[h=1]Today's MLB Picks[/h][h=2]NY Yankees at Boston[/h]The Yankees look to follow up yesterday's 6-4 win and come into tonight's contest with a 4-1 record in Clay Buchholz' last 5 home starts against New York. New York is the pick (+105) according to Dunkel, which has the Yankees favored by 1. Dunkel Pick: NY Yankees (+105). Here are all of today's MLB picks.
| SUNDAY, AUGUST 3 Time Posted: 8:00 a.m. EST |
| Game 951-952: San Francisco at NY Mets (1:10 p.m. EST) Dunkel Ratings: San Francisco (Bumgarner) 15.121; NY Mets (Colon) 16.773 Dunkel Line: NY Mets by 1 1/2; 6 Vegas Line: San Francisco (-125); 6 1/2 Dunkel Pick: NY Mets (+105); Under |
| Game 953-954: Cincinnati at Miami (1:10 p.m. EST) Dunkel Ratings: Cincinnati (Leake) 16.804; Miami (Turner) 14.664 Dunkel Line: Cincinnati by 2; 8 Vegas Line: Miami (-115); 7 1/2 Dunkel Pick: Cincinnati (-105); Over |
| Game 955-956: Philadelphia at Washington (1:35 p.m. EST) Dunkel Ratings: Philadelphia (Hamels) 16.722; Washington (Strasburg) 15.771 Dunkel Line: Philadelphia by 1; 7 Vegas Line: Washington (-165); 6 1/2 Dunkel Pick: Philadelphia (+145); Over |
| Game 957-958: Milwaukee at St. Louis (2:15 p.m. EST) Dunkel Ratings: Milwaukee (Garza) 17.329; St. Louis (Lackey) 15.855 Dunkel Line: Milwaukee by 1 1/2; 7 Vegas Line: St. Louis (-140); 7 1/2 Dunkel Pick: Milwaukee (+120); Under |
| Game 959-960: Chicago Cubs at LA Dodgers (4:10 p.m. EST) Dunkel Ratings: Cubs (Jackson) 14.662; LA Dodgers (Beckett) 17.248 Dunkel Line: LA Dodgers by 2 1/2; 7 Vegas Line: LA Dodgers (-220); 8 Dunkel Pick: LA Dodgers (-220); Under |
| Game 961-962: Pittsburgh at Arizona (4:10 p.m. EST) Dunkel Ratings: Pittsburgh (Liriano) 17.331; Arizona (Cahill) 14.409 Dunkel Line: Pittsburgh by 3; 9 Vegas Line: Pittsburgh (-150); 8 1/2 Dunkel Pick: Pittsburgh (-150); Over |
| Game 963-964: Atlanta at San Diego (4:10 p.m. EST) Dunkel Ratings: Atlanta (Harang) 14.809; San Diego (Ross) 17.332 Dunkel Line: San Diego by 2 1/2; 7 Vegas Line: San Diego (-130); 6 1/2 Dunkel Pick: San Diego (-130); Over |
| Game 965-966: Texas at Cleveland (1:05 p.m. EST) Dunkel Ratings: Texas (Darvish) 16.221; Cleveland (Bauer) 14.660 Dunkel Line: Texas by 1 1/2; 7 Vegas Line: Texas (-115); 7 1/2 Dunkel Pick: Texas (-115); Under |
| Game 967-968: Seattle at Baltimore (1:35 p.m. EST) Dunkel Ratings: Seattle (Iwakuma) 16.911; Baltimore (Tillman) 14.748 Dunkel Line: Seattle by 2; 7 Vegas Line: Baltimore (-115); 8 Dunkel Pick: Seattle (-105); Under |
| Game 969-970: LA Angels at Tampa Bay (1:40 p.m. EST) Dunkel Ratings: LA Angels (Weaver) 17.399; Tampa Bay (Odorizzi) 15.662 Dunkel Line: LA Angels by 1 1/2; 8 Vegas Line: Tampa Bay (-125); 7 1/2 Dunkel Pick: LA Angels (+105); Over |
| Game 971-972: Minnesota at Chicago White Sox (2:10 p.m. EST) Dunkel Ratings: Minnesota (Gibson) 14.219; White Sox (Quintana) 15.738 Dunkel Line: Chicago White Sox by 1 1/2; 7 Vegas Line: Chicago White Sox (-165); 8 Dunkel Pick: Chicago White Sox (-165); Under |
| Game 973-974: Toronto at Houston (2:10 p.m. EST) Dunkel Ratings: Toronto (Stroman) 17.442; Houston (Feldman) 14.907 Dunkel Line: Toronto by 2 1/2; 7 Vegas Line: Toronto (-160); 8 1/2 Dunkel Pick: Toronto (-160); Under |
| Game 975-976: Kansas City at Oakland (4:05 p.m. EST) Dunkel Ratings: Kansas City (Shields) 18.211; Oakland (Kazmir) 16.856 Dunkel Line: Kansas City by 1 1/2; 6 Vegas Line: Oakland (-165); 7 Dunkel Pick: Kansas City (+145); Under |
| Game 977-978: NY Yankees at Boston (8:05 p.m. EST) Dunkel Ratings: NY Yankees (Phelps) 15.422; Boston (Buchholz) 14.510 Dunkel Line: NY Yankees by 1; 8 Vegas Line: Boston (-125); 9 Dunkel Pick: NY Yankees (+105); Under |
| Game 979-980: Colorado at Detroit (1:05 p.m. EST) Dunkel Ratings: Colorado (De La Rosa) 16.773; Detroit (Sanchez) 15.609 Dunkel Line: Colorado by 1; 8 Vegas Line: Detroit (-200); 8 1/2 Dunkel Pick: Colorado (+170); Under |
StatSystemsSports
Rounding The Bases – Sunday
#967 SEATTLE @ #968 BALTIMORE
TV: 1:35 PM EST, MASN2 Baltimore
Line: Orioles -1.5, +170, Total: 8, -115
Chris Tillman attempts to continue his dominance of Seattle hitters when the Baltimore Orioles close a three-game set against the visiting Mariners on Sunday. Tillman has won each of his five career outings against Seattle, compiling a 2.45 ERA and 0.91 WHIP over 33 innings. The teams split the two first games with Robinson Cano belting a three-run homer and Kendrys Morales adding a two-run single to lead the Mariners to a 6-3 victory on Saturday.
