DAVE COKIN
WIZARDS AT CELTICS
PLAY: WIZARDS +5.5
The advocates of the old NBA Playoff ZigZag theory will love the Wizards tonight. That’s if there are any advocates of that theory remaining.
I have to state that while I have no problem with backing long term winning situational angles, my ardent belief is that once they become popular with the recreational bettors, they’re generally toast. And so it has gone with the old ZigZag.
However, I do see the Wizards with a pretty good chance to rebound from the Game One loss to the Celtics. Boston exploded in the third quarter of Sunday’s series opener, and broke what had been a close game wide open.
The Wizards simply have to play better perimeter defense than they did in Game One, don’t they? Put another way, if Boston is able to hit 19 treys again tonight, Washington will be going home down 0-2. So I sure expect to see a more concerted effort by the Wizard defenders tonight.
This looks like a tossup game to me, so I lime the idea of grabbing a couple possessions with Washington. I think my biggest concern might well be the fact that the Wizards will be popular with the betting public tonight. Nevertheless, while again noting this is currently NOT a personal play for me, I’m compelled to at the very least issue a lean on the Wizards plus the points.
WIZARDS AT CELTICS
PLAY: WIZARDS +5.5
The advocates of the old NBA Playoff ZigZag theory will love the Wizards tonight. That’s if there are any advocates of that theory remaining.
I have to state that while I have no problem with backing long term winning situational angles, my ardent belief is that once they become popular with the recreational bettors, they’re generally toast. And so it has gone with the old ZigZag.
However, I do see the Wizards with a pretty good chance to rebound from the Game One loss to the Celtics. Boston exploded in the third quarter of Sunday’s series opener, and broke what had been a close game wide open.
The Wizards simply have to play better perimeter defense than they did in Game One, don’t they? Put another way, if Boston is able to hit 19 treys again tonight, Washington will be going home down 0-2. So I sure expect to see a more concerted effort by the Wizard defenders tonight.
This looks like a tossup game to me, so I lime the idea of grabbing a couple possessions with Washington. I think my biggest concern might well be the fact that the Wizards will be popular with the betting public tonight. Nevertheless, while again noting this is currently NOT a personal play for me, I’m compelled to at the very least issue a lean on the Wizards plus the points.
Mike Lundin
May 02 '17, 7:10 PM
MLB | Pirates vs Reds
Play on: Reds -124 at 5Dimes
#MLB Free Pick from Mike Lundin
Play: Cincinnati Reds
Rating: 5/10*
**#7 Overall Handicapper YTD**
***+$24,910 All Sports***
The Cincinnati Reds are coming off back-to-back wins following Monday's 4-3 win against the Pittsburgh Pirates. I like the Reds to continue their winning ways as they face the struggling Tyler Glasnow (0-1, 7.98 ERA) on the mound tonight.
Glasnow has gone just 14 2/3 innings in four starts this season, and he was charged with five runs on four hits and five walks in just 1 2/3 innings of a 7-1 loss against Cincinnati on April 10. The Reds turn to Scott Feldman (1-2, 3.25 ERA) who had been solid this season before conceding four runs in five innings of a 9-1 loss at Milwaukee his last time out.
The Reds have won five straight head-to-head meetings, and I think they'll make it six in a row Tuesday night.
May 02 '17, 7:10 PM
MLB | Pirates vs Reds
Play on: Reds -124 at 5Dimes
#MLB Free Pick from Mike Lundin
Play: Cincinnati Reds
Rating: 5/10*
**#7 Overall Handicapper YTD**
***+$24,910 All Sports***
The Cincinnati Reds are coming off back-to-back wins following Monday's 4-3 win against the Pittsburgh Pirates. I like the Reds to continue their winning ways as they face the struggling Tyler Glasnow (0-1, 7.98 ERA) on the mound tonight.
Glasnow has gone just 14 2/3 innings in four starts this season, and he was charged with five runs on four hits and five walks in just 1 2/3 innings of a 7-1 loss against Cincinnati on April 10. The Reds turn to Scott Feldman (1-2, 3.25 ERA) who had been solid this season before conceding four runs in five innings of a 9-1 loss at Milwaukee his last time out.
The Reds have won five straight head-to-head meetings, and I think they'll make it six in a row Tuesday night.
Ray Monohan
May 02 '17, 7:10 PM
MLB | Indians vs Tigers
Play on: Tigers +112 at betonline
Tigers +113
This play just missed out on our premium card. It's always a good value when you can Justin Verlander at plus money, and that is the case on Tuesday night. Verlander's ERA looks high this season but he has only had one bad start this season, against the Indians, but I don't expect that again in this game.
In his last game he went seven innings against the Mariners giving up zero earned runs and looked like the Verlander of old. Some trends to note. Tigers are 4-1 in Verlanders last 5 Tuesday starts. Tigers are 4-0 in their last 4 home games vs. a team with a road winning % of greater than .600.
Back Detroit.
Good Luck, Razor Ray.
May 02 '17, 7:10 PM
MLB | Indians vs Tigers
Play on: Tigers +112 at betonline
Tigers +113
This play just missed out on our premium card. It's always a good value when you can Justin Verlander at plus money, and that is the case on Tuesday night. Verlander's ERA looks high this season but he has only had one bad start this season, against the Indians, but I don't expect that again in this game.
