Monday 5/23/16 service plays chatter/comps/requests & other stuff...

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

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[superbeets]

German Bundesliga TODAY 19:30

Nuremberg

v

E Frankfurt

	HOME	DRAW	AWAY
BTEU					More markets

​

RECENT FORM	LAST HEAD-TO-HEADSAT NUREMBERG	RECENT FORM
ALHWALHWAWAD​ Most recent​	2 - 5 1 - 2 3 - 0 1 - 1	ALHWAWHWALHD​ Most recent​

KEY STAT: Eintracht Frankfurt have lost one of their last five matches

EXPERT VERDICT: Eintracht Frankfurt will still be wondering how they drew the first leg of this playoff 1-1. Frankfurt won the shot count 11-1 (5-0 on target), had 75 per cent possession and forced eight corners to Nuremberg's one but an own goal from Marco Russ leaves their Bundesliga status in the balance. However, Frankfurt are the better side and can prove it.

RECOMMENDATION: E Frankfurt
1

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

French Open betting: Men to watch - and wager on - at Roland Garros

It’s Novak Djokovic versus the world as the French Open gets underway Monday morning in Paris. Djokovic has lost in the final in each of the past two years, but is playing like a man possessed so far in 2016 with five tournament victories on his resume.

Favorite

Novak Djokovic (-125)

Djokovic will be making his 12th appearance at the year’s second major tournament, and is hungrier than ever to complete the career Grand Slam. Last year’s loss to Stan Wawrinka hit him hard, but Djokovic has the tools to bounce back in a big way, having won nearly 80 percent of his career matches on clay.

That said, warning signs abound. Djokovic fell in the first round at Monte Carlo to Jiri Vesely and looked overmatched in a 6-3, 6-3 defeat to Andy Murray (+425) in the final of last weekend’s Italian Open.

But the lanky Serbian will have a full week of rest prior to his opening-round French Open tilt, and shouldn’t have much trouble getting through his first few matches. And with Roland Garros proving to be a war of attrition most years, that extra down time will help Djokovic immensely.

About to turn 29, Djokovic knows he doesn’t have many cracks left at that elusive first French Open title. It took a Herculean effort from Wawrinka to deny the World No. 1 last year. It may take even more for someone to take him down in 2016.

Underdog to watch

Stan Wawrinka (+1,581)

Despite solidifying his place as a clay-court maestro with last year’s stunning French Open win, Wawrinka’s recent form has left much to be desired.

Entering this week’s Geneva Open, he hadn't moved past the quarterfinals in five straight tournaments after opening his season with two wins in four events. He was just 3-3 on clay entering this week’s event in Switzerland.

With clay-court losses to Rafael Nadal (+432), Nick Krygios (+6,642) and Juan Monaco (+55,273) already on his 2016 ledger, Wawrinka is hardly carrying much momentum into Paris.

But the same could be said last year, when he struggled through the pre-Open clay schedule but still rattled off seven straight wins at Roland Garros for his second Grand Slam title. If he gets hot, he’ll be there at the end again this year.


Live underdog

Dominic Thiem (+4,447)

Thiem is playing some of the best tennis of his young career - highlighted by a quarter-final showing in Rome that included a straight-sets win over Roger Federer, who pulled out of the French Open with a back injury. Thiem hung tough in his quarterfinal loss to Kei Nishikori, and is seeded 14th in what will be his third appearance at Roland Garros.

Thiem is one of those players whom savvy tennis fans wouldn't be surprised to see succeed in Paris. Four of his five career titles have come on clay, and his shot arsenal - top-spin serve included - plays well on what has been his strongest surface.

Thiem will likely need to beat more than one Top-10 player just to reach the final, so there's no guarantee he'll get there. But as underdog plays go, you won't find many with the combination of strong recent play and clay-court pedigree of Thiem.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

French Open betting: Women to watch - and wager on - at Roland Garros

Serena Williams is once again the one to beat as the best women’s tennis players in the world converge on Roland Garros next week. But she’ll face stiff competition in search of her fourth French Open title - most notably from Victoria Azarenka and Simona Halep.

Favorite

Serena Williams (+212)

Could it be anyone else? Williams comes into her 15th appearance at the year’s second Grand Slam on a tear, having won the only clay-court event she has entered in 2016 while failing to drop a set in the process.

Clay has been especially kind to Williams lately. Since struggling in 2009 and 2010, she has gone an incredible 75-4 on the surface. She’s still as powerful as ever at age 34 and will benefit greatly from the absence of Maria Sharapova, who is serving a drug ban.

So why isn’t she a heavier favorite? Perhaps it’s the fact that she’s been bounced in the first or second round in two of her last four appearances. Perhaps it’s her limited calendar so far this year. Perhaps there’s a belief that Azarenka or Halep will figure out how to end Williams' dominance.

Whatever the case, it’s clear that Williams is in elite form heading into her fortnight in France. While she’s only played four tournaments this year, she reached the final in three of them - and should do the same in Paris.

Underdog to watch

Angelique Kerber (+1,450)

Kerber has had an up-and-down clay-court season to date, prevailing in Stuttgart, Germany in April before dropping her opening matches in both Madrid and Rome earlier this month.

Yet, despite her recent poor form, Kerber could be one to watch in Paris. She secured the first Grand Slam title of 2016 with a stunning win over Williams at the Australian Open, and has won a title on every surface.

The absence of Sharapova will undoubtedly boost Kerber’s stock heading into Roland Garros, and as the third seed, she’ll avoid meeting Williams until the final, should both get that far. And, as she proved in Melbourne, Kerber has the skill and shot arsenal to pull off another upset.

Live long shot

Eugenie Bouchard (+4,600)

It’ll be a grueling road to climb for Bouchard, who reached the semifinals in Paris two years ago but has careened down the rankings since.

Bouchard still isn’t the player she was when she finished 2014 as the No. 7 player in the world, but she has shown improvement. The win over Kerber was her biggest in a while, though she promptly dropped her third-round match 6-1, 6-0 to Barbora Strycova.

Bouchard is still only 22, and has the physical tools to recover from what was essentially a lost 2015. The draw will go a long way in determining her chances of making it to the later rounds, but if she plays like she did against Kerber in Rome, she can go far no matter who she faces.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Sharks (46-30) at Blues (49-24)

Date: May 23, 2016 8:00 PM EDT

ST. LOUIS (AP) The St. Louis Blues are sticking with goalie Jake Allen in Game 5 of the Western Conference final against the San Jose Sharks.

