Sunday 6/24/18 thread for free handicapping service plays and expert predictions for MLB, WNBA and CFL games.
National League
Diamondbacks (43-33) @ Pirates (36-40)
Buchholz is 0-0, 5.17 in his last three starts; over is 3-1 in his last four. Team in his starts: 2-4
5-inning record: 5-1. Allowed run in 1st inning: 3-6
Williams is 1-2, 8.59 in his last five starts; over is 3-1 in his last four. Team in his starts: 8-7.
5-inning record: 5-6-4. Allowed run in 1st inning: 4-15
Arizona won four of its last five games; over is 7-3-1 in their last 11 road games. Pittsburgh lost five of its last six games; under is 5-3 in their last eight games.
Phillies (41-33) @ Nationals (40-35)
Pivetta is 0-4, 5.81 in his last five starts (under 9-4-2). Team in his starts: 9-6.
5-inning record: 5-7-3. Allowed run in 1st inning: 5-15
Rodriguez allowed five runs in five IP (96 PT) in his first start. Team in his starts: 1-0.
5-inning record: 0-0-1. Allowed run in 1st inning: 0-1
Phillies won six of their last seven games; over is 10-3-1 in their last 14 games. Nationals are 7-13 in their last 20 games; under is 4-2-1 in their last seven games.
Cubs (42-32) @ Reds (31-45)
Chatwood is 0-1, 4.37 in his last five starts; his last three starts stayed under. Team in his starts: 6-8
5-inning record: 7-6-1. Allowed run in 1st inning: 4-14
Romano is 1-0, 0.60 in his last two starts; over is 5-2 in his last seven. Team in his starts: 7-8
5-inning record: 3-7-5. Allowed run in 1st inning: 6-15
Cubs lost six of last eight road games; under is 5-1-1 in Chicago’s last seven games. Reds won their last six games; over is 7-2-2 in their last 11 home games.
Dodgers (40-35) @ Mets (31-43)
Hill is 0-2, 6.53 in his last five starts (over 5-2). Team in his starts: 2-5
5-inning record: 2-4-1. Allowed run in 1st inning: 2-6
Vargas is 0-3, 9.49 in his last three starts; under is 5-1-1 in his last seven. Team in his starts: 2-7
5-inning record: 2-7. Allowed run in 1st inning: 6-9
Dodgers are 8-3 in their last 11 games; under is 8-1 in their last nine games. Mets are 7-24 in their last 31 games; under is 7-1 in their last eight home games.
Cardinals (39-36) @ Brewers (45-31)
Weaver is 0-4, 8.72 in his last five starts; over is 3-0-1 in his last four. Team in his starts: 6-6.
5-inning record: 4-6-2. Allowed run in 1st inning: 4-12
Chacin is 3-1, 1.85 in his last four starts; under is 10-3 in his last 13. Team in his starts: 12-4
5-inning record: 8-5-3. Allowed run in 1st inning: 2-16
Cardinals lost eight of their last 11 games; under is 3-1 in their last four games. Brewers won three of their last four games; under is 7-3 in their last ten games.
Marlins (30-47) @ Rockies (38-39)
Smith is 1-1, 5.59 in his last four starts; over is 5-1 in his last six. Team in his starts: 8-7
5-inning record: 6-6-3. Allowed run in 1st inning: 5-15
Marquez is 1-2, 7.77 in his last four starts (over 4-0). Team in his starts: 6-8
5-inning record: 6-7-1. Allowed run in 1st inning: 10-14
Marlins lost four of their last six games; over is 7-2-1 in their last ten games. Colorado won four of its last five games; over is 18-3 in their last 21 games.
Padres (35-44) @ Giants (39-39)
Lauer is 2-1, 2.91 in his last four starts; his last three stayed under. Team in his starts: 3-8.
5-inning record: 4-5-2. Allowed run in 1st inning: 3-11
Rodriguez is Team in his starts: 3-8.
5-inning record: 4-5-2. Allowed run in 1st inning: 3-11
San Diego lost six of its last seven games; under is 10-3-1 in their last 14 road games. Giants won five of their last seven games; over is 6-2-1 in their last nine home games.
American League
New York (50-24) @ Tampa Bay (36-40)
German is 2-0, 3.79 in his last three starts; under is 4-0-1 in his last five. Team in his starts: 5-3.
5-inning record: 2-4-2. Allowed run in 1st inning: 4-8
Snell is 5-1, 2.13 in his last seven starts; under is 4-1 in his last five. Team in his starts: 9-7.
5-inning record: 10-4-2. Allowed run in 1st inning: 3-16
New York lost four of its last five road games; under is 10-0 in their last ten road games. Tampa Bay won its last five home games; under is 10-1 in their last 11 games.
Mariners (47-30) @ Red Sox (51-27)
Gonzales is 4-1, 3.00 in his last six starts; under is 6-1-1 in his last eight. Team in his starts: 10-5
5-inning record: 9-5-1. Allowed run in 1st inning: 2-15
Sale is 1-1, 1.71 in his last three starts; over is 3-2-1 in his home starts. Team in his starts: 8-8
5-inning record: 8-4-4. Allowed run in 1st inning: 5-16
Seattle lost five of its last six games; over is 7-2-2 in their last 11 road games. Red Sox lost five of their last eight games; under is 11-6-1 in their last 18 games.
Tigers (36-41) @ Indians (42-33)
Boyd is 1-1, 5.24 in his last four starts; under is 7-3 in his last ten. Team in his starts: 8-6
5-inning record: 3-8-3. Allowed run in 1st inning: 4-14
Plutko is 3-1, 5.09 in four starts (over 2-2). Team in his starts: 3-1.
5-inning record: 3-1. Allowed run in 1st inning: 2-4
Tigers lost their last four games; under is 11-3 in their last 14 road games. Cleveland won its last six games; under is 7-4-1 in their last 12 games.
Royals (23-53) @ Astros (51-27)
Hammel is 0-3, 5.21 in his last three starts; under is 6-0-1 in his last seven. Team in his starts: 4-11.
5-inning record: 5-8-2. Allowed run in 1st inning: 4-15
Verlander is 5-0, 2.14 in his last seven starts; over is 3-1 in his last four. Team in his starts: 10-6.
5-inning record: 11-1-4. Allowed run in 1st inning: 3-16
Royals lost ten of their last 11 games; under is 12-4 in their last 16 games. Houston is 14-2 in its last 16 games; under is 4-0 in their last four games.
A’s (40-37) @ White Sox (25-51)
Blackburn is 1-1, 8.03 in three starts (under 2-1). Team in his starts: 2-1.
5-inning record: 0-2-1 Allowed run in 1st inning: 2-3
Rodon is 0-2, 5.51 in three starts this year (under 2-0-1). Team in his starts: 0-3.
5-inning record: 0-2-1. Allowed run in 1st inning: 2-3
A’s won six of their last seven games; 10 of last 11 Oakland games went over the total. White Sox lost nine of their last ten games; under is 15-5-2 in their last 22 games.
Rangers (34-44) @ Twins (33-40)
Colon is 2-2, 9.87 in his last four starts; under is 6-2-1 in his last nine. Team in his starts: 7-6
5-inning record: 5-5-3. Allowed run in 1st inning: 1-13
Berrios is 2-0, 2.63 in his last four starts; under is 4-2-1 in his last seven. Team in his starts: 9-6.
