Thursday 09/20/2018 ... Comps / Bonus Plays / Trends / Betting Info / Requests Etc.

[bmd1803]

Tulsa at Temple
Joe Nelson

This week’s Thursday night ESPN game comes out of the American Athletic Conference with a pair of 1-2 squads facing off in what will be a key win towards bowl eligibility for the victor. Tulsa and Temple haven’t had the September starts they envisioned but both still have a shot at a successful season.

Here is a look at this week’s Thursday night game to kick off the fourth big weekend of college football.

Matchup: Tulsa Golden Hurricane at Temple Owls
Venue: At Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Time/TV: Thursday, Sep. 20, 7:30 PM ET ESPN
Line: Temple -7½, Over/Under 55½
Last Meeting: 2017, Temple (-5½) 43, at Tulsa 22

After winning the AAC title in 2016 Temple lost head coach Matt Rhule to Baylor and hired Geoff Collins, who had been the defensive coordinator at Florida the previous two years. Last season the Owls slipped from the back-to-back 10-4 seasons they had in 2015 and 2016 but still managed a 7-6 season. Temple beat Tulsa on the road in the regular season finale to reach 6-6 before beating Florida International in the Gasparilla Bowl, all things considered a fairly successful first season with the coaching transition plus the loss of longtime quarterback Phillip Walker, a four-year starter that is the all-time passing leader for the Owls.

There were some important players that graduated for Temple last season, notably in the receiving corps but expectations were elevated with the Owls considered by many the favorite in the AAC East. The offense gained a spark when Frank Nutile took over at quarterback last season and the top rushers from last season returned along with several key starters on a defense that has been very effective in recent years.

Temple opened the season with a pair of home games and lost both games, falling 19-17 (-14½) to FCS Villanova and 36-29 (-4) to Buffalo. On its own neither loss was egregious as Villanova gave Temple a great battle early last season and is one of the better FCS programs. Buffalo meanwhile is considered one of the top MAC teams is off to a promising 3-0 start as it could be a more reasonable loss by season’s end.

Nutile struggled with four interceptions before being injured late in the Buffalo game. He may be healthy enough to return in the near future but he may not get his job back at Temple was rejuvenated last week under sophomore Anthony Russo who played well in the team’s 35-14 (+16) upset win at Maryland. The Owls took a 21-7 lead at halftime even with Russo throwing a pick-6 the other way. Early in the second half Russo hit a 47-yard touchdown pass and the Owls even survived a blocked punt returned for a touchdown in the fourth quarter to hold on for a 21-point win. Temple’s defense allowed just 195 yards and no offensive touchdowns as the Owls can feel confident heading into the conference season.

Tulsa has had a roller coaster run in now four seasons under Philip Montgomery, who was hired in 2015 after leading the Baylor offense under Art Briles. He inherited a 2-10 team and went bowling in year one, nearly upsetting Virginia Tech in the Independence Bowl to finish 6-7. In 2016 the Hurricane delivered a 10-3 campaign with a dominant bowl win. Last season everything went wrong as Tulsa inversed its record to just 2-10. A closer looks reveals a lot of narrow losses but also a major decline statistically on both sides of the ball.

Tulsa has decent returning experience and was universally projected for a season of improvement this season. How much Tulsa can improve remains to be seen. After being tested but winning 38-27 (-13) against FCS Central Arkansas in the opener, the Hurricane delivered a valiant comeback bid at Texas, losing by seven 28-21 (+21) despite falling behind 21-0 at halftime. Last week Tulsa had a big measuring stick game against Sun Belt power Arkansas State and came up short with a 29-20 (-1½) loss at home. Three turnovers were a factor as an interception return touchdown in the third quarter was a big blow ahead of Tulsa climbing back within seven points in the fourth quarter.

Luke Skipper was erratic as a freshman last season, starting six games including the upset win over Houston. He has been more accurate so far this season and already has more touchdown passes but he also has three interceptions after throwing only four in 127 attempts last season. His yards per attempt average is also down to 6.9 compared to 9.0 last season. Facing quality competition has been a factor and the challenge will be great this week with Temple featuring a reputation as a strong pass defense in recent years. Shamari Brooks leads Tulsa with 310 yards rushing so far this season as the Hurricane keep the ball on the ground almost twice as often as they throw.

The Tulsa defense has looked capable after allowing 37.5 points per game last season no foe has reached 30 against the Hurricane this season. Now 1-2 Tulsa is at a critical juncture in the season with three of the next four games on the road and the lone home game a difficult October game with South Florida. Tulsa isn’t likely to be favored in any of the next four games as bowl hopes could be extinguished without an upset along the way.

Skipper didn’t play in last season’s game as Tulsa saw a 7-0 lead a few minutes into the game disappear. Temple led 31-13 at the half and sealed the game with a punt return touchdown late in the third quarter in a 43-22 win. Temple had a 451-369 edge in yards with three Tulsa turnovers. Tulsa did rush for 5.8 yards per carry and 318 yards against a Temple defense that had good season numbers against the run as only Notre Dame ran for more yards against the Owls last season. Behind Chad President and Will Hefley Tulsa completed only six passes in the game while having two interceptions however. Nutile was sharp with one of his best games completing 20 of 28 passes with three touchdowns.

Up next Temple has another opportunity vs. a major conference team visiting Boston College and the Owls have a very tricky AAC road schedule this season playing at Navy, at UCF, and at Houston as it will be critical to take care of business at home. With a limited margin for error the rest of the way after 1-2 starts for both programs, this game could feel like a postseason elimination game already in September.

Historical Trends:

-- Temple has won the two recent meetings between these teams with wins in 2014 and 2017.

-- Tulsa won both meetings in 1987 and 1988 for a split in four games both S/U and ATS.

-- Tulsa is only 6-13 S/U on the road under Montgomery since 2015 but 14-5 ATS including 12-3 ATS as a road underdog and 5-1 ATS as an underdog of fewer than 10 points.

-- With a pair of losses already this season Temple is just 3-5 S/U and 2-6 ATS at home under Collins since 2017 though going back to 2014.

-- Temple is 17-10 S/U and 16-11 ATS in home games.

-- Temple has failed to cover in five games in a row as a home favorite and is just 6-9-1 ATS as a single-digit home favorite going all the way back to 1998.

 

[bmd1803]

Preview: Angels at Athletics
Gracenote
Sep 20, 2018

The Oakland Athletics snapped a three-game slide with a convincing victory and look to take another step toward securing a postseason berth when they host the Los Angeles Angels on Thursday in the finale of a three-game set. Oakland walloped the Angels 10-0 on Wednesday to maintain a 5 1/2-game lead over the Tampa Bay Rays for the American League's second wild-card spot.

Right fielder Stephen Piscotty matched his career high of five RBIs in Wednesday's victory on a three-run homer and two-run double as the Athletics moved within four games of the Houston Astros in the American League West. Second baseman Jed Lowrie and center fielder Ramon Laureano each drove in two runs as Oakland scored at least seven runs for the fourth straight meeting with the Angels. Los Angeles managed four hits and had only one at-bat with runners in scoring position as it was blanked for the second time in the past five games. Star center fielder Mike Trout was hitless in three at-bats Wednesday and is batting .340 with three homers and eight RBIs in 47 at-bats against the Athletics this season.

TV: 3:35 p.m. ET, Facebook Watch

PITCHING MATCHUP: Angels RH Matt Shoemaker (2-1, 3.98 ERA) vs. Athletics RH Edwin Jackson (5-3, 3.17)

Shoemaker is making his fifth start since returning from a forearm injury and it will be his fourth outing on the road. The 31-year-old lost to the Seattle Mariners in his last turn when he gave up three runs and five hits and struck a season-best eight in 4 2/3 innings. Shoemaker defeated the Athletics when he gave up three runs and four hits over 5 2/3 innings March 31 - the outing in which he was injured - and stands 6-2 with a 3.61 ERA in 13 career appearances (12 starts).

Jackson received a no-decision in his last turn when he gave up one run and four hits over five innings against the Tampa Bay Rays. The 35-year-old journeyman has pitched five or fewer innings in five of his last six starts, allowing two homers in three of the outings. Jackson defeated the Angels on Aug. 11 when he tossed 7 1/3 innings of three-hit shutout ball to improve to 5-4 with a 3.39 ERA in 13 career appearances (10 starts).

WALK-OFFS

1. Piscotty is batting .328 with six homers and 18 RBIs in 58 at-bats in September.

2. Los Angeles DH Shohei Ohtani is 2-for-5 with two walks in the series and is batting .367 with five homers and 12 RBIs in 49 at-bats in September.

3. Oakland RHP Trevor Cahill (back) threw a 35-pitch bullpen session Wednesday and could return to the rotation over the weekend.

