Rating: 3 Unit MLB Play of the Day

The Washington Nationals have seized control of the National League East, but they have one last major obstacle to navigate when they kick off an 11-game road trip with the opener of a four-game series at the New York Mets today. The Nationals hold an eight-game division lead over Atlanta after taking two of three from the Braves and are in a virtual tie with the Los Angeles Dodgers for the best record in the NL. Washington has won five in a row versus the Mets, outscoring them 26-8.

Rating: 3 Unit MLB Play of the Day

The Los Angeles Angels are cruising toward the American League West title and seek their seventh consecutive victory when they visit the Texas Rangers on today. The Angels maintained their eight-game advantage over the Oakland Athletics with a convincing 9-3 victory over Texas on Tuesday. Los Angeles has the best record in the majors at 89-55 while the Rangers have lost nine of 10 games and possess the worst record at 54-90.

Rating: 3 Unit MLB Play of the Day

Hammel yielded one run on three hits for the second straight outing to walk away with a 6-1 win over Seattle on Monday. The 32-year-old has posted a 2-1 mark despite permitting just one run or less in four of his last five outings. Hammel was blasted for eight runs in 5 1/3 innings on July 30 before rebounding with a one-run performance in seven innings of a no-decision on Aug. 26.

Rating: 3 Unit MLB Play of the Day

Burnett was terrific against Washington on Aug. 25 but followed up that performance by yielding five runs in six innings of a 6-5 loss to the New York Mets. That outing marked the sixth time in seven starts Burnett has surrendered at least four runs. On the bright side, he has walked only one hitter in each of his last two outings after issuing multiple free passes in each of his previous six starts.

Rating: 3 Unit MLB Play of the Day

Weaver has won three consecutive decisions – including two victories over Oakland. He blanked the Athletics on three hits over seven innings in his most-recent turn. Weaver is 2-1 with a 3.48 ERA in three career starts against Houston. Houston starter McHugh is 1-2 in three starts against the Angels this season.

Rating: 3 Unit MLB Play of the Day

Boston will face a difficult test against Rays starter Drew Smyly. The left-hander has been brilliant since arriving in the David Price trade, going 3-1 while giving up six runs and 18 hits in 36 innings. Smyly has been especially strong in his last two starts while yielding one run and four hits over 16 innings, earning his first career shutout. The Arkansas native beat Boston on June 6 while with Detroit, permitting two runs (one earned) in six innings to improve to 2-0 with a 2.70 ERA in his career against the Red Sox.

Rating: 3 Unit MLB Play of the Day

Chen was optioned to the Gulf Coast League between starts to allow Baltimore to have an extra position player. He has won six of his last seven decisions and allowed three or fewer runs in eight of his last nine outings. Chen is 2-1 with a 2.65 ERA in three career starts against Minnesota, with the loss coming on May 3 as he gave up three runs - two earned - and six hits in five innings. Struggling Minnesota has dropped six of its last seven games and is 1-4 during a seven-game road trip.

<p>Rating: 3 Unit <b>MLB Play of the Day</b></p>

<p>Roark has allowed one run or fewer in six of his last eight starts, including Wednesday's 3-2 win against Arizona in which he allowed only five hits over seven scoreless innings. The 27-year-old Illinois native has been up and down in two starts against the Phillies this season but held them to one run over seven innings when he faced them last month. Ryan Howard and Cody Asche homered against Roark when he yielded seven runs in four innings against Philadelphia back on May 3. Washington has won 12 of its last 13 games, including Sunday's 14-6 victory over San Francisco.</p>

<p>Rating: 3 Unit <b>MLB Play of the Day</b></p>

<p>Scherzer escaped with a no-decision at Tampa Bay on Tuesday despite surrendering four runs, his highest total since yielding 10 in a loss to Kansas City on June 17. The 30-year-old reigning AL Cy Young Award winner finished one strikeout shy of reaching double digits for the third straight start but raised his season total to 205, marking the third consecutive season in which he eclipsed the 200 mark. Scherzer improved to 7-2 lifetime against Minnesota on May 10, when he allowed three runs over six innings in a 9-3 triumph.</p>

<p>Rating: 3 Unit <b>MLB Play of the Day</b></p>

<p>The Royals own a 2 1/2-game lead over the Detroit Tigers in the American League Central and have won 23 of their last 29 games, including a 5-2 mark on the current nine-game road trip. The Rangers (49-78) are the only team in the majors yet to reach 50 wins and are toiling in last place in the AL West, five games behind the Houston Astros. Texas has dropped five of its last six home games and is allowing opponents an average of 6.4 runs in those five setbacks.</p>

<p>Rating: 3 Unit <b>MLB Play of the Day</b></p>

<p>The Phillies took two of three from Seattle this week but still have won just four times in their last 12 games. They will turn to Kyle Kendrick, who has not earned a victory in nearly a month, in the series opener versus the Cardinals. St. Louis, riding a 7-1 hot stretch in its last eight games, will give the nod to ace Adam Wainwright, who is aiming to become the majors' first 16-game winner.</p>

