Sunday 8/9/15 service plays chatter/comps/requests & other stuff...

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Mike Lundin

Philadelphia Phillies vs San Diego Padres

8* Free Pick Philadelphia Phillies

The struggling San Diego Padres are coming into this contest looking to avoid suffering a three-game sweep against the Philadelphia Phillies and a sixth straight loss overall. The Phillies have been swinging hot bats of late and I like the price we get on them claiming this series finale as they send Jerome Williams to the mound. Williams is looking for his first win away from home this season going 0-6 with an atrocious 8.02 ERA in nine road starts. He's off five innings of one-run ball against the Dodgers though and he's 3-3 with a more than respectable 2.18 ERA in seven career starts against San Diego. He has its current roster limited to a .068 AVG over 44 at bats while San Diego have a .233 AVG at home for the year and has mustered only 15 runs over its last seven at Petco Park. They've let down Andrew Cashner on more than one occasion as he's 2-5 with a 3.62 ERA home at San Diego this season. He's 2-0 with a 1.25 ERA in eight career appearances against Philadelphia but has struggled mightily in day games this year posting a 5.01 ERA through eight starts.

Note that:
- Philadelphia is 13-5 in its last 18 games as an underdog.
- San Diego is 2-6 in Cashner's last eight home starts.
- Philadelphia has won 35 of the last 51 meetings at Petco Park.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Marc Lawrence

St. Louis Cardinals vs Milwaukee Brewers

Play - St. Louis w/Lackey

Edges - Cardinals: John Lackey 4-1 career team starts versus Milwaukee, and 6-2 last eight team starts during the month of August. Brewers: Jimmy Nelson 0-3 career team starts in this series, and 1-3 day starts this season. With the Redbirds 13-5 the last 18 games in this park, we recommend a 1* play on St. Louis. Thank you and good luck as always.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

BIG AL

Our complimentary selection for Sunday, August 9 is:

Chicago Cubs (Arrieta) over SF Giants (Peavy).

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Coach Fletcher’s Sunday MLB Free Pick

Sunday, August 9

The Pick Oakland Athletics -105


Crazy Line Moves for Astro/Athletic Finale

Some peculiar line movement marks the game we selected for our free pick today. We will try to make some sense of it since the linemakers and the public are evidently confused. The World Open for this game had Houston -118. At 8:30 pm Pacific time Pinnacle had the A’s favored at -110. At that same time the Greek had Houston at -110. 5 Dimes and BetOnline had Oakland at -106 and -105 respectively. Wynn had the Astros at -106 and the Stations and Coast properties had the Astros at -110. Caesars and MGM had the A’s at -110. Who’s on first?

The Pitchers

Fiers, Astros Bassitt, A’s

· 5-9, 3.89 era, 1.36 whip 1-4, 2.43 era, 1.03 whip

· 3-5, 3.40 era, 1.347 whip road 1-3, 2.03 era, 0.97 whip home

· 1-2, 3.50 era, 1.056 whip last 3 1-2, 2.25 era, 0.950 whip last 3

When we look at these most basic numbers, Bassitt appears to have an edge. His record indicates he is not getting much support from the A’s.

· Last start – 5 inn, 7 hits, 6 runs @ Texas Last start – 7 inn, 0 runs, 5 hits vs Orioles

· 2-2, 3.77 era, 1.14 whip last 7 1-4, 2.58 era, 1.07 whip last 7

· 4-5, 3.83, 1.30 whip last 15 1-4, 2.64 era, 1.09 whip last 17

· 5-9, 4.17 era, 1.38 whip last 30 N/A

· 1-5, 3.67 era 1.48 whip day games 0-2, 2.81 era, 1.00 whip day games

Other than a sub-par record, Bassitt has outpitched Fiers in every single category.

Fiers – 14 HR in 118 innings Bassitt – 3 HR in 47 2/3 innings

Astro bullpen – 3.15 era road A’s bullpen – 3.68 era home

The Hitters

It is more than interesting to study the offensive numbers Houston produces. This is Earl Weaver baseball at its best – the key to winning baseball games is pitching, fundamentals and 3 run homers. The Astros have pretty much followed this philosophy to the “t.” However, I think that the pitching part works far better when it is Kazmir, Keuchel, McCullers or McHugh instead of Fiers.

Astros A’s

· 4.5 runs per game 4.1 runs per game

· 4.3 runs per game road 4.1 runs per game home

· 4.8 runs per game vs RHP 4.3 runs per game vs RHP

· 4.9 runs per game last 7 3.4 runs per game last 7

· 4.6 runs per game grass 4.1 runs per game grass

· 4.6 runs per game day games 3.7 runs per game day games

· 4.7 runs per game division 4.6 runs per game division

· 4.45 runs per game (4th in MLB) 4.11 runs per game (17th in MLB)

· 8.17 hits per game (26th in MLB) 8.57 hits per game (14th in MLB)

· 1.39 HR per game (1st in MLB) 0.79 HR per game (26th in MLB)

· 8.76 K’s per game (29th in MLB) 6.56 K’s per game (2nd in MLB)

· 14.23 total bases per game (6th MLB) 13.13 total bases per game (21st MLB)

· .244 batting avg (25th in MLB) .250 batting avg (19th in MLB)

· .426 slugging % (6th MLB) .383 slugging % (23rd MLB)

· .311 on base % (18th MLB) .310 on base % (19th MLB)

· .737 on base + slugging % (7th mlb) .693 on base + slugging % (23rd MLB)

It doesn’t take a genius to see that Houston has a rather hefty edge where hitting is concerned. But sometimes they aren’t able to put enough batters on or that ball won’t fly out of the park. That’s when they lose like they did Saturday 2-1. The Astros may be experiencing that right now as they have scored 3 runs or less in 4 of their last 5 games.

