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The Bum's Sports Page For Wednesday September 16th Best Bets-Trends-News !

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  • The Bum's Sports Page For Wednesday September 16th Best Bets-Trends-News !

    LEADING OFF: Playoff races heating, Holliday off DL

    September 15, 2015

    A look at what's happening around the major leagues Wednesday:

    BACK AT IT

    The Pirates and Cubs continue a pivotal four-game series a day after a day-night doubleheader in Pittsburgh. The Bucs sit atop the NL wild-card standings. Chicago is within striking distance and St. Louis is narrowly ahead of both in the NL Central standings. Pirates right-hander A.J. Burnett (8-5, 3.14) makes his second start since returning from the DL following a strained right elbow, while Cubs righty Jake Arrieta (19-6, 1.99) hopes to help his late push for Cy Young Award consideration.

    NAP IN LEFT

    Mike Napoli will play left field again when the Rangers host the Astros in the third game of a pivotal AL West four-game series. Napoli played outfield for the first time as a pro Sunday against Oakland, and again Monday when he dropped a flyball in the Rangers' 5-3 win over Houston. Manager Jeff Banister said he's trying to use a right-handed bat to boost a lineup that has struggled at times against left-handers. Cy Young Award candidate LHP Dallas Keuchel (17-7, 2.22 ERA) is scheduled to start for Houston.

    HAPPY HOLLIDAY

    Matt Holliday has returned just in time to help the Cardinals make their final push for the NL Central crown. The seven-time All-Star was activated from the DL on Tuesday but was not in St. Louis' lineup after missing more than two months with a right quadriceps strain. LHP Jaime Garcia (8-5, 2.33) goes for St. Louis in the second game of a set with Milwaukee, who sends out RHP Wily Peralta (5-8, 4.14).

    BOUNCEBACK WANTED

    Rays RHP Chris Archer looks to get back to his winning ways against the Yankees. Archer (12-11, 2.95) dropped to 5-1 vs. the Yankees after losing in his last start against them Sept 6. He took a shutout into the sixth before allowing a three-run homer to Brian McCann and a solo shot to Alex Rodriguez. Rookie RHP Luis Severino (3-3, 3.35) will start for the Yankees.

    SEPTEMBER WOES

    Indians RHP Danny Salazar (12-8, 3.57) hopes to replicate his strong August results after a disappointing first couple of outings this month. Salazar has allowed nine runs in 10 innings over his last two starts. Cleveland faces Kansas City as a late addition to the AL wild-card race, while the Royals are limping to the finish but still have the AL's best record. Danny Duffy (7-7, 4.14) pitches for Kansas City.
    Remember the 3 G's Gambling, Golf, Girls not in any particular order.....

  • #2
    MLB MONEY LINE

    MLB > (977) LA ANGELS@ (978) SEATTLE | 2015-09-16 22:10:00 - 2015-09-16 22:10:00
    Play AGAINST LA ANGELS using money line as a road underdog of +125 to +150
    The record is 5 Wins and 30 Losses for the last three seasons (-23.15 units)

    MLB > (973) OAKLAND@ (974) CHI WHITE SOX | 2015-09-16 20:10:00 - 2015-09-16 20:10:00
    Play AGAINST OAKLAND using money line in September games
    The record is 13 Wins and 26 Losses for the last two seasons (-25.1 units)

    MLB > (979) TORONTO@ (980) ATLANTA | 2015-09-16 19:10:00 - 2015-09-16 19:10:00
    Play AGAINST ATLANTA using money line in September games
    The record is 9 Wins and 29 Losses for the last two seasons (-22.23 units)

    MLB > (975) DETROIT@ (976) MINNESOTA | 2015-09-16 20:10:00 - 2015-09-16 20:10:00
    Play ON MINNESOTA using money line when playing against a team with a losing record
    The record is 25 Wins and 11 Losses for the this season (+15.7 units)

    MLB > (969) KANSAS CITY@ (970) CLEVELAND | 2015-09-16 19:10:00 - 2015-09-16 19:10:00
    Play ON KANSAS CITY using money line against right-handed starters
    The record is 58 Wins and 33 Losses for the this season (+20.65 units)

    MLB > (971) HOUSTON@ (972) TEXAS | 2015-09-16 20:05:00 - 2015-09-16 20:05:00
    Play ON TEXAS using money line in games played on a grass field
    The record is 73 Wins and 63 Losses for the this season (+24.47 units)
    Remember the 3 G's Gambling, Golf, Girls not in any particular order.....

    Comment


    • #3
      MLB RUNLINE

      MLB > (977) LA ANGELS@ (978) SEATTLE | 2015-09-16 22:10:00 - 2015-09-16 22:10:00
      Play AGAINST LA ANGELS as a road underdog when the run line price is -130 to -105
      The record is 5 Wins and 15 Losses for the last two seasons (-19.15 units)

      MLB > (963) CINCINNATI@ (964) SAN FRANCISCO | 2015-09-16 22:15:00 - 2015-09-16 22:15:00
      Play ON SAN FRANCISCO when playing against a team with a losing record in the second half of the season
      The record is 23 Wins and 9 Losses for the last two seasons (+18.95 units)

      MLB > (969) KANSAS CITY@ (970) CLEVELAND | 2015-09-16 19:10:00 - 2015-09-16 19:10:00
      Play ON KANSAS CITY when playing with a day off
      The record is 29 Wins and 10 Losses for the last two seasons (+25.7 units)

      MLB > (965) BOSTON@ (966) BALTIMORE | 2015-09-16 19:05:00 - 2015-09-16 19:05:00
      Play AGAINST BOSTON when playing with a day off
      The record is 3 Wins and 15 Losses for the this season (-15.15 units)

      MLB > (979) TORONTO@ (980) ATLANTA | 2015-09-16 19:10:00 - 2015-09-16 19:10:00
      Play AGAINST ATLANTA when playing against a team with a winning record
      The record is 24 Wins and 38 Losses for the this season (-26.05 units)

      MLB > (955) MIAMI@ (956) NY METS | 2015-09-16 19:10:00 - 2015-09-16 19:10:00
      Play ON NY METS when playing against a team with a losing record in the second half of the season
      The record is 49 Wins and 27 Losses for the last two seasons (+28.05 units)

      MLB > (971) HOUSTON@ (972) TEXAS | 2015-09-16 20:05:00 - 2015-09-16 20:05:00
      Play ON TEXAS when playing against a team with a winning record
      The record is 44 Wins and 18 Losses for the this season (+21 units)
      Remember the 3 G's Gambling, Golf, Girls not in any particular order.....

