Tuesday 6/21/16 service plays chatter/comps/requests & other stuff...

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Five to Follow MLB Betting: Tuesday, June 21, 2016, Opening Line Report
by Alan Matthews

Could Cleveland actually become Titletown USA this year? I can't say I thought the Cavaliers would beat the record-setting Golden State Warriors in the NBA Finals after trailing 3-1, but they completed the stunning comeback Sunday in a very memorable game. I'm happy for the fans of that city as it was the first championship in the four major pro sports for a Cleveland team since 1964 (and, yes, there was briefly an NHL team in the city). Clearly the Browns are going to be terrible again in 2016, but the Indians are pretty darn good. They lead the AL Central and have by far the best run differential in the division. The Tribe are +115 favorites to win the division and +1200 to win the franchise's first World Series since 1948. How cool would an Indians-Cubs Fall Classic be?


Royals at Mets (-186, 7)

The last time Kansas City played at Citi Field, the Royals beat the Mets 7-2 in 12 innings on Nov. 1, 2015, to win the franchise's first World Series since 1985. K.C. rallied from a 2-0 ninth-inning hole -- thanks in large part to a really gutsy sprint home by Eric Hosmer -- to force extras. These teams opened the season against one another at Kauffman Stadium and split. Both teams are missing several injured regulars from the Fall Classic and Opening Day. It's Ian Kennedy (5-5, 4.17) for the Royals -- he wasn't a member of the 2015 team. Kennedy started the season strong but has allowed 16 runs and 22 hits over 18 innings in his past three. He was a long-time National Leaguer, so plenty of Mets have faced him. James Loney is 7-for-17 with four doubles off Kennedy. Neil Walker is 9-for-21 with three homers and nine RBIs. The Mets go with ace Noah Syndergaard (7-2, 1.91). He dominated the Pirates last time out, allowing one earned and striking out 11 over 8.1 innings. Syndergaard won in Kansas City on April 5, throwing six shutout innings with nine strikeouts.

Key trends: The Royals are 1-8 in their past nine road games vs. teams with a winning home record. The Mets are 13-5 in Syndergaard's past 18 at home. The "over/under" has gone under in 11 of Syndergaard's past 13 in a series opener.

Early lean: Mets and under.

Cardinals at Cubs (-150, TBA)

The lone national TV game of the night, on MLB Network, and will have live betting at sportsbooks. The Cubs took two of three in the first two series this year vs. the Cards, both in St. Louis. The Cardinals go with Adam Wainwright (5-4, 4.78) in this one. He is back to ace status, allowing just four earned runs over his past three starts. Wainwright shut out Houston over seven last time out. He took a no-decision on May 23 vs. the Cubs, allowing three runs in six innings. Anthony Rizzo is a career .303 hitter off him with a homer. Jason Heyward is 3-for-16 off his former teammate. The Cubs go with Jason Hammel (7-2, 2.26). He took a no-decision Wednesday in Washington, allowing a run and five hits in seven innings. Hammel is 2-0 with a 1.35 ERA in two starts this year against St. Louis. Matt Adams is 5-for-11 off him with three homers. Jhonny Peralta is a career .391 hitter against Hammel with two homers and eight RBIs in 23 at-bats.

Key trends: The Cubs are 4-0 in Hammel's past four vs. St. Louis. The Cards are 5-0 in Wainwright's past five vs. the Cubs. The under is 5-1 in Wainwright's past six.

Early lean: Cubs.

White Sox at Red Sox (+110, 9)

Boston thought Clay Buchholz would be a solid No. 2 starter behind David Price this season. Yeah, not so much. Buchholz was banished to the bullpen three weeks ago, but the one start experiment for Roenis Elias was a huge bust on Friday, so Buchholz (3-6, 5.86) gets another shot on Tuesday. He gave up 59 hits, including 12 homers, in 56 2/3 innings with a 6.35 ERA over 10 starts before being removed from the rotation. Buchholz has been good in relief since then, however. He won at the White Sox on May 4, allowing two runs and three hits in seven innings. Brett Lawrie can't hit the guy, going 3-for-29. Melky Cabrera is 7-for-34 with a homer. Chicago goes with ace lefty Chris Sale (11-2, 2.94). He became the first in the majors to 11 wins by limiting the Tigers to three runs in seven innings, striking out seven in his last start. Sale was 0-1 with a 5.25 ERA in two starts last year vs. Boston. Xander Bogaerts is 5-for-10 off him with a homer. Mookie Betts is 3-for-7 with two doubles.

Key trends: The White Sox are 7-1 in Sale's past eight on five days of rest. Boston is 4-11 in Buchholz's past 15 vs. teams with a losing record. The over is 5-0 in Sale's past five on the road. The over is 4-1 in Buchholz's past five vs. teams with a losing record.

Early lean: White Sox and over.

Braves at Marlins (-300, 7)

This could be ugly for the terrible Braves as they face a very rested Jose Fernandez (9-3, 2.57), who basically never loses at home. Fernandez had an eight-game winning streak end on June 11 in Arizona, allowing four runs in six innings despite retiring the first 17 batters he faced. It was the most runs Fernandez had allowed since his last loss on April 23. The Marlins skipped Fernandez's last start just to give him a breather and keep his innings down. Last year, Fernandez was 1-0 with a 7.20 ERA in two starts vs. the Braves. Freddie Freeman is 5-for-15 off him with a homer. Atlanta goes with Bud Norris (2-7, 4.81). The Braves actually have won his past two starts. He is 1-0 with a 4.70 ERA in three appearances this year (one start) vs. Miami. Justin Bour is 2-for-2 off him with a homer. Giancarlo Stanton is 2-for-5 with a double.

Key trends: The Marlins are 11-1 in Fernandez's past 12 at home vs. teams with a losing record. Miami is 4-1 in his past five vs. Atlanta. The under is 7-1 in Fernandez's past eight starts overall.

Early lean: Marlins and under.

