Wednesday 8/3/16 service plays chatter/comps/requests & other stuff...

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[Can'tPickaWinner2]

CFL Betting Recap - Week 6
By Joe Williams

League Betting Notes

-- Favorites/underdogs went 2-2 SU in Week 6
-- Underdogs went 3-1 ATS in Week 6
-- Home/road teams posted a 2-2 SU record in Week 6
-- Road teams posted a 3-1 ATS record in Week 6
-- The 'Under' went 3-1 in Week 6

Team Betting Notes

-- Toronto (4-2) shocked Ottawa (3-2-1) by a 23-20 count in Canada's capital city despite entering as a 10-point underdog. The Argonauts cashed +425 on the moneyline, and as high as +500 in some shops. The RedBlacks are suddenly in a tailspin, losing two in a row to the Argos and Roughriders.

-- After going 3-1 ATS in the first four games for the RedBlacks, they're now 0-2 ATS over the past two. The 'under is 3-1-1 for Ottawa over their past five. The RedBlacks are 0-5 SU and 1-4 ATS over their past five tries against the Argos dating back to July 18, 2014, the last Ottawa win in this series.

-- Edmonton (2-3) met a similar fate as Ottawa, losing as a nine-point favorite at home against Winnipeg (2-4). The Eskimos have won just once in three tries at home, and they're 0-3 ATS at home and 0-4-1 ATS overall this season.

-- After their shocking win over the RedBlacks, it was back to struggling for Saskatchewan (1-4). And struggled they did, getting hammered by Montreal (2-3) in a 41-3 laugher. The Roughriders have given up 29 or more points in each of their five games, allowing 35.8 points per game (PPG).

-- Calgary (3-1-1) and the BC Lions (3-2) hooked up for the best game of the CFL season, outlasting the Lions 44-41 in overtime. QBs Jonathon Jennings and Bo Levi Mitchell each tossed three touchdowns, while Jennings also punched one in on the ground. The Stampeders failed to cover, though, falling to 3-1 ATS over the past four games.

-- The 'over' has been the play for the Stamps lately going 3-0-1 in their past four games after an under result in Week 1.

-- After allowing just 21 total points through their first two games, the Lions are allowing 32.0 points per game over their past three. The 'over' has hit in each of their past two games. BC also improved to 3-0 ATS on the road this season.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

CFL Betting Notes - Week 7
By David Schwab

Week 6 Betting Recap

Week 6 of the 2016 CFL regular season got underway with a huge upset when Winnipeg beat Edmonton 30-23 straight-up as a 9 ½-point road underdog last Thursday night. Montreal made short work of Saskatchewan as a two-point home favorite in the first of two games on Friday night in a 41-3 romp.

The second half of Friday’s CFL double-header was one of the best games of the season so far with Calgary outlasting British Columbia 44-41 in overtime, but failing to cover against the spread as a five-point favorite at home. Sunday’s action closed things out with another road team pulling off an upset in Toronto’s big 23-20 win against Ottawa as a heavy 10-point underdog. Here is a look at the lineup for Week 7 in the CFL.

Wednesday, Aug. 3

Hamilton Tiger-Cats (3-2 SU, 3-2 ATS) vs. Winnipeg Blue Bombers (2-4 SU, 2-4 ATS)
Point-spread: Hamilton -2
Total: 50

Game Overview

The Tiger-Cats had a bye last week after going a perfect 3-0 both straight-up and against the spread in their first three road games this season. They averaged 36.7 points a game in those three wins while scoring a combined 27 points in two losses at home. Jeremiah Masoli is expected to make at least one more start at quarterback for Hamilton with Zach Collaros not expected back in the lineup until Week 8 at the earliest.

Winnipeg’s stunning upset over Edmonton was fueled by the play of quarterback Matt Nichols, who was given the start over an ineffective Drew Willy. Nichols made the most of the opportunity by completing an impressive 78.8 percent of his 33 passes for 304 yards and a score. Andrew Harris had a big day on the ground with 127 rushing yards and a score on 22 carries.

Betting Trends

Hamilton has won six of the last eight meetings both straight-up and against the spread, but one of those losses came in Week 3 of this season when it fell to the Blue Bombers 28-24 as a nine-point favorite at home. The total has stayed UNDER in three of the last four meetings.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Week 7 CFL games

Hamilton (3-2) @ Winnipeg (2-4)– Road team won all five TiCat games; they won last two games 31-7/37-31 since 28-24 (-9) home loss to Winnipeg four weeks ago, when Hamilton threw for 367 yards but were scoreless in 4th quarter. TiCats are 7-2 in last nine series games, winning last four visits here; under is 8-3 in last 11 series games. Winnipeg is 0-3 at home, scoring 16 ppg; they’re 0-4 scoring less than 28 points. Under is 3-0-1 in Bombers’ last four games, 3-1 in Hamilton’s last four. TiCats are 0-2 when scoring less than 31 points.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

At the Gate - Wednesday
By Mike Dempsey

Breeders’ Cup Filly & Mare Sprint (G1) champion Wavell Avenue will be in action on Wednesday, the 4-5 morning line favorite in the $100,000 Shine Again at Saratoga.

The mare ran fourth in last year’s Shine Again, then beat Alw-3 optional claimers over the Spa main track followed by a runner up finish in the Gallant Bloom Handicap (G2) at Belmont Park.

That sent her to Keeneland for the Filly & Mare Sprint where she was sent off at 10-1 in the field of 14. She made a good late rally to get up despite having to steady in traffic nearing the 5/8’s.

However, since then she has lost three in a row, her last outing a runner up finish in the Bed o’ Roses Handicap (G3) at Belmont Park as the even money chalk. She was the beaten favorite two back as well in a fourth place finish in the Humana Distaff (G1) at Churchill Downs.

She takes a class drop here for trainer Chad Brown as this race is for non-winners of a graded stakes race this year. She looks tough but at 4-5 I’ll try and beat her with Promise Me Silver, a winner of 10 of her 13 career starts.

She did not beat much last out at Lone Star, but that effort should set her up for a good effort here for trainer Bret Calhoun.

Entries were taken yesterday for Saturday’s $1.25 million Whitney and Frosted drew the four post in a field of six and was installed as the 3-5 morning line favorite.

He ran huge winning the Met Mile (G1) in his last outing, making him one of the early favorites for this fall’s Breeders’ Cup Classic (G1).

