Friday 5/20/16 service plays chatter/comps/requests & other stuff...

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[Can'tPickaWinner2]

NHL notebook: Stamkos hopes to return to series
By The Sports Xchange

Tampa Bay Lightning captain Steven Stamkos continues to progress from surgery to remove a blood clot and indicated there is a slim chance he can return during the Eastern Conference finals against the Pittsburgh Penguins.
Stamkos, who scored 36 goals during the regular season, has been sidelined since he underwent surgery to remove the clot near his right collarbone on April 4. He is unlikely to play in Friday's pivotal Game 4.
The Lightning trail the Penguins 2-1 in the best-of-seven series.

--The Pittsburgh Penguins recalled eight players from their AHL affiliate in Wilkes-Barre/Scranton after that team was eliminated from the Calder Cup playoffs.
Joining the Penguins are forwards Daniel Sprong, Dominik Simon, Jean-Sebastien Dea, Josh Archibald and Kael Mouillierat; defensemen Steve Oleksy and Tim Erixon; and goaltender Tristan Jarry.
Game 4 of the Eastern Conference finals between the Penguins and Lightning will be played Friday, with Pittsburgh holding a 2-1 advantage in the best-of-seven series.

--The Edmonton Oilers signed winger Zack Kassian to a one-year contract.
Kassian, 25, had eight points (three goals, five assists) in 36 games for Edmonton this past season. He has 74 points (38 goals, 36 assists) in 234 career NHL games.

--Washington Capitals general manager Brian MacLellan embraces the win-now pressure that comes with a roster that includes one of the game's best players.
Alex Ovechkin's contract has five years left and he'll be just 35 when it expires. MacLellan can grip the reality that the clock is ticking, but even with Ovechkin signed, there's uncertainty in Washington and rising pressure to win a Stanley Cup.
"I don't know that the window closes off, but it's got to change because money needs to be allocated to different players and that sometimes squeezes out other players," MacLellan said. "The situation will change after next year."

--The Lightning signed forward Anthony Cirelli to a three-year, entry-level contract.
Cirelli tallied 59 points (21 goals, 38 assists) in 62 games for the Oshawa Generals of the Ontario Hockey League this past season. Hei was a third-round selection by the Lightning in the 2015 NHL draft.

--The Arizona Coyotes officially announced that their AHL affiliate will be relocated from Springfield, Mass., to Tucson, Ariz., for the start of the 2016-17 season.
The AHL's Board of Governors approved the sale of the Springfield Falcons to the Coyotes on May 10, and the Tucson City Council approved a 10-year arena lease agreement between the Coyotes and the Tucson Convention Center on May 17.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Penguins (48-26) at Lightning (46-31)

Date: May 20, 2016 8:00 PM EDT

TAMPA, Fla. (AP) Few NHL teams have the quickness, speed, skill and depth to overwhelm the Tampa Bay Lightning, which the Pittsburgh Penguins have done through three games of the Eastern Conference finals.

Sidney Crosby, Evgeni Malkin and a talented supporting cast that includes the sizzling line of Phil Kessel, Carl Hagelin and Nick Bonino have outplayed the speedy Lightning for significant stretches of each game to gain a 2-1 lead in the best-of-seven matchup.

Game 4 is Friday night at Amalie Arena, and the Penguins are looking to turn up the pressure even more.

'When you're playing such good teams at this point, you know you can't afford to look past the game in front of you,' said Crosby, who's scored the past two games after going eight straight without a goal.

Malkin assisted on Crosby's power-play goal that proved to be the winner in Game 3 on Wednesday night, Malkin's first point since Game 2 of Pittsburgh's second-round victory over Washington.

While the Penguins' biggest stars were trying to get back on track, Kessel, Hagelin and Bonino heated up at precisely the right time.

The trio had a huge impact Wednesday night, as well, with Kessel delivering his team-leading seventh goal of the playoffs off a nifty pass from Bonino after earlier setting up Hagelin's goal that snapped a scoreless tie.

'You don't win consistently without (depth). That line's been great all playoffs long,' Crosby said. 'You look at the way Phil's playing ... he creates so much. Haggy's got a ton of speed. And Bones is a really smart player. He works really well with those two guys. They've given us a lot of momentum.'

Tampa Bay coach Jon Cooper acknowledged line has been tough matchup for a team that's accustomed to wearing opponents down with its own deep roster.

'You look at their team, Phil Kessel probably doesn't get near the respect he deserves. I mean, he's scored a ton of goals in this league. Bonino's kind of one of those underrated players. ... You look at the teams he's playing, and there's always been named stars ahead of him. Hagelin's won everywhere he's gone, the teams he's played on. But they get overshadowed by the big name guys,' Cooper said.

'When you can go three and four lines deep - and something we've been able to do - it's a tough matchup for teams,' the coach added. 'They're just another case - and plus they're feeling it, too. They're in one of those playoff runs where they're feeling it, and when you are going like that, good things are going to happen for you.'

The Penguins have outshot Tampa Bay 124-70, a trend the Lightning can't allow to continue if they expect to win the series.

Andrei Vasilevskiy has filled in admirably since replacing the injured goalie Ben Bishop during Tampa Bay's victory in Game 1. In addition to generating more scoring chances, Cooper stressed the Lightning also have to play better in front of Vasilevskiy, who faced 41 shots in Game 2 and 48 Wednesday night.

'That's unacceptable. I just feel bad for the kid that he's keeping us in there and we're not finding a way to bail him out,' Cooper said. 'The way things have gone these (last) two games, it doesn't matter who's in net. You know, we could have Bish and Vasi both playing at the same time, and they might have squeaked a couple in.'

Tampa Bay won all three regular seasons meetings between the teams before taking Game 1 of this series on the road, so coaches and players say there's no need to panic.

Cooper reunited the 'triplets' line of Tyler Johnson, Nikita Kucherov and Ondrej Palat during the third period of Game 3, and the trio that was instrumental to Tampa Bay's run to the Stanley Cup final a year ago produced two late goals.

Bishop practiced Thursday and said he remains hopeful he'll return at some point in the series. Cooper said he doesn't expect it to be for Game 4.

With Vasilevskiy playing as well as he has, and Tampa Bay's track record as a resilient team, the coach remains confident this still will be a 'long, tough' series.

'It's not something where we're sitting here saying: `Oh, we can't beat this team.' We couldn't beat them in the last two games, and that's the way we're looking at it,' Cooper said.

'But in saying that, Pittsburgh's put us in a position to be like that,' the coach added 'Now it's we served, they volleyed back. Now it's our turn to send it back to them.'

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

NHL

Friday's game

Tampa Bay-Pittsburgh (P 2-1)
Penguins scored first goal of Game 3 with 0:10 left in second period, as they gained control of series vs backup goalie Vasilevsky. Lightning won five of last seven home games- under is 3-1-1 in their last five games. Pittsburgh is 6-2 in its last eight games, going 3-2 in last five on road. Tampa Bay won five of its last eight games with Penguins- they won three of last four played here. Over is 8-1-1 in last ten series games, but under is 5-3-3 in last ten Tampa Bay games overall. Lightning is 1-4 on power play in first three games in this series, Pittsburgh is 2-9.