      Comment


      • #4
        MLB TOTALS

        MLB > (969) KANSAS CITY@ (970) CLEVELAND | 2015-09-16 19:10:00 - 2015-09-16 19:10:00
        Play OVER CLEVELAND on the total against division opponents
        The record is 23 Overs and 5 Unders for the this season (+18.4 units)

        MLB > (957) ST LOUIS@ (958) MILWAUKEE | 2015-09-16 20:10:00 - 2015-09-16 20:10:00
        Play OVER MILWAUKEE on the total in September games
        The record is 12 Overs and 1 Unders for the this season (+11.3 units)

        MLB > (975) DETROIT@ (976) MINNESOTA | 2015-09-16 20:10:00 - 2015-09-16 20:10:00
        Play OVER DETROIT on the total on the road when the total is 8 to 8.5
        The record is 23 Overs and 8 Unders for the this season (+15.25 units)

        MLB > (959) SAN DIEGO@ (960) ARIZONA | 2015-09-16 21:40:00 - 2015-09-16 21:40:00
        Play OVER SAN DIEGO on the total in all games
        The record is 85 Overs and 55 Unders for the this season (+28.9 units)

        MLB > (973) OAKLAND@ (974) CHI WHITE SOX | 2015-09-16 20:10:00 - 2015-09-16 20:10:00
        Play OVER CHI WHITE SOX on the total when playing against a team with a losing record in the second half of the season
        The record is 18 Overs and 6 Unders for the this season (+12.35 units)

        MLB > (951) WASHINGTON@ (952) PHILADELPHIA | 2015-09-16 19:05:00 - 2015-09-16 19:05:00
        Play OVER PHILADELPHIA on the total in night games
        The record is 55 Overs and 33 Unders for the this season (+21 units)

        MLB > (977) LA ANGELS@ (978) SEATTLE | 2015-09-16 22:10:00 - 2015-09-16 22:10:00
        Play OVER LA ANGELS on the total against right-handed starters
        The record is 32 Overs and 15 Unders for the this season (+15.75 units)

        MLB > (965) BOSTON@ (966) BALTIMORE | 2015-09-16 19:05:00 - 2015-09-16 19:05:00
        Play UNDER BALTIMORE on the total against left-handed starters
        The record is 26 Overs and 54 Unders for the last two seasons (+25.65 units)
        Remember the 3 G's Gambling, Golf, Girls not in any particular order.....

        Comment


        • #5
          MLB TOP POWERLINE

          MLB > (953) CHICAGO CUBS @ (954) PITTSBURGH | 2015-09-16 19:05:00 - 2015-09-16 19:05:00
          Line: CHICAGO CUBS BTB PowerLine: CHICAGO CUBS158
          Edge On: CHICAGO CUBS (13)

          MLB > (965) BOSTON @ (966) BALTIMORE | 2015-09-16 19:05:00 - 2015-09-16 19:05:00
          Line: BOSTON BTB PowerLine: BOSTON-109
          Edge On: BOSTON (16)

          MLB > (969) KANSAS CITY @ (970) CLEVELAND | 2015-09-16 19:10:00 - 2015-09-16 19:10:00
          Line: KANSAS CITY BTB PowerLine: KANSAS CITY105
          Edge On: KANSAS CITY (30)

          MLB > (967) NY YANKEES @ (968) TAMPA BAY | 2015-09-16 19:10:00 - 2015-09-16 19:10:00
          Line: NY YANKEES BTB PowerLine: NY YANKEES107
          Edge On: NY YANKEES (22)

          MLB > (971) HOUSTON @ (972) TEXAS | 2015-09-16 20:05:00 - 2015-09-16 20:05:00
          Line: HOUSTON BTB PowerLine: HOUSTON185
          Edge On: HOUSTON (40)

          MLB > (975) DETROIT @ (976) MINNESOTA | 2015-09-16 20:10:00 - 2015-09-16 20:10:00
          Line: DETROIT BTB PowerLine: DETROIT-138
          Edge On: DETROIT (22)

          MLB > (973) OAKLAND @ (974) CHI WHITE SOX | 2015-09-16 20:10:00 - 2015-09-16 20:10:00
          Line: OAKLAND BTB PowerLine: OAKLAND-106
          Edge On: OAKLAND (14)

          MLB > (961) COLORADO @ (962) LA DODGERS | 2015-09-16 22:10:00 - 2015-09-16 22:10:00
          Line: COLORADO BTB PowerLine: COLORADO-162
          Edge On: COLORADO (23)

          MLB > (977) LA ANGELS @ (978) SEATTLE | 2015-09-16 22:10:00 - 2015-09-16 22:10:00
          Line: LA ANGELS BTB PowerLine: LA ANGELS-113
          Edge On: LA ANGELS (12)

          MLB > (963) CINCINNATI @ (964) SAN FRANCISCO | 2015-09-16 22:15:00 - 2015-09-16 22:15:00
          Line: SAN FRANCISCO-165 BTB PowerLine: SAN FRANCISCO-200
          Edge On: SAN FRANCISCO (35)
          Remember the 3 G's Gambling, Golf, Girls not in any particular order.....

          Comment


          • #6
            Preview: Red Sox (68-76) at Orioles (71-73)
            Game: 3
            Venue: Oriole Park at Camden Yards
            Date: September 16, 2015 7:05 PM EDT

            With the Baltimore Orioles still hoping to make an unlikely postseason run, this might be Mike Wright's last chance to show he should be a part of it.

            The rookie tries to avoid a third poor performance in as many starts since coming off the disabled list as the Orioles go for a sweep of the visiting Boston Red Sox on Wednesday night.

