MLB Betting News and Trends For Saturday 7/21/18

National League
Cardinals (49-47) @ Cubs (56-39)
Weaver is 2-2, 4.81 in his last four starts; over is 4-1 in his last five. Team in his starts: 9-10, 7-4 away
5-inning record: 9-9-1. Allowed run in 1st inning: 5-19

Gant is 1-1, 2.95 in his last three starts (under 3-2-1). Team in his starts: 1-5, 0-2 away
5-inning record: 1-3-2. Allowed run in 1st inning: 2-6

Montgomery is 1-1, 5.67 in his last five starts; over is 3-1 in his last four. Team in his starts: 5-4, 3-1 home
5-inning record: 4-3-2. Allowed run in 1st inning: 2-9

Chatwood is 0-0, 7.84 in his last four starts; his last three went over. Team in his starts: 9-8, 7-4 home
5-inning record: 8-7-2. Allowed run in 1st inning: 6-17 (4 of last 5)

St Louis lost four of its last six games; they’re 12-13 vs lefty starters. Seven of their last eight games went over. Cubs won seven of their last ten games; they’re 17-6 vs lefty starters- last six Chicago games went over.

Braves (53-42) @ Nationals (48-49)
Newcomb is 0-3, 9.75 in his last three starts; over is 6-2 in his last eight. Team in his starts: 9-10, 7-5 away
5-inning record: 10-7-2 Allowed run in 1st inning: 5-19

Gonzalez is 0-4, 6.67 in his last six starts; under is 4-1 in his last five. Team in his starts: 9-9, 6-3 home.
5-inning record: 8-5-6. Allowed run in 1st inning: 1-18

Braves lost nine of their last 13 games; they’re 15-13 vs lefty starters- four of their last six games stayed under. Washington lost seven of its last ten games; they’re 10-18 vs lefty starters- over is 4-1 in their last five home games.

Padres (40-60) @ Phillies (54-42)
Perdomo is 0-2, 8.74 in two starts since coming back from DL; over is 3-1 in his last four starts. Team in his starts: 1-6, 1-2 away
5-inning record: 1-5-1 Allowed run in 1st inning: 2-7

Velasquez is 1-1, 3.00 in his last five starts; his last three stayed under. Team in his starts: 7-11, 4-6 home.
5-inning record: 8-8-2. Allowed run in 1st inning: 5-18

San Diego lost nine of its last 11 games; under is 5-2-2 in their last nine road games. Phillies are 5-3 in last eight games; under is 7-3-1 in their last 11 games.

Pirates (49-49) @ Reds (43-54)
Kingham is 2-0, 2.92 in his last two starts (under 5-4). Team in his starts: 4-5, 1-3 away
5-inning record: 4-4-1. Allowed run in 1st inning: 4-9

DeSclafani is 1-1, 6.55 in his last four starts (over 7-0-1). Team in his starts: 4-4, 2-3 home
5-inning record: 6-2. Allowed run in 1st inning: 2-8

Pirates won their last seven games; over is 7-1 in their last eight road games. Cincinnati won four of its last seven games; Reds’ last nine games went over the total.

Dodgers (54-43) @ Brewers (55-44)
Kershaw is 2-0, 2.41 in his last three starts; over is 4-1 in his last five. Team in his starts: 6-7, 3-2 away.
5-inning record: 7-4-2. Allowed run in 1st inning: 1-13

Anderson is 1-1, 1.98 in his last five starts; under is 6-2 in his last eight. Team in his starts: 10-9, 6-4 home
5-inning record: 11-5-3 Allowed run in 1st inning: 7-19

Dodgers won five of their last six games; under is 8-3 in their last 11 games. Milwaukee lost its last seven games; they’re 21-15 vs lefty starters. Over is 6-2 in their last eight games.

Rockies (52-45) @ Diamondbacks (53-45)
Freeland is 3-0, 1.78 in his last five starts; his last seven stayed under. Team in his starts: 11-8, 4-6 away.
5-inning record: 8-6-5 Allowed run in 1st inning: 5-19

Godley is 6-1, 4.12 in his last seven starts; over is 7-5-1 in his last 13. Team in his starts: 12-7, 5-3 home.
5-inning record: 9-10. Allowed run in 1st inning: 7-19

Rockies won their last six games; under is 11-5 in their last 16 games. Arizona is 3-9 in its last 12 home games; they’re 21-14 vs lefty starters- six of their last eight games stayed under.

American League
Orioles (28-70) @ Blue Jays (44-52)
Cobb is 0-3, 4.85 in his last five starts; over is 4-2-1 in his last seven. Team in his starts: 3-15, 3-9 away
5-inning record: 3-12-2 Allowed run in 1st inning: 4-18

Stroman is 4.94 in his last four starts; under is 6-0-1 in his last seven. Team in his starts: 5-7, 2-3 home
5-inning record: 3-7-2. Allowed run in 1st inning: 3-12

Baltimore lost its last eight road games; over is 3-0 in their last four road games. Blue Jays lost six of their last nine games; over is 4-2 in their last six games.

Red Sox (69-30) @ Tigers (41-58)
Johnson is 1-0, 2.79 in his four starts (over 2-2). Team in his starts: 4-0, 2-0 away
5-inning record: 3-0-1 Allowed run in 1st inning: 0-4

Fiers is 1-2, 2.00 in his last four starts; under is 7-1-1 in his last nine. Team in his starts: 11-7, 7-2 home.
5-inning record: 7-8-3 Allowed run in 1st inning: 6-18

Red Sox won 12 of their last 13 games; over is 6-3 in their last nine road games. Detroit lost seven of its last eight games; they’re 14-12 vs lefty starters. Under is 5-1-1 in their last seven home games.

