Sunday 6/28/15 service plays chatter/comps/requests & other stuff...

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Rain ends Nationals-Phillies game in second inning
By THE SPORTS XCHANGE

PHILADELPHIA -- Saturday afternoon's game between the Washington Nationals and Philadelphia Phillies at Citizens Bank Park was canceled after 1 1/2 innings due to rain.

The game was rescheduled for Sunday as part of a single-admission doubleheader, with Game 1 slated for 1:05 p.m. Game 2 will follow to conclude the three-game weekend series.

Phillies right-hander Kevin Correia (0-1, 4.30 ERA) will start Game 1 and oppose Nationals right-hander Stephen Strasburg (4-5, 5.90). Philadelphia will recall right-hander Severino Gonzalez (2-2, 8.69) as its 26th man permitted for a doubleheader. He will start Game 2. Washington will announce its starter Sunday.

Saturday's game started at its scheduled time of 3:05 p.m., but heavy rain started to fall in the top of the second inning when Philadelphia starter Adam Morgan finished a scoreless frame. The rain delay began at 3:37 p.m. and lasted 1 hour and 27 minutes.

Entering the game, the forecast was not promising and was expected to worsen.

Afterward, Nationals manager Matt Williams was highly frustrated with the decision to play.

"Extremely," Williams said. "It burned our pitcher. I'm not very happy about it.

What was the reasoning behind playing?

"That it was going to be playable," Williams said he was told. "Forecast was that it was going to be playable. Clearly it wasn't."

Both teams were scoreless after Morgan threw two innings in 35 pitches and Nationals right-hander Gio Gonzalez threw one inning in 19 pitches.

No statistics will count from the game.

It's undecided when Gonzalez and Morgan will pitch next in their respective rotations.

Like Williams, Gonzalez was displeased.

"This rain kind of caught us all off guard," Gonzalez said sarcastically. "We didn't know it was coming for like three days.

"It's unfortunate. You're put in a tough situation. It just sucks. I've been waiting for four days and that's what happens."

Phillies center fielder Ben Revere tallied a hit and stolen base that will go for naught.

"Sometimes like that, you end up the year at .320 or 49 stolen bases or 199 hits and you get one taken away from you," Revere said. "I know my hitting coach, (Steve) Henderson, is always on me about that, 'You'll probably get 199 hits.' So if that happens, I'm gonna be ticked. It's whatever; Mother Nature happens. Just got to get ready for the doubleheader."

The Nationals (41-33) are riding a season-high seven-game winning streak and sit in first place in the National League East, while the Phillies (26-49) are a major-league-worst 23 games below .500.

NOTES: Nationals OF Bryce Harper (sore right hamstring) was not in the starting lineup for the third straight game. According to manager Matt Williams, Harper is day-to-day. ... Facing Nationals LHP Gio Gonzalez, the Phillies rested lefty swingers 1B Ryan Howard, LF Cody Asche and RF Domonic Brown. LF Darin Ruf, RF Jeff Francoeur and 3B Andres Blanco received starts, as INF Maikel Franco shifted to first base. ... Nationals OF Denard Span was held out of the starting lineup for the second straight game. Span was scratched before Friday's game because of a back spasm. He's considered day-to-day. ... Phillies LHP Adam Morgan was making just his second major-league start. He won his debut last week against the Cardinals. ... Nationals 3B Yunel Escobar was not in the starting lineup. He left Friday's game with a swollen left hand after he was hit by a pitch in the first inning. He's considered day-to-day.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Archer has been reliable when pitching as a fave
Andrew Avery

The Tampa Bay Rays have won Chris Archer's last eight starts when tabbed as faves this season.

Overall, the Rays have won five-straight games which the 26-year-old has started. The righty has an ERA of just 1.80 in those starts with the Rays defeating the Los Angeles Angels, Seattle Mariners, Chicago White Sox, Washington Nationals and Toronto Blue Jays over that stretch.

Archer and the Rays host the Boston Red Sox Sunday afternoon. As of Saturday afternoon, the Rays were -180 faves.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

'Road Dogs'

A study of baseball road underdogs to this point in the season (June 26) shows it's been a 'Dog-Gone' struggle with road underdogs winning just 43.7% of the games costing backers -$451 at the betting window. To get a better take, we asked our trusted MLB stat crunching machine to break it down by line ranges to see which groups were the best performers. Road Dogs in the lower range (<= $1.50) had 'Lot's of Byte' winning 45.8% of the time (278-329) stuffing +$726 into betting accounts. Road Dogs with some bite were found in the $1.51 to $1.70 range as they won at a 39.5% clip (30-46) cashing +$181 worth of tickets. But, Big Dogs higher than $1.70 were 'All-Bark-No-Bite' posting a 10-34 mark depleting accounts by -$1358. Something to keep in mind as the season progresses.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Baseball Betting: - Beaten Favorite! June 26 2015

In baseball just because a team is heavily favored does not mean the club will win every time. The baseball season is a long, grueling one and there are days when teams don't give their best efforts. Ace pitchers have an off day, relievers implode, hitters slump and/or costly errors are made.

