Wednesday 10/15/14 service plays chatter/comps/requests & other stuff...

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

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[Can'tPickaWinner2]

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[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Grand Salami - October

The Grand Salami in pro hockey is decided by adding up all the goals scored in every game scheduled for that particular day. You can wager on 'over' or 'under' the Grand Salami total. The total is set by adding up all listed 'over/under' odds for each game on that particular day.

Note: The Grand Salami will have no action if any game is suspended or cancelled before the regulation time of three twenty minute periods. Also, regardless of the number of goals scored during the shoot out portion of the overtime, the final scored recorded for the game will give the winning team on more goal than its opponent based on the score at the end of regulation time.

*The majority of sportsbooks do not put out a total on the Grand Salami when there is only one game on the card. For tracking purposes, we will continue to show the 'over/under' for goals and combined goals scored on days with just one game.


NHL GRAND SALAMI

Date No. of Games Total Goals Combined Goals Scored Result

10/8 4 22 20 UNDER
10/9 12 67.5 70 OVER
10/10 1 5.5 8 OVER
10/11 15 79.5 84 OVER
10/12 2 10 14 OVER
10/13 4 21.5 18 UNDER
10/14 9 50.5 - -

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Vogelsong red-hot in postseason starts
Justin Hartling

There may not be a hotter postseason pitcher than Ryan Vogelsong. In the big righties five playoff starts, he is 3-0 with a 1.19 ERA and has not allowed a single home run.

Vogelsong's one start this postseason came against the Washington Nationals where he allowed only one run in 5.2 innings of work.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Handicapped by Chatsworth Consortium at Hoosier Park

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


Race 10 - Post: 8:15 - 1 mile. PACE - Class Rating: 73 - Purse:$6900 - 2 YEAR OLD COLTS & GELDINGS - INDIANA SIRED NON WINNERS OF 1 EXT PM RACE LIFETIME NO. 10 STARTS FROM 2ND TIER OFF TIME 8:19


CONSORTIUM CHOICES


Chatsworth Consortium

# 3 JD'S MACCA LODGE 5/2


# 10 SECRET THREAT 12/1


# 9 WINTER BLAST 3/1

Look no further than JD'S MACCA LODGE as the wager in this one. This race horse looks tough. Check out the 79 average speed rating. The knowledge group gives this contender a formidable chance to take this race, class figures are tops in the field of starters. Is a strong choice given the 79 speed figure from his most recent outing. SECRET THREAT - Has great TrackMaster speed figs and very likely has to be thought of for a wager today. Worth considering today if only for the really strong speed figure achieved in the last race. WINTER BLAST - Cannot put a finger on it, but think about this gelding for a wager. Could unquestionably defeat this field of starters given the 70 speed rating achieved in his last outing.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Handicapped by Chatsworth Consortium at Pompano Park

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


Race 7 - Post: 9:18 - 1 mile. PACE - Class Rating: 79 - Purse:$7000 - FILLIES AND MARES OPEN MICALLEF PICKED 3 OVER 2


CONSORTIUM CHOICES


Chatsworth Consortium

# 4 BOMBILLA HANOVER 7/5


# 5 GOLDSTAR ROCKETTE 5/2


# 3 UP FRONT LADY GRAY 10/1

The consensus for this race is that BOMBILLA HANOVER is the one to beat. Could very well be the top in the bunch here, showing formidable numbers of late. Average speed is a solid 84. Positively the class of the pack with an average rating of 86. A nice contender. Could best this group of horses, just look at the speed rating - 74 - from her most recent outing. GOLDSTAR ROCKETTE - The brain trust noted a substantial outing out of this standardbred last time. Looking for a repeat effort of that to win. The consortium happens to know that when you put Mc Nichol and Ginesi together really strong results are not far behind. UP FRONT LADY GRAY - With one of the most compelling drivers in terms of crossing the wire first, don't count this mare out of the affair. Earned a 78 TrackMaster Speed Rating last out. A duplicate affair here should get the win this time.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Handicapped by The Walker Group at Delaware

