Tuesday 6/28/16 service plays chatter/comps/requests & other stuff...

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

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[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Dream (8-6) at Storm (5-9)

Date: June 28, 2016 10:00 PM EDT

The Atlanta Dream will attempt to end a three-game losing streak when they visit the Seattle Storm on Tuesday at KeyArena.

Atlanta (8-6) has lost the top spot in the WNBA's Eastern Conference and now sits in second place behind the New York Liberty, which had won six in a row before falling to Phoenix in overtime on Sunday. The Dream are coming off a 73-69 loss at San Antonio on Saturday.

Angel McCoughtry scored 23 points in the loss to the Stars. Layshia Clarendon added 13 points for the Dream, who were held to 40 percent shooting and made just 3-of-11 from 3-point range.

Seattle (5-9), which is fifth in the Western Conference, has lost three in a row and five of six before beating Connecticut 98-81 on Friday.

Breanna Stewart made five 3-pointers and tied her career high with 29 points in the win over the Sun. She also posted nine rebounds, six assists, three steals and three blocked shots.

Sue Bird and Jewel Loyd scored 19 points apiece for Seattle, which erupted for 56 points in the opening half, the team's highest-scoring half of the season. The Storm shot a sizzling 61.4 percent from the field and made 8-of-18 from beyond the arc.

The Storm announced on Saturday that it had finalized an agreement with the Phoenix Mercury to bring veteran guard Noelle Quinn back to Seattle for the rights to Angel Robinson. Quinn, who played for Seattle in 2013 and 2014, has averaged 5.4 points, 2.9 rebounds and 2.4 assists over her career.

"Noelle will add versatility, depth and valuable experience to our backcourt," said Alisha Valvanis, the team's president and general manager. "With 10 years of experience competing in the WNBA and her familiarity with (head coach) Jenny Boucek, she will have an immediate impact on our team. We're looking forward to having Noelle back in Seattle."

The Storm also announced that they have signed 6-foot-5 center Krystal Thomas, who last played in the WNBA in 2014. The team waived rookie guard Blake Dietrick and center Markeisha Gatling.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Wings (7-8) at Sparks (13-1)

Date: June 28, 2016 10:00 PM EDT

Los Angeles Sparks forward Nneka Ogwumike made history the last time she played the Dallas Wings.

Ogwumike set a WNBA record for most field goal-attempts without a miss, going 12-for-12 en route to a 32-point effort in which she was also perfect on seven shots from the free-throw line. She added 10 rebounds in a 97-73 win in Dallas on June 11.

The teams play Tuesday night in Los Angeles, the second of three meetings this season.

The Sparks (13-1) come in with the best record in the league after the previously unbeaten Minnesota Lynx lost two in a row -- including a home game to Los Angeles last week -- to drop to 13-2.

Dallas (7-8) had won four consecutive games before losing 92-87 to the visiting Indiana Fever on Saturday night.

"L.A. is a great team and they just came off of a huge win in Minnesota, so I know they are going to be ready for us," Wings forward Karima Christmas said on WNBA.com.

"We're going to try to come out and be ready for them. We didn't really play too well when they came here. We'll try to go on the road and buckle down, and be more aggressive on defense because they have an awesome pick-and-roll scheme just like Indiana."

The Sparks had their way offensively in the first meeting, shooting 58.5 percent (38 of 65). They were 33 of 48 (68.8 percent) on 2-point shots.

Ogwumike is still hot, scoring 27 points on 11-of-16 shooting in an 80-73 win over the Connecticut Sun on Sunday night. She is averaging 17.9 points and 8.5 rebounds per game, both team-highs.

Center Candace Parker averages 15.3 points per game, and guard Kristi Toliver is at 14.8.

Dallas has a strong, young backcourt of Odyssey Sims (16.4 points per game) and Skylar Diggins (12.3). Christmas averages 14.5 points. Forward Glory Johnson, who moved into the starting lineup last game, has averaged 11.8 points and 7.9 rebounds in eight games since returning from a season-opening seven-game suspension.

The Sparks shoot a WNBA-high 48.8 percent from the field. Dallas is 11th among 12 teams at 40.9 percent.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Handicapped by Chatsworth Consortium at Hoosier Park

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


Race 2 - Post: 6:05 - 1 mile. TROT - Class Rating: 56 - Purse:$7500 - 2 YEAR OLD FILLIES OFF TIME 6:09


CONSORTIUM CHOICES


Chatsworth Consortium

# 4 J-S MISS CAROLYN 10/1


# 7 DESPAIR 10/1


# 8 IDEAL CHARM 6/1


J-S MISS CAROLYN most likely appears to be the interesting entrant to beat here and is a nice value-based bet given the 10/1 line. Top notch return on investment from the Hoosier Park 4 slot, watch out for this live one. Hands down the best post at Hoosier Park is the 4. The win clip is exemplary. The trainer/horse combination percentages point out that this combination are solid in the money finishers when working as a team. DESPAIR - Heads into this competition with really strong TrackMaster class rankings in relationship to the pack - could be worth a shot. The knowledge group happens to know that when you put Hiteman and Collier together very nice results happen frequently. IDEAL CHARM - Trainer is sending this harness racer to race second time hoppled. Just might be the key here. This filly has been going to post versus some of the most competitive horses in this field in recent times.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Handicapped by Chatsworth Consortium at Pocono Downs

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


Race 15 - Post: 10:42 - 1 mile. PACE - Class Rating: 82 - Purse:$14000 - 4 YEAR OLDS & YOUNGER COLTS, STALLIONS & GELDINGS NW 3 EXT. PM RACES OR $30,000 LIFETIME PA PREFERRED MOHEGAN SUN POCONO DRIVER`S CHOICES: GEORGE NAPOLITANO #1 OVER #6 & #9


CONSORTIUM CHOICES


Chatsworth Consortium

# 5 SAFENSOUND HANOVER 7/2


# 4 CANT KNOCK ME 20/1


# 2 BRED TO RACE 3/1


SAFENSOUND HANOVER appears to be our best wagering option in this competition. This race could very well be controlled by this colt. Just one look at the avgerage speed rating will prove that. With a 82 average class rating, this harness racer has one of the most favorable class advantages in the group of horses. The wagering panel noted a very promising effort out of this interesting entrant last time. Hoping for a repeat effort of that to take the whole enchilada. CANT KNOCK ME - Positive thought - performing well enough to contend in this contest. BRED TO RACE - Loved this gelding's last race. Ran a solid 81 TrackMaster speed fig. Major contender. Deserves a shot given the better than average win percent he sports.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Handicapped by The Walker Group at Fort Erie

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


Race 3 - SA - 8.5f on the Dirt. Purse: $12840 Class Rating: 77

FOR THREE YEAR OLDS AND UPWARD WHICH HAVE STARTED FOR A CLAIMING PRICE OF $5,000 OR LESS IN 2015-2016. THREE YEAR OLDS, 116 LBS.; OLDER, 122 LBS. NON-WINNERS OF A RACE AT A MILE OR OVER SINCE MAY 28 ALLOWED 2 LBS. SUCH A RACE AT A MILE OR OVER SINCE APRIL 28 ALLOWED 4 LBS.