Odds and Ends

· Astros – 61-51 ; A’s – 50-62

· Astros – 23-33 on road ; A’s – 26-34 at home

· Astros – 3-5 in August ; A’s - 5-3 in August

· Astros – 28-22 vs division ; A’s - 23-25 vs division

· Astros – 19-18 in day games ; A’s -18-25 in day games

· Astros – 39-30 vs RHP ; A’s - 40-42 vs RHP

· Astros – 40-37 vs team w/losing record ; A’s – 28031 vs team w/winning record

· Astros – 10-13 vs team w/losing record 2nd half ; A’s – 8-10 vs team w/winning record 2nd half

· Astros – 2-5 last 7 ; A’s – 4-3 last 7

· Astros – 19-31 vs Oakland last 3 seasons

· Astros – 7-5 vs Oakland this season

· Astros – 10-15 vs Oakland at Oakland last 3 seasons

· Astros – 4-2 vs Oakland at Oakland this season

Coach’s Conclusion:

Houston can be stopped if you stop the long ball. Houston can be stopped if you stop the 2 run and 3 runs homers. Bassitt has given up roughly 1 HR every 16 innings. That’s the kind of guy you want to throw against Houston. Oakland is right in the middle of all MLB ball parks. It is neither hitter friendly nor pitcher friendly. That could be another edge for Oakland. The Astros are obviously in a mild slump. They hit 1 HR yesterday and that accounted for their only run. They hit 1 HR Friday night and that accounted for their only run. They hit 1 HR Thursday, a 2 run bomb. Bassitt has been good, he needs some support. I think Oakland can get him some support against Fiers.

The Pick Oakland A’s -105

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

WNBA
Long Sheet

Sunday, August 9

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

PHOENIX (14 - 7) at CHICAGO (13 - 9) - 8/9/2015, 1:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
PHOENIX is 3-10 ATS (-8.0 Units) after a division game this season.
PHOENIX is 0-7 ATS (-7.7 Units) versus poor defensive teams - allowing 77+ points/game this season.
CHICAGO is 5-17 ATS (-13.7 Units) against Western conference opponents over the last 2 seasons.
CHICAGO is 5-17 ATS (-13.7 Units) in non-conference games over the last 2 seasons.
CHICAGO is 13-27 ATS (-16.7 Units) after allowing 75 points or more over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
PHOENIX is 5-3 against the spread versus CHICAGO over the last 3 seasons
PHOENIX is 6-2 straight up against CHICAGO over the last 3 seasons
4 of 8 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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

CONNECTICUT (11 - 9) at WASHINGTON (12 - 8) - 8/9/2015, 4:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
CONNECTICUT is 8-18 ATS (-11.8 Units) in road games vs. division opponents over the last 3 seasons.
CONNECTICUT is 22-10 ATS (+11.0 Units) after a division game over the last 2 seasons.
WASHINGTON is 269-327 ATS (-90.7 Units) in all games since 1997.
WASHINGTON is 83-112 ATS (-40.2 Units) in August or September games since 1997.
WASHINGTON is 170-215 ATS (-66.5 Units) vs. division opponents since 1997.
WASHINGTON is 10-23 ATS (-15.3 Units) after a division game over the last 2 seasons.
WASHINGTON is 12-26 ATS (-16.6 Units) in home games off a upset loss as a favorite since 1997.

Head-to-Head Series History
WASHINGTON is 7-5 against the spread versus CONNECTICUT over the last 3 seasons
WASHINGTON is 9-3 straight up against CONNECTICUT over the last 3 seasons
8 of 12 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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ATLANTA (7 - 14) at TULSA (10 - 12) - 8/9/2015, 4:35 PM
Top Trends for this game.
ATLANTA is 7-19 ATS (-13.9 Units) in road games when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 3 seasons.
ATLANTA is 11-22 ATS (-13.2 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record after 15+ games after 15+ games over the last 3 seasons.
ATLANTA is 15-5 ATS (+9.5 Units) as an underdog over the last 2 seasons.
ATLANTA is 36-20 ATS (+14.0 Units) revenging a home loss versus opponent since 1997.
ATLANTA is 41-24 ATS (+14.6 Units) in road games revenging a loss versus opponent since 1997.

Head-to-Head Series History
ATLANTA is 3-2 against the spread versus TULSA over the last 3 seasons
ATLANTA is 3-2 straight up against TULSA over the last 3 seasons
3 of 5 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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LOS ANGELES (7 - 14) at MINNESOTA (15 - 6) - 8/9/2015, 7:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
LOS ANGELES is 23-34 ATS (-14.4 Units) in all games over the last 2 seasons.
LOS ANGELES is 3-12 ATS (-10.2 Units) on Sunday games over the last 2 seasons.
LOS ANGELES is 21-39 ATS (-21.9 Units) after a division game over the last 3 seasons.
LOS ANGELES is 78-106 ATS (-38.6 Units) after a win by 10 points or more since 1997.
LOS ANGELES is 149-189 ATS (-58.9 Units) after scoring 75 points or more since 1997.
MINNESOTA is 58-42 ATS (+11.8 Units) in all games over the last 3 seasons.
MINNESOTA is 54-36 ATS (+14.4 Units) as a favorite over the last 3 seasons.
MINNESOTA is 32-18 ATS (+12.2 Units) in home games over the last 3 seasons.
MINNESOTA is 22-11 ATS (+9.9 Units) in home games vs. division opponents over the last 3 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
MINNESOTA is 7-5 against the spread versus LOS ANGELES over the last 3 seasons
MINNESOTA is 7-5 straight up against LOS ANGELES over the last 3 seasons
9 of 12 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

WNBA

Sunday, August 9

Trend Report

2:00 PM
PHOENIX vs. CHICAGO
Phoenix is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games on the road
Phoenix is 2-5 ATS in its last 7 games on the road
Chicago is 2-5 ATS in its last 7 games when playing Phoenix
The total has gone OVER in 13 of Chicago's last 16 games at home

4:00 PM
CONNECTICUT vs. WASHINGTON
Connecticut is 5-10 ATS in its last 15 games when playing Washington
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Connecticut's last 6 games when playing Washington
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Washington's last 6 games when playing Connecticut
Washington is 7-2 SU in its last 9 games when playing Connecticut

4:30 PM
ATLANTA vs. TULSA
Atlanta is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Atlanta's last 6 games
The total has gone OVER in 6 of Tulsa's last 9 games when playing at home against Atlanta
Tulsa is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games when playing at home against Atlanta

