Friday 5/22/15 service plays chatter/comps/requests & other stuff...

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Handicapped by Rick Needham at Belmont Park

RACE #3 - BELMONT PARK - 2:22 PM EASTERN POST

8.0 FURLONGS DIRT MAIDENS THREE YEARS OLD AND UPWARD $40,000.00 CLAIMING $41,000.00 PURSE

#4 BIRD PRINCE
#5 RICK ANT
#6 MANDOLIN WINS
#1 MR. CANADA

#4 BIRD PRINCE qualifies as a TrackMaster PLUS "PowerPony," drops in class (-5), is the overall speed and pace profile leader in this claiming field racing at the mile distance on the dirt, and has hit the board in "POWER RUN FASHION" in two of his four career starts to date, including a "POWER RUN PLACE" finish facing better company in his last start, missing his "diploma" by about a length. #5 RICK ANT, is 8-1 in the morning line, drops in class (-4), and comes off back-to-back "POWER RUN EFFORTS" in his last two starts, facing better company in those races than he faces in this claiming field today.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Mohawk: Friday 5/22 Analysis
By Garnet Barnsdale

DRF HARNESS

Race 4 - $50,000 Guaranteed Pick Four Pool

EARLY $1 PICK 4:

6/3,9/1,4,5,7/1,2,3,6,7 = $40


LATE $1 PICK 4: 4,5,6/1,4,5,6/1,3,5/6 = $36

MEET STATS: 86 - 257 / $476.80 BEST BETS: 13 - 23 / $45.80

SPOT PLAYS: 4 - 20 / $40.80

Best Bet: A LOT OF SENSE (4th)

Spot Play: LADYONE (3rd)


Race 1

(1) GAME ON HANOVER got a big driver change last week, took big money at the windows and then went a huge trip to win going away from the 10-hole, Call to repeat. (2) STANLEYSONTHEWAY set a new life's mark last week with a gritty first-up win; the main foe. (7) RUBBER DUCK gets a similar driver change as the choice got last out; beware.

Race 2

(5) CALL ME MAYBE was visibly motoring at the wire last week, maybe getting back to the form that made her an 8-time winner last season. She is often a victim of pace/trip but should be able to work a good trip out here; top call. (1) DRIVINGTHEDRAGON N drops back to the class where she won twice earlier in the meet and looks at a much better pace scenario; to one to catch. (3) MYSTIQUE BEACHBUM is sharp and moves inside; maybe.

Race 3

(6) LADYONE was overland chasing a pace that wasn't slowing and finished decently. That was off a two-week break following a stakes series. She moves to the middle of the gate and could wake up in a big way here at a square price. (2) MASS RAIL was first-up in the same mile and repelled by a very strong leader. She's a top contender here. (8) GO GET BRUCE was an easy winner vs. lesser but looked good doing it and closed rapidly; another threat.

Race 4

(6) A LOT OF SENSE shot up the rail while closing in 27 2/5 with pilot McNair nary lifting a line last week. She's in top form and is a must-use on pick 4 tickets here. (7) FROSTY DELIGHT goes first off the claim and gets a big driver change; threat. (1) BYE BYE MICHELLE won the last two times she raced here in this class and is another contender here.

Race 5

(9) TYMAL SIGNATURE has improved by several lengths the past few weeks and gets the call to take another here. (3) CLIMB HIGHER looks like the only threat and is the only other one that will be on our early pick 4 tickets. (5) IN SECRET did okay in the Tie Silk series but has missed some time and faces two seriously sharp opponents here.

Race 6

(7) BACK YARD BABY meets a field she should beat although the time missed is a bit of a concern. Top call, but proceeding with caution. (4) OCEANVIEW BINDI set a strong pace then just failed to last when dropped into this class last week. She is a top contender here. (1) LIGHTS GO OUT looked a winner then hung just a bit near the wire. That was still a much better performance so toss in your pick 4's.

Race 7

(6) GENESEE dropped back into a claimer last week and had some late pace in an improved effort. He may be reaching peak form finally and could blow up the tote here. (7) TWIN B WRANGLER dropped and popped and will be tough again here. (3) INTENDED STYLE got stung first up last time and is capable of bouncing back with an easier trip.

Race 8

(5) LADY SHADOW has been brought along slowly but went a big first-up trip last week. We get the feeling the first time she is unleashed she may do something special; perhaps tonight. (4) WAASMULA is in the best form of her career and is the obvious one to beat here. (6) ROCK N ROLL XAMPLE is a tough customer from on or near the pace and should contend here.

Race 9

(4) JOSEPH GERARD and driver MacDonnell teamed up for a qualifying win faster than most of these race. Maybe they are onto something; price play. (1) ROSE RUN ORIANA drops to an easier class for her 4th start of the year and is sure to show more here. (5) ARCTIC TALE raced much better last week and must be considered here.

Race 10

(9) NAT A VIRGIN was given a passive steer last week but managed to pass more than 1/2 the field in the final 1/4. She can take these if sent early for position. (5) JABAS LUCK lacked room for most of the mile Sunday night at Flamboro but closed well when free. She should be tighter and can threaten here at a price. (1) GREYSTONE LADYLIKE takes a big drop but has missed three weeks action; mixed signals.

