Friday 5-25-18 Free Plays / Trends / Betting Info / Etc

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Handicapped by Rick Needham at Belmont Park

RACE #4 - 3:04 PM
6.0 FURLONGS DIRT THREE YEAR OLD FILLIES $32,000.00 CLAIMING $53,000.00 PURSE

#4 MERCURIAN
#5 SIMONA
#3 MY LIGHTNIN STRIKE
#6 NORTHERNSTREETLEGAL

#4 MERCURIAN, the overall speed and pace profile leader in this claiming field today, comes off back-to-back "POWER RUN WINS" in her last two starts Jockey Ken Carmouche was in her irons for tat last win, 6 days ago here at Belmont Park, and is back this afternoon for his 2nd ride, gunning for back-to-back "Circle Trips." #5 SIMONA has hit the board in "POWER RUN FASHION" in two of her last five outings, winning in her 5th race back. Trainer David Guggan will also be adding blinkers on this entry for the first time this afternoon ... as noted in numerous occasions in the past, this subtle equipment change often produces noticeable speed boosts in their first applications.

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Handicapped by The Walker Group at Emerald Downs
Always check program numbers.
Odds shown are morning line odds.

Race 1 - Maiden Claiming - 8.0f on the Dirt. Purse: $6400 Class Rating: 71

FOR MAIDENS, THREE YEARS OLD AND UPWARD. THREE YEAR OLDS, 120 LBS.; OLDER, 124 LBS. CLAIMING PRICE $5,000.


RECOMMENDED CHOICES
The Walker Group Picks

# 4 BRILLIANT MIKE 2/1

# 1 PEPPER SHARP 9/5

# 6 YANKEE CHAMP 8/1

BRILLIANT MIKE is my choice. This gelding is a contender based on his earnings per start in dirt route events. Had one of the top speed figures of this group in his last contest. Has performed strongly recently in route races, posting a nifty 62 avg Equibase Speed Fig. PEPPER SHARP - Could best this field here, showing competitive numbers of late. Has been racing soundly and has among the most competitive speed in the race for today's distance. YANKEE CHAMP - This horse could shock this field at a nice price. Has a solid shot in this competition if you like back class.

[Can'tPickAWinner]

F.A.S.T. Sheets Free Race for Golden Gate Fields
Golden Gate Fields - Race 3

$1 Exacta / $0.50 Trifecta / $2 Rolling Double $1 Superfecta (.10 min) / $1 Pick 3 (Races 3-4-5) $1 Rolling Super High Five / $0.50 Late Pick 5 (3-4-5-6-7)


Claiming $12,500 • 5 Furlongs • Turf • Ages 3 and up • CR: 86 • Purse: $10,000 • Post: 1:51P
FOR THREE YEAR OLDS AND UPWARD WHICH HAVE NEVER WON TWO RACES. THREE YEAR OLDS, 120 LBS.; OLDER, 125 LBS. CLAIMING PRICE $12,500, IF FOR $10,500, ALLOWED 2 LBS.
Contenders

Race Analysis
P#
Horse
Morn
Line

Accept
Odds


Race Type: Dominant Front-runner. CALIENTE SHUFFLE is the Dominant Front-runner of the race. * KEY ANGLES * CALIENTE SHUFFLE: Horse has a TrackMaster "+" designation or an "L" designation. Horse ranks in the top three in TrackMaster Power Rating. KNIGHT SOLAIRE: Horse has run a Good Race within the last 30 days. Horse's average winning distance is within half a furlong of today's distance (within 50 yards if a Quarter Horse race). MOOSE ON THE LOOSE: Horse has run a Good Race within the l ast 30 days. Horse's average winning distance is within half a furlong of today's distance (within 50 yards if a Quarter Horse race). EVENING REWARD: Horse has run a Good Race within the last 30 days. Horse has the highest TrackMaster Power Rating .
3
CALIENTE SHUFFLE
15/1

5/1
4
KNIGHT SOLAIRE
3/1

5/1
2
MOOSE ON THE LOOSE
5/2

7/1
8
EVENING REWARD
9/2

9/1




P#

Horse (In Running Style Order)

