Sunday 8/30/15 service plays chatter/comps/requests & other stuff...

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

MLB

Sunday, August 30

Trend Report

1:07 PM
DETROIT vs. TORONTO
Detroit is 1-8 SU in its last 9 games
Detroit is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games on the road
Toronto is 11-2 SU in its last 13 games at home
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Toronto's last 6 games at home

1:10 PM
BOSTON vs. NY METS
Boston is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Boston's last 5 games when playing on the road against NY Mets
NY Mets are 0-5 SU in its last 5 games at home
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of NY Mets's last 6 games when playing Boston

1:10 PM
KANSAS CITY vs. TAMPA BAY
Kansas City6-0-1 SU in its last 7 games when playing Tampa Bay
Kansas City6-1-1 SU in its last 8 games
Tampa Bay is 1-4-1 SU in its last 6 games ,when playing at home against Kansas City
Tampa Bay is 1-4-1 SU in its last 6 games ,

1:10 PM
LA ANGELS vs. CLEVELAND
LA Angels are 2-6-1 SU in their last 9 games ,
LA Angels are 2-4-1 SU in their last 7 games ,when playing on the road against Cleveland
Cleveland7-1-1 SU in its last 9 games at home
Cleveland is 2-3-1 SU in their last 6 games ,when playing LA Angels

1:35 PM
MIAMI vs. WASHINGTON
Miami is 6-17-1 SU in its last 24 games ,when playing on the road against Washington
Miami is 2-3-1 SU in its last 6 games ,when playing Washington
Washington17-6-1 SU in its last 24 games when playing at home against Miami

1:35 PM
SAN DIEGO vs. PHILADELPHIA
San Diego is 0-4-1 SU in its last 5 games ,when playing Philadelphia
San Diego is 1-4-1 SU in its last 6 games ,
Philadelphia4-0-1 SU in its last 5 games when playing San Diego
Philadelphia6-0-1 SU in its last 7 games when playing at home against San Diego

1:35 PM
NY YANKEES vs. ATLANTA
NY Yankees6-0-1 SU in their last 7 games when playing on the road against Atlanta
NY Yankees are 2-3-1 SU in their last 6 games ,
Atlanta is 1-10-1 SU in its last 12 games ,
Atlanta is 0-4-1 SU in their last 5 games ,when playing at home against NY Yankees

1:35 PM
COLORADO vs. PITTSBURGH
Colorado is 0-4-1 SU in its last 5 games ,when playing on the road against Pittsburgh
Colorado is 2-5-1 SU in its last 8 games ,when playing Pittsburgh
Pittsburgh6-0-1 SU in its last 7 games when playing at home against Colorado
Pittsburgh13-3-1 SU in its last 17 games

2:10 PM
HOUSTON vs. MINNESOTA
Houston is 1-3-1 SU in its last 5 games ,when playing Minnesota
Houston is 2-5-1 SU in its last 8 games ,when playing on the road against Minnesota
Minnesota7-1-1 SU in its last 9 games

2:10 PM
SEATTLE vs. CHI WHITE SOX
Seattle is 5-19-1 SU in their last 25 games ,when playing on the road against Chi White Sox
Seattle is 3-6-1 SU in its last 10 games ,on the road
Chi White Sox are 2-3-1 SU in their last 6 games ,at home
Chi White Sox are 2-4-1 SU in their last 7 games ,

2:10 PM
CINCINNATI vs. MILWAUKEE
Cincinnati is 0-4-1 SU in its last 5 games ,on the road
Cincinnati is 0-4-1 SU in its last 5 games ,
Milwaukee5-0-1 SU in its last 6 games when playing Cincinnati
Milwaukee is 1-4-1 SU in its last 6 games ,

3:05 PM
BALTIMORE vs. TEXAS
Baltimore is 1-8-1 SU in its last 10 games ,
Baltimore12-5-1 SU in its last 18 games when playing Texas
Texas14-4-1 SU in its last 19 games at home
Texas is 2-6-1 SU in its last 9 games ,when playing at home against Baltimore

4:05 PM
ST. LOUIS vs. SAN FRANCISCO
St. Louis is 6-1 SU in its last 7 games
The total has gone OVER in 5 of St. Louis's last 6 games when playing on the road against San Francisco
San Francisco is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games when playing at home against St. Louis
San Francisco is 16-4 SU in its last 20 games at home

4:10 PM
OAKLAND vs. ARIZONA
Oakland is 1-11-1 SU in its last 13 games ,on the road
Oakland is 1-3-1 SU in its last 5 games ,
Arizona is 1-4-1 SU in its last 6 games ,
Arizona4-0-1 SU in its last 5 games when playing Oakland

8:05 PM
CHI CUBS vs. LA DODGERS
Chi Cubs are 3-7-1 SU in their last 11 games ,when playing on the road against LA Dodgers
Chi Cubs15-6-1 SU in their last 22 games
LA Dodgers4-0-1 SU in their last 5 games
LA Dodgers16-6-1 SU in their last 23 games when playing Chi Cubs

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

WNBA
Long Sheet

Sunday, August 30

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INDIANA (17 - 11) at TULSA (14 - 14) - 8/30/2015, 4:35 PM
Top Trends for this game.
TULSA is 39-25 ATS (+11.5 Units) as an underdog over the last 3 seasons.
INDIANA is 22-10 ATS (+11.0 Units) in road games over the last 2 seasons.
INDIANA is 14-5 ATS (+8.5 Units) in a road game where where the total is greater than or equal to 150 over the last 2 seasons.
INDIANA is 9-1 ATS (+7.9 Units) in road games against Western conference opponents over the last 2 seasons.
INDIANA is 27-15 ATS (+10.5 Units) after a division game over the last 2 seasons.
INDIANA is 9-1 ATS (+7.9 Units) in road games in non-conference games over the last 2 seasons.
INDIANA is 10-2 ATS (+7.8 Units) in road games after allowing 75 points or more over the last 2 seasons.
INDIANA is 17-7 ATS (+9.3 Units) in road games after scoring 75 points or more over the last 3 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
INDIANA is 3-1 against the spread versus TULSA over the last 3 seasons
INDIANA is 4-1 straight up against TULSA 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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PHOENIX (17 - 12) at MINNESOTA (19 - 10) - 8/30/2015, 7:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
PHOENIX is 9-19 ATS (-11.9 Units) in all games this season.
MINNESOTA is 33-20 ATS (+11.0 Units) in home games over the last 3 seasons.
MINNESOTA is 23-12 ATS (+9.8 Units) in home games vs. division opponents over the last 3 seasons.
MINNESOTA is 23-12 ATS (+9.8 Units) after a non-conference game over the last 3 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
MINNESOTA is 9-9 against the spread versus PHOENIX over the last 3 seasons
MINNESOTA is 10-8 straight up against PHOENIX over the last 3 seasons
14 of 18 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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CONNECTICUT (12 - 16) at CHICAGO (17 - 11) - 8/30/2015, 7:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
CONNECTICUT is 1-7 ATS (-6.7 Units) in road games vs. division opponents this season.
CONNECTICUT is 2-9 ATS (-7.9 Units) in road games when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.
CONNECTICUT is 115-83 ATS (+23.7 Units) revenging a loss versus opponent since 1997.

