Cnotes Sports Page For Tuesday July 21st Best Bets-Trends-News !

[CNOTES]

MLB


Tuesday, July 21




Royals activate RHP Medlen


The Kansas City Royals activated right-hander Kris Medlen from the disabled list Monday and sent right-hander Yohan Pino to Triple-A Omaha.




Nationals face one star pitcher after another


WASHINGTON -- The short-handed Washington Nationals offense is catching no breaks.


Without several top hitters, the Nationals will have to face New York Mets All-Star right-hander Jacob deGrom on Tuesday in the second game of a three-game series.


In the previous three games, the Nationals faced Clayton Kershaw and Zack Greinke of the Dodgers and Matt Harvey of the Mets.


The three combined to allow four earned runs in 23 innings against Washington, which has regulars Anthony Rendon, Jayson Werth, Ryan Zimmerman and Denard Span on the disabled list. The Nationals did manage to beat Harvey and the Mets 7-2 Monday.




Giants' Lincecum has hip problems


SAN DIEGO -- It's clear Tim Lincecum's arm is not what it once was.


That goes for his hips, too.


Lincecum, who is on the disabled list with a bruised right forearm, returned on Monday from Tennessee where he saw a hip specialist.


"HIs arm is fine, but there was stuff going on in there (with his hips),'' manager Bruce Bochy said.


The MRI, according to Bochy, showed degenerative issues with the hips. "Which is normal for athletes,'' Bochy said.


Lincecum is 7-4 with a 4.13 ERA over 15 starts.


"He's going to rest for five days or so and then he will resume throwing,'' Bochy said.




Nola to make debut for Phillies on Tuesday


PHILADELPHIA -- The Philadelphia Phillies, owners of the major leagues' worst record, created some buzz by announcing last week that right-hander Aaron Nola, their No. 1 draft pick in June 2014, would make his debut with a start against Tampa Bay on Tuesday.


Nola arrived in Philadelphia on Monday, and while he said he's "just ready to get things started around here," sounded nothing like a savior.


"I just want to be the best that I can be," he said. "I want to go out there and give it everything I have and every time I step in between the lines, try to keep the team in the game and give them the best chance to win."


Nola was 7-3 with a 1.88 ERA in 12 starts at Reading this season, and 3-1 with a 3.58 ERA in six starts for Triple-A Lehigh Valley.




Dodgers place C Ellis on DL, recall C Barnes


The Los Angeles Dodgers, already without catcher Yasmani Grandal, placed catcher A.J. Ellis on the 15-day disabled list Monday with inflammation in his right knee.


The Dodgers recalled catcher Austin Barnes from Triple-A Oklahoma City, and he started Monday night.


Ellis felt tightness in the knee on the team plane Sunday night. An MRI on Monday showed no structural damage, but manager Don Mattingly said Ellis can't crouch into position.


"No real structural damage, just knee inflammation," Mattingly said. "(He) actually did pretty good today. I know he was trying to stay off that (DL).


"He was able to hit and throw -- pretty much do everything but get into the deep crouch. And that's really the one thing we've got to be able to do."


Grandal was hit in the mask by a pitch Sunday. X-rays of his jaw were negative, and he is expected to return Wednesday.

 

[CNOTES]

MLB
Armadillo's Write-Up

Tuesday, July 21


National League
Mets @ Nationals
Harvey is 2-2, 1.99 in his last five starts; four of those five stayed under.

Gonzalez is 2-0, 0.90 in his last three starts; three of his last four home starts stayed under the total.

Mets are 4-6 in last ten games with Washington; six of last eight series games stayed under total. Nats won nine of last 13 home games; 11 of their last 13 home games stayed under. NY is 6-4 in its last 10 road games; 13 of their last 17 road games stayed under.

Cubs @ Reds
Richard allowed two runs in 6.1 IP (91 PT) in his first '15 start.

Lorenzen is 0-2, 3.45 in his last three starts; four of his last five stayed under he total- Reds scored two runs in the three games.

Chicago lost four of last six games; under is 8-2-1 in their last 11 on road. Reds lost six of their last eight home games. Cubs won six of their last seven games with Cincinnati.

Dodgers @ Braves
Former Brave Beachy allowed three runs in four IP (78 PT) in his first '15 start, his first MLB start since 2013.

Wisler is 2-0, 2.65 in his last three starts; under is 4-0-1 in his last five.

Braves won eight of last 12 home games; 11 of their last 14 games at home stayed under. LA is 14-6 in its last 20 games, 8-2 in last ten on road,. Under is 13-3 in their last 16 road games. Dodgers won eight of last ten games with the Braves; three of last four went over.

Giants @ Padres
Hudson was 2-2, 5.48 in his last four starts before going on DL; three of the four games went over.

Kennedy is 0-4, 7.17 in his last four starts; his last six starts stayed under.

Giants won four of last six games with San Diego; four of last six went under total. SF won last its six games, outscoring foes 43-19; over is 22-8 in their last 30 road games. San Diego lost six of last ten home games; over is 13-5-1 in their last 19 at home.

American League
Mariners @ Tigers
Happ is 1-4, 6.23 in his last six starts; over is 3-1-1 in his last five. .

Simon is 1-3, 11.41 in his last five starts; his last seven starts went over.

Seattle lost four of last six games; under is 10-2 in Seattle's last 12 road games. Tigers lost five of last six games; over is 23-3 in their last 26 games, 11-1 in their last dozen at home. Mariners are 5-3 in their last eight games vs Detroit.

Red Sox @ Angels
Rodriguez is 2-0, 2.08 in his last three starts; four of his last six went over. Wright is 1-2, 4.70 in his last four starts, last of which was June 4.

Santiago is 2-0, 1.00 in his last four starts; under is 8-4 in his last 12. Angels are 4-0 when Heaney starts (3-0, 1.32, over 2-2).

Boston lost seven of last nine games with the Angels; seven of last ten games stayed under total. Red Sox didn't score the last two games. Halos are 16-7 in last 23 home games, with last nine all staying under total.

Interleague
Rays @ Phillies
Moore is 1-0, 7.07 in his three starts (14 IP, over 2-0-1).

Buchanon is 0-5, 7.58 in his six starts (over 3-2-1).

Tampa Bay lost eight of last 11 road games; over is 11-6-1 in their last 18 games overall. Phillies lost four of last five games with Tampa; three of last four went over. Philly won last three games; four of their last six went over.

Pirates @ Royals
Burnett is 1-0, 2.67 in his lst four starts, three of which went over.

Ventura is 1-3, 5.04 in his last five starts; under is 5-1-1 in his last seven.

Pirates won five of last six games with Kansas City (under 5-1); home side won eight of last nine series games. Pittsburgh lost last three games, allowing 18 runs; four of their last six went over. Royals won eight of last ten games; three of their last four stayed under.

Rangers @ Rockies
Martinez is 0-3, 6.66 in his last four starts; four of his last five went under.

Rusin is 0-1, 4.91 in his last three starts; Rockies are 0-6 in his starts if they score less than 10 runs- over is 2-1 in his home starts.

Texas lost 18 of last 23 games; under is 9-4-1 in last 14 road games. Colorado won last four home games, allowing 11 runs; five of their last seven games overall went under the total. Rockies won three of last four games vs Texas.

Win-loss records this year for team with this starting pitcher:
NY-Wsh-- Harvey 10-7; Gonzalez 10-6
Chi-Cin-- Richard 1-0; Lorenzen 5-7
LA-Atl-- Beachy 0-1; Wisler 3-2
Mia-Az-- Phelps 5-9; de la Rosa 9-9
SF-SD-- Hudson 7-8; Kennedy 6-10

Sea-Det-- Happ 7-10; Simon 9-8
Bos-LAA-- Rodriguez 6-3 Wright 1-3; Santiago 10-7 Heaney 4-0

TB-Phil-- Moore 1-2; Buchanon 0-6
Pitt-KC-- Burnett 11-7; Ventura 5-8
Tex-Colo-- Martinez 9-7; Rusin 2-6

Times this starting pitcher allowed a run in first inning:
NY-Wsh-- Harvey 5-17; Gonzalez 2-16
Chi-Cin-- Richard 0-1; Lorenzen 5-12
LA-Atl-- Beachy 0-1; Wisler 3-5
Mia-Az-- Phelps 5-14; de la Rosa 5-18
SF-SD-- Hudson 5-15; Kennedy 6-16

Sea-Det-- Happ 6-17; Simon 3-17
Bos-LAA-- Rodriguez 6-3 Wright 1-4; Santiago 10-7 Heaney 0-4

TB-Phil-- Moore 1-3; Buchanon 2-6
Pitt-KC-- Burnett 4-18; Ventura 4-13
Tex-Colo-- Martinez 3-16; Rusin 3-8

 

