Wednesday 5/13/15 service plays chatter/comps/requests & other stuff...

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

NBA

Hawks bench shot 30-56 in Games 3-4 after going 14-35 in first two series games; Atlanta's 47.1% from floor in Game 4 was their best of the series so far. Washington's starting guards shot 24-64 from floor in last two games. Wizards are 3-5 in their last eight games vs Atlanta; ten of last 12 series games went over total. Nine of last 11 Wizard games also went over total. Korver hasn't done much, but his threat from arc has opened stuff for other guys.

Winning side has been up by 9+ points at half in all four series games, as only one of four games was decided by less than 10 points. Warriors scored under 40 points in first half in both series losses- they scored less than 40 in first half once during regular season. Golden State was 14-33 from arc in Game 4, after going 12-54 in Games 2-3. Warriors are 3-8 vs spread in last 11 games. Memphis is 6-3 SU in playoffs. Eight of last ten series games stayed under the total, including all four in this series.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

NBA Odds and Predictions: Wednesday, May 13 Opening Line Report and Handicapping
by Alan Matthews

The Golden State Warriors' Stephen Curry

So what would be the equivalent NBA suspension that the NFL handed out to Patriots star quarterback Tom Brady on Monday for his role in "deflategate"? I guess it would be about 20 regular-season games (25 percent of the season) for Cleveland's LeBron James if we agree that Brady is the biggest star in the NFL (could make a case for Peyton Manning). Although no one wants to play with a partially deflated basketball! Thankfully, we are guaranteed that neither of Wednesday's two playoff series will end before a Game 6, with both home clubs looking to take a 3-2 edge. The longer these series go the better. The Wednesday doubleheader is on TNT.

Wizards at Hawks (-9, 199.5)

Obviously the oddsmakers aren't expecting Wizards All-Star point guard John Wall to play here or this spread would be smaller. I would be moderately surprised if he does as well. He has missed the past three games -- listed as questionable -- after suffering five non-displaced fractures in his left hand and wrist during Game 1 of the series May 3. Washington won without him in Saturday's Game 3 thanks to a truly lucky Paul Pierce banked-in buzzer-beater -- although I must admit it was awesome when Pierce was asked on TV after if he called bank and Pierce said "I called game." Someone has to make that phrase into a T-shirt. Pierce had another shot to play the hero in Monday's Game 4 but missed a 3-pointer that would have tied the score with 9.5 seconds left. Atlanta hit a few free throws for the final tally of 106-101.

The Hawks really deserved to win as they were the much more aggressive team to start, scoring 65 first-half points. Point guard Jeff Teague finally had his breakout game of the series with 26 points, eight assists and four rebounds. Al Horford (18 points, 10 rebounds) and Paul Millsap (19 points, six assists and five rebounds) also both had strong games, making up for the struggles of DeMarre Carroll (five points) and Kyle Korver (six points). Carroll says he has a hip pointer injury. Bradley Beal had a big game with 34 points, seven assists and six rebounds for Washington, but Ramon Sessions, Wall's replacement, was just 5-for-14 form the field for 13 points and the Wizards were outscored by a point with him on the floor. The Wizards' bench had just 17 points. Otto Porter and Drew Gooden were a combined 2-for-10. Porter came into the night averaging 14 points in this series.

Updated series line: Hawks -550, Wizards +445.

Key trends: Washington is 4-0-1 against the spread in its past five after a loss. The Hawks are 1-4-1 ATS in their past six after a win. The "over/under" has gone over in four of Washington's past five after scoring 100 points or more in their previous game. The over is 7-1 in the past eight meetings in Atlanta.

Early lean: Hawks will win, but that's too many points. Go over.


Grizzlies at Warriors (-10, 195)

Order has been restored in this series as after losing Games 2 and 3, the Warriors took Game 4 in Memphis 101-84 on Monday. It's no coincidence that the Warriors have won the two games in this series easily when they scored in triple digits but lost the two they didn't. The Grizzlies had done a great job on Steph Curry and Klay Thompson in their two wins, but Curry went off for 33 points, eight rebounds and five assists on Monday. He scored a series-high nine points in transition. Thompson was still a bit off, making only 6-for-15 for 15 points.

What Golden State clearly focused on in Game 4 defensively was essentially allowing Memphis to shoot 3-pointers (not a good perimeter team) and focus more on doubling up in the paint on big men Marc Gasol and Zach Randolph more as that's clearly the advantage Memphis has. For example, Warriors center Andrew Bogut started the game guarding Tony Allen but essentially left him open for jumpers to help down low. The Grizz shot a season-low 39.3 percent from the paint. Gasol had 19 points and 10 rebounds but was minus-18. Randolph had 12 points and 11 boards but was minus-21. It was the first loss of these playoffs for Memphis with Mike Conley in the lineup. That mask maybe bothered him for the first time on Monday as Conley was only 4-for-15 from the field. Allen made only 2-for-9, so the Warriors letting those guys fire away clearly worked (Grizzlies 4-for-18 from long range).

