Tuesday 5/3/16 service plays chatter/comps/requests & other stuff...

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

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[superbeets]

Champions League TODAY 19:45

B Munich

v

Atl Madrid

	HOME	DRAW	AWAY
BTEU		8/13	3	11/2	More markets

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RECENT FORM	LAST HEAD-TO-HEADSAT B MUNICH	RECENT FORM
ADHWHWAWALHD​ Most recent​	4 - 0 1 - 1	HWHWAWHWHWHW​ Most recent​

KEY STAT: Bayern have won 22 of their last 24 home games inside normal time

EXPERT VERDICT: Bayern were unable to break down a stubborn Atletico side last week and will have to work hard for the breakthrough in Bavaria. The hosts are unlikely to go for broke early on but will ramp up the pressure and can make their mark in the second half.

RECOMMENDATION: Draw-Bayern double result
1


REFEREE: Cuneyt Cakir STADIUM:

 

[superbeets]

Champions League We 4May 19:45

Real Madrid

v

Man City

	HOME	DRAW	AWAY
BTEU		8/15	7/2	11/2	More markets

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RECENT FORM	LAST HEAD-TO-HEADSAT REAL MADRID	RECENT FORM
HWAWHWAWADAW​ Most recent​	3 - 2	HWAWADHWHDAL​ Most recent​

KEY STAT: Real Madrid are unbeaten in their last seven matches against English sides

EXPERT VERDICT: There was plenty of shadow boxing at the Etihad last Tuesday but the gloves could come off when Real Madrid host Man City in the second leg of their Champions League semi-final at the Bernabeu. Real were the main aggressors in Manchester despite the 0-0 draw and should reach the final at City's expense.

RECOMMENDATION: Real Madrid to win 2-1
1

 

[superbeets]

Europa League Th 5May 20:05

Liverpool

v

Villarreal

	HOME	DRAW	AWAY
BTEU		3/4	11/4	17/4	More markets

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RECENT FORM	LAST HEAD-TO-HEADSAT LIVERPOOL	RECENT FORM
HWAWHWHDALAL​ Most recent​	Unknown	AWALALHDHWAW​ Most recent​

KEY STAT: Liverpool have scored in each of their six Europa League home games

EXPERT VERDICT: A late defensive lapse handed Villarreal the edge going into this Europa League semi-final second leg but Liverpool can overcome the 1-0 deficit and book their place in the Basel final. The Reds weren’t at their best in southern Spain but had chances to score and can push on in front of the Anfield Kop.

RECOMMENDATION: Liverpool
2

 

[superbeets]

Europa League Th 5May 20:05

Seville

v

Shakhtar

	HOME	DRAW	AWAY
BT2		7/10	16/5	4	More markets

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RECENT FORM	LAST HEAD-TO-HEADSAT SEVILLE	RECENT FORM
HL*HDALHWADAL​ Most recent​	2 - 2	ADHWHWADHDHW​ Most recent​

KEY STAT: Shakhtar have netted in each of their last 10 outings

EXPERT VERDICT: Seville seized the initiative thanks to a late penalty in Lviv and banking on goals looks to be the best bet in the second leg. Shakhtar will take heart from the fact they breached Seville twice in the first leg and are sure to come out firing as they seek a first final since winning this competition in 2009.

RECOMMENDATION: Both teams to score
2

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Lightning (46-31) at Islanders (45-27)

Date: May 03, 2016 7:00 PM EDT

The Tampa Bay Lightning not only have to try to reverse a poor road history against the New York Islanders, they'll also likely be facing a healthier home team.

The Islanders could have winger Josh Bailey and defenseman Ryan Pulock available in this series for the first time Tuesday night in Game 3 at the Barclays Center.

Tampa Bay has not won in regulation in its last nine road games against New York, going 1-7-1 and falling 5-2 on April 4 in its first trip to Brooklyn.

The Islanders won two of three at home in the first round against Florida and are eager to get back on the Barclays Center ice.

"We're excited," star center John Tavares said. "Our fans have been great all year, I saw how tremendous they were in the first round so it should be great."

Even more exciting is news that Bailey and Pulock returned to practice Monday along with goaltender Jaroslav Halak, who is still well away from a possible return. The injured Bailey did not travel to Tampa for the first two games.

"(Bailey) is an experienced guy," coach Jack Capuano told the Islanders' official website. "He's got 500 games or more. This time of year you need experience."

Pulock has been sidelined with an upper-body injury since Game 4 of the Panthers' series.

The Islanders insist they are not concerned after being outshot 67-42 in the first two games. They won 5-3 in Game 1 before falling 4-1 in Game 2 on Saturday.

"We've got to get in our zone and get an opportunity to shoot the puck," Tavares said. "It's an easy thing to say I think to shoot the puck, I think everyone would love to shoot it so we just have to execute and bear down."

Tavares has 11 points in the postseason, although he came up empty Saturday for the second time.

Lightning goalie Ben Bishop rebounded to make 19 saves after being pulled in the second period of Game 1 when he gave up four goals on 13 shots.

'Game 1, a couple of unlucky bounces there,' Bishop said. 'You just come back the same way in Game 2. You don't change anything. That's just kind of been the way I do it.'

Tyler Johnson had two goals and an assist and Victor Hedman added a goal and an assist Saturday, with Hedman ending a 23-game playoff goal drought. Johnson and Nikita Kucherov have combined for 19 points in the playoffs for a Lightning club playing without superstar Steven Stamkos.

Another factor was the play of Jonathan Drouin, who scored his first postseason goal and assisted on Hedman's tally in the second period. Drouin has seven points in the playoffs.

"He's been around pro hockey now for a couple of years and he's a smart player," coach Jon Cooper said. "He understands the game, and you have to be involved in it a little bit to find out what you can do and what you can't do."

One area of concern for Tampa Bay is the number of penalties it has taken. The Islanders are 2 for 9 on the power play in this series.

"We want to stay out of the box," Lightning forward Brian Boyle told the league's official website. "You are really playing with fire when you get into penalty trouble and are over three or four. You want to stay at two or three."

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Sharks (46-30) at Predators (41-27)

Date: May 03, 2016 9:00 PM EDT

(AP) - Joe Pavelski's transformation as an NHL player can be illustrated by the evolution of his nicknames.

The undersized former seventh-round pick who came into league known as 'Little Joe' in comparison to teammate Jumbo Joe Thornton turned into the Big Pavelski when he became a core player in San Jose and is now simply known as the captain.