In his last game he went seven innings against the Mariners giving up zero earned runs and looked like the Verlander of old. Some trends to note. Tigers are 4-1 in Verlanders last 5 Tuesday starts. Tigers are 4-0 in their last 4 home games vs. a team with a road winning % of greater than .600.
Back Detroit.
Good Luck, Razor Ray.
Handicappers Hub
May 02 '17, 7:05 PM
MLB | Blue Jays vs Yankees
Play on: Yankees -1½ -105 at 5Dimes
Toronto has won 5 in a row and it looks to be bouncing back a little bit but it is going to run into a buzzsaw tonight as Tanaka is 3-0 with a 1.61 ERA in his last 3 starts and 6-3 with a 2.34 ERA lifetime against the Jays. The only way Toronto will be able to stay in it is if they have a pitching performance of a lifetime from Mat Latos who is coming in with just 2 starts and an ERA of 3.27 against a Yankees team that averages 6.4 runs per game at home.
Look for the Yanks to get plenty of run support off Latos and Tanaka to shut them down for an easy run line win tonight in the Bronx.
May 02 '17, 7:05 PM
MLB | Blue Jays vs Yankees
Play on: Yankees -1½ -105 at 5Dimes
Toronto has won 5 in a row and it looks to be bouncing back a little bit but it is going to run into a buzzsaw tonight as Tanaka is 3-0 with a 1.61 ERA in his last 3 starts and 6-3 with a 2.34 ERA lifetime against the Jays. The only way Toronto will be able to stay in it is if they have a pitching performance of a lifetime from Mat Latos who is coming in with just 2 starts and an ERA of 3.27 against a Yankees team that averages 6.4 runs per game at home.
Look for the Yanks to get plenty of run support off Latos and Tanaka to shut them down for an easy run line win tonight in the Bronx.
Chase Diamond
May 02 '17, 7:05 PM
MLB | Diamondbacks vs Nationals
Play on: Diamondbacks +126 at 5Dimes
This game has the 16-11 Arizona at the 17-8 Washington Nationals. Arizona has been one of the surprise teams this season and that's partially because of young guns like Taijaun Walker who I have like since his days on the Mariners. He is 3-1 with a 3.94 ERA with 33 strike outs to just 7 walks. In fact last time out he whiffed 11 guys. Tanner Roark goes for the Nats he's nothing special and I love getting nice sized plus money in this one. Let bet a 15* play on the Diamondbacks at plus money.
May 02 '17, 7:05 PM
MLB | Diamondbacks vs Nationals
Play on: Diamondbacks +126 at 5Dimes
This game has the 16-11 Arizona at the 17-8 Washington Nationals. Arizona has been one of the surprise teams this season and that's partially because of young guns like Taijaun Walker who I have like since his days on the Mariners. He is 3-1 with a 3.94 ERA with 33 strike outs to just 7 walks. In fact last time out he whiffed 11 guys. Tanner Roark goes for the Nats he's nothing special and I love getting nice sized plus money in this one. Let bet a 15* play on the Diamondbacks at plus money.
Ross Benjamin
May 02 '17, 9:30 PM
NHL | Blues vs Predators
Play on: Blues +140 at GTBets
St. Louis @ Nashville 9:35 PM ET
Game# 53-54
Play On: St. Louis +143
Despite their Game 3 loss at Nashville, the St. Louis Blues are an outstanding 12-3 over their last 15 road games. Furthermore, St. Louis has won 7 straight following a loss in their previous game.
St. Louis has been a strong finishing team this season, and that’s further proven by them outscoring their opponents by a 96-78 margin in 90 games (+0.2) during 3rd period action. The Blues are coming off a 3-1 loss at Nashville in Game 3 of this series. The combination of this statistical data sets up a money line underdog betting angle which has been very profitable over the past 3 seasons.
Since the start of the 2014-2015 NHL season, any money line underdog (St. Louis) that’s playing in the 2nd half of the season, possessing a +0.2 or better 3rd period goal differential, and is coming off a game in which they scored 1 goal or less, resulted in those teams going 32-17 (65.3%). Bet on St. Louis for a 5* money line underdog wager.
May 02 '17, 9:30 PM
NHL | Blues vs Predators
Play on: Blues +140 at GTBets
St. Louis @ Nashville 9:35 PM ET
Game# 53-54
Play On: St. Louis +143
Despite their Game 3 loss at Nashville, the St. Louis Blues are an outstanding 12-3 over their last 15 road games. Furthermore, St. Louis has won 7 straight following a loss in their previous game.
St. Louis has been a strong finishing team this season, and that’s further proven by them outscoring their opponents by a 96-78 margin in 90 games (+0.2) during 3rd period action. The Blues are coming off a 3-1 loss at Nashville in Game 3 of this series. The combination of this statistical data sets up a money line underdog betting angle which has been very profitable over the past 3 seasons.
Since the start of the 2014-2015 NHL season, any money line underdog (St. Louis) that’s playing in the 2nd half of the season, possessing a +0.2 or better 3rd period goal differential, and is coming off a game in which they scored 1 goal or less, resulted in those teams going 32-17 (65.3%). Bet on St. Louis for a 5* money line underdog wager.
