Thursday 9/29/16 service plays chatter/comps/requests & other stuff...

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Handicapped by Chatsworth Consortium at Rosecroft Raceway

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

Race 7 - Post: 8:40 - 1 mile. PACE - Class Rating: 76 - Purse:$7500 - MARYLAND PREFERRED FILLIES & MARES NW $4,000 LAST 5 STARTS OR $750 PS IN 2016 NO. 9 STARTS FROM 2ND TIER ROSECROFT TRACKMAN SELECTIONS: 5-2-1-4
CONSORTIUM*CHOICES

# 8 ROMANTIC ESCAPE 20/1
# 4 LYONSSWEETIE 2/1
# 1 FEARLESS CHANCE 7/2

ROMANTIC ESCAPE definitely looks like the contender to beat in this contest and the payoff could be huge based on that 20/1 morning line. Not many folks know, but the 8 post here at Rosecroft Raceway has been extremely profitable. LYONSSWEETIE - This affair may be controlled by this mare. Just one look at the avgerage speed rating will confirm that. The brain trust gives this harness racer a good chance to come home a winner, class figures are tops in the group. FEARLESS CHANCE - This mare has been going to post versus some of the most competitive horses in this field most recently. The brain trust noted a huge affair out of this contender last time. Hoping for a repeat of that to dominate.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Handicapped by The Walker Group at Charles Town

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


Race 7 - SO - 4.5f on the Dirt. Purse: $17500 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 OR CLAIMING PRICE $10,000. THREE YEAR OLDS, 122 LBS.; OLDER, 124 LBS. NON-WINNERS OF A RACE SINCE AUGUST 29 ALLOWED 2 LBS. A RACE SINCE JULY 29 ALLOWED 4 LBS. CLAIMING PRICE $10,000


RECOMMENDED*CHOICES


# 4 SECRET SIX 7/2

# 6 LET'S PLAY TWO 8/1

# 1 CALLMEALION 4/1

I have to consider SECRET SIX here. Had one of the most respectable Equibase Speed Figs of this field in her last contest. Has performed quite well as of late in sprint races, posting a nifty 70 avg speed rating. LET'S PLAY TWO - Is difficult not to examine based on speed figs which have been quite good - 73 avg - of late. CALLMEALION - With a strong jock who has won at a very good 23 percent clip over the last month. This has to be one of the top selections. Players should probably feel comfortable with this pick given Montano's recent gains at the window.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Handicapped by The Walker Group at Churchill Downs

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


Race 2 - Allowance - 5.0f on the Turf. Purse: $47000 Class Rating: 96

FOR FILLIES THREE YEARS OLD WHICH HAVE NEVER WON TWO RACES OTHER THAN MAIDEN, CLAIMING, STARTER, OR STATE BRED ALLOWANCE OR WHICH HAVE NEVER WON THREE RACES. WEIGHT, 122 LBS. NON-WINNERS OF $26,600 TWICE ALLOWED 2 LBS. $23,400 SINCE JULY 29 ALLOWED 4 LBS. (IF DEEMED INADVISABLE BY MANAGEMENT TO RUN THIS RACE OVER THE TURF COURSE, IT WILL BE RUN ON THE MAIN TRACK AT FIVE


RECOMMENDED*CHOICES


# 5 JUSTA LADY 3/1

# 2 FINLEY'SLUCKYCHARM 6/1

# 1A BACK AT THE RANCH 3/1

JUSTA LADY looks competitive to best this field. Is tough not to examine based on Equibase speed figs which have been formidable - 83 avg - of late. Asmussen has a sharp winning percentage with horses racing in turf sprint races. Should be given a shot here if only for the respectable Equibase Speed Fig earned in the last affair. FINLEY'SLUCKYCHARM - She looks very good in this slot and I expect will be on the front end or close at the midpoint. The winning percentage shown by horses entered by Calhoun running at this distance are the most competitive in this group of horses in this race. BACK AT THE RANCH - It's a good signal that Rivelli is using Valdivia on this one. Rivelli has one of the best winning percentages in this field with entries running at this distance and surface.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Handicapped by The Turf Club Analysts

Penn National - Race #5 - Post: 7:49pm - Maiden Claiming - 6.0 furlongs on the Dirt. Purse: $20,900 Class Rating: 66

Rating:

#1A APRIL SUNSET (ML=5/2)
#3 INHERENT VALUE (ML=7/2)


APRIL SUNSET - I like when a race sets up this way. This filly has the lone speed to demolish this field. Took a significant drop in class rating last time around the track at Penn National. Returning to a similar level in this race. I'd expect a good performance. Sarson, the trainer, shows intent by adding Lasix in this race. A positive sign. INHERENT VALUE - Have to make this filly a solid contender; she comes off a solid effort on September 10th. Wolfsont was aboard this filly last time around the track and was impressed enough to take the animal right back. Is ranked at the top in earnings per race. A powerful try in this field can add to that bankroll.

Vulnerable Contenders: #2 BANK SCHOLARSHIP (ML=2/1), #1 PAULA GONE WILD (ML=5/2), #5 SPICY DANCER (ML=5/1),

BANK SCHOLARSHIP - Today's event is 6 furlongs. Hasn't hit the board in a short distance event in the last two months. Not the best of signs. The result of sixth in the last affair shows me that this horse may be tailing off. PAULA GONE WILD - Hasn't hit the board in any sprint races recently. Improbable to see her doing it this time either. Doesn't look inspiring to me after the lack of any sort of closing talent on Aug 1st. This mount ran a substandard speed rating in the last race. She shouldn't run much better and will probably suffer defeat in today's event running that figure. SPICY DANCER - Awfully tough to play this mount when she hasn't been showing any indications of eagerness recently. This filly hasn't had any recent good fortune in sprint affairs. No picnic to wager on her in this contest.



STRAIGHT WAGERS:

Putting our cash on #1 Entry to win. Have to have odds of at least 3/2 or better though

EXACTA WAGERS:

Box [1,3]

TRIFECTA WAGERS:

Pass

SUPERFECTA WAGERS:

Skip

** Some or all wagers above involve entries and assume all parts of entry start the race **

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Handicapped by The Turf Club Analysts

Gulfstream Park - Race #10 - Post: 6:02pm - SO - 6.0 furlongs on the Dirt. Purse: $16,000 Class Rating: 87

Rating:

#5 SHERRY ANGEL (ML=6/1)
#6 HY RAPID LADY (ML=10/1)
#8 VENOM GIRL (ML=10/1)


SHERRY ANGEL - I'm looking forward to this race horse to run a big race today. HY RAPID LADY - This campaigner coming off a sharp race in the last 30 days is a contender in my book. VENOM GIRL - After the affair aboard this equine on September 9th, the rider is going to be acquainted with the filly much better. Filly has shown some early speed. This shorter trip should be better for her. I like to wager on this angle, a thoroughbred coming back off a nice effort within the last month.

