Thursday 7/7/16 service plays chatter/comps/requests & other stuff...

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

MLB
Dunkel

Thursday, July 7


San Diego @ LA Dodgers

Game 957-958
July 7, 2016 @ 10:10 pm

Dunkel Rating:
San Diego
(Pmeranz) 16.957
LA Dodgers
(Ryu) 15.320
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
San Diego
by 1 1/2
9
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
LA Dodgers
-130
7
Dunkel Pick:
San Diego
(+110); Over

LA Angels @ Tampa Bay

Game 959-960
July 7, 2016 @ 12:10 pm

Dunkel Rating:
LA Angels
(Santiago) 16.961
Tampa Bay
(Snell) 11.590
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
LA Angels
by 5 1/2
8
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Tampa Bay
-120
9
Dunkel Pick:
LA Angels
(+100); Under

Detroit @ Toronto

Game 961-962
July 7, 2016 @ 7:07 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Detroit
(Verlnder) 17.072
Toronto
(Hutchson) 14.509
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Detroit
by 2 1/2
8
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Toronto
-115
9 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Detroit
(-105); Under

NY Yankees @ Cleveland

Game 963-964
July 7, 2016 @ 7:10 pm

Dunkel Rating:
NY Yankees
(Nova) 14.072
Cleveland
(Bauer) 15.500
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Cleveland
by 1 1/2
11
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Cleveland
-170
8 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Cleveland
(-170); Over

Minnesota @ Texas

Game 965-966
July 7, 2016 @ 8:05 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Minnesota
(Duffey) 13.624
Texas
(Gnzalez) 15.097
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Texas
by 1 1/2
12
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Texas
-125
10 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Texas
(-125); Over

Oakland @ Houston

Game 967-968
July 7, 2016 @ 8:10 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Oakland
(Hill) 14.073
Houston
(Fister) 16.613
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Houston
by 2 1/2
7
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Houston
-120
8
Dunkel Pick:
Houston
(-120); Under

Seattle @ Kansas City

Game 969-970
July 7, 2016 @ 8:15 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Seattle
(Paxton) 14.305
Kansas City
(Duffy( 15.715
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Kansas City
by 1 1/2
7
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Kansas City
-130
8
Dunkel Pick:
Kansas City
(-130); Under

Atlanta @ Chicago Cubs

Game 971-972
July 7, 2016 @ 8:05 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Atlanta
(Harrell) 14.958
Chicago Cubs
(Hammel) 13.590
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Atlanta
by 1 1/2
11
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Chicago Cubs
-280
No Total
Dunkel Pick:
Atlanta
(+230); N/A

Pittsburgh @ St. Louis

Game 951-952
July 7, 2016 @ 1:45 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Pittsburgh
(Glasnow) 15.959
St. Louis
(Wnwrght) 14.305
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Pittsburgh
by 1 1/2
7
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
St. Louis
-155
8
Dunkel Pick:
Pittsburgh
(+135); Under

Washington @ NY Mets

Game 953-954
July 7, 2016 @ 7:10 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Washington
(Giolito) 14.588
NY Mets
(Colon) 16.197
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
NY Mets
by 1 1/2
6
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
NY Mets
-115
8
Dunkel Pick:
NY Mets
(-115); Under

Philadelphia @ Colorado

Game 955-956
July 7, 2016 @ 8:40 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Philadelphia
(Morgan) 12.320
Colorado
(Bettis) 17.170
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Colorado
by 5
17
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Colorado
-170
12
Dunkel Pick:
Colorado
(-170); Over

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

WNBA
Long Sheet

Thursday, July 7

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MINNESOTA (15 - 3) at CONNECTICUT (4 - 13) - 7/7/2016, 7:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
MINNESOTA is 12-29 ATS (-19.9 Units) after playing 3 consecutive home games since 1997.
CONNECTICUT is 16-6 ATS (+9.4 Units) against Western conference opponents over the last 2 seasons.
CONNECTICUT is 16-6 ATS (+9.4 Units) in non-conference games over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
CONNECTICUT is 3-1 against the spread versus MINNESOTA over the last 3 seasons
MINNESOTA is 3-1 straight up against CONNECTICUT over the last 3 seasons
3 of 4 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

WNBA

Thursday, July 7

Trend Report

7:00 PM
MINNESOTA vs. CONNECTICUT
Minnesota is 1-4 ATS in its last 5 games
Minnesota is 16-3 SU in its last 19 games
Connecticut is 3-12 SU in its last 15 games
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Connecticut's last 6 games

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

WNBA
Dunkel

Thursday, July 7


Minnesota @ Connecticut

Game 601-602
July 7, 2016 @ 7:00 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Minnesota
123.875
Connecticut
109.022
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Minnesota
by 15
156
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Minnesota
by 11 1/2
162
Dunkel Pick:
Minnesota
(-11 1/2); Under

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

MLB
Long Sheet

Thursday, July 7

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PITTSBURGH (44 - 41) at ST LOUIS (43 - 41) - 1:45 PM
TYLER GLASNOW (R) vs. ADAM WAINWRIGHT (R)
Top Trends for this game.
PITTSBURGH is 49-60 (-20.1 Units) against the money line against division opponents over the last 2 seasons.
ST LOUIS is 245-153 (+66.1 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.
WAINWRIGHT is 158-92 (+32.8 Units) against the money line in all games since 1997. (Team's Record)
WAINWRIGHT is 47-22 (+17.1 Units) against the money line when the total is 8 to 8.5 since 1997. (Team's Record)
WAINWRIGHT is 157-91 (+33.1 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field since 1997. (Team's Record)
WAINWRIGHT is 79-36 (+30.4 Units) against the money line after a loss since 1997. (Team's Record)
PITTSBURGH is 142-106 (+23.3 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
PITTSBURGH is 6-0 (+8.7 Units) against the money line in July games this season.
PITTSBURGH is 142-106 (+23.3 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
PITTSBURGH is 109-82 (+16.2 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters over the last 2 seasons.
PITTSBURGH is 87-52 (+29.4 Units) against the money line after a win over the last 2 seasons.
PITTSBURGH is 31-17 (+16.5 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record in the second half of the season over the last 2 seasons.
ST LOUIS is 3-10 (-10.6 Units) against the money line as a home favorite of -125 to -150 this season.
ST LOUIS is 18-26 (-16.8 Units) against the money line in home games this season.
ST LOUIS is 18-26 (-16.8 Units) against the money line in home games in games played on a grass field this season.
ST LOUIS is 14-18 (-9.5 Units) against the money line in home games against right-handed starters this season.
ST LOUIS is 12-19 (-12.8 Units) against the money line in home games when playing against a team with a winning record this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
PITTSBURGH is 8-4 (+5.1 Units) against ST LOUIS this season
6 of 12 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=-0.4 Units, Under=-0.8 Units)

TYLER GLASNOW vs. ST LOUIS since 1997
No recent starts.

