Sleepyj
KC (-110)
Analysis: I had this one rated at -124...I find value inthe number here and KC hasn;t been the hottest team in the last week..I like the fact that Volquez is on the mound here and KC loves to get the bats going when he is on the mound.....Pure line play, but i like that Volquez gets the nod tonight.
KC (-110)
Analysis: I had this one rated at -124...I find value inthe number here and KC hasn;t been the hottest team in the last week..I like the fact that Volquez is on the mound here and KC loves to get the bats going when he is on the mound.....Pure line play, but i like that Volquez gets the nod tonight.
Preview: Cardinals at Pirates
GAME: St. Louis Cardinals (99-58) at Pittsburgh Pirates (95-62)
DATE/TIME: Wednesday, September 30 - 1:35 PM EST
WHERE: PNC Park, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
LINE: N/A TOTAL: N/A
The St. Louis Cardinals can clinch their third consecutive National League Central title with a victory over the rival Pittsburgh Pirates at PNC Park in either game of the doubleheader on Wednesday. Matt Carpenter, who scored the eventual game-winning run in Monday's 3-0 triumph, is 19-for-52 (.365) with six homers, 11 runs scored and 10 RBIs in his last 13 games.
Carpenter scored on a single in the ninth inning by Jon Jay, who entered the game after rookie Stephen Piscotty (head contusion) was involved in a horrific outfield collision. While the Cardinals reside one victory shy of 100, the Pirates sit four games out of the division after Tuesday's tilt was rained out. Pittsburgh, which has lost nine of the 17 meetings with St. Louis this season, has dropped two in a row following an eight-game winning streak. Andrew McCutchen has struggled mightily to the tune of 4-for-25 (.160) in his last eight contests, but is 7-for-15 (.467) in his career versus Tuesday's Game 1 starter Michael Wacha.
TV: 1:35 p.m. ET, FSN Midwest (St. Louis), ROOT (Pittsburgh)
PITCHING MATCHUP: Cardinals RH Michael Wacha (17-6, 3.15 ERA) vs. Pirates RH Gerrit Cole (18-8, 2.60)
After a sizzling summer, Wacha has cooled down considerably by alternating wins and losses over his last four starts. The 19th overall pick of the 2012 draft, Wacha has allowed 15 earned runs in his last 20 frames and issued 14 walks in that span. Wacha, however, has handcuffed Pittsburgh in his career, permitting four earned runs in 18 2/3 innings versus the Pirates this season and just seven in 32 2/3 frames en route to a 3-0 career mark.
Cole recorded his third straight win after yielding one run on four hits in seven innings of a 3-2 victory over the Chicago Cubs on Friday. The 25-year-old dazzled in his last meeting with St. Louis, scattering two hits over seven scoreless frames in a 7-1 rout on Sept. 6. Cole won that tilt at Busch Stadium and is undefeated in three home starts versus the Cardinals.
WALK-OFFS
1. St. Louis C Yadier Molina will miss the remainder of the regular season after he partially tore ligaments in his left thumb on Sept. 20.
2. Pittsburgh SS Jordy Mercer is 0-for-7 in his last two games after collecting 10 hits in his previous six contests.
3. Cardinals RHP Adam Wainwright (leg) was activated on Tuesday and could appear out of the bullpen for the first time since 2006.
PREDICTION: Pirates 4, Cardinals 1
GAME: St. Louis Cardinals (99-58) at Pittsburgh Pirates (95-62)
DATE/TIME: Wednesday, September 30 - 1:35 PM EST
WHERE: PNC Park, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
LINE: N/A TOTAL: N/A
The St. Louis Cardinals can clinch their third consecutive National League Central title with a victory over the rival Pittsburgh Pirates at PNC Park in either game of the doubleheader on Wednesday. Matt Carpenter, who scored the eventual game-winning run in Monday's 3-0 triumph, is 19-for-52 (.365) with six homers, 11 runs scored and 10 RBIs in his last 13 games.
Carpenter scored on a single in the ninth inning by Jon Jay, who entered the game after rookie Stephen Piscotty (head contusion) was involved in a horrific outfield collision. While the Cardinals reside one victory shy of 100, the Pirates sit four games out of the division after Tuesday's tilt was rained out. Pittsburgh, which has lost nine of the 17 meetings with St. Louis this season, has dropped two in a row following an eight-game winning streak. Andrew McCutchen has struggled mightily to the tune of 4-for-25 (.160) in his last eight contests, but is 7-for-15 (.467) in his career versus Tuesday's Game 1 starter Michael Wacha.
TV: 1:35 p.m. ET, FSN Midwest (St. Louis), ROOT (Pittsburgh)
PITCHING MATCHUP: Cardinals RH Michael Wacha (17-6, 3.15 ERA) vs. Pirates RH Gerrit Cole (18-8, 2.60)
After a sizzling summer, Wacha has cooled down considerably by alternating wins and losses over his last four starts. The 19th overall pick of the 2012 draft, Wacha has allowed 15 earned runs in his last 20 frames and issued 14 walks in that span. Wacha, however, has handcuffed Pittsburgh in his career, permitting four earned runs in 18 2/3 innings versus the Pirates this season and just seven in 32 2/3 frames en route to a 3-0 career mark.
Cole recorded his third straight win after yielding one run on four hits in seven innings of a 3-2 victory over the Chicago Cubs on Friday. The 25-year-old dazzled in his last meeting with St. Louis, scattering two hits over seven scoreless frames in a 7-1 rout on Sept. 6. Cole won that tilt at Busch Stadium and is undefeated in three home starts versus the Cardinals.
WALK-OFFS
1. St. Louis C Yadier Molina will miss the remainder of the regular season after he partially tore ligaments in his left thumb on Sept. 20.
2. Pittsburgh SS Jordy Mercer is 0-for-7 in his last two games after collecting 10 hits in his previous six contests.
3. Cardinals RHP Adam Wainwright (leg) was activated on Tuesday and could appear out of the bullpen for the first time since 2006.
PREDICTION: Pirates 4, Cardinals 1
Preview: Blue Jays at Orioles
GAME: Toronto Blue Jays (91-65) at Baltimore Orioles (76-80)
DATE/TIME: Wednesday, September 30 - 4:05 PM EST
WHERE: Oriole Park at Camden Yards, Baltimore, Maryland
LINE: N/A TOTAL: N/A
The Toronto Blue Jays have the opportunity to clinch their sixth American League East crown - and first since 1993 - when they play a doubleheader with the host Baltimore Orioles on Wednesday. Toronto has won five in a row and can wrap up the division with either one victory or a New York Yankees' loss to the rival Boston Red Sox.
Kevin Pillar continued his torrid stretch with two hits in Toronto's 4-3 victory on Monday, improving to a staggering 13-for-22 (.591) with two homers, six RBIs and four runs scored in his last six games. The reigning AL Player of the Week is 29-for-86 (.337) in 25 career contests versus Baltimore, but is just 1-for-4 in a small sample size against Wednesday Game 1 starter Miguel Gonzalez. Although Toronto (91-65) holds a magic number of one to clinch the division, it is also is battling Kansas City (90-67) for the best record in the AL and home-field advantage in the playoffs. Baltimore is heading in the other direction, having dropped four in a row as it plays out the string.
TV: 4:05 p.m. ET, RSN (Toronto), MASN2 (Baltimore)
PITCHING MATCHUP: Blue Jays RH Marcus Stroman (3-0, 1.89 ERA) vs. Orioles RH Miguel Gonzalez (9-11, 4.85 ERA)
Stroman is paying immediate dividends for the Blue Jays this season despite being just six months removed from surgery to repair a torn ACL. The 24-year-old has posted three victories in as many starts in September, yielding just four earned runs in 19 innings this month after scattering five hits over seven frames in a 4-0 triumph over the Yankees last Wednesday. Stroman flustered the Orioles in his last meeting, allowing just one hit over four scoreless innings to record a save.
Gonzalez will be making his first start since Aug. 30 as he's dealt with right shoulder tendinitis. The 31-year-old has enjoyed facing the Blue Jays, improving to 7-2 in his career after permitting one run on three hits in 7 2/3 innings of a 6-1 victory on May 13. Edwin Encarnacion belted a solo homer in Monday's contest and is just 3-for-25 - albeit all three hits left the park - in his career versus Gonzalez.
WALK-OFFS
1. Toronto RF Jose Bautista is 5-for-15 with three homers, six RBIs and three runs scored in his last four contests.
2. Baltimore C Matt Wieters is 6-for-15 with three runs scored in his last four games after going 0-for-14 in his previous four tilts.
3. Blue Jays LF Ben Revere has hit safely in four straight and eight of his last nine contests.
PREDICTION: Orioles 4, Blue Jays 2
GAME: Toronto Blue Jays (91-65) at Baltimore Orioles (76-80)
DATE/TIME: Wednesday, September 30 - 4:05 PM EST
WHERE: Oriole Park at Camden Yards, Baltimore, Maryland
LINE: N/A TOTAL: N/A
The Toronto Blue Jays have the opportunity to clinch their sixth American League East crown - and first since 1993 - when they play a doubleheader with the host Baltimore Orioles on Wednesday. Toronto has won five in a row and can wrap up the division with either one victory or a New York Yankees' loss to the rival Boston Red Sox.
Kevin Pillar continued his torrid stretch with two hits in Toronto's 4-3 victory on Monday, improving to a staggering 13-for-22 (.591) with two homers, six RBIs and four runs scored in his last six games. The reigning AL Player of the Week is 29-for-86 (.337) in 25 career contests versus Baltimore, but is just 1-for-4 in a small sample size against Wednesday Game 1 starter Miguel Gonzalez. Although Toronto (91-65) holds a magic number of one to clinch the division, it is also is battling Kansas City (90-67) for the best record in the AL and home-field advantage in the playoffs. Baltimore is heading in the other direction, having dropped four in a row as it plays out the string.
TV: 4:05 p.m. ET, RSN (Toronto), MASN2 (Baltimore)
PITCHING MATCHUP: Blue Jays RH Marcus Stroman (3-0, 1.89 ERA) vs. Orioles RH Miguel Gonzalez (9-11, 4.85 ERA)
Stroman is paying immediate dividends for the Blue Jays this season despite being just six months removed from surgery to repair a torn ACL. The 24-year-old has posted three victories in as many starts in September, yielding just four earned runs in 19 innings this month after scattering five hits over seven frames in a 4-0 triumph over the Yankees last Wednesday. Stroman flustered the Orioles in his last meeting, allowing just one hit over four scoreless innings to record a save.
Gonzalez will be making his first start since Aug. 30 as he's dealt with right shoulder tendinitis. The 31-year-old has enjoyed facing the Blue Jays, improving to 7-2 in his career after permitting one run on three hits in 7 2/3 innings of a 6-1 victory on May 13. Edwin Encarnacion belted a solo homer in Monday's contest and is just 3-for-25 - albeit all three hits left the park - in his career versus Gonzalez.