Baltimore holds a 2 1/2-game lead over Toronto in the American League East while Seattle moved two games behind the Blue Jays for the AL’s second wild card with Saturday’s victory. The Mariners had scored only eight runs while losing four of five to the Orioles since July 24 before smacking out 11 hits and scoring six runs on Saturday. Baltimore third baseman Manny Machado is 6-for-9 in the series and has four multi-hit outings while going 11-for-29 over the last six games.
PITCHING MATCHUP
•Mariners RH Hisashi Iwakuma (9-5, 3.06 ERA, WHIP: 0.994) - Iwakuma is 0-1 with a 5.25 ERA in two career starts against Baltimore after giving up four runs and seven hits in seven innings in a loss to the Orioles on July 24. He bounced back to defeat Cleveland as he allowed two runs and six hits over seven innings. Iwakuma issued just one walk in 42 2/3 innings over six July outings.
•Orioles RH Chris Tillman (7-5, 3.97 ERA, WHIP: 1.345) - Tillman will be happy to see the Mariners as he is in the midst of a six-start winless stretch. He gave up five runs (three earned) and six hits in five innings against the Los Angeles Angels in his last turn. Tillman is only 1-5 in 10 home starts despite a solid 3.10 ERA.
•PREGAME NOTES: Orioles 1B Chris Davis is 4-for-33 over his last 11 outings.... Seattle LF Dustin Ackley went 3-for-5 with a homer on Saturday and is 13-for-31 with seven runs scored over his last seven contests.... Baltimore LF Nelson Cruz was hitless in four at-bats on Saturday and is 1-for-25 over his last seven games.
•KEY STATS
--TILLMAN is 14-3 against the run line (+11.7 Units) against American League West opponents over the last 3 seasons. (Team's Record)
The average score was TILLMAN 5.0, OPPONENT 3.5.
--TILLMAN is 24-6 against the run line (+20.3 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
The average score was TILLMAN 5.0, OPPONENT 3.4.
•HEAD-TO-HEAD HISTORY
--Games Over The Last 3 Seasons: BALTIMORE is 12-8 (+6.2 Units) against the run line versus SEATTLE over the last 3 seasons. BALTIMORE is 14-6 straight up against SEATTLE over the last 3 seasons.
--Games This Season: BALTIMORE is 3-2 (+1.0 Units) against the run line versus SEATTLE this season. BALTIMORE is 4-1 straight up against SEATTLE this season
--All Games at BALTIMORE Over The Last 3 Seasons: BALTIMORE is 3-4 (+0.2 Units) against the run line versus SEATTLE over the last 3 seasons. BALTIMORE is 5-2 straight up against SEATTLE over the last 3 seasons
--Over is 5-2 in the last 7 meetings in Baltimore.
--Mariners are 3-8 in the last 11 meetings in Baltimore.
--Orioles are 5-0 in Tillmans last 5 starts vs. Mariners.
•RECENT TRENDS
--SEA is 0-4 in their last 4 Sunday games.
--SEA is 0-6 in their last 6 games following a win.
--SEA is 0-4 in Iwakumas last 4 starts vs. AL East.
--BAL is 10-1 L11 after allowing 5 runs or more LG.
--BAL is 12-5 in Tillmans last 17 starts vs. AL West.
--BAL is 20-6 in their last 26 games following a loss.
•UMPIRE TRENDS - Tim Timmons
--Road team is 4-0 in Timmons' last 4 Sunday games behind home plate.
--Road team is 4-0 in Timmons' last 4 Sunday games behind home plate vs. Seattle.
--Over is 4-1-1 in Timmons' last 6 Sunday games behind home plate.
--Home team is 10-3 in Timmons' last 13 games behind home plate vs. Baltimore.
--Under is 19-6-4 in Timmons' last 29 games behind home plate vs. Seattle.
--Over is 5-2 in Timmons' last 7 games behind home plate.
--Under is 5-2 in Timmons' last 7 games behind home plate vs. Baltimore.
--Orioles are 1-10 in their last 11 games with Timmons behind home plate.
--Mariners are 1-10 in their last 11 games with Timmons behind home plate.
•SITUATION ANALYSIS: Play Against - Road teams against a run line. (+1.5, -130) to (-1.5, +160) (SEATTLE) - poor American League hitting team (AVG <=.260) against a team with a very good bullpen (ERA <=3.33), with a hot starting pitcher- ERA less than 2.50 over his last 5 starts.
(44-17 over the last 5 seasons.) (72.1%, +37.4 units. Rating = 5*)
The straight up record of the team this system pertains to is : (41-20 over the last 5 seasons.)
The average run line posted in these games was: Team favored by 0.2, money line price: +124
The average score in these games was: Team 5, Opponent 3.6 (Average run differential = +1.4)
The number of games in which this system covered the run line by 1 or more runs was 28 (45.9% of all games.)
The situation's record this season is: (5-2, +3.6 units).
Over the last 3 seasons the situation's record is: (32-12, +27.8 units).
Since 1997 the situation's record is: (52-31, +30 units).
**StatSystemsSports Prediction: Orioles 3, Mariners 1
_______________________________
Rounding The Bases – Sunday
#967 SEATTLE @ #968 BALTIMORE
TV: 1:35 PM EST, MASN2 Baltimore
Line: Orioles -1.5, +170, Total: 8, -115
Chris Tillman attempts to continue his dominance of Seattle hitters when the Baltimore Orioles close a three-game set against the visiting Mariners on Sunday. Tillman has won each of his five career outings against Seattle, compiling a 2.45 ERA and 0.91 WHIP over 33 innings. The teams split the two first games with Robinson Cano belting a three-run homer and Kendrys Morales adding a two-run single to lead the Mariners to a 6-3 victory on Saturday.