Vulnerable Contenders: #4 SKIPPY IS BACK (ML=5/2), #2 FLASH JAK (ML=7/2), #1 TORMENTA DE ORO (ML=9/2),

SKIPPY IS BACK - This morning-line choice may be out of shape without any recent morning drills. FLASH JAK - Usually I need a sprinter to have some recent success in short distance affairs in order to wager on her. TORMENTA DE ORO - This filly showed very little last time. The speed rating last time out doesn't fit very well in this race when I look at the Equibase class figure of today's race. Mark this thoroughbred as a questionable challenger.



STRAIGHT WAGERS:

#5 SHERRY ANGEL is the play if we get odds of 3/1 or better

EXACTA WAGERS:

Box [5,6,8]

TRIFECTA WAGERS:

Box [5,6,8] Total Cost: $6

SUPERFECTA WAGERS:

Pass

SUPER HI 5 WAGERS:

Pass

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Mohawk: Thursday 9/29 Analysis
By Garnet Barnsdale

DRF

Race 1 - $30,000 Guaranteed Pick Five Pool

Race 4 - $50,000 Guaranteed Pick Four Pool


PICK 5: 1,2,3,6/5/5,6/2,4,6,7,10/1,3,5,9 = $36

EARLY PICK 4: 2,4,6,7,10/1,3,5,9/7/3,4,9 = $60

LATE PICK 4: 3,4,9/1,3/1,3,4/8,10 = $36

MEET STATS: 375 - 1133 / $1957.30 BEST BETS: 62 - 104 / $193.00

SPOT PLAYS: 23 - 104/ $157.90


Best Bet: MAGIC PRESTO (2nd)

Spot Play: ESQUIRE (5th)


Race 1

(6) JUST TOO SPOILED wasn't far behind a good filly last time now faces much easier here; top call. (1) BEACHES BE CRAZY is a half to 1:49 pacer Dapper Dude, who shares the same trainer as this filly. She could show something on debut. (2) COLUMNIST can't seem to get there but she keeps coming close. (3) OK JEWEL can show sharp improvement here via class and post relief.

Race 2

(5) MAGIC PRESTO comes into this off two very good efforts in the Peaceful Way stakes and she lays over this group on paper; Pick 5 single. (3) JANDERSON should be part of the early pace and she can stick around for a slice. (7) HOLIDAY PROMISE is in sharp form and has shown she can take air; consider for exotics. (1) GRAVITATOR is capable of beating this prediction if she can stay flat.

Race 3

(5) WINTER SWEET FROST went a big trip on the rim in the Peaceful Way final and now meets easier from a better post. She should be prominent throughout. (6) ON A SUNNY DAY has shown she has the speed to go with the choice and she looks like the only real threat to beat that rival. (1) STUCK IN MY SPANKS can close for a share if she can stay flat. (3) LITERALLY is another who typically either hits the top four or breaks stride and finishes well back; your call.

Race 4

(2) ALEXAS HOPE could trip-out here in her first start off the claim. She is one of several possibilities in a wide-open race that demands deep multi-race coverage. (7) BADLANDS DELIGHT is honest and gritty. If she can latch onto a live helmet here, she can double up. (6) DONNA PARTY has taken slices in 47% of her starts this year, but she was better last week and she isn't out of this. (10) PRETTY HOT is at the top of her game but she will need to work out a trip here from the 10-hole.

Race 5

(3) ESQUIRE is bred to be pretty good and now that she has gone a clean trip, she could pop here at a square price vs. a group that has compiled many losses so far. (1) HILAROUS HERO is racing better and getting closer; using. (5) WORK THAT MAGIC lost to a good one two back then came back to win again. She could finally break the goose egg if she stays flat. (9) TYMAL REIGN could wake up with a much better effort here in a race that figures to be slower than the first two miles she raced in.

Race 6

(7) SAFEKEEPING is unbeaten with a catch-driver and she looks best here again. (3) BATOUTAHILL made a big uncovered move last time then tired a bit late. She is the main threat to the choice. (8) STONEBRIDGE PEACE looks logical to close for a smaller share. (4) THE POWER OF MANY likely won't improve on her 2016 record of 0-19 here, but she can take a share racing from close range.

Race 7

(3) SAUBLE ASHLEY went too fast early last time trying to clear from the outermost post. Post relief and a driver change make her my top pick here. (4) ITSALLABOUTTHEBASS closed okay and beat the choice in that same mile despite missing more than a month. Expect improvement here. (9) JIMBELINA comes off a big lifetime best mile at Grand River; using. (10) MY CREDITS GOOD has been so hot recently out of town that she can't be discounted despite her drawing the worst post.

Race 8

(3) MANOFMANYIMAGES raced well behind excess cover in the Grassroots final. Expect him to be closer to the lead and start his move earlier here. (1) WINDSUN MISSILE lacked room down the lane in the same race. He is sharp and capable of beating these. (5) JLS BAD MOON RISIN is another that should be closer to the pace but he is more likely to take a slice. (8) MUSCLE AVE has shown that he can win from an outer post. He can factor at a square price here.

Race 9

(1) LEAVING A LEGACY did a lot of the work last week and she fell just short. A slightly easier trip gets it done here. (3) TOTAL KNOCKOUT has a quick finishing burst when she races covered up to the stretch. She should be used in this Pick 4. (4) MATTJESTIC TEMPO put together her best mile in a while when dropped into a claimer last time. She may have found the right level now. (5) AMBROSIA SEELSTER can pass a few of these late and take a share.

Race 10

(8) BURNIN MONEY hasn't been used much in several starts. Dropping to the bottom level here, I would expect an aggressive approach. (10) CLASS ME NICE comes off a sharp effort and is worth a look at what is likely to be a big price here. (7) WAY OUTTA HERE could threaten here if he can stay flat as he was showing the signs two starts back. (6) POWER MOVE has raced much better in his last two starts and he wouldn't be a shock here if he broke through with a winning effort. (9) JUSTASMALLTOWNGIRL fits at this level and is another that could crack the exotics at a price.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Handicapped by Rick Needham at Belmont Park

RACE #8 - BELMONT PARK - 5:13 PM EASTERN POST

6½ FURLONGS DIRT FILLIES AND MARES THREE YEARS OLD AND UPWARD OPTIONAL CLAIMING $80,000.00 PURSE

#4 CONIAH
#3 BIG WORLD
#5 MY SAVANNAH BELLE
#2 CALLISTA

#4 CONIAH takes a class drop (-8) this afternoon, is the overall speed leader in this field, and also has nice early speed abilities to compliment for this 6½ furlong sprint, She's produced "POWER RUN PERFORMANCES" in four straight, hitting the board in three of those outings. Jockey Irad Ortiz and Trainer Kiaran McLaughlin send her "postward" this afternoon ... they've hit the board with 63% of their entries saddled as a team to date. #3 BIG WORLD is the pace profile leader, and has hit the board in each of her four career starts to date, including wins in both of her last two starts.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

