Wednesday 6/15/16 service plays chatter/comps/requests & other stuff...

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Cubs at Nationals

GAME: Chicago Cubs (44-19) at Washington Nationals (40-25)
DATE/TIME: Wednesday, June 15 - 4:05 PM EST
WHERE: Nationals Park, Washington, District of Columbia
LINE: N/A TOTAL: N/A

Stephen Strasburg puts his unbeaten record on the line Wednesday when the Washington Nationals host the Chicago Cubs in the rubber match of a three-game series between division leaders. The Cubs won 4-3 on rookie Albert Almora Jr.’s go-ahead RBI double in the ninth Tuesday to even the series at a game apiece after Max Scherzer’s dominant outing fueled the Nationals in the series opener.

Almora’s late heroics helped the Cubs snap Washington’s four-game winning streak and hand the National League East leaders just their fourth loss in 15 games. The Cubs have won five of six meetings this season and seven of the last eight dating to 2015, and they hope to continue that dominance with right-hander Jason Hammel on the mound for the finale. Hammel is 9-0 with a 3.16 ERA in 12 career starts against the Nationals, including a 6-0 mark and 3.02 ERA in seven outings at Nationals Park. The Nationals average 6.83 runs in games Strasburg starts and have scored five or more runs in 11 of his 13 outings.

TV: 4:05 p.m. ET, WGN (Chicago), MASN (Washington)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Cubs RH Jason Hammel (7-2, 2.36 ERA) vs. Nationals RH Stephen Strasburg (10-0, 3.03)

Hammel was a tough-luck loser last time out, as he was outdueled by Atlanta’s Bud Norris in a 5-1 loss to the Braves. The 33-year-old allowed three runs and eight hits over 5 2/3 innings and was hurt by a pair of home runs. Hammel faced the Nationals on May 7 in Chicago but didn’t factor in the decision, allowing three runs and four hits over five innings in an 8-5 Cubs win.

Strasburg didn’t have his best outing Friday against Philadelphia but got enough support to pick up his 10th win. The 27-year-old fireballer struck out 10 – his seventh double-digit strikeout game of the season – while allowing four runs and five hits over seven innings. Strasburg is 0-1 with a 2.18 ERA in three starts against the Cubs, the most recent one in 2013.

WALK-OFFS

1. Nationals RF Bryce Harper is 5-for-26 with no extra-base hits against the Cubs this season and is 2-for-14 with five strikeouts versus Hammel in his career.

2. Cubs starting pitchers have allowed three or fewer earned runs in 18 straight games.

3. Chicago is 41-0 when leading after eight innings and 40-2 when scoring four or more runs.

PREDICTION: Nationals 3, Cubs 2

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Blue Jays at Phillies

GAME: Toronto Blue Jays (36-31) at Philadelphia Phillies (30-35)
DATE/TIME: Wednesday, June 15 - 7:05 PM EST
WHERE: Citizens Bank Park, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
LINE: N/A TOTAL: N/A


Philadelphia Phillies right-hander Jeremy Hellickson is no stranger to the Toronto Blue Jays, as the 29-year-old has logged 15 career starts against the club while playing for American League East-rival Tampa Bay. Interleague success, however, has taken an unfamiliar form for Hellickson, who will take the mound on Wednesday when the four-game series shifts to Philadelphia.

Hellickson is sporting a horrendous 1-10 mark with a bloated 6.69 ERA in 15 interleague starts, but he has gotten the better of Josh Donaldson (0-for-6, four strikeouts) in a small sample size. The reigning AL MVP certainly had his way on Tuesday afternoon with a grand slam highlighting Toronto's 11-3 rout of Philadelphia, improving to 11-for-27 with 12 RBIs and nine runs scored during his seven-game hitting streak. The Blue Jays have scored at least 10 runs in three of its past four contests, save for a 7-0 shellacking by the Phillies in the series opener. That victory has served as one of the lone high-water marks for free-falling Philadelphia, which has dropped five of six and 14 of its last 18.

TV: 7:05 p.m. ET, Sportsnet (Toronto), CSN Philadelphia

PITCHING MATCHUP: Blue Jays RH Marco Estrada (4-2, 2.57 ERA) vs. Phillies RH Jeremy Hellickson (4-4, 4.34)

Estrada extended his streak of allowing five hits or fewer to nine consecutive starts on Friday, as the 32-year-old permitted three runs and struck out eight in six innings of a no-decision versus Baltimore. The Mexico native continues to struggle with his control, however, as he yielded four walks for the fifth time this season. Estrada has not tasted defeat since April 27 and owns a 1-1 career mark against Philadelphia, but his 19 runs and 12 walks in 26 1/3 innings versus the Phillies leaves plenty to be desired.

Hellickson was handed an early four-run lead in his last outing, but his run of good fortune ended at six starts after he surrendered three homers and seven runs in a 9-6 setback to Washington. The 29-year-old has issued three walks in back-to-back outings after limiting the free passes to just four in his previous five games combined. Hellickson has posted a 5-4 mark versus Toronto with a 3.45 ERA while allowing nine homers in 88 2/3 innings, although Jose Bautista is 11-for-30 with three blasts against him.

WALK-OFFS

1. With the series shifting to a National League park, Bautista (thigh) - who has served as a DH in two straight games - is expected to return to the outfield for the first time since last Thursday.

2. Philadelphia 3B Maikel Franco is expected to return to the lineup Wednesday following a two-game absence due to a sprained right knee.

3. Toronto CF Kevin Pillar collected three hits on Tuesday, marking his sixth multi-hit performance in eight games.

PREDICTION: Blue Jays 7, Phillies 1

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Mariners at Rays

GAME: Seattle Mariners (34-30) at Tampa Bay Rays (30-32)
DATE/TIME: Wednesday, June 15 - 7:10 PM EST
WHERE: Tropicana Field, St. Petersburg, Florida
LINE: N/A TOTAL: N/A


The Tampa Bay Rays are making their way back to the .500 mark with eight wins in the last 10 games and Evan Longoria is leading the way with a hot streak at the plate. The Seattle Mariners, who visit the Rays for the second of a three-game set on Wednesday, got a good look at just how strong Longoria is playing when they squandered a lead and dropped the opener 8-7 on Tuesday.

The Mariners carried a 7-4 advantage into the seventh inning on Tuesday before Longoria’s three-run blast off right-hander Nick Vincent knotted it up, and the Rays later pushed across the go-ahead run. The home run was the seventh in his last 10 games for Longoria, who is hitting .349 in June with 14 RBIs. Seattle is beginning to lose sight of the Texas Rangers in the American League West and is struggling in close games with three straight losses coming by a total of four runs. The bullpen allowed nine runs in those three games and was forced to work overtime on Tuesday when starter Taijuan Walker was forced out in the fourth inning with a foot injury.

TV: 7:10 p.m. ET, ROOT (Seattle), FSN Sun (Tampa Bay)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Mariners RH Nathan Karns (5-2, 4.09 ERA) vs. Rays LH Drew Smyly (2-7, 4.94)

Karns battled control issues in each of his last two starts and issued a total of 10 walks in 8 1/3 innings. The 28-year-old was blasted for seven runs at Texas in the first of those outings on June 4 but minimized the damage to one run and two hits in 4 1/3 frames against Cleveland on Thursday. Karns spent 2014 and 2015 with Tampa Bay before heading to the Mariners in a trade over the winter and will be making his first start against his former team.

Smyly was given a mental and physical break by manager Kevin Cash and had his last start skipped after getting rocked in his previous three turns. The Arkansas native allowed a total of 17 runs and 25 hits in 15 innings over those three outings while surrendering five home runs. Smyly had a rough outing at Seattle on May 10, when he was ripped for six runs on 10 hits – two home runs – in five innings to suffer the loss.

WALK-OFFS

1. Walker was examined by a specialist at the park on Tuesday and the Mariners are hopeful he will make his next start on Sunday.

2. Tampa Bay RF Steven Souza Jr. left Tuesday’s game with soreness in his left hip and is day-to-day.

3. Seattle 2B Robinson Cano is 12-for-31 over the last seven games.

PREDICTION: Rays 5, Mariners 3

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Orioles at Red Sox

GAME: Baltimore Orioles (37-26) at Boston Red Sox (36-27)
DATE/TIME: Wednesday, June 15 - 7:10 PM EST
WHERE: Fenway Park, Boston, Massachusetts
LINE: N/A TOTAL: N/A


The Baltimore Orioles took over sole possession of first place in the American League East with a combination of pitching and power, and the Boston Red Sox would like to return the favor. The Red Sox will try to pull back into a tie for first place in the AL East when they host the Orioles in the second of a three-game series on Wednesday.

