Cnotes Sports Page For Wednesday July 8th Best Bets-Trends-News !

[CNOTES]

Sparks-Stars Preview


The Los Angeles Sparks ended the worst start in franchise history with a win over the San Antonio Stars last week and since have continued to play well behind Nneka Ogwumike and Kristi Toliver.


San Antonio has had five days to think about what went wrong in that matchup.


The Sparks seek a third victory in four tries as they visit the Stars on Wednesday night.


Los Angeles lost its first seven games with star Candace Parker sitting out to rest and Toliver missing the first six while playing for the Slovak Republic at the EuroBasket 2015 tournament.


Ogwumike scored a season-high 27 points, Jantel Lavender had 21 and 10 rebounds while Toliver added 15 in Thursday's 86-81 win over the Stars (2-8) before Toliver dropped a franchise-record 43 in a 98-95 victory over Tulsa the following day.


The Sparks played another tough contest Sunday but fell 94-91 to Phoenix on a 3-pointer with 3.9 seconds remaining despite Ogwumike's 26 points and season-high 19 rebounds. Toliver finished with 16 and is averaging 26.0 while shooting 56.5 percent in four games since returning.


Now Los Angeles looks to bounce back with another win over San Antonio, which hasn't played since the last meeting. Rookie Dearica Hamby had a season-high 19 points, Sophia Young-Malcolm added 18 and WNBA assists leader Danielle Robinson had 13 to go along with 12 points.


The Stars led by 10 after the first quarter, but they were outscored by a combined 18 in the second and fourth.


"It went back-and-forth. Offensively, both teams were very efficient," coach Dan Hughes said. "It was a good basketball game and Los Angeles made the plays that were the difference in the game."


Possibly the most encouraging aspect for Hughes was another strong effort from Young-Malcolm, who has started the last five games as Jayne Appel recovers from an injury to her mouth.


Young-Malcolm is averaging 15.8 points in those contests with the Stars going 2-3 after scoring more than that just once as they went 0-5 with her coming off the bench.


San Antonio added some backcourt depth Sunday, acquiring guard Samantha Logic from Atlanta for a second-round pick in next year's draft. Logic was the No. 10 pick in this year's draft but couldn't find consistent playing time with the Dream, averaging 5.8 minutes in four games.


Logic, who likely will backup Robinson, became the only player in NCAA history with 1,500 points, 900 rebounds, 800 assists and 200 steals in four years at Iowa.


The Stars waived little-used Brittany Hrynko to make room for Logic.

 

[CNOTES]

WNBA
Dunkel

Wednesday, July 8


Seattle @ Indiana

Game 601-602
July 8, 2015 @ 12:00 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Seattle
104.559
Indiana
108.034
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Indiana
by 3 1/2
144
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Indiana
by 6 1/2
149 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Seattle
(+6 1/2); Under

Los Angeles @ San Antonio

Game 603-604
July 8, 2015 @ 8:00 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Los Angeles
105.114
San Antonio
109.258
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
San Antonio
by 4
148
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Los Angeles
by 2 1/2
155 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
San Antonio
(+2 1/2); Under




WNBA

Wednesday, July 8

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

12:00 PM
SEATTLE vs. INDIANA
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Seattle's last 5 games when playing on the road against Indiana
Seattle is 1-6 SU in its last 7 games when playing Indiana
Indiana is 6-1 SU in its last 7 games when playing Seattle
Indiana is 2-5 SU in its last 7 games at home

8:00 PM
LOS ANGELES vs. SAN ANTONIO
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Los Angeles's last 5 games
Los Angeles is 3-8 ATS in its last 11 games
San Antonio is 2-10 SU in its last 12 games
The total has gone OVER in 4 of San Antonio's last 5 games

 

[CNOTES]

WNBA Basketball Trend Report




SEATTLE (3 - 9) at INDIANA (5 - 6) - 7/8/2015, 12:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.


SEATTLE is 2-11 ATS (-10.1 Units) in July games over the last 2 seasons.
SEATTLE is 15-25 ATS (-12.5 Units) in May, June, or July games over the last 2 seasons.
SEATTLE is 7-19 ATS (-13.9 Units) in road games on Wednesday since 1997.
SEATTLE is 9-21 ATS (-14.1 Units) in road games after 3 or more consecutive unders since 1997.
SEATTLE is 96-66 ATS (+23.4 Units) versus poor defensive teams - allowing 77+ points/game since 1997.


