Saturday 8/8/15 service plays chatter/comps/requests & other stuff...

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WNBA

Saturday, August 8

Trend Report

8:00 PM
SEATTLE vs. SAN ANTONIO
Seattle is 3-14 SU in its last 17 games
Seattle is 2-5 ATS in its last 7 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 7 of San Antonio's last 8 games when playing at home against Seattle
San Antonio is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games when playing at home against Seattle

 

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Preview: Blue Jays at Yankees

GAME: Toronto Blue Jays (59-52) at New York Yankees (61-47)
DATE/TIME: Saturday, August 08 - 1:05 PM EST
WHERE: Yankee Stadium, Bronx, New York
LINE: -144, 133 TOTAL: 8

It took one extra inning, but the Toronto Blue Jays managed to strike first in a key battle for American League East supremacy. The Blue Jays will try to clinch a series win when they visit the first-place New York Yankees in the second contest of the three-game series on Saturday.

Toronto and the Yankees rank first and second in the majors, respectively, in runs scored but totaled only three in 10 innings during Friday’s series opener. All three came on solo home runs, with Blue Jays slugger Jose Bautista clubbing the clinching blast in the 10th to pull his team within 3 1/2 games of New York in the East. The win marked the sixth straight and ninth in 10 games for Toronto, which will break out the newest tool in its box when David Price makes his second start for the team on Saturday. The Yankees have been held to two or fewer runs in three straight contests – dropping two – and will try to provide more support for Ivan Nova.

TV: 1:05 p.m. ET, MLBN, RSN, TVA (Toronto), YES (New York)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Blue Jays LH David Price (10-4, 2.45 ERA) vs. Yankees RH Ivan Nova (4-3, 3.10)

Price dominated in his first start after being acquired from Detroit, holding Minnesota to one run on three hits while striking out 11 over eight innings to earn the win. The former No. 1 overall pick has surrendered two or fewer earned runs in 12 of his last 14 starts. Price’s worst outing of the season came against New York on April 22, when he was lit up for eight runs on 10 hits and three walks in 2 1/3 frames.

Nova is looking to extend his winning streak to four starts after holding the Chicago White Sox to one run and five hits over six innings on Sunday. The Dominican matched his season high with seven strikeouts in that outing and has yielded two or fewer runs in five of his seven 2015 turns. Nova is 4-2 with a 4.74 ERA in 10 career games – nine starts – against Toronto.

WALK-OFFS

1. The Yankees have homered in 13 consecutive games – the longest streak for the team since 2009.

2. Toronto 3B Josh Donaldson has recorded four home runs, seven RBIs and seven runs scored in his last five games.

3. New York 1B Mark Teixeira hit the 30-homer mark on Friday for the ninth time in his career and has reached base safely in 24 straight games.

PREDICTION: Blue Jays 4, Yankees 3

 

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Preview: Astros at Athletics

GAME: Houston Astros (61-50) at Oakland Athletics (49-62)
DATE/TIME: Saturday, August 08 - 4:05 PM EST
WHERE: O.co Coliseum, Oakland, California
LINE: -127, 117 TOTAL: 7.5

Houston probably would not be in first place without right-hander Collin McHugh, who tries for his fifth straight victory Saturday when the Astros visit the Oakland Athletics in the third contest of a four-game series. McHugh, whose 13 victories are tied for the American League lead with teammate Dallas Keuchel and Seattle's Felix Hernandez, is 24-14 in two seasons with Houston - 20-5 since Aug. 1, 2014 - after going 0-8 in two years with the New York Mets and Colorado.

“It’s hard to put into words, thinking about where I came from,” McHugh told reporters. “It’s a blessing to play on a good team like this with a good group of guys and an organization giving me the opportunity.” McHugh has the opportunity to be a stopper as the Astros fell to 1-4 on their nine-game road trip with a 3-1 loss to Oakland on Friday. Houston, which is 3-14 in its last 17 contests away from home, leads the Los Angeles Angels by 1 1/2 games in the AL West after having its five-game winning streak at O.co Coliseum snapped. The Athletics are 4-5 on their season-high 11-game homestand while scoring 26 runs and batting .195.

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

PITCHING MATCHUP: Astros RH Collin McHugh (13-5, 4.27 ERA) vs. Athletics RH Jesse Chavez (5-11, 3.88)

McHugh yielded one run and eight hits in seven innings of a 4-1 victory over Arizona on Aug. 1. The 28-year-old Illinois native posted a 3.24 ERA while allowing 33 hits and striking out 17 in 25 innings during his winning streak. McHugh is 2-0 with a 1.26 ERA in two starts against Oakland, including a 6-1 victory April 15 when he permitted one run and six hits while striking out a season-high 11 in 5 2/3 innings.

Chavez was roughed up for six runs and nine hits in 3 2/3 innings of a 9-2 loss to Baltimore on Monday and is 0-2 with a 10.03 ERA in his last three turns. The 31-year-old California native is 1-5 with a 6.23 ERA in his last seven starts since starting the season 4-6 with a 2.90 ERA. Chavez, who recorded 100 strikeouts and 33 walks in 118 1/3 innings this season, is 2-1 with a 3.16 ERA in 20 games (four starts) versus Houston

WALK-OFFS

1. Astros INF Luis Valbuena on Friday hit his team-best 21st home run while going 2-for-4 and is 11-for-27 in his last eight games to raise his average to .213.

2. The Athletics are an AL-worst 17-25 in day games while Chavez leads the AL with six day losses.

3. Houston OF Preston Tucker on Friday returned after missing two games because of a right arm contusion and went 0-for-3.

PREDICTION: Astros 3, Athletics 2

 

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Preview: Giants at Cubs

GAME: San Francisco Giants (59-50) at Chicago Cubs (60-48)
DATE/TIME: Saturday, August 08 - 4:05 PM EST
WHERE: Wrigley Field, Chicago, Illinois
LINE: 125, -135 N/A TOTAL: N/A

The Chicago Cubs look to continue their surge when they host the San Francisco Giants on Saturday in the third contest of their four-game series. Chicago made it eight wins in its last nine contests Friday with a 7-3 triumph that moved it 1 1/2 games ahead of San Francisco for the second wild card in the National League.

Jorge Soler highlighted a five-run fifth inning with a two-run double and Dexter Fowler homered as the Cubs improved to 5-1 this month. Nori Aoki went 2-for-2 with a solo homer after entering on a double switch for the Giants, who lost for the fourth time in six contests. San Francisco is 3-5 on its 10-game road trip after going 10-2 over its first 12 contests following the All-Star break. The Giants and Cubs conclude their season series with a three-game set in San Francisco from Aug. 25-27.

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

PITCHING MATCHUP: Giants RH Matt Cain (2-2, 4.91 ERA) vs. Cubs RH Kyle Hendricks (5-5, 3.67)

Cain has struggled since returning from a strained flexor tendon in his right arm that caused him to miss the first three months of the season, surrendering four or more runs in four of his six starts. One of those outings took place Monday in Atlanta, where the 30-year-old Alabama native escaped with a no-decision after yielding four runs and 10 hits in five innings. Cain has had plenty of success against Chicago in his career, going 6-2 with one complete game and a 2.38 ERA in 15 starts.

Hendricks halted his four-game winless drought last Saturday, when he allowed one run and four hits in seven innings at Milwaukee. The 25-year-old Californian had given up a total of nine runs in 11 frames over his previous two outings. Hendricks, who never has faced San Francisco, has served up only two home runs in his last seven starts.

WALK-OFFS

1. The Cubs activated C Miguel Montero (sprained left thumb) from the 15-day disabled list and optioned OF Matt Szczur to Triple-A Iowa.

2. San Francisco placed RHP Mike Leake on the 15-day DL with a strained left hamstring and recalled LHP Josh Osich from Triple-A Sacramento.

3. Chicago rookie Kyle Schwarber has been hot at the plate, going 8-for-19 with three homers and eight RBIs during his five-game hitting streak.

PREDICTION: Giants 6, Cubs 5

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Dodgers at Pirates

GAME: Los Angeles Dodgers (62-47) at Pittsburgh Pirates (63-44)
DATE/TIME: Saturday, August 08 - 4:05 PM EST
WHERE: PNC Park, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
LINE: 117, -127 TOTAL: 7

An expected pitching duel between aces Clayton Kershaw and Gerrit Cole never materialized, but the Pittsburgh Pirates continue to feast against National League West opponents. The Pirates look to fatten their 12-2 record against the NL West when they host the Los Angeles Dodgers on Saturday in the second of a three-game series.