The Orioles offense combined for 13 strikeouts on Tuesday but also slugged a pair of home runs in support of a strong effort from Chris Tillman in a 3-2 triumph. The win snapped a three-game slide and was a departure from the beginning of the road trip in Toronto, where the Baltimore pitching staff let up a combined 30 runs in the four-game series. Boston has dropped seven of its last 11 games to lose control of the East, with three of those setbacks coming against the Orioles. The Red Sox lead the majors in several offensive categories, including runs scored, but have been outscored 52-47 while dropping five of the first eight meetings with Baltimore.

TV: 7:10 p.m. ET, ESPN2, MASN2 (Baltimore), NESN (Boston)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Orioles RH Tyler Wilson (2-5, 4.73 ERA) vs. Red Sox RH Steven Wright (7-4, 2.09)

Wilson is enduring a five-start winless streak but got enough offensive support to stay out of the decision at Toronto on Thursday. The Virginia native was knocked around for five runs on seven hits and three walks in 5 2/3 innings in a game the Orioles went on to win 6-5. Wilson matched up with Wright on May 30 and came away with a loss despite holding the Boston offense to three runs on eight hits and a pair of walks in 6 2/3 frames.

Wright continues to baffle opposing hitters with his knuckleball and did not allow an earned run in either of his last two starts. The 31-year-old ran his streak to four wins in as many starts by holding the Minnesota Twins to an unearned run on seven hits and two walks while striking out six over 7 1/3 innings on Friday. Wright tossed a complete game at Baltimore on May 30, scattering two runs, four hits and five walks over the nine frames to earn the win.

WALK-OFFS

1. The Orioles have homered 32 times in 13 games this month.

2. Six of Red Sox CF Jackie Bradley Jr.’s seven hits this month have gone for extra bases.

3. Baltimore SS Manny Machado is 6-for-14 with two homers and six runs scored in the last three games.

PREDICTION: Red Sox 6, Orioles 2

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Pirates at Mets

GAME: Pittsburgh Pirates (33-31) at New York Mets (34-29)
DATE/TIME: Wednesday, June 15 - 7:10 PM EST
WHERE: Citi Field, New York City, New York
LINE: N/A TOTAL: N/A


The New York Mets’ problems on offense reached a low on Tuesday, when Pittsburgh rookie Jameson Taillon took a no-hitter into the seventh inning in his second career start. The Mets will try to bounce back from that shutout loss and end a three-game slide when they host the Pirates in the second of a three-game series on Wednesday.

New York has dropped 10 of its last 16 games and is scoring an average of 2.7 runs in that span, including two or fewer nine times. The Mets scraped out three hits in Tuesday’s 4-0 setback and Michael Conforto, who is limited to pinch hitting after receiving a cortisone injection in his ailing left wrist, struck out in his lone plate appearance. The Pirates aren’t exactly lighting up the scoreboard but did manage to snap a five-game slide with Tuesday’s triumph. Pittsburgh (33-31) has dropped 12 of its last 17 to flirt with the .500 mark but three of the five wins in that span have come over New York.

TV: 7:10 p.m. ET, ROOT (Pittsburgh), SNY (New York)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Pirates LH Jeff Locke (5-4, 5.38 ERA) vs. Mets RH Noah Syndergaard (6-2, 2.00)

The Pittsburgh rotation took a major hit when ace Gerrit Cole was placed on the 15-day disabled list on Tuesday, and some consistency from Locke would certainly help the team bridge the gap to Cole’s return. Locke tossed a three-hit shutout at Miami on May 30 and followed it up with seven strong innings in a win over the Los Angeles Angels on June 4 but was demolished for 11 runs on 11 hits and three walks in 4 2/3 innings at Colorado on Thursday. The New Hampshire native is looking for his first win against New York after posting a 0-1 mark with a 4.20 ERA in his first three chances.

Syndergaard went up against the Pirates last Wednesday and ran his streak of appearances allowing two or fewer earned runs to eight by scattering two on seven hits over six innings in a no decision. The 23-year-old Texan was not quite as sharp as usual last time out and ended up walking more than one (two) for the first time since May 6. Syndergaard is searching for his first win against Pittsburgh and is 2-1 with a 1.96 ERA at home this season.

WALK-OFFS

1. Mets 3B David Wright, who is on the DL with a herniated disc in his neck, is reportedly considering surgery.

2. Pirates LF Starling Marte is 10-for-20 over the last five games and homered on Tuesday.

3. New York CF Juan Lagares (tooth) sat out Tuesday’s game and is day-to-day.

PREDICTION: Mets 7, Pirates 2

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Reds at Braves

GAME: Cincinnati Reds (26-39) at Atlanta Braves (18-46)
DATE/TIME: Wednesday, June 15 - 7:10 PM EST
WHERE: Turner Field, Atlanta, Georgia
LINE: N/A TOTAL: N/A


There have been plenty of areas where the Atlanta Braves have struggled while getting off to the franchise's worst start in more than a century and, entering Wednesday’s third of a four-game home series with the Cincinnati Reds, hitting with runners in scoring position has been the most painful. The Braves went 1-of-9 with runners on second or third in Tuesday’s 3-1 loss and are hitting just .170 in those situations in their past 25 contests.

Atlanta infielder Jace Peterson has reached base in four straight games since being recalled Friday from Triple-A Gwinnett, going 1-for-2 with two walks Tuesday, but the Braves are 18-46 and off to their worst start since the 1911 Boston Braves began 14-50. The Reds remain in last place in the National League Central but have won nine of 13 games in June after winning just eight times in May (8-20). Right fielder Jay Bruce, who belted 26 homers in 157 games a year ago, continues to bolster his trade value after slugging his 15th homer (60 games) on Wednesday. Bruce leads all NL right fielders in homers, RBIs (49), triples (six) and extra-base hits (33).

TV: 7:10 p.m. ET, FSN Ohio (Cincinnati), FSN Southeast (Atlanta)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Reds RH Anthony DeSclafani (0-0, 1.50 ERA) vs. Braves RH Bud Norris (2-7, 4.75)

DeSclafani made his season debut Friday against Oakland after missing the first two months with a strained left oblique, suffered in his final spring-training appearance, giving up one run on eight hits in six innings. The 26-year-old tied for the most starts by all National League rookies (31) last season, winning a team-high nine games. DeSclafani went 0-1 in two starts against the Braves in 2015, allowing seven runs on 11 hits in 11 innings.

Norris has flourished in his return to the starting rotation, giving up two runs in 12 innings in two starts after Atlanta placed Mike Foltynewicz on the disabled list. He beat the Chicago Cubs on Friday for his first victory since April 16, holding them to one run on four hits in seven innings with no walks and six strikeouts. Norris, who went 1-4 with an 8.74 ERA before being sent to the bullpen in early May, is 1-3 with a 4.30 ERA in nine career appearances (eight starts) against the Reds.

WALK-OFFS

1. Cincinnati placed INF Jordan Pacheco (right shoulder tendinitis) on the disabled list and demoted RHP Daniel Wright to Triple-A Louisville, promoting a pair of former Atlanta minor-leaguers -- INF Jose Peraza and RHP J.J. Hoover.

2. Atlanta SS Erick Aybar was scratched from Tuesday’s starting lineup after being hit by a pitch in his chest Monday.

3. Reds RHP Blake Wood recorded his second career save -- first of the season -- Tuesday, and is 5-1 with a 3.41 ERA in 2016.

PREDICTION: Braves 3, Reds 2

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Astros at Cardinals

GAME: Houston Astros (31-35) at St. Louis Cardinals (35-29)
DATE/TIME: Wednesday, June 15 - 7:15 PM EST
WHERE: Busch Stadium, St. Louis, Missouri
LINE: N/A TOTAL: N/A


Colby Rasmus made a triumphant return to Busch Stadium to help the Houston Astros snap the St. Louis Cardinals' five-game winning streak. The Astros improved to a major league-best 21-7 in interleague play since the start of 2015 and attempt to complete a two-game sweep of the host Cardinals on Wednesday in the finale of a nine-game road trip.

Rasmus, who swatted 50 homers in his first 2 1/2 seasons with St. Louis before he was traded to Toronto, had a solo blast -- the 150th of his career -- among his two hits to lift Houston to 3-5 on its trek. The Cardinals had amassed 37 runs during their winning streak but were limited to solo homers by Matt Adams and Brandon Moss in Tuesday's 5-2 setback. It was the sixth homer in nine games for Moss, who has 10 RBIs in that span. St. Louis looks to salvage a split behind Adam Wainwright, who is 13-1 with a 1.57 ERA versus the Astros -- his highest win total against any opponent.

TV: 7:15 p.m. ET, ROOT (Houston), FSN Midwest (St. Louis)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Astros RH Collin McHugh (5-5, 5.22 ERA) vs. Cardinals RH Adam Wainwright (5-4, 5.21)

McHugh is coming off his shortest outing since his season debut, lasting only 3 2/3 innings while permitting four runs on seven hits in a loss at Texas on Thursday. He has given up at least four runs in seven of his 13 starts and his only victory in his last six outings was a complete-game effort at Arizona on May 30. The struggling McHugh is 0-1 with a 5.00 ERA in two career starts against the Cardinals, but he hasn't faced them since the 2013 season.