[CNOTES]

MLB

Tuesday, July 21

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

7:05 PM
BALTIMORE vs. NY YANKEES
Baltimore is 4-9 SU in its last 13 games
Baltimore is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games on the road
NY Yankees are 4-1 SU in their last 5 games at home
NY Yankees are 4-1 SU in their last 5 games when playing at home against Baltimore

7:05 PM
NY METS vs. WASHINGTON
The total has gone UNDER in 7 of NY Mets's last 10 games
NY Mets are 3-6 SU in its last 9 games when playing on the road against Washington
Washington is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games when playing NY Mets
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Washington's last 9 games when playing NY Mets

7:05 PM
TAMPA BAY vs. PHILADELPHIA
Tampa Bay is 2-6 SU in its last 8 games when playing on the road against Philadelphia
Tampa Bay is 5-14 SU in its last 19 games
The total has gone OVER in 17 of Philadelphia's last 22 games at home
Philadelphia is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games at home

7:08 PM
SEATTLE vs. DETROIT
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Seattle's last 5 games on the road
Seattle is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games
The total has gone OVER in 9 of Detroit's last 13 games when playing at home against Seattle
The total has gone OVER in 11 of Detroit's last 13 games at home

7:10 PM
CHI CUBS vs. CINCINNATI
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Chi Cubs's last 5 games
Chi Cubs are 5-2 SU in their last 7 games on the road
Cincinnati is 2-5 SU in its last 7 games at home
Cincinnati is 3-10 SU in their last 13 games when playing Chi Cubs

7:10 PM
LA DODGERS vs. ATLANTA
The total has gone UNDER in 13 of LA Dodgers's last 18 games on the road
LA Dodgers are 6-3 SU in their last 9 games
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Atlanta's last 7 games when playing at home against LA Dodgers
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Atlanta's last 5 games when playing LA Dodgers

8:10 PM
BOSTON vs. HOUSTON
Boston is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Boston's last 6 games on the road
Houston is 5-15 SU in its last 20 games when playing Boston
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Houston's last 5 games when playing at home against Boston

8:10 PM
ST. LOUIS vs. CHI WHITE SOX
St. Louis is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games
The total has gone OVER in 6 of St. Louis's last 7 games on the road
Chi White Sox are 1-4 SU in their last 5 games
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Chi White Sox's last 6 games when playing St. Louis

8:10 PM
CLEVELAND vs. MILWAUKEE
The total has gone OVER in 7 of Cleveland's last 10 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Cleveland's last 7 games when playing Milwaukee
Milwaukee is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Milwaukee's last 6 games at home

8:10 PM
PITTSBURGH vs. KANSAS CITY
Pittsburgh is 12-5 SU in its last 17 games
Pittsburgh is 2-5 SU in its last 7 games when playing on the road against Kansas City
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Kansas City's last 7 games when playing Pittsburgh
Kansas City is 5-2 SU in its last 7 games when playing at home against Pittsburgh

8:40 PM
TEXAS vs. COLORADO
Texas is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games when playing Colorado
Texas is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games on the road
Colorado is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games at home
Colorado is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games when playing Texas

9:40 PM
MIAMI vs. ARIZONA
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Miami's last 6 games
Miami is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games
Arizona is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games when playing at home against Miami
The total has gone UNDER in 8 of Arizona's last 9 games when playing at home against Miami

10:05 PM
MINNESOTA vs. LA ANGELS
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Minnesota's last 8 games on the road
Minnesota is 0-5 SU in their last 5 games when playing LA Angels
The total has gone OVER in 9 of LA Angels's last 13 games
LA Angels are 5-0 SU in their last 5 games

10:05 PM
TORONTO vs. OAKLAND
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Toronto's last 7 games
Toronto is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games when playing Oakland
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Oakland's last 5 games at home
The total has gone UNDER in 11 of Oakland's last 15 games

10:10 PM
SAN FRANCISCO vs. SAN DIEGO
San Francisco is 6-1 SU in its last 7 games
San Francisco is 1-7 SU in its last 8 games when playing on the road against San Diego
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of San Diego's last 7 games when playing San Francisco
San Diego is 7-1 SU in its last 8 games when playing at home against San Francisco

 

[CNOTES]

MLB
Dunkel

Tuesday, July 21


NY Mets @ Washington

Game 901-902
July 21, 2015 @ 7:05 pm

Dunkel Rating:
NY Mets
(deGrom) 16.667
Washington
(Ross) 15.102
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
NY Mets
by 1 1/2
8
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
NY Mets
-125
7
Dunkel Pick:
NY Mets
(-125); Over

Chicago Cubs @ Cincinnati

Game 903-904
July 21, 2015 @ 7:10 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Chicago Cubs
(Hammel) 16.812
Cincinnati
(Iglesias) 15.210
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Chicago Cubs
by 1 1/2
10
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Chicago Cubs
-135
8 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Chicago Cubs
(-135); Over

LA Dodgers @ Atlanta

Game 905-906
July 21, 2015 @ 7:10 pm

Dunkel Rating:
LA Dodgers
(Anderson) 14.557
Atlanta
(Wood) 15.347
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Atlanta
by 1
7
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
LA Dodgers
-140
7 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Atlanta
(+120); Under

Miami @ Arizona

Game 907-908
July 21, 2015 @ 9:40 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Miami
(Latos) 14.149
Arizona
(Hellcksn) 13.222
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Miami
by 1
7
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Arizona
-130
8
Dunkel Pick:
Miami
(+110); Under

San Francisco @ San Diego

Game 909-910
July 21, 2015 @ 10:10 pm

Dunkel Rating:
San Francisco
(Heston) 15.128
San Diego
(Despaigne) 16.257
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
San Diego
by 1
6
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
San Francisco
-135
7
Dunkel Pick:
San Diego
(+115); Under

Baltimore @ NY Yankees

Game 911-912
July 21, 2015 @ 7:05 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Baltimore
(Chen) 16.963
NY Yankees
(Eovaldi) 15.457
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Baltimore
by 1 1/2
7
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
NY Yankees
-125
8 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Baltimore
(+105); Under

Seattle @ Detroit

Game 913-914
July 21, 2015 @ 7:08 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Seattle
(Walker) 16.453
Detroit
(Greene) 14.873
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Seattle
by 1 1/2
8
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Seattle
-120
9
Dunkel Pick:
Seattle
(-120); Under

Boston @ Houston

Game 915-916
July 21, 2015 @ 8:10 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Boston
(Johnson) 14.760
Houston
(Velasquez) 17.460
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Houston
by 1 1/2
8
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Houston
-125
8 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Houston
(-125); Under

Toronto @ Oakland

Game 917-918
July 21, 2015 @ 10:05 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Toronto
(Buehrle) 17.995
Oakland
(Gravemn) 16.419
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Toronto
by 1 1/2
9
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Oakland
-110
7 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Toronto
(-110); Over

Minnesota @ LA Angels

Game 919-920
July 21, 2015 @ 10:05 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Minnesota
(Gibson) 16.896
LA Angels
(Shoemker) 15.775
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Minnesota
by 1
8
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
LA Angels
-160
7 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Minnesota
(+140); Over

Tampa Bay @ Philadelphia

Game 921-922
July 21, 2015 @ 7:05 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Tampa Bay
(Karns) 15.222
Philadelphia
(Nola) 13.219
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Tampa Bay
by 2
9
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Tampa Bay
-140
8
Dunkel Pick:
Tampa Bay
(-140); Over

Cleveland @ Milwaukee

Game 923-924
July 21, 2015 @ 8:10 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Cleveland
(Salazar) 15.252
Milwaukee
(Garza) 13.787
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Cleveland
by 1 1/2
9
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Cleveland
-130
8
Dunkel Pick:
Cleveland
(-130); Over

St. Louis @ Chicago White Sox

Game 925-926
July 21, 2015 @ 8:10 pm

Dunkel Rating:
St. Louis
(Wacha) 16.267
Chicago White Sox
(Rodon) 17.129
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Chicago White Sox
by 1
9
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
St. Louis
-145
8
Dunkel Pick:
Chicago White Sox
(+125); Over

Pittsburgh @ Kansas City

Game 927-928
July 21, 2015 @ 8:10 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Pittsburgh
(Cole) 14.129
Kansas City
(Vargas) 16.787
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Kansas City
by 2 1/2
8
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Pittsburgh
-130
7
Dunkel Pick:
Kansas City
(+110); Over

Texas @ Colorado

Game 929-930
July 21, 2015 @ 8:40 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Texas
(Harrisn) 13.557
Colorado
(Kendrick) 15.060
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Colorado
by 1 1/2
12
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Colorado
-110
11
Dunkel Pick:
Colorado
(-110); Over

 

[CNOTES]

MLB
Long Sheet

Tuesday, July 21

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

NY METS (48 - 45) at WASHINGTON (50 - 41) - 7:05 PM
JACOB DEGROM (R) vs. JOE ROSS (R)
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

Head-to-Head Series History
WASHINGTON is 5-3 (+1.3 Units) against NY METS this season
5 of 8 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+1.6 Units)

JACOB DEGROM vs. WASHINGTON since 1997
DEGROM is 0-2 when starting against WASHINGTON with an ERA of 4.15 and a WHIP of 1.327.
His team's record is 0-3 (-3.0 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 1-2. (-1.4 units)

JOE ROSS vs. NY METS since 1997
No recent starts.

