MLB Betting News and Trends For Wednesday 8/8/18

National League
Braves (61-49) @ Nationals (58-55)
Foltynewicz is 2-3, 6.14 in his last five starts; over is 6-2 in his last eight. Team in his starts: 11-10, 7-5 away
5-inning record: 8-7-6 Allowed run in 1st inning: 3-21

Milone is 1-0, 3.00 in his two starts (over 1-1). Team in his starts: 2-0, 1-0 home
5-inning record: 1-1 Allowed run in 1st inning: 1-2

Braves won seven of their last nine games; under is 8-3 in their last 11 games. Washington won six of its last eight games; they’re 12-19 vs lefty starters- five of their last seven games stayed under.

Cardinals (59-55) @ Marlins (47-68)
Gant is 0-2, 5.47 in his last five starts (over 4-4-1). Team in his starts: 2-7, 1-3 away
5-inning record: 2-5-2 Allowed run in 1st inning: 4-9

Richards is 1-1, 0.76 in his last four starts (under 3-1). Team in his starts: 7-9, 3-4 home
5-inning record: 7-6-3 Allowed run in 1st inning: 6-16

Cardinals won five of their last seven games; under is 3-0 in their last three games. Miami lost six of its last seven games; under is 4-0 in their last four home games.

Reds (50-64) @ Mets (46-65)
Stephenson is making his first ’18 start; he is 7-9, 5.10 in 33 MLB games (19 starts). he is 11-8, 2.87 in 20 AAA starts this year. Team in his starts: 0-0 away.
5-inning record: 0-0 Allowed run in 1st inning: 0-0

deGrom is 0-3, 2.08 in his last five starts; his last six starts stayed under. Team in his starts: 8-14, 4-8 home.
5-inning record: 10-5-7 Allowed run in 1st inning: 3-22

Reds lost seven of their last nine road games; under is 7-3 in their last ten games. Mets lost six of their last eight games; five of their last seven games stayed under.

Padres (45-70) @ Brewers (65-51)
24-year old Kennedy is making his MLB debut; he is 10-0, 2.72 in 16 AAA starts this year. Team in his starts: 0-0 away.
5-inning record: 0-0 Allowed run in 1st inning: 0-0

Chacin is 2-0, 2.13 in his last two home starts; over is 7-1 in his last eight starts overall. Team in his starts: 16-8, 7-2 home.
5-inning record: 12-8-4 Allowed run in 1st inning: 6-24

Padres lost nine of their last 12 games; over is 7-4 in their last 11 road games. Milwaukee lost four of its last six games (over 5-1).

Pirates (58-56) @ Rockies (60-53)
Archer is 0-1, 7.16 in his last three starts; his last five went over. Pirates in his starts: 1-0, 0-0 away.
5-inning record: 6-9-3 Allowed run in 1st inning: 3-18

Marquez is 4-0, 3.18 in his last six starts; over is 7-4 in his last 11. Team in his starts: 11-10, 5-6 home.
5-inning record: 10-9-2 Allowed run in 1st inning: 14-21

Pirates are 3-5 in their last eight games; five of their last seven games went over. Colorado is 3-6 in its last nine games; eight of Rockies’ last nine home games stayed under.

Phillies (64-49) @ Diamondbacks (63-52)
Velasquez is 2-0, 0.74 in his last four starts; his last six starts stayed under. Team in his starts: 9-12, 3-6 away
5-inning record: 10-8-3 Allowed run in 1st inning: 5-21

Corbin is 2-0, 3.79 in his last three starts; under is 6-3 in his last nine. Team in his starts: 13-10, 6-6 home.
5-inning record: 11-6-6 Allowed run in 1st inning: 4-23

Phillies won six of their last seven games; they’re 14-11 vs lefty starters- under is 6-0 in their last six road games. Arizona won seven of its last 11 games; under is 3-0 in their last three games.

American League
Red Sox (80-34) @ Blue Jays (51-61)
Johnson is 1-1, 4.02 in his last three starts; under is 3-1 in his last four. Team in his starts: 5-2, 2-1 away
5-inning record: 5-1-1 Allowed run in 1st inning: 1-7

Hauschild is making his first MLB start; he threw six shutout innings in relief at Seattle last Thursday, in his MLB debut. He was 7-6, 4.86 in 19 AAA starts. Team in his starts: 0-0 home.
5-inning record: 0-0 Allowed run in 1st inning: 0-0

Red Sox won nine of their last ten games; over is 9-5 in their last 14 road games. Toronto won three of its last five games; Jays are 14-27 vs lefty starters. Over is 10-2 in their last 12 games.

Orioles (34-79) @ Rays (57-56)
Cashner is 1-2, 7.36 in his last five starts; over is 3-0-1 in his last four. Team in his starts: 6-15, 3-7 away
5-inning record: 6-11-4 Allowed run in 1st inning: 6-21

Bullpen game for the Rays. Team in his starts: 0-0 home.
5-inning record: 0-0 Allowed run in 1st inning: 0-0

Orioles are 2-15 in their last 17 road games; over is 7-2-1 in their last ten games. Tampa Bay lost three of its last four games; under is 4-1 in their last five games.