Indians (53-43) @ Rangers (41-57)
Carrasco is 4-1, 3.16 in his last five starts; over is 5-2 in his last seven. Team in his starts: 10-7, 4-4 away
5-inning record: 11-4-2 Allowed run in 1st inning: 5-17

Colon is 1-3, 4.15 in his last four starts; under is 4-1 in his last five. Team in his starts: 8-9, 4-3 home.
5-inning record: 6-8-3 Allowed run in 1st inning: 1-17

Indians won their last five road games; over is 11-4 in their last 15 games. Texas is 3-11 in its last 14 games; under is 6-3-1 in their last ten games.

Twins (44-51) @ Royals (28-68)
Lynn is 3-3, 5.83 in his last six starts; over is 3-1 in his last four. Team in his starts: 8-10, 3-6 away
5-inning record: 8-7-3. Allowed run in 1st inning: 5-18

Junis is 0-7, 7.81 in his last seven starts; under is 7-4 in his last 11. Team in his starts: 7-10, 3-7 home
5-inning record: 7-6-4 Allowed run in 1st inning: 5-17

Twins won four of their last six games; over is 8-2 in their last ten games. Kansas City is 3-13 in its last 16 games; over is 10-3 in their last 13 games.

White Sox (33-63) @ Mariners (59-39)
Covey is 0-4, 13.05 in his last five starts; his last four went over. Team in his starts: 4-7, 1-5 away
5-inning record: 2-6-3 Allowed run in 1st inning: 1-11

Hernandez is 2-1, 4.71 in his last four starts; over is 8-5 in his last 13. Team in his starts: 10-9, 5-5 home
5-inning record: 9-9-1 Allowed run in 1st inning: 10-19

White Sox lost eight of their last 11 games; over is 8-4 in their last 12 road games. Seattle lost seven of its last ten games; under is 6-2 in their last eight home games.

Astros (65-35) @ Angels (49-49)
Verlander is 0-3, 4.99 in his last five starts; over is 6-3 in his last nine. Team in his starts: 12-9, 7-2 away
5-inning record: 13-4-4 Allowed run in 1st inning: 4-21

Tropeano is making his first start since June 10; he is 2-2, 6.29 in his last five starts (over 4-1). Team in his starts: 5-5, 2-3 home.
5-inning record: 3-6-1 Allowed run in 1st inning: 3-10

Astros won three of their last four games; Houston’s last seven road games stayed under. Angels are 8-9 in their last 17 games; under is 7-3 in their last ten home games.

Interleague
Mets (40-55) @ Bronx (62-34)
Matz is 1-2, 2.88 in his last four starts; under is 7-1 in his last eight. Team in his starts: 9-9, 5-3 away
5-inning record: 6-10-2. Allowed run in 1st inning: 5-18

Gray is 1-3, 7.94 in his last four starts; under is 6-2 in his last eight. Team in his starts: 8-10, 3-5 home
5-inning record: 7-8-3 Allowed run in 1st inning: 7-18

Mets are 8-7 in their last 15 games; under is 7-5 in their last 12 games. Bronx is 4-5 in its last nine games; they’re 23-7 vs lefty starters- under is 7-5-2 in their last 14 home games.

Marlins (42-57) @ Rays (49-48)
Lopez is 1-1, 6.35 in three starts (over 2-1). Team in his starts: 1-2, 0-1 away
5-inning record: 1-2. Allowed run in 1st inning: 2-3

Bullpen game for Tampa Bay Team in his starts: 3-6, 1-1 home
5-inning record: 4-4-1 Allowed run in 1st inning: 1-9

Marlins won six of their last eight games; over is 10-2 in their last 12 road games. Tampa Bay is 14-2 in its last 16 home games; under is 7-2 in their last nine home games.

Giants (51-48) @ A’s (55-43)
Bumgarner is 3-1, 2.23 in his last five starts (under 5-3). Team in his starts: 4-4, 0-3 away
5-inning record: 4-2-2. Allowed run in 1st inning: 0-8

Cahill is 0-0, 3.47 in his last four starts (over 5-3-1). Team in his starts: 4-5, 2-2 home
5-inning record: 2-4-3 Allowed run in 1st inning: 2-9

San Francisco is 6-8 in its last 14 games; under is 14-6-1 in their last 21 games. A’s are 14-5 in their last 19 games; they’re 15-17 vs lefty starters- over is 4-2-1 in their last seven games.

Umpires
StL-Chi: Under is 6-3 in last nine Barksdale games. Under is 7-1 in last eight Little tilts.
Atl-Wsh: Under is 4-2-1 in last seven Bucknor games (dogs 5-2).
SD-Phil: Last five Kellogg games went over the total.
LA-Mil: Four of last five Welke games stayed under.
Pitt-Cin: Six of last seven Gibson games went over.
Col-Az: Underdogs are 7-4 in last eleven Nauert games.

Balt-Tor: Home side won five of last seven West games.
Bos-Det: Under is 9-6-1 in last 16 Scheurwater games.
Min-KC: 10 of last 11 Reynolds games stayed under the total.
Hst-LAA: Over is 4-0-1 in last five Morales games.
Clev-Tex: Nine of last ten Wolf games went over.
Chi-Sea: Five of last six Baker games stayed under.

NY-NY: Under is 5-0-1 in last six Vanover games.
Mia-TB: Under is 11-2-1 in last 14 Nelson games.
SF-A’s: Over is 11-4 in Knight games this season.

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New York Mets vs. New York Yankees Preview and Predictions 07-21-2018 in MLB

MLB Previews 21st July 2018 by Gracenote
Mets vs. Yankees Preview and Predictions

by Gracenote on 07/21/2018

The New York Yankees came out of the All-Star break with a frustrating performance at home, and their deficit in the American League East is the largest its been in nearly three months. They will try to bounce back Saturday afternoon in the second of a three-game interleague set with the visiting New York Mets.

