Wednesday 6/10/15 service plays chatter/comps/requests & other stuff...

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Handicapped by The Turf Club Analysts

Bar

Woodbine - Race #6 - Post: 9:17pm - Claiming - 7.0 furlongs on the Dirt. Purse: $24,100 Class Rating: 84

Rating: Golden DollarGolden DollarGolden Dollar

#8 COASTAL MOON (ML=3/1)
#1 ON THE ZIP (ML=7/2)


COASTAL MOON - Many positive 'sensations' associated with this racer and his stable. ON THE ZIP - Jockey hops right back on after getting to know the race horse by riding last time around the track. That's always a good tip. This colt is in good physical condition, having run a strong race on May 23rd, finishing third.

Vulnerable Contenders: #7 SWEET LITTLE MAN (ML=2/1), #3 CORDOVA (ML=6/1), #4 HE'S THE RIGHT ONE (ML=8/1),

SWEET LITTLE MAN - Tough to put your cash on the win end of any animal that finishes second and third as regularly as this thoroughbred does. CORDOVA - Most of the time I need a sprinter to have some recent success in sprint affairs in order to back him. I'd like to see better recent efforts with morning line odds of 6/1. HE'S THE RIGHT ONE - Difficult to play any runner in a short distance race if he hasn't hit the board in a sprint in the last couple months. Don't think this vulnerable equine will make an impact today. That last rating was mediocre when compared with today's class figure.


STRAIGHT WAGERS:
#8 COASTAL MOON is the play if we get odds of 5/2 or better

EXACTA WAGERS:
Box [1,8]

TRIFECTA WAGERS:
Pass

SUPERFECTA WAGERS:
None

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Handicapped by The Turf Club Analysts

Bar

Thistledown - Race #3 - Post: 1:55pm - Claiming - 5.0 furlongs on the Dirt. Purse: $10,600 Class Rating: 74

Rating: Golden DollarGolden DollarGolden DollarGolden Dollar

#8 SHABDEEZ (ML=8/1)
#9 CERTIFIED DIAMOND (ML=6/1)


SHABDEEZ - I think Thistledown players know a good thing when they see the rider/conditioner duo of Paucar and Sullivan. Their win percentage together has been positive. Multiple wins in this horse's life, all at Thistledown. Could add another win in today's race. Finished outside the top 3 last out at Mahoning Valley Race Cour, but was within five lengths of the winner. Opening at 8/1 makes me think he's got a chance. CERTIFIED DIAMOND - This gelding likes to be near the lead. Today's race is a shorter distance and should promote his winning probability. You always have to be on the watch for money generating jockey/conditioner combinations; we have an instance right here. Faced tougher last time out at Thistledown. Based on Equibase class ratings, this is a weaker field, so I will put this one on my list of strong contenders.

Vulnerable Contenders: #1 KLASSY KORBIN (ML=7/2), #6 CAPTAIN BUDDY L (ML=4/1), #4 BEAUREAL (ML=9/2),

KLASSY KORBIN - You should normally wager against probable favorites that haven't raced or show no activity in the morning over the last three weeks. CAPTAIN BUDDY L - All sorts of crazy speed on board for this event. No chance for this early speedball. BEAUREAL - Most of the time I need a sprinter to have some recent success in sprint contests in order to back him.


STRAIGHT WAGERS:
#8 SHABDEEZ is going to be the play if we are getting 8/5 or better

EXACTA WAGERS:
Box [8,9]

TRIFECTA WAGERS:
None

SUPERFECTA WAGERS:
Skip

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Handicapped by Rick Needham at Belmont Park

RACE #3 - BELMONT PARK - 2:22 PM EASTERN POST

6½ FURLONGS DIRT THREE YEAR OLD FILLIES $25,000.00 CLAIMING $47,000.00 PURSE

#6 KATHY'S REWARD
#7 SALUDA
#3 CORAL BEACH
#4 RACING FOR CHASEN

#6 KATHY'S REWARD has hit the board in "POWER RUN FASHION" in three of her four career starts to date, including a pair of "POWER RUN WINS" in this recent streak of racing consistency to begin her young career. #7 SALUDA has hit the board in "POWER RUN FASHION" in three of her last five "adventures," including a "POWER RUN WIN" facing better company (+2) in her 3rd race back.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Northfield: Wednesday 6/10 Analysis + Pick Four ticket
By Jeremey Day

DRF

Race 8 - $10,000 Guaranteed Pick Four Pool

Jeremey’s $1 Pick-4 Play:

2,6 / 2,6,8 / 6,9 / 2,4,9 = $36



Best Bet: COME ALONG SADIE (1st)

Spot Play: DOLORD (5th)


Race 1

(4) COME ALONG SADIE finds a suspect bunch and should make it three straight; short price. (7) BALITINA is a lightly raced mare that has room to improve, but needs to find a way into the race. (1) STRONG VICTORY has yet to win in 24 lifetime starts; command a price.

Race 2

(1) IRISH CHIP picks up the top driver with the best post. (8) STIRLING BOUDICA needs to stay trotting, but is one of few in the race that has shown a decent burst of speed. (2) MIRACLE MANNY has just been racing evenly; use underneath.

Race 3

(5) VITAL JENNA is one of a few in the race with some upside and should be sharper with a start under her belt. (4) BROOKLETS BLISS just missed at this level two back before being empty last week; threat. (2) WHATA PACIFIC adds Lasix for the first time against easier.

Race 4

(3) UNCLE PAT is just now back in racing shape and will offer the best price of the contenders. (5) RIVER N ONIONS is the horse to beat, but will offer low value and has just been racing evenly. (2) BRUNO MICHAEL has yet to win on the year but picks up a top driver.

Race 5

(1) DOLORD just missed last start while racing gamely. The nice looking pacer will be tough to beat with any improvement. (2) ST LADS GIDGET raced big in her debut and keeps the top driver. (4) THREESOCKSNGO beat this same bunch last out showing good closing ability.

Race 6

(5) TUSCARORA SUPER T will look to make it two straight wire to wire victories; fires early. (9) AKNUSTI just raced evenly last start after two victories; threat. (3) UNLIMITED WINNER owns ability but races inconsistently from week to week.

