Thursday 4/27/17 service plays chatter/comps/requests & other stuff...

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

NHL
Long Sheet

Thursday, April 27

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NY RANGERS (52-29-0-7, 111 pts.) at OTTAWA (48-30-0-10, 106 pts.) - 4/27/2017, 7:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
NY RANGERS are 16-29 ATS (+45.2 Units) in a road game where where the total is 5 or less over the last 2 seasons.
NY RANGERS are 4-10 ATS (-9.4 Units) when playing with 3 or more days rest over the last 2 seasons.
NY RANGERS are 95-108 ATS (-50.3 Units) after a 3 game unbeaten streak since 1996.
OTTAWA is 48-40 ATS (+90.3 Units) in all games this season.
OTTAWA is 28-24 ATS (+53.5 Units) second half of the season this season.
OTTAWA is 21-14 ATS (+38.9 Units) after a division game this season.
OTTAWA is 24-15 ATS (+24.0 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record this season.
OTTAWA is 12-8 ATS (+21.8 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record in the second half of the season this season.
NY RANGERS are 52-36 ATS (+5.7 Units) in all games this season.
NY RANGERS are 16-9 ATS (+26.1 Units) in road games second half of the season this season.
NY RANGERS are 25-12 ATS (+10.5 Units) revenging a loss versus opponent this season.
NY RANGERS are 25-19 ATS (+48.1 Units) in road games when playing against a team with a winning record in the second half of the season over the last 3 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
NY RANGERS is 5-4-0 straight up against OTTAWA over the last 3 seasons
6 of 8 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Under=+3.9 Units)

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PITTSBURGH (54-22-0-11, 119 pts.) at WASHINGTON (59-20-0-9, 127 pts.) - 4/27/2017, 7:30 PM
Top Trends for this game.
PITTSBURGH is 28-39 ATS (-23.3 Units) in a road game where where the total is 5.5 over the last 3 seasons.
PITTSBURGH is 78-97 ATS (-46.8 Units) when playing with 3 or more days rest since 1996.
WASHINGTON is 59-29 ATS (+24.2 Units) in all games this season.
WASHINGTON is 38-15 ATS (+11.3 Units) second half of the season this season.
WASHINGTON is 71-37 ATS (+109.0 Units) revenging a loss versus opponent over the last 3 seasons.
WASHINGTON is 25-11 ATS (+4.2 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record this season.
PITTSBURGH is 118-75 ATS (+5.6 Units) in all games over the last 2 seasons.
PITTSBURGH is 16-6 ATS (+8.3 Units) in April games over the last 2 seasons.
PITTSBURGH is 75-43 ATS (+11.5 Units) second half of the season over the last 2 seasons.
PITTSBURGH is 51-25 ATS (+15.4 Units) vs. division opponents over the last 2 seasons.
WASHINGTON is 1-6 ATS (-9.7 Units) when playing with 3 or more days rest this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
PITTSBURGH is 10-9 (+0.4 Units) against the spread versus WASHINGTON over the last 3 seasons
PITTSBURGH is 10-9-0 straight up against WASHINGTON over the last 3 seasons
8 of 15 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Over=+0.5 Units)

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

NHL
Short Sheet

Thursday, April 27

Eastern Conference Semifinals – Best of 7 – Game 1

NY Rangers at Ottawa, 7:00 PM ET
New York: 17-6 SU revenging a loss vs opponent of 2 goals or more
Ottawa: 0-8 SU in home games after having won 4 of their last 5

Eastern Conference Semifinals – Best of 7 – Game 1

Pittsburgh at Washington, 7:30 PM ET
Pittsburgh: 28-39 SU in a road game where where the total is 5.5
Washington: 34-10 SU in home games

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

NHL

Thursday, April 27

Trend Report

7:00 PM
NY RANGERS vs. OTTAWA
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of the NY Rangers last 7 games when playing Ottawa
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of the NY Rangers last 7 games when playing on the road against Ottawa
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Ottawa's last 7 games when playing NY Rangers
Ottawa is 2-4 SU in their last 6 games when playing at home against NY Rangers

7:30 PM
PITTSBURGH vs. WASHINGTON
Pittsburgh is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games when playing on the road against Washington
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Pittsburgh's last 5 games when playing Washington
The total has gone UNDER in 7 of Washington's last 10 games
Washington is 21-4 SU in its last 25 games at home

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

NHL

Thursday, April 27

Ottawa won three of its last four games with the Rangers; teams split last four gams played in this building. Under is 8-2 in last ten series games. Rangers won five of last seven games but are 2-3 in last five road tilts. Under is 7-1-1 in their last nine games overall. Ottawa won four of its last five games- four of those games went to OT. Over is 3-2-2 in their last seven games. New York won three of its last four series in this round; in its franchise history, Ottawa is 2-4 in this round- last time they won second round series was 2007, when they made the Cup Finals.

