Tuesday 10/13/15 service plays chatter/comps/requests & other stuff...

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Post your request, Comments or concerns here.
Good luck on all your plays.

When not viewing the service plays.
Make sure to enjoy the rest of what the RX has to offer.

First time here at the RX.
Make sure to visit the Newbies Room
Click here to go there now

 

[superbeets]

Euro Championships TODAY 19:45

Wales

v

Andorra

	HOME	DRAW	AWAY
SS1		1/25	18	66	More markets

​

RECENT FORM	LAST HEAD-TO-HEADSIN WALES	RECENT FORM
ADAWHWAWHDAL​ Most recent​	Unknown	HLHLHLALALHL​ Most recent​

KEY STAT: Wales have scored two goals or fewer in 40 of their last 41 competitive matches

EXPERT VERDICT: Wales are celebrating Euro 2016 qualification and a party atmosphere is in store when they host Group B basement boys Andorra. A win might be enough to lift them above group leaders Belgium but Chris Coleman’s side are unlikely to be fully focused and that should help the Andorrans in their efforts to keep the score down.

RECOMMENDATION: Wales to win 2-0
1

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Tuesday's Top Action

ARKANSAS STATE RED WOLVES (2-3) at SOUTH ALABAMA JAGUARS (3-2)
Line: Arkansas State -6

Two teams trying to remain unbeaten in the Sun Belt will collide on Tuesday night when Arkansas State visits South Alabama.

Both schools opened conference play on Oct. 3 with victories, as the Red Wolves knocked off 22-point underdog Idaho 49-35 while the Jaguars pulled off the 24-18 upset at 6-point favorite Troy. Arkansas State is 2-3 ATS this season, and has been trounced in both road games, 55-6 at USC and 37-7 at Toledo. South Alabama (3-2 ATS) was pummeled in its last home game on Sept. 26, falling 63-13 to NC State, but opened the season with a 33-7 win over Gardner-Webb in Mobile, AL.

These schools are meeting for the fourth straight season with the Red Wolves winning all three previous contests (2-1 ATS), including 45-10 last year and 17-16 when the Jaguars hosted in 2013. Both teams are staring at some negative trends for Tuesday, as Arkansas State is 0-13 ATS after gaining 300+ rushing yards in its previous game since 1992, and 21-39 ATS off a home win in that same timeframe. But South Alabama is 6-14 ATS at home under head coach Joey Jones, including 2-6 ATS as a home underdog.

After missing three games, the Red Wolves expect to get starting QB Fredi Knighten (groin) back for Tuesday. The only new injury for either team is Knighten's teammate OL Daniel Keith, who is doubtful with an ankle injury.

Arkansas State's offense has been strong this season with 30.4 PPG on 394 total YPG, and these numbers have increased to 42.0 PPG and 451 total YPG over the past three contests. The team has done this through great balance with 193 rushing YPG on 4.4 YPC and 202 passing YPG on 6.6 YPA.

Senior RB Michael Gordon is coming off a monster performance against Idaho where he ran for 221 yards on 26 carries (8.5 YPC) and three touchdowns. Gordon was also effective in last year's romp over South Alabama with 77 rushing yards (3.7 YPC) and a touchdown.

Senior QB Fredi Knighten was the best player on the field in that 2014 meeting with 266 total yards (186 passing, 80 rushing) and 3 total TD. His return will be key for this team moving forward, as his statistics this year are so bad (19-of-46, 41% completions, 183 yds, 4.0 YPA, 2 TD, 3 INT) because they were against Power 5 opponents USC and Missouri. Another senior, WR JD McKissic, is the third-most important part of this offense with a team-high 27 catches, including at least four receptions in each game.

Defensively, this unit has surrendered 32.2 PPG on 391 total YPG, and these numbers have ballooned to 46.0 PPG and 493 total YPG on the road. The biggest deficiency has been stopping the run (170 YPG on 4.8 YPC), as the Wolves' 221 passing YPG allowed is on just 53% completions and 5.7 YPA. They have also done a great job of forcing mistakes with 10 turnovers in the past four contests, including three last week. This trend could continue against a Jaguars team with 11 giveaways, including 3 TO in three different games so far.

South Alabama turnovers have limited the offense to 22.6 PPG and 375 total YPG this year. Time of possession is a subpar 27:59 average with the ground game churning out only 138 YPG on 3.8 YPC. But sophomore RB Xavier Johnson has been outstanding versus non-Power 5 opponents with 46 carries for 354 yards (7.7 YPC) and 4 TD in three such games. Johnson carried the football just seven times for 28 yards in last year's loss at Arkansas State.

QB Cody Clements (52% completions, 1,131 pass yds, 7 TD, 6 INT) has eclipsed 200 passing yards in four straight contests but the senior has not completed more than 58% of his passes in any game so far. He has relied mostly on two targets, with junior TE Gerald Everett (23 rec, 350 yds, 5 TD) and junior WR Josh Magee (13 rec, 326 yds) combining for 57% of the South Alabama receiving yards this season. No other receiver even has 100 yards in 2015.