Updated series line: Warriors -700, Grizzlies +535.

Key trends: Memphis is 5-0-1 ATS in its past six after a loss. Golden State is 8-3 ATS in its last 11 games following a SU win of more than 10 points. The under is 5-0 in the Grizzlies' past five following a loss of more than 10 points. The under is 7-0 in the Warriors' past seven following a win of more than 10 points.

Early lean: Same as above -- Warriors win but too many points. Go under.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

At the Gate - Wednesday
By Mike Dempsey

The post position draw for the $1 million Preakness Stakes (G1) is Wednesday afternoon, and with the announcement by trainer Todd Pletcher that he will not be represented in the second jewel of the Triple Crown, it looks as if there will be a field of seven.

Pletcher announced on Tuesday that Florida Derby (G1) winner Materiality and Blue Grass (G1) winner Carpe Diem would be pointed toward the Belmont Stakes (G1) on June 6. The pair ran sixth and 10th respectively in the Run for the Roses.

Stanford and Competitive Edge had also been considered for the Preakness but will sit it out. Stanford likely will end up in the Woody Stephens (G2) or the ungraded Easy Goer Stakes while Competitive Edge may end up showing up in either the Woody Stephens or the Met Mile (G1). All of those stakes are on the Belmont Stakes Day card.

While the field size of seven is not ideal, it is still a very intriguing betting race with the top three from the Kentucky Derby running back, as well as Danzig Moon, who was a troubled fifth in the Derby.

We have three new shooters in the field led by Coolmore Lexington (G3) winner Divining Rod. The other pair is longshots Bodhisattva, the winner of the Federico Tesio and Tale of Verve, a maiden winner in his last outing.

Preakness Stakes Betting Odds as of Tuesday night:
American Pharoah 2-3
Firing Line 4-1
Dortmund 6-1
Danzig Moon 16-1
Divining Rod 20-1
Bodhisattva 50-1
Tale of Verve 50-1

Barring any last minute surprises, the post position draw will be a snoozer.

Of the early betting it looks as if Dortmund at 6-1 is the overlay. He seems likely to go off at around 7-2, and may rival Firing Line as the second choice in the betting behind the Derby winner when the gate springs on Saturday.

Here is today’s opening race from Belmont Park to get the day off to a good start:

BEL Race 1 Clm $32,000 (1:20 ET)
4 Pura Vida Zen 5-1
7 Money Game 5-2
2 D'princess 3-1
3 Sun and Moon 7-2

Analysis: Pura Vida Zen is coming off a game win against $25,000 claimers in her third start off the claim by the Klesaris barn. The mare is headed in the right direction form wise and looks capable of handling the step up to the $32,000 level here. The mare has won 13 times and landed second nine times in her 42-race career.

Money Game stalked the early pace and made a mild late rally to finish in the runner up spot last out against $40,000 claimers. She has a win over the main track here and looks primed for a top effort here in her third start of her current form cycle.

Wagering
WIN: #4 to win at 3-1 or better.
EX: 4,7 / 2,3,4,7
TRI: 4,7 / 2,3,4,7 / 2,3,4,5,7

Today’s Featured Race of the Day from Belmont Park:

BEL Race 8 Alw $77,000N1X (4:57 ET)
5 Request 3-1
7 Seagate 8-1
9 Adirondack Dancer 7-2
1 English Minister 5-1

Analysis: Request makes his first start since last November for the Chad Brown barn that is 29% winners with runners coming back off a 61-180 day layoff. The colt caught yielding turf in his last start, checking in fourth behind repeat winner Innovation Economy, who beat Alw-2 company in his next start on April 23 at Keeneland. The blinkers come off this $400,000 Keeneland purchase. A nice pedigree, by Dynaformer out of a Seeking the Gold mare that has dropped a pair of winners including one turf winner.

Seagate makes his first start on turf here for the McLaughlin barn that is 12% winners (with a +ROI) moving runners from dirt to turf. Last out on dirt at Laurel Park the colt dueled for the early lead and weakened to finish fifth at this level. The third place finisher The Pulse beat Alw-1 foes in his next start at Laurel Park. The colt is out of the stakes winner Cocoa Beach ($1.7 million) who has dropped a pair of winners including turf stakes winner Imperia ($191,404).