Head-to-Head Series History
CHICAGO is 8-3 against the spread versus CONNECTICUT over the last 3 seasons
CHICAGO is 9-2 straight up against CONNECTICUT over the last 3 seasons
7 of 11 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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SAN ANTONIO (7 - 22) at LOS ANGELES (11 - 18) - 8/30/2015, 7:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
LOS ANGELES is 41-61 ATS (-26.1 Units) in all games over the last 3 seasons.
LOS ANGELES is 3-11 ATS (-9.1 Units) as a favorite this season.
LOS ANGELES is 9-23 ATS (-16.3 Units) in home games over the last 2 seasons.
LOS ANGELES is 5-13 ATS (-9.3 Units) on Sunday games over the last 2 seasons.
LOS ANGELES is 24-41 ATS (-21.1 Units) after a division game over the last 3 seasons.
LOS ANGELES is 2-8 ATS (-6.8 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record this season.
LOS ANGELES is 8-18 ATS (-11.8 Units) versus poor defensive teams - allowing 77+ points/game over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
SAN ANTONIO is 7-5 against the spread versus LOS ANGELES over the last 3 seasons
LOS ANGELES is 7-5 straight up against SAN ANTONIO over the last 3 seasons
7 of 12 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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WASHINGTON (16 - 11) at SEATTLE (8 - 20) - 8/30/2015, 9:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
WASHINGTON is 274-329 ATS (-87.9 Units) in all games since 1997.
WASHINGTON is 39-64 ATS (-31.4 Units) in road games in August or September games since 1997.
WASHINGTON is 17-32 ATS (-18.2 Units) in road games on Sunday games since 1997.
WASHINGTON is 12-3 ATS (+8.7 Units) in road games against Western conference opponents over the last 3 seasons.
WASHINGTON is 16-4 ATS (+11.6 Units) after a non-conference game over the last 2 seasons.
WASHINGTON is 12-3 ATS (+8.7 Units) in road games in non-conference games over the last 3 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
SEATTLE is 3-2 against the spread versus WASHINGTON over the last 3 seasons
SEATTLE is 3-2 straight up against WASHINGTON over the last 3 seasons
3 of 5 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

 

[betandwin2323]

VegasLineReader

Cincinnati Reds +110

Write Up: I have this line in my computers as being Milwaukee Brewers -140 to -150. This line is only at -130 Milwaukee Brewers and the public money is on them. So why wouldn't they make the Brewers at -150 if they know their getting action. We see that the oddsmakers have this at -130 for a reason cause the Reds are the play tonight! good luck boys!

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

WNBA

Sunday, August 30

Trend Report

4:30 PM
INDIANA vs. TULSA
Indiana is 6-2 SU in its last 8 games
The total has gone UNDER in 7 of Indiana's last 8 games on the road
Tulsa is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games
Tulsa is 4-10 SU in its last 14 games

7:00 PM
SAN ANTONIO vs. LOS ANGELES
San Antonio is 5-10 SU in its last 15 games when playing Los Angeles
The total has gone OVER in 4 of San Antonio's last 5 games when playing Los Angeles
Los Angeles is 10-5 SU in its last 15 games when playing San Antonio
Los Angeles is 6-18-1 ATS in its last 25 games at home

7:00 PM
PHOENIX vs. MINNESOTA
Phoenix is 1-5 ATS in its last 6 games
Phoenix is 1-11 SU in its last 12 games when playing on the road against Minnesota
Minnesota is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games
Minnesota is 11-1 SU in its last 12 games when playing at home against Phoenix

7:00 PM
CONNECTICUT vs. CHICAGO
Connecticut is 0-5 ATS in its last 5 games when playing on the road against Chicago
Connecticut is 2-9 SU in its last 11 games when playing Chicago
Chicago is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing at home against Connecticut
The total has gone OVER in 6 of Chicago's last 7 games when playing at home against Connecticut

9:00 PM
WASHINGTON vs. SEATTLE
Washington is 3-6 SU in its last 9 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 11 of Washington's last 13 games when playing on the road against Seattle
Seattle is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing at home against Washington
Seattle is 7-2 SU in its last 9 games when playing Washington

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Tigers at Blue Jays

GAME: Detroit Tigers (60-69) at Toronto Blue Jays (73-56)
DATE/TIME: Sunday, August 30 - 1:07 PM EST
WHERE: Rogers Centre, Toronto, Ontario
LINE: 204, -223 TOTAL: 9.5

The Toronto Blue Jays are seemingly lapping the field when it comes to offensive production, with just about every part of their star-studded lineup contributing to the cause. Edwin Encarnacion has been doing his fair share of the heavy lifting for a while and looks to follow up a career day at the plate on Sunday when his surging Blue Jays attempt to finish off a three-game home sweep of the Detroit Tigers.


Encarnacion extended his hitting streak to 24 games – the longest in the majors this season – with a three-run blast in the first inning of Saturday’s 15-1 rout of Detroit before following up with a two-run shot and a grand slam, becoming the first Blue Jay since Roy Howell in 1977 to drive in nine runs in a game. Toronto, which has won 23 of its last 28, tallied 10 or more runs for the 21st time and has scored 709 runs this season (only the New York Yankees have amassed at least 600). The Tigers have dropped eight of nine to quickly fall into last place in the American League Central. The immediate prospects of turning around their losing ways look grim as well as they travel to Kansas City for three games against the Central-leading Royals after finishing with AL East-leading Blue Jays.

TV: 1:07 p.m. ET, FSN Detroit, SNET (Toronto)


PITCHING MATCHUP: Tigers RH Alfredo Simon (11-8, 4.89 ERA) vs. Blue Jays LH Mark Buehrle (13-6, 3.60)

Five days after tossing a one-hit shutout against Texas, Simon was tagged for a career-high eight runs on nine hits and four walks over 4 1/3 innings in Tuesday’s home loss to the Los Angeles Angels. The 34-year-old Dominican, who has logged only two quality starts in seven tries since the All-Star break, also became only the third pitcher since 1974 to unleash three run-scoring wild pitches in a game. Simon hasn’t enjoyed much success against Toronto either, going 0-2 with a 6.50 ERA in seven appearances (two starts).

