Wednesday 8/12/15 service plays chatter/comps/requests & other stuff...

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

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[superbeets]

Scottish Premiership TODAY 19:45

Kilmarnock

v

Celtic

	HOME	DRAW	AWAY
BT1		—	—	—	More markets

​

RECENT FORM	LAST HEAD-TO-HEADSAT KILMARNOCK	RECENT FORM
HLALAWHLHLAL​ Most recent​	0 - 2 0 - 3 2 - 5 1 - 3	HWAWHWHWADAW​ Most recent​

KEY STAT: Kilmarnock have scored none and conceded six in two games this season

EXPERT VERDICT: Champions League qualifiers haven’t stopped Celtic winning both Premiership games so far and they should bring up the hat-trick at Rugby Park. The Bhoys could run up a cricket score with Killie struggling badly at the moment.

RECOMMENDATION: Celtic to win 4-0
1


REFEREE: Crawford Allan STADIUM:

 

[superbeets]

Capital One Cup TODAY 19:45

Portsmouth

v

Derby

	HOME	DRAW	AWAY
SS1		10/3	13/5	4/5	More markets

​

RECENT FORM	LAST HEAD-TO-HEADSAT PORTSMOUTH	RECENT FORM
ALALHLAWHDHW​ Most recent​	1 - 2 1 - 1 3 - 1 6 - 2	HDHWADADHLAD​ Most recent​

KEY STAT: Derby have conceded in 11 of their last 14 games

EXPERT VERDICT: Portsmouth began their League Two campaign in fine style with a 3-0 home win over Dagenham and they beat League One Peterborough before losing at Stoke in last season's competition. Derby have plenty of goalscoring options and should find the net in a high-scoring tie at Fratton Park.

RECOMMENDATION: Both teams to score
3


REFEREE: Paul Tierney STADIUM:

 

[superbeets]

Capital One Cup Th 13Aug 19:45

Doncaster

v

Leeds

	HOME	DRAW	AWAY
SS1		13/8	9/4	13/8	More markets

​

RECENT FORM	LAST HEAD-TO-HEADSAT DONCASTER	RECENT FORM
AWHDALALHWHD​ Most recent​	0 - 3 1 - 3 0 - 3 1 - 2	HLHLALAWHDHD​ Most recent​

KEY STAT: Leeds have won on their last four visits to the Keepmoat

EXPERT VERDICT: Doncaster allowed Bury to score after notching when trying to return the ball following an injury on Saturday, but no such generosity is likely in this Yorkshire derby. The Shakers hit the woodwork three times against Donny and Championship Leeds should show they are the superior side.

RECOMMENDATION: Leeds
2

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

WNBA Betting Recap - 8/3-8/9
By Joe Williams

League Betting Notes (from Monday, Aug. 3 through Sunday, Aug. 9)

-- Favorites went 10-5 straight up
-- Favorites went 8-7 against the spread (ATS)
-- Home teams posted a 13-2 SU record
-- Home teams posted a 11-4 ATS record
-- The 'under' went 8-7

Team Betting Notes

-- Washington (13-8) won the second end of a home-and-home against Connecticut (11-10), and the Mystics put the skids on a two-game non-cover streak. The Sun have struggled lately, going 4-9 SU/5-8 ATS over the past 13 games after starting the year 7-1 SU/ATS in the opening eight.

-- Indiana (12-9) split their games this weekend, losing on the road to Chicago (14-9) while blowing out Atlanta (8-14) at home. The Fever have won seven in a row at home, going 5-1-1 ATS over the stretch.

-- Phoenix (14-8) was cooled off by the Sky Sunday afternoon on the road. At home the Mercury is a totally different story, winning seven of their past eight games. They're also 1-5 ATS over their past six outings at home.

-- San Antonio (7-16) hasn't been winning on a regular basis, but they have been fairly reliable against the number lately. The Stars are 7-2 ATS over their past nine games dating back to June 17. San Antonio will hit the road for Minnesota (16-6) Tuesday. The Stars are 0-2 SU/ATS against the Lynx this season, losing by an average of 16.0 points per game.

-- Seattle (5-17) continues to tumble, as they have dropped five in a row. They're starting to struggle against the number, too. They were 10-8 ATS through the first 18 games, but they have failed to cover in three of the past four.

-- The Lynx picked up a win and cover against the Sparks Sunday, ending a mini skid. The good times should continue to roll against the Stars Tuesday, as they're 2-0 SU/ATS in two earlier meetings. Minnesota is 7-1 over the past eight home games while going 6-2 ATS during the span.

