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**TheGame** · 08-25-2016, 07:39 AM

Re: MLB Betting Info. 8/25

MLB roundup: Darvish homers; Rangers edge Reds
By The Sports Xchange

CINCINNATI -- Yu Darvish hit his first career home run in a no-decision and Adrian Beltre drove in the eventual winning run with a double in the eighth inning, lifting the Texas Rangers to a 6-5 victory over the Cincinnati Reds on Wednesday night at Great American Ball Park.
The Rangers gained a split of the two-game interleague series and lead the Seattle Mariners by 6 1/2 games in the American League West.
Jake Diekman (4-2) picked up the victory. Darvish didn't allow a hit until the fifth and wound up yielding five runs (three earned), four hits and five walks while striking out five, but Cincinnati rallied from a three-run deficit to hand Darvish a no-decision.
Texas regained the lead in the eighth on Beltre's two-out RBI double off Blake Wood. It was career hit No. 2,900 for Beltre.
With two outs in the fifth, Darvish crushed a pitch onto the grassy knoll in center for his third career hit. Ian Desmond followed with his 21st homer to give Texas a 5-2 lead.

Dodgers 1, Giants 0
LOS ANGELES -- Justin Turner's homer was the difference for Los Angeles.
The win boosted LA's cushion in the National League West to three games over San Francisco, which lost its fourth in a row. The Dodgers won (71-55) their fourth straight.
Pedro Baez, Adam Liberatore and Joe Blanton combined to blank the Giants for two innings. Kenley Jansen posted his 37th save by striking out two in a perfect ninth.
Adrian Gonzalez went 1-for-3 and extended his hitting streak to 17 games, and Corey Seager had his end at 14 in a row with an 0-for-4 outing. Giants outfielder Angel Pagan went 0-for-3 with a walk, snapping his 19-game hitting streak.

Marlins 3, Royals 0
MIAMI -- Jose Fernandez improved his career home record to 27-2 and set a franchise record for strikeouts, leading Miami over red-hot Kansas City.
The Royals had their nine-game win streak snapped.
Fernandez (13-7) set his personal best with his 13th win. He also finished the game with 213 strikeouts this year, breaking the Marlins' previous season record of 209 set by Ryan Dempster in 2000.
Fernandez went 2-for-2 as a hitter, raising his batting average to .286. His one-out single in the sixth inning started a three-run Miami rally. Dee Gordon and Martin Prado followed with singles, and Christian Yelich, up with the bases loaded, lined a two-run single to right. Marcell Ozuna capped the rally with a sacrifice fly.

Orioles 10, Nationals 8
WASHINGTON -- Manny Machado had four hits and four RBIs, Matt Wieters had two hits and four RBIs and Wade Miley picked up his first win in five starts with Baltimore.
Machado drove in Hyun Soo Kim, who also had two hits, with a single and Jonathan Schoop had an RBI single in the eighth to give the Orioles a 7-3 lead. Wieters then hit a three-run homer to make it 10-3. That came after an RBI single by Washington's Daniel Murphy had trimmed the margin to 5-3 in the seventh.
Murphy (three hits) hit a grand slam with one out in the ninth to pull the Nationals to 10-7. That brought on closer Zach Britton, who gave up an RBI double to Anthony Rendon to make it 10-8 before Ryan Zimmerman hit into a double play to end the game.

Rays 4, Red Sox 3 (11)
ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. -- Boston dropped the ball on potential third outs twice on one play and Tampa Bay walked off with an 11-inning win as Kevin Kiermaier drove in Luke Maile.
With two outs and two on in the 11th, Kiermaier hit a ground ball to first base, but the throw to reliever Heath Hembree went off his glove for a fielding error. The throw home was in time to get Maile at the plate, but catcher Sandy Leon didn't hold onto the ball and the winning run scored.
Before Longoria's 30th home run, Boston's David Ortiz got his 30th, becoming the oldest player in baseball history to reach 30 in a season. Ortiz, 40, also got to 100 RBIs with the home run, giving him 10 seasons of 30-plus home runs and 100-plus RBIs, the most ever for a Red Sox player.

Phillies 5, White Sox 3
CHICAGO -- Jerad Eickhoff allowed a sixth-inning home run and little else to help lead Philadelphia over Chicago and a split in the two-game interleague series.
Eickhoff (9-12) made it three straight wins while allowing two runs on four hits and striking out two in six innings.
White Sox starter James Shields (5-16) suffered his fourth straight loss and seventh since July 10. He gave up two home runs, including Tommy Joseph's 17th of the season to open a 4-0 Phillies lead in the sixth.

Tigers 9, Twins 4
MINNEAPOLIS -- Miguel Cabrera homered and finished a triple short of the cycle as Detroit hammered Minnesota.
Cabrera's solo home run in the first inning gave Detroit the lead and the Tigers never trailed, scoring five runs in the third and tacking on three in the eighth to put the game out of reach.
Justin Upton also homered and now has four consecutive two-hit games after a 1-for-31 skid put him on the bench for a few games last week.

Cardinals 8, Mets 1
ST. LOUIS -- Carlos Martinez Martinez limited New York to four hits and a run in eight dominant innings and St. Louis pounded Jacob deGrom.
Martinez (12-7) walked three and struck out five while inducing two more double play balls, giving him a National League-high 27 for the year. Meanwhile, deGrom (7-7), who allowed 13 hits and eight runs Thursday night at San Francisco, was ripped for 12 hits and five runs in 4 2/3 innings, walking two and fanning three.
The Cardinals (67-58) tied a season high with 19 hits. Stephen Piscotty went 3-for-5 with three RBIs, and Yadier Molina also went 3-for-5, singling home the last run in the eighth to cap the onslaught.

Brewers 7, Rockies 1
MILWAUKEE -- Ryan Braun hit two home runs, Zach Davies struck out eight and Milwaukee finished a three-game sweep of Colorado at Miller Park.
Davies (10-6) had lost two in a row coming into the game but scattered five hits and three walks in six innings. The only blemish on his line was a first-inning home run by Nolan Arenado, who moved into sole possession of first place on the National League leaderboard with 34 for the season -- one ahead of Chicago's Kris Bryant.
Colorado starter Tyler Anderson (4-5) struck out 10 while allowing three hits and two walks in five innings.

Astros 5, Pirates 4
PITTSBURGH -- Evan Gattis belted a two-run homer and three others drove in a run as Houston built an early lead and held on for a victory over Pittsburgh at PNC Park.
Houston claimed the rubber match of the interleague series and has won five of its past six games.
Gregory Polanco drove in two runs and Jordy Mercer hit a homer for Pittsburgh, which has lost five of its past six.

Cubs 6, Padres 3
SAN DIEGO -- Kyle Hendricks tossed six strong innings and Ben Zobrist hit a two-run triple and scored two runs as the Cubs completed a three-game sweep.
The Cubs outscored the Padres 16-7 in the three games and their pitchers held the San Diego hitters to 16 hits.
Hendricks (12-7) allowed two runs and four hits and struck out eight in the win. Left-handed closer Aroldis Chapman picked up his second save in as many games, giving him nine with Chicago and 29 for the season.

