MLB Betting News and Trends For Friday 8/17/18

National League
Mets (52-68) @ Phillies (67-54)
Syndegaard is 4-1, 3.56 in his last five starts; under is 7-3 in his last ten. Team in his starts: 11-5, 4-3 away
5-inning record: 10-4-2 Allowed run in 1st inning: 2-16

Nola is 1-0, 2.16 in his last four starts; under is 6-2 in his last eight. Team in his starts: 17-7, 11-0 home
5-inning record: 9-7-8 Allowed run in 1st inning: 8-24

Mets won six of their last nine games; over is 4-1 in their last five games. Phillies are 4-6 in their last ten games; over is 5-1 in their last six home games.

Marlins (48-75) @ Nationals (61-61)
Straily is 0-1, 7.45 in his last four starts; over is 5-1 in his last six starts. Team in his starts: 9-10, 4-6 away
5-inning record: 6-8-5 Allowed run in 1st inning: 7-19

Scherzer is 5-0, 2.44 in his last seven starts (over 5-2). Team in his starts: 17-8, 7-4 home
5-inning record: 16-8-1 Allowed run in 1st inning: 5-25

Marlins lost eight of their last nine games; they’re 6-13 in road series openers. Under is 6-3-1 in their last ten games. Washington is 3-7 in its last ten games, 11-8 in home series openers. Under is 7-5-1 in their last 13 games.

Cubs (70-50) @ Pirates (61-61)
Hamels is 2-0, 1.50 in three starts for the Cubs (under 2-1). Cubs in his starts: 3-0, 1-0 away.
5-inning record: 1-1-1 Allowed run in 1st inning: 6-23

Williams is 4-1, 0.62 in his last five starts; under is 7-1 in his last eight starts. Team in his starts: 12-11, 7-6 home
5-inning record: 8-10-5 Allowed run in 1st inning: 5-23

Cubs are 8-4 in their last 12 games; under is 6-2-1 in their last nine road games. Pittsburgh lost five of its last six games; they’re 15-19 vs lefty starters. Over is 4-2 in their last six home games.

Giants (61-61) @ Reds (52-69)
Kelly is making his first ’18 start; he is 2-9, 5.93 in 21 MLB games (9 starts), is 10-9, 4.78 in 23 AAA starts this year. Team in his starts: 0-0 away
5-inning record: 0-0 Allowed run in 1st inning: 0-0

DeSclafani is 2-0, 0.64 in his last two starts; under is 3-1 in his last four. Team in his starts: 7-5, 4-4 home
5-inning record: 8-3-1 Allowed run in 1st inning: 2-12

Giants won three of their last four games; they won their last five road series openers. Under is 4-0-1 in their last five games. Cincinnati lost its last four games; they’re 9-11 in home series openers. Three of their last four games went over.

Brewers (68-55) @ Cardinals (66-56)
Peralta is 1-2, 8.05 in his last four starts; over is 6-1 in his last seven. Team in his starts: 7-4, 4-3 away.
5-inning record: 6-4-1 Allowed run in 1st inning: 4-11

Flaherty is 2-0, 1.38 in his last two starts; over is 6-1 in his last seven starts. Team in his starts: 8-11, 3-5 home
5-inning record: 11-6-2 Allowed run in 1st inning: 3-19

Brewers are 2-5 in their last seven games; they’re 12-8 in road series openers. Over is 8-2 in their last ten games. St Louis won eight of its last nine games; over is 11-5 in their last 16 home games. Cardinals are 10-9 in home series openers.

Rockies (65-56) @ Braves (68-52)
Freeland is 2-1, 1.78 in his last four starts; under is 10-2 in his last 12. Team in his starts: 15-9, 5-6 away
5-inning record: 10-9-5 Allowed run in 1st inning: 6-24

Newcomb is 2-0, 2.92 in his last four starts; under is 8-4 in his last 12. Team in his starts: 13-10, 4-5 home
5-inning record: 12-9-2 Allowed run in 1st inning: 6-23

Rockies won five of their last six games; they’re 24-20 vs lefty starters- five of their last six games stayed under. Atlanta won eight of its last 11 games; under is 7-5 in their last 12 home games.

Diamondbacks (68-55) @ Padres (48-76)
Ray is 0-1, 4.32 in his last six starts; under is 4-0-1 in his last five road starts. Team in his starts: 6-9, 4-4 away.
5-inning record: 8-4-3 Allowed run in 1st inning: 3-15

Lucchesi is 2-1, 4.22 in his last four starts; his last three starts went over. Team in his starts: 8-10, 5-7 home
5-inning record: 8-6-4 Allowed run in 1st inning: 4-18

Arizona is 6-3 in its last nine road games; they’re 23-19 vs lefty starters- under is 7-1-2 in their last ten games. Padres lost five of their last six games; they’re 12-24 vs lefty starters- over is 8-5 in their last 13 games.

American League
Blue Jays (55-66) @ New York (75-46)
Stroman is 2-1, 2.52 in his last five starts; over is 3-1 in his last four. Team in his starts: 8-9, 4-5 away
5-inning record: 6-9-2 Allowed run in 1st inning: 4-17

Lynn is 1-0, 0.73 in two starts for New York (under 2-0). Team in his starts: 2-0, 1-0 home.
5-inning record: 2-0 Allowed run in 1st inning: 6-22

Blue Jays are 4-7 in their last 11 games, 11-9 in road series openers. Under is 5-2 in their last seven games. New York lost three of its last four games; under is 5-1 in their last six games. NY is 14-7 in home series openers.

Orioles (36-85) @ Indians (69-51)
Hess is 0-3, 10.12 in his last four starts; over is 5-1 in his last six. Team in his starts: 2-9, 1-6 away
5-inning record: 3-6-2 Allowed run in 1st inning: 5-11

Carrasco is 5-1, 2.66 in his last seven starts; over is 6-2 in his last eight. Team in his starts: 14-8, 6-4 home.
5-inning record: 13-5-4 Allowed run in 1st inning: 6-22

Orioles lost six of their last seven games; they’re 5-14 in road series openers. Over is 6-2 in their last eight road games. Cleveland won its last five games; they’re 9-11 in home series openers. Three of their last four games went over.

Rays (62-59) @ Red Sox (86-36)
Rays are 7-11 when Stanek is the opener. He pitched Thursday in relief. Team in his starts: 7-11, 1-6 away
5-inning record: 8-8-2 Allowed run in 1st inning: 1-18

Johnson is 3-1, 3.86 in his eight starts (over 4-4). Team in his starts: 6-2, 3-1 home.
5-inning record: 6-1-1 Allowed run in 1st inning: 1-8

Rays won five of their last seven games; they’re 9-11 in road series openers- under is 10-3 in their last 13 games. Tampa Bay is 19-13 vs lefty starters. Boston won 11 of its last 13 games; they’re 14-4 in home series openers. Under is 9-2-1 in their last 12 home games.

Angels (62-61) @ Rangers (54-69)
Despaigne is making his first start for the Angels; he’s started 43 MLB games, last of which was March 31, when he allowed five runs in 5.1 IP (82 PT) against the Cubs. Angels in his starts: 0-0 away
5-inning record: 0-0-1 Allowed run in 1st inning: 0-1

Hutchison is 0-1, 8.64 in two starts (over 1-1). Team in his starts: 0-2, 0-1 home.
5-inning record: 0-2 Allowed run in 1st inning: 2-2

Angels won seven of their last ten games; over is 7-4 in their last 11 road games. Texas lost seven of its last 11 games; under is 3-1-1 in their last five games.

Tigers (50-72) @ Twins (57-63)
Boyd is 3-1, 2.49 in his last four starts; under is 5-1 in his last six. Team in his starts: 11-12, 3-8 away.
5-inning record: 7-13-3 Allowed run in 1st inning: 6-23

Gibson is 2-2, 3.81 in his last four starts (under 3-1). Team in his starts: 11-13, 5-6 home
5-inning record: 10-12-2 Allowed run in 1st inning: 7-24

Tigers are 3-10 in their last 13 games; under is 8-4-1 in their last 13 games. Minnesota won four of its last five games; under is 6-3 in their last nine games.

