MLB Betting News and Trends For Wednesday 9/19/18

National League
Mets (70-81) @ Phillies (77-73)
Syndegaard is 4-0, 2.86 in his last five starts; under is 10-6 in his last 16. Team in his starts: 15-7, 6-5 away
5-inning record: 14-6-2 Allowed run in 1st inning: 6-22

Eflin is 1-3, 7,32 in his last four starts; over is 4-2 in his last six. Team in his starts: 11-11, 7-4 home
5-inning record: 13-7-2 Allowed run in 1st inning: 9-22

Mets are 6-4 in their last ten games; six of their last seven games stayed under. Philly lost 11 of its last 16 games; over is 5-2 in their last seven games.

Cardinals (84-68) @ Braves (83-68)
Flaherty is 1-1, 2.35 in his last four starts; his last six starts stayed under. Team in his starts: 11-14, 5-9 road
5-inning record: 11-13-1 Allowed run in 1st inning: 5-25

Toussaint is 1-1, 3.31 in his three starts (over 3-0). Team in his starts: 2-1, 1-1 home
5-inning record: 1-1-1 Allowed run in 1st inning: 0-3

Cardinals won their last three games; over is 6-3 in their last nine road games. Atlanta lost its last four games; four of Braves’ last five games went over.

Reds (65-87) @ Brewers (86-66)
Harvey is 1-1, 2.50 in his last three starts; under is 6-1-2 in his last nine. Team in his starts: 11-11, 4-8 road
5-inning record: 13-7-2 Allowed run in 1st inning: 9-22

Gonzalez is 1-0, 3.48 in two starts for Milwaukee (over 1-1). Team in his starts: 2-0, 2-0 home
5-inning record: 2-0 Allowed run in 1st inning: 0-2

Reds lost six of their last nine road games; under is 6-0-1 in their last seven games. Milwaukee won 10 of its last 15 games; nine of their last 11 games stayed under.

Cubs (89-62) @ Diamondbacks (78-74)
Hamels is 0-1, 2.70 in his last four starts (under 7-2). Team in his starts: 7-2, 3-2 away
5-inning record: 4-3-2 Allowed run in 1st inning: 2-9

Ray is 2-0, 1.93 in his last five starts (under 4-1). Team in his starts: 10-11, 3-7
5-inning record: 11-4-6 Allowed run in 1st inning: 6-21

Cubs won five of their last six games; seven of their last eight games stayed under. Arizona lost six of its last seven games; five of their last six home games went over the total.

Giants (72-80) @ Padres (60-92)
Stratton is 2-2, 1.93 in his last four starts (under 4-0). Team in his starts: 13-11, 5-7 away
5-inning record: 11-10-3 Allowed run in 1st inning: 10-24

Erlin is 0-4, 8.35 in his last four starts; under is 4-1-1 in his last six. Team in his starts: 3-7, 0-4 home
5-inning record: 0-8-2 Allowed run in 1st inning: 1-10

Giants lost 12 of their last 16 games; under is 19-3 in their last 22 games. San Diego lost six of its last seven home games; over is 6-3-1 in their last ten games.

Rockies (82-69) @ Dodgers (84-68)
Anderson is 0-5, 9.95 in his last six starts; over is 7-2 in his last nine. Team in his starts: 11-19, 7-7 road
5-inning record: 12-10-8 Allowed run in 1st inning: 16-30

Buehler is 1-1, 2.01 in his last five starts; under is 7-2 in his last nine. Team in his starts: 12-8, 6-4 home
5-inning record: 12-6-2 Allowed run in 1st inning: 4-20

Colorado lost four of its last five games; under is 10-3 in their last 13 road games. Dodgers won six of their last seven games; under is 6-3 in their last nine home games.

American League
Boston (103-48) @ New York (92-58)
Price is 4-0, 1.67 in his last six starts; under is 6-2-1 in his last nine. Team in his starts: 21-7, 9-4 away
5-inning record: 15-7-6 Allowed run in 1st inning: 6-28

Severino is 0-2, 6.28 in his last three starts; over is 5-2 in his last seven. Team in his starts: 22-8, 12-1 home
5-inning record: 18-8-4 Allowed run in 1st inning: 9-30

Red Sox won six of their last eight games; their last six games stayed under. New York lost four of its last six games; over is 5-3 in their last eight home games.

Blue Jays (69-82) @ Orioles (43-108)
Gaviglio is 0-2, 7.24 in his last three starts; under is 4-2 in his last six. Team in his starts: 7-14, 2-9 away
5-inning record: 6-10-5 Allowed run in 1st inning: 4-21

Ortiz allowed three runs in 1.2 IP (42 PT) in his first start (over 1-0). Team in his starts: 0-1, 0-1 home
5-inning record: 0-1 Allowed run in 1st inning: 1-1

Blue Jays won their last four games; over is 8-5 in their last 13 road tilts. Baltimore lost 14 of its last 17 games; seven of last 11 Oriole games went over.

Twins (70-81) @ Tigers (61-90)
Berrios is 0-3, 5.14 in his last four starts; over is 5-3 in his last eight. Team in his starts: 15-15, 5-9 away
5-inning record: 10-14-6 Allowed run in 1st inning: 5-30

Turnbull is making his first MLB start; he was 4-7, 4.47 in 19 AAA starts, 1-1, 2.03 in two AAA starts. He’s pitched one scoreless inning in the majors. Team in his starts: 0-0 home
5-inning record: 0-0 Allowed run in 1st inning: 0-0

Twins lost eight of their last 11 road games; five of their last seven road games went over. Detroit lost nine of its last 11 home games; over is 4-3-1 in their last eight games.

