MLB Betting News and Trends For Tuesday 8/14/18

National League
Brewers (67-54) @ Cubs (68-49)
Chacin is 3-1, 5.48 in his last four starts; over is 8-1 in his last nine. Team in his starts: 17-8, 9-6 away
5-inning record: 13-8-4 Allowed run in 1st inning: 6-25

Quintana is 1-2, 7.05 in his last three starts; over is 5-2 in his last seven home starts. Team in his starts: 14-8, 7-2 home
5-inning record: 8-10-4 Allowed run in 1st inning: 5-22

Brewers lost five of their last seven games; they’re 11-8 in road series openers, 13-15 vs lefty starters- four of their last five road games went over. Chicago won six of its last nine games; they’re 11-9 in home series openers. Under is 4-1-1 in their last six games.

Marlins (48-73) @ Braves (66-51)
Richards 1-2, 1.53 in his last five starts; under is 3-1-1 in his last five. Team in his starts: 7-10, 4-5 away
5-inning record: 7-6-4 Allowed run in 1st inning: 7-17

Sanchez is 2-1, 3.98 in his last four starts; under is 5-2-1 in his last eight. Team in his starts: 9-6, 3-3 home
5-inning record: 7-7-1 Allowed run in 1st inning: 5-15

Marlins lost six of their last seven games; under is 5-2-1 in their last eight games. Atlanta won six of its last eight games; four of their last six home games went over.

Nationals (60-59) @ Cardinals (64-55)
Gonzalez is 1-3, 4.60 in his last five starts; under is 6-0-1 in his last seven. Team in his starts: 11-12, 4-8 away.
5-inning record: 9-8-6 Allowed run in 1st inning: 2-23

Gant is 1-1, 4.26 in his last five starts (over 4-4-2). Team in his starts: 3-7, 1-4 home
5-inning record: 5-2-3 Allowed run in 1st inning: 4-10

Nationals lost five of their last six road games; under is 4-2 in their last six road games. St Louis won its last six games; they’re 19-15 vs lefty starters- over is 9-4 in their last 13 home games.

Giants (60-60) @ Dodgers (64-56)
Suarez is 1-3, 7.42 in his last five starts; his last three went over. Team in his starts: 8-12, 4-6 away.
5-inning record: 5-8-7 Allowed run in 1st inning: 7-20

Wood is 2-1, 2.04 in his last three starts; over is 7-5-1 in his last 13 starts. Team in his starts: 12-10, 5-5 home
5-inning record: 9-8-5 Allowed run in 1st inning: 8-22

Giants won three of their last four games; they’re 23-24 vs lefty starters- under is 5-2-1 in their last eight games. Dodgers lost their last four games; they’re 24-19 vs lefty starters. Under is 6-1-1 in their last eight games.

American League
Rays (60-58) @ New York (74-44)
Bullpen game for the Rays Team in his starts: 0-0 away
5-inning record: 0-0 Allowed run in 1st inning: 0-0

Happ is 2-0, 3.00 in two starts for New York (over 1-0-1). Team in his starts: 2-0, 2-0 home.
5-inning record: 2-0 Allowed run in 1st inning: 5-22

Rays won four of their last six games; they’re 9-10 in road series openers, 19-13 vs lefty starters- under is 7-3 in their last ten games. New York won six of its last eight games; they’re 13-6 in home series openers. Over is 6-2-2 in their last ten home games.

White Sox (42-76) @ Tigers (50-69)
Giolito is 0-1, 7.16 in his last three starts; over is 6-4 in his last ten. Team in his starts: 11-12, 7-4 away
5-inning record: 5-15-3 Allowed run in 1st inning: 8-23

Hardy is 0-2, 7.11 in his last four starts (under 7-4). Team in his starts: 4-7, 3-3 home.
5-inning record: 6-3-2 Allowed run in 1st inning: 1-11

White Sox lost six of their last seven games; they’re 8-19 vs lefty starters- under is 6-4 in their last ten games. Detroit lost seven of last ten games; under is 4-2 in their last six home games.

Blue Jays (53-65) @ Royals (36-82)
Borucki is 2-0, 3.32 in his last three starts (under 5-3). Team in his starts: 4-4, 3-1 away
5-inning record: 3-2-3 Allowed run in 1st inning: 4-8

Fillmyer is 1-1, 3.60 in his last three starts (over 3-1-1). Team in his starts: 1-4, 1-2 home.
5-inning record: 2-3 Allowed run in 1st inning: 1-5

Toronto lost six of its last eight games; over is 8-3 in their last 11 road games. Royals lost nine of their last 11 games; they’re 14-24 vs lefty starters- over is 9-5-1 in their last 15 games.

Mariners (69-51) @ A’s (71-48)
Paxton is 2-1, 3.32 in his last three starts; under is 6-2 in his last eight. Team in his starts: 14-9, 8-4 away
5-inning record: 9-8-6 Allowed run in 1st inning: 5-23

Fiers is 1-0, 1.77 in his last four starts; under is 9-3-1 in his last 13. A’s in his starts: 1-0, 1-0 home.
5-inning record: 1-0 Allowed run in 1st inning: 6-22

Mariners won four of their last five games; over is 7-3 in their last ten road games. A’s won 10 of their last 12 games; they’re 24-19 vs lefty starters— under is 11-4 in their last 15 games.

Interleague
Red Sox (85-35) @ Phillies (65-52)
Porcello is 3-1, 4.38 in his last four starts; over is 7-3 in his last ten. Team in his starts: 16-8, 8-5 away
5-inning record: 16-8 Allowed run in 1st inning: 7-24

Pivetta is 1-0, 1.50 in his last two starts; over is 7-2-1 in his last ten. Team in his starts: 13-10, 7-5 home.
5-inning record: 9-11-3 Allowed run in 1st inning: 8-23

Red Sox won 1o of their last 11 games; they’re 12-8 in road series openers. Boston’s last three games stayed under. Phillies won their last six home games; they’re 12-6 in home series openers. Under is 11-3 in their last 14 games.

