MLB
Wednesday, September 2
Trend Report
12:10 PM
MIAMI vs. ATLANTA
Miami is 3-6 SU in its last 9 games when playing Atlanta
Miami is 4-8 SU in its last 12 games
Atlanta is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games
Atlanta is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games at home
2:20 PM
CINCINNATI vs. CHI CUBS
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Cincinnati's last 5 games when playing Chi Cubs
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Cincinnati's last 6 games on the road
Chi Cubs are 13-5 SU in their last 18 games when playing Cincinnati
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Chi Cubs's last 5 games when playing Cincinnati
3:35 PM
LA ANGELS vs. OAKLAND
LA Angels are 2-4 SU in their last 6 games when playing Oakland
LA Angels are 4-17 SU in their last 21 games on the road
Oakland is 7-3 SU in its last 10 games at home
The total has gone OVER in 8 of Oakland's last 10 games
4:05 PM
NY YANKEES vs. BOSTON
NY Yankees are 4-1 SU in their last 5 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of NY Yankees's last 5 games when playing Boston
The total has gone OVER in 15 of Boston's last 20 games at home
Boston is 2-7 SU in their last 9 games when playing at home against NY Yankees
7:05 PM
TAMPA BAY vs. BALTIMORE
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Tampa Bay's last 5 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 8 of Tampa Bay's last 10 games
Baltimore is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games at home
Baltimore is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games
7:07 PM
CLEVELAND vs. TORONTO
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Cleveland's last 5 games on the road
Cleveland is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games when playing on the road against Toronto
The total has gone UNDER in 7 of Toronto's last 9 games at home
The total has gone OVER in 9 of Toronto's last 13 games
7:10 PM
PHILADELPHIA vs. NY METS
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Philadelphia's last 6 games when playing NY Mets
Philadelphia is 1-10 SU in its last 11 games when playing NY Mets
NY Mets are 10-1 SU in its last 11 games when playing Philadelphia
NY Mets are 9-3 SU in its last 12 games
8:10 PM
SEATTLE vs. HOUSTON
The total has gone OVER in 9 of Seattle's last 10 games when playing Houston
Seattle is 5-12 SU in its last 17 games when playing Houston
The total has gone OVER in 9 of Houston's last 10 games when playing Seattle
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Houston's last 5 games when playing at home against Seattle
8:10 PM
CHI WHITE SOX vs. MINNESOTA
Chi White Sox are 1-5 SU in their last 6 games when playing Minnesota
Chi White Sox are 3-9 SU in their last 12 games on the road
Minnesota is 5-1 SU in their last 6 games when playing Chi White Sox
Minnesota is 8-1 SU in their last 9 games when playing at home against Chi White Sox
8:10 PM
DETROIT vs. KANSAS CITY
The total has gone OVER in 7 of Detroit's last 8 games on the road
Detroit is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Kansas City's last 6 games
Kansas City is 17-7 SU in its last 24 games
8:10 PM
PITTSBURGH vs. MILWAUKEE
The total has gone UNDER in 7 of Pittsburgh's last 10 games
Pittsburgh is 7-2 SU in its last 9 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 8 of Milwaukee's last 11 games
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Milwaukee's last 7 games when playing Pittsburgh
8:15 PM
WASHINGTON vs. ST. LOUIS
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Washington's last 7 games when playing on the road against St. Louis
Washington is 1-7 SU in its last 8 games when playing St. Louis
St. Louis is 7-1 SU in its last 8 games when playing Washington
St. Louis is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games at home
8:40 PM
ARIZONA vs. COLORADO
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Arizona's last 5 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Arizona's last 5 games when playing on the road against Colorado
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Colorado's last 5 games
Colorado is 1-5 SU in its last 6 games at home
10:10 PM
SAN FRANCISCO vs. LA DODGERS
San Francisco is 1-6 SU in its last 7 games on the road
San Francisco is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games
The total has gone OVER in 4 of LA Dodgers's last 6 games when playing at home against San Francisco
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of LA Dodgers's last 6 games at home
10:10 PM
TEXAS vs. SAN DIEGO
Texas is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Texas's last 6 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 4 of San Diego's last 5 games at home
San Diego is 6-2 SU in its last 8 games at home
Wednesday, September 2
Trend Report
12:10 PM
MIAMI vs. ATLANTA
Miami is 3-6 SU in its last 9 games when playing Atlanta
Miami is 4-8 SU in its last 12 games
Atlanta is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games
Atlanta is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games at home
2:20 PM
CINCINNATI vs. CHI CUBS
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Cincinnati's last 5 games when playing Chi Cubs
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Cincinnati's last 6 games on the road
Chi Cubs are 13-5 SU in their last 18 games when playing Cincinnati
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Chi Cubs's last 5 games when playing Cincinnati
3:35 PM
LA ANGELS vs. OAKLAND
LA Angels are 2-4 SU in their last 6 games when playing Oakland
LA Angels are 4-17 SU in their last 21 games on the road
Oakland is 7-3 SU in its last 10 games at home
The total has gone OVER in 8 of Oakland's last 10 games
4:05 PM
NY YANKEES vs. BOSTON
NY Yankees are 4-1 SU in their last 5 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of NY Yankees's last 5 games when playing Boston
The total has gone OVER in 15 of Boston's last 20 games at home
Boston is 2-7 SU in their last 9 games when playing at home against NY Yankees
7:05 PM
TAMPA BAY vs. BALTIMORE
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Tampa Bay's last 5 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 8 of Tampa Bay's last 10 games
Baltimore is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games at home
Baltimore is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games
7:07 PM
CLEVELAND vs. TORONTO
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Cleveland's last 5 games on the road
Cleveland is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games when playing on the road against Toronto
The total has gone UNDER in 7 of Toronto's last 9 games at home
The total has gone OVER in 9 of Toronto's last 13 games
7:10 PM
PHILADELPHIA vs. NY METS
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Philadelphia's last 6 games when playing NY Mets
Philadelphia is 1-10 SU in its last 11 games when playing NY Mets
NY Mets are 10-1 SU in its last 11 games when playing Philadelphia
NY Mets are 9-3 SU in its last 12 games
8:10 PM
SEATTLE vs. HOUSTON
The total has gone OVER in 9 of Seattle's last 10 games when playing Houston
Seattle is 5-12 SU in its last 17 games when playing Houston
The total has gone OVER in 9 of Houston's last 10 games when playing Seattle
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Houston's last 5 games when playing at home against Seattle
8:10 PM
CHI WHITE SOX vs. MINNESOTA
Chi White Sox are 1-5 SU in their last 6 games when playing Minnesota
Chi White Sox are 3-9 SU in their last 12 games on the road
Minnesota is 5-1 SU in their last 6 games when playing Chi White Sox
Minnesota is 8-1 SU in their last 9 games when playing at home against Chi White Sox
8:10 PM
DETROIT vs. KANSAS CITY
The total has gone OVER in 7 of Detroit's last 8 games on the road
Detroit is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Kansas City's last 6 games
Kansas City is 17-7 SU in its last 24 games
8:10 PM
PITTSBURGH vs. MILWAUKEE
The total has gone UNDER in 7 of Pittsburgh's last 10 games
Pittsburgh is 7-2 SU in its last 9 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 8 of Milwaukee's last 11 games
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Milwaukee's last 7 games when playing Pittsburgh
8:15 PM
WASHINGTON vs. ST. LOUIS
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Washington's last 7 games when playing on the road against St. Louis
Washington is 1-7 SU in its last 8 games when playing St. Louis
St. Louis is 7-1 SU in its last 8 games when playing Washington
St. Louis is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games at home
8:40 PM
ARIZONA vs. COLORADO
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Arizona's last 5 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Arizona's last 5 games when playing on the road against Colorado
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Colorado's last 5 games
Colorado is 1-5 SU in its last 6 games at home
10:10 PM
SAN FRANCISCO vs. LA DODGERS
San Francisco is 1-6 SU in its last 7 games on the road
San Francisco is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games
The total has gone OVER in 4 of LA Dodgers's last 6 games when playing at home against San Francisco
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of LA Dodgers's last 6 games at home
10:10 PM
TEXAS vs. SAN DIEGO
Texas is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Texas's last 6 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 4 of San Diego's last 5 games at home
San Diego is 6-2 SU in its last 8 games at home
WNBA
Long Sheet
Wednesday, September 2
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WASHINGTON (16 - 12) at PHOENIX (17 - 13) - 9/2/2015, 3:35 PM
Top Trends for this game.
WASHINGTON is 274-330 ATS (-89.0 Units) in all games since 1997.
WASHINGTON is 39-65 ATS (-32.5 Units) in road games in August or September games since 1997.
WASHINGTON is 50-74 ATS (-31.4 Units) when playing with 2 days rest since 1997.
WASHINGTON is 21-43 ATS (-26.3 Units) after 3 or more consecutive unders since 1997.
PHOENIX is 53-33 ATS (+16.7 Units) on Wednesday since 1997.
WASHINGTON is 16-5 ATS (+10.5 Units) after a non-conference game over the last 2 seasons.
PHOENIX is 9-20 ATS (-13.0 Units) in all games this season.
PHOENIX is 5-16 ATS (-12.6 Units) as a favorite this season.
PHOENIX is 1-10 ATS (-10.0 Units) against Eastern conference opponents this season.
PHOENIX is 4-14 ATS (-11.4 Units) after a division game this season.
PHOENIX is 1-10 ATS (-10.0 Units) in non-conference games this season.
Head-to-Head Series History
PHOENIX is 3-2 against the spread versus WASHINGTON over the last 3 seasons
PHOENIX is 4-1 straight up against WASHINGTON over the last 3 seasons
3 of 5 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons
Long Sheet
Wednesday, September 2
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
WASHINGTON (16 - 12) at PHOENIX (17 - 13) - 9/2/2015, 3:35 PM
Top Trends for this game.
WASHINGTON is 274-330 ATS (-89.0 Units) in all games since 1997.
WASHINGTON is 39-65 ATS (-32.5 Units) in road games in August or September games since 1997.
WASHINGTON is 50-74 ATS (-31.4 Units) when playing with 2 days rest since 1997.
WASHINGTON is 21-43 ATS (-26.3 Units) after 3 or more consecutive unders since 1997.
PHOENIX is 53-33 ATS (+16.7 Units) on Wednesday since 1997.
WASHINGTON is 16-5 ATS (+10.5 Units) after a non-conference game over the last 2 seasons.
PHOENIX is 9-20 ATS (-13.0 Units) in all games this season.
PHOENIX is 5-16 ATS (-12.6 Units) as a favorite this season.
PHOENIX is 1-10 ATS (-10.0 Units) against Eastern conference opponents this season.
PHOENIX is 4-14 ATS (-11.4 Units) after a division game this season.
PHOENIX is 1-10 ATS (-10.0 Units) in non-conference games this season.
Head-to-Head Series History
PHOENIX is 3-2 against the spread versus WASHINGTON over the last 3 seasons
PHOENIX is 4-1 straight up against WASHINGTON over the last 3 seasons
3 of 5 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons
WNBA
Wednesday, September 2
Trend Report
3:30 PM
WASHINGTON vs. PHOENIX
Washington is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 8 of Washington's last 10 games on the road
Phoenix is 3-6 ATS in its last 9 games when playing at home against Washington
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Phoenix's last 5 games when playing at home against Washington
Wednesday, September 2
Trend Report
3:30 PM
WASHINGTON vs. PHOENIX
Washington is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 8 of Washington's last 10 games on the road
Phoenix is 3-6 ATS in its last 9 games when playing at home against Washington
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Phoenix's last 5 games when playing at home against Washington
Preview: Marlins at Braves
Miami Marlins (54-79) at Atlanta Braves (54-78)
DATE/TIME: Wednesday, September 02 - 12:10 PM EST
WHERE: Turner Field, Atlanta, Georgia
LINE: N/A TOTAL: N/A
Justin Bour homered in four consecutive games as June turned into July, and the Miami Marlins’ first baseman has rediscovered his power stroke as August has turned into September. The Marlins aim to complete a three-game sweep at the Atlanta Braves on Wednesday and Bour – who homered 10 times before the All-Star break but only belted two in his first 35 games of the second half – comes into the finale with homers in three of his past four games.
