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**StarDust Bum** · 08-11-2015, 02:26 AM

MLB RUNLINES

MLB > (969) DETROIT@ (970) KANSAS CITY | 2015-08-11 20:10:00 - 2015-08-11 20:10:00
Play ON KANSAS CITY using the in Home games when playing with a day off
The record is 7 Wins and 0 Losses for the this season (+11.05 units)

MLB > (975) BOSTON@ (976) MIAMI | 2015-08-11 19:10:00 - 2015-08-11 19:10:00
Play AGAINST BOSTON using the in All games when playing with a day off
The record is 5 Wins and 25 Losses for the last two seasons (-25.3 units)

MLB > (971) TEXAS@ (972) MINNESOTA | 2015-08-11 20:10:00 - 2015-08-11 20:10:00
Play ON TEXAS using the in Road games in games played on a grass field
The record is 39 Wins and 12 Losses for the this season (+22 units)

MLB > (977) ATLANTA@ (978) TAMPA BAY | 2015-08-11 19:10:00 - 2015-08-11 19:10:00
Play AGAINST ATLANTA using the in All games when playing on Tuesday
The record is 11 Wins and 30 Losses for the last two seasons (-24.6 units)

MLB > (979) HOUSTON@ (980) SAN FRANCISCO | 2015-08-11 22:15:00 - 2015-08-11 22:15:00
Play ON HOUSTON using the in All games when playing against a team with a winning record
The record is 66 Wins and 34 Losses for the last two seasons (+30.8 units)

**StarDust Bum** · 08-11-2015, 02:28 AM

MLB TOTALS

MLB > (975) BOSTON@ (976) MIAMI | 2015-08-11 19:10:00 - 2015-08-11 19:10:00
Play UNDER MIAMI on the total in All games when the total is 8 to 8.5
The record is 1 Overs and 12 Unders for the this season (+10.9 units)

MLB > (979) HOUSTON@ (980) SAN FRANCISCO | 2015-08-11 22:15:00 - 2015-08-11 22:15:00
Play UNDER SAN FRANCISCO on the total in Home games when playing against a team with a winning record
The record is 2 Overs and 14 Unders for the this season (+11.75 units)

MLB > (959) WASHINGTON@ (960) LA DODGERS | 2015-08-11 22:10:00 - 2015-08-11 22:10:00
Play OVER LA DODGERS on the total in Home games against right-handed starters
The record is 71 Overs and 35 Unders for the last two seasons (+35.9 units)

MLB > (955) PITTSBURGH@ (956) ST LOUIS | 2015-08-11 20:15:00 - 2015-08-11 20:15:00
Play UNDER ST LOUIS on the total in All games in home games
The record is 16 Overs and 38 Unders for the this season (+18.95 units)

MLB > (951) COLORADO@ (952) NY METS | 2015-08-11 19:10:00 - 2015-08-11 19:10:00
Play OVER COLORADO on the total in All games when playing against a team with a winning record
The record is 30 Overs and 14 Unders for the this season (+15.95 units)

MLB > (967) LA ANGELS@ (968) CHI WHITE SOX | 2015-08-11 20:10:00 - 2015-08-11 20:10:00
Play OVER LA ANGELS on the total in Road games when playing with a day off
The record is 120 Overs and 65 Unders for the since 1992 (+51.15 units)

MLB > (977) ATLANTA@ (978) TAMPA BAY | 2015-08-11 19:10:00 - 2015-08-11 19:10:00
Play OVER ATLANTA on the total in All games when playing on Tuesday
The record is 13 Overs and 3 Unders for the this season (+9.95 units)

**StarDust Bum** · 08-11-2015, 02:30 AM

MLB TOP POWERLINES

MLB > (963) OAKLAND @ (964) TORONTO | 2015-08-11 19:05:00 - 2015-08-11 19:05:00
Line: OAKLAND BTB PowerLine: OAKLAND-117
Edge On: OAKLAND (53)

MLB > (951) COLORADO @ (952) NY METS | 2015-08-11 19:10:00 - 2015-08-11 19:10:00
Line: COLORADO BTB PowerLine: COLORADO-182
Edge On: COLORADO (23)

MLB > (977) ATLANTA @ (978) TAMPA BAY | 2015-08-11 19:10:00 - 2015-08-11 19:10:00
Line: ATLANTA BTB PowerLine: ATLANTA-132
Edge On: ATLANTA (29)

MLB > (965) NY YANKEES @ (966) CLEVELAND | 2015-08-11 19:10:00 - 2015-08-11 19:10:00
Line: NY YANKEES BTB PowerLine: NY YANKEES103
Edge On: NY YANKEES (13)

MLB > (953) MILWAUKEE @ (954) CHICAGO CUBS | 2015-08-11 20:05:00 - 2015-08-11 20:05:00
Line: MILWAUKEE BTB PowerLine: MILWAUKEE129
Edge On: MILWAUKEE (58)

MLB > (967) LA ANGELS @ (968) CHI WHITE SOX | 2015-08-11 20:10:00 - 2015-08-11 20:10:00
Line: LA ANGELS BTB PowerLine: LA ANGELS169
Edge On: LA ANGELS (39)

MLB > (969) DETROIT @ (970) KANSAS CITY | 2015-08-11 20:10:00 - 2015-08-11 20:10:00
Line: DETROIT BTB PowerLine: DETROIT-138
Edge On: DETROIT (12)