Diving into our baseball database Heavy Favorites, that is chalk of -$1.70 or higher have won at a 67.8% clip (76-36) this season for a net return of +$745 for backers.

Now, one would assume the 36 mentioned 'Beaten Heavy Favorites' would pick themselves up the following game providing solid betting choices. Well, in sports betting like life itself, Rule Number One - 'Never Assume Anything'. The Beaten Heavy Favorites were far from a sure thing the next outing posting a 19-17 record depleting betting accounts by -$533. Something to keep in mind throughout the season. As always best of luck but above all enjoy the games.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Sunday's six-pack

More pointspreads for six of college football's more interesting games this year:

-- Sept 3: Michigan @ Utah (-4)

-- Sept 4: Washington @ Boise State (-13)

-- Sept 5: Texas @ Notre Dame (-7.5)

-- Sept 19: Stanford @ USC (-4)

-- Sept 26: Tennessee (-2.5) @ Florida

-- Oct 3: Ole Miss (-6) at Florida

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Teyas Sports

6/28/2015 FREE PICK W.SOX UNDER 7 1/2

DID YOU KNOW??? WHEN UMP JERRY MEALS IS BEHIND HOME PLATE (NATS @ PHILLIES TODAY) THE OVER IS 34-15-3 HIS LAST 52 GAMES CALLING BALLS AND STRIKES.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Dave Cokin

Bonus Play Sunday

YANKEES (Pineda) @ ASTROS (McHugh) 2:10 PM

Take: YANKEES -109

Michael Pineda and Collin McHugh are a pair of starting pitchers who’d probably each like to turn back the clock just a little bit. Both Pineda and McHugh were putting up some mighty impressive numbers, but each has been going through an uneven period recently. McHugh is hoping his last effort got him straightened out to some extent. Pineda needs to rebound from what was probably the worst start of his life.

It’s really kind of baffling as to what in the wide, wide world of sports went wrong for Pineda on Monday. He was at home and he was facing a feeble Phillies lineup. Welcome to the game where anything can happen on any given day. Pineda didn’t fool a soul and got absolutely blown up.

As for McHugh, one might make the argument that one critical pitch swung everything for him. The Astros righty has been getting hit pretty hard lately and was in a first inning bases loaded mess at Anaheim. But McHugh induced a double play grounder from David Freese, the ‘Stros lit up CJ Wilson in the second inning and McHugh settled in well enough to coast to an easy win.

I’m still not convinced that McHugh is out of the woods. If he has relocated the stuff we saw for much of 2014 and the early portion of this season, the Yankees could be in for a difficult day.

Pineda needs to show he can be an ace today. The Yankees won Saturday, but Masahiro Tanaka had his second straight very poor performance in the process. Given the concerns about his balky elbow, there’s not as much reliability in Tanaka at this point as the Yankees would like. Pineda has to step up here and put together a quality start. That’s no cinch against this Houston entry. But I’ll count myself as one who believes Pineda has to talent to front a rotation and I’m eager to see how he rebounds from that Monday disaster.

I made this number a shade higher than where it currently stands, and assuming the regulars are playing this game, I’ll be looking to include the Yankees on my personal ticket for the day. I would definitely suggest checking out the starting lineups before proceeding as it’s a Sunday getaway game and the Yanks have to play at Anaheim on Monday night. But assuming the key guys are in action, the Yankees are a take for me, and they’re the Sunday Bonus Play as well.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Arthur Ralph Sports

Bonus Play Sunday Twins w/Milone +130

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Scott Spreitzer

Kansas City Royals vs Oakland A's

Bonus Play Oakland A's

I'm recommending a play on the A's as they look to avoid the home sweep at the hands of the KC Royals. I believe they'll stave off the sweep, facing a very hittable Jeremy Guthrie. The Royals right-hander has allowed more hits than innings pitched in 11 of his 14 starts this season, including his last outing, a disaster in Seattle. Guthrie enters with a 5.90 ERA, 1.53 WHIP, and a .308 BAA in 14 starts this season. His road numbers are even worse, including an ERA over 8.00 in seven starts. Oakland counters with Jesse Chavez, whose record isn't nearly indicative of how well he has pitched this season. While his record says 4-6, Chavez has posted a 2.90 ERA & 1.15 WHIP in 16 appearances this season. With his offense facing Guthrie, I expect the Oakland righty to get some run support. Chavez was getting no help from his teammates at one point this season, but the A's have crushed opposing pitching in his last two starts. The 31-year old has been terrific at home and I expect more of the same in this one. The A's are on a 10-4 run against right-handers and KC enters on a 0-4 slide when Guthrie is listed as an underdog. I'm recommending a play on the Oakland A's on Sunday. Thanks & GL! Scott Spreitzer.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Mike Lundin