Royals (56-65) @ White Sox (44-76)
Junis is 1-1, 5.49 in his last four starts; under is 5-3 in his last eight. Team in his starts: 9-13, 5-4 away
5-inning record: 10-7-5 Allowed run in 1st inning: 8-22

Shields is 0-4, 5.52 in his last five starts; under is 14-6-1 in his last 21. Team in his starts: 8-17, 6-8 home.
5-inning record: 8-15-2 Allowed run in 1st inning: 9-25

Royals are 3-11 in their last 14 games, 5-14 in road series openers. Over is 7-1 in their last eight road games. White Sox are 2-8 in their last ten home games, 7-12 in home series openers. Over is 3-0-1 in their last four games.

Astros (74-47) @ A’s (72-49)
Morton is 1-1, 2.52 in his last four starts; under is 7-2 in his last nine. Team in his starts: 14-9, 5-4 away
5-inning record: 13-5-5 Allowed run in 1st inning: 4-23

Jackson is 3-0, 0.47 in his last three starts; under is 4-1 in his last five. Team in his starts: 7-2, 3-1 home.
5-inning record: 3-5-1 Allowed run in 1st inning: 2-9

Houston lost five of its last six games; they’re 16-3 in road series openers. Under is 7-2 in their last nine games. A’s are 12-2 in their last 14 games, 5-2 in last seven home series openers. Under is 9-2 in their last 11 games.

Interleague
Dodgers (65-57) @ Mariners (70-52)
Buehler is 1-1, 1.40 in his last three starts; under is 4-1 in his last five. Team in his starts: 8-6, 3-3 away
5-inning record: 8-5-1 Allowed run in 1st inning: 4-14

LeBlanc is 1-0, 2.38 in his last two starts; under is 5-1 in his last six. Team in his starts: 13-6, 9-1 home.
5-inning record: 12-5-2 Allowed run in 1st inning: 6-19

Dodgers lost five of their last six games; they’re 13-6 in road series openers. Under is 5-0-1 in their last six games. Seattle won five of its last seven games; they’re 13-6 in home series openers. Under is 5-1 in their last six games.

Umpires
NY-Phil: Under is 8-3-2 in Rehak games this year.
Chi-Pitt: Five of last six Torres games stayed under.
Col-Atl: Over is 5-3 in last eight Knight games.
Az-SD: Over is 7-3 in last ten Hoye games.

LA-Tex: Last four Bucknor games stayed under.
Det-Min: Under is 4-1-1 in last six Diaz games.

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MLB
Long Sheet

Friday, August 17

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NY METS (52 - 68) at PHILADELPHIA (67 - 54) - 6:05 PM
NOAH SYNDERGAARD (R) vs. AARON NOLA (R)
Top Trends for this game.
NY METS are 51-68 (-18.2 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
NY METS are 34-46 (-12.7 Units) against the money line in night games this season.
NY METS are 38-51 (-13.2 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.
NY METS are 29-37 (-9.2 Units) against the money line after a loss this season.
NY METS are 39-83 (-41.5 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.
PHILADELPHIA is 67-54 (+12.1 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
PHILADELPHIA is 22-17 (+13.0 Units) against the money line when the total is 7 or less over the last 3 seasons.
PHILADELPHIA is 40-20 (+16.8 Units) against the money line in home games this season.
PHILADELPHIA is 45-34 (+11.4 Units) against the money line in night games this season.
PHILADELPHIA is 52-41 (+9.8 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.
NOLA is 11-0 (+11.0 Units) against the money line in home games this season. (Team's Record)
NY METS are 14-11 (+9.9 Units) against the money line as a road underdog of +125 to +175 this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
NY METS is 6-4 (+2.8 Units) against PHILADELPHIA this season
7 of 10 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+4.0 Units)

NOAH SYNDERGAARD vs. PHILADELPHIA since 1997
SYNDERGAARD is 4-1 when starting against PHILADELPHIA with an ERA of 2.06 and a WHIP of 0.941.
His team's record is 5-2 (+2.3 units) in these starts. The OVER is 4-3. (+1.1 units)

AARON NOLA vs. NY METS since 1997
NOLA is 4-1 when starting against NY METS with an ERA of 3.71 and a WHIP of 1.324.
His team's record is 4-2 (+2.7 units) in these starts. The OVER is 2-4. (-2.3 units)

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MIAMI (48 - 75) at WASHINGTON (61 - 61) - 7:05 PM
DANIEL STRAILY (R) vs. MAX SCHERZER (R)
Top Trends for this game.
MIAMI is 18-43 (-20.7 Units) against the money line in road games against division opponents over the last 2 seasons.
STRAILY is 45-38 (+15.8 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
STRAILY is 25-15 (+14.0 Units) against the money line against division opponents over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
WASHINGTON is 61-61 (-22.0 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
WASHINGTON is 30-28 (-14.9 Units) against the money line in home games this season.
WASHINGTON is 38-37 (-9.2 Units) against the money line in night games this season.
WASHINGTON is 31-31 (-14.5 Units) against the money line after a win this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
WASHINGTON is 8-3 (+3.2 Units) against MIAMI this season
6 of 11 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+0.4 Units)

DANIEL STRAILY vs. WASHINGTON since 1997
STRAILY is 0-1 when starting against WASHINGTON with an ERA of 3.98 and a WHIP of 1.033.
His team's record is 3-4 (+0.9 units) in these starts. The OVER is 4-3. (+0.8 units)

MAX SCHERZER vs. MIAMI since 1997
SCHERZER is 10-3 when starting against MIAMI with an ERA of 3.25 and a WHIP of 1.039.
His team's record is 13-4 (+4.9 units) in these starts. The OVER is 10-6. (+3.6 units)

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CHICAGO CUBS (70 - 50) at PITTSBURGH (61 - 61) - 7:05 PM
COLE HAMELS (L) vs. TREVOR WILLIAMS (R)
Top Trends for this game.
CHICAGO CUBS are 1765-1812 (-266.1 Units) against the money line in all games since 1997.
CHICAGO CUBS are 286-328 (-65.4 Units) against the money line in August games since 1997.
CHICAGO CUBS are 1302-1350 (-208.6 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters since 1997.
CHICAGO CUBS are 37-33 (-10.5 Units) against the money line after a win this season.
PITTSBURGH is 28-20 (+9.5 Units) against the money line against division opponents this season.
PITTSBURGH is 656-583 (+64.6 Units) against the money line in home games in night games since 1997.
PITTSBURGH is 435-444 (+39.4 Units) against the money line in home games when playing against a team with a winning record since 1997.
CHICAGO CUBS are 71-32 (+23.7 Units) against the money line as a road favorite of -125 to -175 over the last 3 seasons.
HAMELS is 12-2 (+11.4 Units) against the money line when playing on Friday over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
HAMELS is 22-15 (+10.8 Units) against the money line in night games over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
PITTSBURGH is 28-39 (-11.8 Units) against the money line when the total is 8 to 8.5 this season.
PITTSBURGH is 100-131 (-36.7 Units) against the money line after a loss over the last 3 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
PITTSBURGH is 5-7 (+0.2 Units) against CHICAGO CUBS this season
7 of 12 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+1.8 Units)

COLE HAMELS vs. PITTSBURGH since 1997
HAMELS is 4-3 when starting against PITTSBURGH with an ERA of 2.72 and a WHIP of 1.018.
His team's record is 6-5 (-0.9 units) in these starts. The OVER is 5-6. (-1.1 units)

TREVOR WILLIAMS vs. CHICAGO CUBS since 1997
WILLIAMS is 1-2 when starting against CHICAGO CUBS with an ERA of 4.12 and a WHIP of 1.423.
His team's record is 1-3 (-1.2 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 3-1. (+1.9 units)

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SAN FRANCISCO (61 - 61) at CINCINNATI (52 - 69) - 7:10 PM
CASEY KELLY (R) vs. ANTHONY DESCLAFANI (R)
Top Trends for this game.
SAN FRANCISCO is 134-163 (-40.1 Units) against the money line in night games over the last 3 seasons.
SAN FRANCISCO is 44-59 (-25.4 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 2 seasons.
SAN FRANCISCO is 37-45 (-28.1 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record in the second half of the season over the last 3 seasons.
DESCLAFANI is 16-6 (+14.0 Units) against the money line after a loss over the last 3 seasons. (Team's Record)
SAN FRANCISCO is 61-61 (+7.6 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
SAN FRANCISCO is 37-35 (+5.0 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
SAN FRANCISCO is 2-1 (+0.6 Units) against CINCINNATI this season
2 of 2 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+2.0 Units)

CASEY KELLY vs. CINCINNATI since 1997
No recent starts.

