MLB Betting News and Trends For Sunday 8/19/18

National League
Mets (53-69) vs Phillies (68-55) (@ Williamsport, PA)
Vargas is 0-5, 7.62 in his last seven starts; under is is 5-1-2 in his last eight. Team in his starts: 2-11, 1-7 away
5-inning record: 3-10 Allowed run in 1st inning: 8-13

Pivetta is 1-0, 1.50 in his last three starts (under 3-0). Team in his starts: 13-11, 6-5 away
5-inning record: 9-11-4 Allowed run in 1st inning: 8-24

Mets won seven of their last 11 games; over is 4-3 in their last seven games. Phillies are 5-7 in their last 12 games; they’re 14-12 vs lefty starters- over is 5-3 in their last eight home games.

Marlins (49-76) @ Nationals (62-62)
Lopez is 0-2, 4.88 in his last four starts (over 4-4). Team in his starts: 2-6, 1-3 away
5-inning record: 4-4 Allowed run in 1st inning: 4-8

Gonzalez is 1-4, 5.40 in his last six starts; under is 6-1-1 in their last eight. Team in his starts: 11-13, 7-3 home
5-inning record: 9-9-6 Allowed run in 1st inning: 2-24

Marlins lost nine of their last 11 games; they’re 11-19 vs lefty starters- over is 6-2 in their last eight road games. Washington is 4-8 in its last 12 games; over is 5-1 in their last six games.

Cubs (71-51) @ Pirates (62-62)
Quintana is 1-3, 7.53 in his last four starts; under is 4-2-1 in his last seven. Team in his starts: 14-9, 7-6 road
5-inning record: 8-11-4 Allowed run in 1st inning: 6-23

Taillon is 4-2, 2.70 in his last six starts; over is 8-4 in his last 12. Team in his starts: 13-11, 6-3 home
5-inning record: 13-9-2 Allowed run in 1st inning: 6-24

Cubs are 9-5 in their last 14 games; under is 8-2-1 in their last 11 road games- they scored one run in each of last three games. Pittsburgh lost six of its last eight games, scoring 3 runs last three nights; they’re 15-20 vs lefty starters- under is 6-1 in their last seven games.

Giants (61-63) @ Reds (54-69)
Suarez is 0-2, 6.19 in his last three starts; over is 3-1 in his last four. Team in his starts: 9-12, 5-6 away
5-inning record: 6-8-7 Allowed run in 1st inning: 7-21

Castillo is 1-2, 3.18 in his last five starts; under is 3-1 in his last four. Team in his starts: 12-12, 7-4 home
5-inning record: 10-13-1 Allowed run in 1st inning: 7-24

Giants lost their last three games; under is 6-0-1 in their last seven games. Cincinnati lost four of its last six games; they’re 16-15 vs lefty starters- under is 3-0 in their last three games.

Brewers (68-57) @ Cardinals (68-56)
Chacin is 4-1, 4.20 in his last five starts; over is 7-2 in his last nine. Team in his starts: 18-8, 10-6 away.
5-inning record: 14-8-4Allowed run in 1st inning: 6-26

Gant is 2-0, 1.59 in his last two starts; over is 3-1-1 in his last five. Team in his starts: 4-7, 2-4 home
5-inning record: 5-2-3 Allowed run in 1st inning: 4-11

Brewers are 2-7 in their last nine games; over is 9-3 in their last 12 games. St Louis won 10 of its last 11 games; over is 12-6 in their last 18 home games.

Rockies (67-56) @ Braves (68-54)
Marquez is 2-1, 2.60 in his last four starts (under 4-0). Team in his starts: 12-11, 7-4 away
5-inning record: 10-11-2 Allowed run in 1st inning: 15-23

Sanchez is 1-1, 5.12 in his last four starts; over is 3-1-1 in his last five. Team in his starts: 10-6, 4-3 home
5-inning record: 7-7-2 Allowed run in 1st inning: 5-16

Rockies won seven of their last eight games; six of their last eight games stayed under. Atlanta is 8-5 in its last 13 games; over is 3-2 in their last five games.

Diamondbacks (69-56) @ Padres (49-77)
Greinke is 0-3, 3.26 in his last three starts; Arizona scored 6 runs in those games. Under is 7-2 in his last nine starts. Team in his starts: 14-11, 7-5 away.
5-inning record: 15-7-3 Allowed run in 1st inning: 7-25

Kennedy is 0-2, 11.00 in his first two MLB starts (over 2-0). Team in his starts: 0-2, 0-1 home
5-inning record: 0-2 Allowed run in 1st inning: 1-2

Arizona is 7-3 in its last ten road games; under is 7-2-2 in their last 11 games. Padres lost six of their last seven games; over is 9-5 in their last 14 games.

American League
Blue Jays (55-68) @ New York (77-46)
Borucki is 2-0, 4.50 in his last four starts; his last three went over. Team in his starts: 5-4, 4-1 away
5-inning record: 3-2-4 Allowed run in 1st inning: 4-9

Happ is 3-0, 1.89 in three starts for New York, all at home (over 1-1-1). Team in his starts: 3-0, 3-0 home.
5-inning record: 3-0 Allowed run in 1st inning: 0-3

Blue Jays are 4-9 in their last 13 games; they’re 14-29 vs lefty starters- over is 4-1 in their last five games. New York is 9-4 in its last 13 games; they’re 25-10 vs lefty starters- under is 5-3 in their last eight games.

Orioles (37-86) @ Indians (70-52)
Ramirez is 0-1, 10.03 in his last three starts (under 4-3-1). Team in his starts: 3-5, 1-2 away
5-inning record: 2-4-2 Allowed run in 1st inning: 4-8

Clevinger is 1-0, 3.00 in his last three starts; under is 4-2 in his last six. Team in his starts: 10-14, 5-7 home.
5-inning record: 6-11-7 Allowed run in 1st inning: 7-24

Orioles lost seven of their last nine games; over is 7-3 in their last nine road games. Cleveland won six of its last seven games; under is 4-1 in their last five home games.

Rays (62-61) @ Red Sox (88-36)
Bullpen game for the Rays. Team in his starts: away
5-inning record: Allowed run in 1st inning:

Velasquez is 2-0, 3.31 in four starts (over 2-2). Team in his starts: 4-0, 2-0 home.
5-inning record: 2-0-2 Allowed run in 1st inning: 0-4

Rays are 5-4 in their last nine games; under is 11-4 in their last 15 games. Boston won 13 of its last 15 games; under is 10-3-1 in their last 14 home games.

Angels (63-62) @ Rangers (55-70)
Barria is 3-0, 2.49 in his last four starts (over 3-1). Team in his starts: 9-8, 5-3 away
5-inning record: 9-7-2 Allowed run in 1st inning: 4-17

Gallardo is 4-1, 3.81 in his last five starts (over 8-1-1). Team in his starts: 8-2, 5-1 home.
5-inning record: 7-3 Allowed run in 1st inning: 5-10

Angels won eight of their last 12 games; over is 8-5 in their last 13 road games. Texas won four of its last six home games; under is 4-2-1 in their last seven games.

Tigers (51-73) @ Twins (58-64)
Turner allowed seven run in one inning (37 PT) in his first ’18 start, 12 days ago (over 1-0). Team in his starts: 0-1, 0-1 away.
5-inning record: 0-1 Allowed run in 1st inning: 1-1

Odorizzi is 1-1, 6.11 in his last six starts; over is 4-1 in his last five home starts. Team in his starts: 11-14, 7-5 home
5-inning record: 10-10-5 Allowed run in 1st inning: 6-25

Tigers are 3-11 in their last 14 games; under is 8-5-1 in their last 14 games. Minnesota won five of its last six games; under is 6-4 in their last ten games.

