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[CNOTES]

Sunday’s six-pack


Six most popular picks this week in Westgate Super Contest:


1) Cincinnati Bengals -1 (841)


2) Philadelphia Eagles -3 (568)


3) Minnesota Vikings -6.5 (508)


4) Pittsburgh Steelers -7 (494)


5) New Jersey Giants +7.5 (476)


6) Detroit Lions +3 (443)


Season record for top 6 picks: 6-18 vs spread




Sunday’s List of 13: Wrapping up a college football Saturday


13) Washington 70, Oregon 21— Huskies had lost 12 in row in this bitter rivalry, going 1-11 vs spread, but Ducks are lousy this year and U-Dub went out of their way to exact some revenge for those previous beatings. Starting QB Browning threw a 45-yard TD pass in the 4th quarter, when the score was 56-21. Oregon has lost four in a row; their coach has to be in very hot water.


12) Oklahoma 45, Texas 40— Sooners gained 672 yards, scoring 45 points in a game when they turned ball over four times (-2). Texas coach Strong called the defenses today, which helped in first half (14 -13 Sooners) but Longhorns reverted to normal form in second half. Have to think Texas will reach out to Houston coach Tom Herman in December.


11) Texas A&M 45, Tennessee 38 OT— I’ve never seen a team turn the ball over six times and win, but Tennessee got to OT with six TO’s; their 7th ended the game. With 8:00 left in third quarter, A&M led 28-7, but gritty Vols fought back and forced overtime, where they fell just short. Aggies are 6-0 for first time since 1994; they won their two I-A home games in OT.


10) Purdue 34, Illinois 31 OT— Good day for icing kickers; A&M’s kicker missed at the end of regulation when Tennessee coach Butch Jones iced him. In this game, Darrell Hazell used three timeouts in a row to ice the Illinois kicker on his game-winning try, and it worked as the Boilers prevailed later on in OT, winning a game where they allowed 315 rushing yards.


9) Navy 46, Houston 40— Middies ended Houston’s longshot hopes of a national title; with so many big-money programs struggling, Cougars coach Herman will likely bolt to one of those schools after this season, so curious to see how Houston does rest of way in a pretty good AAC.


8) Biggest Upset of Day (by pointspread); Tex-San Antonio 55, Southern Mississippi 32— Roadrunners won as a 17-point home underdog. UTSA ran ball for 339 yards.


7) Pitt 37, Georgia Tech 34— Most fun play of the day; Pitt’s QB rolls out to the right, throws a lateral/screen pass back to the left to #70 (an offensive lineman), who has an escort to the end zone for an easy TD. Football coaches work very long hours and drink a lot of Red Bull- that play had to be designed very late at night.


6) Oklahoma State 38, Iowa State 31— Cyclones have their hearts torn out for second week in row; they led 31-14 with 3:00 left in third quarter, but just like last week, they let it slip away late in a game where total yardage was 459-448. Iowa State is much-improved.


The field at Oklahoma State is so close to the bleachers in the corners of the field, really too close. Someone’s gonna get hurt, running OB at full speed with very little room to stop.


5) NC State 10, Notre Dame 3— In 1979, Tampa Bay beat the Chiefs 3-0 in a deluge on the last day of the season to win their division; this game reminded me of that, played in a quagmire with heavy rains. Total yardage was 198-113 NC State; the two FGs that were made in this game looked like me hitting a 5-iron— no bueno. Very tough weather conditions and Notre Dame is now 2-4.


4) TCU 24, Kansas 23— Jayhawks led 23-14 after third quarter; TCU kicked FG to win it with 1:21 left, avoiding a catastrophic loss. Kansas outgained them by 104 yards in a sloppy game where both teams had four turnovers. Huge sigh of relief from Fort Worth after this game.


3) Michigan 78, Rutgers 0— A long time ago, Florida State crushed some feeble opponent and coach Bobby Bowden said, “it is not my job to hold the score down, it is their job”, pointing to the other locker room. Total yardage in this game was 600-39. The Scarlet Knights have work to do.


Hard to believe these teams are in the same league, right? Why did the Big 14 choose Rutgers over UConn? At least the Huskies are strong in basketball.

 

[CNOTES]

Dodgers @ Nationals


36-year old Hill is 3-2, 1.84 in six starts (under 4-2) for the Dodgers; his only postseason start in a 12-year career was in 2007- he allowed three runs in three IP for the Cubs against Arizona. Hill didn’t pitch against Washington this year.


Roark is 3-3, 2.16 in his last seven starts (under 5-1-1); this is his first postseason start- he allowed one run in 2.2 IP in two relief stints for the Nationals two years ago, against the Giants. Roark lost 3-2 to LA June 21, allowing three runs in 7.1 IP. Washington is 10-7 in his home starts.


Dodgers are in playoffs for 4th year in a row- their last World Series title was in 1988. LA is 6-1 vs Washington this season; they lost six of last eight road games, but most of those losses came after they clinched the division. Nationals won six of last ten games; they jogged to NL East title— they’re in playoffs for third time in last five years.


Roberts is a rookie manager. Baker is 19-27 as postseason manager; he won NL pennant is 2002 with the Giants.

 

[CNOTES]

MLB BETTING TRENDS


Our free MLB betting trends is a tool that uses a comprehensive statistical database to analyze MLB trends and make recommendations based on historical team data for the moneyline, teaser, and run lines bets as well.


Money Line


7:35 pm 10/9/2016
(933) TEXAS @(934) TORONTO
Play ON TEXAS using the money line in All games when the total is 9 to 9.5.
The record is 48 Wins and 25 Losses this season (+24.3 units)
BET NOW


7:35 pm 10/9/2016
(933) TEXAS @(934) TORONTO
Play ON TEXAS using the money line in All games when playing against a team with a winning record.
The record is 86 Wins and 56 Losses for the last two seasons (+48.47 units)
BET NOW


4:05 pm 10/9/2016
(931) CLEVELAND @(932) BOSTON
Play AGAINST BOSTON using the money line in Home games when playing against a team with a winning record.
The record is 48 Wins and 71 Losses for the last three seasons (-40.3 units)
BET NOW


4:05 pm 10/9/2016
(931) CLEVELAND @(932) BOSTON
Play AGAINST CLEVELAND using the money line in All games when the total is 9 to 9.5.
The record is 19 Wins and 36 Losses for the last two seasons (-25.8 units)
BET NOW


4:05 pm 10/9/2016
(959) LA DODGERS @(960) WASHINGTON
Play AGAINST LA DODGERS using the money line in Road games after a win.
The record is 14 Wins and 25 Losses this season (-18.05 units)
BET NOW


4:05 pm 10/9/2016
(959) LA DODGERS @(960) WASHINGTON
Play AGAINST LA DODGERS using the money line in Road games after a win.
The record is 34 Wins and 50 Losses for the last two seasons (-33.6 units)
BET NOW

 

[CNOTES]

MLB BETTING TRENDS


Our free MLB betting trends is a tool that uses a comprehensive statistical database to analyze MLB trends and make recommendations based on historical team data for the moneyline, teaser, and run lines bets as well.


Under




7:35 pm 10/9/2016
(933) TEXAS @(934) TORONTO
Play UNDER TORONTO on the total in All games when playing against a team with a winning record.
The record is 33 Overs and 59 Unders this season (+21.45 units)
BET NOW


7:35 pm 10/9/2016
(933) TEXAS @(934) TORONTO
Play UNDER TORONTO on the total in All games when playing against a team with a winning record in the second half of the season.
The record is 14 Overs and 36 Unders this season (+19.95 units)
BET NOW

 

[CNOTES]

LEADING OFF: Ortiz could play last game, Jays try to sweep
October 9, 2016


A look at what's happening all around the majors today:


PAPI IN PERIL


David Ortiz could play for the final time in his big league career when the Red Sox face Cleveland at Fenway Park in Game 3 of the AL Division Series. The Indians lead 2-0 in the best-of-five matchup and are trying for a sweep. The 40-year-old Ortiz plans to retire after the season. Big Papi hit .315 with 38 home runs, 48 doubles and 127 RBIs this season, but is 1 for 8 so far in the playoffs.


BALLPARK BEHAVIOR


Major League Baseball Commissioner Rob Manfred says he has ''every confidence'' there won't be another can-throwing episode in Toronto this postseason. The Blue Jays can sweep Texas in Game 3 of the AL Division Series at Rogers Centre. In the wild-card game this week, a fan threw a beer can near Orioles outfielder Hyun Soo Kim. The Blue Jays say they're planning tougher security measures and alcohol policies at the stadium. During last year's ALDS between Texas and Toronto, Blue Jays fans tossed bottles and debris on the field during Game 5, upset by an umpire's call.

PACK AND PLAY


The Dodgers and Washington will meet at Nationals Park in Game 2 of the NL Division Series, then fly off to Los Angeles for Game 3 Monday. A rainout on Saturday took away the travel day for the cross-country trip. LA leads 1-0, with Rich Hill (12-5, 2.12 ERA) starting against Tanner Roark (16-10, 2.83).


SCHOOL DAYS


Red Sox right-hander Clay Buchholz and Indians righty Josh Tomlin know each other well going into their matchup in Game 3 of the AL Division Series. They were teammates at Angelina Junior College in Lufkin, Texas. ''This is a pretty cool story,'' Buchholz said. ''We talked about it the other day. He's one of my good buddies. ... It's a small world when it comes to that.''