His five foes on Saturday will be El Kabeir (20-1), Comfort (8-1), Upstart (10-1), Noble Bird (10-1) and Effinex (7-2).

There are five stakes coming up on Saturday’s card at the Spa and we will delve into the races later this week.

We have racing at Saratoga six days a week, with Tuesday our only off day.


Here is today’s second race (the opener is a steeplechase race) from Saratoga to get the day off to a good start:

SAR Race 2 Md $20,000 (1:33 ET)
#1 Shoppingforsilver / 1a Phantom Phasr 4-1
#8 Littlemissbusiness 7-2
#2 Appealing Miss 8-1
#5 Smart Alex 2-1

Analysis: Shoppingforsilver drops out of a $40,000 maiden claimer at Monmouth Park where the filly stalked the early pace and did not have much punch left in the stretch in a fourth place finish. The winner Everything Magic returned to beat Alw-1 optional claimers in her next start while the third place finisher Exchange Identity came back to graduate in her next outing on June 24 for a $35,000 tag. She returns off a two-month break here for the Weaver barn and fits at this level. Entrymate Phantom Phasr was a non-threatening fifth in her debut for a $40,000 tag at Belmont Park and adds lasix while dropping in class here. The Albertrani barn is 10% winners with second out maidens. She is out of a Mizzen Mast mare that has dropped two winners.

Littlemissbusiness drops another notch after running second last out for a $40,000 tag. She was beaten double digit lengths in her first two starts, nth facing tougher. She is out of a Blue Ensign mare that has dropped five winners, top earner stakes winner Chispiski ($386,074). Castellano takes the call and she figures to move forward off her last effort.

Wagering
WIN: #1 to win at 3-1 or better.
EX: 1,8 / 1,2,5,8
TRI: 1,8 / 1,2,5,8 / 1,2,3,5,8

Today’s Featured Race of the Day from Saratoga:

SAR Race 8 The Shine Again (5:02 ET)
#4 Promise Me Silver 4-1
#3 Wavell Avenue 4-5
#6 Theophilia 10-1
#8 Sweet On Smokey 8-1

Analysis: Promise Me Silver looks back on track with a sharp seven length win in the Texas bred Valor Farm last out at Lone Star in her second start off an 8 1/2 month layoff. She won the Eight Belles (G3) last year on Derby Day at seven furlongs for her eighth consecutive victory to start her career, but then her form went south in her next three starts facing graded stakes company. The filly owns solid early and mid pace numbers and looks primed for a top effort. She will get the jump on the chalk in here and is going to end up offering more value for the top spot.

Wavell Avenue is last year's Breeders' Cup Filly & Mare Sprint (G1) champ, pulling off the upset at 10-1. She is 0 for 3 since running third in the Madison (G1) off a six-month layoff, then running a disappointing fourth in the Humana Distaff (G1) as the favorite. Last out at Belmont Park she put in a mild late bid to finish second in the Bed o' Roses 'Cap (G3), coming up 1 3/4 lengths short of catching By the Moon as the even money chalk. She ran fourth in this race last year which came up tougher than this year's edition. The question is whether or not she gets enough pace to run at.

Theophilia makes her stakes debut here for the Mott barn off a sharp win versus Alw-2 optional claimers going a one turn mile at Aqueduct last November. She has won three of her six career starts and two in a row. She cuts back to seven furlongs and she broke her maiden at this distance here last July in her third career start. The Mott barn is 17% winners with runners coming back off a +180-day layoff.

Wagering
WIN: #4 to win at 3-1 or better.
EX: 3,4 / 3,4,6,8
TRI: 3,4 / 3,4,6,8 / 3,4,6,7,8

Live Longshots:
These are price plays for exotic players looking to find a couple of extra contenders to use in their trifecta and superfecta wagers. Or for those with smaller bankrolls, you might want to get in a small win-place wager.

Saratoga
R2: #2 Appealing Miss 8-1
R5: #10 Harvard Man 12-1
R6: #5 Waco 8-1
R7: #7 Ortiga 8-1
R8: #6 Theophilia 10-1
R8: #8 Sweet On Smokey 8-1
R9: #10 Conquest Superstep 10-1
R10: #12 Chico Grande 12-1
R10: #5 Southern Gentleman 12-1

Good luck today!

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Handicapped by Chatsworth Consortium at Hoosier Park

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


Race 5 - Post: 7:05 - 1 mile. PACE - Class Rating: 55 - Purse:$6500 - 2 YEAR OLDS - INDIANA SIRED NON WINNERS OF 1 EXT PM RACE OR $6,000 LT TO BE CLAIMED FOR $10,000


CONSORTIUM CHOICES


Chatsworth Consortium

# 3 SHOESHEZKEY 4/1



# 6 DURANGO MAN 5/1



# 2 HOLD THE GOLD 5/2



If you want a great play in here, feast your eyes on SHOESHEZKEY. This nice horse looks dangerous. Check out the 56 average speed figure. Could beat this field, just look at the speed rating - 51 - from his last showing. DURANGO MAN - Could very well be the most solid in the field here, showing really good stats of late. Average speed is a solid 56. This colt has been battling against some of the most competitive company in this group of animals recently. HOLD THE GOLD - Seems to have a really strong class advantage based on the company he has faced. Strong driver-trainer rankings make this nice horse a clear-cut choice. More than likely will be putting cash down in here.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Handicapped by Chatsworth Consortium at Northfield Park

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


Race 3 - Post: 6:40 - 1 mile. TROT - Class Rating: 67 - Purse:$3300 - NON WINNERS $1500 IN LAST 5 STARTS THAT ARE N/W $10,000 IN 2016. NO. 9 STARTS FROM 2ND TIER NORTHFIELD


CONSORTIUM CHOICES


Chatsworth Consortium

# 8 SPLITSVILLE 5/2



# 9 MOONTAN 3/1



# 2 BOSSY VOLO 3/1



All signs point to SPLITSVILLE for the pick. Can't forget based on speed figures which have been stellar (83 avg) recently. This nice horse looks very good considering the high class statistics. Not a good idea to throw out of any exotics. Achieved a 67 speed rating last time out. A duplicate event here should get the win in this contest. MOONTAN - It's a bit risky to consider based only on class, but this gelding has among the best class ratings of the bunch. Had one of the top TrackMaster Speed Ratings of the grouping in his last race. Must use in your plays. BOSSY VOLO - When starting from the 2 hole, an above average win percentage has resulted.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Handicapped by The Walker Group at Albuquerque

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


Race 5 - Claiming - 5.5f on the Dirt. Purse: $10300 Class Rating: 85

FOR THREE YEAR OLDS AND UPWARD WHICH HAVE NOT WON TWO RACES IN 2015-2016 OR WHICH HAVE NEVER WON FOUR RACES. THREE YEAR OLDS, 120 LBS.; OLDER, 123 LBS. NON-WINNERS OF A RACE SINCE MAY 21, 2016 ALLOWED 3 LBS. A RACE IN 2016 ALLOWED 5 LBS. CLAIMING PRICE $6,250.