Royals (38-85) @ White Sox (45-77)
Fillmyer is 1-2, 4.65 in his six starts (over 4-1-1). Team in his starts: 1-5, 0-2 away
5-inning record: 2-3-1 Allowed run in 1st inning: 1-6

Lopez is 0-4, 6.20 in his last seven starts; over is 8-2 in his last 10 starts. Team in his starts: 7-17, 4-7 home.
5-inning record: 10-13-1 Allowed run in 1st inning: 7-24

Royals are 4-14 in their last 18 games; over is 8-2 in their last ten road games. White Sox are 3-9 in their last 12 home games; over is 4-1-1 in their last six games.

Astros (74-49) @ A’s (74-49)
Verlander is 2-4, 4.68 in his last six starts; his last three road starts stayed under. Team in his starts: 14-12, 9-2 away
5-inning record: 16-6-4 Allowed run in 1st inning: 6-26

Manaea is 2-1, 3.31 in his last three starts; over is 4-2-1 in his last seven. Team in his starts: 15-10, 9-5 home.
5-inning record: 11-11-3 Allowed run in 1st inning: 7-25

Houston lost seven of its last eight games; they’re 26-20 vs lefty starters- under is 8-2-1 in their last 11 games. A’s are 14-2 in their last 16 games; under is 10-2-1 in their last 13 games.

Interleague
Dodgers (66-58) @ Mariners (71-53)
Kershaw is 2-0, 2.28 in his last four starts; under is 4-1-1 in his last six. Team in his starts: 8-11, 4-4 away
5-inning record: 11-5-2 Allowed run in 1st inning: 2-19

Elias allowed two runs in 3.2 IP (75 PT) in his first ’18 start. Team in his starts: 0-1, 0-1 home.
5-inning record: 0-0-1 Allowed run in 1st inning: 0-1

Dodgers lost five of their last seven games; they’re 26-20 vs lefty starters- under is 5-1-1 in their last seven games. Seattle won five of its last eight games; under is 5-2 in their last seven games. Mariners are 21-20 vs lefty starters.

Umpires
NY-Phil: Over is 12-0-1 in last 13 Guccione games.
Mia-Wsh: Under is 9-4 in last 13 Little games.
SF-Cin: Under is 8-2-1 in last 11 Cuzzi games.
Chi-Pitt: Last five Fairchild games stayed under.
Col-Atl: Under is 11-5 in last 16 Eddings games.
Mil-StL: Under is 6-1-1 in last eight DeJesus games.
Az-SD: Under is 7-2 in last nine Wolcott games.

Tor-NY: Under is 4-0-1 in last five Wendelstedt games
TB-Bos: Underdogs are 5-2 in last seven Tumpane games.
Balt-Clev: Under is 9-2 in last eleven Baker games.
LA-Tex: Over is 3-1-1 in last five Conroy games.
KC-Chi: Favorites are 9-1 in Additon games this year.
Det-Min: Under is 5-3 in last eight Libka games.
Hst-A’s: Over is 6-2-1 in last nine Reyburn games.

LA-Sea: Under is 6-2 in last eight Fletcher games.

______________________________

MLB
Long Sheet

Sunday, August 19

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SAN FRANCISCO (61 - 63) at CINCINNATI (54 - 69) - 1:10 PM
ANDREW SUAREZ (L) vs. LUIS CASTILLO (R)
Top Trends for this game.
SAN FRANCISCO is 53-92 (-27.1 Units) against the money line in road games over the last 2 seasons.
SAN FRANCISCO is 30-60 (-27.3 Units) against the money line in road games against right-handed starters over the last 2 seasons.
SAN FRANCISCO is 44-61 (-28.0 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 2 seasons.
SAN FRANCISCO is 16-26 (-15.5 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record in the second half of the season over the last 2 seasons.
SAN FRANCISCO is 61-63 (+5.1 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
SAN FRANCISCO is 14-6 (+12.1 Units) against the money line when playing on Sunday this season.
SAN FRANCISCO is 25-17 (+13.0 Units) against the money line in day games this season.
CINCINNATI is 125-155 (-52.2 Units) against the money line in home games when playing on Sunday since 1997.
CINCINNATI is 417-444 (-97.1 Units) against the money line in home games after a win since 1997.
CINCINNATI is 412-375 (-82.9 Units) against the money line in home games when playing against a team with a losing record since 1997.

Head-to-Head Series History
CINCINNATI is 3-2 (+1.8 Units) against SAN FRANCISCO this season
2 of 4 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=-0.1 Units, Under=-0.1 Units)

ANDREW SUAREZ vs. CINCINNATI since 1997
SUAREZ is 0-1 when starting against CINCINNATI with an ERA of 6.00 and a WHIP of 1.500.
His team's record is 0-1 (-1.5 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 0-1. (-1.1 units)

LUIS CASTILLO vs. SAN FRANCISCO since 1997
No recent starts.

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CHICAGO CUBS (71 - 51) at PITTSBURGH (62 - 62) - 1:35 PM
JOSE QUINTANA (L) vs. JAMESON TAILLON (R)
Top Trends for this game.
CHICAGO CUBS are 1766-1813 (-266.1 Units) against the money line in all games since 1997.
CHICAGO CUBS are 287-329 (-65.4 Units) against the money line in August games since 1997.
CHICAGO CUBS are 900-904 (-168.9 Units) against the money line in day games since 1997.
CHICAGO CUBS are 1303-1351 (-208.6 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters since 1997.
PITTSBURGH is 29-21 (+9.5 Units) against the money line against division opponents this season.
PITTSBURGH is 436-445 (+39.4 Units) against the money line in home games when playing against a team with a winning record since 1997.
PITTSBURGH is 29-40 (-11.8 Units) against the money line when the total is 8 to 8.5 this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
PITTSBURGH is 6-8 (+0.2 Units) against CHICAGO CUBS this season
9 of 14 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+3.8 Units)

JOSE QUINTANA vs. PITTSBURGH since 1997
QUINTANA is 1-1 when starting against PITTSBURGH with an ERA of 3.00 and a WHIP of 1.167.
His team's record is 2-1 (+1.0 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 2-1. (+0.8 units)

JAMESON TAILLON vs. CHICAGO CUBS since 1997
TAILLON is 3-3 when starting against CHICAGO CUBS with an ERA of 4.86 and a WHIP of 1.590.
His team's record is 3-3 (+1.0 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 2-4. (-2.5 units)

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MIAMI (49 - 76) at WASHINGTON (62 - 62) - 1:35 PM
JOSE URENA (R) vs. GIO GONZALEZ (L)
Top Trends for this game.
MIAMI is 14-37 (-17.1 Units) against the money line on the road when the total is 9 to 9.5 over the last 2 seasons.
WASHINGTON is 62-62 (-22.9 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
WASHINGTON is 50-57 (-24.1 Units) against the money line when the total is 9 to 9.5 over the last 2 seasons.
WASHINGTON is 31-29 (-15.8 Units) against the money line in home games this season.
WASHINGTON is 26-25 (-8.8 Units) against the money line against division opponents this season.
WASHINGTON is 23-24 (-12.8 Units) against the money line in day games this season.
WASHINGTON is 29-30 (-8.6 Units) against the money line after a loss this season.
GONZALEZ is 45-46 (-19.0 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 3 seasons. (Team's Record)
GONZALEZ is 3-9 (-10.5 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record this season. (Team's Record)

Head-to-Head Series History
WASHINGTON is 9-4 (+2.3 Units) against MIAMI this season
8 of 13 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+2.4 Units)

JOSE URENA vs. WASHINGTON since 1997
URENA is 1-2 when starting against WASHINGTON with an ERA of 3.38 and a WHIP of 0.958.
His team's record is 1-3 (-1.6 units) in these starts. The OVER is 2-2. (-0.1 units)

GIO GONZALEZ vs. MIAMI since 1997
GONZALEZ is 10-3 when starting against MIAMI with an ERA of 1.89 and a WHIP of 1.102.
His team's record is 12-6 (+3.7 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 11-6. (+4.5 units)