Bour, who tied a club record with homers in each game from June 30-July 3, homered in each of the final two games of Miami’s weekend series at Washington. After he collected three hits in Monday’s series opener, Bour belted a three-run homer and turned in a stellar defensive play in Miami’s 7-1 victory Tuesday as the Marlins pulled within ½ game of the free-falling Braves for third place in the National League East. Atlanta sat at 42-42 after July 7 but has completely fallen apart since, losing 36 of 48 – including the last seven in a row. Right fielder Nick Markakis has at least one hit in 12 of his past 13 games and 33 of his past 39 contests, and is fourth in the NL with 152 hits.
TV: 12:10 p.m. ET, FSN Florida (Miami), SportSouth (Atlanta)
PITCHING MATCHUP: Marlins LH Adam Conley (2-1, 4.96 ERA) vs. Braves RH Williams Perez (4-5, 5.56)
Conley makes his sixth start of his rookie season after giving up three runs on six hits with six strikeouts over five innings Friday to beat Washington. The 25-year-old has pitched in relief four times, including giving up three runs on three hits in three innings against the Braves on Aug. 6. Conley has allowed three runs or more in three of his five starts.
Atlanta’s pitching has been in flux since Perez was demoted to Triple-A Gwinnett after giving up eight runs in 1 2/3 innings of Friday’s start against the New York Yankees, but he is expected to be promoted to take his turn in the series finale. The 24-year-old rookie has struck out 52 while walking 42 and surrendering nine homers in 81 innings. Perez is 2-2 with a 6.46 ERA in six home starts.
WALK-OFFS
1. Miami RF Giancarlo Stanton went 0-for-2 with a walk Tuesday in a rehab game with Single-A Jupiter, telling reporters his left hand “just felt OK;” Stanton broke a bone in his left hand June 26.
2. Atlanta 3B Hector Olivera went 0-for-4 on Tuesday in his major-league debut. Olivera was acquired from the Los Angeles Dodgers in a July 30 trade involving 13 players.
3. The Braves have been outscored 63-21 through eight games of their current nine-game homestand.
PREDICTION: Marlins 6, Braves 2
Miami Marlins (54-79) at Atlanta Braves (54-78)
DATE/TIME: Wednesday, September 02 - 12:10 PM EST
WHERE: Turner Field, Atlanta, Georgia
LINE: N/A TOTAL: N/A
Justin Bour homered in four consecutive games as June turned into July, and the Miami Marlins’ first baseman has rediscovered his power stroke as August has turned into September. The Marlins aim to complete a three-game sweep at the Atlanta Braves on Wednesday and Bour – who homered 10 times before the All-Star break but only belted two in his first 35 games of the second half – comes into the finale with homers in three of his past four games.
Bour, who tied a club record with homers in each game from June 30-July 3, homered in each of the final two games of Miami’s weekend series at Washington. After he collected three hits in Monday’s series opener, Bour belted a three-run homer and turned in a stellar defensive play in Miami’s 7-1 victory Tuesday as the Marlins pulled within ½ game of the free-falling Braves for third place in the National League East. Atlanta sat at 42-42 after July 7 but has completely fallen apart since, losing 36 of 48 – including the last seven in a row. Right fielder Nick Markakis has at least one hit in 12 of his past 13 games and 33 of his past 39 contests, and is fourth in the NL with 152 hits.
TV: 12:10 p.m. ET, FSN Florida (Miami), SportSouth (Atlanta)
PITCHING MATCHUP: Marlins LH Adam Conley (2-1, 4.96 ERA) vs. Braves RH Williams Perez (4-5, 5.56)
Conley makes his sixth start of his rookie season after giving up three runs on six hits with six strikeouts over five innings Friday to beat Washington. The 25-year-old has pitched in relief four times, including giving up three runs on three hits in three innings against the Braves on Aug. 6. Conley has allowed three runs or more in three of his five starts.
Atlanta’s pitching has been in flux since Perez was demoted to Triple-A Gwinnett after giving up eight runs in 1 2/3 innings of Friday’s start against the New York Yankees, but he is expected to be promoted to take his turn in the series finale. The 24-year-old rookie has struck out 52 while walking 42 and surrendering nine homers in 81 innings. Perez is 2-2 with a 6.46 ERA in six home starts.
WALK-OFFS
1. Miami RF Giancarlo Stanton went 0-for-2 with a walk Tuesday in a rehab game with Single-A Jupiter, telling reporters his left hand “just felt OK;” Stanton broke a bone in his left hand June 26.
2. Atlanta 3B Hector Olivera went 0-for-4 on Tuesday in his major-league debut. Olivera was acquired from the Los Angeles Dodgers in a July 30 trade involving 13 players.
3. The Braves have been outscored 63-21 through eight games of their current nine-game homestand.
PREDICTION: Marlins 6, Braves 2
Preview: Reds at Cubs
GAME: Cincinnati Reds (54-77) at Chicago Cubs (75-56)
DATE/TIME: Wednesday, September 02 - 2:20 PM EST
WHERE: Wrigley Field, Chicago, Illinois
LINE: 146, -158 N/A TOTAL: N/A
The Chicago Cubs have shown a penchant for grinding out victories when they don’t have their best stuff, and they’ll try to eke out a series win over the visiting Cincinnati Reds in the rubber match of a three-game set Wednesday. The Cubs evened the series with a 5-4 victory Tuesday behind rookie Kyle Schwarber’s go-ahead, two-run blast to pad their lead for the National League’s second wild card.
The win was just the second in seven games for the Cubs, who scored all of their runs with two outs and clinched the season series against the Reds for the first time since 2009. Cincinnati was unable to nail down consecutive victories for the first time since Aug. 12-13 and has not won a series since taking two of three at St. Louis from July 27-29. Reds rookie right-hander Raisel Iglesias makes his Wrigley Field debut and his second start against the Cubs after allowing two runs over 5 2/3 innings in a no-decision July 21. Cincinnati has been shut out in three of Iglesias’ last five starts and has scored one run or fewer in five of his last seven outings.
TV: 2:20 p.m. ET, FSN Ohio (Cincinnati), CSN Chicago
PITCHING MATCHUP: Reds RH Raisel Iglesias (3-6, 3.92 ERA) vs. Cubs RH Jason Hammel (7-6, 3.42)
Iglesias posted his sixth straight quality start last time out but was dealt another tough-luck loss. The 25-year-old Cuban struck out 10 and allowed three runs over seven innings in a 5-0 loss at Milwaukee. He has racked up 23 strikeouts in his last two starts but has found himself on the wrong end of a shutouts both times.
Hammel has been inconsistent in the second half, posting a 5.40 ERA over his last seven starts. The 32-year-old was outdueled by Clayton Kershaw in his last turn, allowing three runs over five-plus innings in a 4-1 loss to the Dodgers. Hammel is 0-1 with a 4.58 ERA in seven games (six starts) against the Reds, including a pair of no-decisions this season.
WALK-OFFS
1. Cubs 3B Kris Bryant had three hits and two RBIs on Tuesday and has hit safely in 11 of his last 12 games, batting .362 over that stretch.
2. Reds 1B Joey Votto homered Tuesday and is 19-for-52 with 17 walks in 15 games against the Cubs this season.
3. Cincinnati SS Eugenio Suarez has homered in consecutive games for the first time in his career.
PREDICTION: Cubs 4, Reds 3
GAME: Cincinnati Reds (54-77) at Chicago Cubs (75-56)
DATE/TIME: Wednesday, September 02 - 2:20 PM EST
WHERE: Wrigley Field, Chicago, Illinois
LINE: 146, -158 N/A TOTAL: N/A
The Chicago Cubs have shown a penchant for grinding out victories when they don’t have their best stuff, and they’ll try to eke out a series win over the visiting Cincinnati Reds in the rubber match of a three-game set Wednesday. The Cubs evened the series with a 5-4 victory Tuesday behind rookie Kyle Schwarber’s go-ahead, two-run blast to pad their lead for the National League’s second wild card.
The win was just the second in seven games for the Cubs, who scored all of their runs with two outs and clinched the season series against the Reds for the first time since 2009. Cincinnati was unable to nail down consecutive victories for the first time since Aug. 12-13 and has not won a series since taking two of three at St. Louis from July 27-29. Reds rookie right-hander Raisel Iglesias makes his Wrigley Field debut and his second start against the Cubs after allowing two runs over 5 2/3 innings in a no-decision July 21. Cincinnati has been shut out in three of Iglesias’ last five starts and has scored one run or fewer in five of his last seven outings.
TV: 2:20 p.m. ET, FSN Ohio (Cincinnati), CSN Chicago
PITCHING MATCHUP: Reds RH Raisel Iglesias (3-6, 3.92 ERA) vs. Cubs RH Jason Hammel (7-6, 3.42)
Iglesias posted his sixth straight quality start last time out but was dealt another tough-luck loss. The 25-year-old Cuban struck out 10 and allowed three runs over seven innings in a 5-0 loss at Milwaukee. He has racked up 23 strikeouts in his last two starts but has found himself on the wrong end of a shutouts both times.
Hammel has been inconsistent in the second half, posting a 5.40 ERA over his last seven starts. The 32-year-old was outdueled by Clayton Kershaw in his last turn, allowing three runs over five-plus innings in a 4-1 loss to the Dodgers. Hammel is 0-1 with a 4.58 ERA in seven games (six starts) against the Reds, including a pair of no-decisions this season.
WALK-OFFS
1. Cubs 3B Kris Bryant had three hits and two RBIs on Tuesday and has hit safely in 11 of his last 12 games, batting .362 over that stretch.
2. Reds 1B Joey Votto homered Tuesday and is 19-for-52 with 17 walks in 15 games against the Cubs this season.
3. Cincinnati SS Eugenio Suarez has homered in consecutive games for the first time in his career.
PREDICTION: Cubs 4, Reds 3
Preview: Angels at Athletics
GAME: Los Angeles Angels (66-66) at Oakland Athletics (58-75)
DATE/TIME: Wednesday, September 02 - 3:35 PM EST
WHERE: O.co Coliseum, Oakland, California
LINE: 135, -146 TOTAL: 7
The Los Angeles Angels look to end their road trip on a high note when they visit the Oakland Athletics for the rubber match of their three-game set Wednesday afternoon. Los Angeles halted its four-game slide and improved to 3-5 on its nine-game trek by posting a 6-2 victory Tuesday to even the series.
Kole Calhoun went 3-for-5 with a homer and two RBIs as the Angels remained 3 1/2 games behind Texas for the second American League wild-card spot. Oakland managed just one extra-base hit — a solo homer by Brett Lawrie in the first inning — as it had its three-game winning streak snapped. The Athletics also had their three-game home winning streak against Los Angeles come to an end as they fell to 4-4 at O.co Coliseum in the season series. The Angels are 8-7 versus their AL West rivals, with four games remaining — including three in Los Angeles at the end of the month.
