At the Gate - Saturday
August 22, 2015
It seems as if the Triple Crown season just ended, but we are now just 69 days away from the Breeders’ Cup, which is coming up at Keeneland on Oct. 30-31.
This afternoon at Del Mar, we have three Breeders’ Cup Challenge ‘Win and You’re In” races, and the $600,000 Alabama (G1) at Saratoga is sure to produce a few starters for the Breeders’ Cup Distaff (G1).
The $250,000 Pat O’Brien (G1) starts things off, with a starting spot in the Breeders’ Cup Sprint (G1) up for grabs. The race drew a small field of five, but not much separates Appealing Tale, Wild Dude and Kobe’s Back.
The $250,000 Del Mar Handicap (G2) winner earns an all-expenses paid trip for the Breeders’ Cup Turf (G1). The race drew nine that will go 1 3/8 miles on the grass.
Big John B is the 5-2 morning line favorite and comes in off a win in the Cougar II (G3) at 1 ½ miles on the main track. That was his first win on dirt, his first dozen wins in his career coming on grass including a win in this race last year.
The $1 million Pacific Classic (G1) drew a field of 10 led by the mare Beholder who takes on the boys for the first time in her career. The winner earns a spot in the Breeders’ Cup Classic (G1), and it would be interesting to see the filly earn a spot in that race.
She already has won a pair of Breeders’ Cup races, the 2012 Juvenile Fillies and the 2013 Distaff. The Distaff is her target this year, but if she beats the boys this afternoon, it sure would be fun to see her line up against American Pharaoh and Honor Code.
Here is today’s opening race from Saratoga to get the day off to a good start:
SAR Race 1 Clm $25,000 (1:00 ET)
4 Hot Rendezvous 5-2
3 Touching My Toes 5-1
6 Run a Dubb Dubb 5-1
2 Bridgetta 7-2
Analysis: Hot Rendezvous was not a threat last out against state bred Alw-2 optional claimers in an eighth place finish and was claimed out of the race by the Gullo barn that is 12% winners first off the claim. The mare drops into an easier spot here tagged for $25,000 and the barn adds blinkers. She has lost 11 in a row since taking a state bred optional claimer in February of '14 but fits on the class drop..
Touching My Toes set the early fractions and faded to finish fourth last out against state bred Alw-2 foes. She comes back here off a six-month layoff for the Rice barn that is 11% winners with runners coming back off a +180 day layoff. She has run well fresh in the past and has decent looking works on the morning tab.
Wagering
WIN: #4 to win at 2-1 or better.
EX: 3,4 / 2,3,4,6
TRI: 3,4 / 2,3,4,6 / 1,2,3,4,6
Today’s Featured Race of the Day from Saratoga:
SAR Race 10 The Alabama G1 (6:07 ET)
3 Lovely Maria 5-1
4 I'm a Chatterbox 5-2
2 Curalina 7-5
6 Include Betty 8-1
Analysis: Lovely Maria did not fire as the chalk in her last start in the Delaware Oaks (G3), weakening to finish fifth in her first go off a two month break. Her trainer Larry Jones said some of his barn were suffering from a virus during that time frame and Lovely Maria may have been sick at the time of her clunker. Two back she was a good-looking winner of the Kentucky Oaks (G1) where she beat her stablemate I'm a Chatterbox, who was third, by 3 3/4 lengths. She came back to cross the wire first in the Coaching Club American Oaks (G1) but was disqualified for interference and placed second behind Curalina. She has put in three sharp works since her last outing and she figures to bounce back with a much better effort here. Jones won this race in 2008 with Proud Spell.
I'm a Chatterbox set the early fractions but drifted out in the stretch interfering with Curalina in deep stretch and was DQ'd from her CCA Oaks win. She was no match for our top pick two back at Churchill Downs after sweeping the three stakes for three-year-old fillies at Fair Grounds. She owns a good edge in early and mid pace numbers and looks capable of moving forward in her second start off a nearly a three month break.
Curalina tracked the early pace and finished gamely, beaten just a nose in the CCA Oaks and placed first via the DQ as the 4-5 betting favorite. It was her fourth consecutive victory, taking the Acorn (G1) two back in her stakes debut. The filly still looks as if she has some upside and the 1 1/4 miles should suit her. Her trainer Todd Pletcher has won this race the past two years, with Stopchargingmaria last year and Princess of Sylmar in 2013. There is plenty to like about this gal but her price is going to be on the light side.
Wagering
WIN: #3 to win at 3-1 or better.
EX: 3,4 / 2,3,4,6
TRI: 3,4 / 2,3,4,6 / 2,3,4,5,6
Today’s Featured Race of the Day from Del Mar:
DMR Race 8 The Del Mar Handicap G2 (5:40 PT)
8 Finnegans Wake 7-2
1 Ashleyluvssugar 3-1
4 Big John B 5-2
2 Ganesh 4-1
Analysis: Finnegans Wake made a mild late run to finish third last out in a slowly run Eddie Read (G1) over ground labeled as good. He was returning to turf after coming up short two back in the Gold Cup at Santa Anita (G1) where he checked in fourth. This guy was really good early in the year and note those starts were over firm ground which he should get today. He won the Hollywood Turf Cup (G2) here last fall and is going to get some pace to run at here. He is going to bounce back with a much better effort here.
Ashleyluvssugar weakened to finish sixth last out in the United Nations (G1) when shipped to Monmouth Park, snapping a three race winning streak. The gelding won the Whittingham (G2) and San Luis Rey (G3) in his two previous starts, both at 1 1/2 miles with back to back career top speed figs. He is better than he showed last out.
Wagering
WIN: #8 to win at 3-1 or better.
EX: 1,8 / 1,2,4,8
TRI: 1,8 / 1,2,4,8 / 1,2,4,6,8
Live Longshots:
These are price plays for exotic players looking to find a couple of extra contenders to use in their trifecta and superfecta wagers. Or for those with smaller bankrolls, you might want to get in a small win-place wager.
Saratoga
R5: #2 Instructor Kunu 10-1 R7: #4 Spring to the Sky 8-1
R7: #9 Sandy’z Slew 8-1
R8: #8 Gift Box 8-1
R10: #6 Include Betty 8-1
R11: #8 Aimone 10-1
Good luck today!
August 22, 2015
It seems as if the Triple Crown season just ended, but we are now just 69 days away from the Breeders’ Cup, which is coming up at Keeneland on Oct. 30-31.
This afternoon at Del Mar, we have three Breeders’ Cup Challenge ‘Win and You’re In” races, and the $600,000 Alabama (G1) at Saratoga is sure to produce a few starters for the Breeders’ Cup Distaff (G1).
The $250,000 Pat O’Brien (G1) starts things off, with a starting spot in the Breeders’ Cup Sprint (G1) up for grabs. The race drew a small field of five, but not much separates Appealing Tale, Wild Dude and Kobe’s Back.
The $250,000 Del Mar Handicap (G2) winner earns an all-expenses paid trip for the Breeders’ Cup Turf (G1). The race drew nine that will go 1 3/8 miles on the grass.
Big John B is the 5-2 morning line favorite and comes in off a win in the Cougar II (G3) at 1 ½ miles on the main track. That was his first win on dirt, his first dozen wins in his career coming on grass including a win in this race last year.
The $1 million Pacific Classic (G1) drew a field of 10 led by the mare Beholder who takes on the boys for the first time in her career. The winner earns a spot in the Breeders’ Cup Classic (G1), and it would be interesting to see the filly earn a spot in that race.
She already has won a pair of Breeders’ Cup races, the 2012 Juvenile Fillies and the 2013 Distaff. The Distaff is her target this year, but if she beats the boys this afternoon, it sure would be fun to see her line up against American Pharaoh and Honor Code.
