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

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Reds at Diamondbacks

GAME: Cincinnati Reds (49-59) at Arizona Diamondbacks (53-56)
DATE/TIME: Sunday, August 09 - 4:10 PM EST
WHERE: Chase Field, Phoenix, Arizona
LINE: 126, -137 TOTAL: 8.5

The Cincinnati Reds have yet to score more than four runs in a contest this month but have an opportunity to win a three-game series from Arizona when they visit the Diamondbacks on Sunday. Cincinnati matched its high for runs in August by posting a 4-1 win on Saturday behind a two-run homer from Eugenio Suarez and solo shots by Marlon Byrd and Brandon Phillips.

The victory was just the third in eight games for Cincinnati, which has been blanked three times in seven contests this month. Phillips has been one of the exceptions to the problems and is 16-for-39 with three homers over the last nine games. Arizona's Paul Goldschmidt is in the midst of a 3-for-27 slump over his last seven games, with all three hits coming in one contest. The All-Star first baseman has seen his batting average drop 17 points to .332 and has fallen out of the National League lead.

TV: 4:10 p.m. ET, FSN Ohio (Cincinnati), FSN Arizona

PITCHING MATCHUP: Reds RH Anthony DeSclafani (7-7, 3.71 ERA) vs. Diamondbacks LH Patrick Corbin (2-3, 3.99)

DeSclafani is coming off back-to-back victories against St. Louis in which he allowed two runs and 10 hits over 13 innings. He struck out a career-best nine without issuing a walk in his last turn and has issued just five free passes over his last four outings. DeSclafani is 4-2 with a 2.41 ERA in 11 road starts this season.

Corbin lasted just 1 1/3 innings in his last outing against Washington, giving up three runs, six hits and two walks. He had allowed two or fewer runs in four of his first five starts after returning from Tommy John surgery. Corbin is 1-1 with a 2.28 ERA in three career starts against Cincinnati.

WALK-OFFS

1. Diamondbacks RF Ender Inciarte is 10-for-27 during his six-game hitting streak.

2. Suarez has hit safely in seven straight contests, going 9-for-26 with a homer and four doubles.

3. Arizona traded INF Cliff Pennington to Toronto for minor-league SS Dawel Lugo.

PREDICTION: Diamondbacks 5, Reds 3

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Rangers at Mariners

GAME: Texas Rangers (55-54) at Seattle Mariners (51-60)
DATE/TIME: Sunday, August 09 - 4:10 PM EST
WHERE: Safeco Field, Seattle, Washington
LINE: 147, -160 TOTAL: 7

The Texas Rangers appeared to be sliding out of the playoff race following an embarrassing 21-5 blowout loss to the New York Yankees. Instead, the Rangers have righted the ship with eight wins in their last 10 games and eye their third straight series win on Sunday when they look to claim the rubber match of a three-game set in Seattle against the Mariners.


Texas dropped 21 of 31 after climbing six games over .500 on June 19 – a skid that was punctuated by the July 28 rout by the Yankees. The Rangers rallied for a four-game split in that series and may have accentuated their recent turnaround with Saturday’s 11-3 triumph in which they pummeled the Mariners for eight runs in the 11th inning to end a six-game losing streak against their division rivals. Texas trails Houston by 4 ½ games in the American League West – its smallest deficit since June 27 – and will look to cut into that margin further while attempting to cool off the red-hot slugger Nelson Cruz. The reigning home run champion went 2-for-4 on Saturday to extend his hitting streak to 18 games, including eight straight contests with an extra-base hit.

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

PITCHING MATCHUP: Rangers RH Colby Lewis (12-4, 4.68 ERA) vs. Mariners RH Felix Hernandez (13-6, 3.13)

Despite getting pounded for seven runs on 10 hits (including three homers) in six frames against Houston on Monday, Lewis won for the fourth time in as many turns. The 36-year-old California native, who is two victories shy of matching his career high set in 2011, is 8-1 despite a 4.67 ERA over his last 12 outings. Lewis took the loss in Seattle on April 18, allowing three runs on 10 hits over 5 2/3 innings to fall to 7-7 with a 3.95 ERA in 23 career games (19 starts) against the Mariners.

Hernandez was able to limit the damage and pick up his third win in four decisions on Monday, working around 11 hits (nine singles and two doubles) while permitting four runs in 6 2/3 frames en route to an 8-7 win at Colorado. The 2010 AL Cy Young Award winner was roughed up in his previous outing in Arizona, surrendering seven runs and 12 hits over 6 2/3 innings. Hernandez has mostly struggled throughout his career versus Texas, going 14-21 with a 3.92 ERA in 44 starts.

WALK-OFFS

1. The Rangers’ 32 road wins are the most in the majors.

2. Seattle LF Franklin Gutierrez has missed both games in this series due to the flu.

3. Texas’ eight-run 11th inning on Saturday marked the third time this season the Mariners have surrendered at least that many runs in an inning.

PREDICTION: Rangers 5, Mariners 4

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Phillies at Padres

GAME: Philadelphia Phillies (44-67) at San Diego Padres (52-59)
DATE/TIME: Sunday, August 09 - 4:10 PM EST
WHERE: Petco Park, San Diego, California
LINE: 161, -175 TOTAL: 7.5

The Philadelphia Phillies' stellar play has allowed them to escape the National League East cellar as they look to finish off a three-game sweep of the host San Diego Padres on Sunday. The Phillies posted a 4-2 victory over the sinking Padres on Saturday for their 15th win in 20 games and moved past the Miami Marlins in the East.

Philadelphia's record is the best in the majors since the All-Star break, and the two wins over the Padres come at the beginning of a nine-game trek that also goes through Arizona and Milwaukee. Rookie center fielder Odubel Herrera had two hits and two RBIs on Saturday and is 18-for-48 with 13 runs scored during an 11-hitting game streak. San Diego has lost five straight games and six of its last seven to fall out of the wild-card derby. The Padres have scored just 12 runs during their skid, which began after a 13-5 rout of the Brewers on Aug. 3.

TV: 4:10 p.m. ET, CSN Philadelphia, FSN San Diego

PITCHING MATCHUP: Phillies RH Jerome Williams (3-8, 6.09 ERA) vs. Padres RH Andrew Cashner (4-11, 4.08)

Williams has lost five consecutive decisions and is winless in his past nine starts. He received a no-decision against the Los Angeles Dodgers in his last turn when he gave up one run and seven hits in five innings. Williams is 3-3 with a 2.18 ERA in seven career starts against San Diego.

Cashner lost to Milwaukee in his last start when he gave up two runs and eight hits in six innings. He has allowed two or fewer runs in four of his last six outings and has gone 2-2 during the stretch. Cashner is 2-0 with a 1.25 ERA in eight career appearances (two starts) against Philadelphia.

WALK-OFFS

1. Padres 1B Yonder Alonso is 2-for-21 over his last five games.

2. Philadelphia 2B Chase Utley went 2-for-4 and scored twice Saturday in his second game since returning from an ankle injury.

3. San Diego RHP Brandon Morrow (shoulder) is slated to undergo season-ending surgery next week.

PREDICTION: Phillies 5, Padres 1

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Marlins at Braves

GAME: Miami Marlins (43-68) at Atlanta Braves (51-60)
DATE/TIME: Sunday, August 09 - 5:05 PM EST
WHERE: Turner Field, Atlanta, Georgia
LINE: 125, -135 TOTAL: 7.5

Shelby Miller takes the mound for the Atlanta Braves in Sunday’s series finale against the visiting Miami Marlins, and the All-Star definitely would appreciate some support from his offense. Miller enters the outing having received 2.6 runs of support per nine innings, the lowest number in baseball and a contributing factor to the right-hander’s 14-start winless streak.

Miller will look for right fielder Nick Markakis (15-game hitting streak) and catcher A.J. Pierzynski (13-game streak) to continue pacing an offense hitting .292 while scoring 5.4 runs per game in August. First baseman Nick Swisher made the most of his Atlanta debut, doubling home two runs while turning an unassisted double play in Saturday's 7-2 victory. The Marlins have dropped six in a row and are 5-17 since the All-Star break, but have bigger concerns as ace Jose Fernandez was sent back to Miami with tightness in his right shoulder. The Marlins have posted a 6.43 ERA in their past 11 games, going 2-9.

TV: 5:10 p.m. ET, FSN Florida (Miami), FSN South (Atlanta)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Marlins LH Brad Hand (1-2, 4.71 ERA) vs. Braves RH Shelby Miller (5-8, 2.44)

Hand struggled in the first inning of Tuesday’s start against the Mets – his first starting assignment since early June – but settled in after that, allowing no runs on five hits in four innings of a no-decision. The 25-year-old made three starts earlier this season, but gave up six runs on six hits in two-thirds of an inning June 8 at Toronto, sending him to the bullpen for his next 10 appearances. Hand, who is 5-19 with a 4.58 ERA in 35 career starts, has allowed one hit in eight shutout innings of relief against Atlanta this season.

Miller has a 3.14 ERA during his winless streak, giving up two runs or less nine times while going 0-7 since his last victory. Miller is 2-0 in three starts against the Marlins this season, falling one out shy of a no-hitter en route to a two-hit shutout on May 17 in Miami – his last victory. He surrendered two runs on four hits in seven innings Tuesday against San Francisco, leaving with the lead before the Braves’ bullpen lost the game one inning later.