Home team won last eight Penguin-Cap games; Pittsburgh lost its last three games in this building by a combined score of 15-4. Over is 4-0-1 in last five series games. Penguins lost three of last four road games but just beat Columbus in five games. Washington split its last four home games; last three went to OT- five of their six games vs Toronto in last round went OT. Penguins won Stanley Cup LY; they’re 5-2 in last seven second round series. Pittsburgh Washington is 0-5 in its last five second round series; last time they to past this point was 1998, when they lost Cup final to Detroit.

Second round NHL series
NY Rangers (-$150) vs Ottawa (+$130)
Pittsburgh (+$110) vs Washington (-$130)
St Louis (+$110) vs Nashville (-$130)
Nashville 4-3
Anaheim (-$135) vs Edmonton (+$115)
Edmonton 5-3

Home: 0-2 (20-24)
Over: 2-0 (15-21-8)

NHL First round series:
East
Washington-Toronto
Wash 3-2 OT
Tor 4-3 2OT
Tor 4-3 OT
Wash 5-4
Wash 2-1 OT
Wash 2-1 OT
Capitals win series, 4-2

Pittsburgh-Columbus
Pitt 3-1
Pitt 4-1
Pitt 5-4 OT
CBJ 5-4
Pitt 5-2
Penguins win series, 4-1

Montreal-NY Rangers
NYR 2-0
Mtl 4-3 OT
Mtl 3-1
NYR 2-1
NYR 3-2 OT
NYR 3-1
Rangers win series 4-2

Ottawa-Boston
Bos 2-1
Ott 4-3 OT
Ott 4-3 OT
Ott 1-0
Bos 3-2 OT
Ott 2-1 OT
Senators win series, 4-2

West
Chicago-Nashville
Nash 1-0
Nash 5-0
Nash 3-2 OT
Nash 4-1
Predators win series, 4-0

Minnesota-St Louis
StL 2-1 ot
StL 2-1
StL 3-1
Minn 2-0
StL 4-2 OT
Blues win series, 4-1

Anaheim-Calgary
Ana, 3-2
Ana 3-2
Ana 5-4 OT
Ana 3-1
Ducks win series, 4-0

Edmonton-San Jose
SJ 3-2 ot
Edmonton 2-0
Edmonton 1-0
SJ 7-0
Edmonton 4-3 OT
Edmonton 3-1
Oilers win series, 4-2

Home teams: 20-22
Over: 13-21-8

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

NHL
Dunkel

Thursday, April 27


Pittsburgh @ Washington

Game 7-8
April 27, 2017 @ 7:30 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Pittsburgh
12.542
Washington
9.813
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Pittsburgh
by 2 1/2
8
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Washington
-145
5 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Pittsburgh
(+125); Over

NY Rangers @ Ottawa

Game 5-6
April 27, 2017 @ 7:00 pm

Dunkel Rating:
NY Rangers
12.534
Ottawa
11.430
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
NY Rangers
by 1
3
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
NY Rangers
-115
5
Dunkel Pick:
NY Rangers
(-115); Under

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

NHL

Thursday, April 27

Thursday's NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs Betting Preview and Odds

The Rangers posted a league-high 27 road wins this season while Ottawa won all three road games at Boston in the first round.

New York Rangers at Ottawa Senators (-105, 5)

Series tied 0-0

ABOUT THE RANGERS (52-29-3-4, 41-40 O/U): It speaks to the depth of New York that it eliminated Montreal despite getting one assist each from two of its leading goal scorers - Chris Kreider and J.T. Miller, while Zibanejad's four points represented a team high. One positive was the late arrival of leading overall scorer Mats Zuccarello, who scored twice in the Game 6 clinching win over Montreal. Still, the Rangers will pin their hopes on goalie Henrik Lundqvist, who bounced back superbly after surrendering seven goals in back-to-back losses to the Canadiens. "Hank has been through this before," Vigneault told reporters. "I think he's really thriving on the pressure and the opportunity. ... He wants to be a difference-maker and he's looking forward to this series."

ABOUT THE SENATORS (48-29-7-4, 34-49 O/U): Karlsson made a surprising revelation following the series with Boston that he was playing with two hairline fractures in his left heel, but it certainly did not appear to hinder the star defenseman, who collected six assists against the Bruins and played nearly 42 minutes in Game 5. Forward Bobby Ryan followed up a 13-goal regular season by scoring four times against the Bruins, and with Clarke MacArthur back in the lineup after missing most of the past two seasons due to concussions, Ottawa can counter New York's outstanding balance with four solid lines of its down. Craig Anderson allowed three goals in half of the six games against Boston but won both starts versus New York this season, yielding one goal.

