MLB Betting News and Trends For Wednesday 9/26/18

National League
Marlins (62-95) @ Nationals (80-78)
Chen is 0-5, 9.67 in his last six road starts; over is 8-3-1 in his road starts. Team in his starts: 12-13, 3-9 away
5-inning record: 10-12-3 Allowed run in 1st inning: 4-25

McGowin is making his first MLB start; he’s allowed two runs in 2.2 IP in three relief stints this year, and was 3-2, 1.20 in eight AAA starts this year. Team in his starts: 0-0 home
5-inning record: 0-0 Allowed run in 1st inning: 0-0

Marlins won three of their last five games; five of their last seven games stayed under the total. Washington lost four of its last seven home games; over is 11-4 in their last 15 home games.

Braves (89-68) @ Mets (73-84)
Newcomb is 1-3, 7.79 in his last four starts; over is 11-7 in his last 18. Team in his starts: 15-14, 10-5 away
5-inning record: 13-13-3 Allowed run in 1st inning: 8-29

deGrom is 1-1, 2.06 in his last five starts; under is 6-0-1 in his last seven. Team in his starts: 13-18, 5-10 home
5-inning record: 14-8-9 Allowed run in 1st inning: 4-31

Atlanta won its last six games; under is 10-5 in their last 15 road games. Mets won three of their last five games; under is 9-4 in their last 13 games.

Pirates (80-76) @ Cubs (91-66)
Nova is 2-0, 1.10 in his last three starts; under is 5-1 in his last six. Team in his starts: 15-13, 9-5 away
5-inning record: 15-8-5 Allowed run in 1st inning: 8-28

Quintana is 0-2, 6.30 in his last two starts; under is 5-3 in his last eight. Team in his starts: 17-13, 9-4 home
5-inning record: 13-13-4 Allowed run in 1st inning: 7-30

Pittsburgh won eight of their last ten games; under is 10-3-1 in their last 14 road games. Cubs lost four of their last six games; four of their last seven games went over.

Brewers (91-67) @ Cardinals (87-71)
Chacin is 0-3, 5.79 in his last four starts; under is 5-3 in his last eight. Team in his starts: 21-12, 13-7 road
5-inning record: 16-12-5 Allowed run in 1st inning: 8-33

Gant is 1-1, 6.00 in his last four starts (over 3-1). Team in his starts: 8-10, 4-6 home
5-inning record: 8-4-6 Allowed run in 1st inning: 2-10

Brewers are 7-2 in their last nine road games; under is 6-4 in their last ten games. St Louis won six of its last nine games; their last eight games went over the total.

Phillies (78-79) @ Rockies (87-70)
Pivetta is 0-3, 3.93 in his last four starts; over is 3-1 in his last four road starts. Team in his starts: 14-17, 6-9 road
5-inning record: 10-16-5 Allowed run in 1st inning: 8-31

Marquez is 4-1, 2.26 in his last eight starts; under is 9-2 in his last 11. Team in his starts: 17-13, 8-7 home
5-inning record: 12-14-4 Allowed run in 1st inning: 19-30

Phillies are 7-22 in their last 29 road games; over is 8-4-2 in their last 14 road games. Colorado won its last five games; under is 9-4-1 in their last 14 games.

Dodgers (88-70) @ Diamondbacks (80-78)
Stripling is 0-3, 7.65 in his last five starts; under is 6-2-1 in his last nine road starts. Team in his starts: 12-8, 7-5 away
5-inning record: 10-7-3 Allowed run in 1st inning: 3-20

Greinke is 1-3, 4.91 in his last five starts; over is 3-1 in his last four. Team in his starts: 17-15, 8-7 home
5-inning record: 18-9-5 Allowed run in 1st inning: 12-32

Dodgers won 10 of their last 13 games; four of their last five games went over. Arizona lost eight of its last ten games; over is 8-4 in their last 12 home games.

Padres (63-95) @ Giants (73-85)
Lauer is 1-0, 1.89 in his last four starts; over is 4-2-1 in his last seven. Team in his starts: 8-14, 4-7 away
5-inning record: 11-9-2 Allowed run in 1st inning: 6-22

Bumgarner is 1-1, 4.50 in his last five starts; over is 3-1 in his last four. Team in his starts: 9-11, 6-4 home
5-inning record: 10-7-3 Allowed run in 1st inning: 3-20

Padres lost their last four games; over is 10-3-1 in their last 14 games. San Francisco lost five of its last six games; 15 of their last 16 home games stayed under.

American League
Astros (100-57) @ Blue Jays (71-87)
Team in his starts: away
5-inning record: Allowed run in 1st inning:

Reid-Foley is 2-4, 6.60 in his six starts (over 4-2). Team in his starts: 2-4, 0-2 home
5-inning record: 2-4 Allowed run in 1st inning: 2-6

Houston won eight of its last ten games; over is 7-5 in their last 12 road games. Blue Jays lost four of their last five games; under is 7-3 in their last ten games.

New York (96-60) @ Tampa Bay (87-69)
Tanaka is 3-0, 2.16 in his last four starts; his last three went over. Team in his starts: 16-10, 10-4 away
5-inning record: 16-5-5 Allowed run in 1st inning: 9-26

Team in his starts: home
5-inning record: Allowed run in 1st inning:

New York won six of its last eight games; under is 5-2-1 in their last eight road games. Tampa Bay lost three of its last four games; over is 8-4 in their last 12 home games.