-- The 'under' cashed for the Sky Sunday, and it is now 3-1 in the past four games after a four-game over streak.

-- Tulsa (10-13) can't get out of its own way lately, losing their ninth consecutive game dating back to July 11. The Shock was favored by seven Sunday against Atlanta, but they didn't come close to covering in that one and they are 1-7-1 ATS during their nine-game slide.

-- It has been good times for New York (14-6), as the Liberty has won seven of their past eight games, including a win at Chicago in the first end of a home-and-home Friday. They're 6-2 ATS during the impressive run, too. The Liberty and Sky hook up Tuesday at home.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Handicapped by Chatsworth Consortium at Monticello Raceway

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


Race 9 - Post: 3:30 - 1 mile. PACE - Class Rating: 65 - Purse:$4000 - FIVE YEAR OLDS AND UNDER N/W 1 PM LIFE


CONSORTIUM CHOICES


Chatsworth Consortium

# 5 FREE TIE 5/2


# 3 LOOKING UP 4/1


# 4 CHERRY OAKS 7/2


FREE TIE is the best wager in this contest. Can't pass over based on TrackMaster Speed Ratings which have been stellar (70 avg) these days. This contender will feel the medication change - with second time Lasix today. Good for a win wager just off the exemplary prior class stats. Have to like this race horse. LOOKING UP - Loved this gelding's last race. Ran a strong 63 TrackMaster speed fig. Major contender. When the trainer Magie puts Marohn up for the drive very good things happen. Just check out the 33 win percent. CHERRY OAKS - It's somewhat risky to consider solely based on class, but this filly has among the strongest class ratings of the grouping.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Handicapped by Chatsworth Consortium at Pocono Downs

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


Race 9 - Post: 8:54 - 1 mile. TROT - Class Rating: 83 - Purse:$18000 - 3 & 4 YEAR OLDS NW 5 EXT. PM RACES OR $55,000 LIFETIME PA PREFERENCE MOHEGAN SUN POCONO DRIVER`S CHOICES: ANDY MCCARTHY #3 OVER #5


CONSORTIUM CHOICES


Chatsworth Consortium

# 3 SHE WORE RED 4/1


# 1 RALPH R 9/2


# 9 HURRIKANE JONNY K 8/1


SHE WORE RED looks very nice to best this field of starters. Many analyzers know speed is is key. This solid standardbred has credentials with a 85 average rating. Heads into this race with really good TrackMaster class numbers relative to the group of horses - could be worth a shot. McCarthy fits this harness racer's style perfectly. They've enjoyed some tremendous results when working with one another. RALPH R - Can't forget based on speed figs which have been top notch (83 avg) recently. HURRIKANE JONNY K - This colt getting the victory wouldn't be impossible, a chance.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Handicapped by Valuline at Evangeline Downs

Today's Most Likely Winner Is at:
Evangeline Downs, Race 2 (Wednesday August 12, 2015)

BLUEGRASS PUNCH

EVD-2 1mile TURF Eight Horses
"A" CLM 15,000 3YUP $14,500
P# dd ex p3 t s ML WP TVL

5 BLUEGRASS PUNCH 9/5 38% 8/5 Strong Favorite icon
6 AUBREY'S MISSION 8/1 17% 5/1

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Handicapped by The Walker Group at Louisiana Downs

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


Race 4 - Claiming - 8.5f on the Turf. Purse: $8500 Class Rating: 75

FOR FILLIES AND MARES THREE YEARS OLD AND UPWARD WHICH HAVE NEVER WON THREE RACES. THREE YEAR OLDS, 120 LBS.; OLDER, 124 LBS. NON-WINNERS OF A RACE SINCE JULY 12 ALLOWED 3 LBS. CLAIMING PRICE $12,500, IF FOR $10,000, ALLOWED 2 LBS.


RECOMMENDED CHOICES

The Walker Group Picks

# 6 ARTIE'S WOMAN 1/1


# 2 PICK OF THE SANDS 12/1


# 7 ORNELLIA 3/1


I've got to go with ARTIE'S WOMAN. With a decent 73 speed fig last time out, will surely be a factor in this contest. Shows sound Equibase Speed Figures on average overall when measured up against the rest of this group of horses in this race. ORNELLIA - In this field, this one is prominent in earnings per start in turf route races. Has been running in the most competitive company of the field lately.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Handicapped by The Walker Group at Presque Isle Downs

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


Race 2 - Claiming - 5.5f on the Dirt. Purse: $15000 Class Rating: 88

FOR THREE YEAR OLDS AND UPWARD. THREE YEAR OLDS, 119 LBS.; OLDER, 122 LBS. NON-WINNERS OF A RACE SINCE JULY 12 ALLOWED 3 LBS. CLAIMING PRICE $5,000.