RECOMMENDED CHOICES

The Walker Group Picks

# 3 COWBOY ACADEMY 6/1


# 4 SMART COPY 3/1


# 7 YES IT'S SNOWING 4/1


COWBOY ACADEMY seems to be the wager in here. He has a good opportunity in this race as handler, Green, has strong win rate with horses going this distance. SMART COPY - Has competitive Speed Figures and has to be considered for a bet in this race. Recorded a solid Equibase speed fig last time out. YES IT'S SNOWING - Could best this group based on the Equibase speed fig - 79 - of his last effort. Has been racing soundly and has among the top speed in the race for today's distance.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Handicapped by The Walker Group at Camarero Race Track

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


Race 2 - Maiden Claiming - 5.0f on the Dirt. Purse: $7350 Class Rating: 51

FOR MAIDENS, TWO YEARS OLD. WEIGHT, 117 LBS. DEBUTANTES ALLOWED 1 LBS. CLAIMING PRICE $14,000, IF FOR $12,000, ALLOWED 2 LBS.



RECOMMENDED CHOICES

The Walker Group Picks

# 2 KUKA E. 2/1


# 1 PAPA JOSE 15/1


# 3 MI AVENTURERO 20/1


KUKA E. is my choice. Must be considered given the class of races run lately. I like the rider on this filly - strong chance to win the race. Her chances to win are much better this time out facing this less demanding field of horses. PAPA JOSE - Should go to the lead and may never look back. Can't overlook the connections here, a 19 winning percentage, one of the most respectable at getting into the winner's circle. MI AVENTURERO - Torres is trying to prove victorious with this horse by bringing him back so soon.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Handicapped by The Turf Club Analysts

Bar

Presque Isle Downs - Race #6 - Post: 7:30pm - Claiming - 5.5 furlongs on the Dirt. Purse: $13,000 Class Rating: 74

Rating: Golden DollarGolden DollarGolden DollarGolden Dollar

#6 ELZEBUB CAT (ML=9/2)
#7 ROADA WISH (ML=6/1)


ELZEBUB CAT - The Jul 21st event at Penn National was at a class level of (82). Dropping to a lower level a significant amount, so she should be in a good spot. I like when a race sets up this way. This filly has the lone speed to crush this field. I think this filly is ready to run a good one. She's had enough efforts since the layoff and should be fit. This filly is clearly on the improve with speed figures of 48, 59, 64 last 3 out. ROADA WISH - Was in a $6,250 Claiming race at Prairie Meadows last time out. That race had a class rating of 81 and she is moving down in this field. A certain serious competitor.

Vulnerable Contenders: #5 FOOLS MAGIC (ML=4/1), #4 SERVED COLD (ML=5/1), #2 WITHALITTLEHOPE (ML=6/1),

FOOLS MAGIC - I can't play this confirmed non-winner. Gets the job finished from time to time. SERVED COLD - I'm forecasting a less than stellar go of it out of her this time out. WITHALITTLEHOPE - Will be hard for this entrant to beat this bunch off of that last speed figure. Doubtful to improve enough to run a figure close enough to today's class figure, so put her on the likely underlays list.

Top HatGUEST COMMENTARY: Winston - ROADA WISH - Earnings per start is one measure of class I like to check out. This horse is number one in the bunch and has a good shot to beat this crew.


STRAIGHT WAGERS:
#6 ELZEBUB CAT to win at post-time odds of 7/5 or better

EXACTA WAGERS:
Box [6,7]

TRIFECTA WAGERS:
Pass

SUPERFECTA WAGERS:
Skip

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Handicapped by The Turf Club Analysts

Bar

Thistledown - Race #2 - Post: 2:10pm - Maiden Special - 6.0 furlongs on the Dirt. Purse: $21,500 Class Rating: 66

Rating: Golden DollarGolden DollarGolden DollarGolden Dollar

#8 INVOICE ME (ML=8/1)
#1 VIVANDIERE (ML=7/2)
#2 GIFTED GHOST (ML=4/1)


INVOICE ME - Ran last time out against tougher competition at Thistledown. The move to a lower class rank should suit her well. VIVANDIERE - I like this animal. Finished in front of today's favorite last out at Thistledown, and I think she will do well versus this field today. Have to give this filly a good shot. Ran a good outing last out within the last 30 days. Was in a Maiden Special race at Thistledown last out. That event had an Equibase class figure of 78 and she is moving down in this field. A certain contender. Horse has improved at least two speed rating points in last 2 races. I look for that trend to continue in this race. GIFTED GHOST - Trainer Adkins moves this thoroughbred down in the class scale to face weaker company. Look for a solid effort in here. Rider jumped on this filly's back for the 1st time on July 16th. Should be in tune with the horse even better in today's contest. Trainer, Adkins, has been deliberate with this filly off the layoff. Look for a solid effort today.

Vulnerable Contenders: #3 BULLINDA (ML=3/1), #5 QUALITY DESIRE (ML=6/1),

BULLINDA - This animal likes to finish in the money, but doesn't usually finish first. Leave out of the top spot. QUALITY DESIRE - Doubtful that this equine will finish better than she did last time when placing sixth. This filly recorded a speed rating in her last event which likely isn't good enough in today's event.