MLB > (955) PITTSBURGH @ (956) ST LOUIS | 2015-08-11 20:15:00 - 2015-08-11 20:15:00
Line: ST LOUIS-160 BTB PowerLine: ST LOUIS-200
Edge On: ST LOUIS (40)

MLB > (973) BALTIMORE @ (974) SEATTLE | 2015-08-11 22:10:00 - 2015-08-11 22:10:00
Line: BALTIMORE BTB PowerLine: BALTIMORE151
Edge On: BALTIMORE (46)

MLB > (959) WASHINGTON @ (960) LA DODGERS | 2015-08-11 22:10:00 - 2015-08-11 22:10:00
Line: WASHINGTON BTB PowerLine: WASHINGTON-151
Edge On: WASHINGTON (16)

MLB > (979) HOUSTON @ (980) SAN FRANCISCO | 2015-08-11 22:15:00 - 2015-08-11 22:15:00
Line: HOUSTON BTB PowerLine: HOUSTON-104
Edge On: HOUSTON (21)

Users of our matchup reports are familiar with our Power Line ratings, calculated using both teams' ratings and home field advantage. The Top Power Lines tool offers a way to view and compare current Power Lines in one simple report, as well as the Power Line Edge, where the Power Line differs significantly from the current line.

**StarDust Bum** · 08-11-2015, 02:32 AM

Preview: Athletics (51-62) at Blue Jays (61-52)
Game: 1
Venue: Rogers Centre
Date: August 11, 2015 7:07 PM EDT

The Toronto Blue Jays have easily had the majors' highest-scoring offense this season, but now they're also reaping the benefits of a red-hot pitching staff.

The Blue Jays look to keep closing the gap in the AL East race with their ninth straight win Tuesday night when Brett Lawrie makes his return to Canada with the Oakland Athletics.

Toronto leads all of baseball by a wide margin with 5.28 runs per game, though at times it couldn't overcome a pitching staff that ranked 25th with a 4.24 ERA though July 7.

The Blue Jays (61-52), however, have put it all together while winning 11 of 12. They've hit 22 home runs while averaging 5.58 runs and posted a 1.86 ERA over that stretch.

After David Price shut down the first-place New York Yankees in Saturday's 6-0 win, Marco Estrada's performance keyed Sunday's 2-0 victory at Yankee Stadium that moved the club within 1 1/2 games of the division lead.

'Our confidence is pretty high and we're all enjoying the run," Estrada said.

Now the Blue Jays will turn to Drew Hutchison as they try to shut out an opponent in three consecutive games for only the second time in franchise history and first since May 1983.

Hutchison (10-2, 5.42 ERA) has gone 8-1 with a 2.69 ERA in 11 home starts compared to 2-1 with a 9.00 mark in his 11 on the road. His 8.08 run-support average is on pace to be the highest since Shawn Estes' 8.65 with San Francisco in 2000.

The right-hander has a 6.67 ERA over his last six outings. He allowed seven runs - three earned - over five innings in Wednesday's 9-7 home win over Minnesota.

In his only career start versus Oakland, Hutchison gave up three runs over 5 2-3 innings in a 4-2 road loss July 6, 2014. The A's, though, rank last in the majors with 2.95 runs per game since July 21.

Danny Valencia has been a bright spot since AL West-worst Oakland (51-62) picked him up off waivers from Toronto last week. He went 6 for 11 with two home runs and five RBIs to help the A's win the last three of a four-game series against division-leading Houston.

'You want to go there swinging the bat,' Valencia said ahead of this three-game series at Rogers Centre. '(The Blue Jays are) probably the hottest team in baseball right now.'

After spending his first four seasons in Toronto, Lawrie will make his return after getting moved in the Josh Donaldson trade during the offseason. The native of Langley, British Columbia, was one of the franchise's first marquee players from Canada.

Lawrie is batting .306 on the road - 70 points higher than in Oakland - and is a career .286 hitter in Toronto.

Kendall Graveman, who was also part of that blockbuster deal, will take the mound as Oakland looks to win four straight for the first time since a five-game run in late June.

The A's have dropped Graveman's last five starts while he's gone 0-3 with a 6.20 ERA. The right-hander yielded three runs over 5 2-3 innings in Wednesday's 7-3, 10-inning home loss to Baltimore.

Graveman (6-7, 3.90) surrendered six runs over 5 1-3 innings in a 7-1 home loss to the Blue Jays on July 21. Jose Bautista, Edwin Encarnacion and Russell Martin homered off him. Martin went 7 for 11 with two homers in the series as Toronto took two of three.

Bautista has three homers in his last five games while Donaldson has seven in his past 11. Encarnacion is expected to get a chance to extend an 11-game hitting streak after sitting Sunday because of a tender finger on his left hand.

SERIES AT A GLANCE

GAME 1
Athletics at Blue Jays
Tue, Aug 11 - 7:07PM EDT

GAME 2
Athletics at Blue Jays
Wed, Aug 12 - 7:07PM EDT

GAME 3
Athletics at Blue Jays
Thu, Aug 13 - 12:37PM EDT

**StarDust Bum** · 08-11-2015, 02:36 AM

Preview: Red Sox (50-62) at Marlins (44-68)
Game: 1
Venue: Marlins Park
Date: August 11, 2015 7:10 PM EDT

Steven Wright is making the most of his second chance to settle into the Boston Red Sox's rotation.

The knuckleballer will try to build on the two best starts of his career in Tuesday night's opener of a two-game road series with the Miami Marlins.