SPOT PLAYS

For Thursday

TRACK (RACE) HORSE, MORNING LINE

Belmont Park (1st) Tree Shaker, 7-2
(9th) Hotfoot, 8-1


Belterra Park (2nd) I'm in Fashion, 5-1
(3rd) Swipernoswiping, 9-2


Charles Town (3rd) Give Freely, 4-1
(8th) Crafty Mary, 6-1


Churchill Downs (5th) Judy Judy Judy, 7-2
(8th) Blame the Caddie, 7-2


Finger Lakes (4th) Gonabefamous, 4-1
(7th) My Unbridled Storm, 4-1


Gulfstream Park (3rd) Sampras, 4-1
(10th) Venom Girl, 10-1


Meadowlands (1st) Dubai Time, 7-2
(2nd) Galroyale, 7-2


Penn National (3rd) Gala's Bank, 3-1
(6th) Queen Patron, 3-1


Presque Isle Downs (1st) Indigo Pearls, 5-1
(5th) Anita Marie, 3-1


Remington Park (2nd) Flyin' Katnip, 5-1
(8th) Cowboy's Mary L, 10-1

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Yonkers: Thursday 9/29 Analysis
By Brewster Smith

DRF

MEET STATS: 240 - 1003 / $1,562.10

BEST BETS: 30 - 95 / $144.40

Best Bet: LIGHTNING RAIDER N (7th)

Spot Play: GOTTA BE ME (3rd)


Race 1

(2) ARABELLA J has good speed and is moving down the ladder; can boss these at her best. (3) NIPPY W HANOVER blasted right out of post 8 on her way to victory last out; main danger. (5) KIDDIE MCCARDLE came close to getting the job done in her most recent outing; not out of this.

Race 2

(1) B L CLASS ACT was facing open foes in his last start upstate and the good news is gelding moves to the fence and has 6 victories under his belt this year; primed to greet the cameraman for pictures. (2) ZORGWIJK NOVA has been sharp in her last three outing and she appears to be the main threat. (3) JUSTICE JET should fare well from the 3-hole; maybe.

Race 3

(1) GOTTA BE ME flashed speed but did not have enough gas in the tank and tired badly last time around. The rail should help her chances and Brennan takes over; worth a shot. (3) AMERICAN ALIVE is sharp based on her last three starts; big threat. (5) WRAPPED TO GO is better than her last flop, so with a better trip she could contend with these.

Race 4

(6) MILLWOOD FAITH N is knocking at the door based on her last four trips to the post and with a well judged drive she can get the job done. (7) I DO IT MYSELF just got up for win honors last out; post hurts but she is very capable. (1) CLASSY LANE ROSE was very sharp in her latest and now she moves to the fence, so watch out.

Race 5

(1) KAMWOOD LAUGHTER N has done quite well in her last three starts and if she returns to her winning form from the rail, the rest will have to settle for minor awards. (3) CARIBBEAN ROSE N took charged at the 3/4 pole en route to victory at the Meadowlands last out; dangerous. (4) DUNE IN RED was on the lead most of the way but was caught in deep stretch last time out; must be considered.

Race 6

(1) BLADE SEELSTER makes his return to the rail where this gelding was second best two starts ago; ready for action. (2) CANBEC KINGAZIMIR was facing open foes at Freehold last out and this seems to be a much better spot for the gelding to contend. (6) IDEAL WILLIE comes off a qualifier at Pocono that was sharp and he moves down in class; don't overlook.

Race 7

(3) LIGHTNING RAIDER N moves to the 3-hole and this is his second start on the drop-down; could rate and score with Brennan at the helm. (1) PAMS LEGACY will need to revert to his August 25th trip to make an impact against these; possible. (2) ROCK ABSORBER does have tactical speed and could have a say in the outcome.

Race 8

(2) PAPPYS PAL moves back inside and Brennan makes his return on this 6-year-old gelding where he missed glory by a neck two starts back; threat at his best. (1) SMOOTH CRIMINAL is very consistent and was nailed for win honors last out; major player. (3) DIABANDO has been in the exacta picture in his last four outings and is clearly a big factor against these.

Race 9

(2) MOTU MOONBEAM N put in a mild rally for fourth money last time around. Now this pacing mare goes back to door number two and this appears to be a better spot for her to get the job done. (4) BAD NIGHT MARE rallied strongly to nail down the victory in her latest. (7) ETERNAL RING came very wide last out at Plainridge for all the glory.

Race 10

(1) ROETHBLISSBERGER is on a roll scoring her last two tries and gelding is back on the rail; down the road for the hat trick. (5) UNION MAN HANOVER has gotten the job done twice against better, so now this 7-year-old will try for his third straight from the 5-hole; possible. (3) BETTERLATETHNNEVER did not fire against open foes in his Ohio finale and now he moves to Yonkers; prime contender.

Race 11

(1) GALLANT SEELSTER has good speed and this gelding moves to the fence. With a perfect trip, this 6-year-old can make tonight a winning one. (4) DOJEA SOLO was sent down the road last out for all the glory; big player. (2) CROMBIE A raced evenly for show money in his last try; don't overlook.

Race 12

(5) R D IOU returns to the NW$10k ranks where she feels more comfortable, so if she gets the right trip it could be game over for the rest of these. (1) OUR ELS DREAM N took the pocket route on her way to victory last time around; main danger again. (4) SQUEEZE THIS is very consistent and has hit the board in 17 of 28 starts this year; consider in all the exotic slots.

 

[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]

MLB roundup: Red Sox clinch division despite walkoff loss
By The Sports Xchange

NEW YORK -- Mark Teixeira hit a grand slam with two outs in the bottom of the ninth inning Wednesday night as the New York Yankees rallied for a 5-3 victory over the Boston Red Sox, who clinched the AL East Division title.
The Red Sox learned they secured their eighth divisional title before Craig Kimbrel threw a pitch when the Baltimore Orioles secured a 3-2 win in Toronto.
Kimbrel (2-5) loaded the bases by allowing three walks and a hit. He was pulled for Joe Kelly, who recorded the first two outs.
With many of the Red Sox fans rising in anticipation of the win, Teixeira drove an 0-1 pitch over the center field fence for his 15th home run of the season.

Diamondbacks 3, Nationals 0 (rain-shortened)
WASHINGTON -- Right-hander Shelby Miller pitched five scoreless innings, Paul Goldschmidt drove in two runs and Jean Segura had three hits as Arizona beat Washington in a game that was called by rain with one out in the top of the sixth after a delay of 69 minutes.
Miller (3-12) picked up his first win since June 20 as he gave up just five hits, two coming from Anthony Rendon. The other win this season for Miller came May 7 at Atlanta. Miller, who lowered his ERA to 6.15, had five strikeouts with one walk against Washington.
He spent part of this season at Triple-A Reno but has now gone 11 scoreless innings after pitching six scoreless against the Baltimore Orioles on Friday.

Orioles 3, Blue Jays 2
TORONTO --Pinch hitter Hyun Soo Kim hit a two-run homer in the ninth inning and Baltimore came back to defeat Toronto.
Kim's home run came against Blue Jays closer Roberto Osuna and gave the Orioles a split in the first two games of a three-game series. Mark Trumbo also homered for the Orioles.
Orioles left-hander Zach Britton pitched the ninth for his 47th save of the season.

Pirates 8, Cubs 4
PITTSBURGH -- John Jaso became the first player to hit for the cycle in PNC Park, driving in five runs with a three-run homer, triple, double and a single as Pittsburgh beat up on Chicago starter Jake Arrieta and the Cubs.
Rookie right-hander Jameson Taillon (5-4), who began the season in the minors but ends it as the Pirates' emerging staff ace, limited the Cubs to one hit -- Anthony Rizzo's home run in the first inning -- while striking out four and walking three in six strong innings.

