Wednesday 7/26/17 service plays chatter/comps/requests & other stuff...

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Scott "The Bulldog" Rickenbach Free Pick for MLB Wednesday

UNDER the total in New York Yankees vs Cincinnati Reds @ 1:05 ET -

The Reds Homer Bailey has poor numbers on the season in his limited action but, in July, he has pitched very well in 3 of his 4 starts. In fact, in those 3 outings he allowed a total of only 4 earned runs in 18 and 2/3 innings of work. Velocity on his fastball is up and the under was a perfect 3-0 in those 3 quality starts for Bailey. The Reds come into this game having stayed under the total in 5 straight games while the Yankees are on a 9-2 run to the under in their last 11 games. Luis Severino gets the start for the Yanks and he is a hard thrower whom the Reds have never faced. By the way, Bailey hasn't made a start against the Yankees since 2012 so that truly won't help the current Yanks lineup at all and the Reds lineup will be getting their first look at Severino. The Yankees right-hander has seen 4 of his last 5 starts result in an under. Severino has given up a total of only 5 earned runs in 28 innings in those 4 starts. In other words, there is plenty of reason to expect the under trend to continue in this match-up early Wednesday afternoon. Look for the under to improve to 17-4 in Reds July games! Free Pick on UNDER the total in the New York Yankees game early Wednesday afternoon. Best of luck, Scott "The Bulldog" Rickenbach

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

SCOTT SPREITZER
MLB | Jul 26, 2017
Orioles vs. Rays
Rays-137

I'm backing the Tampa Bay Rays in early daytime action on Wednesday. We have played against Ubaldo Jimenez a few times this season and we will again today. The Baltimore righty has been a disaster, including both on the road and in daytime outings and he owns a 9.95 ERA & 2.11 WHIP in four July starts. Jimenez has lasted just 19 innings in the four outings, allowing 6 home runs with a .365 BAA. The Rays have hit he 6th most home runs in MLB this season and could tee-off here. I certainly expect enough run support for Alex Cobb, who's lasted at least 7 2/3 innings in each of his last three starts, posting a 1.54 ERA. The righthander has a sizzling, 0.97 WHIP in eight home starts this season. Tampa Bay snapped a 5-game skid last night and we expect the Rays to make it back-to-back wins before heading to the Bronx for a series against the Yanks. I'm recommending a play on Tampa Bay on Wednesday. Thanks & GL! Scott Spreitzer.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

KEVIN THOMAS
MLB | Jul 26, 2017
Astros vs. Phillies
Phillies+1½ -140

As much as teams want to win AJ Hinch manager of the Astros knows his team is in. He also realizes division and conference wins are better than winning Interleague games. Already up 2-0 on the Phillies we expect more rest for some injured players that could go like Alex Bergman. Nola has emerged as the Phillies ACE. Even though Fiers has not faced the Phillies since he pitched for the Brewers he did have his struggles in Philly. Take the Phillies +1.5

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

SEAN MURPHY
MLB | Jul 26, 2017
Reds vs. Yankees
Yankees-225

My selection is on New York over Cincinnati at 1:05 pm et on Wednesday.
We're dealing with a fairly steep price in this matchup, but I believe it could be even higher. Luis Severino has been terrific all season, but even moreso of late, working at least seven innings and allowing a grand total of just four earned runs over his last three starts. He should handle a Reds order that is having a tough time scoring runs in bunches right now. Give Reds starter Homer Bailey credit as he has bounced back with some strong outings lately, but he'll be in tough against the Yankees, who should be able to scratch out enough runs to secure another victory on Wednesday afternoon.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Chase Diamond
MLB | Jul 26, 2017
Reds vs. Yankees
Reds +213 at BMAKER

This game features the 41-59 Reds at the 52-46 Yankees. I gave out a free plus money big dog yesterday in the Braves and come back with the Reds today early. Homer Bailey has been up and down an mostly down since coming back from the DL but he has the stuff he showed it in the minors before getting the re-call and I think the Reds and Homer will go all out for the win today as the Yankees might catch themselves asleep at the wheel. 81% of the bets are coming in on the Yankees that is a'lot of money. I'll take a chance with a 2-1 price here and back the Reds for a 15* winner.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Tony Karpinski
MLB | Jul 26, 2017
A's vs. Blue Jays
Blue Jays -161 at BETONLINE

When the 34 year old doesn't have to always worry about 1 run coming in on a non-hit play, then the Toronto righty has a better comfort zone on the whole, when pitching. Estrada has been throwing pitches that will are tough to hit with his high fastball and low plate change up. When the Jays think they have to play the perfect game, that is when dumb mistakes can be made. Not here. The Oakland offense continues to be a puzzle every game - with far too many poor outings. They only give up 3 runs in the first game with ease - then go out and give up 7 - it is craziness across the board. Oakland leading HR bat, Khris Davis, needs to get some handle of direction - swinging for the fences and striking out with lead runs on base is not a good habit to have Oakland is just 16-33 on the road and I think they'll struggle again here at Toronto on Winsday night. Play the BLUE JAYS

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

MLB
Long Sheet

Wednesday, July 26

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ATLANTA (48 - 51) at ARIZONA (57 - 43) - 3:40 PM
AARON BLAIR (R) vs. PAT CORBIN (L)
Top Trends for this game.
ARIZONA is 57-43 (+11.6 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
ARIZONA is 35-18 (+13.5 Units) against the money line in home games this season.
ARIZONA is 47-31 (+13.2 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.
ARIZONA is 122-84 (+29.2 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 3 seasons.
ATLANTA is 48-51 (+7.9 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
ATLANTA is 21-25 (+18.1 Units) against the money line as a road underdog of +175 to +250 over the last 2 seasons.
ATLANTA is 25-26 (+9.6 Units) against the money line in road games this season.
ATLANTA is 56-59 (+13.6 Units) against the money line after a win over the last 2 seasons.
ATLANTA is 55-71 (+15.7 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.
ATLANTA is 26-28 (+13.7 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record in the second half of the season over the last 2 seasons.
ARIZONA is 14-29 (-15.7 Units) against the money line in July games over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
ATLANTA is 4-1 (+3.6 Units) against ARIZONA this season
3 of 5 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+0.8 Units)

AARON BLAIR vs. ARIZONA since 1997
BLAIR is 0-1 when starting against ARIZONA with an ERA of 3.60 and a WHIP of 1.800.
His team's record is 0-1 (-1.0 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 0-1. (-1.0 units)

PAT CORBIN vs. ATLANTA since 1997
CORBIN is 2-0 when starting against ATLANTA with an ERA of 0.70 and a WHIP of 1.052.
His team's record is 3-1 (+1.7 units) in these starts. The OVER is 2-1. (+0.9 units)