5-inning record: 6-5-4. Allowed run in 1st inning: 3-15
Rangers won their last seven games; under is 8-2-1 in their last 11 road games. Minnesota lost its last three games; over is 4-1-1 in their last six home games.
Blue Jays (35-41) @ Angels (41-36)
Gaviglio is 0-2, 5.23 in his last four starts (over 4-1-1). Team in his starts: 2-4
5-inning record: 3-2-1. Allowed run in 1st inning: 1-6
Pena allowed one run in four IP (74 PT) in his first start. Team in his starts: 1-0
5-inning record: 1-0. Allowed run in 1st inning: 1-1
Toronto lost 10 of its last 12 road games; over is 5-3 in their last eight games. Angels lost eight of their last 12 games; over is 7-2-1 in their last ten games.
Interleague
Orioles (23-52) @ Braves (43-32)
Hess is 0-2, 5.40 in his last four starts (under 5-2). Team in his starts: 2-5
5-inning record: 2-3-2. Allowed run in 1st inning: 2-7
McCarthy is 0-1, 5.40 in his last four starts (over 10-4). Team in his starts: 7-7
5-inning record: 8-4-2. Allowed run in 1st inning: 6-14
Baltimore lost 11 of its last 15 games; under is 9-5 in their last 14 road games. Braves lost their last three games; under is 9-4 in their last 13 home games.
Umpires
Mia-Col: Under is 11-2 in last 13 Nelson games.
Phil-Wsh: Home team is 8-2 in Rackley games.
Az-Pitt: Four of last five Blaser games stayed under.
SD-SF: Favorites won six of last eight Lentz games.
StL-Mil: Over is 5-2 in last seven Winters games.
Chi-Cin: Over is 9-3-2 in last 14 Layne games.
LA-NY: Eight of last nine Meals games went under.
Tex-Min: Under is 5-2 in last seven Gorman games.
A’s-Chi: Under is 11-3 in last 14 Holbrook games.
NY-TB: Over is 8-3 in last eleven Hallion games.
Det-Clev: Home side won six of last eight Hoye games.
KC-Hst: Over is 8-3-2 in last 13 LBarrett games.
Sea-Bos: Under is 10-3-1 in last 14 Dreckman games.
Tor-LAA: Over is 8-3-1 in last 12 Tichenor games.
Balt-Atl: Under is 5-1-2 in last eight Additon games.
______________________________
MLB
Long Sheet
Sunday, June 24
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CHICAGO CUBS (42 - 32) at CINCINNATI (31 - 45) - 1:10 PM
TYLER CHATWOOD (R) vs. SAL ROMANO (R)
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.
Head-to-Head Series History
CINCINNATI is 5-3 (+3.3 Units) against CHICAGO CUBS this season
4 of 7 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+0.8 Units)
TYLER CHATWOOD vs. CINCINNATI since 1997
CHATWOOD is 0-4 when starting against CINCINNATI with an ERA of 4.18 and a WHIP of 1.901.
His team's record is 1-4 (-4.8 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 4-1. (+2.8 units)
SAL ROMANO vs. CHICAGO CUBS since 1997
ROMANO is 0-1 when starting against CHICAGO CUBS with an ERA of 6.75 and a WHIP of 1.750.
His team's record is 1-1 (+0.6 units) in these starts. The OVER is 1-1. (-0.1 units)
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LA DODGERS (40 - 35) at NY METS (31 - 43) - 1:10 PM
RICH HILL (L) vs. JASON VARGAS (L)
Top Trends for this game.
LA DODGERS are 40-35 (-16.8 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
LA DODGERS are 28-36 (-20.6 Units) against the money line on the road when the total is 8 to 8.5 over the last 3 seasons.
LA DODGERS are 16-17 (-15.5 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record this season.
LA DODGERS are 35-12 (+19.3 Units) against the money line in June games over the last 2 seasons.
NY METS are 30-43 (-14.4 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
NY METS are 2-17 (-14.3 Units) against the money line as a home underdog of +125 to +175 over the last 2 seasons.
NY METS are 13-23 (-14.5 Units) against the money line in home games this season.
NY METS are 4-16 (-10.7 Units) against the money line in June games this season.
NY METS are 5-14 (-11.4 Units) against the money line in home games when playing on Sunday over the last 2 seasons.
NY METS are 23-47 (-27.9 Units) against the money line in day games over the last 2 seasons.
NY METS are 2-10 (-9.8 Units) against the money line in home games against left-handed starters this season.
NY METS are 15-26 (-11.6 Units) against the money line after a loss this season.
NY METS are 3-12 (-9.1 Units) against the money line after 3 or more consecutive losses this season.
NY METS are 16-28 (-11.1 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record this season.
Head-to-Head Series History
LA DODGERS is 2-0 (+2.0 Units) against NY METS this season
1 of 2 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=-0.2 Units, Under=-0.2 Units)
RICH HILL vs. NY METS since 1997
HILL is 1-2 when starting against NY METS with an ERA of 7.79 and a WHIP of 1.962.
His team's record is 2-2 (+0.0 units) in these starts. The OVER is 4-0. (+4.1 units)
JASON VARGAS vs. LA DODGERS since 1997
VARGAS is 2-2 when starting against LA DODGERS with an ERA of 4.39 and a WHIP of 1.275.
His team's record is 2-2 (+0.0 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 2-2. (-0.2 units)
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ARIZONA (43 - 33) at PITTSBURGH (36 - 40) - 1:35 PM
CLAY BUCHHOLZ (R) vs. TREVOR WILLIAMS (R)
Top Trends for this game.
PITTSBURGH is 425-437 (+36.5 Units) against the money line in home games when playing against a team with a winning record since 1997.
ARIZONA is 43-33 (+10.0 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
ARIZONA is 15-6 (+8.7 Units) against the money line in June games this season.
ARIZONA is 81-55 (+22.6 Units) against the money line after a win over the last 2 seasons.
BUCHHOLZ is 21-6 (+14.3 Units) against the money line in June games since 1997. (Team's Record)
PITTSBURGH is 90-120 (-35.0 Units) against the money line after a loss over the last 3 seasons.
Head-to-Head Series History
ARIZONA is 5-1 (+3.6 Units) against PITTSBURGH this season
5 of 6 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+4.0 Units)
CLAY BUCHHOLZ vs. PITTSBURGH since 1997
BUCHHOLZ is 0-1 when starting against PITTSBURGH with an ERA of 6.75 and a WHIP of 2.000.
His team's record is 1-1 (+0.0 units) in these starts. The OVER is 2-0. (+2.1 units)
TREVOR WILLIAMS vs. ARIZONA since 1997
WILLIAMS is 1-1 when starting against ARIZONA with an ERA of 3.21 and a WHIP of 1.214.
His team's record is 2-1 (+1.4 units) in these starts. The OVER is 1-2. (-1.2 units)
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PHILADELPHIA (41 - 33) at WASHINGTON (40 - 35) - 8:05 PM
NICK PIVETTA (R) vs. JEFRY RODRIGUEZ (R)
Top Trends for this game.
PHILADELPHIA is 16-33 (-16.6 Units) against the money line on the road when the money line is +125 to -125 over the last 2 seasons.
PHILADELPHIA is 31-23 (+8.4 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.
PHILADELPHIA is 843-882 (+24.6 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record since 1997.
