Monday 7/4/16 service plays chatter/comps/requests & other stuff...

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Reds at Cubs

GAME: Cincinnati Reds (30-53) at Chicago Cubs (51-30)
DATE/TIME: Monday, July 04 - 2:20 PM EST
WHERE: Wrigley Field, Chicago, Illinois
LINE: N/A TOTAL: N/A


The past couple of weeks have been tough for the Chicago Cubs – with the exception of a three-day stopover in Cincinnati. The Cubs return home and hope a visit from the Reds for three games beginning Monday will help them get back on track after a rocky road trip.



Chicago went 4-7 on its trip to Miami, Cincinnati and New York, concluding with a four-game sweep at the hands of the Mets. The highlight of the journey was the stop in Cincinnati, where the Cubs outscored the Reds 27-12 in the three-game sweep to improve to 9-1 in the season series. Things didn’t improve much for the Reds over the weekend at Washington where they dropped three of four to the Nationals and were pounded 12-1 in Sunday’s series finale, in which they didn’t record a hit until the eighth inning. The Cubs also were on the wrong end of a lopsided sweep in New York where the Mets outscored them 32-11, including a 14-3 rout Sunday.

TV: 2:20 p.m. ET, FSN Ohio (Cincinnati), WGN (Chicago)



PITCHING MATCHUP: Reds LH Cody Reed (0-2, 9.00 ERA) vs. Cubs RH Kyle Hendricks (6-6, 2.76)

Reed’s first stint in the majors hasn’t gone well, as the Reds have lost all three of his starts and he has been tagged with the loss in the last two. The 23-year-old hasn’t lasted more than five innings in his last two outings and allowed seven runs on nine hits over four frames in Wednesday’s loss to the Cubs. Reed has surrendered six home runs in 16 innings, including three against the Cubs last week.

Hendricks hit a bump in his breakout season with back-to-back losses last month, but he has won two straight decisions and the Cubs have won each of his last three starts. The 26-year-old beat Reed and the Reds on Wednesday, allowing two runs and eight hits over 6 2/3 innings to even his record. Hendricks is 2-1 with a 4.04 ERA in six starts against Cincinnati.







WALK-OFFS

1. Cubs 1B Anthony Rizzo, OF Albert Almora Jr. and SS Addison Russell all homered against Reed on Wednesday.

2. Cincinnati 1B Joey Votto, who is 8-for-23 with two doubles and three homers over his past six games, is 4-for-6 with two homers against Hendricks.

3. Reds pitchers have allowed 144 home runs – most in the majors – including 24 in 10 games against the Cubs.



PREDICTION: Cubs 7, Reds 4

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Rockies at Giants

GAME: Colorado Rockies (37-44) at San Francisco Giants (52-32)
DATE/TIME: Monday, July 04 - 4:05 PM EST
WHERE: AT&T Park, San Francisco, California
LINE: N/A TOTAL: N/A

The San Francisco Giants are making mincemeat of the National League West of late and look to continue that trend when they open a three-game series against the visiting Colorado Rockies on Monday afternoon. The division-leading Giants improved to 18-4 in their last 22 encounters with their NL West rivals after taking two of three at Arizona this weekend.

Brandon Belt drove in a pair of runs during Sunday's 5-4 win in 11 innings and is 15-for-36 with two homers, five RBIs and seven runs scored in nine meetings with the Rockies this season. Colorado, which gamely has salvaged a split of the 10 encounters with San Francisco in 2016, has been outscored 34-14 en route to losing five in a row. The Rockies mustered just two runs - both solo homers - and 12 hits while striking out a staggering 41 times in their three-game series versus the Los Angeles Dodgers. Nolan Arenado, who belted a solo homer on Saturday, is 7-for-14 with five extra-base hits in his career versus Monday starter Jake Peavy.

TV: 4:05 p.m. ET, ESPN, CSN Bay Area (San Francisco)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Rockies LH Tyler Anderson (0-2, 2.66 ERA) vs. Giants RH Jake Peavy (4-7, 5.33)

Anderson's quest for his first major-league win will continue on Monday as Colorado has elected to skip Eddie Butler's spot in the rotation. The 26-year-old Anderson turned in his fourth strong performance in as many outings on Wednesday, allowing three runs in six innings of a 5-3 setback to Texas. He surrendered his first homer of the season but has yielded only seven earned runs in 23 2/3 frames.

Peavy suffered his first loss in 3 1/2 weeks on Wednesday, when he was blitzed for seven runs and five hits in 3 1/3 innings of a 7-1 setback at Oakland. The tough outing came on the heels of the 35-year-old posting a 3-1 record and 1.91 ERA over his previous six starts. Peavy also surrendered two homers versus the Athletics, marking the first time he had been taken deep since May 20.

WALK-OFFS

1. Colorado OF Carlos Gonzalez is just 1-for-10 with four strikeouts following his seven-game hitting streak.

2. San Francisco 2B Grant Green has registered three multi-hit performances in four outings since being recalled from Triple-A Sacramento on Thursday.

3. Rockies RHP Tyler Chatwood, who has been sidelined since June 18 with a balky back, is expected to start on Tuesday, according to the Denver Post.

PREDICTION: Giants 3, Rockies 2

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Braves at Phillies

GAME: Atlanta Braves (28-54) at Philadelphia Phillies (37-46)
DATE/TIME: Monday, July 04 - 4:05 PM EST
WHERE: Citizens Bank Park, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
LINE: N/A TOTAL: N/A

The Atlanta Braves may be buried in last place in the National League East, but they've enjoyed some recent success against their division rivals. Atlanta looks to continue that trend when it visits the Philadelphia Phillies on Monday afternoon for the opener of their three-game series.

The Braves are coming off a split of their four-game set versus Miami after dropping a 5-2 decision at Fort Bragg in North Carolina on Sunday night and have gone 8-5 in their last 13 against the NL East. Atlanta's A.J. Pierzynski needs one double to join Ivan Rodriguez (572), Ted Simmons (483) and Carlton Fisk (421) as the only catchers in major-league history to record 400 in their careers. Philadelphia registered a 7-2 victory over Kansas City on Sunday for its fifth win in six contests. Peter Bourjos went 1-for-3 in the triumph to extend his hitting streak to 12 games - the longest by a Phillie this season.

