Wunderdog Sports Free Pick
Game: Detroit Tigers @ Oakland Athletics
Time: Thursday 05/29 3:35 PM Eastern
Pick: Oakland -130 (moneyline) at TopBet
The wheels have come off for the Detroit Tigers who not too long ago were cruising along on the mound and at the plate. Detroit lost in walk-off fashion last night, moving them to an ugly 2-8 in their last 10 games. During that 10-game stretch, they have produced 2 runs or fewer in half of them, while allowing 5 runs or more in eight of them. Oakland continues to march on with the best rotation in baseball, but with few notable names. Rick Porcello has seven wins, but just a 3.88 ERA, and his track record vs. Oakland is very poor as he owns an 0-4 record and 5.46 ERA against them. Jesse Chavez is just another Oakland starter getting it done with a 4-2 record and 2.61 ERA on the season. The A's keep on keepin' on as home chalk at 77-36 in their last 113, and are 8-2 in Chavez's last 10 starts overall. The Tigers are just 2-5 in Porcello's last seven starts vs. the A's, and have lost all momentum right now. Take Oakland.
Game: Detroit Tigers @ Oakland Athletics
Time: Thursday 05/29 3:35 PM Eastern
Pick: Oakland -130 (moneyline) at TopBet
The wheels have come off for the Detroit Tigers who not too long ago were cruising along on the mound and at the plate. Detroit lost in walk-off fashion last night, moving them to an ugly 2-8 in their last 10 games. During that 10-game stretch, they have produced 2 runs or fewer in half of them, while allowing 5 runs or more in eight of them. Oakland continues to march on with the best rotation in baseball, but with few notable names. Rick Porcello has seven wins, but just a 3.88 ERA, and his track record vs. Oakland is very poor as he owns an 0-4 record and 5.46 ERA against them. Jesse Chavez is just another Oakland starter getting it done with a 4-2 record and 2.61 ERA on the season. The A's keep on keepin' on as home chalk at 77-36 in their last 113, and are 8-2 in Chavez's last 10 starts overall. The Tigers are just 2-5 in Porcello's last seven starts vs. the A's, and have lost all momentum right now. Take Oakland.
Jeffrey James (YouWinNow)
MLB Play of the Day Los Angeles Dodgers with Haren
Haren has been very strong at home this year in 4 starts with a 2-0 record and ERA of 2.39. Cole goes for the Pirates and he has been iffy at best on the road this season. Pittsburgh is very bad on the road while the Dodgers are good at home and they have owned Pittsburgh beating them the last 6 times they played them at home.
MLB Play of the Day Los Angeles Dodgers with Haren
Haren has been very strong at home this year in 4 starts with a 2-0 record and ERA of 2.39. Cole goes for the Pirates and he has been iffy at best on the road this season. Pittsburgh is very bad on the road while the Dodgers are good at home and they have owned Pittsburgh beating them the last 6 times they played them at home.
Thursday's MLB betting cheat sheet: Blue Jays defying the odds
Here's a comprehensive look at betting notes for Thursday's major league games:
Giants Roll as Favorites
The San Francisco Giants (-152) rolled to their second consecutive shutout Wednesday, cruising past the Chicago Cubs 4-0. The Giants have been sensational as a big favorite of late, winning six consecutive games at -150 or better while allowing just six runs in those contests.
Struggling Ubaldo Favored
Baltimore Orioles right-hander Ubaldo Jimenez has had a dreadful start to the season, going 2-8 against the money while ranking in the bottom 10 in total units among starters ($-546). Jimenez is favored for the first time all season as the Orioles (-128, 9) visit the Houston Astros.
Oh, Canada
The Toronto Blue Jays are riding a nine-game winning streak following Wednesday's 3-2 win over Tampa Bay; six of those victories came as an underdog, while two others came as a very slight favorite (-105). Toronto is -115 for Thursday's series opener against visiting Kansas City.
