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MLB Betting News and Trends For Friday 7/13/18

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Betting news, trends, odds and predictions from various handicappers and websites for Friday 7/13/18

 
Posted : July 13, 2018 8:30 am
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National League
Brewers (55-39) @ Pirates (44-49)
Guerra is 3-0, 2.65 in his last three starts; under is 7-3 in his last ten. Team in his starts: 10-7
5-inning record: 7-8-2. Allowed run in 1st inning: 3-17

Kingham is 1-3, 6.20 in his last four starts (under 3-1). Team in his starts: 3-5.
5-inning record: 3-4-1. Allowed run in 1st inning: 4-8

Brewers lost five of their last six road games; over is 7-1 in their last eight road games. Pittsburgh won four of its last five games; under is 4-1-1 in their last six games.

Nationals (47-46) @ Mets (36-54)
Roark is 0-4, 8.86 in his last four starts; over is 4-1 in his last five. Team in his starts: 5-13
5-inning record: 4-12-2. Allowed run in 1st inning: 4-18

Syndergaard is making his first start since May 25; he is 2-0, 3.00 in his last four starts. Under is 4-1 in his last five. Team in his starts: 7-4.
5-inning record: 6-3-2. Allowed run in 1st inning: 2-11

Washington is 5-14 in its last 19 road games; under is 6-2-1 in its last nine road games. Mets are 6-16 in their last 22 games; under is 7-4-1 in their last 12 games.

Phillies (52-40) @ Marlins (39-56)
Arrieta is 1-1, 5.48 in his last four starts (under 3-1). Team in his starts: 8-9.
5-inning record: 8-6-3. Allowed run in 1st inning: 4-17

Chen is 0-3, 7.08 in his last four starts; over is 5-2-1 in his last eight. Team in his starts: 6-9.
5-inning record: 7-7. Allowed run in 1st inning: 3-14

Phillies are 9-3 in their last 12 games, 11-10 vs lefty starters, 7-9 in road series openers. Under is 5-1-1 in their last seven games. Miami won three of its last four games; they won last six home series openers. Over is 5-2 in their last seven games.

Diamondbacks (51-43) @ Braves (51-40)
Godley is 5-1, 4.59 in his last six starts; over is 3-1-1 in his last five. Team in his starts: 11-7.
5-inning record: 9-9. Allowed run in 1st inning: 6-18

Sanchez is 1-1, 3.12 in his last three starts (under 7-2-1). Team in his starts: 7-3.
5-inning record: 4-5-1. Allowed run in 1st inning: 4-10

Arizona lost three of its last four games; under is 7-2-1 in their last ten road games. Snakes are 11-4 in road series openers. Braves lost six of their last eight games; they’re 8-6 in home series openers. Over is 6-2 in their last eight home games.

Reds (41-52) @ Cardinals (47-44)
Harvey is 3-0, 2.25 in his last four starts (over 5-4-2). Team in his starts: 6-5.
5-inning record: 7-4. Allowed run in 1st inning: 4-11

Martinez is 3-0, 2.37 in his last three starts; over is 4-1 in his last five. Team in his starts: 9-6.
5-inning record: 7-6-2. Allowed run in 1st inning: 6-15

Reds are 7-4 in their last 11 games, 7-8 n road series openers- their last five games went over. St Louis is 4-8 in its last 12 games, 7-8 in home series openers. Over is 3-2 in their last five home games.

Cubs (52-38) @ Padres (40-56)
Chatwood is 0-1, 8.27 in his last four starts; over is 7-4 in his last 11. Team in his starts: 8-8.
5-inning record: 8-7-1. Allowed run in 1st inning: 5-16

Richard is 0-2, 6.00 in his last three starts (under 2-0-1). Team in his starts: 10-9.
5-inning record: 6-12-1. Allowed run in 1st inning: 5-19

Cubs are 3-9 in last 12 road games, 10-5 in road series openers, 15-6 vs lefty starters. Over is 9-5 in their last 14 games. San Diego lost eight of last ten home games; under is 6-2-1 in their last nine games. Padres are 1-13 in home series openers.

American League
Rangers (40-54) @ Orioles (26-68)
Hamels is 0-2, 15.19 in his last three starts; under is 5-2-1 in his last eight. Team in his starts: 6-12
5-inning record: 5-10-3. Allowed run in 1st inning: 8-18

Cobb is 0-4, 7.41 in his last six starts (over 4-1-1). Team in his starts: 3-13.
5-inning record: 3-12-1. Allowed run in 1st inning: 4-16

Rangers lost five of its last six games; they’re 5-10 in road series openers. Under is 5-2-1 in their last eight road games. Baltimore is 3-16 in its last 19 games, 11-20 vs lefty starters, 5-10 in home series openers. Over is 4-2-1 in their last seven games.

New York (61-31) @ Cleveland (50-42)
German is 0-0, 6.75 in his last three starts; under is 5-2-1 in his last eight. Team in his starts: 7-4
5-inning record: 4-5-2. Allowed run in 1st inning: 5-11

Bieber is 4-1, 2.93 in his last five starts (over 3-3). Team in his starts: 5-1.
5-inning record: 4-2. Allowed run in 1st inning: 3-6

New York won seven of its last ten games; under is 17-5 in their last 22 road games. Indians lost five of their last six games; over is 9-2 in their last 11 home games.