Nationals at Dodgers (-118, 7.5)

Both teams could be flat in this game off an epic playoff-style pitching matchup Monday night between Washington's Stephen Strasburg and the Dodgers' Clayton Kershaw. The Nats go with Tanner Roark (6-4, 3.14) in Game 2 of the series. They have won his past four. Roark allowed four runs in San Diego on Thursday. Chase Utley has faced him more than any Dodger, going 1-for-10. Howie Kendrick is 1-for-4 against him. The Dodgers counter with lefty Scott Kazmir (5-3, 4.64). He has allowed three earned runs in each of his past three outings and not lasted more than five innings in any of them. Kazmir hasn't personally lost since May 9. Bryce Harper has never faced him. Jayson Werth is 1-for-3 with a solo homer. Daniel Murphy is 2-for-5 with three strikeouts.

Key trends: The Nationals are 4-0 in Roark's past four on the road. The Dodgers are 2-5 in Kazmir's past seven vs. teams with a winning record. The under is 7-3 in Roark's past 10 on the road.

Early lean: Nationals and under.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

'Giants 9-0 away w/Cueto '

San Francisco at Pittsburgh Pirates June 21, 7:05 EST

Sometimes a pitcher just has another team's number and that's the case for Johnny Cueto when it comes to the Pirates. He's 18-4 with a 2.13 ERA in 28 career starts vs Bucs. Cueto in great form allowing two or fewer runs in eight consecutive starts with a 49-13 strike-to-walk-ratio expect Giants to do what they typically do with Cueto on the mound in road games, and that's win! (9-0).

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

'Marlins big faves'

Atlanta Braves at Miami Marlins June 21, 7:10 EST

Atlanta on a roll have won a season high five straight games stuffing a whopping +$776 into betting accounts. The Braves look to Bud Norris (2-7, 4.81 ERA) to keep the string alive. Since returning to the rotation, Norris is 1-1 with a 2.65 ERA over three starts with Braves 1-2 in those games. Norris has faced Marlins twice in relief and once as a starter back in April picking up a win tossing 5 1/3 innings of 4 run ball. He'll trade pitches with Miami's Jose Fernandez (9-3, 2.57 ERA) suffering a loss at Arizona last outing giving up 4 runs in 6.0 innings of work.

According to the current betting odds, the Marlins enter this contest as -$2.60 and as high as -$2.80 home favorites depending on locale.

Those inclined towards laying that much juice, Fernandez doing Miami's bidding bodes well for Marlins' chances. History shows Jose Fernandez loves pitching in front of the friendly crowd at Marlins Park. In the righthanders 33 starts at the venue he is 23-1 with Miami 29-4 in those games. Additionally, as a team, the Marlins have thrived against Atlanta with Fernandez posting a 4-2 record in his six career starts which includes 3-0 in Marlins Park. Additionally, the Marlins are 13-2 at home with Fernandez hosting a division opponent.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

MLB

Tuesday's games

National League games

Giants @ Pirates
Cueto is 6-0, 1.34 in his last eight starts (under 6-2).

Boscan is making first MLB start; he allowed four runs in 12.1 IP in five relief stints, is 5-5, 3.33 in nine AAA starts this season.

Giants are 18-7 in last 25 road games,under is 14-7 in last 21 Giant road games. Pirates lost 10 of last 12 games; over is 10-4 in their last 14 home games.

Braves @ Marlins
Norris is 1-1, 2.65 in his last thee starts; five of his last seven starts went over.

Fernandez is 8-1, 1.86 in his last nine starts (under 6-2 in last eight). .

Braves won their last five games; they're 3-8 in road series openers. Under is 9-2 in last 11 Atlanta road games. Miami won five of last seven games; under is 7-3 in their last ten home games. Marlins are 6-6 in home series openers.

Cardinals @ Cubs
Wainwright is 0-1, 1.80 in his last three starts; five of his last six stayed under.

Hammel is 2-1, 2.17 in his last five starts; three of his last four stayed under.

Cardinals lost five of last six games; over is 8-5 in their last 13 road games. Chicago is 11-3 in its last 14 home games (under 9-2 in last 11).

Nationals @ Dodgers
Roark is 3-0, 4.30 in his last four starts; Washington scored 26 runs in his last three, all of which went over total.

Kazmir is 2-0, 3.46 in his last five starts; seven of his last nine went over. .

Washington lost its last three games; 10 of their last 12 road games went over the total. Dodgers won 12 of last 15 at home; under is 9-3 in their last 12 at home.


American League games

Mariners @ Tigers
Paxton is 1-0, 2.19 in his last two starts (over 1-1).

Verlander is 3-0, 3.05 in his last three starts; four of his last five stayed under. .

Mariners lost eight of last ten road games; over is 8-4 in their last 11 road games. Tigers won six of last seven home games; six of last eight Detroit games went over the total.

Rays @ Indians
Snell is 0-1, 6.48 in two starts this year (over 1-1).

Kluber is 2-2, 5.33 in his last four starts, three of which went over.

Rays lost their last five games; over is 17-3-1 in last 21 Tampa road games. Cleveland won its last nine home games; under is 4-2-1 in their last seven home games

White Sox @ Red Sox
Sale is 2-2, 6.07 in his last five starts, four of which went over.

Buchholz is 0-2, 7.94 in his last three starts; three of his last four went over.

Boston is 4-7 in last 11 home games; six of its last eight home games stayed under. Chicago lost 13 of last 17 road games; four of their last five road games stayed under.

Angels @ Astros
Santiago is 1-2, 9.74 in his last five starts; eight of his last nine starts went over.

McHugh is 0-1, 5.28 in his last three starts; four of his last six starts stayed under.

Angels won four of last six games; three of last four Angel games stayed under total. Houston won ten of last 12 home games; under is 10-2 in Astros' last dozen games.


Interleague

Rockies @ Bronx
Bettis is 1-3, 10.08 in his last five starts; over is 5-3 in his last eight.

Nova is 2-3, 6.30 in his last five starts; under is 4-2-1 in his last seven.