Twins (53-59) @ Indians (62-50)
Odorizzi is 0-1, 7.23 in his last four starts; over is 4-1 in his last five. Team in his starts: 10-13, 4-8 away
5-inning record: 9-9-5 Allowed run in 1st inning: 5-23

Clevinger is 0-4, 5.16 in his last five starts; under is 3-1 in his last four. Team in his starts: 8-14, 4-7 home.
5-inning record: 5-11-6 Allowed run in 1st inning: 7-22

Twins won four of their last five games; four of Minnesota’s last five games went over. Cleveland won five of its last seven games; they’re 18-11 vs lefty starters- six of their last eight games stayed under.

Mariners (65-49) @ Rangers (50-65)
Gonzales is 5-1, 2.18 in his last six starts; his last three starts went over. Team in his starts: 15-7, 7-4 away
5-inning record: 14-7-1 Allowed run in 1st inning: 3-22

Gallardo is 3-0, 2.70 in his last three starts (over 7-1). Team in his starts: 7-1, 4-0 home.
5-inning record: 6-2 Allowed run in 1st inning: 3-8

Mariners lost six of their last eight games; five of their last seven games went over. Texas won eight of its last 11 games; they’re 14-18 vs lefty starters- over is 10-3 in their last 13 home games.

New York (70-42) @ White Sox (41-72)
Severino is 0-3, 10.20 in his last three starts; over is 5-1 in his last six starts. Team in his starts: 18-5, 8-4 away
5-inning record: 15-5-3 Allowed run in 1st inning: 6-23

Giolito is 2-0, 3.42 in his last four starts; over is 4-1 in his last five starts. Team in his starts: 11-11, 4-7 home.
5-inning record: 5-14-3 Allowed run in 1st inning: 8-22

New York lost five of its last seven games; under is 6-1-1 in their last eight road games. White Sox won four of their last five games; over is 6-3 in their last nine home games.

Tigers (47-67) @ Angels (57-58)
Hardy is 1-1, 4.62 in his last five starts (under 6-4). Team in his starts: 4-6, 1-3 away
5-inning record: 6-2-2 Allowed run in 1st inning: 0-10

Barria is 1-4, 4.55 in his last six starts; under is 5-2 in his last seven. Team in his starts: 7-9, 3-6 home.
5-inning record: 7-7-2 Allowed run in 1st inning: 4-16

Detroit lost 13 of its last 16 road games; under is 6-2 in their last eight road games. Angels lost six of their last nine games; they’re 10-21 vs lefty starters. over is 5-2 in their last seven home games.

Interleague
Cubs (66-47) @ Royals (34-79)
Quintana is 4-1, 3.54 in his last five starts; under is 3-1-1 in his last five road starts. Team in his starts: 14-7, 2-4 away
5-inning record: 8-9-4 Allowed run in 1st inning: 5-21

Fillmyer is 0-2, 5.68 in his four starts (over 3-1). Team in his starts: 0-4, 0-2 home
5-inning record: 1-3 Allowed run in 1st inning: 1-4

Cubs won four of their last five games; under is 8-5 in their last 13 games. Kansas City lost its last six games; they’re 13-24 vs lefty starters. Under is 6-1 in their last seven home games.

Dodgers (63-51) @ A’s (67-47)
Kershaw is 2-0, 2.63 in his last two starts; under is 3-1 in his last four. Team in his starts: 8-8, 4-3 away
5-inning record: 10-4-2 Allowed run in 1st inning: 2-16

Anderson is 2-1, 2.96 in his last five starts (under 7-2). Team in his starts: 6-3, 1-1 home
5-inning record: 2-5-2 Allowed run in 1st inning: 2-9

Dodgers are 7-7 in their last 14 games; they’re 23-17 vs lefty starters. LA’s last four road games stayed under total. A’s won eight of their last nine home games; they’re 21-19 vs lefty starters. Under is 5-1 in their last six games.

Umpires
Stl-Mia: Underdogs are 5-3 in last eight Wegner games.
Atl-Wsh: Over is 6-3 in last nine Gibson games.
Cin-NY: Favorites won 12 of last 15 Barksdale games.
SD-Mil: Underdogs won six of last nine Porter games.
Pitt-Colo: Under is 8-2-1 in last 11 Blaser games.
Phil-Az: Favorites won last six Bucknor games.

Bos-Tor: Last five DeJesus games stayed under the total.
Balt-TB: Under is 4-0-1 in last five Diaz games.
Min-Clev: Over is 5-2-1 in Additon games this year.
Sea-Tex: Under is 7-1-1 in last nine Cuzzi games.
NY-Chi: Under is 11-2-1 in last 14 Estabrook games.
Det-LAA: Under is 6-2 in last eight Welke games.

Chi-KC: Six of last nine West games stayed under.
LA-A’s: Under is 9-5 in last 14 Muchlinski games.

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Cincinnati Reds vs. New York Mets Preview and Predictions 08-08-2018 in MLB

MLB Previews 8th August 2018 by Gracenote
Reds vs. Mets Preview and Predictions

by Gracenote on 08/08/2018

The dark comedy that has been Jacob deGrom's season continues when the New York Mets ace seeks to end a seven-start winless drought in the finale of a three-game series against the visiting Cincinnati Reds on Wednesday afternoon. DeGrom leads the majors with a 1.85 ERA but he has won only once over his last 13 trips to the mound.

Riding a streak of 14 straight quality starts, deGrom has gone eight innings in four of his last five turns and New York will be hoping for another such outing after burning its bullpen in Tuesday's 6-1 loss. Outfielder Brandon Nimmo, mired in a 3-for-30 funk in the previous nine games, collected two of the Mets' four hits as they lost for the 26th time in their last 37 home games. Phillip Ervin clubbed a two-run homer and had three RBIs as Cincinnati improved to 2-6 on its nine-game road trip. Reds second baseman Scooter Gennett is 7-for-15 with a pair of homers and five RBIs against New York this season.