TV: 4:05 p.m. ET, FSN Southeast (Atlanta), CSN Philadelphia

PITCHING MATCHUP: Braves RH Joel De La Cruz (0-1, 4.50 ERA) vs. Phillies RH Jerad Eickhoff (5-9, 3.38)

De La Cruz received no offensive support in his major-league debut on Wednesday as he suffered a 3-0 loss to Cleveland. The 27-year-old Dominican allowed three runs and seven hits while recording only one strikeout in six innings. Prior to joining the Braves, De La Cruz went 1-3 with a 4.68 ERA in 21 games (five starts) for Triple-A Gwinnett.

Eickhoff has allowed fewer than three runs in five of his last six starts - and three in the other outing - but is just 3-2 in that span. The 26-year-old native of Indiana settled for a no-decision at Arizona on Tuesday despite yielding just two runs and seven hits over five innings. Eickhoff evened his career record against Atlanta at 1-1 in three outings after scattering five hits over seven scoreless frames at home on May 22.

WALK-OFFS

1. The Phillies activated RHP Dalier Hinojosa (hand) from the 15-day disabled list and optioned him to Triple-A Lehigh Valley.

2. Two of the lowest-scoring teams in the majors, Atlanta and Philadelphia entered Sunday averaging 3.43 and 3.46 runs per game, respectively.

3. Philadelphia RHP Aaron Nola will be skipped in the rotation and throw a simulated game in Colorado on Thursday instead, so he can come back well-rested after the All-Star break.

PREDICTION: Phillies 6, Braves 3

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Marlins at Mets

GAME: Miami Marlins (43-39) at New York Mets (44-37)
DATE/TIME: Monday, July 04 - 4:10 PM EST
WHERE: Citi Field, New York City, New York
LINE: N/A TOTAL: N/A

After beginning their 11-game homestand with an impressive showing against the team with the best record in baseball, the New York Mets look to avoid a letdown when they host the Miami Marlins on Monday afternoon for the opener of their three-game series. New York followed three straight losses to the National League East-leading Nationals in Washington by kicking off its string at home with a four-game sweep of the Chicago Cubs, which it completed with a 14-3 drubbing on Sunday.

Wilmer Flores led the Mets' 22-hit attack, belting a pair of home runs en route to joining Edgardo Alfonzo as the only players in franchise history to go 6-for-6 in a game. Miami improved to 2-4 on its nine-game road trip with a 5-2 triumph over Atlanta on Sunday at Fort Bragg in North Carolina. The top-third of the Marlins' lineup did most of the damage, as J.T. Realmuto, Martin Prado and Christian Yelich combined to record nine of the team's 13 hits and drive in four of the five runs while scoring three of them. All three players are batting .314 or better, with Prado leading the way with a .320 average thanks to three performances of three or more hits over his last five contests.

TV: 4:10 p.m. ET, FSN Florida (Miami), SNY (New York)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Marlins RH Tom Koehler (6-7, 4.45 ERA) vs. Mets RH Matt Harvey (4-10, 4.55)

Koehler has struggled of late, surrendering nine runs and 15 hits over nine innings in his last two starts after yielding three runs or fewer in each of his previous nine outings. The 30-year-old native of the Bronx, New York had his three-start road winning streak snapped on Wednesday, when he was tagged for five runs and eight hits in three frames of a loss at Detroit. Koehler fell to 2-6 in 18 career games (15 starts) versus the Mets on June 3, when he gave up three runs and six hits in six innings.

Harvey is winless in his last five starts despite allowing fewer than three runs in four of those outings, with all four taking place on the road. The 27-year-old from Connecticut suffered the loss at Washington on Tuesday, when he gave up one run on four hits and three walks in a turn that was reduced to 3 2/3 innings due to rain. Harvey dropped to 2-3 in eight career starts against the Marlins on June 5 even though he yielded just one run and four hits over seven frames in Miami.

WALK-OFFS

1. By recording six hits on Sunday, Flores matched the total from his previous 12 games.

2. Miami RF Giancarlo Stanton is a dismal 1-for-13 lifetime with seven strikeouts against Harvey.

3. New York 2B Neil Walker went 6-for-17 with a homer and four RBIs in the series against Chicago.

PREDICTION: Mets 5, Marlins 2

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Royals at Blue Jays

GAME: Kansas City Royals (43-38) at Toronto Blue Jays (45-39)
DATE/TIME: Monday, July 04 - 7:07 PM EST
WHERE: Rogers Centre, Toronto, Ontario
LINE: N/A TOTAL: N/A

The Toronto Blue Jays just pulled off one of the more impressive four-game splits of the season and are well-positioned to make a run up the standings in the American League East before the All-Star break. The Blue Jays attempt to secure their third straight win when they host the inconsistent Kansas City Royals in the opener of a three-game series on Monday.

Toronto took on the red-hot Cleveland Indians in a four-game series over the weekend and dropped the first two before breaking out the bats and pounding their way to a combined 26 runs on Saturday and Sunday. The 26 runs were one fewer than the Cleveland staff had allowed in its previous 14 games and were highlighted by an 18-hit performance in a 17-1 triumph on Sunday. The Royals dropped two of three to the Philadelphia Phillies over the weekend and have lost seven of their last 12 contests to fall into third place in the AL Central. The defending champs have lost 13 of their last 18 road games and will play three in Toronto before finishing up the first half with a four-game series at home against Seattle.

TV: 7:07 p.m. ET, FSN Kansas City, Sportsnet, TVAS (Toronto)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Royals RH Edinson Volquez (7-7, 4.80 ERA) vs. Blue Jays RH Aaron Sanchez (8-1, 3.08)

Volquez followed up a disastrous start with a much stronger outing on Wednesday, holding the St. Louis Cardinals scoreless on six hits over 6 2/3 innings. The Dominican Republic native was ripped for 12 runs – 11 earned – on eight hits and three walks without notching a strikeout in one-plus innings against Houston in his previous turn. Volquez is 0-4 with a 6.46 ERA in six career regular season starts against Toronto but earned a win over the Blue Jays at home in the playoffs last October.

Sanchez has not lost since April 22 and matched his longest outing of the season when he held the Colorado Rockies to one run and six hits in eight innings on Wednesday. The 24-year-old surrendered a total of four earned runs in 20 innings over his last three turns. Sanchez is making his first career start against the Royals but faced them in four games in the ALCS last October, totaling two scoreless innings.