Playoffs tally: 1st round-- Home: 23-24, Over: 16-17-14
2nd round-- Home: 16-9, Over: 11-5-9
Conference finals-- Home 3-3, Over 1-4-1

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

NBA notebook: Magic reportedly land Vogel as coach
By The Sports Xchange

Frank Vogel has reached a deal in principle to become the new coach of the Orlando Magic, the Orlando Sentinel reported Thursday.
Vogel will replace Scott Skiles, who resigned as coach last week after one season on the job.
Vogel, 42, wasn't retained by the Indiana Pacers after spending the previous five-plus season as coach of the franchise. He went 250-181 in the regular season and made five playoff appearances.
The Memphis Grizzlies were highly interested in Vogel's services. The Houston Rockets and New York Knicks also had interest.

--Rookie of the Year Karl-Anthony Towns of the Minnesota Timberwolves and Kristaps Porzingis of the New York Knicks were unanimous selections on the NBA All-Rookie Team, the NBA announced.
Joining Towns and Porzingis on the first team are Devin Booker of the Phoenix Suns, Nikola Jokic of the Denver Nuggets and Jahlil Okafor of the Philadelphia 76ers.
The second team consists of Miami's Justise Winslow, the Los Angeles Lakers' D'Angelo Russell, Denver's Emmanuel Mudiay, Indiana's Myles Turner and Sacramento's Willie Cauley-Stein.

--The Toronto Raptors will again be without center Jonas Valanciunas when they visit the Cleveland Cavaliers in Thursday's Game 2 of the Eastern Conference finals.
Valanciunas has been sidelined since injuring his right ankle in Game 3 of the second-round series against the Miami Heat.
The 7-foot Valanciunas has averaged 15 points and 12.1 rebounds in 10 playoff games this season.
Toronto was no match for Cleveland in Tuesday's opener as it suffered a 115-84 loss.

--Pat Riley expects a fun July in Miami, and his plan starts with getting on the right side with center Hassan Whiteside.
Whiteside's contract is the matter of utmost importance to the Heat, Riley said. Also up in the air is the future of forward Chris Bosh.
His contract would only come off the books if he's traded or forced into medical retirement, in which case the deal isn't erased until February, a calendar year after his last game. Bosh said last week retirement was not currently a consideration.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

NBA

There are no basketball games tonight.

Playoff tally: Favorites vs spread: 26-18, Over: 13-31
Second round: Favorites: 13-8, over: 12-9
Conference final: Favorites: 3-1, over: 1-2-1

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Sparks (1-0) at Mystics (0-2)

Date: May 20, 2016 7:00 PM EDT

The Los Angeles Sparks opened this season in dominant fashion behind a sparkling performance from Candace Parker.

The Sparks try to continue that momentum in Friday night's opener to a four-game road trip while dropping the Washington Mystics to 0-3.

Los Angeles blew out Seattle 96-66 on Sunday with Parker scoring 34 points on 12-of-20 shooting. She also had five rebounds, four assists and three steals as the Sparks forced 24 turnovers.

Parker is perhaps trying to show why it was a mistake to leave her off the United States' Olympic roster for the Rio Games this summer. Los Angeles will try to harness that potential motivation into a successful trek.

The Sparks are already off to a better start than last year's 0-7 mark, the worst in franchise history, and Parker rested for the first 16 games in 2015. The team also played without Alana Beard, Kristi Toliver and Nneka Ogwumike at times during that miserable beginning.

Among Los Angeles' early losses last season was an 84-80 defeat at Washington on June 23.

The Sparks, though, ended a three-game losing streak in the series with a 93-91 victory Sept. 3. Parker registered 26 points, 11 rebounds and six assists while Ogwumike had 24 points and 10 boards.

This time, they face a Mystics team that struggled to contain its two opponents in a season-opening three-game homestand. Washington fell 87-77 to Dallas on Wednesday and 87-76 to New York on Saturday.

The Mystics faced a manageable three-point deficit with 3:44 remaining against the Wings but gave up baskets on three straight possessions.

"We do not have time to dwell on the past because the next (game) is right in front of you," coach Mike Thibault said. "We just have to try and be better next time. I am frustrated with some of the mental breakdowns that have occurred that I think are correctable. I have faith we will figure this out."

Tayler Hill has scored 20 points in each of the first two games after averaging 7.5 in 2015. Emma Meesseman tallied 19 against Dallas and totaled 39 in last season's series against Los Angeles.

The Mystics haven't started 0-3 since dropping their first eight games in 2007.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Dream (1-0) at Fever (1-1)

Date: May 20, 2016 7:00 PM EDT

It didn't take long for Layshia Clarendon to win over her new teammates and now she can show her former team how much she has improved.

The Atlanta Dream guard returns to face the Indiana Fever for the first time Friday night after an impressive debut with her new club.

Atlanta (1-0) acquired Clarendon from Indiana on May 10 in exchange for a second-round pick. She spent her first three seasons with the Fever after being drafted ninth overall in 2013.

Clarendon came off the bench for 12 points in Saturday's 73-63 overtime win at San Antonio, including a three-point play to start the extra session that put the Dream ahead for good.

She said there's been no jealousy from Atlanta with the newcomer quickly becoming a key figure.

"The girls believed in me too, it's not like they're, 'who's this kid who just came in and we're giving her the ball all of a sudden,'" Clarendon said. "I worked really hard in the offseason so I think this is my chance to be (in) my fourth year and really make a name."

Atlanta held a 12-2 scoring advantage in overtime. Angel McCoughtry led the Dream with 15 points.

"Overtime it was just about coming out and doing the things that we've been doing," coach Michael Cooper said.

Rookie first-round pick Bria Holmes had a busy weekend, scoring seven points in her debut one day before she graduated from West Virginia.

The Fever (1-1) posted their first victory, 97-93 over Phoenix on Wednesday. Shenise Johnson, Erica Wheeler and Devereaux Peters all scored 16 points and Erlana Larkins had 11 and 10 rebounds for her second straight double-double.

Indiana finished with a franchise-record seven players scoring in double digits.

"We try to play unselfish offensively and the result is seven players in double figures," Johnson said. "And you know, it won't be that every night but the important thing is that we're moving the ball and that we're playing together."

Indiana captured three of four 2015 meetings with Atlanta, splitting two at home.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Storm (0-1) at Mercury (0-2)

Date: May 20, 2016 10:00 PM EDT

The Phoenix Mercury have yet to experience a victory since Diana Taurasi's return, but it's not because of a lack of effort on the part of their superstar.

The Mercury will seek to avoid an 0-3 start in Friday night's home opener while earning a 10th consecutive win over the rebuilding Seattle Storm.

Taurasi totaled 50 points in her first two games since a yearlong hiatus from the WNBA and had 32 against Indiana on Wednesday. Phoenix, though, struggled once again at the other end of the court in a 97-93 defeat.

The Mercury allowed seven Fever players to reach double figures after opening the season with a 95-76 loss to Minnesota on Saturday.

