Cnotes Sports Page For Friday June 19th Best Bets-Trends-News !

[CNOTES]

Preview: Astros (40-28) at Mariners (30-36)
Game: 1
Venue: Safeco Field
Date: June 19, 2015 10:10 PM EDT

Lance McCullers saw no issue with being removed halfway through the game in his last start against the Seattle Mariners despite not allowing a single hit.


That's partly because the Houston Astros had roughed up Roenis Elias enough that McCullers' services no longer were needed.


McCullers and Elias oppose each other again Friday night as the Astros seek a sixth straight victory in the opener of a three-game series in Seattle.


Houston's winning streak began with Sunday's 13-0 victory over the Mariners, when McCullers (3-1, 2.00 ERA) threw 90 pitches while walking four in five hitless innings. Manager A.J. Hinch decided the 21-year-old's pitch count in his sixth career start was high enough to sit him with an 11-run lead.


'We pitch to win ball games and to get this team down the road into the playoffs,' McCullers said. 'Not going back out there was not a big deal.'


The right-hander hasn't allowed more than three runs since making the jump from Double-A for his major league debut May 18. McCullers is one of multiple rookies contributing for the Astros (40-28) as they became the first AL club to 40 victories by capping a four-game sweep of Colorado with Thursday's 8-4 victory.


Preston Tucker homered for the second straight day and fellow rookie Carlos Correa had three stolen bases. George Springer is batting .468 during an 11-game hitting streak after going 2 for 5.


Springer has hit in the leadoff spot for the last six games in place of reigning AL batting champion Jose Altuve, who has been receiving treatment for a hamstring injury.


'It never ceases to amaze me with this team,' Hinch said. 'Different contributions all the way through.'


Elias (3-4, 3.67) had been giving the Seattle rotation a boost by allowing two runs or fewer in five of his six starts before the Astros touched him up for eight over 3 1-3 innings Sunday.


'He just didn't have much command, and it was a tough day for him in a lot of different ways,' manager Lloyd McClendon said of Elias, who entered that contest with a 2.79 ERA.


Houston wasted little time getting to Elias, scoring three in the first inning Sunday after plating two in the first and another in the second May 1 as Elias took the loss in the Astros' 4-3 win May 1.


They've won eight of 10 meetings this season while outscoring the Mariners 64-34. Seattle (30-37), which has a .233 team average that is tied with Milwaukee for the worst in the majors, had trouble getting its offense going again Thursday, falling 7-0 to San Francisco and getting shut out for the fourth time during a 3-5 stretch.


Nearly half of the Mariners' 17 runs in that slump - during which they're batting just .185 - came in an 8-1 win over the Astros on Saturday. Seattle especially has had trouble at home lately, plating 18 runs while losing nine of 11.


Nelson Cruz hasn't homered since May 27 and is 1 for 17 over his last five. Robinson Cano, hitting just .237, sat out Thursday with a stiff lower back, and Kyle Seager's consecutive games streak ended at 192 when he was scratched with food poisoning.


It's unclear if Cano and Seager will play as Houston seeks a seventh victory in the last nine meetings in Seattle.


SERIES AT A GLANCE


GAME 1
Astros at Mariners
Fri, Jun 19 - 10:10PM EDT


GAME 2
Astros at Mariners
Sat, Jun 20 - 10:10PM EDT


GAME 3
Astros at Mariners
Sun, Jun 21 - 4:10PM EDT

 

[CNOTES]

Preview: Giants (36-32) at Dodgers (38-29)
Game: 1
Venue: Dodger Stadium
Date: June 19, 2015 10:10 PM EDT

The last time San Francisco and Los Angeles met, the Giants shut out the Dodgers to continue a trend in what's been a lopsided season series.


After nearly a month apart, such a loss would normally be an afterthought entering the next meeting, but it wasn't any ordinary shutout. It wasn't a perfect game. It wasn't a no-hitter. It wasn't even a complete game from a San Francisco starter.


It was a series shutout, something neither team had been a part of in one of at least three games since 2012 - also with the Giants blanking the Dodgers in three - so it figures to be on the minds of both teams Friday night at Dodger Stadium as the scoreless streak could reach historic levels.


The Giants have won seven of nine over the Dodgers, though both losses came in a three-game series in Los Angeles from April 27-29. What followed from May 19-21 was a three-game sweep that extended San Francisco's shutout streak against the Dodgers to 31 innings.


That's tied for the Giants' best since moving from New York and the franchise's eighth longest dating to 1912 against an opponent, bringing the record of 38 innings against Philadelphia from 1917-18 within reach. Thirty-eight is also the Dodgers' franchise record dating to 1912 for consecutive scoreless innings - which came at the hands of the Boston Bees in 1937 - and the current run is tied for the fifth longest in club history.


Another blanking would match the Giants' four straight shutouts of the Phillies in 1917-18 and hand the Dodgers their first four-game stretch against an opponent without scoring.


San Francisco (36-32) might have foreshadowed its role in history with Thursday's 7-0 win in Seattle, while Los Angeles (38-29) needed a ninth-inning balk to score in a 1-0 walk-off win over Texas.


The Dodgers ended a three-game losing streak but have scored seven runs in the last four. Adrian Gonzalez is in a 5-for-46 slump, and the first baseman has batted .155 in his last 16 games against the Giants.


Having Yasiel Puig back in the lineup against San Francisco could help. He's a career .317 hitter against the Giants and missed the May series.


He'll face Chris Heston (6-5, 3.76 ERA), making his first start in the rivalry after appearing in relief twice last season.


"Any time we're squaring off against the Dodgers, it's a big series," Heston told MLB's official website. "The teams battle it out every year for the division."


