Thursday 8/27/15 service plays chatter/comps/requests & other stuff...

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Preview: Cubs at Giants

GAME: Chicago Cubs (73-52) at San Francisco Giants (67-59)
DATE/TIME: Thursday, August 27 - 3:45 PM EST
WHERE: AT&T Park, San Francisco, California
LINE: 166, -181 TOTAL: 7

San Francisco ace Madison Bumgarner attempts to cool down the Chicago hitters when the Giants host the Cubs in the finale of a three-game series. The hero of the 2014 postseason has won four consecutive starts and seven of his last eight.

Bumgarner looks to lead San Francisco to its second straight win over Chicago after the club lost the first five meetings this season. The Giants posted a 4-2 victory on Wednesday to remain 2 1/2 games behind the first-place Los Angeles Dodgers in the National League West and move within 6 1/2 of the Cubs for the second wild-card spot. Chicago scored 40 runs during a six-game winning streak before Wednesday's loss, which was only the squad's fifth defeat in 26 games. Cubs rookie slugger Kris Bryant had two hits and two RBIs and is 13-for-30 with four homers and 11 RBIs over the past eight contests.

TV: 3:45 p.m. ET, CSN Chicago, CSN Bay Area (San Francisco).

PITCHING MATCHUP: Cubs RH Dan Haren (8-8, 3.76 ERA) vs. Giants LH Madison Bumgarner (15-6, 3.02)

Haren has struggled since being acquired from the Marlins and is 1-1 with a 6.05 ERA in four starts with Chicago. He has served up seven homers in 19 1/3 innings with the Cubs and hasn't lasted longer than 5 1/3 frames. Haren is 7-6 with a 3.00 ERA in 20 career appearances (19 starts) against San Francisco and has been roughed up by outfielder Marlon Byrd (14-for-33, three homers and five doubles).

Bumgarner allowed three runs and six hits in 6 1/3 innings while beating Pittsburgh in his last start after striking out 26 and giving up one run and eight hits in back-to-back complete-game efforts. He has struck out 49 against two walks in 38 2/3 innings over his last five outings. Bumgarner is 5-2 with a 2.54 ERA in nine career starts against the Cubs and has experienced difficulties against middle infielder Starlin Castro (10-for-24).

WALK-OFFS

1. Giants SS Brandon Crawford (oblique) missed Wednesday's game and is doubtful for the series finale.

2. Chicago C Miguel Montero was hitless in four at-bats Wednesday to end a five-game hitting streak that included three homers, three doubles and nine RBIs.

3. San Francisco CF Angel Pagan (knee) completed a rehab assignment Wednesday and is expected to be activated for the finale.

PREDICTION: Giants 4, Cubs 2

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Mets at Phillies

GAME: New York Mets (70-56) at Philadelphia Phillies (50-77)
DATE/TIME: Thursday, August 27 - 7:05 PM EST
WHERE: Citizens Bank Park, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
LINE: -160, 147 TOTAL: 8.5

Michael Cuddyer and the New York Mets have feasted on the Philadelphia Phillies this season. Cuddyer looks to continue his good fortune as the Mets attempt to complete a four-game sweep of Philadelphia for the first time since Sept. 6-9, 2002, when the National League East rivals meet at Citizens Bank Park on Thursday.

Cuddyer drove in three runs in New York's 9-4 triumph on Wednesday to improve to 7-for-10 with two homers and six RBIs in the series. The offseason acquisition has flustered Philadelphia throughout 2015, going 19-for-37 (.514) with 12 RBIs as the Mets have outscored the Phillies 74-38 en route to winning 11 of the 12 meetings. New York has erupted for 64 runs on 16 homers to emerge victorious in six straight overall and seize a season-high 6 1/2-game lead over second-place Washington. Philadelphia has once again made itself at home in the cellar, but Andres Blanco has been one of the few bright spots by batting .400 (14-for-35) with seven runs scored during his nine-game hitting streak.

TV: 7:05 p.m. ET, SNY (New York), CSN Philadelphia

PITCHING MATCHUP: Mets LH Jonathon Niese (8-9, 3.80 ERA) vs. Phillies RH Aaron Harang (5-14, 4.67)

Niese improved to 3-0 in his last five outings on Saturday despite permitting seven runs on 11 hits in 5 1/3 innings of a 14-9 triumph over Colorado. The seven runs allowed matched the sum total of the previous four starts (26 innings) for the 28-year-old. Niese improved to 10-6 in his career versus Philadelphia after yielding just three runs in 13 1/3 innings to post wins on April 15 and May 9, respectively.

Harang deserved a better fate on Sunday after allowing just two runs on as many hits in seven innings of a no-decision against Miami. The 37-year-old didn't permit a homer in that contest, but has been taken deep 14 times in his previous 12 games - during which he has limped to a 1-11 mark. Harang has lost both meetings with the Mets this season despite allowing just four runs on 12 hits in 13 innings.

WALK-OFFS

1. New York is batting .357 as a team with 27 doubles during its winning streak.

2. Philadelphia 1B Ryan Howard is 5-for-13 with two homers, five RBIs and four runs scored in the series.

3. While the majority of his team has prospered at the plate, Mets RF Curtis Granderson is just 1-for-8 in the series.

PREDICTION: Mets 10, Phillies 2

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Padres at Nationals

GAME: San Diego Padres (62-64) at Washington Nationals (63-62)
DATE/TIME: Thursday, August 27 - 7:05 PM EST
WHERE: Nationals Park, Washington, District of Columbia
LINE: 151, -164 TOTAL: 7.5


Washington Nationals right-hander Joe Ross has always followed in older brother Tyson’s footsteps, and his team needs him to do so Thursday in the rubber match of a three-game series with the visiting San Diego Padres. Ross gets the ball as the Nationals try to get back on track following a 6-5 loss to the elder Ross brother Wednesday.