RECOMMENDED CHOICES

The Walker Group Picks

# 4 UNTETHERED 6/1


# 3 WILDCAT PRINCE 2/1


# 5 BEST OFFER 3/1


UNTETHERED is my choice. His 76 average has this gelding with among the strongest Equibase Speed Figures in here. Has been running soundly lately and ought to be up on the lead early on. In against a much less demanding field of horses than last time out. WILDCAT PRINCE - With a very good 73 Equibase Speed Fig last time out, will clearly be a factor in this contest. Has quite good speed figs and has to be considered for a wager in this event. BEST OFFER - Will probably be one of the front-runners of the pack going into the midpoint of the competition. Posted a reliable speed fig in the most recent race. Can run another good one in this affair.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Handicapped by The Walker Group at Fairmount Park

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


Race 1 - Maiden Special Weight - 4.5f on the Dirt. Purse: $9000 Class Rating: 57

FOR MAIDENS, TWO YEARS OLD. WEIGHT, 120 LBS.


RECOMMENDED CHOICES

The Walker Group Picks

# 6 JUST JIM 2/1


# 3 NAME IT AFTER ME 9/2


# 1 WILDWOOD WILLY 5/2


I've got to go with JUST JIM. Has been running solidly lately and should be on or close to the lead early on. Manley has a reliable 18 percent win rate with entries running at this distance and surface. Reason to like this gelding as he has in the saddle one of the best jocks using winning percentages over the last month. NAME IT AFTER ME - Will probably be one of the leaders of the pack going into the midpoint of the affair. WILDWOOD WILLY - Ought to go to the front end and may never look back. This colt looks very good in here since Becker has a solid win percent with horses going this distance.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Handicapped by The Turf Club Analysts

Bar

Parx Racing - Race #6 - Post: 3:10pm - Maiden Claiming - 5.0 furlongs on the Turf. Purse: $30,000 Class Rating: 65

Rating: Golden DollarGolden DollarGolden DollarGolden Dollar

#10 KWIK E (ML=7/2)
#5 ACTIVELY ENGAGED (ML=15/1)


KWIK E - You'll be making money left and right by turning your betting money onto this rider/trainer combination. Finished in the place spot, but easily 2nd over the third horse. Those types usually run well next time out. This mare is in good physical condition. Finished second on June 7th. In this race here, this thoroughbred has clearly shown signs that she likes the grass. Her speed figs are the highest in the field for this distance-surface. ACTIVELY ENGAGED - It's a big plus that this first time starter has been working over the same track that she makes her debut at today. The addition of Lasix might make this animal wake up in this field.

Vulnerable Contenders: #9 GALROYALE (ML=5/2), #3 NABADAAT (ML=9/2), #6 DONT BLINK (ML=6/1),

GALROYALE - This horse hasn't been in the money in either of her last two efforts. Hasn't finished in the money in any short distance contests of late. Doubtful to see her doing it this time either. NABADAAT - Unlikely that this horse will finish better than she did last time out of the box when placing fifth. DONT BLINK - Trying to beat this one this time out at the price of 6/1.


STRAIGHT WAGERS:
Go with #10 KWIK E on top if we're getting at least 3/2 odds

EXACTA WAGERS:
Box [5,10]

TRIFECTA WAGERS:
Pass

SUPERFECTA WAGERS:
Skip

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Handicapped by The Turf Club Analysts

Bar

Parx Racing - Race #6 - Post: 3:10pm - Maiden Claiming - 5.0 furlongs on the Turf. Purse: $30,000 Class Rating: 65

Rating: Golden DollarGolden DollarGolden DollarGolden Dollar

#10 KWIK E (ML=7/2)
#5 ACTIVELY ENGAGED (ML=15/1)


KWIK E - You'll be making money left and right by turning your betting money onto this rider/trainer combination. Finished in the place spot, but easily 2nd over the third horse. Those types usually run well next time out. This mare is in good physical condition. Finished second on June 7th. In this race here, this thoroughbred has clearly shown signs that she likes the grass. Her speed figs are the highest in the field for this distance-surface. ACTIVELY ENGAGED - It's a big plus that this first time starter has been working over the same track that she makes her debut at today. The addition of Lasix might make this animal wake up in this field.

Vulnerable Contenders: #9 GALROYALE (ML=5/2), #3 NABADAAT (ML=9/2), #6 DONT BLINK (ML=6/1),

GALROYALE - This horse hasn't been in the money in either of her last two efforts. Hasn't finished in the money in any short distance contests of late. Doubtful to see her doing it this time either. NABADAAT - Unlikely that this horse will finish better than she did last time out of the box when placing fifth. DONT BLINK - Trying to beat this one this time out at the price of 6/1.


STRAIGHT WAGERS:
Go with #10 KWIK E on top if we're getting at least 3/2 odds

EXACTA WAGERS:
Box [5,10]

TRIFECTA WAGERS:
Pass

SUPERFECTA WAGERS:
Skip


** Some or all wagers above involve entries and assume all parts of entry start the race

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Mohawk: Tuesday 6/28 Analysis
By Garnet Barnsdale

DRF HARNESS

Race 1 - $30,000 Guaranteed Pick Five Pool

Race 4 - $50,000 Guaranteed Pick Four Pool


PICK 5: 4,5,9/2,4/3,5,7,8,9,10/1,3,5,6,7/6 = $36

EARLY PICK 4: 1,3,5,6,7/6/1,4,6/2,3,5,9 = $60

LATE PICK 4: 2,3,5,9/1,9/2,6,7,9/1,4,8 = $72

MEET STATS: 158 - 490 / $863.00 BEST BETS: 28 - 46 / $91.60

SPOT PLAYS: 8 - 45 / $44.50

Best Bet: LITTLE RED CHEV (5th)

Spot Play: STUCK IN MY SPANKS (2nd)


Race 1

(4) ROYAL CHARM squandered a sure win last week when she broke while on a clear lead coming down the lane. She can make amends here if she behaves. (9) PENNIES FROM ABOVE showed little in a Sires stake south of the border last time but closed with an eye-catching rush here two back. She can win this if she is within close enough range as the field turns for home. (5) DOTTIE has raced decently enough vs. better to suggest that she should be one of the main players here. (2) MR MONTGOMERY brings a solid record in from out of town and he isn't out of this but he will need to shave a few seconds off his time to beat these.

Race 2

(2) STUCK IN MY SPANKS, bought for only $3,500 at Harrisburg, may turn out to be a bargain based on the speed she showed in her late qualifier and she is heavily-staked considering her bargain basement purchase price; top call. (4) SOHO HANOVER is a full-brother to Superstar Hanover (7 wins, $517 K, 1:53 2/5 F) and Stanchion Hanover (7 wins, $66K, 155 4/5 F). He looks ready to roll for this debut race. (7) ADVENTURE AHEAD is a full-brother to three winners that have raced including Tag Up and Go (23 wins, $355K, 1:52 1/5 M). The Stable has been sending them ready and this colt should contend here. (5) NORTHERN MAJOR, a $30K Lexington purchase, is the second foal to race from the dam, the first one being Celebrity Bugatti (11 wins from 32 starts, $98K, 1:52 4/5 F). There is quite likely more than meets the eye from this Kadabra colt's lone qualifier; beware.

