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

National League
Mets (52-69) @ Phillies (68-54)
deGrom is 2-1, 2.18 in his last three starts; under is 6-2 in his last eight. Team in his starts: 10-14, 5-5 away
5-inning record: 12-5-7 Allowed run in 1st inning: 3-24

Arrieta is 2-1, 3.12 in his last four starts; over is 4-1 in his last five starts. Team in his starts: 12-11, 7-4 home
5-inning record: 11-7-4 Allowed run in 1st inning: 7-23

Mets won six of their last ten games; over is 4-2 in their last six games. Phillies are 5-6 in their last 11 games; over is 5-2 in their last seven home games.

Marlins (48-76) @ Nationals (62-61)
Chen is 2-2, 4.76 in his last four starts; under is 5-2-1 in his last eight starts. Team in his starts: 8-11, 2-6 away
5-inning record: 9-10 Allowed run in 1st inning: 4-19

Milone is 1-1, 5.24 in four starts (over 3-1). Team in his starts: 2-2, 1-1 home
5-inning record: 1-2-1 Allowed run in 1st inning: 2-4

Marlins lost nine of their last 10 games; over is 5-2 in their last seven road games. Washington is 4-7 in its last 11 games; over is 4-1 in their last five games.

Cubs (71-50) @ Pirates (61-62)
Chatwood is starting for first time since July 26; he is 1-0, 7.62 in his last five starts, all of which went over the total. Team in his starts: 11-8, 3-4 road
5-inning record: 9-8-2 Allowed run in 1st inning: 6-19

Musgrove is 0-3, 3.15 is his last three starts; Pirates scored 3 runs in those games. Team in his starts: 5-8, 3-5 home
5-inning record: 5-7-1 Allowed run in 1st inning: 3-13

Cubs are 9-4 in their last 13 games; under is 7-2-1 in their last ten road games. Pittsburgh lost six of its last seven games, losing 1-0 last two nights; under is 5-1 in their last six games.

Giants (61-62) @ Reds (53-69)
Bumgarner is 1-2, 2.08 in his last four starts; under is 3-1-1 in his last five. Team in his starts: 6-7, 2-4 away
5-inning record: 7-4-2 Allowed run in 1st inning: 0-13

Harvey is 0-2, 7.78 in his last four starts; under is 2-0-1 in his last three. Team in his starts: 9-7, 5-2 home
5-inning record: 8-6-2 Allowed run in 1st inning: 7-16

Giants won three of their last five games; under is 5-0-1 in their last six games. Cincinnati lost four of its last five games; three of their last five games went over.

Brewers (68-56) @ Cardinals (67-56)
Miley is 1-0, 2.48 in his last five starts; over is 4-2 in his last six. Team in his starts: 5-3, 4-1 away.
5-inning record: 3-4-1 Allowed run in 1st inning: 1-7

Mikolas is 2-0, 3.33 in his last four starts (under 3-1). Team in his starts: 17-7, 8-4 home
5-inning record: 12-9-3 Allowed run in 1st inning: 4-24

Brewers are 2-6 in their last eight games; over is 8-3 in their last 11 games. St Louis won nine of its last ten games; over is 11-6 in their last 17 home games.

Rockies (66-56) @ Braves (68-53)
Senzatela is 0-2, 7.79 in three road starts; under is 4-1 in his five starts overall. Team in his starts: 2-3, 0-3 away
5-inning record: 2-3 Allowed run in 1st inning: 3-5

Foltynewicz is 3-0, 2.75 in his last three starts; under is 3-1 in his last four. Team in his starts: 12-11, 6-5 home
5-inning record: 10-7-6 Allowed run in 1st inning: 4-23

Rockies won six of their last seven games; five of their last seven games stayed under. Atlanta won eight of its last 12 games; over is 3-1 in their last four games.

Diamondbacks (69-55) @ Padres (48-77)
Godley is 2-0, 1.71 in his last three starts; over is 3-1-1 in his last three road starts. Team in his starts: 15-9, 8-4 away.
5-inning record: 13-10-1 Allowed run in 1st inning: 7-24

Richard is 0-2, 7.62 in his last five starts; over is 5-1 in his last six. Team in his starts: 11-14, 4-7 home
5-inning record: 6-17-2 Allowed run in 1st inning: 7-25

Arizona is 7-3 in its last ten road games; they’re 24-19 vs lefty starters- under is 7-2-2 in their last 11 games. Padres lost six of their last seven games; over is 9-5 in their last 14 games.

American League
Blue Jays (55-67) @ New York (76-46)
Reid-Foley allowed three runs in five IP (97 PT) in his first MLB start (under 1-0). Team in his starts: 0-1, 0-1 away
5-inning record: 0-1 Allowed run in 1st inning: 0-1

Severino is 1-4, 8.31 in his last five starts; over is 7-1 in his last eight. Team in his starts: 19-6, 9-1 home.
5-inning record: 16-6-3 Allowed run in 1st inning: 8-25

Blue Jays are 4-8 in their last 12 games; under is 5-3 in their last eight games. New York lost three of its last five games; under is 5-2 in their last seven games.

Orioles (36-86) @ Indians (70-51)
Cobb is 1-1, 1.80 in his last three starts; under is 5-1 in his last six. Team in his starts: 4-18, 4-11 away
5-inning record: 5-14-3 Allowed run in 1st inning: 6-22

Plutko is making his first start since June 30; he is 1-2, 5.51 in his last three starts (over 3-3) Team in his starts: 4-2, 3-0 home.
5-inning record: 5-1 Allowed run in 1st inning: 2-6

Orioles lost seven of their last eight games; over is 7-2 in their last nine road games. Cleveland won its last six games; three of their last five games went over.