7:00 PM
LOS ANGELES vs. MINNESOTA
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Los Angeles's last 5 games when playing Minnesota
Los Angeles is 1-10 SU in its last 11 games when playing on the road against Minnesota
Minnesota is 5-2 SU in its last 7 games when playing Los Angeles
Minnesota is 2-4 ATS in its last 6 games

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

MLB
Dunkel

Sunday, August 9


Colorado @ Washington

Game 951-952
August 9, 2015 @ 1:35 am

Dunkel Rating:
Colorado
(Flande) 13.411
Washington
(Scherzer) 15.643
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Washington
by 2
8
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Washington
-260
6 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Washington
(-260); Over

LA Dodgers @ Pittsburgh

Game 953-954
August 9, 2015 @ 8:08 pm

Dunkel Rating:
LA Dodgers
(Wood) 16.506
Pittsburgh
(Morton) 13.902
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
LA Dodgers
by 2 1/2
7
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
LA Dodgers
-120
7 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
LA Dodgers
(-120); Under

St. Louis @ Milwaukee

Game 955-956
August 9, 2015 @ 2:10 pm

Dunkel Rating:
St. Louis
(Lackey) 15.002
Milwaukee
(Nelson) 16.124
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Milwaukee
by 1
7
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
St. Louis
-145
7 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Milwaukee
(+125); Under

Cincinnati @ Arizona

Game 957-958
August 9, 2015 @ 4:10 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Cincinnati
(DeSclafni) 16.010
Arizona
(Corbin) 15.138
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Cincinnati
by 1
10
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Arizona
-155
8 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Cincinnati
(+135); Over

Philadelphia @ San Diego

Game 959-960
August 9, 2015 @ 4:10 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Philadelphia
(Williams) 12.387
San Diego
(Cashner) 16.936
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
San Diego
by 4 1/2
7
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
San Diego
-190
7 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
San Diego
(-190); Under

Miami @ Atlanta

Game 961-962
August 9, 2015 @ 5:05 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Miami
(Hand) 14.108
Atlanta
(Miller) 15.553
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Atlanta
by 1 1/2
6
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Atlanta
-150
7
Dunkel Pick:
Atlanta
(-150); Under

San Francisco @ Chicago Cubs

Game 963-964
August 9, 2015 @ 2:20 pm

Dunkel Rating:
San Francisco
(Peavy) 17.379
Chicago Cubs
(Arrieta) 16.201
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
San Francisco
by 1
6 1/2
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Chicago Cubs
-170
No Run Total
Dunkel Pick:
San Francisco
(+150); N/A

Boston @ Detroit

Game 965-966
August 9, 2015 @ 1:08 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Boston
(Owens) 16.054
Detroit
(Verlander) 14.206
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Boston
by 2
10
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Detroit
-130
9
Dunkel Pick:
Boston
(+110); Over

Toronto @ NY Yankees

Game 967-968
August 9, 2015 @ 1:05 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Toronto
(Estrada) 19.348
NY Yankees
(Tanaka) 15.283
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Toronto
by 4
8
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
NY Yankees
-145
8 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Toronto
(+125); Under

Minnesota @ Cleveland

Game 969-970
August 9, 2015 @ 1:10 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Minnesota
(Hughes) 14.913
Cleveland
(Kluber) 13.895
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Minnesota
by 1
6
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Cleveland
-165
7
Dunkel Pick:
Minnesota
(+145); Under

Chicago White Sox @ Kansas City

Game 971-972
August 9, 2015 @ 2:10 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Chicago White Sox
(Quintana) 13.295
Kansas City
(Duffy) 15.717
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Kansas City
by 2 1/2
9
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Kansas City
-140
8
Dunkel Pick:
Kansas City
(-140); Over

Baltimore @ LA Angels

Game 973-974
August 9, 2015 @ 3:35 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Baltimore
(Gonzalez) 13.234
LA Angels
(Weaver) 16.829
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
LA Angels
by 3 1/2
9
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
LA Angels
No Line
N/A
Dunkel Pick:
LA Angels
N/A

Houston @ Oakland

Game 975-976
August 9, 2015 @ 4:05 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Houston
(Fiers) 16.293
Oakland
(Bassitt) 14.794
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Houston
by 1 1/2
6
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Oakland
-110
7 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Houston
(-110); Under

Texas @ Seattle

Game 977-978
August 9, 2015 @ 4:10 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Texas
(Lewis) 18.175
Seattle
(Hernandez) 17.212
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Texas
by 1
6
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Seattle
-175
7
Dunkel Pick:
Texas
(+155); Under

NY Mets @ Tampa Bay

Game 979-980
August 9, 2015 @ 1:10 pm

Dunkel Rating:
NY Mets
(Colon) 15.038
Tampa Bay
(Archer) 16.579
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Tampa Bay
by 1 1/2
8
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
NY Mets
-175
6 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Tampa Bay
(-175); Over

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

MLB

Sunday, August 9

Trend Report

1:05 PM
TORONTO vs. NY YANKEES
Toronto is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Toronto's last 5 games when playing NY Yankees
NY Yankees are 1-5 SU in their last 6 games when playing Toronto
NY Yankees are 18-7 SU in their last 25 games when playing at home against Toronto

1:08 PM
BOSTON vs. DETROIT
Boston is 2-10 SU in its last 12 games on the road
Boston is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games when playing Detroit
The total has gone OVER in 15 of Detroit's last 21 games at home
Detroit is 11-5 SU in its last 16 games when playing at home against Boston

1:10 PM
NY METS vs. TAMPA BAY
The total has gone OVER in 5 of NY Mets's last 5 games when playing Tampa Bay
NY Mets are 7-1 SU in its last 8 games
Tampa Bay is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games when playing NY Mets
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Tampa Bay's last 5 games when playing at home against NY Mets

1:10 PM
MINNESOTA vs. CLEVELAND
Minnesota is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games when playing Cleveland
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Minnesota's last 5 games
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Cleveland's last 5 games when playing Minnesota
Cleveland is 2-9 SU in its last 11 games at home

1:35 PM
COLORADO vs. WASHINGTON
Colorado is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games when playing on the road against Washington
Colorado is 4-12 SU in its last 16 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Washington's last 6 games at home
Washington is 15-8 SU in its last 23 games at home