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COLORADO (67 - 56) at ATLANTA (68 - 54) - 1:35 PM
GERMAN MARQUEZ (R) vs. ANIBAL SANCHEZ (R)
Top Trends for this game.
COLORADO is 337-452 (-104.4 Units) against the money line on the road when the money line is +125 to -125 since 1997.
ATLANTA is 68-53 (+18.6 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
ATLANTA is 91-86 (+25.8 Units) against the money line when the total is 8 to 8.5 over the last 3 seasons.
ATLANTA is 13-4 (+10.4 Units) against the money line when playing on Sunday this season.
ATLANTA is 25-16 (+12.1 Units) against the money line in day games this season.
ATLANTA is 50-34 (+19.2 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.
ATLANTA is 33-20 (+13.7 Units) against the money line after a loss this season.
ATLANTA is 35-29 (+12.5 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record this season.
COLORADO is 67-56 (+13.4 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
COLORADO is 19-14 (+8.6 Units) against the money line when the total is 8 to 8.5 this season.
COLORADO is 36-29 (+16.9 Units) against the money line in road games this season.
COLORADO is 19-14 (+8.6 Units) against the money line on the road when the total is 8 to 8.5 this season.
COLORADO is 23-19 (+11.4 Units) against the money line in road games against right-handed starters this season.
COLORADO is 41-25 (+20.5 Units) against the money line after a win this season.
COLORADO is 41-29 (+16.9 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record this season.
COLORADO is 27-14 (+17.5 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record in the second half of the season this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
COLORADO is 4-2 (+1.7 Units) against ATLANTA this season
4 of 6 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+1.6 Units)

GERMAN MARQUEZ vs. ATLANTA since 1997
MARQUEZ is 0-1 when starting against ATLANTA with an ERA of 13.49 and a WHIP of 2.784.
His team's record is 0-1 (-1.5 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 0-1. (-1.3 units)

ANIBAL SANCHEZ vs. COLORADO since 1997
SANCHEZ is 4-0 when starting against COLORADO with an ERA of 1.99 and a WHIP of 0.984.
His team's record is 5-1 (+4.9 units) in these starts. The OVER is 3-3. (-0.3 units)

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MILWAUKEE (68 - 57) at ST LOUIS (68 - 56) - 2:15 PM
JHOULYS CHACIN (R) vs. JOHN GANT (R)
Top Trends for this game.
MILWAUKEE is 4-15 (-12.1 Units) against the money line when playing on Sunday this season.
MILWAUKEE is 18-31 (-16.8 Units) against the money line in day games this season.
ST LOUIS is 14-3 (+10.3 Units) against the money line in August games this season.
ST LOUIS is 500-350 (+66.5 Units) against the money line in home games when playing against a team with a winning record since 1997.
ST LOUIS is 268-169 (+72.0 Units) against the money line in home games when playing against a team with a winning record in the second half of the season since 1997.
MILWAUKEE is 68-57 (+8.1 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
MILWAUKEE is 74-72 (+13.4 Units) against the money line in road games over the last 2 seasons.
MILWAUKEE is 53-40 (+12.6 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.
MILWAUKEE is 32-24 (+9.9 Units) against the money line after a loss this season.
MILWAUKEE is 65-55 (+19.0 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.
MILWAUKEE is 31-24 (+14.5 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record in the second half of the season over the last 2 seasons.
CHACIN is 18-8 (+10.6 Units) against the money line in all games this season. (Team's Record)
CHACIN is 17-9 (+10.6 Units) against the money line when the total is 8 to 8.5 over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
CHACIN is 16-11 (+10.8 Units) against the money line against division opponents over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
CHACIN is 23-11 (+15.9 Units) against the money line after a loss over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
ST LOUIS is 116-107 (-33.5 Units) against the money line in home games over the last 3 seasons.
ST LOUIS is 54-52 (-16.2 Units) against the money line in home games against right-handed starters over the last 2 seasons.
ST LOUIS is 53-59 (-31.1 Units) against the money line in home games after a win over the last 3 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
ST LOUIS is 8-7 (+0.3 Units) against MILWAUKEE this season
8 of 15 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+0.6 Units)

JHOULYS CHACIN vs. ST LOUIS since 1997
CHACIN is 0-7 when starting against ST LOUIS with an ERA of 6.54 and a WHIP of 1.711.
His team's record is 1-7 (-6.4 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 5-2. (+2.8 units)

JOHN GANT vs. MILWAUKEE since 1997
GANT is 0-1 when starting against MILWAUKEE with an ERA of 7.20 and a WHIP of 2.000.
His team's record is 0-1 (-1.0 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 1-0. (+1.0 units)

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ARIZONA (68 - 56) at SAN DIEGO (49 - 77) - 4:10 PM
ZACK GREINKE (R) vs. BRETT KENNEDY (R)
Top Trends for this game.
ARIZONA is 22-26 (-12.3 Units) against the money line when the total is 8 to 8.5 this season.
SAN DIEGO is 25-29 (+19.9 Units) against the money line as a home underdog of +175 or more since 1997.
ARIZONA is 162-128 (+18.1 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
ARIZONA is 36-27 (+9.8 Units) against the money line in road games this season.
ARIZONA is 77-56 (+15.1 Units) against the money line against division opponents over the last 2 seasons.
ARIZONA is 39-23 (+10.6 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record this season.
GREINKE is 32-10 (+16.9 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
SAN DIEGO is 49-77 (-14.4 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
SAN DIEGO is 20-42 (-15.7 Units) against the money line when the total is 8 to 8.5 this season.
SAN DIEGO is 18-45 (-19.2 Units) against the money line as a home underdog of +125 to +175 over the last 3 seasons.
SAN DIEGO is 22-41 (-18.6 Units) against the money line in home games this season.
SAN DIEGO is 9-22 (-12.9 Units) against the money line at home when the total is 8 to 8.5 this season.
SAN DIEGO is 15-28 (-12.9 Units) against the money line in home games against right-handed starters this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
ARIZONA is 9-4 (+2.9 Units) against SAN DIEGO this season
7 of 12 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+1.5 Units)

ZACK GREINKE vs. SAN DIEGO since 1997
GREINKE is 11-2 when starting against SAN DIEGO with an ERA of 2.10 and a WHIP of 0.932.
His team's record is 15-6 (+5.9 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 14-6. (+7.5 units)

BRETT KENNEDY vs. ARIZONA since 1997
No recent starts.

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NY METS (53 - 69) at PHILADELPHIA (68 - 55) - 7:05 PM
JASON VARGAS (L) vs. NICK PIVETTA (R)
Top Trends for this game.
NY METS are 52-69 (-18.2 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
NY METS are 34-47 (-13.7 Units) against the money line in night games this season.
NY METS are 39-52 (-13.2 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.
NY METS are 50-69 (-25.2 Units) against the money line after a win over the last 2 seasons.
NY METS are 40-84 (-41.5 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.
VARGAS is 2-11 (-9.5 Units) against the money line in all games this season. (Team's Record)
PHILADELPHIA is 68-55 (+12.0 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
PHILADELPHIA is 41-21 (+16.8 Units) against the money line in home games this season.
PHILADELPHIA is 182-114 (+47.7 Units) against the money line in home games when playing on Sunday since 1997.
PHILADELPHIA is 46-34 (+12.4 Units) against the money line in night games this season.
PHILADELPHIA is 39-34 (+16.8 Units) against the money line against left-handed starters over the last 2 seasons.
PHILADELPHIA is 33-20 (+15.4 Units) against the money line after a loss this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
NY METS is 7-5 (+2.8 Units) against PHILADELPHIA this season
9 of 12 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+6.1 Units)

JASON VARGAS vs. PHILADELPHIA since 1997
VARGAS is 1-0 when starting against PHILADELPHIA with an ERA of 2.45 and a WHIP of 1.182.
His team's record is 2-0 (+2.8 units) in these starts. The OVER is 1-1. (-0.2 units)

NICK PIVETTA vs. NY METS since 1997
PIVETTA is 2-1 when starting against NY METS with an ERA of 4.98 and a WHIP of 1.431.
His team's record is 2-2 (+0.2 units) in these starts. The OVER is 3-1. (+2.0 units)

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TAMPA BAY (62 - 61) at BOSTON (88 - 36) - 1:05 PM
DIEGO CASTILLO (R) vs. HECTOR VELAZQUEZ (R)
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

Head-to-Head Series History
BOSTON is 11-4 (+4.5 Units) against TAMPA BAY this season
9 of 15 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+2.4 Units)

DIEGO CASTILLO vs. BOSTON since 1997
No recent starts.