White Sox (59-91) @ Indians (84-66)
Covey is 0-6, 9.96 in his last six starts; over is 7-3-1 in his last 11 starts. Team in his starts: 5-13, 2-7 away
5-inning record: 4-11-3 Allowed run in 1st inning: 3-18

Carrasco is 0-2, 4.22 in his last three starts; over is 9-5 in his last 14 starts. Team in his starts: 16-12, 8-5 home
5-inning record: 15-8-5 Allowed run in 1st inning: 8-28

White Sox won three of their last five games; under is 7-2-1 in their last ten road games. Cleveland lost five of its last eight games; over is 3-1-2 in their last six home games.

Rays (84-66) @ Rangers (64-87)
Team in his starts: road
5-inning record: Allowed run in 1st inning:

Mendez is 1-1, 5.54 in his three starts (over 3-0). Team in his starts: 1-2, 1-1 home
5-inning record: 1-1-1 Allowed run in 1st inning: 1-3

Tampa Bay won 13 of its last 16 games; over is 7-5 in their last 12 games. Rangers lost nine of their last 12 games; under is 4-1 in their last five games.

Mariners (83-68) @ Astros (95-56)
Team in his starts: away
5-inning record: Allowed run in 1st inning:

Keuchel is 2-0, 3.77 in his last five starts; under is 8-5-1 in his last 14. Team in his starts: 17-14, 7-8 home
5-inning record: 13-14-5 Allowed run in 1st inning: 10-31

Seattle won four of its last six games; 10 of their last 13 games stayed under. Astros won 13 of their last 16 games; over is 7-5 in their last 12 games.

Angels (75-76) @ A’s (90-61)
Pena is 2-0, 1.80 in his last three starts; under is 9-3-1 in his last 13. Team in his starts: 7-8, 3-4 away
5-inning record: 6-6-3 Allowed run in 1st inning: 7-15

Anderson is 0-2, 13.50 in his last two starts (under 11-3). Team in his starts: 7-7, 2-2 home
5-inning record: 4-7-3 Allowed run in 1st inning: 3-14

Angels lost three of their last five games; under is 8-4 in their last 12 road games. Oakland lost four of its last five games; over is 9-1 in their last ten home games.

Interleague
Royals (52-99) @ Pirates (76-74)
Fillmyer is 2-0, 5.16 in his last four starts (over 7-3-1). Team in his starts: 4-7, 0-4 away
5-inning record: 3-7-1 Allowed run in 1st inning: 1-11

Archer is 0-3, 5.40 in his last five starts (over 5-2-1). Team in his starts: 3-5, 2-1 home
5-inning record: 5-3 Allowed run in 1st inning: 3-8

Royals won five of their last nine games; five of their last six games went over. Pittsburgh won 10 of its last 13 games; under is 12-3 in their last 15 home games.

Umpires
NY-Phil- Under is 8-1-1 in last ten Barber games.
StL-Atl- Over is 15-4-2 in last 21 Wolf games.
Cin-Mil- Four of last five Wegner games went over.
Chi-Az- Favorites are 11-1 in last 12 Barksdale games.
SF-SD- Under is 5-2-1 in last eight West games.
Colo-LA- Under is 5-2-1 in last eight Randazzo games.

Tor-Balt- Over is 7-3 in last ten Vanover games.
Bos-NY- Over is 15-1-2 in last 18 Guccione games.
Chi-Clev- Five of last seven Winters games stayed under.
Min-Det- Under is 9-1-1 in last eleven Layne games.
TB-Tex- Three of last four May games stayed under.
Sea-Hst- Under is 6-3 in last nine TGibson games.
LAA-A’s- Five of last six Hoye games went over.

KC-Pitt- Under is 5-1-1 in last seven Libka games.

St. Louis Cardinals vs. Atlanta Braves Preview and Predictions 09-19-2018 in MLB

The Atlanta Braves wrap up a three-game home series Wednesday against the St. Louis Cardinals searching for answers to their anemic showing at home this season, one that continues to keep the Philadelphia Phillies alive in the National League East race. The Braves lost their fourth consecutive home game Tuesday, an 8-1 defeat that dropped Atlanta's record at SunTrust Park to 38-38 and shrunk its lead in the division to 5 � games.

The Braves' pitching staff has fallen apart during the losing streak, issuing 29 walks while allowing 32 runs and posting an ERA of 7.75. After a quality start by Anibal Sanchez on Tuesday, four Atlanta relievers combined to give up four runs on four hits with three walks in the eighth inning. St. Louis, which started the day one-half game ahead of Colorado for the final NL wild-card spot, benefited from shortstop Paul DeJong homering for the second consecutive game - giving him four career homers in five games at Atlanta. Second baseman Kolten Wong has hit safely in seven of 10 games since coming off the disabled list, and is batting 5-for-7 with a homer and three RBIs through the first two games of the series.

TV: 12:10 p.m. ET, MLB Network, FS Midwest (St. Louis), FS Southeast (Atlanta)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Cardinals RH Jack Flaherty (8-7, 2.86 ERA) vs. Braves RH Touki Toussaint (1-1, 4.67)

Flaherty comes into his 26th start holding opposing hitters to a .193 batting average on the season and has posted a 2.42 ERA in the second half, as the rookie quietly establishes himself as a future cornerstone of the St. Louis rotation. The 22-year-old lost his last start Friday against the Los Angeles Dodgers despite allowing only one run on four hits with eight strikeouts in six innings, his first loss in his past eight starts. Flaherty averages 10.9 strikeouts per nine innings and owns a 1.063 WHIP, striking out 168 in 138 1/3 innings.