WALK-OFFS

1. Blue Jays RHP Marco Estrada underwent an MRI on his ailing back Sunday and could miss his next start.

2. Kansas City RHP Yordano Ventura (ankle) was hurt running the bases on Sunday and will be evaluated further in the coming days.

3. Toronto SS Troy Tulowitzki homered in each of the last two games.

PREDICTION: Blue Jays 5, Royals

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Tigers at Indians

GAME: Detroit Tigers (44-38) at Cleveland Indians (49-32)
DATE/TIME: Monday, July 04 - 7:10 PM EST
WHERE: Progressive Field, Cleveland, Ohio
LINE: N/A TOTAL: N/A

The Cleveland Indians used strong pitching to guide the way to a franchise-record 14 straight wins but watched their hurlers melt down over the weekend. The Indians will try to put the staff back together and avoid a third straight setback when they host the red-hot Detroit Tigers in the opener of a three-game series on Monday.

Cleveland had its winning streak come to an end with a 9-6 setback on Saturday and had to send catcher Chris Gimenez to the mound to throw the final two innings in a 17-1 drubbing on Sunday. The 26 runs allowed in the two losses was one fewer than the staff permitted in the 14 previous games combined, which included a three-game sweep of the Tigers from June 24-26. Detroit has not lost since falling to Cleveland on June 26 and began its road trip by taking four straight at Tampa Bay by a combined 28-12. The Tigers rallied for all five of their runs in the final two innings of Sunday’s 5-1 win, capped by Ian Kinsler’s two-run blast in the ninth.

TV: 7:10 p.m. ET, ESPN, FSN Detroit, SportsTime Ohio (Cleveland)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Tigers LH Daniel Norris (1-0, 4.09 ERA) vs. Indians RH Danny Salazar (10-3, 2.22)

Norris has yet to record an out in the sixth inning but did manage to secure a win over Miami on Wednesday, when he struck out eight and scattered two runs and eight hits over five frames. The 23-year-old kept the ball in the park in that outing after surrendering three solo home runs to the Seattle Mariners in his previous turn. Norris faced Cleveland once last season and allowed four hits in three scoreless frames.

Salazar is enjoying a six-start winning streak and dominated at Atlanta on Wednesday, scattering five hits over seven scoreless innings while striking out eight without issuing a walk. The Dominican Republic native leads the American League in ERA and allowed three or fewer earned runs in 14 of his 15 starts. Salazar was not quite as sharp at Detroit on June 24, when he was reached for three runs on four hits and five walks in 5 2/3 innings.

WALK-OFFS

1. Kinsler homered in each of the last two games and took over the team lead with 52 RBIs.

2. Cleveland 3B Juan Uribe (hand) was scratched from the lineup on Sunday and is day-to-day.

3. Detroit LHP Kyle Ryan has thrown eight scoreless innings with 11 strikeouts and one walk in his last six appearances.

PREDICTION: Indians 6, Tigers 2

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Orioles at Dodgers

GAME: Baltimore Orioles (47-34) at Los Angeles Dodgers (47-37)
DATE/TIME: Monday, July 04 - 9:10 PM EST
WHERE: Dodger Stadium, Los Angeles, California
LINE: N/A TOTAL: N/A

The Baltimore Orioles and Los Angeles Dodgers are headed in opposite directions as they begin a three-game interleague set at Chavez Revine on Monday. The Orioles have matched their longest losing streak of the season with four straight setbacks - all in Seattle and by a combined margin of 31-15.

Baltimore, which gave up 47 hits - 23 for extra bases - in the sweep, saw its lead in the American League East shrink to three games. With four straight wins and six in their last seven games, the Dodgers have crawled within five games of first-place San Francisco in the National League West. Sunday's 4-1 win over Colorado also marked the club's ninth consecutive victory at home, and the solid play has helped Los Angeles further heal from the recent news that ace Clayton Kershaw was being placed on the disabled list. "I think Kersh will tell you everyone is the same here," outfielder Trayce Thompson told reporters after homering on Sunday. "Obviously, we're not. In our eyes, he's the best player in baseball. We can't replace Clayton Kershaw. Everybody just has to do a little bit more, that's all it really is."

TV: 9:10 p.m. ET, MLB Network, MASN (Baltimore), SportsNet LA (Los Angeles)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Orioles RH Yovani Gallardo (3-1, 5.77 ERA) vs. Dodgers LH Julio Urias (1-2, 4.09)

Gallardo is 2-0 with a 4.41 ERA in three outings since returning from the disabled list after posting his first quality start of the season at San Diego on Wednesday. The veteran has surrendered 16 runs in 19 innings on the road in 2016. He owns a 6.05 ERA in three career turns at Dodger Stadium and will be wary of A.J. Ellis (5-for-10 against Gallardo) and Justin Turner (6-for-15).

Urias originally was scheduled to start Sunday but had the outing pushed back to make room for the return of Brandon McCarthy, who was solid in defeating the Rockies. The 19-year-old Urias picked up his first major-league win and completed six innings his last time out at Milwaukee, allowing two runs while working around six walks. He has struck out 34 batters in 25 1/3 frames over his last five outings while posting an ERA of 2.49.

WALK-OFFS

1. Los Angeles C Yasmani Grandal has recorded two homers and four RBIs in his last four games.

2. The Dodgers swept three straight from the Orioles in the only previous series in Los Angeles in 2004.

3. Orioles 3B Pedro Alvarez is on bereavement leave and will miss the series.

PREDICTION: Dodgers 5, Orioles 4

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Padres at Diamondbacks

GAME: San Diego Padres (35-47) at Arizona Diamondbacks (37-47)
DATE/TIME: Monday, July 04 - 9:10 PM EST
WHERE: Chase Field, Phoenix, Arizona
LINE: N/A TOTAL: N/A

One of the primary reasons for the Arizona Diamondbacks' struggles this year has been an inability to succeed at home. They will try again to reverse that trend when the last-place San Diego Padres come to town Monday for the first of three straight contests.