ADAM WAINWRIGHT vs. PITTSBURGH since 1997
WAINWRIGHT is 13-7 when starting against PITTSBURGH with an ERA of 3.85 and a WHIP of 1.283.
His team's record is 17-10 (+1.7 units) in these starts. The OVER is 16-7. (+8.9 units)

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WASHINGTON (51 - 35) at NY METS (46 - 38) - 7:10 PM
LUCAS GIOLITO (R) vs. BARTOLO COLON (R)
Top Trends for this game.
WASHINGTON is 134-114 (-16.6 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
WASHINGTON is 154-228 (-54.8 Units) against the money line as a road underdog of +100 to +125 since 1997.
WASHINGTON is 133-113 (-16.7 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
WASHINGTON is 83-78 (-19.4 Units) against the money line in night games over the last 2 seasons.
WASHINGTON is 100-89 (-15.6 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters over the last 2 seasons.
NY METS are 87-56 (+18.2 Units) against the money line after a win over the last 2 seasons.
NY METS are 7-11 (-12.1 Units) against the money line in home games against division opponents this season.
NY METS are 187-230 (-58.9 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.
COLON is 91-82 (-27.7 Units) against the money line in home games in night games since 1997. (Team's Record)
COLON is 78-68 (-21.4 Units) against the money line in home games after a win since 1997. (Team's Record)

Head-to-Head Series History
WASHINGTON is 6-3 (+2.4 Units) against NY METS this season
5 of 9 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+0.6 Units)

LUCAS GIOLITO vs. NY METS since 1997
GIOLITO is 0-0 when starting against NY METS with an ERA of 0.00 and a WHIP of 0.750.
His team's record is 1-0 (+1.0 units) in these starts. The OVER is 0-1. (-1.1 units)

BARTOLO COLON vs. WASHINGTON since 1997
COLON is 4-6 when starting against WASHINGTON with an ERA of 3.20 and a WHIP of 1.222.
His team's record is 4-6 (-1.8 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 5-4. (+0.5 units)

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PHILADELPHIA (40 - 46) at COLORADO (38 - 46) - 8:40 PM
ADAM MORGAN (L) vs. CHAD BETTIS (R)
Top Trends for this game.
BETTIS is 14-5 (+10.4 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
PHILADELPHIA is 40-46 (+3.8 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
PHILADELPHIA is 18-13 (+12.3 Units) against the money line in July games over the last 2 seasons.
PHILADELPHIA is 522-543 (+24.4 Units) against the money line in road games in night games since 1997.
PHILADELPHIA is 21-18 (+7.3 Units) against the money line after a win this season.
COLORADO is 212-292 (-86.7 Units) against the money line in July games since 1997.
COLORADO is 60-101 (-32.8 Units) against the money line in night games over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
There were no past matchups in this series during this time period.

ADAM MORGAN vs. COLORADO since 1997
No recent starts.

CHAD BETTIS vs. PHILADELPHIA since 1997
BETTIS is 1-0 when starting against PHILADELPHIA with an ERA of 1.86 and a WHIP of 0.879.
His team's record is 2-1 (+1.5 units) in these starts. The OVER is 1-1. (-0.1 units)

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SAN DIEGO (37 - 48) at LA DODGERS (48 - 39) - 10:10 PM
DREW POMERANZ (L) vs. HYUN-JIN RYU (L)
Top Trends for this game.
SAN DIEGO is 48-74 (-28.6 Units) against the money line when the total is 7 or less over the last 2 seasons.
SAN DIEGO is 23-55 (-27.7 Units) against the money line on the road when the total is 7 or less over the last 3 seasons.
SAN DIEGO is 27-55 (-24.3 Units) against the money line in road games after a win over the last 3 seasons.
RYU is 22-5 (+15.3 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record since 1997. (Team's Record)
SAN DIEGO is 31-27 (+13.8 Units) against the money line in night games this season.
LA DODGERS are 142-112 (-15.1 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
LA DODGERS are 139-110 (-16.8 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
LA DODGERS are 34-32 (-9.0 Units) against the money line in night games this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
SAN DIEGO is 4-5 (+1.4 Units) against LA DODGERS this season
5 of 8 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+1.5 Units)

DREW POMERANZ vs. LA DODGERS since 1997
POMERANZ is 0-3 when starting against LA DODGERS with an ERA of 3.51 and a WHIP of 1.402.
His team's record is 2-3 (+0.3 units) in these starts. The OVER is 2-3. (-1.2 units)

HYUN-JIN RYU vs. SAN DIEGO since 1997
RYU is 4-0 when starting against SAN DIEGO with an ERA of 0.84 and a WHIP of 0.804.
His team's record is 4-1 (+2.9 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 3-2. (+0.8 units)

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LA ANGELS (35 - 50) at TAMPA BAY (34 - 50) - 12:10 PM
HECTOR SANTIAGO (L) vs. BLAKE SNELL (L)
Top Trends for this game.
LA ANGELS are 35-50 (-15.1 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
LA ANGELS are 12-26 (-16.7 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record this season.
LA ANGELS are 805-797 (+60.7 Units) against the money line in road games since 1997.
LA ANGELS are 287-246 (+71.9 Units) against the money line in road games in day games since 1997.
LA ANGELS are 57-29 (+20.5 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record in the second half of the season over the last 3 seasons.
TAMPA BAY is 34-50 (-22.2 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
TAMPA BAY is 1-8 (-8.8 Units) against the money line when the total is 9 to 9.5 this season.
TAMPA BAY is 18-27 (-15.0 Units) against the money line in home games this season.
TAMPA BAY is 10-21 (-14.8 Units) against the money line in July games over the last 2 seasons.
TAMPA BAY is 34-47 (-17.4 Units) against the money line in day games over the last 2 seasons.
TAMPA BAY is 18-27 (-15.0 Units) against the money line in games played in a dome this season.
TAMPA BAY is 21-27 (-11.5 Units) against the money line in games played on artificial turf this season.
TAMPA BAY is 17-32 (-18.1 Units) against the money line after a loss this season.
TAMPA BAY is 25-35 (-16.6 Units) against the money line in home games when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
TAMPA BAY is 4-2 (+0.8 Units) against LA ANGELS this season
5 of 6 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+3.9 Units)

HECTOR SANTIAGO vs. TAMPA BAY since 1997
SANTIAGO is 0-0 when starting against TAMPA BAY with an ERA of 9.00 and a WHIP of 1.400.
His team's record is 0-1 (-1.2 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 0-1. (-1.2 units)

BLAKE SNELL vs. LA ANGELS since 1997
No recent starts.

