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**TheGame** · 06-19-2016, 07:23 AM

Re: MLB Betting Info. 6/19

MLB roundup: Lincecum wins in return to majors
By The Sports Xchange

OAKLAND, Calif. -- Tim Lincecum made a triumphant return to the major leagues Saturday in his debut for the Los Angeles Angels, pitching six strong innings in a 7-1 victory over the Oakland Athletics.
Lincecum, who won back-to-back Cy Young award with San Francisco in 2008-09, gave up one run on four hits, struck out two, walked two and threw 98 pitches.
Lincecum appeared in a big league game for the first time since last June 27, when he started against Colorado in his ninth and final year with the Giants.
The Oakland Coliseum crowd of 25,078 included dozens of fans wearing San Francisco jerseys with Lincecum's name and No. 55 on the back.
When Lincecum took the mound in the bottom of the first inning, he received a loud ovation with many of the fans standing. He received loud ovations after completing each of his six innings.
Mike Trout went 2-for-5 with a solo home run, a double and three RBIs for Los Angeles.

Indians 13, White Sox 2
CLEVELAND -- Tyler Naquin had three hits, including a home run, and four RBIs, and Mike Napoli and Juan Uribe also homered as Cleveland routed James Shields and Chicago.
The Indians, who have won the first two games of the series, made quick work of Shields (0-2), racing out to an 8-0 lead after two innings. In his last four starts, which includes his final one in San Diego and first three with the White Sox, Shields is 0-3 with a 24.62 ERA.
The offensive outburst was more than enough for Danny Salazar (8-3), who came into the game leading the American League with a 2.19 ERA. Salazar pitched 6 2/3 innings, giving up two runs and five hits, with seven strikeouts and one walk.

Cubs 4, Pirates 3
CHICAGO -- Anthony Rizzo, Kris Bryant and David Ross each hit home runs as Chicago rallied past Pittsburgh.
Rizzo finished 2-for-3 with a double, a home run and a walk as the Cubs overcame a pair of deficits. Chicago (46-20) improved to a season-best 26 games over .500.
Jordy Mercer went 2-for-4 with a double, a home run and two RBIs for the Pirates. Pittsburgh lost for the ninth time in the past 10 games and fell to 1-7 against the Cubs this season.
Left-hander Jon Lester (9-3) battled through a rocky first inning to win his fifth straight decision. He gave up three runs on seven hits in six innings. He walked three, all in the first inning, and struck out seven.

Royals 16, Tigers 5
KANSAS CITY, Mo. -- Kendrys Morales and Whit Merrifield combined to drive in nine runs as Kansas City routed Detroit.
Merrifield had three hits and drove in four runs.
Morales had four hits and drove in five runs. Morales' two-run double in the seventh scored Eric Hosmer and Salvador Perez, who was walked intentionally.
Tigers utility player Andrew Romine pitched in the eighth when the Royals scored five runs, getting the final two outs.
Right-hander Edinson Volquez (7-6) picked up the victory, allowing five runs on eight hits in 6 1/3 innings.

Rangers 4, Cardinals 3
ST. LOUIS -- Shin-Soo Choo's bases-loaded walk with one out in the ninth inning tied the score and Ian Desmond's sacrifice fly delivered the winning run as Texas erased a 3-0 deficit with two outs in the eighth to win its fifth straight game.
The Rangers upped their record to 7-2 on their 10-game road trip while winning their club-record ninth straight series.
The Cardinals dropped their fourth straight game -- all at home to American League West teams -- and lost for the first time in 34 games when leading after eight innings. Closer Trevor Rosenthal (2-2), who faced three batters and retired none in the ninth, absorbed the loss.

Giants 6, Rays 4
ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. -- Joe Panik hit a three-run homer with two out in the ninth inning as San Francisco earned a comeback victory.
Panik also drove in a run when he took a pitch to the helmet with the bases loaded in the fifth.
Trevor Brown and Gregor Blanco, eighth and ninth in the batting order, singled in the ninth against Tampa Bay closer Alex Colome (1-2), who came in with a 0.89 ERA. With two outs and the score tied, Panik hit the game-winning home run.
Logan Forsythe, Evan Longoria, Brad Miller and Logan Morrison homered for the Rays, who lost their third straight game.

Orioles 4, Blue Jays 2
BALTIMORE -- Jonathan Schoop homered and scored three runs and Yovani Gallardo threw five solid innings in his return from the disabled list as Baltimore held on to first American League East with a victory over Toronto.
Gallardo (2-1) was out for nearly two months with right shoulder biceps tendinitis and gave the Orioles five innings. He allowed two runs and five hits with five strikeouts and four walks in his first start since April 22.
Baltimore's bullpen pitched four shutout innings -- two from Mychal Givens, one from Brad Brach and closer Zach Britton posted his 21st save in 21 chances.

Padres 7, Nationals 3
SAN DIEGO -- Jon Jay raced home on a bases-loaded throwing error by pitcher Felipe Rivero for the tiebreaking run in a six-run eighth inning as San Diego rallied from a 3-1 deficit.
Wil Myers, who homered in the first inning, tied the game with a two-run double in the eighth before Rivero fielded a bases-loaded comebacker hit by Brett Wallace and threw wild to the plate allowing Jay to score the go-ahead run.
Reliever Blake Treinen issued a bases-loaded walk to Melvin Upton Jr. and pinch-hitter Yangervis Solarte flared a two-run, opposite-field single to left to give the Padres six runs in the inning before the Nationals had retired a hitter.

Red Sox 6, Mariners 2
BOSTON -- Xander Bogaerts belted a tiebreaking two-run homer in the fifth inning and Rick Porcello tip-toed through six innings as Boston evened the three-game series with Seattle.
The Mariners put at least the first two runners on base in each of the first three innings against Porcello but could only scratch out two runs.
Seattle's Adrian Sampson, making his major-league debut, retired eight straight batters before Jackie Bradley Jr.'s two-out solo home run in the fourth got the Red Sox on the scoreboard.
Every batter in Boston's lineup had at least one hit except for Pedroia, who went 0-for-4 and grounded into two double plays. Craig Kimbrel threw a perfect ninth for his 16th save of the season.