With Sunday's 5-4 loss to San Francisco in 11 innings, the Diamondbacks were an abysmal 14-30 at Chase Field (1-5 on their current homestand), compared to 23-17 on the road. The extra-inning loss came after the club placed ace Zack Greinke on the disabled list with an oblique strain that will keep him out until after the All-Star break. Archie Bradley will try to give the rotation a boost as he takes Greinke's scheduled start in the opener opposite struggling rookie Luis Perdomo. The Padres finished a 2-3 homestand with a 6-3 loss to the New York Yankees on Sunday and are beginning a stretch during which they play 17 of 20 games on the road.

TV: 9:10 p.m. ET, FSN San Diego, FSN Arizona

PITCHING MATCHUP: Padres RH Luis Perdomo (2-3, 8.49 ERA) vs. Diamondbacks RH Archie Bradley (3-3, 4.50)

Perdomo has recorded quality starts in two of his last three outings, including a loss at Cincinnati on June 26 in which he gave up three runs and seven hits over six innings. He is 1-2 with a 7.71 ERA in five starts overall and has posted a 9.10 mark in 15 relief appearances. The 23-year-old is 1-0 with a 3.38 ERA in four relief outings against Arizona.

Bradley is 1-0 with a 2.12 ERA in his last three outings after giving up three runs in six frames against Philadelphia his last time out. The longest start of his career was a 7 1/3-inning effort in a win over San Diego on May 29. The former first-round pick has registered 27 strikeouts in 24 2/3 frames at home this season but is just 1-2 with a 5.47 ERA at Chase Field.

WALK-OFFS

1. Padres 3B Yangervis Solarte is 14-for-29 over his last eight games.

2. Diamondbacks 1B Paul Goldschmidt has reached base safely in 17 of his last 18 home contests against San Diego.

3. San Diego is 29-26 in night games, compared to 6-21 in the day.

PREDICTION: Diamondbacks 6, Padres 3

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

MLB
Long Sheet

Monday, July 4

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MILWAUKEE (35 - 46) at WASHINGTON (50 - 33) - 11:05 AM
JUNIOR GUERRA (R) vs. MAX SCHERZER (R)
Top Trends for this game.
MILWAUKEE is 70-108 (-32.1 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters over the last 2 seasons.
GUERRA is 9-2 (+8.4 Units) against the money line in all games this season. (Team's Record)
GUERRA is 9-2 (+8.4 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season. (Team's Record)
WASHINGTON is 133-112 (-13.3 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
WASHINGTON is 132-111 (-13.5 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
WASHINGTON is 99-87 (-12.3 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters over the last 2 seasons.


Head-to-Head Series History
MILWAUKEE is 2-1 (+1.9 Units) against WASHINGTON this season
2 of 3 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+1.0 Units)



JUNIOR GUERRA vs. WASHINGTON since 1997
No recent starts.



MAX SCHERZER vs. MILWAUKEE since 1997
SCHERZER is 1-1 when starting against MILWAUKEE with an ERA of 2.00 and a WHIP of 0.778.
His team's record is 1-3 (-3.6 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 3-1. (+1.9 units)




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PITTSBURGH (41 - 41) at ST LOUIS (43 - 38) - 2:15 PM
JON NIESE (L) vs. CARLOS MARTINEZ (R)
Top Trends for this game.
PITTSBURGH is 46-60 (-24.7 Units) against the money line against division opponents over the last 2 seasons.
ST LOUIS is 145-102 (+22.5 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
PITTSBURGH is 139-106 (+18.8 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
PITTSBURGH is 139-106 (+18.8 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
PITTSBURGH is 84-52 (+24.9 Units) against the money line after a win over the last 2 seasons.
NIESE is 49-44 (+18.3 Units) against the money line in road games since 1997. (Team's Record)
NIESE is 49-42 (+20.3 Units) against the money line in road games in games played on a grass field since 1997. (Team's Record)
ST LOUIS is 18-23 (-12.0 Units) against the money line in home games this season.
ST LOUIS is 18-23 (-12.0 Units) against the money line in home games in games played on a grass field this season.
ST LOUIS is 7-12 (-9.6 Units) against the money line in home games after a win this season.


Head-to-Head Series History
PITTSBURGH is 5-4 (+0.5 Units) against ST LOUIS this season
5 of 9 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+0.8 Units)



JON NIESE vs. ST LOUIS since 1997
NIESE is 4-4 when starting against ST LOUIS with an ERA of 4.31 and a WHIP of 1.356.
His team's record is 7-4 (+5.2 units) in these starts. The OVER is 4-6. (-2.5 units)



CARLOS MARTINEZ vs. PITTSBURGH since 1997
MARTINEZ is 3-3 when starting against PITTSBURGH with an ERA of 4.16 and a WHIP of 1.408.
His team's record is 4-3 (+0.2 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 3-3. (-0.5 units)




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CINCINNATI (30 - 53) at CHICAGO CUBS (51 - 30) - 2:20 PM
CODY REED (L) vs. KYLE HENDRICKS (R)
Top Trends for this game.
CINCINNATI is 93-152 (-48.1 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
CINCINNATI is 42-79 (-25.5 Units) against the money line in road games over the last 2 seasons.
CINCINNATI is 30-50 (-20.1 Units) against the money line in day games over the last 2 seasons.
CINCINNATI is 93-152 (-48.1 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
CINCINNATI is 72-111 (-30.0 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters over the last 2 seasons.
CINCINNATI is 56-93 (-27.9 Units) against the money line after a loss over the last 2 seasons.
CINCINNATI is 44-89 (-33.6 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.
CHICAGO CUBS are 74-40 (+24.1 Units) against the money line against division opponents over the last 2 seasons.
CHICAGO CUBS are 1539-1653 (-264.3 Units) against the money line in all games since 1997.
CHICAGO CUBS are 820-771 (-160.9 Units) against the money line in home games since 1997.
CHICAGO CUBS are 807-831 (-150.1 Units) against the money line in day games since 1997.
CHICAGO CUBS are 1482-1566 (-239.1 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field since 1997.
CHICAGO CUBS are 751-726 (-153.1 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record since 1997.