This will be his second start since throwing a no-hitter June 9 against the New York Mets at Citi Field, and the follow-up effort was mediocre. The right-hander gave up three runs - two earned - in five innings of Sunday's 4-0 home loss to Arizona.


In five starts following outings in which he allowed more than an earned run, he's 4-0 with a 1.93 ERA.


Los Angeles' Mike Bolsinger has evened out over his last four starts with a 1-1 record and 3.97 ERA. Bolsinger (4-1, 2.25) allowed two runs and six hits with three walks in 4 2-3 innings of Sunday's 4-2 win in San Diego, his shortest outing of the year.


"The bullpen came in and saved the day," Bolsinger said after Los Angeles relievers went 7 1-3 scoreless as part of a current six-game stretch with a 1.04 ERA.


The right-hander had started the season by going 3-0 with a 0.71 mark in four starts. The only game he didn't win in that span was his season debut against the Giants, in which he gave up a run in 5 2-3 innings of a 3-2 road loss April 23. He faced them twice last season with Arizona and is 0-2 with a 3.44 ERA in the three games.


SERIES AT A GLANCE


GAME 1
Giants at Dodgers
Fri, Jun 19 - 10:10PM EDT


GAME 2
Giants at Dodgers
Sat, Jun 20 - 7:15PM EDT


GAME 3
Giants at Dodgers
Sun, Jun 21 - 8:08PM EDT

 

[CNOTES]

Blatt: Bron bond more than meets the eye


June 18, 2015


INDEPENDENCE, Ohio (AP) - Even after guiding a team wrecked by injuries to the NBA Finals in his first season, Cleveland Cavaliers coach David Blatt can't escape a narrative that's shadowed him for months.


His relationship with superstar LeBron James remains a trendy, touchy topic.


On Thursday, as a national column painted an unflattering portrait of how James treated him during postseason games, Blatt said he considers coaching the four-time MVP a privilege and they have a positive connection.


''People sometimes judge things on a game or on a period of time and they forget that we're in there working together and striving to make the utmost of our team and of our situation day to day,'' Blatt said, ''and a bond develops over time that is a lot more than what meets the eye.''


Two days after the Cavaliers' season ended with a Game 6 loss to Golden State in the NBA Finals, Blatt and general manager David Griffin both addressed the team's upcoming plans to rebuild its roster, re-sign several core players including James, Kevin Love and Tristan Thompson and improve a bench - aging at the back end - that didn't provide enough help against the Warriors.


And while there's plenty of work to be done, Blatt, who said he ''absolutely'' intends to return next season, doesn't believe his bridge with James needs major repair.


It's no secret that James didn't always seem engaged with his coach during timeouts - anyone who watched the Cavs this season witnessed that - and there were times when he disagreed with Blatt, even questioned his strategies. But James' respect for Blatt seemed to grow as the season went on.


In fact, following Tuesday's pregame shoot-around before Game 6, James and Blatt walked off the court at Cleveland Clinic Courts with their arms around each other.


Blatt, who joined the Cavs last year after winning numerous titles in Europe, was asked if he adjusted his coaching style to accommodate James, the world's best player.


''Absolutely, yes,'' he said. ''He is a galvanizing player. He is our best player. He's the league's best player. He's a winner. He's a proven champion. I think it's important that he feels empowered and at the same time that he knows that he's very much a part of this team. He's exhibited that, and always put the team's success beyond his.


''Now if he has felt that he has something to say and wants to impose his will in terms of influencing in a positive way on those around him, that's a good thing. That's a good thing for all, and I certainly encourage that and certainly respected the fact that LeBron's heart was in the right place.''


Griffin pointed out that just two weeks ago James, in the midst of a playoff run made more challenging because of season-ending injuries to Love and Kyrie Irving, praised Blatt's performance this season by saying he had done ''a hell of a job.''


''That's what the man said,'' said Griffin, who agreed with James' assessment, adding the Cavs went 33-3 in their last 36 games in which James, Love and Irving played together.


Griffin has grown tired of the negativity directed at Blatt.


''It never has to go away because it's all conjecture,'' he said. ''So I think one thing David did as well as anybody I've ever seen, and I wish I did better, was just ignore the noise from the media perspective. Because frankly, none of that means anything. We know what actually takes place here.''


The Cavaliers had a remarkable run, making the finals for just the second time and pushing the Warriors as hard as they could before running out of bodies. Griffin hoped to keep his roster mostly intact, but he could be faced with some big decisions.


He expects both James and Love to opt out of their contracts and become free agents. James signed a two-year deal last summer with the ability to opt out after one, and he may re-sign a one-year deal in order to capitalize on an expected surge in the salary cap following the 2016-17 season. Also, James wants to keep pressure on the Cavs to continue to add quality players.


Love's situation may be more complicated. After he underwent shoulder surgery, Love said he expects to be back with Cleveland next season. He, too, might prefer signing a one-year contract, but it's possible the Cavs will offer him a longer package and more security to gauge his commitment.


Griffin said the club intends to re-sign forward Tristan Thompson, a rebounding force who was invaluable when Love got hurt and could demand a maximum-level contract. Griffin will extend qualifying offers to restricted free agents Iman Shumpert and Matthew Dellavedova.


He would also like to add younger bench players, ''guys that are more in a 26-to-30 range perhaps. Maybe finding the peak of their careers.''


Above all, Griffin wants to keep the momentum going for the Cavs, who lived up to expectations, overcame adversity to beat Chicago and Atlanta in the playoffs, and came within two wins of a title.


''We very much intend to keep this group together,'' he said. ''You look at that as a group that's the potential to be special, special good.''