Dodgers 10, Brewers 6
LOS ANGELES -- Justin Turner homered for the second night in a row and Los Angeles rallied to defeat Milwaukee.
Howie Kendrick and Joc Pederson also went deep for the Dodgers. Pederson delivered a solo shot in the sixth for the Dodgers, who finished with 14 hits to 11 for the Brewers.
Neither starter lasted three innings. Mike Bolsinger of the Dodgers served up five runs on nine hits with two walks and a strikeout in 2 2/3 innings. His counterpart Chase Anderson (4-7) was tagged for seven runs on six hits with three walks and three strikeouts in 2 1/3 innings.
Chris Hatcher (4-3) worked 2 1/3 innings of scoreless relief and delivered his first major league - an RBI single that capped a six-run third.

Astros 5, Reds 4 (11 innings)
HOUSTON -- George Springer delivered a walk-off RBI single as Houston improved to 7-4 in extra-inning games this season after blowing a two-run lead in the ninth.
Cincinnati was down to its final out before Adam Duvall drove a 2-and-2 pitch from Ken Giles to right-center field, putting it a few rows up for a two-run home run to extend the game. It was Duvall's 20th home run of the season and raised his RBI count to 48.
In the seventh inning, Danny Worth doubled before Evan Gattis snapped an 0-for-22 slump by crushing a pitch from Cody Reed to left field for a two-run home run, giving the Astros a 4-2 lead.

Braves 4, Mets 3
NEW YORK -- Ender Inciarte created the go-ahead run in the eighth inning and Atlanta came back from an early three-run deficit.
The Braves (22-46) tied a season high with their fourth straight win. The Mets (36-31) have lost five of seven.
With the score tied 3-3, Inciarte opened the eighth by doubling. After an intentional walk to Freddie Freeman, Jeff Francouer lined out to right fielder Curtis Granderson, who relaxed and held the ball upon seeing Inciarte heading back to second. But upon touching second, Inciarte dashed for third and beat the throw.
Nick Markakis struck out for the second out, but Reed uncorked a wild pitch with Tyler Flowers at the plate. Inciarte broke for home even though the ball was only got a few feet behind Rene Rivera. The Mets catcher retrieved the ball and tried to beat Inciarte to the plate but could not apply the tag in time.

Marlins 9, Rockies 6
MIAMI -- J.T. Realmuto hit a go-ahead, three-run homer while tying a career high four hits as Miami outslugged Colorado.
Justin Bour added a two-run homer as the Marlins recorded 17 hits and 6 2/3 innings of scoreless relief in defeating the Rockies for the second straight day. Giancarlo Stanton raised his average to .210 with three hits -- his first such contest since April 24 for Miami.
The Marlins' Wei-Yin Chen lasted 2 1/3 innings -- the shortest start of his 131-game career. He allowed seven hits, two walks and a season-high six runs, raising his ERA to 5.22 -- the worst among Miami starters.

Yankees 7, Twins 6
MINNEAPOLIS -- Alex Rodriguez hit a two-run home run in the seventh inning and Carlos Beltran added a two-run blast in the eighth as New York scored all its runs in the final innings to defeat Minnesota.
The Twins built a 4-0 lead off Yankees starter Michael Pineda before watching their advantage evaporate on two swings of the bat.
Beltran's homer capped a three-hit game by from the veteran outfielder, who has been red-hot since the beginning of the month. He is hitting .364 in 15 games since June 1, with six homers and 17 RBIs. His 18 home runs and 48 RBIs this season lead the Yankees.

Diamondbacks 4, Phillies 1
Zack Greinke pitched eight strong innings and hot-hitting Paul Goldschmidt slugged a two-run homer to lead Arizona past Philadelphia.
Odubel Herrera's first-inning home run was the only real blemish on Greinke's outing as the three-time All-Star won his seventh consecutive start, improving his record to 10-3 on the season while his ERA dropped to 3.54. He is with a 0.87 ERA in four June starts.
The blast over the left-center railing, Goldschmidt's 14th of the season, capped off a three-run fifth inning that provided all the offense the Diamondbacks needed. The slugging first baseman finished 2-for-5 to extend his hitting streak to 12 games.

**TheGame** · 06-19-2016, 07:24 AM

Re: MLB Betting Info. 6/19

Preview: Braves (22-46) at Mets (36-31)

Game: 3
Venue: Citi Field
Date: June 19, 2016 1:10 PM EDT

NEW YORK -- Completing an unlikely series sweep Sunday isn't going to change the Atlanta Braves' 2016 fortunes. But a third straight win over the New York Mets could put the defending National League champions in a gaping hole.

The Braves will look to sweep the Mets when the two National League East rivals face each other at Citi Field.

Atlanta stormed back from a three-run deficit on Saturday night for a stunning 4-3 win. Center fielder Ender Inciarte created the tiebreaking run in the eighth when he doubled, took third on a lineout by Jeff Francoeur after Mets right fielder Curtis Granderson casually tossed the ball to the infield and scored on a wild pitch 10 feet behind catcher Rene Rivera.

The win was the fourth straight for the Braves (22-46), tying a season high set under former manager Fredi Gonzalez from April 15 to April 19.

"We've been beat up pretty good this year," Francoeur said. "I think to see us right back and see what we're doing here says a lot about our team."

The injury-plagued Mets (36-31), meanwhile, are reeling after losing five of their last seven, all of which came against the sub-.500 Braves, Pittsburgh Pirates and Milwaukee Brewers.