Head-to-Head Series History
CHICAGO CUBS is 9-1 (+7.4 Units) against CINCINNATI this season
8 of 8 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+8.1 Units)



CODY REED vs. CHICAGO CUBS since 1997
REED is 0-1 when starting against CHICAGO CUBS with an ERA of 15.75 and a WHIP of 2.250.
His team's record is 0-1 (-1.0 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 0-1. (-1.2 units)



KYLE HENDRICKS vs. CINCINNATI since 1997
HENDRICKS is 2-1 when starting against CINCINNATI with an ERA of 4.04 and a WHIP of 1.290.
His team's record is 4-2 (+1.0 units) in these starts. The OVER is 4-2. (+2.0 units)




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ATLANTA (28 - 54) at PHILADELPHIA (37 - 46) - 4:05 PM
JOEL DE LA CRUZ (R) vs. JERAD EICKHOFF (R)
Top Trends for this game.
ATLANTA is 38-58 (-18.6 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 2 seasons.
ATLANTA is 39-52 (-21.9 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record in the second half of the season over the last 3 seasons.
PHILADELPHIA is 47-52 (+11.8 Units) against the money line after a win over the last 2 seasons.
ATLANTA is 16-12 (+11.4 Units) against the money line when the total is 8 to 8.5 this season.
PHILADELPHIA is 1-12 (-11.6 Units) against the money line in home games when playing on Monday over the last 2 seasons.


Head-to-Head Series History
ATLANTA is 3-3 (+0.7 Units) against PHILADELPHIA this season
4 of 6 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+1.9 Units)



JOEL DE LA CRUZ vs. PHILADELPHIA since 1997
No recent starts.



JERAD EICKHOFF vs. ATLANTA since 1997
EICKHOFF is 1-1 when starting against ATLANTA with an ERA of 1.47 and a WHIP of 1.146.
His team's record is 1-2 (-1.2 units) in these starts. The OVER is 0-3. (-3.2 units)




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COLORADO (37 - 44) at SAN FRANCISCO (52 - 32) - 4:05 PM
TYLER ANDERSON (L) vs. JAKE PEAVY (R)
Top Trends for this game.
COLORADO is 160-282 (-62.9 Units) against the money line as a road underdog of +125 to +150 since 1997.
COLORADO is 619-970 (-182.8 Units) against the money line in road games since 1997.
COLORADO is 3-21 (-17.2 Units) against the money line in road games in July games over the last 3 seasons.
COLORADO is 563-890 (-165.8 Units) against the money line in road games in games played on a grass field since 1997.
SAN FRANCISCO is 52-32 (+15.0 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
SAN FRANCISCO is 219-109 (+44.1 Units) against the money line as a home favorite of -150 to -175 since 1997.
SAN FRANCISCO is 192-140 (+42.3 Units) against the money line when playing on Monday since 1997.
SAN FRANCISCO is 90-61 (+25.0 Units) against the money line in day games over the last 3 seasons.
SAN FRANCISCO is 233-189 (+27.8 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 3 seasons.
SAN FRANCISCO is 262-170 (+55.9 Units) against the money line in home games against left-handed starters since 1997.
SAN FRANCISCO is 33-18 (+11.4 Units) against the money line after a win this season.
SAN FRANCISCO is 36-18 (+13.2 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record this season.
COLORADO is 46-38 (+17.1 Units) against the money line in day games over the last 2 seasons.


Head-to-Head Series History
COLORADO is 5-5 (+0.9 Units) against SAN FRANCISCO this season
6 of 10 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+1.6 Units)



TYLER ANDERSON vs. SAN FRANCISCO since 1997
No recent starts.



JAKE PEAVY vs. COLORADO since 1997
PEAVY is 7-8 when starting against COLORADO with an ERA of 4.17 and a WHIP of 1.376.
His team's record is 11-12 (-5.9 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 13-8. (+4.4 units)




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


MIAMI (43 - 39) at NY METS (44 - 37) - 4:10 PM
TOM KOEHLER (R) vs. MATT HARVEY (R)
Top Trends for this game.
NY METS are 20-9 (+12.7 Units) against the money line in home games in July games over the last 3 seasons.
NY METS are 22-4 (+19.9 Units) against the money line when playing on Monday over the last 2 seasons.
NY METS are 78-50 (+26.3 Units) against the money line in day games over the last 3 seasons.
NY METS are 86-55 (+18.7 Units) against the money line after a win over the last 2 seasons.
NY METS are 21-14 (+6.8 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record this season.
MIAMI is 374-431 (+44.3 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record in the second half of the season since 1997.
NY METS are 5-10 (-12.7 Units) against the money line in home games against division opponents this season.
NY METS are 185-229 (-59.5 Units) against the money line in home games when playing against a team with a winning record in the second half of the season since 1997.
HARVEY is 5-11 (-10.9 Units) against the money line in all games this season. (Team's Record)
HARVEY is 1-8 (-11.4 Units) against the money line against division opponents this season. (Team's Record)
HARVEY is 5-11 (-10.9 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season. (Team's Record)


Head-to-Head Series History
MIAMI is 3-3 (+0.7 Units) against NY METS this season
3 of 6 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=-0.1 Units, Under=-0.3 Units)



TOM KOEHLER vs. NY METS since 1997
KOEHLER is 2-6 when starting against NY METS with an ERA of 4.28 and a WHIP of 1.279.
His team's record is 6-9 (-0.0 units) in these starts. The OVER is 8-6. (+2.0 units)



MATT HARVEY vs. MIAMI since 1997
HARVEY is 2-3 when starting against MIAMI with an ERA of 3.18 and a WHIP of 1.039.
His team's record is 2-6 (-7.9 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 3-4. (-1.8 units)




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


SAN DIEGO (35 - 47) at ARIZONA (37 - 47) - 9:10 PM
LUIS PERDOMO (R) vs. ARCHIE BRADLEY (R)
Top Trends for this game.
SAN DIEGO is 76-104 (-24.5 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters over the last 2 seasons.
BRADLEY is 7-1 (+8.3 Units) against the money line against division opponents over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
SAN DIEGO is 29-26 (+12.4 Units) against the money line in night games this season.
ARIZONA is 2-8 (-8.7 Units) against the money line as a home favorite of -125 to -150 this season.
ARIZONA is 14-30 (-22.4 Units) against the money line in home games this season.
ARIZONA is 5-14 (-12.9 Units) against the money line in home games against division opponents this season.
ARIZONA is 14-30 (-22.4 Units) against the money line in home games in games played on a grass field this season.
ARIZONA is 12-19 (-11.7 Units) against the money line in home games in night games this season.
ARIZONA is 10-23 (-16.1 Units) against the money line in home games against right-handed starters this season.
ARIZONA is 5-12 (-11.6 Units) against the money line in home games when playing against a team with a losing record this season.


