Sunday 7-8-18 Free Plays / Trends / Betting Info / Etc

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Handicapped by The Turf Club Analysts

Bar

Arlington - Race #5 - Post: 3:38pm - Maiden Special - 5.5 furlongs on the Turf. Purse: $32,000 Class Rating: 82

Rating: Golden DollarGolden DollarGolden Dollar

#9 BELLE BREZING (ML=6/1)
#3 STARIA PEACH (ML=8/1)
#10 MOCKERY (ML=2/1)


BELLE BREZING - This filly is in first-rate condition right now. Ran third in the last race and comes back promptly. STARIA PEACH - This filly is in superb form right now. Ran second last time around the track and comes back rapidly. Filly is a few starts into a come back here. Should give a big race today. MOCKERY - Running on the turf today, you should review a horse's class. This one has the top number in the bunch. Filly had the second fastest workout of the day prepping for this. Ranked number 1 in earnings per start (EPS). Another notice that this equine has the class to win today.

Vulnerable Contenders: #8 FULL COUNT (ML=5/2), #1 DONA SPEY (ML=3/1), #2 FLASHLY (ML=7/2),

FULL COUNT - Last ran on June 17th at Arlington, finishing eighth. Not likely to improve off of that outing today. Going to have a hard go of it with all the other early speed in this contest. DONA SPEY - Would have to advance off that sixth place finish last time out to make an impact here. A runner should have more early speed at 1 1/16 miles to get me excited about her chances to win at 5 1/2 furlongs. FLASHLY - Don't think this entrant has what it takes to win today.



STRAIGHT WAGERS:
Putting our cash on #9 BELLE BREZING to win. Have to have odds of at least 4/1 or better though

EXACTA WAGERS:
Box [3,9,10]

TRIFECTA WAGERS:
Box [3,9,10] Total Cost: $6

SUPERFECTA WAGERS:
[3,9,10] with [3,9,10] with [1,2,3,9,10] with [1,2,3,9,10] Total Cost: $36

[Can'tPickAWinner]

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

Race 7 - Stakes - 6.0f on the Dirt. Purse: $35000 Class Rating: 58

CTBA FUTURITY - TWO YEAR OLD COLORADO BRED COLTS AND GELDINGS. WEIGHT 118LBS.


RECOMMENDED CHOICES
The Walker Group Picks

# 7 BLUE TWISTED STEEL 5/2

# 3 MR. POPCORN 3/1

# 1 BEHOLD DE FLAME 5/1

BLUE TWISTED STEEL appears to be the bet in here. Displays the look of a money-making play, averaging a solid 58 speed figure which is one of the most respectable in this group of horses. Should wake up with Lasix change (with second time Lasix) today. Parsons has a solid win percent with horses running in dirt sprint races. MR. POPCORN - He has been running very well and the speed figures are among the most respectable in this group. This animal enters today's affair with second time Lasix. BEHOLD DE FLAME - Should come out very solid - I have liked the way this gelding has moved swiftly to the front end recently.

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Handicapped by Top Horse Analytics at Belmont Park