WALK-OFFS
1. Toronto RF Jose Bautista is 5-for-15 with three homers, six RBIs and three runs scored in his last four contests.
2. Baltimore C Matt Wieters is 6-for-15 with three runs scored in his last four games after going 0-for-14 in his previous four tilts.
3. Blue Jays LF Ben Revere has hit safely in four straight and eight of his last nine contests.
PREDICTION: Orioles 4, Blue Jays 2
Preview: Twins at Indians
GAME: Minnesota Twins (81-75) at Cleveland Indians (77-78)
DATE/TIME: Wednesday, September 30 - 4:10 PM EST
WHERE: Progressive Field, Cleveland, Ohio
LINE: N/A TOTAL: N/A
The Minnesota Twins are playing solid baseball but it remains uncertain whether the team can land the American League's second wild-card berth entering Wednesday's doubleheader against the host Cleveland Indians. Minnesota has won six of its last eight games and it trails the Los Angeles Angels by 1 1/2 games for the final spot.
Minnesota won the opener of the four-game set before Tuesday's contest was rained out, while the Indians' wild-card hopes are on life support as they sit five games behind Los Angeles. Twins third baseman Trevor Plouffe is just 1-for-15 over his past four games but the lone hit was a two-run homer in Monday's three-run first inning. Cleveland left fielder Michael Brantley was scratched prior to Monday's postponement as he continues to struggle with the left shoulder soreness that recently caused him to miss four games. Brantley, who might be shut down for the season, hasn't gone deep in his last 11 games after opening September with four homers in nine contests.
TV: 4:10 p.m. ET, FSN North (Minnesota), SportsTime Ohio (Cleveland)
PITCHING MATCHUP: Twins RH Kyle Gibson (10-11, 3.96 ERA) vs. Indians RH Carlos Carrasco (14-11, 3.44)
Gibson was roughed by Cleveland last Thursday when he gave up six runs and seven hits in 2 2/3 innings during a 6-3 loss. He served up two homers in the contest after going six straight starts without giving up one. Gibson is 1-2 with a 6.99 ERA in six career starts against the Indians and struggles with catcher Yan Gomes (6-for-11, two homers).
Carrasco was dominating in his last outing when tossed a one-hit shutout and struck out a career-best 15 against Kansas City. He has posted three complete games over his last nine starts - two one-hit shutouts and a two-hitter in which he gave up one run. Carrasco lost to the Twins on Aug. 16 when he gave up two runs and six hits in seven innings to fall to 1-4 with a 3.28 ERA in 11 career appearances (eight starts) against Minnesota.
WALK-OFFS
1. Indians OF/3B Lonnie Chisenhall is 3-for-24 over the last seven contests.
2. Minnesota 2B Brian Dozier has homered just once in the last 19 games and is two shy of his first 30-homer campaign.
3. Cleveland 1B Carlos Santana is 3-for-29 over his past eight games but has two homers, one triple and eight RBIs during the stretch.
PREDICTION: Indians 6, Twins 2
GAME: Minnesota Twins (81-75) at Cleveland Indians (77-78)
DATE/TIME: Wednesday, September 30 - 4:10 PM EST
WHERE: Progressive Field, Cleveland, Ohio
LINE: N/A TOTAL: N/A
The Minnesota Twins are playing solid baseball but it remains uncertain whether the team can land the American League's second wild-card berth entering Wednesday's doubleheader against the host Cleveland Indians. Minnesota has won six of its last eight games and it trails the Los Angeles Angels by 1 1/2 games for the final spot.
Minnesota won the opener of the four-game set before Tuesday's contest was rained out, while the Indians' wild-card hopes are on life support as they sit five games behind Los Angeles. Twins third baseman Trevor Plouffe is just 1-for-15 over his past four games but the lone hit was a two-run homer in Monday's three-run first inning. Cleveland left fielder Michael Brantley was scratched prior to Monday's postponement as he continues to struggle with the left shoulder soreness that recently caused him to miss four games. Brantley, who might be shut down for the season, hasn't gone deep in his last 11 games after opening September with four homers in nine contests.
TV: 4:10 p.m. ET, FSN North (Minnesota), SportsTime Ohio (Cleveland)
PITCHING MATCHUP: Twins RH Kyle Gibson (10-11, 3.96 ERA) vs. Indians RH Carlos Carrasco (14-11, 3.44)
Gibson was roughed by Cleveland last Thursday when he gave up six runs and seven hits in 2 2/3 innings during a 6-3 loss. He served up two homers in the contest after going six straight starts without giving up one. Gibson is 1-2 with a 6.99 ERA in six career starts against the Indians and struggles with catcher Yan Gomes (6-for-11, two homers).
Carrasco was dominating in his last outing when tossed a one-hit shutout and struck out a career-best 15 against Kansas City. He has posted three complete games over his last nine starts - two one-hit shutouts and a two-hitter in which he gave up one run. Carrasco lost to the Twins on Aug. 16 when he gave up two runs and six hits in seven innings to fall to 1-4 with a 3.28 ERA in 11 career appearances (eight starts) against Minnesota.
WALK-OFFS
1. Indians OF/3B Lonnie Chisenhall is 3-for-24 over the last seven contests.
2. Minnesota 2B Brian Dozier has homered just once in the last 19 games and is two shy of his first 30-homer campaign.
3. Cleveland 1B Carlos Santana is 3-for-29 over his past eight games but has two homers, one triple and eight RBIs during the stretch.
PREDICTION: Indians 6, Twins 2
Preview: Mets at Phillies
GAME: New York Mets (89-68) at Philadelphia Phillies (60-97)
DATE/TIME: Wednesday, September 30 - 7:05 PM EST
WHERE: Citizens Bank Park, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
LINE: N/A TOTAL: N/A
The Philadelphia Phillies have managed only three victories in 17 tries against the New York Mets in 2015 but can string a pair together when they host the National League East champions on Wednesday. The Phillies, who own the worst record in the majors (60-97), ended New York’s 11-game road winning streak with a 4-3 triumph Tuesday to open the three-game set.
The Mets have won 27 of the 36 meetings over the last two seasons and six of the last seven in Philadelphia as they stand one victory shy of their first 90-win season since 2006. Daniel Murphy has hit safely in 10 straight games while Lucas Duda is rounding into shape for the postseason with five homers and 13 RBIs in his last three contests for the Mets. Duda hit a pair of blasts Tuesday and is 9-for-17 during his five-game hitting streak. Rookie Odubel Herrera snapped out of a 2-for-22 slump with four hits Tuesday for the Phillies, who have won three of their last four contests.
TV: 7:05 p.m. ET, SNY (New York), CSN Philadelphia
PITCHING MATCHUP: Mets RH Logan Verrett (1-2, 3.40 ERA) vs. Phillies RH Alec Asher (0-5, 7.52)
Verrett is expected to get his fourth major-league start – and third this month -- with Steven Matz (back stiffness) moved back a day. The 25-year-old Baylor product allowed four runs and five hits over five innings in a 6-2 loss to Atlanta on Sept. 22 and yielded two runs in 13 total frames during his other two outings. Verrett pitched a scoreless inning of relief against Philadelphia on Aug. 27.
Asher lost his fifth straight start last time out but limited Miami to one run and three hits over seven innings in his best outing since being acquired from Texas. The 23-year-old did not permit a home run on Sept. 24 after giving up six blasts in his first four major-league starts. Asher, who faces the Mets for the first time, was 2-0 in four starts with Triple-A Lehigh Valley after coming to the Phillies in the Cole Hamels trade.
WALK-OFFS
1. Mets RHP Jeurys Familia has notched 42 saves, one shy of the club record set in 2001 by Armando Benitez.
2. Philadelphia’s starting pitchers have allowed two or fewer earned runs in 10 straight games – their longest such streak in a single season since 1989.
3. New York 3B David Wright has recorded nine multi-hit contests this month, including two during a seven-game hitting streak.
PREDICTION: Mets 5, Phillies 3
GAME: New York Mets (89-68) at Philadelphia Phillies (60-97)
DATE/TIME: Wednesday, September 30 - 7:05 PM EST
WHERE: Citizens Bank Park, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
LINE: N/A TOTAL: N/A
The Philadelphia Phillies have managed only three victories in 17 tries against the New York Mets in 2015 but can string a pair together when they host the National League East champions on Wednesday. The Phillies, who own the worst record in the majors (60-97), ended New York’s 11-game road winning streak with a 4-3 triumph Tuesday to open the three-game set.
The Mets have won 27 of the 36 meetings over the last two seasons and six of the last seven in Philadelphia as they stand one victory shy of their first 90-win season since 2006. Daniel Murphy has hit safely in 10 straight games while Lucas Duda is rounding into shape for the postseason with five homers and 13 RBIs in his last three contests for the Mets. Duda hit a pair of blasts Tuesday and is 9-for-17 during his five-game hitting streak. Rookie Odubel Herrera snapped out of a 2-for-22 slump with four hits Tuesday for the Phillies, who have won three of their last four contests.
TV: 7:05 p.m. ET, SNY (New York), CSN Philadelphia
PITCHING MATCHUP: Mets RH Logan Verrett (1-2, 3.40 ERA) vs. Phillies RH Alec Asher (0-5, 7.52)
Verrett is expected to get his fourth major-league start – and third this month -- with Steven Matz (back stiffness) moved back a day. The 25-year-old Baylor product allowed four runs and five hits over five innings in a 6-2 loss to Atlanta on Sept. 22 and yielded two runs in 13 total frames during his other two outings. Verrett pitched a scoreless inning of relief against Philadelphia on Aug. 27.
Asher lost his fifth straight start last time out but limited Miami to one run and three hits over seven innings in his best outing since being acquired from Texas. The 23-year-old did not permit a home run on Sept. 24 after giving up six blasts in his first four major-league starts. Asher, who faces the Mets for the first time, was 2-0 in four starts with Triple-A Lehigh Valley after coming to the Phillies in the Cole Hamels trade.
WALK-OFFS
1. Mets RHP Jeurys Familia has notched 42 saves, one shy of the club record set in 2001 by Armando Benitez.
2. Philadelphia’s starting pitchers have allowed two or fewer earned runs in 10 straight games – their longest such streak in a single season since 1989.
3. New York 3B David Wright has recorded nine multi-hit contests this month, including two during a seven-game hitting streak.
PREDICTION: Mets 5, Phillies 3
Preview: Cardinals at Pirates
GAME: St. Louis Cardinals (99-58) at Pittsburgh Pirates (95-62)
DATE/TIME: Wednesday, September 30 - 7:05 PM EST
WHERE: PNC Park, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
LINE: N/A TOTAL: N/A
The St. Louis Cardinals can clinch their third consecutive National League Central title with a victory over the rival Pittsburgh Pirates at PNC Park in either game of the doubleheader on Wednesday. Matt Carpenter, who scored the eventual game-winning run in Monday's 3-0 triumph, is 19-for-52 (.365) with six homers, 11 runs scored and 10 RBIs in his last 13 games.