It's not a huge surprise considering how well the Blues played after the goalie switch. They're coming off perhaps their best game of the postseason, a convincing 6-3 victory that knotted the series at two games heading into Monday night's game.

Coach Ken Hitchcock switched to Allen to give the team a 'jolt' because it was becoming overly reliant on Brian Elliott. He didn't care if it was viewed as a goalie controversy.

'We needed to play harder for a goalie,' Hitchcock said. 'It didn't matter if it was Ells or Jake or whatever.'

Hitchcock kept quiet about other potential roster issues, saying he'd have updates on captain David Backes and rookie Robby Fabbri on game day.

Both have been major reasons the Blues are in their first conference final since 2001, Fabbri with 14 points and Backes with seven goals and 13 points.

Sharks coach Peter DeBoer expects a bounce-back effort in Game 5 without making lineup changes.

'You know what, we've played some really good hockey in the last two or three weeks,' DeBoer said. 'I think we can fix it without having to take those type of measures.'

But DeBoer added he'd 'sleep on it.'

Allen and Elliott basically split duties during the regular season, each playing long stretches because the other was injured. Allen was ready when the call came and made 31 saves in Game 4.

'I've been sort of letting him do his thing the first three series,' Allen said. 'Hitch told me to go get `em. It's my chance now.'

Allen started all six games in the Blues' first-round loss to Minnesota last spring. He learned from that experience not to think he had to be extra special.

'I think I came in last year a little bit antsy,' Allen said. 'I think this year we just realize it's honestly another hockey game. Be yourself, play your game, what we've done all year will bring success.'

The Blues ended a scoreless drought of 156:59 with two first-period goals and poured it on in Game 4, easing any pressure Allen might have been feeling. The scoring matched their high for the playoffs in a 6-1 Game 7 victory at Dallas.

'We knew we had so much more in us to give,' Allen said. 'If it was the other way around, and we were playing phenomenal and we still weren't finding ways to win, then maybe that's another story.'

Backes didn't play the final two periods on Saturday night. Fabbri had just two shifts in the third period after getting shaken up on a hit by Tommy Wingels.

Forward Paul Stastny was entering the ice just after Fabbri was hit and didn't see it, but didn't think Blues players were too riled about it.

'I mean playoff time, you know you're always going to get hit when you have the puck or when you move the puck, a second or two after,' Stastny said. 'That's just how it is - we do the same thing to them, they do the same thing to us.'

Before they stumbled in an opportunity to seize control of the series, the Sharks had been dominant. DeBoer anticipates a highly motivated roster for Game 5.

'You know, missed opportunity,' DeBoer said. 'They want to make it right.'

Martin Jones is the franchise's first goalie to post consecutive playoff shutouts. He struggled under the Blues' pressure and was lifted for the first time in the postseason after allowing four goals on 19 shots in Game 4.

'They scored a couple goals,' Jones said. 'You don't like it, but you move on. You get ready for the next one.'

Forward Logan Couture said when the Sharks have had setbacks this season they've always found a way to 'push back.'

'We know in our room we didn't play well at all,' Couture said. 'We made a lot of mistakes that we haven't been making throughout these playoffs, but Game 5 is a new opportunity for us.'

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

NHL

Monday's game

San Jose-St Louis (2-2)
Sharks shut St Louis out in their two series wins; road team won six of last nine St Louis-San Jose tilts- under is 3-1 in this series. San Jose won three of last four games here; they're 4-4 on road in playoffs so far this year. Blues lost three of last four home games, under is 3-1 in their last four games overall. San Jose is 2-15 on power play in series, the Blues are 2-12. St Louis is 5-3 on road so far in playoffs- they scored six goals on only 27 shots in Game 4, after getting blanked in Games 2-3.

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

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Monday's NBA Conference Finals betting preview and odds: Cavaliers at Raptors

Cleveland Cavaliers at Toronto Raptors (+6, 197)

Cavaliers lead series 2-1

Everybody was writing off the Toronto Raptors after they lost the first two games of the Eastern Conference finals by an average of 25 points. Toronto countered with a superb Game 3 performance and aims to tie the series at 2-2 when it host the Cleveland Cavaliers on Monday.

The Raptors posted a 99-84 home victory over the Cavaliers on Saturday when they limited Cleveland to 35.4 percent shooting from the field while center Bismack Biyombo was busy setting a franchise playoff record with 26 rebounds. "It's a long series," Raptors coach Dwane Casey told reporters afterward. "It's not over with yet, but everybody thought we were going to get swept. I think that fuels us and if that's what it takes, so be it." The Cavaliers won their first 10 games of the postseason before Saturday's mediocre showing and forward LeBron James attributed the result to a combination of Toronto's stellar play and his own club's shortcomings. "We didn't play our game, and they made us pay for it," James said at his postgame press conference. "It is a little adversity. Why not? It's the postseason, and you lose a game. This is our first loss of the postseason. I would count it as a little adversity."

TV: 8:30 p.m. ET, ESPN

LINE HISTORY: The Rapors hit the board for this pivotal Game 4 as 6-point home dogs and, at the time of publication of this preview, the line hasn't moved off that number. The total opened at 197 and has also yet to move. Check out the up-to-date and complete line history here.

ABOUT THE CAVALIERS (67-26, 44-46-3 ATS, 46-47 O/U): James scored 24 points in Game 3 but point guard Kyrie Irving (13 points on 3-of-19 shooting) and power forward Kevin Love (three points, 1-of-9) both had awful shooting nights. Love, who didn't play in the fourth quarter, is averaging just 12 points and 4.3 rebounds in the series and said the following to reporters: "I felt like I was a little passive. From a mentality standpoint, it's an easy fix." Irving averaged 26.5 points in the first two games before a woeful performance that included a 1-of-7 showing from 3-point range.

ABOUT THE RAPTORS (65-34, 51-48 ATS, 48-50-1 O/U): Biyombo has an increased role with starting center Jonas Valanciunas (ankle) sidelined and he averaged just 4.5 rebounds over the first two games before going on a board rage - including eight offensive - in Game 3. Biyombo set the tone by collecting 10 rebounds in the first quarter and had 16 at halftime as Toronto finished with a 54-40 rebounding edge. "I'm playing for my teammates, honestly, and for us it's just that we're going to play hard no matter what, and we're going to play our game," Biyombo told reporters after Game 3. "I've been saying that since we started the series, and our game is to protect the paint. And my job is to make sure that I protect the paint no matter what."

