Announcement

**StarDust Bum** · 09-20-2015, 04:11 AM

LEADING OFF: Cards-Cubs wrap series, Beltran big for Yanks

September 19, 2015

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

HIGH AND TIGHT

The playoff-bound Cardinals will try to avoid a sweep in what's become a testy series against the Cubs at Wrigley Field. Three St. Louis batters were hit by pitches Saturday, leading to the ejections of Chicago manager Joe Maddon and reliever Hector Rondon. On Friday, Maddon called the Cards a ''vigilante group'' after Anthony Rizzo was plunked as apparent retribution for Matt Holliday being hit earlier in the game.

IN THE BIG CITI

Carlos Beltran and the Yankees look for a Subway Series win after splitting two games with the Mets at Citi Field. Beltran socked a 100 mph fastball from Noah Syndergaard into the second deck in a 5-0 win Saturday. The 38-year-old Beltran is hitting .279 with 16 homers this season, his 18th in the majors. The Yankees send out CC Sabathia (4-9, 4.93) in the finale while the Mets will pitch Matt Harvey (12-7, 2.88). It will be Harvey's first game since getting knocked around at Washington on Sept. 8.

TRAP GAME?

The Blue Jays look to stretch their 3 1/2-game lead in the AL East as they close a three-game series with Boston before starting a pivotal set vs. the second-place Yankees on Monday. Usually reliable LHP Mark Buehrle (14-7, 3.66) has been inconsistent of late and struggled the last time he faced Boston on Sept. 7. Rich Hill makes his second start for the Red Sox this year. He struck out 10 over seven one-hit innings against Tampa Bay his last time out in his first start in more than six years.

SEE YOU IN OCTOBER

The Dodgers and Pirates wrap a series featuring two likely postseason teams in Los Angeles. Mike Bolsinger (6-3, 3.13), who was excellent in some early season spot starts, has settled in as a dependable option at the back of LA's rotation. Gerrit Cole (16-8, 2.60) pitches for Pittsburgh, which is still trying to catch first-place St. Louis in the NL Central.

STRASBURG'S ENCORE

With his Nationals holding on to the faintest of playoff hopes, Stephen Strasburg (9-7, 3.98) faces the visiting Miami Marlins, and he'll try to come up with a suitable encore for his latest gem. Last week, he tied his career high with 14 strikeouts- the total he had in his 2010 big league debut - and allowed only one hit in eight shutout innings against Philadelphia.

**StarDust Bum** · 09-20-2015, 04:15 AM

Preview: Red Sox (70-77) at Blue Jays (85-63)
Game: 3
Venue: Rogers Centre
Date: September 20, 2015 1:07 PM EDT

From an under-.500 disappointment before the All-Star break to baseball's best team in the second half, the Toronto Blue Jays can essentially put the AL East on ice with an upcoming visit from their closest competition.

Just don't expect them to overlook their final game against the division's cellar dweller.

After blowing a ninth-inning lead for the first time all season, the Blue Jays try to bounce back Sunday and avoid losing their season series against the visiting Boston Red Sox.

The New York Yankees will be at Rogers Centre for three games starting Monday, and it's possible by the time they leave that the Blue Jays (85-63) could have a 7 1/2-game lead with 10 to play.

For now, Toronto needs to stay focused on the Red Sox (70-77), who on Saturday did something firmly against the odds with the Blue Jays up 4-2 in the ninth. Boston had been 0-65 when trailing after eight innings and Toronto had won its first 73 when exiting the eighth with a lead, but the Red Sox scored five times in the ninth and needed them all while holding on for a 7-6 win.

Jackie Bradley Jr.'s two-run shot tied it and was the third homer Jays closer Roberto Osuna has allowed this month, equaling the number he gave up prior to September.

"The kid's had a great year and he's good," manager John Gibbons said. "That's part of baseball."

The Jays' lead dropped to 3 1/2 after the Yankees won, and they might not have an easy time maintaining that edge prior to New York's arrival. Toronto is 9-9 against the last-place Red Sox and has dropped six of the last nine meetings.

Mark Buehrle (14-7, 3.66 ERA) started two of those and had vastly different experiences. He held Boston to a run and four hits over seven innings while striking out seven in an 11-2 home win July 1, then surrendered five runs over a season-low 3 1-3 in an 11-4 loss at Fenway Park on Sept. 7 without a whiff.

That rough outing wasn't a complete aberration for Buehrle of late. After completing seven innings in 14 of 16 starts from May 17-Aug. 13, the left-hander hasn't recorded an out past the sixth while posting a 5.92 ERA over his last five.

Buehrle got a cortisone shot in his left shoulder after his outing at Fenway and went eight days between starts, allowing two runs over five innings Tuesday at Atlanta while throwing 66 pitches.

"It had been a long layoff for him, but I thought it was good that he got through five, and the last three innings were much better," Gibbons told MLB's official website.

"Ideally you'd like to see them all go six or seven innings, but that doesn't happen all the time."

It happened for Rich Hill (0-0, 0.00) last Sunday in his first start in the majors since 2009. The 35-year-old left-hander, a bullpen arm with three different teams over the last few years who began this season with independent league Long Island, allowed only an infield hit over seven innings at Tampa Bay while striking out 10 in a 2-0 win.

"The outing speaks for itself," interim manager Torey Lovullo said. "It was a pretty special moment for Rich to walk on the mound. Just a great story."

It's been four years since he's faced Jose Bautista, but Hill used to have his way with him. The Jays slugger, who hit his 36th homer in the ninth inning Saturday, is 3 for 21 off Hill.

Boston outfielder Mookie Betts has hit safely in all 16 games he's played against Toronto this season, posting a 1.112 OPS.