Mets (50-66) @ Orioles (35-84)
Vargas is 0-5, 8.87 in his last six starts; under is 6-2-2 in his last 10. Team in his starts: 2-10, 1-6 away
5-inning record: 2-10 Allowed run in 1st inning: 8-12

Cashner is 1-0, 4.07 in his last four home starts; over is 4-0-1 in his last five starts overall. Team in his starts: 7-15, 3-8 home.
5-inning record: 7-11-4 Allowed run in 1st inning: 7-22

Mets won four of their last four games; they’re 11-7 in road series openers. Under is 5-3 in their last eight road games. Baltimore lost its last five games; they’re 5-14 in home series openers, 14-22 vs lefty starters- Orioles’ last three games stayed under.

Indians (67-51) @ Reds (52-67)
Kluber is 2-0, 1.93 in his last three starts; over is 16-3-1 in his last 20. Team in his starts: 15-9, 7-3 away
5-inning record: 16-5-3 Allowed run in 1st inning: 6-24

Romano is 3-1, 4.50 in his last five starts; over is 11-3 in his last 14. Team in his starts: 12-10, 7-5 home.
5-inning record: 6-11-5 Allowed run in 1st inning: 7-22

Cleveland won eight of its last ten games; under is 5-2 in their last seven road games. Reds won five of their last seven home games; under is 3-2-1 in their last six home games.

Diamondbacks (65-55) @ Rangers (53-68)
Corbin is 3-0, 2.73 in his last four starts; under is 7-3 in his last ten. Team in his starts: 14-10, 7-4 away.
5-inning record: 11-6-6 Allowed run in 1st inning: 4-24

Gallardo is 4-0, 2.78 in his last four starts (over 8-1). Team in his starts: 8-1, 5-0 home
5-inning record: 7-2 Allowed run in 1st inning: 4-9

Arizona is 9-7 in its last 16 games,; over is 5-2-1 in their last eight road games. Rangers lost six of their last nine games; they’re 15-19 vs lefty starters- over is 9-3 in their last 12 home games.

Pirates (61-58) @ Twins (54-63)
Taillon is 4-1, 2.38 in his last five starts; over is 8-3 in last 11. Team in his starts: 13-10, 7-5 away.
5-inning record: 13-8-2 Allowed run in 1st inning: 6-23

Odorizzi is 0-1, 6.56 in his last five starts; over is 4-2 in his last six. Team in his starts: 10-14, 6-5 home
5-inning record: 9-10-5 Allowed run in 1st inning: 6-24

Pirates are 9-4 in their last 13 road games, 9-9 in road series openers. Under is 5-3 in their last eight games. Minnesota lost five of its last seven games; they’re 6-1 in last seven home series openers. Under is 5-1 in their last six games.

Angels (60-60) @ Padres (48-73)
Barria is 2-0, 2.70 in his last three starts; under is 6-2 in his last eight. Team in his starts: 8-9, 4-3 away.
5-inning record: 8-7-2 Allowed run in 1st inning: 4-16

Kennedy allowed six runs in four IP (87 PT) in his first MLB start, an 8-4 loss. Team in his starts: 0-1, 0-0 home
5-inning record: 0-1 Allowed run in 1st inning: 1-1

Angels lost six of their last eight road games; under is 6-3 in their last nine games. San Diego is 6-12 in its last 18 games; over is 12-5-1 in those games.

Rockies (63-55) @ Astros (73-46)
Marquez is 1-0, 3.05 in his last three starts; under is 5-2 in his last seven. Team in his starts: 11-11, 6-4 away.
5-inning record: 10-10-2 Allowed run in 1st inning: 15-22

Verlander is 2-3, 5.06 in his last five starts; over is 4-2 in his last six. Team in his starts: 14-11, 6-8 home
5-inning record: 15-6-4 Allowed run in 1st inning: 6-25

Rockies won their last three games; they’re 13-6 in road series openers. Over is 8-3 in their last 11 road games. Houston lost its last eight home games, they’re 9-10 in home series openers. Under is 6-1 in their last seven games.

Umpires
Mia-Atl: Under is 4-2 in last six Nauert games.
Wsh-StL: Last three TGibson games stayed under.
SF-LA: Under is 9-3 in last dozen Cooper games.

Chi-Det: Under is 11-6 in last 17 Wendelstedt games.
Tor-KC: Last three Hudson games went over the total.
Sea-A’s: Seven of last nine Hoye games went over.

Cle-Cin: Underdogs won five of last six Tumpane games.
Az-Tex: Home side won eight of last nine Davis games.
LAA-SD: Last four Holbrook games stayed under the total.

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Milwaukee Brewers vs. Chicago Cubs Preview and Predictions 08-14-2018 in MLB

MLB Previews 14th August 2018 by Gracenote
Brewers vs. Cubs Preview and Predictions

by Gracenote on 08/14/2018

The Chicago Cubs' head-to-head dominance over the Milwaukee Brewers so far this season is the difference in the National League Central standings. The first-place Cubs will try to add to their cushion when the division rivals match up for a two-game set beginning Tuesday in Chicago.

Rookie David Bote's game-ending, pinch-hit grand slam gave the Cubs an unlikely 4-3 win over Washington on Sunday, lifting Chicago to its major league-leading 37th comeback victory. The Cubs (68-49) are 19 games above .500 and lead the Brewers (67-54) by three games in the NL Central thanks to an 8-3 mark against Milwaukee. The Brewers are batting .165 against the Cubs, with Lorenzo Cain (.256) boasting the best average among position players. Milwaukee is 4-7 this month and has dropped five of its last seven.