The Bronx Bombers recorded 14 hits and drew four walks in the series opener but stranded a season high-tying 14 men in a 7-5 setback, sinking 5 1/2 games behind the red-hot Boston Red Sox in the division. Catcher Gary Sanchez had a hit and scored a run in his first game off the disabled list for the Yankees, who fell to 33-14 at home. The Mets got a home run from Yoenis Cespedes in his first game since returning from a hip injury and they finished the victory without closer Jeurys Familia, who was not available while the team reportedly worked out a deal to trade him to Oakland. Sonny Gray was seen as clinging to a rotation spot with the Yankees amid a woeful stretch, but he went into the break on a good note by blanking the Baltimore Orioles over six frames and will get the ball for the hosts opposite Long Island native Steven Matz.

TV: 1:05 p.m. ET, MLB Network, WPIX (Mets), YES (Yankees)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Mets LH Steven Matz (4-7, 3.38 ERA) vs. Yankees RH Sonny Gray (6-7, 5.46)

Matz has back-to-back quality starts and six in his last eight appearances, although he is just 2-4 in that stretch. One of them came at home against the Yankees on June 9, when he worked around five hits and four walks in six innings to limit his opponent to three runs. Didi Gregorius is 5-for-10 against Matz and Giancarlo Stanton is 4-for-12 with two homers versus the 27-year-old, who is 3-2 with a 2.25 ERA on the road this year.

Gray struck out eight Orioles while allowing three hits and one walk in the 9-0 win at Camden Yards on July 11. He was pounded for 11 runs in 4 1/3 frames over his previous two starts, one of which was at home, where the 28-year-old owns an 8.25 ERA. Gray was solid through six innings in defeating the Mets at home last season and is 6-6 with a 3.43 ERA in his interleague career.

WALK-OFFS

1. Yankees All-Star 2B Gleyber Torres (hip) is scheduled to begin a rehab assignment with High-A Tampa on Saturday.

2. The Mets can snap a string of eight straight series losses (0-6-2) to the Yankees with a win either Saturday or Sunday.

3. Yankees RHP Domingo German was optioned to Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre after giving up four earned runs in 3 2/3 innings Friday.

PREDICTION: Yankees 6, Mets 5
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St. Louis Cardinals vs. Chicago Cubs Preview and Predictions 07-21-2018 in MLB

MLB Previews 20th July 2018 by Gracenote
Cardinals vs. Cubs Preview and Predictions

by Gracenote on 07/20/2018

A day after one of their ugliest losses in nearly a decade, the Chicago Cubs get a chance to put it behind them - in fact, they get two chances. The first-place Cubs look to bounce back from an 18-5 drubbing when they host the St. Louis Cardinals for a day-night doubleheader Saturday.

The National League Central rivals have split the first two of the five-game series, as the Cubs rallied to take the opener and St. Louis had its revenge in Friday's rout. Matt Carpenter continued his hot streak, going 5-for-5 with three homers, two doubles, and seven RBIs, as the Cardinals improved to 2-1 under interim manager Mike Shildt. The lopsided defeat was just the Cubs' second loss at home since June 20 and their fourth in 17 games overall. The only silver lining for the Cubs is they were able to preserve their bullpen somewhat for Saturday's doubleheader by using three position players - Tommy La Stella, Victor Caratini, and Ian Happ - to combine for 3 1/3 innings of relief.

TV: 1:05 p.m. ET, MLB Network, FS Midwest (St. Louis), WGN (Chicago)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Cardinals RH Luke Weaver (5-8, 4.72 ERA) vs. Cubs RH Tyler Chatwood (3-5, 5.04)

Weaver was excellent in his last two starts of the first half, allowing three runs and five hits over 14 innings. The 24-year-old had struggled in his previous five outings, pitching to a 7.71 ERA. Weaver is 0-2 with a 12.00 ERA in four career starts against the Cubs, who have tagged him for 10 runs in eight innings across two meetings this season.

Chatwood hasn't won since May 11, posting a 6.41 ERA over 10 starts during the drought. The 28-year-old leads the majors with 73 walks in 84 innings, but he pitched better last time out, allowing three runs over five innings in a no-decision at San Diego. Chatwood is 0-3 with a 6.41 ERA in six games (three starts) against the Cardinals.

WALK-OFFS

1. Carpenter has homered in four consecutive games - the longest streak of his career - and boasts six homers against the Cubs this season.

2. St. Louis CF Tommy Pham went 3-for-5 with three RBIs Friday and is 11-for-29 with eight RBIs and 11 runs against Chicago in 2018.

3. Cubs C Willson Contreras hit his ninth career home run against the Cardinals on Friday, tied for the third-most by a catcher in Cubs history (Gabby Hartnett, 39; Michael Barrett, 12).

PREDICTION: Cardinals 7, Cubs 5
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Baltimore Orioles vs. Toronto Blue Jays Preview and Predictions 07-21-2018 in MLB

MLB Previews 21st July 2018 by Gracenote
Orioles vs. Blue Jays Preview and Predictions

by Gracenote on 07/21/2018

The Toronto Blue Jays opened their second half with a dramatic win and will try to build upon the triumph when they continue a three-game series with the visiting Baltimore Orioles on Saturday. Aledmys Diaz's RBI single - his fourth hit of the game - in the bottom of the 10th inning lifted the Blue Jays to an 8-7 win in the series opener.

Toronto hit three of the game's seven home runs, including one by Diaz that opened the scoring in the third. The Blue Jays, who improved to 9-4 in extra-inning affairs, are 5-0 at home against the Orioles this year and 7-1 in the season series. Baltimore managed 10 hits - six for extra bases - in its first game since trading away All-Star shortstop Manny Machado to the Los Angeles Dodgers during the All-Star break. Jonathan Schoop had one of their four home runs and is batting .355 in 16 games this month.