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

CHICAGO CUBS (49 - 42) at CINCINNATI (41 - 49) - 7:10 PM
JASON HAMMEL (R) vs. RAISEL IGLESIAS (R)
Top Trends for this game.
CHICAGO CUBS are 1436-1595 (-278.8 Units) against the money line in all games since 1997.
CHICAGO CUBS are 1379-1508 (-253.6 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field since 1997.
CHICAGO CUBS are 1054-1189 (-216.7 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters since 1997.
CHICAGO CUBS are 701-703 (-160.0 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record since 1997.
HAMMEL is 2-10 (-10.9 Units) against the money line in July games over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
HAMMEL is 4-17 (-17.9 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
CHICAGO CUBS are 23-15 (+9.9 Units) against the money line when playing on Tuesday over the last 2 seasons.
CHICAGO CUBS are 67-62 (+10.9 Units) against the money line after a loss over the last 2 seasons.
HAMMEL is 31-26 (+13.6 Units) against the money line in road games after a loss since 1997. (Team's Record)
CINCINNATI is 367-389 (-93.4 Units) against the money line in home games after a win since 1997.

Head-to-Head Series History
CHICAGO CUBS is 7-3 (+3.3 Units) against CINCINNATI this season
5 of 9 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+0.2 Units)

JASON HAMMEL vs. CINCINNATI since 1997
HAMMEL is 0-1 when starting against CINCINNATI with an ERA of 5.34 and a WHIP of 1.253.
His team's record is 3-2 (+1.0 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 2-3. (-1.6 units)

RAISEL IGLESIAS vs. CHICAGO CUBS since 1997
No recent starts.

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

LA DODGERS (53 - 41) at ATLANTA (44 - 49) - 7:10 PM
BRETT ANDERSON (L) vs. ALEX WOOD (L)
Top Trends for this game.
LA DODGERS are 53-41 (-9.1 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
LA DODGERS are 20-24 (-12.9 Units) against the money line in road games this season.
LA DODGERS are 53-41 (-9.1 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
LA DODGERS are 12-18 (-12.5 Units) against the money line in road games in night games this season.
ANDERSON is 3-12 (-12.5 Units) against the money line when playing on Tuesday since 1997. (Team's Record)
ATLANTA is 34-31 (+8.9 Units) against the money line in night games this season.
ATLANTA is 51-28 (+20.3 Units) against the money line in home games when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 3 seasons.
LA DODGERS are 72-36 (+23.9 Units) against the money line after a loss over the last 2 seasons.
ATLANTA is 12-26 (-17.4 Units) against the money line when playing on Tuesday over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
ATLANTA is 2-2 (+0.9 Units) against LA DODGERS this season
3 of 4 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+2.0 Units)

BRETT ANDERSON vs. ATLANTA since 1997
ANDERSON is 0-0 when starting against ATLANTA with an ERA of 2.57 and a WHIP of 1.286.
His team's record is 1-0 (+1.0 units) in these starts. The OVER is 1-0. (+1.0 units)

ALEX WOOD vs. LA DODGERS since 1997
WOOD is 1-0 when starting against LA DODGERS with an ERA of 1.29 and a WHIP of 1.214.
His team's record is 1-1 (+0.7 units) in these starts. The OVER is 0-2. (-2.1 units)

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

MIAMI (38 - 55) at ARIZONA (43 - 48) - 9:40 PM
MAT LATOS (R) vs. JEREMY HELLICKSON (R)
Top Trends for this game.
MIAMI is 38-55 (-16.7 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
MIAMI is 14-32 (-16.1 Units) against the money line in road games this season.
MIAMI is 38-52 (-13.7 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
MIAMI is 23-36 (-13.8 Units) against the money line in night games this season.
MIAMI is 29-42 (-13.4 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.
MIAMI is 19-35 (-14.4 Units) against the money line after a loss this season.
MIAMI is 20-30 (-12.6 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record this season.
ARIZONA is 22-13 (+9.5 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record this season.
MIAMI is 23-15 (+10.7 Units) against the money line when playing on Tuesday over the last 2 seasons.
ARIZONA is 107-146 (-33.7 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
ARIZONA is 56-70 (-18.1 Units) against the money line in home games over the last 2 seasons.
ARIZONA is 200-237 (-60.1 Units) against the money line when playing on Tuesday since 1997.
ARIZONA is 107-146 (-33.7 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
ARIZONA is 41-64 (-22.8 Units) against the money line after a win over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
ARIZONA is 5-0 (+5.9 Units) against MIAMI this season
4 of 5 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+2.8 Units)

MAT LATOS vs. ARIZONA since 1997
LATOS is 4-1 when starting against ARIZONA with an ERA of 3.32 and a WHIP of 1.158.
His team's record is 5-4 (-0.2 units) in these starts. The OVER is 3-4. (-1.5 units)

JEREMY HELLICKSON vs. MIAMI since 1997
HELLICKSON is 0-0 when starting against MIAMI with an ERA of 4.60 and a WHIP of 1.596.
His team's record is 3-0 (+3.3 units) in these starts. The OVER is 1-2. (-1.3 units)

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

SAN FRANCISCO (49 - 44) at SAN DIEGO (44 - 49) - 10:10 PM
CHRIS HESTON (R) vs. ODRISAMER DESPAIGNE (R)
Top Trends for this game.
SAN FRANCISCO is 25-31 (-10.4 Units) against the money line when the total is 7 or less this season.
SAN FRANCISCO is 27-39 (-18.9 Units) against the money line in July games over the last 3 seasons.
SAN DIEGO is 63-44 (+18.4 Units) against the money line in home games after a win over the last 3 seasons.
SAN DIEGO is 65-50 (+16.5 Units) against the money line in home games when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 3 seasons.
SAN DIEGO is 17-5 (+12.7 Units) against the money line in home games when playing against a team with a winning record in the second half of the season over the last 2 seasons.
SAN FRANCISCO is 149-123 (+17.5 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
SAN FRANCISCO is 73-63 (+17.5 Units) against the money line in road games over the last 2 seasons.
SAN FRANCISCO is 149-123 (+17.5 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
SAN FRANCISCO is 1053-884 (+115.6 Units) against the money line in night games since 1997.
SAN FRANCISCO is 52-41 (+15.9 Units) against the money line in road games against right-handed starters over the last 2 seasons.
SAN FRANCISCO is 376-376 (+42.1 Units) against the money line in road games after a loss since 1997.
SAN FRANCISCO is 36-17 (+16.3 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record in the second half of the season over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
SAN DIEGO is 6-5 (+1.4 Units) against SAN FRANCISCO this season
7 of 11 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+2.3 Units)

CHRIS HESTON vs. SAN DIEGO since 1997
HESTON is 1-1 when starting against SAN DIEGO with an ERA of 5.63 and a WHIP of 1.750.
His team's record is 2-1 (+0.8 units) in these starts. The OVER is 3-0. (+3.1 units)

ODRISAMER DESPAIGNE vs. SAN FRANCISCO since 1997
DESPAIGNE is 2-0 when starting against SAN FRANCISCO with an ERA of 1.08 and a WHIP of 0.800.
His team's record is 3-1 (+3.3 units) in these starts. The OVER is 1-3. (-2.3 units)

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

BALTIMORE (46 - 45) at NY YANKEES (50 - 41) - 7:05 PM
WEI-YIN CHEN (L) vs. NATHAN EOVALDI (R)
Top Trends for this game.
BALTIMORE is 6-19 (-14.0 Units) against the money line in road games in night games this season.
NY YANKEES are 13-4 (+8.4 Units) against the money line at home with a money line of -100 to -125 this season.
NY YANKEES are 28-18 (+9.3 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record this season.
BALTIMORE is 146-115 (+34.4 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
BALTIMORE is 65-63 (+13.0 Units) against the money line in road games over the last 2 seasons.
BALTIMORE is 72-49 (+25.3 Units) against the money line against division opponents over the last 2 seasons.
BALTIMORE is 130-102 (+29.3 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
BALTIMORE is 110-85 (+28.4 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters over the last 2 seasons.
BALTIMORE is 79-65 (+14.7 Units) against the money line after a win over the last 2 seasons.
BALTIMORE is 67-57 (+15.9 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.
BALTIMORE is 36-24 (+15.3 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record in the second half of the season over the last 2 seasons.
CHEN is 38-17 (+20.0 Units) against the money line when the total is 8 to 8.5 since 1997. (Team's Record)
CHEN is 29-16 (+13.0 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
CHEN is 24-13 (+12.6 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
NY YANKEES are 12-24 (-18.0 Units) against the money line when playing on Tuesday over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
BALTIMORE is 5-5 (+0.0 Units) against NY YANKEES this season
5 of 8 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+1.7 Units)