Head-to-Head Series History


INDIANA is 3-1 against the spread versus SEATTLE over the last 3 seasons
INDIANA is 3-1 straight up against SEATTLE over the last 3 seasons
3 of 4 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons




LOS ANGELES (2 - 8) at SAN ANTONIO (2 - 8) - 7/8/2015, 8:05 PM


Top Trends for this game.


LOS ANGELES is 32-51 ATS (-24.1 Units) in all games over the last 3 seasons.
LOS ANGELES is 22-38 ATS (-19.8 Units) as a favorite over the last 3 seasons.
LOS ANGELES is 21-34 ATS (-16.4 Units) in May, June, or July games over the last 3 seasons.
LOS ANGELES is 18-34 ATS (-19.4 Units) after a division game over the last 3 seasons.
LOS ANGELES is 24-46 ATS (-26.6 Units) after 3 or more consecutive overs since 1997.
LOS ANGELES is 19-32 ATS (-16.2 Units) after scoring 75 points or more over the last 3 seasons.
LOS ANGELES is 120-154 ATS (-49.4 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record since 1997.
LOS ANGELES is 5-13 ATS (-9.3 Units) versus poor defensive teams - allowing 77+ points/game over the last 2 seasons.
SAN ANTONIO is 5-13 ATS (-9.3 Units) in home games in May, June, or July games over the last 2 seasons.
SAN ANTONIO is 3-11 ATS (-9.1 Units) in home games after scoring 75 points or more over the last 3 seasons.


Head-to-Head Series History


SAN ANTONIO is 5-4 against the spread versus LOS ANGELES over the last 3 seasons
LOS ANGELES is 5-4 straight up against SAN ANTONIO over the last 3 seasons
6 of 9 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

 

[CNOTES]

Standings

EASTERN CONFERENCE


Team Win Loss Percent GB Home Away Conf. Last 10 Streak


Connecticut Sun 7 2 .778 0 3-2 4-0 3-2 7-2 L-1


Washington Mystics 6 3 .667 1 3-2 3-1 5-2 6-3 W-1


New York Liberty 6 4 .600 1.5 4-2 2-2 4-3 6-4 W-2


Chicago Sky 5 5 .500 2.5 2-1 3-4 4-4 5-5 L-2


Atlanta Dream 4 6 .400 3.5 3-3 1-3 3-6 4-6 W-1


Indiana Fever 4 6 .400 3.5 1-4 3-2 3-5 4-6 W-1

WESTERN CONFERENCE


Team Win Loss Percent GB Home Away Conf. Last 10 Streak


Tulsa Shock 8 2 .800 0 5-0 3-2 5-2 8-2 L-1


Minnesota Lynx 7 2 .778 .5 3-1 4-1 6-2 7-2 W-2


Phoenix Mercury 4 5 .444 3.5 3-1 1-4 4-2 4-5 W-1


Seattle Storm 3 7 .300 5 2-3 1-4 3-6 3-7 W-1


San Antonio Stars 2 7 .222 5.5 2-3 0-4 2-5 2-7 L-1


Los Angeles Sparks 0 7 .000 6.5 0-3 0-4 0-3 0-7 L-7

Updated Wed Jul 1 12:06 AM EDT

 

[CNOTES]

WNBA Betting Recap - 6/29-7/5


July 5, 2015


League Betting Notes (from Monday, June 29 through Sunday, July 5)


-- Favorites went 8-4 straight up
-- Underdogs went 8-3-1 against the spread (ATS)
-- Home teams posted a 8-4 SU record
-- Home teams posted a 7-4-1 ATS record
-- The 'over/under' went 6-6


Team Betting Notes


-- 'Dogs were barking hard in the WNBA for the fifth consecutive week. Underdogs were 8-3-1 ATS in Week 5, after going 8-5 ATS in Week 4, 8-7 ATS in Week 3, 10-4 ATS in Week 2 and 5-4-1 ATS in Week 1. If you're doing the math, that's 39-23-2 (or 69.2 percent) through 54 WNBA games.


-- Don't look now, but Phoenix (6-5) is starting to piece it together after a sluggish start. The Mercury started 3-5 (including 3-4 without superstar Brittney Griner), but they have rattled off three straight wins. Still, the Mercury has managed to cover just once in the past five games, narrowly missing a cover (-3.5 points) in a 94-91 overtime win at Los Angeles (2-8).