On defense, the Jaguars have allowed 32.6 PPG on 405 total YPG, and have been especially weak in stopping the run (205 YPG on 5.1 YPC). Defending the pass hasn't been much better though with opponents completing 58% of their throws for 200 YPG (6.7 YPA). But after forcing only two turnovers in a three-game stretch, South Alabama recorded three takeaways in their upset at Troy last week.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Handicapped by Chatsworth Consortium at Pocono Downs

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


Race 3 - Post: 7:06 - 1 mile. PACE - Class Rating: 73 - Purse:$12000 - 2, 3 & 4 YEAR OLDS COLTS, STALLIONS & GELDINGS NW 1 EXT. PM RACE LIFETIME 2 YEAR OLDS DRAW FOR INSIDE POST POSITIONS PA PREFERENCE MOHEGAN SUN POCONO DRIVER`S CHOICES: GEORGE NAPOLITANO #5 OVER #3 NO.3 KANDY APPLE - SCRATCHED JUDGES


CONSORTIUM CHOICES


Chatsworth Consortium

# 5 OLD MAN CLEARY 3/1


# 4 DRAGON N KICKIN 9/2


# 1 HURRIKANE BUD K 5/1


All signs point to OLD MAN CLEARY for the pick. Has very good speed ratings and more than likely has to be considered for a wager in this one. Comes into this competition with respectable TrackMaster class statistics as compared to the bunch - could be worth a shot. Has to be given a look based on the respectable speed rating achieved in the last affair. DRAGON N KICKIN - Can't overlook based on speed figs which have been fantastic (72 avg) these days. Good for a win bet just off the excellent prior class numbers. Have to like this nice horse. HURRIKANE BUD K - In recent times Allard has been en fuego, which may give the edge to this colt for this one...

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Handicapped by Chatsworth Consortium at Yonkers Raceway

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


Race 5 - Post: 2:20 - 1 mile. TROT - Class Rating: 86 - Purse:$12500 - NON-WINNERS OF $6,000 IN LAST 5 STARTS WINNERS OVER $45,000 IN 2015 NOT ELIGIBLE. AE. OPTIONAL CLAIMING ALLOWANCE $15,000


CONSORTIUM CHOICES


Chatsworth Consortium

# 4 MOVEMENT 9/2


# 1 DECRET JUSTICIALE 7/2


# 3 ITZAZIAM 4/1


MOVEMENT is the clear stand out bet in the eyes of the consortium. Feel the need for speed, this solid standardbred has been turning in some outstanding TrackMaster speed figs averaging around 90. A good class horse should not be be ignored. With an average class ranking of 89 all signs look very good for this one. The handicapping group happens to know that when you put Brennan and Blumenfeld together really strong results happen frequently. DECRET JUSTICIALE - The handicapping team noted a huge outing out of this fine animal last time. Looking for a repeat of that to end up in the winner's circle. Gelding has one of the most respectable win rates in the race and that could be the deciding factor when they hit the wire. ITZAZIAM - Could unquestionably best this field of starters given the 83 speed rating achieved in his most recent affair. Recently Sears has been tearing it up, which may give the edge to this gelding today.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Handicapped by The Walker Group at Indiana Downs

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


Race 10 - Claiming - 8.0f on the Dirt. Purse: $9500 Class Rating: 62

FOR REGISTERED INDIANA BREDS FILLIES AND MARES THREE YEARS OLD AND UPWARD WHICH HAVE NEVER WON TWO RACES. THREE YEAR OLDS, 118 LBS.; OLDER, 122 LBS. NON-WINNERS OF A RACE AT A MILE OR OVER SINCE SEPTEMBER 13 ALLOWED 2 LBS. CLAIMING PRICE $5,000.


RECOMMENDED CHOICES

The Walker Group Picks

# 4 PEW 9/2


# 3 HOPE TO SHINE 10/1


# 2 MYCOTTONSOCKS 4/1


PEW is my choice. Boasts sound Speed Figures on average overall when matched with the rest of this group. Is a solid choice - given the 73 speed figure from her most recent race. The Equibase class rating of today's contest is much lower than her last affair. HOPE TO SHINE - Duran has this mare running well and is a very good selection based on the decent speed figs put up in route races lately. Is tough not to look at given the company run in lately. MYCOTTONSOCKS - This filly looks strong in this competition since Patrick has a strong win percent with horses going this distance.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Handicapped by The Walker Group at Zia Park

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


Race 5 - SO - 6.0f on the Dirt. Purse: $16500 Class Rating: 81

FOR REGISTERED NEW MEXICO BRED FILLIES AND MARES THREE YEARS OLD AND UPWARD WHICH HAVE STARTED FOR A CLAIMING PRICE OF $6,500 OR LESS SINCE OCTOBER 13 OR CLAIMING PRICE $12,500. THREE YEAR OLDS, 120 LBS.; OLDER, 123 LBS. NON-WINNERS OF A RACE SINCE SEPTEMBER 13 ALLOWED 3 LBS. CLAIMING PRICE $12,500.