"We gave them easy baskets, too many points in the paint. We can't allow teams to score 97 points. I know that much," coach Sandy Brondello said. "We didn't do the job we needed to do to keep them in front of us, the team defense that we're usually known for. There were too many high-percentage shots."

Phoenix will seek better fortunes in its return home, where it was 13-4 last season and 16-1 in 2014 with Taurasi. The Mercury haven't started 0-3 since 2013, their first season with Brittney Griner, and will try to avoid that fate with a sixth straight home win over the Storm (0-1).

The teams split a pair of games in the preseason, with each club earning a road win. Seattle, though, was dominated in the first game that counted, losing 96-66 at Los Angeles on Sunday.

Top overall draft pick Breanna Stewart had 23 points on 9-of-13 shooting in her pro debut.

"She shows that she has a lot to offer, getting better and better," coach Jenny Boucek told the team's official website. "She still has a ton to learn, and that's the exciting part. When you have a young team, you have to learn as quickly as you can. Experience is the best teacher. And I welcome every experience we will have."

Jewell Loyd, the No. 1 selection in 2015 and reigning rookie of the year, had 20 points and was the Storm's only other player to score more than seven. Seattle also committed 26 turnovers and went 1 of 10 from 3-point range.

With Lauren Jackson retired and Sue Bird heading that way in the near future, the Storm will seek to renew their franchise behind their two young stars. Stewart understands, however, that there is a long road ahead.

"We have to compete all night," Stewart said. "There are a lot of things that we need to get better at."

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

At the Gate - Friday
By Mike Dempsey

The betting action at Pimlico starts early this morning, with a first post at 11:30am ET for the marathon 14-race card that includes seven stakes races.

While much of the talk this week is the impending rain that is in the forecast for Saturday, the weather is supposed to be perfect for Friday’s card.

The feature is the $250,000 Black Eyed Susan (G2) for three-year-old fillies going nine furlongs on the main track. Land Over Sea, a fast closing second in the Kentucky oaks (G1) wheels back on two weeks rest for trainer Doug O’Neill, who sends out the betting favorite for the Preakness Stakes (G1) in Nyquist.

The race drew a field of 14 and it’s tough to take a late running filly at a short price in such a wide open race so as you can see below I am swinging for the fences with longshot Dothraki Queen, who is 15-1 on the morning line.

One of the highlights of the day will be seeing the 10-year-old Ben’s Cat in action again. The gelding is looking for his fifth win in the $100,000 Jim McKay Turf Sprint going five furlongs on turf.

Trained by Hall of Famer King T. Leatherbury, he earned a career top Beyer Speed Figure of 105 winning this race last year as a nine-year-old.

He has made 54 career starts and has won 31, with nine seconds and four thirds. He has earned $2,530,937 in his career.

His price may drift south from his 9-5 morning line so I am looking for a bit more value with Night Officer, who was third behind the favorite last out but has a shot of turning the tables and will likely go off right around his 3-1 morning line.


Here is today’s opener from Pimlico to get the day off to a good start:

PIM Race 1 Alw $52,000N1X (11:30 ET)
#6 Anna Rae 6-1
#8 Touch and Smile 8-5
#4 Miss Wilby 2-1
#7 Ring Knocker 9-2

Analysis: Anna Rae makes her first start since fading to finish a well beaten sixth in the Frizette (G1) last October in the slop. This gal showed promise with a good looking maiden score in her debut, then was in too tough in Grade 1 company in her next two starts. She returns her with blinkers added and a class drop for the Englehart barn that is 40% winners (with a +ROI) with runners coming back off a +180-day layoff. Decent value in this spot if we catch most of the 6-1 morning line.

Touch and Smile ships in from Keeneland where last out the filly was a game second against Alw-2L foes in her first start against winners, beaten a length while five lengths clear of the rest of the field. She broke her maiden in her debut at Turfway Park on poly going 6 1/2 furlongs. She took action in both starts and will here too. Our top pick is going to end up offering more value for the top spot.

Wagering
WIN: #6 to win at 4-1 or better.
EX: 6,8 / 4,6,7,8
TRI: 6,8 / 4,6,7,8 / 2,4,6,7,8

Today’s Featured Race of the Day from Pimlico:

PIM Race 11 The Black Eyed Susan G2 (4:50 ET)
#2 Dothraki Queen 15-1
#3 Land Over Sea 2-1
#9 Midnight On Oconee 15-1
#5 Go Maggie Go 5-2

Analysis: Dothraki Queen is going to be a decent price here as she rents to dirt after an eighth place finish in the Appalachian (G3) last out at Keeneland going a mile in her first start off a 4 ½ month break. The filly as bothered coming out of the gate, was outrun early and showed some late interest, beaten 9 ¼ lengths for the top spot. The winner Catch a Glimpse came back to win the Edgewood (G3) in her next outing on May 6. This filly showed some ability last year on the main track including winning the Pocahontas (G2) at Churchill Downs in her first start against winners. She then caught slop in a runner up finish in the Alcibiades (G1) at Keeneland and was seven lengths behind Songbird when third in the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Fillies (G1) where she as third. She capped off her year when fourth and placed third via a DQ in the Golden Rod (G2). She should move forward in her second start off the bench and picks up a new rider in Julien Leparoux.

Land Over Sea wheels back off a two week break where she was a good second in the Kentucky Oaks (G1). She made a good late rally after being outrun early but could not get to Cathryn Sophia, beaten 2 ¾ lengths. She had the misfortune of running into Songbird five straight times, then won the Fair Grounds Oaks (G2) in her first start where she did not have to face that undefeated filly. The question here is whether she is going to see enough early pace in front of her, her short price, and whether she regresses on the rather quick turnaround.

Midnight On Oconee makes her first start since running seventh behind Lane Over Sea in the Fair Grounds Oaks. The runner up in that race was Dream Dance, who beat Alw-1 foe sin her next outing on April 16 at Keeneland. The Larry Jones trainee ran well in her two previous starts, a runner up in the Rachel Alexandra and the Silverbulletday. She owns solid early and mid pace numbers and she has some pedigree on the bottom side that might get to be able to handle nine furlongs. She figures to bounce back with a much better effort here and is going to be a generous price.

Wagering
WIN: #2 to win at 8-1 or better.
EX: 2,3 / 2,3,5,9
TRI: 2,3 / 2,3,5,9 / 2,3,5,9,10

Live Longshots:
These are price plays for exotic players looking to find a couple of extra contenders to use in their trifecta and superfecta wagers. Or for those with smaller bankrolls, you might want to get in a small win-place wager.

Pimlico
R2: Bioterp 8-1
R3: #1 Sweetrayofsunshine 12-1
R4: #10 Unspoken 15-1
R5: #1 Tekton 15-1
R6: #11 Pennies Appeal 15-1
R6: #10 Pret Say Eye 15-1
R7: #5 Idolo Porteno 12-1
R8: #1 Rapid Dan 8-1
R9: #9 Super Majesty 15-1
R10: #14 Wessex 8-1
R11: #2 Dothraki Queen 15-1
R11: #9 Midnight On Oconee 15-1
R12: #10 Loves Last Chance 12-1
R13: #5 Quick Release 10-1
R14: #6 Outofthedepths 15-1

Good luck today!

