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[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Phillies at Yankees

GAME: Philadelphia Phillies (26-47) at New York Yankees (38-33)
DATE/TIME: Wednesday, June 24 - 1:05 PM EST
WHERE: Yankee Stadium, Bronx, New York
LINE: 122, -132 TOTAL: 7.5

Three straight days of terrible starting pitching performances have some New York Yankees fans and members of the media on edge. The successful return of Ivan Nova and avoiding a sweep in the finale of a three-game series against the visiting Philadelphia Phillies on Wednesday should calm some of those fears.

New York allowed a total of 34 runs in the last three games – all losses – and got another discouraging start from CC Sabathia along with a rare poor relief appearance from Dellin Betances in Tuesday’s 11-6 setback. The loss dropped the Yankees two games out of first place in the American League East while Philadelphia has hit its season-high run total in back-to-back games. The Phillies are winners of three straight and four of six since a nine-game slide as rookie Maikel Franco leads the offense. Franco, who has three home runs and 10 RBIs in the first two games of the series, will take his swings against Nova while Cole Hamels starts for Philadelphia.

TV: 1:05 p.m. ET, MLB Network, NBC 10 (Philadelphia), YES (New York)

PITCHING MACHUP: Phillies LH Cole Hamels (5-5, 2.96 ERA) vs. Yankees RH Ivan Nova (2014: 2-2, 8.27)

Hamels missed his last start due to a hamstring injury but is set to go in front of plenty of scouts as Philadelphia puts its ace on display prior to the July 31 trade deadline. Hamels struck out 12 and scattered four hits over seven scoreless innings at Pittsburgh on June 14 but was held out of the win column in a game the Phillies went on to lose 1-0. The California native is 0-1 with a 2.77 ERA in two career starts against New York.

Nova looked set to pitch at the top of the Yankees staff for years to come after posting a 3.10 ERA in 2013 but went down in April of 2014 and has spent the last 14 months recovering from Tommy John surgery. The Dominican Republic native got up to 84 pitches with strong velocity in his final rehab start before being declared ready to return. Nova is making his first career appearance against Philadelphia.

WALK-OFFS

1. Franco is 13-for-21 with 11 RBIs in the last five games.

2. Yankees OF Brett Gardner is 15-for-27 with four home runs, 10 runs scored and nine RBIs in the last six contests.

3. New York INF Stephen Drew (paternity leave) missed Tuesday’s game and could miss the series finale.

PREDICTION: Phillies 4, Yankees 1

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: White Sox at Twins

GAME: Chicago White Sox (31-39) at Minnesota Twins (38-33)
DATE/TIME: Wednesday, June 24 - 1:10 PM EST
WHERE: Target Field, Minneapolis, Minnesota
LINE: -134, 124 TOTAL: 7

Chris Sale is making some history for the Chicago White Sox and is becoming the most dominant starting pitcher in the American League. Sale will try to post his sixth straight start with 12 or more strikeouts when the White Sox visit the Minnesota Twins in the rubber match of a three-game series on Wednesday.

Sale joined Randy Johnson and Pedro Martinez as the only pitcher to punch out a dozen or more in five straight starts and has struck out double digits in six consecutive outings, beginning with a 10-K performance against Minnesota on May 23. The Twins ended up winning that game during a 20-7 month of May but doubled that loss total already in June with Tuesday’s 6-2 setback. The White Sox are struggling to get any of their pitchers run support but pounded out 15 hits on Tuesday to snap a string of nine straight games scoring three or fewer runs.

TV: 1:10 p.m. ET, MLB Network, CSN Chicago

PITCHING MATCHUP: White Sox LH Chris Sale (6-3, 2.74 ERA) vs. Twins RH Phil Hughes (5-6, 4.47)

Sale failed to come out with a win on Friday despite matching a season high with 14 strikeouts while yielding two hits and no walks in eight scoreless innings. The Florida native has 119 strikeouts and only 20 walks on the season and allowed two or fewer runs in each of his last five outings. Sale endured his worst start of the season at Minnesota on Apr. 30, when he was rocked for nine runs (eight earned) on nine hits and a pair of walks in three innings.

Hughes put together his third straight quality start and came out with his first win in that stretch on Friday, when he held the Chicago Cubs to one run and two hits in eight innings. The lone blemish came via solo home run, and the California native, who celebrates his 29th birthday on Wednesday, has already matched last season’s total by serving up 16 home runs. Hughes surrendered a home run to Adam LaRoche at Chicago on Apr. 12 but kept the White Sox in the park while allowing two runs in seven innings on May 22.

WALK-OFFS

1. White Sox 1B Jose Abreu has hit safely in eight straight games and went 4-for-5 on Tuesday to raise his average to .300.

2. Minnesota CF Aaron Hicks (forearm strain) faced live pitching on Tuesday and could be activated by the start of next week.

3. Chicago LF Melky Cabrera is 7-for-12 with a pair of doubles in the last three games.

PREDICTION: White Sox 4, Twins 0

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Astros at Angels

GAME: Houston Astros (42-31) at Los Angeles Angels (36-36)
DATE/TIME: Wednesday, June 24 - 3:35 PM EST
WHERE: Angel Stadium of Anaheim, Anaheim, California
LINE: 106, -115 TOTAL: 7.5

Carlos Correa continues to show the Houston Astros didn't rush him to the big leagues. The 20-year-old shortstop had a career-best four RBIs in the middle contest of the three-game set and looks for another strong showing in Wednesday's series finale against the host Los Angeles Angels.