TV: 2:20 p.m. ET, MLB Network, FS Wisconsin (Milwaukee), Dish455 (Milwaukee), NBCS Chicago

PITCHING MATCHUP: Brewers RH Jhoulys Chacin (11-4, 3.91 ERA) vs. Cubs LH Jose Quintana (10-8, 4.28)

After going 4-0 with a 2.64 ERA in five starts in July, Chacin was roughed up in his first outing this month, suffering his first loss since June 24. The 30-year-old bounced back with a quality start Wednesday, holding San Diego to three runs over six innings to earn his 11th win. Chacin is 3-4 with a 3.30 ERA in eight games (seven starts) against the Cubs, including a win in which he tossed six scoreless frames June 13.

Quintana's inconsistency continued Wednesday at Kansas City, as he was unable to command the strike zone and gave up five runs in 6 1/3 innings. The 29-year-old has posted quality starts in four of his last six outings, though, and he has limited Milwaukee to two runs over 19 innings across three meetings this season. Quintana is 4-1 with a 0.92 ERA in seven career starts against the Brewers.

WALK-OFFS

1. Cubs 1B Anthony Rizzo, who has reached base in 16 consecutive games, is 5-for-13 with two homers versus Chacin.

2. Cain is 12-for-29 with five multi-hit games in his past six contests.

3. Brewers RHP Zach Davies, on the disabled list since May 29 with a stiff back and right rotator cuff inflammation, needs at least one more rehab start before rejoining the rotation.

PREDICTION: Cubs 4, Brewers 3
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Boston Red Sox vs. Philadelphia Phillies Preview and Predictions 08-14-2018 in MLB

MLB Previews 13th August 2018 by Gracenote
Red Sox vs. Phillies Preview and Predictions

by Gracenote on 08/13/2018

The Boston Red Sox are 50 games over .500, 29-6 in their last 35 games and continue to cruise toward the best record in franchise history along with an American League East crown. One of the few teams the Red Sox had trouble scoring against since the All-Star break was the Philadelphia Phillies, who host Boston in the opener of a two-game interleague series on Tuesday.

The Red Sox lead the majors in most offensive categories, including runs scored (659), but managed just three runs in splitting a two-game series against the Phillies at home to close out last month. While Boston enjoys a healthy 10-game lead over the New York Yankees in the AL East, Philadelphia is locked in a battle atop the NL East and sits one game behind the first-place Atlanta Braves, with the Washington Nationals lurking 6 1/2 games back. "(We're) trying not to focus too much on what's going on outside this clubhouse, whether Atlanta loses, Washington wins or loses," Phillies right-hander Jake Arrieta told reporters after a 9-3 loss to San Diego on Sunday. "It's like, 'Let's just try and win the game that day.' If we do that and we stay healthy, we're going to end up in a good spot. The spot we want to be in." Philadelphia will send right-hander Nick Pivetta to the mound on Tuesday opposite former Cy Young Award winner Rick Porcello.

TV: 7:05 p.m. ET, MLB Network, NESN (Boston), NBCS Philadelphia

PITCHING MATCHUP: Red Sox RH Rick Porcello (14-5, 4.17 ERA) vs. Phillies RH Nick Pivetta (7-9, 4.51)

Porcello followed up one of his best starts of the season with one of his worst while getting knocked around for seven runs on six hits and three walks in four innings at the Toronto Blue Jays on Thursday. The New Jersey native needed only 86 pitches to skip through a complete-game one-hitter in his previous start versus the New York Yankees on Aug. 3. Porcello is 1-1 in three career starts against Philadelphia and owns a 19-8 record with a 4.22 ERA in 38 interleague games - 36 starts.

Pivetta scattered five hits over six scoreless innings to earn a win at Arizona last Tuesday, snapping a three-start winless streak. The 25-year-old Canadian struck out 41 batters in 30 innings over his last five outings. Pivetta faced Boston once during his 2017 rookie campaign and yielded four hits while striking out nine in seven scoreless frames but did not factor in the decision.

WALK-OFFS

1. Red Sox SS Xander Bogaerts (finger) sat out Sunday at Baltimore and is day-to-day.

2. Philadelphia 1B Carlos Santana is 3-for-24 over his last seven games, dropping his batting average to .215.

3. Boston RF Mookie Betts is 15-for-33 with 12 runs scored during an eight-game hitting streak.

PREDICTION: Red Sox 4, Phillies 2
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New York Mets vs. Baltimore Orioles Preview and Predictions 08-14-2018 in MLB

MLB Previews 13th August 2018 by Gracenote
Mets vs. Orioles Preview and Predictions

by Gracenote on 08/13/2018

Positive moments have been few and far between for the beleaguered Baltimore Orioles, who are in the midst of their ninth losing streak of at least five games this season. The Orioles (35-84) aim to put a stop to their skid on Tuesday when they open an abbreviated two-game series versus the visiting New York Mets (50-66), against whom Baltimore recorded its lone sweep of the season.

While the Orioles posted a pair of one-run wins in a low-scoring series versus the Mets on June 5-6, they were outscored 34-17 in a four-game set versus Boston to see their losing skid reach five in a row. "We have pride. We're gonna play to win no matter what our record is, no matter how many games we have left," said Tim Beckham, who is 0-for-8 with four strikeouts in his last two contests after hitting safely in eight of his previous nine. The Mets enjoyed a rare offensive explosion en route to posting their fourth victory in five games on Monday, as they belted five homers in an 8-5 victory over the rival New York Yankees in a makeup game from July 22. Michael Conforto went deep for the second straight contest on Monday, but is 0-for-7 this season against Baltimore and 1-for-5 versus Tuesday starter Andrew Cashner.

