Thursday 4/21/16 service plays chatter/comps/requests & other stuff...

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

'WC Quarterfinal'

Thunder at Mavericks April 21, 7:00 EST

Basketball, perhaps more than any other professional sport, has a huge gulf between the good teams and the not so good. It is generally expected that the top 3 seeds in each conference will easily dispense of their opening round playoff opponents before moving on to the tougher match-ups.

It was certainly expected that the Oklahoma City Thunder would be altogether too much for the Dallas Mavericks to handle in the first round, but the first two games of the series have proven that the Thunder may not have it all their way in this one. The opening game of the series was a total slaughter in favor of OKC, but Dallas seemed to figure out Russell Westbrook in Game 2, and somehow managed to come away with an invaluable road win, and all while keeping the potent Thunder offense to a meager 84 points. Game 3 is going to be a big one.

Why bet on the Oklahoma City Thunder

The Oklahoma City Thunder have developed a habit of staring games on fire, only to fall away badly coming down the stretch. They were able to avoid that in Game 1, but fell prey to it somewhat in the second game of the series. Game 2 was not a good night for the big guns on the Thunder, with Russell Westbrook in particular seeming to be off his game. This is not something that you see very often, and the odds of keeping these guys under 100 points in back to back games are not very good. The first game on the road in the playoffs can be tough, but OKC won both of the regular season games in Dallas this year, so expect their confidence to be high.

Why bet on the Dallas Mavericks

There seems to be a belief that the Mavericks got into the head of Westbrook before Game 2 even began. A couple of Mavericks players got in the way of the traditional pre-game dance that Westbrook performs on the court, and while it may have meant nothing, there are those who believe it messed up his mojo. The Mavericks are going to have to do more than breaking up a dance party if they are to win this series, and that means winning the rebound battle the way they did in Game 2. Keeping Westbrook quiet will also help their cause, but they know that the big man is likely to have a chip on his shoulder coming into this one.

Expert Pick and Final Score Prediction

OKC could well have been coming in here up 2-0 if a last second basket had not been overturned in Game 2. They still know that they need to improve over that performance, and I think they will in Game 3.

Oklahoma City Thunder 106 Dallas Mavericks 97

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Stanley Cup Playoffs: Thursday's NHL betting preview

There are four great matchups on the NHL schedule for Thursday night with both the Detroit Red Wings and Chicago Blackhawks facing elimination and the New York Rangers and the Anaheim Ducks looking to avoid going down three-games-to-one.


Detroit Red Wings at Tampa Bay Lightning (A: +145, H: -165, O/U: 5)

Lightning lead series 3-1

The short-handed Tampa Bay Lightning can advance to the second round of the Eastern Conference playoffs with a victory when they host the Detroit Red Wings in Game 5 on Thursday. The Lightning, playing without captain Steven Stamkos (blood clot) and top-pair defenseman Anton Stralman (broken fibula), received three goals from their much-maligned power play for a 3-2 victory in Detroit on Tuesday to take a 3-1 lead in the series.

“Hopefully this keeps going, because that’ll be a huge boost for us,” Tampa Bay center Tyler Johnson told reporters of the power play, which finished 28th during the regular season and was 1-for-14 before Tuesday in the postseason. “. … We worked on it, and it paid off.” Detroit coach Jeff Blashill told the media that special teams lost Game 4 and the Red Wings must find a way to ignite their power play, which is 1-for-21 in the series. Detroit has managed only two goals in each game and do not have a player who has scored more than one as Tomas Tatar leads the team with three points. “We feel like when we do it right, we can play with anybody,” Red Wings defenseman Niklas Kronwall told reporters. “But it’s a matter of doing it every night. … We have to be better. We have to be more desperate.”

TV: 7 p.m. ET, NBC Sports Network, CBC, TVAS2, FSN Detroit, FSN Sun (Tampa Bay)

ABOUT THE RED WINGS (42-33-11, 32-54 ATS, 32-37 O/U): Detroit will need its big guns to step up if it is to stay alive in the postseason and none more than veteran center Pavel Datsyuk, who has no points and a team-high 15 shots on goal in the series. Gustav Nyquist scored for only the second time in 21 games Tuesday, captain Henrik Zetterberg has managed two goals in his last 28 outings - including one in Game 3 - and rookie Dylan Larkin has tallied once with only six shots in the series. “I have to be better, and have to produce more,” Zetterberg told reporters. “I’ve got a chance (Thursday) to improve on that.”

ABOUT THE LIGHTNING (49-32-5, 36-50 ATS, 35-40 O/U): Jonathan Drouin had assists on all three power-play goals Tuesday, including a nifty centering pass to Ondrej Palat for the winner with 2:59 left. “He’s a guy with unbelievable skill,” Johnson said of Drouin, who was suspended for almost two months earlier this season when he left his minor league team after requesting a trade. “Some of the things he does, it’s just remarkable. I think he just needed the confidence to be able to do that in the game.” Nikita Kucherov has five goals in the series - two Tuesday - and Johnson is one point behind him with seven.

TRENDS:

* Red Wings are 1-7 in their last 8 vs. a team with a winning record.
* Lightning are 5-1 in their last 6 Conference Quarterfinals games.
* Over is 6-1-5 in Red Wings last 12 vs. a team with a winning record.
* Over is 8-2-1 in Lightning last 11 games following a win.
* Red Wings are 0-5 in the last 5 meetings in Tampa Bay.


Pittsburgh Penguins at New York Rangers (A: -118, H: -105, O/U: 5)

Penguins lead series 2-1

The Pittsburgh Penguins wasted no time reclaiming home-ice advantage and can put a stranglehold on their Eastern Conference first-round playoff series when they visit the New York Rangers on Thursday night in a pivotal Game 4. The Penguins rebounded from a 4-2 home loss in Game 2 with a stifling defensive effort in Tuesday's 3-1 victory.

"We understand if you want to win games, that's how you're going to have to win them this time of year," Pittsburgh captain Sidney Crosby said after the Rangers were limited to 17 shots. Pittsburgh also earned a victory of sorts off the ice Wednesday when the NHL decided not to punish star defenseman Kris Letang for a high-sticking incident that knocked out some teeth from New York's Viktor Stalberg. “We might feel that it seems deliberate,” Rangers coach Alain Vigneault said. "So just gotta deal with it and focus on the next game." Of more concern for New York is the fact that the team has lost its last four playoff games at Madison Square Garden.

TV: 7 p.m. ET, CNBC, TVAS, Sportsnet, ROOT (Pittsburgh), MSG (New York)

ABOUT THE PENGUINS (50-27-8, 39-46 ATS, 38-33 O/U): After being forced to start third-string netminder Jeff Zatkoff in the first two games, Pittsburgh received a boost when backup goaltender Matt Murray returned from a concussion to earn the victory in the postseason debut. With starter Marc-Andre Fleury sidelined since March 31 with a concussion and his status remaining day-to-day, Murray's return looms large after he won four consecutive starts before he was injured in a meaningless regular-season finale. "The nerves were definitely going at the start of the game. That's understandable," Murray admitted. "It was my first playoff game, at MSG no less. I was able to control it and that was all I could ask for."