            Baltimore (71-73) has kept its slim wild-card hopes alive with wins in six of seven, including the first two of this series. Tuesday night's 6-5, 13-inning victory moved the Orioles to 5 1/2 games back of Houston for the second wild card, though they remain behind three other teams.

            "You get a little crispness back in the air, and it reminds everybody what fall baseball is like," manager Buck Showalter said. "We still feel like it's there for us if we can get the momentum needed."

            Wright (2-4, 5.45 ERA) made a strong impression following his original call-up in May, winning two of three starts with a 1.40 ERA, before things started to roll downhill. The right-hander dropped his next three outings, allowing 14 runs in 10 innings, and was sent back to the minors. Wright returned to make a relief appearance July 31 before landing on the DL with a strained calf, and he's struggled since being activated.

            He allowed three runs and seven hits in four innings of a 5-1 defeat at Toronto, then gave up four runs and two homers in five innings of a 14-8 victory over Kansas City on Friday.

            Another bad outing could cause Wright to lose his spot in the rotation after Baltimore promoted Tyler Wilson from Triple-A Norfolk on Tuesday. Wilson went 1-1 with a 2.63 ERA in two starts earlier this season and also pitched well in four relief appearances for the Orioles.

            "I think his turn falls on where Mike (Wright) is pitching, but that doesn't mean Mike doesn't pitch," Showalter told MLB's official website. "Usually this time of year, you're talking about who you're going to look at, and what have you."

            The Red Sox (68-76) counter with their own first-year hurler, Henry Owens. Owens (2-2, 5.25) makes his eighth start since getting the call-up from Triple-A Pawtucket on Aug. 4.

            Two seven-run outings have hurt the 6-foot-6 left-hander's ERA, but he has held opponents to seven earned runs in his other five starts combined.

            The latest wasn't exactly smooth as he walked four, hit two batters and was called for a balk in a 5-1 loss to Toronto last Tuesday. Owens did hold the high-scoring Blue Jays to one run and three hits in 5 1-3 innings, and pointed to problems out of the windup as the cause of his wildness.

            "I think out of the stretch I felt in command of most at-bats," Owens said. "...there's some refinement I still need to do with my mechanics out of a windup, which begins tomorrow."

            Boston says right-hander Junichi Tazawa has been shut down for the remainder of the season to rest. Interim manager Torey Lovullo says there was no injury for Tazawa, who was 2-7 with a 4.14 ERA in 61 relief appearances.

            Baltimore's Chris Davis singled home the winning run Tuesday and is now batting .413 with seven homers and 15 RBIs in 13 games this month.

            "Obviously, at this time of the year, you know what's at stake," Davis said. "You know that you have to be almost perfect."


            SERIES AT A GLANCE

            GAME 1
            Red Sox at Orioles
            Mon, Sep 14 Final 0 to 2
            Boxscores • Recaps

            GAME 2
            Red Sox at Orioles
            Tue, Sep 15 Final 5 to 6
            Boxscores • Recaps


            GAME 3
            Red Sox at Orioles
            Wed, Sep 16 - 7:05PM EDT
            Remember the 3 G's Gambling, Golf, Girls not in any particular order.....

            Comment


            • #7
              Preview: Nationals (74-70) at Phillies (56-90)
              Game: 3
              Venue: Citizens Bank Park
              Date: September 16, 2015 7:05 PM EDT

              Even though the Washington Nationals are a long shot to reach the postseason, Bryce Harper has long been considered the favorite to win his first NL MVP Award.

              The slugging outfielder seems to be putting the finish touches on his campaign in Philadelphia.

              After hitting three home runs in the first two games of the series, Harper will try to lead the Nationals to their fourth straight win in Wednesday night's finale against the major league-worst Phillies.

              Harper has reached career highs in virtually every offensive category in his breakout fourth season with Washington. He tops the NL in batting (.338) and took over the lead in home runs (39) by going 3 for 3 with two longballs in Tuesday's 4-0 win at Citizens Bank Park.

              The three-time All-Star also went 2 for 5 with a homer in Monday's series-opening 8-7 win. He's hitting .410 with eight home runs, 11 RBIs and a 1.613 OPS over his last 11 games.

              'The progressions he's made are really nice to see,' manager Matt Williams said. 'He's taking the ball the other way and he has power to all fields.'

              Harper now hopes to lead the Nationals (74-70) to their 11th win in 14 meetings with Philadelphia and first road sweep in the series since August 2011. The 22-year-old's seven home runs against the Phillies are his most versus any club he's faced this season.

              He's been a bright spot in a disappointing season for Washington, which is 8 1/2 games behind the New York Mets in the NL East and nine back of the Chicago Cubs for the second wild card.

              Harper will get his first look at Alec Asher (0-3, 10.67 ERA), who has had trouble keeping the ball in the park. He's given up five home runs while losing each of his first three career starts.

              The rookie right-hander, who the Phillies (56-90) announced Tuesday would replace left-hander Adam Morgan, might have trouble getting his first big league victory against a Washington lineup that has hit seven homers and totaled 17 runs over its last three games.

              "We knew he was going to take his lumps," interim manager Mackanin told MLB's official website.

              The Phillies hope to avoid their third straight defeat and seventh in 10 games on the homestand. After totaling 21 runs in their previous three, they managed only a Cody Asche single and struck out 14 times Tuesday against Stephen Strasburg and Blake Treinen on Tuesday.

              Since posting a 10.22 ERA while losing three consecutive starts last month, Washington's Gio Gonzalez (10-7, 3.88) has gotten back on track by going 1-0 with a 2.08 mark in his last three. He gave up one run over 5 1-3 innings Friday when he did not factor in a 2-1 loss at Miami.

              The left-hander is 4-3 with a 2.67 ERA in nine career starts at Citizens Bank Park. He's facing the Phillies for the third time this season, going 1-1 with a 2.84 mark in the first two matchups.

              Jeff Francoeur (8 for 20) and Freddy Galvis (7 for 20) both have a home run off Gonzalez, while Darin Ruf (7 for 20) has a pair.