TRENDS:

* Cavaliers are 1-8-1 ATS in their last 10 games following a straight up loss of more than 10 points.
* Raptors are 8-1 ATS in their last 9 home games vs. a team with a winning road record.
* Under is 9-2 in Raptors last 11 games following a ATS win.
* Home team is 6-0 ATS in the last 6 meetings.
* Under is 22-5-1 in the last 28 meetings in Toronto.

CONSENSUS: Early Consensus data is showing a massive shift in public opinion. For Saturday's game it seemed like the entire world was picking the Cavaliers to win and cover the spread but the current numbers are drastically different with only 54 percent thinking that the Cavs can cover the six points on the road. Total wagering is, pretty much, where it's been all series with 63 percent picking the Over.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Game 4 - Cavaliers at Raptors
By Kevin Rogers

Cleveland’s undefeated run in the playoffs came to an end in Saturday’s Game 3 loss at Toronto as the Cavaliers are guaranteed another home game in the Eastern Conference Finals. However, the Raptors are going to take advantage of their home court and look to even up this series at 2-2 with a victory at the Air Canada Center on Monday.

Toronto was wiped out in the first two contests of this series as double-digit underdogs, but rebounded with a wire-to-wire 99-84 triumph as six-point underdogs in Game 3. The Cavaliers put together their worst shooting performance of the postseason by hitting 35% of their shots from the field, as Kyrie Irving and Kevin Love combined to make 4-of-28 attempts, including a 3-of-19 performance from Irving for 13 points. Cleveland hoisted 41 attempts from three-point range, converting 14 treys, including six from J.R. Smith. The Cavs were paced by LeBron James’ 24 points, but Cleveland suffered its fourth ATS loss in the playoffs in 11 tries.

The Raptors received a huge boost from the struggling Kyle Lowry, who shot 1-of-15 from three-point range in the first two losses. The Toronto point guard knocked down 4-of-8 from downtown in Game 3, while putting up 20 points after scoring a total of 18 points in the first two games. DeMar DeRozan continued to play well for Toronto in this series by posting his best game against Cleveland by scoring 32 points on 12-of-24 shooting. Cory Joseph and Patrick Patterson combined for 24 points off the bench, while Bismack Biyombo pulled down 26 rebounds as Toronto out-boarded Cleveland, 54-40.

Game 3 was on a good pace to finish ‘over’ the total of 199 ½, but the two teams combined for 33 points in the final quarter to cash the second straight ‘under.’ Three of five road playoff games for Tyronn Lue’s club have stayed ‘under’ the total, while Cleveland scored fewer than 100 points for the first time in this postseason. The Raptors are now 5-4 to the ‘over’ in nine home playoff games, while scoring 99 points or less in seven of those contests.

Dwane Casey’s team hasn’t responded well off a victory in the playoffs by owning a 2-6 SU/ATS record off a win, while not winning consecutive games at Air Canada Center in the postseason. Toronto hasn’t covered back-to-back home games in the playoffs since the opening round of the 2002 postseason against Detroit. The Raptors owned a dreadful 1-10-1 ATS record at home in the playoffs from 2014 through Game 2 of the conference semifinals against Miami, but Toronto is riding a 3-0 ATS mark the last three home playoff contests.

Cleveland opened as a six-point road favorite for Game 4 and Chris David believes that bettors shouldn’t be afraid to lay the wood if you’re leaning to the Cavaliers.

He explained, “It was nice to see Toronto show a good effort at home on Saturday and I’m not sure if we’ll see a repeat effort from the team in Game 4. The Raptors are front-runners and they’re very tough to beat when they’re ahead but when they’re down, it’s been lights out. They’ve dropped eight games in this year’s playoffs by an average of 15 points with the closest margins being six and seven points. If you do believe Toronto can win the game, you’re better option is to take the Raptors on the money-line (+225) since the point-spread hasn’t mattered in the playoffs when it’s been listed as an underdog. Just pick the winner!”

Toronto is now 5-2 SU and 6-1 ATS as a home underdog this season following Saturday’s victory. The Raptors have beaten the Cavaliers three times at home, all in the ‘dog role, while limiting Cleveland to less than 100 points in all three victories. The Cavaliers never lost consecutive road games during its run to the NBA Finals last season, winning by two points over Chicago in the second round (86-84) and edging Golden State by two points in overtime in Game 2 of the NBA Finals (95-93).

David feels that the oddsmakers have done a great job with the totals in this series and another sweatshop should be expected Monday. “Depending when you bet and where you shop, you could’ve cashed the ‘under’ in the first three games of this series. These outcomes have been tight and although Game 3 was the lowest-scoring matchup thus far, you could argue that the ‘over’ was the right side. You had a great first-half (107 points) but the final 24 minutes only saw a combined 76 points and that kind of production usually leans to ‘under’ tickets.”

Despite the poor offensive effort from Cleveland, David is expecting the offense to rebound in Game 4. He said, “Since Lue took over as head coach of the Cavaliers, the offense has only scored in the eighties three times and that includes a 96-83 loss to Chicago in his head coaching debut. In the three following games, Cleveland has posted 114, 114 and 99 points. Along with a poor shooting night from 3-point land on Saturday, the Cavs only got to the free throw line 16 times. Toronto has allowed 100-plus points in seven of its eight playoff losses and I believe Cleveland’s team total of 101 ½ for Game 4 is the right lean.”

From the days of the week department, Cleveland has gone 11-4 on Mondays this season, which includes a 1-0 record in the playoffs and 3-1 overall mark on the road. Toronto has struggled to a 5-7 ledger on Mondays this season, including a 1-1 record in the playoffs.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Cavaliers (57-25) at Raptors (56-26)

Date: May 23, 2016 8:30 PM EDT

TORONTO (AP) DeMar DeRozan remembers the angry emotions Raptors teammate Bismack Biyombo once stirred in him as an opponent.

'I hated him,' DeRozan said Sunday.

The Cavaliers likely feel a little anger toward Biyombo after his pivotal performance Saturday, when he helped stop Cleveland's 10-0 start to the playoffs in Toronto's 99-84 victory in Game 3 of the Eastern Conference finals. Game 4 is Monday night at Air Canada Centre.

Biyombo hauled down a Raptors' playoff-record 26 rebounds, blocked four shots, and scored six of his seven points in a quick fourth-quarter spurt that helped seal Toronto's win.

That wasn't all. Biyombo was involved in a first-half skirmish that saw LeBron James take a tumble after catching an accidental elbow from his own teammate, Tristan Thompson. Late in the fourth, Biyombo drew a flagrant foul after he collared a driving James, sending the Cavs' star sprawling again.

DeRozan hasn't forgotten what all that feels like.