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


Race 2 - Claiming - 8.3f on the Turf. Purse: $14000 Class Rating: 93

FOR THREE YEAR OLDS AND UPWARD WHICH HAVE NOT WON TWO RACES IN 2014. THREE YEAR OLDS, 120 LBS.; OLDER, 123 LBS. NON-WINNERS OF A RACE SINCE JUNE 15, 2014 ALLOWED 4 LBS. A RACE SINCE JANUARY 15, 2014 ALLOWED 6 LBS. CLAIMING PRICE $5,000


RECOMMENDED CHOICES

The Walker Group Picks

# 4 BUNDESTAG (GB) 5/1


# 11 SKY MASTERSON 9/2


# 5 ROCKFIELD 10/1


My choice in this race is BUNDESTAG (GB). Shows signs of the look of a money-making play, averaging a solid 89 speed figure which is one of the best in this group of horses in this race. Has to be given a chance - I like the figures from the last contest. Must be carefully examined given the class of races run lately. SKY MASTERSON - Had one of the strongest speed figures of this group in his last contest. He has to be given consideration given the competitive speed numbers. ROCKFIELD - Has to be considered against this field displaying very good figures recently and an average Equibase Speed Figure of 92 under similar conditions.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Handicapped by The Walker Group at Indiana Downs

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


Race 7 - Allowance - 8.0f on the Dirt. Purse: $36000 Class Rating: 83

FOR REGISTERED INDIANA BREDS THREE YEAR OLDS AND UPWARD WHICH HAVE NEVER WON TWO RACES. THREE YEAR OLDS, 119 LBS.; OLDER, 122 LBS. NON-WINNERS OF A RACE AT A MILE OR OVER SINCE SEPTEMBER 15 ALLOWED 2 LBS.


RECOMMENDED CHOICES

The Walker Group Picks

# 5 VICTOR JARA 7/2


# 7 FRAN'S FLATTER 8/1


# 8 NOTCH 3/1


My pick for this race is VICTOR JARA. Overall the speed figures of this racer look very strong in this race. Will probably be one of the leaders of the group going into the midpoint of the affair. The speed figure of 83 from his last race looks formidable in here. FRAN'S FLATTER - Last time out, this gelding faced a tougher bunch. Must be in condition if the conditioner is bringing him back so soon. NOTCH - Has been running soundly lately and should be up near the front end early on. Must be considered based on the respectable Equibase Speed Figure earned in the last competition.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Handicapped by The Turf Club Analysts

Bar

Hawthorne - Race #4 - Post: 3:15pm - Claiming - 8.5 furlongs on the Dirt. Purse: $8,200 Class Rating: 78

Rating: Golden DollarGolden DollarGolden DollarGolden Dollar

#3 BLOOMING FLOWER (ML=6/1)
#5 MYSISTERJOSEPHINE (ML=15/1)
#4 DONTBETELLINME (ML=10/1)


BLOOMING FLOWER - Faced tougher in the last race at Hawthorne. Based on class figures, this is a weaker group, so I will put this thoroughbred on my list of contenders. Multiple victories over the surface right here at Hawthorne. Maybe, another trip to the winner's circle in this race. Ran a less than stellar race at Hawthorne in the last race. Racing with the benefit of a fast track puts this mare at the top of my contenders list. 65-70-79 are last 3 Equibase speed figures. Improving each time out is something she should do again in this race. MYSISTERJOSEPHINE - Dorris gets a break on this mount carrying 7 lbs less than last out. Should make the difference right here in this race. Horse has improved at least two speed fig points in last two races. I look for that positive increase to continue right here. DONTBETELLINME - Personally, I wouldn't worry about where she finished in her last race (fifth). Should improve in today's race, with some decent odds. Sanjur comes to race again after getting to know the mare in the last contest. A repeat of that last race on Sep 25th where she earned a speed figure of 80 looks high enough to prove victorious in this event. Horse has improved at least 2 speed figure points in last 2 races. I look for that to continue in today's race.

