howard while fanning eight over as many innings in a 6-0 victory over Philadelphia. The three-time All-Star became the sixth pitcher in the live-ball era to work five consecutive scoreless turns and has held his opponent to one or no runs in 14 of his 18 outings. Greinke has also fared nicely in five career starts against Washington, going 3-1 with a 2.22 ERA.
Scherzer came up one out short of his fourth complete game in last Sunday’s 3-2 win at Baltimore, giving up a pair of homers to Adam Jones among the four hits he allowed. Ranked second in the NL in strikeouts (150) and ERA behind Kershaw (174) and Greinke, respectively, the 2013 American League Cy Young Award winner hasn’t walked a batter in 39 2/3 innings. Scherzer has enjoyed mixed success in nine career appearances (seven starts) against the Dodgers, however, going 2-3 with a 3.51 ERA.
WALK-OFFS
1. Greinke needs 5 2/3 more shutout innings to move into sole possession of fifth place on the all-time consecutive scoreless innings list (Kershaw, 2014; Luis Tiant, 1968 – 41 each) and 6 2/3 more shutout frames to pass fourth-place Brandon Webb (2007).
2. Washington struck out 17 times in Saturday’s loss, tying a franchise record for a nine-inning contest.
3. After batting .194 in 11 games leading into the All-Star break, Los Angeles 1B Adrian Gonzalez is 5-for-7 with two homers and three RBIs through two games of this series.
PREDICTION: Dodgers 1, Nationals 0
GAME: Los Angeles Dodgers (52-40) at Washington Nationals (49-40)
DATE/TIME: Sunday, July 19 - 1:35 PM EST
WHERE: Nationals Park, Washington, District of Columbia
LINE: -104, -104 TOTAL: 6.5
A faulty circuit breaker turned the opener of the Los Angeles Dodgers’ three-game series in Washington into a two-day affair, but a light-outs effort on Saturday from Clayton Kershaw evened the series. Two of the most dominant pitchers in the majors will try to match the reigning National League MVP’s performance on Sunday when the Nationals’ Max Scherzer and Dodgers’ Zack Greinke square off in the rubber match.
Friday’s game was suspended at the end of the fifth inning after a bank of lights on the third-base side of Nationals Park went out three times, but pinch-hitter Matt den Dekker’s tiebreaking two-run blast in the eighth inning when the game resumed on Saturday powered Washington to a 5-3 win. Kershaw stopped the Nationals in their tracks in the regular-scheduled contest, however, allowing three singles and fanning a season-high 14 in eight scoreless frames en route to a 4-2 victory. Scherzer ranks first in the majors in WHIP (0.78), is tied for second in complete games (three) and paces the NL in innings pitched (132). His 2.11 ERA is tied for the second-best mark in the majors behind only Greinke, who hasn’t been scored upon since June 13 – a span of a career-high 35 2/3 innings.
TV: 1:35 p.m. ET; TBS, SportsNet LA (Los Angeles), MASN and WUSA 9 (Washington)
PITCHING MATCHUP: Dodgers RH Zack Greinke (8-2, 1.39 ERA) vs. Nationals RH Max Scherzer (10-7, 2.11)
Greinke made his successful bid to start the Midsummer Classic for the NL on July 9, yielding only a second-inning single to Ryan Howard while fanning eight over as many innings in a 6-0 victory over Philadelphia. The three-time All-Star became the sixth pitcher in the live-ball era to work five consecutive scoreless turns and has held his opponent to one or no runs in 14 of his 18 outings. Greinke has also fared nicely in five career starts against Washington, going 3-1 with a 2.22 ERA.
Scherzer came up one out short of his fourth complete game in last Sunday’s 3-2 win at Baltimore, giving up a pair of homers to Adam Jones among the four hits he allowed. Ranked second in the NL in strikeouts (150) and ERA behind Kershaw (174) and Greinke, respectively, the 2013 American League Cy Young Award winner hasn’t walked a batter in 39 2/3 innings. Scherzer has enjoyed mixed success in nine career appearances (seven starts) against the Dodgers, however, going 2-3 with a 3.51 ERA.
WALK-OFFS
1. Greinke needs 5 2/3 more shutout innings to move into sole possession of fifth place on the all-time consecutive scoreless innings list (Kershaw, 2014; Luis Tiant, 1968 – 41 each) and 6 2/3 more shutout frames to pass fourth-place Brandon Webb (2007).
2. Washington struck out 17 times in Saturday’s loss, tying a franchise record for a nine-inning contest.
3. After batting .194 in 11 games leading into the All-Star break, Los Angeles 1B Adrian Gonzalez is 5-for-7 with two homers and three RBIs through two games of this series.
PREDICTION: Dodgers 1, Nationals 0
Preview: Marlins at Phillies
GAME: Miami Marlins (38-53) at Philadelphia Phillies (31-62)
DATE/TIME: Sunday, July 19 - 1:35 PM EST
WHERE: Citizens Bank Park, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
LINE: 115, -125 TOTAL: 7
Ryan Howard is making teams that need some punch in the middle of the lineup take notice before the trade deadline with a pair of homers and 10 RBIs in the last eight contests. Howard looks to knock in a run for the fifth straight contest as his Philadelphia Phillies attempt to complete a three-game sweep of the visiting Miami Marlins on Sunday afternoon.
The Phillies will have to be creative to unload the well-paid Howard, but he is 7-for-19 during a five-game hitting streak that has raised his average to .226 with 15 home runs and 47 RBIs. Cole Hamels, the biggest trade target for many contenders at the deadline, will take the mound for Philadelphia while Miami’s Dan Haren goes after his 150th career victory. The Marlins outhit the Phillies 10-5 on Saturday before suffering a 3-1 defeat. Martin Prado recorded three hits and an RBI Saturday in his second game after returning from the disabled list.
TV: 1:35 p.m. ET, FSN Florida (Miami), CSN Philadelphia
PITCHING MATCHUP: Marlins RH Dan Haren (7-5, 3.24 ERA) vs. Phillies LH Cole Hamels (5-7, 3.63)
Haren finished with two solid performances before the All-Star break, limiting opponents to one run over six innings in each while notching a victory and a no-decision. The 34-year-old Pepperdine product has struck out 79 and walked only 22 in 111 innings, but has given up 15 homers. Ben Revere is 9-for-23 and Howard boasts three homers versus Haren, who is 2-6 with a 4.24 ERA in 12 career starts against the Phillies.
