Wednesday 8/19/15 service plays chatter/comps/requests & other stuff...

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

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

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

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

 

[superbeets]

Champions League TODAY 19:45

Celtic

v

Malmo

	HOME	DRAW	AWAY
BTEU		13/20	3	5	More markets

​

RECENT FORM	LAST HEAD-TO-HEADSAT CELTIC	RECENT FORM
HWHWADAWADHW​ Most recent​	Unknown	HWALADHWHWHW​ Most recent​

KEY STAT: Malmo have kept three clean sheets in four Champions League qualifiers

EXPERT VERDICT: Celtic have never lost against Swedish opponents and they haven’t conceded a goal in any of those four matches either but the draw looks the value here. Malmo are unbeaten in four Uefa fixtures against Scottish sides and they’ve lost only twice in nine away games in the Allsvenskan this term.

RECOMMENDATION: Draw
2


REFEREE: Felix Brych STADIUM:

 

[superbeets]

Champions League TODAY 19:45

Celtic

v

Malmo

	HOME	DRAW	AWAY
BTEU		13/20	3	5	More markets

​

RECENT FORM	LAST HEAD-TO-HEADSAT CELTIC	RECENT FORM
HWHWADAWADHW​ Most recent​	Unknown	HWALADHWHWHW​ Most recent​

KEY STAT: Malmo have kept three clean sheets in four Champions League qualifiers

EXPERT VERDICT: Celtic have never lost against Swedish opponents and they haven’t conceded a goal in any of those four matches either but the draw looks the value here. Malmo are unbeaten in four Uefa fixtures against Scottish sides and they’ve lost only twice in nine away games in the Allsvenskan this term.

RECOMMENDATION: Draw
2


REFEREE: Felix Brych STADIUM:

 

[superbeets]

German Bundesliga 1 Fr 21Aug 19:30

Hertha Berlin

v

W Bremen

	HOME	DRAW	AWAY
BTEU		Evs	5/2	13/5	More markets

Recent Form	Last Head-To-Heads at Hertha Berlin	Recent Form
H L A L H D A L A W A W Most recent	2 - 2 3 - 2 1 - 0 2 - 3	H W A D H L A L A D* H L Most recent

Key Stat: Hertha averaged a divisional low of 3.2 shots on target per game last term

Expert Verdict: Werder Bremen's defence was the joint-worst in the Bundesliga last season, conceding 65 goals, and they were straight back into old habits during a 3-0 defeat to Schalke in their opener. But at least they score freely, so hosts Hertha look too short after avoiding relegation by the skin of their teeth last season.

Recommendation: Werder Bremen

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

CAPPERS ACCESS

Brewers
Indians
Royals

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

WNBA Betting Recap - 8/10-8/16
By Joe Williams

League Betting Notes (from Monday, Aug. 10 through Sunday, Aug. 16)

-- Favorites went 10-5 straight up
-- Favorites went 8-7 against the spread (ATS)
-- Home teams posted a 8-7 SU record
-- Home teams posted a 8-7 ATS record
-- The 'over' went 8-7

Team Betting Notes

-- San Antonio (7-18) lost for the second straight game, and sixth time in seven outings. However, they are still a very respectable 8-3 ATS over their past 11 outings.

-- Seattle (7-19) picked up a victory and cover against San Antonio. It is their first win in three tries against the Stars, and they covered for the second time in three outings.

-- Washington (14-9) picked up a straight-up win (ML +155) despite being short dogs at home. The Mystics are 3-2 SU and 4-1 ATS when they're an underdog.

-- Atlanta (9-15) took care of business at home as a favorite, topping Connecticut (12-12). The Dream have now covered three in a row, tying a season high. They have yet to cover four straight, and look to change that in a trip to New York (16-7) Friday in Manhattan.

-- Phoenix (15-9) was surprised at home Sunday by Indiana (14-9), who finished the week unbeaten at 2-0 SU/ATS. The Mercury have dropped two of their past three games, and are just 3-9 ATS over their past 12 games.

-- The Fever continue to turn up the intensity, covering for the sixth time in the past seven games after starting the season 5-10-1 ATS in their past 16 games. After a four-game 'over' streak, the 'under' has hit in the past two for Indiana.

-- Los Angeles (8-16) put the brakes on a two-game losing streak and non-cover streak with a win over Chicago (15-11). The Sparks have had the 'under' connect in four of the past five outings.