Rays (62-60) @ Red Sox (87-36)
Glasnow is 0-0, 2.25 in his three Tampa starts; his PT increased from 48-61-79 pitches. Under is 2-1 in his Rays starts. Team in his starts: 2-1, 0-1 away
5-inning record: 2-1 Allowed run in 1st inning: 0-3

Price is 3-0, 1.59 in his last six starts; under is 3-0-1 in his last four. Team in his starts: 17-6, 8-2 home.
5-inning record: 11-6-6 Allowed run in 1st inning: 6-23

Rays won five of their last eight games; under is 10-4 in their last 14 games. Tampa Bay is 19-14 vs lefty starters. Boston won 12 of its last 14 games; under is 9-3-1 in their last 13 home games.

Angels (62-62) @ Rangers (55-69)
Heaney is 1-1, 4.79 in his last four starts; over is 4-2 in his last six. Team in his starts: 11-11, 3-8 away
5-inning record: 7-10-5 Allowed run in 1st inning: 5-22

Perez is 0-1, 5.87 in his last four starts (under 3-1). Team in his starts: 3-8, 2-4 home.
5-inning record: 5-5-1 Allowed run in 1st inning: 5-11

Angels won seven of their last 11 games; over is 7-5 in their last 12 road games. Texas won four of its last five home games; under is 4-1-1 in their last six games.

Tigers (50-73) @ Twins (58-63)
Carpenter is making his first start since May 31; he is 0-2, 7.50 in three starts (under 2-1). Team in his starts: 1-2, 0-0 away.
5-inning record: 1-2 Allowed run in 1st inning: 1-3

Stewart allowed three runs in 3.1 IP (79 PT) in his first MLB start Sunday, also vs Detroit. Under 1-0. Team in his starts: 0-1, 0-0 home
5-inning record: 0-1 Allowed run in 1st inning: 0-1

Tigers are 3-11 in their last 14 games; under is 8-5-1 in their last 14 games. Minnesota won five of its last six games; under is 6-4 in their last ten games.

Royals (37-85) @ White Sox (45-76)
Keeler is 3-1, 3.94 in his last five starts; his last three road starts went over. Team in his starts: 5-8, 4-3 away
5-inning record: 5-5-3 Allowed run in 1st inning: 4-13

Covey is 0-4, 11.50 in his last four starts; over is 7-2 in his last nine. Team in his starts: 5-11, 3-5 home.
5-inning record: 3-10-3 Allowed run in 1st inning: 3-16

Royals are 3-14 in their last 17 games; over is 8-1 in their last nine road games. White Sox are 3-8 in their last 11 home games; over is 4-0-1 in their last five games.

Astros (74-48) @ A’s (73-49)
Keuchel is 1-1, 3.24 in his last four starts; under is 6-2 in his last eight. Team in his starts: 14-11, 9-4 away (won last 6 road starts)
5-inning record: 10-12-3 Allowed run in 1st inning: 7-25

Cahill is 3-0, 4.57 in his last four starts; A’s won his last six starts. Under is 5-3-1 in his last nine. Team in his starts: 7-2, 3-1 home.
5-inning record: 7-4-3 Allowed run in 1st inning: 5-14

Houston lost six of its last seven games; under is 8-2 in their last ten games. A’s are 13-2 in their last 15 games; under is 10-2 in their last 12 games.

Interleague
Dodgers (66-57) @ Mariners (70-53)
Hill is 3-0, 2.38 in his last five starts (over 10-6). Team in his starts: 8-8, 5-4 away
5-inning record: 5-8-3 Allowed run in 1st inning: 4-16

Ramirez is 0-2, 6.75 in three starts (over 2-1). Team in his starts: 1-2, 0-0 home.
5-inning record: 1-2 Allowed run in 1st inning: 1-3

Dodgers lost five of their last seven games; under is 5-1-1 in their last seven games. Seattle won five of its last eight games; under is 5-2 in their last seven games. Mariners are 20-20 vs lefty starters.

Umpires
NY-Phil: Under is 5-3-1 in last nine Davis games.
Mia-Wsh: Over is 10-2 in last dozen TBarrett games.
SF-Cin: Under is 11-2-2 in last fifteen Bellino games.
Chi-Pitt: Over is 8-5 in last thirteen Nauert games.
Col-Atl: Under is 5-1-1 in last seven West games.
Mil-StL: Under is 9-2-2 in last thirteen Blaser games.
Az-SD: Under is 10-3 in last thirteen Cooper games.

Tor-NY: Six of last seven Rackley games went over.
TB-Bos: Over is 5-2-2 in last nine Wegner games.
Balt-Clev: Under is 10-5-1 in last sixteen Lentz games.
LA-Tex: Underdogs are 8-4 in last dozen Culbreth games.
KC-Chi: Three of last four TGibson games stayed under.
Det-Min: Under is 15-2-1 in last eighteen Nelson games.
Hst-A’s: Over is 13-2 in last fifteen Wolf games.

LA-Sea: Last four Hudson games went over the total.

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Toronto Blue Jays vs. New York Yankees Preview and Predictions 08-18-2018 in MLB

MLB Previews 18th August 2018 by Gracenote
Blue Jays vs. Yankees Preview and Predictions

by Gracenote on 08/18/2018

The New York Yankees need to see a strong performance out of struggling ace Luis Severino when they continue a three-game series against the visiting Toronto Blue Jays on Saturday. Severino is coming off his shortest outing of the year - a four-inning stint against the New York Mets on Monday - and has seen his ERA rise from 1.98 at the beginning of July to 3.27.

