MLB Betting News and Trends For Tuesday 9/18/18

National League
Mets (70-80) @ Phillies (76-73)
Matz is 0-1, 2.67 in his last five starts; over is 7-2-1 in his last ten. Team in his starts: 13-14, 7-6 away
5-inning record: 10-15-2 Allowed run in 1st inning: 9-27

Nola is 1-2, 4.74 in his last four starts; under is 9-4-1 in his last 13. Team in his starts: 20-10, 12-3 home
5-inning record: 11-9-10 Allowed run in 1st inning: 9-30

Mets are 6-3 in their last nine games; five of their last six games stayed under. Philly lost 11 of its last 15 games; over is 5-1 in their last six games.

Nationals (76-75) @ Marlins (59-91)
Strasburg is 2-0, 2.92 in his last four starts; over is 5-2 in his last seven. Team in his starts: 10-9, 6-2 away
5-inning record: 10-6-3 Allowed run in 1st inning: 4-19

Alcantara is 2-0, 1.42 in his three starts (under 2-1). Team in his starts: 2-1, 2-0 home
5-inning record: 2-0-1 Allowed run in 1st inning: 0-3

Nationals won seven of their last ten games; over is 11-5 in their last 16 games. Miami lost six of its last nine games; Marlins’ last four games went over the total.

Cardinals (83-68) @ Braves (83-67)
Gomber is 1-1, 6.75 in his last three starts; over is 3-1 in his last four. Team in his starts: 7-2, 5-1 road
5-inning record: 7-1-1 Allowed run in 1st inning: 2-9

Sanchez is 0-1, 2.86 in his last four starts; under is 4-1 in his last five. Team in his starts: 12-9, 4-5 home
5-inning record: 7-11-3 Allowed run in 1st inning: 5-21

Cardinals lost four of their last six games; under is 7-4-1 in their last 12 road games. Atlanta won six of its last nine games; four of Braves’ last seven games stayed under.

Reds (64-87) @ Brewers (86-65)
Lorenzen is making his first ’18 start; all 21 of his MLB starts were in 2015. This year, he is 3-1, 3.21 in 42 MLB games (67.1 IP). Team in his starts: 0-0 road
5-inning record: 0-0 Allowed run in 1st inning: 0-0

Anderson is 2-0, 3.24 in his last five starts; over is 5-3 in his last eight. Team in his starts: 16-13, 10-5 home
5-inning record: 16-8-5 Allowed run in 1st inning: 9-29

Reds lost six of their last eight road games; under is 5-0-1 in their last six games. Milwaukee won 10 of its last 14 games; eight of their last ten games stayed under.

Cubs (88-62) @ Diamondbacks (78-73)
Montgomery is 0-1, 5.84 in his last three starts; under is 4-2 in his last six. Team in his starts: 8-8, 5-5 away
5-inning record: 6-7-3 Allowed run in 1st inning: 3-16

Andriese is making his first Arizona start; he was 0-0, 3.18 in three “opens” for the Rays this year. He’s started 48 MLB games in all. Rays in his starts: 2-2
5-inning record: 3-0-1 Allowed run in 1st inning: 1-4

Cubs won four of their last five games; their last seven games stayed under. Arizona lost five of its last six games; four of their last five home games went over the total.

Giants (71-80) @ Padres (60-91)
Holland is 1-0, 1.57 in his last six starts (under 6-0). Team in his starts: 14-14, 7-9 away
5-inning record: 10-10-8 Allowed run in 1st inning: 8-28

Lucchesi is 2-1, 3.09 in his last four starts; over is 6-2 in his last eight. Team in his starts: 10-13, 6-8 home
5-inning record: 10-9-4 Allowed run in 1st inning: 5-23

Giants lost 12 of their last 15 games; under is 19-2 in their last 21 games. San Diego lost five of its last six home games; over is 5-3-1 in their last nine games.

Rockies (82-68) @ Dodgers (83-68)
Freeland is 6-0, 2.29 in his last eight starts; under is 13-5 in his last 18 starts. Team in his starts: 21-9, 9-7 road
5-inning record: 15-10-5 Allowed run in 1st inning: 8-30

Kershaw is 3-0, 3.18 in his last five starts; over is 6-3-1 in his last ten home starts. Team in his starts: 13-10, 6-6 home
5-inning record: 15-6-2 Allowed run in 1st inning: 3-23

Colorado is 10-6 in its last 16 games; under is 9-3 in their last 12 road games. Dodgers won five of their last six games; under is 5-3 in their last eight home games.

American League
Boston (103-47) @ New York (91-58)
Eovaldi is 0-3, 7.98 in his last four starts (over 4-4). Team in his starts: 4-4, 2-3 away
5-inning record: 3-4-1 Allowed run in 1st inning: 2-8

Happ is 6-0, 2.70 in eight starts for NY (over 4-2-2). Team in his starts: 7-1, 4-1 home
5-inning record: 5-1-2 Allowed run in 1st inning: 2-8

Red Sox won six of their last seven games; they’re 15-9 in road series openers- their last five games stayed under. New York lost four of its last five games; they’re 16-9 in home series openers- over is 5-2 in their last seven home games.

Blue Jays (68-82) @ Orioles (43-107)
Sanchez is 1-1, 5.71 in his last seven starts; over is 9-2 in his last 11. Team in his starts: 9-10, 4-5 away
5-inning record: 4-11-4 Allowed run in 1st inning: 6-19

Bundy is 1-4, 8.80 in his last six starts; under is 3-1 in his last four. Team in his starts: 9-19, 5-10 home
5-inning record: 10-14-4 Allowed run in 1st inning: 10-28

Blue Jays are 5-12 in their last 17 road games; over is 7-5 in their last 12 road tilts. Baltimore lost 13 of its last 16 games; six of last ten Oriole games went over.