ANTHONY DESCLAFANI vs. SAN FRANCISCO since 1997
DESCLAFANI is 1-1 when starting against SAN FRANCISCO with an ERA of 12.38 and a WHIP of 2.125.
His team's record is 1-1 (+0.2 units) in these starts. The OVER is 2-0. (+2.1 units)

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COLORADO (65 - 56) at ATLANTA (68 - 52) - 7:35 PM
KYLE FREELAND (L) vs. SEAN NEWCOMB (L)
Top Trends for this game.
COLORADO is 336-452 (-105.6 Units) against the money line on the road when the money line is +125 to -125 since 1997.
ATLANTA is 68-51 (+21.5 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
ATLANTA is 34-22 (+12.5 Units) against the money line when the total is 8 to 8.5 this season.
ATLANTA is 43-35 (+9.4 Units) against the money line in night games this season.
ATLANTA is 33-18 (+16.6 Units) against the money line after a loss this season.
ATLANTA is 35-27 (+15.3 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record this season.
COLORADO is 65-56 (+10.7 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
COLORADO is 34-29 (+14.2 Units) against the money line in road games this season.
COLORADO is 8-2 (+7.8 Units) against the money line in road games when playing on Friday this season.
COLORADO is 49-32 (+19.0 Units) against the money line in night games this season.
COLORADO is 54-39 (+21.0 Units) against the money line against left-handed starters over the last 2 seasons.
COLORADO is 39-25 (+17.8 Units) against the money line after a win this season.
COLORADO is 39-29 (+14.2 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record this season.
COLORADO is 25-14 (+14.9 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record in the second half of the season this season.
FREELAND is 15-9 (+7.9 Units) against the money line in all games this season. (Team's Record)
FREELAND is 15-10 (+9.8 Units) against the money line in road games over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
FREELAND is 11-5 (+7.3 Units) against the money line in night games this season. (Team's Record)
FREELAND is 22-11 (+12.7 Units) against the money line after a win over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)

Head-to-Head Series History
ATLANTA is 2-2 (+0.7 Units) against COLORADO this season
3 of 4 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+1.7 Units)

KYLE FREELAND vs. ATLANTA since 1997
FREELAND is 0-1 when starting against ATLANTA with an ERA of 5.00 and a WHIP of 1.444.
His team's record is 1-2 (-2.3 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 2-1. (+1.0 units)

SEAN NEWCOMB vs. COLORADO since 1997
NEWCOMB is 1-0 when starting against COLORADO with an ERA of 3.78 and a WHIP of 1.380.
His team's record is 2-1 (+2.0 units) in these starts. The OVER is 1-2. (-1.1 units)

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MILWAUKEE (68 - 55) at ST LOUIS (66 - 56) - 8:15 PM
FREDDY PERALTA (R) vs. JACK FLAHERTY (R)
Top Trends for this game.
ST LOUIS is 498-350 (+64.5 Units) against the money line in home games when playing against a team with a winning record since 1997.
ST LOUIS is 266-169 (+70.0 Units) against the money line in home games when playing against a team with a winning record in the second half of the season since 1997.
MILWAUKEE is 68-55 (+10.1 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
MILWAUKEE is 61-53 (+10.6 Units) against the money line when the total is 8 to 8.5 over the last 2 seasons.
MILWAUKEE is 74-70 (+15.4 Units) against the money line in road games over the last 2 seasons.
MILWAUKEE is 28-18 (+12.7 Units) against the money line when playing on Friday over the last 2 seasons.
MILWAUKEE is 50-24 (+26.9 Units) against the money line in night games this season.
MILWAUKEE is 53-38 (+14.6 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.
MILWAUKEE is 32-22 (+11.9 Units) against the money line after a loss this season.
MILWAUKEE is 33-29 (+5.1 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record this season.
MILWAUKEE is 31-22 (+16.5 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record in the second half of the season over the last 2 seasons.
ST LOUIS is 114-107 (-35.5 Units) against the money line in home games over the last 3 seasons.
ST LOUIS is 46-49 (-20.7 Units) against the money line in home games in night games over the last 2 seasons.
ST LOUIS is 53-52 (-17.2 Units) against the money line in home games against right-handed starters over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
MILWAUKEE is 7-6 (+1.2 Units) against ST LOUIS this season
7 of 13 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+0.7 Units)

FREDDY PERALTA vs. ST LOUIS since 1997
No recent starts.

JACK FLAHERTY vs. MILWAUKEE since 1997
FLAHERTY is 0-1 when starting against MILWAUKEE with an ERA of 3.18 and a WHIP of 1.000.
His team's record is 0-3 (-3.2 units) in these starts. The OVER is 0-3. (-3.3 units)

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ARIZONA (67 - 55) at SAN DIEGO (48 - 76) - 10:10 PM
ROBBIE RAY (L) vs. JOEY LUCCHESI (L)
Top Trends for this game.
ARIZONA is 161-127 (+18.6 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
ARIZONA is 35-26 (+10.3 Units) against the money line in road games this season.
ARIZONA is 14-7 (+9.0 Units) against the money line in road games against division opponents this season.
ARIZONA is 49-34 (+9.6 Units) against the money line in night games this season.
ARIZONA is 92-68 (+15.1 Units) against the money line after a win over the last 2 seasons.
ARIZONA is 38-22 (+11.2 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record this season.
SAN DIEGO is 48-76 (-14.9 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
SAN DIEGO is 21-40 (-19.0 Units) against the money line in home games this season.
SAN DIEGO is 14-31 (-16.9 Units) against the money line in home games in night games this season.
SAN DIEGO is 12-26 (-14.7 Units) against the money line in home games after a loss this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
ARIZONA is 8-3 (+3.4 Units) against SAN DIEGO this season
5 of 10 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=-0.5 Units, Under=-0.5 Units)

ROBBIE RAY vs. SAN DIEGO since 1997
RAY is 4-4 when starting against SAN DIEGO with an ERA of 4.26 and a WHIP of 1.210.
His team's record is 6-4 (+1.1 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 4-6. (-2.7 units)

JOEY LUCCHESI vs. ARIZONA since 1997
LUCCHESI is 0-3 when starting against ARIZONA with an ERA of 6.75 and a WHIP of 1.501.
His team's record is 0-3 (-3.0 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 2-1. (+1.0 units)

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TORONTO (55 - 66) at NY YANKEES (75 - 46) - 7:05 PM
MARCUS STROMAN (R) vs. LANCE LYNN (R)
Top Trends for this game.
TORONTO is 131-152 (-27.3 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
TORONTO is 78-96 (-22.3 Units) against the money line in night games over the last 2 seasons.
NY YANKEES are 43-15 (+18.0 Units) against the money line at home when the total is 8 to 8.5 over the last 2 seasons.
TORONTO is 41-37 (+9.6 Units) against the money line in road games after a loss over the last 2 seasons.
NY YANKEES are 20-28 (-19.1 Units) against the money line when playing on Friday over the last 2 seasons.
NY YANKEES are 27-26 (-15.7 Units) against the money line against division opponents this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
NY YANKEES is 9-4 (+3.6 Units) against TORONTO this season
9 of 13 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+4.4 Units)

MARCUS STROMAN vs. NY YANKEES since 1997
STROMAN is 6-5 when starting against NY YANKEES with an ERA of 3.87 and a WHIP of 1.207.
His team's record is 9-6 (+2.3 units) in these starts. The OVER is 7-7. (-0.7 units)