Seattle Mariners vs Los Angeles Angels

Free Pick from Mike Lundin (16-9 MLB Free Picks YTD)

Play on: Seattle Mariners

Rating: 8*

The Seattle Mariners and the Los Angeles Angels have split the first two games in this series, and I like the Mariners to clinch the rubber-match this afternoon when they send their ace King Felix to the mound. Hernandez has been rather inconsistent of late, but he's dominated the Halos in recent meetings, with Seattle winning each of his last eight starts in the series behind a 0.64 ERA for the right-hander and he's 2-0 with just two runs conceded in 14 innings over two meetings on the year. The Angels will turn to Hector Santiago who's winless in his last five starts and 0-1 with a 4.57 ERA in four starts this month. He's struggled in previous career meetings with the Mariners, going 1-2 with a 4.57 ERA in 10 career appearances, two starts as he'll face them for the first time this season.

Note that:
- King Felix is 3-0 with a 1.93 ERA in four starts during the day on the year.
- Santiago has given up five homers in his last three games alone.
- Seattle is a massive 12-3 in Hernandez's last 15 starts as a road favorite of -110 to -150.
- Los Angeles is 2-8 in its last 10 games as an underdog.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

BIG AL

Our complimentary selection for Sunday, June 28 is:

Cincy Reds (Smith) and NY Mets (Matz) 'under' 7.5 runs.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

MLB

Sunday, June 28

Trend Report

1:05 PM
WASHINGTON vs. PHILADELPHIA
Washington is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games when playing Philadelphia
Washington is 2-5 SU in its last 7 games when playing on the road against Philadelphia
Philadelphia is 5-2 SU in its last 7 games when playing at home against Washington
Philadelphia is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games when playing Washington

1:07 PM
TEXAS vs. TORONTO
The total has gone UNDER in 10 of Texas's last 12 games when playing Toronto
Texas is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 10 of Toronto's last 12 games when playing Texas
Toronto is 10-3 SU in its last 13 games at home

1:08 PM
CHI WHITE SOX vs. DETROIT
Chi White Sox are 2-5 SU in their last 7 games when playing on the road against Detroit
Chi White Sox are 2-9 SU in their last 11 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Detroit's last 6 games at home
Detroit is 5-2 SU in their last 7 games when playing at home against Chi White Sox

1:10 PM
BOSTON vs. TAMPA BAY
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Boston's last 5 games when playing Tampa Bay
Boston is 6-12 SU in its last 18 games
The total has gone UNDER in 7 of Tampa Bay's last 8 games when playing at home against Boston
Tampa Bay is 10-5 SU in its last 15 games

1:10 PM
LA DODGERS vs. MIAMI
The total has gone UNDER in 9 of LA Dodgers's last 10 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 10 of LA Dodgers's last 11 games when playing Miami
The total has gone UNDER in 11 of Miami's last 16 games
Miami is 1-5 SU in its last 6 games

1:35 PM
CLEVELAND vs. BALTIMORE
Cleveland is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games when playing on the road against Baltimore
Cleveland is 2-5 SU in its last 7 games
Baltimore is 8-1 SU in its last 9 games at home
Baltimore is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games when playing Cleveland

1:35 PM
ATLANTA vs. PITTSBURGH
Atlanta is 1-5 SU in its last 6 games when playing Pittsburgh
Atlanta is 2-6 SU in its last 8 games when playing on the road against Pittsburgh
The total has gone UNDER in 15 of Pittsburgh's last 20 games when playing at home against Atlanta
Pittsburgh is 6-2 SU in its last 8 games when playing at home against Atlanta

2:10 PM
NY YANKEES vs. HOUSTON
NY Yankees are 9-3 SU in their last 12 games when playing on the road against Houston
The total has gone OVER in 8 of NY Yankees's last 10 games
Houston is 16-7 SU in its last 23 games at home
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Houston's last 6 games

2:10 PM
CINCINNATI vs. NY METS
Cincinnati is 5-15-1 SU in its last 21 games ,on the road
Cincinnati is 1-3-1 SU in its last 5 games ,when playing NY Mets
NY Mets7-2-1 SU in its last 10 games when playing Cincinnati
NY Mets are 3-7-1 SU in its last 11 games ,when playing at home against Cincinnati

2:10 PM
MINNESOTA vs. MILWAUKEE
Minnesota is 2-5 SU in its last 7 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Minnesota's last 5 games on the road
Milwaukee is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games when playing Minnesota
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Milwaukee's last 5 games at home