New York, which has three starting position players on the disabled list (first baseman Lucas Duda, third baseman David Wright and catcher Travis d'Arnaud), remained six games behind the Washington Nationals in the NL East after the Nationals blew a late lead Saturday night and lost to the San Diego Padres 7-3.

"This is a tough one, with what's going on right now," Mets manager Terry Collins said. "With a bunch of guys down, you can't lose these kind of games. You've got to win these games. You've got to win these games that you have opportunities to win. When times are tough, these are big games to win."

Mets right-hander Jacob deGrom, pitching on his 28th birthday and on Father's Day for the first time as a Dad, will oppose Braves right-hander Julio Teheran.

DeGrom, whose son Jaxson was born in April, will be looking for his first win since April 30. He is 0-3 in his last eight starts despite a 3.47 ERA.

Teheran enters just 2-7 despite a 2.93 ERA. He has allowed three earned runs or fewer in each of his last 11 starts, a stretch in which he is 2-5 with a 2.13 ERA.

**TheGame** · 06-19-2016, 07:24 AM

Re: MLB Betting Info. 6/19

Preview: Rockies (32-35) at Marlins (36-32)

Game: 3
Venue: Marlins Park
Date: June 19, 2016 1:10 PM EDT

MIAMI -- Jose Fernandez didn't want to skip his scheduled start this past Friday, but there might be an added benefit to him now.

Fernandez, who will start Tuesday against the Atlanta Braves, plans to work the All-Star Game on July 12 in San Diego, assuming he is selected.

"Because of this (skipped start), it lets me pitch in the All-Star Game," said Fernandez, who is 9-3 with a 2.57 ERA. "It would be an honor if they chose me as an All-Star."

Fernandez already has competed in one All-Star Game, as a rookie in 2013, when he pitched a perfect inning, striking out two.

The plan for Fernandez this year is for him to pitch 180 innings. He has worked 80 innings so far, striking out 118, which is quite impressive for a pitcher who is just 25 months removed from elbow surgery.

If Fernandez does make the All-Star Game, he would return to the Marlins' rotation on July 19 at the Philadelphia Phillies. That would slot him fifth in the order as the Marlins continue to look for ways to minimize his innings after Tommy John surgery.

That's the prudent thing to do for Fernandez, but the Marlins no doubt long for the day -- probably in 2017 -- when there are no more innings limits for their ace.

After all, the Marlins, who have won their first two games in their four-game series against the Colorado Rockies -- Game 3 is on Sunday afternoon -- don't have much in the rotation beyond Fernandez.

Wei-Yin Chen, signed to a five-year, $80 million contract this past winter, was hit hard Saturday and has a 5.22 ERA -- worst among Miami starters.

Justin Nicolino (5.17 ERA) is -- like Chen -- a soft-tosser who gets hit hard regularly.

The other two Miami starters -- Adam Conley (3.94 ERA) and Tom Koehler (4.25 ERA) -- have been wildly inconsistent. In general, though, they have pitched to the level of fourth and fifth starters.

That leaves a gaping hole with the No. 2 and No. 3 starters.

Koehler (5-6) has been fortunate in that he ranks 18th among NL starters this season in terms of most run support. The Marlins are averaging 5.50 runs per Koehler start, and he figures to need that Sunday against the Rockies' potent offense.

On the mound, Colorado will start lightly tested left-hander Tyler Anderson, who is 0-0 with a 1.42 ERA. This will mark Anderson's second career start and his first on the road.

The Marlins (36-32) have silenced the Rockies (32-35), who arrived in Miami having won four games in a row and eight of 10.

**TheGame** · 06-19-2016, 07:24 AM

Re: MLB Betting Info. 6/19

Preview: White Sox (33-35) at Indians (37-30)

Game: 3
Venue: Progressive Field
Date: June 19, 2016 1:10 PM EDT

CLEVELAND -- The rejuvenated Cleveland Indians will conclude their three-game series with the Chicago White Sox on Sunday afternoon at Progressive Field. The series has the feel of two ships passing in the night.

The first-place Indians are hot again, having won the first two games of the series, including a 13-2 blowout win on Saturday. The Indians came home having lost four of the last five games on a 10-game homestand.

But returning to the friendly confines of Progressive Field, and playing an opponent from the Central Division have combined to help get the Indians winning again. The Indians are 20-10 versus Central Division opponents, the best division record of any team in the division.

Sunday's game could be a challenge for the Indians, however, because their starting pitcher will be Carlos Carrasco (2-2, 3.40), who has struggled during his career against the White Sox. In 13 career starts against Chicago, Carrasco is 3-8 with a 5.90 ERA.

The Indians' offense continues to get a boost from rookie center fielder Tyler Naquin, who in the win Saturday night came within a double of hitting for the cycle. Naquin 3-for-4 with two walks, a single, a triple, a home run and four RBI.

Naquin started the season with the Indians, was demoted to Triple-A Columbus, and then recalled. With the Indians, he is hitting .320 with five home runs and 14 RBI.

"He looks more relaxed, especially at the plate," Cleveland manager Terry Francona said. "He took some good swings tonight and did some damage."

The White Sox, meanwhile, are struggling again, having lost 17 of their last 23 games, dating to May 23. No White Sox player personifies the team's struggles more than James Shields, who was shelled again Saturday night.

Despite some horrific numbers, Shields will start again in five days, Thursday against the Boston Red Sox.

Saturday night in Cleveland, Shields made his third start for the White Sox since being acquired in a trade with San Diego. It did not go well. After his first 11 pitches, Shields was losing 4-0. He only retired five of the 15 batters he faced, giving up eight runs in 1 2/3 innings.

In his last four start Shields is 0-3 with a 24.62 ERA. Manager Robin Ventura, however, said no consideration is being given to removing Shields from the rotation.

"He's got to figure this thing out," Ventura said. "It's not like he's walking guys all over the place. His velocity isn't what it was five years ago, but he still has the stuff to get people out."