<p>Rating: 3 Unit <b>MLB Play of the Day</b></p>

<p>Shoemaker is poised to step up in Richards’ absence and has allowed two or fewer earned runs in eight of his last 10 appearances. The Michigan native earned a win at Texas on Saturday by holding the Rangers to two runs on four hits while striking out six in 5 2/3 innings. Shoemaker came out of the bullpen against Boston to work the final three frames of a 19-inning affair on Aug. 9 and did not allow a base runner while striking out four to pick up the win.</p>

Rating: 3 Unit 

MLB Play of the Day

The Kansas City Royals have ripped off 21 victories in 26 games to surge to the top of the American League Central as they prepare to open a two-game interleague series at the Colorado Rockies on Tuesday night. The Royals, bidding to make the postseason for the first time since 1985, hold a two-game lead over Detroit. Colorado hurler Matzek has taken a step back since beating Pittsburgh with seven scoreless innings of three-hit ball on July 26 - his only win since his victorious major-league debut on June 11. He took the loss in relief at the Chicago Cubs three days later and dropped his next three starts - all on the road - by allowing 16 runs and 22 hits over 15 innings. The 23-year-old rookie has surrendered five homers during his three-start skid.

<p>Rating: 3 Unit <b>MLB Play of the Day</b></p>

<p>Fister cruised to his sixth win in his last seven turns in Tuesday’s 7-1 victory over the New York Mets, yielding seven hits in seven scoreless frames. The former seventh-round pick of the Seattle Mariners hasn't allowed an earned run in three of his last four outings and is 6-1 with a 2.01 ERA at home, where he is holding opponents to a .213 average. Fister posted his second win of the season versus the Pirates on May 25 – allowing a run over 5 1/3 innings – and is 1-1 with a 1.47 ERA in three career starts against them.</p>

Rating: 3 Unit MLB Play of the Day

Oakland has outscored Minnesota 39-17 in the season series, recording at least six runs in five of its six victories. The Athletics' 12-game winning streak is the longest in franchise history against the Twins-Washington Senators franchise, surpassing 11-game runs in 1909 and 1929. Minnesota's overall losing streak reached four games as Trevor May surrendered four runs on three hits and an astounding seven walks over just two innings in his major-league debut

<p>Rating: 3 Unit <b>MLB Play of the Day</b></p>

<p>Shields is in the midst of a four-start winless stretch and has gone 0-2 during the span. He lost to Minnesota in his last outing when he gave up two runs (one earned) and six hits in six innings. Shields is 5-4 with a 3.91 ERA in 13 career starts against Oakland. Kazmir is 3-0 over his last five outings and has allowed just five earned runs in 31 1/3 innings during the stretch. He defeated Texas in his last outing when he gave up two runs and seven hits over five innings</p>

<p>Rating: 3 Unit <b>MLB Play of the Day</b></p>

<p>Mikolas followed his lone victory with a brutal outing, allowing eight runs (seven earned) on seven hits and issuing a season-high four walks in 4 2/3 innings in a 9-3 loss to Oakland on Sunday. The 25-year-old brandishes a ghastly 1.67 WHIP in 26 1/3 innings in 2014. Mikolas has failed to pitch at least six innings in four of his five outings this season.</p>

<p>Rating: 3 Unit <b>MLB Play of the Day</b></p>

<p>Feldman was on the losing end of Thursday's matchup with Samardzija as he surrendered six runs on nine hits and five walks in 5 1/3 innings. It was the third straight defeat for the 31-year-old, who has yielded 18 runs over 23 2/3 frames in four outings since beating Detroit on June 29. Thursday's loss dropped Feldman to 5-7 with a 6.34 ERA in 23 career games - 14 starts - versus the Athletics.</p>

<p>Rating: 3 Unit <b>MLB Play of the Day</b></p>

<p>The Oakland Athletics look to add on to the best record in the majors when they open a three-game road series against the reeling Houston Astros today. Oakland (65-39) owns a two-game lead over the Los Angeles Angels in the American League West and has won four of five games since dropping a 12-inning affair against Houston last Tuesday. The Astros have lost five consecutive games since posting the extra-inning win and scored just five runs while losing three straight to the Miami Marlins. Houston starter Oberholtzer received a no-decision against Oakland in his last turn when he gave up two runs and six hits in seven innings. He is 0-1 with a 4.96 ERA in three starts against the Athletics this season and is 0-2 with a 4.03 ERA in four career outings. Oberholtzer is 1-3 with a 5.08 ERA in six home starts this season.</p>