PREDICTION: Athletics 6, Angels 4

 

[bmd1803]

W/L Trends
LA Angels

Angels are 4-0 in their last 4 road games vs. a right-handed starter.
Angels are 5-1 in their last 6 road games.
Angels are 6-2 in their last 8 games vs. a right-handed starter.
Angels are 19-39 in their last 58 after allowing 5 runs or more in their previous game.
Angels are 18-38 in their last 56 vs. a team with a winning record.
Angels are 4-10 in their last 14 when their opponent scores 5 runs or more in their previous game.
Angels are 6-20 in their last 26 road games vs. a team with a winning record.
Angels are 3-11 in their last 14 road games vs. a team with a home winning % of greater than .600.
Angels are 4-0 in Shoemakers last 4 road starts.
Angels are 6-1 in Shoemakers last 7 starts on grass.
Angels are 5-1 in Shoemakers last 6 starts with 5 days of rest.
Angels are 5-1 in Shoemakers last 6 starts when their opponent scores 5 runs or more in their previous game.
Angels are 4-1 in Shoemakers last 5 starts during game 3 of a series.
Angels are 4-1 in Shoemakers last 5 starts vs. a team with a winning record.
Angels are 4-1 in Shoemakers last 5 road starts vs. a team with a winning record.
Angels are 17-5 in Shoemakers last 22 starts.
Angels are 9-3 in Shoemakers last 12 starts vs. American League West.

Oakland

Athletics are 5-1 in their last 6 vs. American League West.
Athletics are 47-12 in their last 59 vs. a team with a losing record.
Athletics are 29-10 in their last 39 home games.
Athletics are 38-15 in their last 53 home games vs. a right-handed starter.
Athletics are 5-2 in their last 7 games following a win.
Athletics are 25-10 in their last 35 when their opponent allows 5 runs or more in their previous game.
Athletics are 5-2 in their last 7 after scoring 5 runs or more in their previous game.
Athletics are 56-23 in their last 79 games on grass.
Athletics are 36-15 in their last 51 home games vs. a team with a losing road record.
Athletics are 36-15 in their last 51 home games vs. a team with a losing record.
Athletics are 57-25 in their last 82 overall.
Athletics are 35-16 in their last 51 games vs. a right-handed starter.
Athletics are 3-7 in their last 10 during game 3 of a series.
Athletics are 4-0 in Jacksons last 4 starts with 5 days of rest.
Athletics are 4-0 in Jacksons last 4 starts.
Athletics are 8-1 in Jacksons last 9 starts on grass.
Athletics are 6-1 in Jacksons last 7 starts vs. American League West.
Athletics are 5-1 in Jacksons last 6 starts vs. a team with a losing record.
Athletics are 5-1 in Jacksons last 6 home starts.

OU Trends
LA Angels

Under is 8-2 in Angels last 10 when their opponent scores 5 runs or more in their previous game.
Under is 4-1 in Angels last 5 after scoring 2 runs or less in their previous game.
Under is 6-2 in Angels last 8 games following a loss.
Under is 6-2 in Angels last 8 after allowing 5 runs or more in their previous game.
Over is 6-0-1 in Shoemakers last 7 starts during game 3 of a series.
Under is 5-1 in Shoemakers last 6 starts following a team loss in their previous game.
Over is 4-1 in Shoemakers last 5 road starts.
Over is 7-2 in Shoemakers last 9 starts on grass.
Under is 16-5-1 in Shoemakers last 22 starts when their opponent scores 5 runs or more in their previous game.
Under is 3-1-1 in Shoemakers last 5 starts after scoring 2 runs or less in their previous game.
Over is 6-2 in Shoemakers last 8 starts overall.
Under is 13-5-1 in Shoemakers last 19 starts after allowing 5 runs or more in their previous game.
Under is 5-2 in Shoemakers last 7 Thursday starts.

Oakland

Over is 4-0 in Athletics last 4 overall.
Over is 4-0 in Athletics last 4 home games vs. a team with a losing road record.
Over is 5-0 in Athletics last 5 home games vs. a right-handed starter.
Over is 5-0 in Athletics last 5 home games vs. a team with a losing record.
Over is 10-1 in Athletics last 11 home games.
Over is 5-1 in Athletics last 6 after allowing 2 runs or less in their previous game.
Over is 5-1 in Athletics last 6 during game 3 of a series.
Over is 11-3 in Athletics last 14 on grass.
Over is 6-2 in Athletics last 8 vs. a team with a losing record.
Over is 9-3 in Athletics last 12 after scoring 5 runs or more in their previous game.
Over is 9-3 in Athletics last 12 games following a win.
Over is 8-3 in Athletics last 11 when their opponent allows 5 runs or more in their previous game.
Over is 8-3 in Athletics last 11 games vs. a right-handed starter.
Under is 5-2 in Athletics last 7 when their opponent scores 2 runs or less in their previous game.
Over is 27-11-2 in Athletics last 40 vs. American League West.
Under is 5-0 in Jacksons last 5 starts after allowing 2 runs or less in their previous game.
Under is 5-0 in Jacksons last 5 starts when their opponent scores 2 runs or less in their previous game.
Under is 10-3-2 in Jacksons last 15 starts overall.
Under is 3-1-1 in Jacksons last 5 starts with 5 days of rest.
Under is 9-3-2 in Jacksons last 14 starts on grass.
Under is 5-2 in Jacksons last 7 starts vs. American League West.

Head to Head

Over is 7-0 in the last 7 meetings in Oakland.
Angels are 4-0 in Shoemakers last 4 starts vs. Athletics.
Over is 4-0 in Shoemakers last 4 starts vs. Athletics.
Angels are 6-1 in Shoemakers last 7 road starts vs. Athletics.
Over is 10-3 in the last 13 meetings.
Angels are 2-5 in the last 7 meetings.

Umpire Trends - Shane Livensparger

Under is 5-0 in Livenspargers last 5 games behind home plate.

 

[bmd1803]

Preview: Red Sox at Yankees
Gracenote
Sep 20, 2018

The New York Yankees provided their own version of pop to once again prevent the Boston Red Sox from a bubbly celebration in the Bronx. Fresh off a three-homer performance, the Yankees (93-58) look to complete a three-game sweep of the visiting Red Sox (103-49) on Thursday and avert their long-time rivals from clinching their third straight American League East title.

Luke Voit went deep on two occasions to highlight his four-hit performance in Wednesday's 10-1 romp to raise New York's home run total to 245, tying its franchise record set in 2012. Miguel Andujar went deep in that contest and also has homered among his two hits in a small sample size versus Thursday starter Eduardo Rodriguez. While the Yankees reside 2 1/2 games ahead of Oakland for the top wild-card spot, the Red Sox are bidding to clinch the AL East in the Bronx for the second time in three years. J.D. Martinez collected three hits on Wednesday to improve to 20-for-59 versus New York this season heading into a matchup with right-hander Masahiro Tanaka, against whom he is a robust 7-for-16 with three homers, seven RBIs and seven runs scored in his career.

TV: 7:05 p.m. ET, MLB Network, NESN (Boston), YES (New York)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Red Sox LH Eduardo Rodriguez (12-4, 3.53 ERA) vs. Yankees RH Masahiro Tanaka (12-5, 3.47)

Rodriguez sandwiched a pair of strong one-run starts around a disastrous one since returning from the disabled list, although he picked up a no-decision despite striking out seven over six innings versus Toronto last Thursday. The 25-year-old Venezuelan fell to 2-3 with a 3.00 ERA in seven career starts at Yankee Stadium after permitting five runs - including two homers - in an 8-1 setback on June 29. Rodriguez fared much better in his previous outing against New York, as he allowed just one hit and struck out eight in five innings of a no-decision on May 10.

Tanaka ran his scoreless innings streak to 20 on Friday after scattering four hits and striking out eight over six frames of an 11-0 rout of Toronto. The 29-year-old Japanese star has answered three losses in four starts with three straight wins. Tanaka owns a 1-0 mark in three outings versus Boston this season, although he has yielded 11 runs on 21 hits - including five homers - with a 6.60 ERA while allowing the club to bat .328 against him.

WALK-OFFS

1. Boston OF Mookie Betts is 0-for-8 with five strikeouts in his last three games.

2. New York OF Giancarlo Stanton is 0-for-9 with four strikeouts in the series.

3. Red Sox INF Eduardo Nunez has hit safely in six straight games.

PREDICTION: Red Sox 3, Yankees 2

 

[bmd1803]

W/L Trends
Boston

Red Sox are 5-1 in their last 6 after scoring 2 runs or less in their previous game.
Red Sox are 8-2 in their last 10 Thursday games.
Red Sox are 40-12 in their last 52 during game 3 of a series.
Red Sox are 45-16 in their last 61 games on grass.
Red Sox are 19-7 in their last 26 games after losing the first 2 games of a series.
Red Sox are 37-14 in their last 51 after allowing 5 runs or more in their previous game.
Red Sox are 41-16 in their last 57 road games vs. a right-handed starter.
Red Sox are 38-15 in their last 53 games vs. a right-handed starter.
Red Sox are 5-2 in their last 7 games following a loss.
Red Sox are 48-20 in their last 68 vs. American League East.
Red Sox are 52-22 in their last 74 overall.
Red Sox are 39-17 in their last 56 when their opponent scores 5 runs or more in their previous game.
Red Sox are 1-4 in their last 5 vs. a team with a winning record.
Red Sox are 0-6 in their last 6 road games vs. a team with a home winning % of greater than .600.
Red Sox are 6-0 in Rodriguezs last 6 starts after scoring 2 runs or less in their previous game.
Red Sox are 9-1 in Rodriguezs last 10 road starts.
Red Sox are 9-1 in Rodriguezs last 10 starts vs. American League East.
Red Sox are 5-1 in Rodriguezs last 6 starts following a Quality Start in his last appearance.
Red Sox are 13-3 in Rodriguezs last 16 starts during game 3 of a series.
Red Sox are 4-1 in Rodriguezs last 5 road starts vs. a team with a winning record.
Red Sox are 18-5 in Rodriguezs last 23 starts when their opponent allows 2 runs or less in their previous game.
Red Sox are 21-6 in Rodriguezs last 27 starts.
Red Sox are 20-6 in Rodriguezs last 26 starts on grass.