Vulnerable Contenders: #1 RUNAWAY ABACO (ML=7/2), #1A AFLEET ABACO (ML=7/2), #2 MISCHIEF N MAYHEM (ML=9/2),

RUNAWAY ABACO - This less than sharp equine ran a most unsatisfactory speed fig last time out. She shouldn't run better and will probably suffer defeat today running that fig. AFLEET ABACO - Sep 19th is the last time we've seen this mare around. Have to be a little bit leery. I cannot play this perpetual non-winner. Gets the task finished once in a while. MISCHIEF N MAYHEM - All sorts of crazy zip entered for this race. Little chance for this early speedball.


STRAIGHT WAGERS:

Bet on #3 BLOOMING FLOWER to win if you can get at least 5/2 odds

EXACTA WAGERS:
3 with [4,5]

TRIFECTA WAGERS:
Box [3,4,5] Total Cost: $6

SUPERFECTA WAGERS:
[3,4,5] with [3,4,5] with [3,4,5,7,8] with [3,4,5,7,8] Total Cost: $36

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Handicapped by The Turf Club Analysts

Bar

Mountaineer - Race #8 - Post: 9:34pm - Claiming - 5.5 furlongs on the Dirt. Purse: $7,600 Class Rating: 65

Rating: Golden DollarGolden DollarGolden DollarGolden Dollar

#7 PEACE AND SERENITY (ML=3/1)


PEACE AND SERENITY - Stand by this horse. No other viable early speed gives this horse a strong chance at the winner's circle. This horse's last race was out at Woodbine in a race with a class number of 78. Dropping a significant amount in class rating in today's event puts her in a solid position in this race. The recent speed figure of 61 is the top last race speed rating in the field. Filly is a few starts into a return to racing here. Should give a big race today.

Vulnerable Contenders: #3 CITRINATION (ML=2/1), #9 KAZ LAKE (ML=4/1), #5 GIMME A SIGN (ML=8/1),

CITRINATION - The morning-line favorite is vulnerable here with the lack of works. Can't really back the public's choice when she has multiple failures as the public's choice. The speed rating last time around the track doesn't fit very well in this event when I look at the class figure of today's race. Mark this thoroughbred as a questionable challenger. KAZ LAKE - This mount hasn't had even one workout after running so well on Sep 22nd. Finished second in her most recent performance with a mediocre fig. When I look at today's class figure, it would take an improved performance to prove victorious after that in this bunch. GIMME A SIGN - Looked good on Sep 14th, finishing third, but no works since is a bit troublesome. Finished third in her most recent race with a run-of-the-mill speed figure. When I look at today's class rating, it would take an improved performance to triumph after that in this field.



STRAIGHT WAGERS:

Bet on #7 PEACE AND SERENITY to win if you can get at least 1/1 odds

EXACTA WAGERS:
7 with [8,9]

TRIFECTA WAGERS:
Pass

SUPERFECTA WAGERS:
Skip

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Handicapped by Ellis Starr at Keeneland

Race #3 - Rating = 2


#6 From Day One - Minimum odds 2/1
#3 B L's Tsunami - Minimum odds 3/1


From Day One has raced only 7 times in his career, finishing 1st or 2nd in 4 of the seven including a tough loss by a head on the wire last month when leading from just after the start all the way to the final yards. He had been off for a little over 2 months prior to that so he should run better in this situation, and he stretches out from 7 furlongs to 9 furlongs, a key to his running even better because at this longer distance the early fractions should be much slower than they were in that sprint, allowing him to save his energy for the late stages of the race.