Head-to-Head Series History
ARIZONA is 4-2 (+1.3 Units) against SAN DIEGO this season
5 of 6 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+3.9 Units)



LUIS PERDOMO vs. ARIZONA since 1997
No recent starts.



ARCHIE BRADLEY vs. SAN DIEGO since 1997
BRADLEY is 1-0 when starting against SAN DIEGO with an ERA of 3.68 and a WHIP of 0.682.
His team's record is 1-0 (+1.0 units) in these starts. The OVER is 1-0. (+1.0 units)




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


LA ANGELS (33 - 49) at TAMPA BAY (33 - 48) - 1:10 PM
NICK TROPEANO (R) vs. MATT MOORE (L)
Top Trends for this game.
LA ANGELS are 33-49 (-17.2 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
LA ANGELS are 10-25 (-18.8 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record this season.
LA ANGELS are 803-796 (+58.6 Units) against the money line in road games since 1997.
LA ANGELS are 287-245 (+72.9 Units) against the money line in road games in day games since 1997.
TAMPA BAY is 33-48 (-19.9 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
TAMPA BAY is 17-25 (-12.7 Units) against the money line in home games this season.
TAMPA BAY is 9-19 (-12.5 Units) against the money line in July games over the last 2 seasons.
TAMPA BAY is 33-47 (-18.4 Units) against the money line in day games over the last 2 seasons.
TAMPA BAY is 17-25 (-12.7 Units) against the money line in games played in a dome this season.
TAMPA BAY is 17-25 (-12.7 Units) against the money line in home games in games played on artificial turf this season.
TAMPA BAY is 22-39 (-21.3 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.
TAMPA BAY is 16-31 (-17.6 Units) against the money line after a loss this season.
TAMPA BAY is 24-33 (-14.3 Units) against the money line in home games when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 2 seasons.


Head-to-Head Series History
TAMPA BAY is 3-0 (+3.1 Units) against LA ANGELS this season
3 of 3 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+3.0 Units)



NICK TROPEANO vs. TAMPA BAY since 1997
TROPEANO is 0-1 when starting against TAMPA BAY with an ERA of 5.07 and a WHIP of 1.689.
His team's record is 0-1 (-1.2 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 1-0. (+1.0 units)



MATT MOORE vs. LA ANGELS since 1997
MOORE is 3-0 when starting against LA ANGELS with an ERA of 1.52 and a WHIP of 1.183.
His team's record is 4-0 (+4.9 units) in these starts. The OVER is 2-2. (-0.1 units)




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


TEXAS (52 - 31) at BOSTON (44 - 37) - 1:35 PM
NICK MARTINEZ (R) vs. RICK PORCELLO (R)
Top Trends for this game.
TEXAS is 17-36 (-19.6 Units) against the money line in July games over the last 3 seasons.
TEXAS is 52-31 (+27.6 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
TEXAS is 17-13 (+14.0 Units) against the money line as a road underdog of +150 to +175 over the last 2 seasons.
TEXAS is 24-19 (+11.2 Units) against the money line in road games this season.
TEXAS is 65-55 (+23.6 Units) against the money line in day games over the last 3 seasons.
TEXAS is 51-28 (+29.1 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
TEXAS is 39-21 (+22.1 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.
TEXAS is 19-11 (+10.5 Units) against the money line after a loss this season.
TEXAS is 21-9 (+15.3 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record this season.
TEXAS is 24-18 (+11.4 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record in the second half of the season over the last 2 seasons.
MARTINEZ is 9-4 (+10.2 Units) against the money line in road games in day games over the last 3 seasons. (Team's Record)
BOSTON is 193-213 (-37.4 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 3 seasons.
BOSTON is 102-105 (-30.1 Units) against the money line in home games over the last 3 seasons.
BOSTON is 107-108 (-14.0 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
BOSTON is 75-77 (-21.4 Units) against the money line in home games against right-handed starters over the last 3 seasons.
BOSTON is 87-106 (-29.7 Units) against the money line after a win over the last 3 seasons.
BOSTON is 23-30 (-14.3 Units) against the money line in home games when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.
BOSTON is 15-28 (-15.1 Units) against the money line in home games when playing against a team with a winning record in the second half of the season over the last 3 seasons.


Head-to-Head Series History
TEXAS is 2-1 (+1.1 Units) against BOSTON this season
2 of 3 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+0.9 Units)



NICK MARTINEZ vs. BOSTON since 1997
MARTINEZ is 0-1 when starting against BOSTON with an ERA of 4.15 and a WHIP of 1.538.
His team's record is 0-2 (-2.0 units) in these starts. The OVER is 1-1. (+0.0 units)



RICK PORCELLO vs. TEXAS since 1997
PORCELLO is 4-4 when starting against TEXAS with an ERA of 5.62 and a WHIP of 1.651.
His team's record is 4-5 (-1.2 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 4-5. (-1.7 units)




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


SEATTLE (43 - 39) at HOUSTON (43 - 39) - 2:10 PM
WADE MILEY (L) vs. LANCE MCCULLERS (R)
Top Trends for this game.
SEATTLE is 119-125 (-24.4 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
SEATTLE is 113-122 (-28.0 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
SEATTLE is 51-66 (-26.3 Units) against the money line after a win over the last 2 seasons.
SEATTLE is 107-95 (+19.8 Units) against the money line in road games over the last 3 seasons.
SEATTLE is 43-35 (+10.9 Units) against the money line in road games against right-handed starters over the last 2 seasons.
HOUSTON is 9-15 (-9.7 Units) against the money line against left-handed starters this season.


