Thursday 7/9/15 service plays chatter/comps/requests & other stuff...

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Astros at Indians

GAME: Houston Astros (49-38) at Cleveland Indians (40-44)
DATE/TIME: Thursday, July 09 - 7:10 PM EST
WHERE: Progressive Field, Cleveland, Ohio
LINE: 112, -121 TOTAL: 7.5

Having won back-to-back games at home for the first time in more than five weeks, the Cleveland Indians go for their third consecutive victory over the visiting Houston Astros on Thursday in the finale of their four-game set. The Indians rebounded from a series-opening 9-4 drubbing with a pair of two-run triumphs and seek their first three-game home winning streak since May 22-24.

Cleveland's David Murphy, a Houston native, is 4-for-7 with four RBIs after delivering the key blow in Wednesday's 4-2 victory - a tiebreaking two-run double in the eighth inning. Murphy, a .321 lifetime hitter in 47 games against his hometown team, is 11-for-26 overall in his last 11 games. The Astros have managed only two runs and 12 hits over their last two contests, with both runs and the only non-single coming courtesy of a two-run homer by Evan Gattis, who has hit safely in nine consecutive games. Houston attempts to salvage a series split when it sends Brett Oberholtzer to the mound to oppose rookie standout Cody Anderson.

TV: 7:10 p.m. ET, MLBN, ROOT (Houston), SportsTime Ohio (Cleveland)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Astros LH Brett Oberholtzer (2-1, 4.32 ERA) vs. Indians RH Cody Anderson (1-1, 0.76)

Oberholtzer will be recalled from Triple-A Fresno to make Thursday's start and hopes for a better effort than his forgettable performance in his last turn. The 26-year-old was ejected and demoted after getting knocked around for six runs and a pair of homers in 1 1/3 innings of a 9-6 loss to the New York Yankees on June 27. Oberholtzer has lost all three career starts versus Cleveland despite allowing five earned runs in 20 1/3 frames.

Anderson has been sensational in each of his first three major-league starts, but he was a hard-luck loser at Pittsburgh on Saturday after giving up one run on six hits over eight innings in a 1-0 setback. He also worked eight frames in his previous start and earned his first victory by limiting Tampa Bay to one run on two hits. He is the first Cleveland pitcher since 1914 to toss at least 7 2/3 innings in each of his first three starts.

WALK-OFFS

1. Cleveland is the first team in baseball history to have four pitchers with at least 100 strikeouts by the All-Star break.

2. Astros rookie RF Preston Tucker is 8-for-13 in the series.

3. Indians 3B Giovanny Urshela is 1-for-12 since his 13-game hitting streak.

PREDICTION: Indians 4, Astros 3

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Reds at Marlins

GAME: Cincinnati Reds (38-44) at Miami Marlins (35-50)
DATE/TIME: Thursday, July 09 - 7:10 PM EST
WHERE: Marlins Park, Miami, Florida
LINE: 152, -165 N/A TOTAL: N/A

The Miami Marlins have had little to celebrate on the field this season aside from several majestic home runs from Giancarlo Stanton, but Jose Fernandez’s return is a definite bright spot. Fernandez aims for his second win in as many starts after a 14-month layoff when the Marlins host the Cincinnati Reds in the opener of a four-game series on Thursday.

Fernandez, who underwent Tommy John elbow surgery last season, homered against San Francisco last week to go along with six solid innings on the mound. Miami should be happy to return home following a 1-4 road trip that ended with a four-game slide and a total of eight runs scored in those four contests. The Reds are coming off an unplanned day off after a rainout in Washington on Wednesday but won the first two games by a combined score of 8-2 as All-Star snub Joey Votto went 5-for-10. Votto will try to better a career 1-for-4 line against Fernandez while rookie Michael Lorenzen gets the nod for Cincinnati.

TV: 7:10 p.m. ET, FSN Ohio (Cincinnati), FSN Florida (Miami)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Reds RH Michael Lorenzen (3-3, 3.58 ERA) vs. Marlins RH Jose Fernandez (1-0, 4.50)

Lorenzen had a string of three straight starts allowing two or fewer runs come to an end against Milwaukee on Friday, when he was reached for three runs on five hits and a pair of walks in four innings to suffer the loss. The rookie gave up a pair of home runs in that outing and has surrendered at least one in five of his last six turns. Lorenzen faced Washington on May 31 and had an unusual day, yielding two runs on only one hit but walking a career-high six in 6 1/3 frames.

Fernandez scattered three runs and seven hits against the Giants last Thursday and most impressively did not walk a batter while striking out six. The 22-year-old had little trouble finding his former velocity in the outing. Fernandez is 0-1 with a 5.73 ERA in two career starts against Cincinnati while walking six in 11 total innings.

WALK-OFFS

1. Reds 3B Todd Frazier will be the No. 2 seed in Monday’s Home Run Derby and will take on Rangers slugger Prince Fielder in the first round.

2. Miami 1B Jeff Baker (oblique) sat out Wednesday and is day-to-day.

3. Votto’s five hits in the series match his total from the previous 11 games.

PREDICTION: Marlins 3, Reds 2

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Tigers at Twins

GAME: Detroit Tigers (43-41) at Minnesota Twins (46-39)
DATE/TIME: Thursday, July 09 - 8:10 PM EST
WHERE: Target Field, Minneapolis, Minnesota
LINE: -146, 135 TOTAL: 8

The Detroit Tigers manhandled the Minnesota Twins during a season-opening three-game sweep, but the fortunes of each team have shifted dramatically since the first two weeks. Fresh off a three-game home sweep of the Baltimore Orioles, the Twins look to solve nemesis David Price when they host the Tigers on Thursday in the opener of a four-game set.

Price has already beaten Minnesota twice this season, including 8 2/3 scoreless innings on Opening Day to set the tone for a sweep in which Detroit outscored the Twins 22-1. Detroit has scored 36 runs over the past five games since two-time MVP Miguel Cabrera was injured and clubbed nine homers in taking two of three at Seattle. Minnesota third baseman Brian Dozier is among five players in the running for the final AL All-Star berth and enhanced his candidacy by slamming a pair of homers to go with five RBIs in the sweep of the Orioles. Owners of the best home record in the AL (28-15), the Twins are in second place in the Central Division, 2 1/2 games ahead of the Tigers.

