Cnotes Sports Page For Wednesday September 30th Best Bets-Trends-News !

[CNOTES]

MLB
Armadillo's Write-Up

Wednesday, September 30

National League
Cardinals @ Pirates
Wacha is 2-2, 6.58 in his last five starts (over 6-0 last six). Lyons is making his first start since Sept 2; he is 2-1, 4.78 in last four starts (over 3-0 last three).

Morton is 1-4, 7.39 in his last six starts (over 3-0 last three). Cole is 3-0, 2.60 in his last four starts; over is 3-1-1 in his last five.

Pirates got shut out the last two games after winning eight in row before that (under 8-2 last ten); they won three of last five games with St Louis-- over is 6-3-1 in last eight games. Cardinals won seven of last ten games (over 4-2-1 last seven games).

Mets @ Phillies
Verrett is 1-1, 3.00 in his three starts (under 2-0-1).

Asher is 0-5, 7.52 in his five starts (over 4-1).

Mets won nine of last 11 games with Phillies (over 8-3); New York won four of last five games, scoring 39 runs- six of last seven went over total. Philly lost seven of last eleven games (under 7-3 last ten).

Nationals @ Braves
Zimmerman is 1-1, 5.96 in his last four starts (over 4-1 last five).

Perez is 2-0, 2.92 in his last four starts (over 7-1 in last eight).

Washington lost six of last eight games. Braves lost three of last four games (over 5-1 last six), but they won last four at home, all by 2-1 scores. Nats won four of last five games with Atlanta (over 3-2).

Cubs @ Reds
Lester is 2-3, 3.38 in his last six starts (under 3-0 last three).

DeSclafani is 0-2, 10.12 in his last two starts (under is 7-4 in his last 11).

Cubs are 6-5 in last eleven games with Cincinnati; five of last seven got over. Chicago is 8-4 in its last twelve games; last seven stayed under. Cincinnati lost its last nine games, with five of last six going over the total.

Brewers @ Padres
Davies is 2-2, 4.67 in his five starts (over 3-2).

Cashner is 1-3, 4.98 in his last six starts (over 6-3 last nine).

Padres lost three of last four games; over is 6-3-1 in their last ten. Milwaukee won last four games with San Diego (over 3-1-1 last five); Brewers are 4-2 in last six games (over 5-4-1 last ten).

Dodgers @ Giants
Bolsinger is 0-2, 10.50 in his last three starts (over 3-1-1 in last five).

Leake is 1-4, 5.86 in his last five starts (under 5-3 in SF starts).

Dodgers clinched NL West last night; they won five of last six games with the Giants; over is 6-4-1 in last 11 series games. LA lost eight of last eleven games overall (over 6-3 last nine). Giants are 5-4 in last eight games, with six of last seven going over total.

Rockies @ Diamondbacks
Bettis is 2-0, 1.50 in his last three starts (under 5-1 last six).

Anderson is 0-1, 5.21 in his last four starts (over 3-2 last five home).

Arizona is 6-3 in its last nine games with Colorado; four of last five in series stayed under the total. Rockies won three of last four, scoring 30 runs (over is 7-4 in last eleven). D'backs are 7-4 in their last eleven gmes (under 7-4).

American League
Blue Jays @ Orioles
Stroman is 3-0, 1.89 in his three starts (under 2-1) this season. Dickey is 2-1, 2.78 in his last five starts (under 5-1 last six).

Gonzalez is 0-3, 8.59 in his last three starts (under 3-1 last four). Gausman is 1-2, 5.26 in his last six starts (under 5-2 last seven).

Toronto is 5-4 in last nine games with Baltimore (over 3-2 last five). Blue Jays won six of last seven games (under 6-3-2 last 11). Orioles lost last four games, scoring a total of three runs; under is 5-1-1 in their last seven games.

Red Sox @ Bronx
Miley is 0-1, 4.05 in his last three starts (over 5-1 last six).

Tanaka is 1-1, 1.29 in his last three starts (under 3-0 last three); he missed his last start (hamstring).

Boston lost seven of last 12 games with New York; five of last seven stayed under the total. Red Sox won five games in row, allowing five runs; seven of their last eight stayed under the total. Bronx is 6-5 in its last eleven games (under 5-2 last seven).

Twins @ Indians
Gibson is 1-2, 4.74 in his last four starts (under 5-2 last seven). Pelfrey is 0-2, 6.50 in his last four starts (under 3-1-1 last five).

Anderson is 4-0, 1.38 in his last four starts (over 5-2 last seven). Carrasco is 2-1, 1.80 in his last three starts (over 10-5 in his last 15).

Twins won five of last six games with Cleveland (under 6-1 last seven); Twins won six of last eight games overall (under 7-3 last ten). Indians won three of last five; five of their last seven games stayed under the total.

Royals @ White Sox
Volquez is 0-2, 5.29 in his last three starts (over 3-1 last four on road).

Quintana is 2-0, 1.33 in his last four starts (under 3-1 last four).

Royals lost last four games with Chicago; four of last six series games went over the total. KC lost four of last five games (under 4-1). White Sox lost five of last seven games (under 8-1 in last nine).

Tigers @ Rangers
Boyd is 0-2, 6.90 in his last six starts (over 4-0 last four).

Gallardo is 0-2, 6.43 in his last three starts (under 8-1-1 in his last ten).

Detroit lost four of last five games with Texas; five of last seven series games went under the total. Tigers are 4-6 in last ten games (under 5-4 last nine). Texas won five of last eight games (over 8-1-1 last ten).

A's @ Angels
Zito allowed four rins in two IP (48 PT) in his first MLB start in two years; this is his last MLB start.

Richards is 3-1, 3.41 in his last five starts (over 6-3 last nine).

Angels trail Houston by half-game for last Wild Card spot; they're 7-4 in last 11 vs Oakland (over 7-3-1). Halos won last six games overall. A's lost eight of last nine games, with last seven going over the total.

Astros @ Mariners
Kazmir is 0-3, 6.25 in his last six starts (under 4-0-1 last five on road).

Seattle's bullpen will pitch this whole game; they haven't announced which reliever will start.

Astros won three of last four games; over is 8-4-1 in their last thirteen; they trail the Angels by half-game for last Wild Card slot. Houston lost five of last eight against Seattle (over 10-1-1 last twelve). Mariners lost six of their last seven games (over 6-4 last ten games).

Interleague
Marlins @ Rays
Cosart is 1-0, 1.37 in his last four starts (under 3-1 last four).

Smyly is 3-0, 2.70 in his last five starts (under 6-3-1 in last ten).

Marlins won five of last eight games with Tampa Bay; four of last six series games went over total. Miami won five of last six games (over 5-3 last eight). Rays lost three of last four games (under 4-1-2 last seven).

Win-loss records this year for team with this starting pitcher:
StL-Pitt-- Wacha 21-8 Lyons 3-4; Morton 14-8 Cole 22-9
NY-Phil-- Verrett 2-1; Asher 0-5
Wsh-Atl-- Zimmerman 19-13; Perez 8-11
Chi-Cin-- Lester 16-15; DeSclafani 13-17
Col-Az-- Bettis 12-7; Anderson 10-16
LA-SF-- Bolsinger 11-9; Leake 2-6
Mil-SD-- Davies 3-2; Cashner 12-18

Tor-Balt-- Stroman 3-0 Dickey 18-14; Gonzalez 12-13 (1-6 last 7) Gausman 6-10
Bos-NY-- Miley 14-17; Tanaka 15-8
Min-Cle-- Gibson 15-16 Pelfrey 14-14; Anderson 9-5 Carrasco 17-12
Det-Tex-- Boyd 4-5 (3-0 last 3); Gallardo 18-14
KC-Chi-- Volquez 21-11 (0-3 last 3); Quintana 14-17
A's-LAA-- Zito 0-1; Richards 18-12
Hst-Sea-- Kazmir 12-18/4-8; ; bullpen x-x

Mia-TB-- Cosart 6-6 (4-0 last 4); Smyly 7-4

Times this starting pitcher allowed a run in first inning:
StL-Pitt-- Wacha 7-29 (3 of last 4); Lyons 2-7; Morton 8-22 Cole 11-31
NY-Phil-- Verrett 0-3; Asher 2-5
Wsh-Atl-- Zimmerman 10-32; Perez 7-19
Chi-Cin-- Lester 9-31; DeSclafani 7-30
Col-Az-- Bettis 4-19; Anderson 10-26
LA-SF-- Bolsinger 6-20; Leake 2-8
Mil-SD-- Davies 1-5; Cashner 14-31 (6 of last 9)

Tor-Balt-- Stroman 0-3 Dickey 7-32 ; Gonzalez 7-25 Gausman 6-16
Bos-NY-- Miley 8-31; Tanaka 6-23
Min-Cle-- Gibson 9-31 Pelfrey 4-28; Anderson 4-14 Carrasco 12-29
Det-Tex-- Boyd 3-9; Gallardo 9-32
KC-Chi-- Volquez 9-32; Quintana 16-31
A's-LAA-- Zito 1-1; Richards 7-30
Hst-Sea-- Kazmir 5-30; bullpen x-x

Mia-TB-- Cosart 2-12; Smyly 1-11

Umpires
StL-Pitt-- Six of last eight Cederstrom games went over.
NY-Phil-- Eight of last eleven Davidson games went over.
Wsh-Atl-- Underdogs are 6-4 in last ten Wegner games.
Chi-Cin-- Three of last four Johnson games went over.
Col-Az-- Underdogs won 13 of last 18 Iassogna games.
Mil-SD-- Three of last four Blaser games went over.
LA-SF-- Five of last six Estabrook games went over.