Pittsburgh began the series opener by snapping Kershaw's 37-inning scoreless streak and capped the 5-4 victory on Pedro Alvarez's walk-off single in the 10th inning. Gregory Polanco, who halted Kershaw's string, has homered in back-to-back contests after going deep once in the previous 54 games. Dodgers shortstop Jimmy Rollins collected three hits and drove in a pair of runs Friday to boost his career batting average to .325 in 82 games against the Pirates. Los Angeles sends recently acquired Mat Latos to the mound to face Pittsburgh's Francisco Liriano, who has won all three career starts versus the Dodgers.

TV: 4:05 p.m. ET, FOX Sports 1, SportsNet Los Angeles, ROOT (Pittsburgh)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Dodgers RH Mat Latos (4-7, 4.29 ERA) vs. Pirates LH Francisco Liriano (7-6, 2.92)

Latos looks to build on an impressive debut with the Dodgers, when he allowed one run and four hits over six innings in a no-decision against the crosstown Angels. Acquired from Miami in a 13-player deal at the trade deadline, Latos has alternated wins and losses since opening the season by dropping his first three starts. He owns a strong track record versus the Pirates with a 5-1 mark and 3.13 ERA in 12 career starts.

Liriano was scratched from his first start after the All-Star break due to a stiff neck and had his last outing curtailed when rain postponed the game after two innings. In between, he won a pair of starts, striking out 11 in six innings of one-run ball versus Washington before overcoming 10 hits to give up two earned runs in 5 2/3 innings at Minnesota. He has not lost since June 20 but is 3-4 with a 3.65 ERA at home this season.

WALK-OFFS

1. Pirates SS Jung Ho Kang has multiple hits in 10 of his last 17 games.

2. Dodgers 2B Howie Kendrick is 7-for-15 with four RBIs in his last three contests.

3. Pirates CF Andrew McCutchen is 10-for-26 with three homers, eight RBIs and nine runs scored over the past eight games.

PREDICTION: Dodgers 4, Pirates 3

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Rangers at Mariners

GAME: Texas Rangers (54-54) at Seattle Mariners (51-59)
DATE/TIME: Saturday, August 08 - 4:10 PM EST
WHERE: Safeco Field, Seattle, Washington
LINE: 117, -127 TOTAL: 7.5

The Texas Rangers attempt to get back on track when they visit the Seattle Mariners for the middle contest of their three-game series Saturday afternoon. Texas took a step back in its quest for a postseason berth as it suffered a 4-3 defeat in Friday's opener.

The Rangers appeared on their way toward a fifth straight victory as they built a 3-1 lead before squandering it and fell 3 1/2 games behind Toronto for the second American League wild-card spot and 5 1/2 in back of first-place Houston in the AL West. Seattle used the long ball to overcome the deficit, as Mark Trumbo belted a solo homer in the fifth inning before Nelson Cruz and Robinson Cano went back-to-back a frame later. Cruz has homered in six of his last seven contests, raising his season total to 32 — one behind major-league leader Mike Trout — and has collected 11 blasts and 15 RBIs during his 17-game hitting streak. Friday's win was the fourth in five overall games for the Mariners and ended their three-game slide at home.

TV: 4:10 p.m. ET, FSN Southwest (Texas), ROOT (Seattle)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Rangers LH Martin Perez (1-2, 6.64 ERA) vs. Mariners LH Mike Montgomery (4-4, 3.07)

Perez is coming off his first win of the season, a triumph over San Francisco on Sunday in which he allowed one run and two hits over 8 1/3 innings. It was an impressive bounce-back effort for the 24-year-old Venezuelan, who was battered for eight runs and seven hits in one inning by the New York Yankees on July 28. Perez is 2-1 with a 2.60 ERA in six career games (four starts) against Seattle.

Montgomery's winless drought reached five starts last Saturday as he settled for a no-decision at Minnesota after allowing one run and four hits in six innings. The 26-year-old Californian has not won since July 5, when he gave up one run and six hits in 5 2/3 frames at Oakland. Montgomery, who never has faced Texas, posted his only career victory at home on June 23 against Kansas City.

WALK-OFFS

1. Texas re-acquired 1B Mike Napoli and cash from Boston for a player to be named or cash.

2. Seattle will induct Jamie Moyer, the franchise leader in victories, into the team's Hall of Fame prior to Saturday's contest.

3. The AL West rivals meet for a three-game set in Texas later this month before squaring off seven more times in September.

PREDICTION: Rangers 5, Mariners 4

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Mets at Rays

GAME: New York Mets (59-50) at Tampa Bay Rays (54-56)
DATE/TIME: Saturday, August 08 - 6:10 PM EST
WHERE: Tropicana Field, St. Petersburg, Florida
LINE: -118, 109 TOTAL: 6.5

The rapid development of rookie Noah Syndergaard is a prime reason why the New York Mets are being touted as having the best pitching staff in baseball. Syndergaard looks to win his third straight start and the visiting New York Mets go for their eighth consecutive victory Saturday in the second of a three-game series versus the Tampa Bay Rays.

Although he is coming off a pair of dominating victories, Syndergaard is seeking his first win away from home - he's 0-4 with a 4.34 ERA in seven road starts. Rookie outfielder Michael Conforto, a candidate to return to the minors when Michael Cuddyer comes off the disabled list, doubled home the tying run in the ninth before scoring on Wilmer Flores' single in New York's 4-3 victory. The Rays absorbed their second straight one-run defeat, wasting solo homers by Grady Sizemore, James Loney and Evan Longoria. Tampa Bay dropped to 27-31 at Tropicana Field this season after its fourth loss in a row against the Mets.

TV: 6:10 p.m. ET, WPIX (New York), Sun Sports (Tampa Bay)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Mets RH Noah Syndergaard (6-5, 2.66 ERA) vs. Rays RH Nathan Karns (6-5, 3.37)

In winning his last two starts, Syndergaard joined Dwight Gooden and Pedro Martinez as the only Met pitchers with consecutive outings of at least eight innings pitched with nine strikeouts and zero walks. He allowed a pair of solo homers to beat Washington last time out and blanked San Diego on three hits in his previous turn. Despite the winless mark away from home, he has permitted four runs combined in his last three road starts.

Karns gave up two runs on three hits over 5 1/3 innings in a no-decision at the Chicago White Sox - the eighth time in nine starts he has yielded two runs or fewer. He won his previous two turns. limiting Detroit to one run and third hits over six innings and blanking Philadelphia on three hits over five innings. The 27-year-old Karns, who has gone beyond six innings once in his last 14 starts is 3-4 with a 3.52 ERA at Tropicana Field.

WALK-OFFS

1. Syndergaard is the first pitcher in franchise history to not walk a batter in six of his first 15 starts.

2. Longoria extended his hitting streak to seven games.

3. Mets 3B Juan Uribe has homered in back-to-back games and has gone deep three times in the last seven contests.

PREDICTION: Mets 3, Rays 2

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Rockies at Nationals

GAME: Colorado Rockies (46-61) at Washington Nationals (56-52)
DATE/TIME: Saturday, August 08 - 7:05 PM EST
WHERE: Nationals Park, Washington, District of Columbia
LINE: 167, -182 N/A TOTAL: N/A

Stephen Strasburg is expected to make his first start in over a month as the reeling Washington Nationals look get back on track when they face the visiting Colorado Rockies on Saturday. The 27-year-old has been sidelined since July 4 with an oblique injury, but didn't miss a beat on Monday after striking out 11 in 5 2/3 innings of a rehab start with Triple-A Syracuse.

Washington can certainly use the jolt, as it has dropped six of its last eight and 16 of 26 to fall 2 1/2 games behind the first-place New York Mets in the National League East. Strasburg would be wise to keep an eye on the red-hot Carlos Gonzalez, who belted his third career grand slam in the eighth inning of Colorado's 5-4 triumph on Friday. Gonzalez has a staggering 10 homers and 24 RBIs in his last 15 contests, but is just 2-for-8 with five strikeouts in his career versus Strasburg. Washington's Bryce Harper scored twice and drove in a run in the series opener while extending his hitting streak to seven games.

TV: 7:05 p.m. ET, ROOT (Colorado), MASN (Washington)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Rockies RH Eddie Butler (3-8, 5.45 ERA) vs. Nationals RH Stephen Strasburg (5-5, 5.16)

Butler fell to 0-3 in his last four starts on Monday after getting ripped for seven runs on as many hits in four innings of an 8-7 setback to Seattle. The 24-year-old surrendered three homers against the Mariners - including back-to-back shots in the second inning - and has been taken deep five times in his last two starts after yielding just one blast in his previous three. Butler has yet to face Washington in his young career.

