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

National League
Marlins (48-71) @ Braves (64-51)
Gonzalez is making his first MLB start; he is 2-0, 5.71 in seven MLB games (17.1 IP). He was 3-6, 4.32 in 14 AA starts. Team in his starts: 0-0 away
5-inning record: 0-0 Allowed run in 1st inning: 0-0

Lopez is 1-1, 2.92 in his last four starts (under 3-1). Team in his starts: 2-5, 1-2 away
5-inning record: 4-3 Allowed run in 1st inning: 3-7

Foltynewicz is 3-3, 5.91 in his last six starts; over is 7-2 in his last nine. Team in his starts: 11-11, 5-5 home
5-inning record: 9-7-6 Allowed run in 1st inning: 4-22

Toussaint is making his MLB debut; he is 2-0, 2.01 in five AAA starts, 4-6, 2.93 in 16 AA starts. Team in his starts: 0-0 home
5-inning record: 0-0 Allowed run in 1st inning: 0-0

Marlins lost four of their last five games; they’re 6-12 in road series openers. Under is 4-1-1 in their last six games. Atlanta won four of its last six games; they’re 10-8 in home series openers- three of their last four home games went over.

Nationals (60-58) @ Cardinals (63-55)
Milone is 1-1, 5.50 in his three starts (over 2-1). Team in his starts: 2-1, 1-0 away.
5-inning record: 1-2 Allowed run in 1st inning: 1-3

Mikolas is 4-0, 3.29 in his last seven starts; his last three stayed under. Team in his starts: 16-7, 7-4 home
5-inning record: 12-9-2 Allowed run in 1st inning: 4-23

Nationals lost four of their last five road games; they’re 3-7 in last ten road series openers. Under is 4-1 in their last five road games. St Louis won six of its last seven games; they’re 9-9 in home series openers, 18-15 vs lefty starters- over is 8-4 in their last 12 home games.

Giants (59-60) @ Dodgers (64-55)
Bumgarner is 1-1, 2.63 in his last four starts (under 3-1). Team in his starts: 5-7, 1-4 away.
5-inning record: 7-3-2 Allowed run in 1st inning: 0-12

Kershaw is 2-0, 2.75 in his last three starts; under is 4-1 in his last five. Team in his starts: 8-9, 4-5 home
5-inning record: 10-5-2 Allowed run in 1st inning: 2-17

Giants lost six of last nine games; they’re 5-1 in last six road series openers, 22-24 vs lefty starters- under is 5-2 in their last seven games. Dodgers lost their last three games; they’re 24-18 vs lefty starters, 8-3 in last 11 home series openers. Under is 6-1 in their last seven games.

American League
White Sox (42-75) @ Tigers (49-69)
Lopez is 0-4, 0-0, 1.93 in his last two starts; over is 7-2 in his last nine. Team in his starts: 7-16, 3-9 away
5-inning record: 10-12-1 Allowed run in 1st inning: 7-23

Lewicki is 0-2, 7.27 in his two starts, last of which was June 10 (over 1-1). Team in his starts: 0-2, 0-1 home.
5-inning record: 0-2 Allowed run in 1st inning: 1-2

White Sox lost five of their last six games; they’re 5-14 in road series openers. Under is 6-3 in their last nine games. Detroit lost seven of last nine games; they’re 2-7 in last nine home series openers. Under is 4-1 in their last five home games.

Blue Jays (53-64) @ Royals (35-82)
Reid-Foley is making his MLB debut; he is 7-4, 3.50 in 15 AAA starts. Team in his starts: 0-0 away
5-inning record: 0-0 Allowed run in 1st inning: 0-0

Keller is 1-1, 5.00 in his last three starts; over is 4-2 in his last six starts. Team in his starts: 4-8, 3-3 home.
5-inning record: 4-5-3 Allowed run in 1st inning: 3-12

Toronto lost five of its last seven games; they’re 5-1 in last six road series openers. Over is 8-2 in their last ten road games. Royals lost nine of their last ten games; they’re 5-15 in home series openers. Over is 9-4-1 in their last 14 games.

Mariners (69-50) @ A’s (70-48)
Gonzales is 0-2, 8.25 in his last two starts; his last four starts went over. Team in his starts: 15-8, 7-5 away
5-inning record: 14-8-1 Allowed run in 1st inning: 4-23

Manaea is 2-2, 3.76 in his last five starts; under is 8-4 in his home starts. Team in his starts: 14-10, 8-5 home.
5-inning record: 10-11-3 Allowed run in 1st inning: 7-24

Mariners won their last four games; they’re 19-19 vs lefty starters, 11-9 in road series openers— over is 6-3 in their last nine road games. A’s won nine of their last 11 games; they’re 23-19 vs lefty starters, 8-10 in home series openers— under is 11-3 in their last 14 games.

