Betting news, trends, odds and predictions from various handicappers and websites for Saturday 7/7/30/18
National League
Reds (39-49) @ Cubs (49-36)
Harvey is 3-0, 1.47 in his last three starts; under is 3-1 in his last four. Team in his starts: 6-4
5-inning record: 6-4. Allowed run in 1st inning: 4-10
Chatwood is 0-1, 5.40 in his last five starts; under is 3-1 in his last four. Team in his starts: 7-8.
5-inning record: 8-6-1. Allowed run in 1st inning: 4-15
Cincinnati is 14-4 in its last 18 games; over is 10-3 in their last 13 games. Cubs won six of their last seven games; over is 6-3 in their last nine games.
Marlins (36-54) @ Nationals (44-43)
Chen is 0-2, 5.06 in his last three starts; over is 4-2-1 in his last seven. Team in his starts: 6-7
5-inning record: 7-6. Allowed run in 1st inning: 3-13
Scherzer is 0-4, 2.73 in his last five starts; Nats were blanked in three of the four losses. His last seven starts stayed under. Team in his starts: 13-6.
5-inning record: 9-8-1. Allowed run in 1st inning: 4-18
Marlins split their last eight games; over is 7-2 in their last nine road games. Washington lost eight of its last 11 games, is 8-18 vs lefty starters; under is 7-3 in their last ten games.
Phillies (48-37) @ Pirates (40-47)
Arietta is 0-4, 8.80 in his last six starts; under is 5-3 in his last eight. Team in his starts: 7-9
5-inning record: 8-5-3. Allowed run in 1st inning: 3-16
Taillon is 1-1, 5.17 in his last three starts; over is 4-1 in his last five. Team in his starts: 9-8.
5-inning record: 8-7-2. Allowed run in 1st inning: 6-17
Phillies won seven of their last eight games; under is 8-2 in their last ten games. Pittsburgh lost five of its last six games; over is 7-1 in their last eight games.
Braves (49-38) @ Brewers (53-35)
Sanchez is 0-2, 5.17 in his last three starts; under is 4-1-1 in his last six. Team in his starts: 6-3.
5-inning record: 3-5-1. Allowed run in 1st inning: 4-9
Wilkerson is 1-0, 6.08 in four MLB games (2 starts, both LY). He is 2-2, 2.08 in eight AAA games this year (7 starts). Team in his starts: 0-0.
5-inning record: 0-0. Allowed run in 1st inning: 0-0
Braves lost their last three games; over is 11-4-1 in their last 16 road games. Milwaukee won seven of its last nine games; over is 8-2 in their last ten games.
Padres (38-52) @ Diamondbacks (49-40)
Ross is 0-3, 4.88 in his last four starts (under 3-1). Team in his starts: 10-7
5-inning record: 8-7-2. Allowed run in 1st inning: 2-17
Ray is 1-1, 4.55 in his last six starts (over 4-4). Team in his starts: 5-3
5-inning record: 4-2-2. Allowed run in 1st inning: 1-8
Padres are 4-13 in their last 17 games; they’re 9-18 vs lefty starters- under is 8-2-2 in their last 12 road games. Arizona lost six of its last eight games; under is 9-3-2 in their last 14 games.
Cardinals (45-42) @ Giants (46-44)
Martinez is 2-0, 3.00 in his last two starts; over is 5-0-1 in his last six. Team in his starts: 8-6
5-inning record: 6-6-2. Allowed run in 1st inning: 6-14
Samardzija is 0-4, 7.92 in his last seven starts (over 5-1-2). Team in his starts: 2-6
5-inning record: 2-5-1. Allowed run in 1st inning: 4-8
Cardinals lost six of their last nine games; five of their last seven games went over. Giants lost four of their last five games; under is 9-3 in their last 12 games.
American League
New York (56-29) @ Toronto (41-46)
Severino is 4-0, 0.99 in his last four starts; under is 4-1 in his last five. Team in his starts: 16-2
5-inning record: 14-2-2. Allowed run in 1st inning: 3-18
Happ is 3-1, 4.22 in his last five starts; his last three went over. Team in his starts: 11-6.
5-inning record: 10-4-3. Allowed run in 1st inning: 4-17
New York won three of its last five games; they’re 21-6 vs lefty starters- under is 14-1 in their last 15 road games. Blue Jays lost three of their last five games; over is 7-5-1 in their last 13 home games.
A’s (48-40) @ Indians (49-37)
Jackson is 1-0, 2.12 in two starts this year (under 2-0). Team in his starts: 2-0
5-inning record: 0-2. Allowed run in 1st inning: 0-2
Kluber is 5-2, 3.54 in his last seven starts; over is 12-2 in his last 14. Team in his starts: 12-6.
5-inning record: 13-4-1. Allowed run in 1st inning: 6-18
A’s won eight of their last ten games; under is 5-2-1 in their last eight games. Cleveland won its last five games; over is 4-1 in their last five games.
Rangers (39-50) @ Tigers (39-51)
Hamels is 1-1, 5.48 in his last four starts; under is 5-2 in his last seven. Team in his starts: 6-11
5-inning record: 5-8-3. Allowed run in 1st inning: 7-17
Fiers is 0-2, 2.78 in his last five starts; under is 6-1 in his last seven. Team in his starts: 10-6.
5-inning record: 6-6-3. Allowed run in 1st inning: 5-16
Rangers lost four of their last five games; under is 10-4 in their last 14 road games. Detroit lost 14 of its last 17 games; they’re 13-10 vs lefty starters- under is 9-3 in their last 12 games.