-- Tulsa (11-14) picked up a surprise win in New York to snap a 10-game losing streak. The Shock is also just 2-8-1 ATS over the past 11 contests. One thing you can count on from the Shock is the 'over', which has hit in five of the past six games.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Handicapped by Chatsworth Consortium at Running Aces

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


Race 6 - Post: 8:50 - 1 mile. PACE - Class Rating: 81 - Purse:$6600 - FILLIES & MARES N/W $3000 IN LAST 4 STARTS AE: N/W $750 PER START IN 2015


CONSORTIUM CHOICES


Chatsworth Consortium

# 2 FLICK A FLY 5/2


# 5 RAZZLE BE DAZZLED 7/2


# 4 BAD FEELING 6/1

Look no further than FLICK A FLY as the wager in this event. She has been performing quite well and the TrackMaster Speed Ratings are among the top in the field. Been racing with some tougher customers of late, has a distinct class advantage. (Average Rating 84). You have to strongly consider a horse that likes to win, very impressive win pct. RAZZLE BE DAZZLED - A formidable win percent has been earned by race horses starting from the 5 position. Has the look of a profitable play, averaging a nifty 82 speed rating. BAD FEELING - Certainly should be given a look based on the formidable TrackMaster Speed Rating achieved in the most recent race.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Handicapped by Chatsworth Consortium at Harrah's Philadelphia

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


Race 14 - Post: 5:00 - 1 mile. TROT - Class Rating: 82 - Purse:$16000 - 3 & 4 YR. OLDS NW 5 EXT. PM RACES OR $50,000 LIFETIME PA PREFERENCE


CONSORTIUM CHOICES


Chatsworth Consortium

# 5 MEADOWBRANCH WENDY 8/5


# 3 SPECIAL ACTION 3/1


# 4 CANTABS LIGHTNING 6/1

The pick here is MEADOWBRANCH WENDY. May be the strongest in the race here, showing really strong numbers of late. Avg speed is a solid 84. A nice class horse can't be missed. With an avg class ranking of 83 all signs say it's go time. Could best this group of animals, just look at the TrackMaster Speed Rating - 88 - from her last affair. SPECIAL ACTION - This solid standardbred looks tough. Check out the 82 average TrackMaster SR. A competitive class horse can't be forgotten. With an avg class rating of 83 all signs say this is the one to beat. CANTABS LIGHTNING - Considered a solid wager based solely on her high triumph clip. Look for Stoliker and this horse to score here. Very good in the money percentage for the trainer/horse combo.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Handicapped by The Walker Group at Del Mar

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


Race 1 - Claiming - 6.5f on the Dirt. Purse: $22000 Class Rating: 94

FOR FILLIES AND MARES THREE YEARS OLD AND UPWARD. THREE YEAR OLDS, 119 LBS.; OLDER, 124 LBS. NON-WINNERS OF TWO RACES SINCE MAY 19 ALLOWED 3 LBS. A RACE SINCE THEN ALLOWED 5 LBS. CLAIMING PRICE $10,000, IF FOR $9,000, ALLOWED 2 LBS.


RECOMMENDED CHOICES

The Walker Group Picks

# 7 NORASTONE 7/2


# 6 LEXIE ARLEEN 3/1


# 3 SALLYANA 6/1


I think NORASTONE is a quite good choice. Has been running well lately and will almost certainly be up near the lead early on. Has been racing quite well in races of this distance, going 4 / 11 under similar conditions. LEXIE ARLEEN - Has garnered strong speed figs in dirt sprint races in the past. Freeman has shown excellent profits (+37 ROI ) with horses in dirt sprint events. SALLYANA - Will most likely be one of the early speedsters of the pack going into the midpoint of the outing. Posted a solid speed rating last time out.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Handicapped by The Walker Group at Northlands Park

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


Race 2 - Maiden Claiming - 5.5f on the Dirt. Purse: $10000 Class Rating: 55

FOR MAIDENS, TWO YEARS OLD. WEIGHT, 118 LBS. CLAIMING PRICE $12,000


RECOMMENDED CHOICES

The Walker Group Picks

# 4 PADESROYAL JANDAYA 6/5


# 6 WINESTEIN 6/1


# 1 MERMAID MOON 4/1


PADESROYAL JANDAYA looks competitive to best this field. Looks solid to be close to the front end at the first call. Tracy has one of the top winning percentages in this group with entries running at this distance and surface. WINESTEIN - Will likely be one of the early speedsters of the pack going into the halfway point of the contest. Should go off at a nice price and has some positive things going for him. MERMAID MOON - Has longshot possibilities and could prove victorious at high odds. Over time, this conditioner has a strong ROI at this distance/surface.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Handicapped by The Turf Club Analysts

Bar

Charles Town - Race #4 - Post: 8:32pm - Claiming - 6.5 furlongs on the Dirt. Purse: $10,500 Class Rating: 54