LINE HISTORY: Game 1 of this series in Ottawa opened as a Pick 'Em but by Wednesday night the moneyline edged in the Rangers' direction to -115. The total hit the betting board at 5.

INJURY REPORT:

Rangers - RW R. Nash (Probable, undisclosed).

Senators - D E. Karlsson (Probable, foot), LW T. Pyatt (Questionable, lower body), D M. Borowiecki (Out, lower body).

TRENDS:

* Rangers are 3-10 in their last 13 games playing on 3 or more days rest.
* Senators are 4-1 in their last 5 overall.
* Under is 3-0-1 in Rangers last 4 overall.
* Under is 17-4-1 in Senators last 22 Thursday games.
* Home team is 4-1 in the last 5 meetings.



Pittsburgh Penguins at Washington Capitals (-145, 5.5)

Series tied 0-0

ABOUT THE PENGUINS (54-22-6-5, 50-32 O/U): While the Capitals posted a 2-0-2 mark in the season series, Pittsburgh traditionally has gotten the better of its division rival in the playoffs - most notably in both 2009 and 2016 on its way to hoisting the Stanley Cup at the end of those tournaments. Evgeni Malkin had an NHL-best 11 points (two goals, nine assists) in the first round and six (five goals, one assist) versus Washington this season while linemate Phil Kessel added eight (two goals, six assists) and four (one goal, three assists), respectively. While plenty is expected from those proven names, rookie Jake Guentzel (NHL-best five goals) and Bryan Rust (four goals) also made their presence known in the first round. Coach Mike Sullivan has gone as far to label Rust "a high-stakes player" after the 24-year-old recorded 10 goals in 28 career playoff games, including eight in his past 13.

ABOUT THE CAPITALS (59-19-5-5, 39-34 O/U): While the clubs are set to open their Eastern Conference second-round series Thursday in Washington, Ovechkin was quick to insist that there's more on the line than just one-on-one bragging rights. "We respect each other," Washington's three-time Hart Trophy winner said of his rival, who has received the honor on two occasions. "That battle between me and him, it's great. I think me and him enjoy it, (the media) enjoy it, fans enjoy it. But right now it's not about me and him. It's about (the Capitals) and Penguins." T.J. Oshie matched Ovechkin in goals this season with a club high-tying 33 and was knotted with the Russian Olympian as well as Justin Williams and Tom Wilson with three in the first round. Oshie erupted for six points (five goals, one assist) in last year's Eastern semifinal loss to Pittsburgh and 10 (three goals, seven assists) in four regular-season encounters, a total that was eclipsed by Nicklas Backstrom's 12 (four goals, eight assists). "It's a perfect scenario," the 29-year-old Backstrom said of the upcoming series versus the Penguins. "Even if we finish first in the regular season, they're the Stanley Cup champs, so we're the underdogs. It's perfect for us."

LINE HISTORY: The Capitals opened as -135 monetline favorites at home for Game 1 and by Wednesday night that number was up to -145. The total hit the betting board at 5.5 and has not moved.

INJURY REPORT:

Penguins - LW C. Kunitz (Probable, lower body), D C. Ruhwedel (Questionable, upper body), G M. Murray (Doubful, lower body), LW C. Hagelin (Doubful, lower body), D C. Letang (Out For Season, neck).

Capitals - RW T. Wilson (Probable, foot), C L. Eller (Probable, undisclosed), D N. Schmidt (Probable, lower body), D K. Alzner (Out, upper body).

TRENDS:

* Penguins are 4-0 in their last 4 games playing on 3 or more days rest.
* Capitals are 14-3 in their last 17 vs. Metropolitan.
* Over is 5-1 in Penguins last 6 road games.
* Under is 6-1 in Capitals last 7 home games.
* Home team is 8-0 in the last 8 meetings.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

DAVE COKIN

RAPTORS AT BUCKS
PLAY: BUCKS -1.5

Props to Raptors head coach Dwane Casey, who has made some really solid adjustments in this series. As a result, Toronto now has the 3-2 lead over Milwaukee and the Raptors would close out the series with a win at Milwaukee this evening.

But I don’t see the Bucks just rolling over and conceding the issue. This team has impressed me all season in terms of what I expected and what they’ve produced.