Wainwright continued his turnaround in a no-decision at Cincinnati on Thursday, registering a season-high nine strikeouts and allowing two runs and two hits over six innings. He absorbed his only loss in a nine-start span in his previous turn despite limiting San Francisco to two runs and five hits over seven innings. Despite Wainwright's overall dominance against the Astros, he has had his struggles against Luis Valbuena (.409) and Carlos Gomez (.346).

WALK-OFFS

1. Astros 2B Jose Altuve has hit safely in six straight and 18 of his last 19 games.

2. Adams has hit safely in 16 of 18 games while Moss is riding a seven-game hitting streak.

3. The Astros placed RHP Luke Gregerson on the family medical emergency list and promoted INF Danny Worth from Triple-A Fresno.

PREDICTION: Cardinals 7, Astros 3

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Tigers at White Sox

GAME: Detroit Tigers (33-31) at Chicago White Sox (32-33)
DATE/TIME: Wednesday, June 15 - 8:10 PM EST
WHERE: U.S. Cellular Field, Chicago, Illinois
LINE: N/A TOTAL: N/A


Chris Sale has endured a rocky stretch over his last four starts, but he has a chance to become the first 11-game winner in the major leagues when the Chicago White Sox conclude a three-game series against the visiting Detroit Tigers on Wednesday. Sale is 0-2 with a 6.75 ERA during the sub-par span after winning each of his first nine starts.

Sale lost to Detroit on June 4, when he gave up four runs and nine hits in 6 1/3 innings. The teams split the first two games of the series while combining for 38 runs - 20 by the Tigers, who recorded nine extra-base hits in Tuesday's 11-8 victory. J.D. Martinez reached base five times on three hits and two walks and has strung together six consecutive multi-hit performances while going 14-for-23 during the stretch. Chicago's Todd Frazier, who will be back in the lineup for the finale after sitting out Tuesday, is 2-for-25 with 10 strikeouts over his last six games and 8-for-69 over his past 18 contests.

TV: 8:10 p.m. ET, FSN Detroit, CSN Chicago

PITCHING MATCHUP: Tigers RH Mike Pelfrey (1-6, 4.68 ERA) vs. White Sox LH Chris Sale (10-2, 2.87)

Pelfrey's lone win in 12 starts came versus the White Sox on June 4, when he gave up two runs and five hits in six innings while matched against Sale. It also happens to represent his lone career victory versus Chicago as he is 1-4 with a 5.79 ERA in nine outings and has struggled with Avasail Garcia (6-for-15). Pelfrey is 0-4 with a 3.86 ERA and 1.87 WHIP in six road starts this season.

Sale ended a three-start winless stretch by defeating Kansas City on Friday, but he served up three homers while giving up five runs and 11 hits in six innings. He has yielded 34 hits over his last four outings after allowing just 39 over his first nine starts. Sale is 7-6 with a 3.16 ERA in 25 career appearances (15 starts) against Detroit and has experienced major difficulties with Victor Martinez (18-for-36, four homers) while handcuffing Nick Castellanos (1-for-19, 10 strikeouts).

WALK-OFFS

1. Disappointing Tigers LF Justin Upton collected a season-best four RBIs on Tuesday after entering the contest with only 18.

2. Chicago CF Adam Eaton is 6-for-10 with four runs scored in the series.

3. Victor Martinez (knee) has missed the first two games and is unlikely to start the finale.

PREDICTION: Tigers 5, White Sox 4

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Indians at Royals

GAME: Cleveland Indians (35-29) at Kansas City Royals (34-30)
DATE/TIME: Wednesday, June 15 - 8:15 PM EST
WHERE: Kauffman Stadium, Kansas City, Missouri
LINE: N/A TOTAL: N/A


Salvador Perez has turned it on over the last week and the Kansas City Royals have followed suit to move within one game of the American League Central-leading Cleveland Indians. Perez and the Royals look to continue their torrid march on Wednesday as the reigning World Series champions vie for their fifth consecutive victory and a series sweep of the visiting Indians.

The 26-year-old Venezuelan belted a two-run homer in Tuesday's 3-2 triumph, improving to 12-for-24 with three blasts and four RBIs in his last six games. Whit Merrifield has launched his first two career homers in this series for Kansas City, which has won eight in a row at home and improved to 21-7 overall at Kauffman Stadium. Cleveland's Jason Kipnis also is on a tear, with an 8-for-22 performance in six encounters with the Royals highlighting a 14-for-47 effort this month. Carlos Santana launched a solo homer on Tuesday but is 0-for-9 with three strikeouts against Wednesday starter Ian Kennedy.

TV: 8:15 p.m. ET, SportsTime Ohio (Cleveland), FSN Kansas City

PITCHING MATCHUP: Indians RH Corey Kluber (6-6, 3.65 ERA) vs. Royals RH Ian Kennedy (4-5, 4.06)

Kluber registered his second complete game of the season on Friday after permitting two runs and three hits in a 6-2 triumph over the Los Angeles Angels. The 30-year-old has turned around his season after a disastrous 0-3 start with a 6.16 ERA, going 4-1 over his last five outings. Included in that run is a dominating performance versus Kansas City on June 5 in which Kluber scattered two hits and struck out six in as many innings of a 7-0 victory.

Kennedy fell to 0-3 in his last six outings following a horrific display against the Chicago White Sox on Friday. The 31-year-old, who has been taken deep 11 times in his last six turns, served up a career-high four homers and a total of seven runs in 5 2/3 innings of a 7-5 setback. Kennedy yielded two blasts and five runs in a 7-1 setback against Cleveland on June 4, a markedly different performance than when he scattered four hits over seven frames in a 7-0 rout of the Indians on May 7.

WALK-OFFS

1. Cleveland SS Francisco Liriano recorded his 11th three-hit performance of the season on Tuesday, putting him within one of the major-league lead (Boston's Xander Bogaerts).

2. Royals CF Lorenzo Cain is 0-for-8 with three strikeouts in this series and 0-for-15 in his last four meetings with the Indians.

3. The home team has won eight of the nine contests in the season series.

PREDICTION: Indians 4, Royals 2

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Twins at Angels

GAME: Minnesota Twins (20-44) at Los Angeles Angels (28-37)
DATE/TIME: Wednesday, June 15 - 10:05 PM EST
WHERE: Angel Stadium of Anaheim, Anaheim, California
LINE: N/A TOTAL: N/A


Los Angeles second baseman Johnny Giavotella tormented Minnesota during the first two games of the series and looks to conclude it in style when the Angels host the Twins on Wednesday. Giavotella is 6-for-8 with two homers in the series and his two-run blast Tuesday helped Los Angeles produce a 5-4 victory to defeat Minnesota for the first time in five attempts this season.

Giavotella began the month in a 4-for-35 rut for the struggling Angels but has eight hits over the past four games. The victory was only the second in the past nine games for Los Angeles, which moved out of the American League West cellar but remains 12 games behind first-place Texas. Minnesota first baseman Joe Mauer had an RBI triple among two hits Tuesday and has reached base in 26 consecutive games. Left fielder Robbie Grossman is 4-for-8 with a homer and five runs scored in the series and is batting .333 with 18 runs scored in 24 games since joining the Twins.

TV: 10:05 p.m. ET, FSN North (Minnesota), FSN West (Los Angeles)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Twins RH Tyler Duffey (2-5, 5.33 ERA) vs. Angels LH Hector Santiago (3-4, 5.64)

Duffey is in the midst of a terrible three-start stretch in which he is 0-2 with an 8.61 ERA. He had a 1.85 ERA after four starts but has been rocked for 26 earned runs and 45 hits in his last five outings. Duffey defeated the Angels last season in his lone career start against them when he gave up three hits over seven shutout innings.

Santiago was torched by the Indians on Friday when he gave up six runs (five earned) and seven hits in just 1 1/3 innings. The poor showing marked the fourth time in five starts that he pitched four or fewer innings and he is 0-2 with a 12.18 ERA during the stretch. Santiago is 2-2 with a 4.76 ERA in nine career appearances (five starts) against the Twins and has struggled with Brian Dozier (5-for-12) and Mauer (5-for-13).

WALK-OFFS

1. Angels CF Mike Trout has just one homer and four RBIs in the first two weeks of June.

2. Minnesota DH Oswaldo Arcia was hitless in four at-bats Tuesday and is 2-for-17 with 11 strikeouts in his last six appearances.

3. Los Angeles SS Andrelton Simmons (left thumb) is expected to be activated from the disabled list Wednesday — he was injured May 8.

PREDICTION: Angels 8, Twins 5

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Rangers at Athletics

GAME: Texas Rangers (40-25) at Oakland Athletics (27-37)
DATE/TIME: Wednesday, June 15 - 10:05 PM EST
WHERE: Oakland Coliseum, Oakland, California
LINE: N/A TOTAL: N/A


The Oakland Athletics attempt to begin a new home winning streak when they resume their four-game series against the visiting Texas Rangers on Wednesday. The Athletics had captured seven in a row at Oakland Coliseum before dropping a 10-6 decision Tuesday to even the set at one win apiece.