Royals 5, Twins 2
KANSAS CITY, Mo. -- The title defense ended for Kansas City despite scoring three runs with two outs in the eighth to beat Minnesota.
Kendrys Morales drove in the go-ahead run with a double, and Alex Gordon added a two-run single as the Royals topped the Twins for the 15th time in 18 games this year.
However, soon after the Royals' big eighth inning, the Baltimore Orioles rallied to beat the Toronto Blue Jays, eliminating the 2015 World Series champion Royals from postseason contention.

Mets 5, Marlins 2
MIAMI -- James Loney and Jay Bruce each hit two-run homers to lead New York to a win over Miami. Bruce, who also hit a two-run shot against Miami on Tuesday, leads the Mets with 32 homers, although 25 of them were hit before the Cincinnati Reds traded him to New York on July 31. Loney was in the lineup only after the Mets scratched first baseman Lucas Duda due to an apparent injury.
New York has hit 216 homers this season, and they ranked second in the NL in that category entering Wednesday. The Mets' previous record for most homers in a season was 200 in 2006.
With the win, the Mets maintained their slim lead over the San Francisco Giants and St. Louis Cardinals in the NL wild-card race. Only two of those three teams will make the playoffs.

Braves 12, Phillies 2
ATLANTA -- Freddie Freeman extended his hitting streak to a major league-best 30 games and Atlanta drubbed Philadelphia for its ninth win in 10 games.
Freeman singled in the sixth inning and now has the third-longest hitting streak in Atlanta history. He was hit by a pitch in the third inning, extending his streak for reaching base to 46 consecutive games. The first baseman is batting .384 during his hitting streak, which began Aug. 24.

Mariners 12, Astros 4
HOUSTON -- Robinson Cano struck one last devastating blow in a season full of them at Minute Maid Park and, in the process, snuffed the life out of Houston's dwindling postseason aspirations.
Cano belted his 36th homer in the first inning and Seattle kept afloat its own playoff hopes with a victory over Houston.
The Mariners pounced on right-hander Doug Fister in their first at-bat and never looked back, building a 7-0 lead in the third inning before holding off an Astros' rally in the sixth to claim the rubber match of this three-game series.

Reds 2, Cardinals 1
ST. LOUIS -- In a game it couldn't afford to lose, St. Louis wasted most of its chances and have used up just about all its slender margin for error.
Anthony DeSclafani and two relievers combined to check St. Louis on six hits as Cincinnati eked out a victory at chilly Busch Stadium.
DeSclafani (9-5) gave up six hits and a run over six innings, walking two and fanning three in his last start of the year. Michael Lorenzen worked a clean seventh and Raisel Iglesias pitched the final two innings for his fifth save as Cincinnati improved to 67-91.

Tigers 6, Indians 3 (rain shortened)
DETROIT -- Miguel Cabrera lined a tiebreaking three-run homer through a hard rain into the right-field seats with one out in the fifth inning to give Detroit a five-inning, weather-shortened victory over Cleveland.
The game was halted after a second play stoppage, this one for 72 minutes, with five innings completed. The Detroit win kept the Tigers one game behind Baltimore, which currently holds the American League's second wild-card berth and also won.
Jose Iglesias opened the fifth with a line single to right off rookie Joseph Colon (1-3) that Lonnie Chisenhall lost in the lights, with the ball bouncing off his glove hand. Cameron Maybin grounded a single to left and Cabrera hit the first pitch on a line over the right-field wall, his 36th home run of the season.

Rangers 8, Brewers 5
ARLINGTON, Texas -- Carlos Gomez drilled a three-run home run in the eighth to complete another comeback and give Texas a win over Milwaukee at Globe Life Park.
The Rangers also took another step toward finishing with the best record in the American League and home-field advantage throughout the postseason, including the World Series.
Texas had a welcome ally in the New York Yankees, who rallied with five runs in the bottom of the ninth to beat Boston. The Rangers lead the Red Sox (92-66) by 1 1/2 games.
The latest rally wasn't routine, as the Rangers scored four times in the eighth. Gomez had the big blow with two outs, giving him three-run bombs in consecutive games against his former team.

White Sox 1, Rays 0
CHICAGO -- Todd Frazier's 40th home run of the season snapped a seventh-inning scoreless tie while starter Miguel Gonzalez worked 8 1/3 scoreless innings as Chicago beat Tampa Bay.
Gonzalez (5-8) earned the victory with his season-high effort that included sitting out an hour-plus rain delay.
He allowed three hits, struck out five and walked none while snapping a two-game losing streak.

Rockies 2, Giants 0
SAN FRANCISCO -- Right-hander Tyler Chatwood continued his brilliant pitching on the road, limiting San Francisco to three hits over eight shutout innings in Colorado's victory over the Giants.
Nolan Arenado and Gerardo Parra drove in runs against hard-luck loser Jeff Samardzija as the Rockies snapped a five-game losing streak while denying the Giants an opportunity to improve upon their chances of landing a National League wild-card spot.
The Giants fell 1 1/2 games behind the New York Mets in the chase for the top wild-card spot just four days remaining in the regular season. However, San Francisco retained a one-game advantage over the St. Louis Cardinals for the final postseason berth.

Padres 6, Dodgers 5
SAN DIEGO -- Rookie Hunter Renfroe flexed his muscles again as San Diego edged Los Angeles.
He hit a massive two-run home run and added a two-run single, one game after collecting seven RBIs on two home runs. Renfroe, a 2013 first-round pick, became the first player to reach the Western Metal Building roof down the left-field line. His homer carried 435 feet.
The Dodgers remain two games behind the Washington Nationals for home-field advantage in the National League Division Series. The Nationals lost to the Arizona Diamondbacks, 3-0.

Angels 8, Athletics 6
ANAHEIM, Calif. -- Los Angeles erupted for eight runs in the fourth inning and cruised past Oakland at Angel Stadium.
The win completed a three-game sweep for the Angels, and also guaranteed that Oakland will finish the season in last place in the American League West for the second consecutive season. It will mark just the second time in Oakland history it has finished last two years in a row (1997-98).
All but one hitter in the Angels' starting lineup had at least one hit, including two hits apiece from Kole Calhoun (single, homer) and Jefry Marte (two doubles). Of the Angels' 10 hits, only two came outside of their eight-run fourth inning.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Diamondbacks (66-92) at Nationals (92-66)

Game: 4
Venue: Nationals Park
Date: September 29, 2016 1:05 PM EDT

WASHINGTON -- Rain is in the forecast on Thursday afternoon as the Washington Nationals are slated to host the Arizona Diamondbacks in the finale of the four-game series.

If the game is not played there is always a chance Arizona would have to return to Washington and play Monday if the game has a bearing on who gets the homefield edge in the playoffs between the Nationals and Los Angeles Dodgers in the NLDS that begins October 7.