WALK-OFFS

1. Miami P Carter Capps, on the disabled list with a right elbow strain, will begin throwing in the hopes of being activated from the DL on Aug. 17.

2. Atlanta SS Andrelton Simmons returned to the lineup Saturday after missing six games with a sprained right thumb, going 1-for-2 with a run scored and two RBIs.

3. Miami 2B Dee Gordon went hitless in five at-bats Saturday, snapping his 13-game hitting streak against the Braves.

PREDICTION: Braves 5, Marlins 2

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Dodgers at Pirates

GAME: Los Angeles Dodgers (62-48) at Pittsburgh Pirates (64-44)
DATE/TIME: Sunday, August 09 - 8:08 PM EST
WHERE: PNC Park, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
LINE: -115, 106 TOTAL: 7.5

The Pittsburgh Pirates hold a comfortable lead in the National League wild card race, but they are playing like a team with considerably higher goals. The Pirates are a season-high 20 games over .500 heading into Sunday’s contest against the visiting Los Angeles Dodgers, who opened the series with consecutive one-run losses.

Andrew McCutchen is 13-for-29 with nine RBIs over his last nine games for Pittsburgh, which has won four of its last five to move 3 1/2 games ahead of the Chicago Cubs for the first NL wild card spot. The Pirates have been encouraged by the recent play of third baseman Aramis Ramirez, who struggled immediately following his trade from Milwaukee on July 23 but has five hits over his last three games. The Dodgers, who have lost four in a row to the Pirates, hold a three-game lead over San Francisco in the NL West despite dropping three of their last five. Los Angeles' beleaguered bullpen has received a boost from a surprising source in Pedro Baez, who has not allowed a run in seven straight appearances covering nine innings.

TV: 8:05 p.m. ET, ESPN

PITCHING MATCHUP: Dodgers LH Alex Wood (7-7, 3.65 ERA) vs. Pirates RH Charlie Morton (7-4, 4.19)

Wood had mixed results in his Dodgers debut last Tuesday as he allowed four runs while striking out eight over 6 1/3 innings in a 6-2 loss to Philadelphia. The 24-year-old last faced the Pirates on June 28 as a member of the Atlanta Braves, yielding five hits over 7 1/3 scoreless innings. Wood has gone 1-2 with a 2.57 ERA in five career games (four starts) against Pittsburgh, including a 1.26 ERA in two starts at PNC Park.

Morton looks to build on his best start of the season after holding Cincinnati to five hits with no walks over seven scoreless innings last Sunday. The 31-year-old is 4-1 with a 2.52 ERA in six starts at PNC Park this season and 8-2 with a 2.41 ERA over his last 13 home starts. Jimmy Rollins is 7-for-11 against Morton, who allowed six runs over six frames in his only career start against the Dodgers on April 30, 2010.

WALK-OFFS

1. Dodgers 2B Howie Kendrick has collected at least two hits in four consecutive games.

2. Pittsburgh is 33-14 against NL West opponents over the past two seasons.

3. Dodgers INF Justin Turner (skin infection) is not expected to be activated from the disabled list when eligible on Tuesday.

PREDICTION: Pirates 6, Dodgers 3

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

WNBA
Dunkel

Sunday, August 9


Phoenix @ Chicago

Game 601-602
August 9, 2015 @ 2:00 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Phoenix
113.407
Chicago
115.650
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Chicago
by 2
155
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Chicago
by 4
160
Dunkel Pick:
Phoenix
(+4); Under

Connecticut @ Washington

Game 603-604
August 9, 2015 @ 4:00 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Connecticut
113.258
Washington
115.114
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Washington
by 2
140
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Washington
by 6 1/2
145 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Connecticut
(+6 1/2); Under

Atlanta @ Tulsa

Game 605-606
August 9, 2015 @ 4:30 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Atlanta
102.949
Tulsa
113.449
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Tulsa
by 10 1/2
164
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Tulsa
by 5 1/2
159
Dunkel Pick:
Tulsa
(-5 1/2); Over

Los Angeles @ Minnesota

Game 607-608
August 9, 2015 @ 7:00 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Los Angeles
107.466
Minnesota
122.093
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Minnesota
by 14 1/2
143
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Minnesota
by 5 1/2
149 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Minnesota
(-5 1/2); Under

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

GAMBLERS DATA

Nationals -1.5 -101

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

MONEYLINES

MLB > (969) MINNESOTA@ (970) CLEVELAND | 2015-08-09 13:10:00 - 2015-08-09 13:10:00
Play AGAINST CLEVELAND using the money line in Home games in games played on a grass field
The record is 20 Wins and 33 Losses for the this season (-24.75 units)

MLB > (977) TEXAS@ (978) SEATTLE | 2015-08-09 16:10:00 - 2015-08-09 16:10:00
Play ON TEXAS using the money line in Road games against right-handed starters
The record is 21 Wins and 13 Losses for the this season (+16.35 units)

MLB > (957) CINCINNATI@ (958) ARIZONA | 2015-08-09 16:10:00 - 2015-08-09 16:10:00
Play AGAINST CINCINNATI using the money line in All games when playing on Sunday
The record is 3 Wins and 15 Losses for the this season (-13.2 units)

MLB > (955) ST LOUIS@ (956) MILWAUKEE | 2015-08-09 14:10:00 - 2015-08-09 14:10:00
Play ON ST LOUIS using the money line in All games against right-handed starters
The record is 55 Wins and 25 Losses for the this season (+25.6 units)

MLB > (979) NY METS@ (980) TAMPA BAY | 2015-08-09 13:10:00 - 2015-08-09 13:10:00
Play ON NY METS using the money line in Road games when playing against a team with a losing record in the second half of the season
The record is 28 Wins and 13 Losses for the last three seasons (+20.19 units)

MLB > (971) CHI WHITE SOX@ (972) KANSAS CITY | 2015-08-09 14:10:00 - 2015-08-09 14:10:00
Play ON KANSAS CITY using the money line in All games in games played on a grass field
The record is 63 Wins and 41 Losses for the this season (+20.15 units)

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

RUNLINES

MLB > (971) CHI WHITE SOX@ (972) KANSAS CITY | 2015-08-09 14:10:00 - 2015-08-09 14:10:00
Play ON KANSAS CITY using the in Home games when playing with a day off
The record is 7 Wins and 0 Losses for the this season (+11.05 units)

MLB > (965) BOSTON@ (966) DETROIT | 2015-08-09 13:05:00 - 2015-08-09 13:05:00
Play AGAINST BOSTON using the in All games when playing with a day off
The record is 5 Wins and 25 Losses for the last two seasons (-25.3 units)

MLB > (977) TEXAS@ (978) SEATTLE | 2015-08-09 16:10:00 - 2015-08-09 16:10:00
Play ON TEXAS using the in All games in road games
The record is 42 Wins and 14 Losses for the this season (+21.3 units)

MLB > (953) LA DODGERS@ (954) PITTSBURGH | 2015-08-09 20:05:00 - 2015-08-09 20:05:00
Play AGAINST LA DODGERS using the in Road games in night games
The record is 10 Wins and 27 Losses for the this season (-19.25 units)

MLB > (979) NY METS@ (980) TAMPA BAY | 2015-08-09 13:10:00 - 2015-08-09 13:10:00
Play ON NY METS using the in All games in day games
The record is 60 Wins and 27 Losses for the last two seasons (+34.2 units)

MLB > (963) SAN FRANCISCO@ (964) CHICAGO CUBS | 2015-08-09 14:20:00 - 2015-08-09 14:20:00
Play AGAINST SAN FRANCISCO using the in Road games when playing with a day off
The record is 9 Wins and 20 Losses for the last three seasons (-21.6 units)

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

TOTALS

MLB > (963) SAN FRANCISCO@ (964) CHICAGO CUBS | 2015-08-09 14:20:00 - 2015-08-09 14:20:00
Play OVER SAN FRANCISCO on the total in Road games against right-handed starters
The record is 30 Overs and 9 Unders for the this season (+20.85 units)

MLB > (955) ST LOUIS@ (956) MILWAUKEE | 2015-08-09 14:10:00 - 2015-08-09 14:10:00
Play UNDER ST LOUIS on the total in All games in day games
The record is 7 Overs and 25 Unders for the this season (+16.35 units)

MLB > (969) MINNESOTA@ (970) CLEVELAND | 2015-08-09 13:10:00 - 2015-08-09 13:10:00
Play OVER CLEVELAND on the total in Home games against division opponents
The record is 17 Overs and 5 Unders for the this season (+12.2 units)

MLB > (951) COLORADO@ (952) WASHINGTON | 2015-08-09 13:35:00 - 2015-08-09 13:35:00
Play OVER COLORADO on the total in Road games when playing against a team with a winning record
The record is 16 Overs and 5 Unders for the this season (+11.15 units)

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

POWER LINES

MLB > (965) BOSTON @ (966) DETROIT | 2015-08-09 13:05:00 - 2015-08-09 13:05:00
Line: DETROIT-125 BTB PowerLine: DETROIT-153
Edge On: DETROIT (28)