Post

Morn
Line

Running Style

Good
Class

Good
Speed

Early Figure

Finish Figure

Platinum
Figure
3
CALIENTE SHUFFLE
3

15/1
Front-runner
87

79

95.5

83.5

75.0
2
MOOSE ON THE LOOSE
2

5/2
Front-runner
80

80

89.6

76.7

69.2
4
KNIGHT SOLAIRE
4

3/1
Front-runner
83

88

84.2

79.2

73.7
1
BUCKBEAK
1

15/1
Front-runner
80

78

76.6

74.8

61.3
8
EVENING REWARD
8

9/2
Alternator/Front-runner
86

86

76.9

65.8

61.3
7
HES KNOT UNUSUAL
7

2/1
Alternator/Trailer
75

82

73.5

71.6

66.6
5
STEVEN DECATUR
5

12/1
Alternator/Non-contender
80

78

77.4

70.8

59.3
6
DUKE OF EDDIE
6

30/1
Alternator/Non-contender
65

64

70.6

62.6

48.6

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Handicapped by The Turf Club Analysts

Bar

Gulfstream Park - Race #8 - Post: 4:55pm - Claiming - 8.0 furlongs on the Dirt. Purse: $15,000 Class Rating: 84

Rating: Golden DollarGolden DollarGolden Dollar

#6 FORCE (ML=9/2)
#2 WOODBURN (ML=6/1)
#3 DIAMOND SQUARE (ML=6/1)


FORCE - Was in a $12,500 Claiming race at Gulfstream Park last time out. That event had a class figure of 94 and he is moving down today. A certain serious competitor. The jockey and trainer combination have a positive ROI when they team up. He has the topmost earnings per start. Give the once over to this horse. WOODBURN - Reyes and Cordero - Lopez teamed up together are a railbird's friend. Taking a trip down in the class scale; has the power to make his presence felt. DIAMOND SQUARE - This jockey and handler's animals have been generating a profitable return on investment.

Vulnerable Contenders: #4 BLUEGRASS ENVY (ML=2/1), #10 MR. SULTANA (ML=7/2),

BLUEGRASS ENVY - This horse hasn't had nary a workout after running so well on May 5th. It seems like too much early zip is on board in this race. This early speedster will most likely get cooked on the front end. MR. SULTANA - Hard to recommend any equine with declining speed figures of 83/71/67. Earned a somewhat easily forgotten speed rating last out in a $10,000 Claiming race on May 13th. Doubtful to see an improved performance off of that rating.



STRAIGHT WAGERS:
#6 FORCE to win at post-time odds of 4/1 or better

EXACTA WAGERS:
Box [2,3,6]

TRIFECTA WAGERS:
Box [2,3,6] Total Cost: $6

SUPERFECTA WAGERS:
[2,3,6] with [2,3,6] with [2,3,4,6,10] with [2,3,4,6,10] Total Cost: $36

SUPER HI 5 WAGERS:
None

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Handicapped by The Walker Group at Los Alamitos (Quarter Horse)
Always check program numbers.
Odds shown are morning line odds.

Race 6 - Maiden - 300y on the Dirt. Purse: $8500 Class Rating: 83

QUARTER HORSE 300Y, FOR MAIDENS, FILLIES TWO YEARS OLD. WEIGHT, 124 LBS.


RECOMMENDED CHOICES
The Walker Group Picks

# 7 SANTA MONICA MV 8/5

# 6 HOT LIL LEESA 2/1

# 2 IM UR CUTIE PIE 8/1

SANTA MONICA MV looks to be a formidable contender. She should be given consideration given the quite good speed numbers. Jones has this filly racing well and is a competitive choice based on the formidable Equibase Speed Figures put up in short races as of late. Recorded a strong speed figure in the last race. Can run another good one in this contest. HOT LIL LEESA - Is worth thinking about and may be a bet - strong Equibase Speed Figs (71 average) at today's distance and surface recently. One of the top win percentages between this jock and trainer make this filly dangerous. IM UR CUTIE PIE - Might wake up with Lasix change (with second time Lasix) today. Has a strong shot for this event if you like back class.