Baltimore holds a 2 1/2-game lead over Toronto in the American League East while Seattle moved two games behind the Blue Jays for the AL’s second wild card with Saturday’s victory. The Mariners had scored only eight runs while losing four of five to the Orioles since July 24 before smacking out 11 hits and scoring six runs on Saturday. Baltimore third baseman Manny Machado is 6-for-9 in the series and has four multi-hit outings while going 11-for-29 over the last six games.
PITCHING MATCHUP
•Mariners RH Hisashi Iwakuma (9-5, 3.06 ERA, WHIP: 0.994) - Iwakuma is 0-1 with a 5.25 ERA in two career starts against Baltimore after giving up four runs and seven hits in seven innings in a loss to the Orioles on July 24. He bounced back to defeat Cleveland as he allowed two runs and six hits over seven innings. Iwakuma issued just one walk in 42 2/3 innings over six July outings.
•Orioles RH Chris Tillman (7-5, 3.97 ERA, WHIP: 1.345) - Tillman will be happy to see the Mariners as he is in the midst of a six-start winless stretch. He gave up five runs (three earned) and six hits in five innings against the Los Angeles Angels in his last turn. Tillman is only 1-5 in 10 home starts despite a solid 3.10 ERA.
•PREGAME NOTES: Orioles 1B Chris Davis is 4-for-33 over his last 11 outings.... Seattle LF Dustin Ackley went 3-for-5 with a homer on Saturday and is 13-for-31 with seven runs scored over his last seven contests.... Baltimore LF Nelson Cruz was hitless in four at-bats on Saturday and is 1-for-25 over his last seven games.
•KEY STATS
--TILLMAN is 14-3 against the run line (+11.7 Units) against American League West opponents over the last 3 seasons. (Team's Record)
The average score was TILLMAN 5.0, OPPONENT 3.5.
--TILLMAN is 24-6 against the run line (+20.3 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
The average score was TILLMAN 5.0, OPPONENT 3.4.
•HEAD-TO-HEAD HISTORY
--Games Over The Last 3 Seasons: BALTIMORE is 12-8 (+6.2 Units) against the run line versus SEATTLE over the last 3 seasons. BALTIMORE is 14-6 straight up against SEATTLE over the last 3 seasons.
--Games This Season: BALTIMORE is 3-2 (+1.0 Units) against the run line versus SEATTLE this season. BALTIMORE is 4-1 straight up against SEATTLE this season
--All Games at BALTIMORE Over The Last 3 Seasons: BALTIMORE is 3-4 (+0.2 Units) against the run line versus SEATTLE over the last 3 seasons. BALTIMORE is 5-2 straight up against SEATTLE over the last 3 seasons
--Over is 5-2 in the last 7 meetings in Baltimore.
--Mariners are 3-8 in the last 11 meetings in Baltimore.
--Orioles are 5-0 in Tillmans last 5 starts vs. Mariners.
•RECENT TRENDS
--SEA is 0-4 in their last 4 Sunday games.
--SEA is 0-6 in their last 6 games following a win.
--SEA is 0-4 in Iwakumas last 4 starts vs. AL East.
--BAL is 10-1 L11 after allowing 5 runs or more LG.
--BAL is 12-5 in Tillmans last 17 starts vs. AL West.
--BAL is 20-6 in their last 26 games following a loss.
•UMPIRE TRENDS - Tim Timmons
--Road team is 4-0 in Timmons' last 4 Sunday games behind home plate.
--Road team is 4-0 in Timmons' last 4 Sunday games behind home plate vs. Seattle.
--Over is 4-1-1 in Timmons' last 6 Sunday games behind home plate.
--Home team is 10-3 in Timmons' last 13 games behind home plate vs. Baltimore.
--Under is 19-6-4 in Timmons' last 29 games behind home plate vs. Seattle.
--Over is 5-2 in Timmons' last 7 games behind home plate.
--Under is 5-2 in Timmons' last 7 games behind home plate vs. Baltimore.
--Orioles are 1-10 in their last 11 games with Timmons behind home plate.
--Mariners are 1-10 in their last 11 games with Timmons behind home plate.
•SITUATION ANALYSIS: Play Against - Road teams against a run line. (+1.5, -130) to (-1.5, +160) (SEATTLE) - poor American League hitting team (AVG <=.260) against a team with a very good bullpen (ERA <=3.33), with a hot starting pitcher- ERA less than 2.50 over his last 5 starts.
(44-17 over the last 5 seasons.) (72.1%, +37.4 units. Rating = 5*)
The straight up record of the team this system pertains to is : (41-20 over the last 5 seasons.)
The average run line posted in these games was: Team favored by 0.2, money line price: +124
The average score in these games was: Team 5, Opponent 3.6 (Average run differential = +1.4)
The number of games in which this system covered the run line by 1 or more runs was 28 (45.9% of all games.)
The situation's record this season is: (5-2, +3.6 units).
Over the last 3 seasons the situation's record is: (32-12, +27.8 units).
Since 1997 the situation's record is: (52-31, +30 units).
**StatSystemsSports Prediction: Orioles 3, Mariners 1
_______________________________
MLB
Sunday, August 3
Domonic Brown, Philadelphia - Ques Sun
Brown is dealing with an illness and has missed the last two games. He is questionable return for Sunday's game against the Nationals.
Carlos Gonzalez, Colorado - Ques Sun
Gonzalez left Friday's game with a sprained right ankle and did not play Saturday. He is questionable to play Sunday against the Tigers.
Sunday, August 3
Domonic Brown, Philadelphia - Ques Sun
Brown is dealing with an illness and has missed the last two games. He is questionable return for Sunday's game against the Nationals.