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PITTSBURGH (50 - 51) at SAN FRANCISCO (39 - 63) - 3:45 PM
TREVOR WILLIAMS (R) vs. JEFF SAMARDZIJA (R)
Top Trends for this game.
PITTSBURGH is 97-111 (-24.4 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters over the last 2 seasons.
PITTSBURGH is 44-27 (+18.7 Units) against the money line in July games over the last 3 seasons.
SAN FRANCISCO is 39-63 (-27.9 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
SAN FRANCISCO is 40-48 (-18.2 Units) against the money line when the total is 8 to 8.5 over the last 2 seasons.
SAN FRANCISCO is 41-45 (-23.1 Units) against the money line as a home favorite of -125 to -175 over the last 3 seasons.
SAN FRANCISCO is 21-29 (-12.3 Units) against the money line in home games this season.
SAN FRANCISCO is 13-25 (-14.6 Units) against the money line in day games this season.
SAN FRANCISCO is 26-45 (-24.0 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.
SAN FRANCISCO is 13-25 (-13.8 Units) against the money line after a win this season.
SAN FRANCISCO is 13-31 (-24.2 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record this season.
SAN FRANCISCO is 1-7 (-8.4 Units) against the money line in home games when playing against a team with a losing record in the second half of the season this season.
SAMARDZIJA is 7-13 (-8.1 Units) against the money line in all games this season. (Team's Record)
SAMARDZIJA is 5-11 (-10.9 Units) against the money line when the total is 8 to 8.5 over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
SAMARDZIJA is 9-14 (-12.1 Units) against the money line in home games over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
SAMARDZIJA is 28-47 (-22.5 Units) against the money line in day games since 1997. (Team's Record)
SAMARDZIJA is 31-45 (-21.9 Units) against the money line after a win since 1997. (Team's Record)

Head-to-Head Series History
SAN FRANCISCO is 4-1 (+3.2 Units) against PITTSBURGH this season
3 of 5 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+0.9 Units)

TREVOR WILLIAMS vs. SAN FRANCISCO since 1997
WILLIAMS is 0-0 when starting against SAN FRANCISCO with an ERA of 3.00 and a WHIP of 0.667.
His team's record is 0-1 (-1.0 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 1-0. (+1.0 units)

JEFF SAMARDZIJA vs. PITTSBURGH since 1997
SAMARDZIJA is 4-4 when starting against PITTSBURGH with an ERA of 3.18 and a WHIP of 1.118.
His team's record is 5-8 (-2.3 units) in these starts. The OVER is 3-8. (-5.2 units)

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MILWAUKEE (54 - 48) at WASHINGTON (59 - 39) - 7:05 PM
JIMMY NELSON (R) vs. GIO GONZALEZ (L)
Top Trends for this game.
WASHINGTON is 40-18 (+16.6 Units) against the money line in night games this season.
MILWAUKEE is 54-48 (+14.0 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
MILWAUKEE is 26-24 (+10.3 Units) against the money line in road games this season.
MILWAUKEE is 10-4 (+8.5 Units) against the money line when playing on Wednesday this season.
MILWAUKEE is 35-28 (+13.5 Units) against the money line in night games this season.
MILWAUKEE is 42-28 (+24.7 Units) against the money line against left-handed starters over the last 2 seasons.
MILWAUKEE is 25-26 (+13.4 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record in the second half of the season over the last 2 seasons.
WASHINGTON is 14-19 (-13.7 Units) against the money line when the total is 9 to 9.5 this season.
WASHINGTON is 175-154 (-50.1 Units) against the money line as a home favorite of -125 to -175 since 1997.
GONZALEZ is 25-28 (-13.5 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
GONZALEZ is 6-12 (-10.8 Units) against the money line when the total is 9 to 9.5 over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)

Head-to-Head Series History
MILWAUKEE is 1-0 (+1.2 Units) against WASHINGTON this season
1 of 1 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+1.0 Units)

JIMMY NELSON vs. WASHINGTON since 1997
NELSON is 1-1 when starting against WASHINGTON with an ERA of 5.28 and a WHIP of 1.631.
His team's record is 1-2 (-0.9 units) in these starts. The OVER is 2-1. (+1.0 units)

GIO GONZALEZ vs. MILWAUKEE since 1997
GONZALEZ is 2-3 when starting against MILWAUKEE with an ERA of 4.95 and a WHIP of 1.514.
His team's record is 4-3 (-0.3 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 2-5. (-3.7 units)

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COLORADO (58 - 44) at ST LOUIS (49 - 51) - 8:15 PM
JEFF HOFFMAN (R) vs. CARLOS MARTINEZ (R)
Top Trends for this game.
COLORADO is 244-438 (-84.4 Units) against the money line as a road underdog of +125 to +175 since 1997.
COLORADO is 663-1017 (-180.9 Units) against the money line in road games since 1997.
COLORADO is 237-309 (-78.9 Units) against the money line in July games since 1997.
COLORADO is 439-696 (-138.4 Units) against the money line in road games in night games since 1997.
COLORADO is 5-16 (-12.4 Units) against the money line in road games when playing against a team with a losing record in the second half of the season over the last 2 seasons.
ST LOUIS is 252-159 (+67.4 Units) against the money line in home games when playing against a team with a winning record in the second half of the season since 1997.
COLORADO is 58-44 (+14.7 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
ST LOUIS is 49-51 (-9.3 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
ST LOUIS is 27-32 (-20.4 Units) against the money line as a home favorite of -125 to -175 over the last 2 seasons.
ST LOUIS is 66-67 (-27.1 Units) against the money line in home games over the last 2 seasons.
ST LOUIS is 89-88 (-16.6 Units) against the money line in night games over the last 2 seasons.
ST LOUIS is 37-40 (-9.7 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.
ST LOUIS is 28-36 (-24.1 Units) against the money line in home games after a win over the last 2 seasons.
ST LOUIS is 27-35 (-16.9 Units) against the money line in home games when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.
MARTINEZ is 10-16 (-11.6 Units) against the money line after a win over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)

Head-to-Head Series History
ST LOUIS is 3-2 (+0.9 Units) against COLORADO this season
3 of 5 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+0.8 Units)

JEFF HOFFMAN vs. ST LOUIS since 1997
No recent starts.

CARLOS MARTINEZ vs. COLORADO since 1997
MARTINEZ is 2-1 when starting against COLORADO with an ERA of 4.56 and a WHIP of 1.479.
His team's record is 3-1 (+1.9 units) in these starts. The OVER is 1-3. (-2.4 units)

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NY METS (47 - 51) at SAN DIEGO (43 - 57) - 10:10 PM
STEVEN MATZ (L) vs. JHOULYS CHACIN (R)
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

Head-to-Head Series History
SAN DIEGO is 2-3 (+0.2 Units) against NY METS this season
4 of 5 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+3.0 Units)

STEVEN MATZ vs. SAN DIEGO since 1997
MATZ is 1-0 when starting against SAN DIEGO with an ERA of 0.00 and a WHIP of 0.409.
His team's record is 1-0 (+1.0 units) in these starts. The OVER is 0-1. (-1.1 units)

JHOULYS CHACIN vs. NY METS since 1997
CHACIN is 1-5 when starting against NY METS with an ERA of 6.68 and a WHIP of 1.742.
His team's record is 2-5 (-2.8 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 3-4. (-1.7 units)

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BALTIMORE (48 - 52) at TAMPA BAY (52 - 49) - 12:10 PM
UBALDO JIMENEZ (R) vs. ALEX COBB (R)
Top Trends for this game.
JIMENEZ is 7-19 (-14.1 Units) against the money line in road games in July games since 1997. (Team's Record)
JIMENEZ is 42-57 (-24.5 Units) against the money line in day games since 1997. (Team's Record)
JIMENEZ is 31-58 (-26.0 Units) against the money line in road games after a loss since 1997. (Team's Record)
BALTIMORE is 136-126 (+10.5 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
BALTIMORE is 276-357 (+42.8 Units) against the money line as a road underdog of +125 to +175 since 1997.
BALTIMORE is 26-21 (+7.2 Units) against the money line against division opponents this season.
JIMENEZ is 18-10 (+11.1 Units) against the money line against division opponents over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
TAMPA BAY is 120-142 (-28.1 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
TAMPA BAY is 19-25 (-16.1 Units) against the money line as a home favorite of -125 to -175 over the last 2 seasons.
TAMPA BAY is 46-54 (-20.7 Units) against the money line in home games when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 3 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
BALTIMORE is 6-5 (+1.3 Units) against TAMPA BAY this season
7 of 11 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+2.7 Units)