Race 11

(6) LOVELY ERIN had her win skein snapped when she encountered a brutal trip from the 10-hole. She moves to the middle of the gate and can get back on track here. (8) GRACIES PARADE took a lot of air and finished ahead of the choice; threat. (3) AINTSHEASWEETIE finished well in her 2015 debut and can go much closer here if asked earlier in the mile.

Race 12

(5) MESMERIZE BLUE CHIP came off the shelf and produced a gritty first-up win; call to repeat. (3) WAR FILLY raced by far the best mile of her life last week and cannot be ignored here. (6) UNIQUE ROCK N ROLL closed a huge gap at a big price and could be much better this year. (1) NATIONALIZE continues to chip away taking shares and is a good exotics horse. (4) JORDIES HOPE is another that is likely for a minor share here.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Meadowlands: Friday 5/22 Analysis
By Derick Giwner

DRF HARNESS

Race 1 - $30,000 Guaranteed Pick Five Pool

Race 3 - $25,000 Guaranteed Pick Four Pool

Race 7 - $50,000 Guaranteed Pick Four Pool

CHAMPIONSHIP MEET STATS: 22 - 77 / $94.30 BEST BETS: 4 - 6 / $10.90

Best Bet: WORLD CUP (4th)

Spot Play: CHEYENNE MIRIAM (9th)


Race 1

(3) CUP TOWN GIRL chased willingly in her 3-year-old debut and catches a slightly easier group this week. (1) CITIZEN HALL took some air and hung around in his first start of the year. Deweycheatumnhowe-sired colt can improve. (2) ARIEL SALUTE stayed flat and raced reasonably well in his most recent race. He seems capable if he behaves.

Race 2

(7) SHOW BIZ HALL made a break in his initial try in 2015, but did trot home in good order from far back. This field has plenty of question marks and I’m willing to give him another shot. (4) DAPPER DON & (5) STARZINNER are both coming off breaks, but there prior starts were fine.

Race 3

(3) JACKS TO OPEN seems to be left with too much to do in the stretch in most starts. If all-star driver Hannah Miller can keep him within striking distance, she should win. (2) PERMANENT JOY looks competitive on paper and goes out for one of the better amateur drivers currently racing. (9) MAJESTIC GINGER is very erratic but just as capable when she behaves.

Race 4

(2) WORLD CUP seemed to be the victim of poor tactics as he was intent on the lead early then gave way to what turned out to be a shuffle. With Sears now in the bike, I’m expecting a better result. (8) POUNCE HANOVER bested a similar field last time at 4-5 and looks like the one to beat again. (6) LAZARUS comes off four consecutive placings; using underneath.

Race 5

(7) JOSIE’S JOY may not be ready in her first start since November, but she does have some ability and this field doesn’t exactly provide a handicapper with confidence. (3) MODEL BEHAVIOR draws a good post this week and merits a second look. (4) RILEY’S DREAM has finished second in each of her five career starts. (5) MARION MILLIONAIR has speed and is an exotics must.

Race 6

(6) WEEPER stormed home to win a race she had no business winning in her 4-year-old debut. She is extremely talented and could be a force against older mares all year. (7) INITTOWINAFORTUNE was one of many winners for this barn last week. This mare has been very consistent all year. (4) SANDBETWEENURTOES & (5) ACT NOW are two returning 4-year-olds that have ability; maybe.

Race 7

With the two most likely winners drawn to his outside and perhaps looking at an easy week prior to the $100,000 final next week, (5) ALDEBARAN EAGLE has a chance to steal the race on the lead. He was a good second behind (7) GUESS WHOS BACK last time. The latter seems likely to win if he leaves hard. I’m just not certain he’ll do that. (8) CANEPA HANOVER has been babied along and it seems more likely that next week would be the time for an aggressive try. (3) CODE BON couldn’t keep up with Guess Whos Back in a recent qualifier, but has room for improvement.

Race 8

(9) TWO HIP DIP only needs to mind his manners to take this field down the road. (5) GO BYEM bested a weaker field last time and will get tested tonight. (2) ON THE SLY moves to the big track and could step up. (1) NEVER EVER CLEVER finishes in the money more often than not.

Race 9

(5) CHEYENNE MIRIAM hails from a barn that has picked up two wins and a second in the last three starts. Gingras chose this gal and I wouldn’t be shocked if she woke up. (4) KZ BEACH GIRL has been racing evenly from outside posts. She draws well tonight and has to be handled more aggressively, right? (8) REAL DRAMA wasn’t going far from post eight in her 4-year-old debut. Don’t count her out just yet.

Race 10

(7) LAUDERDALE chased Father Patrick nicely in his last qualifier. In a field with multiple candidates to win, he has as good a chance as any. (3) QUICK DEAL is the only entrant that could simply blow away this field; could break, too. (6) DREAM ROCKER looks like a strong player for an on-the-board spot, but does last on the lead once in a while. (2) CASHAHALLIC had no chance from post 10 last time and could be a sneaky play in here.

Race 11

(3) BEACH STORY put forth a solid effort in her first start of the year and is talented enough to expect improvement. (2) RIVER RUNS THRU IT became a new horse in her first start for trainer Michael Russo. Can she possibly handle this class jump? (6) BEAUTIFUL LADY has proven a consistent contender at this level. (7) KATIE SAID looked good two starts back. She has ability.