07/08/18, BEL, Race 8, 5.18 ET
6F [Inner Turf] 1.06.04 ALLOWANCE OPTIONAL CLAIMING. Purse $70,000.
Claiming Price $40,000. INNER TURF FOR THREE YEAR OLDS AND UPWARD FOALED IN NEW YORK STATE AND APPROVED BY THE NEW YORK STATE-BRED REGISTRY WHICH HAVE NEVER WON $13,000 TWICE OTHER THAN MAIDEN, CLAIMING, OR STARTER OR WHICH HAVE NEVER WON THREE RACES OR CLAIMING PRICE $40,000
Exacta, Trifecta (.50), Super (.10), Pick 3 Races (8-10), Double
Best in race - (J)ockey (T)rainer (S)peed (F)inish (E)arnings (W)orkouts (L)ead (C)loser
Top Horse Win Percent 28.00, $1 ROI 0.97, For Race Category Non-Maiden Turf
Rating Pgm# Horse Name M/L Jockey Trainer FLAGS
100.0000 1 Dezzer 9/2 Ortiz J L Navarro Jorge FEWL
097.5625 6 Stolen Pistol 4-1 Saez L Sharp Joe
097.4375 9 Rectify 3-1 Franco M Cannizzo David A.
095.8820 10 Whatstotalkabout 3-1 Ortiz. Jr. I Servis Jason T
094.7071 7 Speightful Kitten 12-1 Franco M Rice Linda
094.4114 2 Wicked Freud 5/2 Alvarado J Friedman Mitchell E.
094.3401 4 Global Positioning 20-1 Maragh R Toscano. Jr. John T.
093.3247 3 Whiskey Seven 8-1 Velazquez J R Rice Linda JSC
092.1369 11 Love That Jazz 30-1 Diaz. Jr. H R Barrera. III Oscar S.
092.1003 8 Callant 15-1 Lezcano J Quick Patrick J.
090.6875 5 Chasintheblues 20-1 Carmouche K Thompson Glenn R.
If Race Is Off Turf
Top Horse Win Percent 30.07, $1 ROI 0.96, For Race Category Non-Maiden Dirt
Rating Pgm# Horse Name M/L Jockey Trainer FLAGS
100.0000 1 Dezzer 9/2 Ortiz J L Navarro Jorge FEWL
097.3896 10 Whatstotalkabout 3-1 Ortiz. Jr. I Servis Jason T
096.2286 7 Speightful Kitten 12-1 Franco M Rice Linda
095.8062 6 Stolen Pistol 4-1 Saez L Sharp Joe
095.6998 3 Whiskey Seven 8-1 Velazquez J R Rice Linda JSC
094.6695 9 Rectify 3-1 Franco M Cannizzo David A.
093.7380 2 Wicked Freud 5/2 Alvarado J Friedman Mitchell E.
093.3477 4 Global Positioning 20-1 Maragh R Toscano. Jr. John T.
091.4074 5 Chasintheblues 20-1 Carmouche K Thompson Glenn R.
091.0757 11 Love That Jazz 30-1 Diaz. Jr. H R Barrera. III Oscar S.
090.8972 8 Callant 15-1 Lezcano J Quick Patrick J.

[Can'tPickAWinner]

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

Race 5 - Futurity - 350y on the Dirt. Purse: $146400 Class Rating: 79

QUARTER HORSE 350Y, MYSTIC LAKE NORTHLANDS FUTURITY - FOR QUARTER HORSES, TWO YEARS OLD. $100 TO NOMINATE BY THURSDAY, MARCH 1. $300 SUSTAINING PAYMENT DUE BY MONDAY, APRIL 2. $400 SUSTAINING PAYMENT DUE BY TUESDAY, MAY 1. $500 SUSTAINING PAYMENT DUE BY FRIDAY, JUNE 1 AND $700 TO ENTER THE TRIALS. TOTAL AMOUNT DUE: $2,000 LATE FEE SCHEDULE:


RECOMMENDED CHOICES
The Walker Group Picks

# 10 SHES SIZZLING 5/1

# 2 MISS ENERGY P 9/2

# 6 MILDRED DIDRICKSON 3/1

SHES SIZZLING could be the wager in here. Goodwin will almost certainly be able to get this filly to break out sharply for this event. She has been running quite well as of late while recording solid Equibase Speed Figures. This filly has posted some nice finishes in her last several efforts. MISS ENERGY P - Should come out strong - I have liked the way this filly has moved quickly to the front end recently. She must be given a shot given the very good speed numbers. MILDRED DIDRICKSON - Has to be used in the exotic wagers. She has posted very good figs under today's conditions and should fare well versus this group of animals.