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Mohawk: Friday 5/20 Analysis
By Garnet Barnsdale

DRF HARNESS

Race 1 - $30,000 Guaranteed Pick Five Pool

Race 4 - $50,000 Guaranteed Pick Four Pool


20-CENT PICK 5: 2,6/3,7/1,5/1,3,4,6,8/5,9 = $16

EARLY PICK 4: 1,3,4,6,8/5,9/1,8/2,3,5 = $60

LATE PICK 4: 1,2,5,8/5/2,5,6,8/1,6 = $32

MEET STATS: 88 - 249 / $532.10 BEST BETS: 14 - 24 / $56.30

SPOT PLAYS: 5 - 24 / $32.80

Best Bet: PRINCESS KATIE (9th)

Spot Play: LITTLE MISS SPORTY (5th)


Race 1

(2) WHISTYS PARADISE comes off a win in which she took a new life's mark. She has excelled for Adams/McNair and can take another here. (6) DARKTWISTEDFANTASY goes for Auciello off the claim and can last much longer this time. (8) DE VALERIA ships north with some decent form and can contend here vs. claimers. (1) NINETTE B was third to the choice last week but could get an improved trip here and better this prediction.

Race 2

(3) MERCHANDISER overpowered his opponents last week and will be tough to beat here if he can reproduce a similar effort. (7) MUSCLE HUSTLE is unbeaten to start the year but will likely need to be faster here to topple the choice. (5) HURRICANE HAZEL hung a bit late last time but can still close for a share here. (8) UNITED BI comes off an upset score vs. lesser but may be able to sneak onto the ticket late here using his good closing power.

Race 3

(5) BAGS FOR ALL faces much easier here and is likely to be sent on a speed mission. (1) SILENCE SON shows a :27 2/5 kicker in his qualifier and could be ready to do some damage here. (4) CABERTOSS sprung for a huge upset after shipping in from Ottawa last year; beware. (10) P L HERCULES was a good second to a very sharp winner last week and can be a threat if he can work out a trip from out there.

Race 4

(4) MARQUISE DE SARAH drops to a class similar to where she won four starts back and should be right there vs. these. (3) DOCS HOLLYWOOD also drops out of a race where the pace was too fast and she couldn't keep up. She has a better chance here. (1) DUNCS DIAMOND has been racing well out of town and could trip out here starting from the inside. (9) MISS COCO LUCK was fried trying to keep up to swift splits last time and merits a look here in a race where there isn't much early speed.

Race 5

(5) LITTLE MISS SPORTY has faced better for several starts and should find this group to her liking. (9) NOMATTERWHEN shows a line two back that could make her tough here if she blasts off the gate early and heads for the front. (3) MOREMUNKYBUSINESS is one for her last 53 starts but typically grabs a share and should make the ticket here. (4) SHADYS M THREE is another win-shy type that can pass horses late and take a minor share.

Race 6

(1) AMITYVILLE LINDY couldn't get close last time because the late pace was too strong. He should be flying late vs. these and can score a mild upset. (8) MASS BALANCE had a useful sophomore debut and can go forward off that mile here. (7) WANAKA comes off a strong mile that sealed a stakes series win but now faces males and has missed more than three weeks action. She will likely be overbet here relative to her chances. (6) DONICUS is a pace threat but needs to find more late speed to win this.

Race 7

(2) ARSENIC was one of the better local rookie pacers past season and looks ready to roll here; top call. (3) ASAP HANOVER has come back into good form here as a four-year-old and should be a threat here. (5) GERRIES SPORT was stung first over in swift fractions in the Diplomat Final and merits Pick 4 inclusion here in a race where the fractions should be more even. (10) NOCTURNAL BLUE CHIP brings a swift qualifying win into this seasonal debut but will likely need one, especially starting from out there.

Race 8

(2) MAPLELEA is more effective making one late charge rather than grinding first-over. A change in strategy could lead to a win here. (5) POP GOES THEWEASEL continues to race consistently and is a threat from close range here. (10) HOPE FOR PADDY swept past the field late last week but was aided by insane early fractions. She is a contender, but needs some luck to beat them all. (8) MOONLIT DANCE was used up in the first 1/2 yet still was only beaten 1 1/2 lengths last week. She can threaten for the top prize with a more sensible steer.

Race 9

(5) PRINCESS KATIE powered her way to a new life's mark last week now gets to drop from non-winners of four to non-winners of three because she comes in under the earnings threshold. It's hard to envision her getting beat here. (4) TWIN B SWEETHEART continues to race well for smaller shares and that is likely to continue here. (7) HOT CHICA BOOMBA ships in from Florida with some decent form and can take a share here. (9) KATIES BEACH has raced well for Hall-of-Famer Condren and she should close late and make the Super or Tri here.

Race 10

(8) INTENDED STYLE went a solid first up trip in his first start for Moreau but the winner was simply too good that night. He should be tough in here. (6) AMBLE OVER HANOVER took a new season's mark last week when claimed and he is the main threat to the choice here. (5) LISVINNIE has been in solid form at this meet and Hudon suits him well. He can close late for a share here. (2) VELOCITY HEADLIGHT goes first off the claim here and should be a threat. Jamieson may look to trip this gelding out in the pocket.

Race 11

(1) GREYSTONE LADYLIKE faces easier from a better post and should be a force throughout here. (6) RIDE AWAY SHARK also drops and will likely be looking for the top or the pocket early here. She is the main danger. (2) MISCHIEVIOUSGIRLS should get a better start here moving inside and can close late for a share. (3) JUSTABIT MEAN was caught only late last time and her improving form should be respected.

Race 12

(1) ST LADS SMOKIN HOT was beat by an improving filly last week now she gets back to a 7-day cycle and should be tough here starting from the inside. (6) TOP ROYAL had a strong rookie campaign and should be a threat if she is ready off that one London qualifier. (2) MATTJESTIC TEMPO moves inside and could wake up with a much better effort vs. these. (8) HEX always makes a good appearance on the track and can better this placing if sent for position near the front early. (5) MISS BABE DELIGHT is an interesting entrant that had some big wins in Quebec last year.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Meadowlands: Friday 5/20 Analysis
By Derick Giwner

DRF HARNESS

Race 1 - $30,000 Guaranteed Pick Five Pool

Race 3 - $25,000 Guaranteed Pick Four Pool

Race 7 - $50,000 Guaranteed Pick Four Pool

CHAMPIONSHIP MEET STATS: 16 - 45 / $94.50 (+$4.50) BEST BETS: 3 - 4 / $7.70 (-.30)

Best Bet: OBRIGADO (7th)

Spot Play: WILDFLOWER (4th)


Race 1

(5) WINDSUN GALLIANO rolled down the road with Gingras and Lasix added to the equation. He switches to an amateur this week, but he is one of the more capable ones in Kleinhans. (2) DOC SIMON’S DREAM comes off a Billings win for an amateur with the hot hand of late. (9) FOX VALLEY LEGEND can be tough to handle but can kick home strong if in striking position.