Bos-NY-- Six of last seven TWelke games went over.
Tor-Balt-- Six of last seven Reyburn games stayed under. Four of last six Danley games went over.
Min-Clev-- Underdogs are 10-8 in last 18 Kellogg games. Underdogs won five of last eight Porter games.
KC-Chi-- Seven of last ten Hernandez games went over total.
Det-Tex-- Three of last four Hallion games stayed under.
A's-LAA-- Six of last eight Guccione games went over total.
Hst-Sea-- Over is 3-0-1 in last four Fletcher games.

Mia-TB-- Underdogs are 7-6 in last thirteen Davis games.

 

[CNOTES]

MLB

Wednesday, September 30

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

1:35 PM
ST. LOUIS vs. PITTSBURGH
St. Louis is 7-2 SU in its last 9 games
St. Louis is 6-2 SU in its last 8 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 6 of Pittsburgh's last 9 games at home
Pittsburgh is 15-8 SU in its last 23 games at home

4:05 PM
TORONTO vs. BALTIMORE
Toronto is 6-2 SU in its last 8 games on the road
Toronto is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games
The total has gone OVER in 8 of Baltimore's last 10 games at home
Baltimore is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games

7:05 PM
NY METS vs. PHILADELPHIA
The total has gone OVER in 6 of NY Mets's last 8 games when playing Philadelphia
NY Mets are 11-2 SU in its last 13 games when playing Philadelphia
The total has gone OVER in 6 of Philadelphia's last 8 games when playing NY Mets
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Philadelphia's last 6 games when playing at home against NY Mets

7:05 PM
ST. LOUIS vs. PITTSBURGH
St. Louis7-2-1 SU in its last 10 games
St. Louis is 1-3-1 SU in its last 5 games ,when playing on the road against Pittsburgh
Pittsburgh is 0-4-1 SU in its last 5 games ,at home
Pittsburgh8-2-1 SU in its last 11 games

7:05 PM
OAKLAND vs. LA ANGELS
The total has gone OVER in 7 of Oakland's last 10 games on the road
Oakland is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games on the road
LA Angels are 5-1 SU in their last 6 games when playing at home against Oakland
The total has gone OVER in 4 of LA Angels's last 5 games when playing at home against Oakland

7:05 PM
BOSTON vs. NY YANKEES
Boston is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 14 of Boston's last 21 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of NY Yankees's last 7 games
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of NY Yankees's last 7 games when playing Boston

7:10 PM
MINNESOTA vs. CLEVELAND
Minnesota is 2-3-1 SU in its last 6 games ,when playing on the road against Cleveland
Minnesota4-1-1 SU in its last 6 games on the road
Cleveland is 1-5-1 SU in its last 7 games ,when playing Minnesota
Cleveland is 2-3-1 SU in its last 6 games ,at home

7:10 PM
CHI CUBS vs. CINCINNATI
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Chi Cubs's last 5 games
The total has gone OVER in 6 of Chi Cubs's last 9 games when playing on the road against Cincinnati
Cincinnati is 2-5 SU in their last 7 games when playing at home against Chi Cubs
The total has gone OVER in 6 of Cincinnati's last 9 games when playing at home against Chi Cubs

7:10 PM
WASHINGTON vs. ATLANTA
Washington is 2-6 SU in its last 8 games
Washington is 7-14 SU in its last 21 games when playing on the road against Atlanta
Atlanta is 3-13 SU in its last 16 games when playing Washington
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Atlanta's last 5 games at home

7:10 PM
MIAMI vs. TAMPA BAY
Miami is 6-16 SU in its last 22 games when playing Tampa Bay
Miami is 3-8 SU in its last 11 games when playing on the road against Tampa Bay
Tampa Bay is 16-6 SU in its last 22 games when playing Miami
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Tampa Bay's last 7 games

7:35 PM
TORONTO vs. BALTIMORE
Toronto5-0-1 SU in its last 6 games
Toronto16-6-1 SU in its last 23 games on the road
Baltimore is 5-9-1 SU in its last 15 games ,at home
Baltimore is 2-3-1 SU in its last 6 games ,when playing at home against Toronto

8:05 PM
DETROIT vs. TEXAS
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Detroit's last 6 games
Detroit is 5-10 SU in its last 15 games on the road
Texas is 12-4 SU in its last 16 games at home
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Texas's last 7 games when playing Detroit

8:10 PM
KANSAS CITY vs. CHI WHITE SOX
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Kansas City's last 5 games when playing on the road against Chi White Sox
Kansas City is 1-4 SU in their last 5 games when playing Chi White Sox
Chi White Sox are 7-18 SU in their last 25 games when playing at home against Kansas City
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Chi White Sox's last 5 games when playing at home against Kansas City

9:40 PM
COLORADO vs. ARIZONA
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Colorado's last 5 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 6 of Colorado's last 9 games when playing on the road against Arizona
Arizona is 11-5 SU in its last 16 games when playing Colorado
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Arizona's last 5 games when playing Colorado

10:10 PM
MILWAUKEE vs. SAN DIEGO
Milwaukee is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games when playing San Diego
The total has gone OVER in 17 of Milwaukee's last 25 games
San Diego is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games when playing Milwaukee
The total has gone OVER in 11 of San Diego's last 16 games

10:10 PM
HOUSTON vs. SEATTLE
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Houston's last 5 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 6 of Houston's last 7 games when playing Seattle
Seattle is 8-15 SU in its last 23 games when playing Houston
Seattle is 1-6 SU in its last 7 games

10:15 PM
LA DODGERS vs. SAN FRANCISCO
LA Dodgers are 1-7 SU in their last 8 games when playing on the road against San Francisco
The total has gone OVER in 4 of LA Dodgers's last 6 games
San Francisco is 7-1 SU in their last 8 games when playing at home against LA Dodgers
The total has gone OVER in 6 of San Francisco's last 7 games

 

[CNOTES]

MLB
Dunkel

Wednesday, September 30


Chicago Cubs @ Cincinnati

Game 957-958
September 30, 2015 @ 7:10 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Chicago Cubs
(Lester) 12.883
Cincinnati
(DeSclfni) 13.786
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Cincinnati
by 1
8
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Chicago Cubs
-165
7 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Cincinnati
(+145); Over

Miami @ Tampa Bay

Game 979-980
September 30, 2015 @ 7:10 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Miami
(Cosart) 14.751
Tampa Bay
(Smyly) 16.879
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Tampa Bay
by 2
6
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Tampa Bay
-150
7 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Tampa Bay
(-150); Under

Colorado @ Arizona

Game 959-960
September 30, 2015 @ 9:40 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Colorado
(Bettis) 15.826
Arizona
(Anderson) 14.682
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Colorado
by 1
7
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Arizona
-160
8 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Colorado
(+140); Under

St. Louis @ Pittsburgh

Game 981-982
September 30, 2015 @ 1:35 pm

Dunkel Rating:
St. Louis
(Wacha) 17.211
Pittsburgh
(Cole) 15.723
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
St. Louis
by 1 1/2
8
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Pittsburgh
No Line
N/A
Dunkel Pick:
St. Louis
N/A

Milwaukee @ San Diego

Game 961-962
September 30, 2015 @ 10:10 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Milwaukee
(Davies) 12.738
San Diego
(Cashner) 16.682
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
San Diego
by 4
8
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
San Diego
-160
7
Dunkel Pick:
San Diego
(-160); Over

Toronto @ Baltimore

Game 983-984
September 30, 2015 @ 4:05 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Toronto
(Stroman) 17.355
Baltimore
(Gonzalez) 15.147
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Toronto
by 2
9 1/2
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Toronto
No Line
N/A
Dunkel Pick:
Toronto
N/A

LA Dodgers @ San Francisco

Game 963-964
September 30, 2015 @ 10:15 pm

Dunkel Rating:
LA Dodgers
(Bolsnger) 15.738
San Francisco
(Leake) 12.558
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
LA Dodgers
by 3
8
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
San Francisco
No Line
N/A
Dunkel Pick:
LA Dodgers
N/A

Minnesota @ Cleveland

Game 985-986
September 30, 2015 @ 4:05 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Minnesota
(Gibson) 14.944
Cleveland
(Carrasco) 17.125
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Cleveland
by 2
6 1/2
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Cleveland
No Line
N/A
Dunkel Pick:
Cleveland
N/A

Oakland @ LA Angels

Game 965-966
September 30, 2015 @ 7:05 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Oakland
(Zito) 14.505
LA Angels
(Richards) 17.998
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
LA Angels
by 3 1/2
8 1/2
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
LA Angels
-260
9
Dunkel Pick:
LA Angels
(-260); Under

Toronto @ Baltimore

Game 967-968
September 30, 2015 @ 7:05 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Toronto
(Dickey) 15.879
Baltimore
(Gausman) 16.973
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Baltimore
by 1
7 1/2
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Toronto
No Line
N/A
Dunkel Pick:
Baltimore
N/A

Boston @ NY Yankees

Game 969-970
September 30, 2015 @ 7:05 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Boston
(Miley) 17.887
NY Yankees
(Tanaka) 16.872
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Boston
by 1
10
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
NY Yankees
No Line
N/A
Dunkel Pick:
Boston
N/A

Minnesota @ Cleveland

Game 971-972
September 30, 2015 @ 7:10 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Minnesota
(Pelfrey) 17.223
Cleveland
(Anderson) 16.153
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Minnesota
by 1
7
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Cleveland
-185
8
Dunkel Pick:
Minnesota
(+165); Under

NY Mets @ Philadelphia

Game 951-952
September 30, 2015 @ 7:05 pm

Dunkel Rating:
NY Mets
(Verrett) 12.783
Philadelphia
(Asher) 13.658
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Philadelphia
by 1
7
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
NY Mets
-190
8 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Philadelphia
(+165); Under

Detroit @ Texas

Game 973-974
September 30, 2015 @ 8:05 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Detroit
(Boyd) 14.902
Texas
(Gallardo) 16.453
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Texas
by 1 1/2
11
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Texas
-190
9
Dunkel Pick:
Texas
(-190); Over