[Can'tPickAWinner]

F.A.S.T. Sheets Free Race for Grand Prairie
Grand Prairie - Race 4

Exactor / Quinella /Triactor


Trial • 300 Yards • Dirt • Age 2 • CR: 78 • Purse: $4,000 • Post: 2:15P
QUARTER HORSE 300Y, TRAILS.300 YARDS.SEE AQHRA STAKES FOR PREFERENCE OR CONDITIONS.
Contenders

Race Analysis
P#
Horse
Morn
Line

Accept
Odds


Race Type: Not Applicable (Quarter Horse). * KEY ANGLES * HEZA SOUTHERN CARTEL: Quarter Horse has a Fast Break Style designation and no horse in a post position next to it gets out of the gate fast. Quarter horse has the highest last race Equiba se Speed Rating. Horse has the highest TrackMaster Power Rating.
5
HEZA SOUTHERN CARTEL
3/1

4/5




P#

Horse (In Running Style Order)

Post

Morn
Line

Running Style

Good
Class

Good
Speed

Early Figure

Finish Figure

Platinum
Figure
2
SASSES QUICK SILVER
2

2/1
Average
0

0

3.7

0.0

0.0
3
HORTONS KID DYNAMITE
3

5/2
Average
0

0

0.0

0.0

0.0
5
HEZA SOUTHERN CARTEL
5

3/1
Fast
80

71

0.0

0.0

0.0








Unknown Running Style: SPECIAL CORONA WAVE (4/1) [Jockey: Gonzalez Adrian - Trainer: Webb Les], STATUS SYMBAL (7/2) [Jockey: Almazan Alejandro H - Trainer: Sather Janice], TIMBERSKNIGHTRYDER (5/1) [Jockey: Botello J B - Trainer: Adams Les].

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Handicapped by The Turf Club Analysts

Bar

Oak Tree at Pleasanton - Race #5 - Post: 3:45pm - Maiden Claiming - 5.5 furlongs on the Dirt. Purse: $14,000 Class Rating: 80

Rating: Golden DollarGolden DollarGolden DollarGolden Dollar

#3 FIFTHOFBOURBON (ML=9/2)
#1 SHOTGUN BANDIT (ML=6/1)


FIFTHOFBOURBON - I just may give this one a good shot. Should improve off last race where he did run off the board, but was within five lengths at the end. SHOTGUN BANDIT - Specht adds Lasix to this one today. I'd look for a significant improvement.

Vulnerable Contenders: #6 BURNIE'S ON BOARD (ML=5/2), #2 DETANGLER (ML=3/1), #5 SOUGHT BAI (ML=5/1),

BURNIE'S ON BOARD - I normally try to beat this kind of chalk. Extended vacation and no drop in level of competition. 5/2 odds isn't enough for this participant when looking at the most recent efforts. DETANGLER - Would be taking an underlay on this horse at the probable odds of 3/1. SOUGHT BAI - A pattern of decreasing speed ratings 87/69/44 for this mount. No picnic to bet on this entrant in today's event. Make him show you something in a sprint race before you play him in a race of 5 1/2 furlongs.



STRAIGHT WAGERS:
#3 FIFTHOFBOURBON is going to be the play if we are getting 7/5 or better

EXACTA WAGERS:
Box [1,3]

TRIFECTA WAGERS:
Pass

SUPERFECTA WAGERS:
Pass

[Can'tPickAWinner]

F.A.S.T. Sheets Free Race for Wyoming Downs
Wyoming Downs - Race 9

$2 First Half Late Daily Double / $2 Quinella / $2 Exacta / $1 Trifecta $1 Superfecta ($.10 Box)


Stakes • 350 Yards • Dirt • Ages 3 and up • CR: 81 • Purse: $10,000 • Post: 4:25P
QUARTER HORSE 350Y, RAYSHA'S RUN RACING FOR A CURE S. - FOR FILLIES AND MARES THREE YEAR OLDS AND OLDER. HIGH MONEY EARNED IN 2017 AND 2018 AT TIME OF NOMINATION PREFERRED. FREE NOMINATIONS, $150 TO ENTER. LATE NOMINATIONS $500. CLOSES JULY 1ST, 2018. THREE YEAR OLDS . 124 LBS. OLDER.126 LBS.
Contenders