Twins (69-81) @ Tigers (61-89)
Odorizzi is 1-3, 4.01 in his last four starts; under is 6-1 in his last seven. Team in his starts: 13-17, 4-11 away
5-inning record: 12-12-6 Allowed run in 1st inning: 6-30

Norris is 0-3, 5.91 in his five starts (under 4-1). Team in his starts: 1-4, 1-2 home
5-inning record: 0-3-2 Allowed run in 1st inning: 1-5

Twins lost eight of their last ten road games; five of their last six road games went over. Detroit lost eight of its last ten home games; over is 4-2-1 in their last seven games.

White Sox (59-90) @ Indians (83-66)
Rodon is 0-2, 5.82 in his last three starts (under 3-0). Team in his starts: 9-8, 5-4 away
5-inning record: 5-7-5 Allowed run in 1st inning: 3-17

Kluber is 2-1, 2.93 in his last three starts; under is 3-1 in his last four. Team in his starts: 19-11, 11-5 home
5-inning record: 18-8-4 Allowed run in 1st inning: 8-30

White Sox won three of their last four games; they’re 8-17 in road series openers- under is 6-2-1 in their last nine road games. Cleveland lost five of tis last seven games; they’re 4-6 in last ten home series openers- over is 3-1-1 in their last five home games.

Rays (83-66) @ Rangers (64-86)
Snell is 7-0, 1.54 in his last seven starts; under is 12-4-1 in his last 17. Team in his starts: 19-9, 9-6 road
5-inning record: 18-6-4 Allowed run in 1st inning: 4-28

Gallardo is 1-3, 8.83 in his last four starts (over 10-3-2). Team in his starts: 10-5, 7-1 home
5-inning record: 8-7 Allowed run in 1st inning: 8-15

Tampa Bay won 12 of their last 15 games; over is 7-4 in their last 11 games. Rangers lost eight of their last 11 games; over is 6-4-1 in their last 11 games.

Mariners (83-67) @ Astros (94-56)
Leake is 2-0, 2.08 in his last two starts; under is 7-3 in his last 10. Team in his starts: 19-10, 9-5 away
5-inning record: 12-9-8 Allowed run in 1st inning: 4-29

James allowed three runs in five IP (91 PT) in his first MLB start (over 1-0). Team in his starts: 1-0, 1-0 home
5-inning record: 0-1 Allowed run in 1st inning: 0-1

Seattle won four of its last five games; nine of their last 12 games stayed under. Astros won 12 of their last 15 games; over is 7-4 in their last 11 games.

Angels (74-76) @ A’s (90-60)
Skaggs is making his first start since August 11; he is 1-3, 10.61 in his last four starts. Team in his starts: 11-10, 7-4 away
5-inning record: 10-9-2 Allowed run in 1st inning: 7-21

Hendriks is 0-1, 3.18 in five “opens” (over 4-1). Team in his starts: 2-3, 1-2 home
5-inning record: 3-1-1 Allowed run in 1st inning: 0-5

Angels lost three of their last four games; they’re 12-13 in road series openers- under is 8-3 in their last 11 road games. Oakland lost three of its last four games; they’re 14-10 in home series openers- over is 8-1 in their last nine home games.

Interleague
Royals (52-98) @ Pirates (75-74)
Skoglund is 0-3, 6.55 in his last four starts (over 6-4). Team in his starts: 3-7, 1-3 away
5-inning record: 2-6-2 Allowed run in 1st inning: 6-10

Taillon is 4-0, 2.16 in his last four starts; under is 5-1 in his last six. Team in his starts: 18-11, 8-3 home
5-inning record: 16-10-3 Allowed run in 1st inning: 8-29

Royals won five of their last eight games; their last five games went over. Pittsburgh won nine of its last 12 games; under is 11-3 in their last 14 home games.

Umpires
NY-Phil- Under is 7-3-1 in last 11 Diaz games.
Wsh-Mia- Over is 17-9 in Knight games this year.
StL-Atl- Three of last four Carapazza games went over.
Cin-Mil- Under is 12-5-3 in Rehak games this year.
Chi-Az- Under is 16-2 in last 18 Reynolds games.
SF-SD- Underdogs won four of last six Eddings games.
Colo-LA- Under is 9-3-1 in last thirteen Welke games.

Tor-Balt- Under is 4-2-1 in last seven Rackley games.
Min-Det- Over is 3-1-1 in last five Segal games.
TB-Tex- Over is 10-6 in last 16 Cederstrom games.
Sea-Hst- Last five Lentz games went over the total.

KC-Pitt- Over is 9-6 in last fifteen Barry games.

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Boston Red Sox vs. New York Yankees Preview and Predictions 09-18-2018 in MLB

MLB Previews 17th September 2018 by Gracenote
The New York Yankees are no longer concerned with chasing down the Boston Red Sox in the American League East, they're just trying to find a rhythm again. The Yankees will try to avoid letting the Red Sox clinch the division in their stadium for at least one more day when they host the opener of a three-game series on Tuesday.