In the meantime, the White Sox will send left-hander Carlos Rodon (2-6, 4.28) to the mound on Sunday as they try to salvage the final game of the series. Rodon appears to match up well with Cleveland. In five career appearances, four of them starts, against the Indians Rodon is 3-0 with a 1.52 ERA.

Whether White Sox outfielder Melky Cabrera plays Sunday remains to be seen. He was removed from Saturday's game in the fourth inning after injuring his wrist while trying to make a diving catch in left field. Ventura said X-rays on the wrist were negative and that Cabrera's status is day-to-day.

**TheGame** · 06-19-2016, 07:25 AM

Re: MLB Betting Info. 6/19

Preview: Giants (43-26) at Rays (31-35)

Game: 3
Venue: Tropicana Field
Date: June 19, 2016 1:10 PM EDT

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. -- There are many differences between the San Francisco Giants and Tampa Bay Rays at this point in the season, but as the Giants look to close out a three-game sweep on Sunday at Tropicana Field, a reliable bullpen is a big part of their seven-game winning streak.

On Saturday, five Giants relievers combined for 4 1/3 innings of relief after spot starter Albert Suarez didn't make it through the fifth.

They didn't give up a run until two out in the ninth on a harmless solo home run in a 6-4 win, having kept San Francisco in the game until Joe Panik's three-run home run in the ninth.

"The 'pen did a great job," Giants manager Bruce Bochy said. "Lefties got big outs. Terrific job to come back."

This comes with closer Santiago Casilla out this weekend on paternity leave.

Bochy used situational matchups, with Steven Okert getting the last out in the fifth, Josh Osich the last out in the seventh. Cory Gearrin stepped in for the ninth, giving up the home run but ultimately getting his second save.

All this came after Suarez -- who signed with the Rays in 2006 and was in their organization for eight years before being released in 2014 -- finally got to pitch at Tropicana Field, helping his team to a win.

"Obviously when I was playing for them, I never thought I was going to pitch against them, but baseball has change," he said.

The Rays, reeling to their third straight home loss after a strong stretch where they had won nine of 11 games, could use a change from their bullpen's rough luck of late.

Even the most reliable of relievers has struggled.

On Saturday, Alex Colome, who had lowered his ERA to 0.90, couldn't hold a tie game in the ninth. He gave up singles to the bottom of the Giants' order in Trevor Brown and Gregor Blanco, then served up a three-run home run to Panik, allowing as many runs as he had all season before Saturday.

"He's been outstanding," manager Kevin Cash said of Colome. "He got burnt by a mistake and that is what it is. Hopefully he's pitching for us again tomorrow because if he is, that means we're winning the game."

Another reliable setup arm, Erasmo Ramirez blew a save in the eighth, giving up a run on a two-out hit by Brandon Crawford to tie the game.

"We got to two guys we've really leaned on and relied upon, and it just wasn't meant to be today," Cash said.

The Rays had been 21-2 when leading after seven innings, and lost when hitting four home runs for the first time since 2014.

"It's only a bad day," Colome said. "It's only one bad pitch. I don't have an excuse. I'm ready for tomorrow. It's only one bad day. We're human."

**TheGame** · 06-19-2016, 07:25 AM

Re: MLB Betting Info. 6/19

Preview: Diamondbacks (31-39) at Phillies (30-39)

Game: 3
Venue: Citizens Bank Park
Date: June 19, 2016 1:35 PM EDT

PHILADELPHIA -- As his team struggles to recapture any of the moment it had earlier in the season, manager Pete Mackanin of the Philadelphia Phillies is getting a little desperate.

In losing nine of their last 10 games, the Phillies have failed to score five runs or more eight times.

Mackanin is doing whatever he can to fix the problem, including starting Cody Asche atop the lineup for the first time in the outfielder's career on Saturday, moving outfielder Odubel Herrera into the second slot and pushing third baseman Maikel Franco down into the six-hole.

None of it worked, as the Phillies managed only four hits in a 4-1 loss to Arizona, their 22nd loss in the last 28 games.

"I've got a few tricks left in my bag, but I'm running out," Mackanin said. "We just have to keep working hard. We can't give up, we just have to bear down and go after it. There's too many games left to panic or get concerned."

With the offense struggling for largely the entire season -- the Phillies' were hitting only .228 heading into Saturday's game -- they had relied heavily on the pitching staff.

But now a young rotation that had been strong in April and May has suddenly had serious trouble getting outs and keeping the ball in the park.

"I've been asked before ... I always said I don't think (the hitting is affecting the pitching), I haven't seen it, but actually that might be the case," Mackanin said.

"These guys don't have that solid, No. 1 type starter to really carry them and emulate. So I think they're all kind of in their own way trying to figure it out without anybody to look up to; likewise, the hitting."

To try to stem the bleeding on Sunday, Mackanin has to turn to the least-experienced pitcher on the staff: rookie Zach Eflin, with a grand total of one Major League start to his name.

It was a rocky start indeed, as Eflin gave up nine runs (eight earned) on nine hits in an 11-3 loss to Toronto on Tuesday.

Mackanin said his message for Eflin's next start is simple: command your pitches.

"He was making his pitches down in the minor leagues, and if he just can continue to do that, and not make mistakes, he's got a good chance to be successful," the manager said.

"I think he needs to pitch inside, use both sides of the plate and change speeds."0

The Phillies' next pitcher to attempt to solve will be Arizona's Archie Bradley, who entered the weekend with a 2-3 record and 5.66 ERA. Bradley has taken losses in each of his three June starts, with a 5.19 ERA during the month.

In his last outing, on June 14 against the Los Angeles Dodgers, Bradley gave up five runs (all earned) in 5? innings of a 7-4 loss.