WEI-YIN CHEN vs. NY YANKEES since 1997
CHEN is 4-4 when starting against NY YANKEES with an ERA of 4.46 and a WHIP of 1.259.
His team's record is 5-7 (-2.0 units) in these starts. The OVER is 5-6. (-1.4 units)

NATHAN EOVALDI vs. BALTIMORE since 1997
EOVALDI is 1-0 when starting against BALTIMORE with an ERA of 4.22 and a WHIP of 1.874.
His team's record is 1-1 (-0.1 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 1-1. (-0.2 units)

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

SEATTLE (42 - 51) at DETROIT (46 - 46) - 7:05 PM
TAIJUAN WALKER (R) vs. SHANE GREENE (R)
Top Trends for this game.
SEATTLE is 42-51 (-14.9 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
SEATTLE is 3-10 (-8.2 Units) against the money line on the road with a money line of -100 to -125 this season.
SEATTLE is 37-50 (-19.4 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
SEATTLE is 33-37 (-9.2 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.
SEATTLE is 68-59 (+14.9 Units) against the money line in road games over the last 2 seasons.
SEATTLE is 14-6 (+10.9 Units) against the money line in road games when playing on Tuesday over the last 2 seasons.
DETROIT is 69-62 (-16.1 Units) against the money line in home games over the last 2 seasons.
DETROIT is 69-62 (-16.1 Units) against the money line in home games in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
DETROIT is 23-30 (-9.4 Units) against the money line in night games this season.
DETROIT is 32-38 (-8.7 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.
DETROIT is 64-62 (-14.7 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
DETROIT is 3-1 (+2.7 Units) against SEATTLE this season
3 of 4 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+1.7 Units)

TAIJUAN WALKER vs. DETROIT since 1997
WALKER is 0-0 when starting against DETROIT with an ERA of 7.50 and a WHIP of 1.167.
His team's record is 1-0 (+1.0 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 0-1. (-1.2 units)

SHANE GREENE vs. SEATTLE since 1997
No recent starts.

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

BOSTON (42 - 51) at HOUSTON (51 - 43) - 8:10 PM
BRIAN JOHNSON (L) vs. VINCENT VELASQUEZ (R)
Top Trends for this game.
BOSTON is 42-51 (-15.6 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
BOSTON is 20-26 (-11.5 Units) against the money line when the total is 8 to 8.5 this season.
BOSTON is 35-45 (-17.9 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
BOSTON is 27-33 (-10.5 Units) against the money line in night games this season.
BOSTON is 33-36 (-8.2 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.
BOSTON is 19-27 (-11.4 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record this season.
HOUSTON is 51-43 (+4.7 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
HOUSTON is 51-37 (+11.1 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
BOSTON is 2-1 (+0.9 Units) against HOUSTON this season
2 of 3 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+1.0 Units)

BRIAN JOHNSON vs. HOUSTON since 1997
No recent starts.

VINCENT VELASQUEZ vs. BOSTON since 1997
No recent starts.

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

TORONTO (47 - 47) at OAKLAND (43 - 51) - 10:05 PM
MARK BUEHRLE (L) vs. KENDALL GRAVEMAN (R)
Top Trends for this game.
TORONTO is 20-26 (-9.5 Units) against the money line after a win this season.
BUEHRLE is 32-18 (+14.5 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
BUEHRLE is 22-11 (+12.1 Units) against the money line in night games over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
BUEHRLE is 18-8 (+10.8 Units) against the money line after a win over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
BUEHRLE is 18-6 (+12.4 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
OAKLAND is 43-51 (-17.0 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
OAKLAND is 20-27 (-16.5 Units) against the money line in home games this season.
OAKLAND is 41-49 (-17.4 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
OAKLAND is 84-78 (-18.5 Units) against the money line in night games over the last 2 seasons.
OAKLAND is 7-17 (-12.7 Units) against the money line against left-handed starters this season.
OAKLAND is 18-24 (-11.0 Units) against the money line after a win this season.

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

MARK BUEHRLE vs. OAKLAND since 1997
BUEHRLE is 8-14 when starting against OAKLAND with an ERA of 3.77 and a WHIP of 1.301.
His team's record is 9-19 (-11.9 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 18-7. (+10.3 units)

KENDALL GRAVEMAN vs. TORONTO since 1997
No recent starts.

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

MINNESOTA (50 - 42) at LA ANGELS (52 - 40) - 10:05 PM
KYLE GIBSON (R) vs. MATT SHOEMAKER (R)
Top Trends for this game.
LA ANGELS are 52-40 (+8.5 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
LA ANGELS are 30-11 (+16.2 Units) against the money line in July games over the last 2 seasons.
LA ANGELS are 141-102 (+20.8 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
LA ANGELS are 42-26 (+13.4 Units) against the money line in night games this season.
SHOEMAKER is 22-10 (+10.7 Units) against the money line in night games over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
MINNESOTA is 50-42 (+17.1 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
MINNESOTA is 239-212 (+39.4 Units) against the money line when playing on Tuesday since 1997.
MINNESOTA is 50-42 (+17.1 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
MINNESOTA is 26-21 (+11.5 Units) against the money line in night games this season.
MINNESOTA is 31-29 (+7.3 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.
MINNESOTA is 25-16 (+14.2 Units) against the money line after a loss this season.
LA ANGELS are 155-138 (-67.1 Units) against the money line as a home favorite of -150 to -175 since 1997.

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

KYLE GIBSON vs. LA ANGELS since 1997
GIBSON is 0-1 when starting against LA ANGELS with an ERA of 7.80 and a WHIP of 1.400.
His team's record is 1-2 (-0.5 units) in these starts. The OVER is 3-0. (+3.0 units)

MATT SHOEMAKER vs. MINNESOTA since 1997
SHOEMAKER is 0-0 when starting against MINNESOTA with an ERA of 6.75 and a WHIP of 2.250.
His team's record is 1-0 (+1.0 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 0-1. (-1.1 units)

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

TAMPA BAY (47 - 48) at PHILADELPHIA (33 - 62) - 7:05 PM
NATE KARNS (R) vs. AARON NOLA (R)
Top Trends for this game.
TAMPA BAY is 124-133 (-29.3 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
TAMPA BAY is 26-40 (-19.3 Units) against the money line when playing on Tuesday over the last 3 seasons.
TAMPA BAY is 81-88 (-19.2 Units) against the money line in night games over the last 2 seasons.
TAMPA BAY is 88-100 (-26.3 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters over the last 2 seasons.
TAMPA BAY is 61-69 (-16.5 Units) against the money line after a loss over the last 2 seasons.
TAMPA BAY is 47-55 (-18.2 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 2 seasons.
PHILADELPHIA is 33-62 (-19.2 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
PHILADELPHIA is 33-62 (-19.2 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
PHILADELPHIA is 26-50 (-17.9 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.
PHILADELPHIA is 80-107 (-36.0 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 3 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
PHILADELPHIA is 1-0 (+1.1 Units) against TAMPA BAY this season
0 of 0 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+0.0 Units)

NATE KARNS vs. PHILADELPHIA since 1997
No recent starts.

AARON NOLA vs. TAMPA BAY since 1997
No recent starts.

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

CLEVELAND (44 - 47) at MILWAUKEE (41 - 52) - 8:10 PM
DANNY SALAZAR (R) vs. MATT GARZA (R)
Top Trends for this game.
CLEVELAND is 44-47 (-13.5 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
CLEVELAND is 40-47 (-17.6 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
CLEVELAND is 18-25 (-13.5 Units) against the money line after a win this season.
CLEVELAND is 116-69 (+30.7 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 3 seasons.
CLEVELAND is 65-26 (+30.8 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record in the second half of the season over the last 3 seasons.
MILWAUKEE is 123-132 (-17.9 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
MILWAUKEE is 19-28 (-12.8 Units) against the money line in home games this season.
MILWAUKEE is 13-25 (-14.6 Units) against the money line when playing on Tuesday over the last 2 seasons.
MILWAUKEE is 19-28 (-12.8 Units) against the money line in home games in games played on a grass field this season.
MILWAUKEE is 30-43 (-13.2 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.
MILWAUKEE is 7-14 (-11.5 Units) against the money line in home games after 3 or more consecutive wins over the last 2 seasons.
MILWAUKEE is 11-20 (-11.2 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record this season.
MILWAUKEE is 12-25 (-23.2 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record in the second half of the season over the last 2 seasons.
GARZA is 11-22 (-14.4 Units) against the money line when playing on Tuesday since 1997. (Team's Record)
GARZA is 69-79 (-24.8 Units) against the money line in night games since 1997. (Team's Record)

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

DANNY SALAZAR vs. MILWAUKEE since 1997
No recent starts.