White Sox (30-58) @ Astros (59-31)
Shields is 1-0, 0.66 in his last two starts; under is 11-2-1 in his last 14. Team in his starts: 6-12
5-inning record: 6-11-1. Allowed run in 1st inning: 6-18
Morton is 3-1, 2.10 in his last four starts; under is 4-1 in his last five. Team in his starts: 11-6
5-inning record: 10-4-3. Allowed run in 1st inning: 4-17
White Sox lost seven of their last nine games; over is 7-2 in their last nine road games. Houston won six of its last seven home games; seven of last eight Astro games stayed under.
Orioles (24-63) @ Twins (37-48)
Gausman is 1-0, 2.25 in his last three starts; under is 4-0-1 in his last five. Team in his starts: 5-12
5-inning record: 7-7-3. Allowed run in 1st inning: 6-17
Gibson is 0-2, 5.50 in his last three starts; over is 3-1 in his last four. Team in his starts: 7-10.
5-inning record: 8-8-1. Allowed run in 1st inning: 4-17
Orioles lost 11 of their last 12 games; seven of their last eight games stayed under. Minnesota is 4-11 in its last 15 games; under is 3-0 in their last three games.
Red Sox (60-29) @ Royals (25-62)
Price is 1-2, 7.05 in his last three starts; under is 3-1-1 in his last five. Team in his starts: 11-6
5-inning record: 7-6-4. Allowed run in 1st inning: 5-17
Keller is 1-2, 2.14 in six starts (under 4-2). Team in his starts: 2-4.
5-inning record: 3-2-1. Allowed run in 1st inning: 1-6
Boston won five of its last six games; over is 7-3-1 in their last 11 games. Royals lost their last seven games, are 13-17 vs lefty starters. Under is 6-3 in their last nine home games.
Interleague
Rays (43-44) @ Mets (35-49)
Snell is 3-0, 0.84 in his last three starts; under is 5-2 in his last seven, Team in his starts: 11-7 (under 5-2-1)
5-inning record: 11-4-3. Allowed run in 1st inning: 3-17
Matz is 1-1, 4.50 in his last three starts; under is 9-2 in his last 11. Team in his starts: 4-16.
5-inning record: 6-8-2. Allowed run in 1st inning: 4-16
Tampa Bay is 9-4 in its last 13 games, 15-12 vs lefty starters; under is 18-4 in their last 22 road games. Mets are 4-11 in their last 15 games, 9-14 vs lefty starters; four of their last six home games went over.
Dodgers (47-40) @ Angels (45-44)
Stripling is 1-1, 3.80 in his last four starts (under 7-5). Team in his starts: 7-5
5-inning record: 8-3-1. Allowed run in 1st inning: 1-12
McGuire allowed five runs in 3.2 IP in his first ’18 start. Team in his starts: 0-1.
5-inning record: 0-1. Allowed run in 1st inning: 0-1
Dodgers won four of their last five games; four of LA’s last five games went over the total. Angels are 4-8 in their last 12 games; six of their last eight games stayed under.
Rockies (45-43) @ Mariners (56-33)
Freeland is 2-0, 2.00 in his last four starts; under is 11-2 in his last 13. Team in his starts: 9-8
5-inning record: 8-5-4. Allowed run in 1st inning: 4-17
Paxton is 2-1, 2.70 in his last three starts (under 3-0). Team in his starts: 12-6.
5-inning record: 8-6-4. Allowed run in 1st inning: 4-18
Rockies won seven of its last eight games; they’re 18-17 vs lefty starters. Under is 8-2 in their last ten games. Seattle won nine of its last 11 games; they’re 16-12 vs lefty starters. Under is 9-3 in their last 12 games.
Umpires
Cin-Chi- Over is 12-3-2 in Johnson games this year.
StL-SF- Favorites won last ten Conroy games.
Phil-Pitt- Six of last seven Ortiz games went over.
Atl-Mil- Six of last seven Hudson games stayed under.
Mia-Wsh- Underdogs are 7-4 in last 11 Wegner games.
SD-Az- Under is 5-3-1 in last nine Gonzalez games.
Balt-Min- Under is 5-0-1 in Mahrley games last two years.
NY-Tor- Over is 9-4-2 in last 15 LBarrett games.
Chi-Hst- Favorites won six of last eight Hernandez games.
Tex-Det- Under is 9-3 in last dozen Meals games.
A’s-Clev- Under is 9-5-1 in last 15 Scheurwater games.
Bos-KC- Under is 7-3 in last ten Holbrook games.
TB-NY- Six of last seven Lentz games stayed under.
Col-Sea- Underdogs are 4-3 in last seven Foster games.
LA-LAA- Six of last eight Winters games went over.
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Baltimore Orioles vs. Minnesota Twins Preview and Predictions 07-07-2018 in MLB
MLB Previews 7th July 2018 by Gracenote
Orioles vs. Twins Preview and Predictions
by Gracenote on 07/07/2018
The Minnesota Twins are already well on their way towards erasing the bad vibes that were created from their recently completed 1-8 road trip. The Twins eye their first three-game winning streak since the beginning of June and attempt to continue their recent domination of the Baltimore Orioles on Saturday when the teams meet for the third contest in a four-game set.
