Friday 7/11/14 service plays chatter/comps/requests & other stuff...

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

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[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Handicapped by The Walker Group at Fairmont Park

Always check program numbers.
Odds shown are morning line odds.


Race 6 - Claiming - 6.0f on the Dirt. Purse: $5000 Class Rating: 78

FOR THREE YEAR OLDS AND UPWARD WHICH HAVE NOT WON A RACE IN 2014 OR WHICH HAVE NEVER WON FOUR RACES. THREE YEAR OLDS, 116 LBS.; OLDER, 124 LBS. NON-WINNERS OF A RACE SINCE JUNE 11 ALLOWED 5 LBS. CLAIMING PRICE $3,200.



RECOMMENDED CHOICES

The Walker Group Picks

# 1 JESUIT WARRIOR 9/2


# 2 ZAVILL 5/2


# 3 IMHEREFORAGOODTIME 7/2


JESUIT WARRIOR looks to be a very strong contender. With Velazquez aboard him, this gelding ought to be able to break out early in this race. Could beat this field given the 90 speed rating posted in his last outing. A solid 87 avg Equibase class figure may give this gelding a distinct class edge versus this group of horses. ZAVILL - Has respectable Equibase Speed Figures and has to be considered for a bet in this race. Sharp returns over time for this jock and conditioner combo. IMHEREFORAGOODTIME - Durham and Hernandez have won 62 percent of their races giving this pony a respectable chance. Have to wager on this money-making jock and trainer twosome.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Handicapped by The Walker Group at Marquis Downs

Always check program numbers.
Odds shown are morning line odds.


Race 3 - Maiden Special Weight - 6.0f on the Dirt. Purse: $3000 Class Rating: 38

FOR MAIDENS, FILLIES AND MARES THREE YEARS OLD AND UPWARD. THREE YEAR OLDS, 122 LBS.; OLDER, 124 LBS.



RECOMMENDED CHOICES

The Walker Group Picks

# 1 TOAST 'N' TEA 6/1


# 2 JEZAVICE 5/2


# 5 TY THAT BINDS 7/1


TOAST 'N' TEA is my choice. With better than average trips to the winner's circle, Bennett should have this filly in excellent position to win the outing. Bennett's return on investment over the last month automatically makes this pony a very solid contender. Earning some good dough in dirt sprint events. JEZAVICE - Well above average win clip at this distance/surface. Looks competitive against this group and will most likely be one of the front-runners.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Handicapped by The Turf Club Analysts

Bar

Lone Star - Race #3 - Post: 7:31pm - Maiden Special - 6.5 furlongs on the Dirt. Purse: $20,000 Class Rating: 74

Rating: Golden DollarGolden DollarGolden Dollar

#7 JESSE JAMES (ML=8/5)


JESSE JAMES - Jockey jumped on this colt's back for the first try on Apr 19th. Should be in touch with the animal even better today. This jock and conditioner have a wonderful winning pct when they team up. That 69 fig this colt notched in his last event tells me he's a main player this time.

Vulnerable Contenders: #2 R B CRUISER (ML=3/1), #11 UNOME J J (ML=8/1),

R B CRUISER - In the last affair this questionable contender finished sixth. Doesn't bode well for his chances this time around. UNOME J J - Will be tough for this horse to beat this field off of that last speed rating. Unlikely to improve enough to run a figure anywhere near today's class figure, so put him on the likely underpriced equines list.




STRAIGHT WAGERS:

Play #7 JESSE JAMES to win if you can get odds of 1/1 or more

EXACTA WAGERS:
7 with [3,4]

TRIFECTA WAGERS:
Skip

SUPERFECTA WAGERS:
Pass

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Handicapped by The Turf Club Analysts

Bar

Louisiana Downs - Race #6 - Post: 5:09pm - Maiden Claiming - 5.5 furlongs on the Dirt. Purse: $5,000 Class Rating: 53

Rating: Golden DollarGolden DollarGolden DollarGolden Dollar

#6 L. BEAKUS (ML=6/1)


L. BEAKUS - Have to like the way Dixon has raced this gelding back into shape off the layoff. Horse is well spotted in this sprint and I think he'll run well today.