MLB > (967) TORONTO @ (968) NY YANKEES | 2015-08-09 13:05:00 - 2015-08-09 13:05:00
Line: TORONTO BTB PowerLine: TORONTO-128
Edge On: TORONTO (14)

MLB > (979) NY METS @ (980) TAMPA BAY | 2015-08-09 13:10:00 - 2015-08-09 13:10:00
Line: NY METS BTB PowerLine: NY METS-135
Edge On: NY METS (12)

MLB > (969) MINNESOTA @ (970) CLEVELAND | 2015-08-09 13:10:00 - 2015-08-09 13:10:00
Line: MINNESOTA BTB PowerLine: MINNESOTA-128
Edge On: MINNESOTA (9)

MLB > (951) COLORADO @ (952) WASHINGTON | 2015-08-09 13:35:00 - 2015-08-09 13:35:00
Line: COLORADO BTB PowerLine: COLORADO-210
Edge On: COLORADO (35)

MLB > (955) ST LOUIS @ (956) MILWAUKEE | 2015-08-09 14:10:00 - 2015-08-09 14:10:00
Line: ST LOUIS BTB PowerLine: ST LOUIS165
Edge On: ST LOUIS (25)

MLB > (971) CHI WHITE SOX @ (972) KANSAS CITY | 2015-08-09 14:10:00 - 2015-08-09 14:10:00
Line: KANSAS CITY-134 BTB PowerLine: KANSAS CITY-166
Edge On: KANSAS CITY (32)

MLB > (957) CINCINNATI @ (958) ARIZONA | 2015-08-09 16:10:00 - 2015-08-09 16:10:00
Line: CINCINNATI BTB PowerLine: CINCINNATI-108
Edge On: CINCINNATI (27)

MLB > (977) TEXAS @ (978) SEATTLE | 2015-08-09 16:10:00 - 2015-08-09 16:10:00
Line: TEXAS BTB PowerLine: TEXAS-156
Edge On: TEXAS (19)

MLB > (953) LA DODGERS @ (954) PITTSBURGH | 2015-08-09 20:05:00 - 2015-08-09 20:05:00
Line: LA DODGERS BTB PowerLine: LA DODGERS110
Edge On: LA DODGERS (10)

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

LEADING OFF: Jays, Cubs, Bucs seek sweeps; Fernandez to doc

A look at what's happening all around the major leagues Sunday:


FLYING HIGH

Troy Tulowitzki and the Blue Jays go for their eighth straight victory and a weekend sweep at Yankee Stadium that would pull them within 1 1/2 games of first-place New York in the AL East. Toronto has not swept a series of at least three games from the Yankees since May 2003. Marco Estrada (9-6) pitches for the Blue Jays against Masahiro Tanaka (8-4).

FINGERS CROSSED

Jose Fernandez's stiff shoulder could be the latest setback for the Marlins in a disappointing season. The team awaits word on its electrifying young ace after Fernandez was sent back to Miami on Saturday to be examined by Dr. Dan Kaplan. The 2013 NL Rookie of the Year is 4-0 with a 2.30 ERA in six starts this season since returning from Tommy John surgery on his pitching elbow.

FRIENDLY CONFINES

Jake Arrieta (12-6) tries to pitch the Cubs to a four-game sweep of San Francisco at Wrigley Field. Arrieta is 6-1 with a 1.37 ERA in his last nine starts. He faces veteran Jake Peavy (2-4), who is 2-0 with a 2.96 ERA in his past four starts. Chicago has won nine of 10 to open a 2 1/2-game lead over the Giants in the race for the second NL wild card.

PRIME-TIME PIRATES

Andrew McCutchen and the Pirates seek a three-game sweep at home against the Dodgers in a prime-time matchup of NL playoff contenders. McCutchen is 13 for 29 (.448) with nine RBIs and 10 runs scored in his last nine games. He has been on base in 14 of his past 18 plate appearances. Alex Wood makes his second start for Los Angeles since being acquired in a trade with Atlanta.

MAX EFFORT

Max Scherzer starts for the Nationals in their series finale against visiting Colorado. He was 0-3 with a 5.48 ERA versus the Rockies while pitching for Arizona. But since leaving the NL West, the right-hander has won his only outing when facing Colorado: He threw eight shutout innings and struck out 12 for the Tigers three years ago.

FOR STARTERS

Mike Fiers makes his first start for the AL West-leading Astros since being acquired from Milwaukee in the July 30 trade that also sent outfielder Carlos Gomez to Houston. Fiers gave up six earned runs over five innings of relief work in his Astros debut on Monday.

BULLPEN BOOST

Oliver Perez is expected to join the Astros in Oakland after he was obtained from Arizona late Friday night. A starter for the first nine seasons of his big league career (2002-10), Perez has taken to his relief role as lefty specialist. He had 37 strikeouts in 48 appearances covering 29 innings for the Diamondbacks this year. Left-handed batters are hitting .183 (11 for 60) against him.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

MLB
Long Sheet

Sunday, August 9

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

COLORADO (46 - 62) at WASHINGTON (57 - 52) - 1:35 PM
YOHAN FLANDE (L) vs. MAX SCHERZER (R)
Top Trends for this game.
COLORADO is 112-158 (-38.8 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
COLORADO is 42-93 (-38.7 Units) against the money line in road games over the last 2 seasons.
COLORADO is 112-158 (-38.8 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
COLORADO is 30-70 (-31.8 Units) against the money line in road games against right-handed starters over the last 2 seasons.
COLORADO is 24-60 (-28.9 Units) against the money line in road games after a loss over the last 2 seasons.
COLORADO is 16-46 (-22.5 Units) against the money line in road games when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.
SCHERZER is 63-28 (+24.1 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 3 seasons. (Team's Record)
SCHERZER is 24-6 (+17.1 Units) against the money line after a win over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
WASHINGTON is 24-24 (-8.6 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
COLORADO is 1-1 (+0.7 Units) against WASHINGTON this season
1 of 2 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=-0.1 Units, Under=-0.2 Units)

YOHAN FLANDE vs. WASHINGTON since 1997
FLANDE is 0-1 when starting against WASHINGTON with an ERA of 5.91 and a WHIP of 1.313.
His team's record is 0-2 (-2.0 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 0-2. (-2.1 units)

MAX SCHERZER vs. COLORADO since 1997
SCHERZER is 1-3 when starting against COLORADO with an ERA of 3.99 and a WHIP of 1.296.
His team's record is 2-3 (-0.8 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 3-2. (+0.7 units)

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

LA DODGERS (62 - 48) at PITTSBURGH (64 - 44) - 8:05 PM
ALEX WOOD (L) vs. CHARLIE MORTON (R)
Top Trends for this game.
LA DODGERS are 62-48 (-9.7 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
LA DODGERS are 25-30 (-16.2 Units) against the money line in road games this season.
LA DODGERS are 62-48 (-9.7 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
LA DODGERS are 44-36 (-11.3 Units) against the money line in night games this season.
LA DODGERS are 20-24 (-13.6 Units) against the money line in road games against right-handed starters this season.
WOOD is 18-27 (-12.5 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
PITTSBURGH is 64-44 (+11.8 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
PITTSBURGH is 38-18 (+13.7 Units) against the money line in home games this season.
PITTSBURGH is 24-6 (+17.2 Units) against the money line at home when the total is 8 to 8.5 over the last 3 seasons.
PITTSBURGH is 64-44 (+11.8 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
PITTSBURGH is 107-76 (+18.7 Units) against the money line in night games over the last 2 seasons.
PITTSBURGH is 40-23 (+12.9 Units) against the money line after a win this season.
PITTSBURGH is 375-374 (+55.6 Units) against the money line in home games when playing against a team with a winning record since 1997.
LA DODGERS are 75-40 (+21.9 Units) against the money line after a loss over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
PITTSBURGH is 2-0 (+2.3 Units) against LA DODGERS this season
2 of 2 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+2.1 Units)

ALEX WOOD vs. PITTSBURGH since 1997
WOOD is 1-2 when starting against PITTSBURGH with an ERA of 2.42 and a WHIP of 1.038.
His team's record is 1-3 (-1.6 units) in these starts. The OVER is 0-4. (-4.1 units)

CHARLIE MORTON vs. LA DODGERS since 1997
MORTON is 0-1 when starting against LA DODGERS with an ERA of 4.50 and a WHIP of 1.333.
His team's record is 0-1 (-1.0 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 1-0. (+1.0 units)