TV: 12:10 p.m. ET, FS Ohio (Cincinnati), SNY (New York)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Reds RH Robert Stephenson (2017: 5-6, 4.68 ERA) vs. Mets RH Jacob deGrom (5-7, 1.85)

Stephenson was on a roll at Triple-A Louisville, posting a 6-0 record and a 1.23 ERA over his last seven starts while permitting only 23 hits in 44 innings. "I feel like I made a lot of progress since I've been down there," Stephenson told MLB.com. "I feel really comfortable about being back." He earned a win over the Mets on Aug. 31, 2017, giving up two runs and five hits in six innings.

DeGrom keeps finding ways to lose mainly because his team cannot find ways to provide run support, scoring three runs during his current three-start skid. He registered his 14th consecutive quality start last time out versus Atlanta, but took the loss despite allowing two runs and six hits over eight innings. Gennett is 5-for-16 against deGrom, who owns a 1-1 mark and 3.00 ERA versus the Reds.

WALK-OFFS

1. Reds 3B Eugenio Suarez has hit safely in five straight games overall and is 8-for-20 versus the Mets this season.

2. Mets RF Jose Bautista had an RBI single Tuesday after going 0-for-21 in the previous six games.

3. Reds 1B Joey Votto rested his ailing knee Tuesday and his status is unclear for the series finale.

PREDICTION: Mets 4, Reds 1
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Seattle Mariners vs. Texas Rangers Preview and Predictions 08-08-2018 in MLB

MLB Previews 8th August 2018 by Gracenote
by Gracenote on 08/08/2018

Rougned Odor has been one of the hottest hitters in the major leagues since the All-Star break, and he again looks to ignite the Texas Rangers' offense when they host the Seattle Mariners on Wednesday afternoon for the finale of their three-game series. Odor homered and drove in four runs on Tuesday as the Rangers cruised to an 11-4 triumph - their eighth win in 11 games.

Odor has gone 26-for-69 with eight homers and 20 RBIs in his last 17 games to raise his season average 32 points to .271. Jurickson Profar added a three-run blast and Adrian Beltre went deep for the 468th time in his career, tying recent Hall-of-Fame inductee Chipper Jones for 33rd place on the all-time list. Slumping Seattle has dropped six of its last eight games and former ace Felix Hernandez gave up a career-worst 11 runs - seven earned - in Tuesday's debacle. Slugger Nelson Cruz belted his 30th homer in the loss, reaching the plateau for the fifth straight season and sixth time in his career.

TV: 2:05 p.m. ET, Facebook Watch

PITCHING MATCHUP: Mariners LH Marco Gonzales (12-6, 3.46 ERA) vs. Rangers RH Yovani Gallardo (6-1, 6.51)

Gonzales won five straight starts before losing to Toronto in his last outing. The 26-year-old gave up four runs and seven hits over seven innings after allowing six runs over 34 1/3 frames during his winning streak. Gonzales defeated the Rangers on May 28, when he permitted an unearned run and four hits in 6 2/3 innings to improve to 2-0 with a 2.31 ERA in two career turns against the club.

Gallardo has won three straight starts and six of his last seven. The 32-year-old defeated Baltimore in his last turn despite yielding five runs and nine hits over 5 1/3 innings after two scoreless outings. Gallardo is 2-2 with a 2.42 ERA in four career starts against Seattle, with whom he went 5-10 with a 5.72 ERA last season.

WALK-OFFS

1. Rangers SS Elvis Andrus went 1-for-5 on Tuesday to extend his career-best hitting streak to 18 games.

2. Seattle CF Cameron Maybin recorded two hits on Tuesday to improve to 6-for-21 in six contests since being acquired from Miami.

3. Texas DH Shin-Soo Choo walked three times but went 0-for-2 on Tuesday to drop to 9-for-64 with 26 strikeouts in his last 16 games.

PREDICTION: Mariners 7, Rangers 5
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Pittsburgh Pirates vs. Colorado Rockies Preview and Predictions 08-08-2018 in MLB

MLB Previews 8th August 2018 by Gracenote
Pirates vs. Rockies Preview and Predictions

by Gracenote on 08/08/2018

Pitcher Chris Archer, one of several new arrivals for the Pittsburgh Pirates, takes the mound Wednesday in the rubber match of a three-game series against the host Colorado Rockies. Archer was acquired from Tampa Bay at last week's non-waiver trade deadline to bolster the impressive Pirates' pitching staff, which leads the National League with a 3.09 ERA since July 8.

Jameson Taillon recorded his second complete game of the season and Josh Harrison belted a two-run homer in Tuesday's 10-2 victory as the Pirates snapped a three-game losing streak and improved to 18-8 over the past month. Starling Marte ended a 0-for-14 hitless streak with a solo home run in the first inning while Jordy Mercer added a three-run blast to help Pittsburgh bounce back from a 2-0 loss in the series opener. The Rockies have lost six of their last nine and could use a strong outing from German Marquez on Wednesday after Chad Bettis lasted just 4 2/3 innings in Tuesday's loss. Charlie Blackmon provided one of the few Colorado highlights with his 1,000th career hit, but Chris Iannetta grounded into two double plays and has one hit in his last 24 at-bats.