He will hope for some of the run support the Yankees provided in a rain-shortened 7-5 win to open the series Friday night. Giancarlo Stanton homered for the sixth time in 11 games and Neil Walker slugged a three-run shot as New York improved to 8-4 since its ugly four-game sweep at Fenway Park earlier this month. The Yankees also moved to 10-4 against the Blue Jays to clinch the season series for the first time since 2014. Toronto blew a 4-0 lead in Friday's seven-inning affair and will turn to rookie right-hander Sean Reid-Foley on Saturday.

TV: 1:05 p.m. ET, MLB Network, Sportsnet (Toronto), TVA (Toronto), YES (New York)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Blue Jays RH Sean Reid-Foley (0-1, 5.40 ERA) vs. Yankees RH Luis Severino (15-6, 3.27)

Reid-Foley allowed three runs and six hits with three walks and three strikeouts over five innings in his major-league debut Monday at Kansas City. A second-round pick in the 2014 draft, he was 12-4 with a 2.98 ERA in 23 starts in the minors this year. He fanned 94 batters while allowing 68 hits across 82 1/3 innings at Triple-A Buffalo.

Severino has just one quality start in his last seven turns and owns a 7.50 ERA in that span. The rocky stretch began when he gave up three runs in five innings but picked up the win at Toronto on July 7. The 24-year-old has a 4.25 ERA in 10 career matchups (nine starts) with the Blue Jays and has been victimized by first baseman Justin Smoak, who is 7-for-18 with two homers and a double against Severino.

WALK-OFFS

1. Yankees All-Star RF Aaron Judge (wrist) played catch Friday but was unable to take dry swings due to some soreness, manager Aaron Boone told reporters.

2. Blue Jays C Luke Maile was placed on the paternity list and OF Billy McKinney, who was traded from New York to Toronto in the J.A. Happ deal last month, was brought up from Triple-A Buffalo.

3. The Yankees will have a pregame ceremony to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the 1998 team that won 114 games in the regular season before winning the World Series over San Diego.

PREDICTION: Yankees 7, Blue Jays 4
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Baltimore Orioles vs. Cleveland Indians Preview and Predictions 08-18-2018 in MLB

MLB Previews 17th August 2018 by Gracenote
Orioles vs. Indians Preview and Predictions

by Gracenote on 08/17/2018

Jose Ramirez boosted his home run and RBI totals in each of his six seasons and has already established career highs in both categories with 41 games remaining on the season. Ramirez and the red-hot Indians will go for their seventh consecutive victory when they host the major league-worst Baltimore Orioles on Saturday afternoon.

Ramirez swatted a two-run homer that proved to be the difference in Friday's 2-1 victory, giving him four in the last five games and a share of the major-league lead with 37. Michael Brantley reached base three times in the series opener and is 10-for-22 with eight runs scored during the six-game hitting streak. While Cleveland has won eight of nine to move a season-high 19 games above .500, the Orioles have dropped seven of eight to fall a staggering 50 games below .500. Trey Mancini account for Baltimore's lone run with an RBI single and has hit safely in nine of the last 10 games.

TV: 4:05 p.m. ET, Fox Sports 1, MASN (Baltimore), STO (Cleveland)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Orioles RH Alex Cobb (3-15, 5.31 ERA) vs. Indians RH Adam Plutko (4-2, 4.75)

Cobb absorbed his major league-leading 15th loss despite a strong effort versus Boston on Sunday, matching his season high with seven strikeouts and giving up two runs (one earned) on six hits over seven innings. It marked the third consecutive start in which he allowed just one earned run. Ramirez is 2-for-5 off Cobb, who is 3-2 with a 3.64 ERA in five career starts against Cleveland.

Plutko, who will be recalled from Triple-A Columbus to take the rotation spot of the injured Trevor Bauer, has made nine appearances and six starts for Cleveland this season. The 26-year-old made 14 starts at Columbus, posting a 7-3 mark with a 1.70 ERA, and has not allowed an earned run in half of his last 10 appearances. Plutko has won all three of his starts at Progressive Field.

WALK-OFFS

1. Ramírez owns 13 homers and 34 RBIs in the first inning, both major-league highs.

2. Orioles CF Adam Jones was placed on the bereavement list Friday.

3. Indians 3B-DH Yandy Diaz is 12-for-24 in eight games this season.

PREDICTION: Indians 3, Orioles 2
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New York Mets vs. Philadelphia Phillies Preview and Predictions 08-18-2018 in MLB

MLB Previews 18th August 2018 by Gracenote
Mets vs. Phillies Preview and Predictions

by Gracenote on 08/18/2018

The Philadelphia Phillies look to clinch just the seventh series victory over the New York Mets in 26 tries and continue their strong play at home when the National League rivals meet for the fourth of a five-game set Saturday afternoon. The Phillies gave up 24 runs in the series opener before taking the last two contests, including Friday's 4-2 victory behind All-Star pitcher Aaron Nola that pulled them within one-half game of first-place Atlanta in the NL East.

Cesar Hernandez has led the way the last two contests for Philadelphia while going 4-for-8 with four runs scored and the Phillies seek a 16th victory in their last 20 games at home. Former Cy Young Award winner Jake Arrieta will get the call for Philadelphia on Saturday and the Mets will counter with ace Jacob deGrom, who has not given up a run in two appearances versus the Phillies this year. New York has cooled off with two straight losses after going 6-2 over the previous eight contests and went 1-for-7 with runners in scoring position while its pitchers permitted five stolen bases Friday. Todd Frazier owns 11 RBIs in his last 11 outings and Austin Jackson is a robust 9-for-20 with three doubles and a triple during a four-game hitting streak for the Mets.