Correa recorded his third three-hit game, scored three runs and smashed his fourth homer as the first-place Astros trounced the Angels 13-3 on Tuesday to move four games ahead of the Texas Rangers in the American League West. The No. 1 overall pick of the 2012 draft is batting .308 after his first 15 major league games while living up to his immense billing. Houston third baseman Luis Valbeuna hit two homers, and the Astros are 29-2 this season when going deep two or more times in a game. Los Angeles has dropped three of its last four games to fall to .500.

TV: 3:35 p.m. ET, ROOT (Houston), FSN West (Los Angeles)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Astros RH Lance McCullers (3-2, 2.45 ERA) vs. Angels RH Matt Shoemaker (4-5, 5.20)

McCullers experienced the rockiest of his seven big-league starts in his last turn when he allowed five runs (three earned) and six hits in 4 1/3 innings while losing to Seattle. He has walked seven batters in 9 1/3 innings over his last two starts after issuing just six in his first 31 major-league innings. McCullers has given up six or fewer hits in each of his seven outings.

Shoemaker received a no-decision in his last start as he allowed five runs and eight hits in four-plus innings against Oakland. He lost to the Astros on May 9 when he was pummeled for six runs and six hits — including three homers — in just three innings. Shoemaker is 1-1 with an 8.76 ERA in four career appearances (two starts) against the Astros and first baseman Chris Carter is 3-for-6 with two homers against him.

WALK-OFFS

1. Correa is the third shortstop since 1900 to hit four homers in his first 15 major-league games, joining Bert Campaneris (1964) and Geoff Blum (1999).

2. Los Angeles OF Matt Joyce is batting .173 with one RBI in June.

3. Houston has homered in 10 consecutive contests — its longest stretch since a 12-game streak in 2007.

PREDICTION: Astros 7, Angels 4

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Reds at Pirates

GAME: Cincinnati Reds (32-37) at Pittsburgh Pirates (40-30)
DATE/TIME: Wednesday, June 24 - 7:05 PM EST
WHERE: PNC Park, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
LINE: 172, -187 TOTAL: 6.5

Although Gerrit Cole leads the majors in wins and has run roughshod over his foes this season, he has experienced difficulty with the Cincinnati Reds. The 24-year-old hopes to secure his career-high 12th victory and hand the Pittsburgh Pirates their eighth straight triumph at home and 10th in 13 outings overall when they host the Reds on Wednesday.

Cole is enjoying his finest season to date in his young career, but settled for a no-decision against Cincinnati on April 8 before suffering his first loss of the season versus the National League Central rival nearly a month later. Cole will need to be careful with Jay Bruce, who drove in three runs in the Reds' 7-6 setback in the series opener on Tuesday. Bruce is 12-for-25 with two homers with eight RBIs and as many runs scored during his six-game hitting streak. Pittsburgh's Josh Harrison has been hot in his own right, recording his second straight two-hit performance in the series opener and going 24-for-59 in his last 14 contests.

TV: 7:05 p.m. ET, FSN Ohio (Cincinnati), ROOT (Pittsburgh)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Reds RH Mike Leake (4-4, 4.01 ERA) vs. Pirates RH Gerrit Cole (11-2, 1.78)

Leake improved to 2-0 in his last four starts after scattering two hits over seven innings in a 5-0 triumph against Miami on Friday. The 27-year-old traditionally has pitched well versus the Pirates, as he improved to 7-3 against them with another sterling performance May 6. Leake allowed just six hits in eight stellar innings and did not walk a batter in a 3-0 victory.

Cole won his sixth straight start in dominating fashion on Thursday, allowing just two runs on three hits in seven innings en route to a 3-2 win over the Chicago White Sox. The top overall pick of the 2011 draft, Cole yielded a home run for just the third time in his last eight trips to the mound. Brandon Phillips had two hits in the series opener and is 5-for-11 in his career versus Cole, who owns an 0-2 career mark with a 4.70 ERA in four starts against the Reds.

WALK-OFFS

1. Cincinnati 3B Todd Frazier, who is 25-for-68 with 16 RBIs in his last 16 games, is 10-for-28 with four homers and six RBIs in the season series versus Pittsburgh.

2. Pirates CF Andrew McCutchen homered among his two hits on Tuesday, eclipsing his hit total (1-for-9) in the previous series versus Washington.

3. The Reds have won five of the seven meetings between the clubs this season.

PREDICTION: Pirates 3, Reds 1

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Braves at Nationals

GAME: Atlanta Braves (35-36) at Washington Nationals (38-33)
DATE/TIME: Wednesday, June 24 - 7:05 PM EST
WHERE: Nationals Park, Washington, District of Columbia
LINE: 154, -167 TOTAL: 7


The Washington Nationals are getting closer to full strength and are threatening to pull away from the pack in the National League East. The Nationals aim for a fifth consecutive victory when they continue a three-game series Wednesday against the Atlanta Braves, one of the pursuers trying to keep a foothold in the division.