St. Louis @ Pittsburgh

Game 953-954
September 30, 2015 @ 7:05 pm

Dunkel Rating:
St. Louis
(Lyons) 16.339
Pittsburgh
(Morton) 13.879
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
St. Louis
by 2 1/2
9
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Pittsburgh
No Line
N/A
Dunkel Pick:
St. Louis
N/A

Kansas City @ Chicago White Sox

Game 975-976
September 30, 2015 @ 8:10 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Kansas City
(Volquez) 15.938
Chicago White Sox
(Quintana) 14.223
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Kansas City
by 1 1/2
6 1/2
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Kansas City
-120
8
Dunkel Pick:
Kansas City
(-120); Under

Washington @ Atlanta

Game 955-956
September 30, 2015 @ 7:10 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Washington
(Zmmermnn) 14.751
Atlanta
(Perez) 12.658
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Washington
by 2
6 1/2
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Washington
-160
8
Dunkel Pick:
Washington
(-160); Under

Houston @ Seattle

Game 977-978
September 30, 2015 @ 10:10 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Houston
(Kazmir) 13.962
Seattle
(Guaipe) 15.270
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Seattle
by 1 1/2
10
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Houston
No Line
N/A
Dunkel Pick:
Seattle
N/A

 

[CNOTES]

MLB
Long Sheet

Wednesday, September 30

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

NY METS (89 - 68) at PHILADELPHIA (60 - 97) - 7:05 PM
LOGAN VERRETT (R) vs. ALEC ASHER (R)
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

Head-to-Head Series History
NY METS is 14-3 (+8.8 Units) against PHILADELPHIA this season
10 of 16 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+3.7 Units)

LOGAN VERRETT vs. PHILADELPHIA since 1997
No recent starts.

ALEC ASHER vs. NY METS since 1997
No recent starts.

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

ST LOUIS (100 - 57) at PITTSBURGH (95 - 62) - 7:05 PM
TYLER LYONS (L) vs. GERRIT COLE (R)
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

Head-to-Head Series History
ST LOUIS is 9-8 (+0.8 Units) against PITTSBURGH this season
8 of 16 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=-0.3 Units, Under=-1.2 Units)

TYLER LYONS vs. PITTSBURGH since 1997
LYONS is 0-2 when starting against PITTSBURGH with an ERA of 4.76 and a WHIP of 1.176.
His team's record is 0-3 (-3.3 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 3-0. (+3.1 units)

GERRIT COLE vs. ST LOUIS since 1997
COLE is 4-4 when starting against ST LOUIS with an ERA of 2.86 and a WHIP of 1.077.
His team's record is 5-4 (+1.1 units) in these starts. The OVER is 6-3. (+3.0 units)

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

WASHINGTON (80 - 77) at ATLANTA (63 - 94) - 7:10 PM
JORDAN ZIMMERMANN (R) vs. WILLIAMS PEREZ (R)
Top Trends for this game.
WASHINGTON is 80-77 (-19.8 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
WASHINGTON is 34-42 (-14.2 Units) against the money line in road games this season.
WASHINGTON is 79-76 (-20.0 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
WASHINGTON is 48-55 (-21.9 Units) against the money line in night games this season.
WASHINGTON is 57-60 (-17.3 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.
WASHINGTON is 37-40 (-11.9 Units) against the money line after a loss this season.
WASHINGTON is 45-38 (-12.3 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record this season.
ATLANTA is 33-29 (+6.5 Units) against the money line in home games in night games this season.
ATLANTA is 30-25 (+8.0 Units) against the money line in home games against right-handed starters this season.
WASHINGTON is 18-6 (+11.2 Units) against the money line in road games when playing on Wednesday over the last 2 seasons.
ZIMMERMANN is 47-22 (+18.9 Units) against the money line in night games over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
ZIMMERMANN is 62-28 (+24.8 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record since 1997. (Team's Record)
ATLANTA is 63-94 (-19.7 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
ATLANTA is 16-35 (-19.0 Units) against the money line in September games over the last 2 seasons.
ATLANTA is 61-91 (-19.8 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
WASHINGTON is 13-4 (+7.2 Units) against ATLANTA this season
10 of 17 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+2.7 Units)

JORDAN ZIMMERMANN vs. ATLANTA since 1997
ZIMMERMANN is 7-2 when starting against ATLANTA with an ERA of 2.52 and a WHIP of 1.108.
His team's record is 10-5 (+4.8 units) in these starts. The OVER is 10-5. (+4.7 units)

WILLIAMS PEREZ vs. WASHINGTON since 1997
No recent starts.

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

CHICAGO CUBS (92 - 65) at CINCINNATI (62 - 95) - 7:10 PM
JON LESTER (L) vs. ANTHONY DESCLAFANI (R)
Top Trends for this game.
CHICAGO CUBS are 696-783 (-189.8 Units) against the money line after a win since 1997.
CHICAGO CUBS are 728-716 (-155.9 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record since 1997.
CHICAGO CUBS are 92-65 (+11.9 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
CHICAGO CUBS are 43-33 (+8.7 Units) against the money line in road games this season.
CHICAGO CUBS are 92-65 (+11.9 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
CHICAGO CUBS are 56-35 (+16.0 Units) against the money line in night games this season.
CHICAGO CUBS are 73-51 (+8.8 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.
CINCINNATI is 62-95 (-30.6 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
CINCINNATI is 33-46 (-15.3 Units) against the money line in home games this season.
CINCINNATI is 62-95 (-30.6 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
CINCINNATI is 89-124 (-30.9 Units) against the money line in night games over the last 2 seasons.
CINCINNATI is 37-56 (-16.5 Units) against the money line after a loss this season.
CINCINNATI is 28-49 (-14.9 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record this season.
CINCINNATI is 8-20 (-11.2 Units) against the money line in home games when playing against a team with a winning record in the second half of the season this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
CHICAGO CUBS is 11-6 (+2.7 Units) against CINCINNATI this season
9 of 16 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+1.7 Units)

JON LESTER vs. CINCINNATI since 1997
LESTER is 0-0 when starting against CINCINNATI with an ERA of 4.74 and a WHIP of 1.105.
His team's record is 3-0 (+3.0 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 1-2. (-1.2 units)

ANTHONY DESCLAFANI vs. CHICAGO CUBS since 1997
DESCLAFANI is 1-1 when starting against CHICAGO CUBS with an ERA of 2.67 and a WHIP of 1.055.
His team's record is 2-3 (-0.6 units) in these starts. The OVER is 1-3. (-2.3 units)

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

LA DODGERS (88 - 69) at SAN FRANCISCO (82 - 75) - 10:15 PM
MIKE BOLSINGER (R) vs. MIKE LEAKE (R)
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

Head-to-Head Series History
SAN FRANCISCO is 10-7 (+6.1 Units) against LA DODGERS this season
9 of 17 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+0.2 Units)

MIKE BOLSINGER vs. SAN FRANCISCO since 1997
BOLSINGER is 0-3 when starting against SAN FRANCISCO with an ERA of 4.56 and a WHIP of 1.436.
His team's record is 0-4 (-4.5 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 3-1. (+2.0 units)

MIKE LEAKE vs. LA DODGERS since 1997
LEAKE is 2-4 when starting against LA DODGERS with an ERA of 4.73 and a WHIP of 1.175.
His team's record is 2-4 (-2.8 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 5-1. (+3.8 units)

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

OAKLAND (65 - 93) at LA ANGELS (83 - 74) - 7:05 PM
BARRY ZITO (L) vs. GARRETT RICHARDS (R)
Top Trends for this game.
OAKLAND is 65-93 (-33.7 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
OAKLAND is 71-88 (-21.2 Units) against the money line in road games over the last 2 seasons.
OAKLAND is 7-19 (-10.5 Units) against the money line in September games this season.
OAKLAND is 21-30 (-17.6 Units) against the money line when playing on Wednesday over the last 2 seasons.
OAKLAND is 30-42 (-14.9 Units) against the money line against division opponents this season.
OAKLAND is 24-35 (-13.8 Units) against the money line in day games this season.
OAKLAND is 63-88 (-31.2 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
OAKLAND is 50-62 (-15.7 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.
OAKLAND is 37-55 (-19.8 Units) against the money line after a loss this season.
OAKLAND is 37-50 (-14.7 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record this season.
OAKLAND is 4-19 (-13.4 Units) against the money line in road games when playing against a team with a winning record in the second half of the season this season.
ZITO is 1-11 (-10.0 Units) against the money line in road games over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
LA ANGELS are 83-74 (+4.9 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
LA ANGELS are 36-14 (+21.0 Units) against the money line when the total is 9 to 9.5 over the last 2 seasons.
LA ANGELS are 49-31 (+12.1 Units) against the money line in home games this season.
LA ANGELS are 18-8 (+12.4 Units) against the money line in September games this season.
LA ANGELS are 42-29 (+13.3 Units) against the money line against division opponents this season.
LA ANGELS are 79-71 (+3.7 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
LA ANGELS are 101-61 (+27.4 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 2 seasons.
LA ANGELS are 15-4 (+9.8 Units) against the money line in home games when playing against a team with a losing record in the second half of the season this season.
RICHARDS is 37-19 (+14.3 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
ZITO is 68-40 (+31.5 Units) against the money line when the total is 9 to 9.5 since 1997. (Team's Record)
ZITO is 101-68 (+32.9 Units) against the money line against division opponents since 1997. (Team's Record)
ZITO is 64-45 (+26.2 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record in the second half of the season since 1997. (Team's Record)

Head-to-Head Series History
LA ANGELS is 11-7 (+4.1 Units) against OAKLAND this season
12 of 16 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+7.8 Units)