Race Analysis
P#
Horse
Morn
Line

Accept
Odds


Race Type: Not Applicable (Quarter Horse). * KEY ANGLES * MOUNTAIN VISTA: Quarter Horse has a Fast Break Style designation. MISS HANNAH B: Quarter horse has the highest last race Equibase Speed Rating. GIORGINA: Quarter Horse has a Fast Break S tyle designation and no horse in a post position next to it gets out of the gate fast. FAVORITE SNOWFLAKE: Horse ranks in the top three in TrackMaster Power Rating. QUEEN OF THE KARTEL: Quarter Horse has a Fast Break Style designation and no horse in a post position next to it gets out of the gate fast.
10
MOUNTAIN VISTA
10/1

6/1
3
MISS HANNAH B
20/1

6/1
1
GIORGINA
20/1

7/1
2
FAVORITE SNOWFLAKE
15/1

8/1
6
QUEEN OF THE KARTEL
7/2

9/1




P#

Horse (In Running Style Order)

Post

Morn
Line

Running Style

Good
Class

Good
Speed

Early Figure

Finish Figure

Platinum
Figure
1
GIORGINA
1

20/1
Fast
86

84

2.1

0.0

0.0
2
FAVORITE SNOWFLAKE
2

15/1
Average
86

83

3.7

0.0

0.0
3
MISS HANNAH B
3

20/1
Average
91

86

3.9

0.0

0.0
4
IGGY IS
4

8/1
Average
79

75

3.8

0.0

0.0
5
LIGHT UP THE DARK
5

6/1
Average
74

72

4.7

0.0

0.0
6
QUEEN OF THE KARTEL
6

7/2
Fast
81

79

2.8

0.0

0.0
7
ONE HOT PARTY
7

4/1
Average
80

79

3.9

0.0

0.0
8
GIRL LIKE
8

12/1
Fast
78

74

3.0

0.0

0.0
9
VVR DAZZLING CORONA
9

5/2
Fast
67

75

1.8

0.0

0.0
10
MOUNTAIN VISTA
10

10/1
Fast
89

85

3.1

0.0

0.0

[Can'tPickAWinner]

New York Yankees vs. Toronto Blue Jays Preview and Predictions 07-08-2018 in MLB

MLB Previews 7th July 2018 by Gracenote
Yankees vs. Blue Jays Preview and Predictions

by Gracenote on 07/07/2018

Rogers Centre has been a black hole for the New York Yankees, who entered the weekend series at the Toronto Blue Jays with eight straight losing seasons north of the border. New York finally ended that streak with an 8-5 victory on Saturday and will go for a series win in Sunday afternoon's rubber match of the three-game set against the Blue Jays.

The Yankees rebounded from Friday's 6-2 loss as Brett Gardner and Aaron Judge each homered five pitches into Saturday's game, with Gardner also adding a two-run triple as New York improved to 8-4 overall versus Toronto and 5-3 at Rogers Centre. The Yankees got a scare when closer Aroldis Chapman had to leave Saturday's win after facing one batter, but manager Aaron Boone said it was a flare-up of the knee tendinitis that has been bothering the fireballing lefty. Kevin Pillar clubbed a two-run homer and Randal Grichuk and Aledmys Diaz added solo shots for the Blue Jays, who are vying for their first series win since a three-game home sweep of Washington from June 15-17. Justin Smoak had two more hits Saturday and is 14-for-41 with three homers, four doubles and 11 RBIs in 11 games versus New York this season.

TV: 1:07 p.m. ET, YES (New York), TVAS, SNET (Toronto)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Yankees RH Domingo Germán (2-4, 5.37 ERA) vs. Blue Jays LH Ryan Borucki (0-1, 2.77)

German is coming off another abbreviated start against Atlanta on Tuesday, although he escaped with a no-decision after allowing two homers and giving up three runs in 4 1/3 innings. He lasted only three innings in his previous start and was battered for six runs and nine hits in another no-decision at Tampa Bay. German gave up two runs in 1 2/3 innings versus Toronto on April 20.

Borucki faced the reigning world champions in his major-league debut and worked six solid innings, limiting Houston to two runs on six hits while overcoming four walks. The 24-year-old was even better last time out against Detroit, striking out eight while not walking a batter and also permitting two runs and six hits. Ten of Borucki's 11 strikeouts have come against right-handed batters.

