Cnotes Best Bets For Monday June 15th - MLB - NBA -NHL !

[CNOTES]

Star players hope to provide edge in Stanley Cup Final


June 13, 2015


TAMPA, Fla. (AP) - The tightest Stanley Cup Final in 47 years is coming down to the wire.
The Chicago Blackhawks and Tampa Bay Lightning both feel confident about their ability to win two of a possible three games remaining in the best-of-7 matchup that resumes Saturday night.


The series is tied 2-2 following four consecutive one-goal games, and there's no reason to believe one team or the other is poised to run away from the other.


''It's one of the hardest things to do in pro sports, finish off a series and beat another team to win a Stanley Cup, especially a team that's been there a couple times and knows what it takes,'' Tampa Bay captain Steven Stamkos said. ''We have our work cut out for us, but this group has belief in each other.''


The Blackhawks have won two of the past five NHL championships, and they have stars Jonathan Toews and Patrick Kane to lean on in situations like this.


Tampa Bay is on the league's biggest stage for the first since 2004, when the Lightning won its only Stanley Cup title.


Experience would seem to favor the Blackhawks, however Tampa Bay's youthful roster has been extremely resilient, too, in getting to this point.


Looking for a difference-maker?


The Blackhawks usually can count on Toews or Kane, who's both struggled to score in this series, to lead the way.


The Lightning expect direction from Stamkos, who also had difficulty hitting the back of the net, although Tyler Johnson, Nikita Kucherov and Alex Killorn also have been crucial to the team's strong playoff run.


''I think for either team to win, it comes down to your best players being at their best and making the difference.


So myself as an individual, I expect that out of myself,'' Toews said.


''I'm not the only one in that room that thinks that way, or thinks as an individual or a player, you need to raise your game to make a difference,'' the Chicago captain added. ''We all think that way. I think that's a huge reason why we've made it this far.''


The Lightning appeared loose in practice Friday, which coach Jon Cooper said reflects the personality on his team.


''You have to embrace where we are. It's the middle of June and we're still playing hockey. The Stanley Cup is up for grabs in the best two-out-of-three. I don't think we should be afraid of that. I don't think we should walk around being tense and looking at the magnitude of where we are, being afraid of the moment,'' Cooper said.


''It's two teams left playing in June. If we're not having fun doing this, then why are we doing this? It's been such a phenomenal experience to go through this,'' Cooper added. ''I remember on the plane ride home (Thursday) thinking, in six days, it's going to be over. How much fun, how we've grown together, you just don't want the experience to end.''


Some things watch for in Game 5:


TRUTH IS:


Cooper said Friday he didn't know if goalie Ben Bishop will return Saturday night after missing Game 4 with an undisclosed injury. He said Bishop is improving each day, and that the decision to not play him Wednesday night in Chicago was made, in part, to give the injured goaltender three days off before determining his availability for Game 5.


When Cooper was told that Golden State Warriors coach Steve Kerr admitted that he didn't tell truth about a lineup change he intended to make against the Cleveland Cavaliers before his team evened the NBA Finals 2-2, Cooper replied: ''Are you asking if I've lied? Is my nose growing?'' before cracking a smile.


''Okay, I'll be truthful in this scenario. This is regarding Ben Bishop or all injuries. I don't know sitting here today if Ben Bishop is playing on Saturday. I hope he plays. I don't know if he's going to,'' the coach said.


''I'm a pretty truthful guy. I kind of call it how it is,'' Cooper added. ''I don't feel like I've lied to anybody. I've maybe not, I don't know, said a lot of things, or I've kept them inside. ... But what's the point of lying? Truth is going to come out anyway, so you might as well tell it when you can.''


If Bishop doesn't play, rookie Andrei Vasilevskiy will make his second career playoff start.


KEEPIN' IT CLOSE:


The Cup Final is tied 2-2 for the fifth time in seven years. The first four games have been decided by one goal for the first time since 1968, when the Montreal Canadiens swept the St. Louis Blues.


POWER SHORTAGE:


Neither team's power-play has been productive in the series, with the Blackhawks 2 for 11 in man-advantage situations and the Lightning just 1 for 11. Of course, the flip side of that is both penalty-killing units are getting the job done.


TOEWS FACTOR:


The Chicago captain, who scored his first goal of the series in Game 4, has a reputation for putting the Blackhawks on his back and willing the team to victory in close series.


Coach Joel Quenneville knows Toews' history, but isn't predicting anything.


''Well, I don't forecast advantages. I know we're fortunate to have him. He's a special player. He's a great leader. He's got tremendous character,'' Quenneville said. ''We always talk about the bigger the setting, the bigger the stage, he rises to that challenge. Our team rises to big games and big settings as well.''

 

[CNOTES]

Holy $hit betting stat of the day: Six is the magic number for Quenneville's Blackhawks


The Chicago Blackhawks own a 9-0 record in Game 6 with a chance to clinch a postseason series under head coach Joel Quenneville.


Quenneville has been at the helm in Chicago since the 2008-09 season and will look for the club's third Stanley Cup in the previous six seasons. Each time the Hawks have won the Cup under Quenneville, the Cup-clinching victory came with a 3-2 series lead in Game 6 (2010 at Flyers, 2013 at Bruins).


In their current quest for the Cup, the Blackhawks have already dispatched of the Nashville Predators in a Game 6 situation with a 3-2 series lead. They swept the Minnesota Wild in the following round and were down 3-2 to the Anaheim Ducks before battling back to win the Western Conference Finals in seven.


The Blackhawks will attempt to improve that record to 10-0 in Game 6 at the United Center Monday evening.


Here is a look at the teams the Blackhawks have eliminated in each postseason under Quenneville:


2014-15: Nashville Predators


2013-14: St. Louis Blues, Minnesota Wild


2012-13: Boston Bruins


2011-12: N/A


2010-11: N/A


2009-10: Predators, Vancouver Canucks, Philadelphia Flyers


2008-09: Calgary Flames, Canucks

 

[CNOTES]

Hawks haven't been able to win Cup at home


On Monday, Chicago Blackhawks fans will be hoping to witness something they haven't seen in 77 years: watching their team win a Stanley Cup on home ice.


The Hawks, up 3-2 in the Stanley Cup Final after dispatching Tampa Bay 2-1 Saturday, are in the -166 ballpark at sportsbooks.


Jonathan Toews and company are no strangers to Lord Stanley's holy grail, however, after raising it in Philadelphia in 2010 and Boston in 2013.

 

[CNOTES]

Blackhawks are extremely clutch once again


The Chicago Blackhawks came through once again for their bettors in a big game situation during Game 5 of the Stanley Cup Final Saturday night.


Chicago topped the Tampa Bay Lightning 2-1 in Florida to take a 3-2 series lead, which is something we've become accustomed to seeing. With Jonathan Toews and Patrick Kane in the fold, the Hawks are now 17-1 in games when the series is tied 2-2.


The Blackhawks are 8-0 in those series, and they'll have an opportunity to make it nine straight and hoist the Stanley Cup in front of their hometown fans Monday evening. Oddsmakers have set the Hawks as -166 moneyline faves for Game 6.

 

[CNOTES]

Game 6 ticket prices soar as Blackhawks go for Cup


Jun 14, 2015


The Chicago Blackhawks are now one home win away from their third Stanley Cup championship in six years.


Fans without tickets and wanting to watch history at the United Center in Chicago better be prepared for sticker shock.


Prices for Monday night's Game 6 between the Blackhawks and Tampa Bay Lightning are ranging from $1,000 for a standing room-only ticket on StubHub, with the cheapest real seat going for nearly $2,000 each.


The demand is because fans potentially could be watching the Blackhawks win their first Stanley Cup on home ice since 1938.


The Blackhawks are trying win three Stanley Cups within a six-year period since the Detroit Red Wings accomplished that feat from 1997-2002.


Chicago scored early in the third period and held on for a 2-1 win over Tampa Bay in Game 5 on Saturday night, taking a 3-2 series lead back to their home ice for Monday night.


Less than an hour after the game, the resale prices on StubHub soared.


Standing room-only seats have a face value of $140. Upper goal section seats, that have a single-game face value of $285, are listed on StubHub for $2,445 each. Club level center tickets that have a face value of $650 are listed for $4,816 each, and the cheapest tickets right up against the glass, with a face value of $1,200, are listed at more than $10,000 apiece, according to ESPN.com.


"Aside from when the Bears were in the Super Bowl against the Colts, these are numbers that are reminiscent of the Michael Jordan days," Max Waisvisz, partner in Chicago-based brokerage Gold Coast Tickets, told ESPN.


Waisvisz recalled selling lower-level seats in between the baskets for the 1997 NBA Finals, the last title the Bulls clinched in Chicago.


"There are people calling who have never spent a dollar on hockey in Chicago and they just want to be there," Waisvisz said. "That's what really drives the price up."


The Blackhawks won the Stanley Cup in Detroit in 1961, in Philadelphia in 2010 and in Boston in 2013.

 

[CNOTES]

MLB
Armadillo's Write-Up

Monday, June 15


Interleague-- Everything from Monday-Thursday this week is interleague. Remember, there is a DH used in AL parks, no DH in NL parks.