STRAIGHT WAGERS:
#8 INVOICE ME is the play if we get odds of 7/2 or better

EXACTA WAGERS:
Box [1,2,8]

TRIFECTA WAGERS:
Box [1,2,8] Total Cost: $6

SUPERFECTA WAGERS:
Pass

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Handicapped by Rick Needham at Saratoga

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


The Shine Again Stakes

7.0 FURLONGS DIRT FILLIES AND MARES FOUR YEARS OLD AND UPWARD STAKES $100,000.00 PURSE

#3 WAVELL AVENUE
#1 SHAYJOLIE
#8 SWEET ON SMOKEY
#4 PROMISE ME SILVER Well folks ... this race honors the career of one of the New York's top sprinting distaffers. Shine Again captured the 2001-02 Ballerina Handicap (gr. I) at Saratoga in two of her 14 career wins She also won the Genuine Risk Stakes (gr. II) at Belmont over Carson Hollow. Shine Again retired with earnings of $1,271,840. Here in just the 3rd running of The Shine, #3 WAVELL AVENUE is the overall speed and pace profile leader in this stakes field today sprinting at today's "specialized distance" of 7.0 furlongs on the dirt, and has turned in "POWER RUN PERFORMANCES" in five straight, hitting the board in four of those outings, including a "POWER RUN WIN" in her 4th race back. #1 SHAYJOLIE, a 15-1 BOMB, drops in class (-7), and has also produced "POWER RUN PERFORMANCES" in each of her last five outings, hitting the board in a pair, including a "POWER RUN WIN" in her 4th race back.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Northfield: Wednesday 8/3 Analysis + Pick Four Ticket
By Jeremey Day

DRF

Race 8 -$10,000 Guaranteed Pick Four Pool

Jeremey’s $1 Pick Four Play:

5,6,9 / 2,8,9 / 3,4 / 1,2 = $36

Best Bet: SPLITSVILLE (3rd)

Spot Play: BRILLO CAMARILLO (4th)


Race 1

(2) ANDOVER ISLE well bred 3-year-old shows a big effort at The Meadows last month. If the gelding can mind his manners he's the horse to beat. (1) SR LILLYSTAR filly gets the best post in a field full of question marks. (6) KAYLA JADE hits the board a lot just doesn't win; use underneath.

Race 2

(7) REGGIE RAIDER almost circled the field last week after an early break. The pacer faces older but is one of few in the race with upside. (4) FEELIN FLASHY has just been racing evenly and needs a smooth trip. (5) OAKS CROWN could be dangerous with an easy early lead.

Race 3

(8) SPLITSVILLE takes a huge dropdown in competition. The trotter just needs to find a way into the race. (4) S M'S TERMINATOR has been competitive at this level; threat. (3) ZOOMIN JESSE looks to offer a monster price and flashed a decent burst of speed two back.

Race 4

(5) BRILLO CAMARILLO mare's win last week might not be a fluke. The 4-year-old has room to improve second start for the new barn. (4) POR QUE NO just missed to the top choice last week racing gamely. (9) SHAKE IT SUGAR filly pacer has been competitive against better on the year.

Race 5

(6) NOWER POWER lightly raced 2-year-old faces older but might have the most ability in the group. (4) OU NIP TOO will look to make it three wins in five starts at this level. (9) WHITE EARNIE is also on a nice win streak against similar.

Race 6

(9) TILLY THE FILLY pacing mare raced well first start back off the layoff and should have more to offer in her second start back. (4) I SCOOT QUICK is the only horse in the race with a win on the year; threat. (3) THETIS just missed last week from a tough spot with little pace to close into.

Race 7

(2) CERVEZA DINERO picks up the top driver facing much weaker. (1) WIMBORNE HANOVER could need a start off almost a month but does get the best starting post in a soft field. (5) RED FALKOR gelding has a good burst but has a tendency to lack stamina late; command a price.

Race 8

In a wide open and tough race to gauge, (6) SHAGUAR pacer is capable of popping at a price especially with a good setup. (5) KWIC MAC showed a lot of improvement first start for a new barn last week. (9) AHDOUGHNOLUM bumps back up off an easy win down in class. The pacer looks to offer another low price and has been inconsistent.

Race 9

(8) CODY COY is a tough play with the far outside post and the low percentage pilot, however the trotter owns all the back class. (9) SCREAMIN DREAMIN owns only one win on the year but has been competitive against similar. (2) CARBON FOOTPRINT is capable against this bunch but will need more.

Race 10

(4) REAL CATCH will look to drop and pop down in class. The pacer was the driver's choice and will be used aggressively. (3) ENEE WEENIE AND ME gets big time post relief with the top driver. (7) JUST CROWNED is another dropper in the race. The well bred nine-year-old gets a downgrade in the bike but is probably the fastest horse in the race all things being equal.

Race 11

(2) MAJOR DAN is 0 for the year but also faces his weakest field to date. (1) LOGAN COUNTY RALPH is very inconsistent from week to week. If the pacer puts forth one of his better efforts he can score. (4) HE'S THE CHIP has yet to win at this level in two months; command a price.

Race 12

(3) JOYEUX DREAM picks up a big driver change for proven connections. (1) SHARP ACTION looks like one of the horses to beat in the race especially with the rail. (7) ROMPAWAY ELVIS can pick up the pieces should the front end go fast early.

Race 13

(9) BORN TO ROCKN ROLL drops in class and has been pacing faster than most of the field. (4) PINSTRIPES will offer good value and was close last week. (2) TEAHOUSE HALL pacer makes his first start for new connections. The 4-year-old shows some good efforts and can improve.

Race 14

In another tough race to handicap, (1) MATALIC raced well last week from a tough spot; threat. (6) ITSNOONERTIME could hit the board at a big price with some racing luck. (9) BEACH BOY TOY could be in a decent spot turning for home; threat.

Race 15

(4) JUMPIN JACK J will offer the best price of the contenders and faces weaker. (6) WESTERN FELLA was parked the mile last out against tougher. (2) WELCOME WAGON gets sent out for the top barn; threat.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

SPOT PLAYS

For Wednesday


TRACK (RACE) HORSE, MORNING LINE


Del Mar (3rd) Derby Music, 5-1
(5th) Well Maybe, 8-1

Delaware Park (3rd) Lefty Got It Right, 3-1
(6th) Hickory Hill, 3-1

Evangeline Downs (2nd) Pinker Bell, 5-1
(9th) Whistling Wind, 4-1

Finger Lakes (2nd) Boy Named Tish, 5-1
(5th) Westerday, 5-1


Indiana Grand (5th) Galatasaray, 8-1
(6th) Moonlight Sky, 4-1


Louisiana Downs (1st) Deeliteful Walk, 4-1
(7th) Dontsaymyname, 5-1


Mountaineer (4th) Child of Gold, 6-1
(7th) Alexis Road, 8-1


Penn National (3rd) Galleon Gold, 3-1
(5th) Frame, 7-2


Presque Isle Downs (2nd) Fleet Beat, 9-2
(4th) Four More, 5-1


Saratoga (2nd) Littlemissbusiness, 7-2
(5th) Show Bound, 5-1


Thistledown (2nd) Bullinda, 3-1
(8th) Rock N Heart, 7-2

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

August Pitchers Report
By Marc Lawrence

With the MLB trading deadline officially closed, and the NFL preseason whetting our pigskin palates, the month of August sets the table for the stretch run of the baseball season. Which pitchers can we count on to satisfy our tastes, and which ones figure to sour our stomachs?