Interleague
Indians (66-51) @ Reds (52-66)
Clevinger is 0-4, 4.42 in his last six starts; under is 4-1 in his last five. Team in his starts: 9-14, 4-7 away
5-inning record: 6-11-6 Allowed run in 1st inning: 7-23

Bailey is 0-3, 7.00 in his last five starts; under is 5-2 in his last seven. Team in his starts: 1-14, 0-8 home.
5-inning record: 1-13-1 Allowed run in 1st inning: 7-15

Cleveland won seven of its last nine games; they’re 9-10 in road series openers. Under is 5-1 in their last six road games. Reds won five of their last six home games; they’re 9-10 in home series openers. Under is 3-1-1 in their last five home games.

Diamondbacks (65-54) @ Rangers (52-68)
Greinke is 3-2, 1.26 in his last five starts; under is 6-2 in his last eight. Team in his starts: 14-10, 7-4 away.
5-inning record: 15-6-3 Allowed run in 1st inning: 7-24

Colon is 1-5, 6.63 in his last six starts; over is 3-1 in his last four. Team in his starts: 9-12, 4-4 home
5-inning record: 7-11-3 Allowed run in 1st inning: 3-21

Arizona is 9-6 in its last 15 games, 7-2 in last nine road series openers. Over is 5-1-1 in their last seven road games. Rangers lost six of their last eight games; over is 9-2 in their last 11 home games. Texas is 6-13 in home series openers.

Angels (59-60) @ Padres (48-72)
Heaney is 1-1, 5.68 in his last three starts; under is 12-4-1 in his last 17 starts. Team in his starts: 10-11, 2-8 away.
5-inning record: 6-10-5 Allowed run in 1st inning: 5-21

Richard is 0-2, 10.00 in his last four starts; over is 4-1 in his last five. Team in his starts: 11-13, 4-6 home
5-inning record: 6-16-2 Allowed run in 1st inning: 7-24

Angels lost six of their last seven road games; they’re 12-21 vs lefty starters- under is 6-2 in their last eight games. San Diego is 6-11 in its last 17 games; over is 11-5-1 in those games. Padres are 12-23 vs lefty starters, 2-16 in home series openers.

New York (N) (49-66) @ New York (A) (74-43)
deGrom is 1-3, 2.48 in his last four starts; under is 6-1 in his last seven. Team in his starts: 9-14, 4-5 away.
5-inning record: 11-5-7 Allowed run in 1st inning: 3-23

Severino is 1-3, 8.18 in his last four starts; over is 6-1 in his last seven. Team in his starts: 19-5, 4-7 home
5-inning record: 16-5-3 Allowed run in 1st inning: 7-24

Mets won three of their last four games; under is 5-2 in their last seven road games. Bronx won six of its last seven games; over is 5-2-2 in their last nine home games.

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Miami Marlins vs. Atlanta Braves Preview and Predictions 08-13-2018 in MLB

MLB Previews 12th August 2018 by Gracenote
Marlins vs. Braves Preview and Predictions

by Gracenote on 08/12/2018

The Atlanta Braves could not afford a short outing from their rotation entering Monday's home doubleheader against the Miami Marlins, but they found a way to survive a 19-hit onslaught to enter the four-game series with 10 victories in their past 14 contests. The Braves moved percentage points ahead of Philadelphia in the National League East with Sunday's wild 8-7 victory over Milwaukee, deploying four relievers who combined to give up two runs over five innings.

Atlanta manager Brian Snitker joked with reporters afterward that he tried not to think about Monday's two games after starter Sean Newcomb pitched just four innings Sunday. Rookie outfielder Ronald Acuna belted another homer from the leadoff spot in the victory, giving him eight longballs and a .317 average with 15 RBIs since the All-Star break. The Marlins fell 4-3 to the New York Mets at home Sunday and have lost 10 of their past 12 games, but hope they have found a leadoff spark in left fielder Rafael Ortega. Called up Friday after Miami traded Justin Bour to the Phillies, the 27-year-old went 2-for-5 with a run scored and two stolen bases Sunday, and has collected four hits in three games in his first major-league action since 2016 with the Los Angeles Angels.

TV: 1:35 p.m. ET, MLB Network, FS Florida (Miami), FS Southeast (Atlanta)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Marlins RH Pablo Lopez (2-2, 4.32 ERA) vs. Braves TBD

Lopez has provided stability in his first seven major-league starts, throwing a career-high seven innings Tuesday in a no-decision against St. Louis. The 22-year-old held the Cardinals to two runs on four hits, and is 1-1 with a 2.92 ERA in his past four starts. Lopez was to face the Braves on Aug. 1, but that start was rained out to prompt today's doubleheader, and is likely to go in Game 1 although the Marlins have not made it official.