RECOMMENDED CHOICES

The Walker Group Picks

# 1 PLENTY OF JOY 6/1


# 3 STORM WITH FLAIR 2/1


# 5 AMBER'S A PLAYER 7/2


PLENTY OF JOY looks to be the wager in here. With Cardoso aboard her, this filly will almost certainly be able to break out early here. Looks like a sound contender for the exotics. STORM WITH FLAIR - Will probably compete quite well in the early pace battle which bodes well with this group of horses. This filly has been consistently racing well in her latest outings. AMBER'S A PLAYER - Has been constatntly running well lately. Rosendo has been hot the last month, winning at a nifty 18 percent clip.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Handicapped by The Turf Club Analysts

Bar

Mountaineer Park - Race #5 - Post: 8:28pm - Maiden Special - 6.0 furlongs on the Dirt. Purse: $14,100 Class Rating: 62

Rating: Golden DollarGolden DollarGolden DollarGolden Dollar

#1 LADY SOYADORA (ML=6/1)
#9 STORMING CECILIA (ML=9/2)


LADY SOYADORA - You always have to be on the prowl for bankroll building jock/handler tandems; we have it right here. Lone speed horses can be tough to run down. Here's a lone front running sort facing sluggish sorts today. This horse coming off a good contest in the last 30 days is a win candidate in my book. STORMING CECILIA - This filly is tops in earnings per start. Take a good look at this thoroughbred in the saddling ring.

Vulnerable Contenders: #6 MAYPOLE'SLASTDANCE (ML=3/1), #3 BIG BO'S MO (ML=5/1), #5 LOVEYOU LIKETHAT (ML=5/1),

MAYPOLE'SLASTDANCE - Don't believe this horse will do much running today. That last speed figure was quite unimpressive when compared with today's Equibase class figure. BIG BO'S MO - Today's event is 6 furlongs. Hasn't finished in the money in a sprint event in the last 60 days. Not the best of signals. Doesn't seem inspiring to me after the lack of any sort of closing talent on Sep 13th. The speed fig last time out doesn't fit very well in this event when I look at the Equibase class figure of today's event. Mark this mount as a questionable contender. LOVEYOU LIKETHAT - The third place finish in the last race was not the greatest. Pedestrian speed rating last time out at Presque Isle Downs at 5 furlongs. Don't feel this horse will improve too much today.


STRAIGHT WAGERS:
Bet on #1 LADY SOYADORA to win if you can get at least 2/1 odds

EXACTA WAGERS:
Box [1,9]

TRIFECTA WAGERS:
Pass

SUPERFECTA WAGERS:
Pass

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Handicapped by The Turf Club Analysts

Bar

Parx Racing - Race #6 - Post: 3:10pm - Maiden Special - 6.0 furlongs on the Dirt. Purse: $50,000 Class Rating: 76

Rating: Golden DollarGolden DollarGolden DollarGolden Dollar

#2 LUCKY MEETING (ML=6/1)


LUCKY MEETING - This first timer has been getting primed in the morning at Parx Racing, a good sign.

Vulnerable Contenders: #4 FAST MOON (ML=9/5), #6 GRAND YOLO (ML=5/2), #5 MAGNETIC GIRL (ML=5/1),

FAST MOON - This steed just hasn't been winning as the favorite. Not probable that the speed rating she notched on September 29th will be enough in this race. GRAND YOLO - Has been defeated as the public's choice twice. A repeat is probably in store. Improbable that the speed figure she recorded on Sep 14th will hold up in this affair. MAGNETIC GIRL - Improbable for this one to make a winning move with no success lately in a short distance affair. Last performed on September 19th at Parx Racing, finishing eighth. Not likely to get better off of that try today. Didn't show off any early speed in the route affair for me to back her in today's sprint event.


STRAIGHT WAGERS:
#2 LUCKY MEETING is the play if we get odds of 1/1 or better

EXACTA WAGERS:
Skip

TRIFECTA WAGERS:
Skip

SUPERFECTA WAGERS:
None

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Yonkers: Tuesday 10/13 Analysis
By Matt Rose

DRF HARNESS

MEET STATS: 305 - 927 / $1688.30 BEST BETS: 44 - 74 / $151.00

Best Bet: SECRET THREAT (7th)

Spot Play: DECRET JUSTICIALE (5th)


Race 1

(2) JL BILL arrives from the Iowa fair circuit and we've seen this type have success; worth a look in this suspect field. (1) SHANE ADAM gets another crack at the rail and should go well from this spot. (5) IMA REBEL ships from Balmoral where he's taken his first two career races; obvious threat if he can handle the half.

Race 2

(1) IWANTMYTWODOLLARS returns to the small track, has good speed and the best draw; top billing. (4) DOUBLEDAY closed nicely last out and now moves in a few spots. (6) MOLON LAVE gets Sears in the bike and will attract attention.