Athletics 5, Indians 1
OAKLAND, Calif. -- Oakland's Kendall Graveman (10-8) took a shutout into the seventh inning and yielded just one run in 6 2/3 innings against first-place Cleveland.
Khris Davis triggered a five-run second inning with a triple off Indians right-hander Trevor Bauer, helping the A's win a second straight game against an Indians team that was held to one run in each of the three games in the series.
The only run Graveman allowed was a disputed solo home run by Roberto Perez with two outs in the seventh inning. The ball appeared to hit the top of the right-field fence and bounce back into play, but the umpires ruled it had cleared the wall and replay confirmed the call.
All three Indians runs in the series came on homers.

Yankees 5, Mariners 0
SEATTLE - Red-hot rookie Gary Sanchez homered for the seventh time in eight games and Masahiro Tanaka outdueled former Japanese league teammate Hisashi Iwakuma to lift New York.
Besides his first-inning homer, Sanchez doubled in the fifth and was walked intentionally in the seventh and ninth with runners aboard and first base open.
Tanaka (11-4) allowed six hits in seven scoreless innings, striking out five and walking one to improve to 5-0 in five career starts against the Mariners.
Iwakuma (14-9), who had won eight of his 10 previous starts, allowed three runs and six hits in six innings to lose consecutive decisions for the first time since April.

**TheGame** · 08-25-2016, 07:39 AM

Re: MLB Betting Info. 8/25

Preview: Tigers (67-59) at Twins (49-77)

Game: 3
Venue: Target Field
Date: August 25, 2016 1:10 PM EDT

MINNEAPOLIS -- The Detroit Tigers will go for the three-game sweep of the Minnesota Twins when the teams play at Target Field on Thursday afternoon.

Detroit owns a 9-2 record against Minnesota this season and has won three-straight games overall. The Twins, after a solid stretch of play in July and into early August have lost their last six dating back to last Thursday against Kansas City.

The Tigers have gotten plenty of offense in the series thus far, scoring eight runs in the opener on Tuesday before posting nine runs in Wednesday's 9-4 victory.

All nine runs came with two outs, something that has been a bugaboo of the Twins virtually all season. The 287 runs allowed by Minnesota with two outs are by far the most in baseball, more than 20 ahead of Arizona, which is second.

"It's kind of painful," said Twins manager Paul Molitor. "A lot of opportunities to try and get off the field and it just wasn't happening."

The main culprits on Wednesday were Tigers sluggers Miguel Cabrera and Justin Upton. Cabrera finished with four hits, including his team-leading 28th home run, and finished a triple short of the cycle.

Upton has been red hot since returning to the lineup, posting his fourth-straight two hit effort. He also homered, marking the third time in four games that he has hit a three-run blast.

"He lengthens the lineup and he's got power as we saw tonight. He can hit the ball as far as anyone in the lineup," said Tigers manager Brad Ausmus. "We just want to keep him rolling."

Upton, in his first regular appearances against American League pitching, has found things to be challenging in his first year in Detroit. That hasn't applied to Twins hurlers or at Target Field, where Upton has 11 hits in 21 at-bats in four games at the park.

After a recent 1-for-31 stretch at the plate, Ausmus gave Upton a few days on the bench to help clear his head. So far, the results are encouraging.

"Sometimes that's needed," Upton said. "A little break, but I'm back at it now. My timing is better. And I'm seeing some pitches."

Thursday's game will feature a pair of young pitchers, with Detroit sending left-hander Daniel Norris to the bump against Twins righty Jose Berrios.

Norris will be making his eighth start in the Majors this season; in none of the previous seven has he allowed more than three runs. Despite that, Norris hasn't lasted more than 5 1/3 innings in any start and hasn't earned a victory since June 29. Thursday's start will mark the second against the Twins in Norris' career; he allowed one run on one hit in 3 2/3 innings last season.

Berrios, arguably the top player in the Twins farm system, has found the adjustment to the Majors rough during his rookie season. He's been blasted in each of his last three outings. In four starts since being recalled from Triple-A Rochester earlier this month, opponents are hitting .329 off Berrios who has a 1-2 record and a 8.47 ERA.

The right-hander will be looking to bounce back from his shortest outing of the season so far against Detroit on May 16, when he allowed seven runs on three hits and four walks in just two-thirds of an inning at Comerica Park.

**TheGame** · 08-25-2016, 07:40 AM

Re: MLB Betting Info. 8/25

Preview: Red Sox (71-55) at Rays (53-72)

Game: 4
Venue: Tropicana Field
Date: August 25, 2016 1:10 PM EDT

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. -- The Boston Red Sox lost in 11 innings on Wednesday night to the Tampa Bay Rays, but as they wrap up a four-game series Thursday afternoon, the bigger loss could be rookie outfielder Andrew Benintendi.

Benintendi sprained his left knee while running the bases in the seventh inning. He was between second and third when a ground ball was hit to Red Sox shortstop Matt Duffy, who turned and tagged Benintendi. He took one step and landed awkwardly on his leg. He will undergo an MRI on Thursday to determine the severity of the injury.

"You never like to see a player come off, but he certainly has grabbed the attention of the sport. He's been embraced by the rest of this club," Red Sox manager John Farrell said. "We're just going to make sure we get all the appropriate information on any further injury or the extent of it tomorrow morning."

Benintendi, 22, has made a splash in his first month in the majors since being recalled Aug. 2, only 14 months after he was drafted. He is hitting .324 with 10 RBIs in 68 at-bats, providing production from the No. 9 slot in the batting order.

The injury puts a damper on what had been a strong run for Boston, winning 10 of 12 games before Wednesday's loss to move into a tie for first in the American League East with Toronto.

Tampa Bay starter, RHP Jake Odorizzi, has the best ERA in the American League since the All-Star break, going 5-0 with a 1.64 ERA. After getting just three wins in his first 19 starts of the season and leading the majors in no-decisions, he now has five wins in his last seven starts.

Odorizzi has pitched well against Boston at Tropicana Field, with a 0.92 career ERA there in 19 2/3 innings. This year, he has faced the Red Sox twice and has a 9.00 ERA. For his career, he's 2-3 with a 4.36 ERA in 10 starts against Boston.

It's a quick turnaround for the Rays, who used five relievers in Wednesday's 11-inning win, but they have the momentum of an unlikely walk-off win on a fielding error.

"Our bullpen was outstanding -- that's two nights in a row where our bullpen's done a really nice job coming in and keeping it right there, giving us every opportunity to win a ballgame," said manager Kevin Cash, who recalled RHP Tyler Sturdevant from Triple-A Durham to help the bullpen after the game.