TV: 1:07 p.m. ET, MASN (Baltimore), Sportsnet (Toronto)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Orioles RH Alex Cobb (2-12, 6.41 ERA) vs. Blue Jays RH Marcus Stroman (2-7, 5.86)

Cobb has quality starts in five of his last nine outings to slowly turn around a dismal start, including 6 1/3 innings of two-run ball in a loss at Texas prior to the break. He did not walk a batter in that game for the first time since May 12. Cobb was rocked for season highs of nine runs and 11 hits over 3 2/3 innings at Toronto on June 10 and has a 7.06 ERA in four career starts at Rogers Centre.

Stroman gave up three earned runs in five innings of a loss at Fenway Park in Boston prior to the break and expressed frustration with his team in the clubhouse following the game. The Duke University product is 2-2 with a 3.45 ERA in five starts since returning from shoulder fatigue. Mark Trumbo is 7-for-17 in his career against Stroman, who owns a 3.83 ERA in 10 career matchups with the Orioles.

WALK-OFFS

1. Toronto C Russell Martin is 5-for-12 with a home run over his last three games to raise his average to .184.

2. Baltimore reinstated RHP Chris Tillman from the 10-day disabled list and designated him for assignment.

3. Blue Jays RHP Tyler Clippard has given up four runs in 1 2/3 innings over his last two outings after blowing a three-run lead in the ninth Friday night.

PREDICTION: Blue Jays 6, Orioles 4
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Boston Red Sox vs. Detroit Tigers Preview and Predictions 07-21-2018 in MLB

MLB Previews 20th July 2018 by Gracenote
Red Sox vs. Tigers Preview and Predictions

by Gracenote on 07/20/2018

The Boston Red Sox averaged seven runs in their final 13 contests before the All-Star Game and found another way to win in their first after the break with a 1-0 triumph Friday, increasing their lead in the American League East. The major league-best Red Sox go after their 14th win in 15 contests when they visit the struggling Detroit Tigers on Saturday night in the second of a three-game set.

Boston made an RBI double from red-hot Steve Pearce in the first inning hold up as four pitchers combined on a five-hitter and Xander Bogaerts extended his hitting streak to seven games (10-for-29, 10 RBIs) with a single. Left-hander Brian Johnson gets the ball for the Red Sox, who lead the New York Yankees by 5 1/2 games in the AL East, in the middle contest of the series and will face snakebit right-hander Mike Fiers. The Tigers had five hits and went 1-for-8 with runners in scoring position Friday to get shut out for the 13th time this season - most in the majors - and drop to 5-21 in their last 26 games. Center fielder Leonys Martin (hamstring) went 1-for-3 in his return from the disabled list for Detroit and Nicholas Castellanos has hit safely in seven of his last eight starts for the Tigers.

TV: 6:10 p.m. ET, NESN (Boston), FS Detroit

PITCHING MATCHUP: Red Sox LH Brian Johnson (1-2, 4.20 ERA) vs. Tigers RH Mike Fiers (6-6, 3.70)

Johnson has made three straight starts and did not make it through five innings in any of them, all of which ended with a no-decision. The 27-year-old Florida native permitted five runs on 13 hits and seven walks in those three outings, following 21 straight relief appearances. Johnson earned his only win of the campaign in his first appearance, limiting Miami to one run and six hits over a season-high six innings on April 2.

Fiers strung together four quality starts before the All-Star break, yielding six runs over 27 innings combined, but managed just a 1-2 record. The 33-year-old Floridian, who is 4-2 with a 3.00 ERA in nine starts at home, walked only three batters in his past four outings while giving up a pair of homers to push his total to 18 against in as many appearances. J.D. Martinez is 7-for-14 with two homers versus Fiers, who is 1-0 with a 2.76 ERA in three outings (two starts) against Boston.

WALK-OFFS

1. The Tigers placed RHP Michael Fulmer (left oblique) on the 10-day disabled list and recalled RHP Victor Alcantara.

2. Boston UTIL Brock Holt left Friday's game with a left knee contusion and is day-to-day while 3B Rafael Devers (shoulder) is expected to be activated Saturday.

3. Pearce is 13-for-30 with six RBIs in his first 11 games with the Red Sox after being acquired from Toronto.

PREDICTION: Tigers 6, Red Sox 4
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Miami Marlins vs. Tampa Bay Rays Preview and Predictions 07-21-2018 in MLB

MLB Previews 20th July 2018 by Gracenote
Marlins vs. Rays Preview and Predictions

by Gracenote on 07/20/2018

Derek Dietrich looks to punish the team that drafted him for the second straight night as his Miami Marlins attempt to clinch the Citrus Series on Saturday when they visit the Tampa Bay Rays. Dietrich, who was picked in the second round in 2010 by the Rays before being traded to Miami for Yunel Escobar, homered twice and knocked in four runs Friday before the Marlins held on for a 6-5 victory - their third in four ties in the six-game season series.

Miami owns six wins in its last eight games overall and can clinch a third straight series victory against a team that started the set with a winning record Saturday, while it tries to even the all-time Sunshine State matchup with the Rays at 56-56. Rookie Pablo Lopez makes his fourth career start when he takes the mound for the Marlins in the second game of the series while reliever Ryne Stanek will pitch the first inning or two for Tampa Bay. The Rays rallied to score four in the bottom of the ninth inning Friday, but left the tying run at second base for their fourth loss in the last five contests. Kevin Kiermaier (left foot discomfort) left Friday's game and Matt Duffy (back) was scratched from the lineup, but both are considered day-to-day moving forward, while teammate Adeiny Hechavarria takes a seven-game hit streak into the weekend.

TV: 6:10 p.m. ET, FS Florida (Miami), FS Sun (Tampa Bay)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Marlins RH Pablo Lopez (1-1, 6.35 ERA) vs. Rays RH Ryne Stanek (1-2, 2.08)

Lopez struggled in his last two starts after a strong major league debut on June 30 against the New York Mets when he allowed two runs over six innings. The 22-year-old Venezuelan native gave up 10 runs on 11 hits and five walks across 11 innings combined in his last two outings with nine strikeouts. Lopez, acquired from Seattle in the David Phelps deal, was 2-3 with a 1.44 ERA in 12 starts at Triple-A and Double-A combined this year.

