Thursday 9/15/16 service plays chatter/comps/requests & other stuff...

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

At the Gate - Thursday
By Mike Dempsey

It is going to be a fun weekend with six Breeders’ Cup Challenge “Win and You’re In” races on tap and the Road to the Kentucky Derby gets underway as well.

Saturday’s $150,000 Iroquois (G3) serves not only as a “Win and You’re In” race for the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile (G1), it is the first points race toward gaining entry into the Run for the Roses next spring.

The race drew a field of eight promising two-year-olds led by Recruiting Ready, who was second in the Bashford Manor (G3) and then was second but disqualified to fourth in the Saratoga Special (G2).

Thirdforlife will be sent out by Mark Casse off a third place finish in the Best Pal (G2) at Del Mar and the winner and third place finisher of the Ellis Park Juvenile, Lookin At Lee and Honor Thy Father should also be in the mix.

Woodbine hosts four Breeders’ Cup Challenge races this weekend including the $1 million Woodbine Mile (G1). The brilliant mare Tepin, winner against the boys in last fall’s Breeders’ Cup Mile (G1) will use the race as her final prep for defending her title at Santa Anita on Nov. 5.

She has won seven in a row, beating the boys in the Queen Anne Stakes (G1) at Royal Ascot in her last outing.

The Casse trainee is going to be a short price, but catches a good group that includes a trio of overseas invaders—Mr. Owen, who was sixth in the race last year, Arod, a Group 2 winner, and Mutakayyef, who was third behind Postponed in the Juddmonte International Stakes (G1) at York in his last start.



Here is the opening race from Belmont Park to get the day off to a good start:

BEL Race 1 Clm $32,000 (1:30 ET)
#2 Familyofroses 2-1
#1 Majestic Jessica / 1a Champagne Ruby 8-5
#5 Saluda 7-2
#4 Moondance Joy 6-1

Analysis: Familyofroses did not fire last out in the state bred Union Avenue but was coming off back to back hard fought efforts in her first two starts off the claim by Terracciano, who took this gal for just $16,000 back in June. She drops into an easier spot here tagged for $32,000.

Majestic Jessica set the early fractions and weakened to finish fourth last out against $25,000 state breds, catching a racing strip that was kind to outside stalkers and closers. She was claimed out of the race by Gargan who is 23% winners (with a +ROI) first off the claim. This mare has been taken five times since last December and steps into a tougher spot here but owns back numbers good enough to compete. Her entrymate Champagne Ruby beat $25,000 state breds here two back and then regressed last out at the Spa. She also makes her first start off the claim by Gargan.

Wagering
WIN: #2 to win at 2-1 or better.
EX: 2 / 1,5
TRI: no play

Today’s Featured Race of the Day from Belmont Park:

BEL Race 8 OClm $62,500C (5:13 ET)
#8 Koala Queen 6-1
#7 Welcoming 3-1
#12 Insta Erma 8-1
#2 Lady Kreesa 5-1

Analysis: Koala Queen was off a beat slow and made a good late rally to finish third last out at Laurel Park going 5 1/2 furlongs on the turf against Alw-2 optional claimers. The race has produced one next out winner and five others came back to run second in their next starts including two in stakes company. She is in a sharp barn with Delacour and the stretch out to seven furlongs should suit her.

Welcoming came up the inside with a mild late run to finish third last out in the Wild Applause going a mile on the turf here back in June. The winner Ancient Secret was one of three to exit the race to win next out, taking the Lake George (G2) at the Spa on July 22. The Clement trainee ran a close up third tow back in the seven furlong Soaring Softly here. She fits well here on the class drop.

Wagering
WIN: #8 to win at 4-1 or better.
EX: 7,8 / 2,7,8,12
TRI: 7,8 / 2,7,8,12 / 1,2,7,8,12

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.

Belmont Park
R2: #3 Dunk a Din 12-1
R2: #2 Motown Sound 15-1
R3: #4 Darling Sky 15-1
R4: #1 Rosa Dorate / 1a Preziosa 8-1
R6: #12 Frostie Anne 8-1
R8: #12 Insta Erma 8-1
R9: #2 Amber Dancer 10-1

Good luck today!

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Mohawk: Thursday 9/15 Analysis
By Garnet Barnsdale

DRF

Race 1 - $30,000 Guaranteed Pick Five Pool

Race 4 - $50,000 Guaranteed Pick Four Pool


PICK 5: 5/3/1,4/4,5,6,8/1,2,4,5,9,10 = $9.60

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

LATE PICK 4: 1/3,4,9/1,2,4,7,9/3,7,10 = $45

MEET STATS: 345 - 1025 / $1776.70 BEST BETS: 57 - 94 / $179.40

SPOT PLAYS: 20 - 94/ $119.10

Best Bet: ANIKADABRA (1st)

Spot Play: P L KAHLUAA (9th)


Race 1

(5) ANNIKADABRA looks much the best in this first Grassroots semi-final. She will likely go right down the road at a very short price. (2) YOU CANT AFFORD ME has been racing well and she should be put into the race earlier here from a better post. She is an exotics factor. (7) HILARIOUS HONEY is a solid bet for third as her record and recent placings do indicate. (1) STRITCH will likely stay glued to the pylons here and re-emerge for a piece late.

Race 2

(3) BET ON BRETT really turned up the speed to bottom out the field last time. He is getting hot at the right time; call to repeat. (7) SILVERINYOURPOCKET has won three of his last four - all in Grassroots races - and he is the main danger here. (1) ASTON HILL DAVE is still searching for his maiden win, but he should get a good trip here and make the ticket. (8) TIGERS WAY can close from far back for a share.

Race 3

(4) HEAD TURNING JAG has shown tremendous improvement in his past three starts and should win this Grassroots semi-final if he can duplicate his most recent powerful win. (1) THEMANOFMYDREAMS won three times in a row in this company in July and he should be tough starting from the inside. (2) SANTINI couldn't repel the choice last time and he would need to find more late speed here to compete with that rival. (3) YO YO MASS provided the choice's cover last time. He can be closer here if he can avoid taking a lot of air.

Race 4

(6) TYMAL PEACEMAKER has been lights out in Grassroots races in his last two starts and looks best here, too. (8) MC MACH can be a major pace threat if he stays flat. (4) THE DARK SHADOW has raced tough in each of his past two starts and he isn't out of this. (5) DREAMFAIR B J is another that has reached sharp form at the right time and he should threaten the above three here.

Race 5

(2) TIGRA SEELSTER provided perfect cover for the leader last week and she was overtaken very late in the mile. She's really sharp now and is the one to knock off here. (10) BIG TSUNAMI is unbeaten in this class and is worth including here despite the post. (9) PRETTY HOT was out a long way but on good cover last week and she got up to win. She is another to consider for multi-race tickets and she could bring a good price again. (1) DARKTWISTEDFANTASY moves inside, which should make her more dangerous here.

Race 6

(5) POWERFUL MISSION was beaten by a good one last week but that rival draws into a different division of this semi-final. This filly should be tough if she stays flat. (1) DELCREST MAGICSTAR made up a ton of ground in the third quarter last week, which softened her up late. She could get a better trip here and should be used on Pick 4 tickets. (9) JILONA is a speedy threat who has already shown she can overcome this post. (10) NORTHERN OATH should be passing many of these in the back half for a share.