Rockies lost their last three games; seven of their last nine road games stayed under the total. New York won three of last four games; under is 5-2-1 in their last seven at home. Bronx is 6-4 in home series openers; Colorado is 7-5 in road series openers.

Padres @ Orioles
Perdomo is 1-1, 8.03 in his three starts, which all went over.

Wilson is 1-4, 5.45 in his last six starts (over 5-3-2).

Padres lost 10 of last 12 road games; they're 6-4 in road series openers. Last five Padre games went over the total. Baltimore won nine of last 11 home games; they're 7-5 in home series openers. Over is 8-5 in their last thirteen home games.

Diamondbacks @ Blue Jays
Corbin is 1-3, 6.59 in his last five starts; four of his last six went over.

Estrada is 4-0, 2.52 in his last five starts; three of his last four starts stayed under.

Arizona won its last five road games; they're 7-4 in road series openers. Under is 7-1 in last eight Arizona road games. Toronto won nine of last 12 home games; they're 3-8 in home series openers. Seven of last nine Blue Jay games went over the total.

Royals @ Metropolitans
Kennedy is 1-2, 7.86 in his last three starts; over is 3-0-2 in his last five.

Syndergaard is 5-0, 1.97 in his last seven starts; his last four starts went over.

Royals won eight of last nine games; they're 3-8 in road series openers. Under is 6-2-1 in last nine KC road games. Mets lost eight of last 11 games; they're 8-3 in home series openers. Five of last seven New York home games stayed under.

Reds @ Rangers
DeSclafani is 0-0, 5.19 in his two starts (over 1-1).

Lewis is 4-0, 2.63 in his last six starts; over is 5-3 in his last eight. .

Rangers are 23-6 in their last 29 games; Texas is 8-4 in home series openers. Four of last five Texas games stayed under. Cincinnati lost four of last five games; they're 3-8 in road series openers, but won last three. Over is 10-4 in their last 14 road games.

Phillies @ Twins
Nola is 1-3, 6.75 in his last four starts; five of his last six starts went over.

Duffey is 0-3, 9.45 in his last four starts; five of his last six went over.

Phillies lost their last seven games; they're 4-7 in road series openers. Over is 9-3 in last twelve Philly road games. Minnesota lost five of last six games; they're 5-7 in home series openers. Over is 14-3 in Twins' last 17 home games.

Brewers @ A's
Nelson is 0-3, 11.08 in his last three starts; under is 4-2-1 in his last seven.

Gray is 0-1, 3.86 in three starts since coming off DL; over is 8-2 in his last ten.

Milwaukee lost seven of last eight road games; they're 4-7 in road series openers. Over is 7-3 in their last ten road games. Oakland lost 12 of last 15 games; they're 5-6 in home series openers. Last four Oakland games stayed under the total.


Teams won-lost records when this pitcher starts:

SF-Pitt-- Cueto 12-2; Boscan 0-0
Atl-Mia-- Norris 3-5; Fernandez 10-3
StL-Chi-- Wainwright 9-5; Hammel 9-4
Wsh-LA-- Roark 7-7; Kazmir 6-8

Sea-Det-- Paxton 1-3; Verlander 8-6
Chi-Bos-- Sale 11-3; Buchholz 3-7
TB-Clev-- Snell 0-2; Kluber 6-8
LA-Hst-- Santiago 9-5; McHugh 8-6

Col-NYY-- Bettis 7-7; Nova 5-3
SD-Balt-- Perdomo 2-1; Wilson 5-5
Az-Tor-- Corbin 5-9; Estrada 8-5
KC-NYM-- Kennedy 8-5; Syndergaard 9-4
Cin-Tex-- DeSclafani 1-1; Lewis 10-4
Phil-Minn-- Nola 7-7; Duffey 2-8
Mil-A's-- Nelson 7-7; Gray 4-8


Starting pitchers allowing 1+ runs in first inning:

SF-Pitt-- Cueto 4-14; Boscan 0-0
Atl-Mia-- Norris 2-8; Fernandez 3-13
StL-Chi-- Wainwright 4-14; Hammel 3-13
Wsh-LA-- Roark 3-14; Kazmir 7-14

Sea-Det-- Paxton 1-4; Verlander 6-14
Chi-Bos-- Sale 4-14; Buchholz 4-10
TB-Clev-- Snell 2-2; Kluber 4-14
LA-Hst-- Santiago 8-14; McHugh 7-14

Col-NYY-- Bettis 5-14; Nova 1-8
SD-Balt-- Perdomo 3-3; Wilson 4-10
Az-Tor-- Corbin 7-14; Estrada 3-13
KC-NYM-- Kennedy 3-13; Syndergaard 3-13
Cin-Tex-- DeSclafani 1-2; Lewis 6-14
Phil-Minn-- Nola 6-14; Duffey 2-10
Mil-A's-- Nelson 5-14; Gray 2-12


Umpires

SF-Pitt-- Under is 5-2-1 in last eight Culbreth games.
StL-Chi-- Four of last five Carlson games went over.
Wsh-LA-- Over is 4-2-1 in last seven Eddings games

Chi-Bos-- Underdogs won three of last five Gibson games.
Sea-Det-- Six of last eight Ripperger games stayed under.
TB-Clev-- Three of last four Barksdale games stayed under.
LA-Hst-- Four of last five Cederstrom games went over.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Tuesday's six-pack

-- Golden State Warriors were 73-9 in regular season, 15-9 in playoffs.

-- Braves' 1B Freddie Freeman was 17-31 last week with eight RBI in seven games.

-- Trevor Story swung and missed at a pitch last night that hit him in the shoulder; I've never seen that happen before. He hit a homer on the next pitch.

-- ESPN had to be thrilled that Steven Strasburg (back) got scratched from last nite's start; they had promoted Strasburg vs Kershaw national TV game all weekend.

-- Tigers 8, Mariners 7 (12)-- Melvin Upton hit a walkoff homer for Detroit.