 

[CNOTES]

Warriors believe more titles may ensue


June 18, 2015


OAKLAND, Calif. (AP) - The parade is not until Friday. The Golden State Warriors are already looking ahead to what could be a promising future.


And with their young core under contract and MVP Stephen Curry just entering his prime, the Warriors believe their first NBA championship in 40 years could be the start of many more.


''There's potential for us to build this long-term,'' Warriors coach Steve Kerr said Thursday.


The Warriors rolled to a franchise-record 67 wins during the regular season before dispatching New Orleans, Memphis and Houston in the Western Conference playoffs. They won their first title since 1975 on Tuesday night when they finished off LeBron James and the depleted Cleveland Cavaliers in Game 6 of the NBA Finals.


The victory capped off a 2014-15 campaign that wasn't just a drought-breaker - it was historic.


The Warriors totaled 83 wins in all, the third-highest ever. Only the 1995-96 and 1996-97 Chicago Bulls won more, and Kerr played on both of those teams.


''It's ironic, but the unexpected thing is everything went exactly as we hoped. That never happens,'' Kerr said.


Along with hearing from President Barack Obama, Kerr has received congratulations from former teammates and coaches. Some even teased him for winning as a rookie coach.


''It's that easy huh?'' Kerr said former Spurs teammate Tim Duncan texted.


General manager Bob Myers, the NBA Executive of the Year, is hoping to capitalize on the roster flexibility he has masterfully made happen and give the Warriors a chance to hang more championship banners soon.


Nearly every key contributor - Curry, Klay Thompson, Harrison Barnes, Andre Iguodala, Andrew Bogut, Shaun Livingston and Festus Ezeli - is locked up through at least next season.


Draymond Green is a rare exception. The versatile forward is set to become a restricted free agent, meaning the Warriors can match any offer he receives.


Green expects to be back and the team intends to pay whatever salary he commands, even if that means going into the league's luxury tax, which Myers said he has been given authority to do from owner Joe Lacob.


''I always said, `Players that help you win and certainly win at the level we won at, you want to keep,''' Myers said. ''And we'll do everything we can to keep him. Thankfully, the rules are in our favor.''


Green, the runner-up for defensive player of the year, got his shot this season after starter David Lee injured his left hamstring in the final preseason game. Lee, who is owed $15.4 million next season in the final year of his deal, will likely be on the way out to limit the team's tax hit.


The Warriors will need to make a decision on reserve forward Marreese Speights, who has a $3.8 million team option next season. Reserve guard Leandro Barbosa, who played for the $1.4 million veteran minimum this season, will be a free agent. And Barnes and Ezeli, part of the franchise's acclaimed 2012 draft class with Green, are eligible for contract extensions.


Myers said it's too early to tell what will happen this offseason but he feels good about the team's ability to remain a contender.


''When you have the success that we had, you'd like to keep it together as much as possible,'' Myers said.


A move also will need to be made on Kerr's staff.


Kerr will need to find a new lead assistant as associate head coach and offensive guru Alvin Gentry is leaving to become the head coach of the New Orleans Pelicans. Kerr could promote assistant Luke Walton or try to attract a more experienced coach such as Brian Shaw or Mike D'Antoni.


Kerr said Walton could be a head coach someday, but he has just begun to think about replacing Gentry and whether Walton is ready for that role. First, he wants to enjoy the championship parade through downtown Oakland and bask in the storybook season.


Of course, there's little down time for a title-winning team.


The NBA draft is next week (the Warriors have the last pick in the first round), free agency talks start July 1 and then it's a matter of weeks before training camp when the Warriors try to do what the franchise has never done: repeat as champions.


Kerr said the challenge is balancing the burden that has been lifted off players' shoulders and keeping the same edge that won them a championship.


''There's a freedom that comes with winning the first one,'' Kerr said, ''but you can't let that freedom erode in terms of the fabric of the daily work that you put in.''


---

 

[CNOTES]

MLB
Armadillo's Write-Up

Friday, June 19


National League
Pirates @ Nationals
Burnett is 6-1, 2.47 in his last eight starts; over is 5-3 in his last eight.

Ross is 1-1, 3.46 in his first two MLB starts.

Pirates won last eight games, allowing seven runs (five shutouts)- ten of their last 11 games stayed under. Pittsburgh lost its last four games with Nationals; home side won seven of last eight series games. Washington lost three of last four games; over is 6-2-1 in their last nine.

Cardinals @ Phillies
Lyons is 1-0, 6.00 in his four starts, last three of which stayed under.

Aumont is making first MLB start; he is 1-5, 6.58 in 45 relief stints, totalling 39.2 innings. He is 3-4, 2.35 in ten AAA starts this year.

Phillies lost nine of last ten games; six of their last eight stayed under total. Cardinals won six of last nine games with Philly; over is 4-2-1 in last seven series games. St Louis lost four of its last five road games; their last eight games overalll stayed under the total.

Marlins @ Reds
Haren is 2-1, 2.72 in his last six starts, four of which stayed under.

Leake is 1-0, 3.79 in his last three starts; five of his last six went over.

Reds are 8-2 in last ten home games- four of last five overall stayed under. Miami lost seven of last ten games with Cincinnati; road team won eight of ten games- under is 4-2-1 in last seven. Marlins are 5-11 in last 16 road games.

Mets @ Braves
deGrom is 4-0, 1.45 in his last six starts, five of which went over.

Wisler is making first MLB start; he is 3-4, 4.29 in 12 AAA starts this year.