**TheGame** · 06-19-2016, 07:25 AM

Re: MLB Betting Info. 6/19

Preview: Blue Jays (39-32) at Orioles (39-28)

Game: 3
Venue: Oriole Park at Camden Yards
Date: June 19, 2016 1:35 PM EDT

BALTIMORE -- The Orioles will have a big hole in their lineup in Sunday's series finale with the Toronto Blue Jays as Baltimore third baseman/shortstop Manny Machado is dropping his appeal and begins serving his four-game suspension for what happened in the June 7 brawl with Kansas City pitcher Yordano Ventura.

That could prove tough for the Orioles on Sunday and throughout the four days as Machado has arguably been one of the top players in the major leagues so far this season. He has a .317 average with 17 homers and 42 RBIs after Saturday's 4-2 victory over the Jays.

In addition, the Orioles will have to play one man short throughout the four games as a suspended player can't be replaced on the roster. Manager Buck Showalter is well aware of this.

"We're going to be short somewhere, regardless," Showalter said. "That's part of the penalty. So, kind of pick your poison."

The Orioles (39-28) needed to make some moves to open spots for pitcher Yovani Gallardo and shortstop J.J. Hardy on Saturday, both returning after long stretches on the disabled list. They moved left-hander T.J. McFarland back to Triple-A Norfolk, keeping infielder Paul Janish, who probably will see some playing time at third or serve as a backup.

Machado and the Orioles thought it was the best move at this time. He just wants to move on.

"It's done and over. I'll sit down for the four games and be ready to help this team get to the playoffs," Machado said.

Offense might be hard to find in Sunday's game as the two starters, Toronto's Marcus Stroman (6-2, 4.76 ERA) and Baltimore's Chris Tillman (9-1, 2.87), both have pitched effectively this season.

Stroman won his first four decisions before splitting his last two. Tillman has been on a roll, winning eight straight games and pitching as well as he has in his career.

The Orioles need more consistent starting pitching, and Tillman has been their lone starter who has done well throughout the season. He has emerged as a true ace, and the Orioles need a strong performance from him as the Blue Jays (39-32) have been crushing the ball in recent games.

The Toronto offense, as strong as it is, gained some help with the return of Troy Tulowitzki from the disabled list.

Toronto now has won eight of its last 11 games, a big reason the Blue Jays have turned the American League East into a three-team race. The Orioles come into Sunday's game with a one-game lead over Boston and a two-game edge over the Jays.

The Blue Jays and Orioles split the first two games of this series. Toronto had beaten Baltimore in the last four games between the teams.

These are two of the best-hitting teams in the American League and baseball, and runs often are scored when they play each other.

The big question Sunday is how the Orioles will do without Machado because the Jays have plenty of punch and power on offense.

"I mean, (that's) a good lineup," Toronto knuckleballer R.A. Dickey said. "We're going to do this all year to each other. We have to batten down the hatches and just score more runs than they do."

**TheGame** · 06-19-2016, 07:25 AM

Re: MLB Betting Info. 6/19

Preview: Mariners (36-32) at Red Sox (38-29)

Game: 3
Venue: Fenway Park
Date: June 19, 2016 1:35 PM EDT

BOSTON -- Right-hander Taijuan Walker is expected to make his first start against Boston when the Seattle Mariners visit the Red Sox on Sunday in the three-game series finale.

Walker left Tuesday's start at Tampa Bay with a foot injury after 3 1/3 innings, giving up four runs (three earned) and three hits -- including two home runs. He took a no-decision in Seattle's 8-7 loss.

"It feels good," Walker told the Tacoma News Tribune. "I threw off the mound (Friday), 10 pitches, and it felt good. No pain. A little sore, but I'll be good for (Sunday)."

Walker said he believes the discomfort can be alleviated by fully taping his ankle.

"It helps a lot," Walker said. "It keeps it stable, especially when I have to cover first base or make any moves off the mound."

Mariners manager Scott Servais is cautiously optimistic Walker will be fully healthy.

"He says it feels better. But we'll see," Servais said. "It's kind of in the back of your mind that we may need someone who can carry a little extra length (on Sunday) if it does start barking on him again."

Walker, 23, is 3-6 with a 3.69 ERA.

Before his abbreviated outing in Tampa, Walker recorded his best outing of the season. He went eight scoreless innings against the Indians on June 8, allowing three hits with no walks and 11 strikeouts -- his second double-digit strikeout performance this season and first since April 25 when he struck out 11 Astros.

Walker has faced only one batter on the Red Sox roster. Chris Young is 0-for-2 against Walker.

After three straight losses, Red Sox left-hander David Price (7-4, 4.52 ERA) is looking to get back into the win column Sunday. He has thrown seven straight quality starts and is 3-3 with a 2.68 ERA during that span.

In his last three starts -- against Toronto, at San Francisco and versus Baltimore -- Price pitched 23 innings, allowing eight runs (seven earned) with 22 strikeouts.

In his last outing, against the Orioles, he went eight innings, allowing three runs with no walks and 11 strikeouts.

"That's the best I've felt with everything that I was throwing in however many starts I've made here, for sure," Price said. "I feel like that was the best stuff I've showcased so far, and I'll continue to get better.

"I'm better than three runs (allowed), I know that. That's what I've done my entire career. Whenever I get eight innings and three runs I'm not going to take that. I'll take my chances and go out there to put up nine zeros. I'm getting there. I know that. This team and this coaching staff has confidence in me and we'll continue to get better."

Price has faced Robinson Cano more than any other Seattle hitter, holding him to a .271 average with a home run, 11 RBIs and seven strikeouts in 70 at-bats.

**TheGame** · 06-19-2016, 07:26 AM

Re: MLB Betting Info. 6/19

Preview: Yankees (34-34) at Twins (20-48)

Game: 4
Venue: Target Field
Date: June 19, 2016 2:10 PM EDT

Sweeping a four-game series might be a rare occurrence for a team.

An exception can be made for the New York Yankees against the Minnesota Twins.

The Yankees will go for their third four-game sweep of the Twins in the last eight seasons Sunday afternoon at Target Field and will try to get over the .500 mark again.