-- Rockies 5, Marlins 3-- Game set MLB record for most runs scored in a game, if all the runs came on solo home runs. Reynolds and Ozuna both homered twice.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Dave Cokin

Bonus Play Tuesday

NATIONALS (Roark) at DODGERS (Kazmir) 10:10 PM

Take: NATIONALS +110

Short and sweet.

I’ll go straight to the pitching numbers here. What I’m looking for is a starting pitcher advantage across the board in the categories I put the most weight on. If I can get a plus price, I’ll be looking to play the game, unless there are some mititgating circumstances that will take me off the play.

In this game, there’s admittedly mild concern with the Dodgers playing better baseball lately. But I’m also not putting a great deal of stock into three wins over MIlwaukee, and it’s worth noting that the Dodgers stil have a poor record when anyone other than Kershaw takes the mound.

Tanner Roark has been a little shaky lately, but he still grades out ahead of Scott Kazmir for the most part. I’ll grab the Nationals as the dog in this game.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

CAPPERS ACCESS

W. Sox
Cubs
Nationals

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

JOE WIZ

Tuesday... Over 8 Phillies and Twins

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

BIG AL

Our complimentary selection for Tuesday, June 21 is:

NY Mets (Syndergaard) over KC Royals (Kennedy).

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

MLB

Tuesday, June 21

Trend Report

7:05 PM
SAN FRANCISCO vs. PITTSBURGH
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of San Francisco's last 5 games when playing Pittsburgh
San Francisco is 1-7 SU in its last 8 games when playing Pittsburgh
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Pittsburgh's last 5 games when playing at home against San Francisco
Pittsburgh is 1-5 SU in its last 6 games

7:05 PM
COLORADO vs. NY YANKEES
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Colorado's last 7 games on the road
Colorado is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games on the road
NY Yankees are 5-2 SU in their last 7 games at home
The total has gone OVER in 4 of NY Yankees's last 6 games

7:05 PM
SAN DIEGO vs. BALTIMORE
San Diego is 3-6 SU in its last 9 games
The total has gone OVER in 5 of San Diego's last 5 games
Baltimore is 6-1 SU in its last 7 games at home
The total has gone OVER in 7 of Baltimore's last 10 games when playing San Diego

7:07 PM
ARIZONA vs. TORONTO
Arizona is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games on the road
Arizona is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Toronto's last 6 games
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Toronto's last 6 games at home

7:10 PM
SEATTLE vs. DETROIT
The total has gone OVER in 12 of Seattle's last 17 games when playing on the road against Detroit
The total has gone OVER in 7 of Seattle's last 9 games when playing Detroit
Detroit is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games when playing Seattle
The total has gone OVER in 7 of Detroit's last 9 games when playing Seattle

7:10 PM
KANSAS CITY vs. NY METS
The total has gone OVER in 6 of Kansas City's last 8 games when playing NY Mets
Kansas City is 7-2 SU in its last 9 games when playing NY Mets
NY Mets are 2-6 SU in its last 8 games
NY Mets are 2-6 SU in its last 8 games at home

7:10 PM
CHI WHITE SOX vs. BOSTON
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Chi White Sox's last 5 games
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Chi White Sox's last 5 games when playing Boston
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Boston's last 5 games at home
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Boston's last 5 games when playing Chi White Sox

7:10 PM
TAMPA BAY vs. CLEVELAND
Tampa Bay is 1-8 SU in its last 9 games when playing Cleveland
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Tampa Bay's last 8 games when playing on the road against Cleveland
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Cleveland's last 8 games when playing at home against Tampa Bay
The total has gone OVER in 14 of Cleveland's last 20 games at home

7:10 PM
ATLANTA vs. MIAMI
Atlanta is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Atlanta's last 5 games on the road
Miami is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games at home
The total has gone OVER in 9 of Miami's last 10 games when playing Atlanta

8:05 PM
CINCINNATI vs. TEXAS
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Cincinnati's last 6 games when playing Texas
Cincinnati is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games on the road
Texas is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games when playing at home against Cincinnati
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Texas's last 6 games when playing Cincinnati

8:05 PM
ST. LOUIS vs. CHI CUBS
St. Louis is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of St. Louis's last 6 games
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Chi Cubs's last 7 games
Chi Cubs are 18-7 SU in their last 25 games

8:10 PM
LA ANGELS vs. HOUSTON
The total has gone OVER in 5 of LA Angels's last 7 games when playing on the road against Houston
The total has gone OVER in 4 of LA Angels's last 5 games when playing Houston
Houston is 6-1 SU in its last 7 games at home
Houston is 7-2 SU in their last 9 games when playing at home against LA Angels

8:10 PM
PHILADELPHIA vs. MINNESOTA
Philadelphia is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games
Philadelphia is 1-7 SU in its last 8 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 8 of Minnesota's last 9 games
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Minnesota's last 5 games when playing Philadelphia

10:05 PM
MILWAUKEE vs. OAKLAND
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Milwaukee's last 6 games when playing Oakland
The total has gone OVER in 7 of Milwaukee's last 10 games on the road
Oakland is 1-5 SU in its last 6 games at home
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Oakland's last 5 games

10:10 PM
WASHINGTON vs. LA DODGERS
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Washington's last 5 games on the road
Washington is 10-5 SU in its last 15 games
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of LA Dodgers's last 6 games when playing Washington
LA Dodgers are 5-1 SU in their last 6 games when playing Washington

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

WNBA
Long Sheet

Tuesday, June 21

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MINNESOTA (12 - 0) at LOS ANGELES (11 - 0) - 6/21/2016, 3:30 PM
Top Trends for this game.
LOS ANGELES is 14-27 ATS (-15.7 Units) in home games over the last 3 seasons.
LOS ANGELES is 50-77 ATS (-34.7 Units) in a home game where where the total is greater than or equal to 150 since 1997.
LOS ANGELES is 8-19 ATS (-12.9 Units) in home games in May, June, or July games over the last 3 seasons.
LOS ANGELES is 158-197 ATS (-58.7 Units) after scoring 75 points or more since 1997.