WALK-OFFS

1. Yankees CF Aaron Hicks will sit out Sunday after leaving Saturday's game with due to cramping in his left hamstring.

2. Blue Jays DH Kendrys Morales is 6-for-31 against the Yankees in 2018.

3. Yankees RH Dellin Betances is riding a streak of 18 straight scoreless appearances.

PREDICTION: Yankees 6, Blue Jays 4

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Texas Rangers vs. Detroit Tigers Preview and Predictions 07-08-2018 in MLB

MLB Previews 7th July 2018 by Gracenote
Rangers vs. Tigers Preview and Predictions

by Gracenote on 07/07/2018

The Detroit Tigers wasted little time jumping all over the Texas Rangers on Saturday to put themselves in a position to win the series and take some momentum onto the road for a tough trip to finish the first half. The Tigers will try to win their final home game before the All-Star break when they host the Rangers in the finale of the four-game series on Sunday.

Detroit, which goes into the break on a six-game trip through Tampa Bay and Houston beginning on Monday, dropped the opener to Texas on Thursday but scratched out a 3-1 victory on Friday and pounded out seven runs in the first inning on Saturday en route to a 7-2 triumph. Nicholas Castellanos continues to be a bright spot in an otherwise down season for the Tigers and homered to spark that first-inning rally, his fifth blast in the last 10 games. The Rangers are languishing in the American League West basement and are losers of five of their last six with trips to Boston and Baltimore still left on the road trip. Texas will try to avoid another loss behind right-hander Austin Bibens-Dirkx while Detroit counters with righty Michael Fulmer on Sunday .

TV: 1:10 p.m. ET, FS Southwest (Texas), FS Detroit

PITCHING MATCHUP: Rangers RH Austin Bibens-Dirkx (1-2, 4.40 ERA) vs. Tigers RH Michael Fulmer (3-7, 4.22)

Bibens-Dirkx had a string of two straight solid starts come to an end when he went up against the Houston Astros on Tuesday and was knocked around for five runs on nine hits and a pair of walks in six innings. The Oregon native served up a pair of home runs in that outing, doubling his total from the previous four turns. Bibens-Dirkx made one relief appearance against Detroit during his 2017 rookie campaign and yielded one hit in 4 2/3 scoreless frames.

Fulmer is winless in his last three starts and did not factor in the decision at the Chicago Cubs on Tuesday, when he was reached for three runs on seven hits and three walks in six innings. The 25-year-old has seen his name pop up in trade rumors and showed off his potential value to a contender with solid starts against the likes of Cleveland and Oakland in the last month. Fulmer struck out seven in 5 2/3 innings at Texas on May 7 but was reached for five runs and did not factor in the decision.

WALK-OFFS

1. Tigers RHP Shane Greene (shoulder) began throwing on Saturday and could return next week.

2. Rangers RH Shin-Soo Choo has reached base safely in each of the last 46 games, tying a franchise record set by Julio Franco.

3. Detroit CF Leonys Martin (hamstring) is not expected back before the All-Star break.

PREDICTION: Tigers 5, Rangers 3

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Tampa Bay Rays vs. New York Mets Preview and Predictions 07-08-2018 in MLB

MLB Previews 7th July 2018 by Gracenote
Rays vs. Mets Preview and Predictions

by Gracenote on 07/07/2018

Aside from one swing from Jose Bautista, the New York Mets are not having much luck against the Tampa Bay Rays' pitching staff. The Mets will try to scrape together a few runs and pull off a rare series win when they host the Rays in the finale of a three-game interleague series on Sunday.

Bautista connected on a walk-off grand slam in Friday's 5-1 victory, but New York could not carry that momentum into Saturday and suffered a 3-0 loss while going 0-for-7 with runners in scoring position and watching Bautista strike out three times. The Mets have not won a series since sweeping a three-game set from the Arizona Diamondbacks at home from May 18-20 and dropped to 15-27 in their own park with Saturday's setback. The Rays aren't exactly lighting up the scoreboard with a total of four runs in their last three games but remain at .500 thanks to a pitching staff limiting opponents to a .224 batting average. Tampa Bay will try to keep the run of strong pitching performances going behind right-hander Nathan Eovaldi while New York gives righty Chris Flexen his first start of the season.