TV: 3:10 p.m. ET, AT&T SportsNet Pittsburgh, AT&T SportsNet Rocky Mountain (Colorado)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Pirates RH Chris Archer (3-5, 4.40 ERA) vs. Rockies RH German Marquez (9-8, 4.70)

Archer struggled in his Pirates' debut last Friday, allowing five runs (four earned) on seven hits across 4 1/3 innings in a no-decision against St. Louis. The two-time All-Star has given up 10 runs with 22 strikeouts over his last three starts covering 16 1/3 innings. Archer last faced Colorado on July 20, 2016 and earned the victory after striking out 11 batters over six strong innings.

After going 3-0 with a 3.65 ERA in four starts last month, Marquez yielded two runs over seven innings in a no-decision against Milwaukee last Friday. The 23-year-old native of Venezuela owns a 3.09 ERA in 11 starts on the road compared to a 6.63 mark in 11 outings at Coors Field. Marquez is 3-0 with a 2.50 ERA in three career starts versus Pittsburgh, including six strong frames in a victory at PNC Park on April 16.

WALK-OFFS

1. Pittsburgh 1B Josh Bell (oblique) could be activated from the disabled list prior to Wednesday's contest.

2. The Rockies activated Bettis (blister) from the 10-day disabled list and optioned C Tom Murphy to Triple-A Albuquerque.

3. The Pirates placed INF/OF Sean Rodriguez on the 10-day disabled list with a left abdominal strain and added recently acquired SS Adeiny Hechavarria to the active roster.

PREDICTION: Pirates 7, Rockies 5
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Philadelphia Phillies vs. Arizona Diamondbacks Preview and Predictions 08-08-2018 in MLB

MLB Previews 8th August 2018 by Gracenote
Phillies vs. Diamondbacks Preview and Predictions

by Gracenote on 08/08/2018

The Philadelphia Phillies are playing solid baseball and aim for their seventh victory in eight games when they visit the Arizona Diamondbacks on Wednesday afternoon for the rubber match of their three-game series. The Phillies expanded their lead over Atlanta in the National League East to 1 1/2 games with Tuesday's 5-2 victory.

Nick Williams went 2-for-5 with a homer and Asdrubal Cabrera was 2-for-3 with a two-run double as Philadelphia won despite registering only six hits. Slugger Rhys Hoskins walked three times on Tuesday but was hitless in two at-bats and is 0-for-12 over his last four contests. The Diamondbacks fell one-half game behind first-place Los Angeles in the NL West with Tuesday's loss and the Dodgers' victory in Oakland. David Peralta, who hit the game-winning homer in the 14th inning in the series opener, recorded two hits on Tuesday and is 14-for-28 with three homers over his last six games.

TV: 3:40 p.m. ET, MLB Network, NBCS Philadelphia, FS Arizona

PITCHING MATCHUP: Phillies RH Vince Velasquez (8-8, 3.80 ERA) vs. Diamondbacks LH Patrick Corbin (8-4, 3.31)

Velasquez has gone 3-0 with a 0.71 ERA over his last five appearances (four starts). The 26-year-old defeated Miami in his last outing as he gave up two hits over 6 1/3 scoreless innings. Velasquez lost to Arizona on April 24, when he yielded four runs and four hits in 4 2/3 frames and is 1-1 with a 2.70 ERA in four career meetings (two starts).

Corbin has posted a 2-0 record over his last three turns after enduring a seven-start winless streak during which he went 0-2. The 29-year-old defeated San Francisco in his last outing as he permitted three runs and seven hits in six innings. Corbin is 2-2 with a 4.44 ERA in four career starts against the Phillies.

WALK-OFFS

1. Phillies RHP Pat Neshek retired the side on five pitches in the ninth inning on Tuesday to record his second save of the season.

2. Arizona CF A.J. Pollock went 1-for-3 with an RBI on Tuesday after missing back-to-back starts due to tired legs.

3. Philadelphia 1B Carlos Santana has recorded just one homer and two RBIs over his last 11 games.

PREDICTION: Diamondbacks 4, Phillies 2
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Detroit Tigers vs. Los Angeles Angels Preview and Predictions 08-08-2018 in MLB

MLB Previews 8th August 2018 by Gracenote
Tigers vs. Angels Preview and Predictions

by Gracenote on 08/08/2018

The Detroit Tigers are having an awful time on their six-game road trip and hope to salvage the finale when they visit the Los Angeles Angels on Wednesday afternoon for the finale of their three-game series. Detroit has been outscored 26-8 while losing the first five games of the trek, including three in Oakland.

Los Angeles notched an 11-5 victory on Tuesday as two-way player Shohei Ohtani went 2-for-4 with a three-run homer to improve to 8-for-19 with three blasts and seven RBIs over his last five games. Justin Upton added a two-run homer against his former team while going 2-for-5 after being hitless in 14 at-bats over his previous four contests. Detroit's Jeimer Candelario went 2-for-4 with a blast and three RBIs for his second two-hit effort of the road trip as he ended his 11-game home-run drought. Nicholas Castellanos also recorded his second two-hit performance of the trek but is just 8-for-52 with 20 strikeouts over his last 13 contests.

TV: 4:07 p.m. ET, FS Detroit, FS West (Los Angeles)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Tigers LH Blaine Hardy (4-3, 3.25 ERA) vs. Angels RH Jaime Barria (6-7, 3.84)

Hardy is coming off a superb start in which he allowed just one hit over seven scoreless innings in a no-decision against Oakland. The 31-year-old has given up just one run and five hits over 12 frames in his last two turns, which includes a victory over Cleveland. Hardy has posted a 1.50 ERA in six career relief appearances against the Angels.