B L's Tsunami is a veteran with 21 wins in 83 races, having one of the best years of his career at the age of 9 with 4 wins from 10 races and a testament to his trainer's care. He took blinkers off four races back and won shortly thereafter, then finished second. Although fourth in his most recent race if he can run as he did on August 9, just 3 races ago, or in April when winning three in a row, he could be very competitive once again.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Balmoral: Wednesday 10/15 Analysis
By Jeremey Day

DRF HARNESS


Race 6 - $10,000 Guaranteed Pick Four Pool

Best Bet (41 - 79 / $161.70): GENTLE JANET (6th)

Spot Play: PERCHED ON TOP (7th)


Race 1

(6) ALWAYS A JEWEL has been facing better and finds a field with few contenders. (5) SAND IN MY BIKINI put in a super effort the start prior but only has one lifetime win; command a price. (7) YOUROLDLOV-ELETTER filly gets an upgrade in the bike and has shown a decent burst of speed in a weak field.

Race 2

(5) CLEVER UPSTART has yet to win in fifteen starts on the year but should be sitting on a good effort down in class. (3) ENCHANTRESS LADY well bred mare has ability but has been off three weeks. (10) MY MINI SNICKERS nice looking freshman faces older and is prone to breaks but has an excellent chance to hit the ticket if she minds her manners.

Race 3

(10) CATCH THE WAVE two-year-old would beat this field with one of his prior efforts at the track. (2) LITTLE MAN MORAND looked to have turned a corner last out just getting picked off late pacing a nice mile; threat. (8) PARTY'S GOLD was a game winner last out and probably has more to offer.

Race 4

(6) HOLY MCMOSES should be much closer turning for home against a weaker bunch. (7) ALWAYS JIMMY RAY fits against this group and closed good ground late last out. (8) WILDARISCAPE gelding has ability but always seems to come up short; use underneath.

Race 5

(4) EASY ON THE CHIPS gets a good driver change and should offer a big price. (3) KITTY O'BRIEN mare is starting to heat up late in the season and finds a field with few contenders; fires late. (7) DONTMESSWITHANGEL looks terrible on paper but is capable of popping of a decent mile out of the blue from time to time.

Race 6

(6) GENTLE JANET mare was an easy winner last out at Maywood and has been competitive against much tougher on the year. (2) SEXY CARD SHARK also scored a victory at Maywood last out and was the driver's choice. (9) PARKLANE GLITTER two-year-old filly was razor sharp last race and a similar effort gives the field a run for their money.

Race 7

(2) PERCHED ON TOP made up a ton of ground last start after a terrible start. The filly pacer will offer a great price but also needs some racing luck. (8) SANDCASTLE GIRL filly gets a negative driver change but could have the most ability. (7) GABBY REI might try a change of tactics this week from off the pace; threat.

Race 8

(1) LIZZABELLE has gate speed with the best post. (10) JOYFUL GAME 4-year-old has a tendency to be inconsistent but has won two straight and owns the best closing kick in the race. (5) STAGE STAR filly is seven for eleven on the year and a huge threat with a trouble free trip.

Race 9

(5) ALWAYS TALKING three-year-old filly has gone some big efforts in her last few starts. (1) SUGARSWEET CHERRY faces older but has a ton of upside combined with the best post; driver's choice. (2) BUBBALA mare has been improving throughout the year and looks to be in line for a ground saving trip.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Northfield: Wednesday 10/15 Analysis
By Ken Walters

DRF HARNESS


Best Bet: FOX RIVER MARK (13th)

Spot Play: PUMP ME UP (3rd)


Race 1

(5) MOMA JEANS CROWN faces modest ban of campaigners off a parked out effort that saw her last for third. Will be hard to beat with right trip. (6) TALLADEGA HANOVER made the move to the lead in last and opened up a couple before weakening and same move can make him the main threat. (4) ELIANS VALENTINE faces weaker would be no surprise.