Vulnerable Contenders: #7 GREEN BELLY (ML=5/2), #2 CRAWFISH (ML=3/1), #3 RED BIRD PLACE (ML=4/1),

GREEN BELLY - This equine doesn't have a winner's character. Time-and-again finishes second or third. This gelding probably needs a more preferred pace scenario to make his furious rally. CRAWFISH - Hard to take this horse at the price after the result (fourth) in the last affair. Hasn't hit the board in any short distance contests of late. Unlikely to see him doing it this time either. Finished fourth in his most recent effort with a most unsatisfactory fig. When I look at today's class figure, it would take an improved performance to score after that in this bunch. RED BIRD PLACE - Don't think that this horse has value at 4/1 today.




STRAIGHT WAGERS:
Bet on #6 L. BEAKUS to win if we can get at least 1/1 odds

EXACTA WAGERS:
6 with 3

TRIFECTA WAGERS:
None

SUPERFECTA WAGERS:
Skip

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Handicapped by Chatsworth Consortium at Pocono Downs

Always check program numbers.
Odds shown are morning line odds.


Race 9 - Post: 8:54 - 1 mile. TROT - Class Rating: 83 - Purse:$9000 - NW $4,000 IN LAST 5 STARTS 4 YEAR OLDS & OLDER LAST START FOR A PURSE GREATER THAN $14,500 INELIGIBLE GEORGE ANTHONY`S PICKS: 6-2-1-4


CONSORTIUM CHOICES


Chatsworth Consortium

# 9 BERKSHIRE 7/2



# 4 BROMANCE HANOVER 10/1



# 1 GENIC'S BOY 9/2



Look no further than BERKSHIRE as the wager today. The knowledge group gives this harness racer a really strong chance to come home a winner, class ratings are tops in the grouping. BROMANCE HANOVER - Appears that this fine animal's running style fits well in this outing. Clearly will be there at the finish. GENIC'S BOY - His 84 average has this gelding among the best TrackMaster Speed Ratings in this event. A respectable class horse should not be be passed over. With an avg class figure of 85 all signs say it's go time.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Handicapped by Chatsworth Consortium at Wellstown

Always check program numbers.
Odds shown are morning line odds.


Race 4 - Post: 7:45 - 1 mile. PACE - Class Rating: 64 - Purse:$4823 - TWO YEAR OLD FCOLTS & GELDINGS . SOUTHERN VALLEY COLT CIRCUIT . SADDLE PAD COLOR: GREEN


CONSORTIUM CHOICES


Chatsworth Consortium

# 5 DREAM'S OAKIE 5/2



# 1 INDIAN SPIRIT 3/1



# 6 KNIGHT STRYKER 6/1



Hey, listen up! DREAM'S OAKIE is the educated wager if you like to win. The consortium knows that speed is the key in harness racing. This race horse will unlock our way to a nice win. The brain trust noted a very promising effort out of this nice horse last time. Hoping for a duplicate of that to end up in the winner's circle. INDIAN SPIRIT - Getting a good feel about this colt. Could surprise here. His 61 average has this colt among the strongest speed figs here. KNIGHT STRYKER - Been going to post with some tougher customers of late, has a distinct class advantage. (Average Rating 66). Many harness players will recognize the stellar TrackMaster Speed Rating in the last outing. Stacks up against any horse in this grouping.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Mohawk: Friday 7/11 Analysis
By Greg Gangle

DRF HARNESS


Race 4 - $50,000 Guaranteed Pick Four Pool

Best Bet: SEBASTIAN K S (3rd)

Spot Play: APHRODITY (5th)



Race 1

(5) MUSCLE BABE gave up the lead turning for home last week, which certainly wasn't like her. She managed to stay for second, but I'd consider her effort sub-par from what we're used to seeing. (3) WHITE BECOMES HER has been letter perfect in each of her last two starts. (4) RIVETING ROSIE is starting to appear like the filly we have seen from last year.

Race 2

(3) DANCIN CAROLL qualified very well in three outings before finishing third in her lone start of her career. (5) SOUTHWIND MISCHIEF was a $62K yearling purchase and has qualified very well for trainer Casie Coleman. (1) BETTY AND THE JETS is a homebred daughter of Jeremes Jet that has qualified impressively in both attempts for driver Doug McNair.