Rating: Golden DollarGolden DollarGolden Dollar

#3 DISTINCTIVELY MINE (ML=4/1)
#11 FANTASTICALLY (ML=8/1)
#9 STORMY'S HONOR (ML=10/1)


DISTINCTIVELY MINE - It looks like Hebert had to 'know' this filly on July 31st when riding her for the first time. Back atop again today. This filly likes to be near the lead. Today's contest is a shorter distance and should increase her winning probability. This tight track favors front-running horses breaking from the inside. Seeing as this is what we have with this horse, I'm going to take a long hard look at this one. FANTASTICALLY - This thoroughbred coming off a nice try in the last month is a solid contender in my book. The fact that this filly is entered right back into a race so quickly means she's fit and ready. Filly took a little vacation, but has been racing into shape. STORMY'S HONOR - Trainer Shetron moves this animal to a lower class rank to face a lower class of horses. Look for a nice performance with this class drop. You'll be generating profits right and left by turning your cash onto this jockey/conditioner combination. I think that a sprinter coming off a layoff will usually run her best in the 3rd or 4th start back.

Vulnerable Contenders: #8 PURE VIRGINIA (ML=3/1), #7 RIGHT DANISH (ML=7/2), #4 DANCEWITHTHEGHOST (ML=6/1),

PURE VIRGINIA - This mare finished out of the money on June 26th and wasn't even close last out either. RIGHT DANISH - Not probable that the speed figure she registered on July 31st will be enough in this event. DANCEWITHTHEGHOST - This horse just hasn't looked sharp recently.


STRAIGHT WAGERS:
Bet on #3 DISTINCTIVELY MINE to win if we can get at least 4/1 odds

EXACTA WAGERS:
Box [3,9,11]

TRIFECTA WAGERS:
Box [3,9,11] Total Cost: $6

SUPERFECTA WAGERS:
[3,9,11] with [3,9,11] with [2,3,6,9,11] with [2,3,6,9,11] Total Cost: $36

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Handicapped by The Turf Club Analysts

Bar

Penn National - Race #2 - Post: 6:27pm - Starter Allowance - 12.0 furlongs on the Turf. Purse: $20,000 Class Rating: 91

Rating: Golden DollarGolden DollarGolden Dollar

#5 INNER DEMONS (ML=3/1)
#11 WITH SPRINKLES (ML=6/1)
#8 LIL' ZILLA (ML=7/2)


INNER DEMONS - You have to like this horse changing from dirt to turf for the first time. She finished on the board on a sluggish dirt track on July 11th. A sign she may take to turf. That recent bullet 100.5 work shows that this filly is ready for a top effort today. You always have to be on the patrol for revenue generating jockey/trainer duos; we have one right here. This filly is in the top spot in EPS (earnings per start). Take a good look at this horse before the race. Multiple victories over the surface right here at Penn National. Maybe, another trip to the winner's circle in this race. WITH SPRINKLES - Hernandez and O'Hern partnered up are a horseplayer's friend. Rider hops up aloft after getting to know the race horse by riding last out. That's always a good tip. Last ran at Penn National and finished fourth. Reviewing her PP data, I see she was close at the end, within 5 of the winner. LIL' ZILLA - I like to bet on this handicapping theory, a horse coming back off a solid race within the last 30 days. Past Performances show this pony with three improving Equibase speed figures. Wolfsont should be on a live one in this event.

Vulnerable Contenders: #4 PLEASANT MCGEE (ML=5/2), #9 SHE'S MY AFLEET (ML=3/1), #7 RUSTED THROUGH (ML=6/1),

PLEASANT MCGEE - This racer hasn't been on the track since Jul 25th. Not even any morning activity. SHE'S MY AFLEET - Tough to take this horse at this price after the finish (third) in the last affair. Tough to keep chasing this kind of 'bridesmaid' horse. Mediocre speed fig last time around the track at Presque Isle Downs at 1 1/16 miles. Don't feel this vulnerable equine will improve too much in today's race. RUSTED THROUGH - 6/1 odds isn't enough for this thoroughbred when scrutinizing the most recent efforts. Finished fourth in her most recent effort with a run-of-the-mill speed rating. When I look at today's class figure, it would take an improved performance to triumph after that in this group.

Top HatGUEST COMMENTARY: Hal - INNER DEMONS - Having the best speed fig last race of 97 at Penn National on July 11th. This filly has an excellent chance to win here.