 

[CNOTES]

MLB
Dunkel


Sunday, October 9


Texas @ Toronto


Game 933-934
October 9, 2016 @ 7:30 pm


Dunkel Rating:
Texas
(Lewis) 16.759
Toronto
(Sanchez) 18.600
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Toronto
by 2
8
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Toronto
-185
9
Dunkel Pick:
Toronto
(-185); Under


Cleveland @ Boston


Game 931-932
October 9, 2016 @ 4:00 pm


Dunkel Rating:
Cleveland
(Tomlin) 17.940
Boston
(Buchholz) 15.500
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Cleveland
by 2 1/2
12
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Boston
-135
9 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Cleveland
(+115); Over


LA Dodgers @ Washington


Game 935-936
October 8, 2016 @ 4:08 pm


Dunkel Rating:
LA Dodgers
(Hill) 14.016
Washington
(Roark) 15.865
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Washington
by 2
8
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
LA Dodgers
-120
7 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Washington
(+100); Over








MLB
Long Sheet


Sunday, October 9


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


LA DODGERS (92 - 71) at WASHINGTON (95 - 68) - 1:05 PM
RICH HILL (L) vs. TANNER ROARK (R)
Top Trends for this game.
LA DODGERS are 92-71 (-5.1 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
LA DODGERS are 39-43 (-15.4 Units) against the money line in road games this season.
LA DODGERS are 89-69 (-6.9 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
LA DODGERS are 60-64 (-25.8 Units) against the money line in road games against right-handed starters over the last 2 seasons.
LA DODGERS are 49-41 (-5.4 Units) against the money line after a win this season.
WASHINGTON is 178-147 (-19.5 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
WASHINGTON is 177-146 (-19.7 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
WASHINGTON is 75-71 (-13.1 Units) against the money line after a loss over the last 2 seasons.


Head-to-Head Series History
LA DODGERS is 6-1 (+5.8 Units) against WASHINGTON this season
4 of 7 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+1.0 Units)


RICH HILL vs. WASHINGTON since 1997
HILL is 1-1 when starting against WASHINGTON with an ERA of 4.58 and a WHIP of 1.415.
His team's record is 2-1 (+0.5 units) in these starts. The OVER is 1-2. (-1.2 units)


TANNER ROARK vs. LA DODGERS since 1997
ROARK is 0-1 when starting against LA DODGERS with an ERA of 3.68 and a WHIP of 0.955.
His team's record is 0-1 (-1.0 units) in these starts. The OVER is 0-1. (-1.3 units)


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


CLEVELAND (96 - 67) at BOSTON (93 - 71) - 4:05 PM
JOSH TOMLIN (R) vs. CLAY BUCHHOLZ (R)
Top Trends for this game.
CLEVELAND is 14-23 (-15.5 Units) against the money line when the total is 9 to 9.5 this season.
CLEVELAND is 4-12 (-10.2 Units) against the money line on the road when the total is 9 to 9.5 this season.
CLEVELAND is 96-67 (+10.4 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
TOMLIN is 19-10 (+8.6 Units) against the money line in all games this season. (Team's Record)
TOMLIN is 14-6 (+9.7 Units) against the money line in road games over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
TOMLIN is 26-12 (+13.8 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
BOSTON is 242-247 (-34.3 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 3 seasons.
BOSTON is 30-30 (-9.2 Units) against the money line when the total is 9 to 9.5 this season.
BOSTON is 124-120 (-31.7 Units) against the money line in home games over the last 3 seasons.
BOSTON is 15-17 (-9.9 Units) against the money line at home when the total is 9 to 9.5 this season.
BOSTON is 149-139 (-14.8 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
BOSTON is 89-91 (-30.1 Units) against the money line in home games against right-handed starters over the last 3 seasons.
BOSTON is 4-12 (-10.6 Units) against the money line after getting shut out over the last 2 seasons.
BOSTON is 60-63 (-22.1 Units) against the money line in home games after a loss over the last 3 seasons.
BOSTON is 35-41 (-18.5 Units) against the money line in home games when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.
BOSTON is 27-39 (-19.3 Units) against the money line in home games when playing against a team with a winning record in the second half of the season over the last 3 seasons.
BUCHHOLZ is 28-39 (-19.5 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 3 seasons. (Team's Record)
BUCHHOLZ is 8-13 (-9.7 Units) against the money line in home games over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
BUCHHOLZ is 13-21 (-13.2 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
BUCHHOLZ is 5-13 (-12.9 Units) against the money line in home games after a loss over the last 3 seasons. (Team's Record)


Head-to-Head Series History
BOSTON is 4-4 (-0.2 Units) against CLEVELAND this season
4 of 7 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+0.5 Units)


JOSH TOMLIN vs. BOSTON since 1997
TOMLIN is 2-3 when starting against BOSTON with an ERA of 4.08 and a WHIP of 1.185.
His team's record is 3-3 (+1.3 units) in these starts. The OVER is 2-4. (-2.2 units)


CLAY BUCHHOLZ vs. CLEVELAND since 1997
BUCHHOLZ is 2-2 when starting against CLEVELAND with an ERA of 4.85 and a WHIP of 1.195.
His team's record is 3-4 (-1.9 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 3-4. (-1.9 units)


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

TEXAS (95 - 69) at TORONTO (92 - 73) - 7:35 PM
COLBY LEWIS (R) vs. AARON SANCHEZ (R)
Top Trends for this game.
LEWIS is 0-8 (-8.9 Units) against the money line when playing on Sunday over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
TEXAS is 95-69 (+27.1 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
TEXAS is 48-25 (+24.3 Units) against the money line when the total is 9 to 9.5 this season.
TEXAS is 17-14 (+13.0 Units) against the money line as a road underdog of +150 to +175 over the last 2 seasons.
TEXAS is 42-39 (+11.0 Units) against the money line in road games this season.
TEXAS is 15-10 (+8.9 Units) against the money line on the road when the total is 9 to 9.5 this season.
TEXAS is 71-44 (+29.5 Units) against the money line in night games this season.
TEXAS is 73-49 (+24.2 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.
TEXAS is 78-66 (+19.2 Units) against the money line after a loss over the last 2 seasons.
TEXAS is 11-3 (+11.1 Units) against the money line in road games after 3 or more consecutive losses over the last 2 seasons.
TEXAS is 39-26 (+17.2 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record this season.
TEXAS is 42-35 (+13.2 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record in the second half of the season over the last 2 seasons.
LEWIS is 22-16 (+14.2 Units) against the money line in road games over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
LEWIS is 24-13 (+17.1 Units) against the money line in night games over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
LEWIS is 14-5 (+14.5 Units) against the money line in road games after a loss over the last 3 seasons. (Team's Record)
LEWIS is 15-7 (+12.6 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
TORONTO is 92-73 (-6.0 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
TORONTO is 54-47 (-10.1 Units) against the money line in night games this season.


Head-to-Head Series History
TORONTO is 6-3 (+1.6 Units) against TEXAS this season
4 of 8 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=-0.4 Units, Under=-0.6 Units)


COLBY LEWIS vs. TORONTO since 1997
LEWIS is 3-6 when starting against TORONTO with an ERA of 6.24 and a WHIP of 1.484.
His team's record is 5-7 (-2.3 units) in these starts. The OVER is 7-5. (+1.8 units)


AARON SANCHEZ vs. TEXAS since 1997
SANCHEZ is 0-0 when starting against TEXAS with an ERA of 5.93 and a WHIP of 1.463.
His team's record is 1-1 (-0.7 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 1-1. (-0.1 units)


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







MLB
Short Sheet


Sunday, October 9


LA Dodgers at Washington, 1:05 PM ET
Hill: 7-0 TSR on the road when the total is 7 to 8.5
Roark: WASHINGTON is 15-19 SU against NL West opponents

Cleveland at Boston, 4:05 PM ET
Tomlin: CLEVELAND is 36-19 SU after 2 or more consecutive wins
Buchholz: BOSTON is 15-20 SU against AL Central opponents


Texas at Toronto, 7:35 PM ET
Lewis: TEXAS is 22-14 SU after 2 straight games with no home runs
Sanchez: TORONTO is 31-36 SU after 2 or more consecutive road games








MLB
Armadillo's Write-Up


Sunday, October 9


Dodgers @ Nationals


36-year old Hill is 3-2, 1.84 in six starts (under 4-2) for the Dodgers; his only postseason start in a 12-year career was in 2007- he allowed three runs in three IP for the Cubs against Arizona. Hill didn’t pitch against Washington this year.


Roark is 3-3, 2.16 in his last seven starts (under 5-1-1); this is his first postseason start- he allowed one run in 2.2 IP in two relief stints for the Nationals two years ago, against the Giants. Roark lost 3-2 to LA June 21, allowing three runs in 7.1 IP. Washington is 10-7 in his home starts.


Dodgers are in playoffs for 4th year in a row- their last World Series title was in 1988. LA is 6-1 vs Washington this season; they lost six of last eight road games, but most of those losses came after they clinched the division. Nationals won six of last ten games; they jogged to NL East title— they’re in playoffs for third time in last five years.


Roberts is a rookie manager. Baker is 19-27 as postseason manager; he won NL pennant is 2002 with the Giants.