Blue Jays (42-50) @ Red Sox (66-29)
Borucki is 0-1, 2.25 in three starts (under 3-0, Jays scored 3 runs in the 3 games). Team in his starts: 0-3
5-inning record: 0-2-1. Allowed run in 1st inning: 2-3

Porcello is 3-0, 3.16 in his last four starts; over is 9-3 in his last 12. Team in his starts: 13-6.
5-inning record: 13-6. Allowed run in 1st inning: 6-19

Blue Jays lost four of last four games; over is 5-2 in their last seven road games. Boston won its last 10 games, is 14-10 vs lefty starters; over is 8-4 in their last 12 games.

Rays (48-45) @ Twins (42-49)
Eovaldi is 2-0, 0.95 in his last three starts (under 6-2). Team in his starts: 3-5
5-inning record: 4-3-1. Allowed run in 1st inning: 0-8

Odorizzi is 1-1, 1.06 in his last three starts; under is 7-4 in his last 11. Team in his starts: 8-11.
5-inning record: 7-8-4. Allowed run in 1st inning: 4-19

Tampa Bay is 14-5 in its last 19 games; under is 11-4 in their last 15 games. Minnesota won eight of last nine home games; four of their last six games went over.

Royals (26-66) @ White Sox (31-61)
Keller is 1-1, 2.29 in his last three starts (under 4-3). Team in his starts: 2-5
5-inning record: 3-2-2. Allowed run in 1st inning: 1-7

Shields is 1-2, 6.38 in his last four starts; under is 11-3-1 in his last 15. Team in his starts: 6-13.
5-inning record: 6-12-1. Allowed run in 1st inning: 6-19

Royals lost 11 of last 12 games, are 4-11 in road series openers. Over is 7-2 in their last nine games. Chicago lost six of its last seven games; they’re 5-9 in home series openers. Under is 3-1 in their last four home games.

Tigers (40-55) @ Astros (62-34)
Fiers is 1-1, 1.29 in his last three starts; under is 6-1-1 in his last eight. Team in his starts: 11-6
5-inning record: 7-7-3. Allowed run in 1st inning: 5-17

Keuchel is 3-0, 3.19 in his last five starts; under is 3-1 in his last four. Team in his starts: 10-9.
5-inning record: 7-9-3. Allowed run in 1st inning: 7-19

Tigers lost four of last five road games, are 4-12 in road series openers, 14-10 vs lefty starters. Under is 7-2 in their last nine road games. Houston lost three of last four games; they’re 8-8 in home series openers. Over is 7-4 in their last 11 home games.

Interleague
Mariners (58-36) @ Rockies (48-45)
Bergman blanked Texas for seven innings (90 PT) in his only ’18 start, back in May. This is his 25th MLB start. Team in his starts: 0-2
5-inning record: 0-0-1. Allowed run in 1st inning: 0-1

Senzatela is 1-1, 4.15 in two starts this year (over 1-1). Team in his starts: 1-1.
5-inning record: 1-1. Allowed run in 1st inning: 1-2

Mariners lost four of their last six games; they’re 9-7 in road series openers. Over is 3-1 in their last four games. Colorado is 9-3 in its last 12 games, 5-9 in home series openers. Under is 8-3 in their last 11 games.

Angels (48-46) @ Dodgers (51-42)
Pena is 1-0, 2.75 in four starts (under 2-1-1). Team in his starts: 3-1
5-inning record: 2-1-1. Allowed run in 1st inning: 1-4

Buehler is making first start since June 8; he is 2-0, 2.63 in his last four starts. Team in his starts: 6-3.
5-inning record: 6-2-1. Allowed run in 1st inning: 2-9

Angels won four of their last six games; they’re 7-9 in road series openers. Under is 5-2 in their last seven games. Dodgers are 8-3 in their last 11 games, 9-7 in home series openers- their last four home games all went over.

A’s (53-41) @ Giants (49-46)
Jackson is 1-0, 2.95 in three starts (under 2-1). Team in his starts: 3-0 (A’s won all three games, but didn’t score a run in first 5 innings in any of the games.)
5-inning record: 0-3. Allowed run in 1st inning: 1-3

Bumgarner is 2-2, 2.78 in his last five starts (under 5-2). Team in his starts: 3-4.
5-inning record: 4-2-1. Allowed run in 1st inning: 0-7

A’s are 12-3 in their last 15 games, 10-3 in last 13 road series openers, 14-16 vs lefty starters. San Francisco won three of its last four games; they’re 10-5 in home series openers. Under is 12-5 in their last 17 games.

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Posted : July 13, 2018 8:40 am
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Preview: Rangers at Orioles
Gracenote
Jul 13, 2018

While the Baltimore Orioles haven't had much reason for optimism all season, the Texas Rangers had to believe getting back to .500 in the near future was a possibility, that is, until the calendar flipped to July. The Rangers hope to put a halt to their recent struggles Friday when they kick off the final leg of their 10-game trek with the first of three contests at Baltimore.

Texas (40-54) fell as many as 17 games below .500 on June 15 before going 11-2 over the rest of the month, but a 2-8 swoon in July has almost erased most of the progress it had made. The Rangers split a series in Detroit to begin its road trip last week, but they were unable to get anything done during a sweep in Boston and find themselves in a spot where they must hope Baltimore's lackluster pitching staff (4.92 team ERA, ranking 28th in the majors) can help an offense that is averaging two runs over the last six contests. The Orioles' miserable season can't end soon enough, as they stand 39 1/2 games out of first place in the American League East and their 26-68 record is the worst in baseball. Baltimore lost for the 16th time in 19 contests Thursday, dropping a 4-2 decision in a make-up game against Philadelphia.