Khris Davis is in a groove at the plate for Oakland as he enters Wednesday with three consecutive two-hit performances and is 4-for-8 with a homer, seven RBIs and four runs scored over the first two games of the series. Texas bounced back from Monday's 14-5 beatdown with a 13-hit attack led by Elvis Andrus, who went 3-for-5 with a homer, two RBIs and two runs scored. Ryan Rua also went deep and drove in three runs as he posted his second straight two-hit effort and scored two runs for the third game in a row. The Rangers are 3-2 on their 10-game road trip and have won nine of their last 12 contests overall.

TV: 10:05 p.m. ET, FSN Southwest (Texas), CSN California (Oakland)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Rangers LH Derek Holland (5-5, 4.87 ERA) vs. Athletics RH Sonny Gray (3-6, 5.34)

Holland was denied his third consecutive victory Friday as he served up three homers while surrendering five runs and five hits in five innings at Seattle. The 29-year-old from Ohio allowed two runs or fewer in each of his previous four outings but went just 2-2 during that stretch. Holland fell to 5-5 lifetime against the Athletics on May 16 as he was tagged with the loss after allowing two runs and three hits over six frames at Oakland.

Gray has not posted a victory since April 22 at Toronto, going 0-5 in seven starts while surrendering five or more runs on four occasions. The 26-year-old from Nashville was saddled with the loss at Cincinnati on Friday despite giving up only two runs and five hits in 7 2/3 innings. Gray has relished pitching against Texas, going 7-3 with a 1.92 ERA and a pair of shutouts in 10 career starts.

WALK-OFFS

1. Athletics C Josh Phegley, who left Tuesday's game after being hit in the knee with a pitch, is 14-for-42 (.333) with 12 RBIs in 15 career contests against the Rangers.

2. Texas locked up three pieces of its future Tuesday, signing 2016 draft picks LHP Cole Ragans (30th overall), RHP Alex Speas (63rd) and 3B Kole Enright (99th).

3. Oakland placed LHP Sean Manaea on the 15-day disabled list with a strained left forearm.

PREDICTION: Athletics 5, Rangers 3

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

MLB
Dunkel

Wednesday, June 15


Minnesota @ LA Angels

Game 971-972
June 15, 2016 @ 10:05 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Minnesota
(Duffey) 12.107
LA Angels
(Santiago) 15.262
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
LA Angels
by 3
12
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
LA Angels
-130
8 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
LA Angels
(-130); Over

Miami @ San Diego

Game 951-952
June 15, 2016 @ 3:40 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Miami
(Niclino) 12.127
San Diego
(Perdomo) 16.321
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
San Diego
by 4
13
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Miami
-120
8 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
San Diego
(+100); Over

Texas @ Oakland

Game 973-974
June 15, 2016 @ 10:05 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Texas
(Holland) 12.186
Oakland
(Gray) 17.960
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Oakland
by 6
6
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Oakland
-145
8
Dunkel Pick:
Oakland
(-145); Under

LA Dodgers @ Arizona

Game 953-954
June 15, 2016 @ 3:40 pm

Dunkel Rating:
LA Dodgers
(Kershaw) 15.309
Arizona
(Corbin) 16.442
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Arizona
by 1
7
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
LA Dodgers
-250
7 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Arizona
(+210); Under

NY Yankees @ Colorado

Game 975-976
June 15, 2016 @ 3:10 pm

Dunkel Rating:
NY Yankees
(Nova) 16.074
Colorado
(Bettis) 14.040
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
NY Yankees
by 2
10
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Colorado
-110
12
Dunkel Pick:
NY Yankees
(-110); Under

Milwaukee @ San Francisco

Game 955-956
June 15, 2016 @ 3:45 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Milwaukee
(Nelson) 13.322
San Francisco
(Cueto) 16.450
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
San Francisco
by 3
7 1/2
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
San Francisco
-225
7
Dunkel Pick:
San Francisco
(-225); Over

Toronto @ Philadelphia

Game 977-978
June 15, 2016 @ 7:05 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Toronto
(Estrada) 14.447
Philadelphia
(Hllckson) 15.268
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Philadelphia
by 1
10
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Toronto
-160
8 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Philadelphia
(+140); Over

Chicago Cubs @ Washington

Game 957-958
June 15, 2016 @ 4:05 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Chicago Cubs
(Hammel) 16.268
Washington
(Strsburg) 17.751
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Washington
by 1 1/2
7
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Washington
-140
7 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Washington
(-140); Under

Houston @ St. Louis

Game 979-980
June 15, 2016 @ 7:15 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Houston
(McHugh) 14.323
St. Louis
(Wrwrght) 17.685
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
St. Louis
by 3 1/2
8
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
St. Louis
-125
8 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
St. Louis
(-125); Under

Pittsburgh @ NY Mets

Game 959-960
June 15, 2016 @ 7:10 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Pittsburgh
(Locke) 12.963
NY Mets
(Syndrgrd) 15.859
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
NY Mets
by 3
5
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
NY Mets
-150
7 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
NY Mets
(-150); Under

Cincinnati @ Atlanta

Game 961-962
June 15, 2016 @ 7:10 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Cincinnati
(DeSclfni) 12.016
Atlanta
(Norris) 16.120
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Atlanta
by 4
9
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Atlanta
-110
8 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Atlanta
(-110); Over

Baltimore @ Boston

Game 963-964
June 15, 2016 @ 7:10 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Baltimore
(Gausman) 16.240
Boston
(Wright) 15.449
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Baltimore
by 1
8
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Boston
-125
9
Dunkel Pick:
Baltimore
(+105); Under

Seattle @ Tampa Bay

Game 965-966
June 15, 2016 @ 7:10 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Seattle
(Karns) 15.747
Tampa Bay
(Smyly) 14.217
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Seattle
by 1 1/2
12
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Tampa Bay
-120
8
Dunkel Pick:
Seattle
(+100); Over

Detroit @ Chicago White Sox

Game 967-968
June 15, 2016 @ 8:10 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Detroit
(Pelfrey) 16.751
Chicago White Sox
(Sale) 14.347
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Detroit
by 2 1/2
9
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Chicago White Sox
-175
8 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Detroit
(+155); Over

Cleveland @ Kansas City

Game 969-970
June 15, 2016 @ 8:15 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Cleveland
(Kluber) 14.285
Kansas City
(Kennedy) 15.862
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Kansas City
by 1 1/2
4
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Cleveland
-140
7 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Kansas City
(+120); Under

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

MLB

Wednesday, June 15

Trend Report

3:10 PM
NY YANKEES vs. COLORADO
The total has gone UNDER in 7 of NY Yankees's last 10 games when playing Colorado
NY Yankees are 4-2 SU in their last 6 games when playing Colorado
The total has gone UNDER in 7 of Colorado's last 10 games when playing NY Yankees
Colorado is 6-2 SU in their last 8 games when playing at home against NY Yankees

3:40 PM
LA DODGERS vs. ARIZONA
The total has gone OVER in 6 of LA Dodgers's last 9 games when playing on the road against Arizona
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of LA Dodgers's last 5 games when playing Arizona
Arizona is 8-15 SU in its last 23 games at home
Arizona is 6-16 SU in their last 22 games when playing LA Dodgers

3:40 PM
MIAMI vs. SAN DIEGO
Miami is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 7 of Miami's last 10 games on the road
San Diego is 1-5 SU in its last 6 games
San Diego is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games at home

3:45 PM
MILWAUKEE vs. SAN FRANCISCO
Milwaukee is 2-12 SU in its last 14 games when playing San Francisco
Milwaukee is 1-8 SU in its last 9 games when playing on the road against San Francisco
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of San Francisco's last 6 games when playing Milwaukee
San Francisco is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games

4:05 PM
CHI CUBS vs. WASHINGTON
The total has gone UNDER in 13 of Chi Cubs's last 18 games
Chi Cubs are 15-5 SU in their last 20 games
The total has gone OVER in 6 of Washington's last 8 games at home
The total has gone OVER in 7 of Washington's last 10 games

7:05 PM
TORONTO vs. PHILADELPHIA
Toronto is 11-3 SU in its last 14 games when playing Philadelphia
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Toronto's last 5 games when playing Philadelphia
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Philadelphia's last 5 games when playing at home against Toronto
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Philadelphia's last 6 games

7:10 PM
BALTIMORE vs. BOSTON
Baltimore is 9-4 SU in its last 13 games
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Baltimore's last 7 games when playing on the road against Boston
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Boston's last 7 games when playing at home against Baltimore
The total has gone OVER in 12 of Boston's last 18 games at home