Race 2

(1) SONICPEDIA has the rail, won from here three back and has no excuse. (3) CHROME SEELSTER made a front end bid two back and rallied off the pace in last. (5) DALLAS SEELSTER sat in with steady finish in last and sucking along can result in another payday.

Race 3

(3) PUMP ME UP has speed and will be the one to catch. (5) FOUL BALL put in a much improved effort in last actually edging out the top one for second place honors. (1) HIGH HEELS N SPURS has the rail and should be close throughout.

Race 4

(1) R I P SPANKY has been all over the track last few, draws the rail and if he has anything he should be hard to beat. (9) FOLLOW A DREAM has to get around early traffic but has been threatening last couple. (6) ITS SPIDER has some late kick and should not be ignored.

Race 5

(2) BUILDING WEALTH takes a modest drop in company and moves in to best post he has seen in weeks. Veteran is running out of time for that one last victory for the road. (3) S F SCORPION moves in and should be able to improve off last few tough trip efforts. (4) TOES improved in last with some late speed and faces weaker.

Race 6

(3) DIGGERS REST N closed strongly two back this level and toured the track versus better in last. Drops back down and looks tough. (2) PAPAKNOWSBEST was parked for life two back. Races third time over the track after shipping in and faces slightly weaker. (4) A J CRESS has been putting in some good miles and looks capable of arguing in the lane.

Race 7

(3) STRONG TOGETHER flashed some late foot two back, motored home in good order last time and continued improvement puts her in the winner’s circle. (4) NOT AGAIN WOMAN was a first over challenging beaten favorite two back. Took it easy in last and is one to fear. (2) BLISSFULL JESSIE was in traffic in last when it counted and better racing luck makes her a serious threat.

Race 8

(8) WELCOME WAGON won convincingly in last but was moves out. Well matched field is difficult to separate. (4) MR GREEN closed well in all of recent and was a beaten odds-on favorite in last. (1) GORDIEISANARTIST has the rail and gets the call to be a threat throughout the mile.

Race 9

(4) PASSIONATEPRINCESS has been good last few and gets narrow vote in another well-matched field of campaigners. (1) TROTTING ON OVER has the rail and will be closing. (3) THERAINCATCHER wired the field in last and could be hard to catch if not pushed.

Race 10

(1) BRYNDANS TOY has been good last few winning two back and racing uncovered in last. Faces better but seems fast enough to argue. (4) MOSH PIT has been battling last three and and has late speed. (3) D J SUPREME broke while on the move in last and will be tough if he stays flat despite facing better.

Race 11

(5) PAMSFOOLISHTERROR has hit overdrive finishing off last few races with latest being a huge rally on the way to the winners circle photo. (1) FORMAL HANOVER has speed and the rail. Had the same criteria in last but ran out of gas in the late stages. (2) HOT CYCLE faces weaker and has shown some good late, game speed in recent past.

Race 12

(1) SCREAMIN DREAMIN has raced well this level in recent past and has the rail. (6) DAY TO DAY won for fun in latest and is the main threat. (3) FUTURE PAST was quick closing through the lane two back off a poor covered trip and has to be respected.

Race 13

(2) FOX RIVER MARK has late speed enough to down these as he drops. (1) FRANCO NATURA N wired weaker in last. Has the rail and might be able to cause havoc once more. (9) RAMEMBER should be able to clear early traffic and can be tough off best.

Race 14

(1) B QUITE MARVELOUS won this level two back but faltered in last but that was over an off track. (2) BLUE TIME ICE LADY takes a slight drop in company and could be the main threat. (3) COSMETICIAN made a break in last when placed for a late rally.