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DETROIT (45 - 40) at TORONTO (48 - 39) - 7:05 PM
JUSTIN VERLANDER (R) vs. DREW HUTCHISON (R)
Top Trends for this game.
DETROIT is 158-233 (-57.1 Units) against the money line as a road underdog of +100 to +125 since 1997.
TORONTO is 67-35 (+22.0 Units) against the money line in home games when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 3 seasons.
DETROIT is 45-40 (+8.1 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
DETROIT is 27-17 (+12.2 Units) against the money line after a win this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
DETROIT is 2-1 (+1.2 Units) against TORONTO this season
1 of 2 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=-0.1 Units, Under=-0.1 Units)

JUSTIN VERLANDER vs. TORONTO since 1997
VERLANDER is 3-4 when starting against TORONTO with an ERA of 4.90 and a WHIP of 1.162.
His team's record is 5-5 (-1.3 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 3-7. (-4.9 units)

DREW HUTCHISON vs. DETROIT since 1997
HUTCHISON is 1-1 when starting against DETROIT with an ERA of 2.89 and a WHIP of 1.125.
His team's record is 2-1 (+1.3 units) in these starts. The OVER is 2-1. (+0.9 units)

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

NY YANKEES (41 - 43) at CLEVELAND (51 - 33) - 7:10 PM
IVAN NOVA (R) vs. TREVOR BAUER (R)
Top Trends for this game.
NY YANKEES are 41-43 (-7.7 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
NY YANKEES are 26-31 (-9.3 Units) against the money line in night games this season.
CLEVELAND is 51-33 (+11.9 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
CLEVELAND is 29-11 (+16.0 Units) against the money line when the total is 8 to 8.5 this season.
CLEVELAND is 37-17 (+15.6 Units) against the money line in night games this season.
NY YANKEES are 32-14 (+16.6 Units) against the money line when playing on Thursday over the last 3 seasons.
NY YANKEES are 92-45 (+32.0 Units) against the money line after getting shut out since 1997.

Head-to-Head Series History
There were no past matchups in this series during this time period.

IVAN NOVA vs. CLEVELAND since 1997
NOVA is 1-1 when starting against CLEVELAND with an ERA of 3.75 and a WHIP of 1.250.
His team's record is 1-1 (-0.5 units) in these starts. The OVER is 1-1. (-0.1 units)

TREVOR BAUER vs. NY YANKEES since 1997
BAUER is 1-3 when starting against NY YANKEES with an ERA of 5.47 and a WHIP of 1.558.
His team's record is 2-3 (-0.4 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 2-3. (-1.1 units)

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MINNESOTA (29 - 55) at TEXAS (53 - 33) - 8:05 PM
TYLER DUFFEY (R) vs. CHI CHI GONZALEZ (R)
Top Trends for this game.
MINNESOTA is 29-55 (-20.4 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
MINNESOTA is 2-12 (-9.8 Units) against the money line as a road underdog of +100 to +125 this season.
MINNESOTA is 10-28 (-13.0 Units) against the money line in road games this season.
MINNESOTA is 29-55 (-20.4 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
MINNESOTA is 15-32 (-14.0 Units) against the money line in night games this season.
MINNESOTA is 19-42 (-20.4 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.
MINNESOTA is 23-51 (-24.5 Units) against the money line in road games after shutting out their opponent since 1997.
TEXAS is 53-33 (+27.5 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
TEXAS is 28-12 (+16.5 Units) against the money line in home games this season.
TEXAS is 16-10 (+10.2 Units) against the money line when playing on Thursday over the last 2 seasons.
TEXAS is 52-30 (+29.0 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
TEXAS is 38-22 (+21.7 Units) against the money line in night games this season.
TEXAS is 39-23 (+20.1 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.
TEXAS is 20-12 (+11.3 Units) against the money line after a loss this season.
TEXAS is 26-18 (+10.4 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record this season.
MINNESOTA is 57-54 (+12.3 Units) against the money line after a win over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
MINNESOTA is 2-1 (+1.5 Units) against TEXAS this season
2 of 3 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+1.0 Units)

TYLER DUFFEY vs. TEXAS since 1997
DUFFEY is 1-0 when starting against TEXAS with an ERA of 6.00 and a WHIP of 1.333.
His team's record is 1-0 (+1.0 units) in these starts. The OVER is 1-0. (+1.0 units)

CHI CHI GONZALEZ vs. MINNESOTA since 1997
GONZALEZ is 0-1 when starting against MINNESOTA with an ERA of 8.52 and a WHIP of 2.208.
His team's record is 1-1 (+0.3 units) in these starts. The OVER is 2-0. (+2.0 units)

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OAKLAND (36 - 49) at HOUSTON (46 - 39) - 8:10 PM
RICH HILL (L) vs. DOUG FISTER (R)
Top Trends for this game.
OAKLAND is 36-49 (-13.2 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
OAKLAND is 39-58 (-18.7 Units) against the money line when the total is 8 to 8.5 over the last 2 seasons.
OAKLAND is 15-36 (-19.0 Units) against the money line as a road underdog of +100 to +125 over the last 3 seasons.
OAKLAND is 85-99 (-31.7 Units) against the money line against division opponents over the last 3 seasons.
OAKLAND is 33-46 (-13.7 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
OAKLAND is 66-87 (-22.1 Units) against the money line in night games over the last 2 seasons.
OAKLAND is 79-99 (-20.0 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters over the last 2 seasons.
OAKLAND is 16-32 (-16.9 Units) against the money line after a loss this season.
OAKLAND is 10-34 (-22.2 Units) against the money line in road games when playing against a team with a winning record in the second half of the season over the last 3 seasons.
HOUSTON is 30-15 (+12.3 Units) against the money line when the total is 8 to 8.5 this season.
HOUSTON is 80-46 (+16.8 Units) against the money line in home games over the last 2 seasons.
HOUSTON is 80-46 (+16.8 Units) against the money line in home games in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
HILL is 6-0 (+6.6 Units) against the money line in road games this season. (Team's Record)
HOUSTON is 1-8 (-9.1 Units) against the money line when playing on Thursday this season.
HOUSTON is 41-47 (-17.7 Units) against the money line against left-handed starters over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
HOUSTON is 4-2 (+2.3 Units) against OAKLAND this season
3 of 6 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=-0.5 Units, Under=-0.3 Units)