Carlos Gonzalez, Colorado - Ques Sun
Gonzalez left Friday's game with a sprained right ankle and did not play Saturday. He is questionable to play Sunday against the Tigers.
[h=1]WNBA Basketball Picks[/h][h=2]Connecticut at Los Angeles[/h]The Sun head to Los Angeles today to face a Sparks team that is 6-20 ATS in its last 26 home games. Connecticut is the pick (+6 1/2) according to Dunkel, which has the Sparks favored by only 4. Dunkel Pick: Connecticut (+6 1/2). Here are all of today's WNBA picks.
| SUNDAY, AUGUST 3 Time Posted: 8:00 a.m. EST |
| Game 651-652: New York at Atlanta (3:00 p.m. EST) Dunkel Ratings: New York 107.769; Atlanta 114.386 Dunkel Line & Total: Atlanta by 6 1/2; 160 Vegas Line & Total: Atlanta by 9; 154 1/2 Dunkel Pick: Atlanta (+9); Over |
| Game 653-654: Connecticut at Los Angeles (3:30 p.m. EST) Dunkel Ratings: Connecticut 107.968; Los Angeles 112.106 Dunkel Line & Total: Los Angeles by 4; 161 Vegas Line & Total: Los Angeles by 6 1/2; 156 1/2 Dunkel Pick: Connecticut (+6 1/2); Over |
| Game 655-656: Washington at Chicago (6:00 p.m. EST) Dunkel Ratings: Washington 108.389; Chicago 115.262 Dunkel Line & Total: Chicago by 7; 148 Vegas Line & Total: Chicago by 4 1/2; 153 1/2 Dunkel Pick: Chicago (-4 1/2); Under |
| Game 657-658: San Antonio at Seattle (9:00 p.m. EST) Dunkel Ratings: San Antonio 105.550; Seattle 109.735 Dunkel Line & Total: Seattle by 4; 144 Vegas Line & Total: Seattle by 1; 148 1/2 Dunkel Pick: Seattle (-1); Under |
Drivers to Bet - Pocono
NASCAR Sprint Cup Series - GoBowling.com 400
Date: Sunday, Aug. 3
Time/TV: ESPN, 1:15 p.m. ET
Venue: Pocono Raceway
Location: Long Pond, Pennsylvania
For the second time in less than two months, the NASCAR drivers will try to maneuver around the “The Tricky Triangle” for Sunday's GoBowling.com 400 at Pocono Raceway in Pennsylvania. This superspeedway resides in the Pocono Mountains and its tri-oval shape measures 2.5 miles. Although the straightaways are all a nearly-flat 2° of banking, they all are measured at different lengths. The frontstretch is the longest at 3,740 feet, the backstretch is 3,055 feet, and the shortstretch is a mere 1,780 feet. Each turn has a different degree of difficulty. Turn 1 has 14° of banking, Turn 2 is just 8° and Turn 3 is the flattest at 6°.
There have been 10 different winners in the past 12 races at Pocono, with Denny Hamlin and Jeff Gordon as the only two-time champions in the span. Dale Earnhardt Jr. took home the checkered flag in June at this track, while the winner of last year's GoBowling.com 400 was Kasey Kahne.
Drivers to Watch
Jeff Gordon (7/1) - Among all active drivers, only Jimmie Johnson (8.7) has a better career average finish at "The Tricky Trangle" than Gordon (10.0). Gordon has won six times at this track as part of 19 top-5's in 43 starts (44%). He also has 30 top-10 showings (70%) at this venue. This success is not all ancient history either, as Gordon won in 2011 and 2012, while finishing as the runner-up in last year's GoBowling.com 400. He's also been strong this season, remaining in the top-six in the points standings in each of the past eight weeks thanks to a win at Martinsville. Of all the chalk out there on Sunday, put your largest wager on Gordon.
Carl Edwards (60/1) - I'm stunned that Edwards has such favorable odds, especially since he went off at 20-to-1 at this track in June. In his career at "The Tricky Triangle," Edwards has posted two wins (2005, 2008), five top-5's and an average finish of 14.8 over 19 starts. His four top-5's and eight top-10's this season have kept him among the top-8 drivers in the Points Standings. At this price, Edwards is certainly worthy of a sizable bet.
Matt Kenseth (20/1) - Kenseth is a great value play on Sunday, especially considering he got 10-to-1 odds both last fall and two months ago at this venue. He has not been very successful at this track with only three top-5's in 29 starts, but Kenseth has knocked out 4th-place finishes in three of his past four starts this year to move up to fourth in the current Points Standings. I see no reason Kenseth can't post his ninth top-5 finish of the season and compete for the title on Sunday.
Dale Earnhardt Jr. (8/1) - Earnhardt Jr. has a great chance to sweep the Poconos, which is why his price tag is so unfavorable to bettors. Over his past eight races, the No. 88 car has an average finish of 7.3, thanks to top-9 showings in six of these starts. Earnhardt has also fared extremely well on the Tricky Triangle recently. In his past seven starts at this venue, he has posted six top-9 showings, including three straight top-5 finishes. Go ahead and drop a unit on Earnhardt Jr. for Sunday.
Ryan Newman (25/1) - Another darkhorse for Sunday's race is Newman, who was tabbed with much less-favorable odds of 15-to-1 last summer at this venue. He has the fourth-best average finish (11.5) among active drivers at Pocono, helping this average out in June when he placed 7th at "The Tricky Triangle," to mark his sixth top-10 showing in his past seven starts at this venue. That race also started a nice run for Newman this year, as he has inched his way up to seventh in the Points Standings with a 10.9 average finish over the past seven starts.