-- The Sparks have stumbled out of the gate, although they have showed signs of life with a 2-1 SU week. Still, the Sparks are a dismal 3-6-1 ATS overall. If you really want consistency, take the 'over' in Sparks games. It has cashed in seven straight outings heading into Wednesday's road game at San Antonio.


-- Speaking of San Antonio (2-8), the Stars were back to their losing ways going 0-2 SU/1-0-1 ATS this week after going unbeaten in the previous week of play. One interesting trend is that the 'under' hit in each of the first five for San Antonio, but the 'over' has connected in each of their past three.


-- Atlanta (5-6) won and covered against Seattle (3-9), marking just the second time all season the Dream has won back-to-back games. Atlanta is also on a season-best 3-0 ATS streak heading into Tuesday's game against Tulsa.


-- Tulsa (8-1) had a terrible week, going 0-3 SU/1-2 ATS after an amazing 8-0 ATS run to open the season. The Shock look to get back on track Tuesday in Atlanta, but as mentioned the Dream is in the midst of a season-best 3-0 ATS run. To make matters worse for the Shock, they'll be without star guard Skylar Diggins for at least two more games due to a knee injury.


-- Like the Shock, Connecticut (7-3) started the season on fire but have hit the skids. After a 7-0 ATS run to kick off the season the Sun is 1-2 ATS over their past three games overall.


-- Chicago (6-5) split their games straight up in the past week, but they continue to have trouble against the number. They went 0-2 ATS, failing to cover in three straight overall, and they're 4-7 ATS in 11 games this season.


-- New York (6-4) won their only game of the week, and they have now covered two in a row. Overall, the Liberty has managed an impressive 7-3 ATS run to open the season.


-- Indiana (5-6) is playing its best basketball of the season, winning and covering back-to-back games for just the second time this year. The Fever opened 2-7 ATS, but they look for a third straight cover Wednesday at home against the Storm.

 

[CNOTES]

At the Gate - Wednesday


July 7, 2015


Today’s seventh race at Belmont Park is an interesting one, featuring the second career start of Cozmic One, the first foal to race out of the multiple Grade 1 winner Zenyatta.

The son of Bernardini made his debut at Santa Anita on April 17, sent off at 9-5, but was not a threat checking in sixth in a six-horse field going a mile on the main track.

The colt shipped to Belmont Park in May and has recoded six published works, the last two bullet drills. He figures to move forward off that effort, but with the lofty expectations comes a likely short price. He is 4-1 on the morning line but figures to take more action and will be sent off lighter.

The colt faces a good group that includes the Todd Pletcher trained Indian Trail, a full brother to $1.2 million earner Uncle Mo. The colt was sent off at 6-5 in his debut but had to settle for fourth.

Chad Brown will send out Abdaar, a son of Hard Spun who is a half-brother to stakes winner Mamdooha, who has earned $325,200. In his second career start, he battled on gamely in the stretch and was beaten just a neck while two lengths clear of the third place finisher. The colt earned the top last out speed fig in the effort and looks ready to graduate here.

The colt is 3-1 on the morning line but with Zenyatta’s baby in the race, I am hoping the price drifts upward.

There is a chance of some late afternoon thundershowers, so keep an eye on the scratchboard, I am assuming we are going to be on the grass.

Here is today’s opening race from Belmont Park to get the day off to a good start:

BEL Race 1 Md $25,000 (1:20 ET)
5 Nine Bears 3-1
7 Tharyic 7-2
2 West Sedona 8-1
3 Touch of Paradise 4-1

Analysis: Nine Bears stalked the early pace and finished evenly in a fourth place finish last out for this tag. The third place finisher David Rocks exited the race to graduate in his next start on June 21 for this tag. He makes his third start off the bench for Asmussen and does not need to move forward all that much to win here.

Tharyic was no threat to the top pair in a decent third place finish for the Hennig barn that usually does not have them fully cranked first out. He has been gelded since his last outing and figures to move forward with a race under his belt. He has four sibs that are winners including a stakes winner, top earner Jazzy Jessy ($126,294).

