Monday 9/7/15 service plays chatter/comps/requests & other stuff...

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Pirates at Reds

GAME: Pittsburgh Pirates (81-54) at Cincinnati Reds (56-79)
DATE/TIME: Monday, September 07 - 1:10 PM EST
WHERE: Great American Ball Park, Cincinnati, Ohio
LINE: -118, 109 TOTAL: 8

The Pittsburgh Pirates continue their road trip through the National League Central when they begin a three-game series against the Cincinnati Reds on Monday afternoon. Pittsburgh began its trek by being swept in a three-game set at Milwaukee before taking two of three from the division-leading Cardinals in St. Louis.

The wild card-leading Pirates pulled within 5 1/2 games of the Cardinals by capturing their first series at Busch Stadium since April 2013 with a 7-1 triumph Sunday. Cincinnati salvaged the finale of its three-game set against Milwaukee with a 6-3 victory on Sunday. Brandon Phillips and Jay Bruce each belted a two-run shot, with the latter reaching the 20-homer plateau for the seventh time in his eight-year career. Bruce finished 3-for-5, leaving him one hit shy of 1,000.

TV: 1:10 p.m. ET, ROOT (Pittsburgh), FSN Ohio (Cincinnati)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Pirates LH Jeff Locke (7-9, 4.66 ERA) vs. Reds RH Anthony DeSclafani (7-10, 3.87)

Locke is coming off his third loss in four decisions, a defeat at Milwaukee on Wednesday in which he surrendered five runs and nine hits in 3 2/3 innings. The 27-year-old native of New Hampshire has been unable to go deep into games of late, completing six frames once in his last eight outings. Locke improved to 3-2 in 10 career starts against the Reds on July 31, when he yielded three runs over five innings in Cincinnati.

DeSclafani's winless streak reached five starts Tuesday at Chicago, where he gave up three runs to the Cubs on four hits and two walks over 5 2/3 innings. The 25-year-old from New Jersey has allowed more than three runs only once during the drought but has surrendered 10 hits on two occasions. DeSclafani has made all three of his career starts against Pittsburgh this season, going 0-1 with a 3.18 ERA.

WALK-OFFS

1. Despite being 25 games behind Pittsburgh in the standings, the Reds are 9-4 against the Pirates this season.

2. Pittsburgh RHP A.J. Burnett (elbow) worked a bullpen session Sunday and could rejoin the rotation as early as Wednesday.

3. Cincinnati 3B Todd Frazier is batting .314 with five home runs in the season series.

PREDICTION: Pirates 5, Reds 3

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Blue Jays at Red Sox

GAME: Toronto Blue Jays (78-58) at Boston Red Sox (64-72)
DATE/TIME: Monday, September 07 - 1:35 PM EST
WHERE: Fenway Park, Boston, Massachusetts
LINE: -133, 123 TOTAL: 10

The Toronto Blue Jays are bashing their way to the American League East title and are set to open a key 10-game road trip. The Blue Jays have a trip to the second-place New York Yankees on the horizon over the weekend but would be wise to not overlook the surging Boston Red Sox, who host Toronto in the opener of a three-game series on Monday.

The Red Sox are coming off a three-game sweep of the Philadelphia Phillies and are developing an offense that might be able to keep up with the Blue Jays behind youngsters Jackie Bradley Jr., Mookie Betts and Xander Bogaerts. Veteran David Ortiz is still in the center of that offense and slammed his 497th career home run on Sunday before being lifted with tightness in his right calf. The Blue Jays don’t have anyone approaching 500 home runs but have three players with at least 30 this season and are winners of 25 of their last 31 games. Toronto, which sits 1 1/2 games ahead of the Yankees in the East, will send veteran Mark Buehrle to the mound opposite Rick Porcello on Monday.

TV: 1:35 p.m. ET, SNET (Toronto), NESN (Boston)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Blue Jays LH Mark Buehrle (14-6, 3.53 ERA) vs. Red Sox RH Rick Porcello (6-12, 5.21)

Buehrle had his start pushed back a day in an effort to get him through a rough stretch and keep him healthy for a long run into the playoffs. The 36-year-old looked better in his last start, when he held Detroit to two runs (one earned) and five hits in six innings to earn the win. Buehrle had no trouble carving up the Boston lineup on July 1, allowing one run on four hits and striking out seven in as many innings to get the win.

Porcello has recently looked a lot like the pitcher the Red Sox thought they were getting when they signed him to an $82.5 million contract extension before the season. The New Jersey native struck out a career-high 13 and allowed one earned run in eight innings against the Yankees on Tuesday but ended up with the loss in a 3-1 final. Porcello was not so sharp opposite Buehrle on July 1, when he was hammered for seven runs on seven hits – three homers – in two innings.

WALK-OFFS

1. Red Sox 2B Dustin Pedroia (hamstring) could return to the lineup on Tuesday.

2. Blue Jays RF Jose Bautista is 4-for-7 with two homers, two doubles and five RBIs in the last two games.

3. Bradley Jr. is 11-for-22 with seven extra-base hits and seven RBIs during a seven-game hitting streak.

PREDICTION: Blue Jays 4, Red Sox 3

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Indians at White Sox

GAME: Cleveland Indians (66-69) at Chicago White Sox (65-70)
DATE/TIME: Monday, September 07 - 2:10 PM EST
WHERE: U.S. Cellular Field, Chicago, Illinois
LINE: 180, -196 TOTAL: 7.5

There may not be enough time for either the Cleveland Indians or the Chicago White Sox to seriously contend for a playoff spot, but both are doing well to stay in the conversation. The surging American League Central rivals meet Monday afternoon in the first of three games at Chicago.

Cleveland has won eight of 11 and 11 of 16 after a 4-0 triumph in Detroit on Sunday, pulling within five games of the second wild-card spot. The White Sox, meanwhile, scored a big sweep at division-leading Kansas City over the weekend and have won four in a row overall, producing at least six runs in each victory. White Sox left-hander Chris Sale will open the series opposite struggling Indians righty Trevor Bauer. Sale has 239 strikeouts and is closing in on the franchise record of 269 set by Ed Walsh in 1908.

TV: 2:10 p.m. ET, SportsTime Ohio (Cleveland), CSN Chicago

PITCHING MATCHUP: Indians RH Trevor Bauer (10-11, 4.56 ERA) vs. White Sox LH Chris Sale (12-7, 3.29)

Bauer had another rough outing Wednesday at Toronto, where he gave up five runs in 1 1/3 innings. He is 1-3 over his last five starts and owns a 22.74 ERA in the three defeats. The 24-year-old was reached for six runs in his last appearance against the White Sox but held them to three runs in 20 1/3 innings in three previous encounters this season.

Sale gave up four runs while striking out 10 in 6 1/3 innings at Minnesota on Tuesday, the fifth straight start in which he has worked into the seventh. He has reached double digits in strikeouts in three of the last four outings and 13 times overall. The lanky four-time All-Star is 4-4 with a 3.86 ERA in his career against Cleveland.

WALK-OFFS

1. Indians 2B Jason Kipnis is 6-for-47 with 11 strikeouts against Chicago pitching.

2. White Sox CF Adam Eaton homered among three hits Sunday and is 15-for-29 with eight RBIs over his last seven games.

3. Indians starters have allowed three or fewer earned runs in 43 of their last 54 road games.

PREDICTION: White Sox 6, Indians 2

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Cubs at Cardinals

GAME: Chicago Cubs (78-57) at St. Louis Cardinals (87-49)
DATE/TIME: Monday, September 07 - 2:15 PM EST
WHERE: Busch Stadium, St. Louis, Missouri
LINE: N/A TOTAL: N/A

The St. Louis Cardinals attempt to turn their mediocre homestand into a successful one when they begin a three-game set against the National League Central-rival Chicago Cubs on Monday afternoon. St. Louis won the first two contests on the nine-game stretch at Busch Stadium before dropping three of the last four, including two of three to Pittsburgh.