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

ST LOUIS (71 - 39) at MILWAUKEE (47 - 65) - 2:10 PM
JOHN LACKEY (R) vs. JIMMY NELSON (R)
Top Trends for this game.
ST LOUIS is 8-19 (-13.8 Units) against the money line in road games after 3 or more consecutive wins over the last 3 seasons.
LACKEY is 16-28 (-14.3 Units) against the money line in road games over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
LACKEY is 2-9 (-8.4 Units) against the money line in road games when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
ST LOUIS is 71-39 (+24.4 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
ST LOUIS is 30-16 (+11.0 Units) against the money line against division opponents this season.
ST LOUIS is 92-56 (+26.1 Units) against the money line in day games over the last 3 seasons.
ST LOUIS is 71-39 (+24.4 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
ST LOUIS is 56-25 (+26.6 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.
ST LOUIS is 46-25 (+15.0 Units) against the money line after a win this season.
MILWAUKEE is 47-65 (-17.6 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
MILWAUKEE is 23-36 (-16.9 Units) against the money line in home games this season.
MILWAUKEE is 14-25 (-11.5 Units) against the money line in day games this season.
MILWAUKEE is 47-65 (-17.6 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
MILWAUKEE is 35-54 (-19.3 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.
MILWAUKEE is 25-39 (-14.3 Units) against the money line after a loss this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
ST LOUIS is 8-3 (+3.8 Units) against MILWAUKEE this season
7 of 11 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+2.3 Units)

JOHN LACKEY vs. MILWAUKEE since 1997
LACKEY is 4-1 when starting against MILWAUKEE with an ERA of 3.86 and a WHIP of 1.200.
His team's record is 4-1 (+3.0 units) in these starts. The OVER is 3-2. (+1.0 units)

JIMMY NELSON vs. ST LOUIS since 1997
NELSON is 0-3 when starting against ST LOUIS with an ERA of 10.05 and a WHIP of 1.814.
His team's record is 0-3 (-3.0 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 0-3. (-3.5 units)

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

CINCINNATI (49 - 59) at ARIZONA (53 - 56) - 4:10 PM
ANTHONY DESCLAFANI (R) vs. PAT CORBIN (L)
Top Trends for this game.
CINCINNATI is 12-34 (-18.2 Units) against the money line as a road underdog of +125 to +150 over the last 3 seasons.
CINCINNATI is 54-82 (-22.2 Units) against the money line in road games over the last 2 seasons.
CINCINNATI is 3-15 (-13.2 Units) against the money line when playing on Sunday this season.
CINCINNATI is 11-23 (-14.6 Units) against the money line in day games this season.
CINCINNATI is 54-82 (-22.2 Units) against the money line in road games in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
CINCINNATI is 55-66 (-19.0 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 2 seasons.
CINCINNATI is 17-28 (-15.1 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record in the second half of the season over the last 2 seasons.
ARIZONA is 29-17 (+13.2 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record this season.
CINCINNATI is 350-376 (+33.9 Units) against the money line in road games after a win since 1997.
ARIZONA is 117-154 (-30.5 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
ARIZONA is 60-74 (-18.8 Units) against the money line in home games over the last 2 seasons.
ARIZONA is 117-154 (-30.5 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
CINCINNATI is 1-1 (+0.3 Units) against ARIZONA this season
2 of 2 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+2.0 Units)

ANTHONY DESCLAFANI vs. ARIZONA since 1997
No recent starts.

PAT CORBIN vs. CINCINNATI since 1997
CORBIN is 1-1 when starting against CINCINNATI with an ERA of 2.28 and a WHIP of 0.845.
His team's record is 2-1 (+1.3 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 1-0. (+1.0 units)

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

PHILADELPHIA (44 - 67) at SAN DIEGO (52 - 59) - 4:10 PM
JEROME WILLIAMS (R) vs. ANDREW CASHNER (R)
Top Trends for this game.
PHILADELPHIA is 85-110 (-32.5 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 3 seasons.
PHILADELPHIA is 9-3 (+8.2 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record in the second half of the season this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
PHILADELPHIA is 2-0 (+3.2 Units) against SAN DIEGO this season
1 of 2 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+0.0 Units)

JEROME WILLIAMS vs. SAN DIEGO since 1997
WILLIAMS is 3-3 when starting against SAN DIEGO with an ERA of 2.18 and a WHIP of 0.970.
His team's record is 3-4 (-2.0 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 6-1. (+5.0 units)

ANDREW CASHNER vs. PHILADELPHIA since 1997
CASHNER is 2-0 when starting against PHILADELPHIA with an ERA of 1.08 and a WHIP of 0.480.
His team's record is 2-0 (+2.0 units) in these starts. The OVER is 1-1. (-0.2 units)

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

MIAMI (43 - 68) at ATLANTA (51 - 60) - 5:05 PM
BRAD HAND (L) vs. SHELBY MILLER (R)
Top Trends for this game.
MIAMI is 43-68 (-24.9 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
MIAMI is 17-38 (-19.2 Units) against the money line in road games this season.
MIAMI is 15-28 (-16.2 Units) against the money line against division opponents this season.
MIAMI is 43-65 (-21.9 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
MIAMI is 27-47 (-21.0 Units) against the money line in night games this season.
MIAMI is 33-54 (-21.6 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.
MIAMI is 22-45 (-21.9 Units) against the money line after a loss this season.
MIAMI is 24-38 (-16.8 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record this season.
MIAMI is 3-12 (-10.0 Units) against the money line in road games when playing against a team with a losing record in the second half of the season this season.
ATLANTA is 28-25 (+9.5 Units) against the money line when the total is 7 or less this season.
ATLANTA is 30-22 (+11.1 Units) against the money line in home games this season.
ATLANTA is 16-8 (+9.5 Units) against the money line in home games against division opponents this season.
ATLANTA is 30-22 (+11.1 Units) against the money line in home games in games played on a grass field this season.
ATLANTA is 27-16 (+14.1 Units) against the money line in home games in night games this season.
ATLANTA is 65-78 (-24.7 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 2 seasons.
ATLANTA is 31-38 (-14.6 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record in the second half of the season over the last 2 seasons.
MILLER is 14-25 (-13.7 Units) against the money line in night games over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)

Head-to-Head Series History
ATLANTA is 10-2 (+9.7 Units) against MIAMI this season
8 of 12 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+4.0 Units)

BRAD HAND vs. ATLANTA since 1997
HAND is 1-3 when starting against ATLANTA with an ERA of 4.43 and a WHIP of 1.254.
His team's record is 1-3 (-1.7 units) in these starts. The OVER is 1-3. (-2.4 units)

SHELBY MILLER vs. MIAMI since 1997
MILLER is 2-1 when starting against MIAMI with an ERA of 2.76 and a WHIP of 1.159.
His team's record is 3-2 (+0.8 units) in these starts. The OVER is 2-3. (-1.4 units)

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

SAN FRANCISCO (59 - 51) at CHICAGO CUBS (61 - 48) - 2:20 PM
JAKE PEAVY (R) vs. JAKE ARRIETA (R)
Top Trends for this game.
SAN FRANCISCO is 4-13 (-11.9 Units) against the money line after 3 or more consecutive losses this season.
PEAVY is 18-26 (-12.1 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
CHICAGO CUBS are 22-15 (+10.4 Units) against the money line in August games over the last 2 seasons.
CHICAGO CUBS are 134-135 (+1.9 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
CHICAGO CUBS are 31-21 (+9.2 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record this season.
ARRIETA is 37-24 (+11.5 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 3 seasons. (Team's Record)
ARRIETA is 29-17 (+9.7 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
SAN FRANCISCO is 159-130 (+19.2 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
SAN FRANCISCO is 78-69 (+15.7 Units) against the money line in road games over the last 2 seasons.
SAN FRANCISCO is 62-43 (+16.1 Units) against the money line in day games over the last 2 seasons.
SAN FRANCISCO is 159-130 (+19.2 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
SAN FRANCISCO is 56-45 (+14.9 Units) against the money line in road games against right-handed starters over the last 2 seasons.
SAN FRANCISCO is 379-379 (+42.0 Units) against the money line in road games after a loss since 1997.
SAN FRANCISCO is 735-725 (+46.2 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record since 1997.
CHICAGO CUBS are 1448-1601 (-276.9 Units) against the money line in all games since 1997.
CHICAGO CUBS are 155-127 (-48.8 Units) against the money line as a home favorite of -150 to -175 since 1997.
CHICAGO CUBS are 774-750 (-168.8 Units) against the money line in home games since 1997.
CHICAGO CUBS are 51-72 (-28.4 Units) against the money line in home games in day games over the last 3 seasons.
CHICAGO CUBS are 1063-1192 (-213.3 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters since 1997.
CHICAGO CUBS are 674-775 (-200.6 Units) against the money line after a win since 1997.
CHICAGO CUBS are 152-167 (-45.2 Units) against the money line after 3 or more consecutive wins since 1997.
CHICAGO CUBS are 159-204 (-60.2 Units) against the money line in home games when playing against a team with a winning record in the second half of the season since 1997.

