Monday 7-30-18 Free Plays / Trends / Betting Info / Etc

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

Win / Place / Show / Exacta / Quinella / 2nd Half Daily Double / Trifecta Superfecta / Pick 3 (Races 2-3-4)


Maiden Special • 5 1/2 Furlongs • Dirt • Age 2 • CR: 52 • Purse: $9,700 • Post: 2:25P
FOR MAIDENS, TWO YEARS OLD. WEIGHT, 120 LBS.
Contenders

Race Analysis
P#
Horse
Morn
Line

Accept
Odds


Race Type: Dominant Stalker. HIDDEN FAITH is the Dominant Stalker of the race. * KEY ANGLES * HIDDEN FAITH: Horse ranks in the top three in TrackMaster Power Rating. MOONSKI MON: Horse has a TrackMaster "+" designation or an "L" designation. ARE NADO: Today is a sprint and the horse is carrying at least 120 lbs.
5
HIDDEN FAITH
9/2

4/1
8
MOONSKI MON
5/1

7/1
2
QUICK LEGEND
5/2

9/1
4
ROBTIME
7/2

10/1
6
ARENADO
10/1

10/1




P#

Horse (In Running Style Order)

Post

Morn
Line

Running Style

Good
Class

Good
Speed

Early Figure

Finish Figure

Platinum
Figure
5
HIDDEN FAITH
5

9/2
Alternator/Stalker
0

0

17.1

19.0

15.5
8
MOONSKI MON
8

5/1
Alternator/Stalker
0

0

12.3

7.6

2.6
9
ZIPPY'S TORNADO
9

12/1
Alternator/Trailer
0

0

0.0

9.5

4.5
3
SANDYHILL ROSE
3

15/1
Alternator/Trailer
0

0

0.0

0.0

0.0
7
STAR TWIST
7

8/1
Alternator/Trailer
0

0

0.0

0.0

0.0








Unknown Running Style: MISS JASSER (15/1) [Jockey: Rodriguez Malouly - Trainer: Fizer Shanon], QUICK LEGEND (5/2) [Jockey: Ramos Adrian B - Trainer: Gleason Tyrone], ROBTIME (7/2) [Jockey: Castro Ruben - Trainer: Treto Roberto], ARENADO (10/1) [Jocke

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Handicapped by The Turf Club Analysts

Bar

Delaware Park - Race #1 - Post: 1:15pm - Claiming - 5.5 furlongs on the Dirt. Purse: $10,000 Class Rating: 80

Rating: Golden DollarGolden DollarGolden DollarGolden Dollar

#3 REFUSEING (ML=6/1)
#6 DA WINNER IS (ML=9/5)


REFUSEING - That last drill tells me this gelding is set for a top effort. A wise man taught me to play the lone speed horse. Take a look at this thoroughbred. I have to like this gelding's chances of winning at the shorter distance. DA WINNER IS - The July 18th event at Delaware Park was at a class level of (87). Dropping down in class drastically, so he should be in a good position. This gelding should be in fine form, this far into his form cycle.

Vulnerable Contenders: #2 ROCKY THE KID (ML=5/2), #1 SALTINE WARRIOR (ML=7/2),

SALTINE WARRIOR - This gelding is always in the mix, but just doesn't finish first. Hard to wager on him on the top end. Not probable that the speed fig he recorded on June 26th will be enough in this event.



STRAIGHT WAGERS:
Have to go with #3 REFUSEING on the win end if we get at least 3/1 odds

EXACTA WAGERS:
Box [3,6]

TRIFECTA WAGERS:
Pass

SUPERFECTA WAGERS:
Skip

[Can'tPickAWinner]

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

Race 8 - Maiden Claiming - 6.0f on the Dirt. Purse: $9000 Class Rating: 52

FOR MAIDENS, FILLIES AND MARES THREE YEARS OLD AND UPWARD. THREE YEAR OLDS, 119 LBS.; OLDER, 124 LBS. CLAIMING PRICE $5,000.


RECOMMENDED CHOICES
The Walker Group Picks

# 8 U. S. A. SWEETIE 6/1

# 4 CAYMAN A BIKINI 4/1

# 3 STORMY RITA 9/2

U. S. A. SWEETIE is the best bet in this race. Will probably compete quite well in the early pace contest which bodes well with this group. Horses who have been prepared to race at this distance and surface by Englehart have shown strong results recently. Win percentage with this jockey and handler combo - 31 percent - reliable. CAYMAN A BIKINI - Her earnings per start in dirt sprint events alone makes you take a look at her. Has to be given a shot for this event if only for the quite good Equibase Speed Figure recorded in the last contest. STORMY RITA - Has been racing in the most competitive company of the group of animals lately. With one of the best jock in terms of returns at the window, don't count this filly out.