Here is today’s opening race from Saratoga to get the day off to a good start:
SAR Race 1 Clm $25,000 (1:00 ET)
4 Hot Rendezvous 5-2
3 Touching My Toes 5-1
6 Run a Dubb Dubb 5-1
2 Bridgetta 7-2
Analysis: Hot Rendezvous was not a threat last out against state bred Alw-2 optional claimers in an eighth place finish and was claimed out of the race by the Gullo barn that is 12% winners first off the claim. The mare drops into an easier spot here tagged for $25,000 and the barn adds blinkers. She has lost 11 in a row since taking a state bred optional claimer in February of '14 but fits on the class drop..
Touching My Toes set the early fractions and faded to finish fourth last out against state bred Alw-2 foes. She comes back here off a six-month layoff for the Rice barn that is 11% winners with runners coming back off a +180 day layoff. She has run well fresh in the past and has decent looking works on the morning tab.
Wagering
WIN: #4 to win at 2-1 or better.
EX: 3,4 / 2,3,4,6
TRI: 3,4 / 2,3,4,6 / 1,2,3,4,6
Today’s Featured Race of the Day from Saratoga:
SAR Race 10 The Alabama G1 (6:07 ET)
3 Lovely Maria 5-1
4 I'm a Chatterbox 5-2
2 Curalina 7-5
6 Include Betty 8-1
Analysis: Lovely Maria did not fire as the chalk in her last start in the Delaware Oaks (G3), weakening to finish fifth in her first go off a two month break. Her trainer Larry Jones said some of his barn were suffering from a virus during that time frame and Lovely Maria may have been sick at the time of her clunker. Two back she was a good-looking winner of the Kentucky Oaks (G1) where she beat her stablemate I'm a Chatterbox, who was third, by 3 3/4 lengths. She came back to cross the wire first in the Coaching Club American Oaks (G1) but was disqualified for interference and placed second behind Curalina. She has put in three sharp works since her last outing and she figures to bounce back with a much better effort here. Jones won this race in 2008 with Proud Spell.
I'm a Chatterbox set the early fractions but drifted out in the stretch interfering with Curalina in deep stretch and was DQ'd from her CCA Oaks win. She was no match for our top pick two back at Churchill Downs after sweeping the three stakes for three-year-old fillies at Fair Grounds. She owns a good edge in early and mid pace numbers and looks capable of moving forward in her second start off a nearly a three month break.
Curalina tracked the early pace and finished gamely, beaten just a nose in the CCA Oaks and placed first via the DQ as the 4-5 betting favorite. It was her fourth consecutive victory, taking the Acorn (G1) two back in her stakes debut. The filly still looks as if she has some upside and the 1 1/4 miles should suit her. Her trainer Todd Pletcher has won this race the past two years, with Stopchargingmaria last year and Princess of Sylmar in 2013. There is plenty to like about this gal but her price is going to be on the light side.
Wagering
WIN: #3 to win at 3-1 or better.
EX: 3,4 / 2,3,4,6
TRI: 3,4 / 2,3,4,6 / 2,3,4,5,6
Today’s Featured Race of the Day from Del Mar:
DMR Race 8 The Del Mar Handicap G2 (5:40 PT)
8 Finnegans Wake 7-2
1 Ashleyluvssugar 3-1
4 Big John B 5-2
2 Ganesh 4-1
Analysis: Finnegans Wake made a mild late run to finish third last out in a slowly run Eddie Read (G1) over ground labeled as good. He was returning to turf after coming up short two back in the Gold Cup at Santa Anita (G1) where he checked in fourth. This guy was really good early in the year and note those starts were over firm ground which he should get today. He won the Hollywood Turf Cup (G2) here last fall and is going to get some pace to run at here. He is going to bounce back with a much better effort here.
Ashleyluvssugar weakened to finish sixth last out in the United Nations (G1) when shipped to Monmouth Park, snapping a three race winning streak. The gelding won the Whittingham (G2) and San Luis Rey (G3) in his two previous starts, both at 1 1/2 miles with back to back career top speed figs. He is better than he showed last out.
Wagering
WIN: #8 to win at 3-1 or better.
EX: 1,8 / 1,2,4,8
TRI: 1,8 / 1,2,4,8 / 1,2,4,6,8
Live Longshots:
These are price plays for exotic players looking to find a couple of extra contenders to use in their trifecta and superfecta wagers. Or for those with smaller bankrolls, you might want to get in a small win-place wager.
Saratoga
R5: #2 Instructor Kunu 10-1 R7: #4 Spring to the Sky 8-1
R7: #9 Sandy’z Slew 8-1
R8: #8 Gift Box 8-1
R10: #6 Include Betty 8-1
R11: #8 Aimone 10-1
Good luck today!
EPL Best Bets - Week 3
August 21, 2015
Week 2 Recap
After the opening week, oddsmakers made Manchester City as the top betting choice to win the Premier League and the club lived up to its expectations last Sunday with a 3-0 home win over Chelsea. It’s still early, but the defending champions are now five points behind City after two games.
Including Manchester’s win, favorites went 5-3 in the second week of the season while road teams produced a 5-3 mark.
There were two draws, one of them going scoreless between Watford and West Bromwich Albion. Even though that 0-0 result was an easy ‘under’ ticket for total bettors, the ‘over’ still managed to produce a 5-4-1 record in Week 2.
Overall, favorites have gone 9-6 in EPL play with five draws. The ‘over’ is 11-8-1.
Still Perfect
Through two weeks, four clubs have managed to secure victories in both of their games.
Manchester City leads the way with a goal differential of six (6-0) while Leicester City is right behind them with a plus-3 differential (6-3).
Liverpool and Manchester United haven’t been spectacular offensively but both have done enough with a pair of identical 1-0 victories. Make a note that the EPL announced on Friday that Liverpool’s goal this past weekend versus Bournemouth should have been disallowed.
Lacking a Punch
West Bromwich Albion and Bournemouth are the only clubs in the Premier League that remain scoreless after two weeks of action. Total bettors have watched the ‘under’ go 3-0-1 in their matchups.
Bournemouth actually showed some offensive flurries in its opening 1-0 home loss to Aston Villa but the game plan at Liverpool this past Monday created a boring output for both sides. The Cherries stay on the road this Saturday against West Ham United, who is suspect on the back line.
West Brom could see its drought continue in Week 3 when Chelsea visits. The defending EPL champs have allowed five goals in two games and most believe the Blues will look for the clean sheet, something they did 12 times during last year’s championship campaign.
Top 4
Bettors looking to back the top quartet to earn results (3 points) in a chalky four-game parlay can garner 5/1 odds, which isn’t as easy as it appears.
Manchester United vs. Newcastle United (Saturday, 7:45 a.m. ET, NBCSN)
The Reds (-275) have been installed as the biggest favorites in Week 3 against New Castle (+850) in the first game on Saturday. Man United hasn’t looked overly impressive in two EPL games but the attack woke up earlier this week in a Champions League playoff when it scored three goals and it left a few off the board too.
Will that momentum carry over on Saturday? New Castle has allowed two goals in each of its first two games and hasn’t had much success against Man United recently. The Reds are 6-2-2 in the last 10 encounters which includes a 1-0 win at New Castle and 3-1 victory from Old Trafford last season.
Chelsea at West Bromwich Albion (Sunday, 8:30 a.m. ET, NBCSN)
The Blues (-170) haven’t looked great thus far yet the oddsmakers believe they’ll earn their first three points of the season on Sunday at West Brom (+525). Laying a heavy price with a team lacking chemistry isn’t a sound investment but the talent gap could easily justify a lean on Chelsea.
Goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois returns from suspension and a lineup change on the backline plus the possible addition of Barcelona forward Pedro make you believe that a boost will occur.