3:35 PM
SEATTLE vs. LA ANGELS
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Seattle's last 7 games when playing on the road against LA Angels
Seattle is 2-5 SU in their last 7 games when playing LA Angels
LA Angels are 5-2 SU in their last 7 games when playing Seattle
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of LA Angels's last 7 games

4:05 PM
COLORADO vs. SAN FRANCISCO
Colorado is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games when playing on the road against San Francisco
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Colorado's last 6 games
San Francisco is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games when playing at home against Colorado
San Francisco is 4-11 SU in its last 15 games at home

4:05 PM
KANSAS CITY vs. OAKLAND
Kansas City is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games when playing on the road against Oakland
Kansas City is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games
Oakland is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games when playing at home against Kansas City
Oakland is 1-7 SU in its last 8 games when playing Kansas City

4:10 PM
ARIZONA vs. SAN DIEGO
Arizona is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games when playing on the road against San Diego
The total has gone UNDER in 9 of Arizona's last 12 games when playing on the road against San Diego
San Diego is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games when playing at home against Arizona
The total has gone OVER in 11 of San Diego's last 14 games at home

4:35 PM
WASHINGTON vs. PHILADELPHIA
Washington7-2-1 SU in its last 10 games when playing Philadelphia
Washington is 2-5-1 SU in its last 8 games ,when playing on the road against Philadelphia
Philadelphia is 4-13-1 SU in its last 18 games ,
Philadelphia is 1-3-1 SU in its last 5 games ,at home

7:05 PM
CLEVELAND vs. BALTIMORE
Cleveland is 1-3-1 SU in its last 5 games ,when playing on the road against Baltimore
Cleveland is 1-3-1 SU in its last 5 games ,
Baltimore4-1-1 SU in its last 6 games when playing Cleveland
Baltimore8-1-1 SU in its last 10 games at home

8:05 PM
CHI CUBS vs. ST. LOUIS
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Chi Cubs's last 6 games
Chi Cubs are 1-4 SU in their last 5 games
St. Louis is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games
St. Louis is 5-1 SU in their last 6 games when playing Chi Cubs

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

WNBA
Long Sheet

Sunday, June 28

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LOS ANGELES (0 - 6) at NEW YORK (4 - 4) - 6/28/2015, 3:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
LOS ANGELES is 31-48 ATS (-21.8 Units) in all games over the last 3 seasons.
LOS ANGELES is 2-10 ATS (-9.0 Units) on Sunday games over the last 2 seasons.
LOS ANGELES is 23-43 ATS (-24.3 Units) after 3 or more consecutive overs since 1997.
LOS ANGELES is 145-185 ATS (-58.5 Units) after scoring 75 points or more since 1997.

Head-to-Head Series History
NEW YORK is 2-2 against the spread versus LOS ANGELES over the last 3 seasons
LOS ANGELES is 3-1 straight up against NEW YORK over the last 3 seasons
3 of 4 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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CHICAGO (5 - 3) at WASHINGTON (5 - 3) - 6/28/2015, 4:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
CHICAGO is 0-6 ATS (-6.6 Units) as a road underdog of 3 points or less over the last 3 seasons.
CHICAGO is 10-19 ATS (-10.9 Units) after allowing 75 points or more over the last 2 seasons.
CHICAGO is 7-18 ATS (-12.8 Units) after scoring 75 points or more over the last 2 seasons.
CHICAGO is 7-0 ATS (+7.0 Units) as a road favorite of 3 points or less over the last 3 seasons.
WASHINGTON is 262-322 ATS (-92.2 Units) in all games since 1997.
WASHINGTON is 28-48 ATS (-24.8 Units) as a home favorite of 3 points or less since 1997.
WASHINGTON is 84-113 ATS (-40.3 Units) in home games in May, June, or July games since 1997.
WASHINGTON is 166-211 ATS (-66.1 Units) vs. division opponents since 1997.
WASHINGTON is 6-19 ATS (-14.9 Units) after a division game over the last 2 seasons.
WASHINGTON is 11-25 ATS (-16.5 Units) in home games off a upset loss as a favorite since 1997.

Head-to-Head Series History
WASHINGTON is 4-4 against the spread versus CHICAGO over the last 3 seasons
CHICAGO is 6-3 straight up against WASHINGTON over the last 3 seasons
5 of 9 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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SEATTLE (2 - 5) at TULSA (7 - 1) - 6/28/2015, 7:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
SEATTLE is 15-25 ATS (-12.5 Units) in all games over the last 2 seasons.
SEATTLE is 12-23 ATS (-13.3 Units) in May, June, or July games over the last 2 seasons.
SEATTLE is 6-15 ATS (-10.5 Units) in road games revenging a loss versus opponent over the last 3 seasons.
TULSA is 7-0 ATS (+7.0 Units) in all games this season.
TULSA is 7-0 ATS (+7.0 Units) in June games this season.
TULSA is 7-0 ATS (+7.0 Units) in May, June, or July games this season.
TULSA is 18-9 ATS (+8.1 Units) vs. division opponents over the last 2 seasons.