SERIES AT A GLANCE

GAME 1
Red Sox at Blue Jays
Fri, Sep 18 Final 1 to 6
Boxscores • Recaps

GAME 2
Red Sox at Blue Jays
Sat, Sep 19 Final 7 to 6

GAME 3
Red Sox at Blue Jays
Sun, Sep 20 - 1:07PM EDT

**StarDust Bum** · 09-20-2015, 04:17 AM

Preview: White Sox (70-77) at Indians (73-74)
Game: 3
Venue: Progressive Field
Date: September 20, 2015 1:10 PM EDT

Not much was expected from him after undergoing shoulder surgery in the spring, but Josh Tomlin has played a key role in the Cleveland Indians' late playoff push.

With the Indians looking to avoid their first back-to-back home losses since July, the right-hander will try to win for the sixth time in seven starts Sunday against the Chicago White Sox.

Tomlin (5-2, 2.70 ERA) experienced some discomfort in his right shoulder while struggling during spring training. The issue ended up being worse than initially thought, and he missed the first four months of the season following surgery on his AC joint.

After working through a rehab assignment, Tomlin has been stellar in his return with 44 strikeouts and only three walks over seven starts. He won a career-high five straight starts before giving up two runs and four hits and going the distance in a 2-0 home loss to Kansas City on Tuesday.

"He'll continue to pitch well and, if he keeps on pitching like that, he's going to keep getting more wins than losses," pitching coach Mickey Callaway told MLB's official website.

Cleveland made things interesting by winning 12 of 16 from Aug. 25-Sept. 13, but the drive has stalled while the club has alternated wins and losses over the past seven games.

The Indians lost ground in the race for the AL's second wild-card spot Saturday after a sloppy 4-3 loss and Houston's win over Oakland. Now they're four games back with three teams to jump.

'These losses hurt a little bit because we're very close,' losing pitcher Carlos Carrasco said.

Cleveland (73-74), 14-5 at home since Aug. 8, will try to avoid a split of this 10-game homestand and its first back-to-back losses at Progressive Field since an eight-game skid in July.

Tomlin is 1-1 with a 4.34 ERA while allowing seven home runs in five starts versus Chicago (70-77). In his only meeting this season, he yielded solo shots to Tyler Saladino, Jose Abreu and Trayce Thompson over 5 2-3 innings in a 6-4 win Sept. 9.

Melky Cabrera, Alexei Ramirez and Adam Eaton, though, are a combined 2 for 29 in the matchup.

Eaton had two hits and drove in a run Saturday when the White Sox won for the sixth time in eight games at Progressive Field this season. He's batting .378 over an eight-game hitting streak.

John Danks (7-12, 4.56) has a 2.45 ERA over his last three starts after allowing three hits - all solo home runs - over seven innings in Monday's 8-7, 14-inning home win over Oakland.

The left-hander had been 2-8 with a 6.48 ERA in 12 road starts before scattering seven hits in a complete-game 12-1 victory at Kansas City on Sept. 4. He's 0-2 with a 6.75 ERA in three outings versus Cleveland this season and is 5-13 with a 5.29 mark in 25 career meetings.

Mike Aviles is 4 for 7 with a home run off him in 2015 and has a .364 average in 33 lifetime at-bats. Ryan Raburn is hitting .340 with four homers in 50 at-bats, but Carlos Santana is batting .188 in 32.

Cleveland third baseman Giovanny Urshela could sit for the fourth time in five games due to a sore right shoulder.

SERIES AT A GLANCE

GAME 1
White Sox at Indians
Fri, Sep 18 Final 1 to 12
Boxscores • Recaps

GAME 2
White Sox at Indians
Sat, Sep 19 Final 4 to 3
Boxscores • Recaps

GAME 3
White Sox at Indians
Sun, Sep 20 - 1:10PM EDT

**StarDust Bum** · 09-20-2015, 04:20 AM

Preview: Orioles (73-75) at Rays (71-77)
Game: 4
Venue: Tropicana Field
Date: September 20, 2015 1:10 PM EDT

The Baltimore Orioles remain in sight of the AL's second wild card thanks greatly to Houston's struggles, but a more pressing issue is the three other teams in front of them.

The Tampa Bay Rays are further down the pack but have one more shot to hinder the Orioles' chances as the AL East foes finish their season series Sunday at Tropicana Field.

Baltimore (73-75) has won eight of 11 and two of three in this four-game series, climbing within 4 1/2 games of an Astros team which has lost five of six this week. But the Orioles still trail the Los Angeles Angels, Minnesota and Cleveland for the league's final postseason spot with 14 games to play.

"We're hanging in there," manager Buck Showalter said. "We're trying to do what we can do to get back in this thing."

The Rays (71-77), meanwhile, have lost six of eight and are 6 1/2 games back of Houston due in part to slumps by Evan Longoria (2 for 28), Logan Forsythe (4 for 25) and Kevin Kiermaier (1 for 15).

Adam Jones has keyed the Orioles' surge with 13 RBIs in his last eight games, and Chris Davis has been hot all month with a .379 average, seven homers and 15 RBIs in 17 games. Jones drove in both runs in Saturday night's 2-1 victory, while Davis went 3 for 4 with two doubles.

The pair has helped cover up a pitching staff that holds a 5.40 ERA in September, including a 6.14 mark from the starters. Kevin Gausman, though, has been one of the bright spots lately.

Gausman (3-6, 4.15 ERA) picked up his second win since joining Baltimore's rotation in mid-June by logging six innings of two-hit ball in a 2-0 win over Boston on Monday. He is 2-6 with a 4.09 ERA in 14 starts, but he has an ERA of 0.82 in his last two.

The right-hander's last start against the Rays on Sept. 2 was the shortest of his career at 2 1-3 innings, allowing eight hits and four runs in a 7-6 win. Gausman is 1-3 with a 5.97 ERA in six career starts against the Rays, with James Loney (5 for 14), J.P. Arencibia (3 for 5, two homers) and Brandon Guyer (3 for 5, three doubles) all finding success against him.