              Ryan Howard is expected to miss several games because of a knee bruise, while Washington's Ryan Zimmerman could be sidelined for his eighth straight due to a strained oblique.


              SERIES AT A GLANCE

              GAME 1
              Nationals at Phillies
              Mon, Sep 14 Final 8 to 7
              Boxscores • Recaps

              GAME 2
              Nationals at Phillies
              Tue, Sep 15 Final 4 to 0
              Boxscores • Recaps


              GAME 3
              Nationals at Phillies
              Wed, Sep 16 - 7:05PM EDT
              Remember the 3 G's Gambling, Golf, Girls not in any particular order.....

              Comment


              • #8
                Preview: Cubs (83-61) at Pirates (87-57)
                Game: 2
                Venue: PNC Park
                Date: September 16, 2015 7:05 PM EDT

                Jake Arrieta would likely get the ball in a possible wild-card game at Pittsburgh next month, but for now he'll try to boost his NL Cy Young chances against the Pirates.

                In doing so, the streaking right-hander can become the Cubs' first 20-game winner in 14 years Wednesday night at PNC Park.

                Arrieta (19-6, 1.99 ERA) has shied away from patting himself on the back for a remarkable 0.46 ERA while becoming the first Chicago pitcher to win eight straight starts since Milt Pappas' 11-game run in 1972. Manager Joe Maddon, however, has no problem touting his undisputed ace for a major award.

                "I definitely believe our guy deserves (the Cy Young Award), no question," Maddon said. "I've seen (Zack) Greinke pitch. I know he's really good. I'm getting to watch Jake in person; it's pretty spectacular to watch. My vote's for Jake."

                Since June 21, Arrieta is 13-1 with a 1.00 ERA and has struck out 115 in 117 innings. He allowed only his second homer during that stretch in eight innings of Friday's 5-1 victory in the opener of a doubleheader at Philadelphia.

                "Nothing fazes me," said Arrieta, who is on the verge of becoming the first Cubs pitcher with 20 wins since Jon Lieber in 2001. "Men on base, walks, homers. ... Deal with it and move forward."

                He's yielded two runs and struck out 19 over 21 innings while going 2-1 against the Pirates (87-57) this season - with both wins coming at PNC Park.

                Chicago split a day-night doubleheader Tuesday to remain four back of wild card-leading Pittsburgh. Jon Lester allowed five hits in his first complete game of the season to help the Cubs (83-61) snap a three-game skid with a 2-1 victory in the nightcap.

                "I don't think they're wrapped up in the fact that they're in this particular moment, they have a chance to make the playoffs and these games are overly critical," Maddon told MLB's official website. "I think they're out there playing. I'm not recognizing any tightness among any of those guys. I don't see it."

                Lester's strong performance ended a four-game winning streak for Pittsburgh, which won 5-4 in the opener.

                With three hits on the day, Andrew McCutchen is batting .357 in his last eight games against the Cubs. He's 4 for 7 against Arrieta this season.

                Though no longer considered an everyday player, Starlin Castro is batting .414 in his last nine and .471 with three doubles against A.J. Burnett (8-5, 3.14). While Castro is 3 for 5 when facing Burnett this season, the right-hander has allowed one run despite seven walks in 13 innings to go 1-0 over two starts against Chicago in 2015.

                Burnett posted a 10.13 ERA while losing two of his three starts prior to landing on the disabled list July 31 with elbow inflammation. He then yielded three runs in the first inning during his return in Thursday's 6-4, 13-inning loss to Milwaukee. However, he didn't give up any over the next four innings he worked.

                "I loved the fact he used all three of his pitches," manager Clint Hurdle said. "I liked the angle I saw from the fastball. It was elevated and flat in the first, then he got after it, started shaving the corners of the plate.

                "It was fun to watch the last four innings."


                SERIES AT A GLANCE

                GAME 1
                Cubs at Pirates
                Tue, Sep 15 Final 2 to 1
                Boxscores • Recaps

                GAME 2
                Cubs at Pirates
                Wed, Sep 16 - Final 4 to 5


                GAME 3
                Cubs at Pirates
                Thu, Sep 17 - 12:35PM EDT
                Remember the 3 G's Gambling, Golf, Girls not in any particular order.....

                Comment


                • #9
                  Preview: Royals (85-59) at Indians (71-72)
                  Game: 3
                  Venue: Progressive Field
                  Date: September 16, 2015 7:10 PM EDT

                  The Kansas City bullpen is coming off its longest scoreless outing in 15 games, but it might need to go longer in its next contest in Cleveland.

                  Danny Duffy's increasing pitch count hasn't allowed him to go deep lately, and it sounds like efficiency will be his focus Wednesday night as the Royals try for a series lead over the Indians.

                  The Royals (85-59) evened the four-game set with Tuesday's 2-0 win, and the bullpen gave up a hit in 2 2-3 innings for its top outing since allowing a hit in 3 2-3 scoreless on Aug. 29. That was also the last time their relievers went consecutive contests without allowing a run.

                  Royals relievers have a 5.86 ERA and .838 OPS against in 50 2-3 innings since with the club going 5-10. The rotation has been about as bad with a 5.83 mark.

                  "We needed that," manager Ned Yost said. "We needed a good pitching performance. We needed to get to the bullpen in the seventh inning with the lead."

                  Duffy (7-7, 4.14 ERA) gave up two runs and three hits with three walks in five innings of Friday's 14-8 loss in Baltimore but avoided the decision. He needed 101 pitches and has thrown 17.8 per inning over his last seven starts, which is higher than any qualifying pitcher's season mark.

                  The left-hander isn't getting lit up because of it - he's 3-2 with a 3.89 ERA in eight starts since the start of August - but he's made it through seven innings once in seven outings. It's normally not a problem with a trusted bullpen, but that's changed.

                  "That's on me. I need to go deeper," Duffy told MLB's official website.

                  His one start against the Indians this season was maybe his worst, as he surrendered four runs and six hits in an inning of a 10-3 home loss on May 6. Carlos Santana is 8 for 20 with a home run and triple off Duffy, but Lonnie Chisenhall is 1 for 8 with five strikeouts.