TV: 8:10 p.m. ET, FSN Detroit, FSN North (Minnesota)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Tigers LH David Price (8-2, 2.54 ERA) vs. Twins RH Mike Pelfrey (5-5, 3.94)

Price was unbeaten in June and continued the momentum by limiting Toronto to one right on eight hits over seven innings on Saturday to improve to 4-0 over his last six starts. The former Vanderbilt standout has been exceptional way from home, posting a 5-1 record and sparkling 1.86 in nine starts. Price is 7-3 with a 2.42 ERA in 13 appearances (12 starts) against Minnesota while holding first baseman Joe Mauer to 5-for-30.

Since a sensational stretch in which he permitted two earned runs or fewer nine times in 10 starts, Pelfrey has appeared to hit a wall. Pelfrey failed to make it past the fourth inning in three of his last five turns, including last time out at Kansas City when he gave up three runs on seven hits over four frames. He is 3-4 with a 4.37 ERA in eight starts versus the Tigers after splitting a pair of decisions this season.

WALK-OFFS

1. Tigers 3B Nick Castellanos has a nine-game hitting streak after going 6-of-13 with two homers and eight RBIs versus Seattle.

2. Dozier has hit safely in five straight games against Detroit, going 7-for-21.

3. Tigers OF Yoenis Cespedes has a .357 career average versus the Twins, who have dropped seven of the nine meetings between the teams this season.

PREDICTION: Tigers 5, Twins 2

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Braves at Rockies

GAME: Atlanta Braves (42-43) at Colorado Rockies (35-49)
DATE/TIME: Thursday, July 09 - 8:40 PM EST
WHERE: Coors Field, Denver, Colorado
LINE: -110, 102 TOTAL: 10.5

The Atlanta Braves aim to continue their success against Colorado when they open a four-game series versus the host Rockies on Thursday. Though the teams are meeting for the first time this season, Atlanta has won 17 of the past 22 meetings.

Colorado has lost nine of its last 11 games and dropped 14 games below .500 when it fell 3-2 to the Los Angeles Angels on Wednesday. Shortstop Troy Tulowitzki is overcoming the team's woes with a solid individual stretch that has seen him reach base in 35 consecutive games and he carries a 20-game hitting streak into the series opener. Atlanta is playing well and has a 6-2 mark in July even though it suffered a 6-5 loss to the Milwaukee Brewers on Wednesday. The Braves are one game below .500 and hoping that standout first baseman Freddie Freeman (wrist) will return shortly after the All-Star break.

TV: 8:40 p.m. ET, SportSouth (Atlanta), ROOT (Colorado)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Braves LH Alex Wood (6-5, 3.34 ERA) vs. Rockies RH Kyle Kendrick (3-10, 6.00)

Wood has bounced back from a four-start winless stretch by winning back-to-back decisions. He defeated Philadelphia in his last outing when he gave up four runs and 10 hits in six innings. Wood won his lone career start against the Rockies, giving up three runs and six hits in seven innings July 30, 2013.

Kendrick is 1-4 over his last seven starts despite allowing three runs or fewer in three of the outings. He received a no-decision against Arizona in his last turn when he gave up three runs and nine hits in 5 2/3 innings. Kendrick is 9-4 with a 3.44 ERA in 25 career appearances (19 starts) against Atlanta and has routinely handled center fielder Cameron Maybin (1-for-13).

WALK-OFFS

1. Rockies 3B Nolan Arenado went 3-for-3 with two walks Wednesday after going 2-for-20 over his previous five contests.

2. Atlanta SS Andrelton Simmons is just 2-for-25 over his past eight games.

3. Colorado RF Carlos Gonzalez has a pair of three-hit games over his last three appearances.

PREDICTION: Braves 12, Rockies 7

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Phillies at Dodgers

GAME: Philadelphia Phillies (29-58) at Los Angeles Dodgers (48-38)
DATE/TIME: Thursday, July 09 - 10:10 PM EST
WHERE: Dodger Stadium, Los Angeles, California
LINE: 305, -340 TOTAL: 7

Pity the Philadelphia Phillies, who face Los Angeles’ Zack Greinke one day after being shutout by Dodgers ace Clayton Kershaw. Greinke owns a major-league leading 1.48 ERA and brings a career-best scoreless streak of 27 2/3 innings into Thursday’s series finale against the visiting Phillies, who fell to 11-33 on the road with Wednesday's 5-0 loss.

Dodgers shortstop Jimmy Rollins has struggled all season, but he’s 4-for-12 with a home run, four runs scored and five RBI in the first three games of the series against his former team. Manager Don Mattingly continues to exercise patience with both Rollins and right fielder Yasiel Puig, who went 0-for-4 from the leadoff spot Wednesday and is batting .152 over his last 12 games. The Phillies have lost 11 of their last 14 and appear eager to give first baseman Darin Ruf an extended look. Ruf has started the last two games over veteran Ryan Howard, but the 28-year-old has failed to capitalize with five hits in 25 at-bats since being recalled from Triple-A Lehigh Valley.

TV: 10:10 p.m. ET, CSN (Philadelphia), SportsNet LA (Los Angeles)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Phillies RH Severino Gonzalez (3-2, 8.28 ERA) vs. Dodgers RH Zack Greinke (7-2, 1.48)

Gonzalez has shuttled between Triple-A and Philadelphia all season, but he could be in the majors to stay after being named to replace Kevin Correia in the rotation earlier this week. “I like the way he attacks the zone,” interim manager Pete Mackanin told reporters. “He's not an ace, but he's capable of being a starter at this level.” The 22-year-old rookie owns a 25-to-5 strikeout-to-walk ratio through six starts covering 25 innings.

Greinke can strengthen his case to start next week’s All-Star Game with another stellar outing, but he already has the numbers to make a strong argument. The 31-year-old is aiming to become the first starting pitcher to have a sub-1.50 ERA before the break since Roger Clemens (1.48) achieved the feat for Houston in 2005. Greinke is 4-1 with a 2.48 ERA in six career games (five starts) against the Phillies.