Race 12

(4) EXQUISITE GLIDE was a bit flat in the stretch in his first start in a month. Tony Alagna trainee should be ready to win now. (2) ORANGE BIGI drops down to a level where she can make some noise. (6) SOUTHWIND POSEIDON raced pretty well considering the post and trip in his 4-year-old debut; worth a look. (3) WHOWHOHOOSIER debuts for a new barn with hobbles.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Yonkers: Friday 5/22 Analysis
By Brewster Smith

DRF HARNESS

MEET STATS: 76 - 426 / $565.50 BEST BETS: 7 - 37 / $34.40

Best Bet: SHOW ME UP (5th)

Spot Play: FAMEOUS WESTERN (10th)


Race 1

(4) COSMICPEDIA Sharp for the victory last out. He is in good form right now so with that said, two straight is clearly not of the question. (2) JOLLY JUBITER should do much better from the 2-hole; threat. (7) WHOLLY LOUY could land a share of the purse.

Race 2

(3) IT REALLY MATTERS Trotter has tactical speed and good to see Brennan at the helm. Can take this at his best. (1) CALIPARI put in a nice run for the place spot in his recent trip; main danger. (2) NF HAPPENSTANCE gets post relief and that should help his cause; maybe.

Race 3

(5) TOUCH AND GO was nailed for win honors in his last start. There is a good chance this pacer will move forward. (3) ONE WARRAWEE Two sharp efforts puts this guy right in the mix. (1) MAYFLOWERMOONSHINE has hit the board in his last two tries; watch out.

Race 4

(3) FIRETOWERS STAND Mild rally in his last start. Gelding needs a golden trip to move forward against these; capable. (1) REBEL JET Pacer has been kind of sharp in his last three outings; main danger. (2) JC KINGDOM just got up for the score last time around.

Race 5

(4) SHOW ME UP Game effort in his last try. Gelding keeps the services of Brennan and has the speed to take these down the road. (5) DONT STOP MACH has scored in his last four starts; dangerous again. (2) LUCKY TERROR could have a say in the outcome.

Race 6

(2) WITCH DALI has been on the board 9 of 11 trips to the post this year. She is fit and ready to boss these at her best. (8) KRISPY APPLE moves now to the 8-hole with another outside assignment off two straight victories. (7) SIR JILLIAN Z TAM took the pocket route home for win honors last out.

Race 7

(3) ROCKAROUND SUE Pacing mare is very sharp based on her last five starts. She is ready to roll over this group. (2) GROUNDED was very good in her last three tries; knocking at the door. (1) VIRGIN MARY just missed the victory in her latest; watch out.

Race 8

(6) ROADWAY drops a notch for the Sabot barn. With a perfect trip, the rest of these will have to battle for the place money. (1) IM BLUE TOO flashed good early zip last out; on the engine again. (2) NASSAU COUNTY is on a roll scoring his last two trips.

Race 9

(5) GRANTOR HANOVER leaves the eight slot and has good speed. At his best, he could take these with Dube back in the bike. (2) CAVIART KEY will need a better trip than his last; maybe. (1) BULLVILLE KYLE put in two good efforts in a row; not out of this.

Race 10

(4) FAMOUS WESTERN came close to scoring his second victory this year. Gelding has every right to put his best foot forward. (1) BIGRISK returns to the fence where he was a game second two trips ago. (2) EIGHTEEN Jersey invader can be right in the hunt.

Race 11

(2) BO TOX HANOVER She put in a fine effort last time out, retains the 2-hole and with the right trip, this pacing miss can be the boss over these. (7) STRINGS was second best at odds-on last time around; threat. (1) TIPITINA Pennsylvania shipper gets the rail slot and Brennan signs on to drive; beware.

Race 12

(2) DUNE IN RED is seeking his second victory this year. Good to see McDonald back in the sulky where he has the most success with this guy; threat at his best. (3) BLUSH HANOVER has hit the board in her last four starts; main danger. (4) MARATHON DAY gets class relief; watch out.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

SPOT PLAYS

For Friday


TRACK (RACE) HORSE, MORNING LINE

Arlington Park (1st) Keeker, 3-1
(2nd) Go Bonnie Go, 3-1

Belmont Park (1st) Darnley Bay, 7-2
(6th) Sleeping Giant, 3-1


Belterra Park (6th) Pay the Lady, 6-1
(8th) Spring Blossom, 3-1


Canterbury Park (1st) Gracie Jean, 4-1
(2nd) Meloveda, 8-1


Charles Town (1st) Debutante Ball, 8-1
(9th) Helena Hurry, 3-1


Churchill Downs (4th) Salvation Show, 4-1
(6th) Lovethislife, 7-2


Evangeline Downs (1st) Mystic Smile, 6-1
(9th) Radiate, 5-1


Finger Lakes (6th) Notta Ring, 6-1
(9th) Golden Fire, 6-1


Golden Gate Fields (2nd) Be You, 9-2
(6th) Downtown C. T., 4-1


Gulfstream Park (2nd) Roman's Chance, 7-2
(5th) Galardonado, 3-1


Indiana Grand (1st) Kate's Forest, 4-1
(7th) Dreaminofthewin, 4-1


Lone Star Park (6th) Stylo, 3-1
(8th) Belle of Infinity, 7-2


Louisiana Downs (3rd) Lemonsgonemad, 9-2
(4th) Tent of Livingston, 3-1


Penn National (1st) Don's Honour, 3-1
(6th) Miss Rockport, 7-2

Pimlico (6th) Hero's Notion, 7-2
(8th) Wicked Heat, 7-2

Prairie Meadows (3rd) Soaring Native, 5-1
(6th) Dixie Surge, 7-2


Santa Anita (5th) Prospector's Trick, 9-2
(6th) Afleet in Time, 4-1

Thistledown (6th) Rock N Heart, 7-2
(7th) License to Bling, 9-2


Woodbine (4th) Onmywaytothetop, 4-1
(7th) Ultimate Desitny, 8-1

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

MLB betting cheat sheet: Nationals churning out runs, wins
By DOC'S SPORTS

Here's a comprehensive look at betting notes for this weekend’s major-league schedule:

National pride

The Washington Nationals have won five in a row (3-2 O/U) and have an 11-2 record in their last 13 games. They are also 11-2 O/U in those 13 outings. Washington has scored 205 runs on the season, second most in Major League Baseball (no other National League team has crossed the plate more than 186 times). Bryce Harper has 23 hits in his last 44 at-bats plus 10 homers and 23 RBIs since May 6.

Road woes

In his previous outing against the Chicago White Sox on May 1, Minnesota Twins’ right-hander Kyle Gibson allowed no runs in eight innings. But that came at home, where Gibson is 3-1 with a 1.40 ERA. On the road he is 0-2 with a 4.76 mark in four starts. Gibson will pitch at the White Sox on Sunday.

Brandishing the Brandons

First baseman Brandon Belt and shortstop Brandon Crawford are on fire for the San Francisco Giants. Belt has nine hits, three home runs, and seven RBIs in his last four games. Crawford has 12 hits in his last five (five-game hitting streak) and has driven in five runs during this current stretch. San Francisco has won five in a row (3-2 O/U) to surge into second place in the NL West.

Pitching Notes

* Felix Hernandez may dominate the headlines garnered by the Seattle Mariners’ starting rotation, but don’t sleep on James Paxton. The 26-year-old southpaw has turned in four straight quality starts and has not given up a single run in his last 20 innings. Paxton’s next outing will come on Saturday at the Toronto Blue Jays.

* Colorado Rockies’ righty Jordan Lyles got hit in the hand by a comebacker in his previous start, left after the first inning, and did not fare well five days later. He gave up four runs on seven hits and two walks in a Tuesday loss to the Philadelphia Phillies. Lyles, who will take the mound on Saturday against San Francisco, has seen his ERA balloon from 2.92 to 4.53 over the course of four outings.

Hitting Notes

* Pittsburgh Pirates’ third baseman Josh Harrison is on an eight-game hitting streak and has a ridiculous 16 hits in his last six contests. But he is not getting much help. The Pirates are 1-6 in their last seven overall, 1-3 O/U in their last four, and 3-7 O/U in their last 10.

* The New York Yankees have lost three straight games and are 1-7 (2-6 O/U) in their last eight. Five of their regulars are hitting .217 or worse over the past seven days. Catcher Brian McCann (.234, 4 HR, 22 RBI) has two hits in his last 17 at-bats.

Totals Streak

Miami Marlins (23-16-2 O/U): The Marlins, who fired manager Mike Redmond last weekend, are 0-4 O/U in their last four overall. They have scored a grand total of four runs in their last five games and they have also lost six in a row. This weekend’s series will pit Miami against the Baltimore Orioles, who are 1-5 O/U in their last six.

Injury Notes

* Los Angeles Angels’ first baseman Albert Pujols got drilled in the hand during the fourth inning of Wednesday’s game against the Toronto Blue Jays. Pujols (.231, 7 HR, 15 RBI) left one inning later. There are no fractures and the veteran slugger is listed as day-to-day with a contusion.

* The San Diego Padres have placed center fielder Wil Myers (left-wrist tendinitis) on the 15-day disabled list, retroactive to May 11. Myers (.291, 5 HR, 19 RBI) has not played since May 10. He is eligible to return next Tuesday, but that may be wishful thinking.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Five To Follow MLB Betting: Friday, May 22, 2015 Opening Line Report
by Alan Matthews

When you think of Washington's Ryan Zimmerman, you probably don't think of one of the best sluggers in baseball. Solid player with a career .284 average, 189 RBIs and 741 RBIs in 1,239 games. What Zimmerman does better than perhaps anyone active right now (at least in the National League) is hit walk-off homers. On Tuesday, he hit a walk-off two-run homer to beat the Yankees in the 10th inning off closer Andrew Miller, who hadn't allowed a run this season. It was the 10th walk-off homer in his career, tied for 10th in MLB history. The record is 13 by Jim Thome. Babe Ruth, Jimmie Foxx, Mickey Mantle, Stan Musial and Frank Robinson, all Hall of Famers, each have 12.


Phillies at Nationals (-260, 7)

Washington brings a five-game winning streak into this one and has taken its rightful place atop the NL East. Presumably Bryce Harper won't be ejected from this game; he was on Wednesday, his second ejection in a week. He needs to stop arguing with umps as it hurts his team when he's not in there. Max Scherzer (4-3, 1.75) is on the mound in this series opener. He has faced the Phillies twice, and the Nationals won both as he allowed two combined runs and 10 hits over 14 innings with 17 strikeouts. Ryan Howard is 0-for-7 with six strikeouts off him. It's Sean O'Sullivan (1-2, 3.68) for Philly. He is 0-1 with a 4.91 ERA in two starts this year against Washington. Harper has two homers and four RBIs off him in five at-bats.