Head-to-Head Series History
SEATTLE is 4-3 (+1.7 Units) against HOUSTON this season
3 of 5 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+0.3 Units)



WADE MILEY vs. HOUSTON since 1997
MILEY is 2-0 when starting against HOUSTON with an ERA of 2.70 and a WHIP of 1.300.
His team's record is 3-2 (+1.1 units) in these starts. The OVER is 3-1. (+1.9 units)



LANCE MCCULLERS vs. SEATTLE since 1997
MCCULLERS is 2-1 when starting against SEATTLE with an ERA of 2.94 and a WHIP of 1.239.
His team's record is 2-1 (+0.7 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 1-1. (-0.3 units)




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


OAKLAND (35 - 47) at MINNESOTA (27 - 54) - 2:10 PM
KENDALL GRAVEMAN (R) vs. RICKY NOLASCO (R)
Top Trends for this game.
OAKLAND is 35-47 (-12.0 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
OAKLAND is 14-36 (-20.1 Units) against the money line as a road underdog of +100 to +125 over the last 3 seasons.
OAKLAND is 37-55 (-20.6 Units) against the money line in day games over the last 2 seasons.
OAKLAND is 32-44 (-12.5 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
OAKLAND is 78-98 (-20.1 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters over the last 2 seasons.
OAKLAND is 15-31 (-17.0 Units) against the money line after a loss this season.
OAKLAND is 44-64 (-21.8 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 2 seasons.
OAKLAND is 30-35 (-19.5 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record in the second half of the season over the last 3 seasons.
MINNESOTA is 56-53 (+12.5 Units) against the money line after a win over the last 2 seasons.
NOLASCO is 16-8 (+11.0 Units) against the money line after a win over the last 3 seasons. (Team's Record)
MINNESOTA is 27-54 (-21.4 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
MINNESOTA is 27-54 (-21.4 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
MINNESOTA is 18-41 (-20.2 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.
MINNESOTA is 9-24 (-15.2 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record this season.


Head-to-Head Series History
OAKLAND is 3-0 (+3.0 Units) against MINNESOTA this season
2 of 3 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+0.9 Units)



KENDALL GRAVEMAN vs. MINNESOTA since 1997
GRAVEMAN is 1-0 when starting against MINNESOTA with an ERA of 3.00 and a WHIP of 1.500.
His team's record is 1-0 (+1.0 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 1-0. (+1.0 units)



RICKY NOLASCO vs. OAKLAND since 1997
NOLASCO is 2-0 when starting against OAKLAND with an ERA of 3.00 and a WHIP of 1.048.
His team's record is 3-0 (+3.3 units) in these starts. The OVER is 2-1. (+0.9 units)




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


NY YANKEES (40 - 41) at CHI WHITE SOX (42 - 40) - 2:10 PM
C.C. SABATHIA (L) vs. JAMES SHIELDS (R)
Top Trends for this game.
CHI WHITE SOX are 32-23 (+15.3 Units) against the money line in July games over the last 3 seasons.
CHI WHITE SOX are 28-18 (+14.6 Units) against the money line when playing on Monday over the last 3 seasons.
NY YANKEES are 34-20 (+14.6 Units) against the money line in road games in day games over the last 3 seasons.
CHI WHITE SOX are 39-55 (-20.2 Units) against the money line in day games over the last 2 seasons.
CHI WHITE SOX are 21-29 (-15.8 Units) against the money line in home games after a win over the last 2 seasons.


Head-to-Head Series History
NY YANKEES is 2-1 (+1.3 Units) against CHI WHITE SOX this season
2 of 3 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+1.0 Units)



C.C. SABATHIA vs. CHI WHITE SOX since 1997
SABATHIA is 19-5 when starting against CHI WHITE SOX with an ERA of 3.68 and a WHIP of 1.228.
His team's record is 23-11 (+10.8 units) in these starts. The OVER is 15-18. (-4.8 units)



JAMES SHIELDS vs. NY YANKEES since 1997
SHIELDS is 10-16 when starting against NY YANKEES with an ERA of 4.15 and a WHIP of 1.291.
His team's record is 12-19 (-8.0 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 19-11. (+6.8 units)




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


KANSAS CITY (43 - 38) at TORONTO (45 - 39) - 7:05 PM
EDINSON VOLQUEZ (R) vs. AARON SANCHEZ (R)
Top Trends for this game.
KANSAS CITY is 43-38 (+6.5 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
KANSAS CITY is 116-104 (+17.5 Units) against the money line in road games over the last 3 seasons.
KANSAS CITY is 103-82 (+13.3 Units) against the money line in night games over the last 2 seasons.
KANSAS CITY is 105-76 (+25.4 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters over the last 2 seasons.
KANSAS CITY is 61-45 (+14.0 Units) against the money line after a loss over the last 2 seasons.
KANSAS CITY is 67-54 (+12.9 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.
KANSAS CITY is 25-14 (+10.9 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record in the second half of the season over the last 2 seasons.
VOLQUEZ is 35-20 (+14.9 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
VOLQUEZ is 27-15 (+11.2 Units) against the money line in night games over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
VOLQUEZ is 61-41 (+24.4 Units) against the money line after a loss since 1997. (Team's Record)


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



EDINSON VOLQUEZ vs. TORONTO since 1997
VOLQUEZ is 1-5 when starting against TORONTO with an ERA of 5.83 and a WHIP of 1.560.
His team's record is 2-6 (-4.9 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 4-3. (+0.6 units)



AARON SANCHEZ vs. KANSAS CITY since 1997
No recent starts.




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


DETROIT (44 - 38) at CLEVELAND (49 - 32) - 7:10 PM
DANIEL NORRIS (L) vs. DANNY SALAZAR (R)
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.


Head-to-Head Series History
CLEVELAND is 9-0 (+9.3 Units) against DETROIT this season
6 of 9 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+2.8 Units)



DANIEL NORRIS vs. CLEVELAND since 1997
NORRIS is 0-0 when starting against CLEVELAND with an ERA of 0.00 and a WHIP of 2.000.
His team's record is 1-0 (+1.0 units) in these starts. The OVER is 0-1. (-1.1 units)



DANNY SALAZAR vs. DETROIT since 1997
SALAZAR is 3-4 when starting against DETROIT with an ERA of 4.57 and a WHIP of 1.373.
His team's record is 5-6 (-1.1 units) in these starts. The OVER is 7-4. (+2.7 units)