LANCE LYNN vs. TORONTO since 1997
LYNN is 0-2 when starting against TORONTO with an ERA of 7.20 and a WHIP of 2.200.
His team's record is 0-2 (-2.2 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 1-1. (-0.1 units)

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BALTIMORE (36 - 85) at CLEVELAND (69 - 51) - 7:10 PM
DAVID HESS (R) vs. CARLOS CARRASCO (R)
Top Trends for this game.
BALTIMORE is 36-85 (-41.6 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
BALTIMORE is 16-35 (-16.7 Units) against the money line when the total is 9 to 9.5 this season.
BALTIMORE is 15-45 (-23.2 Units) against the money line in road games this season.
BALTIMORE is 1-13 (-13.3 Units) against the money line when playing with a day off this season.
BALTIMORE is 21-56 (-30.7 Units) against the money line in night games this season.
BALTIMORE is 21-60 (-34.6 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.
BALTIMORE is 24-60 (-30.8 Units) against the money line after a loss this season.
BALTIMORE is 18-47 (-19.7 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record this season.
CLEVELAND is 75-32 (+30.5 Units) against the money line after 3 or more consecutive wins over the last 3 seasons.
CLEVELAND is 69-51 (-10.8 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
CLEVELAND is 18-18 (-11.5 Units) against the money line when the total is 9 to 9.5 this season.
CLEVELAND is 40-35 (-14.7 Units) against the money line in night games this season.
CLEVELAND is 51-38 (-9.9 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.
CLEVELAND is 38-30 (-9.4 Units) against the money line after a win this season.
CARRASCO is 39-42 (-21.9 Units) against the money line in home games since 1997. (Team's Record)
CARRASCO is 18-21 (-15.0 Units) against the money line in home games when playing against a team with a losing record since 1997. (Team's Record)

Head-to-Head Series History
CLEVELAND is 3-1 (+1.8 Units) against BALTIMORE this season
3 of 4 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+2.1 Units)

DAVID HESS vs. CLEVELAND since 1997
No recent starts.

CARLOS CARRASCO vs. BALTIMORE since 1997
CARRASCO is 3-2 when starting against BALTIMORE with an ERA of 2.59 and a WHIP of 1.085.
His team's record is 3-2 (+0.0 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 3-2. (+0.7 units)

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LA ANGELS (62 - 61) at TEXAS (54 - 69) - 8:05 PM
ODRISAMER DESPAIGNE (R) vs. DREW HUTCHISON (R)
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

Head-to-Head Series History
LA ANGELS is 5-2 (+2.3 Units) against TEXAS this season
4 of 7 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+0.8 Units)

ODRISAMER DESPAIGNE vs. TEXAS since 1997
No recent starts.

DREW HUTCHISON vs. LA ANGELS since 1997
HUTCHISON is 0-3 when starting against LA ANGELS with an ERA of 6.06 and a WHIP of 1.408.
His team's record is 0-3 (-3.5 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 2-1. (+0.9 units)

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DETROIT (50 - 72) at MINNESOTA (57 - 63) - 8:10 PM
MATT BOYD (L) vs. KYLE GIBSON (R)
Top Trends for this game.
DETROIT is 114-170 (-38.0 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
DETROIT is 48-93 (-30.4 Units) against the money line in road games over the last 2 seasons.
DETROIT is 6-27 (-18.8 Units) against the money line in road games in night games this season.
DETROIT is 12-33 (-15.9 Units) against the money line in road games against right-handed starters this season.
DETROIT is 28-51 (-18.0 Units) against the money line in road games when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 2 seasons.
MINNESOTA is 142-141 (+3.7 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
MINNESOTA is 44-38 (+9.6 Units) against the money line when the total is 8 to 8.5 over the last 2 seasons.
MINNESOTA is 28-16 (+13.6 Units) against the money line in August games over the last 2 seasons.
MINNESOTA is 92-82 (+12.4 Units) against the money line in night games over the last 2 seasons.
GIBSON is 28-20 (+12.7 Units) against the money line in night games over the last 3 seasons. (Team's Record)
GIBSON is 39-20 (+21.2 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record since 1997. (Team's Record)

Head-to-Head Series History
DETROIT is 5-5 (+0.9 Units) against MINNESOTA this season
8 of 10 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+5.7 Units)

MATT BOYD vs. MINNESOTA since 1997
BOYD is 6-3 when starting against MINNESOTA with an ERA of 3.79 and a WHIP of 1.072.
His team's record is 9-5 (+3.9 units) in these starts. The OVER is 6-6. (-0.3 units)

KYLE GIBSON vs. DETROIT since 1997
GIBSON is 7-8 when starting against DETROIT with an ERA of 5.22 and a WHIP of 1.470.
His team's record is 9-9 (+1.0 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 8-8. (-0.8 units)

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KANSAS CITY (37 - 84) at CHI WHITE SOX (44 - 76) - 8:10 PM
JAKE JUNIS (R) vs. JAMES SHIELDS (R)
Top Trends for this game.
KANSAS CITY is 37-84 (-31.5 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
KANSAS CITY is 18-48 (-27.2 Units) against the money line when the total is 9 to 9.5 this season.
KANSAS CITY is 22-53 (-22.7 Units) against the money line in night games this season.
KANSAS CITY is 23-58 (-27.1 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.
KANSAS CITY is 9-25 (-15.0 Units) against the money line after a win this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
CHI WHITE SOX is 8-5 (+3.1 Units) against KANSAS CITY this season
6 of 12 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+0.0 Units)

JAKE JUNIS vs. CHI WHITE SOX since 1997
JUNIS is 1-1 when starting against CHI WHITE SOX with an ERA of 7.94 and a WHIP of 1.499.
His team's record is 1-1 (-0.4 units) in these starts. The OVER is 1-0. (+1.2 units)

JAMES SHIELDS vs. KANSAS CITY since 1997
SHIELDS is 9-3 when starting against KANSAS CITY with an ERA of 4.15 and a WHIP of 1.194.
His team's record is 10-6 (+1.8 units) in these starts. The OVER is 8-7. (+0.9 units)

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HOUSTON (74 - 47) at OAKLAND (72 - 49) - 10:05 PM
CHARLIE MORTON (R) vs. EDWIN JACKSON (R)
Top Trends for this game.
HOUSTON is 17-23 (-19.5 Units) against the money line in August games over the last 2 seasons.
HOUSTON is 29-27 (-12.9 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record this season.
OAKLAND is 72-49 (+28.4 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
OAKLAND is 33-22 (+13.0 Units) against the money line when the total is 8 to 8.5 this season.
OAKLAND is 81-59 (+23.0 Units) against the money line in home games over the last 2 seasons.
OAKLAND is 42-33 (+13.0 Units) against the money line in night games this season.
OAKLAND is 47-30 (+20.8 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.
OAKLAND is 29-19 (+15.4 Units) against the money line after a loss this season.
JACKSON is 11-4 (+10.5 Units) against the money line after a loss over the last 3 seasons. (Team's Record)
HOUSTON is 47-19 (+18.9 Units) against the money line as a road favorite of -125 to -175 over the last 2 seasons.
HOUSTON is 41-18 (+17.1 Units) against the money line in road games this season.
HOUSTON is 24-5 (+17.5 Units) against the money line in road games against division opponents this season.
HOUSTON is 27-11 (+13.3 Units) against the money line in road games in night games this season.
HOUSTON is 133-67 (+28.5 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters over the last 2 seasons.
HOUSTON is 29-10 (+16.3 Units) against the money line in road games after a win this season.
OAKLAND is 16-34 (-17.2 Units) against the money line when playing with a day off over the last 3 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
HOUSTON is 9-4 (+1.1 Units) against OAKLAND this season
9 of 12 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+5.9 Units)

CHARLIE MORTON vs. OAKLAND since 1997
MORTON is 1-1 when starting against OAKLAND with an ERA of 4.96 and a WHIP of 1.347.
His team's record is 1-2 (-2.6 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 0-3. (-3.4 units)