2:10 PM
CHI WHITE SOX vs. KANSAS CITY
Chi White Sox are 1-5 SU in their last 6 games when playing Kansas City
Chi White Sox are 0-5 SU in their last 5 games when playing on the road against Kansas City
The total has gone UNDER in 7 of Kansas City's last 10 games when playing Chi White Sox
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Kansas City's last 6 games

2:10 PM
ST. LOUIS vs. MILWAUKEE
St. Louis is 6-1 SU in its last 7 games on the road
St. Louis is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games
Milwaukee is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games when playing St. Louis
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Milwaukee's last 5 games when playing St. Louis

2:20 PM
SAN FRANCISCO vs. CHI CUBS
The total has gone OVER in 4 of San Francisco's last 5 games when playing Chi Cubs
San Francisco is 2-4 SU in their last 6 games when playing Chi Cubs
Chi Cubs are 9-1 SU in their last 10 games
Chi Cubs are 4-2 SU in their last 6 games when playing at home against San Francisco

3:37 PM
BALTIMORE vs. LA ANGELS
Baltimore is 2-4 SU in their last 6 games when playing LA Angels
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Baltimore's last 7 games when playing LA Angels
LA Angels are 14-6 SU in their last 20 games at home
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of LA Angels's last 7 games when playing Baltimore

4:05 PM
HOUSTON vs. OAKLAND
Houston is 7-3 SU in its last 10 games when playing Oakland
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Houston's last 5 games on the road
Oakland is 2-5 SU in its last 7 games when playing at home against Houston
The total has gone UNDER in 8 of Oakland's last 11 games at home

4:10 PM
PHILADELPHIA vs. SAN DIEGO
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Philadelphia's last 5 games when playing San Diego
Philadelphia is 8-3 SU in its last 11 games when playing San Diego
San Diego is 6-18 SU in its last 24 games when playing at home against Philadelphia
The total has gone OVER in 9 of San Diego's last 11 games when playing at home against Philadelphia

4:10 PM
TEXAS vs. SEATTLE
Texas is 5-2 SU in its last 7 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Texas's last 6 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Seattle's last 6 games when playing at home against Texas
The total has gone OVER in 8 of Seattle's last 9 games at home

4:10 PM
CINCINNATI vs. ARIZONA
Cincinnati is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games when playing on the road against Arizona
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Cincinnati's last 5 games on the road
Arizona is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games when playing at home against Cincinnati
The total has gone UNDER in 7 of Arizona's last 8 games when playing at home against Cincinnati

5:10 PM
MIAMI vs. ATLANTA
The total has gone OVER in 7 of Miami's last 8 games when playing Atlanta
Miami is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games when playing Atlanta
Atlanta is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games at home
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Atlanta's last 6 games

8:05 PM
LA DODGERS vs. PITTSBURGH
LA Dodgers are 6-3 SU in their last 9 games
LA Dodgers are 1-5 SU in their last 6 games when playing on the road against Pittsburgh
The total has gone OVER in 9 of Pittsburgh's last 11 games at home
The total has gone OVER in 10 of Pittsburgh's last 13 games when playing at home against LA Dodgers

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

BIG AL

Cincinnati

Now that Johnny Cueto and Mike Leake have been traded away (to the Royals and Giants respectively), second-year rookie RH Anthony Desclafani is the de-facto ace and #1 starter on this team. That may seem like a stretch, but actually Desclafani is pitching very well so far, posting a 3.71 ERA with 95 strikeouts in 126 innings. And he's been even better recently, going 2-0 with a 2.25 ERA in his last three starts, with 17 strikeouts in 20 innings. Even more impressive is the fact that two of those last three starts were against the St. Louis Cardinals (one home and one away) and the third was in Colorado against the Rockies. Desclafani has never faced the Diamondbacks before, however he's pitched much better all season on the road than he has at home. In 10 starts in Cincy, Desclafani is 3-5 with a 5.40 ERA but in 11 starts elsewhere, he is 4-2 with a very nice 2.41. Heading into this afternoon's game, Cincy has taken five of the last seven meetings here in Arizona.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

SOCCER AUTHORITY

Arsenal vs West Ham
Pick: West Ham

We're playing West Ham +1.5 on the Asian Handicap at +102

It's true that Arsenal have a fantastic record of beating West Ham but we believe the Gunners have been favoured too much by the Public and the price of -350 is far too short.

Slaven Bilic has taken over as coach from Sam Allrdyce at West Ham, Bilic has an almost impeccable record of starting off his managerial jobs, don't be surprised to see the Hammers give Arsenal a tough opening game

Verdict: West Ham have a very underrated defence and with Bilic at the Helm this season everything may just click into place. Take value of the spread

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Blue Jays at Yankees

GAME: Toronto Blue Jays (60-52) at New York Yankees (61-48)
DATE/TIME: Sunday, August 09 - 1:05 PM EST
WHERE: Yankee Stadium, Bronx, New York
LINE: 119, -129 TOTAL: 8.5

The Toronto Blue Jays have used their powerful bats and dominant pitching to inch closer to the first-place New York Yankees in the American League East. The Blue Jays will aim for a sweep when the teams complete the three-game set at Yankee Stadium on Sunday afternoon.

After riding a pair of solo homers to a 2-1 win in 10 innings in Friday's series opener, Toronto got a grand slam from Justin Smoak - the franchise's first ever in the Bronx - and a solo shot from Troy Tulowitzki in a 6-0 victory Saturday, its seventh consecutive win overall. The Blue Jays' 2 1/2-game deficit in the division is their smallest in a month and they get to host the Yankees next weekend for three games. New York has produced a solo homer from Mark Teixeira and 10 singles in the first two contests of the series, falling to 2-6 against Toronto on the season. Marco Estrada gets the nod in the finale for the Blue Jays opposite Yankees right-hander Masahiro Tanaka.

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

PITCHING MATCHUP: Blue Jays RH Marco Estrada (9-6, 3.40 ERA) vs. Yankees RH Masahiro Tanaka (8-4, 3.84)


Estrada has allowed two earned runs or fewer in eight of his last nine outings, including a solid 6 2/3-inning effort in a 3-1 win over Minnesota on Tuesday. He allowed two hits after yielding three in 5 2/3 frames in his prior start, lowering opponents' batting average to .216 against the 32-year-old. Estrada was roughed up for five runs in 4 2/3 innings on May 5 in his only start against the Yankees this year and has an 8.22 ERA in two career meetings.