Hamels struggled in his final outing before the break, yielding nine runs and 12 hits in 3 1/3 innings during a 15-2 loss at San Francisco, and is winless in his last eight starts. The 31-year-old has permitted two or fewer runs in 12 of 18 starts and owns 123 strikeouts versus 37 walks over 116 2/3 frames. Prado is 21-for-67 with a pair of homers versus Hamels, who is 9-15 with a 3.24 ERA in 36 career starts against the Marlins.
WALK-OFFS
1. Miami LF Christian Yelich has 22 hits in the last 16 games after going 1-for-4 on Saturday.
2. Revere, the Phillies’ leadoff batter, has at least one hit in 12 of his last 13 contests to raise his average to .297.
3. The Marlins have committed four errors in the last two games after coming into the series with the second-fewest in the National League.
PREDICTION: Phillies 4, Marlins 3
GAME: Miami Marlins (38-53) at Philadelphia Phillies (31-62)
DATE/TIME: Sunday, July 19 - 1:35 PM EST
WHERE: Citizens Bank Park, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
LINE: 115, -125 TOTAL: 7
Ryan Howard is making teams that need some punch in the middle of the lineup take notice before the trade deadline with a pair of homers and 10 RBIs in the last eight contests. Howard looks to knock in a run for the fifth straight contest as his Philadelphia Phillies attempt to complete a three-game sweep of the visiting Miami Marlins on Sunday afternoon.
The Phillies will have to be creative to unload the well-paid Howard, but he is 7-for-19 during a five-game hitting streak that has raised his average to .226 with 15 home runs and 47 RBIs. Cole Hamels, the biggest trade target for many contenders at the deadline, will take the mound for Philadelphia while Miami’s Dan Haren goes after his 150th career victory. The Marlins outhit the Phillies 10-5 on Saturday before suffering a 3-1 defeat. Martin Prado recorded three hits and an RBI Saturday in his second game after returning from the disabled list.
TV: 1:35 p.m. ET, FSN Florida (Miami), CSN Philadelphia
PITCHING MATCHUP: Marlins RH Dan Haren (7-5, 3.24 ERA) vs. Phillies LH Cole Hamels (5-7, 3.63)
Haren finished with two solid performances before the All-Star break, limiting opponents to one run over six innings in each while notching a victory and a no-decision. The 34-year-old Pepperdine product has struck out 79 and walked only 22 in 111 innings, but has given up 15 homers. Ben Revere is 9-for-23 and Howard boasts three homers versus Haren, who is 2-6 with a 4.24 ERA in 12 career starts against the Phillies.
Hamels struggled in his final outing before the break, yielding nine runs and 12 hits in 3 1/3 innings during a 15-2 loss at San Francisco, and is winless in his last eight starts. The 31-year-old has permitted two or fewer runs in 12 of 18 starts and owns 123 strikeouts versus 37 walks over 116 2/3 frames. Prado is 21-for-67 with a pair of homers versus Hamels, who is 9-15 with a 3.24 ERA in 36 career starts against the Marlins.
WALK-OFFS
1. Miami LF Christian Yelich has 22 hits in the last 16 games after going 1-for-4 on Saturday.
2. Revere, the Phillies’ leadoff batter, has at least one hit in 12 of his last 13 contests to raise his average to .297.
3. The Marlins have committed four errors in the last two games after coming into the series with the second-fewest in the National League.
PREDICTION: Phillies 4, Marlins 3
Preview: Royals at White Sox
GAME: Kansas City Royals (54-35) at Chicago White Sox (42-47)
DATE/TIME: Sunday, July 19 - 2:10 PM EST
WHERE: U.S. Cellular Field, Chicago, Illinois
LINE: 150, -163 TOTAL: 7
Chris Sale is in the midst of one of the most overpowering stretches of pitching in recent history, but the Kansas City Royals have not been baffled by the Chicago White Sox ace. Sale will try to change that Sunday when he takes the mound for the finale of a four-game series against the visiting Royals.
Sale held the Royals to two runs over seven frames April 23, but he managed only two strikeouts — his lowest total of the season. That was before Sale locked into a string of eight straight starts with 10 or more strikeouts, and he has hit double digits in 10 of his last 12 starts. Lorenzo Cain continued his hot hitting Saturday, going 3-for-5 and hitting a go-ahead home run in the 13th inning, and the All-Star is 14-for-40 with a pair of home runs versus Sale. The Royals have taken two of three in the series and lead the season series 6-3.
TV: 2:10 p.m. ET, FSN Kansas City, CSN Chicago
PITCHING MATCHUP: Royals LH Danny Duffy (3-4, 4.65 ERA) vs. White Sox LH Chris Sale (8-4, 2.72)
Duffy put together consecutive quality starts to close out an injury-plagued first half. The 26-year-old went into the break on a high note, tossing six scoreless frames against Toronto to earn his first win since April 30. Duffy is 2-1 with a 3.67 ERA in six starts against the White Sox, including a pair of no-decisions in April.
Sale capped his first half with yet another dominant performance, striking out 10 over seven innings of one-run ball to beat the crosstown rival Cubs. The 26-year-old has recorded quality starts in three straight outings and 11 of his last 12. Sale has had some tough luck against the Royals, going 7-8 despite a 2.68 ERA in 25 games (14 starts).
WALK-OFFS
1. White Sox DH/1B Jose Abreu is 1-for-11 in the series but is 5-for-10 with a homer versus Duffy.
2. Cain is hitting .490 with 12 extra-base hits and eight multi-hit games over his past 13 contests.
3. Chicago 3B Tyler Saladino went 0-for-3 in his major-league debut but has hit safely in all five games since, including a 2-for-7 performance Saturday.
PREDICTION: White Sox 3, Royals 1
GAME: Kansas City Royals (54-35) at Chicago White Sox (42-47)
DATE/TIME: Sunday, July 19 - 2:10 PM EST
WHERE: U.S. Cellular Field, Chicago, Illinois
LINE: 150, -163 TOTAL: 7
Chris Sale is in the midst of one of the most overpowering stretches of pitching in recent history, but the Kansas City Royals have not been baffled by the Chicago White Sox ace. Sale will try to change that Sunday when he takes the mound for the finale of a four-game series against the visiting Royals.