TV: 4:05 p.m. ET, WPIX (New York), NBCS Philadelphia

PITCHING MATCHUP: Mets RH Jacob deGrom (7-7, 1.81 ERA) vs. Phillies RH Jake Arrieta (9-7, 3.33)

DeGrom finally received strong run support in his last two starts and responded with a pair of victories, allowing two earned runs over 12 2/3 innings combined. The 30-year-old Florida native needs five strikeouts to reach 200 for the third time in his five big-league seasons and leads the majors with a 1.81 ERA - including nine scoreless frames against the Phillies. Justin Bour is 8-for-21 with two homers versus deGrom, who is 6-1 with a 2.45 ERA in 13 career games against Philadelphia.

Arrieta saw his seven-game unbeaten streak come to an end last Sunday at San Diego, when he permitted five runs and eight hits over five innings. The 32-year-old TCU product registered five quality starts during the unbeaten streak, including eight scoreless frames at Arizona on Aug. 6, and has limited opponents to a .228 batting average overall at home. Jackson is 4-for-6 and Frazier owns two homers against Arrieta, who is 2-2 with a 1.99 ERA in eight career starts versus the Mets.

WALK-OFFS

1. The MRI on New York OF Brandon Nimmo's left hand came back clean Friday, but he sat out the last two games after going 10-for-14 in his previous four.

2. Philadelphia C Wilson Ramos was rested Friday, but is likely to be back in the lineup Saturday after going 6-for-9 in his first two games with the team.

3. Mets OF Michael Conforto went 0-for-4 on Friday, but boasts 11 homers and 33 RBIs - both personal highs against any team - in 40 career games against the Phillies.

PREDICTION: Phillies 2, Mets 1
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Houston Astros vs. Oakland Athletics Preview and Predictions 08-18-2018 in MLB

MLB Previews 18th August 2018 by Gracenote
Astros vs. Athletics Preview and Predictions

by Gracenote on 08/18/2018

The Oakland Athletics have been charging toward the top of the American League West and could grab a share of the spot when they host the Houston Astros on Saturday for the middle contest of their three-game set. Oakland posted a dramatic 10-inning victory in the series opener to improve to 12-3 in its last 15 contests and climb within one game of first-place Houston.

Pinch-runner Ramon Laureano was ruled safe by video review on Nick Martini's one-out double in the ninth inning to forge a 3-3 tie and Matt Olson led off the 10th with his 23rd home run as the Athletics recorded their major league-leading 11th triumph when trailing after seven frames this season. Alex Bregman and Martin Maldonado belted solo homers for the Astros, who began their nine-game road trip with their sixth loss in seven overall contests. Bregman's blast was his first in 16 games and gave him at least one hit in nine of his last 10. The 24-year-old is tied with Evan Gattis for the team lead in homers with a career-high 23 and tops the club with 75 RBIs - also a personal best.

TV: 4:05 p.m. ET, AT&T SportsNet Southwest (Houston), NBCS California (Oakland)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Astros LH Dallas Keuchel (9-9, 3.43 ERA) vs. Athletics RH Trevor Cahill (4-2, 3.39)

Keuchel has settled for no-decisions in his last two starts despite giving up just one earned run in each outing. The 30-year-old native of Oklahoma has lost just once since June 5, registering six victories in 12 turns in that span. Keuchel has split a pair of starts against Oakland this season and is 6-5 with one complete game and a 2.78 ERA in 20 career meetings (18 starts).

Cahill is unbeaten since falling in Boston on May 16, recording three victories and six no-decisions in nine outings. The 30-year-old Californian is 3-0 in seven turns at home, where he has posted a 0.99 ERA against a 6.62 mark on the road. Cahill is 1-1 with a 5.82 ERA in four career appearances (three starts) versus Houston, with the loss and a no-decision taking place this season.

WALK-OFFS

1. Athletics 3B Matt Chapman is riding a 14-game hitting streak and has hit safely in 19 of his last 20 contests.

2. Houston OF George Springer (thumb) was activated from the 10-day disabled list on Friday and went 1-for-5

3. Oakland 2B Jed Lowrie has registered multi-hit performances in four of his last five games.

PREDICTION: Astros 5, Athletics 3
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Chicago Cubs vs. Pittsburgh Pirates Preview and Predictions 08-18-2018 in MLB

MLB Previews 18th August 2018 by Gracenote
Cubs vs. Pirates Preview and Predictions

by Gracenote on 08/18/2018

Two teams going in opposite directions meet Saturday night when the National League Central-leading Chicago Cubs visit the slumping Pittsburgh Pirates for the third of a four-game set. The Cubs notched a second straight 1-0 triumph in the series Friday night for a seventh victory in 10 contests, extending their lead in the division to 4 1/2 games over the Milwaukee Brewers, while Pittsburgh lost its fifth straight.

Kyle Schwarber launched his 21st homer of the season for the only run Friday and Chicago matched a major league record with seven double plays, including one to end the game with a pair of runners on base. Tyler Chatwood will try to spin another pitching gem for the Cubs in the series when he takes to mound Saturday against snake-bit righty Joe Musgrove of the Pirates. Pittsburgh put together an 11-game winning streak that straddled the All-Star break to put itself in the playoff race, but has lost 13 of the last 21 contests to fall 11 games out in the division and 6 1/2 back of the second NL wild card. Starling Marte had two of the Pirates' seven hits in Friday's setback and has hit safely in four straight.