Toussaint makes his fifth appearance and fourth start of his MLB career, and control is a key factor for the 22-year old who has walked nine in his past 6 2/3 innings. He gave up three runs with four walks in one inning of relief Saturday against Washington, six days after walking five in 5 2/3 innings at Arizona. Toussaint, one of the Braves' multiple high-end prospects, won his major-league debut against Miami on Aug. 13 with two hits allowed across six innings, then no-hit Boston for four innings on Sept. 3 before giving up three runs on four hits.

WALK-OFFS

1. The Cardinals are 37-22 since manager Mike Shildt assumed command, and their 36 victories since the All-Star break leads the NL.

2. Atlanta has lost its past eight home games to the Cardinals, and overall is 4-14 at home since Aug. 16.

3. St. Louis has homered in 110 of its 152 games this season, going 75-35 (.682) in those contests.

PREDICTION: Cardinals 5, Braves 2
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Minnesota Twins vs. Detroit Tigers Preview and Predictions 09-19-2018 in MLB

MLB Previews 19th September 2018 by Gracenote
The Minnesota Twins aim for their first series sweep on the road in nearly two months when they wrap up a three-game series at the Detroit Tigers on Wednesday. After coasting to a 6-1 win in the series opener, the Twins got three RBIs from Tyler Austin and a solid start by Jake Odorizzi in Tuesday's 5-3 triumph, their fifth in the last six meetings with the Tigers.

Jorge Polanco failed to homer for the first time in three games for Minnesota but he finished with a pair of hits and two runs scored in the win. Mikie Mahtook drove in all three runs for Detroit, which reached the 90-loss mark for the second straight season. Spencer Turnbull will make his first career start Wednesday for the Tigers opposite fellow rookie Stephen Gonsalves. Detroit has dropped six in a row at home, its longest such slide since it lost the final seven straight at Comerica Park to finish last season.

TV: 1:10 p.m. ET, FS North (Minnesota), FS Detroit

PITCHING MATCHUP: Twins LH Stephen Gonsalves (0-2, 9.39 ERA) vs. Tigers RH Spencer Turnbull (0-0, 0.00)

Gonsalves will be making his first start since Sept. 7, when he was pounded for five runs over 2 1/3 innings against Kansas City. He was used out of the bullpen six days later against the Royals and allowed one unearned run in three frames. The 24-year-old Californian will be facing the Tigers for the first time.

Turnbull worked a perfect inning of relief - striking out one - in his big-league debut Friday at Cleveland. The former second-round pick, who turned 26 on Tuesday, was 5-8 with a 3.92 ERA in 23 starts at multiple levels in the minors this year. He had 133 strikeouts and 103 hits allowed in 119 1/3 innings during those 23 appearances.

WALK-OFFS

1. Mahtook is 4-for-8 with a home run, a triple and four RBIs in his last two contests.

2. Twins 3B Miguel Sano was 0-for-4 with four strikeouts Tuesday and is 1-for-15 over his last five games.

3. Minnesota RHP Trevor Hildenberger got the save Tuesday but has given up seven runs across 2 1/3 innings over a span of three appearances.

PREDICTION: Tigers 6, Twins 5
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Tampa Bay Rays vs. Texas Rangers Preview and Predictions 09-19-2018 in MLB

MLB Previews 19th September 2018 by Gracenote
Rays vs. Rangers Preview and Predictions

by Gracenote on 09/19/2018

The surging Tampa Bay Rays go after their third straight shutout as they attempt to complete a three-game sweep of the host Texas Rangers on Wednesday afternoon and put pressure on Oakland in the race for the final American League wild-card spot. Blake Snell became the first pitcher to reach 20 wins Tuesday and the Rays have allowed just six hits while blanking Texas in the first two games of the series.

Joey Wendle is 5-for-8 with three doubles in the series after registering four hits from the leadoff spot Tuesday during a 4-0 triumph as Tampa Bay totaled 15 hits and won for the 13th time in 16 contests. The Rays have pulled within 5 1/2 games of the second wild card and will open the series finale with reliever Diego Castillo while rookie Yohander Mendez gets the call for the Rangers. Texas, which resides in the AL West cellar, had not been shut out at home until Monday's 3-0 loss and has left 11 on base while striking out 18 times in the series. Slugger Joey Gallo, who is three homers from reaching 40 for the second straight season, is day-to-day after missing the last two games with a toe injury.

TV: 2:05 p.m. ET, FSN (Tampa Bay), FS Southwest (Texas)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Rays RH Diego Castillo (3-2, 3.24 ERA) vs. Rangers LH Yohander Mendez (2-1, 3.86)

Castillo takes on the "opener" role for the ninth time this season and struck out six over three innings the last two times he has started a contest. The 24-year-old Dominican Republic native allowed one run on three hits and two walks while striking out 12 across nine innings this month and boasts a 0.98 WHIP overall. Castillo has yet to face Texas and is 1-0 with a 3.15 ERA in 16 appearances (three starts) on the road.

Mendez has been solid in his last three trips to the mound, permitting two runs on seven hits and seven walks across 15 innings combined. The 23-year-old Venezuelan came on in the second inning last Friday at San Diego, giving up three hits over five scoreless frames to earn the victory. Mendez, who has held opponents to a .221 ERA in the majors, was 0-7 with a 5.25 ERA at Triple-A Round Rock this season.