TV: 7:05 p.m. ET, SNY (New York), MASN (Baltimore)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Mets LH Jason Vargas (2-8, 8.75 ERA) vs. Orioles RH Andrew Cashner (3-10, 4.83)

Vargas fell to 0-5 in his last six outings after allowing three runs on as many hits in one-third of an inning in a 6-1 setback versus Cincinnati last Tuesday. The 35-year-old exited after a lengthy rain delay, leading to his shortest trip to the mound in 240 career starts. Vargas pitched significantly better in his last outing versus Baltimore, although he fell to 2-5 in his career against the Orioles after permitting two runs on five hits over five innings of a 2-1 setback on June 5.

Cashner recorded his 11th quality start of the season in a no-decision versus Tampa Bay on Wednesday after allowing three runs on four hits in seven innings. The 31-year-old owns a 1-5 mark at home this season despite limiting the opposition to a .255 batting average, as opposed to a 2-5 record on the road while permitting foes to bat .304. Todd Frazier went deep on Monday and is 5-for-13 with five doubles against Cashner, who sports an 0-3 mark with a gaudy 6.18 ERA and 1.59 WHIP in nine career appearances (four starts) versus the Mets.

WALK-OFFS

1. New York SS Amed Rosario is 7-for-21 with four RBIs in his last five contests.

2. Orioles OF Adam Jones went 3-for-8 with a run scored in the two-game series versus the Mets in June.

3. New York CF Austin Jackson has 14 hits and seven RBIs in his last nine contests.

PREDICTION: Orioles 3, Mets 2
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Tampa Bay Rays vs. New York Yankees Preview and Predictions 08-14-2018 in MLB

MLB Previews 14th August 2018 by Gracenote
Rays vs. Yankees Preview and Predictions

by Gracenote on 08/14/2018

The New York Yankees may have taken an unexpected detour in their make-up game against their cross-town rivals, but they have found themselves right at home when the Tampa Bay Rays visit the Bronx. New York (74-44) has won five of six home contests this year against the Rays (60-58) as they open a three-game series at Yankee Stadium on Tuesday night.

Miguel Andujar launched a two-run shot in Monday's 8-5 setback to the New York Mets, improving to 7-for-20 with three homers, eight RBIs and seven runs scored during his last five games. Fellow infielder Didi Gregorius had an RBI single versus the Mets to give him nine hits in his last seven outings for the Yankees, who are 6-2 in their last eight contests. Willy Adames had a two-out RBI single in the fourth inning on Sunday as Tampa Bay fell for just the second time in six outings with a 2-1 loss versus Toronto. The 22-year-old Dominican is 11-for-23 with six runs scored during his six-game hitting streak, although he is just 8-for-36 against the Yankees this season.

TV: 7:05 p.m. ET, FS Sun (Tampa Bay), YES (New York)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Rays RH Hunter Wood (0-0, 3.91 ERA) vs. Yankees LH J.A. Happ (12-6, 4.07)

Wood will receive his second look at the Yankees after allowing one run on two hits in two innings of a no-decision on July 23. The 25-year-old, who started that contest, has grown accustomed to the Rays' pitching philosophy in which he has made nine relief appearances among 15 trips to the mound this season. "It's actually a lot different," Wood told reporters of starting games. "I just do a regular starter routine since I've been a starter my whole career (in the minors) until mainly this year, so I have a pretty good routine down."

Happ, who is in line to start on Tuesday, has endeared himself to his new team while winning back-to-back starts after being acquired from Toronto late last month. The 35-year-old allowed just a solo homer among three hits in a 6-3 win over Kansas City on July 29 before returning from hand, foot and mouth disease with a strong six-inning effort in Thursday's 7-3 triumph versus Texas. Happ struggled in his first start this season at Tampa Bay with four walks in 5 2/3 frames of a 6-2 setback before yielding just one hit over five scoreless innings in a no-decision on June 13.

WALK-OFFS

1. Tampa Bay CF Kevin Kiermaier is 2-for-24 in his last six outings overall and 5-for-33 versus New York this season.

2. Yankees manager Aaron Boone told reporters that RHP Luis Cessa is expected to be called up after LHP CC Sabathia was placed on the 10-day disabled list with right knee inflammation on Monday.

3. Rays RHP Chaz Roe (left knee) is expected to be activated from the 10-day disabled list Tuesday.

PREDICTION: Yankees 5, Rays 3
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Chicago White Sox vs. Detroit Tigers Preview and Predictions 08-14-2018 in MLB

MLB Previews 14th August 2018 by Gracenote
White Sox vs. Tigers Preview and Predictions

by Gracenote on 08/14/2018

Nicholas Castellanos may not be the only reason the Detroit Tigers have enjoyed so much success against the Chicago White Sox this season, even if it seems like that has been the case in recent meetings. Coming off a career night at the plate, the 26-year-old slugger attempts to maintain his incredible success versus the White Sox in 2018 when his Tigers host the middle contest of their three-game series on Tuesday.

Castellanos almost singlehandedly carried the Tigers to their sixth straight victory over their American League Central rival in Monday's series opener, driving in five of his team's final six runs while going 5-for-5 with a home run and two doubles. The former No. 44 overall draft pick set a career high with his five hits and matched another with the five RBIs - the latter of which he accomplished against the White Sox as part of a two-homer effort on June 16. Detroit improved to 9-1 against Chicago following Monday's 9-5 triumph, winning for the third time in four games after a winless six-game road trip. The White Sox have dropped six of seven since winning four of five to begin the month.