[Can'tPickAWinner]

F.A.S.T. Sheets Free Race for Presque Isle Downs
Presque Isle Downs - Race 8

$2 WPS / $2 Exacta / Trifecta (min .50 cent) / Superfecta (min .10 cent)


Claiming $6,250 • 6 1/2 Furlongs • All-Weather • Ages 3 and up • CR: 77 • Purse: $13,000 • Post: 8:20P
(PLUS UP TO 30% PABF) FOR THREE YEAR OLDS AND UPWARD WHICH HAVE NEVER WON THREE RACES. THREE YEAR OLDS, 118 LBS.; OLDER, 124 LBS. NON-WINNERS OF A RACE SINCE JUNE 30 ALLOWED 3 LBS. CLAIMING PRICE $6,250 (CLAIMING RACES FOR $5,000 OR LESS NOT CONSIDERED IN ESTIMATING ALLOWANCES).
Contenders

Race Analysis
P#
Horse
Morn
Line

Accept
Odds


Race Type: Lone Front-runner. MAGICIAN'S BAGS is the Lone Front-runner of the race. * KEY ANGLES * MAGICIAN'S BAGS: Horse has a TrackMaster "+" designation or an "L" designation. Today is a sprint and this is the horse's third or fourth start aft er a layoff. DISTINCTIVE STYLE: Today is a sprint and the horse's last start was within the last ten days. Horse ranks in the top three in TrackMaster Power Rating. HANGTIME: Horse has run a Good Race within the last 30 days. Horse ranks in the t op three in average Equibase Speed Figure at the distance/surface. PERSUASION: Horse had a bullet workout within the last seven days. Horse has a TrackMaster "+" designation or an "L" designation.
2
MAGICIAN'S BAGS
3/1

3/1
3
DISTINCTIVE STYLE
8/1

7/1
4
HANGTIME
5/1

10/1
10
PERSUASION
10/1

10/1




P#

Horse (In Running Style Order)

Post

Morn
Line

Running Style

Good
Class

Good
Speed

Early Figure

Finish Figure

Platinum
Figure
2
MAGICIAN'S BAGS
2

3/1
Front-runner
82

71

78.8

71.6

64.6
10
PERSUASION
10

10/1
Stalker
79

70

70.2

64.0

55.5
5
BALTIMORE COUNTY
5

12/1
Alternator/Stalker
80

72

69.8

58.0

46.5
11
MAD JACK
11

7/2
Alternator/Stalker
68

69

44.4

54.3

38.3
8
DIABLO BROMISTA
8

15/1
Trailer
82

73

60.2

63.5

52.5
3
DISTINCTIVE STYLE
3

8/1
Trailer
80

81

57.8

75.8

67.8
4
HANGTIME
4

5/1
Alternator/Trailer
81

70

61.2

72.0

61.5
6
IT'S MY WAY
6

6/1
Alternator/Trailer
77

73

49.6

48.6

37.1
7
AUSABLE RIVER
7

50/1
Alternator/Non-contender
68

66

57.2

53.8

36.8
9
CLIFFS OF MALIBU
9

6/1
Alternator/Non-contender
82

69

40.6

62.0

48.5
1
TAIL GUNNER CARL
1

30/1
Alternator/Non-contender
83

84

39.8

61.2

46.2

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Handicapped by Top Horse Analytics at Saratoga