Race 7

(9) LIKES TO FLIRT had no shot from a tough spot last start, but gets a positive driver change and should be closer turning for home. (2) LULA‘S LIL SWEETIE was sharp prior to the miscue last; threat. (10) EL CERRITO PLACE mare is 0-for her career but has been knocking on the door at this level.

Race 8

In a field with few contenders, (6) TERROR OF THETRACK takes a huge drop in class and just needs a competent steer by a low percentage driver. (2) MAKE YOUR MOVE faces much easier and gets a good post. (9) TE’S CONMYSOCKSOFF picks up the top driver but is best used underneath.

Race 9

(8) DREAM CRAZED owns some ability, picks up a huge driver change and just needs to find a way into the race at a price. (2) CABO has been competitive against better, however the mare has really tailed off; command a price. (6) FUN N PLEASURE should find this to be a better spot and can do some damage.

Race 10

(6) COUNT FULL MAC made a miscue last out as the heavy favorite. If the 4-year-old stays trotting it could be lights out. (9) NORTHERN CONE set a lifetime mark last week and just needs to work out a smooth trip from the second tier. (8) SAMMY DE VIE takes a huge drop in competition and owns a win over the track; threat.

Race 11

(9) RK‘S ZIP CODE gets sent out first start in a new barn adding first time Lasix. (4) PASO‘S STAR faces weaker and gets a significant driver change. (2) FELICIA HALL has just been racing evenly; use caution.

Race 12

(5) FLASHY CASH had a nice acclimating mile over the track and has room to improve for a new trainer. (2) VICTORY CANDY MAN doesn’t look like much on paper but has prior wins against much tougher. (6) AL BROWN is more than capable against this group but gets sent out for a low percentage pilot.

Race 13

(6) ROJAN‘S LAST SHOT is a lightly raced trotter that comes off a nice first start of the year and should improve second start back. (9) BAG LADIES BOY was a game winner last out and looks to offer a nice price against a suspect bunch. (2) MARVELOUS CHIP trotted a nice mile last week even after making a break. If the 3-year-old minds his manners he could upset the apple cart.

Race 14

In a tough race to gauge, (6) CB SAMMIE SUIT went a big three-quarters of a mile last start before tiring. If the pacing mare can ration out her speed, she could score at a price. (5) LIL MISS NYALATION has yet to win in 18 starts on the year, but finds a weak and inconsistent field. (4) YOU RAISE ME UP has room to improve second start in a new barn.

Race 15

(3) DRAGON SPIKE gets sent out for the top driver/trainer combo against a soft field. (5) RAY‘S WESTERN won at this level three back; threat. (2) RELLA ON ATTACK comes into the race off a decent qualifier but has not won in a very long time; use underneath.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

SPOT PLAYS

For Wednesday


TRACK (RACE) HORSE, MORNING LINE


Belmont Park (2nd) Stone Crab, 5-1
(4th) Quibbler, 6-1


Charles Town (4th) Pass the Lake, 8-1
(6th) Queen Tatalina, 7-2


Delaware Park (2nd) Littlemissperfect, 6-1
(6th) Doubleblackdiamond, 10-1


Evangeline Downs (5th) Mr. Shad, 10-1
(9th) Tough Thomas, 3-1


Gulfstream Park (3rd) Holiday Stroll, 3-1
(6th) Benne First Baby, 8-1


Indiana Grand (5th) Holiday Drama, 4-1
(6th) Act Torrid, 5-1


Louisiana Downs (5th) Valid Prospector, 4-1
(6th) Heavens Hall, 10-1


Mountaineer (2nd) Potatoe Pudding, 6-1
(7th) Flashy Finish, 8-1


Penn National (3rd) Guyana, 3-1
(5th) Epic Story, 8-1


Presque Isle Downs (2nd) Dancewhileitstorms, 8-1
(7th) Avilord, 6-1


Thistledown (1st) Designator, 4-1
(5th) Leathers Slappin, 6-1


Woodbine (1st) Hemlock Channel, 5-1
(4th) Splendid Glory, 5-1

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

History on Lightning's side after Game 3 victory
Andrew Caley

When the road team wins Game 3 to take a 2-1 series lead in the Stanley Cup final, they are a perfect 13-0 in the series and that is exactly where the Tampa Bay Lightning sit with their 3-2 win in Chicago Monday night.

So it shouldn't come as a shock that the series price has been adjusted to make the Bolts the favorites to hoist the Stanley Cup. They are now listed at -180 after entering Game 3 at + 145.

The Blackhawks are now the +155 underdogs.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Blackhawks tabbed as faves for Game 4
Andrew Caley

The Chicago Blackhawks have opened as -150 favorites over the Tampa Bay Lightning for what is essentially a must-win Game 4 Wednesday night in Chicago.

The Blackhawks trail the Bolts two games to one after dropping Game 3, 3-2 Monday night. It was just the Blackhawks sixth loss in their last 32 playoffs games at the United Center.

The total opened at 5.5 goals.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Bolts' Bishop is a brick wall on the road
Stephen Campbell

Tampa Bay Lightning goaltender Ben Bishop proved to be a road warrior once again in Game 3 of the Stanley Cup Final on Monday, stopping 36 of 38 Chicago Blackhawks shots sent his way en route to a 3-2 victory.

Bishop improved to 8-3 on the road in the postseason. The hulking netminder owns a microscopic 1.50 GAA and .947 save percentage in games outside of Florida.

Tampa can take a 3-1 stranglehold on the series Wednesday in the Windy City. Sportsbooks are presently offering the Bolts as +140 pups for the tilt.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

NHL

Lightning survived Chicago's 19-7 edge in shots in first period of Game 3, got game-winner with 3:11 to grab back home ice in series where visitor has won two of three games. Lightning outhit Chicago 108-76 in first three games, but Chicago had 74-47 edge on faceoffs last two games. Chicago won three of last five games overall, with five of last seven going over total. Lightning won last four road games, allowing four goals. Tampa Bay is 3-2 in last five series games played here; five of their last seven games overall went over total. Tampa Bay won eight of last ten games with Chicago. Five of last seven series games stayed under. Lightning is 1-7 on power play in series, Chicago is 2-8.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

MLB Preview: Royals (33-23) at Twins (33-25)

Game: 3
Venue: Target Field
Date: June 10, 2015 8:10 PM EDT

Strong pitching has the Kansas City Royals in position to sweep three games from the Minnesota Twins and make another statement in the AL Central race.