TV: 7:05 p.m. ET, FS Southwest (Texas), MASN2 (Baltimore)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Rangers LH Cole Hamels (4-8, 4.28 ERA) vs. Orioles RH Alex Cobb (2-11, 6.67)

After working at least five innings in each of his first 17 outings this season, Hamels turned in his shortest start since June 1, 2010 in Saturday's loss at Detroit, surrendering seven runs (three earned) while recording only two outs. The 2008 World Series MVP has struggled as a whole over his last three turns, going 0-2 with an 11.81 ERA. Mark Trumbo is 7-for-20 with three home runs against Hamels, who is 1-4 with a 5.35 ERA in six starts versus Baltimore.

Cobb was tagged for five runs on seven hits - including two homers - over five-plus innings Sunday at Minnesota en route to his fourth straight loss before a blister forced him from the game. The 30-year-old has made only five of his 16 starts at home this season, going 0-4 with a 6.52 ERA at Camden Yards. Shin-Soo Choo (5-for-12, one home run) has thrived while Adrian Beltre (1-for-13) has struggled versus Cobb, who is 1-0 with a 2.91 ERA in five careers starts against Texas.

WALK-OFFS

1. Choo enters this series with a 48-game, on-base streak, tied with Cincinnati's Joey Votto for the second-longest such run in the majors since 2007.

2. Despite watching his 10-game hitting streak come to an end Thursday, Baltimore 2B Jonathan Schoop is batting .378 in July after carrying a .197 average into the month.

3. Texas OF Delino DeShields (neck, shoulder) is expected to be available Friday after he was removed for precautionary reasons Wednesday.

PREDICTION: Rangers 6, Orioles 5
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Posted : July 13, 2018 8:53 am
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Preview: Brewers at Pirates
Gracenote
Jul 13, 2018

If the Milwaukee Brewers don’t end up winning the National League Central, their performance within the division might end up being to blame. The Brewers will try to reverse their struggles against division rivals when they continue a five-game road series against the Pittsburgh Pirates on Friday.

The Pirates beat the Brewers 6-3 in Thursday’s series opener, improving to 4-2 against first-place Milwaukee this season. Pittsburgh has won four of five following a five-game skid with each win coming by three runs or fewer. The Brewers dropped to 19-21 within the division and saw their lead over the Chicago Cubs shrink to one game. Milwaukee has dropped three of four on its current road trip.

TV: 7:05 p.m. ET, Dish455 (Milwaukee), FS Wisconsin (Milwaukee), AT&T SportsNet - Pittsburgh

PITCHING MATCHUP: Brewers RH Junior Guerra (6-5, 2.79 ERA) vs. Pirates RH Nick Kingham (3-4, 4.26)

The late-blooming Guerra has returned to the strong form he displayed in 2016. The 33-year-old Venezuelan has won his last three starts and allowed only one run over 11 innings across his last two outings. Guerra is 1-1 with a 3.44 ERA in eight games (six starts) against the Pirates, who tagged him for five runs in five innings in a loss May 4 in Milwaukee.

Kingham came back from his worst outing of the season to shut down Philadelphia on Sunday. The 26-year-old rookie held the Phillies to one run and four hits over six innings to earn his first win since May 4 at Milwaukee. Kingham won his first start against the Brewers despite allowing four runs - and two home runs - in 5 1/3 innings.

WALK-OFFS

1. Pirates CF Starling Marte, who is 7-for-14 versus Guerra, is 14-for-31 with seven RBIs during an eight-game hitting streak.

2. Milwaukee All-Star 1B Jesus Aguilar hit his NL-leading 24th home run Thursday and is 10-for-27 with three doubles, five homers, and 12 RBIs over his past seven games.

3. The Pirates have 11 stolen bases in their last six games and have been successful in 18 of their last 20 steal attempts.

PREDICTION: Brewers 6, Pirates 4
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Preview: Blue Jays at Red Sox
Gracenote
Jul 13, 2018

Perhaps a blowout loss to the hated New York Yankees almost two weeks ago was a good thing for the Boston Red Sox, who haven't had to sweat very much while posting 10 straight victories. The Red Sox attempt to match their longest winning streak since September 15-25, 2016, on Friday when they host the second of four games against the Toronto Blue Jays.

Boston suffered its worst defeat of the season (11-1) on July 1 to fall into a first-place tie in the American League East with the Yankees but hasn't found itself behind the opposition very often since then, trailing in only 10 of a possible 90 innings. Three of those frames came Thursday before Mookie Betts gave the Red Sox the lead for good with a grand slam to cap a five-run fourth inning en route to a 6-4 triumph, maintaining his team's 3 1/2-game division lead. Toronto hasn't had much luck trying to solve Boston of late, dropping six straight and 21 of the last 29 meetings overall since the start of last season. Justin Smoak was unable to homer for the third straight game, but he has knocked in a run in three straight and is batting .409 during a modest six-game hitting streak.

TV: 7:10 p.m. ET, MLB Network, Sportsnet (Toronto), NESN (Boston)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Blue Jays LH Ryan Borucki (0-1, 2.25 ERA) vs. Red Sox RH Rick Porcello (11-3, 3.58)

Although Toronto has scored a total of three runs in his three outings, Borucki continued the stellar start to his big-league career while allowing one run across seven innings in Sunday's no-decision versus the New York Yankees. The 24-year-old has logged at least six innings and yielded two runs or fewer in each of his three turns since his promotion from Triple-A Buffalo on June 26. Borucki has never faced Boston and lost his only road start after permitting two runs in six frames at Houston last month.