In his first postseason wearing the 'C,' Pavelski is leading in actions and words. He entered Monday tied for the NHL lead with six goals this postseason, with many coming at key moments like the go-ahead score late in Game 2 on Sunday that helped San Jose take a 2-0 series lead in the second round against Nashville.

Game 3 is Tuesday night at Bridgestone Arena.

'It's just an exciting time of the year,' Pavelski said. 'It's what you play for. You play all 82 games to set yourself up to get into this spot, and now that you're here you lay it on the line.'

Pavelski has done that his whole career with 32 postseason goals, including six winners. Pavelski has 10 points this postseason and some of the team's biggest goals as San Jose has won six of its first seven playoff games.

The go-ahead goal with 2:40 remaining in Game 2 against the Predators was just the latest example. Pavelski also scored the winner in the third period of the first-round opener against Los Angeles, opened the scoring in Game 2 and scored the key insurance goal in the Game 5 clincher in Los Angeles.

Most of those goals have come from right near the net, where Pavelski's superior hand-eye coordination makes him one of the best in the league at deflecting shots and pouncing on rebounds like he did Sunday.

'He gets to the right areas,' teammate Tommy Wingels said. 'Guys in this league score goals different ways. The majority of Pav's goals, some are real nice highlight reels but a lot of them are in the dirty areas.

"He's not the biggest of guys or the fastest of guys but he finds a way to get in those areas. That's tough to do. He's so good at it. It's something other guys can take a page out of his book and try to emulate.'

Pavelski has far exceeded expectations as a seventh-round pick in 2003. He is third in the NHL in goals over the past five seasons with 163 and is one of the most versatile players in the league.

He is capable of playing on the wing or at center, killing penalties or on the power play, providing a key goal or shutting down the opposition's top line. He does it all despite standing 5-foot-11 and lacking elite skating speed.

'All he cares about is winning,' coach Peter DeBoer said. 'There's not a selfish bone in his body as far as his own personal numbers or agenda. It's all about winning. Where do you find guys that get 100 points and block shots and kill penalties and win faceoffs and go to the dirty areas of the ice? You can count on one hand the number of guys in the league that do that.'

Pavelski has been called on to do even more the past two seasons for the Sharks. After San Jose blew a 3-0 series lead to lose a first-round series to Los Angeles in 2014, Thornton was stripped of his captaincy in the offseason.

The Sharks rotated the leadership last season with Pavelski one of four players wearing an 'A' as alternate. But he quickly emerged as the leader and face of the franchise dealing with the media and becoming more vocal with his teammates.

So when DeBoer took over as coach this season he promoted Pavelski to the captaincy and the Sharks rebounded from missing the playoffs in 2015 to making the second round for just the second time since 2011.

Now they can move to the verge of making the conference finals for the first time since that year, though the Predators at least sounded confident they could turn the series in their favor after Game 2.

"I think everyone should feel encouraged in here; I think we played a great game," defenseman Mattias Ekholm, whose goal at 12:56 of the third had tied it, told the team's official website. "We have to maybe convert a little bit more in front of the net and score a few more goals - we're not going to win hockey games by scoring one goal or two goals, so that's an area we can improve on, but (compared to the) last game, I thought we played a lot better tonight."

Nashville held a 39-25 shot advantage, but its penalty killing has continued to struggle into this series. San Jose is 3 for 5 on the power play with Logan Couture scoring twice, making Predators opponents 6 for 18 in these playoffs.

"It'll be good to get back home," coach Peter Laviolette told the team's website. "We've been on the road for a while here again; I've said it before in different series, we have to pull the good things from tonight, take the confidence from that and look to be better in Game 3."

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Stars (50-23) at Blues (49-24)

Date: May 03, 2016 9:30 PM EDT

ST. LOUIS (AP) - Alex Pietrangelo is used to playing a lot - especially this time of year. The St. Louis Blues linchpin defenseman plays with a high motor and appears to have no issues piling up the ice time.

Pietrangelo is fourth overall in the playoffs averaging 30 minutes, 34 seconds, including more than 35 minutes in the Blues' overtime victory in Game 2 in Dallas on Sunday. Among the surviving eight teams, he's at the top of the list.

'The more you play him, the better he plays,' coach Ken Hitchcock said Monday, a day ahead of Game 3 against the Stars in a series knotted at a game apiece. 'I think he keeps his focus razor-sharp, and when he's like that, he's going to help us.'

A key to Pietrangelo's success is channeling attention deficit disorder and putting excess energy to good use. He's constantly talking, compensating for soft-spoken defensive partner Jay Bouwmeester.

'He is go, go, go and guys sometimes wish he had a muzzle on him at times,' Backes said. 'He's a big reason why we're still playing.'

Pietrangelo leads the rush at times and has a goal and five assists in the playoffs for a team savoring its first victory in the second round since 2002.

Several teammates believe Pietrangelo, the fourth overall pick in 2008, was the Blues' MVP in the first round. He was instrumental in holding down Blackhawks stars Patrick Kane and Jonathan Toews.

'I like having the opportunity to play on a big stage,' Pietrangelo said. 'Sometimes it's hard minutes, but I'll take that as long as it's going to help us.'

All of the minutes leaders still in the playoffs are defensemen, with Pittsburgh's Kris Letang right behind Pietrangelo at 29:24 per game entering Monday's action. The Islanders have two players getting heavy rotation, Nick Leddy (28:33) and Travis Hamonic (27:03). Nashville's Roman Josi (27:22) and Tampa Bay's Victor Hedman (27:02) also are high on the list.

Two mainstays are watching now, Chicago's Duncan Keith (31:27) and Los Angeles' Drew Doughty (30:49).

Pietrangelo's minutes stand out even more given he's not on the first power- play unit, duty that's not usually as taxing as regular shifts.

'You have to recognize that those are heavy minutes he's playing,' coach Ken Hitchcock said. 'He's getting challenged, he's playing against top players, he's killing all the penalties.'

The odds of Pietrangelo getting more extremely heavy duty would seem to be high, given the Stars and Blues have met seven times with four going to overtime and one decided in a shootout. He can be a calming influence, although inside he's going 100 mph.

'I'm still amped up, you can ask my teammates,' Pietrangelo said. 'I'm always on the go.'

Dallas has a bit of goalie intrigue. Coach Lindy Ruff yanked Kari Lehtonen after the Blues' three-goal first period in Game 2, and Antti Niemi finished strong, stopping 19 consecutive shots before Backes got the winner in overtime.