Thursday's Red Sox starter Drew Pomeranz has won his last two starts but is just 2-2 with a 4.23 ERA in seven starts since being acquired from the San Diego Padres last month.

Pomeranz has gotten into a groove of late -- in his last four starts, he has allowed a total of six runs for a 2.25 ERA. His biggest problem since joining the Red Sox has been home runs -- he has given up eight in his seven starts, at least one in each outing, after allowing eight total in 17 starts with the Padres.

**TheGame** · 08-25-2016, 07:40 AM

Re: MLB Betting Info. 8/25

Preview: Angels (53-73) at Blue Jays (71-55)

Game: 3
Venue: Rogers Centre
Date: August 25, 2016 7:07 PM EDT

TORONTO -- The Toronto Blue Jays are among the remaining major league clubs that can still say team goals are the priority and really mean it.

It is different for the Los Angeles Angels, who are last in the American League West despite an 8-2 win over the Blue Jays on Wednesday night.

They have split the first two games of a three-game series with the rubber game on Thursday at Rogers Centre.

The Blue Jays remained tied for the American League East lead because the Boston Red Sox also lost, 4-3 in 11 innings to the Tampa Bay Rays on Wednesday.

So when starter Marco Estrada was asked about his state of mind after having his second straight poor outing, he could say: "We're still in first, I mean we're up there, so as long as we keep winning games, I'm going to be just as happy as everybody else is.

"Obviously, it's not something I want to keep doing. My last two outings haven't gone well. Things happen."

Despite allowing six runs in five innings on Wednesday, Estrada knows he is pitching for a team that has a chance to repeat as AL East champions.

In the Angels' clubhouse, the emphasis was on an individual achievement, more than a team goal.

Albert Pujols hit his 24th homer of the season and the 584th of his career in the first inning after Mike Trout hit his 24th homer of the season.

Pujols moved past Mark McGwire into 10th place on the career home run list. He is two homers from tying Frank Robinson for ninth. A few dingers Thursday would do that. His next RBI will give him 100 for the season for the 13th time in his career. Chances are better that he does that Thursday.

Pujols did not talk to the media after the game, but others did.

"That's pretty special," Trout said. "Obviously, he and McGwire were teammates, they know each other well. It's pretty special for him.

"He's done it his whole career. He hasn't shown any signs of slowing down. He's still putting up numbers, still driving in 100. It's fun to watch, for sure."

"We're happy for him and hopefully he keeps doing that," said Matt Shoemaker, the winning pitcher. "Albert will probably pass a few more of those guys, hopefully all of them."

The Blue Jays have left-hander J.A. Happ (17-3, 3.05 ERA) going Thursday and the Angels will start right-hander Jered Weaver (8-11, 5.47).

Happ is going for his 12th straight win in his past 13 starts, but he is 0-4 with an 8.00 ERA in four career starts against the Angels.

On the other hand, Weaver, who has struggled this season, has had success in his career against the Blue Jays.

In 13 career starts against them, he is 10-2 with a 3.42 ERA. In four starts against Toronto since 2013, he is 3-0 with a 2.74 ERA. He is 4-1 with a 4.22 ERA in five career starts at Rogers Centre.

The Blue Jays said they were not taking the Angels lightly in this series. The results on Wednesday showed why they can't afford to do so.

"I choose to be optimistic and look forward," Blue Jays manager John Gibbons said. "It was one of those games where they outplayed us in every phase. It's not the first one, it won't be the last."

**TheGame** · 08-25-2016, 07:40 AM

Re: MLB Betting Info. 8/25

Preview: Orioles (70-56) at Nationals (73-53)

Game: 4
Venue: Nationals Park
Date: August 25, 2016 7:05 PM EDT

WASHINGTON -- For the second time in four days, a right-handed pitcher with 15 wins will be scratched from making a start in the Beltway Series.

Baltimore ace Chris Tillman (15-5, 3.76 ERA) was slated to start against the Washington Nationals in the finale of the two-city, four-game series.

But Tillman went on the 15-day disabled list Wednesday with right shoulder bursitis. That came after Washington right-hander Stephen Strasburg was pulled from making a start Monday in Baltimore as he went on the DL with elbow concerns.

The Orioles will start Ubaldo Jimenz on Thursday against Washington right-hander Max Scherzer, who is 13-7 with a 3.05 ERA. Jimenez is 5-10 with a 6.94 ERA in 22 games (18 starts).

"We think he is the best option," Orioles manager Buck Showalter said of Jimenez, who began the season in the rotation but was removed due to ineffectiveness. "Everyone has a choice. A lot of things factor in.

"He's probably the most equipped. He's pitched well here and against these guys. We looked at our options and felt like he was worthy of getting another opportunity. Actually, it probably makes our bullpen work a little better, too, the other four days."

Have the Orioles considered using Vance Worley, a long reliever, as a starter this year?

"A guy who can give you long innings in the American League is extremely important. It allows you to keep your bullpen healthy," Showalter said. "And when you don't have a maneuverable bullpen with options and stuff, you've got to do it from within."

Jimenez was signed to a four-year contract as a free agent prior to the 2014 season.

"He hasn't started for us in a long time," Showalter said. "We felt he was the one."

It will be a tough test against Scherzer, who may be want to be careful against Baltimore center fielder Adam Jones.

Jones is 11-for-22 against the right-hander, and three of those hits are home runs. Scherzer is 8-3 with a 2.32 ERA in his last 15 starts and is 4-2, 3.81 in eight career starts against the Orioles.

Jimenez doesn't have much of a track record against Washington hitters.

Ben Revere is hitting .333 in 12 at-bats against the right-hander while Daniel Murphy is 3-for-11 with one homer. Revere did not start Wednesday in a 10-8 loss to the Orioles but came off the bench and hit a pinch-hit double to left in the seventh.

Chris Davis is hitting .381 with one homer in 21 at-bats against Scherzer.

Jimenez will have to deal with Washington center fielder Trea Turner, who had singles in his first four at-bats Wednesday to give him eight hits in a row. That tied a Montreal/Washington franchise record as Andre Dawson had eight hits in a row in 1983 for the Expos. He also made a diving catch for the first out of the game on the warning track in center.

"That was big. He just outran that ball," Washington manager Dusty Baker said. "Trea's been playing great. He had a great night at the plate. He's also a very determined young man. That determination and youthful exuberance I think has rubbed off on the team."

Turner was finally retired for the first out in the top of the ninth Wednesday. Later in the inning, Murphy hit a grand slam to make it 10-7 and Anthony Rendon had an RBI double to make it 10-8 before Zach Britton got the final two outs to nail down the win.

The Nationals have lost four straight.

"Physical puts wear and tear on your body and mental puts wear and tear on your mind," Baker said. "If you're body's weak and your mind is strong, that makes your body strong. Like I said, these guys showed a lot of mental strength tonight because they could have just rolled over and just wrote the game off, but they didn't. We were a hit away from walking away with that game, and that would have been probably one of the greatest comebacks of all-time because I talk to them all the time about the old comeback, and that was almost the old comeback, so we'll get there."