White Sox @ Pirates
Rodon is 1-0, 1.85 in his last four starts, three of which stayed under.

Liriano is 2-1, 1.67 in his last four starts; over is 3-1-1 in his last five.

White Sox won eight of last nine games with Pittsburgh; last three games got over the total, but teams haven't met since 2010. Chicago lost last four away games, scoring 11 runs- four of their last six games stayed under. Pirates won last four games, allowing three runs- their last seven games stayed under.

Reds @ Tigers
Moscot is 1-1, 4.91 in his first two MLB starts.

Sanchez is 1-2, 2.49 in his last three starts (under 2-0-1).

Detroit won four of last five games with Cincinnati; four of last six series tilts went over total- teams haven't met since 2012. Reds lost three of last four games- over is 6-4 in their last ten. Detroit won five of its last seven games, with five of the seven going over the total.

Phillies @ Orioles
Harang is 0-4, 6.46 in his last four starts; under is 5-3-2 in his last ten.

Chen is 2-3 3.45 in his last seven starts; under is 7-0-1 in his last eight.

Phillies lost seven of last nine games with Baltimore; four of last five went over-- teams haven't met since '12. Philly lost its last six games, scoring total of 11 runs- their last four games stayed under. Baltimore won six of its last seven games; three of their last four went over.

Nationals @ Rays
Gonzalez is 0-1, 4.08 in his last three starts; five of his last seven went over.

Ramirez is 3-0 2.03 in his last three starts; all three stayed under.

Home side won seven of last eight Washington-Tampa Bay games; under is 5-2-1 in those eight games. Nationals won last two games, allowing two runs; four of their last five games went over. Tampa Bay won four of its last five games; three of their last four went over.

Braves @ Red Sox
Perez got a one-inning (9 PT) save Saturday night; he is 2-0, 2.10 in his five starts; three of his last four went over.

Porcello is 0-4, 7.30 in his last four starts.

Boston lost last six games, allowing 43 runs; over is 3-0-1 in their last four. Red Sox won their last six games with Atlanta; four of those six games went over total. Braves lost three of last four games; six of last seven went over.

Blue Jays @ Mets
Buehrle is 2-0, 2.25 in his last three starts; under is 3-1-1 in his last five.

Syndergaard is 1-3, 5.79 in his last four starts; four of his last five went under.

Toronto won its last 11 games, scoring 38 runs in last four; over is 5-1-2 in their last eight. Mets won three of last four games; their last five went over. Jays lost six of last nine games against the Mets; teams haven't met since '12..

Bronx @ Marlins
Tanaka is 4-0, 1.95 in his last five starts; his last three stayed under.

Koehler is 1-1, 6.35 in his last three starts; under is 3-1-1 in his last five.

Bronx-Marlins haven't played since 2009; Miami won three of last four series games. Bronx lost three of last four games; three of the four went over total. Marlins won three of last four games; under is 5-0-1 in their last six.

Indians @ Cubs
Bauer is 2-1, 1.61 in his last four road starts (under 3-0-1).

Arriera is 2-0, 3.00 in his last two starts; three of his last four went over.

Indians-Cubs haven't met since 2009; Cubs won last four in series, scoring a total of 29 runs. Chicago won six of their last eight games. Cleveland lost five of its last seven games- they scored 17 runs in last six games.

Dodgers @ Rangers
Frias is 1-1, 3.05 in his last three starts; three of his last four road starts went under the total.

Gallardo is 2-0, 2.52 in his last four starts; four of his last six stayed under.

Dodgers won four of last five games vs Texas, but teams haven't met 2009; last four series games stayed under. LA won five of its last six games; six of their last nine games stayed under. Rangers are 3-4 in their last seven games; eight of their last ten stayed under.

Rockies @ Astros
Bettis is 2-1, 2.30 in his last four starts; six of his last nine went over.

Keuchel is 1-1, 1.64 in his last three starts; his last five stayed under.

Colorado lost three of last four games with Houston; three of the four games stayed under. Rockies lost four of last five games overall; their last six stayed under total. Astros lost eight of last ten; their last three all went over.

Royals @ Brewers
Volquez is 3-1, 2.90 in his last five starts (under 3-2).

Lohse is 0-3, 8.14 in his last four starts, three of which went over.

Royals won last four games with Milwaukee; last five stayed under, but teams have not met since 2012. KC won four of their last six games, allowing 13 runs; under is 10-1-1 in its last twelve games. Brewers lost last two games, scoring two runs; over is 3-1 in their last four games.

Twins @ Cardinals
May is 2-1, 2.77 in his last four starts, three of which stayed under.

Lackey is 3-0, 1.63 in his last four home starts; four of his last five home starts stayed under- he got pounded in his last start, but that was in Denver.

Minnesota lost seven of last nine games; five of last eight went under total. Cardinals won eight of last 11 games; seven of last eight stayed under- they won four of last six games with Minnesota- under is 9-0-1 in last ten series games, but teams are meeting for first time since 2009.

Diamondbacks @ Angels
Ray is 1-1, 1.53 in his last three starts, all of which stayed under.

Weaver is 1-2 6.41 in his last three starts; six of his last eight stayed under.

Angels won seven of last nine games with Arizona; four of last five stayed under- teams are meeting for first time since '12. LA won three of its last four games; three of the four went over total. D'backs just swept Giants in the Bay Area, allowing two runs in three games- four of their last five stayed under.

A's @ Padres
Former Padre Hahn is 2-1, 3.16 in his last four starts; his last three went over.

Former Athletic Ross is 1-3, 4.20 in his last five starts (under 3-1-1).

Oakland lost five of last six road games; they won five of last seven games vs San Diego- six of last eight series games went over. Padres lost four of their last six games; they scored seven runs in last three games.

Mariners @ Giants
Walker is 2-1, 1.64 in his last three starts; his last four road starts went over.

Hudson is 2-1, 3.32 in his last three starts.

Giants lost their last eight home games, scored two runs in last three games; they're 2-8 in last ten games with Seattle, all of which were played in Seattle-- five of last seve stayed under. Mariners lost three of last four games; they've been shut out in four of last nine games, but four of last five went over.

Win-loss records this year for team with this starting pitcher:
CWS-Pitt-- Rodon 4-2; Liriano 3-9
Cin-Det-- Moscot 1-1; Sanchez 4-9
Phil-Balt-- Harang 5-8; Chen 7-5
Wsh-TB-- Gonzalez 8-4; Ramirez 6-2
Atl-Bos-- Perez 3-2; Porcello 6-6
Tor-NYM-- Buehrle 8-4; Syndergaard 2-4
NYY-Mia-- Tanaka 5-1; Koehler 6-6

Clev-Cubs-- Bauer 6-6; Arrieta 7-5
LA-Tex-- Frias 4-4; Gallardo 6-7
Col-Hst-- Bettis 5-1; Keuchel 9-4
KC-Mil-- Volquez 8-4; Lohse 5-8
Min-StL-- May 6-5; Lackey 6-6
Az-LAA-- Ray 1-2; Weaver 6-7
A's-SD-- Hahn 4-8; Ross 5-8
Sea-SF-- Walker 4-8; Hudson 6-6

Times this starting pitcher allowed a run in first inning:
CWS-Pitt-- Rodon 1-6; Liriano 2-12
Cin-Det-- Moscot 1-2; Sanchez 3-13
Phil-Balt-- Harang 4-13; Chen 3-12
Wsh-TB-- Gonzalez 2-12; Ramirez 3-8
Atl-Bos-- Perez 2-5; Porcello 2-12
Tor-NYM-- Buehrle 7-12; Syndergaard 1-6
NYY-Mia-- Tanaka 1-6; Koehler 1-12

Clev-Cubs-- Bauer 1-12;Arrieta 4-12
LA-Tex-- Frias 3-8; Gallardo 5-13
Col-Hst-- Bettis 1-6; Keuchel 3-13
KC-Mil-- Volquez 3-12; Lohse 5-13
Min-StL-- May 4-11; Lackey 3-12
Az-LAA-- Ray 0-3; Weaver 3-13
A's-SD-- Hahn 5-12; Ross 4-13
Sea-SF-- Walker 3-12; Hudson 3-12

 

[CNOTES]

MLB

Monday, June 15

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Trend Report
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7:05 PM
PHILADELPHIA vs. BALTIMORE
Philadelphia is 1-5 SU in its last 6 games when playing Baltimore
Philadelphia is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games on the road
Baltimore is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games when playing Philadelphia
The total has gone UNDER in 15 of Baltimore's last 23 games

7:05 PM
CHI WHITE SOX vs. PITTSBURGH
Chi White Sox are 8-1 SU in their last 9 games when playing Pittsburgh
Chi White Sox are 4-1 SU in their last 5 games when playing on the road against Pittsburgh
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Pittsburgh's last 5 games
Pittsburgh is 1-4 SU in their last 5 games when playing at home against Chi White Sox

7:08 PM
CINCINNATI vs. DETROIT
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Cincinnati's last 7 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 11 of Cincinnati's last 15 games
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Detroit's last 6 games when playing Cincinnati
Detroit is 3-7 SU in its last 10 games at home

7:10 PM
TORONTO vs. NY METS
Toronto is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games when playing on the road against NY Mets
Toronto is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 4 of NY Mets's last 5 games when playing Toronto
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of NY Mets's last 5 games when playing at home against Toronto