WALK-OFFS

1. Texas RHP Jose Leclerc has not given up a run in 18 straight innings over 18 appearances, dating back to late July.

2. Tampa Bay 3B Matt Duffy is 8-for-21 with four walks during a six-game hitting streak.

3. Rangers 3B Adrian Beltre, who is 0-for-7 in the series, is one homer behind Willie Stargell and Stan Musial (475) for 30th on major league baseball's all-time list.

PREDICTION: Rays 7, Rangers 3
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New York Mets vs. Philadelphia Phillies Preview and Predictions 09-19-2018 in MLB

MLB Previews 19th September 2018 by Gracenote
Mets vs. Phillies Preview and Predictions

by Gracenote on 09/19/2018

The Philadelphia Phillies look to answer an 11-series winless stretch by capturing their second straight set on Wednesday when they play the rubber match of their three-game series versus the visiting New York Mets (70-81). Winners of just five of 16 in September, the Phillies (77-73) are keeping their faint postseason aspirations alive as they reside 5 1/2 games behind National League East-leading Atlanta.

Jorge Alfaro belted a three-run homer to highlight a five-run sixth inning in Philadelphia's 5-2 win on Tuesday. Fellow catcher Wilson Ramos had an RBI single in his lone at-bat and likely will get the start on Wednesday versus New York, against which he is 11-for-31 this season. Mets first baseman Dominic Smith had an RBI double to improve to 3-for-8 in the series, although he is just 7-for-28 with 10 strikeouts against the Phillies in 2018. Fellow infielder Jeff McNeil has tormented Philadelphia, collecting two singles to up his mark to 19-for-41 with six RBIs and nine runs scored this season.

TV: 6:05 p.m. ET, SNY (New York), NBCS Philadelphia

PITCHING MATCHUP: Mets RH Noah Syndergaard (12-3, 3.26 ERA) vs. Phillies RH Zach Eflin (10-7, 4.26)

Syndergaard won his third straight start in grand fashion Friday, scattering three hits over seven innings in an 8-0 romp at Boston. The 26-year-old evened his 2018 mark at 1-1 against Philadelphia after picking up the win on Sept. 8, but his season ERA (5.51) and opponent's batting average (.348) versus the club leave a bit to be desired. Cesar Hernandez (8-for-20) and Ramos (7-for-18) have flustered Syndergaard in their careers, however the hurler has gotten the better of Nick Williams (1-for-10) and Aaron Altherr (1-for-9).

Eflin snapped a three-start slide with a strong effort on Friday, yielding one run on five hits over 6 1/3 innings of a 14-2 rout versus Miami. The 24-year-old is aiming to rebound from a porous performance against the Mets on Sept. 8, when he allowed six runs across three innings of a 10-5 setback. Amed Rosario (3-for-8) and Jose Reyes (3-for-10) each have three doubles versus Eflin while Michael Conforto has a homer and five RBIs against him.

WALK-OFFS

1. Philadelphia 1B Carlos Santana is 3-for-4 with four walks in the series.

2. New York owns a 44-21 mark at Citizens Bank Park since 2012 and has outhomered the hosts 32-21.

3. Phillies LF Rhys Hoskins is 0-for-8 with three strikeouts in the series.

PREDICTION: Mets 3, Phillies 2
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Boston Red Sox vs. New York Yankees Preview and Predictions 09-19-2018 in MLB

MLB Previews 18th September 2018 by Gracenote
Red Sox vs. Yankees Preview and Predictions

by Gracenote on 09/18/2018

The New York Yankees spoiled the party in the first game of the series and look to keep the visiting Boston Red Sox from clinching their third straight American League East title again when the teams meet Wednesday night. Neil Walker belted a three-run homer and the Yankees held on for a 3-2 victory Tuesday, reducing their magic number to five to seal a playoff spot.

Slugger Aaron Judge returned to the New York lineup Tuesday and went 0-for-4, getting his first at-bats since July 26 due to a wrist injury, while closer Aroldis Chapman (knee) is expected to be activated by the Yankees in the next few days. New York's Luis Severino goes after his 18th win when he takes the mound in the middle game of the series while the Red Sox turn to veteran David Price, who gave up eight runs and five homers on July 1 in his last outing at Yankee Stadium. Boston's Mookie Betts, the major league's batting leader (.337), was expected to be back in the lineup Tuesday after suffering a side injury Sunday, but was rested due to the soggy field conditions and should return Wednesday. The Red Sox were limited to five hits Tuesday after winning six of their previous seven games, but major league RBI leader J.D. Martinez added his 123rd of the season with a sacrifice fly and recorded his second triple of the season.

TV: 7:05 p.m. ET, ESPN, NESN (Boston), YES (New York)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Red Sox LH David Price (15-6, 3.42 ERA) vs. Yankees RH Luis Severino (17-8, 3.46)

Price is unbeaten since the rough encounter with the Yankees on July 1 and comes into this matchup after tossing seven scoreless innings to beat Toronto last Wednesday. The 33-year-old Vanderbilt product boasts four scoreless outings in his last 11 starts, completing at least six frames nine times in that stretch while going 6-0. Gary Sanchez is 6-for-12 with five homers versus Price, who is 15-13 with a 4.86 ERA lifetime against the Yankees.

Severino is winless in his past three trips to the mound, but suffered a hard-luck loss at Minnesota last Wednesday while giving up one run over 5 2/3 innings. The 24-year-old Dominican has completed six innings just once in his past six starts and is 3-6 overall since July 12. Andrew Benintendi is 11-for-24 with two homers, three doubles and 10 RBIs versus Severino, who is 1-2 with a 4.24 ERA in four starts against Boston in 2018.