The Nationals need every win they can muster as they try to catch the New York Mets in the National League East. Washington has won five of its last eight games but remains 6 1/2 games back in the division. San Diego has won 10 of its last 14 games and is trying for its fifth straight series victory. Padres right-hander Andrew Cashner looks to even his record against the Nationals this season after allowing four runs (three earned) in six innings in a loss May 16 in San Diego.

TV: 7:05 p.m. ET, MLB Network, FSN San Diego, MASN (Washington)



PITCHING MATCHUP: Padres RH Andrew Cashner (5-12, 4.03 ERA) vs. Nationals RH Joe Ross (4-5, 3.56)

Cashner allowed only one unearned run over six innings to beat St. Louis last time out, his first win in nearly a month. The 28-year-old struck out eight batters for his highest total since fanning 12 on June 1. Cashner has done a better job of keeping the ball in the park lately, allowing three homers over his past 10 starts after giving up 13 in his first 14 outings.

Ross has put together a solid rookie campaign, recording quality starts in seven of his 10 outings. The 22-year-old turned in one of his best performances of the season Saturday against Milwaukee, giving up one run and six hits over seven innings. Ross has been excellent at home, where he is 3-2 with a 2.27 ERA in five starts.



WALK-OFFS

1. Nationals RF Bryce Harper is 11-for-27 during a seven-game hitting streak.

2. Padres LF Justin Upton homered twice Wednesday for his third multi-hit game in the past four contests.

3. Washington INF Anthony Rendon is 6-for-13 with six RBIs over his past four games.



PREDICTION: Nationals 4, Padres 3

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Twins at Rays

GAME: Minnesota Twins (65-61) at Tampa Bay Rays (62-64)
DATE/TIME: Thursday, August 27 - 7:10 PM EST
WHERE: Tropicana Field, St. Petersburg, Florida
LINE: 143, -155 TOTAL: 7.5

Shortstop Eduardo Escobar continues to put up big numbers when his Minnesota Twins face the Tampa Bay Rays pitching staff. Escobar looks to follow up a two-home run performance as the visiting Twins go for a three-game sweep of the Rays on Thursday night and attempt to extend their season-best winning streak to seven contests.

Escobar is 18-for-44 in his career against the Rays – 8-for-19 with five RBIs in 2015 – after Minnesota notched a 5-3 victory Wednesday to move into the second wild-card spot in the American League. Left-hander Drew Smyly tries to cool off the Twins, who have scored 42 runs during their winning streak. The Rays, who trail Minnesota by three games, left the bases loaded three times Wednesday and are batting .236 with runners in scoring position (28th in the majors) this season. Tampa Bay’s James Loney is 5-for-9 in the series and 11-for-22 versus Minnesota in 2015.

TV: 7:10 p.m. ET, FSN North (Minnesota), Sun Sports (Tampa Bay)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Twins LH Tommy Milone (6-3, 3.69 ERA) vs. Rays LH Drew Smyly (1-2, 3.42)

Milone has managed just one victory in his last six outings, but did notch a save with one scoreless inning on Sunday at Baltimore in a 4-3 win. The USC product has better numbers on the road (1-1, 3.30 ERA, .208 batting average) than at home (5-2, 4.08, .294). Asdrubal Cabrera (2-for-11, two strikeouts) has struggled against Milone, who is 2-2 with a 6.17 ERA in four career starts versus Tampa Bay.

Smyly picked up his first victory of the season last time out in his second start since returning from a long stint on the disabled list. The Arkansas native pitched 5 2/3 scoreless innings at Oakland on Friday without issuing a walk after giving up five runs in four frames just five days earlier. Escobar is 2-for-4 with a homer versus Smyly, who is 2-1 with a 1.84 ERA in 14 career games (four starts) against the Twins.

WALK-OFFS

1. Tampa Bay C J.P. Arencibia joined the team Wednesday from Triple-A Durham after C Curt Casali (hamstring) was placed on the 15-day disabled list.

2. Minnesota 1B Joe Mauer is batting .371 in his career versus the Rays and has reached base by a hit or walk in 13 consecutive games against them.

3. Tampa Bay OF Desmond Jennings (bruised left knee) is day-to-day after sitting out Wednesday’s contest.

PREDICTION: Rays 5, Twins 3

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Pirates at Marlins

GAME: Pittsburgh Pirates (76-49) at Miami Marlins (51-76)
DATE/TIME: Thursday, August 27 - 7:10 PM EST
WHERE: Marlins Park, Miami, Florida
LINE: -177, 163 TOTAL: 7

The Pittsburgh Pirates own the second-best record in the National League despite the struggles of ace Gerrit Cole, who will look to avoid a winless August when he faces the host Miami Marlins on Thursday in the finale of a four-game series. Cole was a league-best 13-3 at the All-Star break but has won only once in seven starts since.

While Cole has slumped, center fielder Andrew McCutchen has come alive at the plate for Pittsburgh (76-49), collecting two hits in four straight games and seven of his last nine contests. McCutchen is 6-for-13 with six RBIs in the series, including a three-run blast in Wednesday's 7-2 victory that gave him 20 homers in five consecutive seasons. Miami's offense continues to be stuck in the mud during a 1-5 slide, scoring two runs or fewer in each of the losses during that span. Opposing Cole will be Marlins rookie left-hander Justin Nicolino, who will be making his sixth career start.