TV: 3:35 p.m. ET, MLBN, FSN West (Los Angeles), CSN California (Oakland)
PITCHING MATCHUP: Angels LH Andrew Heaney (5-2, 3.11 ERA) vs. Athletics RH Sonny Gray (12-6, 2.13)
Heaney looks to end a six-start winless drought that has followed a stretch during which he won five consecutive outings. The 24-year-old native of Oklahoma settled for a no-decision at Cleveland on Friday after scattering six hits over six scoreless innings. Heaney lost his only career start against Oakland on June 29, 2014, when he yielded four runs and eight hits in six frames while with Miami.
Gray, who leads the AL in ERA, is hoping to prevent his winless drought from reaching a season-high four turns as he looks to climb within one victory of his career best of 14 set last season. The 25-year-old from Tennessee took the loss at Arizona on Friday after giving up four runs — two earned — and five hits in 6 1/3 innings. Gray is 5-1 with a 2.60 ERA in 10 career games (nine starts) against Los Angeles, including a 3-0 record in four meetings this season.
WALK-OFFS
1. Athletics DH Billy Butler has hit safely in five of his last six contests but has gone 10 games without an RBI and has driven in just one run in 24 outings.
2. Angels SS Erick Aybar is 4-for-7 over the first two games of the series.
3. Oakland is 12-24 when facing a left-handed starter and 22-28 in day games.
PREDICTION: Athletics 5, Angels 2
GAME: Los Angeles Angels (66-66) at Oakland Athletics (58-75)
DATE/TIME: Wednesday, September 02 - 3:35 PM EST
WHERE: O.co Coliseum, Oakland, California
LINE: 135, -146 TOTAL: 7
The Los Angeles Angels look to end their road trip on a high note when they visit the Oakland Athletics for the rubber match of their three-game set Wednesday afternoon. Los Angeles halted its four-game slide and improved to 3-5 on its nine-game trek by posting a 6-2 victory Tuesday to even the series.
Kole Calhoun went 3-for-5 with a homer and two RBIs as the Angels remained 3 1/2 games behind Texas for the second American League wild-card spot. Oakland managed just one extra-base hit — a solo homer by Brett Lawrie in the first inning — as it had its three-game winning streak snapped. The Athletics also had their three-game home winning streak against Los Angeles come to an end as they fell to 4-4 at O.co Coliseum in the season series. The Angels are 8-7 versus their AL West rivals, with four games remaining — including three in Los Angeles at the end of the month.
TV: 3:35 p.m. ET, MLBN, FSN West (Los Angeles), CSN California (Oakland)
PITCHING MATCHUP: Angels LH Andrew Heaney (5-2, 3.11 ERA) vs. Athletics RH Sonny Gray (12-6, 2.13)
Heaney looks to end a six-start winless drought that has followed a stretch during which he won five consecutive outings. The 24-year-old native of Oklahoma settled for a no-decision at Cleveland on Friday after scattering six hits over six scoreless innings. Heaney lost his only career start against Oakland on June 29, 2014, when he yielded four runs and eight hits in six frames while with Miami.
Gray, who leads the AL in ERA, is hoping to prevent his winless drought from reaching a season-high four turns as he looks to climb within one victory of his career best of 14 set last season. The 25-year-old from Tennessee took the loss at Arizona on Friday after giving up four runs — two earned — and five hits in 6 1/3 innings. Gray is 5-1 with a 2.60 ERA in 10 career games (nine starts) against Los Angeles, including a 3-0 record in four meetings this season.
WALK-OFFS
1. Athletics DH Billy Butler has hit safely in five of his last six contests but has gone 10 games without an RBI and has driven in just one run in 24 outings.
2. Angels SS Erick Aybar is 4-for-7 over the first two games of the series.
3. Oakland is 12-24 when facing a left-handed starter and 22-28 in day games.
PREDICTION: Athletics 5, Angels 2
Preview: Yankees at Red Sox
GAME: New York Yankees (73-58) at Boston Red Sox (61-71)
DATE/TIME: Wednesday, September 02 - 4:05 PM EST
WHERE: Fenway Park, Boston, Massachusetts
LINE: -143, 132 TOTAL: 8.5
The New York Yankees are getting quite a battle from the last-place Boston Red Sox as they try to keep pace with the Toronto Blue Jays atop the American League East. The Yankees will try to have an easier time of it when they visit the Red Sox for the rubber match of the three-game series on Wednesday.
The Yankees took advantage of a key error to put up a couple of unearned runs in Tuesday’s 3-1 victory and are winners of four of the first five games on a six-game road trip. New York, which sits 1 1/2 games behind the Blue Jays in the division, has outscored opponents 44-16 over those five games and is padding its record in advance of a 10-game homestand that pits it against Tampa Bay, Baltimore and Toronto beginning on Friday. The Red Sox are just looking for small signs of hope for the future and continue to get those from Jackie Bradley Jr., who is 5-for-6 with three doubles and three runs scored in the series. Bradley will take his chances on Wednesday against Yankees right-hander Masahiro Tanaka, who will be opposed by Henry Owens.
TV: 4:05 p.m. ET, MLB Network, YES (New York), NESN (Boston)
PITCHING MATCHUP: Yankees RH Masahiro Tanaka (10-6, 3.62 ERA) vs. Red Sox LH Henry Owens (2-1, 4.03)
Tanaka picked up a win last time out by holding the Atlanta Braves to three runs and five hits over seven innings while striking out seven. The Japan native gave up a home run in that start and has yielded 10 blasts in his last eight starts. Boston took Tanaka deep once on Aug. 4 but he recovered to allow three runs in six frames to pick up the win, improving to 3-2 with a 4.66 ERA in five career starts against the Red Sox.
Owens yielded a total of two earned runs and nine hits in 13 innings over his last two starts while striking out 10. The 23-year-old rookie only lasted five innings at the New York Mets on Friday while matching a career high with four walks. Owens made his debut at the Yankees on Aug. 4 and suffered a loss while surrendering three runs and five hits in five innings.
WALK-OFFS
1. Red Sox LF Hanley Ramirez (sore right shoulder) will play first base when he returns to the lineup.
2. New York 1B Mark Teixeira (bone bruise) is out at least two more weeks.
3. Boston DH David Ortiz needs five homers to reach 500 in his career and is 2-for-11 with a home run in his career against Tanaka.
PREDICTION: Yankees 5, Red Sox 4
GAME: New York Yankees (73-58) at Boston Red Sox (61-71)
DATE/TIME: Wednesday, September 02 - 4:05 PM EST
WHERE: Fenway Park, Boston, Massachusetts
LINE: -143, 132 TOTAL: 8.5
The New York Yankees are getting quite a battle from the last-place Boston Red Sox as they try to keep pace with the Toronto Blue Jays atop the American League East. The Yankees will try to have an easier time of it when they visit the Red Sox for the rubber match of the three-game series on Wednesday.
The Yankees took advantage of a key error to put up a couple of unearned runs in Tuesday’s 3-1 victory and are winners of four of the first five games on a six-game road trip. New York, which sits 1 1/2 games behind the Blue Jays in the division, has outscored opponents 44-16 over those five games and is padding its record in advance of a 10-game homestand that pits it against Tampa Bay, Baltimore and Toronto beginning on Friday. The Red Sox are just looking for small signs of hope for the future and continue to get those from Jackie Bradley Jr., who is 5-for-6 with three doubles and three runs scored in the series. Bradley will take his chances on Wednesday against Yankees right-hander Masahiro Tanaka, who will be opposed by Henry Owens.
TV: 4:05 p.m. ET, MLB Network, YES (New York), NESN (Boston)
PITCHING MATCHUP: Yankees RH Masahiro Tanaka (10-6, 3.62 ERA) vs. Red Sox LH Henry Owens (2-1, 4.03)
Tanaka picked up a win last time out by holding the Atlanta Braves to three runs and five hits over seven innings while striking out seven. The Japan native gave up a home run in that start and has yielded 10 blasts in his last eight starts. Boston took Tanaka deep once on Aug. 4 but he recovered to allow three runs in six frames to pick up the win, improving to 3-2 with a 4.66 ERA in five career starts against the Red Sox.
Owens yielded a total of two earned runs and nine hits in 13 innings over his last two starts while striking out 10. The 23-year-old rookie only lasted five innings at the New York Mets on Friday while matching a career high with four walks. Owens made his debut at the Yankees on Aug. 4 and suffered a loss while surrendering three runs and five hits in five innings.
WALK-OFFS
1. Red Sox LF Hanley Ramirez (sore right shoulder) will play first base when he returns to the lineup.
2. New York 1B Mark Teixeira (bone bruise) is out at least two more weeks.
3. Boston DH David Ortiz needs five homers to reach 500 in his career and is 2-for-11 with a home run in his career against Tanaka.
PREDICTION: Yankees 5, Red Sox 4
Preview: Rays at Orioles
GAME: Tampa Bay Rays (66-66) at Baltimore Orioles (63-69)
DATE/TIME: Wednesday, September 02 - 7:05 PM EST
WHERE: Oriole Park at Camden Yards, Baltimore, Maryland
LINE: 121, -131 TOTAL: 8
The Tampa Bay Rays are making it clear they are not done in the American League wild-card race as they go for a three-game sweep of the host Baltimore Orioles on Wednesday. The Rays recorded 17 runs and 25 hits to win the first two games of the series, but two of their hottest hitters have minor injury concerns as they go after a fourth consecutive victory.
Tampa Bay’s Logan Forsythe, who is 11-for-23 in his last six outings, left Tuesday’s game with left groin tightness while Kevin Kiermaier (11-for-24, eight contests) was sitting out with a mild right ankle sprain. Erasmo Ramirez takes the mound for the Rays (66-66), who stand 3 1/2 games behind Texas for the second wild card as they attempt to hand Baltimore its seventh straight defeat. The Orioles (63-69) have registered just one win in their last 13 games after suffering an 11-2 rout on Tuesday. Baltimore slugger Chris Davis homered in the ninth for only his fifth hit in 41 at-bats the last 11 games.
TV: 7:05 p.m. ET, Sun Sports (Tampa Bay), MASN (Baltimore)
PITCHING MATCHUP: Rays RH Erasmo Ramirez (10-5, 3.68 ERA) vs. Orioles RH Kevin Gausman (2-6, 4.39)
Ramirez allowed three runs (two earned) over 4 1/3 innings last time out against Kansas City to suffer a loss for the first time in six starts. The 25-year-old from Nicaragua is 5-1 on the road with a 4.71 ERA as opposed to 5-4 and 2.66 at home while holding batters to a .229 batting average overall. Davis is 1-for-12 with a homer versus Ramirez, who is 1-1 with a 2.87 ERA in three appearances (two starts) against Baltimore in 2015.
Gausman is 0-4 in his last five starts, permitting 18 runs combined in 32 1/3 innings while serving up five homers in the past three contests. The 24-year-old has completed at least six innings in seven of the last eight outings and boasts a 2.19 ERA at home against 6.28 on the road. J.P. Arencibia is 2-for-4 with a homer versus Gausman, who has a 2-3 record and 5.76 ERA in seven appearances (five starts) against Tampa Bay.
WALK-OFFS
1. Arencibia, who spent spring training with the Orioles before being released, knocked in a Rays season-high six runs on Tuesday and is 5-for-9 over his last three contests.
2. Baltimore 3B Manny Machado’s double on Tuesday made him the youngest Oriole (23 years, 57 days) to reach 100 in his career, edging Hall of Famer Cal Ripken Jr.