The Cardinals saw their division lead over the Pirates shrink to 5 1/2 games with Sunday's 7-1 setback. Chicago maintained its 7 1/2-game advantage over Washington for the second NL wild card with a 6-4 triumph against Arizona on Sunday. Kris Bryant belted a solo homer to tie Billy Williams and Geovany Soto for the Cubs' single-season rookie RBI mark of 86 and Miguel Montero snapped a tie with a grand slam in the sixth inning as Chicago completed its fifth sweep of the season. The Cubs' 35-29 road record is second in the NL to that of the Cardinals, whom they trail by 8 1/2 games in the Central as they begin an 11-game road trip.

TV: 2:15 p.m. ET, WGN (Chicago), FSN Midwest (St. Louis)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Cubs RH Dan Haren (8-9, 3.89 ERA) vs. Cardinals RH Lance Lynn (11-8, 2.80)

Haren did not factor in the decision against Cincinnati on Tuesday, exiting after allowing two runs in five innings to remain 1-2 in six outings since being acquired from Miami. The 34-year-old Californian has been less than stellar since joining Chicago, posting a 5.87 ERA after pitching to a 3.42 mark in 21 turns with the Marlins. Haren fell to 4-3 lifetime against St. Louis on June 25, when he yielded four runs over six frames while with Miami.

Lynn is expected to make his first start since Aug. 29, when he scattered six hits over seven scoreless innings of a victory at San Francisco in which he rolled his right ankle. It was the second straight victory for the 28-year-old native of Indiana and marked the fourth time in five outings he allowed fewer than three earned runs. Lynn is 6-5 with a 3.39 ERA in 13 career games (12 starts) against Chicago after dropping both meetings earlier this season.

WALK-OFFS

1. Cardinals OF Randal Grichuk (elbow) was activated from the disabled list before Sunday's game but will only be available as a pinch-runner for the next few days.

2. Bryant's homer Sunday, his 23rd of the year, was projected to have traveled 495 feet - making it the longest blast in the major leagues this season. He is two homers shy of the club rookie record set in 1961 by Williams.

3. Chicago C/OF Kyle Schwarber (rib cage) may be in the lineup Monday after missing the last four games.

PREDICTION: Cardinals 7, Cubs 4

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Giants at Diamondbacks

GAME: San Francisco Giants (71-66) at Arizona Diamondbacks (65-72)
DATE/TIME: Monday, September 07 - 4:10 PM EST
WHERE: Chase Field, Phoenix, Arizona
LINE: -106, -102 TOTAL: 8

Patrick Corbin continues to progress in his return from Tommy John surgery, and it appears the Arizona Diamondbacks will have their ace left-hander in peak form and back at the top of the rotation in 2016. Corbin is 3-0 in his last seven starts and takes his next step toward full strength Monday when Arizona hosts the San Francisco Giants in the opener of a three-game series.

"There's just some ups and downs in this process now, which is hard to take, but (Tuesday) felt good," Corbin, who missed all of 2014, told reporters after a 6-4 victory in Colorado. San Francisco gained a split of a four-game series with a 7-4 victory in Colorado on Sunday to remain 7 1/2 games behind the first-place Los Angeles Dodgers in the National League West and eight back of the Chicago Cubs for the final wild-card spot. Second baseman Joe Panik is expected to be activated off the disabled list Monday after missing 34 contests with a back injury and will try to reverse a trend in which the Giants have lost nine of their last 12 on the road. San Francisco gives the ball to Mike Leake, who is 0-2 with a 3.16 ERA in four starts since being acquired from Cincinnati at the trade deadline.

TV: 4:10 p.m. ET, CSN Bay Area (San Francisco), FSN Arizona

PITCHING MATCHUP: Giants RH Mike Leake (9-7, 3.49 ERA) vs. Diamondbacks LH Patrick Corbin (4-3, 3.67)

Leake allowed two runs and five hits in seven innings of a 2-1 loss to Clayton Kershaw at Dodger Stadium on Wednesday. The 27-year-old San Diego native also recorded quality starts in his first two appearances with San Francisco, but also lost 2-1 in Texas in his Giants debut Aug. 2. Leake is 4-0 with a 4.84 ERA in seven starts against Arizona and has fared well against Paul Goldschmidt (2-for-16), who is third in the NL and fifth in the majors with a .321 batting average.

Corbin allowed two runs and seven hits in 6 1/3 innings Tuesday in his 11th start of the season. The 26-year-old New York native, who recorded quality starts in six of his last eight outings, has yielded 57 hits while striking out 56 in 56 1/3 innings. Corbin is 2-4 with a 4.20 ERA in nine starts versus San Francisco after a 2-1 loss July 19 when he allowed two runs in five innings, but fares well against Brandon Crawford (2-for-11, eight strikeouts).

WALK-OFFS

1. The Diamondbacks, who have lost four straight following a 6-4 loss to the Cubs in Chicago on Sunday, play their next 22 games against NL West opponents before finishing the season with three versus Houston.

2. San Francisco C Buster Posey (115), 3B Matt Duffy (92), 1B Brandon Belt (83) and SS Brandon Crawford (77) went a combined 367 at-bats without a home run before Posey went deep in the fourth inning Sunday. The quartet have combined for 62 of the Giants' 113 home runs this season.

3. Arizona leads the season series 7-6, but San Francisco is 5-1 at Chase Field after sweeping a three-game series coming out of the All-Star break.

PREDICTION: Diamondbacks 3, Giants 2

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Astros at Athletics

GAME: Houston Astros (75-62) at Oakland Athletics (58-79)
DATE/TIME: Monday, September 07 - 4:05 PM EST
WHERE: O.co Coliseum, Oakland, California
LINE: -146, 135 TOTAL: 7.5

The Houston Astros continue to maintain a tenuous lead in the American League West while giving their pitchers extra rest as they begin a crucial 10-game road trip Monday against the Oakland Athletics in the opener of a three-game series. Houston leads the division by three games over Texas and gives the ball to Mike Fiers, who has pitched once since no-hitting the Los Angeles Dodgers on Aug. 21 as the Astros utilized a six-man rotation and benefited from a pair of days off.

"That extra rest after throwing so many pitches helped me out a lot," Fiers told reporters after his 4-1 victory in Minnesota on Aug. 29. "(Houston manager A.J. Hinch) didn't have to do that, but with the way people are throwing he was able to push me back, plus we had the off day, so it worked out." The Astros, though, appear headed back to a five-man rotation as Scott Feldman felt discomfort in his shoulder while playing catch Saturday after leaving his start Tuesday. Houston (75-62), which completed a 3-3 homestand with an 8-5 victory over Minnesota on Sunday, must play better on the road as its 27-38 mark away from home equals that of last-place Oakland (58-79). Felix Doubront takes the hill for the Athletics, who have given up 37 runs during their five-game slide and are 6-7 versus the Astros in 2015.

TV: 4:05 p.m. ET, ROOT (Houston), CSN California (Oakland)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Astros RH Mike Fiers (7-9, 3.54 ERA) vs. Athletics LH Felix Doubront (2-1, 3.99)

Fiers allowed one run, three hits and three walks while throwing 98 pitches in six innings against Minnesota on Aug. 29 after recording 134 during his no-hitter. The 30-year-old Floridian has pitched 118 innings this season - 9 1/3 short of his career high while with Milwaukee in 2012. Fiers is 2-0 with a 2.25 ERA in five starts with Houston since being acquired from the Brewers, including a no-decision Aug. 9 when he yielded one run in 6 2/3 innings of the Astros' 5-4 loss in Oakland.

Doubront earned his first victory in an Athletics uniform - an 11-5 verdict against the Los Angeles Angels on Aug. 31 - despite permitting four runs, seven hits and four walks in six innings. The 27-year-old Venezuelan, who was acquired July 31 for cash considerations after being designated for assignment by Toronto, didn't earn a decision while posting a 2.41 in his first four turns with Oakland. Doubront allowed three runs, four hits and four walks while striking out eight in his only appearance against Houston - an 8-4 victory April 27, 2013 while with Boston, and struggles with Colby Rasmus (7-for-17, home run, four RBIs, two doubles, two triples).