Race 7

(3) PERFECT CENTS was a sharp debut winner for the hottest barn on the grounds last week and this assignment doesn't look much tougher; call to repeat. (10) DIAMOND TESTED hasn't been far back when facing tougher recently. Back in with mostly maidens, she is a must-use here. (2) COME WHAT MAY should get a good following trip; using. (7) PRETTY ANGEL EYES can close for a minor share at a price.

Race 8

(1) MANY A MAN has won the last three times he has been in Grassroots races and he will likely be put into action early here leaving from the inside; top call. (7) LITTLE LION MAN has been getting closer to his first win and he should be a pace threat here, at a minimum. (2) CHARMBO CHROME has raced much better in his last two starts. He should get a good piece of this. (8) ZORGWIJK ROCKET has been solid in this class for several weeks. He could better this prediction.

Race 9

(4) P L KAHLUAA went much faster early to the three quarters than she ever has last week and she paid the price late in the mile. These should be much easier and she can get back on track here. (9) WHITE DANCER gets a catch-driver back and she is capable of charging onto the scene late at a price. (3) SHANGHAI SUGAR has never missed the board and she has to be considered here based on her consistent approach. (5) AMULET SEELSTER is another that consistently hits the board and should be used on vertical wagers.

Race 10

(2) JOLTS PRAYER won three straight in this class in July and August and she should be tough to beat here starting from the inside. (7) BADLANDS DELIGHT tries hard every week but never seems to get a winning trip. She will break through soon. (1) CHARMING HILL gets reclassified here and has shown enough speed to compete with these; consider. (4) MISS PRINT never misses the Super and she should be in the picture for a slice at the wire here, too.

Race 11

(10) P L KARIS beat similar two back before trying tougher south of the border. She could beat these at a price here if she floats out and lands in the top 5 early. (3) ANDERSON SEELSTER will be a pace threat as she typically is and is the one they will have to overhaul late. (7) DAENERYS HANOVER is one of the best closers in here and she is sharp; using. (2) ODYSSEEUS is consistently in the picture at the wire and she has a decent shot to upset here. (6) THE JOY LUCK CLUB is a good one to use on the bottom of exotic wagers.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Yonkers: Thursday 9/15 Analysis
By Matt Rose

DRF

MEET STATS: 313 - 906 / $1,728.70

BEST BETS: 42 - 75 / $142.40

Best Bet: ROCK THE BOAT (4th)

Spot Play: SNOW CONE A (12th)


Race 1

Two barn-change bonanzas in effect here... (3) HIGH JOLTAGE joined the Allard barn and jogged in 1:53 at Monti. (4) RESTLESS YANKEE ships from Minnesota to join the Milici barn. Has to be one of these two, no? (6) YO CHEYENNE ROCKY is slowly racing his way back into shape.

Race 2

(1) AMERICAN ALIVE has raced very well in her last two and draws best here. (3) LITTLE MISS HENRY was pretty empty last week but she has a proven track record at Yonkers and Banca is going well again. (4) KIDDIE MCCARDLE makes her second start freelegged and may show improvement.

Race 3

(2) ROCK ABSORBER has been racing decently at Philly and looks like a good fit here from this spot for connections who have done well here. (4) DIABANDO faces better off a series of good efforts. (1) HANDS OFF FRANK gets much-needed post relief.

Race 4

(1) ROCK THE BOAT is lightly raced compared to the rest of these but he jogged in his lone NYSS test in his career debut. (4) MISO FAST failed in his lone local appearance and lost again last out at Batavia; use caution. (6) BARRY HANOVER gets the worst draw but may try leaving the gate.

Race 5

(6) FUNKNWAFFLES has been very impressive in his brief career and is clearly the one to beat despite the poor post. (3) SERIOUS MAJOR gets Zeron back in the bike and should be forwardly placed. (5) WHAT'S GOIN ON has been a steady check earner in his young career.

Race 6

(5) CHIP WALTHER was used hard and folded on the front end in his last local appearance; colt seems better from off the pace and will be a nice price here. (3) POINTTOMYGRANSON jogged on the front end up at Batavla and raced well in his Metro elmination at Mohawk but he stopped on the front end when last at Yonkers. (2) WILLIE JOE HILL is still a maiden but has hit the board in all seven career starts.

Race 7

(5) DUNE IN RED has faced and beaten much better than these in the past; an alert getaway and live trip can get it done. (3) CANACO STAR ripped out of the pocket to win last out and can certainly repeat. (1) MARLEE B was a sharp winner last week at Pocono, her debut for Oakes; dangerous.

Race 8

(4) JETS ARE ON gets much-needed class and post relief, plus a switch to Stratton in the bike; she can grind these down from this spot. (3) KAMWOOD LAUGHTER N is up in class after forgetting to stop on the front end last week. (6) LYONS SHADOW has much more ability than she's been showing; consider.

Race 9

(2) SMOOTH CRIMINAL has been razor-sharp and can keep the good times rolling off the Allard claim. (3) CARD SHOCK has hit the ticket in his last three and lands another decent post. (1) A PLUS HANOVER was a good second four back from the rail spot; he'll be close up throughout.

Race 10

(4) REAL FLIGHT has been a tiger pretty much all season and he's more than capable of making it a baker's dozen in the win column tonight. (1) SPORTS BETTOR faces a much tougher test but he was very good in his debut for new connections. (7) SPORTSKEEPER is another that won last out off the claim but he's got to overcome the outside spot.

Race 11

(4) ROYAL MAX faltered on the front end at odds-on in his last couple but he faces a softer field here and could get the job done. (1) BINGO QUEEN is up in class off a win at the added-distance and she's a threat if she behaves herself. (2) FOR YOU ALMOSTFREE gets post relief and he's got back class to call upon.

Race 12

(5) SNOW CONE A has been a fringe player recently versus better and she could be a halfway decent price dropping in class. (4) BETTOR BE STEPPIN is still trying to find her way this year after making big money as a youngster; Sears drives. (1) MCCOVEY COVE N finally showed forward progress for the first time since leaving the Tritton barn.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Handicapped by Chatsworth Consortium at Monticello Raceway

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

Race 5 - Post: 2:18 - 1 mile. TROT - Class Rating: 78 - Purse:$3400 - N/W $250 P/S L/5 OR P/S IN 2016 $5000 P/C L/S AE: N/W 5 PM LT AE: $5000 CLM W/A
CONSORTIUM*CHOICES

# 5 ELLEN'S STREAK 3/1
# 1 CITY KID 5/2
# 4 ARMSTEAD KYRA 4/1

ELLEN'S STREAK looks to be our best wagering option in this outing. Overall numbers look really strong. Can't throw her out of the picture. Could be the finest in the field of starters here, showing competitive figures of late. Average speed is a solid 81. If effort in the last race is any indicator, this harness racer will have a very very good shot in here. High last race TrackMaster speed fig. CITY KID - Looks like a strong contender in this field and his better than average winning percentage says he has the ability to take the whole enchilada in here. When the starter calls, fine animals beginning out of the 1 position have more wins than is normal. ARMSTEAD KYRA - Good for a win bet just off the outstanding prior class ratings. Have to like this nice horse. No way we can pass on this mare given one of the most solid driver-handler stats around.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Handicapped by Chatsworth Consortium at Oxford

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

Race 8 - Post: 3:50 - 1 mile. PACE - Class Rating: 74 - Purse:$3400 - NON-WINNERS $2500 L/5 STARTS AE: CLAIMERS $4000 OXFORD FAIR SPYDER BIKE
CONSORTIUM*CHOICES