Porcello matched his win total from 2017 in 14 fewer trips to the mound Sunday at Kansas City, tying a season-high with nine strikeouts despite giving up three runs and nine hits over seven innings. The 2016 AL Cy Young Award winner has only taken two turns at home since the end of May, going 0-1 with a 4.63 ERA in those outings. Porcello's last victory at Fenway Park came May 29 versus the Blue Jays, against whom he allowed three runs (two earned) in 6 2/3 frames.

WALK-OFFS

1. The Red Sox are only the sixth team in the expansion era (since 1961) to win at least 66 of their first 95 contests.

2. Toronto is 13-23 versus divisional opponents (29-27 against all others), including 4-13 on the road.

3. Boston 1B/DH Steve Pearce was forced from the game Thursday after getting hit by a pitch in the second inning, but he has been ruled day-to-day with a shin contusion.

PREDICTION: Red Sox 5, Blue Jays 4
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Posted : July 13, 2018 8:56 am
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Preview: Nationals at Mets
Gracenote
Jul 13, 2018

Noah Syndergaard will make his first start in seven weeks when the last-place New York Mets host the Washington Nationals on Friday for the second of a four-game series between National League East rivals. The 25-year-old won four of his first five decisions this season before suffering a strained ligament in his right index finger and hopes to help the Mets even the series after a 5-4 loss on Thursday night.

Asdrubal Cabrera had a pair of hits, including a solo homer, for New York in the series opener and boasts a team-high 52 RBIs - the most of his career before the All-Star break - for the Mets, who are 5-6 in their last 11. Right-hander Tanner Roark looks to turn his season around and improve on his 7-2 career record (3.09 ERA) against New York when he gets the start Friday, but he has struggled mightily with just one victory since April. Washington (47-46) moved back over the .500 mark with Thursday’s victory as Bryce Harper launched his team-best 23rd homer of the campaign, while Anthony Rendon belted a pair to give him three in his last three contests. Rendon is 7-for-21 during a five-game hitting streak with seven RBIs to raise his batting average to .285.

TV: 7:10 p.m. ET, MASN (Washington), SNY (New York)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Nationals RH Tanner Roark (3-11, 4.76 ERA) vs. Mets RH Noah Syndergaard (4-1, 3.06)

Roark is winless in his last six starts, watching his ERA increase 1.2 runs in the process while allowing 48 hits over 31 1/3 innings. The 31-year-old Illinois product has given up 13 runs on 20 hits across 11 innings in two July outings but has been much better on the road (3.63 ERA) than at home (5.98) in 2018. Brandon Nimmo is 2-for-3 with a homer versus Roark, who has yielded seven runs over 12 innings in two no-decisions against the Mets this year.

Syndergaard is expected to make his first start since May 25 after getting through a bullpen session Wednesday with no issues. The native Texan posted seven quality starts in his first 11 trips to the mound this season before going down with the injury and has yielded three or fewer runs in his last 10 outings. Rendon is 7-for-20 with a homer and five RBIs against Syndergaard, who is 2-4 with a 3.53 ERA in 10 career starts versus Washington.

WALK-OFFS

1. Washington’s rookie OF Juan Soto had two singles Thursday and owns multiple hits in four of his last eight contests.

2. New York OF/3B Jose Bautista belted his seventh homer in the opener while registering the 1,000th walk in his career.

3. Nationals OF Adam Eaton, who was rested Thursday against a left-handed starter, is 6-for-11 over his last three games.

PREDICTION: Mets 5, Nationals 3
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Posted : July 13, 2018 8:57 am
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Preview: Phillies at Marlins
Gracenote
Jul 12, 2018

The Philadelphia Phillies rebounded from being shut out in their previous encounter to record their 11th win in 15 outings and regain sole possession of first place in the National League East. The Phillies (52-40) look to bolster their position atop the division Friday when they visit their third city in as many nights to open a three-game series against the Miami Marlins (39-56).

Jorge Alfaro went deep and drove in three runs in Philadelphia's 5-4 victory over Baltimore on Thursday and went 8-for-18 with two homers, four RBIs and as many runs scored versus Miami this season. For all of their unexpected success this season, the Phillies are only 17-19 against NL East representatives and 3-3 versus the Marlins. Miami recorded its second extra-inning victory in three outings as it improved to 3-1 in its last four with a 5-4 triumph in 12 frames over NL Central-leading Milwaukee on Wednesday. Starlin Castro had a walk-off single in that tilt and is 6-for-16 with three doubles and four runs scored in six meetings versus Philadelphia this season.

TV: 7:10 p.m. ET, NBC 10 (Philadelphia), FS Florida (Miami)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Phillies RH Jake Arrieta (6-6, 3.47 ERA) vs. Marlins LH Wei-Yin Chen (2-6, 6.14)

Arrieta collected his first win since May 29 on Saturday after allowing two runs and striking out eight in a 3-2 victory at Pittsburgh. The 2015 NL Cy Young Award winner worked seven innings for the first time since that May 29 outing against the Los Angeles Dodgers. Arrieta struggled in a pair of outings versus Miami this season, allowing three runs in four innings of a no-decision April 8 before doubling that run total on eight hits in 3 2/3 frames of an 8-4 setback April 30.