7:10 PM
WASHINGTON vs. TAMPA BAY
Washington is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games when playing Tampa Bay
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Washington's last 5 games on the road
Tampa Bay is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Tampa Bay's last 6 games

7:10 PM
ATLANTA vs. BOSTON
Atlanta is 1-6 SU in its last 7 games when playing on the road against Boston
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Atlanta's last 9 games when playing on the road against Boston
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Boston's last 9 games when playing at home against Atlanta
Boston is 6-1 SU in its last 7 games when playing at home against Atlanta

7:10 PM
NY YANKEES vs. MIAMI
The total has gone OVER in 8 of NY Yankees's last 12 games when playing on the road against Miami
NY Yankees are 8-3 SU in their last 11 games
The total has gone UNDER in 8 of Miami's last 9 games at home
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Miami's last 6 games

8:05 PM
LA DODGERS vs. TEXAS
LA Dodgers are 5-1 SU in their last 6 games
The total has gone UNDER in 9 of LA Dodgers's last 13 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Texas's last 6 games when playing at home against LA Dodgers
Texas is 17-7 SU in its last 24 games

8:05 PM
CLEVELAND vs. CHI CUBS
Cleveland is 9-4 SU in its last 13 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 10 of Cleveland's last 15 games on the road
Chi Cubs are 5-1 SU in their last 6 games when playing Cleveland
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Chi Cubs's last 6 games when playing Cleveland

8:10 PM
KANSAS CITY vs. MILWAUKEE
Kansas City is 6-11-1 SU in its last 18 games ,
Kansas City is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games when playing Milwaukee
The total has gone OVER in 6 of Milwaukee's last 7 games at home
Milwaukee is 3-9 SU in its last 12 games at home

8:10 PM
COLORADO vs. HOUSTON
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Colorado's last 5 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Colorado's last 5 games
Houston is 13-5 SU in its last 18 games at home
The total has gone OVER in 14 of Houston's last 19 games when playing Colorado

8:15 PM
MINNESOTA vs. ST. LOUIS
Minnesota is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games when playing St. Louis
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Minnesota's last 5 games when playing St. Louis
St. Louis14-5-1 SU in its last 20 games
St. Louis is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games when playing Minnesota

10:05 PM
ARIZONA vs. LA ANGELS
The total has gone UNDER in 7 of Arizona's last 8 games when playing on the road against LA Angels
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Arizona's last 5 games when playing LA Angels
The total has gone OVER in 4 of LA Angels's last 6 games at home
The total has gone UNDER in 7 of LA Angels's last 8 games when playing at home against Arizona

10:10 PM
OAKLAND vs. SAN DIEGO
The total has gone OVER in 6 of Oakland's last 8 games when playing San Diego
Oakland is 5-2 SU in its last 7 games when playing San Diego
San Diego is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games
The total has gone OVER in 4 of San Diego's last 5 games when playing at home against Oakland

10:15 PM
SEATTLE vs. SAN FRANCISCO
Seattle is 4-11 SU in its last 15 games
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Seattle's last 5 games
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of San Francisco's last 7 games when playing Seattle
San Francisco is 2-8 SU in its last 10 games when playing Seattle

 

[CNOTES]

MLB

Monday, June 15


Blue Jays remain red-hot, win 11th in a row

The Toronto Blue Jays are absolutely on fire right now, and Bluebirds bettors are reaping the rewards.

The Jays thumped the Boston Red Sox 13-5 Sunday en route to their 11th-straight win. Toronto put a serious beat down on the Sox over the weekend by scoring 31 runs in three games.

John Gibbons' squad has put an amazing 88 runs on the scoreboard over the course of the streak while surrendering just 40.

Toronto travels to New York for a four-game series with the Mets beginning on Monday.


Indians place DH Swisher on DL

The Cleveland Indians placed designated hitter/outfielder Nick Swisher on the 15-day disabled list Sunday with knee inflammation.

Swisher underwent bilateral knee surgery last August and began his season on May 3. In 30 games in 2015, he has batted .198 with four doubles, two home runs and eight RBIs in 30 games.

The club also called up infielder Francisco Lindor from Triple-A Columbus.

Lindor, 21, has spent the entire season with the Clippers where he has hit .281 with 11 doubles, five triples, two home runs and 22 RBIs in 58 games. He was selected by Cleveland in the first round (eighth overall) of the 2011 draft



MLB roundup: Scherzer tosses one-hitter, fans 16

MILWAUKEE -- Max Scherzer was perfect through six innings and Clint Robinson had a two-run double as the Washington Nationals earned a split in their four-game series against the Milwaukee Brewers with a 4-0 victory Sunday.

Scherzer plowed through the Brewers' lineup twice, striking out 11, before Carlos Gomez led off the seventh inning with a bloop single into short right field. The right-hander left him stranded, though, and went the distance with a one-hitter, striking out a career-high and franchise single-game record 16 batters while earning just the second shutout of his career.

Scherzer is 7-5 with a 1.93 ERA in his first season in Washington after signing a seven-year, $210 million contract in the offseason.

The Nationals scored two runs against right-hander Taylor Jungmann (1-1), who struggled in just his second major league start, giving up seven hits and two walks with two wild pitches and a hit batter while striking out five in five innings.

Rays 2, White Sox 1

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. -- Tampa Bay completed a three-game sweep of Chicago, outdueling perhaps the hottest pitcher in baseball against left-hander Chris Sale.

The Rays had been held to one hit in six innings by Sale before he gave up a two-run home run to shortstop Asdrubal Cabrera in the bottom of the seventh. Sale (6-3) struck out 12 batters -- his fourth straight with at least that many -- but took the loss after allowing more runs (two) than he had in his previous three starts combined (one).

Rays starter Nathan Karns kept his team in the game with six strong innings, holding the White Sox to one run on seven hits, thanks to 1-for-9 hitting with runners in scoring position.

Blue Jays 13, Red Sox 5

BOSTON -- Sizzling Toronto earned its 11th straight win to match the longest winning streak in franchise history after routing Boston.

Ryan Goins led the way with a career-high five RBIs as the Blue Jays completed a sweep of the three-game series and sent the floundering Red Sox to their sixth straight loss.

RedSox second baseman Dustin Pedroia clearly lost two pop flies and may have lost a third, right fielder Alejandro De Aza misjudged a pop fly and then also fumbled around on the ground for the ball which let another run score. In addition, Hanley Ramirez continued his not-so-excellent adventure in left field by playing a double poorly off the wall to allow a run to score. A loud chorus of boos followed the Ramirez misplay.

Mets 10, Braves 8

NEW YORK -- Juan Lagares hit a three-run homer in the sixth inning to cap a stunning comeback by New York.

The Mets trailed 4-1 in the second inning and 8-3 in the fourth before producing their biggest come-from-behind victory of the season.

The Mets trailed 8-7 when their sixth-inning rally began with singles by pinch-hitter Michael Cuddyer and Curtis Granderson against left-hander Luis Avilan (2-2). Lagares homered three pitches later.

Rockies 4, Marlins 1

MIAMI -- Jorge De La Rosa became the franchise leader in career wins, leading Colorado over Miami to break its four-game losing streak.

The Marlins had their three-game win streak snapped. Miami was looking for its first four-game home sweep since 2011.

De La Rosa (4-2) pitched seven innings and allowed four hits, four walks and one run. He earned career win No. 73, which broke a tie with Aaron Cook atop the Rockies' career list.

Pirates 1, Phillies 0 (11 innings)

PITTSBURGH -- Josh Harrison singled up the middle for the game's only run in the 11th inning to left Pittsburgh over Philadelphia.

Phillies shortstop Freddy Galvis threw a routine groundball into the stands that set up Harrison's winning hit. The Phillies were swept for the second series in a row and the fifth time this season.

Pittsburgh right-hander A.J. Burnett pitched nine shutout innings. He gave up five hits and walked one, with four strikeouts. Left-hander Antonio Bastardo (2-0) earned the win after pitching a scoreless 11th.

Yankees 5, Orioles 3

BALTIMORE – John Ryan Murphy had three hits, including a tiebreaking two-run double with two outs in the top of the fifth inning and New York salvaged the finale of its three-game series.

Stephen Drew added two hits for the first-place Yankees, who snapped a three-game losing streak.

Nolan Reimold drove in two runs for the Orioles, who were looking to win seven straight for the first time since an eight-game streak in 2005.

Tigers 8, Indians 1

DETROIT -- Miguel Cabrera blasted another home run and J.D. Martinez hit a three-run home run and Detroit claimed a rain-prolonged victory over Cleveland.

Right-hander Alfredo Simon allowed three hits in five scoreless innings before heavy rains prompted a one-hour, 51 minute delay.

Cleveland right-hander Corey Kluber allowed two runs and four hits in five innings before the delay.

Astros 13, Mariners 0

HOUSTON -- Rookie right-hander Lance McCullers worked five hitless innings and the Houston scored multiple runs in three different innings against Seattle.

The Astros posted their second lopsided shutout of the series as designated hitter Evan Gattis had four singles. Third baseman Luis Valbuena hit a two-run homer and second baseman Marwin Gonzalez added a solo shot as Houston improved to 23-0 when hitting multiple home runs.