WALK-OFFS

1. Houston 3B Jed Lowrie is 10-for-22 with three home runs, seven RBIs, seven runs scored and four doubles during his six-game hitting streak after hitting a grand slam Sunday.

2. INF/OF Marwin Gonzalez needs one home run to become the 11th Astro to reach double-digit homers, which would tie a major-league record set by Detroit in 2004.

3. Houston, which is 12-31 on the road since May 27, also plays three against the Los Angeles Angels and four versus Texas on this trip.

PREDICTION: Astros 3, Athletics 2

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Rangers at Mariners

GAME: Texas Rangers (71-64) at Seattle Mariners (66-71)
DATE/TIME: Monday, September 07 - 6:40 PM EST
WHERE: Safeco Field, Seattle, Washington
LINE: -111, 103 TOTAL: 7.5

The Texas Rangers continue their pursuit of an American League playoff berth when they open a four-game series against the host Seattle Mariners on Monday. Texas holds a 1 1/2-game lead over Minnesota for the second wild-card spot and trails first-place Houston by three games in the AL West.

The Rangers, who have recorded a major league-high 39 road wins, are 3-3 on their 10-game trek. Adrian Beltre went 1-for-11 as Texas lost two of three to the Los Angeles Angels over the weekend and is hitting just .196 in 46 at-bats against Seattle this season. The Mariners concluded a 7-3 road trip with a three-game sweep in Oakland and have won a season-best five straight contests overall. Kyle Seager has been on a tear, going 18-for-36 with four homers and 12 RBIs during a nine-game hitting streak.

TV: 6:40 p.m. ET, FSN Southwest (Texas), ROOT (Seattle)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Rangers RH Yovani Gallardo (11-9, 3.27 ERA) vs. Mariners LH Roenis Elias (4-7, 4.35)

Gallardo has won four straight decisions since suffering a loss on July 19. He received a no-decision in his last outing, when he gave up four runs and six hits in five innings against San Diego. Gallardo has made both of his career starts against Seattle this season, going 1-1 with a 2.25 ERA, and has easily handled Logan Morrison (1-for-16) and Seth Smith (3-for-22).

Elias escaped with a no-decision in his last start after giving up four runs, five hits and four walks in 5 1/3 innings against Houston. He is 0-1 with a 5.25 ERA in two outings since returning to the majors after being demoted in early July. Elias is 2-1 with a 2.42 ERA in four career starts against Texas and has struggled with Elvis Andrus (5-for-11).

WALK-OFFS

1. Mariners RF Nelson Cruz (quadriceps) has missed three straight games but is expected to return at some point during the series.

2. Texas DH Prince Fielder went 0-for-9 with five walks against the Angels and has recorded only two RBIs in his last 12 games.

3. Seattle OF Shawn O'Malley is 6-for-8 with a homer, four runs scored, four RBIs and three walks in three games since joining the club.

PREDICTION: Rangers 8, Mariners 2

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Rockies at Padres

GAME: Colorado Rockies (56-80) at San Diego Padres (65-72)
DATE/TIME: Monday, September 07 - 4:10 PM EST
WHERE: Petco Park, San Diego, California
LINE: 153, -166 TOTAL: 7.5

Nolan Arenado's six-game streak of contests with a home run has concluded, but the Colorado third baseman looks to continue his strong season when the Rockies open a four-game set on Monday against the host San Diego Padres. Arenado is tied for the National League lead in homers (36) with teammate Carlos Gonzalez and has collected a league-best 105 RBIs.

The big offensive seasons by Arenado and Gonzalez haven't prevented the Rockies from being 24 games below .500 and mired in the NL West cellar. Colorado's disappointing campaign marks its sixth straight season of missing the playoffs, and two more losses will sew up its fifth consecutive losing year. San Diego, which has dropped five of its last six games, has an even longer playoff drought as it was last a postseason participant in 2006 and is attempting to avoid its fifth consecutive losing campaign. Justin Upton is 11-for-29 with three homers, three doubles and seven RBIs against scheduled Rockies starter Kyle Kendrick.

TV: 4:10 p.m. ET, ROOT (Colorado), FSN San Diego

PITCHING MATCHUP: Rockies RH Kyle Kendrick (4-12, 6.29 ERA) vs. Padres RH Ian Kennedy (8-12, 3.88)

Kendrick returned on Tuesday after serving a month-long stint on the disabled list due to a shoulder ailment. He gave up one run and three hits over four innings against Arizona, with the run coming on a homer - the career-worst 27th he's allowed this season. Kendrick is 0-1 with a 7.50 ERA in two starts against San Diego this season and has a 4-3 record and 4.94 mark in nine career appearances (eight starts).

Kennedy matched his career best with 12 strikeouts on Wednesday, when he gave up two runs and five hits in seven innings of a no-decision versus Texas. He has a splendid 1.72 ERA over his last five starts while compiling a 2-2 record. Kennedy is 1-1 with a 2.13 ERA in two 2015 outings against the Rockies and is 6-5 with a 2.79 mark in 20 career starts while successfully dealing with Gonzalez (5-for-35, two homers).

WALK-OFFS

1. Padres RF Matt Kemp has reached base in 26 consecutive games and is batting .324 with seven homers and 30 RBIs during that stretch.

2. Colorado SS Jose Reyes is 15-for-40 with six multi-hit performances over his last 10 contests.

3. San Diego 2B Jedd Gyorko has recorded three homers and five RBIs over the past four games.

PREDICTION: Padres 4, Rockies 3

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Twins at Royals

GAME: Minnesota Twins (70-66) at Kansas City Royals (82-54)
DATE/TIME: Monday, September 07 - 8:10 PM EST
WHERE: Kauffman Stadium, Kansas City, Missouri
LINE: 171, -186 TOTAL: 8

The Minnesota Twins have lost three of their last four games as they try to chase down an American League wild-card spot. The Twins are 1 1/2 games behind the Texas Rangers for the second spot entering Monday's contest against the Royals in Kansas City, which was just swept at home for the first time this season.

The AL-leading Royals were outscored 25-7 while losing three games to the Chicago White Sox. Kansas City third baseman Mike Moustakas (hamstring) returned to the starting lineup Sunday for the first time since Aug. 30 and belted his 16th homer of the campaign, four off his career-best total of 2012. The Twins opened a nine-game road trip by losing two at three to Houston and gave up eight runs in each of the losses. Minnesota designated hitter Miguel Sano experienced a miserable series against the Astros by going 1-for-12 with nine strikeouts.

TV: 8:10 p.m. ET, FSN North (Minnesota), FSN Midwest (Kansas City)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Twins LH Tommy Milone (7-4, 3.60 ERA) vs. Royals RH Yordano Ventura (10-7, 4.24)

Milone beat the Chicago White Sox on Wednesday and struck out seven and gave up three hits in seven scoreless innings. He had pitched six or fewer innings in six straight starts before the stellar effort against Chicago. Milone is 4-2 with a 3.91 ERA in nine career starts against Kansas City and is 1-0 with a 4.24 ERA in three 2015 outings.

Ventura has won six straight decisions and has struck out a career-high 11 in each of his last two outings - including a victory over Detroit in his last turn when he gave up one run and five hits in seven innings. He has been sensational over his last five starts, compiling a 4-0 mark and 1.13 ERA over 32 innings. Ventura is 1-2 with a 4.08 ERA in three career outings against Minnesota.