Tanaka owns a 5.01 ERA over his last eight starts but is 4-0 with a 3.18 mark in his previous four home appearances. He gave up three runs while matching a season low with three strikeouts in a 13-3 rout of on Tuesday, serving up his 14th home run in a span of 10 outings along the way. Tanaka is 3-1 with a 3.22 ERA against Toronto, but took the loss after giving up five runs in four innings at Yankee Stadium on Opening Day.

WALK-OFFS

1. Toronto is aiming for its first sweep of New York of three games or more since May 2003.

2. Blue Jays 1B Edwin Encarnacion is hitting .400 during a season-high 11-game hitting streak.

3. New York, which ranks second in the majors behind Toronto in runs, has been held to two or fewer runs six times in its last 10 games.

PREDICTION: Yankees 4, Blue Jays 3

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Red Sox at Tigers

GAME: Boston Red Sox (49-62) at Detroit Tigers (54-56)
DATE/TIME: Sunday, August 09 - 1:08 PM EST
WHERE: Comerica Park, Detroit, Michigan
LINE: 111, -120 TOTAL: 8.5

A dugout scuffle in Friday's series-opening loss to Boston didn't have an adverse effect on the Detroit Tigers, who battled back from three deficits in a 7-6 victory over the Red Sox on Saturday night. The host Tigers will look to win Sunday's series finale behind former Cy Young Award winner Justin Verlander, who had one of his best starts of the season at Boston on July 24.

Designated hitter Victor Martinez, who spent 1 1/2 seasons with the Red Sox before joining Detroit, provided the decisive blow with a two-run homer Saturday, giving him three blasts and seven RBIs in the past three games. Tigers catcher James McCann, who confronted shortstop Jose Iglesias in the dugout Friday, is 5-for-8 with a pair of doubles in the series. Boston wasted a big night from designated hitter David Ortiz, who continued to torment the Tigers by going 3-for-4 with a homer and three RBIs. Ortiz, who is 10-for-27 against Verlander, is 9-for-16 with four homers and 12 RBIs versus Detroit this season.

TV: 1:08 p.m. ET, NESN (Boston), FSN Detroit

PITCHING MATCHUP: Red Sox LH Henry Owens (0-1, 5.40 ERA) vs. Tigers RH Justin Verlander (1-4, 5.05)

Owens could not have pick a more hostile environment for his major-league debut, pitching at Yankee Stadium against an offense that was averaging nearly nine runs over the previous nine games. He acquitted himself fairly well, retiring 12 straight batters before giving up a pair of sixth-inning hits and wound up charged with three runs in five-plus innings. He was 3-8 with a 3.16 ERA in 21 starts at Triple-A Pawtucket.

Verlander looked to be regaining his old form with back-to-back stellar efforts, but he was knocked around for five runs and 10 hits over seven innings in a loss to Kansas City last time out. In his previous start, he fanned a season-high 10 batters and limited Tampa Bay to one run over four innings. That followed eight innings of one-run ball at Boston for Verlander, who is 3-4 with a 3.39 ERA in 12 career starts versus the Red Sox.

WALK-OFFS

1. Ortiz has belted 21 homers at Comerica Park, the most by an opposing player.

2. The Tigers registered their major league-best 53rd 10-hit game this season.

3. Red Sox closer Koji Uehara was unavailable Saturday after taking a line drive off the wrist Friday. He is questionable for Sunday.

PREVIEW: Tigers 5, Red Sox 3

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Twins at Indians

GAME: Minnesota Twins (55-55) at Cleveland Indians (50-59)
DATE/TIME: Sunday, August 09 - 1:10 PM EST
WHERE: Progressive Field, Cleveland, Ohio
LINE: 146, -159 TOTAL: 7

The Cleveland Indians attempt to post back-to-back victories for the first time this month when they host the Minnesota Twins in the rubber match of their three-game series on Sunday. Cleveland, which hasn't won consecutive contests since capturing three in a row at the end of July, staged a 19-hit attack en route to a 17-4 triumph on Saturday.

Jerry Sands belted a pinch-hit grand slam and Abraham Almonte went 4-for-5 with a two-run homer in his debut with the Indians, who scored four or more runs in three different innings in winning for just the second time in seven games. Joe Mauer, Eddie Rosario and Kurt Suzuki went deep as Minnesota suffered its sixth loss in seven contests. The Twins fell four games behind Toronto for the second wild card in the American League as their record evened out at 55-55. Minnesota, which hosts the Indians for a three-game series next weekend, is 5-3 against AL Central-rival Cleveland this season.

TV: 1:10 p.m. ET, FSN North (Minnesota), SportsTime Ohio (Cleveland)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Twins RH Phil Hughes (10-7, 4.14 ERA) vs. Indians RH Corey Kluber (6-12, 3.60)

Hughes' winning streak ended at six games Tuesday at Toronto, where he yielded three runs and five hits in 5 2/3 innings. It was the first loss for the 29-year-old Californian since he fell to Kansas City on June 8. Hughes, who has served up a league-high 27 homers, improved to 5-2 lifetime against the Indians on May 9 at Cleveland despite surrendering four runs and 10 hits in 6 1/3 frames.

Kluber struggled for the second time in three outings Monday at Los Angeles, giving up five runs and 10 hits over 5 2/3 innings in a loss to the Angels. The 29-year-old reigning American League Cy Young Award winner was reached for six runs in seven frames by the Chicago White Sox on July 24 before rebounding with a complete-game triumph over Kansas City five days later. Kluber remained at 4-2 in 11 career starts against the Twins after settling for a no-decision at Minnesota on April 17, when he gave up two runs in eight innings.

WALK-OFFS

1. The Indians have scored 26 runs over the first two games of the series after totaling 28 in their previous eight contests, a stretch that began with a 12-1 triumph over Kansas City on July 29.