WALK-OFFS

1. The Red Sox boast 103 victories, one shy of the second-most in franchise history (1946).

2. New York OF Giancarlo Stanton was 0-for-4 on Tuesday and has been limited to one home run over his last 15 games.

3. Boston INF Eduardo Nunez went 1-for-4 on Tuesday after missing three games with a sore knee.

PREDICTION: Yankees 5, Red Sox 4
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Toronto Blue Jays vs. Baltimore Orioles Preview and Predictions 09-19-2018 in MLB

MLB Previews 19th September 2018 by Gracenote
Blue Jays vs. Orioles Preview and Predictions

by Gracenote on 09/19/2018

Despite being closer to last place than first in the American League East, the Toronto Blue Jays had little trouble distancing themselves from the beleaguered Baltimore Orioles when the division rivals have tangled this season. The Blue Jays (69-82) vie for their 15th victory in the season series against the Orioles (43-108) on Wednesday when the clubs conclude their three-game set at Camden Yards in Baltimore.

Lourdes Gurriel Jr. had the go-ahead two-run single in the seventh inning as Toronto overcame an early four-run deficit and posted its fourth straight win with a 6-4 triumph on Tuesday. While the 24-year-old Gurriel is just 6-for-20 versus Baltimore this season, Kevin Pillar is a robust 20-for-49 with eight extra-base hits (four homers, four doubles), 10 RBIs and nine runs scored in the season series. "Sometimes you've got to take them on the chin and this one was like getting hit by (Mike) Tyson in '93. Yeah, Tyson at '93. That's what this season felt like," Baltimore outfielder Adam Jones told MASN after recording his second multi-hit performance in three games. The Orioles set a team record for losses in a season on Tuesday and reside three shy of the franchise record, set by the 1939 St. Louis Browns.

TV: 7:05 p.m. ET, Sportsnet, TVA (Toronto), MASN (Baltimore)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Blue Jays RH Marco Estrada (7-12, 5.75 ERA) vs. Orioles RH Jimmy Yacabonis (0-2, 7.22)

Estrada fell to 0-3 in his last four outings on Friday after getting blitzed for eight runs on six hits over 2 2/3 innings of an 11-0 setback at the New York Yankees. The 35-year-old is being moved up a day in the rotation after tossing just 55 pitches in that lopsided decision. Estrada improved to 9-2 in 18 career appearances versus Baltimore and 2-1 in three starts this season after permitting three runs over 5 1/3 innings of a 5-3 triumph on Aug. 20.

MASN reported that Yacabonis will draw the start after allowing four runs on as many hits over three innings in a no-decision versus the Chicago White Sox on Friday. The 26-year-old was taken deep twice in that contest and seven times total in his last six outings. Yacabonis has retired all seven batters he's faced against the current crop of Blue Jays.

WALK-OFFS

1. Toronto SS Aledmys Diaz is 6-for-12 with a homer, four RBIs and two runs scored over his last four games in which he recorded an at-bat.

2. Orioles DH Chris Davis is hitless in his last three contests and 1-for-28 with 13 strikeouts over his last eight games overall.

3. Blue Jays 1B Rowdy Tellez has two RBIs and two runs scored during a five-game hitting streak.

PREDICTION: Blue Jays 6, Orioles 1
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Kansas City Royals vs. Pittsburgh Pirates Preview and Predictions 09-19-2018 in MLB

MLB Previews 19th September 2018 by Gracenote
Royals vs. Pirates Preview and Predictions

by Gracenote on 09/19/2018

The Pittsburgh Pirates' playoff chances are all but gone, but they seem intent on finishing strong, especially at home. The Pirates seek their fifth straight victory overall and their eighth in a row at PNC Park when they host the Kansas City Royals for the finale of a three-game interleague series Wednesday night.

Pittsburgh has a pair of one-run wins to begin the set, riding Jameson Taillon's seven scoreless innings, a pinch-hit homer by Colin Moran and an 11th-inning RBI single by Ryan Lavarnway to Tuesday's 2-1 victory. With the win, the Pirates have claimed 11 straight home contests played in the month of September dating to last season and they are two games over .500 for the first time in over a month. After averaging 7.5 runs over their previous four contests, the Royals were limited to seven hits over 11 innings Tuesday and narrowly avoided being shut out thanks to a game-tying RBI double with two outs in the ninth by Hunter Dozier. They will lean on rookie Heath Fillmyer in Wednesday's finale as he starts opposite veteran Chris Archer for Pittsburgh.

TV: 7:05 p.m. ET, FS Kansas City, AT&T SportsNet Pittsburgh

PITCHING MATCHUP: Royals RH Heath Fillmyer (3-1, 4.76 ERA) vs. Pirates RH Chris Archer (4-8, 4.66)

Fillmyer worked at least seven innings in two of his last three starts, including a personal-best 7 1/3 last time out against Minnesota. He has a 16.20 ERA over the past three road outings while allowing 18 hits in 8 1/3 innings. The 24-year-old's one interleague start was a gem, as he held the Chicago Cubs to three hits over seven scoreless innings to pick up his first career win Aug. 8.

Archer gave up four runs over five innings in a loss at Milwaukee on Friday, extending his winless streak to six starts. He struck out eight batters in the loss, his best total in almost two months, while raising his ERA as a Pirate to 5.49. The North Carolina native, who turns 30 next week, is 1-4 with a 4.50 ERA in six career starts against the Royals.

