Sunday 9/13/15 service plays chatter/comps/requests & other stuff...

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Dave Cokin

Bonus Play Sunday

BENGALS @ RAIDERS 4:25 PN

Take: RAIDERS +3

It’s opening week in the NFL, so in terms of data support for any of my plays, there really isn’t any. So this one is pretty much strictly opinion, but I’ve already made my play on this duel.

The Bengals have been a pretty good squad for quite some time now. No big runs at a Super Bowl, but Cincinnati has become a regular member of the playoff party, so they’re at the very least a respectable entry.

Or at least they have been. I’m not sold that’s going to continue much longer. I just feel as though the key players on this roster have reached their ceiling, and at the top of that list is QB Andy Dalton. Once players peak, there’s just one way to go and while I can’t chisel these views into granite, I am of the belief the Bengals are ready to start declining a bit. My sense has always been that there’s a window for most franchises and when a team consistently gets that window open but can’t climb through it to reach the next level, regression becomes an inevitability. I might well be all wet on this one, but I think the Bengals could well go stale this year.

As for Oakland, it’s been bad for so long that I have trouble remembering when it wasn’t. But the Raiders have a real chance to get better this season. Don’t get me wrong, I’m not putting this team in the playoffs, and I would be somewhat shocked if they even seriously contend for a winning record. But I do see improvement both on the roster and even more so on the coaching staff.

I’ll put it this way. This is the first year in ages where I’ve felt the Raiders had some legitimately positive energy going into a new season, and I’m hoping that shows up today.

This game is not generating nearly as much attention as several others from the bettors. Only about 27% of the Westgate LV Supercontest entrants played this game. That’s the third fewest on the entire Sunday/Monday slate. That really doesn’t have anything to do with my analysis on this game, but perhaps it indicates that the Raiders are flying a bit beneath the radar right now.

In any event, this is a team I think is rising hosting one I suspect could be declining and I’m catching a field goal in the process. I’ll take my chances with the Raiders plus the points today.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

JOE WIZ

Over 40 Tennessee and Tampa Bay

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

BIG AL

Our complimentary selection for Sunday, September 13 is:

St. Louis Rams +4 over Seattle Seahawks

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

MLB

Sunday, September 13

Trend Report

1:05 PM
TORONTO vs. NY YANKEES
Toronto is 4-1 SU in their last 5 games when playing NY Yankees
The total has gone UNDER in 7 of Toronto's last 10 games when playing NY Yankees
The total has gone OVER in 5 of NY Yankees's last 7 games
NY Yankees are 0-5 SU in their last 5 games at home

1:10 PM
WASHINGTON vs. MIAMI
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Washington's last 6 games when playing Miami
Washington is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Miami's last 7 games
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Miami's last 5 games when playing at home against Washington

1:10 PM
ST. LOUIS vs. CINCINNATI
St. Louis is 2-6 SU in its last 8 games when playing Cincinnati
The total has gone UNDER in 10 of St. Louis's last 11 games when playing Cincinnati
Cincinnati is 6-2 SU in its last 8 games when playing St. Louis
The total has gone UNDER in 10 of Cincinnati's last 11 games when playing St. Louis

1:10 PM
BOSTON vs. TAMPA BAY
Boston is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games when playing Tampa Bay
Boston is 6-2 SU in its last 8 games
The total has gone OVER in 7 of Tampa Bay's last 9 games at home
Tampa Bay is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games when playing Boston

1:10 PM
DETROIT vs. CLEVELAND
Detroit is 5-15-1 SU in its last 21 games ,
Detroit is 1-7-1 SU in its last 9 games ,on the road
Cleveland is 3-11-1 SU in its last 15 games ,when playing at home against Detroit
Cleveland6-0-1 SU in its last 7 games at home

1:35 PM
NY METS vs. ATLANTA
The total has gone OVER in 5 of NY Mets's last 6 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 7 of NY Mets's last 10 games when playing on the road against Atlanta
The total has gone OVER in 7 of Atlanta's last 10 games when playing at home against NY Mets
Atlanta is 4-9 SU in its last 13 games when playing NY Mets

1:35 PM
CHI CUBS vs. PHILADELPHIA
Chi Cubs are 5-2 SU in their last 7 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Chi Cubs's last 7 games
Philadelphia is 4-2 SU in their last 6 games when playing Chi Cubs
The total has gone OVER in 11 of Philadelphia's last 16 games at home

1:35 PM
MILWAUKEE vs. PITTSBURGH
Milwaukee is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games
The total has gone OVER in 11 of Milwaukee's last 12 games
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Pittsburgh's last 5 games
Pittsburgh is 7-3 SU in its last 10 games when playing at home against Milwaukee

2:10 PM
MINNESOTA vs. CHI WHITE SOX
Minnesota is 10-5 SU in its last 15 games on the road
Minnesota is 11-4 SU in their last 15 games when playing Chi White Sox
Chi White Sox are 4-11 SU in their last 15 games when playing Minnesota
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Chi White Sox's last 7 games at home

3:05 PM
OAKLAND vs. TEXAS
Oakland is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games when playing on the road against Texas
Oakland is 4-12 SU in its last 16 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 8 of Texas's last 9 games
Texas is 1-5 SU in its last 6 games when playing at home against Oakland

3:35 PM
HOUSTON vs. LA ANGELS
The total has gone UNDER in 15 of Houston's last 23 games on the road
Houston is 1-5 SU in its last 6 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 10 of LA Angels's last 14 games when playing Houston
LA Angels are 5-1 SU in their last 6 games when playing at home against Houston

4:05 PM
SAN DIEGO vs. SAN FRANCISCO
The total has gone OVER in 15 of San Diego's last 20 games on the road
San Diego is 1-5 SU in its last 6 games on the road
San Francisco is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games when playing at home against San Diego
The total has gone OVER in 4 of San Francisco's last 6 games when playing at home against San Diego