WALK-OFFS

1. Royals C Salvador Perez homered Sunday for the first time since Aug. 22 and leads the club with 19.

2. Minnesota rookie CF Byron Buxton is 2-for-29 with 12 strikeouts over his last nine appearances.

3. Kansas City LF/DH Alex Gordon is 6-for-13 in four games since returning from a groin injury suffered July 8.

PREDICTION: Twins 4, Royals 2

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Braves at Phillies

GAME: Atlanta Braves (54-83) at Philadelphia Phillies (53-84)
DATE/TIME: Monday, September 07 - 7:05 PM EST
WHERE: Citizens Bank Park, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
LINE: 129, -140 TOTAL: 8.5

The battle to avoid the basement in the National League East takes a head-to-head turn when the Philadelphia Phillies host the Atlanta Braves in the opener of a three-game series on Monday. The Braves are losers of 12 straight but still sit one game ahead of the Phillies in the East.

The two recently-great franchises are both struggling through lost seasons as they attempt to turn over their rosters for the future. Philadelphia watched some of its future get hammered when rookie starters Alec Asher, Adam Morgan and Jerad Eickhoff all got beat up while the team was swept in a three-game series at the Boston Red Sox over the weekend. Atlanta is having its own problems developing young starters and watched Manny Banuelos get knocked around in an 8-4 loss to Washington on Sunday that gave the franchise its longest slide since 1988. The Braves are losers of 19 of their last 20 games and will send Williams Perez up against Aaron Harang on Monday.

TV: 7:05 p.m. ET, SportSouth (Atlanta), CSN Philadelphia

PITCHING MATCHUP: Braves RH Williams Perez (4-6, 5.65 ERA) vs. Phillies RH Aaron Harang (5-14, 4.89)

Perez is winless in his last eight starts and allowed at least four earned runs in six of those turns. The Venezuela native was knocked around for six runs (four earned) on nine hits in five innings to lose to Miami on Wednesday. Perez was even less effective at Philadelphia on July 31, when he surrendered nine runs on as many hits and four walks in 4 1/3 innings.

Harang has not been any better of late and was knocked around for four runs on five hits and a walk in 4 2/3 innings at the New York Mets on Tuesday. The veteran is winless in his last six starts and yielded at least four earned runs in five of those six. Harang’s last win came against Atlanta on July 30, when he scattered nine hits and one run across five innings.

WALK-OFFS

1. Braves CF Cameron Maybin (cornea abrasion) will likely miss the next few games while 3B Hector Olivera (foot) could return on Monday.

2. Philadelphia CF Odubel Herrera is 13-for-25 over his last six games.

3. Atlanta has not lost 13 in a row since a 17-game slide in 1977.

PREDICTION: Phillies 4, Braves 3

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Dodgers at Angels

GAME: Los Angeles Dodgers (78-58) at Los Angeles Angels (69-67)
DATE/TIME: Monday, September 07 - 9:05 PM EST
WHERE: Angel Stadium of Anaheim, Anaheim, California
LINE: -163, 150 TOTAL: 7

No team was happier to turn the calendar last week than the Los Angeles Angels, who were 10-19 in August but have won four of their first five games this month. The Angels are 2 1/2 games behind Texas for the second American League wild-card spot heading into Monday’s series opener against the visiting Los Angeles Dodgers, who have won 11 of their last 13 and lead the National League West by 7 1/2 games over San Francisco.

If the Angels are going to continue their playoff run, they’ll need a power surge from Mike Trout, who snapped a 27-game homerless streak with a solo blast in Sunday’s 7-0 win over the Rangers. The Angels also are hoping the victory sparks the bottom of the lineup, as 7-9 hitters David Freese, Carlos Perez and Taylor Featherston combined to go 8-for-11 with two RBIs and five runs scored. The trio of struggling hitters will need to produce against the Dodgers, who moved a season-best 20 games over .500 with Sunday’s 5-1 win at San Diego. Andre Ethier enters the series on a tear, batting .404 since Aug. 9, but Yasmani Grandal is 0-for-33 with 15 strikeouts in his last 11 games.

TV: 9:05 p.m. ET, SportsNet LA (Dodgers), FSN West (Angels)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Dodgers RH Zack Greinke (15-3, 1.59 ERA) vs. Angels RH Nick Tropeano (1-2, 5.51)

Greinke has moved to the front of the NL Cy Young Award race by going 10-1 with a 1.47 ERA in 12 starts since June 27. The major-league ERA leader turned in another stellar performance on Tuesday, when he allowed one run against the Giants while throwing 114 pitches over 7 1/3 innings. Greinke held the Angels to two runs in eight frames on July 31 but is just 2-5 with a 3.86 ERA in 11 career games (10 starts) against the Dodgers' nearby rival.

Tropeano has been recalled from Triple-A Salt Lake to start in place of Matt Shoemaker, who hopes to return from a strained right forearm next week. The 25-year-old is making his fourth start of the season for the Angels and aiming to improve on his last outing, when he allowed six runs over 4 1/3 innings in an 8-2 loss to the Chicago White Sox on Aug. 20. Tropeano cruised through the first four frames but retired just one of the seven batters he faced in the fifth.

WALK-OFFS

1. Dodgers manager Don Mattingly indicated he may start Justin Turner at first base and have Adrian Gonzalez serve as the team’s designated hitter for Monday’s contest.

2. The Angels have lost six straight against the Dodgers dating back to last season.

3. Dodgers RHP Brett Anderson left Sunday’s game with a left calf cramp but expects to make his next start.

PREDICTION: Dodgers 5, Angels 1

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

MLB
Dunkel

Monday, September 7


Cleveland @ Chicago White Sox

Game 921-922
September 7, 2015 @ 2:10 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Cleveland
(Bauer) 14.053
Chicago White Sox
(Sale) 16.693
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Chicago White Sox
by 2 1/2
9
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Chicago White Sox
-190
7 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Chicago White Sox
(-190); Over

NY Mets @ Washington

Game 901-902
September 7, 2015 @ 1:05 pm

Dunkel Rating:
NY Mets
(Niese) 14.427
Washington
(Scherzer) 15.878
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Washington
by 1 1/2
9
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Washington
-185
7 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Washington
(-185); Over

Houston @ Oakland

Game 923-924
September 7, 2015 @ 4:05 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Houston
(Fiers) 17.405
Oakland
(Doubront) 14.823
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Houston
by 2 1/2
6
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Houston
-145
7 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Houston
(-145); Under

Milwaukee @ Miami

Game 903-904
September 7, 2015 @ 1:10 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Milwaukee
(Davies) 13.075
Miami
(Niclino) 14.579
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Miami
by 1 1/2
8
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Miami
-135
8 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Miami
(-135); Under

Texas @ Seattle

Game 925-926
September 7, 2015 @ 6:40 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Texas
(Gallardo) 14.935
Seattle
(Elias) 13.308
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Texas
by 1 1/2
6
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Texas
-115
7 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Texas
(-115); Under

Pittsburgh @ Cincinnati

Game 905-906
September 7, 2015 @ 1:10 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Pittsburgh
(Locke) 14.918
Cincinnati
(DeSclfni) 16.584
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Cincinnati
by 1 1/2
7
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Pittsburgh
-130
8
Dunkel Pick:
Cincinnati
(+110); Under

Minnesota @ Kansas City

Game 927-928
September 7, 2015 @ 8:10 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Minnesota
(Milone) 14.865
Kansas City
(Ventura) 18.234
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Kansas City
by 3 1/2
9 1/2
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Kansas City
-190
8
Dunkel Pick:
Kansas City
(-190); Over

Chicago Cubs @ St. Louis

Game 907-908
September 7, 2015 @ 2:15 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Chicago Cubs
(Haren) 16.581
St. Louis
(Lynn) 15.522
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Chicago Cubs
by 1
9 1/2
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
St. Louis
No Line
N/A
Dunkel Pick:
Chicago Cubs
N/A

LA Dodgers @ LA Angels

Game 929-930
September 7, 2015 @ 9:05 pm

Dunkel Rating:
LA Dodgers
(Greinke) 16.207
LA Angels
(Trpeano) 17.270
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
LA Angels
by 1
5 1/2
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
LA Dodgers
-175
7
Dunkel Pick:
LA Angels
(+155); Under