Jake Odorizzi (8-8, 3.26) will go for his third win in as many tries versus Baltimore this season. He held the Orioles to two hits in 6 2-3 innings of a 2-0 victory in his first start of the season, but gave up three homers and four runs in six innings of a 9-5 win May 31.

Manny Machado had one of those home runs but is just 2 for 13 against Odorizzi lifetime, while Jones is 8 for 17 with a home run and a double.

Odorizzi ranks toward bottom of MLB with a 3.62 run support average, but he's received a combined 12 runs of support to win his last two starts while allowing three runs in 12 innings.

"It's nice to be the beneficiary of it," Odorizzi said after Nick Franklin's two-run homer in the sixth helped him beat the Yankees 6-3 on Tuesday. "... that's been kind of tough to find this year."

Baltimore's Jonathan Schoop extended his career-best hitting streak to 12 games with a fourth-inning single Saturday.

SERIES AT A GLANCE

GAME 1
Orioles at Rays
Thu, Sep 17 Final 4 to 3
Boxscores • Recaps

GAME 2
Orioles at Rays
Fri, Sep 18 Final 6 to 8
Boxscores • Recaps

GAME 3
Orioles at Rays
Sat, Sep 19 Final 2 to 1
Boxscores • Recaps

GAME 4
Orioles at Rays
Sun, Sep 20 - 1:10PM EDT

**StarDust Bum** · 09-20-2015, 04:22 AM

Preview: Marlins (64-85) at Nationals (77-71)
Game: 4
Venue: Nationals Park
Date: September 20, 2015 1:35 PM EDT

Stephen Strasburg is doing his part to help keep the Washington Nationals' faint postseason hopes alive.

Looking to build on his best outing of the year, Strasburg tries to end his season-long struggles against the Miami Marlins on Sunday at Nationals Park.

Since coming off his season's second stint on the disabled list Aug. 8, Strasburg (9-7, 3.98 ERA) is 4-2 with a 2.38 ERA in seven starts. He allowed one hit and matched a career best with 14 strikeouts in eight innings of Tuesday's 4-0 victory at Philadelphia.

"I trust my instincts, go out there and battle," the right-hander said. "I don't worry about what the stuff is doing. I want to go out there and compete."

Strasburg, who fanned 13 against the New York Mets on Sept. 9, joined Pedro Martinez as the only pitchers in franchise history to strike out at least 13 in back-to-back contests.

Simply being at full strength has gone a long way for Strasburg.

"I think health is huge for anybody," he told MLB's official website. "It's a good learning process for me. It helps me have a better understanding that I need to have my body to go out ... and execute pitches."

Strasburg has struggled with the latter against Miami (64-85) this year, going 0-2 with a 6.92 ERA in three starts. He's only lasted 13 innings in those games and allowed 19 hits.

Washington (77-71), meanwhile, tries for a seventh win in eight games after Saturday's 5-2 victory. Seven games back of the first-place Mets in the NL East, the Nationals continue to realistically press on.

"Just worry about ourselves and worry about us winning games," NL MVP candidate Bryce Harper said. "If we don't win, it don't matter."

Harper had three RBIs and broke open a one-run contest with a two-run homer in the seventh. He tops the NL with a .340 average and 41 home runs, including five in the past six games as he's gone 11 for 23 with 10 RBIs.

"He's fun to watch. And anytime we can get some guys on base while he's coming up, something good usually happens," Saturday's winning pitcher Jordan Zimmermann said.

Harper and the rest of the Nationals get their first look at rookie Justin Nicolino (3-3, 3.81), who has allowed eight runs and 15 hits in 10 1-3 innings in two starts since opening September with seven scoreless innings at Atlanta. The left-hander has made seven of his nine career starts since Aug. 11, but Marlins manager Dan Jennings has no plans of shutting him down.

"I think, stamina-wise, he's fine," Jennings said. "He's not a power pitcher. He mixes pitches, he locates."

Miami's Justin Bour has a 1.255 OPS with eight RBIs over the last five games after collecting three hits Saturday. The first baseman is batting .333 with 12 RBIs in 17 games against Washington this season, and he's 4 for 10 with a homer off Strasburg.

While injured slugger Giancarlo Stanton (hand) won't return until next week at the earliest, teammate Martin Prado (wrist) could miss a third straight contest.

SERIES AT A GLANCE

GAME 1
Marlins at Nationals
Thu, Sep 17 Final 6 to 4
Boxscores • Recaps

GAME 2
Marlins at Nationals
Fri, Sep 18 Final 4 to 5
Boxscores • Recaps

GAME 3
Marlins at Nationals
Sat, Sep 19 Final 2 to 5
Boxscores • Recaps

GAME 4
Marlins at Nationals
Sun, Sep 20 - 1:35PM EDT

**StarDust Bum** · 09-20-2015, 04:24 AM

Preview: Reds (63-84) at Brewers (62-86)
Game: 3
Venue: Miller Park
Date: September 20, 2015 2:10 PM EDT

Manager Bryan Price is trying to learn all he can about the Cincinnati Reds' stockpile of young arms. He certainly likes the stuff and makeup of Anthony DeSclafani.

The right-hander will try to keep making a strong impression Sunday when the visiting Reds look to send the Milwaukee Brewers to their longest losing streak in more than a year.

With an eye on the future, Cincinnati (63-84) has given its rookies a franchise-record 95 starts. Rookies have also made a major league-record 48 consecutive starts for the club.

DeSclafani (9-10, 3.67 ERA) has been a bright spot in the group, limiting opponents to three runs or fewer in nine of his last 10 starts. Now he's looking to match a career high by winning his third straight outing.

The 25-year-old, who made five starts for Miami last season, allowed hits to the first three batters before setting down 15 in a row in a 5-1 win over St. Louis on Sept. 12. He gave up one run with a career-high 10 strikeouts over six innings to beat MLB's best club for the third time.

"I know we talk a lot about how good his stuff is, but if he doesn't have the demeanor that he has, he doesn't persevere through that first inning, most likely," Price told MLB's official website. "I'm really happy about the development as a pitcher, but he came up with the makeup intact, he didn't have to be taught how to be a tough kid."