RICH HILL vs. HOUSTON since 1997
HILL is 1-1 when starting against HOUSTON with an ERA of 3.19 and a WHIP of 1.097.
His team's record is 2-3 (-2.5 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 4-1. (+2.8 units)

DOUG FISTER vs. OAKLAND since 1997
FISTER is 7-6 when starting against OAKLAND with an ERA of 3.21 and a WHIP of 1.307.
His team's record is 9-8 (+1.6 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 7-9. (-3.3 units)

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SEATTLE (43 - 42) at KANSAS CITY (43 - 41) - 8:15 PM
JAMES PAXTON (L) vs. DANNY DUFFY (L)
Top Trends for this game.
SEATTLE is 119-128 (-27.4 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
SEATTLE is 154-191 (-51.5 Units) against the money line when playing on Thursday since 1997.
SEATTLE is 113-125 (-31.0 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
SEATTLE is 34-50 (-20.5 Units) against the money line against left-handed starters over the last 2 seasons.
SEATTLE is 88-156 (-52.0 Units) against the money line in road games after 3 or more consecutive losses since 1997.
PAXTON is 5-13 (-11.1 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
PAXTON is 3-11 (-10.1 Units) against the money line in night games over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
KANSAS CITY is 149-113 (+30.1 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
KANSAS CITY is 29-11 (+16.5 Units) against the money line at home with a money line of -100 to -125 over the last 2 seasons.
KANSAS CITY is 27-11 (+15.9 Units) against the money line in home games this season.
KANSAS CITY is 43-38 (+6.5 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
KANSAS CITY is 19-9 (+9.5 Units) against the money line in home games in night games this season.
KANSAS CITY is 33-14 (+14.8 Units) against the money line in home games after a loss over the last 2 seasons.
KANSAS CITY is 67-57 (+9.9 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.
KANSAS CITY is 52-36 (+16.5 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record in the second half of the season over the last 3 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
SEATTLE is 2-1 (+0.9 Units) against KANSAS CITY this season
3 of 3 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+3.0 Units)

JAMES PAXTON vs. KANSAS CITY since 1997
PAXTON is 1-0 when starting against KANSAS CITY with an ERA of 2.16 and a WHIP of 1.080.
His team's record is 1-1 (+0.2 units) in these starts. The OVER is 1-1. (+0.0 units)

DANNY DUFFY vs. SEATTLE since 1997
DUFFY is 0-1 when starting against SEATTLE with an ERA of 1.88 and a WHIP of 1.534.
His team's record is 2-1 (+1.0 units) in these starts. The OVER is 1-2. (-1.4 units)

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

ATLANTA (28 - 57) at CHICAGO CUBS (52 - 32) - 7:05 PM
LUCAS HARRELL (R) vs. JASON HAMMEL (R)
Top Trends for this game.
ATLANTA is 3-16 (-11.7 Units) against the money line in road games in July games over the last 2 seasons.
ATLANTA is 41-81 (-31.2 Units) against the money line in road games after a loss over the last 3 seasons.
CHICAGO CUBS are 1540-1655 (-268.1 Units) against the money line in all games since 1997.
CHICAGO CUBS are 821-773 (-164.7 Units) against the money line in home games since 1997.
CHICAGO CUBS are 1483-1568 (-242.9 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field since 1997.
CHICAGO CUBS are 252-247 (-61.5 Units) against the money line in home games in night games since 1997.
CHICAGO CUBS are 1129-1231 (-206.9 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters since 1997.
CHICAGO CUBS are 752-728 (-156.9 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record since 1997.
CHICAGO CUBS are 225-190 (-47.3 Units) against the money line in home games when playing against a team with a losing record in the second half of the season since 1997.
HAMMEL is 11-27 (-21.0 Units) against the money line in July games since 1997. (Team's Record)
HAMMEL is 11-23 (-20.8 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
ATLANTA is 2-3 (+0.7 Units) against CHICAGO CUBS this season
3 of 4 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+1.9 Units)

LUCAS HARRELL vs. CHICAGO CUBS since 1997
HARRELL is 2-0 when starting against CHICAGO CUBS with an ERA of 0.64 and a WHIP of 0.786.
His team's record is 2-0 (+2.1 units) in these starts. The OVER is 1-1. (-0.0 units)

JASON HAMMEL vs. ATLANTA since 1997
HAMMEL is 2-5 when starting against ATLANTA with an ERA of 5.77 and a WHIP of 1.585.
His team's record is 4-6 (-2.8 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 3-7. (-4.8 units)

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Angels at Rays

GAME: Los Angeles Angels (35-50) at Tampa Bay Rays (34-50)
DATE/TIME: Thursday, July 07 - 12:10 PM EST
WHERE: Tropicana Field, St. Petersburg, Florida
LINE: N/A TOTAL: N/A

The Los Angeles Angels have not held last place in the American League West at the All-Star break since 1999 and they are intent on keeping it that way with their offense taking the lead. The visiting Angels look to continue their climb out of the cellar when they go for a series victory against the struggling Tampa Bay Rays on Thursday afternoon.

Los Angeles stands one game behind fourth-place Oakland after recording 20 runs total in two straight wins and the Angels have averaged eight tallies over their past seven outings. Yunel Escobar boasts a season-high 11-game hitting streak for Los Angeles while All-Star Mike Trout homered Wednesday and is 22-for-47 over his last 13 games. The Rays hold down last place in the AL East after losing 18 of their last 21 contests and turn to rookie left-hander Blake Snell in an effort to rescue a split of the four-game set Thursday. Tampa Bay’s Evan Longoria, who is in the final vote for a spot on the AL All-Star team, is 5-for-12 in the series.

TV: 12:10 p.m. ET, FSN West (Los Angeles)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Angels LH Hector Santiago (5-4, 4.93 ERA) vs. Rays LH Blake Snell (1-3, 3.86)

Santiago is 2-0 in his last four starts, allowing just one run each in three of those outings and completing at least six innings in all of them. The New Jersey native has yielded 17 homers in 17 starts and boasts a 3.44 ERA on the road this season while struggling at home (6.92). Longoria is 4-for-6 versus Santiago, who has permitted nine runs in 9 2/3 career innings against the Rays.

Snell gave up three runs and five hits over 5 1/3 innings last time out against Detroit to record his third loss in four outings. The 23-year-old Washington native has not been able to match his major league debut when he yielded one run on two hits in five innings against the New York Yankees. Snell is 1-2 with a 5.14 ERA in his three starts at home with 11 strikeouts and 11 walks.