Race 15

(5) MATTOXS WESTERN ships in and faces a beatable field. (9) BLUE PUNCH will be the one to fear most if he gets around early traffic. (7) EL PUNCHO closed strongly in last and cannot be ignored.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

SPOT PLAYS

For Wednesday


TRACK (RACE) HORSE, MORNING LINE


Charles Town (2nd) Double Bogey Blues, 4-1
(7th) D D's Destiny, 7-2

Delaware Park (4th) Vale Ridge, 6-1
(8th) San Gregoria, 4-1

Delta Downs (3rd) Miss Taylorwyatt, 7-2
(11th) Friendly Shadow, 4-1


Hawthorne (1st) Lottie's Wisdom, 7-2
(7th) Thecushmaker, 5-1


Indiana Grand (7th) Notch, 3-1
(8th) Cat With a Twist, 7-2


Keeneland (1st) Lanier, 3-1
(8th) Raider Power, 9-2


Mountaineer (1st) Mythical Wings, 5-1
(5th) Famous Fighter, 5-1


Penn National (2nd) Easy Sailing, 3-1
(7th) Myersrocks, 7-2


Remington Park (5th) Alteza, 3-1
(9th) Taylor's Red Dawn, 7-2


Thistledown (1st) Channel Quest, 9-2
(5th) La Grenouille, 4-1

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Molina's status unclear for remaining NLCS games
By THE SPORTS XCHANGE

SAN FRANCISCO -- For the first time in the Cardinals' last 84 postseason games, Yadier Molina was not the starting catcher Tuesday in Game 3 of the National League Championship Series.

That's not to say he won't be back in the starting lineup by the time the best-of-seven series is over despite having suffered a painful strained left oblique in Game 2.

After saying before the game that Molina was available off the bench under the right set of circumstances, Cardinals manager Mike Matheny chose to use his Most Valuable Player candidate only as a bullpen catcher in his team's 5-4, 10-inning loss to the San Francisco Giants on Tuesday.

If nothing else, Molina's appearance in the bullpen demonstrated an ability possibly to be used as a defensive replacement moving forward. But actually sending him to the plate is another matter.

Molina has not felt up to taking batting practice in the aftermath of the injury. Matheny indicated Tuesday that no practice swings appear to be in his catcher's immediate future, either.

Molina was replaced the starting lineup in Game 3 by A.J. Pierzynski, who went 0-for-4, twice stranding a runner in scoring position.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Giants' Vogelsong hopes to continue postseason success
By THE SPORTS XCHANGE

SAN FRANCISCO -- Giants right-hander Ryan Vogelsong is off to a historic start in his postseason career, yet he remains last in line when it comes to the club's four-man rotation in the National League Championship Series.

And that's exactly where he wants to be.

Vogelsong, who started the Giants' series-clinching Game 4 in the N.L. Division Series against the Washington Nationals last week, will get the ball for Game 4 of the NLCS on Wednesday against the St. Louis Cardinals.

He'll take a 3-0 career playoff record and 1.19 ERA with him, as well as the distinction of being the only pitcher in major league history to have allowed one or fewer runs in five or more innings in each of his first five postseason starts.

But more important in his mind, he also will have the knowledge of having examined the performances of fellow veteran right-handers Jake Peavy and Tim Hudson as he maps out a plan of attack against the potent St. Louis lineup.

"I'm kind of in between both of them," Vogelsong said in comparing his stuff to that of Peavy and Hudson. "So it definitely helps me that they are going in front of me in this series so I can watch both of their games and obviously be able to pick their brain when they are done."

Vogelsong faced the Cardinals twice in the 2012 NLCS and won both games, allowing one run on four hits over seven innings each time. On both occasions -- Games 2 and 6 -- the Giants were one game down in a series they eventually won in seven.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Orioles' Gonzalez set for first playoff start in big spot
By THE SPORTS XCHANGE

KANSAS CITY, Mo. -- Miguel Gonzalez has not been on vacation, but when he starts Wednesday for the Baltimore Orioles, it will be his first game action in 16 days.

Gonzalez, who will start Game 4 of the American League Championship Series against the Kansas City Royals, has not pitched since Sept. 28, the regular-season finale.