Minnesota returned home Thursday after getting swept in back-to-back series by the Chicago Cubs and Milwaukee Brewers and promptly snapped a six-game skid by getting strong performances from rookies Aaron Slegers and Jake Cave in a 5-2 victory. It was the veterans' turn to rise to the challenge in Friday's 6-2 triumph, as Max Kepler belted a two-run homer to help the Twins race out to an early six-run lead while Lance Lynn held the Orioles in check over six innings. Minnesota has outscored Baltimore 26-9 while taking four of the five meetings this season and won 10 of the last 13 contests between the teams. The Orioles have dropped 11 of their 12 overall, scoring three runs or fewer 10 times over that span.
TV: 2:10 p.m. ET, MLB Network, MASN2 (Baltimore), FS North (Minnesota)
PITCHING MATCHUP: Orioles RH Kevin Gausman (4-6, 4.05 ERA) vs. Twins RH Kyle Gibson (2-6, 3.58)
Gausman earned his first victory in nine starts since May 11 on Sunday against the Los Angeles Angels, allowing two runs and six hits across eight innings. The LSU product is winless in eight road turns this season but has yielded two or fewer runs in four consecutive outings overall, posting a 2.46 ERA and 1.09 WHIP over that stretch. Brian Dozier (5-for-18) and Eduardo Escobar (3-for-10) have each homered versus Gausman, who was pounded for six runs over four frames in his season debut against Minnesota on April 1.
Gibson was afforded an unusual amount of run support but could not take advantage Monday at Milwaukee, settling for a no-decision after permitting four runs (three earned) over five innings. The 30-year-old has surrendered more than three earned runs only once in his last seven outings, but Minnesota has won only two of those games and backed him with an average of two runs in the five losses. Gibson walked five but threw six no-hit innings to beat Baltimore in his season debut on March 31.
WALK-OFFS
1. Kepler has hit safely in 11 of his 12 career games against the Orioles, batting .391 with four homers and 15 RBIs in those contests.
2. Baltimore has not scored more than three runs in any game against Minnesota this season.
3. Minnesota 1B Joe Mauer is a career .339 hitter versus the Orioles and needs one more double to pass Kirby Puckett (414) for the most in club history.
PREDICTION: Twins 5, Orioles 3
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Cincinnati Reds vs. Chicago Cubs Preview and Predictions 07-07-2018 in MLB
MLB Previews 7th July 2018 by Gracenote
Reds vs. Cubs Preview and Predictions
by Gracenote on 07/07/2018
The Cincinnati Reds have brought out their best when they face the Chicago Cubs, and they'll try to continue their dominance in the season series when the teams square off Saturday afternoon in the middle contest of their three-game series at Wrigley Field. Cincinnati took the opener 3-2 on Friday, improving to 7-3 against the Cubs this campaign.
The Reds have won five straight against Chicago for the first time since 2014, and though they remain in last place in the National League Central, they've won 14 of their last 18 overall. The loss snapped the Cubs' season-high six-game winning streak, as well as their string of seven straight home victories. After scoring 56 runs during the six consecutive triumphs, Chicago went 0-for-7 with runners in scoring position and left nine on base Friday. The offensive woes are nothing new for the Cubs against the Reds, as they've scored three or fewer runs in five of their 10 meetings.
TV: 2:20 p.m. ET, MLB Network, FS Ohio (Cincinnati), NBCS Chicago
PITCHING MATCHUP: Reds RH Matt Harvey (4-5, 4.91 ERA) vs. Cubs RH Tyler Chatwood (3-5, 4.54)
Harvey is showing signs of regaining the form he showed early in his career, as he has allowed three runs over 18 1/3 innings while recording three straight wins. The 29-year-old dominated first-place Milwaukee last time out, striking out six and allowing two hits over 5 2/3 scoreless frames. Harvey beat the Cubs on June 21, improving to 2-1 with a 4.23 ERA in five career starts against Chicago.
Chatwood endured a rocky outing in his first start since coming off the paternity list, as he allowed seven runs over five innings in a no-decision against Minnesota. The 28-year-old issued three walks, running his major league-high total to 66 in 73 1/3 frames. Chatwood is 0-4 with a 4.18 ERA in five career starts against the Reds.
WALK-OFFS
1. Cubs C Willson Contreras is 10-for-18 with four extra-base hits during his five-game hitting streak and has registered a career-high four straight multi-hit performances.
2. Reds 1B Joey Votto has recorded 103 career hits at Wrigley Field, most among active visiting players.
3. Cincinnati 3B Eugenio Suarez is 12-for-35 during his nine-game hitting streak.
PREDICTION: Reds 5, Cubs 3
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Philadelphia Phillies vs. Pittsburgh Pirates Preview and Predictions 07-07-2018 in MLB
MLB Previews 7th July 2018 by Gracenote
Phillies vs. Pirates Preview and Predictions
by Gracenote on 07/07/2018
The Philadelphia Phillies have surged into a tie for the lead in the National League East, and if their performance against the Pittsburgh Pirates continues, they'll have a chance to keep climbing this weekend. The Phillies aim for a sixth straight victory when they visit the Pirates for the middle contest of their three-game series on Saturday.
The Phillies have won five in a row and seven of their last eight after rolling to a 17-5 rout in the series opener, pulling into a tie with Atlanta atop the division. After leaning on dominant pitching for its previous four victories, Philadelphia collected 18 hits in Friday's rout. Pittsburgh has lost four straight as its pitching staff has been beaten up, allowing 48 runs - and 12 homers - during the skid. The Phillies have won all five meetings with the Pirates this season, outscoring them 35-10.