Washington slumped through the first month of the season, in part due to key injuries, but has gone 31-20 since April 28. Two players who have missed time shined in Tuesday's 3-1 win, as Stephen Strasburg came off the disabled list to pitch five scoreless innings and Anthony Rendon went 4-for-4 with an RBI. Braves right-hander Shelby Miller looks to continue his dominance versus the Nationals — he is 2-0 with a 0.73 ERA in four starts against them and has not allowed an earned run in 12 innings of work at Nationals Park. His counterpart, right-hander Jordan Zimmermann, has fared well against the Braves, going 5-2 with a 3.15 ERA in 12 meetings.

TV: 7:05 p.m. ET, SportSouth (Atlanta), MASN 2 (Washington)



PITCHING MATCHUP: Braves RH Shelby Miller (5-3, 1.99 ERA) vs. Nationals RH Jordan Zimmermann (5-5, 3.75)

Miller is winless in his last six starts but has allowed more than two earned runs only twice in 14 outings this season. The 24-year-old had some tough luck last time out, allowing four runs — only one earned — over 5 2/3 innings in a 5-2 loss to Boston. Miller has surrendered only four homers in 90 1/3 innings and one over his past nine starts.

Zimmermann has lost three straight starts, pitching to a 7.63 ERA and allowing opponents to hit .386 over that span. The 29-year-old did have something of a bounce-back effort last time out, limiting Tampa Bay to three runs over seven innings and racking up a season-high eight strikeouts in a 5-0 loss. Zimmermann is 3-3 with a 2.75 ERA in eight home starts in 2015.



WALK-OFFS

1. Washington has won six straight meetings with the Braves and leads the season series 6-1.

2. Atlanta placed 1B Freddie Freeman on the disabled list Tuesday with a right wrist injury and recalled utility man Joey Terdoslavich.

3. Nationals starters have allowed one run in 28 1/3 innings over the past four games, striking out 31 while permitting 14 hits and four walks.



PREDICTION: Braves 4, Nationals 3

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Cardinals at Marlins

GAME: St. Louis Cardinals (46-24) at Miami Marlins (30-42)
DATE/TIME: Wednesday, June 24 - 7:10 PM EST
WHERE: Marlins Park, Miami, Florida
LINE: -118, 109 TOTAL: 7.5

Jason Heyward has made himself at home on the road, and the St. Louis Cardinals have followed suit by winning three of the last four contests as part of their eight-game trek. Heyward and the majors-leading Cardinals look to continue their good fortune on Wednesday when they play the second contest of their three-game set against the Miami Marlins.

Heyward, who belted a solo shot in the fourth inning to help rally St. Louis to a 4-3 triumph on Tuesday, is a blistering 12-for-24 with three homers, six RBIs and five runs scored during his six-game hitting streak. The slugger looks to continue his hot hand versus Wednesday starter Mat Latos, against whom he is 5-for-14 (.357) in his career. Speaking of sluggers, Giancarlo Stanton launched an estimated 484-foot shot to stake Miami to an early lead on Tuesday and is 27-for-79 with 11 homers and 22 RBIs in June. Stanton's majors-best 26th blast wasn't enough to prevent the Marlins from opening their nine-game homestand with their fifth loss in six contests.

TV: 7:10 p.m. ET, FSN Midwest (St. Louis), FSN Florida (Miami)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Cardinals LH Jaime Garcia (2-3, 1.76 ERA) vs. Marlins RH Mat Latos (2-4, 5.37)

Garcia scattered four hits in his second straight scoreless outing, but walked away without a decision against Minnesota on Thursday. The 28-year-old owns just a 1-2 mark in his last four starts despite permitting only three runs on 17 hits with two walks in 28 innings. Garcia has yet to record a decision versus Miami despite making two strong starts, yielding two runs in 10 innings.

After a strong outing in his return from the disabled list on June 13, Latos struggled a bit five days later en route to a receiving a no-decision versus the New York Yankees. The 27-year-old has sputtered at home this season, posting a 1-2 mark with an inflated 7.90 ERA and 1.65 WHIP. Latos scattered four hits en route to a complete-game victory in his last outing with St. Louis in 2013 to improve to 5-5 in his career against the club.

WALK-OFFS

1. Miami LF Christian Yelich had two singles on Tuesday to improve to 14-for-30 with eight runs scored and five RBIs against St. Louis dating back to last year's series.

2. Cardinals C Yadier Molina is 14-for-30 with two homers, four RBIs and six runs scored during his eight-game hitting streak.

3. St. Louis 1B Xavier Scruggs had a two-run double among his three hits on Tuesday and is 5-for-10 with three RBIs and two runs scored in the last three contests.

PREDICTION: Marlins 4, Cardinals 2

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Orioles at Red Sox

GAME: Baltimore Orioles (37-33) at Boston Red Sox (31-41)
DATE/TIME: Wednesday, June 24 - 7:10 PM EST
WHERE: Fenway Park, Boston, Massachusetts
LINE: 123, -133 TOTAL: 8.5

The Boston Red Sox sit in last place in the American League East in large part due to their struggles against division foes. The Red Sox will try to snap a seven-game losing streak against the AL East and even the series at a game apiece when they host the Baltimore Orioles in the second of a three-game series on Wednesday.

