The Bum's 2014 Major League Baseball playoff schedule - Trends News -Best Bets !

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MLB

Saturday, October 4


Nationals, Zimmermann hot at home versus Giants

The Washington Nationals are 4-0 in Jordan Zimmermann's last four starts at Nationals Park versus the San Francisco Giants.

Zimmerman, who will be on the bump in Game 2 of the NLDS series Saturday, got the win versus the Giants back on Aug. 23. He lasted eight innings, allowing two earned runs on seven hits in Washington's 6-2 win.

Tim Hudson gets the start for the visiting Giants and oddsmakers have tabbed the Nats as big home faves, currently -208.

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MLB

Saturday, October 4

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Saturday's MLB Playoff betting preview
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San Francisco Giants at Washington Nationals (-203, 7)

The San Francisco Giants attempt to extend their postseason winning streak and put a stranglehold on their National League Division Series when they visit the Washington Nationals for Game 2 on Saturday. San Francisco, which advanced to the NLDS by trouncing Pittsburgh in the wild-card game on Wednesday, built a three-run lead in Friday's series opener before holding on for a 3-2 triumph. Joe Panik, Brandon Belt and Buster Posey each delivered an RBI single while Jake Peavy yielded two hits over 5 2/3 scoreless innings as the Giants posted their ninth straight playoff victory.

NL East champion Washington made a late comeback attempt, with Bryce Harper and Asdrubal Cabrera belting solo home runs in the seventh inning, but was unable to gain the upper hand in the series. The Nationals, who finished with the best record in the NL during the regular season, look to avoid being pushed to the brink of elimination in the best-of-five series and hope to head to San Francisco with the matchup even at one win apiece. Giants veteran Tim Hudson makes his 10th career playoff start as he faces Jordan Zimmermann, who enters with one postseason start - a loss at St. Louis - under his belt.

TV: 5:37 p.m. ET, FS1

LINE HISTORY: Pinnacle Sports opened the Nats -208, but that is now -203. The total has held at 7.

POWER RANKINGS: Giants (-184), Nationals (-199)

WEATHER: Temperatures will be in the low-60s with wind blowing across the field at 14 mph.

PITCHING MATCHUP: Giants RH Tim Hudson (9-13, 3.57 ERA) vs. Nationals RH Jordan Zimmermann (14-5, 2.66)

Hudson struggled down the stretch, losing each of his last four outings to extend his winless streak to six starts. The 39-year-old, who hasn't pitched in the postseason since 2010 while with Atlanta, has surrendered three or more runs in five straight starts and at least five in three of those contests. Hudson improved to 18-5 in 31 career turns against the Nationals franchise on Aug. 22, when he allowed two runs - one earned - over 5 1/3 innings at Washington.

Zimmermann is coming off the best performance of his career as he tossed the first no-hitter in Nationals history on Sept. 28 against Miami. The 28-year-old won each of his last eight decisions during the regular season, ending the campaign with a 13-start unbeaten streak after losing at Philadelphia on July 11. Zimmermann raised his career record versus San Francisco to 5-2 on Aug. 23 as he yielded only two runs while striking out eight in as many innings.

TRENDS:

* Nationals are 4-0 in Zimmermann's last four home starts vs. Giants.
* Over is 5-1 in the last six meetings.
* Giants are 6-0 in their last six Divisional Playoff road games.
* Under is 13-3 in Nationals last 16 overall.

CONSENSUS: 62 percent of wagers on Consensus are backing the Nationals.



St. Louis Cardinals at Los Angeles Dodgers (-162, 7)

The Los Angeles Dodgers look to shake off a disappointing loss and even their National League Division Series at one win apiece when they host the St. Louis Cardinals on Saturday. NL West champion Los Angeles appeared on its way to victory in Friday's opener as Cy Young Award favorite Clayton Kershaw was staked to a 6-2 lead after six innings. But St. Louis touched the 21-game winner for six runs and six hits during an eight-run seventh and held off a late comeback attempt to emerge with a thrilling 10-9 triumph.

Los Angeles outhit NL Central champion St. Louis 16-10 but went just 4-for-14 with runners in scoring position and stranded 11 while the Cardinals left just one runner on base. Matt Carpenter belted a solo homer and put St. Louis ahead with a three-run double during the huge seventh inning while Matt Holliday capped it with a three-run blast. A.J. Ellis highlighted a 4-for-5 performance with a two-run homer and Adrian Gonzalez added a two-run shot of his own for the Dodgers, who hope to avoid falling into an 0-2 hole in the best-of-five series.