DeSclafani, who is relying on an effective breaking ball, has posted a 2.08 ERA while fanning 29 over 26 innings in his last four starts. He was dominant in his only career start at Miller Park, yielding two hits over eight scoreless innings in a 6-1 victory April 20.

Milwaukee (62-86) has been outscored 51-29 during an eight-game skid that has dropped it 1 1/2 games behind Cincinnati into last place. The club last lost nine in a row Aug. 26-Sept. 4, 2014.

Domingo Santana went 3 for 4 with his sixth home run and five RBIs for the Brewers on Saturday. The right fielder has gone 9 for 16 with eight RBIs in his last four games against the Reds.

Milwaukee likely won't have Elian Herrera after he collided with teammate Shane Peterson while trying to catch a fly ball. He was placed on a backboard and stretcher and left in an ambulance.

'It didn't look good,' manager Craig Counsell said. 'To get a negative X-ray, I know his spirits are lifted. It's a right thigh contusion, but it's pretty significant. He got hit pretty good.'

The Brewers want to see what they have in Ariel Pena (1-0, 3.46), who was acquired from the Los Angeles Angels in the Zack Greinke trade in July 2012. The right-hander earned the win in his big-league debut Sept. 5 when he allowed two runs over three innings of relief at Cincinnati.

He's made it through five innings in each of his first two starts, yielding a total of three runs.

Pena will have to be careful with Todd Frazier and Joey Votto, who hit their 35th and 28th home runs, respectively, on Saturday. Frazier became the second Reds player with at least 40 doubles and 35 home runs in a season, joining Frank Robinson (1962).

The Reds haven't swept a series at Milwaukee since August 2009.

SERIES AT A GLANCE

GAME 1
Reds at Brewers
Fri, Sep 18 Final 5 to 3
Boxscores • Recaps

GAME 2
Reds at Brewers
Sat, Sep 19 Final 9 to 7
Boxscores • Recaps

GAME 3
Reds at Brewers
Sun, Sep 20 - 2:10PM EDT

**StarDust Bum** · 09-20-2015, 04:27 AM

Preview: Angels (76-72) at Twins (75-73)
Game: 4
Venue: Target Field
Date: September 20, 2015 2:10 PM EDT

A three-game set in Houston could be a boon to the Los Angeles Angels' playoff hopes. They can head there with quite a bit of momentum by further damaging the Minnesota Twins' chances.

The Angels will try to draw closer to postseason position by sweeping this four-game series with the sliding Twins on Sunday.

Los Angeles (76-72) is 1 1/2 games back of Houston for the league's second wild-card spot with 14 to go, while Minnesota (75-73) trails by 2 1/2. Whereas the Twins have no games left against the teams they're chasing for a wild-card spot, the Angels visit the AL West rival Astros on Monday to begin a series that could give one club a distinct advantage in the race.

While Houston beat Oakland 10-6 on Saturday, the Angels still made up some ground and leapfrogged the Twins in the standings by sweeping a doubleheader with a 4-3 win in 12 innings and a 5-2 victory in the nightcap.

"We all know; we know that we control our own fate from here on out given with the teams we play from here until the end of the season," said right-hander Garrett Richards, the winner of Saturday's second game. "We're just trying to treat it one game at a time and go out and win one game at a time."

The Angels are turning to Matt Shoemaker (7-9, 4.31 ERA), who has allowed one run and six hits in 14 1-3 innings while winning his last two starts. His most recent, however, was back on Sept. 1 because he's been battling tightness in his right forearm.

"It's one of those things where we're in a tight playoff race. I just want to help this team out, do everything I can to help them win," Shoemaker told MLB's official website.

Shoemaker was 0-6 with a 4.60 ERA in his first eight home starts before throwing six scoreless innings with 10 strikeouts in each of the last two, including a 7-0 win over Minnesota on July 21.

The Twins, 3 for 17 with runners in scoring position during the doubleheader, have lost five in a row - all at home. They haven't had a longer losing streak overall or at home since dropping their final six games of 2013.

"I think everyone's feeling a little bit of weight," manager Paul Molitor said. "It's a new experience for a lot of these guys. Some of these at-bats, you can tell they're trying really hard."

Tyler Duffey (3-1, 3.72) faces the Angels for the first time after Minnesota opted against starting Phil Hughes due to a lower back injury that's sidelined him since Aug. 9.

While it's unclear if Hughes will be shut down for the season, the Twins have considered limiting Duffey's innings even though he's pitched well. The rookie right-hander tossed 138 innings in the minors before logging 38 2-3 in seven starts with Minnesota after being promoted last month.

Duffey is 3-0 with a 2.45 ERA in his last six outings after defeating Detroit on Monday, yielding one run with seven strikeouts in 6 1-3 innings of a 7-1 win.

"I'm getting the opportunity to pitch in some really meaningful games. That's all you can ask for," Duffey said.

He'll try to slow down Mike Trout, who is hitting .354 with 16 RBIs in 12 games at Minnesota. He has four homers and nine RBIs in the past four after connecting for a solo shot in the second game Saturday.

SERIES AT A GLANCE

GAME 1
Angels at Twins
Thu, Sep 17 Final 11 to 8

GAME 2
Angels at Twins
Fri, Sep 18 - Final 4 to 3
Recaps

GAME 3
Angels at Twins
Sat, Sep 19 Final 5 to 2
Boxscores • Recaps

GAME 4
Angels at Twins
Sun, Sep 20 - 2:10PM EDT

**StarDust Bum** · 09-20-2015, 04:29 AM

Preview: Athletics (64-85) at Astros (78-71)
Game: 3
Venue: Minute Maid Park
Date: September 20, 2015 2:10 PM EDT

With a lengthy skid finally in the past, the Houston Astros hope they remember how to string together some victories.