[Can'tPickAWinner]

F.A.S.T. Sheets Free Race for Northlands Park
Northlands Park - Race 2

Win Three (Races 2-3-4) / Exacta / Trifecta


Allowance • 6 Furlongs • Dirt • Age 3 • CR: 71 • Purse: $20,200 • Post: 6:58P
FOR FILLIES THREE YEARS OLD WHICH HAVE NEVER WON TWO RACES. WEIGHT, 120 LBS. NON-WINNERS OF A RACE IN 2018 ALLOWED 3 LBS. (WINNERS PREFERRED).
Contenders

Race Analysis
P#
Horse
Morn
Line

Accept
Odds


Race Type: Dominant Front-runner. STREET MADE is the Dominant Front-runner of the race. * KEY ANGLES * STREET MADE: Horse is highest ranked on Good Speed and Good Class. Today is a sprint, horse is a Front-runner with an inside post position. Ho rse has run a Good Race within the last 30 days. WHEELSUPINTHIRTY: Horse's win percentage at today's distance(sprint or route)/surface (dirt or turf) is at least 50. Horse has run a Good Race within the last 30 days. Horse ranks in the top three i n TrackMaster Power Rating.
2
STREET MADE
9/5

2/1
6
WHEELSUPINTHIRTY
3/1

6/1




P#

Horse (In Running Style Order)

Post

Morn
Line

Running Style

Good
Class

Good
Speed

Early Figure

Finish Figure

Platinum
Figure
2
STREET MADE
2

9/5
Front-runner
69

59

96.6

53.8

50.8
6
WHEELSUPINTHIRTY
6

3/1
Front-runner
49

50

62.9

48.1

41.6
3
FUTURE STATE
3

4/1
Stalker
61

48

68.1

49.8

44.8
5
MADAM BULLET
5

7/2
Stalker
65

54

50.6

40.2

30.7
1
BITTERS
1

10/1
Alternator/Non-contender
56

50

56.2

48.0

40.5
4
SWEET RIVER DREAM
4

9/2
Alternator/Non-contender
48

48

56.2

41.2

31.7

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Handicapped by The Turf Club Analysts

Bar

Woodbine - Race #7 - Post: 4:29pm - Maiden Claiming - 7.0 furlongs on the Dirt. Purse: $30,700 Class Rating: 77

Rating: Golden DollarGolden DollarGolden DollarGolden Dollar

#1 COLONEL CANUCK (ML=5/2)
#2 ALACRITOUS (ML=12/1)


COLONEL CANUCK - After the contest aboard this animal on Apr 29th, the jock is going to 'know' the gelding much better. This campaigner coming off a nice performance in the last thirty days is a contender in my opinion. Taking a trip down the ladder based on class rating points; has the ability to make his presence felt. This animal is number one in earnings per race. He looks sharp in today's race. ALACRITOUS - This pony coming off a strong performance in the last month or so is a strong challenger in my humble opinion.

Vulnerable Contenders: #3 CASTLE IN THE SKY (ML=7/2), #8 MONASTRELL (ML=9/2), #9 YODA MAN (ML=6/1),

CASTLE IN THE SKY - Should have at least hit the board in the last two months in a sprint affair to be any kind of value at minimal odds in a sprint. MONASTRELL - Not probable that the speed rating he garnered on May 5th will be enough in this race. YODA MAN - This colt hasn't had any recent good results in short distance contests. No picnic to bet on him in this race. Finished sixth in his most recent race with a disappointing rating. When I look at today's class figure, it would take an improved performance to score after that in this bunch.



STRAIGHT WAGERS:
#1 COLONEL CANUCK to win at post-time odds of 7/5 or better

EXACTA WAGERS:
Box [1,2]

TRIFECTA WAGERS:
Pass

SUPERFECTA WAGERS:
Pass

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Boston Celtics vs. Cleveland Cavaliers Preview and Predictions 05-25-2018

24th May 2018 by Gracenote
the boston celtics are one win away from reaching the nba finals for the first time since 2010 when they visit the cleveland cavaliers on friday. the celtics possess a 3-2 lead in the eastern conference finals but are just 1-6 on the road this postseason, including two setbacks in cleveland.