                  Duffy opposes Danny Salazar, whose struggles have shown up more in the run column.

                  In mid-August, Salazar (12-8, 3.57) was becoming the pitcher teams wanted to avoid in a series with the Indians, going 3-0 with a 0.95 ERA in a four-start stretch. In four since, the right-hander is 1-2 with a 6.23 ERA and .322 opponent batting average.

                  The 25-year-old has also struggled against Kansas City, surrendering at least four runs in his last three outings to fall to 3-4 with a 5.40 ERA in seven career starts. Eric Hosmer is 7 for 15 with two home runs and three doubles, but Omar Infante (1 for 15), Salvador Perez (3 for 19) and Mike Moustakas (3 for 17) have all struggled.

                  The Royals have won three straight series in Cleveland, and the latest also happens to be the last time the Indians (71-72) dropped a set at Progressive Field. Kansas City took two of three from July 27-29, but the Indians are 13-4 at home dating to their win to conclude that meeting.

                  Tuesday's shutout followed an offensive surge at home, but the Indians are still averaging 7.1 runs and hitting .333 over the 17-game home span.

                  Francisco Lindor has led the way with a .444 average, but individual performances are taking a backseat. Cleveland's wild-card hopes took a slight hit, spoiling Josh Tomlin's complete game.

                  "We need wins, and that's the bottom line," Tomlin said.

                  The Royals were limited to four hits, but Alex Rios homered for the second time in five games after hitting two in his first 84.


                  SERIES AT A GLANCE

                  GAME 1
                  Royals at Indians
                  Mon, Sep 14 Final 3 to 8
                  Boxscores • Recaps

                  GAME 2
                  Royals at Indians
                  Tue, Sep 15 Final 2 to 0
                  Boxscores • Recaps

                  GAME 3
                  Royals at Indians
                  Wed, Sep 16 - 7:10PM EDT

                  GAME 4
                  Royals at Indians
                  Thu, Sep 17 - 7:10PM EDT
                  Remember the 3 G's Gambling, Golf, Girls not in any particular order.....

                  Comment


                  • #10
                    Preview: Blue Jays (82-62) at Braves (57-88)
                    Game: 2
                    Venue: Turner Field
                    Date: September 16, 2015 7:10 PM EDT

                    In need of pitching help at the trade deadline, the Toronto Blue Jays landed an ace in David Price. He may end up winning a Cy Young Award.

                    With the offense sputtering and Edwin Encarnacion possibly out again, Price will try to help the Blue Jays avoid their first three-game losing streak since the All-Star break Wednesday night against the Atlanta Braves.

                    Toronto (82-62) was a game under .500 with one of the worst rotations in baseball at a 4.39 ERA after losing to Philadelphia on July 28.

                    Two days later, Price (15-5, 2.46 ERA) arrived in a trade with Detroit. The left-hander's 6-1 record, 2.28 ERA and 10.57 strikeouts per nine innings in eight starts have helped the Blue Jays go 32-11 since that defeat to the Phillies, moving them atop the AL East by three games on second-place New York.

                    "To play the way that we have since the trade deadline has been pretty special," Price told MLB's official website.

                    Price could enter free agency after the season as the reigning Cy Young winner. He is second in the AL in ERA and innings (201 1-3) behind Houston's Dallas Keuchel, who also starts Wednesday, and is among the top five in wins and strikeouts (203).

                    The five-time All-Star has a 2.08 ERA while winning all four of his road starts with Toronto. He's received a whopping 36 runs of support in those victories, but the potent Blue Jays offense has only managed two runs in two games since losing Encarnacion and Troy Tulowitzki.

                    The Jays, who haven't dropped three straight since July 8-10, totaled nine hits in the last two defeats as Josh Donaldson and Jose Bautista combined to go 1 for 16. While Tulowitzki (shoulder) is expected to miss two weeks, Encarnacion (finger) remains day to day. His 42 RBIs since Aug. 5 are the most in baseball.

                    Toronto followed Sunday's 5-0 loss to the Yankees with Tuesday's 3-2 defeat in Atlanta (57-88).

                    "The story was we didn't score," said manager John Gibbons, whose team leads the majors with 203 homers and 5.5 runs per game. "Bottom line is we win when we score."

                    Andrelton Simmons' walkoff single Tuesday snapped the Braves' 12-game home losing streak, their longest since moving to Atlanta in 1966.

                    "We've been struggling to get wins lately," Simmons said. "We've been playing better, but getting the win is pretty big."

                    A win would be a relief to Shelby Miller (5-14, 2.86), who has lost 13 straight decisions to tie Jim Acker (1987-89) for the longest slide by a Braves pitcher since '66. Miller's string of 21 starts without a victory is also the club's longest since Carl Morton went 22 from 1975-76.

                    The right-hander, though, isn't entirely to blame as he's getting an average of 1.47 runs of support over his winless stretch, getting no runs in 11 games including the last three.

                    Miller gave up three runs in six innings of Thursday's 7-2 loss to the New York Mets.

                    "You would think so (that it's frustrating), but you have to keep going out there and grinding," said Miller, who has lost a career-high five straight starts behind a 5.04 ERA.

                    He's won both career starts against the Blue Jays with a 1.20 ERA, yielding two runs in six innings of a 5-2 win at Toronto on April 19. Miller has held Donaldson, Encarnacion and Bautista to a combined 2 for 16.

                    Price has a 2.25 ERA while splitting two starts against the Braves, the last coming in 2012.


                    SERIES AT A GLANCE

                    GAME 1
                    Blue Jays at Braves
                    Tue, Sep 15 Final 2 to 3
                    Boxscores • Recaps


                    GAME 2
                    Blue Jays at Braves
                    Wed, Sep 16 - 7:10PM EDT

                    GAME 3
                    Blue Jays at Braves
                    Thu, Sep 17 - 7:10PM EDT
                    Remember the 3 G's Gambling, Golf, Girls not in any particular order.....