HECTOR VELAZQUEZ vs. TAMPA BAY since 1997
VELAZQUEZ is 1-0 when starting against TAMPA BAY with an ERA of 1.59 and a WHIP of 1.058.
His team's record is 1-0 (+1.0 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 1-0. (+1.0 units)

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TORONTO (55 - 68) at NY YANKEES (77 - 46) - 1:05 PM
RYAN BORUCKI (L) vs. J.A. HAPP (L)
Top Trends for this game.
TORONTO is 131-154 (-29.3 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
TORONTO is 28-39 (-14.5 Units) against the money line when the total is 9 to 9.5 this season.
TORONTO is 14-29 (-14.1 Units) against the money line against left-handed starters this season.
TORONTO is 14-4 (+11.3 Units) against the money line in road games after 3 or more consecutive losses over the last 3 seasons.
NY YANKEES are 29-26 (-13.7 Units) against the money line against division opponents this season.
NY YANKEES are 99-77 (-15.7 Units) against the money line after a win over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
NY YANKEES is 11-4 (+5.6 Units) against TORONTO this season
9 of 15 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+2.3 Units)

RYAN BORUCKI vs. NY YANKEES since 1997
BORUCKI is 0-0 when starting against NY YANKEES with an ERA of 1.29 and a WHIP of 1.286.
His team's record is 0-1 (-1.0 units) in these starts. The OVER is 0-1. (-1.2 units)

J.A. HAPP vs. TORONTO since 1997
HAPP is 1-0 when starting against TORONTO with an ERA of 2.53 and a WHIP of 0.937.
His team's record is 1-1 (+0.0 units) in these starts. The OVER is 1-0. (+1.1 units)

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BALTIMORE (37 - 86) at CLEVELAND (70 - 52) - 1:10 PM
YEFREY RAMIREZ (R) vs. MIKE CLEVINGER (R)
Top Trends for this game.
BALTIMORE is 37-86 (-40.7 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
BALTIMORE is 17-36 (-15.8 Units) against the money line when the total is 9 to 9.5 this season.
BALTIMORE is 16-46 (-22.3 Units) against the money line in road games this season.
BALTIMORE is 22-61 (-33.8 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.
BALTIMORE is 19-48 (-18.8 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record this season.
CLEVELAND is 70-52 (-11.7 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
CLEVELAND is 19-19 (-12.4 Units) against the money line when the total is 9 to 9.5 this season.
CLEVELAND is 52-39 (-10.9 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.
CLEVINGER is 10-14 (-10.2 Units) against the money line in all games this season. (Team's Record)

Head-to-Head Series History
CLEVELAND is 4-2 (+0.9 Units) against BALTIMORE this season
5 of 6 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+4.1 Units)

YEFREY RAMIREZ vs. CLEVELAND since 1997
No recent starts.

MIKE CLEVINGER vs. BALTIMORE since 1997
CLEVINGER is 3-0 when starting against BALTIMORE with an ERA of 2.25 and a WHIP of 1.125.
His team's record is 3-1 (+2.0 units) in these starts. The OVER is 1-3. (-2.2 units)

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DETROIT (51 - 73) at MINNESOTA (58 - 64) - 2:10 PM
JACOB TURNER (R) vs. JAKE ODORIZZI (R)
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

Head-to-Head Series History
DETROIT is 6-6 (+1.4 Units) against MINNESOTA this season
8 of 12 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+3.6 Units)

JACOB TURNER vs. MINNESOTA since 1997
No recent starts.

JAKE ODORIZZI vs. DETROIT since 1997
ODORIZZI is 2-1 when starting against DETROIT with an ERA of 2.51 and a WHIP of 1.221.
His team's record is 3-2 (+0.7 units) in these starts. The OVER is 3-2. (+1.1 units)

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KANSAS CITY (38 - 85) at CHI WHITE SOX (45 - 77) - 2:10 PM
HEATH FILLMYER (R) vs. REYNALDO LOPEZ (R)
Top Trends for this game.
KANSAS CITY is 38-85 (-31.3 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
KANSAS CITY is 19-49 (-27.0 Units) against the money line when the total is 9 to 9.5 this season.
KANSAS CITY is 24-59 (-26.9 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.
KANSAS CITY is 9-26 (-16.0 Units) against the money line after a win this season.
CHI WHITE SOX are 14-38 (-21.5 Units) against the money line in day games this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
CHI WHITE SOX is 9-6 (+2.8 Units) against KANSAS CITY this season
7 of 14 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=-0.1 Units, Under=-1.3 Units)

HEATH FILLMYER vs. CHI WHITE SOX since 1997
No recent starts.

REYNALDO LOPEZ vs. KANSAS CITY since 1997
LOPEZ is 2-1 when starting against KANSAS CITY with an ERA of 3.66 and a WHIP of 1.297.
His team's record is 5-1 (+5.1 units) in these starts. The OVER is 4-1. (+3.0 units)

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LA ANGELS (63 - 62) at TEXAS (55 - 70) - 3:05 PM
JAIME BARRIA (R) vs. YOVANI GALLARDO (R)
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

Head-to-Head Series History
LA ANGELS is 6-3 (+2.3 Units) against TEXAS this season
5 of 9 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+0.7 Units)

JAIME BARRIA vs. TEXAS since 1997
BARRIA is 2-0 when starting against TEXAS with an ERA of 0.82 and a WHIP of 0.818.
His team's record is 2-0 (+2.0 units) in these starts. The OVER is 0-2. (-2.2 units)

YOVANI GALLARDO vs. LA ANGELS since 1997
GALLARDO is 0-1 when starting against LA ANGELS with an ERA of 6.43 and a WHIP of 2.214.
His team's record is 2-1 (+1.4 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 2-1. (+0.9 units)

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HOUSTON (74 - 49) at OAKLAND (74 - 49) - 4:05 PM
JUSTIN VERLANDER (R) vs. SEAN MANAEA (L)
Top Trends for this game.
HOUSTON is 74-49 (-13.9 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
HOUSTON is 17-25 (-22.0 Units) against the money line in August games over the last 2 seasons.
HOUSTON is 53-48 (-23.7 Units) against the money line against left-handed starters over the last 2 seasons.
HOUSTON is 25-23 (-15.2 Units) against the money line after a loss this season.
HOUSTON is 29-29 (-15.4 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record this season.
HOUSTON is 9-13 (-12.1 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record in the second half of the season this season.
OAKLAND is 74-49 (+30.8 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
OAKLAND is 37-24 (+12.1 Units) against the money line in home games this season.
OAKLAND is 334-273 (+55.9 Units) against the money line in August games since 1997.
OAKLAND is 27-18 (+11.8 Units) against the money line when playing on Sunday over the last 2 seasons.
OAKLAND is 31-16 (+16.4 Units) against the money line in day games this season.
OAKLAND is 48-30 (+22.1 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.
OAKLAND is 43-30 (+13.0 Units) against the money line after a win this season.
OAKLAND is 33-34 (+7.3 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record this season.
OAKLAND is 15-10 (+10.3 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record in the second half of the season this season.
MANAEA is 10-0 (+10.1 Units) against the money line in day games this season. (Team's Record)
HOUSTON is 47-20 (+17.4 Units) against the money line as a road favorite of -125 to -175 over the last 2 seasons.
HOUSTON is 41-20 (+14.6 Units) against the money line in road games this season.
HOUSTON is 24-7 (+15.0 Units) against the money line in road games against division opponents this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
OAKLAND is 6-9 (+0.6 Units) against HOUSTON this season
9 of 13 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+4.9 Units)

JUSTIN VERLANDER vs. OAKLAND since 1997
VERLANDER is 15-6 when starting against OAKLAND with an ERA of 2.25 and a WHIP of 1.021.
His team's record is 16-8 (+5.9 units) in these starts. The OVER is 11-13. (-2.8 units)