WALK-OFFS

1. Pirates 1B Josh Bell is batting .333 in 41 career interleague games.

2. Royals 1B Ryan O'Hearn is 6-for-11 with three RBIs and three runs scored during a three-game hitting streak.

3. Pittsburgh LHP Felipe Vazquez had converted 24 straight save opportunities before Dozier's RBI double against him in the ninth.

PREDICTION: Pirates 6, Royals 4
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Chicago White Sox vs. Cleveland Indians Preview and Predictions 09-19-2018 in MLB

MLB Previews 18th September 2018 by Gracenote
White Sox vs. Indians Preview and Predictions

by Gracenote on 09/18/2018

The American League Central champion Cleveland Indians look to continue their dominance in the season series when they host the Chicago White Sox on Wednesday night for the second of a three-game set. Jason Kipnis homered and Yandy Diaz knocked in two runs to support Corey Kluber's 11-strikeout effort as the Indians took the opener 5-3 on Tuesday to improve to 11-3 against the White Sox, including 7-0 at home, this year.

Diaz boasts four RBIs in his last three games and owns 15 in 28 big-league contests in 2018 for Cleveland, which sends 16-game winner Carlos Carrasco to the mound Wednesday against Chicago's Dylan Covey. The Indians will be resting key players periodically over the last two weeks of the regular season, but are expected to have slugger Edwin Encarnacion back in the lineup Wednesday after he missed two games with an ankle injury. The White Sox, who are 22-21 since Aug. 2, have dropped two straight after a three-game winning streak and remained 1 1/2 games behind Detroit for third place in the AL Central. Outfielder Daniel Palka is among the league's rookie leaders in homers with 25 after launching three in the last two games for Chicago and is one behind Matt Davidson for fourth all time among White Sox rookies.

TV: 7:10 p.m. ET, WGN (Chicago), STO (Cleveland)

PITCHING MATCHUP: White Sox RH Dylan Covey (5-13, 5.64 ERA) vs. Indians RH Carlos Carrasco (16-9, 3.43)

Covey has managed just one victory since July 21 and gave up six runs (five earned) on six hits and three walks in a loss at Kansas City last time out. The 27-year-old California native earned his only victory during the rough stretch Aug. 31 against major league-best Boston with three scoreless innings of relief. Kipnis is 5-for-10 with a homer versus Covey, who is 1-2 with a 6.63 ERA in four starts this year against the Indians.

Carrasco is winless in his past three starts despite allowing just five runs (four earned) across 15 innings combined in his last two trips to the mound. The 31-year-old Venezuelan, who is two wins shy of his career high, has limited opponents to three or fewer runs in 12 of his past 14 contests. Tim Anderson is 7-for-24 with a homer and a double against Carrasco, who is 2-0 while permitting one unearned run over 14 innings versus the White Sox in 2018.

WALK-OFFS

1. Chicago 1B Jose Abreu is expected to miss the series due to an infection in his right thigh that forced him to be hospitalized.

2. The Indians are 26-9 in home divisional games and 44-23 overall against AL Central opponents in 2018.

3. White Sox 2B Yoan Moncada is 9-for-27 with three walks over his last seven contests after recording a pair of hits Tuesday.

PREDICTION: Indians 6, White Sox 3
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Cincinnati Reds vs. Milwaukee Brewers Preview and Predictions 09-19-2018 in MLB

MLB Previews 19th September 2018 by Gracenote
Reds vs. Brewers Preview and Predictions

by Gracenote on 09/19/2018

After winning seven straight series to strengthen their standing in the National League playoff race, the Milwaukee Brewers are in danger of dropping back-to-back sets - and to the bottom two teams in the division. The Brewers will try to avoid a second straight series loss when they wrap up a three-game run against the visiting Cincinnati Reds on Wednesday.

Cincinnati evened the series with a 3-1 win Tuesday, as five pitchers held the Brewers to three hits - all singles. It was just the second win in the past six games for the Reds, who have totaled only eight runs over that stretch. Milwaukee has dropped three of its last four games (the first two against Pittsburgh) following a 12-3 stretch and has fallen 3 1/2 games behind the NL Central-leading Chicago Cubs, though the Brewers remain atop the NL wild-card race. The Brewers lead the season series 12-6, but the teams have split the past 10 meetings after Milwaukee won seven of the first eight this season.

TV: 7:40 p.m. ET, FS Ohio (Cincinnati), FS Wisconsin, Dish455 (Milwaukee)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Reds RH Matt Harvey (7-8, 4.67 ERA) vs. Brewers LH Gio Gonzalez (8-11, 4.44)

Harvey has been excellent in three starts this month, posting quality starts in all three outings and pitching to a 2.50 ERA. The 29-year-old blanked the Cubs for six innings last time out but didn't get a decision in a 3-2 defeat. Harvey is 1-2 with a 5.26 ERA in five starts against the Brewers, who have tagged him for nine runs in 14 2/3 innings across three meetings this season.

The Brewers have won each of the first two games Gonzalez has started since being acquired from Washington, but he struggled with his command in his most recent outing. The 32-year-old walked four and made it through just 4 2/3 innings Friday against Pittsburgh, allowing three runs. Gonzalez is 5-3 with a 2.99 ERA in 11 starts against the Reds.