Wagering
WIN: #5 to win at 5-2 or better.
EX: 5,7 / 2,3,5,7
TRI: 5,7 / 2,3,5,7 / 2,3,4,5,7

Today’s Featured Race of the Day from Belmont Park:

BEL Race 8 Alw $77,000N1X (4:57 ET)
8 Baldonnel 7-2
4 Designed for War 4-1
5 Sleeping Giant 8-1
9 Whoopie Pie 10-1

Analysis: Baldonnel tracked the early pace, made a good middle move and did not have enough punch left late last out in his U.S. debut. He caught yielding turf at Keeneland and was coming back off a seven month layoff. The colt beat 16 foes in his maiden breaker two back going seven furlongs in Ireland. The cut back in distance here should suit and he should move forward in the sharp Brown barn. The trainer is 28% winners with runners coming back off a 61-180 day layoff.

Designed for War makes his first start since last October where he dueled for thee early lead and tired to finish sixth at Keeneland in a race washed off the turf. He broke his maiden in his debut going long at the Spa last summer and Pletcher thought enough of that effort to try him in the With Anticipation (G2) where he checked in fifth. The barn is 33% winners with runners coming back off a +180 day layoff.

Wagering
WIN: #8 to win at 5-2 or better.
EX: 4,8 / 4,5,8,9
TRI: 4,8 / 4,5,8,9 / 4,5,8,9,10

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.

Belmont Park
R1: #2 West Sedona 8-1
R3: #6 Abtaal 15-1
R6: #12 Irish Actor 12-1
R7: #1 To Dare 10-1
R8: #5 Sleeping Giant 8-1
R8: #9 Whoopie Pie 10-1

Good luck today!

 

[CNOTES]

LEADING OFF: Ellsbury, Miller back to Yanks, Kershaw starts


July 8, 2015


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




GETTING STRONGER


The first-place Yankees plan to activate closer Andrew Miller and center fielder Jacoby Ellsbury from the disabled list before hosting Oakland. Miller has been sidelined since June 10 with a strained left forearm, while Ellsbury has been out since May 20 with a sprained right knee.


PUNCHOUTS


Dodgers ace Clayton Kershaw starts for the last time before fan voting closes Friday for the final spot on the NL All-Star team. The three-time Cy Young Award winner and reigning MVP is 5-6 with a 3.08 ERA in 17 starts, and leads the league in strikeouts. He faces the Phillies at Dodger Stadium.


WOBBLY WONG


Cardinals second baseman Kolten Wong could return to the lineup a day after he banged his head when he sprawled to catch a popup in shallow right field. He felt woozy and exited early Tuesday in the opener of a day-night doubleheader at Wrigley Field and didn't start the second game.


WRONG WAY


Red Sox righty Rick Porcello has lost seven straight decisions going into his start against visiting Miami. A year after he tied for the big league lead in shutouts while pitching for Detroit, Porcello is 4-9 with a 6.08 ERA in 16 starts for Boston.


THEY MEET AGAIN


Trevor Bauer and three Indians relievers came within two outs of no-hitting the Astros on April 9 at Minute Maid Park. Bauer tossed six innings and struck out 11, but was pulled after 111 pitches in his first start of the season. Jed Lowrie broke up Cleveland's bid with a homer off Nick Hagadone with one out in the ninth. Bauer is home this time to face Houston.


BACK ON THE MOUND


Texas lefty Matt Harrison is set to make his first major league start since having back surgery in June 2014. He was an All-Star two years ago when he won 18 games, but has been sidelined by significant back problems. He made two starts in 2013 before having two operations. After only four starts last year, Harrison had spinal fusion surgery that threatened his career. He starts vs. the visiting Diamondbacks.

 

[CNOTES]

Brewers' Cravy loses in second big league start


July 8, 2015


MILWAUKEE (AP) Brewers' pitcher Tyler Cravy thought his major league debut was better than his first start at Miller Park.


A.J. Pierzynski homered among his three hits, Manny Banuelos earned his first major league win and the Atlanta Braves beat Milwaukee 4-3 Tuesday night.


Cravy (0-2) started in place of Matt Garza, who went on the disabled list Monday. Cravy gave up three runs in six innings in his second major league start. He made his debut June 2 at St. Louis, a 1-0 loss.


''I think I was a little better the last time,'' Cravy said. ''I made too many mistakes tonight and they took advantage of them.''


Pierzynski hit his sixth homer and drove in two runs. He is 10 for 13 in his last three games, and it is the first time in his career he has finished with at least three hits in three straight games.


Banuelos (1-0) gave up one run and five hits in 5 1-3 innings. The left-hander, who made his big league debut last week, started in place of the injured Williams Perez.