<p>Rating: 3 Unit <b>MLB Play of the Day</b>

<p>The Cardinals used four RBIs from Matt Adams to snap a season-long four-game skid with a 6-3 win Saturday. The victory kept them within three games of first-place Milwaukee in the National League Central. The Cubs have dropped 14 of 18 games, scoring three runs or fewer 10 times in that stretch.</p>

<p>Rating: 4 Unit <b>MLB Play of the Day</b></p>

<p>While the Athletics have won 12 of their last 17, the reeling Rangers lost their final three contests of the four-game series to the New York Yankees and a blistering 27 of 32 games. Bright spots are few and far between for tumbling Texas, which saw J.P. Arencibia launch a homer for the second time in three outings. Unfortunately for Arencibia, those blasts were the lone hits in 12 at-bats in that stretch and he is 2-for-13 versus Friday starter Jason Hammel. Texas pitcher Williams made 26 appearances out of the bullpen for the Astros while going 0-1 with a 6.10 ERA in two starts. The 32-year-old owns a 4-5 career mark with a 4.19 ERA in 16 career appearances (nine starts) against the Athletics.</p>

<p>Rating: 3 Unit <b>MLB Play of the Day</b></p>

<p>De La Rosa received a no-decision in a 4-2 loss at Pittsburgh on Friday after yielding one run in six innings and leaving with a 2-1 lead. The 33-year-old Mexican is an astonishing 41-14 at Coors Field - 6-2 in 2014.  De La Rosa has yielded four or fewer hits in 11 of his 20 starts this season, tied for most in the majors with Seattle's Chris Young and the Los Angeles Angels' Garrett Richards.</p>

<p>Rating: 4 Unit <b>MLB Game of the Week</b></p>

<p>Nationals are 5-1 in their last 6 overall, 5-1 in their last 6 vs a left handed starter, 6-2 in their last 8 road games, 45-22 in Zimmermann's last 67 starts overall and 16-5 in his last 21 starts as a road favorite. The Rockies are just 14-39 in their last 53 games overall, 8-20 in their last 28 home games, 16-35 in their last 51 games vs a right handed starter, 1-7 in their last 8 as a home underdog, and 5-21 in their last 26 vs a team with a winning record. Washington is 4-0 in their last 4 meetings overall, 5-2 in their last 7 meetings in Colorado, and 5-1 in Zimmermann's last 6 starts vs the Rockies. </p>

<p>Rating: 3 Unit <b>MLB Play of the Day</b></p>

<p>Verlander continues to show flashes of his former Cy Young Award-winning form but can’t seem to take that quality stuff through an entire outing. The 31-year-old held Kansas City scoreless over six innings on July 13 before surrendering four runs in the seventh and ending up with the loss. Verlander won his lone career start against Arizona by striking out 14 and scattering four hits over eight scoreless frames.</p>

<p>Rating: 3 Unit <b>MLB Play of the Day</b></p>

<p>The 35-year-old Buehrle settled for a no-decision after registering a rare inefficient performance in an 8-5 win over the Tampa Bay Rays on July 11. The Missouri native needed 93 pitches to get through a season-low five frames, but limited the damage to two runs on nine hits. Buehrle hasn't lost to the Rangers since 2010 – going 2-0 with a 1.95 ERA in four turns over that stretch – and is 13-5 with a 3.12 ERA in 23 all-time appearances (20 starts) against Texas.</p>

Rating: 3 Unit MLB Play of the Day

The Oakland Athletics try to extend their season-high home winning streak to eight games when they meet the Baltimore Orioles today in the middle contest of a three-game series. It appeared Oakland's run would come to an end Friday when nemesis Manny Machado hit a two-run homer in the seventh inning to give Baltimore the lead, but Josh Donaldson's three-run homer in the ninth gave the Athletics a 5-4 victory and their 12th victory in 13 games at O.co Coliseum.

<p>Rating: 3 Unit <b>MLB Play of the Day</b></p>

<p> Dodgers are just 3-10 in their last 13 as a n underdog of +110 to +150, and 2-5 in Haren's last 7 road starts. The Cardinals are 6-1 in their last 7 home games vs a team with a winning record, 5-2 in their last 7 overall, 6-2 in Lynn's last 8 home starts, and 4-1 in Lynn's last 5 home starts vs a team with a winning record. </p>

<p>Rating: 3 Unit <b>MLB Play of the Day</b></p>

<p>Texas has dropped the first three games of the series, seven in a row and 21 of 24 overall, an incredible downturn for a team that has finished either first or second in the American League West for six straight years. Opponents have scored an average of 8.4 runs during the slide. The Angels have won six straight between the rivals after going 5-18 against the once-mighty Rangers from late 2012 through the early portion of 2014. With a victory Sunday, Los Angeles would tie the franchise record for wins prior to the All-Star break (57) first accomplished in 2008. </p>