WASHINGTON is 40-35 (-9.3 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
WASHINGTON is 37-43 (-19.6 Units) against the money line when the total is 9 to 9.5 over the last 2 seasons.
WASHINGTON is 18-20 (-14.1 Units) against the money line in home games this season.
WASHINGTON is 8-12 (-10.0 Units) against the money line in June games this season.
Head-to-Head Series History
PHILADELPHIA is 3-2 (+1.9 Units) against WASHINGTON this season
3 of 5 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+0.8 Units)
NICK PIVETTA vs. WASHINGTON since 1997
PIVETTA is 0-2 when starting against WASHINGTON with an ERA of 11.81 and a WHIP of 2.437.
His team's record is 0-3 (-3.0 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 1-2. (-1.2 units)
JEFRY RODRIGUEZ vs. PHILADELPHIA since 1997
No recent starts.
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ST LOUIS (39 - 36) at MILWAUKEE (45 - 31) - 2:10 PM
LUKE WEAVER (R) vs. JHOULYS CHACIN (R)
Top Trends for this game.
ST LOUIS is 122-115 (-16.6 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
MILWAUKEE is 45-31 (+14.2 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
MILWAUKEE is 49-41 (+12.7 Units) against the money line when the total is 8 to 8.5 over the last 2 seasons.
MILWAUKEE is 37-23 (+14.9 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.
MILWAUKEE is 19-11 (+10.3 Units) against the money line after a loss this season.
MILWAUKEE is 54-43 (+18.7 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.
CHACIN is 12-4 (+8.5 Units) against the money line in all games this season. (Team's Record)
CHACIN is 15-7 (+10.8 Units) against the money line when the total is 8 to 8.5 over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
CHACIN is 15-7 (+10.3 Units) against the money line in home games over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
CHACIN is 8-1 (+10.6 Units) against the money line when playing on Sunday over the last 3 seasons. (Team's Record)
CHACIN is 15-8 (+12.7 Units) against the money line against division opponents over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
CHACIN is 10-3 (+10.6 Units) against the money line in day games over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
CHACIN is 19-8 (+14.8 Units) against the money line after a loss over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
Head-to-Head Series History
MILWAUKEE is 7-5 (+2.4 Units) against ST LOUIS this season
7 of 12 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+1.9 Units)
LUKE WEAVER vs. MILWAUKEE since 1997
WEAVER is 2-2 when starting against MILWAUKEE with an ERA of 4.96 and a WHIP of 1.408.
His team's record is 3-3 (-1.3 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 2-3. (-1.2 units)
JHOULYS CHACIN vs. ST LOUIS since 1997
CHACIN is 0-6 when starting against ST LOUIS with an ERA of 5.40 and a WHIP of 1.539.
His team's record is 1-6 (-5.2 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 5-1. (+3.9 units)
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MIAMI (30 - 47) at COLORADO (38 - 39) - 3:10 PM
CALEB SMITH (L) vs. GERMAN MARQUEZ (R)
Top Trends for this game.
COLORADO is 15-21 (-13.8 Units) against the money line in home games this season.
COLORADO is 8-18 (-11.7 Units) against the money line in day games this season.
Head-to-Head Series History
MIAMI is 3-2 (+2.1 Units) against COLORADO this season
4 of 5 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+2.9 Units)
CALEB SMITH vs. COLORADO since 1997
SMITH is 1-0 when starting against COLORADO with an ERA of 0.00 and a WHIP of 0.429.
His team's record is 1-0 (+1.0 units) in these starts. The OVER is 0-1. (-1.1 units)
GERMAN MARQUEZ vs. MIAMI since 1997
MARQUEZ is 0-2 when starting against MIAMI with an ERA of 6.10 and a WHIP of 1.646.
His team's record is 0-2 (-2.3 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 2-0. (+2.0 units)
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SAN DIEGO (35 - 44) at SAN FRANCISCO (39 - 39) - 4:05 PM
ERIC LAUER (L) vs. DERECK RODRIGUEZ (R)
Top Trends for this game.
SAN FRANCISCO is 39-39 (+5.7 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
SAN FRANCISCO is 23-13 (+8.5 Units) against the money line in home games this season.
SAN FRANCISCO is 17-11 (+10.5 Units) against the money line in day games this season.
SAN FRANCISCO is 286-192 (+56.0 Units) against the money line in home games against left-handed starters since 1997.
SAN DIEGO is 13-8 (+11.4 Units) against the money line in road games after a loss this season.
SAN FRANCISCO is 39-56 (-27.4 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 2 seasons.
Head-to-Head Series History
SAN DIEGO is 5-5 (+0.4 Units) against SAN FRANCISCO this season
5 of 10 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=-0.5 Units, Under=-0.1 Units)
ERIC LAUER vs. SAN FRANCISCO since 1997
LAUER is 0-0 when starting against SAN FRANCISCO with an ERA of 5.40 and a WHIP of 1.800.
His team's record is 0-1 (-1.0 units) in these starts. The OVER is 1-0. (+1.0 units)
DERECK RODRIGUEZ vs. SAN DIEGO since 1997
No recent starts.
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SEATTLE (47 - 30) at BOSTON (51 - 27) - 1:05 PM
MARCO GONZALES (L) vs. CHRIS SALE (L)
Top Trends for this game.
SEATTLE is 47-30 (+15.2 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
SEATTLE is 22-16 (+6.7 Units) against the money line in road games this season.
BOSTON is 531-486 (-68.9 Units) against the money line against left-handed starters since 1997.
BOSTON is 442-405 (-81.8 Units) against the money line in home games when playing against a team with a winning record since 1997.
SALE is 46-54 (-24.3 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record since 1997. (Team's Record)
Head-to-Head Series History
SEATTLE is 3-3 (+0.6 Units) against BOSTON this season
3 of 6 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=-0.3 Units, Under=-0.2 Units)
MARCO GONZALES vs. BOSTON since 1997
No recent starts.
CHRIS SALE vs. SEATTLE since 1997
SALE is 5-1 when starting against SEATTLE with an ERA of 2.17 and a WHIP of 0.770.
His team's record is 6-2 (+3.2 units) in these starts. The OVER is 3-4. (-1.0 units)
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DETROIT (36 - 41) at CLEVELAND (42 - 33) - 1:10 PM
MATT BOYD (L) vs. ADAM PLUTKO (R)
Top Trends for this game.
DETROIT is 57-183 (-68.2 Units) against the money line as a road underdog of +175 to +250 since 1997.
DETROIT is 68-109 (-31.2 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters over the last 2 seasons.
CLEVELAND is 70-28 (+33.0 Units) against the money line after 3 or more consecutive wins over the last 3 seasons.
DETROIT is 36-41 (+6.6 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
DETROIT is 22-16 (+11.4 Units) against the money line in day games this season.
CLEVELAND is 42-33 (-6.3 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
Head-to-Head Series History
CLEVELAND is 9-3 (+3.9 Units) against DETROIT this season
7 of 12 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+1.6 Units)
MATT BOYD vs. CLEVELAND since 1997
BOYD is 1-2 when starting against CLEVELAND with an ERA of 2.05 and a WHIP of 1.141.
His team's record is 1-4 (-2.1 units) in these starts. The OVER is 0-5. (-5.4 units)
ADAM PLUTKO vs. DETROIT since 1997
No recent starts.