WALK-OFFS

1. Tampa Bay 2B Logan Forsythe has hit safely in 11 of his last 12 games after belting his seventh homer Wednesday.

2. Los Angeles recalled OF Todd Cunningham from Triple-A Salt Lake and placed OF Shane Robinson (ankle) on the 15-day disabled list.

3. Rays UTIL Nick Franklin is 10-for-28 with a homer and 11 RBIs in eight games on the current homestand.

PREDICTION: Rays 5, Angels 3

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Pirates at Cardinals

GAME: Pittsburgh Pirates (44-41) at St. Louis Cardinals (43-41)
DATE/TIME: Thursday, July 07 - 1:45 PM EST
WHERE: Busch Stadium, St. Louis, Missouri
LINE: N/A TOTAL: N/A

David Freese has flustered his former club during the first three contests of the four-game set to help the Pittsburgh Pirates move into second place in the National League Central. The 33-year-old Freese looks to continue his torrid ways on Thursday afternoon as the Pirates attempt to extend their season-high winning streak to eight games in the finale of their set against the host St. Louis Cardinals.

Signed to a one-year, $3 million deal in March, Freese showed his worth yet again with a home run to increase his hitting streak to eight games in Wednesday's 7-5 triumph. The veteran is 13-for-37 in 11 career contests versus the Cardinals and 2-for-3 in a small sample size versus Thursday starter Adam Wainwright. While the hot streak has Pittsburgh 8 1/2 in back of the first-place Chicago Cubs, St. Louis fell one-half game behind the second-place Pirates after its fifth loss in eight outings and 26th in 44 contests at Busch Stadium this season. To add injury to insult, All-Star second baseman Matt Carpenter joined a growing list of Cardinals on the sideline after exiting Wednesday's tilt with an oblique ailment.

TV: 1:45 p.m. ET, MLB Network, ROOT (Pittsburgh), FSN Midwest (St. Louis)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Pirates RH Tyler Glasnow (major-league debut) vs. Cardinals RH Adam Wainwright (7-5, 4.70 ERA)

Glasnow, who is Pittsburgh's top-ranked prospect, was recalled from Triple-A Indianapolis on Wednesday after posting a 7-2 record with a 1.78 ERA and 113 strikeouts over 96 innings in 17 starts. The 22-year-old was summoned due in large part to left-hander Jonathon Niese returning to Pittsburgh to have his sore left knee examined. Glasnow, who has limited the opposition to a .176 batting average this season, will become the 11th starting pitcher used by the Pirates in 2016.

Wainwright rebounded from a brutal effort by allowing seven singles in as many innings of a 3-0 win over Milwaukee on Saturday. The 34-year-old owns an 11-7 career mark versus Pittsburgh but is 0-1 in two starts against the club this season despite permitting three runs in each outing. Wainwright has overcome a horrific performance at home versus Cincinnati on April 16 to record far better showings at Busch Stadium, posting a 3-2 record and 2.15 ERA in his last seven trips to the mound.

WALK-OFFS

1. St. Louis SS Aledmys Diaz is 21-for-44 with four homers, 12 RBIs and 10 runs scored in his last 14 games.

2. Pittsburgh CF Andrew McCutchen has scored six runs in his last five contests.

3. Pirates 2B Josh Harrison has recorded seven RBIs and three runs scored during his seven-game hitting streak.

PREDICTION: Cardinals 4, Pirates 2

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Tigers at Blue Jays

GAME: Detroit Tigers (45-40) at Toronto Blue Jays (48-39)
DATE/TIME: Thursday, July 07 - 7:07 PM EST
WHERE: Rogers Centre, Toronto, Ontario
LINE: N/A TOTAL: N/A

The Detroit Tigers finally got the monkey off their backs with a win over the Cleveland Indians and are looking to parlay that momentum into another victory when they visit the Toronto Blue Jays for the opener of a four-game series on Thursday. The Blue Jays are coming in hot after ripping off a three-game sweep of the defending-champion Kansas City Royals.

Detroit dropped 11 straight to the Indians to begin the season but got a homer and five RBIs from Nick Castellanos to earn a 12-2 triumph in Wednesday’s series finale. The Tigers began their first-half ending, 11-game road trip with four straight wins in Tampa Bay and are winners of 10 straight overall against opponents other than Cleveland. Toronto is getting a close look at the top teams in the AL Central before the break and is not having much trouble fighting its way through with five consecutive victories over the Indians and Royals. The Blue Jays are getting enough pitching to go along with their potent offense of late and limited opponents to a total of eight runs in the last four contests.

TV: 7:07 p.m. ET, FSN Detroit, Sportsnet (Toronto)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Tigers RH Justin Verlander (8-6, 4.11 ERA) vs. Blue Jays RH Drew Hutchison (1-0, 5.40)

Verlander bounced back from a sub-par effort by holding Tampa Bay to two runs – one earned – on four hits while striking out eight in seven innings on Saturday. The former MVP was rocked for eight runs – four homers – in 4 2/3 innings by Cleveland on June 26 for his lone loss in six starts. Verlander faced Toronto once last season on July 5 at home and surrendered home runs to Jose Bautista and Justin Smoak while allowing seven runs in five frames.

Hutchison will make a spot start in place of ailing All-Star right-hander Marco Estrada (back). The 25-year-old won his lone previous major-league start in 2016 against Oakland on April 24 and went 6-3 with a 2.78 ERA in 15 starts in Triple-A before being recalled last week to help out in the bullpen. Hutchison is 1-1 with a 2.89 ERA in three career starts against Detroit and is 30-21 as a starter in the majors.

WALK-OFFS

1. Tigers CF Cameron Maybin belted his second home run of the season and first extra-base hit of July in Wednesday’s triumph.

2. The Blue Jays will place Estrada on the 15-day disabled list, ruling him out of Tuesday’s All-Star Game.

3. Toronto’s OF Michael Saunders was leading the Final Vote for the All-Star Game in Wednesday’s initial announcement, ahead of Detroit’s 2B Ian Kinsler among others.

PREDICTION: Tigers 8, Blue Jays 4

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Yankees at Indians

GAME: New York Yankees (41-43) at Cleveland Indians (51-33)
DATE/TIME: Thursday, July 07 - 7:10 PM EST
WHERE: Progressive Field, Cleveland, Ohio
LINE: N/A TOTAL: N/A

The Cleveland Indians are coming off a rare misstep at Progressive Field while the New York Yankees are stumbling at an all-too-common pace away from the Bronx. The Indians look to regain their footing after seeing their 13-game home winning streak come to a end when they open a four-game set versus the visiting Yankees on Thursday.