TV: 4:05 p.m. ET, NBCS Philadelphia, AT&T SportsNet-Pittsburgh
PITCHING MATCHUP: Phillies RH Jake Arrieta (5-6, 3.54 ERA) vs. Pirates RH Jameson Taillon (5-6, 4.05)
Arrieta is winless in his last six turns, recording only one quality start over that stretch. The 32-year-old pitched better last time out, allowing three runs - two earned - over five innings in a no-decision against Washington. Arrieta is 11-6 with a 3.01 ERA in 21 career starts against the Pirates, including a victory on April 19 in which he struck out 10 and allowed one hit over seven scoreless frames.
Taillon was excellent in June, going 3-2 with a 2.90 ERA, but he didn't have his best stuff in his first outing of July. The 26-year-old allowed four runs - three earned - over 4 2/3 innings in a no-decision at San Diego on Sunday. Taillon gave up five runs in 1 2/3 frames at Philadelphia on April 19, falling to 1-1 with a 5.68 ERA in three career starts against the Phillies.
WALK-OFFS
1. Phillies C Andrew Knapp is 10-for-24 with three homers during his seven-game hitting streak.
2. Pirates 2B Josh Harrison went 3-for-4 with a double and an RBI on Friday to snap a 1-for-16 slump.
3. Philadelphia CF Odubel Herrera, who homered and drove in four runs on Friday, is 4-for-7 with a homer versus Taillon.
PREDICTION: Phillies 7, Pirates 4
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St. Louis Cardinals vs. San Francisco Giants Preview and Predictions 07-07-2018 in MLB
MLB Previews 7th July 2018 by Gracenote
Cardinals vs. Giants Preview and Predictions
by Gracenote on 07/07/2018
After putting an end to their four-game overall slide, the San Francisco Giants aim for their sixth win in eight home contests when they continue their four-game series against the visiting St. Louis Cardinals on Saturday afternoon. The Giants scored only five runs during their losing streak and again struggled to cross the plate on Friday but managed to eke out a 3-2 victory and even the set at one win apiece.
Pablo Sandoval belted a solo homer and Andrew McCutchen snapped a 2-2 tie with an RBI single in the seventh inning as San Francisco limited St. Louis to five hits after surrendering 18 in the series-opening 11-2 loss. Jedd Gyorko and Kolten Wong each recorded two hits for the Cardinals on Friday, with the latter driving in both runs. Wong, who delivered an RBI double in the second inning and a run-scoring triple in the seventh, has gone 4-for-8 over the first two games of the set. Gyorko also is swinging a hot bat as he is 5-for-8 with a double, a triple, a homer and five RBIs in the series.
TV: 4:05 p.m. ET, FS Midwest (St. Louis), NBCS Bay Area (San Francisco)
PITCHING MATCHUP: Cardinals RH Carlos Martinez (5-4, 3.20 ERA) vs. Giants RH Jeff Samardzija (1-4, 6.56)
Martinez has put together back-to-back solid outings after being pounded at Milwaukee on June 21, allowing two runs over six innings in each - victories over Cleveland at home and Arizona on the road. The 26-year-old Dominican registered 15 strikeouts and issued only three walks in the triumphs while also keeping the ball in the park. Martinez, who owns a 4.32 ERA on the road and a 2.38 mark at home, is 2-1 with a 3.09 ERA in three career starts and two relief appearances against the Giants.
Samardzija returns from shoulder tightness to make his first start since May 29 - a loss at Colorado in which he gave up two runs and three hits in one inning before exiting with the ailment. The 33-year-old native of Indiana, who is winless since his season debut against the Los Angeles Angels on April 20, has made only three of his eight starts this year at home. Samardzija owns a 4-4 record and 3.68 ERA in 23 career games (12 starts) versus the Cardinals.
WALK-OFFS
1. The Cardinals activated SS Paul DeJong (hand), who went 1-for-3 and scored twice, from the 10-day disabled list on Friday and optioned LHP Austin Gomber to Triple-A Memphis.
2. San Francisco 2B Joe Panik left Friday's win with a strained left groin and is expected to land on the DL.
3. St. Louis sent LHP Tyler Lyons (elbow) and RHP Luke Gregerson (shoulder) to Memphis on rehab assignments.
PREDICTION: Cardinals 8, Giants 3
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New York Yankees vs. Toronto Blue Jays Preview and Predictions 07-07-2018 in MLB
MLB Previews 7th July 2018 by Gracenote
Yankees vs. Blue Jays Preview and Predictions
by Gracenote on 07/07/2018
Luis Severino has emerged as a bona fide ace for the New York Yankees, leading the major leagues in wins and looking like the starter for the American League in the All-Star Game. Severino could be facing a future teammate in his next start when the Yankees resume their three-game series at the Toronto Blue Jays on Saturday afternoon.
Severino, who will match his career-high win total with his next victory, is 2-0 with a 0.71 ERA versus the Blue Jays this season, allowing one run and four hits over 12 2/3 innings. He will be opposed by left-hander J.A. Happ, a 10-game winner for Toronto who has been the subject of rampant trade speculation -- with New York considered among the top suitors. Justin Smoak clubbed a three-run homer to spark a five-run second inning as the Blue Jays won the series opener 6-2 to improve to 4-7 against the Yankees this season. Aaron Hicks drove in both runs for New York, including his career-high 16th homer -- his fifth blast in the last five games.