Race 3

(6) SABASTIAN K S became the first sub-1:50 trotter in the sport of harness racing with last weeks romp at Pocono in a sizzling 1:49. He remains a perfect four-for-four to start the season and will begin from the outside post six. (4) ARCHANGEL was in good position last week in the same race as SABASTIAN K S and appeared to have some trot around the final turn before making a miscue. (2) CREATINE has been rounding into form as of late and was assigned a tough post in his latest in the Hambletonian Maturity.

Race 4

(6) DREAMFAIR ECLIPSE faces class relief and starts from a good post once again this week for trainer Pat Fletcher. (9) ITS NO SECRET may have been my top selection with a better post. (1) JENNA CASIMIR has been assigned post 10 in each of her last two starts and now will begin from the rail.

Race 5

(9) APHRODITY will get top billing for me on this occasion and I'm hoping for a price from a post nine start. (2) WINGS OF BALLYKEEL comes out of the Richard Moreau barn and has hit the board in two of her last three starts. (8) LOVE DETECTIVE will begin from post eight and shows excellent gate-speed.

Race 6

(1) JITTERBUG has been racing spectacular as of late and was a strong winner in his latest from a post 11 start. (9) P L HURCULES posted the 39-1 upset in his latest to win by three-quarters of a length in a speedy time of 1:56 2/5. (3) ENTRANCED certainly has the speed, but his manners will be the key to his success.

Race 7

(5) MARGIE put her 'A' game together last start with a two-length victory in 1:56 1/5 for driver Sylvain Filion. (6) DANICA is an obvious choice for the exactor as she's finished second in all five of her 2014 starts. (6) MAYBERRY was a closing second in her latest Gold event for trainer/driver/co-owner Rick Zeron. She's lightly-raced this season, enjoys racing from behind and a short field will be used to her advantage.

Race 8

(3) MODERN FAMILY will get a lot of attention in here after finishing second to Sabastian K S in his most recent start at Pocono. (2) MARKET SHARE captured the 2013 edition of the Maple Leaf Trot with regular pilot Tim Tetrick and has another chance again this year. (1) INTIMIDATE has posted back-to-back wins at the Preferred level on this circuit and has home court advantage in this elimination.

Race 9

(9) HARPER BLUE CHIP looks like the best horse on paper in this field with his recent time of 1:51 3/5 at Pocono when he finished fourth in the final of Beal. (10) MUSCLE MATTERS was a beaten favourite last week as he finished second by less than two lengths. (7) SEE THE WIND was a beaten favourite last week, but suffered a tough trip on the outside, but still managed to finish second for trainer Chris Beaver.

Race 10

(2) BUSINESS AS USUAL was a $30K yearling purchase and so far looks worth every penny for trainer Casie Coleman. (6) I WONDER WHY disappointed last week as the heavy favourite after she won her career debut impressively. (1) NORTHERN STARLET begins from the rail and appears ready for her career debut after a trio of qualifiers. Most recently on June 28, she found the wire first in 1:55 2/5 with a :28 2/5 final quarter.

Race 11

(4) BET YA finished a disappointing fifth in her latest start on July 4. Prior to that she won three straight and will aim to return to her winning ways for driver Jack Moiseyev. (5) DANA DEAREST closed in a sizzling :26 in her latest from an outside post for driver Chris Christoforou. (3) A FILLY AFFAIR added lasix to her program last start and the result was a winning performance in a new career best for trainer/owner Mark Herlihy.

Race 12

(1) MESMERIZE BLUECHIP was a $32k yearling purchase and raced terrific last week in her career debut to win by half a length. The fractions were honest on the front-end which benefit her as she kicked home in :28 1/5 to reach the wire first at 8-1. (3) SOLAR SISTER filly continues to show improvement in each qualifier and is capable of dropping multiple seconds in her first career start. (4) WRANGLER MAGIC qualified three times and has been providing quick final quarter speed.