TV: 7:05 p.m. ET, WGN (Chicago), AT&T SportsNet Pittsburgh

PITCHING MATCHUP: Cubs RH Tyler Chatwood (4-5, 5.06 ERA) vs. Pirates RH Joe Musgrove (4-7, 3.49)

Chatwood will be summoned from the bullpen corps to replace scheduled starter Mike Montgomery, who went on the disabled list Friday with left shoulder inflammation. The 28-year-old Californian makes his 20th start of the season after permitting four runs on seven hits and five walks in 5 2/3 innings across three relief appearances in August. Marte has a homer against Chatwood, who gave up five runs in six innings versus the Pirates this year.

Musgrove has recorded four straight quality starts, allowing just seven earned runs over 27 innings, but is just 1-3 during that stretch. The 25-year-old California native was beaten by Colorado (2-0) and the New York Mets (1-0) before yielding four runs (three earned) over six innings last Sunday in a loss at San Francisco. Jason Heyward is 2-for-5 against Musgrove, who held the Cubs to one run on seven hits over seven innings in a win May 30.

WALK-OFFS

1. Pittsburgh C Francisco Cervelli was hitless in one at-bat Friday, but is 11-for-29 with three homers and 10 RBIs against the Cubs in 2018.

2. Chicago 2B-OF Ben Zobrist had a hit Friday and is 26-for-67 since the All-Star break to raise his overall batting average to .307.

3. Pirates LHP Felipe Vazquez has converted 16 straight save opportunities overall and registered 4 1/3 scoreless innings this month.

PREDICTION: Pirates 5, Cubs 4
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Miami Marlins vs. Washington Nationals Preview and Predictions 08-18-2018 in MLB

MLB Previews 18th August 2018 by Gracenote
Marlins vs. Nationals Preview and Predictions

by Gracenote on 08/18/2018

Bryce Harper continues to rake for the Washington Nationals, who seek a third straight victory when they play the second of a three-game series with the visiting Miami Marlins on Saturday. The All-Star outfielder had three hits and two RBIs in an 8-2 win to begin the series as the Nationals moved back over .500 (62-61) and pulled within seven games of first-place Atlanta in the National League East.

Harper is 8-for-13 with five RBIs over his last three contests and has driven in 25 runs in 26 games since the All-Star break. Daniel Murphy has hit safely in 10 straight games for Washington while teammate Anthony Rendon is 8-for-16 with three walks and five runs scored during a five-game hitting streak. They get a crack at lefty Wei-Yin Chen in Saturday's matchup while journeyman Tommy Milone makes his fifth start of the season for the hosts. Miami has lost six in a row overall, is 2-15 over a 17-game span and has dropped 17 of its last 20 against the Nationals dating to last season.

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

PITCHING MATCHUP: Marlins LH Wei-Yin Chen (4-9, 5.32 ERA) vs. Nationals LH Tommy Milone (1-1, 5.24)

Chen has allowed two earned runs on five hits in 11 2/3 innings through his first two August starts. He was rocked for seven runs in 4 1/3 frames in an 18-4 loss at Washington on July 7. The 33-year-old from Taiwan is a 0-3 with a woeful 9.88 ERA in three career starts at Nationals Park.

Milone gave the Nationals some solid innings in his first two starts after joining the club last month but he's been hit hard in his last two turns. He first gave up seven runs over six innings against Atlanta before working around 10 hits while allowing two runs in 4 1/3 at St. Louis. He opened his season with Washington by limiting the Marlins to three runs in five frames and has a 5.19 ERA lifetime versus Miami.

WALK-OFFS

1. The Nationals placed RHP Jeremy Hellickson (wrist) on the 10-day disabled list.

2. Marlins LF Austin Dean homered Friday in his second career game.

3. Washington RHP Greg Holland has five scoreless innings out of the bullpen after posting a 7.92 ERA in 32 appearances with St. Louis.

PREDICTION: Nationals 6, Marlins 4
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Tampa Bay Rays vs. Boston Red Sox Preview and Predictions 08-18-2018 in MLB

MLB Previews 17th August 2018 by Gracenote
Rays vs. Red Sox Preview and Predictions

by Gracenote on 08/17/2018

The Boston Red Sox are dominating in all areas, but their play at home has been particularly outstanding of late. The best team in the major leagues will try to extend their exceptional run at Fenway Park when they play the second of three straight against the Tampa Bay Rays on Saturday.

After falling behind 3-0 in the top of the first inning Friday night, Boston rallied for a 7-3 triumph to improve to 19-3 at home since June 23, which includes five straight victories. Each of the first five Red Sox batters scored a run in the win and Xander Bogaerts finished with three hits and two RBIs as the club maintained a 10 1/2-game lead over the New York Yankees in the American League East. Boston lefty David Price has controlled matters against his former team and will try to stay hot when he gets the start Saturday against Tyler Glasnow. Joey Wendle's two-run double in the first was the highlight Friday for the Rays, who are 2-5 at Fenway this year.

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

PITCHING MATCHUP: Rays RH Tyler Glasnow (1-2, 3.97 ERA) vs. Red Sox LH David Price (12-6, 3.75)

Glasnow has a 2.25 ERA and 20 strikeouts in 12 innings since being traded to the Rays before the deadline. He's allowed just six hits in that stretch, including two in five innings at Toronto his last time out. The 24-year-old will be facing the Red Sox for the first time.