WALK-OFFS

1. Philadelphia starting pitchers are 3-19 with a 6.76 ERA since June 1.

2. The Dodgers optioned RHP Yimi Garcia and LHP Ian Thomas to Triple-A Oklahoma City and recalled RHP Chin-Hui Tsao and RHP Josh Ravin.

3. The Phillies announced that RHP David Buchanan will be recalled from Triple-A to start Saturday’s game in San Francisco.

PREDICTION: Dodgers 6, Phillies 1

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Angels at Mariners

GAME: Los Angeles Angels (46-38) at Seattle Mariners (39-46)
DATE/TIME: Thursday, July 09 - 10:10 PM EST
WHERE: Safeco Field, Seattle, Washington
LINE: 118, -128 TOTAL: 6.5

A solid pitching duel is on tap when the Seattle Mariners host the Los Angeles Angels in Thursday's opener of a four-game series. Seattle All-Star Felix Hernandez will oppose Los Angeles hurler Garrett Richards in a battle of right-handers who have combined for 19 victories this season.

Hernandez allowed just one hit in six innings against the Angels on June 28 but wasn't involved in the decision. It continued a strong 2015 performance against Los Angeles as Hernandez is 2-0 with a 0.90 ERA in three starts, allowing only nine hits in 20 innings while striking out 26. All-Star center fielder Mike Trout is one of the few current Angels who have fared well against Hernandez and he is batting .345 with three homers in 58 career at-bats. Trout, who has 24 homers, smashed two solo shots and Johnny Giavotella drilled a tiebreaking single in the ninth inning as Los Angeles edged Colorado 3-2 for its fifth straight win Wednesday while Seattle was 0-for-14 with runners in scoring position and lost 5-4 to Detroit.

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

PITCHING MATCHUP: Angels RH Garrett Richards (9-5, 3.35 ERA) vs. Mariners RH Felix Hernandez (10-5, 3.02)

Richards is 1-0 with a 1.84 ERA in two starts against Seattle this season and defeated the Mariners on June 27 when he gave up two runs and seven hits over 7 2/3 innings. He has won four of his last five starts and has allowed just eight earned runs during the stretch. Richards is 4-2 with a 2.44 ERA in 15 career appearances (seven starts) against Seattle and has enjoyed success against center fielder Austin Jackson (1-for-13).

Hernandez is winless over his last three outings and is just 2-4 with a 4.99 ERA over his past seven starts after beginning June with a 1.91 ERA. He lost to Oakland in his last turn when he gave up two runs and a season-high 10 hits over seven innings. Hernandez is 13-13 with a 3.34 ERA in 43 career starts against Los Angeles and has shut down third baseman David Freese (0-for-16, eight strikeouts), right fielder Kole Calhoun (1-for-23, eight strikeouts), catcher Chris Iannetta (2-for-26, 10 strikeouts) and outfielder Matt Joyce (2-for-25, eight strikeouts).

WALK-OFFS

1. Mariners OF Mark Trumbo displayed signs he's emerging from a deep slump by going 6-for-10 in the three-game series against Detroit.

2. American League home-run leader Albert Pujols (26 homers, 56 RBIs) has the same amount of blasts (13) and RBIs (28) at both Angel Stadium and on the road.

3. Jackson (back spasms) departed during Wednesday's loss to Detroit and his availability for the series opener is unknown.

PREDICTION: Angels 6, Mariners 3

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

MLB
Dunkel

Thursday, July 9


St. Louis @ Pittsburgh

Game 901-902
July 9, 2015 @ 7:05 pm

Dunkel Rating:
St. Louis
(Martinez) 14.951
Pittsburgh
(Locke) 16.448
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Pittsburgh
by 1 1/2
6
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Pittsburgh
-110
7
Dunkel Pick:
Pittsburgh
(-110); Under

Cincinnati @ Miami

Game 903-904
July 9, 2015 @ 7:10 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Cincinnati
(Holmberg) 13.895
Miami
(Fernandez) 15.427
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Miami
by 1 1/2
6
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Miami
-160
7
Dunkel Pick:
Miami
(-160); Under

Atlanta @ Colorado

Game 905-906
July 9, 2015 @ 8:40 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Atlanta
(Wood) 14.572
Colorado
(Kendrick) 16.104
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Colorado
by 1 1/2
12
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Atlanta
-115
10 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Colorado
(-105); Over

Philadelphia @ LA Dodgers

Game 907-908
July 9, 2015 @ 10:10 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Philadelphia
(Gonzalez) 15.725
LA Dodgers
(Greinke) 14.779
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Philadelphia
by 1
8
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
LA Dodgers
-400
7
Dunkel Pick:
Philadelphia
(+320); Over

Oakland @ NY Yankees

Game 909-910
July 9, 2015 @ 1:05 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Oakland
(Chavez) 15.078
NY Yankees
(Tanaka) 16.618
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
NY Yankees
by 1 1/2
6
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
NY Yankees
-145
7 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
NY Yankees
(-145); Under

Toronto @ Chicago White Sox

Game 911-912
July 9, 2015 @ 2:10 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Toronto
(Dickey) 14.594
Chicago White Sox
(Samardzija) 16.919
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Chicago White Sox
by 1 1/2
7
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Chicago White Sox
-110
8 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Chicago White Sox
(-110); Under

Tampa Bay @ Kansas City

Game 913-914
July 9, 2015 @ 2:10 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Tampa Bay
(Karns) 13.780
Kansas City
(Ventura) 15.816
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Kansas City
by 2
8
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Kansas City
-140
7
Dunkel Pick:
Kansas City
(-140); Over

Houston @ Cleveland

Game 915-916
July 9, 2015 @ 7:10 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Houston
(Oberhltzr) 14.396
Cleveland
(Anderson) 18.174
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Cleveland
by 4
6
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Cleveland
-135
7 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Cleveland
(-135); Under

Detroit @ Minnesota

Game 917-918
July 9, 2015 @ 8:10 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Detroit
(Price) 14.892
Minnesota
(Pelfrey) 13.346
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Detroit
by 1 1/2
9
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Detroit
-150
8
Dunkel Pick:
Detroit
(-150); Over

LA Angels @ Seattle

Game 919-920
July 9, 2015 @ 10:10 pm

Dunkel Rating:
LA Angels
(Richards) 15.400
Seattle
(Hernandez) 16.846
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Seattle
by 1 1/2
7
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Seattle
-130
6 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Seattle
(-130); Over