BARRY ZITO vs. LA ANGELS since 1997
ZITO is 12-11 when starting against LA ANGELS with an ERA of 4.14 and a WHIP of 1.273.
His team's record is 17-13 (+1.5 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 17-11. (+4.9 units)

GARRETT RICHARDS vs. OAKLAND since 1997
RICHARDS is 2-4 when starting against OAKLAND with an ERA of 5.51 and a WHIP of 1.489.
His team's record is 2-7 (-5.3 units) in these starts. The OVER is 5-4. (+1.1 units)

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

TORONTO (91 - 65) at BALTIMORE (76 - 80) - 7:05 PM
R.A. DICKEY (R) vs. KEVIN GAUSMAN (R)
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

Head-to-Head Series History
TORONTO is 10-6 (+3.2 Units) against BALTIMORE this season
9 of 15 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+2.5 Units)

R.A. DICKEY vs. BALTIMORE since 1997
DICKEY is 2-5 when starting against BALTIMORE with an ERA of 3.93 and a WHIP of 1.191.
His team's record is 4-6 (-3.2 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 7-3. (+3.5 units)

KEVIN GAUSMAN vs. TORONTO since 1997
GAUSMAN is 1-1 when starting against TORONTO with an ERA of 3.94 and a WHIP of 1.375.
His team's record is 2-1 (+1.1 units) in these starts. The OVER is 1-2. (-1.3 units)

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

BOSTON (77 - 80) at NY YANKEES (86 - 71) - 7:05 PM
WADE MILEY (L) vs. MASAHIRO TANAKA (R)
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

Head-to-Head Series History
NY YANKEES is 10-7 (+1.5 Units) against BOSTON this season
9 of 17 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+0.2 Units)

WADE MILEY vs. NY YANKEES since 1997
MILEY is 0-2 when starting against NY YANKEES with an ERA of 5.18 and a WHIP of 1.110.
His team's record is 1-3 (-2.4 units) in these starts. The OVER is 2-2. (+0.0 units)

MASAHIRO TANAKA vs. BOSTON since 1997
TANAKA is 4-2 when starting against BOSTON with an ERA of 4.84 and a WHIP of 1.245.
His team's record is 4-2 (+1.3 units) in these starts. The OVER is 5-1. (+4.1 units)

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

MINNESOTA (81 - 75) at CLEVELAND (77 - 78) - 7:10 PM
MIKE PELFREY (R) vs. CODY ANDERSON (R)
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

Head-to-Head Series History
MINNESOTA is 10-6 (+6.5 Units) against CLEVELAND this season
8 of 15 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+0.0 Units)

MIKE PELFREY vs. CLEVELAND since 1997
PELFREY is 2-1 when starting against CLEVELAND with an ERA of 4.06 and a WHIP of 1.380.
His team's record is 5-2 (+5.0 units) in these starts. The OVER is 3-4. (-1.3 units)

CODY ANDERSON vs. MINNESOTA since 1997
ANDERSON is 1-0 when starting against MINNESOTA with an ERA of 6.75 and a WHIP of 1.713.
His team's record is 1-1 (-0.1 units) in these starts. The OVER is 2-0. (+2.0 units)

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

DETROIT (73 - 84) at TEXAS (85 - 72) - 8:05 PM
MATT BOYD (L) vs. YOVANI GALLARDO (R)
Top Trends for this game.
DETROIT is 163-159 (-15.2 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
DETROIT is 43-57 (-11.2 Units) against the money line in night games this season.
DETROIT is 52-68 (-13.1 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.
DETROIT is 74-84 (-18.2 Units) against the money line after a loss over the last 2 seasons.
TEXAS is 85-72 (+29.2 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
TEXAS is 31-22 (+15.6 Units) against the money line in September games over the last 2 seasons.
TEXAS is 82-68 (+28.7 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
TEXAS is 63-49 (+26.6 Units) against the money line in night games this season.
TEXAS is 33-30 (+10.8 Units) against the money line against left-handed starters this season.
TEXAS is 45-39 (+15.4 Units) against the money line after a win this season.
DETROIT is 76-71 (+9.2 Units) against the money line in road games in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
TEXAS is 39-58 (-20.5 Units) against the money line at home when the total is 9 to 9.5 over the last 2 seasons.
TEXAS is 27-37 (-15.8 Units) against the money line in home games when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 2 seasons.
GALLARDO is 13-21 (-12.6 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
GALLARDO is 5-12 (-11.6 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. (Team's Record)

Head-to-Head Series History
TEXAS is 4-2 (+1.7 Units) against DETROIT this season
4 of 6 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+1.9 Units)

MATT BOYD vs. TEXAS since 1997
BOYD is 0-2 when starting against TEXAS with an ERA of 4.97 and a WHIP of 1.263.
His team's record is 0-2 (-2.6 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 2-0. (+2.1 units)

YOVANI GALLARDO vs. DETROIT since 1997
GALLARDO is 1-1 when starting against DETROIT with an ERA of 2.08 and a WHIP of 1.385.
His team's record is 1-1 (+0.0 units) in these starts. The OVER is 0-2. (-2.1 units)

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

KANSAS CITY (90 - 67) at CHI WHITE SOX (74 - 83) - 8:10 PM
EDINSON VOLQUEZ (R) vs. JOSE QUINTANA (L)
Top Trends for this game.
KANSAS CITY is 10-17 (-13.2 Units) against the money line in September games this season.
CHI WHITE SOX are 51-47 (+4.3 Units) against the money line in night games this season.
KANSAS CITY is 90-67 (+13.7 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
KANSAS CITY is 91-73 (+20.4 Units) against the money line in road games over the last 2 seasons.
KANSAS CITY is 87-63 (+14.6 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
KANSAS CITY is 136-103 (+15.1 Units) against the money line in night games over the last 2 seasons.
KANSAS CITY is 61-44 (+22.7 Units) against the money line in road games after a loss over the last 3 seasons.
KANSAS CITY is 79-56 (+17.9 Units) against the money line in road games when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 3 seasons.
VOLQUEZ is 21-11 (+8.4 Units) against the money line in all games this season. (Team's Record)
VOLQUEZ is 20-10 (+8.4 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season. (Team's Record)
VOLQUEZ is 57-37 (+23.9 Units) against the money line after a loss since 1997. (Team's Record)
CHI WHITE SOX are 74-83 (-11.2 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
CHI WHITE SOX are 30-41 (-13.9 Units) against the money line against division opponents this season.
CHI WHITE SOX are 56-66 (-11.9 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.
CHI WHITE SOX are 11-17 (-10.9 Units) against the money line in home games after a win this season.
QUINTANA is 11-21 (-12.0 Units) against the money line against division opponents over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
QUINTANA is 24-37 (-14.6 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)

Head-to-Head Series History
KANSAS CITY is 10-7 (+1.5 Units) against CHI WHITE SOX this season
9 of 16 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+0.9 Units)

EDINSON VOLQUEZ vs. CHI WHITE SOX since 1997
VOLQUEZ is 2-3 when starting against CHI WHITE SOX with an ERA of 2.84 and a WHIP of 1.137.
His team's record is 2-3 (-1.4 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 4-0. (+4.0 units)

JOSE QUINTANA vs. KANSAS CITY since 1997
QUINTANA is 1-6 when starting against KANSAS CITY with an ERA of 4.38 and a WHIP of 1.367.
His team's record is 5-12 (-7.7 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 10-7. (+1.5 units)

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

HOUSTON (83 - 75) at SEATTLE (75 - 83) - 10:10 PM
SCOTT KAZMIR (L) vs. JAMES PAXTON (L)
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

Head-to-Head Series History
HOUSTON is 11-7 (+3.1 Units) against SEATTLE this season
13 of 17 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+8.7 Units)

SCOTT KAZMIR vs. SEATTLE since 1997
KAZMIR is 5-4 when starting against SEATTLE with an ERA of 3.08 and a WHIP of 1.072.
His team's record is 8-7 (-0.5 units) in these starts. The OVER is 7-8. (-1.5 units)

JAMES PAXTON vs. HOUSTON since 1997
PAXTON is 0-0 when starting against HOUSTON with an ERA of 2.57 and a WHIP of 1.000.
His team's record is 0-1 (-1.1 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 1-0. (+1.0 units)

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

MIAMI (69 - 88) at TAMPA BAY (76 - 81) - 7:10 PM
JARRED COSART (R) vs. DREW SMYLY (L)
Top Trends for this game.
MIAMI is 32-55 (-18.1 Units) against the money line after a loss this season.
MIAMI is 16-9 (+10.1 Units) against the money line in September games this season.
MIAMI is 177-164 (+29.7 Units) against the money line in an inter-league game since 1997.
MIAMI is 409-406 (+36.1 Units) against the money line against left-handed starters since 1997.
COSART is 14-7 (+11.6 Units) against the money line after a loss over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
TAMPA BAY is 76-81 (-8.6 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
TAMPA BAY is 73-84 (-34.9 Units) against the money line in home games over the last 2 seasons.
TAMPA BAY is 19-29 (-17.1 Units) against the money line when playing on Wednesday over the last 2 seasons.
TAMPA BAY is 74-85 (-35.2 Units) against the money line in games played in a dome over the last 2 seasons.
TAMPA BAY is 42-46 (-10.2 Units) against the money line in games played on artificial turf this season.
TAMPA BAY is 47-59 (-14.1 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.
TAMPA BAY is 17-25 (-12.5 Units) against the money line in home games when playing against a team with a losing record this season.
SMYLY is 3-10 (-12.7 Units) against the money line in home games after a win since 1997. (Team's Record)

Head-to-Head Series History
TAMPA BAY is 3-1 (+2.1 Units) against MIAMI this season
2 of 4 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=-0.1 Units, Under=-0.6 Units)

JARRED COSART vs. TAMPA BAY since 1997
COSART is 3-1 when starting against TAMPA BAY with an ERA of 1.24 and a WHIP of 0.966.
His team's record is 3-1 (+4.6 units) in these starts. The OVER is 1-3. (-2.1 units)

DREW SMYLY vs. MIAMI since 1997
No recent starts.