Matt Fargo
May 02 '17, 8:10 PM
MLB | Rangers vs Astros
Play on: Rangers +131 at 5Dimes
The Rangers had a chance to take the opener of this series as they got a great performance from starter Andrew Cashner but the bullpen could not shut the door and they eventually lost 6-2. It was the second straight loss for Texas to remain tied with Seattle for last place in the American League West but it has a good chance to bounce back tonight in the second game of the four-game set. The Astros improved to 17-9 following their second straight win and they have gotten the job done at home with a 10-5 record but are overpriced in this spot on Tuesday. Mike Fiers gets the ball for Houston and he has been pretty bad of late with a 6.75 ERA and 1.72 WHIP over his last three starts. Granted, all of those were on the road and he did pitch well in his lone home start but the recent form is a real concern nonetheless. Texas counters with Cole Hamels who is off to a very good start with a 3.03 ERA and 1.13 WHIP in five starts, four of which have resulted in quality outings. He has dominated Houston since coming to Texas as he has a 2.19 ERA in four starts, all quality performances and all resulting in Texas wins. The Rangers are 13-3 in Hamels' last 16 starts after scoring two runs or less in their previous game while the Astros are 1-4 in their last five home games against left-handed starters. Play (925) Texas Rangers
May 02 '17, 8:10 PM
MLB | Rangers vs Astros
Play on: Rangers +131 at 5Dimes
The Rangers had a chance to take the opener of this series as they got a great performance from starter Andrew Cashner but the bullpen could not shut the door and they eventually lost 6-2. It was the second straight loss for Texas to remain tied with Seattle for last place in the American League West but it has a good chance to bounce back tonight in the second game of the four-game set. The Astros improved to 17-9 following their second straight win and they have gotten the job done at home with a 10-5 record but are overpriced in this spot on Tuesday. Mike Fiers gets the ball for Houston and he has been pretty bad of late with a 6.75 ERA and 1.72 WHIP over his last three starts. Granted, all of those were on the road and he did pitch well in his lone home start but the recent form is a real concern nonetheless. Texas counters with Cole Hamels who is off to a very good start with a 3.03 ERA and 1.13 WHIP in five starts, four of which have resulted in quality outings. He has dominated Houston since coming to Texas as he has a 2.19 ERA in four starts, all quality performances and all resulting in Texas wins. The Rangers are 13-3 in Hamels' last 16 starts after scoring two runs or less in their previous game while the Astros are 1-4 in their last five home games against left-handed starters. Play (925) Texas Rangers
Teddy Davis
May 02 '17, 7:10 PM
MLB | Pirates vs Reds
Play on: Reds -124 at BMaker
The Reds were my free pick winner yesterday so let's back at it again with them.
They send Feldman to the mound who is considered their ace of the staff. He is just 1-2 on the season but his ERA suggests that he has pitched a lot better than that with a 3.25 ERA.
Glasnow is really struggling for the Pirates failing to give quality starts back to back times. He has been awful on the road with a 7.20 ERA.
May 02 '17, 7:10 PM
MLB | Pirates vs Reds
Play on: Reds -124 at BMaker
The Reds were my free pick winner yesterday so let's back at it again with them.
They send Feldman to the mound who is considered their ace of the staff. He is just 1-2 on the season but his ERA suggests that he has pitched a lot better than that with a 3.25 ERA.
Glasnow is really struggling for the Pirates failing to give quality starts back to back times. He has been awful on the road with a 7.20 ERA.
Rob Vinciletti
Wizards vs. Celtics
Play: Over 218
This game fits a powerful totals system that plays over for conference home teams that scored 110 or more in a home favored win and cover vs an opponent off a road dog straight up and ats loss that scored 110 or more. These games have average 228 points since 1995. Boston is 6-0 over on Tuesdays and 3-0 over at home off a home game where they scored 120 or more. The Wizards are 7 of 9 over on Tuesdays and 12 of 15 over vs teams who average more than 105 points per game. Look for another high scoring affair.
Wizards vs. Celtics
Play: Over 218
This game fits a powerful totals system that plays over for conference home teams that scored 110 or more in a home favored win and cover vs an opponent off a road dog straight up and ats loss that scored 110 or more. These games have average 228 points since 1995. Boston is 6-0 over on Tuesdays and 3-0 over at home off a home game where they scored 120 or more. The Wizards are 7 of 9 over on Tuesdays and 12 of 15 over vs teams who average more than 105 points per game. Look for another high scoring affair.
Preview: Diamondbacks at Nationals
GAME: Arizona Diamondbacks (16-11) at Washington Nationals (17-8)
DATE/TIME: Tuesday, May 02 - 7:05 PM EST
WHERE: Nationals Park, Washington, District of Columbia
The Arizona Diamondbacks have to hope that one off day was enough to cool the bats of the Washington Nationals. The Nationals pounded out a franchise-record 23 runs on Sunday while Anthony Rendon made history with a 6-for-6 effort, and that attack will host a Diamondbacks staff that just worked 13 shutout innings in the opener of a three-game series on Tuesday.