Wright made four starts from May 17-June 4, but a 1-2 record and 3.91 ERA weren't good enough to stick in Boston's rotation. He jumped back into the mix in late July after two weeks in the bullpen and a stint in the minors.

After two rough outings in his return from Triple-A Pawtucket, Wright (5-4, 4.12 ERA) has set career highs in innings pitched and strikeouts in consecutive starts. He held the White Sox to two runs over seven innings in an 8-2 win on July 30, then limited the Yankees to a run and four hits while striking out nine in eight innings of Wednesday's 2-1 victory in New York.

'Given this lineup in this ballpark,' manager John Farrell said of Wright's win over the Yankees, 'he was outstanding from start to finish.'

That was Boston's only victory in the Bronx, but it took two of three in Detroit over the weekend while totaling 20 runs. Jackie Bradley Jr., who has spent much of the season shuffling between Triple-A and the majors, drove in five of those in Sunday's 7-2 win - more than doubling his season total.

Bradley also made an over-the-shoulder basket catch in center field.

'Today is a flash of what Jackie is capable of doing,' Farrell said. 'When he swings the bat like that, he has the potential to be an outstanding player.'

Bradley, though, might not see much more time in the middle of Boston's outfield starting Tuesday. Mookie Betts is due back from a stint on the seven-day disabled list due to a concussion, and he's expected to reclaim his spot in center while Bradley and Rusney Castillo split time in right.

Farrell also believes Hanley Ramirez (left foot) and Pablo Sandoval (left forearm) will return after sitting out Sunday, though closer Koji Uehara is out for the season after being hit in the right wrist by a line drive Friday. Jean Machi will likely close in Uehara's absence.

Boston (50-62) will try to keep its hot hitting going against Justin Nicolino (1-1, 4.09), who made the first two starts of his career in late June and has posted a 4.91 ERA in seven outings since returning to Triple-A New Orleans. Now he'll replace injured ace Jose Fernandez, whose season is in jeopardy due to a right biceps strain.

Nicolino earned a win in his June 20 debut, limiting Cincinnati to four hits over seven innings in a 5-0 victory. He was pounded for five runs in four innings in a 7-1 loss to the Dodgers six days later.

When comparing his second start to his first, Nicolino said, 'I made more mistakes. You can't do that up here.'

The Marlins (44-68) have one of baseball's worst road records at 18-38, which included a pair of losses last month at Fenway Park. Miami snapped a six-game overall skid on Sunday, though, avoiding a four-game sweep in Atlanta with a 4-1 win.

The Red Sox - 8-4 against the NL - have won seven straight in this series, a streak that started by taking the final two of three at Marlins Park in 2012.

SERIES AT A GLANCE

GAME 1
Red Sox at Marlins
Tue, Aug 11 - 7:10PM EDT

GAME 2
Red Sox at Marlins
Wed, Aug 12 - 4:10PM EDT

**StarDust Bum** · 08-11-2015, 02:37 AM

Preview: Rockies (47-62) at Mets (59-52)
Game: 2
Venue: Citi Field
Date: August 11, 2015 7:10 PM EDT

The New York Mets haven't been this good at home since the turn of the century and it should stay that way with Matt Harvey getting the ball.

Harvey goes for the longest home winning streak of his career Tuesday night against the Colorado Rockies.

New York is 39-18 at home, tying the club's best start through 57 games set in 1985 and matched in 2000. Both of those teams went on to win the next game and the Mets (60-52) are poised to keep pace having won seven straight at home against Colorado (47-63), thanks in large part to the staff's 0.86 ERA.

Jonathon Niese's seven strong innings were backed by Daniel Murphy's tiebreaking two-run single in the seventh of Monday's 4-2 win in the opener of this four-game set.

"It was one of those games that, probably a year ago, we didn't win that game," manager Terry Collins told MLB's official website. "But with what they're doing right now, the confidence that they have, (now) we win those kinds of games."

The Mets, winners of seven of nine as host, should have plenty of confidence with Harvey (10-7, 2.76 ERA) taking the mound. The right-hander has a 1.64 ERA in his last nine starts, going 3-0 with a 1.30 ERA in five at home.

He yielded two hits in seven scoreless innings while throwing 88 pitches in Wednesday's 8-6 win at Miami.

"Some run support has definitely helped," said Harvey, who has been backed by 23 total runs over his last three starts, matching the total over his previous 12.

Harvey is 1-0 while allowing one run with 15 strikeouts in 15 innings over two starts - both at home - against the Rockies but this is the first since 2013.

Michael Cuddyer, who didn't play after coming off the disabled list Monday, is expected to face his former team for the first time since signing with New York during the offseason.

Cuddyer spent the past three years in Colorado, hitting .331 to win the NL batting crown in 2013 before injuries limited him to just 49 games last year.

He was batting .193 over a 19-game span before going on the DL, and rookie Michael Conforto showed enough promise to challenge for the spot in left field by hitting .205 with eight RBIs and 10 runs in 12 games.

Collins is planning to use Cuddyer in positions other than left.

Murphy, who has played first, second and third, is hitting .414 with six RBIs in his last seven games. He's 9 for 21 with three doubles, one triple and three RBIs in his last five meetings with Colorado.

The Rockies, losers of 13 of their last 18 on the road, would like to see Chris Rusin (3-4, 4.66) go deeper into a start after each of his last three ended after five innings. He's 0-1 with a 7.80 ERA over that stretch after compiling a 2.78 ERA over his previous six games, completing at least six innings in all five starts.