Edinson Volquez tries for his first road win of the year as the Royals go for their fourth straight victory Wednesday night.

Kansas City (33-23) supplanted Minnesota (33-25) atop the division by percentage points by winning 3-1 on Monday before moving one game ahead with Tuesday's 2-0 victory. The Royals have won four of the past five meetings with the Twins, 12 of the last 17 and six of nine at Target Field.

Chris Young and Jason Vargas combined to toss 12 1-3 scoreless innings in the last two games, with Young's no-hit bid Tuesday spoiled by Trevor Plouffe's triple with one out in the seventh.

"We're just trying to win every night regardless of the situation or circumstances," Young said. "You try to win every night, put your best foot forward and at the end of the year hopefully we're where we want to be."

Volquez (4-4, 3.26 ERA), who's 0-2 with a 4.13 ERA in four road starts, gave up three runs in 7 2-3 innings of a 3-1 loss at Minnesota on April 15. He held the Twins to one run in seven innings of a 7-1 home win five days later.

The right-hander surrendered four runs with six strikeouts and three walks in 5 1-3 innings of Friday's 4-0 loss to Texas. He had gone 2-0 with a 2.41 ERA over his previous three outings.

Volquez blamed his lackluster performance on going a week between starts.

"I think seven days off took my rhythm off," he said. "I was fighting myself to find the strike zone. I threw a lot of good pitches, but not the way I was pitching before in the last couple games I pitched."

He's 2-0 with a 3.27 ERA in four games while pitching on four days' rest this season. Volquez will face a Minnesota team that's averaged 1.3 runs in the last four contests.

The Twins have dropped four of five - all at home - matching the number of defeats they had in the previous 19 games there.

"We want to win series, and we haven't put ourselves in position to do that lately ... mainly because of our offense," Plouffe said. "We are confident. We know stuff like this is going to happen throughout the year. It's just not fun when it happens."

Despite his triple Tuesday, Plouffe has gone 2 for 32 over the past eight games. He's 3 for 6 against Volquez, however.

Minnesota's Kyle Gibson (4-3, 3.00) has posted a 1.89 ERA while winning all three career home starts against the Royals. The right-hander wasn't sharp opposite Volquez on April 20, giving up four runs with four walks in five innings in a 7-1 loss.

He allowed five runs in the first three innings Friday before settling down with four scoreless and finishing with a career-high nine strikeouts, not getting the decision in a 10-5 defeat to Milwaukee.

Gibson was 3-1 with a 1.54 ERA over his previous seven starts.

He's struggled against Alcides Escobar, who is 6 for 14 off him. Salvador Perez has two hits in 14 at_bats in the matchup.

Perez is 6 for 15 with three solo homers and a double in four games after one of his two hits left the park Tuesday. He's a career .343 hitter at Target Field.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Five To Follow MLB Betting: Wednesday, June 10, 2015 Opening Line Report
by Alan Matthews

I've said all year that I liked the Toronto Blue Jays to win the AL East Division assuming they added pitching and that I also recently liked third baseman Josh Donaldson as great +900 value to win the AL MVP Award. Well, the Jays are coming. They won a sixth straight game on Monday night and could get over .500 on Wednesday with a win as long as they also do Tuesday. Run differential is usually a great indicator of which team truly is the best in each division, and the Jays have the best mark in the American League thanks to MLB's AL's best offense by far (314 runs entering Tuesday; No. 2 team, Arizona, has 267). Toronto is a still +500 longer shot to win the East. Take that now.


Marlins at Blue Jays (-148, 9)

You might not even know who Toronto's Chris Colabello is, but he entered Tuesday with the longest hitting streak in the majors at 18 in a row. Will he have a chance to extend to 20 on Wednesday? Miami starts Tom Koehler (4-3, 3.72), and he has won his past three outings after losing the previous four. He gave up a run and eight hits over seven innings in Colorado last time out. In nine career Interleague starts, he is 4-2 with a 5.01 ERA. The only Blue Jays batter who has ever faced him is Russell Martin, who is 1-for-4 with a walk. Young Jay starter Aaron Sanchez (5-4, 3.55) has been terrific over his past three starts, not allowing more than two earned in any of them. He went a career-high eight innings in a win over Houston last time out. He has never faced the Marlins. Remember, they will have the use of the DH.

Key trends: Miami is 5-0 in Koehler's past five interleague games. The Jays are 4-1 in Sanchez's past five at home. The "over/under" has hit under in six of Miami's past seven during Game 3 of a series.

Early lean: Jays and under.


Cardinals at Rockies (+100, 10.5)

The Cardinals are awaiting news on outfielder Matt Holliday, but it looks like he will land on the disabled list. Holliday injured his quad during Monday's loss to the Rockies while chasing a pop-up in left field. He's hitting .303 with three homers and 25 RBIs. Having already lost Matt Adams, St. Louis can't lose Holliday for a long period of time. The Cards start Carlos Martinez in this getaway matinee in Denver. Martinez (6-2, 2.94) has been arguably the best pitcher in the National League over his past four starts, allowing one total run over 27.1 innings with the Cards winning all of them. He has only pitched at Coors once in his career, allowing four runs on five hits in 1 2/3 innings of relief. Charlie Blackmon is 2-for-2 with a double off him. It's Chad Bettis (2-0, 2.70) for Colorado. He has been very good in his past three, allowing three total runs over 22.1 innings, all wins for the Rockies. Jason Heyward is 1-for-3 with a two-run homer off him.

Key trends: The Cardinals are 4-1 in Martinez's past five on the road. Colorado is 2-5 in its past seven on Wednesday. The over is 5-2 in Martinez's past seven on the road. The over is 4-0 in Bettis' past four at home.

Early lean: Rockies and under.