The most recent sweep was July 1-4, 2013 in Minnesota when the Yankees scored 29 times and batted .282 while hitting three home runs. In the first three games of this series, New York scored 19 times, batted .320 and hit four home runs.

The latest win has some similarities with the four-game sweep in Yankee Stadium in 2009 when New York scored 11 times in the seventh inning or later.

On Saturday, the Yankees faced a 4-0 deficit but came back for a 7-6 victory. Alex Rodriguez hit a two-run homer off Ricky Nolasco and Carlos Beltran hit two-run shot off Kevin Jespen. After those home runs, the Yankees scored three times in the ninth on a two-run single by Jacoby Ellsbury and a sacrifice fly by Brett Gardner.

"Character win," Rodriguez said.

Beltran had another three hits and has 22 in his last 57 at-bats while leading the team with 18 home runs.

"He's been doing this for a long time now," Yankees manager Joe Girardi said. "He's a professional hitter and understands what he needs to do and he's been really big for our offense this year."

Beating the Twins frequently is nothing new for the Yankees, who have won 19 of 24 meetings at Target Field and are 71-27 against them since the start of the 2002 season.

New York scored 38 times, batted .320 and hit two home runs in a four-game sweep of Minnesota in 2003.

The Twins are 20-48 and have lost five in a row, marking the fourth time they have lost at least five straight this season.

Minnesota hit three home runs Saturday as Byung-ho Park, Kurt Suzuki and Eduardo Escobar homered. Suzuki's home run would have been the game-winner but Minnesota's pitching continued faltering as it has compiled a 6.33 ERA against the Yankees and an 6.40 ERA during the last five games.

"We've had a lot of losses," Twins manager Paul Molitor said. "You don't ever want to get comfortable. We've had trouble winning games that we have a chance to win late. There's not been a lot of those either, but today was one of them.'

The Yankees hope Nathan Eovaldi can find some semblance of his stuff from when he won five straight starts. He has a 9.82 ERA since his last win on May 29 and over his last three starts, the right-hander has allowed 16 earned runs and 26 hits.

The Twins have been swept nine times this season and will turn to Ervin Santana, who has plenty of experience facing the Yankees. Most of Santana's experiences against the Yankees have not gone well as the right-hander is 5-9 with a 6.22 ERA in 17 career starts against them.

Santana has not beaten the Yankees since pitching eight innings for the Angels in a 1-0 victory at Yankee Stadium on Aug. 1, 2008. He is 0-7 with a 6.60 ERA in his last 10 outings against the Yankees.

Those struggles against New York also mirror his struggles this season. Santana is 0-5 with a 7.71 ERA in his last five starts, raising his ERA from 3.13 to 5.10.

"He just hasn't been consistent like he has in the past," Molitor told reporters following Santana's last start on Tuesday.

**TheGame** · 06-19-2016, 07:26 AM

Re: MLB Betting Info. 6/19

Preview: Reds (27-42) at Astros (33-36)

Game: 3
Venue: Minute Maid Park
Date: June 19, 2016 2:10 PM EDT

HOUSTON -- The last time Mike Fiers took the mound against the Cincinnati Reds, it was in a different city, a different league and most notably a different uniform.

On Sunday, Fiers (4-3) takes the ball for the Houston Astros (33-36) in their series finale against the Reds (27-42) at Minute Maid Park.

Fiers, acquired in a midseason trade from the Milwaukee Brewers in 2015, will start against the Reds for the seventh time in his career but the first time as an Astro and the first time since July 3, 2015. He won that day for Milwaukee, giving up no runs and three hits in seven innings. In his career, Fiers is 2-4 against the Reds.

Fiers is coming off a win over Tampa Bay on June 11. He is seeking back-to-back wins for the first time since April 17 and 23 against Detroit and Boston.

"I think the confidence in myself," Fiers said when asked about what has been working for him lately. "Just having the confidence of throwing every pitch in different counts and not being afraid of contact.

"Pitching to contact, getting these guys to swing early and get early outs ... just try to get off the field as quick as possible."

Cincinnati starter Brandon Finnegan is another pitcher who has been riding a bit of a hot streak.

Finnegan (2-4) has registered back-to-back wins entering his 15th start of the season.

In Finnegan's last five starts, he has gone 2-2 with a 2.41 ERA while allowing just nine runs in 33 2/3 innings.

"He's been better than we could have expected for a guy with such a limited amount of professional baseball experience," Reds manager Bryan Price said. "He's been even better than advertised because I didn't know he competed as well as he does. It's been, I think, the key to his success."

After a 5-4 victory in extra innings on Saturday, the Astros will try and clinch yet another series.

After dropping three of the first 12 series this season, Houston has a chance to clinch its seventh series victory in the last 10.

"We go home happy, we go home feeling good about ourselves," Astros manager A.J. Hinch said after the extra-inning win on Saturday. "We have a chance to win the series after a tough loss last night. There will be guys looking forward to getting to the ballpark tomorrow as opposed to when you lose a couple of these in a row."

For the Reds, after posting sub-.500 records in April (9-15) and May (8-20), June has been going well with a 10-7 record. Cincinnati is seeking its third series victory in its last five.

"There's people solely based on wins and losses, and we will be in a place hopefully in the next year or two where the only thing that will matter are wins or losses and we can win a World Series," Price said. "Right now, we're battling our tail off to stay in every game and have a chance to win."

**TheGame** · 06-19-2016, 07:26 AM

Re: MLB Betting Info. 6/19

Preview: Tigers (34-34) at Royals (37-31)

Game: 4
Venue: Ewing M. Kauffman Stadium
Date: June 19, 2016 2:15 PM EDT

KANSAS CITY, Mo. -- The Detroit Tigers have a new offensive weapon as they complete their four-game series on Sunday with the Kansas City Royals.