Stanek opened 12 games this season for the Rays, permitting three runs on nine hits and seven walks across 18 2/3 innings with 24 strikeouts. The 26-year-old Kansas native, who was picked 29th by the Rays in the 2013 draft, gave up one run over two innings in his last start Saturday at Minnesota and owns a 2.89 ERA in July after pitching 15 2/3 scoreless innings during June. Stanek gave up one run in two innings of relief against Miami early this month.

WALK-OFFS

1. Tampa Bay OF Mallex Smith ripped a three-run triple in the ninth inning Friday and is 7-for-10 with five runs in his last three games.

2. Miami 2B Starlin Castro is 10-for-18 with a pair of walks and three runs scored against the Rays this season.

3. The Rays recalled C Adam Moore and designated OF Johnny Field for assignment before Friday's contest.

PREDICTION: Rays 7, Marlins 4
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San Diego Padres vs. Philadelphia Phillies Preview and Predictions 07-21-2018 in MLB

MLB Previews 21st July 2018 by Gracenote
Padres vs. Phillies Preview and Predictions

by Gracenote on 07/21/2018

The Philadelphia Phillies finished the first half of the season as the National League's best home team, and that success at Citizens Bank Park has played a critical role in allowing them to position themselves atop their division. The Phillies seek a sixth consecutive home victory Saturday when they continue a three-game set with the San Diego Padres.

Philadelphia won for the seventh time in eight contests at Citizens Bank Park and improved to 31-16 at the venue following Friday's 11-5 triumph over the Padres, rallying from a four-run first-inning deficit to maintain its one-half game edge over Atlanta in the NL East. Carlos Santana did the bulk of the damage with a three-run homer during the Phillies' six-run second inning as the first four hitters in the lineup accounted for five runs and nine RBIs. San Diego fell to 1-7 during its 10-game run against each of the division leaders in the NL, dropping three of four to the Los Angeles Dodgers before getting swept by the Chicago Cubs leading into the All-Star break. Freddy Galvis tallied three hits in his first game against the team that traded him in the offseason, including a pair of run-scoring singles.

TV: 7:05 p.m. ET, FS San Diego, NBC 10 (Philadelphia)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Padres RH Luis Perdomo (1-4, 7.55 ERA) vs. Phillies RH Vince Velasquez (5-8, 4.39)

Perdomo fell to 0-4 with an 11.29 ERA in four home starts following last Saturday's loss to the Cubs, surrendering five runs on seven hits - including a pair of homers - over 4 1/3 innings. The 25-year-old has been mostly on point in three road turns, however, going 1-0 with a 2.13 ERA while not yielding a home run in 12 2/3 frames. Perdomo is allowing opponents to bat .351 against him overall as he enters his first career start versus Philadelphia.

Since giving up 10 runs on nine hits across 3 2/3 innings in a loss to Milwaukee on June 8, Velasquez has permitted a total of nine runs and 13 hits over his last five starts combined. The 2010 second-round pick turned in his best outing over that stretch in a no-decision versus the New York Mets on July 11, giving up only two hits in six scoreless frames. Velasquez has faced San Diego only once, yielding three hits while striking out a career-high 16 to record his only career shutout in 2016.

WALK-OFFS

1. Phillies OF Odubel Herrera went 2-for-4 with two RBIs in the opener and is batting .354 with 11 RBIs in 18 career games versus San Diego.

2. Padres CF Manuel Margot left in the eighth Friday after suffering an apparent left wrist injury. His status for Saturday is unknown.

3. Philadelphia is 62-31 against San Diego since 2004 - the club's best winning percentage (.667) versus any opponent over that span.

PREDICTION: Phillies 5, Padres 2
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Atlanta Braves vs. Washington Nationals Preview and Predictions 07-21-2018 in MLB

MLB Previews 21st July 2018 by Gracenote
Braves vs. Nationals Preview and Predictions

by Gracenote on 07/21/2018

Maybe the Atlanta Braves have found an answer to their season-long issue of effectiveness at the leadoff spot, and they head into Saturday's middle contest of a three-game series at the Washington Nationals looking to capture the series and regain the top spot in National League East. Rookie left fielder Ronald Acuna Jr. got his first career start in the leadoff spot Friday, and all the 20-year-old did was finish 3-for-4 with a homer, two stolen bases and three runs scored in an 8-5 victory.

One concern for Atlanta entering the middle game of the series is the health of All-Star second baseman Ozzie Albies, who doubled, stole a base and scored a run before leaving after two innings with right hamstring tightness. But Atlanta emphatically snapped a 3-8 skid by jumping on Washington pitching, finishing with 12 hits (seven for extra bases) while handing the Nationals their sixth loss in the past nine games. Third baseman Anthony Rendon finished 1-for-4 to extend his hitting streak to nine games and has collected at least one base hit in 26 of his past 30 games. The two youngest players in the majors homered in the series opener, Acuna belting his eighth longball in the top of the eighth before 19-year-old Juan Soto answered for the Nationals with a two-run shot in the bottom of the eighth.

TV: 7:05 p.m. ET, FS South (Atlanta), MASN2 (Washington)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Braves LH Sean Newcomb (8-5, 3.51 ERA) vs. Nationals LH Gio Gonzalez (6-6, 3.72)
Newcomb stumbled into the All-Star break with three subpar starts to begin July, losing all three outings while posting a 9.75 ERA with 12 walks and four homers allowed in 12 innings. The 25-year-old had pitched himself into consideration for the NL All-Star team with a dominant May and June, during which he went 7-1 with a 2.07 ERA. Newcomb, who gave up three runs on four hits in 5 2/3 innings in last Saturday's loss to Arizona, is 1-1 with a 5.56 ERA in two starts against Washington this season.
Gonzalez showed signs of shaking off an awful June with three good starts in July leading into the All-Star break, posting a 3.94 ERA after going 0-3 with an 8.44 ERA and six homers allowed in five outings last month. The 32-year-old gave up two runs on six hits in six innings in a July 11 loss at Pittsburgh and has not won a game since beating Baltimore on May 28 - a streak of eight consecutive starts. The first start of that stretch was a no-decision June 2 at Atlanta in which Gonzalez gave up three runs on five hits with nine strikeouts and no walks in seven innings.