SEAN MANAEA vs. HOUSTON since 1997
MANAEA is 2-4 when starting against HOUSTON with an ERA of 2.82 and a WHIP of 1.220.
His team's record is 3-8 (-4.1 units) in these starts. The OVER is 4-6. (-2.5 units)

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

LA DODGERS (66 - 58) at SEATTLE (71 - 53) - 4:10 PM
CLAYTON KERSHAW (L) vs. ROENIS ELIAS (L)
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

Head-to-Head Series History
SEATTLE is 1-1 (+0.3 Units) against LA DODGERS this season
2 of 2 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+2.0 Units)

CLAYTON KERSHAW vs. SEATTLE since 1997
KERSHAW is 2-0 when starting against SEATTLE with an ERA of 3.46 and a WHIP of 0.923.
His team's record is 2-0 (+2.0 units) in these starts. The OVER is 2-0. (+2.0 units)

ROENIS ELIAS vs. LA DODGERS since 1997
No recent starts.
__________________

Tampa Bay Rays vs. Boston Red Sox Preview and Predictions 08-19-2018 in MLB

MLB Previews 19th August 2018 by Gracenote
Rays vs. Red Sox Preview and Predictions

by Gracenote on 08/19/2018

Injuries to some of their key players can't seem to slow down the Boston Red Sox, who remain on pace to challenge the major-league record for wins in a regular season. The Red Sox will have to turn to their deep roster of pitchers when they try to polish off a three-game sweep of the visiting Tampa Bay Rays on Sunday.

Ace Chris Sale was scheduled to start the series finale for Boston but instead was placed on the 10-day disabled list for the second time this month with minor shoulder irritation. "I know it's kind of the same thing we had last time," Sale told reporters of the injury. "A little bit less in the pain region and mobility range than last time, so that's a good sign. Just keep chugging along. It's definitely less (discomfort) than it was last time." The Red Sox will turn to Hector Velazquez to begin what likely will be a bullpen game on Sunday while the Rays counter with one of their own, beginning with Diego Castillo. Tampa Bay did American League east-leading Boston a favor by taking two of three from the second-place New York Yankees earlier this week but can't seem to find their way around the Red Sox, who have won 11 of the first 15 meetings between the clubs.

TV: 1:05 p.m. ET, FS Sun (Tampa Bay), NESN (Boston)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Rays RH Diego Castillo (3-2, 3.63 ERA) vs. Red Sox RH Hector Velazquez (7-0, 2.77)

Castillo is making his 30th career appearance and first as a starter. The 24-year-old Dominican rookie has not allowed a run over 5 2/3 innings in his last four contests and has registered 37 strikeouts in 34 2/3 frames overall. Castillo tossed a perfect inning of relief in his lone appearance against Boston and is 1-0 with a 2.70 ERA on the road this season.

Velazquez made 31 of his 35 appearances this season in relief and is 2-0 with a 3.31 ERA in his four starts. The 29-year-old Mexican tossed a perfect inning at Philadelphia in his last appearance on Wednesday but has worked more than one frame 17 times this year. Velazquez is 1-0 with a 2.08 ERA in six appearances - one start - against Tampa Bay in 2018.

WALK-OFFS

1. The Red Sox recalled RHP Brandon Workman from Triple-A Pawtucket to take Sale's spot on the roster.

2. Tampa Bay C Jesus Sucre (wrist) has missed the last four games and is day-to-day.

3. Boston RF Mookie Betts went 0-for-4 on Saturday, snapping his 11-game hitting streak.

PREDICTION: Red Sox 8, Rays 5
__________________

Toronto Blue Jays vs. New York Yankees Preview and Predictions 08-19-2018 in MLB

MLB Previews 18th August 2018 by Gracenote
Blue Jays vs. Yankees Preview and Predictions

by Gracenote on 08/18/2018

Left-hander J.A. Happ has thrived since he was thrust into postseason contention following his trade from the Toronto Blue Jays to the New York Yankees. Happ will look to make it four straight wins for his new club at the expense of his former team when the Yankees host the Blue Jays on Sunday afternoon in the finale of a three-game series.

Giancarlo Stanton homered for the seventh time in 12 games overall and belted his sixth in 15 games versus Toronto this season as the Yankees went deep four times in Saturday's 11-6 victory. Rookie Miguel Andujar homered among three hits and had three RBIs to join Joe DiMaggio as only rookies in franchise history with at least 20 home runs and 36 doubles in a season. Since splitting the first six matchups of the season, New York has won eight of nine against Toronto, which has dropped three in a row entering the finale of a seven-game road trip. Blue Jays catcher Danny Jansen was 2-for-4 with an RBI single to become the 11th player in franchise history to notch at least one hit in each of his first four career games.

TV: 1:05 p.m. ET, TBS, Sportsnet (Toronto), TVA (Toronto), YES (New York)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Blue Jays LH Ryan Borucki (2-2, 3.29 ERA) vs. Yankees LH J.A. Happ (13-6, 3.86)

Borucki has struggled in each of his last two starts, giving up four runs and six hits in four innings in a no-decision at Kansas City last time out. He earned the win in his previous turn despite allowing four runs and nine hits in five innings against Boston. Those marked two of the three shortest stints for the rookie, who registed a quality start in six of his first seven outings.

Happ recorded his third quality start in as many trips to the mound for the Yankees, blanking Tampa Bay on one hit over seven innings on Tuesday. The 35-year-old has allowed only four runs and eight hits in 19 innings with the Yankees to reach the second-highest win total in his career. Each of those starts was at home for Happ, boosting his career record at Yankee Stadium to 7-1 with a 3.36 ERA.

WALK-OFFS

1. The Yankees have 201 homers, reaching 200 in the second-fewest games (123) ever behind the 2005 Texas Rangers (122).

2. Blue Jays RH Marcus Stroman likely is headed to the disabled list due to a blister.

3. Stanton has hit safely in five straight games and has multiple hits in five of his last eight contests.

PREDICTION: Yankees 7, Blue Jays 3
__________________

San Francisco Giants vs. Cincinnati Reds Preview and Predictions 08-19-2018 in MLB

MLB Previews 19th August 2018 by Gracenote
Giants vs. Reds Preview and Predictions

by Gracenote on 08/19/2018

The San Francisco Giants are slipping out of the race in the National League West as they struggle to take advantage of the relatively light portion of their schedule. The Giants will try to avoid a three-game sweep when they visit the Cincinnati Reds on Sunday for the finale of their three-game series.

San Francisco fell two games below .500 with Saturday's 7-1 loss, which marked a fourth consecutive game in which it failed to score more than three runs. San Francisco intended to climb up the standings in the NL West with series against Cincinnati, the New York Mets and Texas but instead began that stretch by managing two runs in the first two meetings with the Reds. Cincinnati sits in last place in the NL Central but is getting a chance to play spoiler with series coming up against Milwaukee (twice), the Chicago Cubs and St. Louis over the next two weeks. San Francisco will try to avoid the sweep behind Andrew Suarez while the Reds counter with Luis Castillo.

TV: 1:10 p.m. ET, NBCS Bay Area (San Francisco), FS Ohio (Cincinnati)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Giants LH Andrew Suarez (4-8, 4.40 ERA) vs. Reds RH Luis Castillo (6-10, 5.04)

Suarez followed a pair of losses with a strong start against the Dodgers in Los Angeles on Tuesday, when he scattered two hits and three walks over six scoreless innings. The 25-year-old, who did not factor in the decision versus the Dodgers, was roughed up for 11 runs and 17 hits over 10 frames in his previous two turns. Suarez suffered a loss at home against Cincinnati on May 16, when he was reached for five runs - four earned - and eight hits in six innings.

Castillo had his streak of six straight starts with three or fewer runs allowed come to an end against Arizona last Sunday, when he was reached for five runs and five hits in 5 2/3 innings of a loss. The 25-year-old has failed to complete six frames in eight of his last 10 turns. Castillo is making his first career appearance against San Francisco and is 4-4 with a 3.94 ERA in 11 home outings this season.