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

ST LOUIS (100 - 57) at PITTSBURGH (95 - 62) - 1:35 PM
MICHAEL WACHA (R) vs. GERRIT COLE (R)
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

Head-to-Head Series History
ST LOUIS is 9-8 (+0.8 Units) against PITTSBURGH this season
8 of 16 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=-0.3 Units, Under=-1.2 Units)

MICHAEL WACHA vs. PITTSBURGH since 1997
WACHA is 4-0 when starting against PITTSBURGH with an ERA of 1.89 and a WHIP of 1.053.
His team's record is 5-1 (+3.8 units) in these starts. The OVER is 3-3. (-0.2 units)

GERRIT COLE vs. ST LOUIS since 1997
COLE is 4-4 when starting against ST LOUIS with an ERA of 2.86 and a WHIP of 1.077.
His team's record is 5-4 (+1.1 units) in these starts. The OVER is 6-3. (+3.0 units)

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

TORONTO (91 - 65) at BALTIMORE (76 - 80) - 4:05 PM
MARCUS STROMAN (R) vs. MIGUEL GONZALEZ (R)
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

Head-to-Head Series History
TORONTO is 10-6 (+3.2 Units) against BALTIMORE this season
9 of 15 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+2.5 Units)

MARCUS STROMAN vs. BALTIMORE since 1997
STROMAN is 0-1 when starting against BALTIMORE with an ERA of 7.50 and a WHIP of 1.833.
His team's record is 0-1 (-1.0 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 1-0. (+1.0 units)

MIGUEL GONZALEZ vs. TORONTO since 1997
GONZALEZ is 7-2 when starting against TORONTO with an ERA of 2.35 and a WHIP of 0.957.
His team's record is 7-4 (+3.0 units) in these starts. The OVER is 4-7. (-3.3 units)

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

MINNESOTA (81 - 75) at CLEVELAND (77 - 78) - 4:05 PM
KYLE GIBSON (R) vs. CARLOS CARRASCO (R)
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

Head-to-Head Series History
MINNESOTA is 10-6 (+6.5 Units) against CLEVELAND this season
8 of 15 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+0.0 Units)

KYLE GIBSON vs. CLEVELAND since 1997
GIBSON is 1-2 when starting against CLEVELAND with an ERA of 6.99 and a WHIP of 1.659.
His team's record is 2-4 (-1.5 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 1-5. (-4.8 units)

CARLOS CARRASCO vs. MINNESOTA since 1997
CARRASCO is 1-4 when starting against MINNESOTA with an ERA of 3.50 and a WHIP of 1.446.
His team's record is 2-6 (-5.5 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 6-2. (+3.8 units)

 

[CNOTES]

Three sensational spot bet opportunities bettors need to know


Lookahead spot


The 2015 season has been a disaster for the Washington Nationals, who entered the year as a 6/1 co-favorite to win the World Series along with the Los Angeles Dodgers. Flash forward to late September and that Nats sit second in the National League East, and out of the playoff picture. It’s a frustrating finish for a club that hit a boiling point this weekend when star slugger Bryce Harper and closer Jonathan Papelbon got into it in the dugout after Harper gave a less-than-solid effort running to first on a pop fly.


Washington’s players turned on manager Matt Williams a while ago but now it seems they’re turning on each other. That makes the final week of the season a lengthy lookahead spot for this club, with everyone – players, managers, and front office types – counting down the seconds until the offseason and some time away from what has become a poison environment in D.C. The Nats are on the road at Atlanta, then visit the division-leading Mets for the final weekend of the schedule.


Letdown spot


Duke football doesn’t get much to cheer about in Durham. In a spot where kids camp out days for basketball tickets, the Blue Devils’ pigskin achievements hit a high this past weekend when Duke stunned No. 20 Georgia Tech 34-20 as a 7.5-point home underdog. The Blue Devils improved to 3-1 SU and ATS with the victory but find themselves in a classic letdown spot this coming Saturday.


Duke hosts the Boston College Eagles as 6.5-point favorites in Week 5. Boston College is a battered bunch, losing RB Jon Hilliman to a knee injury last week and already playing without starting QB Darius Wade, who is out for the year with a broken ankle. All that and they’re still under touchdown dogs in Durham. Books seem cautious of the Dukies and this letdown situation.


Schedule spot


When you play football in Hawaii you trade tropical paradise for tumultuous travel, having to make the long plane ride to the mainland more times than you’d like. The Warriors are on the road for the second week in a row, having lost 28-0 at Wisconsin last weekend and now must head to Idaho and the “Smurf Turf” at Boise State Saturday after enjoy just four days in their own beds.


The Warriors are road weary and it’s only Week 5, with this being their third road date in four games and marks the second away tilt in a span of four road stops in five games, which takes the program into November. Hawaii has struggled when playing in Mountain Time, losing six straight games in the time zone, and owns a 26-59 SU all-time mark in MT. The Warriors are hefty 24.5-point underdogs in this tough travel spot.

 

[CNOTES]

MLB


Wednesday, September 30




Cardinals activate RHP Wainwright


The St. Louis Cardinals activated right-hander Adam Wainwright from the 60-day disabled list prior to Wednesday's doubleheader against the Pittsburgh Pirates and he will be available to pitch out of the bullpen.


The team also placed right-hander Carlos Martinez (right shoulder strain) on the 60-day disabled list.


Wainwright, 34, who suffered a left Achilles injury on April 25, has missed 141 games since injuring himself while batting in a game at Milwaukee. He was expected to miss the remainder of the season. Prior to the injury, he was 2-1 with a 1.44 ERA over 25 innings in four starts.


The Cardinals plan to use Wainwright out of the bullpen. He last pitched in relief during the 2006 season when he was on the mound to close out both the World Series and National League Championship Series. He has made 221 consecutive appearances as a starter since that time.


The longtime ace of the rotation will be limited to one-inning stints initially.




Paxton's injury leaves Mariners without a starter


SEATTLE -- Manager Lloyd McClendon announced over the weekend that he would put the Mariners' best foot forward during this week's series against the playoff-contending Houston Astros, and he proved it by making some shrewd substitutions Tuesday during Seattle's 6-4 win.


His best foot might not be enough to obstruct the Astros on Wednesday, thanks to a lack of arms.


Left-handed starter James Paxton's torn left middle fingernail, and an oversight on the 40-man roster, will force the Mariners to push a reliever into a starting role for Wednesday's game, and McClendon is likely to use several pitchers just to make it through the night. It is not a perfect scenario, particularly with a contending team in town for a huge game in terms of the pennant race, but McClendon had very little choice.


Young starters Taijuan Walker and Mike Montgomery already were shut down due to innings limits, and the bullpen was tapped for a fill-in starter, lefty Vidal Nuno. The team didn't add any extra starters during the Sept. 1 call-ups, even though Paxton has a history of health problems, and now the choices are few.


Among the current relievers who may start Wednesday night -- and pitch only two or three innings -- only left-handed veteran Joe Beimel has more than three career starts at the major league level. However, Beimel is 38 years old, and he hasn't made a start since 2003. Closer Tom Wilhelmsen made two spot starts last season, but he finished off Tuesday night's game by throwing 1 2/3 innings, earning his first win in four months.


Logan Kensing, who has three career starts, could be an option unless Seattle opts to give rookie right-hander Mayckol Guaipe or rookie left-hander David Rollins his first career start Wednesday.

 

[CNOTES]

MLB


Wednesday, September 30


------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Game of the Day: Cardinals and Blue Jays 'clinchers'
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


Both the Cardinals and Blue Jays can clinch their respective divisions in Game 1 of their doubleheaders Wednesday.


Both the St. Louis Cardinals and the Toronto Blue Jays will have a chance to clinch their respective division titles Wednesday and will have two chances to do so, as both will play doubleheaders.


St. Louis Cardinals at Pittsburgh Pirates - Game 1 (-134, 6.5)


The St. Louis Cardinals can clinch their third consecutive National League Central title with a victory over the rival Pittsburgh Pirates at PNC Park in either game of the doubleheader on Wednesday. Matt Carpenter, who scored the eventual game-winning run in Monday's 3-0 triumph, is 19-for-52 (.365) with six homers, 11 runs scored and 10 RBIs in his last 13 games.


Carpenter scored on a single in the ninth inning by Jon Jay, who entered the game after rookie Stephen Piscotty (head contusion) was involved in a horrific outfield collision. While the Cardinals reside one victory shy of 100, the Pirates sit four games out of the division after Tuesday's tilt was rained out. Pittsburgh, which has lost nine of the 17 meetings with St. Louis this season, has dropped two in a row following an eight-game winning streak. Andrew McCutchen has struggled mightily to the tune of 4-for-25 (.160) in his last eight contests, but is 7-for-15 (.467) in his career versus Tuesday's Game 1 starter Michael Wacha.


LINE HISTORY: The Pirates have opened Game 1 of the doubleheader as -134 home favorites. The total opened at 6.5.


WEATHER REPORT: There is a 16 percent chance of rain and there will be a 10 mile per hour hitters wind blowing out to right field for Game 1.


PITCHING MATCHUP: Cardinals RH Michael Wacha (17-6, 3.15 ERA) vs. Pirates RH Gerrit Cole (18-8, 2.60)


After a sizzling summer, Wacha has cooled down considerably by alternating wins and losses over his last four starts. The 19th overall pick of the 2012 draft, Wacha has allowed 15 earned runs in his last 20 frames and issued 14 walks in that span. Wacha, however, has handcuffed Pittsburgh in his career, permitting four earned runs in 18 2/3 innings versus the Pirates this season and just seven in 32 2/3 frames en route to a 3-0 career mark.