TV: 4:07 p.m. ET, YES (New York), SNET (Toronto)
PITCHING MATCHUP: Yankees RH Luis Severino (13-2, 1.98 ERA) vs. Blue Jays LH J.A. Happ (10-4, 4.03)
Severino has won four consecutive starts and has not allowed a run in three of them, including 13 2/3 scoreless innings over his last two turns. He blanked the Boston Red Sox on two hits over 6 2/3 innings last time out -- the fifth time in his last eight starts he has permitted four hits or fewer. Smoak has had success against Severino, going 6-for-16 with a pair of home runs.
Happ had his six-game winning streak halted by Detroit on Sunday, getting tagged for seven runs and 10 hits to absorb his first defeat since May 10. He has surrendered four of his 14 homers in his last three turns and also yielded a two-run shot to Giancarlo Stanton in an Opening Day loss to New York. Happ won both his starts against the Yankees last season, giving up a combined two runs.
WALK-OFFS
1. Hicks has homered nine times in the last 16 games.
2. Blue Jays 3B Yangervis Solarte is 5-for-12 during a three-game hitting streak.
3. Yankees RHP Masahiro Tanaka will return from the disabled list on Tuesday to start against Baltimore.
PREDICTION: Yankees 5, Blue Jays 1
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Texas Rangers vs. Detroit Tigers Preview and Predictions 07-07-2018 in MLB
MLB Previews 6th July 2018 by Gracenote
Rangers vs. Tigers Preview and Predictions
by Gracenote on 07/06/2018
The Detroit Tigers seek consecutive home wins for the first time in nearly a month when they continue a four-game set with the Texas Rangers on Saturday. The Tigers had lost five straight at Comerica Park after dropping the series opener Thursday night, but they bounced back behind resurgent veteran Jordan Zimmermann to win the second game 3-1.
Zimmermann tossed eight solid innings with 11 strikeouts and James McCann's two-run homer held up as Detroit defeated Texas for just the sixth time in the last 23 meetings. Shin-Soo Choo provided all the offense for the Rangers with his 17th homer of the year as he extended his on-base streak to 45 games, one shy of Julio Franco's club record. Choo is 4-for-13 with three walks in his career against Mike Fiers, who starts for the Tigers on Saturday. Cole Hamels gets the nod for Texas, which is two games into a 10-game, 11-day road trip.
TV: 4:10 p.m. ET, FS Southwest (Texas), FS Detroit
PITCHING MATCHUP: Rangers LH Cole Hamels (4-7, 4.05 ERA) vs. Tigers RH Mike Fiers (5-5, 3.79)
Hamels is coming off back-to-back rocky home turns in which he gave up 11 combined runs on 18 hits over 10 innings. Those efforts left him 1-6 with a 5.83 ERA at home, something that could be solved in the likely event the veteran southpaw is traded away from Texas. He is 3-1 with a 2.05 mark in eight road outings and has a 1.80 ERA in three career starts at Comerica Park.
Fiers is winless in his last five outings but has been dominant over the past two turns, allowing two runs in 15 combined innings. He lasted a season-high eight frames and yielded three hits in a no-decision at Toronto on Monday. The 33-year-old limited the Rangers to two runs in 5 1/3 frames to get the victory at Texas on May 8 but owns an 8.10 ERA in seven career encounters (six starts).
WALK-OFFS
1. Rangers 3B Adrian Beltre is 0-for-8 in the series and remains two hits behind Hall of Famer Dave Winfield (3,110) for 20th on the all-time list.
2. Tigers closer RHP Shane Greene was diagnosed with right shoulder inflammation after tests on his shoulder showed no significant issues.
3. Texas is 14-11 against the American League Central and 25-39 against all other opponents.
PREDICTION: Tigers 5, Rangers 4
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Atlanta Braves vs. Milwaukee Brewers Preview and Predictions 07-07-2018 in MLB
MLB Previews 7th July 2018 by Gracenote
Braves vs. Brewers Preview and Predictions
by Gracenote on 07/07/2018
The Milwaukee Brewers have relied on their power to vault to the top of the National League Central standings, and enter Saturday's home game against the Atlanta Braves look to continue blasting balls over the outfield fence. The Brewers beat Atlanta for the second consecutive game Friday, riding homers from Tyler Saladino and Jesus Aguilar in a five-run third inning en route to a 5-4 victory, marking the 12th consecutive game in which Milwaukee has homered.
Aguilar belted his 20th homer of the season in the midst of a three-hit night and Milwaukee has connected for 20 homers in its past dozen games - during which the Brewers are 8-4 to improve to 46-14 for the season when hitting at least one homer. The Braves have lost four games in a row for the first time all season, and enter Saturday tied with the Phillies for first place in the NL East. Atlanta made it interesting Friday with a three-run seventh to pull within one run as Nick Markakis finished with three hits. Ozzie Albies doubled in the first, his NL-leading 50th extra-base hit of the season.
TV: 4:10 p.m. ET, Fox Sports 1
PITCHING MATCHUP: Braves RH Anibal Sanchez (3-2, 2.89 ERA) vs. Brewers RH Aaron Wilkerson (0-0, 15.00)
Sanchez makes his 10th start of the season and seeks to snap a three-start winless streak - a stretch that includes six innings of three-run, six-hit pitching in a no-decision Monday against the New York Yankees. The 34-year-old surrendered six runs in 9 2/3 innings with five walks in back-to-back losses to Toronto and Cincinnati after he won two of his first four starts since returning from a hamstring injury. Sanchez is 2-2 with a 6.37 ERA in eight career starts against Milwaukee, but has not faced the Brewers since 2015 and has not beaten them since 2007.