3. Tampa Bay OF Brandon Guyer is 8-for-14 with a homer, two RBIs and five runs scored during the team’s three-game winning streak.
PREDICTION: Rays 6, Orioles 3
GAME: Tampa Bay Rays (66-66) at Baltimore Orioles (63-69)
DATE/TIME: Wednesday, September 02 - 7:05 PM EST
WHERE: Oriole Park at Camden Yards, Baltimore, Maryland
LINE: 121, -131 TOTAL: 8
The Tampa Bay Rays are making it clear they are not done in the American League wild-card race as they go for a three-game sweep of the host Baltimore Orioles on Wednesday. The Rays recorded 17 runs and 25 hits to win the first two games of the series, but two of their hottest hitters have minor injury concerns as they go after a fourth consecutive victory.
Tampa Bay’s Logan Forsythe, who is 11-for-23 in his last six outings, left Tuesday’s game with left groin tightness while Kevin Kiermaier (11-for-24, eight contests) was sitting out with a mild right ankle sprain. Erasmo Ramirez takes the mound for the Rays (66-66), who stand 3 1/2 games behind Texas for the second wild card as they attempt to hand Baltimore its seventh straight defeat. The Orioles (63-69) have registered just one win in their last 13 games after suffering an 11-2 rout on Tuesday. Baltimore slugger Chris Davis homered in the ninth for only his fifth hit in 41 at-bats the last 11 games.
TV: 7:05 p.m. ET, Sun Sports (Tampa Bay), MASN (Baltimore)
PITCHING MATCHUP: Rays RH Erasmo Ramirez (10-5, 3.68 ERA) vs. Orioles RH Kevin Gausman (2-6, 4.39)
Ramirez allowed three runs (two earned) over 4 1/3 innings last time out against Kansas City to suffer a loss for the first time in six starts. The 25-year-old from Nicaragua is 5-1 on the road with a 4.71 ERA as opposed to 5-4 and 2.66 at home while holding batters to a .229 batting average overall. Davis is 1-for-12 with a homer versus Ramirez, who is 1-1 with a 2.87 ERA in three appearances (two starts) against Baltimore in 2015.
Gausman is 0-4 in his last five starts, permitting 18 runs combined in 32 1/3 innings while serving up five homers in the past three contests. The 24-year-old has completed at least six innings in seven of the last eight outings and boasts a 2.19 ERA at home against 6.28 on the road. J.P. Arencibia is 2-for-4 with a homer versus Gausman, who has a 2-3 record and 5.76 ERA in seven appearances (five starts) against Tampa Bay.
WALK-OFFS
1. Arencibia, who spent spring training with the Orioles before being released, knocked in a Rays season-high six runs on Tuesday and is 5-for-9 over his last three contests.
2. Baltimore 3B Manny Machado’s double on Tuesday made him the youngest Oriole (23 years, 57 days) to reach 100 in his career, edging Hall of Famer Cal Ripken Jr.
3. Tampa Bay OF Brandon Guyer is 8-for-14 with a homer, two RBIs and five runs scored during the team’s three-game winning streak.
PREDICTION: Rays 6, Orioles 3
Preview: Indians at Blue Jays
GAME: Cleveland Indians (64-67) at Toronto Blue Jays (75-57)
DATE/TIME: Wednesday, September 02 - 7:07 PM EST
WHERE: Rogers Centre, Toronto, Ontario
LINE: 157, -171 TOTAL: 9
Ryan Goins and the Toronto Blue Jays look to continue their respective torrid stretches Wednesday when they play the rubber match of the three-game series versus the visiting Cleveland Indians. After limping to a .188 batting average last year, Goins belted a two-run homer in the 10th inning of Tuesday's 5-3 victory to improve to 15-for-34 (.441) with nine runs scored during his 11-game hitting streak.
Speaking of hitting streaks, Edwin Encarnacion saw his career-high 26-game stretch come to a halt, but Josh Donaldson is 8-for-20 with seven RBIs in his five-game run. While American League East-leading Toronto has won 25 of its last 31 to remain 1 1/2 games ahead of the second-place New York Yankees, Cleveland saw its six-game winning streak come to a halt and resides five games out in the race for the second wild card. Former Blue Jay Yan Gomes went deep twice Tuesday and is 4-for-11 with three homers, seven RBIs and four runs scored in his last three outings. Gomes hasn't been as fortunate against Wednesday starter R.A. Dickey, going 1-for-5 in his career with three strikeouts.
TV: 7:07 p.m. ET, STO (Cleveland), RSN (Toronto)
PITCHING MATCHUP: Indians RH Trevor Bauer (10-10, 4.31) vs. Blue Jays RH R.A. Dickey (9-10, 4.25)
After issuing a staggering six walks against the Yankees on Aug. 23, Bauer cut the number in half five days later and allowed one run on five hits in eight innings to record a victory over the Los Angeles Angels. The third overall pick of the 2011 draft, Bauer would love to duplicate the more recent effort when he faces the Blue Jays for the second time this season. The 24-year-old Bauer was blitzed for six runs on seven hits in 4 1/3 innings before escaping with a no-decision May 3.
Dickey won his second straight start and improved to 6-0 in his last eight outings after pitching 6 2/3 strong innings in a 5-3 triumph over Detroit on Friday. The 40-year-old knuckleballer surrendered two homers and has been taken deep five times in the last five starts, although he kept the ball in the park in his last meeting with Cleveland. Dickey picked up the win despite yielding four runs on as many hits in six innings.
WALK-OFFS
1. Cleveland LF Michael Brantley homered among his two hits Tuesday and is 14-for-35 with 10 runs scored in his last nine games.
2. Toronto 1B Justin Smoak is 0-for-7 in his last three contests after recording back-to-back multi-hit performances in his previous two games.
3. Indians 3B Giovanny Urshela is 2-for-16 (.125) in his last five contests.
PREDICTION: Blue Jays 4, Indians 2
GAME: Cleveland Indians (64-67) at Toronto Blue Jays (75-57)
DATE/TIME: Wednesday, September 02 - 7:07 PM EST
WHERE: Rogers Centre, Toronto, Ontario
LINE: 157, -171 TOTAL: 9
Ryan Goins and the Toronto Blue Jays look to continue their respective torrid stretches Wednesday when they play the rubber match of the three-game series versus the visiting Cleveland Indians. After limping to a .188 batting average last year, Goins belted a two-run homer in the 10th inning of Tuesday's 5-3 victory to improve to 15-for-34 (.441) with nine runs scored during his 11-game hitting streak.
Speaking of hitting streaks, Edwin Encarnacion saw his career-high 26-game stretch come to a halt, but Josh Donaldson is 8-for-20 with seven RBIs in his five-game run. While American League East-leading Toronto has won 25 of its last 31 to remain 1 1/2 games ahead of the second-place New York Yankees, Cleveland saw its six-game winning streak come to a halt and resides five games out in the race for the second wild card. Former Blue Jay Yan Gomes went deep twice Tuesday and is 4-for-11 with three homers, seven RBIs and four runs scored in his last three outings. Gomes hasn't been as fortunate against Wednesday starter R.A. Dickey, going 1-for-5 in his career with three strikeouts.
TV: 7:07 p.m. ET, STO (Cleveland), RSN (Toronto)
PITCHING MATCHUP: Indians RH Trevor Bauer (10-10, 4.31) vs. Blue Jays RH R.A. Dickey (9-10, 4.25)
After issuing a staggering six walks against the Yankees on Aug. 23, Bauer cut the number in half five days later and allowed one run on five hits in eight innings to record a victory over the Los Angeles Angels. The third overall pick of the 2011 draft, Bauer would love to duplicate the more recent effort when he faces the Blue Jays for the second time this season. The 24-year-old Bauer was blitzed for six runs on seven hits in 4 1/3 innings before escaping with a no-decision May 3.
Dickey won his second straight start and improved to 6-0 in his last eight outings after pitching 6 2/3 strong innings in a 5-3 triumph over Detroit on Friday. The 40-year-old knuckleballer surrendered two homers and has been taken deep five times in the last five starts, although he kept the ball in the park in his last meeting with Cleveland. Dickey picked up the win despite yielding four runs on as many hits in six innings.
WALK-OFFS
1. Cleveland LF Michael Brantley homered among his two hits Tuesday and is 14-for-35 with 10 runs scored in his last nine games.
2. Toronto 1B Justin Smoak is 0-for-7 in his last three contests after recording back-to-back multi-hit performances in his previous two games.
3. Indians 3B Giovanny Urshela is 2-for-16 (.125) in his last five contests.
PREDICTION: Blue Jays 4, Indians 2
Preview: Phillies at Mets
GAME: Philadelphia Phillies (53-80) at New York Mets (73-59)
DATE/TIME: Wednesday, September 02 - 7:10 PM EST
WHERE: Citi Field, New York City, New York
LINE: 227, -249 TOTAL: 7
After emphatically snapping a gaudy 10-game losing skid to the New York Mets, the visiting Philadelphia Phillies look to secure a series victory when the National League East rivals play the rubber match of the set at Citi Field on Wednesday. Darin Ruf collected a career-high six RBIs in Tuesday's 14-8 victory for Philadelphia, which had been outscored by a decisive 86-44 margin en route to losing 13 of the previous 14 meetings this season.
Hardly considered a Mets' killer, Ruf entered the game 9-for-63 with 19 strikeouts against the club and is 0-for-3 in his career versus Wednesday starter Matt Harvey. While the cellar-dwelling Phillies have won just three of their last nine, New York has dropped three of five following a seven-game winning streak and leads second-place Washington by 6 1/2 games in the NL East. Michael Conforto continued his sterling play at the plate with a pair of hits, improving to 14-for-32 with two homers and seven runs scored in his last 11 contests. The rookie has torched the Phillies during his brief career, going 9-for-21 in six games.
TV: 7:10 p.m. ET, CSN Philadelphia, SNY (New York)
PITCHING MATCHUP: Phillies RH Aaron Nola (5-1, 3.26 ERA) vs. Mets RH Matt Harvey (11-7, 2.48)
Nola turned in his second straight scintillating start on Friday after allowing Justin Upton's solo homer and one other hit in seven innings of a 7-1 triumph over San Diego. The seventh overall pick of the 2014 draft, Nola has won his last five decisions since suffering a hard-luck loss in his major-league debut on July 21. The 22-year-old has permitted three or fewer runs in six of his eight outings and six hits or fewer in seven of them.
Harvey recorded his second straight no-decision despite scattering just two hits over six scoreless innings against Boston on Friday. The 26-year-old has yielded four earned runs and 26 hits in his last 41 2/3 frames, posting a 3-0 mark in the process. Harvey has split a pair of decisions this season versus Philadelphia, but owns a 5-1 career mark against ithe Phillies with a 1.99 ERA and 0.77 WHIP while limiting the struggling club to a .168 batting average.
WALK-OFFS
1. New York OF Yoenis Cespedes, who launched a two-run homer on Tuesday, has gone deep four times in six career contests versus Philadelphia.
2. Phillies CF Darnell Sweeney drove in three runs on Tuesday to double his RBI total this season.
3. Mets C Travis d'Arnaud, who was originally signed by Philadelphia, is 11-for-30 with 10 RBIs against the Phillies this season.
PREDICTION: Mets 6, Phillies 1
GAME: Philadelphia Phillies (53-80) at New York Mets (73-59)
DATE/TIME: Wednesday, September 02 - 7:10 PM EST
WHERE: Citi Field, New York City, New York
LINE: 227, -249 TOTAL: 7
After emphatically snapping a gaudy 10-game losing skid to the New York Mets, the visiting Philadelphia Phillies look to secure a series victory when the National League East rivals play the rubber match of the set at Citi Field on Wednesday. Darin Ruf collected a career-high six RBIs in Tuesday's 14-8 victory for Philadelphia, which had been outscored by a decisive 86-44 margin en route to losing 13 of the previous 14 meetings this season.