ABOUT THE RANGERS (47-29-9, 40-45 ATS, 38-29 O/U): Daptain Ryan McDonagh, sidelined since Apri 4 with a hand injury and not expected to play in Game 3, not only returned to the lineup but led the team with 22:48 of ice time while blocking one shot and delivering five hits. “Obviously he’s a big part of our group, no doubt about it,” Rangers center Derek Stepan said of McDonagh. “He’s our leader. He’s an All-Star, too. It always helps your lineup when you can put him back in. I thought he did a good job.” Fellow defenseman Dan Girardi, who returned to the lineup for the series opener only to sit out the past two games due to an undisclosed injury, was at Wednesday's practice but no update was given on his status.

TRENDS:

* Penguins are 10-1 in their last 11 vs. a team with a winning record.
* Rangers are 0-4 in their last 4 Thursday games.
* Over is 9-1-2 in Penguins last 12 when their opponent scores 2 goals or less in their previous game.
* Over is 6-0-3 in Rangers last 9 games playing on 1 days rest.
* Penguins are 5-1 in the last 6 meetings.


Anaheim Ducks at Nashville Predators (A: -110, H: -110, O/U: 5)

Predators lead series 2-1

Home-ice advantage has been anything but that for the Anaheim Ducks and Nashville Predators, with the away team prevailing in each of the first three contests. The Ducks, fresh off what could have been a postseason-saving 3-0 victory on Tuesday, look to continue the trend of road dominance when they visit the Predators in Thursday night's Game 4.

After suffering a pair of 3-2 losses at home, Anaheim returned to the formula that netted the team the Jennings Trophy for the fewest goals allowed in Tuesday's triumph. "When we play defense first, the other things tend to work themselves out," said Ducks forward Chris Stewart, who scored one of the goals. "If we've got to win 1-0, 2-0, that's fine. We've been doing that the majority of the year, and that's when we're at our best." The Predators haven't suffered back-to-back regulation losses at home since Feb. 2-4 and closed the regular season with a 9-1-4 run at Bridgestone Arena. "It's a really good hockey team there and we're still leading 2-1," Nashville netminder Pekka Rinne said. "Now it's a series."

TV: 8 p.m. ET NHL Network, TVAS 3, FX Canada, Prime Ticket (Anaheim), FSN Tennessee (Nashville)

ABOUT THE DUCKS (47-27-11, 40-45 ATS, 32-35 O/U): While no one was pointing a finger at goaltender John Gibson for the two losses in Anaheim, coach Bruce Boudreau opted to start Frederik Andersen in Game 3 and was rewarded with a 27-shutout performance that earned the third-year netminder the nod for Game 4. Boudreau made a more subtle change in his lineup by replacing Chris Wagner with veteran forward Shawn Horcoff, who set up the game's opening goal by Jamie McGinn. “With Horcoff, here’s a guy that went to Game 7 in the Stanley Cup final," Boudreau told reporters. "My thought with him is experience, especially when you’re in a sort of a desperation situation, (that) would be really come forward.”

ABOUT THE PREDATORS (43-28-14, 36-49 ATS, 33-34 O/U): Nashville must deal with the potential absence of forward Craig Smith, who was third on the team with 21 goals and topped the club with six game-winning tallies. Smith suffered a lower-body injury in the opening moments of Game 3 and is listed as day-to-day after missing Wednesday's practice session. “Obviously he’s been a great player for us and gives us some depth, so it’s time for other guys to step up — if it’s going to be extended — and fill his role,” Predators captain Shea Weber told reporters following the contest. Colin Wilson, who scored six times during the regular season but has six goals in his last nine postseason games, will likely take Smith's spot.

TRENDS:

* Ducks are 5-1 in their last 6 road games.
* Predators are 4-1 in their last 5 games following a home loss of 3 or more goals.
* Under is 6-0-1 in Ducks last 7 vs. a team with a winning record.
* Under is 4-0-1 in Predators last 5 games playing on 1 days rest.
* Ducks are 5-2 in the last 7 meetings in Nashville.


Chicago Blackhawks at St. Louis Blues (A: +110, H: -130, O/U: 5)

Blues lead series 3-1

After losing in the first round in each of the last three years, the St. Louis Blues have a chance to oust the reigning Stanley Cup champion Chicago Blackhawks from the playoffs when the Central Division rivals play Game 5 in the Gateway City on Thursday. Vladimir Tarasenko increased his series point total to five (three goals, two assists) and his playoff goal tally to 13 in 17 career games after he scored twice and added an assist in Tuesday's 4-3 victory.

"I don't know if it's just Chicago; we have the belief that we can beat anybody," coach Ken Hitchcock told reporters after St. Louis seized a 3-1 advantage in the series. Andrew Shaw collected one goal and two assists, but the Blackhawks' first-line forward's costly interference penalty late in the third period sealed his team's fate on Tuesday. The 24-year-old compounded his problems by making an inappropriate gesture toward an official and mouthing a homophobic slur toward someone on the ice in full view of television cameras - actions for which he apologized the following day. The Blackhawks said they were "extremely" disappointed by the incident and the league took action by suspending Shaw for Game 5, issuing a $5,000 fine and ordering him to undergo sensitivity training.

TV: 9:30 p.m. ET, NBCSN, TVAS, SN, CSN Chicago, FSN Midwest (St. Louis)

ABOUT THE BLACKHAWKS (48-28-10, 37-49 ATS, 31-33 O/U): While Shaw is set to serve his one-game suspension, defenseman Duncan Keith has scored three goals and set up another since completing his six-game ban for a hit on Minnesota's Charlie Coyle. "We know it takes four to win a series, so we're going to do everything we can to make sure we have our best game. We have to," Keith told reporters. "We're facing elimination and we've got to leave it all out on the ice." Keith's four points have him tied for the team lead with Shaw (two goals, two assists) as well as Patrick Kane (four assists), who joins captain Jonathan Toews and veteran Marian Hossa in search of their first goal in the series.

ABOUT THE BLUES (52-25-9, 39-47 ATS, 33-41 O/U): After failing to record a point in his last four regular-season contests in addition to the series opener, Jaden Schwartz has gotten hot in a hurry with an assist in Game 2, a goal in Game 3 and one of each on Tuesday. "We're going to have to (overcome adversity) to beat this team," the 23-year-old Schwartz told reporters. "We're going to have to find a way to come back when we're down, find a way to get some insurance goals ... do all the little things. We're enjoying battling for each other right now." Defenseman Kevin Shattenkirk also has recorded four points (one goal, three assists) in the series and has at least one in eight of his last 10 games.

TRENDS:

* Blackhawks are 3-12 in their last 15 vs. Central.
* Blues are 9-1 in their last 10 vs. Central.
* Over is 8-2-3 in Blackhawks last 13 Conference Quarterfinals games.
* Over is 9-0-3 in Blues last 12 games playing on 1 days rest.
* Blackhawks are 1-5 in the last 6 meetings.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

At the Gate - Thursday
By Mike Dempsey

Horses that win the Kentucky Derby (G1) rarely come into the first Saturday of May off a dull effort, but if you plan on backing Mohaymen, you are going to have to buck that trend.

Mohaymen went into the Florida Derby (G1) on April 2 as the early betting favorite for the Kentucky Derby and was sent off as the 4-5 favorite at Gulfstream Park but faded to finish fourth, beaten 8 ¼ lengths by the winner Nyquist.

Kiaran McLaughlin is the trainer of Mohaymen, and is one of the best in the world. There was no real excuse for his poor performance, but some thought he may not have cared for the racing surface that day, which got some rain on Florida Derby Day.