They purchased the contract of corner infielder Casey McGehee from Triple-A Toledo, where he was among the International League leaders with a .323 average, 80 hits and 17 doubles.

McGehee, signed to a minor league contract by the Tigers in spring training, provides a big bat off the bench plus insurance at other positions.

"With some of the minor injuries we've had with Vic (Martinez, right knee) and Cam (Maybin, quad), we needed that fourth position player back," manager Brad Ausmus said. "If we think we need to give Vic a day for his knee, McGehee can DH, or he could play first and let Miggy (Cabrera) get off his feet and DH for a day. It gives us some flexibility."

McGehee, 33, has had some productive years in the majors, hitting .285 with 23 home runs, 38 doubles and 104 RBIs in 2010 with Milwaukee. He batted .287 with four home runs, 29 doubles and 76 RBIs with Miami in 2014, when he was named the National League comeback player of the year after playing in Japan the previous year.

"I called my dad on my way up here, so it brought back a lot of good memories of the first time I got to make that phone call, so, you know, I've been through, pretty much every level of baseball that you can imagine short of being a superstar, being an All-Star," McGehee said. "I've had really good years. I've had really crappy years. OK years. Sent down, released, went to Japan, came back, so I think all those experiences lead into this.

"I think I can enjoy it in a different way than I did before, but at the same time, I've done this long enough to know that, one, your next day is never guaranteed and, two, that it's serious business, so just enjoy it. It's the best that you can get. So all that goes into it."

In 820 games in the majors with the Chicago Cubs, who drafted him in the eighth round in 2003, Milwaukee Brewers, Pirates, Yankees, Giants and Marlins, McGehee has hit 67 home run with 379 RBIs and a .259 average. He has played only 22 games in the American League before joining the Tigers.

McGehee grounded out as a pinch hitter to end the Tigers' 16-5 loss to the Royals.

The Tigers are making changes in their pitching staff, optioning left-handers Matt Boyd and Blaine Hardy to Triple-A Toledo after the game. No word on who the replacements will be or will take Boyd's spot in the rotation.

Royals designated hitter Kendrys Morales has reached base in 10 of his past 11 plate appearances. He had four hits, drove in five runs and scored four times on Saturday after struggling much of the season.

"He's a big key to our lineup," Royals manager Ned Yost said. "He's a big-time run producer. Any time you win the Silver Slugger as the DH, that's probably the toughest spot to win a Silver Slugger because there so many good hitters at that position."

Morales hit .290 with 41 doubles, 22 home runs and 106 RBIs last year, but is hitting .229 with eight home runs and 32 RBIs this season.

Chris Young will start the series finale Sunday against the Tigers. Young is 4-0 with a 1.71 career ERA against Detroit.

The Tigers will counter with RHP Jordan Zimmermann, who is 2-0 with a 1.29 ERA in two starts at Kansas City.

**TheGame** · 06-19-2016, 07:27 AM

Re: MLB Betting Info. 6/19

Preview: Rangers (44-25) at Cardinals (35-32)

Game: 3
Venue: Busch Stadium
Date: June 19, 2016 2:15 PM EDT

ST. LOUIS -- If there is a consolation to blowing a 3-0 lead with four outs left, it's that the schedule gives the St. Louis Cardinals little time to mourn arguably their worst loss of the season.

Another day game with the surging Texas Rangers awaits Sunday in Busch Stadium, the last game of a five-game homestand in which St. Louis has gone 0-4, hacking up eighth and ninth inning leads to cost it two victories.

Saturday's 4-3 loss is one that can stick with a team if it's not careful. The Cardinals (35-32) did plenty to aid Texas' comeback, contributing a walk, error, hit batter, wild pitch and passed ball.

"Over the course of the season, you go back and remember games that you felt you should have put away and this is one," St. Louis manager Mike Matheny said. "It stings right now, that's for sure."

To avoid a winless homestand, the Cardinals will turn to right-hander Mike Leake (5-4, 4.08), who is 5-1 in his last six decisions. Leake sailed through an 8-3 win on June 12 in Pittsburgh, going seven innings and allowing only two earned runs while fanning six.

Leake has been as advertised since a rough April, ranking among the National League's top control pitchers. He hasn't walked a batter in his last two starts and has eaten up the innings St. Louis projected him to when signing him to a five-year deal in the offseason.

Opposing Leake will be left-hander Martin Perez (6-4, 3.38), who snapped a 14-game winless streak on the road Tuesday night with a 10-6 win in Oakland by pitching seven innings, giving up four runs off nine hits.

Perez will be backed up by a resourceful offense that scored all its runs in the last two innings Saturday. None of those runs came on a hit, as the Rangers scored on a wild pitch, an error, a walk and a sacrifice fly.

Second baseman Rougned Odor brings a six-game hitting streak into the series finale, going 2-for-4 on Saturday with an infield hit that started the winning rally in the ninth.

Right fielder Shin-Soo Choo's return to the lineup from an injury has only added to the depth of Texas' attack. Choo reached base three times Saturday, drawing a bases-loaded walk to tie the game in the ninth.

Choo's patient approach fits well with a Ranger team that clearly isn't afraid to pass the baton down to the next man. Texas owns 21 wins in games it has trailed in this year.

"That's why we're in first place," Choo said. "We never think we're out of a game."

Saturday's win gave the Rangers nine consecutive series wins, a franchise record, and upped their American League West lead over Seattle to 7Â½ games.

However, second-year manager Jeff Banister isn't exactly breaking his arm patting himself on the back over his team's considerable accomplishments.

"I don't think they're going to give us any badges," Bannister said. "We've got another game tomorrow."

And after a come-from-ahead loss like Saturday, another game might not be the worst thing for the Cardinals.