NY Yankees

Yankees are 10-2 in their last 12 vs. American League East.
Yankees are 59-23 in their last 82 home games vs. a team with a road winning % of greater than .600.
Yankees are 70-29 in their last 99 home games.
Yankees are 24-10 in their last 34 home games vs. a left-handed starter.
Yankees are 18-8 in their last 26 games vs. a team with a winning % above .600.
Yankees are 30-14 in their last 44 games vs. a left-handed starter.
Yankees are 2-5 in their last 7 games following a win.
Yankees are 6-16 in their last 22 after allowing 2 runs or less in their previous game.
Yankees are 2-6 in their last 8 when their opponent scores 2 runs or less in their previous game.
Yankees are 0-4 in their last 4 during game 3 of a series.
Yankees are 0-5 in their last 5 when their opponent allows 5 runs or more in their previous game.
Yankees are 0-6 in their last 6 after scoring 5 runs or more in their previous game.
Yankees are 5-1 in Tanakas last 6 starts when their opponent scores 2 runs or less in their previous game.
Yankees are 10-2 in Tanakas last 12 starts following a Quality Start in his last appearance.
Yankees are 4-1 in Tanakas last 5 starts after allowing 2 runs or less in their previous game.
Yankees are 4-1 in Tanakas last 5 starts.
Yankees are 4-1 in Tanakas last 5 starts on grass.
Yankees are 21-7 in Tanakas last 28 home starts vs. a team with a winning record.
Yankees are 5-2 in Tanakas last 7 starts during game 3 of a series.
Yankees are 5-2 in Tanakas last 7 starts with 5 days of rest.
Yankees are 12-5 in Tanakas last 17 starts vs. American League East.
Yankees are 46-21 in Tanakas last 67 home starts.

OU Trends
Boston

Under is 5-1-2 in Red Sox last 8 overall.
Under is 5-1-2 in Red Sox last 8 on grass.
Under is 5-1-1 in Red Sox last 7 games vs. a right-handed starter.
Over is 8-2-1 in Red Sox last 11 games vs. a starter with a WHIP less than 1.15.
Over is 6-2 in Red Sox last 8 road games vs. a right-handed starter.
Under is 3-1-1 in Red Sox last 5 when their opponent scores 5 runs or more in their previous game.
Under is 3-1-1 in Red Sox last 5 vs. American League East.
Under is 3-1-1 in Red Sox last 5 when their opponent allows 2 runs or less in their previous game.
Over is 10-4-1 in Red Sox last 15 games following a loss.
Over is 12-5-2 in Red Sox last 19 after allowing 5 runs or more in their previous game.
Over is 7-3 in Red Sox last 10 after scoring 2 runs or less in their previous game.
Under is 4-0 in Rodriguezs last 4 starts during game 3 of a series.
Under is 6-0 in Rodriguezs last 6 starts when their opponent scores 5 runs or more in their previous game.
Under is 18-4 in Rodriguezs last 22 starts after allowing 5 runs or more in their previous game.
Under is 4-1 in Rodriguezs last 5 starts following a Quality Start in his last appearance.
Under is 7-2 in Rodriguezs last 9 starts with 6 days of rest.
Under is 15-5-2 in Rodriguezs last 22 road starts vs. a team with a winning record.
Under is 25-9-2 in Rodriguezs last 36 starts vs. a team with a winning record.
Under is 25-9-1 in Rodriguezs last 35 starts vs. American League East.
Over is 8-3-1 in Rodriguezs last 12 starts after scoring 2 runs or less in their previous game.
Under is 20-8-2 in Rodriguezs last 30 road starts.
Under is 41-17-2 in Rodriguezs last 60 starts overall.
Under is 44-20-2 in Rodriguezs last 66 starts on grass.

NY Yankees

Over is 4-1 in Yankees last 5 home games vs. a team with a road winning % of greater than .600.
Over is 9-3 in Yankees last 12 when their opponent scores 2 runs or less in their previous game.
Under is 3-1-1 in Yankees last 5 games vs. a team with a winning % above .600.
Under is 18-6-2 in Yankees last 26 during game 3 of a series.
Over is 5-2 in Yankees last 7 games following a win.
Over is 5-2 in Yankees last 7 after allowing 2 runs or less in their previous game.
Over is 9-4-1 in Yankees last 14 home games vs. a left-handed starter.
Under is 4-0 in Tanakas last 4 starts with 5 days of rest.
Under is 6-0-1 in Tanakas last 7 starts vs. a team with a winning record.
Over is 6-1 in Tanakas last 7 starts when their opponent scores 2 runs or less in their previous game.
Under is 5-1 in Tanakas last 6 starts on grass.
Under is 5-1 in Tanakas last 6 starts during game 3 of a series.
Under is 5-1 in Tanakas last 6 home starts vs. a team with a winning record.
Under is 5-1 in Tanakas last 6 starts overall.
Under is 3-1-1 in Tanakas last 5 starts following a Quality Start in his last appearance.
Over is 6-2-1 in Tanakas last 9 starts vs. American League East.
Under is 5-2 in Tanakas last 7 starts after scoring 5 runs or more in their previous game.
Over is 7-3 in Tanakas last 10 starts after allowing 2 runs or less in their previous game.

Head to Head

Under is 6-1 in Rodriguezs last 7 road starts vs. Yankees.
Under is 9-2 in Rodriguezs last 11 starts vs. Yankees.
Under is 3-1-1 in the last 5 meetings.
Yankees are 5-2 in Tanakas last 7 home starts vs. Red Sox.
Over is 5-2 in Tanakas last 7 home starts vs. Red Sox.
Red Sox are 2-8 in the last 10 meetings in New York.

Umpire Trends - Kerwin Danley

Yankees are 4-0 in their last 4 Thursday games with Danley behind home plate.
Road team is 4-0 in Danleys last 4 Thursday games behind home plate vs. New York.
Road team is 4-0 in Danleys last 4 games behind home plate vs. New York.
Under is 4-0 in Danleys last 4 Thursday games behind home plate vs. New York.
Red Sox are 5-0 in their last 5 Thursday games with Danley behind home plate.
Over is 4-0 in Danleys last 4 games behind home plate vs. Boston.
Red Sox are 6-1 in their last 7 games with Danley behind home plate.
Over is 17-5-1 in Danleys last 23 games behind home plate.
Under is 8-3-1 in Danleys last 12 games behind home plate vs. New York.
Home team is 7-3 in Danleys last 10 Thursday games behind home plate.
Yankees are 1-4 in their last 5 games with Danley behind home plate.

 

[bmd1803]

Preview: Mets at Nationals
Gracenote
Sep 20, 2018

The New York Mets started September with a flourish before dropping four of the last five contests, including their 12th shutout loss of the season last time out. The Mets (70-82) hope to wake up their slumbering bats against Max Scherzer and the host Washington Nationals (77-75) on Thursday in the opener of a four-game series.

Amed Rosario recorded three of New York's six hits in Wednesday's 4-0 setback versus Philadelphia to give him 11 hits to go along with five runs scored in his last seven games. The 22-year-old Dominican hasn't been as successful versus Washington this season, going just 10-for-52 with 10 strikeouts. Anthony Rendon is 11-for-20 with two homers, eight RBIs and four runs scored during his five-game hitting streak for the Nationals, who open their final homestand of the season with wins in eight of their last 11 contests. Rendon, who drove in two runs for the fourth straight contest in Tuesday's 4-2 win at Miami, is batting a blistering 20-for-48 with three homers, 11 RBIs and 12 runs scored versus New York this season.

TV: 7:05 p.m. ET, SNY (New York), MASN (Washington)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Mets LH Jason Vargas (6-9, 6.47 ERA) vs. Nationals RH Max Scherzer (17-7, 2.53)

Vargas improved to 4-1 in his last five trips to the mound last Thursday after permitting two runs on three hits over six innings of a 5-2 victory versus Miami. The 35-year-old was masterful in his lone outing against Washington this season, scattering three hits and striking out a season-best eight in six innings of a 3-0 triumph on Aug. 24. Ryan Zimmerman is 3-for-7 and Mark Reynolds is 3-for-8 with a pair of doubles in his career versus Vargas.

Scherzer's bid for a fourth Cy Young Award took a hit in his last outing on Friday, as he surrendered six runs on seven hits in a season-low four innings of a 10-5 setback at Atlanta. The 34-year-old fanned six batters to reside seven strikeouts shy of matching his career high of 284. Scherzer picked up the win in his lone encounter with the Mets this season, overcoming two homers and three runs total in seven innings of a 5-4 triumph on July 12.