Price is 2-0 with a 1.03 ERA over his last four starts and struck out 10 batters in six scoreless his last time out at Baltimore. He owns five straight quality starts at home and is 5-2 with a 3.28 ERA at Fenway Park on the year. The Vanderbilt product is 1-1 with a 2.10 ERA over four starts against the Rays this season.

WALK-OFFS

1. The Red Sox activated 2B Ian Kinsler (hamstring) from the 10-day disabled list and placed 3B Rafael Devers (hamstring) on the DL.

2. Rays CF Mallex Smith is 7-for-14 over the last three games.

3. With a victory either Saturday or Sunday the Red Sox would improve to 10-0-3 in their last 13 series, which would be the team's longest run of unbeaten sets since 1972 (10-0-6).

PREDICTION: Red Sox 5, Rays 3
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San Francisco Giants vs. Cincinnati Reds Preview and Predictions 08-18-2018 in MLB

MLB Previews 17th August 2018 by Gracenote
Giants vs. Reds Preview and Predictions

by Gracenote on 08/17/2018

Madison Bumgarner has produced a pair of 18-win seasons and was named World Series MVP in 2014, but the San Francisco Giants are having trouble picking up victories with the ace left-hander on the mound since the start of 2017. The Giants are 10-20 in Bumgarner's last 30 starts entering Saturday's matchup against the host Cincinnati Reds.

San Francisco lost its second straight one-run decision in extra innings Friday, falling 2-1 in the series opener to drop back below .500. Andrew McCutchen collected three hits and drove in the lone run with an RBI single for the Giants, who are 2-2 on their 10-game road trip. The Reds had allowed 31 runs during a four-game slide but finally received a well-pitched game that was rewarded when rookie Phillip Ervin belted a walk-off home run in the 11th inning. Right-hander Matt Harvey, who is winless in four starts since the All-Star break, will oppose Bumgarner in the middle contest of the three-game set.

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

PITCHING MATCHUP: Giants LH Madison Bumgarner (4-4, 2.71 ERA) vs. Reds RH Matt Harvey (5-7, 5.19)

Bumgarner settled for a second straight no-decision despite another solid performance at the Los Angeles Dodgers on Monday, giving up two runs over six innings. The 29-year-old is 1-1 over his last four starts despite permitting just five earned runs over 26 innings. Bumgarner is 3-4 with a 3.83 ERA in eight career starts against the Reds and 2-1 with a 3.79 ERA at Great American Ball Park.

Harvey is coming off his longest outing of the season in a no-decision against Arizona, striking out seven and allowing two runs on five hits over seven innings. He continues to have issues with the long ball, surrendering at least one home run in four consecutive starts and seven total in that span. Buster Posey is 5-for-8 with a homer and McCutchen 5-for-11 with a homer against Harvey.

WALK-OFFS

1. Ervin is the fifth Reds rookie to ever hit a walk-off home run in extra innings.

2. The Giants will activate RHP Hunter Strickland, who has been on the 60-day disabled list with a fractured right pinkie finger.

3. Reds 1B Joey Votto (leg) was placed on the 10-day disabled list Friday.

PREDICTION: Giants 4, Reds 1
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Colorado Rockies vs. Atlanta Braves Preview and Predictions 08-18-2018 in MLB

MLB Previews 18th August 2018 by Gracenote
Rockies vs. Braves Preview and Predictions

by Gracenote on 08/18/2018

The Colorado Rockies have been one of the hottest teams in the majors for almost two months and are close to taking over first place in the National League West as they visit the Atlanta Braves on Saturday night. The Rockies have won six of their last seven and are 28-14 since June 28 after pounding out 16 hits in an 11-5 victory over the Braves on Friday to remain 1 1/2 games behind NL West leader Arizona.

DJ LeMahieu had three hits Friday to improve to 9-for-24 during his five-game hitting streak for Colorado and has punished Atlanta's scheduled Saturday starter Mike Foltynewicz in his career, going 11-for-15 against the right-hander. Antonio Senzatela returns from the disabled list to make the start for the Rockies as Colorado tries to clinch a fourth straight series victory over the Braves. Atlanta lost for the second straight day, following a run of five straight victories, to see its lead in the NL East shrink to one-half game over Philadelphia after allowing 16 runs in the first two matchups of the series. Rookie phenom Ronald Acuna Jr. reached base in the Braves' first at-bat of the contest for the eighth straight outing and extended his hitting streak to 10 games, in which he has 18 hits - eight of them homers.

TV: 7:10 p.m. ET, AT&T SportsNet Rocky Mountain (Colorado), FS South (Atlanta)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Rockies RH Antonio Senzatela (4-3, 4.56 ERA) vs. Braves RH Mike Foltynewicz (10-7, 2.86)

Senzatela (shoulder) is expected to be activated and make his sixth start of the season after opening his campaign in the bullpen. The 23-year-old Venezuelan permitted one run in each of his last two starts, earning one victory while yielding 10 hits and six walks over 11 2/3 innings combined. Senzatela, who is 1-3 on the road as opposed to 3-0 at home in 2018, did not allow a hit in two scoreless innings of relief last year against Atlanta.

Foltynewicz has strung together three straight wins, allowing six runs (four earned) across 19 2/3 innings combined with 19 strikeouts and six walks. The 26-year-old Illinois native limited Miami to one run and five hits over eight innings Monday to match his career-best win total. Carlos Gonzalez is also 3-for-10 with a homer versus Foltynewicz, who is 0-4 with a 5.14 ERA in seven career appearances (five starts) against the Rockies.