American League Central-leading Cleveland suffered its first loss in 12 meetings with Detroit this season as the latter salvaged the finale of a three-game series with a 12-2 shellacking on Wednesday afternoon. Francisco Lindor has four RBIs in his last three games overall and looks to continue his dominance versus New York, against which he is 13-for-30 with two homers in seven career encounters. While Lindor has made himself at home versus the Yankees, the latter hasn't been very comfortable on the road this season. New York fell to 18-25 away from home and 2-4 on its 10-game road trip after dropping a 5-0 decision to the Chicago White Sox on Wednesday.

TV: 7:10 p.m. ET, YES (New York), SportsTime Ohio (Cleveland)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Yankees RH Ivan Nova (5-5, 5.06 ERA) vs. Indians RH Trevor Bauer (7-2, 3.02)

Nova answered a rough patch with an encouraging outing versus San Diego, allowing one run on four hits in 5 1/3 innings in a no-decision on Saturday. The 29-year-old Dominican kept the ball in the park for the first time since May 1 and fanned seven, accounting for his second-best strikeout total of the season. Nova has split a pair of career decisions versus Cleveland, with his most recent effort resulting in a loss after permitting three runs on six hits in five innings.

Bauer stepped up by scattering two hits over five shutout innings of relief in Cleveland's 2-1 victory in 19 innings over Toronto on Friday. The 25-year-old is 4-0 in his last eight outings, although he has yielded three walks in four of those games. Bauer has also struggled with his control in five career contests versus New York, issuing 16 free passes in 26 1/3 innings en route to posting a 1-3 mark with a 4.78 ERA.

WALK-OFFS

1. New York CF Jacoby Ellsbury has recorded multi-hit performances in three of his last four outings and is 3-for-10 in his career versus Bauer.

2. Cleveland INF-OF Jose Ramirez has seven RBIs and six runs scored during his 11-game hitting streak.

3. Yankees SS Didi Gregorius has 14 hits, six RBIs and seven runs scored in his last nine contests.

PREDICTION: Indians 5, Yankees 2

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Nationals at Mets

GAME: Washington Nationals (51-35) at New York Mets (46-38)
DATE/TIME: Thursday, July 07 - 7:10 PM EST
WHERE: Citi Field, New York City, New York
LINE: N/A TOTAL: N/A

Daniel Murphy has tormented his former team by hitting safely in each of the nine meetings this season. The 30-year-old looks to continue his hot hand on Thursday as his Washington Nationals invade Citi Field for the opener of a four-game showdown versus the National League East-rival New York Mets.

Murphy is a blistering 15-for-35 with four homers and 11 RBIs in nine contests against New York - including 5-for-12 with two blasts, five RBIs and four runs scored in Washington's three-game sweep in the nation's capital on June 27-29. The Mets have rebounded from those setbacks to win six of their last seven to reside four games behind the first-place Nationals, who salvaged the finale of a three-game set versus Milwaukee on Wednesday afternoon to post their eighth win in 11 outings. "It's critical, because they're chasing us, and we're trying to put some distance on them," Washington manager Dusty Baker told reporters of the upcoming series. Wilmer Flores recorded his second two-homer performance in four days in New York's 4-2 triumph over Miami on Wednesday afternoon, improving to 9-for-17 with seven RBIs and six runs scored in his last four contests.

TV: 7:10 p.m. ET, MLB Network, MASN (Washington), SNY (New York)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Nationals RH Lucas Giolito (0-0, 0.00 ERA) vs. Mets RH Bartolo Colon (7-4, 2.87)

Giolito handled New York in his major-league debut on June 28, but Mother Nature put an abrupt end to his outing after he allowed one hit over four scoreless innings. The 21-year-old's lone blemish came at the hands of a bloop single by Curtis Granderson. Giolito relied on his mid-to-high 90s fastball and active curveball to subdue the Mets in the previous outing.

Colon improved to 4-1 with a 1.96 ERA in his last eight starts after permitting two runs on four hits in six innings of a 4-3 win over the Chicago Cubs on Saturday. The 43-year-old Dominican split a pair of decisions versus Washington in May, rebounding from issuing a season-high five walks in a 7-1 setback on May 18 to yield one run on five hits in seven innings of a 7-1 triumph five days later. Colon has kept Bryce Harper (3-for-16, five strikeouts) in check, but he's had trouble retiring Jayson Werth (6-for-13 with four walks).

WALK-OFFS

1. Granderson collected four of his eight hits versus Washington in the most recent series.

2. Nationals 1B Ryan Zimmerman has answered an 0-for-14 stretch by going 3-for-7 with a homer in his last two contests.

3. The Mets' injured pitching carousel continued on Wednesday as the team placed RHP Matt Harvey (shoulder discomfort) on the 15-day disabled list.

PREDICTION: Mets 4, Nationals 3

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Twins at Rangers

GAME: Minnesota Twins (29-55) at Texas Rangers (53-33)
DATE/TIME: Thursday, July 07 - 8:05 PM EST
WHERE: Globe Life Park in Arlington, Arlington, Texas
LINE: N/A TOTAL: N/A

The Texas Rangers own the best record in the American League and are looking to end the first half strong when they host the AL-worst Minnesota Twins in the opener of a four-game series on Thursday. The Rangers dropped six of eight to close out their road trip but are 28-12 at home.

Texas is suddenly having some trouble covering over the holes in the pitching staff created by injuries to starters Yu Darvish, Derek Holland and Colby Lewis. The Rangers allowed nine or more runs four times in the last six setbacks, including an 11-6 loss to end the trip in Boston on Wednesday, and need some length out of Chi Chi Gonzalez on Thursday. The Twins have a well-rested bullpen after watching Ervin Santana spin a two-hit shutout in a 4-0 win over the Oakland Athletics on Wednesday. Minnesota is on the verge of its 30th win after winning for of its last five games – a stretch that began with a pair of home wins over Texas last weekend.

TV: 8:05 p.m. ET, FSN North (Minnesota), FSN Southwest (Texas)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Twins RH Tyler Duffey (4-6, 5.62 ERA) vs. Rangers RH Chi Chi Gonzalez (0-1, 9.53)

Duffey got plenty of help from his offense and breezed to a win over the Rangers on Saturday while allowing four runs in six innings. The Texas native was dominant in his previous start, limiting the New York Yankees to one run and two hits in eight innings. Duffey’s back-to-back wins snap a string of five consecutive outings without earning a victory.

Getting length out of Gonzalez could be an issue after the Oral Roberts product failed to make it out of the first inning at Minnesota on Saturday. The 24-year-old was charged with four runs – one earned – on two hits and two walks while recording two outs in a game Texas went on to lose 17-5. Gonzalez was knocked around for five runs on 10 hits and two walks in five innings at the New York Yankees in his season debut on June 27.