Betting Odds
Brad Keselowski 4/1
Jimmie Johnson 5/1
Jeff Gordon 7/1
Kevin Harvick 7/1
Dale Earnhardt Jr. 8/1
Tony Stewart 10/1
Joey Logano 10/1
Denny Hamlin 10/1
Kasey Kahne 12/1
Kyle Busch 12/1
Kurt Busch 15/1
Kyle Larson 20/1
Matt Kenseth 20/1
Ryan Newman 25/1
Clint Bowyer 40/1
Jamie McMurray 60/1
Brian Vickers 60/1
Greg Biffle 60/1
Carl Edwards 60/1
Martin Truex Jr. 100/1
Austin Dillon 100/1
Paul Menard 100/1
Field (Any Other Driver) 100/1
AJ Allmendinger 300/1
Justin Allgaier 300/1
Marcos Ambrose 300/1
Aric Almirola 300/1
Ricky Stenhouse 300/1
Danica Patrick 300/1
Casey Mears 300/1
NASCAR Sprint Cup Series - GoBowling.com 400
Date: Sunday, Aug. 3
Time/TV: ESPN, 1:15 p.m. ET
Venue: Pocono Raceway
Location: Long Pond, Pennsylvania
For the second time in less than two months, the NASCAR drivers will try to maneuver around the “The Tricky Triangle” for Sunday's GoBowling.com 400 at Pocono Raceway in Pennsylvania. This superspeedway resides in the Pocono Mountains and its tri-oval shape measures 2.5 miles. Although the straightaways are all a nearly-flat 2° of banking, they all are measured at different lengths. The frontstretch is the longest at 3,740 feet, the backstretch is 3,055 feet, and the shortstretch is a mere 1,780 feet. Each turn has a different degree of difficulty. Turn 1 has 14° of banking, Turn 2 is just 8° and Turn 3 is the flattest at 6°.
There have been 10 different winners in the past 12 races at Pocono, with Denny Hamlin and Jeff Gordon as the only two-time champions in the span. Dale Earnhardt Jr. took home the checkered flag in June at this track, while the winner of last year's GoBowling.com 400 was Kasey Kahne.
Drivers to Watch
Jeff Gordon (7/1) - Among all active drivers, only Jimmie Johnson (8.7) has a better career average finish at "The Tricky Trangle" than Gordon (10.0). Gordon has won six times at this track as part of 19 top-5's in 43 starts (44%). He also has 30 top-10 showings (70%) at this venue. This success is not all ancient history either, as Gordon won in 2011 and 2012, while finishing as the runner-up in last year's GoBowling.com 400. He's also been strong this season, remaining in the top-six in the points standings in each of the past eight weeks thanks to a win at Martinsville. Of all the chalk out there on Sunday, put your largest wager on Gordon.
Carl Edwards (60/1) - I'm stunned that Edwards has such favorable odds, especially since he went off at 20-to-1 at this track in June. In his career at "The Tricky Triangle," Edwards has posted two wins (2005, 2008), five top-5's and an average finish of 14.8 over 19 starts. His four top-5's and eight top-10's this season have kept him among the top-8 drivers in the Points Standings. At this price, Edwards is certainly worthy of a sizable bet.
Matt Kenseth (20/1) - Kenseth is a great value play on Sunday, especially considering he got 10-to-1 odds both last fall and two months ago at this venue. He has not been very successful at this track with only three top-5's in 29 starts, but Kenseth has knocked out 4th-place finishes in three of his past four starts this year to move up to fourth in the current Points Standings. I see no reason Kenseth can't post his ninth top-5 finish of the season and compete for the title on Sunday.
Dale Earnhardt Jr. (8/1) - Earnhardt Jr. has a great chance to sweep the Poconos, which is why his price tag is so unfavorable to bettors. Over his past eight races, the No. 88 car has an average finish of 7.3, thanks to top-9 showings in six of these starts. Earnhardt has also fared extremely well on the Tricky Triangle recently. In his past seven starts at this venue, he has posted six top-9 showings, including three straight top-5 finishes. Go ahead and drop a unit on Earnhardt Jr. for Sunday.
Ryan Newman (25/1) - Another darkhorse for Sunday's race is Newman, who was tabbed with much less-favorable odds of 15-to-1 last summer at this venue. He has the fourth-best average finish (11.5) among active drivers at Pocono, helping this average out in June when he placed 7th at "The Tricky Triangle," to mark his sixth top-10 showing in his past seven starts at this venue. That race also started a nice run for Newman this year, as he has inched his way up to seventh in the Points Standings with a 10.9 average finish over the past seven starts.
Betting Odds
Brad Keselowski 4/1
Jimmie Johnson 5/1
Jeff Gordon 7/1
Kevin Harvick 7/1
Dale Earnhardt Jr. 8/1
Tony Stewart 10/1
Joey Logano 10/1
Denny Hamlin 10/1
Kasey Kahne 12/1
Kyle Busch 12/1
Kurt Busch 15/1
Kyle Larson 20/1
Matt Kenseth 20/1
Ryan Newman 25/1
Clint Bowyer 40/1
Jamie McMurray 60/1
Brian Vickers 60/1
Greg Biffle 60/1
Carl Edwards 60/1
Martin Truex Jr. 100/1
Austin Dillon 100/1
Paul Menard 100/1
Field (Any Other Driver) 100/1
AJ Allmendinger 300/1
Justin Allgaier 300/1
Marcos Ambrose 300/1
Aric Almirola 300/1
Ricky Stenhouse 300/1
Danica Patrick 300/1
Casey Mears 300/1
StatFox Super Situations
WNBA | CONNECTICUT at LOS ANGELES
Play Against - Underdogs (CONNECTICUT) after allowing 75 points or more in 4 straight games against opponent after a loss by 10 points or more
46-18 since 1997. ( 71.9% | 26.2 units )
4-1 this year. ( 80.0% | 2.9 units )
WNBA | CONNECTICUT at LOS ANGELES
Play Against - Any team vs the money line (LOS ANGELES) after failing to cover 3 of their last 4 against the spread, playing with 3 or more days rest
72-42 over the last 5 seasons. ( 63.2% | 0.0 units )
8-10 this year. ( 44.4% | 0.0 units )
WNBA | NEW YORK at ATLANTA
Play Against - Home favorites vs. the 1rst half line (ATLANTA) off an road win where they scored 85 or more points
109-58 since 1997. ( 65.3% | 45.2 units )
8-3 this year. ( 72.7% | 4.7 units )
WNBA | CONNECTICUT at LOS ANGELES
Play Against - Underdogs (CONNECTICUT) after allowing 75 points or more in 4 straight games against opponent after a loss by 10 points or more
46-18 since 1997. ( 71.9% | 26.2 units )
4-1 this year. ( 80.0% | 2.9 units )
WNBA | CONNECTICUT at LOS ANGELES
Play Against - Any team vs the money line (LOS ANGELES) after failing to cover 3 of their last 4 against the spread, playing with 3 or more days rest
72-42 over the last 5 seasons. ( 63.2% | 0.0 units )
8-10 this year. ( 44.4% | 0.0 units )
WNBA | NEW YORK at ATLANTA
Play Against - Home favorites vs. the 1rst half line (ATLANTA) off an road win where they scored 85 or more points
109-58 since 1997. ( 65.3% | 45.2 units )
8-3 this year. ( 72.7% | 4.7 units )
Yankees, Red Sox wrap up series Sunday
By: Freddy Wander - StatFox
NEW YORK YANKEES at BOSTON RED SOX
First pitch: Sunday, 8:00 p.m. ET
Two storied rivals meet Sunday night when the Red Sox host the Yankees, and each team will have a fresh look for the rest of the season after shaking things up at Thursday’s trade deadline.