Carpenter scored on a single in the ninth inning by Jon Jay, who entered the game after rookie Stephen Piscotty (head contusion) was involved in a horrific outfield collision. While the Cardinals reside one victory shy of 100, the Pirates sit four games out of the division after Tuesday's tilt was rained out. Pittsburgh, which has lost nine of the 17 meetings with St. Louis this season, has dropped two in a row following an eight-game winning streak. Andrew McCutchen has struggled mightily to the tune of 4-for-25 (.160) in his last eight contests.
TV: 7:05 p.m. ET, ESPN, FSN Midwest (St. Louis), ROOT (Pittsburgh)
PITCHING MATCHUP: Cardinals LH Tyler Lyons (2-1, 3.96 ERA) vs. Pirates RH Charlie Morton (9-8, 4.54)
Lyons gets the nod in place of the injured Carlos Martinez (shoulder) and will make his eighth start of the season. The 27-year-old has dropped both career decisions to Pittsburgh, but walked away with a no-decision despite yielding a run on two hits in one-third inning of relief. Lyons struck out five and scattered two hits in 3 2/3 innings in his last trip to the mound, again receiving a no-decision versus Milwaukee.
Morton has endured constant nightmarish performances en route to a 2-11 career mark versus St. Louis while allowing the club to bat .305 against him. The 31-year-old is 1-4 in his last six outings overall and escaped with a no-decision despite permitting six runs on 10 hits - including two homers - in 4 1/3 frames versus Colorado last Wednesday. Morton has yielded 12 runs on 19 hits in his last two starts (8 1/3 innings) and four homers in his last three outings after keeping the ball in the park in each of his previous four.
WALK-OFFS
1. St. Louis C Yadier Molina will miss the remainder of the regular season after he partially tore ligaments in his left thumb on Sept. 20.
2. Pittsburgh SS Jordy Mercer is 0-for-7 in his last two games after collecting 10 hits in his previous six contests.
3. Cardinals RHP Adam Wainwright (leg) was activated on Tuesday and could appear out of the bullpen for the first time since 2006.
PREDICTION: Pirates 3, Cardinals 1
GAME: St. Louis Cardinals (99-58) at Pittsburgh Pirates (95-62)
DATE/TIME: Wednesday, September 30 - 7:05 PM EST
WHERE: PNC Park, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
LINE: N/A TOTAL: N/A
The St. Louis Cardinals can clinch their third consecutive National League Central title with a victory over the rival Pittsburgh Pirates at PNC Park in either game of the doubleheader on Wednesday. Matt Carpenter, who scored the eventual game-winning run in Monday's 3-0 triumph, is 19-for-52 (.365) with six homers, 11 runs scored and 10 RBIs in his last 13 games.
Carpenter scored on a single in the ninth inning by Jon Jay, who entered the game after rookie Stephen Piscotty (head contusion) was involved in a horrific outfield collision. While the Cardinals reside one victory shy of 100, the Pirates sit four games out of the division after Tuesday's tilt was rained out. Pittsburgh, which has lost nine of the 17 meetings with St. Louis this season, has dropped two in a row following an eight-game winning streak. Andrew McCutchen has struggled mightily to the tune of 4-for-25 (.160) in his last eight contests.
TV: 7:05 p.m. ET, ESPN, FSN Midwest (St. Louis), ROOT (Pittsburgh)
PITCHING MATCHUP: Cardinals LH Tyler Lyons (2-1, 3.96 ERA) vs. Pirates RH Charlie Morton (9-8, 4.54)
Lyons gets the nod in place of the injured Carlos Martinez (shoulder) and will make his eighth start of the season. The 27-year-old has dropped both career decisions to Pittsburgh, but walked away with a no-decision despite yielding a run on two hits in one-third inning of relief. Lyons struck out five and scattered two hits in 3 2/3 innings in his last trip to the mound, again receiving a no-decision versus Milwaukee.
Morton has endured constant nightmarish performances en route to a 2-11 career mark versus St. Louis while allowing the club to bat .305 against him. The 31-year-old is 1-4 in his last six outings overall and escaped with a no-decision despite permitting six runs on 10 hits - including two homers - in 4 1/3 frames versus Colorado last Wednesday. Morton has yielded 12 runs on 19 hits in his last two starts (8 1/3 innings) and four homers in his last three outings after keeping the ball in the park in each of his previous four.
WALK-OFFS
1. St. Louis C Yadier Molina will miss the remainder of the regular season after he partially tore ligaments in his left thumb on Sept. 20.
2. Pittsburgh SS Jordy Mercer is 0-for-7 in his last two games after collecting 10 hits in his previous six contests.
3. Cardinals RHP Adam Wainwright (leg) was activated on Tuesday and could appear out of the bullpen for the first time since 2006.
PREDICTION: Pirates 3, Cardinals 1
Preview: Blue Jays at Orioles
GAME: Toronto Blue Jays (91-65) at Baltimore Orioles (76-80)
DATE/TIME: Wednesday, September 30 - 7:05 PM EST
WHERE: Oriole Park at Camden Yards, Baltimore, Maryland
LINE: N/A TOTAL: N/A
The Toronto Blue Jays have the opportunity to clinch their sixth American League East crown - and first since 1993 - when they play a doubleheader with the host Baltimore Orioles on Wednesday. Toronto has won five in a row and can wrap up the division with either one victory or a New York Yankees' loss to the rival Boston Red Sox.
Kevin Pillar continued his torrid stretch with two hits in Toronto's 4-3 victory on Monday, improving to a staggering 13-for-22 (.591) with two homers, six RBIs and four runs scored in his last six games. The reigning AL Player of the Week is 29-for-86 (.337) in 25 career contests versus Baltimore, but is just 1-for-4 in a small sample size against Wednesday Game 2 starter Kevin Gausman. Although Toronto (91-65) holds a magic number of two to clinch the division, it is also is battling Kansas City (90-67) for the best record in the AL and home-field advantage in the playoffs. Baltimore is heading in the other direction, having dropped four in a row as it plays out the string.
TV: 7:05 p.m. ET, RSN (Toronto), MASN2 (Baltimore)
PITCHING MATCHUP: Blue Jays RH R.A. Dickey (11-11, 4.00 ERA) vs. Orioles RH Kevin Gausman (3-7, 4.49)
Dickey allowed two runs on four hits in seven innings against Tampa Bay on Friday to record his 100th career victory while making his 100th start with Toronto. Although the 40-year-old knuckleballer owns an impressive 8-1 mark with a 2.95 ERA after the All-Star break, he has struggled mightily against Baltimore. Dickey owns a 2-6 career record versus the Orioles, but has yet to face them this season.
Gausman suffered his first loss since Aug. 28 after allowing five runs on as many hits in five innings of a 7-0 setback to Boston. The 24-year-old has surrendered one homer in his last three outings after being taken deep eight times in his previous five. Gausman has made three appearances versus Toronto this season, but has yet to record a decision.
WALK-OFFS
1. Toronto RF Jose Bautista is 5-for-15 with three homers, six RBIs and three runs scored in his last four contests.
2. Baltimore C Matt Wieters is 6-for-15 with three runs scored in his last four games after going 0-for-14 in his previous four tilts.
3. Blue Jays LF Ben Revere has hit safely in four straight and eight of his last nine contests.
PREDICTION: Orioles 4, Blue Jays 2
GAME: Toronto Blue Jays (91-65) at Baltimore Orioles (76-80)
DATE/TIME: Wednesday, September 30 - 7:05 PM EST
WHERE: Oriole Park at Camden Yards, Baltimore, Maryland
LINE: N/A TOTAL: N/A
The Toronto Blue Jays have the opportunity to clinch their sixth American League East crown - and first since 1993 - when they play a doubleheader with the host Baltimore Orioles on Wednesday. Toronto has won five in a row and can wrap up the division with either one victory or a New York Yankees' loss to the rival Boston Red Sox.
Kevin Pillar continued his torrid stretch with two hits in Toronto's 4-3 victory on Monday, improving to a staggering 13-for-22 (.591) with two homers, six RBIs and four runs scored in his last six games. The reigning AL Player of the Week is 29-for-86 (.337) in 25 career contests versus Baltimore, but is just 1-for-4 in a small sample size against Wednesday Game 2 starter Kevin Gausman. Although Toronto (91-65) holds a magic number of two to clinch the division, it is also is battling Kansas City (90-67) for the best record in the AL and home-field advantage in the playoffs. Baltimore is heading in the other direction, having dropped four in a row as it plays out the string.
TV: 7:05 p.m. ET, RSN (Toronto), MASN2 (Baltimore)
PITCHING MATCHUP: Blue Jays RH R.A. Dickey (11-11, 4.00 ERA) vs. Orioles RH Kevin Gausman (3-7, 4.49)
Dickey allowed two runs on four hits in seven innings against Tampa Bay on Friday to record his 100th career victory while making his 100th start with Toronto. Although the 40-year-old knuckleballer owns an impressive 8-1 mark with a 2.95 ERA after the All-Star break, he has struggled mightily against Baltimore. Dickey owns a 2-6 career record versus the Orioles, but has yet to face them this season.
Gausman suffered his first loss since Aug. 28 after allowing five runs on as many hits in five innings of a 7-0 setback to Boston. The 24-year-old has surrendered one homer in his last three outings after being taken deep eight times in his previous five. Gausman has made three appearances versus Toronto this season, but has yet to record a decision.
WALK-OFFS
1. Toronto RF Jose Bautista is 5-for-15 with three homers, six RBIs and three runs scored in his last four contests.
2. Baltimore C Matt Wieters is 6-for-15 with three runs scored in his last four games after going 0-for-14 in his previous four tilts.
3. Blue Jays LF Ben Revere has hit safely in four straight and eight of his last nine contests.
PREDICTION: Orioles 4, Blue Jays 2
Preview: Red Sox at Yankees
GAME: Boston Red Sox (77-80) at New York Yankees (86-71)
DATE/TIME: Wednesday, September 30 - 7:05 PM EST
WHERE: Yankee Stadium, Bronx, New York
LINE: N/A TOTAL: N/A
The New York Yankees are on the verge of locking up a postseason spot, but the team is not looking like much of a contender of late. The Yankees will try to clinch a wild card and turn around the series when they host the Boston Red Sox in the third of a four-game set on Wednesday.
New York still had hope it could make a comeback over the final days of the regular season and overtake the Toronto Blue Jays for first place in the American League East, but back-to-back losses to the Red Sox to begin the week put that plan to rest. The Yankees sit 5 1/2 games behind the Blue Jays with five to play but are still comfortably ahead of the pack in the wild card race and figure to have the top spot wrapped up in the next couple of days. Boston (77-80) was sitting in last place in the East for most of the second half but picked up its fifth straight win with Tuesday’s 10-4 triumph to move into third place and is now hoping to finish the season .500 or better. The Red Sox will send Wade Miley to the mound on Wednesday while New York counters with presumptive wild card game starter Masahiro Tanaka, who is coming back from a hamstring strain.