Cole recorded his third straight win after yielding one run on four hits in seven innings of a 3-2 victory over the Chicago Cubs on Friday. The 25-year-old dazzled in his last meeting with St. Louis, scattering two hits over seven scoreless frames in a 7-1 rout on Sept. 6. Cole won that tilt at Busch Stadium and is undefeated in three home starts versus the Cardinals.


TRENDS:


* Cardinals are 5-1 in Wacha's last six starts versus the Pirates.
* Cardinals are 2-5 in their last seven meetings in Pittsburgh.
* Under is 5-0 in the Pirates last five games overall.
* Pirates are 22-5 in Cole's last 27 home starts.






Toronto Blue Jays at Baltimore Orioles - Game 1 (+150, 8.5)


The Toronto Blue Jays have the opportunity to clinch their sixth American League East crown - and first since 1993 - when they play a doubleheader with the host Baltimore Orioles on Wednesday. Toronto has won five in a row and can wrap up the division with either one victory or a New York Yankees' loss to the rival Boston Red Sox.


Kevin Pillar continued his torrid stretch with two hits in Toronto's 4-3 victory on Monday, improving to a staggering 13-for-22 (.591) with two homers, six RBIs and four runs scored in his last six games. The reigning AL Player of the Week is 29-for-86 (.337) in 25 career contests versus Baltimore, but is just 1-for-4 in a small sample size against Wednesday Game 1 starter Miguel Gonzalez. Although Toronto (91-65) holds a magic number of one to clinch the division, it is also is battling Kansas City (90-67) for the best record in the AL and home-field advantage in the playoffs. Baltimore is heading in the other direction, having dropped four in a row as it plays out the string.


LINE HISTORY: The Blue Jays have opened Game 1 as -163 road favorites, with the total hitting the board at 8.5.


WEATHER REPORT: There is a 40 percent chance of rain and a 12 mile per hour pitchers wind blowing in from left field expected at Oriole Park .


PITCHING MATCHUP: Blue Jays RH Marcus Stroman (3-0, 1.89 ERA) vs. Orioles RH Miguel Gonzalez (9-11, 4.85 ERA)


Stroman is paying immediate dividends for the Blue Jays this season despite being just six months removed from surgery to repair a torn ACL. The 24-year-old has posted three victories in as many starts in September, yielding just four earned runs in 19 innings this month after scattering five hits over seven frames in a 4-0 triumph over the Yankees last Wednesday. Stroman flustered the Orioles in his last meeting, allowing just one hit over four scoreless innings to record a save.


Gonzalez will be making his first start since Aug. 30 as he's dealt with right shoulder tendinitis. The 31-year-old has enjoyed facing the Blue Jays, improving to 7-2 in his career after permitting one run on three hits in 7 2/3 innings of a 6-1 victory on May 13. Edwin Encarnacion belted a solo homer in Monday's contest and is just 3-for-25 - albeit all three hits left the park - in his career versus Gonzalez.


TRENDS:


* Orioles are 4-0 in Gonzalez's last four home starts versus the Blue Jays.
* Under is 6-1 in Gonzalez's last six starts versus the Blue Jays.
* Blue Jays are 4-0 in Stroman's last four starts.
* Under is 12-5-1 in the last 18 meetings in Baltimore.






St. Louis Cardinals at Pittsburgh Pirates - Game 2 (OFF)


PITCHING MATCHUP: Cardinals LH Tyler Lyons (2-1, 3.96 ERA) vs. Pirates RH Charlie Morton (9-8, 4.54)


Tyler Lyons gets the nod in place of the injured Carlos Martinez (shoulder) and will make his eighth start of the season in Game 2 of the doubleheader. The 27-year-old has dropped both career decisions to Pittsburgh, but walked away with a no-decision despite yielding a run on two hits in one-third inning of relief. Lyons struck out five and scattered two hits in 3 2/3 innings in his last trip to the mound, again receiving a no-decision versus Milwaukee.


Morton has endured constant nightmarish performances en route to a 2-11 career mark versus St. Louis while allowing the club to bat .305 against him. The 31-year-old is 1-4 in his last six outings overall and escaped with a no-decision despite permitting six runs on 10 hits - including two homers - in 4 1/3 frames versus Colorado last Wednesday. Morton has yielded 12 runs on 19 hits in his last two starts (8 1/3 innings) and four homers in his last three outings after keeping the ball in the park in each of his previous four.


LINE HISTORY: The line and total for Game 2 is currently off the board.


WEATHER REPORT: The cloud should move out for Game 2, bu there will still be a 16 percent chance of rain and a 10 mile per hour wind blowing out to right field.


TRENDS:


* Cardinals are 1-7 in Lyon's last eight road starts.
* Pirates are 4-0 in Morton's last four starts with six days of rest.
* Pirates are 3-13 in Morton's last 16 starts versus the Cardinals.
* Over is 8-3 in Morton's last 11 starts versus a team with a winning record.






Toronto Blue Jays at Baltimore Orioles - Game 2 (OFF)


PITCHING MATCHUP: Blue Jays RH R.A. Dickey (11-11, 4.00 ERA) vs. Orioles RH Kevin Gausman (3-7, 4.49)


Dickey allowed two runs on four hits in seven innings against Tampa Bay on Friday to record his 100th career victory while making his 100th start with Toronto. Although the 40-year-old knuckleballer owns an impressive 8-1 mark with a 2.95 ERA after the All-Star break, he has struggled mightily against Baltimore. Dickey owns a 2-6 career record versus the Orioles, but has yet to face them this season.


Gausman suffered his first loss since Aug. 28 after allowing five runs on as many hits in five innings of a 7-0 setback to Boston. The 24-year-old has surrendered one homer in his last three outings after being taken deep eight times in his previous five. Gausman has made three appearances versus Toronto this season, but has yet to record a decision.


LINE HISTORY: The line and total for Game 2 of the doubleheader is currently off the board.


WEATHER REPORT: The Jays and Orioles will continue to fight off the weather in Game 2. There will still be a 40 percent chance of rain and the wind will continue to gust in from left field at 12 miles per hour.


TRENDS:


* Blue Jays are 11-2 in Dickey's last 13 starts.
* Orioles are 1-7 in Gausman's last eight starts versus a team with a winning record.
* Under is 4-1-1 in Dickey's last six starts overall.
* Under is 14-4-1 in Gausman's last 19 starts versus the AL East.

 

[CNOTES]

Armadillo: Wednesday's six-pack


-- Derrick Rose is hurt (again); broke an orbital bone in practice. Am guessing he'll be just fine by the time tryouts for the Olympic team start.


-- Angels passed Houston for the second Wild Card slot; they're a half-game up and there are five days left to go.


-- Cleveland Browns fired their offensive line coach after his off-field problems; not a good thing to have to replace a coach during the season.


-- Speaking of distractions, Missouri suspended its starting QB, who is pretty good player. This is very bad news for the Tigers if it lasts more than a game.


-- I'm curious if any NL teams will bat their pitcher 8th next week.


-- SMU basketball goes on probation; how does Larry Brown still have a job?




**********


Armadillo: Wednesday's List of 13: Looking at each AFC team......


Each NFL team has played three games; the byes start this week, so it is a good time to take a quick look at each team and see where they stand. Tomorrow, the NFC....


Ravens-- They're 0-3 for first time since moving to Baltimore 19 years ago; all five of their TD drives are 79+ yards. Defense gave up an 80-yard TD pass on first play after their go-ahead TD with 6:49 left Sunday. They miss injured pass rusher Suggs.


Bills-- Hired a defensive coach, named a starting QB who has been in NFL for four years without ever starting a game, so of course they've scored 100 points in first three games. Tyrod Taylor might make teams re-think how they develop quarterbacks.


Bengals-- Not only does Marvin Lewis win, he lost both his coordinators in last two years; he is this generation's Chuck Knox, who did very well with the 70's Rams, but never had much playoff success. Chiefs' visit this week is an interesting game.


Browns-- Had to can their OL coach after his off-field issues, they've were outscored by 100+ yards in both home games, they've got a QB dilemma, but their games have been fun to watch-- all three went over the total.


Broncos-- They have 10 takeaways (+6) in three games, only five plays of 20+ yards. Broncos are 17-7 in last 24 games as a home favorite; eventually, they'll have to run the ball for more than the 57 ypg they've averaging right now.


Texans-- Have yet to average more than 5.7 ypa in game this year; after watching all the Hard Knocks episodes, I'm still stunned they switched QBs after one game. Texans scored two TDs in all three games; they miss departed WR Andre Johnson.


Colts-- For franchise that transitioned from Manning-to-Luck at QB seamlessly, they are screwing up this coaching situation. Mariota's 345 passing yards last week is a red flag- they play other two division rivals next, before the Patriots come to town.


Jaguars-- Three TDs, four FGs on eight red zone drives; seemed like they were doing better until the Patriots scored on every drive last week. Jags have been outscored by 48-17 margin in second half this season. Opponents are 24-46 on third down.


Chiefs-- Hard to win going 5 for 30 on third down, which Chiefs have in first three games, especially with two of three games vs Hall of Fame QBs. Smith doesn't turn ball over much, so Chiefs will win more than they lose, but they won't win enough to get home field in playoffs.


Dolphins-- Have feeling next Miami coach will be a big name; owner has spent a fortune re-doing the stadium, he is going to want a coach who makes a splash, a fancy way of saying "sells tickets". Last 8+ years, Miami is 22-39-1 vs spread at home.


Patriots-- Scored 14 TDs on 30 drives to start season, with only two turnovers, with 13 TDs on 18 drives into red zone. Were up 11+ points at half of all three games, but it isn't always good to have your bye when you're rolling-- ask last year's Bengals.


