Thursday 7-26-18 Free Plays / Trends / Betting Info / Etc

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[Can'tPickAWinner]

F.A.S.T. Sheets Free Race for Canterbury Park
Canterbury Park - Race 6

Win, Place &Show / $1 Exacta / $.50 Trifecta / $.10 Superfecta $1 Daily Double / $.50 Rolling Pick 3 (Races 6-7-8) $.50 Final 5 Jackpot (Races 6-10)


Maiden Claiming $7,500 • 5 1/2 Furlongs • Dirt • Ages 3 and up • CR: 52 • Purse: $11,000 • Post: 8:51P
FOR MN-BRED MAIDENS, THREE YEARS OLD AND UPWARD. THREE YEAR OLDS, 120 LBS.; OLDER, 124 LBS. CLAIMING PRICE $7,500.
Contenders

Race Analysis
P#
Horse
Morn
Line

Accept
Odds


Race Type: Dominant Front-runner. MAGIC WOLF is the Dominant Front-runner of the race. * KEY ANGLES * MAGIC WOLF: Horse ranks in the top three in TrackMaster Power Rating. Horse ranks in the top three in average Equibase Speed Figure at the dista nce/surface. SWEET PROUD NATIVE: Today is a sprint and this is the horse's third or fourth start after a layoff. Horse ranks in the top three in average Equibase Class Rating at the distance/surface. LEE'S TOUGH GUY: Horse has run a Good Race with in the last 30 days. Horse ranks in the top three in TrackMaster Power Rating. CLASSY INDIVIDUAL: Horse has the highest average Equibase Speed Figure at the distance/surface. Jockey/Trainer combination win percentage is at least 30.
4
MAGIC WOLF
6/1

5/1
10
SWEET PROUD NATIVE
7/2

6/1
3
LEE'S TOUGH GUY
6/1

6/1
11
CLASSY INDIVIDUAL
9/2

8/1




P#

Horse (In Running Style Order)

Post

Morn
Line

Running Style

Good
Class

Good
Speed

Early Figure

Finish Figure

Platinum
Figure
4
MAGIC WOLF
4

6/1
Alternator/Front-runner
0

0

60.1

45.5

39.0
10
SWEET PROUD NATIVE
10

7/2
Alternator/Front-runner
54

50

57.6

36.0

28.0
3
LEE'S TOUGH GUY
3

6/1
Alternator/Front-runner
59

54

53.6

35.0

27.0
11
CLASSY INDIVIDUAL
11

9/2
Alternator/Front-runner
0

0

32.2

44.7

37.2
8
HUNKY MONKEY
8

8/1
Alternator/Stalker
0

0

45.6

29.8

20.3
9
SUPERMANS BODGIT
9

10/1
Alternator/Stalker
65

52

15.1

33.6

23.1
5
GLITTER ON ICE
5

20/1
Alternator/Non-contender
0

0

50.9

14.9

0.0
1
MEGAWHIT
1

20/1
Alternator/Non-contender
62

27

47.7

21.7

6.2
7
TRIP BACK HOME
7

12/1
Alternator/Non-contender
25

15

38.9

20.7

2.7
6
TAHKODHA SKY
6

20/1
Alternator/Non-contender
0

0

34.1

16.3

0.8
2
KOWBOY HENRY
2

5/1
Alternator/Non-contender
0

0

19.5

23.1

11.1

[Can'tPickAWinner]

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

Race 6 - Claiming - 4.5f on the Dirt. Purse: $15500 Class Rating: 72

FOR FILLIES AND MARES THREE YEARS OLD AND UPWARD WHICH HAVE NEVER WON TWO RACES. THREE YEAR OLDS, 120 LBS.; OLDER, 124 LBS. NON-WINNERS OF A RACE SINCE JUNE 26 ALLOWED 2 LBS. CLAIMING PRICE $10,000, FOR EACH $1,000 TO $8,000 1 LB. W V A RACES NOT CONSIDERED IN ELIGIBILITY)


RECOMMENDED CHOICES
The Walker Group Picks

# 7 PATTERN 15/1

# 8 CUTTIN EDGE TECH 7/5

# 3 SWEET LADY SUE 8/1

I've got to go with PATTERN and is a very good value bet given the line at 15/1. Players get an edge when playing this trainer in a dirt sprint race. CUTTIN EDGE TECH - Earned a reliable speed figure in the most recent race. Can run another good one in this affair. Has performed soundly recently in sprint races, posting a nifty 62 avg speed figure. SWEET LADY SUE - I can't pass on this filly given one of the top rider and conditioner combos on the grounds.