Race 3

(7) DONNA PARTY made two early moves to the front last time, set strong fractions, then gamely held off a rival that did no work until very late in the mile. Lined up inside of her main rivals here, she can dictate terms again and take another. (9) DARKTWISTEDFANTASY couldn't go with the choice when it counted last time but she is likely to be dangerous off the claim here. (8) WHISTYS PARADISE has won several times at this meet already and will likely get a beneficial pace set-up here; using. (10) NOMATTERWHEN was flying late last time after escaping traffic early in the lane. She's in with a chance but things may be tough for her starting from the 10-hole.

Race 4

(5) SOUTHWIND SAVAGE looks well-prepped to debut for the hot Coleman barn and this is a pretty soft spot. He could pop at first-asking here. (1) BIG YELLOW has improved his late speed in his last two starts and he projects to get a good trip here starting from the inside; using. (3) MAYFIELD DUKE looks like a solid contender here on paper, but his 0 for 17 record doesn't inspire a lot of confidence. (6) INTUITIVE WRITER is a full brother to Pop Writer (3 wins from 8 starts, $66K, 1:54 3/5 at Mohawk at 2 years old). He can take a share in this field to start his career.

Race 5

(6) LITTLE RED CHEV was a sharp winner from the worst post in her debut for Moreau. Most of these are no tougher than the field she beat last week and she stands a good chance of doubling up here. (8) WINDSUN REVENGE keeps showing early zip and did have some trot at the end of his mile last week. He could drop-and-pop here facing his easiest field all year. (3) WARAWEE PROTON has had a very productive campaign and now goes for Auciello off a win when claimed. He is another that merits exotics consideration. (7) NEILS GOLDEN GIRL is very consistent at taking smaller shares and is a good bet to make the ticket here.

Race 6

(1) GROUPIE DOLL - a $67K Lexington buy - is a 1/2-sister to ill-fated Modern Family (19 wins from 51 starts, $579K, 1:51 M) and Colbert (16 starts- 5-6-1, $122K, 1:54 4/5 F) that looks ready for a good debut race based on her June 21 qualifier. The rail can be tricky for a young trotter, though, so this should be a spread race. (4) RECREATE wasn't beaten far by a good colt on June 21 and this one showed some ability last year; using. . (6) AGENT DINOZZO is a 1/2-brother to solid racehorses Dorsay (10 wins, $450K, 1:51 4/5 M) and Propulsion (8 wins from 21 starts, $86K, 1:52 1/5 M). He likely has a lot more speed to offer than was evident in his June 21 qualifier; using. (3) ANDOVERS CHOICE had a decent 2016 debut and can go forward off that mile.

Race 7

(5) SOUTHWIND GEO made a power move to the front in her debut but he couldn't sustain it to the wire. That experience should be invaluable here and she gets a slight nod. (3) ST LADS HOTCAKES could do no better than 5th is her debut despite pacing home in 26 3/5. She, too, should be better for that experience. (2) SOMEMONEYSOMEWHERE is the first foal to race from a dam that was bought for $2K then went on to earn $601K and take a mark of 1:49 1/5 at Mohawk. This filly finished quickly in her lone qualifier and should contend here. (9) OHELLO BLUE CHIP, a $19K Harrisburg purchase, improved dramatically in his second qualifier and is another that's in with a decent chance here.

Race 8

(9) RADIANT BEAM almost beat better two back. If she can produce an effort close to that one here, her rivals will be racing for second. (1) VERY CLASSY comes off a sharp win, projects to get a good trip near the front and she looks like the only real threat to the choice. (4) MAJESTIC PRESENCE should get a good trip near the front here as well and should stick around longer in this company. (7) TRUMPETS woke up with a better effort last time and should be closing for another share.

Race 9

(2) MUSICAL SPELL gets to drop to the bottom conditioned level here and could pop with one of his rare wins off a decent trip near the front. (6) HIE BENNY raced well vs. a sharp winner last time and is a threat to notch his first win of the year here. (7) BURNIN MONEY is another win-shy type that appears to have a decent shot here racing in the bottom class. Don't be afraid to go deep for Pick 4 coverage here. (9) ENTRANCED drops off two decent efforts and is another that doesn't win often that looks like a contender in this dash.

Race 10

(1) TARAHUMARA put the field to sleep to the 3/4 pole last time then sprinted away to an easy win. She should be able to work out a similarly good trip here starting from the inside and she gets the call to double up. (8) LADY JEN got hung out on the backside last week when the pocket-sitter pulled for the retake and she understandably backed up late. She goes for the top barn off the claim here and is sure to be put into play early in the race. (4) SOPHIE BLU could benefit from some early battling here and should be used on wider coverage Pick 4 tickets. (2) SHES DIGNIFIED has a solid record racing mostly out of town and she should sit a trip and take a small share here. (7) BIG TSUNAMI will be rolling up late from far back and figures to pass many of these and nab a slice.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Yonkers: Tuesday 6/28 Analysis
By Brewster Smith

DRF HARNESS

MEET STATS: 145 - 642 / $934.60 BEST BETS: 15 - 64 / $67.20

Best Bet: APOSTLES CREED (9th)

Spot Play: ARTISTIC DIRECTOR (5th)


Race 1

(4) CLEM Gelding showed life in his last two tries and could continue to stay in good form; gets the call. (2) BOX CAR JOHNNIE gets post relief and that could help his cause. (5) OUTA MY HEAD will need a better trip than in his last two starts and he was a game third at Tioga on 5/30.

Race 2

(4) TONTO GOLDBERG raced evenly for fourth last out and this trotter could boss this weak group at his best. (2) MARATHON MAN Very dull in his recent event but should get involved from the 2-hole today. (5) PHOTO MASS put in a mild bid to nail the fourth spot in his last try.

Race 3

(8) FOX VALLEY STEFFEN makes his return to Yonkers where this gelding has done his best running; post hurts but could contend with Bartlett at the helm. (4) ROCKET MASTER showed late trot in his last try to grab show money. (6) KASCARA ROSA was very late on the scene to land the placing last time out.

Race 4

(2) HILLMAN Bad break in his last start at Pocono. Gelding did flash speed the last time the trotter was here on May 31st; all systems go. (1) STILLWATER closed well to miss glory by only a neck last out. (8) CONGO KING has hit the board in his last four starts at Saratoga.

Race 5

(3) ARTISTIC DIRECTOR Even finish last time out at Northfield and now this gelding moves his trade to Yonkers and has the tactical speed to make today a winning one. (2) SOMEWHERE WITH YOU Maryland invader should find these to his liking. (6) ALWAYS N THE MONEY Ohio shipper flashed good speed in his latest.

Race 6

(3) PERFECTLY ENOUGH S got the job done here down the road at this level two starts back. Trotter figures to get a favorable trip and could make it two straight at the Hilltop. (2) VALLEY GLIDER has a good chance of contending with these if he returns to his June 8th effort at Philly. (6) MOVEMENT has every right to make some noise with the class drop.