Both New York and Boston were extremely active on the phones Thursday, as both teams looked to make changes after disappointing throughout the season. The Yankees were able to acquire 3B Martin Prado (.270 BA, 5 HR, 42 RBI) and 2B Stephen Drew (.176 BA, 4 HR, 11 RBI), while giving up practically nothing. The Stephen Drew move was one of very few trades between these long-time rivals. Boston traded SP Jon Lester, OF Jonny Gomes and cash to the Oakland A’s for OF Yoenis Cespedes (.256 BA, 17 HR, 67 RBI). Boston also shipped SP John Lackey to St. Louis for 1B/OF Allen Craig (.237 BA, 7 HR, 44 RBI) and traded lefty reliever Andrew Miller to Baltimore. Both teams are now significantly different, but New York had won the only series these teams played in Boston this season. They won two out of three games in that series and had won six out of 10 meetings this year before Friday. SP David Phelps (1.34 WHIP) will take the mound for New York and he will be up against SP Clay Buchholz (5.87 ERA and 1.56 WHIP). The Yankees are still very much alive in the hunt for a Wild Card spot in the American League.
Heading into the series against Boston, the Yankees were just 3.5 games out of a spot in the American League playoffs. New York made a drastic change to its lineup with the acquisitions of Martin Prado and Stephen Drew. Both players should immediately start for the team in the infield. David Phelps gets the ball for the Yankees on Sunday night after allowing four earned runs on eight hits in 6 IP against the Rangers. Heading into that start, Phelps had pitched five straight games where he allowed two runs or less. He has given the Yankees some much-needed stability at the back-end of their rotation. For Phelps, it is absolutely crucial that he can pitch a solid six or seven innings because the Yankees bullpen has been strong this year. Closer David Robertson (1.08 WHIP) has saved 27-of-29 opportunities this season, and if the Yankees can make it to him, they should have the final game of this series won. 3B Chase Headley (10-for-33, 8 K’s) has been excellent since joining the Yankees. He has come through with some timely hits and has looked more like the successful player he was in 2012, when he batted .286 and finished the season with 31 HR and 115 RBI.
The Red Sox were said to be sellers at the trade deadline, but they actually were able to get themselves a very well-established outfield. Bringing in Allen Craig and Yoenis Cespedes gives them a potent hitting outfield that will allow them to turn their focus to their pitching staff in the offseason. Craig is having a down year for the Cardinals, but he did bat .315 with 13 HR and 97 RBI in 2013. In his four years prior to this season, he was a very consistent hitter. Even with this subpar season, he is still batting .291 over the course of his career. Cespedes, on the other hand, gives the Red Sox some much needed power outside of 1B/DH David Ortiz. Heading into the series, Ortiz had homered five times in the previous nine games. Playing in Fenway Park, the righty should enjoy a lot more success than he did in the gigantic, pitcher-friendly O.co Coliseum. Cespedes hit 26 HR and drove in 80 RBI in 2013, and the Red Sox were wise to pick up a player like him. The Red Sox did, however, abandon nearly all of their pitching staff and Clay Buchholz, the lone member of their rotation who was with them when they won their last World Series, has struggled mightily in 2014. He will need to turn things around the rest of the way, in order to prove that he is a part of the future with this team.
By: Freddy Wander - StatFox
NEW YORK YANKEES at BOSTON RED SOX
First pitch: Sunday, 8:00 p.m. ET
Two storied rivals meet Sunday night when the Red Sox host the Yankees, and each team will have a fresh look for the rest of the season after shaking things up at Thursday’s trade deadline.
Both New York and Boston were extremely active on the phones Thursday, as both teams looked to make changes after disappointing throughout the season. The Yankees were able to acquire 3B Martin Prado (.270 BA, 5 HR, 42 RBI) and 2B Stephen Drew (.176 BA, 4 HR, 11 RBI), while giving up practically nothing. The Stephen Drew move was one of very few trades between these long-time rivals. Boston traded SP Jon Lester, OF Jonny Gomes and cash to the Oakland A’s for OF Yoenis Cespedes (.256 BA, 17 HR, 67 RBI). Boston also shipped SP John Lackey to St. Louis for 1B/OF Allen Craig (.237 BA, 7 HR, 44 RBI) and traded lefty reliever Andrew Miller to Baltimore. Both teams are now significantly different, but New York had won the only series these teams played in Boston this season. They won two out of three games in that series and had won six out of 10 meetings this year before Friday. SP David Phelps (1.34 WHIP) will take the mound for New York and he will be up against SP Clay Buchholz (5.87 ERA and 1.56 WHIP). The Yankees are still very much alive in the hunt for a Wild Card spot in the American League.