New York is 11 1/2 games behind Boston in the East and sits just 1 1/2 games ahead of the Oakland Athletics for the top wild card spot along with home-field advantage in the wild card game after dropping four of its last five contests. "We've got to play better, clearly," Yankees manager Aaron Boone told reporters after watching his team squander a late lead in a 3-2 loss to the Toronto Blue Jays on Sunday. "We're not playing our best right now. But the history of this game is littered with stories of teams that went into the playoffs in different scenarios - limping, playing great. The bottom line is, you've got to be playing right when it counts." The Red Sox, who enter the series with a magic number of two, can clinch the division with one win over the next three games and are just concerned with going into the postseason healthy after watching MVP candidate Mookie Betts leave Sunday's win over the New York Mets with a left side injury, though he is expected to play in this series. Boston will send right-hander Nathan Eovaldi to the mound looking for the clincher while New York counters with lefty J.A. Happ.

TV: 1:05 p.m. ET, MLB Network, Facebook Watch, NESN (Boston), WPIX (New York)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Red Sox RH Nathan Eovaldi (5-7, 4.22 ERA) vs. Yankees LH J.A. Happ (16-6, 3.75)

Eovaldi is unlikely to be part of the postseason rotation and failed to go more than four innings in any of his last four appearances. The 28-year-old Texan is winless in his last seven outings and is struggling with his control of late while issuing a total of six walks over seven innings across his last two appearances. Eovaldi's best start since joining Boston prior to the trade deadline came against the Yankees on Aug. 4, when he scattered three hits across eight scoreless innings and earned the win.

Happ has yet to suffer a loss since joining the team and owns a 6-0 record with a 2.70 ERA in eight starts with the Yankees, including a gem at Minnesota in his last outing on Sept. 10. The Northwestern product scattered six hits across six scoreless innings against the Twins - the sixth time he surrendered two or fewer earned runs as a member of New York. Happ matched a season high with 10 strikeouts in seven innings against the Red Sox as a member of the Toronto Blue Jays on Apr. 24.

WALK-OFFS

1. Yankees top prospect LHP Justus Sheffield is expected to join the team Tuesday and be available out of the bullpen.

2. Red Sox UTIL Brock Holt recorded seven RBIs among his last 10 at-bats.

3. Boston INF Eduardo Nunez (knee) sat out the weekend but could return to the lineup on Tuesday.

PREDICTION: Yankees 7, Red Sox 3
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Kansas City Royals vs. Pittsburgh Pirates Preview and Predictions 09-18-2018 in MLB

MLB Previews 18th September 2018 by Gracenote
The Pittsburgh Pirates are no strangers to comeback victories or success in interleague action, but neither one figures to keep them from missing the postseason for a third straight year. The Pirates set their sights on a fourth straight victory and hope to improve to 14-5 against the American League in 2018 on Tuesday when they continue a three-game series at home versus the Kansas City Royals.

Rookie Jacob Stallings delivered a two-out, go-ahead single in the bottom of the ninth inning Monday as Pittsburgh staged its 28th comeback win in Monday's 7-6 victory. Five players had multiple hits in a 17-hit attack for the Pirates, who have won six in a row at home but trail St. Louis by seven games for the final National League wild-card slot with 13 contests remaining. Ryan O'Hearn homered for the 11th time in 36 games since making his big-league debut on July 31 and drove in a pair of runs, but it wasn't enough as Kansas City's bullpen coughed up a two-run advantage in the eighth. Despite consecutive losses, the Royals are 9-7 in September and still on track to post their first winning month of the season.

TV: 7:05 p.m. ET, FS Kansas City, AT&T SportsNet Pittsburgh

PITCHING MATCHUP: Royals LH Eric Skoglund (1-5, 6.19 ERA) vs. Pirates RH Jameson Taillon (13-9, 3.37)

Skoglund held his own in his second appearance and first start back following a long stint on the disabled list, permitting two runs over five innings in Wednesday's no-decision against the Chicago White Sox. The Pirates' 16th-round pick in 2011 has posted a 2.57 ERA since his return after going 1-5 with a 6.70 ERA prior to missing more than three months with an ulnar collateral ligament sprain. Skoglund has allowed three runs across 2 1/3 innings in two interleague games (one start) as he faces Pittsburgh for the first time.

Taillon won his fourth straight start Tuesday in St. Louis, yielding two runs over seven innings to improve to 7-2 with a 2.49 ERA in 10 outings since the All-Star break. The former No. 1 overall pick, who has already set career highs in wins, starts (29), innings (171) and strikeouts (156), has not allowed more than three runs in 19 consecutive turns dating back to May 22. Taillon is 4-4 with a 3.39 ERA in 11 career interleague outings entering his first start against Kansas City.

WALK-OFFS

1. Pirates OF Starling Marte went 2-for-5 in the opener, lifting his batting average in interleague play this season to .362.

2. Kansas City has dropped 15 of its last 18 on the road.

3. Pittsburgh 2B Adam Frazier fouled a ball off his knee Monday and was lifted from the game after hitting a two-run double in the fourth inning.

PREDICTION: Pirates 5, Royals 2
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Toronto Blue Jays vs. Baltimore Orioles Preview and Predictions 09-18-2018 in MLB

MLB Previews 18th September 2018 by Gracenote
The road has not been kind to the Toronto Blue Jays for the bulk of the season, but their current nine-game trek against American League East rivals is ending about as well as it could be considering how poorly it started. The Blue Jays eye a fourth consecutive victory Tuesday when they continue a three-game set against the Baltimore Orioles.