Race 13

(5) PALM BEACH HANOVER recently finished second in the Town Pro Series final and drops into an easier field to her liking. (7) DIANNA SANTANNA receives a better post this week than her last two and possesses a quick closing kick. (2) AN ANGEL SHES NOT has hit the board in each of her last two starts and draws inside.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Meadowlands: Friday 7/11 Analysis
By Derick Giwner

DRF HARNESS


Race 1 - $25,000 Guaranteed Pick Five Pool

Race 3 - $30,000 Guaranteed Pick Four Pool

Race 7 - $50,000 Guaranteed Pick Four Pool

MEET STATS: 76 - 248 / $437.80 BEST BETS: 12 - 19 / $44.00


Best Bet: GALLANT SEELSTER (10th)

Spot Play: ARIA J (9th)


Race 1

(4) HERROYALHIGHNESS raced okay in her first start of the year and made a break last time. If she minds her manners, she could be very live at a price. (6) WALK THE WALK has plenty of early speed and only needs to keep his gait to be a wire to wire threat. (7) JJ ALEX is certainly fast enough to compete with this group on his best day. (9) VANITY MATTERS & (8) LOVE TALK have each shown the ability to step up; worth using.

Race 2

(4) ROCKIN JIMMY put up a dominating qualifier at Pocono for trainer Erv Miller. First-crop Rockin Image colt seems ready to roll. (8) VEGAS ROCKS was handled conservatively and closed well in the stretch in a fast mile. If kept a bit closer to the action he could make some serious noise. (6) AMERICAN CROSSROAD raced okay in the morning for a strong barn.

Race 3

(3) CHINESE CUISINE is back in a straight C-2 and could prove tough. (5) JERSEY BOY arrives from Philly at a reduced level; big shot. (2) SUGAR QUEEN GABBY is the sort that could save ground and come charging late; trip player. (7) SINA has dangerous early speed.

Race 4

(4) ATSALLRITE HANOVER is a fast filly with problems staying on gait. Sometimes a switch in drivers can make a huge difference and Pierce knows how to win with trotters. (10) IT WAS FASCINATION has been keeping much better company and seems to have enough early speed to overcome the outside assignment. (1) KEN DOLL J is another with a breaking issue. If she trots she can win.

Race 5

(6) MOJARRA HANOVER drops into a very soft field and figures to be pointed down the road. (7) UPFRONTWHOSURLADY is winless on the year but faces a weak group. With a clean trip she has a shot. (4) CHEYENNE MIRIAM has been awful lately but had a big year last year.

Race 6

(4) SCANDALOUS HANOVER was part of a brutal pace versus much tougher foes last week. She drops back down and reunites with Miller tonight. (5) JK LETITGO drops out of the same race as the top choice. She hasn’t been in this cheap in a long time. (6) SWINGING BEAUTY has speed and form.

Race 7

(6) CAROLSIDEAL doesn’t bring a top effort every week but is clearly capable at this level. Her best trait is versatility; does it either way. (5) DELIGHTFUL DRAGON did her best to chase the boys in her last qualifier. Three Diamonds champ from last year has ability. (10) LORRIE PLEASE has high speed; don’t discount her. (7) ACE OF PACE comes in with form and has won her before.

Race 8

(6) MACS BAD BOY comes in sharp and gets a top driver in Scott Zeron. (3) ZUPPA INGLESE always races well when she minds her manners. (2) NITRO NITTANY is a filly with some talent; hard to toss.

Race 9

(6) ARIA J finds herself in a weaker C-2 this time around and figures to bring a big effort. (3) ELLEOFNXAMPLE drops down in her Big M return. (2) JARNAC is always good for a trifecta spot.

Race 10

(5) GALLANT SEELSTER drops from a C-1 to this C-2 and should take care of business. (10) SPENDER HANOVER has the speed to overcome the outside post. He doesn’t win often but hardly faces a winning group. (8) RELENTLESS DREAMER needs a reasonable pace to set up his late rally.

Race 11

(8) NOT AFFAIRD is in one of those softer spots where he excels. (2) SWEET JUSTICE flashed big speed the last time Miller was in the bike. This is a spot where he should be competitive. (7) BAMBINO GLIDE was over his head last time. His prior form was fine.