Race 3

(4) SECRET DELIGHT faltered on the front end last out but his prior efforts were good and he's drawn inside the other speed types today. (7) AIMO HANOVER qualified nicely for Burke off the brief vacation and he'll be firing from the gate. (6) SOS JUSTIFIED is another in a long line of Quebec shippers for Lachance who have had success here; must include.

Race 4

(3) SHANGHAI JACK raced decently in his return to the DiDomenico barn and he returns into a live spot. (1) TACS DELIGHT qualified nicely for Allard after taking 6 months off but how short a price are you willing to accept? (7) EXPLOSIVE ACTION has clear ability but needs to stay trotting.

Race 5

(1) DECRET JUSTICIALE raced okay in his local debut for Lachance chasing speedy fractions and he should only be better today. (6) TRADING PLACES is a steady commodity for Banca. (2) WHATNBLAZES is still looking for his first seasonal win but he fits well in here,

Race 6

(3) KIRSI HANOVER is just 2 for 25 lifetime but the filly looks faster than these. (1) WHAT ABOUT LOVE had a nice local debut for good connections but beware she's missed a month; threat if ready. (5) A LIST LINDY raced pretty well last out and can be considered here.

Race 7

(4) SECRET THREAT clearly needed that first start upon arrival from Hoosier and now he gets post relief and Brennan in the bike; ready to roll. (1) CHIEF TALKALOT ships from Ohio with some minor stakes experience and draws best. (3) BORIS stopped last out but he's been showing live moves recently; use at a price.

Race 8

(1) ITSONLYROCKNROLL A has yet to hit his stride since arriving in the U.S. but the Asher trainee seems to have the talent and is overdue. (2) ABERDEEN HANOVER went a big effort in defeat last out. (5) P L HAYMAKER ships from Philly off a nice win.

Race 9

(6) ZORGWIJK NOVA was a game wire-to-wire winner at the added distance last week and Bartlett will be firing again. (2) FIRE IN THE CELL has hit the board in her last three; overdue. (1) ROYAL MALINDA returns off a failed try at Pocono and was a good second at this level two back.

Race 10

(3) MAGIC WILL WORK was reclaimed by Garcia-Herrera and the mare was an easy winner two back in that barn. (6) THERESADEMONINME flattened out after an uncovered trip last week; an alert leave and a smooth rail trip could spell better results. (7) SCOTTISH CROSS returns locally for Allard off a win upstate.

Race 11

(5) GLOBAL ICE is a nice-looking filly who will offer a good closing kick with the right setup. (4) ANDY RAY has had plenty of success locally and he returns off a solid placing in stakes action at the Delaware Fair. (8) JOSIE'S JOY also has some stakes experience but is stuck outside.

Race 12

(2) ROCK SONG has been racing well with more seasoned rivals and he enters this condition landing a good inside spot. (5) ROLLIN RING AFIRE was overmatched in Bluegrass action but he's shown solid efforts in prior starts. (1) MASTERSON looks solid on paper but was previously trained by Brainard and has missed time; who knows what to expect.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

SPOT PLAYS

For Tuesday


TRACK (RACE) HORSE, MORNING LINE


Finger Lakes (1st) Northern Gal, 9-2
(9th) Matt and Jesse, 3-1


Fort Erie (5th) Black Patch, 10-1
(8th) Racen, 5-1


Hawthorne (1st) Warrior King, 9-2
(7th) Kara's Angel, 6-1


Indiana Grand (2nd) Small Kiss, 4-1
(7th) Victor Jara, 10-1


Mountaineer (3rd) Flaming Tempest, 9-2
(8th) Toston, 3-1


Parx Racing (3rd) Celebratemehome, 5-1
(4th) Double Berg, 7-2

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Cardinals (100-62) at Cubs (97-65)

Game: 4
Venue: Busch Stadium
Date: October 13, 2015 4:37 PM EDT

St. Louis Cardinals starter John Lackey has mowed down the Chicago Cubs in four starts this year, including Game 1 of this NL division series.

He has had only three days in between starts in the postseason twice in his career, and the first time was an occasion that thrilled Chicago manager Joe Maddon.

Lackey will try to help the visiting Cardinals force a decisive fifth game by stifling a red-hot Chicago lineup Tuesday at Wrigley Field.

The right-hander pitched 7 1-3 innings of two-hit ball Friday to earn a 4-0 victory in the opener, improving to 3-0 with a 0.93 ERA in four overall starts against the Cubs in 2015.

The Cardinals haven't won since, falling to the brink of elimination after Monday's 8-6 defeat in Game 3. St. Louis has advanced from this round each of the four previous years, rallying from 2-1 series deficits against Philadelphia in 2011 and Pittsburgh in 2013.

Lackey is 2-0 with a 2.42 ERA in four postseason starts on three days' rest, with two of those outings following a start. The first was Game 7 of the 2002 World Series, as he gave up one run in five innings to earn a 4-1 win for Anaheim over San Francisco.

The Angels' bench coach at the time was Maddon.

'I want to win championships. I want to be on good teams,' said Lackey, who has won four straight division series outings. 'Got a chance here, still, and try to keep it moving.'