Seattle right-hander Roenis Elias allowed eight runs (seven earned) and seven hits in a season-low 3 1/3 innings.

Twins 4, Rangers 3

ARLINGTON, Texas -- Eddie Rosario's double to right-center field with two outs in the ninth inning snapped a tie and lifted Minnesota past Texas.

Rosario's extra-base hit off Texas closer Shawn Tolleson was the ninth of the game for Minnesota and 16th over a two-game stretch. Rookie center fielder Byron Buxton made his major league debut for Minnesota and 0-for-4 with two strikeouts.

Third baseman Joey Gallo and center fielder Leonys Martin hit solo home runs for Texas.

Diamondbacks 4, Giants 0

SAN FRANCISCO -- Right-hander Rubby De LaRosa allowed six hits over eight-plus innings and Arizona completed its first sweep in San Francisco since July 2007.

Chris Owings had a two-run double for Arizona, which handed San Francisco its eighth straight home loss.

Chris Heston followed up Tuesday's no-hitter against the New York Mets by allowing three runs (two earned) and seven hits in five innings.

Athletics 8, Angels 1

ANAHEIM, Calif. -- Right-hander Sonny Gray allowed a unearned run and five hits 7 2/3 innings and Oakland routed Los Angeles.

Ben Zobrist collected three hits Eric Sogard tied a career high with three RBI as Oakland capitalized on three errors by the Angels.

Johnny Giavotella, Chris Iannetta and Erick Aybar committed fielding errors for Los Angeles.

Dodgers 4, Padres 2 (12 innings)

SAN DIEGO -- Adrian Gonzalez hit a two-run, two-out bases-loaded single in the top of the 12th, giving Los Angeles a victory over San Diego in the rubber match of a three-game weekend series.

Four innings earlier, Gonzalez, a former Padre and San Diego County native, hit a two-out, run-scoring double to tie the game at 2-2.

The win was the Dodgers' eighth in 12 games against the Padres this season. The Dodgers won all four of the series between the teams.

Cubs 2, Reds 1 (11 innings)

CHICAGO -- Starlin Castro delivered the winning hit on an single in the 11th, and Chicago beat Cincinnati.

The Cubs lead the majors with eight walk-off victories, and they took three of four games in the series. Castro had a walk-off hit for the second consecutive night after he also drove in the winning run Saturday in a 4-3 victory over the Reds.

In the 11th, Chris Coghlan doubled just past left fielder Kristopher Negron and scored on Castro's single to left. Chicago center fielder Dexter Fowler's sacrifice fly tied it 1-1 in the seventh, one inning after Cincinnati's Brandon Phillips hit an RBI single.

Royals-Cardinals, ppd. rain

ST. LOUIS -- The game between Kansas City and St. Louis was rained out after a 2 1/2-hour rain delay.

No makeup date was set, although the teams have July 23 and August 3 as mutual off-days.

 

[CNOTES]

MLB
Dunkel

Monday, June 15


Chicago White Sox @ Pittsburgh

Game 901-902
June 15, 2015 @ 7:05 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Chicago White Sox
(Rodon) 13.154
Pittsburgh
(Liriano) 15.162
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Pittsburgh
by 2
6
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Pittsburgh
-175
7
Dunkel Pick:
Pittsburgh
(-175); Under

Cincinnati @ Detroit

Game 903-904
June 15, 2015 @ 7:08 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Cincinnati
(Moscot) 12.803
Detroit
(Sanchez) 14.438
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Detroit
by 1 1/2
8
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Detroit
-190
8 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Detroit
(-190); Under

Philadelphia @ Baltimore

Game 905-906
June 15, 2015 @ 7:05 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Philadelphia
(Harang) 16.223
Baltimore
(Chen) 15.309
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Philadelphia
by 1
9
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Baltimore
-175
8
Dunkel Pick:
Philadelphia
(+155); Over

Washington @ Tampa Bay

Game 907-908
June 15, 2015 @ 7:10 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Washington
(Gonzalez) 17.156
Tampa Bay
(Ramirez) 12.969
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Washington
by 4
8
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Tampa Bay
-115
7
Dunkel Pick:
Washington
(-105); Over

Atlanta @ Boston

Game 909-910
June 15, 2015 @ 7:10 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Atlanta
(Perez) 14.995
Boston
(Porcello) 13.893
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Atlanta
by 1
10
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Boston
-160
9
Dunkel Pick:
Atlanta
(+140); Over

Toronto @ NY Mets

Game 911-912
June 15, 2015 @ 7:10 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Toronto
(Buehrle) 13.677
NY Mets
(Syndrgrd) 16.684
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
NY Mets
by 3
9
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Toronto
-115
7 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
NY Mets
(-105); Over

NY Yankees @ Miami

Game 913-914
June 15, 2015 @ 7:10 pm

Dunkel Rating:
NY Yankees
(Tanaka) 16.542
Miami
(Koehler) 15.135
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
NY Yankees
by 1 1/2
6
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
NY Yankees
-160
7
Dunkel Pick:
NY Yankees
(-160); Under

Cleveland @ Chicago Cubs

Game 915-916
June 15, 2015 @ 8:05 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Cleveland
(Bauer) 15.825
Chicago Cubs
(Arrieta) 17.473
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Chicago Cubs
by 1 1/2
6
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Chicago Cubs
-135
No Run Total
Dunkel Pick:
Chicago Cubs
(-135); N/A

LA Dodgers @ Texas

Game 917-918
June 15, 2015 @ 8:05 pm

Dunkel Rating:
LA Dodgers
(Frias) 16.949
Texas
(Gallardo) 15.435
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
LA Dodgers
by 1 1/2
8
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
LA Dodgers
-115
8 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
LA Dodgers
(-115); Under

Colorado @ Houston

Game 919-920
June 15, 2015 @ 8:10 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Colorado
(Bettis) 13.986
Houston
(Keuchel) 16.594
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Houston
by 2 1/2
6
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Houston
-200
7 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Houston
(-200); Under

Kansas City @ Milwaukee

Game 921-922
June 15, 2015 @ 8:10 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Kansas City
(Young) 14.064
Milwaukee
(Lohse) 15.579
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Milwaukee
by 1 1/2
9
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Kansas City
-120
8
Dunkel Pick:
Milwaukee
(+100); Over

Minnesota @ St. Louis

Game 923-924
June 15, 2015 @ 8:15 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Minnesota
(May) 16.904
St. Louis
(Lackey) 15.818
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Minnesota
by 1
8
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
St. Louis
-185
7
Dunkel Pick:
Minnesota
(+165); Over

Arizona @ LA Angels

Game 925-926
June 15, 2015 @ 10:05 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Arizona
(Ray) 13.238
LA Angels
(Weaver) 17.648
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
LA Angels
by 4 1/2
6
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
LA Angels
-150
7 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
LA Angels
(-150); Under

Oakland @ San Diego

Game 927-928
June 15, 2015 @ 10:10 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Oakland
(Hahn) 13.819
San Diego
(Ross) 15.275
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
San Diego
by 1 1/2
6
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
San Diego
-130
7
Dunkel Pick:
San Diego
(-130); Under

Seattle @ San Francisco

Game 929-930
June 15, 2015 @ 10:15 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Seattle
(Walker) 16.058
San Francisco
(Hudson) 14.674
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Seattle
by 1 1/2
8
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
San Francisco
-125
7
Dunkel Pick:
Seattle
(+105); Over

 

[CNOTES]

MLB
Long Sheet

Monday, June 15

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

CHI WHITE SOX (28 - 33) at PITTSBURGH (35 - 27) - 7:05 PM
CARLOS RODON (L) vs. FRANCISCO LIRIANO (L)
Top Trends for this game.
CHI WHITE SOX are 38-80 (-30.4 Units) against the money line in road games after a loss over the last 3 seasons.
PITTSBURGH is 220-173 (+31.7 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 3 seasons.
PITTSBURGH is 122-74 (+27.6 Units) against the money line in home games over the last 3 seasons.
PITTSBURGH is 43-22 (+22.6 Units) against the money line in June games over the last 3 seasons.
PITTSBURGH is 218-172 (+30.2 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 3 seasons.
PITTSBURGH is 150-104 (+32.4 Units) against the money line in night games over the last 3 seasons.
PITTSBURGH is 69-41 (+18.9 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 2 seasons.
CHI WHITE SOX are 190-143 (+43.0 Units) against the money line in an inter-league game since 1997.
CHI WHITE SOX are 70-70 (+13.2 Units) against the money line in night games over the last 2 seasons.
PITTSBURGH is 57-56 (-31.9 Units) against the money line as a home favorite of -150 to -175 since 1997.
LIRIANO is 3-9 (-8.7 Units) against the money line in all games this season. (Team's Record)
LIRIANO is 8-15 (-10.3 Units) against the money line when the total is 7 or less over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
LIRIANO is 8-13 (-11.1 Units) against the money line in home games over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
LIRIANO is 3-9 (-8.7 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season. (Team's Record)
LIRIANO is 0-7 (-9.7 Units) against the money line in night games this season. (Team's Record)
LIRIANO is 54-60 (-25.3 Units) against the money line after a win since 1997. (Team's Record)
LIRIANO is 14-24 (-16.1 Units) against the money line after 3 or more consecutive wins since 1997. (Team's Record)

Head-to-Head Series History
There were no past matchups in this series during this time period.