4:10 PM
COLORADO vs. SEATTLE
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Colorado's last 6 games when playing on the road against Seattle
Colorado is 2-6 SU in its last 8 games when playing Seattle
Seattle is 8-3 SU in its last 11 games
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Seattle's last 6 games when playing at home against Colorado

4:10 PM
LA DODGERS vs. ARIZONA
LA Dodgers are 6-2 SU in their last 8 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 4 of LA Dodgers's last 5 games
Arizona is 6-13 SU in its last 19 games
Arizona is 4-9 SU in its last 13 games at home

4:40 PM
DETROIT vs. CLEVELAND
Detroit11-3-2 SU in its last 16 games when playing on the road against Cleveland
Detroit is 1-4-2 SU in its last 7 games ,when playing Cleveland
Cleveland is 6-14-2 SU in its last 22 games ,when playing Detroit
Cleveland10-1-2 SU in its last 13 games at home

8:05 PM
KANSAS CITY vs. BALTIMORE
Kansas City is 2-6 SU in its last 8 games
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Kansas City's last 6 games when playing Baltimore
The total has gone OVER in 8 of Baltimore's last 11 games
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Baltimore's last 6 games when playing Kansas City

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

WNBA

Sunday, September 13

Trend Report

1:00 PM
CHICAGO vs. CONNECTICUT
Chicago is 9-3 SU in its last 12 games when playing Connecticut
Chicago is 2-4 ATS in its last 6 games when playing Connecticut
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Connecticut's last 5 games when playing at home against Chicago
Connecticut is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games when playing at home against Chicago

4:00 PM
ATLANTA vs. WASHINGTON
The total has gone OVER in 8 of Atlanta's last 10 games on the road
Atlanta is 6-16 SU in its last 22 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Washington's last 5 games when playing Atlanta
Washington is 1-8 SU in its last 9 games when playing Atlanta

4:30 PM
PHOENIX vs. TULSA
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Phoenix's last 5 games
Phoenix is 6-14-1 ATS in its last 21 games
Tulsa is 4-0-1 ATS in its last 5 games at home
Tulsa is 1-5 SU in its last 6 games when playing Phoenix

5:00 PM
NEW YORK vs. INDIANA
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of New York's last 6 games
New York is 16-5 SU in its last 21 games
Indiana is 2-6 ATS in its last 8 games
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Indiana's last 5 games

9:00 PM
SAN ANTONIO vs. SEATTLE
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of San Antonio's last 7 games on the road
San Antonio is 1-7-1 ATS in its last 9 games
The total has gone OVER in 7 of Seattle's last 9 games when playing San Antonio
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Seattle's last 6 games at home

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

River City Sharps

Arizona -2.5

The Arizona Cardinals will host the New Orleans Saints to open the NFL season on Sunday and from the first glance, it appears these are two teams headed in different directions. The Saints have been one of the top teams in the NFL for the better part of a decade, but gone are All-Pro Jimmy Graham and RB Pierre Thomas, leaving QB Drew Brees wondering where he’s going to find the weapons for this year. Meanwhile, the Cardinals have very high hopes as they have a healthy QB Carson Palmer back under center. HC Bruce Ariens has been quoted as saying this is the best team he’s had in Arizona and from the looks of the improved offense and really solid defense, he may just be right. One thing that became obvious last year is these Cardinals really have created a quality home field advantage. Ariens has been a solid play against the number as a head coach, posting a 17-5 ATS in all home games he’s coached going back to his time in Indy. He’s also an impressive 15-4 ATS when the line sits between +3 and -3, which tells you he’s excelled in close matchups. We have major questions about these Saints and reports from training camp implied that Brees doesn’t look like he has the same zip as year’s past. With all of those factors and being at home, the Cardinal are the right side to back in this spot and we like them to take care of business.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Coach Fletcher’s Sunday NFL Free Pick

Sunday, Sept. 13

New York Giants at Dallas Cowboys

The Pick Dallas Cowboys -6


Dallas Has High Hopes for Season

The Cowboys lost their leading rusher, DeMarco Murray, to the Eagles. The Cowboys lost their top cornerback, Orlando Scandrick, to injury. The Cowboys have lost two of their best defenders, Greg Hardy and Rolando McClain, to 4 game suspensions. Despite these losses that might cripple another team, the Cowboys are preparing for a Super Bowl run.

What about the Giants? They are hoping for a bounce back type season after missing the playoffs for 3 straight seasons. Eli Manning is back at QB. He has tossed 41 interceptions over the past two years. The good news for the offense is that Victor Cruz and Odell Beckham Jr. are back and that pair is as good as it gets. Cruz is not ready to return just yet which compromises the Giants’ offensive attack. Their running backs, Rashad Jennings and Andre Williams, might be productive but will no doubt be average.

The Giants can score points. Even without Cruz last year they ranked 13th in points scored per game. The defense, or lack of defense, was their biggest woe. The Giants ranked 29th in the NFL in total yards allowed and 23rd in points per game

The Cowboys expect to join the post season party this year for back to back season, the first time they will have one that since 2006-2007. Despite the loss of Murray, the Cowboys still have Tony Romo and Dez Bryant, and that’s enough offense for most teams. Jason Witten and Terrance Williams will definitely get their share of touches as well. They may well have the best offensive line in the NFL which would be great news for the Murray-less Cowboy running game. Darren McFadden has always had the potential to be something special, but injuries and lack of a strong offensive line have worked against him. Lance Dunbar may surprise some at running back in support of McFadden or possibly to replace McFadden. It’s clear that Murray’s running game made the Dallas passing game more dangerous than it might have been on its own. But Bryant alone could change the defenses allowing the Cowboys to run effectively with McFadden and Dunbar. They were 5th in total points scored per game last year.

The Cowboy defense has to step up this year and they have the pieces in place to do that. They finished last season ranked 19th in total yards allowed and 15th in scoring defense. That was done last year basically with Sean Lee and Lee should be back and ready to help improve that squad. The question is how will they perform without Scandrick, Hardy and McClain.