Buehrle turned in a second rough outing in a no-decision on Tuesday at Texas, surrendering five runs – including a pair of homers – in six frames. The five-time All-Star, who is 7-1 with a 3.11 ERA in 11 home turns, saw a four-game winning streak come to an end in his previous outing after yielding four runs over as many innings at Philadelphia. Victor Martinez (28-for-78, four homers and 15 RBIs) and Miguel Cabrera (10-for-31) have each fared well against Buehrle, who is 18-10 with a 3.52 ERA in 36 games (35 starts) against Detroit.


WALK-OFFS

1. Encarnacion, who is batting .400 during his hitting streak, has driven in 23 runs over the last seven contests. Of his last 78 hits, 41 have gone for extra bases.

2. Despite going 0-for-4 on Saturday, Cabrera is batting .426 in August.

3. Toronto (20-5 this month) can set a team record for the most wins in August with another victory on Sunday, breaking the tie it has with the 1989 Blue Jays.


PREDICTION: Blue Jays 8, Tigers 3

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Red Sox at Mets

GAME: Boston Red Sox (60-69) at New York Mets (71-58)
DATE/TIME: Sunday, August 30 - 1:10 PM EST
WHERE: Citi Field, New York City, New York
LINE: 166, -181 TOTAL: 7.5

The New York Mets enjoyed a record-setting offensive road trip but seem to have forgotten to bring their offense back home. The Mets will try to string some hits together and avoid a three-game sweep when they host the Boston Red Sox in the finale of an interleague series on Sunday.

New York scored 73 runs during a seven-game winning streak that closed out their road trip – a franchise record for runs in a seven-game stretch – but have managed five in dropping the first two games of the homestand to the basement-dwelling Red Sox. The sudden power drought comes after the team set a franchise records for home runs this month, but the Mets still own a comfortable 5 1/2-game lead over the Washington Nationals for first place in the National League East. Boston has not lost any of its last five series as the players focus on impressing new team president Dave Dombrowski and locking down a spot on next season’s roster. Wade Miley is next up on the list looking to make his mark and will start opposite Mets rookie Noah Syndergaard on Sunday.

TV: 1:10 p.m. ET, TBS, NESN (Boston), SNY (New York)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Red Sox LH Wade Miley (10-10, 4.51 ERA) vs. Mets RH Noah Syndergaard (8-6, 3.19)

Miley continued an up-and-down campaign with a rough start at Chicago on Tuesday, when he was reached for five runs on 13 hits in 6 2/3 innings. The Louisiana native had surrendered a total of three runs and 10 hits over 14 1/3 innings in back-to-back wins in his two previous turns. Miley is looking for his first win against the Mets and is 0-1 with a 3.71 ERA in three career starts.

Syndergaard picked up the first road win of his career at Philadelphia on Tuesday, allowing four runs (two earned) and striking out nine over five innings. The Texas native, who turned 23 on Saturday, has 126 strikeouts and 28 walks in 115 2/3 innings in his rookie campaign. Syndergaard is 7-1 with a 1.82 ERA in nine home starts.

WALK-OFFS

1. The Mets reportedly acquired RHP Addison Reed from the Arizona Diamondbacks in exchange for a pair of minor leaguers on Saturday.

2. New York RHP Bartolo Colon made his first relief appearance since 2011 with a scoreless inning on Saturday.

3. Boston DH David Ortiz (heel) was out of the starting lineup on Saturday but doubled as a pinch hitter and plans to play Sunday.

PREDICTION: Mets 5, Red Sox 1

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Angels at Indians

GAME: Los Angeles Angels (65-64) at Cleveland Indians (62-66)
DATE/TIME: Sunday, August 30 - 1:10 PM EST
WHERE: Progressive Field, Cleveland, Ohio
LINE: 129, -140 TOTAL: 8

The Los Angeles Angels’ recent struggles are threatening to drop them out of a loaded race for the second wild card in the American League. The Angels will try to avoid a sweep when they visit the Cleveland Indians for the finale of a three-game series on Sunday.

Los Angeles sits 2 1/2 games behind the Texas Rangers for the second wild card with the Minnesota Twins in between and will need to find a way to win on the road to stay in the race. The Angels are 3-15 in their last 18 road games and are averaging 2.6 runs in those 18 contests. The Indians appeared to be playing out the string less than two weeks ago but have since won four straight and seven of nine to pull within five games of the Rangers for that second wild card. Cleveland pitchers have allowed three or fewer runs in seven of those nine contests, and Josh Tomlin will try to continue that run when he goes up against Angels veteran Jered Weaver on Sunday.

TV: 1:10 p.m. ET, FSN West (Los Angeles), STO (Cleveland)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Angels RH Jered Weaver (6-9, 4.59 ERA) vs. Indians RH Josh Tomlin (2-1, 3.26)

Weaver was bailed out by his offense at Detroit on Tuesday, when he came away with the win despite yielding six runs and seven hits in 5 2/3 innings. The California native is always around the plate and issued a total of two walks in his last four outings. Weaver is 9-4 with a 3.30 ERA in 19 career starts against Cleveland.

Tomlin has won two of his three starts since returning to the rotation and struck out seven over six innings against Milwaukee on Tuesday. The Texas Tech product is having some trouble keeping the ball in the yard and has surrendered six home runs in those three outings, including a trio of blasts against the Brewers. Tomlin is 1-2 with a 4.50 ERA and four home runs allowed in 26 total innings against Los Angeles.

WALK-OFFS

1. The Angels are 10-17 in August, clinching their first sub-.500 month since July 2013.

2. Cleveland rookie SS Francisco Lindor has hit safely in eight straight games.

3. Los Angeles CF Mike Trout is 1-for-11 over the last four games and is batting .194 in August.

PREDICTION: Angels 4, Indians 3

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Royals at Rays

GAME: Kansas City Royals (80-49) at Tampa Bay Rays (63-66)
DATE/TIME: Sunday, August 30 - 1:10 PM EST
WHERE: Tropicana Field, St. Petersburg, Florida
LINE: 105, -114 TOTAL: 7.5

Mike Moustakas is stepping to the front of the line for a red-hot Kansas City Royals offense of late with an eye-popping 14 RBIs in the last seven games. The third baseman looks to keep producing big numbers when the visiting Royals attempt to finish a perfect season series against the struggling Tampa Bay Rays on Sunday afternoon.