2. Almonte, who was acquired from San Diego on July 31 and recalled from Triple-A Columbus prior to Saturday's game, finished a triple shy of the cycle while 2B Jose Ramirez came up a homer short as he collected three RBIs.

3. Cleveland placed Cody Anderson on the 15-day disabled list with a strained left oblique and recalled fellow RHP Shawn Armstrong, who struck out two in a perfect inning of relief in his major-league debut Saturday.

PREDICTION: Twins 5, Indians 3

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Mets at Rays

GAME: New York Mets (59-51) at Tampa Bay Rays (55-56)
DATE/TIME: Sunday, August 09 - 1:10 PM EST
WHERE: Tropicana Field, St. Petersburg, Florida
LINE: 155, -168 TOTAL: 6.5

Asdrubal Cabrera has been a different offensive player for the Tampa Bay Rays since coming off the disabled list late last month, going 20-for-39 with six RBIs over the last 10 contests. Cabrera looks to stay hot and extend his hitting streak to 12 straight contests when the Rays host the New York Mets on Sunday in the rubber match of a three-game series.

Cabrera had a pair of singles for his sixth straight multi-hit game to raise his average to .256 as Tampa Bay rallied for a 5-4 win Saturday, but he has struggled against Sunday starter Bartolo Colon (1-for-14, five strikeouts). The Mets lead second-place Washington by 1 ½ games in the National League East after their seven-game win streak ended and must face All-Star right-hander Chris Archer on Sunday. Curtis Granderson homered twice Saturday and has four blasts to go along with 10 RBIs in his last nine games for New York. Daniel Murphy is also 9-for-21 during a five-game hitting streak for the Mets, who have recorded 43 runs the last eight contests.

TV: 1:10 p.m. ET, SNY (New York), Sun Sports (Tampa Bay)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Mets RH Bartolo Colon (10-10, 4.72 ERA) vs. Rays RH Chris Archer (10-8, 2.54)

Colon ended a seven-game winless streak last time out when he limited Miami to one run and seven hits over eight innings during a 12-1 victory. The 42-year-old Dominican Republic native was 0-6 during his drought with a 6.16 ERA, but allowed two or fewer earned runs three times. Evan Longoria is 4-for-11 with a pair of doubles against Colon, who is 9-5 with a 4.00 ERA in 23 career starts versus Tampa Bay.

Archer snapped a six-game winless streak against the Chicago White Sox on Tuesday as he permitted two runs over seven frames for an 11-3 road victory. The 26-year-old boasts a 0.99 WHIP and has held opponents to a .207 batting average while striking out 180 in 148 2/3 innings. Yoenis Cespedes is 2-for-6 with a double versus Archer, who will be facing the Mets for the first time as he goes for his career-best 11th win.

WALK-OFFS

1. Tampa Bay C Curt Casali left Saturday’s game with a head injury and reportedly went through concussion testing, but could be available for the series finale.

2. New York 1B Lucas Duda has knocked in 10 runs in seven games during August, including a pair on Saturday.

3. Rays RHP Steve Geltz leads the AL in appearances with 54 after pitching a perfect seventh inning Saturday.

PREDICTION: Rays 5, Mets 2

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Rockies at Nationals

GAME: Colorado Rockies (46-62) at Washington Nationals (57-52)
DATE/TIME: Sunday, August 09 - 1:35 PM EST
WHERE: Nationals Park, Washington, District of Columbia
LINE: 226, -248 TOTAL: 7

The Washington Nationals attempt to win a series for the first time in three tries when they host the Colorado Rockies in the rubber match of their three-game set on Sunday. Since taking two of three at Miami from July 28-30, Washington was swept of a three-game series by the Mets in New York and split a four-game showdown with Arizona at home.

The Nationals dropped a one-run decision in the opener against Colorado before rolling to a 6-1 triumph on Saturday as Ryan Zimmerman and Wilson Ramos drove in two runs apiece while Stephen Strasburg returned from the disabled list to strike out 12 in seven strong innings and go 3-for-3 at the plate. Nolan Arenado produced the Rockies' only run with one of the team's three hits - his career-best 27th home run of the season. Charlie Blackmon recorded Colorado's other two hits for his fourth multi-hit performance in nine contests. The Rockies are 7-20 away from home since sweeping a three-game series at Philadelphia from May 29-31 to extend their road winning streak to four games.

TV: 1:35 p.m. ET, ROOT (Colorado), MASN (Washington)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Rockies LH Yohan Flande (2-1, 3.54 ERA) vs. Nationals RH Max Scherzer (11-8, 2.31)

Flande will be making his third start of the season, with all three coming on the road. The 29-year-old Dominican notched a victory over the Cubs in Chicago on July 28, allowing one run in five innings, before settling for a no-decision at St. Louis five days later after giving up two runs in five frames. Flande, who picked up the win against Seattle on Wednesday after tossing a scoreless inning of relief, is 0-1 with a 5.91 ERA in two career starts versus Washington.

Scherzer is coming off a no-decision against Arizona on Tuesday in which he yielded three runs on four hits and three walks over six innings. The 31-year-old native of Missouri also issued three free passes over seven scoreless frames in a victory at Miami on July 30 after walking a total of three batters in his previous eight starts. Scherzer is just 1-3 with a 3.99 ERA in five career outings against Colorado.

WALK-OFFS

1. Colorado has not won a road series since the sweep in Philadelphia at the end of May, going 0-8.

2. Washington, which sits 1 1/2 games behind the first-place Mets in the National League East, placed 2B Dan Uggla on the 15-day disabled list with back spasms.

3. The Nationals and Rockies conclude their season series with a three-game set in Colorado from Aug. 18-20.

PREDICTION: Nationals 6, Rockies 2

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Cardinals at Brewers

GAME: St. Louis Cardinals (71-39) at Milwaukee Brewers (47-65)
DATE/TIME: Sunday, August 09 - 2:10 PM EST
WHERE: Miller Park, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
LINE: -135, 125 TOTAL: 7.5

While the won-lost record may not show it, few pitchers can match the consistency of St. Louis Cardinals veteran John Lackey, who looks to make his 11th consecutive quality start on Sunday in the finale of a three-game series at the Milwaukee Brewers. St. Louis posted its third consecutive shutout victory Saturday and its pitching staff is riding a streak of 36 straight scoreless innings.