Orioles (45-111) @ Red Sox (106-51)
Team in his starts: away
5-inning record: Allowed run in 1st inning:

Ramirez is 0-3, 10.22 in his last three starts; under is 3-1 in his last four. Team in his starts: 3-8, 1-4 away
5-inning record: 2-6-3 Allowed run in 1st inning: 6-11

Price is 1-1, 4.57 in his last four starts (over 3-1). Team in his starts: 21-8, 11-4 home
5-inning record: 15-8-6 Allowed run in 1st inning: 6-29

Sale is 0-0, 2.46 in three starts this month (7.1 IP total). Under is 5-1 in his last six home starts. Team in his starts: 18-8, 8-3 home
5-inning record: 16-5-5 Allowed run in 1st inning: 5-26

Baltimore is 5-17 in its last 22 games; over is 5-2 in their last seven road games. Red Sox are 5-5 in their last ten games; under is 6-0 in their last six games.

Tigers (64-93) @ Twins (72-84)
Boyd is 0-0, 5.27 in his last three starts; under is 7-4-2 in his last 13. Team in his starts: 16-14, 4-11 away
5-inning record: 13-14-3 Allowed run in 1st inning: 8-30

Odorizzi is 2-0, 1.98 in his last two starts; under is 7-1 in his last eight. Team in his starts: 14-17, 9-6 home
5-inning record: 12-12-7 Allowed run in 1st inning: 6-31

Tigers lost five of their last eight games; over is 5-2-1 in their last eight road games. Minnesota won five of its last eight games; under is 7-2-1 in their last ten home games.

Indians (88-69) @ White Sox (62-95)
Bieber is 2-2, 4.88 in his last four starts; over is 3-1-1 in his last five. Team in his starts: 12-6, 7-2 away
5-inning record: 11-6-1 Allowed run in 1st inning: 7-18

Team in his starts: 12-20, 8-9 home
5-inning record: 12-18-2 Allowed run in 1st inning: 10-32

Indians won five of their last eight games; under is 4-2-1 in their last seven games. Chicago lost six of its last nine games; under is 8-5-2 in their last 15 games.

Rangers (66-91) @ Angels (77-81)
Mendez is 1-2, 8.64 in his four starts (over 4-0). Team in his starts: 1-3, 0-1 away
5-inning record: 1-2-1 Allowed run in 1st inning: 1-4

Heaney is 2-2, 4.00 in his last five starts; over is 6-3 in his last nine. Team in his starts: 14-15, 8-5 home
5-inning record: 8-13-8 Allowed run in 1st inning: 7-29

Texas lost seven of its last nine games; over is 3-2-1 in their last six games. Angels lost five of their last seven games; over is 5-1-2 in their last eight games.

A’s (95-63) @ Mariners (86-71)
Jackson is 2-0, 3.72 in his last four starts (over 3-1). Team in his starts: 13-3, 6-1 away
5-inning record: 4-6-6 Allowed run in 1st inning: 4-16

Hernandez is 0-2, 4.91 in his last four starts; over is 5-2 in his last seven starts. Team in his starts: 11-16, 6-8 home
5-inning record: 9-14-4 Allowed run in 1st inning: 14-27

Playoff-bound A’s won five of their last seven games; over is 8-2 in their last ten games. Seattle split its last ten games; under is 7-3 in their last ten home games.

Interleague
Royals (55-102) @ Reds (66-92)
Fillmyer is 1-1, 5.32 in his last four starts (over 7-4-1). Team in his starts: 4-8, 0-5 away
5-inning record: 3-8-1 Allowed run in 1st inning: 1-12

Reed 1-0, 1.80 in his last three starts (over 3-3). Team in his starts: 2-4, 1-1 home
5-inning record: 2-3-1 Allowed run in 1st inning: 2-6

Royals lost five of their last eight games; under is 5-1 in their last six games. Cincinnati lost five of its last six games; under is 12-0-1 in their last 13 games.

Umpires
Mia-Wsh: Over is 12-4 in last 16 Whitson games.
Atl-NY: Under is 6-3 in last nine Bucknor games.
Pitt-Chi: Over is 5-2-1 last eight Holbrook games.
Mil-StL: Over is 13-4 in last 17 TBarrett games.
Phil-Col: Over is 9-5 in last 14 Tichenor games.
LA-Az: Five of last six Ripperger games went over.
SD-SF: Under is 7-2 in last nine Additon games.

Hst-Tor: Last four Dreckman games stayed under.
Balt-Bos: Five of last six Baker games stayed under. Under is 7-3-1 in last 11 Muchlinski games.
NY-TB: Under is 4-1-1 in last six Gibson games.
Clev-Chi: Last six Nelson games went over the total.
Det-Min: Over is 9-4 in last 13 Visconti games.
Tex-LAA: Over is 8-1-1 in last ten Ortiz games.
A’s-Sea: Over is 5-3 in last eight Meals games.

KC-Cin: Over is 3-1-1 in last five Bellino games.

Baltimore Orioles vs. Boston Red Sox Preview and Predictions 09-26-2018 in MLB

MLB Previews 25th September 2018 by Gracenote
The Boston Red Sox were given a little extra time to bask in the glory of a franchise-record 106th win. After a rainout at Fenway Park, the Red Sox will try to add to their gaudy victory total with a day-night doubleheader against the visiting Baltimore Orioles on Wednesday.