Sale held the Royals to two runs over seven frames April 23, but he managed only two strikeouts — his lowest total of the season. That was before Sale locked into a string of eight straight starts with 10 or more strikeouts, and he has hit double digits in 10 of his last 12 starts. Lorenzo Cain continued his hot hitting Saturday, going 3-for-5 and hitting a go-ahead home run in the 13th inning, and the All-Star is 14-for-40 with a pair of home runs versus Sale. The Royals have taken two of three in the series and lead the season series 6-3.
TV: 2:10 p.m. ET, FSN Kansas City, CSN Chicago
PITCHING MATCHUP: Royals LH Danny Duffy (3-4, 4.65 ERA) vs. White Sox LH Chris Sale (8-4, 2.72)
Duffy put together consecutive quality starts to close out an injury-plagued first half. The 26-year-old went into the break on a high note, tossing six scoreless frames against Toronto to earn his first win since April 30. Duffy is 2-1 with a 3.67 ERA in six starts against the White Sox, including a pair of no-decisions in April.
Sale capped his first half with yet another dominant performance, striking out 10 over seven innings of one-run ball to beat the crosstown rival Cubs. The 26-year-old has recorded quality starts in three straight outings and 11 of his last 12. Sale has had some tough luck against the Royals, going 7-8 despite a 2.68 ERA in 25 games (14 starts).
WALK-OFFS
1. White Sox DH/1B Jose Abreu is 1-for-11 in the series but is 5-for-10 with a homer versus Duffy.
2. Cain is hitting .490 with 12 extra-base hits and eight multi-hit games over his past 13 contests.
3. Chicago 3B Tyler Saladino went 0-for-3 in his major-league debut but has hit safely in all five games since, including a 2-for-7 performance Saturday.
PREDICTION: White Sox 3, Royals 1
Preview: Pirates at Brewers
GAME: Pittsburgh Pirates (53-37) at Milwaukee Brewers (40-52)
DATE/TIME: Sunday, July 19 - 2:10 PM EST
WHERE: Miller Park, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
LINE: 106, -115 TOTAL: 8
The Pittsburgh Pirates were the hottest team in the league heading into the All-Star break but can’t seem to find that momentum so far in the second half. The Pirates will try to avoid a three-game sweep when they visit the Milwaukee Brewers in the finale on Sunday.
Pittsburgh won 11 of 13 prior to the break, including three straight over first-place St. Louis last weekend, to pull itself back into the race in the National League Central but is running into some of its old problems on the road right now. The Pirates dropped the opener 4-1 on Friday and lost 8-5 on Saturday to fall to 21-21 away from their own ballpark. The Brewers were written off after a terrible start but are slowly working their way back to respectability with a 15-6 mark over the last 21 games. Milwaukee will turn to rookie Taylor Jungmann to try to polish off the sweep while Pittsburgh counters with Jeff Locke on Sunday.
TV: 2:10 p.m. ET, ROOT (Pittsburgh), FSN Wisconsin (Milwaukee)
PITCHING MATCHUP: Pirates LH Jeff Locke (5-5, 4.03 ERA) vs. Brewers RH Taylor Jungmann (4-1, 2.15)
Locke has allowed two or fewer earned runs in each of his last six outings but took the loss in two of the last three. The New Hampshire native lasted only five innings against St. Louis on July 9 and was charged with four runs (one earned) on five hits and three walks to suffer the loss. Locke had one of his better starts of the season against Milwaukee on April 18, when he scattered one run and four hits over eight innings to earn a win.
Jungmann went into the All-Star break hot and has not lost since his second career start on June 14. The former first-round pick dominated the Los Angeles Dodgers in a complete-game win on July 11, allowing one run and three hits while striking out seven. Jungmann made his debut at Pittsburgh on June 9 and yielded one run and three hits in seven frames to earn the win.
WALK-OFFS
1. Brewers closer Francisco Rodriguez picked up the save in each of the first two games of the series and is 21-for-21 in save situations.
2. Pittsburgh LHP Francisco Liriano (neck tightness) was scratched from his scheduled start on Saturday.
3. Milwaukee 3B Aramis Ramirez went 3-for-3 on Saturday, matching his hit total from his previous seven games.
PREDICTION: Brewers 6, Pirates 2
GAME: Pittsburgh Pirates (53-37) at Milwaukee Brewers (40-52)
DATE/TIME: Sunday, July 19 - 2:10 PM EST
WHERE: Miller Park, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
LINE: 106, -115 TOTAL: 8
The Pittsburgh Pirates were the hottest team in the league heading into the All-Star break but can’t seem to find that momentum so far in the second half. The Pirates will try to avoid a three-game sweep when they visit the Milwaukee Brewers in the finale on Sunday.
Pittsburgh won 11 of 13 prior to the break, including three straight over first-place St. Louis last weekend, to pull itself back into the race in the National League Central but is running into some of its old problems on the road right now. The Pirates dropped the opener 4-1 on Friday and lost 8-5 on Saturday to fall to 21-21 away from their own ballpark. The Brewers were written off after a terrible start but are slowly working their way back to respectability with a 15-6 mark over the last 21 games. Milwaukee will turn to rookie Taylor Jungmann to try to polish off the sweep while Pittsburgh counters with Jeff Locke on Sunday.
TV: 2:10 p.m. ET, ROOT (Pittsburgh), FSN Wisconsin (Milwaukee)
PITCHING MATCHUP: Pirates LH Jeff Locke (5-5, 4.03 ERA) vs. Brewers RH Taylor Jungmann (4-1, 2.15)
Locke has allowed two or fewer earned runs in each of his last six outings but took the loss in two of the last three. The New Hampshire native lasted only five innings against St. Louis on July 9 and was charged with four runs (one earned) on five hits and three walks to suffer the loss. Locke had one of his better starts of the season against Milwaukee on April 18, when he scattered one run and four hits over eight innings to earn a win.
Jungmann went into the All-Star break hot and has not lost since his second career start on June 14. The former first-round pick dominated the Los Angeles Dodgers in a complete-game win on July 11, allowing one run and three hits while striking out seven. Jungmann made his debut at Pittsburgh on June 9 and yielded one run and three hits in seven frames to earn the win.
WALK-OFFS
1. Brewers closer Francisco Rodriguez picked up the save in each of the first two games of the series and is 21-for-21 in save situations.