Washington, which lost 3-0 on Wednesday in a game called due to rain in the sixth, was two games ahead of the Dodgers going into play Wednesday. The Dodgers hold the edge in the tiebreaker since they went 5-1 against Washington in regular-season play.

Arizona is slated to end regular-season play at home this weekend against the San Diego Padres.

"It would be interesting," Arizona manager Chip Hale said of a possible return trip to Washington. "We would all have to come back. That's right. Even Phil Nevin our Triple-A manager's already said it wasn't in his contract. So he has to come back too. It would be really interesting."

A pair of young pitchers drafted by the Nationals are slated to start Thursday.

Washington right-hander Joe Ross (7-5, 3.48) will face off against Arizona lefty Robbie Ray (8-14, 4.77), a former minor leaguer with Washington.

Ray was a 12th-round pick by the Nationals in 2010 out of a high school in Tennessee. He was part of the package that Washington traded to Detroit before the 2014 season as the Nationals acquired veteran right-hander Doug Fister. Ray made his MLB debut with the Tigers in 2014.

In his last start on Saturday in Baltimore he was charged with the loss as he went just 3 2/3 innings and gave up six hits and four runs with four walks and five strikeouts.

Ray started at home against Washington on August 2 and was charged with the loss as he gave up eight hits and six runs (five earned) in six innings.

Chris Heisey of the Nationals has the most at-bats against Ray of any Washington hitter and is 2-for-8 against him with a homer. Daniel Murphy is 2-for-5 against Ray and Wimer Difo is 2-for-3.

Ross went on the disabled list July 3 with right shoulder inflammation and did not pitch in the series at Arizona in early August. Ross has never faced Arizona.

He pitched on July 2 against the Cincinnati Reds and then did not pitch again until Sept. 18 at Atlanta, when he went just three innings.

In his last start, on Saturday in Pittsburgh, he lasted just 2 2/3 innings as he gave up five hits and one run with one walk and four strikeouts. But the Nationals got a strong outing from Reynaldo Lopez in that game and with a win clinched the National League East title.

Ross could be in line to make a postseason start against the Dodgers, perhaps Game 4.

Gio Gonzalez, the loser on Wednesday, could face the Dodgers in game 3 since they have so many lefty hitters. But Gonzalez did not get out of the fourth Wednesday and has not gone more than five innings in his last three starts.

Game 3 is on Oct. 10. Can a long layoff help Gonzalez, whose friend Jose Fernandez died on Sunday?

"It can," said manager Dusty Baker. "Just depends on, not only can it reset him, but after things have subsided some... they say time heals all wounds, but some wounds take longer to heal. Probably won't really set in until after the season when he's back in Miami and around and Jose's not around. Hopefully, he can have a couple good 'pens and get it back together because we're certainly going to need him come playoff time."

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Cubs (101-57) at Pirates (78-80)

Game: 4
Venue: PNC Park
Date: September 29, 2016 7:05 PM EDT

PITTSBURGH -- The Pittsburgh Pirates play their final home game of the season Thursday, and it's a proposition welcomed by them only because they won't play the Chicago Cubs again until 2017.

For the first time since 2012, there will be no autumnal postseason baseball in Pittsburgh that Pirates fans like to refer to as Buctober, and the Cubs are greatly the reason why.

The Pirates will wrap up an unsatisfying 2016 season at PNC Park, where they are 38-42, including a 5-17 record in their last 22 home games. It's been quite the turnaround, given that the Pirates (192 home wins since 2013) trail only the Los Angeles Dodgers (200) and St. Louis Cardinals (194) in home wins since the 2013 season.

This season, it's the Cubs who've made themselves at home, winning a major league-leading 57 games at home -- the kind of mastery they hope to carry into the postseason next week, with home field advantage through the NL playoffs. They've also gone 14-4 against the Pirates, despite losing 8-4 Wednesday as Pirates first baseman John Jaso became the first player to hit for the cycle in PNC Park.

First, though, they've got to wrap up their best regular season since 1910 with the game in Pittsburgh and three more in Cincinnati this weekend. And that means continuing to give at-bats to their key regulars -- six of their eight position player starters Wednesday night were starters -- and to give a glance or two to some prospects.

That includes rookie left-hander Rob Zastryzny, their second round pick in 2013 who's off to a promising start with a 1-0 record and 1.46 ERA in seven relief appearances. He'll make his major league starting debut Thursday night, opposing veteran Pirates right-hander Ivan Nova (12-8, 4.37 ERA).

Zastryzny has an interesting background. He was born in Edmonton before moving at age 1 to Dallas where, true to his Canadian roots, he excelled in youth hockey before switching to baseball.

"I had it (hockey) in my blood," he told the Chicago Tribune. But, after playing in a tournament against Canadian players in which he realized he might not be as good as he initially thought, his parents told him, "You know what? Here's a baseball, try that."

Cubs manager Joe Maddon likes what he sees of Zastryzny so far, even thought the left-hander has appeared in only three games this month.

"His stuff is good and he's a strike thrower, and I love strike throwers," Maddon said.

This will be Nova's 11th start since the Pirates acquired him from the New York Yankees on Aug. 1, and so far he's been exactly what Jonathon Niese, Francisco Liriano and Juan Nicasio weren't to Pittsburgh -- an effective starter. He is 5-2 with a 3.49 ERA, 47 strikeouts and only three walks with the Pirates, one reason why they want to bring him back next season if they can afford him.

"He's been a really good 'get' for us, and that's an understatement," manager Clint Hurdle told the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette.

However, Nova has been less effective lately, giving up 18 hits and nine earned runs in seven innings over his last two starts after going 5-0 in his first eight Pirates starts. He lasted four innings during a 6-1 loss to the Washington Nationals, giving up eight hits and five earned runs.

The past three seasons, the Pirates were gearing up for the postseason -- they lost to the Cardinals in a five-game NLDS in 2013, and to the Giants (2014) and the Cubs and Arrieta (2015) in the NL wild card game at PNC Park the previous two seasons.

Now, they're gearing up for the offseason.

"I'll finally get to sleep in my own bed for the first time in eight months," Pirates right-hander Jameson Taillon said.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Indians (91-67) at Tigers (85-73)

Game: 4
Venue: Comerica Park
Date: September 29, 2016 1:10 PM EDT

DETROIT -- The Cleveland Indians aren't interested in coasting to the finish line.

The American League Central Division champion Indians will wrap up their season series with the host Detroit Tigers on Thursday afternoon -- weather permitting -- before moving on to Kansas City to close out their regular season.

Detroit winds up in Atlanta, where it will continue its fight for a wild card playoff berth in a National League city. That means Tigers designated hitter Victor Martinez will only be able to pinch-hit.

But typical Midwest autumn weather could mess things up.

Detroit and Cleveland managed to eke out five innings Wednesday night with the Tigers waiting 72 minutes to learn they had pulled out a 6-3 win thanks to Miguel Cabrera's three-run home run through a hard rain with one out in the fifth.

The weather forecast for Thursday's isn't much better.

"I've learned to take forecasts with a grain of salt," Tigers manager Brad Ausmus said. "It's an inexact science, much like bullpen usage."

Everyone will do everything they can to avoid a rained out game because if it had playoff implications Cleveland would have to return to Detroit on Monday for a makeup.