Heading into the series against Boston, the Yankees were just 3.5 games out of a spot in the American League playoffs. New York made a drastic change to its lineup with the acquisitions of Martin Prado and Stephen Drew. Both players should immediately start for the team in the infield. David Phelps gets the ball for the Yankees on Sunday night after allowing four earned runs on eight hits in 6 IP against the Rangers. Heading into that start, Phelps had pitched five straight games where he allowed two runs or less. He has given the Yankees some much-needed stability at the back-end of their rotation. For Phelps, it is absolutely crucial that he can pitch a solid six or seven innings because the Yankees bullpen has been strong this year. Closer David Robertson (1.08 WHIP) has saved 27-of-29 opportunities this season, and if the Yankees can make it to him, they should have the final game of this series won. 3B Chase Headley (10-for-33, 8 K’s) has been excellent since joining the Yankees. He has come through with some timely hits and has looked more like the successful player he was in 2012, when he batted .286 and finished the season with 31 HR and 115 RBI.
The Red Sox were said to be sellers at the trade deadline, but they actually were able to get themselves a very well-established outfield. Bringing in Allen Craig and Yoenis Cespedes gives them a potent hitting outfield that will allow them to turn their focus to their pitching staff in the offseason. Craig is having a down year for the Cardinals, but he did bat .315 with 13 HR and 97 RBI in 2013. In his four years prior to this season, he was a very consistent hitter. Even with this subpar season, he is still batting .291 over the course of his career. Cespedes, on the other hand, gives the Red Sox some much needed power outside of 1B/DH David Ortiz. Heading into the series, Ortiz had homered five times in the previous nine games. Playing in Fenway Park, the righty should enjoy a lot more success than he did in the gigantic, pitcher-friendly O.co Coliseum. Cespedes hit 26 HR and drove in 80 RBI in 2013, and the Red Sox were wise to pick up a player like him. The Red Sox did, however, abandon nearly all of their pitching staff and Clay Buchholz, the lone member of their rotation who was with them when they won their last World Series, has struggled mightily in 2014. He will need to turn things around the rest of the way, in order to prove that he is a part of the future with this team.
Game of the Day: Yankees at Red Sox
New York Yankees at Boston Red Sox (-122, 9)
The New York Yankees are trying to break out of a funk and stay in the race in the American League East. Several new arrivals attempt to give the Yankees a series win when they visit the Boston Red Sox in the rubber match of a three-game series. The Red Sox took the opener on Friday as they worked a slew of new players into the lineup but fell off on Saturday as New York earned a 6-4 victory to even the series.
The Yankees received contributions from newcomers Chase Headley, Stephen Drew and Martin Prado in Saturday’s triumph but it was veteran stalwarts Derek Jeter and Mark Teixeira doing the bulk of the damage. New York is five games behind frontrunner Baltimore in the AL East and has won only two of its last seven to drop into third place. The Red Sox introduced Yoenis Cespedes to the home crowd on Saturday and could have both Cespedes and Allen Craig in the lineup for the finale.
TV: 8 p.m. ET, ESPN
LINE HISTORY: Sportsbooks opened with the Red Sox as -122 home favorites and a total of 9.
INJURY REPORT: Red Sox - 1B Allen Craig (Questionable, ankle)
POWER RANKINGS: Yankees (-162), Red Sox (-119)
PITCHING MATCHUP: Yankees RH David Phelps (5-5, 3.89 ERA) vs. Red Sox RH Clay Buchholz (5-7, 5.87)
Phelps had a string of five straight starts allowing two or fewer earned runs come to an end on Monday, when he was reached for four runs and eight hits over six innings to suffer a loss at Texas. The Notre Dame product had not suffered a loss in eight straight outings before falling to the Rangers. Phelps made three appearances out of the bullpen against Boston in April and allowed a total of two unearned runs and four hits in 4 2/3 innings.
Buchholz is the lone starter left from the Red Sox’s opening day rotation, though his performance this season may have been one reason his name was not mentioned much at the trade deadline. The 29-year-old is 1-2 in three starts since the All-Star break, allowing 16 runs - 15 earned - and 23 hits in 17 innings during that span. Buchholz last started against New York on April 10 and was reached for four runs - two earned - on seven hits in six innings to suffer the loss.
TRENDS:
* Red Sox are 1-4 in Buchholz's last five home starts vs. Yankees.
* Yankees are 1-8 in Phelps' last nine starts as a road underdog.
* Red Sox are 2-9 in their last 11 overall.
* Under is 5-1 in Phelps' last six starts overall.
CONSENSUS: 56.63 percent of wagers on Consensus are backing the Yankees.
New York Yankees at Boston Red Sox (-122, 9)
The New York Yankees are trying to break out of a funk and stay in the race in the American League East. Several new arrivals attempt to give the Yankees a series win when they visit the Boston Red Sox in the rubber match of a three-game series. The Red Sox took the opener on Friday as they worked a slew of new players into the lineup but fell off on Saturday as New York earned a 6-4 victory to even the series.
The Yankees received contributions from newcomers Chase Headley, Stephen Drew and Martin Prado in Saturday’s triumph but it was veteran stalwarts Derek Jeter and Mark Teixeira doing the bulk of the damage. New York is five games behind frontrunner Baltimore in the AL East and has won only two of its last seven to drop into third place. The Red Sox introduced Yoenis Cespedes to the home crowd on Saturday and could have both Cespedes and Allen Craig in the lineup for the finale.
TV: 8 p.m. ET, ESPN
LINE HISTORY: Sportsbooks opened with the Red Sox as -122 home favorites and a total of 9.