[Can'tPickAWinner]

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

Race 9 - Claiming - 6.0f on the Dirt. Purse: $12000 Class Rating: 79

FOR THREE YEAR OLDS AND UPWARD WHICH HAVE NEVER WON THREE RACES. THREE YEAR OLDS, 120 LBS.; OLDER, 124 LBS. NON-WINNERS OF A RACE SINCE JUNE 26 ALLOWED 2 LBS. CLAIMING PRICE $7,500, IF FOR $5,000, ALLOWED 2 LBS.


RECOMMENDED CHOICES
The Walker Group Picks

# 4 NEKIA 9/2

# 2 VINEYARD COVE 10/1

# 3 SOCAROO 8/1

I think NEKIA is a quite good choice. Should be carefully examined here on the basis of the numbers in the speed realm alone. With a nice Equibase class figure average of 83, has one of the best class advantages in this group of animals. Is worth serious consideration and may be a wager - strong Equibase Speed Figs (67 average) at today's distance and surface as of late. VINEYARD COVE - Horses trained by Stifano in dirt sprint races are frequently strong. SOCAROO - Has earned reliable Equibase Speed Figures in dirt sprint races in the past. This gelding obviously likes the distance, going 1 out of 3 in his races recently.

[Can'tPickAWinner]

F.A.S.T. Sheets Free Race for Gulfstream Park
Gulfstream Park - Race 8

$1 Daily Double / $1 Exacta / $.50 Trifecta / $.10 Superfecta / $1 Super Hi 5 $.50 Bet 3 (Races 8-9-10)


Claiming $16,000 • 1 1/16 Miles • Turf • Ages 3 and up • CR: 93 • Purse: $24,000 • Post: 5:31P
(RAIL AT 72 FEET). FOR THREE YEAR OLDS AND UPWARD WHICH HAVE NEVER WON TWO RACES OR THREE YEAR OLDS. THREE YEAR OLDS, 120 LBS.; OLDER, 124 LBS. NON-WINNERS OF A RACE AT A MILE OR OVER ON THE TURF SINCE JUNE 26 ALLOWED 2 LBS. CLAIMING PRICE $16,000 (RACES WHERE ENTERED FOR $12,500 OR LESS NOT CONSIDERED IN ALLOWANCES). (IF DEEMED INADVISABLE TO RUN THIS RACE OVER THE TURF COURSE, IT WILL BE RUN ON THE MAIN TRACK AT ONE MILE AND ONE SIXTEENTH)
Contenders

Race Analysis
P#
Horse
Morn
Line

Accept
Odds


Race Type: Lone Front-runner. STEEL BEACH is the Lone Front-runner of the race. * KEY ANGLES * WITHOUT REMORSE: Horse has the highest TrackMaster Power Rating. Horse ranks in the top three in average Equibase Speed Figure at the distance/surface. MY RULES: Horse has run a Good Race within the last 30 days. Horse ranks in the top three in TrackMaster Power Rating. STEEL BEACH: Horse's win percentage at today's distance(sprint or route)/surface (dirt or turf) is at least 50. Horse ranks in the top three in average Equibase Speed Figure at the distance/surface.
8
WITHOUT REMORSE
7/2

3/1
1
MY RULES
3/1

9/2
4
STEEL BEACH
12/1

9/1




P#

Horse (In Running Style Order)

Post

Morn
Line

Running Style

Good
Class

Good
Speed

Early Figure

Finish Figure

Platinum
Figure
4
STEEL BEACH
4

12/1
Front-runner
77

80

97.6

75.8

61.8
8
WITHOUT REMORSE
8

7/2
Alternator/Stalker
99

96

91.0

87.0

81.5
9
LOOKIN FOREVER
9

9/2
Trailer
82

79

79.6

82.0

75.0
1
MY RULES
1

3/1
Trailer
91

87

77.0

88.6

83.1
5
IRISH LETTERS
5

10/1
Trailer
79

78

76.5

72.1

56.6
7
HONOR LIFE
7

6/1
Alternator/Trailer
80

75

79.6

70.2

59.2
10
TWO STEP ALPHA
10

15/1
Alternator/Non-contender
79

75

82.2

70.2

55.2
2
KEPPEL BAY
2

20/1
Alternator/Non-contender
75

66

71.2

67.6

56.6
3
FORT LIBERTY
3

15/1
Alternator/Non-contender
86

83

63.5

63.5

49.5
6
COTTON TO
6

6/1
Alternator/Non-contender
87

79

55.7

70.6

60.1

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Handicapped by The Turf Club Analysts