"I know they're going to try," manager Terry Francona of Cleveland said. "If we don't play, we'd have to come back here on Monday if need be. I'm sure they're going to try and play, even though the forecast isn't very good."

"If the game didn't have any ramifications you wouldn't play it," Ausmus said. "That happened last year. We had a game rained out with Cleveland. We only played 161 games last year.

"If it had an impact on the playoff race, they would absolutely have to play the game."

Francona is trying to line up his pitching and get his regulars tuned up for whatever playoff fate awaits them. Attaining the best record in the league for home field advantage throughout the playoffs is still a doable feat.

"We talked about it the other day as a team, kind of like how we wanted to approach it," Francona said. "I understand that some guys need rest and that's what we'll do.

"On one hand it gives some of the younger guys a chance to play, which is good. But regardless of who plays or how much, you always play the game right.

"That way you don't have to concern yourself about (raising your level of play). You don't just turn the button on and off; that's hard to do. Then when it comes times for the playoffs to start, then you don't have to worry that you kind of went 80 percent, because that's hard to do."

Detroit will start one of its precious young starters, left-hander Daniel Norris (3-2, 3.59 ERA) while Cleveland will send out one of its September call-ups, southpaw Ryan Merritt (0-0, 1.50 ERA).

Merritt made 24 starts in Triple-A, going 11-8 with a 3.70 ERA. The 16th-round selection in the 2011 draft has been up with the Indians three times this season, pitching just six innings spread over three relief appearances with one run allowed.

This will mark his first appearance against Detroit.

Norris, on the disabled list twice this season, will be making his third start against Cleveland this season. He is 1-0 with a 3.86 ERA against the Indians this year and 1-0 with a 2.70 ERA against Cleveland over three career starts.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Orioles (86-72) at Blue Jays (87-71)

Game: 3
Venue: Rogers Centre
Date: September 29, 2016 7:07 PM EDT

TORONTO -- Toronto's bullpen is beginning to sag as the Blue Jays try to clinch the first American League wild-card spot.

It could not come at a worse time but it has given the Baltimore Orioles some hope.

The Orioles scored three times in the final two innings against the Blue Jays bullpen Wednesday to earn a 3-2 victory that moved them to within one game of Toronto for the first wild card.

The teams will play the rubber match of the three-game series Thursday at Rogers Centre and it could be a pivotal game to determine home-field advantage in the wild-card game.

Each team enters Thursday with four games remaining in the regular season.

Ubaldo Jimenez (7-12, 5.71 ERA) will start for the Orioles and Marcus Stroman (9-9, 4.34 ERA) will start for the Blue Jays.

The Blue Jays appeared poised to open a three-game lead on Wednesday as they held a 2-0 advantage after seven innings.

Then the bullpen sprung leaks.

Jason Grilli gave up a solo homer to Mark Trumbo in the eighth and pinch hitter Hyun Soo Kim hit a two-run homer against closer Roberto Osuna in the ninth.

"It was big," said Orioles starter Chris Tillman, who did not factor in the decision. "I think that could push a team a long way in wins. It was a big team win and I think everyone played a part in it."

"This is a very tough place to play," Trumbo said. "The fans, they're always giving it to you and they're very passionate. Sometimes it's tough to get something going, but a moment like that, that was big for us."

The Blue Jays suffered a blow this week when Joaquin Benoit suffered a torn calf muscle as he ran from the bullpen to participate in the melee with the New York Yankees on Monday. The Blue Jays would have to play deep into October before Benoit, who has been a key performer in the seventh inning, could return.

It is going to put pressure on the rest of the bullpen and the early results are not encouraging.

Grilli, who has been the eighth-inning reliever, has a 9.15 ERA in 11 September outings. He has allowed five runs in his past two outings, a total of one inning.

Osuna has an 8.10 ERA over his past six outings. He is 1-1 with two saves and two blown saves.

"I feel good. I'm not worried at all," Osuna said. "We're going to be fine. We're playing against the best teams in the major leagues in our division and stuff like today it happens sometimes. But I'm not worried at all and I think we're going to be in a good position for the next four games."

Brett Cecil might become a key performer in the remaining games and he pitched a solid inning Wednesday.

Stroman will be looking for his first win since Aug. 14 Thursday.

In seven starts since his last win, he is 0-4 with a 3.32 ERA and the team is 5-2. He held the Yankees to one hit, three walks and no runs over seven innings Saturday but did not factor into the decision in the game won on Jose Bautista's three-run homer in the eighth. Stroman is 1-1 with a 7.88 ERA in three starts this season against the Orioles. In six career games, including five starts, against Baltimore, he is 2-2 with a 5.29 ERA.

Jimenez will be trying for his third win in September, and his third win since the All-Star break, on Thursday. He is 2-3 with one save and a 3.17 ERA in 11 games, including seven starts, since the All-Star break. He is 2-1 with a 2.88 ERA in four starts in September. In four game (three starts) against the Blue Jays this season, he is 0-1 with a 9.42 ERA. He is 6-5 with a 4.84 ERA in 17 career games, including 15 starts, against Toronto.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Red Sox (92-66) at Yankees (82-76)

Game: 3
Venue: Yankee Stadium
Date: September 29, 2016 7:05 PM EDT

NEW YORK -- David Ortiz began making his mark on the rivalry between the Boston Red Sox and New York with two long home runs at Yankee Stadium on July 4, 2003.

He has not stopped getting big hits against the Yankees since and is ending his career as a highly productive player on a playoff team.

"It's incredible," Yankees manager Joe Girardi said. "You often wonder why he's retiring. I know a lot of athletes like to go out on top but gosh the year he's having, I would really have to think about coming back but I'm going to encourage him to retire."

On Thursday, Ortiz will take his last at-bats in the rivalry when the Red Sox conclude their series with the Yankees at Yankee Stadium.

Ortiz announced his retirement before the season and the end of his 14-year tenure with the Red Sox has been marked by tributes in a similar manner to the final seasons of Yankee icons Derek Jeter and Mariano Rivera.

Early in his time with the Red Sox, he struggled for playing time while splitting time with Jeremy Giambi and others. Until he hit those two home runs followed by two more in the next game, Ortiz had seven at-bats in the rivalry, but that weekend was part of a 5-for-16 showing and a few weeks later, he delivered his first game-winning hit in the rivalry.

Then came the 2004 season, when he had consecutive extra-inning game-ending hits in Games 4 and 5 of the ALCS as the Red Sox became the only team to rally from a three games to none deficit en route to their first World Series title since 1918.

Ortiz has 52 of his 53 career home runs vs. the Yankees with the Red Sox. He has the fourth-most home runs all time against the Yankees, tied for fourth all-time with Hall of Famer Hank Greenberg and only behind Manny Ramirez (55), and Hall of Famers Ted Williams (62) and Jimmie Foxx (70).

Of those home runs, 31 have been in two versions of Yankee Stadium. He is tied with Mickey Vernon for the second-most among visiting players to New York and gets one more chance to tie or surpass the mark set by Goose Goslin.