As mentioned above, West Brom’s offense is lacking and manager Tony Pulis recent comments certainly won’t create much confidence at the betting window. He said, “I am concerned that we haven’t hit the button yet. We are still trying to find our way. It has been a little bit of a messy window for us.”
West Brom did blank Chelsea 3-0 at home last season but the Blues had already locked up the EPL title and were playing out the string. Still, it should be noted that Chelsea hasn’t earned three points at the Hawthornes since a 3-1 win in 2011.
Manchester City at Everton (Sunday, 11:00 a.m. ET, NBCSN)
Man City (-150) faces the proverbial letdown spot this Sunday as it heads to Goodison Park for a matchup against Everton (+400). After opening the season with back-to-back 3-0 wins, which includes a big victory over Chelsea last Sunday, some pundits believe City could get caught in this spot.
Everton is also coming off a 3-0 win, which occurred at Southampton last Saturday. In its home opener, the Toffees were fortunate to escape with a 2-2 draw versus newly promoted Watford.
Last season, the pair played to a 1-1 draw at Goodison Park while City captured a 1-0 win at home. The ‘under’ cashed in both matchups. Historically, past encounters at this venue haven’t been kind to Manchester, who are 1-3-1 in their last five road battles versus Everton. Going back further, City has only earned three points twice in their previous 17 trips to Walton. The draw is offering close to 3/1 odds at most shops.
Liverpool at Arsenal (Monday, 3:00 p.m. ET, NBCSN)
Liverpool (+400) isn’t mentioned in the Top 4 but when you break down the 20-team league, it’s widely considered the best in the next group. Capturing a win at the Emirates isn’t going to be easy, especially when you realize that they’ve only secured three points once at this venue in the last 15 years.
Arsenal (-140) bounced back strong on the road last week and should be ready to secure its first home win of the season. Last season, the Gunners claimed a 4-1 win at home and 2-2 draw on the road. The ‘over’ cashed fairly easily in both contests and three-plus goals seems doable in the last game of the week.
Fearless Predictions
We couldn’t connect on our live ‘dog in West Brom last week but did manage to cash Arsenal for a couple units. Unfortunately, Monday’s total lacked any threat and we came up short 35 cents ($35) in Week 2. We’re practically even ($5) after two weeks as we look to rebound in Week 3 with one play posted for each day for double units.
Straight – Tottenham (+170) over Leicester City 2 Units
Straight – Over 2.5 (-130) Arsenal-Liverpool 2 Units
Straight – Chelsea (-165) over West Bromwich Albion 2 Units
August 21, 2015
Week 2 Recap
After the opening week, oddsmakers made Manchester City as the top betting choice to win the Premier League and the club lived up to its expectations last Sunday with a 3-0 home win over Chelsea. It’s still early, but the defending champions are now five points behind City after two games.
Including Manchester’s win, favorites went 5-3 in the second week of the season while road teams produced a 5-3 mark.
There were two draws, one of them going scoreless between Watford and West Bromwich Albion. Even though that 0-0 result was an easy ‘under’ ticket for total bettors, the ‘over’ still managed to produce a 5-4-1 record in Week 2.
Overall, favorites have gone 9-6 in EPL play with five draws. The ‘over’ is 11-8-1.
Still Perfect
Through two weeks, four clubs have managed to secure victories in both of their games.
Manchester City leads the way with a goal differential of six (6-0) while Leicester City is right behind them with a plus-3 differential (6-3).
Liverpool and Manchester United haven’t been spectacular offensively but both have done enough with a pair of identical 1-0 victories. Make a note that the EPL announced on Friday that Liverpool’s goal this past weekend versus Bournemouth should have been disallowed.
Lacking a Punch
West Bromwich Albion and Bournemouth are the only clubs in the Premier League that remain scoreless after two weeks of action. Total bettors have watched the ‘under’ go 3-0-1 in their matchups.
Bournemouth actually showed some offensive flurries in its opening 1-0 home loss to Aston Villa but the game plan at Liverpool this past Monday created a boring output for both sides. The Cherries stay on the road this Saturday against West Ham United, who is suspect on the back line.
West Brom could see its drought continue in Week 3 when Chelsea visits. The defending EPL champs have allowed five goals in two games and most believe the Blues will look for the clean sheet, something they did 12 times during last year’s championship campaign.
Top 4
Bettors looking to back the top quartet to earn results (3 points) in a chalky four-game parlay can garner 5/1 odds, which isn’t as easy as it appears.
Manchester United vs. Newcastle United (Saturday, 7:45 a.m. ET, NBCSN)
The Reds (-275) have been installed as the biggest favorites in Week 3 against New Castle (+850) in the first game on Saturday. Man United hasn’t looked overly impressive in two EPL games but the attack woke up earlier this week in a Champions League playoff when it scored three goals and it left a few off the board too.
Will that momentum carry over on Saturday? New Castle has allowed two goals in each of its first two games and hasn’t had much success against Man United recently. The Reds are 6-2-2 in the last 10 encounters which includes a 1-0 win at New Castle and 3-1 victory from Old Trafford last season.
Chelsea at West Bromwich Albion (Sunday, 8:30 a.m. ET, NBCSN)
The Blues (-170) haven’t looked great thus far yet the oddsmakers believe they’ll earn their first three points of the season on Sunday at West Brom (+525). Laying a heavy price with a team lacking chemistry isn’t a sound investment but the talent gap could easily justify a lean on Chelsea.
Goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois returns from suspension and a lineup change on the backline plus the possible addition of Barcelona forward Pedro make you believe that a boost will occur.
As mentioned above, West Brom’s offense is lacking and manager Tony Pulis recent comments certainly won’t create much confidence at the betting window. He said, “I am concerned that we haven’t hit the button yet. We are still trying to find our way. It has been a little bit of a messy window for us.”
West Brom did blank Chelsea 3-0 at home last season but the Blues had already locked up the EPL title and were playing out the string. Still, it should be noted that Chelsea hasn’t earned three points at the Hawthornes since a 3-1 win in 2011.
Manchester City at Everton (Sunday, 11:00 a.m. ET, NBCSN)
Man City (-150) faces the proverbial letdown spot this Sunday as it heads to Goodison Park for a matchup against Everton (+400). After opening the season with back-to-back 3-0 wins, which includes a big victory over Chelsea last Sunday, some pundits believe City could get caught in this spot.
Everton is also coming off a 3-0 win, which occurred at Southampton last Saturday. In its home opener, the Toffees were fortunate to escape with a 2-2 draw versus newly promoted Watford.
Last season, the pair played to a 1-1 draw at Goodison Park while City captured a 1-0 win at home. The ‘under’ cashed in both matchups. Historically, past encounters at this venue haven’t been kind to Manchester, who are 1-3-1 in their last five road battles versus Everton. Going back further, City has only earned three points twice in their previous 17 trips to Walton. The draw is offering close to 3/1 odds at most shops.
Liverpool at Arsenal (Monday, 3:00 p.m. ET, NBCSN)
Liverpool (+400) isn’t mentioned in the Top 4 but when you break down the 20-team league, it’s widely considered the best in the next group. Capturing a win at the Emirates isn’t going to be easy, especially when you realize that they’ve only secured three points once at this venue in the last 15 years.
Arsenal (-140) bounced back strong on the road last week and should be ready to secure its first home win of the season. Last season, the Gunners claimed a 4-1 win at home and 2-2 draw on the road. The ‘over’ cashed fairly easily in both contests and three-plus goals seems doable in the last game of the week.
Fearless Predictions
We couldn’t connect on our live ‘dog in West Brom last week but did manage to cash Arsenal for a couple units. Unfortunately, Monday’s total lacked any threat and we came up short 35 cents ($35) in Week 2. We’re practically even ($5) after two weeks as we look to rebound in Week 3 with one play posted for each day for double units.