Boston came into the series hot with four wins in six games, including a 13-2 drubbing of the Kansas City Royals on the road on Sunday. The Orioles brought the Red Sox right back down to earth and extended their winning streak in the series to six straight with a 6-4 win in Tuesday’s series opener. The loss dropped Boston to 10-22 against the AL East while Baltimore improved to 23-19 within the division. The Orioles will try to maintain their dominance when they turn to Bud Norris against Clay Buchholz on Tuesday.

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

PITCHING MATCHUP: Orioles RH Bud Norris (2-5, 7.57 ERA) vs. Red Sox RH Clay Buchholz (4-6, 3.87)

Norris’ stat line still looks ugly, but the veteran is starting to put together some more consistent outings. The 30-year-old surrendered two runs over six innings in a loss at Philadelphia on Thursday – the second time in three starts that he allowed two or fewer runs. Norris started against Boston on April 26 and picked up the win while yielding three runs on seven hits and three walks in 6 2/3 innings.

Buchholz turned in his sixth quality start in eight outings at Atlanta on Thursday, when he held the Braves to a pair of unearned runs in seven innings. The Texan has not surrendered a home run in any of his last five starts. Buchholz last faced Baltimore at home on April 18 and scattered two runs and 11 hits over six innings to suffer the loss.

WALK-OFFS

1. Orioles CF Adam Jones (shoulder) sat out for the fifth time in seven games on Tuesday and is unlikely to play in the series.

2. Boston 1B Mike Napoli, who was dropped to No. 8 in the order and struck out four times on Tuesday, is 0-for-12 over his last three games.

3. Baltimore 3B Manny Machado is 12-for-23 over his last five games with six runs scored and six RBIs.

PREDICTION: Red Sox 8, Orioles 4

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Athletics at Rangers

GAME: Oakland Athletics (32-41) at Texas Rangers (37-34)
DATE/TIME: Wednesday, June 24 - 8:05 PM EST
WHERE: Globe Life Park in Arlington, Arlington, Texas
LINE: -103, -105 TOTAL: 9

The Oakland Athletics attempt to extend their winning streak to four games when they visit the Texas Rangers on Wednesday for the middle contest of their three-game series. Oakland captured the final two contests of its three-game weekend set with the Los Angeles Angels before posting an 8-6 triumph in its opener against Texas.

Josh Phegley delivered a two-run double and a solo homer while Ben Zobrist also went deep as the Athletics registered their fourth consecutive road victory. Rougned Odor and Elvis Andrus each collected three hits and two RBIs for the Rangers, who returned home from a 2-3 road trip to suffer their third straight loss. Texas finally broke out offensively after being held to fewer than three runs in each of its previous four games. Oakland has yet to drop a series to the Rangers in 2015, splitting a season-opening four-game set before taking two of three in each of the next two series between the American League West rivals.

TV: 8:05 p.m. ET, CSN California (Oakland), FSN Southwest (Texas)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Athletics RH Kendall Graveman (3-4, 4.02 ERA) vs. Rangers LH Wandy Rodriguez (4-2, 3.20)

Graveman is winless in his last three outings despite allowing a total of four runs over 22 innings. The 24-year-old suffered his second straight loss Thursday as he yielded two runs and five hits in seven frames against San Diego. Graveman lost to Texas in his first major-league start on April 9, when he was battered for eight runs - seven earned - and seven hits over 3 1/3 innings in his season debut.

Rodriguez extended his unbeaten streak to six starts (3-0) last Wednesday, giving up three runs and nine hits over 5 1/3 innings in a victory over the Dodgers in Los Angeles. The 36-year-old Dominican has allowed three runs or fewer in each outing during his streak and eight of his last nine turns. Rodriguez, who has never faced Oakland, is 0-2 with a 5.06 ERA in four starts at home this season.

WALK-OFFS

1. Rangers OF Josh Hamilton (hamstring) is expected to begin a rehab assignment with Double-A Frisco on Wednesday.

2. Oakland C Stephen Vogt, who is battling tennis elbow, missed the series opener after receiving a cortisone shot Sunday.

3. Texas 3B Adrian Beltre (thumb) went 1-for-4 with an RBI on Tuesday after being activated from the disabled list earlier in the day.

PREDICTION: Athletics 5, Rangers 2

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Dodgers at Cubs

GAME: Los Angeles Dodgers (39-33) at Chicago Cubs (39-30)
DATE/TIME: Wednesday, June 24 - 8:05 PM EST
WHERE: Wrigley Field, Chicago, Illinois
LINE: -109, 101 N/A TOTAL: N/A


The Chicago Cubs have outdueled a pair of aces and hope to beat up on the back end of Los Angeles' rotation when they vie for a third consecutive win over the Dodgers on Wednesday. The Cubs have won four straight after Chris Denorfia's sacrifice fly produced a 1-0 win Tuesday in the second contest of the four-game series, improving Chicago to 18-12 in one-run decisions.