TV: 7:10 p.m. ET, WGN (Chicago), FS Detroit

PITCHING MATCHUP: White Sox RH Lucas Giolito (7-9, 6.23 ERA) vs. Tigers LH Blaine Hardy (4-4, 3.63)

Giolito's modest four-game unbeaten streak came to an emphatic end Wednesday against the New York Yankees as he was pounded for seven runs on six hits - two homers - and three walks over five innings. Although he had been pitching better of late prior to that performance, the 24-year-old still leads the AL with 71 walks. Castellanos (2-for-9, five RBIs) has homered twice against Giolito, who is 0-1 with an 8.18 ERA in two starts versus Detroit this season.

Hardy, who will make his fifth straight start after spending most of the season as a reliever, took the loss on Wednesday, surrendering five runs and seven hits - three homers - in five frames against the Los Angeles Angels. It was a bit of an uncharacteristic outing for the product of Lewis-Clark State, who had not yielded a home run over his previous eight appearances (three starts). Hardy has thrived in two turns this season against the White Sox, however, going 2-0 with a 1.46 ERA.

WALK-OFFS

1. Castellanos is batting .419 with four home runs, 14 RBIs and 11 runs scored in 10 games against Chicago this season.

2. The White Sox have struck out at least 10 times in eight straight contests.

3. Detroit C James McCann, who went 25-for-145 over a 43-game stretch from June 1-Aug. 10, is 5-for-8 over his last two games.

PREDICTION: Tigers 7, White Sox 4
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Cleveland Indians vs. Cincinnati Reds Preview and Predictions 08-14-2018 in MLB

MLB Previews 14th August 2018 by Gracenote
Indians vs. Reds Preview and Predictions

by Gracenote on 08/14/2018

The Cleveland Indians have produced 19 runs and 32 hits the last two games and look to continue the offensive surge when they visit the Cincinnati Reds for the middle contest of a three-game interleague set Tuesday night. Jose Ramirez launched his 35th homer among three of Cleveland's 18 hits as the American League Central-leading Indians rolled to a 10-3 victory Monday for a 10th win in their last 13 contests.

Leadoff batter Francisco Lindor snapped out of a brief slump with two hits in the opener and set a career high with his 100th and 101st runs of the season for Cleveland, while Jason Kipnis improved to 7-for-13 with four RBIs in the last three games. Two-time Cy Young winner Corey Kluber takes aim at tying several others for a major league-leading 15th victory of the season when he takes the mound for the Indians on Tuesday against Sal Romano, who has notched five of his seven wins at home. The Reds registered three homers in the series opener, including the first since July 29 for All-Star Scooter Gennett but gave up seven runs in the sixth inning to lose control of what was a tie game. Jose Peraza has hit safely in seven straight games for Cincinnati, while teammate Billy Hamilton is expected back in the lineup Tuesday with a six-game hitting streak - during which he has stolen five bases.

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

PITCHING MATCHUP: Indians RH Corey Kluber (14-6, 2.74 ERA) vs. Reds RH Sal Romano (7-9, 4.94)

Kluber gave up four runs with seven strikeouts over seven innings during a no-decision Thursday that resulted in a 5-4 win against Minnesota. The 32-year-old Alabama native had yielded one run across 16 1/3 innings in victories against the Los Angeles Angels and Detroit in his previous two outings. Joey Votto is 5-for-7 with a pair of doubles against Kluber, who is 3-0 with a 1.96 ERA in three career games versus the Reds.

Romano allowed one run on two hits and three walks over six innings to beat the New York Mets last Tuesday for his third win in his last four decisions. The 24-year-old Connecticut native owned a 6.23 ERA through June 6 but has a 3.47 mark in 11 appearances since. Ramirez is 2-for-4 with a double and a homer versus Romano, who permitted three earned runs across 7 1/3 innings in a no-decision against Cleveland on July 10.

WALK-OFFS

1. Votto went 1-for-3 on Monday but left the game in the sixth inning with an undisclosed injury and will be evaluated.

2. Cleveland UTIL Yandy Diaz had a pinch-hit RBI double Monday and is 11-for-20 with five RBIs in six major-league games in 2018.

3. The Reds recalled LHP Cody Reed, who pitched a scoreless inning Monday, and optioned RHP Keury Mella to Triple-A Louisville.

PREDICTION: Indians 5, Reds 3
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Miami Marlins vs. Atlanta Braves Preview and Predictions 08-14-2018 in MLB

MLB Previews 14th August 2018 by Gracenote
Marlins vs. Braves Preview and Predictions

by Gracenote on 08/14/2018

Ronald Acuna has played just 66 games in the major leagues, but the Atlanta Braves' rookie outfielder already has etched his name in baseball history entering the third game of a four-game home series Tuesday against the Miami Marlins. The 20-year-old became the youngest player ever to homer in four consecutive games following Monday's doubleheader sweep, and just the fourth player ever to homer leading off both games of a doubleheader (first since Baltimore's Brady Anderson in 1999).

Acuna went 5-for-8 in the doubleheader and is batting .448 with six homers and 11 RBIs with 11 runs scored in his past seven games, helping power the Braves to 9-1 and 6-1 victories Monday and push Atlanta to one game ahead of Philadelphia in the National League East. The Braves have won 12 of their past 16 games to make up 3 ½ games in the standings, scoring 83 runs in that span. The Marlins have lost 12 of their past 14 and the news got worse during the doubleheader as third baseman Martin Prado strained his left quadriceps early in the first game - landing on the disabled list between games - and his replacement, Miguel Rojas, left the nightcap with a left ankle contusion after being thrown out at third base to end the third inning. J.T. Realmuto got the start at first base in the second game and finished 2-for-4 with three walks in the doubleheader, raising his average to .294 on the season.