'I hated Biz,' Toronto's All-Star guard said. 'He was a fouler, always blocking shots. He always went for the pump fake, though, but I hated Biz. Now by far he's one of my favorite teammates of all-time.'

Raptors coach Dwane Casey understands Biyombo can be both a 'nightmare' and a 'nuisance' to play against, whether it's the center's habit of finger-wagging after blocks, or flexing his muscles after big dunks.

To Biyombo, being a nuisance is no big deal. It's the way it's got to be.

'Until you really get to know the real side of me, then you know who I am,' he said. 'But on the floor I don't have friends.'

At the final buzzer Saturday, Biyombo lay crumpled in pain in Cleveland's paint after being struck below the belt while battling Dahntay Jones for a loose ball. Biyombo took the hit while tapping the ball to a teammate, his eighth offensive rebound of the night.

Casey was upset at the referees after the game, complaining that Biyombo wasn't getting calls and citing Cleveland's 86-51 edge in free throw attempts in the series. On Sunday, Casey declined to say whether those comments had drawn league discipline.

'I'm not trying to get anybody,' Casey said. 'It's over with. I said what I had to say last night. I'm not trying to send a message. It was a comment about the game last night and it's over with.'

Jones was suspended for Game 4 by the NBA on Sunday, while Casey was fined $25,000 for his comments.

After a testy, physical Game 3, the Cavaliers were also wondering whether they were getting a fair shake from the referees. Asked whether James and the Cavs had to sell calls, coach Tyronn Lue said it's tough for his star because defenders 'tend to bounce off' a driving James.

'If you don't foul him hard, he's going to get an and-one and a three-point play,' Lue said. 'You've got to try to be physical with him so he can't take the contact and finish at the rim. When you get around the neck, like Biyombo did last night, that's different. But when teams hard-foul, you're supposed to get hard-fouled when you're going to the basket, especially being that strong and that powerful.'

Speaking before the Cavs held a film session at their Toronto hotel Sunday, James didn't want to say whether he's getting the whistles he deserves.

'I really don't get involved in it too much,' James said. 'I just play the game and let the referees decide what the call may be and move on. I can't have my focus go somewhere else. That allows my energy to be somewhere it shouldn't be.'

With Cleveland's run over, Richard Jefferson said the mood was a little down when several Cavs gathered for a postgame meal Saturday night.

'That's the first time in a month the dinner conversation wasn't joyous and excited and having fun,' Jefferson said. 'We were just kind of talking about the things that we needed to do. We were trying to keep our minds off of it, but you could see that everybody was a little off.'

Shooting-wise, Kevin Love and Kyrie Irving were more than a little off in Game 3, going a combined 4 for 28. Lue said Irving, who got the worst of a collision with Toronto's Cory Joseph late in Saturday's game, was feeling fine after having the wind knocked out of him.

Toronto's Jonas Valanciunas, out since Game 3 of the Miami series after spraining his right ankle, is listed as doubtful for Game 4. Valanciunas is progressing slowly and will be re-evaluated Monday, Casey said.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

'Eastern Conference Finals'

Cleveland Cavaliers at Toronto Raptors May 23, 8:30 EST

Toronto led by DeMar DeRozan (32 pts), Kyle Lowry (20.0 pts) along with a monster night in the paint by Biyombo grabbing a franchise playoff record 26 rebounds the Raptors proved they aren't dead yet, beating the Cavaliers 99-84 as 6 point home underdogs. At the other end, LeBron James scored 24 points for the Cavaliers, J.R. Smith added 22 points, Kyrie Irving had 13 and Kevin Love managed just 3 in the losing effort.

Toronto is a tough sell, but leaving +6.0 points on the table could be costly. Home-court is something Raptors can tap into. On the season Raptors are 39-11 in front of the home audience with a 27-23 record against the betting line including a solid 6-1 ATS in an underdog roll. Additionally, Raptors hit the hardwood with confidence knowing Cavaliers havent' won on this floor this year (0-3 SU/ATS).

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

NBA

Toronto-Cleveland (C 2-1)
Cavaliers won six of last nine games with Toronto; over is 5-3-1 in last nine series games. Raptors kept series alive by winning Game 3 99-84; Lowry/Derozan combined for 52 points, Biyombo had 26 rebounds and was as dominant as a guy can be while scoring 7 points- Raptors are 7-2 at home in playoffs. Cavs are 10-1 SU in playoffs, 7-4 vs spread (over 5-5-1); how will they react after their first loss? . Toronto won five of last six home games; three of last five went over.

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

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Mohawk: Monday 5/23 Analysis
By Garnet Barnsdale

DRF HARNESS

Race 1 - $30,000 Guaranteed Pick Five Pool

Race 4 - $50,000 Guaranteed Pick Four Pool


PICK 5: 2,4/1,6,8/3,4,5,6/2,4,7/2,6 = $28.80

EARLY PICK 4: 2,4,7/2,6/1,3,5,9/2,6,7 = $72

LATE PICK 4:4,7,9/1,4,7/3/3,6,10 = $27

MEET STATS: 90 - 259 / $537.20 BEST BETS: 15 - 25 / $58.40

SPOT PLAYS: 5 - 25 / $32.80

Best Bet: KINETIC KING (10th)

Spot Play: HIDDEN POTENTIAL (6th)


Race 1

(4) HIPPITY HOP improved last time when going overland to finish 2nd. He looks as good as any in a wide-open trot to kick things off. (2) JAGERSRO keeps coming close and figures here but has also built up an 0-15 record of futility so far. (10) STAR MAGICIAN raced well in his 2nd start and could sneak into the tri at big odds here. (6) THE MUSCLE TOUCH will contend if he stays flat which at this stage appears to be a big “if”.

Race 2

(6) FLANAGAN MEMORY got back on track with an easy win last week and can double up here. (8) WHISKEY TAX closed well from far back in his season debut last time and could get sent here which would make him tough. (1) INTIMIDATE was a solid 2nd in his seasonal debut and may have come back better than last year, a season in which he failed to win a race in 14 tries. (4) O NARUTAC PERFETTO made two moves vs. the choice and tired late. He can close late for a piece here.

Race 3

(3) CLASSICAL ANNIE has been on a roll for Burke and may be able to steal a breather to the 1/2 here which would make her tough to catch. (5) MUSCLE BABY DOLL gapped the gate at the start last time and lost all hope. She should rebound here with a better effort. (6) JEWELS IN HOCK had a useful tightener and should be respected here. (4) MY HAPPINESS E P almost pulled an upset last week and has reached her best form. She can share here.