The scheduled contest was called early on a very wet Tuesday in Boston, which came on the heels of the Red Sox winning the series opener 6-2 on Monday to set the new team mark. Mookie Betts bolstered his MVP candidacy with a home run for the third straight game to lead the way for Boston, which has also clinched the best record in the majors and home-field advantage throughout the playoffs. David Price puts an 8-2 home record on the line when he starts the matinee for the Red Sox followed by Chris Sale at night. At 45-111 and one defeat away from establishing a new franchise mark for losses in a season, Baltimore will give rookie Ryan Meisinger his first career start in the opener and then play it by ear in the nightcap.

TV: 1:05 p.m. ET, MASN2 (Baltimore), NESN (Boston)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Orioles RH Ryan Meisinger (2-0, 4.50 ERA) vs. Red Sox LH David Price (15-7, 3.53)

Meisinger's longest outing of the year was a three-inning stint July 9 against the New York Yankees and he's lasted two frames in each of his last two appearances. He is 2-0 with an 0.00 ERA over his last five outings, striking out eight in 7 2/3 innings. The 24-year-old will be facing the Red Sox for the first time.

Price was unbeaten in 11 straight starts and 6-0 in that span before suffering a loss at Yankee Stadium on Wednesday. He gave up four earned runs in 5 1/3 innings to raise his ERA in four starts against the Yankees to 10.34, compared to 2.84 in 25 outings against all other opponents. The Vanderbilt product is 14-5 with a 2.67 ERA in 27 career matchups with the Orioles.

WALK-OFFS

1. Betts needs one stolen base to record the second 30/30 season in team history (Jacoby Ellsbury, 2011).

2. Orioles IF Tim Beckham is 4-for-12 with two homers, three RBIs and four runs scored during his three-game hitting streak.

3. Boston has won 18 of the last 20 meetings.

PREDICTION: Red Sox 7, Orioles 2
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Miami Marlins vs. Washington Nationals Preview and Predictions 09-26-2018 in MLB

MLB Previews 25th September 2018 by Gracenote
Anthony Rendon is making the most of a disappointing season for his Washington Nationals, who look to finish off a three-game sweep of the visiting Miami Marlins on Wednesday. Rendon was 3-for-3 in Tuesday's 9-4 win while recording a home run and four RBIs for the second straight game.

The 28-year-old Rendon is batting .512 with five homers and 20 RBIs during a scorching 11-game hitting streak and has reached base safely in his last 33 contests. Rendon and teammate Bryce Harper, who was 1-for-1 with three walks Tuesday, are both set to be free agents this offseason and could potentially be playing their final home game for the Nationals on Wednesday. Tanner Roark was scheduled to start the finale for Washington but has opted to stay in Atlanta with his wife and their newborn child. Kyle McGowin will take Roark's spot in the rotation when he starts Wednesday opposite Marlins lefty Wei-Yin Chen.

TV: 4:05 p.m. ET, FS Florida (Miami), MASN (Washington)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Marlins LH Wei-Yin Chen (6-11, 4.66 ERA) vs. Nationals RH Kyle McGowin (0-0, 6.75)

Chen continued his dominance at home with seven scoreless innings and eight strikeouts against the Cincinnati Reds on Friday. He is 5-3 with a 1.62 ERA in 13 starts at Marlins Park while sporting a 1-8 record and a 9.29 ERA in 12 starts on the road, including two visits to Washington in which he gave up nine runs in a total of 10 innings. Mark Reynolds is 5-for-12 with three home runs and seven RBIs against the 33-year-old Chen.

McGowin will be making his first career start after three relief appearances earlier in the month. He struck out the only two men he faced in his most recent appearance Sept. 14 at Atlanta. The 26-year-old had a 1.20 ERA while allowing 26 hits in 52 2/3 innings over eight starts for Triple-A Syracuse this year.

WALK-OFFS

1. Miami's scheduled season finale in Pittsburgh on Oct. 1 - a makeup of a Sept. 9 rainout - was canceled Tuesday with both teams out of playoff contention.

2. Nationals SS Trea Turner has played in each of the team's first 158 games and can become the first Washington player since Ryan Zimmerman in 2007 to play the full schedule.

3. Marlins 1B Peter O'Brien is 7-for-14 with two homers in four games against Washington this year.

PREDICTION: Nationals 6, Marlins 5
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Houston Astros vs. Toronto Blue Jays Preview and Predictions 09-26-2018 in MLB

MLB Previews 26th September 2018 by Gracenote
The Houston Astros celebrated consecutive division titles for the first time since a three-peat from 1997-99 early Wednesday morning. Winners of five in a row and 18 of 22 in September, the American League West champion Astros (100-57) may take liberties with their lineup on Wednesday afternoon when they play the series finale versus the host Toronto Blue Jays (71-87).

Alex Bregman went deep for a team-leading 31st time this season when he belted a two-run homer in the first inning on Tuesday to extend his club-record streak of reaching base safely on the road to 53 games. The 24-year-old Bregman has tormented Toronto this season, going 12-for-23 with 10 extra-base hits (six doubles, four homers) to go along with nine RBIs. While Houston has an eye on the playoffs, the Blue Jays have no such plans and dropped their third in a row overall and fourth straight to the Astros this season. Aledmys Diaz had a single and double on Tuesday to improve to 7-for-16 during his five-game hitting streak and 7-for-15 against the Astros this season.

TV: 4:07 p.m. ET, MLB Network, AT&T SportsNet Southwest (Houston), Sportsnet (Toronto)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Astros RH Chris Devenski (2-2, 4.12 ERA) vs. Blue Jays RH Sean Reid-Foley (2-4, 5.40)

Devenski will begin a "bullpen day" for Houston when he makes his sixth appearance since coming off the disabled list on Aug. 29. The 27-year-old surrendered a homer in the first two contests of September before tossing a scoreless inning of relief in back-to-back encounters versus Seattle on Sept. 18-19. Devenski also tossed a scoreless inning of work in his lone appearance against Toronto this season and has held the current crop of Blue Jays to going 3-for-15 with six strikeouts.