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

PITCHING MATCHUP: Marlins RH Trevor Richards (3-7, 3.98 ERA) vs. Braves RH Anibal Sanchez (6-3, 2.83)

Miami hands the ball to a rookie for the third consecutive game in the series, but Richards does have 17 starts and has provided glimpses of exciting potential. The 24-year-old posted a 1.32 ERA with a .189 batting average against in five starts from July 8 through Aug. 3, striking out 30 in 27 1/3 innings but only received one win in that stretch. Richards lost his last start Wednesday against St. Louis, surrendering three runs on four hits with seven strikeouts in 5 2/3 innings.

Sanchez will make his scheduled start despite taking a liner off his left calf Thursday at Washington that knocked him out after two innings. It was an unfortunate break for the Braves considering Sanchez had allowed one earned run in three of his previous five turns and struck out a season-high nine in a victory over the New York Mets on Aug. 3. Sanchez has limited opposing hitters to a .207 average, giving up 10 homers in 86 innings after allowing 26 in 105 1/3 innings last season with Detroit.

WALK-OFFS

1. Atlanta 1B Freddie Freeman had his 14-game hitting streak snapped in Monday's opener, but he finished 2-for-4 with a homer in the nightcap.

2. The Marlins finished with just eight hits in the two games Monday, after recording 25 in their previous three games against the Mets.

3. Atlanta's two starters in the doubleheader - Touki Toussaint (making his major-league debut) and Mike Foltynewicz - covered 14 innings, important considering the Braves are in the midst of playing 22 games in 21 days.

PREDICTION: Braves 5, Marlins 3
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Arizona Diamondbacks vs. Texas Rangers Preview and Predictions 08-14-2018 in MLB

MLB Previews 14th August 2018 by Gracenote
by Gracenote on 08/14/2018

The Arizona Diamondbacks are struggling as they prepare for the middle contest of a nine-game road trip against last-place teams. Arizona is just 1-3 on the trek and hopes to begin a turnaround when it visits the Texas Rangers on Tuesday for the finale of their two-game interleague series.

The Diamondbacks began the trip by losing two of three at Cincinnati (National League Central) and look to split with Texas (American League West) before traveling to San Diego (NL West) for a four-game set. Robinson Chirinos hit a go-ahead, three-run homer as part of a four-RBI performance and Ronald Guzman belted a solo shot as Texas posted a 5-3 win in Monday's opener. The Rangers are 15 games below .500 and way out of the postseason race but have won 11 of their last 17 and scored 11 or more runs six times during that stretch. Arizona's loss left it with one-game lead over both Colorado and the Los Angeles Dodgers in the National League West.

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

PITCHING MATCHUP: Diamondbacks LH Patrick Corbin (9-4, 3.15 ERA) vs. Rangers RH Yovani Gallardo (7-1, 6.11)

Corbin dominated Philadelphia in his last outing as he gave up four hits and struck out nine in 7 1/3 innings of a 4-0 victory. The 29-year-old has gone 3-0 over his last four turns with 34 strikeouts against just two walks in 26 1/3 innings. Corbin, who never has faced the Rangers, is 3-1 with a 3.00 ERA in 11 road starts this season.

Gallardo has won four straight starts, allowing fewer than three runs in three of the outings. The 32-year-old defeated Seattle in his last turn as he gave up two runs and three hits over six innings. Gallardo is 7-2 with a 2.37 ERA in 13 career starts against Arizona, and both his losses came in 2015 during his first stint with the Rangers.

WALK-OFFS

1. Rangers 3B Adrian Beltre (hamstring) departed the opener and is slated to undergo an MRI exam on Tuesday.

2. Arizona 1B Paul Goldschmidt recorded his ninth multi-hit performance since the All-Star break on Monday to extend his hitting streak to seven games.

3. Texas MGR Jeff Banister said he wants to see OF Nomar Mazara (thumb) play in the field in back-to-back rehab games before the club activates him from the 10-day disabled list.

PREDICTION: Rangers 8, Diamondbacks 6
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Colorado Rockies vs. Houston Astros Preview and Predictions 08-14-2018 in MLB

MLB Previews 13th August 2018 by Gracenote
Rockies vs. Astros Preview and Predictions

by Gracenote on 08/13/2018

Things could not have gone much worse over the weekend for the Houston Astros, who dropped four straight to the Seattle Mariners to turn the American League West into a three-team race. The Astros will try to stop the bleeding when they host another team battling for postseason position in the Colorado Rockies on Tuesday to open a two-game set.

Houston, which dropped its last eight games at home, fell in extra innings on Sunday to watch its lead over the Mariners drop to 4 1/2 games, with the Oakland Athletics sandwiched in between at two games back. "We know we have a great team," Astros shortstop Carlos Correa, who came off the disabled list on Friday, told reporters. "We know we're going to come through and get out of this scuffle and play great baseball once again." The Rockies did their own damage over the weekend by taking three straight from the Los Angeles Dodgers to pull within one game of the first-place Arizona Diamondbacks in the National League West and within 2 1/2 games of the Milwaukee Brewers for the second wild card. Colorado will try to extend Houston's home slide with righty German Marquez while the Astros send ace Justin Verlander to the mound.

TV: 8:10 p.m. ET, AT&T SportsNet Rocky Mountain (Colorado), AT&T SportsNet Southwest (Houston)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Rockies RH German Marquez (9-9, 4.69 ERA) vs. Astros RH Justin Verlander (11-7, 2.50)

Marquez struck out a season-high 10 against Pittsburgh on Wednesday but was reached for three runs and 10 hits over six innings and was saddled with a loss. The Venezuela native is eight strikeouts short of matching his career high (147) set in 2017 and punched out at least eight in each of his last three turns. Marquez is seeing the Astros for the first time and is 4-0 with a 2.45 ERA in seven career interleague starts.