2. Pittsburgh LHP Francisco Liriano (neck tightness) was scratched from his scheduled start on Saturday.
3. Milwaukee 3B Aramis Ramirez went 3-for-3 on Saturday, matching his hit total from his previous seven games.
PREDICTION: Brewers 6, Pirates 2
Preview: Rangers at Astros
GAME: Texas Rangers (43-47) at Houston Astros (50-43)
DATE/TIME: Sunday, July 19 - 2:10 PM EST
WHERE: Minute Maid Park, Houston, Texas
LINE: 147, -160 TOTAL: 7
Texas manager Jeff Banister lamented about the Rangers’ inability to get important hits when they needed them following his team’s series-opening loss to the Houston Astros on Friday. His charges got it right one day later for only their sixth win in 22 tries and eye their fifth victory in their last seven road contests on Sunday when they meet the Astros in the rubber match of latest edition of the Lone Star Series.
The Rangers, who had dropped eight of their previous nine in part by leaving 63 runners stranded over that span, continued to toil at the plate in Friday’s 3-2 loss despite outhitting Houston 15-9. Texas made its 14 hits count a bit more on Saturday, belting three home runs and holding off a pair of late rallies in a 7-6 win. Houston, which ended a six-game slide in the opener, has dropped four of the last five meetings in this series. The Astros have to feel good about the chances of winning their first series since sweeping Kansas City at home from June 29-July 1 as they turn to Dallas Keuchel, who is 8-0 with a 1.24 ERA in 10 outings at Minute Maid Park this season.
TV: 2:10 p.m. ET, FSN Southwest (Texas), ROOT (Houston)
PITCHING MATCHUP: Rangers RH Yovani Gallardo (7-8, 2.62 ERA) vs. Astros LH Dallas Keuchel (11-4, 2.23)
Despite taking his second loss in as many tries after yielding a run over 5 2/3 innings versus San Diego last Sunday, Gallardo entered the break with a 4-2 mark and 1.29 ERA across his last 10 outings. The 29-year-old Mexican has held the opposition to a .196 batting average over that same span and carries a 22 1/3-inning road scoreless streak into this contest. Gallardo notched his first win of the season against Houston on April 11, allowing two runs in 5 2/3 frames to improve to 14-3 with a 2.72 ERA in 18 starts versus the Astros.
Keuchel extended his league-best streak of working at least six innings to 30 straight starts on July 11, but it wasn’t enough as he took the loss after allowing three runs in seven frames at Tampa Bay. Nevertheless, the AL co-leader in wins (with Seattle's Felic Hernandez) and leader in innings pitched (137 1/3) prior to the Midsummer Classic earned the starting nod in his first career All-Star Game appearance. Keuchel hasn’t received much help from his offense in either of his starts against Texas in 2015, picking up two no-decisions despite posting a 1.80 ERA.
WALK-OFFS
1. Texas 2B Rougned Odor and Houston C Hank Conger got involved in a ninth-inning verbal exchange that cleared the benches and led to shouting match between Banister and Astros manager A.J. Hinch on Saturday, but no ejections were handed out after order was restored.
2. Astros DH Evan Gattis went 0-for-4 on Saturday and is 5-for-28 with no homers and one RBI in seven games against the Rangers this season.
3. Assuming Texas’ Adrian Beltre plays at third base in the finale, he will tie Graig Nettles for the second-most games at the hot corner in major-league history (2,412), trailing only Hall-of-Famer Brooks Robinson (2,870).
PREDICTION: Astros 3, Rangers 2
GAME: Texas Rangers (43-47) at Houston Astros (50-43)
DATE/TIME: Sunday, July 19 - 2:10 PM EST
WHERE: Minute Maid Park, Houston, Texas
LINE: 147, -160 TOTAL: 7
Texas manager Jeff Banister lamented about the Rangers’ inability to get important hits when they needed them following his team’s series-opening loss to the Houston Astros on Friday. His charges got it right one day later for only their sixth win in 22 tries and eye their fifth victory in their last seven road contests on Sunday when they meet the Astros in the rubber match of latest edition of the Lone Star Series.
The Rangers, who had dropped eight of their previous nine in part by leaving 63 runners stranded over that span, continued to toil at the plate in Friday’s 3-2 loss despite outhitting Houston 15-9. Texas made its 14 hits count a bit more on Saturday, belting three home runs and holding off a pair of late rallies in a 7-6 win. Houston, which ended a six-game slide in the opener, has dropped four of the last five meetings in this series. The Astros have to feel good about the chances of winning their first series since sweeping Kansas City at home from June 29-July 1 as they turn to Dallas Keuchel, who is 8-0 with a 1.24 ERA in 10 outings at Minute Maid Park this season.
TV: 2:10 p.m. ET, FSN Southwest (Texas), ROOT (Houston)
PITCHING MATCHUP: Rangers RH Yovani Gallardo (7-8, 2.62 ERA) vs. Astros LH Dallas Keuchel (11-4, 2.23)
Despite taking his second loss in as many tries after yielding a run over 5 2/3 innings versus San Diego last Sunday, Gallardo entered the break with a 4-2 mark and 1.29 ERA across his last 10 outings. The 29-year-old Mexican has held the opposition to a .196 batting average over that same span and carries a 22 1/3-inning road scoreless streak into this contest. Gallardo notched his first win of the season against Houston on April 11, allowing two runs in 5 2/3 frames to improve to 14-3 with a 2.72 ERA in 18 starts versus the Astros.
Keuchel extended his league-best streak of working at least six innings to 30 straight starts on July 11, but it wasn’t enough as he took the loss after allowing three runs in seven frames at Tampa Bay. Nevertheless, the AL co-leader in wins (with Seattle's Felic Hernandez) and leader in innings pitched (137 1/3) prior to the Midsummer Classic earned the starting nod in his first career All-Star Game appearance. Keuchel hasn’t received much help from his offense in either of his starts against Texas in 2015, picking up two no-decisions despite posting a 1.80 ERA.
WALK-OFFS
1. Texas 2B Rougned Odor and Houston C Hank Conger got involved in a ninth-inning verbal exchange that cleared the benches and led to shouting match between Banister and Astros manager A.J. Hinch on Saturday, but no ejections were handed out after order was restored.
2. Astros DH Evan Gattis went 0-for-4 on Saturday and is 5-for-28 with no homers and one RBI in seven games against the Rangers this season.
3. Assuming Texas’ Adrian Beltre plays at third base in the finale, he will tie Graig Nettles for the second-most games at the hot corner in major-league history (2,412), trailing only Hall-of-Famer Brooks Robinson (2,870).