**TheGame** · 08-25-2016, 07:40 AM

Re: MLB Betting Info. 8/25

Preview: Royals (65-61) at Marlins (66-60)

Game: 3
Venue: Marlins Park
Date: August 25, 2016 7:10 PM EDT

MIAMI -- After snapping the Kansas City Royals' nine-game winning streak on Wednesday, the Miami Marlins will try to take the deciding game of the three-game series on Thursday.

The Marlins (66-60) have the edge over the Royals (65-61) in terms of the series finale's starting-pitching matchup.

Marlins right-hander Tom Koehler (9-8, 3.82 ERA) has a 1.62 ERA in 39 innings since the All-Star break, covering six starts. He has allowed just 26 hits while striking out 30 in that span.

The Royals will counter with Edinson Volquez (9-10, 5.04 ERA). The right-hander has a bloated 7.16 ERA over his past five starts, allowing six homers and 26 runs in that span.

If the Royals can be tied or ahead once the game gets to the bullpen, then they have the advantage. Kansas City relievers have pitched a franchise-record 34 2/3 consecutive scoreless innings.

"Our bullpen is doing fine," Royals manager Ned Yost said after Kansas City's 3-0 loss to Miami on Wednesday. "They came in (on Wednesday) and held (Miami) right there, did their job."

The Marlins will have a new arrival Thursday, as they acquired outfielder Jeff Francoeur on Wednesday night from the Atlanta Braves.

Francoeur, 32, has 160 career homers, including seven this year in 257 at-bats. He figures to give the Marlins some right-handed power off the bench.

Miami general manager Michael Hill said he was looking for help since his star right fielder, Giancarlo Stanton, went down recently with a groin injury.

"Once the injury to (Stanton) happened, we wanted to get a right-handed outfielder," Hill said. "He wanted someone who could give us punch against left-handed pitching.

"As well as our team has played, we wanted to do anything we could to get us to where we want to be, which is October baseball."

The Marlins will have to make a roster move Thursday to clear room for Francoeur. The player most likely to go down to the minors is infielder/outfielder Robert Andino, a recent call-up.

As for the Marlins' regulars, manager Don Mattingly said Wednesday that he "doesn't see a huge difference" between starting shortstop Adeiny Hechavarria and backup Miguel Rojas.

It was a surprising comment because Hechavarria is a Gold Glove-caliber shortstop who is in the prime of his career at age 27. This is his fourth year as the Marlins' starter. Hechavarria came off the bench Wednesday night to make a spectacular diving catch on a line drive by Alcides Escobar for the first out of the ninth inning.

"That was a great play," Escobar said. "That changed the game right there in that situation. I hit that ball really well. When I saw the catch, I said, 'Oh!'"

Mattingly, though, seems to favor Rojas, who is also 27 but has never been an everyday starter in the big leagues. This is his third year in the majors, and he has a .598 career on-base-plus-slugging percentage (OPS). Hechavarria's career OPS isn't great, either, but it is better at .634.

Defensively, Hechavarria has the edge again, posting a .979 career fielding percentage to a .976 mark for Rojas.

However, Mattingly seems to value Rojas' versatility and ability to play any spot on the infield, including first base.

"Overall, 'Hech' is our shortstop, but I'm comfortable with either guy," Mattingly said.

Given Mattingly's comments, it seems as if the Marlins are setting up to trade Hechavarria in the offseason, turning to the cheaper option in Rojas.

Hechavarria is making $2.6 million this season and should get a raise as he is eligible for arbitration. Rojas is making only $511,000 and is not yet eligible for arbitration.

"Miggy is a solid player who can do different things," Mattingly said. "Miggy is valuable because he can play all over the place. Hech is more suited to play one spot (shortstop)."

The Royals have no controversy at shortstop, where Alcides Escobar has started all 126 games this season.

Escobar went 2-for-4 on Wednesday, raising his average to .261 and his OPS to .613. In his past 12 games, Escobar has six multi-hit contests, and he is batting .378 (17-for-45) overall in that span.

**TheGame** · 08-25-2016, 07:41 AM

Re: MLB Betting Info. 8/25

Preview: Mets (63-63) at Cardinals (67-58)

Game: 3
Venue: Busch Stadium
Date: August 25, 2016 7:15 PM EDT

ST. LOUIS -- After most of their losses this year, the St. Louis Cardinals have consistently reminded everyone that there's still plenty of time left in the season.

Following Wednesday night's 8-1 rout of the New York Mets, right fielder Stephen Piscotty was asked about the wild-card race in which the team is entwined.

"There's no time to waste now," he said. "We're competing against four or five other clubs for two spots. We can't worry about it. We just have to win every night."

That goes double for New York (63-63), which badly needs a victory in Thursday night's series finale in Busch Stadium. The Mets fell 4 1/2 games behind St. Louis for the National League's second wild-card spot and will need a big finish if they are to defend their NL championship.

Meanwhile, the Cardinals are playing themselves into a more favorable position. They remained 1 1/2 games ahead of Miami for the NL's second wild-card slot and are a game behind reeling San Francisco for the first wild-card spot, which would bring with it a home game on Oct. 5.

St. Louis (67-58) can climb to 10 games above .500 for the first time all year if it can win the series finale. It will hope for a good start from Adam Wainwright (9-7, 4.71), whose six-inning outing Friday night at Philadelphia was his first start past the fifth inning since July 27.

Wainwright gave up three runs to the Phillies and left trailing 3-1, but the Cardinals rallied for a 4-3 win in 11 innings. He's traditionally struggled against New York, going 3-4 with a 5.17 ERA in 10 career outings.

As for the Mets, they'll turn to right-hander Seth Lugo (0-2, 3.04), who will make his second MLB start. Lugo pitched decently in an 8-1 loss Friday night at San Francisco, pitching 6 2/3 innings and giving up three runs off seven hits and a walk with three strikeouts.

New York has battled injuries lately and absorbed two more Wednesday. After putting left-hander Jonathon Niese on the 15-day DL with left knee pain, the Mets had to pull right fielder Jay Bruce with a right calf cramp in the second inning.

But New York could get Bruce back in the lineup Thursday night, which would have to serve as a relief to manager Terry Collins.

"His calf knotted up when he was actually jogging out to right field in the first inning," Collins said of Bruce. "We're going to wait to see how it is tomorrow. We couldn't afford to have him blow it out, so we took him out."

While Bruce is just 13-for-77 since being acquired from Cincinnati on Aug. 1, he still has 27 homers and 86 RBI for the season, giving opponents pause when they think about pitching around Yoenis Cespedes.

The Mets will need all the offense they can get against the Cardinals, which tied a season high with 19 hits Wednesday night and lead the NL with 178 homers. In its last 13 games, dating back to Aug. 9, St. Louis has cracked 28 homers.