Bar

Laurel - Race #1 - Post: 1:10pm - Claiming - 5.5 furlongs on the Turf. Purse: $23,000 Class Rating: 84

Rating: Golden DollarGolden DollarGolden DollarGolden Dollar

#3 PIRATE BEACH (ML=6/1)
#9 COLONEL ANDY (ML=2/1)


PIRATE BEACH - Trainer Nevin moves this animal to a lower class rank to face a weaker level today. Look for a strong effort given this drop. Carrasco should have him moving solid on the turn. Widely used handicapping angle - 3rd or 4th start after a vacation generally leads to a big effort. Should run a big one here. Finished out of the money last out at Suffolk Downs, but was within five lengths of the winner. Opening at 6/1 makes me think he's got a chance. COLONEL ANDY - Although I sometimes have doubts about a thoroughbred who flopped as the betting favorite in his last race, this gelding got a solid figure and fits well here. Owns the highest speed figure on the turf at this distance.

Vulnerable Contenders: #7 TOOK OVER (ML=5/2), #11 IN HIM WITH HIM (ML=3/1), #12 TECHNICALLYSPEAKIN (ML=7/2),

TOOK OVER - On a downward moving cycle. Equibase speed figs keep deteriorating. IN HIM WITH HIM - Doesn't look to be in a cozy circumstance this time out. TECHNICALLYSPEAKIN - Usually I need a sprinter to have some recent success in short distance races in order to wager on him. Will be tough for this entrant to beat this bunch off of that last speed fig. Improbable to improve enough to run a figure close enough to today's Equibase class figure, so put him on the likely underlays list.



STRAIGHT WAGERS:
Have to go with #3 PIRATE BEACH on the win end if we get at least 8/5 odds

EXACTA WAGERS:
Box [3,9]

TRIFECTA WAGERS:
3 with 9 with [2,7,13] Total Cost: $3

SUPERFECTA WAGERS:
3 with 9 with [2,7,10,11,13] with [2,7,10,11,13] Total Cost: $20

SUPER HIGH 5 WAGERS:
[3,9] with [3,9] with [2,7,11,13] with [2,7,11,13] with [2,7,11,13] Total Cost: $48

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Handicapped by The Turf Club Analysts

Bar

Penn National - Race #4 - Post: 7:22pm - Maiden Claiming - 8.3 furlongs on the Turf. Purse: $16,200 Class Rating: 66

Rating: Golden DollarGolden DollarGolden DollarGolden Dollar

#9 MISS IMPAZIBLE (ML=5/2)


MISS IMPAZIBLE - All systems look good for this filly. Last prep, 2nd fastest of the day, shows she's fit and ready. Navarro rode this entrant for the initial time in the last race and comes right back this time. This mount picks up a lot of cash per race around the track. I believe she can augment the lifetime total in this race.

Vulnerable Contenders: #6 LUMONBA (ML=2/1), #4 ARTIFUL MOVE (ML=4/1), #11 SUPERGIRL POWER (ML=5/1),

LUMONBA - This racer likes to be there at the wire, but doesn't usually win. Don't play in the top spot. Should be difficult for this entrant to beat this field off of that last speed rating. Improbable to improve enough to run a figure close to today's class figure, so put her on the questionable challengers list. ARTIFUL MOVE - Looked like she may have had some physical problems when she ran on June 30th. SUPERGIRL POWER - This filly showed little last time.