CARLOS RODON vs. PITTSBURGH since 1997
No recent starts.

FRANCISCO LIRIANO vs. CHI WHITE SOX since 1997
LIRIANO is 5-4 when starting against CHI WHITE SOX with an ERA of 5.37 and a WHIP of 1.460.
His team's record is 7-4 (+3.2 units) in these starts. The OVER is 5-6. (-1.4 units)

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

CINCINNATI (28 - 34) at DETROIT (33 - 30) - 7:05 PM
JON MOSCOT (R) vs. ANIBAL SANCHEZ (R)
Top Trends for this game.
CINCINNATI is 44-70 (-22.2 Units) against the money line in road games over the last 2 seasons.
CINCINNATI is 7-21 (-15.1 Units) against the money line in an inter-league game over the last 2 seasons.
CINCINNATI is 44-70 (-22.2 Units) against the money line in road games in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
CINCINNATI is 63-83 (-20.7 Units) against the money line in night games over the last 2 seasons.
CINCINNATI is 28-57 (-24.3 Units) against the money line in road games when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 3 seasons.
CINCINNATI is 509-575 (+30.8 Units) against the money line in road games against right-handed starters since 1997.
DETROIT is 14-21 (-9.5 Units) against the money line in night games this season.
DETROIT is 40-44 (-20.5 Units) against the money line in home games against right-handed starters over the last 2 seasons.
DETROIT is 56-56 (-16.4 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
There were no past matchups in this series during this time period.

JON MOSCOT vs. DETROIT since 1997
No recent starts.

ANIBAL SANCHEZ vs. CINCINNATI since 1997
SANCHEZ is 1-2 when starting against CINCINNATI with an ERA of 3.94 and a WHIP of 1.500.
His team's record is 1-2 (-1.3 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 2-0. (+2.0 units)

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

PHILADELPHIA (22 - 42) at BALTIMORE (31 - 31) - 7:05 PM
AARON HARANG (R) vs. WEI-YIN CHEN (L)
Top Trends for this game.
PHILADELPHIA is 7-26 (-16.7 Units) against the money line in road games this season.
PHILADELPHIA is 7-26 (-16.7 Units) against the money line in road games in games played on a grass field this season.
PHILADELPHIA is 4-19 (-13.3 Units) against the money line in road games after a loss this season.
BALTIMORE is 131-101 (+35.4 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
BALTIMORE is 68-53 (+12.8 Units) against the money line when the total is 8 to 8.5 over the last 2 seasons.
BALTIMORE is 74-47 (+20.4 Units) against the money line in home games over the last 2 seasons.
BALTIMORE is 48-30 (+13.2 Units) against the money line at home when the total is 8 to 8.5 over the last 2 seasons.
BALTIMORE is 18-8 (+12.6 Units) against the money line when playing on Monday over the last 2 seasons.
BALTIMORE is 117-89 (+31.7 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
BALTIMORE is 90-60 (+34.0 Units) against the money line in night games over the last 2 seasons.
BALTIMORE is 100-74 (+30.8 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters over the last 2 seasons.
BALTIMORE is 58-42 (+19.6 Units) against the money line after a loss over the last 2 seasons.
BALTIMORE is 58-39 (+18.4 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 2 seasons.
CHEN is 36-17 (+18.0 Units) against the money line when the total is 8 to 8.5 since 1997. (Team's Record)
CHEN is 26-14 (+12.2 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)

Head-to-Head Series History
There were no past matchups in this series during this time period.

AARON HARANG vs. BALTIMORE since 1997
HARANG is 1-2 when starting against BALTIMORE with an ERA of 6.00 and a WHIP of 1.167.
His team's record is 1-2 (-1.0 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 1-2. (-1.4 units)

WEI-YIN CHEN vs. PHILADELPHIA since 1997
No recent starts.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

WASHINGTON (33 - 30) at TAMPA BAY (35 - 29) - 7:10 PM
GIO GONZALEZ (L) vs. ERASMO RAMIREZ (L)
Top Trends for this game.
WASHINGTON is 149-218 (-50.2 Units) against the money line as a road underdog of +100 to +125 since 1997.
GONZALEZ is 115-80 (+30.2 Units) against the money line in all games since 1997. (Team's Record)
TAMPA BAY is 112-114 (-22.1 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
TAMPA BAY is 35-44 (-19.6 Units) against the money line when the total is 7 or less over the last 2 seasons.
TAMPA BAY is 53-61 (-27.5 Units) against the money line in home games over the last 2 seasons.
TAMPA BAY is 4-12 (-9.8 Units) against the money line at home when the total is 7 or less this season.
TAMPA BAY is 54-62 (-27.8 Units) against the money line in games played in a dome over the last 2 seasons.
TAMPA BAY is 61-68 (-26.0 Units) against the money line in games played on artificial turf over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
There were no past matchups in this series during this time period.

GIO GONZALEZ vs. TAMPA BAY since 1997
GONZALEZ is 2-1 when starting against TAMPA BAY with an ERA of 3.00 and a WHIP of 1.444.
His team's record is 2-1 (+1.3 units) in these starts. The OVER is 0-2. (-2.1 units)

ERASMO RAMIREZ vs. WASHINGTON since 1997
No recent starts.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

ATLANTA (30 - 33) at BOSTON (27 - 37) - 7:10 PM
WILLIAMS PEREZ (R) vs. RICK PORCELLO (R)
Top Trends for this game.
ATLANTA is 109-116 (-16.0 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
ATLANTA is 107-115 (-18.0 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
ATLANTA is 86-95 (-17.4 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters over the last 2 seasons.
ATLANTA is 55-66 (-24.2 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 2 seasons.
BOSTON is 27-37 (-16.8 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
BOSTON is 13-19 (-10.6 Units) against the money line when the total is 8 to 8.5 this season.
BOSTON is 49-65 (-33.8 Units) against the money line in home games over the last 2 seasons.
BOSTON is 27-32 (-13.6 Units) against the money line at home when the total is 8 to 8.5 over the last 2 seasons.
BOSTON is 25-33 (-14.6 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
BOSTON is 17-24 (-11.4 Units) against the money line in night games this season.
BOSTON is 19-27 (-12.9 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.
BOSTON is 57-68 (-17.0 Units) against the money line after a loss over the last 2 seasons.
BOSTON is 7-16 (-12.6 Units) against the money line in home games after 3 or more consecutive losses over the last 2 seasons.
BOSTON is 40-49 (-16.8 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
There were no past matchups in this series during this time period.

WILLIAMS PEREZ vs. BOSTON since 1997
No recent starts.

RICK PORCELLO vs. ATLANTA since 1997
PORCELLO is 1-0 when starting against ATLANTA with an ERA of 4.27 and a WHIP of 1.106.
His team's record is 1-0 (+1.0 units) in these starts. The OVER is 1-0. (+1.0 units)

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

TORONTO (34 - 30) at NY METS (34 - 30) - 7:10 PM
MARK BUEHRLE (L) vs. NOAH SYNDERGAARD (R)
Top Trends for this game.
NY METS are 24-11 (+10.7 Units) against the money line in home games this season.
NY METS are 24-11 (+10.7 Units) against the money line in home games in games played on a grass field this season.
TORONTO is 11-1 (+10.9 Units) against the money line in June games this season.
TORONTO is 24-12 (+11.7 Units) against the money line after 3 or more consecutive wins over the last 2 seasons.
BUEHRLE is 29-15 (+14.7 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
BUEHRLE is 37-15 (+20.6 Units) against the money line in an inter-league game since 1997. (Team's Record)
BUEHRLE is 21-9 (+13.1 Units) against the money line in night games over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
BUEHRLE is 17-5 (+13.0 Units) against the money line after a win over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)

Head-to-Head Series History
There were no past matchups in this series during this time period.

MARK BUEHRLE vs. NY METS since 1997
BUEHRLE is 0-3 when starting against NY METS with an ERA of 4.39 and a WHIP of 1.162.
His team's record is 1-3 (-2.8 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 2-1. (+0.9 units)

NOAH SYNDERGAARD vs. TORONTO since 1997
No recent starts.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

NY YANKEES (34 - 28) at MIAMI (27 - 37) - 7:10 PM
MASAHIRO TANAKA (R) vs. TOM KOEHLER (R)
Top Trends for this game.
MIAMI is 0-9 (-10.2 Units) against the money line when playing on Monday this season.
MIAMI is 19-31 (-14.1 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
There were no past matchups in this series during this time period.

MASAHIRO TANAKA vs. MIAMI since 1997
No recent starts.