Reid-Foley will receive another start in a decision that was necessitated after fellow right-hander Aaron Sanchez underwent surgery on his right index finger. The 23-year-old Reid-Foley allowed four runs on six hits over four innings of an 11-3 setback versus Tampa Bay last Friday. Reid-Foley has struggled with his control, issuing four walks in back-to-back contests to raise his total to 20 in six outings (30 innings).

WALK-OFFS

1. Houston 1B Yuli Gurriel is 20-for-45 with three homers, 15 RBIs and nine runs scored during his 11-game hitting streak.

2. Blue Jays DH Kendrys Morales is 0-for-11 with five strikeouts versus the Astros this season.

3. Houston SS Carlos Correa (back) is expected to return from a six-game absence on Wednesday and start at designated hitter.

PREDICTION: Blue Jays 5, Astros 2
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Kansas City Royals vs. Cincinnati Reds Preview and Predictions 09-26-2018 in MLB

MLB Previews 25th September 2018 by Gracenote
Hunter Dozier hasn't been shy about flexing his muscles against the Cincinnati Reds this season. After belting the go-ahead homer in the ninth inning in the opener, Dozier looks to provide an encore on Wednesday as the Kansas City Royals (55-102) bid for a sweep of their abbreviated two-game interleague series against the host Reds (66-92) at Great American Ball Park.

Dozier, who also went deep when the cellar-dwelling teams met in their initial two-game series in June, entered Tuesday's tilt mired in an 0-for-12 stretch and was retired three times before launching his 11th homer in a 4-3 win. Ryan O'Hearn also went deep and has two homers among his eight hits during his last six games for Kansas City, which has won three of its last four and needs two more victories over its final five contests to avoid matching a franchise record of 106 losses (2005). Cincinnati, which has endured its fair share of setbacks this season, has dropped four straight overall and seven in a row in interleague play. Scooter Gennett had a triple on Tuesday to improve to 4-for-12 with three runs scored versus the Royals this season.

TV: 6:40 p.m. ET, FS Kansas City, FS Ohio (Cincinnati)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Royals RH Heath Fillmyer (3-2, 4.56 ERA) vs. Reds LH Cody Reed (1-2, 3.66)

Fillmyer tasted defeat for the first time since July 8 on Wednesday despite allowing two runs across seven innings of a 2-1 setback at Pittsburgh. The 24-year-old did not walk a batter versus the Pirates, marking his first contest without issuing a free pass since a two-inning stint at Seattle on June 30. Fillmyer will be making his 17th career appearance overall and first versus Cincinnati on Wednesday.

Reed recorded his second straight scoreless outing on Thursday after scattering five hits and striking out six over six innings in a 4-2 win at Miami. "I was just throwing the ball over the plate. Getting those quick outs and getting the team off the field and back swinging the sticks was good," the 25-year-old told reporters. Reed, who has adjusted quite nicely since shuffling from the bullpen, will face the team which selected him in the second round of the June 2013 draft.

WALK-OFFS

1. Cincinnati OF Phillip Ervin has struck out at least once in 13 consecutive contests.

2. Kansas City C Salvador Perez scored twice on Tuesday and had a pair of singles to extend his hitting streak to four games.

3. Reds RF Scott Schebler is 0-for-11 in his last three contests.

PREDICTION: Reds 4, Royals 1
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New York Yankees vs. Tampa Bay Rays Preview and Predictions 09-26-2018 in MLB

MLB Previews 26th September 2018 by Gracenote
Yankees vs. Rays Preview and Predictions

by Gracenote on 09/26/2018

Miguel Andujar continues to build his resume for the American League Rookie of the Year honors and looks to push his batting average over .300 when the New York Yankees visit the Tampa Bay Rays on Wednesday for the third contest of their four-game series. Andujar (.298) launched a solo homer in Tuesday's 9-2 rout and is 8-for-24 with five extra-base hits over his last six games for the playoff-bound Yankees.

New York's Gary Sanchez also hopes to build off a big performance on Tuesday, when he was 2-for-4 - including his first homer in two weeks - with four RBIs after a stretch during which he went 1-for-27 over eight games. Masahiro Tanaka is 1-1 with a 1.20 ERA against Tampa Bay in 2018 as he takes the mound for the Yankees on Wednesday, while the Rays will open the contest with hard-throwing reliever Ryne Stanek. Tampa Bay has suffered back-to-back losses for the first time since Aug 17 and 18, getting outscored 13-3 in the first two contests of the series. Brandon Lowe went 3-for-3 with two RBIs in Tuesday's setback while Tommy Pham extended his hitting streak to nine games (15-for-34) and his on-base run to 27 contests with a double.

TV: 7:10 p.m. ET, YES (New York), FS Sun (Tampa Bay)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Yankees RH Masahiro Tanaka (12-5, 3.67 ERA) vs. Rays RH Ryne Stanek (2-3, 2.70)

Tanaka is unbeaten in his last four starts despite allowing five runs and eight hits in four innings of a no-decision against Boston last Thursday. The 29-year-old native of Japan yielded one run on 14 hits and three walks over 21 frames in his previous three turns. Kevin Kiermaier is 7-for-22 with a homer against Tanaka, who is 8-3 with a 3.58 ERA in 13 career starts versus the Rays - including a 4-2 record and 4.41 mark at Tropicana Field.