On Wednesday morning Mohaymen was sent out for a four-furlong work at Churchill Downs, and he had the backside buzzing afterward. He went the four furlongs in a bullet 46 4/5, and assistant trainer Neal McLaughlin simply said, “That gave me goosebumps. That was a 'wow' breeze."

We will be hearing plenty of trainers describe their Derby contenders works as “perfect” or “just what we were looking for”, so get ready for that.

However, it will be wise to keep a keen eye on how Mohaymen does leading up to the first Saturday of May. He will have one more work and plenty of gallops, and if a trainer can get him back on track after that poor showing last out, it is Kiaran McLaughlin.


Here is today’s opener from Keeneland to get the day off to a good start:

KEE Race 1 Clm $10,000 (1:05 ET)
#5 Keri This Day Lori 7-2
#6 Team Halo 10-1
#1 Lola Getz 7-2
#2 Lady Ann 4-1

Analysis: Keri This Day Lori was a game winner versus $8,000 claimers on ply at Turfway Park last out. The third place finisher I'm So Vain returned to beat $6,500 claimers in her next outing at Hawthorne on April 14. The win snapped a 14-race losing streak for our top pick, but this is not a real tough group she runs into in this spot.

Team Halo returns off a two month break after checking in fourth last out at Mahoning Valley against state bred allowance foes. Her last win came there against Ohio bred Alw-3L company back in January going six furlongs. She has won at two turns and looks as if she is going to over overlooked on the tote in this spot.

Wagering
WIN: #5 to win at 3-1 or better.
EX: 5,6 / 1,2,5,6
TRI: 5,6 / 1,2,5,6 / 1,2,5,6,7

Today’s Featured Race of the Day from Keeneland:

KEE Race 8 Alw $62,000N1X (4:57 ET)
#2 Queen's Princess 3-1
#1 Romantic Vision / 1a Loom 7-2
#4 Legendary Bird 6-1
#3 Leading Edge 6-1

Analysis: Queen's Princess is back on the main track after checking in sixth last out at this level on turf at Gulfstream Park. Two back going a mile on the main track the filly was a good second behind repeat winner Genre, who came back to beat Alw-2 company in her next outing on April 16 here. Three back our top pick was beaten just a neck at this level. She owns a solid pace profile throughout and the Romans barn is 19% winners (with a +ROI) moving runners from turf to dirt. She is bred to love a wet track and we might get some rain today.

Romantic Vision returns off a two month break here after checking in fifth last out in her first go against winners, beaten 3 1/4 lengths for the top spot. She was making her first start since graduating last July at Indiana Grand in the slop. She has a couple of good works since landing here from Florida where she wintered at Palm Meadows.

Wagering
WIN: #2 to win at 5-2 or better.
EX: 1,2 / 1,2,3,4
TRI: 1,2 / 1,2,3,4 / 1,2,3,4,5

Live Longshots:
These are price plays for exotic players looking to find a couple of extra contenders to use in their trifecta and superfecta wagers. Or for those with smaller bankrolls, you might want to get in a small win-place wager.

Keeneland
R1: #6 Team Halo 10-1
R3: #5 Murray Hillbilly 15-1
R4: #3 Sweet Tapper 8-1
R7: #4 hammers Terror 8-1
R9: #7 Tiz a Flyer 15-1

Good luck today!

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Handicapped by Chatsworth Consortium at Hoosier Park

Always check program numbers.
Odds shown are morning line odds.


Race 12 - Post: 9:25 - 1 mile. TROT - Class Rating: 68 - Purse:$8000 - **THE WINNERS CIRCLE OTB TROTTING SERIES** NON WINNERS OF 2


CONSORTIUM CHOICES


Chatsworth Consortium

# 4 KTL'S LUCKY STRIKE 3/1


# 9 SWISS PLATINUM 4/1


# 6 ER BELLA 20/1


KTL'S LUCKY STRIKE looks like our best wagering option in this race. That 69 TrackMaster Speed Rating clocked in the most recent competition puts this nice horse in the mix in this contest. This standardbred will have to be a wager, based on the exemplary driver-trainer win stat. This trainer, and the driver Dillander, go together like gin and tonic. Their results together are amazing. SWISS PLATINUM - Squaring off solidly, earned a very promising speed fig in his last race (68). ER BELLA - The trainer/horse combination statistics point out that this match are solid in the money finishers when working as a team.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Handicapped by Chatsworth Consortium at Harrah's Philadelphia

Always check program numbers.
Odds shown are morning line odds.


Race 7 - Post: 2:40 - 1 mile. TROT - Class Rating: 90 - Purse:$13000 - NW $10,500 IN LAST 5 STARTS STARTERS IN A CLASS HIGHER THAN NW15000 OR A WINNER THIS CLASS IN LAST START INELIGIBLE PA PREFERENCE


CONSORTIUM CHOICES


Chatsworth Consortium

# 5 PICTURE THIS 2/1


# 4 DRINKSFORTHEHOUSE 5/1


# 1 MARCH AWARENESS 7/2


PICTURE THIS unquestionably could be the horse to beat for this one. Has respectable speed ratings and most likely has to be considered for a wager this time. This gelding has room to improve, especially with second time Lasix. Positively the class of the pack with an average rating of 91. A nice selection. DRINKSFORTHEHOUSE - With a really good 85 speed rating last time out, will unquestionably be a factor in this affair. This trainer, and the driver Callahan, go together like two peas in a pod. Their results together are excellent. MARCH AWARENESS - Positive feel - racing well enough to contend in this gathering. The handicapping group knows that speed is the key in harness racing. This harness racer will unlock our way to a nice triumph.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Handicapped by The Walker Group at Aqueduct

Always check program numbers.
Odds shown are morning line odds.


Race 1 - Maiden Special Weight - 4.5f on the Dirt. Purse: $100000 Class Rating: 90

FOR MAIDENS, TWO YEARS OLD. WEIGHT, 118 LBS. THE PURSE WILL BE DISTRIBUTED ACCORDINGLY, $50,000 TO THE WINNER, $20,000 TO SECOND, $10,000 TO THIRD, $7,500 TO FOURTH, $5,000 TO FIFTH AND $4,500 TO SIXTH.


RECOMMENDED CHOICES

The Walker Group Picks

# 4 SILVER MISSION 4/5


# 5 LETHAL SHOT 7/2


# 3 FUHRLONG 5/2


SILVER MISSION is my choice. Pletcher has a strong winning percentage of 25 in baby races. Competitive try today on Lasix. Reason to like this colt as he has in the irons one of the best jocks using winning percentages over the last 30 days. LETHAL SHOT - Might wake up with Lasix change (on Lasix) today. FUHRLONG - It's a good sign that Schoenthal is using Toledo on this entrant.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Handicapped by The Walker Group at Gulfstream Park

Always check program numbers.
Odds shown are morning line odds.