TV: 7:10 p.m. ET, ROOT (Pittsburgh), FSN Florida (Miami)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Pirates RH Gerrit Cole (14-7, 2.49 ERA) vs. Marlins LH Justin Nicolino (2-1, 3.77)


Although his winless drought reached five starts, Cole turned in a dominant outing in a no-decision against San Francisco on Saturday, permitting only an unearned run and three hits over seven innings. Cole had allowed at least three runs in each of his previous four turns, posting an 0-3 mark during that span. He evened his career record against the Marlins to 1-1 with seven innings of two-run ball in a 5-2 victory on May 27.

Nicolino notched his second straight quality start on Saturday, but had to settle for a no-decision despite holding Philadelphia to two runs and five hits in a career-high 7 2/3 innings. The 23-year-old won at Milwaukee in his previous outing, giving up two runs and six hits over 6 2/3 innings to rebound from a pair of shaky starts - both at home. Nicolino has flustered left-handed hitters, holding them to a collective 6-for-31.

WALK-OFFS

1. McCutchen has 85 RBIs on the season, putting him within 11 of his career high set in 2012.

2. Marlins 3B Martin Prado is 6-for-19 during a five-game hitting streak.

3. SS Cole Tucker, Pittsburgh's top pick in the 2014 draft, underwent surgery for a torn labrum and could miss the entire 2016 season.

PREDICTION: Pirates 5, Marlins 2

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Mariners at White Sox

GAME: Seattle Mariners (59-68) at Chicago White Sox (59-66)
DATE/TIME: Thursday, August 27 - 8:10 PM EST
WHERE: U.S. Cellular Field, Chicago, Illinois
LINE: N/A TOTAL: N/A

The Seattle Mariners have only seen two players win the American League MVP in their 38-plus years and probably aren’t going to add to that total considering they are headed for their fifth losing season in six years, but Nelson Cruz is making himself a case anyway. Cruz looks to reach the 40-homer mark for the second time in as many years on Thursday when his Mariners visit the Chicago White Sox in the opener of a four-game series.


Cruz belted his major-league best 39th homer in Wednesday’s series-clinching home victory over Oakland, tying Mariners legend Ken Griffey Jr.’s club record (12; 1997) for the most home runs in August. The four-time All-Star also extended his on-base streak to a career-high 36 consecutive games – the longest streak in the AL this season – by going 3-for-4 in the series finale to lifting his average to .321, a mark that ranks second in the AL. Cruz’s hot bat wasn’t enough for the Mariners last weekend as Chicago took two of three in Seattle to continue its domination in this series since 2010. The White Sox and Mariners have split the previous ten meetings, but Chicago is 32-12 against Seattle over the last five-plus seasons, including 18-4 at home.

TV: 8:10 p.m. ET, ROOT (Seattle), CSN Chicago


PITCHING MATCHUP: Mariners LH Roenis Elias (4-6, 4.22 ERA) vs. White Sox LH Carlos Rodon (5-5, 4.22)

After tossing a scoreless frame in relief on Monday versus Oakland, Elias will make his first start since July 2. The 27-year-old Cuban surprisingly found his way back into the big leagues despite going 4-2 with a 7.34 ERA in 12 turns at Triple-A Tacoma after he was sent down to the minors in early July. Elias split a pair of starts against the White Sox as a rookie, but was tagged for five runs in as many frames in a loss during his only career outing at U.S. Cellular Field last season.

Rodon turned in his third straight quality start on Saturday at Seattle, allowing three runs (one earned) on six hits and four walks over seven innings. The 22-year-old North Carolina State product is tied for sixth in the majors with 58 walks, but is 1-1 with a 1.23 ERA over his last three turns. Rodon, who is 4-3 with a 5.22 ERA at home this season and has never faced Seattle, will pitch at U.S. Cellular Field for the first time since fanning a career-high 11 over seven scoreless innings in a win over the Los Angeles Angels on Aug. 11.


WALK-OFFS

1. Chicago (48) and Seattle (46) rank first and second, respectively, in the AL in one-run contests.

2. White Sox rookie CF Trayce Thompson, who did not play in Wednesday’s 3-0 loss to Boston, is batting .522 over his first 11 major-league games.

3. Mariners rookie SS Ketel Marte went 8-for-14 with four extra-base hits in the Oakland series.


PREDICTION: White Sox 5, Mariners 3

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Cardinals at Diamondbacks

GAME: St. Louis Cardinals (81-45) at Arizona Diamondbacks (62-64)
DATE/TIME: Thursday, August 27 - 9:40 PM EST
WHERE: Chase Field, Phoenix, Arizona
LINE: -130, 120 TOTAL: 8

Arizona will be happy to see St. Louis leave town, but it might be too late as the Diamondbacks try to avoid a sweep when they host the Cardinals on Thursday in the finale of their four-game series. St. Louis made it seven straight victories over Arizona and won for the 12th time in the last 13 meetings with a 3-1 victory Wednesday to maintain its 4 1/2-game lead over Pittsburgh in the National League Central while dealing the Diamondbacks another blow to their fading postseason hopes.