WALK-OFFS

1. Reds RF Scott Schebler (AC joint) is expected to begin a rehab assignment on Sunday.

2. San Francisco SS Brandon Crawford is 2-for-22 over his last six contests.

3. Cincinnati 2B Scooter Gennett has gone 8-for-13 with four runs scored over his last three games.

PREDICTION: Giants 3, Reds 1
__________________

Baltimore Orioles vs. Cleveland Indians Preview and Predictions 08-19-2018 in MLB

MLB Previews 18th August 2018 by Gracenote
Orioles vs. Indians Preview and Predictions

by Gracenote on 08/18/2018

Cleveland Indians right-hander Mike Clevinger has one shutout and one complete game to his credit in 55 major-league starts -- and it came against the team he will face on Sunday. The Indians had a six-game winning streak snapped and will look to rebound behind Clevinger in the rubber match of a three-game set versus the visiting Baltimore Orioles.

Clevinger's lone career start against the Orioles came on April 21 in Baltimore, when he gave up just a pair of singles in a 4-0 shutout. Shortstop Francisco Lindor was 2-for-4 with an RBI single in Saturday's 4-2 loss, notching his major league-leading 49th multiple-hit game. Jonathan Villar, a trade-deadline acquisition from Milwaukee, homered for the second time in three games -- a three-run shot that was the difference in lifting the Orioles to their second win in nine games. Cedric Mullins provided insurance with his first career homer as part of a 2-for-4 day that boosted his batting average to .357 in eight games.

TV: 1:10 p.m. ET, MASN (Baltimore), STO (Cleveland)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Orioles RH Yefry Ramírez (1-4, 5.40 ERA) vs. Indians RH Mike Clevinger (8-7, 3.38)

Ramirez continued his trend of not pitching past five innings in the majors, taking a no-decision versus Boston last time out after giving up two runs and three hits in five frames. The 24-year-old Dominican is winless in his last three turns, lasting 1 2/3 innings at Texas in his previous start and allowing six runs to the Yankees on July 31. Ramirez is 0-2 with a woeful 9.26 ERA in three road starts.

Clevinger labored with his control at Cincinnati in his last outing, walking six and surrendering a pair of homers in five innings, but he minimized the damage to two runs to end a six-start winless drought. He did not factor in the decision in his previous two outings despite two quality starts versus Minnesota and the Angels. Baltimore's current roster is a collective 5-for-38 against Clevinger.

WALK-OFFS

1. The Orioles haven't won back-to-back road games since June 22-23 in Atlanta.

2. Indians C Yan Gomes is 6-for-18 in five games versus Baltimore this season.

3. Orioles DH Mark Trumbo is mired in a 2-for-20 slump.

PREDICTION: Indians 6, Orioles 3
__________________

Colorado Rockies vs. Atlanta Braves Preview and Predictions 08-19-2018 in MLB

MLB Previews 19th August 2018 by Gracenote
Rockies vs. Braves Preview and Predictions

by Gracenote on 08/19/2018

Shortstop Trevor Story hopes to continue his assault on the Atlanta pitching staff when the visiting Colorado Rockies go after a four-game sweep of the Braves Sunday afternoon, following a thrilling rally Saturday. Story's double ignited a two-out, three-run rally in the ninth inning Saturday and the Rockies scored twice in the 10th for a 5-3 triumph to move within one-half game of first-place Arizona in the National League West.

Story has hit safely in 14 of the last 15 games overall and is 27-for-68 with nine homers and 21 RBIs in 20 career games against Atlanta while DJ LeMahieu owns a six-game hitting streak that included the go-ahead homer Saturday. The Braves, who lead second-place Philadelphia by one-half game in the National League East, will try to rebound as veteran Anibal Sanchez takes a 4-0 record against Colorado to the mound and the Rockies counter with fellow right-hander German Marquez as they go for an eighth win in nine contests. Atlanta, which has lost four straight series to the Rockies, dropped three in a row in the set after building a five-game winning streak. Rookie Ronald Acuna Jr. was 3-for-4 with two runs scored in the setback for the Braves to extend his hitting streak to 11 games, and the outfielder reached base in Atlanta's first at-bat of the contest for the ninth straight outing.

TV: 1:35 p.m. ET, AT&T SportsNet Rocky Mountain (Colorado), FS South (Atlanta)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Rockies RH German Marquez (10-9, 4.51 ERA) vs. Braves RH Anibal Sanchez (6-3, 3.07)

Marquez boasts four straight quality starts and seven in his last eight trips to the mound while winning five of six decisions during that stretch. The 23-year-old Venezuelan gave up one run on three hits along with two walks to beat Houston on Tuesday and owns 34 strikeouts in his past four games. Dansby Swanson is 3-for-3 with two extra-base hits against Marquez, who yielded seven runs on seven hits and six walks over 4 2/3 innings in a loss to Atlanta on April 6.

Sanchez did not get a decision last time out against Miami after giving up five runs (four earned) on seven hits across five innings in a 10-6 victory. The 34-year-old Venezuelan limited four of his last seven opponents to one run or fewer in the middle of his best season since 2013 when he won a career-high 14 games. Gerardo Parra is 10-for-19 with three doubles versus Sanchez, who permitted two runs on seven hits in a no-decision at Colorado on April 7.

WALK-OFFS

1. Atlanta RF Nick Markakis boasts four RBIs in the last two games after going without one in his previous five contests.

2. Colorado INF-OF Ian Desmond has eight RBIs in the last three games, including a two-run double in the ninth Saturday, after going 17 games without one.

3. Acuna is one homer away from becoming the second rookie with 20 blasts and 10 steals in Braves history, joining David Justice (28, 11 in 1990).

PREDICTION: Braves 5, Rockies 3
__________________

Chicago Cubs vs. Pittsburgh Pirates Preview and Predictions 08-19-2018 in MLB

MLB Previews 19th August 2018 by Gracenote
Cubs vs. Pirates Preview and Predictions

by Gracenote on 08/19/2018

The Chicago Cubs remain among the National League leaders in most offensive statistical categories, but they're mired in an awful slump at the moment. The Cubs will try to bust out of their offensive funk and claim a series victory when they visit the Pittsburgh Pirates on Sunday for the finale of their four-game set.

Chicago has won nine of its last 14 contests and owns a four-game lead over St. Louis in the NL Central, but the latest outage by a streaky offense is concerning. The Cubs have scored just one run in each of the first three games of the series, but after blanking the Pirates in the first two contests, they dropped a 3-1 decision on Saturday. Chicago has a good opportunity to get the offense going Sunday with Jameson Taillon on the mound, as stars Anthony Rizzo (8-for-16, two homers) and Javier Baez (9-for-13, two) have hit the right-hander hard. Pittsburgh snapped its five-game skid Saturday but remains 10 games behind the Cubs and six back of the Cardinals for the second NL wild card.

TV: 1:35 p.m. ET, ABC 7 (Chicago), AT&T SportsNet-Pittsburgh

PITCHING MATCHUP: Cubs LH Jose Quintana (10-9, 4.46 ERA) vs. Pirates RH Jameson Taillon (9-9, 3.66)

Quintana has been banged around in his last two starts, allowing five runs in each and losing both. The 29-year-old served up three home runs to Milwaukee on Tuesday and has surrendered six blasts in his last four outings. Quintana is 1-1 with a 3.00 ERA in three career starts against the Pirates, whom he hasn't faced this season.

Taillon has recorded four straight quality starts and allowed three or fewer earned runs in each of his last 14 outings. The 26-year-old took the loss last time out, as he allowed three runs over six innings in a 5-2 defeat at Minnesota. Taillon beat the Cubs on July 31, but he's 3-3 with a 4.86 ERA in six career meetings.

WALK-OFFS

1. Cubs 2B-OF Ben Zobrist recorded two more hits Saturday and has gone 28-for-71 since the All-Star break to raise his average to .309.