Key trends: The Phillies are 4-1 in their past five series openers. The Nats are 5-1 in their past six series openers. The "over/under" has gone over in seven straight series openers for Washington.

Early lean: Nationals on runline (-110) and under.


Rangers at Yankees (-183, 7.5)

New York's best player this season had been center field and leadoff man Jacoby Ellsbury, but he hurt his knee in Tuesday's loss in Washington, was pulled and then placed on the 15-day DL. He was hitting .324 with a .412 on-base percentage and leading the AL with 14 stolen bases in 37 games. This is the last thing the sinking Yankees need as they have lost seven of eight. Michael Pineda (5-1, 3.31) is on the bump for the Bombers in this series opener. He comes off his worst outing of the season, allowing five runs and 10 hits over 5.1 innings of a loss to Kansas City (one start after striking out 16). He is 0-2 with a 4.74 ERA in three career starts vs. Texas. Mitch Moreland is 3-for-6 with three extra-base hits and two RBIs off him. The Rangers' Colby Lewis (3-2, 3.06) also comes off his worst outing, allowing six runs and seven hits over five innings in a loss to Cleveland. The Yanks' Brett Gardner is 2-for-5 with a double, homer and two RBIs against him.

Key trends: The Rangers are 4-0 in Lewis' past four against teams with a winning record. The Yankees are 0-6 in their past six against right-handers. The under has hit in just one of Pineda's past nine starts.

Early lean: Yankees and over.


Mets at Pirates (-145, 7)

Spectacular matchup between two highly-touted young pitchers. It's 22-year-old Noah Syndergaard (1-1, 3.18) for New York, and there's actually some talk the team could demote him back to Triple-A when Dillon Gee is healthy. That's stupid. Syndergaard got that first win against the Brewers on Sunday, allowing a run and three hits over six innings -- also plunking Carlos Gomez in the head. I think the Mets move Gee to the bullpen; he's making one more rehab start before being activated. It's 24-year-old Gerrit Cole (5-2, 2.40) for Pittsburgh. He took the loss in his last start, allowing two runs and seven hits over six innings at the Cubs. He is 2-1 with a 2.65 ERA at home this season. Not many Mets have faced him. Lucas Duda is 1-for-3. Daniel Murphy is 1-for-6 with two RBIs.

Key trends: The Pirates are 1-6 in their past seven series openers. They are 13-3 in Cole's past 16 at home. The over is 6-2 in his past eight on Friday. The Mets are 2-5 in their past seven in Pittsburgh.

Early lean: Pirates and under.


Angels at Red Sox (-107, 8.5)

L.A. avoided disaster on Wednesday when Albert Pujols was hit on the left hand/wrist by a pitch from Toronto's Drew Hutchison. X-rays were negative, and he is considered day-to-day with a contusion. Pujols is hitting .231 with seven homers and 15 RBIs. Garrett Richards (3-2, 2.29) starts for the Halos. He allowed two runs and five hits over 7.2 innings last time out in Baltimore but was a hard-luck loser. The Angels had won his previous four starts. Mike Napoli is 4-for-7 with a double, homer and three RBIs off him. Big Papi is 2-for-5 with an RBI. Boston's Rick Porcello (4-2, 4.26) has been much better in May than most of April. In four starts since April 29, he is 3-0 with a 2.10 ERA. Pujols is 4-for-13 with two doubles off him. Mike Trout is 5-for-15 with a homer and six RBIs.

Key trends: The Angels are 6-1 in Richards' past seven during Game 1 of a series. The Sox are 1-5 in their past six at home vs. a right-hander. The under is 6-2 in Richards' past eight on the road. The Angels are 4-0 in their past four in Boston.

Early lean: Angels and under.


Padres at Dodgers (-167, 6.5)

Would you like to know who the best seven-loss pitcher in baseball is? Or the only seven-loss one? That would be San Diego's Andrew Cashner, and it's criminal he has a 1-7 record despite a very good 3.24 ERA. The Padres have been held to four total runs in losing his past five, and he allowed more than three earned in just one of those. Two of those losses have come to L.A. He allowed six runs over five innings against the Dodgers in his first start of the season and then two runs over seven innings at home on April 24. Adrian Gonzalez is a .357 hitter with four homers and six RBIs in 28 at-bats off him. Zack Greinke (5-1, 1.52) has been easily the Dodgers' best pitcher, not Clayton Kershaw. Greinke is 1-0 with a 0.69 ERA in two starts against San Diego this season, allowing only six hits in 13.0 innings. Justin Upton is 8-for-20 with a homer and three RBIs off him.

Key trends: The Dodgers are 6-0 in Greinke's past six with five days of rest. The under is 5-2-1 in Cashner's past eight road starts vs. teams with a winning record. The under is 7-1 in Greinke's past eight vs. San Diego.

Early lean: Dodgers and under (this probably drops to 6).