Stanek recorded two strikeouts while working a total of one inning in a pair of relief outings that followed his last start on Sept. 20, when he yielded two runs in one frame at Toronto. The 27-year-old from Kansas is 0-2 with a 2.92 ERA in the "opener" role, registering 48 strikeouts while limiting opponents to a .189 batting average over 37 innings in 27 outings. Aaron Judge is 2-for-4 versus Stanek, who has given up one unearned run over 6 1/3 frames against the Yankees in 2018.

WALK-OFFS

1. Tampa Bay DH-1B Ji-Man Choi went through concussion protocol after a collision with Sanchez at home plate on Tuesday.

2. New York OF Aaron Hicks likely will miss another day or two, but an MRI on his hamstring Tuesday showed no tear.

3. The Rays need three wins in their final five games to reach 90 for the sixth time in franchise history and first since 2013.

PREDICTION: Yankees 5, Rays 2
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Milwaukee Brewers vs. St. Louis Cardinals Preview and Predictions 09-26-2018 in MLB

The surging Milwaukee Brewers are within a half-game of the National League Central lead, and they could be atop the standings if they can finish a three-game sweep of the host St. Louis Cardinals on Wednesday. Milwaukee trails the Chicago Cubs by the narrowest of margins after a 12-4 win Tuesday that dropped the Cardinals a half-game behind Colorado for the second NL wild card.

Christian Yelich continued his MVP bid with a career-high six RBIs, including a three-run blast, in Tuesday's victory - Milwaukee's fifth in six games. The Brewers clinched the season series and home-field advantage should the two meet in the wild card game. The Cardinals have lost two straight following a string of six wins in seven games, and their remaining schedule doesn't do them any favors. After the finale with the Brewers, St. Louis heads to Wrigley Field for three against the Cubs to close the regular season.

TV: 7:10 p.m. ET, ESPN, FS Wisconsin (Milwaukee), FS Midwest (St. Louis)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Brewers RH Jhoulys Chacin (14-8, 3.61 ERA) vs. Cardinals RH John Gant (7-6, 3.53)

Chacin is winless in four starts this month, and he hasn't pitched past the fifth inning in any of them. The 30-year-old allowed three runs over four innings in a no-decision at Pittsburgh last time out, surrendering a pair of home runs. Chacin is 1-7 with a 6.10 ERA in 10 games (nine starts) against the Cardinals, who have tagged him for 17 runs (14 earned) in 20 2/3 innings across four meetings this season.

Gant has struggled with his command recently, issuing 21 walks in 30 2/3 innings across his last six starts. The 26-year-old lasted only 2 2/3 innings in his last start, allowing one run, four hits, and three walks in a no-decision against San Francisco. Gant is 0-2 with a 4.73 ERA in four games (two starts) against the Brewers.

WALK-OFFS

1. Yelich has reached base in 12 straight games against St. Louis and is 15-for-32 with 10 extra-base hits and 15 RBIs during an eight-game hitting streak overall.

2. St. Louis 1B-OF Jose Martinez has recorded three consecutive multi-hit games, one off his career high.

3. Milwaukee has hit three or more home runs 27 times this season, tied with the Los Angeles Dodgers for the most in the NL.

PREDICTION: Brewers 6, Cardinals 4
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Baltimore Orioles vs. Boston Red Sox Preview and Predictions 09-26-2018 in MLB

MLB Previews 25th September 2018 by Gracenote
The Boston Red Sox were given a little extra time to bask in the glory of a franchise-record 106th win. After a rainout at Fenway Park, the Red Sox will try to add to their gaudy victory total with a day-night doubleheader against the visiting Baltimore Orioles on Wednesday.

The contest was called early on a very wet Tuesday in Boston, which came on the heels of the Red Sox winning the series opener 6-2 on Monday to establish the new team mark. Mookie Betts bolstered his MVP candidacy with a home run for the third straight game to lead the way for Boston, which has also clinched the best record in the majors and home-field advantage throughout the playoffs. David Price puts an 8-2 home record on the line when he starts the matinee for the Red Sox followed by Chris Sale at night. At 45-111 and one defeat away from establishing a new franchise mark for losses, Baltimore will give rookie Ryan Meisinger his first career start in the opener and then play it by ear in the nightcap.

TV: 7:10 p.m. ET, MASN2 (Baltimore), NESN (Boston)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Orioles TBD vs. Red Sox LH Chris Sale (12-4, 2.00)

The Orioles will see what develops in the matinee before deciding on an opening pitcher for the nightcap. Right-hander Jimmy Yacabonis, who is 0-2 with a 6.34 ERA, was originally scheduled to start Tuesday's game prior to the postponement. Yefry Ramirez was a candidate to make a start in the series before being scratched due to a cut on his thumb.

Sale struck out seven and allowed two runs against the Indians his last time out and he's produced 7 1/3 innings total in three starts since returning from a shoulder issue. His only August start saw him fan 12 in just five scoreless innings at Baltimore. The 29-year-old has allowed three runs in 51 1/3 innings in his last 10 starts.

WALK-OFFS

1. Betts needs one stolen base to record the second 30/30 season in team history (Jacoby Ellsbury, 2011).

2. Orioles IF Tim Beckham is 4-for-12 with two homers, three RBIs and four runs scored during his three-game hitting streak.