2. Pirates LHP Felipe Vazquez converted his 17th consecutive save chance Saturday and has pitched 5 1/3 scoreless innings this month.

3. Cubs RHP Brandon Morrow (biceps) on Saturday threw his first bullpen session since going on the disabled list July 15, but there is no timetable for his return.

PREDICTION: Pirates 5, Cubs 3
__________________

Miami Marlins vs. Washington Nationals Preview and Predictions 08-19-2018 in MLB

MLB Previews 19th August 2018 by Gracenote
Marlins vs. Nationals Preview and Predictions

by Gracenote on 08/19/2018

Jose Urena will take the mound for the first time since setting off a firestorm when the Miami Marlins visit the Washington Nationals on Sunday for the finale of their three-game series. Urena is appealing the six-game suspension he received for hitting Atlanta's Ronald Acuna Jr. with a 97.5-mph fastball on the first pitch of his last outing.

The Marlins snapped their six-game skid with a 7-5 triumph in 10 innings on Saturday - their third win in 18 games that evened the series. It was Miami's fourth victory in its last 21 meetings with Washington dating to last season. The Nationals will try to resume that dominance in the finale and buoy their slim playoff hopes. Washington is six games behind St. Louis for the second wild-card spot and trails National League East-leading Atlanta by seven.

TV: 1:35 p.m. ET, FS Florida (Miami), MASN2 (Washington)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Marlins RH Jose Urena (3-12, 4.74 ERA) vs. Nationals LH Gio Gonzalez (7-9, 4.12)

Urena has recorded only one win in his last nine starts, posting a 5.98 ERA over that span. The 26-year-old has registered only one quality start during that period, but it came against the Nationals as he worked six scoreless innings en route to victory on July 29. Urena is 2-2 with a 4.19 ERA in 10 career games (four starts) against Washington.

Gonzalez needs three more wins to reach double digits for the ninth consecutive season. The 32-year-old is 1-7 with a 6.12 ERA over his last 13 starts and was tagged for five runs over four innings in a loss at St. Louis last time out. Gonzalez is 10-3 with a 1.89 ERA in 18 career turns against the Marlins, who haven't beaten him since 2015.

WALK-OFFS

1. Washington 2B Daniel Murphy has gone 17-for-44 during his 11-game hitting streak, while RF Bryce Harper is 11-for-26 during his six-game run.

2. Nationals RHP Stephen Strasburg (neck) threw a bullpen session Saturday while RHP Kelvin Herrera (shoulder) threw a 15-pitch simulated game, and both could return Tuesday against Philadelphia.

3. Marlins RHP Kyle Barraclough, who has been on the disabled list since Aug. 10 with lower back stiffness, threw off a mound on Saturday and will throw one more bullpen session before he is either activated or sent on a rehab assignment.

PREDICTION: Nationals 7, Marlins 5
__________________

Kansas City Royals vs. Chicago White Sox Preview and Predictions 08-19-2018 in MLB

MLB Previews 18th August 2018 by Gracenote
Royals vs. White Sox Preview and Predictions

by Gracenote on 08/18/2018

Whit Merrifield has been one of the bright spots in a disappointing season for the Kansas City Royals and the second baseman looks to extend his hitting streak to eight games Sunday in the rubber match of a three-game set at the Chicago White Sox. Merrifield is 11-for-27 during his latest run to raise his batting average to .302 and registered a single in the first inning of Kansas City's 3-1 win Saturday.

Salvador Perez has hit safely in five straight games and Alex Gordon broke out of a mini slump with a solo shot to tie the game at 1-1 for the Royals, who managed just their third win in nine games Saturday. Rookie Heath Fillmyer looks to continue his progress when he takes the mound for Kansas City in the series finale while Reynaldo Lopez goes after his first victory since July 1 for Chicago. The White Sox saw their three-game winning streak come to an end Saturday after going 0-for-9 with runners in scoring position and stranding eight runners. Jose Abreu, who has 24 RBIs in his last 24 games, had a pair of hits in the setback to extend his hitting streak to five games (8-for-21).

TV: 2:10 p.m. ET, FS Kansas City, NBCS Chicago

PITCHING MATCHUP: Royals RH Heath Fillmyer (1-1, 3.61 ERA) vs. White Sox RH Reynaldo Lopez (4-9, 4.40)

Fillmyer followed up his best outing in the majors by allowing four runs on five hits and five walks over five innings in a no-decision against Toronto on Tuesday. The 24-year-old New Jersey native gave up three hits and two walks in seven scoreless innings against the Chicago Cubs for his first victory with the Royals on Aug. 8. Abreu was 2-for-2 with a homer versus Fillmyer, who yielded one run over 2 1/3 innings of relief against the White Sox on July 13.

Lopez permitted four runs on seven hits and a walk last time out after two straight quality starts to open August, but did not gain a decision in any of them. The 24-year-old Dominican finished July with four consecutive losses before giving up three runs across 14 innings combined in the first two this month, including seven frames of two-run ball versus Kansas City on Aug. 2. Merrifield is 6-for-16 against Lopez, who is 0-1 with a 3.86 ERA versus the Royals in 2018.

WALK-OFFS

1. Chicago INF-DH Matt Davidson sat out Saturday's game, but is 17-for-45 with eight homers in 12 games against the Royals in 2018.

2. Kansas City recalled RHP Jake Newberry and optioned RHP Jason Adam to Triple-A Omaha on Saturday.

3. White Sox 3B Yolmer Sanchez has hit safely in seven straight games, going 11-for-30 in that stretch.

PREDICTION: White Sox 6, Royals 3
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Detroit Tigers vs. Minnesota Twins Preview and Predictions 08-19-2018 in MLB

MLB Previews 19th August 2018 by Gracenote
Tigers vs. Twins Preview and Predictions

by Gracenote on 08/19/2018

The Detroit Tigers and Minnesota Twins already have watched Cleveland sprint to the largest division lead in baseball in the American League Central and simply are trying to find some positives over the last six weeks of the regular season. The team that can find the most positives on Sunday will take either a win or a split of the series as the Twins host the Tigers in the rubber match of their four-game set.

Minnesota is showing promising signs for the future with its play of late but had a four-game winning streak come to an end with Saturday's 7-5 setback. That loss marked the fifth straight game in which the Twins scored at least five runs, and former MVP Joe Mauer is turning back the clock by going 6-for-10 with a pair of homers and five runs scored in his last three contests. Detroit is allowing plenty of offenses to have big days of late and watched its pitching staff allow at least five runs in the sixth consecutive contest on Saturday - a stretch during which the team has gone 2-4. The Tigers will try to stop the bleeding by sending Jacob Turner to the mound on Sunday while Minnesota counters with Jake Odorizzi.

TV: 2:10 p.m. ET, FS Detroit, FS North (Minnesota)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Tigers RH Jacob Turner (0-1, 20.25 ERA) vs. Twins RH Jake Odorizzi (5-7, 4.44)

Turner will be recalled from Triple-A Toledo to make the start - his second in the majors since being signed by Detroit in June. The former top-10 draft pick did not last long against the Los Angeles Angels on Aug. 7 as he was roughed up for seven runs - five earned - and six hits in one inning to suffer the loss. Turner has posted a 2-4 record with a 4.04 ERA in 12 starts for Toledo this season.

Odorizzi snapped his five-start winless streak by holding Pittsburgh to two runs on four hits and a pair of walks in 5 2/3 innings on Tuesday. The 28-year-old fanned nine batters in that outing after failing to record one strikeout in 4 2/3 frames at Cleveland on Aug. 8. Odorizzi is facing Detroit for the second time this season as he did not factor in the decision on June 12, when he gave up two runs and five hits over five innings.

WALK-OFFS

1. Tigers RF Nick Castellanos went 0-for-4 with three strikeouts on Saturday - his second three-strikeout performance in five contests.