MATT GARZA vs. CLEVELAND since 1997
GARZA is 2-4 when starting against CLEVELAND with an ERA of 4.81 and a WHIP of 1.419.
His team's record is 4-4 (-0.2 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 7-1. (+5.9 units)

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

ST LOUIS (58 - 34) at CHI WHITE SOX (42 - 48) - 8:10 PM
MICHAEL WACHA (R) vs. CARLOS RODON (L)
Top Trends for this game.
ST LOUIS is 7-19 (-14.3 Units) against the money line in road games when playing with a day off over the last 3 seasons.
CHI WHITE SOX are 194-148 (+42.8 Units) against the money line in an inter-league game since 1997.
CHI WHITE SOX are 77-78 (+12.7 Units) against the money line in night games over the last 2 seasons.
ST LOUIS is 58-34 (+19.2 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
ST LOUIS is 58-34 (+19.2 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
ST LOUIS is 38-24 (+11.0 Units) against the money line in night games this season.
ST LOUIS is 116-66 (+38.4 Units) against the money line after a loss over the last 3 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
CHI WHITE SOX is 2-0 (+2.4 Units) against ST LOUIS this season
1 of 2 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+0.1 Units)

MICHAEL WACHA vs. CHI WHITE SOX since 1997
No recent starts.

CARLOS RODON vs. ST LOUIS since 1997
No recent starts.

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

PITTSBURGH (54 - 38) at KANSAS CITY (55 - 36) - 8:10 PM
GERRIT COLE (R) vs. JASON VARGAS (L)
Top Trends for this game.
PITTSBURGH is 256-490 (-104.3 Units) against the money line in road games when playing against a team with a winning record since 1997.
PITTSBURGH is 110-244 (-73.0 Units) against the money line in road games when playing against a team with a winning record in the second half of the season since 1997.
KANSAS CITY is 55-36 (+17.8 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
KANSAS CITY is 30-17 (+9.2 Units) against the money line in home games this season.
KANSAS CITY is 27-14 (+11.7 Units) against the money line in an inter-league game over the last 2 seasons.
KANSAS CITY is 55-36 (+17.8 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
KANSAS CITY is 35-25 (+7.8 Units) against the money line in night games this season.
KANSAS CITY is 38-20 (+16.5 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.
KANSAS CITY is 21-12 (+9.1 Units) against the money line after a loss this season.
KANSAS CITY is 72-57 (+11.6 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.
KANSAS CITY is 52-39 (+16.3 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record in the second half of the season over the last 3 seasons.
PITTSBURGH is 239-184 (+37.2 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 3 seasons.
PITTSBURGH is 105-112 (+31.3 Units) against the money line in road games when playing on Tuesday since 1997.
PITTSBURGH is 37-19 (+18.1 Units) against the money line in an inter-league game over the last 3 seasons.
PITTSBURGH is 237-183 (+35.6 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 3 seasons.
PITTSBURGH is 101-70 (+19.7 Units) against the money line in night games over the last 2 seasons.
PITTSBURGH is 35-18 (+13.9 Units) against the money line after a win this season.
COLE is 29-11 (+15.3 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
COLE is 29-11 (+15.3 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
COLE is 27-10 (+15.2 Units) against the money line in night games over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
COLE is 15-2 (+11.7 Units) against the money line after a win over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)

Head-to-Head Series History
PITTSBURGH is 1-0 (+1.3 Units) against KANSAS CITY this season
1 of 1 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+1.0 Units)

GERRIT COLE vs. KANSAS CITY since 1997
No recent starts.

JASON VARGAS vs. PITTSBURGH since 1997
No recent starts.

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

TEXAS (43 - 49) at COLORADO (40 - 51) - 8:40 PM
MATT HARRISON (L) vs. KYLE KENDRICK (R)
Top Trends for this game.
TEXAS is 9-31 (-24.6 Units) against the money line in July games over the last 2 seasons.
TEXAS is 16-31 (-11.9 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record this season.
TEXAS is 10-21 (-13.7 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record in the second half of the season over the last 2 seasons.
KENDRICK is 83-65 (+23.8 Units) against the money line in night games since 1997. (Team's Record)
TEXAS is 27-23 (+17.5 Units) against the money line in road games this season.
TEXAS is 6-1 (+7.8 Units) against the money line in road games when playing on Tuesday this season.
TEXAS is 24-19 (+17.0 Units) against the money line in road games in games played on a grass field this season.
TEXAS is 33-33 (+10.4 Units) against the money line in night games this season.
TEXAS is 29-28 (+8.3 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.
TEXAS is 14-9 (+11.6 Units) against the money line in road games after a loss this season.
COLORADO is 106-147 (-34.6 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
COLORADO is 208-280 (-79.2 Units) against the money line in July games since 1997.
COLORADO is 9-23 (-15.1 Units) against the money line in an inter-league game over the last 2 seasons.
COLORADO is 106-147 (-34.6 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
COLORADO is 63-103 (-37.8 Units) against the money line in night games over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
COLORADO is 1-0 (+1.0 Units) against TEXAS this season
1 of 1 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+1.1 Units)

MATT HARRISON vs. COLORADO since 1997
HARRISON is 2-0 when starting against COLORADO with an ERA of 0.00 and a WHIP of 1.355.
His team's record is 2-0 (+2.0 units) in these starts. The OVER is 0-2. (-2.2 units)

KYLE KENDRICK vs. TEXAS since 1997
KENDRICK is 0-0 when starting against TEXAS with an ERA of 1.29 and a WHIP of 0.857.
His team's record is 0-1 (-1.0 units) in these starts. The OVER is 0-1. (-1.0 units)

 

[CNOTES]

Mariners struggle with Nelson calling pitches


The Seattle Mariners are just 2-10 in their last 12 ball games when Jeff Nelson is umpiring behind home plate - a spot he'll be when the Mariners visit the Detroit Tigers Tuesday evening.


That drought includes a 4-2 loss to the Los Angeles Angels back on June 27 of this season.


Nelson is currently the top homer umpire in Major League Baseball with home teams earning a 15-3 record in the 18 ball games he has worked behind the dish.


Taijuan Walker is expected to start for the Mariners (-125) while the home team turns to Shane Greene (+115).

 

[CNOTES]

Chance of thunderstorms at Great American Ball Park


There is some rough weather in the forecast for Tuesday's meeting at the the Great American Ball Park where the Cincinnati Reds will host the Chicago Cubs.


There is a chance of thunderstorms and a 39 percent chance of rain. There will also be a moderate seven mile per hour wind blowing out to right field.


The Reds, currently +109 home dogs, send right-hander Raisel Iglesias (5.90 ERA, 3-2 O/U) to the mound to take on the Cubs' right-hander Jason Hammel (2.86 ERA, 6-11 O/U). The total currently sits at 8.5 runs.

 

[CNOTES]

Thunderstorms, hitters wind at Yankee Stadium


There are thunderstorms expected for Tuesday's contest between the Baltimore Orioles and the New York Yankees at Yankee Stadium Tuesday night.


There will also be a nine mile per hour hitters wind blowing out to the short porch in right field and a 20 percent chance of rain.


Left-hander Wei-Yin Chen (2.78 ERA, 3-13 O/U) gets the start for the Orioles, while Nathan Eovaldi (4.50 ERA, 11-7 O/U) gets the call for the Yankees. New York is currently a -115 favorite with a total of 8.5.

 

[CNOTES]

Tigers could be buyers or sellers


Jul 20, 2015


DETROIT -- The Detroit Tigers could look a whole lot different by the end of the month. Their success over the next week will likely determine their course of action.


They fell below .500 for the first time since the third game of the 2013 season when they dropped two out of three to Baltimore over the weekend. Their four-game series against Seattle started off in promising fashion on Monday, as Ian Kinsler hit a game-winning, two-run homer in the eighth for a 5-4 victory.


Following the homestand, the Tigers begin a 10-game road trip this weekend in Boston.


There's a lot of catching up to do to get back in the playoff hunt. They entered the week trailing Kansas City by 10 1/2 games in the American League Central and were 4 1/2 games behind in the chase for one of the two wild-card berths.


Winning the series against the equally struggling Mariners is imperative to prevent general manager Dave Dombrowski from going into fire sale mode.