Race 5 - Claiming - 8.0f on the Turf. Purse: $24000 Class Rating: 91

FOR FILLIES AND MARES THREE YEARS OLD AND UPWARD WHICH HAVE NEVER WON THREE RACES OR WHICH HAVE NOT WON A RACE ON THE TURF SINCE OCTOBER 21 OR THREE YEAR OLDS. THREE YEAR OLDS, 118 LBS.; OLDER, 124 LBS. NON-WINNERS OF A RACE AT A MILE OR OVER ON THE TURF SINCE MARCH 21 ALLOWED 2 LBS. CLAIMING PRICE $30,000, IF FOR $25,000, ALLOWED 2 LBS. (RACES WHERE ENTERED FOR $20,000 OR LESS


RECOMMENDED CHOICES

The Walker Group Picks

# 8 VERY FEW DETAILS 4/1


# 10 ONE LIZ 5/1


# 1 BIAMONTE 10/1


VERY FEW DETAILS is the best wager in this race. Is a strong contender based on numbers put up lately under today's conditions. Ran a sharp last race. Appears to have a quite good class edge based on the most recent company kept. ONE LIZ - This mare is a solid contender based on her earnings per start in turf route contests. This pony could surprise this group at a solid price.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Handicapped by The Turf Club Analysts

Bar

Golden Gate Fields - Race #7 - Post: 5:15pm - Claiming - 8.0 furlongs on the Turf. Purse: $13,000 Class Rating: 85

Rating: Golden DollarGolden DollarGolden Dollar

#6 ART OF WAR (ML=4/1)
#4 EGYPTIAN EMPIRE (ML=6/1)
#1 RUNAWAY CHERIE (ML=8/5)
#2 CACICA DULIMA (ML=15/1)


ART OF WAR - This horse obviously likes the conditions for today's race. Has earned the highest speed rating on the grass at the distance and surface. EGYPTIAN EMPIRE - This is the only entrant in today's race that has won on this turf course. A racer coming back this soon after a nice race is a good omen. RUNAWAY CHERIE - This filly was impressive in finishing seventh on a slow track on February 14th. A signal that she should do well against these thoroughbreds in her first turf try. Taking a class drop in class figure points from her Feb 14th race at Golden Gate Fields. Based on that valuable data, I will give this horse the edge. In my opinion, you need 'class' to be successful on the turf. This one has the highest average class figure in the group. CACICA DULIMA - Ran last out against better company at Santa Anita. The move to a lower class level should suit her well. Chew is solid in turf routes. This horse should have no justifications if she doesn't win. This mare looks like a natural router, based on efforts in last 2 sprint races.

Vulnerable Contenders: #5 CHARDONNAY SHERRY (ML=3/1),

CHARDONNAY SHERRY - This mare hasn't been showing me anything positive in the last two races.



STRAIGHT WAGERS:
Put your money on #6 ART OF WAR on the nose if you can get odds of 9/2 or more

EXACTA WAGERS:
Box [2,6]

TRIFECTA WAGERS:
None

SUPERFECTA WAGERS:
None

SUPER HIGH FIVE WAGERS:
[4,6] with [1,2,4,6] with [1,2,4,6] with [1,2,4,6,8,11] with [1,2,4,6,8,11] Total Cost: $72

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Handicapped by The Turf Club Analysts

Bar

Penn National - Race #2 - Post: 6:27pm - Maiden Claiming - 6.0 furlongs on the Dirt. Purse: $12,400 Class Rating: 54

Rating: Golden DollarGolden DollarGolden DollarGolden Dollar

#1 OUR LAST HOPE (ML=5/1)
#5 THE LAST PETITION (ML=6/1)


OUR LAST HOPE - Have to give this filly a fair chance. Ran a sharp effort last time around the track within the last 30 days. Guzman comes to ride after getting to know the filly in the last race. This horse's last race was out at Penn National. Finished third, but had a decent chunk of the win pool. Could be dangerous in this event. This filly recorded a strong rating of 53 in her last affair. That speed figure should be good enough to win this time. Here is an appropriate handicapping angle that I've used many times before. Play a filly (like this one) getting Lasix for the 2nd time. THE LAST PETITION - I think this filly is very ready right now. I like the fact that Houghton brings her back to a race so quickly. Always watch out for the longer priced horse when a trainer has an 'uncoupled' entry in a race. This filly should be in fine form, this far into her form cycle.

Vulnerable Contenders: #6 JUST EM (ML=9/5), #2 LATE LOVER (ML=5/2), #4 BOLD N TALENTED (ML=7/2),

JUST EM - Doesn't look inspiring to me after the lack of any sort of closing response on Mar 13th. LATE LOVER - Usually I need a sprinter to have some recent success in sprint events in order to play her. BOLD N TALENTED - Usually I need a sprinter to have some recent good showings in sprint races in order to bet on her.

Top HatGUEST COMMENTARY: Winston - OUR LAST HOPE - This is a great longshot angle. Play the top-rated TrackMaster power-rated horse if she has a morning line of at least 5-1.


STRAIGHT WAGERS:
#1 OUR LAST HOPE to win at post-time odds of 6/5 or better

EXACTA WAGERS:
Box [1,5]

TRIFECTA WAGERS:
None

SUPERFECTA WAGERS:
Skip

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Handicapped by Rick Needham at Aqueduct

RACE #5 - AQUEDUCT - 3:16 PM EASTERN POST

8.0 FURLONGS DIRT FILLIES AND MARES FOUR YEARS OLD AND UPWARD $16,000.00 CLAIMING $31,000.00 PURSE

#2 NATALIE VICTORIA
#4 JUST GOT OUT
#6 DARNLEY BAY
#1 BONITA LUNA

#2 NATALIE VICTORIA takes a class drop (-11), is the overall speed leader in this claiming field racing at today's distance of a mile on the dirt, and has produced "POWER RUN PERFORMANCES" in each of her last five outings, including back-to-back "POWER RUN WINS" in her 2nd and 3rd races back. Jockey Irad Ortiz Jr. and Trainer Rudy Rodriguez send her to the post ... they've hit the board with and impressive 63% of more than 200 entries saddled as a team to date. #4 JUST GOT OUT has turned in a trio of "POWER RUNS" in her last four starts, including a "POWER RUN WIN" in her 3rd race back.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Mohawk: Thursday 4/21 Analysis
By Garnet Barnsdale

DRF HARNESS

Race 1 - $30,000 Guaranteed Pick Five Pool

Race 4 - $50,000 Guaranteed Pick Four Pool


PICK 5: 2,3/2,5,7/2,3,5,6/6/1,8 = $9.60

EARLY PICK 4: 6/1,8/1,3,8/2,3,6,9 = $24

LATE PICK 4: 2,3,6,9/2,8,9,10/4/1,5,6 = $48

MEET STATS: 29 - 80 / $150.40 BEST BETS: 6 - 8 / $32.90

SPOT PLAYS: 0 - 8 / $0.00

Best Bet: GERRIES SPORT (4th)

Spot Play: DANISH DARBY (7th)


Race 1

(3) HILLS ANGEL benefitted from some pedestrian fractions in her season's debut but is capable of trotting faster if needed; call to repeat. (2) DOTTIE was flying late at the choice last time and could turn the tables here with a better trip. (1) LADY IRON was also closing late in a good debut and is another that could improve.

Race 2

(5) AMITYVILLE LINDY was visibly motoring late in his first start for new connections. He meets a field he can beat here if he minds his manners. (7) DYNAMIC EDGE was a good Grassroots performer last year and looks well-prepped for his sophomore debut; using. (2) STRIKNGLYIMPRESIVE has raced well in every start for driver Davis Jr. He can be right there vs. this group with Henry.

Race 3

(6) DANISH N COFFEE raced against the best local fillies last year and returned with a solid debut last week. She is one of several contenders here. (3) SHOCKING BEAUTY's 27 1/5 kicker in her qualifier signals readiness; using. (5) THIS DAY FORWARD also finished quickly in her qualifier and the trainer sends them ready; using.