Wilkerson is set for his first start in the majors this season after giving up five runs on five hits over three innings of relief Sunday against Cincinnati. The 29-year-old went 2-2 with a 2.08 ERA in eight games (seven starts) for Triple-A Colorado Springs this season following an 11-4 campaign with a 3.16 ERA in 24 starts last season for Double-A Biloxi. Wilkerson made three appearances (two starts) for Milwaukee at the end of 2017, going 1-0 with a 3.48 ERA while issuing only one walk in 10 1/3 innings.
WALK-OFFS
1. Atlanta LF Ronald Acuna left Friday's game with left groin tightness after legging out an infield single in the seventh.
2. Milwaukee RHP Corey Knebel has retired 19-of-24 leadoff hitters this season and earned his 11th save in 13 opportunities Friday.
3. Atlanta recalled RHP Evan Phillips from Triple-A Gwinnett on Friday and placed LHP Max Fried, who left Thursday's start after three innings due to a blister on his pitching hand, on the disabled list.
PREDICTION: Braves 6, Brewers 3
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Tampa Bay Rays vs. New York Mets Preview and Predictions 07-07-2018 in MLB
MLB Previews 7th July 2018 by Gracenote
Rays vs. Mets Preview and Predictions
by Gracenote on 07/07/2018
Tampa Bay Rays left-hander Blake Snell can surpass his win total from his first two major-league seasons combined when he goes for his 12th victory against the host New York Mets on Saturday afternoon. Much has been made of Tampa Bay's success in utilizing relievers to open games, but Snell ranks third in the American League in wins and ERA.
Snell has been remarkably consistent for Tampa Bay, allowing two earned runs or fewer in 15 of his 18 starts and yielding two runs and eight hits during his three-start winning streak. Tampa Bay continues to struggle away from home, dropping to 3-13 on the road since June 1 after Friday's 5-1 setback and scoring more than three runs just twice in that span. Jose Bautista, signed by the Mets in May after he was released by Atlanta, provided some late magic with a two-out grand slam in the bottom of the ninth in the series opener -- the first walk-off blast of his career. Steven Matz will start Saturday for New York, which has won three of four this month following a ghastly June that produced a 5-21 record..
TV: 4:10 p.m. ET, FS Sun (Tampa Bay), SNY (New York)
PITCHING MATCHUP: Rays LH Blake Snell (11-4, 2.24 ERA) vs. Mets LH Steven Matz (4-5, 3.46)
Snell won his third consecutive start by limiting reigning World Series champion Houston to one run and four hits over 7 1/3 innings while striking out 10 for the second straight outing. He has allowed 11 runs while going 7-1 over his last nine starts despite facing six opponents who are at least 20 games above .500 in that span. Snell is 5-3 with a 3.47 ERA in 11 road starts.
Matz, another pitcher who could be changing addresses before the trade deadline, earned the victory at Miami on Sunday by permitting one run (zero earned) and three hits over 5 1/3 innings. It was the seventh time in his last 11 starts that he allowed two earned runs or fewer. Matz is 1-3 with a 4.57 ERA in 11 starts at Citi Field and has yielded 11 homers in 43 1/3 innings.
WALK-OFFS
1. Mets SS Asdrúbal Cabrera is riding four-game hitting and RBI streaks.
2. Rays RHP Chris Archer (abdominal) will come off the disabled list and rejoin the rotation on Monday.
3. Mets RHP Jenrry Mejia, serving a lifetime ban, will be reinstated to resume baseball activities in spring training in 2019.
PREDICTION: Rays 4, Mets 2
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Oakland Athletics vs. Cleveland Indians Preview and Predictions 07-07-2018 in MLB
MLB Previews 7th July 2018 by Gracenote
Athletics vs. Indians Preview and Predictions
by Gracenote on 07/07/2018
Cleveland Indians ace Corey Kluber has won 18 games on three occasions, including in each of his American League Cy Young Award-winning seasons, and he's two-thirds of the way to matching his career-best total. Kluber can become the first Cleveland pitcher in 43 years to win 13 games by the All-Star break when he faces the visiting Oakland Athletics on Saturday.
The Indians ran their winning streak to five games with a 10-4 rout in the series opener as Jose Ramirez and Edwin Encarnacion each had two hits and three RBIs. Francisco Lindor also collected two hits and stole home on the back end of a double steal with Ramirez to give Cleveland its eighth consecutive victory at home. Oakland arrived in Cleveland having won eight of nine games but couldn't protect an early 2-0 lead courtesy of towering home runs from Dustin Fowler and Matt Olson. Kluber will be opposed by the well-traveled Edwin Jackson, who will be looking to beat Cleveland for the second time in eight days.
TV: 4:10 p.m. ET, NBCS California (Oakland), SportsTime Ohio (Cleveland)
PITCHING MATCHUP: Athletics RH Edwin Jackson (1-0, 2.13 ERA) vs. Indians RH Corey Kluber (12-4, 2.64)
Jackson has pitched superbly since he was promoted by Oakland late last month, tying a major-league record in his season debut by appearing with his 13th team. He settled for a no-decision despite tossing six innings of one-run ball and followed that up by earning the win last time out, limiting Cleveland to two runs over 6 2/3 innings. Yonder Alonso is 7-for-18 with two homers off Jackson.