Take a look below.

Listed below are hurlers that have enjoyed a two-to-one or better success ratio in team-starts over the course of the last three seasons during the month of August.

On the flip side, we've also listed pitchers that struggle in August, winning 33% percent or less of their team-start efforts.

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

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

I’ll be back next month with September’s Good Month Pitchers.

Until then, as legendary singer and songwriter Neil Diamond would say, enjoy the hot August nights.

GOOD MONTH PITCHERS:

Arrieta, Jake - 10-5 (6-3 A)

After being Clayton Kershaw-like for nearly 12 months, the Cubs starter has "regressed" back to just being among the best starters in baseball. Arrieta has a nearly 3-to-1 strikeout to walk ratio and only allows a base hit 70 percent of the time in innings pitched this season, among the finest in the majors.

Duffy, Danny - 11-4 (6-1 H)

After starting the season as a reliever, the Kansas City left-hander was forced back into the rotation based on need and he has responded. Since June, after a pair of starts, Duffy has put up an ERA of just over 3.00 and opposing batters have just a .289 on-base percentage against him.

*Gallardo, Yovani - 9-4 (5-2 A)

Not close to the same pitcher he used to be with Milwaukee, with ERA so far this season approaching almost two runs higher than career average (5.37 vs. 3.73). The lost velocity is to blame and secondary pitches have less bite. For Baltimore to win AL East, Gallardo has to find some of his old magic.

Greinke, Zack - 10-5 (5-2 H)

After being on the shelf with oblique injury since late June, Greinke is close to returning for Arizona if no reoccurrence were to take place after a rehab start or two this month. After pathetic start to season, the D-Backs prized starter has cut ERA by 2 1/2 runs and is close to career norms in all major categories. Elite starter.

*Hamels, Cole - 12-6 (8-4 H)

Having typical Hamels season, with low numbers across the board. In bigger picture, underrated high level hurler who has not been getting acclaim after Phillies fall, but has been ace with Texas. As usual, left-handed batters have no chance with .176 batting average and .287 slugging percentage.

*Iwakuma, Hisashi - 12-5 (7-1 A)

Not having normal season for Seattle, with hits allowed much higher than usual for Iwakuma. However, has won four of five starts and the Mariners are 10-3 when the righty has toed the rubber since May 20. With Felix Hernandez back, this pair could lead Seattle charge to postseason.

Milone, Tom - 7-3 (4-1 A)

Milone starts for bad Minnesota club and is inconsistent as ever. Of his 74 hits allowed in only 59 2/3 innings, 11 have gone the yard. Maybe he can keep the ball down and spot his pitches better like previous August’s.

*Sanchez, Anibal - 9-3 (5-1 H)

With decreased velocity and no action on breaking pitches, Sanchez ERA has been six or higher almost all season. Not sure if he can respond this month, with opponents having BA over .300 and owning a WHIP of 1.64.

*Strasburg, Stephen - 13-3 (8-1 H)

Only July 21st, Strasburg suffered first loss of entire season after 13 consecutive wins. Though the fastball is no longer in upper 90's all the time, the breaking pitches disappear from batter's view and he's been exceptional. If Strasburg has true to form month, he will have real shot at 20 wins in 2016.

Teheran, Julio - 11-5 (7-2 H)

Suffered lat strain in late July and has been a victim of no run support from bad Braves club with 2.81 ERA, 0.97 WHIP and opposing batters at only .205 batting average. Note: Teheran’s record also represents his MLB career team start mark during the month of August.

Weaver, Jered - 12-5 (7-3 A)

Shell of his former self at 33. Never a hard thrower, Weaver's fastball only occasionally makes the upper 80's these days and his once dominating changeup is a pitch batter's wait on now with lack of variance of speed of pitches. Will blend good and really awful performances these days.

*Zimmermann, Jordan - 12-6 (8-3 H)

On July 24th had excellent rehab start and will be rejoining Detroit this month. After sensational start with Tigers, Zimmermann was tagged for at least five runs in four of his last five outings. Detroit needs the Zimmermann they had early in the season to have chance to catch Cleveland in AL Central.

BAD MONTH PITCHERS:

Gray, Sonny - 5-11 (0-7 A)

Given Gray's troubles this month, his woes of all season are very likely to continue. Gray simply has been more hittable the entire season, permitting those with bats to hit almost 50 points higher than normal batting average permitted of .233. Note: Gray’s record also represents his MLB career team start mark during the month of August.

*Hellickson, Jeremy - 4-11 (2-9 A)

Back of the rotation starter, Hellickson has largely performed better than expected for Philadelphia and as this article went live, he was rumored to be traded. His KW ratio is significantly higher at 4 to 1 compared to 3 to 1 for his career. Will he be able to maintain the rest of season?

Kazmir, Scott - 5-11 (1-7 A)

The Dodgers port-sider has 9-4 record, but his 4.41 ERA is still above career average of 3.98. Durability has been issue all season, with too many starts around five innings for what is supposed to be Los Angeles No. 2 or 3 starter.

Koehler, Tom - 4-13 (0-10 A)

Above average arm but always up or down and unless he pulls a Rich Hill, at 30 is not likely to change. An 8-8 record, 4.18 ERA and WHIP of 1.46, is about what we have come to expect from Mr. Koehler. Note: Koehler’s record also represents his MLB career team start mark during the month of August.

*Miley, Wade - 5-11 (1-6 A)

Overrated lefty who does not miss many bats and fails to come anywhere close to averaging punch-out an inning. Strictly an innings-eater and provides nothing more than 50-50 chance to win.

Miller, Shelby - 5-11 (2-8 H)

Demoted to Triple-A in July after disastrous campaign. Miller hopes to regain confidence and repair mechanics that are really out of whack and return to Arizona yet this season.