Straight – Tottenham (+170) over Leicester City 2 Units
Straight – Over 2.5 (-130) Arsenal-Liverpool 2 Units
Straight – Chelsea (-165) over West Bromwich Albion 2 Units
Woods shares lead with Hoge entering 3rd round at Wyndham
August 22, 2015
GREENSBORO, N.C. (AP) Tiger Woods has the most recognizable name in golf. Far fewer people know about rookie Tom Hoge.
Including Woods himself.
They'll spend the third round together Saturday in a most unlikely final pairing at the Wyndham Championship.
Woods shot a 5-under 65 on Friday and shared the second-round lead with Hoge at 11-under 129. Hoge shot a 67.
They make quite the intriguing pair.
Woods is chasing his first victory in more than two years, one that would undoubtedly send him into the FedEx Cup playoffs.
The 26-year-old Hoge spent the past three years on the Web.com Tour. This is his 27th career PGA Tour event - and all but one of those have come this year.
When asked if he would recognize Hoge if he saw him, Woods responded: ''No, I wouldn't. What is it, or him?''
''I look on the Champions Tour leaderboard and I know every one of those guys because I played against them and I played with them,'' Woods said. ''Now I come out here, I don't really know a lot of people.''
Woods followed his best round since 2013 - a first-day 64 - with one almost as good.
He made his big move up the leaderboard on the back nine, with birdies on Nos. 12 and 13 and an eagle on the par-5 15th that gave him a share of the lead.
''I just couldn't get anything out of my rounds (before this tournament) and a couple lucky bounces here, take advantage of those opportunities - it's just the flow,'' Woods said.
Davis Love III and Chad Campbell were one stroke back. Campbell shot 65 and Love had 66.
Brandt Snedeker matched the tournament record with a 61 that put him in a group of (six) players two strokes behind Woods and Hoge.
But for the second straight day, the big story at Sedgefield Country Club was Woods.
He had missed the cut in three straight majors and this year hasn't finished better than a tie for 17th at the Masters. At No. 187 on the FedEx Cup points list, he would definitely crack the top 125 with a win and qualify for the Barclays next week in New Jersey. Depending on how the math works out, a solo second-place finish also might be enough.
He took advantage of some prime scoring conditions during the first round, shooting that 64 on a course softened by showers that morning. That left him two strokes off the lead.
And then, playing under a hot afternoon sun that sped up those undulating greens, Woods almost matched it.
''I wasn't quite as sharp as I was yesterday,'' he said.
He capped that run of consecutive birdies with a 25-foot putt on the 13th that drew a mighty roar from the huge gallery.
Then came his eagle.
He placed his second shot about 10 feet behind the hole, and after his downhill putt fell into the hole, he followed with his trademark fist pump.
And as strong as his round was, it easily could have been even better.
He settled for birdie on the par-5 fifth when his 10-foot eagle putt lipped out, then missed a 15-foot birdie putt on the next hole. He left a 10-foot birdie putt an inch from the hole on the ninth.
''I've shot 59 and I left a couple shots out there,'' Woods said. ''The great thing about golf, you can always get a little bit better.''
Love, a former North Carolina player whose two wins in this tournament came across town at Forest Oaks Country Club, played a practice round with Woods on Tuesday. Several times this week, Woods has referred to pointers Love gave him.
Love reeled off three straight birdies early in his round before closing with 10 straight pars.
''It will look boring on the card ... but I made some nice putts for par, and some good up and downs, and kept the round together,'' Love said.
Hoge, who was born about 70 miles away in Statesville but grew up in North Dakota, shared the first-round lead with William McGirt and two-time heart transplant recipient Erik Compton. Hoge followed his opening-round 62 with another low number with birdies on three of his final five holes.
''Obviously, a new position for me,'' Hoge said.
Snedeker - who won the Wyndham in 2007, its last year at Forest Oaks - shot just the fifth 61 in the history of the event and the first since Tim Herron's three years ago.
He finished his round with back-to-back birdies on the eighth and ninth holes, closing by sinking a 50-foot putt.
August 22, 2015
GREENSBORO, N.C. (AP) Tiger Woods has the most recognizable name in golf. Far fewer people know about rookie Tom Hoge.
Including Woods himself.
They'll spend the third round together Saturday in a most unlikely final pairing at the Wyndham Championship.
Woods shot a 5-under 65 on Friday and shared the second-round lead with Hoge at 11-under 129. Hoge shot a 67.
They make quite the intriguing pair.
Woods is chasing his first victory in more than two years, one that would undoubtedly send him into the FedEx Cup playoffs.
The 26-year-old Hoge spent the past three years on the Web.com Tour. This is his 27th career PGA Tour event - and all but one of those have come this year.
When asked if he would recognize Hoge if he saw him, Woods responded: ''No, I wouldn't. What is it, or him?''
''I look on the Champions Tour leaderboard and I know every one of those guys because I played against them and I played with them,'' Woods said. ''Now I come out here, I don't really know a lot of people.''
Woods followed his best round since 2013 - a first-day 64 - with one almost as good.
He made his big move up the leaderboard on the back nine, with birdies on Nos. 12 and 13 and an eagle on the par-5 15th that gave him a share of the lead.
''I just couldn't get anything out of my rounds (before this tournament) and a couple lucky bounces here, take advantage of those opportunities - it's just the flow,'' Woods said.
Davis Love III and Chad Campbell were one stroke back. Campbell shot 65 and Love had 66.
Brandt Snedeker matched the tournament record with a 61 that put him in a group of (six) players two strokes behind Woods and Hoge.
But for the second straight day, the big story at Sedgefield Country Club was Woods.
He had missed the cut in three straight majors and this year hasn't finished better than a tie for 17th at the Masters. At No. 187 on the FedEx Cup points list, he would definitely crack the top 125 with a win and qualify for the Barclays next week in New Jersey. Depending on how the math works out, a solo second-place finish also might be enough.
He took advantage of some prime scoring conditions during the first round, shooting that 64 on a course softened by showers that morning. That left him two strokes off the lead.
And then, playing under a hot afternoon sun that sped up those undulating greens, Woods almost matched it.
''I wasn't quite as sharp as I was yesterday,'' he said.
He capped that run of consecutive birdies with a 25-foot putt on the 13th that drew a mighty roar from the huge gallery.
Then came his eagle.
He placed his second shot about 10 feet behind the hole, and after his downhill putt fell into the hole, he followed with his trademark fist pump.
And as strong as his round was, it easily could have been even better.
He settled for birdie on the par-5 fifth when his 10-foot eagle putt lipped out, then missed a 15-foot birdie putt on the next hole. He left a 10-foot birdie putt an inch from the hole on the ninth.
''I've shot 59 and I left a couple shots out there,'' Woods said. ''The great thing about golf, you can always get a little bit better.''
Love, a former North Carolina player whose two wins in this tournament came across town at Forest Oaks Country Club, played a practice round with Woods on Tuesday. Several times this week, Woods has referred to pointers Love gave him.
Love reeled off three straight birdies early in his round before closing with 10 straight pars.
''It will look boring on the card ... but I made some nice putts for par, and some good up and downs, and kept the round together,'' Love said.
Hoge, who was born about 70 miles away in Statesville but grew up in North Dakota, shared the first-round lead with William McGirt and two-time heart transplant recipient Erik Compton. Hoge followed his opening-round 62 with another low number with birdies on three of his final five holes.
''Obviously, a new position for me,'' Hoge said.
Snedeker - who won the Wyndham in 2007, its last year at Forest Oaks - shot just the fifth 61 in the history of the event and the first since Tim Herron's three years ago.
He finished his round with back-to-back birdies on the eighth and ninth holes, closing by sinking a 50-foot putt.