I’m not going to make a strong case for Milwaukee here for what should be an obvious reason. If I felt that strongly about this side, it would be a personal service play. Instead, as this is more gut feeling than anything else, I’m just assigning the added opinion label. What that means is, if you think the Raptors are the way to play tonight, then don’t let me try to talk you off that side. But my take is that the Bucks find a way to squeeze one out tonight and in the process, Milwaukee forces the Game Seven finale back in Toronto.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Tony Karpinski
Apr 27 '17, 7:10 PM
MLB | NYY vs BOS
Play on: UNDER 7½ -120

This is one of the lowest totals I've seen in a Yankees/RedSox game since the days of Pedro and Clemens pitching. The surging Yankees are 10-4 in starts by Masahiro Tanaka against winning opponents. Red Sox starter Chris Sale has allowed just three earned runs all season, and I expect a pitchers duel here tonight. Take the UNDER!

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Matt Fargo
Apr 27 '17, 9:40 PM in
MLB | Padres vs Diamondbacks
Play on: Padres +160 at 5Dimes

The Padres took Game Three of this series last night and will be out to make it a split tonight. The road has not been kind to San Diego for the most part as it snapped a six-game road losing streak with the Wednesday victory thanks to the offense that put up its most runs in a road game this season. The Diamondbacks have been a pleasant surprise as they are 14-9 and trail the Rockies by just a half-game in the National League West. Their offense has been very solid but they have not faced much and while the opposing starter tonight is not going to scare anyone, he has held his own. Jered Weaver has been very efficient as he has posted three straight quality starts and overall has a 3.91 ERA and 1.00 WHIP in four starts. He does not have a win to show for it however and the Padres are 0-4 in those starts which is due to poor run support. Taijuan Walker counters for Arizona and nearly the exact opposite has taken place for him. He has a 4.57 ERA and 1.38 WHIP in four starts, none of which have been quality performances but the Diamondbacks have gone 3-1 in those games as he has received 6.3 rpg. He has gotten more run support at home which has helped since he has a 6.17 ERA in two starts. Basically all of this says the Diamondbacks should be the play but not at this price as we are getting the better pitcher at this point into the season. Play (959) San Diego Padres

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Scott Rickenbach
Apr 27 '17, 7:30 PM
NHL | Penguins vs Capitals
Play on: OVER 5½ -109

Scott "The Bulldog" Rickenbach Thursday NHL Free Pick OVER 5.5 goals in Washington Capitals vs Pittsburgh Penguins @ 7:30 ET - Welcome to the 2nd round of the post-season. After a layoff for the teams between the end of the 1st round and the beginning of the 2nd round, the impact certainly showed as 15 goals were scored in the 2 games yesterday! Speaking of 15 goals, the last time these two powerhouses met, the Pens and Caps combined for 15 goals on January 16th! There have been only 2 unders in the last 12 meetings between these teams. The over is also 7-0, 100% PERFECT this season when the Penguins enter a game off of 3 or more days of rest! Pittsburgh's games against divisional opponents went 23-11 to the over in the regular season! The Capitals scored 3 goals or more in the first 4 games of their series with the Maple Leafs and the Penguins scored 4 goals or more in the final 4 games of their series with the Blue Jackets. Given the potency and firepower of both of these hockey clubs (and given the way yesterday's 2nd round featured tons of goals) I look for a wild one in DC to get this series underway. Look for a barnburner here. Free Pick on OVER 5.5 goals in Washington Thursday. Best of luck, Scott "The Bulldog" Rickenbach

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Rob Vinciletti

Atlanta vs. New York
Play: New York -1.5

The Mets were pasted here last night and have lost 5 straight at home. Today they have Syndergaard going and he shut the braves down through 6 scoreless here this month. Dickey for Atlanta has a 4.76 road Era and Atlanta bullpen Era on the road is over 5. Home favorites in this range off a home favored loss by 5 or more runs scoring 2 or less that made 3+ errors have covered on the run line over 80% long term. Look for the Mets to win this one.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Dave Essler

Marlins / Phillies Over 7.5

Yes, I do know most books have "8" now, but my priority is trying to ensure that my clients get the best number, so we bet this last night. I throw it out because at 8, should it land on 8, it's a push and not a loss, so clearly still worth a marble. We've got decent weather, a decent umpire, and both teams are hitting - and using bullpens yesterday. Bullpens that hadn't been very spiffy to begin with. I do like to wait for lineups in these day game because, well, sometimes these players get tired and need a rest. But, obviously I didn't do that today or we wouldn't be having this conversation. Hellickson and/or Volquez are capable of giving most of these runs up before we get that far, last nights 2* winner, there are many ways this happens and not too many that it doesn't.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Jeff Allen Sports

Thursday's Free Selection is on the Seattle Mariners

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Marlins at Phillies
GAME: Miami Marlins (10-9) at Philadelphia Phillies (10-9)
DATE/TIME: Thursday, April 27 - 1:05 PM EST
WHERE: Citizens Bank Park, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Maikel Franco has been saddled with an all-or-nothing tag this season, with the 24-year-old Dominican recording multi-hit performances in three of his last five outings on the heels of a dismal 0-for-21 stretch. After belting his second grand slam in two weeks, Franco will try his hand at providing a consistent presence at the plate as his Philadelphia Phillies vie for a sixth straight win Thursday afternoon against the visiting Miami Marlins.