San Francisco @ Arizona

Game 909-910
September 7, 2015 @ 4:10 pm

Dunkel Rating:
San Francisco
(Leake) 15.368
Arizona
(Corbin) 16.841
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Arizona
by 1 1/2
9
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Arizona
-110
8
Dunkel Pick:
Arizona
(-110); Over

Colorado @ San Diego

Game 911-912
September 7, 2015 @ 4:10 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Colorado
(Kendrick) 13.546
San Diego
(Kennedy) 17.465
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
San Diego
by 4
7
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
San Diego
-160
7 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
San Diego
(-160); Under

Atlanta @ Philadelphia

Game 913-914
September 7, 2015 @ 7:05 am

Dunkel Rating:
Atlanta
(Perez) 15.362
Philadelphia
(Harang) 14.219
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Atlanta
by 1
8
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Philadelphia
-140
8 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Atlanta
(+120); Under

Tampa Bay @ Detroit

Game 915-916
September 7, 2015 @ 1:08 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Tampa Bay
(Smyly) 14.190
Detroit
(Wolf) 15.522
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Detroit
by 1 1/2
10
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Tampa Bay
-130
8 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Detroit
(+110); Over

Baltimore @ NY Yankees

Game 917-918
September 7, 2015 @ 1:05 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Baltimore
(Chen) 15.986
NY Yankees
(Pineda) 14.179
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Baltimore
by 2
9 1/2
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
NY Yankees
-165
8
Dunkel Pick:
Baltimore
(+145); Over

Toronto @ Boston

Game 919-920
September 7, 2015 @ 1:35 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Toronto
(Buehrle) 14.776
Boston
(Porcello) 16.121
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Boston
by 1 1/2
8
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Toronto
-135
9 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Boston
(+115); Under

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

MLB
Long Sheet

Monday, September 7

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

NY METS (75 - 61) at WASHINGTON (71 - 65) - 1:05 PM
JON NIESE (L) vs. MAX SCHERZER (R)
Top Trends for this game.
NIESE is 8-21 (-11.5 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
NY METS are 75-61 (+8.5 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
NY METS are 12-2 (+11.2 Units) against the money line when playing on Monday this season.
NY METS are 37-20 (+12.9 Units) against the money line against division opponents this season.
NY METS are 27-14 (+11.7 Units) against the money line in day games this season.
NY METS are 74-57 (+11.6 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
NY METS are 389-409 (+29.4 Units) against the money line in road games after a loss since 1997.
NIESE is 43-38 (+16.6 Units) against the money line in road games in games played on a grass field since 1997. (Team's Record)
WASHINGTON is 71-65 (-10.1 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
WASHINGTON is 70-64 (-10.3 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
NY METS is 7-6 (+1.6 Units) against WASHINGTON this season
7 of 12 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+1.4 Units)

JON NIESE vs. WASHINGTON since 1997
NIESE is 3-4 when starting against WASHINGTON with an ERA of 3.19 and a WHIP of 1.301.
His team's record is 4-7 (-2.8 units) in these starts. The OVER is 4-6. (-2.3 units)

MAX SCHERZER vs. NY METS since 1997
SCHERZER is 2-2 when starting against NY METS with an ERA of 2.01 and a WHIP of 1.117.
His team's record is 2-3 (-2.1 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 4-1. (+2.9 units)

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

MILWAUKEE (60 - 76) at MIAMI (57 - 80) - 1:10 PM
ZACH DAVIES (R) vs. JUSTIN NICOLINO (L)
Top Trends for this game.
MILWAUKEE is 60-76 (-15.4 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
MILWAUKEE is 65-91 (-31.5 Units) against the money line in day games over the last 3 seasons.
MILWAUKEE is 60-76 (-15.4 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
MILWAUKEE is 30-45 (-15.8 Units) against the money line after a loss this season.
MILWAUKEE is 24-32 (-11.6 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record this season.
MILWAUKEE is 25-37 (-23.6 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record in the second half of the season over the last 2 seasons.
MILWAUKEE is 15-7 (+10.2 Units) against the money line in road games when playing on Monday over the last 3 seasons.
MIAMI is 57-80 (-18.5 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
MIAMI is 57-77 (-15.5 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
MIAMI is 44-63 (-15.7 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
MIAMI is 2-1 (+1.8 Units) against MILWAUKEE this season
2 of 2 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+2.1 Units)

ZACH DAVIES vs. MIAMI since 1997
No recent starts.

JUSTIN NICOLINO vs. MILWAUKEE since 1997
NICOLINO is 1-0 when starting against MILWAUKEE with an ERA of 2.70 and a WHIP of 1.199.
His team's record is 1-0 (+1.4 units) in these starts. The OVER is 0-0. (+0.0 units)

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

PITTSBURGH (81 - 54) at CINCINNATI (56 - 79) - 1:10 PM
JEFF LOCKE (L) vs. ANTHONY DESCLAFANI (R)
Top Trends for this game.
PITTSBURGH is 23-33 (-16.2 Units) against the money line against division opponents this season.
PITTSBURGH is 19-33 (-15.4 Units) against the money line in road games in day games over the last 2 seasons.
LOCKE is 4-15 (-15.3 Units) against the money line in September games since 1997. (Team's Record)
PITTSBURGH is 81-54 (+16.2 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
PITTSBURGH is 59-37 (+21.9 Units) against the money line when the total is 8 to 8.5 over the last 3 seasons.
PITTSBURGH is 81-54 (+16.2 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
PITTSBURGH is 64-41 (+15.9 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.
PITTSBURGH is 51-29 (+16.2 Units) against the money line after a win this season.
PITTSBURGH is 146-88 (+35.2 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 3 seasons.
CINCINNATI is 56-79 (-21.5 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
CINCINNATI is 17-28 (-12.5 Units) against the money line when the total is 8 to 8.5 this season.
CINCINNATI is 30-37 (-9.7 Units) against the money line in home games this season.
CINCINNATI is 14-25 (-14.5 Units) against the money line at home when the total is 8 to 8.5 over the last 2 seasons.
CINCINNATI is 14-29 (-17.4 Units) against the money line in day games this season.
CINCINNATI is 56-79 (-21.5 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
CINCINNATI is 21-34 (-13.5 Units) against the money line after a win this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
CINCINNATI is 9-4 (+7.9 Units) against PITTSBURGH this season
7 of 11 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+3.1 Units)

JEFF LOCKE vs. CINCINNATI since 1997
LOCKE is 3-2 when starting against CINCINNATI with an ERA of 3.46 and a WHIP of 1.423.
His team's record is 6-4 (+2.2 units) in these starts. The OVER is 4-5. (-1.4 units)

ANTHONY DESCLAFANI vs. PITTSBURGH since 1997
DESCLAFANI is 0-1 when starting against PITTSBURGH with an ERA of 3.18 and a WHIP of 1.471.
His team's record is 2-1 (+1.5 units) in these starts. The OVER is 2-1. (+1.2 units)

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

CHICAGO CUBS (78 - 57) at ST LOUIS (87 - 49) - 2:15 PM
DAN HAREN (R) vs. TYLER LYONS (L)
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

Head-to-Head Series History
ST LOUIS is 9-4 (+4.8 Units) against CHICAGO CUBS this season
7 of 13 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+0.8 Units)

DAN HAREN vs. ST LOUIS since 1997
HAREN is 4-3 when starting against ST LOUIS with an ERA of 4.27 and a WHIP of 1.310.
His team's record is 4-4 (+0.0 units) in these starts. The OVER is 3-5. (-2.2 units)

TYLER LYONS vs. CHICAGO CUBS since 1997
LYONS is 0-2 when starting against CHICAGO CUBS with an ERA of 9.64 and a WHIP of 2.143.
His team's record is 1-2 (-1.7 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 0-3. (-3.6 units)