Head-to-Head Series History
MINNESOTA is 6-5 against the spread versus LOS ANGELES over the last 3 seasons
MINNESOTA is 8-3 straight up against LOS ANGELES over the last 3 seasons
7 of 11 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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

PHOENIX (4 - 8) at DALLAS (5 - 7) - 6/21/2016, 8:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
PHOENIX is 18-30 ATS (-15.0 Units) in all games over the last 2 seasons.
PHOENIX is 12-22 ATS (-12.2 Units) as a favorite over the last 2 seasons.
PHOENIX is 5-13 ATS (-9.3 Units) revenging a loss versus opponent over the last 2 seasons.
PHOENIX is 5-13 ATS (-9.3 Units) versus poor defensive teams - allowing 77+ points/game over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
DALLAS is 7-5 against the spread versus PHOENIX over the last 3 seasons
PHOENIX is 8-4 straight up against DALLAS over the last 3 seasons
7 of 12 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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

SAN ANTONIO (2 - 9) at CHICAGO (5 - 7) - 6/21/2016, 8:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
SAN ANTONIO is 11-2 ATS (+8.8 Units) in road games against Eastern conference opponents over the last 3 seasons.
SAN ANTONIO is 11-2 ATS (+8.8 Units) in road games in non-conference games over the last 3 seasons.
CHICAGO is 11-25 ATS (-16.5 Units) in home games on Tuesday since 1997.
CHICAGO is 10-23 ATS (-15.3 Units) against Western conference opponents over the last 3 seasons.
CHICAGO is 10-23 ATS (-15.3 Units) in non-conference games over the last 3 seasons.
CHICAGO is 10-19 ATS (-10.9 Units) after allowing 75 points or more over the last 2 seasons.
CHICAGO is 12-22 ATS (-12.2 Units) after scoring 75 points or more over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
SAN ANTONIO is 4-1 against the spread versus CHICAGO over the last 3 seasons
SAN ANTONIO is 3-2 straight up against CHICAGO over the last 3 seasons
5 of 5 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

WNBA

Tuesday, June 21

Trend Report

3:30 PM
MINNESOTA vs. LOS ANGELES
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Minnesota's last 5 games
The total has gone UNDER in 12 of Minnesota's last 17 games when playing Los Angeles
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Los Angeles's last 9 games when playing at home against Minnesota
The total has gone UNDER in 12 of Los Angeles's last 17 games when playing Minnesota

8:00 PM
PHOENIX vs. DALLAS
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Phoenix's last 6 games when playing Dallas
Phoenix is 10-4 SU in its last 14 games when playing on the road against Dallas
Dallas is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games at home
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Dallas's last 6 games when playing Phoenix

8:00 PM
SAN ANTONIO vs. CHICAGO
San Antonio is 1-21 SU in its last 22 games on the road
San Antonio is 2-4 ATS in its last 6 games
Chicago is 2-3-1 ATS in its last 6 games at home
Chicago is 0-5 ATS in its last 5 games when playing at home against San Antonio

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Padres at Orioles

GAME: San Diego Padres (29-42) at Baltimore Orioles (40-29)
DATE/TIME: Tuesday, June 21 - 7:05 PM EST
WHERE: Oriole Park at Camden Yards, Baltimore, Maryland
LINE: N/A TOTAL: N/A

The Baltimore Orioles had to take an unwanted detour during their nine-game homestand, flying to Texas on Monday for a makeup game against the American League's best team. After dropping a one-run decision to halt a modest two-game winning streak, the Orioles return to Camden Yards to host the San Diego Padres on Tuesday in the opener of a two-game interleague series.

Baltimore erupted for a season-high 19 hits in an 11-6 win over Toronto on Sunday but was unable to hold an early three-run lead against the Rangers despite producing 15 more hits. Chris Davis, Matt Wieters and Jonathan Schoop are a combined 16-for-27 over the last two contests for the Orioles, who hold a one-game advantage over Boston atop the AL East. The Padres were on a 1-6 slide before taking the final two against Washington over the weekend to salvage a split of their four-game series. San Diego's Wil Myers has clubbed eight homers in his last 15 games but is a lifetime .224 hitter in 19 contests against Baltimore.

TV: 7:05 p.m. ET, FSN San Diego, MASN (Baltimore)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Padres RH Luis Perdomo (2-2, 8.79 ERA) vs. Orioles RH Tyler Wilson (3-5, 4.16)

Perdomo is attempting to make the transition from the bullpen to the starting rotation after opening the season with 15 appearances in relief. His first two starts - both against Colorado - were shaky, as he allowed a total of 10 runs and 16 hits while being taken deep three times over 10 innings. A Rule 5 draft pick who managed to stay with the Padres, Perdomo offered reason for optimism last time out by earning the win with six innings of three-run ball versus Miami.

Wilson shares some similarities with Perdomo - he also began the season in the bullpen and is coming off his best performance of the year. The 26-year-old Virginian worked a career-high eight innings and held Boston's potent offense scoreless on three hits while recording a season-high six strikeouts to post his first win since June 11. That victory snapped an ugly five-start stretch for Wilson, who yielded 22 runs and 34 hits over 28 1/3 frames in that span.

WALK-OFFS

1. Myers is riding a five-game hitting streak and is batting .371 with nine homers and 22 RBIs in June.

2. Schoop is 8-for-14 with two homers, four RBIs and six runs scored in his last three games.

3. Padres RHP Fernando Rodney is 14-for-14 in save chances and has a scoreless streak of 25 1/3 innings - second to Randy Jones (26) to start a season in team annals.

PREDICTION: Orioles 7, Padres 3

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Rockies at Yankees

GAME: Colorado Rockies (33-36) at New York Yankees (34-35)
DATE/TIME: Tuesday, June 21 - 7:05 PM EST
WHERE: Yankee Stadium, Bronx, New York
LINE: N/A TOTAL: N/A

The New York Yankees will be looking to extract a bit of revenge when they host the Colorado Rockies on Tuesday in a rematch of a two-game interleague series from last week. The Rockies piled up 19 runs and 28 hits in taking two from the Yankees in Colorado before opening their six-game road trip by dropping three of four in Miami.