Wagering
WIN: #5 to win at 5-2 or better.
EX: 5,7 / 1,5,7,9
TRI: 5,7 / 1,5,7,9 / 1,5,7,9,12

Live Longshots:
These are price plays for exotic players looking to find a couple of extra contenders to use in their trifecta and superfecta wagers. Or for those with smaller bankrolls, you might want to get in a small win-place wager.

Belmont Park
R4: #5 Enduring Touch 12-1
R5: #3 Bourbonstateofmind 8-1
R6: #5 Reign 8-1
R7: #7 Awesome News 8-1
R8: #7 Seagate 8-1
R9: #1 Fortunate Sky 12-1

Good luck today!

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Handicapped by Chatsworth Consortium at Monticello Raceway

Always check program numbers.
Odds shown are morning line odds.


Race 3 - Post: 1:30 - 1 mile. PACE - Class Rating: 60 - Purse:$4000 - FIVE YEAR OLDS AND UNDER N/W 1 PM LIFE


CONSORTIUM CHOICES


Chatsworth Consortium

# 2 MBCAMS MOLLIE MAY 3/1


# 1 BULLVILLE DOTTSI 5/2


# 4 NUTMEGS SARA 9/2


After thorough analysis by the number crunching team, MBCAMS MOLLIE MAY comes out as the top selection. Can't miss based on TrackMaster Speed Ratings which have been fantastic (63 avg) of late. Could quite possibly beat this bunch given the 52 speed fig recorded in her last outing. Not many folks know, but the 2 post here at Monticello Raceway has been terrific for a much better than average win clip. BULLVILLE DOTTSI - Many smart handicappers know speed is of the utmost importance. This standardbred has credentials with a 61 average statistic. With a 62 average class figure, this nice horse has one of the most compelling class edges in the bunch. NUTMEGS SARA - Seems to have a really good class advantage based on the company she has raced against.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Handicapped by Chatsworth Consortium at Pompano Park

Always check program numbers.
Odds shown are morning line odds.


Race 3 - Post: 8:06 - 1 mile. TROT - Class Rating: 83 - Purse:$7000 - WINNERS OVER $10,000 LIFETIME - 2


CONSORTIUM CHOICES


Chatsworth Consortium

# 1 ON THE TAB 3/1


# 6 HIGHLAND YANKEE 12/1


# 4 SWEETASMUSIC 5/1


ON THE TAB is the most respectable wager in this gathering. Positive idea - racing well enough to contend in this affair. Many expert selectors will recognize the top notch TrackMaster SR in the last race. Stacks up against any horse in this bunch. The handicapping group happens to know that when you put Ranger and Mc Donald together nice results frequently occur. HIGHLAND YANKEE - This solid standardbred looks very good. Take a good look at the 84 avg speed rating. Comes into this affair with very nice TrackMaster class figures in relationship to the bunch - could be worth a shot. SWEETASMUSIC - Take a good look at making this horse your win play based on high win stat alone. Has the perfect running style to beat this field, according to the pace numbers.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Handicapped by The Walker Group at Gulfstream

Always check program numbers.
Odds shown are morning line odds.


Race 1 - Claiming - 8.5f on the Turf. Purse: $20000 Class Rating: 88

FOR THREE YEAR OLDS AND UPWARD WHICH HAVE NEVER WON TWO RACES. THREE YEAR OLDS, 118 LBS.; OLDER, 124 LBS. NON-WINNERS OF A RACE AT A MILE OR OVER ON THE TURF SINCE APRIL 13 ALLOWED 2 LBS. CLAIMING PRICE $16,000 (IF DEEMED INADVISABLE TO RUN THIS RACE OVER THE TURF COURSE, IT WILL BE RUN ON THE


RECOMMENDED CHOICES

The Walker Group Picks

# 8 CRAZY BULL 5/2


# 5 DREAMIN OF CLARISE 12/1


# 3 WILDCAT KITTEN 5/2


CRAZY BULL is the best bet in this race. Iadisernia has a sharp winning percentage with horses running in turf route races. In this field, this one is at the top in earnings per start in turf route races. Put up a strong Equibase speed fig last time out. DREAMIN OF CLARISE - Rakoff is trying to prove victorious with this entrant by bringing him back so soon. His 75 average has this gelding with among the strongest speed figures in this race. WILDCAT KITTEN - Has run well when racing a turf route race. The average class fig alone makes this entrant a definite contender.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Handicapped by The Walker Group at Indiana Downs

Always check program numbers.
Odds shown are morning line odds.


Race 3 - Maiden Claiming - 5.5f on the Dirt. Purse: $13000 Class Rating: 56

FOR MAIDENS, FILLIES AND MARES THREE, FOUR, AND FIVE YEARS OLD. THREE YEAR OLDS, 118 LBS.; OLDER, 122 LBS. CLAIMING PRICE $10,000.