07/30/18, SAR, Race 10, 6.13 ET
5 1/2F [Turf] 1.00.02 MAIDEN CLAIMING. Purse $45,000.
Claiming Price $40,000. FOR MAIDENS, FILLIES AND MARES THREE YEARS OLDAND UPWARD FOALED IN NEW YORK STATE AND APPROVED BY THE NEW YORK STATE-BRED REGISTRY
Exacta, Trifecta (.50), Super (.10)
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 2 Caitriona 6-1 Franco M Englehart Jeremiah C. TE
096.6906 3 Lady Camille 7/2 Saez L Nevin Michelle
095.9343 1 Unparalleled 4-1 Castellano J Brown Bruce R. SL
095.7973 16 Nazay 6-1 Davis D Bond H. James
094.8237 7 Merlins Muse 5-1 Ortiz. Jr. I Donk David G. J
094.4984 15 Truly Courageous 8-1 Lezcano J Contessa Gary C. W
093.1632 8 Words of Love 10-1 Wolfsont A Sheppard Jonathan E.
093.0735 4 Magical Romance 8-1 Lezcano J Martin Carlos F. FC
092.2949 9 J C S Star(b+) 12-1 Carmouche K Martin Carlos F.
090.9027 10 Chutzpah 20-1 Geroux F Lerman Michael
090.7250 5 Union Patriot 15-1 Maragh R Morley Thomas
090.0318 11 Speed Khaleesi(b+) 20-1 Diaz. Jr. H R Barrera. III Oscar S.
089.2626 13 Youth Gone Wild 20-1 Lezcano A Ubillo Rodrigo A.
089.0194 14 Seattle Frost 20-1 Luzzi M J Toscano. Jr. John T.
088.9932 6 Frederica 15-1 Fragoso P Sciacca Gary
088.6960 12 Frosty Linz 20-1 Santana. Jr. R Schettino Dominick 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 2 Caitriona 6-1 Franco M Englehart Jeremiah C. T
099.1302 16 Nazay 6-1 Davis D Bond H. James
098.9871 1 Unparalleled 4-1 Castellano J Brown Bruce R. L
098.7729 3 Lady Camille 7/2 Saez L Nevin Michelle E
097.5316 4 Magical Romance 8-1 Lezcano J Martin Carlos F. SFC
097.2997 7 Merlins Muse 5-1 Ortiz. Jr. I Donk David G. J
096.1577 15 Truly Courageous 8-1 Lezcano J Contessa Gary C. W
095.6724 8 Words of Love 10-1 Wolfsont A Sheppard Jonathan E.
095.5487 9 J C S Star(b+) 12-1 Carmouche K Martin Carlos F.
094.8380 5 Union Patriot 15-1 Maragh R Morley Thomas
094.2340 10 Chutzpah 20-1 Geroux F Lerman Michael
093.9178 11 Speed Khaleesi(b+) 20-1 Diaz. Jr. H R Barrera. III Oscar S.
093.0679 13 Youth Gone Wild 20-1 Lezcano A Ubillo Rodrigo A.
092.1808 14 Seattle Frost 20-1 Luzzi M J Toscano. Jr. John T.
091.7982 12 Frosty Linz 20-1 Santana. Jr. R Schettino Dominick L.
091.1666 6 Frederica 15-1 Fragoso P Sciacca Gary

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Handicapped by The Turf Club Analysts

Bar

Thistledown - Race #4 - Post: 3:10pm - Claiming - 5.5 furlongs on the Dirt. Purse: $11,900 Class Rating: 78

Rating: Golden DollarGolden DollarGolden DollarGolden Dollar

#1 SEVEN LILIES (ML=4/1)
#3 NORTHERN TRACK (ML=8/1)


SEVEN LILIES - Was in a $12,500 Claiming race at Thistledown in the last race. That race had a class number of 87 and he is moving down in this event. A certain contender. Each one of this colt's recent finish positions has been progressively better. Earnings per race entered is something that I think can be a vital selection factor. This horse is ranked at the very top in this group. NORTHERN TRACK - I like to wager on this handicapping theory, a thoroughbred coming back off a strong effort within the last 30 days. Looking at this gelding's running lines, I see he's almost always on the board. This gelding is rounding his way back into shape. Should perform well today.

Vulnerable Contenders: #4 I WANT MO (ML=5/2), #6 HIGH GRADE COTTON (ML=7/2), #2 EQUITY (ML=6/1),

I WANT MO - Hasn't raced or had any works since June 16th. Not much value on this favorite. HIGH GRADE COTTON - Finished third in his most recent performance with a pedestrian speed rating. When I look at today's class figure, it would take an improved performance to triumph after that in this group. EQUITY - Difficult to keep chasing this kind of 'bridesmaid' horse.



STRAIGHT WAGERS:
Putting our cash on #1 SEVEN LILIES to win. Have to have odds of at least 3/2 or better though

EXACTA WAGERS:
Box [1,3]

TRIFECTA WAGERS:
Skip

SUPERFECTA WAGERS:
None

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Philadelphia Phillies vs. Boston Red Sox Preview and Predictions 07-30-2018 in MLB

MLB Previews 29th July 2018 by Gracenote
Phillies vs. Red Sox Preview and Predictions

by Gracenote on 07/29/2018

The Boston Red Sox recorded their American League-best 11th shutout of the season on Sunday while the Philadelphia Phillies were on the wrong end of a blanking to lose three in a row for the first time since June 24-26. Winners of 18 of their last 22, the Red Sox aim to continue their torrid play on Monday as they host the Phillies for the opener of their abbreviated two-game interleague series.