Arizona, which is 7 1/2 games behind the Los Angeles Dodgers in the NL West after getting within five Sunday, has mustered only five runs against the Cardinals this week. Diamondbacks first baseman Paul Goldschmidt (.331 average) has eight hits in his last 17 at-bats after homering Wednesday and has the third-highest batting average in baseball behind Miami's Dee Gordon (.333) and Washington's Bryce Harper (.332). St. Louis is 4-2 on its 10-game road trip as it continues to keep the Pirates at bay and owns a 26-9-4 series record this season while compiling the best record in the major leagues at 81-45. Arizona's Rubby De La Rosa is 5-0 with a 2.54 ERA in his last seven turns and opposes Carlos Martinez, who is out to snap a two-start losing streak.

TV: 9:40 p.m. ET, FSN Midwest (St. Louis), FSN Arizona

PITCHING MATCHUP: Cardinals RH Carlos Martinez (12-6, 2.85 ERA) vs. Diamondbacks Rubby De La Rosa (11-5, 4.32)

Martinez yielded eight runs (seven earned) and 14 hits in 11 1/3 innings during his slide, including three runs in 6 1/3 frames of an 8-0 loss in San Diego on Saturday. The 23-year-old Dominican is 1-2 with a 4.91 ERA in his last five starts, although St. Louis went 3-2 in those turns. Martinez received a no-decision after allowing five hits and striking out eight in seven scoreless innings of the Cardinals' 3-2 victory over Arizona on May 25 in his only start versus the Diamondbacks.

De La Rosa permitted two runs and seven hits while striking out six in seven innings of a 6-3 victory in Cincinnati on Friday for his third consecutive quality start. "If there's a guy on our staff who can go deep into a game, it's him,'' Arizona manager Chip Hale said of the 26-year-old Dominican, who is 7-1 in 12 home starts this season. "He's a horse. He's got the ability to throw a hundred pitches. He gave us seven good innings." De La Rosa received a no-decision in his only start against St. Louis, allowing one run in six innings of the Diamondbacks' 3-2 loss Aug. 5, 2014.

WALK-OFFS

1. Cardinals rookie CF Thomas Pham is 11-for-27 over the first six games of the road trip.

2. St. Louis CF Jon Jay, who hasn't played since June 30 (wrist), took an extended round of batting practice Wednesday and soon could begin a rehab assignment.

3. Cardinals SS Jhonny Peralta went 0-for-4 on Wednesday after going 11-for-30 during an eight-game hitting streak.

PREDICTION: Diamondbacks 3, Cardinals 2

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

GAMBLERS DATA

SD/ Wash over 7.5

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Coach Fletcher’s Thursday Free Pick

Thursday, August 27

4:05 pm New York Mets and Philadelphia Phillies

The Pick New York Mets -160 The Greek



The Mets are in a pretty comfortable place with a decent lead in the NL East. They simply have to hold off the underachieving Washington Nationals. The Nats have shown a little life lately and if Scherzer returns to his normal form, they could pose a problem. But the Mets are rolling and have been taking care of business against teams with losing records.



The Pitchers

Phils – Aaron Harang 5-14, 4.67 era

The Mets have a sizeable edge in the pitching department. Harang’s last start was the best he has had in a long while but let’s face it, he was facing the Marlins. He was whacked in his previous 2 starts for 14 runs and 19 hits in 10 innings against the D-Backs and Brewers.

In his last 7 starts Harang has gone 1-5 with a 7.82 era. He’s given up 60 hits in his last 38 innings pitched. In his last 15 starts he is 2-11 with a 5.85 era. About the only positive thing he has going for him is that he is 3-7 with a 3.97 era at home. At night he is 3-10 with a 5.14 era.

Harang has gone 0-3 in August with an 8.18 era and his era is 7.00 after the All-Star break. Post All-Star batters have been tuning him up with a .325 batting average.

Harang is 6-7 vs the Mets with a 3.93 era.

Jon Niese, Mets

Niese was shellacked last out in Colorado, but Coors Field is another thing altogether. He has been ultra consistent for most of the season and in 14 starts since June he has come through with a dozen quality starts. He’s 8-9 on the season with a 3.80 era.

He’s comfortable pitching on the road with a 4-5 record and a 3.48 era. He is 7-7 at night with a 3.72 era. He’s 3-0 in August but his era blew up to 4.62, no doubt courtesy of the start at Coors where he gave up 7 runs in 5 1/3. Post All-Star he is allowing a .281 average against.

Niese is 10-6 vs the Phillies with a 2.77 era. In his last 3 starts (2014,2015,2105) he has given up 3 runs in 20 1/3 innings against the Phils.

The Bullpens

The pens have seen plenty of action lately for both teams. In winning the first 2 games of the series the Mets allowed 16 runs. The Phils allowed 31.

Mets – 3.27 road era Phils – 3.42 home era





The Hitters

Phillies Mets

Score 3.8 runs per game Score 4.0 runs per game
Score 4.2 runs per game home Score 3.9 runs per game road
Score 3.7 runs per game vs LHP Score 4.1 runs per game vs RHP
Score 5.6 runs per game last 7 Score 9.1 runs per game last 7
Score 3.8 runs per game grass Score 4.1 runs per game grass
Score 3.8 runs per game night Score 3.8 runs per game night
Score 3.7 runs per game division Score 4.5 runs per game division
-155 run differential Plus 47 run differential
8.52 hits per game home 8.66 runs per game road
0.90 HR per game home 0.94 HR per game road
2.38 BB per game home 2.60 BB per game road
7.10 K’s per game home 8.48 K’s per game road
13.07 total bases per game home 13.45 total bases per game road
.254 batting avg home .248 batting avg road
.390 slugging % home .385 slugging % road
.306 on base % home .307 on base % road
There is not a lot of separation offensively in these teams. I tend to ignore the scoring in the last 7 games but the Mets have been hitting better. This will be a game won on the pitcher’s mound in my opinion. The run differential is enormous and runs scored in division is significant.