Pitching Notes
* Detroit Tigers right-hander Rick Porcello has rolled in his last three starts as an underdog, allowing only four runs over 21 innings in those contests. Porcello carries a four-game road winning streak into Thursday's game against the host Oakland Athletics (-138, 7.5).
* Over could be a strong play as Cincinnati lefty Tony Cingrani and the Reds (+106, 8.5) visit the Arizona Diamondbacks. Cingrani is 6-1 O/U over his last seven starts and will face a Diamondbacks team that is 15-10-2 O/U at Chase Field for the season.
Hitting Notes
* Baltimore Orioles slugger Nelson Cruz went deep twice in Wednesday's 8-3 loss to Milwaukee, giving him seven homers in his last nine games and a league-best 19 on the year. The Orioles are just 8-9 S/U in games in which Cruz goes deep entering Thursday's showdown with Houston.
* The Cubs managed just two hits Wednesday and are hitting a league-low .226 in May. Chicago is 10-15 S/U and 10-13-2 O/U so far this month, and will look to bounce back from consecutive shutouts Friday in Milwaukee after enjoying a much-needed rest day.
Totals Streak
Seattle Mariners (2-6-1 O/U): Mariners pitchers have been on target in recent days, allowing one run in four of their last seven games. Seattle is 24-25-3 O/U for the season entering Thursday's tilt with the visiting Los Angeles Angels.
Prop of the Day
Extra innings between the Pittsburgh Pirates and Los Angeles Dodgers - set at +625 - could be a strong longshot play Thursday. The Pirates have played the most one-run games in the majors (25) while the Dodgers lead the league in extra-inning games (10).
Injury Notes
* Baltimore Orioles catcher Matt Wieters will try some light throwing Friday as he continues his long road back from a major elbow injury. Baltimore is 8-12 SU, 11-9 O/U and -414 units for the season without Wieters, who doesn't have a timetable for his return.
* Miami Marlins pitcher Henderson Alvarez left Wednesday's starts with right elbow stiffness after tossing five shutout innings. The Marlins hope Alvarez won't miss any time, having gone 6-2 against the moneyline over his previous eight starts.
Weather Watch
* Fans at O.co Coliseum should expect wind blowing out to right field at 7 mph for the game between the Athletics and the visiting Tigers. The Athletics went 21-8 while allowing just 3.1 runs in 29 games last season with wind blowing out to right at between 0-10 mph.
Umpire Note of the Day
The road team is 8-2 in umpire Bill Welke's last 10 Thursday games behind home plate. Welke will call the balls and strikes for the interleague series finale between the host Boston Red Sox (-113, 8.5) and the Atlanta Braves.
** Odds, stats, weather forecast and probable pitchers as of 7:55 a.m. ET Thursday.
Here's a comprehensive look at betting notes for Thursday's major league games:
Giants Roll as Favorites
The San Francisco Giants (-152) rolled to their second consecutive shutout Wednesday, cruising past the Chicago Cubs 4-0. The Giants have been sensational as a big favorite of late, winning six consecutive games at -150 or better while allowing just six runs in those contests.
Struggling Ubaldo Favored
Baltimore Orioles right-hander Ubaldo Jimenez has had a dreadful start to the season, going 2-8 against the money while ranking in the bottom 10 in total units among starters ($-546). Jimenez is favored for the first time all season as the Orioles (-128, 9) visit the Houston Astros.
Oh, Canada
The Toronto Blue Jays are riding a nine-game winning streak following Wednesday's 3-2 win over Tampa Bay; six of those victories came as an underdog, while two others came as a very slight favorite (-105). Toronto is -115 for Thursday's series opener against visiting Kansas City.
Pitching Notes
* Detroit Tigers right-hander Rick Porcello has rolled in his last three starts as an underdog, allowing only four runs over 21 innings in those contests. Porcello carries a four-game road winning streak into Thursday's game against the host Oakland Athletics (-138, 7.5).