**TheGame** · 08-25-2016, 07:41 AM

Re: MLB Betting Info. 8/25

Preview: Indians (72-53) at Rangers (74-53)

Game: 1
Venue: Globe Life Park in Arlington
Date: August 25, 2016 8:05 PM EDT

ARLINGTON, Texas -- The ever-changing roster of the Texas Rangers figures to have a new look when the club begins a pivotal four-game series against Cleveland on Thursday at Globe Life Park.

Texas, which is in first place in the American League West despite getting shutout four times this month, will try to add some pop to the offense as outfielder Carlos Gomez is expected to be added to the roster in time for the series opener.

The former All-Star was released by Houston on Aug. 18 after a dismal start to the season. Texas signed Gomez two days later and sent him to Triple-A Round Rock, where he hit .308 in three games with a pair of extra-base hits and two RBIs.

Texas isn't expected Gomez to be a savior for an offense that has struggled this month despite adding Jonathan Lucroy and Carlos Beltran. He's not guaranteed a starting spot in an outfield that has two fixtures in Nomar Mazara and Ian Desmond.

But Gomez, who was an All-Star in 2013 and 2014, was worth the risk for Texas despite his .210 average in 85 games with Houston this year.

Texas manager Jeff Banister is hoping getting dumped by American League West rival Houston serves as motivation for Gomez.

"For a player of his caliber, for a team to not want you, then not be claimed, has to be a wake-up call, a punch to the nose, if you will," Banister said. "He's still passionate for the game. Can still run, throw, hit for power. He has an opportunity to show the rest of the baseball world that he's still a relevant player, with a team that has a lot to play for."

The first-place Indians have a lot to play for, too. The only team with a better record in the AL than the Indians is Texas. Cleveland comes into the series 5-5 in its last 10 games and losers of consecutive games in Oakland.

While the Indians have a 5 1/2-game lead over Detroit in the AL Central, they know they've got to get things going against a Texas team that is 39-20 at Globe Life Park and leads Seattle by 6 1/2 in the West.

Like the Rangers, Cleveland is in an offensive downturn. The Indians scored three runs in their three games against Oakland.

"Hopefully we just had like three days of amnesia," Cleveland manager Terry Francona said. "Those things happen. It's not fun when it does, but it happens. Fortunately we won one game 1-0, but we have to give them some (the Athletics) some credit. They did a number on us."

While the Indians may not be hitting the ball well, the series in Texas will provide one Cleveland player with a chance to play where he's had a lot of success. Mike Napoli helped the Rangers to the World Series in 2011 and to the playoffs last year before signing with the Indians. This series will be the first for him in Texas since the postseason.

"It's a place that I'll always love," Napoli said. "But I'm going there to compete and try to help our team win in any way. I've got a lot of friends on the other side, but when I step across the lines it's time to compete and try to win."

**TheGame** · 08-25-2016, 07:41 AM

Re: MLB Betting Info. 8/25

Preview: Pirates (63-61) at Brewers (56-70)

Game: 1
Venue: Miller Park
Date: August 25, 2016 8:10 PM EDT

MILWAUKEE -- It's been a dismal season at times for the Milwaukee Brewers, who are nearing the end of the first full year of rebuilding under the watchful eye of general manager David Stearns.

But one thing that's gone right for the Brewers in 2016 is their home record. Milwaukee finished up a three-game sweep of the Colorado Rockies on Wednesday afternoon to improve to 36-29 at home, where they've won six of their last eight games including four in a row.

"I know we've had stretches throughout my tenure here where that's been the case," left fielder Ryan Braun said. "It's just one of those weird things. Most teams in baseball are a little bit more comfortable at home, have a little better routines at home, and play better at home."

History suggests the Brewers' winning ways at home will continue this weekend when the Pittsburgh Pirates roll into town for a four-game set that starts Thursday night.

Miller Park has been nothing short of a house of horrors for the Pirates, who have lost nine in a row in Milwaukee and are 17-64 at Miller Park since the start of the 2007 season.

The Brewers have tormented the Pirates in general during that stretch, posting a 103-54 record.

"They've played better than us," Pirates manager Clint Hurdle said Wednesday after his squad fell to Houston 5-4. "I know it sounds (simplistic). They have. And we're due. That's the way I look at it. The longer you go without winning a game somewhere, the better your chances are to win. It's our time to do something there."

Chad Kuhl tries o stop the bleeding when he takes the mound Thursday for his eighth career start and fourth since he was brought back from the minors Aug. 9.

He was 1-0 with a 4.19 ERA when he was sent down in mid-July and in three starts since hasn't allowed more than two earned runs and worked six innings each time out.

Kuhl took no-decision after his last outing, when he allowed three runs (two earned) and five hits without a walk or a strikeout in a 3-1 loss to the Marlins.

"I thought he pitched a very competitive ballgame," Hurdle said. "He pitched out of traffic in the third inning, when it could have really got complicated. He showed really good poise to get the ground ball to get the double play to end the inning. I thought he pitched very good ballgame."

Milwaukee, meanwhile, turns to Wily Peralta, who has looked sharp since returning from a two-month demotion to Triple-A.

The Brewers' opening day starter was 4-7 with a 6.68 ERA in 13 starts when sent down July 11.

Since returning, though, he's 1-2 with a 3.50 ERA and 12 strikeouts in 18 innings over three starts.

"I found my rhythm and felt better about my pitches," Peralta said of his time in the minors. "The pitches don't move where they are supposed to there but you have to do whatever you can and make sure you get on top of your pitches. It's not easy; you have to learn.

"You have to make sure your timing and rhythm is there. If it's not, the pitch is not going to do anything."

**TheGame** · 08-25-2016, 07:42 AM

Re: MLB Betting Info. 8/25

Preview: Mariners (67-59) at White Sox (60-65)

Game: 1
Venue: U.S. Cellular Field
Date: August 25, 2016 8:10 PM EDT

CHICAGO -- After back-to-back series against teams all but out of postseason contention, the Chicago White Sox host a Seattle Mariners team with much more at stake.

The Mariners (67-59) open a four-game weekend series at U.S. Cellular Field on Thursday three games outside of an American League wild card spot following Wednesday's 5-0 loss to the New York Yankees.

Seattle had been among the hottest teams in baseball with 15 wins in 20 games before cooling off a bit this week with back-to-back losses to the Yankees at Safeco Field.

Chicago right-hander Anthony Ranaudo (1-1, 9.42 ERA) works against a Mariners pitcher yet to be named in Thursday's series opener. On Friday, right-hander Felix Hernandez (8-4, 3.26) meets White Sox lefty Chris Sale (15-6, 3.15).

Seattle claimed two wins over Chicago in a three-game home series last month.

The Mariners hope to have third baseman Kyle Seager back for the series. He sat out Wednesday after fouling a ball off his foot on Tuesday. Initial X-rays were reported to be negative. Seager has 24 home runs and 83 RBIs this season.