Rendon entered Sunday with no homers and five RBIs on the season but smashed three home runs and drove in 10 to join Walker Cooper of the 1949 Cincinnati Reds as the only two players in major-league history to record six hits and 10 RBIs in one game. Rendon broke Washington's franchise record for RBIs in a game and the team set an MLB record by scoring at least 14 runs for the fifth time in April. The Diamondbacks completed a 16-11 opening month and watched their pitching staff allow three or fewer runs for the fourth time in six games with a 2-0, 13-inning shutout of the Rockies - capped by Daniel Descalso's two-run, walk-off blast. Arizona right-hander Taijuan Walker is coming off his best start and will get a chance to quiet the Nationals offense while Washington counters with veteran Tanner Roark.
TV: 7:05 p.m. ET, FSN Arizona, MASN 2 (Washington)
PITCHING MATCHUP: Diamondbacks RH Taijuan Walker (3-1, 3.94 ERA) vs. Nationals RH Tanner Roark (3-0, 3.64)
Walker matched a career high with 11 strikeouts Thursday while holding the San Diego Padres to two runs on four hits and no walks in eight innings. The 24-year-old failed to complete six innings in any of his previous three starts but worked efficiently against the Padres and needed 104 pitches to make it through eight frames. Walker, who came over from the Seattle Mariners in the offseason, owns 33 strikeouts and seven walks over 29 2/3 innings and is making his first career start against Washington.
Roark has yet to take a loss but lasted only five innings at Colorado on Wednesday while allowing two runs on five hits and four walks in a win. The Illinois product went two starts in a row without issuing a free pass but walked a total of seven batters in 11 2/3 innings in his last two starts to lift his WHIP from 0.89 to 1.18. Roark is just 1-1 in seven career appearances - four starts - against Arizona despite a 2.51 ERA and a 1.12 WHIP.
WALK-OFFS
1. Nationals RF Bryce Harper set an MLB record with 32 runs scored in April.
2. Arizona 2B Brandon Drury has hit safely in each of the last six games and recorded multiple hits in three of the last five.
3. Washington 1B Ryan Zimmerman is 11-for-18 with four home runs, 11 RBIs and eight runs scored in the last four games.
PREDICTION: Nationals 7, Diamondbacks 4
GAME: Arizona Diamondbacks (16-11) at Washington Nationals (17-8)
DATE/TIME: Tuesday, May 02 - 7:05 PM EST
WHERE: Nationals Park, Washington, District of Columbia
The Arizona Diamondbacks have to hope that one off day was enough to cool the bats of the Washington Nationals. The Nationals pounded out a franchise-record 23 runs on Sunday while Anthony Rendon made history with a 6-for-6 effort, and that attack will host a Diamondbacks staff that just worked 13 shutout innings in the opener of a three-game series on Tuesday.
Rendon entered Sunday with no homers and five RBIs on the season but smashed three home runs and drove in 10 to join Walker Cooper of the 1949 Cincinnati Reds as the only two players in major-league history to record six hits and 10 RBIs in one game. Rendon broke Washington's franchise record for RBIs in a game and the team set an MLB record by scoring at least 14 runs for the fifth time in April. The Diamondbacks completed a 16-11 opening month and watched their pitching staff allow three or fewer runs for the fourth time in six games with a 2-0, 13-inning shutout of the Rockies - capped by Daniel Descalso's two-run, walk-off blast. Arizona right-hander Taijuan Walker is coming off his best start and will get a chance to quiet the Nationals offense while Washington counters with veteran Tanner Roark.
TV: 7:05 p.m. ET, FSN Arizona, MASN 2 (Washington)
PITCHING MATCHUP: Diamondbacks RH Taijuan Walker (3-1, 3.94 ERA) vs. Nationals RH Tanner Roark (3-0, 3.64)
Walker matched a career high with 11 strikeouts Thursday while holding the San Diego Padres to two runs on four hits and no walks in eight innings. The 24-year-old failed to complete six innings in any of his previous three starts but worked efficiently against the Padres and needed 104 pitches to make it through eight frames. Walker, who came over from the Seattle Mariners in the offseason, owns 33 strikeouts and seven walks over 29 2/3 innings and is making his first career start against Washington.
Roark has yet to take a loss but lasted only five innings at Colorado on Wednesday while allowing two runs on five hits and four walks in a win. The Illinois product went two starts in a row without issuing a free pass but walked a total of seven batters in 11 2/3 innings in his last two starts to lift his WHIP from 0.89 to 1.18. Roark is just 1-1 in seven career appearances - four starts - against Arizona despite a 2.51 ERA and a 1.12 WHIP.
WALK-OFFS
1. Nationals RF Bryce Harper set an MLB record with 32 runs scored in April.
2. Arizona 2B Brandon Drury has hit safely in each of the last six games and recorded multiple hits in three of the last five.