Los Angeles has managed only two runs and eight hits in the first two games of the series and has dropped seven of its last nine overall. The Dodgers need to take the final two contests of the set to avoid losing their third consecutive series. Los Angeles' Mike Bolsinger hopes for another strong outing at Wrigley Field, where he held the Cubs to an unearned run over 6 2/3 innings in a victory last season while with Arizona. He'll face Kyle Hendricks, who is winless in five home starts this season.

TV: 8:05 p.m. ET, ESPN2, SportsNet LA (Los Angeles), CSN Chicago



PITCHING MATCHUP: Dodgers RH Mike Bolsinger (4-2, 2.87 ERA) vs. Cubs RH Kyle Hendricks (2-3, 4.28)

Bolsinger won his first three decisions in 2015, allowing a total of two runs over his first four starts, but has pitched to a 5.32 ERA in four outings this month. The 27-year-old was dinged for season highs in runs (five) and hits (eight) over 5 1/3 innings in a loss to San Francisco in his last turn. Bolsinger is 0-1 with a 3.80 ERA in four road outings this season.

Hendricks has been inconsistent in his first full major-league campaign, managing only three quality starts in 13 outings. The 25-year-old was tagged for a career-high seven runs (six earned) and 11 hits over five innings in a loss at Minnesota last time out. In his only previous meeting with the Dodgers, Hendricks allowed two runs (one earned) in seven frames of a road win in August.



WALK-OFFS

1. Cubs CF Dexter Fowler sat out Tuesday after leaving Monday's game with a sprained left ankle and is day-to-day.

2. Dodgers RF Yasiel Puig is 17-for-35 in nine career games at Wrigley Field, hitting safely in all nine contests.

3. Chicago's bullpen has allowed one run and four hits over 9 1/3 innings in the series.



PREDICTION: Dodgers 5, Cubs 3

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Mets at Brewers

GAME: New York Mets (36-36) at Milwaukee Brewers (26-46)
DATE/TIME: Wednesday, June 24 - 8:10 PM EST
WHERE: Miller Park, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
LINE: 115, -125 TOTAL: 8

The New York Mets have mustered just eight runs en route to losing the first six contests of their eight-game road trip. The season-high skid has resulted in a 36-36 overall record for the Mets, who look to ignite their sputtering offense when they continue their three-game series against the Milwaukee Brewers on Wednesday.

New York is batting just .168 as a team during its trek and fell to 10-25 away from Citi Field following a 3-2 setback on Tuesday. Curtis Granderson belted a solo homer for the second time in three games, but the Mets recorded just three other hits in the loss. Michael Cuddyer is mired in an 0-for-11 slump at the plate, and his error in left field on Adam Lind's double allowed Carlos Gomez to score the eventual winning run in the seventh inning. Lind is 4-for-10 with two RBIs and as many runs scored in his last three games for the Brewers, who posted just their second win in 10 contests and are a major league-worst 12-24 at home.

TV: 8:10 p.m. ET, SNY (New York), FSN Wisconsin (Milwaukee)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Mets RH Bartolo Colon (9-5, 4.81 ERA) vs. Brewers RH Jimmy Nelson (3-8, 4.64)

Colon failed miserably in his first bid to reach the 10-win plateau on Thursday as he allowed seven runs and nine hits in 4 1/3 innings of a 7-1 setback to Toronto. That outing was only marginally better than the results of the 42-year-old's last meeting with Milwaukee, against which he permitted six runs in five frames of a 7-0 loss on May 15. Colon fell to 3-2 lifetime versus the Brewers while allowing the club to bat .315 against him.

Nelson yielded double-digit hits in his second straight start and suffered his fourth loss in his last six turns with a 3-2 setback to Kansas City on Thursday. The 26-year-old looks to get back on track versus New York, against which he has an 0.92 WHIP and allowed just a .150 batting average in his career despite losing his lone decision in two starts. Nelson has struggled with his control this season, issuing 32 walks in just 83 1/3 innings.

WALK-OFFS

1. Former Mets RHP Francisco Rodriguez recorded his 14th save in as many chances on Tuesday.

2. New York placed C Travis d'Arnaud on the 15-day disabled list with a sprained left elbow.

3. Milwaukee 3B Hernan Perez is 10-for-21 with three runs scored and two RBIs in his last eight games.

PREDICTION: Mets 4, Brewers 2

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Diamondbacks at Rockies

GAME: Arizona Diamondbacks (34-36) at Colorado Rockies (31-39)
DATE/TIME: Wednesday, June 24 - 8:40 PM EST
WHERE: Coors Field, Denver, Colorado
LINE: 129, -140 TOTAL: 11

Colorado is expected to have only one representative at next month's All-Star Game and it probably will be third baseman Nolan Arenado, who is having a career year and quickly becoming the face of the Rockies. The budding superstar, who is in his third season, already reached a career high for home runs and looks to lead Colorado to another victory over the Arizona Diamondbacks on Wednesday in the middle contest of their three-game series.

Arenado has 19 home runs after belting two in the Rockies' 10-5 victory Tuesday and is batting .385 with four homers, 11 RBIs and 10 runs scored during a 10-game hitting streak while his 58 RBIs are second in the majors to Miami's Giancarlo Stanton (66). Arizona (34-36), which had outscored Colorado 43-19 in winning four of the first five meetings this season, has lost its last eight games when attempting to return to .500. Colorado right fielder Carlos Gonzalez (left hand sprain) did not play Tuesday and manager Walt Weiss told reporters: "It's going to be a day-to-day deal - one or two days. With the hand it's always a little concerning, but we feel like it's not too serious.'' The Rockies' David Hale lost his last two starts and opposes Allen Webster, who faces the Rockies for the first time.