The betting numbers are not good on either side. The Giants are 0-4 in their last 4 openers. They are 2-5 against the spread on turf. The Cowboys are 1-4 against the spread in their last 5 home games and 5-1 against the spread in their last 6 games over all. The over is strong at 5-0 in the last 5 meetings between these two teams.

The Cowboys could definitely make a serious run to the Super Bowl this year if their defense holds up and if they can avoid injury to key players. McFadden is injury prone and if he goes out early it could create problems.

The Giants are the Giants. They bumble their way through many games and stink out the joint in others. Every so often they come up with a strong game to remind you that they have been a superior team in the past. They just haven’t been able to put it together over a run of games.

Rookie Landon Collins, formerly with the Alabama Crimson Tide, made a typical rookie mistake when he said that Romo would “won’t be happy” if he tried to test him in the secondary. That’s big talk for a rookie safety and I’m guessing that Romo and Bryant will test him indeed.

The Cowboys won last year and scored 31 points in each game. In 2013 they scored 60 points total in their sweep of the Giants. Even with key players on the sidelines for this one, it looks a great deal like last year’s results. The Cowboy offensive line is solid and the giant defensive line is full of question marks. In my opinion that is the game right there. The Dallas offensive line is much stronger unit that the Giant defensive line. That spells huge trouble for the Giants. If the Dallas offensive line is as good as most think, McFadden and Dunbar may look much better than ever before.

The Pick: Dallas Cowboys -6

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Blue Jays at Yankees

GAME: Toronto Blue Jays (82-60) at New York Yankees (77-64)
DATE/TIME: Sunday, September 13 - 1:05 PM EST
WHERE: Yankee Stadium, Bronx, New York
LINE: N/A TOTAL: N/A

The New York Yankees are watching their chances at an American League East title slip away this weekend. The Yankees will try to clip a game off their deficit and avoid a four-game sweep when they host the Toronto Blue Jays in the series finale on Sunday.

The Blue Jays pounded out 30 runs in taking the first three games of the series to open up a 4 1/2-game lead on New York in the East and have won 16 of their last 21. The Yankees have gotten a total of 9 1/3 innings from their starting pitchers in the series and are losers of five straight to fall to 3-6 on their 10-game homestand. New York, which still holds the top spot in the AL wild-card race, is trying not to fall 5 1/2-games back of Toronto before opening a nine-game road trip that includes visits to division leaders the New York Mets and the Blue Jays. The Yankees will send ace Masahiro Tanaka to the mound to try to stop the bleeding on Sunday while the Blue Jays counter with R.A. Dickey.

TV: 1:05 p.m. ET, TBS, SNET (Toronto), WPIX (New York)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Blue Jays RH R.A. Dickey (10-10, 4.01 ERA) vs. Yankees RH Masahiro Tanaka (11-6, 3.57)

Dickey has not lost since July 9 and is coming off back-to-back impressive outings. The veteran knuckleballer spun a complete game in a win against Cleveland on Sep. 2 and held Boston to one run and four hits over six innings on Tuesday without factoring in the decision. Dickey has been at his best against New York this season, going 1-0 with a 1.27 ERA in three starts.

Tanaka is starting on four days’ rest for just the fourth time this season as he tries to follow up one of his better outings of 2015. The Japan native struck out 10 and scattered a run and six hits over eight innings on Tuesday without factoring in the decision against Baltimore. Tanaka is 1-2 despite a 3.32 ERA and a .191 opponent batting average in three starts against Toronto this season.

WALK-OFFS

1. Blue Jays SS Troy Tulowitzki was diagnosed with a small fracture in his left shoulder blade after a collision on Saturday and is out indefinitely.

2. Yankees LF Brett Gardner totaled three home runs in Saturday’s doubleheader and is 6-for-12 with eight RBIs in the series.

3. Toronto LF Ben Revere is 10-for-19 in his last four games and has scored at least one run in seven straight.

PREDICTION: Blue Jays 4, Yankees 2

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Red Sox at Rays

GAME: Boston Red Sox (67-74) at Tampa Bay Rays (69-72)
DATE/TIME: Sunday, September 13 - 1:10 PM EST
WHERE: Tropicana Field, St. Petersburg, Florida
LINE: N/A TOTAL: N/A

The Boston Red Sox look to improve to 7-1-1 in their last nine series, after a milestone night, when they visit the Tampa Bay Rays on Sunday for the rubber match of a three-game set. David Ortiz belted two of Boston’s five homers to become the 27th player in major league history to reach 500 as the Red Sox routed the Rays 10-4 on Saturday for their sixth victory in eight games.

Ortiz, who has the most home runs for any visiting player (33) at Tampa Bay’s Tropicana Field, joins Ted Williams, Jimmie Foxx and Manny Ramirez among Boston legends with 500 blasts. Red Sox center fielder Mookie Betts also takes a 17-game hitting streak into Sunday’s series finale against Tampa Bay’s left-hander Drew Smyly. The Rays have seen their hopes for an American League wild-card spot dimmed while going 7-11 in their last 18 contests. Evan Longoria is 10-for-22 with six RBIs during a six-game hitting streak for Tampa Bay.

TV: 1:10 p.m. ET, NESN (Boston), Sun Sports (Tampa Bay)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Red Sox LH Rich Hill (NR) vs. Rays LH Drew Smyly (2-2, 3.59 ERA)

Hill is slated to make his first major-league start since 2009 with Baltimore as he debuts for the Sox in 2015. The 35-year-old Boston native went 5-4 with a 2.83 ERA in 30 appearances (five starts) in Triple-A this season after 16 relief outings between the Los Angeles Angels and the New York Yankees in 2014. Nick Franklin is 2-for-2 versus Hill, who is 24-22 in 197 career appearances (70 starts) and 1-0 against the Rays.

Smyly is unbeaten in his last four starts, but gave up four runs and seven hits over five innings without factoring in the decision at Detroit last time out. The 26-year-old has gone six innings or more just once in five starts since returning from the disabled list, but issued only six walks during that span. Ortiz is 5-for-10 with a homer versus Smyly, who permitted one run over six innings while suffering a loss at Boston on May 5.