RECOMMENDED CHOICES

The Walker Group Picks

# 2 ZAMBITO 7/2


# 8 ALPHA SLEW 9/2


# 9 CHOCTAW WON 10/1


I think ZAMBITO is a competitive choice. Will more than likely be one of the early speedsters of the pack going into the halfway point of the contest. Has to be given a shot in this contest if only for the very good Equibase speed fig posted in the last affair. Has been travelling soundly and has among the top speed in the race for today's distance. ALPHA SLEW - Has respectable front-end speed and will almost certainly fare soundly against this field. With a nice Equibase class rating average of 94, has one of the best class advantages in this field. CHOCTAW WON - This pony could surprise this lot at a nice price. This pony has to be in good condition coming back to race so quickly.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Handicapped by The Turf Club Analysts

Bar

Charles Town - Race #4 - Post: 8:32pm - Claiming - 7.0 furlongs on the Dirt. Purse: $10,500 Class Rating: 81

Rating: Golden DollarGolden DollarGolden Dollar

#9 ARION SILVER (ML=9/2)
#5 DR. FUNKENSTEIN (ML=3/1)
#1 ONLY SIMON (ML=5/2)


ARION SILVER - Horse's last race was at Laurel Park in a race with an Equibase class figure of 90. Dropping significantly in class rating this time around puts him in a solid position today. DR. FUNKENSTEIN - Have to give this gelding a chance. Ran a strong effort last time out within the last 30 days. I usually like playing sprint horses who are 3-4 races into a come back. The improved speed figures over the last three races is great. Beattie drops him in this race fit and ready to go. That 77 fig this gelding notched in his last affair tells me he's a big time player in today's event. ONLY SIMON - Based on the TrackMaster data I've reviewed, this gelding should run well off the vacation. Faced tougher last out at Charles Town. Based on class ratings, this is a weaker bunch, so I will put this horse on my list of contenders. Racing over a familiar track, where he has won multiple times before, I have to put this horse at the top of my list of contenders.

Vulnerable Contenders: #2 BANJAMMER (ML=5/1), #3 MIDSTATESMAN (ML=6/1),

BANJAMMER - Recorded a mediocre speed figure last time out in a $5,000 Claiming race on July 24th. Unlikely to see an improved performance off of that rating. MIDSTATESMAN - A pattern of deteriorating speed ratings 80/72/63 for this entrant.


STRAIGHT WAGERS:
#9 ARION SILVER is going to be the play if we are getting 5/2 or better

EXACTA WAGERS:
9 with [1,5]

TRIFECTA WAGERS:
Box [1,5,9] Total Cost: $6

SUPERFECTA WAGERS:
None

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Handicapped by The Turf Club Analysts

Bar

Thistledown - Race #2 - Post: 1:25pm - Claiming - 6.0 furlongs on the Dirt. Purse: $10,300 Class Rating: 68

Rating: Golden DollarGolden DollarGolden DollarGolden Dollar

#1 BOXING RING (ML=6/1)


BOXING RING - True, this pony is coming off a layoff, but this gelding runs well fresh. Was in a $4,000 Claiming race at Thistledown last out. That affair had a class rating of 73 and he is moving down in today's race. A certain contender. This animal ran out of the money at Thistledown last race out on a track listed as good. He should improve in today's race on a non-sloppy track.

Vulnerable Contenders: #5 BURI (ML=3/1), #6 ZIPCO (ML=4/1), #4 REGAL TRUTH (ML=6/1),

BURI - This runner made little impact last time out of the box finishing seventh. Don't see any chance of any betterment in today's event. Not probable that the speed figure he notched on July 25th will hold up in this race. ZIPCO - Once you've got at least ten races at the oval and still have no wins, its tough to break through for a victory. Notched a common speed rating last out in a $4,000 Claiming race on July 31st. Doubtful to see an improved performance off of that number. REGAL TRUTH - If you keep playing these kind of 'bridesmaid' types, you're going to be disillusioned most of the time.