STRAIGHT WAGERS:
Put your money on #5 INNER DEMONS on the nose if you can get odds of 5/2 or more

EXACTA WAGERS:
5 with [8,11]

TRIFECTA WAGERS:
Box [5,8,11] Total Cost: $6

SUPERFECTA WAGERS:
[5,8,11] with [5,8,11] with [1,5,8,10,11] with [1,5,8,10,11] Total Cost: $36

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

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Handicapped by Rick Needham at Saratoga

RACE #3 - SARATOGA RACE COURSE - 2:04 PM EASTERN POST


The Bolton Landing Stakes

5½ FURLONGS TURF TWO YEAR OLD FILLIES STAKES $100,000.00 PURSE

#7 ISLAND SAINT
#6 LAXFIELD ROAD
#2 BRUISED ORANGE
#3 LITTLE MISS MISS

This race for New York Bred juvenile fillies is named for a hamlet in the town of Bolton in Warren County, New York, United States. It is located on Lake George in the Adirondack Mountains. It is a common tourist destination and the closest town to the State Park lands and islands of the Lake George Narrows. The hamlet's most notable known feature is The Sagamore Hotel, a renovated Victorian-era hotel. Here in the initial running of this stakes test, #7 ISLAND SAINT is the pace profile leader, and comes off a "POWER RUN WIN" to break her maiden in her "first asking." Jockey John Velazquez was in her irons for that win, 19 days ago, here at "The Spa," which produced a +150% return on investment in the process, and is back this afternoon for his 2nd ride, gunning for back-to-back "Circle Trips." My top pick is a daughter of Speightstown, whose progeny have hit the board in nearly 505 of more than 6,700 combined lifetime starts to date! For your information folks, Speightstown also qualifies for my Three Star Sire list ... if you would like a description of the rigid rules that I "employ" to make this list, kindly send me an email ... and yes ... this list, and the "rules" are indeed free!

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Northfield: Wednesday 8/19 Analysis + Pick Four ticket
By Jeremey Day

DRF HARNESS

Race 8 - $10,000 Guaranteed Pick Four Pool

Jeremey’s $1 Pick Four Play:

3,8,9 / 5,6 / 1,5 / 1,4,6 = $36


Best Bet: SAM’S PROFILE (12th)

Spot Play: DOUBLE O JESSE (3rd)


Race 1

(9) UN POCO DE LOCO has put in two solid efforts in a row showing a nice burst in his last two; driver's choice. (3) ENRICHMENT was a game winner last out and now picks up the top driver. (1) STURDY'S BABY gets the best post in a weak field; use underneath.

Race 2

(7) LET LOOSE HANOVER doesn't look the best on paper but benefits from a huge driver change. The 3-year-old will need to be close turning for home. (1) DOLORD owns a win at this level and gets a huge post edge on his main rivals. (9) PARKTOWNISCOOTIWIN bumps up in class and will need more to hit the top spot.

Race 3

(9) DOUBLE O JESSE might be primed for a better effort third start back off a long layoff. (1) ERICSKARRI does benefit from the rail and the top driver but has been very dull; command a price. (7) ROCKIN H CHEERY O will offer a big price and also should be better second start off the layoff.

Race 4

(1) IWILLDOWHATIDO takes a huge drop down to the bottom level. The pacer gets the best post and the top driver. (5) TIJUANA PARTY hasn't been competitive for two months, however the pacer finds a really weak and inconsistent field. (4) PARTYATBARTSPLACE gets sent out for an inconsistent trainer but is capable of a good effort; use underneath.

Race 5

(4) ROJAN'S LAST SHOT if the well bred gelding minds his manners he's probably a winner. (5) STIRLING BOUDICA also made a miscue last start but owns a decent burst of speed off the gate. (2) EL CERRITO PLACE trotting mare is 0 for her career but has been knocking on the door.

Race 6

(1) HIGH STAKES BANKER has trouble staying trotting at times but is faster than most of the field when right. (3) BOSCO'S ANGEL has been close against better; threat. (5) SON OFA SPUR owns only one win on the year; use underneath.

Race 7

(5) STRONG VICTORY had some sneaky late pace last week with little room to maneuver. (3) TE'S CONMYSOCKSOFF gets sent out for a trainer capable of producing some big price turnarounds every once in a while. (1) CAUGHT ME SPEEDING gets sent out for a low percentage pilot; use caution.

Race 8

(9) KATIE AND J came up empty last week but gets another try at the bottom level and could offer a big price. (3) BONNIE'S BEACH should be able to compete in an easier spot picking up a huge driver change. (8) THUNDER CHASER will need a lot of racing luck with a driver who rarely wins.