Strasburg's return to the starting rotation means that struggling veteran Doug Fister will be sent to the bullpen. The one-time ace Strasburg has seen the velocity dip on his fastball as he's dealt with multiple injuries this season - including tightness in his neck that sidelined him for four weeks. Strasburg has sputtered a bit when facing Colorado, posting a 2-3 mark despite striking out 36 in 32 innings.

WALK-OFFS

1. Colorado 1B Ben Paulsen is riding a season-high seven-game hitting streak and has hit safely in 11 of his last 12 contests.

2. Washington SS Ian Desmond is 3-for-7 with two RBIs in his last two games after going just 3-for-23 in his previous six contests.

3. Rockies 3B Nolan Arenado collected three hits and scored twice in the series opener, but is 0-for-5 with three strikeouts in his career versus Strasburg.

PREDICTION: Nationals 3, Rockies 1

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Red Sox at Tigers

GAME: Boston Red Sox (49-61) at Detroit Tigers (53-56)
DATE/TIME: Saturday, August 08 - 7:08 PM EST
WHERE: Comerica Park, Detroit, Michigan
LINE: 103, -111 TOTAL: 8.5

The Boston Red Sox can clinch their third series win since the All-Star break when they visit the Detroit Tigers in the second of a three-game series on Saturday. One of the Red Sox’s two series wins since the break came over the Tigers at home last month, and Boston got right back to it with a 7-2 victory in Friday’s opener.

The Red Sox totaled seven runs in a three-game series at the New York Yankees to begin their eight-game road trip but hit that number through six innings in Friday’s opener with Detroit. Shortstop Xander Bogaerts, who went hitless against the Yankees, piled up three hits and a pair of RBIs while David Ortiz clubbed his 22nd homer to highlight the offense. The Tigers (53-56) began their homestand by taking two of three from the AL-leading Kansas City Royals but ensured they would not be able to reach .500 before heading out on an eight-game road trip on Monday. The Red Sox will send lefty Wade Miley to the mound on Saturday while Detroit tries to even it at one win apiece behind Alfredo Simon.

TV: 7:08 p.m. ET, NESN (Boston), FSN Detroit

PITCHING MATCHUP: Red Sox LH Wade Miley (8-9, 4.55 ERA) vs. Tigers RH Alfredo Simon (10-6, 4.55)

Miley is trying to snap a six-start winless streak and needs a little help from his offense. The Louisiana native surrendered three or fewer runs four times in that stretch, including a start against Tampa Bay on Sunday in which he allowed two runs in 6 2/3 innings but did not factor in the decision. Miley is making his first career start against Detroit and is 4-5 with a 4.06 ERA in 12 road starts.

Simon is dealing with a groin injury but is tentatively scheduled to make the start after being pushed back a few days. The Dominican Republic native earned a win at Baltimore on July 30 while dealing with the injury and yielded four runs on two hits – both homers – and three walks in 5 2/3 innings. Simon was at his best at Boston on July 25, when he scattered one run and five hits over six innings to pick up the win.

WALK-OFFS

1. The Red Sox traded 1B Mike Napoli to the Texas Rangers for a player to be named later or cash considerations on Friday.

2. Detroit SS Jose Iglesias and C James McCann had to be separated by teammates during a dugout altercation on Friday.

3. Boston CF Mookie Betts (concussion) was cleared to resume baseball activities after visiting with a concussion specialist.

PREDICTION: Red Sox 6, Tigers 4

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: White Sox at Royals

GAME: Chicago White Sox (51-56) at Kansas City Royals (64-44)
DATE/TIME: Saturday, August 08 - 7:10 PM EST
WHERE: Kauffman Stadium, Kansas City, Missouri
LINE: 105, -114 TOTAL: 8

The Kansas City Royals kicked off their 10-game homestand with a win on Friday, and dominance in their own stadium is a big reason the team sits atop the American League. The Royals will try to clinch their fifth straight series win at home when they host the Chicago White Sox in the middle contest of their three-game series on Saturday.

Kansas City dropped six of eight on the road before returning home and posting a 3-2 win over the White Sox on Friday. That triumph pushed the Royals to 35-18 at home and kept their lead in the AL Central at a comfortable 9 1/2 games. The White Sox are trending down with losses in six of their last eight but can be encouraged by the pitching staff, which kept the team in the opener after allowing an average of eight runs over the previous seven contests. Jeff Samardzija will try to make that a trend when he takes the mound for Chicago, while Jeremy Guthrie tries to dig himself out of a rut for Kansas City.

TV: 7:10 p.m. ET, CSN Chicago, FSN Kansas City

PITCHING MATCHUP: White Sox RH Jeff Samardzija (8-6, 4.35 ERA) vs. Royals RH Jeremy Guthrie (7-7, 5.65)

Chicago held on to Samardzija through the July 31 trade deadline and he responded with one of his worst starts of the season, serving up nine runs on eight hits and a pair of walks in 4 2/3 innings to lose to the New York Yankees on Sunday. The Notre Dame product has not notched more than three strikeouts in a start since prior to the All-Star break. Samardzija has lost twice to Kansas City this season, most recently allowing four runs in seven innings on July 17.

Guthrie managed to hang on to his spot in the rotation after the acquisition of Johnny Cueto but was reached for eight runs (seven earned) and 10 hits in 5 1/3 innings at Cleveland to suffer a loss in his last outing. The Stanford product has yielded a total of 30 hits in 17 1/3 frames over his last three starts, going 0-2 in that span. Guthrie surrendered three runs and nine hits in five innings at Chicago on July 18 but did not factor in the decision.

WALK-OFFS

1. White Sox CF Adam Eaton (shoulder) left Friday’s game and is day-to-day.

2. Kansas City RF Lorenzo Cain doubled and tripled on Friday after failing to record an extra-base hit in his previous four contests.

3. Chicago DH Adam LaRoche homered in the opener for the first time since June 24.

PREDICTION: White Sox 8, Royals 7

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Twins at Indians

GAME: Minnesota Twins (55-54) at Cleveland Indians (49-59)
DATE/TIME: Saturday, August 08 - 7:10 PM EST
WHERE: Progressive Field, Cleveland, Ohio
LINE: 132, -143 TOTAL: 7.5

The Minnesota Twins slugged their way to victory in the series opener to temporarily stop the bleeding, but their pitching hasn't looked too healthy after hemorrhaging nine runs in each of the last three games. The tumbling Twins look to regain their footing when Ervin Santana takes the mound in the second contest of a three-game series against the host Cleveland Indians on Saturday.

Torii Hunter provided the final salvo in the slugfest, belting a solo homer in the ninth inning to cap his three-hit performance in Minnesota's 10-9 victory on Friday. The veteran had been mired in a 1-for-17 performance in his previous six games, but is 6-for-12 with two homers against Saturday starter Trevor Bauer. While the Twins snapped a five-game skid with just their fifth win in 19 outings, Cleveland has dropped 11 of its last 15 to remain firmly entrenched in the cellar of the AL Central. Veteran corner infielder Chris Johnson could make his debut with the Indians after being acquired from Atlanta for Nick Swisher, Michael Bourn and cash considerations on Friday.

TV: 7:10 p.m. ET, FSN North (Minnesota), STO (Cleveland)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Twins RH Ervin Santana (2-2, 3.89 ERA) vs. Indians RH Trevor Bauer (8-8, 3.98)

After getting blitzed against Pittsburgh on July 29, Santana suffered his second straight setback on Monday despite allowing three runs on six hits in a 5-1 loss to Toronto. The 32-year-old Dominican has permitted two homers in each contest and eight in his six starts this season since returning from an 80-game suspension for performing-enhancement drugs. Santana has limped to a 3-9 career mark against Cleveland despite limiting the club to a .236 batting average.

Bauer saw his winless stretch extend to four outings on Sunday despite yielding just one run on four hits in 6 2/3 innings of a no-decision versus Oakland. The 24-year-old didn't do himself any favors by issuing four walks, a concern this season as he has allowed 52 free passes in 131 innings. Bauer hasn't fared well in five career meetings with Minnesota, falling to 0-3 with a gaudy 6.07 ERA after permitting five runs in as many frames of a 9-3 loss on May 8.

WALK-OFFS

1. Minnesota LF Eddie Rosario has eight triples this season, one shy of the team's rookie record set by Tony Oliva (1964).

2. Cleveland rookie 3B Giovanny Urshela is 6-for-13 with three runs scored in his last three games after going 0-for-154 in his previous four contests.