Race 4

(6) GERRIES SPORT took his life's mark here last fall and now debuts for Moreau off a sharp qualifier. He should be tough on the front end here. (4) SHOREVIEW was an easy maiden-breaker last week and has some upside, but these are tougher. (8) BROOKDALE SONNY took a ton of action at the windows and came through with an impressive maiden score last week. Don't dismiss him too easily.

Race 5

(1) WINDSONG MAGIC has been flawless for trainer Bax but now faces a tougher foe in (8) WANAKA. The former may be up to it and get the better trip; slight edge to her. Wanaka is the obvious favorite off her past two impressive wins and must be used in multi-race bets. (7) TRUE MUSCLE raced well last week but is sure to encounter much faster splits here; for a minor award only.

Race 6

(8) SOUTHWIND MONTY appears to be faster than he was at age 2 and looks as good as any in a race where it appears anything goes. (1) SPEEDLING raced better off a helmet last week and should contend in this weak field. (3) MAXI POWERS showed good speed in his two qualifiers and lands in a spot where he can use it. Toss him in your Pick 4 bets.

Race 7

(2) DANISH DARBY has some races vs. OSS Gold company last year that would be good enough to beat these if he can replicate one of them and stay flat; top call. (3) MARCH was coming around before the vet scratch. If he is ready to go again, he could be right there vs. these. (9) LEGIONSOFANGELS faces easier here and could crack the exotics at a good price.

Race 8

(8) QUEEN IDEAL paced her back half under 55 seconds in her debut and could improve sharply if put into the race earlier here. (9) STONEBRIDGE MEDUSA is getting closer and likely won't be a maiden much longer. (10) GIVEMEYOURHEART showed in her qualifier that she is a different filly this year and isn't out of this - even from out there.

Race 9

(4) APRIL BREEZE ON BY squandered a big lead late last time but the filly that beat her came right back to double up in a stakes series. She can make amends here. (1) UNITED BI re-qualified well and certainly has the speed to contend if he stays flat, but that's the big question with him. (9) TALBOTCREEK JETTA beat easier last time and will find this group tougher, but can grab a minor award.

Race 10

(1) GOODMORNINGMISTER was closing well vs. a long-gone winner last week and looks like one of the better chances in here. (6) REGAL FAME vainly chased that same winner and could stick around longer here with that rival gone. (5) CANADIAN WRITER debuts for Moreau and should wake up with a better effort. (3) H P BLACK SHADOW likely takes a smaller slice as is his custom. (7) SKY GUY debuts for Fellows and could better this placing.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Yonkers: Thursday 4/21 Analysis
By Brewster Smith

DRF HARNESS

Race 7 - $10,000 Guaranteed Pick Five Pool

MEET STATS: 100 - 408 / $648.90

BEST BETS: 11 - 44 / $41.00


Best Bet: BROOKSTONE (1st)

Spot Play: ROCK MY WORLD (7th)


Race 1

(5) BROOKSTONE put in a solid effort for third money last out, so this gelding should be ready to put his best foot forward. (1) DRIVE EM COWBOY posted an even finish in his latest and is looking for his first win since 2014. (2) ART FOR ARTS SAKE has hit the board 3 out of 7 tries this year and the 2-hole should help his cause.

Race 2

(1) GALLANT SEELSTER was much the best against lesser company last out. Gelding moves up a bit and has the rail for another try at glory; very capable. (2) ROETHBLISSBERGER is on a roll scoring his fourth straight via the pocket route last time out. (4) FEELS LIKE MAGIC N was sent down the road by Buter to get the job done in his recent outing.

Race 3

(2) PASADENA STAR gets class relief in here after losing all chance when this gelding broke at the start last time around. Has good early trot and he has every right to top these with a favorable trip. (4) HIDDEN IDENTITY took the pocket trip up the cones to score his second straight victory last out. (6) COUSIN EDDIE should be the speed of the speed; ran out of gas in his last try.

Race 4

(6) CLARA BEA showed signs of life in her last start. Pacing mare knows how to get back into the winner's circle. With a well rated drive she can greet the cameraman for pictures. (1) AFTER ALIMONY retains the fence after her sharp second-place finish in her last trip. (5) SENTIMENTAL LADY If you throw out her last flop this mare is very capable of making some noise.

Race 5

(6) AMERICAN FILLY was on the rim and took charge at the 3/4 pole, but could not hold off Narcian Jewel for win honors last out. She appears to be rounding back to solid form, so having said that a fine-timed drive can get her back into the winner's circle. (1) MISS ALI MACH N had live cover and mowed them down for all the glory in her most recent outing. (2) BAD GIRL VEGAS could have a say if she can revert to her April 7th try.

Race 6

(6) SWISHNFLICK was facing open foes at The Meadows last time out and showed good speed. Makes her return to Yonkers and should find these to her liking. (1) CINCINNATI MISS moves back to the rail where she was sharp for third money last time around. (5) CAN DO fits well with these and Brennan has the assignment.

Race 7

(7) ROCK MY WORLD was parked out approaching the 3/4 marker and tired in stretch drive last out. Mare takes a slight drop in class; let's see if Sears can use different tactics to get this gal back to the winner's circle. (3) MY TALLIA IDEAL did not fire in her recent try but this looks to be a much better spot for her to contend. (5) SENORITA SANTANNA was very wide and lost all chance last out, but she is better than her last flop.

Race 8

(1) IDEAL CARVER was late on the scene to nail down the place spot in his last start. Now he moves to the fence and should show more speed against these; threat at his best. (3) MUSTANG MACH N was facing lesser company en route to an easy score last time around. (6) DALLENBACH HANOVER flashed speed outside but did not have the best of trips and tired in the stretch drive recently.

Race 9

(6) JONES BEACH posted two straight excellent scores in Pennsylvania and that makes this gelding quite tough in here. If he returns to his back class, the rest will have to settle for second money. (2) R CAAN was sharp in the pocket last time to just miss glory by a head. (1) COACH CAL put in a mild rally for the show spot last time out.

Race 10

(5) HAZMATT makes her return with old friends where she dominated at this level; the one to deny.(1) ELM GROVE INARUSH raced evenly and held on for the third spot last time out at Saratoga. (4) BROWN BRINNY left the pocket at the 3/4 pole and just held on for win honors in her last try.

Race 11

(7) A LITTLE MORE LOVE raced well against open foes at Saratoga last time out. Gelding seems to be in the best of form and good to see Mr. Brennan with the call; threat. (1) UNDERCOVER STRIKE twice moved to the front at the quarter pole and never looked back against better recently; main danger. (3) ZORGWIJK NOVA is knocking at the door based on her last two tries; watch out.