'I'll let you guys know (who's starting) about five minutes after warmup tomorrow,' Ruff told reporters.

Lehtonen said only that 'I might know' who's starting Game 3.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

NHL Hockey Odds and Picks: Scouting the Week Ahead
by Alan Matthews

The Pittsburgh Penguins have overtaken the Washington Capitals as Eastern Conference favorites, with the Pens at +140 and Caps at +150 entering Monday's Game 3 of their tied series in the Steel City. Both are +375 to win the Stanley Cup.

But the Capitals will be without one of their key players in Games 3-5 as defenseman Brooks Orpik was suspended for three games for a late hit to the head of Pittsburgh defenseman Olli Maatta in Game 2. Orpik received only a two-minute minor for interference on the play. Maatta was injured on the play and wasn't likely to play in Game 3.

The Capitals are at least used to playing without Orpik. He missed 40 games from Nov. 12 to Feb. 13 because of a lower-body injury and the Capitals went 30-6-4 in that span. He also was out the final three games of the first-round series against Philadelphia with an upper-body injury. In five postseason games, Orpik is scoreless with six penalty minutes. He had three goals and seven assists and was plus-11 during the regular season. To his credit, Orpik accepted his suspension and called the league's decision "fair.'' He used to play on the Penguins with Maatta and considers him a friend.

The Game 3s in the other three series are all on Tuesday. The Lightning and Islanders drop the puck in Brooklyn with that series tied at one. The Bolts are -130 series favorites with New York at +110. Tampa star defenseman Victor Hedman has largely kept Islanders star John Tavares in check, but New York will have the last line change at home and thus Coach Jack Capuano should be able to keep Tavares away from Hedman more. Tavares was the No. 1 overall pick in the 2009 draft and Hedman was No. 2. In two games, the Islanders have recorded just 42 shots. Tampa is +525 to win the East and New York +650.

San Jose can take a commanding 3-0 lead against the Predators as that series shifts to Nashville on Tuesday. The Sharks are -700 on the series line and the Preds +525. San Jose probably deserved to lose Game 2 as it was outshot 39-25 and outhit 46-26. But Joe Pavelski scored the tiebreaking goal with 2:40 left in the third period. The Predators went 0-for-3 on the power play Sunday and are 2-for-31 in the playoffs. Pavelski certainly is in the running for the Conn Smythe Trophy thus far as he has had a hand in 10 of the Sharks' 21 total goals. He has scored six and assisted on four others. San Jose is now the +175 Western Conference favorite. Nashville is +1600.

Finally, the Stars-Blues series moves to St. Louis tied at one. The Blues are -135 on the series line and the Stars +115. Dallas' second-leading scorer Tyler Seguin has yet to play in the series but did skate with the team on Monday. Last Friday, general manager Jim Nill said Seguin would not be able to play until four to five days after he starts skating.

Stars coach Lindy Ruff could change goalies for Game 3. Kari Lehtonen made 31 saves in a 2-1 win in Game 1 on Friday but was pulled for Antti Niemi after allowing three goals on five shots in the first period of Game 2. Niemi made 19 saves before allowing the game-winner to David Backes in overtime. Dallas is now +200 to win the West as is St. Louis.

Maple Leafs' Rebuild Gets A Huge Boost

Sportsbooks no doubt will have some NHL draft props available the week of the event, which is June 24-25 in Buffalo. And the big winners of the NHL Draft lottery held over the weekend were the long-suffering Toronto Maple Leafs. They finished with the fewest points in the league and won the lottery (only seventh team with fewest points to do so), meaning also the chance to draft top prospect Auston Matthews, a center.

The Arizona-born Matthews has compared favorably with Jack Eichel and Connor McDavid, the two super prospects from last year's draft. Both those guys lived up to the hype. Matthews. who starred with Zurich in the National League A, the top professional league in Switzerland, will be joining William Nylander, Mitch Marner, among others, on a franchise that is stockpiling young talent. Matthews would be the first American-born player since Patrick Kane in 2007 to be selected first. The 18-year-old is also set to represent the United States at the upcoming world championship.

The Leafs haven't picked first since the 1985 draft, when they selected defenseman/left wing Wendel Clark. Now the question in Toronto is if this makes it more or less likely that Tampa's Steve Stamkos will sign with his hometown Leafs in free agency (some think perhaps less likely because Stamkos considers himself a No. 1 center, which is where Matthews projects). The Winnipeg Jets moved up from sixth to second in the lottery, and the Columbus Blue Jackets moved from fourth to third.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

NHL

Tuesday's games

NY Islanders-Tampa Bay (1-1)
Islanders won five of last seven games with Tampa Bay, winning last three played here, in series where over is 5-1-2 in last eight games. Islanders won three of last four games but are 2-3 in last five games in Brooklyn- under is 3-1-1 in their last five games overall. Tampa Bay won five of its last seven games, going 2-3 in last five road games. NY is 2-9 on power play in series, Lightning 1-7. Tampa Bay outshot NY 54-18 in periods 2-3 first two games of series

St Louis-Dallas (1-1)
Blues scored PP goal 10:58 into OT to even series after they blew 3-1 third period lead; St Louis won seven of last nine games with Dallas overall-- home team won five of last seven series games, with seven of last ten staying under total. Last four St Louis series wins all came in OT or SO. Dallas won seven of last ten games overall; over is 4-1-1 in their last six games. Stars outshot St Louis 76-57 in first two games; Stars are 0-7 on power play in series, St Louis 2-7.

Nashville-San Jose (SJ 2-0)
Sharks scored seven third period goals to win first two games; Pavelski scored GW goal with 2:40 left to snap 1-1 tie in Game 2. Both games were 1-0 after two periods, then opened up in third period. San Jose is 3-5 on power play in series, Nashville is 1-5. Sharks lost three of last four visits here; they've won seven of last eight games overall. Predators lost five of last seven games. Sharks won nine of last 11 games overall- they've won last three games with Nashville. Under is 6-3-1 in last 10 series games.

Playoffs tally: 1st round-- Home: 23-24, Over: 16-17-14
2nd round-- Home: 6-3, Over: 4-2-3

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Heat (48-34) at Raptors (56-26)

Date: May 03, 2016 8:00 PM EDT

MIAMI (AP) The exhilaration of winning Game 7s was short-lived for Toronto and Miami.

It's back-to-work time.