Robinson Cano needs one double for 30 this season. He has exceeded that total in each of his first 11 seasons.

Seattle has a shot at reclaiming the AL West lead. The Mariners topped the division through most of May before struggling over the next two months and started August at .500 (52-52) and in third place.

They are 6 1/2 games behind first-place Texas and have seven head-to-head games remaining with the Rangers in an 11-day stretch starting next Monday.

Chicago (60-65) has played better of late, taking two of three from Oakland last weekend and splitting two games with visiting Philadelphia this week.

Over a three-game winning streak through Tuesday, Chicago pitchers had allowed only five runs while 1B/DH Jose Abreu has homered in each.

But like the Athletics and Phillies, the White Sox are also playing out the string after beginning the season 23-10.

With less than five weeks left in the regular season, speculation is rising about postseason shakeups ranging from the departure of manager Robin Ventura and front office personnel to major trades including ace left-hander Chris Sale and right-hander Jose Quintana.

"We've got to get some things together," White Sox executive vice president Kenny Williams told reporters this week. "As everyone knows by now, we started off very well. Unfortunately things kind of unraveled and we lost some key members of our bullpen which didn't help and kind of spearheaded that unraveling."

Not even the ballpark is being spared.

The Illinois Sports Facilities Authority, owner of the White Sox home field, announced a 13-year naming rights agreement with a Chicago-based mortgage company Wednesday. The park's name changes from U.S. Cellular Field to Guaranteed Rate Field on Nov. 1. Terms were not disclosed.

**TheGame** · 08-25-2016, 07:42 AM

Re: MLB Betting Info. 8/25

Preview: Braves (46-81) at Diamondbacks (53-74)

Game: 4
Venue: Chase Field
Date: August 25, 2016 9:40 PM EDT

PHOENIX -- The Arizona Diamondbacks-Atlanta Braves series is anything but dull.

Long, sure, but not dull.

The teams combined for 47 runs and 77 hits in the first three games of the four-game set that concludes Thursday night, when Arizona left-hander Robbie Ray will face off against Atlanta right-hander Matt Wisler, who is being recalled from Triple-A Gwinnett to rejoin the rotation.

The Braves have one more run in the series and one more loss, both times when Arizona walked them off, in the ninth inning Monday and in the 11th Wednesday.

The teams have used 38 pitchers who have thrown 1,071 pitches.

They have played 29 innings and 11 hours, 27 minutes.

"Eventually we got it done," Arizona manager Chip Hale said after the Diamondbacks survived a four-run Braves ninth inning Wednesday to win on Brandon Drury's short sacrifice fly in the 11th.

Even that play was a little different. With the bases loaded and one out, Drury hit a line drive to short left field that Matt Kemp, playing in, caught with a dive. However, Kemp could not get up in time to get much on his throw to the plate, and Jake Lamb scored the winning run.

Arizona right-hander Zack Greinke recorded his 2,000th career strikeout in the fourth inning, but he also gave up four runs in six innings. Atlanta not only rallied to tie the game with four runs in the ninth but later had runners on first and third with one out in the ninth and runners on second and third with two outs in the 10th but could not push across the go-ahead run.

"We had a legit chance to win against one of the better pitchers in baseball, and it's a tough one to lose," Atlanta manager Brian Snitker said.

Arizona has five homers and Atlanta has four in the series, with first basemen Paul Goldschmidt and Freddie Freeman leading the way with two apiece.

It also has been a good series to rub it in to a former team.

Diamondbacks center fielder Michael Bourn is getting a little payback against Atlanta, which released him late in spring training in order to give time to younger players in a rebuilding season. Bourn had two triples in a four-hit game Wednesday and is 7-for-15 with five runs in the series.

Bourn spent time in the Toronto minor league system before returning to the majors with Arizona in May.

Atlanta center fielder Ender Inciarte also has starred against his former team. Inciarte, traded to the Braves at the winter meetings with right-hander Aaron Blair and shortstop Dansby Swanson for right-hander Shelby Miller, had four hits Wednesday and also is 7-for-15 with three runs in the series.

Arizona could believe it has the advantage in the pitching matchup Thursday.

Ray is the reigning NL Pitcher of the Week after giving up two runs in 12 innings in victories over the New York Mets on Aug. 15 and San Diego on Saturday. Ray struck out a career-high 13 in seven innings against the Padres, fanning the side in the second and the fourth with a fastball that tops out in the 97-98 mph range.

He is 2-0 with an 0.95 ERA in his past three starts.

"Command," manager Chip Hale when asked to explain Ray's recent success. "Just being able to command that fastball. It's such a devastating pitch. He's throwing his breaking ball better, better locations with it. The main thing is fastball command and not having to throw so many pitches. Getting deeper in games."

Wisler spent the first four months of the season in the rotation and was 4-11 with a 5.16 ERA in 21 appearances, 20 starts, before being optioned to Gwinnett the first week of August. He was 2-1 with a 3.71 ERA in four starts at Gwinnett, and he gave up no more than three earned runs in any of them. He went seven innings to beat Charlotte in his most recent start, last Friday.

Wisler will be facing the Diamondbacks for the first time. Ray has opposed the Braves just once, when he allowed three runs on six hits in 4 1/3 innings at Atlanta on Aug. 14, 2015.

**TheGame** · 08-25-2016, 07:42 AM

Re: MLB Betting Info. 8/25

Preview: Giants (68-58) at Dodgers (71-55)

Game: 3
Venue: Dodger Stadium
Date: August 25, 2016 10:10 PM EDT

LOS ANGELES -- The San Francisco Giants hope Matt Moore can expose weaknesses in the Los Angeles Dodgers' offense.

Moore (7-10, 4.18 ERA overall) will face Dodgers starter Ross Stripling (3-4, 4.04 ERA) in the finale of the three-game series Thursday. A win by the first-place Dodgers would allow them to sweep their archrival and increase their margin in the National League West to four games.

"Now it's time to put the foot on the pedal and keep going and try and create some separation," said Dodgers third baseman Justin Turner, whose homer Wednesday was the difference in Los Angeles' 1-0 win. "You never want to relax with those guys. They've got a great club over there."

The Giants will be relying on Moore to help them reverse their tailspin, which has resulted in an 11-25 mark since the All-Star break, the worst in the majors. San Francisco has lost four in a row and eight of its past 10.

"We're not panicking, I don't think," Giants shortstop Brandon Crawford said. "Yeah, we haven't been playing well, but hopefully we can turn it around."

Moore, a southpaw, could be the answer. The Dodgers haven't been great against lefties this season. At one point, they were hitting under .200 against left-handers as a club but recently raised the average to .227, which remains last among major league clubs.

Moore had mixed results in the two times he faced the Dodgers this season as a member of the Tampa Bay Rays. In his last meeting against them on July 27 at Dodger Stadium, he struck out five, walked four and allowed only an unearned run in 6 2/3 innings in 3-1 Rays victory.