Odds and Ends

Philles Mets

70-56 50-77
Allow 5 runs per game Allow 3. 6 runs per game
28-33 home 28-35 road
10-13 August 17-6 August
21-30 against division 33-17 against division
30-53 at night 44-44 at night
13-14 against LHP 54-44 against RHP
58-30 vs team w/losing record 24-45 vs team w/winning record


Mets are 34-16 vs Phillies last 3 seasons


Mets are 11-1 vs Phillies this season


Mets are 19-6 vs Phillies in Philadelphia last 3 zeasons


Mets are 5-1 vs Phillies in Philadelphia this season


Coach’s Conclusion:

The Odds and Ends indicate a powerful edge for the Mets in this game. I don’t like their poor road record but the Phillies aren’t the Cards or the Pirates. They are the Phillies. The head to head results are also about as good as they get. Niese is more than capable on the mound. I’m taking the Mets.

The Pick New York Mets -160 The Greek

FYI - We always list OUR SIDE pitcher only unless otherwise stated

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

MLB
Long Sheet

Thursday, August 27

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LA DODGERS (69 - 56) at CINCINNATI (52 - 73) - 12:35 PM
ZACK GREINKE (R) vs. ANTHONY DESCLAFANI (R)
Top Trends for this game.
LA DODGERS are 69-56 (-13.9 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
LA DODGERS are 32-32 (-18.2 Units) against the money line when the total is 7 or less this season.
LA DODGERS are 27-36 (-22.8 Units) against the money line in road games this season.
LA DODGERS are 10-18 (-16.2 Units) against the money line on the road when the total is 7 or less this season.
LA DODGERS are 4-9 (-9.3 Units) against the money line in road games in August games this season.
LA DODGERS are 69-56 (-13.9 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
LA DODGERS are 54-42 (-6.8 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.
LA DODGERS are 37-33 (-14.6 Units) against the money line after a win this season.
GREINKE is 66-92 (-32.6 Units) against the money line in road games since 1997. (Team's Record)
CINCINNATI is 52-73 (-20.6 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
CINCINNATI is 6-18 (-11.2 Units) against the money line in August games this season.
CINCINNATI is 12-26 (-16.5 Units) against the money line in day games this season.
CINCINNATI is 52-73 (-20.6 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
CINCINNATI is 39-53 (-14.1 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.
CINCINNATI is 30-43 (-12.6 Units) against the money line after a loss this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
LA DODGERS is 5-1 (+3.5 Units) against CINCINNATI this season
4 of 6 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+1.9 Units)

ZACK GREINKE vs. CINCINNATI since 1997
GREINKE is 6-2 when starting against CINCINNATI with an ERA of 2.85 and a WHIP of 0.951.
His team's record is 7-4 (+2.6 units) in these starts. The OVER is 4-4. (-0.3 units)

ANTHONY DESCLAFANI vs. LA DODGERS since 1997
DESCLAFANI is 1-1 when starting against LA DODGERS with an ERA of 3.00 and a WHIP of 1.333.
His team's record is 1-1 (+0.4 units) in these starts. The OVER is 1-1. (-0.1 units)

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CHICAGO CUBS (73 - 52) at SAN FRANCISCO (67 - 59) - 3:45 PM
DAN HAREN (R) vs. MADISON BUMGARNER (L)
Top Trends for this game.
CHICAGO CUBS are 771-810 (-152.3 Units) against the money line in day games since 1997.
HAREN is 188-187 (-41.1 Units) against the money line in all games since 1997. (Team's Record)
HAREN is 175-180 (-47.0 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field since 1997. (Team's Record)
SAN FRANCISCO is 67-59 (+2.5 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
SAN FRANCISCO is 67-59 (+2.5 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
SAN FRANCISCO is 39-28 (+9.5 Units) against the money line after a win this season.
SAN FRANCISCO is 742-733 (+45.6 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record since 1997.
BUMGARNER is 29-9 (+18.6 Units) against the money line after a win over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
CHICAGO CUBS are 73-52 (+10.2 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
CHICAGO CUBS are 34-26 (+7.8 Units) against the money line in road games this season.
CHICAGO CUBS are 16-5 (+12.1 Units) against the money line on the road when the total is 7 or less this season.
CHICAGO CUBS are 18-5 (+11.5 Units) against the money line in August games this season.
CHICAGO CUBS are 73-52 (+10.2 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
CHICAGO CUBS are 29-24 (+16.6 Units) against the money line in road games against left-handed starters over the last 3 seasons.
CHICAGO CUBS are 72-66 (+8.6 Units) against the money line after a loss over the last 2 seasons.
CHICAGO CUBS are 33-22 (+10.1 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
CHICAGO CUBS is 5-1 (+3.9 Units) against SAN FRANCISCO this season
4 of 6 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+1.7 Units)

DAN HAREN vs. SAN FRANCISCO since 1997
HAREN is 7-6 when starting against SAN FRANCISCO with an ERA of 3.11 and a WHIP of 1.151.
His team's record is 8-11 (-5.4 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 9-9. (-1.5 units)

MADISON BUMGARNER vs. CHICAGO CUBS since 1997
BUMGARNER is 5-2 when starting against CHICAGO CUBS with an ERA of 2.54 and a WHIP of 1.127.
His team's record is 6-3 (+0.9 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 5-2. (+2.7 units)