Race 9

(5) MOONLIT SHARK might be able to get an excellent spot up close; fires early. (6) DESPERATE CROWDS picks up the top driver in a field full of question marks. (4) KAYLEIGH'S FUTURE is capable of pacing a big mile but gets a big downgrade in the bike; use underneath.

Race 10

(5) Y MACH ME was an easy winner last time at this level. (1) HOT CYCLE has been racing gamely and benefits from the best post. (3) NOMINAL HANOVER is 0 for the year but has been competitive at this level; use underneath.

Race 11

(6) E R SISTER just needs a competent drive down in class from a low percentage pilot. (1) UMYGEORGIA HANOVER pacing mare gets the best post and top driver, however his miles at Lexington could be deceiving; use caution. (4) STAR STUDDED GUN mare couldn't win at the bottom level last out and now bumps back up in class; command a price.

Race 12

(4) SAM'S PROFILE could have gone much faster last start earning a victory and finds an even weaker field. (2) REGAL GLIDE made a miscue last start but raced tremendous the start prior; threat. (6) SOMEDAY LU well bred mare has just been racing evenly but faces softer.

Race 13

In a really tough race to gauge, (9) FLIRTIN owns a win against much better on the year and finds a field full of question marks. (7) ROCA REI has some positives including first start in a new barn and picks up the top driver. (2) COSMETICIAN owns only one win on the year; use underneath.

Race 14

In a field that's a combined 2 for 149 on the year, (2) MISS ARIEL should have a shot racing up close on the lead or in the pocket. (5) NOT AGAIN WOMAN mare is one of two horses in the race with a victory at the track on the year. (1) A MILLION THANKS has yet to hit the board in seven starts and gets sent out for a driver who rarely wins; use caution.

Race 15

(3) CHARLIE B picks up a huge driver change and will be looking to take no prisoners; fires early. (2) MATT'S JACK should be in line for a nice ground saving trip; use underneath. (1) DIFFERENCE MAKER is also in a perfect starting post but likely needs more to hit the top spot.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

SPOT PLAYS

For Wednesday


TRACK (RACE) HORSE, MORNING LINE


Charles Town (1st) Big Ticket, 9-2
(7th) Wicked Heat, 3-1


Delaware Park (3rd) Neidermeyer, 10-1
(5th) Petite Warrior, 5-1


Del Mar (5th) Sidepocket Run, 4-1
(8th) Ghost of Navigator, 7-2


Evangeline Downs (1st) Giant Cruiser, 5-1
(6th) Black N Gold, 6-1


Indiana Grand (2nd) Philslastdream, 7-2
(5th) Indypendent Deputy, 7-2


Louisiana Downs (2nd) Cloud's Ghost, 7-2
(3rd) Baileys Lover, 3-1


Mountaineer (1st) A J's Fortune, 8-1
(5th) K One Kajun, 3-1


Penn National (5th) Happily Discreet, 7-2
(7th) Black Fighter, 4-1


Presque Isle Downs (1st) Shot Girl. 5-1
(2nd) Pass the Dice, 8-1


Remington Park (1st) Swift Humor, 6-1
(8th) Retro Ridge, 8-1


Saratoga (2nd) The Under Sheriff, 6-1
(9th) Rock Me Mama, 7-2


Thistledown (2nd) Cor Blimey, 8-1
(7th) Chief's Revenge, 3-1


Woodbine (3rd) Mi Hat Mi Coat, 7-2
(8th) Behold the Bear, 3-1

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

MLB Preview: Twins (59-60) at Yankees (66-52)

Game: 3
Venue: Yankee Stadium
Date: August 19, 2015 1:05 PM EDT

After Alex Rodriguez's grand slam injected some life into New York's offense, it doesn't figure to die down just yet with Nathan Eovaldi taking the mound for the Yankees.

Eovaldi has been the beneficiary of the Yankees' powerful lineup all year and will look to win his eighth straight decision Wednesday as New York goes for a three-game home sweep against the Minnesota Twins.

The Yankees (66-52) scored eight runs and posted double-digit hits in each of their first two wins against the Twins in this series, which coincided with two straight victories by Toronto that have kept their AL East lead at one game.

New York's offense struggled to just nine runs during a 1-6 slump earlier this month, but the club has regrouped with 33 runs on its current 5-1 tear.

More often than not, the runs have been there for Eovaldi (12-2, 4.26 ERA).

The right-hander has a 4.00 ERA since May 25, but he's gone 9-1 during that stretch because of a league-high run support average of 8.86. His 7.60 season support average is second in the majors to Drew Hutchison (7.72), who was recently demoted by Toronto.

Eovaldi, who has never finished above .500 nor had more than six wins over his first four seasons, is 7-0 with a 3.22 ERA since June 20 and hasn't lost since June 16.