WALK-OFFS

1. Washington 1B Ryan Zimmerman (right oblique strain) was activated from the disabled list but did not start; he grounded out as a pinch-hitter, while 1B Matt Adams finished 1-for-4 with his 16th homer.

2. The Braves finished with a season-high four stolen bases Friday.

3. Atlanta RF Nick Markakis finished 1-for-4 to extend his hitting streak to nine games.

PREDICTION: Braves 6, Nationals 3
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Los Angeles Dodgers vs. Milwaukee Brewers Preview and Predictions 07-21-2018 in MLB

MLB Previews 21st July 2018 by Gracenote
Dodgers vs. Brewers Preview and Predictions

by Gracenote on 07/21/2018

Manny Machado delivered just what the Los Angeles Dodgers hoped for after acquiring him during the All-Star break, but it was a pair of the team's surprise standouts that made a bigger impact in his debut. The Dodgers set their sights on a sixth victory in seven tries Saturday, when they visit the struggling Milwaukee Brewers for the middle contest of their three-game series.

Machado collected two singles and two walks in five plate appearances during his first game with Los Angeles since being obtained from Baltimore on Wednesday for five prospects. Max Muncy reached base three times and hit a critical RBI double in the seventh inning to pad the Dodgers' lead, while Enrique Hernandez belted a three-run homer in the ninth after Milwaukee had pulled within a run one frame earlier. The Brewers went 1-7 on an eight-game road trip leading into the break and could not snap out of their funk in the opener despite getting three hits from Christian Yelich and fellow All-Star Jesus Aguilar's 25th home run, tying him for first in the NL. Milwaukee hasn't received much help from its pitching staff during its seven-game slide, allowing at least five runs in all but one of the defeats.

TV: 7:10 p.m. ET, SportsNet LA (Los Angeles), FS Wisconsin (Milwaukee)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Dodgers LH Clayton Kershaw (3-4, 2.74 ERA) vs. Brewers RH Chase Anderson (6-7, 3.78)

Kershaw hasn't lost since late April in part due to a couple of stints on the disabled list but enters the second half of the season with a losing record for the first time since his rookie campaign in 2008. The seven-time All-Star settled for a no-decision Sunday versus the Los Angeles Angels after permitting three runs over 6 2/3 innings. Ryan Braun is 10-for-33 with a homer against Kershaw, who is 4-0 with a 1.39 ERA in six career starts at Miller Park.

Anderson gave up back-to-back solo homers in the opening frame and very little in the 4 1/3 innings thereafter but still was saddled with the loss at Pittsburgh last Saturday. The 30-year-old Texan has surrendered 19 home runs - tied for the sixth-highest total in the majors - but allowed two runs or fewer in each of his last five outings. Matt Kemp (7-for-20, two homers) is among seven Dodgers with at least one home run against Anderson, who is 1-1 with a 5.44 ERA in nine career starts versus the Dodgers.

WALK-OFFS

1. The Dodgers have yielded four runs or fewer in 15 of their last 16 contests and no more than five in any of the games over that span.

2. Milwaukee MGR Craig Counsell told reporters Braun (back strain) could come off the disabled list as early as Saturday.

3. The Dodgers optioned OF Andrew Toles to Triple-A Oklahoma City on Friday to make room on the roster for Machado.

PREDICTION: Dodgers 6, Brewers 2
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Pittsburgh Pirates vs. Cincinnati Reds Preview and Predictions 07-21-2018 in MLB

MLB Previews 21st July 2018 by Gracenote
Pirates vs. Reds Preview and Predictions

by Gracenote on 07/21/2018

Starling Marte and the Pittsburgh Pirates are on a roll, and the club looks to extend its season-best winning streak to seven games when they visit the Cincinnati Reds on Saturday. Marte went 2-for-6 with a grand slam during Friday's 12-1 triumph as he stretched his hitting streak to 13 contests.

Marte is batting .389 with five homers and 14 RBIs during his hot streak, raising his average 21 points to .286. Sean Rodriguez homered and drove in four runs while Corey Dickerson added a solo blast to help Pittsburgh win for the ninth time in 10 games. Reds All-Star first baseman Joey Votto wasn't in the starting lineup for the opener and proclaimed, "I could use a little bit of a breather," to reporters prior to the game but ultimately entered the contest in the ninth inning. Friday's loss was the second in a row for Cincinnati following a stretch during which it won 18 of 25 games.

TV: 7:10 p.m. ET, AT&T SportsNet-Pittsburgh, FS Ohio (Cincinnati)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Pirates RH Nick Kingham (4-4, 4.26 ERA) vs. Reds RH Anthony DeSclafani (4-2, 5.32)

Kingham has won his last two starts, allowing four runs and nine hits over 12 1/3 innings during the stretch. The 26-year-old has dropped three straight road turns after winning his first such outing in Milwaukee on May 4 and has posted a subpar 6.41 ERA in games away from home. Kingham has a fine strikeout-to-walk ratio of 51-to-12 but has served up 10 homers in 50 2/3 frames.

DeSclafani has been roughed up in three starts this month, serving up six homers in just 15 2/3 innings while going 1-1 with a 6.89 ERA. The 28-year-old is 2-1 with a 5.46 ERA and 1.39 WHIP in five home outings this season. DeSclafani is 2-2 with a 3.38 ERA in seven career starts against the Pirates, including a victory on June 17 in which he allowed two runs and three hits over 5 2/3 frames.