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

'On the Diamond'

Detroit Tigers and Houston Astros get ready to duel again after the Tigers held on for a 6-5 extra inning victory in yesterday's afternoon opener of this four game set. Alfredo Simon will start for Detroit carrying a 4-2 mark, 3.04 ERA, 5-3 team start record to the hill. The righty is winless in four starts (1-3 TSR), but three games were on the road (0-3 TSR). This one being at Comerica Park should get the attention of sports bettors as Simon has thrived before the home audience posting a 2-0 record, miniscule 1.25 ERA with Tigers a perfect 3-0 in his three starts. Detroit will be facing Collin McHugh entering 5-1 on the campaign with a 5.21 ERA, 7-1 team start record. The Houston hurler has been virtually unbeatable since the middle of last August recording a 12-1 record with Astros 14-2 in his 16 trips to the mound. Astros have also flourished when handing the ball to McHugh following a team loss the previous effort. They're 7-1 the past eight situations. Astros thriving in a road stadium after a loss by 1 run exact (3-1) and sporting an 8-2 stretch in GM-2 of a series the lean is Houston.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Friday's six-pack

Six things you may or may not know about the movie My Cousin Vinny.......

-- The movie screenwriter wanted Robert Deniro to play Vinny, but was talked out of it by people who thought Deniro wasn't funny enough- whoops.

-- Joe Pesci actually learned the card trick he does early in the movie, so it would look better than if they edited the trick into the movie.

-- Fred Gwynne played the judge; he is best known for playing Herman Munster in the 60's TV comedy The Munsters.

-- There is a lawyer somewhere who failed the bar exam 13 times before he passed.

-- Prison guards in the movie weren't actors, they were actual prison guards.

-- The phrase "the two yutes" which is in one of the best courtroom scenes actually came up in a conversation between Pesci and the movie's director- they decided to utilize it in the movie.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Arthur Ralph Sports

Bonus Play FRI SF Giants -115 w/ Voglesong

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

MLB MONEYLINE

MLB > (929) ST LOUIS@ (930) KANSAS CITY | 05/22/2015 - 08:10 PM
Play ON KANSAS CITY using the money line in All games at home with a money line of -100 to -125
The record is 28 Wins and 9 Losses for the last two seasons (+17.35 units)

MLB > (923) MINNESOTA@ (924) CHI WHITE SOX | 05/22/2015 - 08:10 PM
Play ON MINNESOTA using the money line in All games in night games
The record is 14 Wins and 6 Losses for the this season (+12.15 units)

MLB > (921) LA ANGELS@ (922) BOSTON | 05/22/2015 - 07:10 PM
Play AGAINST BOSTON using the money line in All games at home with a money line of -100 to -125
The record is 8 Wins and 21 Losses for the last two seasons (-16.55 units)

MLB > (907) SAN FRANCISCO@ (908) COLORADO | 05/22/2015 - 08:10 PM
Play ON SAN FRANCISCO using the money line in All games in May games
The record is 32 Wins and 14 Losses for the last two seasons (+19.55 units)

MLB RUNLINE

MLB > (923) MINNESOTA@ (924) CHI WHITE SOX | 05/22/2015 - 08:10 PM
Play AGAINST CHI WHITE SOX using the in All games as a home favorite when the run line price is +135 to +160
The record is 4 Wins and 32 Losses for the last three seasons (-25.95 units)

MLB > (929) ST LOUIS@ (930) KANSAS CITY | 05/22/2015 - 08:10 PM
Play ON KANSAS CITY using the in All games at home when the run line is (+1.5, -155) to (-1.5, +160)

MLB > (911) SAN DIEGO@ (912) LA DODGERS | 05/22/2015 - 10:10 PM
Play ON LA DODGERS using the in Home games vs. right-handed starters
The record is 14 Wins and 5 Losses for the this season (+11.7 units)

MLB > (901) PHILADELPHIA@ (902) WASHINGTON | 05/22/2015 - 07:05 PM
Play AGAINST PHILADELPHIA using the in All games as a road underdog when the run line price is +105 to +120
The record is 3 Wins and 19 Losses for the since 1992 (-15.8 units)

MLB TOTALS

MLB > (911) SAN DIEGO@ (912) LA DODGERS | 05/22/2015 - 10:10 PM
Play OVER LA DODGERS on the total in Home games against right-handed starters
The record is 56 Overs and 25 Unders for the last two seasons (+31.25 units)

MLB > (919) OAKLAND@ (920) TAMPA BAY | 05/22/2015 - 07:10 PM
Play OVER OAKLAND on the total in All games in all games
The record is 28 Overs and 12 Unders for the this season (+16.05 units)

MLB > (921) LA ANGELS@ (922) BOSTON | 05/22/2015 - 07:10 PM
Play UNDER BOSTON on the total in Home games in May games
The record is 5 Overs and 19 Unders for the last two seasons (+13.7 units)

MLB TOP POWERLINES

MLB > (917) SEATTLE @ (918) TORONTO | 05/22/2015 - 07:05 PM
Line: TORONTO +125 BTB PowerLine: TORONTO -122
Edge On: TORONTO (47)

MLB > (915) TEXAS @ (916) NY YANKEES | 05/22/2015 - 07:05 PM
Line: NY YANKEES -175 BTB PowerLine: NY YANKEES -198
Edge On: NY YANKEES (23)

MLB > (903) NY METS @ (904) PITTSBURGH | 05/22/2015 - 07:05 PM
Line: PITTSBURGH -150 BTB PowerLine: PITTSBURGH -108
Edge On: PITTSBURGH (22)

MLB > (923) MINNESOTA @ (924) CHI WHITE SOX | 05/22/2015 - 08:10 PM
Line: CHI WHITE SOX -145 BTB PowerLine: CHI WHITE SOX 112
Edge On: CHI WHITE SOX (37)