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

MLB
Long Sheet

Thursday, July 9

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

ST LOUIS (55 - 30) at PITTSBURGH (50 - 34) - 7:05 PM
CARLOS MARTINEZ (R) vs. JEFF LOCKE (L)
Top Trends for this game.
PITTSBURGH is 235-180 (+37.2 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 3 seasons.
PITTSBURGH is 80-46 (+19.6 Units) against the money line in home games over the last 2 seasons.
PITTSBURGH is 15-3 (+11.2 Units) against the money line in home games in July games over the last 2 seasons.
PITTSBURGH is 80-46 (+19.6 Units) against the money line in home games in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
PITTSBURGH is 97-67 (+18.7 Units) against the money line in night games over the last 2 seasons.
PITTSBURGH is 66-36 (+20.3 Units) against the money line in home games against right-handed starters over the last 2 seasons.
PITTSBURGH is 33-16 (+13.9 Units) against the money line after a win this season.
PITTSBURGH is 366-371 (+49.6 Units) against the money line in home games when playing against a team with a winning record since 1997.
ST LOUIS is 55-30 (+20.6 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
ST LOUIS is 24-10 (+12.3 Units) against the money line against division opponents this season.
ST LOUIS is 55-30 (+20.6 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
ST LOUIS is 35-21 (+11.0 Units) against the money line in night games this season.
ST LOUIS is 36-19 (+13.6 Units) against the money line after a win this season.
ST LOUIS is 26-13 (+12.6 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record this season.
MARTINEZ is 13-3 (+9.4 Units) against the money line in all games this season. (Team's Record)
MARTINEZ is 9-1 (+8.8 Units) against the money line when the total is 7 or less over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
MARTINEZ is 13-3 (+9.4 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season. (Team's Record)
PITTSBURGH is 14-20 (-10.1 Units) against the money line against division opponents this season.


Head-to-Head Series History
ST LOUIS is 4-2 (+2.0 Units) against PITTSBURGH this season
4 of 6 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+1.9 Units)



CARLOS MARTINEZ vs. PITTSBURGH since 1997
MARTINEZ is 0-1 when starting against PITTSBURGH with an ERA of 8.74 and a WHIP of 1.853.
His team's record is 1-1 (-0.1 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 0-2. (-2.2 units)



JEFF LOCKE vs. ST LOUIS since 1997
LOCKE is 2-2 when starting against ST LOUIS with an ERA of 3.82 and a WHIP of 1.424.
His team's record is 4-2 (+2.9 units) in these starts. The OVER is 3-3. (-0.1 units)




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


CINCINNATI (38 - 44) at MIAMI (35 - 50) - 7:10 PM
MICHAEL LORENZEN (R) vs. JOSE FERNANDEZ (R)
Top Trends for this game.
CINCINNATI is 37-40 (-18.7 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.
MIAMI is 47-38 (+15.3 Units) against the money line at home when the total is 7 or less over the last 3 seasons.
FERNANDEZ is 24-13 (+13.7 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 3 seasons. (Team's Record)
FERNANDEZ is 19-8 (+12.1 Units) against the money line when the total is 7 or less over the last 3 seasons. (Team's Record)
FERNANDEZ is 18-3 (+15.3 Units) against the money line in home games over the last 3 seasons. (Team's Record)
FERNANDEZ is 15-3 (+12.1 Units) against the money line at home when the total is 7 or less over the last 3 seasons. (Team's Record)
FERNANDEZ is 24-12 (+14.7 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 3 seasons. (Team's Record)
FERNANDEZ is 19-7 (+13.7 Units) against the money line in night games over the last 3 seasons. (Team's Record)
CINCINNATI is 705-801 (+35.2 Units) against the money line in road games since 1997.
CINCINNATI is 513-578 (+33.2 Units) against the money line in road games against right-handed starters since 1997.
CINCINNATI is 349-373 (+35.7 Units) against the money line in road games after a win since 1997.
CINCINNATI is 393-347 (+60.4 Units) against the money line in road games when playing against a team with a losing record since 1997.
MIAMI is 35-50 (-14.3 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
MIAMI is 26-39 (-13.8 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.
MIAMI is 17-32 (-13.4 Units) against the money line after a loss this season.


Head-to-Head Series History
CINCINNATI is 2-1 (+0.8 Units) against MIAMI this season
3 of 3 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+3.1 Units)



MICHAEL LORENZEN vs. MIAMI since 1997
LORENZEN is 1-0 when starting against MIAMI with an ERA of 2.57 and a WHIP of 1.286.
His team's record is 1-0 (+1.0 units) in these starts. The OVER is 0-1. (-1.3 units)



JOSE FERNANDEZ vs. CINCINNATI since 1997
FERNANDEZ is 0-1 when starting against CINCINNATI with an ERA of 5.73 and a WHIP of 1.545.
His team's record is 0-2 (-2.0 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 0-2. (-2.3 units)




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


ATLANTA (42 - 43) at COLORADO (35 - 49) - 8:40 PM
ALEX WOOD (L) vs. KYLE KENDRICK (R)
Top Trends for this game.
ATLANTA is 25-36 (-16.7 Units) against the money line on the road with a money line of -100 to -125 over the last 3 seasons.
ATLANTA is 61-70 (-20.6 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 2 seasons.
KENDRICK is 82-65 (+22.8 Units) against the money line in night games since 1997. (Team's Record)
ATLANTA is 42-43 (+7.5 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
ATLANTA is 32-27 (+10.5 Units) against the money line in night games this season.
ATLANTA is 23-19 (+9.7 Units) against the money line after a loss this season.
COLORADO is 101-145 (-37.6 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
COLORADO is 19-39 (-21.0 Units) against the money line in July games over the last 3 seasons.
COLORADO is 101-145 (-37.6 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
COLORADO is 60-101 (-38.8 Units) against the money line in night games over the last 2 seasons.
COLORADO is 56-90 (-29.1 Units) against the money line after a loss over the last 2 seasons.
COLORADO is 81-104 (-31.9 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 3 seasons.