WALK-OFFS

1. Washington SS Trea Turner has scored five runs during his seven-game hitting streak.

2. New York's Corey Oswalt will get the start on Saturday in place of fellow RHP Zack Wheeler, who was shut down for the remainder of the season as a precaution after tossing 182 1/3 innings.

3. Nationals OF Bryce Harper, who walked five times on Tuesday, is 15-for-49 versus the Mets this season.

PREDICTION: Nationals 3, Mets 1

 

[bmd1803]

W/L Trends
NY Mets

Mets are 8-2 in their last 10 after scoring 2 runs or less in their previous game.
Mets are 11-3 in their last 14 when their opponent allows 2 runs or less in their previous game.
Mets are 6-2 in their last 8 games following a loss.
Mets are 14-6 in their last 20 games vs. a right-handed starter.
Mets are 25-51 in their last 76 road games vs. a team with a winning record.
Mets are 18-40 in their last 58 games vs. a starter with a WHIP less than 1.15.
Mets are 1-4 in their last 5 road games.
Mets are 1-4 in their last 5 vs. a team with a winning record.
Mets are 1-4 in their last 5 overall.
Mets are 1-4 in their last 5 games on grass.
Mets are 5-1 in Vargas' last 6 starts vs. National League East.
Mets are 4-1 in Vargas' last 5 starts.
Mets are 4-1 in Vargas' last 5 starts on grass.
Mets are 3-9 in Vargas' last 12 road starts.
Mets are 1-4 in Vargas' last 5 starts during game 1 of a series.

Washington

Nationals are 4-1 in their last 5 games vs. a left-handed starter.
Nationals are 4-1 in their last 5 games following an off day.
Nationals are 9-3 in their last 12 vs. National League East.
Nationals are 8-3 in their last 11 overall.
Nationals are 8-3 in their last 11 games on grass.
Nationals are 13-5 in their last 18 home games vs. a team with a losing record.
Nationals are 5-2 in their last 7 games following a win.
Nationals are 12-5 in their last 17 home games vs. a team with a losing road record.
Nationals are 7-15 in their last 22 when their opponent scores 2 runs or less in their previous game.
Nationals are 2-5 in their last 7 vs. a team with a losing record.
Nationals are 1-4 in their last 5 during game 1 of a series.
Nationals are 1-6 in their last 7 games vs. a starter with a WHIP greater than 1.30.
Nationals are 5-0 in Scherzers last 5 home starts vs. a team with a losing record.
Nationals are 5-1 in Scherzers last 6 Thursday starts.
Nationals are 22-5 in Scherzers last 27 starts after allowing 2 runs or less in their previous game.
Nationals are 4-1 in Scherzers last 5 starts following a team loss in their previous game.
Nationals are 18-5 in Scherzers last 23 starts during game 1 of a series.
Nationals are 22-8 in Scherzers last 30 home starts.
Nationals are 22-8 in Scherzers last 30 starts with 5 days of rest.
Nationals are 41-15 in Scherzers last 56 starts vs. National League East.
Nationals are 37-14 in Scherzers last 51 starts when their opponent scores 2 runs or less in their previous game.
Nationals are 55-22 in Scherzers last 77 starts on grass.
Nationals are 39-16 in Scherzers last 55 starts vs. a team with a losing record.
Nationals are 55-24 in Scherzers last 79 starts.

OU Trends
NY Mets

Under is 2-0-2 in Mets last 4 games vs. a starter with a WHIP less than 1.15.
Under is 4-0-1 in Mets last 5 when their opponent allows 2 runs or less in their previous game.
Under is 6-1-1 in Mets last 8 overall.
Under is 6-1-1 in Mets last 8 on grass.
Under is 6-1 in Mets last 7 games vs. a right-handed starter.
Under is 5-1 in Mets last 6 road games vs. a right-handed starter.
Under is 4-1-1 in Mets last 6 road games vs. a team with a winning record.
Under is 4-1-1 in Mets last 6 road games.
Over is 4-1-1 in Mets last 6 games following a loss.
Under is 4-1 in Mets last 5 vs. National League East.
Under is 4-1-1 in Mets last 6 vs. a team with a winning record.
Under is 5-0-1 in Vargas' last 6 starts during game 1 of a series.
Over is 3-0-2 in Vargas' last 5 road starts vs. a team with a winning record.
Under is 5-1 in Vargas' last 6 starts vs. National League East.
Over is 4-1-2 in Vargas' last 7 road starts.
Over is 3-1-2 in Vargas' last 6 starts vs. a team with a winning record.

Washington

Over is 5-1 in Nationals last 6 home games vs. a team with a losing road record.
Over is 5-1 in Nationals last 6 home games.
Over is 4-1 in Nationals last 5 games vs. a left-handed starter.
Over is 6-2 in Nationals last 8 home games vs. a left-handed starter.
Over is 6-2-1 in Nationals last 9 games vs. a starter with a WHIP greater than 1.30.
Over is 8-3 in Nationals last 11 games following a win.
Over is 5-2-2 in Nationals last 9 Thursday games.
Over is 5-0 in Scherzers last 5 starts vs. a team with a losing record.
Over is 9-2 in Scherzers last 11 starts vs. National League East.
Over is 4-1 in Scherzers last 5 starts during game 1 of a series.
Over is 4-1 in Scherzers last 5 starts following a team loss in their previous game.
Under is 9-3-1 in Scherzers last 13 Thursday starts.
Under is 5-2 in Scherzers last 7 starts with 5 days of rest.
Over is 9-4 in Scherzers last 13 starts on grass.
Over is 9-4 in Scherzers last 13 starts overall.

Head to Head

Nationals are 6-1 in Scherzers last 7 starts vs. Mets.
Over is 4-1 in Scherzers last 5 starts vs. Mets.
Over is 6-2 in the last 8 meetings in Washington.

Umpire Trends - Name unavailable
No trends available.

 

[bmd1803]

Preview: Rays at Blue Jays
Gracenote
Sep 20, 2018

The Tampa Bay Rays are not going away easily in the quest for a playoff spot and look to extend their winning streak to six when they visit the Toronto Blue Jays on Thursday night to open a four-game series. Tampa Bay completed a sweep at Texas with a 9-3 triumph Wednesday afternoon and remained within 5 1/2 games of Oakland for the American League’s second wild card.

“We need help, there’s no doubt about that,” Rays manager Kevin Cash, whose team is 14-3 in September, told the Tampa Bay Times. “I like the way the guys have continued to go about their business day to day. That’s very cliche, but sometimes you have to go with that and control what you can control.” Joey Wendle went 8-for-12 with four doubles in the series while Tommy Pham homered twice Wednesday to help take three straight at Texas and Tampa Bay will go with a bullpen day Thursday as right-hander Ryne Stanek opens the game. Righty Sam Gaviglio is expected to go for Toronto in the opener after the Blue Jays saw their four-game winning streak come to an end Wednesday while managing four hits in the 2-1 loss at Baltimore. Rookie infielder Lourdes Gurriel Jr. had two of the hits for Toronto on Wednesday and is 6-for-16 with three RBIs during a four-game hitting streak to raise his batting average to .286.

TV: 7:07 p.m. ET, FS Sun (Tampa Bay), Sportsnet (Toronto)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Rays RH Ryne Stanek (2-3, 2.49 ERA) vs. Blue Jays RH Sam Gaviglio (3-8, 5.25)

Stanek is slated to “open” the game for the 27th time this season and is 0-2 with a 2.50 ERA over 36 innings with 47 strikeouts and 16 walks in the role. The 27-year-old Kansas native has permitted just two hits and four walks over his last eight appearances, covering six scoreless innings in the stretch while fanning six. Stanek has not yielded a run across six innings against the Blue Jays in 2018, starting four of the five previous outings.

Gaviglio managed to hold Boston to two runs despite giving up six hits over 3 1/3 innings in a no-decision last time out on Sept. 13. The 28-year-old Oregon State product owns just one victory in his past nine decisions, dating back to May 25, and completed at least six innings one time in the last nine appearances. Jake Bauers is 2-for-2 with a homer and a double versus Gaviglio, who is 0-2 with a 6.23 ERA in two starts against the Rays this year.

WALK-OFFS

1. Toronto OF Billy McKinney was 3-for-7 with a homer in the last two games after an 0-for-18 stretch in his previous six contests.

2. The Rays recalled RHPs Chih-Wei Hu and Austin Pruitt along with LHP Hoby Milner and OF Austin Meadows from Triple-A Durham.

3. Tampa Bay has won nine of the first 12 meetings in the season series and ends the regular season at home against the Blue Jays, Sept. 28-30.