Cubs at Tigers (+107, 8.5)

The Tigers might see Justin Verlander make his season debut this weekend. Thus, this could be Shane Greene's final chance to keep his job in the rotation. Greene (4-5, 5.40) has allowed at least four runs in each of his past three starts and not lasted more than 5.2 innings in any of them, all losses. Frankly, I just think that's who he is at this point. Greene has never faced the Cubs, who will have the DH at their disposal. It's Jake Arrieta (5-4, 3.04) for Chicago. He shut down the Nationals last time out, allowing a run and striking out eight over six innings. Some Tigers have seen the former Oriole. Rajai Davis is 3-for-10 with two RBIs. Miguel Cabrera 3-for-9 with a homer and two RBIs.

Key trends: The Cubs are 4-1 in Arrieta's past five on the road. Detroit is 2-5 in Greene's past seven starts. The under is 5-1-1 in Arrieta's past seven vs. teams with a winning record.

Early lean: Tigers and over.


Astros at White Sox (-140, 8.5)

Houston's top position prospect (and tops in baseball), Carlos Correa, debuted on Monday and had a hit and RBI. One of the Astros' top pitching prospects, Vincent Velasquez, will debut here. He was 3-0 with a 1.37 ERA in five starts at Double-A. Somewhat surprising he's getting the call because those five starts are his only minor-league action above Single-A. But Houston has liked what it has seen from fellow rookie pitcher Lance McCullers in his brief big-league stint. The Astros are kicking veteran Roberto Hernandez to the bullpen. He is 2-5 with a 5.18 ERA in 11 starts. It's lefty Jose Quintana (2-6, 4.28) for Chicago. He pitched in Houston on May 30, allowed a run and five hits over 6.1 innings and was a tough-luck loser. Jason Castro is 4-for-14 with two doubles and three RBIs off him. Jose Altuve just 3-for-16 with seven strikeouts.

Key trends: The Astros are 1-5 in their past six against a lefty. The Sox are 1-9 in Quintana's past 10 during Game 3 of a series. The under is 5-0 in Quintana's past five vs. the AL West.

Early lean: White Sox and under.


Giants at Mets (-161, 6.5)

New York will get one of its starters back Wednesday as good young catcher Travis d'Arnaud is expected to be activated from the disabled list. D'Arnaud has been sidelined since April 19 with hand and wrist injuries. He was hitting .317 with two homers and 10 RBIs in 11 games. Tim Hudson (3-5, 4.41) starts for the Giants. He has been around forever and thus has faced the Mets plenty, going 17-10 with a 3.52 ERA in 32 lifetime starts against them. Lucas Duda is 12-for-30 with two doubles and a homer off him. Michael Cuddyer hits .278 with a homer vs. Hudson. New York's Matt Harvey (6-3, 3.05) has a career 2.09 ERA at home. He is 3-1 with a 2.83 ERA there in five 2015 starts. Not many Giants have seen him. Buster Posey hits him well, going 4-for-5 with a homer.

Key trends: The Giants are 5-1 in Hudson's past six vs. the NL East. The Mets are 4-1 in Harvey's past five at home. The under is 6-0-1 in Hudson's past seven vs. teams with a winning record. The under is 5-2 in Harvey's past seven.

Early lean: Mets and under.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Arthur Ralph Sports

Bonus Play WED Cards w/ Martinez -120

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

MLB MONEYLINE

MLB > (973) TEXAS@ (974) OAKLAND | 06/10/2015 - 10:05 PM
Play ON TEXAS using the money line in All games in road games
The record is 19 Wins and 12 Losses for the this season (+16.32 units)

MLB > (969) KANSAS CITY@ (970) MINNESOTA | 06/10/2015 - 08:10 PM
Play ON MINNESOTA using the money line in All games in all games
The record is 33 Wins and 24 Losses for the this season (+15.35 units)

MLB > (965) SEATTLE@ (966) CLEVELAND | 06/10/2015 - 07:10 PM
Play AGAINST SEATTLE using the money line in All games in games played on a grass field
The record is 20 Wins and 31 Losses for the this season (-16.75 units)

MLB RUNLINE

MLB > (971) HOUSTON@ (972) CHI WHITE SOX | 06/10/2015 - 08:10 PM
Play AGAINST CHI WHITE SOX using the in All games as a home favorite when the run line price is +135 to +160
The record is 5 Wins and 36 Losses for the last three seasons (-28.45 units)

MLB > (969) KANSAS CITY@ (970) MINNESOTA | 06/10/2015 - 08:10 PM
Play ON MINNESOTA using the in All games in night games
The record is 21 Wins and 6 Losses for the this season (+13.6 units)

MLB TOTALS

MLB > (973) TEXAS@ (974) OAKLAND | 06/10/2015 - 10:05 PM
Play OVER OAKLAND on the total in All games against division opponents
The record is 20 Overs and 7 Unders for the this season (+13.15 units)

MLB > (965) SEATTLE@ (966) CLEVELAND | 06/10/2015 - 07:10 PM
Play UNDER SEATTLE on the total in All games when playing on Wednesday
The record is 7 Overs and 24 Unders for the last two seasons (+16 units)

MLB > (961) ARIZONA@ (962) LA DODGERS | 06/10/2015 - 10:10 PM
Play OVER LA DODGERS on the total in Home games in games played on a grass field
The record is 70 Overs and 40 Unders for the last two seasons (+29.9 units)

MLB > (957) SAN FRANCISCO@ (958) NY METS | 06/10/2015 - 07:10 PM
Play OVER SAN FRANCISCO on the total in All games as a road underdog of +125 to +150
The record is 18 Overs and 5 Unders for the last two seasons (+12.8 units)

MLB > (959) SAN DIEGO@ (960) ATLANTA | 06/10/2015 - 07:10 PM
Play OVER ATLANTA on the total in All games in all games
The record is 35 Overs and 19 Unders for the this season (+15.15 units)

MLB TOP POWERLINE

MLB > (977) WASHINGTON @ (978) NY YANKEES | 06/10/2015 - 01:05 PM
Line: NY YANKEES -123 BTB PowerLine: NY YANKEES -112
Edge On: NY YANKEES (11)