Maddon will pencil in a lineup that will have many of the players who combined for a postseason record six homers Monday. Jorge Soler went deep for the second straight game and Kris Bryant, Kyle Schwarber, Anthony Rizzo, Dexter Fowler and Starlin Castro also all connected.

'Pretty impressive,' Maddon said. 'You know, I know the wind was blowing out - we'll concede that - but most of them were properly struck. We are definitely capable of that.'

Soler has set a major league record by reaching base in his first nine career postseason at-bats, going 4 for 4 with five walks. He is 4 for 8 with three doubles versus Lackey.

The Cubs are unsure whether shortstop Addison Russell will play after he left in the fourth inning with tightness in his left hamstring after legging out a triple, with Javier Baez replacing him. Russell is 3 for 9 off Lackey while Baez is 0 for 8.

'It feels fine now so we're just going to have to wait, see how it goes overnight,' Russell said.

Lackey has not allowed a homer against Chicago in 29 innings in 2015. Fowler, Bryant, Castro and Rizzo combined to go 7 for 46 against him this year.

How the wind is blowing will be a factor for both starters, though Chicago's Jason Hammel insists he isn't concerned.

"I know that most of the time you come out here and check out the wind, see what the flags are doing what you get out there, but I could care less," Hammel said. "I'm not going to treat it any differently than another start, whether the wind is blowing in or not."

Hammel is 0-1 with a 4.80 ERA in three career postseason starts. His last playoff appearance was last year's AL wild-card game as he allowed the only batter he faced, Kansas City's Salvador Perez, to hit a game-winning single in the 12th inning of Oakland's 9-8 defeat.

The right-hander went 10-7 with a 3.74 ERA in 31 starts this year, including 1-1 with a 5.73 ERA in three versus St. Louis.

He'll get a break if he doesn't have to face Yadier Molina, who is 6 for 13 with three doubles against him. Molina exited early Monday due to aggravating the strained ligament in his left thumb that caused him to miss the last part of the regular season.

"Let's see what they can do, see if they can once again support that thumb in a way that he can continue to play and just see if maybe getting him out a little early can help us as we move forward," manager Mike Matheny said.

Jason Heyward, who homered Monday, is 9 for 18 off Hammel and Jhonny Peralta is 9 for 23 with two homers.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Dodgers (92-70) at Mets (90-72)

Game: 4
Venue: Dodger Stadium
Date: October 13, 2015 8:07 PM EDT

Taking the mound on short rest isn't anything new for Clayton Kershaw. A postseason win, however, would be a welcome change - and a necessity with his team facing elimination.

With the Los Angeles Dodgers staring at another early playoff exit, Kershaw will try to end his five-start playoff losing streak Tuesday night against the New York Mets in Game 4 of this NL division series.

Kershaw has made two starts in the playoffs on three days' rest, compiling a 2.25 ERA with 15 strikeouts in 12 innings. He lost his only decision in those contests, falling 3-2 at St. Louis in Game 4 as Los Angeles was eliminated from last year's NLDS.

The left-hander takes the mound in the same predicament, this time in Queens.

"The adrenaline takes over. You don't really feel tired or anything like that," Kershaw said. "You know, it's the playoffs. So it doesn't really - obviously your routines change a little bit, different things like that, but as far as being prepared, being ready for it, I'll be fine."

Kershaw has been anything but fine in the postseason, going 1-6 with a 4.99 ERA in nine starts. He's lost five straight with a 6.44 ERA and 12.27 strikeouts per nine innings.

'I feel good with him. His stuff's always good,' manager Don Mattingly said. 'I'm always pretty confident when he's pitching.'

The three-time Cy Young Award winner and reigning NL MVP gave up three runs with 11 strikeouts and four walks in 6 2-3 innings of a 3-1 loss to the Mets in Game 1.

A change of venue could benefit Kershaw, who is 3-0 while yielding three runs with 31 strikeouts over 26 2-3 innings in four starts at Citi Field. He pitched a three-hitter there with 11 strikeouts in a 3-0 victory July 23.

He'll need to be on top of his game again after New York set a franchise record for runs while collecting 13 hits in Monday's 13-7 win to take a 2-1 series lead.

While Los Angeles gives the ball to its veteran ace, the Mets are turning to rookie Steven Matz (4-0, 2.27). The 24-year-old left-hander, though, hasn't pitched in the majors since Sept. 24 due to back spasms brought on from sleeping on a couch.

He threw 80 pitches in a simulated game last week in Florida.

"It felt really good," Matz told the team's official website. "I took two weeks off, so a little rusty in the first couple innings, but felt really good, finished strong, arm feels great, back feels great, so I'm ready to go."

He pitched two-hit ball over six innings and struck out eight in an 8-0 win at Dodger Stadium on July 5.

While a playoff atmosphere at Citi Field will be much different, Matz got a small taste of that intensity in a 5-1 home win over the New York Yankees on Sept. 18. He allowed one run in six innings.