* Over could be a strong play as Cincinnati lefty Tony Cingrani and the Reds (+106, 8.5) visit the Arizona Diamondbacks. Cingrani is 6-1 O/U over his last seven starts and will face a Diamondbacks team that is 15-10-2 O/U at Chase Field for the season.
Hitting Notes
* Baltimore Orioles slugger Nelson Cruz went deep twice in Wednesday's 8-3 loss to Milwaukee, giving him seven homers in his last nine games and a league-best 19 on the year. The Orioles are just 8-9 S/U in games in which Cruz goes deep entering Thursday's showdown with Houston.
* The Cubs managed just two hits Wednesday and are hitting a league-low .226 in May. Chicago is 10-15 S/U and 10-13-2 O/U so far this month, and will look to bounce back from consecutive shutouts Friday in Milwaukee after enjoying a much-needed rest day.
Totals Streak
Seattle Mariners (2-6-1 O/U): Mariners pitchers have been on target in recent days, allowing one run in four of their last seven games. Seattle is 24-25-3 O/U for the season entering Thursday's tilt with the visiting Los Angeles Angels.
Prop of the Day
Extra innings between the Pittsburgh Pirates and Los Angeles Dodgers - set at +625 - could be a strong longshot play Thursday. The Pirates have played the most one-run games in the majors (25) while the Dodgers lead the league in extra-inning games (10).
Injury Notes
* Baltimore Orioles catcher Matt Wieters will try some light throwing Friday as he continues his long road back from a major elbow injury. Baltimore is 8-12 SU, 11-9 O/U and -414 units for the season without Wieters, who doesn't have a timetable for his return.
* Miami Marlins pitcher Henderson Alvarez left Wednesday's starts with right elbow stiffness after tossing five shutout innings. The Marlins hope Alvarez won't miss any time, having gone 6-2 against the moneyline over his previous eight starts.
Weather Watch
* Fans at O.co Coliseum should expect wind blowing out to right field at 7 mph for the game between the Athletics and the visiting Tigers. The Athletics went 21-8 while allowing just 3.1 runs in 29 games last season with wind blowing out to right at between 0-10 mph.
Umpire Note of the Day
The road team is 8-2 in umpire Bill Welke's last 10 Thursday games behind home plate. Welke will call the balls and strikes for the interleague series finale between the host Boston Red Sox (-113, 8.5) and the Atlanta Braves.
** Odds, stats, weather forecast and probable pitchers as of 7:55 a.m. ET Thursday.
ACCUSCORE - MLB
ML-Home Wins 50 to 54.9% STREAK 17-6, 73.9% +709
TEX 959 vs MIN 960 -- Over 50% on Minnesota Twins -115
BAL 965 vs HOU 966 -- Over 50% on Houston Astros +115
CIN 955 vs ARI 956 -- Over 50% on Arizona Diamondbacks -115
PIT 957 vs LAD 958 -- Over 50% on Los Angeles Dodgers -125
SV-Home Line is +110 to +129 STREAK 5-0, 100% +576
BAL 965 vs HOU 966 -- Value on Houston Astros +115
LAA 967 vs SEA 968 -- Value on Los Angeles Angels -120
OU-Betting Line of 9 TO 9.5 STREAK 7-3, 70% +370
BAL 965 vs HOU 966 -- Under 9
4 STAR SIDE VALUE STREAK 7-3, 70% +318
DET 961 vs OAK 962 -- Value on Oakland Athletics -145
AL WEST DIV GAME O/U STREAK 4-1, 80% +290
LAA 967 vs SEA 968 -- Under 8
ML-Home Wins 50 to 54.9% STREAK 17-6, 73.9% +709
TEX 959 vs MIN 960 -- Over 50% on Minnesota Twins -115
BAL 965 vs HOU 966 -- Over 50% on Houston Astros +115
CIN 955 vs ARI 956 -- Over 50% on Arizona Diamondbacks -115
PIT 957 vs LAD 958 -- Over 50% on Los Angeles Dodgers -125
SV-Home Line is +110 to +129 STREAK 5-0, 100% +576
BAL 965 vs HOU 966 -- Value on Houston Astros +115
LAA 967 vs SEA 968 -- Value on Los Angeles Angels -120
OU-Betting Line of 9 TO 9.5 STREAK 7-3, 70% +370
BAL 965 vs HOU 966 -- Under 9
4 STAR SIDE VALUE STREAK 7-3, 70% +318
DET 961 vs OAK 962 -- Value on Oakland Athletics -145
AL WEST DIV GAME O/U STREAK 4-1, 80% +290
LAA 967 vs SEA 968 -- Under 8
Who's Hot - AL Edition
By Mike Rose
In the American League this year, baseball bettors have been treated to a few teams that have really overachieved their expectations, but they have had to endure a number of teams who have badly underachieved as well. Today, we'll look at the overachievers of the bunch who are really raking in the green almost two months into the 2014 campaign.