PREDICTION: Rays 7, Blue Jays 3

 

[bmd1803]

W/L Trends
Tampa Bay

Rays are 5-0 in their last 5 Thursday games.
Rays are 4-0 in their last 4 when their opponent allows 2 runs or less in their previous game.
Rays are 9-1 in their last 10 vs. American League East.
Rays are 7-1 in their last 8 road games.
Rays are 5-1 in their last 6 road games vs. a right-handed starter.
Rays are 5-1 in their last 6 road games vs. a team with a losing record.
Rays are 4-1 in their last 5 during game 1 of a series.
Rays are 23-6 in their last 29 games vs. a right-handed starter.
Rays are 40-12 in their last 52 games on astroturf.
Rays are 16-5 in their last 21 vs. a team with a losing record.
Rays are 39-13 in their last 52 when their opponent scores 2 runs or less in their previous game.
Rays are 20-7 in their last 27 games following a win.
Rays are 40-16 in their last 56 after scoring 5 runs or more in their previous game.
Rays are 36-17 in their last 53 overall.
Rays are 42-20 in their last 62 games vs. a starter with a WHIP greater than 1.30.
Rays are 5-0 in Staneks last 5 starts when their opponent scores 2 runs or less in their previous game.
Rays are 4-0 in Staneks last 4 starts following an outing of less than 4 innings in his last appearance.
Rays are 5-0 in Staneks last 5 starts vs. a team with a losing record.
Rays are 4-0 in Staneks last 4 starts.
Rays are 6-0 in Staneks last 6 starts on astroturf.
Rays are 5-1 in Staneks last 6 starts after scoring 5 runs or more in their previous game.
Rays are 4-1 in Staneks last 5 starts vs. American League East.
Rays are 2-5 in Staneks last 7 starts during game 1 of a series.
Rays are 3-8 in Staneks last 11 road starts.

Toronto

Blue Jays are 4-1 in their last 5 vs. American League East.
Blue Jays are 4-1 in their last 5 overall.
Blue Jays are 5-2 in their last 7 when their opponent scores 5 runs or more in their previous game.
Blue Jays are 7-3 in their last 10 home games vs. a team with a losing road record.
Blue Jays are 3-7 in their last 10 home games following a road trip of 7 or more days.
Blue Jays are 7-21 in their last 28 games vs. a starter with a WHIP less than 1.15.
Blue Jays are 4-14 in their last 18 Thursday games.
Blue Jays are 1-4 in their last 5 during game 1 of a series.
Blue Jays are 3-7 in Gaviglios last 10 starts vs. American League East.
Blue Jays are 1-8 in Gaviglios last 9 starts.
Blue Jays are 0-5 in Gaviglios last 5 starts following a team loss in their previous game.
Blue Jays are 0-7 in Gaviglios last 7 starts vs. a team with a winning record.
Blue Jays are 0-4 in Gaviglios last 4 starts after scoring 2 runs or less in their previous game.
Blue Jays are 0-4 in Gaviglios last 4 starts when their opponent scores 5 runs or more in their previous game.

OU Trends
Tampa Bay

Over is 4-0 in Rays last 4 vs. American League East.
Under is 6-1-1 in Rays last 8 Thursday games.
Under is 7-2 in Rays last 9 road games vs. a team with a losing record.
Under is 10-3-1 in Rays last 14 road games vs. a right-handed starter.
Over is 6-2 in Rays last 8 when their opponent scores 2 runs or less in their previous game.
Over is 5-2 in Rays last 7 vs. a team with a losing record.
Under is 5-2 in Rays last 7 games vs. a right-handed starter.
Over is 7-3 in Rays last 10 on astroturf.
Under is 13-6-1 in Rays last 20 road games.
Over is 5-2 in Staneks last 7 starts following an outing of less than 4 innings in his last appearance.
Over is 5-2 in Staneks last 7 starts overall.

Toronto

Under is 8-1-1 in Blue Jays last 10 when their opponent scores 5 runs or more in their previous game.
Under is 5-1 in Blue Jays last 6 home games following a road trip of 7 or more days.
Over is 10-3-1 in Blue Jays last 14 Thursday games.
Under is 4-0 in Gaviglios last 4 starts following a team loss in their previous game.
Over is 4-1 in Gaviglios last 5 starts on astroturf.
Over is 4-1 in Gaviglios last 5 home starts.
Under is 6-2 in Gaviglios last 8 starts when their opponent scores 5 runs or more in their previous game.
Under is 5-2 in Gaviglios last 7 starts vs. American League East.

Head to Head

Rays are 4-0 in Staneks last 4 starts vs. Blue Jays.
Under is 4-0 in Staneks last 4 starts vs. Blue Jays.
Under is 7-1 in the last 8 meetings in Toronto.
Under is 7-1 in the last 8 meetings.
Rays are 7-2 in the last 9 meetings.

Umpire Trends - Name unavailable
No trends available.

 

[bmd1803]

Preview: Royals at Tigers
Gracenote
Sep 19, 2018

The Detroit Tigers will try to snap a seven-game home losing streak when they begin a four-game series against the visiting Kansas City Royals on Thursday. The Tigers managed just four hits in an 8-2 loss to the Minnesota Twins on Wednesday, suffering their second straight three-game sweep at Comerica Park.

Detroit was 15-for-92 in the series with the Twins and it has averaged 2.57 runs during the seven-game home slide, which matches a skid in the Motor City to end the 2017 campaign. The Royals have lost four in a row, the last three coming in Pittsburgh - each by one run. Jorge Lopez exited his last start with a left rib contusion after a collision with teammate Hunter Dozier but he is expected to be ready for this one for Kansas City. He will be opposed by Detroit's Matthew Boyd, who has had loads of issues in his career against the Royals.

TV: 7:10 p.m. ET, FS Kansas City, FS Detroit

PITCHING MATCHUP: Royals RH Jorge Lopez (2-4, 3.93 ERA) vs. Tigers LH Matthew Boyd (9-12, 4.08)

Lopez gave up three runs and a season-high nine hits over 4 1/3 innings of a no-decision against the Minnesota Twins on Friday. That came six days after he took a perfect game into the ninth versus the Twins before settling for eight-plus innings of one-run ball. The 25-year-old is 2-0 with a 2.33 ERA in three starts this month while recording 13 strikeouts against one walk.

Boyd will be making his 30th start for the first time in his career and is ending the season on a strong note. He is 1-0 with a 2.95 ERA in three September starts while producing 24 strikeouts in 18 1/3 innings. Whit Merrifield is 10-for-23 with three doubles against the Oregon State product, who is 3-7 with a 6.50 ERA in 13 career starts versus Kansas City.

WALK-OFFS

1. Tigers 3B Jeimer Candelario is day-to-day after leaving Tuesday's game with a lumbar spine spasm.

2. Royals 2B-SS Adalberto Mondesi is 16-for-41 with three homers and eight RBIs over his last nine games.

3. Kansas City needs one win in the set to clinch the season series for the fourth straight time.

PREDICTION: Tigers 4, Royals 3

 

[bmd1803]

W/L Trends
Kansas City

Royals are 11-4 in their last 15 vs. a team with a losing record.
Royals are 5-2 in their last 7 vs. American League Central.
Royals are 31-63 in their last 94 overall.
Royals are 19-39 in their last 58 during game 1 of a series.
Royals are 10-21 in their last 31 after scoring 2 runs or less in their previous game.
Royals are 19-43 in their last 62 games following a loss.
Royals are 6-15 in their last 21 after allowing 2 runs or less in their previous game.
Royals are 5-13 in their last 18 Thursday games.
Royals are 7-20 in their last 27 games vs. a left-handed starter.
Royals are 13-38 in their last 51 road games.
Royals are 5-16 in their last 21 games vs. a starter with a WHIP less than 1.15.
Royals are 2-8 in their last 10 road games vs. a team with a losing record.
Royals are 1-4 in their last 5 when their opponent scores 2 runs or less in their previous game.
Royals are 0-6 in their last 6 road games vs. a left-handed starter.
Royals are 0-4 in their last 4 games on grass.

Detroit

Tigers are 10-21 in their last 31 during game 1 of a series.
Tigers are 18-38 in their last 56 when their opponent allows 2 runs or less in their previous game.
Tigers are 23-49 in their last 72 games on grass.
Tigers are 25-54 in their last 79 overall.
Tigers are 11-24 in their last 35 after scoring 2 runs or less in their previous game.
Tigers are 18-41 in their last 59 games vs. a right-handed starter.
Tigers are 2-5 in their last 7 games following a loss.
Tigers are 7-19 in their last 26 after allowing 5 runs or more in their previous game.
Tigers are 1-4 in their last 5 vs. American League Central.
Tigers are 0-4 in their last 4 home games vs. a right-handed starter.
Tigers are 0-5 in their last 5 games vs. a team with a winning % below .400.
Tigers are 0-6 in their last 6 home games vs. a team with a road winning % of less than .400.
Tigers are 0-7 in their last 7 home games.
Tigers are 5-0 in Boyds last 5 starts when their opponent scores 2 runs or less in their previous game.
Tigers are 4-0 in Boyds last 4 home starts.
Tigers are 4-0 in Boyds last 4 starts with 5 days of rest.
Tigers are 7-1 in Boyds last 8 home starts vs. a team with a losing record.
Tigers are 4-1 in Boyds last 5 starts.
Tigers are 4-1 in Boyds last 5 starts on grass.
Tigers are 4-1 in Boyds last 5 Thursday starts.
Tigers are 6-14 in Boyds last 20 starts vs. American League Central.

