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Daily fantasy baseball: Start Felix, Gordon to win today's games

SI's FanNation app has arrived, offering daily fantasy sports games that let you put your skills on the line for money or just for bragging rights, leading off with the launch of Baseball Throwdown. Every day, SI's Michael Beller will release his lineup for that day's Baseball Throwdown contest and offer up other recommendations to get your team ready for the day's slate of games. Download the FanNation app today and get started challenging your friends.

Pitcher

Felix Hernandez, Seattle Mariners (@ Red Sox) -- Hernandez’ seven-inning, two-runs-or-fewer streak finally ended in his last start, wrapping the historic run at 16 starts. He allowed two runs on seven hits in five innings, striking out three, his fewest since May 7. He draws the Red Sox on Monday, who were one of the teams he mowed down on his streak. In that start, he gave up two runs in seven innings, fanning six batters. There aren’t a ton of great options on Friday, making Hernandez an easy choice for daily fantasy gamers.

Infielder

Edwin Encarnacion, Blue Jays (vs. Rays, Drew Smyly) -- Encarnacion has been back for five games, going 4-for-20 with a home run and three RBI. He has actually hit better against righties this year, but is still slashing an impressive .270/.386/.554 with five homers in 88 plate appearances. Encarnacion has been a monster at home this year, hitting .307/.399/.675 with 15 bombs.

Outfielder

Alex Gordon, Kansas City Royals (@ Rangers, Colby Lewis) -- Gordon continued his big August on Thursday, going 1-for-2 with a homer and a walk in the Royals’ loss to the Rockies. He’s now hitting .328/.392/.612 with five homers and nine RBI in the month. Gordon doesn’t have a great track record against Lewis or in Texas in his career, but there’s plenty of reason to trust the hot bat.

Other Recommendations

Pitchers

Doug Fister, Washington Nationals (vs. Giants) -- Fister hasn’t allowed a run in his last three starts, a stretch of 21 1/3 innings. He hasn’t allowed more than two runs in a start since the first week of July.
Jake Arrieta, Chicago Cubs (vs. Orioles) -- Arrieta looks for some revenge against his original organization. He has allowed a total of two runs in his last two starts.

Infielders

Jonathan Lucroy, Milwaukee Brewers (vs. Pirates, Jeff Locke) -- Lucroy is 4-for-8 with a homer, double, two RBI and three walks against Locke in his career.
Anthony Rizzo, Chicago Cubs (vs. Orioles, Kevin Gausman) -- Rizzo is on a modest four-game hitting streak, going 6-for-15 with two homers during the stretch.

Outfielders

Marcell Ozuna, Miami Marlins (@ Rockies, Franklin Morales) -- Ozuna has nine hits in his last 23 at-bats, including a pair of homers. Morales has allowed 1.7 home runs per nine innings this year. That’s a bad formula for the Colorady lefty.
Norichika Aoki, Kansas City Royals (@ Rangers, Colby Lewis) -- Aoki is hitting .289 with seven steals, 16 runs, 16 RBI and a homer in the last month.