Race 2

(7) ALL THE TIME is a potential divisional leader facing what seems to be an easy field. I worry that she’ll be handled cautiously in her first start of the year, but she should win regardless. (4) BATOUTAHILL raced well in her 2016 debut and can build on that effort. (6) COCO TRUFFLES also did okay off the bench and can show more.

Race 3

(3) CATCH A MISSION sat off a slow pace and sprinted home with no shot in her first career pari-mutuel race. I’m expecting a more aggressive drive to put her in good position versus a better field. (8) JIMMY WILLIAM couldn’t keep his act together last time, but this is still a talented youngster. (9) STICK OF BUTTER enjoyed being close to the action last time; big threat. (7) TACO TUESDAY had some sneaky trot in his latest qualifier. I wouldn’t be shocked if he won, but waiting for a better spot seems logical.

Race 4

(1) WILDFLOWER wasn’t bad in her two qualifiers and none of these jump off the page for me on paper. We’ve seen trainer Ake Svanstedt get horses ready off layoffs in the past and this looks like a prime spot to cash at a nice price. (7) NEW LEAF put in some decent races last year and her recent form at The Meadows is good. (4) SOUTHWIND HOPE rarely misses the board and wins her fair share; likely favorite.

Race 5

(4) MOONLIGHT RANSOM has burned more of my money than I’d like to admit, but I just don’t see another horse in this race that entices me even slightly. As long as he doesn’t have to work too hard early, he should be able to get home first. (1) CARD SHOCK never got involved on a speed favoring track last time. Don’t be shocked if he steps up. (3) LAWGIVER HANOVER comes in from Yonkers and finds a soft spot.

Race 6

(4) SOUTHWIND FRANK was a professional winner in his second comeback qualifier. The early Hambletonian favorite drew nicely in a bulky field and seems likely to head to the front to avoid any trouble. (9) JACK VERNON was a willing second behind the top choice in their most recent qualifier. He displayed a quick step away from the gate that morning and should be able to find good position if Callahan desires. (5) BROOKLYN HILL hasn’t shown me quite enough in the morning, but let’s see what he has on tap when the real racing starts. (7) BAR HOPPING has ability but seems to be pointing to events down the road.

Race 7

(6) OBRIGADO picked up his first win of the year at Yonkers last time and seems to be ready for a big mile on the bigger track. (4) ROCK OF CASHEL couldn’t be in better form. This field is tougher than the foes he has been facing, but he can compete. (8) MELADY’S MONET won the Open Handicap when last seen at The Big M.

Race 8

(7) SHEEZA SHARK N was overbet and didn’t respond in her first try in the top class. She is back in a NW15000 and gets regular bike Brett Miller in the bike. (5) GWENEEEE J hasn’t been able to get over the top but does pick up a new driver; maybe. (3) IMAGINE DRAGON raced well in her first start since October; more now?

Race 9

(3) NOWUCIT NOWUDONT rolled down the road to win his qualifier by open lengths in his first start for Richard Johnson. He should have every chance for a repeat performance in pari-mutuel action. (4) DANISH DURANGO rebounded from a break to close well last time; dangerous dropper. (1) NO RECESS was my top pick last week as a price play; using again.

Race 10

(8) RULES OF THE ROAD visits the basement condition and reunites with driver Corey Callahan. She has to win this race, right? (1) VERDI was even after missing nearly four weeks; drops. (7) GET TO DOIN IT looks like a player on paper but hasn’t won in a few months.

Race 11

(5) MICHAEL’S POWER was used keeping up early and couldn’t close the gap late on a night when speed was golden; slight edge. (3) GRATIAS DEO has proven he can win at higher levels than he is at tonight. (2) PRINCE PALANI remains at a winning level and has a clear chance.

Race 12

(8) PURITY came up second best last Friday as the pocket-sitter set a lifetime mark. Let’s stay here against another mostly blank field. (3) FASHION ROCKER drops in for a lower tag and should be on the move early. (10) ROYAL ENGAGEMENT has plenty of early speed in her tank and should be somewhere on your ticket. (9) BALLINEEN should race well against this type but rarely leaves and is stuck with an outside post.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Yonkers: Friday 5/20 Analysis
By Brewster Smith

DRF HARNESS

MEET STATS: 122 - 526 / $765.70

BEST BETS: 13 - 54 / $54.30

Best Bet: AL RAZA N (6th)

Spot Play: ONE THROUGH TEN (4th)


Race 1

(1) WINTER BLUES gets serious post relief and this 11-year-old pacer is seeking his first score of the year; ready for action. (3) OR is knocking at the door based on his last two seconds. (7) ONTHECLOCK HANOVER Gelding has speed and could have a say in the outcome.

Race 2

(6) WAYNE THE LEFTY did not fire at all in his latest but he catches a weak group. If he goes on the engine it could be game over for the rest of these. (3) AUTOMATIC SLIMS Quite sharp in his last two trips and could be a major factor in here. (1) DVCFLYINGFRENCHMAN has the rail and this should be a better spot for gelding to contend with these.

Race 3

(8) SPORTING THE LOOK put in an even try in his last start. Now he moves to the 8-hole but with a favorable trip this pacer could mow them down at his best. (2) ROETHBLISSBERGER has good tactical speed and has hit the board 9 of 12 starts this year; threat. (1) BOX CAR JOHNNIE should appreciate the move to the rail and should make some serious noise with a return to his April 21th trip.

Race 4

(1) ONE THROUGH TEN this seems to be a perfect spot for this 7-year-old to greet the cameraman for pictures; gets the call with Dube with the return drive. (8) RU READY TO ROCK has been sharp in his last three tries; post hurts but is very capable. (4) BIG N BAD made a quarter nice move to the front but tried in deep stretch last out.

Race 5

(1) LYONS SHADOW moves up in class after her keen performance for win honors last out. She retains the pole position and despite the rise in condition she can take another. (3) SASSA HANOVER Two fine seconds in a row at the Meadowlands puts this gal right in the mix. (7) DEVIL CHILD was flashing good speed at Philly last time around; not out of this.

Race 6

(4) AL RAZA N now leaves the 7-hole for a cozy post and hopefully she will get the jump on these if given a favorable trip. (8) YAGONNAKISSMEORNOT was on her way to taking the Chip Noble at Miami Valley last week but was caught at the wire; figures to be the main danger. (5) SELL A BIT N was dull from the far outside last time out but the 5-hole should help her cause; maybe.

Race 7

(7) SKATES N PLATES retook at the quarter pole and that might have compromised his chances last time out. Clearly he is the speed of the speed in this event and if everything goes his way 5-year-old can get the job done. (1) LATOKA raced evenly for fourth money last out; could have a say from the rail. (5) STIRLING CADET will need a better trip then in his last try; we shall see.