3. Boston has won 18 of the last 20 meetings.

PREDICTION: Red Sox 7, Orioles 3
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Atlanta Braves vs. New York Mets Preview and Predictions 09-26-2018 in MLB

MLB Previews 26th September 2018 by Gracenote
Braves vs. Mets Preview and Predictions

by Gracenote on 09/26/2018

The Atlanta Braves are National League East champions in part for their work in the late innings and enter the middle contest of their three-game series against the host New York Mets on Wednesday riding the wave of yet another come-from-behind victory. The Braves posted a 7-3 victory in the series opener, rallying from a 3-0 deficit after six innings to win for the 10th time this season when trailing after six frames as Kurt Suzuki drove in two runs and scored twice.

Orioles vs. Red Sox Preview and Predictions

Atlanta, which has earned its first postseason berth in five seasons by repeatedly rallying in the late innings, got big performances from Suzuki, rookie Ronald Acuna and Ozzie Albies - with the latter belting a two-run homer in the eighth to give him 24 on the season. Despite already having locked up the division title, the Braves have plenty for which to play during this final week of the regular season as they are in a dogfight for home-field advantage in the NL Division Series. The Mets are playing out the string but have fared better in the final month of the campaign, as they won three of four overall before losing for the 13th time in 17 meetings with Atlanta this year - and seventh time in eight matchups at home. Michael Conforto registered his major league-leading 28th RBI this month in the series opener as he finished 2-for-4 with a double and a run scored.

TV: 7:10 p.m. ET, FS Southeast (Atlanta), SNY (New York)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Braves LH Sean Newcomb (12-9, 4.04 ERA) vs. Mets RH Jacob deGrom (9-9, 1.77)

Newcomb has excelled for most of his first full major-league season, but he likely is pitching for a spot on the postseason roster after recording a 7.44 ERA and .312 opponents batting average over his last seven starts. The 25-year-old yielded five runs and six hits in just three innings of a loss to Washington on Sept. 16, marking the fourth time in his last seven turns he has permitted five or more runs. Newcomb is 1-0 with a 1.38 ERA in two starts against New York this year.

It has been an historic season for deGrom, who leads the majors in ERA while averaging 11.2 strikeouts per nine innings, but he could end the campaign with a losing record and finish without reaching double digits in victories. The 30-year-old hopes to become the fifth pitcher since 2001 to lead his league with a sub-2.00 ERA, which is quite possible considering he hasn't been above that mark since May 2, but the Mets have provided him with only 3.55 runs per start - the third-lowest amount among qualifying pitchers. DeGrom has posted a 1.09 ERA in five starts against the Braves this campaign but is 0-2 as New York has lost all five contests.

WALK-OFFS

1. Atlanta SS Dansby Swanson exited the series opener as a precaution after experiencing left hand soreness.

2. DeGrom has held opponents to three runs of fewer in 28 consecutive starts, the longest single-season streak in major-league history.

3. Braves RHP Arodys Vizcaino was worked three perfect innings over his last three appearances after tossing a 1-2-3 ninth on Tuesday.

PREDICTION: Braves 2, Mets 1
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Pittsburgh Pirates vs. Chicago Cubs Preview and Predictions 09-26-2018 in MLB

MLB Previews 26th September 2018 by Gracenote
Pirates vs. Cubs Preview and Predictions

by Gracenote on 09/26/2018

The Chicago Cubs' division lead is down to the narrowest of margins, and if they can't get their offense going, it could disappear entirely. The slumping Cubs lead the National League Central by just a half-game over Milwaukee entering the third of a four-game series against the visiting Pittsburgh Pirates on Wednesday.

The Cubs' recent offensive woes have been especially worrisome against Pittsburgh, which has limited Chicago to five runs across the past six meetings. The Pirates blanked the Cubs 6-0 on Tuesday after pitcher Cole Hamels' solo homer accounted for Chicago's only run in the series opener. The Cubs have scored one or fewer runs in four straight home games for the first time since 1989. The Pirates have won four straight on the road and eight of their last 10 overall.

TV: 8:05 p.m. ET, AT&T SportsNet Pittsburgh, NBCS Chicago

PITCHING MATCHUP: Pirates RH Ivan Nova (9-9, 4.01 ERA) vs. Cubs LH Jose Quintana (13-11, 4.11)

Nova has allowed two runs in 16 1/3 innings across three starts this month. The 31-year-old didn't get out of the fifth inning last time out, though, despite allowing just one run and three hits in a no-decision against Milwaukee. Nova is 4-2 with a 3.27 ERA in seven career starts against the Cubs, including a 2-1 mark and a 2.33 ERA in three meetings this season.

After a dominant stretch spanning August and September, Quintana has lost his last two starts. The 29-year-old gave up five runs over five-plus innings in a loss to the crosstown White Sox in his last outing, though he did rack up eight strikeouts. Quintana is 1-1 with a 2.74 ERA in four starts against the Pirates, and he allowed one run over five innings in a no-decision in the first meeting this season.

WALK-OFFS

1. Cubs 3B/OF Kris Bryant left Tuesday's game after being hit by a pitch in the left hand, and though X-rays were negative he is not expected to play Wednesday.

2. Pittsburgh OF Pablo Reyes has homered in back-to-back games and boasts multiple hits in six of his past nine contests.

3. Chicago INF Javier Baez has a team-high 51 multi-hit games, the most by a Cubs player since Starlin Castro had 51 in 2012.