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NY YANKEES (50 - 24) at TAMPA BAY (36 - 40) - 1:10 PM
DOMINGO GERMAN (R) vs. MATT ANDRIESE (R)
Top Trends for this game.
NY YANKEES are 19-29 (-12.3 Units) against the money line on the road when the total is 8 to 8.5 over the last 2 seasons.
TAMPA BAY is 21-13 (+9.9 Units) against the money line after a win this season.
Head-to-Head Series History
TAMPA BAY is 3-5 (+0.3 Units) against NY YANKEES this season
6 of 8 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+3.6 Units)
DOMINGO GERMAN vs. TAMPA BAY since 1997
GERMAN is 1-0 when starting against TAMPA BAY with an ERA of 4.50 and a WHIP of 1.167.
His team's record is 1-0 (+1.0 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 1-0. (+1.0 units)
MATT ANDRIESE vs. NY YANKEES since 1997
ANDRIESE is 2-3 when starting against NY YANKEES with an ERA of 6.14 and a WHIP of 1.534.
His team's record is 2-4 (-1.9 units) in these starts. The OVER is 3-3. (-0.3 units)
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KANSAS CITY (23 - 53) at HOUSTON (51 - 27) - 2:10 PM
JASON HAMMEL (R) vs. GERRIT COLE (R)
Top Trends for this game.
KANSAS CITY is 23-53 (-21.3 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
KANSAS CITY is 3-17 (-11.6 Units) against the money line in June games this season.
KANSAS CITY is 12-39 (-23.5 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.
HAMMEL is 15-32 (-13.8 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
HOUSTON is 163-95 (+20.9 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
HOUSTON is 120-55 (+39.0 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters over the last 2 seasons.
HAMMEL is 41-37 (+16.4 Units) against the money line in road games after a loss since 1997. (Team's Record)
HAMMEL is 80-73 (+17.3 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record since 1997. (Team's Record)
HOUSTON is 10-13 (-12.8 Units) against the money line in home games in June games over the last 2 seasons.
Head-to-Head Series History
HOUSTON is 4-1 (+0.6 Units) against KANSAS CITY this season
3 of 5 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+0.9 Units)
JASON HAMMEL vs. HOUSTON since 1997
HAMMEL is 2-2 when starting against HOUSTON with an ERA of 2.96 and a WHIP of 0.968.
His team's record is 3-5 (-2.4 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 6-2. (+3.7 units)
GERRIT COLE vs. KANSAS CITY since 1997
COLE is 0-1 when starting against KANSAS CITY with an ERA of 2.46 and a WHIP of 0.682.
His team's record is 0-1 (-1.2 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 1-0. (+1.0 units)
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OAKLAND (40 - 37) at CHI WHITE SOX (25 - 51) - 2:10 PM
PAUL BLACKBURN (R) vs. CARLOS RODON (L)
Top Trends for this game.
OAKLAND is 377-471 (-95.1 Units) against the money line on the road when the money line is +125 to -125 since 1997.
OAKLAND is 22-15 (+9.1 Units) against the money line when playing on Sunday over the last 2 seasons.
OAKLAND is 53-39 (+15.6 Units) against the money line in day games over the last 2 seasons.
CHI WHITE SOX are 25-51 (-18.2 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
CHI WHITE SOX are 8-30 (-20.0 Units) against the money line in day games this season.
Head-to-Head Series History
OAKLAND is 5-1 (+3.7 Units) against CHI WHITE SOX this season
6 of 6 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+6.0 Units)
PAUL BLACKBURN vs. CHI WHITE SOX since 1997
No recent starts.
CARLOS RODON vs. OAKLAND since 1997
RODON is 1-1 when starting against OAKLAND with an ERA of 4.67 and a WHIP of 1.500.
His team's record is 2-1 (+1.3 units) in these starts. The OVER is 2-1. (+1.0 units)
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TEXAS (34 - 44) at MINNESOTA (33 - 40) - 2:10 PM
BARTOLO COLON (R) vs. JOSE BERRIOS (R)
Top Trends for this game.
BERRIOS is 15-3 (+11.8 Units) against the money line in home games over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
BERRIOS is 9-1 (+8.9 Units) against the money line in home games after a loss over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
TEXAS is 207-198 (+24.3 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 3 seasons.
TEXAS is 94-76 (+27.2 Units) against the money line when the total is 9 to 9.5 over the last 3 seasons.
TEXAS is 98-104 (+22.4 Units) against the money line in road games over the last 3 seasons.
TEXAS is 29-23 (+15.2 Units) against the money line on the road when the total is 9 to 9.5 over the last 2 seasons.
TEXAS is 43-30 (+19.4 Units) against the money line in June games over the last 3 seasons.
TEXAS is 17-12 (+12.1 Units) against the money line in road games against right-handed starters this season.
TEXAS is 110-96 (+17.5 Units) against the money line after a win over the last 3 seasons.
COLON is 154-120 (+24.1 Units) against the money line in road games since 1997. (Team's Record)
COLON is 111-66 (+33.8 Units) against the money line in day games since 1997. (Team's Record)
MINNESOTA is 89-110 (-28.4 Units) against the money line in home games over the last 3 seasons.
MINNESOTA is 33-49 (-20.0 Units) against the money line in home games in day games over the last 3 seasons.
MINNESOTA is 55-85 (-39.7 Units) against the money line in home games against right-handed starters over the last 3 seasons.
Head-to-Head Series History
TEXAS is 2-0 (+2.1 Units) against MINNESOTA this season
1 of 1 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+1.0 Units)
BARTOLO COLON vs. MINNESOTA since 1997
COLON is 10-8 when starting against MINNESOTA with an ERA of 3.80 and a WHIP of 1.401.
His team's record is 13-11 (-1.8 units) in these starts. The OVER is 11-10. (+0.2 units)
JOSE BERRIOS vs. TEXAS since 1997
BERRIOS is 1-0 when starting against TEXAS with an ERA of 9.00 and a WHIP of 1.400.
His team's record is 1-0 (+1.0 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 0-1. (-1.2 units)
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TORONTO (35 - 41) at LA ANGELS (41 - 36) - 4:05 PM
SAM GAVIGLIO (R) vs. FELIX PENA (R)
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.
Head-to-Head Series History
LA ANGELS is 4-2 (+1.6 Units) against TORONTO this season
3 of 4 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+1.9 Units)
SAM GAVIGLIO vs. LA ANGELS since 1997
GAVIGLIO is 0-1 when starting against LA ANGELS with an ERA of 4.27 and a WHIP of 0.948.
His team's record is 0-1 (-1.1 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 1-0. (+1.0 units)
FELIX PENA vs. TORONTO since 1997
No recent starts.
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BALTIMORE (23 - 52) at ATLANTA (43 - 32) - 1:35 PM
DAVID HESS (R) vs. BRANDON MCCARTHY (R)
Top Trends for this game.
BALTIMORE is 23-52 (-27.3 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
BALTIMORE is 11-24 (-12.6 Units) against the money line when the total is 9 to 9.5 this season.
BALTIMORE is 40-81 (-34.5 Units) against the money line in road games over the last 2 seasons.
BALTIMORE is 13-35 (-21.8 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.
BALTIMORE is 9-29 (-15.7 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record this season.
ATLANTA is 43-31 (+14.6 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
ATLANTA is 17-8 (+12.3 Units) against the money line in day games this season.