# 2 BEACH FIGHTER A 7/2
# 8 NATURAL BREEZE 5/1
# 4 CHILLI NZ 8/1

The consensus in this race is that BEACH FIGHTER A is the one to beat. Many harness players know speed is is such an important factor. This harness racer has credentials with a 77 average number. Seems to have a good class edge based on the opponents he has faced. This standardbred will be greatly helped with Switzer controlling. 20 percent winners over the last 30 days. NATURAL BREEZE - Has the perfect running style to better this field of horses, according to the pace statistics. CHILLI NZ - A nice play in here as he has one of the highest winning percents in the race as well as magnificent credentials all around. This harness racer looks very good. Take a good look at the 78 avg speed figure.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Handicapped by The Walker Group at Arlington

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


Race 4 - Claiming - 8.0f on the Turf. Purse: $12000 Class Rating: 87

FOR FILLIES THREE YEARS OLD OR FILLIES AND MARES FOUR YEARS OLD AND UPWARD WHICH HAVE NEVER WON THREE RACES. THREE YEAR OLDS, 122 LBS.; OLDER, 124 LBS. NON-WINNERS OF A RACE AT A MILE OR OVER SINCE AUGUST 15 ALLOWED 3 LBS. CLAIMING PRICE $16,000 LANE 1. 6FT OUT. (IF THE MANAGEMENT CONSIDERS IT


RECOMMENDED*CHOICES


# 4 GIRARDONI 2/1

# 1 GO BONNIE GO 6/1

# 2 BAYAGO 5/2

GIRARDONI has a very good shot to take this race. Overall the Speed Figures of this pony look formidable in this race. Looks like a reliable contender for the exotics. With a very good 84 speed rating last time out, will definitely be a factor in this competition. GO BONNIE GO - Looks respectable for the conditions of this affair today, showing solid figures in turf route races as of late. Have to wager on this filly with the sound earnings per start in turf route races. BAYAGO - A solid 88 avg class rating may give this mare a distinct class edge against this group of horses in this race. Has performed admirably lately in route races, posting a nifty 79 avg speed rating.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Handicapped by The Walker Group at Delaware Park

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


Race 3 - SA - 8.3f on the Dirt. Purse: $16000 Class Rating: 82

FOR FILLIES AND MARES THREE YEARS OLD AND UPWARD WHICH HAVE STARTED FOR A CLAIMING PRICE OF $5,000 OR LESS IN 2015-2016. THREE YEAR OLDS, 120 LBS.; OLDER, 123 LBS. NON-WINNERS OF A RACE SINCE AUGUST 15 ALLOWED 3 LBS. A RACE SINCE JUNE 15, 2016 ALLOWED 5 LBS.


RECOMMENDED*CHOICES


# 1 INNER DEMONS 5/2

# 5 IDON'TKNOGOASKANNI 7/2

# 6 EVEN PRETTIER 9/5

INNER DEMONS looks very strong to best this field. Is difficult not to consider based on Equibase Speed Figs which have been formidable - 80 avg - of late. She has a respectable distance/surface win record - 7 for 17. With a decent 70 speed fig last time out, will clearly be a factor in this contest. IDON'TKNOGOASKANNI - Her 70 average has this mare with among the most respectable Speed Figures in this contest. Gonzalez has a strong win percent with horses racing in dirt route races. EVEN PRETTIER - Must be given a chance - I like the numbers from the last competition.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Handicapped by The Turf Club Analysts

Belterra Park - Race #4 - Post: 2:57pm - Claiming - 8.3 furlongs on the Dirt. Purse: $7,400 Class Rating: 75

Rating:

#4 GRACE'S DEVIL (ML=8/1)
#10 SILENT SECRET (ML=5/1)
#7 OUR BAILIWICK (ML=7/2)
#3 WICKED CHEER (ML=6/1)


GRACE'S DEVIL - The jock and trainer combination here have a high winning percentage when they join forces. SILENT SECRET - This gelding is in a good spot here. Is at the same distance he won at on June 25th. Personally, I wouldn't worry about where he finished in his last race (fourth). Should rebound in this race, with some respectable odds. OUR BAILIWICK - Have to make this gelding a win candidate; he comes off a good race on Sep 4th. Aboard this entrant on September 4th and McKee is right back in the irons today. Horse has improved at least two speed fig points in last two races. I look for that trend to continue right here. WICKED CHEER - Last out, this one was in a race at Ellis Park in a race with a class rating of 87. Dropping drastically in class rating in today's event puts him in a solid position right here. I am keen on that recent race on August 26th at Ellis Park where he ran fourth. Here is a true horse for the course. Loves the track here at Belterra Park.

Vulnerable Contenders: #2 ROCKIN DONOVAN (ML=5/2),

ROCKIN DONOVAN - This morning-line choice hasn't raced or worked at the track in awhile. No drills since last race. Shouldn't wager on this one as the chalk with little to offer for the risk involved. This horse ran his best fig in awhile. May bounce and run poorly off that attempt.

GUEST COMMENTARY: The Brain - OUR BAILIWICK - Racing against a similar field as last out. I believe he'll now be settled in at this class level and should perform well right here in this race.
*


STRAIGHT WAGERS:

Putting our cash on #4 GRACE'S DEVIL to win. Have to have odds of at least 4/1 or better though

EXACTA WAGERS:

Box [4,10] Box [4,7] Box [3,4]

TRIFECTA WAGERS:

Pass

SUPERFECTA WAGERS:

Skip

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Handicapped by The Turf Club Analysts

Louisiana Downs - Race #3 - Post: 4:14pm - Claiming - 6.5 furlongs on the Dirt. Purse: $6,500 Class Rating: 64

Rating:

#5 CHOOSE CODY (ML=9/2)
#6 JIM TAT (ML=7/2)


CHOOSE CODY - This is the only real stalker in the race. I think this gelding is ready to run a good one. He's had enough races since the vacation and should be fit. JIM TAT - I undeniably see good luck for this noble animal right here.

Vulnerable Contenders: #3 HUNSA'S MAGIC (ML=2/1), #2 CHARLIE AND I (ML=5/2), #7 SALUTE THE DEUCE (ML=8/1),

HUNSA'S MAGIC - Should have at least finished in the money in the last couple of months in a sprint event to be worth the chance at minimal odds in a sprint. CHARLIE AND I - This animal doesn't have a champion's temperament. Repeatedly finishes second or third. This gelding has already tasted defeat as the chalk the last two times. Hard to give him another chance. Once you've got at least ten races at the oval and still have no victories, its tough to break through for a victory. SALUTE THE DEUCE - Last performed on September 2nd at Louisiana Downs, finishing fifth. Not likely to move up off of that outing in today's event.