"There's always motivation when you come to play at Yankee Stadium," Ortiz said. "That's how it's been until today. As far as I know, when you're a villain, you're a villain. When you're a hero, you're a hero. Not too many guys get to be both."

The Red Sox will be taking the field as division champions for the third time in Ortiz's tenure. They also won in 2007 and 2013 and Wednesday clinched their eighth division title despite Joe Kelly giving up Mark Teixeira's two-out grand slam in the ninth inning of a 5-3 loss.

"It doesn't detract at all from what these guys accomplished over the last six months," Red Sox owner John Henry said. "The baseball season is an endurance test, so it takes six months to determine a champion. That championship was determined before this game ended."

Teixeira's dramatic home run kept the Yankees mathematically alive for at least one more day. Although New York has won six of its last 17 games, it remains four games behind Baltimore in the wild-card race.

Henry Owens, who was 10 years old when Ortiz joined Boston, makes the start in place of Drew Pomeranz. Owens made his major league debut at Yankee Stadium last August and has a 5.27 ERA in 15 starts.

The 24-year-old left-hander has not pitched since being recalled from Triple-A Pawtucket where he was 10-7 with a 3.53 ERA in 24 starts. Earlier this season, Owens was 0-1 with a 7.79 ERA in four starts for the Red Sox.

The last Yankees starting pitcher to face Ortiz will be CC Sabathia, who is 8-12 with a 4.02 ERA.

Ortiz is 18-for-70 (.257) with two home runs and six RBIs to go along with 16 strikeouts against Sabathia as a Red Sox and 18-for-76 (.237) with two home runs and seven RBIs overall in their matchups.

Sabathia is 12-13 with a 4.59 ERA in 34 career starts against the Red Sox and with the Yankees, he is 10-9 with a 4.79 ERA in 27 starts. He last opposed the Red Sox Sept. 18 in Boston when he allowed four runs and eight hits in a no-decision.

The left-hander's last outing was Saturday in Toronto when he allowed four hits in seven shutout innings of a 3-0 loss. It was his 45th career start of at least seven shutout innings and fifth scoreless outing this season.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Phillies (70-88) at Braves (65-92)

Game: 3
Venue: Turner Field
Date: September 29, 2016 7:10 PM EDT

ATLANTA -- The bullpens for the Atlanta Braves and Philadelphia Phillies are headed in different directions.

The Braves have been getting some stellar work from their relief pitchers, while the Phillies' pitchers have struggled in that role.

Barring a complete game -- Atlanta has had one, Philadelphia has had four this season -- both teams are likely to go to the bullpen on Thursday, the final meeting between the two teams this year and Philadelphia's final trip to Turner Field.

Philadelphia sends right-hander Jeremy Hellickson (12-10, 3.78) to the mound against Atlanta right-hander Josh Collmenter (3-0, 4.19).

The Philadelphia bullpen has allowed 23 runs since Sunday. The bullpen has a 10.05 ERA since Sept. 15

"The bullpen just hasn't been doing the job," Philadelphia manager Pete Mackanin said. "At some point somebody has to do a job. Somebody has to step up. In two games, every reliever I've brought in has given up a run. That's unheard of."

The problem begins with closer Jeanmar Gomez, who has blown two saves in his last three opportunities. Edubray Ramos has been dealing with a slight elbow issue.

Luis Garcia, Severino Gonzalez and David Hernandez have been battered of late. Only Hector Neris has surpassed expectations lately.

The Atlanta bullpen has been a mix-and-match collection that has achieved success, especially in regards to preventing home runs. The relievers have allowed only seven homers since the All-Star Game and only 41 this season, fewest in the league.

The Braves have gotten good performances from Jose Ramirez, Ian Krol and Chaz Roe and have uncovered a solid setup man in hard-throwing rookie Mauricio Cabrera. Veteran Jim Johnson has solidified the closer role since Arodys Vizcaino went on the disabled list.

Hellickson will make his 32nd start of the season, his career high. He has started at least 27 games in five of his six full seasons in the major leagues.

Hellickson was roughed up in his last start against the Mets, allowing six runs in 4 1/3 innings. He is 1-0 with a 4.08 ERA in three career starts against the Braves. He last worked against Atlanta on Sept. 2 and received no decision after giving up four runs in six innings.

Collmenter has been a valued addition to the staff since he was acquired from the Cubs for cash on Sept. 16.

In two starts since joining the rotation, Collmenter is 2-0 with a 3.00 ERA. He beat the Marlins on Sept. 22 and allowed two runs in seven innings. Collmenter is 1-3 with a 4.78 ERA in 12 career appearances, five starts, against the Phillies.

Atlanta first baseman Freddie Freeman will try to extend his hitting streak (30 games) and on-base streak (46 games). Freeman's hitting streak is the third-longest in Atlanta franchise history and his on-base streak is the longest since Gary Sheffield set an Atlanta record with 52 in 2002.

"You take it for granted with this guy," Atlanta manager Brian Snitker said. "He's a machine. Pretty good."

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Twins (56-102) at Royals (81-77)

Game: 3
Venue: Ewing M. Kauffman Stadium
Date: September 29, 2016 7:15 PM EDT

KANSAS CITY, Mo. -- When the Kansas City Royals take the field Thursday against the Minnesota Twins, for the first time since near the end of the 2013 season, there will be nothing much at stake.

The Royals, who have been in the past two World Series and won it all last November, were officially eliminated from the postseason Wednesday night. While they scored three runs with two out in the eighth to pull out a 5-2 triumph over the Twins, they were soon ousted from the wildcard playoff race when the Baltimore Orioles rallied with a two-run ninth to beat the Toronto Blue Jays.

"The team hadn't lost the fight at all," said Royals first baseman Eric Hosmer, who hit a two-run homer, his 25th, in the third inning Wednesday. "It just didn't work out for us this year.

"A lot of ups and downs, a lot of injuries, but I still think there are a lot of positives to take from this year."

He mentioned the contributions of rookies Cheslor Cuthbert and Whit Merrifield, "proving what they can do at this level."

"I think it really gives us a lot of enthusiasm heading into next year and it gives us a lot more weapons," Hosmer said.

Hosmer said it would "definitely be hard" to watch the postseason.

"We've been right in the thick of things the last couple of years, but that's just baseball," Hosmer said. "That's how it goes. We're still confident in the guys we have here. We're still confident in our team. We're hoping we can get pretty much everybody back and see if we can make another run at it."

The Royals need one more victory to have their fourth consecutive winning season.

Meanwhile, the young Twins have 102 losses, matching the most defeats since the club moved to Minnesota in 1961. The 1982 club, also, lost 102. It represents the most for the franchise since the 1949 Washington Senators lost 104.

When Kennys Vargas hit a two-run homer in the sixth it was the Twins' first multiple-run inning in 11 games. That broke a streak of 106 innings with one or no runs. According to Elias, it is the longest such streak in MLB since the 1942 Philadelphia Phillies went 109 innings without scoring more than one run.

"Was it that long? It seemed longer," Twins manager Paul Molitor said. "I know we had over a hundred innings, which is somewhat unfathomable in today's game to imagine you could go through a period offensively of not finding a way to put up more than one run in a given inning. I get that."