Race 7

(3) SILVER CREDIT leaves the Meadowlands and returns to Yonkers where she has done her best running and is capable of mowing them down in the final strides. (7) FOREVER ROYAL was sharp in his latest missing the victory by only 1/2 length. (4) HIDDEN IDENTITY Qualifier here was good enough for his return to the races and the drop in class should help his cause.

Race 8

(1) I LIKE DREAMIN figures to get a dream trip from the pole position and the pacer does have speed to boot; gets the call. (3) MISTER ACCUMULATOR is knocking at the door based on his last three starts. (6) DELLA CRUISE closed strongly to nail down show money last out.

Race 9

(2) APOSTLES CREED Gelding is quite sharp and retains the 2-hole, so with a dream trip trotter can make today a winning one. (1) PETROSSIAN AS came down the center of the track to take down top prize at Pocono last time out. (3) TIME TO TALK should fit well against these and should be closing late.

Race 10

(2) MILLIONDOLLAR WAVE gets serious post relief and this gelding should boss these at his best. (5) CAPOZZO put in a nice run to grab the victory in his latest. (7) INVICTUS HANOVER showed good pace but could not get to the winner Lawgiver Hanover last time out.

Race 11

(1) FASHION CHOCOLATE scored against open foes at Northfield last time around and now this gelding makes his debut at Yonkers and draws the rail; ready for the hat trick. (5) JAYPORT ALL MUSCLE Trotter has been consistent of late and flashed good speed last out but was caught for win honors. (7) CLIFTON BEACH could land a share with a favorable trip.

Race 12

(4) LIGHTNING RAIDER N draws a much better slot in here and this pacer just lost glory by only 3/4 length two trips ago; can move forward. (1) ADDWATER is 0 for 15 this year but he is back at Yonkers and the rail could put him right in the mix. (3) BEST DEAL YET N gets serious post relief and has tactical speed; not out of this.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

SPOT PLAYS

For Tuesday


TRACK (RACE) HORSE, MORNING LINE


Finger Lakes (3rd) Dance I Can, 5-1
(9th) Good Laugh, 9-2


Fort Erie (7th) Tom Joy, 7-2
(8th) Ring of Glory, 8-1


Indiana Grand (4th) Chipsandslots, 6-1
(8th) Cinder, 7-2


Mountaineer (7th) Nickers in a Twist, 3-1
(9th) Storm Love, 9-2


Parx Racing (2nd) Coaches Challenge, 6-1
(5th) Big Town, 3-1


Presque Isle Downs (2nd) Deferment, 8-1
(3rd) Abra, 4-1

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

June Pitchers Report
By Marc Lawrence

You know the saying, “May flowers bring June showers.”

For Major League Baseball pitchers hurling during the month of June, showers are hopefully not in their immediate plans. Instead, it’s the hope of all MLB starting pitchers to stay around long enough in their starts to avoid having to clean up and go home early.

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 June. On the flip side, we've also listed pitchers that struggle in June, 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 June 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 June list.


GOOD MONTH PITCHERS:

Arrieta, Jake - 8-4 (6-2 A)

Only Clayton Kershaw has been in Arrieta's stratosphere since 2015. The right-hander is in the right organization which has allowed his abundant talents to flourish and this season opposing batters are hitting a mere .168 against him. His effortless delivery and mid-90's fastball causes a lot of swings and misses as does his breaking pitches.

Cole, Gerrit - 10-2 (6-0 A)

Cole is now the ace of the Pittsburgh staff and expertly commands a two and four-seam fastball in the mid to upper 90's which he can sink or have riding action. After a sluggish start to season, his ERA is down to close to 2.50 and expect him to have another fine month. Note: Cole’s numbers above reflect his career team mark during June.

*Colon, Bartolo - 10-5 (7-0 H)

The 43-year old right-hander just keeps churning along on staff that is very talented and youthful. Colon knows how and where to spot his fastball, which he tosses 70 or more percent of the time and blends in a quick slider that has excellent depth. The fact is Colon understands his craft and wins.

Lackey, John - 11-5 (6-1 H)

Remember for years no pitcher in his right mind would want to pitch at Wrigley Field, now they line up for the chance. Being a talented young team helps and Lackey is the right fit, with fastball he keeps low in the zone and sinker opposing hitters cannot elevate. Through two months, the batter's Lackey has faced are at a lowly .209 batting average and his WHIP is sick 0.97.

Sanchez, Anibal - 9-4 (8-3 H)

The Detroit hurler has gotten off to a rugged start with ERA over 6 as June began. Sanchez's problems revolve around lack of pitch placement, not even having 2-to-1 strikeout to walk ratio and giving up more than a hit an inning. Of the 58 hits allowed, 11 have left the yard and if the Tigers are going to be contenders in the AL Central, Sanchez will have to throw like previous June's.

*Scherzer, Max - 11-4 (6-2 A)

If you research Mad Max's numbers, many are at or below career norm, yet he begins this month with an ERA over 4. The problem is too many pitches right down the middle, which is why he on pace to give up 45 home runs (15 thru May). If Scherzer solves this, he will have a great rest of the year.

Tillman, Chris - 11-3 (4-1 A)

After an off year in 2015, the Orioles righty has come back in a big way. When he's at his best like he has been this year, Tillman works his low 90's heater at the knees on both sides of the dish and his curve and changeup have sharp downward motion. He starts this month with hitters at .203 batting average versus his tosses.

Volquez, Edinson - 11-5 (7-1 A)

The Royals right-hander is doing what he does best, as in nine of his 11 starts for Kansas City he has induced double digit groundball outs. Volquez is still thought to be a power pitcher and gets numerous weak swings with tilted curve and deluxe changeup he will throw on any count.

*Zimmermann, Jordan - 12-5 (8-3 H)

After an unbelievable start, Zimmermann has drifted back to the previous career numbers. He pulled a groin late last month, but is expected to make start on June 3rd and continue from that point. His strengths include four pitches he trusts to throw for strikes and he has shown greater durability thus far in the AL.


BAD MONTH PITCHERS:

Miller, Shelby - 6-12 (2-6 A)

After disastrous start with Arizona, having ERA over 7, maybe a trip to the DL with bad finger on throwing hand will settle Miller down, who looks like he is trying to throw a no-hitter on every pitch and is getting hammered. The talent has always been in place, just not the execution as this record shows. Note: Miller’s numbers above reflect his career team mark during June.

Verlander, Justin - 4-10 (2-5 H)

No longer equipped with high 90's fastball, Verlander tends to give up runs in bunches these days. He can be sailing along for three to five innings and then give up three or four runs in single inning. Without the necessary secondary pitches, he's become easier to hit a third time through the lineup.

Weaver, Jered - 5-10 (1-6 A)

It is sometimes tough to watch former aces who were among the best in the game, as their stuff is in decline and they are not close to what they used to be. This is the case of Weaver, whose fastball barely reaches 85 MPH, which makes his breaking ball and assortment of change-ups less effective. It is no accident at this juncture hitters are clocking him for .311 BA.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Let the home plate umpire be your guide when wagering on baseball
By JOE FORTENBAUGH

On April 10, 2016 at the pitcher-friendly confines of AT&T Park, southpaw Scott Kazmir of the Los Angeles Dodgers and World Series champion Johnny Cueto of the San Francisco Giants took the mound for their respective clubs in an N.L. West blood feud that featured an over/under of 7.5 runs.