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


BALTIMORE (47 - 34) at LA DODGERS (47 - 37) - 9:10 PM
YOVANI GALLARDO (R) vs. JULIO URIAS (L)
Top Trends for this game.
BALTIMORE is 48-70 (-16.8 Units) against the money line in road games over the last 2 seasons.
BALTIMORE is 18-38 (-17.7 Units) against the money line on the road when the total is 8 to 8.5 over the last 2 seasons.
BALTIMORE is 201-325 (-101.2 Units) against the money line after 3 or more consecutive losses since 1997.
BALTIMORE is 47-34 (+12.8 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
BALTIMORE is 183-212 (+38.2 Units) against the money line as a road underdog of +125 to +150 since 1997.
BALTIMORE is 7-2 (+9.3 Units) against the money line as a road underdog of +150 to +175 over the last 2 seasons.
BALTIMORE is 45-29 (+15.2 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
BALTIMORE is 35-23 (+11.8 Units) against the money line in night games this season.
GALLARDO is 25-16 (+11.9 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
GALLARDO is 23-15 (+9.2 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
GALLARDO is 12-4 (+8.7 Units) against the money line after a loss over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
GALLARDO is 13-3 (+14.1 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
LA DODGERS are 141-110 (-13.7 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
LA DODGERS are 138-108 (-15.4 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
LA DODGERS are 33-31 (-8.7 Units) against the money line in night games this season.
LA DODGERS are 126-111 (-21.6 Units) against the money line after a win over the last 3 seasons.
LA DODGERS are 25-34 (-22.9 Units) against the money line after 3 or more consecutive wins over the last 3 seasons.


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



YOVANI GALLARDO vs. LA DODGERS since 1997
GALLARDO is 3-4 when starting against LA DODGERS with an ERA of 4.60 and a WHIP of 1.347.
His team's record is 5-4 (+1.4 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 5-4. (+0.8 units)



JULIO URIAS vs. BALTIMORE since 1997
No recent starts.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

MLB betting cheat sheet: Tigers Roaring Back

The Detroit Tigers have now won six in a row and are just 5.5 games back of the Tribe in the American League Central.

Power Sports breaks down the best MLB betting notes so you can handicap every series like a pro coming out of the holiday weekend, including the Indians and Tigers headed for a showdown in the American League West.

Tigers Roaring Back

Once again, we start this column with the Cleveland Indians. But this time, it’s not all about them. The Detroit Tigers have now won six in a row and are just 5.5 games back of the Tribe in the American League Central. Problem is that the Motor City contingent is 0-9 vs. the Indians this season! The two division rivals meet again this week, in Cleveland. Their win streak finally halted at 14 games, the Tribe were humiliated Sunday, losing 17-1 to the Blue Jays (second straight loss). They do have the luxury of sending out Danny Salazar and Carlos Carrasco in the first two games of this series. But is Detroit really going to lose every game to them this season? Probably not.

Nothing Brewin’

One team you’ll probably want to stay away from this week is Milwaukee. The underdog prices might be tempting at Washington, and they did beat the Nationals two of three at home last week, but beware that this team is 0-10 this season as a road underdog of +175 or higher on the money line. They figure to be in that price range in every game this series, certainly on Monday vs. Max Scherzer, even though their own starter (Junior Guerra) has a 0.787 WHIP his last three starts. The Brew Crew just got swept in St. Louis over the weekend, so they’re not exactly in good form. This is the second straight bad team from the NL Central that the Nats welcome in. They just took three of four from the Reds, including a 12-1 win Sunday.

Lone Rangers

Texas has been the #1 money-earning team this season and it’s not even close. They are up 27.6 units and the #2 earner (San Francisco) is at +14.9. The oddsmakers figure to have them as underdogs against Boston this week and while that sounds tempting, I’m not entirely sold on the Rangers. While it may be true that they currently own the biggest division lead in all of baseball (yes, even bigger than the Cubs!), Texas has dropped two in a row (to Minnesota) and I’d be concerned that an 18-7 record in one-run games is due to regress. Their run differential is actually bested by four other AL teams, the Red Sox being one of them. There won’t be any Cole Hamels (lost Sunday) in this next series either.

Hitting Notes

* Mike Trout has been hitting really well of late, going 13 of 24 at the plate over the past week with nine runs scored and two home runs. Interestingly, he’s batted only three runners in.

* I was interested to find out what player had the best batting average in road games this season (had to have at least 130 AB’s). The answer, following a 3 for 5 night at the plate on Sunday, is the Marlins’ Martin Prado. He is now at .408 outside of Miami.

Pitching Notes

* Colorado’s Tyler Chatwood is set to return from the disabled list and looks to likely start Tuesday in San Francisco. Chatwood has been the Rockies best pitcher this season – clearly – and he’s probably loving the fact his first start back will be on the road. That’s because he’s yet to lose outside of Coors Field this year (5-0) thanks to a 1.25 ERA and 0.969 WHIP.

* Prior to wins by Johnny Cueto and Stephen Strasburg over the weekend, Baltimore’s Chris Tillman had been the most profitable starter to bet on in 2016 MLB. But, like the team, I’m not a real believer here. Tillman has a 3.71 ERA and 1.248 WHIP, not bad numbers per se, but certainly not indicative of someone that has a 14-3 team start record. Consider fading him Tuesday at Dodger Stadium.

Totals Trend

The Over is 8-0-2 in Cubs-Reds games this season. Those two teams begin a three-game series Monday at Wrigley Field.

Monday's Weather Report

* Nearly a 100 percent chance of rain in D.C. today for the early Independence Day matchup between the Nationals and the Milwaukee Brewers. There is a chance of a thunder shower later in the afternoon and will be a 5-10 mph wind blowing out to left field. The total today is set at 7.0.

* There is a chance of thunderstorms and a 50 percent chance of rain this afternoon in St. Louis where the Cards will host the division rival Pittsburgh Pirates. This game will also feature a 5-10 mph wind blowing out to right field. The total is set at 8.5.

* There is a 60 percent chance of rain this afternoon in Philadelphia for the game between the Phillies and the Atlants Braves. There may be a rogue thunderstorm late in the afternoon and a 10-15 mph wind blowing straight out to center field is in the forecast. The total is set at 8.5.

* Expect a nice hitter's wind in Queens this afternoon for the game between the Mets and the Miami Marlins. The forecast is calling for a 15 mph wind blowing directly out to center at Citi Field. The total is currently set at 7.5.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Monday, July 4


Weather caution. Brewers have never lost a Guerra road start (5-0). Nats 12-2 in last 14 @ home. MIL +215 WAS -265

 

[TimmyRules]

Hey CPAW - I like to track this guy - any chance you have his Tuesday plays?? Thanks for everything you do.