That stretch includes a July 26 gem against the Twins for his 10th win of the season. Eovaldi allowed two runs and eight hits in a season-high eight innings with five strikeouts and just one walk in a 7-2 victory.

"It was real nice. I feel like it's the best start I've had all year," Eovaldi told MLB's official website. "I had the fastball working, and I got a lot of swing and misses with my split as well."

The Yankees have won four of five against the Twins this season and seven of nine dating to last July.

The Twins (59-60), losers of four of six and 11 of 16, will hand Ervin Santana the ball to oppose Eovaldi.

Minnesota waited 81 games for Santana to return to action, and they are still waiting to see the pitcher they cashed out $55 million over four years for in December.

Santana, suspended days before the season opener after testing positive for performance-enhancing drugs, showed a glimpse of what Minnesota was expecting with 15 2-3 scoreless innings in back-to-back wins last month.

However, his 9.90 ERA in four starts since July 29 is the highest in the majors. The Twins dropped all four of those games by a combined 24 runs, with three of the losses charged to the veteran right-hander.

Santana (2-3, 5.66) will need to break a personal drought against the Yankees to reroute his season. As a member of the Los Angeles Angels, Santana won five of his first six career starts against New York with a 4.72 ERA despite a disastrous three-inning, nine-run outing in 2007.

His record against the Yankees since then is 0-7 behind a 7.28 ERA, including 0-3 and 9.72 marks in three career outings at Yankee Stadium. His 7.28 ERA is the highest among starting pitchers with at least eight starts against New York during that time.

Santana is 5-8 with a 6.34 ERA in 17 career starts against the Yankees. Rodriguez, whose slam in the seventh Tuesday put the Yankees ahead 5-4 in an eventual 8-4 victory, has hit .333 against Santana with four home runs and 11 RBIs.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Mariners (56-64) at Rangers (60-58)

Game: 3
Venue: Globe Life Park in Arlington
Date: August 19, 2015 2:05 PM EDT

Derek Holland hasn't caught a lot of breaks the past two seasons. He hopes his persistence pays off with the Texas Rangers in the middle of a playoff race.

The left-hander will take the mound for the first time since the home opener Wednesday night when the host Rangers try to avoid their ninth loss in 12 meetings with the Seattle Mariners this season.

After going 38-21 with a 3.98 ERA with Texas from 2011-13, Holland missed the first five months of last season following left knee surgery. He seemed poised for a bounce-back 2015 after going 2-0 with a 1.46 ERA in six September outings.

Holland (0-1, 9.00 ERA), though, lasted just nine pitches in his first start April 10 due to tightness in his shoulder. He finally showed enough to be cleared Friday after allowing two earned runs over five innings in a rehab start for Triple-A Round Rock.

He'll look to help Texas get back on track after its five-game winning streak and eight-game run at home ended in Tuesday's 3-2 loss.

The Rangers (60-58) were in last place when Holland returned in September. This time, they're four games back of AL West-leading Houston and 1 1/2 out of a wild-card spot.

"I need to make sure I don't put any added pressure on myself but keep the same intensity," Holland told MLB's official website. "I feel ready, and I trust my ability."

Holland is 8-2 with a 2.90 ERA in 14 career starts against the Mariners, going 3-0 with a 1.12 mark over his last six meetings.

Mark Trumbo, however, is hitting .289 with four home runs against him and Robinson Cano has batted .357 in the matchup.

Former Ranger Nelson Cruz had an RBI double and Seth Smith hit a two-run homer Tuesday as Seattle scored all of its runs in the first inning. Cruz is batting .432 in the 11 matchups in 2015 and has reached base in an AL season-high 29 straight overall.

The Mariners (56-64) are looking for their fifth win in six games in Arlington, but they'll likely need a much better performance from Mike Montgomery (4-5, 4.14). The left-hander went 4-2 with a 1.62 ERA in his first seven starts but has posted a 7.99 ERA in seven since - all Seattle losses.

Montgomery gave up a season-high nine runs over 2 1-3 innings of Friday's 15-1 loss at Boston. He allowed three runs over four in an 11-3, 11-inning home defeat to Texas in his previous outing Aug. 8.

"It's really not hard to analyze," manager Lloyd McClendon said. "If you look at the film, you see a lot of balls waist-high, middle of the plate, up out over the plate. Just no deception at all."

The Rangers scored 32 runs and hit eight homers during their winning streak. Rougned Odor homered and had two of the team's five hits off Hisashi Iwakuma on Tuesday.

Former Mariner Adrian Beltre batted .478 during a six-game hitting streak before going 0 for 4.