WALK-OFFS

1. Pirates 2B Josh Harrison (hamstring) was held out of the series opener and will test the leg Saturday before it is determined whether or not he can return to the lineup.

2. Cincinnati recalled Phillip Ervin from Triple-A Louisville to fill the roster spot of fellow OF Scott Schebler (shoulder), who was placed on the 10-day DL on Thursday.

3. Pittsburgh activated Rodriguez (quadriceps) from the 10-day disabled list prior to the game and optioned RHP Tanner Anderson to Triple-A Indianapolis.

PREDICTION: Reds 5, Pirates 4
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Minnesota Twins vs. Kansas City Royals Preview and Predictions 07-21-2018 in MLB

MLB Previews 21st July 2018 by Gracenote
Twins vs. Royals Preview and Predictions

by Gracenote on 07/21/2018

The Minnesota Twins stumbled in their first game following the All-Star break but aren't ready to give up on their faint playoff hopes. The Twins look to snap a seven-game road losing streak on Saturday when they continue their three-game series against the host Kansas City Royals, who posted their third victory in the past 16 games with Friday's 6-5 win.

Kansas City owns the second-worst record in the majors at 28-68 but held on for the win Friday behind Danny Duffy's seven strong innings to go along with Lucas Duda's homer and three RBIs. Minnesota won nine of 11 games entering the break but was 3-for-13 with runners in scoring position in the opener and lost despite two hits from Joe Mauer, who is batting .329 with 16 RBIs in his last 17 contests. Mitch Garver ended a 0-for-15 skid with an RBI triple in the eighth inning, but it wasn't enough for a Twins' team that is battling to stay in contention with the July 31 non-waiver trade deadline fast approaching. "Nobody has given up," Mauer told reporters. "I've seen a turnaround happen. We've been playing good baseball, and we'll keep fighting."

TV: 7:15 p.m. ET, FS North (Minnesota), FS Kansas City

PITCHING MATCHUP: Twins RH Lance Lynn (7-7, 5.22 ERA) vs. Royals RH Jake Junis (5-10, 5.13)

Lynn won his second consecutive start on July 11, allowing four runs (three earned) on five hits over five innings against Kansas City. The 31-year-old native of Indiana has yielded the third-most walks in the American League (55), including eight over his last three outings. Duda is 1-for-17 with six strikeouts against Lynn, who is 2-1 with a 5.09 ERA in six career starts against the Royals, including 2-0 with a 4.09 mark in two outings this season.

Junis has been out most of the month with lower back inflammation but will be activated from the disabled list Saturday to make his first start since July 2. The 25-year-old struggled in his last five starts before landing on the DL, posting a 9.33 ERA with 12 home runs allowed over 27 innings. Junis faced the Twins on May 28 and allowed three runs on six hits with four walks over six frames in the 8-5 setback - the first of seven consecutive losing starts.

WALK-OFFS

1. Minnesota is a major league-worst 7-17 at Kauffman Stadium since 2016.

2. Twins 1B/DH Logan Morrison (hip) is expected to be activated from the DL prior to Sunday's series finale.

3. The Royals placed INF Adalberto Mondesi on the family medical emergency leave list prior to the opener and recalled INF Ramon Torres from Triple-A Omaha.

PREDICTION: Twins 7, Royals 4
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Houston Astros vs. Los Angeles Angels Preview and Predictions 07-21-2018 in MLB

MLB Previews 21st July 2018 by Gracenote
Astros vs. Angels Preview and Predictions

by Gracenote on 07/21/2018

The American League West-leading Houston Astros aim for their fourth straight road win when they visit the Los Angeles Angels on Saturday for the middle contest of their three-game series. Houston, which owns a five-game division lead over Seattle, scored three early runs in the opener and rode a stellar pitching performance by Dallas Keuchel to a 3-1 victory.

Josh Reddick scored a run and drove in another as he recorded his second two-hit effort in three games while Keuchel carried a no-hitter into the seventh inning en route to winning his fourth consecutive start and fifth straight decision for the Astros, who have captured 10 of their last 14 contests. Ian Kinsler notched one of the two hits recorded by Los Angeles, which has dropped three of its last four games. Kinsler, who singled and scored in the eighth inning, is riding a five-game hitting streak during which he has gone 7-for-20. Justin Upton notched the Angels' other single on Friday and has hit safely in seven of his last nine contests.

TV: 7:15 p.m. ET, FOX

PITCHING MATCHUP: Astros RH Justin Verlander (9-5, 2.29 ERA) vs. Angels RH Nick Tropeano (3-4, 4.83)

Verlander is hoping to benefit from the All-Star break as he uncharacteristically went 0-3 with a 4.10 ERA over his final six starts before the pause in the season. The 35-year-old Virginian did reach double digits in strikeouts three times during the slump, registering 12 in a loss to Detroit on Sunday to vault past Bob Feller and Warren Spahn to claim 26th place on the all-time list with 2,588. Verlander, who is 20 strikeouts away from passing Tom Glavine for 25th, is 10-8 with a 3.12 ERA in 21 career starts versus the Angels - including a 2-0 record with a shutout and a 1.13 ERA in two turns this year.

Tropeano is expected to be activated from the disabled list, where he has been since June 15 due to shoulder inflammation, to make his first start in more than a month. The 27-year-old New Yorker last took the mound for the Angels on June 10, when he yielded five runs on four hits and three walks over 4 1/3 innings in a loss at Minnesota. Tropeano fell to 0-1 with a 4.91 ERA in three career turns against Houston on April 25 as he gave up four runs over 5 1/3 frames while starting opposite Verlander.

WALK-OFFS

1. Contrary to the team's beliefs prior to the All-Star break, Astros SS Carlos Correa (back) will not be activated from the DL during the team's current road trip.