TV: 7:05 p.m. ET, NESN (Boston), YES (New York)
PITCHING MATCHUP: Red Sox LH Wade Miley (11-11, 4.39 ERA) vs. Yankees RH Masahiro Tanaka (12-7, 3.38)
Miley is trying to end a three-start winless streak so that he can finish the season above .500. The Louisiana native ended up without a decision despite back-to-back quality starts on Sep. 11 and 19 but allowed four runs and eight hits over 6 1/3 innings against Tampa Bay on Thursday to absorb a loss. Miley is searching for his first win against New York and is 0-2 with a 5.60 ERA in three starts against the division rivals this season.
Tanaka is taking the mound for the first time since Sep. 18, when he suffered a loss at the New York Mets despite yielding two runs in six innings. The Japan native is hoping to shake off the rust and get back to where he was before the injury, when he yielded a total of three runs in 21 innings over three starts. Tanaka earned a win at Boston on Sep. 2 while allowing four runs in 6 1/3 frames and is 4-2 with a 4.84 ERA against the Red Sox in six career turns.
WALK-OFFS
1. Red Sox C Blake Swihart recorded three home runs and six RBIs in the last three games.
2. New York 2B Stephen Drew (dizziness) could be done for the season.
3. Boston SS Xander Bogaerts needs one more hit to pass Ted Williams (193) for the most in a single season in franchise history by a player age 22 or younger.
PREDICTION: Yankees 6, Red Sox 4
GAME: Boston Red Sox (77-80) at New York Yankees (86-71)
DATE/TIME: Wednesday, September 30 - 7:05 PM EST
WHERE: Yankee Stadium, Bronx, New York
LINE: N/A TOTAL: N/A
The New York Yankees are on the verge of locking up a postseason spot, but the team is not looking like much of a contender of late. The Yankees will try to clinch a wild card and turn around the series when they host the Boston Red Sox in the third of a four-game set on Wednesday.
New York still had hope it could make a comeback over the final days of the regular season and overtake the Toronto Blue Jays for first place in the American League East, but back-to-back losses to the Red Sox to begin the week put that plan to rest. The Yankees sit 5 1/2 games behind the Blue Jays with five to play but are still comfortably ahead of the pack in the wild card race and figure to have the top spot wrapped up in the next couple of days. Boston (77-80) was sitting in last place in the East for most of the second half but picked up its fifth straight win with Tuesday’s 10-4 triumph to move into third place and is now hoping to finish the season .500 or better. The Red Sox will send Wade Miley to the mound on Wednesday while New York counters with presumptive wild card game starter Masahiro Tanaka, who is coming back from a hamstring strain.
TV: 7:05 p.m. ET, NESN (Boston), YES (New York)
PITCHING MATCHUP: Red Sox LH Wade Miley (11-11, 4.39 ERA) vs. Yankees RH Masahiro Tanaka (12-7, 3.38)
Miley is trying to end a three-start winless streak so that he can finish the season above .500. The Louisiana native ended up without a decision despite back-to-back quality starts on Sep. 11 and 19 but allowed four runs and eight hits over 6 1/3 innings against Tampa Bay on Thursday to absorb a loss. Miley is searching for his first win against New York and is 0-2 with a 5.60 ERA in three starts against the division rivals this season.
Tanaka is taking the mound for the first time since Sep. 18, when he suffered a loss at the New York Mets despite yielding two runs in six innings. The Japan native is hoping to shake off the rust and get back to where he was before the injury, when he yielded a total of three runs in 21 innings over three starts. Tanaka earned a win at Boston on Sep. 2 while allowing four runs in 6 1/3 frames and is 4-2 with a 4.84 ERA against the Red Sox in six career turns.
WALK-OFFS
1. Red Sox C Blake Swihart recorded three home runs and six RBIs in the last three games.
2. New York 2B Stephen Drew (dizziness) could be done for the season.
3. Boston SS Xander Bogaerts needs one more hit to pass Ted Williams (193) for the most in a single season in franchise history by a player age 22 or younger.
PREDICTION: Yankees 6, Red Sox 4
Preview: Athletics at Angels
GAME: Oakland Athletics (65-93) at Los Angeles Angels (83-74)
DATE/TIME: Wednesday, September 30 - 7:05 PM EST
WHERE: Angel Stadium of Anaheim, Anaheim, California
LINE: N/A TOTAL: N/A
The Los Angeles Angels have passed Houston for the second American League wild-card spot, but they’re far from satisfied. The hottest team in the major leagues has won 10 of its last 12 contests to move one-half game ahead of the Astros and sit two games behind first-place Texas in the AL West heading into Wednesday’s series finale against the visiting Oakland Athletics, who have lost four straight and nine of their last 10.
The Angels extended their winning streak to seven games with Tuesday’s 8-1 victory and could receive a boost with the return of setup man Joe Smith, who has been out since Sept. 18 with a sprained left ankle. Smith is expected to be available Wednesday to serve as the team’s closer in place of Huston Street, who is out with a groin injury but hopes to return for the postseason. The Angels close the regular season with four games in Arlington, where they’ve won 14 of their last 16 meetings with the Rangers. Before heading to Texas, they’ll look to complete a sweep of the lowly Athletics, who have committed a major league-high 120 errors and will finish with the AL’s worst record.
TV: 7:05 p.m. ET, CSN California (Oakland), FSN West (Los Angeles)
PITCHING MATCHUP: Athletics LH Barry Zito (0-0, 18.00 ERA) vs. Angels RH Garrett Richards (15-11, 3.73)
Zito is set to make the final start of his career in place of Sonny Gray, who was shut down for the rest of the season due to left hip soreness. The 37-year-old Southern California native struggled on Saturday in his first start since Sept. 25, 2013, allowing four runs in two innings against San Francisco. Zito, who pitched most of this season for Triple-A Nashville, has gone 12-11 with a 4.14 ERA in 30 career starts versus the Angels.
Richards earned his second straight victory on Friday as he limited Seattle to three runs while striking out eight over seven frames. The 27-year-old is 2-4 with a 5.03 ERA in 13 career games (nine starts) against Oakland, including 1-1 with a 3.00 ERA in two outings this season. Manager Mike Scioscia indicated that Richards will start on short rest in Sunday’s regular-season finale against Texas if the Angels need a win to make the playoffs.
WALK-OFFS
1. Angels 3B David Freese is batting .333 with 10 doubles this month.
2. Oakland LHP Drew Pomeranz has been shut down for the rest of the season due to a sore pitching shoulder.
3. The Angels are 42-29 against AL West rivals.
PREDICTION: Angels 9, Athletics 3
GAME: Oakland Athletics (65-93) at Los Angeles Angels (83-74)
DATE/TIME: Wednesday, September 30 - 7:05 PM EST
WHERE: Angel Stadium of Anaheim, Anaheim, California
LINE: N/A TOTAL: N/A
The Los Angeles Angels have passed Houston for the second American League wild-card spot, but they’re far from satisfied. The hottest team in the major leagues has won 10 of its last 12 contests to move one-half game ahead of the Astros and sit two games behind first-place Texas in the AL West heading into Wednesday’s series finale against the visiting Oakland Athletics, who have lost four straight and nine of their last 10.
The Angels extended their winning streak to seven games with Tuesday’s 8-1 victory and could receive a boost with the return of setup man Joe Smith, who has been out since Sept. 18 with a sprained left ankle. Smith is expected to be available Wednesday to serve as the team’s closer in place of Huston Street, who is out with a groin injury but hopes to return for the postseason. The Angels close the regular season with four games in Arlington, where they’ve won 14 of their last 16 meetings with the Rangers. Before heading to Texas, they’ll look to complete a sweep of the lowly Athletics, who have committed a major league-high 120 errors and will finish with the AL’s worst record.
TV: 7:05 p.m. ET, CSN California (Oakland), FSN West (Los Angeles)
PITCHING MATCHUP: Athletics LH Barry Zito (0-0, 18.00 ERA) vs. Angels RH Garrett Richards (15-11, 3.73)
Zito is set to make the final start of his career in place of Sonny Gray, who was shut down for the rest of the season due to left hip soreness. The 37-year-old Southern California native struggled on Saturday in his first start since Sept. 25, 2013, allowing four runs in two innings against San Francisco. Zito, who pitched most of this season for Triple-A Nashville, has gone 12-11 with a 4.14 ERA in 30 career starts versus the Angels.
Richards earned his second straight victory on Friday as he limited Seattle to three runs while striking out eight over seven frames. The 27-year-old is 2-4 with a 5.03 ERA in 13 career games (nine starts) against Oakland, including 1-1 with a 3.00 ERA in two outings this season. Manager Mike Scioscia indicated that Richards will start on short rest in Sunday’s regular-season finale against Texas if the Angels need a win to make the playoffs.
WALK-OFFS
1. Angels 3B David Freese is batting .333 with 10 doubles this month.
2. Oakland LHP Drew Pomeranz has been shut down for the rest of the season due to a sore pitching shoulder.
3. The Angels are 42-29 against AL West rivals.
PREDICTION: Angels 9, Athletics 3
Preview: Marlins at Rays
GAME: Miami Marlins (69-88) at Tampa Bay Rays (76-81)
DATE/TIME: Wednesday, September 30 - 7:10 PM EST
WHERE: Tropicana Field, St. Petersburg, Florida
LINE: N/A TOTAL: N/A
The Tampa Bay Rays weren’t supposed to be the team battling to stay out of last place in the final week of the regular season, but that’s the way things turned out in the American League East. The Miami Marlins, who visit the Rays in the middle of a three-game series on Wednesday, are no strangers to the bottom of the standings and are closing out their sixth straight losing campaign.
Tampa Bay was in first place at the end of June but never managed to put together a strong push in September and needed to pull out a 4-2 win in the series opener on Tuesday in order to snap a three-game slide. A successful final five games could lift the Rays as high as third place in the East while winning all five would make them a .500 team. The Marlins pulled their way out of the battle for the basement in the National League East by winning five straight heading into this week but could not find the offense Tuesday that led to an average of 6.4 runs in those games. Miami’s bats will attempt to figure out Drew Smyly on Wednesday while Jarred Cosart takes the mound for the Marlins.
TV: 7:10 p.m. ET, FSN Florida (Miami), Sun Sports (Tampa Bay)
PITCHING MATCHUP: Marlins RH Jarred Cosart (2-4, 4.15 ERA) vs. Rays LH Drew Smyly (4-2, 3.26)
Cosart was removed from his last start after four innings due to a contusion on his left forearm sustained when he was hit by a line drive. The 25-year-old had not allowed a run against Philadelphia at that point and held his last four opponents to two or fewer earned runs. Cosart yielded one run and three hits in six innings to suffer a loss to Tampa Bay on Apr. 11.
Smyly is trying to find some consistency to take into the offseason after holding Boston scoreless over 6 1/3 innings on Sept. 23. The 26-year-old has alternated dominant outings and less-than-spectacular turns since coming off the disabled list on Aug. 16, holding the opposition scoreless in four of those starts and allowing at least four runs in each of the other four. Smyly is making his first career start against the Marlins.