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NY METS (70 - 56) at PHILADELPHIA (50 - 77) - 7:05 PM
JON NIESE (L) vs. AARON HARANG (R)
Top Trends for this game.
NY METS are 17-29 (-11.6 Units) against the money line in road games in night games this season.
PHILADELPHIA is 36-36 (+13.3 Units) against the money line against left-handed starters over the last 2 seasons.
PHILADELPHIA is 403-384 (+51.0 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record in the second half of the season since 1997.
NY METS are 70-56 (+12.8 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
NY METS are 108-117 (+16.7 Units) against the money line in road games over the last 3 seasons.
NY METS are 100-80 (+35.3 Units) against the money line in road games when playing on Thursday since 1997.
NY METS are 33-17 (+14.2 Units) against the money line against division opponents this season.
NY METS are 69-52 (+15.9 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
NY METS are 54-44 (+8.2 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.
NY METS are 43-26 (+15.7 Units) against the money line after a win this season.
NY METS are 42-26 (+13.5 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record this season.
NY METS are 17-4 (+12.9 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record in the second half of the season this season.
NIESE is 14-3 (+11.6 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)
HARANG is 5-15 (-10.5 Units) against the money line in home games in night games over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)

Head-to-Head Series History
NY METS is 11-1 (+9.8 Units) against PHILADELPHIA this season
7 of 11 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+2.9 Units)

JON NIESE vs. PHILADELPHIA since 1997
NIESE is 10-6 when starting against PHILADELPHIA with an ERA of 2.77 and a WHIP of 1.196.
His team's record is 13-8 (+6.7 units) in these starts. The OVER is 9-8. (+0.6 units)

AARON HARANG vs. NY METS since 1997
HARANG is 6-7 when starting against NY METS with an ERA of 3.93 and a WHIP of 1.518.
His team's record is 7-8 (-0.7 units) in these starts. The OVER is 8-7. (+0.8 units)

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SAN DIEGO (62 - 64) at WASHINGTON (63 - 62) - 7:05 PM
ANDREW CASHNER (R) vs. JOE ROSS (R)
Top Trends for this game.
SAN DIEGO is 21-41 (-18.1 Units) against the money line in road games after a win over the last 2 seasons.
SAN DIEGO is 47-41 (+5.3 Units) against the money line in night games this season.
WASHINGTON is 63-62 (-13.2 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
WASHINGTON is 9-15 (-11.4 Units) against the money line in August games this season.
WASHINGTON is 62-61 (-13.4 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
WASHINGTON is 38-44 (-15.1 Units) against the money line in night games this season.
WASHINGTON is 47-48 (-9.8 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.
WASHINGTON is 29-28 (-11.0 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
WASHINGTON is 4-2 (+1.7 Units) against SAN DIEGO this season
5 of 6 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+4.1 Units)

ANDREW CASHNER vs. WASHINGTON since 1997
CASHNER is 1-3 when starting against WASHINGTON with an ERA of 4.72 and a WHIP of 1.462.
His team's record is 2-3 (-1.0 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 2-3. (-1.5 units)

JOE ROSS vs. SAN DIEGO since 1997
No recent starts.

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PITTSBURGH (76 - 49) at MIAMI (51 - 76) - 7:10 PM
GERRIT COLE (R) vs. JUSTIN NICOLINO (L)
Top Trends for this game.
MIAMI is 51-41 (+16.7 Units) against the money line at home when the total is 7 or less over the last 3 seasons.
MIAMI is 366-422 (+40.1 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record in the second half of the season since 1997.
PITTSBURGH is 76-49 (+18.0 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
PITTSBURGH is 76-49 (+18.0 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
PITTSBURGH is 117-81 (+22.3 Units) against the money line in night games over the last 2 seasons.
PITTSBURGH is 48-27 (+16.0 Units) against the money line after a win this season.
PITTSBURGH is 87-52 (+21.1 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 2 seasons.
MIAMI is 51-76 (-23.1 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
MIAMI is 51-73 (-20.1 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
MIAMI is 33-52 (-19.1 Units) against the money line in night games this season.
MIAMI is 40-59 (-17.9 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.
MIAMI is 26-49 (-20.7 Units) against the money line after a loss this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
PITTSBURGH is 5-1 (+3.6 Units) against MIAMI this season
5 of 6 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+3.9 Units)

GERRIT COLE vs. MIAMI since 1997
COLE is 1-1 when starting against MIAMI with an ERA of 4.26 and a WHIP of 1.053.
His team's record is 2-1 (+0.9 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 2-1. (+0.7 units)

JUSTIN NICOLINO vs. PITTSBURGH since 1997
No recent starts.

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ST LOUIS (81 - 45) at ARIZONA (62 - 64) - 9:40 PM
CARLOS MARTINEZ (R) vs. RUBBY DE LA ROSA (R)
Top Trends for this game.
ST LOUIS is 9-20 (-13.8 Units) against the money line in road games after 3 or more consecutive wins over the last 3 seasons.
ARIZONA is 62-64 (+1.9 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
ARIZONA is 62-64 (+1.9 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
ARIZONA is 47-46 (+5.1 Units) against the money line in night games this season.
ARIZONA is 48-46 (+4.9 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.
ARIZONA is 34-30 (+6.6 Units) against the money line after a loss this season.
DE LA ROSA is 12-3 (+9.1 Units) against the money line when the total is 8 to 8.5 this season. (Team's Record)
DE LA ROSA is 13-6 (+8.5 Units) against the money line in night games this season. (Team's Record)
ST LOUIS is 81-45 (+26.1 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
ST LOUIS is 81-45 (+26.1 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
ST LOUIS is 58-32 (+20.3 Units) against the money line in night games this season.
ST LOUIS is 62-30 (+25.2 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.
ST LOUIS is 51-30 (+13.0 Units) against the money line after a win this season.
MARTINEZ is 18-5 (+10.7 Units) against the money line in all games this season. (Team's Record)
MARTINEZ is 18-5 (+10.7 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season. (Team's Record)
ARIZONA is 15-32 (-15.8 Units) against the money line as a home underdog of +100 to +125 over the last 2 seasons.
ARIZONA is 63-78 (-20.7 Units) against the money line in home games over the last 2 seasons.
ARIZONA is 216-206 (-47.8 Units) against the money line at home when the total is 8 to 8.5 since 1997.
ARIZONA is 46-89 (-35.7 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.
ARIZONA is 4-15 (-10.1 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record in the second half of the season this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
ST LOUIS is 6-0 (+6.1 Units) against ARIZONA this season
3 of 5 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+0.7 Units)