The left-hander, who is facing the Mets for the first time, is 0-3 with a 7.43 ERA and eight homers allowed over 26 2-3 innings in his last five road starts.

Carlos Gonzalez is 7 for 21 with five homers and 11 RBIs in his last five games after connecting for a two-run blast Monday. He is 0 for 3 with two strikeouts versus Harvey.

SERIES AT A GLANCE

GAME 1
Rockies at Mets
Mon, Aug 10 Final 2 to 4
Boxscores • Recaps

GAME 2
Rockies at Mets
Tue, Aug 11 - 7:10PM EDT

GAME 3
Rockies at Mets
Wed, Aug 12 - 7:10PM EDT

GAME 4
Rockies at Mets
Thu, Aug 13 - 12:10PM EDT

**StarDust Bum** · 08-11-2015, 02:39 AM

Preview: Braves (51-61) at Rays (56-56)
Game: 1
Venue: Tropicana Field
Date: August 11, 2015 7:10 PM EDT

After playing well against the current NL East leaders, the Tampa Bay Rays look to continue their interleague success in Tuesday's opener of a two-game series with the Atlanta Braves at Tropicana Field.

The Rays rallied from three-run deficits in winning the final two of a three-game set with the previously surging New York Mets. Rookie Richie Shaffer completed the comeback in Sunday's 4-3 victory with a tie-breaking homer in the seventh inning.

Tampa Bay (56-56) has won five of seven to remain in contention in the AL wild-card race.

'These past few games we've played, we've been playing really, really well," pitcher Chris Archer said. "As a whole, we're starting to find it.'

The Rays are 9-6 against the NL this season and split a pair of earlier meetings with the Braves in Atlanta, earning a 5-3 win on May 19 behind five innings of three-run, two-hit ball from Tuesday starter Erasmo Ramirez.

Ramirez (8-4, 3.83 ERA) has a 2.79 ERA in 15 starts since joining the Rays' rotation in mid-May but is 0-1 with a 4.50 in four since the All-Star break.

The right-hander allowed five runs -- all in the first -- over six in a 6-5, 10-inning road loss to the White Sox on Wednesday.

A.J. Pierzynski is 1 for 8 against Ramirez but is hitting .417 with seven RBIs over his last nine games. Nick Markakis also is swinging well for Atlanta (51-61), amassing 10 RBIs in his last eight and batting .386 since July 27.

The Braves totaled 22 runs in three consecutive victories over lowly Miami before being held to three hits in Sunday's 4-1 loss, extending Shelby Miller's winless stretch to 15 starts.

"It seems like when he pitches, we don't get the hits we need to get," second baseman Jace Peterson said.

Williams Perez (4-2, 4.48) has been hit hard in both starts since returning from a five-week stint on the disabled list caused by a foot injury. The rookie right-hander has surrendered 15 runs and 19 hits over 10 1-3 innings in losses to San Francisco and Philadelphia.

Perez fared better in his first career start against Tampa Bay on May 20, allowing a run in five innings while not getting a decision in a 2-1 Braves win.

He'll face a hot hitter Tuesday in Asdrubal Cabrera, who's batting .463 in 11 games since returning from the DL July 28.

Desmond Jennings, out since April 25 with a left knee injury that required surgery, could return for the Rays after completing a rehab assignment Sunday. The outfielder went 3 for 21 in seven games with Triple-A Durham.

Catcher Curt Casali is expected back after taking a backswing to the head Saturday and missing Sunday's game, but center fielder Kevin Kiermaier's status is uncertain due to a jammed thumb sustained Saturday.

Atlanta has won 11 of 15 games at Tropicana Field, which it last visited in 2012.

SERIES AT A GLANCE

GAME 1
Braves at Rays
Tue, Aug 11 - 7:10PM EDT

GAME 2
Braves at Rays
Wed, Aug 12 - 7:10PM EDT

**StarDust Bum** · 08-11-2015, 02:41 AM

Preview: Brewers (48-65) at Cubs (62-48)
Game: 1
Venue: Wrigley Field
Date: August 11, 2015 8:05 PM EDT

Thanks in part to sensational work by the rotation, the Chicago Cubs have extended their hold on the NL's second wild-card spot during their best stretch of the season.

Dan Haren now hopes to continue that trend as he tries to lead the Cubs to their 11th win in 12 games in his home debut Tuesday night against the NL Central-worst Milwaukee Brewers.

Chicago (62-48) was six games back of Pittsburgh and 2 1/2 behind San Francisco in the wild-card race July 28 after its starting staff had a 7.84 ERA over a 2-5 stretch.

Since then, the rotation has posted a 2.23 ERA over 11 games. Jake Arrieta provided the latest gem Sunday, allowing four hits over 7 2-3 innings in a 2-0 home win over the Giants.

By completing the four-game sweep, Chicago moved within 3 1/2 games of the Pirates while creating a 3 1/2-game gap over San Francisco. The team also has trimmed its deficit behind division-leading St. Louis from 11 1/2 to 8 1/2.

'What we have to do now is just continue to make it difficult for the guys ahead of us and continue to show we're going to put pressure on and not let up," Arrieta said.

The only game the Cubs have lost during their hot stretch came Wednesday in Haren's debut. After being acquired from Miami on July 31, the right-hander allowed three earned runs and two homers over five innings but did not factor in a 7-5 defeat at Pittsburgh.