STRAIGHT WAGERS:
#1 BOXING RING to win at post-time odds of 1/1 or better

EXACTA WAGERS:
Skip

TRIFECTA WAGERS:
None

SUPERFECTA WAGERS:
Skip

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Handicapped by Rick Needham at Saratoga

RACE #8 - SARATOGA RACE COURSE - 4:45 PM EASTERN POST


The Birdstone Stakes

14.0 FURLONGS DIRT THREE YEARS OLD AND UPWARD STAKES $100,000.00 PURSE

#2 MICROMANAGE
#4 TURCO BRAVO
#3 NORTHEAST BOUND
#5 CARY STREET

This race honors the racing career of Birdstone, who is perhaps best known for winning the 2004 Belmont Stakes and has become a successful sire. Owned and bred by Marylou Whitney of Whitney family racing fame, Birdstone won the Champagne Stakes, a leading race for two-year-olds, at Belmont Park in 2003, but was not a factor in the first two Triple Crown races (finishing eighth in the Kentucky Derby and skipping the Preakness Stakes) and was a 36-1 longshot when he upset the overwhelmingly favored Smarty Jones, taking the lead in the final furlong, in the fastest Belmont since the advent of modern electronic timing (2002 was the first year times were kept to hundredths). His sire Grindstone won the Kentucky Derby in 1996 and was a son of 1990 Derby winner Unbridled. Unbridled was in turn sired by Fappiano, a son of Mr. Prospector, the tail-male ancestor of the vast majority of winners of Triple Crown races in recent years (22 out of the 24 races 1998-2005). Birdstone's victory represented the first in the Belmont for trainer Nick Zito, whose horses had finished second in that classic five times. In the winner's circle after the Belmont Stakes, his owners apologized to the connections of Smarty Jones for winning, as did jockey Edgar Prado. According to the New York Times, the next major target for Birdstone was the Travers Stakes, which he won despite being the fourth choice at 5-1. He was Zito's first Travers champion. Birdstone's retirement from racing after suffering a bone chip at the Breeders' Cup was announced on November 4, 2004. He is standing at stud at Gainesway Farm in Lexington, Kentucky. Here in the 5th running of this stakes test, #2 MICROMANAGE is the overall speed leader in this field racing at today's "Marathon Distance" of 14.0 furlongs on the dirt, and has produced a quartet of "POWER RUNS" in his last five starts.Jockey Javier Castellano has been in his irons on 8 previous occasions, hitting the board in seven of those outings, winning 3 times, and is back today here at "The Spa" for his 9th ride. $4 TURCO BRAVO, a Chilean-bred entry, comes off a "POWER RUN BOARD HIT" in his last start, in a race which was contested at today's TrackMaster PLUS Class Level of112.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Northfield: Wednesday 8/12 Analysis + Pick Four ticket
By Jeremey Day

DRF HARNESS

Race 8 - $10,000 Guaranteed Pick Four Pool

Jeremey’s $1 Pick Four Play:

5,6 / 1 / 3,7 / 1,4,5,6,9 = $20


Best Bet: ROJAN’S LAST SHOT (9th)

Spot Play: ADDYS SECRET (10th)


Race 1

(6) PONDA BLITZ comes off a win at this level and looks to be improving. (8) MY D JET filly has some upside and also owns a win at this level. The 3-year-old needs to mind her manners but should offer value underneath. (2) FEDERAL LANE owns a decent burst of speed off the gate; use underneath.

Race 2

(7) HARD COLD CASH well bred colt just needs a trouble-free trip to make it two straight; fires early. (5) PARKTOWNISCOOTIWIN gets a post edge on the top choice and has been racing gamely. (9) LILLIAN ROAD filly has room to improve in her second career start for new connections.

Race 3

(5) JESSE'S PRIDE should offer a much better price and just needs to stay trotting against a field full of question marks. (3) MONARCH BLUECHIP lightly raced trotter showed a good burst of speed in his debut; threat. (4) TT'S EBONY two-year-old faces significantly weaker but needs more facing older.

Race 4

(1) NITRO'S WIGGLE has not raced in three weeks but has been facing much tougher. The pacer benefits from the best post and the top driver. (8) WELCOME WAGON well bred pacer made a miscue last start for the top trainer. If the 4-year-old stays pacing he can win even from the tough post. (5) AWESOMEANDAMAZING is 0 for the year but has been knocking on the door at this level.

Race 5

(6) SHEEZA LAVEC picks back up the top driver and owns a strong brush when timed right. (3) EL CERRITO PLACE mare gets post relief and has flashed ability despite being winless in her career. (9) TALLYDEGA KID trotted a decent mile last start against a nice opponent.

Race 6

(7) ROCKYS WORLD freshman pacer finds a suspect bunch to gain some confidence. (1) DOLORD four-year-old pacer seems to do his best work up close to the pace; fires early. (9) KALLISTA mare overcame a terrible drive last week winning parked the mile from the two hole; threat.