"This time of the year, a couple of wins in a row changes your whole perspective," manager Brad Ausmus said. "You come down to the trading deadline and lose a couple, you're a seller. You win a couple, you're a buyer, especially if you're in the neighborhood of .500."


The Tigers have plenty of prominent players in their walk years, most notably ace David Price and Yoenis Cespedes, who could bring back prospects in a deal. Closer Joakim Soria and catcher Alex Avila could also attract interest if the club waves the white flag.


Ausmus hopes that doesn't come to fruition.


"It's not an uplifting experience when you're trading extremely talented players," he said. "Hopefully, we put some wins together and that doesn't happen. No one wants to be on a team where they're saying, 'Ah, we're going to have to trade away some guys.' You'd much rather be acquiring at the deadline than trading."


If the Tigers can string some wins together, Dombrowski could be motivated to make an aggressive move, as he did last trade deadline when he acquired Price. The team desperately needs another starter or two and another reliable bullpen option.


"I wish I was sitting here telling you that we have such a comfortable lead that we don't even need to buy. But that's not the case," Ausmus said. "We're trying to win and those decisions are made above our heads. But sometimes, the best move is to not do anything."

 

[CNOTES]

Rays' slump takes them below .500


Jul 20, 2015


PHILADELPHIA -- It is never any one thing when a major league team loses 18 of 25 games, as the Tampa Bay Rays have, the latest defeat coming by a 5-3 score Monday night in Philadelphia.


It is usually a combination of things.


On Monday, they managed just six hits, three in the final seven innings. No surprise there, as they have had offensive woes all season. They have scored the third-fewest runs in the majors.


Starter Matt Moore, making his fourth start after missing most of last season following Tommy John surgery, frittered away a 2-0 lead by allowing three runs in the second and another in the Phillies' two-run fifth.


And first baseman James Loney, normally sure-handed, made two errors in the fateful fifth.


So it is that the Rays, 40-30 on June 20, are now 47-48.


"We didn't pitch well and we didn't hit well," manager Kevin Cash said. "We didn't do much to win the game."


Moore was particularly peeved.


"A starting pitcher has to do a better job there (in the second inning)," he said. "We had a 2-0 lead. I wanted to keep them off the board and they got a three-spot."


There is, at least, no sign of panic.


"We've still got 2 1/2 months to go," center fielder Kevin Kiermaier said. "It's time to get a winning streak going and start to feel good about ourselves."

 

[CNOTES]

Padres continue search for a shortstop


Jul 21, 2015


SAN DIEGO -- The San Diego Padres' revolving door at shortstop continues two twirl.


The starter at shortstop on Monday as San Diego opened a three-game series with the San Francisco Giants was Alexi Amarista.


That's the same player interim manager Pat Murphy recently said was going to be more of a utility role player.


"You have to play the utility players, too,'' Murphy said.


But Amarista's start came less than 24 hours after Will Middlebrooks committed two errors at shortstop in a game that didn't last five innings before being called for rain. Middlebrooks, usually a third baseman, is being asked to switch positions at the major-league level in midseason.


"That's not easy,'' Murphy said, and Middlebrooks proved that against the Rockies.


But Middlebrooks, an athletic player, also has made some nice plays at short. It was believed he and Clint Barmes would split time for the foreseeable future. That includes a future where the Padres might acquire a shortstop if, as expected, they are active at the trade deadline.


But it wasn't a good look Sunday for a team that claims it can make a playoff run. That's hard to do without a reliable shortstop, and the Padres still seek just that.


"We knew there were going to be days like that and you saw it first-hand,'' Murphy said of Middlebrooks' struggles.


Amarista committed an error on Monday.

 

[CNOTES]

Red Sox's Rodriguez continues erratic pattern


Jul 21, 2015


ANAHEIM, Calif. -- Eduardo Rodriguez has had a lot of "firsts" this season for the Red Sox, a bright spot in an otherwise rough season in Boston.


He was the first pitcher in the modern era (since 1900) to go at least seven innings and allow no more than one run or three hits in each of his first three major league games.


He was the first pitcher in Boston history to go at least 7 2/3 innings, allow no runs, three hits or fewer and strike out at least seven in his major league debut.


And in his previous start, he was the youngest Red Sox starter (age 22 years, 3 months) to beat the Yankees since Ken Brett in 1970.


But Monday in Game 1 of a doubleheader against the Angels, he had his first start when he didn't even last two innings. The Angels roughed him up for seven runs on six hits and three walks in just 1 2/3 innings of an 11-1 Angels win.


"I missed my spots with the changeup and fastball," Rodriguez said after the game. "I didn't throw it where I wanted to. It was all about the location, not the pitch itself."


Rodriguez, typical of many rookies, has had very impressive games and some real bad ones too this season. He's allowed one earned run or less in six of his 10 starts, but also allowed six or more earned runs in three of his starts.


Earlier this season, there was talk Rodriguez might be tipping his pitches. But Red Sox manager John Farrell said it was not to blame for Monday's start.


"The second inning some pitches were down the middle and they struck quickly," Farrell said "It wasn't a matter of tipping. That has been rectified."

 

[CNOTES]

Braves' Freeman could be back this month


Jul 20, 2015


ATLANTA -- The Atlanta Braves may be close to getting their starting first baseman back.


Freddie Freeman, on the disabled list since June 18 with a right wrist contusion, resumed baseball activities Monday, hitting some balls off the tee and others with soft toss.


"We'll get a plan in place to get him out (on a rehab assignment), get him some at-bats and get him some games under his belt," Atlanta manager Fredi Gonzalez said. "How many games or at-bats we'll figure out."


Freeman will be re-evaluated Tuesday, and he could report to the rookie-level Gulf Coast League for some rehab play. The Braves remain hopeful that Freeman could play again before the end of the month.


Freeman missed his 27th game on Monday night, a 7-5 Atlanta win over the Los Angeles Dodgers. His absence definitely is hurting the team's offensive production. The Braves are 12-15 without Freeman and have scored a total of 76 runs (2.8 per game).


Before going on the DL, Freeman was batting .299 with a team-leading 41 RBIs, 12 home runs and 20 doubles. The team was averaging 4.0 runs per game over the first 76 games, with Freeman appearing in all of them.


Freeman was in a groove at the time he was hurt, hitting .328 in the first 16 games in June.

 

[CNOTES]

Mariners' Jackson returns to Comerica Park


Jul 20, 2015


DETROIT -- Nearly a year has passed since the strangest day of Austin Jackson's career.


Jackson, now with the Seattle Mariners, was playing center field for the Detroit Tigers during the seventh inning against the Chicago White Sox at Comerica Park when Rajai Davis suddenly trotted out of the dugout and headed to his spot. After a moment, Jackson realized he was coming off the field because he had be dealt away by the Tigers.


"I don't think every day you see somebody get traded in the middle of a game," said Jackson, who was part of a three-team deal that sent ace David Price to Detroit. "It was definitely a bizarre moment in my entire career."


Jackson is back in a familiar spot this week, playing center field at Comerica for a four-game series. He went 2-for-4 and stole two bases in Seattle's 5-4 loss on Monday night.


Jackson traditionally enjoys hitting at Comerica, where he has a career .293 average.


He's still one of the top defensive players at his position but has not hit close to what the Mariners hoped when they acquired him to solidify that spot. He's batting .256 -- 16 points below his career average -- with 27 runs scored, four home runs and 20 RBIs in 69 games. He hit .229 without a home run in 54 games last season after the trade.


He perked up in June after recovering from a right ankle sprain, batting .304, but has dropped off to .216 this month.


"It's tough to really look at the stats too much because it can really start to mess with your head," he said. "I try to really just go by the at-bats I've been having and I feel like I've been having good at-bats. Normally, when you concentrate and focus on that, everything else seems to take care of itself. That's kind of where I'm at."


Manager Lloyd McClendon is still waiting for Jackson to be the sparkplug the 28-year-old was during some of his Tigers years, when McClendon was the team's batting coach. Jackson is just three years removed from his career year, when he hit .300 with 103 runs scored and 16 home runs.


Jackson has been hitting sixth against right-handers and leading off against left-handers in recent games.


"He's been a little streaky," McClendon said. "All in all, he's doing OK. Not great, not bad. He's been pretty consistent for the most part."


The All-Star break came at a good time for Jackson, who missed two games during the final week of the first half with back spasms. The ankle injury that cost him three weeks in May has significantly improved.


"No more back spasms. Hopefully, those will stay away," he said. "The ankle has been a lot better. I haven't had any problems with it. It gets sore from time to time but that's part of it. You're running around on it all day, so it's kind of tough to fully heal."