WALK-OFFS

1. The Rays own the second-best record in the majors (26-16) against left-handed starters and lead the AL with 52 saves, tying a club record.

2. Boston OF Jackie Bradley Jr. is 38-for-95 with seven homers and 32 RBIs since Aug. 9.

3. Tampa Bay SS Asdrubal Cabrera is 11-for-30 over his last eight games and stands at 99 homers and 499 RBIs in his career.

PREDICTION: Rays 6, Red Sox 2

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Tigers at Indians

GAME: Detroit Tigers (64-76) at Cleveland Indians (69-70)
DATE/TIME: Sunday, September 13 - 1:10 PM EST
WHERE: Progressive Field, Cleveland, Ohio
LINE: N/A TOTAL: N/A

Both the visiting Detroit Tigers and Cleveland Indians will be extremely well-rested if and when they play a doubleheader Sunday. The clubs have had to wait through two days of inclement weather in Cleveland, which has forced back-to-back postponements.

The American League Central rivals already had agreed upon a doubleheader Sunday before rain and fog forced them to call Saturday's scheduled tilt, which will be made up at a later date. The Indians, winners of 11 of their last 15, have been waiting for an opportunity to improve to .500 for the first time since April 10. They are four games behind Texas for the second wild card and play their next nine contests at home, including Sunday's twinbill. Resurgent right-hander Justin Verlander gets the nod for the Tigers in the opener opposite Cleveland rookie Cody Anderson.

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

PITCHING MATCHUP: Tigers RH Justin Verlander (3-7, 3.43 ERA) vs. Indians RH Cody Anderson (3-3, 3.72)

Verlander has worked at least six innings in each of his last nine starts after allowing three runs in seven frames against the Indians last Sunday at home. The Tigers have won each of his last three road appearances, during which Verlander has given up a total of three earned runs. The 32-year-old is 9-12 with a 5.35 ERA in 23 career starts at Cleveland.

Anderson outdueled Verlander with seven stellar frames at Detroit a week ago. He yielded two hits in the scoreless outing, which was his longest start since July 4. The California native has given up 15 runs in 12 2/3 innings over his last three home starts.

WALK-OFFS

1. Tigers LHP Daniel Norris (oblique) and RHP Anibal Sanchez (shoulder) both threw off a mound Saturday.

2. Indians RF Michael Brantley is hitting .339 with nine RBIs in 14 games against Detroit this season.

3. Detroit is 20-7 at Cleveland since 2013.

PREDICTION: Tigers 5, Indians 3

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Cardinals at Reds

GAME: St. Louis Cardinals (88-54) at Cincinnati Reds (60-81)
DATE/TIME: Sunday, September 13 - 1:10 PM EST
WHERE: Great American Ball Park, Cincinnati, Ohio
LINE: N/A TOTAL: N/A

The Cincinnati Reds are proving to be a big thorn in the side of the St. Louis Cardinals. The National League Central-leading Cardinals will try to avoid a four-game sweep when they visit the Reds for the series finale on Sunday.

St. Louis (88-53) still owns the best record in baseball but has lost eight of its last 10 contests and is struggling to put any offense together against Cincinnati, which outscored the Cardinals 20-3 in the first three games of the series. The Reds didn’t do St. Louis any favors by dropping two of three to second-place Pittsburgh earlier this week, either. Cincinnati has not completed a four-game sweep from St. Louis since 2003 but is riding high behind its young starting staff and will extend its major-league record by sending Raisel Iglesias to the mound on Sunday in the 44th straight contest started by a rookie. The Cardinals -- 2 1/2 games up on Pittsburgh -- counter with right-hander Michael Wacha, who is trying to bounce back from a sub-par outing.

TV: 1:10 p.m. ET, FSN Midwest (St. Louis)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Cardinals RH Michael Wacha (15-5, 2.96 ERA) vs. Reds RH Raisel Iglesias (3-7, 4.18)

Wacha had a start skipped in an effort to keep him fresh but appeared rusty after 10-day layoff and was ripped for six runs on six hits and three walks in four innings against the Chicago Cubs. The Texas A&M product surrendered a pair of home runs in that start, matching his total from the previous six outings. Wacha has had little trouble with Cincinnati in his career, posting a 4-1 record with a 1.74 ERA in nine games (eight starts).

Iglesias is searching for his first win since Aug. 12 and lasted only three innings against Pittsburgh on Tuesday while allowing five runs and six hits. The Cuba native had a string of seven straight quality starts come to an end with that outing. Iglesias is searching for his first win against St. Louis and gave up four runs and six hits while striking out seven over six innings at St. Louis on July 27.

WALK-OFFS

1. Reds 1B Joey Votto has reached base safely in 31 straight games.

2. St. Louis activated RHP Matt Belisle (elbow) from the 60-day disabled list on Saturday.

3. Cincinnati OF Skip Schumaker is 2-for-5 with a homer and five RBIs in the series against his former team.

PREDICTION: Cardinals 6, Reds 2

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Nationals at Marlins

GAME: Washington Nationals (71-70) at Miami Marlins (61-81)
DATE/TIME: Sunday, September 13 - 1:10 PM EST
WHERE: Marlins Park, Miami, Florida
LINE: N/A TOTAL: N/A

Max Scherzer attempts to end his misery and the Washington Nationals look to avoid a three-game sweep when they visit the red-hot Miami Marlins on Sunday. Scherzer, who signed a seven-year contract for $210 million in the offseason with the Nationals, is 2-6 in his last 13 starts and winless in the past seven as Washington continues to tumble out of realistic playoff contention.

The Nationals have dropped five straight since winning five in a row and have fallen 9 ½ games behind the first-place New York Mets in the National League East after Saturday’s 2-0 loss. NL MVP candidate Bryce Harper is 1-for-7 with five strikeouts in the series for Washington, which is 6-0 all time against Miami’s Sunday starter Brad Hand. The Marlins are playing some of their best baseball of the season, allowing seven runs during a four-game win streak and winning nine of their last 11. Martin Prado is 5-for-11 with four RBIs in the past four contests for Miami.