Haren (7-7, 3.49 ERA) has gone 1-2 with a 5.86 ERA in five starts at Wrigley Field. He hasn't pitched there since August 2013, when he gave up one run over six innings in Washington's 4-2 win.

After going 2-0 with an 0.90 ERA in his first three starts versus Milwaukee, he allowed six runs - three earned - in three innings of a 7-2 loss last August with the Los Angeles Dodgers.

The Cubs limited the Brewers (48-65) to eight total runs in sweeping a four-game series at Miller Park from July 30-Aug. 2. They haven't won five straight over Milwaukee since 2008, the last season in which they were 14 games over .500 and the last time they reached the playoffs.

"We won a lot of tight games up there," manager Joe Maddon told MLB's official website. "We did a lot of things well in Milwaukee and that really kind of pushed us back in the right direction.

The Brewers were blanked in back-to-back games by St. Louis before salvaging a 5-4 home win Sunday. Khris Davis hit a pair of two-run homers, including a go-ahead shot in the eighth inning. He has four home runs and 12 RBIs over his last six games and is 3 for 4 with a double off Haren.

"When he gets into these good streaks, he can win games for you," manager Craig Counsell said

Milwaukee might not need a scoring outburst for rookie right-hander Taylor Jungmann (6-3, 2.26), who has gone 4-2 with a 1.90 ERA over his last six starts.

After yielding two earned runs over 5 2-3 innings in a 4-1 loss to Chicago on July 31, he gave up two runs over seven while fanning a season-high eight in Wednesday's 8-5 win over San Diego.

Anthony Rizzo has hit .391 with 10 home runs and 24 RBIs over his last 19 games versus Milwaukee, though rookie Kris Bryant is 3 for 32 with 17 strikeouts in the season series.

SERIES AT A GLANCE

GAME 1
Brewers at Cubs
Tue, Aug 11 - 8:05PM EDT

GAME 2
Brewers at Cubs
Wed, Aug 12 - 8:05PM EDT

GAME 3
Brewers at Cubs
Thu, Aug 13 - 2:20PM EDT

**StarDust Bum** · 08-11-2015, 02:42 AM

Preview: Rangers (55-55) at Twins (55-56)
Game: 1
Venue: Target Field
Date: August 11, 2015 8:10 PM EDT

While a recent surge has the Texas Rangers still in playoff contention, the Minnesota Twins appear on the way to falling out of the AL wild-card race.

Losers of seven of eight, the sagging Twins hope a return to Target Field brings a reversal of fortune as they open an important three-game series with the Rangers on Tuesday night.

Minnesota (55-56) owned a four-game lead atop the wild-card standings at the All-Star break but has floundered since, going an AL-worst 6-16 to fall below .500 for the first time since May 1. Poor pitching has attributed to the downfall, as the Twins have posted a 7.35 ERA while dropping 12 of 15.

Twins starters produced a 13.83 ERA during a 1-6 trip that ended with Sunday's 8-1 defeat to Cleveland, one day after the Indians had 17 runs and 19 hits. The Twins have allowed at least eight runs in five consecutive games.

"If you're out there and you're seeing the way guys are teeing off on you, you'd think you would try to at least make them a little more uncomfortable. I think we could probably improve on that," manager Paul Molitor told MLB's official website.

Kyle Gibson (8-9, 3.78 ERA) has been one of the primary culprits to the pitching problems. The right-hander is 0-3 with an 8.59 ERA in four starts following the break, allowing a career high-tying eight runs in 4 2-3 innings in Thursday's 9-3 loss at Toronto.

Gibson had won four straight starts to end the first half and enjoyed great success in two meetings with Texas in 2014. After firing six scoreless innings in a no decision at Target Field last May, he held the Rangers to two runs through eight in a road win a month later.

Elvis Andrus and Shin-soo Choo are both 1 for 7 against Gibson, though Josh Hamilton is 2 for 4.

Texas (55-55), which sits a half-game in front of the Twins, climbed back into the playoff hunt with a 7-1 stretch prior to losing two of three in Seattle. The Rangers left 10 on base and went 0 for 9 with runners in scoring position during Sunday's 4-2 defeat, squandering an early lead on Felix Hernandez and a complete game from Colby Lewis.

"We seemed to be on Hernandez early but we let it get away in the middle innings," manager Jeff Banister told MLB's official website.

Yovani Gallardo (8-9, 3.47) takes the mound seeking to win consecutive starts for the first time since late May. He halted a six-start winless stretch by allowing three runs in five innings of a 4-3 triumph over Houston on Aug. 4.

Gallardo, who's 1-1 with an 8.53 ERA in four post-break outings, last beat the Twins on June 25, 2011. He's 0-2 in four meetings since, including a loss with Milwaukee last June in which the right-hander was reached for six runs in five innings.

Trevor Plouffe is 3 for 7 with two homers off Gallardo, who's also had trouble facing Brian Dozier (5 for 7 with a home run) and Joe Mauer (6 for 12).

The Rangers are 18-9 against Minnesota, including an 8-3 mark at Target Field, since 2012. Texas took two of three in Arlington from June 12-14.

SERIES AT A GLANCE

GAME 1
Rangers at Twins
Tue, Aug 11 - 8:10PM EDT

GAME 2
Rangers at Twins
Wed, Aug 12 - 8:10PM EDT

GAME 3
Rangers at Twins
Thu, Aug 13 - 1:10PM EDT

**StarDust Bum** · 08-11-2015, 02:44 AM

Preview: Pirates (65-44) at Cardinals (71-40)
Game: 1
Venue: Busch Stadium
Date: August 11, 2015 8:15 PM EDT

Hosting the NL wild-card game for a third straight year would seem like a major accomplishment for a club that finished under .500 in each of the previous 20 seasons.