Race 12

(2) HELIOS couldn’t have asked for an easier spot. As long as he minds his manners, he should win regardless of trip. (5) UPFRONTSTRIKESGOLD hails from a barn that knows how to send them ready against soft competition. (3) SPECIAL COMMAND has some speed and could hang around.

Race 13

(5) DANISHDUJOUR gets a driver change to Ron Pierce. In a completely blank field, that is as good a reason to like a horse as I could find. (1) SHANE HALL was second at this level two start back. (4) THE X HORSE finished ninth at this level last time and might be the horse to beat.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Yonkers: Friday 7/11 Analysis
By Brewster Smith

DRF HARNESS


MEET STATS: 194 - 745 / $1,235.00 BEST BETS: 15 - 62 / $59.90

Best Bet: MONKEY ON MY WHEEL (6th)

Spot Play: ROCKAROUND SUE (12th)



Race 1

(3) BAY FISHEN DOC is on a roll and should get it done for his fourth straight score. (6) CUTTY SHARK was nailed for win honors last time out. (1) LILSHARKSHOOTER raced evenly in his last trip.

Race 2

(2) KEYSTONE FUGITIVE could take this if given the right set-up from the 2-hole. (4) BOB N TONY put in a mild rally in his last outing. (7) STORMONT LANCELOT just got up for the victory in his last try.

Race 3

(4) JAGUAR HALL is clearly better than his recent outing. Good chance he will turn things around. (3) SUCROSE HANOVER gets post relief and Brennan signs on to drive. (1) AMASA AL should fare well from the rail slot.

Race 4

(2) BLADE SEELSTER flashed good speed in his last try. Gelding can put his best foot forward in this event. (4) FUTURE CHARACTER Easy score against lesser company last time out. (1) BACK TO THE WEST retains the fence and Brennan gets the call; watch out.

Race 5

(4) GAELIC AND GARLIC Trotting gelding is good enough to boss these all the way. (1) BASTILLE gets the best of the draw; big threat. (7) BACKSTREET HANOVER was second best in her previous start.

Race 6

(5) MONKEY ON MY WHEEL did not race badly in her latest. All systems go to get it done against these. (4) VIRGIN MARY showed some early zip in her recent trip to the post. (8) YAGONNAKISSMEORNOT fits well in here and the 8-hole should be no problem; watch out.

Race 7

(5) WESTERN EMPRESS is knocking at the door and with the right trip, this gal can be ready to take this at her best. (4) CLASSY LANE ROSE raced evenly in her most recent start. (2) SUMMER SNOW rallied strongly last out for the score upstate.

Race 8

(1) DEWYCOLORINTHELINE closed well for the third spot last time around. Trotter moves to the fence and has every right to get back into the winner's circle. (4) IMA QUE T was nailed for the victory in her latest. (5) FORT VALLEY AS was sent down the road last out for all the glory.

Race 9

(1) KEYSTONE RAPTOR put in a nice strong finish last out to grab the place. Pacing gelding should be ready to roll and Brennan stays. (2) BABES I SCOOT & (3) ABOMINABLE SNOWPAN Both of these get serious post relief and could contend in here.

Race 10

(7) STATION THREEOHSIX Upstate shipper has fine speed and could take this with despite the bad draw. (1) LUCKY LUCKY LEO was second best in his last start. (4) ROCKAVELLIAN was sent down the road last time out for the victory.

Race 11

(5) THERAPUTIC just got up for win honors last time around. Gelding is very capable of taking his second straight score with Brennan at the controls. (1) FORTUNISTA Sharp in victory down the road in her recent try. (4) POLITICAL DESIRE is back at Yonkers where he got the job done four trips ago; not out of this.