 

[CNOTES]

Jennings puzzled by Marlins' road woes


Jul 21, 2015


PHOENIX -- Dan Jennings said his hair is grayer and his sleep patterns less regular since taking over as Miami manager on May 18, the last time the Marlins faced the Arizona Diamondbacks. Not that he would trade it.


"It's been a great honor to put on a major league uniform and get in the foxhole with these guys," Jennings said. "Now, it's truly all about winning games. It makes everything better. We've had some guys who are doing some things, playing different positions for the betterment of the team, and that needs to translate into wins. That's better for all of us."


The Diamondbacks swept a four-game series from the Marlins in Jennings' first four games after he moved into the clubhouse from the general manager position. It did not get any better Monday when Miami hit into four double plays in a 3-1 loss to Arizona in Chase Field, the first game of a three-game series. The Marlins sustained their eighth consecutive road loss.


"I don't know the answer to it," Jennings said. "It is very frustrating. This is a better ballclub than that, but the struggles on the road have really been a factor in our record and where we are. We haven't had the opportunities, or we haven't taken advantage of the opportunities. We have to be better."


Miami was 1-for-6 with runners in scoring position Monday, hitting into a double play in the first inning and failing to score after loading the bases with two outs in the eighth.


The Marlins were 16-22 when Jennings took over for Mike Redmond, a .421 winning percentage. They are 22-33 since, a .400 percentage, but they played the past three weeks without right fielder Giancarlo Stanton and much of the season without three-fifths of the expected rotation, including Jose Fernandez.


"Certainly a transition period for us and these ballplayers with a new manager coming in and the things that occurred," Jennings said. "Outside of some injuries that certainly have hurt us, we've done some things in a positive way, learning to manufacture runs, and like anybody, we have to pitch well to give ourselves a chance nightly."


Jennings, who never played in the majors or minors, said keeping an open mind is a key.


"You have to be willing to learn every day, and more importantly you have to be willing to adjust every day," he said. "You're dealing with 25 personalities. Sometimes they are not going to be at 100 percent. There are things that only you know about them when you are inside your clubhouse, so it is truly a day-to-day adjustment to put these guys in the best possible positions where they can have some success."

 

[CNOTES]

Fever-Stars Preview


If the San Antonio Stars are going to turn their season around, their longest homestand of the year seems like the best opportunity.


The home momentum is already building, and a four-game stay at Freeman Coliseum begins Tuesday against the Indiana Fever, whose three-game road trip began in embarrassing fashion.


The Stars (4-12) lost 93-82 in Chicago on Sunday, falling to 0-9 on the road and 8 1/2 games back of Minnesota in the Western Conference. Danielle Adams scored 20 points off the bench, while Sophia Young-Malcolm added 18 for the second straight game and is averaging 15.6 in her last eight. That's nearly twice her 2014 scoring average (8.2).


It followed Friday's 65-58 win over Tulsa, which gave the Stars their first four-game home winning streak since capturing nine straight June 1-Aug. 23, 2012.


"I wish I knew," coach Dan Hughes said of trying to figure out the home versus road discrepancy. "If I knew, we wouldn't be (0-9) on the road. I'm still searching. I think a little bit of it's got to do with just our ability to kind of control the game in a certain way. We won three out of four quarters."


The Fever (8-7) fell 68-50 in Washington on Friday after shooting 31.6 percent and making 11 2-point field goals, and their six-point third quarter marked their worst output of the season. It ended a five-game winning streak and was their worst scoring night since a 50-48 loss to the Mystics on July 8, 2008.


"They did a good job reading mismatches and they took advantage on offense," coach Stephanie White told the team's official website. "And defensively, they turned up their intensity and bothered us up and down the floor."


Tamika Catching was held to two points after reaching double figures in her previous six games. The All-Star forward went 0 for 7 from the field and is 7 for 27 in the last three games.


While Marissa Coleman's modest 11 led the way, the responsibility also fell on the Fever's bench. The reserves combined for 16 points on 6-of-23 shooting. They've outscored the opposing bench in all eight wins, and their bench average of 29.4 points leads the league.


The preceding winning streak included an 83-76 home victory over the Stars on July 10 behind 25 points from Coleman. Young-Malcolm had a season-high 27.


Indiana has won nine of the last 12 meetings with four straight victories in San Antonio while holding the Stars to 68.2 points per game.


Indiana remains without Natalie Achonwa as the June Rookie of the Month competes with Canada in the Pan Am Games.

 

[CNOTES]

Preview: Mystics (8-6) at Shock (10-7)


Date: July 21, 2015 12:30 PM EDT

LaToya Sanders believes the Washington Mystics' fun-loving nature is leading to success on the court, but that certainly hasn't been the case lately on the road.


The Tulsa Shock haven't had much to smile about anywhere since losing Skylar Diggins for the season - and now the franchise has even announced relocation plans.


As the Mystics look to enter the All-Star break on a high note with a third straight victory, the short-handed Shock will try to avoid their fourth consecutive loss Tuesday.


Kara Lawson stepped up with a season-high 24 points and Stefanie Dolson added 20 and eight rebounds to help Washington (8-6) pull out Sunday's 89-82 home win over Connecticut.


After a slow start, Dolson has averaged 16.3 points and 9.0 rebounds in her last six games. Lawson, who ranks among WNBA leaders with 4.2 assists per game, hit a season-best 4 of 6 from 3-point range.


Despite sitting near the bottom of the league with a 41.0 field-goal percentage, the Mystics will try to build on a 48.3 mark against the Sun that included 7-of-15 shooting from long range.


"We're growing and it just feels really good," Lawson, a 13-year WNBA veteran, told the team's official website. "It'd be really good going into break to get three in a row."


Sanders looks to continue her emergence after scoring 17 in her fourth game since playing with Turkey in the Eurobasket tournament. Sanders, who spent the past three years in Europe, also had 14 points and 10 boards in a 68-50 home win over Indiana on Friday.


"We're just out there having fun," she said. "It just translates to the game."


Washington hasn't had much to enjoy during a three-game road losing streak, dropping the last two at Indiana and Chicago by a combined 51 points. The club had won its first three away from home.


The Mystics had taken four straight in the series with Tulsa before suffering an 86-82 home loss June 19. Emma Meesseman had a team-high 24 points for Washington, but she's averaged 9.0 over her last five games after scoring 18.6 over the previous five.


Tulsa's Plenette Pierson finished with 24 points, Riquna Williams had 22 and Diggins added 14 as the Shock were on their way to an 8-1 start after the first meeting. However, they've dropped six of eight since Diggins - who was named an All-Star starter - went down with a torn ACL.


Glory Johnson is also sitting out the season due to her pregnancy. Odyssey Sims missed the first matchup with Washington because of a knee issue, and she's struggled through 33.3 percent shooting in seven games since returning.


Tulsa (10-7) will try to get on track following its third straight defeat and first in seven home games, 79-72 against Minnesota on Sunday. Williams had 19 points and Pierson contributed 15.


The Shock shot 39.1 percent, dropping their WNBA-worst percentage to 39.3. However, they still rank second in the league with 78.7 points per game.


The club's majority owner, Bill Cameron, announced plans Monday to move the team to the Dallas-Fort Worth market. Cameron said in a statement that he hoped the league's Board of Governors would vote as soon as possible on the relocation.


"This is a very difficult decision, and I know it is particularly difficult for the Tulsa investors," Cameron said. "From a business perspective, it was necessary to evaluate options to place the team and the organization in the best position to achieve financial success. After a thorough review, I believe the Dallas-Fort Worth area holds the greatest potential to achieve our long-term business objectives."


Ironically, the Shock are having their best season since moving.




WNBA HEAD TO HEAD


Jun 19, 2015 Score ATS Results
TUL « 86 Cover: 7.5
WAS 82 Over: 168
Tools: Recaps


Jul 25, 2014 Score ATS Results
TUL 77 Cover: 0
WAS « 82 Under: 159
Tools: Recaps


Jul 12, 2014 Score ATS Results
WAS « 91 Cover: 20.5
TUL 74 Over: 165
Tools: Recaps

 

[CNOTES]

Preview: Dream (7-9) at Sky (10-6)


Date: July 21, 2015 8:00 PM EDT

After Elena Delle Donne and Angel McCoughtry both delivered memorable performances in the season series so far, McCoughtry is struggling heading into Round 3.


In a matchup between the league's top two scorers, the Chicago Sky go after their fifth straight home win Tuesday night against an Atlanta Dream team slogging through its longest road stretch of the season.


Delle Donne enjoyed the best game of her MVP-caliber season the last time Chicago hosted Atlanta on June 24. She had a career-high 45 points, 11 rebounds and six blocks while sealing a 100-96 overtime victory with two free throws in the final seconds.


McCoughtry finished with 34 points, 10 rebounds and six assists in that contest after the star forward hit a 16-footer at the buzzer to give the Dream a 74-73 home win June 19.