3. Washington 1B Ryan Zimmerman is 11-for-18 with four home runs, 11 RBIs and eight runs scored in the last four games.
PREDICTION: Nationals 7, Diamondbacks 4
Preview: Blue Jays at Yankees
GAME: Toronto Blue Jays (9-17) at New York Yankees (15-9)
DATE/TIME: Tuesday, May 02 - 7:05 PM EST
WHERE: Yankee Stadium, Bronx, New York
Masahiro Tanaka will look to follow up one of the best starts of his career when the New York Yankees continue their three-game series against the visiting Toronto Blue Jays on Tuesday night. The Blue Jays opened the year with 11 losses in 13 games but have won a season-high three in a row following Monday's 7-1 thumping of New York.
Tanaka registered his second career shutout and first since his rookie year in beating bitter rival Boston in his last turn to boost his career record to 16-3 in the months of April and May. The Yankees lead the American League with 129 runs but have dropped two in a row for the first time since a three-game skid from April 5-8. Toronto entered the series ranked 26th in the majors with 22 homers, but Jose Bautista, Chris Coghlan and Ryan Goins all went deep Monday. Veteran Mat Latos gets the start Tuesday for the Blue Jays, who have permitted one run in each of the last three wins and are 11-5 in their last 16 versus New York.
TV: 7:05 p.m. ET, MLB Network, Sportsnet One (Toronto), YES (New York)
PITCHING MATCHUP: Blue Jays RH Mat Latos (0-0, 3.27 ERA) vs. Yankees RH Masahiro Tanaka (3-1, 4.20)
With two starters on the disabled list, Latos gets another chance to show he belongs in the rotation after a strong performance the last time out. The 29-year-old overcame four walks and held St. Louis to three hits over six scoreless innings after allowing four runs over five innings at the Los Angeles Angels in his season debut. Matt Holliday is 11-for-29 with eight RBIs against Latos.
Tanaka's ragged season debut, in which he was rocked for seven runs in 2 2/3 innings at Tampa Bay, is a distant memory in the wake of a three-start winning streak. The Japan native outdueled Boston's Chris Sale by yielding three hits and not walking a batter in his fifth career complete game. Goins, Justin Smoak, Russell Martin and Kendrys Morales have labored against Tanaka, going a combined 2-for-37.
WALK-OFFS
1. Bautista's homer was his 34th against the Yankees, the most among active players.
2. Yankees RF Aaron Judge is 6-for-13 with three homers, six RBIs and seven runs scored during a four-game hitting streak.
3. Goins broke out of an 0-for-13 slump with a homer and four RBIs - two coming on a sacrifice fly.
PREDICTION: Yankees 6, Blue Jays 3
GAME: Toronto Blue Jays (9-17) at New York Yankees (15-9)
DATE/TIME: Tuesday, May 02 - 7:05 PM EST
WHERE: Yankee Stadium, Bronx, New York
Masahiro Tanaka will look to follow up one of the best starts of his career when the New York Yankees continue their three-game series against the visiting Toronto Blue Jays on Tuesday night. The Blue Jays opened the year with 11 losses in 13 games but have won a season-high three in a row following Monday's 7-1 thumping of New York.
Tanaka registered his second career shutout and first since his rookie year in beating bitter rival Boston in his last turn to boost his career record to 16-3 in the months of April and May. The Yankees lead the American League with 129 runs but have dropped two in a row for the first time since a three-game skid from April 5-8. Toronto entered the series ranked 26th in the majors with 22 homers, but Jose Bautista, Chris Coghlan and Ryan Goins all went deep Monday. Veteran Mat Latos gets the start Tuesday for the Blue Jays, who have permitted one run in each of the last three wins and are 11-5 in their last 16 versus New York.
TV: 7:05 p.m. ET, MLB Network, Sportsnet One (Toronto), YES (New York)
PITCHING MATCHUP: Blue Jays RH Mat Latos (0-0, 3.27 ERA) vs. Yankees RH Masahiro Tanaka (3-1, 4.20)
With two starters on the disabled list, Latos gets another chance to show he belongs in the rotation after a strong performance the last time out. The 29-year-old overcame four walks and held St. Louis to three hits over six scoreless innings after allowing four runs over five innings at the Los Angeles Angels in his season debut. Matt Holliday is 11-for-29 with eight RBIs against Latos.
Tanaka's ragged season debut, in which he was rocked for seven runs in 2 2/3 innings at Tampa Bay, is a distant memory in the wake of a three-start winning streak. The Japan native outdueled Boston's Chris Sale by yielding three hits and not walking a batter in his fifth career complete game. Goins, Justin Smoak, Russell Martin and Kendrys Morales have labored against Tanaka, going a combined 2-for-37.
WALK-OFFS
1. Bautista's homer was his 34th against the Yankees, the most among active players.
2. Yankees RF Aaron Judge is 6-for-13 with three homers, six RBIs and seven runs scored during a four-game hitting streak.
3. Goins broke out of an 0-for-13 slump with a homer and four RBIs - two coming on a sacrifice fly.
PREDICTION: Yankees 6, Blue Jays 3
Preview: Indians at Tigers
GAME: Cleveland Indians (14-11) at Detroit Tigers (13-12)
DATE/TIME: Tuesday, May 02 - 7:10 PM EST
WHERE: Comerica Park, Detroit, Michigan
What loomed as a high-voltage matchup between former Cy Young Award winners Corey Kluber and Justin Verlander last month instead turned into a slugfest between the Cleveland Indians and Detroit Tigers. Kluber and Verlander will lock horns again on Tuesday night when the Indians play the second of their 10-game road trip at Detroit's Comerica Field.