RECOMMENDED CHOICES

The Walker Group Picks

# 2 WHY WONDER 1/1


# 3 YANKEE'SLILDARLING 4/1


# 6 NANJING ROAD 12/1


I think WHY WONDER is a decent choice. Likely to see a sound attempt with the class drop. A solid 72 avg class figure may give this filly a distinct class edge against this group of animals. Is worth taking a close look at and may be a wager - strong speed figures (61 average) at today's distance and surface recently. YANKEE'SLILDARLING - Should compete very well in the pace battle which bodes well with this field. NANJING ROAD - Moran is trying to score with this one by bringing her back so quickly.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Handicapped by The Turf Club Analysts

Bar

Charles Town - Race #9 - Post: 10:50pm - Maiden Claiming - 4.5 furlongs on the Dirt. Purse: $10,500 Class Rating: 45

Rating: Golden DollarGolden DollarGolden DollarGolden Dollar

#6 SAFE ON WINGS (ML=4/1)


SAFE ON WINGS - That last workout was at a longer distance. That's got to be a good omen. Was in a $5,000 Maiden Claiming race at Charles Town last time around the track. That clash had an Equibase class figure of 50 and he is moving down in this event. A certain solid contender. I like the piece of information that this gelding's last speed fig, 45, is tops in this field.

Vulnerable Contenders: #9 BIG DAN P (ML=5/2), #3 MR. REATTATUDE (ML=3/1), #2 TUCAN TANGO (ML=6/1),

BIG DAN P - This favorite ran on April 11th and hasn't had a morning drill since. MR. REATTATUDE - This questionable contender hasn't been close at the finish recently. TUCAN TANGO - A bit of a less than stellar effort when this gelding finished fifth.


STRAIGHT WAGERS:
Bet on #6 SAFE ON WINGS to win if we can get at least 1/1 odds

EXACTA WAGERS:
Pass

TRIFECTA WAGERS:
None

SUPERFECTA WAGERS:
Skip

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Handicapped by The Turf Club Analysts

Bar

Thistledown - Race #1 - Post: 12:55pm - Claiming - 5.5 furlongs on the Dirt. Purse: $12,000 Class Rating: 78

Rating: Golden DollarGolden DollarGolden DollarGolden Dollar

#1 RED OCTOBER (ML=5/1)
#4 LIKEALLGETOUT (ML=7/2)
#6 BAYOU BOY (ML=6/1)


RED OCTOBER - After the race aboard this equine on Apr 29th, the jockey is going to be in tune with the colt much better. LIKEALLGETOUT - His win on Jan 26th in a $10,000 Claiming race, at 5 1/2 furlongs, is a big plus for this gelding. Ranked number one in earnings per race. Another indicator that this horse has class. BAYOU BOY - I like to bet on this handicapping angle, a campaigner coming back off a strong effort within the last thirty days. The jockey/conditioner pair of Gonzalez and Faulkner has a strong ROI together. I think this gelding is ready to run a good one. He's had enough races since the vacation and should be fit. Lower weight assigned of -7. In my opinion, a movement of five is important, so this gelding falls into this category.

Vulnerable Contenders: #5 FIDDLER BLUE (ML=3/1), #2 NORMAL NORM (ML=9/2), #3 TALL HAMMER (ML=6/1),

FIDDLER BLUE - Can't really back the public's top choice when he has multiple failures as the chalk. This less than sharp equine ran a most unsatisfactory speed rating last out. He shouldn't improve and will likely lose in today's event running that fig. NORMAL NORM - Run-of-the-mill fig last time around the track at Thistledown at 6 furlongs. Don't think this runner will improve too much in today's race. TALL HAMMER - You figure that this horse is going to be first just because he's always close. Just doesn't get the job done often. This gelding recorded a speed figure in his last contest which likely isn't good enough in today's event.


STRAIGHT WAGERS:
Go with #1 RED OCTOBER on top if we're getting at least 5/2 odds

EXACTA WAGERS:
1 with [4,6]

TRIFECTA WAGERS:
Box [1,4,6] Total Cost: $6

SUPERFECTA WAGERS:
None

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Handicapped by Rick Needham at Belmont Park

RACE #7 - BELMONT PARK - 4:26 PM EASTERN POST

6½ FURLONGS DIRT FILLIES AND MARES THREE YEARS OLD AND UPWARD ALLOWANCE $62,000.00 PURSE

#1 GOLDEN GEM
#4 LIBERTY ISLAND
#3 UNDERTHEMOONLIGHT
#6 ON A SNOWY EVENING

#1 GOLDEN GEM is the overall speed and pace profile leader in this allowance field today sprinting at, or about, 6½ furlongs on the dirt, and has produced "POWER RUN PERFORMANCES" in each of her three career starts to date, hitting the board in a pair, including a "POWER RUN WIN" to break her maiden in her "first asking." #4 LIBERTY ISLAND has hit the board in "POWER RUN FASHION" three of her four career starts to date, including a "POWER RUN WIN" to break her maiden in her respective "first asking" as well.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Northfield: Wednesday 5/13 Analysis + Pick Four ticket
By Jeremey Day