Race 8

9-year-old mare (6) MACHO CHICK does know how to win races. Two starts back she was the boss down the road and of course she is quite versatile; the pick. (2) GROUNDED tried badly in deep stretch last week but she is capable of making a quick turnaround. (4) NEFERTITI BLUECHIP took off like a shot to the front at the 3/4 pole on her way to victory last out; don't overlook.

Race 9

(1) IDEALBEACH HANOVER was on the rim from the 3/4 pole and was very game to hold on for the place spot last week. Pacer figures to get a much better trip and good to see Brennan with the return drive; threat at his best. (7) GALLANT SEELSTER was all alone at the wire for his third straight victory; the main danger despite the rise in class. (5) KID PK was sent down the road last time out for all the glory.

Race 10

(2) TOBER takes another drop in class and now moves to the 2-hole. Gelding can mow these down with a fine-timed drive from Mr. Holland. (4) RED HOT HERBIE is very consistent and has good early zip; contender. (1) E R ELLIE Trotting mare closed down the center of the track to nail down win honors last week.

Race 11

(4) INVICTUS HANOVER This seems to be a better spot for this gelding to get back into the winner's circle. Dube had other options and chose to stay with this 5-year-old; at his best he could make tonight a winning one. (1) MARINER SEELSTER retains the rail and will need a better trip to make some noise in here; maybe. (6) KINDOFABIGDEAL was a sharp second missing the score by 3/4 length; watch out.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

SPOT PLAYS

For Friday

TRACK

(RACE) HORSE, MORNING LINE


Arlington
(4th) Majestic Megan, 9-2

(5th) Kid Paradise, 5-1


Belmont Park
(5th) Shootout, 3-1

(9th) Weekend Hottie, 6-1


Belterra Park
(1st) Big Red Kitten, 9-2

(9th) Patooty, 3-1


Canterbury
(7th) A P Is Loose, 6-1

(8th) Redneck Attack, 5-1


Charles Town
(1st) War Note, 5-1

(6th) Green Time, 7-2


Churchill Downs
(4th) Tapitsphere, 3-1

(7th) Shadow Rock, 7-2


Emerald Downs

(1st) Irish Wine, 4-1

(5th) Geldautomat, 6-1


Evangeline Downs
(4th) Soft and Sweet, 3-1

(7th) Mimosa Morning, 7-2


Golden Gate Fields
(4th) Foreverinsummer, 8-1

(7th) Loveintheshadows, 4-1


Gulfstream Park
(3rd) Sherry Angel, 8-1

(8th) Remarkable Tale, 8-1


Indiana Grand
(3rd) Whiskey Bravo, 3-1

(4th) Storm of Prayers, 3-1


Lone Star Park
(1st) Stinky Vaughn, 3-1

(8th) Custom for Chloe, 4-1


Louisiana Downs
(2nd) Diamond Cutter, 4-1

(4th) Runningunninrascal, 8-1


Penn National
(1st) Precise Line, 3-1

(8th) Nub, 9-2


Pimlico
(4th) Jet Majesty, 9-2

(14th) Double Whammy, 7-2


Prairie Meadows
(1st) Four Reasons, 4-1

(9th) Hide Kellys Koppy, 7-2


Santa Anita
(5th) Something Unusual, 5-1

(6th) Big Book, 6-1


Thistledown
(1st) Slamming Gin, 9-2

(5th) Brett Park, 3-1


Woodbine
(4th) Purely's Bid, 6-1

(7th) Saved Thru Faith, 8-1

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Rockies (20-20) at Pirates (22-18)

Game: 1
Venue: PNC Park
Date: May 20, 2016 7:05 PM EDT

There's not much separating the Colorado Rockies and Pittsburgh Pirates right now, be it the hovering-around-.500 records, similar run differentials, excellent lineups or bad bullpens.

When they've faced each other lately, things couldn't be much different.

Gerrit Cole will try to pitch the Pirates to an eighth straight win over the Rockies on Friday night as Colorado hits the middle series of what's looking like a brutal nine-game road trip.

Pittsburgh (22-18) and Colorado (20-20) both have to be feeling better at the 40-game mark than they were a year ago. The Pirates were 18-22 at the quarter pole in 2015 before going on to win 98 games, while the Rockies' 15-25 mark at that point was a more accurate precursor to the 94 losses they'd finish with.

They entered Thursday's action separated by just a game in the standings, with the Pirates holding a two-run edge while Pittsburgh and Colorado ranked 1-2 in the NL in batting average and among the bottom four in bullpen ERA.

But perhaps the best version of the Pirates came out Thursday while the worst version of the Rockies was on display in St. Louis. Pittsburgh jumped on Atlanta for five runs in the first two innings en route to an 8-2 win while Colorado's attempt to take two of three from the Cardinals fell apart early in a 13-7 loss.

The Rockies' trip continues at PNC Park before concluding in Boston, and the matchup with the Pirates has to be as concerning to Walt Weiss' club as any right now. Pittsburgh has outscored Colorado 57-30 in winning the series' last seven meetings, all in Denver after polishing off a sweep there late last month.

Starling Marte (17 for 34, two homers), Jordy Mercer (12 for 30) and Josh Harrison (11 for 27) are all hitting at least .400 in the past seven against Colorado while Andrew McCutchen has hit three homers and has a .531 on-base percentage.

Pittsburgh has also won seven of eight at PNC in the series, holding the Rockies to 21 runs.

Cole (4-3, 3.05 ERA) will try to keep that going, and he should feel confident after posting his best start of the year Sunday against baseball's best team. After not throwing a pitch past the sixth inning in his first six starts, Cole made it through eight scoreless at Wrigley Field, holding the Cubs to three hits without a walk in a 2-1 win.

"(Cole) got sharper as the game went on," manager Clint Hurdle told MLB's official website. "The fastball command was plus-plus. Threw all his pitches for strikes. ... He was sharp, man. Really sharp."

The right-hander gave up four runs - two earned - over six innings in a 9-4 win at Coors on April 26.

Eddie Butler (2-1, 4.74) made his season debut out of the bullpen against the Pirates a day later and has made three starts since. He's sandwiched two below average outings around six scoreless innings in San Francisco, though allowing four runs and nine hits over five-plus earned him a 7-4 win over the Mets on Saturday.

The righty, who gave up a run in 2 1/3 innings against Pittsburgh last month, thinks he'll fare better this time.

"I'll be much more prepared this time, and it's a little different from facing them the one time through the lineup as a reliever compared to facing them three or four times as a starter," Butler said.

Pirates outfielder Gregory Polanco is 9 for 19 with a homer, triple and four doubles on this 10-game homestand.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Braves (10-30) at Phillies (24-17)

Game: 1
Venue: Citizens Bank Park
Date: May 20, 2016 7:05 PM EDT

The Philadelphia Phillies were supposed to be struggling during a rebuilding season. Instead, they're surprising everyone with a hot start they hope will continue.

Solid starting pitching, including that from Aaron Nola, has helped make up for a struggling offense, and Nola will take the mound Friday night as the Phillies open their series with the visiting Atlanta Braves.