The Raptors play host to the Heat in Game 1 of their Eastern Conference semifinal matchup in Toronto on Tuesday night, a series that starts a mere two days after both teams survived elimination games on their respective home floors. And the objective for both teams on Monday would be finding ways to get ready for a new opponent while keeping the same edge that helped them eliminate their last one.

'I don't want them to be relaxed,' Raptors coach Dwane Casey said. 'We're not done. We have a tough Miami team coming in.'

Toronto finally ended its 15-year postseason series victory drought by holding off Indiana in a Game 7 that looked like it was slipping away in the final minutes. Miami's trip to the second round was secured a bit more easily, as the Heat rolled past Charlotte by 33 points - the fifth-largest margin in Game 7 history.

And Raptors guard DeMar DeRozan knows what sort of challenge Miami will bring.

'Veteran team,' DeRozan said. 'Lot of guys who have been in these positions. It's going to be another of these fought-hard series. We don't expect anything less.'

There's some irony in that Miami is heading to Toronto for the second round, since probably many thought the Heat season essentially ended there in February.

Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh - back in the city where his NBA career began - were representing the Heat in the All-Star Game at Toronto, but Bosh's weekend was derailed by what the team said was a calf strain. Turned out, it really was a blood clot that had been found, the malady ending Bosh's regular season at the All-Star break for the second straight season.

The Heat rallied without Bosh and wound up as the No. 3 seed in the East.

'You have to go through the fire together,' Heat coach Erik Spoelstra said. 'That's when you truly grow, when you face adversity together, you get to know each other for real. We've been through a lot this year. There have been a lot of emotions with that, but we are still standing.'

Here's some of what to know going into the series:

---

THE SERIES: Miami leads the all-time series between the clubs, 49-26. But Toronto has won five of the last six meetings, holding Miami to 47 percent shooting or less in each of those games. It's the first playoff matchup between the Heat and Raptors.

OH, BROTHER: Dorell Wright and Delon Wright faced off countless times in their lives, but never on the same NBA floor. That might change in this series. Dorell Wright rejoined the Heat as the regular season was ending, younger brother Delon Wright is a rookie with the Raptors. Dorell Wright wrote his brother a letter published by The Players' Tribune as this season started, telling Delon that Toronto stars like Kyle Lowry and DeRozan - his close friends for some time - would have his back. 'They reached out to me and let me know you're in great hands,' Dorell Wright wrote at the time, when he was playing in China. 'Do what they say. Follow their lead.'

BENCH MATCHUP: Miami's backups got outscored 32-23, on average, by Charlotte's reserves in that series. Toronto could be an issue for the Heat in that department as well; the Raptors outscored Indiana's bench 34-27 on average in their matchup.

WADE WATCH: Wade comes into this series 17th on the NBA's all-time playoff scoring list, at 3,614 points - having just passed Wilt Chamberlain. He should climb a few more spots in this matchup. He's 10 points away from passing Elgin Baylor, 29 from passing Scottie Pippen, 50 from passing Dirk Nowitzki and 88 from passing Magic Johnson. All this comes after a season where he went from 54th to 39th on the regular-season list. 'Dwyane Wade is back to being a young Dwyane Wade. He is a handful,' Casey said.

COOL JOE: Heat forward Joe Johnson was a matchup nightmare for Toronto in the playoffs two years ago when Brooklyn ousted the Nets in the first round, winning Game 7 on the Raptors' home floor. Johnson averaged 21.9 points in that 2014 series, and scored 50 points in his two games at Toronto this season (one with Brooklyn, the other with Miami).

EASY AS 1-2-3-4: This is the first time since 2010 that the top four seeds in the Eastern Conference made the second round. No. 1 Cleveland is taking on No. 4 Atlanta in the other East semi series, opposite Toronto-Miami.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Trail Blazers (44-38) at Warriors (73-9)

Date: May 03, 2016 10:30 PM EDT

OAKLAND, Calif. (AP) - Andrew Bogut has taken to publicly calling himself unflattering names.

Such was his mood Monday when someone inquired about the Golden State center often appearing mean and nasty. He used another word to basically refer to himself as a jerk - '100 percent,' he said.

As long as Bogut and the defending champion Warriors keep playing the kind of defense that has helped them set the tone so far in these playoffs without MVP Stephen Curry, he won't even mind if anybody else uses those words to describe him either.

Bogut's two early blocks got Golden State going during Sunday's 118-106 win against the Portland Trail Blazers in Game 1 of the Western Conference semifinals. The teams resume their best-of-seven series Tuesday night in Oakland.

The Warriors again will try to establish an energy and presence on the defensive end from the start. They know their offense will come given this team's depth and many playmakers.

'It's very important we don't give up just layups early in the game,' Bogut said. 'We're trying to protect the paint and make sure they get nothing easy early.'

Bogut wound up with 10 points, 12 rebounds and three blocks, and the Warriors have proven they are still a dominant team without Curry, who could return from a sprained right knee as soon as Saturday's Game 3 in Portland.

The Australian 7-footer takes pride in his unfriendly nature on the court, and he rarely is seen shaking hands with the opponent before the opening tip. That topic led to Coach of the Year Steve Kerr reflecting on a rare road start against the Celtics back when he was a player.

'I think in 15 years I only started like 17 games,' Kerr said Monday. 'I started a game in Boston Garden my second year in the league, somebody got hurt, I was with Cleveland. I went out and Larry Bird gave me a fist bump and said, `Good luck, Steve,' and I almost fainted. It was awesome. Larry Bird knew my name.'

Any lack of pregame pleasantries aside, the Blazers fully understand they can't afford another slow start after falling behind 37-17 after the first period, which Kerr called 'a beautiful quarter.' Guards Damian Lillard and CJ McCollum combined to shoot 13 for 43.

Back home in the East Bay, Lillard was hoarse as he has been battling a chest cold in recent days but noted Monday: 'I've always said there are no excuses. The bottom line is my team needs me to perform better than I did. Tomorrow, I've got to be better. I will be. Our team will be better.'

He said the Blazers must match Golden State from the tipoff.

'We've just got to understand that they are a good first-quarter team. We've got to be better from the start of the game,' Lillard said. 'So once we fix that and continue to compete the way we did, we'll have a chance.'

Kerr expects Portland to push all game, never surrendering on the offensive end even if the Blazers trail by double digits.

That's what makes Golden State's defensive energy for 48 minutes so important if the Warriors are going to take a 2-0 series lead at home.

'They're not going to be a team that's going to panic and all of a sudden it goes from 25 to 35 and it's game over,' Kerr said. 'They're the kind of team, they're going to stay with it. They've got such great shot-makers, they're always going to be on your tail, so our defense has to be locked in for 48 minutes.'