However, Los Angeles tagged Moore for seven runs and knocked him out in 4 1/3 innings in a 10-5 win on May 3 at Tampa Bay. Joc Pederson and Trayce Thompson homered off Moore.

Overall, Moore has a 5.73 ERA against the Dodgers.

Moore will be making his fifth start for the Giants since being acquired in an Aug. 1 trade with the Rays. As a Giant, Moore is 0-3 with a 4.70 ERA.

Moore suffered a loss in his last outing Saturday against the New York Mets. He allowed three runs on five hits in five innings in a 9-5 loss to the Mets.

Stripling made his major league debut at San Francisco on April 8, taking a no-hitter into the eighth inning before manager Dave Roberts pulled him after 100 pitches. Stripling struck out four and walked four in 7 1/3 innings. He didn't factor into the decision as the Dodgers' bullpen faltered in a 3-2 setback.

In his last start on Aug. 18 at Philadelphia, Stripling fanned five, walked two and allowed three runs (two earned) on six hits in five innings in another no-decision. Los Angeles fell 5-4 to the Phillies.

Stripling rejoined the rotation in early August because of a slew of injuries. In six games (three starts) since the All-Star break, Stripling is 1-1 with a 3.16 ERA. He has limited batters to a .224 average while striking out 19 and walking five.

**TheGame** · 08-25-2016, 07:43 AM

Re: MLB Betting Info. 8/25

Thursday's Diamond Notes
By Joe Williams

Hottest team: Dodgers (4-0 past 4, 7-3 past 10 at home)

The Dodgers have taken down the Giants in each of the first two games of their series, knocking off All-Stars Madison Bumgarner and Johnny Cueto in the process. As such, the Dodgers have pulled away from the Giants with a three-game lead in the National League West Division. A win in Thursday's game would not be a nail in the coffin, but a major setback for a San Francisco team which has frittered away a division lead and has now lost five straight against teams with a winning overall record while picking up just five wins in the past 18 games. The Dodgers have won four straight against left-handed starters while going 7-1 in their past eight at home against teams with a winning road record.

Coldest team: Indians (2-3 past five, 3-8 past 11)

The Indians won a nailbiter in the series opener at Oakland by a 1-0 score, and then the Athletics busted out the sticks and took Cleveland behind the shed by a combined 14-2 score over the final two games in the series. The Tribe continues to struggle on the road, winning just three of their past 11 road outings as their trip shifts to Texas. Realistically, this series could be an American League Championship Series preview, but if the Indians do not find a way to win on the road that would be a short series. The one thing the Indians have going in their favor is that they are 9-2 in their past 11 against American League West foes and 22-7 in their past 29 against left-handed starters. However, the Rangers are 14-3 in Cole Hamels' past 17 outing at home, and 29-8 in his past 37 overall.

Hottest pitcher: JA Happ, Blue Jays (17-3, 3.05 ERA)

Happ has been on a historic roll for the Blue Jays, winning 17 of his 20 decisions this season. Over the past few outings he has shown no signs of slowing doing, going 3-0 with a 2.33 ERA and 0.98 WHIP over the past three starts while striking out 22 and walking just four in the past 19 1/3 innings. The Blue Jays are in good shape with Happ on the hill, especially against the hapless Angels. The Halos are just 5-21 in their past 26 road games against a team with a winning record, and they're 6-14 in Jered Weaver's past 20 road outings. Meanwhile, the Jays are 21-5 in Happ's past 26 starts, and 20-7 in his past 27 home outings.

Coldest pitcher: Jered Weaver, Angels (8-11, 5.47 ERA)

Happ's counterpart, the veteran Weaver, has been awful this season. He has an 8-11 record, 5.47 ERA and 1.53 WHIP over 138 1/3 innings, as he has been extremely hittable all season. Lately it has gotten a lot worse, as Weaver is 0-3 with an 8.40 ERA and 2.13 WHIP while striking out just five over the past 15 innings. The Angels have won just one of Weaver's past six starts against a team with a winning overall record, and the Angels are 7-19 in their past 26 road games overall. Weaver hasn't been the stopper for the team, either, as the Angels are 1-7 in Weaver's past eight outings following a team loss in their previous game.

Biggest UNDER run: Royals (6-1-2 past nine, 16-5-2 past 23)

The Royals have been posting tremendous pitching results while also having a power outage at the plate. As such, 'under' results have been flowing nicely. Over the past three games Kansas City has scored a total of three runs while allowing a total of just four runs scored. During the past nine games, the Royals are allowing an average of just 1.3 runs per game. Interleague play usually means 'under' results for Kansas City, too, as the under is 4-1 in the past five interleague road games against a team with a winning record and 4-0 in Edinson Volquez's past four interleague starts.

Biggest OVER run: Braves (8-0 past eight, 11-1 past 12 and 7-0 past seven road games)

The Braves and Diamondbacks have posted quite a bit of offense and some uneven pitching in the first three games of their four-game set. The slugfest Wednesday night was the highest-scoring game yet, as Arizona outlasted Atlanta 10-9 in 11 innings to give the Braves their eighth consecutive 'over' result. Atlanta has scored at least six runs in each of the past six games, while the first three games of this series has resulted in an average of 8.0 runs per game while allowing 8.0 runs per game. As such the 'over' looks very good for both sides in the series finale.

Matchup to watch: Brewers vs. Pirates

The Brewers are a strange team figure. They traded away one of their best hitters with Jonathan Lucroy being dealt to Texas, and they were 5-14 in August through the 20th. However, they won their interleague series finale in Seattle Aug. 21 by a 7-6 score, and they swept the previously hot Colorado Rockies to carry a four-game win streak into their home series againt the Bucs. The good times could continue in Cream City, as the Pirates have dropped five of their past six games while going 1-5 in their past six outings against right-handed starting pitchers. The Brewers have also won four of the past five meetings in this series, and they have dominated the Bucs at Miller Park going 62-16 in the past 78 meetings in Wisconsin.

Betcha didn’t know: The Chicago White Sox have won five straight games against left-handed starters at home, and they're 5-1 in the past six games overall against southpaws. Plus, the Pale Hose have been hot with eight wins in the past 11 at home. They have also dominated the Mariners in recent seasons, going 35-16 in the past 51 meetings overall and 40-13 in their past 53 home games against Seattle. The M's haven't fared very well with James Paxton on the hill lately, going 4-10 in his past 14 outings and 2-10 in his past 12 starts on grass.