PREDICTION: Cubs 3, Pirates 2
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Detroit Tigers vs. Minnesota Twins Preview and Predictions 09-26-2018 in MLB

MLB Previews 26th September 2018 by Gracenote
Tigers vs. Twins Preview and Predictions

by Gracenote on 09/26/2018

The Detroit Tigers attempt to record back-to-back victories for the first time in more than two weeks when they visit the Minnesota Twins on Wednesday for the middle contest of their three-game set. Detroit, which posted a 4-2 triumph in the series opener, has not won consecutive contests since a four-game winning streak from Sept. 4-8.

The Tigers scored all four of their runs on Tuesday in the eighth inning, with James McCann highlighting the rally with a two-run double. Niko Goodrum and Nicholas Castellanos each drove in one run, with the latter raising his team-leading RBI total to 87. Minnesota lost for the third time in four contests as it began its season-ending seven-game homestand. Each of the first three batters in the lineup recorded two hits, with Jorge Polanco and Jake Cave recording an RBI apiece, while Joe Mauer put his name in the Twins' record book in the opener as he led off the game with a single to reach base safely for the 3,073rd time.

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

PITCHING MATCHUP: Tigers LH Matthew Boyd (9-12, 4.16 ERA) vs. Twins RH Jake Odorizzi (7-10, 4.35)

Boyd extended his unbeaten streak to four starts on Thursday as he escaped with a no-decision despite surrendering five runs - two earned - and six hits in just 1 1/3 innings against Kansas City. The 27-year-old native of Washington, who has recorded just one win during the stretch, is 3-9 with a 5.52 ERA on the road this year as opposed to 6-3 with a 2.63 mark at home. Boyd is 6-4 with a 3.93 ERA in 15 career starts against the Twins and 1-2 with a 3.80 ERA in four turns this season, including a pair of losses in Minnesota.

Odorizzi is hoping to duplicate his performance from Sept. 18, when he allowed two runs and four hits over 6 1/3 innings in a victory at Detroit. The triumph improved the 28-year-old from Illinois to 3-1 with a 3.15 ERA in seven career starts against the Tigers. Odorizzi was superb in his last turn at home as he limited the New York Yankees to one run and one hit over a season-high 7 1/3 frames in a win on Sept. 12.

WALK-OFFS

1. Castellanos has hit safely in seven of his last eight games, going 14-for-30 in that span, and driven in at least one run (six overall) in five of his last six contests.

2. Minnesota activated RHP Aaron Slegers (shoulder), who had been sidelined for over two months, from the 10-day disabled list.

3. Detroit INF Harold Castro made his major-league debut Tuesday, going 1-for-4 with a stolen base as he started at shortstop before shifting to second base.

PREDICTION: Twins 6, Tigers 4
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Cleveland Indians vs. Chicago White Sox Preview and Predictions 09-26-2018 in MLB

MLB Previews 26th September 2018 by Gracenote
Indians vs. White Sox Preview and Predictions

by Gracenote on 09/26/2018

The Chicago White Sox look to earn a series victory and avoid their first 100-loss season since 1970 when they host the American League Central champion Cleveland Indians for the finale of a three-game set Wednesday night. Daniel Palka singled home the final two runs as Chicago scored three times in the bottom of the ninth inning on Tuesday to earn a 5-4 victory.

Palka, who has 27 homers to tie Zeke Bonura (1934) for the third most blasts for a rookie in franchise history, went 2-for-5 on Tuesday to break out of a 1-for-14 slump across his previous five contests. The White Sox close the book on their season series with the Indians, who have won 13 of 18 as they continue to prepare for the playoffs while staggering the rest of key players. Cleveland, who has won five of its last eight contests overall and is 39-37 on the road, saw All-Star Michael Brantley (10-for-23, five-game hitting streak) leave Tuesday's matchup with a right calf contusion and the .309 hitter is considered day-to-day. Indians first baseman Yonder Alonso is heating up in the final week of the regular season, going 6-for-11 with two RBIs and two walks in his last three games.

TV: 8:10 p.m. ET, STO (Cleveland), NBCS Chicago Plus

PITCHING MATCHUP: Indians RH Shane Bieber (10-5, 4.80 ERA) vs. White Sox LH Jace Fry (2-2, 4.32)

Bieber struggled in his last two appearances while permitting 11 runs on 17 hits and two walks over 10 2/3 innings with a pair of losses. The 23-year-old California native had won four of his previous five starts before the two rough outings and tossed 6 2/3 scoreless innings against the White Sox in a no-decision on Aug. 10. Tim Anderson and Yoan Moncada each have doubles versus Bieber, who is 6-0 with a 3.92 ERA in 10 road starts this season.

Fry gets his first career major league start after making 68 appearances in relief over the last two seasons, as the White Sox go with a bullpen game. The 25-year-old Oregon State product retired two batters while allowing a hit and a walk in Monday's series opener and gave up two runs without posting an out in his previous outing. Greg Allen has a homer versus Fry, who is 1-0 with a 1.29 ERA in seven appearances against Cleveland in 2018.

WALK-OFFS

1. Cleveland C Yan Gomes is 13-for-36 with three homers, four doubles and six RBIs during a nine-game hitting streak.

2. Chicago OF Nicky Delmonico left Tuesday's contest with right shoulder soreness and is day-to-day.

3. Indians 3B Josh Donaldson, acquired at the waiver deadline from Toronto on Aug. 31, is 6-for-20 in his last six contests.