EDWIN JACKSON vs. HOUSTON since 1997
JACKSON is 2-2 when starting against HOUSTON with an ERA of 4.28 and a WHIP of 1.150.
His team's record is 5-2 (+3.1 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 3-4. (-1.5 units)

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LA DODGERS (65 - 57) at SEATTLE (70 - 52) - 10:10 PM
WALKER BUEHLER (R) vs. WADE LEBLANC (L)
Top Trends for this game.
LA DODGERS are 65-57 (-24.4 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
LA DODGERS are 115-133 (-37.7 Units) against the money line in an inter-league game since 1997.
LA DODGERS are 47-39 (-12.1 Units) against the money line in night games this season.
SEATTLE is 70-52 (+13.1 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
SEATTLE is 36-27 (+6.5 Units) against the money line when the total is 8 to 8.5 this season.
SEATTLE is 18-9 (+9.0 Units) against the money line at home when the money line is +125 to -125 this season.
SEATTLE is 47-32 (+10.9 Units) against the money line in night games this season.
SEATTLE is 50-32 (+18.0 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.
LEBLANC is 13-6 (+7.9 Units) against the money line in all games this season. (Team's Record)
LEBLANC is 9-0 (+9.3 Units) against the money line at home when the money line is +125 to -125 over the last 3 seasons. (Team's Record)
LEBLANC is 9-1 (+8.0 Units) against the money line in home games this season. (Team's Record)
LEBLANC is 11-1 (+10.1 Units) against the money line at home when the total is 8 to 8.5 over the last 3 seasons. (Team's Record)
LEBLANC is 17-6 (+12.7 Units) against the money line in night games over the last 3 seasons. (Team's Record)
LEBLANC is 11-3 (+9.0 Units) against the money line after a win over the last 3 seasons. (Team's Record)
SEATTLE is 50-68 (-35.5 Units) against the money line in home games after shutting out their opponent since 1997.
SEATTLE is 467-443 (-94.9 Units) against the money line in home games after a win since 1997.

Head-to-Head Series History
There were no past matchups in this series during this time period.

WALKER BUEHLER vs. SEATTLE since 1997
No recent starts.

WADE LEBLANC vs. LA DODGERS since 1997
LEBLANC is 1-7 when starting against LA DODGERS with an ERA of 4.33 and a WHIP of 1.250.
His team's record is 1-8 (-5.6 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 5-3. (+1.8 units)
__________________

New York Mets vs. Philadelphia Phillies Preview and Predictions 08-17-2018 in MLB

One day after the offenses put on a show, the pitchers should take center stage when the New York Mets visit the Philadelphia Phillies on Friday night to continue a five-game series between National League East rivals. Hard-throwing Noah Syndergaard goes for New York and All-Star Aaron Nola brings an 8-0 home record to the mound for the Phillies after the teams combined for 43 runs in a doubleheader split Thursday.

Philadelphia gained ground in the NL East, pulling within 1 1/2 games of first-place Atlanta, pounding out 14 hits in a 9-6 victory in the second game Thursday after giving up 24 runs - a Mets franchise record - in the opener. Catcher Wilson Ramos recorded three hits in his second straight contest since returning from injury for the Phillies in the nightcap and boasts an eight-game hitting streak overall - the first six while with Tampa Bay before the trade deadline deal. New York received seven RBIs from Jose Bautista in the first game of the double dip and has scored 78 runs over the last nine games - going 6-3 in the process. The Mets are 42-19 at Citizens Bank Park since 2012, have won 19 of the last 25 series with the Phillies and took six of the first 10 against Philadelphia in 2018.

TV: 6:05 p.m. ET, MLB Network, SNY (New York), NBC 10 (Philadelphia)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Mets RH Noah Syndergaard (8-2, 3.22 ERA) vs. Phillies RH Aaron Nola (13-3, 2.28)

Syndergaard has won his last two starts after dropping his first of August, following a short stint on the disabled list due to illness. The 25-year-old Texan is 4-1 since July 13 with a 3.56 ERA and boasts 24 strikeouts to go along with six walks across 30 1/3 innings during that stretch. Ramos is 5-for-15 versus Syndergaard, who is 4-1 with a 2.06 ERA in seven career games against the Phillies after yielding two runs over four innings in a no-decision on April 4.

Nola has posted eight quality starts in his past nine outings, including the last three in which he allowed three runs over 20 innings combined. The 25-year-old LSU product beat San Diego on Saturday in his last outing with six scoreless innings, giving up four hits and three walks with five strikeouts. Amed Rosario is 3-for-9 with a double against Nola, who is 4-1 with a 3.71 ERA in six career starts versus the Mets - 2-0 with a 1.50 mark in three outings this season.

WALK-OFFS

1. Mets OF Brandon Nimmo, who is 10-for-14 in his last four games, will have an MRI on his left index finger Friday after leaving the first game Thursday.

2. Philadelphia LF Rhys Hoskins belted a three-run homer in the first inning of the second game Thursday and owns three blasts in his past four contests.

3. The Phillies (67-54) surpassed their win total from 2017 on Thursday and are 16-5 in the last 21 home games.

PREDICTION: Phillies 4, Mets 2
__________________

Miami Marlins vs. Washington Nationals Preview and Predictions 08-17-2018 in MLB

The Washington Nationals finished an otherwise dismal road trip with a much-needed win and will try to carry some momentum into the opener of a six-game homestand against the Miami Marlins on Friday. The Nationals were 1-5 to begin the trip - a stretch that included multiple bullpen meltdowns - before hanging on for a 5-4 win in a series finale at St. Louis on Thursday.

Bryce Harper went 3-for-5 with three RBIs for Washington and has driven in 23 run in 25 games since the All-Star break. Max Scherzer leads the National League in wins, ranks second in ERA and paces the majors with 227 strikeouts as he gets set to start the opener of the three-game series for the Nationals. Dan Straily gets the nod for the Marlins, who have lost five straight and 14 of their last 16. Washington won 13 of 14 meetings between the teams before losing three of the last five, including the final two in a four-game series at Miami at the end of July.

TV: 7:05 p.m. ET, FS Florida (Miami), MASN2 (Washington)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Marlins RH Dan Straily (4-5, 4.42 ERA) vs. Nationals RH Max Scherzer (15-5, 2.19)

Walks continue to be an issue for Straily, who issued nine free passes in 10 innings through his first two starts this month. He gave up five runs in 11 2/3 innings in two matchups with the Nationals in July. The 29-year-old, who has a 3.93 ERA in 10 road outings, has never won in seven career starts against Washington.

Scherzer is 2-0 with a 0.96 ERA over his last four starts while limiting opponents to 14 hits in 28 innings as he forges toward a potential third straight Cy Young Award. His last non-quality start was against the Marlins on July 7, when he allowed four runs in seven innings while picking up the win. Scherzer has won all three of his starts versus the Marlins this season and is 10-3 with a 3.25 ERA lifetime versus Miami.

WALK-OFFS

1. Marlins RHP Jose Urena was suspended six games for hitting Atlanta Braves rookie Ronald Acuna Jr. with a pitch Wednesday.

2. Nationals RHP Koda Glover threw a scoreless inning Thursday to notch his first save of the season.

3. Washington 3B Anthony Rendon is 6-for-14 with three walks and four runs scored during a four-game hitting streak.

PREDICTION: Nationals 6, Marlins 2
__________________

Chicago Cubs vs. Pittsburgh Pirates Preview and Predictions 08-17-2018 in MLB

The Chicago Cubs hoped to solidify the back end of their rotation by acquiring veteran left-hander Cole Hamels, but so far they've wound up adding an ace. The four-time All-Star will try to give the Cubs another strong outing in the second contest of their four-game series against the host Pittsburgh Pirates on Friday.

The Cubs hope Hamels can pick up where Jon Lester left off Thursday, when he combined with three relievers on a six-hit shutout in the series opener. Ian Happ's home run provided the only offense in a 1-0 win that lifted the Cubs 3 1/2 games ahead of idle Milwaukee in the National League Central. The Pirates have dropped four straight to slide 10 games behind the Cubs and 6 1/2 out in the race for the second wild card. Pittsburgh has totaled nine runs during its four-game skid.