New York sits one game below .500 after taking three of four at majors-worst Minnesota, but there is optimism that the club is ready to make a push. "I like what I’ve seen the last month. We just have to stay healthy," Yankees managing general partner Hal Steinbrenner said. "I believe we’re going to be right smack in the middle of it come the end of July." The Rockies averted a four-game sweep by the Marlins by belting five solo homers - two by Mark Reynolds - in a 5-3 victory on Monday. Colorado's Chad Bettis will oppose New York's Ivan Nova for the second time in seven days in the series opener.

TV: 7:10 p.m. ET, ROOT (Colorado), WPIX (New York)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Rockies RH Chad Bettis (5-5, 5.63 ERA) vs. Yankees RH Iván Nova (5-4, 4.77)

Bettis halted a winless drought of nearly a month by beating the Yankees in Colorado on Wednesday, going six innings and allowing three runs (two earned) on seven hits for his first victory since May 17. Bettis endured a rocky four-start stretch prior to his last outing, getting tagged for 22 runs and 37 hits, including six homers, over 16 1/3 innings. He has struggled away from Coors Field, posting a 3-3 mark and giving up nine homers in 45 2/3 innings.

Nova failed to pitch at least six innings for the first time in six starts last time out at Colorado, when he was pelted by the Rockies for five runs and 10 hits over five frames. Nova also is having trouble with the long ball, surrendering at least one homer in each of his last eight outings while giving up 21 runs over his last five turns. Yankee Stadium has provided a comfort zone for Nova, who is 3-1 with a 2.64 ERA in seven home appearances (four starts).

WALK-OFFS

1. Yankees DH Alex Rodriguez is five homers shy of becoming the fourth player to reach 700.

2. Rockies OF Carlos Gonzalez has hit safely in six straight games and was 6-for-11 with a homer and three runs scored versus New York last week.

3. Yankees SS Didi Gregorius is 10-for-24 with two homers and nine RBIs over his last six games.

PREDICTION: Yankees 7, Rockies 4

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Giants at Pirates

GAME: San Francisco Giants (44-27) at Pittsburgh Pirates (34-36)
DATE/TIME: Tuesday, June 21 - 7:05 PM EST
WHERE: PNC Park, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
LINE: N/A TOTAL: N/A

The Pittsburgh Pirates finally received a strong pitching performance and did just enough on offense to snap a five-game slide and win for the second time in 12 games. The Pirates can assure themselves a split of the four-game set when they host the San Francisco Giants in the second contest on Tuesday.

Pittsburgh has steadily dropped in the standings since moving a season-high nine games over .500 with a win on May 27 and the pitching staff was allowing an average of 6.9 runs in the 11 games prior to Jeff Locke’s gem on Monday. The 1-0 triumph brought the Pirates back within two games of the .500 mark as the team treads water until ace Gerrit Cole (triceps) returns from the disabled list. The Giants had an eight-game winning streak come to an end on Monday and were within a few inches of at least forcing extra innings in the ninth game until Angel Pagan’s attempt to rob a home run in the fifth saw the ball fall out of his glove as he hit the fence in left field. San Francisco got a complete game from Madison Bumgarner in the loss and will have a rested bullpen to back up Johnny Cueto on Tuesday.

TV: 7:05 p.m. ET, CSN Bay Area (San Francisco), ROOT (Pittsburgh)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Giants RH Johnny Cueto (10-1, 2.10 ERA) vs. Pirates RH Wilfredo Boscan (1-0, 2.92)

Cueto surrendered two runs or fewer in each of his last eight starts and scattered one run and seven hits across seven innings while striking out nine to beat Milwaukee on Wednesday. The Dominican Republic native has only yielded three home runs in 102 2/3 innings in his first season with San Francisco. Cueto spent the first eight seasons of his career in the National League Central with Cincinnati and is 18-4 with a 2.13 ERA in 28 starts against Pittsburgh.

Boscan made his major-league debut on May 19 and appeared in five games as a reliever before heading back to Triple-A Indianapolis to join the rotation. The Venezuela native went six scoreless innings in his last minor-league appearance on Thursday while scattering four hits. Boscan’s last appearance in the majors came against the Los Angeles Angels on June 3, when he allowed two runs and four hits in 3 1/3 innings.

WALK-OFFS

1. Giants 3B Matt Duffy (strained left Achilles) will be placed on the 15-day disabled list.

2. Pittsburgh LF Starling Marte (face) is 3-for-8 in two games since returning to the starting lineup.

3. Pirates SS Jordy Mercer is 7-for-18 in the last five games.

PREDICTION: Giants 6, Pirates 1

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Diamondbacks at Blue Jays

GAME: Arizona Diamondbacks (33-39) at Toronto Blue Jays (39-33)
DATE/TIME: Tuesday, June 21 - 7:07 PM EST
WHERE: Rogers Centre, Toronto, Ontario
LINE: N/A TOTAL: N/A

The Toronto Blue Jays will look to keep their offense percolating when they host the Arizona Diamondbacks on Tuesday night in the first of a two-game interleague set. It will be the only series at Rogers Centre over a 13-game stretch for Toronto, which dropped two in a row in Baltimore over the weekend after winning seven of eight.

The Blue Jays had amassed at least 10 runs on five occasions during a seven-game span before the back-to-back losses to the Orioles cost them a shot at first place in the American League East. Third baseman Josh Donaldson was named the AL Player of the Week on Monday after batting .444 with three homers, four doubles, a triple, nine RBIs and 11 runs scored in seven contests. The Diamondbacks started their 10-game road trip in impressive fashion with a four-game sweep of Philadelphia to improve to 7-2 over their last nine games. Arizona's pitching dominated the light-hitting Phillies, allowing a combined five runs in the series.