Head-to-Head Series History
CHICAGO CUBS is 3-0 (+3.0 Units) against SAN FRANCISCO this season
3 of 3 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+3.1 Units)

JAKE PEAVY vs. CHICAGO CUBS since 1997
PEAVY is 8-5 when starting against CHICAGO CUBS with an ERA of 2.76 and a WHIP of 1.208.
His team's record is 10-6 (+2.1 units) in these starts. The OVER is 6-9. (-3.6 units)

JAKE ARRIETA vs. SAN FRANCISCO since 1997
ARRIETA is 1-1 when starting against SAN FRANCISCO with an ERA of 3.46 and a WHIP of 1.000.
His team's record is 1-1 (+0.4 units) in these starts. The OVER is 0-2. (-2.2 units)

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

BOSTON (49 - 62) at DETROIT (54 - 56) - 1:05 PM
HENRY OWENS (L) vs. JUSTIN VERLANDER (R)
Top Trends for this game.
BOSTON is 49-62 (-19.8 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
BOSTON is 612-553 (-81.0 Units) against the money line when the total is 9 to 9.5 since 1997.
BOSTON is 8-19 (-10.7 Units) against the money line as a road underdog of +100 to +125 this season.
BOSTON is 22-34 (-11.0 Units) against the money line in road games this season.
BOSTON is 36-46 (-14.6 Units) against the money line in day games over the last 2 seasons.
BOSTON is 42-56 (-22.1 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
BOSTON is 37-44 (-12.3 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.
BOSTON is 50-57 (-16.3 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 2 seasons.
DETROIT is 27-17 (+10.5 Units) against the money line in day games this season.
DETROIT is 73-66 (-16.2 Units) against the money line in home games over the last 2 seasons.
DETROIT is 73-66 (-16.2 Units) against the money line in home games in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
DETROIT is 66-58 (-25.6 Units) against the money line in home games after a win over the last 3 seasons.
DETROIT is 67-69 (-19.4 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 2 seasons.
VERLANDER is 35-44 (-29.8 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 3 seasons. (Team's Record)
VERLANDER is 16-21 (-19.9 Units) against the money line in home games over the last 3 seasons. (Team's Record)
VERLANDER is 0-8 (-8.3 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season. (Team's Record)
VERLANDER is 21-27 (-20.4 Units) against the money line after a win over the last 3 seasons. (Team's Record)
VERLANDER is 11-18 (-19.1 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 3 seasons. (Team's Record)

Head-to-Head Series History
BOSTON is 3-2 (+0.7 Units) against DETROIT this season
2 of 4 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+0.1 Units)

HENRY OWENS vs. DETROIT since 1997
No recent starts.

JUSTIN VERLANDER vs. BOSTON since 1997
VERLANDER is 3-5 when starting against BOSTON with an ERA of 3.19 and a WHIP of 1.118.
His team's record is 5-8 (-4.4 units) in these starts. The OVER is 2-8. (-6.6 units)

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

TORONTO (60 - 52) at NY YANKEES (61 - 48) - 1:05 PM
MARCO ESTRADA (R) vs. MASAHIRO TANAKA (R)
Top Trends for this game.
NY YANKEES are 61-48 (+2.6 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
NY YANKEES are 33-21 (+7.0 Units) against the money line when the total is 8 to 8.5 this season.
NY YANKEES are 88-42 (+31.5 Units) against the money line after getting shut out since 1997.
NY YANKEES are 31-21 (+8.7 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record this season.
TANAKA is 11-1 (+8.9 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
ESTRADA is 18-9 (+12.3 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)

Head-to-Head Series History
TORONTO is 6-2 (+4.2 Units) against NY YANKEES this season
5 of 8 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+1.8 Units)

MARCO ESTRADA vs. NY YANKEES since 1997
ESTRADA is 0-1 when starting against NY YANKEES with an ERA of 7.71 and a WHIP of 1.713.
His team's record is 0-1 (-1.0 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 0-1. (-1.2 units)

MASAHIRO TANAKA vs. TORONTO since 1997
TANAKA is 3-1 when starting against TORONTO with an ERA of 3.22 and a WHIP of 1.120.
His team's record is 3-1 (+1.7 units) in these starts. The OVER is 1-3. (-2.0 units)

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

MINNESOTA (55 - 55) at CLEVELAND (50 - 59) - 1:10 PM
PHIL HUGHES (R) vs. COREY KLUBER (R)
Top Trends for this game.
MINNESOTA is 55-55 (+10.3 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
MINNESOTA is 60-63 (+11.3 Units) against the money line against division opponents over the last 2 seasons.
MINNESOTA is 87-94 (+14.5 Units) against the money line in day games over the last 3 seasons.
MINNESOTA is 55-51 (+14.3 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
MINNESOTA is 29-25 (+10.0 Units) against the money line after a loss this season.
MINNESOTA is 34-22 (+18.8 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record this season.
HUGHES is 32-22 (+14.6 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
HUGHES is 7-1 (+7.9 Units) against the money line when playing on Sunday over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
HUGHES is 18-8 (+13.5 Units) against the money line in day games over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
HUGHES is 31-21 (+14.2 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
HUGHES is 18-12 (+9.7 Units) against the money line after a loss over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
CLEVELAND is 50-59 (-21.6 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
CLEVELAND is 21-33 (-23.8 Units) against the money line in home games this season.
CLEVELAND is 5-11 (-10.0 Units) against the money line at home when the total is 7 or less this season.
CLEVELAND is 16-29 (-18.6 Units) against the money line against division opponents this season.
CLEVELAND is 46-59 (-25.7 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
CLEVELAND is 20-29 (-16.1 Units) against the money line after a win this season.
KLUBER is 7-16 (-15.0 Units) against the money line in all games this season. (Team's Record)
KLUBER is 1-9 (-11.0 Units) against the money line against division opponents this season. (Team's Record)
KLUBER is 6-16 (-16.0 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season. (Team's Record)

Head-to-Head Series History
MINNESOTA is 5-3 (+3.7 Units) against CLEVELAND this season
5 of 7 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+3.0 Units)

PHIL HUGHES vs. CLEVELAND since 1997
HUGHES is 5-2 when starting against CLEVELAND with an ERA of 3.41 and a WHIP of 1.138.
His team's record is 6-3 (+3.0 units) in these starts. The OVER is 4-5. (-1.3 units)

COREY KLUBER vs. MINNESOTA since 1997
KLUBER is 4-2 when starting against MINNESOTA with an ERA of 3.80 and a WHIP of 1.267.
His team's record is 5-6 (-3.1 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 5-6. (-1.7 units)

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

CHI WHITE SOX (51 - 57) at KANSAS CITY (65 - 44) - 2:10 PM
JOSE QUINTANA (L) vs. DANNY DUFFY (L)
Top Trends for this game.
CHI WHITE SOX are 11-24 (-14.8 Units) against the money line in August games over the last 2 seasons.
CHI WHITE SOX are 20-30 (-13.1 Units) against the money line against division opponents this season.
CHI WHITE SOX are 40-60 (-19.6 Units) against the money line in day games over the last 2 seasons.
CHI WHITE SOX are 42-84 (-29.7 Units) against the money line in road games after a loss over the last 3 seasons.
QUINTANA is 9-19 (-11.9 Units) against the money line against division opponents over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
QUINTANA is 19-33 (-15.0 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
QUINTANA is 9-22 (-13.4 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
KANSAS CITY is 65-44 (+19.3 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
KANSAS CITY is 36-18 (+14.3 Units) against the money line in home games this season.
KANSAS CITY is 29-18 (+9.8 Units) against the money line against division opponents this season.
KANSAS CITY is 22-14 (+9.2 Units) against the money line in day games this season.
KANSAS CITY is 64-41 (+21.2 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
KANSAS CITY is 38-28 (+8.1 Units) against the money line after a win this season.
KANSAS CITY is 33-20 (+12.8 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
KANSAS CITY is 9-3 (+6.9 Units) against CHI WHITE SOX this season
7 of 11 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+2.5 Units)

JOSE QUINTANA vs. KANSAS CITY since 1997
QUINTANA is 0-6 when starting against KANSAS CITY with an ERA of 4.63 and a WHIP of 1.385.
His team's record is 4-11 (-7.7 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 9-6. (+1.9 units)

DANNY DUFFY vs. CHI WHITE SOX since 1997
DUFFY is 3-1 when starting against CHI WHITE SOX with an ERA of 3.09 and a WHIP of 1.200.
His team's record is 5-2 (+3.1 units) in these starts. The OVER is 4-3. (+1.0 units)

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

BALTIMORE (56 - 53) at LA ANGELS (58 - 51) - 3:35 PM
MIGUEL GONZALEZ (R) vs. JERED WEAVER (R)
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

Head-to-Head Series History
LA ANGELS is 3-2 (+0.7 Units) against BALTIMORE this season
4 of 5 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+3.0 Units)

MIGUEL GONZALEZ vs. LA ANGELS since 1997
GONZALEZ is 3-1 when starting against LA ANGELS with an ERA of 2.20 and a WHIP of 0.802.
His team's record is 3-1 (+3.0 units) in these starts. The OVER is 0-4. (-4.6 units)

JERED WEAVER vs. BALTIMORE since 1997
WEAVER is 8-4 when starting against BALTIMORE with an ERA of 3.27 and a WHIP of 1.011.
His team's record is 8-5 (+0.7 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 7-6. (+0.1 units)

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

HOUSTON (61 - 51) at OAKLAND (50 - 62) - 4:05 PM
MICHAEL FIERS (R) vs. CHRIS BASSITT (R)
Top Trends for this game.
FIERS is 6-15 (-14.1 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record since 1997. (Team's Record)
OAKLAND is 294-224 (+57.1 Units) against the money line in August games since 1997.
HOUSTON is 61-51 (+5.1 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
HOUSTON is 20-12 (+10.1 Units) against the money line as a road underdog of +100 to +125 over the last 2 seasons.
HOUSTON is 63-63 (+12.0 Units) against the money line against division opponents over the last 2 seasons.
HOUSTON is 61-45 (+11.5 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
HOUSTON is 39-30 (+8.1 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.
OAKLAND is 50-62 (-20.7 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
OAKLAND is 26-34 (-17.5 Units) against the money line in home games this season.
OAKLAND is 61-63 (-23.9 Units) against the money line against division opponents over the last 2 seasons.
OAKLAND is 18-25 (-10.6 Units) against the money line in day games this season.
OAKLAND is 48-60 (-21.2 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
OAKLAND is 19-23 (-10.9 Units) against the money line in home games against right-handed starters this season.
OAKLAND is 20-29 (-14.1 Units) against the money line after a win this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
HOUSTON is 7-5 (+2.4 Units) against OAKLAND this season
6 of 12 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=-0.2 Units, Under=-1.0 Units)

MICHAEL FIERS vs. OAKLAND since 1997
No recent starts.