                    Comment


                    • #11
                      Preview: Marlins (62-83) at Mets (83-62)
                      Game: 3
                      Venue: Citi Field
                      Date: September 16, 2015 7:10 PM EDT

                      With Bartolo Colon's shutout streak over, he looks to keep his winning run going.

                      Colon attempts to win a fifth straight start Wednesday night when the NL East-leading New York Mets conclude this three-game series with the Miami Marlins.

                      Colon (14-11, 4.13 ERA) reeled off 31 consecutive scoreless innings in five games - four starts - before giving up two runs in the seventh and then exiting a 7-2 win at Atlanta on Thursday. The stretch has made him a candidate for a starting role this postseason after he seemed destined for the bullpen due to a 5.66 ERA over his previous 17 starts.

                      "I'm really proud and surprised myself because I didn't know, at this stage of my career, that I could still do that kind of stuff," Colon said. "So I'm really proud, but more than that, I'm helping the team."

                      The right-hander has compiled a 0.59 ERA while winning four straight starts, his longest single-season streak since a career-high eight in a row with Oakland in 2013.

                      Colon won his final outing last year before taking his first four of 2015.

                      His current winning streak includes a nine-hitter in a 7-0 victory at Miami on Sept. 5, his third straight winning start against the Marlins behind a 1.50 ERA. He's posted a 2.08 ERA while winning all three career matchups at Citi Field.

                      Colon - like most Mets pitchers - has a tough time with Dee Gordon, who is 7 for 20 off him.

                      The second baseman is a career .379 hitter in 29 career games against New York (83-62). He's batting .464 during a 16-game hitting streak in the matchup, the longest active in the majors against any opponent.

                      Gordon tormented the Mets again Tuesday, collecting four hits with a two-run homer in a 9-3 victory that ended New York's eight-game winning streak.

                      Gordon's .331 average is second to Bryce Harper's (.338) in the NL batting race.

                      The Marlins (62-83) are turning to Adam Conley (3-1, 4.93), who is 2-1 with a 5.34 ERA in six starts since being moved into the rotation. The rookie left-hander has only completed six innings once, yielding one run and three hits in a 2-0 loss to Philadelphia on Aug. 23.

                      Conley was pulled after 99 pitches with one out in the fifth Tuesday, allowing two runs and eight hits with seven strikeouts and three walks in a 6-4 win over Milwaukee.

                      Conley's issues pitching deep into games have been clear all season. He's holding opponents to a .233 average the first time through the lineup, but that balloons to .364 over the next two.

                      Conley only faced 10 Mets in 2 1-3 innings of relief Aug. 4, yielding one run and two hits in a 5-1 home loss.

                      He'll try to continue silencing Yoenis Cespedes, who went 0 for 4 Tuesday after being hit by a pitch from Tom Koehler in the first - possible retaliation for admiring a mammoth solo homer in Monday's 4-3 win.

                      "I think it bothered us a little bit," Mets manager Terry Collins said. "So we'll answer in our own due time."

                      Cespedes, 1 for 7 in the series, has 17 homers and 42 RBIs in 42 games since being acquired from Detroit at the trade deadline. He's hit three shots while plating nine runs in eight meetings with the Marlins.


                      SERIES AT A GLANCE

                      GAME 1
                      Marlins at Mets
                      Mon, Sep 14 Final 3 to 4
                      Boxscores • Recaps

                      GAME 2
                      Marlins at Mets
                      Tue, Sep 15 Final 9 to 3
                      Boxscores • Recaps

                      GAME 3
                      Marlins at Mets
                      Wed, Sep 16 - 7:10PM EDT
                      Remember the 3 G's Gambling, Golf, Girls not in any particular order.....

                      Comment


                      • #12
                        Preview: Yankees (79-65) at Rays (70-74)
                        Game: 3
                        Venue: Tropicana Field
                        Date: September 16, 2015 7:10 PM EDT

                        Luis Severino is quickly finding out what it's like to pitch in a pennant race. After falling flat against David Price and AL East-leading Toronto, the New York Yankees' rookie draws another all-star pitcher in his next turn.

                        Severino will try to rebound from his first poor performance and help the wild card-leading Yankees win a road series Wednesday night against Chris Archer and the Tampa Bay Rays.

                        A win to close a four-game series against the Blue Jays and another to open this set versus the Rays helped momentarily soften the blow of five straight losses for the Yankees (79-65). Tampa Bay (70-74), though, scored four unanswered runs Tuesday in a 6-3 victory, keeping New York three games behind Toronto, which fell 3-2 at Atlanta.

                        Severino (3-3, 3.35 ERA) is coming off by far the worst of his seven major league starts, allowing six runs, six hits - including a pair of first-inning homers - and three walks over 2 1-3 innings of an 11-5 loss to Toronto on Friday. The right-hander had surrendered two runs in his previous three starts spanning 18 1-3 innings.

                        The 21-year-old insists his confidence isn't wavering.

                        "Of course not," he told MLB's official website. "I'm going to have more tough outings like that. I have to keep going. Keep working."

                        Severino hopes to revert to his previous outing when he logged his fifth straight quality start during a 5-2 win over Tampa Bay on Sept. 4. He gave up one run over a season-best 6 1-3 innings.

                        Good news for Severino is what Alex Rodriguez did Tuesday hours after the Yankees learned he is playing through a bruised left knee. Rodriguez - thought to have suffered the injury while sliding on Sunday - hit his 32nd home run in his first at-bat, his 3,061st hit to move past Craig Biggio into 21st place on the all-time list.

                        Rodriguez has eight home runs against Tampa Bay this season, his most against any opponent. He and Brian McCann hit back-to-back homers against Archer during a 6-4 win in the Bronx on Sept. 6. Archer (12-11, 2.95) was in prime position to beat the Yankees with a 3-0 lead entering the sixth inning, but the consecutive two-out homers gave New York a 4-3 advantage. Archer exited after recording one out in the seventh and was charged with five runs - four earned.

                        The right-hander entered the season as a near lock to beat the Yankees, winning five of six starts against them with a 1.93 ERA. He's 0-1 with a 2.70 ERA in three meetings this year.