MLB > (953) ST LOUIS @ (954) COLORADO | 06/10/2015 - 03:10 PM
Line: COLORADO +100 BTB PowerLine: COLORADO 112
Edge On: COLORADO (12)

MLB > (979) CHICAGO CUBS @ (980) DETROIT | 06/10/2015 - 07:05 PM
Line: DETROIT -105 BTB PowerLine: DETROIT 136
Edge On: DETROIT (21)

MLB > (963) BOSTON @ (964) BALTIMORE | 06/10/2015 - 07:05 PM
Line: BALTIMORE -120 BTB PowerLine: BALTIMORE -138
Edge On: BALTIMORE (18)

MLB > (955) MILWAUKEE @ (956) PITTSBURGH | 06/10/2015 - 07:05 PM
Line: PITTSBURGH -147 BTB PowerLine: PITTSBURGH -172
Edge On: PITTSBURGH (25)

MLB > (967) LA ANGELS @ (968) TAMPA BAY | 06/10/2015 - 07:10 PM
Line: TAMPA BAY -105 BTB PowerLine: TAMPA BAY 111
Edge On: TAMPA BAY (16)

MLB > (957) SAN FRANCISCO @ (958) NY METS | 06/10/2015 - 07:10 PM
Line: NY METS -165 BTB PowerLine: NY METS -153
Edge On: NY METS (12)

MLB > (969) KANSAS CITY @ (970) MINNESOTA | 06/10/2015 - 08:10 PM
Line: MINNESOTA -107 BTB PowerLine: MINNESOTA 106
Edge On: MINNESOTA (13)

MLB > (973) TEXAS @ (974) OAKLAND | 06/10/2015 - 10:05 PM
Line: OAKLAND -160 BTB PowerLine: OAKLAND -112
Edge On: OAKLAND (23)

MLB > (961) ARIZONA @ (962) LA DODGERS | 06/10/2015 - 10:10 PM
Line: LA DODGERS -175 BTB PowerLine: LA DODGERS -217
Edge On: LA DODGERS (42)

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

NHL MONEYLINE

NHL > (7) TAMPA BAY@ (8) CHICAGO | 06/10/2015 - 08:05 PM
Play AGAINST CHICAGO using the money line in All games after a non-conference game
The record is 29 Wins and 37 Losses for the last two seasons (-29.6 units)

NHL PUCKLINE

NHL > (7) TAMPA BAY@ (8) CHICAGO | 06/10/2015 - 08:05 PM
Play AGAINST CHICAGO using the in All games after a non-conference game
The record is 29 Wins and 37 Losses for the last two seasons (-29.6 units)

NHL TOTALS

NHL > (7) TAMPA BAY@ (8) CHICAGO | 06/10/2015 - 08:05 PM
Play UNDER CHICAGO on the total in All games in non-conference games
The record is 8 Overs and 22 Unders for the this season (+14 units)

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Chicago can't cash in chances, trail Stanley Cup Final 2-1


CHICAGO (AP) - Jonathan Toews and Patrick Kane came up empty-handed for the Chicago Blackhawks. Marian Hossa missed a wide open net, too, against a goalie who looked like he was having trouble moving.

It all added up to a 3-2 loss to the Tampa Bay Lightning in Game 3 of the Stanley Cup finals and one big missed opportunity for the Blackhawks.

''It's frustrating,'' Toews said. ''A lot of the things that we did today gave us the feeling we were going to come out on top.''

An ailing Ben Bishop stood his ground in goal and Cedric Paquette scored in the closing minutes to give Tampa Bay the victory and a 2-1 lead in the series.

Chicago outshot the Lightning 38-32, but couldn't solve Bishop. And just when the United Center crowd was getting ready for overtime, Paquette netted the game-winner on a beautiful pass from defenseman Victor Hedman at 16:49.

The Blackhawks trail 2-1 in the series and will once again have to rely on the resolve that has carried them to two Stanley Cups since 2010 after they let a game that seemed to be theirs for the taking slip away. Game 4 is at the United Center on Wednesday.

The Blackhawks were playing at home after splitting the first two games on the road and facing a goalie whose status was in question after he left the previous game. A 19-7 edge in shots in the first period resulted in only one goal, with Hossa missing a wide open net and Teuvo Teravainen failing to convert another chance not long after that.

As frustrating as those missed opportunities were, the lack of scoring from Toews and Kane also stood out.

The two superstars have combined for just one point in the series, an assist by Toews. Kane at least had three shots on goal after failing to register one in Game 2.

But neither scored even though Bishop was clearly not at full strength.

''We could see that. He's fighting just like anyone else is in this series,'' Toews said.

The Blackhawks took a 2-1 lead at 4:14 of the third period when Brandon Saad fired in a one-timer from the slot off a pass from Hossa in the left point for his seventh goal of the postseason. But Tampa Bay's Ondrej Palat tied it just 13 seconds later when he knocked a loose puck past Chicago goalie Corey Crawford's glove.

The big question coming in was whether Bishop would be in goal for the Lightning after he left Game 2 in the third period, returned for a brief stretch and exited for good.

Tampa Bay was tight-lipped about his ailment. The Lightning even had third-string goalie Kristers Gudlevskis ride the bus to the arena. But Bishop, Tampa Bay's single-season victories record-holder, was in the lineup instead of Andrei Vasilevskiy.

He seemed to be struggling to move in net and found himself face down on the ice after Saad got pushed into him and hit him in the face with his left hand late in the second period. In the end, he was up for the task - especially in the opening period. Tampa Bay went more than 13 minutes without a shot at one point, but Chicago simply could not convert.

Hossa let a huge chance slip away, missing a wide open net after an awkward deflection took Bishop out of position. Hossa got tripped by Tampa Bay's Braydon Coburn and the shot went wide. Then, Teravainen just missed another open net.

The Blackhawks finally caught a break and tied it at 1-1 on a power play goal at 14:22 by Brad Richards, whose shot from the blue line deflected off Bishop's glove.

''I liked their first period,'' coach Joel Quenneville said. ''We had two empty nets and didn't capitalize on either one. We still had 1-1. Scored a big power play goal, got some excitement. The crowd was there. I thought we had a good first, they had a good second. Third was even. Tough loss.''