3. Twins 3B Trevor Plouffe has recorded two RBIs in each of his last three games after mustering a total of one in his previous seven contests.

PREDICTION: Twins 3, Indians 2

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Cardinals at Brewers

GAME: St. Louis Cardinals (70-39) at Milwaukee Brewers (47-64)
DATE/TIME: Saturday, August 08 - 7:10 PM EST
WHERE: Miller Park, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
LINE: -135, 125 TOTAL: 7.5

The Milwaukee Brewers need to find a way to solve the pitching staff of the visiting St. Louis Cardinals when the National League Central rivals resume their three-game set on Saturday. The Cardinals posted their major league-best 70th victory with a 6-0 win in the series opener - their fourth shutout triumph over Milwaukee in the last eight meetings.

St. Louis sents Jaime Garcia to the mound Saturday in pursuit of its third straight shutout and 13th overall this season. Rookie Randal Grichuk belted a three-run homer Friday, giving him three blasts and seven RBIs in his last five games. The Brewers had scored 22 runs during a three-game winning streak before Friday's loss dropped them to an NL-worst 23-35 at home. Milwaukee's Shane Peterson collected three of his team's six hits to extend his hitting streak to six games.

TV: 7:10 p.m. ET, FS1

PITCHING MATCHUP: Cardinals LH Jaime Garcia (3-4, 1.98 ERA) vs. Brewers RH Wily Peralta (2-6, 4.55)

Garcia permitted only one run and two hits in five-plus innings versus Colorado last time out, but he also walked four batters and wound up with a no-decision. The 29-year-old Mexican made one mistake in his previous outing and it cost him, serving up a three-run homer in a 4-0 setback to Cincinnati. Garcia is 1-2 in four road starts despite allowing a total of seven runs and owns a 6-4 record and 3.09 ERA in his career against Milwaukee.

Peralta turned in a strong effort in his first start since missing more than two months with a strained oblique, beating San Francisco with six innings of two-run ball. He followed that up with a dud last time out, lasting 3 1/3 frames and getting whacked around for six runs and eight hits in a 13-5 loss to San Diego. He is 4-6 lifetime against the Cardinals and has struggled against Matt Carpenter (12-for-27) and Yadier Molina (8-for-22).

WALK-OFFS

1. Carpenter is 13-for-32 with five homers, nine RBIs and 10 runs scored since moving into the leadoff slot.

2. Brewers RF Ryan Braun has hit safely in six straight games.

3. Grichuk has swatted half his 14 homers over the last 17 contests.

PREDICTION: Cardinals 5, Brewers 2

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Marlins at Braves

GAME: Miami Marlins (43-67) at Atlanta Braves (50-60)
DATE/TIME: Saturday, August 08 - 7:10 PM EST
WHERE: Turner Field, Atlanta, Georgia
LINE: -119, 110 TOTAL: 7.5

Returning home has helped the Atlanta Braves find their offense, and they hope a couple of newcomers will contribute to the scoring trend when the Miami Marlins visit on Saturday. Atlanta, which scored 21 runs during a 2-8 road trip, has totaled 28 in the first five games of its current homestand and looks for a boost from veterans Nick Swisher and Michael Bourn, who were acquired in a trade Friday with Cleveland.

Bourn, who hit .275 in 208 games with Atlanta from 2011-12, and Swisher are expected to be activated in time for Saturday’s contest. The Marlins fell apart in Friday’s 6-3 loss as shortstop Adeiny Hechavarria, who had not made an error in 43 consecutive games, recorded two in the pivotal seventh inning. Miami has lost five in a row and 12 of its past 14, falling to a season-worst 24 games under .500. Friday’s victory gives the Braves a 9-2 advantage in the season series.

TV: 7:10 p.m. ET, FSN Florida (Miami), FSN South (Atlanta)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Marlins RH Tom Koehler (8-8, 3.71 ERA) vs. Braves RH Mike Foltynewicz (3-3, 5.40)

Koehler has struggled in losing his past two starts, giving up seven runs (six earned) in 4 1/3 innings of a 12-1 loss Monday to the New York Mets after allowing five runs in six innings July 29 against Washington. The 29-year-old has lost four of his past five outings. following a three-start winning streak, and owns a 5.01 ERA in four starts since the All-Star break. Koehler, who is 1-1 in three games against Atlanta this season, is 1-3 lifetime against the Braves in 12 career appearances (eight starts) with a 2.98 ERA.

Foltynewicz was hit hard in his second start since rejoining the rotation, giving up six runs on nine hits – including four homers – against San Francisco on Monday, in a game Atlanta rallied to win in extra innings. The 23-year-old held Baltimore to two runs on six hits in six innings of a 2-0 loss July 29, but surrendered two homers in that contest. Foltynewicz is 3-1 in six home starts with a 5.97 ERA, and makes his first career appearance against the Marlins.

WALK-OFFS

1. The Braves sent 3B Chris Johnson to the Indians for Bourn and Swisher, who is expected to come off the disabled list (knee) Saturday.

2. Miami is 6-for-26 with runners in scoring position and has stranded 15 runners on base through the first two games of the series.

3. Atlanta RF Nick Markakis collected three hits Friday to extend his hitting streak to 14 games and C A.J. Pierzynski went 1-for-4 to push his streak to 12 contests.

PREDICTION: Braves 5, Marlins 2

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Reds at Diamondbacks

GAME: Cincinnati Reds (48-59) at Arizona Diamondbacks (53-55)
DATE/TIME: Saturday, August 08 - 8:10 PM EST
WHERE: Chase Field, Phoenix, Arizona
LINE: 126, -136 TOTAL: 8.5

The Arizona Diamondbacks are aiming to make it back to the .500 mark and can move one step closer when they host the Cincinnati Reds in Saturday's second contest of the three-game set. Arizona posted a 2-0 victory in the series opener and sits two games under the break-even mark.

The Diamondbacks were last at .500 on July 8 when they were 42-42 and dipped to seven games below before going 10-5 over their last 15 games. Arizona first baseman Paul Goldschmidt, who leads the National League with a .336 batting average, is in a 3-for-23 funk over the last six games with all three hits coming in one contest. Cincinnati is fading and has lost five of its last seven games. The Reds have been blanked in three of their last five games and have scored six runs during that span.

TV: 8:10 p.m. ET, FSN Ohio (Cincinnati), FSN Arizona

PITCHING MATCHUP: Reds RH Keyvius Sampson (0-1, 4.50 ERA) vs. Diamondbacks LH Robbie Ray (3-6, 3.01)

Sampson is making his third major-league appearance and second big-league start. He lost to Pittsburgh in Sunday's start when he gave up three runs, three hits and struck out six in five innings. The 24-year-old Sampson is receiving an opportunity due to the recent trades of Johnny Cueto and Mike Leake.

Ray has lost five of his last six decisions and has pitched six or fewer innings in six of his past eight starts. He lost to Houston in his last outing when he gave up four runs and seven hits in five innings. Ray is 0-3 with a 4.44 ERA in five home starts.

WALK-OFFS

1. Reds 1B Joey Votto has drawn 13 walks over the past six games while going 3-for-14.

2. Arizona C Welington Castillo homered in the opener for his seventh blast in the last 10 games and is 13-for-33 during the stretch.

3. Cincinnati RF Jay Bruce is 0-for-13 with six strikeouts over the last three games.

PREDICTION: Diamondbacks 6, Reds 4

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Phillies at Padres

GAME: Philadelphia Phillies (43-67) at San Diego Padres (52-58)
DATE/TIME: Saturday, August 08 - 8:40 PM EST
WHERE: Petco Park, San Diego, California
LINE: 179, -195 TOTAL: 7

The Philadelphia Phillies put on a power show to win the series opener and look to knock off the host San Diego Padres again Saturday. Philadelphia blasted four solo homers, including Cameron Rupp's decisive blast in the 12th inning, to post a 4-3 victory in Friday's opener of the three-game set for their 14th win in 19 games since the All-Star break.

Domonic Brown, Ryan Howard and Cody Asche also hit solo shots on a night in which veteran second baseman Chase Utley returned to the Phillies' lineup and went 1-for-5. The 36-year-old Utley, who batted in the leadoff spot, had been sidelined since June 23 due to an ankle injury and is batting just .179. San Diego is quickly falling out of the National League wild-card race with fourth straight losses and five in six games. The Padres are nine games behind the Chicago Cubs for the second wild card.