Samardzija, Jeff - 5-13 (3-8 H)

After appearing as the No.3 starter San Francisco wanted for two months, Smards has returned to same old serviceable pitcher of the past and seen his ERA climb from 2.84 to present 4.30 heading into this month.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

MLB roundup: Orioles, Bundy handle Rangers
By The Sports Xchange

BALTIMORE -- Dylan Bundy took a no-hitter into the sixth inning and allowed one hit in seven scoreless innings as the Baltimore Orioles posted a 5-1 victory over the Texas Rangers on Tuesday night.
Bundy (4-3) took a no-hitter into the sixth for the second consecutive start. He retired the first 10 hitters and lost his no-hit bid when Elvis Andrus singled with two outs in the sixth.
Pedro Alvarez homered twice and Adam Jones and Matt Wieters also hit home runs for Baltimore.
Yu Darvish allowed three runs and six hits in 6 1/3 innings. He struck out nine and issued one walk.

Mets 7, Yankees 1
NEW YORK -- Jacob deGrom threw seven shutout innings, added two hits and scored a run as the Mets cruised past the Yankees.
Alejandro De Aza and Travis d'Arnaud homered for the Mets, who activated newly acquired outfielder Jay Bruce and he was 0-for-4 in his debut after arriving from Cincinnati.
Masahiro Tanaka allowed seven runs and eight hits in 6 1/3 innings, and Didi Gregorius homered for the Yankees.
Alex Rodriguez did not start again but flied out to right field for the final out as a pinch hitter with rumors swirling about his possible release from the Yankees.

Cubs 3, Marlins 2
CHICAGO -- Jason Hammel tossed six shutout innings for his career-high 11th victory and Chicago held off Miami.
Dexter Fowler went 3-for-4 and Aroldis Chapman picked up his second save since being obtained from the New York Yankees on July 25.
Ichiro Suzuki remained two hits shy of 3,000 for his career. He did not start but struck out as a pinch hitter in the seventh inning.

Twins 10, Indians 6
CLEVELAND -- Max Kepler hit his fourth home run in two days as Minnesota picked up another win over Cleveland.
Brian Dozier and Eduardo Escobar also homered for the Twins, who have won seven of 11 meetings with the Indians.
Carlos Santana and Mike Napoli hit two-run homers for the Indians, who trailed 8-0 through two innings.

Tigers 11, White Sox 5
DETROIT -- Miguel Cabrera had three hits, including a two-run homer, and drove in three runs as Detroit ran its winning streak to seven games.
Anibal Sanchez allowed one run and six hits in six innings for his first win since April. Victor Martinez added a solo home run.
James Shields allowed six runs and nine hits in five innings. Todd Frazier hit his 30th home run of the season for Chicago, which has lost five of its last six games.

Reds 7, Cardinals 5
CINCINNATI -- Scott Schebler hit a three-run home run in the bottom of the ninth inning to give Cincinnati a dramatic win over St. Louis.
Adam Duvall, Tucker Barnhart also homered and Joey Votto was 4-for-4 with a walk for Cincinnati.
Pinch-hitter Tommy Pham homered in the eighth for St. Louis. Earlier, Jedd Gyorko and Brandon Moss had home runs for the Cardinals.

Blue Jays 2, Astros 1
HOUSTON -- R.A. Dickey took a shutout into the seventh inning and Toronto edged Houston.
Jose Bautista hit his 300th career home run and Edwin Encarnacion homered as Toronto remained a game behind Baltimore in the American League East.
Evan Gattis drove in Houston's lone run. Lance McCullers exited in the fifth inning with right elbow discomfort.

Phillies 13, Giants 8
PHILADELPHIA -- Aaron Altherr had a tiebreaking single and Cameron Rupp capped a five-run eighth inning with a three-run homer as Philadelphia outslugged struggling San Francisco.
Maikel Franco was 4-for-4 with a three-run homer. Cesar Hernandez also had four hits and Altherr was 3-for-5 with five RBIs.
Brandon Crawford, Brandon Belt and Angel Pagan homered for the National League West-leading Giants, who rallied from a 6-0 deficit but lost for the 12th time in 16 games since the All-Star break.

Royals 3, Rays 2
ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. -- Salvador Perez hit a two-run in the seventh inning and Kansas City defeated Tampa Bay.
Perez homered off Xavier Cedeno, who had allowed one home run in 33 1/3 innings before Tuesday.
Kevin Kiermaier and Desmond Jennings drove in runs for Tampa Bay, which was 1-for-14 with runners in scoring position.

Pirates 5, Braves 3
ATLANTA -- Rookie Adam Frazier had a big game for Pittsburgh against Atlanta.
The Georgia native had a two-run single and also doubled to raise his average to .367 as the Pirates rebounded from getting swept in Milwaukee.
Matt Kemp was 0-for-4 with two strikeouts in his debut for the Braves after being obtained from San Diego.

Nationals 10, Diamondbacks 4
PHOENIX -- Wilson Ramos hit a three-run homer and first-place Washington rolled past Arizona.
Ramos leads National League catchers with 16 home runs and gave Washington the lead for good in the fifth inning. Chris Heisey and Jayson Werth added solo home runs as the Nationals won for the fifth time in seven games.
Jake Lamb hit his 22nd home run for Arizona, which is 17-37 at home.

Mariners 5, Red Sox 4
SEATTLE -- Robinson Cano hit a three-run home run in the eighth inning and Seattle rallied to beat Boston.
Cano gave the Mariners the lead by hitting a 1-2 pitch from new Boston reliever Fernando Abad into the right field seats. Mike Zunino also homered and Edwin Diaz converted his first save opportunity for Seattle.
David Price held Seattle scoreless for seven innings and allowed four runs and seven hits in seven-plus innings.
David Ortiz drove in two runs while Hanley Ramirez homered for Boston.

Rockies 7, Dodgers 3
DENVER -- Carlos Gonzalez had three hits and drove in four runs as surging Colorado downed Los Angeles.
Gonzalez extended his hitting streak to 14 games by getting two doubles as Colorado (53-53) improved to a major league best 13-5 since the All-Star break. The Rockies are within 3 1/2 games of the Miami Marlins for the second wild-card spot in the National League.
Yasmani Grandal homered for Los Angeles.