Atlanta officially had not announced a starter for the first game Sunday, but all signs pointed to right-hander Touki Toussaint (ranked the organization's No. 7 prospect and No. 76 overall by MLB Pipeline) being promoted for his major league debut. The 22-year-old turned a corner with his command at Double-A Mississippi, posting a 2.93 ERA in 16 starts this year. At Triple-A Gwinnett, Toussaint is 2-0 with a 2.01 ERA and 32 strikeouts in 31 1/3 innings across five starts.

WALK-OFFS

1. Braves 1B Freddie Freeman is hitting .370 during his 14-game hitting streak, the longest active streak in the majors and his third streak of 10-plus contests this season.

2. Marlins OF Lewis Brinson, sidelined since July 4 with a right hip bone bruise, will begin a minor-league rehab assignment Tuesday.

3. Atlanta has dominated the season series, winning eight of 11 meetings and averaging 6.8 runs per contest.

PREDICTION: Braves 5, Marlins 4
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New York Mets vs. New York Yankees Preview and Predictions 08-13-2018 in MLB

MLB Previews 12th August 2018 by Gracenote
Mets vs. Yankees Preview and Predictions

by Gracenote on 08/12/2018

The latest installment of the Subway Series will conclude following a short stop in the Bronx on Monday as the visiting New York Mets and the Yankees reconvene for a makeup game of a July 22 contest that was postponed because of heavy rain. Giancarlo Stanton has homered in five of his last six contests to remain a fixture on the back pages of the tabloids for the Yankees (74-43), who have won six of their last seven overall.

Stanton recorded his second consecutive two-hit performance in Sunday's 7-2 triumph over Texas, improving to 15-for-48 with 12 RBIs and 11 runs scored in August. The 28-year-old powerhouse also went deep previously versus the Mets (49-66) this season and is a robust 9-for-25 with four homers, eight RBIs and nine runs scored against Monday starter Jacob deGrom. While the Yankees have scored at least five runs in 14 consecutive home games, the Mets have shown a bit offense with 21 runs during their last four contests overall (3-1). Michael Conforto joined Jose Reyes in going deep in Sunday's 4-3 win over Miami, giving him 10 hits and seven runs scored in his last eight games.

TV: 7:05 p.m. ET, ESPN

PITCHING MATCHUP: Mets RH Jacob deGrom (6-7, 1.77 ERA) vs. Yankees RH Luis Severino (15-5, 3.11)

DeGrom finally received some much-desired run support on Wednesday afternoon, as he snapped a five-game losing streak by reaching double-digit strikeouts for the sixth time this season in an 8-0 romp over Cincinnati. The 30-year-old recorded his 15th straight quality start after venturing through six innings in the victory. DeGrom fell to 1-4 with a 3.67 ERA in five starts versus the Yankees after permitting three runs on four hits over eight innings of a 4-1 setback on June 8.

Severino posted his first win since July 7 on Wednesday after yielding three runs on seven hits over seven innings of a 7-3 victory versus the Chicago White Sox. "I really felt like the tilt on (Severino's slider) was pretty good all night, especially as it wore on. It's such a devastating pitch for him," Yankees manager Aaron Boone told reporters of the 24-year-old Dominican. Severino fell to 2-1 in his career versus the Mets with a 1.15 ERA after permitting two runs on five hits across five innings of a 2-0 setback at Citi Field on June 10.

WALK-OFFS

1. Yankees SS Didi Gregorius has eight hits and six runs scored in his last six outings.

2. Mets 3B Todd Frazier, who is a former Yankee, has four RBIs and two runs scored during his five-game hitting streak.

3. The Mets' five wins in interleague play are the fewest among National League teams, except for San Diego and Arizona.

PREDICTION: Yankees 3, Mets 2
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Cleveland Indians vs. Cincinnati Reds Preview and Predictions 08-13-2018 in MLB

MLB Previews 12th August 2018 by Gracenote
Indians vs. Reds Preview and Predictions

by Gracenote on 08/12/2018

Yandy Diaz has made the best of two short stints in the major leagues this season, and the 27-year-old looks to remain hot when his Cleveland Indians visit the Cincinnati Reds on Monday for the opener of their three-game interleague series. Diaz, who was recalled from the minors for the second time this year after Edwin Encarnacion went on the disabled list Saturday, is 10-for-19 in five games with the Indians in 2018 and knocked in two runs during Sunday's 9-7 road win against the Chicago White Sox.

Jason Kipnis also recorded two RBIs and Melky Cabrera belted a three-run homer in Sunday's victory as Cleveland improved to 6-2 in its last eight contests as it owns a 12-game lead in the American League Central. Mike Clevinger attempts to snap a six-game winless stretch when he takes the mound in the series opener for the Indians while Homer Bailey hopes to begin turning around his season for the Reds. Cincinnati, which won two of three at Cleveland from July 9-11 to open the Ohio Cup, could not complete a three-game sweep on Sunday as Arizona launched five homers en route to a 9-2 triumph. Jose Peraza (8-for-26) and Billy Hamilton (7-for-21, five stolen bases) bring six-game hitting streaks into the series for the Reds while Eugenio Suarez has gone 14-for-40 this month.