Toronto began its road trip getting outscored 23-5 while losing four straight against Boston and the New York Yankees, but the Blue Jays ended a 1-11 stretch away from home with an 8-7 win at Yankee Stadium on Saturday. They pulled out another one-run victory the next day in New York and improved to 31-45 on the road following Monday's 5-0 triumph in the series opener, beating Baltimore for the 13th time in 17 tries this season. By virtue of their most recent setback, the Orioles (43-107) matched the 1988 club for the most losses since the franchise moved from St. Louis in 1954. Baltimore is in no danger of tying the 1962 New York Mets for the most single-season defeats in major-league history (120) with only 12 games remaining, but it is four losses away from tying the 1939 franchise record - accomplished in 156 games.

TV: 7:05 p.m. ET, Sportsnet One (Toronto), MASN 2 (Baltimore)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Blue Jays RH Aaron Sanchez (4-6, 4.90 ERA) vs. Orioles RH Dylan Bundy (8-14, 5.48)

Sanchez took a hard-luck loss Wednesday at Boston in his best start in four trips to the mound since returning from the disabled list, allowing one run on three hits and three walks in seven frames. Prior to his last performance, the 26-year-old went 1-0 despite an 8.79 ERA in three turns since missing more than two months with discomfort in his right middle finger. Chris Davis (8-for-23, four home runs) has drawn 11 walks versus Sanchez, who is 1-0 with a 1.88 ERA in two 2018 starts against Baltimore.

Bundy enjoyed one of his finest outings of the season Thursday against Oakland and won for the first time since July 29, yielding two runs on six hits while striking out eight over six innings. The Oklahoma native leads the majors in home runs allowed (38) and has surrendered at least one in 12 straight starts. Kendrys Morales (5-for-16) and Justin Smoak (5-for-14) have each homered against Bundy, who is 0-2 with a 7.88 ERA in three starts versus the Blue Jays this season.

WALK-OFFS

1. Blue Jays OF Kevin Pillar is batting .408 with four doubles, four homers and 11 RBIs in 12 contests against the Orioles this season.

2. Baltimore 2B Jonathan Villar has 14 steals in 42 games since arriving from Milwaukee at the trade deadline, matching his total in 87 games with the Brewers.

3. Toronto's 13 wins against the Orioles this season are more than double the number of victories it has against any opponent.

PREDICTION: Blue Jays 6, Orioles 3
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New York Mets vs. Philadelphia Phillies Preview and Predictions 09-18-2018 in MLB

MLB Previews 18th September 2018 by Gracenote
Philadelphia Phillies ace Aaron Nola has encountered a bit of turbulence of late in his bid for the National League Cy Young Award, but don't tell that to the New York Mets. Nola has handcuffed the Mets in 2018, posting a 4-0 mark with a 1.97 ERA in five meetings heading into the second contest of a three-game series on Tuesday at Citizens Bank Park.

The fading Phillies (76-73) were dealt another blow toward their rapidly diminishing postseason aspirations on Monday, as they fell for the 11th time in 15 contests with a 9-4 setback to reside 6 1/2 games behind first-place Atlanta in the National League East and six out of the second wild-card spot. J.P. Crawford had a bases-clearing triple in the series opener to improve to 5-for-10 with a homer, four RBIs and three runs scored in his last three games. Although New York (70-80) has been out of contention for months, it has found its stride this month with an 11-5 mark. Michael Conforto belted a three-run homer to highlight his three-hit, career-high six-RBI performance to give him 21 hits and 22 RBIs in September heading into an encounter with Nola, against whom he is just 3-for-18 with six strikeouts in his career.

TV: 7:05 p.m. ET, SNY New York, NBCS Philadelphia

PITCHING MATCHUP: Mets LH Steven Matz (5-11, 4.18 ERA) at Phillies RH Aaron Nola (16-5, 2.42)

Matz saw his winless stretch extend to seven outings after receiving a no-decision in his third straight trip to the mound on Thursday against Miami. The 27-year-old may not be getting the desired results, but he has pitched well recently, yielding nine runs on 16 hits in his last five starts (30 1/3 innings). Matz owns an 0-1 mark in three starts this season versus Philadelphia, permitting nine runs (seven earned) on 13 hits - including four homers - in 12 innings.

Nola has surrendered seven of his 15 homers this season in his last three starts, falling to 1-2 in that stretch after allowing four runs in five innings of Wednesday's 5-1 setback versus Washington. The 25-year-old All-Star's performance dropped him to 9-2 with a 2.46 ERA in 15 home starts this season. Brandon Nimmo and Jose Reyes are both 1-for-10 against Nola, who sports a 6-1 career mark with a 3.38 ERA and 1.10 WHIP in eight career encounters versus the Mets.

WALK-OFFS

1. Philadelphia 1B Carlos Santana walked twice in the series opener to raise his total to 13 this season versus New York.

2. Mets 2B Jeff McNeil had a run-scoring single to highlight a three-hit performance in the opener to improve to 17-for-37 with six RBIs and nine runs scored against the Phillies this season.

3. Philadelphia 2B Asdrubal Cabrera is just 5-for-27 against his former team this season.

PREDICTION: Phillies 2, Mets 1
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Minnesota Twins vs. Detroit Tigers Preview and Predictions 09-18-2018 in MLB

MLB Previews 17th September 2018 by Gracenote
The Minnesota Twins can clinch a series win on the road for the first time in nearly two months when they continue a three-game set at the Detroit Tigers on Tuesday. Eddie Rosario homered before leaving with a quadriceps injury as the Twins claimed the opener 6-1, their second straight road victory following an eight-game slide away from home.