CHRIS BASSITT vs. HOUSTON since 1997
No recent starts.

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

TEXAS (55 - 54) at SEATTLE (51 - 60) - 4:10 PM
COLBY LEWIS (R) vs. FELIX HERNANDEZ (R)
Top Trends for this game.
TEXAS is 39-63 (-23.4 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 2 seasons.
TEXAS is 55-54 (+17.0 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
TEXAS is 16-11 (+11.9 Units) against the money line as a road underdog of +125 to +150 this season.
TEXAS is 32-25 (+21.7 Units) against the money line in road games this season.
TEXAS is 31-30 (+14.6 Units) against the money line in road games against division opponents over the last 2 seasons.
TEXAS is 24-20 (+13.8 Units) against the money line in road games in day games over the last 2 seasons.
TEXAS is 52-50 (+16.6 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
TEXAS is 35-31 (+12.1 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.
TEXAS is 27-27 (+9.3 Units) against the money line after a win this season.
LEWIS is 15-9 (+11.5 Units) against the money line in road games over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
LEWIS is 9-3 (+9.1 Units) against the money line in road games against division opponents over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
LEWIS is 15-8 (+12.5 Units) against the money line in road games in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
SEATTLE is 51-60 (-16.2 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
SEATTLE is 18-22 (-17.8 Units) against the money line as a home favorite of -150 to -175 over the last 3 seasons.
SEATTLE is 23-32 (-18.1 Units) against the money line in home games this season.
SEATTLE is 13-18 (-10.0 Units) against the money line at home when the total is 7 or less this season.
SEATTLE is 46-59 (-20.8 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
SEATTLE is 38-42 (-9.9 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.
HERNANDEZ is 19-25 (-21.3 Units) against the money line as a home favorite of -150 to -175 since 1997. (Team's Record)

Head-to-Head Series History
SEATTLE is 6-2 (+3.4 Units) against TEXAS this season
5 of 8 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+1.6 Units)

COLBY LEWIS vs. SEATTLE since 1997
LEWIS is 7-7 when starting against SEATTLE with an ERA of 3.76 and a WHIP of 1.311.
His team's record is 10-9 (+1.9 units) in these starts. The OVER is 5-13. (-9.3 units)

FELIX HERNANDEZ vs. TEXAS since 1997
HERNANDEZ is 14-21 when starting against TEXAS with an ERA of 3.92 and a WHIP of 1.266.
His team's record is 17-27 (-18.8 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 23-17. (+3.6 units)

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

NY METS (59 - 51) at TAMPA BAY (55 - 56) - 1:10 PM
BARTOLO COLON (R) vs. CHRIS ARCHER (R)
Top Trends for this game.
NY METS are 15-27 (-11.5 Units) against the money line in road games against right-handed starters this season.
NY METS are 59-51 (+7.7 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
NY METS are 14-4 (+10.8 Units) against the money line when playing on Sunday this season.
NY METS are 24-10 (+14.8 Units) against the money line in day games this season.
NY METS are 76-52 (+20.6 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 2 seasons.
NY METS are 34-16 (+16.9 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record in the second half of the season over the last 2 seasons.
COLON is 24-16 (+10.9 Units) against the money line in road games over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
COLON is 13-4 (+12.3 Units) against the money line on the road when the total is 7 or less since 1997. (Team's Record)
COLON is 22-7 (+15.9 Units) against the money line in road games in an inter-league game since 1997. (Team's Record)
COLON is 13-3 (+11.6 Units) against the money line in day games over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
TAMPA BAY is 132-141 (-30.7 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
TAMPA BAY is 21-30 (-11.9 Units) against the money line when the total is 7 or less this season.
TAMPA BAY is 63-74 (-32.9 Units) against the money line in home games over the last 2 seasons.
TAMPA BAY is 13-22 (-12.6 Units) against the money line at home when the total is 7 or less this season.
TAMPA BAY is 6-15 (-12.5 Units) against the money line in home games when playing on Sunday over the last 2 seasons.
TAMPA BAY is 18-29 (-21.3 Units) against the money line in home games in day games over the last 2 seasons.
TAMPA BAY is 64-75 (-33.2 Units) against the money line in games played in a dome over the last 2 seasons.
TAMPA BAY is 72-83 (-32.2 Units) against the money line in games played on artificial turf over the last 2 seasons.
TAMPA BAY is 35-44 (-10.8 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
TAMPA BAY is 1-1 (+0.0 Units) against NY METS this season
2 of 2 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+2.0 Units)

BARTOLO COLON vs. TAMPA BAY since 1997
COLON is 9-5 when starting against TAMPA BAY with an ERA of 4.07 and a WHIP of 1.407.
His team's record is 12-11 (-4.5 units) in these starts. The OVER is 15-6. (+8.8 units)

CHRIS ARCHER vs. NY METS since 1997
No recent starts.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

JOHN RYAN

10* graded play on the Toronto Blue Jays as they take on the NY Yankees in a huge AL East showdown set to start at 1:05 PM ET. This play is a continuation of my 'arbitrage' wager where I am selling the Yankees and Buying the Blue Jays. The strategy is based on the premise that Toronto will catch and pass the NY Yankees in the next 2 to 4 weeks if not sooner. This is day five of that strategy and the first four days have made $405 for the $100 wagerer. With the two teams playing each other, there will be only one wager and obviously that is on the Blue Jays. So, wager a 10* play ($100 for the 10* per unit player) on the Blue Jays to complete the sweep.
For those reviewing this strategy for the first time, an arbitrage in Wall Street terms is the simultaneous buying and selling of homogenous securities. So, in the software space, Apple Computer and Microsoft would be considered homogenous securities as woulds the 10-year Treasury Note and the 2-year Treasury Note. If an investor believes that Apple will out perform Microsoft then they would engage in buying Apple and shorting (selling) Microsoft. There is a weighting calculation that needs to be applied as well to equate the securities equally since Apple trades at $115 per share and Microsoft at $47 per share.
The same strategy can be applied with great success in the MLB. So, if you share in my strong belief that Toronto will close the gap on the Yankees and eventually overtake them for the AL East then make sure you get the daily update each morning. Keep in mind too, that these tow teams will face each other 13 times over the remainder of the season.
Now, the Yankees lead that once seemed wide enough to take control of the Division is down to just 2 1/2 games. The Yankees also have to play this 'murderers row' offense 11 more times this season and I just don't see much chance for the Yankees to prevent the Blue Jays from taking the Divisional crown.
Estrada gets the ball for the Blue Jays and he is pitching extremely well. He has allowed 2 or fewer earned runs in seven of his past eight starts and is coming off back-to-back wins. Tanaka has given up more HR in 2015 then in all of the 2014 season. Certainly not a trait to have when facing the Blue Jays gauntlet today.
So, Toronto is the play for a 10* wager, which is $100 for the $10 per * unit player. Best of luck.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Sun (11-9) at Mystics (12-8)

Date: August 09, 2015 4:00 PM EDT

The Connecticut Sun cleared one hurdle Friday and hope to lunge a step closer to another with Sunday's second game of a home-and-home set against the Washington Mystics.

Friday's 86-72 victory at Mohegan Sun Arena helped the Sun snap a seven-game winless streak against the Eastern Conference, and it mushed four teams within one game of each other in the Eastern Conference's Nos. 2-5 spots.

Sunday's matchup at the Verizon Center provides an opportunity for Connecticut (11-9) to pull into a tie for the East's fourth and final playoff spot with Washington (12-8). Indiana (12-9) and Chicago (13-9) are also in the mix.

Postseason thoughts seemed like wishful thinking during a six-game losing streak that lasted from June 30-July 19 and left the Sun at .500. But with three wins in four games, Connecticut can dream again.

Sun coach Anne Donovan became the WNBA's first female coach to win 200 games with Tuesday's 82-51 victory over San Antonio. Donovan - who joined Dan Hughes, Van Chancellor and current Mystics coach Mike Thibault in the 200-win club - described afterward how her team wiggled into position to make a late-season run.

"Clawing away. We're trying to scratch and claw our way to the postseason," Donovan told the team's official website. "We started as a good defensive team and surprised a lot of people with how good our chemistry was early with six new players. And I think we went into a little bit of a lull and we've got a learning curve.