With Josh Hamilton nursing a sore left knee, the Rangers acquired Will Venable from San Diego on Tuesday. Venable, batting .258 with six home runs and 30 RBIs, is expected to join the team Thursday.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Marlins (49-70) at Brewers (51-70)

Game: 3
Venue: Miller Park
Date: August 19, 2015 2:10 PM EDT

With a franchise-record sixth straight losing season seemingly inevitable, the Miami Marlins have been getting some production from Ichiro Suzuki, Adeiny Hechavarria and Cole Gillespie.

They'll try to lead the Marlins to their first road sweep of the Milwaukee Brewers in nine years Wednesday.

Miami (49-70) has followed a 2-13 stretch by winning six of eight, scoring 5.9 runs per game in that span - 2.2 higher than its season mark.

The Marlins have totaled 15 runs in taking the first two games of this series, collecting 13 hits in Tuesday's 9-6 victory.

They last swept the Brewers (48-68) in three games May 6-8, 2008, but this would be their first time doing it at Miller Park since Sept. 1-3, 2006.

Suzuki turned in his first four-hit performance since July 28, 2013, on Tuesday. He's batting .353 in 15 games after posting a .105 average over the previous 10.

"As I've said, this guy's a Hall of Famer for a reason," manager Dan Jennings said. "He shows no signs of slowing down. It's great to see him out there picking us up in key spots and having the at-bats that he's having."

Hechavarria is looking to extend his career-high hitting streak to 13 games, which would match Dee Gordon and Marcell Ozuna for the team high this year. The shortstop has a .362 average in that stretch after collecting four hits in this series.

Gillespie is hitting .455 in nine games after getting two hits Tuesday, including a bases-clearing triple in the first.

The Marlins' Tom Koehler (8-10, 3.68 ERA) has lost four straight starts with a 6.17 ERA. The right-hander, though, hasn't been entirely awful over that stretch, yielding two runs in seven innings of Friday's 3-1 loss at St. Louis while not getting any runs of support for the second time in three games.

"You want to go deep," Koehler told MLB's official website. "You want to give your team a chance."

He's 0-1 with a 9.75 ERA in three games against the Brewers, failing to reach the sixth in two starts.

The Brewers, last in the NL Central, are giving the ball to Wily Peralta (3-7, 4.07), who is looking to build on his best performance since returning from a strained left oblique that sidelined him for nearly two months.

The right-hander tossed seven scoreless innings in a 3-1 win over Philadelphia on Friday after going 1-2 with a 6.06 ERA in his first three starts back.

"I'm feeling better and better each start," Peralta said. "I feel really strong."

That's certainly been true when facing the Marlins, against whom he's 2-1 with a 2.20 ERA in five career starts, including a 0.87 ERA in the last three.

He's allowed one run in 14 2-3 innings over two games at Miller Park, winning the most recent 4-1 on Sept. 10.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Dodgers (67-52) at Athletics (52-69)

Game: 2
Venue: O.co Coliseum
Date: August 19, 2015 3:35 PM EDT

Two approaching days off have allowed the Los Angeles Dodgers to go with a four-man rotation for now, and that means Mat Latos is headed for a 10-day stint in the bullpen.

It moves Alex Wood up to start Wednesday in Oakland as the Dodgers try not to let another one get away against the Athletics, and it could have to come without Yasiel Puig.

Latos allowed 10 earned runs in 8 2-3 innings over his previous two starts, though Wood (8-7, 3.74 ERA) hasn't been a great alternative since joining the Dodgers (67-52) on July 30. The left-hander is 1-1 with a 5.09 ERA in three starts with his new club, and control has been at the heart of the struggles.

Wood earned the decision in Friday's 5-3 home win over Cincinnati after giving up three runs and five hits in 6 1-3 innings, but he walked three and has issued eight in 17 2-3 with Los Angeles. It was better than the previous two, but he's still trying to prove he belongs.

"Tonight was the best of the three that I've thrown so far," Wood told MLB's official website. "I'm trying to earn the respect of the guys in the locker room here and hopefully tonight was a step in the right direction."

Danny Valencia is 3 for 3 with two doubles off Wood, and the third baseman started an eighth-inning rally that led to Tuesday's 5-4 win in 10 innings.

'It's definitely the most memorable game we've played,' said Mark Canha, who doubled to lead off the 10th and scored on Billy Butler's double. 'It's just been kind of an emotional roller coaster ride this year. To get a win like that, it was really cool.'

The Dodgers fell to 2-13 all-time in Oakland for their worst regular-season winning percentage at any ballpark, past or present, other than the Metrodome (0-3). Another defeat would also give them a season-high five-game road skid.