Race 4

(2) MAYFIELD DUKE has greatly improved his late speed and it's only a matter of time before he breaks his maiden. (7) LIVELY FREDDIE finished just behind the choice last time and is a player here. (4) MITTNAGE A TROIS finished well back of a promising colt who came back and won big again. This gelding can be a lot closer here. (5) CATCH TWENTY TWO could last longer on the engine here and stick around for a piece.

Race 5

(2) MURMUR HANOVER goes first time for trainer Moreau here and can be expected to show immediate improvement. (6) OLYMPIC SON raced well on a wet track while facing several challenges last week and should be used in multi-race wagers here. (4) YOURE MAJESTIC can contend here if she stays flat. (5) OUR MOJO drops in class here and can stick around for a slice this time.

Race 6

(5) HIDDEN POTENTIAL gets a massive driver change here and is worth a shot in a wide-open dash. (1) WINDSONG LIGHTNING looks ready to produce a good effort off his lone qualifier; using. (3) GALLAGHER SEELSTER drops slightly and moves inside. He can share here at a price. (9) DIALAMARA also drops and should get an aggressive steer here.

Race 7

(2) CASH FOR GOLD was out a long way last time which cost him late. He could beat these at a price with a better trip. (6) ZEUS LIGHTNING drops from the top class and obviously figures, but, his weak win record is a concern. (7) HILLSONATOR is a speed threat here and hard to leave off the Pick 4. (8) BIG RICH has won in similar classes here recently and shouldn't be ignored.

Race 8

(7) MOHEGAN BLUE CHIP qualified okay for his comeback and faces a group that he should be competitive against; top call. (4) NEW TALENT closed late in his season's debut now picks up Campbell and he should go forward here. (9) MAX IS BACK has finished fast in both qualifiers and could better this placing. (3) VEGAS DREAM figures to take a minor share here as has been typical with him.

Race 9

(7) STORMONT KATE showed a new dimension last week, closing from last to win going away. She retains the top driver here and should be a better price this time. (4) OHO DIAMOND roared up late to get the win in her Mohawk debut now returns in 7 days and should be tough here. (1) CHARMED LIFE gets to race against her own gender here again and is an obvious contender but may be over bet. (6) ROCKIN WITH DEWEY has beaten these types before so isn't completely out of this.

Race 10

(3) KINETIC KING drops and adds Lasix here and should be tough to beat vs. this group. (9) PILGRIMS JOY was victimized by a slow first 1/2 last time and is worth including at a price here. (2) HARLEIGH RYDER switches barns here and likely shows immediate improvement. (5) NEILS GOLDEN GIRL keeps going long trips and can take a share here if she can latch onto some cover.

Race 11

(3) BIG CITY JEWEL raced well when dropped into this class last week and the move inside may be all he needs to convert with a win here. (6) MONTE CHRISTO drops and should contend vs. these. Expect a much more aggressive drive this time. (10) UF DRAGONS ROCKET was sent 3-wide before the 1/2 last time which cost him late. He is in with a chance here despite the post. (2) ARRIVED LATE can follow along and take a share here. (7) MILLIONDOLLARCELL has been producing quick final quarters vs. claimers and can close for a piece here.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Yonkers: Monday 5/23 Analysis
By Brewster Smith

DRF HARNESS

MEET STATS: 122 - 526 / $765.70

BEST BETS: 13 - 54 / $54.30

Best Bet: FRANNEY LOVE DAT (5th)

Spot Play: SHANE ADAM (10th)


Race 1

(1) M A BAY comes by way of Freehold and catches a weak group; can boss these by default. (3) GAIUS CRASTINUS makes his 2016 debut with a couple of decent qualifiers; factor. (4) FAST N VICTORIOUS had live cover but could not make a forward bid and settled for fourth money last time out.

Race 2

(3) CHEYENNE MOLLY was sent right to the front but tried in deep stretch to hold on for the place spot last out; seems to be the speed of the speed and she could make amends. (2) EXCELANT CHANCE Monticello invader gets post relief and that might help her cause. (5) YULE LOVE IT makes her pari-mutuel debut and put in an excellent qualifier in Florida; watch out.

Race 3

(2) COMBAT gets the best of the draw and this might be a perfect spot for this pacing gelding to get back to the winner's circle but needs to revert to his April 24th trip at Pocono. (4) DR J HANOVER very sharp in the pocket and rolled thru the passing lane for all the glory last out. (5) CONCUR put in a great battle with Dr J Hanover most the way but was nailed for the victory in their latest try.

Race 4

(4) J T was completely out of it last out but gelding now gets post relief; at his best he can get the job done. (1) SOHO HIGHROLLER A is another with a better post to work with; main danger. (4) LEGION OF BOOM was flashing good speed but tired in the stretch drive last time around.

Race 5

(5) FRANNEY LOVE DAT was an easy winner last time out and this mare figures to keep on her winning ways. (1) SHE SAID moves inside and that surely help her chances in here. (2) AMANDEROSA has wheeled off two straight victories at Monticello; don't overlook.

Race 6

(3) SECRET DELIGHT Gelding is knocking at the door based on his last two tries; might rate and score over these. (4) PERFECT BET had live cover and mowed them down for the victory last time out. (2) TEAM CAPTAIN was very game in his last start to land second money; not out of this.

Race 7

(1) BJS GUY was sharp at Saratoga last out missing the victory by 1/2 length; can boss these down the road with Brennan at the helm. (5) TWIN B HOLLISTER needs a better trip to contend with these; possible. (3) SANTANNA ONE might have found a better spot to be a factor in here; watch out.

Race 8

(2) SPENDABUCKONME Gelding now moves to the 2-hole and is seeking his first victory of the year. With a fine-timed drive from Dube he might greet the cameraman for pictures. (8) SELVIN blasted from the 8-hole and tucked in the pocket on his way to victory recently at Philly; main danger. (4) CLASSIC BREEZE closed well on the cones to lose glory by a nose; not out of this.

Race 9

(4) WINDSUN STETSON raced evenly in his last start at the Meadowlands. Gelding does have tactical speed and the good news is he will have the services of Bartlett; threat at his best. (1) REGAL SIGHT hopefully this gelding will get the right trip from the pole position; maybe. (2) ELWELL showed brief speed last time out so there's a chance that he could move forward.

Race 10

(2) SHANE ADAM put in a mild rally for fourth money last time around. With a covered up trip he could get the job done; we shall see. (6) FEELING CAM LUCKY Sharp in the pocket last out and held on for the place spot; dangerous. (3) KONA KID most likely will be on the engine and good to see Bartlett with the call.