WALK-OFFS

1. Yelich is 25-for-52 with seven homers and 17 RBIs against the Reds this season.

2. Reds SS Jose Peraza has hit safely in 12 of his last 13 games, including eight multi-hit contests.

3. Brewers INF Travis Shaw left Tuesday's game with a bruised right knee.

PREDICTION: Brewers 5, Reds 3
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Seattle Mariners vs. Houston Astros Preview and Predictions 09-19-2018 in MLB

MLB Previews 19th September 2018 by Gracenote
Mariners vs. Astros Preview and Predictions

by Gracenote on 09/19/2018

The Houston Astros aim to notch their 14th victory in 17 games when they conclude their three-game series Wednesday against the visiting Seattle Mariners. The teams split the first two games of the set, with Houston cruising to a 7-0 win on Tuesday.

Marwin Gonzalez went 2-for-3 with a two-run homer and a walk in Tuesday's victory and is batting .365 with four blasts and 13 RBIs in 65 at-bats against Seattle this season. Josh Reddick (Achilles) is expected to miss his second straight game for Houston, which holds a five-game lead over Oakland in the American League West. Robinson Cano matched a season high with three hits, but Seattle recorded a total of six while going 0-for-9 with runners in scoring position. Slugger Nelson Cruz struck out three times while going 0-for-4 for the Mariners, who are seven games behind Oakland for the AL's second wild-card spot.

TV: 8:10 p.m. ET, ROOT Northwest (Seattle), AT&T SportsNet-Southwest (Houston)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Mariners LH Roenis Elias (2-1, 3.18 ERA) vs. Astros LH Dallas Keuchel (11-10, 3.57)

Seattle is going with a bullpen game, but manager Scott Servais declined to reveal who will start the contest. The pitcher likely to take the mound first is Elias, who last worked when he allowed one hit in 3 2/3 scoreless innings against the Los Angeles Angels on Friday. The 30-year-old Elias is 1-2 with a 5.01 ERA in nine career appearances (seven starts) versus Houston.

Keuchel settled for a no-decision in his last turn, when he gave up two runs and five hits over six innings against Arizona. The 30-year-old is 2-0 over his last five outings and has suffered just one setback in his last eight turns. Keuchel is 1-2 with a 4.08 ERA in four starts versus Seattle this season and 9-7 with a 3.02 ERA in 19 career appearances (18 starts).

WALK-OFFS

1. Astros 3B Alex Bregman is hitless in eight at-bats in the series and just 3-for-27 over his last eight games.

2. Seattle RHP Felix Hernandez (ankle) is slated to rejoin the team prior to Friday's series opener at Texas.

3. Houston RHP Lance McCullers Jr. (forearm) threw a 30-pitch simulated game Tuesday and will throw again later this week as the team attempts to dissect whether or not he will available for the postseason.

PREDICTION: Astros 6, Mariners 2
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San Francisco Giants vs. San Diego Padres Preview and Predictions 09-19-2018 in MLB

MLB Previews 19th September 2018 by Gracenote
Giants vs. Padres Preview and Predictions

by Gracenote on 09/19/2018

San Diego Padres rookie Franmil Reyes wasn't part of the team's long-term plans when the season began, but the hulking right fielder is forcing his way into the picture with an impressive second half. Reyes is riding a 10-game hitting streak for the Padres, who look to avoid a three-game sweep against the visiting San Francisco Giants on Wednesday.

The 6-5, 275-pound Reyes homered and drove in three runs in Tuesday's 5-4 loss as San Diego fell to 1-4 on its six-game homestand. Leadoff man Freddy Galvis went 4-for-5 while hitting in front of Reyes, who is 14-for-36 during his streak and batting a major league-leading .385 (30-for-78) with seven homers in 24 games since Aug. 21. San Francisco recorded its sixth consecutive victory against the Padres on Tuesday behind another productive effort from rookie Chris Shaw, who recorded two RBIs and has gone 6-for-10 over his last three games after collecting one hit in 22 at-bats over his first 11 contests. Hunter Pence, who likely is playing his final 10 games with the Giants, snapped a 3-for-29 slump by going 2-for-4 with a homer and three RBIs in Tuesday's win.

TV: 9:10 p.m. ET, NBCS Bay Area (San Francisco), FS San Diego

PITCHING MATCHUP: Giants RH Chris Stratton (10-9, 4.66 ERA) vs. Padres LH Robbie Erlin (3-7, 4.27)

Stratton recorded the first complete game and shutout of his career on Friday, allowing two hits while striking out seven in a 2-0 win over Colorado. The 28-year-old native of Mississippi has posted a 2.10 ERA in five starts since rejoining the rotation on Aug. 21. Stratton owns a 2-2 record and 3.15 ERA in four career games (three starts) against San Diego - including seven scoreless innings at Petco Park on April 12, when he allowed one hit in a 7-0 victory.

Erlin lost his fourth straight start on Friday but earned praise from manager Andy Green after giving up two runs - one earned - and six hits over 5 1/3 innings against Texas. "I thought he was as good as he's been all year as a starter," Green told reporters. The 27-year-old Bay Area native is 0-3 with a 5.68 ERA in seven career games (four starts) versus San Francisco - including a 4.76 ERA in three relief appearances this season.

WALK-OFFS

1. Ten of the 15 games between the Giants and Padres this season have been decided by three runs or fewer.

2. The Padres are expected to start rookie pitchers Eric Lauer, Jacob Nix and Joey Lucchesi in this weekend's series against the Los Angeles Dodgers.