TV: 7:10 p.m. ET, SportsTime Ohio (Cleveland), FS Ohio (Cincinnati)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Indians RH Mike Clevinger (7-7, 3.38 ERA) vs. Reds RH Homer Bailey (1-9, 6.19)

Clevinger limited Minnesota to one run on five hits and one walk with five strikeouts over seven innings last time out but came away without a victory for the sixth straight outing. The 27-year-old Floridian has gone 0-2 while allowing eight runs and 19 hits with 26 strikeouts over 24 2/3 frames in his last four starts. Clevinger's winless streak began with a 7-5 loss to Cincinnati on July 9, when he struck out 11 but permitted five runs over six innings.

Bailey also is winless in his last six trips to the mound, including a loss to the Mets in New York last Monday in which he yielded five runs and 11 hits over 3 1/3 innings. The 32-year-old Texan has given up at least four runs in four of his six starts since recording his lone victory on May 12 at the Los Angeles Dodgers. Yan Gomes is 3-for-5 with an RBI versus Bailey, who is 3-3 with a 5.44 ERA in eight career starts against the Indians and 6-9 with a 5.66 mark in 20 interleague contests.

WALK-OFFS

1. Cincinnati 1B Joey Votto, who has homered against Clevinger, is two RBIs away from tying Ted Kluszewski (886) for seventh place on the franchise list.

2. Cleveland All-Star SS Francisco Lindor went 1-for-13 in the last series and is one run shy of reaching 100 for the first time in his career.

3. The Reds are 10-5 in interleague play this season and 18-9 against the Indians in their last 27 meetings.

PREDICTION: Indians 6, Reds 3
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Chicago White Sox vs. Detroit Tigers Preview and Predictions 08-13-2018 in MLB

MLB Previews 12th August 2018 by Gracenote
White Sox vs. Tigers Preview and Predictions

by Gracenote on 08/12/2018

The Detroit Tigers find themselves playing for pride with a mark 20 games below .500 and 17 1/2 games out of the first place in the American League Central, but one thing they have done well this season is keep the Chicago White Sox behind them in the division standings. The Tigers continue the back end of their six-game homestand Monday when they attempt to beat the White Sox for a fifth straight time in the opener of a three-game set.

Detroit (49-69) took two of three from Minnesota over the weekend following a winless six-game road trip, as Niko Goodrum finished 3-for-8 with two homers, five RBIs and three runs scored versus the Twins. The Tigers improved to 23-24 against division rivals with Sunday's 4-2 victory, although much of that success can be attributed to winning eight of nine their nine meetings with Chicago. The White Sox (42-75) wrapped up a 1-5 homestand with Sunday's 9-7 setback in the rubber match of their series against Cleveland, although they made things interesting with six runs over the final two frames. Adam Engel left his mark on the homestand defensively by robbing three hitters of home runs and put an emphatic halt to his 1-for-16 start at the plate in August on Sunday by going 3-for-4 with a home run and three RBIs.

TV: 7:10 p.m. ET, NBCS Chicago, FS Detroit

PITCHING MATCHUP: White Sox RH Reynaldo Lopez (4-9, 4.30 ERA) vs. Tigers RH Artie Lewicki (0-2, 4.76)

Lopez has been sharp in two August outings after going 1-4 with a 7.39 ERA in July, but he had to settle for a second straight no-decision Tuesday despite allowing one run over seven frames against the New York Yankees. The 24-year-old was nearly as good five days earlier against Kansas City, permitting two runs over seven innings. Nicholas Castellanos (4-for-12, two doubles) has fared well against Lopez, who is 0-1 with a 2.25 ERA in three starts against Detroit this season.

Lewicki will be given a shot to fill the vacancy in the rotation created by Mike Fiers' trade to Oakland last week after Jacob Turner was designated for assignment following his audition. The 26-year-old New Jersey native took both of his losses in his only two starts of the season in mid-June, giving up a combined seven runs (five earned) on 11 hits and three walks across 8 2/3 innings. Lewicki made his only career appearance against Chicago in relief May 26, yielding one run in three frames.

WALK-OFFS

1. The Tigers are 17-19 in one-run affairs but have won all four such contests against Chicago this season.

2. The seven-run outburst by the White Sox on Sunday was one shy of their total from the first five games of the homestand.

3. Castellanos (right foot bruise) did not play Sunday after he took a foul ball off his foot Saturday. He is considered day-to-day.

PREDICTION: White Sox 6, Tigers 4
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Miami Marlins vs. Atlanta Braves Preview and Predictions 08-13-2018 in MLB

MLB Previews 12th August 2018 by Gracenote
Marlins vs. Braves Preview and Predictions

by Gracenote on 08/12/2018

The Atlanta Braves could not afford a short outing from their rotation entering Monday's home doubleheader against the Miami Marlins, but they found a way to survive a 19-hit onslaught to enter the four-game series with 10 victories in their past 14 contests. The Braves moved percentage points ahead of Philadelphia in the National League East with Sunday's wild 8-7 victory over Milwaukee, deploying four relievers who combined to give up two runs over five innings.