Moustakas had three hits and three RBIs Saturday as Kansas City posted a 6-3 triumph – its seventh victory in the past eight overall and sixth in six tries this season versus the Rays. Tampa Bay starter Nathan Karns must also try to cool off Lorenzo Cain (11-for-27 during a seven-game hitting streak) and Kendrys Morales (five RBIs, five games). Left-hander Danny Duffy faces the Rays, who are tied with the New York Yankees for the best record against southpaw starters (22-14). Kevin Kiermaier belted a two-run homer Saturday and is 10-for-20 over the last six games for Tampa Bay, which has dropped five of six contests.

TV: 1:10 p.m. ET, FSN Kansas City, Sun Sports (Tampa Bay)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Royals LH Danny Duffy (7-6, 4.13 ERA) vs. Rays RH Nathan Karns (7-5, 3.69)

Duffy is 3-1 with a 3.67 ERA in five starts this month without surrendering a home run after beating Baltimore last time out with 5 2/3 innings of two-run ball. The 26-year-old has yielded three or fewer runs in 13 of his 20 outings this season, including four of the last five. Asdrubal Cabrera is 4-for-9 versus Duffy, who took the loss while giving up three runs over seven innings to Tampa Bay in their only meeting in 2011.

Karns is unbeaten in his last seven starts, but gave up five runs over three innings in his last outing – his shortest of the season. The Texas Tech product permitted a season-high seven runs in six frames against Kansas City on July 9 when Salvador Perez and Cain homered. Karns, who has allowed seven homers in his last six starts, is 4-4 with a 4.21 ERA in 14 outings at home while posting marks of 3-1 and 3.05 on the road.

WALK-OFFS

1. The Royals are 19-8 in August and assured of completing their fifth straight winning month Sunday – the first time they have done that since 1982.

2. Tampa Bay OF Brandon Guyer has been hit by a pitch an American League-leading 18 times, tying the club record set by Sean Rodriguez in 2011.

3. Kansas City has scored 42 runs against the Rays this season – 27 coming with two outs, including four on Saturday.

PREDICTION: Royals 5, Rays 3

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Yankees at Braves

GAME: New York Yankees (71-57) at Atlanta Braves (54-75)
DATE/TIME: Sunday, August 30 - 1:35 PM EST
WHERE: Turner Field, Atlanta, Georgia
LINE: -161, 148 TOTAL: 7

There were plenty of significant deals in baseball last offseason, but the New York Yankees’ acquisition of Nathan Eovaldi in a five-player trade with Miami has provided immense dividends. One season after losing 14 games for the Marlins, Eovaldi aims for his 14th victory Sunday as the Yankees look to cap a three-game road sweep at the struggling Atlanta Braves.

The Yankees remain 1 ½ games behind Toronto in the American League East and currently occupy the first AL wild-card spot, and first-inning production continues to be a big reason behind New York’s success. The Yankees plated another run in the first inning of Saturday’s 3-1 victory and lead baseball with 108 runs in the opening frame this season. Dellin Betances struck out a pair of hitters in the eighth and leads all major-league relievers with 106 strikeouts, and has not allowed an earned run in his past 33 road appearances. Atlanta right fielder Nick Markakis brings a 10-game hitting streak into Sunday’s series finale, as the Braves look to win for just their second victory in the past 13 games.

TV: 1:35 p.m. ET, YES (New York), FSN South (Atlanta)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Yankees RH Nathan Eovaldi (13-2, 4.00 ERA) vs. Braves RH Julio Teheran (9-6, 4.29)

Eovaldi’s efforts have been bolstered by the Yankees averaging 5.35 runs in his 25 starts, but the 25-year-old has surrendered more than three earned runs once since his last defeat June 16 (against the Marlins). He fired eight shutout innings Monday against Houston, getting a no-decision in a game New York won 1-0. Eovaldi posted a 4.50 ERA before the All-Star break, but has a 2.93 mark in seven starts since.

Teheran’s first four months were marked by mostly stellar home performances and mostly dreadful road results, but the 24-year-old has been good throughout August, regardless of location. He brings a 3-0 record and a 2.73 ERA into his final start of the month, and after allowing 12 homers in his first 11 starts, Teheran has surrendered only nine long balls in his past 15 appearances. Teheran beat the Rockies on Monday, giving up three runs on four hits in 7 1/3 innings.

WALK-OFFS

1. New York RF Carlos Beltran went hitless in two at-bats Saturday to end his 11-game hitting streak, but Beltran walked twice and is hitting .347 with five homers and 12 walks in his past 23 games.

2. Atlanta 3B Adonis Garcia collected two hits Saturday and is batting .333 in his past five games.

3. The Yankees have won 14 of their past 22 road games, after dropping 18 of their previous 26 contests away from home.

PREDICTION: Yankees 5, Braves 2

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Rockies at Pirates

GAME: Colorado Rockies (51-76) at Pittsburgh Pirates (79-49)
DATE/TIME: Sunday, August 30 - 1:35 PM EST
WHERE: PNC Park, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
LINE: 182, -199 TOTAL: 8

The Pittsburgh Pirates are winners of 14 of their last 17 games and own the second-best record in baseball, though the only team above them happens to also reside in the National League Central. The Pirates will try to make it five straight victories when they host the lowly Colorado Rockies in the finale of a three-game series Sunday.

Pittsburgh pitching has allowed three or fewer earned runs in nine of its last 11 games, including the first two against the Rockies. The Pirates sit 3 1/2 games behind the St. Louis Cardinals in the Central but are enjoying a section of schedule that includes 16 of 19 against teams with losing records, which continues with 10 of 13 beginning Tuesday against NL Central bottom-dwellers Milwaukee and Cincinnati. The Rockies (51-76) own the fewest wins in the majors and are losers of 14 of their last 18 as they play out the string in a fifth straight losing season. Jorge De La Rosa will try to help Colorado avoid the sweep while Pittsburgh turns to right-hander Charlie Morton in Sunday’s finale.

TV: 1:35 p.m. ET, ROOT Rocky Mountain (Colorado), ROOT Pittsburgh

PITCHING MATCHUP: Rockies LH Jorge De La Rosa (7-6, 4.61 ERA) vs. Pirates RH Charlie Morton (8-5, 4.20)

De La Rosa had a string of four straight quality starts come to an end when he was knocked around for five runs on nine hits and four walks in a loss at Atlanta on Monday. The 34-year-old has issued 10 walks in 13 innings over his last two turns and has one win in his last nine. De La Rosa is facing Pittsburgh for the first time this season and owns a 4-3 career record with a 3.75 ERA in 14 games - 10 starts - against the Pirates.