Freddy Galvis and Michael Saunders also went deep as Philadelphia benefited from three homers for the second straight game in its 7-4 triumph on Wednesday. The red-hot Phillies have won seven of nine to move into a second-place tie with the Marlins, who are 3-4 on a road trip that ends on Thursday. Martin Prado belted his second homer in three outings and scored a run for the fourth straight contest, but is just 5-for-23 in his career versus Thursday starter Jeremy Hellickson. Right-hander Edinson Volquez will provide the opposition and attempt to reel in Galvis, who is batting .571 with a homer against him.

TV: 1:05 p.m. ET, FSN Florida (Miami), CSN Philadelphia

PITCHING MATCHUP: Marlins RH Edinson Volquez (0-2, 4.82 ERA) vs. Phillies RH Jeremy Hellickson (3-0, 1.88)

Volquez yielded four walks for the second straight outing and permitted four runs on five hits in three innings of a 10-5 setback at Seattle on April 19. The 33-year-old Dominican has struggled to put his best foot forward since being tabbed as the team's Opening Day starter, venturing past five innings in just one outing this season. Volquez has pitched well against the Phillies, posting a 4-1 mark overall and a 2-0 record with a 1.89 ERA at Citizens Bank Park.

Hellickson continued his strong start to the season by allowing two runs in seven innings for the second straight outing on Friday. The 30-year-old scattered just three hits and struck out five without issuing a walk in a 4-3 triumph over Atlanta. Hellickson has fared well against Miami, highlighting a 3-1 mark versus the club in 2016 with a three-hit shutout on Sept. 17.

WALK-OFFS

1. Miami SS Adeiny Hechavarria recorded three hits in Wednesday's contest, matching the sum total of his previous five games.

2. Philadelphia OF Aaron Altherr is making the most of consistent playing time in place of injured Howie Kendrick, collecting both a hit and a run in eight straight contests.

3. Marlins OF Marcell Ozuna went hitless in the de facto series opener and is 3-for-29 with 12 strikeouts in his last seven games.

PREDICTION: Marlins 4, Phillies 2

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Mariners at Tigers
GAME: Seattle Mariners (9-13) at Detroit Tigers (11-9)
DATE/TIME: Thursday, April 27 - 1:10 PM EST
WHERE: Comerica Park, Detroit, Michigan

Detroit's offensive explosion couldn't last forever, and the Tigers finally met their match on Wednesday in Seattle Mariners lefty James Paxton. The Tigers will try to get the bats going again and win the series when they host the Mariners in the rubber match on Thursday.

Detroit knocked off Minnesota 13-4 on Sunday and did even better in the series opener against Seattle, scoring its most runs since 2008 and recording its most hits since Sept. 2013 with 24 in a 19-9 rout, all without former MVP Miguel Cabrera (groin) in the lineup. But the Mariners, who have enjoyed their own surge offensively with a total of 28 runs in their last three games, got a better effort on the mound on Wednesday from Paxton and managed to even the series while improving their road record to 3-10. Seattle (9-13), which heads to Cleveland on Friday to continue the 10-game trip, is looking at a near future without ace Felix Hernandez (shoulder) and leading hitter Mitch Haniger (oblique), who were both placed on the 10-day disabled list on Wednesday. The Tigers will send ace Justin Verlander to the mound opposite Mariners righty Hisashi Iwakuma on Thursday.

TV: 1:10 p.m. ET, MLB Network, ROOT (Seattle), FSN Detroit

PITCHING MATCHUP: Mariners RH Hisashi Iwakuma (0-2, 5.31 ERA) vs. Tigers RH Justin Verlander (1-2, 6.04)

Iwakuma is trying to find some consistency after allowing three runs in 12 innings over his first two outings and nine runs in 8 1/3 frames in the last two. The Japan native issued four walks in 5 1/3 frames at Oakland on Friday and yielded a pair of home runs, raising his total to six homers allowed in 20 1/3 innings. Iwakuma is 2-2 with a 3.47 ERA in eight career games - seven starts - against Detroit with nine home runs allowed in 46 2/3 innings.

Verlander is going through similar struggles in the first month and surrendered a total of two earned runs over 13 1/3 innings in his first two turns before falling off in his last two. The former MVP was rocked for nine runs and 11 hits in four innings at Cleveland on April 15 and could not find the strike zone while issuing six walks in five frames of a loss at Minnesota on Friday. Verlander did not factor in the decision in either of his two starts against Seattle last season despite allowing three runs in 14 total innings.