Slowing down Klay Thompson, who scored 37 points while handling the load of guarding Lillard, must be a top priority for Portland.

Portland coach Terry Stotts is eager to see his team bounce back. The Blazers not only fell way behind in the first quarter and shot just 40 percent - 10 for 31 on 3-pointers - they also were outrebounded 55-40 and gave up 16 offensive boards.

'Well, we can't get down 20. Anything less than 20 would be a better start,' he said Monday. 'They're a first-quarter team. They're the best in the league at getting off to good starts. So, we have to be able to match that.'

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

NBA Odds: Tuesday, May 3 2016 Opening Line Report and Handicapping
by Alan Matthews

Interesting news out of Indiana after the Pacers were eliminated by Toronto over the weekend. Pacers coach Frank Vogel is very highly regarded around the NBA, but his contract expires and there's been no talk with the team about an extension. That seems a little odd. He would immediately jump to the front of the line for a few jobs, especially with Luke Walton off the market after accepting the Lakers gig. The Knicks and Rockets almost surely would like to talk with Vogel. He grew up in South Jersey an admirer of Knicks team president Phil Jackson, although Vogel doesn't run Jackson's triangle offense. Vogel also was an advance scout for Jackson's Lakers in 2005-06. He could still take over as coach and the Knicks could move Kurt Rambis back to an assistant's role as a pseudo-offensive coordinator to run the triangle.

Game 1: No. 3 Heat at No. 2 Raptors (-4.5, 191)

The Eastern Conference was all chalk in the first round, with No. 1 Cleveland and No. 4 Atlanta advancing on the other side of the bracket and starting their series on Monday night. Miami beat visiting Charlotte in Game 7 on Sunday, 106-73. It was Miami's fourth straight Game 7 victory and 10th straight postseason win when scoring at least 100 points. It was the fifth-largest margin of victory in a Game 7 all-time. The record is 40. Under coach Erik Spoelstra, the Heat are now 15-4 in postseason series, 8-4 when facing elimination games and 15-5 in games when they have a chance to oust an opponent. Luol Deng averaged 19.0 points against Charlotte, nearly seven points more than his season average. Hassan Whiteside had 24 blocks in the series, the most ever for a Miami player in a seven-game series. Dwyane Wade is nine points shy from Elgin Baylor (3,623) for 16th place on the NBA's all-time playoff scoring list and 28 short of Scottie Pippen for 15th.

Toronto won a Game 7 for the first time in franchise history and advanced to the conference semifinals for only the second time -- the 15-year drought was the longest active drought between series wins -- with an 89-84 home victory over Indiana on Sunday. DeMar DeRozan had 30 points and Jonas Valanciunas had 15 rebounds and 10 points. But the Raptors aren't beating the Heat if Kyle Lowry doesn't get going. He shot 31.6 percent from the field in the series and averaged 13.5 points. He shot 42.7 during the season and averaged 21.2 points. The Raptors are playing the Heat for the first time ever in the playoffs. Toronto won the season series 3-1.

Series line: Raptors -165, Heat +145

Key trends: The Heat are 4-0 against the spread in their past four Tuesday games. The Raptors are 4-9 ATS in their past 13 after a win. The "over/under" has gone under in five straight Heat games. It is 7-1 in Toronto's past eight overall.

Early lean: The Heat won at least one game on the road in 17 consecutive playoff series, the longest streak in NBA history. I like them here. Go under.

Game 2: No. 5 Trail Blazers at No. 1 Warriors (-10, 213.5)

If Portland has any shot at winning this series, and I don't really think it does, then the Blazers probably have to steal this game because Steph Curry seems to think he will be able to return from his knee injury in Game 3 on Saturday. What's with the three days off in between games? Although if the Warriors are up 2-0, I probably wouldn't play Curry yet. Golden State took Game 1 on Sunday, 118-106. Klay Thompson stepped up and had 37 points, hitting 7-for-14 from 3-point range. He became the first player in NBA history to make at least seven 3s in three straight playoff games. Thompson is averaging 27.0 points in seven games without Curry this season. In the past three games, Thompson is 21-of-36 on 3-pointers. Draymond Green had a triple-double of 23 points, 13 rebounds and 11 assists.

Thompson also was great defensively as the Blazers shot 2-for-16 when Thompson was the primary defender, including 2-of-13 from Damian Lillard. He finished with 30 points to lead the Blazers but needed 26 shots to do it. Lillard, who was playing through a chest cold, didn't get much help with C.J. McCollum hitting 5-for-17 from the field for 12 points. Mason Plumlee had one point in 25 minutes. The undersized Blazers were outrebounded 55-40, with the Warriors grabbing 16 offensive boards. I suppose if you want to look on the bright side if a Blazers fan, they outscored the Warriors 55-53 in the second half, including 33-25 in the fourth quarter.

Series line: Warriors -3000, Trail Blazers +1200

Key trends: The Blazers are 0-6 ATS in their past six after scoring at least 100 points in the previous game. The Warriors have covered six straight at home. The over is 10-4 in Portland's past 14 road games. The over is 7-0 in Golden State's past seven vs. teams with a winning record. The over is 13-3 in the past 16 meetings.

Early lean: Warriors and over.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

NBA

Tuesday's games

Miami lost four of last five games with Toronto, losing last three games in Canada by 8ot-20-10 points- under is 3-1 in last four games played in Toronto. Home side won seven of last nine series games. Heat lost three of last four road games; their last five games stayed under total, as have seven of last eight Raptor games. Toronto won last three home games by 5-3-11 points. Both teams won Game 7's Sunday- this game could ba a little sluggish, so soon after those win-or-go home games. .

Portland-Golden State (GS 1-0)
In 10 quarters since Curry hurt his knee, Warriors are +72; they've won seven of last eight against Portland, covered nine of last 11. Trailblazers are 0-5 vs spread last five times they came to Oakland. Blazers are 7-4 in last 11 games, with six of last nine staying under the total. Golden State won eight of last ten games, covered seven of last eight- under is 6-3 in their last nine games. Warriors raced out to 37-17 first quarter lead, then coasted from there to win Game 1 by 12.