Morton presided over one of Pittsburgh’s rare losses of late Tuesday, when he surrendered five runs (four earned) on eight hits in 5 1/3 innings at Atlanta. The New Jersey native struck out only three in that turn after punching out at least six in each of his previous four outings. Morton is 2-1 with a 3.62 ERA in six career starts against Colorado.

WALK-OFFS

1. The Pirates are 21-4 against NL West teams, including 13-2 at home.

2. Colorado 3B Nolan Arenado is 1-for-15 in his last four games.

3. Pittsburgh RHP Mark Melancon picked up his MLB-leading 43rd save Saturday but had a string of eight straight appearances without allowing an earned run come to an end.

PREDICTION: Pirates 7, Rockies 2

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Marlins at Nationals

GAME: Miami Marlins (52-78) at Washington Nationals (65-63)
DATE/TIME: Sunday, August 30 - 1:35 PM EST
WHERE: Nationals Park, Washington, District of Columbia
LINE: 236, -260 TOTAL: 7

Dee Gordon has provided a steady brightness in an otherwise dark season of unfulfilled expectations for the Miami Marlins. Gordon has leaped past Bryce Harper and back into the lead for the National League batting title, and the two will share the same field Sunday when the Marlins wrap up a three-game series at Washington, which has more in its sights than individual awards.

Saturday’s 5-1 victory pulled the Nationals within 5 ½ games of the first-place Mets in the NL East, and while Harper’s nine-game hitting streak ended, Washington’s offense produced yet again. The Nationals have averaged 5.8 runs per game while going 7-4 in their past 11 contests. Ryan Zimmerman’s solo homer extended his streak of consecutive games with a RBI to six, and Anthony Rendon extended his hitting streak to seven games with a pair of hits and is batting .423 during that stretch with seven RBIs. Gordon’s two hits Saturday pushed his average to .333, one point ahead of Harper, and the Miami second baseman leads baseball in batting average with two outs at .424.

TV: 1:35 p.m. ET, FSN Florida (Miami), MASN (Washington)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Marlins LH Brad Hand (4-3, 4.23 ERA) vs. Nationals RH Stephen Strasburg (8-6, 4.14)

Hand returned to the Miami rotation Aug. 4 following Dan Haren’s departure at the trade deadline, and the 25-year-old has responded with four solid efforts in five starts. He gave up two runs on nine hits in eight innings to beat Pittsburgh on Tuesday, five days after holding Philadelphia to one run on four hits in six frames to earn the victory. Hand, who is 3-1 with a 2.90 ERA this month, is 4-2 with a 3.80 ERA in eight starts in 2015.

Strasburg has done his part to keep the Nationals in the race since returning from the disabled list Aug. 8, going 3-1 with a 1.73 ERA and 32 strikeouts in 26 innings. The No. 1 overall pick in 2009 endured a difficult first four months, going 5-5 with a 5.16 ERA in 13 starts while spending two separate stints on the disabled list for neck tightness and a left oblique strain. Strasburg, whose 242 strikeouts last season led the NL, has lost both his starts against the Marlins this season, surrendering six runs in nine innings.

WALK-OFFS

1. Miami’s pitching staff, which recorded a 2.79 ERA in July (67 earned runs in 216 innings), has posted a 5.01 ERA through 17 games in August (132 earned runs in 237 innings).

2. Nationals SS Ian Desmond collected two hits Saturday, raising his average to .311 since July 20.

3. Miami RF Ichiro Suzuki has 2,924 major-league hits after going 1-for-4 Saturday; he trails Al Simmons by three hits for 37th place on the all-time list.

PREDICTION: Nationals 5, Marlins 2

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Padres at Phillies

GAME: San Diego Padres (62-67) at Philadelphia Phillies (52-78)
DATE/TIME: Sunday, August 30 - 1:35 PM EST
WHERE: Citizens Bank Park, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
LINE: -149, 137 TOTAL: 8

The Philadelphia Phillies seek their second sweep of the San Diego Padres in less than a month when the teams finish a three-game series Sunday in the City of Brotherly Love. With a 7-1 win in Friday's opener and a 4-3 triumph in the second game of the set Saturday, the Phillies had taken five straight from the Padres in August and seven straight home games between the teams overall.

That matches Philadelphia's longest home winning streak in the series. The Phillies are 25-13 against San Diego at Citizens Bank Park and 55-23 versus the Padres since the clubs opened their new parks in 2004. San Diego managed only 12 runs in the five losses this season and was held in check Saturday by rookie Adam Morgan and three Philadelphia relievers, who combined to allow one earned run and issue zero walks. Alec Asher, another Phillies rookie, will get the ball in his major-league debut opposite veteran James Shields in the finale.

TV: 1:35 p.m. ET, FSN San Diego, CSN Philadelphia

PITCHING MATCHUP: Padres RH James Shields (9-6, 3.89 ERA) vs. Phillies RH Alec Asher (NR)

Shields has allowed five runs in two of his last three outings, including in a loss at Washington on Tuesday. He struck out a season-low two batters in that setback while tying a season high with four walks. The veteran let up three runs in 6 2/3 innings in a no-decision against Philadelphia earlier this month and is 2-0 with a 5.70 ERA in four career meetings.

Asher was acquired from Texas in the Cole Hamels trade in July after three-plus years in the Rangers' organization. He was 2-0 with a 2.08 ERA in four starts for Triple-A Lehigh Valley after the trade. The 23-year-old Florida native is the fourth rookie to join Philadelphia's rotation since July 21 and is taking the rotation spot of Jerome Williams.

WALK-OFFS

1. Padres RF Matt Kemp was 1-for-4 with a run scored Saturday and has reached base in 18 straight games, the longest active streak in the majors.

2. The Phillies are 44-25 when scoring at least four runs.

3. San Diego 3B Yangervis Solarte is 0-for-11 in his last three games.

PREDICTION: Padres 5, Phillies 4

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Astros at Twins

GAME: Houston Astros (72-58) at Minnesota Twins (66-63)
DATE/TIME: Sunday, August 30 - 2:10 PM EST
WHERE: Target Field, Minneapolis, Minnesota
LINE: -128, 118 TOTAL: 8.5

The Minnesota Twins attempt to bounce back from an untimely defeat when they close a three-game series against the visiting Houston Astros on Sunday. The Twins suffered a 4-1 loss on Saturday to fall 1 1/2 games behind Texas in the battle for the American League's second wild-card spot.