WALK-OFFS

1. Mariners DH Nelson Cruz is 7-for-12 with three home runs and 10 RBIs in his last three games.

2. Detroit RHP Anibal Sanchez allowed 26 hits and 21 runs - 16 earned - in 14 2/3 innings this season.

3. Seattle rookie OF Ben Gamel went 0-for-4 after being recalled on Wednesday and starting in place of Haniger in RF.

PREDICTION: Tigers 4, Mariners 3

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Braves at Mets

GAME: Atlanta Braves (7-12) at New York Mets (8-12)
DATE/TIME: Thursday, April 27 - 1:10 PM EST
WHERE: Citi Field, New York City, New York

Freddie Freeman loves hitting against the New York Mets, and he led a breakout offensive performance the visiting Atlanta Braves hope to replicate in the finale of a rain-shortened two-game series Thursday. Freeman was one of six Braves to collect multiple hits as Atlanta emphatically ended a six-game losing streak Wednesday with an 8-2 victory, raising his career average against the Mets to .314.

The Braves - who hit .194 in averaging 2.5 runs and 6.3 hits during their skid - pounded out a season-high 16 hits Wednesday, including one by Brandon Phillips to extend his hitting streak to 11 games before the second baseman left the game with a left groin strain (he is listed as day-to-day). The Mets’ decision to push ace Noah Syndegaard to Thursday’s series finale backfired as New York allowed five runs in the first inning in Yoenis Cespedes’ return to the lineup. The New York left fielder, who missed the previous three games with a hamstring injury, finished 1-for-4 but it was not enough to keep the Mets from losing their fifth in a row and ninth in the past 10 games. New York was held without a homer for just the fifth time in 20 games this season.

TV: 1:10 p.m. ET, MLB Network, FSN Southeast (Atlanta), SNY (New York)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Braves RH R.A. Dickey (1-2, 3.86 ERA) vs. Mets RH Noah Syndergaard (1-1, 1.73)

Dickey needed just 73 pitches to navigate seven strong innings against Washington on Thursday, giving up three runs on three hits with three strikeouts in a tough 3-2 loss. Right-handed batters are hitting .283 with three homers in 46 at-bats against the 42-year-old. Dickey, who won 39 games and a Cy Young Award with New York from 2010-12, is 2-0 with a 1.59 in three career appearances against the Mets.

The Mets elected to change course Wednesday, allowing Robert Gsellman to take his normal turn in the rotation and bumping Syndergaard back to Thursday. He lost to the Phillies on April 20, surrendering five runs (three earned) in seven innings with 10 strikeouts and no walks - his sixth career game with no walks and double-digit strikeouts. Syndergaard, who began his season with six shutout innings against the Braves on April 3, has yet to walk a hitter or give up a homer in 26 innings with 30 strikeouts.

WALK-OFFS

1. New York SS Asdrubal Cabrera is 6-for-18 lifetime against Dickey with two homers and six RBIs, while OF Curtis Granderson (.172) and 3B Jose Reyes (.154) have struggled.

2. Braves C Tyler Flowers tied a career high Wednesday with four RBIs, finishing 2-for-4.

3. Freeman has five hits in nine at-bats against Syndergaard, but LF Matt Kemp is 1-for-14 with six strikeouts.

PREDICTION: Mets 3, Braves 2

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Blue Jays at Cardinals
GAME: Toronto Blue Jays (6-14) at St. Louis Cardinals (9-11)
DATE/TIME: Thursday, April 27 - 1:45 PM EST
WHERE: Busch Stadium, St. Louis, Missouri

The St. Louis Cardinals have lofty expectations for Carlos Martinez and the right-hander did nothing to temper them with a 10-strikeout performance in his season debut. Still, Martinez remains winless and will look to halt a three-start losing streak on Thursday when the Cardinals play a doubleheader to complete their three-game series against the visiting Toronto Blue Jays.

Martinez typically has been a fast starter since he was moved into the starting rotation in 2015, going a combined 8-0 over April over the past two years en route to winning 30 games. He will face a Toronto offense that entered the series ranked 29th in the majors in scoring before squeezing out a 6-5 victory in 11 innings Tuesday night. Blue Jays manager John Gibbons elected to give catcher Russell Martin the start at third base to help his beleaguered offense and saw the winning run scored by pitcher Marcus Stroman after he delivered a pinch-hit double. The series-opening win put Toronto in position to post back-to-back victories for the first time this season, although the threat of severe weather on Wednesday brought about both a quick postponement and the announcement of the day/night doubleheader.