OU Trends
Kansas City

Over is 4-0 in Royals last 4 vs. a team with a losing record.
Over is 4-0 in Royals last 4 vs. American League Central.
Under is 5-1-2 in Royals last 8 games vs. a starter with a WHIP less than 1.15.
Over is 4-1 in Royals last 5 road games vs. a team with a losing home record.
Under is 4-1 in Royals last 5 road games.
Under is 4-1 in Royals last 5 after allowing 2 runs or less in their previous game.
Under is 8-2-1 in Royals last 11 road games vs. a left-handed starter.
Over is 8-3 in Royals last 11 road games vs. a team with a losing record.
Over is 5-2 in Royals last 7 overall.
Over is 5-2 in Royals last 7 on grass.
Under is 7-3-2 in Royals last 12 games vs. a left-handed starter.
Under is 9-4-3 in Royals last 16 games following a loss.
Over is 4-1 in Lopezs last 5 starts when their opponent allows 5 runs or more in their previous game.
Over is 4-1 in Lopezs last 5 starts on grass.

Detroit

Over is 4-0-1 in Tigers last 5 when their opponent scores 2 runs or less in their previous game.
Over is 4-0 in Tigers last 4 Thursday games.
Under is 4-0-1 in Tigers last 5 during game 1 of a series.
Over is 7-1-3 in Tigers last 11 games vs. a team with a winning % below .400.
Under is 4-1 in Tigers last 5 home games vs. a right-handed starter.
Over is 8-2-2 in Tigers last 12 after scoring 2 runs or less in their previous game.
Under is 6-2-1 in Tigers last 9 home games.
Over is 3-1-2 in Tigers last 6 games following a loss.
Over is 3-1-1 in Tigers last 5 after allowing 5 runs or more in their previous game.
Over is 3-1-1 in Tigers last 5 games vs. a right-handed starter.
Over is 6-2-1 in Tigers last 9 when their opponent allows 2 runs or less in their previous game.
Over is 14-5-3 in Tigers last 22 vs. American League Central.
Over is 3-0-1 in Boyds last 4 starts when their opponent scores 2 runs or less in their previous game.
Over is 2-0-2 in Boyds last 4 starts after allowing 5 runs or more in their previous game.
Over is 2-0-2 in Boyds last 4 starts vs. American League Central.
Under is 5-1-1 in Boyds last 7 starts with 5 days of rest.
Under is 4-1 in Boyds last 5 home starts.
Under is 8-2 in Boyds last 10 starts when their opponent allows 2 runs or less in their previous game.
Over is 3-1-2 in Boyds last 6 starts on grass.
Under is 3-1-2 in Boyds last 6 starts during game 1 of a series.
Over is 3-1-2 in Boyds last 6 starts overall.
Under is 9-4-1 in Boyds last 14 starts after scoring 2 runs or less in their previous game.

Head to Head

Over is 2-0-2 in the last 4 meetings.
Over is 8-2-1 in Boyds last 11 starts vs. Royals.
Royals are 7-3 in the last 10 meetings.
Tigers are 1-4 in Boyds last 5 starts vs. Royals.

Umpire Trends - Name unavailable
No trends available.

 

[bmd1803]

Preview: White Sox at Indians
Gracenote
Sep 20, 2018

Jason Kipnis hopes to get on a roll in the final month of the season while solidifying a spot somewhere in the Cleveland Indians’ postseason lineup, and he made a major statement with a walk-off grand slam Wednesday. Kipnis looks to build on those heroics Thursday night as the Indians go for a three-game sweep of the visiting Chicago White Sox and try to improve on a 12-3 edge in the season series.

Kipnis, who is batting .229 after notching his 1,000th career hit Wednesday with the slam, has been moved to center field after the acquisition of third baseman Josh Donaldson pushed Jose Ramirez to second base. Josh Tomlin gets the call on the mound for American League Central champion Cleveland in the series finale while the White Sox counter with fellow veteran James Shields, who is 1-1 with a 1.93 ERA in two games against the Indians this season. Chicago lost for the third straight contest after a four-game winning streak, going 0-for-6 with runners in scoring position and leaving nine on base in Wednesday’s setback. White Sox outfielder Daniel Palka homered for the fourth time in the last three games Wednesday to push his total to a team-high 26, tying Matt Davidson (2017) for the fourth most by a rookie in franchise history and moving within one of Zeke Bonura (1934) for third.

TV: 7:10 p.m. ET, MLB Network, NBCS Chicago, SportsTime Ohio (Cleveland)

PITCHING MATCHUP: White Sox RH James Shields (7-16, 4.53 ERA) vs. Indians RH Josh Tomlin (1-5, 6.49)

Shields has won two of his last three starts, including last Friday when he limited Baltimore to two runs and four hits over six innings for his 145th career victory. The 36-year-old California native has held opponents to three runs or fewer in five of his last seven starts, beginning with seven innings of three-run ball against Cleveland on Aug. 11. Francisco Lindor is 6-for-13 with a homer versus Shields, who is 5-8 with a 3.79 ERA in 22 career games against Cleveland.

Tomlin makes his second straight start after spending the previous four months either in the bullpen or on the disabled list. The 33-year-old Texan, who is 0-3 with a 7.68 ERA in seven starts in 2018, gave up two runs on five hits and one walk over four innings against Detroit in a no-decision last Friday after earning a win in relief on Sept. 8. Davidson is 2-for-8 with a homer against Tomlin, who is 5-5 with a 3.66 ERA in 16 games (13 starts) versus the White Sox.

WALK-OFFS

1. Chicago 2B Yoan Moncada is 12-for-40 with two RBIs and three walks over his last 10 contests.

2. Donaldson had a single and a walk in Wednesday victory, but is just 3-for-18 with one homer since being acquired.

3. White Sox OF Nicky Delmonico (stiff neck) missed the first two games of the series and is questionable for the finale.

PREDICTION: White Sox 6, Indians 3

 

[bmd1803]

W/L Trends
Chi. White Sox

White Sox are 5-2 in their last 7 when their opponent allows 2 runs or less in their previous game.
White Sox are 52-106 in their last 158 road games vs. a right-handed starter.
White Sox are 16-36 in their last 52 road games vs. a team with a home winning % of greater than .600.
White Sox are 8-18 in their last 26 games after losing the first 2 games of a series.
White Sox are 23-55 in their last 78 vs. a team with a winning record.
White Sox are 16-52 in their last 68 road games vs. a team with a winning record.
White Sox are 3-10 in their last 13 overall.
White Sox are 3-10 in their last 13 games on grass.
White Sox are 1-4 in their last 5 during game 3 of a series.
White Sox are 2-8 in their last 10 games vs. a right-handed starter.
White Sox are 1-6 in their last 7 vs. American League Central.
White Sox are 1-8 in their last 9 games following a loss.
White Sox are 1-8 in their last 9 Thursday games.
White Sox are 0-4 in their last 4 after scoring 2 runs or less in their previous game.
White Sox are 9-19 in Shields' last 28 starts.
White Sox are 3-7 in Shields' last 10 starts with 5 days of rest.
White Sox are 8-19 in Shields' last 27 starts on grass.
White Sox are 7-24 in Shields' last 31 road starts.
White Sox are 5-21 in Shields' last 26 starts following a Quality Start in his last appearance.
White Sox are 3-13 in Shields' last 16 starts vs. a team with a winning record.
White Sox are 1-5 in Shields' last 6 starts during game 3 of a series.
White Sox are 1-8 in Shields' last 9 road starts vs. a team with a winning record.

Cleveland

Indians are 46-17 in their last 63 Thursday games.
Indians are 39-15 in their last 54 during game 3 of a series.
Indians are 66-26 in their last 92 vs. American League Central.
Indians are 5-2 in their last 7 games on grass.
Indians are 5-2 in their last 7 home games.
Indians are 57-23 in their last 80 home games vs. a team with a losing road record.
Indians are 37-15 in their last 52 games vs. a team with a winning % below .400.
Indians are 52-22 in their last 74 when their opponent scores 2 runs or less in their previous game.
Indians are 57-26 in their last 83 home games vs. a right-handed starter.
Indians are 36-17 in their last 53 games vs. a right-handed starter.
Indians are 1-4 in their last 5 games following a win.
Indians are 1-4 in their last 5 after allowing 2 runs or less in their previous game.
Indians are 5-1 in Tomlins last 6 starts when their opponent scores 2 runs or less in their previous game.
Indians are 5-1 in Tomlins last 6 home starts vs. a team with a losing record.
Indians are 6-2 in Tomlins last 8 Thursday starts.
Indians are 20-8 in Tomlins last 28 starts during game 3 of a series.
Indians are 7-3 in Tomlins last 10 starts vs. a team with a losing record.
Indians are 2-5 in Tomlins last 7 starts with 5 days of rest.
Indians are 0-5 in Tomlins last 5 starts.
Indians are 0-5 in Tomlins last 5 starts on grass.