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

EXACTA WAGERS:
Skip

TRIFECTA WAGERS:
Pass

SUPERFECTA WAGERS:
Skip

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Handicapped by Top Horse Analytics at Saratoga

07/26/18, SAR, Race 4, 2.40 ET
1 1/16M [Inner Turf] 1.39.00 MAIDEN CLAIMING. Purse $45,000.
Claiming Price $40,000. INNER TURF (UP TO $7,830 NYSBFOA) FOR MAIDENS, FILLIES AND MARES THREE YEARS OLDAND UPWARD
Exacta, Quinella, Trifecta (.50), Super (.10), Pick 3 Races (4-6), Double
Best in race - (J)ockey (T)rainer (S)peed (F)inish (E)arnings (W)orkouts (L)ead (C)loser
Top Horse Win Percent 50.00, $1 ROI 2.10, For Race Category MSW_MCLM Turf
Rating Pgm# Horse Name M/L Jockey Trainer FLAGS
100.0000 10 Fiduciary Values(b+) 5/2 Castellano J Brown Chad C. TW
096.8349 4 Mrs Vargas 4-1 Alvarado J Rodriguez Rudy R.
096.0245 2 Miss Loyalty 8-1 Franco M Weaver George FEC
095.8263 9 Love to Share 7/2 Ortiz J L Walsh Brendan P.
094.4057 7 Rag Top(b-) 15-1 Santana. Jr. R Rodriguez Rudy R.
094.0187 5 Summer Fling 6-1 Ortiz. Jr. I Maker Michael J. J
093.7426 12 Sweet Offer 5-1 Leparoux J R Hennig Mark A.
093.3376 8 Paddydunalot 10-1 Carmouche K Contessa Gary C. S
093.2343 6 La Fee Verte 15-1 Rosario J Lukas D. Wayne
092.1297 1 Red Curls 15-1 Saez L Lerman Roy S.
089.8082 11 Umoveover 30-1 Lezcano J Fout Paul Douglas
087.7734 3 Appreciate 20-1 Maragh R Toscano. Jr. John T. L
If Race Is Off Turf
Top Horse Win Percent 12.50, $1 ROI 0.64, For Race Category MSW_MCLM Dirt
Rating Pgm# Horse Name M/L Jockey Trainer FLAGS
100.0000 10 Fiduciary Values(b+) 5/2 Castellano J Brown Chad C. TW
097.9964 9 Love to Share 7/2 Ortiz J L Walsh Brendan P.
097.4627 4 Mrs Vargas 4-1 Alvarado J Rodriguez Rudy R.
097.2586 2 Miss Loyalty 8-1 Franco M Weaver George FEC
096.0457 8 Paddydunalot 10-1 Carmouche K Contessa Gary C. S
095.0236 7 Rag Top(b-) 15-1 Santana. Jr. R Rodriguez Rudy R.
094.8653 12 Sweet Offer 5-1 Leparoux J R Hennig Mark A.
094.6884 6 La Fee Verte 15-1 Rosario J Lukas D. Wayne
094.5692 5 Summer Fling 6-1 Ortiz. Jr. I Maker Michael J. J
091.6745 1 Red Curls 15-1 Saez L Lerman Roy S.
090.5338 11 Umoveover 30-1 Lezcano J Fout Paul Douglas
089.0107 3 Appreciate 20-1 Maragh R Toscano. Jr. John T. L

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Arizona Diamondbacks vs. Chicago Cubs Preview and Predictions 07-26-2018 in MLB

MLB Previews 25th July 2018 by Gracenote
Diamondbacks vs. Cubs Preview and Predictions

by Gracenote on 07/25/2018

Despite an offensive outage, the Chicago Cubs still have a chance to salvage a split of their four-game series against the visiting Arizona Diamondbacks on Thursday. The first-place Cubs have totaled only four runs in the first three games of the series, and they might need a little more punch from the lineup to beat the Diamondbacks for a second straight game.


Chicago has only four extra-base hits in the series, but the pitching was strong enough Wednesday for the Cubs to claim a 2-1 victory and extend their National League Central lead to 2 1/2 games over Milwaukee. Arizona's pitching has been outstanding throughout the series, but the offense didn't do much Wednesday and two critical errors led to the winning run in the eighth inning as the Diamondbacks remained a half-game behind the Los Angeles Dodgers in the NL West. The Cubs are dealing with injuries to two of their star infielders, as third baseman Kris Bryant sat out a second consecutive game Wednesday with a sore shoulder and second baseman Javier Baez was limited to pinch-hitting duties with a bruised knee. Manager Joe Maddon didn't rule out a disabled list stint for Bryant, and Baez was lifted for a pinch-runner after noticeably limping when he beat out an infield single Wednesday.