Barria did not factor in the decision last time out after giving up three runs and six hits over five innings against the Indians. The 22-year-old rookie defeated Seattle in his previous turn to end a stretch during which he went 0-6 in seven turns. Barria is 3-4 with a 4.11 ERA in nine home starts this season.

WALK-OFFS

1. Ohtani (elbow) is scheduled to throw a bullpen session on Saturday.

2. Detroit INF Niko Goodrum is hitless in seven at-bats in the series and 1-for-19 during the road trip.

3. Los Angeles All-Star CF Mike Trout (wrist) has missed six straight games but the club hopes he will be able to return on Friday.

PREDICTION: Angels 8, Tigers 1
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Atlanta Braves vs. Washington Nationals Preview and Predictions 08-08-2018 in MLB

MLB Previews 7th August 2018 by Gracenote
Braves vs. Nationals Preview and Predictions

by Gracenote on 08/07/2018

The Atlanta Braves could not have envisioned a worse start to Tuesday's doubleheader at the Washington Nationals, but enter the third contest of a four-game series Wednesday after perhaps their biggest victory of a breakthrough season in the nightcap. Atlanta suffered two key pitching injuries in an ugly 8-3 loss in the opener but rallied after outlasting Max Scherzer in Tuesday's finale, riding Ender Inciarte's ninth-inning two-run triple to a 3-1 triumph.

Opening a stretch of 22 games in 20 days, the Braves lost starting pitcher Max Fried (groin) and reliever Shane Carle (shoulder) to injuries in the opener before Sean Newcomb matched Scherzer in the nightcap, and Charlie Culberson belted homers in both ends of the doubleheader. The Nationals had all the momentum after taking the first game Tuesday to pull briefly within 3 ½ games of Atlanta for second place in the National League East, but not only wasted a stellar Scherzer start but also saw closer Kelvin Herrera leave the game in the ninth inning with an undisclosed injury. First baseman Ryan Zimmerman finished 6-for-8 in the two games, teaming with red-hot right fielder Bryce Harper for back-to-back homers to help break open the opener. Washington has won nine of its past 13 games while the Braves have captured seven of their past nine contests as both teams chase Philadelphia in the NL East.

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

PITCHING MATCHUP: Braves RH Mike Foltynewicz (8-7, 3.04 ERA) vs. Nationals LH Tommy Milone (1-0, 3.00)

Foltynewicz opened August by snapping a two-start losing streak, giving up two runs on five hits with one walk and five strikeouts in six innings Thursday against the Mets. The 26-year-old had surrendered four runs in each of his previous two starts, including a loss July 22 at Washington in which he gave up nine hits in 5 2/3 innings. Foltynewicz entered Tuesday fifth in the National League in hits per nine innings (6.921) and sixth in ERA and strikeouts per nine innings (10.496).

Milone, who posted a 7.63 ERA in 17 games a season ago, has provided the Nationals' ailing rotation a big boost in two starts so far. The 31-year-old has yet to walk a batter while striking out 15, giving up four runs on 11 hits across 12 innings in a no-decision against Miami and a victory over the Mets. Milone, who signed as a free agent last winter, went 7-4 with a 4.19 ERA in 20 starts at Triple-A Syracuse before being recalled.

WALK-OFFS

1. Inciarte, who was hitting .238 on July 21, is batting .352 with six extra-base hits and eight RBIs in his past 15 games.

2. Washington signed RHP Greg Holland before Tuesday's doubleheader, and he struck out the side with one walk in the opener.

3. Nationals SS Trea Turner collected three hits, a run scored and an RBI in the opener after entering the doubleheader on an 0-for-9 skid.

PREDICTION: Braves 5, Nationals 2
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Boston Red Sox vs. Toronto Blue Jays Preview and Predictions 08-08-2018 in MLB

MLB Previews 8th August 2018 by Gracenote
by Gracenote on 08/08/2018

The Boston Red Sox appeared to leave their offense at home when they sputtered through the first seven innings of the opener of their nine-game road trip against the Toronto Blue Jays (51-61). A four-run eighth inning and a five-run 10th ensued for the majors-best Red Sox (80-34), who vie for their sixth win in a row and 25th in 30 outings on Wednesday when they play the second contest of their series at Rogers Centre.

J.D. Martinez and Mitch Moreland each belted a three-run homer to highlight the late uprising in Tuesday's 10-7 triumph for Boston, which has defeated Toronto in 11 of 14 encounters this season. Martinez has two homers, eight RBIs and five runs scored during his six-game hitting streak and has 17 hits -- including six homers -- to go along with 17 RBIs and 10 runs scored versus the Blue Jays this season. Devon Travis launched a two-run shot in the series opener to improve to 8-for-22 with nine RBIs during his five-game hitting streak for Toronto, which has dropped nine of its last 14 overall. Travis is 12-for-38 with two homers against Boston this season.

TV: 7:07 p.m. ET, NESN (Boston), Sportsnet (Toronto)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Red Sox LH Brian Johnson (2-3, 3.74 ERA) vs. Blue Jays RH Mike Hauschild (1-0, 0.00)

Johnson will receive his second start in the wake of Chris Sale's trip to the disabled list due to inflammation in his shoulder. The 27-year-old Johnson overcame three homers and five runs total in five innings on Thursday to pick up the win in a 15-7 triumph versus the New York Yankees. Johnson owns a 2-0 mark with a 3.94 ERA in three career starts at Toronto, although he took the loss in relief after yielding two runs without retiring a batter in a 5-3 setback in Boston on May 11.