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

NBA MONEYLINE

NBA > (507) CLEVELAND@ (508) ATLANTA | 05/22/2015 - 08:35 PM
Play ON ATLANTA using the money line in All games revenging a loss vs opponent
The record is 21 Wins and 7 Losses for the this season (+14 units)

NBA FIRST HALF

NBA > (507) CLEVELAND@ (508) ATLANTA | 05/22/2015 - 08:35 PM
Play ON CLEVELAND in the first half in All games versus good offensive teams - scoring 99+ points/game - 2nd half of the season
The record is 23 Wins and 8 Losses for the this season (+14.2 units)

NBA TOTALS

NBA > (507) CLEVELAND@ (508) ATLANTA | 05/22/2015 - 08:35 PM
Play UNDER ATLANTA on the total in Home games in all playoff games
The record is 12 Overs and 37 Unders for the since 1992 (+23.8 units)

NBA TOP POWERLINES

NBA > (507) CLEVELAND @ (508) ATLANTA | 05/22/2015 - 08:35 PM
Line: ATLANTA -1.5 BTB PowerLine: ATLANTA 4
Edge On: ATLANTA (5.5)

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

NHL MONEYLINE

NHL > (63) NY RANGERS@ (64) TAMPA BAY | 05/22/2015 - 08:05 PM
Play ON NY RANGERS using the money line in All games in a road game where where the total is 5 or less
The record is 21 Wins and 9 Losses for the this season (+13.7 units)

NHL PUCKLINE

NHL > (63) NY RANGERS@ (64) TAMPA BAY | 05/22/2015 - 08:05 PM
Play ON NY RANGERS using the in All games in a road game where where the total is 5 or less
The record is 21 Wins and 9 Losses for the this season (+13.7 units)

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

JOE WIZ

Friday... Over 8 runs Minnesota and White Sox

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

BIG AL

Our complimentary selection for Friday, May 22 is:

Chicago White Sox (Samardzija) -139 over Minnesota (Hughes).

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Lack of offense has Red Sox on a tear for ‘Under’ bettors
By Andrew Avery

The Texas Rangers defeated the Boston Red Sox by a score of 3-1 Thursday evening, making it eight consecutive scorelines finishing under the closing total for the BoSox.

The Sox have struggled getting runners across the plate over that stretch, scoring just 15 runs in the past eight games (1.9 runs per game). They’ve been shutout once and mustered just one run in three of those games.

The eight-game Under streak has the Red Sox as the seventh best under club in the bigs at 18-22-1.

Boston will open a three-game series against the Los Angeles Angels at Fenway Park Friday. Rick Porcello is the probable starter for the home team, while the Angels are slated to counter with Garrett Richards. The total is presently tabbed at 8.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

NBA

Friday, May 22

Trend Report

8:30 PM
CLEVELAND vs. ATLANTA
Cleveland is 11-2 SU in its last 13 games
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Cleveland's last 7 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Atlanta's last 7 games at home
The total has gone OVER in 6 of Atlanta's last 8 games when playing Cleveland

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

NHL

Friday, May 22

Trend Report

8:00 PM
NY RANGERS vs. TAMPA BAY
The total has gone OVER in 5 of the NY Rangers last 7 games when playing on the road against Tampa Bay
NY Rangers are 2-4 SU in their last 6 games when playing on the road against Tampa Bay
Tampa Bay is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games at home
Tampa Bay is 6-1 SU in their last 7 games when playing NY Rangers

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

MLB

Friday, May 22

Trend Report

7:05 PM
TEXAS vs. NY YANKEES
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Texas's last 5 games when playing on the road against NY Yankees
Texas is 4-12 SU in their last 16 games when playing on the road against NY Yankees
The total has gone UNDER in 8 of NY Yankees's last 9 games when playing Texas
NY Yankees are 6-2 SU in their last 8 games at home

7:05 PM
NY METS vs. PITTSBURGH
The total has gone UNDER in 8 of NY Mets's last 9 games when playing on the road against Pittsburgh
NY Mets are 4-2 SU in its last 6 games
Pittsburgh is 9-4 SU in its last 13 games when playing NY Mets
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Pittsburgh's last 6 games at home

7:05 PM
PHILADELPHIA vs. WASHINGTON
Philadelphia is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games when playing Washington
Philadelphia is 7-2 SU in its last 9 games
Washington is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games when playing Philadelphia
Washington is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games when playing at home against Philadelphia

7:07 PM
SEATTLE vs. TORONTO
The total has gone OVER in 7 of Seattle's last 9 games when playing Toronto
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Seattle's last 8 games
Toronto is 2-7 SU in its last 9 games
Toronto is 9-4 SU in its last 13 games at home

7:08 PM
HOUSTON vs. DETROIT
Houston is 7-2 SU in its last 9 games
Houston is 2-10 SU in its last 12 games when playing on the road against Detroit
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Detroit's last 9 games at home
Detroit is 10-2 SU in its last 12 games when playing at home against Houston

7:10 PM
CINCINNATI vs. CLEVELAND
Cincinnati is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games
Cincinnati is 1-10 SU in its last 11 games when playing on the road against Cleveland
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Cleveland's last 5 games
Cleveland is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games at home

7:10 PM
OAKLAND vs. TAMPA BAY
The total has gone UNDER in 7 of Oakland's last 9 games when playing Tampa Bay
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Oakland's last 6 games when playing on the road against Tampa Bay
Tampa Bay is 5-2 SU in its last 7 games when playing at home against Oakland
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Tampa Bay's last 6 games when playing at home against Oakland