TV: 8:40 p.m. ET, CSN Philadelphia, FSN San Diego

PITCHING MATCHUP: Phillies LH Adam Morgan (2-3, 4.46 ERA) vs. Padres RH Tyson Ross (8-8, 3.37)

Morgan lost to Atlanta in his last outing when he gave up four runs and seven hits in five innings. He has struck out just 10 over his past five starts after combining for 11 in his first two major-league outings. Morgan is 1-2 with a 4.76 ERA on the road and has allowed five homers in 17 innings.

Ross has won back-to-back starts and five of his last six decisions. He has served up just one homer over his last 18 starts and four overall. Ross is 0-1 with a 5.40 ERA in four career appearances (two starts) against the Phillies.

WALK-OFFS

1. Padres 2B Jedd Gyorko, who struck out with two runners on to end Friday's game, is 1-for-13 over the past three contests.

2. Philadelphia 3B Maikel Franco was hitless in four at-bats in the opener to snap an eight-game hitting streak.

3. San Diego RF Matt Kemp is 6-for-30 over his past eight games and hasn't homered since July 24.

PREDICTION: Padres 3, Phillies 1

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Orioles at Angels

GAME: Baltimore Orioles (55-53) at Los Angeles Angels (58-50)
DATE/TIME: Saturday, August 08 - 9:05 PM EST
WHERE: Angel Stadium of Anaheim, Anaheim, California
LINE: 135, -146 TOTAL: 7

Mike Trout broke out of a mini-slump in the series opener and aims for another productive contest when the Los Angeles Angels host the Baltimore Orioles in Saturday's second contest of a three-game set. Trout on Friday slugged his American League-best 33rd homer and reached base four times on two hits and two walks during an 8-4 victory on his 24th birthday after going 1-for-20 over his previous five games.

The victory was just the fourth in 14 games for the Angels, who pulled within 1 1/2 games of the first-place Houston Astros in the AL West. Light-hitting catcher Chris Iannetta is 3-for-28 over his last nine games but delivered the go-ahead two-run double in the sixth inning of Friday's win. Baltimore stands 2 1/2 games behind the Toronto Blue Jays in the battle for the AL's second wild card. Orioles starter Ubaldo Jimenez has lost all five of his career starts against the Angels, including a defeat on May 16 when he gave up two runs and eight hits in seven innings.

TV: 9:05 p.m. ET, MASN2 (Baltimore), FSN West (Los Angeles)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Orioles RH Ubaldo Jimenez (8-7, 4.04 ERA) vs. Angels RH Garrett Richards (11-8, 3.46)

Jimenez has lost three of his last four starts and has advanced past the fifth inning in only one of the outings. He has a 10.61 ERA during the dismal stretch and has served up six homers. Jimenez has a 5.34 career ERA against Los Angeles and has experienced mixed results facing first baseman Albert Pujols (6-for-22 with a homer, eight RBIs and five walks).

Richards halted a two-start losing streak in his last turn when he struck out a season-high 11 and gave up four runs and four hits in 7 1/3 innings while beating Cleveland. He has pitched well at home by going 7-2 with a 2.36 ERA and a .174 batting average against in 10 starts. Richards is 0-3 with a 5.70 ERA in seven career appearances (three starts) against the Orioles, including a loss on May 17 when he allowed two runs and five hits in 7 2/3 innings.

WALK-OFFS

1. Orioles C Matt Wieters homered in the opener and is 12-for-33 over his last nine games.

2. Los Angeles OF David DeJesus was 1-for-5 on Friday and is 2-for-23 since being acquired from the Tampa Bay Rays.

3. Baltimore recalled recently acquired OF/DH Junior Lake from Triple-A Norfolk - he went 1-for-4 in his Orioles' debut - and designated OF Travis Snider for assignment.

PREDICTION: Angels 7, Orioles 2

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

WNBA
Long Sheet

Saturday, August 8

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SEATTLE (5 - 16) at SAN ANTONIO (6 - 16) - 8/8/2015, 8:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
SEATTLE is 97-67 ATS (+23.3 Units) versus poor defensive teams - allowing 77+ points/game since 1997.

Head-to-Head Series History
SEATTLE is 6-4 against the spread versus SAN ANTONIO over the last 3 seasons
SEATTLE is 6-4 straight up against SAN ANTONIO over the last 3 seasons
6 of 10 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

MLB
Long Sheet

Saturday, August 8

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LA DODGERS (62 - 47) at PITTSBURGH (63 - 44) - 4:05 PM
MAT LATOS (R) vs. FRANCISCO LIRIANO (L)
Top Trends for this game.
LA DODGERS are 62-47 (-8.7 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
LA DODGERS are 30-27 (-12.9 Units) against the money line when the total is 7 or less this season.
LA DODGERS are 25-29 (-15.2 Units) against the money line in road games this season.
LA DODGERS are 10-14 (-10.0 Units) against the money line on the road when the total is 7 or less this season.
LA DODGERS are 62-47 (-8.7 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
PITTSBURGH is 63-44 (+10.8 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
PITTSBURGH is 37-18 (+12.7 Units) against the money line in home games this season.
PITTSBURGH is 142-96 (+45.4 Units) against the money line in home games when playing on Saturday since 1997.
PITTSBURGH is 13-1 (+11.5 Units) against the money line in home games in day games this season.
PITTSBURGH is 63-44 (+10.8 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
PITTSBURGH is 52-35 (+11.3 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.
PITTSBURGH is 39-23 (+11.9 Units) against the money line after a win this season.
PITTSBURGH is 374-374 (+54.6 Units) against the money line in home games when playing against a team with a winning record since 1997.
LA DODGERS are 75-39 (+22.9 Units) against the money line after a loss over the last 2 seasons.
LIRIANO is 0-6 (-8.7 Units) against the money line in August games over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)

Head-to-Head Series History
PITTSBURGH is 1-0 (+1.3 Units) against LA DODGERS this season
1 of 1 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+1.1 Units)

MAT LATOS vs. PITTSBURGH since 1997
LATOS is 5-1 when starting against PITTSBURGH with an ERA of 3.13 and a WHIP of 1.181.
His team's record is 9-3 (+4.5 units) in these starts. The OVER is 8-4. (+3.7 units)

FRANCISCO LIRIANO vs. LA DODGERS since 1997
LIRIANO is 3-0 when starting against LA DODGERS with an ERA of 1.37 and a WHIP of 0.915.
His team's record is 3-0 (+3.0 units) in these starts. The OVER is 1-2. (-1.2 units)

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SAN FRANCISCO (59 - 50) at CHICAGO CUBS (60 - 48) - 4:05 PM
MATT CAIN (R) vs. KYLE HENDRICKS (R)
Top Trends for this game.
CAIN is 19-32 (-21.1 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
CAIN is 4-13 (-12.4 Units) against the money line in day games over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
CAIN is 19-32 (-21.1 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
CHICAGO CUBS are 133-135 (+0.9 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
CHICAGO CUBS are 30-21 (+8.2 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record this season.
HENDRICKS is 22-12 (+10.3 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
HENDRICKS is 7-0 (+8.0 Units) against the money line in August games over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
HENDRICKS is 22-11 (+11.3 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
SAN FRANCISCO is 159-129 (+20.2 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
SAN FRANCISCO is 78-68 (+16.7 Units) against the money line in road games over the last 2 seasons.
SAN FRANCISCO is 62-42 (+17.1 Units) against the money line in day games over the last 2 seasons.
SAN FRANCISCO is 159-129 (+20.2 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
SAN FRANCISCO is 112-89 (+12.1 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters over the last 2 seasons.
SAN FRANCISCO is 379-378 (+43.0 Units) against the money line in road games after a loss since 1997.
SAN FRANCISCO is 735-724 (+47.2 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record since 1997.
CHICAGO CUBS are 1447-1601 (-277.9 Units) against the money line in all games since 1997.
CHICAGO CUBS are 773-750 (-169.8 Units) against the money line in home games since 1997.
CHICAGO CUBS are 225-296 (-78.5 Units) against the money line in August games since 1997.
CHICAGO CUBS are 50-72 (-29.4 Units) against the money line in home games in day games over the last 3 seasons.
CHICAGO CUBS are 1062-1192 (-214.3 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters since 1997.
CHICAGO CUBS are 45-62 (-23.2 Units) against the money line in home games after a win over the last 3 seasons.
CHICAGO CUBS are 158-204 (-61.2 Units) against the money line in home games when playing against a team with a winning record in the second half of the season since 1997.