Delle Donne, who had 26 points and 10 rebounds in that first matchup, is scoring a league-best 24.3 per game, while McCoughtry is second at 20.9. They'll make up two-fifths of the Eastern Conference lineup in the All-Star Game. Atlanta reserve Shoni Schimmel was also voted in as a starter.


"I want to beat Atlanta. I want to go into the break with a win," Chicago coach Pokey Chatman said. "I want that feeling of playing well against a good team so they can rest and the rest of the world can enjoy some of the athletes at the All-Star break."


McCoughtry will try to get back on track as the Dream conclude the first leg of a season-high six-game road stretch. She's averaged 16.3 points on 25.5 percent shooting during a 1-2 start to the trip, but only needs four points to reach 4,000 for her career.


Delle Donne had totaled 25 points on 9-of-30 shooting in her previous two games before leading the way Sunday with 29 and 13 rebounds in a 93-82 home win over San Antonio.


Allie Quigley added 15 points, Courtney Vandersloot had 14 and eight assists and Cappie Pondexter chipped in with 12 points. Pondexter ranks in the league's top 10 with 16.4 points per game.


Chicago, which leads the WNBA in shooting percentage (46.3) and scoring average (85.1), will try to keep Atlanta reeling defensively after it allowed Seattle to shoot 56.9 percent in Saturday's 86-73 defeat.


"(Delle Donne and Pondexter) do it in so many different ways," Vandersloot said. "It's really easy for me to get them the ball and then we have people who come in and knock down shots. So we're playing really well together and that's why our offense is flowing so well."


The Sky (10-6) have won four straight at Allstate Arena by an average of 16.5 points. They've also won five consecutive regular-season meetings with East-worst Atlanta (7-9), though they lost there in Game 2 of last year's three-game first-round playoff series.


The Dream's Sancho Lyttle, who had 15 points and 10 boards in last month's meeting at Allstate, could miss her fifth straight contest due to a foot injury.




WNBA HEAD TO HEAD


Jun 24, 2015 Score ATS Results
ATL 96 Cover: 4.5
CHI « 100 Over: 196
Tools: Recaps


Jun 19, 2015 Score ATS Results
CHI 73 Under: 147
ATL « 74 Cover: 4.5
Tools: Recaps


Aug 26, 2014 Score ATS Results
CHI « 81 Cover: 5
ATL 80 Over: 161
Tools: Recaps


Aug 24, 2014 Score ATS Results
ATL « 92 Cover: 12
CHI 83 Over: 175
Tools: Recaps


Aug 22, 2014 Score ATS Results
CHI « 80 Cover: 6.5
ATL 77 Over: 157
Tools: Recaps


Aug 10, 2014 Score ATS Results
ATL 69 Under: 149
CHI « 80 Cover: 5
Tools: Recaps


Jul 25, 2014 Score ATS Results
CHI « 79 Cover: 13
ATL 75 Under: 154
Tools: Recaps


Jul 13, 2014 Score ATS Results
CHI 79 Cover: 5
ATL « 81 Over: 160
Tools: Recaps


Jun 7, 2014 Score ATS Results
CHI 59 Under: 156
ATL « 97 Cover: 32
Tools: Recaps


May 24, 2014 Score ATS Results
ATL 73 Over: 160
CHI « 87 Cover: 12
Tools: Recaps

 

[CNOTES]

Preview: Liberty (10-5) at Storm (5-12)


Date: July 21, 2015 10:00 PM EDT

Tina Charles forced a trade to her native New York prior to last season and envisioned guiding the Liberty back to respectability.


The acquisition of another New Yorker is beginning to pay off as well.


The Liberty are off to their best start in 14 years and seek a fourth consecutive victory when they visit the Seattle Storm on Tuesday night.


Charles played four seasons for Connecticut before demanding a trade and being shipped to New York in April 2014. She averaged 17.4 points last season, but the Liberty failed to make the playoffs for the second straight year.


New York (10-5), though, hasn't started this well since being 16-5 in 2001 and appears poised to end that postseason drought. It has won six of seven, with Charles averaging 19.9 points in that stretch.


"I know what I mean to this team and the respect and confidence my teammates have in me," said Charles, voted by the fans to start in the All-Star Game. "I just want to keep going. Every night, that's what I expect of myself."


Charles finished with 18 points and 14 rebounds in Saturday's 75-73 win at Phoenix, but Epiphanny Prince stole the show late. She scored on a driving layup with 30.2 seconds remaining to put the Liberty up two before the Mercury tied it with 3.8 left.


Prince then was fouled with 1.7 seconds remaining and made the deciding free throws. She scored a season-high 17 points in her fifth game after missing the start of the season playing for the Russian national team.


The sixth-year point guard, who grew up in Brooklyn, was acquired from Chicago in February for Cappie Pondexter, who had been the face of the franchise for the last five seasons.


Prince is averaging 13.2 points since joining the Liberty, and she'll go head-to-head with Sue Bird as the Storm (5-12) look to win a third straight contest.


Bird had nine points and 12 assists - two shy of her career best - in Saturday's 86-73 victory over Atlanta, helping Seattle win back-to-back games for the first time this season.


"I think we've had some good practices and I think our players came in focused," coach Jenny Boucek said. "I think they are starting to develop a trust for our systems and one another, really helping each other and creating for each other on both ends of the court."


Alysha Clark scored a career-high 14 points but Boucek was more impressed with her defensive effort. The Storm forced 19 turnovers, seven committed by Dream star Angel McCoughtry with Clark guarding her the majority of the contest.


Clark could be tasked with stopping Charles as the Storm look to avoid a sixth straight loss to the Liberty. Charles scored 18 points and had the go-ahead basket with 23 seconds left in New York's 84-80 overtime road win in the last meeting July 24.


The Storm traded Renee Montgomery to Minnesota on Monday for fellow guard Monica Wright, who recently had arthroscopic surgery on her right knee. Montgomery is averaging 7.1 points and 3.0 assists.



WNBA HEAD TO HEAD


Jul 24, 2014 Score ATS Results
NEW « 84 Cover: 8
SEA 80 Over: 164
Tools: Recaps


May 27, 2014 Score ATS Results
SEA 64 Cover: 0
NEW « 70 Under: 134
Tools: Recaps

 

[CNOTES]

Preview: Mercury (9-6) at Sparks (2-12)


Date: July 21, 2015 11:00 PM EDT

The Los Angeles Sparks were playing their best basketball of the season at the beginning of the month and nearly knocked off the Phoenix Mercury in the process.


That close defeat a little more than two weeks ago began a difficult stretch for the slumping Sparks, who look to avoid a sixth consecutive defeat when they host the Mercury on Tuesday night.


Los Angeles (2-12) ended its franchise-worst 0-7 start with wins over San Antonio and Tulsa on July 2 and 3, but fell 94-91 to Phoenix in overtime July 5 on Leilani Mitchell's 3-pointer with 3.9 seconds remaining.


The Sparks then lost the next three by at least seven points before falling 76-72 to visiting Atlanta on Thursday. Jantel Lavender finished with 20 points and 11 rebounds while Nneka Ogwumike added 19 and six.


Los Angeles turned it over 16 times after committing 21 turnovers in a loss to Seattle the previous night.


Ogwumike had 26 points and 19 boards in the first meeting with the Mercury (9-6), whose six-game winning streak ended with a 75-73 home loss to New York on Saturday.


Phoenix squandered a seven-point lead with under than three minutes left before Brittney Griner hit a turnaround jumper with 3.8 seconds remaining to tie it. But DeWanna Bonner fouled Liberty guard Epiphanny Prince with 1.7 on the clock, and she made the deciding free throws.


"We just have to learn from it (the loss) and that's all we can do. Learn from it and move forward," coach Sandy Brondello told the team's official website. "We'll focus a little bit more in practice."


The Mercury hit 43.1 percent from the field and went 5 of 15 from 3-point range while shooting 13 fewer free throws than New York. Griner was one of the few bright spots, finishing with 15 points, eight rebounds and seven blocks.


Bonner had 10 points while shooting 3 for 13, and Candice Dupree scored eight while hitting 4 of 14 from the field. Dupree, though, became the 19th player in league history to surpass 4,500 points.


"I'd much rather have the win," Dupree said. "We had too many turnovers down the stretch. I feel like as a group we were too passive. We weren't really aggressive like we normally are - attacking, trying to get out and run a transition - (and) it hurt us."


The Mercury look to bounce back by winning a 10th straight meeting with the Sparks, including playoffs. Bonner scored 22 points, Dupree added 21 and Griner finished with 19 and 10 rebounds in the first matchup.


Los Angeles last beat Phoenix in Game 2 of their first-round playoff series in 2013. The Mercury won all seven matchups last season, including a two-game sweep in the first round.