PREDICTION: Astros 3, Rangers 2
Preview: Mets at Cardinals
GAME: New York Mets (47-44) at St. Louis Cardinals (58-33)
DATE/TIME: Sunday, July 19 - 2:15 PM EST
WHERE: Busch Stadium, St. Louis, Missouri
LINE: 129, -140 TOTAL: 7.5
The St. Louis Cardinals traditionally have enjoyed a considerable advantage at Busch Stadium, posting a majors-best 33-11 record this season while winning 16 of their last 21 home meetings against the New York Mets. The Cardinals look to continue their dominance in the Gateway City and complete a three-game series sweep of the Mets when the teams reconvene on Sunday afternoon.
Randal Grichuk belted a pair of homers to highlight his six-RBI performance in St. Louis' 12-2 rout of New York on Saturday. Grichuk is a blistering 9-for-15 in his last four contests and 2-for-3 with two extra-base hits against Sunday starter Jonathon Niese. It is uncertain if Jason Heyward will face Niese after the outfielder reached for his hamstring following his fifth hit on Saturday. While the Cardinals have rebounded from a brief stumble prior to the All-Star break, New York has sputtered out of the blocks to begin their 10-game stretch against all three National League division leaders. Michael Cuddyer homered among his three hits on Saturday to improve to 8-for-18 in his last five outings following an 0-for-11 stretch in his previous five tilts.
TV: 2:15 p.m. ET, SNY (New York), FSN Midwest (St. Louis)
PITCHING MATCHUP: Mets LH Jonathon Niese (5-8, 3.61 ERA) vs. Cardinals LH Tim Cooney (0-0, 4.34)
After a disastrous stretch, Niese has made great strides to turn his season around. The 28-year-old, who has recorded a 2.67 ERA over his last eight starts, seized his second straight victory after tossing 6 2/3 solid innings in a 5-3 triumph over Arizona last Sunday. Niese fell to 4-3 in his career versus St. Louis after getting blitzed for eight runs on 11 hits in five innings of a 10-2 setback on May 19.
Cooney will receive his fifth start of the season on Sunday as manager Mike Matheny elects to give his rotation an extra day's rest. The 24-year-old has pitched well in his last three outings, permitting six earned runs in 16 2/3 innings. Cooney, who has yet to face the Mets in his young career, has kept the ball in the park in his each of his last two trips to the mound.
WALK-OFFS
1. St. Louis SS Jhonny Peralta is 10-for-21 with two homers in his last five games.
2. Mets 2B Wilmer Flores was hitless in four at-bats on Saturday to fall to 3-for-25 versus the Cardinals this season.
3. St. Louis 3B Matt Carpenter is 0-for-13 with four strikeouts in his last three contests.
PREDICTION: Mets 3, Cardinals 2
GAME: New York Mets (47-44) at St. Louis Cardinals (58-33)
DATE/TIME: Sunday, July 19 - 2:15 PM EST
WHERE: Busch Stadium, St. Louis, Missouri
LINE: 129, -140 TOTAL: 7.5
The St. Louis Cardinals traditionally have enjoyed a considerable advantage at Busch Stadium, posting a majors-best 33-11 record this season while winning 16 of their last 21 home meetings against the New York Mets. The Cardinals look to continue their dominance in the Gateway City and complete a three-game series sweep of the Mets when the teams reconvene on Sunday afternoon.
Randal Grichuk belted a pair of homers to highlight his six-RBI performance in St. Louis' 12-2 rout of New York on Saturday. Grichuk is a blistering 9-for-15 in his last four contests and 2-for-3 with two extra-base hits against Sunday starter Jonathon Niese. It is uncertain if Jason Heyward will face Niese after the outfielder reached for his hamstring following his fifth hit on Saturday. While the Cardinals have rebounded from a brief stumble prior to the All-Star break, New York has sputtered out of the blocks to begin their 10-game stretch against all three National League division leaders. Michael Cuddyer homered among his three hits on Saturday to improve to 8-for-18 in his last five outings following an 0-for-11 stretch in his previous five tilts.
TV: 2:15 p.m. ET, SNY (New York), FSN Midwest (St. Louis)
PITCHING MATCHUP: Mets LH Jonathon Niese (5-8, 3.61 ERA) vs. Cardinals LH Tim Cooney (0-0, 4.34)
After a disastrous stretch, Niese has made great strides to turn his season around. The 28-year-old, who has recorded a 2.67 ERA over his last eight starts, seized his second straight victory after tossing 6 2/3 solid innings in a 5-3 triumph over Arizona last Sunday. Niese fell to 4-3 in his career versus St. Louis after getting blitzed for eight runs on 11 hits in five innings of a 10-2 setback on May 19.
Cooney will receive his fifth start of the season on Sunday as manager Mike Matheny elects to give his rotation an extra day's rest. The 24-year-old has pitched well in his last three outings, permitting six earned runs in 16 2/3 innings. Cooney, who has yet to face the Mets in his young career, has kept the ball in the park in his each of his last two trips to the mound.
WALK-OFFS
1. St. Louis SS Jhonny Peralta is 10-for-21 with two homers in his last five games.
2. Mets 2B Wilmer Flores was hitless in four at-bats on Saturday to fall to 3-for-25 versus the Cardinals this season.
3. St. Louis 3B Matt Carpenter is 0-for-13 with four strikeouts in his last three contests.
PREDICTION: Mets 3, Cardinals 2
Preview: Twins at Athletics
GAME: Minnesota Twins (50-41) at Oakland Athletics (42-51)
DATE/TIME: Sunday, July 19 - 4:05 PM EST
WHERE: O.co Coliseum, Oakland, California
LINE: 132, -143 TOTAL: 7.5
Stephen Vogt and the Oakland Athletics continue to enjoy success at home against the Minnesota Twins. After his walk-off RBI single evened the series, Vogt looks to give Oakland its 11th win in 13 home meetings with Minnesota when the clubs play the rubber match of the three-game set on Sunday.
Vogt improved to 7-for-23 in his last six home contests versus the Twins after he plated Billy Burns to give the Athletics a 3-2 win in 10 innings on Saturday. Billy Butler belted a homer to snap Oakland's 20-inning scoreless streak, marking the third time he went deep in his last 14 games after launching just two blasts in his previous 56. While the Athletics remain in the cellar of the American League West, Minnesota dropped five games behind Central-leading Kansas City. Brian Dozier homered to lead off the Twins' 5-0 victory on Friday and had two more hits the following night but is just 1-for-7 against Sunday starter Jesse Chavez.