UBALDO JIMENEZ vs. TAMPA BAY since 1997
JIMENEZ is 5-3 when starting against TAMPA BAY with an ERA of 4.70 and a WHIP of 1.332.
His team's record is 7-3 (+4.9 units) in these starts. The OVER is 4-5. (-1.5 units)

ALEX COBB vs. BALTIMORE since 1997
COBB is 4-2 when starting against BALTIMORE with an ERA of 2.69 and a WHIP of 1.210.
His team's record is 5-5 (-0.7 units) in these starts. The OVER is 4-6. (-2.1 units)

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BOSTON (55 - 47) at SEATTLE (51 - 51) - 3:40 PM
CHRIS SALE (L) vs. ANDREW MOORE (R)
Top Trends for this game.
SALE is 21-31 (-16.6 Units) against the money line in road games after a loss since 1997. (Team's Record)
SALE is 5-15 (-13.4 Units) against the money line after 3 or more consecutive losses since 1997. (Team's Record)
SEATTLE is 110-107 (-28.0 Units) against the money line in home games over the last 3 seasons.
SEATTLE is 61-80 (-24.5 Units) against the money line against left-handed starters over the last 3 seasons.
SEATTLE is 49-59 (-26.7 Units) against the money line in home games after a win over the last 3 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
SEATTLE is 3-2 (+1.8 Units) against BOSTON this season
4 of 5 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+2.9 Units)

CHRIS SALE vs. SEATTLE since 1997
SALE is 4-1 when starting against SEATTLE with an ERA of 2.44 and a WHIP of 0.795.
His team's record is 5-2 (+2.2 units) in these starts. The OVER is 3-3. (+0.1 units)

ANDREW MOORE vs. BOSTON since 1997
No recent starts.

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OAKLAND (44 - 56) at TORONTO (46 - 54) - 7:05 PM
PAUL BLACKBURN (R) vs. MARCO ESTRADA (R)
Top Trends for this game.
OAKLAND is 181-243 (-53.4 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 3 seasons.
OAKLAND is 12-24 (-10.5 Units) against the money line when the total is 9 to 9.5 this season.
OAKLAND is 16-33 (-13.8 Units) against the money line in road games this season.
OAKLAND is 56-93 (-32.8 Units) against the money line after a loss over the last 2 seasons.
OAKLAND is 74-103 (-31.9 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 3 seasons.
TORONTO is 46-54 (-17.2 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
TORONTO is 26-37 (-17.9 Units) against the money line in night games this season.
TORONTO is 18-28 (-14.3 Units) against the money line after a win this season.
TORONTO is 18-24 (-13.7 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
TORONTO is 3-2 (+0.7 Units) against OAKLAND this season
3 of 4 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+2.0 Units)

PAUL BLACKBURN vs. TORONTO since 1997
No recent starts.

MARCO ESTRADA vs. OAKLAND since 1997
ESTRADA is 0-2 when starting against OAKLAND with an ERA of 8.38 and a WHIP of 1.861.
His team's record is 0-2 (-2.6 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 1-1. (-0.2 units)

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LA ANGELS (49 - 52) at CLEVELAND (53 - 45) - 7:10 PM
RICKY NOLASCO (R) vs. CARLOS CARRASCO (R)
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

Head-to-Head Series History
CLEVELAND is 1-0 (+1.0 Units) against LA ANGELS this season
1 of 1 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+1.0 Units)

RICKY NOLASCO vs. CLEVELAND since 1997
NOLASCO is 0-2 when starting against CLEVELAND with an ERA of 5.11 and a WHIP of 1.216.
His team's record is 2-4 (-1.3 units) in these starts. The OVER is 3-3. (+0.1 units)

CARLOS CARRASCO vs. LA ANGELS since 1997
CARRASCO is 1-0 when starting against LA ANGELS with an ERA of 2.48 and a WHIP of 0.862.
His team's record is 3-1 (+2.7 units) in these starts. The OVER is 1-3. (-2.3 units)

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KANSAS CITY (52 - 47) at DETROIT (45 - 54) - 7:10 PM
IAN KENNEDY (R) vs. ANIBAL SANCHEZ (R)
Top Trends for this game.
KANSAS CITY is 52-47 (+10.9 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
KANSAS CITY is 66-53 (+16.0 Units) against the money line against division opponents over the last 2 seasons.
KANSAS CITY is 35-30 (+8.9 Units) against the money line in night games this season.
KANSAS CITY is 39-31 (+12.4 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.
KANSAS CITY is 30-22 (+11.6 Units) against the money line after a win this season.
KANSAS CITY is 23-14 (+10.0 Units) against the money line after 3 or more consecutive wins over the last 2 seasons.
KANSAS CITY is 13-5 (+9.6 Units) against the money line in road games when playing against a team with a losing record in the second half of the season over the last 2 seasons.
DETROIT is 45-54 (-11.6 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
DETROIT is 44-63 (-22.3 Units) against the money line at home when the money line is +125 to -125 over the last 3 seasons.
DETROIT is 25-39 (-14.7 Units) against the money line in night games this season.
DETROIT is 29-42 (-13.8 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
KANSAS CITY is 6-6 (+0.5 Units) against DETROIT this season
7 of 12 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+1.7 Units)

IAN KENNEDY vs. DETROIT since 1997
KENNEDY is 2-4 when starting against DETROIT with an ERA of 4.34 and a WHIP of 1.226.
His team's record is 2-6 (-4.2 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 4-4. (-0.6 units)

ANIBAL SANCHEZ vs. KANSAS CITY since 1997
SANCHEZ is 6-4 when starting against KANSAS CITY with an ERA of 2.38 and a WHIP of 1.069.
His team's record is 8-5 (+2.1 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 9-4. (+4.2 units)

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CINCINNATI (41 - 59) at NY YANKEES (52 - 46) - 1:05 PM
HOMER BAILEY (R) vs. LUIS SEVERINO (R)
Top Trends for this game.
SEVERINO is 3-10 (-9.9 Units) against the money line after a win over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
SEVERINO is 1-6 (-7.9 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record this season. (Team's Record)

Head-to-Head Series History
NY YANKEES is 2-1 (+0.9 Units) against CINCINNATI this season
2 of 3 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+1.0 Units)

HOMER BAILEY vs. NY YANKEES since 1997
BAILEY is 1-0 when starting against NY YANKEES with an ERA of 4.27 and a WHIP of 1.264.
His team's record is 1-0 (+1.4 units) in these starts. The OVER is 1-0. (+1.0 units)

LUIS SEVERINO vs. CINCINNATI since 1997
No recent starts.