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

SAN FRANCISCO (71 - 66) at ARIZONA (65 - 72) - 4:10 PM
MIKE LEAKE (R) vs. PAT CORBIN (L)
Top Trends for this game.
SAN FRANCISCO is 10-20 (-14.9 Units) against the money line when playing on Monday over the last 2 seasons.
SAN FRANCISCO is 171-145 (+16.9 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
SAN FRANCISCO is 82-80 (+9.3 Units) against the money line in road games over the last 2 seasons.
SAN FRANCISCO is 171-145 (+16.9 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
SAN FRANCISCO is 42-29 (+11.5 Units) against the money line after a win this season.
SAN FRANCISCO is 48-23 (+21.3 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record in the second half of the season over the last 2 seasons.
ARIZONA is 129-170 (-35.3 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
ARIZONA is 64-81 (-23.1 Units) against the money line in home games over the last 2 seasons.
ARIZONA is 216-207 (-48.8 Units) against the money line at home when the total is 8 to 8.5 since 1997.
ARIZONA is 34-54 (-20.6 Units) against the money line in day games over the last 2 seasons.
ARIZONA is 129-170 (-35.3 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
ARIZONA is 22-40 (-14.7 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record this season.
ARIZONA is 4-19 (-14.1 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record in the second half of the season this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
ARIZONA is 7-6 (+2.8 Units) against SAN FRANCISCO this season
6 of 13 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=-1.6 Units, Under=-0.2 Units)

MIKE LEAKE vs. ARIZONA since 1997
LEAKE is 4-0 when starting against ARIZONA with an ERA of 4.84 and a WHIP of 1.164.
His team's record is 5-2 (+3.0 units) in these starts. The OVER is 5-2. (+3.0 units)

PAT CORBIN vs. SAN FRANCISCO since 1997
CORBIN is 2-4 when starting against SAN FRANCISCO with an ERA of 4.20 and a WHIP of 1.132.
His team's record is 4-5 (-1.8 units) in these starts. The OVER is 5-4. (+1.0 units)

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

COLORADO (56 - 80) at SAN DIEGO (65 - 72) - 4:10 PM
KYLE KENDRICK (R) vs. IAN KENNEDY (R)
Top Trends for this game.
COLORADO is 122-176 (-44.1 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
COLORADO is 154-278 (-67.2 Units) against the money line as a road underdog of +125 to +150 since 1997.
COLORADO is 46-100 (-39.2 Units) against the money line in road games over the last 2 seasons.
COLORADO is 122-176 (-44.1 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
COLORADO is 69-107 (-29.9 Units) against the money line after a loss over the last 2 seasons.
COLORADO is 35-64 (-24.2 Units) against the money line in road games when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 3 seasons.
COLORADO is 24-21 (+6.9 Units) against the money line in day games this season.
COLORADO is 50-55 (+2.8 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
SAN DIEGO is 9-3 (+6.3 Units) against COLORADO this season
7 of 12 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+1.8 Units)

KYLE KENDRICK vs. SAN DIEGO since 1997
KENDRICK is 3-3 when starting against SAN DIEGO with an ERA of 5.05 and a WHIP of 1.403.
His team's record is 5-3 (+1.6 units) in these starts. The OVER is 7-1. (+6.2 units)

IAN KENNEDY vs. COLORADO since 1997
KENNEDY is 6-5 when starting against COLORADO with an ERA of 2.86 and a WHIP of 1.166.
His team's record is 13-7 (+5.7 units) in these starts. The OVER is 7-12. (-6.1 units)

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

ATLANTA (54 - 83) at PHILADELPHIA (53 - 84) - 7:05 PM
WILLIAMS PEREZ (R) vs. AARON HARANG (R)
Top Trends for this game.
ATLANTA is 54-83 (-20.0 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
ATLANTA is 21-51 (-23.0 Units) against the money line in road games this season.
ATLANTA is 7-24 (-19.2 Units) against the money line in September games over the last 2 seasons.
ATLANTA is 52-80 (-20.0 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
ATLANTA is 12-33 (-17.8 Units) against the money line in road games in night games this season.
ATLANTA is 17-42 (-20.0 Units) against the money line in road games against right-handed starters this season.
ATLANTA is 13-37 (-19.5 Units) against the money line in road games after a loss this season.
ATLANTA is 26-40 (-13.9 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record this season.
ATLANTA is 9-20 (-11.2 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record in the second half of the season this season.
PHILADELPHIA is 91-120 (-34.5 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 3 seasons.
HARANG is 18-37 (-21.4 Units) against the money line when playing on Monday since 1997. (Team's Record)
HARANG is 5-16 (-11.5 Units) against the money line in home games in night games over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
HARANG is 16-26 (-19.8 Units) against the money line in home games when playing against a team with a losing record in the second half of the season since 1997. (Team's Record)

Head-to-Head Series History
PHILADELPHIA is 7-6 (+1.7 Units) against ATLANTA this season
6 of 11 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+1.1 Units)

WILLIAMS PEREZ vs. PHILADELPHIA since 1997
PEREZ is 0-1 when starting against PHILADELPHIA with an ERA of 18.71 and a WHIP of 3.002.
His team's record is 0-1 (-1.3 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 0-1. (-1.0 units)

AARON HARANG vs. ATLANTA since 1997
HARANG is 4-3 when starting against ATLANTA with an ERA of 3.48 and a WHIP of 1.383.
His team's record is 8-6 (+3.8 units) in these starts. The OVER is 6-7. (-1.5 units)

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

TAMPA BAY (67 - 69) at DETROIT (62 - 74) - 1:05 PM
DREW SMYLY (L) vs. RANDY WOLF (L)
Top Trends for this game.
TAMPA BAY is 144-154 (-31.5 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
TAMPA BAY is 71-80 (-17.9 Units) against the money line after a loss over the last 2 seasons.
TAMPA BAY is 24-14 (+9.6 Units) against the money line against left-handed starters this season.
DETROIT is 62-74 (-11.2 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
DETROIT is 27-41 (-16.1 Units) against the money line when the total is 8 to 8.5 this season.
DETROIT is 4-13 (-9.0 Units) against the money line as a home underdog of +100 to +125 this season.
DETROIT is 31-37 (-11.6 Units) against the money line in home games this season.
DETROIT is 40-41 (-14.7 Units) against the money line at home when the total is 8 to 8.5 over the last 2 seasons.
DETROIT is 31-37 (-11.6 Units) against the money line in home games in games played on a grass field this season.
DETROIT is 69-78 (-18.7 Units) against the money line after a loss over the last 2 seasons.
DETROIT is 68-73 (-22.8 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
TAMPA BAY is 2-1 (+0.4 Units) against DETROIT this season
1 of 2 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+0.2 Units)

DREW SMYLY vs. DETROIT since 1997
No recent starts.