"I think that did help me a lot because now this won't be the first time I'll be pitching in front of a crowd like that," Matz said. "So now it's kind of like I've been there and I feel like I'm ready to do it."

It's unclear if he'll have to contend with Chase Utley, who was booed during the Game 3 introductions after his takeout slide Saturday broke the right leg of shortstop Ruben Tejada.

Utley was suspended two games but is awaiting a ruling on his appeal.

'The greatest retaliation is winning,' Mets outfielder Michael Cuddyer said.

With the Mets' faithful seeking retaliation on the former Phillies nemesis, Dodgers manager Don Mattingly kept him on the bench in favor of using Howie Kendrick at second base.

Mattingly could opt for the same scenario since Utley hit .186 against left-handers this season, while Kendrick batted .291.

Kendrick is 5 for 13 in this series after hitting a three-run homer Monday, but he went 0 for 3 with a strikeout against Matz in July.

Curtis Granderson, Yoenis Cespedes and Travis d'Arnaud combined for eight hits and 11 RBIs for the Mets in Game 3. The trio, however, is 3 for 22 against Kershaw.

Granderson, though, has been outstanding in this series with three straight two-hit games. He doubled twice and tied New York's playoff record by driving in five runs, matching the mark held by Rusty Staub (1973), Edgardo Alfonzo (1999) and Carlos Delgado (2006).

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Cubs' Russell leaves with hamstring ailment
The Sports Xchange

CHICAGO -- Cubs shortstop Addison Russell left Chicago's National League Division Series Game 3 against the St. Louis Cardinals on Monday with reported left hamstring tightness after tripling in the fourth inning.

Russell, 1-for-2 in the game at Wrigley Field, slid head-first into third base after sending a long drive to deep left with two outs.

Javier Baez entered as a pinch runner and was stranded at third. Baez then remained in the game at shortstop.

Russell is 2-for-8 in the series, 3-for-12 in the postseason.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Youth vs. experience in Jays-Rangers Game 5
By THE SPORTS XCHANGE

Experience vs. youth will be the pitching matchup when the Toronto Blue Jays and Texas Rangers square off Wednesday in the decisive Game 5 of their American League Division Series.

Veteran left-hander Cole Hamels will start for the Rangers at Toronto, and the Blue Jays will counter with young right-hander Marcus Stroman.

The Blue Jays dropped the series' first two games in Canada, but the Rangers lost the next two at home in Texas.

Toronto had the option of bringing back David Price on Wednesday, but instead manager John Gibbons opted to use his ace left-hander for three innings of relief Monday. Price got the win despite allowing three runs. He still has never won a postseason game as a starter.

"Just like the second game at home," Gibbons said of the Hamels-Stroman matchup in Game 5. "They both pitched great, turned out to be a 14-inning game. Tight ballgame (Wednesday) wouldn't surprise me one bit. ...

"The fact that we're going back is everything, yeah. You know, we've been good at home all year. We didn't get those two games there (to open the series), we didn't play particularly well necessarily, but that's where we're best. And that was the goal to come down here (to Texas), hopefully get it back there. That's what we've done, so we'll see."

Rangers manager Jeff Banister said of Hamels, "I like the fact that we've got a pretty special starter going for us also. He also energizes this ballclub.

"I believe that this is still an energized, confident group of players that -- and again, I mean, we've been here before. We've been in this very similar situation. There's no quit in this ballclub. No quit in any one of those players in that locker room."

Stroman threw seven innings against the Rangers on Friday, allowing four runs (three earned) on five hits. He walked two and struck out five.

Hamels had a similar line: four runs (two earned) on six hits in seven innings. He fanned six without issuing a walk.

While Hamels is a 31-year-old veteran who was the 2008 National League Championship Series and World Series Most Valuable Player for the Philadelphia Phillies, Stroman, 24, will be making just his second career postseason start and only his sixth start of the year.

Stroman was all but ruled out for the season after having left knee surgery in March. He made a quick comeback, though, returning to the majors in September and going 4-0 with a 1.67 ERA in four starts.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Expectations are high for Mets rookie Matz
By Jerry Beach, The Sports Xchange