The Pittsburgh Pirates aren't settling for playing second fiddle to the St. Louis Cardinals, though.

Pittsburgh looks to cut into the Cardinals' NL Central lead as it begins the second of three straight series against division leaders Tuesday night in St. Louis.

The Pirates (65-44) have the best record in baseball since May 9 at 52-28, but MLB-leading St. Louis (71-40) has maintained its advantage by going 49-33 in that span.

The Cardinals have doubled their Central lead since the All-Star break after the Pirates pulled to within 2 1/2 games with three straight victories over St. Louis to close out the first half. Pittsburgh gained a game Sunday, completing a sweep of NL West-leading Los Angeles with a 13-6 victory while the Cardinals had a four-game winning snapped with a 5-4 loss at Milwaukee.

Pittsburgh, which visits NL East-leading New York for three following this series, holds the first wild card by 3 1/2 games over Chicago.

Andrew McCutchen hit a two-run homer in the fifth inning to begin Pittsburgh's rally from a four-run deficit Sunday. McCutchen, batting .563 with two homers and two doubles over his last five, has recorded at least a hit in nine games as Pittsburgh and St. Louis have split 10 meetings.

He hit a two-run homer in the bottom of the 14th to give the Pirates a 6-5 win July 11. Gregory Polanco's RBI hit in the 10th beat the Cardinals by the same score the following night just before the break.

"I wouldn't say we're making a statement. That series is over with," McCutchen told MLB's official website. "We've got a new one coming up. They're going to be ready to go, and so are we."

St. Louis won the opener of that series as Carlos Martinez (11-4, 2.57 ERA) struck out eight in 7 1-3 scoreless innings of a 4-1 victory July 9. Martinez also had one of his worst outings against Pittsburgh, though, as he allowed a career high-tying seven runs and walked four in 5 1-3 innings of a 7-5 loss May 9.

The right-hander opposed Jeff Locke in last month's start and will do so again in this contest. Locke (6-6, 4.31) gave up four runs - one earned - in five innings of that outing and has posted a 6.32 ERA over his last three starts.

Locke allowed five runs - four earned - and walked five in three innings of a 6-4 loss Sept. 2 the last time he pitched at Busch Stadium.

Matt Carpenter is 2 for 11 against Locke, but he's been a force since being moved back into the leadoff spot July 30. Carpenter has batted .375 with seven homers, five doubles and a 1.457 OPS in those 10 games after homering in the final two against Milwaukee over the weekend.

Carpenter hit .152 in his previous 13 before the switch.

'I think it just proves to him that (moving to the top of the order) wasn't necessarily a fluke and what he's got to do to get back into that kind of groove," manager Mike Matheny said. "He changes the rhythm of our offense. He sets the tone and puts together good at-bats. He's a game-changer right now."

The Cardinals have won 17 of the last 20 meetings at Busch Stadium, including playoffs, after sweeping the Pirates there May 1-3. McCutchen has batted .125 in his last five in St. Louis.

SERIES AT A GLANCE

GAME 1
Pirates at Cardinals
Tue, Aug 11 - 8:15PM EDT

GAME 2
Pirates at Cardinals
Wed, Aug 12 - 8:15PM EDT

GAME 3
Pirates at Cardinals
Thu, Aug 13 - 7:15PM EDT

**StarDust Bum** · 08-11-2015, 02:46 AM

Preview: Astros (61-52) at Giants (59-52)
Game: 1
Venue: AT&T Park
Date: August 11, 2015 10:15 PM EDT

The San Francisco Giants didn't have an answer in Chicago over the weekend during four straight losses to the Cubs, the team they're chasing for the second NL wild card.

Comfort finally comes, though, with the man who's taking the mound to begin a two-game series against the Houston Astros on Tuesday night at AT&T Park.

Madison Bumgarner will try to stop the bleeding from a 3-7 road trip against fellow left-hander Scott Kazmir, who's rolling since joining Houston three weeks ago.

Bumgarner (12-6, 3.28 ERA) was on the hill for San Francisco's last win Wednesday before disaster ensued in Chicago, shifting the Giants from wild-card leaders over the Cubs to 3 1/2 back.

Bumgarner has lasted at least seven innings in eight of his last 11 starts, and he's won four of the past five while posting a 1.80 ERA in the victories.

In 11 starts at home, Bumgarner is 5-2 with a 2.43 ERA. He's 3-0 with a 1.29 ERA in three against the Astros in San Francisco but hasn't faced them since 2012.

Giants starters took all the losses against the Cubs after struggling to a 7.94 ERA.

With Bumgarner on the mound Tuesday and 51 games left on the schedule, it's not time for the Giants (59-52) to panic. All-Star catcher Buster Posey, though, told MLB's official website that "it's time to pay attention to (the standings)."

Things aren't going much better for the Astros (61-52), who were swept by Texas and lost the final three of a four-game set against Oakland during the first seven games of a nine-game road trip.

"We've had a rough week," manager A.J. Hinch said.

So rough that the players held a meeting minutes after Saturday's 2-1 loss. Closer Luke Gregerson blew two save opportunities in Oakland, but he insisted the Astros aren't pressing.