The pressure is squarely on Gonzalez and the Orioles. The Royals posted a 2-1 win Tuesday to take a 3-0 lead in the best-of-seven ALCS.

"It's been two weeks, but I've been preparing myself to stay focused and I've had a couple of bullpens and a live (batting practice)," Gonzalez said Tuesday. "So I'm excited. I'm excited to go out there and give my team a chance to win a ballgame."

Gonzalez threw a simulated game Oct. 6, three innings, 50 pitches. He threw a bullpen session Sunday.

"I'm pretty much ready to go," he said.

Gonzalez was slated to start Game 4 of the AL Division Series, but the Orioles swept the Detroit Tigers in three games.

"How do we combat that?" Orioles manager Buck Showalter said of Gonzalez's lengthy layoff. "You can only play so many (simulated) games. They don't get to this level using things like that as an excuse."

Gonzalez will be squaring off against Royals left-hander Jason Vargas, who got a no-decision in his lone postseason start during the ALDS against the Los Angeles Angels.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Moose's defense looms large for Royals
By THE SPORTS XCHANGE

KANSAS CITY, Mo. -- Mike Moustakas finished hitless in three at-bats Tuesday night in Game 3 of the American League Championship Series, yet he still received two standing ovations from the Kauffman Stadium crowd.

The Kansas City third baseman made a pair of stellar defensive plays in the Royals' 2-1 victory over the Baltimore Orioles.

Moustakas robbed Orioles first baseman Steve Pearce of a hit by snagging his screamer leading off in the fourth.

"From where I was standing, I didn't see any way he could get a glove on that ball," Royals manager Ned Yost said. "Just tremendous reactions, made a tremendous play on that."

In the sixth, Moustakas tumbled into a dugout-area suite but held on to center fielder Adam Jones' foul popup.

"I've been playing at this field my entire career in the big leagues," Moustakas said, "so I'm pretty familiar with that little dugout suite over there. I've been in there once or twice, maybe, but never anything like that. And those people helped me out the entire way, didn't let me fall and kind of lifted me up out of there. It was pretty awesome."

The standing-room-only crowd of 40,183 gave Moustakas a thunderous applause after the catch.

"It really did fire up the whole stadium," first baseman Eric Hosmer said. "Hats off to the fans in the dugout suite, pick him up and put him back on the field. That was a great play. Moose is finding ways to get it done whether with the bat or defensively, he's doing it."

The Royals did it three games in a row, and they sit one game away from a World Series appearance. Kansas City left-hander Jason Vargas will try to complete the sweep Wednesday when he faces off against Baltimore right-hander Miguel Gonzalez.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

MLB Playoffs

Cardinals-Giants

Miller is 2-0, 2.09 in his last seven starts; he allowed two runs in 5.2 IP in his only postseason starts and has not pitched against the Giants this year.

Vogelsong is 3-0, 1.19 in five postseason starts, but is 1-3, 5.40 in his last four starts overall- he is 0-1, 4.05 in two starts vs St Louis this season.

Giants won eight of their last ten games, four of last five at home.

St Louis are 5-3 in their last eight games, but are 3-5 in last eight road tilts.

Miller 16-16..................3-32 first inning
Vogelsong 16-17........... 7-33 first inning


Orioles-Royals

Gonzalez is 5-3, 1.75 in his last eight starts, 0-1, 4.50 against the Royals this season; he allowed one run in seven IP in his only postseason start, in '12.

Vargas is 0-3, 7.50 in his last five starts; he allowed two runs in six IP in his only postseason start.-- he didn't pitch against Baltimore this season.

Orioles allowed 16 runs in losing first three series games; they've lost four of their last five road games.

Royals won eight games in row and 13 of last 15, with 11 of those 15 on road. KC won its last four home games.

Gonzalez 14-12..........5-26 first inning
Vargas 15-16...............6-31 first inning

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Golden Dragon Sports

Bonus Play: Kansas City Vargas