Hauschild authored a gem in his first game in the majors in more than 15 months on Thursday, scattering four hits and striking out five in six scoreless innings of a 7-3 win at Seattle. "It's pretty crazy. It kind of feels like a dream," said Hauschild, who last pitched in the majors on April 19, 2017. Hauschild will be making his sixth career appearance and first start on Wednesday.

WALK-OFFS

1. Boston 3B Rafael Devers (hamstring) is expected to be activated off the disabled list Wednesday.

2. Toronto CF Kevin Pillar has 12 hits -- including seven for extra-bases (six doubles, one homer) -- and eight RBIs against the Red Sox this season.

3. Sale is slated to come off the disabled list on Sunday and start in the series finale against Baltimore.

PREDICTION: Red Sox 5, Blue Jays 3
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St. Louis Cardinals vs. Miami Marlins Preview and Predictions 08-08-2018 in MLB

MLB Previews 7th August 2018 by Gracenote
Cardinals vs. Marlins Preview and Predictions

by Gracenote on 08/07/2018

Matt Carpenter's homer binge cooled off toward the end of last month but he has regained his power stroke just in time for the St. Louis Cardinals. Carpenter delivered a tiebreaking homer in the eighth inning Tuesday to lift St. Louis to a 3-2 victory in Miami, setting up a rubber match between the Cardinals and Marlins on Wednesday night.

Carpenter's blast was his fifth in his last eight games and National League-leading 30th of the season, helping St. Louis win for the eighth time in 12 games. "It's not the hitter I've ever been," Carpenter said of his emergence as an elite home run threat. "I'm developing into somebody I've never dreamt of or tried to be like. I don't have an explanation for it." Paul DeJong added a two-run homer in Tuesday's win and Marcell Ozuna is 5-for-8 in the series against his former club. Derek Dietrich had three of the six hits for Miami, which has dropped seven of eight and scored three runs or fewer in six straight games.

TV: 7:10 p.m. ET, FS Midwest (St. Louis), FS Florida (Miami)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Cardinals RH John Gant (3-4, 4.12 ERA) vs. Marlins RH Trevor Richards (3-6, 3.92)

Gant was knocked around in his last outing at Pittsburgh, taking the loss after giving up six runs and eight hits over just four innings. The 26-year-old has not pitched more than five innings in each of his last four turns, although he yielded a total of two earned runs in the previous three starts. Gant has made nine appearances away from home, posting an 0-1 record with a 4.80 ERA.

Richards was a hard-luck loser at Philadelphia on Friday despite limiting the Phillies to one run and four hits while striking out seven over five innings. The 25-year-old turned in quality starts in each of his previous three turns and permitted one run over 18 2/3 innings but wound up with only one win and a pair of no-decisions. Richards is 2-2 with a 3.05 ERA in seven starts at Marlins Park.

WALK-OFFS

1. Carpenter has reached base safely in 26 straight games, the longest active streak in the majors.

2. Marlins RH Kyle Barraclough was removed from the closer's role, manager Don Mattingly announced Tuesday.

3. Cardinals RH Bud Norris has converted 22 of 25 save chances.

PREDICTION: Cardinals 4, Marlins 3
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Baltimore Orioles vs. Tampa Bay Rays Preview and Predictions 08-08-2018 in MLB

MLB Previews 8th August 2018 by Gracenote
Orioles vs. Rays Preview and Predictions

by Gracenote on 08/08/2018

The topsy-turvy Tampa Bay Rays hope to ride the momentum of a late rally in the opener to both a series victory and a winning homestand on Wednesday when they face the Baltimore Orioles (34-79). Willy Adames belted a walk-off homer with two outs in the ninth inning of Tuesday's 4-3 win for the Rays (57-56), who improved to 4-3 on their current nine-game stretch at Tropicana Field.

Matt Duffy collected two hits on Tuesday to boost his total to 12 with six runs scored in his last nine games for Tampa Bay, which had sandwiched three-game losing skids around a three-game sweep of the Los Angeles Angels. Mallex Smith crossed the plate twice to give him seven runs in his last nine contests, although he is just 1-for-7 versus Wednesday starter Andrew Cashner. Baltimore's Mark Trumbo had a run-scoring single in the sixth inning to extend his hitting streak to nine games, during which he has driven in 12 runs. Adam Jones has tormented the Rays this season to the tune of going 21-for-53 with two homers and nine RBIs.

TV: 7:10 p.m. ET, MASN2 (Baltimore), FS Sun (Tampa Bay)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Orioles RH Andrew Cashner (3-10, 5.05 ERA) vs. Rays RH Ryne Stanek (1-3, 2.27)

Cashner answered two strong starts with a disastrous one on Thursday, as he allowed a career-high 10 runs and three walks in a season-low 1 2/3 innings of a 17-8 setback at Texas. The 31-year-old split a pair of decisions versus Tampa Bay this season, highlighted by tossing six strong frames in a 15-5 win on July 27. Carlos Gomez is just 1-for-7 versus Cashner, although C.J. Cron is 3-for-4 in a small sample size against the hurler.

Stanek struck out all five batters he faced on Friday as he recorded his seventh scoreless performance in his last eight outings in a no-decision versus the Chicago White Sox. The 27-year-old hasn't been as fortunate in his four meetings with Baltimore this season, surrendering three homers and four runs total over 5 2/3 frames. Stanek, who is expected to be followed by left-hander Jalen Beeks, has limited the current crop of Orioles to a .188 batting average with six strikeouts.