"One thing that has been consistent is we have really fought. In almost every game it's been competitive for us, so not losing our confidence, I think, is the key in that lull that we had."

It helps to have All-Star guard Alex Bentley playing at a high level. Bentley poured in a career-high 31 points in Friday's win over Washington, bringing her scoring average to 15.1 - the highest of her three years in the league. Jasmine Thomas chipped in 15 points and eight assists for the Sun.

The Mystics never led Friday, but they have been much better at home. Washington is 7-3 at the Verizon Center and will go for its fifth straight win in the nation's capital.

"(We) try to get our fans behind us and make sure we keep winning at home and keep them coming to the games," center Stefanie Dolson said after a 66-63 win over San Antonio on Wednesday. "I think we've done that. I think we've played well at home."

Emma Meesseman was the only Washington player to score in double figures against the Sun, finishing with 15 points in the Mystics' second loss in three games after winning five straight.

Washington has won all five home meetings against Connecticut over the past three seasons, most recently riding Kara Lawson's season-high 24 points to an 89-82 victory July 19.


WNBA HEAD TO HEAD

Aug 7, 2015 Score ATS Results
WAS 72 Over: 158
CONN « 86 Cover: 16
Tools: Recaps

Jul 19, 2015 Score ATS Results
CONN 82 Over: 171
WAS « 89 Cover: 1
Tools: Recaps

Jun 5, 2015 Score ATS Results
WAS « 73 Under: 141
CONN 68 Cover: 1
Tools: Recaps

Aug 15, 2014 Score ATS Results
WAS « 71 Under: 138
CONN 67 Cover: 1.5
Tools: Recaps

Aug 10, 2014 Score ATS Results
WAS 81 Over: 170
CONN « 89 Cover: 11
Tools: Recaps

Jul 23, 2014 Score ATS Results
CONN 75 Over: 164
WAS « 89 Cover: 10
Tools: Recaps

Jun 27, 2014 Score ATS Results
CONN 63 Under: 132
WAS « 69 Cover: 2.5
Tools: Recaps

Jun 5, 2014 Score ATS Results
WAS « 74 Cover: 6.5
CONN 66 Under: 140
Tools: Recaps

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Dream (7-14) at Shock (10-12)

Date: August 09, 2015 4:30 PM EDT

The Tulsa Shock might have their best chance to stop their ongoing collapse their next time out.

That's because they'll host the Atlanta Dream in a matchup of the coldest teams in the WNBA on Sunday.

Tulsa (10-12) has lost eight straight, making its 8-1 start a distant memory. The Shock have dropped nine of 11 since star guard Skylar Diggins was lost for the season with a torn ACL on June 28.

Tulsa last lost nine in a row in a skid of that length to close the 2012 season.

The first seven defeats in the Shock's slide came by an average of 6.4 points, but they were pounded 84-57 by Los Angeles on Thursday. The loss was the team's second-worst of the season.

Tulsa is still in good position, sitting third in the Eastern Conference, but the Sparks have pulled within 2 1/2 games thanks to a four-game winning streak.

The Dream (7-14) appear to provide an excellent opportunity for the Shock to earn their first victory since July 11. Atlanta has lost six straight and eight of 10 and is coming off its most lopsided loss of the season, 106-77 at Indiana on Friday.

The Dream have also dropped their last five on the road by an average of 16 points, though the Shock have lost four straight at home.

Atlanta allowed the Fever to score a team-record 59 points in the second half, and the Dream committed 26 turnovers. Angel McCoughtry scored 23 points but the club shot 39.3 percent.

Plenette Pierson scored 24 points on 10-of-14 shooting and Riquna Williams added 23 to help the Shock win 85-75 at Atlanta on July 7. McCoughtry scored 25 but went 8-of-28 from the field.

Atlanta rookie forward Cierra Burdick underwent surgery on Wednesday to repair a stress fracture in her left foot. Burdick averaged 4.4 points, 3.2 rebounds and 1.2 assists in 11 games - four starts.


WNBA HEAD TO HEAD

Jul 7, 2015 Score ATS Results
TUL « 85 Cover: 15
ATL 75 Over: 160
Tools: Recaps

Aug 15, 2014 Score ATS Results
TUL 76 Over: 168
ATL « 92 Cover: 10
Tools: Recaps

Jul 31, 2014 Score ATS Results
ATL « 85 Cover: 7
TUL 75 Under: 160
Tools: Recaps

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Sparks (7-14) at Lynx (15-6)

Date: August 09, 2015 7:00 PM EDT

The Minnesota Lynx experienced earlier this week how dangerous the Los Angeles Sparks have become now that Candace Parker has found her groove.

Visiting Los Angeles looks to win a fifth straight game while dealing Minnesota a third consecutive defeat Sunday night.

The Sparks (7-14) dropped 13 of 16 without Parker, who sat out to rest after playing overseas during the WNBA offseason. She returned July 29 and finished with 12 points and nine assists in 35 minutes, but the Lynx (15-6) won 82-76 behind 27 points from Maya Moore.

Los Angeles hasn't lost since, winning four straight with Parker averaging 19.0 points, 11.3 rebounds and 5.0 assists. She had 18 points and 13 boards as the Sparks earned some revenge with an 83-61 rout of Minnesota on Tuesday.

Parker's 10 points and 12 rebounds Thursday complemented 26 points from Nneka Ogwumike in an 84-57 win over Tulsa. The Sparks' surge with Parker has moved them into the fourth and final playoff spot in the Western Conference, making this a possible postseason preview with the first-place Lynx.

Los Angeles hasn't won five straight since a six-game run in 2013.

"I think it's just kind of to come in and lock down defensively," Parker said. "I think we're playing some of the best team defense in a long time, and that's allowing us to come out in transition, and that's key for us. If we can do that, we're capable of playing in the half court and capable of limiting teams and we'll be a force to reckon with."

That defense shut down Moore in the last meeting, forcing her into a 5-of-14, 13-point performance. It ended her team-record 11-game streak of scoring at least 20.

She failed to reach that mark again Friday, finishing with 17 as the Lynx fell 73-66 to Phoenix. Sylvia Fowles was the only teammate in double figures with 11 points for Minnesota, which had its West lead trimmed to one game on the Mercury while dropping back-to-back contests for the first time this season.

Moore, second in the league at 20.4 points per game, was held scoreless for 37-plus minutes spanning two games before she hit a layup with 8:06 left in the second quarter Friday.

"We just couldn't come up with (big) plays," coach Cheryl Reeve said.

Minnesota, second in the league with 77.3 points a contest, has been held to fewer than 70 in two straight for the second time this season. It hasn't scored less than that total in three in a row since Aug. 8-13, 2006.

The Lynx have won the last three home meetings and are 8-2 at Target Center this season. Los Angeles is 2-8 on the road.


WNBA HEAD TO HEAD

Aug 4, 2015 Score ATS Results
MIN 61 Under: 144
LOS « 83 Cover: 24.5
Tools: Recaps

Jul 29, 2015 Score ATS Results
LOS 76 Cover: 2.5
MIN « 82 Over: 158
Tools: Recaps

Jun 16, 2015 Score ATS Results
MIN « 67 Cover: 3.5
LOS 52 Under: 119
Tools: Recaps

Aug 12, 2014 Score ATS Results
LOS « 71 Cover: 16
MIN 63 Under: 134
Tools: Recaps

Jul 8, 2014 Score ATS Results
LOS 72 Under: 155
MIN « 83 Cover: 7
Tools: Recaps

Jun 17, 2014 Score ATS Results
MIN « 94 Cover: 15.5
LOS 77 Over: 171
Tools: Recaps

Jun 8, 2014 Score ATS Results
MIN « 85 Cover: 16.5
LOS 72 Under: 157
Tools: Recaps

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Mercury (14-7) at Sky (13-9)

Date: August 09, 2015 2:00 PM EDT

A rematch of last year's WNBA Finals late last month lived up to its billing, kickstarting the Phoenix Mercury's winning streak and beginning a bit of a rough stretch for the Chicago Sky.

They'll meet again Sunday as visiting Phoenix looks to win a seventh straight matchup.

The Mercury (14-7) tied the franchise's largest comeback by rallying from 19 down to beat the Sky 89-87 in overtime July 28. DeWanna Bonner scored eight of her season-high 34 points in the extra session, helping overcome 32 from Chicago star Elena Delle Donne.

Phoenix also has won the following four games, including a 73-66 victory over Minnesota on Friday to pull within one game of the Western Conference-leading Lynx.

The Mercury had to rally from double-digit deficits in three of their previous four.

"I think (improving our defense) is what we have been doing since we came back from All Star break," Bonner said. "Even though we had those comeback wins in the second half, I think we've buckled down on defense when we needed to."

Bonner, who set the single-season record of 59 consecutive made free throws before it was snapped in the third quarter, finished with 15 points while Brittney Griner added 13 and 12 boards. Coach Sandy Brondello was most impressed with Marta Xargay Casademont's performance, though.

The rookie scored all of her career-high 15 points in the second half, hitting 6 of 7 from the field - including all three 3-point attempts. She missed the previous four games with an injury.