Playoff tally: Favorites vs spread: 26-18, Over: 13-31
Second round: Favorites: 3-1, over: 2-2

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Yonkers: Tuesday 5/3 Analysis
By Brewster Smith

DRF HARNESS

MEET STATS: 111 - 456 / $717.60

BEST BETS: 12 - 48 / $51.40

Best Bet: GRANDPA DON (5th)

Spot Play: SILVER CREDIT (3rd)


Race 1

(5) SEA STAR put in a mild rally for the show spot last time out. Gelding stays in same condition and has every right to put his best foot forward. (1) A BETTOR HAT flashed good speed at Philly in his latest. (4) LENNON BLUE CHIP needs a better trip to be a factor against these.

Race 2

(8) RINGSIDE WINNER catches a weak group and has hit the board 4 of 13 trips this year. Has good speed to grab a good spot from the 8-hole and with a covered up trip she could get the job done. (1) AMALFI COAST gets serious post relief and that should help his cause in here. (4) SCOTTISH BLUE makes his way from Saratoga and if you throw out his last try he fits with these.

Race 3

(4) SILVER CREDIT closed late and nailed down the place spot last time out. Trotting mare seems to be in good form and figures to get back into the winning groove. (1) NOBLE WARRAWEE was second best closing from the passing lane last out. (3) LADY BIG STORMONT Jersey invader was sent down the road to grab his second straight victory recently.

Race 4

(3) A J DESTINY showed good speed at the Meadowlands last time around. Trotting gelding returns to Yonkers where he was sharp on March 12th; can best these with a favorable trip. (4) MOVEMENT has scored two straight victories via the pocket route. (1) JERICHO 4-year-old trotter should find these to his liking and the rail should help his chances.

Race 5

(4) GRANDPA DON Quite sharp in his last three outings and this gelding can boss these at his best. (1) LAUGHING MATTERS rallied strongly to nail down show money last out. (3) INTREPID HALL raced evenly for the fourth spot in his last trip.

Race 6

(1) PRONOLOGY Z TAM made a first over bid and grinded out a victory last out. Pacing gelding now moves to the rail and most likely will try to get the job done wire to window. (5) INNOCENT VICTIM put in good effort missing the score by 3/4 length. (7) TENDTOWIN was even in his last start and will need a better trip to contend with these; maybe.

Race 7

(7) MONTANA PABLO A was sent down the road at his Freehold base for all the glory last time out. Gelding seems to be back in good form and does not meet the greatest group today; two straight is not out of the question. (1) CANT IT BE ME showed some early pace and held on for show money recently. (2) IDEAL CARVER is 0 for 13 this year but is knocking at the door based on his last two starts.

Race 8

(1) COLONIAL ROAD has showed life in his last two tries. 9-year-old should benefit from the rail and good to see Brennan at the helm; threat at his best. (8) FAT MANS ALLEY has scored two victories in a row; post hurts but is very capable. (5) WILD SHOT HANOVER got the job done at the Meadowlands last out down the road.

Race 9

(4) ELLIES FUNKY MUNKY was sharp in victory at Pocono last time out. Sophomore filly figures in here and can put another victory in the books with Dube at the controls. (3) OPEN ACCESS has pulled off two scores in a row and has good speed. (8) COUGHLIN was very game at the Meadows to get the job done recently.

Race 10

(4) CAPT SERIOUS is 0 for 6 this year but there's good news for this trotter. Was very sharp for second money at the mile and quarter distance last out now he is back at a flat mile where just missed glory by a head on March 29; big threat. (6) CRAZYCAT moves up in class off two sharp scores against lesser company. (2) HOT START came outside at the 3/4 pole and just held on for win honors at Saratoga last out.

Race 11

(4) NORTHERN OBSESSION Clearly this trotting mare is knocking at the door based on her latest. Has good tactical speed and with a fine-timed drive she could greet the cameraman for pictures. (3) P L INDYANACA Consistent trotting mare has been in the trifecta picture in her last five starts; main danger. (7) TROPICAL STORM BI put in a mild rally to grab the show spot in his last trip to the post.

Race 12

(3) HALL OF TERROR Gelding was quite sharp to lose the victory by only 1/2 length. Now he makes another trip at this level and should be cranked up to boss these at his best. (4) MAXI BON was an easy winner at Saratoga last time around and should be right in the mix with these. (6) LAWGIVER HANOVER flashed good speed and held on for show money against better in his latest..

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

SPOT PLAYS

For Tuesday


TRACK (RACE) HORSE, MORNING LINE


Churchill Downs (1st) Doggerwinii, 6-1
(2nd) Pour Girl, 10-1


Finger Lakes (1st) West of Eden, 3-1
(9th) Mo's Mishap, 6-1


Indiana Grand (3rd) Avie Niner, 5-1
(7th) Grits N Gravy, 6-1


Mountaineer (2nd) Logan Creek, 5-1
(5th) Purple Panda, 5-1


Parx Racing (2nd) Confirm, 8-1
(6th) Dusty Street, 9-2


Sunland Park (2nd) Sweetie Pie Who, 6-1
(9th) Dewey, 4-1

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

May Pitchers Report
By Marc Lawrence

Horse racing fans recognize May as the month of the Kentucky Derby and the Preakness Stakes. For baseball purists May is simply the second month of the 2016 pro baseball season. But for die-hard baseball fans, namely those who enjoy handicapping America’s pastime, it signals our annual May Good Month/Bad Month pitchers report.

Listed below are hurlers that have enjoyed a two-to-one or better success ratio in team-starts over the course of the last three seasons during the month of May. On the flip side, we've also listed pitchers that struggle in May, winning 33% percent or less of their team-start efforts.

To qualify pitchers must have made a minimum of 10 starts, with at least one start each April over the last three years. And for your convenience alongside each record we break down each pitcher’s greatest success or greatest failure rate either home (H) or away (A) within his good or bad month.

Note: * designates a categorical repeat appearance by this pitcher, maintaining status quo from last season’s May list.

GOOD MONTH PITCHERS:

De La Rosa , Jorge -11-3 (5-1 A)

The Colorado right-hander had a rough April and will look to find his groove this month. The normally reliable right-hander has start and stop windup and still has low 90's fastball with tail action. He will need to spot pitches better and have more control with slider and changeup to match past numbers. Update - Went on 15-day DL on 4/27 with groin.

Hernandez, Felix -11-5 (8-3 A)

Though the "King" does not have the same velocity as a few years ago, he has more pitches he throws for strikes. Thus, he's not going to be as dominant as often, but he's making the transition away from pure power pitcher to smarter hurler to get batter out.