Jorge Polanco also went deep while Kohl Stewart allowed only one unearned run over six innings of relief for Minnesota. Jake Odorizzi flirted with a no-hitter his last time out and seeks an encore performance when he starts Tuesday for the Twins, who have won four of their last five against the Tigers. Nicholas Castellanos recorded three of Detroit's five hits on Monday as his team fell for the fifth straight time at home. Daniel Norris will try to end that slide while breaking into the win column himself as he starts for the hosts.

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

PITCHING MATCHUP: Twins RH Jake Odorizzi (6-10, 4.41 ERA) vs. Tigers LH Daniel Norris (0-4, 6.14)

Odorizzi held the New York Yankees hitless for 7 1/3 innings Wednesday at home while snapping a four-start winless streak. The 28-year-old has lasted exactly five innings in both of his matchups with the Tigers this year, allowing six runs overall. Odorizzi is 1-0 with a 1.64 ERA in two career starts at Comerica Park.

Norris fell to 0-3 as a starter this year giving up five runs and eight hits - both season highs - over 4 2/3 innings against Houston on Wednesday. He has 35 strikeouts in 29 1/3 innings on the year and is holding opponents to a .250 average. The 25-year-old has a 4.29 ERA in four career starts versus Minnesota.

WALK-OFFS

1. Tigers DH Victor Martinez is 3-for-21 over his last seven games.

2. Polanco is 8-for-18 with a pair of homers during a four-game hitting streak.

3. Minnesota is 34-33 against American League Central opponents and 35-48 against all others.

PREDICTION: Twins 5, Tigers 4
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Washington Nationals vs. Miami Marlins Preview and Predictions 09-18-2018 in MLB

MLB Previews 18th September 2018 by Gracenote
Miami Marlins second baseman Starlin Castro was sluggish at the plate heading into his team's abbreviated two-game set against the Washington Nationals, but that quickly changed in the series opener. After homering to highlight a three-RBI performance in an 8-5 win, Castro looks to provide an encore on Tuesday as the last-place Marlins vie for a sweep of their visiting National League East rivals.

Castro had a two-run double in the fifth inning before capping the scoring in the series opener for Miami (59-91), which has answered a five-game losing skid with back-to-back victories. The 28-year-old Dominican has feasted on the Nationals this season, going 21-for-56 with two homers, six RBIs and 11 runs scored - although he is just 2-for-12 with seven strikeouts against Tuesday's scheduled starter Stephen Strasburg. Anthony Rendon homered to highlight his three-hit performance for Washington (76-75), which fell for just the third time in 10 contests. Rendon has reached base in a team-best 26 consecutive outings, although rookie Juan Soto saw his 21-game streak halted in the series opener.

TV: 7:10 p.m. ET, MASN (Washington), FS Florida (Miami)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Nationals RH Stephen Strasburg (8-7, 3.87 ERA) at Marlins RH Sandy Alcantara (2-0, 1.42)

Strasburg has reeled in four straight victories while posting a slim 0.67 ERA in his last four starts against the Marlins. The 30-year-old scattered three hits and struck out eight in five frames of a 5-2 win at Miami on May 27. Strasburg improved to 2-0 with a 2.55 ERA and 1.18 WHIP in his last four outings overall on Wednesday after allowing one run on five hits while striking out nine over seven innings of a 5-1 triumph at Philadelphia.

Alcantara will make his fourth consecutive start against an NL East foe this season on Tuesday after sandwiching encounters with the New York Mets around a scoreless stint versus Philadelphia. The 23-year-old Dominican permitted two runs on as many hits in a no-decision against the Mets on Thursday. Alcantara will be making his 12th career trip to the mound to face Washington for the first time.

WALK-OFFS

1. Washington OF Bryce Harper is 4-for-27 with 13 strikeouts in his last seven games.

2. Miami CF Lewis Brinson is 3-for-8 with two RBIs and two runs scored in his last two contests after going 1-for-17 in his previous five.

3. Nationals SS Trea Turner has scored four runs during his six-game hitting streak.

PREDICTION: Nationals 4, Marlins 2
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Chicago White Sox vs. Cleveland Indians Preview and Predictions 09-18-2018 in MLB

MLB Previews 17th September 2018 by Gracenote
The Cleveland Indians became the first team to clinch a division title over the weekend and will spend the remainder of the regular season making sure its players are healthy and fine-tuning the roster in advance of the postseason. The Chicago White Sox, who visit the Indians for the opener of a three-game series on Tuesday, have no playoff plans but are still trying to end the season strong.

The White Sox dedicated their season to developing young players and have to be pleased with some of the results after watching Daniel Palka take the team lead and set a club rookie record for a left-handed hitter with his 23rd and 24th home runs on Sunday. "It's not really something I thought about - leading or not leading," Palka told reporters after passing Jose Abreu (22) for the team lead on Sunday. "I kind of thought I knew what I could do, and I'm sitting right around there. ... Yeah, it was a good day." The Indians enjoyed plenty of good days of late and should be well rested after giving most of the regulars a day off on Sunday following Saturday's clinching celebration. Cleveland will get back to the business of tuning up for the playoffs when ace Corey Kluber takes the mound on Tuesday opposite Chicago lefty Carlos Rodon.

TV: 7:10 p.m. ET, NBCS Chicago, STO (Cleveland)

PITCHING MATCHUP: White Sox LH Carlos Rodon (6-5, 3.10 ERA) vs. Indians RH Corey Kluber (18-7, 2.91)

Rodon is struggling with his control of late and issued a total of 10 walks over 10 2/3 innings across his last two outings. The 25-year-old managed to limit the damage to two runs over six innings at Kansas City last Wednesday but settled for a no-decision in his third straight winless outing. Rodon's best start of the season came at home against Cleveland on Aug. 10, when he yielded four hits across eight scoreless innings and struck out five while issuing a pair of walks, but he was held out of the decision.