**TheGame** · 06-19-2016, 07:27 AM

Re: MLB Betting Info. 6/19

Preview: Angels (30-38) at Athletics (28-40)

Game: 3
Venue: Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum
Date: June 19, 2016 4:05 PM EDT

OAKLAND, Calif. -- Los Angeles Angels right-hander Jered Weaver got off to a fast start this season, going 3-0 in his first four outings.

Since then, Weaver has struggled to regain his groove. He's gone 2-6 with a 6.54 ERA in his past nine starts, but he'll try to get back on track Sunday against the Oakland A's in the final game of a three-game series.

"Trying to get my body figured out," Weaver said Saturday before the Angels' 7-1 victory. "There's good days and bad days. I've had to pitch around some stuff this year, but it hasn't gotten to the point where I can't go out there and take the ball every fifth day. Just looking for some consistency. It's been a little hit or miss. But just going out there and battling and trying to keep us in the game."

Last season Weaver missed 40 games from June 21 to Aug. 9 because of left hip inflammation.

"It's kind of been lingering, but it's gotten a lot better," Weaver said. "It's not like it was last year. I've been working hard to get everything situated, as far as the body goes. It's taken a little bit longer than I thought, but I definitely feel better than I did last year."

As was the case last season when he gave up 24 home runs in 159 innings of work, Weaver has been hurt by the long ball. He has allowed 18 home runs in 75 2/3 innings, including two in each of his past three starts.

Weaver could be pitching for his spot in the rotation. The Angels signed free-agent right hander Tim Lincecum on May 20, and he made his debut on Saturday against the A's, allowing one run on four hits over six innings. Right-hander Nick Tropeano is on the disabled list (right shoulder tightness) but is making progress in his recovery and is expected to be activated later this month.

Weaver said he has no problem pitching out of the bullpen if that's what the Angels want him to do.

"I pitched out of the bullpen in a playoff game in Boston and got a win," Weaver said. "That's the last time I've done it. I've always been a team guy, and whatever they decide to do they decide to do. Whatever I can do to help or what they think is best, is obviously what's more important for the team."

In Game 3 of the 2008 ALDS against the Red Sox, Weaver got the win in the Angels 5-4, 12-inning victory. He blanked the Red Sox in the 11th and 12 innings, allowing one hit while striking out three and walking one.

Weaver will face A's left-hander Eric Surkamp, who is 0-4 with an 8.07 ERA in seven starts over four stints with the A's this season. In his last start, Surkamp gave up seven runs on seven hits over 2 1/3 innings in a 10-6 loss to Texas.

"Getting ahead (in the count) is the key," A's manager Bob Melvin said of Surkamp. "Any time you get ahead in the count, you can use a full complement of pitches. When you're getting behind then you're a little bit, have to throw your fastball a little bit more and you have to throw it over the plate. He's not a velocity guy that throws in the mid-90s.

"I think just getting ahead in counts is going to be key for him. And then pitch with some confidence. We saw that confidence in that last spring training game here against the Giants. So it's in him, and that's really what put him on the map for us and gave him the opportunity to start for us in the fashion that he has this year. So I think a combination of both those things. If he is ahead in the count, I think he'll be that much more confident."

**TheGame** · 06-19-2016, 07:27 AM

Re: MLB Betting Info. 6/19

Preview: Brewers (31-38) at Dodgers (37-33)

Game: 4
Venue: Dodger Stadium
Date: June 19, 2016 4:10 PM EDT

LOS ANGELES -- Matt Garza and Kenta Maeda are hoping they fare much better Sunday than the starting pitchers did Saturday.

Garza and Maeda will face off in the final game of the four-game series between the clubs at Dodger Stadium.

On Saturday, Los Angeles starter Mike Bolsinger and Milwaukee's Chase Anderson were both knocked out early as both clubs feasted in a 10-6 win by the Dodgers. Neither Bolsinger or Anderson lasted three innings.

"It's tough. I'm not going to sit up here and make excuses anymore. I've just got to figure it out," said Bolsinger, who is good friends with Anderson and are former teammates with the Arizona Diamondbacks. "For me, it's just kind of getting on the mound and working on things. It's little things. I'm sure I'll figure it out."

Anderson said, "It's frustrating. Wasn't able to make pitches when I needed to make pitches, and when I made pitches, they found a hole. It wasn't might night."

Garza (0-0, 2.25 ERA), who will make his second start of the season on Sunday, received a no-decision in the Brewers' 3-2 loss to the San Francisco Giants on Tuesday. He allowed one run and eight hits with five strikeouts and a walk in four innings.

Garza had been on the disabled list since April with a right lat strain. In his only career start against Los Angeles, he gave up three runs and four hits with three walks and five strikeouts in an 8-2 loss on May 5, 2015, at Miller Park in Milwaukee.

Maeda (6-4, 2.75 ERA) left in the sixth inning of his last start on Tuesday against Arizona when he was struck on the leg by a line drive off the bat of Paul Goldschmidt. Maeda was charged with three runs (two earned) and six hits with six strikeouts and a walk in 5 1/3 innings of a 7-4 win by Los Angeles over Arizona.

The Dodgers, who have won the past two games against the Brewers, will attempt to capture the series with a win.

Justin Turner has been instrumental in the past two victories over the Brewers. On Friday, Turner homered twice and drove in the winning run with a walk-off single in the 10th inning of a 3-2 decision.

On Saturday, Turner smashed a three-run homer that tied the score in the third inning.

"Just a great night," said Turner, who tied a season high with three RBIs. "To be down early and fight back into it, you've got to tip the cap to the bullpen. They come in and have to pick up a lot of innings and throw zeroes up there and keep us in the game and give us a chance to win."

Howie Kendrick and Joc Pederson also went deep. Pederson delivered a solo shot in the sixth for the Dodgers (37-33), who finished with 14 hits to 11 for the Brewers.

Ryan Braun hit his 12th home run of the season for Milwaukee (31-38), which dropped its fifth in six games.

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MLB Betting Info. 6/19

MLB Betting Info. 6/19

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