TOM KOEHLER vs. NY YANKEES since 1997
No recent starts.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

CLEVELAND (29 - 33) at CHICAGO CUBS (34 - 27) - 8:05 PM
TREVOR BAUER (R) vs. JAKE ARRIETA (R)
Top Trends for this game.
CLEVELAND is 29-33 (-11.4 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
CLEVELAND is 29-33 (-11.4 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
CLEVELAND is 9-16 (-9.6 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record this season.
CHICAGO CUBS are 23-14 (+8.8 Units) against the money line in night games this season.
ARRIETA is 16-7 (+11.0 Units) against the money line in June games since 1997. (Team's Record)
ARRIETA is 14-6 (+8.4 Units) against the money line in night games over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
CLEVELAND is 90-67 (+38.4 Units) against the money line in road games when playing on Monday since 1997.
CLEVELAND is 10-3 (+8.1 Units) against the money line in road games after a loss this season.
CHICAGO CUBS are 1421-1580 (-276.9 Units) against the money line in all games since 1997.
CHICAGO CUBS are 762-738 (-163.0 Units) against the money line in home games since 1997.
CHICAGO CUBS are 1364-1493 (-251.7 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field since 1997.
CHICAGO CUBS are 1045-1176 (-210.7 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters since 1997.
CHICAGO CUBS are 659-763 (-200.4 Units) against the money line after a win since 1997.
CHICAGO CUBS are 695-696 (-157.1 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record since 1997.

Head-to-Head Series History
There were no past matchups in this series during this time period.

TREVOR BAUER vs. CHICAGO CUBS since 1997
No recent starts.

JAKE ARRIETA vs. CLEVELAND since 1997
ARRIETA is 1-0 when starting against CLEVELAND with an ERA of 9.20 and a WHIP of 1.977.
His team's record is 2-1 (+1.3 units) in these starts. The OVER is 3-0. (+3.0 units)

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

LA DODGERS (37 - 26) at TEXAS (33 - 30) - 8:05 PM
CARLOS FRIAS (R) vs. YOVANI GALLARDO (R)
Top Trends for this game.
LA DODGERS are 67-65 (-16.0 Units) against the money line after a win over the last 2 seasons.
TEXAS is 33-30 (+13.5 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
TEXAS is 15-10 (+9.9 Units) against the money line when the total is 8 to 8.5 this season.
TEXAS is 31-28 (+12.6 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
TEXAS is 24-20 (+11.9 Units) against the money line in night games this season.
TEXAS is 23-18 (+12.4 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.
TEXAS is 17-12 (+10.2 Units) against the money line after a loss this season.
TEXAS is 16-6 (+16.2 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record this season.
TEXAS is 46-64 (-20.0 Units) against the money line in home games over the last 2 seasons.
GALLARDO is 12-22 (-12.4 Units) against the money line in night games over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)

Head-to-Head Series History
There were no past matchups in this series during this time period.

CARLOS FRIAS vs. TEXAS since 1997
No recent starts.

YOVANI GALLARDO vs. LA DODGERS since 1997
GALLARDO is 2-4 when starting against LA DODGERS with an ERA of 5.23 and a WHIP of 1.394.
His team's record is 4-4 (+0.3 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 4-4. (-0.3 units)

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

COLORADO (28 - 34) at HOUSTON (36 - 28) - 8:10 PM
CHAD BETTIS (R) vs. DALLAS KEUCHEL (L)
Top Trends for this game.
COLORADO is 36-76 (-30.3 Units) against the money line in road games over the last 2 seasons.
COLORADO is 12-30 (-21.6 Units) against the money line in an inter-league game over the last 3 seasons.
COLORADO is 36-76 (-30.3 Units) against the money line in road games in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
COLORADO is 57-91 (-31.9 Units) against the money line in night games over the last 2 seasons.
HOUSTON is 36-28 (+5.9 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
HOUSTON is 36-25 (+9.0 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
HOUSTON is 23-14 (+10.3 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.
KEUCHEL is 26-16 (+13.9 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
KEUCHEL is 25-15 (+13.0 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
KEUCHEL is 16-9 (+10.1 Units) against the money line in night games over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)

Head-to-Head Series History
There were no past matchups in this series during this time period.

CHAD BETTIS vs. HOUSTON since 1997
No recent starts.

DALLAS KEUCHEL vs. COLORADO since 1997
No recent starts.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

KANSAS CITY (34 - 25) at MILWAUKEE (24 - 40) - 8:10 PM
EDINSON VOLQUEZ (R) vs. KYLE LOHSE (R)
Top Trends for this game.
LOHSE is 28-15 (+15.6 Units) against the money line as a home underdog of +100 to +125 since 1997. (Team's Record)
KANSAS CITY is 34-25 (+7.2 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
KANSAS CITY is 67-50 (+20.0 Units) against the money line in road games over the last 2 seasons.
KANSAS CITY is 12-4 (+9.5 Units) against the money line in road games in June games over the last 2 seasons.
KANSAS CITY is 22-9 (+12.8 Units) against the money line when playing with a day off over the last 2 seasons.
KANSAS CITY is 34-25 (+7.2 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
KANSAS CITY is 96-68 (+18.1 Units) against the money line in night games over the last 2 seasons.
KANSAS CITY is 97-69 (+16.7 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters over the last 2 seasons.
KANSAS CITY is 27-18 (+11.0 Units) against the money line in road games after a loss over the last 2 seasons.
VOLQUEZ is 52-34 (+22.3 Units) against the money line after a loss since 1997. (Team's Record)
MILWAUKEE is 24-40 (-14.9 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
MILWAUKEE is 11-22 (-13.3 Units) against the money line in home games this season.
MILWAUKEE is 24-40 (-14.9 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
MILWAUKEE is 18-34 (-16.0 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.
MILWAUKEE is 7-15 (-10.0 Units) against the money line in home games after a loss this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
There were no past matchups in this series during this time period.

EDINSON VOLQUEZ vs. MILWAUKEE since 1997
VOLQUEZ is 7-4 when starting against MILWAUKEE with an ERA of 4.18 and a WHIP of 1.364.
His team's record is 11-6 (+6.0 units) in these starts. The OVER is 11-5. (+5.8 units)

KYLE LOHSE vs. KANSAS CITY since 1997
LOHSE is 6-6 when starting against KANSAS CITY with an ERA of 4.10 and a WHIP of 1.483.
His team's record is 12-8 (-0.6 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 8-10. (-3.5 units)

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

MINNESOTA (34 - 28) at ST LOUIS (41 - 21) - 8:15 PM
TREVOR MAY (R) vs. JOHN LACKEY (R)
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

Head-to-Head Series History
There were no past matchups in this series during this time period.

TREVOR MAY vs. ST LOUIS since 1997
No recent starts.

JOHN LACKEY vs. MINNESOTA since 1997
LACKEY is 9-6 when starting against MINNESOTA with an ERA of 2.94 and a WHIP of 1.086.
His team's record is 11-8 (+0.0 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 10-8. (+1.0 units)

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

ARIZONA (30 - 32) at LA ANGELS (32 - 31) - 10:05 PM
ROBBIE RAY (L) vs. JERED WEAVER (R)
Top Trends for this game.
ARIZONA is 94-130 (-30.2 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
ARIZONA is 94-130 (-30.2 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
ARIZONA is 36-56 (-19.4 Units) against the money line after a win over the last 2 seasons.
ARIZONA is 39-72 (-27.4 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.
LA ANGELS are 105-71 (+19.6 Units) against the money line in night games over the last 2 seasons.
LA ANGELS are 72-40 (+20.5 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 2 seasons.
WEAVER is 97-40 (+33.6 Units) against the money line in home games since 1997. (Team's Record)
WEAVER is 97-40 (+33.6 Units) against the money line in home games in games played on a grass field since 1997. (Team's Record)
WEAVER is 78-34 (+26.2 Units) against the money line in home games in night games since 1997. (Team's Record)
ARIZONA is 8-2 (+7.3 Units) against the money line as a road underdog of +100 to +125 this season.
LA ANGELS are 17-27 (-16.4 Units) against the money line when playing on Monday over the last 3 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
There were no past matchups in this series during this time period.

ROBBIE RAY vs. LA ANGELS since 1997
No recent starts.

JERED WEAVER vs. ARIZONA since 1997
WEAVER is 1-0 when starting against ARIZONA with an ERA of 4.50 and a WHIP of 1.333.
His team's record is 1-0 (+1.0 units) in these starts. The OVER is 1-0. (+1.1 units)

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

OAKLAND (26 - 39) at SAN DIEGO (32 - 33) - 10:10 PM
JESSE HAHN (R) vs. TYSON ROSS (R)
Top Trends for this game.
OAKLAND is 26-39 (-19.6 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
OAKLAND is 28-40 (-22.3 Units) against the money line when the total is 7 or less over the last 2 seasons.
OAKLAND is 6-20 (-13.3 Units) against the money line as a road underdog of +100 to +125 over the last 2 seasons.
OAKLAND is 55-63 (-15.8 Units) against the money line in road games over the last 2 seasons.
OAKLAND is 7-19 (-13.1 Units) against the money line on the road when the total is 7 or less over the last 2 seasons.
OAKLAND is 24-37 (-20.1 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
OAKLAND is 75-71 (-19.0 Units) against the money line in night games over the last 2 seasons.
OAKLAND is 83-76 (-17.5 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters over the last 2 seasons.
OAKLAND is 8-17 (-12.4 Units) against the money line after a win this season.
OAKLAND is 8-20 (-15.2 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
There were no past matchups in this series during this time period.

JESSE HAHN vs. SAN DIEGO since 1997
No recent starts.