Race 12

Pompano invader (4) CAM FUNNY was in against some good open foes and did not disgrace herself. Makes her return to Yonkers and you have to go back to September 17th where this 6-year-old mare was a game second; worth a shot at a decent price. (5) UPFRONTWHOSURLADY was on the engine most of the way but she ran out of gas and had to settle for the placing last time around. (6) THE RIGHT MOVE has put in three nice efforts in a row and in her last one lost glory by just a length and a half.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

SPOT PLAYS

For Thursday


TRACK (RACE) HORSE, MORNING LINE


Aqueduct (3rd) Wild Street Girl, 4-1
(7th) Spectacular Flash, 6-1


Charles Town (1st) I'm a Hot Babe, 3-1
(8th) Don't Cross Sarah, 4-1


Evangeline Downs (1st) Betty Grable Eyes, 4-1
(5th) Battle Act, 8-1


Golden Gate Fields (3rd) Looking for Info, 3-1
(5th) Johnny Reb, 3-1


Gulfstream Park (4th) Rosebud's High, 7-2
(8th) He's Cotton, 6-1


Hawthorne (5th) Gritty Greeley, 9-2
(8th) Bump Bump, 5-1


Keeneland (2nd) Esken Lady, 5-1
(7th) Pleuven, 5-1


Lone Star Park (1st) Rain Expectations, 4-1
(6th) Smartified, 4-1


Los Alamitos (1st) Backstreet Boss, 5-1
(8th) Okaad, 7-2


Penn National (5th) Delayed Engagement, 3-1
(7th) Big Zapple, 4-1

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Dodgers (9-6) at Braves (4-10)

Game: 3
Venue: Turner Field
Date: April 21, 2016 12:10 PM EDT

Clayton Kershaw has won three NL Cy Young Awards, a league MVP and been a five-time All-Star during a stellar career spanning nine seasons with the Los Angeles Dodgers.

Yet, he's never started 3-0.

The left-hander can accomplish that feat in Thursday's decisive finale against the Atlanta Braves at Turner Field.

For as good as Kershaw (2-0, 1.64 ERA) has been, winning his first three decisions has been elusive, though it's probably not a major point of concern for the superstar.

Kershaw has been his usual stellar self while Los Angeles (9-6) won each of his three starts in 2016. He's struck out 20 and walked two over 22 innings. On Friday, Kershaw didn't issue a free pass while yielding two earned runs in seven innings of a 7-3 victory over San Francisco.

"He gave us seven strong innings, you know what Clayton does," first-year Dodgers manager Dave Roberts told team's official website. "He didn't have his best stuff. ... I think for him, to not even have his best stuff, he can still dominate a baseball game."

Always looking to improve, Kershaw hasn't been pleased with the effectiveness of his offspeed pitches.

"I still have a lot to get better at," he said. "The consistency of it, I want to throw a good one every time, it's definitely not there right now. It's why you play, just keep working."

Including the postseason, Kershaw hasn't had trouble keeping the Braves (4-10) off balance while going 3-0 with a 1.54 ERA in eight starts against them. He fanned 10 without a walk and allowed four hits over seven innings of an 8-0 win May 26 in his only 2015 appearance against Atlanta.

The Dodgers evened this set by overcoming an early 3-0 hole to snap the Braves' four-game winning streak with Wednesday's 5-3 victory in 10 innings.

'We had a chance to win the ballgame, but we didn't score any runs after the fourth inning,' Braves manager Fredi Gonzalez said.

Adrian Gonzalez hit a two-run homer and Justin Turner's double broke the tie in the 10th. Gonzalez is batting .346 with four homers and 18 RBIs in his last 20 regular-season and playoff games against Atlanta.

He clubbed a two-run homer off Matt Wisler (0-1, 4.61) on July 20 when the Atlanta right-hander gave up all four of his runs in the fifth inning of the six he lasted during a 7-5 defeat.

Wisler has been plagued by poor fourth innings in both of his two 2016 starts. Last Wednesday at Washington, he allowed a solo homer and a two-run shot in that inning of the 3-0 defeat.

'I've got to start getting through that fourth inning clean,' Wisler said.

This start was moved back after Wisler earned his first save from pitching a scoreless inning of relief in Sunday's 6-5, 10-inning victory at Miami.

Teammate Nick Markakis went 8 for 20 during a five-game hitting streak that ended with an 0 for 3 performance Wednesday. He went 2 for 3 with a double against Kershaw last season.

Atlanta's Erick Aybar is 2 for 31 in the last eight games, and 3 for 21 against Kershaw.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Mariners (6-8) at Indians (6-6)

Game: 3
Venue: Progressive Field
Date: April 21, 2016 12:10 PM EDT

Sometimes one hit is all it takes, and that's what the Seattle Mariners are hoping heading into their series finale Thursday against the Cleveland Indians.

Struggling to get clutch hits, Norichika Aoki delivered one in the form of a two-out, two-run triple in the second inning. Taijuan Walker and three relievers made it stand as the Mariners (6-8) evened this three-game set with a 2-1 win Wednesday night.

'We needed one and we got one,' said manager Scott Servais of his team's only hit in 16 at-bats with runners in scoring position in this series. 'It was huge. We were due for one, a big two-out hit.'

Delivering in such situations has been a struggle thus far for Seattle, which is batting .186 (8 for 43) with runners in scoring position with two outs and .190 overall with runners in scoring position. Aoki's triple was the last hit for the Mariners on Wednesday, highlighting an offense still scuffling with a .211 average and more strikeouts (116) than hits (100).

Despite those woes, the Mariners have a chance to win their first three road series in a season since 2002.

Nathan Karns (1-1, 4.50) looks to help reach that milestone while building on a solid outing in which he limited the New York Yankees to a solo homer and four other hits in a 7-1 road victory Friday. He struck out seven but walked four in five innings, quickly reaching 101 pitches before being lifted.

'Karns hung in there,' Servais said. 'Tight-roped a little bit.'

Catcher Chris Iannetta observed the right-hander is still trying to find a comfort zone with the Mariners, noting to MLB's official website Karns' last outing was "off-speed dominant."

Karns split two starts in an uneven fashion against the Indians last year with Tampa Bay, giving up only three runs despite allowing 15 hits in 11 1/3 innings. His win came at Progressive Field on June 19 after yielding one run and six hits in 5 1/3 innings of a 4-1 victory.

Jason Kipnis has proven to be a tough out, going 4 for 6 with two doubles against Karns.

Cleveland (6-6) has alternated wins and losses in its last six games and turns to Cody Anderson (0-1, 5.91) to extend that to seven. The right-hander is trying to bounce back after being roughed up by the New York Mets, who hit three homers off him in beating him 6-5 on Friday. He was reached for five runs and nine hits in 4 2/3 innings as his personal five-game winning streak dating back to last year ended.

'There is no excuse for the way I pitched. I felt great coming into the game,' said Anderson, who struck out five. 'A few of my pitches were up, and they definitely didn't miss them. In the past, that's been a struggle for me, just keeping the ball down, but I'm going into my next start with my head up.'

Lonnie Chisenhall could make his second start after going 0 for 3 in his season debut. The right fielder started the season on the disabled list with a wrist injury.

The Indians are trying to salvage a split of their six-game homestand before embarking on a nine-game road trip that makes stops in Detroit, Minnesota and Philadelphia.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Nationals (11-3) at Marlins (4-9)

Game: 4
Venue: Marlins Park
Date: April 21, 2016 1:10 PM EDT

The Washington Nationals' best start in franchise history has truly been a collaborative effort, though they're still getting plenty of production from their stars.

As Bryce Harper looks to continue his early-season tear, Max Scherzer attempts to follow up an outstanding last start in Thursday's series finale with the Miami Marlins.

While Harper's encore to his 2015 NL MVP campaign is off to a torrid start, Washington also has built its MLB-leading 11-3 record on a pitching staff that leads the majors with a 2.06 ERA. That depth was illustrated in Wednesday's 3-1 win, when Yusmeiro Petit threw four innings of one-run ball after Joe Ross exited after two with a blister on his right hand.