Philadelphia (24-17) lost 99 games in 2015 and overhauled a good part of its roster before dropping its first four this year. It has been outscored by 28 runs, but the rotation has a 3.72 ERA to rank among the NL leaders as the Phillies try to prove the impressive start isn't a fluke.

Tyler Goeddel hit his first major league homer and Jeremy Hellickson tossed six innings in Wednesday's 4-2 victory over Miami as Philadelphia took two of three in the series.

'I'm very impressed,' manager Pete Mackanin said. 'These guys have great makeup. They pull for one another. It's a real team.

'We've held our own and there's no reason to believe we can't (compete for the postseason).'

Nola (3-2, 2.89 ERA) has been a big reason for that success. The Phillies have won Nola's last five starts as he's gone 3-0 with a 1.32 ERA. He's pitched seven innings in four of them, including Saturday when he gave up one earned run in a 4-3 win over Cincinnati.

Nola has struck out 35 and walked six in 34 innings during that span.

'He has a great way about him,' Mackanin said of Nola, who tied a career high with nine strikeouts against the Reds. 'He knows how to make adjustments. He's a lot of fun to watch.'

Atlanta hasn't been the least bit entertained when facing Nola. The right-hander made three of his 13 starts as a rookie last season against the Braves, going 2-0 with a 1.42 ERA while tossing seven innings twice.

Matt Wisler has been one of the few bright spots for Atlanta (10-30), which has dropped 11 of its last 14 and fired manager Fredi Gonzalez after Monday's loss to Pittsburgh.

Wisler (1-3, 3.14) has gone into the eighth in each of his last three starts, going 1-1 with a 1.93 ERA. He gave up two runs and struck out seven but didn't get any run support in Atlanta's 4-2, 13-inning loss at Kansas City on Sunday.

'I feel like I'm attacking hitters, staying aggressive,' Wisler said. 'That's the main thing - attack hitters, make them put the ball in play. We have a good defense behind me so attack them, put it in play and see if the defense can make a play for me.'

The right-hander gave up three runs in eight innings against the Phillies on May 10, including a homer to Maikel Franco in his final inning. He got only one run of support and took a 3-2 loss.

Franco is 4 for 6 off Wisler, who tries to help the Braves pick up a rare victory after they fell 8-2 to the Pirates on Thursday. Jeff Francoeur went 3 for 4 with a solo homer, but his teammates mustered only four other hits.

Atlanta shortstop Erick Aybar could be back in the lineup after sitting out Thursday. He had to be sedated to remove a chicken bone he swallowed during a pregame meal but returned to the team later.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Nationals (25-16) at Marlins (21-19)

Game: 1
Venue: Marlins Park
Date: May 20, 2016 7:10 PM EDT

There's something about the Miami Marlins that Tanner Roark can't seem to solve. They've beaten the Washington Nationals' starter three times already this season and have gotten to him more than any other team he's faced.

Facing Roark might be just what Giancarlo Stanton needs.

After a mediocre road trip - one that was downright bad for Stanton - the Marlins look to get back on track in the opener of a three-game set with the visiting Nationals on Friday night.

Roark (2-3, 3.10 ERA) gave up seven earned runs and a homer over his previous six starts combined, then matched those numbers in five innings of Saturday's 7-1 loss to Miami in the second game of a doubleheader. Fourteen of the 17 earned runs he's allowed this season have come against the Marlins, who also beat him 6-4 on April 7 and 6-1 on April 18.

'I hope that team's not becoming a nemesis to him. Everybody has a couple teams they have some trouble with,' manager Dusty Baker said. 'They hit him pretty hard.'

The right-hander has lost five straight starts against Miami with an 8.03 ERA as the Marlins have hit .404 off him on balls in play in that stretch.

'Pitching my game. I'm not going to change (when facing Miami),' Roark said. 'I'm still going to attack the hitters and go after them.'

Stanton and Justin Bour have connected for the only homers hit off Roark in his 49 1/3 innings this season. Stanton, though, has struck out in his last seven at-bats, including four times in Wednesday's 4-2 loss to Philadelphia.

He went 0 for 10 with nine strikeouts in the series, 4 for 28 on the seven-game trip and at one point smashed his bat in the dugout.

'I'm playing like (garbage),' Stanton said. 'Can't do it no more. We're not going to be successful with zero production out of your cleanup guy.'

The Marlins (21-19) went 3-4 on their trip, including splitting a four-game set with the Nationals (25-16) last weekend. Manager Don Mattingly doesn't believe Stanton should shoulder the blame.

'He's one guy on our team,' Mattingly said. 'Last two games probably were his worst at-bats of the season.'

Justin Nicolino started the first game of Saturday's doubleheader and will face the Nationals again in this one. Nicolino (2-1, 3.75) gave up four runs while walking a career-high five in 4 2/3 innings of a 6-4 loss in the shortest of his four starts this season.

'I kind of was all over the place,' Nicolino said. 'That's a good-hitting lineup and you definitely don't want to make mistakes to them, but to walk three guys to start the game, that's even worse than making mistakes.'

The left-hander gave up seven runs in a loss to the Nationals in September, and Jayson Werth is 3 for 5 lifetime off Nicolino. Werth didn't have a hit Thursday, but Anthony Rendon went 3 for 4 and Daniel Murphy hit a two-run homer in a 9-1 win over the New York Mets.

Murphy raised his average to .397 for the Nationals, who scored 16 runs to win the final two of the series after scoring twice during a three-game skid.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Brewers (18-23) at Mets (22-18)

Game: 1
Venue: Citi Field
Date: May 20, 2016 7:10 PM EDT

The Milwaukee Brewers have won four of six and are coming off a series victory over the best team in baseball. Now it's on to the matter of winning a home series for the first time this year.

The next chance comes this weekend against the New York Mets, and the pitching matchup in Friday night's opener isn't a favorable one with Wily Peralta taking on Steven Matz.

The Brewers (18-23) took two of three from the Chicago Cubs with Thursday's 5-3 victory as the staff went a fourth straight game allowing three runs or fewer. Over a 4-4 span, Milwaukee has a 2.65 ERA and the bullpen has posted a 1.88 mark.

"I said a couple of times that it was going to get better," manager Craig Counsell told MLB's official website. "They were better than they were pitching. That's what's happened."

It's up to an unlikely arm to continue the success and improve on the club's 6-11 road mark.

Peralta (2-4, 7.30 ERA), a former 17-game winner, has won seven of 28 starts since the beginning of last season. The right-hander gave up six runs and eight hits with two home runs and three walks in 4 2/3 innings of Saturday's 8-7 home loss to San Diego in 12 innings, and his 1.99 WHIP is the worst in baseball.

He's yet to make it beyond six innings this year, in part because his 3.98 walks per nine innings rate is up from 2.87 over the previous two seasons. He threw 16.1 pitches per inning in that time and is at 18.1 through eight starts in 2016.

"We"ll talk about it," Counsell said of Peralta's future in the rotation. "We have to look at the big picture of everything. It's certainly got to be better."

Peralta is 3-1 with a 2.88 ERA in four starts against the Mets, but Curtis Granderson is 5 for 8 with two home runs and two doubles. David Wright is 0 for 8.