Hardly considered a Mets' killer, Ruf entered the game 9-for-63 with 19 strikeouts against the club and is 0-for-3 in his career versus Wednesday starter Matt Harvey. While the cellar-dwelling Phillies have won just three of their last nine, New York has dropped three of five following a seven-game winning streak and leads second-place Washington by 6 1/2 games in the NL East. Michael Conforto continued his sterling play at the plate with a pair of hits, improving to 14-for-32 with two homers and seven runs scored in his last 11 contests. The rookie has torched the Phillies during his brief career, going 9-for-21 in six games.
TV: 7:10 p.m. ET, CSN Philadelphia, SNY (New York)
PITCHING MATCHUP: Phillies RH Aaron Nola (5-1, 3.26 ERA) vs. Mets RH Matt Harvey (11-7, 2.48)
Nola turned in his second straight scintillating start on Friday after allowing Justin Upton's solo homer and one other hit in seven innings of a 7-1 triumph over San Diego. The seventh overall pick of the 2014 draft, Nola has won his last five decisions since suffering a hard-luck loss in his major-league debut on July 21. The 22-year-old has permitted three or fewer runs in six of his eight outings and six hits or fewer in seven of them.
Harvey recorded his second straight no-decision despite scattering just two hits over six scoreless innings against Boston on Friday. The 26-year-old has yielded four earned runs and 26 hits in his last 41 2/3 frames, posting a 3-0 mark in the process. Harvey has split a pair of decisions this season versus Philadelphia, but owns a 5-1 career mark against ithe Phillies with a 1.99 ERA and 0.77 WHIP while limiting the struggling club to a .168 batting average.
WALK-OFFS
1. New York OF Yoenis Cespedes, who launched a two-run homer on Tuesday, has gone deep four times in six career contests versus Philadelphia.
2. Phillies CF Darnell Sweeney drove in three runs on Tuesday to double his RBI total this season.
3. Mets C Travis d'Arnaud, who was originally signed by Philadelphia, is 11-for-30 with 10 RBIs against the Phillies this season.
PREDICTION: Mets 6, Phillies 1
Preview: Pirates at Brewers
GAME: Pittsburgh Pirates (79-51) at Milwaukee Brewers (56-75)
DATE/TIME: Wednesday, September 02 - 8:10 PM EST
WHERE: Miller Park, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
LINE: -143, 132 TOTAL: 8.5
The Pittsburgh Pirates haven't done themselves any favors with their sluggish play against their fellow National League Central representatives. After getting swept in their last visit to Miller Park, the Pirates look to right the ship on Wednesday and even their three-game series against the host Milwaukee Brewers at one win apiece.
Former Milwaukee slugger Aramis Ramirez belted a solo homer in Tuesday's 7-4 setback in his return to Miller Park after being traded to Pittsburgh on July 23. The 37-year-old Dominican has gone deep twice in three games but will face a virtual unknown as Zach Davies will be making his major-league debut on Wednesday. While the Pirates reside six games behind NL Central-leading St. Louis and maintain a comfortable grip on the top wild card, lowly Milwaukee has won three of four following a four-game skid. Jonathan Lucroy is riding a nine-game hitting streak and is 8-for-21 (.381) in his career versus Wednesday starter Jeff Locke.
TV: 8:10 p.m. ET, ROOT (Pittsburgh), FSN Wisconsin (Milwaukee)
PITCHING MATCHUP: Pirates LH Jeff Locke (7-8, 4.46 ERA) vs. Brewers RH Zach Davies (NR)
Locke recorded his first victory in nearly one month after allowing two runs and five hits in seven innings of a 7-2 triumph over Miami. The 27-year-old was taken deep by the Marlins and has surrendered seven homers in his last six outings after giving up just seven in his previous 19 turns. Locke owns a 2-1 record this season versus Milwaukee and 4-3 overall after coupling a pair of sterling outings in April before yielding three runs in 7 1/3 frames of a 6-1 setback to the Brewers on July 19.
Acquired from Baltimore in the Gerardo Parra trade on July 31, Davies was recalled from Triple-A Colorado Springs to make his major-league debut on Wednesday. "I've had coaches telling me, 'There's a chance you could go up there in September and pitch a little bit,'" the 22-year-old Davies told MLB.com, "but it's never real until it actually happens. Now that I'm here, it's real to me." Davies posted a 1-2 mark with a 5.00 ERA in five starts with Colorado Springs following 19 appearances with Triple-A Norfolk, Baltimore's top affiliate.
WALK-OFFS
1. Pittsburgh OF Andrew McCutchen is 15-for-34 with two homers, seven RBIs and six runs scored during his nine-game hitting streak.
2. The Brewers have won seven of the 13 meetings between the division rivals.
3. Pittsburgh (79-51) is 21-30 against its division foes.
PREDICTION: Pirates 3, Brewers 1
GAME: Pittsburgh Pirates (79-51) at Milwaukee Brewers (56-75)
DATE/TIME: Wednesday, September 02 - 8:10 PM EST
WHERE: Miller Park, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
LINE: -143, 132 TOTAL: 8.5
The Pittsburgh Pirates haven't done themselves any favors with their sluggish play against their fellow National League Central representatives. After getting swept in their last visit to Miller Park, the Pirates look to right the ship on Wednesday and even their three-game series against the host Milwaukee Brewers at one win apiece.
Former Milwaukee slugger Aramis Ramirez belted a solo homer in Tuesday's 7-4 setback in his return to Miller Park after being traded to Pittsburgh on July 23. The 37-year-old Dominican has gone deep twice in three games but will face a virtual unknown as Zach Davies will be making his major-league debut on Wednesday. While the Pirates reside six games behind NL Central-leading St. Louis and maintain a comfortable grip on the top wild card, lowly Milwaukee has won three of four following a four-game skid. Jonathan Lucroy is riding a nine-game hitting streak and is 8-for-21 (.381) in his career versus Wednesday starter Jeff Locke.
TV: 8:10 p.m. ET, ROOT (Pittsburgh), FSN Wisconsin (Milwaukee)
PITCHING MATCHUP: Pirates LH Jeff Locke (7-8, 4.46 ERA) vs. Brewers RH Zach Davies (NR)
Locke recorded his first victory in nearly one month after allowing two runs and five hits in seven innings of a 7-2 triumph over Miami. The 27-year-old was taken deep by the Marlins and has surrendered seven homers in his last six outings after giving up just seven in his previous 19 turns. Locke owns a 2-1 record this season versus Milwaukee and 4-3 overall after coupling a pair of sterling outings in April before yielding three runs in 7 1/3 frames of a 6-1 setback to the Brewers on July 19.
Acquired from Baltimore in the Gerardo Parra trade on July 31, Davies was recalled from Triple-A Colorado Springs to make his major-league debut on Wednesday. "I've had coaches telling me, 'There's a chance you could go up there in September and pitch a little bit,'" the 22-year-old Davies told MLB.com, "but it's never real until it actually happens. Now that I'm here, it's real to me." Davies posted a 1-2 mark with a 5.00 ERA in five starts with Colorado Springs following 19 appearances with Triple-A Norfolk, Baltimore's top affiliate.
WALK-OFFS
1. Pittsburgh OF Andrew McCutchen is 15-for-34 with two homers, seven RBIs and six runs scored during his nine-game hitting streak.
2. The Brewers have won seven of the 13 meetings between the division rivals.
3. Pittsburgh (79-51) is 21-30 against its division foes.
PREDICTION: Pirates 3, Brewers 1
Preview: Tigers at Royals
GAME: Detroit Tigers (61-70) at Kansas City Royals (80-51)
DATE/TIME: Wednesday, September 02 - 8:10 PM EST
WHERE: Kauffman Stadium, Kansas City, Missouri
LINE: 171, -186 TOTAL: 8
The Kansas City Royals have turned the American League Central into a one-team race, although they finally found an obstacle that can slow their sprint to a division title. Outfielder Alex Rios and reliever Kelvin Herrera have been infected with chickenpox for the Royals, who continue their three-game series against the visiting Detroit Tigers on Wednesday.
Rios and Herrera were quarantined after they were diagnosed with the virus on Monday and team officials are hopeful that they are the only players infected. “We’re on alert,” trainer Nick Kenney said. “We’ve got our guys knowing that they’ve got to pay attention to what they’re seeing. And if you do see anything, we need to see it and we need to inspect it.” On a positive note, left fielder Alex Gordon returned to the lineup following a seven-week absence and had a pair of hits and a sacrifice fly for Kansas City. Tigers second baseman Ian Kinsler, who batted .366 in July and .362 in August, remained hot with a homer and three RBIs as Detroit snapped a four-game losing streak with a 6-5 victory in the series opener.
TV: 8:10 p.m. ET, FSN Detroit, FSN Kansas City
PITCHING MATCHUP: Tigers LH Randy Wolf (0-2, 2.57 ERA) vs. Royals RH Yordano Ventura (9-7, 4.41)
Wolf has lost each of his two starts since he was acquired from Toronto but has pitched seven innings in both outings. The 39-year-old Californian gave up four runs (three earned) and nine hits in a loss to Texas in his season debut and following that up by yielding one run and five hits in a 2-0 loss to the Los Angeles Angels. Wolf made his lone career start versus the Royals in June 2012, giving up one run in seven innings.
Ventura continued his second-half revival by striking out a career-high 11 batters and permitting two hits over six scoreless innings in a 5-3 victory over Baltimore last time out. It was the fourth straight quality start for Ventura, who has allowed three runs in that span and is 5-0 over his last seven turns. He overcame six walks to blank the Tigers over six innings on Aug. 10 and improve to 3-0 with a 4.56 ERA against them.
WALK-OFFS
1. Kinsler has 11 RBIs in 14 games against the Royals this season.
2. Royals C Salvador Perez is 8-for-20 during a five-game hitting streak.
3. Tigers 1B Miguel Cabrera had a pair of hits Tuesday after going 1-for-14 in his previous four games.
PREDICTION: Royals 5, Tigers 3
GAME: Detroit Tigers (61-70) at Kansas City Royals (80-51)
DATE/TIME: Wednesday, September 02 - 8:10 PM EST
WHERE: Kauffman Stadium, Kansas City, Missouri
LINE: 171, -186 TOTAL: 8
The Kansas City Royals have turned the American League Central into a one-team race, although they finally found an obstacle that can slow their sprint to a division title. Outfielder Alex Rios and reliever Kelvin Herrera have been infected with chickenpox for the Royals, who continue their three-game series against the visiting Detroit Tigers on Wednesday.
Rios and Herrera were quarantined after they were diagnosed with the virus on Monday and team officials are hopeful that they are the only players infected. “We’re on alert,” trainer Nick Kenney said. “We’ve got our guys knowing that they’ve got to pay attention to what they’re seeing. And if you do see anything, we need to see it and we need to inspect it.” On a positive note, left fielder Alex Gordon returned to the lineup following a seven-week absence and had a pair of hits and a sacrifice fly for Kansas City. Tigers second baseman Ian Kinsler, who batted .366 in July and .362 in August, remained hot with a homer and three RBIs as Detroit snapped a four-game losing streak with a 6-5 victory in the series opener.