TV: 4:05 p.m. ET, FSN North (Minnesota), CSN California (Oakland)
PITCHING MATCHUP: Twins LH Tommy Milone (5-1, 2.84 ERA) vs. Athletics RH Jesse Chavez (4-9, 3.40)
Milone improved to 3-0 in his last seven starts on July 8 after allowing one run and five hits in seven innings of a 5-3 victory over Baltimore. The 28-year-old has permitted nine earned runs on 39 hits in that stretch (44 frames) since rejoining the rotation on June 4. Milone certainly enjoyed pitching at the O.co Coliseum while with Oakland, posting a 15-8 record with a 2.96 ERA.
Chavez suffered his third straight loss on July 9 after yielding four runs and seven hits in five innings of a 6-2 setback to the New York Yankees. The 31-year-old, who has permitted nine runs in his last 10 frames, has yielded six homers in his last seven contests after surrendering just two in his previous 12. Chavez won his lone career decision versus Minnesota on May 5 after allowing one run on four hits and striking out seven over 7 1/3 innings of a 2-1 triumph.
WALK-OFFS
1. Oakland owns a major league-worst 5-17 mark in games that have been started by left-handers.
2. Minnesota 1B Joe Mauer has recorded 16 hits in his last 11 contests, including a 3-for-7 stretch with an RBI double in the series.
3. Athletics OF Josh Reddick is 0-for-7 in his last two games.
PREDICTION: Athletics 2, Twins 1
GAME: Minnesota Twins (50-41) at Oakland Athletics (42-51)
DATE/TIME: Sunday, July 19 - 4:05 PM EST
WHERE: O.co Coliseum, Oakland, California
LINE: 132, -143 TOTAL: 7.5
Stephen Vogt and the Oakland Athletics continue to enjoy success at home against the Minnesota Twins. After his walk-off RBI single evened the series, Vogt looks to give Oakland its 11th win in 13 home meetings with Minnesota when the clubs play the rubber match of the three-game set on Sunday.
Vogt improved to 7-for-23 in his last six home contests versus the Twins after he plated Billy Burns to give the Athletics a 3-2 win in 10 innings on Saturday. Billy Butler belted a homer to snap Oakland's 20-inning scoreless streak, marking the third time he went deep in his last 14 games after launching just two blasts in his previous 56. While the Athletics remain in the cellar of the American League West, Minnesota dropped five games behind Central-leading Kansas City. Brian Dozier homered to lead off the Twins' 5-0 victory on Friday and had two more hits the following night but is just 1-for-7 against Sunday starter Jesse Chavez.
TV: 4:05 p.m. ET, FSN North (Minnesota), CSN California (Oakland)
PITCHING MATCHUP: Twins LH Tommy Milone (5-1, 2.84 ERA) vs. Athletics RH Jesse Chavez (4-9, 3.40)
Milone improved to 3-0 in his last seven starts on July 8 after allowing one run and five hits in seven innings of a 5-3 victory over Baltimore. The 28-year-old has permitted nine earned runs on 39 hits in that stretch (44 frames) since rejoining the rotation on June 4. Milone certainly enjoyed pitching at the O.co Coliseum while with Oakland, posting a 15-8 record with a 2.96 ERA.
Chavez suffered his third straight loss on July 9 after yielding four runs and seven hits in five innings of a 6-2 setback to the New York Yankees. The 31-year-old, who has permitted nine runs in his last 10 frames, has yielded six homers in his last seven contests after surrendering just two in his previous 12. Chavez won his lone career decision versus Minnesota on May 5 after allowing one run on four hits and striking out seven over 7 1/3 innings of a 2-1 triumph.
WALK-OFFS
1. Oakland owns a major league-worst 5-17 mark in games that have been started by left-handers.
2. Minnesota 1B Joe Mauer has recorded 16 hits in his last 11 contests, including a 3-for-7 stretch with an RBI double in the series.
3. Athletics OF Josh Reddick is 0-for-7 in his last two games.
PREDICTION: Athletics 2, Twins 1
Preview: Giants at Diamondbacks
GAME: San Francisco Giants (48-43) at Arizona Diamondbacks (42-47)
DATE/TIME: Sunday, July 19 - 4:10 PM EST
WHERE: Chase Field, Phoenix, Arizona
LINE: -123, 114 TOTAL: 8
The San Francisco Giants vie for their second consecutive series sweep when they visit the Arizona Diamondbacks on Sunday. San Francisco humbled hapless Philadelphia prior to the All-Star break before extending its winning streak to five games with an 8-4 triumph on Saturday.
Buster Posey and rookie Matt Duffy continue to lead the way, with the former collecting three hits and four RBIs on Saturday as the Giants have erupted for 41 runs during their victorious run. Duffy had three hits in Friday's 6-5 win in 12 innings and added three more the following night to improve to 13-for-27 with five runs scored and four RBIs in his last five contests. While San Francisco moved within 3 1/2 games of the first-place Los Angeles Dodgers in the National League West, Arizona has dropped five in a row for the first time since losing six straight from Sept. 16-21. David Peralta homered on Saturday to improve to 5-for-10 in the series while hitting safely in five straight and 11 of his last 12 games.
TV: 4:10 p.m. ET, CSN Bay Area (San Francisco), FSN Arizona
PITCHING MATCHUP: Giants LH Madison Bumgarner (9-5, 3.33 ERA) vs. Diamondbacks LH Patrick Corbin (1-1, 5.40)
Bumgarner has allowed two earned runs or fewer in five of his last six outings but has just a 2-3 record to show for it. The 25-year-old fell to 7-5 versus Arizona in his career despite permitting just one run in eight innings of a 1-0 setback on June 12. Bumgarner has yielded four homers in his last three starts after surrendering 10 in his previous 15.
After pitching well in his first start following Tommy John surgery, Corbin was taken deep three times in a 4-2 loss to the New York Mets on July 11. Corbin, who will celebrate his 26th birthday on Sunday, owns a 2-3 career mark versus San Francisco with a 4.26 ERA while allowing the Giants to bat .272 against him. Hunter Pence is a blistering 9-for-19 (.474) lifetime versus Corbin while Posey is 6-for-20 (.300) against the hurler.
WALK-OFFS
1. San Francisco C Andrew Susac sprained his right thumb while sliding into third base on Saturday. The Giants announced that X-rays did not show a fracture.