Atlanta manager Brian Snitker joked with reporters afterward that he tried not to think about Monday's two games after starter Sean Newcomb pitched just four innings Sunday. Rookie outfielder Ronald Acuna belted another homer from the leadoff spot in the victory, giving him eight longballs and a .317 average with 15 RBIs since the All-Star break. The Marlins fell 4-3 to the New York Mets at home Sunday and have lost 10 of their past 12 games, but hope they have found a leadoff spark in left fielder Rafael Ortega. Called up Friday after Miami traded Justin Bour to the Phillies, the 27-year-old went 2-for-5 with a run scored and two stolen bases Sunday, and has collected four hits in three games in his first major-league action since 2016 with the Angels.

TV: 7:35 p.m. ET, FS Florida (Miami), FS Southeast (Atlanta)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Marlins RH Merandy Gonzalez (2-0, 5.71 ERA) vs. Braves RH Mike Foltynewicz (9-7, 2.98)

Gonzalez was recalled from Double-A Jacksonville to make his eighth big-league appearance and his first start, most likely in Game 2 although Miami did not make it official Sunday. The 22-year-old picked up victories over the Los Angeles Dodgers and Philadelphia in late April, but allowed four runs over 4 1/3 innings in his last major-league outing June 17 against Baltimore. Gonzalez went 3-6 with a 4.32 ERA in 14 starts at Jacksonville.

Foltynewicz struggled to a 5.72 ERA in five July starts, but has allowed only three earned runs over 11 2/3 innings with three walks and 12 strikeouts in winning his first two August outings. The 26-year-old struck out seven Wednesday in a victory at Washington, allowing only one earned run on six hits across 5 2/3 innings. Foltynewicz beat the Marlins in a May 10 road start, giving up just one unearned run on three hits over five innings, and is 4-1 with a 3.71 ERA in nine career appearances (eight starts) against Miami.

WALK-OFFS

1. Braves 1B Freddie Freeman is hitting .370 during his 14-game hitting streak, the longest active streak in the majors and his third streak of 10-plus contests this season.

2. Marlins OF Lewis Brinson, sidelined since July 4 with a right hip bone bruise, will begin a minor-league rehab assignment Tuesday.

3. Atlanta has dominated the season series, winning eight of 11 meetings and averaging 6.8 runs per contest.

PREDICTION: Braves 5, Marlins 1
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Arizona Diamondbacks vs. Texas Rangers Preview and Predictions 08-13-2018 in MLB

MLB Previews 12th August 2018 by Gracenote
by Gracenote on 08/12/2018

The Arizona Diamondbacks used a pronounced power display to jump back into sole possession of first place in the National League West. Fresh off a five-homer performance, the Diamondbacks (65-54) would love to flex their offensive muscle again on Monday when they open an abbreviated two-game interleague series against the host Texas Rangers (52-68).

Paul Goldschmidt belted a pair of homers in Sunday's 9-2 romp over Cincinnati, giving him 10 hits - including six for extra bases (four doubles, two homers) to go along with four RBIs and three runs scored during his last six games. The 30-year-old has reached base safely in 19 straight contests, although he was just 1-for-7 as Arizona and Texas split their two-game series to end July. While the Diamondbacks are nursing a one-game lead over the Los Angeles Dodgers in their division, the Rangers reside comfortably in the basement of the American League West after dropping three of four to the New York Yankees. Joey Gallo continued his blistering August by collecting two hits and a run scored in Sunday's 7-2 setback versus the Yankees, although he went 0-for-5 with two strikeouts in the previous series against Arizona.

TV: 8:05 p.m. ET, MLB Network, FS Arizona, FS Southwest (Texas)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Diamondbacks RH Zack Greinke (12-7, 2.89 ERA) vs. Rangers RH Bartolo Colon (6-10, 5.18)

Greinke answered winning seven straight decisions with back-to-back losses despite yielding a total of three runs on seven hits over 13 innings in setbacks to San Francisco and Philadelphia, respectively. The 2009 AL Cy Young Award winner walked four batters against the Phillies on Tuesday after issuing just two free passes in his previous four games combined. Adrian Beltre (5-for-16) and Elvis Andrus (5-for-17) have fared well versus the 34-year-old Greinke, who owns a 3-5 career mark against Texas despite sporting a 2.61 ERA and 1.05 WHIP.

Colon snapped a five-start losing skid on Tuesday despite allowing four runs on eight hits over seven innings in an 11-4 victory versus Seattle. The 45-year-old Dominican permitted five runs on seven hits across five frames in a 6-0 setback at Arizona on July 31. A.J. Pollock launched a solo homer in that encounter off Colon, who sports a 1-3 mark with a 4.67 ERA in six career meetings with the Diamondbacks.