TV: 1:45 p.m. ET, Sportsnet One, Sportsnet360 (Toronto), FSN Midwest (St. Louis)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Blue Jays RH Mat Latos (0-0, 7.20 ERA) vs. Cardinals RH Carlos Martínez (0-3, 4.76)

Once a mainstay on the pitching staffs of San Diego and Cincinnati, Latos is on his sixth team since the start of 2015 and will be making his second start for Toronto. The 29-year-old Latos worked five innings in his season debut at the Los Angeles Angels, giving up four runs on six hits while walking three in five innings. Latos has been hurt by Yadier Molina, who is 12-for-34 with a homer and five RBIs.

Martinez failed to get through the sixth inning for the third straight outing last time out in Milwaukee, giving up five runs on seven hits over five frames. He had a bizarre line in his previous turn against the New York Yankees, racking up 11 strikeouts while walking eight in 5 1/3 innings. Martinez has been an ordinary pitcher at home, posting a 15-14 record with a 3.77 ERA in 74 appearances (38 starts).

WALK-OFFS

1. Cardinals 3B Jedd Gyorko is 9-for-16 with three doubles, a triple and a homer during a four-game hitting streak.

2. Blue Jays RF Jose Bautista entered the series batting .129 with 26 strikeouts, but had a pair of hits and an RBI single.

3. Cardinals 1B Matt Carpenter served a one-game suspension for making contact with an umpire Sunday versus Milwaukee.

PREDICTION: Cardinals 5, Blue Jays 1

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Nationals at Rockies
GAME: Washington Nationals (15-6) at Colorado Rockies (14-8)
DATE/TIME: Thursday, April 27 - 3:10 PM EST
WHERE: Coors Field, Denver, Colorado

Bryce Harper is hotter than lava as April nears an end and looks to produce another stellar effort when the Washington Nationals conclude their four-game series against the host Colorado Rockies on Thursday afternoon. Harper reached base five times on four hits and a walk in Wednesday's 11-4 victory and is 20-for-34 over the last 10 games to raise his average to a major league-best .432.

The Nationals scored 26 runs in winning the last two games and are a scintillating 8-1 as they enter the finale of their 10-game road trip. Daniel Murphy hit a three-run homer on Wednesday and is tied with Harper for most RBIs (22) in the majors while Ryan Zimmerman is just one behind after going 3-for-5 with a blast and three RBIs. Washington (15-6) owns the top record in the big leagues after Wednesday's victory and has won nine of its 12 contests away from home. Colorado first baseman Mark Reynolds is 10-for-23 with three homers and eight RBIs over his last six games as projected starter Ian Desmond (hand) moves closer to beginning a minor-league rehab stint.

TV: 3:10 p.m. ET, MASN (Washington), ROOT (Colorado)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Nationals LH Gio Gonzalez (2-0, 1.35 ERA) vs. Rockies RH Antonio Senzatela (3-0, 2.08)

Gonzalez has allowed just four earned runs over four starts and ranks third in the National League in ERA. The 31-year-old defeated the New York Mets in his last turn, when he yielded one run and two hits over 6 1/3 innings. Gonzalez is 3-0 with a 3.86 ERA in four career starts against the Rockies and has limited Reynolds to two hits in 12 at-bats with seven strikeouts and seven walks.

Senzatela has won three consecutive starts, working seven innings in each of the performances. The rookie's last two victories were against San Francisco, including Saturday's effort in which he allowed one run and four hits without issuing a walk. The 22-year-old Senzatela is limiting opposing hitters to a collective .202 average while compiling an 0.85 WHIP.

WALK-OFFS

1. Zimmerman has belted five home runs in his last eight games.

2. Colorado CF Charlie Blackmon is riding an 11-game hitting streak after reaching base on a single and two walks on Wednesday.

3. Washington SS Trea Turner, who hit for the cycle on Tuesday, is 7-for-11 with two homers, nine RBIs and seven runs scored over his last two contests.

PREDICTION: Nationals 7, Rockies 4

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Dodgers at Giants
GAME: Los Angeles Dodgers (10-12) at San Francisco Giants (8-14)
DATE/TIME: Thursday, April 27 - 3:45 PM EST
WHERE: AT&T Park, San Francisco, California

The San Francisco Giants have made a flurry of roster moves this week in an effort to jump-start their struggling offense, and the early returns already have provided reason for optimism. The Giants look to win two in a row for just the second time this season on Thursday as they conclude a four-game series against the visiting Los Angeles Dodgers, who are experiencing their own offensive woes.