Texas @ Toronto


Lewis is 4-1, 2.60 in eight postseason starts; he is 0-5, 8.87 in his last five starts- under is 5-1-1 in his last seven. Texas is 5-4 in his road starts. Lewis is 0-0, 3.21 in two starts against Toronto this season.


Sanchez has allowed one (unearned) run in 7.1 IP covering nine postseason relief stints; this is his first postseason start. He is 2-0, 1.42 in his last three starts; under is 12-3-1 in his last 16 starts. Jays are 8-5 in his home starts. Sanchez is 0-0, 5.93 in two starts vs Texas this year.


Blue Jays are 6-3 against Texas this year- Toronto won its last five games, is 11-5 in its last 16. Rangers are 7-7 in last 14 games. Road team won six of last seven Toronto-Texas playoff games.


Jays are in playoffs for second year in row, only times they’ve made it since 1993. Texas is in for fifth time in last seven years- they’ve never won a World Series. Gibbons is 8-6 as a postseason manager. Banister is 2-5 as a postseason manager, with all six games against Toronto.


Cleveland @ Boston


Tomlin is 2-1, 2.10 in his last four starts; his last five starts stayed under. Indians are 10-5 in his road starts. He allowed three runs in 7.2 IP in his only start vs Boston this year. This is his first postseason appearance.


Buchholz is 0-0, 4.21 in five postseason starts, which suggests a bullpen game here. He is 4-0, 2.41 in his last six starts overall; under is 8-3 in his last 11 starts. Boston is 4-7 in his home starts.


Red Sox are in playoffs for just second time in last seven years; they’re 4-4 vs Cleveland this year; they lost seven of last eight games overall, which followed their 11-game win streak. Indians are in playoffs for just third time since 2001; they’re 10-4 in last 14 games overall.


Obvious subplot here is that Francona is manager who ended Boston’s championship drought when he won 2004 World Series, then won again with Sox in ‘07. Francona has a 29-18 career record in playoff games. Farrell is 11-6 as a postseason manager, with a World Series title in 2013.








MLB


Sunday, October 9


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


1:08 PM
LA DODGERS vs. WASHINGTON
LA Dodgers are 5-1 SU in their last 6 games when playing on the road against Washington
The total has gone OVER in 4 of LA Dodgers's last 5 games when playing on the road against Washington
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Washington's last 5 games at home
Washington is 1-8 SU in their last 9 games when playing LA Dodgers


4:08 PM
CLEVELAND vs. BOSTON
Cleveland is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Cleveland's last 6 games on the road
Boston is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games when playing at home against Cleveland
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Boston's last 5 games at home


7:38 PM
TEXAS vs. TORONTO
Texas is 2-6 SU in its last 8 games when playing Toronto
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Texas's last 7 games on the road
Toronto is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games
Toronto is 6-2 SU in its last 8 games when playing Texas

 

[CNOTES]

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 9


GAME TIME(ET) PICK UNITS


LAD at WAS 01:00 PM

WAS +105 *****


O 7.5


CLE at BOS 04:00 PM

CLE +129 *****


U 9.5




TEX at TOR 07:30 PM


TOR -192


O 9.0

 

[CNOTES]

Armadillo: Monday's six-pack


Happy Thanksgiving to all our Canadian friends!!!!


Six most popular picks this week in Westgate Super Contest:


1) Cincinnati Bengals -1 (841)- L


2) Philadelphia Eagles -3 (568)- L


3) Minnesota Vikings -6.5 (508)- W


4) Pittsburgh Steelers -7 (494)- W


5) New Jersey Giants +7.5 (476)- W


6) Detroit Lions +3 (443)- W


Season record for top 6 picks: 10-20 vs spread


**********


Armadillo: Monday's List of 13: Wrapping up a sports Sunday

Vikings 31, Texans 13— Minnesota is on an improbable 18-2 spread run, 5-0 this year; they’ve scored four TDs on special teams/defense, are 15-30 on 3rd down last two weeks. Only one of their five wins is by less than nine points. Houston was 1-13 on 3rd down in this game, averaged 3.4 yards/pass attempt- home team won/covered all five of their games this year.


Tennessee 30, Miami 17— Dolphins are now a horrendous 13-34 vs spread in their last 47 games as a home favorite- that goes back 10.5 years. How many coaches have to get fired before Miami realizes Ryan Tannehill isn’t good? Titans gave up a punt return TD for second week in a row, but had a 14-yard edge in field position, were +2 in turnovers.


Stat of Day: Over last four weeks, from Weeks 2-5, NFL teams that were +2 or better in turnovers are 27-1 SU- they’re 28-4 for the season.


Patriots 33, Browns 13— Brady threw for 406 yards, three TDs in his return from suspension. Cleveland got two more QB’s KO’d, wound up using Terrelle Pryor at QB, meaning that thru five games this year (0-5), they’ve already used five QB’s and probably have to sign (at least) one more for next week. If they use Pryor at QB, then they lose their best WR.


Steelers 31, Jets 13— Pittsburgh had 30 first downs; on three drives, they had 6+ first downs- Steelers averaged 7.8 yards/pass attempt, were 5-10 on 3rd down. Jets lost field position by 11 yards, after losing it by 13 yards last week. Over last three games, Jets have been outscored 37-7 in second half. Cleveland is desperate for a QB; Jets have four on their roster- shouldn’t these teams make a trade?


Redskins 16, Ravens 10— Baltimore drove 75 yards on nine plays for a TD on their first drive; rest of the game? 60 plays for 231 yards, with one FG on 11 drives. Redskins were one of four teams this week to score a TD on defense/special teams- those teams went 3-1 in their game, are 12-7 for the season, with two other games where both teams had one. All five Baltimore games have been decided by 6 or less points.


Lions 24, Eagles 23— Philly had 14 penalties for 111 yards, Detroit two for 18. Wentz rallied team back from 21-10 deficit, but Lions kicked winning FG with 1:28 left. There were 113 plays from scrimmage in this game, 111 in the Miami game; the Texas-Oklahoma game had 168 plays, the Colorado-USC game 153. You get more bang for your entertainment buck watching college games.


Colts 29, Bears 23— Chicago led 23-19 with 4:00 left, but Indy scored 10 points in last 3:49 for their second win. Surprised that Buck/Aikman had this game- weak card of games on FOX this week. Bears had six plays of 20+ yards, as Hoyer threw for 397 yards; only one of Indy’s eight plays of 20+ yards came on first down. High scoring games, but teams combined to go just 5-21 on third down. Hoyer had big game, but missed Jeffrey in end zone on Chicago’s last drive to try and win the game.


Falcons 23, Broncos 16— Atlanta gave up 31 pts/game in their 3-1 start; they held Denver to 267 TY, 4.5 yards/pass attempt in leading this game wire/wire. Falcons started LY 5-0, wound up 8-8; you get the idea this 4-1 start is based on more solid footing. Rookie QB Lynch was 23-35/223 yards in his first NFL start, was sacked six times. NFC teams are 14-8 vs AFC clubs this season- they were 4-2 this week.


After the game, Denver coach Kubiak was taken to the hospital with “flu-like symptoms”. When he was coach in Houston, Kubiak had a mini-strike at halftime of a game. We hope he is healthy. Denver plays on Thursday night this week, by the way.


Bills 30, Rams 19— Buffalo punter Schmidt was star of game, with four of his six punts pinning LA inside its own 20-yard line. Rams drove 86 yards on one drive but had to kick a FG. Buffalo was +3 in turnovers and in essence got a 4th turnover on a roughing/punter penalty. Taylor is a lot like Doug Flutie was; mobile but not a big runner, little scatter-armed, a good leader. Bills have won three games in row after an 0-2 start.


Raiders 34, Chargers 31— 4-1 start for Oakland, with three wins by 3 or less points. You have to feel for San Diego; another brutal loss, with their punter muffing the hold on chip-shot game-tying FG just before 2:00 warning. Chargers turned ball over four times (-3)30.4 pts/game and are 1-4- they had 150 rushing yards in Week 2, have combined for 149 rushing yards in three games since.


Cowboys 28, Bengals 14— To me the most surprising score of week; this game wasn’t close to being this close- it was 28-0 in 4th quarter. Dallas ran ball for 180 yards; only eight of 54 plays they ran came on third down. You have to wonder about NFL scouting when Prescott plays so well as a rookie QB but wasn’t that highly touted- I don’t think the DUI he supposedly got in March hurt his draft position. No one was taking him higher than Dallas did, no matter what.


Baseball update:
Washington 5, Dodgers 2— Unlikely hero? Backup catcher Jose Lobaton, playing only because Wilson Ramos hurt his knee at the end of the regular season. Lobaton hit a 3-run homer in the bottom of the 4th when LA led 2-0. Nationals’ bullpen got the last 14 outs without allowing a run, so series heads to Tinseltown tied 1-1. TV executives breathe a sigh of relief, with first series guaranteed to have a Game 4.


Blue Jays 7, Rangers 6— Josh Donaldson scored from second on a force play to end the game as Toronto sweeps the Rangers and moves on to the ALCS. I’m an A’s fan; Donaldson is awesome and Oakland didn’t get nearly enough for him when the was traded (for financial reasons). But hey, those guys advising Billy Beane went to college in the Ivy League, so they must be smart, right?