PREDICTION: Indians 6, White Sox 2
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Philadelphia Phillies vs. Colorado Rockies Preview and Predictions 09-26-2018 in MLB

MLB Previews 26th September 2018 by Gracenote
Phillies vs. Rockies Preview and Predictions

by Gracenote on 09/26/2018

The Colorado Rockies are sprinting toward the finish line and look to record their sixth straight victory when they host the Philadelphia Phillies on Wednesday for the third contest of their four-game series. Colorado's torrid run has helped it move ahead of St. Louis by one-half game for the second National League wild-card spot and pull within one-half game of the first-place Los Angeles Dodgers in the NL West.

David Dahl homered and collected four RBIs as the Rockies drubbed the Phillies 10-3 on Tuesday. Charlie Blackmon went 2-for-3 to extend his career-best hitting streak to 17 games for the Rockies, who have recorded 10 runs in each of the first two games of the series and outscored their opponents 33-7 during their winning streak. The fading Phillies have lost six straight and 25 of their last 35, with the latest setback dropping them one game below .500. "I'm not willing to compromise my integrity to be a character," Philadelphia manager Gabe Kapler told reporters prior to the contest. "My job is to help the Philadelphia Phillies win baseball games. It's not to be a persona, but it doesn't mean I don't feel. Yes, I promise I get mad. I promise there are conversations that get loud. I promise I pound my fist from time to time. I'm not going to do it for show. It's not who I am."

TV: 8:40 p.m. ET, NBCS Philadelphia, AT&T SportsNet-Rocky Mountain (Colorado)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Phillies RH Nick Pivetta (7-13, 4.58 ERA) vs. Rockies RH German Marquez (13-10, 3.91)

Pivetta has gone 0-4 with a 4.76 ERA over his last eight starts, last winning on Aug. 7. The 25-year-old settled for a no-decision in his last turn after giving up one run and four hits over five innings. Pivetta is 0-2 with a 16.43 ERA in two career outings against Colorado, including a loss on June 13 in which he surrendered six runs and eight hits over five frames.

Marquez is tied with Pedro Astacio (1999) for the second-highest single-season strikeout total in franchise history with 210 and needs just five to surpass Ubaldo Jimenez (2010). The 23-year-old has fanned 11 or more hitters in four of his last five outings, including a win over Arizona last time out in which he registered 11 strikeouts without a walk while giving up two runs and six hits over seven innings. Marquez lost to the Phillies on June 14, when he yielded six runs and seven hits over six innings, and is 1-1 with a 5.25 ERA in two career outings against them.

WALK-OFFS

1. Rockies 3B Nolan Arenado is 4-for-9 in the series, but his home-run drought has reached 11 games.

2. Philadelphia LF Aaron Altherr (toe) is done for the season after crashing into the outfield wall on Monday.

3. Colorado 2B DJ LeMahieu went 3-for-5 and scored twice on Tuesday and is 10-for-23 with seven runs scored over his last five contests.

PREDICTION: Rockies 8, Phillies 1
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Los Angeles Dodgers vs. Arizona Diamondbacks Preview and Predictions 09-26-2018 in MLB

MLB Previews 26th September 2018 by Gracenote
Dodgers vs. Diamondbacks Preview and Predictions

by Gracenote on 09/26/2018

The National League West won't crown a champion until this weekend, but the Los Angeles Dodgers can improve their chances with a victory when they visit the Arizona Diamondbacks on Wednesday for the rubber match of their three-game series. The Dodgers had their division lead over Colorado reduced to one-half game with Tuesday's 4-3 loss.

Arizona snapped its four-game losing streak on Eduardo Escobar's walk-off homer off Kenta Maeda after Los Angeles tied the game in the top of the ninth inning on Chris Taylor's RBI double. David Peralta drove in two runs for the Diamondbacks, who won for just the fourth time in 17 games. The Dodgers are aiming for their sixth consecutive division title but have gone 6-for-28 with runners in scoring position over their last two games and could use more production from Brian Dozier, who has recorded three hits in 42 at-bats this month. Yasmani Grandal collected three hits for the Dodgers, who are 21-9 since Aug. 24 and finish the regular season with three games at San Francisco this weekend.

TV: 9:40 p.m. ET, ESPN, SportsNet LA (Los Angeles), FS Arizona

PITCHING MATCHUP: Dodgers RH Ross Stripling (8-5, 2.84 ERA) vs. Diamondbacks RH Zack Greinke (14-11, 3.21)

Stripling lost his third straight decision on Friday, allowing two runs in 3 1/3 innings against San Diego. The 28-year-old Texan has worked 3 1/3 frames in each of his three starts since rejoining the rotation on Sept. 12. Paul Goldschmidt is 6-for-14 with a home run against Stripling, who is 1-3 with a 3.96 ERA in 17 career games (three starts) versus Arizona - including an 0-3 record and 5.19 mark in 10 contests (one start) at Chase Field.

Greinke fell to 2-6 since the beginning of August after allowing three runs over 7 1/3 innings in last Friday's 6-2 loss to Colorado. "He was executing a great game plan and I thought he had some of the best stuff he had all year," Arizona manager Torey Lovullo told reporters. "They just chipped away at him in the eighth inning." The five-time All-Star owns a 6-5 record and 3.83 ERA in 14 career starts against the Dodgers but has struggled to contain Justin Turner (9-for-25, two home runs).

WALK-OFFS

1. The Dodgers plan to start LHPs Hyun-Jin Ryu and Clayton Kershaw, as well as RHP Walker Buehler, in this weekend's series against San Francisco.

2. Arizona 1B Christian Walker (sinus) will miss the rest of the season after being hit by a pitch in the face in Monday's contest.

3. Los Angeles is 71-27 when scoring first.

PREDICTION: Diamondbacks 5, Dodgers 2
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