OU Trends
Chi. White Sox

Over is 4-0 in White Sox last 4 Thursday games.
Under is 4-0 in White Sox last 4 road games vs. a team with a home winning % of greater than .600.
Under is 4-0-2 in White Sox last 6 games following a loss.
Under is 3-0-2 in White Sox last 5 vs. American League Central.
Over is 8-1 in White Sox last 9 when their opponent allows 2 runs or less in their previous game.
Under is 7-2-2 in White Sox last 11 road games.
Over is 16-5 in White Sox last 21 during game 3 of a series.
Under is 16-5-1 in White Sox last 22 vs. a team with a winning record.
Under is 5-2-2 in White Sox last 9 overall.
Under is 5-2-2 in White Sox last 9 road games vs. a right-handed starter.
Under is 5-2-2 in White Sox last 9 on grass.
Under is 36-16-3 in White Sox last 55 road games vs. a team with a winning record.
Over is 4-0 in Shields' last 4 starts with 5 days of rest.
Over is 4-1-1 in Shields' last 6 Thursday starts.
Over is 4-1 in Shields' last 5 starts following a Quality Start in his last appearance.
Over is 4-1 in Shields' last 5 road starts.
Under is 4-1 in Shields' last 5 starts vs. a team with a winning record.
Under is 7-3-1 in Shields' last 11 starts vs. American League Central.

Cleveland

Under is 9-2-1 in Indians last 12 home games vs. a right-handed starter.
Under is 4-1 in Indians last 5 games following a win.
Under is 7-2-2 in Indians last 11 games vs. a team with a winning % below .400.
Over is 9-3 in Indians last 12 Thursday games.
Under is 9-4-4 in Indians last 17 home games vs. a team with a losing road record.
Under is 9-4-4 in Indians last 17 home games.
Over is 3-0-1 in Tomlins last 4 starts with 5 days of rest.
Over is 4-0-1 in Tomlins last 5 starts on grass.
Under is 4-0-1 in Tomlins last 5 home starts vs. a team with a losing record.
Over is 4-0-1 in Tomlins last 5 starts overall.
Over is 4-1-2 in Tomlins last 7 Thursday starts.
Under is 3-1-1 in Tomlins last 5 starts vs. a team with a losing record.
Over is 6-2-2 in Tomlins last 10 starts following a team loss in their previous game.
Under is 15-6-2 in Tomlins last 23 starts vs. American League Central.

Head to Head

Under is 5-0 in Shields' last 5 starts vs. Indians.
Under is 5-1 in Tomlins last 6 starts vs. White Sox.
Under is 3-1-1 in the last 5 meetings.
Under is 5-2 in Tomlins last 7 home starts vs. White Sox.
White Sox are 16-35 in the last 51 meetings.
White Sox are 16-37 in the last 53 meetings in Cleveland.
Indians are 1-4 in Tomlins last 5 starts vs. White Sox.

Umpire Trends - Ryan Blakney

Under is 5-0-1 in Blakneys last 6 Thursday games behind home plate.
Under is 3-0-1 in Blakneys last 4 games behind home plate vs. Cleveland.
Road team is 4-0 in Blakneys last 4 games behind home plate vs. Cleveland.
White Sox are 5-1 in their last 6 games with Blakney behind home plate.
Road team is 4-1 in Blakneys last 5 games behind home plate vs. Chicago.
Road team is 10-4 in Blakneys last 14 games behind home plate.
Indians are 5-2 in their last 7 games with Blakney behind home plate.
Over is 12-5 in Blakneys last 17 games behind home plate.

 

[bmd1803]

Preview: Reds at Marlins
Gracenote
Sep 20, 2018

The Cincinnati Reds have been shut out in three of their past five games and look to break out of their slump when they visit the Miami Marlins on Thursday in the opener of a four-game set. Cincinnati was blanked 7-0 by the Milwaukee Brewers on Wednesday to mark the 12th time they haven't scored this season, the most since the franchise was shut out 13 times in 2015.

The Reds managed just two hits in their latest shutout loss and the five hitless at-bats with runners in scoring position dropped the club to 3-for-47 in that category over the past eight games. All-Star second baseman Scooter Gennett is just 2-for-15 over the past five games and his batting average dipped to. 317, second in the National League behind Milwaukee Brewers star Christian Yelich (.319). Miami has dropped eight of its last 11 games and owns the worst record (59-92) in the National League, just one game worse than the San Diego Padres (61-92). Marlins rookie Brian Anderson is limping to the finish by going 7-for-46 in September and he hasn't homered in his past 17 appearances.

TV: 7:10 p.m. ET, FS Ohio (Cincinnati), FS Florida (Miami)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Reds LH Cody Reed (0-2, 4.32 ERA) vs. Marlins RH Jeff Brigham (0-2, 7.36)

Reed struck out a career-high 10 in his last turn and gave up two hits over five scoreless innings in a no-decision against the Chicago Cubs. The 25-year-old Reed is making his fifth consecutive start and looking to make an impression that may land him a rotation spot next season. Reed started against the Marlins on July 10, 2016 when he gave up four runs - three earned - and seven hits over 4 2/3 innings.

Brigham is making his third big league start and suffered a loss in each of the first two. The 26-year-old gave up three runs in each of the outings while pitching three innings against the Toronto Blue Jays in his debut and 4 1/3 frames against the New York Mets last Thursday. Brigham owns a 1.91 WHIP and has issued five walks in 7 1/3 innings.

WALK-OFFS

1. The Marlins took two of three games against the Reds earlier this season and have won 15 of the past 24 meetings.

2. Cincinnati All-Star 3B Eugenio Suarez is just 1-for-20 over his past seven appearances.

3. Miami 1B Peter O'Brien reached base four times (2-for-2 with a homer and two walks) in Tuesday's loss to the Washington Nationals and is 7-for-15 with three homers and six RBIs over his past seven appearances.

PREDICTION: Reds 3, Marlins 1

 

[bmd1803]

W/L Trends
Cincinnati

Reds are 5-1 in their last 6 after allowing 5 runs or more in their previous game.
Reds are 33-73 in their last 106 after scoring 2 runs or less in their previous game.
Reds are 2-5 in their last 7 overall.
Reds are 8-20 in their last 28 games vs. a right-handed starter.
Reds are 2-5 in their last 7 games on grass.
Reds are 7-22 in their last 29 road games.
Reds are 4-14 in their last 18 road games vs. a right-handed starter.
Reds are 1-4 in their last 5 vs. National League East.
Reds are 1-5 in their last 6 during game 1 of a series.
Reds are 1-6 in their last 7 when their opponent scores 2 runs or less in their previous game.
Reds are 0-6 in their last 6 Thursday games.
Reds are 1-9 in Reeds last 10 starts following a team loss in their previous game.
Reds are 1-10 in Reeds last 11 starts after allowing 5 runs or more in their previous game.
Reds are 1-15 in Reeds last 16 starts.
Reds are 1-15 in Reeds last 16 starts on grass.
Reds are 0-9 in Reeds last 9 road starts.
Reds are 0-6 in Reeds last 6 starts vs. a team with a losing record.
Reds are 0-5 in Reeds last 5 starts with 4 days of rest.
Reds are 0-6 in Reeds last 6 starts after scoring 2 runs or less in their previous game.
Reds are 0-4 in Reeds last 4 road starts vs. a team with a losing record.

Miami

Marlins are 17-36 in their last 53 games vs. a left-handed starter.
Marlins are 16-35 in their last 51 overall.
Marlins are 7-20 in their last 27 games following an off day.
Marlins are 2-6 in their last 8 home games vs. a team with a losing record.
Marlins are 2-6 in their last 8 home games vs. a team with a road winning % of less than .400.
Marlins are 2-6 in their last 8 games on grass.
Marlins are 4-13 in their last 17 during game 1 of a series.
Marlins are 1-4 in their last 5 after scoring 2 runs or less in their previous game.
Marlins are 1-4 in their last 5 games following a loss.
Marlins are 1-4 in their last 5 when their opponent allows 5 runs or more in their previous game.
Marlins are 1-4 in their last 5 games vs. a starter with a WHIP greater than 1.30.
Marlins are 1-4 in their last 5 when their opponent scores 2 runs or less in their previous game.
Marlins are 1-6 in their last 7 home games vs. a left-handed starter.
Marlins are 1-6 in their last 7 vs. a team with a losing record.
Marlins are 4-27 in their last 31 Thursday games.
Marlins are 0-4 in their last 4 vs. National League Central.

OU Trends
Cincinnati

Under is 7-0-1 in Reds last 8 overall.
Under is 3-0-1 in Reds last 4 when their opponent scores 2 runs or less in their previous game.
Under is 7-0 in Reds last 7 road games.
Under is 7-0-1 in Reds last 8 on grass.
Under is 5-0 in Reds last 5 after scoring 2 runs or less in their previous game.
Under is 4-0 in Reds last 4 games following a loss.
Over is 5-1 in Reds last 6 games vs. a team with a winning % below .400.
Under is 4-1 in Reds last 5 during game 1 of a series.
Under is 7-2 in Reds last 9 road games vs. a right-handed starter.
Over is 4-0 in Reeds last 4 road starts vs. a team with a losing record.
Over is 4-0 in Reeds last 4 starts during game 1 of a series.
Over is 9-1-1 in Reeds last 11 starts after allowing 5 runs or more in their previous game.
Over is 8-1 in Reeds last 9 road starts.
Over is 5-1 in Reeds last 6 starts after scoring 2 runs or less in their previous game.
Over is 5-1 in Reeds last 6 starts vs. a team with a losing record.
Over is 4-1 in Reeds last 5 starts with 4 days of rest.
Over is 12-3-1 in Reeds last 16 starts on grass.
Over is 12-3-1 in Reeds last 16 starts overall.
Over is 8-2 in Reeds last 10 starts following a team loss in their previous game.