2. Minnesota 3B Miguel Sano has homered four times in his last nine games.

3. Detroit OF Mikie Mahtook has gone deep twice in six contests since being recalled from Toledo.

PREDICTION: Twins 8, Tigers 4
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Milwaukee Brewers vs. St. Louis Cardinals Preview and Predictions 08-19-2018 in MLB

MLB Previews 19th August 2018 by Gracenote
Brewers vs. Cardinals Preview and Predictions

by Gracenote on 08/19/2018

Two rivals heading in different directions meet Sunday as the surging St. Louis Cardinals aim for a sweep of their three-game series against the visiting Milwaukee Brewers. St. Louis took over sole possession of the second wild-card spot in the National League with Saturday's 7-2 victory while Milwaukee lost for the eighth time in its last 11 games and fell out of wild card position for the first time since early in the season.

Marcell Ozuna homered and Paul DeJong drove in three runs on Saturday as the Cardinals won for the 10th time in their last 11 games and improved to 21-10 since interim manager Mike Shildt replaced Mike Matheny on July 15. St. Louis moved four games behind the first-place Chicago Cubs in the NL Central and received another spark from rookie outfielder Harrison Bader, who drove in two runs and is 7-for-14 during his four-game hitting streak. Milwaukee fell one-half game behind St. Louis for the second wild-card spot despite homers from Christian Yelich and Travis Shaw, who snapped a 1-for-16 skid with his solo blast in the second inning. Ryan Braun, who is 19-for-52 with four homers and 12 RBIs over his last 18 games, was held out of the starting lineup for the second straight game due to rib cage tightness but hopes to be available Sunday.

TV: 2:15 p.m. ET, FS Wisconsin (Milwaukee), FS Midwest (St. Louis)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Brewers RH Jhoulys Chacin (12-4, 3.72 ERA) vs. Cardinals RH John Gant (5-4, 3.74)

Chacin improved to 6-1 in his past eight starts with a stellar outing last Tuesday, when he struck out a season-high 10 in seven scoreless innings against the Chicago Cubs. The Brewers are 18-8 in games started by the 30-year-old native of Venezuela, who signed with the team as a free agent last December. Chacin is 0-7 with a 6.90 ERA in nine career games (eight starts) against St. Louis, including 0-2 with a 5.65 mark in three outings at Busch Stadium.

Gant homered for his first major league hit and allowed one run over 5 1/3 innings in last Tuesday's 6-4 victory over Washington. The 26-year-old began the month with a rough outing versus Pittsburgh but has given up a total of two runs over 11 1/3 innings in his last two starts. Yelich is 0-for-6 with three strikeouts against Gant, who is 0-1 with a 5.00 ERA in three career games (one start) against Milwaukee.

WALK-OFFS

1. Cardinals 2B Kolten Wong exited Saturday's contest with a right elbow contusion and is listed as day-to-day.

2. Milwaukee C Manny Pina has missed the last two games due to a sore left shoulder but could be available on Sunday.

3. St. Louis OF Jose Martinez was scratched from the starting lineup Saturday due to right hip tightness but appeared as a pinch hitter in the sixth inning.

PREDICTION: Brewers 6, Cardinals 3
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Los Angeles Angels vs. Texas Rangers Preview and Predictions 08-19-2018 in MLB

MLB Previews 19th August 2018 by Gracenote
Angels vs. Rangers Preview and Predictions

by Gracenote on 08/19/2018

The Los Angeles Angels had their offense in high gear in their last contest and attempt to earn a split of their four-game series when they visit the Texas Rangers for the finale on Sunday. The Angels pounded out 16 hits, including five home runs, en route to an 11-7 triumph on Saturday after losing the first two games of the series.

Albert Pujols went 3-for-4 with a homer and four RBIs, Shohei Ohtani belted a pinch-hit, three-run shot and Taylor Ward launched the first blast of his career as Los Angeles improved to 4-2 on its nine-game road trip. Pujols has hit safely in 23 of his last 27 contests while Ward has driven in a run in four of his first five major-league games. Rougned Odor and Elvis Andrus each recorded three hits and an RBI while Joey Gallo went 3-for-5 with three runs scored as the Rangers fell to 3-2 on their six-game homestand. Gallo has gone 6-for-13 with a homer and four RBIs over the first three games of the series while Adrian Beltre returned to the lineup Saturday after missing three contests with a strained hamstring and delivered a two-run single.

TV: 3:05 p.m. ET, FS West (Los Angeles), FS Southwest (Texas)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Angels RH Jaime Barria (8-7, 3.50 ERA) vs. Rangers RH Bartolo Colon (7-10, 5.19)

Barria won his third consecutive decision on Tuesday, when he allowed just one run and six hits over five innings at San Diego. The 22-year-old Panamanian rookie was even better in his previous outing as he scattered five hits over 5 2/3 scoreless frames in a victory over Detroit. Barria made his major-league debut at Texas on April 11 and faced the Rangers at home on June 1, winning both starts while giving up one run and five hits over 11 innings.

After losing all five of his starts in July, Colon has won each of his first two turns this month despite yielding seven runs and 12 hits in 12 innings. The 45-year-old Dominican, who is the winningest Latino pitcher in major-league history with 247 victories, has not allowed fewer than three runs since giving up two at Minnesota on June 24. Colon is 12-9 with five complete games, four shutouts and a 3.88 ERA in 26 starts and one relief appearance against the Angels - the team with which he won the AL Cy Young Award in 2005.

WALK-OFFS

1. Angels 2B David Fletcher is riding a five-game hitting streak after recording his third two-hit performance in that span - and driving in three runs - in Saturday's victory.

2. Texas is hopeful LHP Mike Minor (back) will pitch against Oakland early next week after being scratched from his scheduled start on Friday.

3. Los Angeles RHP Akeel Morris was sent outright to Triple-A Salt Lake on Saturday - three days after being designated for assignment.

PREDICTION: Angels 10, Rangers 3
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Houston Astros vs. Oakland Athletics Preview and Predictions 08-19-2018 in MLB

MLB Previews 18th August 2018 by Gracenote
Astros vs. Athletics Preview and Predictions

by Gracenote on 08/18/2018

The Oakland Athletics have erased a 12-game deficit in a two-month span and can take over first place in the American League West when they finish a three-game series with the visiting Houston Astros on Sunday. With an extra-inning triumph in the series opener and a 7-1 win Saturday, the Athletics improved to 40-13 since the middle of June to tie the defending champs atop the division.

Matt Olson delivered the walk-off homer Friday and had two hits, two runs and an RBI to pace an 11-hit attack Saturday. Trevor Cahill yielded one hit in seven scoreless frames for Oakland as the club cut its ERA since the All-Star break to 2.90, tops in the majors in that span. Sean Manaea will try to keep that run going as he opposes Astros right-hander Justin Verlander, who will be making his third attempt at career win No. 200. Houston is 7-12 since reigning MVP Jose Altuve (knee) last played a game July 25, but the three-time batting champ is set to begin a rehab assignment Sunday with Triple-A Fresno.

TV: 4:05 p.m. ET, AT&T SportsNet Southwest (Houston), NBCS California (Oakland)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Astros RH Justin Verlander (11-8, 2.52 ERA) vs. Athletics LH Sean Manaea (11-8, 3.44)

Verlander was knocked around by Seattle in his first bid to join the 200-win club and then received a tough loss against Colorado on Tuesday. He limited the Rockies to two runs while striking out 11 in six innings of the 5-1 setback. The seven-time All-Star blanked the Athletics over six frames in a matchup July 10 at home and is 11-6 with a 2.55 ERA in 19 career encounters.

Manaea bounced back from a rocky start two turns ago to defeat the Mariners with 7 2/3 innings of two-run ball on Monday. He was reached for three runs and seven hits over four innings opposite Verlander in Houston last month. George Springer is 9-for-28 and Alex Bregman has three homers in 17 at-bats against Manaea, who has a 2.82 ERA lifetime versus the Astros.

WALK-OFFS

1. Oakland RF Stephen Piscotty has four doubles in his last four games.

2. Bregman drew a walk Saturday and has reached safely in 38 straight road games.

3. The teams meet once more for a three-game series at Houston from Aug. 27-29.

PREDICTION: Astros 4, Athletics 3
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