"I think a lot of guys are just kind of a little upset with themselves. I think guys don't feel like they're playing up to their caliber, almost," Gregerson said. "And I feel like just a little, just a little personal anger. Not even necessarily at teammates, just more so personally amongst guys.

"We know we got to be better than this and we know we can do better than this, and I think that they know they need to step up and we need to win some ballgames."

Kazmir (6-6, 2.08) will make his fourth start in an Astros uniform. He is 1-1 with a 0.44 ERA in his first three and 2-1 with a 0.45 ERA in his last six overall.

Kazmir took the loss against the Rangers on Wednesday after allowing four runs, only one of which was earned, in 5 2-3 innings.

Giants left fielder Nori Aoki told MLB's official website he is fine after getting hit in the head by a 92 mph pitch Sunday. Aoki left the game and said he initially felt nauseated.

San Francisco has won eight of nine at home, while the Astros have lost 27 of 35 on the road

SERIES AT A GLANCE

GAME 1
Astros at Giants
Tue, Aug 11 - 10:15PM EDT

GAME 2
Astros at Giants
Wed, Aug 12 - 3:45PM EDT

**StarDust Bum** · 08-11-2015, 03:07 AM

Preview: Angels (59-51) at White Sox (51-58)
Game: 2
Venue: U.S. Cellular Field
Date: August 11, 2015 8:10 PM EDT

Los Angeles Angels starter Hector Santiago believes it'll be easier to face his first big-league team now that over a year has passed since the Chicago White Sox traded him.

He'll return to U.S. Cellular Field and face the White Sox for the first time Tuesday night looking to help the Angels avoid their longest road losing streak in 22 years.

Santiago (7-5, 2.78 ERA) began his career with Chicago between 2011-13, developing into a starter during his final year with the team. He was acquired by Los Angeles (59-52) after that season in a three-team deal with Arizona.

The left-hander was thrilled about traveling back with his new club Monday.

"All around, (it felt) like coming home a little bit," he told MLB's official website. "Obviously, I'm an enemy now, but when you go in there, you feel like you're family."

On Monday, Santiago chatted with All-Star pitcher Chris Sale along with several other former Chicago teammates. He didn't get much advice from them about how to go after White Sox hitters, and not just because it would give him a competitive advantage.

There are numerous new faces with the White Sox (52-58), and Santiago hasn't faced any of their batters more than three times.

"Last year, definitely if I would've came over the first time and had to face all the guys that I still knew over there, it would've definitely been different," Santiago said. "Now, it's a new team."

He is 0-1 with a 6.19 ERA in his last three outings after posting a 0.95 ERA during a three-start win streak.

Los Angeles fell 8-2 in Monday's opener of this three-game set for a seventh straight road loss - matching its longest such slide since a nine-game skid July 17-25, 1993.

Another former White Sox player making his return to Chicago is Conor Gillaspie, who was traded July 24 and is hitting .186 in 12 games for the Angels and did not play Monday.

In addition, Chicago third baseman Gordon Beckham could see his first action against the club that acquired him Aug. 21 and saw him make 26 regular-season appearances and two more in the playoffs. Beckham wasn't offered a contract by the Angels and rejoined the White Sox.

Avisail Garcia homered twice and drove in four runs as Chicago ended a three-game slide and improved the AL's worst home mark since the All-Star break to 4-9. Garcia has four home runs and nine RBIs in his last three home games.

"I'm using my top hand more. I've been working on that," Garcia said. "Today, I feel a little bit better. Like I said, I come here every day and try to get better and try to get my swing back."

Johnny Giavotella drove in both runs for the Angels and he and Mike Trout had two hits apiece.

Chicago starter Carlos Rodon (4-4, 5.00) has been tagged for 12 runs over 7 2-3 innings in his last two outings. Manager Robin Ventura called Rodon's effort Wednesday "erratic" after the left-hander was charged with four runs in 4 2-3 innings of a 6-5, 10-inning win over Tampa Bay.

Rodon, 0-3 with an 11.88 ERA in his last four home starts, has never faced the Angels or any of their hitters.

SERIES AT A GLANCE

GAME 1
Angels at White Sox
Mon, Aug 10 Final 2 to 8
Boxscores • Recaps

GAME 2
Angels at White Sox
Tue, Aug 11 - 8:10PM EDT

GAME 3
Angels at White Sox
Wed, Aug 12 - 8:10PM EDT

**StarDust Bum** · 08-11-2015, 03:09 AM

Preview: Tigers (54-57) at Royals (66-44)
Game: 2
Venue: Ewing M. Kauffman Stadium
Date: August 11, 2015 8:10 PM EDT

The Kansas City Royals are in position to establish their longest home win streak in 12 years Tuesday night.

Yordano Ventura will try to provide a better outing than last week's start against Detroit in his quick rematch with the Tigers.

Kansas City's 4-0 win in Monday's series opener was its 15th in 18 games at Kauffman Stadium and sixth in a row. The Royals (67-44) haven't taken seven straight at home since a franchise-best 11-0 start in 2003.

Kansas City will also seek a fifth straight win overall, which would move it 24 games above .500 for the first time since it was 91-67 on Sept. 27, 1989.

"They have the energy, and it's carrying over. It's contagious," Detroit infielder Andrew Romine said. "Their entire dugout seems to have it."

The Royals, though, are sending out a starter who hasn't been at his sharpest lately in Ventura (6-7, 5.29 ERA). The right-hander has allowed 11 runs in 12 innings in his past two starts and matched a career high by giving up six runs in five innings in Detroit on Thursday.