ATLANTA is 29-20 (+10.8 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.
ATLANTA is 22-9 (+14.5 Units) against the money line after a loss this season.
ATLANTA is 87-98 (-36.3 Units) against the money line in home games in an inter-league game since 1997.
Head-to-Head Series History
BALTIMORE is 2-0 (+2.9 Units) against ATLANTA this season
2 of 2 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+2.0 Units)
DAVID HESS vs. ATLANTA since 1997
No recent starts.
BRANDON MCCARTHY vs. BALTIMORE since 1997
MCCARTHY is 2-2 when starting against BALTIMORE with an ERA of 3.69 and a WHIP of 1.425.
His team's record is 2-6 (-5.6 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 4-4. (-0.7 units)
__________________
Preview: Mariners at Red Sox
Gracenote
Jun 24, 2018
The Seattle Mariners knew their mettle was going to be tested 1 1/2 weeks ago when they were about to begin a stretch of 10 games against two of the best teams in baseball. Although three wins in their first nine contests were not what they had in mind, the Mariners still can make a statement on Sunday as they attempt to take the season series against the host Boston Red Sox with a win in the rubber match of their three-game series.
Seattle moved 21 games over .500 for the first time since 2003 following last Saturday's 1-0 win over Boston but lost the next day to split the four-game series and begin a five-game slide. Two of the five losses came after the Mariners blew five-run leads, but they weren't about to let another fast start go for naught on Saturday as Mike Leake worked eight scoreless frames to lead his team to a 7-2 victory. Boston (51-27) was unable to find the offense that scored 23 runs over its previous two contests and instead remained one game behind the American League East-rival New York Yankees for the best record in the majors. The absences of Mookie Betts and Xander Bogaerts did not help the Red Sox's cause as the former was "under the weather," according to manager Alex Cora, while the latter sat out after spraining his left index finger on Friday.
TV: 1:05 p.m. ET, MLB Network, ROOT Northwest (Seattle), NESN (Boston)
PITCHING MATCHUP: Mariners LH Marco Gonzales (7-4, 3.80 ERA) vs. Red Sox LH Chris Sale (6-4, 2.74)
Gonzales' four-game winning streak came to an end with his worst performance of the season Tuesday in New York as he surrendered six runs and eight hits - three homers - over 6 1/3 innings in a loss to the Yankees. The poor effort ended a stretch of six starts during which the Gonzaga product permitted a total of six earned runs and one homer over 38 1/3 frames. Gonzales has given up eight of his nine homers on the road this season as he faces Boston for the first time in his career.
Sale allowed fewer than three earned runs for the 11th time in 16 starts Tuesday in Minnesota, but he settled for a no-decision despite yielding two runs and three hits while fanning 11 in seven frames. The six-time All-Star recorded at least 10 strikeouts for the fifth time the season and is holding opponents to a .188 average - his lowest since becoming a full-time starter in 2012. Nelson Cruz is 8-for-26 with two homers versus Sale, who is 5-1 with a 2.09 ERA in 10 career games (eight starts) against Seattle.
WALK-OFFS
1. Cruz is 7-for-9 with two homers and seven RBIs in this series and has recorded at least three hits in consecutive games for the first time since 2014.
2. Bogaerts and Betts tentatively are expected to play on Sunday.
3. Seattle SS Jean Segura missed his third straight game on Saturday with an arm infection but is hopeful he can play in the finale.
PREDICTION: Red Sox 4, Mariners 2
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Preview: Cubs at Reds
Gracenote
Jun 24, 2018
The Cincinnati Reds are still a long way from being a National League Central contender, but they’re playing the part well this weekend. The surging Reds will try to complete a four-game sweep of the visiting Chicago Cubs when the division rivals wrap up their series Sunday.
Cincinnati has won six straight overall, matching its longest streak of the season, and owns a 5-3 edge over the Cubs in the season series. The Reds kept the offense rolling in an 11-2 rout Saturday and are hitting .322 with 12 home runs and 45 runs during the winning streak. The Cubs have dropped five of their last seven but didn’t lose ground in the NL Central race Saturday, staying two games back with Milwaukee’s loss to St. Louis. Chicago is hitting .220 and has totaled 16 runs over its past seven contests.
TV: 1:10 p.m. ET, NBCS Chicago, FS Ohio (Cincinnati)
PITCHING MATCHUP: Cubs RH Tyler Chatwood (3-5, 3.95 ERA) vs. Reds RH Sal Romano (4-7, 5.18)
Chatwood is in line for his regular turn in the rotation but could be called away - his wife is expecting the couple’s first child - in which case left-hander Mike Montgomery would get the nod. Chatwood is winless in his last seven starts and continues to struggle with his command, as he has issued a league-high 63 walks - 16 more than any other pitcher - in 68 1/3 frames. Chatwood is 0-4 with a 4.18 ERA in five starts against the Reds.
Romano has recorded only five quality starts in 15 outings this season, but that includes each of his last two turns. The 24-year-old has allowed one run and eight hits over 15 innings over that span and threw seven scoreless frames to beat Detroit on Tuesday. Romano was roughed up for seven runs in five innings in a loss to the Cubs on May 19.
WALK-OFFS
1. Reds 3B Eugenio Suarez is 18-for-48 with five homers and 13 RBIs during a career-best 13-game hitting streak.
2. Cubs 2B/OF Ben Zobrist is batting .337 in 32 road games this season.
3. Cincinnati 1B Joey Votto has 10 RBIs during the Reds’ six-game winning streak.
PREDICTION: Reds 7, Cubs 5
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Preview: Tigers at Indians
Gracenote
Jun 24, 2018
The Detroit Tigers entered the week as one of the hottest teams in baseball, but a trip to Ohio has them on the verge of losing their ability to keep any kind of heat on the American League Central-leading Cleveland Indians. The Tigers will try to remain competitive in the division race and attempt to break even on their eight-game road trip Sunday, when they wrap up a three-game series with the host Indians.
Detroit (36-41) began its trek with a sweep of the Chicago White Sox and took a five-game winning streak into Cincinnati on Tuesday before the Reds stopped them from reaching .500 for the first time since April 8, The Tigers remained 0-for-Ohio and dropped to 3-4 on their trek with Saturday's 4-1 setback in Cleveland, falling seven games back in the Central after trailing by only 2 1/2 prior to their four-game skid. Meanwhile, the Indians have won six straight - matching their longest winning streak of the season - and have done so in dominant fashion, outscoring the opposition 42-7 during the streak and 26-1 over their last three contests. Cleveland has enjoyed similar success against Detroit in 2018, winning nine of the 12 meetings by a 64-28 margin.
TV: 1:10 p.m. ET, FS Detroit, SportsTime Ohio (Cleveland)
PITCHING MATCHUP: Tigers LH Matthew Boyd (4-5, 3.63 ERA) vs. Indians RH Adam Plutko (3-1, 5.04)
Boyd lost for the first time in five turns since May 22 on Tuesday as he surrendered a season-high five runs on six hits and three walks in four innings at Cincinnati. The Oregon State product has struggled on the road, going 1-4 with a 4.74 ERA in seven turns. Francisco Lindor is 6-for-17 with a solo homer against Boyd, who did not factor in the decision at Cleveland on April 10 despite allowing one run in seven frames.