WALK-OFFS

1. Texas OF Shin-Soo Choo homered twice against Arizona on July 30, marking the last time he has gone deep in a game.

2. Diamondbacks OF David Peralta has homered in back-to-back outings to improve his hit total to 20 in August after recording 25 all of last month.

3. Beltre went 1-for-8 with three strikeouts in the previous series against Arizona.

PREDICTION: Diamondbacks 4, Rangers 2
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Washington Nationals vs. St. Louis Cardinals Preview and Predictions 08-13-2018 in MLB

MLB Previews 12th August 2018 by Gracenote
Nationals vs. Cardinals Preview and Predictions

by Gracenote on 08/12/2018

The St. Louis Cardinals are making a charge toward a postseason berth and will meet another team with playoff aspirations when they host the Washington Nationals on Monday for the opener of a four-game set. Washington lost at Chicago 4-3 on Sunday night when the Cubs' David Bote hit a walk-off grand slam while St. Louis rolled to an 8-2 triumph at Kansas City earlier Sunday, scoring seven runs over the final three innings en route to its fifth straight victory.

Paul DeJong extended his hitting streak to six games with a two-run homer, Yadier Molina delivered a tiebreaking two-run single and Patrick Wisdom went 2-for-4 with two runs and an RBI in his major-league debut for the Cardinals, who are 2 1/2 games back in the National League wild-card race and trail the first-place Chicago Cubs by 5 1/2 in the NL Central. Washington was on the verge of taking two of three in Chicago before Ryan Madson served up a walk-off grand slam to pinch-hitter Bote with two outs in the ninth inning. The Nationals are 5 1/2 games behind co-leaders Atlanta and Philadelphia in the NL East and face the same deficit in the wild-card race. Ryan Zimmerman recorded one of Washington's three hits in the setback, a two-run single that improved him to 3-for-6 with two homers and eight RBIs over his last two contests.

TV: 8:10 p.m. ET, MASN (Washington), FS Midwest (St. Louis)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Nationals LH Tommy Milone (1-1, 5.50 ERA) vs. Cardinals RH Miles Mikolas (12-3, 2.74)

Milone was solid in his first two starts after being brought up from the minors to fill in for an injured Stephen Strasburg but was knocked around by Atlanta in his last outing. The 31-year-old Californian, who has gone 7-4 with a 4.19 ERA and one complete game for Triple-A Syracuse this year, surrendered seven runs and 10 hits - three homers - over six innings en route to the loss. Milone has won both his career starts against St. Louis, allowing five earned runs while registering 10 strikeouts in 13 frames.

Mikolas won his fourth straight decision Tuesday as he gave up two runs and five hits over seven innings at Miami for his 16th quality start in 23 turns this season. The 29-year-old Floridian, who hasn't lost since June 29 against Atlanta, has allowed three runs or fewer in nine consecutive outings and 12 of his last 13. Mikolas made his lone career appearance versus the Nationals in relief while with San Diego on May 14, 2012, suffering the loss after yielding two runs on two hits and a walk in one-third of an inning at Washington.

WALK-OFFS

1. Cardinals INF Matt Carpenter is riding a 30-game on-base streak while Wisdom became the fifth player in franchise history and first since Ken Reitz in 1972 to record at least two hits, two runs and an RBI in his major-league debut.

2. Washington 3B Anthony Rendon (wrist) has been kept out of the starting lineup for the last two games but entered as a defensive replacement Sunday and hopes to start the series opener in St. Louis.

3. Three of DeJong's seven hits during his streak have been homers and he has driven in eight runs during a five-game RBI streak.

PREDICTION: Cardinals 6, Nationals 2
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Toronto Blue Jays vs. Kansas City Royals Preview and Predictions 08-13-2018 in MLB

MLB Previews 12th August 2018 by Gracenote
Blue Jays vs. Royals Preview and Predictions

by Gracenote on 08/12/2018

After a steady flow of scoring to begin the month, the Toronto Blue Jays' offense nearly fell off a cliff over the last three contests. The Blue Jays may be able to reignite the offense in short order, however, as they pay a visit to the Kansas City Royals and their major league-worst pitching staff for the opener of a four-game series on Monday.

Toronto averaged 5.6 runs over the first eight games of August before Tampa Bay held its American League East rival to a total of three runs over the weekend. Kevin Pillar's pinch-hit double in the sixth inning seemed to spark an otherwise lifeless Blue Jays' offense, and his aggressive baserunning on a dribbler in front of the plate following an RBI single from Devon Travis resulted in the go-ahead run in Sunday's 2-1 victory. Toronto had no problem at the plate earlier this season against the Royals, totaling 31 runs on 37 hits while sweeping a three-game set in mid-April. Kansas City has dropped nine of 10 and gave up 23 runs while getting swept at home over the weekend by St. Louis, increasing the club's ERA for the season to 5.35.