J.D. Martinez pushed his major league-best RBI total to 89 by driving in all three runs in Sunday's 3-0 triumph over Minnesota as Boston moved 41 games over .500 for the first time since Sept. 29, 1946. Martinez has hit safely in six straight contests and is riding a 43-game on-base streak at home while Andrew Benintendi has recorded 11 multi-hit performances in his last 16 games, going 25-for-60 with nine extra-base hits (seven doubles, triple, homer), nine RBIs and 15 runs scored in that stretch. While the Red Sox are in the midst of a full sprint, the Phillies already are seeing "red" after limping out of Cincinnati following a 4-0 setback on Sunday. Maikel Franco registered his fourth multi-hit effort in eight games with a pair of singles, improving to 10-for-29 with four homers during that run.

TV: 7:10 p.m. ET, ESPN, NBCS Philadelphia, NESN (Boston)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Phillies RH Aaron Nola (12-3, 2.42 ERA) vs. Red Sox LH David Price (11-6, 4.17)

Nola failed to complete six innings for just the fourth time in 21 starts on Tuesday, when he allowed three runs and five hits in five frames of a no-decision versus the Los Angeles Dodgers. The 25-year-old All-Star, who permitted a homer for the first time since June 12, is 4-3 with a 2.86 ERA while limiting the opposition to a .190 batting average in 11 turns on the road this season. Nola will be making his first career start at Fenway Park.

Price tossed just 14 pitches during Wednesday's suspended contest against Baltimore. The 32-year-old owns a 1-1 record and 4.67 ERA in three career starts versus Philadelphia. Veterans Asdrubal Cabrera (7-for-20), Trevor Plouffe (10-for-29) and Carlos Santana (10-for-31) have gotten in their licks on Price.

WALK-OFFS

1. Philadelphia OF Rhys Hoskins has reached base in 16 straight contests.

2. Boston LF Blake Swihart is 11-for-26 during his career-high nine-game hitting streak.

3. Phillies MGR Gabe Kapler will experience a homecoming of sorts as he played for the Red Sox from 2003-06.

PREDICTION: Red Sox 6, Phillies 1

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Miami Marlins vs. Atlanta Braves Preview and Predictions 07-30-2018 in MLB

MLB Previews 29th July 2018 by Gracenote
Marlins vs. Braves Preview and Predictions

by Gracenote on 07/29/2018

The Atlanta Braves enter the opener of a three-game home series Monday against the Miami Marlins with a renewed sense of confidence after an outstanding Sunday in which Sean Newcomb nearly pitched a no-hitter and the team dealt for relief help in Brad Brach. The Braves, who begin the week 1 1/2 games behind Philadelphia in the National League East, saw Newcomb give up his first hit with two outs in the ninth and hope Brach helps stabilize a much-maligned bullpen.

The Braves have posted a 4.97 bullpen ERA since the beginning of June, hindered in part by a starting rotation that has struggled to pitch deep into games, but have added Brach from Baltimore and Jonny Venters from Tampa Bay in the past four days. Miami shook off a pair of blowout losses in the first two contests of a four-game home set against Washington by winning Saturday and Sunday, doing so with dominant pitching that surrendered just one run on seven hits across 19 innings in the pair of victories. Right fielder Brian Anderson continues to impress in his rookie season, finishing with two hits and two runs scored Sunday to give him a .306 average with 14 runs scored in his past 18 games. Atlanta's right fielder is also hot, as Nick Markakis fell a triple shy of the cycle Sunday and begins the week tied with Milwaukee's Christian Yelich for the NL lead in average at .320.

TV: 7:35 p.m. ET, FS Florida (Miami), FS Southeast (Atlanta)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Marlins LH Wei-Yin Chen (3-7, 5.65 ERA) vs. Braves RH Julio Teheran (7-7, 4.42)

Chen has endured a miserable season through 16 starts, posting career worsts in ERA and WHIP (1.49), but he has allowed three runs or fewer in four of his last five starts. The 33-year-old looks for a second consecutive strong performance against the Braves after holding Atlanta to three runs on five hits over six innings Tuesday for just his second victory since April 28. Chen has been dreadful on the road, pitching to a 10.47 ERA and a .359 batting average against while going 1-5 in eight starts.