Kluber bounced back from the shortest start of his career -- a 1 2/3-inning debacle at St. Louis -- by permitting three runs over six innings in a victory at Kansas City on Tuesday. He is 2-2 over his last four turns after opening the season with 14 consecutive quality starts. Kluber is 2-4 despite a 2.66 ERA against the Athletics and Matt Chapman is 3-for-3 with a pair of home runs off him.
WALK-OFFS
1. Ramirez and Lindor are the first pair of Cleveland teammates with at least 50 extra-base hits each in the first half.
2. Olson has 19 homers this season and 43 in his first 157 career games -- the fifth most in history.
3. Indians LF Michael Brantley has hit safely in six straight games.
PREDICTION: Indians 5, Athletics 3
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Chicago White Sox vs. Houston Astros Preview and Predictions 07-07-2018 in MLB
MLB Previews 7th July 2018 by Gracenote
White Sox vs. Astros Preview and Predictions
by Gracenote on 07/07/2018
The Houston Astros possess the second-highest scoring offense in the majors while the Chicago White Sox own baseball's second-worst team ERA, and both sides have held form in four of their five meetings this season. The Astros attempt to remain perfect this season against the visiting White Sox on Saturday in the third contest of their four-game series.
Evan Gattis belted a three-run homer to cap a seven-run eighth inning during Friday's 11-4 rout as the Astros reached the 10-run mark for the third time against Chicago this season. With the exception of Thursday's series opener (4-3), Houston has won each contest by at least six runs and outscored the White Sox 42-9 overall. While the Astros' fourth straight victory allowed them to maintain a two-game lead on Seattle in the American League West, Chicago has dropped seven of nine to fall 20 games behind Cleveland in the AL Central. One thing the White Sox have been doing right lately is hitting home runs - Avisail Garcia and Daniel Palka went back-to-back in the ninth inning on Friday to give Chicago 21 blasts over its last 14 games following a stretch during which the team hit six shots in 16 contests.
TV: 4:10 p.m. ET, WGN (Chicago), AT&T SportsNet-Southwest (Houston)
PITCHING MATCHUP: White Sox RH James Shields (3-9, 4.12 ERA) vs. Astros RH Charlie Morton (10-2, 2.55)
Shields has allowed a total of one run over 13 2/3 innings in his last two starts but settled for a no-decision Monday at Cincinnati, where he gave up one run in 6 2/3 frames. The one-time All-Star has permitted more than three earned runs only once in his last 10 trips to the mound, lowering his ERA by nearly 1 1/2 runs over that time. Josh Reddick is 9-for-28 with three homers against Shields, who was tagged for seven runs over 5 1/3 innings in a loss to Houston on April 20.
Morton hasn't surrendered a home run in his last five trips to the mound and is coming off the first back-to-back 10-strikeout efforts of his 11-year major-league career after fanning 11 over 6 2/3 innings during Sunday's hard-luck loss at Tampa Bay. The native of New Jersey struck out 13 in his previous outing and ranks 10th in the majors with 133. Morton is 7-1 with a 2.18 ERA in 10 home turns this season and tossed seven scoreless frames to get the victory in his only career start versus the White Sox in 2015.
WALK-OFFS
1. Astros 3B Alex Bregman is batting .409 with six doubles, five homers and 12 RBIs during his 11-game hitting streak.
2. Garcia is hitting .360 with seven homers over his last 11 contests.
3. Gattis has recorded 53 of his team-high 61 RBIs since May 1.
PREDICTION: Astros 8, White Sox 2
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Colorado Rockies vs. Seattle Mariners Preview and Predictions 07-07-2018 in MLB
MLB Previews 7th July 2018 by Gracenote
Rockies vs. Mariners Preview and Predictions
by Gracenote on 07/07/2018
Any talk about the Colorado Rockies being potential sellers at the July 31 non-waiver trade deadline has been quickly squelched by the team's current hot streak. The Rockies have climbed back into the tight National League West race and bring a four-game winning streak into Saturday afternoon's contest against the host Seattle Mariners.
Tony Wolters tripled twice and drove in three runs on Friday as Colorado opened the three-game interleague series with a dominant 7-1 victory. Charlie Blackmon went 3-for-5 with a homer and DJ LeMahieu added two RBIs for the Rockies, who have won seven of their last eight games to move two over .500. Seattle lost for just the second time in 11 contests despite three hits from Denard Span, who is 8-for-18 during his five-game hitting streak. Ben Gamel started in place of Mitch Haniger, who has missed the last two games due to a bruised knee but hopes to return Saturday.
TV: 4:10 p.m. ET, AT&T SportsNet-Rocky Mountain (Colorado), ROOT Northwest (Seattle)
PITCHING MATCHUP: Rockies LH Kyle Freeland (8-6, 3.25 ERA) vs. Mariners LH James Paxton (8-2, 3.39)
Freeland continued to impress on Monday, allowing two runs and three hits over seven innings in a 5-2 victory over San Francisco. The 25-year-old native of Denver has gone 2-0 with a 2.00 ERA over 27 frames in his last four starts. "There is a poise factor that comes into play when you're playing this game," manager Bud Black told reporters. "He's learning this at the highest level. I love the day that Kyle pitches."
Paxton won his second straight start on Sunday, giving up two hits and striking out 11 batters over eight innings of a 1-0 victory over Kansas City. The 29-year-old Canadian has registered 30 strikeouts over his last three starts and ranks fifth in the American League with 145 for the season. Chris Iannetta is 0-for-10 with four strikeouts against Paxton, who is 1-1 with a 2.16 ERA in two career turns against Colorado - including a 5-0 victory at Safeco Field on May 31, 2017.