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Lightning's road success becoming a key

CHICAGO (AP) - Thousands of fans crowded Curtis Hixon Park in Tampa to watch Game 3 of the Stanley Cup Final, braving both rain and 92-degree Florida heat while celebrating another victory for the Tampa Bay Lightning more than 1,000 miles to the north.

The way their team is playing on the road, those fans might hope the Lightning don't come home until they've got the Stanley Cup.

Tampa Bay has won four straight road games by a combined 13-4, the culmination of a remarkable turnaround for a subpar regular-season road team. The Lightning are 8-3 on the road in the postseason, with a chance to add a ninth win in Game 4 on Wednesday night.

Tampa Bay's road transformation is the type of development that wins championships, even while the players doing it can't explain why.

''I'm not sure if we know exactly the one detail,'' forward Brendan Morrow said Tuesday. ''If we did, we'd do it at home, too. It could be a combination of a lot of things. But maybe when we get on the road, there may be isn't as much focus, because we can't have it, on matchups. We just go out and play. We're a team that when we have no hesitation to our game, we're very successful. So that could be part of it. You turn off the thinker a little bit.''

If the Lightning aren't thinking, it's working wonders - particularly lately. They took three in a row from the New York Rangers at Madison Square Garden in the Eastern Conference Finals last month before staring down Chicago and its raucous, anthem-cheering fans to seize Game 3 on Cedric Paquette's late goal.

The Lightning have already compiled the best playoff road record in franchise history, and they're two wins shy of the Los Angeles Kings' NHL-record 10 road victories during their 2012 Stanley Cup run.

This is the same team that went a pedestrian 18-16-7 away from Amalie Arena during the regular season. The Lightning had the fewest road wins among the 16 playoff teams - and fewer than Columbus, Dallas and San Jose, who all missed the postseason.

''The way we've been able to play on the road, I think, has been the thing that's impressed us, and probably a lot of people,'' captain Steven Stamkos said. ''We didn't have a great record during the season on the road. That was something a lot of people talked about. It's just our willingness to play that tight checking game - knowing that if there's limited scoring chances, we have the talent and the depth. If we get those one or two at the end, we can find a way.''

While remarkable, the Lightning's transformation isn't without playoff precedent. The 2012 Kings also weren't an impressive road team in the regular season, winning just 18 games - but when they sneaked into the playoffs as the eighth seed, they rattled off 10 consecutive road wins while rampaging to their first title.

Stamkos and defenseman Victor Hedman are the only two Tampa Bay players left from the last roster to make a significant playoff run, losing the Eastern Conference Finals in 2011. The playoffs' progressively bigger stages can be intimidating to newcomers - or they sometimes don't know they're supposed to be intimidated by the Blackhawks and their wild fans.

''I truly believe we've grown as a team through some of our struggles,'' Lightning coach Jon Cooper said. ''You just think of (Game 3). We're in a pretty hostile environment. It's a 1-1 game. We go down in the third. There was no hang-the-head (attitude). It was, `OK, now we've got to dig the heels in and go get this one.' That's what I love about this group. It's just the never-say-die.''

The Lightning's road grit showed in the third period of Game 3: Just 13 seconds after Tampa Bay yielded Brandon Saad's go-ahead goal, Ondrej Palat charged the net and evened the score. Several minutes later Victor Hedman set up Cedric Paquette's tiebreaking goal, and the Lightning calmly put it away in the final minutes.

With one more road win, the Lightning will be on the brink of their second Stanley Cup title largely because of their work away from Tampa Bay.

''I think we've learned since the beginning of the playoffs, it might not happen the first shift,'' Stamkos said. ''Might not happen with five minutes left. It might happen with three minutes left, like last game. When you have that confidence, it's easy to look down the bench to the guy beside you, knowing he could be a hero.''

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Blackhawks draw on history, experience


CHICAGO (AP) - Jonathan Toews remembers his first postseason series in 2009, and the emotions that went along with each game. These days, the playoffs are a much different experience for the captain of the Chicago Blackhawks.

There was no panic for Toews and company on Tuesday, a day after a 3-2 loss to steady Tampa Bay shoved Chicago into a 2-1 deficit in the Stanley Cup Final. No outward display of frustration.

Trying for their third NHL title in six seasons, the Blackhawks expected a fight - and the skilled Lightning are delivering just that on every level.

''If you don't want that challenge, if you don't want that spotlight almost, then you shouldn't be here,'' Toews said. ''I think we all work for that. We want to play those important games.''

One of those important games is coming up on Wednesday night. The Lightning have clamped down on Toews and Patrick Kane, limiting the high-scoring duo to a single point in the series, and can grab control of the final with their fifth straight road win in Game 4.

''This is going to be a good test for this group,'' Tampa Bay captain Steven Stamkos said. ''Obviously they have the experience. But we're going through it. Like I said a couple minutes ago, you have to go through these situations to gain that experience. We seem to rise to the occasion every round.''

The Lightning jumped out to a 3-0 lead in the second round against Montreal, and then dropped two in a row before eliminating the Canadiens with a 4-1 win in Game 6. They headed home with a 3-2 lead in the Eastern Conference finals against the New York Rangers, and then had to return to Madison Square Garden for a 2-0 victory in Game 7.

Tampa Bay's experience playing with the lead in its previous two playoff series could help in the final against Chicago.

''I truly believe we've grown as a team through some of our struggles,'' coach Jon Cooper said. ''You just think of last night's game. We're in a pretty hostile environment. It's a 1-1 game. We go down in the third. There was no hang the head. It was, `OK, now we got to dig the heels in and go get this one.'''

The Lightning replied 13 seconds after the Blackhawks grabbed a 2-1 lead, with Ondrej Palat stuffing home a rebound for the tying goal. Cedric Paquette then scored with 3:11 remaining to put Tampa Bay in front for good.

Palat's goal continued a disturbing trend for the Blackhawks, who have allowed 10 goals within two minutes after they scored in the playoffs, including five inside of a minute, according to STATS.

''We got to be better in situations like that,'' defenseman Brent Seabrook said. ''It's happened a few times throughout the playoffs.''