TV: 8:40 p.m. ET, FSN Arizona, ROOT (Colorado)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Diamondbacks RH Allen Webster (1-1, 6.55 ERA) vs. Rockies RH David Hale (2-2, 5.28)

Webster allowed six runs, five hits (two home runs) and five walks in 5 1/3 innings of a 7-1 loss to the Los Angeles Angels on Thursday. The 25-year-old North Carolina native was 1-2 with a 9.00 ERA in five starts with Triple-A Reno before being recalled to the majors and allowed two runs in 5 2/3 innings of a 4-2 victory at San Francisco on June 13. Webster was 6-5 with a 6.25 ERA in 19 games (18 starts) with Boston in 2013 and 2014 before being dealt to the Diamondbacks.

Hale permitted five runs and 10 hits while matching a career high with nine strikeouts in five innings of an 8-4 loss to Houston on Thursday - his first loss in four starts at Coors Field. The 27-year-old Georgia native struck out 21 in his last three turns, but yielded seven home runs in his last four outings. Hale, who is 5-3 with a 3.38 ERA in 13 starts - the first eight with Atlanta, is 2-0, 4.12 in three night starts this season.

WALK-OFFS

1. Arizona rookie OF Yasmany Tomas was scratched from Tuesday's starting lineup because of altitude sickness, which caused dehydration and nausea.

2. Colorado SS Troy Tulowitzki (.312, seven home runs, 38 RBIs) has hit in 19 of his last 20 games and is batting .375 with three home runs, 18 RBIs and 12 runs scored in 18 June games.

3. The Diamondbacks have scored a National League-best 124 runs in the first three innings after leading 3-1 through three frames Tuesday.

PREDICTION: Diamondbacks 9, Rockies 8

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Royals at Mariners

GAME: Kansas City Royals (40-28) at Seattle Mariners (33-39)
DATE/TIME: Wednesday, June 24 - 10:10 PM EST
WHERE: Safeco Field, Seattle, Washington
LINE: 102, -110 TOTAL: 7

Dustin Ackley's best outing of the season lifted his average above .200, and the Seattle left fielder looks for another strong game when the Mariners host the Kansas City Royals in Wednesday's finale of a three-game series. Ackley has struggled all season before recording his first three-hit game of the campaign to help Seattle roll to a 7-0 victory over Kansas City on Tuesday.

Ackley finished a triple shy of the cycle to raise his average to .204 to support rookie left-hander Mike Montgomery, who tossed a four-hit shutout. The loss was just the third in the last nine games for Kansas City, which has been shut out in three of its last seven defeats. Shortstop Alcides Escobar had one of the Royals' four hits and is 15-for-36 during a nine-game hitting streak. Seattle second baseman Robinson Cano is showing signs of breaking out of his funk by going 10-for-31 over the last eight games to raise his average to .246.

TV: 10:10 p.m. ET, FSN Kansas City, ROOT (Seattle)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Royals LH Danny Duffy (2-3, 5.87 ERA) vs. Mariners LH Roenis Elias (4-4, 3.56)

Duffy is making his first major-league start in more than five weeks after spending time on the disabled list with biceps tendinitis. He lost three straight decisions before the injury, giving up 14 runs and walking 10 in 9 2/3 innings during the stretch. Duffy is 0-1 with a 1.86 ERA in two career starts against Seattle.

Elias matched his career best with 10 strikeouts and allowed two runs and four hits in seven innings while defeating Houston in his last turn. It was a solid bounce-back performance after he was torched for eight runs (seven earned) and seven hits in 3 1/3 innings by the Astros just five days earlier. Elias is 1-0 with a 3.09 ERA in two career starts against Kansas City.

WALK-OFFS

1. Mariners DH Nelson Cruz (pelvic bone) was hitless in four at-bats after leaving Monday's contest.

2. Kansas City RF Alex Rios is batting just .191 in June.

3. Seattle CF Austin Jackson is 1-for-18 with seven strikeouts over his last five games.

PREDICTION: Royals 4, Mariners 3

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Padres at Giants

GAME: San Diego Padres (35-38) at San Francisco Giants (38-34)
DATE/TIME: Wednesday, June 24 - 10:15 PM EST
WHERE: AT&T Park, San Francisco, California
LINE: 114, -123 TOTAL: 7

The San Diego Padres attempt to continue to improve their record against the San Francisco Giants this season when the visit their National League West rivals Wednesday for the middle contest of their three-game set. San Diego took three of four at home against the Giants in April and dropped two of three at San Francisco last month before rallying for a victory in Tuesday's opener to improve to 5-3 in the season series.