TV: 1:10 p.m. ET, MASN (Washington), FSN Florida (Miami)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Nationals RH Max Scherzer (11-11, 3.03 ERA) vs. Marlins LH Brad Hand (4-5, 5.20)

Scherzer has allowed 27 runs in 40 innings during his winless drought and is 1-4 since the All-Star break, but has gone at least six innings in 13 of his last 16 outings. The 31-year-old Missouri native has given up 11 homers in his last six games, including three in the loss against the New York Mets on Monday. Prado is 8-for-16 overall versus Scherzer, who owns a 2-1 record with a 3.86 ERA in three starts against Miami in 2015.

Hand has been knocked around for 12 runs in 6 1/3 innings combined his last two starts – one of them versus the Nationals --- after winning three of his previous four outings. The 25-year-old gave up five runs and eight hits in 4 1/3 frames against Washington in a 7-4 loss on Aug. 30. Anthony Rendon is also 6-for-14 versus Hand, who is 3-1 with a 3.51 ERA in 18 appearances (five starts) at home in 2015.

WALK-OFFS

1. Miami OF Ichiro Suzuki has 2,930 career hits after recording three Saturday to tie Rogers Hornsby and Jake Beckley for 35th on the major league all-time list.

2. Washington 1B Ryan Zimmerman (oblique), who is 7-for-11 lifetime against Hand and boasts an 11-game hit streak overall, has missed four straight contests and remains questionable.

3. Miami C J.T. Realmuto has two doubles and a pair of homers during a nine-game hitting streak.

PREDICTION: Marlins 5, Nationals 4

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Brewers at Pirates

GAME: Milwaukee Brewers (62-80) at Pittsburgh Pirates (85-56)
DATE/TIME: Sunday, September 13 - 1:35 PM EST
WHERE: PNC Park, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
LINE: N/A TOTAL: N/A

A rare losing spell by the St. Louis Cardinals has given the Pittsburgh Pirates a chance to make what once appeared to be an unlikely run towards the capturing National League Central a reality. Winners of four of their last five, the Pirates attempt to further close their 2 ½-game gap on the Cardinals and pick up their third straight series win on Sunday when they complete a four-game home set against the Milwaukee Brewers.


As recently as last weekend, Pittsburgh found itself trailing the Cardinals by 6 ½ games after a loss at St. Louis. The Pirates responded with a win against the Cardinals to take that series and begin a stretch in which they have won five of seven while St. Louis has dropped six of seven, allowing Pittsburgh to match the smallest division deficit it has faced since the All-Star break. Milwaukee claimed its seventh straight win over the Pirates in Thursday’s opener, but has watched Pittsburgh total 16 runs in a pair of victories over the next two contests. The Brewers’ fortunes could change in the finale, however, as starter Taylor Jungmann has won all three of his starts against the Pirates this season, allowing no more than one run each time.

TV: 1:35 p.m. ET, FSN Wisconsin (Milwaukee), ROOT (Pittsburgh)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Brewers RH Taylor Jungmann (9-6, 2.87 ERA) vs. Pirates LH Francisco Liriano (10-7, 3.28)

Jungmann endured the worst outing of his 17-start big-league career Tuesday in Miami, surrendering a career-high six runs over 3 2/3 innings in a loss. The 25-year-old rookie has failed to pitch past the fourth inning in any of his last three road turns, none of which has helped his 4-4 record or 4.13 ERA in nine away outings. Jungmann yielded only one run on three hits in a home win versus the Pirates on Sept. 3 and also collected a victory at Pittsburgh in his major-league debut on June 9, permitting one run in seven frames.

Liriano rebounded from a head-to-head loss against Jungmann on Sept. 3 with a brilliant outing in Tuesday’s win at Cincinnati, yielding only three hits and fanning 10 in six scoreless frames. The one-time All-Star’s setback at Milwaukee in his previous start ended an 11-game streak in which Pittsburgh won when he took the mound. Liriano has dropped both of his starts this year against Milwaukee, giving up a total of seven runs, 12 hits and six walks over 13 innings.

WALK-OFFS

1. Pittsburgh has produced at least one extra-base hit in 73 consecutive contests, its longest such stretch since the 2007 Pirates recorded at least one in 97 straight.

2. The Brewers did not homer on Saturday, falling to 14-48 this season when they fail to do so.

3. Pirates closer Mark Melancon has tallied a league-best 45 saves, one shy of matching the team record set by Mike Williams in 2002.

PREDICTION: Pirates 3, Brewers 2

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Mets at Braves

GAME: New York Mets (81-61) at Atlanta Braves (56-87)
DATE/TIME: Sunday, September 13 - 1:35 PM EST
WHERE: Turner Field, Atlanta, Georgia
LINE: N/A TOTAL: N/A

There is plenty of chatter surrounding the New York Mets’ offensive assault on opposing pitchers since the start of August, but strong pitching – from both the rotation and the bullpen – continues to bolster New York’s postseason chances. Jon Niese takes his turn Sunday as the Mets try to finish a four-game sweep at the Atlanta Braves, looking to continue New York’s excellence on the mound.

New York’s starters own a 3.45 ERA on the season, and its bullpen had allowed only one run over an 18-inning span until Adonis Garcia’s three-run homer off Tyler Clippard tied Saturday’s contest at 4 in the eighth inning -- a game the Mets rallied to win 6-4. New York has won six straight and Yoenis Cespedes keeps hitting homers, belting his eighth in the past 11 games Saturday and his 16th in 39 games with the Mets. Atlanta, meanwhile, lost for the 23rd time in its past 26 games and has dropped 11 in a row at home, the longest home losing skid since the franchise moved to Atlanta in 1966. Andrelton Simmons has enjoyed facing New York pitching this season, hitting .463 in 15 games.