Teheran continues to ride the rollercoaster of good starts and bad starts with little middle ground - the latest poor outing coming against Chen and the Marlins on Tuesday when he allowed seven earned runs on seven hits in 4 1/3 innings. The 27-year-old has posted a 5.02 ERA in eight turns since the beginning of June, surrendering seven earned runs twice, five earned runs once and zero earned runs three times. Teheran features an ERA nearly three runs lower at night (3.15; 5.94 in day contests).

WALK-OFFS

1. Miami 1B Justin Bour is hitting .308 with 13 homers in 52 career games against the Braves and batting .412 with eight walks in 25 plate appearances against Teheran.

2. Atlanta reportedly plans to promote LHP Kolby Allard, the team's No. 8 prospect by MLB Pipeline, to start Tuesday's contest.

3. Marlins RHP Kyle Barraclough, who could be on the move before Tuesday's trade deadline, has allowed seven runs on 10 hits in 4 2/3 innings across his last five appearances.

PREDICTION: Marlins 6, Braves 4

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Cleveland Indians vs. Minnesota Twins Preview and Predictions 07-30-2018 in MLB

MLB Previews 29th July 2018 by Gracenote
Indians vs. Twins Preview and Predictions

by Gracenote on 07/29/2018

The Cleveland Indians aim to bolster their sizable nine-game lead in the American League Central on Monday, when they open their three-game series against the host Minnesota Twins. The Indians own an impressive 30-14 record versus division rivals heading into their series with the Twins, who have dropped three in a row and six of their last 10.

Edwin Encarnacion joined Melky Cabrera and Yonder Alonso in going deep during Cleveland's 8-1 romp over Detroit on Sunday, giving him 11 hits - three homers - to go along with 10 RBIs and seven runs in his last eight games. The 35-year-old Encarnacion has homered four times against Minnesota this season and is 9-for-33 with three blasts versus Tuesday starter Ervin Santana. While the Indians have scored 21 runs en route to winning three of their last four, the Twins mustered just four hits en route to losing their third straight contest versus Boston - a 3-0 setback on Sunday. Eddie Rosario is 24-for-74 while hitting in 13 of his last 17 games and 2-for-6 versus Shane Bieber this season.

TV: 8:10 p.m. ET, SportsTime Ohio (Cleveland), FS North (Minnesota)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Indians RH Shane Bieber (5-2, 4.80 ERA) vs. Twins RH Ervin Santana (0-0, 5.40)

Bieber produced the worst outing of his eight-star career on Tuesday, as he surrendered seven runs over 1 2/3 innings in a 9-4 setback against Pittsburgh. The 23-year-old won his lone decision in two career turns versus Minnesota as he gave up just one run while yielding a season-high 10 hits in 5 2/3 frames of a 4-1 victory on June 17. Bieber owns a 2-0 record and 4.58 ERA in three road starts this season.

Santana yielded three runs in five innings of Tuesday's no-decision versus Toronto, his first start of the season after undergoing surgery on the middle finger of his pitching hand in February. The 35-year-old Dominican owns a 7-11 record and 3.70 ERA in 25 career starts versus Cleveland. Cabrera is a robust 16-for-46 against Santana, who has flustered Francisco Lindor (3-for-19, five strikeouts).

WALK-OFFS

1. Minnesota 1B Joe Mauer is just 5-for-23 versus Cleveland this season.

2. Lindor has registered six hits - two homers - to go along with four RBIs and four runs in his last five games.

3. Twins 3B Miguel Sano is 0-for-7 with five strikeouts since being promoted from the minors.

PREDICTION: Indians 5, Twins 2

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Colorado Rockies vs. St. Louis Cardinals Preview and Predictions 07-30-2018 in MLB

MLB Previews 30th July 2018 by Gracenote
Rockies vs. Cardinals Preview and Predictions

by Gracenote on 07/30/2018

The Colorado Rockies took down a torrid Oakland team at home over the weekend to move a season-high 10 games over .500. Colorado hopes to continue its success as it kicks off a seven-game road trip on Monday with the opener of a four-game series against the St. Louis Cardinals.