TV: 9:37 p.m. ET, MLB Network

LINE HISTORY: Pinnacle Sports opened the Dodgers -160 but that has gone to -162. The total has held at 7.

POWER RANKINGS: Cardinals (-192), Dodgers (-202)

WEATHER: Temperatures in the mid-80s under clear skies. Wind will blow slightly out to right field at 5 mph.

PITCHING MATCHUP: Cardinals RH Lance Lynn (15-10, 2.74 ERA) vs. Dodgers RH Zach Greinke (17-8, 2.71)

Lynn ended the regular season with a four-game winless streak but produced quality starts in each of his last nine outings. The 27-year-old hasn't allowed more than three runs since June 28, when he was tagged for seven - six earned - over two innings in a loss to Saturday's counterpart Zach Greinke at Los Angeles. Lynn is 3-1 in five career starts against the Dodgers but owns a hefty 4.50 ERA.

Greinke finished the 2014 campaign with an eight-game unbeaten streak that included five victories. The 30-year-old former American League Cy Young Award winner allowed more than two earned runs only twice during his run and yielded fewer than two on four occasions. Greinke fell to 9-4 in 14 career games - 12 starts - against the Cardinals on July 19, when he surrendered four runs on six hits and five walks over 5 2/3 innings at St. Louis.

TRENDS:

* Cardinals are 4-1 in Lynn's last five starts vs. Dodgers.
* Cardinals are 7-1 in their last eight vs. National League West.
* Dodgers are 5-0 in Greinke's last five starts.
* Over is 21-4-2 in Dodgers last 27 overall.

CONSENSUS: 68.33 percent of wagers on Consensus are backing the Dodgers.

[StarDust Bum]

Preview: Giants (87-74) at Nationals (96-66)
Game: 2
Venue: Nationals Park
Date: October 04, 2014 5:37 PM EDT


When he last took the mound for the Nationals, Jordan Zimmermann threw the first no-hitter in Washington in 83 years.

A lot more will be at stake against San Francisco's NL-record postseason win streak.

While Zimmermann looks to extend his dominance, Tim Hudson will try to overcome his recent struggles and help the Giants to a 2-0 edge in the division series Saturday night.

Following a 3-2 loss in Friday's opener, Washington could use a strong performance from Zimmermann (14-5, 2.66 ERA), who has been fantastic since the beginning of August.

On the final day of the regular season Sept. 28, Zimmermann struck out 10 and allowed only two baserunners in a 1-0 win over Miami that marked the first no-hitter in the nation's capital since Bobby Burke did it for the Senators in 1931.

The right-hander has gone 8-0 with a 1.81 ERA over his last 11 starts - all Washington wins. He's also 9-1 with a 2.27 mark in 15 starts on five or more days' rest this season.

"The secret to his success is what he showed on the final game of the season," manager Matt Williams told MLB's official website. "That's balls in the strike zone, pound the zone, work quickly, get us back in the dugout."

Brandon Crawford had three hits after belting a grand slam Wednesday in an 8-0 wild-card win at Pittsburgh. The shortstop is 11 for 26 in his last seven versus Washington.

Brandon Belt and Joe Panik each added two hits and an RBI as the Giants won their NL-record ninth postseason game in a row dating to their 2012 World Series title run.

Now Hudson (9-13, 3.57) will take a shot at extending the streak, though the Giants have lost his previous five starts. The right-hander went 0-4 with an 8.72 ERA in September, with his last win coming at Washington on Aug. 22.

"You have to like his experience," manager Bruce Bochy said of the 39-year-old. "He's such a pro in how he goes about his business, how he prepares. I think his biggest issue was that his hip was bothering him. I think he's over that."

Over nine career playoff starts, Hudson is 1-3 with a 3.40 ERA, but he's made only one postseason appearance since 2005 - and that was back in 2010 with Atlanta.

Hudson, however, is 17-5 with a 2.39 ERA in 30 career starts against the Nationals since the franchise moved from Montreal in 2005. He's also 4-0 with an 0.80 mark in five meetings over the past two seasons.