GUEST COMMENTARY: Winston - CHOOSE CODY - Coming right back after racing on September 5th at Louisiana Downs. He'll run a good one today.
*


STRAIGHT WAGERS:

#5 CHOOSE CODY to win at post-time odds of 7/5 or better

EXACTA WAGERS:

Box [5,6]

TRIFECTA WAGERS:

Pass

SUPERFECTA WAGERS:

Skip

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Handicapped by Rick Needham at Belmont Park

RACE #3 - BELMONT PARK - 2:32 PM EASTERN POST

8.0 FURLONGS TURF FILLIES AND MARES THREE YEARS OLD AND UPWARD OPTIONAL CLAIMING $90,000.00 PURSE

#5 ROCA ROJO
#2 MY CARA MIA
#3 SHAYJOLIE
#4 DARLING SKY

#5 ROCA ROJO, an Irish-bred entry, takes a class drop (-7), and is the overall speed and pace profile leader in this O.C. field racing at today's distance of a mile on the grass, and has produced "POWER RUN PERFORMANCES" in each of her four career starts to date, including back-to-back-to-back "POWER RUN WINS" in her first three starts. Jockey John Velazquez and Trainer Chad Brown send her to the post ... they've hit the board with 65% of their entries saddled as a team to date. #2 MY CARA MIA, a 4-1 shot, qualifies as a TrackMaster PLUS "PowerPony," and has turned in four "POWER RUNS" in her last five starts, hitting the board in a pair, including a "POWER RUN WIN" in her 4th race back.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

SPOT PLAYS

For Thursday

TRACK (RACE) HORSE, MORNING LINE

Arlington Park (4th) Goddess of Kip, 4-1
(7th) B N a Native Girl, 5-1


Belmont Park (6th) Frostie Anne, 8-1
(7th) Come Around, 7-2


Belterra Park (2nd) Millennium Star, 8-1
(7th) Gypsy Angel Row, 7-2


Canterbury Park (1st) Blazing Angel, 10-1
(7th) Emma's Parade, 9-2


Charles Town (5th) Mesa Lady, 3-1
(8th) Nine Sixty, 10-1


Delaware Park (3rd) Dragon Queen, 6-1
(4th) Women of Gold, 8-1


Finger Lakes (4th) Brokers Prize, 6-1
(7th) Desert Turf, 6-1


Golden Gate Fields (2nd) Handful of Pearls, 7-2
(7th) Stole a Kiss, 4-1


Gulfstream Park (3rd) Jules of the Nile, 9-2
(7th) Matchbook Lilly, 8-1


Kentucky Downs (1st) Nana Looch, 10-1
(4th) Quality Emperor, 6-1


Los Alamitos (5th) Next Book, 4-1
(8th) Spring Heat, 3-1


Louisiana Downs (7th) Mine Yours an Ours, 6-1
(8th) Extraordainarily, 5-1


Penn National (3rd) Kingdom's Crown, 7-2
(6th) Queen Patron, 3-1


Presque Isle Downs (2nd) Sky Above, 4-1
(5th) Zephara, 7-2


Remington Park (1st) Donoharm, 4-1
(5th) Daring Artax, 4-1

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

MLB roundup: Cubs claim share of NL Central title
By The Sports Xchange

ST. LOUIS -- Jon Lester continued his remarkable late-season run and pushed the Chicago Cubs to the brink of the National League Central title.
Lester allowed three hits over eight innings and knocked in the game's first run to lead Chicago to a 7-0 win over the St. Louis Cardinals on Wednesday at Busch Stadium.
Lester (17-4) walked one, struck out eight and faced just two batters over the minimum. It was the sixth consecutive start in which Lester has allowed zero or one run.
The Cubs (93-52) clinched at least a tie for the division title and can pop the champagne Thursday night with a victory over Milwaukee at Wrigley Field. It will be their first division championship since 2008.

Orioles 1, Red Sox 0
BOSTON -- Mark Trumbo's towering solo home run in the second inning proved to be the difference for Baltimore at Fenway Park.
Trumbo's blast was his major-league-leading 42nd and his first since a Sept. 2 solo shot against the Yankees. His previous career high in homers was 34.
Orioles starter Kevin Gausman (8-10) outdueled 20-game winner Rick Porcello, tossing eight scoreless innings while allowing four hits and one walk. Zach Britton shut down the Red Sox in the ninth to convert his 43rd straight save opportunity to start the year, a major league record for a left-handed pitcher.

Rays 8, Blue Jays 1
TORONTO -- Corey Dickerson belted a home run and had four RBIs, Kevin Kiermaier also went deep and Alex Cobb won for the first time in nearly two years as Tampa Bay defeated Toronto.
Cobb (1-0), who was making his third start since returning from Tommy John surgery, allowed one run, two hits and three walks in 6 2/3 innings. The right-hander struck out four in winning for the first time since Sept. 2, 2014.
The Rays (62-83) won the rubber match of the three-game series and took the season set 11-8 from the skidding Blue Jays (79-66), who are 3-9 in September.

Nationals 1, Mets 0
WASHINGTON -- Tanner Roark threw seven scoreless innings and Wilson Ramos belted a homer with one out in the seventh as Washington beat New York.
The second-place Mets are now 10 games back of the first-place Nationals (87-59) with 16 games left. The magic number for Washington to clinch the National League East is seven.
Ramos, showing signs of life after a long slump, hit the first pitch he saw from reliever Fernando Salas into the seats in center for his 21st homer of the season. Roark gave up three hits with seven strikeouts and four walks as he went seven scoreless innings for the ninth time this year.

Dodgers 2, Yankees 0
NEW YORK -- Clayton Kershaw retired the first 12 hitters he faced but had his second start since returning from a back injury halted by a second rain delay, and Justin Turner produced the tiebreaking double with none out in the top of the ninth inning for Los Angeles.
Corey Seager opened the ninth against Dellin Betances when his one-hopper went off Starlin Castro's glove for an error. Seager stole second before Turner doubled down the left field line. Turner eventually then scored the second run on a throwing error by Betances.
Kershaw needed only 44 pitches to get through the first four innings, which were interrupted by a 12-minute rain delay after the top of the fourth. He wound up allowing one hit in five innings.

Tigers 9, Twins 6
DETROIT -- Miguel Cabrera drove his 33rd home run of the season off the top of the railing on the wall in deep left center to break a 6-6 tie with one out in the seventh inning and lead Detroit over Minnesota.
The win went to Shane Greene after a scoreless seventh. Bruce Rondon worked the eighth and Francisco Rodriguez gained his 42nd save after a run-free ninth.
Detroit added two unearned runs in the eighth. James McCann reached on a passed ball charged to Kurt Suzuki while striking out. He was bunted to second, stopped at third on a single to left by Jose Iglesias and scored on a bloop single to center by Ian Kinsler, his fourth hit of the game. Iglesias scored on reliever Michael Tonkin's wild pitch.

Phillies 6, Pirates 2
PHILADELPHIA -- Philadelphia had 15 hits and Pittsburgh's late-season struggles continued at Citizens Bank Park.
The Phillies got home runs from Freddy Galvis and Tommy Joseph, and rookie Jake Thompson provided six strong innings on the mouth. Every starting position player for the Phillies had a hit, and six players had multi-hit games.
The loss was the 13th in 16 games for Pittsburgh, which has seen its National League wild-card hopes take a hit. The Pirates trail the New York Mets by six games.

Padres 3, Giants 1
SAN FRANCISCO -- Luis Perdomo pitched into the seventh inning and the bullpen threw hitless ball the rest of the way as San Diego finished a three-game sweep.
The loss kept the Giants just one game ahead of the St. Louis Cardinals (76-69) in the National League wild-card race on the eve of their four-game series.
Luis Sardinas had three hits, scored twice and drove in a run for the Padres, who have won six straight against the Giants. The three-game sweep was San Diego's first in San Francisco since May 2010.

A's 8, Royals 0
KANSAS CITY, Mo. -- Sean Manaea collected his first career road victory as Oakland downed Kansas City.
Manaea, who was 0-6 with a 6.44 ERA in his first eight road starts, handcuffed the Royals on three hits for five innings. After walking one and giving up two singles in the first, Manaea (6-9) limited Kansas City to one hit the next four innings. John Axford, Liam Hendriks, and Chris Smith completed the four-hit shutout.
The A's widened the margin with a three-run eighth. Khris Davis had a two-run single off Brandon McCarthy, giving him six RBIs for the series. Ryon Healy's two-out single off left-hander Scott Alexander scored Davis with the final run.