TV: 2:20 p.m. ET, MLB Network, FS Arizona, NBCS Chicago


PITCHING MATCHUP: Diamondbacks RH Zack Godley (11-6, 4.65 ERA) vs. Cubs RH Tyler Chatwood (4-5, 4.84)

Godley has won six of his last seven decisions and allowed two or fewer earned runs in six of his last eight starts. The 28-year-old gave up four runs (three earned) in five-plus innings in a no-decision last time out against Colorado, as he hurt himself with four walks. Godley is 1-2 with a 4.70 ERA in three starts against the Cubs, who drafted him in the 10th round in 2013.

Chatwood did a nice tightrope act in his last start, working around six walks to hold the Cardinals to one run over 5 1/3 innings. The 28-year-old has issued at least four free passes in 12 of his 18 starts and leads the majors with 79 walks in 89 1/3 innings. Chatwood is 5-3 with a 4.09 ERA in 11 games (nine starts) against Arizona.


WALK-OFFS

1. Arizona 1B Paul Goldschmidt has reached base in 25 consecutive road games and is 11-for-25 with six homers and nine RBIs during a seven-game hitting streak against the Cubs, but he is 3-for-19 with eight strikeouts versus Chatwood.

2. Cubs RHP Brandon Morrow (right biceps inflammation) has not thrown since July 18 and will not be activated when he is eligible to come off the disabled list Saturday.

3. Chicago C Willson Contreras is 16-for-41 in his last 12 home games.

PREDICTION: Cubs 6, Diamondbacks 5

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Chicago White Sox vs. Los Angeles Angels Preview and Predictions 07-26-2018 in MLB

MLB Previews 26th July 2018 by Gracenote
White Sox vs. Angels Preview and Predictions

by Gracenote on 07/26/2018

Mike Trout is coming off a show-stopping performance and he'll try to inflict further damage when the Los Angeles Angels close a four-game series against the visiting Chicago White Sox on Thursday. Trout went 3-for-4 with two homers, one double, four RBIs and three runs scored in Wednesday's 11-3 victory to put Los Angeles in position to split the four-game set.

Trout's 13th career multi-homer game was part of four homers hit by the Angels with Albert Pujols (3-for-4) delivering his 631st career blast to break a tie with Ken Griffey Jr. and move into sixth place on the all-time list. Shohei Ohtani also went deep and Los Angeles had 14 hits while winning for the second time in its past seven games. The White Sox are 3-3 entering the finale of a seven-game excursion and have won six of their past 10 overall. Chicago All-Star first baseman Jose Abreu is 5-for-12 with a homer in the series as part of a four-game hitting streak that follows a 14-game stretch in which he went 5-for-47.

TV: 4:07 p.m. ET, MLB Network, WGN (Chicago), FS West (Los Angeles)

PITCHING MATCHUP: White Sox RH Dylan Covey (4-5, 4.95 ERA) vs. Angels RH Nick Tropeano (3-5, 4.58)

Covey halted a four-game losing streak by taking a no-hitter into the sixth inning and blanking the Seattle Mariners on two hits over 8 1/3 frames in his last turn. The 26-year-old had a 11.70 ERA and 2.25 WHIP in a five-start stretch before falling two outs shy of his first career complete game. Covey received a no-decision in his lone career start against the Angels when he allowed four runs and four hits over 5 2/3 innings on Sept. 28, 2017.

Tropeano has dropped both starts since returning from a stint on the disabled list due to shoulder inflammation. The 27-year-old lost to the Houston Astros in his last turn as he gave up two runs (one earned) and two runs in five innings. Tropeano faced the White Sox on August 20, 2015 and took the loss by allowing six runs and eight hits over 4 1/3 innings.

WALK-OFFS

1. Pujols has 3,059 career hits, one behind Hall of Famer Craig Biggio for 24th on the all-time list.

2. Chicago SS Tim Anderson was hitless in four at-bats Wednesday after recording three straight two-hit outings.

3. Los Angeles INF David Fletcher had two hits and scored twice Wednesday and is a torrid 11-for-20 during a five-game hitting streak.

PREDICTION: Angels 6, White Sox 4

[Can'tPickAWinner]

New York Mets vs. Pittsburgh Pirates Preview and Predictions 07-26-2018 in MLB

MLB Previews 25th July 2018 by Gracenote
Mets vs. Pirates Preview and Predictions

by Gracenote on 07/25/2018

Although they had a number of winning streaks snapped in the finale of a three-game set in Cleveland on Wednesday, the Pittsburgh Pirates resume their drive for a wild-card berth when they open a nine-game homestand with the first of four against the New York Mets on Thursday night. Pittsburgh had ripped off 11 straight wins before dropping a 4-0 decision to the Indians on Wednesday.