MLB
Team Pitcher Open Line Movements Current Runline Scores
4:05 PM EDT
901 SAN FRANCISCO GIANTS (R) Leake, M 7o20 7o20 7o15 +1.5(-150)
902 PITTSBURGH PIRATES (R) Cole, G -165 -165 / -170 / -171 -170 -1.5(+130)
Overnight Pitching Change: San Francisco - M. Leake for C. Heston | TV: CSN-Bay, FS-1, DTV: 219, 696 | MOSTLY SUNNY, WIND LEFT TO RIGHT 5-10. GAME TEMP 79, RH 33% HEAT INDEX 78
4:05 PM EDT
903 ATLANTA BRAVES (R) Perez, W 9 9 / 9o20 / 9 9o15 +1.5(-110)
904 CHICAGO CUBS (R) Haren, D -220 -230 / -225 / -219 -215 -1.5(-110)
TV: FS-South, DTV: 646 | MOSTLY FAIR, WIND LEFT TO RIGHT 3-8. GAME TEMP 81, RH 40% HEAT INDEX 81
7:05 PM EDT
905 MILWAUKEE BREWERS (R) Jungmann, T 7.5 7o14 / 7o15 / 7o20 7o15 +1.5(-170)
906 WASHINGTON NATIONALS (R) Ross, J -150 -150 / -151 -150 -1.5(+150)
TV: MASN2, DTV: 641 | MOSTLY FAIR, WIND IN FROM LEFT CENTER 5-10. GAME TEMP 81, RH 37% HEAT INDEX 80
7:10 PM EDT
907 ARIZONA DIAMONDBACKS (R) Delgado, R 8o20 8o20 / 8.5u15 8o15 +1.5(-205)
908 CINCINNATI REDS (R) Desclafani, A -125 -125 / -120 -119 -1.5(+175)
TV: FS-Arizona, FS-Ohio, DTV: 660, 686 | PARTLY CLOUDY, WIND IN FROM CENTER 2-7. GAME TEMP 78, RH 50% HEAT INDEX 79
7:10 PM EDT
909 PHILADELPHIA PHILLIES (R) Harang, A 8o20 8o20 / 8.5u20 8.5u15 +1.5(-185)
910 MIAMI MARLINS (L) Nicolino, J -145 -128 / -130 / -128 -127 -1.5(+165)
MIA-RF-Giancarlo Stanton-OUT | TV: FS-Florida, DTV: 654 | PARTLY CLOUDY, WIND IN FROM CENTER 2-7. GAME TEMP 87, RH 63% HEAT INDEX 95 (MARLINS STADIUM ROOF MAY CLOSE IN HOT WEATHER)
8:10 PM EDT
911 NEW YORK METS (L) Niese, J -125 -125 / -119 / -122 -120 -1.5(+130)
912 COLORADO ROCKIES (L) Rusin, C 11u20 11u20 / 11u32 / 10.5 10.5o15 +1.5(-150)
TV: ROOT-Rocky Mountain, DTV: 683 | MOSTLY FAIR, HAZY, WIND IN FROM RIGHT 6-11. GAME TEMP 82, RH 20% WIND CHILL 0
8:40 PM EDT
913 ST LOUIS CARDINALS (R) Martinez, C -135 -135 / -130 -129 -1.5(+135)
914 SAN DIEGO PADRES (R) Kennedy, I 6.5u15 6.5u15 / 6.5 6.5o15 +1.5(-155)
STL-LF-Matt Holliday-OUT | TV: FS-Midwest, FS-San Diego, DTV: 671, 694 | PARTLY CLOUDY, WIND LEFT TO RIGHT 3-8. GAME TEMP 75, RH 63% HEAT INDEX 78
1:05 PM EDT
915 CLEVELAND INDIANS (R) Salazar, D 8 7.5u11 / 7.5 / 7.5o15 7.5 +1.5(-195)
916 NEW YORK YANKEES (R) Severino, L -135 -132 / -140 / -126 -125 -1.5(+165)
NYY-1B-Mark Teixeira-Doubtful | NYY-3B-Alex Rodriguez-Doubtful | TV: MLB, SportsTime Ohio, YES, DTV: 213, 631, 662 | MOSTLY FAIR, WIND IN FROM LEFT 4-9. GAME TEMP 83, RH 39% HEAT INDEX 83
7:05 PM EDT
917 TEXAS RANGERS (R) Gallardo, Y -120 -120 / -119 -121 -1.5(+135)
918 DETROIT TIGERS (L) Wolf, R 9o15 9o15 / 9o20 / 9o15 9o20 +1.5(-155)
TV: FS-1, DTV: 219 | MOSTLY FAIR, WIND IN FROM CENTER 3-8. GAME TEMP 78, RH 46% HEAT INDEX 79
7:05 PM EDT
919 MINNESOTA TWINS (R) Gibson, K 8.5o15 8.5o15 / 8.5 8.5u15 +1.5(-140)
920 BALTIMORE ORIOLES (R) Tillman, C -160 -160 / -165 / -164 -171 -1.5(+120)
TV: FS-North, MASN, DTV: 640, 668 | FAIR, WIND IN FROM LEFT 4-9. GAME TEMP 81, RH 39% HEAT INDEX 81
7:10 PM EDT
921 KANSAS CITY ROYALS (R) Ventura, Y -140 -140 / -135 / -144 -143 -1.5(+110)
922 BOSTON RED SOX (R) Barnes, M 9o20 9.5u20 / 9.5u28 / 9u15 9u25 +1.5(-130)
TV: FS-Kansas City, NESN, DTV: 628, 672 | MOSTLY CLOUDY, 40% CHANCE LIGHT SHOWERS. WIND IN FROM CENTER 4-9. GAME TEMP 73, RH 84% HEAT INDEX 77
9:05 PM EDT
923 TAMPA BAY RAYS (R) Ramirez, E 7 7 / 7u20 7 +1.5(-185)
924 OAKLAND ATHLETICS (R) Gray, S -115 -127 / -125 / -130 -140 -1.5(+165)
TV: CSN-California, MLB, SunSports, DTV: 213, 653, 698 | PARTLY CLOUDY, WIND OUT TO RIGHT 7-12. GAME TEMP 73, RH 57% HEAT INDEX 75
9:05 PM EDT
925 TORONTO BLUE JAYS (R) Estrada, M 7.5o15 -115 / -120 / -118 -117 -1.5(+140)
926 LOS ANGELES ANGELS (L) Heaney, A -115 8o20 / 8o15 / 8o12 8 +1.5(-160)
TV: FS-West, MLB, DTV: 213, 692 | PARTLY CLOUDY, WIND OUT TO CENTER 4-9. GAME TEMP 77, RH 59% HEAT INDEX 79
9:10 PM EDT
927 CHICAGO WHITE SOX (L) Rodon, C 7.5u15 -106 / -111 / -110 -111 -1.5(+145)
928 SEATTLE MARINERS (L) Nuno, V -120 7.5u15 7.5u20 +1.5(-165)
TV: ROOT-Northwest, WGN, DTV: 307, 687 | MOSTLY FAIR, WIND LEFT TO RIGHT 3-8. GAME TEMP 80, RH 32% HEAT INDEX 79
7:10 PM EDT
929 LOS ANGELES DODGERS (R) Greinke, Z -125 -130 / -120 / -122 -120 -1.5(+140)
930 HOUSTON ASTROS (L) Kazmir, S 7 7 / 7o15 7o20 +1.5(-160)
TV: ROOT-Southwest, DTV: 674 | MOSTLY CLOUDY, 40% CHANCE SHOWER/STORMS. WIND OUT TO LEFT 6-11. GAME TEMP 88, RH 61% HEAT INDEX 96 (MINUTE MAID PARK ROOF CLOSES IN WET WEATHER)
Team Pitcher Open Line Movements Current Runline Scores
4:05 PM EDT
901 SAN FRANCISCO GIANTS (R) Leake, M 7o20 7o20 7o15 +1.5(-150)
902 PITTSBURGH PIRATES (R) Cole, G -165 -165 / -170 / -171 -170 -1.5(+130)
Overnight Pitching Change: San Francisco - M. Leake for C. Heston | TV: CSN-Bay, FS-1, DTV: 219, 696 | MOSTLY SUNNY, WIND LEFT TO RIGHT 5-10. GAME TEMP 79, RH 33% HEAT INDEX 78
4:05 PM EDT
903 ATLANTA BRAVES (R) Perez, W 9 9 / 9o20 / 9 9o15 +1.5(-110)
904 CHICAGO CUBS (R) Haren, D -220 -230 / -225 / -219 -215 -1.5(-110)
TV: FS-South, DTV: 646 | MOSTLY FAIR, WIND LEFT TO RIGHT 3-8. GAME TEMP 81, RH 40% HEAT INDEX 81