7:10 PM
SEATTLE vs. TAMPA BAY
Seattle is 6-1 SU in its last 7 games when playing on the road against Tampa Bay
Seattle is 1-5 SU in its last 6 games on the road
Tampa Bay is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games at home
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Tampa Bay's last 6 games

7:10 PM
PITTSBURGH vs. NY METS
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Pittsburgh's last 6 games when playing on the road against NY Mets
Pittsburgh is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games when playing on the road against NY Mets
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of NY Mets's last 6 games when playing at home against Pittsburgh
NY Mets are 1-4 SU in its last 5 games when playing at home against Pittsburgh

7:10 PM
CINCINNATI vs. ATLANTA
Cincinnati is 8-16 SU in its last 24 games on the road
Cincinnati is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games when playing Atlanta
Atlanta is 1-5 SU in its last 6 games at home
Atlanta is 2-10 SU in its last 12 games

7:15 PM
HOUSTON vs. ST. LOUIS
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Houston's last 5 games
Houston is 1-8 SU in its last 9 games when playing on the road against St. Louis
The total has gone OVER in 6 of St. Louis's last 9 games
St. Louis is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games

8:10 PM
DETROIT vs. CHI WHITE SOX
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Detroit's last 6 games on the road
Detroit is 5-1 SU in their last 6 games when playing Chi White Sox
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Chi White Sox's last 5 games when playing Detroit
Chi White Sox are 3-8 SU in their last 11 games at home

8:15 PM
CLEVELAND vs. KANSAS CITY
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Cleveland's last 5 games when playing on the road against Kansas City
Cleveland is 5-2 SU in its last 7 games when playing Kansas City
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Kansas City's last 5 games when playing Cleveland
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Kansas City's last 6 games

10:05 PM
TEXAS vs. OAKLAND
The total has gone OVER in 8 of Texas's last 9 games on the road
Texas is 13-4 SU in its last 17 games
The total has gone OVER in 8 of Oakland's last 9 games when playing Texas
Oakland is 6-1 SU in its last 7 games at home

10:05 PM
MINNESOTA vs. LA ANGELS
The total has gone OVER in 6 of Minnesota's last 8 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Minnesota's last 6 games when playing LA Angels
LA Angels are 2-4 SU in their last 6 games at home
The total has gone OVER in 4 of LA Angels's last 5 games at home

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

LONG SHEET

MIAMI (34 - 31) at SAN DIEGO (26 - 40) - 3:40 PM
JUSTIN NICOLINO (L) vs. LUIS PERDOMO (R)
Top Trends for this game.
MIAMI is 20-15 (+8.4 Units) against the money line in road games this season.
NICOLINO is 9-2 (+8.9 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
SAN DIEGO is 3-18 (-14.0 Units) against the money line in day games this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
MIAMI is 2-0 (+2.2 Units) against SAN DIEGO this season
1 of 2 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+0.0 Units)
JUSTIN NICOLINO vs. SAN DIEGO since 1997
No recent starts.
LUIS PERDOMO vs. MIAMI since 1997
No recent starts.

LA DODGERS (34 - 32) at ARIZONA (29 - 38) - 3:40 PM
CLAYTON KERSHAW (L) vs. PAT CORBIN (L)
Top Trends for this game.
LA DODGERS are 34-32 (-6.2 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
LA DODGERS are 55-63 (-25.8 Units) against the money line in road games over the last 2 seasons.
LA DODGERS are 241-246 (-57.0 Units) against the money line when playing on Wednesday since 1997.
LA DODGERS are 31-30 (-7.9 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
LA DODGERS are 69-60 (-15.8 Units) against the money line after a win over the last 2 seasons.
LA DODGERS are 16-17 (-10.0 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record this season.
KERSHAW is 56-21 (+26.1 Units) against the money line in day games since 1997. (Team's Record)
ARIZONA is 13-24 (-15.0 Units) against the money line in home games this season.
ARIZONA is 4-11 (-10.7 Units) against the money line in home games against division opponents this season.
ARIZONA is 13-24 (-15.0 Units) against the money line in home games in games played on a grass field this season.
ARIZONA is 66-119 (-40.6 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 3 seasons.
CORBIN is 0-6 (-7.7 Units) against the money line in home games this season. (Team's Record)
CORBIN is 0-6 (-7.7 Units) against the money line in home games in games played on a grass field this season. (Team's Record)

Head-to-Head Series History
LA DODGERS is 3-2 (+0.7 Units) against ARIZONA this season
4 of 5 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+2.8 Units)
CLAYTON KERSHAW vs. ARIZONA since 1997
KERSHAW is 11-8 when starting against ARIZONA with an ERA of 2.76 and a WHIP of 1.193.
His team's record is 12-11 (-4.3 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 13-9. (+2.8 units)
PAT CORBIN vs. LA DODGERS since 1997
CORBIN is 3-4 when starting against LA DODGERS with an ERA of 3.83 and a WHIP of 1.447.
His team's record is 5-4 (+1.5 units) in these starts. The OVER is 3-6. (-3.2 units)

MILWAUKEE (30 - 35) at SAN FRANCISCO (40 - 26) - 3:45 PM
JIMMY NELSON (R) vs. JOHNNY CUETO (R)
Top Trends for this game.
MILWAUKEE is 67-100 (-27.9 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters over the last 2 seasons.
SAN FRANCISCO is 224-183 (+27.6 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 3 seasons.
SAN FRANCISCO is 224-183 (+27.6 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 3 seasons.
SAN FRANCISCO is 73-51 (+18.0 Units) against the money line after a win over the last 2 seasons.
CUETO is 30-11 (+15.0 Units) against the money line in home games over the last 3 seasons. (Team's Record)
CUETO is 30-11 (+15.0 Units) against the money line in home games in games played on a grass field over the last 3 seasons. (Team's Record)

Head-to-Head Series History
SAN FRANCISCO is 4-1 (+2.7 Units) against MILWAUKEE this season
3 of 5 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+0.7 Units)
JIMMY NELSON vs. SAN FRANCISCO since 1997
NELSON is 1-1 when starting against SAN FRANCISCO with an ERA of 3.14 and a WHIP of 0.907.
His team's record is 1-1 (+0.0 units) in these starts. The OVER is 0-2. (-2.4 units)
JOHNNY CUETO vs. MILWAUKEE since 1997
CUETO is 10-3 when starting against MILWAUKEE with an ERA of 2.79 and a WHIP of 1.008.
His team's record is 14-5 (+9.0 units) in these starts. The OVER is 4-14. (-11.1 units)

CHICAGO CUBS (44 - 19) at WASHINGTON (40 - 25) - 4:05 PM
JASON HAMMEL (R) vs. STEPHEN STRASBURG (R)
Top Trends for this game.
CHICAGO CUBS are 805-826 (-144.7 Units) against the money line in day games since 1997.
CHICAGO CUBS are 1126-1222 (-196.0 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters since 1997.
CHICAGO CUBS are 732-801 (-185.9 Units) against the money line after a win since 1997.
CHICAGO CUBS are 145-89 (+25.9 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
CHICAGO CUBS are 72-47 (+18.7 Units) against the money line in road games over the last 2 seasons.
CHICAGO CUBS are 145-89 (+25.9 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
CHICAGO CUBS are 26-8 (+13.5 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record this season.
HAMMEL is 7-0 (+7.4 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record this season. (Team's Record)
WASHINGTON is 123-104 (-11.6 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
WASHINGTON is 122-103 (-11.7 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
WASHINGTON is 92-83 (-11.7 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
CHICAGO CUBS is 5-1 (+4.0 Units) against WASHINGTON this season
4 of 6 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+1.7 Units)
JASON HAMMEL vs. WASHINGTON since 1997
HAMMEL is 9-0 when starting against WASHINGTON with an ERA of 3.16 and a WHIP of 1.105.
His team's record is 11-1 (+10.7 units) in these starts. The OVER is 6-6. (-0.3 units)
STEPHEN STRASBURG vs. CHICAGO CUBS since 1997
STRASBURG is 0-1 when starting against CHICAGO CUBS with an ERA of 2.18 and a WHIP of 1.064.
His team's record is 2-1 (-0.0 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 1-2. (-1.4 units)

PITTSBURGH (33 - 31) at NY METS (34 - 29) - 7:10 PM
JEFF LOCKE (L) vs. NOAH SYNDERGAARD (R)
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

Head-to-Head Series History
PITTSBURGH is 3-1 (+2.4 Units) against NY METS this season
3 of 4 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+2.0 Units)
JEFF LOCKE vs. NY METS since 1997
LOCKE is 0-1 when starting against NY METS with an ERA of 4.20 and a WHIP of 1.467.
His team's record is 1-2 (-0.5 units) in these starts. The OVER is 1-2. (-1.2 units)
NOAH SYNDERGAARD vs. PITTSBURGH since 1997
SYNDERGAARD is 0-1 when starting against PITTSBURGH with an ERA of 3.75 and a WHIP of 1.333.
His team's record is 1-1 (+0.0 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 1-1. (+0.0 units)