Kluber was 3-0 with a 2.25 ERA against Detroit a year ago, but he gave up six runs in 6 1/3 innings on April 15 despite being staked to a seven-run lead through three innings. Verlander, meanwhile, matched a career worst with nine runs allowed in four-plus innings, including the first of two three-run blasts from Jose Ramirez. Cleveland had won four of five overall before Monday's 7-1 loss to the Tigers, who have scored 24 runs while going 3-1 against the Indians this season. Detroit slugger Miguel Cabrera, sidelined since April 21 with a groin strain, is "all systems go" to return to the lineup Tuesday, manager Brad Ausmus said.
TV: 7:10 p.m. ET, SportsTime Ohio (Cleveland), FSN Detroit
PITCHING MATCHUP: Indians RH Corey Kluber (3-1, 4.19 ERA) vs. Tigers RH Justin Verlander (1-2, 4.60)
Kluber struck out at least 227 batters in each of the last three years and has fanned 27 during his three-start winning streak, including a season-high 10 over seven innings versus Houston last time out. He had his best outing in his previous turn at the Chicago White Sox with a three-hit shutout. Cabrera's return comes at a bad time for Kluber - he is 21-for-50 with five homers and 10 RBIs against him.
Verlander followed up the debacle in Cleveland with a mediocre effort, lasting five innings and walking a season-high six batters while allowing four runs. He bounced back in a big way last time out against Seattle with seven strong innings, surrendering one unearned run on five hits while striking out eight. Ramirez (9-for-22) and Francisco Lindor (9-for-20) have posted big numbers against Verlander, each going deep once.
WALK-OFFS
1. Cabrera had hit safely in seven of eight games with three homers and nine RBIs before he was injured.
2. Indians CF Austin Jackson left Monday's game in the ninth inning when he jammed his toe on the first base bag.
3. Tigers C Alex Avila, batting .400 overall, is 5-for-8 in the last three games.
PREDICTION: Indians 4, Tigers 3
GAME: Cleveland Indians (14-11) at Detroit Tigers (13-12)
DATE/TIME: Tuesday, May 02 - 7:10 PM EST
WHERE: Comerica Park, Detroit, Michigan
What loomed as a high-voltage matchup between former Cy Young Award winners Corey Kluber and Justin Verlander last month instead turned into a slugfest between the Cleveland Indians and Detroit Tigers. Kluber and Verlander will lock horns again on Tuesday night when the Indians play the second of their 10-game road trip at Detroit's Comerica Field.
Kluber was 3-0 with a 2.25 ERA against Detroit a year ago, but he gave up six runs in 6 1/3 innings on April 15 despite being staked to a seven-run lead through three innings. Verlander, meanwhile, matched a career worst with nine runs allowed in four-plus innings, including the first of two three-run blasts from Jose Ramirez. Cleveland had won four of five overall before Monday's 7-1 loss to the Tigers, who have scored 24 runs while going 3-1 against the Indians this season. Detroit slugger Miguel Cabrera, sidelined since April 21 with a groin strain, is "all systems go" to return to the lineup Tuesday, manager Brad Ausmus said.
TV: 7:10 p.m. ET, SportsTime Ohio (Cleveland), FSN Detroit
PITCHING MATCHUP: Indians RH Corey Kluber (3-1, 4.19 ERA) vs. Tigers RH Justin Verlander (1-2, 4.60)
Kluber struck out at least 227 batters in each of the last three years and has fanned 27 during his three-start winning streak, including a season-high 10 over seven innings versus Houston last time out. He had his best outing in his previous turn at the Chicago White Sox with a three-hit shutout. Cabrera's return comes at a bad time for Kluber - he is 21-for-50 with five homers and 10 RBIs against him.
Verlander followed up the debacle in Cleveland with a mediocre effort, lasting five innings and walking a season-high six batters while allowing four runs. He bounced back in a big way last time out against Seattle with seven strong innings, surrendering one unearned run on five hits while striking out eight. Ramirez (9-for-22) and Francisco Lindor (9-for-20) have posted big numbers against Verlander, each going deep once.
WALK-OFFS
1. Cabrera had hit safely in seven of eight games with three homers and nine RBIs before he was injured.
2. Indians CF Austin Jackson left Monday's game in the ninth inning when he jammed his toe on the first base bag.
3. Tigers C Alex Avila, batting .400 overall, is 5-for-8 in the last three games.
PREDICTION: Indians 4, Tigers 3
Preview: Orioles at Red Sox
GAME: Baltimore Orioles (16-8) at Boston Red Sox (13-12)
DATE/TIME: Tuesday, May 02 - 7:10 PM EST
WHERE: Fenway Park, Boston, Massachusetts
Chris Sale leads the American League in strikeouts and owns the second-lowest ERA but that dominance hasn't translated into the win column for the fireballing left-hander. Sale will be looking to receive some offensive support as he makes his sixth start of the season for the Boston Red Sox on Tuesday night against the visiting Baltimore Orioles.