Head-to-Head Series History
CHICAGO CUBS is 2-0 (+2.0 Units) against SAN FRANCISCO this season
2 of 2 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+2.0 Units)

MATT CAIN vs. CHICAGO CUBS since 1997
CAIN is 6-2 when starting against CHICAGO CUBS with an ERA of 2.38 and a WHIP of 0.980.
His team's record is 9-6 (+1.9 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 11-4. (+6.7 units)

KYLE HENDRICKS vs. SAN FRANCISCO since 1997
No recent starts.

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COLORADO (46 - 61) at WASHINGTON (56 - 52) - 7:05 PM
EDDIE BUTLER (R) vs. STEPHEN STRASBURG (R)
Top Trends for this game.
COLORADO is 112-157 (-37.8 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
COLORADO is 5-23 (-15.0 Units) against the money line as a road underdog of +150 to +175 over the last 2 seasons.
COLORADO is 42-92 (-37.7 Units) against the money line in road games over the last 2 seasons.
COLORADO is 112-157 (-37.8 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
COLORADO is 25-43 (-14.6 Units) against the money line in night games this season.
COLORADO is 41-42 (+4.1 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.
WASHINGTON is 56-52 (-6.2 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
WASHINGTON is 55-51 (-6.3 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
WASHINGTON is 32-36 (-10.7 Units) against the money line in night games this season.
WASHINGTON is 42-42 (-7.3 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.
WASHINGTON is 23-24 (-9.6 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record this season.
STRASBURG is 39-39 (-18.0 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 3 seasons. (Team's Record)
STRASBURG is 39-39 (-18.0 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 3 seasons. (Team's Record)
STRASBURG is 21-25 (-15.7 Units) against the money line in night games over the last 3 seasons. (Team's Record)

Head-to-Head Series History
COLORADO is 1-0 (+1.7 Units) against WASHINGTON this season
1 of 1 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+1.0 Units)

EDDIE BUTLER vs. WASHINGTON since 1997
No recent starts.

STEPHEN STRASBURG vs. COLORADO since 1997
STRASBURG is 2-3 when starting against COLORADO with an ERA of 3.09 and a WHIP of 1.219.
His team's record is 2-3 (-3.5 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 3-0. (+3.0 units)

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ST LOUIS (70 - 39) at MILWAUKEE (47 - 64) - 7:10 PM
JAIME GARCIA (L) vs. WILY PERALTA (R)
Top Trends for this game.
ST LOUIS is 4-13 (-10.6 Units) against the money line in road games after 3 or more consecutive wins over the last 2 seasons.
GARCIA is 25-34 (-23.9 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record since 1997. (Team's Record)
ST LOUIS is 70-39 (+23.4 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
ST LOUIS is 29-16 (+10.0 Units) against the money line against division opponents this season.
ST LOUIS is 70-39 (+23.4 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
ST LOUIS is 48-28 (+15.0 Units) against the money line in night games this season.
ST LOUIS is 55-25 (+25.6 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.
ST LOUIS is 45-25 (+14.0 Units) against the money line after a win this season.
MILWAUKEE is 47-64 (-16.6 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
MILWAUKEE is 23-35 (-15.9 Units) against the money line in home games this season.
MILWAUKEE is 47-64 (-16.6 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
MILWAUKEE is 25-38 (-13.3 Units) against the money line after a loss this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
ST LOUIS is 7-3 (+2.8 Units) against MILWAUKEE this season
6 of 10 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+1.3 Units)

JAIME GARCIA vs. MILWAUKEE since 1997
GARCIA is 6-5 when starting against MILWAUKEE with an ERA of 3.23 and a WHIP of 1.228.
His team's record is 8-7 (-1.4 units) in these starts. The OVER is 7-8. (-1.4 units)

WILY PERALTA vs. ST LOUIS since 1997
PERALTA is 4-6 when starting against ST LOUIS with an ERA of 4.43 and a WHIP of 1.462.
His team's record is 5-6 (+0.2 units) in these starts. The OVER is 6-5. (+1.1 units)

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MIAMI (43 - 67) at ATLANTA (50 - 60) - 7:10 PM
TOM KOEHLER (R) vs. MIKE FOLTYNEWICZ (R)
Top Trends for this game.
MIAMI is 43-67 (-23.8 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
MIAMI is 17-37 (-18.1 Units) against the money line in road games this season.
MIAMI is 15-27 (-15.1 Units) against the money line against division opponents this season.
MIAMI is 43-64 (-20.8 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
MIAMI is 27-46 (-19.9 Units) against the money line in night games this season.
MIAMI is 33-53 (-20.5 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.
MIAMI is 22-44 (-20.8 Units) against the money line after a loss this season.
MIAMI is 24-37 (-15.7 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record this season.
ATLANTA is 29-22 (+10.1 Units) against the money line in home games this season.
ATLANTA is 29-22 (+10.1 Units) against the money line in home games in games played on a grass field this season.
ATLANTA is 26-16 (+13.1 Units) against the money line in home games in night games this season.
ATLANTA is 25-18 (+9.9 Units) against the money line in home games against right-handed starters this season.
ATLANTA is 64-78 (-25.7 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 2 seasons.
ATLANTA is 30-38 (-15.6 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.

Head-to-Head Series History
ATLANTA is 9-2 (+8.7 Units) against MIAMI this season
7 of 11 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+2.9 Units)

TOM KOEHLER vs. ATLANTA since 1997
KOEHLER is 1-3 when starting against ATLANTA with an ERA of 3.42 and a WHIP of 1.373.
His team's record is 2-6 (-3.6 units) in these starts. The OVER is 2-5. (-3.2 units)

MIKE FOLTYNEWICZ vs. MIAMI since 1997
No recent starts.

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CINCINNATI (48 - 59) at ARIZONA (53 - 55) - 8:10 PM
KEYVIUS SAMPSON (R) vs. ROBBIE RAY (L)
Top Trends for this game.
CINCINNATI is 48-59 (-11.0 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
CINCINNATI is 10-28 (-14.8 Units) against the money line as a road underdog of +125 to +150 over the last 2 seasons.
CINCINNATI is 53-82 (-23.5 Units) against the money line in road games over the last 2 seasons.
CINCINNATI is 48-59 (-11.0 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
CINCINNATI is 22-30 (-11.6 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record this season.
CINCINNATI is 16-28 (-16.4 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 29-16 (+14.6 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record this season.
ARIZONA is 117-153 (-29.1 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
ARIZONA is 771-681 (-88.4 Units) against the money line in home games since 1997.
ARIZONA is 117-153 (-29.1 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
ARIZONA is 46-69 (-21.8 Units) against the money line after a win over the last 2 seasons.
RAY is 1-8 (-7.9 Units) against the money line in home games over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
RAY is 1-8 (-7.9 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
ARIZONA is 1-0 (+1.0 Units) against CINCINNATI this season
1 of 1 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+1.0 Units)

KEYVIUS SAMPSON vs. ARIZONA since 1997
No recent starts.

ROBBIE RAY vs. CINCINNATI since 1997
No recent starts.

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PHILADELPHIA (43 - 67) at SAN DIEGO (52 - 58) - 8:40 PM
ADAM MORGAN (L) vs. TYSON ROSS (R)
Top Trends for this game.
PHILADELPHIA is 84-110 (-34.4 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 3 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
PHILADELPHIA is 1-0 (+1.4 Units) against SAN DIEGO this season
1 of 1 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+1.0 Units)

ADAM MORGAN vs. SAN DIEGO since 1997
No recent starts.