Marlins 7, Braves 5
ATLANTA -- Jose Fernandez bounced back from a rocky start to retire 10 of the last 11 batters he faced and pitch Miami over Atlanta at Turner Field.
Fernandez (15-8) settled down after he allowed four runs in the second inning and broke a five-game road losing streak.
The Marlins took a 5-4 lead with a four-run rally in the sixth, getting a run on an infield single and RBI from Derek Dietrich and a three-run homer by Marcell Ozuna, his 23rd home run of the season. It was Ozuna's first home run since Aug. 18 and matched his career best since in 2014.

Brewers 7, Reds 0
CINCINNATI -- Domingo Santana hit a three-run homer, Scooter Gennett added a two-run shot and Junior Guerra tossed six shutout innings for Milwaukee.
The Brewers won for just the second time in its previous seven meetings with Cincinnati and avoided being swept by the Reds for the first time since 2013.
Guerra gave up three hits and two walks and struck out five. The Brewers improved to 14-6 when he pitches. The loss halted the Reds' four-game win streak.

Indians 6, White Sox 1
CHICAGO -- Josh Tomlin's return to the rotation was a success for Cleveland, which defeated Chicago. Cleveland, which lost the first two games of the series, has a chance to earn a split in the finale Thursday.
Tomlin, who was removed from the rotation during a stretch of poor outings, earned the win in his first start since Aug. 30. Replacing injured right-hander Danny Salazar, Tomlin went five innings and allowed one run on four hits. He struck out two and didn't allow a walk.
Four Cleveland relievers combined to hold Chicago scoreless in the final four innings.

Astros 8, Rangers 4
HOUSTON -- Marwin Gonzalez delivered a seeing-eye, two-run single in the eighth inning to provide needed insurance for Houston, which averted a series sweep by defeating Texas.
Gonzalez rolled a single off Tanner Scheppers just under the glove of shortstop Elvis Andrus and into center field, driving home Tyler White and Yulieski Gurriel to extend the Astros' tenuous lead to 7-4.
The Rangers nearly clawed their back from a four-run deficit, getting a two-run home run from Nomar Mazara in the seventh inning before Jonathan Lucroy added an RBI single in the eighth. Earlier, Teoscar Hernandez hit a two-run homer as Houston built a 5-1 lead.

Mariners 2, Angels 1
ANAHEIM, Calif. -- Nelson Cruz hit a solo home run in the top of the seventh inning to give Seattle a win over Los Angeles at Angel Stadium.
Kyle Seager also hit a solo homer as the Mariners extended their best winning streak of the season to eight games. Seattle moved within 1 1/2 games of the Toronto Blue Jays for the second wild-card spot and within 8 1/2 games of the first-place Texas Rangers in the American League West.
Right-hander Hisashi Iwakuma established a career high with his 16th victory. Iwakuma (16-11) induced 10 groundouts in 6 1/3 innings, conceded one run on five hits and three walks and registered two strikeouts. Edwin Diaz pitched a perfect ninth inning with one strikeout for his 16th save.

Diamondbacks 11, Rockies 6
PHOENIX -- Jean Segura had five hits including a pair of home runs to power Arizona past Colorado, completing a three-game sweep.
Brandon Drury homered in his third straight game and Chris Owings also homered for the Diamondbacks, who swept a home series for the first time since Sept. 29 - October 1, 2015, also against the Rockies.
The Diamondbacks finished with 16 hits, the 14th consecutive game against Colorado in which Arizona had double-digit hits. It's the longest single-season streak against a single opponent since the Brooklyn Robins accomplished the feat against Philadelphia in 1930.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Twins (54-92) at Tigers (78-67)

Game: 4
Venue: Comerica Park
Date: September 15, 2016 1:10 PM EDT

DETROIT -- Two starting pitchers Detroit was counting on to be rotation mainstays entering the season have been relative non-contributors the last two months but the Tigers are counting on one of them, Mike Pelfrey, to give them a chance to win a game Thursday that will keep them in the playoff hunt.

Pelfrey (4-9, 4.76 ERA) hasn't started since July 31 due to a bad back. He was activated to pitch out of the bullpen Sept. 5 but has not been in a game since his last start.

"He can't throw many more than 60 or so pitches," manager Brad Ausmus said Wednesday. "So that'll definitely be a game that involves the bullpen."

Pelfrey was signed by Detroit to a two-year deal worth $11 million as a free agent after Minnesota let him go last winter.

He has faced the Twins three times in his career with a 1-0 record and 5.28 ERA. Two of those starts came with the Tigers this season but he didn't win or lose either game.

Zimmermann has made just two starts for Detroit since the end of June and both were bad.

But three pitchers acquired by former GM Dave Dombrowski at the trade deadline in 2015 -- Michael Fulmer, Daniel Norris and Matt Boyd -- have firmed up Detroit's rotation.

"To me the most surprising part of our season," Ausmus said, "is that for a good chunk of the year we've had three rookies in the rotation and we have 18 games left and we're playing for a playoff spot.

"That is not a recipe, generally, for playing for a playoff spot, having three rookies in the rotation."

Minnesota counters with left-hander Hector Santiago (11-8, 4.75 ERA). Santiago has made seven of his previous 29 starts this season with the Twins after being acquired from the Los Angeles Angels.

He pitched against Detroit on May 31 while with Los Angeles, allowing six runs in 6 2/3 innings. Lifetime, Santiago is 1-4 with a 3.09 ERA in nine starts and seven relief appearances.

The Twins hope to have first baseman Joe Mauer, a career .303 hitter against the Tigers, available for action for the afternoon game.

Mauer hasn't played since Saturday due to a sore quad.

"Joe could have pinch-hit," Minnesota manager Paul Molitor said after the Twins blew a 5-2 lead and lost, 9-6, to Detroit on Wednesday. "I was going to use him there in a one- or two-run game, depending on how it was going to come up.

"But when it got to three I decided to hold on just in case we got a couple baserunners. (Eddie) Rosario was available too."

"The last three or four weeks I have had to back off three or four times," Mauer said.

Both Mauer and Rosario could be back in the lineup Thursday.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

September Pitchers Report
By Marc Lawrence

Much like our waistlines after a tasty Labor Day barbeque, MLB rosters have expanded to accommodate September, the final month of the season. And as College Football and the NFL crash onto the scene, MLB pitchers take the final spotlight in hopes of leading their teams on to the playoff trail.

The question is which ones can we count on and which ones figure to be candidates for offseason Weight Watchers meetings?

Check it out.

Listed below are hurlers that have enjoyed a two-to-one or better success ratio in team starts the last three seasons during the month of September. On the flip side, we’ve also listed pitchers that struggle in September team starts, winning 33% percent or less of their efforts.

To qualify pitchers must have made a minimum of 10 starts, with at least one start each September over the last three years.

Note: * designates a categorical repeat appearance by this pitcher, maintaining status quo from last season’s September’s list.

Enjoy the games.

GOOD MONTH PITCHERS:

Arrieta, Jake - 12-2 (8-1 H)

For nearly two full seasons, Arrieta has been as good as it gets in baseball as a starting pitcher. While strikeouts have been down a bit and walks are up of late, at this time it hard to find fault with a hurler who has opposing batters hitting below .200 against him and has a 2.84 ERA to start the month.