Toronto Blue Jays (31-22, +$924) – The Jays just keep doing well, and they are really doing their damage on the road. They're 16-11 this year away from Rogers Centre, and that has equated into $724 worth of profits. Even on the run-line, Toronto has been massive this year, posting the best record in the league at +$1,400 (33-20). This offense is averaging right at 5.00 runs per game, and a lot of that is because there have been a ton of guys mashing the baseball. Edwin Encarnacion has 16 homers on the season, while Jose Bautista has 12 jacks. Melky Cabrera and Brett Lawrie both have eight bombs, while both Colby Rasmus and Juan Francisco have lifted off nine times each. That's a heck of a lot of power from one of the better power hitting lineups in the game.
Minnesota Twins (24-25, +$671) – You don't need a winning SU record in order to be a winning team for your wagering supporters, and the Twins are proof of that. Thanks to the fact that this is a club with the worst pitching staff in the game, the Twins are usually underdogs against most comparable clubs. Alas, it's true that a 4.61 ERA is going to end up getting you killed, especially when your starting pitchers by just about every metric imaginable are the worst in the league. No one has more than five wins, yet this team is still way ahead of the game for bettors. Be careful, though. Minnesota has a heck of a schedule coming up with games against teams like the Rangers and Yankees, and there's a long road trip ahead in Toronto, Detroit, and Boston as well. Troubling waters are certainly ahead for Gardy’s troops.
Chicago White Sox (27-27, +$655) – The White Sox are another example of a team which isn't lighting it up in terms of wins and losses but is doing well in totality for bettors. Even though the North Siders are just 15-12 at home, they are up over four units this year as a result. Again, we do have to throw some caution to the wind here, though. Chicago is down $254 for the season on the run-line, and it is winning a lot of close games, especially when installed a narrow favorite. There is a likelihood that there is going to be a bit of a market correction at some point. A horrid bullpen without a consistent back end stopper is going to really bite this team in the backside sooner rather than later.
By Mike Rose
In the American League this year, baseball bettors have been treated to a few teams that have really overachieved their expectations, but they have had to endure a number of teams who have badly underachieved as well. Today, we'll look at the overachievers of the bunch who are really raking in the green almost two months into the 2014 campaign.
Toronto Blue Jays (31-22, +$924) – The Jays just keep doing well, and they are really doing their damage on the road. They're 16-11 this year away from Rogers Centre, and that has equated into $724 worth of profits. Even on the run-line, Toronto has been massive this year, posting the best record in the league at +$1,400 (33-20). This offense is averaging right at 5.00 runs per game, and a lot of that is because there have been a ton of guys mashing the baseball. Edwin Encarnacion has 16 homers on the season, while Jose Bautista has 12 jacks. Melky Cabrera and Brett Lawrie both have eight bombs, while both Colby Rasmus and Juan Francisco have lifted off nine times each. That's a heck of a lot of power from one of the better power hitting lineups in the game.