Denard Span, Anthony Rendon and Asdrubal Cabrera are a combined 0 for 17 versus Hudson this season, but Jayson Werth has gone 2 for 5 with a home run and is hitting .386 with four long balls in 44 career at_bats.

Bryce Harper, who hit a long solo shot Friday, is 4 for 9 with two homers in his last two home games versus San Francisco.

"We can't go 0-2 into San Fran," Harper said. "That's tough, so we've got to get that 'W' tomorrow."

Zimmermann will have to perform better than he did in his only career playoff start when he allowed five runs over three innings in a 12-4 loss to St. Louis in the 2012 NLDS.

He's gone 5-1 with a 2.04 ERA in his last six starts against the Giants after giving up two runs with eight strikeouts over eight innings in a 6-2 home win Aug. 23 in his only meeting this season.

Pence hit a two-run home run off him in that contest and is 8 for 20 with two homers all-time in the matchup. Pablo Sandoval has gone 6 for 13 when facing Zimmermann, but Buster Posey is just 3 for 15.

[StarDust Bum]

Preview: Cardinals (90-72) at Dodgers (94-68)
Game: 2
Venue: Dodger Stadium
Date: October 04, 2014 9:37 PM EDT


Zack Greinke and Lance Lynn both have an inconsistent postseason history.

The playoff starts they have won, however, have come exclusively against the opponents they're about to face.

The two take the mound Saturday night in Los Angeles for Game 2 with the St. Louis Cardinals seeking a commanding lead in the NL division series.

Greinke (17-8, 2.71 ERA) faces the brunt of the pressure as he tries to keep the Dodgers from going down 0-2 at home after the Cardinals' improbable 10-9 comeback win Friday over MVP candidate Clayton Kershaw.

Greinke began building postseason confidence last season after struggling in 2011 with Milwaukee in his only previous experience. In 2013, he went 1-1 with a 2.57 ERA and .189 opponents' batting average in 21 innings over three starts, the final two against the Cardinals in the NLCS.

Four of his six playoff starts have come versus St. Louis, resulting in his only two postseason wins - though it's the Cardinals who have eliminated his teams in both of his playoff trips. Overall, Greinke is 2-2 with a 4.30 ERA in the postseason.

"It's the playoffs, so there's plenty of motivation," Greinke told MLB's official website. "But the Cardinals have knocked me out both of the times in the playoffs, so it's not any more motivation, but it's kind of tough losing to the same team twice."

It's been quite a while since he's had that feeling this season, going 5-0 with a 2.34 ERA in his last eight outings.

He's working on five days of rest after beating Colorado on Sunday, running his home record to 10-2 with a 2.55 ERA. That includes a win over St. Louis to account for the better half of a 1-1 record and 3.55 ERA in the season series.

Matt Holliday is 12 for 37 with two homers off Greinke, but the entire Cardinals lineup could be entering with plenty of confidence after roughing up Kershaw for eight runs to come from five down.

Matt Carpenter went 2 for 5 with a home run, double and four RBIs, and the leadoff hitter is batting .375 in his last five postseason games. Kershaw also allowed home runs to Randal Grichuk and Holliday, who now has 13 playoff homers - tied for 14th all-time.

"That was a very special win and now to be able to put that behind us and get ready for the next one, just, it sounds like a boring methodical approach, but I believe that's really what these guys have bought into and what's going to give us a chance to be successful," manager Mike Matheny said.

The Dodgers also had plenty of offense with 16 hits, including 11 against Adam Wainwright. The difference was 11 stranded runners to St. Louis' one.

Catcher A.J. Ellis went 4 for 5 with a home run and is batting .417 with hits in seven straight postseason games, all against St. Louis. Carl Crawford went 2 for 4 to extend his postseason hitting streak to 11.

Lynn (15-10, 2.74) is coming off arguably his best regular season but hasn't won in his last four starts. A lack of run support has been the issue, with Lynn posting a 2.33 ERA while receiving just six runs over 27 innings. He'll be going on six days' rest after not factoring into last Saturday's loss at Arizona.

The right-hander is 5-4 with a 4.81 ERA in 21 postseason games, but he's just 1-3 with a 5.56 ERA in five starts. That victory came in Los Angeles in last season's Game 4. Lynn also won Game 1 in relief and allowed two runs over 7 1-3 innings in the series.

Like Greinke, Lynn split his two starts in the regular-season series, though they came with a 9.00 ERA.