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HOUSTON (67 - 33) at PHILADELPHIA (34 - 64) - 7:05 PM
MICHAEL FIERS (R) vs. AARON NOLA (R)
Top Trends for this game.
PHILADELPHIA is 428-428 (+44.2 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record in the second half of the season since 1997.
HOUSTON is 67-33 (+21.7 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
HOUSTON is 37-12 (+23.2 Units) against the money line in road games this season.
HOUSTON is 28-11 (+16.7 Units) against the money line when playing on Wednesday over the last 2 seasons.
HOUSTON is 9-0 (+9.0 Units) against the money line in an inter-league game this season.
HOUSTON is 48-24 (+13.5 Units) against the money line in night games this season.
HOUSTON is 52-20 (+25.9 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.
HOUSTON is 26-10 (+14.8 Units) against the money line in road games after a win this season.
HOUSTON is 23-7 (+14.1 Units) against the money line in road games when playing against a team with a losing record this season.
PHILADELPHIA is 34-64 (-21.8 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
PHILADELPHIA is 16-43 (-23.3 Units) against the money line in night games this season.
PHILADELPHIA is 23-49 (-21.7 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.
PHILADELPHIA is 19-45 (-20.4 Units) against the money line after a loss this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
HOUSTON is 2-0 (+2.0 Units) against PHILADELPHIA this season
1 of 2 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=-0.1 Units, Under=-0.3 Units)

MICHAEL FIERS vs. PHILADELPHIA since 1997
FIERS is 0-2 when starting against PHILADELPHIA with an ERA of 12.14 and a WHIP of 2.549.
His team's record is 0-2 (-2.0 units) in these starts. The OVER is 1-1. (+0.0 units)

AARON NOLA vs. HOUSTON since 1997
No recent starts.

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MIAMI (45 - 53) at TEXAS (49 - 51) - 8:05 PM
JOSE URENA (R) vs. YU DARVISH (R)
Top Trends for this game.
MIAMI is 93-111 (-25.3 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters over the last 2 seasons.
TEXAS is 144-121 (+27.6 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
TEXAS is 79-51 (+17.5 Units) against the money line in home games over the last 2 seasons.
TEXAS is 11-3 (+9.8 Units) against the money line in an inter-league game this season.
TEXAS is 104-85 (+22.4 Units) against the money line in night games over the last 2 seasons.
TEXAS is 111-90 (+23.8 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters over the last 2 seasons.
TEXAS is 82-61 (+21.7 Units) against the money line after a win over the last 2 seasons.
MIAMI is 48-41 (+14.4 Units) against the money line in road games in night games over the last 2 seasons.
URENA is 9-3 (+9.3 Units) against the money line in road games over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
DARVISH is 5-14 (-16.9 Units) against the money line in July games since 1997. (Team's Record)

Head-to-Head Series History
MIAMI is 1-1 (+0.3 Units) against TEXAS this season
1 of 2 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+0.0 Units)

JOSE URENA vs. TEXAS since 1997
No recent starts.

YU DARVISH vs. MIAMI since 1997
DARVISH is 1-0 when starting against MIAMI with an ERA of 0.00 and a WHIP of 1.000.
His team's record is 1-0 (+1.0 units) in these starts. The OVER is 0-1. (-1.0 units)

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

CHICAGO CUBS (52 - 47) at CHI WHITE SOX (39 - 58) - 8:10 PM
JAKE ARRIETA (R) vs. JAMES SHIELDS (R)
Top Trends for this game.
CHICAGO CUBS are 52-47 (-16.1 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
CHICAGO CUBS are 420-446 (-92.3 Units) against the money line when the total is 9 to 9.5 since 1997.
CHICAGO CUBS are 35-41 (-26.1 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.
CHICAGO CUBS are 25-26 (-12.5 Units) against the money line after a win this season.
CHICAGO CUBS are 806-764 (-160.9 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record since 1997.
ARRIETA is 2-7 (-11.5 Units) against the money line in July games over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
CHI WHITE SOX are 13-10 (+14.5 Units) against the money line as a home underdog of +175 or more since 1997.
SHIELDS is 12-30 (-16.3 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)

Head-to-Head Series History
CHI WHITE SOX is 1-1 (+1.3 Units) against CHICAGO CUBS this season
1 of 1 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+1.0 Units)

JAKE ARRIETA vs. CHI WHITE SOX since 1997
ARRIETA is 3-1 when starting against CHI WHITE SOX with an ERA of 4.14 and a WHIP of 1.234.
His team's record is 5-2 (+2.2 units) in these starts. The OVER is 4-2. (+2.0 units)

JAMES SHIELDS vs. CHICAGO CUBS since 1997
SHIELDS is 2-0 when starting against CHICAGO CUBS with an ERA of 2.67 and a WHIP of 1.148.
His team's record is 4-0 (+4.8 units) in these starts. The OVER is 3-1. (+2.0 units)

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

MINNESOTA (49 - 50) at LA DODGERS (70 - 31) - 10:10 PM
ERVIN SANTANA (R) vs. BROCK STEWART (R)
Top Trends for this game.
MINNESOTA is 59-94 (-26.3 Units) against the money line after a loss over the last 2 seasons.
SANTANA is 21-30 (-16.6 Units) against the money line when playing on Wednesday since 1997. (Team's Record)
LA DODGERS are 70-31 (+23.3 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
LA DODGERS are 43-13 (+19.7 Units) against the money line in home games this season.
LA DODGERS are 110-46 (+36.6 Units) against the money line in home games against right-handed starters over the last 3 seasons.
LA DODGERS are 32-8 (+16.7 Units) against the money line in home games after a win this season.
MINNESOTA is 49-50 (+2.5 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
MINNESOTA is 26-19 (+13.7 Units) against the money line in road games this season.
MINNESOTA is 32-24 (+10.1 Units) against the money line in night games this season.
MINNESOTA is 37-34 (+6.0 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.
LA DODGERS are 151-173 (-58.1 Units) against the money line when playing on Wednesday since 1997.
LA DODGERS are 99-121 (-37.9 Units) against the money line in an inter-league game since 1997.
LA DODGERS are 185-139 (-17.3 Units) against the money line in night games over the last 3 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
LA DODGERS is 2-0 (+2.0 Units) against MINNESOTA this season
1 of 2 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+0.1 Units)

ERVIN SANTANA vs. LA DODGERS since 1997
SANTANA is 5-4 when starting against LA DODGERS with an ERA of 3.24 and a WHIP of 1.183.
His team's record is 5-4 (-0.0 units) in these starts. The OVER is 2-7. (-5.8 units)

BROCK STEWART vs. MINNESOTA since 1997
No recent starts.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Jack Jones
Jul 26 '17, 12:10 PM
MLB | Orioles vs Rays
Play on: Rays -144 at betonline

Jack's Free Pick Wednesday: Tampa Bay Rays -144

The Tampa Bay Rays are right in the thick of the AL East and wild card races with a 52-49 record on the season. They nearly blew a 5-0 lead last night, winning 5-4 over the Orioles. They should come into this game with some confidence Wednesday.

I really like what I've seen from Alex Cobb of late.. He has gone 8-6 with a 3.57 ERA and 1.198 WHIP in 20 starts, 4-3 with a 2.75 ERA and 0.970 WHIP in eight home starts, and 2-0 with a 1.54 ERA and 0.728 WHIP in his last three starts. Cobb is also 4-2 with a 2.69 ERA and 1.210 WHIP in 10 career starts against Baltimore.