Hughes, Phil -10-4 (6-1 H)

Never the ace many envisioned in his younger days with the Yankees, Hughes is a dependable starter for Minnesota, who commands low-90's fastball and spins a tight-curve. His walk-to-strikeout command is excellent but the biggest problem is staying focused inning after inning and has always been prone of losing concentration.

Porcello, Rick -11-5 (8-1 A)

Sinker-ball pitcher who tried to become strikeout chucker with big contract in Boston last year and failed miserably. Has gone back to what he does best so far this season, which has batters beating the ball into the ground. A true No. 3 or No. 4 starter in the rotation whose not comfortable being depended on for more.

*Sale, Chris -10-1 (5-0 A)

A true strikeout machine who, at 27, has gained the confidence to also be clubhouse leader. At 6'6 and thin, all arms and legs with funky left-side delivery, has mid to upper 90's fastball and catcher seldom has to move once target is set. Headliner of an overabundance of White Sox lefty starters.

*Scherzer, Max -13-4 (6-1 H)

Since the middle of last season, has been pedestrian performer, more like was with Arizona, with ERA over 4.25. Scherzer depends on clean mechanics for velocity and tilt on breaking pitches. It seems to come and go without warning. Washington is looking for the pitcher they had the first half of last year as right-hand version of Clayton Kershaw when he was unhittable.

*Vogelsong, Ryan -12-3 (6-1 A)

Now with Pittsburgh, lost starting job in spring training and now works in long relief or as spot starter. Not likely to change at 38 unless injuries occur.

*Weaver, Jered -10-2 (6-1 H)

After shoulder issues in the spring related to tightness, which had his fastball topping out at 81-82, Weaver got stretched out and is now serviceable mid-rotation pitcher, who knows how to works counts and change speeds. Fastball still only in mid-80's but throws so many off-speed pitches his fastball is looking quicker to hitter's thus far.

Zimmermann, Jordan -11-5 (7-1 H)

The formers Nats pitcher took an immediate liking to the American League and went 24 1/3 innings before giving up a run in 2016. Has four good pitches he can keep in the zone and is frontline hurler. For whatever reason, seldom pitches beyond the seventh inning.


BAD MONTH PITCHERS:

Hamels, Cole -5-12 (2-6 A)

Has fit in comfortably at Texas, with still good fastball that moves late when low in the zone, excellent cutter and still one of the best changes in the game. Part of poor record is he's been on some bad teams of late in Philadelphia and has thrown better when the weather heats up, which is not a problem in Dallas.

Peralta, Wily -3-12 (1-6 A)

Been hit hard thus far in 2016, not keeping fastball down and delivering too many room service sliders. Peralta lacks great stuff and even when he's at his best, not many swings and misses. Note: Figures represent career start marks.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Tigers (14-10) at Indians (10-12)

Game: 1
Venue: Progressive Field
Date: May 03, 2016 6:10 PM EDT

The way the Detroit Tigers have been hitting bodes well for Justin Verlander in a matchup with a longtime nemesis.

Struggling offensively, the Cleveland Indians hope a return home and an opponent they swept last month allows them to get back on track.

Verlander tries to pitch Detroit to a sixth consecutive victory and end an eight-start win drought against Cleveland when the AL Central opponents open a three-game series Tuesday night.

Shut down by the Indians in three straight losses April 22-24, the Tigers enter Progressive Field averaging 7 runs and batting .328 during a season-high winning streak. They recorded 14 hits in Sunday's 6-5 comeback win at Minnesota to complete a three-game sweep.

'We had it in us, we knew it, even when we were going through that stretch where we were losing,' said catcher Jarrod Saltalamacchia, who delivered a tiebreaking RBI double in the eighth inning Sunday. 'We just weren't putting the ball in play. We knew we were better than that.'

Nick Castellanos forged a 5-all tie with a three-run homer in the sixth and Victor Martinez and Justin Upton had three hits to help Detroit (14-10) move to 9-4 on the road.

Martinez went 9 for 13 in the series and is 16 for 31 with three home runs and nine RBIs in an eight-game stretch. Upton was 7 for 13 in Minnesota and Miguel Cabrera is batting .387 with three homers during a seven-game hitting streak.

The Tigers' bats weren't remotely as hot in the previous series against Cleveland, as they hit .140 while scoring five runs. They were held to four hits through 6 2/3 innings by Josh Tomlin in a 2-1 loss April 22 that gave Verlander an 0-5 mark and 4.83 ERA in his last eight meetings with the Indians.

Verlander (2-2, 5.46 ERA) yielded four hits and struck out 10 in seven innings but surrendered homers to Carlos Santana and Marlon Byrd. He's 18-19 with a 4.83 ERA in 44 career starts against Cleveland - his lone losing record versus an AL Central team - and last beat the Indians on April 17, 2014.

The 2011 AL MVP received more support in Wednesday's 9-4 win over Oakland in which he surrendered three runs in 6 1/3 innings.

Cleveland (10-12) scored 18 runs in its sweep of the Tigers but just five against surprising Philadelphia, which limited the Indians to four hits in Sunday's 2-1 victory that capped a three-game sweep.

The Indians have played six consecutive one-run games since the Detroit series and lost five, falling to 4-7 in such contests.

'We've had close games all year,' manager Terry Francona said. 'We talk about being one run better. In this series, that's what they did.'

Cleveland has consistently succeeded in Tomlin's starts since the right-hander returned from shoulder surgery in August. He's 10-1 with a 3.07 ERA over his past 12 outings and has held hitters to a .195 average in that period.

Tomlin (3-0, 3.18), who threw a four-hitter in an 8-1 win at Detroit on Sept. 4, won his third straight start Wednesday against the Twins despite allowing four runs in 5 1/3 innings.

He's held Martinez to 2 for 16 in their matchups, though Saltalamacchia is 4 for 5 with a home run off him.

Santana has seven homers in 56 at-bats against Verlander and had a solo shot Sunday.

Detroit is expected to activate James McCann from the disabled list Tuesday. The catcher has been sidelined since April 11 by a right ankle sprain.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Cubs (18-6) at Pirates (15-11)

Game: 2
Venue: PNC Park
Date: May 03, 2016 7:05 PM EDT

Anyone still claiming win-loss records as a comprehensive statistic in assessing pitching performance will need to distract those in disagreement from tuning in for this mound matchup.

Jake Arrieta and Jonathon Niese are both unbeaten, but one has given up four times the earned runs of the other in 7 2/3 fewer innings.

They square off Tuesday night as the Chicago Cubs try for continued road dominance over the Pittsburgh Pirates, while Arrieta attempts to become the second pitcher ever to go 26 straight starts without giving up more than three runs.