Will Venable erased a 2-0 deficit with a two-run double in the eighth inning and Alexi Amarista delivered an RBI single in the 11th to lift the Padres to their third win in five contests. Gregor Blanco went 2-for-3 with an RBI for San Francisco, which was held to two runs for the second straight game. Offense has been the make-or-break factor for the Giants, who have scored a total of seven runs in their last seven losses and six or more in each of their last five victories. San Diego enters Wednesday with a 3-3 record on its eight-game road trip while San Francisco has lost 10 of its last 11 home contests.

TV: 10:15 p.m. ET, FSN San Diego, CSN Bay Area (San Francisco)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Padres RH Ian Kennedy (4-5, 5.43 ERA) vs. Giants Ryan Vogelsong (5-5, 4.38)

Kennedy's unbeaten streak reached four starts Thursday as he allowed one run and four hits over six innings in a victory at Oakland. The 30-year-old has given up three runs or fewer in each outing during his streak after being tagged for seven in 3 2/3 frames by Pittsburgh on May 28. Kennedy has had plenty of success against San Francisco in his career, posting a 10-4 record and 2.42 ERA in 22 turns.

Vogelsong halted his three-start losing streak Thursday, when he scattered three hits over 6 2/3 scoreless innings at Seattle. It was a strong bounce-back effort by the 37-year-old, who surrendered four runs on six hits and five walks in only 3 2/3 frames against Arizona in his previous outing. Vogelsong is 5-6 with a 5.14 ERA in 20 career games (11 starts) versus San Diego.

WALK-OFFS

1. Giants LF Nori Aoki missed his second straight game Tuesday due to a bruised right ankle.

2. San Diego RHP Brandon Morrow (shoulder) hopes to throw a simulated game by the weekend.

3. San Francisco RHPs Matt Cain (flexor tendon) and Jake Peavy (back) each will make one more rehab start with Triple-A Sacramento before being activated from the disabled list.

PREDICTION: Padres 4, Giants 2

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

SLEEPYJ

Tampa Bay -1.5 +175

My power rating numbers indicate a play on the favorite on the RL today...Sure it's a nice price and most won't jump at the opportunity here..Bluejays are a dangerous team, and they have been very kind to me as well..Still, this game calls for the Rays on the RL at a very nice + price...The Rays will send RHP Nathan Karns to the mound today..Karns hold a 3.53ERA and a WHIP of 1.24....Karns has looked very very good in his last two starts..He picked up only one win in those two starts, because the Rays failed to score any runs in a loss to the Whitesox back on June 14th...Karns in his last two starts has gone 11 innings and only given up 2ER on 13 hits...He has struck out 12 batters in those two games and only walked 2 batters...I like Karns because he uses all his pitches to get batters out..He isn't afraid to run a count full to get the opposition thinking one thing and him using another...This is the lineup that a guy like Karns can use his pitches and pitch count to his advantage against these big bats...He is a successful pitcher at home and has given up a total of 11 runs in his last 5 home starts..So he is just a hair above 2 RPG at home in that stretch...He has not faced this Bluejays lineup and that can be an issue for the Bluejays...This is a powerful lineup overall, but it gives Karns the measuring stick here at home..Bluejays just got worked by Archer yesterday and now will get Karns..This will be a tough task for the Bluejays...I can see a wave of action coming in here from the public on the Bluejays today....Toronto will go with Estrada on the mound and i'm not sold on him overall..He has a ERA of 3.92 and has now won 4 games in a row...Well don't let his wins in a row gloss over the fact that he has given up 11 runs in 4 games....21 total hits and 9 BB...That's not great for a pitcher in my eyes..He got the wins because this Bluejays team has crushed teams when he is on the mound..I think we see him lose today for the first time in 5 attempts...He can strike guys out, but i'm a little worried he may come in here thinking the Bluejays got his back today like they have in his last 4 starts..I can see him being lazy and the Rays jumping all over him early today...Bluejays bullpen ranks 17th in the league and i think we see them early in this one...Bluejays are 15-20 on the road and the bullpen road ERA is near 4.00...Tampa leads the AL East and they are 3 games up on the Bluejays..Most bettors overlook this Rays team and they have been missing out on prime money making situations...Rays have now won 9 of 12 and they have been putting up 4-6 runs per game at a consistent rate..This Rays team has only scored double digits in two games this year..Once against this Bluejays team...Call me crazy..Rays hit double digits tonight and shock the bettors and the Bluejays...The Rays have a nice homestand here and starting it out by losing the series to the Bluejays won't sit well..Karns deals a great game and the Rays bop the Jays.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

MLB
Dunkel

Wednesday, June 24


Cincinnati @ Pittsburgh

Game 951-952
June 24, 2015 @ 7:05 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Cincinnati
(Leake) 13.424
Pittsburgh
(Cole) 17.385
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Pittsburgh
by 4
8
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Pittsburgh
-195
6 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Pittsburgh
(-195); Over

Atlanta @ Washington

Game 953-954
June 24, 2015 @ 7:05 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Atlanta
(Miller) 14.424
Washington
(Zimmrmnn) 16.008
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Washington
by 1 1/2
8
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Washington
-160
7
Dunkel Pick:
Washington
(-160); Over

St. Louis @ Miami

Game 955-956
June 24, 2015 @ 7:10 pm

Dunkel Rating:
St. Louis
(Garcia) 14.395
Miami
(Latos) 15.877
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Miami
by 1 1/2
6
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
St. Louis
-125
7 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Miami
(+105); Under