Race 11

(3) BLOOD BROTHER led most of the way but did not have enough gas in the tank in deep stretch last time out but hey it was his first start of the year so he could be ready for action tonight. (6) BET YOU was on the rim at the 3/4 pole and was very game for the place spot last out; big threat. (2) SPORTSKEEPER took charge to the front turning for home only to be nailed for win honors by Perfect Bet last week.

Race 12

(3) BETTER SAID is back inside where she belongs and mare is seeking her first score of the year. Has the speed and if she gets a favorable trip the rest will have to settle for place money. (1) SINGLE ME did not have the best of trips last time out but should make some noise in here. (2) BLACK WIDOW BABY Jogged home to an easy victory last week and figures to be the main danger to repeat.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

SPOT PLAYS

For Monday


TRACK (RACE) HORSE, MORNING LINE

Delaware Park (6th) Royal Brute, 4-1
(8th) Black Mission Fig, 6-1


Finger Lakes (7th) Chloe's Wonderboy, 3-1
(8th) Sing the Dream, 7-2

Hastings Park (6th) Lornefivehundred, 4-1
(8th) Biscuit, 9-2


Mountaineer (1st) Angelena Storm, 3-1
(8th) Gallery of Storms, 3-1


Parx Racing (4th) Southern Kisses, 4-1
(6th) Disco Rose, 5-1

Presque Isle Downs (1st) Michael Addison, 5-1
(2nd) Charity Reins, 4-1


Thistledown (4th) My Friend David, 6-1
(6th) Reign of Kings, 7-2


Woodbine (4th) Sweet Little Man, 6-1
(7th) Gasconade, 8-1

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Indians (22-19) at White Sox (26-18)

Game: 1
Venue: U.S. Cellular Field
Date: May 23, 2016 5:10 PM EDT

The Cleveland Indians' lineup has cooled off from a torrid stretch, but a matchup with struggling Chicago White Sox starter Mat Latos might reignite their hitters.

Cleveland will seek to add to Latos' woes in Monday's opener to a twi-night doubleheader in Chicago.

The Indians (22-19) outscored their opponents 47-18 while batting .328 in a season-best five consecutive wins, including Friday's opener in Boston, but they totaled three runs and eight hits while dropping the final two in the series.

Cleveland will try to get back on track against Latos, who is 1-1 with a 7.84 ERA in his last four starts. The right-hander was 4-0 with a 0.74 ERA in his first four with the White Sox (26-18).

Latos (5-1, 4.00 ERA) gave up five runs and 11 hits in 5 1/3 innings Wednesday in a 5-3 loss to Houston.

"It stinks," he said. "Obviously, it's not the way that I want it to go. I'm tired of giving up runs. That's just the way the game goes sometimes."

The White Sox have lost eight of 11 since their AL-best 23-10 start but avoided a three-game home sweep to Kansas City with a 3-2 victory Sunday. Todd Frazier moved into a tie for the AL lead with his 13th homer and Melky Cabrera drove in the other two runs.

Chicago has scored 10 runs in its last five games and went 1 for 23 with runners in scoring position in the series against the Royals.

"Hopefully, we can keep tacking on some more runs, because we still left a couple out there today that we could have easily gotten," Frazier said. "We're still focused and determined to get those in."

Chicago has lost six of eight at home against Cleveland and split a pair of games in a rain-shortened series last month, necessitating this doubleheader.

Mike Clevinger (0-0, 6.75) will kick off the Indians' next attempt to earn a win in Chicago in his second major league start. The right-hander gave up four runs in 5 1/3 innings Wednesday in an 8-7 victory in 12 innings in Cincinnati.

"I thought he kept his composure real well. I thought his pitches were good," manager Terry Francona told MLB's official website. "He made a couple mistakes late, but I don't care if you're coming up from Triple-A or you're a (veteran), that's major league stuff. And he's only going to get better with experience."

Cody Anderson (0-3, 7.99) is slated to start the finale for Cleveland and gave up a season-high six runs in 4 1/3 innings last Monday against Cincinnati. He avoided a loss because the Indians slugged their way to a 15-6 victory.

Anderson is 1-0 with a 2.13 ERA in two starts versus the White Sox. He allowed two runs in six innings in his season debut April 9 but didn't get a decision in a 7-3 loss.

Erik Johnson (0-1, 7.20) is slated to make his first start against Cleveland in the nightcap. He allowed four runs and eight hits in five innings in his only MLB outing this season, a 7-3 loss to Boston on May 5.

Cleveland shortstop Francisco Lindor, batting .419 in his last 10 games, is a career .386 hitter against the White Sox.

Jose Abreu is batting .440 with three home runs in his past seven matchups versus Cleveland. He is 3 for 6 with a solo homer lifetime against Anderson.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Mets (25-18) at Nationals (27-17)

Game: 1
Venue: Nationals Park
Date: May 23, 2016 7:05 PM EDT

Gio Gonzalez is often a forgotten man in a star-laden Washington Nationals rotation, though he's pitching just as well as its two biggest names.

The New York Mets can attest.

Gonzalez looks to continue his mastery of the Mets when the NL East rivals open a three-game series at Nationals Park on Monday night.

Though Stephen Strasburg and Max Scherzer have been the headliners of a starting five that's second in the majors with a 2.91 ERA, Gonzalez (3-1, 1.86 ERA) has certainly done his part by yielding one earned run or less in six of eight outings. The left-hander again accomplished the feat with 6 1/3 sharp innings in Wednesday's 7-1 win over New York, with Yoenis Cespedes' solo homer the lone damage among five hits.

The effort improved Gonzalez to 10-4 in 18 starts against the Mets, one of several division teams against which he's excelled. He's 7-1 with a 1.38 ERA over his last 15 matchups with NL East clubs, allowing two runs or fewer in each.

"Gio continues to be one of our best pitchers," manager Dusty Baker told MLB's official website. "He's getting better and better."

An ability to suppress the long ball - particularly at home - has keyed Gonzalez's success. He's surrendered five homers in 31 starts at Nationals Park since 2014 and none in four this season. Cespedes' homer was the Mets' only one in their past six meetings with Gonzalez, who is 4-0 with a 0.97 ERA during that stretch.

Home runs have usually been prevalent for New York (25-18), which leads the NL with 60 this season. The Mets hit four in sweeping a three-game weekend set with visiting Milwaukee after losing two of three at home to Washington.

Cespedes, who is 4 for 7 off Gonzalez, doubled and scored on Asdrubal Cabrera's tie-breaking two-run single in the fourth inning of Sunday's 3-1 win. Noah Syndergaard protected the lead by fanning 11 over seven dominant innings.