2. Arizona SS Nick Ahmed is mired in a 1-for-17 slump over his last four contests.
3. Pence is 6-for-12 with a homer, three RBIs and two runs scored in his last three games.
PREDICTION: Giants 4, Diamondbacks 3
GAME: San Francisco Giants (48-43) at Arizona Diamondbacks (42-47)
DATE/TIME: Sunday, July 19 - 4:10 PM EST
WHERE: Chase Field, Phoenix, Arizona
LINE: -123, 114 TOTAL: 8
The San Francisco Giants vie for their second consecutive series sweep when they visit the Arizona Diamondbacks on Sunday. San Francisco humbled hapless Philadelphia prior to the All-Star break before extending its winning streak to five games with an 8-4 triumph on Saturday.
Buster Posey and rookie Matt Duffy continue to lead the way, with the former collecting three hits and four RBIs on Saturday as the Giants have erupted for 41 runs during their victorious run. Duffy had three hits in Friday's 6-5 win in 12 innings and added three more the following night to improve to 13-for-27 with five runs scored and four RBIs in his last five contests. While San Francisco moved within 3 1/2 games of the first-place Los Angeles Dodgers in the National League West, Arizona has dropped five in a row for the first time since losing six straight from Sept. 16-21. David Peralta homered on Saturday to improve to 5-for-10 in the series while hitting safely in five straight and 11 of his last 12 games.
TV: 4:10 p.m. ET, CSN Bay Area (San Francisco), FSN Arizona
PITCHING MATCHUP: Giants LH Madison Bumgarner (9-5, 3.33 ERA) vs. Diamondbacks LH Patrick Corbin (1-1, 5.40)
Bumgarner has allowed two earned runs or fewer in five of his last six outings but has just a 2-3 record to show for it. The 25-year-old fell to 7-5 versus Arizona in his career despite permitting just one run in eight innings of a 1-0 setback on June 12. Bumgarner has yielded four homers in his last three starts after surrendering 10 in his previous 15.
After pitching well in his first start following Tommy John surgery, Corbin was taken deep three times in a 4-2 loss to the New York Mets on July 11. Corbin, who will celebrate his 26th birthday on Sunday, owns a 2-3 career mark versus San Francisco with a 4.26 ERA while allowing the Giants to bat .272 against him. Hunter Pence is a blistering 9-for-19 (.474) lifetime versus Corbin while Posey is 6-for-20 (.300) against the hurler.
WALK-OFFS
1. San Francisco C Andrew Susac sprained his right thumb while sliding into third base on Saturday. The Giants announced that X-rays did not show a fracture.
2. Arizona SS Nick Ahmed is mired in a 1-for-17 slump over his last four contests.
3. Pence is 6-for-12 with a homer, three RBIs and two runs scored in his last three games.
PREDICTION: Giants 4, Diamondbacks 3
Preview: Rockies at Padres
GAME: Colorado Rockies (39-51) at San Diego Padres (43-49)
DATE/TIME: Sunday, July 19 - 4:10 PM EST
WHERE: Petco Park, San Diego, California
LINE: N/A TOTAL: N/A
The San Diego Padres attempt to extend their winning streak and complete a sweep when they host the Colorado Rockies for the finale of their three-game series Sunday. After claiming the opener, San Diego posted a 5-4 triumph on Saturday for its fourth consecutive overall win.
Austin Hedges opened the scoring in the third inning with a solo home run while former Rockie Clint Barmes snapped a 3-3 tie in the seventh with a two-run blast as the Padres seek their first sweep since May 1-3, when they outscored the Rockies 26-11 at home. All-Star Troy Tulowitzki belted a solo shot and Brandon Barnes collected three hits and an RBI as the Rockies lost for the sixth time in seven road games. Colorado has dropped nine of its last 11 away from home, scoring three runs or fewer in seven of the defeats. San Diego's Justin Upton looks to continue his power surge at home, as 12 of his 15 blasts this season have come at Petco Park.
TV: 4:10 p.m. ET, ROOT (Colorado), FSN San Diego
PITCHING MATCHUP: Rockies RH Eddie Butler (3-6, 4.80 ERA) vs. Padres RH Andrew Cashner (3-10, 4.10)
Butler is expected to be recalled from Triple-A Albuquerque and make his first start since June 5, when he was battered for six runs and 11 hits over 5 1/3 innings of a loss to Miami. The defeat dropped the 24-year-old to 1-5 over his last seven major-league outings, a span in which he has surrendered four or more runs five times. Butler lost his only career turn against the Padres on May 1, yielding five runs - three earned - on four hits and two walks in four frames at San Diego.
Cashner has not pitched since July 8, when he gave up four runs over 7 2/3 innings in a loss at Pittsburgh. The 28-year-old has won only once in his last eight starts, allowing four or more runs six times, but has gone four straight outings without serving up a home run. Cashner is 1-3 with a 5.91 ERA in 10 career games (five starts) versus Colorado.
WALK-OFFS
1. Tulowitzki has reached base safely in a career-high 39 straight games - the fourth-longest streak in club history.
2. San Diego is 14-2 when Upton and RF Matt Kemp each record at least one RBI.
3. Colorado 2B DJ LeMahieu is 5-for-10 lifetime against Cashner.
PREDICTION: Padres 3, Rockies 1
GAME: Colorado Rockies (39-51) at San Diego Padres (43-49)
DATE/TIME: Sunday, July 19 - 4:10 PM EST
WHERE: Petco Park, San Diego, California
LINE: N/A TOTAL: N/A
The San Diego Padres attempt to extend their winning streak and complete a sweep when they host the Colorado Rockies for the finale of their three-game series Sunday. After claiming the opener, San Diego posted a 5-4 triumph on Saturday for its fourth consecutive overall win.
Austin Hedges opened the scoring in the third inning with a solo home run while former Rockie Clint Barmes snapped a 3-3 tie in the seventh with a two-run blast as the Padres seek their first sweep since May 1-3, when they outscored the Rockies 26-11 at home. All-Star Troy Tulowitzki belted a solo shot and Brandon Barnes collected three hits and an RBI as the Rockies lost for the sixth time in seven road games. Colorado has dropped nine of its last 11 away from home, scoring three runs or fewer in seven of the defeats. San Diego's Justin Upton looks to continue his power surge at home, as 12 of his 15 blasts this season have come at Petco Park.
TV: 4:10 p.m. ET, ROOT (Colorado), FSN San Diego
PITCHING MATCHUP: Rockies RH Eddie Butler (3-6, 4.80 ERA) vs. Padres RH Andrew Cashner (3-10, 4.10)
Butler is expected to be recalled from Triple-A Albuquerque and make his first start since June 5, when he was battered for six runs and 11 hits over 5 1/3 innings of a loss to Miami. The defeat dropped the 24-year-old to 1-5 over his last seven major-league outings, a span in which he has surrendered four or more runs five times. Butler lost his only career turn against the Padres on May 1, yielding five runs - three earned - on four hits and two walks in four frames at San Diego.