Ubaldo Jimenez is one of the worst starters in baseball and it's unfathomable that he still has a spot in Baltimore's rotation. Jimenez has gone 4-6 with a 7.82 ERA and 1.724 WHIP in 15 starts this season, and 1-2 with a 10.29 ERA and 2.214 WHIP in his last three starts. In two starts against the Rays in 2017, Jimenez has yielded 12 earned runs in 5 2/3 innings for a 19.05 ERA.

Baltimore is 0-12 in road games vs. an AL starting pitcher whose ERA is 3.70 or better this season. Bet the Rays Wednesday.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

John Martin
Jul 26 '17, 7:10 PM
MLB | Royals vs Tigers
Play on: Royals +112 at 5Dimes

1 Unit Bonus Play on Kansas City Royals +112

I've cashed the Royals a lot recently, including the last two days as +134 and +137 dogs. They are dogs again today despite the fact that they have one of the best records in baseball since the start of June. The Royals have now won seven of Ian Kennedy's last eight starts while providing him 5.9 runs of support during this stretch. Kennedy has been at his best on the road where he is 3-2 with a 4.26 ERA and 1.13 WHIP in nine starts away from home. The Tigers have dropped five of their last seven and are swirling in trade rumors right now after dealing away JD Martinez to the Diamondbacks. Kansas City is 30-15 (+20.7 Units) against the money line as an underdog of +100 to +150 this season.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Brandon Lee
Jul 26 '17, 3:45 PM
MLB | Pirates vs Giants
Play on: Giants -142 at betonline

10* FREE MLB PICK (Giants -142)

San Francisco is worth a look here at home against the Pirates. The Giants evened up the series with a convincing 12-3 win on Tuesday and I just think the value here is with San Francisco given the pitching matchup and the struggling Pirates offense that just recently lost one of their best offensive players in outfield Gregory Polanco. Giants are turning to Jeff Samardzija, who has pitched so much better than his 4-11 record and 5.05 ERA would suggest and that's backed up by how big a favorite he is here. Pittsburgh will give the ball to Trevor Williams, who leaves a lot to be desired. He's got a 4.76 ERA in 14 starts overall, 5.45 ERA away from home and is not in good form with a 5.62 ERA over his last 3 outings. Give me the Giants -142!

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

GAME: Baltimore Orioles (48-52) at Tampa Bay Rays (52-49)
DATE/TIME: Wednesday, July 26 - 12:10 PM EST
WHERE: Tropicana Field, St. Petersburg, Florida
LINE: N/A TOTAL: N/A



The Tampa Bay Rays put a season-high five-game losing streak behind them and can go after a key series victory Wednesday afternoon when they host the Baltimore Orioles in the rubber match. The Rays nearly blew a five-run lead before stranding two runners on base in the top of the ninth to edge the Orioles 5-4 on Tuesday night to remain one game behind Kansas City for the second American League wild-card spot.

Tim Beckham drilled a three-run homer Tuesday for just his third hit in 27 at-bats over eight contests while slumping Logan Morrison (0-for-12) and Corey Dickerson (0-for-11) were rested and should be back in the Tampa Bay lineup against Baltimore right-hander Ubaldo Jimenez on Wednesday. Alex Cobb hopes to continue his hot streak on the mound for the Rays and avenge a rough outing the last time he faced the Orioles. Baltimore had won six of eight before Tuesday’s loss to climb back into the playoff race, but could not take advantage of a 10-6 advantage in hits in the second game of the series. Adam Jones had a pair of hits in the setback to extend his hitting streak to eight games, in which he is 18-for-38 with four homers, 12 runs and 11 RBIs.

TV: 12:10 p.m. ET, MLB Network, MASN (Baltimore), FSN Sun (Tampa Bay)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Orioles RH Ubaldo Jimenez (4-6, 7.19 ERA) vs. Rays RH Alex Cobb (8-6, 3.57)

Jimenez has struggled mightily in four starts since blanking Toronto on two hits over eight innings on June 29. The 33-year-old Dominican Republic native, who is 112-112 in his career, gave up 21 runs and 31 hits in 19 innings over the last four starts and was pounded for nine runs in 2 1/3 frames against the Rays on June 23. Morrison is 6-for-11 with a homer and six RBIs versus Jimenez, who is 5-3 with a 4.70 ERA in 10 career games against the Rays.

Cobb has allowed three runs or fewer in seven of his last eight outings, but the one outlier in that stretch was at Baltimore when he surrendered seven tallies (six earned) and two homers over 6 1/3 innings. The 29-year-old held a 3-1 lead going into the ninth last Friday against Texas, but three pitches later he gave up a homer that tied the game. Mark Trumbo is 5-for-15 with a homer versus Cobb, who is 4-2 with a 2.69 ERA lifetime against the Orioles.

WALK-OFFS

1. Baltimore 1B Chris Davis missed the first two games of a series with a viral infection and hopes to play Wednesday.

2. Tampa Bay C Wilson Ramos, who needed six staples in his head to close a laceration Monday, pinch hit Tuesday and could be in the lineup for the finale.

3. Orioles 2B Jonathan Schoop had a ninth-inning single to keep the rally alive and boasts 17 RBIs in his last nine contests.

PREDICTION: Rays 6, Orioles 2

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

GAME: Cincinnati Reds (41-59) at New York Yankees (52-46)
DATE/TIME: Wednesday, July 26 - 1:05 PM EST
WHERE: Yankee Stadium, Bronx, New York
LINE: N/A TOTAL: N/A



Recently acquired third baseman Todd Frazier made his first home game with the New York Yankees a memorable one, hitting into a triple play in his first at-bat. There was a silver lining as a run scored on the play for the Yankees, who will look to complete a two-game interleague sweep of the visiting Cincinnati Reds on Wednesday afternoon.

Didi Gregorius had a sacrifice fly and homered for the third time in two games for New York, which kicked off its nine-game homestand by improving to 4-1 in its last five. The Yankees will send Luis Severino to the mound in a bid to win three in a row for the first time since a six-game winning streak from June 7-12. Cincinnati managed a paltry three hits in the series opener to tumble to 2-10 since the All-Star break. Joey Votto remains in a deep slumber since the All-Star game, going 5-for 39 with zero extra-base hits.

TV: 1:05 p.m. ET, MLB Network, FSN Ohio (Cincinnati), YES (New York)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Reds RH Homer Bailey (2-4, 8.56 ERA) vs. Yankees RH Luis Severino (6-4, 3.21)

Despite his bloated ERA, Bailey recorded his third quality start in his last four outings on Friday versus Miami, giving up two runs on eight hits over six innings in his second straight loss. Bailey was pounded in his season debut at Washington on June 24, but he was solid in both his subsequent road starts, giving up two runs over 12 2/3 innings. Matt Holliday has tormented Bailey, going 14-for-43 with two homers.

Severino opened July by getting shellacked at Houston, but he has been superb in his three subsequent starts, surrendering a combined four runs over 21 innings. Despite the stellar stretch, Severino earned his first win since June 10 last time out by blanking Seattle on eight hits over seven innings. He has pitched at least six innings in 10 of his last 11 starts, yielding only five home runs in that span.