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

PITCHING MATCHUP: Mets LH Jon Niese (8-10, 4.36 ERA) vs. Braves RH Ryan Weber (0-1, 3.00)

Niese needs an impressive finish to earn a spot on the Mets’ playoff rotation, and the eight-year veteran has not helped his odds with two rough showings in September. He allowed six runs on seven hits in five innings Sept. 1 in a loss to Philadelphia, and gave up five runs on seven hits against Washington on Monday -- a game New York rallied to win. Niese had posted a 2.81 ERA across eight starts from July 1 to Aug. 15, but has surrendered 23 runs on 30 hits in 19 2/3 innings in his past four starts.

Weber made his major-league debut Tuesday in Philadelphia and pitched well in defeat, giving up two runs on four hits in six innings with one walk and two strikeouts. The 25-year-old went 6-5 with a 2.35 ERA between Double-A Mississippi and Triple-A Gwinnett this season. Weber won his final two starts at Gwinnett before being promoted, giving up two runs on five hits in 11 innings.

WALK-OFFS

1. The Braves turned four double plays Saturday, moving past the Pirates and into the major-league lead with 161 on the season.

2. New York RHP Jeurys Familia recorded his 40th save Saturday, tying Billy Wagner for third on the franchise’s single-season list.

3. Mets C Travis d’Arnaud is hitting .424 with eight RBIs in 10 games this month after collecting three hits Saturday.
.

PREDICTION: Mets 5, Braves 1

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Cubs at Phillies

GAME: Chicago Cubs (82-59) at Philadelphia Phillies (55-88)
DATE/TIME: Sunday, September 13 - 1:35 PM EST
WHERE: Citizens Bank Park, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
LINE: N/A TOTAL: N/A

The Chicago Cubs have spent the better part of September chipping away at what once was a double-digit deficit in the National League Central but came up short of doing it again their last time out. The Cubs hope to rebound from a rare defeat as they wrap up their season series with the host Philadelphia Phillies on Sunday in the finale of their four-game set.


Chicago trailed St. Louis by 10 ½ games before winning eight of its first 10 this month, taking advantage of a 2-6 stretch by the Cardinals to pull within five contests. The Cubs were unable to continue cutting into that deficit on Saturday, however, as Philadelphia's Cody Asche belted a tiebreaking, two-run homer with two outs in the bottom of the ninth inning to send Chicago to a 7-5 setback. The Phillies, who improved to 3-8 in September, have not lost a season series to the Cubs since 2010. They guaranteed themselves another such win with Saturday’s dramatic victory.

TV: 1:35 p.m. ET, WGN (Chicago), CSN Philadelphia

PITCHING MATCHUP: Cubs RH Dan Haren (9-9, 3.73 ERA) vs. Phillies RH Aaron Harang (5-15, 5.02)

Haren ended a four-start winless streak with his best effort since joining Chicago at the trade deadline on Monday, scattering seven hits over as many scoreless innings in a victory at St. Louis. The three-time All-Star had been largely ineffective in his first six turns with the Cubs, going 0-2 with a 5.87 ERA and failing to produce a single quality start. Haren went 1-1 with a 4.50 ERA in three outings versus Philadelphia prior to being acquired from Miami, settling for a no-decision in his last turn against them on July 19 after surrendering five runs in six frames.

Harang’s slump that has seen him post a 1-10 record and 7.79 ERA since the beginning of June continued Monday versus Atlanta as he remained winless since July 30. The 37-year-old San Diego native gave up five runs and eight hits over five innings, marking the 12th time in 14 post-May outings he has yielded at least four runs after carrying a 2.02 ERA into the month of June. Harang won his only turn versus the Cubs in 2014 with six solid innings, improving to 12-8 with a 4.31 ERA in 28 career starts against them.

WALK-OFFS

1. Chicago rookie C-LF Kyle Schwarber went deep for the third time in two games on Saturday, giving him 15 homers since the All-Star break – third-most in the NL.

2. Asche’s last two home runs have come as a pinch hitter – the only two such blasts of his three-year major-league career.

3. Cubs 3B-OF Kris Bryant is one home run shy of tying Billy Williams' team rookie record of 25 set in 1961.

PREDICTION: Cubs 6, Phillies 3

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Athletics at Rangers

GAME: Oakland Athletics (61-81) at Texas Rangers (74-67)
DATE/TIME: Sunday, September 13 - 3:05 PM EST
WHERE: Globe Life Park in Arlington, Arlington, Texas
LINE: N/A TOTAL: N/A

The Texas Rangers continue to struggle against left-handed pitching, and they will be faced with another challenge from a southpaw Sunday in the rubber match of their three-game series against the visiting Oakland Athletics. The Rangers dropped a 5-3 decision on Saturday against Oakland starter Sean Nolin and three relievers to fall to 25-28 against lefty starters.

The Rangers remained one game ahead of Minnesota for the second AL wild-card spot despite suffering their third loss in four games. Texas, which has scored a total of seven runs during its 1-3 swoon, will take a shot at Athletics left-hander Felix Doubront on Sunday. Texas' Adrian Beltre is 5-for-8 against Doubront, who will be opposed by rookie Chi Chi Gonzalez. Oakland has clinched the season series with 10 wins in the first 15 meetings but also is one loss away from clinching a losing record for the first time since 2011.

TV: 3:05 p.m. ET, CSN California (Oakland), FSN Southwest (Texas)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Athletics LH Felix Doubront (3-1, 4.22 ERA) vs. Rangers RH Chi Chi Gonzalez (2-5, 4.25)

Doubront has lasted at least six innings in four of his last five starts, giving up exactly four runs in each of the last two. He is 1-0 with a 3.67 ERA in six games (four starts) on the road in 2015 but has been pounded for 14 runs in 10 career innings at Texas. Mitch Moreland (3-for-4) also has enjoyed some success against Doubront while Mike Napoli has a home run in three career encounters.