TYSON ROSS vs. PHILADELPHIA since 1997
ROSS is 0-1 when starting against PHILADELPHIA with an ERA of 7.04 and a WHIP of 1.565.
His team's record is 0-2 (-2.2 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 1-1. (-0.2 units)

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TORONTO (59 - 52) at NY YANKEES (61 - 47) - 1:05 PM
DAVID PRICE (L) vs. IVAN NOVA (R)
Top Trends for this game.
TORONTO is 80-84 (-33.7 Units) against the money line as a road favorite of -125 to -150 since 1997.
NY YANKEES are 61-47 (+3.6 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
NY YANKEES are 33-20 (+8.0 Units) against the money line when the total is 8 to 8.5 this season.
NY YANKEES are 56-42 (+4.0 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
NY YANKEES are 77-57 (+22.1 Units) against the money line against left-handed starters over the last 3 seasons.
NY YANKEES are 31-20 (+9.7 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record this season.
NOVA is 55-30 (+18.2 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field since 1997. (Team's Record)
PRICE is 65-38 (+20.3 Units) against the money line in road games since 1997. (Team's Record)
PRICE is 11-0 (+11.1 Units) against the money line against division opponents this season. (Team's Record)
PRICE is 37-20 (+16.0 Units) against the money line in road games when playing against a team with a winning record since 1997. (Team's Record)

Head-to-Head Series History
TORONTO is 5-2 (+3.2 Units) against NY YANKEES this season
4 of 7 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+0.8 Units)

DAVID PRICE vs. NY YANKEES since 1997
PRICE is 10-7 when starting against NY YANKEES with an ERA of 4.50 and a WHIP of 1.369.
His team's record is 16-10 (+4.5 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 8-17. (-12.0 units)

IVAN NOVA vs. TORONTO since 1997
NOVA is 4-1 when starting against TORONTO with an ERA of 4.62 and a WHIP of 1.439.
His team's record is 6-3 (+2.7 units) in these starts. The OVER is 4-5. (-1.3 units)

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HOUSTON (61 - 50) at OAKLAND (49 - 62) - 4:05 PM
COLLIN MCHUGH (R) vs. JESSE CHAVEZ (R)
Top Trends for this game.
HOUSTON is 7-17 (-11.8 Units) against the money line on the road with a money line of -100 to -125 over the last 2 seasons.
HOUSTON is 90-158 (-63.0 Units) against the money line in road games when playing on Saturday since 1997.
HOUSTON is 61-50 (+6.2 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
HOUSTON is 63-62 (+13.2 Units) against the money line against division opponents over the last 2 seasons.
HOUSTON is 61-44 (+12.6 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
HOUSTON is 39-29 (+9.2 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.
MCHUGH is 28-19 (+10.0 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
MCHUGH is 15-5 (+11.7 Units) against the money line against division opponents over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
MCHUGH is 15-5 (+9.3 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season. (Team's Record)
OAKLAND is 49-62 (-21.8 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
OAKLAND is 25-34 (-18.6 Units) against the money line in home games this season.
OAKLAND is 60-63 (-24.9 Units) against the money line against division opponents over the last 2 seasons.
OAKLAND is 17-25 (-11.6 Units) against the money line in day games this season.
OAKLAND is 47-60 (-22.2 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
OAKLAND is 18-23 (-12.0 Units) against the money line in home games against right-handed starters this season.
OAKLAND is 19-29 (-15.2 Units) against the money line after a win this season.
OAKLAND is 68-71 (-16.9 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.
OAKLAND is 25-33 (-14.1 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.
CHAVEZ is 5-14 (-10.7 Units) against the money line in all games this season. (Team's Record)
CHAVEZ is 5-13 (-9.7 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season. (Team's Record)

Head-to-Head Series History
HOUSTON is 7-4 (+3.6 Units) against OAKLAND this season
6 of 11 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+0.9 Units)

COLLIN MCHUGH vs. OAKLAND since 1997
MCHUGH is 2-0 when starting against OAKLAND with an ERA of 1.26 and a WHIP of 0.767.
His team's record is 2-0 (+2.4 units) in these starts. The OVER is 0-2. (-2.1 units)

JESSE CHAVEZ vs. HOUSTON since 1997
CHAVEZ is 2-1 when starting against HOUSTON with an ERA of 5.32 and a WHIP of 1.409.
His team's record is 3-1 (+1.2 units) in these starts. The OVER is 3-1. (+2.0 units)

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TEXAS (54 - 54) at SEATTLE (51 - 59) - 4:10 PM
MARTIN PEREZ (L) vs. MIKE MONTGOMERY (L)
Top Trends for this game.
TEXAS is 38-63 (-24.4 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 2 seasons.
TEXAS is 54-54 (+16.0 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
TEXAS is 31-25 (+20.7 Units) against the money line in road games this season.
TEXAS is 57-41 (+28.7 Units) against the money line in road games against division opponents over the last 3 seasons.
TEXAS is 23-20 (+12.8 Units) against the money line in road games in day games over the last 2 seasons.
TEXAS is 51-50 (+15.6 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
TEXAS is 43-34 (+18.7 Units) against the money line in road games against left-handed starters over the last 3 seasons.
TEXAS is 15-9 (+12.8 Units) against the money line in road games after a loss this season.
PEREZ is 11-1 (+10.8 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
PEREZ is 9-0 (+9.7 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record in the second half of the season over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
SEATTLE is 51-59 (-15.1 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
SEATTLE is 4-12 (-9.9 Units) against the money line at home with a money line of -100 to -125 this season.
SEATTLE is 5-11 (-10.0 Units) against the money line as a home favorite of -125 to -150 this season.
SEATTLE is 23-31 (-17.0 Units) against the money line in home games this season.
SEATTLE is 115-130 (-48.8 Units) against the money line in home games when playing on Saturday since 1997.
SEATTLE is 46-58 (-19.7 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
SEATTLE is 17-33 (-21.3 Units) against the money line after a win this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
SEATTLE is 6-1 (+4.5 Units) against TEXAS this season
5 of 7 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+2.9 Units)

MARTIN PEREZ vs. SEATTLE since 1997
PEREZ is 2-1 when starting against SEATTLE with an ERA of 3.22 and a WHIP of 1.523.
His team's record is 3-1 (+1.8 units) in these starts. The OVER is 4-0. (+4.0 units)

MIKE MONTGOMERY vs. TEXAS since 1997
No recent starts.

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BOSTON (49 - 61) at DETROIT (53 - 56) - 7:05 PM
WADE MILEY (L) vs. ALFREDO SIMON (R)
Top Trends for this game.
BOSTON is 49-61 (-18.7 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
BOSTON is 20-31 (-17.0 Units) against the money line when the total is 8 to 8.5 this season.
BOSTON is 6-16 (-10.8 Units) against the money line on the road when the total is 8 to 8.5 this season.
BOSTON is 42-55 (-21.0 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
BOSTON is 33-41 (-12.3 Units) against the money line in night games this season.
BOSTON is 37-43 (-11.2 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.
BOSTON is 18-30 (-16.2 Units) against the money line after a win this season.
BOSTON is 50-56 (-15.2 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 2 seasons.
SIMON is 32-21 (+14.7 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
SIMON is 32-21 (+14.7 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
SIMON is 18-8 (+11.6 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
DETROIT is 241-206 (-25.4 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 3 seasons.
DETROIT is 25-33 (-9.9 Units) against the money line when the total is 8 to 8.5 this season.
DETROIT is 72-66 (-17.2 Units) against the money line in home games over the last 2 seasons.
DETROIT is 72-66 (-17.2 Units) against the money line in home games in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
DETROIT is 26-39 (-14.8 Units) against the money line in night games this season.
DETROIT is 62-67 (-17.2 Units) against the money line after a loss over the last 2 seasons.
DETROIT is 66-69 (-20.4 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
BOSTON is 3-1 (+1.8 Units) against DETROIT this season
2 of 3 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+0.8 Units)

WADE MILEY vs. DETROIT since 1997
No recent starts.

ALFREDO SIMON vs. BOSTON since 1997
SIMON is 1-1 when starting against BOSTON with an ERA of 4.20 and a WHIP of 1.733.
His team's record is 2-1 (+1.9 units) in these starts. The OVER is 0-3. (-3.3 units)

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

CHI WHITE SOX (51 - 56) at KANSAS CITY (64 - 44) - 7:10 PM
JEFF SAMARDZIJA (R) vs. JEREMY GUTHRIE (R)
Top Trends for this game.
CHI WHITE SOX are 11-23 (-13.8 Units) against the money line in August games over the last 2 seasons.
CHI WHITE SOX are 20-29 (-12.1 Units) against the money line against division opponents this season.
CHI WHITE SOX are 42-83 (-28.7 Units) against the money line in road games after a loss over the last 3 seasons.
SAMARDZIJA is 22-34 (-17.9 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
SAMARDZIJA is 14-30 (-18.6 Units) against the money line against division opponents over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
SAMARDZIJA is 21-33 (-18.0 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
SAMARDZIJA is 15-31 (-16.6 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
KANSAS CITY is 64-44 (+18.3 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
KANSAS CITY is 35-12 (+21.2 Units) against the money line at home with a money line of -100 to -125 over the last 2 seasons.
KANSAS CITY is 35-18 (+13.3 Units) against the money line in home games this season.
KANSAS CITY is 28-18 (+8.8 Units) against the money line against division opponents this season.
KANSAS CITY is 63-41 (+20.2 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
KANSAS CITY is 42-30 (+9.2 Units) against the money line in night games this season.
KANSAS CITY is 44-26 (+16.5 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.
KANSAS CITY is 37-28 (+7.1 Units) against the money line after a win this season.
KANSAS CITY is 32-20 (+11.8 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record this season.
GUTHRIE is 33-22 (+12.7 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
GUTHRIE is 33-21 (+13.7 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
CHI WHITE SOX are 84-85 (+13.2 Units) against the money line in night games over the last 2 seasons.
CHI WHITE SOX are 542-574 (+36.9 Units) against the money line in road games against right-handed starters since 1997.
KANSAS CITY is 98-144 (-50.2 Units) against the money line in home games when playing on Saturday since 1997.