Minnesota Twins (24-25, +$671) – You don't need a winning SU record in order to be a winning team for your wagering supporters, and the Twins are proof of that. Thanks to the fact that this is a club with the worst pitching staff in the game, the Twins are usually underdogs against most comparable clubs. Alas, it's true that a 4.61 ERA is going to end up getting you killed, especially when your starting pitchers by just about every metric imaginable are the worst in the league. No one has more than five wins, yet this team is still way ahead of the game for bettors. Be careful, though. Minnesota has a heck of a schedule coming up with games against teams like the Rangers and Yankees, and there's a long road trip ahead in Toronto, Detroit, and Boston as well. Troubling waters are certainly ahead for Gardy’s troops.
Chicago White Sox (27-27, +$655) – The White Sox are another example of a team which isn't lighting it up in terms of wins and losses but is doing well in totality for bettors. Even though the North Siders are just 15-12 at home, they are up over four units this year as a result. Again, we do have to throw some caution to the wind here, though. Chicago is down $254 for the season on the run-line, and it is winning a lot of close games, especially when installed a narrow favorite. There is a likelihood that there is going to be a bit of a market correction at some point. A horrid bullpen without a consistent back end stopper is going to really bite this team in the backside sooner rather than later.
Diamond Trends - Thursday
By Vince Akins
SU TREND OF THE DAY:
The Cardinals are 16-0 (+$1,610) since September 16, 2010 at home after a loss in which they had at least five more team-left-on-base than their opponent.
PITCHER TREND OF THE DAY:
When Gerrit Cole starts the Pirates are 9-0 since June 21, 2013 when the bullpen has allowed at least one run for two straight games for a net profit of $1038.
ACTIVE TREND:
The Cardinals are 10-0 OU since September 13, 2009 at home when they are off a loss in which they scored in at least four separate innings.
CHOICE TREND:
The Twins are 0-9 (+$1,056) since 2011 as a favorite after a loss it is the last game of the series.
ACTIVE TRENDS:
When James Shields starts the Royals are 16-3 since June 01, 2013 on the road for a net profit of $1300.
By Vince Akins
SU TREND OF THE DAY:
The Cardinals are 16-0 (+$1,610) since September 16, 2010 at home after a loss in which they had at least five more team-left-on-base than their opponent.
PITCHER TREND OF THE DAY:
When Gerrit Cole starts the Pirates are 9-0 since June 21, 2013 when the bullpen has allowed at least one run for two straight games for a net profit of $1038.
ACTIVE TREND:
The Cardinals are 10-0 OU since September 13, 2009 at home when they are off a loss in which they scored in at least four separate innings.
CHOICE TREND:
The Twins are 0-9 (+$1,056) since 2011 as a favorite after a loss it is the last game of the series.
ACTIVE TRENDS:
When James Shields starts the Royals are 16-3 since June 01, 2013 on the road for a net profit of $1300.
SPORTS WAGERS
NHL
Montreal Canadiens +156 over NEW YORK
OT included. Indeed we have the Canadiens in the series but the price on this game forces us to make a move. It’s been often said that the close-out game is the most difficult of them all and the Rangers will come into this one with all the pressure on their backs to seal the deal while the Habs will play with no pressure, as they are expected to lose after falling behind 3-1 in the series.
It’s been Montreal that has been gaining steam over the past four games and has actually been the better team in at least three of those games. We also like that they were able to fend off a Rangers comeback last game. New York had huge momentum entering the third period after rallying from three down to make it a one-goal game. Instead of allowing the Rangers to fully come back, Montreal buried them early in the third to seal it and set up this one. Of course the Rangers can win here but once again we focus in on the value. Montreal’s chance of winning this one is just as good as the Rangers chance. The goaltending will ultimately decide which team emerges victorious and in that regard, we have just as much faith in the “kid” as we do in Henrik Lundqvist. Price dictates play and if we didn’t have Montreal in the series we would make this a regular 2 unit wager instead of 1.