Gonzalez will be making the 10th start of his debut campaign and first since Aug. 18, when he allowed three runs in six innings against Seattle. He yielded three earned runs in 18 frames to win his final three starts for Triple-A Round Rock before being recalled. The 23-year-old limited Oakland to a run in seven innings on June 11 but was reached for six runs over 5 2/3 frames in a rematch just 12 days later at home.

WALK-OFFS

1. Texas' last series win at home against Oakland occurred in June 2013, when it took three of four.

2. Athletics 1B Michael Canha is batting .313 with seven homers and 25 RBIs over his last 23 contests.

3. Rangers RF Shin-Soo Choo has hit safely in 13 straight games at home.

PREDICTION: Rangers 5, Athletics 4

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Twins at White Sox

GAME: Minnesota Twins (73-68) at Chicago White Sox (67-73)
DATE/TIME: Sunday, September 13 - 2:10 PM EST
WHERE: U.S. Cellular Field, Chicago, Illinois
LINE: N/A TOTAL: N/A

The Minnesota Twins attempt to end their road trip on a winning note when they visit the American League Central-rival Chicago White Sox on Sunday for the rubber match of their three-game series. Despite suffering an 8-2 defeat on Saturday, Minnesota remained one game behind Texas for the second wild-card spot as the Rangers lost to Oakland.

Trevor Plouffe continued his hot hitting, going 2-for-3 with an RBI for the Twins, who are 4-4 on their nine-game trek. Plouffe has hit safely in five of his last six games and is 5-for-8 with two home runs and four RBIs over the first two contests of the set. Carlos Sanchez drove in two runs while Adam Eaton collected three hits and an RBI as the White Sox improved to 6-12 in the season series. Eaton is 4-for-9 with a homer and three RBIs in the matchup with Minnesota after going 8-for-15 with two blasts and five RBIs in last weekend's three-game sweep of Kansas City.

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

PITCHING MATCHUP: Twins RH Kyle Gibson (9-10, 3.87 ERA) vs. White Sox LH Chris Sale (12-8, 3.31)

Gibson is coming off his first career complete game, a loss at Kansas City on Tuesday in which he allowed four runs and six hits over eight innings. The 27-year-old native of Indiana has won only one of his last 10 outings despite giving up three runs or fewer on five occasions. Gibson is 3-0 with a 2.60 ERA in five career starts against Chicago, posting a 2-0 mark while yielding four runs over 22 frames in three turns this season.

Sale's winless streak reached three starts on Monday, when he yielded three runs and seven hits in seven innings of a loss to Cleveland. The 26-year-old Floridian finished with eight strikeouts after reaching double digits in three of his previous four outings, including a turn against the Chicago Cubs on Aug. 16 in which he fanned a career-high tying 15 batters. Sale worked six strong innings to defeat Minnesota in his season debut before being getting for 23 runs (20 earned) and 32 hits over 24 frames while going 0-3 in his next four turns versus the Twins.

WALK-OFFS

1. Twins 1B Joe Mauer singled in the fifth inning Saturday to extend his on-base streak to 32 games.

2. Chicago's bullpen has posted a 2.84 ERA since June 30, the second-lowest mark in the major leagues behind San Francisco (2.53).

3. White Sox RF Avisail Garcia exited Saturday's contest in the second inning with back spasms.

PREDICTION: White Sox 6, Twins 2

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Padres at Giants

GAME: San Diego Padres (67-76) at San Francisco Giants (74-68)
DATE/TIME: Sunday, September 13 - 4:05 PM EST
WHERE: AT&T Park, San Francisco, California
LINE: N/A TOTAL: N/A


Matt Duffy likely will come up short in the National League Rookie of the Year race, but the third baseman has proven to be a valuable constant for the injury-plagued San Francisco Giants. Duffy is expected to play in his 99th consecutive game Sunday as the Giants aim for a three-game sweep of the visiting San Diego Padres, who have lost seven of their last nine.



Duffy, who is hitting .297 with 10 home runs and 68 RBI, figures to finish behind Kris Bryant of the Chicago Cubs for Rookie of the Year honors but should place high in the voting. “He’s had a great year,” Giants manager Bruce Bochy told reporters. “He’s going against Bryant, who’s really having a big year, too, but he’s got to be in the mix.” The Padres were expected to start rookie Colin Rea in Sunday’s series finale, but he was scratched late Saturday with elbow and forearm soreness. Odrisamer Despaigne will get the nod for the Padres, who have lost six of their eight games at AT&T Park this season.

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

PITCHING MATCHUP: Padres RH Odrisamer Despaigne (5-8, 5.65 ERA) vs. Giants RH Mike Leake (9-8, 3.70)

Rea could return before the end of the season but only as a reliever, which means Despaigne could earn a few more starts with a solid outing Sunday. The 28-year-old has posted a 5.25 ERA in 17 starts this season compared to a 7.33 mark in 14 relief appearances. Despaigne is 0-1 with a 6.48 ERA in four games (two starts) against the Giants this year, including two innings of relief in Friday’s series opener, when he allowed four runs while throwing 46 pitches.

Leake looks to bounce back from a rough outing against Arizona on Monday, when he allowed six runs and 11 hits in 5 2/3 innings. The 27-year-old, who missed 18 games with a strained left hamstring last month, has gone 0-3 with a 4.45 ERA in five starts since being acquired from Cincinnati on July 30. Justin Upton is 6-for-14 with a home run against Leake, who is 0-2 with a 3.07 ERA in five career starts versus San Diego.

WALK-OFFS

1. The Giants have scored at least six runs in five of their last seven contests.

2. San Diego is 56-0 when leading after eight innings.

3. San Francisco has won 18 of its last 23 home games.

PREDICTION: Giants 7, Padres 3

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Astros at Angels

GAME: Houston Astros (76-66) at Los Angeles Angels (72-69)
DATE/TIME: Sunday, September 13 - 3:35 PM EST
WHERE: Angel Stadium of Anaheim, Anaheim, California
LINE: N/A TOTAL: N/A

The Houston Astros are starting to hear footsteps and, if they do not figure out a way to win on the road, they could find themselves out of the American League West lead before they make it back home. Houston tries to salvage the finale of a three-game series Sunday when it visits the Los Angeles Angels, who have moved to within 3 1/2 games of the AL West lead and two in the race for the last wild-card spot behind Texas.