TV: 1:10 p.m. ET, FS Sun (Tampa Bay), SNY (New York)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Rays RH Nathan Eovaldi (2-3, 3.92 ERA) vs. Mets RH Chris Flexen (0-1, 10.80)

Eovaldi scattered eight hits across six innings at Miami on Monday and limited the damage to two runs without factoring in the decision. The Texas native received a total of four runs of support in his last four starts and owns one win in that span, when he struck out nine in six scoreless innings against Washington on June 26. Eovaldi made three of his seven starts against NL East opponents this season and is 1-1 with a 3.18 ERA in those outings.

Flexen made his first three appearances this season in relief and absorbed a loss in his last game, surrendering a run in one inning against the Los Angeles Dodgers on June 24. The 24-year-old went 4-6 with a 4.84 ERA in 14 games - 13 starts - for Triple-A Las Vegas between major-league stints this season. Flexen went 3-5 with a 7.78 ERA in nine starts for the Mets during his 2017 rookie campaign.

WALK-OFFS

1. Rays INF Willy Adames (illness) sat out Saturday and is day-to-day.

2. New York 3B Wilmer Flores hit safely in 12 of the last 13 games.

3. Tampa Bay RHP Chris Archer (abdominal) will return to the rotation on Monday for the first time since June 2.

PREDICTION: Rays 6, Mets 3

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Oakland Athletics vs. Cleveland Indians Preview and Predictions 07-08-2018 in MLB

MLB Previews 7th July 2018 by Gracenote
Athletics vs. Indians Preview and Predictions

by Gracenote on 07/07/2018

The Oakland Athletics are making a bid to join the top teams in the American League prior to the All-Star break and turn their team into buyers instead of sellers at the end of the month. The Athletics are winners of nine of their last 11 and will try to earn their second series win over the Cleveland Indians in the last week when they visit for the rubber match of a three-game series on Sunday.

Oakland, which took two of three from the Indians last weekend at home, scored three runs in the eighth inning to tie the game on Saturday before earning a 6-3 victory in 11 innings. "You can't sleep on our offense," outfielder Stephen Piscotty, who hit a two-run homer in the 11th inning, told reporters. "We can vaporize a lead really quick. We know that, and that's why we keep grinding and keep playing." Cleveland had a five-game winning streak come to an end with Saturday's loss but still owns a 10 1/2-game lead over the Minnesota Twins in the American League Central. The Indians will send rookie Shane Bieber to the mound in the finale while the Athletics counter with lefty Brett Anderson.

TV: 1:10 p.m. ET, NBCS California (Oakland), STO (Cleveland)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Athletics LH Brett Anderson (0-2, 7.63 ERA) vs. Indians RH Shane Bieber (4-0, 2.97)

Anderson is returning to the rotation for the first time since May 18 after dealing with a shoulder strain. The veteran has not thrown more than 55 1/3 innings since 2015 while dealing with injuries and was knocked around for 25 hits in 15 1/3 frames before going down in May. Anderson made three of his four starts on the road before he was hurt and went 0-1 with a 4.38 ERA in those outings.

Bieber has yet to lose since making his major-league debut on May 31 and earned a win at Kansas City on Tuesday despite allowing four runs and nine hits in six innings at Kansas City. The 23-year-old surrendered a total of two runs over 18 2/3 innings in his previous three outings, earning the win in all three turns. Bieber is seeing the Athletics for the first time in his career and is 2-0 with a 0.71 ERA in two starts at home.

WALK-OFFS

1. Athletics 3B Matt Chapman went 4-for-4 on Saturday and recorded his first career stolen base.

2. Cleveland 1B/DH Edwin Encarnacion is 5-for-34 over his last 10 games.

3. Oakland placed OF Matt Joyce (back) on the 10-day DL on Saturday.

PREDICTION: Indians 8, Athletics 5

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Miami Marlins vs. Washington Nationals Preview and Predictions 07-08-2018 in MLB

MLB Previews 7th July 2018 by Gracenote
Marlins vs. Nationals Preview and Predictions

by Gracenote on 07/07/2018

Mark Reynolds was passed over by every other major league team this spring but is rewarding the Washington Nationals in record-setting ways. One day after going 5-for-5 with two home runs and 10 RBIs, the veteran first baseman concludes his memorable weekend Sunday when the Nationals aim for a sweep of their four-game series against the visiting Miami Marlins.