Race 12

(4) ROCKAROUND SUE put in a game effort for the place spot in her recent outing. Pacing miss can put her best foot forward and Bartlett keeps the faith. (1) ITS A MIRACLE has been very consistent and the rail slot can help her cause tonight; threat. (5) HULAS Z TAM can make some serious noise in the stretch drive.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

SPOT PLAYS

For Friday


TRACK (RACE) HORSE, MORNING LINE


Arlington (7th) Affirmed Once More, 3-1
(8th) Tipsy, 7-2

Belmont Park (1st) Buckeye Heart, 3-1
(5th) Wisdom of Oz, 3-1

Belterra Park (4th) Don't Get Me, 5-1
(7th) Please Daddy, 7-2


Canterbury Park (7th) Vanderbilt Beach, 4-1
(10th) Southern Justice, 5-1


Charles Town (4th) Tadashi, 7-2
(5th) Master Rudy, 7-2


Ellis Park (2nd) Pearl of a Girl, 7-2
(5th) Sarbi, 5-1


Emerald Downs (5th) Big Bad Brown, 3-1
(6th) Spot of Salt, 6-1


Evangeline Downs (1st) Lassie Lynn, 3-1
(5th) Midway Mine, 3-1


Finger Lakes (4th) Mike and Bill, 3-1
(7th) Rico Act, 7-2


Gulfstream Park (3rd) Latent Fire, 3-1
(6th) Keyed for Speed, 3-1


Indiana Downs (6th) Bluegrass Gin, 7-2
(8th) Equal Parts, 9-2


Lone Star Park (6th) Music Row, 3-1
(8th) Annie Git'r Done, 7-2


Los Alamitos (3rd) Ten in Excess, 9-2
(4th) Naomi's Gift, 7-2


Louisiana Downs (5th) Repentacious, 3-1
(9th) Special Collection, 7-2


Monmouth Park (5th) Arsenal, 5-1
(7th) Skiffs Brewmeister, 5-1


Penn National (5th) Forest Moon, 3-1
(8th) Blues Alley, 7-2


Prairie Meadows (1st) Miss Wren, 7-2
(9th) R R Mingo, 3-1


Sacramento (5th) Slycy, 5-1
(6th) Being There, 3-1


Thistledown (3rd) Bling King, 3-1
(8th) Boomer Time, 9-2


Woodbine (4th) Sky Commander, 3-1
(5th) Mega Length, 3-1

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Padres (40-51) at Dodgers (51-42)


Game: 2
Venue: Dodger Stadium
Date: July 11, 2014 10:10 PM EDT


The Los Angeles Dodgers own the best rotation in baseball, and a lot of the credit goes to ace Clayton Kershaw.

As long as he's been on the mound at Dodger Stadium, Dan Haren's been pretty good himself.

After Kershaw's incredible scoreless streak ended in his latest gem, Haren will try to build on his success at Chavez Ravine and lead the Dodgers to another win over the San Diego Padres on Friday night.

Los Angeles (52-42) is atop the NL West by one game on second-place San Francisco. Superb pitching from the starters is a reason for the Dodgers' slight edge, compiling a major league-low 3.10 ERA - 1.64 while going 8-3 in their last 11 home games.

Kershaw continues to be perhaps the best pitcher in baseball, ranking among the leaders in wins (11) and strikeouts (127) despite missing all of April with a back injury. He was superb again Thursday, opening this four-game set with a three-hitter in a 2-1 win over San Diego (40-52).

Kershaw gave up that run on a homer by Chase Headley, ending his 41-inning scoreless stretch that tied Luis Tiant for the fifth-longest since 1961.

Haren (8-5, 4.06 ERA) will try to draw some inspiration from Kershaw, but he's 4-5 in 12 starts that have come after the two-time Cy Young Award winner.

"The starting pitching here is held to a higher standard, and at this point in my career, I'm not eight innings and no runs anymore," Haren told MLB's official website. "For the most part, I keep us in the game. But it's tough to keep up. (Kershaw and Zack Greinke are) pretty unbelievable.

"It's tough to hold up my end of the bargain."

Haren certainly didn't do that Saturday, when he was hammered for a season-high eight runs and 10 hits - two homers - with eight strikeouts in 5 1-3 innings of an 8-7 loss at Colorado. That came five days after the right-hander allowed one hit in seven innings of a 1-0 home victory over Cleveland.

Despite owning the highest ERA of any regular member of the Dodgers' rotation, Haren is 4-1 with a 2.96 ERA in eight starts at Chavez Ravine.