Packers 23, Giants 16– Not a great night for either QB, but for third time in last four games, Giants scored zero or one offensive TD. For the week, favorites are 5-7-1, home teams 5-7-1, over 7-6.

 

[CNOTES]

MLB


Monday, October 10


------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Monday's MLB Division Series Betting Preview and Odds
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


Bumgarner baffled the Mets with a four-hitter, striking out six and walking a pair, to improve his career postseason numbers to 8-3 with a 1.94 ERA and 0.86 WHIP.


With the Toronto Blue Jays' walk-off sweep over the Texas Rangers Sunday night there are only three spots remaining in the League Championship Series'. The pursuit continues Monday with three crucial matchups.


Los Angeles Dodgers at Washington Nationals (-150, 7.5)


Series tied 1-1


Daniel Murphy is picking up right where he left off last postseason and hopes to stay hot when his Washington Nationals visit the Los Angeles Dodgers on Monday afternoon for Game 3 of their National League Division Series. Murphy has recorded four hits in the first two games, including three in Sunday’s 5-2 victory, after batting .328 with seven home runs and 11 RBIs in 14 contests for the New York Mets during last year’s playoffs.


Murphy knocked in a pair of runs and Jose Lobaton, a .226 lifetime hitter, belted a three-run homer as the Nationals evened the best-of-five series, which resumes clear across the country less than 24 hours after Mark Melancon retired the final Dodgers batter on Sunday. Gio Gonzalez brings a 3-1 lifetime record and 1.69 ERA against Los Angeles into his fourth career playoff start while Kenta Maeda makes his postseason debut for the Dodgers. Los Angeles stranded 12 baserunners in Sunday’s loss and needs others to step up outside of Corey Seager and Justin Turner. Seager has homered in each contest of the series and Turner is 4-for-6 with a blast, extending his playoff hitting streak to seven games.


TV: 4 p.m. ET, MLB Network


WEATHER REPORT: Umm, it's Los Angeles - of course it's going to be sunny with temperatures in the 80's and virtually no wind. There is a 5 percent chance of rain but don't count on that long shot coming through.

PITCHING MATCHUP: Nationals LH Gio Gonzalez (11-11, 4.57 ERA) vs. Dodgers RH Kenta Maeda (16-11, 3.48)


Gonzalez struggled in September, going 1-2 with a 7.43 ERA and completing more than five innings just once in five starts. The 31-year-old Floridian went 4-6 on the road during the regular season but did win six of his nine decisions after the All-Star break and beat the Dodgers on July 20. Gonzalez has had solid success against Adrian Gonzalez (2-for-17), Yasiel Puig (1-for-11) and Turner (2-for-19).


Maeda made 32 starts in his first season in the majors and performed well overall, but he completed seven innings just twice and was pounded in his last two outings. The 28-year-old native of Japan gave up eight runs in 6 2/3 frames over the last two turns and owns a 4.25 ERA since the All-Star break after posting a 2.95 beforehand. Maeda, who will be facing Washington for the first time, is 7-5 with a 3.22 ERA at home.


TRENDS:


* Nationals are 1-6 in Gonzalez' last 7 road starts.
* Dodgers are 6-0 in Maeda's last 6 home starts.
* Under is 21-5 in Nationals last 26 road games vs. a team with a winning record.
* Under is 5-0 in the last 5 meetings in Los Angeles.


CONSENSUS: The public is leaning toward the home favorite Dodgers with 66 percent of the picks and Over 7.5 is grabbing a surprising 82 percent of the totals wagers.






Cleveland Indians at Boston Red Sox (-145, 9.5)


Indians lead series 2-0

Cleveland Indians manager Terry Francona is pushing all the right buttons with his pitching staff in the American League Division Series and has a chance to clinch in a place that holds some special memories. Francona, who guided the Red Sox to two World Series championships as manager, tries to advance the Indians to the AL Championship Series when they visit Boston for Game 3 in the best-of-five set Sunday.


Francona used Andrew Miller and Cody Allen each for a season-high 40 pitches in a 5-4 Game 1 victory and rode ace Corey Kluber, who missed time at the end of the season with a quad injury, for seven innings in Game 2's 6-0 triumph. "I think everybody is just playing baseball," Francona told reporters. "I think that's what we know how to do. I think when you start thinking about other things that maybe we're not so good at, we try to stay away from that and just play the game, and play the game as well as we can and see what happens." The Red Sox led the league in runs scored and batting average during the regular season but struck out 22 times in the first two games and watched stars Dustin Pedroia, Mookie Betts, David Ortiz, Xander Bogaerts and Jackie Bradley Jr. go a combined 4-for-36. "We're getting our (butts) beat," Ortiz told reporters. "Nothing to celebrate. It's part of the game, man, but I know we're better than that."


TV: 4:08 p.m. ET, TBS


WEATHER REPORT: After Sunday's rain out the weather should be much improved Monday evening with clear skies and temperatures in the low-60's. Wind will likely be a factor with a 10-15 mph wind blowing in from left-center field.


PITCHING MATCHUP: Indians RH Josh Tomlin (13-9, 4.40 ERA) vs. Red Sox RH Clay Buchholz (8-10, 4.78)


Tomlin was an unlikely candidate to start a postseason game for Cleveland when he was struggling to get outs in August and was briefly demoted to the bullpen, but a strong finish and injuries to Carlos Carrasco and Danny Salazar pushed him up to Game 3 status. The 31-year-old Texan posted a 1.75 ERA in his final four appearances during the regular season, capped by a win at Kansas City that helped guarantee the Indians homefield advantage in the ALDS. Tomlin is 2-3 with a 5.49 ERA in seven career games (six starts) against Boston, including a tough-luck loss Aug. 15 when he allowed three runs in 7 2/3 innings.


Buchholz is another unlikely Game 3 starter after being pushed back to the bullpen because of ineffectiveness earlier in the season but - like Tomlin - a strong closing stretch convinced the team to push him up. Buchholz surrendered three runs and 11 hits in 19 innings over his final three regular-season starts. The 32-year-old Texan is 2-2 with a 4.85 ERA in seven career starts against Cleveland but struggled in two chances this season, allowing a combined nine runs (eight earned) and seven walks in 10 innings.

TRENDS:


* Indians are 13-3 in their last 16 vs. a team with a winning record.
* Red Sox are 5-1 in Buchholz' last 6 starts.
* Under is 5-0-1 in Tomlin's last 6 starts overall.
* Under is 12-3-1 in Red Sox last 16 overall.

CONSENSUS: The public is favoring the home favorite Red Sox at a rate of 68 percent and Over 9.5 is grabbing the majority of the totals picks with 57 percent.






San Francisco Giants at Chicago Cubs (-130, 6)


Cubs lead series 2-0


Madison Bumgarner looks to continue his impressive postseason success and keep the San Francisco Giants alive when they host the Chicago Cubs on Monday in Game 3 of their National League Division Series. The left-hander is 5-1 with a save and a 0.88 ERA in eight playoff contests over his past two postseasons (2014 and 16) after shutting out the New York Mets 3-0 in the Wild-Card Game last Wednesday.


“We’ve got a lot of confidence with him on the mound,” San Francisco catcher Buster Posey told reporters of his battery mate, who won both starts against the Cubs in 2016. “We’ll try to go out and win that one and go from there.” The Giants, who face elimination after winning 11 straight postseason series, scored just two runs in the first two games and Chicago’s pitchers have knocked in three at the plate. Infielder Javier Baez is 3-for-6 with a homer in the series and the Cubs received a run-scoring single in the first inning of a 5-2 win Saturday from Ben Zobrist, who is 6-for-12 lifetime against Bumgarner. Chicago turns to right-hander Jake Arrieta, who is 11-3 on the road this season and split a pair of 2016 starts against San Francisco with a 2.08 ERA.


TV: 9:30 p.m. ET, Fox Sports 1

WEATHER REPORT: Game-time conditions will be partly cloudy skies with temperatures in the mid-60's. As usual at AT&T Park in San Francisco the temps will fall steadily as evening turns into night and there will be a still 10-15 mph wind blowing out toward McCovey Cove in right field.

PITCHING MATCHUP: Cubs RH Jake Arrieta (18-8, 3.10 ERA) vs. Giants LH Madison Bumgarner (2016 playoffs: 1-0, 0.00)


Arrieta started the season 12-2 with a 2.10 ERA through June and split 12 decisions since after going 2-3 with a 4.60 ERA in September. The 30-year-old TCU product, who boasts 40 wins and a 2015 Cy Young Award in his past two seasons, owns a 4-2 mark with a 1.82 ERA in six career starts against the Cubs. Arrieta has held Posey, Brandon Crawford and Brandon Belt to a combined 2-for-38, but Angel Pagan is 5-for-11 against him.


Bumgarner baffled the Mets with a four-hitter, striking out six and walking a pair, to improve his career postseason numbers to 8-3 with a 1.94 ERA and 0.86 WHIP. The 27-year-old cooled off in the second half of the regular season as well, going 5-5 with a 3.80 ERA after posting a 10-4 record and 1.94 mark before the All-Star break. Bumgarner is 9-4 with a 2.14 ERA at home this season and has fared well against the Cubs in his career (8-2, 2.25).