Harper again did his part, delivering a double for his seventh straight game with at least one RBI. He's knocked in 16 runs and homered five times while going 10 for 25 over that stretch.

Washington starters have combined for a 1.23 ERA in nine games since Scherzer (2-0, 3.15 ERA) was reached for four runs in six innings in an April 11 win over Atlanta. The staff ace was back in top form Saturday in Philadelphia, allowing a run on five hits and fanning seven over seven innings in an 8-1 victory.

"I didn't attack well, but I pitched well," he told MLB's official website. "I found ways to get outs. I threw some good off-speed pitches when I needed to, especially early in the game. I thought they were going to come out aggressively against me, and I was right. I was able to negate that."

Scherzer was dominant in two starts at Marlins Park last season, yielding eight hits over 15 scoreless innings while winning both.

He'll face a Marlins offense that's been shut down in two straight following a 6-1 win in Monday's series opener. After being held to three hits in Stephen Strasburg's eight innings in Tuesday's 7-0 defeat, Miami (4-9) managed five, including Derek Dietrich's solo homer in its sixth loss in seven games.

'Anytime you don't hit, you come out real flat,' said manager Don Mattingly, whose team fell to 1-7 at home. 'We're not getting guys out there.'

Christian Yelich has been one exception, recording a .372 average and .517 on-base percentage thus far. Martin Prado is batting .326 and 9 for 19 with a home run against Scherzer.

Harper could be primed for another big day, as he's homered five times in 26 at-bats against the struggling Tom Koehler (0-2, 6.30). The right-hander has walked six in 10 innings and lasted just 3 2/3 in Saturday's 6-4 loss to Atlanta, surrendering nine hits and five earned runs.

'The most frustrating part isn't even the runs. You're going to have games where you give up runs," Koehler said. "But I take a lot of pride in pitching and lasting in games and giving the team a chance to win. You never want to have a situation where you have the bullpen pick you up for that many innings."

Koehler did work 6 1/3 innings of a 4-2 defeat at Nationals Park on April 10, allowing two runs and striking out six, but lost a fourth straight start to Washington.

Daniel Murphy went 2 for 2 in that game and singled twice Wednesday to extend his hitting streak to 12 games. The offseason addition is batting .452 over the run and .429 overall.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Rays (6-8) at Red Sox (7-7)

Game: 3
Venue: Fenway Park
Date: April 21, 2016 1:35 PM EDT

Fresh off defeating one of his former AL East employers, David Price gets a chance to do the same to the other.

Price attempts to remain unbeaten during his brief time with the Boston Red Sox when he faces a few more ex-teammates in Thursday's finale of a three-game series with the visiting Tampa Bay Rays.

After delivering mixed results in his first two starts in a Red Sox uniform, Price (2-0, 4.50) looked every bit the part of an expected ace by holding a formidable Toronto lineup in check Saturday. The coveted offseason free agent struck out nine without a walk while allowing two runs over seven innings in a 4-2 victory for his first Fenway Park win with his new team.

Price, who went 9-1 in 11 starts for the defending division champion Blue Jays after being acquired from Detroit last July, bounced back from surrendering five runs in five innings in Boston's April 11 home opener against Baltimore.

"I hadn't thrown the ball the way that I know that I can the first two starts,' he said. 'To throw the baseball the way I did (Saturday) against the Blue Jays, which is an extremely good hitting team, feels good."

Price now tries to follow that sharp effort by evening his career record against Tampa Bay (6-8), where he went 82-47 and won a Cy Young Award over seven seasons before being dealt to Detroit in July 2014. He lost his first two meetings following the trade before allowing four earned runs through five innings of a 10-8 win with Toronto on Sept. 26.

The Rays, last in the majors with 40 runs scored, were shut out through five innings of Wednesday's 7-3 loss as Rick Porcello fanned nine over seven. They didn't score until the 10th of Tuesday's 3-0 win.

That's been an issue as well during Jake Odorizzi's three starts, in which he's received four runs of support while on the mound. The right-hander didn't get any while limiting the White Sox to four hits in seven scoreless innings of a 1-0 Rays' loss Friday.

Odorizzi (0-1, 2.41) also gave Boston (7-7) trouble last season, posting a 2.29 ERA in three starts and allowing a run over seven innings in a 5-1 win at Fenway on May 4. He's held David Ortiz to 3 for 18 without a home run in their matchups.

Xander Bogaerts is 5 for 14 off Odorizzi, but likely won't play after exiting Wednesday's win with a quadriceps injury suffered while scoring on Ortiz's fifth-inning double.

The Red Sox mustered one hit off Drew Smyly and two relievers Tuesday, but scored five runs on the struggling Chris Archer through two innings Wednesday to halt a three-game skid and end the Rays' three-game winning streak.

'The first inning put the team behind the 8-ball,' said Archer, now 0-4 with a 7.32 ERA in four starts. 'I didn't execute pitches very well, and they made the most of it.'

Evan Longoria had a club-record 15-game hitting streak at Fenway stopped with an 0-for-4 effort Wednesday. He's 0 for 9 against former teammate Price, but Curt Casali is 3 for 6 and homered twice off Price in a 10-2 win over Detroit on July 28.

Casali is off to a 3 for 24 start, however, and struck out in all four plate appearances Tuesday.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Twins (4-11) at Brewers (7-8)

Game: 4
Venue: Miller Park
Date: April 21, 2016 1:40 PM EDT

Back-to-back productive offensive efforts have the Milwaukee Brewers in position to take their four-game home-and-home series with the Minnesota Twins.

The Brewers can do so with a third consecutive victory over their interleague rivals Thursday at Miller Park.

A day after four doubles helped Milwaukee (7-8) to a 6-5 win at Minnesota, it homered three times in Wednesday's 10-5 home victory.

'That is huge. That is definitely our offense's game there," Wednesday's winning pitcher Jimmy Nelson said. "They came out big.'

The Brewers failed to homer in their previous four contests before Chris Carter, Aaron Hill and Domingo Santana each went deep in the club's highest-scoring game of the young season.

"Everybody loves results," Hill told the Brewers' official website. "But when you know you're doing everything right, you're swinging at good pitches, everything is there - it's just a matter of getting the consistency going and getting to the right point.

"I've liked what's happened so far this year."

Nine of Carter's 12 hits have gone for extra bases. He's hit all but one of his four home runs at Miller Park, where he is batting .280 with eight of his 13 RBIs. Carter is hitting .238 on the road.

Perhaps a return home will help Taylor Jungmann (0-2, 9.00 ERA) after struggling in two straight road starts. The right-hander gave up eight runs in two-plus innings of a 10-1 loss at St. Louis on April 11, then yielded four over six of a 5-0 defeat at Pittsburgh on Saturday.

His teammates, however, failed to score a run with him on the mound in those outings.

Jungmann is 0-8 with a 9.39 ERA in his last nine road starts, but 4-0 with a 2.29 ERA in his last six at Miller Park.

This will be his first appearance against the Twins (4-11), who have dropped two straight since a four-game winning streak followed their 0-9 start. They haven't helped matters with five errors in four games.

"We know errors are part of the game, but you like to clean that up as best as you can," manager Paul Molitor told the Twins' official website.