LA Dodgers @ Chicago Cubs

Game 957-958
June 24, 2015 @ 8:05 pm

Dunkel Rating:
LA Dodgers
(Bolsinger) 14.257
Chicago Cubs
(Hendricks) 15.761
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Chicago Cubs
by 1 1/2
6
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
LA Dodgers
-120
No Run Total
Dunkel Pick:
Chicago Cubs
(+100); N/A

NY Mets @ Milwaukee

Game 959-960
June 24, 2015 @ 8:10 pm

Dunkel Rating:
NY Mets
(Colon) 12.398
Milwaukee
(Nelson) 15.900
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Milwaukee
by 3 1/2
9
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Milwaukee
-120
8
Dunkel Pick:
Milwaukee
(-120); Over

Arizona @ Colorado

Game 961-962
June 24, 2015 @ 8:40 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Arizona
(Webster) 13.658
Colorado
(Hale) 15.175
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Colorado
by 1 1/2
12
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Colorado
-130
11
Dunkel Pick:
Colorado
(-130); Over

San Diego @ San Francisco

Game 963-964
June 24, 2015 @ 10:15 pm

Dunkel Rating:
San Diego
(Kennedy) 15.658
San Francisco
(Vogelsong) 13.257
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
San Diego
by 2 1/2
6
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
San Francisco
-130
7
Dunkel Pick:
San Diego
(+110); Under

Detroit @ Cleveland

Game 965-966
June 24, 2015 @ 12:10 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Detroit
(Farmer) 16.639
Cleveland
(Carrasco) 15.590
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Detroit
by 1
7
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Cleveland
-145
8
Dunkel Pick:
Detroit
(+125); Under

Toronto @ Tampa Bay

Game 967-968
June 24, 2015 @ 12:10 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Toronto
(Estrada) 13.539
Tampa Bay
(Karns) 18.697
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Tampa Bay
by 5
7
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Tampa Bay
-125
7 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Tampa Bay
(-125); Under

Chicago White Sox @ Minnesota

Game 969-970
June 24, 2015 @ 1:10 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Chicago White Sox
(Sale) 16.790
Minnesota
(Hughes) 15.411
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Chicago White Sox
by 1 1/2
6
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Chicago White Sox
-140
7
Dunkel Pick:
Chicago White Sox
(-140); Under

Houston @ LA Angels

Game 971-972
June 24, 2015 @ 3:35 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Houston
(McCullers) 17.072
LA Angels
(Shoemaker) 15.641
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Houston
by 1 1/2
8
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
LA Angels
-125
7 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Houston
(+105); Over

Baltimore @ Boston

Game 973-974
June 24, 2015 @ 7:10 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Baltimore
(Norris) 15.697
Boston
(Buchholz) 14.510
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Baltimore
by 1
10
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Boston
-145
8 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Baltimore
(+125); Over

Oakland @ Texas

Game 975-976
June 24, 2015 @ 8:05 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Oakland
(Graveman) 17.644
Texas
(Rodriguez) 12.511
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Oakland
by 5
8
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Texas
-125
9
Dunkel Pick:
Oakland
(+105); Under

Kansas City @ Seattle

Game 977-978
June 24, 2015 @ 10:10 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Kansas City
(Duffy) 16.142
Seattle
(Elias) 14.623
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Kansas City
by 1 1/2
6
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Seattle
-115
7
Dunkel Pick:
Kansas City
(-105); Under

Philadelphia @ NY Yankees

Game 979-980
June 24, 2015 @ 1:05 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Philadelphia
(Hamels) 13.829
NY Yankees
(Nova) 15.150
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
NY Yankees
by 1 1/2
9
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
NY Yankees
-140
7 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
NY Yankees
(-140); Over

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Yankees' slugfests has the over hot

The New York Yankees keep getting involved in slugfests and the result has been the Bronx Bombers going over in six consecutive games.

After the Yankees 11-6 loss to the Philadelphia Phillies Tuesday night, there is an average of 15.17 total runs being scored per game over the past six games and have allowed at least 11 runs in their lat three games.

The Yankees themselves are scoring 8.00 runs per game during that span.

New York will try to avoid a sweep at the hands of the lowly Philadelphia Phillies with a Wednesday afternoon matinee. Cole Hamels gets the call for the Phillies, while the Yanks counter with Ivan Nova. The total is currently at 7.5.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Day's biggest dog remains a profitable venture

The biggest underdog on the Major League Baseball board has now won five consecutive ball games heading into Wednesday's schedule.

The Philadelphia Phillies defeated the New York Yankees 11-6 as a huge +249 moneyline dog to keep the streak alive and line bettors' pockets.

The current streak began with the Texas Rangers defeating the Chicago White Sox 2-1 as +179 moneyline underdogs back on Friday June 19. That was followed by Saturday's biggest dog, the Tampa Bay Rays (+162), beating the Cleveland Indians 4-1. The streak improved to three as the Phillies (+170) trumped the St. Louis Cardinals 9-2 on Sunday.

As of early Wednesday morning, the Cincinnati Reds were Wednesday's biggest dog at +172 against Gerrit Cole and the Pittsburgh Pirates.