Race 7

(4) SUZELLE HANOVER made an uncharacteristic break last week out of the blue. The well bred mare should get an aggressive drive against a soft bunch. (5) ACTION-EAR-TO-EAR pacing-bred trotter is better than what shows on paper; threat. (9) WILD NORDIC picks up a significant driver change but has just been racing evenly.

Race 8

(6) GLAM WORLD is winless on the year, however the pacing mare takes a huge drop in competition. (5) ATTACKATOOFORU was an easy winner when last seen at this level; threat. (4) SSSMOKN HOT SHADOW mare is fast enough to upset with a good setup but needs some racing luck.

Race 9

(1) ROJAN'S LAST SHOT set a lifetime mark last week winning impressively. The nice-looking 4-year-old picks up the top driver and will get his picture taken if he stays trotting. (2) MS JETTA mare is very talented and a threat to upset should the top choice falter. (3) SAM'S PROFILE trotting gelding had won three straight against better before the miscue last out.

Race 10

(3) ADDYS SECRET likely needed the start last week and should be in line for a much better trip. (7) RIBBONS OF COLOR mare needs to find a way into the race but is one of the faster horses in the field. (1) ENDLESS DESIRE will be driven aggressively from the best post.

Race 11

In the toughest race to gauge on the card, (1) JJ'S GAL sophomore pacer gets the best post in a very weak field. (5) STRONG VICTORY is 0 for 30 lifetime but does pick up the top driver. (6) TE'S CONMYSOCKSOFF was an upset winner off a perfect trip last week. The pacer is best used underneath.

Race 12

(5) HIGH GEAR WINNER has been much improved in his last two; big chance. (1) CHARITY KID trotting mare is the horse to beat but is prone to miscues and will offer little value. (9) DOUBLE O JESSE gelding makes his second start off a long layoff and should be primed for a better effort.

Race 13

(3) BLACKHAWK LOOKOUT has really turned it around despite only one win on the year. (4) TOBINS FORTUNE makes his second start in a new barn and has upside. (6) BLUE SCOOTIN MATT will offer a big price but has just been racing evenly; use underneath.

Race 14

(6) KATIE AND J takes a significant drop in competition against a weak bunch. (9) STYLISH DAPPER couldn't close any ground off a perfect trip last week; command a price. (5) LADY SAND TERROR has yet to win on the year but picks up the top driver; threat.

Race 15

(5) MEDOLAND SAPPHIRE has been pacing faster than most of the field and gets sent out for proven connections. (3) DONNA PARTY mare was facing much tougher out East and likely needed the start over the track last week. (7) KAYLEIGH'S FUTURE showed a good burst of speed last race which is more than most of the field can say.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

SPOT PLAYS

For Wednesday


TRACK (RACE) HORSE, MORNING LINE


Charles Town (4th) Dr. Funkenstein, 3-1
(7th) Windsor's Punch, 5-1

Del Mar (4th) Rush of Day, 4-1
(6th) Quick and Silver, 3-1

Delaware Park (3rd) Chester B, 4-1
(5th) Hidden Blitz, 6-1


Evangeline Downs (2nd) Idealites, 6-1
(5th) Lucky Big Boy, 4-1


Indiana Grand (3rd) Sarge Hudson, 7-2
(4th) Lady Relaunch, 7-2


Louisiana Downs (1st) Electric Kiss, 6-1
(7th) Camrynsbigtimebaby, 7-2


Mountaineer (2nd) O.T. Bandini, 5-1
(5th) Texas Town, 5-1


Penn National (2nd) North Tip, 9-2
(4th) Noble Road, 3-1


Presque Isle Downs (1st) Medaglia's Express, 9-2
(4th) Hoosier Boy, 7-2


Saratoga (9th) Fashion Fund, 6-1
(10th) Angel Choir, 4-1


Thistledown (2nd) Zipco, 4-1
(5th) Moon Baby, 5-1


Woodbine (4th) Angelacrest, 6-1
(7th) Ethical Funds, 4-1

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Phillies (45-69) at Diamondbacks (56-56)

Game: 3
Venue: Chase Field
Date: August 12, 2015 3:40 PM EDT

Paced by a two-game offensive barrage, the Arizona Diamondbacks are in position to surpass the .500 mark for the first time in almost four months.

They can do so by recording their first home sweep of the Philadelphia Phillies in 15 years Wednesday.

One night after Arizona (56-56) pounded out 17 hits during a 13-3 rout of Philadelphia, it had 10 alone while scoring 11 times in the second inning of Tuesday's 13-1 victory. It's the second time the Diamondbacks have scored 13 or more runs in consecutive games.