Chen hopes a bit of home cooking will feed his success, as he sports a 1.89 ERA and 7.3 strikeouts per nine innings in six starts at Marlins Park as opposed to a ghastly 10.47 ERA on the road. The 32-year-old Taiwan native was gouged for seven runs on as many hits in 4 1/3 innings at Washington on Saturday to fall to 0-3 in his last four starts. Maikel Franco (7-for-16, two home runs), Odubel Herrera (4-for-10) and Cesar Hernandez (5-for-15) have flustered Chen, who is 1-3 with a 4.02 ERA in six career appearances versus the Phillies.

WALK-OFFS

1. Miami rookie 3B Brian Anderson has two homers, five RBIs and four runs scored during his six-game hitting streak.

2. Hernandez has five hits in his last two contests after going 2-for-15 in his previous five.

3. Marlins 1B Justin Bour had four hits and three RBIs in his last three games after going 5-for-30 with 11 strikeouts in his previous eight.

PREDICTION: Marlins 4, Phillies 2
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Preview: Yankees at Indians
Gracenote
Jul 13, 2018

The New York Yankees hope to continue their torrid power surge when they visit the American League Central-leading Cleveland Indians on Friday night for the second of a four-game series. The Yankees belted three homers - two from Brett Gardner - in Thursday’s 7-4 triumph and own 26 in 12 contests this month to increase their season total to 157 - 26 more than any other team in the majors.

Didi Gregorius hit the other longball for New York on Thursday - only his second in the last 26 games after launching 14 in his first 61 outings this season, and extended his hitting streak to seven contests. Domingo German will try to match his performance against the Indians on May 6 when he struck out nine over six hitless innings, while Cleveland counters with impressive rookie Shane Bieber. The Indians own a comfortable 7 1/2-game lead atop the AL Central but have dropped five of their last six and allowed 37 runs during that stretch. Jose Ramirez belted his 28th homer in the series opener for Cleveland to tie Boston’s J.D. Martinez for the major-league lead.

TV: 7:10 p.m. ET, MLB Network, YES (New York), SportsTime Ohio (Cleveland)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Yankees RH Domingo German (2-4, 5.06 ERA) vs. Indians RH Shane Bieber (4-1, 3.47)

German has posted four quality starts in his last six chances and is 2-0 with a 4.59 ERA over his last seven outings after starting the season 0-4 with a 5.44 mark. The 25-year-old Dominican held Toronto to one run on four hits and two walks across six innings with five strikeouts Sunday but was not involved in the decision as the Yankees won 2-1. Yonder Alonso is the only Cleveland player with a hit against German in his career.

Bieber suffered his first major-league defeat Sunday when he permitted four runs on eight hits over six innings in a 6-0 setback against Oakland. The 23-year-old Californian had won four consecutive starts before that outing, yielding six runs on 29 hits over 24 2/3 frames with 23 strikeouts. Bieber, who has managed to thrive despite allowing opponents to bat .304 against him overall, is 2-1 with a 2.41 ERA in his first three big-league starts at home.

WALK-OFFS

1. Cleveland SS Francisco Lindor boasts 25 homers, which is the most by a shortstop in the first half since Alex Rodriguez hit 27 in 2002.

2. New York OF Aaron Judge has hit safely in seven straight contests (9-for-29) but is without a homer in his past six outings.

3. Indians DH Edwin Encarnacion snapped a nine-game homer drought with a solo blast in Thursday’s setback.

PREDICTION: Indians 6, Yankees 4
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Preview: Diamondbacks at Braves
Gracenote
Jul 12, 2018

The Arizona Diamondbacks arrive in Atlanta to open the final series before the All-Star break Friday against the Braves, and will need their bullpen to stabilize after two rough outings in a row. One day after Arizona relievers allowed 14 runs in a blowout loss at Colorado that forced the Diamondbacks to cover 4 2/3 innings with position players pitching, the bullpen gave up three runs late Thursday in a 5-1 defeat - Arizona’s ninth loss in its past 13 games.

One encouraging sign for the Diamondbacks continues to be the resurgence of first baseman Paul Goldschmidt, who collected two more hits Thursday to raise his average to .370 in his past 44 games, as he has lifted his average from .198 to .284. Another hitter on display in the series also is in the midst of a hot streak as Atlanta second baseman Ozzie Albies is batting .418 with four homers and 20 runs scored in his past 20 games, adding 40 points to hit average to .288. The Braves had dropped 11 of their previous 18 games before Albies sparked Wednesday’s 7-5 triumph over Toronto with two homers and four RBIs. Albies first career multi-homer game gives him 20 on the season, and snapped Atlanta’s season-long five-game homerless streak.

TV: 7:35 p.m. ET, FS Arizona, FS South (Atlanta)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Diamondbacks RH Zack Godley (10-6, 4.80 ERA) vs. Braves RH Anibal Sanchez (4-2, 2.72)

Godley makes his 19th start of the season three days after he fired a scoreless 15th inning in Sunday’s 4-3, 16-inning loss to San Diego. The 28-year-old has struggled with control, walking 52 hitters and allowing 12 homers over 99 1/3 innings one season after issuing 53 walks and allowing 15 homers across 155 innings. Godley, who held San Diego to one run on four hits with seven strikeouts to win his last start July 6, is 0-1 in two career starts against Atlanta with 13 earned runs allowed in 11 innings.

Sanchez becomes even more important to Atlanta with every start given injuries to the rotation, and the 34-year-old keeps enjoying a bounce-back campaign. He has limited opponents to two earned runs or fewer in seven of his 10 starts, giving up one run on two hits with one walk and eight strikeouts Saturday in a 5-1 victory at Milwaukee. Sanchez is 4-1 with a 4.47 ERA in eight career games against the Diamondbacks, allowing three earned runs in one inning of a relief stint last season while with Detroit.