7:05 PM EDT
905 MILWAUKEE BREWERS (R) Jungmann, T 7.5 7o14 / 7o15 / 7o20 7o15 +1.5(-170)
906 WASHINGTON NATIONALS (R) Ross, J -150 -150 / -151 -150 -1.5(+150)
TV: MASN2, DTV: 641 | MOSTLY FAIR, WIND IN FROM LEFT CENTER 5-10. GAME TEMP 81, RH 37% HEAT INDEX 80
7:10 PM EDT
907 ARIZONA DIAMONDBACKS (R) Delgado, R 8o20 8o20 / 8.5u15 8o15 +1.5(-205)
908 CINCINNATI REDS (R) Desclafani, A -125 -125 / -120 -119 -1.5(+175)
TV: FS-Arizona, FS-Ohio, DTV: 660, 686 | PARTLY CLOUDY, WIND IN FROM CENTER 2-7. GAME TEMP 78, RH 50% HEAT INDEX 79
7:10 PM EDT
909 PHILADELPHIA PHILLIES (R) Harang, A 8o20 8o20 / 8.5u20 8.5u15 +1.5(-185)
910 MIAMI MARLINS (L) Nicolino, J -145 -128 / -130 / -128 -127 -1.5(+165)
MIA-RF-Giancarlo Stanton-OUT | TV: FS-Florida, DTV: 654 | PARTLY CLOUDY, WIND IN FROM CENTER 2-7. GAME TEMP 87, RH 63% HEAT INDEX 95 (MARLINS STADIUM ROOF MAY CLOSE IN HOT WEATHER)
8:10 PM EDT
911 NEW YORK METS (L) Niese, J -125 -125 / -119 / -122 -120 -1.5(+130)
912 COLORADO ROCKIES (L) Rusin, C 11u20 11u20 / 11u32 / 10.5 10.5o15 +1.5(-150)
TV: ROOT-Rocky Mountain, DTV: 683 | MOSTLY FAIR, HAZY, WIND IN FROM RIGHT 6-11. GAME TEMP 82, RH 20% WIND CHILL 0
8:40 PM EDT
913 ST LOUIS CARDINALS (R) Martinez, C -135 -135 / -130 -129 -1.5(+135)
914 SAN DIEGO PADRES (R) Kennedy, I 6.5u15 6.5u15 / 6.5 6.5o15 +1.5(-155)
STL-LF-Matt Holliday-OUT | TV: FS-Midwest, FS-San Diego, DTV: 671, 694 | PARTLY CLOUDY, WIND LEFT TO RIGHT 3-8. GAME TEMP 75, RH 63% HEAT INDEX 78
1:05 PM EDT
915 CLEVELAND INDIANS (R) Salazar, D 8 7.5u11 / 7.5 / 7.5o15 7.5 +1.5(-195)
916 NEW YORK YANKEES (R) Severino, L -135 -132 / -140 / -126 -125 -1.5(+165)
NYY-1B-Mark Teixeira-Doubtful | NYY-3B-Alex Rodriguez-Doubtful | TV: MLB, SportsTime Ohio, YES, DTV: 213, 631, 662 | MOSTLY FAIR, WIND IN FROM LEFT 4-9. GAME TEMP 83, RH 39% HEAT INDEX 83
7:05 PM EDT
917 TEXAS RANGERS (R) Gallardo, Y -120 -120 / -119 -121 -1.5(+135)
918 DETROIT TIGERS (L) Wolf, R 9o15 9o15 / 9o20 / 9o15 9o20 +1.5(-155)
TV: FS-1, DTV: 219 | MOSTLY FAIR, WIND IN FROM CENTER 3-8. GAME TEMP 78, RH 46% HEAT INDEX 79
7:05 PM EDT
919 MINNESOTA TWINS (R) Gibson, K 8.5o15 8.5o15 / 8.5 8.5u15 +1.5(-140)
920 BALTIMORE ORIOLES (R) Tillman, C -160 -160 / -165 / -164 -171 -1.5(+120)
TV: FS-North, MASN, DTV: 640, 668 | FAIR, WIND IN FROM LEFT 4-9. GAME TEMP 81, RH 39% HEAT INDEX 81
7:10 PM EDT
921 KANSAS CITY ROYALS (R) Ventura, Y -140 -140 / -135 / -144 -143 -1.5(+110)
922 BOSTON RED SOX (R) Barnes, M 9o20 9.5u20 / 9.5u28 / 9u15 9u25 +1.5(-130)
TV: FS-Kansas City, NESN, DTV: 628, 672 | MOSTLY CLOUDY, 40% CHANCE LIGHT SHOWERS. WIND IN FROM CENTER 4-9. GAME TEMP 73, RH 84% HEAT INDEX 77
9:05 PM EDT
923 TAMPA BAY RAYS (R) Ramirez, E 7 7 / 7u20 7 +1.5(-185)
924 OAKLAND ATHLETICS (R) Gray, S -115 -127 / -125 / -130 -140 -1.5(+165)
TV: CSN-California, MLB, SunSports, DTV: 213, 653, 698 | PARTLY CLOUDY, WIND OUT TO RIGHT 7-12. GAME TEMP 73, RH 57% HEAT INDEX 75
9:05 PM EDT
925 TORONTO BLUE JAYS (R) Estrada, M 7.5o15 -115 / -120 / -118 -117 -1.5(+140)
926 LOS ANGELES ANGELS (L) Heaney, A -115 8o20 / 8o15 / 8o12 8 +1.5(-160)
TV: FS-West, MLB, DTV: 213, 692 | PARTLY CLOUDY, WIND OUT TO CENTER 4-9. GAME TEMP 77, RH 59% HEAT INDEX 79
9:10 PM EDT
927 CHICAGO WHITE SOX (L) Rodon, C 7.5u15 -106 / -111 / -110 -111 -1.5(+145)
928 SEATTLE MARINERS (L) Nuno, V -120 7.5u15 7.5u20 +1.5(-165)
TV: ROOT-Northwest, WGN, DTV: 307, 687 | MOSTLY FAIR, WIND LEFT TO RIGHT 3-8. GAME TEMP 80, RH 32% HEAT INDEX 79
7:10 PM EDT
929 LOS ANGELES DODGERS (R) Greinke, Z -125 -130 / -120 / -122 -120 -1.5(+140)
930 HOUSTON ASTROS (L) Kazmir, S 7 7 / 7o15 7o20 +1.5(-160)
TV: ROOT-Southwest, DTV: 674 | MOSTLY CLOUDY, 40% CHANCE SHOWER/STORMS. WIND OUT TO LEFT 6-11. GAME TEMP 88, RH 61% HEAT INDEX 96 (MINUTE MAID PARK ROOF CLOSES IN WET WEATHER)
MLB Consensus Picks
SIDES (ATS)
4:05 PM Atlanta +196 264 32.04% Chi. Cubs -214 560 67.96% View View
4:05 PM San Francisco +147 294 34.96% Pittsburgh -160 547 65.04% View View
1:05 PM Cleveland +121 343 35.62% NY Yankees -131 620 64.38% View View
TOTALS (OVER/UNDER)
4:05 PM Atlanta 9 63 42.86% Chi. Cubs 9 84 57.14% View View
1:05 PM Cleveland 7.5 258 49.43% NY Yankees 7.5 264 50.57% View View
4:05 PM San Francisco 7 125 59.24% Pittsburgh 7 86 40.76% View View
SIDES (ATS)
4:05 PM Atlanta +196 264 32.04% Chi. Cubs -214 560 67.96% View View
4:05 PM San Francisco +147 294 34.96% Pittsburgh -160 547 65.04% View View
1:05 PM Cleveland +121 343 35.62% NY Yankees -131 620 64.38% View View
TOTALS (OVER/UNDER)
4:05 PM Atlanta 9 63 42.86% Chi. Cubs 9 84 57.14% View View
1:05 PM Cleveland 7.5 258 49.43% NY Yankees 7.5 264 50.57% View View
4:05 PM San Francisco 7 125 59.24% Pittsburgh 7 86 40.76% View View
SATURDAY, AUGUST 22
Game Score Status Pick Amount
Cleveland - 1:05 PM ET Cleveland +121 500 DOUBLE PLAY
NY Yankees - Over 7.5 500
Atlanta - 4:05 PM ET Atlanta +196 500 TRIPLE PLAY
Chi. Cubs - Over 9 500
San Francisco - 4:05 PM ET San Francisco +147 500 DOUBLE GRAND SLAM....................UNDERDOG OF THE YEAR !