The Brewer great will hand the ball to Ricky Nolasco (0-0, 3.21), who has allowed five total runs while lasting seven innings each in his first two outings. He gave up four of those runs in the second inning plus nine hits overall in Saturday's 6-4 victory over the Los Angeles Angels.

"He definitely found his breaking ball and used all his pitches," Angels manager Mike Scioscia said of the right-hander. "After the four runs, we didn't get many looks at him. ... He knows what he's doing."

Nolasco is 3-3 with a 7.20 ERA in nine starts against the Brewers, but last faced them in June 2014. Though it's been a while since Nolasco opposed Milwaukee, Jonathan Lucroy is 4 for 9 against him.

Lucroy, who had two RBIs on Wednesday, is batting .318 while hitting safely in the six home games he's played this season.

Minnesota's Miguel Sano has reached base in 10 consecutive contests and is 6 for 16 in the last four.

Teammate Oswaldo Arcia hit a two-run homer Wednesday. He's 8 for 20 with both of his home runs and all five RBIs in his last five contests.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Angels (6-9) at White Sox (10-5)

Game: 4
Venue: U.S. Cellular Field
Date: April 21, 2016 2:10 PM EDT

John Danks is the weakest link in a Chicago White Sox rotation that has been dominant. The Los Angeles Angels roughed him up last summer as part of a dismal stretch for the left-hander.

Danks looks to avoid dropping his first three starts for the first time in his career Thursday when the White Sox and Angels conclude a four-game series at U.S. Cellular Field.

Chicago (10-5) is among the major league leaders with nine wins and a 2.88 ERA from its starters after Chris Sale allowed an unearned run and two hits over seven-plus innings of a 2-1 victory Wednesday to become the first four-game winner in the majors.

The White Sox are off to their best start since also opening 10-5 in 2006.

"I think it's important, individually and as a team, to try to get off on the right foot," Sale said. "To start out with some momentum, that's important. We're just going to try to ride this out as long as we can."

The numbers for the rotation would be even better if not for Danks' struggles. He owns a 7.94 ERA in a pair of losses after allowing five runs over 6 1/3 innings against Tampa Bay on Saturday.

"I threw the ball a lot better than my line will show," Danks told MLB's official website. "Threw some good pitches down. Didn't swing. Didn't get a call. It just didn't matter. That's the way it goes. It's part of it. It's baseball."

Danks lost his last three starts in 2015 behind a 6.19 ERA and is 1-9 with a 5.06 ERA in his past 12 outings.

"This thing is about wins and losses," Danks said. "It's disappointing."

One of the losses during that poor 12-start stretch came against Los Angeles (6-9) on Aug. 18. Danks allowed five runs over seven innings of a 5-3 defeat, dropping him to 0-2 with a 4.33 ERA in his last four matchups.

Surprisingly, Mike Trout has gone 0 for 8 with four strikeouts when facing Danks. Yunel Escobar is 6 for 14, Johnny Giavotella 5 for 14 and Albert Pujols 3 for 10 with a homer.

The Angels are struggling at the plate with 18 runs and a .206 average while losing five of six. Trout, however, ended a 3-for-18 slump by having three of his team's four hits Wednesday, while Pujols fell to 0 for 11 in the first three games of this series.

Los Angeles lost 5-0 on Tuesday after a 7-0 win Monday.

"These guys are proven hitters. These guys are going to come around," said Garrett Richards, who took the loss Wednesday. "Our offense is going to click. It's inevitable. We have to hang in there and grind together."

The Angels will send Jered Weaver (1-0, 4.35 ERA) to mound, and he's probably looking forward to facing Chicago. The right-hander has won each of his last six starts against the White Sox behind a 2.35 ERA and is 10-2 with a 1.99 ERA - his best against any AL team - in 13 matchups.

Weaver, though, struggled Saturday as he allowed four runs and eight hits over 4 1/3 innings of a 6-4 loss at Minnesota. His lone strikeout gave him 1,500 for his career, the third-most in franchise history behind Nolan Ryan (2,416) and Chuck Finley (2,151).

"Guys had a pretty good approach against me early on," Weaver said. "I didn't quite mix my pitches as I should."

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Diamondbacks (8-8) at Giants (7-9)

Game: 4
Venue: AT&T Park
Date: April 21, 2016 3:45 PM EDT

Johnny Cueto couldn't ask for a better beginning to his San Francisco Giants' tenure. Shelby Miller's short time with the Arizona Diamondbacks couldn't have started much worse.

As Miller seeks an elusive first win with his new team, Cueto aims for his fourth while attempting to prevent the streaking Diamondbacks from a four-game series sweep Thursday.

Signed in December to provide a proven No. 2 starter behind Madison Bumgarner, Cueto (3-0, 3.38 ERA) has instead emerged as an early season stopper for struggling San Francisco (7-9). The colorful right-hander has won each of his first three starts and been dominant in two, giving a needed lift to a rotation whose other members have a combined 5.40 ERA.

Cueto did struggle in his lone AT&T Park start, surrendering six runs and 10 hits through seven innings of a 9-6 victory over the Dodgers on April 10. He rebounded with a brilliant 7 1/3-inning effort in Saturday's rematch at Los Angeles, retiring the first 13 hitters and yielding one run and three hits in a 4-3 win.

"I told myself I need to be aggressive," Cueto told MLB's official website through an interpreter. "I felt more aggressive and I felt a lot better than the other starts."

The Giants may need another big performance from their big-ticket acquisition, as they've managed one run off Arizona pitching in the last two games. After Robbie Ray threw six sharp innings in Tuesday's 3-0 win, Zack Greinke outdueled Bumgarner as the Diamondbacks dealt San Francisco a fourth straight loss and seventh in eight games with Wednesday's 2-1 result.

Welington Castillo broke a scoreless tie with a two-run homer off Bumgarner in the seventh, and Brad Ziegler stranded the tying run at third in the ninth to seal Arizona's fourth consecutive win.

Greinke allowed a run over 6 2/3 innings to earn his first win with Arizona (8-8), now 11-2 in its last 13 at AT&T Park. Diamondbacks starters have posted a 1.71 ERA over that stretch.

Miller (0-1, 8.53) hopes to continue that trend and reverse his difficult start. The 2015 All-Star with Atlanta allowed five homers and 10 runs over his first two outings, then exited Saturday's game at San Diego in the second inning after cutting his right finger from scraping the mound on his follow through.

'Just some poor mechanics more than anything,' said Miller, who walked three and permitted two runs in Arizona's 5-3, 14-inning loss. "I wouldn't say (the injury) was the reason I was walking guys. I just couldn't locate. After that, I just kind of fell out of sync."

Miller also had some hard luck in two 2015 matchups with the Giants. He threw seven innings in a 1-0 loss in San Francisco on May 28 and exited with a 3-2 lead after seven in an 8-3 loss in Atlanta on Aug. 4.

He'll face an offense that went 1 for 11 with runners in scoring position Wednesday and is 3 for 30 in those situations during the losing streak.

'We got a great pitching effort, we're just missing some timely hits,' manager Bruce Bochy said. 'We finally got one late in the game but we had a couple chances early.'

Cueto last faced Arizona in May 2014 with Cincinnati, but he's 6-1 with a 2.54 ERA in eight career starts. He's held Castillo, a .318 hitter with three home runs in 12 games at AT&T Park, to 2 for 13 in their matchups.