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

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

WNBA

Sunday, June 28

Trend Report

3:00 PM
LOS ANGELES vs. NEW YORK
The total has gone UNDER in 7 of Los Angeles's last 8 games when playing on the road against New York
Los Angeles is 3-8 ATS in its last 11 games when playing New York
New York is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games when playing Los Angeles
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of New York's last 7 games when playing Los Angeles

4:00 PM
CHICAGO vs. WASHINGTON
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Chicago's last 6 games when playing Washington
Chicago is 7-3 SU in its last 10 games when playing on the road against Washington
Washington is 4-15 SU in its last 19 games when playing Chicago
Washington is 2-10-2 ATS in its last 14 games

7:00 PM
SEATTLE vs. TULSA
Seattle is 2-5 ATS in its last 7 games on the road
Seattle is 1-6 SU in its last 7 games on the road
Tulsa is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games when playing at home against Seattle
Tulsa is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Sleepyj

OAKLAND -1.5 (+140)

Analysis: Oakland comes in here today looking to avoid a 3 game sweep by the Royals...Chavez will take the mound off a rather dull last performance..He went just 5 innings and gave up 8 hits and 5 ER...Problem for Chavez overall this year has been the A's run support....Oakland has been hitting the ball well in recent games, but one would have to look a little deeper than this series....KC will put Guthrie on the mound and i'm not a big believer in him overall...Guthrie has a ERA of 5.90 and his last outing was terrible..One would think he would have a better outing here, but i'm sold with this spot here..Guthrie gave up 6ER last game and only had three strikeouts...I like the fact that he is a flyball pitcher as well..I think we can get a shot or two from Oakland here in this one..A's will be salty and Chavez coming off a loss looks to be correct here..Chavez will look to silence this Royals lineup and i think he and the A's get it done big today.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

MLB MONEYLINES

MLB > (965) TEXAS@ (966) TORONTO | 06/28/2015 - 01:05 PM
Play ON TEXAS using the money line in Road games when playing against a team with a winning record
The record is 13 Wins and 5 Losses for the this season (+15.32 units)

MLB > (979) MINNESOTA@ (980) MILWAUKEE | 06/28/2015 - 02:10 PM
Play ON MINNESOTA using the money line in All games when playing against a team with a losing record
The record is 28 Wins and 14 Losses for the this season (+19.55 units)

MLB > (959) CHICAGO CUBS@ (960) ST LOUIS | 06/28/2015 - 02:15 PM
Play ON ST LOUIS using the money line in All games against right-handed starters
The record is 42 Wins and 15 Losses for the this season (+25.4 units)

MLB RUNLINE

MLB > (967) CHI WHITE SOX@ (968) DETROIT | 06/28/2015 - 01:05 PM
Play AGAINST CHI WHITE SOX using the in All games vs. division opponents
The record is 10 Wins and 29 Losses for the this season (-24.95 units)

MLB > (977) KANSAS CITY@ (978) OAKLAND | 06/28/2015 - 04:05 PM
Play ON KANSAS CITY using the in Road games in June games
The record is 19 Wins and 3 Losses for the last two seasons (+15.9 units)

MLB > (965) TEXAS@ (966) TORONTO | 06/28/2015 - 01:05 PM
Play ON TORONTO using the in All games in June games
The record is 18 Wins and 5 Losses for the this season (+14.65 units)

MLB > (971) CLEVELAND@ (972) BALTIMORE | 06/28/2015 - 01:35 PM
Play AGAINST CLEVELAND using the in All games in June games
The record is 4 Wins and 18 Losses for the this season (-15.2 units)

MLB TOTALS

MLB > (977) KANSAS CITY@ (978) OAKLAND | 06/28/2015 - 04:05 PM
Play OVER OAKLAND on the total in All games in games played on a grass field
The record is 42 Overs and 25 Unders for the this season (+16.75 units)

MLB > (957) WASHINGTON@ (958) PHILADELPHIA | 06/28/2015 - 01:35 PM
Play OVER WASHINGTON on the total in All games on the road when the total is 8 to 8.5
The record is 8 Overs and 0 Unders for the this season (+8 units)

MLB > (959) CHICAGO CUBS@ (960) ST LOUIS | 06/28/2015 - 02:15 PM
Play UNDER ST LOUIS on the total in All games in June games
The record is 13 Overs and 33 Unders for the last two seasons (+18.05 units)

MLB TOP POWERLINES

MLB > (965) TEXAS @ (966) TORONTO | 06/28/2015 - 01:05 PM
Line: TORONTO -180 BTB PowerLine: TORONTO -113
Edge On: TORONTO (42)