"Very impressive,' said Arizona manager Chip Hale, whose team has won 12 of the last 17 games. 'A good game plan, and they executed and kept it going."

Arizona, which has recorded 47 hits and batted .486 with runners in scoring position during a three-game winning streak, last sported a winning record while sitting 8-7 on April 23.

David Peralta, whose grand slam highlighted the second inning, is 12 for 20 with 10 RBIs in the last five games.

'It feels good when you do something to help the team win," Peralta said. "We are doing really well right now.'

Rookie Yasmany Tomas went 4 for 6 in the series before leaving with tightness in his left calf Tuesday.

While Tomas' status going forward is uncertain and the Diamondbacks roughed up Philadelphia's Aaron Harang and David Buchanan for 19 runs and 23 hits in seven innings of the first two games, they get their first look at Aaron Nola (2-1, 3.65 ERA).

The right-hander has been solid through his first four career starts but needed to grind Friday when he gave up three runs, six hits and walked two but struck out six on 99 pitches through six innings of a 4-3, 12-inning victory at San Diego.

Philadelphia (45-69), which had won 16 of the previous 21 games heading into this series, was last swept at Arizona in April 2000. Perhaps making matters worse is the uncertain status of talented third baseman Maikel Franco after he suffered a bruised wrist when he was hit by a pitch Tuesday.

'It wasn't broken, so that was good news,' manager Pete Mackanin said. 'It looked bad. It sounded bad. I thought for sure it was broken but fortunately it wasn't.'

Veteran Chase Utley, meanwhile, cleared waivers and is eligible to be traded. San Francisco, the Chicago Cubs and the Los Angeles Dodgers appear to be interested in the second baseman, who is expected to be rested Wednesday after batting .412 in five games since missing more than a month with an ankle injury.

"I do love Philadelphia," Utley told MLB's official website. "I've had a great time playing here, but out of respect for them I would definitely listen to (trade offers)."

The Phillies will try to bounce back against Chase Anderson (5-4, 4.10), who hopes to build on a strong effort Friday when he came off the disabled list from a triceps problem to allow four hits and strike out seven in seven innings of a 2-0 victory over Cincinnati.

"My arm feels good," Anderson said after missing almost three weeks. "I'm healthy, and that's the main key. I felt really good and just pleased to get back out there and compete and help this team win games."

In his only appearance against the Phillies on May 15, the right-hander gave up a run in 5 1-3 innings while not factoring in the decision of a 4-3 loss.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Reds (49-62) at Padres (54-60)

Game: 3
Venue: PETCO Park
Date: August 12, 2015 3:40 PM EDT

The San Diego Padres continued their dominance of the Cincinnati Reds in high-scoring fashion but haven't given James Shields much support for much of the last two months.

Shields will seek to earn his second win in 13 starts while leading the Padres to a three-game sweep Wednesday.

San Diego (54-60) scored all of its runs in the first three innings in an 11-6 victory Tuesday, its eighth in the last nine games against Cincinnati (49-62). Jedd Gyorko homered in a five-run second and drove in a season-high four runs.

Yangervis Solarte went 2 for 4 and scored three runs while boosting his average in his last 14 games to .390.

"I took a couple of good swings tonight," Gyorko said. "I got some early RBI to kind of get us started. We were swinging the bats well."

The Padres have produced a combined 14 runs in Shields' last 11 starts and the right-hander has one win while logging a respectable 3.70 ERA. Shields (8-4, 3.75 ERA) has a 2.73 ERA in his last five games beginning with that lone victory July 17 against Colorado.

He gave up three solo homers in 6 2-3 innings against Philadelphia on Friday while striking out eight and left with the score tied in a 4-3 loss in 12 innings.

"I made three mistakes today; they took advantage of it," Shields told MLB's official website. "Sometimes that's going to happen. Overall, I felt like I pitched pretty well. I don't want to give up the home runs, but what are you going to do?"

Shields is seeking to reach double-digit wins for the ninth consecutive season and would appear to have a prime chance to move closer to that mark with the Padres hosting the Reds, losers in six of seven. San Diego has won five in a row at home against Cincinnati beginning with a three-game sweep June 30-July 2, 2014.

Shields lost his only start against the Reds on June 29, 2011, while with Tampa Bay.

In this one, he'll pitch opposite rookie right-hander Raisel Iglesias (2-4, 4.73), who lost 2-0 at Arizona on Friday for his fourth defeat in five decisions. He yielded one run, three hits and one walk over six innings.