Plutko will make his first start since June 12 after a one-game stint in the bullpen in which he served up a solo shot among the two hits he allowed in two frames on June 16 against Minnesota. The 26-year-old opened the season strong by permitting three runs over his first 13 1/3 innings, but he has since surrendered 11 runs across his next 11 2/3 frames. Plutko faced Detroit once near the end of the 2016 season, yielding three runs in two innings of relief.
WALK-OFFS
1. The Indians are 18-4 in their last 22 games against the Tigers (allowing three runs or fewer in every win) and 36-13 overall versus Detroit since the start of the 2016 season.
2. Tigers OF JaCoby Jones is batting .333 during his career-best nine-game hitting streak.
3. Cleveland 3B Jose Ramirez went 1-for-4 on Saturday to extend his on-base streak to a career-high 30 games - the second-longest such active run in the majors (Texas' Shin-Soo Choo, 38 games).
PREDICTION: Indians 6, Tigers 4
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Preview: Dodgers at Mets
Gracenote
Jun 24, 2018
The Los Angeles Dodgers look to continue their dominance of the New York Mets when the teams conclude their three-game series Sunday at Citi Field. The Dodgers have won 11 straight against the Mets dating back to May 2016, with each of the last nine victories coming by at least three runs.
Clayton Kershaw returned from the disabled list and Matt Kemp belted a pinch-hit grand slam in Saturday’s 8-3 win as the Dodgers improved to 24-9 since May 17. Making his first start since June 1 due to a lower back strain, Kershaw was on a pitch limit and exited after giving up two runs over three innings. “It was good to be back,” the seven-time All-Star told reporters. “Now I can focus on getting better. Health-wise, it’s there. Now it’s just a matter of performance. It’s a good first step.” The Mets have lost five straight overall and 12 of 13 at home but continue to receive consistent production at the top of the order from Brandon Nimmo, who is batting .284 with 12 home runs, 25 RBIs and seven stolen bases after going 3-for-5 in Saturday’s loss.
TV: 1:10 p.m. ET, SportsNet LA (Los Angeles), WPIX (New York)
PITCHING MATCHUP: Dodgers LH Rich Hill (1-2, 4.99 ERA) vs. TBD
After missing nearly a month due to a blister, Hill returned with a stellar effort against the Chicago Cubs on Tuesday, allowing three hits with six strikeouts over six scoreless innings. “He was outstanding,” manager Dave Roberts told reporters. “The fastball, curveball command was on point. You hope to get something like that, but you never know first start off a rehab.” The 38-year-old Hill is 1-2 with an 8.00 ERA in six career games (four starts) versus the Mets.
Jason Vargas was expected to start Sunday’s contest but will be placed on the disabled list instead after suffering a strained calf during conditioning drills. The Mets are promoting Chris Flexen from Triple-A Las Vegas to replace Vargas on the roster but haven't announced who will start the series finale. “We’re going to see how everyone is feeling when they come in Sunday and then make a decision,” manager Mickey Callaway told reporters.
WALK-OFFS
1. Dodgers INF Chris Taylor has been held out of the starting lineup with a tight left hamstring for the past two games but entered as a pinch-hitter on Saturday and delivered a two-run double.
2. The Mets have scored four runs or fewer in 15 straight home games dating to May 20.
3. The Dodgers optioned LHP Adam Liberatore to Triple-A Oklahoma City to make room for Kershaw.
PREDICTION: Dodgers 7, Mets 3
__________________
Preview: Yankees at Rays
Gracenote
Jun 23, 2018
The New York Yankees will try to avoid their first three-game losing streak of the season when they face the host Tampa Bay Rays in the finale of a three-game set Sunday afternoon. The Rays have taken the first two of the series while holding the powerful Yankees to a total of one run.
Wilmer Font and four relievers combined on a four-hit shutout in Tampa Bay's 4-0 triumph Saturday, its third straight triumph over New York after dropping the first five meetings this season. The Yankees last went this deep into a season without losing three straight in 1954, and they are 6-0 this year when in danger of dropping a third consecutive game. They'll try to get a little more run support for right-hander Domingo German, who opposes Tampa Bay's Matt Andriese in the finale. The Rays have won five straight at home and they've allowed one run or fewer in each of the last four at Tropicana Field.
TV: 1:10 p.m. ET, YES (New York), FS Sun (Tampa Bay)
PITCHING MATCHUP: Yankees RH Domingo German (2-4, 4.77 ERA) vs. Rays RH Matt Andriese (1-3, 3.68)
German struck out a career-high 10 batters over six innings of three-run ball to defeat Tampa Bay two turns ago, and he was even better five days later against Seattle. He held the Mariners to two runs in seven frames while fanning nine, giving the surging 25-year-old 28 strikeouts - against two walks - over his last three starts. Opponents are hitting just .213 against German overall and .201 in his eight starts.
Andriese takes the spot of originally scheduled starter Blake Snell, who was pushed back a day to gain some extra rest. The 28-year-old Andriese has made his last eight appearances out of the bullpen, giving up six runs over 9 2/3 innings across four outings this month. Aaron Judge has hammered Andriese by going 7-for-12 with three home runs and two doubles in their previous encounters.
WALK-OFFS
1. The Yankees are 2-for-17 with runners in scoring position in the series.
2. Rays SS Willy Adames is 4-for-8 with a home run and three RBIs in the series.
3. New York SS Didi Gregorius is 13-for-35 over a nine-game span.
PREDICTION: Yankees 5, Rays 3
__________________
Preview: Orioles at Braves
Gracenote
Jun 24, 2018
The Baltimore Orioles still own one of the worst records in the majors but have not played like it as they aim for a road sweep of the Atlanta Braves on Sunday. Baltimore has found its offense against the National League East leaders as Mark Trumbo belted a grand slam and Chris Davis added a three-run double in Saturday’s 7-5 victory, and in the series the Orioles have collected 17 runs on 22 hits, after averaging just 3.2 runs and 7.5 hits in losing 11 of their previous 13 outings.
Davis – who had not played since June 11 until Friday – has five RBIs through the first two contests of the series, while Trumbo slugged his fourth homer in his past six outings to extend his hitting streak to seven games. The Braves are struggling offensively, hitting just .246 as a team while going 6-5 in their last 11 games with 75 runners left on base – 25 in the past two games. First baseman Freddie Freeman struck out twice Saturday and has whiffed 10 times in his past 24 at-bats. Second baseman Ozzie Albies extended his hitting streak to five games with a career-high four hits and is hitting 9-for-22 in that stretch.
TV: 1:35 p.m. ET, MASN (Baltimore), FS South (Atlanta)
PITCHING MATCHUP: Orioles RH David Hess (2-3, 4.82 ERA) vs. Braves RH Brandon McCarthy (5-3, 4.89)
Hess makes his eighth major-league start looking to rebound after giving up five runs in each of his past two turns, walking seven in eight combined innings against Boston and Washington. The Tennessee Tech product has surrendered one earned run or fewer in three outings and is holding right-handed batters to a .229 average. Hess went 2-0 with a 2.12 ERA in six starts at Triple-A Norfolk this season.
McCarthy makes his first start since June 15 after moving into the bullpen temporarily, although he did not make a relief appearance. The 34-year-old held San Diego to two runs on eight hits with four strikeouts in 5 2/3 innings in his last appearance and has surrendered two earned runs or fewer in four of his past six outings. McCarthy last faced the Orioles in 2014, going 0-1 with a 3.65 ERA in two starts.