TYSON ROSS vs. OAKLAND since 1997
No recent starts.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

SEATTLE (28 - 35) at SAN FRANCISCO (34 - 30) - 10:15 PM
TAIJUAN WALKER (R) vs. TIM HUDSON (R)
Top Trends for this game.
SEATTLE is 28-35 (-11.4 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
SEATTLE is 23-34 (-15.9 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
SEATTLE is 19-26 (-11.2 Units) against the money line in night games this season.
SAN FRANCISCO is 134-109 (+17.6 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
SAN FRANCISCO is 13-3 (+10.0 Units) against the money line in home games in an inter-league game over the last 2 seasons.
SAN FRANCISCO is 134-109 (+17.6 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
SAN FRANCISCO is 1045-873 (+120.1 Units) against the money line in night games since 1997.
SAN FRANCISCO is 94-74 (+11.7 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters over the last 2 seasons.
HUDSON is 296-186 (+52.8 Units) against the money line in all games since 1997. (Team's Record)
HUDSON is 168-77 (+48.9 Units) against the money line in home games since 1997. (Team's Record)
HUDSON is 284-174 (+56.8 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field since 1997. (Team's Record)
HUDSON is 88-29 (+33.4 Units) against the money line in home games when playing against a team with a losing record since 1997. (Team's Record)
SEATTLE is 61-51 (+15.8 Units) against the money line in road games over the last 2 seasons.
SEATTLE is 20-10 (+11.6 Units) against the money line on the road when the total is 7 or less over the last 2 seasons.
SEATTLE is 13-6 (+10.8 Units) against the money line in road games in June games over the last 2 seasons.
SAN FRANCISCO is 0-6 (-7.4 Units) against the money line in home games in June games this season.
SAN FRANCISCO is 2-9 (-10.7 Units) against the money line in home games when playing on Monday over the last 2 seasons.
SAN FRANCISCO is 5-13 (-12.3 Units) against the money line in home games after a loss this season.
SAN FRANCISCO is 2-8 (-8.3 Units) against the money line after 3 or more consecutive losses this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
There were no past matchups in this series during this time period.

TAIJUAN WALKER vs. SAN FRANCISCO since 1997
No recent starts.

TIM HUDSON vs. SEATTLE since 1997
HUDSON is 13-6 when starting against SEATTLE with an ERA of 3.17 and a WHIP of 1.355.
His team's record is 15-9 (+2.7 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 11-12. (-1.9 units)

 

[CNOTES]

NHL
Long Sheet

Monday, June 15

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

TAMPA BAY (64-35-0-8, 136 pts.) at CHICAGO (63-34-0-7, 133 pts.) - 6/15/2015, 8:05 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

Head-to-Head Series History
TAMPA BAY is 5-4 (+1.8 Units) against the spread versus CHICAGO over the last 3 seasons
TAMPA BAY is 5-4-0 straight up against CHICAGO over the last 3 seasons
7 of 9 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Under=+5.1 Units)

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------




NHL
Short Sheet

Monday, June 15


Stanley Cup Finals - Best of 7 - Game 6 - Chi Lead 3-2

Tampa Bay at Chicago, 8:05 PM
Tampa Bay: 12-3 SU off a home loss
Tampa Bay: 30-12 SU after a game where they failed to cover the spread

Chicago: 14-19 SU after 2 consecutive non-conference games
Chicago: 26-31 SU after allowing 2 goals or less in 2 straight games




NHL
Armadillo's Write-Up

Monday, June 15


All three Chicago wins in this series ended up 2-1 games; Lightning won two games when they scored in third period. Chicago is trying to won Stanley Cup at home for first time since 1938; they've won Cup two of last five years, but obviously, both came on road- This is series where visitor has won three of five games. Lightning outhit Chicago 191-125 in first five games, but Chicago has 148-93 edge on faceoffs the last four games. Chicago won five of last seven games overall, with four of five in this round staying under. Seven of last nine series games stayed under. Lightning is 1-12 on power play in series, Chicago is 2-13; there were only three penalties called in Game 5.

2015 NHL playoffs
Chicago vs Tampa Bay
Chi 2-1, +$119, U9
TB 4-3, -$135, O5
TB 3-2, +$149, U5.5
Chi 2-1, -$179, U5.5
Chi 2-1, +$107, U5.5




NHL

Monday, June 15

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Trend Report
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

8:00 PM
TAMPA BAY vs. CHICAGO
Tampa Bay is 4-9 SU in its last 13 games when playing on the road against Chicago
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Tampa Bay's last 7 games when playing Chicago
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Chicago's last 7 games when playing Tampa Bay
Chicago is 5-2 SU in its last 7 games

 

[CNOTES]

NHL

Monday, June 15

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Game of the Day: Tampa Bay Lightning at Chicago Blackhawks
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Tampa Bay Lightning at Chicago Blackhawks (-166, 5)

Blackhawks lead series 3-2

The Chicago Blackhawks look to capture their third Stanley Cup championship in six years and first on their home ice since 1938 when they play the Tampa Bay Lightning in Game 6 on Monday. The Blackhawks put themselves in this advantageous position thanks to trade-deadline acquisition Antoine Vermette, who scored the eventual game-winning goal in the series opener before his go-ahead tally exactly two minutes into the third period stood up in a 2-1 victory in Game 5 on Saturday.

As captain, Jonathan Toews was the first member of the team to celebrate with the Stanley Cup in both Philadelphia (2010) and Boston (2013) - and would like the opportunity to hoist the trophy at the Madhouse on Madison. "Whether we're one win away or 15 wins away, you come in with that belief and you know what your team is capable of," Toews said. "... It's a great group, and we understand how unique this group is and how unique this chance is." Tampa Bay still has a say in this series and could force a deciding Game 7 at Amalie Arena on Wednesday, although the availability of Triplets line member Nikita Kucherov is in question for Monday's tilt. Coach Jon Cooper said on Sunday that the 21-year-old Russian is "in considerable better shape today" after sustaining a shoulder injury by crashing into the post early in the first period of Game 5.

TV: 8 p.m. ET, NBC, CBC, TVA Sports

LINE HISTORY: Books opened the Blackhawks -169 with that moving to -166. The total opened at 5.

INJURY REPORT: Lightning - RW Nikita Kucherov (Questionable, upper body). Blackhawks - N/A.

ABOUT THE LIGHTNING: Captain Steven Stamkos, veteran Ryan Callahan and youngsters J.T. Brown and Jonathan Drouin each saw time playing along Triplets linemates Tyler Johnson and Ondrej Palat in the absence of Kucherov, who ranks second on Tampa Bay in goals (10), assists (12) and points (22). "He's a point-per-game guy in these playoffs. He's a big part of our offense," Cooper said of Kucherov. "... You don’t want to lose guys like that." Unfortunately for Tampa Bay, Stamkos is mired in a seven-game goalless drought after recording a team-best 43 tallies in the regular season.

ABOUT THE BLACKHAWKS: Chicago is attempting to win its sixth Stanley Cup in franchise history while becoming the first club to claim three in a six-year period since Detroit accomplished the feat from 1997-2002. Patrick Kane was named the 2013 Conn Smythe Trophy winner after the Blackhawks dispatched the Bruins in six games, but the superstar has been quiet in this series (one assist) after recording 20 points (10 goals, 10 assists) in the first three rounds. Toews has rebounded following a slow start in the Stanley Cup final, scoring a goal in Game 4 and setting up Patrick Sharp's tally in Game 5.

TRENDS:

* Under is 6-0 in the last six meetings in Chicago.
* Under is 4-0 in Lightning's last four road games.
* Lightning are 4-9 in the last 13 meetings in Chicago.

CONSENSUS: Sixty-nine percent of users are backing the Blackhawks.

 

[CNOTES]

NHL
Dunkel

Monday, June 15


Tampa Bay @ Chicago

Game 11-12
June 15, 2015 @ 8:00 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Tampa Bay
14.016
Chicago
10.836
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Tampa Bay
by 3
6
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Chicago
-175
5
Dunkel Pick:
Tampa Bay
(+155); Over

 

[CNOTES]

Armadillo: Monday's six-pack

Six toughest schedules in 2015, according to Phil Steele's great magazine.........

6) Auburn-- Since 2010, are 27-16 vs spread in game following a win.

5) Washington-- Coach Petersen returns home to Boise in season opener.

4) California-- Have 17 starters back; gunning for first bowl in four years.

3) Arkansas-- +7 in turnovers LY; were -28 the previous two years.

2) USC-- Only 4-13 vs spread in their last 17 road games.

1) Alabama-- Allowed 87 points in losing their last two bowls.

**********

Armadillo: Monday's List of 13: Happy Armadillo Day, everyone........

13) Can you believe its been 14 years since we've been doing this together? Hope you enjoy reading it as much as I enjoy writing. Keeps me off the streets, ya know???

12) Was reading some stuff on US Open today; its in Washington, at a course called Chalmers Bay which I saw described as "...most unique course in US Open history."

11) Max Scherzer tossed a one-hitter with 16 strikeouts in Milwaukee Sunday, one of best-pitched games all season. Brewers swung at 66 pitches, missed 27 times, the most misses any pitcher has generated in a game this season.