Mets won six of last seven games with Atlanta; nine of last ten series games went over. NY is 3-13 in its last 16 road games- their last four games overall stayed under total. Braves are 3-5 in their last eight games; over is 5-2-1 in those eight games.

Brewers @ Rockies
Jungmann is 1-1, 2.25 in his first two MLB starts (under 2-0).

de la Rosa is 3-0, 2.70 in his last three starts, all of which stayed under.

Brewers lost last four games with Colorado; four of last five went over; they lost last six games overall, outscored 39-13- six of their last eight games went over the total. Rockies lost eight of last nine games, with last four going over.

Padres @ Diamondbacks
Shields is 3-0, 3.18 in his last seven starts; five of his last six went over.

de la Rosa is 1-1, 7.45 in his last five starts, four of which went over.

San Diego won four of last six games with Arizona; seven of last ten series games went over. Padres are 1-3 since changing managers- three of the four games went over. D'backs won five of last seven games, with six of the seven staying under the total.

Giants @ Dodgers
Heston is 2-2, 2.88 in his last four starts; six of his last eight went over.

Bolsinger is 4-0, 1.01 in his last four home starts; six of his last nine starts overall stayed under.

Giants won nine of last ten games with Dodgers, sutting them in last three games- home side won nine of last ten series games- six of last eight stayed under total. SF lost six of last eight games overall; six of their last seven went under total. Dodgers lost three of last four games; five of last six went under total. LA scored 12 runs in their last six games.

American League
Tigers @ Bronx
Verlander allowed two runs in five IP (87 PT) in his first '15 start.

Warren is 2-1, 2.92 in his last four starts; five of his last six stayed under.

Detroit lost six of last nine games with Bronx; four of last five stayed under total. Tigers lost three of last five games overall- their last three road games went over. Bronx won nine of its last ten home games.

Orioles @ Blue Jays
Wright is 0-2, 10.00 in his last two starts.

Estrada is 3-0, 5.50 in his last three starts, all of which went over; Jays scored 31 runs in the three games.

Baltimore lost five of last seven games with Toronto; over is 5-3-1 in last nine series games. Orioles won eight of last ten games; over is 5-3 in O's last eight games. Blue Jays won 13 of last 15 games; last four stayed under.

Rays @ Indians
Karns is 0-2, 3.81 in his last five starts; six of his last six stayed under.

Carrasco is 4-1, 4.99 in his last five starts, four of which went over.

Tampa Bay lost three of last four games with Cleveland; Rays won six of last seven games overall-- over is 5-2-1 in their last eight. Indians are 4-3 in last seven games.

Red Sox @ Royals
Rodriguez is 2-1, 3.55 in his first four starts (over 2-2).

Pino is making first '15 start; he was 2-5, 5.07 in 11 starts for Minnesota LY, has allowed two runs in 14 IP in relief (six games) this year. He was 4-2, 4.93 in six AAA starts this season.

Red Sox won six of last seven games with Kansas City; three of last four went over the total. Boston lost eight of last ten overall; over is 4-2-2 in their last eight. Royals won eight of last ten; three of their last four went over.

Rangers @ White Sox
Lewis is 2-0, 3.43 in his last three starts; eight of his last nine went over.

Sale is 3-1, 0.92 in his last four starts; six of his last seven stayed under.

Texas won four of last five games with the White Sox; over is 5-3-1 in last nine series games. Rangers won five of last seven games; four of their last five stayed under. Chicago was outscored 34-14 in losing last seven games; four of their last five stayed under.

Angels @ A's
Shoemaker is 1-1, 2.96 in his last four starts; three of his last four road starts went over the total.

Gray is 4-1, 1.30 in his last five starts; over is 4-1-1 in his last six.

Oakland won four of its last five games; four of those five went over total. but A's lost four of last five against the Angels- five of last six series games went over total. Halos are 2-3 in last five games; their last three stayed under.

Astros @ Mariners
McCullers is 3-1, 2.25 in his six starts (under 4-2).

Elias is 1-3, 5.96 in his last four starts; nine of his last ten stayed under.

Astros won eight of last ten games with Seattle; last five went over the total. Houston won last five games, scoring 43 runs; their last seven went over the total. Mariners lost five of their last eight games, three of their last four stayed under total.

Interleague
Cubs @ Twins
Hendricks is 2-1, 2.53 in his last five starts, four of which stayed under.

Hughes is 0-2, 5.50 in his last three starts; four of his last six stayed under.

Cubs lost seven of last nine games with Minnesota; last three series games went over total, but teams haven't met since '12. Chicago is 5-3 in last eight games; four of its last five stayed under. Twins are 3-2 in last five games; all five of those games stayed under the total.

Win-loss records this year for team with this starting pitcher:
Pitt-Wsh-- Burnett 8-5; Ross 1-1
StL-Phil-- Lyons 2-2; Aumont 0-0
Mia-Cin-- Haren 8-5; Leake 4-9
NY-Atl-- deGrom 8-5; Wisler 0-0
Mil-Col-- Jungmann 1-1; de la Rosa 5-4
SD-Az-- Shields 9-5; de la Rosa 8-5
SF-LA-- Heston 8-5; Bolsinger 5-3

Det-NY-- Verlander 0-1; Warren 8-4
Balt-Tor-- Wright 2-3; Estrada 3-5
TB-Clev-- Karns 6-7; Carrasco 8-5
Bos-KC-- Rodriguez 2-2; Pino 0-0
Tex-Chi-- Lewis 6-7; Sale 8-4
LAA-A's-- Shoemaker 6-6; Gray 8-6
Hst-Sea-- McCullers 3-3; Elias 3-7