TV: 7:05 p.m. ET, NBCS Chicago, AT&T SportsNet-Pittsburgh

PITCHING MATCHUP: Cubs LH Cole Hamels (7-9, 4.22 ERA) vs. Pirates RH Trevor Williams (10-8, 3.66)

Hamels has been outstanding in three starts with the Cubs, allowing three runs - two earned - over 18 innings. The 34-year-old was denied a third straight win last time out, but he registered nine strikeouts while limiting Washington to one run and one hit over seven frames. Hamels is 4-3 with a 2.72 ERA in 11 career starts against the Pirates, including a win in his Cubs debut.

Williams continued his dominant stretch by scattering five hits over seven scoreless frames in a win at San Francisco last time out. The 26-year-old has allowed two runs over 29 innings in his last five outings, including four scoreless appearances. Williams is 2-2 with a 4.01 ERA in six games (four starts) against the Cubs.

WALK-OFFS

1. The Cubs have won their last five one-run games.

2. Pirates 1B Josh Bell is 8-for-22 in his last seven home contests.

3. Cubs RH Yu Darvish, who has been sidelined since May 20 with right triceps tendinitis, will begin a rehab assignment on Sunday

PREDICTION: Cubs 5, Pirates 3
__________________

Toronto Blue Jays vs. New York Yankees Preview and Predictions 08-17-2018 in MLB

Whatever hopes the New York Yankees had of making a run for the American League East likely fell apart with a season-high, five-game slide at the start of the month. After posting only one three-game skid over the first four-plus months of the season, the Yankees attempt to avoid their second such losing streak in August on Friday when they wrap up the final leg of their 11-game homestand with the first of three against the Toronto Blue Jays.

New York (75-46) trailed Boston by five games to end July before getting swept by the Red Sox from Aug. 2-5, and while the Yankees bounced back by winning six of their next seven against last-place teams, they have dropped three of their last four to fall 10 1/2 games off the pace. Their most recent setback came in Thursday's 3-1 loss to Tampa Bay, which also shrunk New York's lead over idle Oakland to three games for the first wild-card slot in the AL. The Blue Jays are coming off a four-game series split at Kansas City and could be a bit weary after having a third straight contest delayed by Mother Nature, as the first pitch for Thursday's series finale was delayed over two hours. Toronto has dropped nine of its 13 meetings with New York this season, including three of four at Yankee Stadium.

TV: 7:05 p.m. ET, Sportsnet, TVA (Toronto), WPIX (New York)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Blue Jays RH Marcus Stroman (4-8, 5.03 ERA) vs. Yankees RH Lance Lynn (8-8, 4.46)

Stroman's last outing was cut short due to a blister after five innings in a no-decision against Tampa Bay on Sunday after he allowed one run on five hits. The 27-year-old yielded one unearned run five days earlier in another no-decision against Boston after getting tagged for a season-high seven earned runs at Oakland on Aug. 1. Stroman gave up a season-high eight runs (six earned) in a loss at New York on April 21 and is 0-1 with an 8.71 ERA in two starts against the Yankees this season.

Lynn made it through his most inefficient turn across three starts with the Yankees on Saturday in a no-decision versus Texas, permitting one run on five hits and three walks while throwing 99 pitches in five frames. The Ole Miss product is 1-0 with a 0.54 ERA and 22 strikeouts versus four walks across 16 2/3 innings during his brief stay with New York (7-8, 5.10 ERA before his July 30 trade from Minnesota). Lynn was pounded for six runs on seven hits and five walks over five frames in a loss to Toronto on April 30.

WALK-OFFS

1. The Yankees are 1-for-20 with runners in scoring position over their last two contests.

2. Toronto C Danny Jansen made his big-league debut during the Kansas City series, posting at least one hit in every game while going 4-for-10 with a home run and two RBIs.

3. New York failed to homer Thursday, ending a 14-game streak in which the team hit at least one at home.

PREDICTION: Yankees 5, Blue Jays 3
__________________

San Francisco Giants vs. Cincinnati Reds Preview and Predictions 08-17-2018 in MLB

The San Francisco Giants are trying to stay alive in the National League West and wild-card races as they resume their 10-game road trip with the first of three at the Cincinnati Reds on Friday night. San Francisco started the trek by taking two of thee at the Los Angeles Dodgers and now faces a pair of also-ran opponents in the Reds and Mets.

The Giants were denied a sweep of the Dodgers after dropping a 4-3 decision in 12 innings, but showed plenty of moxie by coming from behind in the eighth inning or later in all three games. "It shows that we just don't quit, that we have to finish," said right fielder Andrew McCutchen, who swatted a three-run homer in the eighth inning of Wednesday's loss. "Regardless of what the score is, regardless of what inning it is, at any given moment we can come alive and score some runs." Cincinnati has been outscored 31-9 during a four-game slide -- all at home -- and its starting pitcher has failed to provide more than 1 2/3 innings in the last two setbacks. Anthony DeSclafani will look to reverse that trend despite taking a 1-1 record and a 12.38 ERA in two starts versus the Giants into Friday's matchup.

TV: 7:10 p.m. ET, NBCS Bay Area (San Francisco), FS Ohio (Cincinnati)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Giants RH Dereck Rodríguez (6-1, 2.25 ERA) vs. Reds RH Anthony DeSclafani (6-3, 4.46)

Rodriguez pitched seven innings for the third straight outing, picking up the win by holding Pittsburgh to one run on two hits Sunday. The 26-year-old rookie has notched eight consecutive quality starts and has been spectacular since the All-Star break, permitting five runs and 16 hits spanning 33 1/3 innings over five outings. Rodriguez is 2-1 with a 2.78 ERA in six road appearances (five starts).

Following a rocky stretch during a three-start winless streak in which he failed to pitch beyond 4 1/3 innings, DeSclafani has turned in his best back-to-back outings of the season. He beat Washington with seven innings of one-run ball Aug. 4 and dominated Arizona last time out with seven scoreless innings of three-hit ball. Brandon Belt is 3-for-3 with a homer and double off DeSclafani.

WALK-OFFS

1. McCutchen has hit 19 homers in 76 games at Great American Ball Park.

2. Reds 3B Eugenio Suarez is in a 1-for-13 rut and struck out in all five at-bats Wednesday.

3. Giants 1B/C Buster Posey was 1-for-13 against the Dodgers but is a career .303 hitter versus the Reds.

PREDICTION: Giants 4, Reds 2
__________________

Baltimore Orioles vs. Cleveland Indians Preview and Predictions 08-17-2018 in MLB

Cleveland Indians right-hander CarClos Carrasco is starting to flash the form from a year ago, when he tied for the major-league lead with 18 wins. Carrasco looks to keep his hot stretch going for the surging Indians, who vie for their sixth straight victory in the opener of a three-game series against the visiting Baltimore Orioles on Friday night.

Carrasco is 6-1 with a 2.00 ERA in eight appearances since coming off the disabled list and already owns a victory over the Orioles this season, pitching 7 1/3 innings of one-run ball April 23. Cleveland started its six-game road trip with a 1-0 loss to the White Sox before scoring 34 runs during their winning streak, capped by a three-game sweep in Cincinnati. Jose Ramirez had his three-game home run streak snapped Wednesday but is 6-for-15 with three blasts this season versus the majors-worst Orioles, who are a staggering 49 1/2 games behind Boston in the American League East. Jonathan Villar had a two-run homer in Wednesday's 16-5 loss for Baltimore, which also owns the league's worst road record at 15-45.

TV: 7:10 p.m. ET, MASN (Baltimore), SportsTime Ohio (Cleveland)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Orioles RH David Hess (2-6, 6.25 ERA) vs. Indians RH Carlos Carrasco (14-6, 3.50)

Hess is getting a chance to show he deserves to stay in the rotation, making his third start since he was relegated to the bullpen for two appearances. The 25-year-old is coming off a decent outing in a no-decision at Tampa Bay, giving up three runs and four hits over 5 2/3 innings. It marked the first time in his last six starts that Hess has not surrendered at least five runs.