Biggest public favorite: Blue Jays (-235) at Angels

Biggest public underdog: Royals (+105) at Marlins

Biggest line move: Mariners (-130 to -145) at White Sox

**TheGame** · 08-25-2016, 07:43 AM

Re: MLB Betting Info. 8/25

Five to Follow MLB Betting: Thursday, August 25, 2016, Opening Line Report
by Alan Matthews

I know many Chicago Cubs fans who believe this is finally the year the Lovable Losers win the World Series and who plan to try and get tickets (good luck with that!) to one Fall Classic game at Wrigley Field. Well, now we know when those are as MLB released its postseason schedule on Tuesday, and the three games in the National League city are Oct. 28-30. The World Series opens Oct. 25 at the AL park because the Junior Circuit won the All-Star Game. A potential Game 7 would be on Nov. 2. The playoffs begin Oct. 4 with the AL wild-card game, followed by the NL game a day later. The two AL Division Series begin Oct. 6, followed by the NL Division Series on Oct. 7. The ALCS gets going Oct. 14 and the NLCS Oct. 15.

Red Sox at Rays (+115, 7.5)

A 1:10 p.m. ET first pitch from the mausoleum that is Tropicana Field and should have live betting at sportsbooks with it on the MLB Network. Boston goes with lefty Drew Pomeranz (10-9, 2.95) in the getaway game. He won in Detroit last time out, allowing one run and four hits over five innings. He is now 2-2 with a 4.23 ERA since his trade from San Diego. Pomeranz hasn't faced the Rays this year. Brad Miller is 2-for-5 off him with a solo homer. Logan Forsythe is 2-for-8 with a walk. Tampa's Jake Odorizzi (8-5, 3.63). He beat Texas last time out, allowing a run and six hits over six innings -- his fifth straight decision that resulted in a victory. His last loss was in Boston on July 19, giving up four runs over five innings. Odorizzi is 0-1 with a 9.00 ERA in two starts vs. the Sox this year. David Ortiz is 4-for-22 off him with a homer and six strikeouts. Xander Bogaerts hits .389 off him with three RBIs in 18 at-bats.

Key trends: The Rays are 4-0 in Odorizzi's past four at home. The "over/under" has gone under in Pomeranz's past four on the road. The Rays are 4-1 in Odorizzi's past five vs. Boston.

Early lean: Rays and under.

Orioles at Nationals (-235, 8.5)

Baltimore again loses the DH as these two conclude their interleague series, although they could conceivably meet in the World Series. It was set to be a fine pitching matchup between Cy Young contenders. But Baltimore had to put projected starter Chris Tillman (15-5, 3.76) on the DL on Tuesday. Not a huge surprise as he pitched on extra rest last time out, having one start skipped due to minor shoulder issues, and Tillman didn't look right in allowing six runs and six hits while walking five in two innings against Houston. So instead it's Ubaldo Jimenez (5-10, 6.94). He had been banished to the bullpen and last pitched Friday vs. Houston, allowing three runs over three innings. Daniel Murphy is 3-for-11 off him with a homer. Bryce Harper is 0-for-1 with two walks. Washington's Max Scherzer (13-7, 3.05) won in Atlanta last time out but wasn't great, allowing four runs over 6.1 innings with an uncharacteristic three walks. Adam Jones hammers Scherzer in going 11-for-22 with three homers. Manny Machado is 1-for-15 off him with seven Ks.

Key trends: The Nationals are 5-2 in Scherzer's past seven vs. teams with a winning record. The under is 6-0 in his past six at home.

Early lean: Nationals and over (latter all because of Jimenez).

Angels at Blue Jays (-235, 9.5)

Los Angeles starts veteran Jered Weaver (8-11, 5.47), looking for his first win since July 17. He lasted 4.2 innings Friday against the Yankees, giving up five runs (four homers) and 10 hits in a blowout loss. He has now allowed at least four runs in five of his past six starts. Weaver is 4-1 with a 4.22 ERA in five career starts at Toronto. Michael Saunders is 9-for-26 off him with a homer and nine strikeouts. Edwin Encarnacion is 3-for-10 with a homer. The Jays are expected to activate outfielder Jose Bautista from the DL for this game. Toronto's J.A. Happ (17-3, 3.05) continues to lead the Cy Young race in the AL. He was just so-so in his most recent start last Wednesday against the Yankees in allowing four runs and seven hits (three homers) over 7.1 innings, but the Jays won his 12th straight outing. Happ hasn't faced the Halos this year but is 0-4 with a 8.00 ERA in 4 starts against them. Mike Trout is 2-for-8 off him with two doubles. Kole Calhoun is 4-for-7 with two homers.

Key trends: The Angels are 1-5 in Weaver's past six vs. teams with a winning record. The Jays are 7-0 in Happ's past seven vs. teams with a losing record. The under is 3-0-2 in Weaver's past five on the road. The under is 11-2 in Happ's past 13 at home vs. teams with a losing record.

Early lean: Blue Jays and under.

Mets at Cardinals (-175, 8.5)

Also on the MLB Network. With Steven Matz going on the disabled list Monday, the Mets need a starter Thursday and it will be Seth Lugo (0-2, 3.04). The 26-year-old's first nine appearances this year were out of the bullpen, and he made his first big-league start Friday in San Francisco and took the loss, giving up three runs and seven hits over 6.2 innings in a quality start. The Mets would take that every day. Lugo has never faced the Cardinals. The go with Adam Wainwright (9-7, 4.71), who hasn't won since July 16. Wainwright took a no-decision on Friday in Philadelphia, allowing three runs and five hits over six innings. He also took a no-decision on July 27 at the Mets, allowing four runs and 11 hits over 6.2 innings. James Loney is a career .516 hitter off him in 31 at-bats. Jay Bruce hits .293 off Wainwright with two homers and 14 strikeouts in 41 at-bats.

Key trends: The Cards are 9-3 in Wainwright's past 12 vs. teams with a winning record. The over is 5-1 in his past six overall.

Early lean: Cardinals and over.

Indians at Rangers (-141, 9)

Series opener and potential playoff preview between these division leaders. Texas took two of three in Cleveland from May 30-June 1. The Rangers were the beneficiaries of Brewers All-Star catcher Jonathan Lucroy voiding a trade to Cleveland as he was then dealt to Texas the next day. The Tribe start Josh Tomlin (11-7, 4.39). He has really been roughed up in three of his past four starts. Tomlin gave up six runs and nine hits over 4.1 innings last time out vs. Toronto. Tomlin's first loss of the year was May 30 vs. Texas, giving up eight runs (four earned) and nine hits over 3.2 innings. Adrian Beltre is 4-for-10 off him career with a homer and five RBIs. Lucroy is 2-for-3 with a homer. Texas lefty Cole Hamels (13-4, 2.80) dominated the Rays in his last start, allowing a run and three hits with 10 strikeouts over 7.1 innings. He is 0-2 with a 7.41 ERA in three career starts against the Indians. Jason Kipnis is 3-for-6 off him with three doubles. Mike Napoli is 1-for-5 with a homer.

Key trends: The Rangers are 14-3 in Hamels' past 17 at home. The under is 4-1 in his past five.

Early lean: Rangers and under.

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MLB Betting Info. 8/25

MLB Betting Info. 8/25

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