Giants rookie Christian Arroyo, who was promoted from Triple-A Sacramento on Monday, batted fifth and belted his first career homer in Wednesday's 4-3, 10-inning victory over the rival Dodgers. San Francisco also received an unexpected spark from pinch-hitter Michael Morse, who had his contract purchased from the minors earlier in the day and contributed a solo home run that brought back memories of his championship season with the team in 2014. The Dodgers have lost four of their last six games despite the play of Justin Turner, who is 18-for-47 during his career-high 12-game hitting streak. Yasiel Puig raised his average to .263 with two hits on Wednesday and has reached base safely in 19 of his last 20 games at AT&T Park.

TV: 3:45 p.m. ET, SportsNet LA (Los Angeles), NBC Sports Bay Area (San Francisco)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Dodgers LH Julio Urías (2016: 5-2, 3.39 ERA) vs. Giants LH Matt Moore (1-3, 5.87)

Urías will be making his season debut after posting a 1.93 ERA in three starts for Triple-A Oklahoma City. The 20-year-old, who is expected to remain in the starting rotation moving forward, went 0-1 with a 3.68 ERA in two games (one start) against the Giants last season. “He’s familiar with the big leagues,” manager Dave Roberts told reporters. “He’s pitched in playoff games. So we’re excited to get him back.”

Moore's rough start continued Saturday against the Rockies, as he allowed six runs and nine hits (three homers) over four innings in a 12-3 loss at Coors Field. The 27-year-old faced the Dodgers five times last season, going 3-2 with a 4.40 ERA - including an eight-inning outing on Oct. 2, 2016. Corey Seager has recorded two hits in 11 at-bats against Moore, who owns a 5-3 record and 3.38 ERA in eight career turns at AT&T Park.

WALK-OFFS

1. The Giants placed OF Denard Span on the 10-day disabled list with a sprained right shoulder and recalled INF Kelby Tomlinson from Triple-A Sacramento.

2. Scott Van Slyke is expected to start at first base Thursday in place of Dodgers star Adrian Gonzalez, who will take a scheduled day off.

3. San Francisco SS Brandon Crawford was placed on the bereavement list and will undergo an MRI on his strained groin before his expected return on Friday.

PREDICTION: Giants 5, Dodgers 4

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Astros at Indians
GAME: Houston Astros (14-7) at Cleveland Indians (11-9)
DATE/TIME: Thursday, April 27 - 6:10 PM EST
WHERE: Progressive Field, Cleveland, Ohio

The Houston Astros intend to reach the playoffs and contend for the American League pennant this season and can make an early statement with a series win over the defending AL champs when they visit the Cleveland Indians for the rubber match of a three-game series on Thursday. The Astros are tied for the lead in the AL with 14 wins, but missed out on a chance for a series sweep when they fell 7-6 to the Indians on Wednesday.

Cleveland plans on challenging for the pennant again as well and feels good about its chances thanks to the successful return of left fielder Michael Brantley, who is off to a hot start after sitting out all but 11 games last season due to shoulder troubles. Brantley doesn't appear limited at all in 2017 and extended his hitting streak to 10 games with two hits and three RBIs in Wednesday's win. The Astros are trying to navigate through injuries to two of their best hitters as George Springer (hamstring) and Jose Altuve (shoulder) are both day-to-day. Houston could use Springer and Altuve on Thursday against Cleveland ace Corey Kluber, who opposes Mike Fiers.

TV: 6:10 p.m. ET, MLB Network, ROOT (Houston), SportsTime Ohio (Cleveland)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Astros RH Mike Fiers (0-1, 5.40 ERA) vs. Indians RH Corey Kluber (2-1, 4.28)

Fiers is searching for his first win and allowed three runs on seven hits and a walk over five innings at Tampa Bay on Friday without factoring in the decision. The 31-year-old was bailed out by the offense in his previous start as well, coming away without a decision despite yielding five runs in four innings at Seattle on April 12. Fiers, who has not allowed a hit to Brantley in three career at-bats, is 2-0 with a 2.25 ERA in two career starts against Cleveland.

Kluber got off to a rough start with a 6.38 ERA after his first three turns but got back to his Cy Young form at the Chicago White Sox on Friday. The Stetson product scattered three hits over nine scoreless innings and struck out nine for his fourth career shutout. Kluber is 4-3 with a 3.15 ERA and 50 strikeouts in 40 career innings against Houston.

WALK-OFFS

1. Indians LHP Andrew Miller has yet to allow a run in nine appearances.

2. Houston placed OF Teoscar Hernandez (leg) on the 10-day DL and recalled OF Tony Kemp on Wednesday.

3. Cleveland 2B Jason Kipnis recorded his first multi-hit effort of the season by going 2-for-4 on Wednesday.

PREDICTION: Indians 6, Astros 2