Arrieta (5-0, 1.00 ERA) is 16-0 with a 0.69 ERA in 18 regular-season starts since last losing on July 25.

The latest bumped his winning streak to eight starts for the second time in those 18. The last Cubs pitcher to go beyond that was Milt Pappas' 11-start winning streak in 1972, and Arrieta is the first to win his first five starts of a season since Greg Maddux in 2006.

The team's 18-game winning streak in his starts is tops in baseball since Atlanta won 23 straight Kris Medlen starts from 2010-12.

However, the reigning NL Cy Young winner did see his MLB-record streak of 24 straight quality starts come to an end in Thursday's 7-2 home win over Milwaukee. It was the longest since Bob Gibson went 26 straight in 1967-68 to punctuate the argument for a lowered mound.

Control is to blame for Arrieta not putting himself in position to match that. The right-hander walked four for a second straight outing, and while the first was a no-hitter, he was limited to five innings against the Brewers despite surrendering just a run and three hits.

"All I can say is he's human," catcher David Ross told MLB's official website.

Barely. Even Gibson gave up more than three runs on his mound-altering run - five in nine innings of a loss to the Cubs.

Arrieta still hasn't given up four runs or more in 25 regular-season outings since June 16, going 21-1 with a 0.89 ERA. In 13 of those he hasn't allowed a run. The only pitcher in data available to 1913 to go 26 starts without giving up four runs once overlapped with Gibson in that pitcher-dominant era. It was the less-lauded Chris Short, who was 10-11 with a 2.13 ERA in 26 straight in '67-68.

The last time Arrieta saw the Pirates, his five-hit, 11-strikeout shutout pushed the Cubs through to the NLDS in a 4-0 wild-card win. He's 7-1 with a 1.46 ERA in 10 career starts against Pittsburgh.

Josh Harrison (1 for 13), Gregory Polanco (3 for 20), Francisco Cervelli (3 for 16) and Starling Marte (4 for 21) have struggled against him, but Matt Joyce (7 for 14) could find his way into the lineup.

While Arrieta has allowed four runs or more four times in 33 starts, Niese (3-0, 5.08) has done so in four of five this season. His teammates have masked it with a 8.89 run support average.

A 4.76 ERA in 10 starts against the Cubs has resulted in a more realistic 3-6 record. Jason Heyward is 9 for 28 with two home runs against Niese but is day to day with an injured wrist, while Anthony Rizzo is 2 for 17.

Chicago (18-6) opened the season series with Monday's 7-2 win to again avoiding losing consecutive contests for the first time this year. It was the second straight game there was a bit of a dust-up between dugouts.

"Boys being boys," Pirates manager Clint Hurdle said.

Regardless of result Tuesday, the Cubs will be the first team since the 2003 New York Yankees to start a season without consecutive losses through 25 games, and no NL team has done it since Atlanta went 30 in 1999. Both clubs lost in the World Series.

A win would put Chicago 13 games over .500 in 25 games or fewer for the first time since the 1969 team did it in 24.

Including the playoff game, the Cubs have won three straight over the Pirates (15-11) with two runs allowed, as well as five in a row in Pittsburgh.

This will be the third time in four overall meetings the Pirates have seen Arrieta with him holding them scoreless in 16 straight innings.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Yankees (8-15) at Orioles (14-10)

Game: 1
Venue: Oriole Park at Camden Yards
Date: May 03, 2016 7:05 PM EDT

The Baltimore Orioles' promising start to their series against the top team in the AL didn't last, and a second straight loss cost them first place in the East.

The New York Yankees appear to give them a very good chance to regain their winning ways, as they've dropped five in a row overall and five straight to the Orioles.

Baltimore continues its 10-game homestand with three against New York in the teams' first matchup of 2016, starting Tuesday night.

The Orioles (14-10) took the first two against Chicago last week but settled for a split after a pair of ugly losses. They scored 23 runs in the first three before managing one against White Sox ace Chris Sale in a 7-1 defeat Sunday.

Baltimore pitching was pounded for 15 runs and 23 hits in the final two contests, and that allowed surging Boston to jump one-half game ahead in the division by completing a sweep of the Yankees.

Sale lasted only 5 1/3 innings but Nolan Reimold had the lone RBI for the Orioles, who despite getting eight hits fell to 9-3 at home.

The game wasn't the only loss for Baltimore, as shortstop J.J. Hardy left after five innings after fouling a ball off his left foot. A scan taken Monday revealed a hairline fracture that will sideline him 4 to 6 weeks according to manager Buck Showalter.

That came a day after closer Zach Britton departed in the ninth inning with a left ankle sprain. He showed up in the clubhouse Sunday on crutches.

"We knew it wasn't a matter (of) if, it was when. You hope it's if," Showalter said of suffering injuries. "Some teams get real lucky in a year. But it's nothing we can't overcome, and nothing guys won't be back from at some point."

Britton said his ankle isn't sore enough to put him on the DL, but he seems unlikely to pitch in this series.

He might not be missed against light-hitting New York, which did bust out Sunday for its highest run total in 18 games - against Boston ace David Price, no less - but still lost 8-7 for its season-high fifth consecutive defeat. The last-place Yankees (8-15) had totaled five runs over their previous four.

Making matters worse, their usually overpowering bullpen faltered for the second straight day, with Dellin Betances giving up a two-run homer to Christian Vazquez that broke a seventh-inning tie. In the series opener Friday, Betances allowed David Ortiz's tiebreaking two-run shot in a 4-2 defeat.

The only silver lining during the losing streak has been Alex Rodriguez finding his stroke, as he drove in four runs Sunday with his third home run in four games and a two-run double.

'It is frustrating, no question about it,' Rodriguez said. 'We expect better things from ourselves.'

They'll try for a repeat hitting performance against Chris Tillman (2-1, 3.24), who has given up two runs over 12 2/3 innings with 13 strikeouts in his last two starts. The right-hander has gone 3-1 with a 2.79 ERA in his last six home starts in this series.

He'll be opposed by Luis Severino (0-3, 6.86), whose nightmarish second season continued with a 10-1 loss at Texas on Tuesday. The right-hander gave up six runs in three innings and could be headed for the minors.

"I'm sure it's tough right now, because he's probably never struggled to this level," manager Joe Girardi said. "But that's part of it, too - you've got to fight in this game."

New York hasn't dropped six straight to Baltimore since a seven-game skid in 1997.