Kluber is coming off a rare dud after getting knocked around for four runs on five hits and a walk over 1 2/3 innings at Tampa Bay on Sept. 10. The reigning AL Cy Young Award winner yielded a total of one run and four hits over 13 2/3 innings while beating the Rays and Kansas City in his two previous turns. Kluber is making his third start of 2018 against Chicago and did not allow a run in either of the first two, scattering a total of four hits over 13 innings while striking out 17.

WALK-OFFS

1. Indians 3B Josh Donaldson is 2-for-13 with four strikeouts in four games since coming off the disabled list.

2. White Sox OF Avisail Garcia (sore knee) sat out Sunday and is day-to-day.

3. Chicago 1B Jose Abreu is 0-for-20 with seven strikeouts over his last five games.

PREDICTION: Indians 3, White Sox 2
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St. Louis Cardinals vs. Atlanta Braves Preview and Predictions 09-18-2018 in MLB

MLB Previews 18th September 2018 by Gracenote
Cardinals vs. Braves Preview and Predictions

by Gracenote on 09/18/2018

The first half of the season was miserable for Kolten Wong, but as the St. Louis Cardinals prepare for the middle contest of a three-game series Tuesday at the Atlanta Braves, their second baseman continues his second-half onslaught at the plate. Wong - who hit .213 in the first half - went 3-for-5 with a homer, a double and three RBIs in Monday's series-opening 11-6 victory to bolster his average to .317 with 15 RBIs in 32 games since the break.

Monday's victory was much needed for St. Louis (83-68), which has won two in a row after dropping the previous four games in its pursuit of a National League wild-card spot. The Braves (83-67) are closing in on the NL East division crown and benefited from Philadelphia's loss Monday to drop their magic number to seven, but continue to walk opposing hitters at an alarming rate. Atlanta has issued 26 free passes in losing its past three home games, giving up 24 runs in those defeats, but the Braves maintain a 6 1/2-game lead in the NL East with 12 games to go. Rookie outfielder Ronald Acuna Jr. finished 3-for-5 in the opener to raise his average to .328 in 16 games in September.

TV: 7:35 p.m. ET, ESPN, FS Midwest (St. Louis), FS Southeast (Atlanta)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Cardinals LH Austin Gomber (5-1, 3.78 ERA) vs. Braves RH Anibal Sanchez (6-5, 3.01)

Gomber already was pitching well as a rookie in relief, and injuries to multiple starters gave him a chance to move into the rotation, where he has shined. The 24-year-old is 4-1 with a 3.91 ERA in nine turns, winning his first five decisions while giving up more than three runs only once in his first eight assignments. Gomber was hit hard Thursday against the Los Angeles Dodgers, however, allowing seven runs in three innings; he has pitched one scoreless inning of relief against Atlanta this season.

Sanchez was signed in the final days of spring training as a free agent, but the veteran has pitched well enough to earn consideration for a postseason start should Atlanta win the East. The 34-year-old struggled with his control Wednesday at San Francisco, walking five hitters in six innings but gave up only one run with four strikeouts as the Braves improved to 12-9 in his 21 starts. Sanchez has held opponents to three earned runs or fewer 12 times in his past 14 starts.

WALK-OFFS

1. Atlanta 3B Johan Camargo returned to the lineup after missing four games with a groin injury, finishing 1-for-5 with a run scored.

2. St. Louis 1B Matt Carpenter scored two runs and walked twice Monday but did not record a hit, leaving him eight hits shy of reaching 1,000 hits in his career.

3. Braves 2B Ozzie Albies scored two runs Monday, giving him 101 for the season.

PREDICTION: Braves 3, Cardinals 2
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Cincinnati Reds vs. Milwaukee Brewers Preview and Predictions 09-18-2018 in MLB

MLB Previews 18th September 2018 by Gracenote
Reds vs. Brewers Preview and Predictions

by Gracenote on 09/18/2018

Christian Yelich has terrorized Cincinnati's pitching staff all season and looks to follow up another terrific outing when the Milwaukee Brewers host the Reds on Tuesday for the middle contest of their three-game set. Yelich hit for the cycle for the second time against Cincinnati this season and drove in four runs in the Brewers' series-opening 8-0 victory on Monday.

Yelich is the fifth player in major-league history to hit for the cycle twice in a season and the first to do it against the same team as he continues to bolster his National League MVP resume. Yelich is 24-for-48 with seven homers and 17 RBIs against the Reds this year - including a career-best six-hit performance on Aug. 29, when he hit for his first cycle. The Brewers occupy the top NL wild-card spot and have been keeping the heat on the first-place Chicago Cubs in the NL Central as they trail by 2 1/2 games. Scooter Gennett went 1-for-3 in the series opener, but Yelich's big night allowed him to move into a tie with Cincinnati's second baseman for the NL lead with a .318 batting average.

TV: 7:40 p.m. ET, FS Ohio (Cincinnati), FS Wisconsin (Milwaukee)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Reds RH Michael Lorenzen (3-1, 3.21 ERA) vs. Brewers RH Chase Anderson (9-7, 3.85)

Lorenzen is making his first start of the season after coming out of the bullpen 42 times and first in the majors since Sept. 16, 2015. The 26-year-old has made 151 consecutive relief appearances since losing to San Francisco, and his career marks show he has been much more effective out of the bullpen (13-6, 3.60 ERA) than in the rotation (4-9, 5.45). Lorenzen has posted a 3.68 ERA in four appearances against Milwaukee this season and is 1-2 with a 5.03 ERA in 20 career contests (three starts).