Jets-- Turnover ratio dictated all three games; +8 in two wins, -3 in the loss. Guy who punched Geno Smith did team a favor; Fitzpatrick is way better- they've had 18+ first downs in all three games. Interesting game in London this week, vs struggling Miami.


Raiders-- Scored 64 points in last two games, averaging 7.5/9.8 ypa; no QB can thrive without good WRs and in Crabtree/Cooper, Oakland has upgraded its WRs, and Carr has looked like a real NFL QB because of it. Are they a playoff contender?


Steelers-- Their season will ride on how many wins they can squeeze out of Michael Vick, who appeared washed up with Jets LY. Roethlisberger is out for at least month; their bye isn't until Thanksgiving. Le'Veon Bell is going to get a lot of carries.


Chargers-- Lot of injuries on OL right now; they were down 21-3 in their one win, vs Detroit. All 11 of their drives in Minnesota last week started 80+ yards from end zone; they need defense/special teams to create short field for the struggling offense.


Titans-- They have to be thrilled with Mariota's production so far, but frustrated they couldn't put Colts away in home opener. Gave up defensive score last week, PR for score week before-- they have 11 offensive TDs in three games, a huge improvement.

 

[CNOTES]

RECAPPING TUESDAY'S ACTION:


MLB: 6 - 3 - 0


WNBA: 0 - 0 - 0


CFL: 0 - 0 - 0


CFB: 0 - 0 - 0


NFL: 0 - 0 - 0



WNBA RECORD FOR JUNE/JULY/AUGUST/SEPTEMBER :


*****...............................35 - 28 - 2
DOUBLE PLAY....................69 - 56 - 1
TRIPLE PLAY......................39 - 32 - 0
SLAM DUNK.......................40 - 37 - 1


MLB RECORD FOR JUNE/JULY/AUGUST/SEPTEMBER :


*****.............................144 - 164 - 1 .....................,......- 16.85
double play......................242 - 256 - 4 .............................- 22.16
triple play........................128 - 131 - 2 ............................ - 71.12
grand slam......................125 - 118 - 4...................,.,........- 35.08
double grand slam.............38 - 29..................................... +43.13
underdog of the year.........0 - 1...........................................+ 9.36




CFL JUNE/JULY/ AUGUST/SEPTEMBER RECORD:


SINGLE PLAY.................................35 - 27
DOUBLE PLAY................................13 - 18
TRIPLE PLAY..................................20 - 10 - 1
BLOW OUT.....................................5 - 3

 

[CNOTES]

Wednesday's Tip Sheet


September 30, 2015




Boston Red Sox at New York Yankees | 7:05 p.m. ET


What a shock, a game between the arch nemesis Red Sox and Yankees that isn’t on ESPN Wednesday Night Baseball tonight (that would be the second game of the Cardinals-Pirates doubleheader, for those wondering). That doesn’t take away from the importance of this tilt between the two storied rivals, though, as while the Bronx Bombers look like they won’t catch the Toronto Blue Jays for first in the division, they still have to lock up their own playoff spot, while also holding down the top position in the Wild Card picture.


If the Yankees do indeed land in the AL Wild Card Game, which seems probable at this point, it will most likely be Masahiro Tanaka (12-7, 3.38 ERA) serving as their starter, which makes tonight’s outing all the more important, considering this looks like it will be his final tune-up before the aforementioned play-in game. Tanaka hasn’t pitched since Sept. 18 due to a Grade 1 right hamstring strain, but prior to that, looked like he was in a real nice groove over the summer. Over the past three months, Tanaka has made 14 starts, and only twice did he surrender more than three runs, while never allowing more than four. In the process, he recorded 12 quality starts over that stretch. He’s got -180 odds in this one.


This game might look to be meaningless to Boston on the surface, but upon further glance, they actually have something to play for. Out of nowhere, the formerly basement-dwelling Red Sox have leapt into third-place in the AL East, having gone on a nice run over the past several weeks. They’ll look to gain further separation from the rest of the division residents behind left-hander Wade Miley (11-11, 4.39) tonight, who is looking to continue along on his own momentum. After a disappointing first half, Miley has been relatively solid over the past couple of months, being 3-3 with a 3.92 ERA and 1.23 WHIP in 13 starts since the All-Star break. The linesmakers have set the over/under at 8 for the second straight night.


Oakland Athletics at Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim | 7:05 p.m. ET


Really? I’m usually one for nostalgia but now it’s too much, as for whatever reason, Oakland is choosing to continue with what almost amounts to be a sideshow act. Of course, that would be in reference to 37-year-old southpaw Barry Zito (0-0, 18.00 ERA), who we all thought had made the final start of his career this past weekend -- ironically against his other old team, the Giants -- when he couldn't even make it past the second inning. In that outing, he ended up surrendering four runs on six hits with no strikeouts. Yet here he is, somehow pitching in a very meaningful baseball game in the final week of the 2015 season.


In turn, you decide if you can profit off this unusual situation. The Angels are hot right now, having won seven in a row and 10 of their past 12 games overall, appearing to still very much be in a strong upswing of their rollercoaster season. Over their current winning streak, they've averaged 5.3 runs per game, and have gained possession of the second AL Wild Card berth as a result, passing the Astros last night by a half-game. Oh, and they have Garrett Richards (15-11, 3.73 ERA) going tonight. While the Halos right-hander hasn't been quite as terrific as he was a year ago, he's still been very steady, having impressively gone five innings or more in all but one of his 30 starts on the year. He's understandably a heavy -250 favorite, while the over/under has already gone up in most shops to 9.


Detroit Tigers at Texas Rangers | 8:05 p.m. ET


With the Angels streaking up the standings, the Texas Rangers have another rival to worry about in their bid for locking up the American League West division, thus adding even more importance to the remainder of their games, as they try to hold onto a two-game lead in the division. Fortunately for them concerning tonight’s affair, they have one of the steadiest pitchers on the mound this evening Yovani Gallardo (12-11, 3.42 ERA), who has turned out to be a very pleasant offseason pickup for the club all year. The former Brewers ace faced tonight’s opponent just over a month ago, when he blanked these Tigers over six shutout innings on Aug. 22. Gallardo is a -180 home favorite.


He’ll be facing Tigers rookie Matt Boyd (1-5, 6.91 ERA), one of Detroit’s main acquisitions from the Blue Jays in the David Price deal two months ago. Boyd’s numbers on the year don’t look pretty, but the 24-year-old left-hander has made some notably positive strides over the past few weeks, which you can’t really see within his season statistics. In fact, Boyd has yielded three runs or less in three consecutive out, including two straight quality starts entering tonight’s assignment. The Rangers have a live offense, however, and thus, the over/under is predictably 9.


Los Angeles Dodgers at San Francisco Giants | 10:15 p.m. ET (ESPN)


Well, it finally happened. After last night’s loss to the Dodgers, the Giants became the final team in the National League to be eliminated from postseason contention, meaning all five NL playoff berths have officially been locked up. The day after sealing up a spot beyond baseball’s regular season can be tricky, as you may have noticed already, with those teams electing to go with a lineup full of backups the very next day.


That should once again be the case for Los Angeles -- who secured their third straight NL West crown -- when they oppose Giants right-hander Mike Leake (10-10, 3.89 ERA) this evening. Leake has been very solid for San Francisco since being acquired right around the trade deadline, but it’s all been for naught, with his new club now unable to make any sort of World Series title defense. He didn’t really contribute much anyway upon his arrival, as the former Cincinnati Reds hurler is 1-5 with a 4.86 ERA in eight starts since the trade.


Mike Bolsinger (6-5, 3.48 ERA), meanwhile, will take the ball for the division champs, and some would say that’s fairly appropriate the day after the team clinched. That’s because Bolsinger has been one of this club’s unsung heroes, having provided some very unlikely steady pitching depth beyond Kershaw and Greinke, which was often a huge issue for the Dodgers throughout the year. Bolsinger wasn’t expected to contribute at all, as he seemed lost in his rookie campaign a year ago when he came up with the Diamondbacks, but since being granted the opportunity to start for LA, he hasn’t looked back and has been notably consistent. However, in regards to handicapping tonight’s affair, he’s struggled mightily as of late, owning a 8.66 ERA in his last four starts. In any event, the over/under is 7, while both sides are comprised of the same odds.

 

[CNOTES]

BC-AP Sports Preview Digest


September 30, 2015


Some of the sports stories The Associated Press is covering Wednesday. A full Sports Digest will be sent by about 3 p.m. All times EDT:


- KANNAPOLIS, N.C. - Tony Stewart is expected to announce 2016 will be his final season as a NASCAR driver.


- CHICAGO - Derrick Rose finds himself headed for surgery again, although this time the Chicago Bulls star is having an operation on his eye and not his knee after getting injured Tuesday in practice. The team says it will have a better handle on his recovery timetable after the surgery.


- PITTSBURGH - One of the NFL's best rivalries will be missing some familiar faces when Pittsburgh and Baltimore meet Thursday. The Steelers are without quarterback Ben Roethlisberger, while the struggling Ravens are missing linebacker Terrell Suggs and any whiff of the defense that for years was among the NFL's best.


- SAN FRANCISCO - A federal appeals court upholds a ruling against the NCAA saying its use of college athletes' names, images and likenesses violated antitrust laws but strikes down a plan allowing schools to pay athletes up to $5,000.


- BALTIMORE - The champagne is on ice and ready to be sprayed as the Toronto Blue Jays face the Baltimore Orioles in a doubleheader, needing only one win to clinch their first AL East title in 22 years. First game starts 4 p.m.


- PITTSBURGH - The St. Louis Cardinals can wrap up a third straight NL Central title by winning either half of a day-night doubleheader with Pittsburgh. Michael Wacha faces Gerrit Cole in the opener, with Trevor Lyons taking on Charlie Morton in the second game. First game starts 1:35 p.m. Second game starts 7:05 p.m.