2. Los Angeles OF Mike Trout is 0-for-6 over his last two contests following a seven-game hitting streak.

3. Houston recalled J.D. Davis from Triple-A Fresno on Friday to fill the roster spot created when fellow 3B Tyler White was optioned to the Grizzlies four days earlier.

PREDICTION: Astros 9, Angels 1
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St. Louis Cardinals vs. Chicago Cubs Preview and Predictions 07-21-2018 in MLB

MLB Previews 20th July 2018 by Gracenote
Cardinals vs. Cubs Preview and Predictions

by Gracenote on 07/20/2018

A day after one of their ugliest losses in nearly a decade, the Chicago Cubs get a chance to put it behind them - in fact, they get two chances. The first-place Cubs look to bounce back from an 18-5 drubbing when they host the St. Louis Cardinals for a day-night doubleheader Saturday.

The National League Central rivals have split the first two of the five-game series, as the Cubs rallied to take the opener and St. Louis had its revenge in Friday's rout. Matt Carpenter continued his hot streak, going 5-for-5 with three homers, two doubles, and seven RBIs, as the Cardinals improved to 2-1 under interim manager Mike Shildt. The lopsided defeat was just the Cubs' second loss at home since June 20 and their fourth in 17 games overall. The only silver lining for the Cubs is they were able to preserve their bullpen somewhat for Saturday's doubleheader by using three position players - Tommy La Stella, Victor Caratini, and Ian Happ - to combine for 3 1/3 innings of relief.

TV: 7:15 p.m. ET, Fox

PITCHING MATCHUP: Cardinals RH John Gant (3-3, 3.49 ERA) vs. Cubs LH Mike Montgomery (3-3, 3.91)

Gant has been a valuable swingman for the Cardinals, bouncing between the bullpen and the rotation. The 25-year-old made his last start July 6, allowing two runs over six innings in a no-decision at San Francisco, and he threw four scoreless frames in relief July 15 against Cincinnati. Gant has faced the Cubs only once, in 2016, and allowed three runs (two earned) over 4 1/3 innings in a loss.

Montgomery has become a mainstay in the rotation since Yu Darvish went to the disabled list, and he is 3-2 with a 3.20 ERA in nine starts. The 29-year-old has not been as effective of late, allowing three or more runs in each of his last four starts with just one victory. Montgomery is 1-1 with a 1.15 ERA in nine appearances against the Cardinals, but this will be his first start against them.

WALK-OFFS

1. Carpenter has homered in four consecutive games - the longest streak of his career - and has six homers against the Cubs this season.

2. St. Louis CF Tommy Pham went 3-for-5 with three RBIs Friday and is 11-for-29 with eight RBIs and 11 runs against Chicago in 2018.

3. Cubs C Willson Contreras hit his ninth career home run against the Cardinals on Friday, tied for the third-most by a catcher in Cubs history (Gabby Hartnett, 39; Michael Barrett, 12).

PREDICTION: Cubs 5, Cardinals 4
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Cleveland Indians vs. Texas Rangers Preview and Predictions 07-21-2018 in MLB

MLB Previews 21st July 2018 by Gracenote
Indians vs. Rangers Preview and Predictions

by Gracenote on 07/21/2018

Bartolo Colon attempts to become the winningest Latin American pitcher in baseball history when the Texas Rangers host the Cleveland Indians on Saturday for the middle contest of their three-game series. The 45-year-old right-hander is tied with Nicaragua's Dennis Martinez with 245 career victories as he looks to help the Rangers bounce back from Friday's 9-8, 11-inning loss.

Colon is making his third attempt at setting the mark after suffering losses in back-to-back starts against Detroit and Boston. Rangers All-Star Shin-Soo Choo went 2-for-6 with a walk to extend his streak of reaching base to 52 consecutive games, seven shy of Will Clark's franchise-record streak that began in 1995 and concluded in 1996. Indians All-Star Jose Ramirez established a new career best with his 30th homer - also the most in the majors - while Jason Kipnis hit a two-run shot as part of three-RBI effort. Edwin Encarnacion went 3-for-5 with three runs scored and delivered the game-winning single in the 11th inning as Cleveland boosted its lead over Minnesota in the American League Central to 8 1/2 games.

TV: 8:05 p.m. ET, SportsTime Ohio (Cleveland), FS Southwest (Texas)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Indians RH Carlos Carrasco (11-5, 4.12 ERA) vs. Rangers RH Bartolo Colon (5-7, 4.64)

Carrasco has won three straight decisions and five of his last six. The 31-year-old has posted a stellar 1.02 WHIP in eight road starts while going 4-3 with a 3.33 ERA and limiting batters to a .222 average. Carrasco is 2-3 with a porous 6.64 ERA in nine career appearances (seven starts) against Texas and has struggled with Elvis Andrus (6-for-16, one homer, eight RBIs).

Colon allowed three earned runs in both of his consecutive losses - he pitched eight innings against Detroit and six versus Boston. The veteran has given up three earned runs or fewer in five straight outings and 12 of his 17 turns this season. Colon is 7-5 with a 4.07 ERA in 14 career starts against the Indians, the franchise for which he pitched from 1997-2002.

WALK-OFFS

1. Rangers OF Joey Gallo went deep twice in the opener - including a game-tying, 472-foot blast in the ninth - for his second multi-homer performance of the campaign.

2. Cleveland added LHP Brad Hand and RHP Adam Cimber to the active roster after acquiring them from San Diego on Thursday, purchased the contract of OF Melky Cabrera and recalled 3B Yandy Diaz from Triple-A Columbus, optioned OF Greg Allen, RHP Adam Plutko and LHP Tyler Olson to the same affiliate and transferred OF Lonnie Chisenhall (calf) to the 60-day disabled list.

3. Texas placed Nomar Mazara (thumb) on the 10-day DL and recalled fellow OF Willie Calhoun from Triple-A Round Rock.

PREDICTION: Indians 7, Rangers 3
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