The 32-year-old Kazmir, who had posted an incendiary 2.38 ERA in 18 starts with the Oakland Athletics last summer before being shipped to Houston at the trade deadline, entered his April 10 showdown against Cueto with a 1-0 record thanks to a 3-0 victory in San Diego just five days prior in which the lefty blanked the Padres for six innings while surrendering only one hit.

Cueto, who signed a six-year, $130 million deal with San Francisco last December, also entered that April 10 matchup with a 1-0 record due to a brilliant Orange & Black debut in Milwaukee in which he limited the Brewers to just one run on six hits over seven solid innings of work en route to a 2-1 victory.

So the stage has been set: Two talented and accomplished starting pitchers taking the mound on a Sunday afternoon in a ballpark that allowed fewer home runs than any other venue in baseball last season with a Las Vegas over/under of 7.5. This sort of feels like a game in which we might lean to the under, doesn’t it?

Hopefully all of you passed on that instinct because over bettors were celebrating a win after just three innings of baseball in which Kazmir and Cueto both allowed five runs to cross home plate in what eventually became a wild 9-6 victory for the Giants.

So how exactly did two of the game’s more accomplished starting pitchers find themselves so bruised and battered in the box score so quickly while playing at AT&T Park?

There are several reasons, actually, for what went down on April 10 ranging from Cueto’s potential nerves in his home debut for the Giants to Kazmir’s issues with consistency to two talented and highly productive lineups.

But the one reason that tends to slip between the cracks when trying to explain an anomaly game such as this one has to do with the man in the mask behind home plate.

Yes, I’m talking about the umpire.

When betting on baseball, whether it be the side, run line or total, it is essential to research and evaluate the man tasked with differentiating balls and strikes. On April 10 in San Francisco, that man was Alan Porter, who was behind the plate for 29 games during the 2015 Major League Baseball season. And in those 29 games, the over went 15-11-3 with an average of 8.79 runs scored per contest. But for those of you who are willing to go the extra mile, your research would have indicated that in games featuring an over/under of exactly 7.5 runs during the 2015 season with Porter behind the plate, the over went 6-3.

So far during the 2016 campaign, the over is 9-5 with an average of 9.86 total runs scored per game with Porter behind the plate.

This isn’t to suggest that Porter’s presence on April 10 was the sole reason the over hit in such immediate fashion, but it does help to partially explain why a matchup between Johnny Cueto and Scott Kazmir at AT&T Park could go from being viewed as a pitcher’s duel to a shootout in such a short span of time. More importantly, however, it helps to reinforce the point of how essential it is to study the umpire assignments before placing each and every MLB bet you consider.

Entering Saturday’s slate of action, with the 2016 MLB regular season approximately 46% complete, here’s a breakdown of some key umpire date that will prove useful in your baseball handicapping:

TOP FIVE OVER UMPIRES

Brian Gorman: 7-2 (.778), 9.8 runs per game
Jerry Meals: 10-3 (.769), 10.7 runs per game
Bill Welke: 10-3 (.769), 9.4 runs per game
Bill Miller: 12-4 (.750), 9.3 runs per game
Jerry Layne: 8-3 (.727), 9.3 runs per game

TOP FIVE UNDER UMPIRES

Eric Cooper: 9-2 (.818), 5.9 runs per game
Mark Ripperger: 11-3 (.786), 5.6 runs per game
Todd Tichenor: 10-3 (.769), 6.0 runs per game
D.J. Reyburn: 8-3 (.727), 5.7 runs per game
Larry Vanover: 8-3 (.727), 7.9 runs per game

TOP FIVE HOME UMPIRES

Bill Welke: 11-2 (.846), 9.4 runs per game
Clint Fagan: 10-2 (.833), 11.7 runs per game
Fieldin Culbreth: 10-3 (.769), 8.8 runs per game
Ted Barrett: 12-4 (.750), 10.1 runs per game
Bill Miller: 12-4 (.750), 9.3 runs per game

TOP FIVE ROAD UMPIRES

Adam Hamari: 11-2 (.846), 9.0 runs per game
Tom Hallion: 10-3 (.769), 7.9 runs per game
Jim Reynolds: 10-3 (.769), 9.1 runs per game
Ryan Blakney: 10-4 (.714), 9.1 runs per game
Andy Fletcher: 9-5 (.642), 9.1 runs per game

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

MLB roundup: Historic night for Cubs' Bryant
By The Sports Xchange

CINCINNATI -- Kris Bryant had a historic night at the plate with three home runs, two doubles and six RBIs, lifting the Chicago Cubs to an 11-8 victory over the Cincinnati Reds on Monday at Great American Ball Park.
Bryant became the first player in major league history to hit three homers and two doubles in a game. His 16 total bases were a franchise record.
Bryant, who went 5-for-5, homered in consecutive at-bats, including a three-run homer in the fourth, then went deep again in the eighth when he and first baseman Anthony Rizzo hit back-to-back homers off Ross Ohlendorf.
Jake Arrieta (12-2) also homered as part of a 17-hit outburst by the Cubs as they overcame a rough outing for the right-handed ace. Making his first start against the Reds since no-hitting them on April 21, Arrieta gave up five earned runs and walked five in five innings.

Rangers 9, Yankees 6
NEW YORK -- Texas was annoyed with one out in the top of the ninth inning when New York asked for the tarp to be put on the field because Aroldis Chapman could not grip the ball.
Nearly four hours later, the dugout erupted in jubilation.
Adrian Beltre and Elvis Andrus created the joy with two-run singles off Kirby Yates and the Rangers left Yankee Stadium with a win in a game that was twice delayed by rain for nearly four hours and ended 7 1/2 hours after the scheduled first pitch.
Chapman took the mound with a heavy downpour and could not find the strike zone, prompting Yankees manager Joe Girardi to ask umpires to put the tarp on the field. Play was halted at 10:40 pm and the Rangers were angered.
Players were yelling at umpires about how they had to pitch in the same conditions and Banister made his feelings known during an animated discussion with umpires that featured several hand gestures before he headed back to the clubhouse.

Rays 13, Red Sox 7
ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. -- Tampa Bay ended its 11-game losing streak, tagging Boston starter Eduardo Rodriguez for nine runs in the first three innings and cruising to a win at Tropicana Field.
The Rays hadn't scored more than six runs during the losing streak, but found their bats Monday, with six hits in the first eight batters and a 9-0 lead after three. Boston has dropped six of its last seven, giving up at least six runs in six straight as well. The 13 Rays runs match their most and the most allowed by Boston this season, and the 18 hits is their season high and the most allowed by Red Sox pitching.
The Rays got a career-high five RBIs from designated hitter Nick Franklin, who got his first three hits of the season after being recalled Tuesday. Logan Forsythe went 3-for-5 with three RBIs, two on a home run that chased Rodriguez (1-3) from the game before he could finish the third inning.