Cubs-Min-- Hendricks 7-5; Hughes 5-8

Times this starting pitcher allowed a run in first inning:
Pitt-Wsh-- Burnett 1-13; Ross 0-2
StL-Phil-- Lyons 2-4; Aumont 0-0
Mia-Cin-- Haren 1-13; Leake 3-13
NY-Atl-- deGrom 5-13; Wisler 0-0
Mil-Col-- Jungmann 0-2; de la Rosa 3-9
SD-Az-- Shields 2-14; de la Rosa 4-13
SF-LA-- Heston 1-13; Bolsinger 3-8

Det-NY-- Verlander 0-1; Warren 4-12
Balt-Tor-- Wright 2-5; Estrada 2-6
TB-Clev-- Karns 4-13; Carrasco 6-13
Bos-KC-- Rodriguez 0-4; Pino 0-0
Tex-Chi-- Lewis 2-13; Sale 5-12
LAA-A's-- Shoemaker 3-12; Gray 1-14
Hst-Sea-- McCullers 0-6; Elias 4-10

Cubs-Min-- Hendricks 1-12; Hughes 3-13

 

[CNOTES]

MLB

Friday, June 19

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Trend Report
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7:05 PM
DETROIT vs. NY YANKEES
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Detroit's last 5 games when playing on the road against NY Yankees
Detroit is 1-4 SU in their last 5 games when playing on the road against NY Yankees
NY Yankees are 9-1 SU in their last 10 games at home
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of NY Yankees's last 5 games when playing at home against Detroit

7:05 PM
PITTSBURGH vs. WASHINGTON
The total has gone UNDER in 10 of Pittsburgh's last 11 games
Pittsburgh is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games
The total has gone OVER in 7 of Washington's last 10 games when playing at home against Pittsburgh
Washington is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games when playing at home against Pittsburgh

7:05 PM
ST. LOUIS vs. PHILADELPHIA
St. Louis is 5-2 SU in its last 7 games
The total has gone OVER in 4 of St. Louis's last 6 games when playing on the road against Philadelphia
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Philadelphia's last 8 games
Philadelphia is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games when playing St. Louis

7:07 PM
BALTIMORE vs. TORONTO
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Baltimore's last 8 games when playing on the road against Toronto
Baltimore is 9-2 SU in its last 11 games
Toronto is 13-2 SU in its last 15 games
Toronto is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games at home

7:10 PM
MIAMI vs. CINCINNATI
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Miami's last 6 games when playing on the road against Cincinnati
Miami is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Cincinnati's last 6 games when playing at home against Miami
Cincinnati is 9-3 SU in its last 12 games when playing Miami

7:10 PM
TAMPA BAY vs. CLEVELAND
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Tampa Bay's last 6 games when playing on the road against Cleveland
Tampa Bay is 7-1 SU in its last 8 games on the road
Cleveland is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games at home
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Cleveland's last 6 games when playing at home against Tampa Bay

7:35 PM
NY METS vs. ATLANTA
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of NY Mets's last 6 games on the road
NY Mets are 3-13 SU in its last 16 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Atlanta's last 5 games when playing at home against NY Mets
Atlanta is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games when playing at home against NY Mets

8:10 PM
TEXAS vs. CHI WHITE SOX
Texas is 3-8 SU in their last 11 games when playing on the road against Chi White Sox
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Texas's last 5 games
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Chi White Sox's last 5 games at home
Chi White Sox are 1-4 SU in their last 5 games when playing Texas

8:10 PM
BOSTON vs. KANSAS CITY
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Boston's last 7 games on the road
Boston is 6-1 SU in its last 7 games when playing Kansas City
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Kansas City's last 5 games at home
The total has gone UNDER in 11 of Kansas City's last 16 games

8:10 PM
CHI CUBS vs. MINNESOTA
Chi Cubs are 4-2 SU in their last 6 games on the road
Chi Cubs are 1-5 SU in their last 6 games when playing on the road against Minnesota
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Minnesota's last 5 games
Minnesota is 5-1 SU in their last 6 games when playing at home against Chi Cubs

8:40 PM
MILWAUKEE vs. COLORADO
Milwaukee is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Milwaukee's last 7 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 8 of Colorado's last 9 games when playing at home against Milwaukee
Colorado is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games when playing Milwaukee

9:35 PM
LA ANGELS vs. OAKLAND
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of LA Angels's last 6 games on the road
LA Angels are 4-1 SU in their last 5 games when playing Oakland
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Oakland's last 6 games when playing LA Angels
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Oakland's last 5 games

9:40 PM
SAN DIEGO vs. ARIZONA
San Diego is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games when playing Arizona
San Diego is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games when playing on the road against Arizona
Arizona is 5-2 SU in its last 7 games
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Arizona's last 6 games at home

10:10 PM
HOUSTON vs. SEATTLE
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Houston's last 5 games
Houston is 2-7 SU in its last 9 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Seattle's last 5 games when playing Houston
Seattle is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games when playing at home against Houston

10:10 PM
SAN FRANCISCO vs. LA DODGERS
The total has gone OVER in 13 of San Francisco's last 18 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of San Francisco's last 7 games
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of LA Dodgers's last 6 games
LA Dodgers are 2-4 SU in their last 6 games

 

[CNOTES]

MLB

Friday, June 19


Phillies' Hamels will miss start due to strained hamstring

The Philadelphia Phillies on Thursday scratched left-hander Cole Hamels from his scheduled start Friday against the St. Louis Cardinals.

Hamels (5-5, 2.96 ERA) has a mild right hamstring strain, the team announced.

Right-hander Phillippe Aumont will be recalled from Triple-A Lehigh Valley to make his first major-league start Friday.