WALK-OFFS
1. Marlins RF Giancarlo Stanton (wrist) was officially ruled out for the remainder of the season on Tuesday.
2. Tampa Bay 2B Logan Forsythe (bruised right foot) left Tuesday’s game and is day-to-day.
3. Miami 3B Martin Prado recorded multiple hits in five of the last seven games.
PREDICTION: Rays 5, Marlins 3
GAME: Miami Marlins (69-88) at Tampa Bay Rays (76-81)
DATE/TIME: Wednesday, September 30 - 7:10 PM EST
WHERE: Tropicana Field, St. Petersburg, Florida
LINE: N/A TOTAL: N/A
The Tampa Bay Rays weren’t supposed to be the team battling to stay out of last place in the final week of the regular season, but that’s the way things turned out in the American League East. The Miami Marlins, who visit the Rays in the middle of a three-game series on Wednesday, are no strangers to the bottom of the standings and are closing out their sixth straight losing campaign.
Tampa Bay was in first place at the end of June but never managed to put together a strong push in September and needed to pull out a 4-2 win in the series opener on Tuesday in order to snap a three-game slide. A successful final five games could lift the Rays as high as third place in the East while winning all five would make them a .500 team. The Marlins pulled their way out of the battle for the basement in the National League East by winning five straight heading into this week but could not find the offense Tuesday that led to an average of 6.4 runs in those games. Miami’s bats will attempt to figure out Drew Smyly on Wednesday while Jarred Cosart takes the mound for the Marlins.
TV: 7:10 p.m. ET, FSN Florida (Miami), Sun Sports (Tampa Bay)
PITCHING MATCHUP: Marlins RH Jarred Cosart (2-4, 4.15 ERA) vs. Rays LH Drew Smyly (4-2, 3.26)
Cosart was removed from his last start after four innings due to a contusion on his left forearm sustained when he was hit by a line drive. The 25-year-old had not allowed a run against Philadelphia at that point and held his last four opponents to two or fewer earned runs. Cosart yielded one run and three hits in six innings to suffer a loss to Tampa Bay on Apr. 11.
Smyly is trying to find some consistency to take into the offseason after holding Boston scoreless over 6 1/3 innings on Sept. 23. The 26-year-old has alternated dominant outings and less-than-spectacular turns since coming off the disabled list on Aug. 16, holding the opposition scoreless in four of those starts and allowing at least four runs in each of the other four. Smyly is making his first career start against the Marlins.
WALK-OFFS
1. Marlins RF Giancarlo Stanton (wrist) was officially ruled out for the remainder of the season on Tuesday.
2. Tampa Bay 2B Logan Forsythe (bruised right foot) left Tuesday’s game and is day-to-day.
3. Miami 3B Martin Prado recorded multiple hits in five of the last seven games.
PREDICTION: Rays 5, Marlins 3
Preview: Nationals at Braves
GAME: Washington Nationals (80-77) at Atlanta Braves (63-94)
DATE/TIME: Wednesday, September 30 - 7:10 PM EST
WHERE: Turner Field, Atlanta, Georgia
LINE: N/A TOTAL: N/A
The season can not end soon enough for the beleaguered Washington Nationals. The predominant favorite to win the National League East, Washington has sandwiched six losses in its last eight outings around an embarrassing dugout incident heading into the second contest of a three-game series with the host Atlanta Braves on Wednesday.
Bryce Harper, who was on the wrong end of a chokehold by closer Jonathan Papelbon, went hitless in the Nationals' 2-1 loss on Monday. The NL MVP front-runner has feasted on Braves' pitching this season (23-for-57 with six homers, 15 RBIs and 21 runs scored) and belted a three-run homer in his lone meeting with Wednesday starter Williams Perez. While the Nationals stumbled down the stretch, the Braves skidded to three wins in 16 games before Tuesday's series-opening victory. A.J. Pierzynski recorded his sixth career multi-homer contest with a pair of solo shots and is riding both a seven-game hitting streak and a four-game run-scoring stretch.
TV: 7:10 p.m. ET, MASN (Washington), SportSouth (Atlanta)
PITCHING MATCHUP: Nationals RH Jordan Zimmermann (13-9, 3.68 ERA) vs. Braves RH Williams Perez (6-6, 5.04)
Zimmermann suffered his first loss since Aug. 12 after getting blitzed for six runs on as many hits - including three homers - in five innings of an 8-2 setback to Philadelphia on Friday. The 29-year-old has been taken deep 12 times in his last eight outings after surrendering 12 homers in his previous 24. Zimmermann looks to get back on track versus Atlanta, against which he is 3-0 in five meetings this season and owns a 7-2 career mark with a 2.52 ERA.
Perez has turned it around following a disastrous August, posting a 2-1 mark with a 3.64 ERA in five starts this month. The 24-year-old Venezuelan walked away with a no-decision last Wednesday after allowing two runs on seven hits in six innings against the New York Mets. Perez was throttled in his lone career meeting with Washington, permitting four runs on two hits in one-third of an inning in relief.
WALK-OFFS
1. Washington OF Jayson Werth has launched a homer among his four hits in the last three games after an 0-for-12 stretch in his previous three contests.
2. Atlanta SS Andrelton Simmons has hit safely in six straight games and eight of his last nine.
3. Nationals SS Ian Desmond is 7-for-15 with a homer, two RBIs and two runs scored during his four-game hitting streak.
PREDICTION: Nationals 4, Braves 2
GAME: Washington Nationals (80-77) at Atlanta Braves (63-94)
DATE/TIME: Wednesday, September 30 - 7:10 PM EST
WHERE: Turner Field, Atlanta, Georgia
LINE: N/A TOTAL: N/A
The season can not end soon enough for the beleaguered Washington Nationals. The predominant favorite to win the National League East, Washington has sandwiched six losses in its last eight outings around an embarrassing dugout incident heading into the second contest of a three-game series with the host Atlanta Braves on Wednesday.
Bryce Harper, who was on the wrong end of a chokehold by closer Jonathan Papelbon, went hitless in the Nationals' 2-1 loss on Monday. The NL MVP front-runner has feasted on Braves' pitching this season (23-for-57 with six homers, 15 RBIs and 21 runs scored) and belted a three-run homer in his lone meeting with Wednesday starter Williams Perez. While the Nationals stumbled down the stretch, the Braves skidded to three wins in 16 games before Tuesday's series-opening victory. A.J. Pierzynski recorded his sixth career multi-homer contest with a pair of solo shots and is riding both a seven-game hitting streak and a four-game run-scoring stretch.
TV: 7:10 p.m. ET, MASN (Washington), SportSouth (Atlanta)
PITCHING MATCHUP: Nationals RH Jordan Zimmermann (13-9, 3.68 ERA) vs. Braves RH Williams Perez (6-6, 5.04)
Zimmermann suffered his first loss since Aug. 12 after getting blitzed for six runs on as many hits - including three homers - in five innings of an 8-2 setback to Philadelphia on Friday. The 29-year-old has been taken deep 12 times in his last eight outings after surrendering 12 homers in his previous 24. Zimmermann looks to get back on track versus Atlanta, against which he is 3-0 in five meetings this season and owns a 7-2 career mark with a 2.52 ERA.
Perez has turned it around following a disastrous August, posting a 2-1 mark with a 3.64 ERA in five starts this month. The 24-year-old Venezuelan walked away with a no-decision last Wednesday after allowing two runs on seven hits in six innings against the New York Mets. Perez was throttled in his lone career meeting with Washington, permitting four runs on two hits in one-third of an inning in relief.
WALK-OFFS
1. Washington OF Jayson Werth has launched a homer among his four hits in the last three games after an 0-for-12 stretch in his previous three contests.
2. Atlanta SS Andrelton Simmons has hit safely in six straight games and eight of his last nine.
3. Nationals SS Ian Desmond is 7-for-15 with a homer, two RBIs and two runs scored during his four-game hitting streak.
PREDICTION: Nationals 4, Braves 2
Preview: Cubs at Reds
GAME: Chicago Cubs (92-65) at Cincinnati Reds (63-94)
DATE/TIME: Wednesday, September 30 - 7:10 PM EST
WHERE: Great American Ball Park, Cincinnati, Ohio
LINE: N/A TOTAL: N/A
The Chicago Cubs still have a chance at claiming home-field advantage for next week's probable wild-card game against the Pittsburgh Pirates and are facing the right opponent in terms of making up ground. Chicago posted a 4-1 victory over host Cincinnati in Tuesday's opener of a three-game set and the loss was the Reds' 10th in a row.
The Cubs trail Pittsburgh by three games with five remaining and need to sweep Cincinnati, which is mired in its worst skid since an 11-game slide in 1998. The Reds will likely be without All-Star third baseman Todd Frazier after he departed Tuesday's game because of a strained right Achilles' tendon. Frazier leads Cincinnati with 35 homers and also has 88 RBIs as one of the few bright spots for a team that collapsed in mid-August and is buried in a 12-32 rut. Cubs first baseman Anthony Rizzo is 1-for-22 over the last six games and is hitless in 14 career at-bats against scheduled Reds starter Anthony DeSclafani.
TV: 7:10 p.m. ET, WGN (Chicago), FSN Ohio (Cincinnati)
PITCHING MATCHUP: Cubs LH Jon Lester (10-12, 3.43 ERA) vs. Reds RH Anthony DeSclafani (9-12, 3.91)
Lester lost his last two starts - pivotal contests against fellow NL playoff teams St. Louis and Pittsburgh. He is two strikeouts away from reaching 200 for the third time in his career and five away from surpassing the franchise record for a left-hander held by Ken Holtzman (202 in 1970). Lester has a 4.74 ERA in three no-decisions against the Reds this season, striking out 18 and walking one in 19 innings.
DeSclafani has been roughed up in consecutive losses by allowing 12 runs (nine earned) and 17 hits in 10 2/3 innings. His poor outings came after he posted back-to-back victories in which he struck out 16 and gave up two runs and 11 hits in 13 1/3 innings. DeSclafani is 1-1 with a 2.67 ERA in five career starts against the Cubs and received a no-decision Sept. 1 when he gave up three runs and four hits in 5 2/3 innings.
WALK-OFFS
1. Cubs OF Chris Coghlan was hitless in four at-bats Tuesday and is 0-for-15 over his last six contests.
2. Cincinnati RF Jay Bruce is hitless in the last three contests and is 4-for-34 over his past nine games.
3. Chicago rookie 3B Kris Bryant has 19 RBIs in September and the next one will raise his count to 100.
PREDICTION: Cubs 6, Reds 3
GAME: Chicago Cubs (92-65) at Cincinnati Reds (63-94)
DATE/TIME: Wednesday, September 30 - 7:10 PM EST
WHERE: Great American Ball Park, Cincinnati, Ohio
LINE: N/A TOTAL: N/A
The Chicago Cubs still have a chance at claiming home-field advantage for next week's probable wild-card game against the Pittsburgh Pirates and are facing the right opponent in terms of making up ground. Chicago posted a 4-1 victory over host Cincinnati in Tuesday's opener of a three-game set and the loss was the Reds' 10th in a row.