WALK-OFFS

1. Tampa Bay CF Kevin Kiermaier is mired in an 2-for-23 stretch, including a 1-for-12 run with six strikeouts in his last three games.

2. Orioles 1B Chris Davis has struggled mightily versus the Rays, going 10-for-47 with 17 strikeouts.

3. Rays 2B Daniel Robertson is expected to miss the remainder of the season after undergoing surgery to repair a torn ligament in his left thumb.

PREDICTION: Orioles 4, Rays 2
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Minnesota Twins vs. Cleveland Indians Preview and Predictions 08-08-2018 in MLB

MLB Previews 8th August 2018 by Gracenote
Twins vs. Indians Preview and Predictions

by Gracenote on 08/08/2018

The Minnesota Twins look to keep their slim hopes alive in the American League Central when they visit the first-place Cleveland Indians on Wednesday night for the third of a four-game set. Mitch Garver's three-run homer in the second inning held up Tuesday as the Twins earned a 3-2 victory while improving to 8-6 against the Indians this season and 24-20 in the division.

Eddie Rosario had four hits in the triumph and is 21-for-59 with six homers and 11 RBIs against Cleveland in 2018 for Minnesota, which trails the Indians by nine games in the AL Central. Jake Odorizzi will try to shake off a rough stretch when he takes the mound for the Twins on Wednesday and fellow right-hander Mike Clevinger hopes to do the same for the Indians when he toes the rubber. Cleveland had won five of six before falling Tuesday as it went 0-for-8 with runners in scoring position and left eight on base - including one in the bottom of the ninth inning. All-Star shortstop Francisco Lindor boasts three straight multi-hit games for the Indians and has hit safely in five in a row (8-for-20) after registering his 28th homer along with a single Tuesday.

TV: 7:10 p.m. ET, FS North (Minnesota), STO (Cleveland)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Twins RH Jake Odorizzi (4-7, 4.60 ERA) vs. Indians RH Mike Clevinger (7-7, 3.48)

Odorizzi is winless in his last four starts and stands 1-5 since May 8 after allowing two runs and four hits over 3 1/3 innings Friday versus Kansas City. The 28-year-old Illinois native, who owns 120 strikeouts across 115 1/3 innings, has not completed more than six frames in a game this season. Lindor is 5-for-11 with two homers versus Odorizzi, who is 0-2 with a 9.88 ERA in three starts against the Indians in 2018.

Clevinger looks to snap a four-game losing streak, despite posting quality starts in two of his last three outings. The 27-year-old Florida native, who boasts 139 strikeouts over 139 2/3 innings, limited the Los Angeles Angels to three runs on five hits over six frames with six strikeouts last Friday. Joe Mauer is 5-for-11 with a double against Clevinger, who is 1-2 with a 4.23 ERA in eight appearances (five starts) versus the Twins.

WALK-OFFS

1. Cleveland LF Michael Brantley is batting .343 at home this year after recording a pair of hits in Tuesday's setback.

2. Minnesota manager Paul Molitor needs one victory to pass Frank Quilici (280) for fifth on the club's all-time list.

3. Indians C Yan Gomes (hamstring) returned after a three-game absence Tuesday and extended his hitting streak to six contests.

PREDICTION: Twins 6, Indians 5
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San Diego Padres vs. Milwaukee Brewers Preview and Predictions 08-08-2018 in MLB

MLB Previews 8th August 2018 by Gracenote
Padres vs. Brewers Preview and Predictions

by Gracenote on 08/08/2018

The Milwaukee Brewers have a crucial road trip on the horizon, which makes their ugly loss to the last-place San Diego Padres on Tuesday that much more difficult to swallow. The Brewers will try to rebound when they play the second of the three-game series with the visiting Padres on Wednesday.

Five Milwaukee pitchers combined to give up 14 hits - three home runs - and the defense behind them committed two errors in an 11-5 loss to start the set. The Brewers - who visit fellow playoff hopefuls in the Atlanta Braves, the Chicago Cubs and the St. Louis Cardinals on a trip that begins Friday - also had a 4-0 lead after the first inning due to home runs by Jesus Aguilar and Mike Moustakas. Manuel Margot went 3-for-5 with a home run and five RBIs to lead the way for the Padres, who have put together consecutive wins for the first time in nearly two months. They will try for three victories in a row behind highly-touted prospect Brett Kennedy, who makes his big-league debut opposite Jhoulys Chacin for Milwaukee on Wednesday.

TV: 8:10 p.m. ET, FS San Diego, FS Wisconsin (Milwaukee)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Padres RH Brett Kennedy (NR) vs. Brewers RH Jhoulys Chacin (10-4, 3.89)

Kennedy was 10-0 with a 2.72 ERA in 16 starts at Triple-A El Paso before being brought up and figures to get a long look in the majors. "We didn't bring him up for one outing and that's it; we bought him up with that anticipation of 'Let's see what you can do here,'" manager Andy Green told reporters. "He's earned that right." The 24-year-old out of Fordham was drafted in the 11th round in 2015.

Chacin will be trying to recover from a difficult outing at Dodger Stadium on Thursday, when he gave up three home runs and eight earned runs over 4 1/3 innings of what resulted in a 21-5 loss to Los Angeles. He held his previous three opponents to one earned run apiece while striking out 17 and walking one. The Venezuela native gave up four runs across 3 1/3 innings March 30 at San Diego but is 6-2 with a 3.44 ERA lifetime versus the Padres.