''I'm pretty happy and it's pretty exciting,'' Banuelos said. ''Getting my first `W' was pretty fun.''


Jason Grilli got his 24th save to give Atlanta its seventh victory in nine games.


One day after tying his season high with four hits, Pierzynski got hits in his first three at-bats. His solo homer made it 1-all in the second.


Pierzynski added a run-scoring bloop single in the fourth for a 2-1 lead and singled in the sixth.


''Tyler was good,'' Milwaukee manager Craig Counsell said. ''He kept us in the game. He had some quick innings and with two outs, they put together some rallies. He did a nice job.''


Jonathan Lucroy hit his second home run of the year and first since June 5, connecting in the first off Banuelos. In the rookie's major league debut against Washington, he did not allow a run and gave up two hits in 5 2-3 innings before leaving with cramping and dehydration.


Adam Lind hit a solo homer in the Milwaukee eighth, his 15th.


NOT WARM ENOUGH


It was partly sunny, but the Miller Park roof was closed because it was 65 degrees at the start of the game. It was the 43rd home game and the roof has been open just nine times.


GOOD NEWS, BAD NEWS


With Khris Davis starting in left field, Gerardo Parra was forced to the bench despite being the first Brewers' player since Brady Clark in 2005 to have six multi-hit games in a row. Parra entered the night seventh in the NL with a .311 batting average.


MORE MOVES FOR ATLANTA


One day after making four roster moves, the Braves recalled RHP Mike Foltynewicz from Triple-A Gwinnett and optioned OF Joey Terdoslavich to the G-Braves. Foltynewicz was with Atlanta from May 1-June 17 and was 3-2 with a 5.19 ERA in nine starts.


UP NEXT


Braves: Julio Teheran (6-4) defeated Milwaukee on May 21 by allowing two hits and one earned run in seven innings.


Brewers: Mike Fiers (4-7) is 1-0 with a 1.35 ERA over his last three starts.


TRAINER'S ROOM


Braves: Banuelos was making another start in place of Perez, who has been on the 15-day disabled list since June 27 with a bruised left foot.


Brewers: Davis was reinstated from the disabled list before the game and RHP David Goforth was optioned to Triple-A Colorado Springs. Davis went 1 for 3 with a walk and scored.

 

[CNOTES]

MLB Consensus Picks


SIDES (ATS)


2:10 PM Atlanta +149 383 50.86% Milwaukee -162 370 49.14% View View


3:45 PM NY Mets -116 430 56.58% San Francisco +107 330 43.42% View View


1:10 PM Baltimore -129 458 59.71% Minnesota +119 309 40.29% View View


3:40 PM Detroit +105 442 60.22% Seattle -114 292 39.78% View View


TOTALS (OVER/UNDER)


1:10 PM Baltimore 8 179 44.42% Minnesota 8 224 55.58% View View


3:45 PM NY Mets 6.5 208 50.98% San Francisco 6.5 200 49.02% View View


2:10 PM Atlanta 7.5 210 52.90% Milwaukee 7.5 187 47.10% View View


3:40 PM Detroit 7.5 305 66.45% Seattle 7.5 154 33.55% View
View


Games are highlighted when more than 59% of all cash contests players choose outcome.

 

[CNOTES]

Team Open Line Movements Current Moneyline Halftime Scores


12:05 PM EDT


601 SEATTLE STORM 151.5 151u15 / 151u26 / 149.5 149 +250
602 INDIANA FEVER -5.5 -5.5 -15 / -6 -15 / -6 -21 -6.5 -300


8:05 PM EDT


603 LOS ANGELES SPARKS -2 -2 -23 / -2.5 / -3 -3.5 -170
604 SA STARS 154.5 156 / 156u16 / 155.5 155 +145

LA-F-Candace Parker-OUT

 

[CNOTES]

WEDNESDAY, JULY 8


Game Score Status Pick Amount


Seattle - 12:00 PM ET Indiana -6.5 500 DOUBLE PLAY


Indiana - Over 149 500 DOUBLE PLAY


Los Angeles - 8:00 PM ET San Antonio +3 500 *****


San Antonio - Over 155 500 TRIPLE PLAY

 

[CNOTES]

WEDNESDAY, JULY 8


Game Score Status Pick Amount


Baltimore - 1:10 PM ET Baltimore -129 500 DOUBLE PLAY
Minnesota - Under 8 500


Atlanta - 2:10 PM ET Milwaukee -162 500 DOUBLE PLAY
Milwaukee - Over 7.5 500 *****