NEW YORK -- New York Mets left-hander Steven Matz has made 236 fewer major league starts, won 110 fewer games as a big-leaguer and earned three fewer Cy Young Awards than his mound counterpart Tuesday night.
However, the Mets are confident their young southpaw is up to the task of matching up against Los Angeles Dodgers left-hander Clayton Kershaw in a potential clinching game of the National League Division Series.
Matz will make his seventh big league start Tuesday, when the Mets try to close out the Dodgers in Game 4 of the NLDS at Citi Field. The Mets beat the Dodgers 13-7 in Game 3 on Monday to take a 2-1 lead in the best-of-five series.
"I watched him in spring training this year, and from the first bullpen that I saw him throw, I knew he was going to be really good," Mets left-hander Jonathon Niese said Monday afternoon. "His stuff is electric."
That stuff -- including a mid-90s fastball -- has thus far translated to the bigs. Matz's regular season was interrupted by a torn left lat and ended early due to a back injury, but he went 4-0 with a 2.27 ERA while striking out 34 batters over 35 2/3 innings.
Matz's transition was especially impressive to Niese, who began his major league career in 2008 by going 1-1 with a 7.07 ERA in three starts, during which he pitched just 14 innings.
"Coming up into the big leagues, being a rookie starting and having the success he has, it's not easy," Niese said. "I remember in 2008 when I came up, it didn't go well for me. For him to have the success he's having, being able to stay composed the way he has, it's pretty impressive."
That composure was on display Monday when Matz spoke. He said he didn't feel any more pressure heading not only into a playoff start but his first start against a major league team since Sept. 24.
The back injury forced Matz to be scratched twice in the final week of the regular season. He was cleared for the NLDS start after throwing five innings in an extended spring training league game last Thursday.
"I mean, I get butterflies before every start," Matz said. "You want to go out there and do well. But at this point, I'm taking the emotions out of it, treating it like any other game. You prepare for this point, so that's what I'm going to do.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Kershaw set to pitch Game 4 on short rest
By Jerry Beach, The Sports Xchange

NEW YORK -- The Los Angeles Dodgers and the New York Mets haven't agreed on much during a heated National League Division Series.
Except this: The best pitcher to take the ball for the Dodgers in Game 4 on Tuesday night is three-time Cy Young Award winner Clayton Kershaw.
During his press conference after New York's 13-7 win Monday night, Mets manager Terry Collins was asked if he preferred to see Kershaw or left-hander Alex Wood on the mound Tuesday.
"Would I have any preference?" Collins said with a laugh. "Yeah, I got a preference. Believe me, this is no slap at Alex Wood. He's a fine pitcher, but I don't want that other monster on the mound."
Well, Collins and the Mets are going to see that monster Tuesday, when the Dodgers try to extend their season by sending Kershaw to the mound on three days' rest. The Mets hold a 2-1 lead in the best-of-five series.
The Dodgers actually announced Kershaw as the starter, via their Twitter account, shortly before manager Don Mattingly stepped to the podium Monday afternoon.
"Do you have to explain that one?" Mattingly said with a laugh of his own. "He's pretty good. I mean, we just feel like he's that guy, no matter if we're down 2-1 or up 2-1. We feel like he's the right guy."
This will be the third consecutive season in which Kershaw starts Game 4 of the NLDS on three days' rest.
With the Dodgers up two games to one in 2013, he helped finish off the Atlanta Braves by allowing two unearned runs over six innings, though he didn't factor into the decision in Los Angeles' 4-3 win.
Last season, with the Dodgers trailing the St. Louis Cardinals two games to one, Kershaw opened Game 4 with six shutout innings but allowed three runs without recording an out in the seventh and took the loss as the Dodgers were eliminated in a 3-2 defeat.
"Atlanta was the first one, I think I did fine," Kershaw said Monday afternoon. "Last year I did OK until the last inning. So, you know, try not to do that again, I guess."
Kershaw didn't get a whole lot of help last season in the fateful seventh inning, when Cardinals left fielder Matt Holliday and shortstop Jhonny Peralta each singled off the gloves of second baseman Dee Gordon and shortstop Hanley Ramirez, respectively, before first baseman Matt Adams hit a three-run homer.
"We should have had the first two outs of that inning in the seventh," Mattingly said following Monday's game. "His stuff's really been fine."
In the series opener against the Mets on Friday, Kershaw took the loss after allowing three runs on four hits and four walks in 6 2/3 innings. He struck out 11.
Kershaw said Monday he doesn't feel the impact of pitching with one fewer day of rest.
"The adrenaline takes over," he said. "You don't really feel tired or anything like that. It's the playoffs. Obviously, your routine change a little bit, different things like that, but as far as being prepared, being ready for it, I'll be fine come (Tuesday)."
Once again, the Dodgers' season is riding on it.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

MLB

National League

Cubs vs Cardinals
Lackey is 3-1, 1.60 in his last six starts (under 3-1 last four).

Hammel is 3-2, 5.61 in his last seven starts (over 5-1 last six).

Cubs won ten of last 12 games (under 9-4-1 last 14) they're 7-5 in last 12 games with St Louis (over 9-2-1). Chicago is in playoffs for first time since '08. Joe Maddon was in playoffs with Rays four times in six years from '08-'13.

St Louis is in playoffs for fifth year in row, 12th time in 16 years; they lost seven of last 12 games- four of their last six games stayed under.

Mets vs Dodgers
Kershaw is 2-1, 2.22 in his last four starts (over 3-1); his career playoff record is 1-6, 4.99 (0-5, 6.75 the last three years).

Matz is 4-0, 2.27 in six MLB starts (under 3-1 last four); he blanked Dodgers for six innings in LA July 5 (101 PT).

Dodgers are in playoffs for third year in row; they've won five of last seven games, but need win tonight to keep their season going.

Mets are 4-1 in last five games with LA (over 9-4 last 13). NY lost six of last nine games overall. Mets are in playoffs for first time since 2006, second time since '00.