<p>Rating: 3 Unit </b>MLB Play of the Day</b></p>

<p>The Rangers managed only six hits Friday, with Alex Rios registering two. The loss was Texas' sixth in a row and 20th in 23 games as the club fell to 9-25 in its last 34 contests at home. The Rangers are 0-5 on their seven-game homestand and have dropped six straight at Globe Life Park, last winning there on June 28 against Minnesota.</p>

<p>Rating: 3 Unit <b>MLB Play of the Day</b></p>

<p>Two teams going in opposite directions meet today when the reeling Texas Rangers host the Los Angeles Angels in the second of four games. The Angels' 15-6 rout in the series opener was more of the same for both teams as Los Angeles won for the seventh time in eight games while sending the Rangers to their 19th loss in 22 contests. The teams were separated by 2 1/2 games as late as June 16, but second-place Los Angeles is up 16 1/2 games on Texas, which is alone in last. In addition, LAA hurler Richards won his fourth consecutive start with an overpowering performance last time out, striking out a career-high 11 and giving up one run over 7 1/3 innings against Houston. The 26-year-old is 6-0 in his last seven outings, a stirring stretch in which he has yielded a total of eight runs. Richards won both his starts against Texas this season, giving up four runs and striking out 16 over 12 innings.</p>

<p>Rating: 3 Unit <b>MLB Play of the Day</b></p>

<p>The Rangers are in a complete freefall, losing four straight and 10 of 11 games to give them the worst record in baseball by a percentage point. The Rangers are coming off a three-game home sweep at the hands of Houston, which had owned the league's worst record prior to outscoring Texas 28-14. The Rangers were at the .500 mark on June 16 but have stumbled to a 3-18 record since - a dismal stretch that includes getting swept by the Angels in a three-game set in Los Angeles.</p>

<p>Rating: 4 Unit <b>MLB Total of the Week</b></p>

<p> The OVER is 13-6 in the Angels last 19 road games, and 7-2 in their last 9 games with a total set at 9-10.5. The OVER is also 6-0 in the Rangers last 6 games overall, 20-7-3 in their last 30 vs left handed starter, 9-3-1 in Lewis' last 13 home starts, and 8-2-1 in his last 11 home starts with a high total between 9 and 10.5. The OVER is 31-15-5 in these two teams last 51 meetings, 18-7-1 in their last 26 meetings in Texas, and 4-0-1 in Lewis' last 5 home starts vs the Angels</p>

<p>Rating: 3 Unit <b>MLB Play of the Day</b></p>

<p>Oakland improved to 11-1 in its last 12 home games and 9-1 against National League opponents this season with Tuesday's 6-1 triumph. San Francisco has dropped five straight visits to the O.co Coliseum and is 2-13 in its last 15 interleague contests. The Giants have lost 11 of their last 15 overall, scoring a total of 11 runs in the setbacks and three in their last six defeats.</p>

<p>Rating: 3 Unit <b>MLB Play of the Day</b></p>

<p>Thje Blue Jays are just 1-10 in their last 11 road games, 0-7 in their last 7 games as a road underdog, 1-8 in Dickey's last 9 road starts and 0-4 in his last 4 starts overall. The Angels are 21-8 in their last 29 games overall, 10-1 in their last 11 vs a right handed starter, and 5-1 in Skaggs' last 6 home starts. Los Angeles is also 7-1 in their last 8 meetings with Toronto.</p>

<p>Rating: 4 Unit <b>MLB Game of the Week</b></p>

<p>The Blue Jays are 0-7 in their last 7 as an underdog and 0-6 in their last 6 road games. The Angels are 20-8 in their last 28 games overall, 13-3 in their last 16 home games vs a left handed starter, 59-29 in Weaver's last 88 starts overall and 39-13 in his last 52 home starts. Also the Angels are 6-1 in their last 7 vs Toronto and 7-1 in Weaver's last 8 starts vs the Jays.</p>

<p>Rating: 3 Unit <b>MLB Play of the Day</b></p>

<p>The Atlanta Braves’ offense for most of the first half of the season relied heavily on hitting home runs, but the major league’s hottest team has found other ways to score during a nine-game winning streak. The Braves vie for 10 in a row today when they host the Arizona Diamondbacks in the finale of a three-game series, and Atlanta enters the contest having hit just three homers during their winning streak. The reeling Diamondbacks have dropped five of six and saw a 3-0 first-inning lead evaporate in Saturday’s 10-4 defeat.</p>

<p>Rating: 3 Unit <b>MLB Play of the Day</b></p>

<p>Kazmir was bothered by a leg cramp in his last outing at Detroit and exited after permitting one run on four hits over 5 1/3 innings. It was a nice bounce-back effort from his previous turn, when he was hammered for seven runs on eight hits - including three homers - in three frames against the New York Mets. Kazmir is 5-1 with a superb 1.61 ERA in seven home starts this season and has won four straight at O.co Coliseum while allowing a total of three earned runs.</p>