The Cubs trail Pittsburgh by three games with five remaining and need to sweep Cincinnati, which is mired in its worst skid since an 11-game slide in 1998. The Reds will likely be without All-Star third baseman Todd Frazier after he departed Tuesday's game because of a strained right Achilles' tendon. Frazier leads Cincinnati with 35 homers and also has 88 RBIs as one of the few bright spots for a team that collapsed in mid-August and is buried in a 12-32 rut. Cubs first baseman Anthony Rizzo is 1-for-22 over the last six games and is hitless in 14 career at-bats against scheduled Reds starter Anthony DeSclafani.
TV: 7:10 p.m. ET, WGN (Chicago), FSN Ohio (Cincinnati)
PITCHING MATCHUP: Cubs LH Jon Lester (10-12, 3.43 ERA) vs. Reds RH Anthony DeSclafani (9-12, 3.91)
Lester lost his last two starts - pivotal contests against fellow NL playoff teams St. Louis and Pittsburgh. He is two strikeouts away from reaching 200 for the third time in his career and five away from surpassing the franchise record for a left-hander held by Ken Holtzman (202 in 1970). Lester has a 4.74 ERA in three no-decisions against the Reds this season, striking out 18 and walking one in 19 innings.
DeSclafani has been roughed up in consecutive losses by allowing 12 runs (nine earned) and 17 hits in 10 2/3 innings. His poor outings came after he posted back-to-back victories in which he struck out 16 and gave up two runs and 11 hits in 13 1/3 innings. DeSclafani is 1-1 with a 2.67 ERA in five career starts against the Cubs and received a no-decision Sept. 1 when he gave up three runs and four hits in 5 2/3 innings.
WALK-OFFS
1. Cubs OF Chris Coghlan was hitless in four at-bats Tuesday and is 0-for-15 over his last six contests.
2. Cincinnati RF Jay Bruce is hitless in the last three contests and is 4-for-34 over his past nine games.
3. Chicago rookie 3B Kris Bryant has 19 RBIs in September and the next one will raise his count to 100.
PREDICTION: Cubs 6, Reds 3
Preview: Twins at Indians
GAME: Minnesota Twins (81-75) at Cleveland Indians (77-78)
DATE/TIME: Wednesday, September 30 - 7:10 PM EST
WHERE: Progressive Field, Cleveland, Ohio
LINE: N/A TOTAL: N/A
The Minnesota Twins are playing solid baseball but it remains uncertain whether the team can land the American League's second wild-card berth entering Wednesday's doubleheader against the host Cleveland Indians. Minnesota has won six of its last eight games and it trails the Los Angeles Angels by 1 1/2 games for the final spot.
Minnesota won the opener of the four-game set before Tuesday's contest was rained out, while the Indians' wild-card hopes are on life support as they sit five games behind Los Angeles. Twins third baseman Trevor Plouffe is just 1-for-15 over his past four games but the lone hit was a two-run homer in Monday's three-run first inning. Cleveland left fielder Michael Brantley was scratched prior to Monday's postponement as he continues to struggle with the left shoulder soreness that recently caused him to miss four games. Brantley, who might be shut down for the season, hasn't gone deep in his last 11 games after opening September with four homers in nine contests.
TV: 7:40 p.m. ET, FSN North (Minnesota), SportsTime Ohio (Cleveland)
PITCHING MATCHUP: Twins RH Mike Pelfrey (6-10, 4.09 ERA) vs. Indians RH Cody Anderson (6-3, 3.31)
Pelfrey is 0-3 during a streak of seven winless starts. He has allowed one run three times during the stretch but also has lasted fewer than five innings three times. Pelfrey worked just 3 2/3 innings against the Indians on Aug. 7 when he gave up seven runs (four earned) and nine hits in a no-decision and is 2-1 with a 3.35 ERA in seven career outings.
Anderson has won four consecutive starts and has allowed four runs during the stretch. He got the victory against Gibson last week when he gave up one runs and 10 hits in 6 2/3 innings. Anderson was torched for six runs in 2 2/3 innings in a no-decision against the Twins on Aug. 7.
WALK-OFFS
1. Indians OF/3B Lonnie Chisenhall is 3-for-24 over the last seven contests.
2. Minnesota 2B Brian Dozier has homered just once in the last 19 games and is two shy of his first 30-homer campaign.
3. Cleveland 1B Carlos Santana is 3-for-29 over his past eight games but has two homers, one triple and eight RBIs during the stretch.
PREDICTION: Twins 4, Indians 3
GAME: Minnesota Twins (81-75) at Cleveland Indians (77-78)
DATE/TIME: Wednesday, September 30 - 7:10 PM EST
WHERE: Progressive Field, Cleveland, Ohio
LINE: N/A TOTAL: N/A
The Minnesota Twins are playing solid baseball but it remains uncertain whether the team can land the American League's second wild-card berth entering Wednesday's doubleheader against the host Cleveland Indians. Minnesota has won six of its last eight games and it trails the Los Angeles Angels by 1 1/2 games for the final spot.
Minnesota won the opener of the four-game set before Tuesday's contest was rained out, while the Indians' wild-card hopes are on life support as they sit five games behind Los Angeles. Twins third baseman Trevor Plouffe is just 1-for-15 over his past four games but the lone hit was a two-run homer in Monday's three-run first inning. Cleveland left fielder Michael Brantley was scratched prior to Monday's postponement as he continues to struggle with the left shoulder soreness that recently caused him to miss four games. Brantley, who might be shut down for the season, hasn't gone deep in his last 11 games after opening September with four homers in nine contests.
TV: 7:40 p.m. ET, FSN North (Minnesota), SportsTime Ohio (Cleveland)
PITCHING MATCHUP: Twins RH Mike Pelfrey (6-10, 4.09 ERA) vs. Indians RH Cody Anderson (6-3, 3.31)
Pelfrey is 0-3 during a streak of seven winless starts. He has allowed one run three times during the stretch but also has lasted fewer than five innings three times. Pelfrey worked just 3 2/3 innings against the Indians on Aug. 7 when he gave up seven runs (four earned) and nine hits in a no-decision and is 2-1 with a 3.35 ERA in seven career outings.
Anderson has won four consecutive starts and has allowed four runs during the stretch. He got the victory against Gibson last week when he gave up one runs and 10 hits in 6 2/3 innings. Anderson was torched for six runs in 2 2/3 innings in a no-decision against the Twins on Aug. 7.
WALK-OFFS
1. Indians OF/3B Lonnie Chisenhall is 3-for-24 over the last seven contests.
2. Minnesota 2B Brian Dozier has homered just once in the last 19 games and is two shy of his first 30-homer campaign.
3. Cleveland 1B Carlos Santana is 3-for-29 over his past eight games but has two homers, one triple and eight RBIs during the stretch.
PREDICTION: Twins 4, Indians 3
Preview: Tigers at Rangers
GAME: Detroit Tigers (73-84) at Texas Rangers (85-72)
DATE/TIME: Wednesday, September 30 - 8:05 PM EST
WHERE: Globe Life Park in Arlington, Arlington, Texas
LINE: N/A TOTAL: N/A
The Texas Rangers have halted a three-game skid and look to post another victory over Detroit when they host the Tigers in Wednesday's finale of a three-game set. Texas is in a three-team battle for the American League West crown and leads the Los Angeles Angels by two games and the Houston Astros by 2 1/2.
The Rangers are in a good position with five games remaining to land the division crown or a wild-card berth, but they close the season with four home games against the torrid Angels. Texas posted a 7-6 victory on Tuesday to end its slide but was in danger right until the end as center fielder Drew Stubbs raced to his left to haul down a drive in the gap from Ian Kinsler that would have given the Tigers the lead. Detroit right fielder J.D. Martinez slugged a two-run homer to push his RBI count to 101 - his first career 100-RBI campaign. Tigers designated hitter Victor Martinez (quadriceps) sat out the contest and is unlikely to play in the finale.
TV: 8:05 p.m. ET, FSN Detroit, FSN Southwest (Texas)
PITCHING MATCHUP: Tigers LH Matt Boyd (1-5, 6.91 ERA) vs. Rangers RH Yovani Gallardo (12-11, 3.42)
Boyd is winless in his past eight starts since winning his first of the season on Aug. 5. He received a no-decision against Minnesota in his last turn when he gave up four runs (two earned) and one hit in six innings. Boyd is 0-2 with a 4.97 ERA and four homers allowed in two career starts against Texas.
Gallardo is winless in his last three outings and hasn't worked longer than 5 1/3 innings during a stretch of six starts. He has a 6.23 ERA and has given up 23 hits in 14 innings over his last three turns and another loss would match his career worst of 12 from 2009 with Milwaukee. Gallardo defeated the Tigers on Aug. 22 with six innings of eight-hit shutout ball and is 1-1 with a 2.08 ERA in two career starts.
WALK-OFFS
1. Rangers LF Shin-Soo Choo went 2-for-5 with a homer on Tuesday and is 11-for-29 with three homers and nine RBIs during a seven-game hitting streak.
2. Detroit 3B Nick Castellanos (right index finger) left Tuesday's game in the opening inning and is listed as day-to-day.
3. Texas 3B Adrian Beltre had three hits and two RBIs on Tuesday and has recorded multiple hits in 11 of the past 17 games.
PREDICTION: Rangers 10, Tigers 8
GAME: Detroit Tigers (73-84) at Texas Rangers (85-72)
DATE/TIME: Wednesday, September 30 - 8:05 PM EST
WHERE: Globe Life Park in Arlington, Arlington, Texas
LINE: N/A TOTAL: N/A
The Texas Rangers have halted a three-game skid and look to post another victory over Detroit when they host the Tigers in Wednesday's finale of a three-game set. Texas is in a three-team battle for the American League West crown and leads the Los Angeles Angels by two games and the Houston Astros by 2 1/2.
The Rangers are in a good position with five games remaining to land the division crown or a wild-card berth, but they close the season with four home games against the torrid Angels. Texas posted a 7-6 victory on Tuesday to end its slide but was in danger right until the end as center fielder Drew Stubbs raced to his left to haul down a drive in the gap from Ian Kinsler that would have given the Tigers the lead. Detroit right fielder J.D. Martinez slugged a two-run homer to push his RBI count to 101 - his first career 100-RBI campaign. Tigers designated hitter Victor Martinez (quadriceps) sat out the contest and is unlikely to play in the finale.
TV: 8:05 p.m. ET, FSN Detroit, FSN Southwest (Texas)
PITCHING MATCHUP: Tigers LH Matt Boyd (1-5, 6.91 ERA) vs. Rangers RH Yovani Gallardo (12-11, 3.42)
Boyd is winless in his past eight starts since winning his first of the season on Aug. 5. He received a no-decision against Minnesota in his last turn when he gave up four runs (two earned) and one hit in six innings. Boyd is 0-2 with a 4.97 ERA and four homers allowed in two career starts against Texas.
Gallardo is winless in his last three outings and hasn't worked longer than 5 1/3 innings during a stretch of six starts. He has a 6.23 ERA and has given up 23 hits in 14 innings over his last three turns and another loss would match his career worst of 12 from 2009 with Milwaukee. Gallardo defeated the Tigers on Aug. 22 with six innings of eight-hit shutout ball and is 1-1 with a 2.08 ERA in two career starts.