He's facing the Padres there for the first time, but he's 1-3 with a 6.04 ERA over his last five starts against them - all in San Diego. He allowed three runs - two on a pair of solo homers to Seth Smith - in 5 2-3 innings while not getting a decision in a 6-5 loss June 20.

The Padres have dropped five of six games, and will send rookie Jesse Hahn (4-2, 2.34) to the mound against the Dodgers for the first time. He's looking to get off to a better start after losing for the first time since his major league debut against Pittsburgh on June 3.

The right-hander gave up three runs and five hits over the first three innings Sunday, but rebounded by retiring 11 straight batters and leaving after the seventh of a 5-3 loss to San Francisco. He had won each of his previous four outings behind a 0.75 ERA and 31 strikeouts in 24 innings.

"The second half of his outing was outstanding," manager Bud Black said. "I was really impressed with how Jesse hung in there."

Hahn has won both of his road starts while allowing two runs with 15 strikeouts in 12 innings.

He'll likely have to contend with Yasiel Puig, who is hitting .356 in his past 12 home games. The right fielder is 12 for 29 with three homers, three doubles and seven RBIs in seven meetings there with San Diego.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Totals4U

Friday's Free Selection

Minnesota Twins/Colorado Rockies under 10 1/2

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

#1 Sports

Friday's free selection

San Francisco Giants - 150

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Mike Wynn

Bonus Play

St Louis/Milwaukee Over 7½ Runs

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Razor Sharp

FREE PICK FOR FRIDAY

Take BOSTON/HOUSTON UNDER the total of 8½ runs

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Platinum Plays

Free Pick

Miami Marlins w/Alvarez Pk Over NY Mets

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Nevada Sharpshooter

Free Selection MLB

Toronto +120 over Tampa Bay

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Dave Cokin

Friday Bonus Play 8:10 PM MLB

(909) ST. LOUIS CARDINALS at (910) MILWAUKEE BREWERS

Take: (909) ST. LOUIS CARDINALS +125

The Cardinals head to the road for what has to be called a key series with the Milwaukee Brewers, and each team has some issues that need addressing as we head into the break. St. Louis is going to have to figure out what to do behind the plate with Yadier Molina out until what looks to be late August. The Brewers have hit a big bump in the road of late and while they’re still in first place in the NL Central, that once comfortable lead is now down to a mere two games.

Yovani Gallardo will throw for Milwaukee tonight, and his dealings with the Cardinals over the years have been an absolute disaster. I’m not a huge history buff and find many pitcher vs. team tendencies to be random not particularly trustworthy. But it’s pretty tough to simply ignore 1-11, 6.34 as that’s the ledger Gallardo owns vs. the Redbirds. Gallardo has been fairly reliable lately, but he’s certainly not a dominating pitcher anymore. His one effort against the Cardinals this year was not bad, and the Brewers did eventually win that game. But it’s sure tough to look at Gallardo as chalk here and not want to make a move against him.

Joe Kelly returns for what was a decent enough injury rehab stint and with the St. Louis pitching injuries, getting an arm back from the DL has to be a welcome change. Kelly has not done well in his dealings with the Brewers, so this might not be the best spot for him to return. But he’s at least getting a chance to pitch against a team that is not hitting the ball right now, as the Milwaukee offense has largely gone into a deep freeze recently.

One thing I like on the St. Louis side is the recent willingness of manager Mike Matheny to make some needed lineup changes. He’s doing more platooning right now, and I just cannot disagree with that methodology. It’s not easy to bench players who produced previously, but at some point the present has to outweigh the past.

This is the biggest series of the season to date for each of these teams. The Cardinals could conceivably be in first place going into the break if they sweep this set. That might be a reach, but they’re certainly the team in better form right now. Plus, if we’re talking pressure games, it’s fair to give the Redbirds a substantial edge based on big game experience.

I just can’t see the present Brewers being this much chalk. They’re playing their worst baseball of the season with the offense slumbering and the bullpen slumping. Gallardo’s unfortunate history with this opponent is a factor as well. No doubt there has to be a line adjustment for the Redbirds with Molina injured. But getting a return like the one that’s currently available tonight is something I don’t want to pass up, so the Bonus Play tonight is on the Cardinals as nicely priced road dogs.