They can start by trying to win back-to-back games for the first time in more than three weeks Sunday against the visiting Oakland Athletics.

Mired in a five-game losing streak and trailing by a run in the seventh inning Saturday, Evan Gattis belted a three-run homer on his own bobblehead night to highlight Houston's 10-6 victory.

"It woke everybody up," manager A.J. Hinch told MLB's official website. "It put a lot of belief that we remember how to win games like this."

It was the third win in the last 12 games for the Astros (78-71), who lost their lead atop the AL West earlier this week and sit 2 1/2 games behind first-place Texas.

"It feels hard to win a big-league game," said Hinch, whose club broke out after totaling 16 runs in the previous five games.

Gattis, who has set career highs with 25 home runs and 83 RBIs, is batting .350 with two and eight RBIs in the last five contests.

"I'm 1 for 2 hitting home runs on my bobblehead day so I've got that going for me," he joked.

While Houston holds a 1 1/2-game lead over the Los Angeles Angels for the second wild-card spot, it hasn't won consecutive games since beating the New York Yankees on Aug. 25-26.

The Astros also look to see improvement from Collin McHugh (16-7, 4.05 ERA), who is 3-0 in his last four starts but allowed five runs and homers to Billy Butler and Josh Reddick over 5 1-3 innings of an 11-5 victory at Oakland on Sept. 9. The right-hander followed by giving up five more runs in 3 2-3 innings of Tuesday's 6-5 loss at Texas.

However, there might not be too much concern considering those two outings came on the road and McHugh is 2-1 with an 0.94 ERA in his last four starts at home. He's posted a 1.26 ERA while winning both of his home starts against the A's (64-85).

Aaron Brooks (2-3, 7.68) opposed McHugh last week but hopes for a better effort this time after he allowed five runs and eight hits in four-plus innings of that contest. That performance was the second of a rough three-start stretch in which the rookie right-hander is 1-2 with a 12.47 ERA.

Brooks yielded six runs and 10 hits in six-plus innings Tuesday, but benefited from plenty of run support during a 17-6 victory over the Chicago White Sox.

"It's fun when you get that many runs," he said after recording his first career road victory.

Jose Altuve is 3 for 6 with two doubles against Brooks, and is batting .357 with six doubles in the last 10 games.

Teammate Carlos Gomez has missed seven straight games while day to day with rib discomfort.

"We have to be careful, because this could be simple or it could be really bad," said the All-Star center fielder, who has hit .306 with three homers in his last 16 games.

Oakland's Jake Smolinski has hit half of his six home runs this season while recording six RBIs in the last five games.

Marcus Semien, who also homered Saturday, is 4 for 7 against McHugh.

SERIES AT A GLANCE

GAME 1
Athletics at Astros
Fri, Sep 18 Final 4 to 3
Boxscores • Recaps

GAME 2
Athletics at Astros
Sat, Sep 19 Final 6 to 10
Boxscores • Recaps

GAME 3
Athletics at Astros
Sun, Sep 20 - 2:10PM EDT

**StarDust Bum** · 09-20-2015, 04:31 AM

Preview: Mariners (72-77) at Rangers (80-68)
Game: 3
Venue: Globe Life Park in Arlington
Date: September 20, 2015 3:05 PM EDT

After surging to the top of the AL West, Shin-Soo Choo and the Texas Rangers are trying to create some breathing room. That's going to be mighty difficult against Felix Hernandez.

Choo looks to continue sparking the Rangers as they try to avoid another loss to Hernandez in the finale of this three-game set with the Settle Mariners on Sunday.

Texas (80-68) has gone 29-15 to turn an eight-game deficit in the division race into a 2 1/2-game lead on Houston.

The Rangers' turnaround includes an AL-best 12-6 record this month after beating Seattle 10-1 on Saturday.

Choo is enjoying his own revival, leading the majors with a .455 average and .571 on-base percentage this month. The right fielder entered September batting .245 with a .338 OBP.

He's hitting .513 with 11 runs in the past 10 games after reaching base five times Saturday, going 2 for 3 with two walks and one hit by pitch.

"Just a complete hitter," manager Jeff Banister told MLB's official website. "He's not chasing, barrel on the baseball that's in the strike zone, seeing the ball exceptionally well, staying back - all the things that we talk about as being a complete hitter. He is that right now."

Choo, though, is 2 for 11 against Hernandez (17-9, 3.55 ERA) this season. The Mariners ace has a 1.57 ERA while winning all four of his starts against Texas this year. The right-hander allowed three hits with eight strikeouts in eight innings of a 5-0 win over the Rangers on Sept. 10.

Hernandez, who is trying to become the AL's first 18-game winner, gave up four runs and two homers in seven innings of a 4-3 defeat to the Los Angeles Angels on Tuesday.

The Rangers will again counter with Derek Holland (3-2, 3.77), who gave up five runs in seven innings opposite Hernandez earlier this month. He was 4-0 with a 1.35 ERA in his seven previous starts against the Mariners (72-77).

The left-hander wasn't any better Tuesday, surrendering five runs and 10 hits in 5 2-3 innings against Houston in his seventh start after missing over four months with a right shoulder injury.

"Derek didn't pitch but six games last year," Banister said of Holland, who missed nearly six months recovering from knee surgery in 2014. "He really hasn't pitched in a high-stress, high-intensity game in quite a while. When a guy is coming back after being gone for an extended period of time, they go through a relearning of what they experienced previously."

Adrian Beltre is on a tear at home, hitting .438 with eight homers and 31 RBIs in his last 27 games. He's put together a 16-game hitting streak there with a .459 average and 18 RBIs.

He went 3 for 4 with a double and three RBIs on Saturday despite playing with a wrap on his left index finger.

"I think we need to keep doing stuff to his hand," shortstop Elvis Andrus said. "He keeps getting better and better."

Beltre, though, is 1 for 14 over the past two years against Hernandez while Prince Fielder is 2 for 22 lifetime.