Miami

Over is 3-0-1 in Marlins last 4 games following an off day.
Under is 4-0 in Marlins last 4 Thursday games.
Under is 3-0-2 in Marlins last 5 vs. National League Central.
Over is 3-0-1 in Marlins last 4 during game 1 of a series.
Over is 4-1 in Marlins last 5 overall.
Over is 4-1 in Marlins last 5 on grass.
Over is 3-1-1 in Marlins last 5 after scoring 2 runs or less in their previous game.
Under is 3-1-1 in Marlins last 5 games vs. a starter with a WHIP greater than 1.30.
Over is 7-3 in Marlins last 10 when their opponent allows 5 runs or more in their previous game.
Over is 14-6-3 in Marlins last 23 vs. a team with a losing record.
Over is 7-3-2 in Marlins last 12 home games vs. a team with a losing record.
Under is 14-6-2 in Marlins last 22 home games.
Under is 9-4 in Marlins last 13 home games vs. a team with a road winning % of less than .400.

Head to Head

Over is 4-1 in the last 5 meetings in Miami.
Reds are 2-5 in the last 7 meetings.
Reds are 1-8 in the last 9 meetings in Miami.

Umpire Trends - Name unavailable
No trends available.

 

[bmd1803]

Preview: Phillies at Braves
Gracenote
Sep 19, 2018

Freddie Freeman has been the one constant throughout the Atlanta Braves' four-year rebuild, and now the first baseman and his teammates have an opportunity to win the National League East championship this weekend as they host the Philadelphia Phillies in a four-game series starting Thursday. Freeman, the lone position player left from Atlanta’s last playoff team in 2013, helped his team snap a four-game losing streak with three hits in Wednesday’s 7-3 win over St. Louis.

Freeman, who preached calm as the NL East leaders struggled in recent days, slugged his 23rd homer of the season and is hitting .405 with two homers and nine RBIs in his past 11 games as Atlanta reduced its magic number to six. The Phillies defeated the Mets 4-0 on Wednesday and arrive in Atlanta trailing the Braves by 5 1/2 games in the East, and must win at least twice this weekend to stave off elimination. The Phillies have been unable to take advantage of Atlanta’s recent slump, going 6-11 in September as they embark on an eight-game road trip that also includes four games next week at Colorado. First baseman Rhys Hoskins snapped a 0-for-10 skid Wednesday with two hits, including a double and a homer, and his 67 extra-base hits are the most by a Philadelphia player since Jayson Werth in 2010 (75).

TV: 7:35 p.m. ET, MLB Network, NBCS Philadelphia, FS Southeast (Atlanta)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Phillies RH Vince Velasquez (9-11, 4.50 ERA) vs. Braves RH Kevin Gausman (10-10, 3.92)

Velasquez has faded down the stretch as he surpassed his career high in innings pitched (140 this season; 131 in 2016), posting a 9.82 ERA with 16 hits allowed in 11 innings across three September starts. The 26-year-old has yet to pitch more than five innings in his past seven starts, giving up four runs on four hits over two innings Saturday against Miami. Velasquez has lost all four starts against the Braves this season, posting a 7.41 ERA with 29 hits allowed in 17 innings.

Gausman has revitalized his season while bolstering Atlanta’s rotation since being acquired from Baltimore on July 31, going 5-2 in eight starts with a 2.61 ERA and 1.10 WHIP. The 27-year-old has scuffled in his past two starts, giving up seven earned runs with six walks and 14 hits across 10 1/3 innings while losing at Arizona and beating Washington. Gausman faced Philadelphia once while still with Baltimore, allowing five runs on 12 hits over five innings of a July 12 start.

WALK-OFFS

1. Phillies C Wilson Ramos collected two hits Wednesday and is batting .450 with four RBIs in his past seven games.

2. Braves CF Ender Inciarte is hitting .393 in his past eight games with nine runs scored and four doubles.

3. Atlanta and Philadelphia have not played each other since May 23 and the Braves lead the season series 7-5, outscoring the Phillies 57-38.

PREDICTION: Braves 5, Phillies 2

 

[bmd1803]

W/L Trends
Philadelphia

Phillies are 7-1 in their last 8 Thursday games.
Phillies are 7-16 in their last 23 road games.
Phillies are 24-56 in their last 80 road games vs. a team with a winning home record.
Phillies are 7-19 in their last 26 games vs. a right-handed starter.
Phillies are 4-11 in their last 15 games following a win.
Phillies are 3-10 in their last 13 during game 1 of a series.
Phillies are 1-4 in their last 5 road games vs. a right-handed starter.
Phillies are 4-1 in Velasquezs last 5 Thursday starts.
Phillies are 16-34 in Velasquezs last 50 starts on grass.
Phillies are 2-5 in Velasquezs last 7 starts vs. a team with a winning record.
Phillies are 5-15 in Velasquezs last 20 starts with 4 days of rest.
Phillies are 1-8 in Velasquezs last 9 road starts.
Phillies are 0-5 in Velasquezs last 5 starts during game 1 of a series.

Atlanta

Braves are 10-2 in their last 12 home games vs. a team with a losing road record.
Braves are 5-1 in their last 6 games following a win.
Braves are 35-17 in their last 52 vs. National League East.
Braves are 2-6 in their last 8 home games vs. a right-handed starter.
Braves are 3-12 in their last 15 home games vs. a team with a winning record.
Braves are 1-4 in their last 5 overall.
Braves are 1-4 in their last 5 games on grass.
Braves are 1-4 in their last 5 home games.
Braves are 4-0 in Gausmans last 4 home starts.
Braves are 6-1 in Gausmans last 7 starts.
Braves are 6-1 in Gausmans last 7 starts on grass.

OU Trends
Philadelphia

Under is 6-0 in Phillies last 6 road games vs. a team with a winning record.
Under is 4-1-1 in Phillies last 6 after allowing 2 runs or less in their previous game.
Over is 4-1 in Phillies last 5 road games vs. a team with a winning home record.
Under is 10-3 in Phillies last 13 vs. a team with a winning record.
Over is 3-1-1 in Phillies last 5 road games.
Under is 3-1-1 in Phillies last 5 when their opponent scores 5 runs or more in their previous game.
Under is 8-3 in Phillies last 11 games following a win.
Over is 5-2 in Phillies last 7 road games vs. a right-handed starter.
Under is 10-4-1 in Phillies last 15 during game 1 of a series.
Over is 5-1 in Velasquezs last 6 starts overall.
Over is 4-1 in Velasquezs last 5 starts following an outing of less than 4 innings in his last appearance.
Over is 4-1 in Velasquezs last 5 starts on grass.
Under is 4-1 in Velasquezs last 5 road starts vs. a team with a winning record.
Over is 12-4 in Velasquezs last 16 starts after allowing 2 runs or less in their previous game.
Under is 5-2 in Velasquezs last 7 starts with 4 days of rest.
Under is 7-3 in Velasquezs last 10 starts vs. a team with a winning record.

Atlanta

Over is 4-0 in Braves last 4 overall.
Over is 4-0 in Braves last 4 on grass.
Over is 4-0 in Braves last 4 home games.
Over is 5-0 in Braves last 5 when their opponent allows 2 runs or less in their previous game.
Over is 10-1 in Braves last 11 home games vs. a team with a winning record.
Over is 5-1 in Braves last 6 home games vs. a right-handed starter.
Under is 4-1 in Braves last 5 games following a win.
Over is 4-1 in Braves last 5 games vs. a right-handed starter.
Over is 4-1 in Braves last 5 during game 1 of a series.
Under is 6-2 in Braves last 8 vs. National League East.
Over is 19-7-1 in Braves last 27 vs. a team with a winning record.
Over is 5-2 in Braves last 7 after scoring 5 runs or more in their previous game.
Under is 4-0 in Gausmans last 4 starts when their opponent allows 2 runs or less in their previous game.

Head to Head

Under is 4-1 in the last 5 meetings.
Under is 8-3-1 in the last 12 meetings in Atlanta.
Phillies are 0-4 in Velasquezs last 4 starts vs. Braves.

Umpire Trends - Name unavailable
No trends available.

 

[bmd1803]

(901) NY METS @ (902) WASHINGTON | 09/20/2018 - 7:05 PM
Play OVER NY METS on the total in All games as a road underdog of +175 to +250
The record is 17 Overs and 2 Unders for the last two seasons (+14.75 units)

 

[bmd1803]

(907) LA ANGELS @ (908) OAKLAND | 09/20/2018 - 3:35 PM
Play ON OAKLAND using the money line in All games when playing against a team with a losing record
The record is 49 Wins and 15 Losses this season (+29.50 units)

 

[bmd1803]

(907) LA ANGELS @ (908) OAKLAND | 09/20/2018 - 3:35 PM
Play ON OAKLAND using the money line in All games when playing against a team with a losing record in the second half of the season
The record is 24 Wins and 4 Losses this season (+17.80 units)