DRF HARNESS

Race 8 - $10,000 Guaranteed Pick Four Pool

Jeremey's $1 Pick 4 Play:

3 / 1,2,3,4,6,7 / 7,9 / 4,6 = $24

Best Bet: LIKE OLD TIMES (1ST)

Spot Play: STURDY’S BABY (5TH)


Race 1

(5) LIKE OLD TIMES has come back strong off the layoff and finds an easy spot to gain some confidence. (1) UNLIMITED WINNER picks up a huge driver change with the best post. (6) GUTH showed improvement last out, but will need a smooth trip from a tough post.

Race 2

(6) RAY’S WESTERN had some equipment issues last start. The pacer is one of a few who has shown a decent burst of speed in recent starts. (4) INDOMITABLE SPIRIT finds a softer spot but has just been racing evenly. (1) AKISSTOSENDUSOFF gets the top driver with the best post.

Race 3

(3) NORTHERN CONE is a well-bred gelding that made a break last out, but will be in line for a much easier trip this week. (7) ES MUCHO set a lifetime mark last out and is a dangerous with an early lead. (1) TREASURE VOLO almost popped at a big price last start but faces tougher this time; use underneath.

Race 4

In a weak and inconsistent field, (4) CAMS BEST SHADOW is a 7-year-old mare making her career debut off an improved qualifier. (9) LEGENDONTHEGREENS beat a similar field two back from a tough post. (1) BEAUTY’S BANDIT has room to improve third start back off a layoff.

Race 5

(7) STURDY‘S BABY faces a weaker field in his second start of the season and could be ready for an improved effort. (6) BOGO TIM also has room to improve third start back; threat. (5) CALLIT AS U SEEIT could have some of the kinks worked out after a solid qualifier.

Race 6

In a field that’s 0 for 71 on the year, (4) CASIMIR LUCKYNUTZ has been pacing faster than most in here and should offer value coming off a nasty break. (5) COIN OF THE REALM gets sent out for a pilot that has not won in a very long time, but could threaten with some racing luck. (2) BOOGITY BILL owns a decent burst of speed off the gate which could put him in the mix.

Race 7

(5) DOUGH TRAIN makes her second start of the year and gets sent out for proven connections. (1) LULA‘S LIL SWEETIE gets the top driver with the best post. (3) DUNKS BROTHER qualified well off a long layoff; threat.

Race 8

(3) TOWN CROSSING has shown improvement in all of her starts this year and should find this spot softer. (9) STRONG VICTORY is a sophomore filly pacer that is 0-for her career, but is capable of hitting the ticket with a smooth trip. (2) PARKTOWNISCOOTIWIN makes his second lifetime start and has room to move forward.

Race 9

(4) ROMPAWAY ELVIS has been competitive against better and should offer value with a low percentage pilot. (1) DOUBLE A GLORIA gets the best post and is capable of a good effort. (2) MYSTERY RINGER makes his first start of the year and could need a start; use underneath.

Race 10

(7) VINCENT VEGA takes a significant drop in class and will be used aggressively; driver’s choice. (9) AS DUHARAS was starting to show improvement before some tough racing luck. The pacer picks up a huge driver change but needs a good setup from the second tier. (1) MIZUNO bumps up in class off a victory; threat.

Race 11

(6) ROYAL BRIEFING just needs to stay trotting for a huge chance dropping down to the bottom level. (4) ANNIE‘S MASTER also drops back down and is better than her lines indicate. (5) LEGACY CHIP is 0-for the year and could offer value underneath.

Race 12

(2) CINCINNATI MYSTRES will offer the better price of the contenders and has shown a decent move when timed right. (1) GET PACKIN veteran trotter put in a huge effort from a very tough post last start. A similar effort makes him tough to beat. (3) CDS ELDORADO rarely wins but picks up the top driver; command a price.

Race 13

(6) SUITS gets sent out first start for a high percentage trainer off a winning qualifier. (5) SUNBURNED VERN is always a threat at this level despite not showing much on paper. (4) WINTER CRUISE raced well last out being used multiple times; threat.

Race 14

In a field with few contenders, (5) SANTA‘S SPECIAL has some question marks coming off a scratch, but if ready is probably the horse to beat. (7) REAL SAMART is coming off a break but has beaten much better on the year. (3) JAWORSKI is 0-for the year; use underneath.