CINCINNATI (26 - 39) at ATLANTA (18 - 46) - 7:10 PM
ANTHONY DESCLAFANI (R) vs. BUD NORRIS (R)
Top Trends for this game.
CINCINNATI is 89-138 (-40.9 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
CINCINNATI is 89-138 (-40.9 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
CINCINNATI is 60-94 (-25.8 Units) against the money line in night games over the last 2 seasons.
CINCINNATI is 68-103 (-28.8 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters over the last 2 seasons.
CINCINNATI is 10-26 (-14.5 Units) against the money line in road games after a win over the last 2 seasons.
NORRIS is 13-4 (+11.6 Units) against the money line in home games after 3 or more consecutive losses since 1997. (Team's Record)
CINCINNATI is 9-4 (+8.1 Units) against the money line in June games this season.
CINCINNATI is 406-363 (+59.6 Units) against the money line in road games when playing against a team with a losing record since 1997.
ATLANTA is 18-46 (-20.2 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
ATLANTA is 7-27 (-18.9 Units) against the money line in home games this season.
ATLANTA is 18-46 (-20.2 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
ATLANTA is 12-32 (-14.4 Units) against the money line in night games this season.
ATLANTA is 4-18 (-13.5 Units) against the money line in home games against right-handed starters this season.
ATLANTA is 12-33 (-15.5 Units) against the money line after a loss this season.
ATLANTA is 0-10 (-11.1 Units) against the money line in home games when playing against a team with a losing record this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
CINCINNATI is 2-0 (+2.3 Units) against ATLANTA this season
1 of 2 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+0.0 Units)
ANTHONY DESCLAFANI vs. ATLANTA since 1997
DESCLAFANI is 0-1 when starting against ATLANTA with an ERA of 5.73 and a WHIP of 1.727.
His team's record is 1-1 (-0.3 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 1-0. (+1.0 units)
BUD NORRIS vs. CINCINNATI since 1997
NORRIS is 1-3 when starting against CINCINNATI with an ERA of 4.40 and a WHIP of 1.442.
His team's record is 2-6 (-4.1 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 3-4. (-1.8 units)

BALTIMORE (37 - 26) at BOSTON (36 - 27) - 7:10 PM
KEVIN GAUSMAN (R) vs. STEVEN WRIGHT (R)
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

Head-to-Head Series History
BALTIMORE is 5-3 (+3.9 Units) against BOSTON this season
4 of 7 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+0.8 Units)
KEVIN GAUSMAN vs. BOSTON since 1997
GAUSMAN is 1-2 when starting against BOSTON with an ERA of 4.13 and a WHIP of 1.225.
His team's record is 3-3 (-0.6 units) in these starts. The OVER is 1-4. (-3.3 units)
STEVEN WRIGHT vs. BALTIMORE since 1997
WRIGHT is 1-0 when starting against BALTIMORE with an ERA of 2.00 and a WHIP of 1.000.
His team's record is 1-0 (+1.0 units) in these starts. The OVER is 0-0. (+0.0 units)

SEATTLE (34 - 30) at TAMPA BAY (30 - 32) - 7:10 PM
NATE KARNS (R) vs. DREW SMYLY (L)
Top Trends for this game.
SEATTLE is 110-116 (-23.8 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
SEATTLE is 15-25 (-12.8 Units) against the money line in June games over the last 2 seasons.
SEATTLE is 31-45 (-18.6 Units) against the money line against left-handed starters over the last 2 seasons.
SEATTLE is 87-152 (-49.0 Units) against the money line in road games after 3 or more consecutive losses since 1997.
TAMPA BAY is 17-8 (+8.1 Units) against the money line when the total is 8 to 8.5 this season.
SEATTLE is 105-88 (+25.0 Units) against the money line in road games over the last 3 seasons.
SEATTLE is 31-22 (+12.1 Units) against the money line in road games after a loss over the last 2 seasons.
SEATTLE is 32-21 (+12.8 Units) against the money line in road games when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 2 seasons.
TAMPA BAY is 187-199 (-37.9 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 3 seasons.
TAMPA BAY is 91-101 (-36.9 Units) against the money line in home games over the last 3 seasons.
TAMPA BAY is 24-35 (-19.4 Units) against the money line when playing on Wednesday over the last 3 seasons.
TAMPA BAY is 92-102 (-37.2 Units) against the money line in games played in a dome over the last 3 seasons.
TAMPA BAY is 103-113 (-35.7 Units) against the money line in games played on artificial turf over the last 3 seasons.
TAMPA BAY is 128-143 (-32.8 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters over the last 3 seasons.
SMYLY is 4-11 (-12.7 Units) against the money line in home games after a win since 1997. (Team's Record)

Head-to-Head Series History
SEATTLE is 3-1 (+2.2 Units) against TAMPA BAY this season
3 of 3 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+3.1 Units)
NATE KARNS vs. TAMPA BAY since 1997
No recent starts.
DREW SMYLY vs. SEATTLE since 1997
SMYLY is 0-2 when starting against SEATTLE with an ERA of 6.00 and a WHIP of 1.467.
His team's record is 0-3 (-4.2 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 2-1. (+0.8 units)

DETROIT (33 - 31) at CHI WHITE SOX (32 - 33) - 8:10 PM
MIKE PELFREY (R) vs. CHRIS SALE (L)
Top Trends for this game.
DETROIT is 83-91 (-24.6 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 3 seasons.
PELFREY is 13-38 (-21.8 Units) against the money line in road games after a win since 1997. (Team's Record)
DETROIT is 52-43 (+12.6 Units) against the money line against division opponents over the last 2 seasons.
CHI WHITE SOX are 43-59 (-21.9 Units) against the money line against division opponents over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
DETROIT is 4-1 (+3.3 Units) against CHI WHITE SOX this season
4 of 5 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+2.8 Units)
MIKE PELFREY vs. CHI WHITE SOX since 1997
PELFREY is 1-4 when starting against CHI WHITE SOX with an ERA of 5.79 and a WHIP of 1.779.
His team's record is 4-5 (-1.1 units) in these starts. The OVER is 5-2. (+2.8 units)
CHRIS SALE vs. DETROIT since 1997
SALE is 6-6 when starting against DETROIT with an ERA of 3.26 and a WHIP of 1.206.
His team's record is 7-8 (-1.1 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 6-8. (-2.9 units)

CLEVELAND (35 - 29) at KANSAS CITY (34 - 30) - 8:15 PM
COREY KLUBER (R) vs. IAN KENNEDY (R)
Top Trends for this game.
CLEVELAND is 109-106 (-18.7 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
KLUBER is 17-28 (-22.7 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
KLUBER is 8-15 (-11.0 Units) against the money line in road games over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
KLUBER is 7-13 (-11.2 Units) against the money line against division opponents over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
KLUBER is 16-27 (-22.5 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
KLUBER is 10-18 (-16.0 Units) against the money line in night games over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
KLUBER is 5-13 (-13.9 Units) against the money line after a loss over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
KANSAS CITY is 140-102 (+31.2 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
KANSAS CITY is 17-7 (+11.4 Units) against the money line as a home underdog of +100 to +125 over the last 2 seasons.
KANSAS CITY is 21-7 (+13.5 Units) against the money line in home games this season.
KANSAS CITY is 253-268 (+31.2 Units) against the money line in June games since 1997.
KANSAS CITY is 17-10 (+8.2 Units) against the money line against division opponents this season.
KANSAS CITY is 21-7 (+13.5 Units) against the money line in home games in games played on a grass field this season.
KANSAS CITY is 15-5 (+9.1 Units) against the money line in home games in night games this season.
KANSAS CITY is 17-5 (+11.3 Units) against the money line in home games against right-handed starters this season.
KANSAS CITY is 81-60 (+16.8 Units) against the money line after a win over the last 2 seasons.
KANSAS CITY is 49-30 (+18.7 Units) against the money line after 3 or more consecutive wins over the last 3 seasons.
KANSAS CITY is 60-48 (+10.7 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.
KENNEDY is 14-4 (+11.3 Units) against the money line as a home underdog of +100 to +125 since 1997. (Team's Record)
KENNEDY is 32-16 (+15.2 Units) against the money line in home games when playing against a team with a winning record since 1997. (Team's Record)
CLEVELAND is 31-21 (+11.6 Units) against the money line in road games after a loss over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
CLEVELAND is 6-3 (+2.5 Units) against KANSAS CITY this season
5 of 8 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+1.8 Units)
COREY KLUBER vs. KANSAS CITY since 1997
KLUBER is 6-5 when starting against KANSAS CITY with an ERA of 3.17 and a WHIP of 1.037.
His team's record is 8-7 (+0.1 units) in these starts. The OVER is 8-6. (+1.7 units)
IAN KENNEDY vs. CLEVELAND since 1997
KENNEDY is 1-1 when starting against CLEVELAND with an ERA of 4.15 and a WHIP of 1.231.
His team's record is 1-3 (-2.8 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 2-1. (+0.9 units)