The Rockies posted a 3-2 victory on Sunday to complete a three-game sweep of the Athletics, who were limited to four runs after scoring a total of 51 during their six-game winning streak. Ryan McMahon was recalled from Triple-A Albuquerque on Sunday and went 2-for-4 with a pair of doubles and an RBI for Colorado, which trails the first-place Los Angeles Dodgers by one game in the National League West and is one-half game back in the wild-card race. The Cardinals were unable to complete a three-game sweep of the Chicago Cubs on Sunday, dropping a 5-2 decision to end their three-game home winning streak. Marcell Ozuna provided the offense for St. Louis as he belted a two-run homer to give him two blasts and six RBIs during a five-game hitting streak in which he has gone 8-for-22.

TV: 8:10 p.m. ET, AT&T SportsNet Rocky Mountain (Colorado), FS Midwest (St. Louis)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Rockies LH Tyler Anderson (6-3, 3.57 ERA) vs. Cardinals RH Carlos Martinez (6-6, 3.39)

Anderson has been superb this month, allowing only four earned runs and registering 27 strikeouts over 27 1/3 innings in four starts, but has only one victory to show for his efforts. The 28-year-old native of Las Vegas, who is riding a five-start unbeaten streak, has worked at least six frames in six straight turns and eight of his last nine. Anderson lost his only career meeting with St. Louis on Sept. 19, 2016, when he yielded five runs - two earned - and eight hits over seven innings.

After winning three straight starts, Martinez lost his last two - including a turn against the Cubs in Chicago on July 19 in which he was tagged for six runs and seven hits over five innings - before landing on the disabled list with a strained right oblique. The 26-year-old Dominican, who will be activated prior to Monday's contest, served up a home run in each of the setbacks after keeping the ball in the park during his winning streak. Martinez is 3-1 with an ugly 6.35 ERA in five starts and four relief appearances against Colorado during his career.

WALK-OFFS

1. Rockies OF Charlie Blackmon enters the series opener with an 11-game hitting streak after recording his sixth two-hit performance during the stretch on Sunday.

2. St. Louis acquired RHP Giovanny Gallegos, who was assigned to Triple-A Memphis, and LHP Chasen Shreve from the New York Yankees on Sunday for 1B Luke Voit and future considerations.

3. Colorado optioned OF Noel Cuevas to Albuquerque to make room on the roster for McMahon.

PREDICTION: Cardinals 5, Rockies 2

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Texas Rangers vs. Arizona Diamondbacks Preview and Predictions 07-30-2018 in MLB

MLB Previews 29th July 2018 by Gracenote
by Gracenote on 07/29/2018

The Texas Rangers may be sitting in last place and fielding phone calls as sellers in advance of Tuesday's trade deadline, but that doesn't mean they're giving up. The Rangers will try to throw a wrench into another division race when they visit the Arizona Diamondbacks in the opener of a two-game interleague series on Monday.

Texas already dealt Cole Hamels and figures to continue to be active over the next two days but also just completed a three-game sweep of the American League West-leading Houston Astros. "When you're facing those guys, that is an exceptional team, their win-loss tells it all," Rangers manager Jeff Banister told reporters of the Astros. "Championship tells a lot. However, I was proud of our guys. We talked about grinding out at-bats. Don't worry about results early. Grind through the at-bats, put as many pitches on the pitcher as you possibly can. Get (an) opportunity to drive in the run, put together the at-bat that allows you to keep the ball in the middle of the field and allow those runs to score." The Diamondbacks enter the week a half-game behind the Los Angeles Dodgers in the National League West and are rolling with wins in three straight and six of eight. Arizona will try to make it four straight wins behind Robbie Ray while Texas counters with fellow left-hander Martin Perez.

TV: 9:40 p.m. ET, FS Southwest (Texas), FS Arizona

PITCHING MATCHUP: Rangers LH Martin Perez (2-4, 7.08 ERA) vs. Diamondbacks LH Robbie Ray (3-2, 4.90)

Perez is trying to develop some consistency and sandwiched two strong starts around a poor outing in three turns since rejoining the rotation. The Venezuela native was ripped for six runs on 10 hits in 5 1/3 innings against Cleveland on July 20 but bounced back to limit Oakland to one run over six frames in a no-decision on Wednesday. Perez is making his second career start against Arizona and is 6-6 with a 4.03 ERA in 18 interleague outings.

Ray is looking for his first win in July and was held out of the decision at the Chicago Cubs on Wednesday despite scattering one run and four hits over seven strong innings. That marked the first quality start of the month for the 26-year-old, who failed to complete six innings in any of his first four July turns. Ray is 1-1 with a 5.73 ERA in two career starts against Texas and 3-6 with a 4.76 mark in 13 total interleague turns.