TRENDS:


* Cubs are 5-0 in their last 5 Divisional Playoff games.
* Giants are 14-3 in Bumgarner's last 17 home starts vs. a team with a winning record.
* Under is 11-2 in Cubs last 13 games following an off day.
* Giants are 4-0 in Bumgarner's last 4 starts vs. Cubs.


CONSENSUS: Early consensus returns are showing the public favoring the juggernaut Chicago Cubs as road dogs at a rate of 55 percent. Under 6 is picking up 59 percent of the totals wagers.

 

[CNOTES]

MLB
Dunkel


Monday, October 10




Chicago Cubs @ San Francisco


Game 903-904
October 10, 2016 @ 9:35 pm


Dunkel Rating:
Chicago Cubs
(Arrieta) 17.854
San Francisco
(Bmgrner) 16.400
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Chicago Cubs
by 1 1/2
5
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
San Francisco
-130
6
Dunkel Pick:
Chicago Cubs
(+110); Under


Washington @ LA Dodgers


Game 901-902
October 10, 2016 @ 4:05 pm


Dunkel Rating:
Washington
(Gnzalez) 12.887
LA Dodgers
(Maeda) 15.375
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
LA Dodgers
by 2 1/2
10
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
LA Dodgers
-150
7 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
LA Dodgers
(-150); Over


Cleveland @ Boston


Game 905-906
October 10, 2016 @ 6:05 pm


Dunkel Rating:
Cleveland
(Tomlin) 17.940
Boston
(Buchholz) 15.500
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Cleveland
by 2 1/2
12
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Boston
-135
9 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Cleveland
(+115); Over








MLB
Long Sheet


Monday, October 10


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


CLEVELAND (96 - 67) at BOSTON (93 - 71) - 6:05 PM
JOSH TOMLIN (R) vs. CLAY BUCHHOLZ (R)
Top Trends for this game.
CLEVELAND is 14-23 (-15.5 Units) against the money line when the total is 9 to 9.5 this season.
CLEVELAND is 4-12 (-10.2 Units) against the money line on the road when the total is 9 to 9.5 this season.
CLEVELAND is 96-67 (+10.4 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
TOMLIN is 19-10 (+8.6 Units) against the money line in all games this season. (Team's Record)
TOMLIN is 14-6 (+9.7 Units) against the money line in road games over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
TOMLIN is 26-12 (+13.8 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
BOSTON is 242-247 (-34.3 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 3 seasons.
BOSTON is 30-30 (-9.2 Units) against the money line when the total is 9 to 9.5 this season.
BOSTON is 124-120 (-31.7 Units) against the money line in home games over the last 3 seasons.
BOSTON is 15-17 (-9.9 Units) against the money line at home when the total is 9 to 9.5 this season.
BOSTON is 149-139 (-14.8 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
BOSTON is 89-91 (-30.1 Units) against the money line in home games against right-handed starters over the last 3 seasons.
BOSTON is 4-12 (-10.6 Units) against the money line after getting shut out over the last 2 seasons.
BOSTON is 60-63 (-22.1 Units) against the money line in home games after a loss over the last 3 seasons.
BOSTON is 35-41 (-18.5 Units) against the money line in home games when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.
BOSTON is 27-39 (-19.3 Units) against the money line in home games when playing against a team with a winning record in the second half of the season over the last 3 seasons.
BUCHHOLZ is 28-39 (-19.5 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 3 seasons. (Team's Record)
BUCHHOLZ is 8-13 (-9.7 Units) against the money line in home games over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
BUCHHOLZ is 13-21 (-13.2 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
BUCHHOLZ is 5-13 (-12.9 Units) against the money line in home games after a loss over the last 3 seasons. (Team's Record)


Head-to-Head Series History
BOSTON is 4-4 (-0.2 Units) against CLEVELAND this season
4 of 7 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+0.5 Units)


JOSH TOMLIN vs. BOSTON since 1997
TOMLIN is 2-3 when starting against BOSTON with an ERA of 4.08 and a WHIP of 1.185.
His team's record is 3-3 (+1.3 units) in these starts. The OVER is 2-4. (-2.2 units)


CLAY BUCHHOLZ vs. CLEVELAND since 1997
BUCHHOLZ is 2-2 when starting against CLEVELAND with an ERA of 4.85 and a WHIP of 1.195.
His team's record is 3-4 (-1.9 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 3-4. (-1.9 units)


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

WASHINGTON (95 - 68) at LA DODGERS (92 - 71) - 4:05 PM
GIO GONZALEZ (L) vs. KENTA MAEDA (R)
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.


Head-to-Head Series History
LA DODGERS is 6-1 (+5.8 Units) against WASHINGTON this season
4 of 7 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+1.0 Units)


GIO GONZALEZ vs. LA DODGERS since 1997
GONZALEZ is 3-1 when starting against LA DODGERS with an ERA of 1.69 and a WHIP of 1.000.
His team's record is 3-2 (+0.5 units) in these starts. The OVER is 3-2. (+1.0 units)


KENTA MAEDA vs. WASHINGTON since 1997
No recent starts.


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


CHICAGO CUBS (105 - 58) at SAN FRANCISCO (88 - 77) - 9:35 PM
JAKE ARRIETA (R) vs. MADISON BUMGARNER (L)
Top Trends for this game.
CHICAGO CUBS are 1593-1681 (-260.1 Units) against the money line in all games since 1997.
CHICAGO CUBS are 176-203 (-50.8 Units) against the money line when playing with a day off since 1997.
CHICAGO CUBS are 1536-1594 (-234.9 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field since 1997.
CHICAGO CUBS are 769-824 (-186.4 Units) against the money line after a win since 1997.
SAN FRANCISCO is 63-45 (+21.9 Units) against the money line in October games since 1997.
SAN FRANCISCO is 47-32 (+19.7 Units) against the money line in playoff games since 1997.
CHICAGO CUBS are 28-9 (+17.0 Units) against the money line when playing on Monday over the last 2 seasons.
CHICAGO CUBS are 121-70 (+26.5 Units) against the money line in night games over the last 2 seasons.
ARRIETA is 28-7 (+16.7 Units) against the money line in road games over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
ARRIETA is 16-3 (+11.5 Units) against the money line on the road when the total is 7 or less over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
ARRIETA is 28-7 (+16.7 Units) against the money line in road games in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
ARRIETA is 60-40 (+20.3 Units) against the money line in night games since 1997. (Team's Record)
ARRIETA is 16-3 (+11.3 Units) against the money line in road games after a win over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
SAN FRANCISCO is 88-77 (-9.3 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
SAN FRANCISCO is 19-31 (-20.4 Units) against the money line when playing on Monday over the last 3 seasons.
SAN FRANCISCO is 85-77 (-12.9 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
SAN FRANCISCO is 55-55 (-14.2 Units) against the money line in night games this season.
SAN FRANCISCO is 58-54 (-17.4 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.


Head-to-Head Series History
CHICAGO CUBS is 6-3 (+2.1 Units) against SAN FRANCISCO this season
5 of 8 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+1.6 Units)


JAKE ARRIETA vs. SAN FRANCISCO since 1997
ARRIETA is 4-2 when starting against SAN FRANCISCO with an ERA of 1.81 and a WHIP of 0.907.
His team's record is 4-2 (+2.1 units) in these starts. The OVER is 2-4. (-2.7 units)


MADISON BUMGARNER vs. CHICAGO CUBS since 1997
BUMGARNER is 8-2 when starting against CHICAGO CUBS with an ERA of 2.25 and a WHIP of 1.025.
His team's record is 9-3 (+4.1 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 7-3. (+3.6 units)


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








MLB
Armadillo's Write-Up


Monday, October 10


Dodgers @ Nationals


Gonzalez is 0-2, 8.31 in his last three starts; he is 0-0, 3.21 in three postseason starts. Nationals are 2-9 in his last 11 road starts. Gonzalez beat LA 8-1 on July 20, allowing one run in six IP. Over is 5-2-1 in his last eight starts.


Madea is in his first MLB season; he is 2-3, 5.56 in his last five starts. Over is 9-5 in his last 14 starts. Dodgers won his last six home starts.- he hasn’t faced Washington.


Dodgers are in playoffs for 4th year in a row- their last World Series title was in 1988. LA is 6-2 vs Washington this season; they’re 11-1 in last 12 home games. Nationals won three of last four road games; they’re in playoffs for third time in last five years.


Roberts is a rookie manager. Baker is 20-27 as postseason manager; he won NL pennant is 2002 with the Giants.


Giants @ Cubs


Arrieta is 2-3, 5.22 in his last five starts; over is 7-2 in his last nine starts. He is 2-1, 3.66 in three postseason starts. Chicago is 11-4 in his road starts. He is 1-1, 2.77 against the Giants this year.


Bumgarner is 2-0, 2.45 in his last four starts, he is 2-0, 1.32 against the Cubs this season, 8-3, 1.94 in 15 postseason games (13 starts). Under is 3-1 in his last four starts. Giants are 10-6 in his home starts.


Giants are 3-6 against the Cubs this year; they’ve won five of last seven games overall (five of last six at home), after a dreadful second half of season. Chicago won 11 of its last 14 games, five of its last seven on foreign soil.


Bochy won three World Series in last six years; he is 43-32 as a postseason manager. Madden got Rays to ’08 World Series; he is 19-22 as a postseason manager.