Reynolds crushed a walk-off home run in Friday's 3-2 victory before delivering the ultimate encore in Saturday's 18-4 victory, helping Washington post its 14th consecutive victory over Miami and its third in a row overall following a 5-17 slide. Reynolds' 10 RBIs tied Anthony Rendon's club record set last season and came two days after Trea Turner had eight RBIs in Thursday's series-opening 14-12 victory. Miami fell 19 games under .500 with Saturday's loss but hit back-to-back homers for the first time this season when Starlin Castro and J.T. Realmuto went deep in the fourth inning. The Marlins have had a dismal trip to the nation's capital, but utilityman Yadiel Rivera belted his first career homer in Saturday's contest and Castro is 13-for-24 during a six-game hitting streak.

TV: 1:35 p.m. ET, FS Florida (Miami), MASN (Washington)








PITCHING MATCHUP: Marlins RH Trevor Richards (2-5, 5.26 ERA) vs. Nationals RH Tanner Roark (3-10, 4.60)

Richards received a no-decision Tuesday against Tampa Bay after giving up four runs on nine hits over five innings. The 25-year-old rookie was recalled from Triple-A New Orleans on June 7 and has gone 2-3 with a 5.52 ERA and 24 strikeouts against eight walks over his last six starts. Richards, who is making his first career appearance against Washington, has posted a 4.44 ERA in five home starts compared to a 6.08 mark in six starts away from Marlins Park.

Roark lost his third straight start Tuesday, allowing nine runs on 10 hits across seven innings against Boston. The 31-year-old native of Illinois is 0-4 with an 8.44 ERA over his last four starts covering 21 1/3 innings. Martin Prado is 10-for-23 with a home run against Roark, who owns a 5-8 record and 3.99 ERA in 22 career games (16 starts) against Miami and has allowed two earned runs or fewer in six of his last seven starts against the Marlins.

WALK-OFFS

1. Nationals closer Sean Doolittle was unavailable Saturday following a precautionary MRI on his foot but is not expected to miss any time.

2. Miami OF Brian Anderson was given a scheduled day off Saturday after starting the team's first 90 games.

3. Washington C Matt Wieters (hamstring) is set to conclude his minor-league rehab assignment with Double-A Harrisburg on Sunday and could be activated from the disabled list Monday.

PREDICTION: Nationals 9, Marlins 4

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Philadelphia Phillies vs. Pittsburgh Pirates Preview and Predictions 07-08-2018 in MLB

MLB Previews 8th July 2018 by Gracenote
Phillies vs. Pirates Preview and Predictions

by Gracenote on 07/08/2018

The Philadelphia Phillies are kings of the Keystone State, and they hope to add to their dominance over the Pittsburgh Pirates on Sunday. The Phillies aim to complete a season sweep of their intrastate rivalry and earn a seventh straight victory overall when they face the host Pirates in the finale of a three-game series.

The Phillies improved to a major league-best 19-7 in one-run games with a 3-2 victory Saturday, collecting their third such win over Pittsburgh this season to go along with three triumphs of four or more runs. Philadelphia has outscored the Pirates 38-12 in the previous five meetings in 2018. The Phillies have won eight of their last nine and remain tied with Atlanta atop the National League East. The Pirates have dropped five straight, allowing 51 runs during the skid.

TV: 1:35 p.m. ET, NBCS Philadelphia, AT&T SportsNet - Pittsburgh

PITCHING MATCHUP: Phillies RH Drew Anderson (2017: 0-0, 23.14 ERA) vs. Pirates RH Nick Kingham (2-4, 4.70)

Anderson will make his first big-league start and his first appearance of the season with the Phillies. The 24-year-old was tagged for seven runs (six earned) in 2 1/3 innings across two relief appearances last August. Anderson is 5-3 with a 4.15 ERA in 10 starts at Triple-A Lehigh Valley this season.