The Cardinals have not allowed a run since the fourth frame of Wednesday's 13-inning victory at Cincinnati. Lackey has been among the stingiest pitchers for St. Louis, permitting two runs or fewer in nine of his last 10 outings and surrendering more than three only once over his last 19 starts. The Brewers entered the series on a three-game winning streak during which they scored 22 runs, but they have managed a total of eight hits in the last two losses. Jimmy Nelson will try to avert a sweep for Milwaukee, but he's 0-4 with a wretched 10.43 ERA versus St. Louis.

TV: 2:10 p.m. ET, FSN Midwest (St. Louis), FSN Wisconsin (Milwaukee)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Cardinals RH John Lackey (9-7, 2.85 ERA) vs. Brewers RH Jimmy Nelson (9-9, 3.57)

Lackey was unable to overcome a rocky first inning last time out, giving up all three runs and five of his six hits allowed en route to a 3-2 setback at Cincinnati. He was a hard-luck loser in his previous turn, coming out on the wrong end of a 1-0 decision against the Reds despite allowing only two hits over eight frames. He has won both starts against the Brewers this season to improve to 4-1 with a 3.86 ERA against them.

Nelson has been coming on strong over the past month, registering his sixth consecutive quality start by holding San Diego to an unearned run on three hits over 6 2/3 innings on Tuesday. It marked the third straight outing in which Nelson has not allowed an earned run and boosted his record to 3-0 over his last four turns. He was hit hard in a June 3 loss at St. Louis and sports a .359 batting average against versus the Cardinals.

WALK-OFFS

1. St. Louis has blanked the Brewers five times this season, and its 12 shutouts at Miller Park are the most by an opposing team.

2. Brewers RF Ryan Braun is 2-for-23 in his six last games against St. Louis.

3. Cardinals CF Matt Carpenter has homered six times in his last nine contests.

PREDICTION: Cardinals 5, Brewers 1

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: White Sox at Royals

GAME: Chicago White Sox (51-57) at Kansas City Royals (65-44)
DATE/TIME: Sunday, August 09 - 2:10 PM EST
WHERE: Kauffman Stadium, Kansas City, Missouri
LINE: 117, -127 TOTAL: 8

The Chicago White Sox looked as though they might be in the race for an American League wild-card spot after winning seven in a row late last month. The White Sox have managed only two wins while allowing 66 runs in nine contests since, however, and need a road win on Sunday against the AL Central-leading Kansas City Royals to avoid a three-game sweep.

Jose Abreu’s two homers could not rescue Chicago on Saturday in a 7-6 loss, and Sunday’s starter Jose Quintana is 0-6 with a 4.63 ERA in 15 career outings versus the Royals. Kansas City sends Danny Duffy to the mound after he worked a career-high eight innings to beat the White Sox on July 19. The Royals’ division lead has grown to 10 ½ games over Minnesota after winning for the 13th time in their last 16 home contests. Kendrys Morales continues to shine for Kansas City, going 13-for-34 with four doubles, a triple and 10 RBIs in his last nine games.

TV: 2:10 p.m. ET, WGN (Chicago), FSN Kansas City

PITCHING MATCHUP: White Sox LH Jose Quintana (6-9, 3.50 ERA) vs. Royals LH Danny Duffy (5-5, 4.04)

Quintana has strung together three straight solid starts, recording a pair of victories while allowing four runs over 21 1/3 total innings. The 26-year-old Colombian, who has registered five of his six wins on the road, is allowing right-handed batters to hit .298 while limiting left-handers to a .198 average. Lorenzo Cain (15-for-40, six doubles) and Salvador Perez (14-for-38, two homers) have given Quintana trouble.

Duffy is 3-1 over his last six outings while giving up 10 runs over 39 1/3 frames and notched his fifth quality start in that span last time out at Detroit. The 26-year-old Californian had two no-decisions this season against the White Sox before permitting one run, six hits and one walk in eight frames last month. Abreu is 5-for-13 with a homer against Duffy, who is 3-1 with a 3.09 ERA in seven career starts versus Chicago.

WALK-OFFS

1. Perez is 20-for-54 (.370) with two outs and runners in scoring position after knocking in two runs in that situation Saturday.

2. Chicago 2B Carlos Sanchez is 6-for-17 with two walks and three RBIs during his five-game hitting streak.

3. Royals INF-OF Ben Zobrist, who was rested Saturday, is 8-for-30 with three homers and seven RBIs in eight games since being acquired from Oakland.

PREDICTION: Royals 4, White Sox 3

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Giants at Cubs

GAME: San Francisco Giants (59-51) at Chicago Cubs (61-48)
DATE/TIME: Sunday, August 09 - 2:20 PM EST
WHERE: Wrigley Field, Chicago, Illinois
LINE: 154, -167 N/A TOTAL: N/A

If the Chicago Cubs end a six-year playoff drought this October, they may be able to point to this weekend in the Windy City as a big reason why. The surging Cubs look to finish off a four-game sweep of the San Francisco Giants when the two wild-card hopefuls wrap up their series in Wrigley Field on Sunday.

Chicago entered the set trailing the Giants by a half-game for the National League’s second wild card, but wins in each of the first three games have dramatically altered the landscape, and the Cubs have their best starter on the mound Sunday in Jake Arrieta. The right-hander, who is tied for third in the NL in wins (12) and sixth in ERA (2.50), usually does not need much run support but might expect it from an offense that has scored at least four runs in a season-high nine straight games. Kris Bryant had a two-run homer and three RBIs overall while Addison Russell collected three hits and drove in a run in Saturday's 8-6 victory. The Giants' three-game slide is their longest since a season-long seven-game skid prior to the All-Star break, and they remain three games out in the NL West race.

TV: 2:20 p.m. ET, TBS, CSN Bay Area (San Francisco), CSN Chicago

PITCHING MATCHUP: Giants RH Jake Peavy (2-4, 3.77 ERA) vs. Cubs RH Jake Arrieta (12-6, 2.50)


Peavy has received no-decisions in each of his last two starts despite allowing a total of one run and nine hits in 12 innings. The Giants have been victorious in his last four outings, during which he has a 2.96 ERA and has issued two walks in 24 1/3 innings. The 34-year-old sports an 8-5 record and 2.76 ERA in 16 career starts against the Cubs.