cavaliers forward lebron james could be playing in his final game in cleveland before his expected dive into free agency but he is currently focused on earning one more trip to boston. "we're looking forward to having an opportunity to force a game 7," james told reporters after his squad's 96-83 loss in wednesday's game 5. "it's up to us to see if we can come back here for one more." boston continues to persevere behind its young roster but it will have to step up if it is to close the series on the cavaliers' home floor. "now we have a big challenge to go on the road," boston veteran big man al horford told reporters. "we're going to have to play a great game come friday because they're tough at home. at least in our series, they've had their way."
tv: 8:30 p.m. et, espn
about the celtics: small forward jayson tatum scored 24 points in game 5 for his ninth 20-point outing of the postseason. the 20-year-old is putting together one of the best scoring playoff runs by a rookie in nba history with 312 points and he trails only elgin baylor (331), alvan adams (341) and kareem abdul-jabbar (352). "it's just been a lot of fun," tatum told reporters. "i've just been enjoying it, the level of play, the atmosphere. the playoffs bring the best out of people and out of players, and hopefully we keep it going. ... we're one win away from going to the finals. "
about the cavaliers: james had 26 points, 10 rebounds and five assists while going 11-of-22 shooting in game 5 and he downplayed interrogating questions about his level of fatigue. "i had my moments, but i think everybody at this point is tired, worn down whatever the case may be," james told reporters. "i was still trying to make plays, put our team in position to win." james topped 40 points twice in this series and six times in the postseason and has at times single-handedly kept his team afloat.
buzzer beaters

1. boston pg marcus smart had a series-best 13 points on 5-of-9 shooting in game 5 after just 11-of-38 shooting over the first four contests.

2. cleveland sg jr smith is averaging just 5.2 points on 9-of-39 shooting in the series.

3. horford had 15 points and 12 rebounds in game 5 for his second double-double of the series and seventh of the postseason.

prediction: cavaliers 116, celtics 95

[Can'tPickAWinner]

San Francisco Giants vs. Chicago Cubs Preview and Predictions 05-25-2018

24th May 2018 by Gracenote
Wrigley Field hasn't lived up to its nickname of the "friendly confines" for the Chicago Cubs lately. The Cubs have lost four straight home games going into a three-game series with the visiting San Francisco Giants starting Friday.

Chicago had won 11 of 13 at home before the recent slide, which included a 10-1 drubbing and a 1-0 defeat against visiting Cleveland earlier this week. The Cubs have lost six of their last 10 overall to slide to fourth place in a tight National League Central race. "I think we are better than what our record shows," Cubs left fielder Kyle Schwarber told reporters. "We've just got to continue to be us and play our game and focus on everyone in this clubhouse and care about each other. I feel like we do a really good job of that. If we just continue to do what we believe in, good things are going to happen." The injury-riddled Giants started their eight-game road trip with two losses in Houston, including a 4-1 setback Wednesday, and have dropped 11 of 16 overall.
TV: 2:20 p.m. ET, MLB Network, NBCS Bay Area (San Francisco), ABC 7 (Chicago)
PITCHING MATCHUP: Giants LH Derek Holland (2-5, 4.94 ERA) vs. Cubs RH Kyle Hendricks (3-3, 3.40)

Holland returns to Chicago, where he pitched for the White Sox last season. The 31-year-old has only two quality starts in nine outings this season, and he allowed four runs over six frames in a loss to Colorado last time out. Holland is 1-0 with a 1.38 ERA in two starts against the Cubs, but he hasn't faced them since 2013.
Hendricks had a streak of four straight quality starts snapped in his last outing, as he allowed four runs (three earned) and didn't record an out in the sixth inning. The 28-year-old has refined his command after struggling a bit to find the strike zone early on, walking just four over his past six outings. Hendricks is 2-2 with a 3.49 ERA in five meetings with the Giants.

WALK-OFFS

1. Cubs 1B Anthony Rizzo is riding a six-game hitting streak, but he's only 7-for-27 and has not hit a home run over that stretch.
2. Giants SS Brandon Crawford is 19-for-35 with two homers and nine RBIs during a 10-game hitting streak.