Indians 8, Braves 3
ATLANTA -- Lonnie Chisenhall and Jason Kipnis homered, Trevor Bauer turned in his sixth consecutive quality start and Cleveland stretched its winning streak to 10 games with an interleague victory over Atlanta.
The Indians are a perfect 11-0 at home in June, but had been just a .500 team on the road before sweeping a three-game series in Detroit before coming to Atlanta.
The three-run homer by Chisenhall and solo blast by Kipnis gave the Indians 21 homers during the winning streak, and they have outscored foes 68-22 over the 10 games.

Nationals 11, Mets 4
WASHINGTON -- Ben Revere had four hits and stole three bases, Danny Espinosa had three hits and drove in two runs and Anthony Rendon had two hits and drove in three as hit-happy Washington overcame an early 4-0 deficit to record a win against New York.
The first-place Nationals are now four games ahead of the Mets, who won two of three in Washington last month. Washington tied a franchise record with six steals in the game and had 17 hits.
Every starter in the Nationals starting lineup had at least one hit, while Bryce Harper had two hits after batting just .232 in his previous 15 games. Daniel Murphy added two hits for Washington to lift his average to .350.

Royals 6, Cardinals 2
KANSAS CITY, Mo. -- Danny Duffy pitched eight impressive innings and Kendrys Morales continued his torrid streak with four hits and two RBIs as Kansas City topped St. Louis Cardinals.
Duffy's outing matched the longest of his career. He gave up two runs in the first inning and nothing after that. He allowed six hits, struck out eight and walked none.
Duffy (3-1), who walked four in his previous start and lasted just 4 2/3 innings in a no-decision against the New York Mets, lowered his ERA to 3.24. He threw 68 strikes in 101 pitches before Joakim Soria replaced him in the ninth.

Dodgers 5, Pirates 4
PITTSBURGH -- Los Angeles rode a four-run fifth inning to a victory over Pittsburgh to avoid a four-game series sweep.
The Pirates blew an early 4-0 lead as the Dodgers ended an eight-game losing streak at PNC Park.
With the win, the Dodgers avoided their first four-game series sweep against Pittsburgh since 1944.

Rockies 9, Blue Jays 5
DENVER -- Colorado erupted for six runs in the seventh inning to beat Toronto.
This is just the Blue Jays' third trip to Coors Field, where they have played and lost seven games. This one was close for six innings with the Blue Jays building a 4-0 lead thanks to Devon Travis' homer in the first and Edwin Encarnacion's three-run shot with two outs in the sixth.
In the bottom of the inning, Carlos Gonzalez got those three runs back with one swing when he lofted a three-run homer to right. Starter Marco Estrada walked leadoff hitter Charlie Blackmon and Crishtian Adames followed with a double to left. With one out, Gonzalez hit his 17th homer and his 189th with the Rockies, enabling him to pass Troy Tulowitzki for fifth all-time in Rockies history.

Phillies 8, Diamondbacks 0
PHOENIX -- Cesar Hernandez had three hits, including two hits and two RBIs in a six-run seventh inning, and Odubel Herrera tied a career high with four hits in Philadelphia's victory over Arizona at Chase Field.Monday.
Hernandez singled off left-hander Robbie Ray (4-7) to open the seventh inning and scored on Cody Asche's hit-and-run double into the right-field corner to give the Phillies a 3-0 lead. Ray was removed with an apparent injury to his pitching hand, and the Phillies broke the game open with four more runs off relievers Jake Barrett and Josh Collmenter to make it 8-0.
Maikel Franco and Hernandez had two-run singles in the seventh to complete the scoring for the Phillies, who were outscored 22-5 while being swept by Arizona in a four-game series at home June 17-20.

Athletics 8, Giants 3
SAN FRANCISCO -- Marcus Semien blasted a three-run homer off former trade partner Jeff Samardzija in a five-run second inning and rookie Daniel Mengden posted his first major-league win with 7 2/3 strong innings as Oakland blitzed San Francisco in the opener of a four-game interleague series.
Semien drove in four runs and Khris Davis two, helping the A's extend the all-time lead over their San Francisco Bay Area rival to 55-52.
The series continues Tuesday night in San Francisco, after which it moves across the San Francisco Bay Bridge to Oakland for games Wednesday and

Astros 4, Angels 2
ANAHEIM, Calif. -- Carlos Correa's sacrifice fly scored Jason Castro from third base in the top of the ninth inning, breaking a tie and helping lift Houston to a win over Los Angeles at Angel Stadium.
The Astros rallied in the later innings after falling behind 2-0 through six innings. Mike Trout scored both runs for Los Angeles, hitting a solo homer in the fourth inning and scoring from second on a C.J. Cron single after reaching on a double in the sixth. Trout also had a double in the eighth.
The Astros put together their winning rally in the ninth when Castro hit the first pitch of the inning by Fernando Salas for a double. A walk to George Springer and a single by Luis Vabuena loaded the bases for Jose Altuve.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Mets (40-35) at Nationals (45-32)

Game: 2
Venue: Nationals Park
Date: June 28, 2016 7:05 PM EDT

WASHINGTON -- On June 8, 2010, Stephen Strasburg made his major-league debut at Nationals Park before a crowd that was buzzing by the time he finished the night with seven strikeouts in a row.

Nearly six years later another right-hander from California is slated to make his first major-league appearance on the mound for the Washington Nationals.

Washington manager Dusty Baker announced Monday that Lucas Giolito, 21, will be summoned from Double-A Harrisburg to start against the New York Mets on Tuesday in the second game of the series between the two top teams in the National League East. He is considered perhaps the best pitching prospect in all of the minor leagues.

Is Giolito ready for the big stage?

"Well, you don't know if he's ready or not until he gets here and performs, but I liked what we saw down in spring training," Baker said.

Giolito has made 14 starts this year for Harrisburg of the Eastern League and is 5-3 with an ERA of 3.17 in 71 innings, with 72 strikeouts and 34 walks and 67 hits allowed.

"He's the real deal," said an American League scout. "I saw him in spring training; he went five innings that day and he was outstanding. Guys in our organization were asking, 'Who is this guy?' I was impressed with how he commanded his pitches that day. He was outstanding."

Giolito was the 16th overall pick by the Nationals in 2012 out of Harvard Westlake High School in Los Angeles. He is familiar with the limelight as parents Rick Giolito and Lindsay Frost are veteran Hollywood actors.

"We saw him in spring training. He pitched a game against us in spring training," Mets manager Terry Collins said. "Obviously a highly touted prospect with a good arm. We have to make him work hard. They must think highly of him if they are bringing him to this series. It should be fun."

"We figured he gave us the best option to win the game tomorrow," Washington general manager Mike Rizzo told reporters Monday. "He's our No. 1 prospect. We like the way he's developed. We think he'll do well and give us a chance to win."

The Mets will send out Matt Harvey, yet another right-hander who drew raves when he came up to The Show. Collins said Harvey will have to give the Mets innings since Noah Syndergaard lasted just three innings Monday in a 11-4 loss and there are concerns that lefty Steven Matz may not be able to start on Wednesday in Washington due to some arm issues.

Harvey lost at Washington on May 24 as he gave up five earned runs and eight hits in five innings.

Harvey beat the Nationals on May 1, 2015, by a score of 4-0 as he did not allow a run and just five hits while striking out three in seven innings.