WALK-OFFS

1. Diamondbacks OF David Peralta (right shoulder tightness) left Sunday's game and is day-to-day.

2. Rangers OF/DH Shin-Soo Choo went 0-for-9 with five strikeouts in the last two games.

3. Texas 3B/OF Joey Gallo is up to majors-high 142 strikeouts in 101 games.

PREDICTION: Diamondbacks 7, Rangers 4

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Toronto Blue Jays vs. Oakland Athletics Preview and Predictions 07-30-2018 in MLB

MLB Previews 29th July 2018 by Gracenote
by Gracenote on 07/29/2018

The Oakland Athletics declared themselves buyers and ripped off a 27-7 stretch bridging the All-Star break but failed to take advantage of a golden opportunity over the weekend. The Athletics will try to snap out of a rare slide and move up in the standings when they return home to host the Toronto Blue Jays in the opener of a three-game series on Monday.

Oakland could have cut three games off its deficit in the American League West but instead enters the week six games behind the struggling first-place Astros after totaling four runs in three straight losses at Colorado over the weekend. "You're going to lose a series, but we don't want to get swept," Athletics manager Bob Melvin told reporters. "Now we have a chance to go back home and gain some ground again. We get an extended stay at home, we've been on the road for quite a bit, and it's time for us to start playing really well at home. If we do that, then we forget about this series." The Blue Jays took two of three at the Chicago White Sox to begin their 10-game road trip but figure to be sellers over the next two days in advance of the trade deadline. Toronto will send veteran Marco Estrada to the mound on Monday while Oakland tries to bounce back behind right-hander Edwin Jackson.

TV: 10:05 p.m. ET, Sportsnet (Toronto), NBCS California (Oakland)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Blue Jays RH Marco Estrada (4-7, 4.72 ERA) vs. Athletics RH Edwin Jackson (1-2, 3.86)

Estrada is set to return after missing the last four weeks with a strained glute, just in time to get in one more start in front of opposing scouts. The veteran trade candidate left his only rehab start with Triple-A Buffalo on July 24 with a blister but is not expected to have a problem making the outing on Monday. Estrada turned in a quality start at home against Oakland on May 18 but was saddled with a loss while allowing three runs on seven hits in 6 2/3 innings.

Jackson is winless in July and is coming off his worst outing since joining the Athletics last month. The well-traveled veteran was reached for season highs of five runs and seven hits in a season-low 4 1/3 frames at Texas on Wednesday but escaped without factoring in the decision. Jackson, who is playing for his 14th team, is 4-3 with a 4.07 ERA in 16 career games - 14 starts - against the Blue Jays, most of which came when he was a member of the Tampa Bay Rays from 2006-2008.

WALK-OFFS

1. Athletics OF Khris Davis recorded seven home runs in his last eight games.

2. Toronto 2B Lourdes Gurriel Jr., who has recorded multiple hits in each of his last 11 games, was removed from Sunday's game with a knee contusion and sprained ankle.

3. Oakland 3B Matt Chapman is 17-for-36 over the last nine contests.

PREDICTION: Athletics 5, Blue Jays 4

[Can'tPickAWinner]

San Francisco Giants vs. San Diego Padres Preview and Predictions 07-30-2018 in MLB

MLB Previews 29th July 2018 by Gracenote
Giants vs. Padres Preview and Predictions

by Gracenote on 07/29/2018

Buster Posey helped the San Francisco Giants break out of a funk on Sunday at home to get a much-needed victory. They hope to build off that win when they begin a six-game road trip with the first of two contests against the San Diego Padres on Monday.

Posey collected four hits and three RBIs in an 8-5 victory over Milwaukee on Sunday as the Giants snapped their four-game losing streak. San Francisco was operating without manager Bruce Bochy, who flew to Cooperstown, N.Y. to attend the Hall-of-Fame induction ceremony in support of new member Trevor Hoffman, the closer for San Diego throughout Bochy's tenure with the team. The present-day Padres have lost five in a row and 12 of 14 after dropping a 5-4 decision to Arizona on Sunday. A bright spot for San Diego during the rocky stretch has been Wil Myers, who drove in a pair of runs in the loss and has registered 23 RBIs in 22 games this month.