3. San Francisco OF Mac Williamson (concussion) is swinging a hot bat during his rehab stint at Triple-A Sacramento and is expected to be activated at some point this weekend.

PREDICTION: Cubs 6, Giants 4

[Can'tPickAWinner]

St. Louis Cardinals vs. Pittsburgh Pirates Preview and Predictions 05-25-2018

24th May 2018 by Gracenote
pittsburgh pirates fans have been patient as right-hander joe musgrove worked his way back to form after nursing a strained right shoulder that lingered from spring training into the season. musgrove, who was a key part of the gerrit cole trade to houston, will make his debut on friday as the pirates (27-22) begin a six-game homestand with the opener of a three-game series versus the st. louis cardinals (26-21).

"i'm tired of traveling. i'm tired of not being here contributing. so i'm ready to do my part," musgrove told reporters following the conclusion of his four-start rehab assignment. musgrove's debut will need to be sterling to match the impact of rookie austin meadows (11-for-25, five rbis, four runs scored), who belted his third homer in six games since being recalled from triple-a indianapolis - albeit in thursday's 5-4 setback in cincinnati. while pittsburgh has dropped five of six, st. louis isn't throwing any parties as it mustered just three runs in losing back-to-back contests to kansas city to fall to 4-7 over its last 11. marcell ozuna overslept and was a late scratch in wednesday's 5-2 loss to the royals, but is expected back in the lineup on friday versus a pittsburgh team against which he went 4-for-12 with three rbis in last month's three-game sweep by the pirates.
tv: 7:05 p.m. et, fs midwest (st. louis), at&t sportsnet-pittsburgh
pitching matchup: cardinals rh john gant (1-1, 4.67 era) vs. pirates rh joe musgrove (2017: 7-8, 4.77)

gant, who is filling in for the injured adam wainwright, endured his toughest outing of the season on saturday as he was gashed for five runs on four hits - including a homer - in 4 1/3 innings of a no-decision against philadelphia. the 25-year-old's lone positive in that contest were his career-best seven strikeouts. gant had a pair of no-decisions versus pittsburgh last season, as he tossed one scoreless inning of relief on sept. 10 before permitting one run on three hits and two walks in three innings two weeks later.
musgrove was blitzed for six runs on 10 hits in five innings in his last rehab outing with indianapolis. the 25-year-old aims to recapture the form that saw him in the starting rotation last season with the astros before being ushered to the bullpen. musgrove has limited experience versus the current crop of cardinals, with only small sample sizes against dexter fowler (1-for-2, triple) and ozuna (1-for-3).
walk-offs

1. st. louis and pittsburgh have fared well versus national league central foes, with the former owning a 14-7 mark while the latter is 11-5.
2. pirates c francisco cervelli, who homered on wednesday, also went deep to highlight a 4-for-10 effort with two rbis and two runs scored against the cardinals.

3. st. louis cf tommy pham is 0-for-13 with nine strikeouts in his last three games overall and 2-for-12 in last month's series versus pittsburgh.

prediction: cardinals 3, pirates 2

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Toronto Blue Jays vs. Philadelphia Phillies Preview and Predictions 05-25-2018

24th May 2018 by Gracenote
the philadelphia phillies' pitching staff slowly is changing the narrative of citizens bank park being labeled as hitter-friendly by recording three shutouts in the team's last eight home contests. zach eflin will bid to keep the good times going on friday as the phillies (28-19) open a three-game interleague series against the struggling toronto blue jays (23-27).

"our pitching has been really strong. that leads me to believe our staff is really good, to hold (the braves) down like that," philadelphia manager gabe kapler said after the team moved within a half-game of first place in the national league east by shutting out atlanta twice in a three-game series. carlos santana, who signed a three-year, $60 million deal in the offseason, has recorded back-to-back two-hit performances to improve to 19-for-70 in may after going 15-for-98 to begin the season. while philadelphia's 18-7 home mark is tied with the new york yankees for the best in the majors, toronto begins a nine-game road trip with losses in nine of its last 11 overall. "i'm ready to get on the road, there's no doubt. this was a brutal homestand for us," manager john gibbons said after thursday's 8-1 setback against the los angeles angels.
tv: 7:05 p.m. et, sportsnet (toronto), nbc 10 (philadelphia)
pitching matchup: blue jays rh sam gaviglio (1-0, 0.93 era) vs. phillies rh zach eflin (1-0, 1.56)