In his last start he did not get a decision in a 4-3 loss to the Atlanta Braves on June 23 as he gave up two runs in six innings. Harvey is 2-5 with a 4.50 ERA in nine road starts this year.

But Harvey could be overshadowed for at least one night but a rookie.

"Lucas has continued to make strides in all phases of the game," Nationals farm director Mark Scialabba wrote in an email to The Sports Xchange on Monday night. "On any given night he has three well-above-average pitches working for him."

"Along with his fastball and curveball, which are well documented, his changeup has become a weapon he can use against both left- and right-handed hitters," he added. "He continues to focus on creating a consistent delivery to improve the command of all three offerings. He's a tremendous student of the game and is striving to become a complete pitcher with the ability to field his position and hold runners well."

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Rangers (50-27) at Yankees (37-38)

Game: 2
Venue: Yankee Stadium
Date: June 28, 2016 7:05 PM EDT

NEW YORK -- Alex Rodriguez's view of the last two games for the New York Yankees has been from the dugout.

On Tuesday, he is expected to return from being benched and when he does, he will have to face one of the toughest left-handers in the American League.

Cole Hamels will be on the mound when Rodriguez and the Yankees continue their four-game series with the Texas Rangers.

Rodriguez is batting .223 (37-for-166) in 44 games this season. He has eight home runs and 26 RBIs, 13 of his hits have gone for extra bases and he has struck out 53 times.

Since returning from missing a month with a right hamstring injury, the 40-year-old is batting .282 but only four of his 22 hits have gone for extra bases.

"It's a hard decision," New York manager Joe Girardi said. "Alex has meant a lot to this club over the years, but now we're going to do something a little bit different and see how it works."

Rodriguez also has struggled more against right-handers than left-handers. Against righties, he is a .200 hitter while vs. southpaws, he is batting .275, although Rodriguez is hitless in five career at-bats against Hamels.

"Physically I feel good," Rodriguez said. "Look I have 165, 170 at-bats, eight home runs, 26 RBIs -- not good, not great. But I certainly have enough in the tank to help this team win."

This also is the continuation of a downward trend at the plate for Rodriguez since late July. He turned 40 July 27 and had a .276 average with 24 home runs and 59 RBIs.

Since then, he has batted .215 (78-for-363) with 17 home runs, 53 RBIs and 115 strikeouts in his last 104 games, which seems to be enough of a sample size for the Yankees to sit him more often, especially with their constant quest to get over .500 and stay over.

"We can't stay stagnant," GM Brian Cashman said. "Time is of the essence. We can't keep treading water and I want to be a contender, not a pretender.

"We've got a short sprint now to the trade deadline. This team needs to declare itself as good enough, contenders or not."

With Rodriguez sitting, the Yankees had 16 hits as Mark Teixeira, Carlos Beltran and Didi Gregorius had three hits apiece but it was not enough as Kirby Yates could not protect a one-run lead following a three-hour, 35-minute rain delay and allowed four runs, turning a 6-5 game into a 9-6 loss.

Texas won for the 28th time in 36 games by getting two-run singles in the ninth from Adrian Beltre and Elvis Andrus. The Rangers also became the first team in baseball to get 50 wins.

"It speaks volumes of the type of roll they've been on and how they continue to play," Texas manager Jeff Banister said. "It's obviously a nice number but a lot of baseball to be played."

After Chi-Chi Martinez allowed five runs and 10 hits during his five-inning season debut, Hamels will look to continue rolling.

Hamels has a 0.87 ERA (two earned runs/20 2/3 innings) and has won his last three starts. He also has won his last eight road decisions and has posted a 2.15 ERA in the streak which began Aug. 23 at Seattle.

He is 15-2 with a 3.19 ERA in 27 starts since joining Texas and the last win seemed even more significant. Hamels allowed one and five hits while striking out eight in six innings in last Wednesday's 6-4 win over Cincinnati in a game that was played after Derek Holland and Colby Lewis were placed on the disabled list.

Hamels was supposed to face the Yankees April 25 but was scratched because of a groin injury. He is 0-2 with a 4.50 ERA in three regular starts against the Yankees also allowed five runs and five hits in 4 1/3 innings during Game 3 of the 2009 World Series at Philadelphia.

Veteran left-handers are the theme of Tuesday's pitching matchup and CC Sabathia will oppose Hamels. Sabathia made his debut in 2001 five years before Hamels made his major league debut.

Sabathia is enjoying one of the best stretches he has had in recent seasons. His 2.78 ERA is the lowest it has been at least 12 starts into a season in his career since it was 2.55 24 starts into the 2011 season.

He has the ninth-lowest ERA over his last 21 starts going back to Aug. 1 and has allowed two earned runs or fewer in 14 of those outings.

Wednesday was not one of those outings as Sabathia allowed six runs (five earned) and seven hits in 4 1/3 innings against Colorado. He also twisted his right ankle backing up home plate but has been able to do his normal work in between starts.

Sabathia is 11-5 with a 4.97 ERA in 21 starts against Texas. With the Yankees, he is 4-2 with a 5.79 ERA in eight starts, including April 27 in Texas when he allowed three runs and five hits in six innings.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Cubs (49-26) at Reds (29-48)

Game: 2
Venue: Great American Ball Park
Date: June 28, 2016 7:10 PM EDT

CINCINNATI -- Amid all the history made by Kris Bryant on Monday night, the most important thing to happen for the Chicago Cubs is that they got a victory.

Bryant became the first player in major league history to hit three home runs and have two doubles in a game. He also went 5-for-5, set career highs in hits and RBIs and played three different positions.

But manager Joe Maddon's club still needed to hang on for an 11-8 win in the opener of a three-game series in Cincinnati, a game in which ace Jake Arrieta struggled.

But a win is a win, especially after a disappointing series in Miami in which they lost three of four. Despite losing six of their last eight, the Cubs still own a 9 1/2-game lead in the National League Central.

On Tuesday, the Cubs will try to win two in a row for the first time since June 18.

"We haven't been playing the best baseball," Bryant said. "But tonight was a good game to win and we'll try to build off that."

The Reds dominated the Cubs for several seasons during their rebuild. But the tide has turned the past two seasons. Chicago has won the last three series against the Reds and nine of the past 10.

The Cubs have won seven of eight against the Reds this season. Chicago won last season's series 13-6, snapping a streak of five straight won by Cincinnati.

Jon Lester takes the mound for the Cubs on Tuesday, making his sixth career start against Cincinnati. He's 2-0 with a 3.38 ERA in his career against the Reds.

Lester will be challenged, though, by manager Bryan Price's club, which likes to run, especially center fielder Billy Hamilton, who had 19 stolen bases this season.

Lester has 13 quality starts, third best in baseball. He has allowed one earned run or fewer in 10 of his starts.

Left-hander Jon Lamb will make his 11th start of the season and second against the Cubs. He last faced Chicago last Oct. 1 last season, allowing five earned runs in 4 2/3 innings of a 5-3 loss.

Lamb was among a trio of left-handers acquired from the Kansas City Royals in exchange for Johnny Cueto last July. He began the season on the disabled list after back surgery.