The loss was just the second in nine games for the Twins, while Houston continues to lead the AL West by four games over Texas. Astros rookie Carlos Correa (hamstring) has missed the last three games and is unlikely to be in the starting lineup for the finale. "I think we need to see some things out of him prior to doing it," Houston manager A.J. Hinch told reporters. "He may or may not make an appearance in this series." The Twins had their prized rookie in Miguel Sano (hamstring) back in the lineup and he went 0-for-3 with a walk as the designated hitter on Saturday after missing the opener.

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

PITCHING MATCHUP: Astros RH Lance McCullers (5-4, 3.12 ERA) vs. Twins RH Ervin Santana (2-4, 6.05)

McCullers wasn't involved in the decision in his last turn, when he gave up two runs and eight hits in seven innings against the Los Angeles Dodgers. It was his first major-league outing in 20 days as he briefly was sent to Double-A Corpus Christi after giving up seven runs in one-third of an inning against Texas on Aug. 3. McCullers has struggled on the road, going 1-4 with a 5.19 ERA in seven starts.

Santana is 0-4 with a 9.20 ERA over his last six starts and has allowed five or more runs in four of them. He lasted just 2 2/3 innings in his last outing as he gave up five runs and eight hits in a no-decision against Tampa Bay. Santana is 1-0 with a 3.95 ERA in two career starts against Houston and easily has handled outfielder Colby Rasmus (0-for-11).

WALK-OFFS

1. Twins 1B Joe Mauer recorded two hits on Saturday and is 6-for-13 over his last three games.

2. Houston C Jason Castro (quadriceps) was placed on the disabled list and fellow C Max Stassi was recalled from Triple-A Fresno.

3. Minnesota CF Aaron Hicks (hamstring) is slated to begin a rehab stint at Triple-A Rochester on Sunday.

PREDICTION: Astros 7, Twins 5

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Reds at Brewers

GAME: Cincinnati Reds (53-75) at Milwaukee Brewers (54-75)
DATE/TIME: Sunday, August 30 - 2:10 PM EST
WHERE: Miller Park, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
LINE: 112, -121 TOTAL: 9

The Cincinnati Reds attempt to put together consecutive wins for the first time in more than two weeks when they visit the Milwaukee Brewers for the rubber match of their three-game series Sunday. Cincinnati halted its four-game losing streak with a 12-9 comeback victory Saturday as Joey Votto ignited a four-run rally in the ninth inning with a two-run homer.

The Reds, who pounded out 17 hits after being shut out in each of their previous two contests, haven't won back-to-back games since winning at San Diego on Aug. 12 and Los Angeles the following day. Adam Lind delivered a pair of RBI singles as Milwaukee suffered its fifth loss in six games. Lind has driven in four runs over his last two contests after a six-game RBI drought. Scooter Gennett had a sensational night, scoring three runs and driving in three more while posting his second four-hit performance this month.

TV: 2:10 p.m. ET, FSN Ohio (Cincinnati), FSN Wisconsin (Milwaukee)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Reds LH John Lamb (0-2, 6.06 ERA) vs. Brewers RH Wily Peralta (4-8, 4.55)

Lamb remains in search of his first major-league victory as he makes his fourth career start. Both of the 25-year-old Californian's losses were to the Los Angeles Dodgers, including a setback Tuesday in which he allowed three runs on five hits and three walks over five innings. Lamb, who has served up a home run in each of his three outings, faces Milwaukee for the first time.

Peralta struggled for the second straight time Tuesday, when he yielded four runs - two earned - and six hits in only 2 2/3 innings at Cleveland. The 26-year-old Dominican was reached for six runs on nine hits and three walks in five frames against Miami on Aug. 19 but still came away with the victory. Peralta fell to 3-4 lifetime versus Cincinnati on April 20 after surrendering six runs on eight hits and three walks in seven innings.

WALK-OFFS

1. Gennett also recorded four hits Aug. 15 against Philadelphia.

2. Cincinnati LHP Sean Marshall (shoulder) had a bullpen session Friday but isn't ready to face hitters, according to manager Bryan Price.

3. Milwaukee RHP Francisco Rodriguez had converted 35 consecutive save opportunities dating to Aug. 27, 2014 before blowing Saturday's chance.

PREDICTION: Brewers 6, Reds 2

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Mariners at White Sox

GAME: Seattle Mariners (61-69) at Chicago White Sox (60-68)
DATE/TIME: Sunday, August 30 - 2:10 PM EST
WHERE: U.S. Cellular Field, Chicago, Illinois
LINE: 123, -133 TOTAL: 8

The Seattle Mariners look to defeat Chicago for the third straight day as they conclude a four-game series against the host White Sox on Sunday. Kyle Seager hit a two-run blast to reach the 20-homer mark for the fourth consecutive season as Seattle posted a 7-6 victory on Saturday.

Seager is 5-for-9 over the last two games and has homered in three of the last four after hitting just two in his previous 30 contests. Robinson Cano, who is batting .281, went 4-for-4 with a walk and is 21-for-53 over the last 13 games to raise his average above .280 for the first time since April 26. Seattle has won five of its last seven games while Chicago is going in the opposite direction with five losses in seven contests. Despite consecutive losses to the Mariners, the White Sox are a solid 18-10 against the American League West this season.

TV: 2:10 p.m. ET, ROOT (Seattle), WGN Chicago

PITCHING MATCHUP: Mariners LH Edgar Olmos (1-0, 0.00 ERA) vs. White Sox LH Jose Quintana (7-10, 3.63)

Olmos is making his first career start after tossing 7 2/3 innings of scoreless relief over four appearances since being recalled from Triple-A Tacoma. The opportunity arose after he worked 3 2/3 frames against Oakland to pick up a victory and the struggling Mike Montgomery lasted just 1 1/3 frames and later was demoted from the rotation. "I want to give Monty a break and let him regroup a little bit," manager Lloyd McClendon told reporters. "And Olmos threw the ball really well in his long outing."

Quintana is 3-1 over his last seven starts and has given up two runs or fewer four times during the stretch. He came away with a no-decision against Boston in his last turn, when he gave up four runs (three earned) and seven hits over six innings. Quintana is 0-1 with a 3.80 ERA in five career appearances (four starts) versus Seattle and has fared well against Nelson Cruz (2-for-12, one homer) and Seager (1-for-10, one homer).

WALK-OFFS

1. Mariners SS Ketel Marte (hamstring) departed Saturday's contest and is unlikely to play in the finale.

2. Chicago CF Adam Eaton is hitless in seven at-bats over the last two games after going 3-for-3 with three runs scored in the series opener.