Cleveland @ Boston


Tomlin is 2-1, 2.10 in his last four starts; his last five starts stayed under. Indians are 10-5 in his road starts. He allowed three runs in 7.2 IP in his only start vs Boston this year. This is his first postseason appearance.


Buchholz is 0-0, 4.21 in five postseason starts, which suggests a bullpen game here. He is 4-0, 2.41 in his last six starts overall; under is 8-3 in his last 11 starts. Boston is 4-7 in his home starts.


Red Sox are in playoffs for just second time in last seven years; they’re 4-4 vs Cleveland this year; they lost seven of last eight games overall, which followed their 11-game win streak. Indians are in playoffs for just third time since 2001; they’re 10-4 in last 14 games overall.


Obvious subplot here is that Francona is manager who ended Boston’s championship drought when he won 2004 World Series, then won again with Sox in ‘07. Francona has a 29-18 career record in playoff games. Farrell is 11-6 as a postseason manager, with a World Series title in 2013.







MLB


Monday, October 10


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


4:08 PM
WASHINGTON vs. LA DODGERS
Washington is 2-8 SU in their last 10 games when playing LA Dodgers
Washington is 0-5 SU in their last 5 games when playing on the road against LA Dodgers
The total has gone OVER in 5 of LA Dodgers's last 7 games
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of LA Dodgers's last 9 games at home


6:08 PM
CLEVELAND vs. BOSTON
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Cleveland's last 6 games on the road
Cleveland is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games when playing on the road against Boston
Boston is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games when playing at home against Cleveland
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Boston's last 6 games when playing Cleveland


9:38 PM
CHI CUBS vs. SAN FRANCISCO
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Chi Cubs's last 6 games when playing on the road against San Francisco
The total has gone OVER in 6 of Chi Cubs's last 9 games
San Francisco is 1-5 SU in their last 6 games when playing Chi Cubs
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of San Francisco's last 5 games when playing Chi Cubs




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

 

[CNOTES]

LEADING OFF: Cubs, Indians go for sweeps; Dodgers vs a lefty
October 10, 2016


A look at what's happening all around the majors today:


THEY'VE DONE THIS BEFORE


Cubs fans have waited a long time to quit waiting on next year, and Chicago's latest quest is a win away from overcoming the Giants' even-year magic. The Cubs lead 2-0 in the best-of-five NLDS, but don't expect them to take San Francisco lightly - the Giants are 9-0 in elimination games under manager Bruce Bochy, and Madison Bumgarner is pitching in Game 3. ''We'd be foolish to be overconfident about this situation,'' Cubs manager Joe Maddon said. ''They're really good, they've done this before.''


A LITTLE EXTRA REST


Cleveland's Josh Tomlin and Boston's Clay Buchholz are still the scheduled starters for Game 3 of the teams' AL Division Series because Major League Baseball cancelled Sunday's scheduled game hours ahead of time - meaning neither pitcher had begun to throw warmups. The Indians lead the best-of-five series 2-0 and seek a sweep behind Tomlin, who will be making his first career postseason appearance. The game may also be David Ortiz's final one at Fenway Park - the 40-year-old plans to retire after the season.


L.A. AND THOSE LEFTIES


Left-hander Gio Gonzalez starts for the Nationals at Dodger Stadium with their NL Division Series tied at 1-all. Gonzalez (11-11, 4.57) is hoping to take advantage of Los Angeles' worst-in-the-majors batting average against lefty pitchers. Kenta Maeda (16-11, 3.48 ERA) goes for the Dodgers - he led them in wins, innings (175 2/3), strikeouts (179) and starts (32).

STILL WAITING


Blue Jays manager John Gibbons says right-handed reliever Joaquin Benoit, who tore his left calf running in from the bullpen during a bench-clearing fracas with the Yankees on Sept. 26, is ''making progress'' but isn't close to a return. Acquired from Seattle in a late July trade, Benoit had an 0.38 ERA in 25 games with Toronto.

 

[CNOTES]

Cubs face tall task in Madison Bumgarner
October 9, 2016


SAN FRANCISCO (AP) Sure, Jake Arrieta and Joe Maddon know all about what Madison Bumgarner has done on the postseason stage in recent years.


Just how good the big lefty has been and his San Francisco Giants, too. They're 9-0 in elimination games under manager Bruce Bochy, rallying from improbable deficits to win it all three times this decade - every other year, and this is one of those even years.


San Francisco's October theme this time: ''BeliEVEN.''


As the Chicago Cubs arrived Sunday in the Bay Area with a 2-0 NL Division Series lead and a chance to close out the home team, Maddon knows there's plenty that still must go right Monday night for his club to move closer to ending its World Series curse.


''We'd be foolish to be overconfident about this situation,'' Maddon said. ''They're really good, they've done this before. That is a group that is just dripping with tested veterans and a manager that's outstanding. So you never take the Giants for granted. Never.''


The Cubs were in for an unexpected treat Sunday: The Blue Angels regularly buzzed over the bay during Fleet Week as Chicago wrapped up its afternoon work, with a few players and coaches stealing a glance up at the blue sky.


Maddon found himself reflecting to his youth when Bumgarner's name was brought up before an on-field workout. The 2014 World Series MVP has thrown 23 straight scoreless innings in the postseason, going 2-0 with a save in elimination games.


''It's like when I was a kid. I could only relate it to that. I was a Cardinals fan growing up, and seeing Bob Gibson do what he did in the `60s and then Mr. (Sandy) Koufax, what he did. So you have to kind of draw the parallels or the comparisons from when you were a kid,'' Maddon said.


''So I look at it as, wow, it's just like what Gibson did, it's like what Koufax did. And maybe with Whitey Ford and the Yankees prior to that. It's unique. So I hope the kids that are really watching right now understand how good this guy is and how it parallels throughout baseball history, what he's doing right now,'' he said.


Bumgarner dazzled with a four-hitter last Wednesday in New York as the Giants eliminated the reigning NL champion Mets in the wild-card game. He did the same thing at Pittsburgh two years ago to get that championship run rolling.


Even with all of the accolades and comparisons, Bumgarner just goes about his business ignoring any fanfare.


When told of Maddon's remarks about Gibson, Ford and Koufax, Bumgarner insisted he never thinks about where he might rank in postseason lore.


''You can't,'' MadBum said. ''As soon as you start buying into that it's probably going to take a turn.''


Arrieta already has said he has no fear about this matchup, giving his respect to Bumgarner while also noting he's ''beatable.''


''He's been one of the best in the postseason for the last several years. We have got a challenge ahead of us, but we put ourselves in a really good position, obviously taking care of business at home with the opportunity to close the series out in three games and get back to Chicago and prepare,'' Arrieta said. ''He is tough, but at the same time we have got a pretty potent offense that he has to try and neutralize.''


Trailing in a postseason series or being on the brink of going home for the offseason has hardly seemed to faze Bochy's teams in recent history. In 2012, the Giants became the first team to win three straight road games in a best-of-five series after dropping the first two in the division series at home to the Reds. San Francisco then rallied from a 3-1 deficit to beat St. Louis.


''This club has a history, and that's what you like about what's going on now, finding a way to win that game they have to win and moving on,'' Bochy said. ''That's experience that's so vital to draw on. If you don't have that, you may not have that belief that you can do it. They know they've done it.''


As brilliant as Bumgarner might be against the Cubs' slugging lineup, the Giants must find a way to score runs - or a run if that's all it takes in a likely pitcher's duel - to extend their season by at least one more day. Arrieta won 22 games and the NL Cy Young Award in 2015 and another 18 this season.


Both pitchers are capable hitters, adding to the intrigue of Monday's matchup.


''I feel like we'll attack each other accordingly,'' Arrieta said, ''and not take it lightly.''

 

[CNOTES]

MLB PLAYOFF RECORD:


10/08 - 2 - 1 - 0 + 3.15


WLT PCT UNITS


M/L Picks.............6 - 5....................54.54 %............ + 1.07


O/U Picks............1 - 5 - 2................25.00 %............ - 4.00


TRIPLE PLAYS - ***** 1 - 4


M/L-.......... 1 - 2 - 0
O/U-..........0 - 1 - 1





MONDAY, OCTOBER 10


GAME TIME(ET) PICK UNITS


WAS at LAD 04:00 PM


WAS +124


U 7.5




CHC at SF 09:30 PM


SF -103


O 6.0

 

[CNOTES]

MLB PLAYOFF RECORD:


10/08 - 2 - 1 - 0 + 3.15


WLT PCT UNITS


M/L Picks.............7 - 5....................58.33 %............ + 2.31


O/U Picks............2 - 6 - 2................25.00 %............ - 4.00


TRIPLE PLAYS - ***** 1 - 4


M/L-.......... 1 - 2 - 0
O/U-..........0 - 1 - 1

 

[CNOTES]

Tuesday’s six-pack


— Gary Kubiak (migraines) will not coach the Broncos’ game in San Diego Thursday night.


— Navy-East Carolina game scheduled for Thursday was moved to November 19 because of flooding in the Greenville area.


— Baltimore Ravens fired OC Marc Trestman, replaced him with Marty Mornhinweg. We live in an inpatient society.


— Sacramento, Philadelphia will be first NBA teams with ads on their game jerseys, starting next season.


— Indians 4, Red Sox 3– Francona’s Tribe sweeps his former employer.