                        Archer had eight strikeouts in an 8-4 win over Boston Friday, moving his total to 236, three shy of Scott Kazmir's 2007 team record. At one point, Archer tied a club record with seven straight strikeouts against the Red Sox.

                        "I obviously would prefer to not throw so many pitches in such a short amount of time," Archer told MLB's official website. "But whatever it takes to get them out."

                        Jacoby Ellsbury is mired in an 0-for-25 slump, but he is 14 for 21 with a home run against Archer. That .667 average is the highest of any player against the Tampa Bay pitcher with at least 10 at-bats.

                        Rays shortstop Asdrubal Cabrera left Tuesday's win early with a left knee strain. He is day to day after X-rays came back negative.


                        SERIES AT A GLANCE

                        GAME 1
                        Yankees at Rays
                        Mon, Sep 14 Final 4 to 1
                        Boxscores • Recaps

                        GAME 2
                        Yankees at Rays
                        Tue, Sep 15 Final 3 to 6
                        Boxscores • Recaps

                        GAME 3
                        Yankees at Rays
                        Wed, Sep 16 - 7:10PM EDT
                        Remember the 3 G's Gambling, Golf, Girls not in any particular order.....

                        Comment


                        • #13
                          Preview: Astros (77-68) at Rangers (77-67)
                          Game: 3
                          Venue: Globe Life Park in Arlington
                          Date: September 16, 2015 8:05 PM EDT

                          Though the Texas Rangers have surpassed the Houston Astros for first place in the AL West, it might be a brief stay with Dallas Keuchel awaiting them.

                          Alone atop the division for the first time this year but facing a stiff challenge, the Rangers can extend their lead with a sixth consecutive victory over the Astros on Wednesday night.

                          Despite blowing an early 4-0 lead, Texas (77-67) persevered to win 6-5 on Mitch Moreland's sacrifice fly in the ninth inning Tuesday. The Rangers, who shared the West lead April 11, hold a one-half game advantage over Houston (77-68).

                          Texas has won 22 of 32 overall and 20 of 25 at home.

                          "They have fought, scratched, clawed all ways imaginable to get to this point," said manager Jeff Banister, whose club was eight games out of first on Aug.1. "We're not done yet. Still got a long ways to go."

                          The Astros, who had been in first place since July 28, have dropped 11 of 17 and are 2-6 on a 10-game road trip.

                          "This is really intense baseball," manager A.J. Hinch said. "It's fun to do it; it's not fun to lose."

                          Losers in 10 of 14 in the season series, Houston has dropped five in a row to the Rangers - all in Arlington - since Keuchel (17-7, 2.22 ERA) allowed two hits and struck out a career-high 13 over seven innings of a 10-0 victory July 19. The left-hander is 1-0 with a 1.23 ERA in three starts against Texas this season.

                          "He's crafty," said Texas rookie Delino DeShields, who is 1 for 6 with a double against Keuchel.

                          Rangers fans could let Keuchel hear it after he yelled for DeShields to "sit down" when the outfielder stood at home plate with his back to the mound after striking out in that contest. Following that game, Keuchel also called out Texas infielder Rougned Odor for what he felt was disrespecting the Astros a day earlier by taking too long to get into the batter's box during one at-bat and for a hard slide into All-Star second baseman Jose Altuve.

                          Any jeering likely won't rattle Keuchel, whose three-start winning streak ended with a 3-2 loss to the Los Angeles Angels on Friday when he allowed three unearned runs in six innings.

                          "It's rare to watch him struggle with his command a little bit, but this guy competes as good as anybody," Hinch said.

                          Adrian Beltre is 1 for 9 against Keuchel this season but had four hits Tuesday, and he's 9 for 19 with seven RBIs in the last four games. He's hitting .355 against the Astros this year while Prince Fielder is at .356, including 3 for 10 with two doubles off Keuchel.

                          Texas' Martin Perez (2-5, 5.43) is 2-0 with a 2.61 ERA in his last three starts at home but has lost on the road in his two outings this month, allowing eight runs and walking seven in 11 innings.

                          The left-hander made his return from elbow surgery July 17 at Houston when he gave up three runs and nine hits in five innings of a 3-2 defeat. He had won his three previous starts against the Astros behind a 1.50 ERA.

                          Altuve is 5 for 12 with three doubles against Perez.


                          SERIES AT A GLANCE

                          GAME 1
                          Astros at Rangers
                          Mon, Sep 14 Final 3 to 5
                          Boxscores • Recaps

                          GAME 2
                          Astros at Rangers
                          Tue, Sep 15 Final 5 to 6
                          Boxscores • Recaps


                          GAME 3
                          Astros at Rangers
                          Wed, Sep 16 - 8:05PM EDT

                          GAME 4
                          Astros at Rangers
                          Thu, Sep 17 - 8:05PM EDT
                          Remember the 3 G's Gambling, Golf, Girls not in any particular order.....

                          Comment


                          • #14
                            Preview: Athletics (62-83) at White Sox (68-75)
                            Game: 3
                            Venue: U.S. Cellular Field
                            Date: September 16, 2015 8:10 PM EDT

                            Rather than look at this time as an audition for a spot in next year's rotation with the Chicago White Sox, Erik Johnson is using his current opportunity as a means to feel more comfortable with his major league surroundings.

                            While doing so, the right-hander tries to help the White Sox bounce back from one of their worst defeats of a disappointing season Wednesday night against the visiting Oakland Athletics.

                            Though Johnson (1-0, 3.27 ERA) will likely be considered for a spot in Chicago's 2016 rotation, that's not his top priority for the time being. Considered one of the club's top overall prospects and the International League's most valuable pitcher after going 11-8 with a 2.37 ERA for Triple-A Charlotte, Johnson has given all he's had over his two starts since being called up Sept. 1.

                            Since 2013, Johnson is 5-3 with a 4.48 ERA in 12 starts for Chicago.

                            "Just to build off each inning, getting out of there and just grinding one out and throwing up zeros on the board is the most important thing," Johnson said after he overcame five walks and four hits to allow one run and strike out six over 113 pitches and five innings of Friday's 6-2 loss to Minnesota.