After winning his first two starts of the season, Kingham has lost four consecutive decisions, including three straight starts in which the offense has scored a total of one run. The 26-year-old was lit up for seven runs (five earned) in three-plus innings Monday at the Los Angeles Dodgers, and he allowed three home runs. Kingham is 1-1 with a 2.89 ERA in three home starts.

WALK-OFFS

1. Pirates C Francisco Cervelli, sidelined since June 21 due to a concussion, worked out Saturday and is expected to be activated before the series finale.

2. Phillies 2B Cesar Hernandez was held out of the lineup Saturday after fouling a ball off his foot Friday, but he was used as a pinch hitter and is day-to-day.

3. Pittsburgh on Saturday activated RHP Michael Feliz from the 10-day disabled list and called up RHP Alex McRae from Triple-A Indianapolis. RHP Dovydas Neverauskas and LHP Josh Smoker were optioned to Indianapolis.

PREDICTION: Pirates 5, Phillies 4

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Atlanta Braves vs. Milwaukee Brewers Preview and Predictions 07-08-2018 in MLB

MLB Previews 7th July 2018 by Gracenote
Braves vs. Brewers Preview and Predictions

by Gracenote on 07/07/2018

The Atlanta Braves got exactly what they needed on Saturday and enter Sunday's series finale at the Milwaukee Brewers with a chance to finish a 10-game road trip with a winning record. The Braves opened their three-city tour with a sweep of St. Louis and a victory over the Yankees, only to lose their next four games before Anibal Sanchez authored a gem and Freddie Freeman busted out of a slump in a 5-1 victory that gives Atlanta a chance to go 6-4 on the trip.

Freeman fell a homer short of the cycle in finishing 3-for-4 with a walk and two runs scored, his first multi-hit game since June 22, ending a stretch during which the Atlanta first baseman had collected only seven hits in his previous 13 games. Sanchez stymied the Brewers through 6 2/3 innings, allowing only one run on two hits, and the Braves bullpen gave up just one hit over 2 1/3 scoreless innings as Milwaukee's streak of consecutive games with a homer ended at 12. Second baseman Brad Miller finished 1-for-3 with an RBI, giving him a .317 average with eight RBIs in 13 games since being traded from Tampa Bay. Infielder Jonathan Villar came off the bench Saturday and recorded a hit in his only at-bat, giving him four hits in nine at-bats in his past five games, but the Brewers' powerful offense finished with just four singles.

TV: 2:10 p.m. ET, TBS, FS South (Atlanta), FS Wisconsin (Milwaukee)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Braves LH Sean Newcomb (8-3, 3.10 ERA) vs. Brewers RH Junior Guerra (5-5, 2.87)

Newcomb seeks to return to form after the shortest start of his season Tuesday in New York, a 2 2/3-inning stint in which he gave up five runs with five walks in a loss to the Yankees. It marked just the fourth time in 17 starts the 25-year-old had surrendered more than three earned runs and set a season high in walks. Newcomb, who posted a 2.33 ERA while going 8-1 in his previous 15 starts, makes his first career appearance against Milwaukee.

Guerra looks to win his third consecutive start after holding Minnesota to two hits with eight strikeouts in five scoreless innings Tuesday. The 33-year-old has allowed three earned runs or fewer 11 times in 16 starts, but Milwaukee is averaging just 2.85 runs per game in his outings. Guerra, who is holding opponents to a .217 batting average, earned a no-decision in his only career appearance against the Braves in 2016.

WALK-OFFS

1. Milwaukee OF Ryan Braun was scratched from Saturday's starting lineup with right side tightness; he struck out as a pinch hitter to end the game.

2. Atlanta OF Ronald Acuna (left groin tightness) did not play Saturday, but is expected to be available Sunday.

3. Brewers OF Lorenzo Cain, out since June 26 with a left groin strain, could be activated from the disabled list for the series finale, according to published reports.

PREDICTION: Braves 3, Brewers 2