TV: 8:10 p.m. ET, FSN Detroit, FSN Kansas City
PITCHING MATCHUP: Tigers LH Randy Wolf (0-2, 2.57 ERA) vs. Royals RH Yordano Ventura (9-7, 4.41)
Wolf has lost each of his two starts since he was acquired from Toronto but has pitched seven innings in both outings. The 39-year-old Californian gave up four runs (three earned) and nine hits in a loss to Texas in his season debut and following that up by yielding one run and five hits in a 2-0 loss to the Los Angeles Angels. Wolf made his lone career start versus the Royals in June 2012, giving up one run in seven innings.
Ventura continued his second-half revival by striking out a career-high 11 batters and permitting two hits over six scoreless innings in a 5-3 victory over Baltimore last time out. It was the fourth straight quality start for Ventura, who has allowed three runs in that span and is 5-0 over his last seven turns. He overcame six walks to blank the Tigers over six innings on Aug. 10 and improve to 3-0 with a 4.56 ERA against them.
WALK-OFFS
1. Kinsler has 11 RBIs in 14 games against the Royals this season.
2. Royals C Salvador Perez is 8-for-20 during a five-game hitting streak.
3. Tigers 1B Miguel Cabrera had a pair of hits Tuesday after going 1-for-14 in his previous four games.
PREDICTION: Royals 5, Tigers 3
Preview: Mariners at Astros
GAME: Seattle Mariners (62-71) at Houston Astros (73-60)
DATE/TIME: Wednesday, September 02 - 8:10 PM EST
WHERE: Minute Maid Park, Houston, Texas
LINE: 153, -166 TOTAL: 7.5
The Houston Astros are leading the pack in the American League West by three games over Texas in large part due to a pitching staff that has been among the best in the AL since the All-Star break. The Astros watched a big part of that staff walk off the mound with an injury Tuesday and will try to pick veteran Scott Feldman up by taking the rubber match of a three-game series from the visiting Seattle Mariners on Wednesday.
Houston’s homer-and-strikeout offense is prone to peaks and valleys, but the pitching staff has been a consistent force in leading the team into postseason contention. Feldman, who walked off the mound in the third inning Tuesday with discomfort in his right (pitching) shoulder, provides a veteran presence in the rotation and has been absorbing innings and taking pressure off the bullpen since returning after the All-Star break. The Mariners took advantage of Feldman’s early exit and went on to win 7-5 to pull to 3-3 on their 10-game road trip. Scott Kazmir will try to give the bullpen a night off when he takes the mound for the Astros on Wednesday opposite Seattle right-hander Taijuan Walker.
TV: 8:10 p.m. ET, ROOT (Seattle, Houston)
PITCHING MATCHUP: Mariners RH Taijuan Walker (10-7, 4.53 ERA) vs. Astros LH Scott Kazmir (7-9, 2.45)
Walker dominated the Chicago White Sox through 6 1/3 innings Friday before leaving with a hip cramp, surrendering no runs and three hits while striking out six in the win. The 23-year-old has not lost since July 12 and posted a quality start in six of his last seven turns. Walker struck out a career-high 11 in a win over Houston on June 20 and is 4-1 with a 4.46 ERA in seven career starts against the Astros.
Kazmir absorbed the loss for the fourth time in his last five starts when he yielded three runs on as many hits in seven innings at Minnesota on Friday. The Texas native allowed three earned runs or fewer in six of his seven starts since joining Houston but is 2-4 in that span while receiving an average of 2.3 runs of support. Kazmir breezed past Seattle as a member of the Oakland Athletics on July 2, when he scattered two hits and struck out seven in eight scoreless innings.
WALK-OFFS
1. Mariners OF Franklin Gutierrez has homered in four of his last six games.
2. Houston SS Carlos Correa (quad) is 3-for-9 with homer in two games since returning to the lineup.
3. Seattle former SS Brad Miller is 4-for-8 in two games since moving to CF full time following the trade of Austin Jackson.
PREDICTION: Astros 4, Mariners 2
GAME: Seattle Mariners (62-71) at Houston Astros (73-60)
DATE/TIME: Wednesday, September 02 - 8:10 PM EST
WHERE: Minute Maid Park, Houston, Texas
LINE: 153, -166 TOTAL: 7.5
The Houston Astros are leading the pack in the American League West by three games over Texas in large part due to a pitching staff that has been among the best in the AL since the All-Star break. The Astros watched a big part of that staff walk off the mound with an injury Tuesday and will try to pick veteran Scott Feldman up by taking the rubber match of a three-game series from the visiting Seattle Mariners on Wednesday.
Houston’s homer-and-strikeout offense is prone to peaks and valleys, but the pitching staff has been a consistent force in leading the team into postseason contention. Feldman, who walked off the mound in the third inning Tuesday with discomfort in his right (pitching) shoulder, provides a veteran presence in the rotation and has been absorbing innings and taking pressure off the bullpen since returning after the All-Star break. The Mariners took advantage of Feldman’s early exit and went on to win 7-5 to pull to 3-3 on their 10-game road trip. Scott Kazmir will try to give the bullpen a night off when he takes the mound for the Astros on Wednesday opposite Seattle right-hander Taijuan Walker.
TV: 8:10 p.m. ET, ROOT (Seattle, Houston)
PITCHING MATCHUP: Mariners RH Taijuan Walker (10-7, 4.53 ERA) vs. Astros LH Scott Kazmir (7-9, 2.45)
Walker dominated the Chicago White Sox through 6 1/3 innings Friday before leaving with a hip cramp, surrendering no runs and three hits while striking out six in the win. The 23-year-old has not lost since July 12 and posted a quality start in six of his last seven turns. Walker struck out a career-high 11 in a win over Houston on June 20 and is 4-1 with a 4.46 ERA in seven career starts against the Astros.
Kazmir absorbed the loss for the fourth time in his last five starts when he yielded three runs on as many hits in seven innings at Minnesota on Friday. The Texas native allowed three earned runs or fewer in six of his seven starts since joining Houston but is 2-4 in that span while receiving an average of 2.3 runs of support. Kazmir breezed past Seattle as a member of the Oakland Athletics on July 2, when he scattered two hits and struck out seven in eight scoreless innings.
WALK-OFFS
1. Mariners OF Franklin Gutierrez has homered in four of his last six games.
2. Houston SS Carlos Correa (quad) is 3-for-9 with homer in two games since returning to the lineup.
3. Seattle former SS Brad Miller is 4-for-8 in two games since moving to CF full time following the trade of Austin Jackson.
PREDICTION: Astros 4, Mariners 2
Preview: White Sox at Twins
GAME: Chicago White Sox (61-69) at Minnesota Twins (68-63)
DATE/TIME: Wednesday, September 02 - 8:10 PM EST
WHERE: Target Field, Minneapolis, Minnesota
LINE: 111, -120 TOTAL: 8
Manager Paul Molitor on Sunday spoke of how "resilient" the Minnesota Twins are, and his team drove home that point in their latest victory, rallying for the win after squandering an early four-run lead. The surging Twins go for their 10th victory in 12 games when they host the Chicago White Sox on Wednesday in the middle contest of their three-game series.
Rookie Miguel Sano is on a tear with seven homers and 16 RBIs over his last 13 contests and is the fourth player in the past 10 years with 14 blasts over his first 50 career games. Minnesota is 7-1 against the White Sox at Target Field and has won 10 of 14 meetings overall to remain one game behind Texas for the second wild card in the American League. Adam Eaton is 6-for-10 in his last two games for Chicago, which has dropped six of its last nine. The White Sox send Carlos Rodon to the mound to face Tommy Milone on Wednesday in a matchup of left-handers.
TV: 8:10 p.m. ET, WPWR (Chicago), FSN North (Minnesota)
PITCHING MATCHUP: White Sox LH Carlos Rodon (6-5, 4.15 ERA) vs. Twins LH Tommy Milone (6-4, 3.86)
In a quirk of scheduling, Rodon made his last two starts against Seattle after making the previous two versus the Los Angeles Angels - each in home-and-home series. The 22-year-old has been outstanding in that span, going 2-1 while allowing five earned runs and 17 hits over 28 innings. Control issues continue to be a problem for Rodon, who has walked at least three batters in nine of his last 12 outings.
Milone failed to go beyond 5 1/3 innings for the third straight time since coming off the disabled list, taking the loss after giving up five runs (four earned) in a loss at Tampa Bay. He yielded three runs in 5 1/3 frames at Baltimore on Aug. 21 and beat Cleveland with five innings of one-run ball five days earlier. Milone won both of his starts against the White Sox earlier this season to boost his career mark against them to 3-0 with a 1.64 ERA.
WALK-OFFS
1. Sano has collected 41 RBIs in 50 games and half of his homers have either tied the game or put the Twins ahead.
2. White Sox RF Avisail Garcia snapped a 19-game homerless drought with a two-run shot Tuesday.
3. Twins minor-league RHP Adrian Salcedo received a 100-game suspension for testing positive for a banned stimulant - his second violation this season.
PREDICTION: White Sox 4, Twins 3
GAME: Chicago White Sox (61-69) at Minnesota Twins (68-63)
DATE/TIME: Wednesday, September 02 - 8:10 PM EST
WHERE: Target Field, Minneapolis, Minnesota
LINE: 111, -120 TOTAL: 8
Manager Paul Molitor on Sunday spoke of how "resilient" the Minnesota Twins are, and his team drove home that point in their latest victory, rallying for the win after squandering an early four-run lead. The surging Twins go for their 10th victory in 12 games when they host the Chicago White Sox on Wednesday in the middle contest of their three-game series.
Rookie Miguel Sano is on a tear with seven homers and 16 RBIs over his last 13 contests and is the fourth player in the past 10 years with 14 blasts over his first 50 career games. Minnesota is 7-1 against the White Sox at Target Field and has won 10 of 14 meetings overall to remain one game behind Texas for the second wild card in the American League. Adam Eaton is 6-for-10 in his last two games for Chicago, which has dropped six of its last nine. The White Sox send Carlos Rodon to the mound to face Tommy Milone on Wednesday in a matchup of left-handers.
TV: 8:10 p.m. ET, WPWR (Chicago), FSN North (Minnesota)
PITCHING MATCHUP: White Sox LH Carlos Rodon (6-5, 4.15 ERA) vs. Twins LH Tommy Milone (6-4, 3.86)
In a quirk of scheduling, Rodon made his last two starts against Seattle after making the previous two versus the Los Angeles Angels - each in home-and-home series. The 22-year-old has been outstanding in that span, going 2-1 while allowing five earned runs and 17 hits over 28 innings. Control issues continue to be a problem for Rodon, who has walked at least three batters in nine of his last 12 outings.
Milone failed to go beyond 5 1/3 innings for the third straight time since coming off the disabled list, taking the loss after giving up five runs (four earned) in a loss at Tampa Bay. He yielded three runs in 5 1/3 frames at Baltimore on Aug. 21 and beat Cleveland with five innings of one-run ball five days earlier. Milone won both of his starts against the White Sox earlier this season to boost his career mark against them to 3-0 with a 1.64 ERA.
WALK-OFFS
1. Sano has collected 41 RBIs in 50 games and half of his homers have either tied the game or put the Twins ahead.
2. White Sox RF Avisail Garcia snapped a 19-game homerless drought with a two-run shot Tuesday.
3. Twins minor-league RHP Adrian Salcedo received a 100-game suspension for testing positive for a banned stimulant - his second violation this season.