WALK-OFFS

1. Gregorius is 14-for-25 during a seven-game hitting streak.

2. The triple play was the first turned by the Reds since September 1995.

3. Yankees OF Brett Gardner has hit safely in seven straight games.

PREDICTION: Yankees 7, Reds 2

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

GAME: Boston Red Sox (55-47) at Seattle Mariners (51-51)
DATE/TIME: Wednesday, July 26 - 3:40 PM EST
WHERE: Safeco Field, Seattle, Washington
LINE: N/A TOTAL: N/A



Chris Sale spent the bulk of his career serving as the stopper for a team in the Chicago White Sox which never made the postseason during his seven-year stay in the "Windy City." The Boston Red Sox hope he can play the same role for them as they try to remain atop the American League East on Wednesday and attempt to avoid a fifth straight defeat overall and three-game sweep in Seattle against the Mariners.

The Red Sox were one strike away from victory Tuesday, but Seattle scored on a wild pitch to tie it up in the 13th before Jean Segura delivered a walk-off single moments later to send Boston to a 6-5 defeat in a game that lasted just shy of five hours. Sale, who leads the majors with 200 strikeouts and is holding opponents to a .157 average in day games, has fanned at least nine batters in all but three of his 20 starts and could dominate even more than usual given the quick turnaround. While the Red Sox watched their lead in the East drop to one game over the New York Yankees, the Mariners (51-51) reached .500 with their third win in four tries and trail Kansas City by only 2 1/2 games for the final wild-card spot in the AL. Mike Zunino homered for the second time in three games and appears to be breaking out of his slump this month (batting .182 in July after Tuesday's 1-for-4 effort) following his torrid June (.304, 10 homers, 33 RBIs).

TV: 3:40 p.m. ET, NESN (Boston), ROOT Northwest (Seattle)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Red Sox LH Chris Sale (12-4, 2.48 ERA) vs. Mariners RH Andrew Moore (1-2, 5.70)

Sale worked his third scoreless outing in four trips to the mound this month Friday in Los Angeles, holding the Angels to four hits while fanning nine across six innings. As a result, the six-time All-Star joined Nolan Ryan, Randy Johnson and Pedro Martinez as the only pitchers to reach 200 strikeouts in 20 or fewer turns. Nelson Cruz is 8-for-23 with two homers versus Sale, who is 4-1 with a 2.34 ERA in nine appearances (seven starts) against the Mariners.

Moore remained winless over his last four outings following Friday's loss to the Yankees, giving up five runs on nine hits in six frames, one start after giving up five runs across three innings to the White Sox. The 23-year-old rookie has struggled to keep the ball in the park in his first five big-league turns, surrendering nine home runs in 30 innings. Moore, who has made four of his five career starts at home (1-2, 4.67 ERA), will face Boston for the first time.

WALK-OFFS

1. The Red Sox acquired SS/3B Eduardo Nunez from San Francisco late Tuesday in exchange for minor-league RHPs Shaun Anderson and Gregory Santos. Nunez is expected to make his Boston debut on Friday.

2. Seattle is hopeful CF Jarrod Dyson (hyperextended toe) will be available in the finale after missing each of the last three games.

3. Boston 20-year-old 3B Rafael Devers went 0-for-4 with two walks in his big-league debut Tuesday.

PREDICTION: Red Sox 5, Mariners 1

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

GAME: Atlanta Braves (48-51) at Arizona Diamondbacks (57-43)
DATE/TIME: Wednesday, July 26 - 3:40 PM EST
WHERE: Chase Field, Phoenix, Arizona
LINE: N/A TOTAL: N/A



Aside from some unexpected pop from their starting pitcher, the Arizona Diamondbacks were not able to muster much with the bats in a loss to the Atlanta Braves on Tuesday. The Diamondbacks hope to turn things around and take advantage of a fill-in starter when they face the visiting Braves in the rubber game of a three-game set Wednesday afternoon.

Taijuan Walker had two of Arizona's eight hits - including a long solo homer - in the club's 8-3 loss to the Braves on Tuesday, the 12th setback in 17 games for the National League wild card-leading Diamondbacks. In the finale, Arizona will take aim at right-hander Aaron Blair, who struggled mightily in 2016 with Atlanta and was not much better in the minors this season. The Braves received a pair of homers from Kurt Suzuki on Tuesday and are 4-1 against the Diamondbacks and 15-8 against the NL West. Patrick Corbin, who has dominated Atlanta in his career but gave up two runs in five innings in a matchup earlier this month, toes the rubber for Arizona in the series finale.

TV: 3:40 p.m. ET, FSN Southeast (Atlanta), FSN Arizona

PITCHING MATCHUP: Braves RH Aaron Blair (2016: 2-7, 7.59 ERA) vs. Diamondbacks LH Patrick Corbin (7-9, 4.43)

Blair will get the first crack at seizing the rotation spot of Jaime Garcia, who was traded to Minnesota, but the leash may not be long after a rocky 2016 with Atlanta and some issues this year with Triple-A Gwinnett. He was 6-5 with a 4.97 ERA in 18 starts for the Braves' top minor-league affiliate, allowing 89 hits and 40 walks in 87 innings. The 25-year-old faced Arizona in his third career start last season and suffered the loss after giving up three runs (two earned) in five frames.

Corbin posted 28 consecutive scoreless innings in his career against the Braves before giving up a solo homer to Brandon Phillips in the third inning and an RBI double to Phillips two innings later on July 15. He took a no-decision in that one but followed it up with 7 1/3 dominant innings in a win at Cincinnati on Thursday, allowing one run and fanning six. The 28-year-old, who is 5-3 with a 3.15 ERA at home, has dominated Braves star Freddie Freeman (0-for-10, six strikeouts).

WALK-OFFS

1. Freeman was 1-for-3 on Tuesday and is batting .379 with 24 RBIs in 21 career games at Arizona.

2. Diamondbacks RF David Peralta is 3-for-18 over his last four games since the end of a 10-game hitting streak in which he batted .421.

3. The Braves are 27-0 when they score at least six runs, the best mark in the majors in that category.

PREDICTION: Diamondbacks 7, Braves 4

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

GAME: Pittsburgh Pirates (50-51) at San Francisco Giants (39-63)
DATE/TIME: Wednesday, July 26 - 3:45 PM EST
WHERE: AT&T Park, San Francisco, California
LINE: N/A TOTAL: N/A



The Pittsburgh Pirates appear to have a glaring need in right field due to Gregory Polanco’s strained left hamstring, but general manager Neal Huntington isn’t about to panic. While Huntington continues to monitor the trade market, the Pirates’ immediate focus is on Wednesday’s rubber match of their three-game series against the host San Francisco Giants.

Jameson Taillon allowed 10 runs (nine earned) over three innings in Tuesday’s 11-3 loss as the Pirates fell 3 1/2 games back of first-place Milwaukee in the National League Central and 7 1/2 games out of the second wild-card spot. The Pirates have lost three of their last four games while using the trio of John Jaso, Adam Frazier and Jose Osuna in place of Polanco, who is expected to miss several weeks but hopes to return sooner. The Giants are a dismal 39-63 and began planning for the future on Tuesday with the trade of Eduardo Nunez to Boston in exchange for minor-league pitchers Shaun Anderson and Gregory Santos. “Eduardo just did a nice job for us,” manager Bruce Bochy told reporters. “He was a lot of fun to have around on the club. I’m going to miss him, because this guy was exciting, he gave me a lot of options with his versatility, and he played the game with a passion.”