SERIES AT A GLANCE

GAME 1
Mariners at Rangers
Fri, Sep 18 Final 3 to 1
Boxscores • Recaps

GAME 2
Mariners at Rangers
Sat, Sep 19 Final 1 to 10
Boxscores • Recaps

GAME 3
Mariners at Rangers
Sun, Sep 20 - 3:05PM EDT

**StarDust Bum** · 09-20-2015, 04:33 AM

Preview: Diamondbacks (71-77) at Giants (77-71)
Game: 3
Venue: AT&T Park
Date: September 20, 2015 4:05 PM EDT

San Francisco manager Bruce Bochy can't explain why the Arizona Diamondbacks have dominated his club in the Bay Area this season.

In danger of being blanked in a three-game home series for the first time ever, the Giants look to avoid a seventh straight defeat there to the Diamondbacks on Sunday.

Arizona (71-77) lost its final four games at San Francisco last season but is 8-1 and has recorded five shutouts, including three in a row, there in 2015. The Diamondbacks, 28-36 against the rest of their road competition, join the 1938 Chicago Cubs as the only teams to shut out the Giants at home at least five times in the same season.

'There's no rhyme or reason,' Bochy said after Saturday's 6-0 loss. 'They've done a number on us. I'm a little stunned to be honest.'

With their postseason hopes fading, the Giants (77-71) have taken two steps back after winning five of six.

"Getting shut out back-to-back is something I would not have thought would happen," said Bochy, whose team has scored three runs during that six-game home skid to Arizona and none over the last 30 innings.

The Diamondbacks, who have never blanked an opponent over an entire three-game set, own a 1.30 ERA while holding the Giants to a .198 average at AT&T Park this year.

"Our pitching has been really good in this ballpark," Arizona manager Chip Hale told MLB's official website. "And we need to continue it (Sunday) and continue it on the road trip."

Jeremy Hellickson (9-9, 4.78 ERA) allowed eight hits but one run in 6 2-3 innings of a 5-1 victory at AT&T Park on April 19 to improve to 1-1 and lower his ERA to 3.27 against San Francisco this year. However, the right-hander must rebound after he gave up five runs, three hits and two walks before being removed after one inning of Monday's 10-3 loss to San Diego.

"I've got to make an adjustment early and try to keep us in the game," said Hellickson, who also committed an error. "Putting up a five spot before we even get a chance to bat is by far my worst inning of my career.'

Brandon Crawford is 4 for 5 against Hellickson. But since Aug. 20, the All-Star shortstop is 5 for 50 while playing 13 games and missing seven with calf and side injuries.

Hellickson won't have to face Brandon Belt, who was diagnosed with a concussion suffered in Friday's 2-0 defeat.

"He's going to take a little time off," Bochy said. "He showed symptoms (Friday) and that's what we're treating him for."

Tim Hudson (7-8, 4.42), who squared off with Hellickson on April 19, is 1-1 with a 4.91 ERA against the Diamondbacks this season. In his return to the rotation Sept. 8, the right-hander allowed a run in six innings of a 6-2 victory at Arizona.

He again yielded one run Monday but walked three and lasted 4 1-3 innings of a 5-3 victory over Cincinnati.

All-Star A.J. Pollock is 3 for 6 against Hudson this season, and is batting .436 in the nine games at San Francisco in 2015.

SERIES AT A GLANCE

GAME 1
Diamondbacks at Giants
Fri, Sep 18 Final 2 to 0
Boxscores • Recaps

GAME 2
Diamondbacks at Giants
Sat, Sep 19 Final 6 to 0
Boxscores • Recaps

GAME 3
Diamondbacks at Giants
Sun, Sep 20 - 4:05PM EDT

**StarDust Bum** · 09-20-2015, 04:36 AM

Preview: Padres (69-80) at Rockies (63-85)
Game: 3
Venue: Coors Field
Date: September 20, 2015 4:10 PM EDT

James Shields hoped to be pitching for a contender when he joined the San Diego Padres, but now he's resigned to achieving what he believes is an important milestone.

As he moves closer to the 200-inning mark, the right-hander will try to win his sixth consecutive decision against the NL West-worst Colorado Rockies on Sunday at Coors Field.

Shields (12-6, 3.80 ERA) was one of several players - along with Matt Kemp, Wil Myers, Justin Upton, Derek Norris and Will Middlebrooks - San Diego added during a quick offseason rebuild.

The Padres (69-80) then opted to keep things together at the trade deadline despite being eight games behind the division-leading Los Angeles Dodgers. Now they're simply playing out the string since being officially eliminated from postseason contention.

That hasn't stopped Shields from pitching well down the stretch. He's reached 200 strikeouts for the third time in his career and is 10 2-3 innings from hitting 200 for a ninth straight season.

"The strikeouts mean something to me, but not really; I'm more of an innings guy," he told MLB's official website. "I like the 200 innings every year. I feel like if you go deep into games and throw a lot of innings, your strikeouts are going to be there."

Shields has gone 3-0 with a 3.24 ERA over his last four starts after allowing one run over seven innings in Monday's 10-3 win at Arizona. The veteran insists he's ready to go after getting hit on the right forearm by a grounder just before the end of the seventh.

Shields is 5-0 with a 4.08 ERA in six meetings with the Rockies over the past two seasons.

He'll have to be careful with Nolan Arenado and Carlos Gonzalez, who have the second- and third-most home runs in the NL, respectively. Arenado is 10 for 17 with three homers when facing Shields, while Gonzalez has gone 8 for 19 with two longballs.

Arenado and Gonzalez each knocked in two runs and Charlie Blackmon had three hits in Saturday's 10-2 win. Rookie catcher Tom Murphy went 3 for 5 with his first big-league home run after going 0 for 8 over his previous three games.

'Each game you're here, you get a little more comfortable," Murphy said.

The Rockies (63-85) have hit .344 and averaged 6.6 runs while winning five of seven at home. They'll likely need to continue that production with Kyle Kendrick on the mound as they go after their first sweep since taking four in a row from visiting Atlanta from July 9-12.