Boston led the major leagues in runs last year so its lack of offensive ineptitude with Sale on the mound has been startling. Acquired in a blockbuster trade with the Chicago White Sox in the offseason, Sale has received a scant total of four runs in his 37 2/3 innings on the mound from the Red Sox, who managed six hits in a 5-2 loss in Monday's series opener. Orioles third baseman Manny Machado, booed loudly Monday for his involvement in a slide that injured Boston second baseman Dustin Pedroia 11 days earlier, responded with a home run and a number of sparking defensive plays as Baltimore reclaimed first place in the AL East. Orioles closer Zach Britton, who led the AL with 47 saves in 2016, is expected to be activated off the disabled list Tuesday.
TV: 7:10 p.m. ET, MLB Network, MASN (Baltimore), NESN (Boston)
PITCHING MATCHUP: Orioles RH Alec Asher (1-0, 2.16 ERA) vs. Red Sox LH Chris Sale (1-2, 1.19)
Asher was recalled from Triple-A Norfolk to make a spot start in his season debut at Toronto on April 15 and permitted one run on three hits over 6 1/3 innings in a no-decision. The 25-year-old made just two relief appearances since, including a scoreless frame against the Red Sox on April 23. Asher was 2-1 with a 2.28 ERA in five starts with the Philadelphia Phillies last season.
Despite becoming the fourth Boston pitcher to ever register double-digit strikeouts in four consecutive starts, Sale came up empty in a 3-0 loss to the New York Yankees last time out. He was overpowering in his previous turn at Toronto, fanning 13 and allowing four hits over eight scoreless innings but had to settle for a no-decision. Mark Trumbo is 5-for-14 with a homer and two doubles off Sale.
WALK-OFFS
1. Orioles 2B Jonathan Schoop collected two hits Monday to run his hitting streak to seven games.
2. Red Sox OF Andrew Benintendi is 5-for-14 with two homers and four RBIs during a four-game hitting streak.
3. Orioles C Welington Castillo missed the series opener due to spasms in his neck.
PREDICTION: Red Sox 4, Orioles 3
GAME: Baltimore Orioles (16-8) at Boston Red Sox (13-12)
DATE/TIME: Tuesday, May 02 - 7:10 PM EST
WHERE: Fenway Park, Boston, Massachusetts
Chris Sale leads the American League in strikeouts and owns the second-lowest ERA but that dominance hasn't translated into the win column for the fireballing left-hander. Sale will be looking to receive some offensive support as he makes his sixth start of the season for the Boston Red Sox on Tuesday night against the visiting Baltimore Orioles.
Boston led the major leagues in runs last year so its lack of offensive ineptitude with Sale on the mound has been startling. Acquired in a blockbuster trade with the Chicago White Sox in the offseason, Sale has received a scant total of four runs in his 37 2/3 innings on the mound from the Red Sox, who managed six hits in a 5-2 loss in Monday's series opener. Orioles third baseman Manny Machado, booed loudly Monday for his involvement in a slide that injured Boston second baseman Dustin Pedroia 11 days earlier, responded with a home run and a number of sparking defensive plays as Baltimore reclaimed first place in the AL East. Orioles closer Zach Britton, who led the AL with 47 saves in 2016, is expected to be activated off the disabled list Tuesday.
TV: 7:10 p.m. ET, MLB Network, MASN (Baltimore), NESN (Boston)
PITCHING MATCHUP: Orioles RH Alec Asher (1-0, 2.16 ERA) vs. Red Sox LH Chris Sale (1-2, 1.19)
Asher was recalled from Triple-A Norfolk to make a spot start in his season debut at Toronto on April 15 and permitted one run on three hits over 6 1/3 innings in a no-decision. The 25-year-old made just two relief appearances since, including a scoreless frame against the Red Sox on April 23. Asher was 2-1 with a 2.28 ERA in five starts with the Philadelphia Phillies last season.
Despite becoming the fourth Boston pitcher to ever register double-digit strikeouts in four consecutive starts, Sale came up empty in a 3-0 loss to the New York Yankees last time out. He was overpowering in his previous turn at Toronto, fanning 13 and allowing four hits over eight scoreless innings but had to settle for a no-decision. Mark Trumbo is 5-for-14 with a homer and two doubles off Sale.
WALK-OFFS
1. Orioles 2B Jonathan Schoop collected two hits Monday to run his hitting streak to seven games.
2. Red Sox OF Andrew Benintendi is 5-for-14 with two homers and four RBIs during a four-game hitting streak.
3. Orioles C Welington Castillo missed the series opener due to spasms in his neck.
PREDICTION: Red Sox 4, Orioles 3
Preview: Pirates at Reds
GAME: Pittsburgh Pirates (11-14) at Cincinnati Reds (12-13)
DATE/TIME: Tuesday, May 02 - 7:10 PM EST
WHERE: Great American Ball Park, Cincinnati, Ohio
Adam Duvall is slowly turning the corner from a dismal display and looks to reintroduce himself to Tyler Glasnow on Tuesday when the Cincinnati Reds and the visiting Pittsburgh Pirates play the second contest of their four-game series. Duvall, who had a two-run single off Glasnow in Cincinnati's 7-1 rout on April 10, belted his third homer in five contests in Monday's 4-3 triumph in 10 innings as the Reds improved to 4-0 versus Pittsburgh this season.