The Blackhawks were hampered by an upper-body injury for Johnny Oduya, who missed the last part of the second period and played five minutes in the third. Any issue for Chicago's top four defensemen could have a major impact on the series, but coach Joel Quenneville said he thinks Oduya will be OK.

''He looked all right today,'' he said. ''We'll see how he is tomorrow.''

The same could be said of Quenneville's team, which is used to coming up with clutch postseason goals, not digging them out of its own net.

Since Quenneville took over in October 2008, the Blackhawks are 30-30 in Games 1-3 of playoff series. But they have a 40-14 record in Games 4-7, according to STATS.

''Well, we got a great core of leaders,'' Quenneville said when asked about the team's success late in playoff series. ''They're competitive as heck. They find a way to get better each and every game. They make guys around them better.''

They also have a history of rebounding from playoff disappointment.

Chicago dropped two of the first three games in the 2013 final against Boston and came back to win the series 4-2. It trailed 3-2 in this year's Western Conference finals after Anaheim's 5-4 overtime win in Game 5, and then outscored the Ducks 10-5 in the next two games.

''I don't think there's one thing you can put a finger on,'' Seabrook said. ''I think, you know, the guys in the room, we want to be out there and win. We want to be out there in those situations and play in big games. For whatever reason, I think we play our best games when our backs are up against the wall.''

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Keith carrying impressive load for Blackhawks


CHICAGO (AP) - Between his production and the amount of time he is spending on the ice, the numbers this postseason for Chicago Blackhawks defenseman Duncan Keith sure are impressive.

With his boundless energy, the two-time Norris Trophy winner is playing a huge role for a team eyeing its third Stanley Cup in six years.

He's not the only defensemen carrying a big load. The Blackhawks are a bit short-handed in that area, a concern as they try to erase a 2-1 deficit against Tampa Bay in the Stanley Cup finals.

Game 4 is Wednesday and they could be without Johnny Oduya. But whether he suits up or not, the Blackhawks will still have one of the game's best defensemen on their side in Keith.

''He's one of those special, special athletes that, you know, won't give up,'' teammate Brent Seabrook said. ''He's fun to have been around and watched him progress into this player that he is. I think, like I said, he's got so many great qualities that set him apart from different players in the league that make him great.''

Keith leads the league with a plus-14 rating in these playoffs and has been nothing short of a workhorse for the Blackhawks.

He is averaging 31 minutes, 20 seconds in the postseason and has played at least 40 minutes in three overtime games. In another game, he came within nine seconds of that mark, and he's doing it in an age where the tempo is quick. Teams are on the move, looking to push the pace.

Keith, Chris Pronger and Nicklas Lidstrom are the only defensemen to log more than 31 minutes per game in a significant playoff run since 2001, according to STATS. His 18 assists put him in a tie for fifth on the single postseason list with Ray Bourque and Larry Murphy, trailing only Paul Coffey (25), Al MacInnis (24), Brian Leetch (23) and Bobby Orr (19). And his 20 points are tied for 15th all-time among defensemen.

''I think it's probably harder in this day and age because this game is so fast and quick,'' said New Jersey Devils co-head coach Scott Stevens, who retired as the all-time leader in games played by a defenseman. ''It's a puck pressure game. It's like a track meet. I think when teams are pushing the pace and you're skating, you have no choice but to move and skate yourself. That takes a lot of energy. You need to be in great shape. It's hard to log those minutes.''

Keith certainly isn't the only defenseman carrying a heavy load for the Blackhawks.

They lost Michal Rozsival to a broken ankle in Game 4 of their second-round series against Minnesota. They have been relying primarily on Keith, Seabrook, Niklas Hjalmarsson and Oduya, and they could be down another man on Wednesday.

Oduya missed part of Monday's loss with an unspecified upper-body injury, and coach Joel Quenneville said ''we'll see on both'' when asked about him and any potential lineup changes in Game 4. He did add: ''I think (Oduya will) be all right. He looked all right today. We'll see how he is tomorrow.''

Still, the last thing the Blackhawks need is to lose another defenseman. The load the top four have been carrying was a big topic of discussion, particularly in the Western Conference finals against Anaheim. Only four of those games were decided in regulation, and when it comes to total minutes for Chicago's defensemen, the numbers in these playoffs are staggering.

Keith is by far tops on the team with 626:48 through 20 games. Second is Seabrook, nearly 100 minutes behind him at 529:53, followed by Hjalmarsson (519:57) and Oduya (494:52). Center Jonathan Toews (423:29) is fifth.

But after Oduya, the drop in total minutes among defensemen is steep, with Rozsival (174:22) followed by Kimmo Timonen (141:23), Kyle Cumiskey (85:13), David Rundblad (37:25) and Trevor van Riemsdyk (9:01).

Quenneville insisted he has not seen any signs of fatigue from that group.

''The guys take care of themselves to a different level,'' he said. ''They prepare to the excitement and importance of the next game. They find ways where they're ready to compete. Whatever is in front of them, they feel the more they get, the better they'll play. They don't mind playing big minutes.''

Stevens, currently second in games played by a defenseman to Chris Chelios, said the toughest part was the mental grind, the swings that come with winning and losing, particularly this time of year. He also believed the more time he got on the ice, the better he performed.

But he realized there was a balance to strike. He preferred shorter shifts with quick breaks rather than long ones.

He said players need to know when to pull back, maybe letting a rush go when they have no chance to catch up. Nutrition and conditioning were key for him, as they are for Keith - who has talked about the importance of both.

Stevens avoided sugar, loaded up on pasta or fish, drank plenty of water, and never went hungry.

''Everyone wants to play a lot, but sometimes too much might (not) be (beneficial) for yourself and the team,'' he said. ''If you have the people there that you can trust in the other minutes and maybe take a bit away from myself and another key defenseman, why not especially if it's going to be a long series or a long playoff run? But when push comes to crunch or it comes to Game 7, I'm sure you'll be ready for the 30 minutes or 32 minutes or whatever it takes at that point.''