Detroit - 3:40 PM ET Detroit +105 500 DOUBLE PLAY
Seattle - Over 7.5 500 GRAND SLAM


NY Mets - 3:45 PM ET NY Mets -116 500 GRAND SLAM
San Francisco - Under 6.5 500 GRAND SLAM

 

[CNOTES]

WNBA JUNE/ JULY RECORD:




*****...............................2 - 7 - 2
DOUBLE PLAY....................13 - 17
TRIPLE PLAY......................6 - 3
SLAM DUNK.......................11 - 7




MLB RECORD FOR JUNE/JULY:




*****.............................51 - 60 - 1 .............................- 3.85
double play......................89 - 91 - 2 .............................- 10.83
triple play........................35 - 27 - 1 .............................+ 28.32
grand slam......................50 - 58 - 2...............................- 44.84




CFL JUNE/JULY RECORD:


SINGLE PLAY.................................0 - 0
DOUBLE PLAY................................3 - 2
TRIPLE PLAY..................................1 - 0
BLOW OUT....................................0 - 1

 

[CNOTES]

MLB

Wednesday, July 8


This starter is pitching to the over on the road

Atlanta Braves starter Julio Teheran doesn't enjoy the view from the visitors dugout, but over bettors are, with the over 8-0 in Teheran's last eight road starts.

Teheran has just one win and is pitching to a 7.40 ERA in nine road starts this season, compared to a 2.04 ERA at home.

Unfortunately for Teheran he is on the road Wednesday in Milwaukee against the Brewers and right-hander Mike Fiers (3.83 ERA, 7-9 O/U). The total is currently at 7.5 runs.


Thunderstorms expected at Yankee Stadium

There are thunderstorms expected for tonight's contest at Yankee Stadium for tonight's contest between the Yanks and the Oakland A's.

There is also a 60 percent chance of rain and a slight five mile per hour wind gusting out towards center field.

The Bronx Bombers and C.C. Sabathia (3-8, 5.59 ERA) are currently very slight -101 home dogs against the A's Scott Kazmir (5-5, 2.56 ERA). The total is currently 8.0.

 

[CNOTES]

MLB

Wednesday, July 8

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Game of the Day: Rays at Royals
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Tampa Bay Rays at Kansas City Royals (+120, 7.0)

Alex Gordon was having a quiet season until Saturday, one day before the fans voted him in as an American League starter in next week’s All-Star Game. The standout left fielder is 9-for-15 with seven RBIs in his last four contests and looks to stay hot when his Kansas City Royals on Wednesday go after their fourth consecutive victory against the visiting Tampa Bay Rays.

Shortstop Alcides Escobar, also named a starter for the Midsummer Classic, lined a tiebreaking three-run double in Kansas City’s 7-1 victory in the second game of Tuesday’s doubleheader sweep versus the Rays. Jeremy Guthrie takes the mound for the Royals in the third contest of a four-game set against All-Star Chris Archer, who is 6-0 with a 0.77 ERA in seven road starts. Tampa Bay dropped nine of its last 10 contests, including three walk-off defeats in the past five outings. John Jaso has added a spark for the Rays since coming off the disabled list, going 3-for-4 in the doubleheader.

TV: 8:10 p.m. ET, Sun Sports (Tampa Bay), FSN Kansas City

LINE HISTORY: The Royals opened as +114 home dogs and have moved to +120. The total has held steady at 7.0 runs.

INJURY REPORT:

Rays - RF S. Souza (15-day DL, finger), RP A. Bellatti (15-day DL, shoulder), 2B T. Beckham (15-day DL, hamstring), SP J. Odorizzi (Early July, oblique), CF D. Jennings (Mid Aug, knee).

Royals - 3B M. Moustakas (questionable Wednesday, personal), CF L. Cain (questionable Wednesday, hamstring), SP Y. Ventura (probable Thursday, hand), SP J. Vargas (15-day DL, hip), SP K. Melden (Mid July, elbow).

WEATHER REPORT: The game is expected to be overcast with just a slight 10 percent chance of rain. There will also be a six mile per hour blowing in from left field.