Cincinnati's pitching staff is beginning to get healthy with the return of Lamb, right-hander Anthony DeSclafani, who worked eight shutout innings on Sunday, and promising bullpen arms Raisel Iglesias and Michael Lorenzen.

Veteran Homer Bailey made his first rehab start for Triple-A Louisville and is targeted for a late July return, barring setbacks.

The Cubs are looking to get healthy as well. Leadoff batter Dexter Fowler is on track to come off the disabled list when eligible July 5, according to Maddon.

Jorge Soler took practice on Monday at Great American Ball Park and the reports were positive. He'll need a minor-league rehab appearance before returning, however.

Despite the Cubs being a bit banged up, Price is fully aware of Chicago's success against his club heading into Tuesday.

"For a game where we had eight hits and six walks and eight runs, that's usually enough to win," Price said after Monday's game. "The Cubs had their hitting shoes on tonight. They're real happy and comfortable against our staff right now."

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Red Sox (41-35) at Rays (32-43)

Game: 2
Venue: Tropicana Field
Date: June 28, 2016 7:10 PM EDT

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. -- On a night when John Farrell needed to take it easy on his bullpen, he needed an inning from five different relievers, complicating the team's pitching woes in a 13-7 loss to the Tampa Bay Rays.

"We've been going to that bullpen so extensively, we needed to get some innings," Farrell said after starter Eduardo Rodriguez lasted only 2 2/3 innings, surrendering nine earned runs on 11 hits. "It was disappointing."

Farrell called a team meeting after the game -- Boston has dropped six of eight games and allowed at least six runs in six straight -- to find an instance of a Red Sox starter giving up more than 10 hits in less than three innings, you only need to go back to Friday, when David Price did just that.

"The bottom line is (Rodriguez) is capable of more, we're capable of more," Farrell said. "We need to get better, and we had a chance to share that after the game. To continue to fall behind as much as we are late, we're more talented than that. We can't continue to expect our offense to climb out of holes as we've been. We have to set the tone from the mound, more than we are."

There was an urgency to Farrell's frustration -- Boston is still 41-35, but since May 26, they're 12-18 after a 29-17 start. What's worse, even in low-leverage situations with the game out of hand, his best relievers struggled Monday -- Koji Uehara and Craig Kimbrel each needed 26 pitches for a single inning, and Junichi Tazawa needed 17 for his inning, so pitchers who would normally be available the next night are now questionable if Boston needs a long night from its bullpen again Tuesday.

Tuesday starter Rick Porcello (8-2, 3.93 ERA) needs a quality start to help mend an overworked bullpen. The Rays, who will throw RHP Chris Archer (4-10, 4.70 ERA), have won three of four games against Boston and will try to build on the momentum of ending an 11-game losing streak on Monday.

The Rays hadn't scored more than six runs at any point in that 11-game skid, but Monday's outburst -- matching a season high with 13 runs and resetting the high with 18 hits -- will give them confidence as they labor to get back to .500 baseball with the All-Star break fast approaching.

"A lot of questions have to be answered when you're not playing well, and I think they've handled it pretty admirably given what we've gone through," Rays manager Kevin Cash said. "We saw tonight that sometimes it takes that type of performance to break out of a funk."

There might be a greater immediacy in the Red Sox clubhouse, where a strong start is slipping away as they try to keep close to division-leading Baltimore. The Red Sox could help their pitching by trading for an upgrade in the next month, but Farrell doesn't know that will happen.

"I have to remain focused on the guys internally -- to say that someone else is going to walk through that door, I'm not banking on it," Farrell said. "In this moment, I don't have an answer for you."

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Marlins (41-35) at Tigers (38-38)

Game: 1
Venue: Comerica Park
Date: June 28, 2016 7:10 PM EDT

DETROIT -- The Detroit Tigers will be facing a much better and more confident Miami Marlins team Tuesday than the one they beat twice to open the 2016 season.

And while Miami is on an uptick, Detroit is just ticked after getting swept for the third time this season by the Cleveland Indians this past weekend.

The Tigers have stiffened their bullpen in the last week but their rotation is rubbery. And the Marlins won't face the pitcher who has been the most solid for the American League team over the last month -- rookie right-hander Michael Fulmer.

Fulmer is getting extended rest for the next couple of weeks. He won't start until this weekend at Tampa Bay after last pitching June 22 against Seattle.

Instead Miami will get a look at Mike Pelfrey, coming off his first relief appearance of the season, on Tuesday and lefty Daniel Norris on Wednesday.

Detroit is back at .500 (38-38) after dropping to 0-9 against Cleveland -- which came after the Tigers swept the Seattle Mariners in a four-game set.

"It seems like big swings is how we're playing," Detroit manager Brad Ausmus said as Cleveland was pounding his team. "We win four in row, drop three in a row, win four out five, lose five out of six. Kind of been that way all year."

"I don't believe that," Justin Verlander said Sunday when asked if he felt Detroit was a .500 team. "I think we are better than a .500 club. I think we showed flashes of it and we've shown flashes of not being very good. But I believe we are better than this. We just need to be a little more consistent."

Miami (41-35) is six games over .500 for the first time since June of 2012 after taking a weekend series from the Chicago Cubs.

"Quite honestly, I feel like we should be more than six games over .500 right now," manager Don Mattingly told MLB.com. "We've had a lot of games where we've had leads we weren't able to, not necessarily hold, but hold from letting teams back into games."

Left-hander Adam Conley (4-4, 3.56 ERA) starts for the Marlins Tuesday after coming the closest any pitcher on his team has come to working nine innings. Conley worked eight innings of shutout, four-hit ball in his last start.

Conley has never faced Detroit. He is 2-1 with a 3.83 ERA on the road.

Pelfrey (1-7, 4.91 ERA) pitched 4 1/3 scoreless innings of relief last Friday and only allowed three hits in perhaps his best performance of the season. But in his most recent start, June 20, Pelfrey was tagged for six earned runs on 12 hits.

Pelfrey has a track record against Miami but it dates largely back to his seven seasons with the New York Mets as opposed to his time with Minnesota and now Detroit. He is 1-9 with a 5.40 ERA in 18 career starts against Miami.

And Giancarlo Stanton is 9-for-19 (.474) with two home runs, two doubles, three RBIs and one strikeout lifetime against Pelfrey.

The Marlins may be without outfielder Marcell Ozuna, who sat out Saturday and Sunday to rest a sore left wrist. Mattingly said there is no guarantee he'll play Tuesday.

Miami's infield has gone 26 straight games without recording an error dating back to May 30, which, according to STATS LLC, marks the most consecutive games without an error by an infield since 1913.

The Marlins have also committed a major-league-low three errors in June. The last error by a Marlins infielder was Derek Dietrich's fielding miscue in a 7-3 win over the Braves on May 29. Ozuna's error in Miami's 4-2 victory over Chicago last Thursday marks the last error by any Marlins player.

"The defense has been really good," Mattingly said. "We seemed shaky early, but we really kind of hit our stride. Martin (Prado's) unbelievable at third. (Adeiny Hechavarria), obviously, he's been one of those guys on the Gold Glove list the last few years. Derek's been solid. (Justin Bour) has been fine at first. We've been a pretty good defensive club, and we thought we would be."