MLB > (951) LA DODGERS @ (952) MIAMI | 06/28/2015 - 01:10 PM
Line: MIAMI +162 BTB PowerLine: MIAMI 225
Edge On: MIAMI (34)

MLB > (969) BOSTON @ (970) TAMPA BAY | 06/28/2015 - 01:10 PM
Line: TAMPA BAY -190 BTB PowerLine: TAMPA BAY -208
Edge On: TAMPA BAY (18)

MLB > (971) CLEVELAND @ (972) BALTIMORE | 06/28/2015 - 01:35 PM
Line: BALTIMORE -125 BTB PowerLine: BALTIMORE -157
Edge On: BALTIMORE (32)

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: White Sox (32-41) at Tigers (38-36)
Game: 4
Venue: Comerica Park
Date: June 28, 2015 1:08 PM EDT

The Chicago White Sox got a bit of reprieve from trying to figure out a way to stop Detroit Tigers sluggers Miguel Cabrera and J.D. Martinez.

With rain expected to be out of the way by Sunday in Detroit, it will be back to the drawing board for White Sox manager Robin Ventura in the finale of the abbreviated series.

Thanks to a chilly, rainy day, Saturday's game was postponed more than two hours before the scheduled first pitch. The game will be made up as part of a day-night doubleheader Sept. 21.

That provided a nice break for White Sox pitchers, who saw Cabrera collect three doubles in Detroit's 5-4 win Friday.

'He's the best hitter in baseball,' Ventura said. 'You know you aren't going to stop him, so you just try to keep the ball in the yard when he's pitching. He's the rare guy that, when he hits a single off of you, you just shrug and work with it.

'Unfortunately, he didn't hit many singles at all. He never hits many singles.'

Cabrera hasn't only been doing that to the White Sox (32-41), batting .479 with three homers and 14 RBIs in his last 13 games.

He hasn't been alone. In that same stretch, Martinez has hit .347 with nine homers and 19 RBIs.

'Honestly, it just feels like I'm getting maybe one hit a game but it just happens to be a home run,' said Martinez, who hit the go-ahead homer in the eighth inning Friday. 'So it's kind of one of those things right now where I can't explain it.'

Martinez got off to a slow start, his batting average dropping below .220 in early May. It led many to wonder if last year's .315 average and 23 homers were a fluke.

He ended that talk by hitting .313 over his next 43 games, including 13 homers. He has 19 overall.

'He's put very consistent swings on the ball in the last few weeks,' manager Brad Ausmus said. 'He went through a stretch early in the season, I think it was in May, where he really scuffled for about 40 at_bats and now we're seeing the complete opposite.'

Both teams fiddled with their rotations as the result of the unexpected off day, especially with each club being off Monday.

John Danks had been set to face Kyle Ryan on Saturday, but neither will pitch in this game. Instead, scheduled Sunday starters Jeff Samardzija and David Price will stay in their spots in the rotation.

Cabrera and Martinez are each 2 for 10 against Samardzija (5-4, 4.53 ERA) this season, though Martinez does have a homer. Samardzija is 1-1 with a 3.63 ERA in three games against Detroit (38-36) in 2015.

The right-hander gave up two runs in seven innings of Tuesday's 6-2 victory at Minnesota. He's 1-0 with a 3.00 ERA in his last three starts after posting a 10.95 ERA in losing his first two June outings, which includes a game against the Tigers.

Price has gone 1-0 with a 1.06 ERA in two starts against Chicago this season and has regularly frustrated Jose Abreu (1 for 14), Gordon Beckham (3 for 29) and Adam LaRoche (2 for 12). However, Adam Eaton, 8 for 18 with a pair of homers in his last four games, is 7 for 16 in their matchups.

The left-hander yielded a run and nine hits in 6 2-3 innings of Tuesday's 7-3 win at Cleveland, giving him a 4-1 record and 1.22 ERA in his last six starts.


SERIES AT A GLANCE

GAME 1
White Sox at Tigers
Thu, Jun 25 Final 8 to 7
Boxscores • Recaps

GAME 2
White Sox at Tigers
Fri, Jun 26 Final 4 to 5
Boxscores • Recaps

GAME 3
White Sox at Tigers
Sat, Jun 27 - 4:08PM EDT ( RAIN OUT )
Recaps

GAME 4
White Sox at Tigers
Sun, Jun 28 - 1:08PM EDT

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Rangers (38-37) at Blue Jays (40-36)
Game: 3
Venue: Rogers Centre
Date: June 28, 2015 1:07 PM EDT

Chi Chi Gonzalez's promising major league debut was one of many effective efforts for the Texas Rangers' rotation in a three-week span.

Gonzalez's first troublesome performance this past week was also the first of some difficult outings for Rangers starters, which they are hoping have come to an end.

Gonzalez will try to follow Yovani Gallardo's sterling effort against the Toronto Blue Jays in Sunday's series finale at Rogers Centre.