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

PITCHING MATCHUP: Diamondbacks LH Patrick Corbin (3-6, 4.76 ERA) vs. Blue Jays RH Marco Estrada (5-2, 2.58)

Matched up against Clayton Kershaw last time out, Corbin went 6 1/3 strong innings but couldn't overcome one big mistake - a three-run homer in a 3-2 loss to the Los Angeles Dodgers. It was the second quality start in three turns for Corbin, who picked up the victory with seven innings of two-run ball at the Chicago Cubs on June 5. The 26-year-old has pitched much better away from home, posting a 3-1 record and tidy 2.66 ERA in seven starts.

Estrada registered his sixth consecutive quality start last time out in Philadelphia, permitting two runs on four hits over 6 1/3 innings to stretch his unbeaten streak to nine outings. Although he's surrendered six home runs over his last five starts, Estrada is 4-0 with a total of 10 runs allowed in that span. Welington Castillo is 7-for-23 with four home runs against Estrada, who owns a 2-1 record and 1.77 ERA in six starts at Rogers Centre.

WALK-OFFS

1. Blue Jays 2B Devon Travis is 13-for-27 with two homers and nine RBIs during a seven-game hitting streak.

2. Diamondbacks OF David Peralta (lower back strain) was placed on the disabled list and sent back to Arizona for an MRI exam.

3. Blue Jays SS Troy Tulowitzki, who is 4-for-12 versus Corbin, homered Sunday in his second game since coming off the DL.

PREDICTION: Blue Jays 6, Diamondbacks 3

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Braves at Marlins

GAME: Atlanta Braves (23-46) at Miami Marlins (37-33)
DATE/TIME: Tuesday, June 21 - 7:10 PM EST
WHERE: Marlins Park, Miami, Florida
LINE: N/A TOTAL: N/A

Even in the midst of a season-best five-game winning streak, the Atlanta Braves enter Tuesday’s series opener at the Miami Marlins dealing with bad news. The team with baseball’s worst record lost rookie sparkplug Mallex Smith – fifth in the National League with 14 stolen bases – in Sunday’s victory at the Mets, a pitch fracturing his left thumb and sidelining him indefinitely.

Atlanta, which has won seven of its past 11 and is 14-18 under interim manager Brian Snitker, got a one-hit shutout from Julio Teheran Sunday; in their past six games, Braves’ starters have compiled a 2.68 ERA while allowing 12 runs on 22 hits with eight walks and 36 strikeouts. Miami won the first three games of a 10-game homestand before falling to the Rockies on Monday, spoiling a two-homer performance from center fielder Marcell Ozuna. Right fielder Giancarlo Stanton snapped a 16-game homerless streak with a first-inning blast Monday, going 2-for-4 to improve to 8-for-15 on the homestand. Miami is one of few teams to struggle with the Braves this season, losing five of six matchups against Atlanta.

TV: 7:10 p.m. ET, FSN Southeast (Atlanta), FSN Florida (Miami)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Braves RH Bud Norris (2-7, 4.81 ERA) vs. Marlins RH Jose Fernandez (9-3, 2.57)

Norris returned from his bullpen banishment when injures opened a couple of spots in the Atlanta rotation, and the 31-year-old has responded with a 2.65 ERA and a .169 opponents’ batting average in three starts. He held Cincinnati to three runs on three hits with seven strikeouts in five innings Wednesday, after back-to-back one-run outings in his previous two starts. Norris’ lone victory in five April starts came April 16 at Miami, giving up four runs on seven hits in 5 1/3 innings.

Fernandez has shown no ill effects after missing parts of 2014-15 with Tommy John surgery, striking out a major-league leading 13.2 hitters per nine innings. His eight-start winning streak ended June 11 against Arizona, with Fernandez giving up four runs on five hits with eight strikeouts in six innings, and was skipped in the latest turn through Miami’s rotation as the Marlins aim to keep him around 180 innings this season. Fernandez is 4-1 with a 2.54 ERA in six career starts against the Braves.

WALK-OFFS

1. Atlanta 1B Freddie Freeman won NL player of the week honors after batting .548 with three homers, five doubles, eight RBIs and a pair of four-hit games (including his first career cycle).

2. Ozuna is enjoying an All-Star caliber season, hitting .322 with 15 homers (three in the past two games) and 43 RBIs.

3. Miami OF Ichiro Suzuki went hitless with two walks Monday; he enters the series 20 hits shy of 3,000 for his major-league career.

PREDICTION: Marlins 4, Braves 2

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Royals at Mets

GAME: Kansas City Royals (38-31) at New York Mets (36-32)
DATE/TIME: Tuesday, June 21 - 7:10 PM EST
WHERE: Citi Field, New York City, New York
LINE: N/A TOTAL: N/A

The Kansas City Royals were both drinking and wearing champagne during their last visit to Citi Field, having wrapped up the second World Series title in franchise history with a five-game dismissal of the New York Mets. The Royals have regained their swagger from last season as they've won eight of their last nine contests heading into Tuesday's opener of an abbreviated two-game interleague series against the Mets.

Salvador Perez has seen his batting average jump 40 points on the strength of an 11-game hitting streak, however the World Series MVP is just 2-for-13 in his regular-season career versus the Mets. While Kansas City erupted for 28 runs in winning the last three contests of its four-game series with Detroit, New York saw its offense go limp in a three-game sweep at the hands of cellar-dwelling Atlanta. The Mets, who have lost six of their last eight overall, mustered just four runs, batted .156 and struck out 21 times in the weekend series. Travis d'Arnaud (strained rotator cuff) will be looked upon to provide a jolt as the catcher is expected to be activated from the disabled list prior to the series.

TV: 7:10 p.m. ET, FSN Kansas City, SNY (New York)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Royals RH Ian Kennedy (5-5, 4.17 ERA) vs. Mets RH Noah Syndergaard (7-2, 1.91)

Kennedy was fortunate to walk away with his first win since May 7 on Wednesday, although his performance left a bit to be desired. The 31-year-old allowed four runs on five hits - including two homers - in a 9-4 victory over Cleveland and has been taken deep eight times and yielded 16 runs in his last three outings. The road hasn't been kind for Kennedy, who is just 3-4 with a 5.44 ERA in eight starts this season.