WALK-OFFS
1. The Orioles have won a road series for just the third time in 13 tries and aim Sunday for their first three-game sweep of the season.
2. Baltimore SS Manny Machado tripled in the seventh Saturday, moving within 50 hits of 1,000 for his career.
3. Atlanta optioned OF Preston Tucker to Triple-A Gwinnett Saturday and recalled RHP Lucas Sims.
PREDICTION: Braves 7, Orioles 6
__________________
Preview: Diamondbacks at Pirates
Gracenote
Jun 23, 2018
The Arizona Diamondbacks will try to maintain their mastery of the host Pittsburgh Pirates when they aim for a four-game sweep in Sunday's series finale. A 7-2 victory in Saturday's matchup gave the Diamondbacks a 5-1 mark against the Pirates this year, and they've averaged eight runs in those five victories.
Paul Goldschmidt homered and scored three times Saturday and he is hitting .429 with nine home runs and 21 RBIs in his last 17 games. The five-time All-Star has two hits in seven career at-bats against Trevor Williams, who starts the series finale for Pittsburgh. The Pirates managed seven hits - all singles - in Saturday's loss, falling to 10-23 in their last 33 games. Clay Buchholz gets the nod for Arizona as it tries to win its sixth consecutive game in PNC Park.
TV: 1:35 p.m. ET, FS Arizona, AT&T SportsNet Pittsburgh
PITCHING MATCHUP: Diamondbacks RH Clay Buchholz (1-1, 2.94 ERA) vs. Pirates RH Trevor Williams (6-4, 4.00)
Buchholz was on a nice roll until the Pirates got to him for six runs (five earned) in four innings at Arizona on June 12. The 33-year-old bounced back by allowing a run across 5 2/3 innings of a no-decision against the New York Mets on Sunday. Buchholz has a 10.13 ERA in two career starts versus Pittsburgh.
Williams also got knocked around in the matchup with Buchholz two turns ago while lasting just three innings in a 13-8 loss. That was the fifth consecutive outing in which he gave up at least four runs, but the 26-year-old rebounded six days later with seven scoreless innings and seven strikeouts in a gem against Milwaukee. Williams held the Diamondbacks to a run in six frames in his one meeting with them at home in 2017.
WALK-OFFS
1. Diamondbacks OF Jon Jay has at least two hits in eight of his last 11 games.
2. Arizona is hitting .307 with runners in scoring position since June 4.
3. Pirates CF Starling Marte is batting .321 in 31 career games against Arizona.
PREDICTION: Diamondbacks 5, Pirates 4
__________________
Preview: Royals at Astros
Gracenote
Jun 24, 2018
Houston starting pitcher Gerrit Cole aims for his seventh straight win Sunday as the Astros face the visiting Kansas City Royals in the rubber match of their three-game series. The Astros were shut out for the first time since May 11 in Friday's 1-0 loss but evened the series with Saturday’s 4-3 victory on Carlos Correa’s game-ending RBI single in the 12th inning.
Jose Altuve reached base four times and tied Terry Puhl for seventh in Astros' history with 1,357 hits on Saturday as Houston improved to 14-2 over its last 16 games. The 2017 American League Most Valuable Player has 44 hits in his last 27 games and is batting .427 over that span to lead the Astros, who are 44-3 when leading after seven innings. Kansas City is 3-17 this month and need four wins in its final six games to avoid the worst June in club history. First baseman Hunter Dozier blasted a three-run homer in Saturday’s loss but the two batters at the top of the order – Whit Merrifield and Rosell Herrera – were a combined 0-for-9 with five strikeouts.
TV: 2:10 p.m. ET, FS Kansas City, AT&T SportsNet-Southwest (Houston)
PITCHING MATCHUP: Royals RH Jason Hammel (2-8, 4.88 ERA) vs. Astros RH Gerrit Cole (8-1, 2.59)
Hammel lost his third straight start Tuesday, allowing four runs (three earned) on nine hits and four walks in 5 2/3 frames against Texas. “I had trouble gripping the ball the first few innings,” Hammel told reporters. “I was just sweating like a dog. It’s something I’ve dealt with my whole career. I sweat a lot.” The 35-year-old has gone 2-2 with a 2.85 ERA in nine career games (eight starts) against Houston.
Cole walked a career-high five batters and received a no-decision Monday against Tampa Bay after giving up four runs in seven innings. The 27-year-old Californian has a 4.09 ERA in his last seven starts after posting a 1.43 mark over his first eight outings. Cole’s only previous start against Kansas City came as a member of the Pittsburgh Pirates on July 21, 2015, when he allowed three runs (two earned) over 7 1/3 innings in a 3-1 loss.
WALK-OFFS
1. Correa is 13-for-44 with three homers and 10 RBIs over his last 11 games.
2. Kansas City activated 1B Lucas Duda from the 10-day disabled list and optioned OF Paulo Orlando to Triple-A Omaha.
3. The Astros are 18-6 in day games this season.
PREDICTION: Astros 7, Royals 2
__________________
Preview: Cardinals at Brewers
Gracenote
Jun 24, 2018
The St. Louis Cardinals are two weeks removed from their last set of back-to-back wins but get a chance to head home with a solid statement in the National League Central race when they visit the Milwaukee Brewers for the finale of a four-game series on Sunday. The Cardinals dropped the first two games in the series before squeezing out a 3-2 victory on Saturday to give themselves a shot at the split.
St. Louis dropped eight of its last 11 overall and is still struggling to pile up runs but managed to earn the victory on just four hits in Saturday's triumph. The Cardinals did not score more than three runs in any of the last four games but catcher Yadier Molina is immune from the team's struggles and belted a pair of home runs on Saturday for his second multi-homer game in the last four contests. The Brewers remain at the top of the standings in NL Central and are thriving on the mound with three or fewer runs allowed in four straight games and eight the last 10. Milwaukee will try to coax another quality start out of veteran Jhoulys Chacin when he goes up against Cardinals righty Luke Weaver on Sunday.
TV: 2:10 p.m. ET, FS Midwest (St. Louis), FS Wisconsin (Milwaukee)
PITCHING MATCHUP: Cardinals RH Luke Weaver (3-6, 4.69 ERA) vs. Brewers RH Jhoulys Chacin (6-2, 3.18)
Weaver failed to complete six innings in any of his last five starts and is winless in his last seven, compiling a 0-4 record in that span. The 24-year-old was reached for four runs on six hits and four walks over five frames without factoring in the decision at Philadelphia on Tuesday. Weaver started at Milwaukee on May 28 and absorbed a loss while surrendering four runs - two earned - across four innings.
Chacin is coming off a tough-luck loss at Pittsburgh on Monday, when he allowed one run and six hits over 6 1/3 innings but could not get any run support in a game the Brewers went on to lose 1-0. The Venezuela native yielded one or no runs in three of his last four turns and five of seven. Chacin made back-to-back starts against St. Louis in April and went 0-1 while surrendering a total of nine runs - six earned - over 10 1/3 innings.