CARLOS MARTINEZ vs. ARIZONA since 1997
MARTINEZ is 0-0 when starting against ARIZONA with an ERA of 0.00 and a WHIP of 1.000.
His team's record is 1-0 (+1.0 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 1-0. (+1.0 units)

RUBBY DE LA ROSA vs. ST LOUIS since 1997
DE LA ROSA is 0-0 when starting against ST LOUIS with an ERA of 1.50 and a WHIP of 1.500.
His team's record is 0-1 (-1.0 units) in these starts. The OVER is 0-1. (-1.1 units)

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LA ANGELS (64 - 62) at DETROIT (60 - 66) - 1:05 PM
MATT SHOEMAKER (R) vs. RANDY WOLF (L)
Top Trends for this game.
WOLF is 91-77 (+28.5 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record since 1997. (Team's Record)
LA ANGELS are 775-763 (+60.0 Units) against the money line in road games since 1997.
LA ANGELS are 274-235 (+68.6 Units) against the money line in road games in day games since 1997.
LA ANGELS are 650-644 (+52.6 Units) against the money line in road games in games played on a grass field since 1997.
LA ANGELS are 92-55 (+23.8 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 2 seasons.
LA ANGELS are 46-21 (+17.2 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.
SHOEMAKER is 15-5 (+11.5 Units) against the money line in road games over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
SHOEMAKER is 13-4 (+10.6 Units) against the money line in road games in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
SHOEMAKER is 11-2 (+10.2 Units) against the money line in road games when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
DETROIT is 150-141 (-13.3 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
DETROIT is 30-34 (-9.6 Units) against the money line in home games this season.
DETROIT is 30-34 (-9.6 Units) against the money line in home games in games played on a grass field this season.
DETROIT is 41-52 (-11.1 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.
DETROIT is 67-60 (-27.3 Units) against the money line in home games after a win over the last 3 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
LA ANGELS is 5-1 (+4.2 Units) against DETROIT this season
3 of 6 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=-0.1 Units, Under=-0.6 Units)

MATT SHOEMAKER vs. DETROIT since 1997
SHOEMAKER is 1-0 when starting against DETROIT with an ERA of 0.73 and a WHIP of 0.892.
His team's record is 2-0 (+2.1 units) in these starts. The OVER is 0-2. (-2.3 units)

RANDY WOLF vs. LA ANGELS since 1997
WOLF is 1-1 when starting against LA ANGELS with an ERA of 4.91 and a WHIP of 1.418.
His team's record is 2-1 (+1.3 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 0-3. (-3.3 units)

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TORONTO (71 - 55) at TEXAS (64 - 61) - 2:05 PM
MARCO ESTRADA (R) vs. YOVANI GALLARDO (R)
Top Trends for this game.
TEXAS is 64-61 (+19.5 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
TEXAS is 42-37 (+15.1 Units) against the money line in day games over the last 2 seasons.
TEXAS is 61-57 (+19.1 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
TEXAS is 40-36 (+12.6 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.
TEXAS is 31-29 (+9.2 Units) against the money line after a loss this season.
TEXAS is 36-21 (+26.8 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record this season.
GALLARDO is 8-2 (+7.8 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record this season. (Team's Record)
TORONTO is 71-55 (+7.0 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
TORONTO is 18-4 (+11.3 Units) against the money line in August games this season.
TORONTO is 34-16 (+16.4 Units) against the money line after 3 or more consecutive wins over the last 2 seasons.
TORONTO is 43-28 (+11.8 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record this season.
TORONTO is 19-5 (+12.5 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record in the second half of the season this season.
ESTRADA is 20-10 (+13.4 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
TEXAS is 46-69 (-21.1 Units) against the money line when the total is 9 to 9.5 over the last 2 seasons.
TEXAS is 61-80 (-19.9 Units) against the money line in home games over the last 2 seasons.
TEXAS is 32-56 (-24.9 Units) against the money line at home when the total is 9 to 9.5 over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
TORONTO is 4-1 (+2.4 Units) against TEXAS this season
3 of 5 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+0.7 Units)

MARCO ESTRADA vs. TEXAS since 1997
ESTRADA is 1-0 when starting against TEXAS with an ERA of 1.50 and a WHIP of 0.667.
His team's record is 1-0 (+1.8 units) in these starts. The OVER is 0-1. (-1.0 units)

YOVANI GALLARDO vs. TORONTO since 1997
GALLARDO is 2-0 when starting against TORONTO with an ERA of 1.80 and a WHIP of 0.933.
His team's record is 2-0 (+2.5 units) in these starts. The OVER is 1-1. (-0.3 units)