PITCHING MATCHUP: Rays RH Chris Archer (9-5, 2.18 ERA) vs. Royals RH Jeremy Guthrie (6-5, 5.42)

Archer pitched 6 2/3 scoreless innings last time out against the New York Yankees with eight strikeouts before the bullpen let a victory slip away. The North Carolina native, who is in contention to start in the All-Star Game, has struck out 141 and walked 28 in 115 2/3 innings this season. Kendrys Morales is 5-for-8 with two doubles and a home run versus Archer, who is 0-1 with a 2.84 ERA in two career starts against the Royals.

Guthrie has been solid in his last two turns while allowing four runs combined over 13 1/3 innings with 11 strikeouts and a pair of walks. The 36-year-old Oregon native has been better at home (3.72 ERA) than on the road (7.40) and permitted two or fewer runs in five of his last seven starts. Evan Longoria is 13-for-44 with two homers and 11 RBIs against Guthrie, who is 9-11 with a 3.97 ERA in 24 appearances (22 starts) versus the Rays.

TRENDS:

* Over is 3-0-1 in the last four meetings.
* Over is 6-2 in the last eight meetings in Kansas City.
* Rays are 5-16 in the last 21 meetings.
* Rays are 1-10 in the last 11 meetings in Kansas City.

CONSENSUS: This contest is almost an even split for the public with 52 percent of wagers backing the home dog Royals.

 

[CNOTES]

MLB

Wednesday, July 8


Are you betting the over in Detroit Tigers games yet?

If not you only have yourself to blame, because this is one of best streaks in recent betting memory.

The Tigers extended their over streak to an insane 18 games with their 7-6 loss to the Seattle Mariners Tuesday night.

The Tigers streak is now the longest totals streak since at least the 1999 season - as far back as our records go. The previous record was held by the then Florida Marlins, who hit 15 consecutive Overs in the 2005 season.

The Tigers are scoring 5.77 runs per game over the course of the streak, more than a run more than their season average of 4.43 runs per game. But what makes over bettors excited, is the fact they are allowing an even bigger 6.56 runs per game.

Over bettors riding this crazy streak hope the Tigers make it 19 in a row when they continue their series against the Mariners on Wednesday in Seattle.

Detroit sends right-hander Anibal Sanchez (4.65 ERA, 10-6 O/U) to the mound to take on the Mariners' lefty J.A. Happ (3.93 ERA, 9-7 O/U). The total currently sits at 7.5 runs.

 

[CNOTES]

MLB

Wednesday, July 8


Giants love to see this guy behind the plate

The San Francisco Giants are happy to see umpire Andy Fletcher, with the Giants going 22-5 in the last 27 where he has been behind the plate.

Fletcher will be the man calling balls an strikes for the Giants contest against the visiting New York Mets. The Giants are currently slight +105 home dogs.

San Francisco sends right-hander Jake Peavy (0-3, 6.43 ERA) to the hill, while the Mets counter with righty Jacob deGrom (8-6, 2.30 ERA).

 

[CNOTES]

MLB

Wednesday, July 8


Thunderstoms in the forecast in Washington

There are thunderstorms expected in the Washington area for the Nationals contest against the Cincinnati Reds Wednesday.

There is also a 51 percent chance of rain chance with a seven mile per hour wind blowing out to right field.

The Nationals are currently -160 favorites with Gio Gonzalez (6-4, 4.16 ERA) expected to take the hill. The Reds will counter with Michael Lorenzen (3-3, 3.58 ERA).

The total is currently at 7.5 runs.

 

[CNOTES]

MLB

Wednesday, July 8


Complete lack of offense has the Padres cashing

The San Diego Padres have gone under in five consecutive contests. Fans of offense have been changing the channel with the Padres averaging 1.4 runs and allowing 2.2 runs per game.

Each of the five games have had a closing total of 7 despite the highest scoring game tallying five runs.

7 is the current total when the Padres visit the Pittsburgh Pirates Wednesday.


Reds undefeated against the Nationals this season

The Cincinnati Reds will look for their second series sweep of the Washington Nationals Wednesday. The Reds have won all five of the meetings between the two teams, including two in the past two days.

Despite being underdogs in four of those five games, the Reds have outscored the Nats by 3.6 runs per game.

Cincy is currently +145 when they play at Nationals Park Wednesday.

 

[CNOTES]

Armadillo: Wednesday's six-pack


How Phil Steele's magazne sees the Big X conference this year........


10) Kansas-- Went 7-29 under Charlie Weis; mercifully, he is gone now but 15 of 22 starters went with him. Major rebuilding job here.