WALK-OFFS
1. Seattle RHP Edwin Diaz's 34 saves ties him with John Smoltz (2003) for the second-most prior to the All-Star break, behind only Francisco Rodriguez, who recorded 38 before the break in 2008.
2. Wolters started in place of Rockies C Tom Murphy, who was placed on the paternity list prior to Friday's game.
3. The Mariners announced a multi-year contract extension for GM Jerry Dipoto.
PREDICTION: Mariners 6, Rockies 3
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Boston Red Sox vs. Kansas City Royals Preview and Predictions 07-07-2018 in MLB
MLB Previews 7th July 2018 by Gracenote
Red Sox vs. Royals Preview and Predictions
by Gracenote on 07/07/2018
The Boston Red Sox are perfect since leaving Yankee Stadium last weekend and will try to stay hot when they continue a three-game series at the Kansas City Royals on Saturday. Behind another outstanding start from Chris Sale and three home runs, the Red Sox cruised to a 10-5 win in the series opener Friday night.
Boston improved to 4-0 since dropping two of three to the Yankees, and it has outscored opponents 28-12 during the winning streak. J.D. Martinez had one of the three home runs and leads the majors with 27, while Mookie Betts went deep for the 22nd time as the Red Sox became the first team to reach 60 wins. Kansas City is careening toward a fire sale and has dropped seven in a row. David Price, who is 4-0 with a 2.13 ERA in his career against the Royals, opposes Kansas City rookie Brad Keller in Saturday's matchup on the mound.
TV: 7:15 p.m. ET, Fox
PITCHING MATCHUP: Red Sox LH David Price (9-6, 4.28 ERA) vs. Royals RH Brad Keller (2-3, 2.09)
After going 4-1 with a 2.90 ERA in five June starts, Price opened July by letting up a season-high eight earned runs in 3 1/3 innings at Yankee Stadium on Sunday. He served up five home runs in the outing and has allowed eight over his last three starts. Salvador Perez is 5-for-14 with three home runs against the one-time Cy Young Award winner, who owns a 1.56 ERA in three career games (two starts) at Kauffman Stadium.
Keller continues to impress since being inserted into the rotation and is coming off his first career complete game, although it came in a hard-luck loss at Seattle on Sunday. He has yielded one run in 15 innings over his last two starts to lower his ERA as a starter to 2.14. The 22-year-old tossed two scoreless innings of relief over two relief appearances at Fenway Park in early May.
WALK-OFFS
1. Red Sox OF/1B Steve Pearce has three multi-hit efforts in five games in which he has had an at-bat since being traded to the team late last month.
2. Royals 2B Whit Merrifield has hit safely in eight straight games and has an RBI in each of the last four.
3. Boston RHP Tyler Thornburg allowed a run in one inning of relief on Friday in his first outing since Oct. 2, 2016.
PREDICTION: Red Sox 5, Royals 3
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Los Angeles Dodgers vs. Los Angeles Angels Preview and Predictions 07-07-2018 in MLB
MLB Previews 7th July 2018 by Gracenote
Dodgers vs. Angels Preview and Predictions
by Gracenote on 07/07/2018
The Los Angeles Dodgers were one out away from remaining undefeated this month but were unable to record it in the series opener and came up empty. The Dodgers aim to get back in the win column on Saturday as they continue their three-game interleague set against the host Los Angeles Angels.
Kenley Jansen retired the first two batters he faced in the bottom of the ninth inning on Friday but then yielded a walk and two singles - with a stolen base and two errors sprinkled in - as the Dodgers dropped a 3-2 decision to end their four-game winning streak to start July. Matt Kemp recorded a pair of RBI singles to improve to 10-for-17 over his last four contests for the Dodgers, who notched only two other hits in the setback. Ian Kinsler registered two of the Angels' five hits, including a two-out single in the ninth that led to the winning run. Andrelton Simmons has hit safely in 12 of his last 13 games after delivering a double in the series opener.
TV: 7:15 p.m. ET, FOX
PITCHING MATCHUP: Dodgers RH Ross Stripling (6-2, 2.27 ERA) vs. Angels RH Deck McGuire (0-1, 7.56)
Stripling's winless streak reached three starts on Sunday as he escaped with a no-decision after yielding four runs and nine hits in six innings against Colorado. The 28-year-old Pennsylvanian won six consecutive turns prior to the drought, yielding fewer than three runs in each of the triumphs. Stripling made his only career appearance against the Angels on May 19, 2016, when he started and suffered the loss after surrendering five runs on seven hits and three walks over 4 2/3 innings.
McGuire made his third major-league start - and first with the Angels - on Sunday, when he was tagged for five runs and five hits over 3 1/3 innings in a loss at Baltimore. The 29-year-old Virginian also has made six relief appearances (two with the Angels) this season, keeping the opposition off the scoreboard in only two of those outings. McGuire, who pitched in four games for Toronto in May and was claimed off waivers by Texas before being acquired by the Angels in a trade on June 15, never has faced the Dodgers.
WALK-OFFS
1. Angels rookie INF David Fletcher has hit safely in seven of his last eight contests.
2. Dodgers rookie RHP Walker Buehler (rib) will throw a five-inning simulated game on Sunday and could be activated from the disabled list late next week.
3. The Angels purchased the contract of Oliver Drake from Triple-A Salt Lake, optioned Miguel Almonte to the Bees and transferred fellow RHP Jake Jewell (fibula) to the 60-day DL.
PREDICTION: Dodgers 6, Angels 4
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