WALK-OFFS

1. Acuna needs one homer and one stolen base to become the first Atlanta rookie with 20 blasts and 10 thefts since David Justice in 1990.

2. Colorado SS Trevor Story had three hits Friday and is 25-for-63 with nine homers and 21 RBIs in 19 career games versus Atlanta.

3. Braves RH Nick Markakis had an RBI single in the ninth inning Friday to snap an 0-for-14 slump and also launched a sacrifice fly in the first.

PREDICTION: Braves 6, Rockies 2
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Kansas City Royals vs. Chicago White Sox Preview and Predictions 08-18-2018 in MLB

MLB Previews 18th August 2018 by Gracenote
Royals vs. White Sox Preview and Predictions

by Gracenote on 08/18/2018

The Chicago White Sox seek their second four-game winning streak of the month when they host the Kansas City Royals on Saturday for the middle contest of their three-game series. Chicago, which won four straight from Aug. 2-5 - a string that began versus Kansas City, overcame an early three-run deficit Friday to post a 9-3 victory.

Jose Abreu and Nicky Delmonico belted three-run homers during a seven-run seventh inning while Tim Anderson finished a blast shy of the cycle and scored three times for the White Sox, who lost two of three from July 31-Aug. 2 during the Royals' last visit to the Windy City. Delmonico finished with a career-high five RBIs after registering 11 in his first 57 games this year while Abreu moved within three homers and 24 RBIs of joining Joe DiMaggio and Albert Pujols as the only players to record at least 25 blasts and 100 RBIs in each of their first five major-league seasons. Whit Merrifield went 2-for-2 with an RBI and Alcides Escobar also notched two of the six hits registered by Kansas City, which has lost five straight on the road. Merrifield enters Saturday with a six-game hitting streak during which he has recorded three multi-hit performances.

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

PITCHING MATCHUP: Royals RH Brad Keller (5-5, 3.40 ERA) vs. White Sox RH Dylan Covey (4-9, 6.06)

Keller is coming off his third win in four decisions, a triumph over Toronto on Monday in which he allowed one run and four hits over seven innings. The 23-year-old rookie from Georgia, who joined the rotation on May 30, has worked at least six frames in four of his last five outings and given up only three homers in his 13 turns. Keller has made two starts and three relief appearances against Chicago, going 0-1 while yielding eight runs on 15 hits and seven walks over 12 innings.

Covey has lost eight of his last nine decisions and each of his last four starts, surrendering 23 runs and 28 hits over 18 innings during the losing streak. The 27-year-old Californian, who will be making his fourth straight start at home, has seen his ERA spike from 4.95 to 6.06 over those four setbacks. Covey has yet to defeat Kansas City in his brief career, going 0-5 with a 6.34 ERA in six starts - including an 0-2 record and 6.97 mark in two turns this season.

WALK-OFFS

1. The White Sox activated OF Leury Garcia (hamstring), who went 1-for-3 and scored a run in the series opener, from the 10-day disabled list.

2. Kansas City C Salvador Perez drove in a run Friday, giving him 60 RBIs for the sixth consecutive season.

3. Chicago C Welington Castillo, who is eligible to return from his 80-game suspension on Thursday, went 1-for-4 in the opener of his rehab assignment with Triple-A Charlotte on Friday.

PREDICTION: Royals 8, White Sox 3
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Detroit Tigers vs. Minnesota Twins Preview and Predictions 08-18-2018 in MLB

MLB Previews 18th August 2018 by Gracenote
Tigers vs. Twins Preview and Predictions

by Gracenote on 08/18/2018

The Minnesota Twins have belted six homers while winning the first two games of the series and look to inflict further damage on Saturday, when they host the Detroit Tigers for the third contest of their four-game set. The Twins launched three blasts in the series-opening 15-8 victory and three more in Friday's 5-4 triumph.

Joe Mauer came off the bench to hit the decisive three-run shot on Friday, his first homer since July 13 and the second pinch-hit blast of his career. Eddie Rosario and Tyler Austin also went deep for Minnesota, which has scored 31 runs during its four-game winning streak. Detroit has allowed 32 runs during its four-game slide and dropped to 18-43 on the road, the second-worst mark in the majors. Victor Martinez went 3-for-3 with a walk on Friday and is 4-for-5 with two RBIs, two doubles and two walks in the series.

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

PITCHING MATCHUP: Tigers LH Ryan Carpenter (0-1, 6.39 ERA) vs. Twins RH Kohl Stewart (0-1, 6.23)

Carpenter was promoted from Triple-A Toledo on Friday and will make his fifth major-league appearance and fourth start - all of which have taken place this season. The 28-year-old has served up four homers in 12 2/3 innings for the Tigers while allowing opponents to bat .315. Carpenter's most-recent start for Detroit came on May 31, when he allowed one run and five hits over four frames in a no-decision against the Los Angeles Angels.

Stewart lost to the Tigers in his major-league debut on Sunday, when he gave up three runs and eight hits over 4 1/3 innings. The 23-year-old, who was the fourth overall pick of the 2013 draft, stated after the outing that he would throw more off-speed pitches in his next turn. Stewart was just 3-7 with a 4.47 ERA in 21 appearances (19 starts) while splitting time between Double-A Chattanooga and Triple-A Rochester prior to his recall.

WALK-OFFS

1. Austin, who recently was acquired from the New York Yankees, is 4-for-16 with two homers, four RBIs and seven strikeouts in five games with the Twins.

2. Detroit placed LHP Blaine Hardy (elbow) on the 10-day disabled list and filled the roster spot by recalling Carpenter.