WALK-OFFS

1. The Braves are 31-11 when their starting pitcher works at least six innings.

2. The Diamondbacks recalled RHP Matt Koch and RHP Silvino Bracho from Triple-A Reno before Thursday’s game, placing RHP Shelby Miller (right elbow inflammation) and LHP T.J. McFarland (left neck strain) on the disabled list after both were injured Wednesday.

3. The two teams met in Atlanta in the first series after the All-Star break last season as the Braves swept the three-game set while outscoring Arizona 19-9.

PREDICTION: Braves 5, Diamondbacks 2
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Posted : July 13, 2018 8:59 am
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Preview: Royals at White Sox
Gracenote
Jul 12, 2018

The Kansas City Royals and Chicago White Sox will enter the All-Star break with two of the three worst records in baseball after the conclusion of their three-game series, which begins Friday at Guaranteed Rate Field. Chicago (31-61) has won five of the first seven of 19 meetings this season, part of the reason why it is five games ahead of Kansas City (26-66) in the battle to avoid last place in the American League Central.

The Royals have dropped 11 of their last 12 games after Wednesday's 8-5 loss to Minnesota while the White Sox snapped a six-game slide with a 4-0 victory over St. Louis the same day. There are a handful of players on each team who could be dealt prior to the July 31 trade deadline, but it appears Kansas City third baseman Mike Moustakas will certainly be moved. Moustakas, who has been used at first base recently in an effort to increase his value, has team highs of 19 home runs and 58 RBIs after going deep twice Wednesday as part of a three-hit day. Chicago's James Shields makes what could be one of his final starts in a White Sox uniform and opposes rookie Brad Keller, who had a string of three straight quality starts snapped in his last outing.

TV: 8:10 p.m. ET, FS Kansas City, WGN (Chicago)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Royals RH Brad Keller (2-3, 2.52 ERA) vs. White Sox RH James Shields (3-10, 4.53)

Keller allowed career highs of four runs and five walks, and six hits while striking out two in 4 2/3 innings of a 15-4 loss to Boston on Saturday in his seventh career start. The Georgian, who turns 23 on July 27, is 1-2 with a 2.82 ERA as a starter and 1-1, 2.01 in 21 relief appearances. In 38 1/3 innings as a starter, Keller has yielded 36 hits and 16 walks with 22 strikeouts.

Shields yielded season highs of eight runs and 10 hits while striking out a season-high nine in 5 2/3 innings of a 12-6 loss at Houston on Saturday. The 36-year-old Californian posted a 3.15 ERA in his previous 10 starts, presenting himself as a potentially attractive pickup for a contender prior to the trade deadline. Moustakas is 6-for-13 with a home run while Lucas Duda -- another player who could be dealt -- has two homers in 12 at-bats versus Shields, who is 8-2 with a 4.18 ERA in 14 starts versus Kansas City after permitting four runs in a 14-7 loss on Opening Day.

WALK-OFFS

1. Royals 2B Whit Merrifield (.302) went 0-for-4 on Wednesday to snap a 12-game hitting streak in which he was 23-for-50.

2. White Sox 1B Jose Abreu (.253, 12 home runs, team-high 51 RBIs), an All-Star for the second time, is 2-for-31 in his last nine games.

3. Kansas City has the worst ERA in the majors at 5.35 with the starters at 5.36 and the relievers at 5.34.

PREDICTION: White Sox 3, Royals 2
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Posted : July 13, 2018 9:01 am
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Preview: Tigers at Astros
Gracenote
Jul 12, 2018

Coming off their first series loss at home in more than two months, the Houston Astros look to head into the All-Star break on a high note when they host the Detroit Tigers on Friday night in the opener of a three-game set. The American League West winners had won six in a row before they were cooled off by division rival Oakland, losing three of four.

The Astros, who demoted reliever Ken Giles to Triple-A on Wednesday, were unable to hold an early four-run lead in Thursday's series finale and were outscored 14-7 in the final two games. “Obviously, we’re disappointed that we lose the series but we get on to the next one,” Houston manager A.J. Hinch told reporters. “Three more before the break, but we got outplayed this series.” Detroit has been outplayed in nearly every series over the past 3 1/2 weeks and opened its six-game road trip by getting swept at Tampa Bay. The Tigers have lost seven of nine overall to fall a season-worst 15 games below .500 and dropped 12 of their last 14 games away from home.

TV: 8:10 p.m. ET, FS Detroit, AT&T SportsNet Southwest (Houston)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Tigers RH Mike Fiers (6-5, 3.65 ERA) vs. Astros LH Dallas Keuchel (6-8, 3.95)

Fiers, who spent the previous 2 1/2 seasons with the Astros and threw a no-hitter for them in 2015, halted a five-start winless drought by limiting Texas to one run and five hits over six innings on Saturday. The 33-year-old has pitched better than the recent results indicated, allowing one run in five of his last eight outings. Fiers was 9-10 in 31 starts at Minute Maid Park in 2016-17.

After a rocky five-start winless stretch, Keuchel has settled into a groove and is 3-0 over his last six outings. The 30-year-old won his second straight start Sunday by going seven strong innings and permitting one run on six hits, marking the fourth time in five turns he yielded two runs or fewer. Nicholas Castellanos is 5-for-14 against Kuechel, who is 3-2 lifetime with a 4.65 ERA versus Detroit.