— Wow, Michael Bloomberg is running ads on FS1 supporting a soda tax in California; he would be pretty steamed if he looked in my kitchen.



Tuesday’s List of 13: Nobody asked me, but…….






13) Titans-Dolphins game had total of only 111 plays Sunday; Eagles-Lions game had 113, Bills-Rams 116. By way of contrast, Texas-Oklahoma game had 168 plays, USC-Colorado 153.


You get lot more action, a lot more plays when you watch a college game.


12) Underdogs are 17-5 against the spread in NFL division games this season.


11) A high school kicker in Bluffton, SC made nine field goals in one game a couple weeks ago, and he even missed two other tries. Kid made 44-47 yard FGs; the other seven were all 36 or less yards. Quite a night for the young man.


10) Right now, there are 576 players in NBA training camps; by October 24, 126 of those guys will get released or sent to the D-League, thats 21.9% of them. Some will go to Europe, some will go get real jobs, most will go to the D-League. Thats part of why the summer league in Las Vegas is so interesting; making an NBA roster is really, really hard to do.


9) Giant-Packer game Sunday night was first NFL game in nine years where a team coming off a Monday night game played a team coming off a bye. Ironically, the Packers were the team off the short week in 2007- they beat the Chiefs in Arrowhead that night. Just an unusual scheduling quirk.


8) Major league umpire Joe West made his big league debut 40 years ago, when he was only 22 years old. He was on the field when Willie McCovey hit his 500th homer and he is still on the field, working the Toronto-Texas series this past week. Making the majors as an umpire at age 22 ain’t an easy thing to do.


7) Through five games, here are the Atlanta Falcons’ yards/pass attempt in each game:
7.7 vs Tampa Bay, 11.1 @ Oakland, 7.0 @ New Orleans, 12.0 vs Carolina, 8.3 @ Denver. Really strong numbers.


Atlanta OC Kyle Shanahan took a lot of grief the last few years, between the RGIII debacle in Washington in 2013 and the Falcons’ collapse last year. Haven’t heard his name mentioned much this season.


6) NFC East teams are 8-4 vs spread in non-divisional game, AFC West teams 9-6, best records of the eight divisions. NFC West teams are 3-6, so far the worst record of any division.


5) New York Knicks have finished last in the NBA in fast break points the last four years in a row. Wonder why that is? Because Carmelo Anthony doesn’t like to run; when the Knicks had a point guard who liked to push the ball (Jeremy Lin), he was sent packing- I wonder why?


Supposedly new Knicks’ coach Jeff Hornacek wants the Knicks to run; I hope the hell they do, would be a lot more fun to watch than Anthony jacking fadeaways at the end of the shot clock.


4) Only eight college hoop teams have made the NCAA tournament each of the last six years: in alphabetical order, Cincinnati, Duke, Gonzaga, Kansas, Michigan State, North Carolina, VCU and Wisconsin.


3) Love watching Kevin Pillar play CF for the Blue Jays; what a great fielder he is!!!!


2) Underrated football analyst who should be on network TV: former Arena League QB Sherdrick Bonner, who was a really good QB for the Arizona Rattlers. Bonner does Mountain West games on Root Sports and is very smart and pleasant. Seriously, he would be in the top five of NFL analysts right now.


1) We hear so much bad news on TV all the time these days; the media is fixated on negativity, everyone is complaining about something, the Presidential election has become such an avalanche of crap that a total jerk like Donald Trump still has a chance to win, just because he is really, really rich.


So it was excellent that a rare touching moment took place in a dugout interview last night during the Texas-Toronto game; Texas 3B coach Tony Beasley has been battling cancer- he has two chemo treatments and an operation on December 5 (his birthday) remaining— he sounds upbeat that he will emerge healthy again. We hope so.


What was touching was this: Beasley had to spend a lot of time at a hospital in Houston, getting treatments. Beasley told Turner’s reporter Matt Winer that the Texas Rangers players took up a collection to pay for Beasley’s hotel bills; his insurance covers the medical expenses, so while he gets treatment, he has no financial worries. As Beasley was telling the story, Elvis Andrus, one of Beasley’s infield pupils, hit a homer for the Rangers. Good stuff.


We can only hope that Beasley’s medical treatments are also a home run.

 

[CNOTES]

Nationals @ Dodgers


Ross/Lopez would both be making their first postseason start. Ross was 0-1, 2.79 in three September starts after coming off the DL (under 2-0-1). Washington is 7-4 in his road starts. he allowed two runs in 6.1 IP in his one start against the Dodgers.


Lopez is 2-3, 6.44 in six MLB starts, first of which was against LA on July 19 (allowed six runs in 4.2 IP). Nationals are 1-3 in his road starts. Over is 3-3 when he starts.


Youngster Urias is making his first postseason start; he 0-0, 1.50 in three September starts (only 12 IP- they were trying to limit his innings). He is 0-0, 3.00 in two starts (nine IP) against the Nationals this year. Four of his last five starts stayed under. Dodgers are 7-1 in his home starts.


Dodgers are in playoffs for 4th year in a row- their last World Series title was in 1988. LA is 6-3 vs Washington this season; they’re 11-2 in last 13 home games, but need win here to keep their season alive. Nationals won four of last five road games; they’re in playoffs for third time in last five years.


Roberts is a rookie manager. Baker is 21-27 as postseason manager; he won NL pennant is 2002 with the Giants.


Cubs @ Giants


Lackey is 3-1, 2.62 in his last seven starts; he allowed two runs in five IP in his once starts against the Giants this year. His last three starts went over the total. Cubs are 7-6 in his road starts. Lackey is 8-5, 3.11 in 20 postseason starts.


Moore is 2-0, 1.15 in his last two starts; his last four went over. Giants won his last four home starts. He didn’t pitch against the Cubs this season. Moore is 1-1, 4.41 in four postseason games (2 starts).


Giants are 4-6 against the Cubs this year; they’ve won six of last eight games overall (six of last seven at home), after a dreadful second half of season. Chicago won 11 of its last 15 games, five of its last eight on foreign soil.


Bochy won three World Series in last six years; he is 44-32 as a postseason manager. Madden got Rays to ’08 World Series; he is 19-23 as a postseason manager. Bochy is now 10-0 in elimination games with the Giants.

 

[CNOTES]

NLDS GAME 4 – WASHINGTON NATIONALS AT LOS ANGELES DODGERS


10th Oct 2016 | By: Tom Wilkinson


The Los Angeles Dodgers will try and stay alive in the NLDS as they host the Washington Nationals in Game 4 on Tuesday afternoon on FS1. The Nationals broke open a close Game 3 as they scored four runs in the 9th inning to win 8-3. The Nationals are expected to go with Joe Ross or Reynaldo Lopez on Tuesday while the Dodgers should be going with Julio Urias unless they decide to bring back Clayton Kershaw on short rest. Urias would be the first 20-year old to start a playoff game since Bret Saberhagen in 1984. The Dodgers are expected to be small home favorites with the total at 7.5 or 8. Let’s look at the contest and MLB predictions.

Probable Pitching Matchup – Ross or Lopez vs. Urias


Ross was 7-5 this season with a 3.43 ERA. He pitched well for the Nationals for much of the season but battled injuries. Lopez was 5-3 with a 4.91 ERA this season
Urias pitched well this season but he never goes deep into games so the bullpen will be a factor for the Dodgers. Urias was 5-2 with a 3.39 ERA this season. He pitched twice against the Nationals this season and allowed three runs in nine innings.


Game Notes


The Nationals have proven to be a good road team this season as they won Game 3 on the road after going 45-36 on the road during the regular season. The Nats are scoring 4.7 runs per game and giving up 3.5 per contest. Washington went under 41 times on the road this season with 36 going over with 4 pushes.
Los Angeles lost Game 3 at home but they were 53-28 at Dodger Stadium during the regular season. The Dodgers went under 51 times at home during the regular season with 30 going over. Los Angeles scores about 4.5 runs per game and allows 3.5 per contest.


Game Trends


The Nationals are 4-1 in their last 5 road games vs. a left-handed starter. The Nationals are 38-18 in their last 56 game 4’s of a series.
The Dodgers are 5-1 in their last 6 during game 4 of a series. The Dodgers are 15-5 in their last 20 Tuesday games. The Dodgers are 44-16 in their last 60 home games. The Dodgers are 9-2 in Urias' last 11 starts.


The Under is 5-2 in the Nationals last 7 playoff games. The Under is 5-2 in the Nationals last 7 games vs. a left-handed starter. The Under is 12-6 in the Nationals last 18 road games. The Under is 7-4 in the Dodgers last 11 playoff games. The Under is 4-1 in Urias' last 5 starts overall. The Under is 5-1 in the last 6 meetings in Los Angeles.
MLB Predictions


I will look for the Dodgers to stay alive and force a Game 5 back in Washington so I will lay the price and take Los Angeles and also play the game under the total.