RANDY WOLF vs. TAMPA BAY since 1997
WOLF is 1-2 when starting against TAMPA BAY with an ERA of 5.03 and a WHIP of 1.423.
His team's record is 1-2 (-1.1 units) in these starts. The OVER is 0-3. (-3.4 units)

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

BALTIMORE (65 - 71) at NY YANKEES (76 - 59) - 1:05 PM
WEI-YIN CHEN (L) vs. MICHAEL PINEDA (R)
Top Trends for this game.
BALTIMORE is 65-71 (-11.4 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
BALTIMORE is 25-43 (-16.6 Units) against the money line in road games this season.
BALTIMORE is 9-22 (-12.7 Units) against the money line on the road when the total is 8 to 8.5 this season.
BALTIMORE is 57-62 (-11.4 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
BALTIMORE is 47-52 (-7.1 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.
BALTIMORE is 14-26 (-11.1 Units) against the money line in road games after a loss this season.
BALTIMORE is 23-41 (-18.3 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record this season.
BALTIMORE is 6-20 (-14.6 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record in the second half of the season this season.
NY YANKEES are 76-59 (+4.8 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
NY YANKEES are 79-61 (+20.4 Units) against the money line against left-handed starters over the last 3 seasons.
NY YANKEES are 44-31 (+8.5 Units) against the money line after a win this season.
BALTIMORE is 178-203 (+40.4 Units) against the money line as a road underdog of +125 to +150 since 1997.
BALTIMORE is 23-12 (+13.2 Units) against the money line when playing on Monday over the last 2 seasons.
BALTIMORE is 76-57 (+21.4 Units) against the money line against division opponents over the last 2 seasons.
CHEN is 36-23 (+12.5 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
CHEN is 40-19 (+19.4 Units) against the money line when the total is 8 to 8.5 since 1997. (Team's Record)
CHEN is 34-19 (+14.6 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
CHEN is 25-14 (+12.9 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)

Head-to-Head Series History
NY YANKEES is 8-5 (+2.6 Units) against BALTIMORE this season
6 of 11 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+0.7 Units)

WEI-YIN CHEN vs. NY YANKEES since 1997
CHEN is 4-5 when starting against NY YANKEES with an ERA of 4.44 and a WHIP of 1.286.
His team's record is 5-8 (-3.0 units) in these starts. The OVER is 5-7. (-2.4 units)

MICHAEL PINEDA vs. BALTIMORE since 1997
PINEDA is 3-1 when starting against BALTIMORE with an ERA of 3.35 and a WHIP of 1.047.
His team's record is 3-4 (-1.9 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 2-3. (-1.2 units)

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

TORONTO (78 - 58) at BOSTON (64 - 72) - 1:35 PM
MARK BUEHRLE (L) vs. RICK PORCELLO (R)
Top Trends for this game.
TORONTO is 78-58 (+9.0 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
BUEHRLE is 37-21 (+14.7 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
BUEHRLE is 23-11 (+11.0 Units) against the money line after a win over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
BUEHRLE is 21-8 (+11.8 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
BOSTON is 64-72 (-11.6 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
BOSTON is 620-557 (-76.9 Units) against the money line when the total is 9 to 9.5 since 1997.
BOSTON is 71-82 (-30.4 Units) against the money line in home games over the last 2 seasons.
BOSTON is 250-239 (-50.7 Units) against the money line in September games since 1997.
BOSTON is 21-32 (-12.8 Units) against the money line against division opponents this season.
BOSTON is 41-51 (-13.8 Units) against the money line in day games over the last 2 seasons.
BOSTON is 57-66 (-14.0 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
BOSTON is 38-50 (-17.6 Units) against the money line against left-handed starters over the last 2 seasons.
BOSTON is 26-37 (-13.1 Units) against the money line after a win this season.
BOSTON is 25-37 (-12.8 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record this season.
BOSTON is 13-27 (-16.4 Units) against the money line in home games when playing against a team with a winning record in the second half of the season over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
TORONTO is 7-6 (+0.2 Units) against BOSTON this season
6 of 11 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+0.5 Units)

MARK BUEHRLE vs. BOSTON since 1997
BUEHRLE is 12-10 when starting against BOSTON with an ERA of 4.24 and a WHIP of 1.396.
His team's record is 14-14 (+2.3 units) in these starts. The OVER is 9-18. (-11.0 units)

RICK PORCELLO vs. TORONTO since 1997
PORCELLO is 3-5 when starting against TORONTO with an ERA of 5.29 and a WHIP of 1.216.
His team's record is 3-6 (-3.3 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 3-5. (-2.8 units)

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

CLEVELAND (66 - 69) at CHI WHITE SOX (65 - 70) - 2:10 PM
TREVOR BAUER (R) vs. CHRIS SALE (L)
Top Trends for this game.
CLEVELAND is 66-69 (-14.5 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
CLEVELAND is 20-32 (-18.1 Units) against the money line against division opponents this season.
CLEVELAND is 61-67 (-18.6 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
CLEVELAND is 19-28 (-11.9 Units) against the money line against left-handed starters this season.
CLEVELAND is 6-16 (-12.8 Units) against the money line after shutting out their opponent over the last 2 seasons.
CLEVELAND is 29-36 (-13.4 Units) against the money line after a win this season.
CLEVELAND is 25-29 (-12.7 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record this season.
CLEVELAND is 93-69 (+40.5 Units) against the money line in road games when playing on Monday since 1997.
CLEVELAND is 73-37 (+25.5 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.
CHI WHITE SOX are 24-33 (-10.9 Units) against the money line against division opponents this season.
CHI WHITE SOX are 3-14 (-13.2 Units) against the money line in home games after 3 or more consecutive wins over the last 3 seasons.
CHI WHITE SOX are 16-23 (-14.3 Units) against the money line in home games when playing against a team with a losing record in the second half of the season over the last 3 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
CHI WHITE SOX is 8-5 (+3.4 Units) against CLEVELAND this season
11 of 13 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+8.7 Units)

TREVOR BAUER vs. CHI WHITE SOX since 1997
BAUER is 2-1 when starting against CHI WHITE SOX with an ERA of 3.74 and a WHIP of 1.396.
His team's record is 4-2 (+2.1 units) in these starts. The OVER is 2-4. (-2.2 units)

CHRIS SALE vs. CLEVELAND since 1997
SALE is 4-4 when starting against CLEVELAND with an ERA of 4.27 and a WHIP of 1.242.
His team's record is 7-5 (+0.7 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 5-7. (-3.5 units)

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

HOUSTON (75 - 62) at OAKLAND (58 - 79) - 4:05 PM
MICHAEL FIERS (R) vs. FELIX DOUBRONT (L)
Top Trends for this game.
HOUSTON is 14-26 (-12.0 Units) against the money line in road games when playing against a team with a losing record this season.
HOUSTON is 14-19 (-8.8 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record in the second half of the season this season.
FIERS is 7-16 (-14.3 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record since 1997. (Team's Record)
HOUSTON is 75-62 (+5.2 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
HOUSTON is 64-66 (+8.6 Units) against the money line against division opponents over the last 2 seasons.
HOUSTON is 75-56 (+11.6 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
OAKLAND is 58-79 (-28.9 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
OAKLAND is 31-41 (-19.3 Units) against the money line in home games this season.
OAKLAND is 10-22 (-24.6 Units) against the money line in September games over the last 2 seasons.
OAKLAND is 26-32 (-10.7 Units) against the money line against division opponents this season.
OAKLAND is 22-30 (-11.5 Units) against the money line in day games this season.
OAKLAND is 56-74 (-26.4 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
OAKLAND is 45-53 (-13.9 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.
OAKLAND is 32-46 (-17.3 Units) against the money line after a loss this season.
OAKLAND is 73-78 (-17.3 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.
OAKLAND is 30-40 (-14.5 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.

Head-to-Head Series History
HOUSTON is 7-6 (+1.2 Units) against OAKLAND this season
7 of 13 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+0.9 Units)

MICHAEL FIERS vs. OAKLAND since 1997
FIERS is 0-0 when starting against OAKLAND with an ERA of 1.35 and a WHIP of 0.900.
His team's record is 0-1 (-1.3 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 0-1. (-1.1 units)

FELIX DOUBRONT vs. HOUSTON since 1997
DOUBRONT is 1-0 when starting against HOUSTON with an ERA of 4.05 and a WHIP of 1.199.
His team's record is 1-0 (+1.0 units) in these starts. The OVER is 1-0. (+1.1 units)