WALK-OFFS

1. Astros 3B Alex Bregman has hit safely in four straight and 16 of his last 17 games.

2. Tigers closer and RHP Shane Greene (shoulder) will come off the disabled list for the series opener.

3. Astros 2B Jose Altuve takes a nine-game hitting streak into the series.

PREDICTION: Astros 6, Tigers 3
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Posted : July 13, 2018 9:02 am
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Preview: Rays at Twins
Gracenote
Jul 13, 2018

The Minnesota Twins are trying to keep their playoff hopes alive as they seek an eighth win in nine games Friday against the visiting Tampa Bay Rays, who are struggling away from home. Eddie Rosario belted a two-run homer as the Twins posted a 5-1 victory in Thursday's opener of the four-game series to pull within 7 1/2 games of first-place Cleveland in the American League Central.

Brian Dozier brings a seven-game hitting streak (10-for-27) into Friday's contest while Joe Mauer has hit safely in six straight (11-for-26) for Minnesota, which won for the first time in four outings versus Tampa Bay this season. Former Ray Jake Odorizzi will attempt to keep it going for the Twins when he takes the mound Friday opposite Nathan Eovaldi, who hopes to continue his overpowering stretch for Tampa Bay. The Rays saw their five-game winning streak come to an end in the series opener and are struggling on the road with 15 losses in their last 20 contests. Tampa Bay All-Star catcher Wilson Ramos recorded a pair of hits Thursday and is 7-for-17 over his last four games.

TV: 8:10 p.m. ET, FS Sun (Tampa Bay), FS North (Minnesota)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Rays RH Nathan Eovaldi (3-3, 3.35 ERA) vs. Twins RH Jake Odorizzi (4-6, 4.28)

Eovaldi has been outstanding in his last three starts - all against National League foes - as he's allowed two runs on 10 hits and three walks while registering 23 strikeouts in 19 innings. The 28-year-old Texan has fanned 44 batters and walked just six over 48 1/3 frames this year but has surrendered nine homers. Dozier is 5-for-11 with a home run and Max Kepler 2-for-4 with a pair of blasts versus Eovaldi, who is 2-2 lifetime with a 4.78 ERA against the Twins.

Odorizzi also has been solid in his last three outings, permitting two runs on 12 hits and eight walks with 22 strikeouts in 17 innings. The 28-year-old native of Illinois, who went 40-37 in five years with the Rays before being traded to Minnesota in the offseason, blanked Baltimore on five hits over six innings to earn his first win since May 8. C.J. Cron is 2-for-4 with a homer against Odorizzi, who will face his former team for the first time.

WALK-OFFS

1. Tampa Bay rookie 1B-OF Jake Bauers is 7-for-18 with three doubles and a homer over his last five games.

2. Twins MGR Paul Molitor needs one victory to pass Billy Gardner (268) for sixth-most in franchise history.

3. The Rays optioned SS Willy Adames to Triple-A Durham and recalled RHP Chih-Wei Hu, who allowed two runs over five innings on Thursday.

PREDICTION: Rays 5, Twins 2
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Posted : July 13, 2018 9:02 am
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Preview: Reds at Cardinals
Gracenote
Jul 12, 2018

The St. Louis Cardinals have been spinning their wheels in the National League Central after splitting 10 contests in July. The Cardinals (47-44) look to find their rhythm and maintain their dominance of the Cincinnati Reds (41-52) on Friday when the division rivals open a three-game series at Busch Stadium in St. Louis.

St. Louis answered a season-high 14-run offensive explosion Tuesday with a dud the following night, going 0-for-10 with six strikeouts while batting with a runner on base in a 4-0 setback to the struggling Chicago White Sox. Yadier Molina had one of his team's four hits Wednesday but has done considerably better this season versus Cincinnati, against which he is 15-for-38 with three home runs and 14 RBIs. While the Cardinals have won nine of 10 encounters versus the cellar-dwelling Reds in 2018, the latter club had emerged victorious in seven of 10 before a 19-4 shellacking by Buckeye State-rival Cleveland on Wednesday. Cincinnati native Scooter Gennett launched a solo homer to highlight his three-hit performance against the Indians and is 12-for-42 with seven RBIs against St. Louis this season.

TV: 8:15 p.m. ET, FS Ohio (Cincinnati), FS Midwest (St. Louis)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Reds RH Matt Harvey (4-5, 4.80 ERA) vs. Cardinals RH Carlos Martinez (6-4, 3.05)

Harvey saw his three-start winning streak halted by a no-decision Saturday, with the bullpen largely to blame after failing to protect a 7-3 lead against the Chicago Cubs. The 29-year-old allowed three runs (two earned) on nine hits in 5 2/3 innings in that encounter and aims for better results versus St. Louis, against which he has a pair of no-decisions this season. Harvey permitted one run in two innings while pitching for the New York Mets on April 24 before getting blitzed for three homers and five runs total over six frames June 8.

Martinez won his third straight start Saturday after allowing one run on six hits over seven innings in a 3-2 triumph at San Francisco. The 26-year-old Dominican owns a 1-1 mark with a 2.70 ERA in three starts against Cincinnati this season, although he has 23 strikeouts and 14 walks in that stretch (16 2/3 innings). Martinez has flustered Joey Votto (3-for-22, 14 walks), although Eugenio Suarez (6-for-17) and Adam Duvall (5-for-15) have gotten their licks in on the hurler.