WALK-OFFS
1. The Brewers sent RF Domingo Santana to Triple-A Colorado Springs and recalled INF Brad Miller on Saturday.
2. St. Louis CF Tommy Pham is 0-for-14 with eight strikeouts in the last four games.
3. Milwaukee OF Lorenzo Cain left Saturday's game due to groin tightness and is day-to-day.
PREDICTION: Brewers 3, Cardinals 1
__________________
Preview: Rangers at Twins
Gracenote
Jun 23, 2018
Bartolo Colon registered a major milestone in his last start and has a chance to reach another one Sunday when the visiting Texas Rangers look to complete a three-game sweep of the Minnesota Twins. The Rangers have outscored Minnesota 17-7 in the first two victories and have ripped off seven straight wins following a seven-game losing streak.
The 45-year-old Colon became the winningest pitcher from the Dominican Republic in his last outing and can match Dennis Martinez (245) for the most wins by a pitcher from Latin American. Adrian Beltre clubbed his 466th homer -- good for 34th place on the all-time list -- as part of a three-hit game in Saturday's 9-6 win for Texas, which has produced 48 runs during the winning streak -- the same number the team allowed in the seven-game slide. The Twins were coming off back-to-back series wins against Cleveland and Boston, but they have been outscored 26-9 during their three-game skid. Eddie Rosario matched Logan Morrison with a two-run homer and also added a two-RBI double for Minnesota, which dropped below .500 at home (19-20) with the latest setback.
TV: 2:10 p.m. ET, FS Southwest (Texas), FS North (Minnesota)
PITCHING MATCHUP: Rangers RH Bartolo Colon (4-4, 4.91 ERA) vs. Twins RH José Berríos (7-5, 3.38)
Colon bounced back from a dismal performance with a quality start at Kansas City on Monday, allowing three runs and nine hits over six innings for win No. 244. He was hammered for eight runs on nine hits, including three homers, in a loss at the Los Angeles Dodgers in his previous turn. Joe Mauer is 3-for-5 against Colon, who was 3-3 with a 4.89 in seven starts for the Twins at Target Field in 2017.
Berrios had to settle for his second straight no-decision despite another strong outing versus Boston on Tuesday when he limited the Red Sox to one run and five hits over 6 1/3 innings. The 24-year-old is 4-1 over his last seven starts and has permitted two runs or fewer six times during that span. Berrios, who lost his lone career start against Texas, owns a 14-8 lifetime record at home.
WALK-OFFS
1. Rangers OF Shin-Soo Choo has reached base in 36 straight games, the team's longest streak since Mark Teixeira's 36-game run in 2006.
2. The Twins sent RH Fernando Romero, Friday's starter and loser, to Triple-A Rochester.
3. Rangers 1B Joey Gallo exited Saturday's game due to left hamstring tightness.
PREDICTION: Twins 4, Rangers 3
__________________
Preview: Athletics at White Sox
Gracenote
Jun 23, 2018
The Oakland Athletics continue to put on an impressive show of power away from home and can set a major-league record when they visit the Chicago White Sox on Sunday in the finale of a four-game series. The Athletics hit two more homers in Saturday's 7-6 victory to tie Baltimore's record of going deep in 24 consecutive road games.
While Stephen Piscotty and Matt Olson each homered to spark Oakland's comeback from an early five-run deficit, rookie Nick Martini's pinch-hit single delivered the go-ahead run. It was the first career hit for Martini, who was recalled from Triple-A Nashville on Saturday, and gave the Athletics their sixth win in seven games. The White Sox wasted a three-run homer by Tim Anderson, his second blast in as many days, to fall to 1-9 over their last 10 games. Matt Davidson continues to struggle for Chicago, going 1-for-19 with nine strikeouts over the last five games.
TV: 2:10 p.m. ET, NBCS California (Oakland), WGN (Chicago)
PITCHING MATCHUP: Athletics RH Paul Blackburn (1-1, 8.03 ERA) vs. White Sox LH Carlos Rodón (0-2, 4.41)
Blackburn, who will be making the fourth start of the season, did not factor in the decision at San Diego on Tuesday after giving up two runs and four hits over five innings. It was a decent bounce-back performance after he was battered for eight runs on eight hits in 1 1/3 innings by World Series champion Houston in his previous start. Blackburn is 2-1 with a 1.77 ERA in six career road starts.
Rodon, who missed the first two-plus months of the season while rehabbing from arthroscopic shoulder surgery, is still in search of his first win as he makes his fourth start of the year. He went a season-high 6 1/3 innings in a loss at Cleveland on Tuesday, giving up four runs and five hits. Rodon, 1-1 with a 4.67 ERA versus Oakland, has had issues with Josh Phegley, who is 3-for-8 with a homer against him.
WALK-OFFS
1. The Athletics lead the majors with 67 homers in 37 road games.
2. White Sox RF Avisail Garcia has a hit in both games since coming off the disabled list but has struck out five times in nine at-bats.
3. Oakland has scored 52 runs in six games versus Chicago this season, winning five of them.
PREDICTION: White Sox 5, Athletics 3
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Preview: Marlins at Rockies
Gracenote
Jun 23, 2018
The visiting Miami Marlins look to clinch the season series with the Colorado Rockies for the seventh straight year when the teams meet in the finale of a three-game set on Sunday afternoon. J.T. Realmuto went 2-for-4 with a grand slam Saturday to improve his career batting average against the Rockies to .360 as Miami snapped a three-game slide with a 6-2 triumph.
Derek Dietrich also homered for the Marlins on Saturday and is batting .384 with five blasts and nine RBIs since May 31 while Miami rookie Brian Anderson takes a team-best 20-game on-base streak into the series finale. Caleb Smith, who beat Colorado with seven scoreless innings and nine strikeouts on April 29, gets the start for the Marlins on Sunday against German Marquez - 0-2 in his career versus Miami. The Rockies saw their dominant four-game winning streak, in which they scored 37 times, come to an end after managing just four hits in Saturday’s setback. Carlos Gonzalez brings an eight-game hitting streak into Sunday’s game and Charlie Blackmon has hit safely in five straight for Colorado, which has lost three of five to the Marlins this year.
TV: 3:10 p.m. ET, FS Florida (Miami), AT&T SportsNet Rocky Mountain (Colorado)
PITCHING MATCHUP: Marlins LH Caleb Smith (5-6, 4.03 ERA) vs. Rockies RH German Marquez (5-7, 5.20)
Smith was held out of a decision in each of his last two starts, allowing seven runs and 14 hits over 10 1/3 innings, after winning three of the previous four. The 26-year-old Sam Houston State product had yielded two or fewer runs in seven of nine starts before his last two outings and boasts 87 strikeouts across 76 innings overall. Smith, who meets Colorado for the second time in his career, owns a 4.89 ERA on the road as opposed to 3.13 at home this year.
Marquez snapped a three-game winless stretch by limiting the New York Mets to four runs and six hits over six innings during a 10-8 victory last Tuesday. The 23-year-old Venezuela native completed at least six innings in five of his last six starts after accomplishing that in three of his first nine outings in 2018. Lewis Brinson is 1-for-2 with a double versus Marquez, who gave up three runs (one earned) on six hits over six innings in the 4-1 setback at Miami on April 28.
WALK-OFFS
1. Colorado 3B Nolan Arenado saw his four-game home run streak come to an end Saturday, but is 10-for-21 in his last five contests.
2. Miami RHP Kyle Barraclough has gone a career-best 17 2/3 innings without giving up a run (18 appearances).
3. Rockies 1B-OF Ian Desmond has worked eight walks in his last four games, scoring five times in that stretch.
PREDICTION: Rockies 6, Marlins 3
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