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

TEXAS (71 - 64) at SEATTLE (66 - 71) - 6:40 PM
YOVANI GALLARDO (R) vs. ROENIS ELIAS (L)
Top Trends for this game.
TEXAS is 71-64 (+23.7 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
TEXAS is 39-32 (+22.1 Units) against the money line in road games this season.
TEXAS is 59-44 (+27.7 Units) against the money line in road games against division opponents over the last 3 seasons.
TEXAS is 44-38 (+16.2 Units) against the money line in day games over the last 2 seasons.
TEXAS is 68-60 (+23.3 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
TEXAS is 28-26 (+13.4 Units) against the money line in road games against left-handed starters over the last 2 seasons.
TEXAS is 34-29 (+12.2 Units) against the money line after a loss this season.
SEATTLE is 66-71 (-11.9 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
SEATTLE is 6-14 (-10.1 Units) against the money line at home with a money line of -100 to -125 this season.
SEATTLE is 29-36 (-16.8 Units) against the money line in home games this season.
SEATTLE is 1-7 (-9.5 Units) against the money line in home games when playing on Monday this season.
SEATTLE is 61-70 (-16.4 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
SEATTLE is 44-53 (-26.7 Units) against the money line in home games against right-handed starters over the last 2 seasons.
SEATTLE is 24-41 (-22.2 Units) against the money line after a win this season.
ELIAS is 7-15 (-11.2 Units) against the money line in home games over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
ELIAS is 7-15 (-11.2 Units) against the money line in home games in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)

Head-to-Head Series History
SEATTLE is 8-4 (+3.4 Units) against TEXAS this season
8 of 11 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+4.6 Units)

YOVANI GALLARDO vs. SEATTLE since 1997
GALLARDO is 1-1 when starting against SEATTLE with an ERA of 2.25 and a WHIP of 1.167.
His team's record is 1-1 (+0.4 units) in these starts. The OVER is 0-2. (-2.2 units)

ROENIS ELIAS vs. TEXAS since 1997
ELIAS is 2-1 when starting against TEXAS with an ERA of 2.42 and a WHIP of 1.343.
His team's record is 3-1 (+1.2 units) in these starts. The OVER is 2-2. (-0.2 units)

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

MINNESOTA (70 - 66) at KANSAS CITY (82 - 54) - 8:10 PM
TOM MILONE (L) vs. YORDANO VENTURA (R)
Top Trends for this game.
KANSAS CITY is 82-54 (+22.2 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
KANSAS CITY is 47-25 (+14.5 Units) against the money line in home games this season.
KANSAS CITY is 79-50 (+23.0 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
KANSAS CITY is 57-38 (+13.1 Units) against the money line in night games this season.
KANSAS CITY is 81-62 (+15.9 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.
KANSAS CITY is 36-25 (+11.5 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.
VENTURA is 10-1 (+9.6 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. (Team's Record)
MINNESOTA is 70-66 (+18.7 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
MINNESOTA is 37-35 (+9.1 Units) against the money line when the total is 8 to 8.5 this season.
MINNESOTA is 64-66 (+12.7 Units) against the money line against division opponents over the last 2 seasons.
MINNESOTA is 68-61 (+20.7 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
MINNESOTA is 42-36 (+16.7 Units) against the money line in night games this season.
MINNESOTA is 45-45 (+9.9 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.
MINNESOTA is 35-30 (+12.8 Units) against the money line after a loss this season.
MILONE is 62-40 (+23.6 Units) against the money line in all games since 1997. (Team's Record)
MILONE is 13-2 (+12.9 Units) against the money line in September games since 1997. (Team's Record)
MILONE is 60-37 (+24.1 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field since 1997. (Team's Record)
MILONE is 43-23 (+22.1 Units) against the money line in night games since 1997. (Team's Record)
KANSAS CITY is 1-10 (-17.4 Units) against the money line as a home favorite of -175 to -200 over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
KANSAS CITY is 8-5 (+1.1 Units) against MINNESOTA this season
7 of 11 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+2.2 Units)

TOM MILONE vs. KANSAS CITY since 1997
MILONE is 4-2 when starting against KANSAS CITY with an ERA of 4.08 and a WHIP of 1.359.
His team's record is 5-4 (+1.4 units) in these starts. The OVER is 4-4. (-0.3 units)

YORDANO VENTURA vs. MINNESOTA since 1997
VENTURA is 1-2 when starting against MINNESOTA with an ERA of 4.07 and a WHIP of 1.585.
His team's record is 1-2 (-2.0 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 1-2. (-1.3 units)

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

LA DODGERS (78 - 58) at LA ANGELS (69 - 67) - 9:05 PM
ZACK GREINKE (R) vs. NICK TROPEANO (R)
Top Trends for this game.
LA DODGERS are 78-58 (-7.3 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
LA DODGERS are 38-33 (-13.2 Units) against the money line when the total is 7 or less this season.
LA DODGERS are 31-37 (-20.3 Units) against the money line in road games this season.
LA DODGERS are 13-18 (-13.2 Units) against the money line on the road when the total is 7 or less this season.
LA DODGERS are 0-7 (-10.1 Units) against the money line in road games in an inter-league game this season.
LA DODGERS are 78-58 (-7.3 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
LA DODGERS are 57-44 (-9.1 Units) against the money line in night games this season.
LA DODGERS are 24-29 (-15.9 Units) against the money line in road games against right-handed starters this season.
LA DODGERS are 17-21 (-14.0 Units) against the money line in road games after a win this season.
LA DODGERS are 1-8 (-14.0 Units) against the money line in road games after 3 or more consecutive wins this season.
LA DODGERS are 10-19 (-12.8 Units) against the money line in road games when playing against a team with a winning record this season.
GREINKE is 67-92 (-31.6 Units) against the money line in road games since 1997. (Team's Record)
LA ANGELS are 26-11 (+14.9 Units) against the money line after shutting out their opponent over the last 3 seasons.
GREINKE is 62-29 (+22.9 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
GREINKE is 62-29 (+22.9 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
LA ANGELS are 19-37 (-19.5 Units) against the money line when the total is 7 or less over the last 3 seasons.
LA ANGELS are 93-119 (-33.4 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 3 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
LA DODGERS is 3-0 (+3.0 Units) against LA ANGELS this season
2 of 3 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+0.8 Units)

ZACK GREINKE vs. LA ANGELS since 1997
GREINKE is 2-5 when starting against LA ANGELS with an ERA of 3.95 and a WHIP of 1.348.
His team's record is 3-7 (-4.4 units) in these starts. The OVER is 5-5. (-0.2 units)

NICK TROPEANO vs. LA DODGERS since 1997
No recent starts.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Free Silver Key Pick for Monday NCAA Football

VIRGINIA TECH +14.5 over Ohio State (8 et)

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Monday, September 7

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

OHIO ST (14 - 1) at VIRGINIA TECH (7 - 6) - 9/7/2015, 8:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
OHIO ST is 165-119 ATS (+34.1 Units) in all games since 1992.
OHIO ST is 165-119 ATS (+34.1 Units) in all lined games since 1992.
OHIO ST is 135-100 ATS (+25.0 Units) as a favorite since 1992.
OHIO ST is 48-30 ATS (+15.0 Units) as a road favorite since 1992.
OHIO ST is 65-42 ATS (+18.8 Units) in road games since 1992.
OHIO ST is 65-42 ATS (+18.8 Units) in road lined games since 1992.
OHIO ST is 116-82 ATS (+25.8 Units) in games played on a grass field since 1992.
OHIO ST is 49-30 ATS (+16.0 Units) in September games since 1992.

Head-to-Head Series History
VIRGINIA TECH is 1-0 against the spread versus OHIO ST over the last 3 seasons
VIRGINIA TECH is 1-0 straight up against OHIO ST over the last 3 seasons
1 of 1 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Monday, September 7

8:00 PM
OHIO STATE vs. VIRGINIA TECH
The total has gone OVER in 12 of Ohio State's last 14 games
Ohio State is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games
Virginia Tech is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games at home
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Virginia Tech's last 8 games

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Monday, September 7

Ohio State @ Virginia Tech

Game 209-210
September 7, 2015 @ 8:00 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Ohio State
127.279
Virginia Tech
95.581
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Ohio State
by 31 1/2
59
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Ohio State
by 11
53 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Ohio State
(-11); Over

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Ohio State at Virginia Tech, 8:00 EST
Ohio State: 12-3 OVER in all lined games
Virginia Tech: 10-2 ATS as a home underdog