Pittsburgh - Over 7 500 GRAND SLAM
Game Score Status Pick Amount
Cleveland - 1:05 PM ET Cleveland +121 500 DOUBLE PLAY
NY Yankees - Over 7.5 500
Atlanta - 4:05 PM ET Atlanta +196 500 TRIPLE PLAY
Chi. Cubs - Over 9 500
San Francisco - 4:05 PM ET San Francisco +147 500 DOUBLE GRAND SLAM....................UNDERDOG OF THE YEAR !
Pittsburgh - Over 7 500 GRAND SLAM
MLB
Saturday, August 22
Harang has been pitching terribly since All-Star break
After starting the season strong Philadelphia Phillies' Aaron Harang has been imploding. In his three starts since the All-Star break, Harang is 0-3 with a 10.80 ERA while allowing opponents to hit .382.
The Phillies have also lost 12 of Harang's past 13 starts, dating back to May 19.
Philadelphia is +116 when they visit the Miami Marlins Saturday.
Tillman yet to register a win against Twins
Chris Tillman takes to the mound and faces off against the Minnesota Twins, the lone American League club he has never registered a win against. In five career starts against the Twins, Tillman is 0-3 with a 5.06 ERA.
Since the All-Star Break however, Tillman is 3-0 with a 2.18 ERA in five starts.
The Baltimore Orioles are currently -164 when they host the Twins Saturday.
Ventura struggling to get wins on the road
The Kansas City Royals have gone 3-6 when Yordano Ventura takes to the mound away from Kauffman Stadium this season. That includes te Royals dropping six of their past seven road starts with Ventura on the rubber.
In nine road starts this season, Ventura is 2-3 with a 5.43 ERA while surrendering eight home runs.
KC is currently -141 when they visit the Boston Red Sox Saturday.
Rangers beating up on left-handed starters
The Texas Rangers have won their past six games when they square-off against left-handed starters. The opposing starters have been struggling, giving up 26 earned runs over 31.2 innings pitched.
Oddly enough, the Rangers have not been hitting the lefties as well as right-handed. Texas has a .247/.310/.399 statline against left-handers compared to .259/.323/.413 against righties.
The Rangers are currently -120 when they visit the Detroit Tigers and pitcher Randy Wolf Saturday.
Over red-hot at Fenway Park
Over bettors have been loving Fenway Park as of late due to the Boston Red Sox going above the closing total in 14 out of their last 16 home games.
The stage is set at Fenway once again Saturday when the BoSox welcome the Kansas City Royals to town. Yordano Ventura is the probable starter for KC, while Matt Barnes is slated to counter for Boston.
The total for the game is currently sitting at 9.
Over cashing when the Nationals and Brewers meet
In the past seven meetings between the Washington Nationals and Milwaukee Brewers the over has cashed on six occasions. The two teams have combined for 9.9 runs per game in those contests.
The Nats have been a solid over team this season with a 63-54-4 over/under mark, but the Brew Crew have been average posting a 58-57-8.
The total is currently set at 7 when the Nats host the Brewers Saturday.
Reds looking to end seven game slump
The Cincinnati Reds have lost 13 of their past 16 games, including their past seven consecutive contests. During their seven game skid the Reds have averaged a 2.5 runs per game.
The Reds are the fourth-worst money team in the MLB this season, losing their backers $1793 (on $100 bet per game).
Cincy is currently -120 when they host the Arizona Diamondbacks Saturday.
Saturday, August 22
Harang has been pitching terribly since All-Star break
After starting the season strong Philadelphia Phillies' Aaron Harang has been imploding. In his three starts since the All-Star break, Harang is 0-3 with a 10.80 ERA while allowing opponents to hit .382.
The Phillies have also lost 12 of Harang's past 13 starts, dating back to May 19.
Philadelphia is +116 when they visit the Miami Marlins Saturday.
Tillman yet to register a win against Twins
Chris Tillman takes to the mound and faces off against the Minnesota Twins, the lone American League club he has never registered a win against. In five career starts against the Twins, Tillman is 0-3 with a 5.06 ERA.
Since the All-Star Break however, Tillman is 3-0 with a 2.18 ERA in five starts.
The Baltimore Orioles are currently -164 when they host the Twins Saturday.
Ventura struggling to get wins on the road
The Kansas City Royals have gone 3-6 when Yordano Ventura takes to the mound away from Kauffman Stadium this season. That includes te Royals dropping six of their past seven road starts with Ventura on the rubber.
In nine road starts this season, Ventura is 2-3 with a 5.43 ERA while surrendering eight home runs.
KC is currently -141 when they visit the Boston Red Sox Saturday.
Rangers beating up on left-handed starters
The Texas Rangers have won their past six games when they square-off against left-handed starters. The opposing starters have been struggling, giving up 26 earned runs over 31.2 innings pitched.
Oddly enough, the Rangers have not been hitting the lefties as well as right-handed. Texas has a .247/.310/.399 statline against left-handers compared to .259/.323/.413 against righties.
The Rangers are currently -120 when they visit the Detroit Tigers and pitcher Randy Wolf Saturday.
Over red-hot at Fenway Park
Over bettors have been loving Fenway Park as of late due to the Boston Red Sox going above the closing total in 14 out of their last 16 home games.
The stage is set at Fenway once again Saturday when the BoSox welcome the Kansas City Royals to town. Yordano Ventura is the probable starter for KC, while Matt Barnes is slated to counter for Boston.
The total for the game is currently sitting at 9.
Over cashing when the Nationals and Brewers meet
In the past seven meetings between the Washington Nationals and Milwaukee Brewers the over has cashed on six occasions. The two teams have combined for 9.9 runs per game in those contests.
The Nats have been a solid over team this season with a 63-54-4 over/under mark, but the Brew Crew have been average posting a 58-57-8.
The total is currently set at 7 when the Nats host the Brewers Saturday.