Cole, Gerrit - 14-3 (6-0 H)

The Pittsburgh ace has frankly had a mediocre injury-plagued season and on August 27th had an MRI on his elbow, which revealed no damage. If Pirates the are going to snare a third consecutive Wild Card bid, they will need the Cole of the past two years. Note: Cole’s record also represents his MLB career team start mark during the month of September.

*Grenike, Zack - 13-3 (7-1 H)

Greinke's ERA is higher than past year's but pitching in thinner air of Arizona has contributed to this. While the Diamondbacks have little too play for, expect Grienke to be tough as nails like usual.

Hamels, Cole - 12-5 (6-2 H)

Need a big game pitched in September? It’s hard to go wrong with Hamels, whose ERA of 2.91 is well below career mark of 3.26. Still owns lively fastball and changeup is knee-buckling. A true professional.

*Jimenez, Ubaldo - 12-1 (6-0 H)

Still toeing the rubber every five days or for Baltimore in spite of mid-sixes ERA. Baltimore has few options and Jimenez is not trustworthy in the bullpen either. Orioles need big month from their big man to reach the playoffs and this is his best month.

*Kershaw, Clayton - 12-3 (6-1 A)

Kershaw threw in simulated game on August 30 and later said "feeling really good" and if all goes well, the Dodgers hope Kershaw can pitch in September and beyond in some role, which only makes the Dodgers a bigger threat. Best pitcher in baseball.

Kluber, Corey - 10-3 (5-1 A)

Has been back to Cy Young form since the All-Star break with an ERA under 2.00 and Cleveland has won his last six outings. When he commands both sides of dish with fastball, for whatever reason, his curveball has more break. A true established ace for the Tribe trying to win the division.

Koehler, Tom - 10-5 (5-1 A)

Been very effective in a quiet way nationally, but has been extremely dependable for two months leading to this month for Miami, supplying six to seven solid innings per start. If he's throwing strikes inside to batters, he’s tough to hit. Note: Koehler’s record also represents his MLB career team start mark during the month of September.

Peavy, Jake - 11-3 (5-1 H)

Went on DL in late August with lower back strain. Had been working out of bullpen most of August and future status with San Francisco is as cloudy as the weather in the Bay.

*Price, David - 12-5 (7-2 H)

After a largely below season in Boston, Price has been much sharper in latter stages of August, which is what the Red Sox need. What has changed is Price became more effective in keeping the ball lower and is getting more fly ball outs as a power pitcher, which are genuinely more routine.

*Scherzer, Max - 11-4 (6-3 H)

After a somewhat slow start, Scherzer has been getting better and better and base hits allowed are well below innings pitched (128 vs. 190), yet walking few batters (45), especially compared to strikeouts (238). Back to pacing around mound like the king of the jungle.

*Shields, James - 13-4 (8-0 A)

It has been a wild ride for Shields this season, with numerous hideous outings blended in with several sharp ones. At this stage, hard to think the 34-year righty can duplicate the past seasons.

Strasburg, Stephen- 9-4 (5-1 A)

Starts the month on the DL after some very ugly starts last month. If Washington is to do anything in the postseason, Strasburg needs to regain early season form, which features moving fastball and big breaking curve.

*Zimmermann, Jordan - 11-4 (6-2 A)

If rehab assignments go well, September 10th is target date for return. Zimmermann has not been very effective for quite some time and easy to forget he had ERA of 2.45 in mid-May, compared to current 4.44.

BAD MONTH PITCHERS:

*Hellickson, Jeremy - 2-10 (1-5 H)

All things considered, Hellickson has not had a bad year in Philadelphia. However, upon closer inspection, most of his numbers are now near career norms and if that ends being the same this month, real bet against potential.

Leake, Mike - 5-10 (1-7 A)

The Cardinals right-hander has been a lot like his teams, when Leake has been good, he and St. Louis have generally won, when not they have too often lost badly. Cards are hoping not to see a repeat performance from the veteran.

Ross, Tyson - 3-11 (1-6 A)

Started on Opening Day and has not been seen since for San Diego with bum shoulder. Still trying to work way bad through rehab. Probably best to forget 2016.

*Sale, Chris - 2-12 (0-8 A)

It is almost unimaginable Sale could have a record like this in September, yet he does. Part of it is the White Sox offense is too unreliable and Sale's miscues end up being quite costly. Let's see what the final month brings for the big lefty.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Rays (62-83) at Orioles (80-65)

Game: 1
Venue: Oriole Park at Camden Yards
Date: September 15, 2016 7:05 PM EDT

BALTIMORE -- The Baltimore Orioles and Tampa Bay Rays start a four-game series at Camden Yards on Thursday that means a whole lot to the hosts while the visitors will be simply playing spoiler.

Baltimore (80-65) comes into the series after taking two of three in Boston and pulling to within one game of Boston (81-64) in the American League East and moving past Toronto into second place by one game.

Also, the Orioles now are on top of the wild-card race, leading the Blue Jays (79-66) by that one game and Detroit (78-67) by two. The Orioles will have plenty of chance to make noise in the final 17 games with 14 coming versus American League East teams.

"The guys have earned the right to play these types of games," Orioles manager Buck Showalter said on masnsports.com. "It's a very quiet confidence. They're not guys who toot their own horn. They kind of like when people sell them short, and now we're going back to a place, our city, that gets them and gets what they're doing for the last four years."

Mark Trumbo hit his major league-best 42nd homer in the second inning Wednesday, and that gave the Orioles a 1-0 victory over the Red Sox in the series finale. Zach Britton earned his 43rd save in 43 chances in the ninth inning after Kevin Gausman threw eight shutout innings.

The Orioles have struggled on the road all season but are coming off a trip where they took two of three versus Tampa Bay, Detroit and the Red Sox to go 6-3 overall.

Baltimore now is 35-40 on the road but boasts a much stronger 45-25 record at Camden Yards, where the team plays its next 11 games -- these four versus the Rays (62-83) before taking on Boston (four games) and Arizona (three).

Baltimore stands 11-4 this season versus the Rays, the most wins for the Orioles against any other club. In addition, the Orioles have a 6-0 record at home against Tampa Bay.

The Orioles still have a few injury problems. They're hoping to get set-up man Darren O'Day back from the disabled list Sunday or right after that. Joey Rickard should be activated from the DL Monday, Showalter told the media in Boston on Wednesday.

Steve Pearce received a PRP injection in his right elbow/arm on Wednesday, and his status remains unclear at this time.

Yovani Gallardo will start for the Orioles in the series opener. They skipped him the last time through the rotation as the right-hander's struggled this season, going 5-7 with a 5.44 ERA.

The Rays (62-83) come into the series after two consecutive wins over the struggling Jays. Corey Dickerson and Kevin Kiermaier both homered in Wednesday's 8-1 victory over Toronto, giving the club a new record of 200 homers in one season.

Blake Snell (5-8, 3.62 ERA) lasted just 2 2/3 innings in his last start, a loss to the Yankees on Sept. 9. He gave up three runs and made 88 pitches in that short time.

Also, this will be his first start ever versus Baltimore.

Tampa Bay manager Kevin Cash said even though his team's long been out of the playoff picture, games versus the American League East give them a good look at where they're at.

"You gauge yourself against the teams you play in your division," Cash said. "For whatever reason, we've played some good games against (Toronto). That's a trend we need to continue against the rest of the division."