3. Seattle LF Franklin Gutierrez (Achilles tendon) sat out Saturday but could return for the finale.

PREDICTION: White Sox 9, Mariners 8

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Orioles at Rangers

GAME: Baltimore Orioles (63-66) at Texas Rangers (67-61)
DATE/TIME: Sunday, August 30 - 3:05 PM EST
WHERE: Globe Life Park in Arlington, Arlington, Texas
LINE: 115, -125 TOTAL: 9.5

The Texas Rangers try to bolster their standing in the American League wild-card race while dealing another blow to a rival contender when they try for a three-game sweep over the visiting Baltimore Orioles on Sunday. Texas, which has won six of its last eight contests, increased its lead over Minnesota for the final playoff spot to 1 1/2 games with a 4-3 victory Saturday that dropped Baltimore 4 1/2 behind the Rangers after it lost for the fifth time in the first six contests of its seven-game road trip.

Adrian Beltre continues to swing a hot bat as he is 11-for-26 with two home runs and six RBIs in his last seven contests after belting a two-run shot Saturday for Texas (67-61), which sits four games behind Houston in the AL West and is 25-15 since the All-Star break while matching last season's win total (67-95). The middle of the lineup continues to struggle for the Orioles, who have lost five of six against the Rangers this season and 10 of their last 12 overall. Cleanup hitter Chris Davis, who is tied for second in the AL with 35 home runs, is 3-for-29 with 16 strikeouts in his last eight contests while No. 3 batter Adam Jones is 2-for-17 in his last five games. Texas' Derek Holland continues to make his way back from a shoulder injury as he opposes Miguel Gonzalez, who is winless in six starts (0-4).

TV: 3:05 p.m. ET, MASN2 (Baltimore), FSN Southwest (Texas)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Orioles RH Miguel Gonzalez (9-10, 4.78 ERA) vs. Rangers LH Derek Holland (1-1, 4.73)

Gonzalez allowed three runs and six hits - including a homer for the fourth straight start - in 4 1/3 innings of a 3-2 loss in Kansas City on Tuesday and has a 7.59 ERA over his last six turns. It was the ninth time in his last 12 starts the 31-year-old Mexican did not make it past 5 1/3 frames, with an 8-6 loss to Texas on June 30 in which he permitted six runs in 4 1/3 innings being part of that span. Gonzalez is 2-2 with a 4.76 ERA in four starts versus the Rangers and fares well against Beltre (1-for-11) and Prince Fielder (1-for-6), but he struggles with Mitch Moreland (4-for-10, two-run homer on June 30).

Holland received a no-decision after allowing four runs and seven hits (three homers) in six innings of Texas' 6-5 loss to Toronto on Tuesday and is 1-0 with a 4.38 ERA in two starts since returning from the disabled list. The 28-year-old Ohio native had an easier time in his second appearance of the season - and first since April 10 - when he yielded two runs and struck out six over 6 1/3 frames of a 7-2 victory over Seattle on Aug. 19. Holland is 4-2 with a 3.60 ERA in seven appearances (six starts) against Baltimore - the last in 2013 - and has contained Jones (4-for-17, seven strikeouts).

WALK-OFFS

1. Texas 2B Rougned Odor (.280, 11 home runs, 43 RBIs) missed his fourth straight game Saturday after injuring the nail on his right middle finger on Tuesday.

2. Sunday's contest marks the end of a 33-game stretch against opponents outside the AL East for the Orioles, who play 26 of their final 32 games against their own division.

3. Rangers RF Shin-Soo Choo recorded an RBI double Saturday and has reached base in all 33 starts since the All-Star break, including the last 20 games.

PREDICTION: Rangers 3, Orioles 2

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Cardinals at Giants

GAME: St. Louis Cardinals (83-46) at San Francisco Giants (69-60)
DATE/TIME: Sunday, August 30 - 4:05 PM EST
WHERE: AT&T Park, San Francisco, California
LINE: -127, 117 TOTAL: 6.5

If St. Louis Cardinals rookie outfielder Stephen Piscotty seems right at home this weekend at AT&T Park, it’s because he knows the area well. The Bay Area native and former Stanford star has six hits in his last eight at-bats heading into Sunday’s rubber match of a three-game series against the San Francisco Giants, who sit 3 1/2 games back of the National League West-leading Los Angeles Dodgers.

Piscotty recorded a career-high four hits in Saturday’s 6-0 victory and has 10 RBI over the last six games for the Cardinals, who hold a 3 1/2-game lead over Pittsburgh in the NL Central. Piscotty has been playing regularly in left field in place of Matt Holliday (quad strain) and should continue to see ample playing time over the next few weeks as the Cardinals wait for Randal Grichuk (elbow) and Jon Jay (wrist) to return. The Giants are also dealing with a number of injuries, but they're hoping to have catcher Buster Posey back in the lineup Sunday after he missed Saturday’s contest with a bruised elbow. Posey was hit by a pitch in Friday’s game and replaced by rookie Andrew Susac, who is mired in a 6-for-48 slump.

TV: 4:05 p.m. ET, FSN Midwest (St. Louis), CSN Bay Area (San Francisco)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Cardinals LH Jaime Garcia (6-4, 1.77 ERA) vs. Giants RH Chris Heston (11-7, 3.34)

Garcia looks to continue his dominance on the road, where he’s gone 9-3 with a 1.64 ERA in his last 14 outings dating back to Sept. 15, 2012. The 29-year-old recorded his 12th quality start in 13 outings this season after tossing six innings of one-run ball against Arizona last Tuesday. Justin Maxwell is 6-for-14 with a home run against Garcia, who allowed three runs in 6 1/3 innings against San Francisco on Aug. 19 and owns a 2.16 ERA in six career starts against the Giants.

Heston has been recalled from Triple-A Sacramento to start in place of Matt Cain (elbow), who was placed on the disabled list after struggling in five starts this month. The 27-year-old rookie, who has been a pleasant surprise while making 24 starts, only threw a few bullpen sessions after being sent to Sacramento on Aug. 21. Heston allowed one run while throwing 104 pitches over 4 2/3 innings in San Francisco’s 2-1 loss to St. Louis on Aug. 17.

WALK-OFFS

1. San Francisco SS Brandon Crawford (oblique) is expected to miss his fifth straight game Sunday but could return Monday against the Dodgers.

2. Cardinals RHP Lance Lynn exited Saturday’s game with a mild right ankle sprain but is expected to make his next start.