Angels 5, Athletics 4
ANAHEIM, Calif. -- Jett Bandy and Jefry Marte homered as Los Angeles defeated Oakland.
Matt Shoemaker allowed two runs and six hits in seven innings for the Angels.
Khris Davis, Coco Crisp and Yonder Alonso homered for Oakland.

Brewers 3, Padres 2
SAN DIEGO - Ryan Braun hit his 15th home run and Milwaukee beat San Diego.
Zach Davies allowed two runs in 5 2/3 innings and combined with three relievers on a six-hitter.
San Diego's Luis Perdomo (5-5) allowed three runs and 10 hits in 6 2/3 innings.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Marlins (57-50) at Cubs (65-41)

Game: 3
Venue: Wrigley Field
Date: August 03, 2016 2:20 PM EDT

CHICAGO -- Right-hander David Phelps will shift from bullpen duty to spot starter Friday when the Miami Marlins open a three-game weekend series on Friday in Colorado.

"I think that's the way we're going to go," said Marlins manager Don Mattingly on Tuesday, prior to the second in a three-game series with the Chicago Cubs. "Him throwing in the pen (on Tuesday) is a good indicator."

The start will be his first since 2015. So far this season Phelps has made all 50 appearances in relief, posting a 5-5 record, four saves and a 2.65 ERA over 54 1/3 innings pitched.

Phelps, a 29-year-old veteran of five big league seasons, picked up the win in his last outing on July 30, a 2 2/3 inning effort against the Cardinals.

He entered in the fourth inning to replace injured starter Colin Rea and gave up no runs on one hit while striking out four and walking two.

"I think you'll see him as he looked as a starter, he'll use more pitches," said Mattingly. "I think as a reliever you see more fastball, cutter, runback and keep it pretty simple. It's one of those things that you're hoping it's a 12-14 pitch outing when you're coming in and able to just attack."

In a starting role, Phelps has a 4.36 ERA and .262 opponent batting average.

In the meantime, Miami will wrap up the Wrigley Field series with a Wednesday day game as right-hander Tom Koehler (8-8, 4.18 ERA) goes against Cubs righty John Lackey (8-7, 3.69 ERA).

The Marlins and Cubs each have Thursday off.

While the Cubs bolstered their bullpen prior to the Major League trading deadline this week, they couldn't land one more top starting pitcher even with two top possibilities working just nine miles away.

The cost was just too high.

The Chicago White Sox might have been dangling left-hander Chris Sale (14-4, 3.17 ERA) or Jose Quintana (8-8, 2.89 ERA), but not necessarily to the crosstown Cubs without a hefty premium attached.

In the end, both stayed put on Chicago's South Side.

"There's probably a tax you have to pay," Cubs general manager Jed Hoyer said this week. "There's going to be a lot more focus or scrutiny on a deal that's made between those two teams.

"At some level, I think both teams are aware of that. I know that when we were sellers, we had some awareness. And I'm sure that on the other side of town, there's some awareness of that as well."

Maybe Cubs won't need an extra starting arm anyway.

Right-handed starter Kyle Hendricks -- once perceived as the No. 5 starter -- has moved to the top of the heap lately. After Monday's 5-0, complete game shutout victory Hendricks lowered his ERA to 2.22, third lowest in the majors. His 1.19 ERA at home is the lowest in baseball.

He's 10-7 on the season 6-1 since June 19 in eight starts and with a 1.09 ERA in that span.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Nationals (63-44) at Diamondbacks (43-64)

Game: 3
Venue: Chase Field
Date: August 03, 2016 3:40 PM EDT

PHOENIX -- It has been the best of series and the worst of series.

Washington has piled up 24 runs and 34 hits while winning the first two games of a three-game set at Arizona.

The Nationals will send Cy Young Award candidate Max Scherzer to the mound in an attempt to sweep their first series since taking three in a row from the New York Mets from June 27-29.

Scherzer, 11-6 with a 2.95 ERA, was the Diamondbacks' first pick in the 2006 draft before being traded to Detroit in a three-team deal before the 2010 season. He won the AL Cy Young Award in 2013 with Detroit where he won 72 games.

Scherzer is 6-2 with a 1.67 ERA in his last 11 starts and when he last pitched Friday, the right-hander allowed one run and five hits in seven innings of a 4-1 win at San Francisco.

Arizona, which has given up 34 runs in its last three games starting with a 14-3 loss to the Dodgers on Sunday, will start right-hander Zack Godley, who is 3-1 in five mostly spot starts this season.

The Nationals have scored multiple runs in six innings against the D-backs, including five- and four-run frames in a 14-1 victory Monday and a four-run first in the 10-4 victory Tuesday. They had a season-high 19 hits in the final game of the series and had 15 Tuesday.

Wilson Ramos has five hits and four RBIs in the series, and his three-run homer broke a tie at 2 with two outs in the fifth inning Tuesday. The only trouble he has run into was when a foul ball struck him in the chest in the ninth inning Tuesday and broke his gold chain.

"Ramos has been a godsend," Washington manager Dusty Baker said. "He feels good about himself. I can't imagine now having Ramos, because he has figured it out. It takes some time sometimes. Everybody doesn't figure it out at the same rate or the same pace."

Ramos, who is hitting .331 and has tied a career with 16 homers, can be a free agent this winter. He signed a $5.3 million contract this spring to avoid his final year of arbitration.

"I'm hoping we try to do something with big Ramos here to retain him," Baker said.

With wins in the first two games of the series, Washington has gained two games on Miami to stay six games in front in the NL East. The defending division champion Mets are 7 1/2 back.

"I love our position, because this has been done for the last couple of months without Bryce (Harper) and without 'Zim,'" Baker said, speaking of Bryce Harper and Ryan Zimmerman.

Harper, a late scratch because of illness Tuesday, is 7-for-59 since July 10. Zimmerman missed three weeks in June because of a rib cage strain and has not played the last two games after being hit in the left wrist by a pitch in the ninth inning of Sunday's game in San Francisco.

"We figure we haven't been operating on all cylinders," Baker said.

Arizona traded former Nationals reliever Tyler Clippard to the New York Yankees on Sunday and has had trouble keeping games close in recent games. Relievers have been charged with 10 runs in 8 2/3 innings in the first two games of the series.

"It is disheartening when they keep going out there and giving up even one," Arizona manager Chip Hale said. "We have to do better. We have to limit the runs."