New York counters with Matz (5-1, 2.86 ERA), who's won a career-best five straight starts. The left-hander gave up two runs and six hits in six innings of a 4-2 win at the Los Angeles Dodgers on May 9, then missed a start because of elbow tightness.

But after a successful bullpen session and a clean MRI, he said he's ready to go.

"It was definitely a big relief," said Matz, who could be relied on for a lengthy outing after the bullpen put in 10 2/3 innings in New York's last two games against Washington.

Things haven't gone well without him. After Thursday's 9-1 loss to the Nationals, the Mets (22-18) are 2-7 since his last start, though plenty of that falls on the offense. New York is batting .203 in that span with 2.1 runs per game.

Granderson is batting .143 in 17 games this month, while Lucas Duda is hitting .158 in his last 12. The first baseman was back in the lineup after sitting out two games because of a stiff back.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Rays (19-19) at Tigers (19-21)

Game: 1
Venue: Comerica Park
Date: May 20, 2016 7:10 PM EDT

Matt Andriese has delivered a pair of sublime performances since being called up, including a two-hitter in his latest start, but he doesn't consider himself a lock in the Tampa Bay Rays rotation.

Andriese looks to further his cause Friday night while denying the Detroit Tigers a season high-tying fifth consecutive win. His teammates, meanwhile, will attempt to give him plenty of support after slugging their way to a three-game sweep to open their road trip.

Andriese is 2-0 with a 0.56 ERA since being called up from the minors May 8 and earned a 3-1 win over the Los Angeles Angels that same day. He followed with a 6-0 victory against Oakland on Saturday, his first career shutout.

Andriese allowed just three baserunners, hitting a batter in the third inning, while fanning five.

"You never take that (rotation spot) for granted. I felt like every day I'm fighting for myself," he said. "Today helped me build on that and I'm pretty excited about the outing."

In his first start against Detroit, Andriese is hoping for the same backing that Tampa Bay gave to Drew Smyly, Chris Archer and Jake Odorizzi in Toronto. The Rays (19-19) totaled 31 runs and 44 hits, a team record in a three-game series, versus the Blue Jays.

Tampa Bay also registered 20 extra-base hits and eight homers north of the border. The Rays had three longballs in a 6-3 victory Wednesday, giving them an MLB-best 58 after that game.

"We're all clicking on all cylinders," said outfielder Kevin Kiermaier, who had a two-run shot while extending his hit streak to seven games. "It's a fun time to be a Ray right now and I love it."

The Tigers (19-21) have totaled 29 runs and 50 hits in their four consecutive wins after scoring 35 runs while dropping 11 of 12. Ian Kinsler homered for a career-high fourth consecutive game Wednesday and went 3 for 4 as Detroit completed a three-game sweep of visiting Minnesota.

J.D. Martinez tripled and drove in a run after hitting home runs in three straight contests.

"Feels a lot better than a week ago," manager Brad Ausmus told MLB's official website. "Previously, it was always one part of our game that was hurting us or beating us - bullpen one day, starting pitching one day, the offense one day. Now we're getting those things to work together."

Anibal Sanchez (3-4, 5.91 ERA) will seek to end a three-game winless stretch in his first home start since a 7-3 victory over Oakland on April 28. He dropped to 0-2 with a 5.68 ERA this month by giving up four runs in six innings in a 9-3 loss to Baltimore on Saturday.

Sanchez is 0-2 with an 8.18 ERA in his last two starts against Tampa Bay, but much of that damage came from a 7-2 loss in July 2014. He gave up three runs in 5 1/3 innings in his lone matchup last season, a 5-2 road defeat July 27.

Evan Longoria, batting .379 in his last seven games, has three hits in his last seven at-bats against the right-hander and a .410 average in his past 11 games in Detroit.

Kinsler, hitting .464 in his last seven games, is batting .186 with no homers in his last 10 against Tampa Bay. Martinez is hitting .148 with one longball in his past seven matchups.

The Rays and Tigers split their six games last season, with Detroit taking two of three at home Sept. 7-9.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Indians (21-17) at Red Sox (25-16)

Game: 1
Venue: Fenway Park
Date: May 20, 2016 7:10 PM EDT

An extended offensive surge against their interleague rivals has the Cleveland Indians riding high.

Though they again haven't had much success scoring runs for Corey Kluber, the Indians hope to change that and get the best of Boston's Clay Buchholz for the second time this season.

The visiting Indians look to stay hot at the plate while trying for a fifth consecutive victory Friday night against the Red Sox.

Cleveland (21-17) batted .346, recorded 20 extra-base hits and walked 24 times to outscore Cincinnati 43-16 during a four-game home-and-home series sweep. Carlos Santana went 5 for 12 with seven RBIs in the series, and homered twice in Thursday's 7-2 victory.

"We're positive,' Santana said. 'I see a lot of energy.'

The Indians tagged Buchholz (2-3, 6.11 ERA) for five runs - highlighted by a three-run first-inning homer from Santana - and five other hits in four-plus innings of a 7-6 win April 6.

Though Boston (25-16) has won the right-hander's last three starts, he again gave up five runs, this time on two homers - including a second-inning grand slam - while lasting six in a 6-5, 11-inning win over Houston on Saturday. Buchholz has allowed eight home runs - two more than he did in 18 starts last year.

Santana and Jason Kipnis are a combined 6 for 12 against him.

The Indians, though, have scored once with Kluber (2-5, 4.30) on the mound in his last two outings. His 3.61 run support average ranks among the lowest in the AL.

Kluber, though, didn't help his cause in those two efforts.

After tossing a five-hitter in the 4-0 victory over Detroit on May 4, he's yielded nine runs, 12 hits and walked six in 9 1/3 innings to lose two straight. Four of those runs came in Saturday's 6-3 loss to Minnesota.

Since Kluber went 18-9 with a 2.44 ERA during his Cy Young Award-winning 2014 season, he is 11-21 with a 3.64 ERA in 40 starts. That still isn't enough for manager Terry Francona to lose confidence in the right-hander.

'I know that when he pitches, we still really like him out there,' Francona told MLB's official website. "He will continue to work on what he needs to - a little bit out of the stretch, things like that - and be the guy we always need."

Jackie Bradley Jr. is 2 for 11 against Kluber (2-5, 4.30), but one of those hits came in two at-bats during Boston's 6-2 victory April 5. Kluber also gave up a two-run homer to Mookie Betts and two other runs in 5 1/3 innings of that contest.

Bradley looks to extend a major league-leading 24-game hitting streak that's the longest by a Boston player since David Ortiz's 27-game run over the 2012 and '13 seasons.

"I'm just pleased with helping the team out," said Bradley, who is batting .407 with seven home runs and 28 RBIs during the streak. "I'm sticking with my approach and the hits are falling."

Bradley and Betts both homered Wednesday for the Red Sox, who avoided a three-game sweep at the hands of Kansas City by winning 5-2 in the nightcap of a doubleheader.

Ortiz is batting .343 with four home runs and 10 RBIs in his last nine games against Cleveland