 

[CNOTES]

MLB


Tuesday, October 11


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


5:05 PM
WASHINGTON vs. LA DODGERS
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Washington's last 6 games when playing on the road against LA Dodgers
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Washington's last 5 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 4 of LA Dodgers's last 6 games at home
LA Dodgers are 11-2 SU in their last 13 games at home


8:40 PM
CHI CUBS vs. SAN FRANCISCO
Chi Cubs are 1-4-1 SU in their last 6 games ,when playing on the road against San Francisco
Chi Cubs5-1-1 SU in their last 7 games when playing San Francisco
San Francisco4-1-1 SU in their last 6 games when playing at home against Chi Cubs
San Francisco is 1-5-1 SU in their last 7 games ,when playing Chi Cubs


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

MLB
Long Sheet


Tuesday, October 11


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


WASHINGTON (97 - 68) at LA DODGERS (92 - 73) - 5:05 PM
JOE ROSS (R) vs. CLAYTON KERSHAW (L)
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.


Head-to-Head Series History
LA DODGERS is 6-3 (+3.2 Units) against WASHINGTON this season
5 of 9 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+1.0 Units)


JOE ROSS vs. LA DODGERS since 1997
ROSS is 0-1 when starting against LA DODGERS with an ERA of 5.73 and a WHIP of 1.636.
His team's record is 0-2 (-2.0 units) in these starts. The OVER is 0-2. (-2.0 units)


CLAYTON KERSHAW vs. WASHINGTON since 1997
KERSHAW is 11-2 when starting against WASHINGTON with an ERA of 2.25 and a WHIP of 0.946.
His team's record is 12-2 (+8.3 units) in these starts. The OVER is 6-8. (-2.1 units)


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


CHICAGO CUBS (105 - 59) at SAN FRANCISCO (89 - 77) - 8:35 PM
JOHN LACKEY (R) vs. MATT MOORE (L)
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.


Head-to-Head Series History
CHICAGO CUBS is 6-4 (+1.1 Units) against SAN FRANCISCO this season
5 of 9 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+0.6 Units)


JOHN LACKEY vs. SAN FRANCISCO since 1997
LACKEY is 2-1 when starting against SAN FRANCISCO with an ERA of 3.34 and a WHIP of 1.200.
His team's record is 3-3 (-0.1 units) in these starts. The OVER is 2-4. (-2.2 units)


MATT MOORE vs. CHICAGO CUBS since 1997
No recent starts.


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


MLB
Short Sheet


Tuesday, October 11




Washington at LA Dodgers, 5:05 PM ET
Ross: WASHINGTON is 12-18 SU with a hot bullpen whose ERA is under 1.50 the last 5 games
Kershaw: LA DODGERS are 10-5 SU after 5 straight games where they had less than 10 hits


Chicago Cubs at San Francisco, 8:35 PM ET
Lackey: CHICAGO CUBS are 8-11 SU on the road when the money line is +125 to -125
Moore: SAN FRANCISCO is 16-6 SU with an on base percentage of .260 or worse over their last 3 games

 

[CNOTES]

Preview: Nationals (95-67) at Dodgers (91-71)
Game: 4
Venue: Dodger Stadium
Date: October 11, 2016 5:05 PM EDT

LOS ANGELES -- For starters, neither club has announced one for Game 4 of their National League Division Series.


Both Los Angeles Dodgers manager Dave Roberts and Washington Nationals skipper Dusty Baker didn't have an answer about who would be on the mound when the series resumes Tuesday at Dodger Stadium.


The Dodgers, who are in a must-win situation and trail the Nationals 2-1 in the best-of-five series, are leaning toward bringing back ace Clayton Kershaw on three days' rest. Kershaw was the winning pitcher in Game 1 on Friday.


The Dodgers also are mulling whether to give the ball to rookie left-hander Julio Urias, who was originally penciled in to start Game 4. That changed when the Dodgers lost 8-3 in Game 3 on Monday.


"It's a possibility," Roberts said of Kershaw starting. "I think you look at Julio at home, but you look at Kershaw on short rest at home. So, as an organization, we've got to figure out what gives us the best chance (Tuesday)."


Urias, who finished 5-2 with a 3.39 ERA, has been one of the Dodgers' best pitchers in the second half of the season. Urias won four straight starts in August and had a 1.99 ERA during the month. Although he didn't register a win in September, primarily because the Dodgers limited his innings, Urias had a 1.93 ERA in 14 innings.


"Well, in an elimination game, we still have to win two games," Roberts said of possibly starting Urias. "So the thought of having Julio pitch at home versus the road is something we're thinking through, and what gives us the best chance to win two games."


Baker said either Joe Ross or Reynaldo Lopez would probably get the nod for the Nationals.


"We haven't decided yet," Baker said after Monday's win over the Dodgers. (General manager) Mike (Rizzo) and I were just talking about that. It's probably between Lopez and Ross. So we haven't decided yet."


Baker then asked members of the media who the Dodgers were starting. He was told they hadn't made a decision either.


"We're not playing gamesmanship or whatever you call it," Baker said. "No, I mean, we just haven't decided. If we had decided, it doesn't really make any difference. You've got to tell them at some time sooner or later, and so no, we haven't decided yet."


Ross, who finished the regular season with a 7-5 record and a 3.43 ERA in 19 starts, hasn't pitched since Sept. 29 when he got a no-decision against the Arizona Diamondbacks. A shoulder injury, which forced Ross to miss more than two months, limited him to three starts in the final month of the regular season.


Ross posted a 2.79 ERA in those three September outings, but he never worked more than four innings in either start.


Lopez compiled a 5-3 mark with a 4.91 ERA in 11 games (six starts). Lopez hasn't started a game since Sept. 4 when he surrendered three runs and six hits in a loss to the New York Mets.


Since then, Lopez has been used primarily out of the bullpen, sometimes as a long reliever.



MLBA HEAD TO HEAD


Oct 10, 2016 Score ATS Results
WAS « 8 Cover: +130
LAD 3 Over: 11
Tools: Boxscores • Recaps


Oct 9, 2016 Score ATS Results
LAD 2 Under: 7
WAS « 5 Cover: +105
Tools: Boxscores • Recaps


Oct 8, 2016 Score ATS Results
LAD 0 Under: 0
WAS « 0 Cover: +110
Tools: Recaps


Oct 7, 2016 Score ATS Results
LAD « 4 Cover: +100
WAS 3 Over: 7
Tools: Boxscores • Recaps

 

[CNOTES]

Preview: Cubs (103-58) at Giants (87-75)
Game: 4
Venue: AT&T Park
Date: October 11, 2016 8:40 PM EDT

SAN FRANCISCO -- The last active pitcher to beat the San Francisco Giants in a postseason elimination game will seek to do it a second time Tuesday night when Chicago Cubs right-hander John Lackey takes the ball for Game 4 of the National League Division Series.


The Giants staved off elimination with a 6-5, 13-inning victory Monday night, the 10th consecutive time San Francisco recorded a postseason win when a loss would have meant the end of the season.


San Francisco won World Series titles in 2010, '12 and '14 but failed to capture the 2002 championship when Lackey, then a rookie, started for the Anaheim Angels on their way to a 4-1 win over the Giants in Game 7.


"Seems like a long time ago," Lackey said before Monday's game. "That has nothing to do with (Tuesday), for sure. I've had several postseason starts, and one doesn't really affect the next one. Once you get in the game, it's another game, another challenge."


Lackey, an 11-game winner for the Cubs this season, will be making his 21st career postseason start, the most among active pitchers.


He has faced the Giants more often in the playoffs (four times) than the regular season (three), with three of those postseason meetings coming in the 2002 World Series.


Lackey is 2-1 with a 3.62 ERA against the Giants in those seven head-to-heads. However, San Francisco roughed him up for four first-inning runs the last time it saw him in the postseason, when he was pitching for the St. Louis Cardinals in Game 3 of the 2014 NL Championship Series.


The Giants won that game 5-4 in 10 innings en route to a 4-1 series win over the Cardinals that propelled them to their third title in five years.


San Francisco will counter Tuesday with left-hander Matt Moore, who had been a candidate to start Game 2 in Chicago. Giants manager Bruce Bochy opted for Jeff Samardzija, pushing Moore back to Game 4.


That puts Moore in the same position staff ace Madison Bumgarner faced Monday night -- win or go on vacation.


"This has got to be the biggest reason why we play the game, why we start training early in November and getting ready for this month, for these series, these moments," Moore said before Monday's game. "So for me, I'm very excited to watch Bum pitch, and probably a little bit more excited to get going myself."


Moore, acquired at the trade deadline from the Tampa Bay Rays, has never faced the Cubs. He does have postseason experience, having gone 1-1 in four games, including two starts, for the Rays.


He was one of the Giants' best pitchers down the stretch. San Francisco won six of his last eight starts, and Moore held the Colorado Rockies and Los Angeles Dodgers to a total of two runs over 15 2/3 innings in the final week of the regular season with the Giants needing every possible win to hold off St. Louis in the wild-card race.


Bochy admitted before Monday's game that the plan was to split the first two in Chicago, then have Moore for the clincher at home.


"You're hoping to at least get a split there ... and now you're set up pretty good here," he said. "It didn't happen, and now we have to find a way to win every game."



MLBA HEAD TO HEAD


Oct 10, 2016 Score ATS Results
CHC 5 Over: 11
SFO « 6 Cover: +100
Tools: Boxscores • Recaps


Oct 8, 2016 Score ATS Results
SFO 2 Under: 7
CHC « 5 Cover: +100
Tools: Boxscores • Recaps


Oct 7, 2016 Score ATS Results
SFO 0 Under: 1
CHC « 1 Cover: +100
Tools: Boxscores • Recaps