Washington (27-17) received its own strong performance from Scherzer to remain 1 1/2 games in front of New York for the division lead. The former Cy Young Award winner struck out eight over eight innings to cap a 4-2 road trip with Sunday's 8-2 victory at Miami.

Anthony Rendon had two hits and three RBIs and finished the trip 10 for 20 with seven RBIs. He's hitting .405 with a .519 on-base percentage over his last 12 games.

Rendon is 6 for 16 with a home run against Bartolo Colon (3-3, 3.75) and had a two-run single off the veteran to support Gonzalez in Wednesday's win.

Taking the mound one day shy of his 43rd birthday, Colon attempts to regroup from an uncommonly wild display against Washington. He issued five walks - his most since April 2005 - while allowing three runs in 4 2/3 innings to record a second consecutive loss.

'It just felt like I was on the mound, just walking around, it felt a little bit different," he said. "I couldn't just get that comfortable grip.'

New York, which swept a three-game set at Nationals Park in September en route to overtaking Washington for the NL East title, likely won't have first baseman Lucas Duda available for a third straight game due to a sore back. The Mets are worried that an extended absence lies ahead.

"I'm really concerned that this is going to keep this guy out for a while," manager Terry Collins said. "But that's just me. I'm not the doctor."

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Phillies (25-19) at Tigers (21-22)

Game: 1
Venue: Comerica Park
Date: May 23, 2016 7:10 PM EDT

It hasn't taken long for Vince Velasquez to emerge as the anchor of an improved pitching staff that's enabled the Philadelphia Phillies to compensate for an anemic lineup.

The impressive young right-hander now faces perhaps his biggest challenge yet when he toes the rubber for Monday night's opener of a three-game series with the hot-hitting Detroit Tigers.

Philadelphia's unexpected 25-19 start has had little to do with an offense that ranks at or near the bottom of the major leagues in every major category. It's overcome that lack of production behind a surprisingly sturdy bullpen and a rotation headlined by a rising star in the 23-year-old Velasquez (5-1), who's among the NL leaders in ERA (2.42) and strikeouts per nine innings (10.99).

Velasquez did endure a brief stumble by surrendering eight runs over 12 innings in consecutive starts at Miami and Atlanta earlier this month, but bounced back strongly by striking out 10 Marlins over five scoreless innings in Tuesday's 3-1 win. It was the fourth time in eight starts he didn't permit a run.

'We really like him. He's going to be special,' manager Pete Mackanin said.

Velasquez does figure to be tested when the Phillies begin a six-game trip against a Tigers team that's scored in bunches while winning six of seven. Detroit (21-22) is hitting .322 and averaging 6.9 runs during the surge, homering in a season-high eighth straight game during Sunday's 9-4 victory over Tampa Bay.

Victor Martinez had a two-run homer and Miguel Cabrera added a solo shot while finishing 3 for 3 with two RBIs. Cameron Maybin contributed three RBIs and is 12 for 20 in six games since returning from a fractured left wrist.

Cabrera is 14 for 30 with five homers and 10 RBIs over his last eight but may not be in Monday's lineup after exiting in the seventh inning when hit by a pitch in his left knee.

More worrisome is the status of right-hander Jordan Zimmermann after he departed in the sixth with a strained groin.

'I don't expect Miggy's to be anything serious,' manager Brad Ausmus said. 'He got hit right on a nerve that sent a little pain from his knee down his leg. The level of concern there is much lower than with Zimm.'

An extended absence by Zimmermann would be a significant blow to a rotation that's lacked consistency at the other four spots and received little from Mike Pelfrey (0-4, 5.49), though the offseason addition has been better in his last two starts.

Pelfrey has allowed two runs over 5 1/3 innings in consecutive outings against Baltimore and Minnesota after posting a 6.23 ERA through his first six.

"There's definitely progress, but I think it's harder to be worse than the way I started," he told MLB's official website. "But I've definitely been better."

Pelfrey, who recorded a 3.68 ERA in five interleague starts with Minnesota last season, faces a Philadelphia lineup that sprung to life in Sunday's 5-0 win over Atlanta. The Phillies matched a season high with 13 hits after managing eight and one run in losing the series' first two games.

Rookie Tyler Goeddel has provided a spark by hitting .419 (13 for 31) on the nine-game homestand.

Ryan Howard, 4 for 48 with 20 strikeouts since April 30, hopes his past success against Pelfrey helps him get untracked. He's hitting .356 with three homers off the veteran but last faced him in 2013.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Rays (20-21) at Marlins (22-21)

Game: 1
Venue: Marlins Park
Date: May 23, 2016 7:10 PM EDT

The Tampa Bay Rays have stumbled in their past two games after a promising start to their road trip but face a slumping team to close out the trek.

The Rays try for a sixth consecutive win over the Miami Marlins on Monday night, the first of four straight matchups between the teams in two stadiums.

Tampa Bay matched a season high with four consecutive wins to open the eight-game trip, including a 7-5 victory in Friday's series opener against Detroit. The Rays (20-21), though, dropped the final two games against the Tigers, giving up six runs in the first three innings of a 9-4 loss Sunday.

They played without Kevin Kiermaier, who broke two bones in his left hand while attempting to make a diving catch Saturday. The Gold Glove outfielder had batted .313 in nine games before heading to the disabled list and is a career .424 hitter against Miami.

"Any time you lose arguably the best defensive player in the game, it's tough," outfielder Brandon Guyer told MLB's official website. "We have a lot of guys who can cover a lot of ground, not like K.K., but we have a lot of guys who can play really good defense. ... You can't really make up for a guy like that."

The Rays could be catching the Marlins at the right time as Miami (22-21) has dropped four of five after an 8-2 home loss to Washington on Sunday. They've produced nine runs in that span.

The Marlins have batted .163 with runners in scoring position in their last seven games. They're also missing a key outfielder in .320 hitter Christian Yelich, who has an ailing back.

"We'll see how it goes," Yelich said. "My back is feeling all right. We'll see what happens. It's frustrating. ... It's day to day."

Ichiro Suzuki went 4 for 4 in a 3-2 win Saturday while starting in Yelich's place and had another two hits Sunday, giving him 2,956 for his career.

Suzuki is 8 for 21 against Matt Moore (1-3, 5.09 ERA). The left-hander has gone 0-3 with a 6.51 ERA in his last five starts and was given some extra time to rest after allowing four runs in five innings of a 7-6 loss to Oakland last Sunday.

Moore yielded one run in seven innings in his only matchup with Miami last season but didn't get the decision in a 4-2 win Sept. 29. He is 2-0 with a 2.25 ERA in three lifetime starts against the Marlins.