WALK-OFFS

1. Twins SS Eduardo Escobar (hamstring) has been out since Saturday but could return this weekend.

2. Texas RHP Jose Leclerc made his major-league debut on Wednesday and tossed 2 2/3 innings of scoreless relief.

3. Minnesota 1B Joe Mauer is 5-for-8 with a pair of doubles in his last two games.

PREDICTION: Rangers 8, Twins 7

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Braves at Cubs

GAME: Atlanta Braves (28-57) at Chicago Cubs (52-32)
DATE/TIME: Thursday, July 07 - 8:05 PM EST
WHERE: Wrigley Field, Chicago, Illinois
LINE: N/A TOTAL: N/A


The Atlanta Braves hit the Windy City a day earlier than expected Thursday for a makeup game against the host Chicago Cubs. The rainout from April 30 originally was scheduled as the middle contest of a three-game set - the teams split the other two contests.



A visit from the last-place Braves, however brief, could help the Cubs snap out of their recent funk, as they’ve lost six of their last seven and 12 of 17 and need to right the ship before a big three-game series at Pittsburgh beginning Friday. Atlanta owns the worst record in the majors and has lost four straight – including a three-game sweep at Philadelphia to open the seven-game road trip – scoring a total of eight runs during the skid. The Cubs hope to snap a five-game losing streak in right-hander Jason Hammel’s starts, but they’ll need to provide more run support – they’ve totaled 11 runs in those five contests. The skid started June 10 in Atlanta, where the Braves tagged Hammel for three runs and eight hits over 5 2/3 innings in a 5-1 victory.

TV: 8:05 p.m. ET, FSN Southeast (Atlanta), ABC 7 (Chicago)



PITCHING MATCHUP: Braves RH Lucas Harrell (1-0, 1.50 ERA) vs. Cubs RH Jason Hammel (7-5, 3.45)

Harrell made his first major-league start since 2014 on Saturday, limiting the Marlins to one run and three hits over six innings. It was the 31-year-old’s first big-league win since 2013 with Houston. Harrell enjoyed success against the Cubs while he was with the Astros, going 2-0 with an 0.57 ERA in four games (two starts) with both wins coming at Wrigley Field.

Hammel hasn’t won since June 4, and while some of that can be attributed to tough luck, he shouldered the blame last time out. The 33-year-old surrendered five home runs Friday against the Mets, allowing 10 runs over four-plus innings. Hammel is 2-5 with a 5.77 ERA in 10 starts against the Braves, but he did toss a one-hitter against them in 2012.



WALK-OFFS

1. Atlanta 3B Adonis Garcia, who recorded his ninth career three-hit game Wednesday, is 4-for-6 with a homer versus Hammel.

2. Cubs SS Addison Russell has three homers and seven RBIs over the past three contests, but has only one RBI in five games against the Braves this season.

3. Braves 1B Freddie Freeman is just 3-for-18 against the Cubs this season, but he has hit Hammel well in his career, going 5-for-11 with a pair of homers.



PREDICTION: Cubs 4, Braves 3

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Athletics at Astros

GAME: Oakland Athletics (36-49) at Houston Astros (46-39)
DATE/TIME: Thursday, July 07 - 8:10 PM EST
WHERE: Minute Maid Park, Houston, Texas
LINE: N/A TOTAL: N/A

The Houston Astros have swept their last three series against American League West foes and look to beat up on another division rival when they open a four-game set against the visiting Oakland Athletics on Thursday. Houston is fresh off a three-game sweep of Seattle and has won 29 of its last 40 games.

Luis Valbuena hit a tiebreaking two-run homer in the eighth inning on Wednesday to help the Astros to a 9-8 victory that represented its ninth straight win against AL West squads. Evan Gattis, who also homered Wednesday, belted three shots and drove in seven runs when Houston swept a three-game home series against the Athletics from June 3-5. Oakland has dropped six of its last seven contests to fall 13 games below .500 and has been outscored 45-21 during the stretch. Coco Crisp is one of the few members of the Athletics currently swinging a hot bat as he is 18-for-51 with two homers, six doubles and 14 RBIs during his 2-game hitting streak.

TV: 8:10 p.m. ET, CSN California (Oakland), ROOT (Houston)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Athletics LH Rich Hill (8-3, 2.31 ERA) vs. Astros RH Doug Fister (8-5, 3.66)

Hill is making his second start since missing the month of June due to a groin injury. He won five consecutive starts before the stint on the disabled list and received a no-decision against Pittsburgh on Saturday, when he allowed two runs and four hits in six innings. Hill is 2-1 with a 2.88 ERA in nine career appearances (five starts) against Houston, with the defeat occurring on May 1 even though he allowed just two runs and two hits in six frames.

Fister is looking to defeat the Athletics for the third straight time this season after giving up one run and 11 hits over 12 2/3 innings in two previous turns. He is 7-6 with a 3.17 ERA in 15 career starts versus Oakland and has shut down Danny Valencia (1-for-10). Fister has dropped his last two outings, serving up four homers while allowing nine runs and 17 hits in 11 1/3 innings.

WALK-OFFS

1. Gattis is batting .364 with four homers, nine RBIs and five walks in six games against the Athletics this season.

2. Oakland RHP Fernando Rodriguez (shoulder) was placed on the 15-day disabled list after an MRI exam revealed he has a strained rotator cuff.

3. Houston CF Carlos Gomez recorded three hits and three RBIs on Wednesday after being 1-for-13 over his previous four games.

PREDICTION: Astros 8, Athletics 5

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Mariners at Royals

GAME: Seattle Mariners (43-42) at Kansas City Royals (43-41)
DATE/TIME: Thursday, July 07 - 8:15 PM EST
WHERE: Kauffman Stadium, Kansas City, Missouri
LINE: N/A TOTAL: N/A

The Kansas City Royals are slipping in the wrong direction and look to snap out of their recent funk when they host the Seattle Mariners in the opener of a four-game series on Thursday. The defending World Series champions have dropped four straight games and five of six to fall into fourth place in the American League Central.

The Royals were swept of a three-game set by Toronto, have been outscored 25-9 during their four-game skid and suddenly find themselves eight games behind first-place Cleveland in the division. "We're an aggressive team when we're swinging the bats well," Kansas City manager Ned Yost told reporters. "Right now, we're just not making any hard contact." The third-place Mariners opened a seven-game road swing by losing three in Houston and are 9 1/2 games behind first-place Texas in the AL West. Seattle's Robinson Cano went 3-for-3 with a homer on Wednesday to become the sixth second baseman in major-league history to hit 20 or more homers in seven different seasons.