WALK-OFFS

1. Milwaukee placed RHP Matt Albers (hamstring) on the 10-day disabled list and activated RHP Jordan Lyles, who was claimed off waivers from San Diego on Sunday.

2. Padres RF Franmil Reyes is 5-for-6 with two homers and four RBIs in the last two games.

3. Moustakas has six RBIs in six games this month.

PREDICTION: Brewers 6, Padres 4
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New York Yankees vs. Chicago White Sox Preview and Predictions 08-08-2018 in MLB

MLB Previews 8th August 2018 by Gracenote
Yankees vs. White Sox Preview and Predictions

by Gracenote on 08/08/2018

The New York Yankees are going to need ace Luis Severino to turn things around if they have any chance in October, and they may have seen some positives in his most recent outing. Severino will try to build on a strong finish in his last start when he gets the nod Wednesday in the finale of a three-game series at the Chicago White Sox.

"I feel like he found some things tonight," manager Aaron Boone told reporters after Severino allowed one run over his final 4 2/3 innings at Fenway Park on Friday. "I just wanted to let him know how proud of the effort I was of him and the way he competed. And that this is a step forward for him. Hopefully something that he can take into his next start." The Yankees are going for the sweep and could use some length out of Severino after burning through six relievers to survive a 13-inning affair Tuesday night. Giancarlo Stanton slugged a two-run homer in the 10th and Miguel Andujar's RBI single in the 13th gave New York a 4-3 win and kept it within nine games of the first-place Boston Red Sox. Chicago has a total of three runs and nine hits in 22 innings through the first two games of the series.

TV: 8:10 p.m. ET, YES (New York), NBCS Chicago

PITCHING MATCHUP: Yankees RH Luis Severino (14-5, 3.08 ERA) vs. White Sox RH Lucas Giolito (7-8, 5.97)

Severino gave up four runs overall across 5 2/3 innings of the loss to the Boston Red Sox and he is 1-3 with an 8.28 ERA over his last five starts. He has surrendered eight home runs in that span after allowing a total of six through his first 18 starts. The 24-year-old allowed one run over seven innings in his only prior outing at Guaranteed Rate Field last season.

Giolito is coming off one of his best starts of the year after giving up one run and a season low-tying two hits over seven innings in a no-decision at Tampa Bay on Friday. He is 2-1 with a 3.19 ERA over his last five appearances, posting four quality starts in that span. The former first-round pick will be facing the Yankees for the first time.

WALK-OFFS

1. White Sox 1B Jose Abreu slugged a game-tying two-run shot to answer Stanton in the 10th and become the 18th player in major-league history to hit 20-plus homers in each of his first five seasons.

2. Stanton has four two-hit efforts in his last six games.

3. Yankees CF Jacoby Ellsbury, who had yet to play this season due to a variety of ailments, underwent season-ending hip surgery.

PREDICTION: Yankees 6, White Sox 3
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Chicago Cubs vs. Kansas City Royals Preview and Predictions 08-08-2018 in MLB

MLB Previews 8th August 2018 by Gracenote
Cubs vs. Royals Preview and Predictions

by Gracenote on 08/08/2018

If the Chicago Cubs can reach the World Series for the second time in three years, they'll have the chance to put their dominance over American League opponents to the test. The Cubs are 10-4 in interleague play this season and 37-17 against AL foes since 2016, and they'll try to add to those totals when they aim to finish off a three-game sweep of the host Kansas City Royals on Wednesday.

The Cubs have claimed the first two games of the series behind dominant pitching, outscoring Kansas City 8-1 after Mike Montgomery and three relievers combined for a six-hit shutout Tuesday. Chicago has won five of its last seven to extend its National League Central lead to 2 1/2 games over Milwaukee. The Royals have lost six straight overall and each of their last 10 against left-handed starting pitchers, and they'll face another southpaw Wednesday in Jose Quintana. Kansas City is tied with Baltimore for the worst record in the majors.

TV: 8:15 p.m. ET, WGN (Chicago), FS Kansas City

PITCHING MATCHUP: Cubs LH Jose Quintana (10-7, 4.12 ERA) vs. Royals RH Heath Fillmyer (0-1, 3.86)

Quintana has been guilty of nibbling at the strike zone and having the walks pile up at times, but the 29-year-old pounded the zone last time out. He struck out six and didn't issue a walk while limiting San Diego to one run over six innings to win for the fourth time in five starts. Quintana is 3-9 with a 4.05 ERA in 24 starts against the Royals, a familiar foe from his days in the American League Central.

Fillmyer has yet to pitch in a game the Royals have won. The 24-year-old rookie is making his fifth major-league start with only one quality start among them, and he gave up three runs over three innings before a lengthy rain delay cut short his last outing at Minnesota. Fillmyer doesn't miss many bats - he has 18 strikeouts across 30 1/3 innings since being called up June 24.

WALK-OFFS

1. Cubs INF/OF Ben Zobrist, who is 16-for-33 with six doubles, a triple, and two homers in his last nine contests, left Tuesday's game with tightness in his left hip and is day-to-day

2. Kansas City has a major league-leading 19 stolen bases since the All-Star break.

3. Chicago 1B Anthony Rizzo has reached base in 12 consecutive games and is batting .320 with six extra-base hits and nine RBIs over that span.

PREDICTION: Cubs 6, Royals 3
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