MINNESOTA (20 - 44) at LA ANGELS (28 - 37) - 10:05 PM
TYLER DUFFEY (R) vs. HECTOR SANTIAGO (L)
Top Trends for this game.
MINNESOTA is 20-44 (-20.3 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
MINNESOTA is 8-26 (-18.0 Units) against the money line when the total is 8 to 8.5 this season.
MINNESOTA is 2-11 (-8.8 Units) against the money line as a road underdog of +100 to +125 this season.
MINNESOTA is 8-23 (-11.5 Units) against the money line in road games this season.
MINNESOTA is 20-44 (-20.3 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
MINNESOTA is 11-26 (-12.9 Units) against the money line in night games this season.
MINNESOTA is 10-33 (-20.6 Units) against the money line after a loss this season.
MINNESOTA is 54-50 (+11.4 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 2 seasons.
LA ANGELS are 6-19 (-15.2 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
MINNESOTA is 4-1 (+3.4 Units) against LA ANGELS this season
4 of 5 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+3.0 Units)
TYLER DUFFEY vs. LA ANGELS since 1997
DUFFEY is 1-0 when starting against LA ANGELS with an ERA of 0.00 and a WHIP of 0.571.
His team's record is 1-0 (+1.0 units) in these starts. The OVER is 1-0. (+1.0 units)
HECTOR SANTIAGO vs. MINNESOTA since 1997
SANTIAGO is 2-1 when starting against MINNESOTA with an ERA of 5.64 and a WHIP of 1.925.
His team's record is 4-1 (+3.2 units) in these starts. The OVER is 3-2. (+0.9 units)

TEXAS (40 - 25) at OAKLAND (27 - 37) - 10:05 PM
DEREK HOLLAND (L) vs. SONNY GRAY (R)
Top Trends for this game.
OAKLAND is 164-88 (+59.1 Units) against the money line in home games in June games since 1997.
TEXAS is 40-25 (+21.7 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
TEXAS is 50-34 (+26.3 Units) against the money line when the total is 8 to 8.5 over the last 2 seasons.
TEXAS is 63-52 (+33.4 Units) against the money line in road games over the last 2 seasons.
TEXAS is 29-21 (+18.4 Units) against the money line on the road when the total is 8 to 8.5 over the last 2 seasons.
TEXAS is 23-17 (+11.7 Units) against the money line in June games over the last 2 seasons.
TEXAS is 24-13 (+14.9 Units) against the money line against division opponents this season.
TEXAS is 39-22 (+23.2 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
TEXAS is 29-18 (+16.1 Units) against the money line in night games this season.
TEXAS is 28-16 (+16.2 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.
TEXAS is 23-16 (+10.7 Units) against the money line after a win this season.
TEXAS is 21-13 (+11.6 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record this season.
OAKLAND is 95-131 (-39.0 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
OAKLAND is 48-64 (-27.2 Units) against the money line in home games over the last 2 seasons.
OAKLAND is 22-31 (-15.0 Units) against the money line in home games against division opponents over the last 2 seasons.
OAKLAND is 90-123 (-37.0 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
OAKLAND is 58-82 (-25.4 Units) against the money line in night games over the last 2 seasons.
OAKLAND is 25-38 (-15.0 Units) against the money line against left-handed starters over the last 2 seasons.
OAKLAND is 4-15 (-11.4 Units) against the money line after allowing 10 runs or more over the last 2 seasons.
OAKLAND is 11-25 (-14.1 Units) against the money line after a loss this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
OAKLAND is 4-1 (+2.9 Units) against TEXAS this season
4 of 5 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+3.0 Units)
DEREK HOLLAND vs. OAKLAND since 1997
HOLLAND is 5-4 when starting against OAKLAND with an ERA of 3.25 and a WHIP of 1.257.
His team's record is 9-5 (+4.6 units) in these starts. The OVER is 7-6. (+0.7 units)
SONNY GRAY vs. TEXAS since 1997
GRAY is 7-3 when starting against TEXAS with an ERA of 1.92 and a WHIP of 1.095.
His team's record is 7-3 (+0.8 units) in these starts. The OVER is 2-6. (-4.9 units)

NY YANKEES (31 - 33) at COLORADO (31 - 33) - 3:10 PM
IVAN NOVA (R) vs. CHAD BETTIS (R)
Top Trends for this game.
NY YANKEES are 5-11 (-12.2 Units) against the money line after allowing 10 runs or more over the last 2 seasons.
COLORADO is 43-33 (+19.1 Units) against the money line in day games over the last 2 seasons.
NY YANKEES are 32-18 (+15.3 Units) against the money line in road games in day games over the last 3 seasons.
NOVA is 12-1 (+10.9 Units) against the money line on the road with a money line of -100 to -125 since 1997. (Team's Record)

Head-to-Head Series History
COLORADO is 1-0 (+1.0 Units) against NY YANKEES this season
1 of 1 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+1.2 Units)
IVAN NOVA vs. COLORADO since 1997
NOVA is 0-0 when starting against COLORADO with an ERA of 6.00 and a WHIP of 1.500.
His team's record is 1-0 (+1.0 units) in these starts. The OVER is 0-0. (+0.0 units)
CHAD BETTIS vs. NY YANKEES since 1997
No recent starts.

TORONTO (36 - 31) at PHILADELPHIA (30 - 35) - 7:05 PM
MARCO ESTRADA (R) vs. JEREMY HELLICKSON (R)
Top Trends for this game.
PHILADELPHIA is 775-790 (+29.0 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record since 1997.

Head-to-Head Series History
PHILADELPHIA is 1-1 (+0.6 Units) against TORONTO this season
1 of 2 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+0.0 Units)
MARCO ESTRADA vs. PHILADELPHIA since 1997
ESTRADA is 1-1 when starting against PHILADELPHIA with an ERA of 6.30 and a WHIP of 1.850.
His team's record is 2-2 (-0.2 units) in these starts. The OVER is 3-1. (+1.9 units)
JEREMY HELLICKSON vs. TORONTO since 1997
HELLICKSON is 5-4 when starting against TORONTO with an ERA of 3.45 and a WHIP of 1.286.
His team's record is 6-9 (-4.4 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 5-9. (-5.3 units)

HOUSTON (31 - 35) at ST LOUIS (35 - 29) - 7:15 PM
COLLIN MCHUGH (R) vs. ADAM WAINWRIGHT (R)
Top Trends for this game.
HOUSTON is 31-35 (-10.5 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
HOUSTON is 49-71 (-26.6 Units) against the money line in road games over the last 2 seasons.
HOUSTON is 48-63 (-19.0 Units) against the money line in road games in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
HOUSTON is 19-26 (-12.1 Units) against the money line in night games this season.
HOUSTON is 11-19 (-12.4 Units) against the money line after a win this season.
ST LOUIS is 137-93 (+24.1 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
ST LOUIS is 137-93 (+24.1 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
ST LOUIS is 98-61 (+26.1 Units) against the money line in night games over the last 2 seasons.
ST LOUIS is 56-34 (+18.3 Units) against the money line after a loss over the last 2 seasons.
WAINWRIGHT is 156-90 (+32.8 Units) against the money line in all games since 1997. (Team's Record)
WAINWRIGHT is 45-20 (+17.1 Units) against the money line when the total is 8 to 8.5 since 1997. (Team's Record)
WAINWRIGHT is 155-89 (+33.1 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field since 1997. (Team's Record)
WAINWRIGHT is 79-35 (+31.7 Units) against the money line after a loss since 1997. (Team's Record)
HOUSTON is 21-7 (+13.1 Units) against the money line in an inter-league game over the last 2 seasons.
MCHUGH is 42-27 (+15.2 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)

Head-to-Head Series History
HOUSTON is 1-0 (+1.4 Units) against ST LOUIS this season
1 of 1 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+1.0 Units)
COLLIN MCHUGH vs. ST LOUIS since 1997
MCHUGH is 0-1 when starting against ST LOUIS with an ERA of 5.00 and a WHIP of 1.111.
His team's record is 1-1 (+0.4 units) in these starts. The OVER is 0-1. (-1.1 units)
ADAM WAINWRIGHT vs. HOUSTON since 1997
WAINWRIGHT is 13-1 when starting against HOUSTON with an ERA of 1.43 and a WHIP of 0.994.
His team's record is 14-1 (+12.0 units) in these starts. The OVER is 6-8. (-2.6 units)

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

MLB
Short Sheet

Wednesday, June 15

Miami at San Diego, 3:40 PM ET
Miami: 11-4 SU against NL West opponents
San Diego: 3-18 SU in day games

LA Dodgers at Arizona, 3:40 PM ET
Los Angeles: KERSHAW 56-21 TSR in day games
Arizona: 4-11 SU in home games against division opponents