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Yankees (77-68) at Red Sox (81-64)

Game: 1
Venue: Fenway Park
Date: September 15, 2016 7:10 PM EDT

BOSTON -- When the New York Yankees last visited Fenway Park in early August, they were bidding farewell to Alex Rodriguez and their playoffs hopes appeared slim to none.

One month later, a youth movement has brought them within four games of the American League East-leading Boston Red Sox and into another late-season showdown with their bitter rival.

Boston hosts New York in the opener of a four-game weekend set Thursday night.

"I probably would've said this is where we should be," said New York manager Joe Girardi, who was touting his team's playoff chances even when they trailed by 6 1/2 games in the AL East on the last day of their August trip to Boston.

"I think we were extremely frustrated with where we were as of July 31, and I told you I expected this club to continue to compete at a high level and win, and that's what they've done."

New York (77-68) has gone 19-12 since taking the rubber match of their three-game set at Fenway Park on Aug. 11, and the Yankees are only two games out of the second AL wild-card spot.

"They've gone through about as much turnover as probably anyone," Red Sox manager John Farrell said. "They've got good quality young players that they've been able to turn to that have certainly injected a lot of life into that club."

Gary Sanchez has been at the forefront of the Yankees' comeback. The 23-year-old hit his first career homer during the August series at Fenway and has launched 13 more since.

New York and Boston have played their fair share of meaningful autumn games at Fenway over the years, but this series represents a new chapter in the rivalry.

Still, Girardi doesn't anticipate too many hiccups from his youngsters.

"It could be interesting," Girardi said. "Everything so far they've handled. Are there some tricky things in that ballpark? Yes, but that can affect anyone, so if something happens, I'm not going to be surprised. But my expectation is they'll handle it well."

As well as they have played of late, the Yankees are limping into Boston after dropping three of their past four games, including a 2-0 defeat to the Los Angeles Dodgers on Wednesday night.

Fortunately for them, the Red Sox (81-64) haven't been playing their best baseball either. Boston routed the Baltimore Orioles 12-2 in the opener of a three-game set Monday, but fell 6-3 Tuesday and were blanked 1-0 in the rubber game Wednesday.

The Red Sox turn to young southpaw Eduardo Rodriguez (2-7, 4.70 ERA) in Thursday's opener.

Rodriguez has been outstanding in limited action against the Yankees this season, going 1-0 with a 1.29 ERA in two starts against them.

He faced them in the Aug. 11 contest and gave up a run on three hits and a walk while striking out six in a seven-inning no-decision.

Rodriguez is 4-1 with a 1.88 ERA in six career starts against New York.

Jacoby Ellsbury is batting .294 (5-for-17) with two solo homers off Rodriguez, and Didi Gregorius has hit .353 (6-for-17) with an RBI against him.

Masahiro Tanaka (13-4, 3.04 ERA) counters Rodriguez for the Yankees. He has pitched well in two starts against Boston this season, going 1-0 with a 2.13 ERA.

Tanaka is 5-2 with a 4.42 ERA in nine career starts against the Red Sox.

David Ortiz (5-for-21, .238) and Xander Bogaerts (6-for-25, .240) each have one homer and three RBIs off Tanaka. Dustin Pedroia is batting .316 (6-for-19) with a solo homer against him.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Indians (84-61) at White Sox (70-75)

Game: 4
Venue: U.S. Cellular Field
Date: September 15, 2016 2:10 PM EDT

CHICAGO -- The Cleveland Indians will try to salvage a series split when they finish a four-game set against the Chicago White Sox on Thursday afternoon.

Cleveland (84-61) cruised to a 6-1 win over the White Sox on Wednesday after dropping the first two games of the series at U.S. Cellular Field. The Indians, winners of 11 of their past 16 games, enjoy a six-game lead over the Detroit Tigers for first place in the American League Central with less than three weeks to go.

Chicago (70-75) needs a victory to secure its first series win against Cleveland since July 2015. The White Sox are 5-10 against the Indians this season.

The Indians will send rookie right-hander Mike Clevinger (2-2, 5.01 ERA) to the mound for the eighth start of his career. The Los Angeles Angels selected Clevinger in the fourth round of the 2011 draft and shipped him to Cleveland three years later for right-hander Vinnie Pestano.

In one start and one bullpen appearance against the White Sox, Clevinger is 0-1 with a 7.00 ERA. The 6-foot-4, 210-pound hurler has posted a 6.87 ERA in 18 1/3 innings on the road this season, compared with a 3.52 ERA in 23 innings at home.

Clevinger threw 62 pitches in his most recent start Saturday at Minnesota. He allowed one run on two hits in four innings. He walked two and struck out five.

"Because he got lengthened out last time, and he's got a bullpen (session) now, I think you're going to start seeing more and more that the game will dictate where he exits," Cleveland manager Terry Francona said. "You're not going to see a real high (pitch-count) number, but I think the game will let us know when he's starting to tire or what the score is, and stuff like that.

"It's nice to go into his game knowing if he's throwing the ball OK, he's going to get to pitch for a while. That's good."

Right-hander James Shields (3-10, 7.30 ERA) is scheduled to make his 19th start for the White Sox and his 30th start of the season. The 34-year-old has struggled badly for most of his time in Chicago, where he arrived June 4 as part of a trade with the San Diego Padres. He is 0-5 with a 10.75 ERA in his past eight starts. He has allowed 41 earned runs in 34 1/3 innings during that span.

Overall this year, Shields is 5-17 with a 6.01 ERA.

A parade of opposing teams have roughed up Shields, and the Indians are no exception. They battered him for eight runs on seven hits in 1 2/3 innings in their last encounter June 18. During his career against Cleveland, Shields is 4-6 with a 4.17 ERA in 17 starts.

Unless the White Sox shut him down early, Shields will have three or four more starts to try to shift the narrative on his career trajectory. He is due to receive $21 million next season unless he opts out of his deal. The Padres reportedly will pay $10 million of Shields' salary as part of the trade terms.

Chicago hopes to have designated hitter Justin Morneau back in the lineup Thursday. The 35-year-old veteran has missed the past two games because of soreness in his neck. With 17 games remaining in the season, has yet to decide whether he will keep playing next spring for a 15th year in the big leagues.

"He's looking ... a little bit better, but it's still a little bit of a tweak where he can't play," Chicago manager Robin Ventura said Wednesday.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Athletics (63-82) at Royals (74-71)

Game: 4
Venue: Ewing M. Kauffman Stadium
Date: September 15, 2016 7:15 PM EDT

KANSAS CITY, Mo. -- The past three years, the Kansas City Royals had the best and most feared bullpen in the majors.

If the Royals held the lead after six innings, the shutdown bullpen could be counted on to hold it the final three innings. It included Greg Holland, Wade Davis, Kelvin Herrera and Luke Hochevar.

But that bullpen is no longer. Holland had Tommy John surgery last September and hasn't thrown a pitch this year. Hochevar had surgery for Thoracic outlet syndrome. Davis has been on the disabled list twice this year with a forearm strain. Only Herrera has been healthy the entire season.

"You're dealt a hand of cards. You play those cards," Royals manager Ned Yost said. "In the past, we had a really, really good idea what we were going to get coming out of the bullpen. Last year, we knew what we were going to get with Holly, with Wade, with Hoch, with Herrera.

"We're in a situation now through injuries, we're not the same bullpen we were last year. Jack's (Joakim Soria) had great outings and he's had bad outings. You get into a situation and you pretty much understand what you're going to get from Kelvin. Wade's been through some issues. You're hoping when he goes out, he's going to be good, but with everybody else you're not sure what you're going to get."