3. The Giants are 13-16 against NL Central opponents.

PREDICTION: Cardinals 6, Giants 2

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Athletics at Diamondbacks

GAME: Oakland Athletics (56-74) at Arizona Diamondbacks (63-66)
DATE/TIME: Sunday, August 30 - 4:10 PM EST
WHERE: Chase Field, Phoenix, Arizona
LINE: 129, -140 N/A TOTAL: N/A

The Oakland Athletics seek their first road series victory of the second half when they visit the Arizona Diamondbacks for the finale of their three-game set Sunday. Oakland, which took two of three at Cleveland in the final series before the All-Star break, squandered an early two-run lead Saturday before posting a 3-2 win to even the set and improve to 2-10 on the road this month.

Stephen Vogt belted a two-run homer in the second inning and snapped the tie in the eighth with an RBI single, which capped his second three-hit performance in five games. The Athletics are 2-3 on their six-game road trip and have won only three of their last 17 away from home. A.J. Pollock went 2-for-4 with an RBI as the Diamondbacks fell to 1-5 on their seven-game homestand. After having his six-game hitting streak halted in the series opener, Arizona's Ender Inciarte went 3-for-3 for his third multi-hit performance in four contests.

TV: 4:10 p.m. ET, CSN California (Oakland), FSN Arizona

PITCHING MATCHUP: Athletics RH Jesse Chavez (7-13, 4.00 ERA) vs. Diamondbacks RH Allen Webster (1-1, 6.86)

Chavez looks to rebound from a rough outing at Seattle on Tuesday in which he surrendered six runs and eight hits over 4 2/3 innings. The 32-year-old Californian is just 2-8 on the road this season and has lost four straight decisions away from home since winning at Texas on June 23. Chavez has made four career relief appearances against Arizona, surrendering six runs over six frames without receiving a decision.

Webster was recalled from Triple-A Reno to make his fifth start of the season and first since June 29, when he escaped with a no-decision against the Los Angeles Dodgers after surrendering four runs on five hits - three homers - and four walks in 3 2/3 innings. The 25-year-old native of North Carolina has not won since his season - and Diamondbacks - debut at San Francisco on June 13. Webster, who never has faced Oakland, has yielded 10 runs over nine frames in two home starts this year.

WALK-OFFS

1. The Diamondbacks reportedly traded RHP Addison Reed to the New York Mets on Saturday night for two minor-leaguers.

2. Oakland 2B Brett Lawrie went 0-for-4 on Saturday, ending his hitting streak at eight games.

3. Arizona 1B Paul Goldschmidt is four RBIs and two walks away from joining Luis Gonzalez (142 RBIs and 100 walks in 2001) as the only players in franchise history to reach the century mark in both categories.

PREDICTION: Athletics 7, Diamondbacks 4

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Cubs at Dodgers

GAME: Chicago Cubs (73-55) at Los Angeles Dodgers (72-56)
DATE/TIME: Sunday, August 30 - 8:08 PM EST
WHERE: Dodger Stadium, Los Angeles, California
LINE: -122, 113 TOTAL: 6.5

Jake Arrieta goes after his major league-leading 17th victory of the season when the Chicago Cubs close a three-game series against the host Los Angeles Dodgers on Sunday. Arrieta is tied with San Francisco's Madison Bumgarner for the lead and his 2.22 ERA is second in the National League behind Zack Greinke of the Dodgers.

Arrieta is seeking his sixth straight victory and has allowed two earned runs during the five-win span. He'll also try to boost Chicago out of a sudden slump that has seen the club lose four straight games following a 21-4 stretch and its lead for the second wild card has been cut to 4 1/2 games by the Giants. Los Angeles has won the first two games of the series to stretch its winning streak to five games and well as increasing its NL West lead over San Francisco to 3 1/2 games. The winning streak matches the Dodgers' second best of the season, trailing a seven-game winning streak from April 12-19.

TV: 8:08 p.m. ET, ESPN

PITCHING MATCHUP: Cubs RH Jake Arrieta (16-6, 2.22 ERA) vs. Dodgers LH Alex Wood (9-8, 3.70)

Arrieta has allowed only 19 hits in 33 1/3 innings during the stretch in which he hasn't given up an earned run in four of the five starts. He defeated San Francisco in his last turn when he gave up one unearned run and four hits in six innings. Arrieta is 0-2 with a 9.00 ERA in two career starts against the Dodgers and has struggled against outfielder Carl Crawford, who is 5-for-11 with a homer and two doubles.

Wood is 2-2 with a 4.34 ERA in five starts since Los Angeles acquired him from the Atlanta Braves. He defeated Cincinnati in his last outing when he gave up one run and four hits in 5 2/3 innings. Wood is 1-0 with a 4.50 ERA in four career appearances (one start) against the Cubs and has had trouble retiring outfielder Chris Denorfia (4-for-5).

WALK-OFFS

1. Dodgers SS Jimmy Rollins is 1-for-16 over the past four games.

2. Chicago SS Addison Russell is 1-for-12 with seven strikeouts over the last four contests.

3. Los Angeles 1B Adrian Gonzalez is mired in an 11-game homerless drought and is 8-for-40 during the stretch.

PREDICTION: Cubs 3, Dodgers 1

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Dave Cokin

Bonus Play Sunday

ORIOLES (Gonzalez) at RANGERS (Holland) 3:05 PM

Take: RANGERS -125

I’m going to lose my pre-season Under wager on the Rangers win total. I’m already resigned to that inevitability. This team has been an absolute stunner to me, as with the status of their pitching staff when I made the play, which was actually before the Yu Darvish injury, I really didn’t see them winning more than perhaps 70 games. But they’ve played some really solid ball thanks to what I think have to be called unexpected contributions from a few players and Texas has a real shot to still be playing in October.

One of the numerous pitchers on the shelf for much of the season has returned to the Texas rotation, and Derek Holland will be throwing for the Rangers today. The opposition will be provided by Miguel Gonzalez, who doesn’t shape up as a stopped for a Baltimore staff that needs a really good start in the worst way.

This is all team stuff as Holland has been so-so in his first two starts back, and therefore really doesn’t own an edge over Gonzalez. But the Orioles are in a miserable funk right now, having lost all but one of their last ten outings. The Birds have not been a good road team this year, and they’re simply not hitting very well right now.

I’m a little surprised to see this betting line where it is when considering present form. I made the price here Rangers -145 so I think we’ve got a bit of a bargain here. Don’t misread that into thinking this is some kind of slam dunk as even if my price is right, that’s still less than 60% when converting to odds rather than money line. But I have to think it’s not a bad value spot and it’s good enough to warrant some action on the Rangers side.