Arrieta has a solid run of nine consecutive quality starts, including seven innings of two-hit ball in a 5-0 win at Pittsburgh on Tuesday. He has allowed just one home run in that span and opponents are hitting .209 against him overall. Arrieta, who is 1-1 with a 3.46 ERA in two career starts against San Francisco, has been a bit more pedestrian at home this year, going 4-5 with a 3.07 mark in 10 outings at Wrigley Field.

WALK-OFFS

1. Cubs C Kyle Schwarber had two hits on Saturday and is 10-for-23 during a six-game hitting streak.

2. Giants C Buster Posey remained one home run shy of becoming the 17th catcher in baseball history to reach 100 in his first seven years.

3. Chicago RF Jorge Soler is batting .393 with six RBIs, five walks and four runs scored in an eight-game hitting streak.

PREDICTION: Cubs 5, Giants 2

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Orioles at Angels

GAME: Baltimore Orioles (56-53) at Los Angeles Angels (58-51)
DATE/TIME: Sunday, August 09 - 3:37 PM EST
WHERE: Angel Stadium of Anaheim, Anaheim, California
LINE: N/A TOTAL: N/A

Jered Weaver returns to a major-league mound for the first time since June 20 when the Los Angeles Angels close a three-game set Sunday against the visiting Baltimore Orioles. Weaver has been sidelined due to a hip injury and his velocity was lower than usual before he went on the disabled list.

Weaver's fastball was in low 80s prior to his injury and the Angels hope he can rediscover his arsenal as they battle for a playoff spot. Los Angeles has lost 11 of its last 15 games and trails Houston by 1 1/2 games in the American League West and leads Baltimore by two games for the second AL wild-card spot. The teams split the first two games of the series with the Orioles posting a 5-0 win Saturday as third baseman Manny Machado went 4-for-5 with a homer. Machado is 7-for-10 in the series and has five multi-hit outings in the past 10 games.

TV: 3:37 p.m. ET, MASN2 (Baltimore), FSN West (Los Angeles)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Orioles RH Miguel Gonzalez (9-8, 4.32 ERA) vs. Angels RH Jered Weaver (4-8, 4.75)

Gonzalez has lost back-to-back decisions and pitched just 8 2/3 innings during the stretch. He gave up eight runs and 15 hits in the losses to Detroit and Oakland after winning his previous two starts. Gonzalez is 3-1 with a 2.20 ERA in four career starts against the Angels.

Weaver dropped his last four starts before going on the disabled list and had a 6.58 ERA during the stretch. He is 8-4 with a 3.27 ERA in 13 career starts against the Orioles, including a victory May 15 when he gave up one run and three hits in 7 1/3 innings. Weaver has struggled against center fielder Adam Jones (8-for-26, two homers) while faring well against first baseman Chris Davis (7-for-37).

WALK-OFFS

1. Orioles OF Gerardo Parra is 6-for-29 in seven games since being acquired from the Milwaukee Brewers.

2. Los Angeles 1B Albert Pujols has no extra-base hits during his past eight games.

3. Baltimore 2B Jonathan Schoop is 12-for-23 with a homer during a seven-game hitting streak.

PREDICTION: Angels 4, Orioles 3

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Astros at Athletics

GAME: Houston Astros (61-51) at Oakland Athletics (50-62)
DATE/TIME: Sunday, August 09 - 4:05 PM EST
WHERE: O.co Coliseum, Oakland, California
LINE: -105, -103 TOTAL: 7.5

Despite holding a slim lead atop the American League West, the Houston Astros have found life on the road difficult recently. The Astros eye a series split and look to win away from home for only the third time in 16 games on Sunday when they finish a four-game set against the last-place Oakland Athletics.


Houston opened this series with a 5-4, 10-inning victory on Thursday for its seventh win in eight games against Oakland before Sonny Gray and Jesse Chavez guided the Athletics to a pair of low-scoring victories the next two days. The Astros, who had won five straight in Oakland prior to the back-to-back setbacks, has only scratched across three runs in 23 innings against the Athletics’ starting pitchers in this series. While Houston has posted one run in consecutive contests, Jose Altuve has continued to hit atop the Astros’ lineup, going 6-for-14 in this series to extend his hitting streak at O.Co Coliseum to 19 games. Oakland is a major-league worst 12-26 in one-run games despite Saturday’s 2-1 win and will attempt to win a series for the first time since taking two of three at home versus Minnesota coming out of the All-Star break.

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

PITCHING MATCHUP: Astros RH Mike Fiers (5-9, 4.17 ERA) vs. Athletics RH Chris Bassitt (1-4, 2.64)

Fiers, who was scheduled to make his Astros’ debut on Tuesday, was rocked in relief instead one day earlier while surrendering six runs over five innings at Texas. The 30-year-old went 21-28 with a 3.66 ERA in 71 appearances (56 starts) with Milwaukee before getting traded along with Carlos Gomez to Houston in a six-player deal on July 30. Ike Davis (0-for-3, two strikeouts) is the only Athletic to face Fiers, who will square off against Oakland for the first time.

Bassitt was rewarded with his second career win on Tuesday after yielding five hits and two walks while fanning a career-high seven over seven scoreless frames against Baltimore. The 26-year-old Ohio native went 0-4 over his first five turns despite not allowing more than three runs in any of those outings. Bassitt has faced Houston only once, giving up three runs (one earned) across 4 1/3 innings in relief during his season debut on April 25.

WALK-OFFS

1. Houston has eight players with at least 10 home runs this season, one shy of matching a team record. Altuve (nine) and Hank Conger (eight) are closing in on 10.

2. Oakland CF Billy Burns has 23 stolen bases, the most for any rookie in the majors this season and most for an Athletics’ rookie since Luis Polonia swiped 29 bases in 1987.

3. The Astros optioned RHP Asher Wojciechowski to Triple-A Fresno on Saturday to make room for LHP Oliver Perez, who was acquired Friday from Arizona. Perez is expected to be available out of the bullpen for the finale.

PREDICTION: Athletics 4, Astros 2