NHL
Montreal Canadiens +156 over NEW YORK
OT included. Indeed we have the Canadiens in the series but the price on this game forces us to make a move. It’s been often said that the close-out game is the most difficult of them all and the Rangers will come into this one with all the pressure on their backs to seal the deal while the Habs will play with no pressure, as they are expected to lose after falling behind 3-1 in the series.
It’s been Montreal that has been gaining steam over the past four games and has actually been the better team in at least three of those games. We also like that they were able to fend off a Rangers comeback last game. New York had huge momentum entering the third period after rallying from three down to make it a one-goal game. Instead of allowing the Rangers to fully come back, Montreal buried them early in the third to seal it and set up this one. Of course the Rangers can win here but once again we focus in on the value. Montreal’s chance of winning this one is just as good as the Rangers chance. The goaltending will ultimately decide which team emerges victorious and in that regard, we have just as much faith in the “kid” as we do in Henrik Lundqvist. Price dictates play and if we didn’t have Montreal in the series we would make this a regular 2 unit wager instead of 1.
SPORTS WAGERS
NHL
Montreal Canadiens +156 over NEW YORK
OT included. Indeed we have the Canadiens in the series but the price on this game forces us to make a move. It’s been often said that the close-out game is the most difficult of them all and the Rangers will come into this one with all the pressure on their backs to seal the deal while the Habs will play with no pressure, as they are expected to lose after falling behind 3-1 in the series.
It’s been Montreal that has been gaining steam over the past four games and has actually been the better team in at least three of those games. We also like that they were able to fend off a Rangers comeback last game. New York had huge momentum entering the third period after rallying from three down to make it a one-goal game. Instead of allowing the Rangers to fully come back, Montreal buried them early in the third to seal it and set up this one. Of course the Rangers can win here but once again we focus in on the value. Montreal’s chance of winning this one is just as good as the Rangers chance. The goaltending will ultimately decide which team emerges victorious and in that regard, we have just as much faith in the “kid” as we do in Henrik Lundqvist. Price dictates play and if we didn’t have Montreal in the series we would make this a regular 2 unit wager instead of 1.
NHL
Montreal Canadiens +156 over NEW YORK
OT included. Indeed we have the Canadiens in the series but the price on this game forces us to make a move. It’s been often said that the close-out game is the most difficult of them all and the Rangers will come into this one with all the pressure on their backs to seal the deal while the Habs will play with no pressure, as they are expected to lose after falling behind 3-1 in the series.
It’s been Montreal that has been gaining steam over the past four games and has actually been the better team in at least three of those games. We also like that they were able to fend off a Rangers comeback last game. New York had huge momentum entering the third period after rallying from three down to make it a one-goal game. Instead of allowing the Rangers to fully come back, Montreal buried them early in the third to seal it and set up this one. Of course the Rangers can win here but once again we focus in on the value. Montreal’s chance of winning this one is just as good as the Rangers chance. The goaltending will ultimately decide which team emerges victorious and in that regard, we have just as much faith in the “kid” as we do in Henrik Lundqvist. Price dictates play and if we didn’t have Montreal in the series we would make this a regular 2 unit wager instead of 1.
BOB BALFE
PHILADELPHIA PHILLIES -105 (Buchanan/Wheeler)
The Phillies broke out of their shell last night with a late inning comeback for the first time this year. This is a team that has people scratching their heads on why they can’t put up runs on a regular basis. Last night was a good win for them and we will see if that gets a little momentum going. The Mets are not a good hitting team themselves and Wheeler although he has great strikeout ability tends to walk a lot of guys. Walks kill in the big leagues. Take the Phillies.
PHILADELPHIA PHILLIES -105 (Buchanan/Wheeler)
The Phillies broke out of their shell last night with a late inning comeback for the first time this year. This is a team that has people scratching their heads on why they can’t put up runs on a regular basis. Last night was a good win for them and we will see if that gets a little momentum going. The Mets are not a good hitting team themselves and Wheeler although he has great strikeout ability tends to walk a lot of guys. Walks kill in the big leagues. Take the Phillies.