Reds looking to end seven game slump
The Cincinnati Reds have lost 13 of their past 16 games, including their past seven consecutive contests. During their seven game skid the Reds have averaged a 2.5 runs per game.
The Reds are the fourth-worst money team in the MLB this season, losing their backers $1793 (on $100 bet per game).
Cincy is currently -120 when they host the Arizona Diamondbacks Saturday.
B]MLB[/B]
Saturday, August 22
Over bettors rejoicing when Mets hit the diamond
The over has cashed in each of the New York Mets past five games. Those games have seen the Mets average 5.4 runs while allowing 6.0 runs per game.
The Mets are 59-56-6 over/under this season, the few overs in the National League West to date.
The Mets visit the Colorado Rockies with the total currently set at 10.5.
Top over team and top under team meet Saturday
It will be the tale of two teams when the St. Louis Cardinals and San Diego Padres met Saturday. The Cardinals have the top under record in baseball (44-71-6 O/U) while the Padres are the top over team (69-49-4 O/U).
The under has been hot for the two starting pitchers however. The Cards will start Carlos Martinez who has posted a 10-2-2 over/under record in his past 14 starts. The Padres counter with Ian Kennedy, who has cashed the under in 10 of his past 12 starts.
The total when the Padres host the Cards is currently set at 6.5.
Saturday, August 22
Over bettors rejoicing when Mets hit the diamond
The over has cashed in each of the New York Mets past five games. Those games have seen the Mets average 5.4 runs while allowing 6.0 runs per game.
The Mets are 59-56-6 over/under this season, the few overs in the National League West to date.
The Mets visit the Colorado Rockies with the total currently set at 10.5.
Top over team and top under team meet Saturday
It will be the tale of two teams when the St. Louis Cardinals and San Diego Padres met Saturday. The Cardinals have the top under record in baseball (44-71-6 O/U) while the Padres are the top over team (69-49-4 O/U).
The under has been hot for the two starting pitchers however. The Cards will start Carlos Martinez who has posted a 10-2-2 over/under record in his past 14 starts. The Padres counter with Ian Kennedy, who has cashed the under in 10 of his past 12 starts.
The total when the Padres host the Cards is currently set at 6.5.
MLB
Saturday, August 22
Angels cashing tickets with Heaney at home
Pitching in the California sun has been great for Los Angeles Angels left-hander Andrew Heaney recently.
The Halos are a perfect 6-0 in Heaney's last six outings at home. He'll be on the hill Saturday opposite Marco Estrada's Toronto Blue Jays in the Golden State.
After opening the Angels -110, sportsbooks have since adjusted that number to +106.
Saturday, August 22
Angels cashing tickets with Heaney at home
Pitching in the California sun has been great for Los Angeles Angels left-hander Andrew Heaney recently.
The Halos are a perfect 6-0 in Heaney's last six outings at home. He'll be on the hill Saturday opposite Marco Estrada's Toronto Blue Jays in the Golden State.
After opening the Angels -110, sportsbooks have since adjusted that number to +106.
SATURDAY, AUGUST 22
Game Score Status Pick Amount
Miami - 7:00 PM ET Carolina -1.5 500 DOUBLE PLAY
Carolina - Under 40 500
Baltimore - 7:00 PM ET Baltimore +4 500 *****
Philadelphia - Over 44.5 500 TRIPLE PLAY
Chicago - 7:30 PM ET Chicago +3 500
Indianapolis - Over 41 500
New England - 7:30 PM ET New Orleans -2.5 500 BLOW OUT
New Orleans - Over 43 500 DOUBLE PLAY
Jacksonville - 7:30 PM ET N.Y. Giants -3 500 *****
N.Y. Giants - Under 40.5 500 *****
Oakland - 8:00 PM ET Oakland +4 500 TRIPLE PLAY
Minnesota - Under 38 500 TRIPLE PLAY
Denver - 8:00 PM ET Houston -2.5 500
Houston - Over 41 500 DOUBLE PLAY
San Diego - 10:00 PM ET San Diego +3 500 *****
Arizona - Over 40 500 *****
Game Score Status Pick Amount
Miami - 7:00 PM ET Carolina -1.5 500 DOUBLE PLAY
Carolina - Under 40 500
Baltimore - 7:00 PM ET Baltimore +4 500 *****
Philadelphia - Over 44.5 500 TRIPLE PLAY
Chicago - 7:30 PM ET Chicago +3 500
Indianapolis - Over 41 500
New England - 7:30 PM ET New Orleans -2.5 500 BLOW OUT
New Orleans - Over 43 500 DOUBLE PLAY
Jacksonville - 7:30 PM ET N.Y. Giants -3 500 *****
N.Y. Giants - Under 40.5 500 *****
Oakland - 8:00 PM ET Oakland +4 500 TRIPLE PLAY
Minnesota - Under 38 500 TRIPLE PLAY
Denver - 8:00 PM ET Houston -2.5 500
Houston - Over 41 500 DOUBLE PLAY
San Diego - 10:00 PM ET San Diego +3 500 *****
Arizona - Over 40 500 *****
SATURDAY, AUGUST 22
Game Score Status Pick Amount
Minnesota - 7:05 PM ET Minnesota +149 500 DOUBLE PLAY
Baltimore - Under 8.5 500
Milwaukee - 7:05 PM ET Milwaukee +136 500 DOUBLE PLAY
Washington - Over 7 500
Texas - 7:08 PM ET Texas -106 500
Detroit - Over 9 500
Kansas City - 7:10 PM ET Boston +123 500 TRIPLE PLAY
Boston - Over 9 500
LA Dodgers - 7:10 PM ET Houston +111 500 *****
Houston - Under 7 500
Arizona - 7:10 PM ET Cincinnati -116 500
Cincinnati - Under 8 500
Philadelphia - 7:10 PM ET Miami -126 500 TRIPLE PLAY
Miami - Over 8 500
NY Mets - 8:10 PM ET NY Mets -117 500 GRAND SLAM
Colorado - Under 10.5 500
St. Louis - 8:40 PM ET San Diego +115 500 DOUBLE PLAY
San Diego - Under 6.5 500
Toronto - 9:05 PM ET LA Angels +108 500
LA Angels - Under 8 500
Tampa Bay - 9:05 PM ET Tampa Bay +124 500
Oakland - Under 7 500
Chi. White Sox - 9:10 PM ET Chi. White Sox -111 500 DOUBLE PLAY
Seattle - Under 7.5 500
Game Score Status Pick Amount
Minnesota - 7:05 PM ET Minnesota +149 500 DOUBLE PLAY
Baltimore - Under 8.5 500
Milwaukee - 7:05 PM ET Milwaukee +136 500 DOUBLE PLAY
Washington - Over 7 500
Texas - 7:08 PM ET Texas -106 500
Detroit - Over 9 500
Kansas City - 7:10 PM ET Boston +123 500 TRIPLE PLAY
Boston - Over 9 500
LA Dodgers - 7:10 PM ET Houston +111 500 *****
Houston - Under 7 500
Arizona - 7:10 PM ET Cincinnati -116 500
Cincinnati - Under 8 500
Philadelphia - 7:10 PM ET Miami -126 500 TRIPLE PLAY
Miami - Over 8 500
NY Mets - 8:10 PM ET NY Mets -117 500 GRAND SLAM
Colorado - Under 10.5 500
St. Louis - 8:40 PM ET San Diego +115 500 DOUBLE PLAY
San Diego - Under 6.5 500
Toronto - 9:05 PM ET LA Angels +108 500
LA Angels - Under 8 500
Tampa Bay - 9:05 PM ET Tampa Bay +124 500
Oakland - Under 7 500
Chi. White Sox - 9:10 PM ET Chi. White Sox -111 500 DOUBLE PLAY
Seattle - Under 7.5 500