Gonzalez (2-2, 2.27 ERA) earned an 8-0 win over Boston in his debut May 30 while pitching 5 2-3 innings. He went 2-1 with a 0.90 ERA in his first four starts, and thanks in part to his efforts, Texas' rotation had a major league-best 2.15 ERA in 23 games from May 28-June 21.

That ended when the right-hander gave up six runs in 5 2-3 innings in an 8-6 loss to Oakland on Tuesday.

"Don't repeat that," Gonzalez told MLB's official website about his solution for his next start and his first against Toronto. "Just look at my success and not reflect on the negative as much."

Rangers starters gave up a combined 20 runs in 16 innings in the next three games while extending the team's losing streak to a season-high six. Texas (38-37) snapped that with a 4-0 victory Saturday as Gallardo yielded three singles and two walks in 8 1-3 innings.

"It was a great win for us, period," Gallardo said. "Obviously the last week we haven't played the way we wanted to."

The Blue Jays (40-36) had 13 hits - including four home runs - in a 12-2 rout in Friday's series opener, their 17th win in 23 games.

Drew Hutchison (7-1, 5.33) will try to deliver another victory while winning his fifth consecutive decision. He gave up three runs in five innings on Monday in Tampa Bay and got plenty of assistance as usual in an 8-5 victory.

The Blue Jays' 8.27 run support average for Hutchison is one of the best in the majors among qualifying players. They've won in each of his last four starts, including a 13-10 victory in Boston in which he gave up eight runs in 2 1-3 innings.

"Probably did a good job of grinding and giving our offense a chance," Hutchison said Monday. "As they've been all year, they were huge."

The righty is 1-0 with a 3.00 ERA in two starts against Texas and tossed a three-hitter - the first of his two career shutouts - in his lone matchup last year, a 2-0 victory May 16. He registered his other shutout May 25 against the visiting Chicago White Sox to start his current winning streak.

Hutchison is 3-0 with a 0.43 ERA in his last three home starts and 9-1 with a 1.95 ERA in his past 12 there.

Gonzalez has allowed one run in 16 innings in his first two road starts.

Prince Fielder singled in his first two at_bats Saturday for his fourth straight two-hit game. He leads the majors with 32 multihit games.


SERIES AT A GLANCE

GAME 1
Rangers at Blue Jays
Fri, Jun 26 Final 2 to 12
Boxscores • Recaps

GAME 2
Rangers at Blue Jays
Sat, Jun 27 Final 4 to 0
Boxscores • Recaps

GAME 3
Rangers at Blue Jays
Sun, Jun 28 - 1:07PM EDT

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Nationals (41-33) at Phillies (26-49)
Game: 3
Venue: Citizens Bank Park
Date: June 28, 2015 1:35 PM EDT

Matt Williams was not pleased with Saturday's events, but they could turn out to be a blessing in disguise for the banged-up Nationals.

Washington looks for an eighth consecutive victory Sunday when it opens a doubleheader against the Philadelphia Phillies at Citizens Bank Park.

The teams began play Saturday despite heavy rain in the forecast. The game entered a delay only 32 minutes in, and was finally postponed nearly 90 minutes later.

That turn of events saw both teams waste their starting pitchers, including Gio Gonzalez for Washington.

"It's extremely frustrating," Williams said. "It burned up our pitching. I'm not very happy about it."

Washington (41-33) is riding its longest winning streak since a 10-game run Aug. 12-21. The Nationals have also won seven of the last nine meetings while limiting Philadelphia to 25 runs.

Though they're the hottest team in baseball, the extra day should be helpful for Bryce Harper, Denard Span and Yunel Escobar - none of whom were in Saturday's lineup. Harper, tied for second in baseball with 24 home runs, had missed the last two games with a sore hamstring. He and Span, who was scratched Friday due to back spasms, are day to day. Escobar left Friday's game with a bruised hand after being hit by a pitch.

Washington's disabled list is already crowded with Anthony Rendon (quadriceps), Jayson Werth (wrist) and Ryan Zimmerman (plantar fasciitis) out.

Michael Taylor has helped prop up the Nationals' offense in wake of the recent attrition, going 11 for 27 during the winning streak with four doubles.

Starting the first game will be Stephen Strasburg (4-5, 5.90 ERA) after one of his best outings of the season in his return from a strained trapezius muscle. He limited Atlanta to four hits over five shutout innings in a 3-1 victory Tuesday.

"Obviously I've been working really hard to get things going in the right direction," he said.

Strasburg, still seeking his first quality start on the road, had been 1-3 with a 10.13 ERA in the five starts immediately preceding his three-week disabled list stint.

"Talking to a lot of guys in the clubhouse while I was away really kind of shed some light, what my strengths, what my weaknesses are," he said. "And I really just tried to pitch to my strengths."