Milwaukee at San Francisco, 3:45 PM ET
Milwaukee: 67-100 SU against right-handed starters
San Francisco: 16-5 SU after batting .240 or worse over a 10 game span

Chicago Cubs at Washington, 4:05 PM ET
Chicago: 61-36 SU on the road when the total is 7 to 8.5
Washington: 27-33 SU after 4 or more consecutive home games

Pittsburgh at NY Mets, 7:10 PM ET
Pittsburgh: 9-6 SU after having lost 5 or 6 of their last 7 games
New York: 2-8 SU after a game where they had 4 or less hits

Cincinnati at Atlanta, 7:10 PM ET
Cincinnati: 9-4 SU in June games
Atlanta: 7-25 SU at home when the total is 7 to 8.5

Baltimore at Boston, 7:10 PM ET
Baltimore: 74-50 SU after 3 consecutive game versus a division rival
Boston: 43-73 SU with a hot BP whose WHIP is under 1.200 the last 10 games

Seattle at Tampa Bay, 7:10 PM ET
Seattle: 31-22 SU in road games after a loss
Tampa Bay: 44-61 SU after having won 4 or 5 of their last 6 games

Detroit at Chiago White Sox, 8:10 PM ET
Detroit: 9-2 SU after scoring 10 runs or more
Chicago: 4-12 SU in home games after scoring 8 runs or more

Cleveland at Kansas City, 8:15 PM ET
Cleveland: 10-18 SU in night games
Kansas City: 21-6 SU at home when the total is 7 to 8.5

Minnesota at LA Angels, 10:05 PM ET
Minnesota: 2-11 SU as a road underdog of +100 to +125
Los Angeles: 141-82 SU as a favorite of -110 or higher

Texas at Oakland, 10:05 PM ET
Texas: 24-13 SU against division opponents
Oakland: 10-21 SU in home games after 2 or more consecutive overs

NY Yankees at Colorado, 3:10 PM ET
New York: 32-18 SU in road games in day games
Colorado: 0-9 SU after a game with a combined score of 20 runs or more

Toronto at Philadelphia, 7:05 PM ET
Toronto: 34-14 SU after 5 or more consecutive home games
Philadelphia: 1-14 SU revenging a road blowout loss vs opponent of 8 runs or more

Houston at St Louis, 7:15 PM ET
Houston: 5-11 SU after allowing 2 runs or less
St Louis: 71-42 SU after 1 or more consecutive unders

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

MLB

Wednesday, June 15

Wednesday's MLB Game of the Day: Pirates at Mets

Syndergaard went up against the Pirates last Wednesday and ran his streak of appearances allowing two or fewer earned runs to eight.

Pittsburgh Pirates at New York Mets (A: +155, H: -170, Total: 7.0)

The New York Mets’ problems on offense reached a low on Tuesday, when Pittsburgh rookie Jameson Taillon took a no-hitter into the seventh inning in his second career start. The Mets will try to bounce back from that shutout loss and end a three-game slide when they host the Pirates in the second of a three-game series on Wednesday.


New York has dropped 10 of its last 16 games and is scoring an average of 2.7 runs in that span, including two or fewer nine times. The Mets scraped out three hits in Tuesday’s 4-0 setback and Michael Conforto, who is limited to pinch hitting after receiving a cortisone injection in his ailing left wrist, struck out in his lone plate appearance. The Pirates aren’t exactly lighting up the scoreboard but did manage to snap a five-game slide with Tuesday’s triumph. Pittsburgh (33-31) has dropped 12 of its last 17 to flirt with the .500 mark but three of the five wins in that span have come over New York.

TV: 7:10 p.m. ET, ROOT (Pittsburgh), SNY (New York)

INJURY REPORT:

Pirates - C F. Cervelli (15-Day DL, hand).

Mets - 2B N. Walker (Questionable Wednesday, back), 3B D. Wright (15-Day DL, back), 1B L. Duda (15-Day DL, back), C T. d'Arnaud (15-Day DL, shoulder).

WEATHER REPORT: The weather conditions look good for tonight's game at Citi Field in New York. Gmae-time temperatures are expected to be in the 80's with low humidity. There will be some scattered clouds but forecasted chance of precipitation is zero percent. There will be a slight 5-10 mph breeze blowing out to center field.

PITCHING MATCHUP: Pirates LH Jeff Locke (5-4, 5.38 ERA) vs. Mets RH Noah Syndergaard (6-2, 2.00)

The Pittsburgh rotation took a major hit when ace Gerrit Cole was placed on the 15-day disabled list on Tuesday, and some consistency from Locke would certainly help the team bridge the gap to Cole’s return. Locke tossed a three-hit shutout at Miami on May 30 and followed it up with seven strong innings in a win over the Los Angeles Angels on June 4 but was demolished for 11 runs on 11 hits and three walks in 4 2/3 innings at Colorado on Thursday. The New Hampshire native is looking for his first win against New York after posting a 0-1 mark with a 4.20 ERA in his first three chances.

Syndergaard went up against the Pirates last Wednesday and ran his streak of appearances allowing two or fewer earned runs to eight by scattering two on seven hits over six innings in a no decision. The 23-year-old Texan was not quite as sharp as usual last time out and ended up walking more than one (two) for the first time since May 6. Syndergaard is searching for his first win against Pittsburgh and is 2-1 with a 1.96 ERA at home this season.

TRENDS:

* Pirates are 1-5 in their last 6 road games vs. a right-handed starter.
* Pirates are 5-0 in Locke's last 5 starts vs. National League East.
* Mets are 1-5 in their last 6 home games.
* Mets are 7-1 in Syndergaard's last 8 starts vs. a team with a winning record.
* Over is 7-1-1 in Locke's last 9 starts vs. a team with a winning record.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

John Ryan

Marlins vs. Padres
Play: Padres +105

Technical Discussion Points The following game situations match and/or support the SIM projections and my compiled research for the outcome of this game. Marlins are 2-5 in their last 7 games vs. a team with a winning % below .400. Marlins are 2-5 in Nicolinos last 7 starts. Marlins are 1-5 in Nicolinos last 6 starts on grass. Marlins are 4-9 in the last 13 meetings in San Diego.

Fundamental Discussion Points Nicolino has pitched more than six innings just once this season back in April. He's 0-3 over his last seven starts and was hit hard by Arizona in his last turn, when he gave up season highs in runs (five) and hits (12) while receiving a no-decision. Nicolino will continue to struggle and help the Padres stop their losing streak.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Scott Rickenbach

Blue Jays vs. Phillies
Play: Phillies +1½

A lot of line value here as the Phillies Jeremy Hellickson is off of a tough start and that is being given way too much weight here. Before his rough start against the Nationals, Hellickson had allowed 3 earned runs or less in 6 straight starts! In these outings, the Phillies right-hander compiled a 2.89 ERA while striking out 36 in 37 and 1/3 innings. Hellickson has good "stuff" as that is why he has averaged nearly a strikeout per inning this season. He's had success against the majority of the Blue Jays hitters he'll be facing today and he's given up only 6 earned runs in his last 4 home starts. Toronto will have Marco Estrada on the mound. He has been phenomenal this season but his ERA is more than a run and a half higher on the road compared to at home. Also, the Blue Jays righty has given up 8 homers in his last 8 starts and the Phillies can be dangerous when they get the home run ball going at home. With their win yesterday the Jays improved to 6-5 in their last 11 games but 3 of those victories came by a single run meaning that at a -1.5 on the run line, the Blue Jays would be on a 3-8 run. Considering that as well as the short price on the Phillies with +1.5 runs here and you have a situation that is certainly worth investing in here.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Jimmy Boyd

Nationals -136

I believe this game means a lot more to the Nationals than it does the Cubs. Washington desperately wants to win this series after getting swept in a 4-game series at Chicago earlier this season, while the Cubs could be looking ahead to a return home after a 9-game road trip, which they have already secured a winning record on. Chicago also knows they have two huge series on deck with 3 against the Pirates and then 3 against the Cardinals.

Not only is Washington going to be the more motivated team, I give them the advantage here on the mound, as they send out Stephen Strasburg against Jason Hammel. While Hammel has a strong 2.36 ERA and 1.107 WHIP in 12 starts, he's pitching over his head right now. I believe it's only a matter of time before he comes back to reality and he showed signs of that last time out, giving up 3 runs on 8 hits (2 HR's) in just 5 2/3 innings at Atlanta.

Strasburg is 10-0 with a 3.03 ERA and 1.070 WHIP in 13 starts and the Nationals have won all 7 of his home starts in 2016. He's struck out 10 a piece in each of his last 2 starts and has a 11.51 K/9 on the season. Cubs hitters have been prone to the strikeout of late, including 28 k's over the first two games of this series.

Nationals are 7-2 in their last 9 following a loss, 7-2 in their last 9 home games against a team that's won more than 60% of their road games and 6-0 in Strasburg's last 6 starts against a team with a winning record.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Tys Terrific Tips

MLB CUBS +125