9) Iowa State-- Has been in bowl in three of five years under coach Rhoads.


8) Texas Tech-- Six conference losses by double digit margin LY; no bueno.


7) West Virginia-- Why are they in this league? Look at a map; it makes no sense.


6) Kansas State-- People have no idea how great a coach Bill Snyder is; this was the absolute worst program in America when he took it over. Snyder is 187-94-1. .


5) Texas-- Strong cleaned house last year; now he has a roster full of "his guys".


4) Oklahoma State-- 16 returning starters; only 19 kids graduated. Good team.


3) Oklahoma-- Hardest part of their schedule is right at the end, in November.


2) Baylor-- 18 starters back, but none of them are QBs. Had a hideous bowl loss.


1) TCU-- Think they have a chip on their shoulder after last year's snub?


**********


Armadillo: Wednesday's List of 13: Happy Hump Day!!!!......


13) Pittsburgh Pirates have turned it around, are 49-34, second best record in major leagues, but they're in same division with St Louis, which has the best record. Right now, NL Central would get three teams in the playoffs (Cubs).


Pirates started the season by going 3-12 in their first 15 games when winning scored from 7th inning on. They're now 8-1 in last nine such games.


12) There was a rain delay at PNC Park last night, with the tarp damn near getting blown into the Allegheny River by strong winds. Some of the Pirates came out of the dugout and helped the ground crew secure the tarp.


11) Padres are in Steel City this week; San Diego's new manager is Pat Murphy, whose daughter is married to Pittsburgh 1B Pedro Alvarez, who had a walk-off single in the Monday night Pirate win. Padres were 32-33 when they fired Bub Black; they are 39-46 now. Changing managers during the season is seldom a good move.


10) 11 guys on the Atlanta Braves made their MLB debut this year, yet the team stays in contention in a weak NL East. Good job by skipper Fredi Gonazalez.


9) They were talking about doubleheaders on the Cub game Tuesday; in his career, which lasted 19 years, Ernie Banks played in over 300 doubleheaders, which are rare in today's money-grabbing, double admission culture.


8) On DirecTV's baseball package, for some reason the games from Chicago don't go to commecial in between innings, so you get to hear the ballpark music and see whats going on, its a little like actually being at the ballpark. Pretty cool.


7) Miguel Montero caught Jon Lester Monday night because David Ross, who is Lester's personal catcher, is on the 7-day DL with a concussion.


6) The catch/throw Hunter Pence made last night is Exhibit A why the new statistic WAR isn't what analytics people think it is, an easy way to sum up a player's value with one single number. You can't and never will be able to quantify "heart".


This was Pence's first game off the DL; he makes a spectacular catch, bounces up and throws a fairly fast runner out at the plate. Go ahead, give me a number for the lift that gave a team that had been on a 7-game losing streak-- you can't!!!!


5) San Antonio Spurs basically cut Cory Joseph after signing LaMarcus Aldridge, but Toronto was quick to give Joseph $30M for four years.


4) According to the Interweb, David West has earned $87,668,418 in his career as an NBA player; he must've saved most of it, since he signed with the Spurs this week for the veteran minimum of $1.4M, turning down $12.2M from the Indiana Pacers. West has a wife named Lesley; would've enjoyed hearing him explain THAT to her.


3) The late Manute Bol has a 15-year old son who is 6-foot-10 and making rounds of summer camps out west. Young man's name is Bol Bol and he looks a lot like his dad did way back when. If I see him play in Las Vegas later this month, I'll let you know.


2) Milwaukee Bucks are making noise about moving to Las Vegas; I've been told by more than one person in Vegas that the civic leaders want nothing to do with the NBA after the chaos and general lawlessness that took place when Las Vegas hosted the NBA All-Star Game back in 2007. Las Vegas wants an NHL team, and they want UNLV to get back to the NCAA tournament. Thats it.


1) Florida State had a backup QB who hit his girlfriend and it was captured on camera; Seminoles have already dumped the kid, who will wind up playing at a JC somewhere and then re-surfacing at West Texas State, Delaware or some other obscure outpost, unless he wins a national title in JC, then he'll be at Auburn or another SEC school.


This kid learned nothing from the Jameis Winston era in Tallahassee:
-- You can't get in trouble until you've won at least one league title. This kid hadn't even been named the starter yet-- no one is going out on a limb to defend him. Ever.