<p>Rating: 3 Unit <b>MLB Play of the Day</b></p>

<p>B.J. Upton is riding a nine-game hitting streak since assuming the leadoff position in the Atlanta Braves' lineup. Upton and the Braves look to continue their good fortune when they open a three-game series versus the visiting Arizona Diamondbacks on today. Atlanta has won seven in a row and eight of nine thanks in large part to Upton, who is 10-for-37 with seven runs scored during that stretch to improve his paltry batting average to .210. Atlanta hurler Santana has kept the Diamondbacks at bay in three career starts, registering a 0.82 ERA while limiting the club to a .184 batting average.</p>

<p>Rating: 3 Unit <b>MLB Play of the Day</b></p>

<p>The Astros limp into the series after being outscored by the Seattle Mariners 28-8 in a three-game home sweep and are losers of 12 of their last 16 overall. Houston managed three hits – all from the bottom two spots in the order – in a 5-2 loss Wednesday. The Angels pounded out 15 runs in a doubleheader sweep Tuesday</p>

<p>Rating: 3 Unit <b>MLB Play of the Day</b></p>

<p>Heavy rain prevented Los Angeles from continuing its recent hot stretch on Monday so now the Angels attempt to keep it going when they play a doubleheader against the host Chicago White Sox on Today. Los Angeles has won seven of its last nine games as it attempts to narrow the gap on the American League West-leading Oakland Athletics. The White Sox have won three straight games as they begin a six-game homestand but are just 3-9 against AL West squads this season.</p>

<p>Rating: 3 Unit <b>MLB Play of the Day</b></p>

<p>The Athletics, who have won a major league-high 11 times when tied or trailing after eight innings, managed to overcome a poor start from Sonny Gray and rare blown save by Sean Doolittle in Saturday’s 14-inning victory to improve to 9-5 in extra frames. The Marlins have struggled mightily in similar situations, becoming the first team in major-league history to lose at least five games in a calendar month that lasted at least 13 innings. Making matters worse, Miami is 4-8 in extra-inning affairs and has lost 14 of its last 20 at home since starting 19-6 at Marlins Park.</p>

<p>Rating: 3 Unit <b>MLB Play of the Day</b></p>

<p>Oakland hurler Gray will receive the start on 10 days' rest after he allowed two runs on six hits in seven innings in a 4-2 win over Texas. The 24-year-old has struck out seven in each of his last three outings, but the Athletics are pacing their second-year hurler as the season goes on. Gray, who has yet to face Miami in his young career, has permitted just six homers in 99 innings in 2014.</p>

<p>Rating: 3 Unit <b>MLB Play of the Day</b></p>

<p>The Oakland Athletics had the luxury of taking it easy on Thursday while the Miami Marlins exhausted their bullpen en route to losing a 14-inning marathon. The Athletics look to take advantage of the situation and post their seventh win in nine outings today when the teams open a three-game interleague series in South Beach. The Marlins are trending in the opposite direction after suffering their 10th defeat in 15 outings with a 5-3 setback to Philadelphia on Thursday.</p>

<p>Rating: 3 Unit <b>MLB Play of the Day</b></p>

<p>The Los Angeles Angels look to complete a pair of sweeps as they host the Minnesota Twins for the finale of their three-game series this afternoon. Los Angeles opened the set with an 8-6 triumph before posting a 6-2 victory behind Garrett Richards, who allowed two runs and four hits over 7 1/3 innings. The win was the 11th in 12 home contests for the Angels, who improved to 5-0 on their six-game homestand.

</p>

<p>Rating: 3 Unit <b>MLB Play of the Day</b></p>

<p>Yoenis Cespedes remained hot for Oakland, extending his hitting streak to nine games by going 2-for-4 with an RBI. The 28-year-old Cuban has recorded four multi-hit performances during the run but has collected only three RBIs over his last seven contests. The Athletics, who have dropped two in a row following a five-game winning streak, welcomed back Josh Reddick from the disabled list, where he had resided since the beginning of the month due to a knee injury.</p>

<p>Rating: 3 Unit </b>MLB Play of the Day</b></p>

<p>Oakland owns the best record in the major leagues at 47-29 and also is one of the best road teams with a 23-14 record away from home. The Mets are one of the bottom-feeders in the National League at 35-41 but still are within reach of first place in the mediocre East Division. Kazmir limited Boston to two runs and four hits over seven innings on Thursday en route to winning his third straight start and fourth consecutive decision. The 30-year-old has been quite the find for Oakland, allowing more than three runs just once in 15 starts this season and fewer than three in seven of his last eight outings</p>

<p>Rating: 3 Unit <b>MLB Play of the Day</b></p>

<p>Two of the Giants wins during their losing streak came over the weekend against the last-place Arizona Diamondbacks, but the Giants’ recent struggles pale in comparison to those of the Padres, who fired Byrnes prior to Sunday’s 2-1 loss to the Dodgers. San Diego has scored fewer than two runs nine times in 20 June games and ranks last in the majors by a wide margin in several offensive categories, including runs (225) and batting average (.214). The Padres, who are 3-3 against the Giants this season, scratched scheduled starter Andrew Cashner and Odrisamer Despaigne will make his major-league debut.</p>