Race 15

(4) LIMA RITCH was pacing up a storm before making a break two back against better. If the driver can work out a smooth trip the pacer has a chance at a big price. (5)HE’S A BEACHBOY had no excuse last out at this same level; command a price. (1) CAPT BENSO GOODE could be ready for a better effort from the rail.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

SPOT PLAYS

For Wednesday


TRACK (RACE) HORSE, MORNING LINE


Belmont Park (1st) Sun and Moon, 7-2
(5th) Jules N Rome, 5-1


Charles Town (3rd) Don't Discriminate, 9-2
(6th) Pigeon Chris, 7-2


Evangeline Downs (1st) Art's Funny Biz, 5-1
(7th) Throwacross, 6-1


Gulfstream Park (1st) Royal Rogue, 4-1
(8th) Happily Ever, 3-1


Indiana Grand (2nd) W W Allocation, 4-1
(4th) Miss Slewpy, 3-1


Louisiana Downs (1st) Wildwood Heir, 5-1
(6th) Time Iz Flyin, 10-1


Mountaineer (4th) El Ginger, 6-1
(7th) Having Said That, 7-2


Thistledown (1st) Bluegrass Kid, 6-1
(5th) Feisty Foley, 10-1

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

MLB Preview: Pirates (17-16) at Phillies (11-23)

Game: 3
Venue: Citizens Bank Park
Date: May 13, 2015 7:05 PM EDT

The Pittsburgh Pirates' offense is coming around following a terrible stretch, but staying hot could be tough given their troubles facing left-handers.

In a matchup with Cole Hamels on Wednesday night, the Pirates go for a fifth straight victory overall and eighth win in nine games against the Philadelphia Phillies.

Pittsburgh (17-16) is averaging 5.7 runs and hitting .290 with 20 extra-base hits during a 5-1 stretch after totaling five runs while batting .209 with nine extra-base hits during a five-game losing streak. In Tuesday's 7-2 win in Philadelphia, Josh Harrison hit a three-run homer and Andrew McCutchen added a two-run shot.

McCutchen has a 1.189 OPS in his last six games while going 9 for 22 to raise his average 41 points to .229.

'We've got a lot of pro hitters here, guys that really know how to handle themselves at bat,' Tuesday's winning pitcher A.J. Burnett said.

However, the Pirates are hitting .204 against lefties, baseball's third-worst mark, with Harrison going 1 for 12 and McCutchen 3 for 14. Starling Marte, the team leader with eight homers and 24 RBIs, is 7 for 14 with four home runs off southpaws.

Hamels (2-3, 3.68 ERA), who is holding batters to a .216 average, gave up one run and four hits while striking out eight in seven innings in Friday's 3-1 win over Washington.

Although he doesn't give up many hits, that doesn't necessarily mean the basepaths will be empty. Hamels has the NL's fourth-highest average of walks per nine innings at 4.30. Counterpart Francisco Liriano isn't much better at 3.72.

Hamels' 1.84 run support average is the worst in the NL, but he doesn't need much help to be successful. Since the start of last season, he is 9-0 with a 2.29 ERA in the 15 games he's received at least three runs of support.

The trouble with that is the Phillies (11-23) are last in the majors in runs per game (2.8), on-base percentage (.283) and slugging (.332).

Cleanup hitter Ryan Howard is 1 for 12 during the Phillies' four-game losing streak, while Chase Utley has two extra-base hits in his last 22 contests.

'We get close and we're not able to get over the hump,' manager Ryne Sandberg said after their 11th loss in 14 games.

There doesn't appear to be much relief for Utley, who is batting an NL-worst .071 (2 for 28) against lefties and .127 overall. Freddy Galvis, however, is 10 for 22 against lefties.

Liriano (1-2, 2.79) is the major league leader in opponents' batting average at .149 and the NL leader in opponents' OPS at .514.

After posting a 1.95 ERA in his first five games, Liriano was tagged for six runs - four coming on a pair of homers - in 6 1-3 innings in Friday's 8-5 loss to St. Louis. Despite permitting five extra-base hits, he showed some better command. He struck out 10 - his most since racking up 12 at Philadelphia on Sept. 11 - and walked one after issuing nine in his prior two outings.

Friday marked the eighth time since Liriano joined the Pirates in 2013 he yielded at least five runs in a start. He is proficient at bouncing back, allowing one or no runs in five of the seven subsequent outings.

Liriano tossed eight scoreless innings to beat the Phillies eight months ago, his only career matchup.

Hamels hasn't faced the Pirates since 2013, and is 1-1 with a 1.57 ERA in his last three starts in the series.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Yankees-Mets are +6,000 to meet in World Series
Stephen Campbell

Will we be in store for a Subway Series in October? If you think an all New York World Series is going to happen, you can get your bet in at BetOnline.com now.