Head-to-Head Series History
KANSAS CITY is 8-3 (+5.9 Units) against CHI WHITE SOX this season
7 of 10 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+3.5 Units)

JEFF SAMARDZIJA vs. KANSAS CITY since 1997
SAMARDZIJA is 0-3 when starting against KANSAS CITY with an ERA of 5.59 and a WHIP of 1.397.
His team's record is 0-3 (-3.2 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 1-2. (-1.5 units)

JEREMY GUTHRIE vs. CHI WHITE SOX since 1997
GUTHRIE is 10-8 when starting against CHI WHITE SOX with an ERA of 3.47 and a WHIP of 1.170.
His team's record is 16-9 (+7.6 units) in these starts. The OVER is 10-15. (-6.0 units)

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

MINNESOTA (55 - 54) at CLEVELAND (49 - 59) - 7:10 PM
ERVIN SANTANA (R) vs. TREVOR BAUER (R)
Top Trends for this game.
MINNESOTA is 55-54 (+11.3 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
MINNESOTA is 60-62 (+12.3 Units) against the money line against division opponents over the last 2 seasons.
MINNESOTA is 55-50 (+15.3 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
MINNESOTA is 30-29 (+8.0 Units) against the money line in night games this season.
MINNESOTA is 34-21 (+19.8 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record this season.
CLEVELAND is 49-59 (-22.6 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
CLEVELAND is 6-12 (-9.9 Units) against the money line as a home favorite of -125 to -150 this season.
CLEVELAND is 20-33 (-24.8 Units) against the money line in home games this season.
CLEVELAND is 15-29 (-19.6 Units) against the money line against division opponents this season.
CLEVELAND is 45-59 (-26.7 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
CLEVELAND is 31-37 (-13.8 Units) against the money line in night games this season.
CLEVELAND is 14-20 (-12.9 Units) against the money line in home games after a loss this season.
CLEVELAND is 23-31 (-12.9 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
MINNESOTA is 5-2 (+4.7 Units) against CLEVELAND this season
4 of 6 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+2.0 Units)

ERVIN SANTANA vs. CLEVELAND since 1997
SANTANA is 3-9 when starting against CLEVELAND with an ERA of 4.09 and a WHIP of 1.194.
His team's record is 5-12 (-9.2 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 12-5. (+6.5 units)

TREVOR BAUER vs. MINNESOTA since 1997
BAUER is 0-3 when starting against MINNESOTA with an ERA of 6.07 and a WHIP of 1.079.
His team's record is 1-4 (-4.7 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 2-3. (-1.4 units)

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

BALTIMORE (55 - 53) at LA ANGELS (58 - 50) - 9:05 PM
UBALDO JIMENEZ (R) vs. GARRETT RICHARDS (R)
Top Trends for this game.
BALTIMORE is 15-26 (-10.7 Units) against the money line in road games in games played on a grass field this season.
BALTIMORE is 8-24 (-17.0 Units) against the money line in road games in night games this season.
BALTIMORE is 14-27 (-12.6 Units) against the money line in road games against right-handed starters this season.
BALTIMORE is 19-30 (-11.4 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record this season.
JIMENEZ is 53-79 (-27.2 Units) against the money line in road games in games played on a grass field since 1997. (Team's Record)
JIMENEZ is 0-7 (-8.2 Units) against the money line in road games after a loss this season. (Team's Record)
LA ANGELS are 156-117 (+19.2 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
LA ANGELS are 17-5 (+10.1 Units) against the money line as a home favorite of -125 to -150 this season.
LA ANGELS are 147-112 (+14.9 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
LA ANGELS are 46-33 (+9.4 Units) against the money line in night games this season.
RICHARDS is 31-15 (+12.8 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
RICHARDS is 25-11 (+11.8 Units) against the money line in night games over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
BALTIMORE is 155-123 (+34.2 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
BALTIMORE is 177-202 (+40.1 Units) against the money line as a road underdog of +125 to +150 since 1997.
BALTIMORE is 69-53 (+18.7 Units) against the money line after a loss over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
LA ANGELS is 3-1 (+2.0 Units) against BALTIMORE this season
3 of 4 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+2.0 Units)

UBALDO JIMENEZ vs. LA ANGELS since 1997
JIMENEZ is 0-5 when starting against LA ANGELS with an ERA of 5.34 and a WHIP of 1.406.
His team's record is 0-5 (-5.6 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 3-2. (+0.7 units)

GARRETT RICHARDS vs. BALTIMORE since 1997
RICHARDS is 0-2 when starting against BALTIMORE with an ERA of 6.16 and a WHIP of 1.263.
His team's record is 1-2 (-1.6 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 2-1. (+1.0 units)

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NY METS (59 - 50) at TAMPA BAY (54 - 56) - 6:10 PM
NOAH SYNDERGAARD (R) vs. NATE KARNS (R)
Top Trends for this game.
NY METS are 11-27 (-15.5 Units) against the money line in road games in night games this season.
TAMPA BAY is 27-7 (+17.4 Units) against the money line in home games when playing on Saturday over the last 3 seasons.
NY METS are 59-50 (+8.8 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
NY METS are 35-23 (+10.9 Units) against the money line after a win this season.
NY METS are 76-51 (+21.7 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 2 seasons.
NY METS are 34-15 (+18.0 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.
TAMPA BAY is 131-141 (-31.7 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
TAMPA BAY is 20-30 (-12.9 Units) against the money line when the total is 7 or less this season.
TAMPA BAY is 62-74 (-33.9 Units) against the money line in home games over the last 2 seasons.
TAMPA BAY is 12-22 (-13.6 Units) against the money line at home when the total is 7 or less this season.
TAMPA BAY is 63-75 (-34.2 Units) against the money line in games played in a dome over the last 2 seasons.
TAMPA BAY is 71-83 (-33.2 Units) against the money line in games played on artificial turf over the last 2 seasons.
TAMPA BAY is 34-44 (-11.8 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.
TAMPA BAY is 65-73 (-16.6 Units) against the money line after a loss over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
NY METS is 1-0 (+1.0 Units) against TAMPA BAY this season
1 of 1 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+1.0 Units)

NOAH SYNDERGAARD vs. TAMPA BAY since 1997
No recent starts.

NATE KARNS vs. NY METS since 1997
No recent starts.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

MMA ODDSBREAKER

McMann vs. Nunes Under 2.5

Amanda Nunes is a rarity in women's MMA. She's the type of fighter who either lives by the sword or dies by it. Out of her 14 professional fights, she's only ever gone to decision once. She usually either knocks her opponent out, or she runs out of gas and her opponent crushes her with strikes on the ground.

This will be the case on Saturday night against Olympic silver medal-winning wrestler Sara McMann. McMann could be vulnerable to the early knockout from Nunes but if Nunes can't put her away quickly, she's going to get taken down and absolutely destroyed on the ground by McMann's superior wrestling. McMann isn't a huge finisher but she has power and if Nunes gasses as badly as I think she will, McMann should have no problem finishing this fight either. I love the UNDER 2.5 rounds total in this fight and recommend a wager on it.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

BIG AL

Texas

So which version of LHP Martin Perez will show up tonight in Seattle? Will it be the version that two starts ago gave up a whopping eight runs in one inning? Or will it be the Martin Perez who threw 8 1/3 near-perfect frames in his very next start (his most recent) allowing just one run on two hits? We're going to bet on the latter because the one-inning melt down was against the hottest offense (at the time at least) in the Yankees. Perez is recovering from Tommy John surgery and tonight will be fifth start since coming back so we would expect the improvement shown last Sunday against the Giants to continue this afternoon, especially in a pitcher-friendly place like SafeCo Field and against a weak offense like the M's. Seattle will send its own LH, rookie Mike Montgomery to the mound and after a very promising start which saw him go 3-2 with a 1.62 ERA (and two CGs) in the month of June, Montgomery regressed significantly last month, going 1-2 with a 5.88 ERA in five starts. He will have his hands full in his first career start vs. the Rangers who are 31-24 on the road this season and 8-3 in Perez's last 11 road starts.