Anderson has won his last three decisions but has worked five innings or fewer in six of his last seven turns. The 30-year-old is 5-1 with a 2.98 ERA in 10 career starts against the Reds and has won all three of this season's matchups while compiling a 3.63 ERA. Anderson has enjoyed success against Billy Hamilton (3-for-19), Eugenio Suarez (3-for-17) and Gennett (2-for-11).

WALK-OFFS

1. The Brewers own a 12-5 advantage in the season series with two contests remaining.

2. Suarez struck out twice in four hitless at-bats in the opener and is 1-for-17 over his last five games.

3. Milwaukee 3B Travis Shaw reached base three times (two hits, one walk) on Monday after beginning the month in a 3-for-30 funk.

PREDICTION: Brewers 11, Reds 3
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Tampa Bay Rays vs. Texas Rangers Preview and Predictions 09-18-2018 in MLB

MLB Previews 17th September 2018 by Gracenote
Rays vs. Rangers Preview and Predictions

by Gracenote on 09/17/2018

Blake Snell aims to become baseball's first 20-game winner in 2018 when he starts for the Tampa Bay Rays on Tuesday in the second of three straight at the Texas Rangers. The young ace has won each of his last seven starts while allowing a total of six earned runs to help fuel the Rays' late charge.

Tyler Glasnow and three relievers combined on a two-hitter as Tampa Bay took the opener 3-0. The Rays have won 12 of their last 15 and are within 6 1/2 games of the second wild card in the American League with 13 to play. They've produced 13 shutouts over the past 98 games and own a 2.85 ERA since the start of August. The Rangers, who give the ball to veteran Yovani Gallardo, are in danger of losing a series to Tampa Bay for the fifth time in the last six encounters.

TV: 8:05 p.m. ET, FS Sun (Tampa Bay), FS Southwest (Texas)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Rays LH Blake Snell (19-5, 2.03 ERA) vs. Rangers RH Yovani Gallardo (8-5, 6.67)

Snell limited the Cleveland Indians to one run on one hit - a solo homer - and struck out nine over seven innings of a 3-1 win Wednesday. It marked the third straight start in which he's fanned nine batters and he is five shy of recording the ninth 200-strikeout campaign in franchise history. The 25-year-old also struck out nine in 6 1/3 dominant innings in a win over Texas on April 16.

Gallardo has gone four straight appearances without producing a quality start, posting a 1-3 record and an ERA of 8.83 in that stretch. He lasted three innings - a season low as a starter - and surrendered six runs in an ugly outing at the Los Angeles Angels on Wednesday. Kevin Kiermaier is 6-for-15 with a home run and four walks against the 32-year-old Gallardo.

WALK-OFFS

1. Rays DH Ji-Man Choi had a solo homer Monday and owns 14 RBIs in his last 12 games.

2. Rangers 3B Adrian Beltre remains stuck on 474 career home runs, one shy of Stan Musial and Willie Stargell for 30th on the all-time list.

3. Tampa Bay RHP Jose Alvarado has 12 straight scoreless innings over a span of 15 appearances.

PREDICTION: Rays 5, Rangers 2
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Seattle Mariners vs. Houston Astros Preview and Predictions 09-18-2018 in MLB

MLB Previews 18th September 2018 by Gracenote
Mariners vs. Astros Preview and Predictions

by Gracenote on 09/18/2018

The Seattle Mariners look to win their sixth straight game at Minute Maid Park when they visit the Houston Astros on Tuesday for the middle contest of their three-game series. Seattle bolstered its slim American League wild-card hopes with Monday's 4-1 victory, pulling within seven games of Oakland with 12 contests remaining.

Daniel Vogelbach slugged a pinch-hit grand slam in the eighth inning of the series opener to help the Mariners improve to 4-1 midway through their 10-game road trip. Kyle Seager reached base three times on two hits and a walk on Monday and is 9-for-26 with a homer during his seven-game hitting streak. Houston's loss was just its third in 15 contests as its lead over Oakland in the American League West dipped to four games. Alex Bregman was hitless in four at-bats on Monday and is just 3-for-23 over his last seven contests.

TV: 8:10 p.m. ET, ROOT Northwest (Seattle), AT&T SportsNet-Southwest (Houston)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Mariners RHP Mike Leake (10-9, 3.99 ERA) vs. Astros RH Josh James (0-0, 4.22)

Leake has recorded consecutive victories after going 0-5 over his previous 11 outings. The 30-year-old gave up just one earned run over 13 innings in the wins after being hammered for 11 runs over 10 1/3 frames in his previous two turns. Leake has gone 0-2 with a 5.00 ERA in three starts against the Astros this season to fall to 6-6 with a 3.67 ERA in 15 career appearances (13 starts).

Houston decided to push back Gerrit Cole's start to Friday in order to give him extra rest, according to manager A.J. Hinch. That provides the opportunity for the 25-year-old James to make his second major-league start and fourth overall appearance. James came away without a no-decision against the Los Angeles Angels on Sept. 1, when he allowed three runs and three hits while registering nine strikeouts over five innings, and has since made two relief appearances.

WALK-OFFS

1. Astros RF Josh Reddick (ankle) departed the series opener and will be re-evaluated on Tuesday.

2. Seattle LHP James Paxton (pneumonia) rejoined the team on Monday and will throw a bullpen session before the team leaves Houston.