The 2007 first-round pick is 1-5 with a 6.13 ERA in 45 career relief appearances for the Phillies. In 10 starts for Lehigh Valley this season, he is 3-4 with a 2.55 ERA.

 

[CNOTES]

MLB
Dunkel

Friday, June 19


Pittsburgh @ Washington

Game 901-902
June 19, 2015 @ 7:05 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Pittsburgh
(Burnett) 15.119
Washington
(Ross) 13.175
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Pittsburgh
by 2
6 1/2
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Pittsburgh
No Line
N/A
Dunkel Pick:
Pittsburgh
N/A

St. Louis @ Philadelphia

Game 903-904
June 19, 2015 @ 7:05 pm

Dunkel Rating:
St. Louis
(Lyons) 15.830
Philadelphia
(Aumont) 14.212
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
St. Louis
by 1 1/2
9
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
St. Louis
-180
8
Dunkel Pick:
St. Louis
(-180); Over

Miami @ Cincinnati

Game 905-906
June 19, 2015 @ 7:10 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Miami
(Haren) 14.567
Cincinnati
(Leake) 13.848
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Miami
by 1
9
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Cincinnati
-130
8
Dunkel Pick:
Miami
(+110); Over

NY Mets @ Atlanta

Game 907-908
June 19, 2015 @ 7:35 pm

Dunkel Rating:
NY Mets
(deGrom) 15.184
Atlanta
(Wisler) 16.342
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Atlanta
by 1
6
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
NY Mets
No Line
N/A
Dunkel Pick:
Atlanta
N/A

Milwaukee @ Colorado

Game 909-910
June 19, 2015 @ 8:40 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Milwaukee
(Jumgmnn) 14.448
Colorado
(DeLaRosa) 17.387
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Colorado
by 3
11 1/2
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Colorado
-155
10
Dunkel Pick:
Colorado
(-155); Over

San Diego @ Arizona

Game 911-912
June 19, 2015 @ 9:40 pm

Dunkel Rating:
San Diego
(Shields) 15.143
Arizona
(DeLaRosa) 16.587
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Arizona
by 1 1/2
7
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Arizona
-110
8 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Arizona
(-110); Under

San Francisco @ LA Dodgers

Game 913-914
June 19, 2015 @ 10:10 pm

Dunkel Rating:
San Francisco
(Heston) 16.949
LA Dodgers
(Bolsinger) 15.812
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
San Francisco
by 1
6
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
LA Dodgers
-155
7
Dunkel Pick:
San Francisco
(+135); Under

Detroit @ NY Yankees

Game 915-916
June 19, 2015 @ 7:05 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Detroit
(Verlander) 17.269
NY Yankees
(Warren) 15.772
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Detroit
by 1 1/2
10
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
NY Yankees
-125
8 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Detroit
(+105); Over

Baltimore @ Toronto

Game 917-918
June 19, 2015 @ 7:07 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Baltimore
(Wright) 16.724
Toronto
(Estrada) 15.669
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Baltimore
by 1
10
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Toronto
-155
9
Dunkel Pick:
Baltimore
(+135); Over

Tampa Bay @ Cleveland

Game 919-920
June 19, 2015 @ 7:10 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Tampa Bay
(Karns) 17.879
Cleveland
(Carrasco) 16.680
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Tampa Bay
by 1
7
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Cleveland
-165
7 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Tampa Bay
(+145); Under

Boston @ Kansas City

Game 921-922
June 19, 2015 @ 8:10 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Boston
(Rodriguez) 14.114
Kansas City
(Pino) 15.579
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Kansas City
by 1 1/2
8
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Kansas City
-150
7 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Kansas City
(-150); Over

Texas @ Chicago White Sox

Game 923-924
June 19, 2015 @ 8:10 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Texas
(Lewis) 13.867
Chicago White Sox
(Sale) 15.475
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Chicago White Sox
by 1 1/2
6
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Chicago White Sox
-165
7
Dunkel Pick:
Chicago White Sox
(-165); Under

LA Angels @ Oakland

Game 925-926
June 19, 2015 @ 9:35 pm

Dunkel Rating:
LA Angels
(Shoemaker) 14.526
Oakland
(Gray) 16.164
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Oakland
by 1 1/2
8
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Oakland
-165
7
Dunkel Pick:
Oakland
(-165); Over

Houston @ Seattle

Game 927-928
June 19, 2015 @ 10:10 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Houston
(McCullers) 16.679
Seattle
(Elias) 15.156
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Houston
by 1 1/2
6
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Houston
-120
7
Dunkel Pick:
Houston
(-120); Under

Chicago Cubs @ Minnesota

Game 929-930
June 19, 2015 @ 8:10 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Chicago Cubs
(Hendricks) 15.786
Minnesota
(Hughes) 14.242
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Chicago Cubs
by 1 1/2
9 1/2
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Minnesota
-110
8
Dunkel Pick:
Chicago Cubs
(-110); Over

 

[CNOTES]

MLB

Friday, June 19

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Game of the Day: Pirates at Nationals
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Pittsburgh Pirates at Washington Nationals (OFF, OFF)

The struggling Washington Nationals may have to start a three-game home series against the red-hot Pittsburgh Pirates on Friday without slugger Bryce Harper. The 22-year-old, who boasts 22 homers and 53 RBIs, suffered what was deemed a mild hamstring strain before leaving in the sixth inning of Thursday’s 5-3 loss to Tampa Bay and will be re-evaluated Friday.