Iglesias, one of five rookies in the Cincinnati rotation, has received 10 runs of support in his last seven starts and earned one win, a 4-3 victory against Pittsburgh on Aug. 1. His first start against San Diego is the 13th in a row by a Reds rookie.

"I feel that every time I go out there I gain experience," Iglesias said in Spanish, translated by catcher Brayan Pena. "My confidence level goes higher and higher. At the same time I know I need to improve my game and continue to work hard."

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Orioles (57-55) at Mariners (53-61)

Game: 3
Venue: Safeco Field
Date: August 12, 2015 3:40 PM EDT

Many of Baltimore's top sluggers are doing their best to try to push the Orioles to their third playoff trip in four years.

That effort may be all for naught if the starting rotation doesn't become more consistent.

The Orioles hope Kevin Gausman can help get the staff on track Wednesday against the Seattle Mariners.

Baltimore (57-55) lost 6-5 in 10 innings Tuesday, missing a chance to gain ground on the Los Angeles Angels, who own a two-game lead over the Orioles for the second AL wild-card spot, but also lost.

The Orioles have 20 homers and 22 doubles over their last 12 games, with Chris Davis batting .364 with seven home runs and 18 RBIs. Jonathan Schoop is batting .364 in that span, while Manny Machado is at .358. Despite hitting .235, Adam Jones has 11 RBIs.

Davis and Jones hit back-to-back homers in the eighth inning to rally the Orioles and help overcome a poor start by Chris Tillman, who gave up five runs in 2 1-3 innings.

Baltimore's rotation owns a 6.02 ERA during this 6-6 stretch, and its starters have lasted 4 2-3 innings or fewer five times.

The Orioles could be without another hot bat in Matt Wieters after he left in the third inning with a strained hamstring and was replaced by Caleb Joseph. Wieters, who missed 181 games from 2014-15 after undergoing Tommy John surgery, was hitting .383 in his last 13 after going 1 for 2 Tuesday. Joseph is batting .333 over his last 14.

Manager Buck Showalter is taking a cautious approach with his catcher and likely will rest him for this game ahead of an off day Thursday.

"It tightened up a bit, then it got worse as the game went on," Wieters told MLB's official website. "I think we caught it before anything would be serious."

Gausman (2-3, 4.56 ERA) might need lots of help from Baltimore's bats if his road struggles continue. He's 0-3 with an 8.41 ERA in four games and had another tough outing Friday against the Angels, surrendering six runs and a career high-matching nine hits over 6 2-3 innings in an 8-4 defeat.

But for all of his problems away from home this year, he fared well in his only previous start at Seattle, giving up one run over 6 2-3 innings in a 2-1, 10-inning victory July 25, 2014.

Robinson Cano, who is hitting .364 in his last eight games, is 4 for 6 against Gausman.

Nelson Cruz exited in the seventh inning due to neck spasms, but not before extending his hitting streak to a major league season high-matching 21 games for the Mariners (53-61). Cruz, who hit his major league-leading 34th homer, is batting .411 with 13 homers during that run.

"It's just kind of stiff, the neck," Cruz said. "Anybody can get that. I was sitting there and I felt the cramps."

Hisashi Iwakuma (3-2, 4.41) is 3-1 with a 3.00 ERA over his last six starts, completing at least seven innings four times. He's had trouble this year after logging high pitch counts, however, and Seattle hopes that trend doesn't continue after he threw a career-high 118 in Friday's 4-3 win against Texas.

He allowed a combined right runs over 11 1-3 innings in his two starts immediately following his previous 100-pitch outings this year.

Iwakuma is 0-2 with a 3.66 ERA in three starts against Baltimore, getting one run of support in 19 2-3 innings.

The Orioles haven't dropped back-to-back games since a four-game skid July 21-24

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Astros (61-53) at Giants (60-52)

Game: 2
Venue: AT&T Park
Date: August 12, 2015 3:45 PM EDT

After a rough road trip, the San Francisco Giants are off to a solid start to a weeklong homestand.

Houston, meanwhile, hopes to salvage something positive on another rough road stretch.

The Giants can continue their recent home success by sweeping a brief two-game set from the Astros on Wednesday.

San Francisco (60-52) was swept in a four-game set at Wrigley Field to conclude a 3-7 trip last week. The Giants, however, were able to open a six-game stay with Tuesday's 3-1 victory over Houston.

'Huge lift,' manager Bruce Bochy said.

The Giants have been in good spirits at home while going 15-5 since dropping nine a row there from May 30-June 15. Madison Bumgarner struck out 12 and allowed five hits to record his second complete game of the season Tuesday.