"It was her night. It was a great game (after) having to be out for two weeks," Brondello said. "She was a little fatigued near the end, but she fought. She is a great addition to our team. I look forward to having her healthy and getting some better chemistry after all the plays down the stretch."

Casademont missed last month's meeting with the Sky (13-9), the teams' first since Phoenix's three-game sweep in last year's WNBA Finals.

That began a 2-3 stretch for Chicago, which is coming off a 77-63 home loss to New York on Friday. The Sky lead the league in scoring at 84.6 points per game but were held to their fewest of the season while shooting just 29.9 percent.

Second-leading scorer Cappie Pondexter (15.5 points per game) was held to 12 on 2 of 13 shooting.

Delle Donne is averaging 4.2 fewer than her league-high 24.0 points per game over the last four. Chicago is tied with Washington at two games back of the East-leading Liberty.

Griner had five blocks in the first meeting with the Sky and is averaging 5.6 during Phoenix's winning streak. Her six blocks Friday gave her 274 for her career, surpassing Diana Taurasi's franchise record in 258 fewer games.


WNBA HEAD TO HEAD

Jul 28, 2015 Score ATS Results
CHI 87 Cover: 1.5
PHO « 89 Over: 176
Tools: Recaps

Sep 12, 2014 Score ATS Results
PHO « 87 Over: 169
CHI 82 Cover: 1.5
Tools:

Sep 9, 2014 Score ATS Results
CHI 68 Over: 165
PHO « 97 Cover: 17
Tools:

Sep 7, 2014 Score ATS Results
CHI 62 Under: 145
PHO « 83 Cover: 11
Tools:

Jul 11, 2014 Score ATS Results
PHO « 72 Cover: 0.5
CHI 66 Under: 138
Tools: Recaps

Jul 2, 2014 Score ATS Results
CHI 69 Under: 156
PHO « 87 Cover: 8.5
Tools: Recaps

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

SPORTS WAGERS

HAMILTON -7½ over Winnipeg

The Bombers have as many wins as the Ticats but equals they are not. Seven weeks into the season and we’ve learned enough about these teams to know that Winnipeg has been mostly outplayed in every game this year. After getting smoked by Edmonton two weeks ago 32-3, Winnipeg bounced back with a 10-point win over B.C. last week in Winnipeg. Their other victories were against Montreal (Als are 0-3 on the road) by two points, also in Winnipeg and in Saskatchewan against the now 0-7 Riders by foir points on opening day. In Saskatchewan, the Bombers were outgained by 108 yards. In their win over the Als, they were outgained by an almost identical 109 yards. In Winnipeg’s win over B.C. last week, they outgained the Lions by 10 yards. Statistically speaking, Winnipeg has lost just about every single battle. They have a 26-point loss and a 29-point loss. Defensively, the Bombers are giving up over 400 yards per game, including 129 per game on the ground. Last week was a response game against the Lions (we’ve all seen how bad B.C. is) after Winnipeg was destroyed the previous week. This week, Winnipeg is out to avenge a shellacking they took at home by these ‘Cats back in Week 2. The score of that game was 52-26 but 19 of those 26 points that Winnipeg scored all came in garbage time after Hamilton was leading 38-7.

We still haven’t seen the best out of Hamilton. They whacked the Argos last week in their first home game of the season but the score was more convincing than the performance. It’s not that the ‘Cats played poorly but they caught the Argos in a good spot and Toronto made several mistakes that allowed Hamilton some easy scores. In fact, Hamilton was outgained by 143 yards last week by the Argonauts. Don’t think for a second that Hamilton’s players and coaches were satisfied with last week’s result. They may have been satisfied with the win but not with the performance. Now the Tigercats will be home in back-to-back games for the first time this season. They’ve never lost at their new home and have now won eight straight at Tim Horton’s Field. This game is sold out. Winnipeg is much improved across the board, and that includes the Bombers' 2014 tendencies toward poor play on the road and shoddy pass protection. Still, this is not a team that matches up with Hamilton on the line of scrimmage or anywhere else for that matter. The case for the Bombers is mainly to “make-a-stand” against a team that has absolutely blown them out in so many games over the years including the first one this year. Those are indeed often decent spots, but don't invest in intangible advantages when the team in question has repeatedly demonstrated lousy intangibles, not to mention a really poor defense.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

SPORTS WAGERS

PITTSBURGH -102 over Los Angeles

Charlie Morton is an extreme groundball pitcher that is coming off perhaps his best game this year in Cincinnati, where he held the Reds to five hits and zero runs in seven full innings. Morton does bring risk but no more risk than his mound opponent here. Furthermore, the Pirates are at home, they’re playing very good ball and they have all the momentum on their side.

The Dodgers acquired SP Alex Wood, SP Mat Latos, 1B Michael Morse, RP Jim Johnson, RP Luis Avilan, 2B Jose Peraza and SP Bronson Arroyo as part of the a three-way trade with the Miami Marlins and Atlanta Braves on Thursday, July 30. The two big pieces for the Dodgers are Wood and Latos, who immediately moved into the L.A. rotation behind Clayton Kershaw and Zach Greinke. Wood struggled in July as noted by a 4.91 ERA in five starts and there are other concerns too. Both his velocity and strikeout rates are down this year, and his 4.85 ERA over his last five starts seems to suggest caution. Wood has an alarming 27% line-drive rate since July 1 and his first pitch strike rate has dropped considerably to 56% over that same span. Wood was whacked by Philadelphia in his Dodgers debut. His 1.42 WHIP and oppBA of .288 are far below league average. Wood signed a 1-year deal with the Braves last March for a mere 520,000. That’s far below market value and he’s not a free agent next season. His first year of arbitration eligibility is in 2017 therefore, it’s a little curious that the Braves moved him. Lefties with good contracts that have had success (3.10 ERA over 86 MLB appearances) are scarce. Every team would love one. Perhaps the Braves knew something that the Dodgers don’t or saw something in Wood that caused great concern. Regardless, it makes one wonder, no? The Pirates defeated Clayton Kershaw and Mat Latos in the first two games of this series and cannot be a pooch at home to Alex Wood and the Dodgers in this series finale. Wrong side favored.

CLEVELAND -1½ +136 over Minnesota

The balls are exploding this weekend at Progressive Field and if that continues today, expect the Indians to cross the plate far more often than the Twins. Cleveland scored nine times on Friday and 17 times yesterday. They’ve belted out 33 hits over those two games and have a great chance again to put up another crooked number against Phil Hughes. Some things make sense while others do not and Hughes’ 10-7 record with a 4.14 ERA makes none. Here’s a guy with a groundball/line-drive/fly-ball profile of 35%/25%/41%. He has a mere 83 K’s in 141 frames to go along with a low 5% swing and miss rate. His impeccable control counts for something but when this park is giving up hits and runs like it is now, Hughes’ profile cannot withstand it.

The Twins are sinking faster than Donald Trump’s likeability. Minnesota is 5-15 over their past 20 games with a team batting average of .194. The Twinkies pitching staff has given up nine runs or more in four straight games so not only will they be working with a weak starter here but the relief staff will be hiding in a corner praying their name isn’t called.

Cory Kluber is almost always a solid play at home where he has held foes to a .637 OPS in 2015. The Twins offense has been steadily sinking into the land of solidly second-division (.663 OPS last 20G), and Kluber has excellent numbers against Minnesota batters (strikeout-laden .600 OPS allowed). There’s nothing more to say about this game other than the Indians have a huge edge in every single area while getting rid of Nick Swisher and Michael Bourn may just turn out to be the best moves this franchise has made in a long while. “Looking pretty out there Swish”. “That’s a pretty uniform you have on Swish”. Don’t let the door hit ya on the way out. Indians have a better vibe about them the past few games and we like it.

Baltimore +111 over L.A. ANGELS

We don’t like Miguel Gonzalez one bit. He’s a guy that wins games but his skills leave plenty to be desired. However, Gonzalez is pitching better right now than he has all season with a 10% swing and miss rate over his last 10 games, not to mention a respectable 4.17 xERA. Furthermore, Gonzalez catches the Angels struggling with a BA of just .239 over their last 20 games. Should this one come down to the bullpens, we still like the Orioles chances, but let’s forget all of that because this one is all about fading Jared Weaver.

Weaver is back in the rotation because the Halos are playing him 18M a season, otherwise they would have left him down in the minors where he belongs (we’re not sure if they are even allowed to according to his contract and we don’t care enough to look it up). In his last rehab start at High-A Inland Empire (that’s A-ball folks, not Triple A) Weaver was tagged for two jacks. Overall, Weaver issued four walks and struck out 7 over 9.1 innings covering two starts at Inland Empire. Weaver struggled to tune of a 6.58 ERA in four June starts before hitting the DL with a hip issue. The writing on the wall is finally catching up to him. Weaver’s ERA jump is reflective of his increasing xERA downside. With below-average skills now, his downside is even worse than that mediocre 1st half. Avoidance of disaster is his only redeemable skill, and his 1st half disaster % reveals cracks there too. Weaver’s fastball tops off at 83 mph. That was before his bum hip. There are no radar gun records at Inland Empire that we know of but we can’t imagine that Weaver will be stronger or better after being off for two months. If we rip up this ticket, so be it but we must play value and fading Jered Weaver has to be about as good as that value gets.