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Brewers (48-57) at Padres (46-61)

Game: 3
Venue: PETCO Park
Date: August 03, 2016 3:40 PM EDT

SAN DIEGO -- Perhaps the most interesting matchup Wednesday in the rubber match of the three-game series between the Milwaukee Brewers and Padres at Petco Park is not the one between the starting pitchers.

Both teams are starting rookie shortstops called up during the past week.

Orlando Arcia made his major league debut Tuesday night for the Brewers, and Jose Rondon made his third start for the Padres.

Arcia, 22, was considered the top prospect in the Milwaukee farm system as well as the 13th overall prospect in the minor leagues when he was promoted to the Brewers early Tuesday morning from Triple-A Colorado Springs.

"It's always a thrill to call anyone up, but I knew this was a big deal when I saw a camera outside the clubhouse today waiting for Orlando," Brewers manager Craig Counsell said of Arcia's arrival.

"I know a lot of people are really excited about it. He is an important player, and now we get to watch him grow every day ... struggle and grow from it, which is fun. It's fun to get a guy like that started. Orlando has had expectation for a long time. He's a performer. He knows how to handle it."

Rondon is not ranked as highly among the Padres' prospects as Arcia is with the Brewers. However, the 22-year-old Venezuelan was having a solid season at Double-A San Antonio after struggling with injuries in 2015 during his first full season in the San Diego system.

He came to the Padres in 2014 as part of the package the Los Angeles Angels used to lure closer Huston Street to Anaheim.

On Tuesday, Padres manager Andy Green told veteran shortstop Alexei Ramirez that he was no longer the regular shortstop as long as Rondon is with the team.

Rondon, who had spent three days with the Padres last weekend while third baseman Yangervis Solarte was away from the team on family leave, was recalled Tuesday when infielder/outfielder Alexi Amarista was placed on the 15-day disabled list due to a left hamstring strain he sustained Monday night.

The more notable news was the fact that Rondon is replacing Ramirez, who started 98 of the Padres' first 103 games at short.

"As things changed near the trade deadline, it became obvious that we're moving in a younger direction," Green said. "It doesn't mean that every young prospect who could be here right now is going to be here right at the present moment. But when the young guys are here, we're going to have them on the baseball field pretty consistently.

"Alexei will get on the field on a much more sporadic basis going forward. When Jose Rondon is here, more times than not, he is going to be out there unless we fell he needs a break physically or mentally.

"I don't think Alexei liked it hearing that. I wouldn't have expected anything else. He's spent his entire life on the baseball field. It's a tough thing to hear and a tough thing to adjust to. I respect that."

As for the pitching matchup Wednesday afternoon, San Diego right-hander Edwin Jackson faces Milwaukee right-hander Junior Guerra.

Jackson is 1-1 with a 5.19 ERA in three starts for the Padres. He is 1-2 with a 5.46 ERA in 11 games overall this year, counting his relief work with the Miami Marlins earlier in the season. Jackson took a no-hitter into the seventh inning of his Padres debut at Petco Park on July 17 against the San Francisco Giants.

In his career against the Brewers, he is 5-7 with a 3.89 ERA in 17 games (14 starts).

Guerra is 7-2 with a 2.70 ERA in 16 starts. More important, he has positioned the Brewers to go 11-5 in his 16 starts. Opponents are hitting .201 against Guerra. Earlier this season, in his only career start against the Padres, he blanked San Diego on two hits over six innings in Milwaukee.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Giants (61-45) at Phillies (49-59)

Game: 2
Venue: Citizens Bank Park
Date: August 03, 2016 7:05 PM EDT

PHILADELPHIA -- Right-hander Aaron Nola will look to win consecutive starts for the first time this season when he and the Philadelphia Phillies face the San Francisco Giants in the second game of a three-game series Wednesday night in Citizens Bank Park.

Nola (6-9, 4.78 ERA) will be opposed by All-Star righty Johnny Cueto (13-3, 2.63).

The 23-year-old Nola, in his first full major league season, beat the Atlanta Braves his last time out to snap a personal five-game losing streak, even though he allowed three runs on eight hits in five innings. He has compiled a 9.82 ERA over his past eight starts, his roughest stretch since he arrived in the major leagues last July.

He last won back-to-back outings when he beat the Miami Marlins and San Diego Padres last Aug. 23 and Aug. 28, respectively. Manager Pete Mackanin said before the Phillies' 13-8 victory over the Giants on Tuesday that this start is critical for Nola, the club's first-round draft pick (seventh overall) in 2014.

Mackanin noted that Nola has struggled in particular with fastball command, something that had not been an issue before his recent struggles.

"That's one of the reasons he was drafted -- he had great command," Mackanin said. "And we've seen it, last year and this year. He's faltering a little bit now. I think it's a bump in the road for him. That's the way I choose to look at it. You can't pitch 20 starts as well as he's pitched and all of a sudden just lose it. ... I give him the benefit of the doubt."

It remains to be seen how long a leash Nola is given, however.

"Every start's important," Mackanin said. "He's had enough poor ones to where at some point we have to decide how we're going to handle it."

In his only career outing against the Giants, Nola allowed five runs on 10 hits in 3 1/3 innings during a no-decision at San Francisco on June 26.

Cueto, who signed with San Francisco as a free agent in December, lost to the Washington Nationals his last time out and is 0-2 with a 3.94 ERA over his past three outings.

He is 1-4 with a 5.46 ERA in 10 career starts against Philadelphia, the highest ERA he has compiled against any opponent he has faced five times or more.

The Phillies battered another All-Star, Madison Bumgarner, in Tuesday's game, chasing him after five innings. The left-hander gave up season highs of eight runs (four earned) and 10 hits. Bumgarner hadn't given up that many runs since May 2013, and he hadn't surrendered that many hits since April 2015.

Aaron Altherr, playing just his fifth game (and first at home) since coming off the disabled list after recovering from a spring training wrist injury, went 3-for-5 with a homer and a career-high-tying five RBIs. He became the first Phillie to have a homer, five RBIs and a stolen base in a game since Chase Utley in 2008.

He nonetheless insisted he's not trying to make up for lost time.

"I wouldn't say I'm trying to make up for anything," he said. "I'm still going to go out there and do what I can do, and not ... try to do too much and be somebody I'm not. I'm going to go out there and be relaxed and let the game come to me, and whatever I can do to help the team win, I'll do."