The shop has a prop special available on if the Mets and Yankees will collide in the Fall Classic with the YES paying +6,000 and the NO priced at -12,500.

The Yankees are currently sitting atop of the AL East with a 21-12 record, while the Metropolitans lead the NL East at 20-12.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Phillies send 3B Asche to minors to play OF
The Sports Xchange

The Philadelphia Phillies plan to convert third baseman Cody Asche into a left fielder and are sending him to Triple-A to learn the new position.

The 24-year-old Asche has started at third base for the Phillies since midway through the 2013 season, but the team is likely making room to eventually call up 22-year-old prospect Maikel Franco from Triple-A Lehigh Valley.

Until that time, the Phillies are expected to use Cesar Hernandez and Andres Blanco at third base. Asche has never played the outfield during his professional career.

In 30 games this year for the Phillies, Asche is batting .245 with two home runs and four RBIs. Since he was called up to the major leagues during the 2013 season, Asche is batting .247 with 15 homers and 68 RBIs in 171 games.

 

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Cishek out as Marlins closer
The Sports Xchange

One of the Miami Marlins' strengths heading into the season was supposed to be the back of the bullpen. Closer Steve Cishek converted 39 of 43 chances last season and he owned a career 2.98 ERA in 269 innings.

But after Cishek blew back-to-back saves on Monday and Tuesday, the Marlins are searching for other alternatives.

"Shrek [Cishek] has done a tremendous job for us, but at the end of the day, it's about winning games," said Marlins manager Mike Redmond. "It's tough to win in the big leagues, and when you get late leads, you've got to be able to lock them down."

Redmond says he will turn to some combination of A.J. Ramos, Mike Dunn and Bryan Morris to close out games.

Cishek has more blown saves (four) than converted saves (three) this season. His ERA is 10.32 in 13 appearances.

 

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Five To Follow MLB Betting: Wednesday, May 13, 2015 Opening Line Report
by Alan Matthews

Now that the Cubs' Kris Bryant is an established major leaguer, it's time to start the watch for the next super-prospect to be called up from the minors. And that could be Houston shortstop prospect Carlos Correia. who was moved up to Triple-A on Monday. The first overall pick in the 2012 draft tore up Double-A this season with a.385 batting average, seven homers, 15 doubles, 15 steals and 32 RBIs in 29 games. He looks like a can't-miss just like Bryant. Correia batted .341 with two home runs in 18 spring training games with the Astros. For service-time reasons, I think we might see him around mid-June in the majors if he hits that well in Triple-A.

Red Sox at A's (-147, 7.5)

Slumping Oakland may not have first baseman Ike Davis for at least a few games. He left Monday's game against Boston with a strained left quad. Davis is hitting .284 with two homers and 11 RBIs. Davis hasn't had any success in his career off struggling Boston starter Wade Miley, against whom Davis is 0-for-6. Miley (1-4, 6.91) has been pretty terrible; might he have to be demoted to the bullpen for a while if he gets lit up again here? Billy Butler is 2-for-5 with a homer and three RBIs against Miley. It's ace Sonny Gray (4-0, 1.65) for Oakland. He has allowed more than one earned run just twice all season. Few Red Sox have faced him. David Ortiz is 0-for-3 with a strikeout. Pablo Sandoval has a single in three at-bats.

Key trends: Boston is 2-7 in its past nine in Game 3 of a series. Oakland is 2-8 in its past 10 at home vs. a lefty. The "over/under" has gone over in six of Oakland's past seven vs. a southpaw.

Early lean: A's and under.


Blue Jays at Orioles (-117, 9)

Baltimore second baseman Ryan Flaherty just got off the disabled list and might be headed back there as he reaggravated a groin injury during Monday's game against the Jays and had to leave. Flaherty was to undergo an MRI on Tuesday. With Everth Cabrera and Jonathan Schoop also on the disabled list, the Orioles do not have a true utility infielder or a natural second baseman on the roster. Flaherty is hitting .250 with two homers and four RBIs. Aaron Sanchez (3-2, 3.62) starts for Toronto. He appears to be only getting better. Sanchez shut out Boston on two hits over seven innings last time out. He is 1-1 with a 5.19 ERA in two starts this year against the Orioles. Chris Davis is 4-for-4 with two solo homers off him. Miguel Gonzalez (3-2, 3.57) is on the mound for the Birds. He hasn't faced Toronto this season and is 1-0 with a 3.46 ERA in two home starts. Edwin Encarnacion has three homers and seven RBIs in 22 at-bats off him.