<p>Rating: 4 Unit <b>MLB Game of the Week</b></p>

<p>Dodgers are 5-1 in Ryu's last 6 starts, 4-1 in his last 5 road starts, and 18-4 in his last 22 starts vs a team with a losing record. The Dodgers are 4-0 in their last 4 games vs a lefty starter and 7-1 in their last 8 road games vs a lefty starter. The Padres are just 4-9 in their last 13 games overall, 3-7 in their last 10 as an underdog, and 1-4 in Stult's last 5 starts as an underdog. Los Angeles is 10-3 in their last 13 head to head meetings with San Diego.<.p>

<p>Rating: 3 Unit <b>MLB Play of the Day</b></p>

<p>Oakland has won four straight games and is getting the kind of clutch performances that marked the Red Sox’s run to the World Series last season. Coco Crisp delivered the big hit with an RBI single in the eighth Friday while Josh Donaldson continued to break out of his recent slump with a three-run homer. Six of Boston’s last seven games have been decided by one run and the Red Sox are trying to avoid a fourth straight road series loss</p>

<p>Rating: 3 Unit </b>MLB Play of the Day</b></p>

<p>The Athletics have taken over as the top scoring team in the AL and their run differential of plus-134 is 100 runs better than the next closest AL opponent. Oakland picked up its third straight win and fifth in the last six games with Thursday’s 4-2 victory in the series opener. The Red Sox needed only five runs to sweep a three-game series at home from the Minnesota Twins earlier this week but have not won a road series since taking two games at Atlanta on May 26 and 27. Boston pitcher Doubront is 1-2 with an 8.56 ERA in three career starts against Oakland.</p>

<p>Rating: 3 Unit <b>MLB Play of the Day</b></p>

<p>Kazmir did not allow an earned run in either of his last two starts and is 3-0 with a 0.95 ERA in his last four turns. The 30-year-old notched only two strikeouts against New York on Saturday after piling up 25 in the three previous outings. Kazmir made one start against Boston during his resurrection with Cleveland last season and did not factor in the decision while allowing two runs in five frames.</p>

<p>Rating: 3 Unit <b>MLB Play of the Day</b></p>

<p>Hernandez is off to the best start of his career despite suffering his first setback in 10 outings following Friday’s 1-0 defeat at the hands of the Texas Rangers. The four-time All-Star, who has surrendered only three home runs all year and none since April 21, took the hard-luck loss after permitting a run on four hits over 8 1/3 innings. Hernandez has toyed with the Padres in San Diego (5-0, 1.54 ERA in six career turns) and is 6-3 with a 3.05 ERA in 11 all-time starts against them.</p>

<p>Rating: 3 Unit <b>MLB Play of the Day</p>

<p>Stults’ awful June continued in his last outing, when he gave up four earned runs on eight hits during five innings of work in Thursday’s 7-3 loss to the Philadelphia Phillies. The 34-year-old Indiana native dropped to 0-3 with a 9.45 ERA this month and fell to 0-6 in eight turns away from home</p>

Rating: 4 Unit MLB Play of the Day

Pomeranz worked seven solid innings in each of his last two outings but owns an 0-1 mark despite yielding a total of three runs on 10 hits. The 25-year-old allowed an unearned run and four hits in a no-decision versus the Los Angeles Angels on Tuesday. Pomeranz, who struck out a pair in a scoreless inning of relief against Texas, has posted a 4-0 record at home while limiting the opposition to a .134 batting average. Texas starter Lewis has sputtered in his last three starts, posting an 0-1 mark while allowing 14 runs on 23 hits in 15 2/3 innings. The 34-year-old has struggled with his control, permitting four walks in his last turn against Miami while issuing multiple free passes in each of his last six contests. In addition, Oakland is 21-8 in their last 29 games on grass.</p>

Rating: 4 Unit MLB Game of the Week

Chavez is coming off his third loss in four starts, a six-inning effort at the Los Angeles Angels on Monday in which he allowed three runs — two earned — and eight hits. The 30-year-old, who is in his first season as a starter, has yielded more than three earned runs in only three of his 13 outings. Chavez is 2-0 with a 2.63 ERA in three career games (one start) against the Yankees.  In addition Oakland is 36-16 in their last 52 games as a favorite of -151 to -200 and 11-5 in their last 16 after scoring 5 runs or more in their previous game.