The Twins are 0-9 at Kauffman Stadium this season. They have never gone winless in Kansas City since the Royals' 1969 inception.

Right-hander Kyle Gibson will try to get the Twins first win of the year Thursday at Kansas City in the series finale. Gibson is 5-4 with a 3.38 ERA in 10 career starts against the Royals, allowing 24 earned runs in 64 innings with 22 walks and 43 strikeouts.

Gibson, a Missouri alumnus, is 2-2 with a 2.25 ERA in four career starts at Kansas City. Don't be surprised if catcher Drew Butera starts for the Royals. He is 4-for-5 with a home run off Gibson, while Salvador Perez is 3-for-25, .120. Alex Gordon is 9-for-25, .360, and Alcides Escobar is 10-for-29, .345, versus Gibson.

The Royals will counter with left-hander Danny Duffy, who is 7-0 with a 3.43 ERA this year at home. Duffy, who has held left-handed hitters to a .183 average, is 5-1 with a 2.29 ERA in his career against the Twins.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Reds (67-91) at Cardinals (82-76)

Game: 4
Venue: Busch Stadium
Date: September 29, 2016 7:15 PM EDT

ST. LOUIS -- Their National League wild-card hopes growing slimmer by the day, the St. Louis Cardinals turn to their least experienced starter to help keep them alive Thursday night.

Alex Reyes gets the call as St. Louis (82-76) tries to salvage a split of its four-game series with the Cincinnati Reds in Busch Stadium.

The 22-year old right-hander, who will make his fifth major league start, is coming off his third win against the Chicago Cubs in a six-week span. Reyes (4-1, 1.58 ERA) lasted five innings Saturday in a 10-4 victory, allowing three runs on six hits with three walks and six strikeouts in a 115-pitch outing.

Reyes has faced Cincinnati (67-91) twice since being recalled from Triple-A Memphis on Aug. 9, once as a reliever in his big league debut and again as a starter Sept. 2 in Cincinnati. On the latter night, he gave up two runs over six innings in a no-decision.

The Cardinals will need Reyes to come through again if they are to mount any kind of run at a sixth consecutive postseason berth. They will start play Thursday night 2 1/2 games behind the idle New York Mets (85-74) for the first wild card and one game behind the San Francisco Giants (83-75) for the second wild card.

A 2-1 loss to Cincinnati on Wednesday night was perhaps St. Louis' most frustrating of the year for a couple of reasons. Not only was it one the Cardinals couldn't afford, but it was also a game they could have won, except they stranded the tying run at third in three of the final four innings.

"I would say missed opportunities hurt tonight," Cardinals manager Mike Matheny said. "That's a good way of looking at it."

In crunch time, the Cardinals aren't exactly drawing a team playing out the string. The Reds have beaten them four of six meetings in September, holding them to two runs or fewer in all four wins.

Cincinnati's Thursday starter, right-hander Dan Straily (14-8, 3.74 ERA), is certainly capable of piecing together a shutdown outing. Straily, who is coming off a 6-1 win Saturday night in Milwaukee, owns a win in two starts this year against St. Louis.

Making the Reds' victory Wednesday night more impressive was that Cincinnati did it with second baseman Brandon Phillips (left hand) and center fielder Scott Schebler (hamstring) out of the lineup.

"It was a makeshift lineup tonight," Reds manager Bryan Price said. "We're putting guys in their place to get opportunities, and they're taking advantage. We're hoping the second half of the season can springboard us to a better 2017."

While Cincinnati heads home after Thursday night to close the season against the playoff-bound Cubs, the Cardinals host the Pittsburgh Pirates, needing the same things they needed since they woke up Tuesday: wins and help.

"It's a tough one to swallow," St. Louis second baseman Greg Garcia said of the Wednesday defeat. He had a chance to drive in the tying run in the ninth but flied out to shallow left for the second out. "You got to get it done, especially in crunch time. That's where we are right now."

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Dodgers (90-68) at Padres (68-90)

Game: 3
Venue: PETCO Park
Date: September 29, 2016 9:10 PM EDT

SAN DIEGO -- The Los Angeles Dodgers won their fourth consecutive National League West title for a lot of reasons.

Among them was contributions from their younger players.

Left-hander Julio Urias (5-2, 3.53 ERA) is one of the kids who is doing all right. He will try to prevent a three-game San Diego Padres sweep when he starts the series finale Thursday.

"With Julio, it's just the way he carries himself," Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said of the 20-year-old rookie. "He is so mature, and he carries himself with that confidence."

Urias will be opposed by Christian Friedrich (5-11, 4.66 ERA) in a battle of southpaws.

Urias is making his first start since Sept. 13 and his first appearance since Sept. 21.

The Dodgers have been cautious with his innings, which will make him available for the postseason. Roberts said Urias will be among the 25 players trying to bring a World Series championship to Los Angeles for the first time since 1988.

Urias could be the Dodgers' No. 4 starter if they need one. More likely, he will be used out of the bullpen.

"Julio has been receptive in being able to adapt," Roberts said.

Urias has a live arm and a keen mind. Roberts noticed how he goes about his work and the players he is learning from.

"He has really taken to the way Clayton (Kershaw) has mentored him, and Adrian (Gonzalez) has really helped him a lot," Roberts said. "He understands there is still a lot in there for his growth, and to his credit, he has been open."

Urias has faced the Padres once, when he gave up two runs and three hits in 5 1/3 innings during a no-decision on Sept. 2.

Friedrich has struggled against the Dodgers this year, going 0-1 with a 6.39 ERA in three starts. Los Angeles amassed 19 hits and seven walks in just 12 2/3 innings against him.

His career numbers against the Dodgers are similarly ugly: 0-1 with a 7.32 ERA in 13 games (three starts).

Friedrich, a 29-year-old completing his first season with the Padres, is almost an elder statesman on a team in the process of a youth movement.

San Diego waited for its Triple-A affiliate, El Paso, to finish its postseason run before calling up four prospects on Sept. 21.

Already, Manuel Margot enjoyed a game in which he finished a home run shy of a cycle. Hunter Renfroe has four home runs and 12 RBIs in seven games. Carlos Asuaje looks smooth at second base, and Austin Hedges is steady behind the plate.

All appear poised to contribute for years. Then again, Padres manager Andy Green warns not to put anyone in the Baseball Hall of Fame just yet.

"They have been good," Green said, "but it's early in some of their major league careers, so I am going to say what I said in the beginning: If they get 15 hits in a week and a half, it's good for them, but it doesn't mean anything, so much for them and their future. And if they don't get a hit, it doesn't mean they are not going to be a great major league player."

Green is anxious to see how the prized prospects react things get challenging.

"You will run through stretches when players are on fire and when they are ice cold," Green said. "The real measure of a major league player is how he responds to adversity, how he responds when he is not getting hits and how he comes back from that. You are not going to get that look in September."

But at first glance, the Padres have hope for the future.

"The early returns are good," Green said. "I love Hunter Renfroe's even-keel demeanor. Manny Margot's energy and smile on the baseball field. Carlos Asuaje is incredibly determined, and Austin Hedges has been very cerebral behind the plate. You expect those things to continue on, but you have to go through some tough times at this level."