American League

Rangers vs Blue Jays
Texas won last 11 Hamels starts (2-0, 4.91 last three)- over is 7-0-1 in his last eight.

Stroman is 4-0, 2.38 in five starts this year (over 3-2).

Rangers won three of last five games with Toronto (over 4-2-1 last seven); Texas is in the playoffs for first time since losing first AL Wild Card game in 2012- they've won six of last ten games overall (over 7-5-1 in last thirteen).

Blue Jays are in playoffs for first time since winning '93 World Series; they lost six of last nine games, but won last two-- over is 7-1-2 in their last ten games.

Astros vs Royals
McHugh is 4-0, 2.62 in his last four starts (under 3-1).

Cueto is 2-1, 4.13 in his last four starts (over 8-2 in last ten).

Houston won eight of its last 12 games; this is Astros' first postseason since 2005. Astros are 8-4 in last 12 games with Royals (under is 5-3 in last eight)- they blew 6-2 lead in 8th inning of Game 4.

Kansas City lost Game 7 of World Series LY, its first playoff appearance since 1985; Royals won seven of last nine games overall (under 8-4 in last 12).


AL Wild Card game
Houston @ Bronx
Hst 3-0, even U7

NL Wild Card game
Chicago @ Pittsburgh
Chi 4-0, -$125, U5.5

NLDS
New York @ Los Angeles
NY 3-1, -$196, U5.5
LA 5-2, -$170, O6
NY 13-4, -$164, O7

NLDS
Chicago @ St Louis
StL 4-0, -$107, U6
Chi 6-3, +$126, O6.5
Chi 8-6, -$202, O7

ALDS
Texas @ Toronto
Tex 5-3, +$250, N8
Tex 6-4 (14), +$154, O7.5
Tor 5-1, +$126, U10
Tor 8-4, -$149, O10

ALDS
Houston @ Kansas City
Hst 5-2, +$122, U7.5
KC 5-4, -$178, O7.5
Hst 4-2, -$175, U7.5
KC 9-6, +$116, O7.5

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Dave Cokin

Bonus Play Tuesday

DODGERS (Kershaw) @ METS (Matz) 8:05 PM

Take: METS

Clayton Kershaw is one of the best pitchers I’ll ever see. I could write endlessly about the quality of his offerings. I have no idea why he hasn’t been able to duplicate his regular season success in the post-season. But there’s simply no denying he hasn’t been as overwhelming in the playoffs.

Kershaw is now faced with the task of keeping the Dodgers alive in their series with the upstart Mets. He did a solid job against them in Game One, but Jacob deGrom was even better and Kershaw eventually wore down and then got no help from that shaky LA bullpen.

The pressure here will be enormous. The failures of the last two post-seasons have to be in play when assessing tonight’s matchup and let’s face it, the Mets are simply playing better baseball than the Dodgers right now. In a way, the Dodgers are kind of fortunate to even still have a pulse.

Steven Matz will throw for the Mets and he’ll take the mound armed with the knowledge that he already dominated this opponent during the regular season. Matz also has the luxury of knowing that even if he comes up short, the Mets have that one-game cushion. For a rookie, that’s gravy, and beyond that, I haven’t seen anything to suggest that this kid won’t be up for the moment. Matz will also get to face an LA lineup that is simply better suited right now to facing righties as opposed to southpaws.

The Mets have played these first three games with a nothing to lose attitude. The Dodgers have played these first three games like a team with the weight of the world on their shoulders. The Mets are having fun, the Dodgers look like they’re toiling. Kershaw is awesome, and he might be able to find his groove and utterly dominate the Mets in Game Four. But I don’t see how that can be considered a sure thing at this point, and it’s also conceivable that Matz matches him pitch for pitch.

No widely available number on this game as I’m writing this, but price is not likely to be an obstacle. I’m going to look to line up on the Mets side to end this series tonight.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Jim Feist

Jim Feist's Bonus Play for Tuesday, Oct. 13, 2015 4:35 PM EST

(931) ST. LOUIS CARDINALS VS (932) CHICAGO CUBS

Take: Over the total

Reason: Your Bonus Play for Tuesday, October 13, 2015 is in the MLB contest between the Cardinals and the Cubs from Wrigley Field in Chicago. Wrigley Field is a small park, great for offenses. The over is 12-4-1 in the Cardinals last 17 road games vs. a team with a winning record. St. Louis starter Lance Lynn has a winning record at home, but his ERA his higher (3.15) on the road where he has a losing record. He is 0-3 against the Cubs this season with a 7.64 ERA. The Over is 12-4-2 in the Cardinals last 18 vs. a team with a winning record. Chicago has good power on offense and the over is 7-1 in the Cubs last 8 playoff home games. Chicago starter Jason Hammel has just one quality start in five September outings, with a 6.46 ERA for the month. He has a 5.73 ERA against St. Louis this season. The over is 8-2-1 in the last 11 meetings, including 5-1 over at Wrigley Field. Play the Cardinals/Cubs Game 4 Over the total.