gaviglio stepped up in the absence of marcus stroman (shoulder) to scatter six hits and match a career high with six strikeouts over 5 1/3 scoreless innings in a no-decision versus oakland on saturday. "he did an excellent job. he showed us a lot," gibbons said of the 28-year-old. gaviglio will make his 20th career appearance and first versus the phillies on friday.
eflin escaped with a no-decision on saturday after allowing four runs in 4 2/3 innings against st. louis while walking three batters for the second straight outing. the 24-year-old has kept the ball in the park in each of his last two trips to the mound, a significantly better showing than his lone previous encounter with toronto. eflin was taken deep three times - with josh donaldson belting a grand slam - while being scorched for eight earned runs in 2 2/3 innings in his major-league debut versus the blue jays on june 14, 2016.
walk-offs

1. toronto lhp jaime garcia (shoulder) felt fine after a bullpen session and will return to the rotation on saturday, gibbons told reporters.

2. philadelphia 2b cesar hernandez has hit safely in 16 of his last 20 games, scoring 15 times in the process.
3. blue jays 3b yangervis solarte has homered twice and drove in six runs during his six-game hitting streak.

prediction: phillies 4, blue jays 2

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Los Angeles Angels vs. New York Yankees Preview and Predictions 05-25-2018

24th May 2018 by Gracenote
the new york yankees' string of eight straight series wins finally came to an end as the prolific offense could not survive a rare letdown from the pitching staff. the yankees will try to keep the bats hot and turn the staff around when they host the los angeles angels on friday in the opener of a three-game series.

new york tied a major league record with a total of 21 home runs in a five-game span by bashing four more in wednesday's 12-10 loss at texas, and rookie infielder gleyber torres is highlighting the power surge with four homers in the last three contests. "when i go to home plate, i just try to put the ball in play, try to take good at-bats," torres told reporters. "the home runs are happening, but i never try to hit home runs." the yankees totaled 17 runs in a three-game sweep at los angeles from april 27-29, but the angels are coming in hot with three wins in their last four games. los angeles will try to capture friday's series opener behind left-hander andrew heaney, while new york counters with ace right-hander luis severino.

tv: 7:05 p.m. et, mlb network, fs west (los angeles), yes (new york)
pitching matchup: angels lh andrew heaney (2-3, 3.35 era) vs. yankees rh luis severino (7-1, 2.35)
heaney allowed a total of five earned runs over his last five starts but is coming off a loss to tampa bay on saturday in which he issued five walks over six innings and was charged with four unearned runs. the 26-year-old struck out seven batters in that outing and owns 46 strikeouts in 40 1/3 total frames. heaney struck out nine while yielding two runs - one earned - across five innings against the yankees on april 27 but settled for a no decision.
severino notched his seventh consecutive quality start at kansas city on saturday, scattering three runs and eight hits over six innings to earn the win. the eight hits allowed matched a season high for the dominican republic native, who yielded a total of three earned runs in his previous three outings. severino went up against heaney on april 27 and also settled for a no decision while surrendering three runs and five hits in seven frames.
walk-offs

1. the yankees have hit three or more home runs in five straight games for the first time in franchise history.

2. los angeles rookie rhp shohei ohtani will not make his scheduled start on sunday in an effort to manage his workload but will be available to hit during the series.

3. new york rhp david robertson allowed a total of six runs in 3 2/3 innings across his last four appearances.
prediction: yankees 8, angels 3

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Chicago White Sox vs. Detroit Tigers Preview and Predictions 05-25-2018

24th May 2018 by Gracenote
the chicago white sox and detroit tigers own two of the five worst records in the american league, but both teams really only need a hot streak to get right back in the thick of things in the al central. the white sox seek payback for a three-game sweep early last month at the hands of the tigers beginning friday when they visit detroit for the opener of a three-game set.