Verlander is trying to put a terrible outing behind him after allowing six runs on seven hits over two innings against Seattle on Thursday before being ejected for arguing a balk call. The former MVP owns 206 strikeouts in 158 1/3 innings and punched out 14 over 7 2/3 innings at the Los Angeles Dodgers on Aug. 3. Verlander has dominated interleague play in his career, posting a 33-6 record with a 2.76 ERA in 46 outings.

WALK-OFFS

1. Rockies 3B Nolan Arenado (shoulder) was limited to pinch hitting on Saturday and Sunday and is day-to-day.

2. Houston C Evan Gattis is 0-for-16 in his last seven games.

3. Colorado SS Trevor Story hit safely in each of his last 10 games.

PREDICTION: Astros 4, Rockies 1
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Pittsburgh Pirates vs. Minnesota Twins Preview and Predictions 08-14-2018 in MLB

MLB Previews 13th August 2018 by Gracenote
Pirates vs. Twins Preview and Predictions

by Gracenote on 08/13/2018

The Pittsburgh Pirates need to get back to winning series if they hope to enter the wild card race in the National League as serious contenders. The Pirates will try to get started on taking a quick series when they visit the Minnesota Twins on Tuesday in the opener of a two-game interleague set.

Pittsburgh enters the week five games behind the Milwaukee Brewers for the second wild card and eight games behind the Chicago Cubs in the NL Central after dropping a 4-3 decision at San Francisco on Sunday to settle for a split of the four-game set. The Pirates will get a much better picture of where they stand over the next few weeks, with series against the Chicago Cubs, Milwaukee Brewers, St. Louis Cardinals and Atlanta Braves (twice) coming up after they finish with the Twins. Minnesota dropped four of its last five games and is resigned to playing the role of spoiler the rest of the way after the front office sent away key pieces like Brian Dozier, Lance Lynn and Eduardo Escobar before the trade deadline. One of the veteran pieces that stayed with the Twins after July 31 was right-hander Jake Odorizzi, who will take the mound on Tuesday opposite Pittsburgh righty Jameson Taillon.

TV: 8:10 p.m. ET, AT&T SportsNet Pittsburgh, FS North (Minnesota)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Pirates RH Jameson Taillon (9-8, 3.63 ERA) vs. Twins RH Jake Odorizzi (4-7, 4.50)

Taillon is coming off his second complete game of the season after scattering two runs and 10 hits across nine innings in a 10-2 win at Colorado last Tuesday. The 26-year-old surrendered three or fewer earned runs in each of his last 13 outings, dropping his ERA from 4.56 to 3.63 in that span. Taillon started against Minnesota at home on April 2 and earned a win while yielding two runs and four hits over 5 1/3 frames.

Odorizzi is winless in his last five turns and completed six innings just once in that span. The 28-year-old lasted 4 2/3 frames at Cleveland on Wednesday and was charged with two runs - one earned - on four hits and a pair of walks without factoring in the decision. Odorizzi started at Pittsburgh on April 4 and allowed three runs on five hits and three walks across 4 1/3 innings without a decision.

WALK-OFFS

1. Pirates C Francisco Cervelli (head) did not start Sunday and is day-to-day.

2. Minnesota LHP Adalberto Mejia (nerve traction injury) is scheduled to undergo an MRI on Tuesday.

3. Pittsburgh OF Gregory Polanco is 5-for-38 in 11 games this month.

PREDICTION: Pirates 8, Twins 3
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Toronto Blue Jays vs. Kansas City Royals Preview and Predictions 08-14-2018 in MLB

MLB Previews 14th August 2018 by Gracenote
Blue Jays vs. Royals Preview and Predictions

by Gracenote on 08/14/2018

Whit Merrifield has typically been the engine that drives the Kansas City Royals' majors-worst offense whenever it has clicked in 2018, although Ryan O'Hearn probably wouldn't mind an extended opportunity to prove he can be part of the solution. The 25-year-old rookie hopes to get another chance to build upon the best performance of his brief major-league career Tuesday when the Royals host the second of four games against the Toronto Blue Jays.

Merrifield went 3-for-4 on Monday to lift his team-leading batting average to .299, but it was O'Hearn that proved to be the difference in Kansas City's 3-1 series-opening victory, connecting on a two-run homer in his first at-bat before drawing a bases-loaded walk in his next plate appearance to push across the final run. O'Hearn's blast was his second in eight career games and first since his big-league debut on July 31, while the victory halted a stretch in which the Royals dropped nine of 10. Despite scoring nearly 100 more runs than Kansas City on the season, the Blue Jays are experiencing their own offensive woes with only four total runs over their last four contests. Devon Travis has supplied half of them over that span and accounted for all of Toronto's run production with a solo shot in Monday's setback.

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

PITCHING MATCHUP: Blue Jays LH Ryan Borucki (2-2, 2.81 ERA) vs. Royals RH Heath Fillmyer (1-1, 3.13)

Borucki is seeking a third straight victory after going winless over his first six major-league starts following Thursday's decision in Boston in which he prevailed despite permitting four runs on nine hits and three walks over five innings. The 24-year-old has been a bit fortunate to carry a respectable ERA to this point, posting a 1.38 WHIP while allowing opponents to bat .272 against him. Borucki has kept the ball in the park (one home run across 48 innings) as he enters his first career start versus Kansas City.

Fillmyer notched his first career win in Wednesday's victory over the Chicago Cubs, tossing seven scoreless frames while giving up only three singles and two walks. The New Jersey native was also sharp in his previous home outing, allowing two runs (one earned) while fanning six over 6 2/3 frames in a no-decision against Detroit on July 23. Fillmyer is 1-1 with a 1.71 ERA in four appearances (three starts) at home as he faces the Blue Jays for the first time in his career.

WALK-OFFS

1. Toronto RHP Sean Reid-Foley and C Danny Jansen on Monday became the first batterymates to make their major-league debuts at the same time in the American League since 1967.