The right-hander's 6.91 ERA at home is MLB's second highest among those with at least 10 starts there. He's also 1-1 with a 6.88 ERA while allowing five homers in three starts against the Padres.

Kendrick (6-12, 6.15), though, has pitched better since missing a month due to shoulder inflammation. He's gone 2-0 with a 3.86 ERA in his last three starts with both victories coming on the road.

Upton is batting .367 with three homers in 30 lifetime at-bats versus Kendrick.

Myers went 2 for 3 with a double Saturday and Jedd Gyorko had his 15th homer and a double. Myers has gone 8 for 16 in his last four games versus Colorado.

SERIES AT A GLANCE

GAME 1
Padres at Rockies
Fri, Sep 18 Final 4 to 7
Boxscores • Recaps

GAME 2
Padres at Rockies
Sat, Sep 19 Final 2 to 10
Boxscores • Recaps

GAME 3
Padres at Rockies
Sun, Sep 20 - 4:10PM EDT

**StarDust Bum** · 09-20-2015, 04:40 AM

Preview: Royals (86-62) at Tigers (69-78)
Game: 3
Venue: Comerica Park
Date: September 20, 2015 1:08 PM EDT

The Kansas City Royals watched the Detroit Tigers celebrate twice Saturday night while their own party was pushed off yet again.

Back-to-back, extra-inning losses to the last-place Tigers have the Royals looking to avoid a road sweep and losing sole possession of the AL's best record for the first time since the All-Star break Sunday.

Kansas City (86-62) still owns an 11-game lead in the AL Central despite losing 11 of 15, but that slump has delayed the team from clinching a playoff spot and has it close to losing the league's top record. The Royals have held that position by themselves every day since July 5 but will drop into a tie if they lose Sunday and Toronto wins.

The latest setback came on Ian Kinsler's walk-off home run in the 11th inning of Saturday's 6-5 loss.

Kinsler was mobbed at home plate twice, first in the ninth inning after sliding in on what looked like a game-winning sacrifice fly. The call on the field was overturned after a replay review showed Kansas City catcher Salvador Perez tagged him on the foot.

A review wasn't necessary when Kinsler crossed home plate two innings later.

"The nice thing about hitting one out is that the game is guaranteed to be over," Kinsler said. "There was no reviewing that one."

The top three hitters for the Royals, owners of the AL's worst record since Sept. 4, all enter Sunday in slumps - Alex Gordon (0 for 11), Ben Zobrist (2 for 19) and Lorenzo Cain (0 for 11).

"I'm not worried, because I'd rather have it happen now than two weeks from now," manager Ned Yost said.

Kris Medlen owns one of Kansas City's two wins in the last week. After missing all of 2014 and the first half of this season following his second Tommy John surgery, he has earned a spot in the rotation down the stretch.

Medlen (4-1, 3.92 ERA) is 3-1 with a 4.60 ERA in five starts over the last four weeks, but take out the seven runs he surrendered to the Chicago White Sox on Sept. 4, and he's only allowed eight in his other four outings.

The right-hander recorded his first scoreless start since September 2013 on Tuesday, holding Cleveland to five hits in 6 1-3 innings, but admitted afterward he didn't have his best stuff as he failed to record a strikeout for the first time in 66 career starts.

Medlen is 1-1 with a 4.50 ERA in two starts against the Tigers, coming in 2010 and 2013 with Atlanta.

The Tigers (69-78) have won four straight and are looking for their first sweep of the Royals since May 2-4, 2014. Detroit right-hander Alfredo Simon will try to piece together two consecutive quality starts for the first time since he had three straight in mid-May.

Simon (13-9, 4.91) has been up-and-down since throwing a one-hitter Aug. 20 against Texas. He gave up 14 runs in 9 1-3 innings to lose his next two starts, then threw seven scoreless innings in a win, coughed up five runs in 6 2-3 while not factoring into the decision of a loss and allowed three runs in 6 1-3 to pick up a victory.

The right-hander's only appearance against the Royals in the past four years was an ugly one April 30, surrendering nine hits and six runs in 4 1-3 innings of an 8-1 loss.

Kansas City's middle infield combo of Omar Infante (oblique strain) and Alcides Escobar (elbow contusion) sat out Saturday after suffering injuries Friday. Escobar could return Sunday, while Infante is set to undergo tests Monday and could miss the rest of the regular season.

SERIES AT A GLANCE

GAME 1
Royals at Tigers
Fri, Sep 18 Final 4 to 5
Boxscores • Recaps

GAME 2
Royals at Tigers
Sat, Sep 19 Final 5 to 6
Boxscores • Recaps

GAME 3
Royals at Tigers
Sun, Sep 20 - 1:08PM EDT

**StarDust Bum** · 09-20-2015, 11:34 AM

Preview: Pirates (88-60) at Dodgers (85-62)
Game: 3
Venue: Dodger Stadium
Date: September 20, 2015 4:10 PM EDT

The Pittsburgh Pirates retained sole possession of the top wild card Saturday night by beating the reigning NL Cy Young Award winner, and they will trot out their ace a day later to try to add some cushion.

Gerrit Cole takes the mound Sunday as the Pirates seek a series win against the Los Angeles Dodgers to open their final road trip.

Pittsburgh (88-60) had its lead over Chicago trimmed to a half-game with the Cubs' 5-4 victory over St. Louis early on Saturday, but the Pirates won 3-2 to hand Clayton Kershaw his first loss since June 27 and stay a game ahead.

Andrew McCutchen doubled home two runs in the third and Aramis Ramirez doubled in Gregory Polanco in the eighth, the third run charged to Kershaw. Mark Melancon closed the door for his club-record 47th save.

"It definitely wasn't deflating," manager Clint Hurdle told MLB's official website after his team moved within four games of the NL Central-leading Cardinals, whom the Pirates face Sept. 28-30 after finishing off their 10-game road swing in Chicago.