3. The Giants have been successful in 27 of their last 28 stolen-base attempts.

PREDICTION: Giants 6, Padres 4
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Chicago Cubs vs. Arizona Diamondbacks Preview and Predictions 09-19-2018 in MLB

MLB Previews 19th September 2018 by Gracenote
Cubs vs. Diamondbacks Preview and Predictions

by Gracenote on 09/19/2018

The Chicago Cubs look to complete a three-game sweep and win for the sixth time in seven contests when they visit the Arizona Diamondbacks on Wednesday for the series finale. Chicago delivered a 9-1 thumping on Tuesday and won the first two games by a cumulative 14-2 score.

Javier Baez and Daniel Murphy each drilled two-run homers and Anthony Rizzo also drove in two runs as the Cubs increased their lead over Milwaukee in the National League Central to 3 1/2 games. Murphy, who is batting just .220 this month, scored three runs on Tuesday after failing to touch home plate in his previous eight contests. Arizona is rapidly falling out of postseason contention with four straight setbacks and 14 in its last 18 games. The Diamondbacks are six games behind both the first-place Los Angeles Dodgers in the NL West and St. Louis for the second wild-card berth.

TV: 9:40 p.m. ET, NBCS Chicago, FS Arizona

PITCHING MATCHUP: Cubs LH Cole Hamels (9-9, 3.67 ERA) vs. Diamondbacks LH Robbie Ray (5-2, 4.14)

Hamels is 4-0 with a 1.57 ERA in nine starts since being acquired from Texas. The 34-year-old hasn't received a decision in his last four outings despite posting a 2.70 ERA and 25 strikeouts in 23 innings during that stretch. Hamels is 4-2 with a 3.47 ERA in nine career starts against the Diamondbacks and has shut down Paul Goldschmidt (1-for-8) and A.J. Pollock (0-for-8).

Ray has gone 2-0 in 11 starts since suffering a loss to Colorado on July 12. The 26-year-old has posted a 1.93 ERA over his last five starts and picked up those two victories in that span. Ray allowed one run and four hits over seven innings in a no-decision against the Cubs on July 25 and is 0-1 with a 2.50 ERA in three career starts versus the team.

WALK-OFFS

1. Diamondbacks RF Steven Souza Jr. struck out three times in four hitless at-bats on Tuesday and is a meager 3-for-42 with 20 strikeouts in September.

2. Chicago RHP Brandon Morrow (elbow) is done for the season after experiencing pain following a simulated game on Saturday.

3. Arizona LHP T.J. McFarland (elbow) has been shut down for the rest of the campaign.

PREDICTION: Cubs 8, Diamondbacks 3
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Los Angeles Angels vs. Oakland Athletics Preview and Predictions 09-19-2018 in MLB

MLB Previews 19th September 2018 by Gracenote
Angels vs. Athletics Preview and Predictions

by Gracenote on 09/19/2018

The Oakland Athletics are slumping at the wrong time, as their chances for first place in the American League West - as well as the top wild-card spot - continue to worsen. Oakland looks to avoid its fourth straight loss and fifth in six outings when it hosts the Los Angeles Angels on Wednesday for the middle contest of their three-game series.

The Athletics squandered a three-run lead on Tuesday in the opener of the set - and their final homestand of the season - and suffered a 9-7 loss to fall five games behind division-leading Houston and 2 1/2 in back of the New York Yankees for the first wild-card spot. Mark Canha delivered a three-run double and Matt Olson recorded an RBI single to extend his hitting streak to six games - a stretch during which he has gone 9-for-21 for Oakland, which is 5 1/2 games ahead of the Tampa Bay Rays for the second wild card. Kaleb Cowart highlighted a six-run sixth inning for Los Angeles with his first career grand slam and added an RBI triple in the eighth as the team extended its road winning streak to five games. Cowart's blast was the first grand slam of the season for the Angels, leaving San Francisco as the lone team without one in 2018.

TV: 10:05 p.m. ET, FS West (Los Angeles), NBCS California (Oakland)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Angels RH Felix Pena (3-4, 3.75 ERA) vs. Athletics LH Brett Anderson (3-5, 4.35)

Pena has been superb this month, going 2-0 while allowing four runs - three earned - with one walk and 12 strikeouts over 20 innings in three starts. The 28-year-old Dominican, who scattered six hits over six scoreless frames in a win over Texas last Wednesday, has worked at least six innings in each of his last six turns. Pena gave up one run in one inning of relief against Oakland in his season debut on April 8 and escaped with a no-decision after yielding three runs and five hits - two homers - over 5 2/3 frames of a start on Aug. 10.

Anderson has struggled mightily of late, losing back-to-back starts in which he surrendered nine runs and 14 hits over six innings. The 30-year-old Texan pitched extremely well in his previous four outings as he allowed two runs and 12 hits with two walks and 14 strikeouts over 26 2/3 frames but recorded only one win in that span. Anderson is 1-3 with a 3.75 ERA in 11 career appearances (eight starts) against the Angels, including a no-decision on Aug. 10 in which he gave up two runs and four hits over five innings.

WALK-OFFS

1. Athletics OF Dustin Fowler recorded a pinch-hit two-run single in the series opener for his first RBIs since July 26.

2. Los Angeles activated LHP Tyler Skaggs (adductor), who walked two and struck out three in three scoreless innings on Tuesday, from the 10-day disabled list, transferred RHP Nick Tropeano (shoulder) to the 60-day DL and purchased the contract of 2B Sherman Johnson from Triple-A Salt Lake.

3. Oakland RHP Andrew Triggs (arm), who hasn't pitched since May 17, is expected to undergo thoracic outlet surgery on Sept. 26.

PREDICTION: Angels 6, Athletics 3
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