- BEREA, Ohio - As usual, there's heated debate over who should start at quarterback for the Browns, and this time some of the discussion could be dividing Cleveland's locker room as players choose between Josh McCown and Johnny Manziel.


- Watch some of the big games this weekend in college football and you will see UAB football. The program is taking a year off, but the Blazers are everywhere this season.


- MINNEAPOLIS - As the No. 1 pick in the draft, Karl-Anthony Towns enters the season with the Minnesota Timberwolves with loads of expectations. He has Andrew Wiggins, last year's No. 1 overall pick, by his side to help him deal with the pressures of that status, and Kevin Garnett in his ear to prepare him for the rigors of the NBA.


- MADRID - Manchester City and Manchester United try to rebound from poor starts in the group stage of the Champions League, while Real Madrid, Paris Saint-Germain and Juventus try to stay ahead in their groups.

 

[CNOTES]

Top rookies could impact postseason


September 30, 2015


CHICAGO (AP) Most of Kyle Schwarber's major league firsts are long past, tucked away for safe keeping, or displayed on a shelf somewhere. His No. 12 Cubs jersey hangs in stores all over Chicago.


The rookie slugger, who plays with a calm that belies his experience, takes it all in stride. But even Schwarber is looking forward to his postseason debut.


''I got an idea of kind of what it will be like,'' he said, ''but then it's probably going to be nothing close about what it's going to be like.''


Schwarber gets to find out next week when the Cubs make their first playoff appearance since he was a teenager growing up in Middletown in southwestern Ohio. Schwarber and teammates Kris Bryant, Addison Russell, Jorge Soler and Javier Baez are among a stellar group of big league rookies who could determine which teams play deep into October.


''I'm going to really count on kind of the veterans who've all been there and kind of give us the low down on what it's going to be like and how to prepare,'' said Schwarber, who had two hits and walked twice in a 4-1 victory at Cincinnati on Tuesday night. ''They say it's a different feeling every time, so I'm looking forward to it personally. I want to get that feeling.''


Schwarber had 16 of the 653 homers for rookies heading into Tuesday's games, the highest such total for a single season in major league history, according to STATS. The 5,727 hits and 9,164 total bases for rookies in 2015 also rank among baseball's best classes, same for the 409 wins and 6,692 strikeouts.


Bryant, the front-runner for NL Rookie of the Year, powered Chicago to a spot in the Oct. 7 wild-card game, but several other rookies also had prominent roles on contending clubs.


Noah Syndergaard and Steven Matz likely will be a part of the Mets' postseason rotation. Michael Conforto is batting .280 with eight homers and 24 RBIs in 52 games since he made his major league debut on July 24.


New York's young arms played a key role in the Mets' overtaking Washington for the NL East title in the second half of the year.


''I think once you've made enough starts up here where you realize you can compete, I think you throw the rookie stuff away,'' manager Terry Collins said. ''There's no reason to think you can't win big games just because you don't have the years in, when you've gone out and competed against good teams and good lineups and gotten them out. I think that stuff is pretty much along the wayside.''


Across town in the Bronx, Greg Bird has 10 homers and 29 RBIs in just 41 games for the Yankees, helping make up for the loss of first baseman Mark Teixeira to a right leg injury. Right-hander Luis Severino might be New York's most reliable starter as it tries to secure a playoff spot, going 5-3 with a 2.77 ERA in his first 10 major league starts.


Bird, who turns 23 in November, showed off his young age when he pointed to a - gasp - wild-card team when asked for his favorite playoff memory growing up.


''The Rockies in 2007, that was intense, because we were in Denver then, I was in high school,'' he said. ''That was a cool postseason run. I just watched on TV.''


Eight years after then-rookie Troy Tulowitzki helped Colorado to its only World Series appearance, another generation of shortstops are hoping to have a similar effect this year.


Russell and Corey Seager of the Los Angeles Dodgers are already into the postseason. Houston star Carlos Correa and Cleveland's Francisco Lindor, the top contenders for AL Rookie of the Year, are trying to grab a spot in the final days.


Seager was promoted from Triple-A Oklahoma City on Sept. 3 and is batting .333 in 23 games with the NL West champions.


''We've got some guys handling it pretty well, and there's some other teams, you talk about like a Correa or somebody like that have been huge,'' Dodgers manager Don Mattingly said. ''Obviously, there's some young guys having good years.''


Seager got an opportunity to be an everyday player when Jimmy Rollins was hampered by a finger injury. Schwarber made the most of a similar opening when veteran catcher Miguel Montero sprained his left thumb in July.


Schwarber batted .348 with five homers and 15 RBIs in his first 21 games after the All-Star break, including a memorable night near his hometown when he connected twice and drove in four runs in a 5-4 victory against the Reds.


He played in some big games down the stretch as Chicago secured its first playoff berth since 2008, and he is hoping that experience will pay off in the postseason.


''You got to know that it's the major leagues, every possible situation is probably going to happen,'' he said, ''and you've just got to stay level and keep your head in the same spot through it all.''

 

[CNOTES]

Team Pitcher Open Line Movements Current Runline Scores


1:35 PM EDT


981 ST LOUIS CARDINALS (R) Wacha, M 6.5o25 6.5o25 / 6.5o20 6.5o15 +1.5(-175)
982 PITTSBURGH PIRATES (R) Cole, G -140 -151 / -149 / -150 -148 -1.5(+155)

DH Gm 1 | TV: FS-Midwest, ROOT-Pittsburgh, DTV: 659, 671 | CLOUDY, 60% CHANCE SHOWERS. WIND OUT TO RIGHT 9-14, GUSTY. GAME TEMP 62, RH 87%


4:05 PM EDT


983 TORONTO BLUE JAYS (R) Stroman, M -172 -165 / -164 / -165 -164 -1.5(-105)
984 BALTIMORE ORIOLES (R) Gonzalez, M 8.5u15 8.5u15 +1.5(-115)

DH Gm 1 | TOR-2B-Troy Tulowitzki-OUT | TV: MASN2, DTV: 641 | CLOUDY, 40% CHANCE SHOWERS. WIND IN FROM LEFT CENTER 10-15, GUSTY. GAME TEMP 75, RH 68% HEAT INDEX 78


4:05 PM EDT


985 MINNESOTA TWINS (R) Gibson, K 7.5 7.5u25 / 7o20 / 7o15 7 +1.5(-140)
986 CLEVELAND INDIANS (R) Carrasco, C -180 -172 / -174 / -175 -174 -1.5(+120)

DH Gm 1 | CLE-LF-Michael Brantley-OUT | TV: FS-North, SportsTime Ohio, DTV: 662, 668 | CLOUDY, 20% CHANCE LIGHT SHOWERS EARLY. WIND IN FROM RIGHT CENTER 10-20, GUSTY. GAME TEMP 63, RH 62%

 

[CNOTES]

MLB Consensus Picks




SIDES (ATS)


1:35 PM St. Louis +138 37 32.74% Pittsburgh -150 76 67.26% View View


4:10 PM Minnesota +160 36 35.29% Cleveland -174 66 64.71% View View


4:05 PM Toronto -162 148 67.58% Baltimore +149 71 32.42% View View


TOTALS (OVER/UNDER)


1:35 PM St. Louis 6.5 40 52.63% Pittsburgh 6.5 36 47.37% View View


4:05 PM Toronto 8.5 71 55.91% Baltimore 8.5 56 44.09% View View


4:10 PM Minnesota 7 38 56.72% Cleveland 7 29 43.28% View View

 

[CNOTES]

WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 30


Game Score Status Pick Amount


St. Louis - 1:35 PM ET Pittsburgh -150 500 DOUBLE PLAY


Pittsburgh - Under 6.5 500 DOUBLE PLAY




Toronto - 4:05 PM ET Toronto -162 500 *****


Baltimore - Over 8.5 500 *****




Minnesota - 4:10 PM ET Cleveland -174 500 DOUBLE PLAY


Cleveland - Under 7 500 DOUBLE PLAY

 

[CNOTES]

EVENING GAMES:




WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 30
Game Score Status Pick Amount


Toronto - 7:05 PM ET Baltimore -102 500 DOUBLE PLAY
Baltimore - Under 8.5 500


Boston - 7:05 PM ET Boston +150 500
NY Yankees - Under 7.5 500


Oakland - 7:05 PM ET LA Angels -225 500 GRAND SLAM
LA Angels - Over 9 500


NY Mets - 7:05 PM ET Philadelphia +161 500 DOUBLE PLAY
Philadelphia - Under 9 500


St. Louis - 7:05 PM ET St. Louis +132 500 TRIPLE PLAY
Pittsburgh - Over 7.5 500


Minnesota - 7:10 PM ET Cleveland -131 500 DOUBLE PLAY
Cleveland - Under 8 500


Miami - 7:10 PM ET Miami +147 500 *****
Tampa Bay - Over 7.5 500


Washington - 7:10 PM ET Washington -165 500
Atlanta - Over 7.5 500


Chi. Cubs - 7:10 PM ET Chi. Cubs -157 500 DOUBLE GRAND SLAM
Cincinnati - Over 7.5 500


Detroit - 8:05 PM ET Texas -185 500 DOUBLE PLAY
Texas - Under 9.5 500


Kansas City - 8:10 PM ET Chi. White Sox +109 500 *****
Chi. White Sox - Over 7.5 500


Colorado - 9:40 PM ET Arizona -164 500
Arizona - Under 8.5 500


Houston - 10:10 PM ET Houston -183 500 DOUBLE PLAY
Seattle - Under 8 500


Milwaukee - 10:10 PM ET Milwaukee +138 500 DOUBLE PLAY
San Diego - Under 7 500


LA Dodgers - 10:15 PM ET LA Dodgers +121 500 DOUBLE GRAND SLAM
San Francisco - Over 7 500