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



ALEX WOOD vs. COLORADO since 1997
WOOD is 1-0 when starting against COLORADO with an ERA of 3.86 and a WHIP of 1.000.
His team's record is 1-0 (+1.0 units) in these starts. The OVER is 1-0. (+1.0 units)



KYLE KENDRICK vs. ATLANTA since 1997
KENDRICK is 8-4 when starting against ATLANTA with an ERA of 3.54 and a WHIP of 1.268.
His team's record is 10-9 (+3.5 units) in these starts. The OVER is 9-9. (-0.4 units)




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


PHILADELPHIA (29 - 58) at LA DODGERS (48 - 38) - 10:10 PM
SEVERINO GONZALEZ (R) vs. ZACK GREINKE (R)
Top Trends for this game.
PHILADELPHIA is 29-58 (-20.0 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
PHILADELPHIA is 11-33 (-15.7 Units) against the money line in road games this season.
PHILADELPHIA is 29-58 (-20.0 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
PHILADELPHIA is 23-47 (-18.6 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.
PHILADELPHIA is 18-39 (-15.6 Units) against the money line after a loss this season.
GREINKE is 103-58 (+33.8 Units) against the money line in home games since 1997. (Team's Record)
GREINKE is 103-58 (+33.8 Units) against the money line in home games in games played on a grass field since 1997. (Team's Record)
GREINKE is 75-39 (+27.2 Units) against the money line in home games in night games since 1997. (Team's Record)
GREINKE is 52-22 (+24.1 Units) against the money line in home games after a win since 1997. (Team's Record)
PHILADELPHIA is 358-386 (+50.8 Units) against the money line in road games when playing against a team with a winning record since 1997.
PHILADELPHIA is 398-375 (+49.8 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record in the second half of the season since 1997.
LA DODGERS are 48-38 (-10.0 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
LA DODGERS are 21-22 (-15.5 Units) against the money line when the total is 7 or less this season.
LA DODGERS are 48-38 (-10.0 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
LA DODGERS are 23-25 (-15.9 Units) against the money line after a win this season.


Head-to-Head Series History
PHILADELPHIA is 1-2 (+0.2 Units) against LA DODGERS this season
2 of 3 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+1.0 Units)



SEVERINO GONZALEZ vs. LA DODGERS since 1997
No recent starts.



ZACK GREINKE vs. PHILADELPHIA since 1997
GREINKE is 3-1 when starting against PHILADELPHIA with an ERA of 2.62 and a WHIP of 1.020.
His team's record is 3-2 (+1.0 units) in these starts. The OVER is 3-2. (+0.8 units)




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


OAKLAND (39 - 48) at NY YANKEES (45 - 39) - 1:05 PM
JESSE CHAVEZ (R) vs. MASAHIRO TANAKA (R)
Top Trends for this game.
OAKLAND is 39-48 (-18.0 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
OAKLAND is 45-47 (-17.2 Units) against the money line in day games over the last 2 seasons.
OAKLAND is 37-46 (-18.4 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
OAKLAND is 6-16 (-11.0 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 2 seasons.
CHAVEZ is 3-10 (-9.3 Units) against the money line after a loss over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
NY YANKEES are 19-8 (+10.7 Units) against the money line when playing on Thursday over the last 2 seasons.
NY YANKEES are 55-60 (-19.8 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 2 seasons.


Head-to-Head Series History
OAKLAND is 4-2 (+1.7 Units) against NY YANKEES this season
4 of 6 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+2.0 Units)



JESSE CHAVEZ vs. NY YANKEES since 1997
CHAVEZ is 3-0 when starting against NY YANKEES with an ERA of 2.25 and a WHIP of 1.050.
His team's record is 3-0 (+3.0 units) in these starts. The OVER is 2-1. (+0.9 units)



MASAHIRO TANAKA vs. OAKLAND since 1997
TANAKA is 1-0 when starting against OAKLAND with an ERA of 1.50 and a WHIP of 1.000.
His team's record is 1-0 (+1.0 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 1-0. (+1.1 units)




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


TORONTO (44 - 43) at CHI WHITE SOX (38 - 44) - 2:10 PM
R.A. DICKEY (R) vs. JEFF SAMARDZIJA (R)
Top Trends for this game.
DICKEY is 7-17 (-12.5 Units) against the money line on the road with a money line of -100 to -125 since 1997. (Team's Record)
CHI WHITE SOX are 7-19 (-12.2 Units) against the money line when playing on Thursday over the last 2 seasons.
CHI WHITE SOX are 35-55 (-19.3 Units) against the money line in day games over the last 2 seasons.
SAMARDZIJA is 19-32 (-19.1 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
SAMARDZIJA is 2-10 (-9.4 Units) against the money line at home with a money line of -100 to -125 over the last 3 seasons. (Team's Record)
SAMARDZIJA is 18-25 (-12.2 Units) against the money line in home games over the last 3 seasons. (Team's Record)
SAMARDZIJA is 14-27 (-14.6 Units) against the money line in day games over the last 3 seasons. (Team's Record)
SAMARDZIJA is 18-31 (-19.2 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
SAMARDZIJA is 9-21 (-16.2 Units) against the money line after a win over the last 3 seasons. (Team's Record)
SAMARDZIJA is 14-29 (-15.3 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 3 seasons. (Team's Record)


Head-to-Head Series History
CHI WHITE SOX is 3-3 (+0.6 Units) against TORONTO this season
4 of 6 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+1.7 Units)



R.A. DICKEY vs. CHI WHITE SOX since 1997
DICKEY is 2-3 when starting against CHI WHITE SOX with an ERA of 8.69 and a WHIP of 1.586.
His team's record is 3-3 (-0.4 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 1-5. (-4.6 units)



JEFF SAMARDZIJA vs. TORONTO since 1997
SAMARDZIJA is 1-0 when starting against TORONTO with an ERA of 0.64 and a WHIP of 1.000.
His team's record is 2-0 (+2.2 units) in these starts. The OVER is 0-2. (-2.1 units)