Syndergaard exacted a small measure of revenge against Kansas City after recording nine strikeouts over six dominating innings during a 2-0 triumph in the second game of the season. The quality start is nothing new for the 23-year-old fireballer, who has posted seven in a row if one dismisses his early ejection versus the Los Angeles Dodgers on May 28. Syndergaard has 11 quality starts this season and permitted just 18 earned runs in 85 innings.

WALK-OFFS

1. New York OF Michael Conforto collected his team's lone hit in a 6-0 setback on Sunday, but is mired in an 8-for-67 slump and reportedly is being considered for a demotion to Triple-A Las Vegas.

2. Royals 1B Eric Hosmer has hit safely in 11 of his last 14 games and recorded three hits in his team's 4-3 season-opening victory over the Mets on April 3.

3. Kansas City rookie 2B Whit Merrifield has two homers, eight RBIs and nine runs scored during his eight-game hitting streak.

PREDICTION: Mets 2, Royals 1

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: White Sox at Red Sox

GAME: Chicago White Sox (34-36) at Boston Red Sox (39-30)
DATE/TIME: Tuesday, June 21 - 7:10 PM EST
WHERE: Fenway Park, Boston, Massachusetts
LINE: N/A TOTAL: N/A

The Chicago White Sox managed to make the highest scoring offense in baseball look incredibly ordinary on Monday while snapping a three-game slide. The visiting White Sox have a strong chance to keep the Boston Red Sox’s offense down again when they send ace Chris Sale to the mound in the second of a four-game series at Fenway Park on Tuesday.

Boston collected just five hits and failed to score in the ninth inning of Monday’s opener despite loading the bases with no outs. The Red Sox have lost five of their last eight games and scored four or fewer runs in six of those contests. The White Sox are trying to get back into a crowded race in the American League Central and got a good sign from their struggling offense when Jose Abreu doubled in the go-ahead runs in the 10th inning on Monday. The Cuban slugger is 6-for-14 with a home run and three doubles in the last three games after managing just one single in the previous three contests.

TV: 7:10 p.m. ET, CSN Chicago, NESN (Boston)

PITCHING MATCHUP: White Sox LH Chris Sale (11-2, 2.94 ERA) vs. Red Sox RH Clay Buchholz (3-6, 5.86)

Sale has not been at his best with a 6.07 ERA over his last five starts but earned a win last time out while holding the Detroit Tigers to three runs in seven innings. The Florida native leads the AL in wins and is allowing opponents a stingy .218 batting average. Sale was lit up for seven runs and 12 hits in five innings at Fenway Park on July 30 last season and is 1-1 with a 2.51 ERA in nine career games (four starts) against Boston.

Buchholz is getting another chance to earn a spot in the rotation after being banished to long relief duty at the end of May. The struggles of everyone else who has attempted to lock down the spot led the Red Sox back to the veteran Texan, who allowed two hits in five scoreless innings over his last three relief appearances. Buchholz is 3-3 with a 4.04 ERA in nine career starts against Chicago.

WALK-OFFS

1. Red Sox OF Rusney Castillo cleared waivers and was sent outright to Triple-A Pawtucket.

2. Chicago 3B Todd Frazier is 0-for-21 over the last six games.

3. Boston UTL Brock Holt (concussion) began a rehab assignment at Pawtucket on Monday and is expected to spend about a week in the minors.

PREDICTION: White Sox 7, Red Sox 2

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Rays at Indians

GAME: Tampa Bay Rays (31-37) at Cleveland Indians (39-30)
DATE/TIME: Tuesday, June 21 - 7:10 PM EST
WHERE: Progressive Field, Cleveland, Ohio
LINE: N/A TOTAL: N/A

The Tampa Bay Rays suffered more than one loss in the opener of a three-game set and hope to find some positives when they visit the Cleveland Indians for the second contest on Tuesday. The Rays coughed up a lead and fell 7-4 to post their fifth straight loss on Monday in the first contest of the series and could be without two key position players for an extended period of time.

Outfielder Mikie Mahtook suffered a fractured left hand while hot-hitting Steve Pearce pulled a hamstring late in the opener of the series and will be evaluated Tuesday. Cleveland hopes to take advantage of injury-plagued Tampa Bay after winning its ninth straight at home and notching a 15th come-from-behind victory in 2016. All-Star Game candidate Francisco Lindor had three hits for the fourth time in eight games Monday, including the go-ahead solo homer for the Indians. Corey Kluber, the 2014 American League Cy Young Award winner, takes the mound for Cleveland Tuesday against promising rookie left-hander Blake Snell.

TV: 7:10 p.m. ET, FSN Sun (Tampa Bay), SportsTime Ohio (Cleveland)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Rays LH Blake Snell (0-1, 2.16 ERA) vs. Indians RH Corey Kluber (6-7, 4.23)

Snell’s second major-league start did not go as well as his debut, allowing five runs (one earned) on eight hits and three walks over 3 1/3 innings last Thursday. The 2011 first-round pick gave up one run on two hits with six strikeouts over five frames against the New York Yankees in April. The 23-year-old Snell was 3-5 with a 3.29 ERA in 12 starts at Triple-A Durham earlier this season.

Kluber was pounded last time out at Kansas City, yielding eight runs on nine hits in five innings, after winning four of his previous five starts. The 30-year-old Alabama native gave up three runs on four hits in 7 2/3 innings to lose at Tampa Bay in April, dropping to 2-2 with a 2.75 ERA lifetime against the Rays. Evan Longoria is 6-for-16 with a homer, three RBIs and a pair of walks versus Kluber.

WALK-OFFS

1. Cleveland OF Rajai Davis is 8-for-18 during a five-game hitting streak and leads the AL in stolen bases with 21 – four in the last three games.

2. Longoria homered Monday – his ninth blast in his last 15 contests and 18th overall to pull within three of last year’s total.

3. Indians 3B Jose Uribe has homered in three straight, going 6-for-13 with six RBIs in that stretch.

PREDICTION: Indians 5, Rays 2