                            He'll try to help Chicago (68-75) regroup after Jeff Samardzija yielded 10 of the club's season high for runs allowed in three-plus innings of Tuesday's 17-6 loss to the A's.

                            Billy Butler, Mark Canha and Eric Sogard each had three hits and Josh Reddick drove in four runs as Oakland (62-83) snapped a six-game losing streak to the White Sox by scoring its most runs since an 18-3 rout of Minnesota on Sept. 11, 2013.

                            "With how long this year's been for us, I feel like we've been on the other end of a lot of those," ex-Chicago catcher Josh Phegley said. "It's definitely nice to have a win. Guys were swinging the bats real well, and we were having a lot of fun out there."

                            Reddick has homered in each of the first two of this four-game set, and is 8 for 17 with seven runs scored in the last four contests.

                            Now that a rib injury has ended Jesse Chavez's season, Cody Martin (2-4, 6.57) was recalled from Triple-A Nashville to make his second career start for the A's.

                            "We've been hard hit all the way around this year (with injuries)," manager Bob Melvin said. "Certainly the starting rotation has been the hardest hit here recently. Some years you have more injuries than others."

                            Acquired in a July 2 trade with Atlanta, Martin made 21 relief appearances for the Braves before he allowed five runs and six hits over three-plus innings of a 6-2 loss to the Los Angeles Angels on Sept. 1. The right-hander last took any mound Sept. 7 for the Sounds.

                            Martin won't have to face outfielder Trayce Thompson, who will miss a second straight contest with a hyperextended left elbow. The rookie is batting .377 with four homers and 13 RBIs in 26 games since debuting Aug. 4.

                            SERIES AT A GLANCE

                            GAME 1
                            Athletics at White Sox
                            Mon, Sep 14 Final 7 to 8
                            Boxscores • Recaps

                            GAME 2
                            Athletics at White Sox
                            Tue, Sep 15 Final 17 to 6
                            Boxscores • Recaps

                            GAME 3
                            Athletics at White Sox
                            Wed, Sep 16 - 8:10PM EDT

                            GAME 4
                            Athletics at White Sox
                            Thu, Sep 17 - 2:10PM EDT
                            Remember the 3 G's Gambling, Golf, Girls not in any particular order.....

                            Comment


                            • #15
                              Preview: Cardinals (90-54) at Brewers (62-82)
                              Game: 2
                              Venue: Miller Park
                              Date: September 16, 2015 8:10 PM EDT

                              Jaime Garcia didn't allow more than three earned runs over his first 13 starts, adding depth to an already impressive St. Louis staff upon returning from shoulder surgery. He's now done it twice in his last three, which lines up with the club's recent struggles.

                              The left-hander will try to get back to mid-summer form Wednesday night in Milwaukee. He could have a key part of the Cardinals lineup back to support him in case there's another blowup, though that seems unlikely against the Brewers.

                              St. Louis (90-54) reached 90 wins for the third straight season with Tuesday's 3-1 series-opening win, increasing its NL Central lead to three over Pittsburgh after the Pirates and Chicago Cubs split a doubleheader.

                              No team has reached 90 wins faster since Philadelphia did it over 138 games in 2011. Despite losing eight of 12, the Cardinals are on pace for 101 victories, which would be five shy of the 1942 franchise record.

                              "We weren't swearing too much what was going on before," manager Mike Matheny said. "We weren't allowing ourselves."

                              They're also in position to win a ninth straight series at Miller Park, where they've gone 20-7 since losing two of three in July 2012.

                              Garcia's latest start included a season high and a season low, just not the right kinds with six runs allowed in 4 1-3 innings of Thursday's 11-0 loss in Cincinnati. He gave up six hits with four walks two starts after allowing four runs and a season-high 10 hits in 6 1-3 innings of a 7-5 win in San Francisco.

                              The Cardinals had won the previous eight games Garcia (8-5, 2.33 ERA) started.

                              "Definitely not a good one," Garcia said. "There are no excuses. I've got to do a better job the next time."

                              He had one of his best starts of the year in a 3-0 win at Milwaukee on Aug. 8, allowing just two hits to move to 7-4 with a 2.59 ERA in 14 career starts against the Brewers. Ryan Braun has gone 8 for 42 against Garcia, while Martin Maldonado, Adam Lind, Jason Rogers, Khris Davis and Shane Peterson are a combined 0 for 21.

                              The Brewers have won Wily Peralta's last three starts with the right-hander posting a 1-0 record and 1.80 ERA. In Thursday's 6-4 win at Pittsburgh, Peralta (5-8, 4.14) cruised early before allowing two runs over six innings and missing out on the decision.

                              "For the first four innings Wily was the best he's been this year," manager Craig Counsell said.

                              The right-hander faced Garcia last month and fell to 0-4 with a 4.06 ERA in his last five starts against the Cardinals. Matt Carpenter (13 for 30 with two home runs) and Matt Holliday (10 for 26 with two homers) have hit him well, but Matt Adams (3 for 19) and Kolten Wong (4 for 23) have struggled.

                              Holliday was activated Tuesday after missing 41 games with a quadriceps injury. He wasn't in the lineup, and Matheny doesn't plan to use him as an everyday player just yet.

                              The Cardinals might not need him immediately if Jason Heyward continues hitting. The right fielder homered and doubled twice for the second straight game, giving him a 9-for-17 line in his last four and boosting his average to .296 - its highest since his third game of the season.

                              Milwaukee (62-82) has dropped four straight and seven of nine to fall back to 20 games under .500, despite Davis homering for a second straight game. He's one off his career-high 22 from last season in 41 fewer games.


                              SERIES AT A GLANCE

                              GAME 1
                              Cardinals at Brewers
                              Tue, Sep 15 Final 3 to 1
                              Boxscores • Recaps


                              GAME 2
                              Cardinals at Brewers
                              Wed, Sep 16 - 8:10PM EDT

                              GAME 3
                              Cardinals at Brewers
                              Thu, Sep 17 - 8:10PM EDT
                              Remember the 3 G's Gambling, Golf, Girls not in any particular order.....

                              Comment

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