WALK-OFFS
1. Rangers LF Shin-Soo Choo went 2-for-5 with a homer on Tuesday and is 11-for-29 with three homers and nine RBIs during a seven-game hitting streak.
2. Detroit 3B Nick Castellanos (right index finger) left Tuesday's game in the opening inning and is listed as day-to-day.
3. Texas 3B Adrian Beltre had three hits and two RBIs on Tuesday and has recorded multiple hits in 11 of the past 17 games.
PREDICTION: Rangers 10, Tigers 8
Preview: Royals at White Sox
GAME: Kansas City Royals (90-67) at Chicago White Sox (74-83)
DATE/TIME: Wednesday, September 30 - 8:10 PM EST
WHERE: U.S. Cellular Field, Chicago, Illinois
LINE: N/A TOTAL: N/A
The Kansas City Royals clinched the American League Central last week but are in danger of falling out of the race for home-field advantage throughout the postseason. The Royals seek their second win in six opportunities on Wednesday, when they continue a three-game set in Chicago against the White Sox.
Kansas City claimed its first division title since 1985 with a 10-4 rout of Seattle on Thursday, but its offense has been virtually nonexistent since, totaling 10 runs while dropping two of three to Cleveland, a makeup game versus the Chicago Cubs and the opener of this series. As a result, the Royals (90-67) quickly have fallen 1 ½ games behind the likely AL East champion Toronto Blue Jays (91-65) for the best record in the AL. The White Sox have won four straight against Kansas City after dropping 10 of the first 13 meetings in the season series. Adam Eaton continued to have his way with AL Central pitching, going 2-for-4 in the opener – including a two-run homer – to raise his average to .366 over the White Sox’s last 11 division games.
TV: 8:10 p.m. ET, FSN Kansas City, CSN Chicago
PITCHING MATCHUP: Royals RH Edinson Volquez (13-9, 3.65 ERA) vs. White Sox LH Jose Quintana (9-10, 3.38)
Volquez’s winless streak hit three starts following Friday’s 6-0 loss to Cleveland after he yielded three runs in six frames for the second consecutive outing. The 32-year-old Dominican is 1-2 with a 6.00 ERA in five turns this month and has recorded only one victory in his last six trips to the mound on the road, where he is 5-5 with a 3.82 ERA. Volquez pitched seven strong innings to get the win at home versus the White Sox on Aug. 7, improving to 2-2 with a 1.67 ERA in four starts against them this season.
Quintana continued his remarkable September with a no-decision at Detroit on Sept. 22, allowing one run and eight hits over seven innings to remain unbeaten in his last seven outings. The 26-year-old Colombian is 2-0 with a 1.00 ERA this month, working at least seven innings in three of those four turns while allowing fewer than two earned runs each time. Quintana has struggled in 17 career starts versus the Royals, however, going 1-6 with a 4.38 ERA – picking up the lone victory with seven scoreless frames at Kansas City on Sept. 5.
WALK-OFFS
1. Eaton, who is 10-for-19 with three home runs and six RBIs during the White Sox’s winning streak versus the Royals, has recorded four blasts and 11 RBIs in the season series – each total his highest against any opponent in 2015.
2. Half of Kansas City DH Kendrys Morales’ 22 home runs have come with two outs, while his 53 two-out RBIs are a franchise record.
3. Chicago 1B/DH Jose Abreu is one homer and two RBIs shy of joining Albert Pujols as the only players in major-league history to reach 30 and 100, respectively, in each of their first two seasons.
PREDICTION: White Sox 4, Royals 3
GAME: Kansas City Royals (90-67) at Chicago White Sox (74-83)
DATE/TIME: Wednesday, September 30 - 8:10 PM EST
WHERE: U.S. Cellular Field, Chicago, Illinois
LINE: N/A TOTAL: N/A
The Kansas City Royals clinched the American League Central last week but are in danger of falling out of the race for home-field advantage throughout the postseason. The Royals seek their second win in six opportunities on Wednesday, when they continue a three-game set in Chicago against the White Sox.
Kansas City claimed its first division title since 1985 with a 10-4 rout of Seattle on Thursday, but its offense has been virtually nonexistent since, totaling 10 runs while dropping two of three to Cleveland, a makeup game versus the Chicago Cubs and the opener of this series. As a result, the Royals (90-67) quickly have fallen 1 ½ games behind the likely AL East champion Toronto Blue Jays (91-65) for the best record in the AL. The White Sox have won four straight against Kansas City after dropping 10 of the first 13 meetings in the season series. Adam Eaton continued to have his way with AL Central pitching, going 2-for-4 in the opener – including a two-run homer – to raise his average to .366 over the White Sox’s last 11 division games.
TV: 8:10 p.m. ET, FSN Kansas City, CSN Chicago
PITCHING MATCHUP: Royals RH Edinson Volquez (13-9, 3.65 ERA) vs. White Sox LH Jose Quintana (9-10, 3.38)
Volquez’s winless streak hit three starts following Friday’s 6-0 loss to Cleveland after he yielded three runs in six frames for the second consecutive outing. The 32-year-old Dominican is 1-2 with a 6.00 ERA in five turns this month and has recorded only one victory in his last six trips to the mound on the road, where he is 5-5 with a 3.82 ERA. Volquez pitched seven strong innings to get the win at home versus the White Sox on Aug. 7, improving to 2-2 with a 1.67 ERA in four starts against them this season.
Quintana continued his remarkable September with a no-decision at Detroit on Sept. 22, allowing one run and eight hits over seven innings to remain unbeaten in his last seven outings. The 26-year-old Colombian is 2-0 with a 1.00 ERA this month, working at least seven innings in three of those four turns while allowing fewer than two earned runs each time. Quintana has struggled in 17 career starts versus the Royals, however, going 1-6 with a 4.38 ERA – picking up the lone victory with seven scoreless frames at Kansas City on Sept. 5.
WALK-OFFS
1. Eaton, who is 10-for-19 with three home runs and six RBIs during the White Sox’s winning streak versus the Royals, has recorded four blasts and 11 RBIs in the season series – each total his highest against any opponent in 2015.
2. Half of Kansas City DH Kendrys Morales’ 22 home runs have come with two outs, while his 53 two-out RBIs are a franchise record.
3. Chicago 1B/DH Jose Abreu is one homer and two RBIs shy of joining Albert Pujols as the only players in major-league history to reach 30 and 100, respectively, in each of their first two seasons.
PREDICTION: White Sox 4, Royals 3
Preview: Rockies at Diamondbacks
GAME: Colorado Rockies (66-91) at Arizona Diamondbacks (76-81)
DATE/TIME: Wednesday, September 30 - 9:40 PM EST
WHERE: Chase Field, Phoenix, Arizona
LINE: N/A TOTAL: N/A
The Arizona Diamondbacks attempt to secure their second series victory when they host the National league West-rival Colorado Rockies on Wednesday in the middle contest of their three-game set. After capturing two of three at San Diego, the Diamondbacks outlasted the Rockies in Tuesday's series opener as they began their season-ending six-game homestand.
Phil Gosselin ended the 11-inning affair with a one-out RBI single as Arizona won for only the second time in its last six in the desert. The loss grounded a Colorado team that was coming off a three-game home sweep of the NL West champion Los Angeles Dodgers. Carlos Gonzalez belted his 40th home run, giving the Rockies multiple players with 40 in a season for the first time since Vinny Castilla, Andres Galarraga and Larry Walker all reached the plateau in 1997. Gonzalez joined Nolan Arenado (41), who lifted a sacrifice fly Tuesday to increase his major league-leading total to 127 RBIs.
TV: 9:40 p.m. ET, ROOT (Colorado), FSN Arizona
PITCHING MATCHUP: Rockies RH Chad Bettis (8-5, 4.38 ERA) vs. Diamondbacks RH Chase Anderson (6-6, 4.40)
Bettis is riding a string of three straight strong outings in which he's allowed a total of three runs over 18 innings. The 26-year-old Texan posted back-to-back victories before settling for a no-decision against Pittsburgh on Thursday after giving up two runs and seven hits in six frames. Bettis made three career relief appearances versus Arizona before struggling in a start on Aug. 31, surrendering four runs and 11 hits in six innings but escaping with a no-decision.
Wednesday's contest is slated to be the last of the season for Anderson, who enters with a four-start winless streak and one victory in his last seven outings. The 27-year-old Texan turned in one of his best performances of the year last Wednesday, allowing one hit - a solo homer - and two walks while recording a career-high 10 strikeouts over six innings at Los Angeles, but did not factor in the decision. Anderson remained at 3-3 lifetime against the Rockies after a no-decision at Colorado on Sept. 2 in which he yielded three runs and eight hits over five frames.
WALK-OFFS
1. Arenado has collected 11 homers and 32 RBIs this month, joining Troy Tulowitzki (15, 40 in 2010) as the only Rockies to reach double digits in homers and more than 30 RBIs in a September.
2. Arizona 1B Paul Goldschmidt has recorded an RBI in six of his last eight games.
3. Colorado SS Jose Reyes returned Tuesday after missing four games with an Achilles injury and went 3-for-5 for his first multi-hit effort in six contests.
PREDICTION: Rockies 5, Diamondbacks 2
GAME: Colorado Rockies (66-91) at Arizona Diamondbacks (76-81)
DATE/TIME: Wednesday, September 30 - 9:40 PM EST
WHERE: Chase Field, Phoenix, Arizona
LINE: N/A TOTAL: N/A
The Arizona Diamondbacks attempt to secure their second series victory when they host the National league West-rival Colorado Rockies on Wednesday in the middle contest of their three-game set. After capturing two of three at San Diego, the Diamondbacks outlasted the Rockies in Tuesday's series opener as they began their season-ending six-game homestand.
Phil Gosselin ended the 11-inning affair with a one-out RBI single as Arizona won for only the second time in its last six in the desert. The loss grounded a Colorado team that was coming off a three-game home sweep of the NL West champion Los Angeles Dodgers. Carlos Gonzalez belted his 40th home run, giving the Rockies multiple players with 40 in a season for the first time since Vinny Castilla, Andres Galarraga and Larry Walker all reached the plateau in 1997. Gonzalez joined Nolan Arenado (41), who lifted a sacrifice fly Tuesday to increase his major league-leading total to 127 RBIs.
TV: 9:40 p.m. ET, ROOT (Colorado), FSN Arizona
PITCHING MATCHUP: Rockies RH Chad Bettis (8-5, 4.38 ERA) vs. Diamondbacks RH Chase Anderson (6-6, 4.40)
Bettis is riding a string of three straight strong outings in which he's allowed a total of three runs over 18 innings. The 26-year-old Texan posted back-to-back victories before settling for a no-decision against Pittsburgh on Thursday after giving up two runs and seven hits in six frames. Bettis made three career relief appearances versus Arizona before struggling in a start on Aug. 31, surrendering four runs and 11 hits in six innings but escaping with a no-decision.