Puig could be absent after the right fielder was pulled Tuesday with tightness in his right hamstring after reaching on an infield single in the eighth. The injury comes 2 1/2 months after he missed 39 games with a left hamstring strain, and he's scheduled for an MRI Wednesday.

Oakland (52-69) snapped a season-worst seven-game losing streak, but it still hasn't held an opponent under four runs in nine games with the staff posting a 6.08 ERA. Even so, the A's are out to extend their season-best home winning streak to five.

They haven't lost a home series to an NL opponent since 2012 and have won 21 of 27 at home against the Senior Circuit.

Jesse Chavez is out to right the staff, but his season has continued to unravel in the last five starts after coming out of the All-Star break in strong form. Chavez (6-12, 3.84) is 1-3 with a 6.57 ERA since that outing, and he's given up at least four runs six times in his last 10 starts.

The right-hander surrendered four runs in six innings of a 4-2 loss in Toronto on Thursday, though considering three of those came on Ryan Goins' second-inning homer and Chavez struck out nine without a walk, his catcher was encouraged.

"He was throwing his bread and butter, that fastball-cutter, to both sides of the plate right on the corners," Josh Phegley said. "You could see some of the swings they took, they couldn't really figure it out. ... He looked great."

Chavez didn't receive the decision in a 10-7 loss at Dodger Stadium on July 29 after giving up three runs and five hits - including a homer to Puig - in five innings.

Kike Hernandez is 2 for 3 against Chavez and is batting .455 in his last five games.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Braves (53-66) at Padres (58-62)

Game: 3
Venue: PETCO Park
Date: August 19, 2015 3:40 PM EDT

Although the San Diego Padres are among the worst home teams in the NL, they haven't resembled one against the Atlanta Braves.

The Padres go for a 10th straight home victory over the Braves in the finale of this three-game set at Petco Park on Wednesday.

San Diego (58-62) is 28-29 at home after posting a 48-33 mark last year, which ranked behind only three teams tied for the league's best record.

The Padres' home struggles, however, haven't hampered their dominance of the Braves (53-66), who lost 5-3 in Monday's opener before getting pounded 9-0 a day later.

Melvin Upton Jr. did most of the damage against his former team Tuesday, going 3 for 4 with two homers and five RBIs - both season highs. He started in center after San Diego traded Will Venable to Texas, but he's hitting just .242 in his first year with the club.

"I didn't see that coming, but I felt pretty good at the plate," Upton said. "Obviously the situation that me and Will were kind of alternating, that's tough for anybody, especially when you're accustomed to playing every day. I've been working hard and grinding.

"I felt this is a product of the work I've put in and my hitting coach has been behind me. I believe in what I'm doing. It was just good to show a flash of it."

Upton hasn't shown the same flash at pitcher-friendly Petco, compiling a .208 average and six RBIs in 22 games.

Tyson Ross (8-9, 3.40 ERA) is having his own trouble there with a 4.40 ERA in 10 starts compared to a 2.71 mark and 5-3 record in 15 on the road.

The right-hander gave up seven runs with 16 strikeouts in 12 2-3 innings in his last two home starts, which ended in losses to Miami and Philadelphia - owners of two of the worst records in baseball.

Ross had a tough time with another struggling team Friday, giving up four runs - two earned - with five strikeouts and three walks in five innings while not getting a decision in a 9-5 win at Colorado.

He's 0-1 with a 3.00 ERA in two starts against the Braves after allowing three runs - two earned - in six innings of a 4-1 loss at Atlanta on June 10.

Ross has limited Freddie Freeman to a 1-for-6 performance at the plate with two strikeouts, and the first baseman is slated to return from a strained left oblique that's sidelined him since Aug. 3. He has hit .375 over his last 16 meetings with San Diego.

Julio Teheran (8-6, 4.44) takes the mound looking to improve on his 2-5 record and 6.75 ERA in 12 road starts. However, the right-hander allowed two runs with seven strikeouts in seven innings of a 6-2 win at Philadelphia on Aug. 2.

That's part of a three-start stretch - all Atlanta wins - during which he's gone 2-0 with a 2.75 ERA. Teheran allowed one run with seven strikeouts in six innings of Friday's 3-2 win over Arizona.

"I feel better," Teheran said. "I've been working really hard. I feel like right now, I'm where I want to be. I've been working for this and just trying to be consistent."

He's 1-2 with a 5.26 ERA in four career starts against the Padres, but this will mark his first outing at Petco since surrendering five runs and two homers in six innings of a loss on June 10, 2013.