chicago (15-32) has been sitting at the bottom of the al for much of the season, but it also has never trailed by more than 9 1/2 games in the central in large part because division-leading cleveland has hovered right around .500 most of the season. despite thursday's 9-3 home setback against baltimore, the white sox have been playing better baseball of late, going 5-3 over their last eight contests after opening the season 10-29. the tigers (21-28) were one game out of first place in the division just over a week ago, but they return home - where they are 12-10 - four games off the pace entering thursday following a 2-5 road trip. detroit ended a five-game slide with a 4-1 victory at minnesota on wednesday and hope to rediscover the form that led to its first three-game sweep of the season, april 5-8 in chicago.
tv: 7:10 p.m. et, wgn (chicago), fs detroit
pitching matchup: white sox rh reynaldo lopez (1-3, 2.98 era) vs. tigers rh mike fiers (4-3, 4.57)

lopez bounced back from one of the worst outings of his career with perhaps his best sunday against texas, yielding two hits and two walks while fanning eight over eight scoreless innings. the 24-year-old dominican turned in a similar performance in a losing cause versus detroit, permitting one unearned run on two hits and five walks april 8. lopez has logged at least five innings in all but one turn and allowed more than two earned runs just twice in his nine starts this season.
fiers took the loss saturday in seattle, surrendering four runs on six hits - including a pair of homers - across five frames. the nova southeastern product has struggled with the long ball in recent years and this season has been no different, giving up two home runs in four of his eight starts. fiers' best outing of the campaign came opposite lopez last month when he blanked the white sox over six innings, improving to 2-0 with a 0.70 era in four starts versus chicago.
walk-offs

1. tigers of nicholas castellanos, who has two hits in four consecutive games, is batting .375 with nine runs scored, five doubles and three homers over his last 17 contests.

2. white sox c welington castillo was suspended for 80 games thursday after testing positive for a performance-enhancing drug.
3. detroit has outscored chicago 28-8 while winning each of the last four meetings, recording two shutouts over that span.

prediction: white sox 3, tigers 2

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Washington Nationals vs. Miami Marlins Preview and Predictions 05-25-2018

24th May 2018 by Gracenote
right-hander jose urena is laboring through a frustrating season with the miami marlins, failing to win in each of his 10 starts and carrying an 0-7 record into friday night's matchup against the visiting washington nationals. breaking the slide won't be easy for urena, who will be matched up against three-time cy young award winner max scherzer.

urena lost both starts against washington during his breakout 14-win season in 2017 but he pitched a gem in a 1-0 loss at marlins park, allowing the one run on three hits over eight innings. miami salvaged a .500 road trip by taking the final two games at the new york mets, rallying for two runs in the ninth wednesday to improve to 14-13 since opening the season with 17 losses in 22 contests. scherzer looms as the early favorite to win his fourth cy young in six years, going 6-0 in nine starts since suffering his only defeat on april 4. the nationals continue to struggle at home but have won seven of their last eight on the road and own an eight-game winning streak in the series against the marlins.
tv: 7:10 p.m. et, masn2 (washington), fs florida (miami)
pitching matchup: nationals rh max scherzer (7-1, 1.78 era) vs. marlins rh jose urena (0-7, 4.55)

scherzer had to settle for a no-decision against the los angeles dodgers last time out despite striking out 13 and permitting only two runs and five hits over seven innings. he has yet to allow more than two earned runs in a start this season and has fanned at least 10 in seven of his 10 outings. martin prado is 13-for-30 with a homer off scherzer, who went 1-1 with a microscopic 1.17 era in four starts versus miami in 2017.
urena's skid continued when he gave up four runs and five hits over six innings last time out but he also continues to be victimized by a lack of run support -- miami had has scored 23 runs in his 10 starts and seven over his last five turns. all four of his quality starts, including the past three, have come at home, where he is 0-6 this season. bryce harper is 2-for-3 with a double and four walks versus urena.
walk-offs

1. nationals lf juan soto, 19, was hitless in four at-bats wednesday after going 3-for-5 with three rbis in the first two games of the series.

2. marlins c j.t. realmuto was 5-for-10 in the last two games at new york but is 1-for-20 lifetime against scherzer.

3. miami's win on wednesday was its first in 25 games when trailing after eight innings this season.

prediction: nationals 4, marlins 1