PREDICTION: White Sox 4, Twins 3
Preview: Nationals at Cardinals
GAME: Washington Nationals (66-65) at St. Louis Cardinals (86-46)
DATE/TIME: Wednesday, September 02 - 8:15 PM EST
WHERE: Busch Stadium, St. Louis, Missouri
LINE: 112, -121 TOTAL: 6.5
The St. Louis Cardinals are seemingly unstoppable entering the stretch run of the regular season, and are making a habit of hurting other teams’ chances of getting a shot at them in the postseason. The Cardinals aim for their fifth straight victory and a three-game sweep of the visiting Washington Nationals on Wednesday.
After taking two of three from wild-card contender San Francisco last weekend, the Cardinals have damaged Washington’s slim playoff hopes with two straight wins, including a stunning 8-5 comeback victory Tuesday. St. Louis scored twice in the eighth to tie it and won it on Brandon Moss’ walk-off homer to move 40 games above .500. Washington ace Max Scherzer, a St. Louis native, looks to snap a five-start winless streak when he makes his second big-league start in his hometown and his first since a loss in 2008. Cardinals right-hander Michael Wacha looks to continue his breakout season when he tries to become the fourth pitcher with at least 16 wins in the majors this season.
TV: 8:15 p.m. ET, ESPN, MASN 2 (Washington), FSN Midwest (St. Louis)
PITCHING MATCHUP: Nationals RH Max Scherzer (11-11, 2.88 ERA) vs. Cardinals RH Michael Wacha (15-4, 2.69)
Scherzer turns the page on a tough month of August in which he was 0-3 with a 6.43 ERA in five starts. He has lost his last three turns, including a 4-3 defeat against Miami last time out in which he allowed four runs over seven frames. The 31-year-old is 0-2 with a 3.71 ERA in three starts against the Cardinals, including a tough-luck loss April 23 in which he gave up two runs in seven frames.
Wacha has won four straight decisions and posted seven consecutive quality starts. The 24-year-old Texan was hurt by his defense in his last outing, as he allowed four runs - all unearned - in six innings in a no-decision at San Francisco. Wacha beat the Nationals on April 23, holding them to one run and five hits over seven innings to improve to 2-1 with a 0.79 ERA in three meetings.
WALK-OFFS
1. Washington 2B Anthony Rendon is 15-for-40 with two homers and nine RBIs during a 10-game hitting streak, tied for the longest active run in the National League.
2. St. Louis rookie OF Stephen Piscotty is 16-for-38 with two homers and 11 RBIs during a nine-game hitting streak.
3. Nationals C Wilson Ramos has hit safely in nine straight games, going 13-for-33 with three homers and five RBIs over that stretch.
PREDICTION: Cardinals 2, Nationals 1
GAME: Washington Nationals (66-65) at St. Louis Cardinals (86-46)
DATE/TIME: Wednesday, September 02 - 8:15 PM EST
WHERE: Busch Stadium, St. Louis, Missouri
LINE: 112, -121 TOTAL: 6.5
The St. Louis Cardinals are seemingly unstoppable entering the stretch run of the regular season, and are making a habit of hurting other teams’ chances of getting a shot at them in the postseason. The Cardinals aim for their fifth straight victory and a three-game sweep of the visiting Washington Nationals on Wednesday.
After taking two of three from wild-card contender San Francisco last weekend, the Cardinals have damaged Washington’s slim playoff hopes with two straight wins, including a stunning 8-5 comeback victory Tuesday. St. Louis scored twice in the eighth to tie it and won it on Brandon Moss’ walk-off homer to move 40 games above .500. Washington ace Max Scherzer, a St. Louis native, looks to snap a five-start winless streak when he makes his second big-league start in his hometown and his first since a loss in 2008. Cardinals right-hander Michael Wacha looks to continue his breakout season when he tries to become the fourth pitcher with at least 16 wins in the majors this season.
TV: 8:15 p.m. ET, ESPN, MASN 2 (Washington), FSN Midwest (St. Louis)
PITCHING MATCHUP: Nationals RH Max Scherzer (11-11, 2.88 ERA) vs. Cardinals RH Michael Wacha (15-4, 2.69)
Scherzer turns the page on a tough month of August in which he was 0-3 with a 6.43 ERA in five starts. He has lost his last three turns, including a 4-3 defeat against Miami last time out in which he allowed four runs over seven frames. The 31-year-old is 0-2 with a 3.71 ERA in three starts against the Cardinals, including a tough-luck loss April 23 in which he gave up two runs in seven frames.
Wacha has won four straight decisions and posted seven consecutive quality starts. The 24-year-old Texan was hurt by his defense in his last outing, as he allowed four runs - all unearned - in six innings in a no-decision at San Francisco. Wacha beat the Nationals on April 23, holding them to one run and five hits over seven innings to improve to 2-1 with a 0.79 ERA in three meetings.
WALK-OFFS
1. Washington 2B Anthony Rendon is 15-for-40 with two homers and nine RBIs during a 10-game hitting streak, tied for the longest active run in the National League.
2. St. Louis rookie OF Stephen Piscotty is 16-for-38 with two homers and 11 RBIs during a nine-game hitting streak.
3. Nationals C Wilson Ramos has hit safely in nine straight games, going 13-for-33 with three homers and five RBIs over that stretch.
PREDICTION: Cardinals 2, Nationals 1
Preview: Diamondbacks at Rockies
GAME: Arizona Diamondbacks (65-68) at Colorado Rockies (53-78)
DATE/TIME: Wednesday, September 02 - 8:40 PM EST
WHERE: Coors Field, Denver, Colorado
LINE: -115, 106 TOTAL: 11
The Arizona Diamondbacks have feasted on Colorado pitching - but then again, who hasn't? - and they'll get another chance to pad their statistics when they visit the Rockies on Wednesday for the finale of their four-game series. Arizona is batting .322 with 17 home runs and 98 runs scored while winning 10 of 15 meetings with Colorado in 2015 following Tuesday's doubleheader sweep, raising Colorado's major league-worst ERA to 5.11.
The Diamondbacks' A.J. Pollock is hitting .365 with four home runs and 10 RBIs against the Rockies this season after launching a tiebreaking two-run blast in the seventh inning that gave Arizona a 5-3 victory in Tuesday's nightcap. Arizona's Paul Goldschmidt (.323, 27 HRs, 97 RBIs) is batting .349 with three homers and 12 RBIs versus Colorado this season despite going 2-for-9 with a solo shot Tuesday - his fifth homer in his last 12 overall contests. The Rockies (53-78) are on pace to lose at least 88 games for the fifth consecutive season but continue to receive huge contributions from Nolan Arenado (.280), who leads the National League in home runs (32) after going deep in each game on Tuesday and RBIs (98) - edging past Goldschmidt by knocking in a pair in the nightcap. Colorado rookie Jon Gray looks for his first decision in his sixth major-league start as he opposes Arizona's Chase Anderson, who responded to a brief demotion with two quality turns.
TV: 8:40 p.m. ET, FSN Arizona, ROOT (Colorado)
PITCHING MATCHUP: Diamondbacks RH Chase Anderson (6-5, 4.22 ERA) vs. Rockies RH Jon Gray (0-0, 6.00)
Anderson allowed two runs in six innings of a no-decision against Oakland on Friday after permitting five hits in 6 2/3 frames of a 4-0 win in Cincinnati on Aug. 23. The 27-year-old Texan yielded 12 runs (10 earned) over his previous two starts and was optioned to Triple-A Reno on Aug. 18, but he returned two days later as Jeremy Hellickson was placed on the disabled list (hamstring). Anderson is 3-3 with a 5.77 ERA in seven starts versus Colorado - 0-2, 9.00 in three 2015 turns - and struggles against Wilin Rosario (7-for-10, home run, five RBIs), who was called up from Triple-A Albuquerque on Tuesday.
The Rockies have lost all five of Gray's starts after he allowed three runs and seven hits in 4 1/3 innings of a 5-3 setback in Pittsburgh on Friday. The 23-year-old Oklahoma native threw a career-high 89 pitches against the Pirates as Colorado brings the No. 3 pick in the 2013 draft along slowly. Gray was pounded for seven runs and eight hits in 1 2/3 innings of his last home start when the Rockies lost to the New York Mets 14-9 on Aug. 21.
WALK-OFFS
1. Goldschmidt, who has reached base in 32 straight games versus Colorado, is the only player in the top five in his league in all three Triple Crown categories.
2. Colorado RHP Miguel Castro - one of three pitchers acquired from Toronto in the Troy Tulowitzki trade on July 27 - took the loss in Tuesday's opener in his Rockies debut after allowing four runs in 1 1/3 innings, including Phil Gosselin's first career home run - a three-run shot in the seventh.
3. Arizona (65-68) matched its win total from 2014 with its victory Tuesday afternoon.
GAME: Arizona Diamondbacks (65-68) at Colorado Rockies (53-78)
DATE/TIME: Wednesday, September 02 - 8:40 PM EST
WHERE: Coors Field, Denver, Colorado
LINE: -115, 106 TOTAL: 11
The Arizona Diamondbacks have feasted on Colorado pitching - but then again, who hasn't? - and they'll get another chance to pad their statistics when they visit the Rockies on Wednesday for the finale of their four-game series. Arizona is batting .322 with 17 home runs and 98 runs scored while winning 10 of 15 meetings with Colorado in 2015 following Tuesday's doubleheader sweep, raising Colorado's major league-worst ERA to 5.11.
The Diamondbacks' A.J. Pollock is hitting .365 with four home runs and 10 RBIs against the Rockies this season after launching a tiebreaking two-run blast in the seventh inning that gave Arizona a 5-3 victory in Tuesday's nightcap. Arizona's Paul Goldschmidt (.323, 27 HRs, 97 RBIs) is batting .349 with three homers and 12 RBIs versus Colorado this season despite going 2-for-9 with a solo shot Tuesday - his fifth homer in his last 12 overall contests. The Rockies (53-78) are on pace to lose at least 88 games for the fifth consecutive season but continue to receive huge contributions from Nolan Arenado (.280), who leads the National League in home runs (32) after going deep in each game on Tuesday and RBIs (98) - edging past Goldschmidt by knocking in a pair in the nightcap. Colorado rookie Jon Gray looks for his first decision in his sixth major-league start as he opposes Arizona's Chase Anderson, who responded to a brief demotion with two quality turns.
TV: 8:40 p.m. ET, FSN Arizona, ROOT (Colorado)
PITCHING MATCHUP: Diamondbacks RH Chase Anderson (6-5, 4.22 ERA) vs. Rockies RH Jon Gray (0-0, 6.00)
Anderson allowed two runs in six innings of a no-decision against Oakland on Friday after permitting five hits in 6 2/3 frames of a 4-0 win in Cincinnati on Aug. 23. The 27-year-old Texan yielded 12 runs (10 earned) over his previous two starts and was optioned to Triple-A Reno on Aug. 18, but he returned two days later as Jeremy Hellickson was placed on the disabled list (hamstring). Anderson is 3-3 with a 5.77 ERA in seven starts versus Colorado - 0-2, 9.00 in three 2015 turns - and struggles against Wilin Rosario (7-for-10, home run, five RBIs), who was called up from Triple-A Albuquerque on Tuesday.
The Rockies have lost all five of Gray's starts after he allowed three runs and seven hits in 4 1/3 innings of a 5-3 setback in Pittsburgh on Friday. The 23-year-old Oklahoma native threw a career-high 89 pitches against the Pirates as Colorado brings the No. 3 pick in the 2013 draft along slowly. Gray was pounded for seven runs and eight hits in 1 2/3 innings of his last home start when the Rockies lost to the New York Mets 14-9 on Aug. 21.
WALK-OFFS
1. Goldschmidt, who has reached base in 32 straight games versus Colorado, is the only player in the top five in his league in all three Triple Crown categories.