Carrasco rebounded from a home loss to Minnesota by dominating the Chicago White Sox last time out, striking out nine while allowing an unearned run and three hits over seven innings. It marked the fifth straight quality start for the 31-year-old Venezuelan, who has struck out at least eight in each of those outings. Carrasco's home ERA (4.91) is more than two runs higher than on the road (2.55).

WALK-OFFS

1. Orioles CF Adam Jones cleared waivers, potentially paving the way for a trade.

2. Indians OF Melky Cabrera is 8-for-16 with two homers and eight RBIs during a four-game hitting streak.

3. Villar has hit safely in four straight games.

PREDICTION: Indians 7, Orioles 2
__________________

Tampa Bay Rays vs. Boston Red Sox Preview and Predictions 08-17-2018 in MLB

The Tampa Bay Rays took two of three from the Yankees in New York to start the week and continue their difficult road trip with the first of three against the major league-best Boston Red Sox on Friday. The Rays scored twice in the first inning on Thursday and escaped a bases-loaded, none-out jam in the ninth for a 3-1 victory to win a series at Yankee Stadium for the first time since 2014.

Mallex Smith has gone 5-for-10 in his last two games to raise his batting average to .299 while Joey Wendle is 12-for-33 with eight RBIs in his last nine contests and 8-for-19 against the Red Sox this year. The Rays (62-59) will use the bullpen in the series opener and Boston sends Brian Johnson to the mound as it looks to improve on a 9-4 record versus Tampa Bay in 2018. Boston (86-36) enjoyed a day off Thursday after going 7-2 on a road trip and hold a 10 1/2-game lead over the second-place Yankees in the American League East. Mookie Betts is riding a 10-game hitting streak and batting .449 in August for the Red Sox while teammate Brock Holt has hit safely in seven straight contests, going 10-for-25 with six RBIs in that span.

TV: 7:10 p.m. ET, FS Sun (Tampa Bay), NESN (Boston)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Rays RH Ryne Stanek (1-3, 2.42 ERA) vs. Red Sox LH Brian Johnson (3-3, 3.95)

Stanek was scheduled to make the start Friday but threw 18 pitches to get two outs in Thursday's victory, so the hard-throwing 27-year-old may work only an inning or get replaced in the opening role. The native of Kansas is 0-2 with a 2.51 ERA while making 19 starts this year, striking out 40 and walking 12 across 28 2/3 innings. Brett Gardner is 2-for-4 versus Stanek, who has permitted one hit in 1 1/3 frames against the Red Sox in 2018.

Johnson is slated to make his ninth start of the season after pitching one scoreless inning of relief Sunday against Baltimore. The 27-year-old Floridian gave up 10 runs - nine earned - and 12 hits (five homers) with 17 strikeouts over 12 innings in his first two starts of August to win both. Johnson yielded seven runs and 12 hits across 4 2/3 frames in three relief appearances against Tampa Bay earlier in the season.

WALK-OFFS

1. The Red Sox are expected to activate 2B Ian Kinsler on Friday after the veteran missed two weeks with a hamstring injury

2. Tampa Bay OF Tommy Pham went 2-for-3 with an RBI in Thursday's win after returning from a foot injury that forced him to miss two weeks.

3. Boston SS Xander Bogaerts is 17-for-45 with a pair of homers and 12 RBIs against the Rays this season.

PREDICTION: Rays 7, Red Sox 5
__________________

Colorado Rockies vs. Atlanta Braves Preview and Predictions 08-17-2018 in MLB

With no team distinguishing themselves in the National League West, the Colorado Rockies are making a charge at the top spot in the division due in large part to their recent ability to pull off late-game theatrics. The Rockies set their sights on their sixth victory in seven outings Friday when they play the second of four contests in Atlanta against the Braves.

Colorado (65-56) rebounded from one of their worst losses of the season Wednesday by pulling off yet another last-minute rally in Thursday's 5-3 triumph over the Braves (68-52), moving ahead of the idle Los Angeles Dodgers and into second place in the West. The Rockies have mastered the art of snatching victory from the jaws of defeat over the last week, winning in walk-off fashion twice while taking three of four from the Los Angeles Dodgers last week before scoring three in the ninth Thursday. NL East-leading Atlanta saw a pair of notable streaks come to a halt with its loss in the opener, as the Braves were denied in their quest to win six in a row for the first time this season. While Atlanta maintained its 1 1/2-game edge on Philadelphia in the East, Ronald Acuna Jr. failed in his attempt to become the first player in club history to homer in six straight contests despite extending his hitting streak to nine games.

TV: 7:35 p.m. ET, AT&T SportsNet (Colorado), FS South (Atlanta)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Rockies LH Kyle Freeland (10-7, 3.02 ERA) vs. Braves LH Sean Newcomb (10-5, 3.40)

Freeland turned in one of the more dominant outings of his career in a no-decision Saturday versus the Dodgers, yielding two runs while striking out a personal-best 10 across seven innings. The Denver native tossed seven scoreless frames against Pittsburgh five days earlier and has allowed three runs or fewer in 10 of his last 11 turns. Nick Markakis is 5-for-9 with two solo homers versus Freeland, who gave up three runs over six innings in an April 8 loss to Atlanta.

Newcomb was fortunate to escape with a no-decision Sunday versus Milwaukee after surrendering five runs on a career-high 12 hits and two walks on 96 pitches over four innings. The poor outing ended a two-game stretch in which the 25-year-old permitted a total of two runs on six hits while fanning 14 across his previous 14 2/3 frames. Newcomb outdueled Freeland to get the victory in early April in Colorado, working six scoreless innings while tying a career high with nine strikeouts.

WALK-OFFS

1. Rockies INF Ryan McMahon has delivered the game-tying or game-winning hit in three of his club's last five victories.

2. Atlanta RHP Brad Brach on Thursday gave up his first three runs - all unearned - in eight appearances since his late-July trade from Baltimore.

3. Colorado improved to 3-45 when trailing after eight innings, although two of the three victories have come over the last six days.

PREDICTION: Braves 5, Rockies 2
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Los Angeles Angels vs. Texas Rangers Preview and Predictions 08-17-2018 in MLB

The Texas Rangers sure can swing the bats and look to build off a three-homer performance when they host the Los Angeles Angels on Friday for the second contest of their four-game set. Texas posted an 8-6 victory in the series opener for its 12th win in 19 games and has scored eight or more runs on eight occasions during the stretch.

Joey Gallo, Jurickson Profar and Nomar Mazara homered on Thursday, with the latter's blast coming after he was activated from the 10-day disabled list prior to the game after missing more than a month with a sprained right thumb. Adrian Beltre (hamstring) missed his second straight game and told reporters the plan is to wait a few more days before it is decided whether or not he goes on the DL. The Angels lost for just the third time in 10 games despite scoring at least six runs for the seventh time in that span. Kole Calhoun went 3-for-4 with a homer for his second three-hit effort in four games and is a stellar 14-for-34 with three homers, eight RBIs and 12 runs scored over his last nine games.

TV: 8:05 p.m. ET, FS West (Los Angeles), FS Southwest (Texas)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Angels RH Odrisamer Despaigne (2-0, 5.31 ERA) vs. Rangers RH Drew Hutchison (1-2, 6.07)

Despaigne will be recalled from Triple-A Salt Lake to make his Angels debut after being acquired from Miami on Tuesday. The 31-year-old Cuban, who will become the 14th different starter used by Los Angeles this season, will be limited to 75-80 pitches as only one of his 11 appearances for the Marlins came as a starter. "He's got a good arm," Los Angeles manager Mike Scioscia told reporters. "He definitely has good movement. He has a good cutter, breaking ball, change. Good movement on his fastball. He kind of pitches off of that."

Hutchison is being moved up a day to start as Mike Minor was scratched late Thursday night due to back stiffness. The 27-year-old Hutchison, who turns 28 on Wednesday, is making his third start for Texas after going 0-1 with a 9.72 ERA in the other two, serving up three homers and issuing seven walks in just 8 1/3 innings. Hutchison has lost all three career starts against the Angels while compiling a 6.06 ERA.