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BALTIMORE (63 - 63) at KANSAS CITY (77 - 49) - 2:10 PM
CHRIS TILLMAN (R) vs. YORDANO VENTURA (R)
Top Trends for this game.
BALTIMORE is 24-37 (-11.9 Units) against the money line in road games this season.
BALTIMORE is 18-31 (-12.2 Units) against the money line in road games in games played on a grass field this season.
BALTIMORE is 45-49 (-6.6 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.
BALTIMORE is 22-35 (-13.6 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record this season.
BALTIMORE is 5-14 (-9.9 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record in the second half of the season this season.
KANSAS CITY is 77-49 (+24.9 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
KANSAS CITY is 44-21 (+18.2 Units) against the money line in home games this season.
KANSAS CITY is 35-17 (+15.2 Units) against the money line in August games over the last 2 seasons.
KANSAS CITY is 24-14 (+11.2 Units) against the money line in day games this season.
KANSAS CITY is 76-46 (+26.8 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
KANSAS CITY is 53-27 (+24.6 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.
KANSAS CITY is 28-18 (+9.8 Units) against the money line after a loss this season.
BALTIMORE is 163-133 (+30.2 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
BALTIMORE is 178-203 (+40.4 Units) against the money line as a road underdog of +125 to +150 since 1997.
TILLMAN is 38-22 (+17.0 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
TILLMAN is 9-2 (+9.9 Units) against the money line as a road underdog of +125 to +150 over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
TILLMAN is 17-10 (+11.1 Units) against the money line in road games over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
TILLMAN is 7-1 (+8.3 Units) against the money line in road games in day games over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
TILLMAN is 34-18 (+16.4 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
TILLMAN is 16-8 (+11.3 Units) against the money line in road games after a win over the last 3 seasons. (Team's Record)
TILLMAN is 29-17 (+16.3 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
TILLMAN is 28-17 (+20.0 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record in the second half of the season since 1997. (Team's Record)

Head-to-Head Series History
KANSAS CITY is 2-1 (+0.7 Units) against BALTIMORE this season
2 of 3 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+1.2 Units)

CHRIS TILLMAN vs. KANSAS CITY since 1997
TILLMAN is 2-2 when starting against KANSAS CITY with an ERA of 6.75 and a WHIP of 1.500.
His team's record is 3-3 (-0.4 units) in these starts. The OVER is 4-2. (+2.0 units)

YORDANO VENTURA vs. BALTIMORE since 1997
VENTURA is 1-1 when starting against BALTIMORE with an ERA of 2.70 and a WHIP of 1.250.
His team's record is 2-1 (+0.7 units) in these starts. The OVER is 1-2. (-0.9 units)

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MINNESOTA (65 - 61) at TAMPA BAY (62 - 64) - 7:10 PM
TOM MILONE (L) vs. DREW SMYLY (L)
Top Trends for this game.
MINNESOTA is 65-61 (+17.2 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
MINNESOTA is 38-33 (+14.5 Units) against the money line in night games this season.
MINNESOTA is 33-31 (+8.7 Units) against the money line after a win this season.
MINNESOTA is 38-25 (+20.3 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record this season.
MILONE is 61-39 (+23.6 Units) against the money line in all games since 1997. (Team's Record)
MILONE is 42-22 (+22.1 Units) against the money line in night games since 1997. (Team's Record)
MILONE is 38-23 (+17.2 Units) against the money line after a win since 1997. (Team's Record)
MILONE is 17-5 (+11.8 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record in the second half of the season since 1997. (Team's Record)
TAMPA BAY is 139-149 (-32.3 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
TAMPA BAY is 66-76 (-33.1 Units) against the money line in home games over the last 2 seasons.
TAMPA BAY is 67-77 (-33.4 Units) against the money line in games played in a dome over the last 2 seasons.
TAMPA BAY is 75-85 (-32.4 Units) against the money line in games played on artificial turf over the last 2 seasons.
TAMPA BAY is 68-78 (-19.5 Units) against the money line after a loss over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
MINNESOTA is 4-1 (+4.0 Units) against TAMPA BAY this season
4 of 5 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+3.3 Units)

TOM MILONE vs. TAMPA BAY since 1997
MILONE is 2-2 when starting against TAMPA BAY with an ERA of 6.17 and a WHIP of 1.371.
His team's record is 2-2 (+0.4 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 1-3. (-2.4 units)

DREW SMYLY vs. MINNESOTA since 1997
SMYLY is 1-1 when starting against MINNESOTA with an ERA of 1.74 and a WHIP of 1.113.
His team's record is 1-3 (-4.1 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 3-1. (+1.9 units)

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SEATTLE (59 - 68) at CHI WHITE SOX (59 - 66) - 8:10 PM
ROENIS ELIAS (L) vs. CARLOS RODON (L)
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

Head-to-Head Series History
CHI WHITE SOX is 2-1 (+1.0 Units) against SEATTLE this season
3 of 3 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+3.4 Units)

ROENIS ELIAS vs. CHI WHITE SOX since 1997
ELIAS is 1-1 when starting against CHI WHITE SOX with an ERA of 5.90 and a WHIP of 1.125.
His team's record is 1-1 (+0.0 units) in these starts. The OVER is 2-0. (+2.1 units)

CARLOS RODON vs. SEATTLE since 1997
RODON is 0-0 when starting against SEATTLE with an ERA of 1.29 and a WHIP of 1.429.
His team's record is 1-0 (+1.0 units) in these starts. The OVER is 1-0. (+1.2 units)