The Pirates' main concern as they return home is health as Corey Dickerson sat out Wednesday with a strained hamstring while Starling Marte left the game after he was hit on the left hand by a pitch. Marte, who entered Wednesday's game with a National League-leading 20 RBIs in July, told MLB.com he felt better but he will undergo further testing on Thursday. While Pittsburgh also had eight-game interleague and five-game road winning streaks halted, the Mets put an end to a dubious string of futility as Wednesday's 6-4 win over San Diego ended a 17-series winless drought (0-11-6). Yet, New York's first series win since May 18-20 was tempered by the news that slugger Yoenis Cespedes will undergo season-ending surgeries on both heels.

TV: 7:05 p.m. ET, SNY (New York), AT&T SportsNet Pittsburgh

PITCHING MATCHUP: Mets LH Steven Matz (4-8, 3.65 ERA) vs. Pirates RH Nick Kingham (5-4, 4.11)

Matz is mired in a three-start losing streak after yielding five runs and nine hits over five-plus innings at Yankee Stadium on Saturday. He recorded quality starts in each of his previous two turns, going 6 1/3 innings both times and permitting a combined four runs on 13 hits. Josh Harrison is 3-for-6 against Matz, who tossed seven innings of three-run ball in a no-decision versus the Pirates on June 26.

Kingham has posted three straight quality starts and won each of them after giving up two runs and four hits over 6 1/3 innings at Cincinnati on Saturday. The 26-year-old rookie also won his previous two turns - both at home - but has struggled with the long ball, surrendering seven homers over his last four starts. Kingham, who has never faced the Mets, owns a 3-1 record and 2.90 ERA in five starts at PNC Park.

WALK-OFFS

1. The Pirates have won six in a row and eight of nine at home.

2. Mets RF Jose Bautista hit his 339th homer Wednesday, tying him for 99th place on the all-time list.

3. Marte has hit safely in 17 straight games while Dickerson is 13-for-27 over a six-game string.

PREDICTION: Pirates 4, Mets 3

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Tampa Bay Rays vs. Baltimore Orioles Preview and Predictions 07-26-2018 in MLB

MLB Previews 25th July 2018 by Gracenote
Rays vs. Orioles Preview and Predictions

by Gracenote on 07/25/2018

The Tampa Bay Rays took two of three at home against one of baseball's best teams to start the week and hope to take care of business on the road when they visit the major league-worst Baltimore Orioles on Thursday for the opener of their four-game series. The Rays edged the New York Yankees 3-2 on Wednesday afternoon - hours after announcing the trade of scheduled starter Nathan Eovaldi - for their third win in four contests.

Eovaldi was shipped to Boston for 25-year-old left-hander Jalen Beeks, who will join the team in Baltimore, and six pitchers limited New York to seven hits in the finale as Tampa Bay held baseball's top home run-hitting team without a blast in the series. Reliever Hunter Wood is expected to start Thursday for the Rays (52-50) as they attempt to piece together another strong pitching effort while former Tampa Bay right-hander Alex Cobb gets the call for the Orioles. Baltimore (29-73) avoided a probable fifth loss in six games Wednesday as its contest against Boston was postponed after a 2-hour, 33-minute rain delay with the club trailing 5-0 in the second inning. Jonathan Schoop, who is batting .310 with three homers and seven RBIs against the Rays this season, brings an eight-game hitting streak into the series for the Orioles.

TV: 7:05 p.m. ET, FS Sun (Tampa Bay), MASN2 (Baltimore)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Rays RH Hunter Wood (0-0, 2.93 ERA) vs. Orioles RH Alex Cobb (2-13, 6.17)

Wood is slated to make the third start of his career and is likely to work just one or two innings as the Rays use their bullpen to open the game for the third time in four contests. The 24-year-old native of Arkansas gave up one run on four hits and one walk over three frames in his first two starts. Wood, who will be facing Baltimore for the first time as he makes his 11th major-league appearance, has registered 14 strikeouts in 15 1/3 innings this year.

Cobb, who won 48 games in parts of six years with the Rays, has recorded three quality starts in his last six outings but is 0-4 in that stretch as he continues to add to his career-high loss total. The 30-year-old Bostonian has given up 125 hits (17 homers) over 97 2/3 innings this season and is 0-5 with a 5.86 ERA in six starts at home. C.J. Cron is 2-for-6 with a homer and Joey Wendle has gone 3-for-5 against Cobb, who is 0-2 with a 6.97 ERA versus his former team in 2018.