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


TAMPA BAY (43 - 44) at KANSAS CITY (49 - 33) - 2:10 PM
NATE KARNS (R) vs. YORDANO VENTURA (R)
Top Trends for this game.
TAMPA BAY is 120-129 (-29.4 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
TAMPA BAY is 13-25 (-14.4 Units) against the money line when the total is 7 or less this season.
TAMPA BAY is 85-96 (-25.4 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters over the last 2 seasons.
TAMPA BAY is 59-67 (-16.6 Units) against the money line after a loss over the last 2 seasons.
KANSAS CITY is 49-33 (+14.5 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
KANSAS CITY is 16-8 (+9.4 Units) against the money line when the total is 7 or less this season.
KANSAS CITY is 27-15 (+8.5 Units) against the money line in home games this season.
KANSAS CITY is 27-12 (+12.4 Units) against the money line at home when the total is 7 or less over the last 2 seasons.
KANSAS CITY is 76-56 (+18.0 Units) against the money line in day games over the last 3 seasons.
KANSAS CITY is 49-33 (+14.5 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
KANSAS CITY is 35-19 (+14.7 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.
KANSAS CITY is 86-64 (+15.7 Units) against the money line after a win over the last 2 seasons.
KANSAS CITY is 33-18 (+15.2 Units) against the money line after 3 or more consecutive wins over the last 2 seasons.
KANSAS CITY is 24-15 (+8.9 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record this season.
TAMPA BAY is 22-9 (+12.5 Units) against the money line in road games in July games over the last 3 seasons.


Head-to-Head Series History
KANSAS CITY is 3-0 (+3.3 Units) against TAMPA BAY this season
3 of 3 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+3.2 Units)



NATE KARNS vs. KANSAS CITY since 1997
No recent starts.



YORDANO VENTURA vs. TAMPA BAY since 1997
VENTURA is 0-0 when starting against TAMPA BAY with an ERA of 3.27 and a WHIP of 1.000.
His team's record is 1-1 (+0.1 units) in these starts. The OVER is 1-1. (-0.1 units)




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


HOUSTON (49 - 38) at CLEVELAND (40 - 44) - 7:10 PM
BRETT OBERHOLTZER (L) vs. CODY ANDERSON (R)
Top Trends for this game.
HOUSTON is 49-38 (+8.4 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
HOUSTON is 20-10 (+12.1 Units) against the money line as a road underdog of +100 to +125 over the last 2 seasons.
HOUSTON is 49-35 (+11.4 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
HOUSTON is 81-90 (+7.8 Units) against the money line in night games over the last 2 seasons.
HOUSTON is 32-20 (+13.1 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.
CLEVELAND is 40-44 (-13.5 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
CLEVELAND is 17-24 (-15.9 Units) against the money line in home games this season.
CLEVELAND is 36-44 (-17.6 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
CLEVELAND is 7-16 (-15.5 Units) against the money line in home games in night games this season.
CLEVELAND is 13-21 (-10.9 Units) against the money line against left-handed starters this season.
CLEVELAND is 15-24 (-15.0 Units) against the money line after a win this season.
CLEVELAND is 20-27 (-11.8 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record this season.


Head-to-Head Series History
CLEVELAND is 4-2 (+1.7 Units) against HOUSTON this season
5 of 6 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+3.8 Units)



BRETT OBERHOLTZER vs. CLEVELAND since 1997
OBERHOLTZER is 0-3 when starting against CLEVELAND with an ERA of 2.21 and a WHIP of 1.180.
His team's record is 0-3 (-3.0 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 3-0. (+3.1 units)



CODY ANDERSON vs. HOUSTON since 1997
No recent starts.




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


DETROIT (43 - 41) at MINNESOTA (46 - 39) - 8:10 PM
DAVID PRICE (L) vs. MIKE PELFREY (R)
Top Trends for this game.
DETROIT is 63-64 (-14.4 Units) against the money line when the total is 8 to 8.5 over the last 2 seasons.
DETROIT is 20-28 (-10.0 Units) against the money line in night games this season.
MINNESOTA is 46-39 (+15.5 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
MINNESOTA is 28-15 (+15.6 Units) against the money line in home games this season.
MINNESOTA is 46-39 (+15.5 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
MINNESOTA is 24-19 (+10.9 Units) against the money line in night games this season.
MINNESOTA is 19-11 (+11.8 Units) against the money line against left-handed starters this season.
PELFREY is 9-3 (+9.8 Units) against the money line in night games over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
DETROIT is 26-14 (+11.1 Units) against the money line against division opponents this season.
DETROIT is 41-28 (+13.0 Units) against the money line in road games after a win over the last 2 seasons.
PRICE is 14-3 (+10.0 Units) against the money line in all games this season. (Team's Record)
PRICE is 64-37 (+20.5 Units) against the money line in road games since 1997. (Team's Record)
PRICE is 10-0 (+10.1 Units) against the money line against division opponents this season. (Team's Record)
PRICE is 14-3 (+10.0 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season. (Team's Record)
PRICE is 9-0 (+9.1 Units) against the money line after a win this season. (Team's Record)
MINNESOTA is 85-104 (-37.1 Units) against the money line in home games when playing on Thursday since 1997.


Head-to-Head Series History
DETROIT is 7-2 (+4.3 Units) against MINNESOTA this season
5 of 9 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+0.4 Units)



DAVID PRICE vs. MINNESOTA since 1997
PRICE is 7-3 when starting against MINNESOTA with an ERA of 2.44 and a WHIP of 1.000.
His team's record is 7-5 (-1.4 units) in these starts. The OVER is 4-8. (-4.6 units)



MIKE PELFREY vs. DETROIT since 1997
PELFREY is 3-4 when starting against DETROIT with an ERA of 4.37 and a WHIP of 1.566.
His team's record is 4-4 (+2.2 units) in these starts. The OVER is 2-5. (-3.5 units)