3. Houston 2B Jose Altuve went 0-for-2 with two walks after recording two-hit performances in four of his previous six contests.

PREDICTION: Mariners 5, Astros 3
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Chicago Cubs vs. Arizona Diamondbacks Preview and Predictions 09-18-2018 in MLB

MLB Previews 18th September 2018 by Gracenote
Cubs vs. Diamondbacks Preview and Predictions

by Gracenote on 09/18/2018

The Chicago Cubs have been searching for someone to spark their struggling offense and may have found the answer in Kris Bryant, who has been slowed by shoulder inflammation for much of the season. Bryant is swinging with power again for the Cubs, who continue their three-game series against the host Arizona Diamondbacks on Tuesday.

Bryant and Javier Baez each homered while Kyle Hendricks took a one-hit shutout into the ninth inning in Monday's 5-1 victory as Chicago maintained its 2 1/2-game lead over Milwaukee in the National League Central. The Cubs totaled only 15 runs in their previous seven contests but received a much-needed boost Monday from Bryant, who went 2-for-3 with a walk and is 16-for-50 with five doubles and five RBIs since coming off the disabled list on Sept. 1. Arizona was held to three hits in the series opener and fell to 4-12 this month with 11 games remaining. Paul Goldschmidt is 20-for-58 in 16 contests in September for the Diamondbacks, who are five games behind first-place Colorado in the NL West and also five back in the race for the second wild-card spot.

TV: 9:40 p.m. ET, WGN (Chicago), FS Arizona

PITCHING MATCHUP: Cubs LH Mike Montgomery (4-5, 3.87 ERA) vs. Diamondbacks RH Matt Andriese (3-5, 4.76)

Montgomery is set to make his career-high 17th start of the season after giving up two runs and three hits over four-plus frames in a no-decision against Washington on Thursday. The 29-year-old Californian began the season in the bullpen before moving into the rotation, where he is 4-4 with a 3.48 ERA in 16 starts. Montgomery owns a 1.69 ERA in three career games (one start) covering 10 2/3 innings versus the Diamondbacks.

Andriese is set to make his first start for Arizona in place of Clay Buchholz, who is out for the rest of the season due to an elbow injury. The 29-year-old made four starts for Tampa Bay before being traded in late July to the Diamondbacks, who have used him exclusively as a reliever. "We feel like he can get out there and execute a game plan," manager Torey Lovullo told reporters. "We're excited to see what he can do."

WALK-OFFS

1. Chicago's starting pitchers lead the majors with a 2.53 ERA since Aug. 16.

2. Arizona is 5-50 when trailing after seven innings.

3. Cubs OF Kyle Schwarber and INF Tommy La Stella did not make the trip to Arizona due to back injuries.

PREDICTION: Cubs 7, Diamondbacks 3
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Los Angeles Angels vs. Oakland Athletics Preview and Predictions 09-18-2018 in MLB

MLB Previews 17th September 2018 by Gracenote
Angels vs. Athletics Preview and Predictions

by Gracenote on 09/17/2018

The Oakland Athletics failed to take advantage of another team's struggles over the weekend and remain second in the American League wild card race. The Athletics will try to chip away at the deficit and get back in the win column when they return home to host the Los Angeles Angels in the opener of a three-game series on Tuesday.

Oakland sits 1 1/2 games behind the New York Yankees in the battle for the top wild card along with home-field advantage in the wild card game and could have taken the lead over the weekend with wins on Saturday and Sunday, but instead it dropped a pair at the Tampa Bay Rays while watching their chances at an AL West crown dim. The Athletics, who sit four games behind first-place Houston, won seven of eight before stumbling on Saturday and Sunday and will play their next six games at home against sub-.500 clubs Los Angeles and the Minnesota Twins before finishing up the regular season with six on the road at Seattle and the Angels. Los Angeles is sitting in fourth place in the American League West but is set to have an impact on how the races shake out with nine of their remaining 12 games against Houston and Oakland. The Angels will welcome left-hander Tyler Skaggs back to the rotation on Monday while the Athletics counter with righty Liam Hendriks.

TV: 10:05 p.m. ET, FS West (Los Angeles), NBCS California (Oakland)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Angels LH Tyler Skaggs (8-8, 3.78 ERA) vs. Athletics RH Liam Hendriks (0-1, 5.60)

Skaggs lasted pitched on Aug. 11 against Oakland before going down with a groin injury and was roughed up in his last two starts, allowing a total of 17 runs and 18 hits in 6 2/3 innings. The 27-year-old owns 123 strikeouts in 116 2/3 innings this season and was carrying a 2.62 ERA prior to his last two outings. Skaggs was strong at the Athletics on June 15, when he surrendered two unearned runs and struck out eight in seven innings to earn a win.

Hendriks is getting the call to open a bullpen day, marking the sixth time in seven appearances this month that he filled the starting role. The Australia native did not allow a run in any of his last five appearances, surrendering a total of two hits while striking out four over five innings during that span. Hendriks is making his fifth appearance of the season against the Angels and totaled one run allowed and three hits across 2 2/3 innings over the first four.

WALK-OFFS

1. Angels RF Kole Calhoun snapped a 0-for-25 drought with a home run on Sunday.

2. Oakland 1B Matt Olson is 8-for-17 with six RBIs in the last five games.

3. Los Angeles DH Shohei Ohtani tweaked his left ankle in the eighth inning on Sunday but is not expected to miss time.

PREDICTION: Athletics 5, Angels 4
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