'You get in a tough deal like we get in losing four straight there and it's usually a well-pitched game that gets you out of it," Bochy said.

Chris Heston (11-6, 3.48 ERA) threw a gem May 12 at Houston when he allowed a homer to Jason Castro and one other hit while recording his first complete game in an 8-1 win.

'We weren't very disciplined,' Houston manager A.J. Hinch said after his team struck out 10 times without a taking a walk in that contest.

Heston, however, has gone 0-1 with an 8.31 ERA in two August starts after he went 4-0 with a 1.74 ERA in his previous six. Bochy, though, seems confident the rookie right-hander will get back on track.

'He's had a couple starts like this - he's bounced back,' Bochy said. 'He's a tough kid."

Heston hopes Brandon Belt stays hot after he homered twice Tuesday to match a career high with 17 home runs. The first baseman is batting .256 in 10 games this month with seven of his 10 hits being home runs.

He's 1 for 5 against Scott Feldman (4-5, 4.46), who is 0-1 in four starts since missing almost two months with a knee problem but has a 3.65 ERA in those games, and 1-0 with a 1.83 ERA in his last three overall on the road. He gave up two runs and two homers in six innings of a 5-4, 10-inning victory at Oakland on Thursday.

The right-hander is 0-3 with a 5.17 ERA as a starter against the Giants, last facing them in 2013.

He'll get a look at Nori Aoki, who will return to the lineup Wednesday after he was hit in the head with a pitch during Sunday's loss to the Chicago Cubs.

'Good for (Wednesday),' Bochy said of Aoki, who is 1 for 20 in his last five games against the Astros.

Clinging to a one-game lead over the Los Angeles Angels in the AL West, the Astros (61-53) have been held to one run three times during a four-game losing streak while going 1-7 on this nine-game trip. Among the worst road teams in the AL at 23-35, the Astros have batted .193 and averaged 2.4 runs while losing 15 of the last 17 away from Minute Maid Park.

All-Star Joe Altuve, however, is batting .429 in the last five road contests.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Red Sox (50-63) at Marlins (45-68)

Game: 2
Venue: Marlins Park
Date: August 12, 2015 4:10 PM EDT

The Boston Red Sox couldn't take advantage of their leadoff hitter's splendid return, and their lengthy run of dominance over the Miami Marlins ended.

The Red Sox are hoping to get former Marlins player Hanley Ramirez back as they try to split a two-game set Wednesday and could have manager John Farrell in the dugout.

Mookie Betts went 3 for 5 with two RBIs in his return from a concussion that had kept him out since July 28, but the Red Sox (50-63) blew a four-run lead in a 5-4 loss in 10 innings Tuesday. Junichi Tazawa squandered a save attempt in the first game after Boston announced that closer Koji Uehara is out for the year because of a broken right wrist.

The Marlins (45-68) had lost seven in a row to Boston, including two defeats this season. It was just the fourth win in 17 games for Miami, which is also 2-7 in its last nine at home.

"We got down 4-0, but this team doesn't quit," said first baseman Justin Bour, who hit the game-ending single.

Ramirez missed his third consecutive game because of an ailing toe. Farrell was expected to lead the Red Sox on Tuesday, one day after undergoing hernia surgery in Detroit, but went back to the team hotel while bench coach Torey Lovullo served as acting manager.

Farrell's status is uncertain for Wednesday's finale as Boston looks to finish its eight-game road trip 4-4.

"It will be a day-by-day thing with him," Lovullo said. "If he can do it, I can guarantee he'll be out here. When you get to a certain spot, you have to sit back and listen to a professional. I think John wisely went home and got some rest."

The Red Sox have alternated wins and losses in their past six games, and Eduardo Rodriguez (6-4, 4.17 ERA) will try to keep that pattern going with another quality outing. The rookie left-hander is 1-1 with a 2.84 ERA in his last three starts but took a 2-1 loss to the New York Yankees on Thursday after giving up two runs in seven innings.

Rodriguez got a combined 15 runs of support in his previous two games.

"He pitched a very strong seven innings," Farrell told MLB's official website. "I thought he deserved better given the way he threw the baseball."

Rodriguez will make his first interleague start while another rookie southpaw, Adam Conley, will make his second in the majors. Conley (1-0, 4.05) is in the rotation because Jose Urena was placed on the disabled list Friday with a bruised left knee.

Conley gave up two runs in five innings in his other start, a 14-3 rout of Cincinnati on July 11.

The Marlins are hopeful Christian Yelich can return after sitting Tuesday because of a bruised right knee. Yelich is batting .387 with four doubles in his last seven games.