TV: 3:45 p.m. ET, AT&T SportsNet - Pittsburgh, NBCSN Bay Area (San Francisco)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Pirates RH Trevor Williams (4-4, 4.74 ERA) vs. Giants RH Jeff Samardzija (4-11, 5.05)

Williams settled in after a shaky start Friday against Colorado and earned the win after allowing five runs over 6 2/3 innings. The 25-year-old San Diego native has posted a 4.21 ERA in his last 13 outings since giving up eight runs (six earned) over three frames in his first start on May 8 against the Los Angeles Dodgers. Williams pitched well against San Francisco on July 2, giving up two runs on three hits over six innings before the Giants rallied for a 5-3 victory.

Samardzija is looking to get untracked after allowing a total of 12 runs on 17 hits over 10 1/3 innings in back-to-back losses to San Diego. The 32-year-old has made 20 starts but has just four wins, including one against Pittsburgh on July 2 when he allowed two runs over six frames. Andrew McCutchen is 15-for-37 against Samardzija, who is 5-4 with a 2.91 ERA in 24 career games (13 starts) against the Pirates.

WALK-OFFS

1. The Giants have lost eight of their last nine games against the Pirates at AT&T Park.

2. Pirates rookie 1B Josh Bell has hit safely in 11 straight road games, going 20-for-52 with two home runs and 13 RBIs over that stretch.

3. The Giants optioned OF/INF Orlando Calixte to Triple-A Sacramento and recalled RHP Chris Stratton.

PREDICTION: Giants 5, Pirates 2

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

GAME: Houston Astros (67-33) at Philadelphia Phillies (34-64)
DATE/TIME: Wednesday, July 26 - 7:05 PM EST
WHERE: Citizens Bank Park, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
LINE: N/A TOTAL: N/A



While Jose Altuve's career-high 17-game hitting streak is receiving plenty of attention, teammate Marwin Gonzalez is enjoying an impressive run in his own right with hits in eight straight and 23 of his last 26 contests. Altuve and Gonzalez look to add to their individual streaks on Wednesday as the American League-best Houston Astros aim to remain perfect in interleague play heading into the finale of a three-game series versus the host Philadelphia Phillies.

Gonzalez highlighted his fourth multi-hit performance in five contests with an RBI single in Tuesday's 5-0 triumph for the high-octane Astros, who have amassed 18 runs and 25 hits in the series and 150 runs in 19 games this month. Altuve, who is a staggering 39-for-79 this month, followed up a pair of four-hit performances with just one double on Tuesday to actually drop his majors-best batting average one point to .364. Both stars will get their first look at Aaron Nola in the series finale, with the right-hander enjoying an impressive roll despite the majors-worst Phillies' considerable troubles. Cameron Rupp had a pair of doubles to hit safely for the eighth time in 10 games, but he'll get his first look at veteran right-hander Mike Fiers.

TV: 7:05 p.m. ET, AT&T SportsNet-Southwest (Houston), CSN Philadelphia

PITCHING MATCHUP: Astros RH Mike Fiers (7-4, 3.59 ERA) vs. Phillies RH Aaron Nola (7-6, 3.38)

Fiers has answered a three-game winless skid by improving to 2-0 with a 1.93 ERA in his last two starts. The 32-year-old capped his second straight seven-inning performance by allowing one run on six hits while striking out nine in Friday's 8-7 victory at Baltimore. Fiers owns an 8-1 mark in his last 13 road starts dating back to last season.

Nola improved to 4-1 with a 1.70 ERA in his last six outings on Friday after permitting one run on five hits in seven innings of a 6-1 triumph over Milwaukee. The 24-year-old fanned nine in that contest for the third time in five trips to the mound and has struck out 50 in his last 42 1/3 innings pitched. "Nola was outstanding," Phillies manager Pete Mackanin told reporters. "He's been working on that changeup all year and it's really one of his better pitches. He used all of his pitches, he spotted his fastball in and out and changed speeds extremely well."

WALK-OFFS

1. Philadelphia 3B Maikel Franco is 0-for-15 with seven strikeouts in his last four games.

2. The Astros are 9-0 in interleague play this season while the Phillies are just 3-10.

3. Houston's road win total (37) eclipses the overall victory total of Philadelphia (34) this season.

PREDICTION: Phillies 4, Astros 3

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

GAME: Milwaukee Brewers (54-48) at Washington Nationals (59-39)
DATE/TIME: Wednesday, July 26 - 7:05 PM EST
WHERE: Nationals Park, Washington, District of Columbia
LINE: N/A TOTAL: N/A



The Milwaukee Brewers will try to string together consecutive wins for the first time in almost two weeks when they play the middle contest of a three-game series at the Washington Nationals on Wednesday. A three-run homer by Travis Shaw highlighted an 11-hit attack and starter Zach Davies spun 7 2/3 scoreless innings in the Brewers' 8-0 win in the series opener.

It was just the second victory in the last nine games for Milwaukee, which stayed a half-game ahead of the Chicago Cubs atop the National League Central and hosts the Cubs after its 10-game road trip ends Thursday in the nation's capital. Shaw's home run was his third of the trip and 23rd of the season, one behind team leader Eric Thames, who also went deep for the Brewers on Tuesday. Bryce Harper extended his career-high hitting streak to 17 games for Washington but his club managed five hits overall in getting shut out for the third time in 12 games after it scored at least one run in the first 86 contests this season. A pair of 8-5 starters square off Wednesday night, as right-hander Jimmy Nelson goes for Milwaukee opposite southpaw Gio Gonzalez.

TV: 7:05 p.m. ET, FSN Wisconsin (Milwaukee), MASN (Washington)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Brewers RH Jimmy Nelson (8-5, 3.43 ERA) vs. Nationals LH Gio Gonzalez (8-5, 2.83)

Nelson suffered his first loss in a span of five starts after allowing four runs and six hits over five innings at Pittsburgh on Thursday. That left the 28-year-old with a 4.96 ERA in nine road starts, compared to 2.39 in 11 outings at home. He spun five scoreless innings in his only matchup with Washington a year ago but has a 5.28 ERA in three career meetings.

Gonzalez entered Tuesday ranked third in the National League in ERA despite giving up four runs in 5 2/3 frames in a loss at the Los Angeles Angels his last time out. That outing ended a string of nine straight quality starts for the former first-round pick, whose team has lost each of his last five home starts, despite his 2.40 ERA in that span. Hernan Perez and Jonathan Villar are a combined 7-for-17 with a home run and four doubles against Gonzalez, who is 2-3 with a 4.95 ERA in seven career starts versus Milwaukee.

WALK-OFFS

1. Harper has reached base in 25 consecutive games, one shy of matching the longest streak of his career.

2. Brewers C Manny Pina also homered Wednesday and is 8-for-20 on the road trip.

3. Washington announced Tuesday that a nerve impingement caused RHP Stephen Strasburg to leave his start after two innings Sunday, and the club is hopeful he will take his next turn in the rotation.

PREDICTION: Nationals 5, Brewers 3

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

GAME: Oakland Athletics (44-56) at Toronto Blue Jays (46-54)
DATE/TIME: Wednesday, July 26 - 7:07 PM EST
WHERE: Rogers Centre, Toronto, Ontario
LINE: N/A TOTAL: N/A



The Oakland Athletics have encountered horrific troubles on the road this season, but the Rogers Centre has served as a House of Horrors for the club for quite some time. Oakland has dropped 10 of its last 11 at the home of the Toronto Blue Jays, including the first two heading into the third contest of the four-game series on Wednesday.