INJURY REPORT: Red Sox - 1B Allen Craig (Questionable, ankle)
POWER RANKINGS: Yankees (-162), Red Sox (-119)
PITCHING MATCHUP: Yankees RH David Phelps (5-5, 3.89 ERA) vs. Red Sox RH Clay Buchholz (5-7, 5.87)
Phelps had a string of five straight starts allowing two or fewer earned runs come to an end on Monday, when he was reached for four runs and eight hits over six innings to suffer a loss at Texas. The Notre Dame product had not suffered a loss in eight straight outings before falling to the Rangers. Phelps made three appearances out of the bullpen against Boston in April and allowed a total of two unearned runs and four hits in 4 2/3 innings.
Buchholz is the lone starter left from the Red Sox’s opening day rotation, though his performance this season may have been one reason his name was not mentioned much at the trade deadline. The 29-year-old is 1-2 in three starts since the All-Star break, allowing 16 runs - 15 earned - and 23 hits in 17 innings during that span. Buchholz last started against New York on April 10 and was reached for four runs - two earned - on seven hits in six innings to suffer the loss.
TRENDS:
* Red Sox are 1-4 in Buchholz's last five home starts vs. Yankees.
* Yankees are 1-8 in Phelps' last nine starts as a road underdog.
* Red Sox are 2-9 in their last 11 overall.
* Under is 5-1 in Phelps' last six starts overall.
CONSENSUS: 56.63 percent of wagers on Consensus are backing the Yankees.
StatFox Super Situations
MLB | KANSAS CITY at OAKLAND
Play Against - Road underdogs with a money line of +100 or higher (KANSAS CITY) below average hitting team (AVG <=.265) against an excellent starting pitcher (ERA <=3.20) -AL, with a starting pitcher whose ERA is 3.50 or better on the season (AL)
130-54 over the last 5 seasons. ( 70.7% | 51.4 units )
34-17 this year. ( 66.7% | 7.2 units )
StatFox Situational Power Trends
MLB | SEATTLE at BALTIMORE
BALTIMORE is 87-57 (+44.5 Units) against the money line vs. a good bullpen that converts on 75%+ of their save opportunities over the last 3 seasons.
The average score was: BALTIMORE (4.4) , OPPONENT (4.0)
MLB | KANSAS CITY at OAKLAND
Play Against - Road underdogs with a money line of +100 or higher (KANSAS CITY) below average hitting team (AVG <=.265) against an excellent starting pitcher (ERA <=3.20) -AL, with a starting pitcher whose ERA is 3.50 or better on the season (AL)
130-54 over the last 5 seasons. ( 70.7% | 51.4 units )
34-17 this year. ( 66.7% | 7.2 units )
StatFox Situational Power Trends
MLB | SEATTLE at BALTIMORE
BALTIMORE is 87-57 (+44.5 Units) against the money line vs. a good bullpen that converts on 75%+ of their save opportunities over the last 3 seasons.
The average score was: BALTIMORE (4.4) , OPPONENT (4.0)
MLB
Baseball Betting: Streaks, Tips, Notes
Seattle Mariners at Baltimore Orioles August 3, 01:35 EST
When Mariners send right-hander Hisashi Iwakuma to the mound in the rubber match Sunday they'll have conditions on their side. Mariners have won 6 of Iwakuma's 7 games away from Safeco Field this season. The M's have won 4 of the hurlers last 5 August road starts. Orioles' Chris Tillman is 1-5 in ten home starts this season (5-5 TSR).
Toronto Blue Jays at Houston Astros August 3, 2:10 EST
Blue Birds looking to save face down in Houston after dropping the last two will be in good hands as they send Marcus Stroman to the mound. The righty has been light's out winning his last three allowing a single run over 21.0 innings of work. Stroman in great KW form with 20 strikeouts, 4 walks his last three, Astros 1-8 last nine with Feldman and the hurler sporting a 2-5 career team start record versus Toronto, 2-8 team start record in August consider backing Jays in this one.
Baseball Betting: Streaks, Tips, Notes
Seattle Mariners at Baltimore Orioles August 3, 01:35 EST
When Mariners send right-hander Hisashi Iwakuma to the mound in the rubber match Sunday they'll have conditions on their side. Mariners have won 6 of Iwakuma's 7 games away from Safeco Field this season. The M's have won 4 of the hurlers last 5 August road starts. Orioles' Chris Tillman is 1-5 in ten home starts this season (5-5 TSR).
Toronto Blue Jays at Houston Astros August 3, 2:10 EST
Blue Birds looking to save face down in Houston after dropping the last two will be in good hands as they send Marcus Stroman to the mound. The righty has been light's out winning his last three allowing a single run over 21.0 innings of work. Stroman in great KW form with 20 strikeouts, 4 walks his last three, Astros 1-8 last nine with Feldman and the hurler sporting a 2-5 career team start record versus Toronto, 2-8 team start record in August consider backing Jays in this one.
Advanced Sports Investments
Perry’s Soccer Area
Denmark – 1st division
9:30am- Aarhus GF @ Bronshoj BK – Under 2.5 +110
Ggermany – 2nd Bundesliga
9:30am 1. Fc Union Berlin @ Karlsruher Sc – Over 2.5 -105
Romania – Liga 1
12:00pm FC Brasov @ FC Astra Giurgiu – Under 2.5 -110
Sweden Allsvenskan
9:00am if Brommapojkarna @ Kalmar FF – Over 2.5 -125
Norway – 1. Division
9:30am Sandefjord Fotball @ Strommen – Over 2.5 -125
Perry’s Soccer Area
Denmark – 1st division
9:30am- Aarhus GF @ Bronshoj BK – Under 2.5 +110
Ggermany – 2nd Bundesliga
9:30am 1. Fc Union Berlin @ Karlsruher Sc – Over 2.5 -105
Romania – Liga 1
12:00pm FC Brasov @ FC Astra Giurgiu – Under 2.5 -110
Sweden Allsvenskan
9:00am if Brommapojkarna @ Kalmar FF – Over 2.5 -125
Norway – 1. Division
9:30am Sandefjord Fotball @ Strommen – Over 2.5 -125