They should also get a lift from Cole (16-8, 2.60 ERA), who will take the mound without having to worry about Cy Young candidates Zack Greinke and Kershaw. Pittsburgh's ace looks to improve on his 9-2 record and 3.05 career ERA in September while trying to become the fourth NL pitcher with at least 17 wins.

The right-hander has pitched into the seventh inning in five of his last six starts, though he allowed four runs in 6 1-3 innings while not factoring in the decision of a 5-4 win over the Cubs on Tuesday. He has only allowed one home run in 54 2-3 innings over his last nine starts overall and has given up just two over 95 1-3 this season on the road.

Cole has opposed Los Angeles three times in his career, allowing three runs in each on the way to a 2-0 record and 4.50 ERA. He limited the Dodgers to four hits in six innings in a 5-4 Pittsburgh win on Aug. 7.

Los Angeles (85-62) has won five of seven and holds a comfortable 8 1/2-game lead in the NL West as it hands the ball to Mike Bolsinger, who is taking Mat Latos' spot in the rotation.

Bolsinger (6-3, 3.13) will make his 19th start and third since getting called up from Triple-A Oklahoma City on Sept. 4. He is 1-0 since his promotion despite a 6.23 ERA in victories over San Diego and Arizona.

The right-hander matched the shortest start of his career while allowing three runs in 3 2-3 innings of a 9-5 win over the Diamondbacks on Sept. 12, and he seemed to pinpoint his troubles.

"(Against the Padres) I gave up two home runs with offspeed pitches," Bolsinger told MLB's official website, "...This game five or six straight hits on offspeed pitches, and that's my bread and butter, the curve and slider, it's what I need to work on."

The Pirates have won four of five against the Dodgers this season and nine of 12 the last two years.

SERIES AT A GLANCE

GAME 1
Pirates at Dodgers
Fri, Sep 18 Final 2 to 6
Boxscores • Recaps

GAME 2
Pirates at Dodgers
Sat, Sep 19 Final 3 to 2
Boxscores • Recaps

GAME 3
Pirates at Dodgers
Sun, Sep 20 - 4:10PM EDT

**StarDust Bum** · 09-20-2015, 11:39 AM

Preview: Yankees (81-66) at Mets (84-64)
Game: 3
Venue: Citi Field
Date: September 20, 2015 8:05 PM EDT

Matt Harvey has pitched at least eight dominant innings both times he has faced the New York Yankees.

It's guaranteed the New York Mets won't let him go nearly that long this time.

Harvey will take the mound for the first time in 12 days when he opposes CC Sabathia on Sunday night in this three-game series finale at Citi Field.

Harvey (12-7, 2.88 ERA) has pitched 171 2-3 innings, though the Mets (84-64) insist that the figure of 180 that agent Scott Boras says is his limit is not something to which the franchise needs to strictly adhere.

"We realize there's an innings limit and we realize he's close," manager Terry Collins told MLB's official website. "He is going to pitch if we get to the postseason. So, now, how do you get to that point? How do you get him into that?"

The right-hander was rocked for a career high-tying seven runs over 5 1-3 innings and didn't get a decision in an 8-7 victory at Washington in his last outing Sept. 8.

With an eye on the innings count, the team skipped Harvey's turn after that start, with rookie Steven Matz being inserted into the rotation.

Harvey's last outing is in stark contrast to how he has fared in two career starts against the Yankees (81-66), yielding three runs over 16 2-3 innings. Harvey came within one out of a complete game in his longest outing of the year April 25, an 8-2 victory in the Bronx.

The Mets won't give him the chance to get even close to that Sunday.

"We're going to keep a very close eye on him," Collins said. "The Yankees will decide when he comes out, but it won't be real deep in the game."

He'll be opposed once again by Sabathia (4-9, 4.93), who was ripped for a season-high seven runs in five-plus innings in that April matchup. That left him at 2-2 with a 4.11 ERA in five career Subway Series starts.

The much-maligned Sabathia, though, held an opponent scoreless for the first time this season with 6 2-3 innings in a 4-1 road victory over Tampa Bay on Monday. He didn't get a decision.

"CC threw the ball as well as he's thrown it all year," New York's Alex Rodriguez said. "Four pitches for strikes, and it's not just about speed, it's throwing the ball with conviction. Tremendous performance by CC. Very encouraging."

David Wright is 4 for 12 against Sabathia, but other Mets have fared poorly in the matchup. Michael Cuddyer hits .207, Juan Uribe is at .191 and Yoenis Cespedes is 1 for 11.

The Yankees evened this series with a 5-0 victory Saturday. Carlos Beltran hit a three-run homer in the first inning and Brian McCann also connected while Michael Pineda combined with six relievers on a six-hitter.

'You need those guys to step up," manager Joe Girardi said of Beltran and McCann.

Cespedes is 0 for 8 in the series and hitless in 16 at-bats in his last four games after homering nine times in 13 games to start September. Collins is making a lineup change as a result.

'We're going to take him out of the two-hole tomorrow and put him someplace else, see if we can get some guys on ahead of him,' he said. 'That might help out.'

It's uncertain if Mets reliever Tyler Clippard will be available after he was forced to miss the first two games of this series when his back tightened up during pregame warmups Friday.

SERIES AT A GLANCE

GAME 1
Yankees at Mets
Fri, Sep 18 Final 1 to 5
Boxscores • Recaps

GAME 2
Yankees at Mets
Sat, Sep 19 Final 5 to 0
Boxscores • Recaps

GAME 3
Yankees at Mets
Sun, Sep 20 - 8:05PM EDT

Announcement

The Bum's Sports Page For Sunday September 20th Best Bets-Trends-News !

The Bum's Sports Page For Sunday September 20th Best Bets-Trends-News !

Comment

Comment

Comment

Comment

Comment

Comment

Comment

Comment

Comment

Comment

Comment

Comment

Comment

Comment