Key trends: The Orioles are 13-5 in Gonzalez's past 18 at home vs. teams with a losing record. The under is 5-1 in his past six at home and in past six vs. Toronto.

Early lean: Orioles and under.


Mets at Cubs (+107, TBA)

It's always must-see TV when Mets ace Matt Harvey is on the mound, and that's the case Wednesday in this ESPN game, which will have live betting at the sportsbooks. Harvey (5-1, 2.72) took his first loss last time out pitching on extra rest, allowing three runs and six hits over six innings against the Phillies. The Cubs' Chris Coghlan is 3-for-5 with a double and two RBIs against Harvey. Starlin Castro has two hits in three at-bats. I'll definitely be watching any time Bryant is up against Harvey. A future MVP vs. a future Cy Young. Jason Hammel (3-1, 3.52) goes for the Cubs. He has had three straight quality starts and struck out a season-high eight last time out vs. Milwaukee. Only a couple of Mets have faced him. Curtis Granderson is 6-for-17 with two homers and two doubles.

Key trends: The Mets are 2-5 in Harvey's past seven on the road. The Cubs are 8-1 in Hammel's past nine vs. teams with a winning record. The over has hit in eight of those.

Early lean: Mets and under (total likely 7).


Cardinals at Indians (-125, 7.5)

I'm not sure what the statistically worst season for a pitcher is a year after winning a Cy Young, but Cleveland's Corey Kluber (0-5, 5.04) may be trending that way. The Indians haven't won any of the seven games he has started. Kluber joins Frank Viola and Zack Greinke as Cy Young winners to go winless in their first seven starts the following season. Kluber has allowed 28 runs, which is as many runs as he allowed last year in his final 18 starts. Only one Cardinal has seen him: Jhonny Peralta is 5-for-13 with two doubles. John Lackey (2-1, 3.20) has allowed just one earned run in each of his past two starts. This is his first start this season against an AL team. David Murphy hits him best of the Indians, going 11-for-25 with three extra-base hits.

Key trends: The Cards are 1-5 in Lackey's past six on the road. Cleveland is 7-1 in Kluber's past eight interleague starts. The under is 6-0 in his past six on five days of rest.

Early lean: Cardinals and over.


White Sox at Brewers (-116, 8.5)

Milwaukee third baseman Aramis Ramirez missed a fourth straight game Monday because of back tightness, but an MRI showed no structural damage so maybe he plays here. He's hitting .230 with three homers and 11 RBIs. Lefty Jose Quintana (1-3, 5.03) goes for the White Sox, and he's part of the reason why Chicago has been disappointing. Quintana has been better of late, allowing five earned runs over 19 innings over his past three starts. Adam Lind is 2-for-6 off him with a double. Elian Herrera, who has been playing third in Ramirez's place, is 2-for-3. Jimmy Nelson (1-3, 4.00) makes a third straight start against a Chicago team; the previous two were against the Cubs and he allowed seven runs over 13.2 innings. The only White Sox player to have faced him is Melky Cabrear (1-for-3 with RBI).

Key trends: The White Sox are 0-8 in Quintana's past eight starts during Game 3 of a series. The Brewers are 1-6 in Nelson's past seven at home. The under has hit in 14 of Quintana's past 17 road starts vs. teams with a losing record.

Early lean: White Sox and over.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Wednesday's six-pack

-- Cavaliers 106, Bulls 101-- Cleveland is now up 3-2 in series.

-- Rockets 124, Clippers 103-- 4 of 5 series games were decided by 16+ points.

-- Lightning 4, Canadiens 1-- Tampa Bay advances to Eastern finals.

-- Cubs 5, Mets 1-- 25th game this year that was 0-0 after fifth inning. Good debut for Noah Syndergaard, who wound up with the loss.

-- Joc Pederson has struck out 43 times this season; his manager (Don Mattingly) never struck more than 43 times in any season.

-- Aaron Rodgers won $50,000 for charity on Celebrity Jeopardy this week.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Baseball Betting: Streaks, Tips, Notes

St Louis Cardinals at Cleveland Indians May 13, 6:10 EST

Cleveland Indians have made a habit of going 'Over' the number playing at Progressive Field. In the 16 games at home the 'Over' has cashed in 13 of 16 games. The Indians have also made a habit of going 'Over' in starter Corey Kluber's last seven May starts compiling a 7-1 'Over' record. On the other side, 'Over' has been the right choice with St Louis in this situation. For example, Cardinals have played 'Over' in 5 of its last 6 away from Busch Stadium and 'Over' has cashed in 4 straight road games vs an A.L. club. Those numbers in hand 'Over' is the right choice.

 

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Arthur Ralph Sports

Bonus Play WED NaTIONALS W/GONZALEZ