7:10 PM
LA ANGELS vs. BOSTON
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of LA Angels's last 8 games on the road
LA Angels are 7-3 SU in their last 10 games
Boston is 2-10 SU in their last 12 games when playing at home against LA Angels
Boston is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games

7:10 PM
BALTIMORE vs. MIAMI
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Baltimore's last 9 games when playing on the road against Miami
Baltimore is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games when playing on the road against Miami
The total has gone OVER in 6 of Miami's last 7 games when playing Baltimore
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Miami's last 5 games

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

8:10 PM
MINNESOTA vs. CHI WHITE SOX
Minnesota is 4-1 SU in their last 5 games when playing Chi White Sox
Minnesota is 2-4 SU in their last 6 games when playing on the road against Chi White Sox
The total has gone OVER in 10 of Chi White Sox's last 12 games when playing at home against Minnesota
Chi White Sox are 6-3 SU in their last 9 games

8:10 PM
ST. LOUIS vs. KANSAS CITY
St. Louis is 8-1 SU in its last 9 games when playing on the road against Kansas City
St. Louis is 15-8 SU in its last 23 games
Kansas City is 1-8 SU in its last 9 games when playing at home against St. Louis
Kansas City is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games

8:10 PM
SAN FRANCISCO vs. COLORADO
The total has gone UNDER in 12 of San Francisco's last 18 games when playing on the road against Colorado
The total has gone OVER in 5 of San Francisco's last 7 games on the road
Colorado is 4-15 SU in its last 19 games
Colorado is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games when playing San Francisco

9:40 PM
CHI CUBS vs. ARIZONA
Chi Cubs are 8-2 SU in their last 10 games
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Chi Cubs's last 6 games when playing Arizona
The total has gone OVER in 9 of Arizona's last 10 games at home
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Arizona's last 6 games when playing at home against Chi Cubs

10:10 PM
SAN DIEGO vs. LA DODGERS
The total has gone OVER in 5 of San Diego's last 7 games on the road
San Diego is 2-5 SU in their last 7 games when playing LA Dodgers
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of LA Dodgers's last 5 games
The total has gone OVER in 10 of LA Dodgers's last 15 games

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Astros (27-14) at Tigers (24-17)
Game: 2
Venue: Comerica Park
Date: May 22, 2015 7:08 PM EDT

Although they were riding the best 41-game start in franchise history heading into the series opener against the Detroit Tigers, the Houston Astros weren't able to put an end to their woes at Comerica Park.

They could be turning to the right pitcher Friday night in Collin McHugh, who has one of MLB's longest road unbeaten streaks.

The right-hander will try to help the Astros bounce back from their second loss in nine games when the Tigers go after a 12th victory in 15 home meetings.

Coming off a 7-2 homestand and off to its best road start at 12-4, Houston (27-15) tied Thursday's opener on Preston Tucker's ninth-inning home run after trailing by five heading into the seventh.

James McCann, however, homered on an 0-2 pitch from Tony Sipp in the 11th inning to give Detroit (25-17) a 6-5 win.

'That was a big, big comeback by our guys,' manager A.J. Hinch said. 'This is a tough one to lose.'

The Astros, leading a division this late for the first time since May 22, 2004, are 3-11 at Comerica. McHugh (5-1, 4.09 ERA), though, is 4-0 with a 2.39 ERA in his last eight road starts.

Only San Diego's James Shields (13) and the Los Angeles Angels' Matt Shoemaker (9) have more consecutive road starts without a loss.

McHugh had a 16-start unbeaten streak end May 12 to San Francisco after giving up seven runs in 4 2-3 innings. He was 11-0 with a 2.31 ERA during the franchise's longest winning streak since Wade Miller won 12 straight in 2002.

McHugh bounced back Sunday when he allowed two runs over seven innings in a 4-2 win over Toronto.

He'll have to be careful with Detroit's Yoenis Cespedes, who went 6 for 6 with three walks in the last two games. Nick Castellanos had the Tigers' first home run in five games Thursday and has six RBIs in the last two.

Miguel Cabrera, who had two hits in the opener, is batting .400 with four home runs and 10 RBIs during a nine-game hitting streak.

Alfredo Simon (4-2, 3.04) is looking for his first win in five outings after allowing two runs over six innings in Sunday's 2-1 loss at St. Louis. The right-hander has been at his best at Comerica with a 2-0 record and 1.25 ERA in three starts.

"He mixes up his pitches, he uses his split effectively, he keeps the hitters off balance, and if he's down with those pitches, he seems to do well on a regular basis," manager Brad Ausmus told MLB's official website.

Jose Altuve has gone 2 for 3 with a double when facing Simon, but he's 3 for 25 in his last six games.

George Springer has had two hits in each of the past two games following a 3-for-20 slump after returning from a concussion. He's hitting .393 in eight meetings with the Tigers.

Astros reliever Josh Fields is day-to-day after taking a line drive off the right knee in the ninth inning Thursday.

SERIES AT A GLANCE

GAME 1
Astros at Tigers
Thu, May 21 - Final 5 - 6
Boxscores • Recaps

GAME 2
Astros at Tigers
Fri, May 22 - 7:08PM EDT

GAME 3
Astros at Tigers
Sat, May 23 - 4:08PM EDT

GAME 4
Astros at Tigers
Sun, May 24 - 1:08PM EDT