<p>Rating: 3 Unit </b>MLB Play of the Day</b></p>

<p>Oakland took two of three from the Yankees in New York earlier this month and has won eight of its last 12 games. Athletics left fielder Yoenis Cespedes is 15-for-41 during a nine-game hitting streak and has thrown out runners in each of his last two games to raise his major league-leading assist total to nine. Oakland first baseman Brandon Moss is 2-for-19 over the last five games but went 5-for-12 with two homers in the recent series against New York.</p>

<p>Rating: 4 Unit <b>NHL Game of the Week</b></p>

<p> These two teams have provided a lot of offense lately with the Kings scoring 3+ goals in 8 straight games (averaging 4.38 per game), and the Rangers averaging 3.25 goals per game over their last 8 games. The OVER 16-6-4 in the King's last 26 games overall. The OVER is also 5-1 in their last 6 road games, and 15-6-7 in their last 28 vs a team with a winning record. </p>

<p>Rating: 3 Unit <b>MLB Play of the Day</b></p>

<p>The San Francisco Giants are showing that they are never out of a game as they continue to run away with the best record in baseball. The Giants will try to polish off a three-game sweep when they host the New York Mets on Sunday. San Francisco earned a come-from-behind victory with a stunning walk-off win Saturday to move 20 games over .500 at 41-21 while the slumping Mets suffered their fifth straight setback. San Francisco pitcher Lincecum enjoys plenty of success against New York and is 5-1 with a 2.73 ERA in 10 career starts against the Mets.</p>

<p>Raging: 4 Unit <b>NHL Game of the Week</b></p>

<p>The Kings battled back down 2-0 to win Game 1 in overtime and out shot the Rangers 43-27 in the game overall. That included out shooting them 20-3 in the third period. The Kings are also Kings are 21-7 in their last 28 games following a win and 15-7 in their last 22 when their opponent scores 2 goals or less in their previous game.</p>

<p>Rating: 3 Unit <b>MLB Play of the Day</b></p>

<p>Oakland had its five-game winning streak snapped Thursday, but there are plenty of reasons for optimism as the team continues its nine-game road trip. Athletics starting pitchers are 14-4 with a 2.61 ERA over the last 26 games, and third baseman Josh Donaldson is batting .308 with nine home runs and 25 RBIs over his last 24 contests. Oakland is  40-19 in their last 59 during game 1 of a series and  44-21 in their last 65 games as a road favorite.</p>

<p>Rating: 3 Unit </b>MLB Play of the Day</b></p>

<p>Oakland hurler Gray settled for a no-decision against Detroit on Tuesday after surrendering four runs and eight hits in six innings. The 24-year-old allowed more than three runs for the first time in 11 starts this season but remained unbeaten over his last six outings (2-0). Gray has made one start and one relief appearance versus the Angels in his career, giving up a total of one run and six hits over eight frames.</p>

<p>Rating: 4 Unit <b>NHL Total of the Week</b></p>

<p>Going into tonight't game this series has produced total scores of 4, 8, 7, 7, and 9 - or an average of 7 goals per game. The Kings have scored 4 or more goals in each game since game 1, while Chicago has been able to score 2+ goals in each game played so far. The OVER is 6-2-1 in the Blackhawks last 9 road games, and 5-2-2 in the Kings last 9 home games. </p>

<p>Rating: 3 Unit <b>MLB Play of the Day</b></p>

<p>Adam Wainwright has put together exceptional back-to-back starts and looks to continue his spectacular season when the St. Louis Cardinals host the San Francisco Giants today. Wainwright has allowed just six hits over 17 scoreless innings while winning his last two outings and hasn’t given up a run in five of his 11 starts. Wainwright tossed a one-hit shutout against Arizona on May 20 and followed up by matching his career high of 12 strikeouts in eight scoreless innings against the Cincinnati Reds on Sunday. He leads the majors in ERA.</p>

<p>Rating: 3 Unit <b>MLB Play of the Day</b></p>

<p>Jeff Samardzija looks to break a 16-game winless streak today, when the Chicago Cubs visit the San Francisco Giants for the opener of a three-game series. Samardzija leads the majors with a sparkling 1.46 ERA, but the Cubs are 1-9 in his first 10 starts this season and 6-20 in his last 26 starts.. He faces an uphill battle against San Francisco, which boasts the majors’ best record at 32-18 after completing a three-game sweep of Minnesota over the weekend.</p>

Rating: 4 Unit MLB Game of the Week

Milwaukee is just 2-5 in their last 7 games as a road underdog, 2-5 in their last 7 vs a starter with a WHIP less than 1.15, and 2-6 in their last 8 games as an underdog overall. The Marlins are 9-1 in their last 10 home games vs a right handed starter, 23-6 in their last 29 home games overall, and 7-1 in their last 8 home games vs a team with a winning record. Miami is also 5-0 in Koehler's last 5 home starts (4-0 this year), and 9-4 in their last 13 games following a win.