WALK-OFFS

1. Cincinnati 2B Jose Peraza, who is 6-for-22 on the current road trip, is batting .309 away from home this season.

2. St. Louis SS Paul DeJong has scored eight times during his seven-game hitting streak.

3. Reds RF Jesse Winkler is 9-for-26 against the Cardinals this season.

PREDICTION: Cardinals 4, Reds 2
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Posted : July 13, 2018 9:03 am
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Preview: Mariners at Rockies
Gracenote
Jul 13, 2018

After struggling at Coors Field for much of the season, the Colorado Rockies are showing signs of reclaiming their home-field advantage. The Rockies are 20-23 at home but can take a step closer to the .500 mark on Friday, when they begin a three-game interleague series against the Seattle Mariners.

The Rockies improved to 9-3 over their last 12 games at Coors Field and recorded their season-high fourth straight series win on Thursday as Trevor Story belted his 18th home run in a 5-1 win over Arizona. Story has reached base safely in a career-high seven consecutive contests for Colorado, which has won 10 of its last 13 to climb within three games of the first-place Los Angeles Dodgers in the tight National League West. Seattle opened its West Coast trip by losing two of three to the Los Angeles Angels and will not have Nelson Cruz in the starting lineup this weekend. The veteran slugger will be limited to pinch-hitting duty as manager Scott Servais doesn’t want to risk an injury by putting Cruz in the outfield, where he has yet to appear this season.

TV: 8:40 p.m. ET, ROOT Northwest (Seattle), AT&T SportsNet-Rocky Mountain (Colorado)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Mariners RH Christian Bergman (0-0, 0.00 ERA) vs. Rockies RH Antonio Senzatela (3-2, 5.34)

Bergman will be recalled from Triple-A Tacoma to start in place of Felix Hernandez, who landed on the 10-day disabled list this week with a stiff back. The 30-year-old Bergman is making his second spot start of the season after allowing two hits in seven scoreless innings against Texas on May 16. The Californian spent his first three seasons in the majors with Colorado from 2014-16, going 7-9 with a 5.79 ERA in 55 games - including 15 starts.

Senzatela is looking to bounce back from a rough outing against Seattle on Sunday, when he surrendered six runs and five hits over six innings in a 6-4 road loss. The 23-year-old Venezuelan is 0-2 with an 8.18 ERA in two career starts versus the Mariners. Denard Span is 3-for-10 with a home run against Senzatela, who owns a 9-3 record and 4.63 ERA in 12 career starts at Coors Field.

WALK-OFFS

1. The Mariners are 38-14 in games decided by fewer than three runs.

2. Colorado RHP Chad Bettis (blister) has been scratched from his scheduled start on Saturday.

3. Seattle LHP James Paxton left Thursday’s start against the Los Angeles Angels after 17 pitches with stiffness in his lower back and is listed as day-to-day.

PREDICTION: Rockies 7, Mariners 5
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Posted : July 13, 2018 9:04 am
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Preview: Angels at Dodgers
Gracenote
Jul 13, 2018

After winning two of three in a home installment of the Freeway Series last weekend, the Los Angeles Angels hope to at least duplicate the result when they visit the Los Angeles Dodgers for a three-game interleague set that begins Friday. The Angels sandwiched one-run victories around a 3-1 loss when they hosted the Dodgers and followed by taking two of three from Seattle to finish at 4-2 on their homestand.

Despite being shut out in their loss, the Angels outscored the Mariners 20-8 in the series that concluded with Thursday's 11-2 triumph. Albert Pujols went deep twice to tie Ken Griffey Jr. for sixth place on the all-time list with 630 career homers and finished with three hits to pull even with Rickey Henderson (3,055) for 25th in major-league history. The Dodgers completed a 4-3 road trip Thursday with a 3-2 win at San Diego in which they built a three-run lead with a trio of RBI singles in the seventh inning before holding on. Andrew Toles drove in a run and scored another for the Dodgers, who enter Friday having won four in a row at home.

TV: 10:10 p.m. ET, FS West (Angels), SportsNet LA (Dodgers)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Angels RH Felix Pena (1-0, 3.63 ERA) vs. Dodgers RH Walker Buehler (4-2, 3.44)

Pena has pitched well since joining the Angels' rotation, going 1-0 with a 2.75 ERA in four turns, but has yet to last six innings. The 28-year-old Dominican has worked a career-high 5 1/3 frames in each of his last two outings, including his first victory as a starter - a triumph at Baltimore on June 29 in which he allowed five hits while keeping the Orioles off the scoreboard. Pena made two relief appearances against the Dodgers before making a start last Friday, when he settled for a no-decision after giving up two runs and three hits while registering a career-best eight strikeouts.

Buehler will return from his second stint on the disabled list due to microfractured ribs to make his first appearance since June 28 and first start since June 8. The 23-year-old rookie from Kentucky came back from his first stay on the DL and was battered for five runs and five hits in one inning of relief against the Chicago Cubs before being shelved again the following day. Buehler, who never has faced an American League team, allowed one run and two hits over 5 1/3 frames in a victory over Atlanta in his most recent start.

WALK-OFFS

1. The Angels activated LHP Tyler Skaggs (adductor), who allowed one run over six innings to notch the win on Thursday, from the 10-day disabled list and optioned RHP Jaime Barria to Single-A Inland Empire.

2. The Dodgers are expected to have LHP Zac Rosscup at their disposal on Friday after claiming him off waivers from Colorado two days earlier.

3. Angels RHP Garrett Richards (elbow) has elected to undergo Tommy John surgery and will miss the rest of this season and the majority - if not all - of 2019 as well.

PREDICTION: Angels 6, Dodgers 3
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Posted : July 13, 2018 9:04 am
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