WALK-OFFS

1. Orioles CF Adam Jones, who needs three doubles to reach 300 with the team, is batting a club-best .375 versus the Rays this year.

2. Tampa Bay also dealt RHP Mike Andriese to Arizona on Wednesday for C Michael Perez and RHP Brian Shaffer.

3. The Rays have won five of nine overall meetings this season while the teams have split the first six games in Baltimore.

PREDICTION: Rays 6, Orioles 3

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Kansas City Royals vs. New York Yankees Preview and Predictions 07-26-2018 in MLB

MLB Previews 25th July 2018 by Gracenote
Royals vs. Yankees Preview and Predictions

by Gracenote on 07/25/2018

The New York Yankees have been playing .500 ball for just over the past month but they have a chance to get on a roll when they open a six-game homestand against the worst two teams in the major leagues. Reliever Zach Britton, acquired in a trade Tuesday, will be in uniform when New York begins a four-game series against the Kansas City Royals on Thursday night.

The Yankees are 14-14 over their past 28 games and five of those losses have come at Tampa Bay, including a pair of one-run setbacks this week. "We just have to play better," New York outfielder Brett Gardner told reporters. "We have a lot of baseball left. I feel confident the best is yet to come and we can be better than we've been, and I expect us to be." The Royals completed a 4-2 homestand with an 8-4 loss to Detroit on Wednesday and now embark on a 10-game road trip. Third baseman Mike Moustakas leads the team in home runs (20) and RBIs (62) but may not make it through the trek amid reports that he will be dealt by Tuesday's trade deadline.

TV: 7:05 p.m. ET, MLB Network, FS Kansas City, WPIX (New York)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Royals RH Jakob Junis (5-10, 5.03 ERA) vs. Yankees RH Sonny Gray (7-7, 5.34)

Junis returned from the disabled list with a four-inning stint in a no-decision versus Minnesota on Saturday, allowing one run and four hits. He had lost his previous seven starts - one shy of the franchise record - and was tagged for 12 homers over his past five outings while battling a balky back. Junis' last win came when he beat the Yankees in Kansas City on May 18, allowing two runs and seven hits over 5 1/3 innings.

Gray rebounded from a pair of wretched performances to win back-to-back starts for the first time since joining New York 11 months ago, holding the cross-city Mets to three runs over 5 1/3 innings. He tossed six scoreless innings of three-hit ball at Baltimore in his previous turn, which followed two starts in which he failed to get past 2 1/3 innings. Gray beat the Royals with eight innings of one-run ball on May 20.

WALK-OFFS

1. The Yankees have homered once since the All-Star break, their fewest in a five-game stretch since June 10-15, 2016.

2. Moustakas is 4-for-11 with a homer and four RBIs during a three-game hitting streak.

3. Yankees C Gary Sanchez (groin) is expected to be sidelined until at least late August, general manager Brian Cashman said.

PREDICTION: Yankees 5, Royals 2

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Minnesota Twins vs. Boston Red Sox Preview and Predictions 07-26-2018 in MLB

MLB Previews 25th July 2018 by Gracenote
Twins vs. Red Sox Preview and Predictions

by Gracenote on 07/25/2018

The Minnesota Twins look for their 13th victory in 18 games when they open a four-game series against the host Boston Red Sox on Thursday. The Twins arrive with momentum after outscoring the Blue Jays 25-9 en route to their first sweep in Toronto since April 11-13, 2003.

Mitch Garver went 4-for-6 with a homer and a career-best five RBIs while Minnesota broke loose for sixth 11th-inning runs in Wednesday's 12-6 win over the Blue Jays. Joe Mauer contributed three hits and three RBIs for his fourth multi-hit performance in six contests, with the 35-year-old going 11-for-29 during that stretch. The Red Sox, who had their contest against Baltimore on Wednesday postponed by rain while holding a 5-0 second-inning lead, will take another shot at recording their 16th victory in 19 games. Mookie Betts leads the major leagues with a .351 batting average and is hitting a torrid .380 with 10 multi-hit efforts this month.