The 28-year-old Duvall is 5-for-8 with four extra-base hits and three runs scored in the last two contests after going 4-for-35 over his previous eight games. Billy Hamilton's first extra-base hit since April 9 ended Monday's contest and improved his success rate at the plate to 7-for-20 in four games versus the Pirates this season. Cincinnati native Josh Harrison and Andrew McCutchen have done well against the Reds in their own right, with the former launching two homers on Monday to improve to 5-for-10 versus the National League Central rival while the latter also went deep for his 27th career homer against the club. Veteran right-hander Scott Feldman will look to keep both in the park on Tuesday as he vies for his first win since April 9.
TV: 7:10 p.m. ET, ROOT (Pittsburgh), FSN Ohio (Cincinnati)
PITCHING MATCHUP: Pirates RH Tyler Glasnow (0-1, 7.98 ERA) vs. Reds RH Scott Feldman (1-2, 3.25)
Glasnow struggled out of the blocks on Wednesday, but walked away with his third straight no-decision despite allowing three runs and walking four batters in 3 1/3 innings against the Chicago Cubs. While that outing was tough, the 23-year-old experienced one far worse on April 10 versus Cincinnati. Glasnow permitted five runs and as many walks to go along with four hits before earning an early exit after just 1 2/3 frames.
Feldman permitted five walks for the second time in three outings on Tuesday, and the elevated pitch count led to his undoing in a 9-1 setback at Milwaukee. The 34-year-old allowed four runs versus the Brewers, eclipsing the sum total of his three previous starts (three). Feldman has been fortunate to walk away without recording a decision in both career outings against Pittsburgh, yielding six runs on 14 hits in 7 2/3 innings.
WALK-OFFS
1. Cincinnati SS Zack Cozart is mired in a 1-for-16 stretch in his last four contests.
2. Pirates LF Gregory Polanco was hitless in four at-bats versus the Reds on Monday to drop to 1-for-11 with five strikeouts in the season series.
3. Cincinnati 2B Scooter Gennett is 2-for-12 in his last six games overall, but went 4-for-8 with two homers and three runs scored in two contests versus Pittsburgh earlier this season.
PREDICTION: Pirates 5, Reds 4
GAME: Pittsburgh Pirates (11-14) at Cincinnati Reds (12-13)
DATE/TIME: Tuesday, May 02 - 7:10 PM EST
WHERE: Great American Ball Park, Cincinnati, Ohio
Adam Duvall is slowly turning the corner from a dismal display and looks to reintroduce himself to Tyler Glasnow on Tuesday when the Cincinnati Reds and the visiting Pittsburgh Pirates play the second contest of their four-game series. Duvall, who had a two-run single off Glasnow in Cincinnati's 7-1 rout on April 10, belted his third homer in five contests in Monday's 4-3 triumph in 10 innings as the Reds improved to 4-0 versus Pittsburgh this season.
The 28-year-old Duvall is 5-for-8 with four extra-base hits and three runs scored in the last two contests after going 4-for-35 over his previous eight games. Billy Hamilton's first extra-base hit since April 9 ended Monday's contest and improved his success rate at the plate to 7-for-20 in four games versus the Pirates this season. Cincinnati native Josh Harrison and Andrew McCutchen have done well against the Reds in their own right, with the former launching two homers on Monday to improve to 5-for-10 versus the National League Central rival while the latter also went deep for his 27th career homer against the club. Veteran right-hander Scott Feldman will look to keep both in the park on Tuesday as he vies for his first win since April 9.
TV: 7:10 p.m. ET, ROOT (Pittsburgh), FSN Ohio (Cincinnati)
PITCHING MATCHUP: Pirates RH Tyler Glasnow (0-1, 7.98 ERA) vs. Reds RH Scott Feldman (1-2, 3.25)
Glasnow struggled out of the blocks on Wednesday, but walked away with his third straight no-decision despite allowing three runs and walking four batters in 3 1/3 innings against the Chicago Cubs. While that outing was tough, the 23-year-old experienced one far worse on April 10 versus Cincinnati. Glasnow permitted five runs and as many walks to go along with four hits before earning an early exit after just 1 2/3 frames.
Feldman permitted five walks for the second time in three outings on Tuesday, and the elevated pitch count led to his undoing in a 9-1 setback at Milwaukee. The 34-year-old allowed four runs versus the Brewers, eclipsing the sum total of his three previous starts (three). Feldman has been fortunate to walk away without recording a decision in both career outings against Pittsburgh, yielding six runs on 14 hits in 7 2/3 innings.
WALK-OFFS
1. Cincinnati SS Zack Cozart is mired in a 1-for-16 stretch in his last four contests.
2. Pirates LF Gregory Polanco was hitless in four at-bats versus the Reds on Monday to drop to 1-for-11 with five strikeouts in the season series.
3. Cincinnati 2B Scooter Gennett is 2-for-12 in his last six games overall, but went 4-for-8 with two homers and three runs scored in two contests versus Pittsburgh earlier this season.
PREDICTION: Pirates 5, Reds 4