The Oakland Athletics bullpen has outperformed the Royals' bullpen in winning the first three games of this series. A's relievers John Axford, Liam Hendriks and Chris Smith held the Royals to one single over the final four innings in an 8-0 shutout Wednesday.

"Our bullpen is really a strength for us," A's manager Bob Melvin said.

The A's bullpen is 2-0 with a save while allowing Kansas City one run on a balk and five hits over 12 1/3 innings in the first three games of this series.

The A's started five rookies, including left-hander and winning pitcher Sean Manaea, for the second straight game against the defending World Series champion Royals.

"We seem to be getting an infusion of intensity with these younger guys," Melvin said. "These guys are hungry to make a name for themselves."

The A's will start rookie right-hander Daniel Mengden for the series finale Thursday, but he has had limited success in the majors this year. He is 0-4 with a 9.39 ERA and opponents hitting .328 off him in his past seven starts after going 1-3 with a 2.81 ERA in June and holding opposing batters to a .221 average. This will be his first time to face the Royals.

The Royals will counter with veteran right-hander Edinson Volquez, who has won his past three decisions over the A's, including an April 15 victory at Oakland.

Volquez is unbeaten in his past seven starts, but that is a deceiving statistic. He is 2-0 with a 5.45 ERA and five no-decisions in that stretch. In his previous start Saturday at Chicago, Volquez surrendered four runs on nine hits and two walks over five innings, but the Royals rallied to top the White Sox 6-5.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Brewers (65-81) at Cubs (93-52)

Game: 1
Venue: Wrigley Field
Date: September 15, 2016 8:05 PM EDT

CHICAGO -- The Chicago Cubs find themselves on the brink of history as they return to Wrigley Field on Thursday.

The Cubs -- owners of baseball's best record, 93-52 -- would clinch their first division title since 2008 with a victory over the Milwaukee Brewers in the opener of a 10-game homestand.

The division crown would only be the Cubs' sixth since Major League Baseball split into divisions 47 years ago. Chicago is on pace for 103 wins, which would be its first season with 100 or more victories since 1935.

Cubs manager Joe Maddon is ready to lock it down.

"Let's do it," he said Wednesday after the Cubs' 7-0 victory over the St. Louis Cardinals. "I think it'd be a nice thing to do. The sooner, the better. Then we can make our appropriate plans going forward and really set things up to make our best push."

Jon Lester (17-4) worked eight innings on a hot afternoon at Busch Stadium while the Cubs wrapped up a 6-3 record in St. Louis this season, beating the Cardinals in all three series.

Lester won't see his next action until early next week as the Cubs continue with their late-season, six-man rotation. Left-hander Mike Montgomery (1-1, 3.67 ERA) goes against Milwaukee Brewers right-hander Jimmy Nelson (7-14, 4.42 ERA) on Thursday evening.

Montgomery, 4-5 with a 2.74 ERA overall between the Seattle Mariners and the Cubs this season, makes his fifth start with Chicago and second straight against the Brewers.

He didn't get a decision on Sept. 7 at Milwaukee in a 2-1 Cubs loss after allowing just two hits and one run while striking out six over five innings. Montgomery has given up just 12 hits in four starts with Chicago since arriving in a late-July trade.

Nelson is making his 30th start of the season and fifth against the Cubs.

He has repeatedly struggled against Chicago, going 0-3 with a 3.59 ERA in four starts this season. Nelson is 0-3 with a 4.32 ERA in five career games (four starts) at Wrigley Field. He has an 0-6 record with a 3.59 ERA in 11 career games (nine starts) against the Cubs.

He has been similarly unsuccessful against the Cardinals, posting an 0-7 record in eight career starts, including a 4-3 loss in his last appearance. He allowed four runs on five hits over six innings Friday in St. Louis.

"It's just a crazy game and stuff happens," Nelson said. "There's never really just one answer in this game to anything. You don't want to think there's something wrong and start over-analyzing stuff, so you just try to keep it simple."

The Brewers (65-81) snapped a two-game losing streak and salvaged one win in the three-game series with the Cincinnati Reds by earning a 7-0 victory Wednesday. Milwaukee is just 26-45 on the road.

The four-game series at Wrigley Field is the last leg of an 11-game Milwaukee road trip. The Brewers will be back at Miller Park on Tuesday to face the Pittsburgh Pirates.

Chicago's homestand includes four games with Milwaukee, three with Cincinnati and three against St. Louis. The Cubs close the regular season with seven road games beginning Sept. 26.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Dodgers (82-63) at Diamondbacks (61-84)

Game: 1
Venue: Chase Field
Date: September 15, 2016 9:40 PM EDT

PHOENIX -- Talk of Rich Hill's blister has been quieted by the left-hander's blistering pace since taking the mound for the Los Angeles Dodgers, at least mostly.

Hill will look to extend his 19-inning scoreless streak Thursday night when the Dodgers travel to Phoenix to face the Arizona Diamondbacks.

Hill (3-0, 0.00 ERA) threw seven perfect innings against the Miami Marlins in his last start but was pulled by Los Angeles manager Dave Roberts for several reasons, including a familiar issue on Hill's pitching hand.

"There was heat on his index finger," Roberts said. "It was starting to get tender."

Hill, who said his finger was "fine", was less than happy to come out of the game but understood where the outing figured into the Dodgers' pennant hopes.

"Dave was in a very difficult position," said Hill, who will be making his fourth start. "You look at it, and you move on. That's all you can do."

Hill has won his past nine decisions between Los Angeles and Oakland.

The Dodgers' position has continued to improve over the past week-plus. With Los Angeles' 2-0 rain-soaked victory at Yankee Stadium, the Dodgers have won eight of their past ten and are five games ahead of the San Francisco Giants in the NL West.

Los Angeles posted its major league-leading 15th shutout of the season on Wednesday.

Hill will be opposed by Diamondbacks right-hander Archie Bradley (6-9, 5.10), who lasted just three innings in his past start, allowing five runs on eight hits with three strikeouts.

Bradley has had success in the past against Los Angeles, posting a 3.06 ERA in three prior starts against the Dodgers.

Arizona manager Chip Hale had to dig a little deeper into his bullpen than anticipated in Wednesday night's 11-6 against the Colorado Rockies.

Right-hander Rubby De La Rosa was on a rough 60-pitch count which the Diamondbacks optimistically hoped would carry him through at least four innings. Instead, he needed 40 pitches to get through the first, walking two and giving up a home run along the way and earning a visit to the mound from Hale.

De La Rosa came back to start the second and promptly hit Daniel Descalso with a pitch and Hale went to swingman Randall Delgado three outs into the game to finish the second before shifting to scheduled piggyback reliever Braden Shipley in the third.

"It's just hard because that order is so good at scoring runs," Hale said. "They were on him pretty well at the end."

Hale used seven pitchers but, after Shipley left, none of the final four through more than 17 pitches.

Offensively, the Diamondbacks continued rolling against the Rockies.

Jean Segura has posted consecutive two-homer games and finished Wednesday's win with five hits in six at-bats. He has four home runs in his past two games and continued his march toward 200 hits, from which he's now 18 away.

Brandon Drury became the first Diamondbacks rookie to homer in three straight games and has driven in a run in six straight contests. Light-hitting shortstop Chris Owings also homered on Wednesday for an offense that scored a franchise-record 34 runs in three games against Colorado on a franchise-record tying 50 hits.

The Dodgers have won 10 of the first 15 meetings between the teams, though the clubs have split the six prior games at Chase Field.