The Nationals have dropped 14 of their last 20 games and managed just three runs in their last two games after scoring 16 at Tampa Bay on Tuesday. Injury-plagued Washington must find a way to raise its level of play against the Pirates, who have won a season-high eight straight contests after a 3-2 victory against the Chicago White Sox on Thursday. Pittsburgh has allowed only six earned runs during its streak and owns a major league-best 1.75 ERA in June. Josh Harrison has hit safely in eight straight contests (16-for-35) and Andrew McCutchen is 9-for-23 during a six-game run for the Pirates.

TV: 7:05 p.m. ET, ROOT (Pittsburgh), MASN2 and WUSA 9 (Washington)

LINE HISTORY: Lines have yet to be posted with the status of Bryce Harper unconfirmed.

INJURY REPORT: Pirates - 2B Neil Walker (Ques-Virus) Nationals - LF Bryce Harper (Doub-Hamstring)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Pirates RH A.J. Burnett (6-2, 1.89 ERA) vs. Nationals RH Joe Ross (1-1, 3.46)

Burnett has been quite unlucky in his last two starts, allowing one run and 10 hits combined over 16 innings without gaining a victory, after winning the previous six. The 38-year-old Arkansas native, who owns 161 career wins, is 4-0 with a 2.51 ERA in seven road starts in 2015. Anthony Rendon is 7-for-16 with three homers and nine RBIs against Burnett, who is 12-5 in 23 appearances (22 starts) with a 3.19 ERA versus the Nationals.

Ross has yielded five runs and 13 hits in his first 13 innings in the big leagues, splitting a pair of starts. The 22-year-old California native struck out eight and threw 108 pitches while permitting two runs over eight frames to beat Milwaukee last Saturday and has walked one batter overall. Ross, who was drafted in 2011 by San Diego in the first round, was 2-2 in nine starts with Double-A Harrisburg before being recalled.

TRENDS:

*Pirates are 6-0 in their last 6 vs. a team with a winning record.
*Nationals are 0-6 in their last 6 home games vs. a right-handed starter.
*Under is 10-1 in Pirates last 11 overall.
*Over is 5-0 in Nationals last 5 games following a loss.

 

[CNOTES]

MLB

Friday, June 19


Wind blowing in at Target Field Friday

According to weather forecasts, wind will be blowing in from rightfield at Target Field when the Minnestota Twins host the Chicago Cubs Friday evening.

Temperatures in Minnesota will be in the high-70s during gametime and skies should be clear.

According to our MLB Stadiums info, the Over/Under count is 1-3 at Target Field when wind blows in from right.

Friday's probable pitchers are Kyle Hendricks for the Cubs and Phil Hughes for the Twins. Oddsmakers have the total at 8.

 

[CNOTES]

WNBA

Friday, June 19

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

7:00 PM
TULSA vs. WASHINGTON
Tulsa is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games
Tulsa is 1-6 SU in its last 7 games when playing Washington
The total has gone UNDER in 8 of Washington's last 10 games when playing Tulsa
Washington is 0-4-1 ATS in its last 5 games at home

7:30 PM
CHICAGO vs. ATLANTA
Chicago is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Chicago's last 6 games when playing Atlanta
Atlanta is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games when playing at home against Chicago
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Atlanta's last 6 games when playing Chicago

7:30 PM
INDIANA vs. NEW YORK
Indiana is 5-2 SU in its last 7 games when playing New York
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Indiana's last 6 games when playing New York
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of New York's last 6 games when playing Indiana
New York is 2-5 SU in its last 7 games when playing Indiana

8:00 PM
MINNESOTA vs. SAN ANTONIO
Minnesota is 1-3-1 ATS in its last 5 games when playing San Antonio
Minnesota is 2-4-1 ATS in its last 7 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of San Antonio's last 5 games
The total has gone OVER in 5 of San Antonio's last 7 games at home

10:00 PM
CONNECTICUT vs. PHOENIX
Connecticut is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Connecticut's last 5 games on the road
Phoenix is 1-4 ATS in its last 5 games when playing at home against Connecticut
Phoenix is 16-4 SU in its last 20 games


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




WNBA

Friday, June 19


Hayes, Henry to miss Dream's next five games

The Atlanta Dream will be without both Tiffany Hayes and Aneika Henry for their next five games as the two will compete at the 2015 European Games.

Hayes and Henry received Azerbaijani citizenship and will compete for the nation in the three-on-three tournament.

Both players will be missed for the Dream, but especially Hayes who is second on the team in scoring (12.2 ppg) so far in the young WNBA season.

Atlanta will be +3 for their first game without the duo when they host the Chicago Sky Friday.


Connecticut, Tulsa look to remain perfect ATS

Though the WNBA season is still young, two teams have proven to be making bank foe bettors early. The Tulsa Shock and Connecticut Sun are both 5-0 against the spread, 4-1 straight-up, as they enter Friday's games.

Tulsa has the second ranked offense in the WNBA with the Shock averaging 81.0 points per game. The Shock are currently +2 when they travel to Washington to take on the Mystics.

The Sun have been covering thanks predominantly to their defense which has only allowed 66 ppg. Connecticut is currently +4 when they visit the 2-2 Phoenix Mercury Friday.