3. Minnesota 2B Logan Forsythe was hitless in four at-bats on Friday after going 22-for-49 in his first 14 games with the club.

PREDICTION: Twins 11, Tigers 6
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Milwaukee Brewers vs. St. Louis Cardinals Preview and Predictions 08-18-2018 in MLB

MLB Previews 18th August 2018 by Gracenote
Brewers vs. Cardinals Preview and Predictions

by Gracenote on 08/18/2018

It remains to be seen if St. Louis Cardinals interim manager Mike Shildt will be leading the team next season, but he's making a strong case for the permanent job. St. Louis continues its three-game series against the visiting Milwaukee Brewers on Saturday after moving closer in the race for the second National League wild-card spot with Friday's 5-2 victory.

Kolten Wong and Marcell Ozuna each recorded two RBIs while Jedd Gyorko belted his 10th home run on Friday as the Cardinals won for the ninth time in 10 contests and pulled within one-half game of the Brewers for the second wild-card spot. Bud Norris recorded his 24th save in 28 opportunities for the Cardinals, who improved to 20-10 since Shildt replaced Mike Matheny on July 15. Milwaukee has lost three of four to fall 4 1/2 games behind the first-place Chicago Cubs in the NL Central but hopes to have Manny Pina available Saturday after the catcher missed the series opener with a sore left shoulder. Ryan Braun, who is batting .365 with four homers and 12 RBIs over his last 18 games, was held out of the starting lineup Friday due to rib cage tightness but struck out as a pinch hitter in the ninth inning.

TV: 7:15 p.m. ET, Fox Sports 1

PITCHING MATCHUP: Brewers LH Wade Miley (2-1, 2.23 ERA) vs. Cardinals RH Miles Mikolas (12-3, 2.85)

Miley turned in another solid outing last Saturday, allowing two runs over six frames in a no-decision against Atlanta. "He's a guy pitching with some confidence. He's comfortable," Milwaukee manager Craig Counsell told reporters. "His cutter has been a big pitch for him and his strike-throwing is improving as he gets starts under his belt. There's a lot of good signs there." Matt Carpenter has recorded six hits in 13 at-bats against Miley, who is 2-2 with a 4.85 ERA in five career starts versus St. Louis.

Mikolas tossed seven innings for the third straight start, allowing four runs and four hits in a no-decision against Washington on Monday. The 29-year-old Floridian served up multiple home runs in a game for first time since his season-opening start at Milwaukee on April 2. Mikolas is 2-0 with a 4.82 ERA and 15-to-2 strikeout-to-walk ratio in three starts versus the Brewers this season.

WALK-OFFS

1. The Brewers have gone 10-5 over their last 15 games at Busch Stadium.

2. St. Louis can record its seventh straight series win with a victory on Saturday.

3. Milwaukee OF Eric Thames left Friday's game in the third inning with right knee soreness and is listed as day-to-day.

PREDICTION: Cardinals 6, Brewers 4
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Los Angeles Angels vs. Texas Rangers Preview and Predictions 08-18-2018 in MLB

MLB Previews 18th August 2018 by Gracenote
Angels vs. Rangers Preview and Predictions

by Gracenote on 08/18/2018

The Texas Rangers have posted a pair of two-run victories to start the series and look for another win on Saturday, when they host the Los Angeles Angels for the third contest of their four-game set. Rougned Odor drove in three runs in Friday's 6-4 triumph as Texas posted its 13th victory in 20 games.

Slugger Joey Gallo contributed a two-run double on Friday and is 3-for-8 with a home run and four RBIs in the series. Gallo has belted 10 homers in 87 at-bats since the All-Star break, and his 32 blasts this year rank fifth in the majors. Los Angeles won seven of nine games prior to its arrival in Texas and still doesn't know when All-Star Mike Trout (death in the family) will return to the team. Andrelton Simmons hit a two-run homer on Friday and is 4-for-12 over his last three games after being hitless in 14 at-bats in his previous four contests.

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

PITCHING MATCHUP: Angels LH Andrew Heaney (7-7, 3.88 ERA) vs. Rangers LH Martin Perez (2-5, 6.71)

Heaney settled for a no-decision against San Diego in his last turn as he gave up two runs and four hits over 7 1/3 innings. The 27-year-old is 0-5 with a 4.97 ERA in 11 road starts this season and winless in his last 16 away from home to tie the dubious franchise record set by Rudy May (1965-66). Heaney is 1-2 with a 7.23 ERA in four career starts against Texas and 0-2 with a 10.57 ERA in two outings at Globe Life Park.

Perez was announced as the starter on Friday night as manager Jeff Banister considered using a reliever to start and work the first inning or two. The 27-year-old Perez was battered for seven runs and 11 hits in five innings of a loss to the New York Yankees in his last turn. Perez was torched for eight runs and nine hits over three frames in a loss to the Angels on April 10 to fall to 4-5 with a 4.10 ERA in 13 career appearance (12 starts).

WALK-OFFS

1. Rangers 3B Adrian Beltre (hamstring) missed his third straight game as the club still ponders whether or not to place him on the disabled list for the third time this season.

2. Los Angeles recalled RHPs Deck McGuire and Odrisamer Despaigne - the latter pitched four innings on Friday - from Triple-A Salt Lake and optioned RHPs Taylor Cole and Osmer Morales to the same affiliate.

3. Texas placed CF Delino DeShields (finger) on the 10-day disabled list and recalled OF Drew Robinson from Triple-A Round Rock.

PREDICTION: Angels 6, Rangers 5
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