Moore will pitch opposite Wei-Yin Chen (3-2, 4.22), who had a three-game winning streak snapped with a 3-1 loss in Philadelphia on Tuesday. The left-hander gave up three runs in six innings and received no runs of support. He had gotten 17 while posting a 4.01 ERA in his previous four starts.

Chen made 19 starts against Tampa Bay in his four seasons with AL East rival Baltimore, his most versus any team, and went 5-6 with a 3.55 ERA. He was 2-2 with a 4.19 ERA in six matchups last season.

Marlins center fielder Marcell Ozuna is batting .362 in a 13-game hit streak against the Rays. Miami slugger Giancarlo Stanton is batting .096 with 28 strikeouts in his past 15 contests and has hit .183 in his last 16 versus Tampa Bay.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Angels (20-24) at Rangers (25-19)

Game: 1
Venue: Globe Life Park in Arlington
Date: May 23, 2016 8:05 PM EDT

When they last met in Arlington three weeks ago, Rougned Odor and Derek Holland had a major impact on the Texas Rangers' series win over the Los Angeles Angels.

While Odor might not be available by the end of this home set, he and Holland will try to help the Rangers claim their season high-tying fourth straight victory Monday night.

Odor homered to help Texas split a four-game series at Angel Stadium in early April before going 7 for 13 when the club took two of three at home from April 29-May 1.

The second baseman hopes to continue battering Los Angeles pitching before the hearing on his appeal of an eight-game suspension for punching Toronto's Joey Bautista on Tuesday. If it is upheld, Odor would have to immediately begin serving the ban.

Holland stymied the Angels in the second game of the last home series, limiting them to four hits over six shutout innings in a 7-2 victory. The left-hander has surrendered three runs and seven hits over 12 1/3 innings to win his only two home meetings since 2013.

After allowing 16 runs over five innings in his two previous starts, Holland (3-3, 5.63 ERA) got back on track Monday when he gave up two over six in a 3-1 loss at Oakland.

"This was definitely better. A lot of positives I can take from this," Holland told the league's official website. "I just need to keep plugging away."

Holland will try to help Texas (25-19) capture its fifth win in eight meetings with Los Angeles and contribute to a pitching staff that had a 1.00 ERA in a three-game sweep at Houston. While he's 9-6 with a 5.22 ERA in 22 career starts against the Angels, the 29-year-old has gone 3-0 with a 2.49 mark in four matchups over the past two seasons.

Yunel Escobar has gone 3 for 6 with a home run and a double off him this season, though star sluggers Mike Trout and Albert Pujols are a combined 1 for 11.

Carlos Perez went 3 for 4 with a home run and a career-high five RBIs on Sunday when the Angels (20-24) salvaged a 10-2 home win versus Baltimore. They've averaged 7.3 runs in wins during a 7-3 stretch, but they've only scored more than three twice versus Texas.

Kole Calhoun has been a bright spot in the season series, going 11 for 24. Johnny Giavotella is batting .395 with four doubles and eight RBIs over an 11-game hitting streak.

"We want someone to take advantage of what Mike and Albert create, and right now that's Johnny," manager Mike Scioscia said.

Nick Tropeano (2-2, 3.30) has limited opponents to two runs or less in six of his eight starts. He hopes to get the run support he received Wednesday when he allowed one run over a career-high seven innings in an 8-1 home win over the Los Angeles Dodgers.

"He trusts his stuff," Trout said, "and that's what I like about him."

The right-hander, however, is 0-2 with a 5.68 ERA in two starts against the Rangers.

Nomar Mazara went 2 for 4 with his sixth home run Sunday, while Ian Desmond, Ryan Rua and Bobby Wilson each had two hits in a 9-2 win over the Astros. Desmond has hit .340 with three homers, two doubles and 13 RBIs over his last 12 games.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Royals (22-21) at Twins (11-32)

Game: 1
Venue: Target Field
Date: May 23, 2016 8:10 PM EDT

The Kansas City Royals couldn't finish off a sweep in their latest road series but likely won't complain considering their recent woes away from home.

The Royals can put those further behind them as they look to match their longest win streak against the Minnesota Twins and longest in Minnesota on Monday night.

Kansas City continued its promising results in the opening games of its road trip, taking the first two against the Chicago White Sox this weekend. The Royals fell 3-2 on Sunday for just their second loss in seven contests.

Kansas City (22-21) had dropped 12 of 15 on the road before visiting Chicago.

"It was a nice series. You always want to win the series. That's your No. 1 goal," manager Ned Yost said. "We were in a position to sweep them, but (White Sox starter Carlos) Rodon did a nice job."

The Royals can rebound by earning a seventh straight victory over Minnesota. They swept three matchups at home April 8-10 to put them on the verge of tying the club-record win streak against the Twins set from 1981-82.

Kansas City can also win seven in a row at Minnesota for the third time in franchise history. The Royals' two other such streaks came in 1998-99 and 2013.

Minnesota (11-32) endured its ninth loss in 10 home games Sunday, 3-1 to Toronto. The Twins snapped a lengthy skid at Target Field and a five-game overall losing streak with a 5-3 victory Saturday.

Ian Kennedy (4-3, 3.24 ERA) won 7-0 over Minnesota in his debut for Kansas City on April 9. He yielded two runs in 5 2/3 innings and struck out a season-high nine against Boston on Wednesday, but did not get the decision in a 3-2 win.

Kennedy will pitch opposite Ricky Nolasco, 0-2 with a 6.21 ERA in his last five starts. The fellow right-hander gave up four runs - two earned - and nine hits in five innings of a 6-3 loss at Detroit on Wednesday.

Nolasco (1-2, 4.74) allowed one run and three hits in seven innings against Kansas City in his season debut April 10. He received a no-decision in a 4-3 loss and continued his odd performance pattern against the Royals.

Nolasco has allowed one or no runs in four of his seven matchups and five runs in each of the other three games, alternating those efforts throughout his career.

Joe Mauer is hitting .432 in his last 10 games against Kansas City but .137 in his last 14 overall. Minnesota has batted .181 with 16 runs in its last six contests.

"It's tough," manager Paul Molitor said. "You can only do so much as far as how you're going to change it up and get people in there to try to spell some people, to try to get them going."

The Royals' Lorenzo Cain has batted .371 in his past 10 games against the Twins and .407 in his last seven in Minnesota. Cain has posted a .337 average while recording at least one hit in 20 of his last 22 contests, but is 1 for 11 with four strikeouts against Nolasco.