Cashner has not pitched since July 8, when he gave up four runs over 7 2/3 innings in a loss at Pittsburgh. The 28-year-old has won only once in his last eight starts, allowing four or more runs six times, but has gone four straight outings without serving up a home run. Cashner is 1-3 with a 5.91 ERA in 10 career games (five starts) versus Colorado.
WALK-OFFS
1. Tulowitzki has reached base safely in a career-high 39 straight games - the fourth-longest streak in club history.
2. San Diego is 14-2 when Upton and RF Matt Kemp each record at least one RBI.
3. Colorado 2B DJ LeMahieu is 5-for-10 lifetime against Cashner.
PREDICTION: Padres 3, Rockies 1
Preview: Cubs at Braves
GAME: Chicago Cubs (48-41) at Atlanta Braves (43-48)
DATE/TIME: Sunday, July 19 - 5:05 PM EST
WHERE: Turner Field, Atlanta, Georgia
LINE: -146, 135 TOTAL: 7
Jake Arrieta was not selected to the National League All-Star team, but the right-hander has pitched like a star for the Chicago Cubs this season. Arrieta aims for his fourth consecutive victory when he takes the mound Sunday at the Atlanta Braves, one night after Jon Lester carried a no-hitter into the eighth inning as the Cubs evened the series at one game apiece with a 4-0 victory.
Arrieta, who ranks second in the National League in wins and eighth in ERA, helps lead a Chicago rotation that has posted a 1.39 ERA in the past 15 games. The Cubs have not provided their pitchers much support lately, scoring two runs or fewer in 14 of the past 21 contests. The Braves also are scuffling offensively, averaging 2.8 runs per outing in 25 games since losing Freddie Freeman to a bruised right wrist. Shelby Miller starts the finale for Atlanta, which leads the majors with 28 wins from starting pitchers age 24 or younger.
TV: 5:05 p.m. ET, WGN (Chicago), FSN South (Atlanta)
PITCHING MATCHUP: Cubs RH Jake Arrieta (10-5, 2.66 ERA) vs. Braves RH Shelby Miller (5-5, 2.38)
Arrieta is tied for sixth in the NL in strikeouts (123) and closed the first half with a flourish, striking out seven or more hitters in six of his final eight starts. He fired a complete-game two-hitter July 12 against the White Sox, giving up one run with no walks and nine strikeouts. Starting with a complete-game shutout of Minnesota on June 21, Arrieta is 4-0 with a 1.13 ERA, five earned runs allowed, four walks and 34 strikeouts in 39 2/3 innings.
Miller did make the All-Star team in his first season with the Braves, but has not won in his past 10 starts despite a 3.32 ERA during that span. He gave up five runs on 11 hits in five innings July 10 at Colorado, but had allowed only six earned runs across his previous four starts. Miller – who won five of his first eight starts with two complete-game shutouts – faced the Cubs five times (four starts) while pitching for St. Louis in 2012-14, going 1-0 with a 2.78 ERA.
WALK-OFFS
1. Chicago RHP Jason Motte pitched a scoreless ninth Saturday and has not surrendered a run in 21 of his past 23 appearances, going 5-0 with five saves.
2. Atlanta rookie 2B Jace Peterson is batting .160 in July with 16 strikeouts in 50 at-bats, fanning three times Saturday.
3. Cubs LF Chris Denorfia is hitting .308 with four doubles in his past 19 games after collecting two hits Saturday.
PREDICTION: Braves 3, Cubs 2
GAME: Chicago Cubs (48-41) at Atlanta Braves (43-48)
DATE/TIME: Sunday, July 19 - 5:05 PM EST
WHERE: Turner Field, Atlanta, Georgia
LINE: -146, 135 TOTAL: 7
Jake Arrieta was not selected to the National League All-Star team, but the right-hander has pitched like a star for the Chicago Cubs this season. Arrieta aims for his fourth consecutive victory when he takes the mound Sunday at the Atlanta Braves, one night after Jon Lester carried a no-hitter into the eighth inning as the Cubs evened the series at one game apiece with a 4-0 victory.
Arrieta, who ranks second in the National League in wins and eighth in ERA, helps lead a Chicago rotation that has posted a 1.39 ERA in the past 15 games. The Cubs have not provided their pitchers much support lately, scoring two runs or fewer in 14 of the past 21 contests. The Braves also are scuffling offensively, averaging 2.8 runs per outing in 25 games since losing Freddie Freeman to a bruised right wrist. Shelby Miller starts the finale for Atlanta, which leads the majors with 28 wins from starting pitchers age 24 or younger.
TV: 5:05 p.m. ET, WGN (Chicago), FSN South (Atlanta)
PITCHING MATCHUP: Cubs RH Jake Arrieta (10-5, 2.66 ERA) vs. Braves RH Shelby Miller (5-5, 2.38)
Arrieta is tied for sixth in the NL in strikeouts (123) and closed the first half with a flourish, striking out seven or more hitters in six of his final eight starts. He fired a complete-game two-hitter July 12 against the White Sox, giving up one run with no walks and nine strikeouts. Starting with a complete-game shutout of Minnesota on June 21, Arrieta is 4-0 with a 1.13 ERA, five earned runs allowed, four walks and 34 strikeouts in 39 2/3 innings.
Miller did make the All-Star team in his first season with the Braves, but has not won in his past 10 starts despite a 3.32 ERA during that span. He gave up five runs on 11 hits in five innings July 10 at Colorado, but had allowed only six earned runs across his previous four starts. Miller – who won five of his first eight starts with two complete-game shutouts – faced the Cubs five times (four starts) while pitching for St. Louis in 2012-14, going 1-0 with a 2.78 ERA.
WALK-OFFS
1. Chicago RHP Jason Motte pitched a scoreless ninth Saturday and has not surrendered a run in 21 of his past 23 appearances, going 5-0 with five saves.
2. Atlanta rookie 2B Jace Peterson is batting .160 in July with 16 strikeouts in 50 at-bats, fanning three times Saturday.
3. Cubs LF Chris Denorfia is hitting .308 with four doubles in his past 19 games after collecting two hits Saturday.
PREDICTION: Braves 3, Cubs 2
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