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Marlins (24-34) at Blue Jays (29-30)
Game: 3
Venue: Rogers Centre
Date: June 10, 2015 12:37 PM EDT

After extending their lengthy winning streak in dramatic fashion, the Toronto Blue Jays have a chance to move above .500 for the first time in a month.

They can do so with an eighth consecutive victory Wednesday against the visiting Miami Marlins.

Edwin Encarnacion hit a two-run homer in the ninth inning to give Toronto (30-30) a 4-3 victory Tuesday. The Blue Jays, who won a season-high nine in a row in 2014, last sat above .500 on May 9 at 16-15.

Winners in five straight at home and 11 of 15 overall, Toronto has rallied in the ninth to win two of its last three contests.

'They're a good hitting team and that group in the middle of the lineup is probably as good as any in baseball,' Miami manager Dan Jennings said of a Blue Jays club that leads the majors with 318 runs. 'They hunt the fastball and they're certainly capable of doing damage when they get it.'

Encarnacion's 13th homer was his only hit in three at_bats after missing the previous two games with a sore left shoulder.

'Anything can happen; I don't want to get hurt again,' said Encarnacion, who was wary of being injured in the celebration after receiving a cortisone shot prior to missing those two contests. 'They took care of me.'

Though the veteran slugger is batting .221, he has 36 RBIs in 56 games and manager John Gibbons knows the value of having that potent bat in the mix.

'That's why it's so important to have Eddie in the lineup healthy, because he can do that,' Gibbons said.

"He's a huge threat in our lineup. ... He's one of the best hitters in the game."

A pleasant surprise in the Blue Jays lineup, Chris Colabello had his 18-game hitting streak end Tuesday when he went 0 for 3 with two strikeouts. He's batting .341 in 33 games since making his season debut May 5.

In an effort to conserve the sore arm of right-hander Aaron Sanchez, Toronto will skip his scheduled start Wednesday and hand the ball to fellow rookie Scott Copeland (0-0, 0.00 ERA).

'We can't take a chance so we'll back (Sanchez) off,' Gibbons said.

The right-hander, who made his major league debut by pitching three scoreless innings over two relief appearances in early May, was recalled from Triple-A Buffalo where he's gone 4-1 with a 2.14 ERA in seven starts.

He will try to contain Giancarlo Stanton, who has homered three times in the first two games of this series and recorded eight of his major league-leading 21 in the last 10 contests. Tuesday marked the third time this season Stanton has homered twice in a game and first that he's done so in 85 interleague contests.

The Marlins (24-35) will look to avoid being swept after entering the series winners in six of nine. Prior to Tuesday, A.J. Ramos converted six straight save chances since taking over the closer role.

"You know what? We get the chance (Wednesday), we'll run him right back out there," Jennings said. "That's how much we believe in him.'

Miami's Tom Koehler (4-3, 3.72) has allowed one or no earned runs in four of his last five starts, including Friday when he yielded one over seven innings of a 6-2 victory at Colorado.

The right-hander went 0-2 with a 5.40 ERA in his first four interleague starts but is 4-0 in his last five despite a 4.67 ERA.


SERIES AT A GLANCE

GAME 1
Marlins at Blue Jays
Mon, Jun 8 Final 3 to 11
Boxscores

GAME 2
Marlins at Blue Jays
Tue, Jun 9 Final 3 to 4
Boxscores • Recaps

GAME 3
Marlins at Blue Jays
Wed, Jun 10 - 12:37PM EDT

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Phillies (22-37) at Reds (25-31)
Game: 3
Venue: Great American Ball Park
Date: June 10, 2015 12:35 PM EDT

The Cincinnati Reds have played better baseball since the end of their dreadful losing streak last month, and with a red-hot Joey Votto, that has a good chance to continue.

Following a huge night for Votto, the Reds will look to finish off a three-game sweep of the Philadelphia Phillies on Wednesday.

Votto hit three home runs for the third time in his career to pace Cincinnati's offensive outburst in an 11-3 win Tuesday. Zach Cozart and Todd Frazier also went deep as the Reds won their third straight.

"Today was wild ... I just happened to get lucky on three pitches,' said Votto. 'A few of them were out of the (strike) zone, that's not typical. You're going to fail a lot if you swing at balls out of the zone.'

Cincinnati (26-31) has gone 8-5 since a nine-game skid in May and Votto has batted .400 with six home runs and 14 RBIs in the last 11. He has 13 home runs and 35 RBIs on the season.

Jerome Williams (3-5, 5.68 ERA) will face the Reds for the first time since 2006. The right-hander has pitched fewer than six innings in seven of his last eight starts and his ERA is among the worst in MLB.

The Phillies (22-38) have lost in each of Williams' last four outings. They've dropped 12 of 15 overall and have been especially bad on the road, where they're a major league-worst 7-22 and have lost six in a row - Philadelphia's worst skid away from home since dropping 11 straight July 20-Aug. 11, 2013.

"We need to play solid games and put some games together," manager Ryne Sandberg said.

Cincinnati's Jon Moscot comes off his major league debut Friday, when he filled in for the injured Raisel Iglesias and allowed four runs and struck out three in five innings of a 6-2 loss to San Diego. The right-hander yielded two home runs and issued three walks but retired 11 of his final 12 batters.

"He's not going to learn anything from the experience by pitching an inning or two innings in that game," manager Bryan Price told MLB's official website. "He needed to stay in the game, find a way to manage that lineup, make better pitches because our expectation here is, if you're going to be in the rotation, you're going to pitch the innings."

Billy Hamilton was held out of Tuesday's game with a sore right hand after stealing two bases Monday. Brandon Phillips will likely sit after straining his groin on a slide.

Chase Utley is hitting .188 and has gone 0 for 16 in his last five games. Maikel Franco has picked up the slack with an eight-game hitting streak and .469 average in that span.

Franco went 2 for 3 with a double Tuesday for his ninth extra-base hit of the hitting streak.


SERIES AT A GLANCE

GAME 1
Phillies at Reds
Mon, Jun 8 Final 4 to 6
Boxscores • Recaps

GAME 2
Phillies at Reds
Tue, Jun 9 Final 2 to 11
Boxscores • Recaps

GAME 3
Phillies at Reds
Wed, Jun 10 - 12:35PM EDT