<p>Rating: 4 Unit <b>MLB Play of the Day</b></p>

<p>The Oakland Athletics lead the American League in several offensive categories and have been at their best in the last nine games while scoring 69 runs. The Athletics look for their 10th victory in 11 contests when they begin a three-game series at the Tampa Bay Rays on Tuesday, after reaching double digits in runs in three of their last five outings. Brandon Moss was 6-for-10 with six RBIs in Oakland’s three-game sweep at Cleveland over the weekend. The Rays are 1-7 in their last eight at home. </p>

<p>Rating: 4 Unit <b>MLB Total of the Week</b></p>

<p>Baltimore pitcher Jimenez has turned his season around with three dazzling starts, allowing one run over 19 2/3 innings with 20 strikeouts and a pair of wins. While Kansas City hurler Shields comes in with five victories in his last six turns, yielding only one run in 14 innings over the previous two outings. The 32-year-old Californian has struck out 56 and walked only 12 in 60 1/3 frames</p>

<p>Rating: 4 Unit <b>MLB Game of the Week</b></p>

<p>Braves are just 1-7 in Minors last 8 starts and 0-6 in his last 6 starts with a total set att 7-8.5. The Braves are just 4-9 in their last 13 games overall and 0-5 in their last 5 road games. San Francisco is 6-1 in their last 7 home games, 7-0 in their last 7 vs a left handed starter, and 8-1 in their last 9 vs a team with a winning record. They are also 20-9 in Vogelsongs last 29 home starts and 4-1 in his last 5 starts overall.</p>

<p>Rating: 4 Unit <b>NHL Game of the Week</b></p>

<p>Both teams have hoisted the Stanley Cup in the last eight years, with the division-champion Ducks capturing their first championship in 2007 and the Kings following suit in 2012. Anaheim dominated the season series, winning each of the last four contests after falling in a shootout on Dec. 3 at home. Four of the five meetings were one-goal decisions and the other was a 3-0 triumph by the Ducks on Jan. 25 at Dodger Stadium. The Ducks won all home games against the Stars and finished the season with a 32-8-1-3 mark in Anaheim</p>

<p>Rating: 4 Unit <b>MLB Total of the Week</b></p>

<p>The UNDER is 6-2 in the Braves last 8 games overall and 4-2 in their last 6 road games. The UNDER is also 4-1 in Harangs 5 starts this season. The UNDER is 6-2-1 in the Marlins last 8 overall, 12-4-2 in Eovaldi's last 18 starts overall, and 3-1-1 in his last 5 home starts. The UNDER is 3-1 between these two teams this season, and the UNDER is also 4-0-2 in Eovaldi's last 6 starts vs the Braves.</p>

<p>Rating: 4 Unit <b>NHL Game of the Week</b></p>

<p>After dropping the first two contests of their first-round series, the Chicago Blackhawks look to put the finishing touches on a spirited comeback against the St. Louis Blues when they host their Central Division rivals in Game 6 on today. Captain Jonathan Toews scored on a breakaway in overtime on Friday to give the defending Stanley Cup champions a 3-2 lead in the set. The Blackhawks own a 13-2 mark at the United Center over the last two postseasons - including winning both home contests versus the Blues.</p>

<p>Rating: 4 Unit <b>MLB Game of the Week</b></p>

<p> Phillies are 5-1 in Lee's last 6 starts with a total set between 7-8.5, 5-2 in his last 7 vs a team with a losing record, and 5-2 in his last 7 starts with 4 days off. The Dbacks are 0-6 in their last 6 Saturday games, 0-8 in their last 8 games as a a home underdog, and 1-8 in their last 9 games vs a left-handed starter. Also note that the Phillies are 4-1 in Lee's last 5 starts vs the Dbacks. </p>

<p>Rating: 4 Unit <b>NHL Total of the Week</b></p>

<p>The Penguins have gone OVER the total in 5 of their last 6 games. They ranked 5th in the regular season scoring 2.95 goals per game, while Columbus was 12th with 2.76 goals per game. The OVER between these two teams is 8-2 in their last 10 meetings in Columbus including going OVER the total and 4 of their last 5 overall.</p>

<p>Rating: 4 Unit <b>MLB Game of the Week</b></p>

<p>Carrasco has had a pair of duds to start the season, surrendering five runs over 5 2/3 innings in a loss to Minnesota before getting torched for five runs in 4 2/3 frames against the Chicago White Sox. The 27-year-old Venezuelan has allowed batters to hit .310 against him so far in 2014, though he has allowed just one home run. Carrasco has struggled in his own stadium, going 4-13 with a 5.97 ERA in 21 starts and three relief outings at home.</p>

Rating: 4 Unit NHL Game of the Week

The Los Angeles Kings look to extend a pair of impressive streaks tonight, when they visit former teammate Ben Scrivens and the Edmonton Oilers. The Kings posted a 3-1 triumph over Winnipeg on Thursday to record their second six-game winning stretch of the season. Los Angeles hasn't faced much resistance from the Oilers, winning both meetings this campaign while collecting points in each of its last 10 contests (8-0-2) in Edmonton.