TV: 8:15 p.m. ET, Sportsnet (Toronto), FS Kansas City

PITCHING MATCHUP: Blue Jays RH Sean Reid-Foley (NR) vs. Royals RH Brad Keller (4-5, 3.57 ERA)

Reid-Foley is set to make his major-league debut Monday after enjoying a breakthrough season in the minors in 2018, going a combined 12-4 with a 2.98 ERA over 23 starts and two stops. The 22-year-old former second-round pick, who hasn't allowed more than three runs in any of his last nine turns, earned his promotion by going 7-4 with a 3.50 ERA while striking out 94 across 82 1/3 innings with Triple-A Buffalo. Prior to that, Reid-Foley went 5-0 with a 2.03 ERA in eight starts with Double-A New Hampshire.

Keller's modest three-game unbeaten streak was snapped Tuesday against the Chicago Cubs after he yielded four runs on seven hits and three walks over six innings. Although he has given up at least four runs in four of his last six outings, the 23-year-old rookie has mostly held his own in the rotation, going 3-4 with a 4.09 ERA in 12 turns since becoming a starter in late May. Keller made two brief relief appearances at Toronto in mid-April, giving up one run on four hits in two-thirds of an inning.

WALK-OFFS

1. Blue Jays RHP Ken Giles worked a perfect ninth Sunday for his 13th save in 13 chances overall and first since he was traded from Houston on July 30.

2. Kansas City did not commit an error for a club-record 12th straight contest.

3. Toronto placed INF Yangervis Solarte (strained right oblique) on the 10-day disabled list Sunday and recalled C Danny Jansen from Triple-A Buffalo in a corresponding move.

PREDICTION: Blue Jays 5, Royals 4
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Seattle Mariners vs. Oakland Athletics Preview and Predictions 08-13-2018 in MLB

MLB Previews 12th August 2018 by Gracenote
by Gracenote on 08/12/2018

The American League West race became more exciting over the weekend thanks to the Seattle Mariners, who swept a four-game series against division-leading Houston. The Mariners will try to remain hot and take out another team in front of them in the standings when they visit the Oakland Athletics on Monday for the opener of their three-game series.

Seattle realized the magnitude of the set against Houston and used closer Edwin Diaz in all four games - a role he was happy to assume. "This was a big series for us, and we have to try to win every game," Diaz told reporters after Sunday's finale. "If I feel good, it's possible I can throw. So, I came into the game and tried to help the team win. This was big for us. We are playing the best team in the division. So, winning four games, they have to know we have a good team." That good team is now 1 1/2 games behind the Athletics in the race for the second AL wild card and four back of Houston in the division while Oakland trails the Astros by 2 1/2 after having won nine of its last 11. The Athletics will send Sean Manaea to the mound on Monday while the Mariners counter with Marco Gonzales.

TV: 10:05 p.m. ET, ROOT Northwest (Seattle), NBCS California (Oakland)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Mariners LH Marco Gonzales (12-7, 3.79 ERA) vs. Athletics LH Sean Manaea (10-8, 3.50)

Gonzales is trying to snap out of a slump that has seen him suffer the loss in each of his last two outings. The 26-year-old was ripped for 11 runs and 19 hits over 12 innings in losses to Toronto and Texas, a skid that has come on the heels of a string of five consecutive wins. Gonzales produced one of his best performances of the season at Oakland on May 23, when he scattered two hits without issuing a walk over seven scoreless frames.

Manaea also is trying to bounce back from a rough outing as he was reached for three runs on five hits and three walks in 2 2/3 innings by the Los Angeles Dodgers on Tuesday. The native of Indiana did manage to keep alive a streak of 12 straight starts with three or fewer earned runs allowed and has limited opponents to a .224 batting average in 2018. Manaea is 1-1 in two starts against Seattle this season, yielding a total of five runs in 13 innings.

WALK-OFFS

1. Mariners 2B Robinson Cano is expected to rejoin the team on Tuesday after completing his 80-game suspension.

2. Oakland SS Marcus Semien has gone 6-for-9 with two doubles, two homers, five RBIs and five runs scored in his last two games.

3. Seattle 2B Dee Gordon (shoulder) was held out of the starting lineup on Sunday but delivered a pinch-hit single and scored the winning run in the 10th inning.

PREDICTION: Athletics 5, Mariners 3
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Los Angeles Angels vs. San Diego Padres Preview and Predictions 08-13-2018 in MLB

MLB Previews 12th August 2018 by Gracenote
Angels vs. Padres Preview and Predictions

by Gracenote on 08/12/2018

The San Diego Padres played their last three series against teams in playoff contention and held their own, winning six of 10 against the Chicago Cubs, Milwaukee and Philadelphia. The Padres will try to snuff out what little postseason hope still remains for the Los Angeles Angels when they host the opener of their three-game interleague series on Monday.