The Royals scored three runs in the seventh to help him avoid his second loss in five starts since returning from ulnar nerve issues July 9, but they fell 8-6 on Ian Kinsler's walkoff two-run homer.

Ventura, who is 3-1 with a 6.75 ERA since coming back from the disabled list, has no record and an 8.18 ERA in two starts against the Tigers (54-58) this season, both in Detroit.

"This is one of the first years where I've gone through a struggle and haven't been able to get hitters out as consistently as I'm used to," he told MLB's official website through an interpreter. "It's been tough. I'm just trying to find ways to improve and do things better that aren't working out."

Anibal Sanchez (10-9, 4.82) will pitch opposite of Ventura again and seek his first win in four starts. The right-hander is 0-2 with a 6.50 ERA in his past three after going 7-0 with a 3.16 ERA in his previous eight outings.

Sanchez gave up four runs in six-plus innings Thursday and is 0-1 with a 6.75 ERA in his last two starts against Kansas City. He has a 2.11 ERA in winning his last three starts at Kauffman, however, throwing 7 1-3 innings of three-run ball in his only 2015 outing there on May 3.

Eric Hosmer, one of MLB's hottest hitters in the second half, is 4 for 9 with two doubles against Sanchez this season. He's batting .409 with a 1.074 OPS and 17 RBIs in 25 games since the All-Star break, going 7 for 14 in four games against the Tigers.

Kinsler, hitting .489 with a 1.210 OPS in his last 11 contests, is 4 for 6 with one double against Ventura this season. Victor Martinez homered twice off him in last week's game while driving in a season-high five runs.

SERIES AT A GLANCE

GAME 1
Tigers at Royals
Mon, Aug 10 Final 0 to 4
Boxscores • Recaps

GAME 2
Tigers at Royals
Tue, Aug 11 - 8:10PM EDT

GAME 3
Tigers at Royals
Wed, Aug 12 - 8:10PM EDT

**StarDust Bum** · 08-11-2015, 10:43 AM

Preview: Phillies (45-68) at Diamondbacks (55-56)
Game: 2
Venue: Chase Field
Date: August 11, 2015 9:40 PM EDT

The Philadelphia Phillies haven't lost any of their previous eight series against the Arizona Diamondbacks.

Any chance of extending that run means they will have to end a nine-game losing streak in road starts by David Buchanan.

Buchanan will face the Diamondbacks for the first time in Tuesday night's middle game of this series at Chase Field.

Philadelphia (45-68) has captured seven series and split another against Arizona (55-56) since losing two of three in the desert April 25-27, 2011. The Phillies had a three-game win streak snapped with Monday's 13-3 loss.

Now it figures to be difficult to even the series behind Buchanan (2-6, 7.23 ERA), who is 0-5 with a 4.62 ERA in his last nine on the road, including 0-3 with a 7.20 ERA in four this year.

The right-hander's last outing also won't inspire much confidence as he matched a career high by getting tagged for seven runs in four innings, escaping without a decision in Thursday's 10-8 defeat to the Los Angeles Dodgers.

"I just didn't make quality pitches," he said. "I have to work on a few things and get ready for the next start."

The only Arizona hitter he has faced is Jarrod Saltalamacchia, who is 3 for 7 in this matchup.

Philadelphia is 16-6 since the All-Star break, tied with Toronto for the best record in the majors. Cesar Hernandez is batting .409 in a hitting streak in his last 10 starts while Odubel Herrera is batting .368 in a 13-game hitting streak - the longest by a Phillies rookie since Marlon Byrd's 15-game run in 2003.

The Diamondbacks are winners of 11 of 16 and can reach .500 for the first time since July 8 after matching their third-highest hit total with 17. Welington Castillo, A.J. Pollock and Yasmany Tomas all homered.

Castillo matched a career best with four RBIs and stayed in the game after being hit in the head on a follow-through by the Phillies' Domonic Brown in the sixth inning. He is hitting .366 with eight homers and 14 RBIs in his last 12 games, though manager Chip Hale said he would rest Tuesday or Wednesday.

David Peralta was 3 for 5 with two RBIs and major league batting leader Paul Goldschmidt drove in two runs. Peralta has eight hits in his last two games.

Tomas went 2 for 4 as he started for the first time in four games. He has six hits in his last three starts.

"I think the time off for guys sometimes, they are able to watch others guys' approach(es) and figure some things out, I think he has," Hale said.

Arizona starter Jeremy Hellickson (7-8, 5.06) is 5-1 with a 2.33 ERA in his last six home outings, though he was pounded for 11 runs over eight innings in road defeats in his last two starts.

The veteran right-hander has never faced the Phillies. Jeff Francoeur is 1 for 5 with four strikeouts against him as the only Philadelphia hitter he has faced.

The Phillies reportedly placed second baseman Chase Utley on waivers Sunday so there is a chance he could be dealt if a team claims him before the Tuesday deadline. Utley is 5 for 13 in four games on this trip after missing 37 due to right ankle inflammation.

SERIES AT A GLANCE

GAME 1
Phillies at Diamondbacks
Mon, Aug 10 Final 3 to 13
Boxscores • Recaps

GAME 2
Phillies at Diamondbacks
Tue, Aug 11 - 9:40PM EDT

GAME 3
Phillies at Diamondbacks
Wed, Aug 12 - 3:40PM EDT

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