 

[CNOTES]

WNBA
Dunkel

Friday, June 19


Tulsa @ Washington

Game 601-602
June 19, 2015 @ 7:00 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Tulsa
113.332
Washington
114.349
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Washington
by 1
141
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Washington
by 3 1/2
147
Dunkel Pick:
Tulsa
(+3 1/2); Under

Indiana @ New York

Game 603-604
June 19, 2015 @ 7:30 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Indiana
111.519
New York
110.569
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Indiana
by 1
146
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
New York
by 3 1/2
152
Dunkel Pick:
Indiana
(+3 1/2); Under

Chicago @ Atlanta

Game 605-606
June 19, 2015 @ 7:30 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Chicago
120.483
Atlanta
119.317
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Chicago
by 1
164
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Chicago
by 2 1/2
158
Dunkel Pick:
Atlanta
(+2 1/2); Over

Minnesota @ San Antonio

Game 607-608
June 19, 2015 @ 8:00 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Minnesota
113.454
San Antonio
110.918
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Minnesota
by 2 1/2
155
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Minnesota
by 8
149
Dunkel Pick:
San Antonio
(+8); Over

Connecticut @ Phoenix

Game 609-610
June 19, 2015 @ 10:00 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Connecticut
100.019
Phoenix
109.622
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Phoenix
by 9 1/2
140
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Phoenix
by 4 1/2
146
Dunkel Pick:
Phoenix
(-4 1/2); Under

 

[CNOTES]

Connecticut, Tulsa look to remain perfect ATS


Though the WNBA season is still young, two teams have proven to be making bank foe bettors early. The Tulsa Shock and Connecticut Sun are both 5-0 against the spread, 4-1 straight-up, as they enter Friday's games.


Tulsa has the second ranked offense in the WNBA with the Shock averaging 81.0 points per game. The Shock are currently +2 when they travel to Washington to take on the Mystics.


The Sun have been covering thanks predominantly to their defense which has only allowed 66 ppg. Connecticut is currently +4 when they visit the 2-2 Phoenix Mercury Friday.

 

[CNOTES]

Hayes, Henry to miss Dream's next five games


The Atlanta Dream will be without both Tiffany Hayes and Aneika Henry for their next five games as the two will compete at the 2015 European Games.


Hayes and Henry received Azerbaijani citizenship and will compete for the nation in the three-on-three tournament.


Both players will be missed for the Dream, but especially Hayes who is second on the team in scoring (12.2 ppg) so far in the young WNBA season.


Atlanta will be +3 for their first game without the duo when they host the Chicago Sky Friday.

 

[CNOTES]

Cubs are red-hot following a loss


Teams should be weary of the Chicago Cubs following a loss with the Cubbies winning their past five in that situation. The Cubs have outscored their opponents by a ridiculous 39-9 in those games.


Chicago is coming off a 4-3 loss at the hands of the Cleveland Indians Thursday.


The Cubs are currently +101 when they travel to Minnesota Friday.

 

[CNOTES]

Astros big bats have bettors wringing their hands


The over has cashed in the Houston Astros past seven contests, thanks to the their bats. Through those seven games the Astros have scored an average of 7.7 runs per game.


The 'Stros have made it a habit of going yard during their past seven with an astonishing 17 home runs. That's an average of 2.4 home runs per contest.


Houston travels to Seattle Friday with the total currently set at 7.

 

[CNOTES]

De La Rosa strugging against former team


When Colorado Rockies southpaw Jorge De La Rosa takes the mound against the Milwaukee Brewers (his former team) Friday, he'll look to reverse some dreadful pitching performances against his previous employer.


The Mexican made 21 starts (61 appearances) for the Brew Crew from 2004 through 2006, but has an ERA of 7.67 in six starts and one relief appearance against the club since then.


Taylor Jungmann is probable to start for the visiting Brewers in Friday's matchup, and De La Rosa and the Rockies are currently -139.

 

[CNOTES]

Yankees bombing the ball in front of home crowd


The New York Yankees have won nine of their past 10 games at Yankee Stadium. Those games have not really been too close as the Bronx Bombers have outscored their visiting counterparts 66-26 in those contests.


The Yanks are currently -113 when they host the Detroit Tigers Friday.

 

[CNOTES]

Blistering DeGrom to take the mound for the Mets


The New York Mets must be happy when Jacob DeGrom's day comes in the rotation, with the team going 5-1 in the youngsters past six starts.


DeGrom has been play lights-out lately with a 1.25 ERA in his past six starts. Those games consisted of 43.1 innings for the reigning NL rookie of the year, while he has posted a 53/5 strikeouts/walks ratio.


The Mets are currently -140 when they are hosted by the Braves Friday.

 

[CNOTES]

Harper injury adds to unlucky moth for Nationals


Jun 19, 2015


WASHINGTON -- June has been a cruel month for the Nationals.


Washington (34-33) made three errors in its last two games and has a record of 6-11 this month after losing 5-3 at home on Thursday to the Tampa Bay Rays.


There was more bad news as outfielder Bryce Harper, hitting .344 with 22 homers and 53 RBIs, left the game in the top of the sixth with a mild left hamstring strain. He was injured while making a throw to the infield on wet grass two innings after the game was delayed by 17 minutes by rain.


"I came up throwing and it was really slippery out there in the rain," Harper said. "My right knee gave out and then I put all my pressure on the left knee, and got my hamstring, lower hamstring and the knee a little bit."


"It doesn't feel very good," he added. "Was in pretty good pain. A little scared at the same time, because I could feel a little bit more on the lower half of it. But see how I am tomorrow, and go from there."


Manager Matt Williams confirmed it was a mild hamstring strain.


"I'm just going to see how it feels tomorrow," Harper said. "Be smart about it of course. It's still early. So just try to be as smart as I can. I want to be in there, but if I don't feel right tomorrow, then maybe taking that day off might help me a little bit. I'll see how I feel."


If he goes on the disabled list, he would join everyday players Jayson Werth (outfielder) and Ryan Zimmerman (first baseman), and pitchers Stephen Strasburg, Aaron Barrett and Craig Stammen.


The injury to Harper came on the same day pitcher Doug Fister came off the disabled list to start against the Rays.