San Diego is sitting in last place in the National League West at 24 games under .500 (48-72) but is building for the future and received encouraging pitching performances from Joey Lucchesi (25) and Jacob Nix (22) while taking two of three from the NL East-leading Phillies over the weekend. Shortstop Freddy Galvis, who is a free agent after the season, is trying to make himself a part of that future as he belted a grand slam to back Lucchesi in Sunday's 9-3 triumph. The Angels looked set to jump back into the American League wild-card race while stretching a winning streak to four games with a win over Oakland on Friday but could not find a way around the Athletics - who own the second wild card - on Saturday or Sunday and sit 11 1/2 games back in the standings. Los Angeles will send Andrew Heaney to the mound on Tuesday while the Padres counter with veteran Clayton Richard.

TV: 10:10 p.m. ET, FS West (Los Angeles), FS San Diego

PITCHING MATCHUP: Angels LH Andrew Heaney (7-7, 3.96 ERA) vs. Padres LH Clayton Richard (7-10, 5.13)

Heaney recorded a win over Detroit on Tuesday despite watching his ERA jump as he allowed five runs and eight hits in five innings. The 27-year-old posted a 2.88 ERA in five outings in July but has yielded nine runs and 14 hits over 11 frames in his first two turns this month. Heaney will be facing the Padres for the first time in his career but is 2-6 with a 5.23 ERA in nine interleague contests.

Richard is winless in his last eight starts and has failed to record an out in the sixth inning of any of his last four turns. The 34-year-old has registered 17 strikeouts and 26 walks in those eight outings and was reached for five runs and seven hits - two homers - over five frames at Milwaukee on Tuesday. Richard is making his first start against the Angels but is 9-6 with a 3.70 ERA in 24 career interleague appearances (19 starts).

WALK-OFFS

1. Angels LF Justin Upton has gone 8-for-19 with two doubles, three homers and seven RBIs during his five-game hitting streak.

2. Los Angeles LHP Tyler Skaggs (adductor) was placed on the 10-day disabled list on Sunday.

3. Padres 1B-OF Wil Myers (foot) began a rehab assignment on Sunday and is working at third base.

PREDICTION: Angels 7, Padres 3
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San Francisco Giants vs. Los Angeles Dodgers Preview and Predictions 08-13-2018 in MLB

MLB Previews 12th August 2018 by Gracenote
Giants vs. Dodgers Preview and Predictions

by Gracenote on 08/12/2018

The Los Angeles Dodgers slid out of first place in the National League West with three straight losses over the weekend to a fellow division contender. The Dodgers will try to get in the win column at the expense of their biggest rival when they host the San Francisco Giants on Monday for the opener of their three-game series.

Los Angeles dropped three consecutive one-run decisions at Colorado over the weekend and are struggling to cover the loss of closer Kenley Jansen (irregular heartbeat). J.T. Chargois got a chance to fill in on Saturday but squandered a two-run lead by serving up a three-run, walk-off homer to Ryan McMahon, and Dylan Florio walked in the winning run in the bottom of the ninth inning of Sunday's 4-3 setback. The Giants are hanging around the fringes of the NL West race as they remained six games behind first-place Arizona by edging Pittsburgh on Sunday. Both teams will put their best foot forward to start the series as aces Clayton Kershaw of Los Angeles and Madison Bumgarner of San Francisco square off.

TV: 10:10 p.m. ET, MLB Network, NBCS Bay Area (San Francisco), SportsNet LA (Los Angeles)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Giants LH Madison Bumgarner (4-4, 2.69 ERA) vs. Dodgers LH Clayton Kershaw (5-5, 2.58)

Bumgarner was a victim of poor run support on Tuesday as he held Houston to five hits over seven scoreless innings, only to settle for a no-decision in a game San Francisco went on to lose 2-1. The native of North Carolina has surrendered a total of three earned runs over 20 frames in his last three outings but is just 1-1 in that span. Bumgarner's lone start against Los Angeles this season came on June 16, when he yielded three runs on five hits - two homers - and four walks in six innings to absorb a loss.

Kershaw has not allowed more than three earned runs in any of his nine starts since coming off the disabled list but did not factor in the decision at Oakland on Wednesday. The 30-year-old Texan recorded a season-low one strikeout in six innings against the Athletics but did not walk a batter and was charged with two runs. Kershaw last faced the Giants on April 8, when he gave up one run and six hits in seven frames but again came away with a no-decision.

WALK-OFFS

1. Dodgers LHP Alex Wood (adductor) is expected to come off the DL and start Tuesday's game.

2. San Francisco OF Andrew McCutchen has gone 1-for-19 over his last six contests.

3. Los Angeles OF-1B Cody Bellinger has recorded multiple hits in each of his last four starts.

PREDICTION: Dodgers 2, Giants 1
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