2. Colorado RHP Miguel Castro - one of three pitchers acquired from Toronto in the Troy Tulowitzki trade on July 27 - took the loss in Tuesday's opener in his Rockies debut after allowing four runs in 1 1/3 innings, including Phil Gosselin's first career home run - a three-run shot in the seventh.
3. Arizona (65-68) matched its win total from 2014 with its victory Tuesday afternoon.
Preview: Rangers at Padres
GAME: Texas Rangers (69-62) at San Diego Padres (64-68)
DATE/TIME: Wednesday, September 02 - 10:10 PM EST
WHERE: Petco Park, San Diego, California
LINE: -123, 114 TOTAL: 6.5
The Texas Rangers continue their pursuit of first place in the American League West when they visit the San Diego Padres for the rubber match of their three-game interleague series Wednesday. Texas pulled within three games of division-leading Houston on Tuesday by posting an 8-6 victory.
Elvis Andrus drove in two runs and scored on a steal of home as the Rangers maintained their one-game lead over Minnesota for the second wild-card spot in the AL by winning for the eighth time in 11 contests. While Texas improved to 1-1 on its 10-game road trip, San Diego dropped to 1-1 on its 11-game homestand as its ninth-inning rally fell short. Matt Kemp continued his torrid pace, going 3-for-4 with a home run and four RBIs while finishing a triple shy of the cycle. Kemp has recorded at least one hit in 20 of his last 21 contests.
TV: 10:10 p.m. ET, FSN Southwest (Texas), FSN San Diego
PITCHING MATCHUP: Rangers LH Cole Hamels (8-8, 3.69 ERA) vs. Padres RH Ian Kennedy (8-12, 3.94)
Hamels improved to 2-1 in five starts since being acquired from Philadelphia by defeating Baltimore on Friday, when he recorded 10 strikeouts while allowing just one run and two hits in eight innings. The 31-year-old native of San Diego has decreased his runs allowed by one each time out since yielding five in his Texas debut and has gone three straight outings without allowing a homer after serving up five over his first two turns with the Rangers. Hamels has dominated the Padres in his career, going 9-2 with a 2.15 ERA, 0.92 WHIP and .198 batting average against in 16 starts.
Kennedy suffered a hard-luck loss at Philadelphia on Friday, when he gave up two runs on two hits and five walks in 6 2/3 innings. The 30-year-old Californian has surrendered more than three earned runs only once in his last 16 outings but is 6-7 in that span. Kennedy has lost each of his two career starts against Texas, including a 4-3 defeat at Texas on July 10 in which he allowed four runs — three earned — on four hits and three walks over 4 1/3 frames.
WALK-OFFS
1. Kemp is 7-for-18 lifetime against Hamels.
2. San Diego lost 1B Yonder Alonso (back), C Derek Norris (wrist) and RHP Shawn Kelley (undisclosed) to injuries Tuesday. Brett Wallace replaced Alonso and went 3-for-3 with three runs scored.
3. Texas 1B Prince Fielder has hit only four home runs in 155 at-bats since the All-Star break.
PREDICTION: Rangers 6, Padres 2
GAME: Texas Rangers (69-62) at San Diego Padres (64-68)
DATE/TIME: Wednesday, September 02 - 10:10 PM EST
WHERE: Petco Park, San Diego, California
LINE: -123, 114 TOTAL: 6.5
The Texas Rangers continue their pursuit of first place in the American League West when they visit the San Diego Padres for the rubber match of their three-game interleague series Wednesday. Texas pulled within three games of division-leading Houston on Tuesday by posting an 8-6 victory.
Elvis Andrus drove in two runs and scored on a steal of home as the Rangers maintained their one-game lead over Minnesota for the second wild-card spot in the AL by winning for the eighth time in 11 contests. While Texas improved to 1-1 on its 10-game road trip, San Diego dropped to 1-1 on its 11-game homestand as its ninth-inning rally fell short. Matt Kemp continued his torrid pace, going 3-for-4 with a home run and four RBIs while finishing a triple shy of the cycle. Kemp has recorded at least one hit in 20 of his last 21 contests.
TV: 10:10 p.m. ET, FSN Southwest (Texas), FSN San Diego
PITCHING MATCHUP: Rangers LH Cole Hamels (8-8, 3.69 ERA) vs. Padres RH Ian Kennedy (8-12, 3.94)
Hamels improved to 2-1 in five starts since being acquired from Philadelphia by defeating Baltimore on Friday, when he recorded 10 strikeouts while allowing just one run and two hits in eight innings. The 31-year-old native of San Diego has decreased his runs allowed by one each time out since yielding five in his Texas debut and has gone three straight outings without allowing a homer after serving up five over his first two turns with the Rangers. Hamels has dominated the Padres in his career, going 9-2 with a 2.15 ERA, 0.92 WHIP and .198 batting average against in 16 starts.
Kennedy suffered a hard-luck loss at Philadelphia on Friday, when he gave up two runs on two hits and five walks in 6 2/3 innings. The 30-year-old Californian has surrendered more than three earned runs only once in his last 16 outings but is 6-7 in that span. Kennedy has lost each of his two career starts against Texas, including a 4-3 defeat at Texas on July 10 in which he allowed four runs — three earned — on four hits and three walks over 4 1/3 frames.
WALK-OFFS
1. Kemp is 7-for-18 lifetime against Hamels.
2. San Diego lost 1B Yonder Alonso (back), C Derek Norris (wrist) and RHP Shawn Kelley (undisclosed) to injuries Tuesday. Brett Wallace replaced Alonso and went 3-for-3 with three runs scored.
3. Texas 1B Prince Fielder has hit only four home runs in 155 at-bats since the All-Star break.
PREDICTION: Rangers 6, Padres 2
Preview: Giants at Dodgers
GAME: San Francisco Giants (69-63) at Los Angeles Dodgers (74-57)
DATE/TIME: Wednesday, September 02 - 10:10 PM EST
WHERE: Dodger Stadium, Los Angeles, California
LINE: 219, -240 TOTAL: 6
The Los Angeles Dodgers can complete a three-game series sweep and deal a critical blow to the visiting San Francisco Giants’ playoff hopes with a victory Wednesday behind Clayton Kershaw. The three-time Cy Young award winner is winless in three starts this season against the Giants, who have lost four straight to fall 5 1/2 games behind the Dodgers in the NL West.
The injury-plagued Giants have lost consecutive one-run games to Los Angeles and could be without shortstop Brandon Crawford for the second straight game. Crawford, who is 2-for-23 in his last six games but leads the team with 19 home runs, has been dealing with a nagging oblique injury and sat out Tuesday’s 2-1 loss due to a sore left calf. The Giants have clearly missed Crawford along with Joe Panik (back) and Hunter Pence (oblique) during this week’s showdown against the Dodgers, who have won seven of their last eight to move a season-high 17 games over .500. Los Angeles received a boost Tuesday from slumping rookie Joc Pederson, who belted a solo homer after being moved to the ninth spot in the order.
TV: 10:10 p.m. ET, CSN Bay Area (San Francisco), SportsNet LA (Los Angeles)
PITCHING MATCHUP: Giants RH Mike Leake (9-6, 3.53 ERA) vs. Dodgers LH Clayton Kershaw (11-6, 2.24)
Leake has pitched well but remains winless in three starts since joining San Francisco in a trade from Cincinnati on July 30. The 27-year-old received a no-decision against St. Louis on Friday, when he allowed four runs over 6 1/3 innings. Andre Ethier is 7-for-15 with two home runs and Justin Turner is 5-for-10 against Leake, who is 2-3 with a 5.35 ERA in six career games (five starts) against the Dodgers.
Kershaw improved to 6-0 with a 0.92 ERA over his last 10 starts with a stellar performance against the Cubs on Friday as he allowed one run over eight innings and struck out a season high-tying 14 batters. “He's the best lefty in the game, and the best pitcher in the game as well,” Cubs catcher Miguel Montero told reporters. Kershaw is 14-7 with a 1.63 ERA in 29 career games (28 starts) against the Giants while holding Brandon Belt to three hits in 34 at-bats while striking him out 19 times.
WALK-OFFS
1. Los Angeles starting pitchers have allowed no more than three runs in their last 16 games.
2. San Francisco recalled INF Nick Noonan, RHP Cody Hall and C Hector Sanchez from Triple-A Sacramento and designated OF Justin Maxwell for assignment.
3. The Dodgers recalled LHP Ian Thomas, RHP Mike Bolsinger and RHP Joe Wieland from Triple-A Oklahoma and acquired OF Chris Heisey from Toronto for a player to be named later.
PREDICTION: Dodgers 4, Giants 2
GAME: San Francisco Giants (69-63) at Los Angeles Dodgers (74-57)
DATE/TIME: Wednesday, September 02 - 10:10 PM EST
WHERE: Dodger Stadium, Los Angeles, California
LINE: 219, -240 TOTAL: 6
The Los Angeles Dodgers can complete a three-game series sweep and deal a critical blow to the visiting San Francisco Giants’ playoff hopes with a victory Wednesday behind Clayton Kershaw. The three-time Cy Young award winner is winless in three starts this season against the Giants, who have lost four straight to fall 5 1/2 games behind the Dodgers in the NL West.
The injury-plagued Giants have lost consecutive one-run games to Los Angeles and could be without shortstop Brandon Crawford for the second straight game. Crawford, who is 2-for-23 in his last six games but leads the team with 19 home runs, has been dealing with a nagging oblique injury and sat out Tuesday’s 2-1 loss due to a sore left calf. The Giants have clearly missed Crawford along with Joe Panik (back) and Hunter Pence (oblique) during this week’s showdown against the Dodgers, who have won seven of their last eight to move a season-high 17 games over .500. Los Angeles received a boost Tuesday from slumping rookie Joc Pederson, who belted a solo homer after being moved to the ninth spot in the order.
TV: 10:10 p.m. ET, CSN Bay Area (San Francisco), SportsNet LA (Los Angeles)
PITCHING MATCHUP: Giants RH Mike Leake (9-6, 3.53 ERA) vs. Dodgers LH Clayton Kershaw (11-6, 2.24)
Leake has pitched well but remains winless in three starts since joining San Francisco in a trade from Cincinnati on July 30. The 27-year-old received a no-decision against St. Louis on Friday, when he allowed four runs over 6 1/3 innings. Andre Ethier is 7-for-15 with two home runs and Justin Turner is 5-for-10 against Leake, who is 2-3 with a 5.35 ERA in six career games (five starts) against the Dodgers.
Kershaw improved to 6-0 with a 0.92 ERA over his last 10 starts with a stellar performance against the Cubs on Friday as he allowed one run over eight innings and struck out a season high-tying 14 batters. “He's the best lefty in the game, and the best pitcher in the game as well,” Cubs catcher Miguel Montero told reporters. Kershaw is 14-7 with a 1.63 ERA in 29 career games (28 starts) against the Giants while holding Brandon Belt to three hits in 34 at-bats while striking him out 19 times.
WALK-OFFS
1. Los Angeles starting pitchers have allowed no more than three runs in their last 16 games.
2. San Francisco recalled INF Nick Noonan, RHP Cody Hall and C Hector Sanchez from Triple-A Sacramento and designated OF Justin Maxwell for assignment.
3. The Dodgers recalled LHP Ian Thomas, RHP Mike Bolsinger and RHP Joe Wieland from Triple-A Oklahoma and acquired OF Chris Heisey from Toronto for a player to be named later.
PREDICTION: Dodgers 4, Giants 2