2. The Royals extended their club-record streak of errorless games to 13 and have not committed a defensive miscue in 120 innings.

3. After entering the month hitting .238 with nine homers and 25 RBIs, Travis is batting .311 with three home runs and 12 RBIs in August.

PREDICTION: Royals 3, Blue Jays 2
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Washington Nationals vs. St. Louis Cardinals Preview and Predictions 08-14-2018 in MLB

MLB Previews 14th August 2018 by Gracenote
Nationals vs. Cardinals Preview and Predictions

by Gracenote on 08/14/2018

The streaking St. Louis Cardinals look to extend their season-best winning streak to seven games when they host the struggling Washington Nationals on Tuesday for the second contest of their four-game set. Washington suffered a walk-off loss for the second straight night in the series opener as Paul DeJong belted a solo homer in the ninth inning to give the Cardinals a 7-6 win.

St. Louis suddenly is a contender in the National League wild-card race after a 10-2 start to the month as it climbed within two games of Philadelphia and Milwaukee, who hold the two spots. The red-hot Matt Carpenter smacked a three-run homer on Tuesday - his NL-leading 33rd of the season - and has gone deep 17 times during his 31-game streak of reaching base. The Nationals have dropped five of their last seven contests and are in danger of fading out of the postseason chase as they sit six games back in the wild-card race and seven behind first-place Atlanta in the NL East. Bryce Harper belted his 29th homer of the season, which ties for his second-highest output in seven major-league campaigns.

TV: 8:15 p.m. ET, MASN2 (Washington), FS Midwest (St. Louis)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Nationals LH Gio Gonzalez (7-8, 3.89 ERA) vs. Cardinals RH John Gant (4-4, 3.89)

Gonzalez gave up one run and six hits over seven innings while beating Atlanta in his last turn, his first win since May 28. The 32-year-old went 0-6 during an 11-start winless stretch and gave up five or more runs on four occasions. Gonzalez is 3-3 with a 2.05 ERA in eight career starts against the Cardinals and has shut down Carpenter (2-for-16) while struggling to retire Yadier Molina (7-for-20).

Gant defeated Miami in last turn as he gave up one run and two hits over six innings. The 25-year-old is holding opponents to a .162 batting average in seven home appearances (five starts) while going 3-3 with a 3.51 ERA and 1.05 WHIP. Gant is 0-1 with a 16.88 ERA in two career outings against the Nationals, with both turns occurring in 2016 while a member of the Braves.

WALK-OFFS

1. Nationals 3B Anthony Rendon (wrist) went 2-for-3 with three runs scored on Monday after missing back-to-back starts.

2. St. Louis 1B Jose Martinez recorded his third career four-hit performance in the series opener and has gone 11-for-20 during his five-game hitting streak.

3. Washington RHP Ryan Madson (back) revealed he was pitching in pain when he served up a walk-off grand slam in the ninth inning to David Bote in Sunday's 4-3 loss to the Chicago Cubs.

PREDICTION: Cardinals 9, Nationals 3
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Seattle Mariners vs. Oakland Athletics Preview and Predictions 08-14-2018 in MLB

MLB Previews 14th August 2018 by Gracenote
by Gracenote on 08/14/2018

The Oakland Athletics came out on the right end of another one-run decision in the series opener and hope to extend their winning streak to four games when they host the Seattle Mariners on Tuesday for the middle contest of their three-game series. Four of Oakland's last five games have been decided by a single run, with the club winning three of them - including a 7-6 decision on Monday.

Jed Lowrie continued swinging a hot bat in the series opener, going 3-for-5 with four RBIs as the Athletics moved 2 1/2 games ahead of Seattle for the second wild card in the American League and climbed within two of first-place Houston in the AL West. Lowrie is riding a five-game hitting streak and has gone 5-for-9 with a homer and six RBIs in his last two contests. After sweeping a four-game set in Houston, Seattle - which will welcome back Robinson Cano from his 80-game suspension on Tuesday - dropped to 5-3 on its 10-game road trip as its late-inning rally came up just short. Jean Segura went 4-for-5 with an RBI as the Mariners scored five runs over the final two frames - three in the ninth - before falling 4 1/2 games behind the division-leading Astros.

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

PITCHING MATCHUP: Mariners LH James Paxton (10-5, 3.63 ERA) vs. Athletics RH Mike Fiers (7-6, 3.40)

Paxton recorded the win at Houston on Thursday despite yielding four runs on seven hits and three walks in 5 2/3 innings. The 29-year-old Canadian has surrendered seven runs over 12 2/3 frames in two turns this month after allowing the same amount over 22 2/3 innings in four outings in July. Paxton is 3-0 with a 3.32 ERA in seven career starts against Oakland, including a no-decision on May 2 in which he registered a career-high 16 strikeouts while scattering five hits over seven scoreless frames.

Fiers settled for a no-decision against the Los Angeles Dodgers on Wednesday in his team debut despite allowing just one run and four hits with eight strikeouts in 5 1/3 innings. The 33-year-old Floridian has been superb of late, giving up fewer than two runs in six of his last eight turns and three in each of the other two outings. Fiers fell to 1-1 with a 6.21 ERA in six career starts versus the Mariners on May 19, when he surrendered four runs and six hits in five frames at Seattle while pitching for Detroit.

WALK-OFFS

1. Athletics 3B Matt Chapman enters Tuesday with an 11-game hitting streak and has recorded at least one RBI in four straight contests.

2. Seattle 2B Dee Gordon (shoulder) was kept out of the starting lineup for the second straight game Monday.

3. Mariners OF Mitch Haniger, who went 3-for-5 in the series opener, has posted back-to-back three-hit performances and six multi-hit efforts in his last eight contests.

PREDICTION: Mariners 5, Athletics 3
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