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


LA ANGELS (46 - 38) at SEATTLE (39 - 46) - 10:10 PM
GARRETT RICHARDS (R) vs. FELIX HERNANDEZ (R)
Top Trends for this game.
LA ANGELS are 144-105 (+21.1 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
LA ANGELS are 771-748 (+71.4 Units) against the money line in road games since 1997.
LA ANGELS are 135-100 (+16.8 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
LA ANGELS are 38-24 (+11.4 Units) against the money line in night games this season.
LA ANGELS are 551-529 (+52.3 Units) against the money line in road games against right-handed starters since 1997.
LA ANGELS are 403-373 (+45.8 Units) against the money line in road games after a win since 1997.
LA ANGELS are 79-45 (+22.4 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 2 seasons.
LA ANGELS are 33-11 (+15.8 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.
RICHARDS is 29-12 (+14.6 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
RICHARDS is 23-9 (+11.8 Units) against the money line in night games over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
RICHARDS is 21-6 (+13.6 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
RICHARDS is 10-0 (+10.6 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. (Team's Record)
SEATTLE is 39-46 (-13.2 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
SEATTLE is 4-10 (-9.7 Units) against the money line as a home favorite of -125 to -150 this season.
SEATTLE is 18-25 (-14.4 Units) against the money line in home games this season.
SEATTLE is 10-15 (-8.3 Units) against the money line at home when the total is 7 or less this season.
SEATTLE is 0-8 (-8.9 Units) against the money line when playing on Thursday this season.
SEATTLE is 34-45 (-17.8 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
SEATTLE is 14-19 (-11.4 Units) against the money line in home games in night games this season.
SEATTLE is 31-35 (-9.7 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.
SEATTLE is 15-23 (-10.9 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record this season.


Head-to-Head Series History
LA ANGELS is 6-3 (+3.1 Units) against SEATTLE this season
7 of 9 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+4.7 Units)



GARRETT RICHARDS vs. SEATTLE since 1997
RICHARDS is 4-1 when starting against SEATTLE with an ERA of 1.76 and a WHIP of 0.902.
His team's record is 5-2 (+3.3 units) in these starts. The OVER is 1-6. (-5.5 units)



FELIX HERNANDEZ vs. LA ANGELS since 1997
HERNANDEZ is 13-13 when starting against LA ANGELS with an ERA of 3.34 and a WHIP of 1.159.
His team's record is 21-22 (-3.9 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 24-15. (+6.8 units)

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

19 cashes and counting……
By Andrew Caley

What else can be said about the Detroit Tigers over streak that we haven’t said already?

It is one of the most remarkable betting streaks in recent memory and if you haven’t been riding the streak, shame on you.

The Tigers extended the streak to an unfathomable 19 consecutive games with their 5-4 win over the Seattle Mariners Wednesday.

The Tigers streak is the longest totals streak since at least the 1999 season – as far back as our records go. The previous record was held by the then Florida Marlins, who hit 15 consecutive overs in the 2005 season.

Detroit is scoring 5.79 runs per game over the course of the streak, more than a run more than their season average of 4.43 runs per game. But what makes over bettors excited, is the fact they are allowing an even bigger 6.42 runs per game.

Over bettors riding the streak hope the Tigers can extend the streak to a ridiculous 20 games when they begin a four-game series in Minnesota against the Twins Thursday.

Detroit sends ace David Price and his 2.54 ERA (10-7 Over/under this season) to the mound for the series opener against Minnesota’s Mike Pelfrey 6-8 O/U). Pelfrey has struggled in his last three starts, pitching to a 9.95 ERA.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Coach Fletcher’s

Thursday MLB Scouting Edge

4:05 pm Oakland Athletics vs New York Yankees

Will We See a Pitcher’s Duel or a Slugfest?

Oakland’s J. Chavez is 4-8 with an era of 3.44. The NYY Masahiro Tanaka is 4-3 with a 3.94 era. But which form of these two will show up in Yankee Stadium Thursday? In his last 3 starts Chavez has a 6.35 era. He has given up 12 runs in his last 17 innings. Tanaka has been even worse. His era for his last 3 is 7.87. Tanaka has given up 14 runs in his last 16 innings pitched. He’s also allowed 6 bombs in his last 3 starts and 12 in 59 innings this year. On the other side of the coin, Chavez is 3-0 lifetime vs the Yanks with a 2.25 era. On May 31 Chavez shut out the Yankees on 7 hits in 8 innings. Tanaka is 1-0 lifetime vs. the A’s with a 1.50 era. He had 1 start last year where he allowed 1 run and 5 hits in 6 innings. He did allow a home run in that game as well. The total for the game is 7.5.

4:10 pm Cincinnati Reds at Miami Marlins (NOTE: Pitching change)

Is Holmberg a Sacrificial Lamb for Reds ?

We all know who Jose Fernandez is and we know he is good. But very few of us know David Holmberg. And it appears that there is a very good reason for that. Holmberg isn’t that good. Nevertheless he has been called up from Triple-A Louisville to face Fernandez and the Fish on Thursday. Is he just a sacrificial lamb sent out to slaughter against Fernandez? Holmberg has not been very good in Triple-A so it is safe to assume he could face some trouble in the bigs. Since the Reds want to stick with someone on their 40 man roster, Holmberg got the nod. In 92 1/3 innings Holmberg is 4-6 with a 4.78 era and a 1.62 whip. He has struck out 51 and walked 36, not a good ration at all. Holmberg is a contact pitcher with opposing batters hitting .309 off him. He’s given up 12 bombs in the 92 1/3 innings. Holmberg appeared in 1 game for Arizona in 2013 pitching 3 2/3 innings and tossed 30 innings for the Reds last season. His overall era in MLB is 5.08 with a 1.545 whip. (Keep this information in mind if the Reds start Holmberg this weekend. The rain out may have made it possible to skip him altogether)

5:40 pm Atlanta Braves at Colorado Rockies

Kendrick Hopes to Solve Home Run Issues Against Atlanta

A home run prone pitcher whose home field is Coors Field, Colorado is not a match made in heaven. Such is the situation the Rockies Kyle Kendrick finds himself. He’s also facing a Brave team that loves the high altitude. Atlanta has won 8 of their last 11 at Coors Field and 17 of the last 22 versus Colorado. Kendrick is 3-10 with a 6.00 era and a 1.45 whip. At Coors his era goes to 6.70. Kendrick is the league leader with 23 bombs allowed. That ranks him #97 out of all qualifying pitchers in MLB. Kyle is 93rd in hits allowed; 95th in runs allowed; 95th in MLB era. Luckily for Kendrick, the Braves are at the bottom of the MLB in home runs at only 0.62 per 9 innings. The Braves are 23rd in runs per game; 9th in batting average; 13th in on base percentage.