The Astros, who lead the second-place Rangers by 1 1/2 games, are 1-4 on their 10-game road trip which concludes with four against Texas beginning Monday and are 28-42 away from home this season - 13-35 since May 25. Los Angeles is 14-4 in its last 18 meetings with Houston at Angel Stadium after C.J. Cron's home run in the eighth inning Saturday broke a tie and gave the Angels a 3-2 victory. Los Angeles improved to 5-3 on its nine-game road trip despite the recent struggles of Mike Trout, who is 2-for-16 in his last five contests, while Albert Pujols busted out of a 1-for-12 slump in his last three games with two hits Saturday. Mike Fiers is coming off his first loss in an Astros’ uniform and opposes Andrew Heaney, who was roughed up in his last turn.

TV: 3:35 p.m. ET, ROOT (Houston), FSN West (Los Angeles)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Astros RH Mike Fiers (7-10, 3.66 ERA) vs. Angels LH Andrew Heaney (6-3, 3.52)

Fiers allowed four runs, five hits and four walks in five innings of a 10-9 loss in Oakland on Monday to fall to 2-1 with a 2.92 ERA in six games (five starts) with Houston since he was acquired from Milwaukee. The 30-year-old Floridian had won his two previous starts, including a no-hitter against the Los Angeles Dodgers on Aug. 21. Fiers, who has never faced the Angels, is 4-6 with a 3.79 ERA in 14 road games (13 starts) this season.

Heaney allowed five runs, six hits and three walks while striking out six in five innings of a 6-4 loss to the Dodgers on Tuesday. The 24-year-old Oklahoman, who was the No. 9 overall pick by Miami in 2012, permitted three runs and 13 hits over 13 innings in his previous two turns. Heaney received a no-decision in his only appearance against Houston, allowing one run in six innings of a 2-1 victory June 24 in his first start of the season.

WALK-OFFS

1. Los Angeles RF Kole Calhoun on Saturday went 0-for-4 to snap a nine-game hitting streak in which he was 16-for-39.

2. Houston LH Tony Sipp rejoined the Astros on Friday and is available in relief. Sipp had not pitched since Aug. 26 because of lower back soreness, but spent no time on the disabled list.

3. Angels DH Albert Pujols on Saturday recorded his 579th career double, moving past Wade Boggs and into 20th place on the all-time list.

PREDICTION: Angels 3, Astros 2

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Rockies at Mariners

GAME: Colorado Rockies (59-83) at Seattle Mariners (69-74)
DATE/TIME: Sunday, September 13 - 4:10 PM EST
WHERE: Safeco Field, Seattle, Washington
LINE: N/A TOTAL: N/A

Seattle could have been a contender in the American League West pennant race if James Paxton remained healthy, but the left-hander instead makes his first start since May 28 on Sunday when the Mariners host the Colorado Rockies in the rubber match of their three-game series. Paxton went on the disabled list with a strained tendon in his middle finger and his return has been slowed by a blister and a torn fingernail suffered during a rehab start with Triple-A Tacoma on Sept. 2.

Paxton, though, made it through a bullpen session Thursday and told reporters: “I threw everything. ... There was no pain with the fingernail or anything. (The fingernail) is going to look a little weird for a while. But it doesn’t hurt, so I’m ready to go.” While it is probably too late for Seattle to erase a 7 1/2-game deficit in the West, Paxton can help the Mariners continue to finish strong as they've won eight of their last 11 contests following a 7-2 victory Saturday in which Nelson Cruz moved into a tie for the major league home run lead with Baltimore's Chris Davis after belting his career-high 41st. Seattle has contained Colorado's Nolan Arenado and Carlos Gonzalez as the duo is 1-2 in the National League in homers with 38 and 37 but a combined 1-for-15 in the series with one RBI from Arenado, who leads the NL with 109. The Rockies give the ball to Kyle Kendrick, who won his last outing in his second start since coming off the disabled list (shoulder).

TV: 4:10 p.m. ET, ROOT (Colorado, Seattle)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Rockies RH Kyle Kendrick (5-12, 6.25 ERA) vs. Mariners LH James Paxton (3-3, 3.70)

Kendrick allowed three runs and seven hits in five innings of a 6-4 victory in San Diego on Monday after pitching four innings versus Arizona on Sept. 1 and missing the entire month of August. The 31-year-old Texan has permitted a home run in five consecutive starts and is among the major-league leaders in homers allowed with 28. Kendrick, who has never faced Seattle, is 3-7 with a 5.70 ERA in 12 road starts this season.

Paxton opened 2015 as the Mariners' No. 2 starter and appeared ready to maintain that spot behind Felix Hernandez after beginning the season 3-2 with a 3.52 ERA. But the 26-year-old Canadian suffered his injury during a 5-3 loss to Cleveland in his 10th start, derailing his campagin. Paxton, who is 12-7 with a 3.05 ERA and .221 batting average against in 27 career starts, has never faced Colorado.

WALK-OFFS

1. Mariners 2B Robinson Cano on Saturday registered his 50th extra-base hit of the season - a home run - to become the fifth player in history to record at least that many in each of the first 11 years of their career, joining Carlos Lee (13 seasons), Albert Pujols (12), Eddie Matthews (12) and Paul Waner (11).

2. Colorado C Tom Murphy on Saturday made his major-league debut after he was called up from Triple-A Albuquerque to replace Nick Hundley (60-day disabled list with a cervical strain) and went 0-for-3 with a run scored. ... Rockies SS Jose Reyes (sore Achilles tendon) missed his third straight game.

3. Only 15 of Cruz's home runs have come at Safeco Field, where he's hit 10 in his last 18 games there after hitting only five in his first 49 home contests.

PREDICTION: Mariners 3, Rockies 2