TV: 7:10 p.m. ET, MLB Network, FS North (Minnesota), NESN (Boston)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Twins RH Kyle Gibson (4-7, 3.57 ERA) vs. Red Sox LH Brian Johnson (1-3, 3.81)

Gibson's bid for a third straight victory came to an end on Friday as he gave up four runs and six hits over 5 1/3 innings in a loss to Kansas City. The 30-year-old owns a 3.18 ERA and has limited opponents to a .204 batting average in 10 road starts but possesses just a 2-3 record. Gibson is 1-3 with a 3.06 ERA in five career starts against the Red Sox, including a loss on June 21 in which he gave up two runs and seven hits over six frames.

Johnson is making his sixth start of the season but is slated to return to the bullpen after the outing versus the Twins. The 27-year-old lost to Detroit in his last turn despite allowing only two unearned runs and five hits over five innings. Johnson, who gave up one run in one frame of relief against the Twins earlier this season, has posted a porous 5.10 ERA in 15 home appearances (two starts) this year compared to a 2.22 mark in 11 road games (three starts).

WALK-OFFS

1. Minnesota INF Taylor Motter was designated for assignment to clear a roster spot for RHP Ervin Santana, who pitched five innings on Wednesday in his season debut following finger surgery.

2. The Red Sox acquired RHP Nathan Eovaldi from Tampa Bay on Wednesday for LHP Jalen Beeks.

3. Garver is 7-for-10 in his last two games while LF Eddie Rosario has gone 5-for-10 over his last two contests and has recorded seven multi-hit performances in his last 10 outings.

PREDICTION: Red Sox 11, Twins 6

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Philadelphia Phillies vs. Cincinnati Reds Preview and Predictions 07-26-2018 in MLB

MLB Previews 25th July 2018 by Gracenote
Phillies vs. Reds Preview and Predictions

by Gracenote on 07/25/2018

Rhys Hoskins has gotten into the swing of things after raising some eyebrows in the Home Run Derby. After going deep in four of his last five contests, Hoskins hopes to continue his good fortune on Thursday as the Philadelphia Phillies (57-44) begin a six-game road trip with the opener of a four-game series versus the Cincinnati Reds (45-57).

Hoskins belted a solo homer and Scott Kingery also went deep as Philadelphia posted a 7-3 triumph over the Los Angeles Dodgers on Wednesday afternoon to take the rubber match of its three-game series and improve to 16-8 in its last 24 contests. The 25-year-old Hoskins also went deep in the Phillies' 6-5 victory over the Reds on April 9 while Kingery homered in that contest, belted a grand slam the following day and had the game-ending sacrifice fly in the finale to help Philadelphia complete the sweep. Speaking of home runs, Cincinnati's first-time All-Star Eugenio Suarez went deep in his third straight contest during Wednesday's 7-3 victory over St. Louis. Adam Duvall, who also homered versus the Cardinals, went just 1-for-9 with five strikeouts in the previous series against the Phillies.

TV: 7:10 p.m. ET, NBCS Philadelphia, FS Ohio (Cincinnati)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Phillies LH Ranger Suarez (major-league debut) vs. Reds RH Tyler Mahle (7-8, 4.32 ERA)

Suarez owns a 3-1 mark with an 0.91 ERA in his last eight minor-league starts, including a stretch of allowing just one run in three starts since being promoted from Double-A Reading to Triple-A Lehigh Valley. "He's shown the ability to get swings and misses in and out of the strike zone," Phillies manager Gabe Kapler told reporters of the 22-year-old. "... There's some courage there. He has a lot of swag on the mound, there's some bravado. I don't think situations get too big for him." Suarez, who is the Phillies' No. 9 prospect according to MLB Pipeline, will serve as the first left-hander to start for Philadelphia since Adam Morgan on Sept. 28, 2016.

Mahle has answered an eight-start unbeaten string with two crushing losses, during which he has permitted 13 runs and 14 hits over eight innings. The 23-year-old has been taken deep three times in his last two trips to the mound after yielding the same number in his previous eight outings. Mahle will be making his 25th career start overall and first versus Philadelphia on Thursday.

WALK-OFFS

1. Cincinnati 1B Joey Votto, who is just 1-for-14 in his last six outings, went 5-for-13 in his previous series versus Philadelphia.

2. The Phillies own a 10-2-1 record in their last 13 series.

3. Reds SS Jose Peraza is 1-for-14 on the heels of an eight-game hitting streak.

PREDICTION: Reds 4, Phillies 3