WALK-OFFS

1. The Angels had no updates to offer per the status of star CF Mike Trout, who is away from the team after the death of brother-in-law Aaron Cox on Wednesday.

2. Texas optioned OF Willie Calhoun to Triple-A Round Rock to clear a roster spot for Mazara.

3. Los Angeles recalled Ty Buttrey, who pitched a scoreless inning on Thursday, from Triple-A Salt Lake and placed fellow RHP Hansel Robles (shoulder) on the 10-day disabled list.

PREDICTION: Rangers 7, Angels 6
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Detroit Tigers vs. Minnesota Twins Preview and Predictions 08-17-2018 in MLB

Logan Forsythe has been superb since joining Minnesota and he looks to keep his torrid hitting going when the Twins host the Detroit Tigers on Friday for the second contest of their four-game series. Forsythe recorded a career-best five hits in Thursday's 15-8 win over Detroit and is 22-for-49 in 14 contests with Minnesota.

Forsythe was acquired in the deal that sent fellow second baseman Brian Dozier to the Los Angeles Dodgers on July 31 and has registered seven multi-hit performances in 13 starts with his new team. "I had an approach working tonight, I found some holes, and sometimes you get lucky," Forsythe said in a postgame television interview. "I'm super excited. I love this game, I love coming out here and competing and trying to win a ballgame. It's just nice to get out there and do it every day." While Forsythe helped the Twins win their third straight game, Detroit has allowed 27 runs while losing three in a row. Nicholas Castellanos went 2-for-4 with a homer on Thursday and is 9-for-17 with two blasts, three doubles and nine RBIs over his last four games.

TV: 8:10 p.m. ET, FS Detroit, FS North (Minnesota)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Tigers LH Matthew Boyd (7-10, 4.20 ERA) vs. Twins RH Kyle Gibson (6-9, 3.49)

Boyd defeated the Twins on Sunday, when he gave up one run and two hits over six innings in Detroit. The 27-year-old is 1-1 with a 3.00 ERA in three turns against Minnesota this season and 6-3 with a 3.79 ERA in 14 career outings. Boyd has won three of his last four overall starts following a five-game losing streak.

Gibson beat the Tigers on Saturday as he allowed one run and seven hits in seven innings. The 30-year-old is 1-1 with a 2.77 ERA in two turns against Detroit this year and stands 7-8 with a shaky 5.22 ERA in 18 career outings. Gibson is just 2-5 with a 4.04 ERA in 11 home starts this season.

WALK-OFFS

1. Twins SS Jorge Polanco was 2-for-4 with a homer and four RBIs in the opener and is 6-for-16 with seven RBIs during a modest four-game hitting streak.

2. Detroit SS Jose Iglesias (thumb) sat out the opener and could miss the entire series.

3. Minnesota LHP Adalberto Mejia was diagnosed with nerve irritation in his throwing wrist on Thursday and doctors haven't yet decided whether or not he will return this season.

PREDICTION: Twins 9, Tigers 6
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Kansas City Royals vs. Chicago White Sox Preview and Predictions 08-17-2018 in MLB

The Chicago White Sox aim for their third consecutive victory when they host the Kansas City Royals on Friday for the opener of the three-game series between the American League Central bottom-feeders. Chicago, which sits 7 1/2 games ahead of last-place Kansas City, posted back-to-back wins at Detroit after three straight contests and six of seven.

Yolmer Sanchez, Jose Abreu and Matt Davidson recorded three hits apiece for the White Sox in Wednesday's 6-5 triumph, with the latter two each belting a two-run homer. Sanchez is riding a five-game hitting streak during which he has gone 9-for-23 while Abreu went 5-for-12 with six RBIs in the three-game set versus the Tigers. Kansas City is beginning a seven-game road trip after posting a 6-2 victory over Toronto on Thursday to earn a split of their four-game series. Rosell Herrera went 3-for-4 with an RBI for the Royals, who have lost four straight on the road but took two of three in Chicago from July 31-Aug. 2.

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

PITCHING MATCHUP: Royals RH Jakob Junis (6-11, 4.82 ERA) vs. White Sox RH James Shields (4-14, 4.41)

Junis has been superb in his last two starts but has nothing to show for his efforts as he came away with a pair of no-decisions despite allowing two runs and eight hits over 11 innings. The 25-year-old native of Illinois registered eight strikeouts in each outing and issued a total of two walks as his unbeaten streak reached a season-high three turns. Junis has made both of his career starts against the White Sox this season, losing at home on April 26 before ending a string of eight straight defeats on Aug. 1 at Chicago despite giving up four runs on six hits and three walks in 5 2/3 frames.

Shields lost his fourth consecutive decision on Saturday, when he allowed three runs and seven hits - two homers - in seven innings against Cleveland. The 36-year-old Californian, who posted a combined 27-17 record while with the Royals in 2013 and 2014, will be facing his former team for the fourth time this year. Shields has posted two of his four wins on the season against Kansas City and is 9-3 lifetime versus the club with one complete game - a shutout - and a 4.15 ERA in 16 starts.

WALK-OFFS

1. Abreu needs four home runs and 27 RBIs to join Joe DiMaggio and Albert Pujols as the only players to begin their major-league careers with five straight seasons of at least 25 blasts and 100 RBIs, while Davidson is 16-for-40 with eight homers and 14 RBIs versus the Royals this season.

2. Kansas City made a minor trade Thursday, sending RHP prospect Kelvin Gonzalez to Texas for international slot money.

3. Chicago optioned OF Ryan LaMarre, who batted .273 with a homer and two RBIs in nine games during two stints with the club after being claimed off waivers from Minnesota on July 9, to Triple-A Charlotte.

PREDICTION: White Sox 6, Royals 1
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Milwaukee Brewers vs. St. Louis Cardinals Preview and Predictions 08-17-2018 in MLB

Both the Milwaukee Brewers and St. Louis Cardinals lost ground in the National League Central race Thursday and will try to bounce back when they begin a three-game series at Busch Stadium on Friday. The idle Brewers dropped 3 1/2 games behind the first-place Chicago Cubs while the Cardinals fell 5-4 to Washington on Thursday to sink five games back.

The loss snapped St. Louis' eight-game winning streak and it was the club's first setback at home since July 31. Milwaukee hopes to have slugger Ryan Braun - who homered twice in Tuesday's 7-0 win at Chicago - back in the lineup after he was pulled from Wednesday's loss to the Cubs due to rib cage tightness. He has a hit in three career at-bats against Jack Flaherty, who starts the series opener for the Cardinals opposite rookie Freddy Peralta. The Brewers are 2-3 thus far on their eight-game road trip but still hold down one of the two NL wild-card spots, 1 1/2 games up on St. Louis.

TV: 8:15 p.m. ET, FS Wisconsin, Dish455 (Milwaukee), FS Midwest (St. Louis)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Brewers RH Freddy Peralta (5-3, 4.47 ERA) vs. Cardinals RH Jack Flaherty (6-6, 3.22)

Peralta has given up seven runs in two of his last four starts and did so in just three innings in an ugly outing at Atlanta last Friday. He walked five batters in that outing and has 33 in his first 56 1/3 innings. The 22-year-old is facing the Cardinals for the first time and has a 5.17 ERA on the road.

Flaherty is 2-0 with a 1.38 ERA in August while limiting two opponents to six hits in 13 innings. He struck out 13 batters - tying a career high - while allowing only a solo homer in seven frames in a no-decision versus the Brewers on June 22. Jesus Aguilar has a home run and a single in five at-bats versus Flaherty, who is winless despite a 3.18 ERA in three career starts against Milwaukee.

WALK-OFFS

1. Cardinals CF Harrison Bader is 5-for-7 with a home run and a double over his last two games and has scored at least one run in eight consecutive contests.

2. Brewers 3B Mike Moustakas is 8-for-20 with four RBIs during a five-game hitting streak.

3. St. Louis 1B Matt Carpenter has reached base in 33 straight games, although he is hitless in his last three contests while drawing four walks.

PREDICTION: Cardinals 6, Brewers 4
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