While the right-hander threw 94 pitches versus Atlanta, Williams said he wouldn't have a pitch limit for this outing.

Strasburg is 5-2 with a 2.48 ERA in 13 starts versus Philadelphia, though he gave up six runs and seven hits in 3 2-3 innings of an 8-1 home loss on May 23.

The Phillies (26-49) have dropped 23 of 30, including a 5-2 series-opening loss Friday hours after manager Ryne Sandberg resigned. Philadelphia's pitching staff owns a 7.36 ERA over the last 10 games with no quality starts.

Game 1 starter Kevin Correia (0-1, 4.30) comes off his worst showing in three outings since being signed June 8. He gave up five runs and eight hits over four innings Monday against the Yankees, though Philadelphia won 11-8.

For the second game, the Phillies will recall right-hander Severino Gonzalez (2-2, 8.69) from Triple-A. Gonzalez hasn't pitched for the big league club since giving up six runs over 2 2-3 innings of a 7-5 loss to San Francisco on June 6.

The Nationals didn't announce their second starter, but Tanner Roark (3-2, 3.25) looks likely. Roark is 3-0 with a 3.86 ERA in five starts and hasn't pitched since throwing two scoreless innings of relief Tuesday versus Atlanta.


SERIES AT A GLANCE

GAME 1
Nationals at Phillies
Fri, Jun 26 Final 5 to 2
Boxscores • Recaps

GAME 2
Nationals at Phillies
Sat, Jun 27 - 3:05PM EDT ( RAIN OUT )
Recaps

GAME 3
Nationals at Phillies
Sun, Jun 28 - 4:35PM EDT

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Dodgers (42-34) at Marlins (31-45)
Game: 3
Venue: Marlins Park
Date: June 28, 2015 1:10 PM EDT

The Miami Marlins proved for the moment that they can win without slugger Giancarlo Stanton. Doing so against Zack Greinke might be a tall order, especially if the visiting Los Angeles Dodgers can provide him with some run support.

Though the majors' ERA leader hasn't allowed a run in his last two starts, he'll try again to earn his first win in almost eight weeks Sunday.

Hours after announcing baseball's home-run leader would miss four to six weeks with a broken hand suffered a night earlier, Miami (31-45) bested Clayton Kershaw to snap a five-game skid with Saturday's 3-2 victory.

'To get a win on a day where we lose arguably the frontrunner for the MVP is big, and it shows the character of the guys, and hopefully it's a momentum-builder,' pitcher Tom Koehler said after he helped the Marlins to their second victory in 10 games.

Christian Yelich had four hits, Koehler threw seven solid innings and Miami benefited from two Los Angeles errors while not recording a RBI. Yelich was 2 for 15 in his previous four contests.

'It's being opportunistic and when those situations present themselves, if you're doing things the right way and execute, then sometimes the breaks go your way,' said manager Dan Jennings, whose team has struck out 28 times in the first two of the series and failed to score more than three runs for a sixth consecutive contest.

Miami prevailed against Kershaw, who fell to 5-6 one season after winning both the NL Cy Young Award and MVP. Things could be tougher versus Greinke (5-2, 1.70 ERA) after he yielded only a Marcell Ozuna home run in seven innings of a 5-3 win May 11.

That outing came right after Greinke won the last of five straight starts May 5 at Milwaukee and began a nine-start stretch in which he's 0-2 but has yielded more than one run twice and none over 13 innings of the last two. The right-hander gave up three hits in six innings of a 1-0, 10-inning loss to the Chicago Cubs on Tuesday.

Greinke received an average of 6.02 runs of support while going 5-0 in his first six starts, but 1.79 in the last nine.

'I don't worry about it and just think our team's good and by the end of the year, if everyone does their job, we're going to be all right,' said Greinke, whose only run of support over his last three came June 13 at San Diego.

The Dodgers (42-34) totaled 16 runs during a three-game winning streak that ended Saturday. Justin Turner, who homered for one of his two hits, is batting .345 with five home runs and 10 RBIs in the last nine contests.

Los Angeles gets its first look at rookie Jose Urena (1-3, 4.34), who hopes to be more efficient after recording seven walks in his last two starts. Three came Tuesday when he allowed all three of his runs in the fourth of the five innings he lasted while not factoring in the decision of a 4-3 loss to St. Louis.

The right-hander should see Yasiel Puig (callus) in the starting lineup for the first time in five games. Puig is 2 for 17 in his last six road contests.


SERIES AT A GLANCE

GAME 1
Dodgers at Marlins
Fri, Jun 26 Final 7 to 1
Boxscores • Recaps

GAME 2
Dodgers at Marlins
Sat, Jun 27 Final 2 to 3
Boxscores • Recaps

GAME 3
Dodgers at Marlins
Sun, Jun 28 - 1:10PM EDT