Wednesday's contest is slated to be the last of the season for Anderson, who enters with a four-start winless streak and one victory in his last seven outings. The 27-year-old Texan turned in one of his best performances of the year last Wednesday, allowing one hit - a solo homer - and two walks while recording a career-high 10 strikeouts over six innings at Los Angeles, but did not factor in the decision. Anderson remained at 3-3 lifetime against the Rockies after a no-decision at Colorado on Sept. 2 in which he yielded three runs and eight hits over five frames.
WALK-OFFS
1. Arenado has collected 11 homers and 32 RBIs this month, joining Troy Tulowitzki (15, 40 in 2010) as the only Rockies to reach double digits in homers and more than 30 RBIs in a September.
2. Arizona 1B Paul Goldschmidt has recorded an RBI in six of his last eight games.
3. Colorado SS Jose Reyes returned Tuesday after missing four games with an Achilles injury and went 3-for-5 for his first multi-hit effort in six contests.
PREDICTION: Rockies 5, Diamondbacks 2
Preview: Astros at Mariners
GAME: Houston Astros (83-75) at Seattle Mariners (75-83)
DATE/TIME: Wednesday, September 30 - 10:10 PM EST
WHERE: Safeco Field, Seattle, Washington
LINE: N/A TOTAL: N/A
The Houston Astros suffered a devastating defeat in their pursuit of a playoff spot and attempt to bounce back when they visit the Seattle Mariners on Wednesday. Houston dropped a 6-4 decision to Seattle on Tuesday, allowing the Los Angeles Angels to take possession of the American League's second wild-card spot.
The Astros are a half-game behind the streaking Angels for the wild card and slipped to 2 1/2 behind the first-place Texas Rangers in the AL West. Houston is just 30-47 on the road and all its remaining games are away games with the series finale against the Mariners followed by a three-game trip to Arizona. Seattle snapped a six-game skid Tuesday with outfielder Shawn O'Malley delivering a tiebreaking two-run single in the bottom of the eighth. Mariners left fielder Franklin Gutierrez is 10-for-23 with three homers and two doubles against scheduled Astros starter Scott Kazmir.
TV: 10:10 p.m. ET, ROOT (Houston, Seattle)
PITCHING MATCHUP: Astros LH Scott Kazmir (7-11, 2.97 ERA) vs. Mariners TBA
Kazmir is winless in his last six starts and was shelled by Texas in his last outing. He gave up six runs and 10 hits in 3 2/3 innings while suffering his third straight defeat and is just 2-6 with a 3.91 ERA in 12 starts since being acquired from the Oakland Athletics. Kazmir is 1-0 with a 1.46 ERA in two 2015 outings against Seattle and stands 5-4 with a 3.08 ERA in 15 career starts.
Seattle was hoping left-hander James Paxton would make this start but the hurler who was limited to 13 starts due to injury was shut down for the season Tuesday. Mariners manager Lloyd McClendon is opting for a bullpen approach and declined to say which pitcher would start the game in his postgame news conference. Possible candidates to be the first on the mound include right-hander Mayckol Guaipe (0-3, 5.32) and left-hander David Rollins (0-2, 7.88 ERA).
WALK-OFFS
1. Mariners 2B Robinson Cano hit his 20th homer and had three RBIs on Tuesday to extend his hitting streak to 12 games.
2. Houston 3B Jed Lowrie is 1-for-20 over his past six contests and left Tuesday's game with quadriceps soreness.
3. Seattle RF Nelson Cruz is 0-for-11 with nine strikeouts over the last three games.
PREDICTION: Astros 5, Mariners 4
GAME: Houston Astros (83-75) at Seattle Mariners (75-83)
DATE/TIME: Wednesday, September 30 - 10:10 PM EST
WHERE: Safeco Field, Seattle, Washington
LINE: N/A TOTAL: N/A
The Houston Astros suffered a devastating defeat in their pursuit of a playoff spot and attempt to bounce back when they visit the Seattle Mariners on Wednesday. Houston dropped a 6-4 decision to Seattle on Tuesday, allowing the Los Angeles Angels to take possession of the American League's second wild-card spot.
The Astros are a half-game behind the streaking Angels for the wild card and slipped to 2 1/2 behind the first-place Texas Rangers in the AL West. Houston is just 30-47 on the road and all its remaining games are away games with the series finale against the Mariners followed by a three-game trip to Arizona. Seattle snapped a six-game skid Tuesday with outfielder Shawn O'Malley delivering a tiebreaking two-run single in the bottom of the eighth. Mariners left fielder Franklin Gutierrez is 10-for-23 with three homers and two doubles against scheduled Astros starter Scott Kazmir.
TV: 10:10 p.m. ET, ROOT (Houston, Seattle)
PITCHING MATCHUP: Astros LH Scott Kazmir (7-11, 2.97 ERA) vs. Mariners TBA
Kazmir is winless in his last six starts and was shelled by Texas in his last outing. He gave up six runs and 10 hits in 3 2/3 innings while suffering his third straight defeat and is just 2-6 with a 3.91 ERA in 12 starts since being acquired from the Oakland Athletics. Kazmir is 1-0 with a 1.46 ERA in two 2015 outings against Seattle and stands 5-4 with a 3.08 ERA in 15 career starts.
Seattle was hoping left-hander James Paxton would make this start but the hurler who was limited to 13 starts due to injury was shut down for the season Tuesday. Mariners manager Lloyd McClendon is opting for a bullpen approach and declined to say which pitcher would start the game in his postgame news conference. Possible candidates to be the first on the mound include right-hander Mayckol Guaipe (0-3, 5.32) and left-hander David Rollins (0-2, 7.88 ERA).
WALK-OFFS
1. Mariners 2B Robinson Cano hit his 20th homer and had three RBIs on Tuesday to extend his hitting streak to 12 games.
2. Houston 3B Jed Lowrie is 1-for-20 over his past six contests and left Tuesday's game with quadriceps soreness.
3. Seattle RF Nelson Cruz is 0-for-11 with nine strikeouts over the last three games.
PREDICTION: Astros 5, Mariners 4
Preview: Brewers at Padres
GAME: Milwaukee Brewers (67-90) at San Diego Padres (73-84)
DATE/TIME: Wednesday, September 30 - 10:10 PM EST
WHERE: Petco Park, San Diego, California
LINE: N/A TOTAL: N/A
The Milwaukee Brewers seek their first series victory in seven tries when they visit the San Diego Padres on Wednesday for the middle contest of their three-game set. Milwaukee, which hasn't captured a series since taking two of three at Cincinnati from Sept. 5-6, took the first step toward accomplishing the feat with a 4-3 triumph in Tuesday's opener.
Jean Segura was the hitting star for the Brewers, going 2-for-4 with a homer and three RBIs after failing to drive in a run over his previous 10 contests. San Diego watched a 3-2 lead disappear thanks to Segura's two-run blast in the sixth inning as it fell to 3-4 on its nine-game homestand. Matt Kemp plated a run with a third-inning single before exiting the contest in the fifth with a right hand injury. The RBI was his 100th of the season, marking the third time he has reached the century mark in his career and first since recording a personal-best 126 with the Los Angeles Dodgers in 2011.
TV: 10:10 p.m. ET, FSN Wisconsin (Milwaukee), FSN San Diego
PITCHING MATCHUP: Brewers RH Zach Davies (2-2, 4.67 ERA) vs. Padres RH Andrew Cashner (6-15, 4.21)
Davies came up with the best effort of his rookie season last Wednesday, when he allowed only two hits and a walk in six scoreless innings at Chicago to notch the victory over the Cubs. The 22-year-old native of Washington won just one of his previous four major-league starts, yielding three or more runs in each of the other three outings. Davies, who will be facing San Diego for the first time, is 2-1 with a 3.78 ERA in three turns on the road.
Cashner produced his second straight solid performance and third in four turns last Wednesday but settled for a no-decision after allowing two runs and two hits in six innings against San Francisco. The 29-year-old Texan had some control problems, however, as he issued five walks for the second time in three outings. Cashner fell to 2-2 lifetime against the Brewers on Aug. 4 despite giving up only two runs on eight hits and four walks in six frames at Milwaukee.
WALK-OFFS
1. Kemp, who has gone seven games without a home run, will be re-evaluated Wednesday.
2. Milwaukee 1B Adam Lind recorded his 87th RBI on Tuesday, his highest total since finishing with that amount in 2011 with Toronto.
3. San Diego has allowed 104 runs in the first inning this season after yielding 89 last year.
PREDICTION: Padres 6, Brewers 4
GAME: Milwaukee Brewers (67-90) at San Diego Padres (73-84)
DATE/TIME: Wednesday, September 30 - 10:10 PM EST
WHERE: Petco Park, San Diego, California
LINE: N/A TOTAL: N/A
The Milwaukee Brewers seek their first series victory in seven tries when they visit the San Diego Padres on Wednesday for the middle contest of their three-game set. Milwaukee, which hasn't captured a series since taking two of three at Cincinnati from Sept. 5-6, took the first step toward accomplishing the feat with a 4-3 triumph in Tuesday's opener.
Jean Segura was the hitting star for the Brewers, going 2-for-4 with a homer and three RBIs after failing to drive in a run over his previous 10 contests. San Diego watched a 3-2 lead disappear thanks to Segura's two-run blast in the sixth inning as it fell to 3-4 on its nine-game homestand. Matt Kemp plated a run with a third-inning single before exiting the contest in the fifth with a right hand injury. The RBI was his 100th of the season, marking the third time he has reached the century mark in his career and first since recording a personal-best 126 with the Los Angeles Dodgers in 2011.
TV: 10:10 p.m. ET, FSN Wisconsin (Milwaukee), FSN San Diego
PITCHING MATCHUP: Brewers RH Zach Davies (2-2, 4.67 ERA) vs. Padres RH Andrew Cashner (6-15, 4.21)
Davies came up with the best effort of his rookie season last Wednesday, when he allowed only two hits and a walk in six scoreless innings at Chicago to notch the victory over the Cubs. The 22-year-old native of Washington won just one of his previous four major-league starts, yielding three or more runs in each of the other three outings. Davies, who will be facing San Diego for the first time, is 2-1 with a 3.78 ERA in three turns on the road.
Cashner produced his second straight solid performance and third in four turns last Wednesday but settled for a no-decision after allowing two runs and two hits in six innings against San Francisco. The 29-year-old Texan had some control problems, however, as he issued five walks for the second time in three outings. Cashner fell to 2-2 lifetime against the Brewers on Aug. 4 despite giving up only two runs on eight hits and four walks in six frames at Milwaukee.
WALK-OFFS
1. Kemp, who has gone seven games without a home run, will be re-evaluated Wednesday.
2. Milwaukee 1B Adam Lind recorded his 87th RBI on Tuesday, his highest total since finishing with that amount in 2011 with Toronto.
3. San Diego has allowed 104 runs in the first inning this season after yielding 89 last year.
PREDICTION: Padres 6, Brewers 4