7:10 pm Philadelphia Phillies at Los Angeles Dodgers

Phillies Face Near Impossible Task at LA

Severino Gonzalez has the unenviable task of facing the Dodgers Zack Greinke tonite. The 22 year old right hander may be praying for rain as the opening line was an unheard of -400. Considering that the Phils are 7-10 against the Dodgers the last 3 seasons and 5-6 the last 3 years at Chavez Ravine, maybe the impossible could happen. Before jumping to conclusions, let’s look at Mr. Gonzalez. Severino’s record this year is 3-2 but things get worse from there. Gonzalez has made 6 starts but has only tossed 25 innings in those 6 starts. His era is a massive 8.28 and his whip is 1.76. He does have 25 k’s in 25 innings. At Triple-A Lehigh Valley Gonzalez was 1-4 with a 4.28 era before joining the Phils. In his last start against Washington, Gonzalez went 5 1/3 innings giving up 4 runs and 6 hits while fanning 7.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Thursday's Tip Sheet

Cardinals at Pirates – 7:05 PM EST

The premiere matchup of the weekend takes place at PNC Park as the top two teams in the National League hook up for four games. The Cardinals escaped Chicago with a four-game split following Jhonny Peralta’s two-run homer in the ninth inning of Wednesday’s 6-5 victory. St. Louis blew a 4-0 lead, but managed to win its seventh road game in the past 10 tries.

The Pirates pulled off a three-game home sweep of the Padres, rallying past San Diego for the third straight night in Wednesday’s 5-2 victory as -130 favorites. Pittsburgh has won eight of its previous nine games, sending out southpaw Jeff Locke (5-4, 4.15 ERA) to the mound for tonight’s opener. The Bucs own a 4-1 record in Locke’s last five outings, including a 1-0 victory over Cleveland in his past start, tossing eight scoreless innings. Pittsburgh has won each of Locke’s three career home starts against St. Louis, including a 4-3 triumph back in May.

Carlos Martinez (9-3, 2.70 ERA) has been fantastic since entering the Cardinals’ rotation full-time with St. Louis are 8-1 in his past nine starts. The Redbirds own a 7-0-1 mark to the ‘under’ in Martinez’s last eight outings, with opponents scoring two runs or less seven times in this stretch. Martinez allowed seven earned runs in 5.1 innings the last time he faced the Pirates at PNC Park in May, as the Cardinals lost, 7-5.



Tigers at Twins – 8:05 PM EST

Not many people would have predicted that Minnesota would own a better record than Detroit at this point of the season. The Twins own a 2 ½-game advantage over the Tigers heading into their four-game set at Target Field after Minnesota pulled off a three-game home sweep of Baltimore. Detroit continues its road trip after taking two of three at Seattle, while continuing their amazing ‘over’ streak, cashing in 19 straight games following Wednesday’s 5-4 victory.


David Price (8-2, 2.54 ERA) has turned into nearly an automatic victory every time he pitches for Detroit, as the Tigers have compiled an incredible 14-3 record when the southpaw starts. Price dominated a solid Toronto lineup in his previous outing, yielding eight hits and one earned run in seven innings of an 8-3 home victory. The Tigers have beaten the Twins seven of nine times this season, while Price is 2-0 against Minnesota.

Mike Pelfrey (5-5, 3.94 ERA) is winless in his last five starts for Minnesota, even though the Twins beat the Royals in his past outing as a +145 road underdog. Pelfrey’s numbers away from Target Field are horrible (6.02 ERA), but he has pitched much better at home, with the Twins owning a 6-1 record when the right-hander takes the mound at Target Field. Pelfrey has split a pair of starts against Detroit this season, including a 3-2 home underdog victory on April 28.



Phillies at Dodgers – 10:05 PM EST

Los Angeles got things back on track following Tuesday’s 7-2 loss to Philadelphia, as Clayton Kershaw tossed a complete-game shutout in last night’s 5-0 rout of the Phillies. The Dodgers easily cashed as hefty -335 favorites, while L.A. improved to 6-0 in its past six games off a loss. Los Angeles is seeking consecutive home wins for the first time since early June when the Dodgers swept the Diamondbacks.

After Kershaw kept the Phillies scoreless, the Dodgers turn to their second ace in the series finale. Zack Greinke (7-2, 1.48 ERA) hasn’t allowed a run in his last four outings, while coming off a 4-3 win over the Mets in his past start as a -170 favorite. New York rallied late from a 4-0 deficit to score three runs off the Los Angeles bullpen, while snapping a five-game ‘under’ streak when Greinke takes the mound. The Dodgers are 4-1 in Greinke’s five starts as a favorite of at least -200 this season, while being listed as a favorite higher than -300 for the first time in his career.

Severino Gonzalez (3-2, 8.28 ERA) has a tall task for Philadelphia, going for his second straight win. The right-hander beat the Nationals as a +145 home underdog in his previous outing on June 28, in spite of allowing four earned runs in 5.1 innings. In spite of Philadelphia’s woes on the highway, the Phillies are 2-2 in Gonzalez’s two away starts, beating the Rockies and Marlins as a road underdog.



Angels at Mariners – 10:10 PM EST

The AL West race has gotten interesting of late as the Angels are riding a five-game winning streak following a two-game sweep of Colorado. Los Angeles has trimmed the division deficit to 1 ½ games behind Houston, while winning nine of its past 10 contests. The Mariners continue their homestand after losing two of three to the Tigers. Seattle has dropped six of nine meetings with Los Angeles, but in two of their wins, the M’s have relied on the arm of their ace.

Felix Hernandez (10-5, 3.02 ERA) is winless in his past three starts, which includes a no-decision in a 3-2 extra-innings loss to the Angels on June 28. Hernandez gave up only one hit in six innings, as the Mariners’ offense hasn’t helped out the former Cy Young winner, scoring two runs or less in each of his past seven outings. Seattle is 6-3 in Hernandez’s nine starts at Safeco Field, but has allowed at least four earned runs in three of his past five home outings.

The Angels look to stay hot behind Garrett Richards (9-5, 3.35 ERA), who has won four of his past five starts. Richards has pitched into the eighth inning in each of his last two outings, including allowing two earned runs in 7.2 innings of a 4-2 home victory over the Mariners on June 27 as a -140 favorite. The Angels own a 3-1 record in Richards’ four starts as a road underdog, while giving up one hit in seven innings of a 2-0 victory at Safeco Field last April.