10) Warriors 104, Cavaliers 91-- Cleveland big guy Timofey Mozgov had 28 points, 10 rebounds in Game 4; he played nine minutes in Game 5 and didn't score. I'm not in a position to criticize an NBA coach, but Mosgov's sitting just seems odd.

9) Fact is, how many NBA teams could lose their #2, #3 players, yet still compete for the NBA title? Cavaliers are doing their best without Irving/Love; its possible that no matter which lineup they use, they just aren't talented enough to win this series.

8) ESPN's Mike Breen reported that Lebron James hasn't fouled out of a game this season. Jeff Van Gundy's reaction? "Shocking." Van Gundy is awesome.

7) Just saw the new season of Suits starts next week on USA Network and Charles Barkley is in an episode; this could be excellent. Suits is a lawyer-based program and is very good-- its going to be on Wednesdays at 9 starting next week.

6) Jon Lester is 0-for-63 as a hitter; I don't care what anyone says, whether it be Joe Maddon, Tony Larussa, Abner Doubleday or Lou Brown from Major League, it is a bad idea to bat someone who is 0-for-63 8th instead of 9th. Makes zero sense.

5) San Francisco Giants scored two runs all weekend in a sweep by Arizona; they've now lost eight home games in a row. Very streaky team.

4) Pirates swept the Phillies this weekend; two of three games were 0-0 after nine innings. Red Sox scored 19 runs in three games against Toronto, got swept anyway. There are 46 days until the trading deadline; you get the feeling things will get busy.

3) Vanderbilt has very sharp black baseball uniforms with gold pinstripes; they almost look too nice to sweat in. At first, I thought they looked like pajamas-- funny how a school that is traditionally bad in football is a power in baseball.

2) Next four nights, all interleague games; lot of these matchups haven't happened since 2012, some as far back as 2009. Should be an interesting week.

1) Hard to believe it has been 14 years since we started this little adventure; its been fun. Hope you're enjoying it, too. So much has changed since then; lot of it good, some not so good-- thats the way life is. I sincerely hope you keep reading.

 

[CNOTES]

Diamond Trends - Monday


June 15, 2015




SU TREND OF THE DAY:


-- The Pirates are 15-0 SU on since Sep 24, 2013 as a favorite after a win when they are off a game in which they did not score more than one run in any inning.


PITCHER TREND OF THE DAY:


-- When John Lackey starts the Cardinals are 0-10 OU since August 03, 2014 after his team lost the last time he started for a net profit of $1005 when playing the under.


MLB BIBLE ACTIVE TREND:


-- The Braves are 1-16 since September 2011 as a road dog after a loss in which they used 5+ pitchers.


CHOICE TREND:


-- The Padres are 0-14-1 OU (-3.07 ppg) since Aug 28, 2013 after a loss in which they left 18+ men on base.


ACTIVE TRENDS:


-- The Orioles are 12-0 SU since May 23, 2014 at home when they are off a loss in which they held the lead.

 

[CNOTES]

Padres fire manager Bud Black


June 15, 2015


SAN DIEGO (AP) - The San Diego Padres, who began the season with high expectations thanks to a high-profile overhaul of their roster, fired longtime manager Bud Black on Monday after limping to a weak start.


The team's offseason frenzy saw them add Matt Kemp from the rival Dodgers, as well as Justin Upton, Wil Myers, Derek Norris and James Shields. But they entered Monday night's game at home against the Athletics with a 32-33 record and in third place behind the Dodgers and San Francisco Giants.


The team said that it was immediately beginning a search for an interim manager to take over for the rest of the season. Bench coach Dave Roberts was tapped to serve as manager against Oakland.


Black was hired in 2006, compiling a 649-713 record during his time at the helm. He was named 2010 National League manager of the year after leading the Padres to 90-72 record, the most wins by San Diego since a franchise-record 98 in 1998.


But the Padres haven't had a winning season since 2010 and last year finished 18 games behind Los Angeles in the NL West. They haven't been to the postseason since 2006.

 

[CNOTES]

Bryce Harper back in Nationals' lineup


June 15, 2015


ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. (AP) - Washington Nationals slugger Bryce Harper is back in the lineup two days after getting hit on the left leg by a 95 mph fastball.


Harper is listed as the designated hitter for Monday night's interleague game at Tampa Bay.


Harper hobbled off the field after getting hit on the inside of his left leg above the knee in the ninth inning Saturday on a pitch from Milwaukee reliever Michael Blazek.


Harper is among the league leaders in multiple offensive categories, batting .343 with 21 homers and 51 RBIs in 61 games going into Monday.

 

[CNOTES]

Rangers recall 2B Odor after DeShields goes on disabled list


June 15, 2015


ARLINGTON, Texas (AP) - Second baseman Rougned Odor has been recalled by the Texas Rangers after they placed outfielder Delino DeShields on the disabled list with a left hamstring injury.


The Rangers made the moves before Monday night's home game against the Los Angeles Dodgers.


Odor was sent to Triple-A Round Rock five weeks ago after hitting .144 with one home run and 25 strikeouts in 90 at_bats while starting 25 of the Rangers' first 31 games at second base. Odor hit .355 with five homers in 107 at_bats in 30 games for the Express.


DeShields got hurt chasing down a fly ball in left field during Sunday's 4-3 loss to Minnesota. He appeared to slip on the warning track and grimaced even before running into the wall and slumping to the ground.

 

[CNOTES]

Can Royals' All-Star surge carry Infante?


June 15, 2015


The All-Star game is still a month away, but it could be a historic occasion for the defending American League champions.


As of last Monday, the Kansas City Royals had seven players on track to start this year's game in Cincinnati on July 14. Kansas City's dominance in the online vote has gotten plenty of attention. Some view it as a mockery of the process, while others offer a tip of the hat to what is clearly an energized fan base.


The Royals in line to start were catcher Salvador Perez, first baseman Eric Hosmer, shortstop Alcides Escobar, third baseman Mike Moustakas, designated hitter Kendrys Morales and outfielders Lorenzo Cain and Alex Gordon. Where the voting has been a bit extreme is at second base. In baseball's version of the coattail effect, Kansas City's Omar Infante was in second place, just 150,000 votes behind Jose Altuve of Houston.


Infante is hitting .204 with an OPS of .496. If he starts the All-Star game with numbers like that, it would be unprecedented.


Here are the six lowest-rated hitters in terms of OPS to start an All-Star game, according to STATS. Each player's All-Star break OPS is in parentheses.


Ozzie Smith, SS, 1983 (.526)


Davey Lopes, 2B, 1981 (.538)


Luis Aparicio, SS, 1971 (.559)


Sandy Alomar Jr., C, 1991 (.592)


Bobby Richardson, 2B, 1964 (.594)


Cal Ripken, SS, 2001 (.594)


Smith was a defensive standout, and Richardson's reputation with the glove helped him as well. Aparicio and Ripken were nearing the end of Hall of Fame careers, and Lopes was an All-Star regular when he started in `81. Alomar was the AL rookie of the year in 1990, which helps explain his All-Star appearance the following year.


Infante made the All-Star team in 2010, when he went on to hit .321 for the Atlanta Braves. This year, he's struggling - but he's playing for the right team at the right time.


Here are a few other developments from around baseball:


ON A TEAR


Toronto has won 11 in a row, and the Blue Jays are now a game out of first place in the AL East. That streak includes a three-game sweep at Boston that left the Red Sox eight games out of first.


Boston now has the second-worst record in the AL.


FEAST OR FAMINE


Seattle beat Cleveland 9-3 on Wednesday, snapping a streak of 13 games in which the Mariners failed to score more than three runs. After that apparent breakout, Seattle was shut out three times in its next four games - winning the other one 8-1


Nelson Cruz has 18 homers on the season, but none this month. Seattle's team on-base percentage is a woeful .296.


FANTASY FOCUS


So the wait is over. Minnesota's Byron Buxton, Houston's Carlos Correa and Cleveland's Francisco Lindor have all made it to the majors. Since defense doesn't matter much in fantasy baseball, Lindor probably lags a bit behind the other two in terms of value. Correa's power potential is particularly enticing for a shortstop.


LINE OF THE WEEK


This one is a fascinating debate. Max Scherzer struck out 16 in Washington's 4-0 win over Milwaukee on Sunday, walking one and allowing one broken-bat hit. San Francisco's Chris Heston, of course, threw a no-hitter Tuesday against the New York Mets. He didn't walk anyone, but he did hit three batters and had five fewer strikeouts than Scherzer. Call it a tie.

 

[CNOTES]

Tampa Bay's Kucherov takes morning skate


June 15, 2015


CHICAGO (AP) - Tampa Bay forward Nikita Kucherov is participating in the Lightning's morning skate before Game 6, two days after he was injured early in Game 5.


Lightning goalie Ben Bishop also skated at the United Center on Monday, several hours before the Lightning face elimination against the Chicago Blackhawks.


Kucherov is the second-leading scorer in the Stanley Cup playoffs with 22 points, but he was hurt in the first period of Chicago's 2-1 win at Tampa Bay on Saturday when he crashed into the post.


Kucherov collided with goalie Corey Crawford and fell awkwardly into the post while trying to score. The Russian skated off slowly and didn't return.


Bishop played in Game 5 after missing Game 4 with an undisclosed injury.