Khris Davis drove in a run with the first of his two doubles during Tuesday's 4-1 loss for the Athletics, who have mustered just six runs in their last three games. Oakland has lost six of its last eight overall, is 1-4 on the current seven-game road trip and its 16 wins away from home are tied for the fewest in the majors. While the Athletics' troubles are many on the road, Toronto has returned to the good graces of its faithful by winning four of its last six home contests to even its record at Rogers Centre after 48 games. Struggling Jose Bautista snapped an 0-for-17 slump with an RBI double, giving the 36-year-old slugger a bit of optimism with his future unclear days ahead of the non-waiver trade deadline.

TV: 7:07 p.m. ET, NBCSN California (Oakland), Sportsnet, TVA Sports (Toronto)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Athletics RH Paul Blackburn (1-1, 2.88 ERA) vs. Blue Jays RH Marco Estrada (4-7, 5.52)

Blackburn owned a 1-0 mark with a 1.83 ERA before sustaining his first career loss on Friday after allowing a season high in runs (four) in a campaign-worst 5 1/3 innings of a 7-5 setback at the New York Mets. "I feel like I battled. My fastball command's not where I wanted it to be (in that outing). I've got to work on that," the 23-year-old rookie told reporters. Blackburn surrendered a homer for the third straight outing and only tossed 76 pitches before departing.

Estrada fell to 0-5 with a 9.52 ERA in his last nine starts after permitting five runs on six hits in 4 2/3 innings of Friday's 13-3 setback at Cleveland. The 34-year-old pending free agent hasn't done himself any favors with his lack of control, yielding 26 walks in his last six outings (28 innings). Estrada looks to atone for his last encounter versus Oakland, against which he allowed four runs on seven hits in 5 2/3 innings of a 4-1 setback on June 6.

WALK-OFFS

1. Toronto SS Troy Tulowitzki has recorded multi-hit performances in three of his last five contests.

2. Oakland 2B Jed Lowrie is 0-for-7 in this series on the heels of a four-game hitting streak.

3. Athletics OF Rajai Davis is 0-for-6 in his last four contests after collecting multi-hit performances in four of his previous six games.

PREDICTION: Blue Jays 5, Athletics 2

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

GAME: Kansas City Royals (52-47) at Detroit Tigers (45-54)
DATE/TIME: Wednesday, July 26 - 7:10 PM EST
WHERE: Comerica Park, Detroit, Michigan
LINE: N/A TOTAL: N/A



The surging Kansas City Royals are in hot pursuit of the first-place Cleveland Indians in the American League Central while also holding down the second wild card. The Royals go for their eighth consecutive victory and second straight three-game sweep when they wrap up a three-game series at the Detroit Tigers on Wednesday night.

Youth at the top of the lineup is serving Kansas City well, with Whit Merrifield and Jorge Bonifacio collecting two hits apiece in Tuesday's 3-1 victory. Merrifield has hit in 11 of 12 games after bashing a leadoff homer Tuesday while Bonifacio provided a big defensive play in right field that led to a rally-quashing double play. Slumping first baseman Miguel Cabrera had a pair of hits in the loss for Detroit, including the 2,600th of his career. The Tigers, losers of five of seven, will send Anibal Sanchez to the mound to oppose Royals right-hander Ian Kennedy.

TV: 7:10 p.m. ET, FSN Kansas City, FSN Detroit

PITCHING MATCHUP: Royals RH Ian Kennedy (3-6, 4.61 ERA) vs. Tigers RH Anibal Sanchez (2-0, 5.95)

Kennedy, who started the year by losing his first six decisions and didn't pick up his first win until June 16, escaped with a no-decision last time out despite allowing six runs (five earned) in four innings. He gave up five runs in three innings in a loss to the Tigers on May 31, but won at Detroit on June 28 with seven innings of two-run ball. Ian Kinsler is 7-for-18 with a homer and four doubles versus Kennedy.

Sanchez continues to be a reliable arm since the Tigers brought him out of moth balls and inserted him into the rotation, coming up one out shy of pitching six innings for the fifth consecutive start. He won at Minnesota by giving up two runs in 5 2/3 innings to improve to 2-0 in six starts since June 19. Eric Hosmer is 12-for-38 against Sanchez, who is 6-4 with a 2.66 ERA in 15 appearances versus the Tigers.

WALK-OFFS

1. Royals C Salvador Perez left Tuesday's game with rib tightness but said he plans to catch Wednesday.

2. Tigers CF Mikie Mahtook has hit safely in nine straight games.

3. Royals RHP Pete Moylan has not allowed an earned run in 14 straight appearances.

PREDICTION: Royals 4, Tigers 3

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

GAME: Los Angeles Angels (49-52) at Cleveland Indians (53-45)
DATE/TIME: Wednesday, July 26 - 7:10 PM EST
WHERE: Progressive Field, Cleveland, Ohio
LINE: N/A TOTAL: N/A



The American League Central-leading Cleveland Indians can match their longest winning streak of the season when they host the Los Angeles Angels on Wednesday night in the middle contest of a three-game series. Cleveland blew a seven-run lead Tuesday before Edwin Encarnacion belted a walk-off grand slam in the 11th inning to extend the Indians winning streak to five with an 11-7 triumph.

Bradley Zimmer also hit a grand slam for Cleveland and the impressive rookie outfielder is 6-for-9 with a homer, three runs scored and six RBIs in his last three games while shortstop Francisco Lindor is 8-for-21 during a five-game hitting streak for the Indians. Carlos Carrasco looks to add another strong performance to his outstanding season for Cleveland when he faces fellow right-hander Ricky Nolasco, who is expected to make his 300th career major-league start on Wednesday. The Angels are 4-5 since the All-Star break, but infielder Luis Valbuena has homered in two straight games while knocking in four to lead the offense. Shortstop Andrelton Simmons has been the hottest hitter for Los Angeles in July, going 23-for-61 with three homers and nine RBIs during the month after notching three hits in the series opener.

TV: 7:10 p.m. ET, FSN West (Los Angeles), STO (Cleveland)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Angels RH Ricky Nolasco (4-11, 5.13 ERA) vs. Indians RH Carlos Carrasco (10-4, 3.62)

Scheduled starter Alex Meyer (shoulder) went on the disabled list and Nolasco takes the spot after posting three strong starts in his last five outings. However, the 34-year-old California native is 0-9 in 13 starts surrounding two scoreless outings (June 26, July 1) and allowed six runs on nine hits over four innings of a loss to Boston last time out. Yan Gomes is 3-for-9 with three homers versus Nolasco, who is 0-2 with a 5.54 ERA lifetime against Cleveland.

Carrasco is 5-1 in his last eight starts after allowing two in six innings at San Francisco last Wednesday without factoring into the decision. The 30-year-old Venezuelan, who boasts 130 strikeouts in 117 innings, has fanned double-digits in three of his last six starts but gave up six homers in that stretch. Carrasco, who is 2-0 with a 1.80 ERA in eight games (four starts) against Los Angeles, has a 4.69 ERA at home compared to 2.87 on the road.

WALK-OFFS

1. The Angels have committed just one error in their last 17 contests and four in a 29-game stretch.

2. Encarnacion, who went over 1,000 RBIs in his career with Tuesday’s slam, is 7-for-18 with six walks over his last five games.

3. Los Angeles 2B Kaleb Cowart went 2-for-4 with two runs scored Tuesday after being recalled from Triple-A Salt Lake on Monday.

PREDICTION: Indians 7, Angels 1