TV: 8:10 p.m. ET, ROOT (Seattle), FSN Kansas City

PITCHING MATCHUP: Mariners LH James Paxton (2-3, 4.24 ERA) vs. Royals LH Danny Duffy (4-1, 3.11)

Paxton defeated Baltimore in his last start, when he gave up four runs - three earned - and nine hits in 5 2/3 innings. He struck out just two batters against the Orioles after fanning seven or more in four of his six turns. Paxton is 1-0 with a 2.16 ERA in two career starts against Kansas City.

Duffy has put together consecutive stellar outings and has won each of his last three decisions. He allowed two runs and seven hits in 8 2/3 innings while beating Philadelphia in his last turn and gave up two runs and six hits in eight frames while knocking off St. Louis in his previous turn. Duffy is 0-1 with a 1.69 ERA in five career appearances (three starts) against Seattle and has experienced issues with Cano (4-for-11, one homer).

WALK-OFFS

1. Mariners LF Seth Smith hit a three-run homer on Wednesday and is 12-for-30 with five blasts and 14 RBIs over his last eight games.

2. Kansas City DH Kendrys Morales (back) sat out Wednesday and is considered day-to-day.

3. Seattle RHP Felix Hernandez (calf) pitched a three-inning simulated game on Wednesday and is slated to make two minor-league rehab starts before being activated.

PREDICTION: Royals 5, Mariners 1

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Phillies at Rockies

GAME: Philadelphia Phillies (40-46) at Colorado Rockies (38-46)
DATE/TIME: Thursday, July 07 - 8:40 PM EST
WHERE: Coors Field, Denver, Colorado
LINE: N/A TOTAL: N/A

Maikel Franco attempts to match the franchise record with a home run in a fifth consecutive game when the streaking Philadelphia Phillies open a four-game series against the host Colorado Rockies on Thursday. Franco made it four straight games with a blast in Wednesday's 4-3 victory over Atlanta, which was Philadelphia's fourth consecutive win and eighth in its last nine contests.

Franco is attempting to join Chase Utley (twice), Bobby Abreu, Dick Allen and Hall-of-Famer Mike Schmidt as the only Phillies to go deep in five straight games. "I'm just really comfortable at home plate," Franco told reporters on Wednesday after hitting his 17th homer of the season. "I see the pitches much better, and I try to see the ball and turn that into contact." Colorado has lost seven of its last eight games and has totaled only four runs in its last five defeats. DJ LeMahieu is 21-for-50 over his last 13 games to raise his batting average to .331 - the third-highest mark in the National League.

TV: 8:40 p.m. ET, CSN Philadelphia, ROOT (Colorado)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Phillies LH Adam Morgan (1-6, 6.31 ERA) vs. Rockies RH Chad Bettis (6-6, 5.85)

Morgan is making the start in place of the struggling Aaron Nola, who is being passed over his final start before the All-Star break. The 26-year-old Morgan was winless in eight consecutive turns before being moved to the bullpen when Vince Velasquez returned from the disabled list last month. He lasted five or fewer innings in six of his 11 starts prior to the demotion.

Bettis has been touched for 11 runs and 18 hits over 11 innings in his last two turns after winning his previous two starts. He has kept the ball in the park in each of his last four starts after serving up six home runs over his previous four outings. Bettis is 1-0 with a 1.69 ERA in five career appearances (three starts) against the Phillies and has struggled versus Carlos Ruiz (5-for-8).

WALK-OFFS

1. Phillies RF Peter Bourjos was hitless in three at-bats Wednesday after going 25-for-54 during his 14-game hitting streak.

2. Colorado rookie SS Trevor Story, a candidate for the final NL All-Star roster spot, is hitless in 16 at-bats over his last five games.

3. Franco is the first Philadelphia player with homers in four straight games since 1B Ryan Howard (September 2012).

PREDICTION: Phillies 8, Rockies 7

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Padres at Dodgers

GAME: San Diego Padres (37-48) at Los Angeles Dodgers (48-39)
DATE/TIME: Thursday, July 07 - 10:10 PM EST
WHERE: Dodger Stadium, Los Angeles, California
LINE: N/A TOTAL: N/A

Los Angeles Dodgers rookie Corey Seager brings a 19-game hitting streak into Thursday’s series opener against the visiting San Diego Padres, who have kept the All-Star shortstop in check so far this season. Seager is batting .195 in 41 at-bats over nine games versus San Diego and will be tested by Padres starter Drew Pomeranz, who could be a late addition to the All-Star roster.

Dodgers pitcher Hyun-Jin Ryu is set to make his long-awaited season debut after missing all of 2015 and the first three months of this campaign due to a torn labrum. The Dodgers need a quality start from Ryu after falling six games behind NL-West-leading San Francisco and using eight relievers in Wednesday’s 6-4, 14-inning loss to Baltimore. The Padres are tied for last in the division with Colorado but have won 10 of their last 16 games thanks largely to an improving offense led by All-Star first baseman Wil Myers, who is batting .347 with 12 home runs and 37 RBIs since the start of June. The team also has received a surprising boost from Ryan Schimpf, who is 6-for-13 with three home runs and five RBIs over his last three games.

TV: 10:10 p.m. ET, FSN San Diego, SportsNet LA (Los Angeles)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Padres LH Drew Pomeranz (7-7, 2.65 ERA) vs. Dodgers LH Hyun-Jin Ryu (NR)

Pomeranz tossed seven innings of one-run ball and struck out seven against the New York Yankees on Saturday. “Pomeranz has an outstanding curveball and we never were able to solve it,” Yankees manager Joe Girardi told reporters. “He was tough on our guys.” Yasmani Grandal is 3-for-8 with a home run against Pomeranz, who is 0-4 with 4.39 ERA in seven career games (five starts) against Los Angeles.

Ryu is not expected to throw more than 90 pitches Thursday after going 1-2 with a 4.23 ERA in eight rehab starts with Single-A Rancho Cucamonga and Triple-A Oklahoma City. The 29-year-old is 4-0 with a 0.84 ERA in five career starts against San Diego. The Dodgers are hoping Ryu can duplicate his production from 2014, when he made 26 starts and went 14-7 with a 3.38 ERA while registering 139 strikeouts and only 29 walks.

WALK-OFFS

1. The Dodgers have won 11 of their last 15 games against the Padres.

2. San Diego 3B Yangervis Solarte is 24-for-58 with 12 runs scored and 14 RBIs over his last 16 contests.

3. Los Angeles LHP Adam Liberatore has not allowed a run in his last 23 games covering 18 innings.

PREDICTION: Padres 6, Dodgers 3