TV: 10:10 p.m. ET, NBCS Bay Area (San Francisco), FS San Diego

PITCHING MATCHUP: Giants LH Derek Holland (5-8, 3.92 ERA) vs. Padres LH Eric Lauer (5-7, 5.29)

Holland will be making his second straight start after coming out of the bullpen in his previous two outings. The 31-year-old allowed two earned runs and eight hits over 12 1/3 innings in his last two starts, striking out 12 and walking one. Holland has posted a 7.04 ERA in three career starts against the Padres and has had some issues with Eric Hosmer, who is 8-for-19 lifetime versus the native of Ohio.

Lauer came within one out of tossing a complete game in a win over the Los Angeles Dodgers on July 10, but he's stumbled through two starts - both losses - since that gem. The Chicago Cubs got to him for five runs in two innings prior to the All-Star break and Lauer gave up six runs in four frames against the Mets in New York on Tuesday. Opponents are hitting .311 overall against the 23-year-old rookie, who has yielded four runs and registered 11 strikeouts over 11 innings in a pair of no-decisions versus San Francisco this year.

WALK-OFFS

1. Bochy still was credited with Sunday's win, giving him 1,906 in his career to move past Hall-of-Famer Casey Stengel for 11th place on the all-time list.

2. Posey has gone 7-for-12 during his modest three-game hitting streak.

3. The Padres optioned OF Franmil Reyes to Triple-A El Paso and activated RHP Jordan Lyles (elbow) from the 10-day disabled list.

PREDICTION: Giants 5, Padres 4

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Milwaukee Brewers vs. Los Angeles Dodgers Preview and Predictions 07-30-2018 in MLB

MLB Previews 29th July 2018 by Gracenote
Brewers vs. Dodgers Preview and Predictions

by Gracenote on 07/29/2018

The Los Angeles Dodgers introduced the Manny Machado era with a series victory over the Milwaukee Brewers that kicked off a 10-game road trip against National League playoff hopefuls following the All-Star break. Seemingly back on track after dropping two of three in that series, the Brewers hope to avenge those setbacks when they visit the Dodgers on Monday for the opener of their four-game set.

Milwaukee's poor play bridging the Midsummer Classic quickly dropped the club from atop the NL Central to as many as 3 1/2 games behind the Chicago Cubs. The Brewers rebounded nicely by winning five of six to pull within one-half game of the Cubs before dropping an 8-5 decision at San Francisco on Sunday, preventing a sweep of the four-game series. The Dodgers went 6-4 on their trek through Milwaukee, Philadelphia and Atlanta, failing to complete a four-game sweep of the Braves as they managed only two hits in Sunday's 4-1 loss. Machado, who extended his on-base streak to a career-high 29 games in the defeat, went 5-for-13 against the Brewers from July 20-22 in his first three games with the Dodgers.

TV: 10:10 p.m. ET, ESPN, FS Wisconsin (Milwaukee), SportsNet LA (Los Angeles)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Brewers RH Freddy Peralta (4-2, 3.74 ERA) vs. Dodgers RH Kenta Maeda (7-5, 3.27)

Peralta is coming off the worst of the eight starts to begin his major-league career, a loss to Washington on Wednesday in which he surrendered seven runs on four hits - two homers - and four walks over six innings. The 22-year-old Dominican has yielded 10 runs in his last nine 9 2/3 frames after permitting a total of eight over his first 33 2/3 innings. Peralta is holding right-handed hitters to a .071 average over 70 at-bats as he enters his first career meeting with Los Angeles.

Maeda was sharp over his first six innings Tuesday in Philadelphia, allowing just one run, before settling for a no-decision after serving up a three-run homer in the seventh to waste a start in which he recorded seven strikeouts over seven frames. The outing marked the first time in 10 turns since May 11 the 30-year-old native of Japan yielded more than three runs. Ryan Braun (3-for-8) and Christian Yelich (3-for-6) have the most experience against Maeda, who is 2-1 with a 2.01 ERA and 0.99 WHIP in four career starts versus Milwaukee.

WALK-OFFS

1. Despite going 0-for-3 on Sunday, Dodgers C Yasmani Grandal is hitting .371 with six home runs and 14 RBIs this month.

2. Yelich, who went 7-for-12 in the previous series between the clubs, is riding a 13-game hitting streak during which he has recorded 11 multi-hit performances - including six straight entering Monday's contest.

3. Out of Los Angeles' NL-leading 143 home runs, a major league-high 101 have been solo shots.

PREDICTION: Dodgers 6, Brewers 2