[StarDust Bum]

Playoff Record:


Date WLT Pct Net Units Record

10/03/14 6-*2-*0 75.00% +*2395 Detail

10/02/14 2-*2-*0 50.00% -*450 Detail

10/01/14 2-*0-*0 100.00% +*1000 Detail

09/30/14 2-*0-*0 100.00% +*1000 Detail

Totals 12-*4-*0 75.00%% +2550


Rated Plays Only Record:


4 - 1 ........ + 3.00.......*****

4 - 2..........+ 5.26 ......Double Play

4 - 2 .........+ 3.93.....Triple Play

0 - 0 .........- 0.00.......Grand Slam


Saturday, October 4

Game Score Status Pick Amount

San Francisco - 5:30 PM ET San Francisco +180 500 DOUBLE PLAY

Washington - Over 7 500 TRIPLE PLAY

[StarDust Bum]

2014 MLB Playoff Results

October 5, 2014

Overall Results:

-- Underdogs are 7-3

-- Road teams are 6-4

-- The Over is 5-5

American League Divisional Series

Detroit vs. Baltimore

Game Matchup Score Favorite-Underdog Over-Under

1 Detroit at Baltimore (+110) 12-3 Underdog Over 7

2 Detroit at Baltimore (-120) 7-6 Favorite Over 7.5

3 Baltimore at Detroit - - -

4 Baltimore at Detroit - - -

5 Detroit at Baltimore - - -


Kansas City vs. Los Angeles

Game Matchup Score Favorite-Underdog Over-Under


1 Kansas City (+165) at Los Angeles 3-2 (11) Underdog Under 7 ½

2 Kansas City (+155) at Los Angeles 4-1 (11) Underdog Under 7

3 Los Angeles at Kansas City - - -

4 Los Angeles at Kansas City - - -

5 Kansas City at Los Angeles - - -


National League Divisional Series

San Francisco vs. Washington

Game Matchup Score Favorite-Underdog Over-Under

1 San Francisco (+165) at Washington 3-2 Underdog Under 7

2 San Francisco (+180) at Washington 2-1 (18) Underdog Under 7

3 Washington at San Francisco - - -

4 Washington at San Francisco - - -

5 San Francisco at Washington - - -


St. Louis vs. Los Angeles

Game Matchup Score Favorite-Underdog Over-Under

1 St. Louis (+165) at Los Angeles 10-9 Underdog Over 6

2 St. Louis at Los Angeles (-170) 3-2 Favorite Under 7

3 Los Angeles at St. Louis - - -

4 Los Angeles at St. Louis - - -

5 St. Louis at Los Angeles - - -


Wild Card

Wild Card Game

Game Matchup Score Favorite-Underdog Over-Under

AL Oakland at Kansas City (+100) 9-8 (12) Underdog Over 6 ½

NL San Francisco (-110) at Pittsburgh 8-0 Favorite Over 6 ½

[StarDust Bum]

MLB
Dunkel

LA Angels at Kansas City
The Royals look to clinch the ALDS series tonight and face an Angels team that is 0-7 in C. J. Wilson's last 7 starts as an underdog. Kansas City is the pick (-130) according to Dunkel, which has the Royals favored by 1 1/2. Dunkel Pick: Kansas City (-130). Here are all of today's MLB picks.

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 5

Game 917-918: Baltimore at Detroit (3:30 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Baltimore (Norris) 16.621; Detroit (Price) 15.559
Dunkel Line: Baltimore by 1; 9
Vegas Line: Detroit (-180); 7 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Baltimore (+160); Over

Game 919-920: LA Angels at Kansas City (7:30 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: LA Angels (Wilson) 15.109; Kansas City (Shields) 16.756
Dunkel Line: Kansas City by 1 1/2; 6
Vegas Line: Kansas City (-130); 7
Dunkel Pick: Kansas City (-130); Under




MLB
Long Sheet

Sunday, October 5

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BALTIMORE (98 - 66) at DETROIT (90 - 74) - 3:35 PM
MIGUEL GONZALEZ (R) vs. DAVID PRICE (L)
Top Trends for this game.
BALTIMORE is 15-26 (-15.4 Units) against the money line after 3 or more consecutive wins over the last 2 seasons.
BALTIMORE is 99-66 (+38.2 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
BALTIMORE is 21-16 (+17.5 Units) against the money line as a road underdog of +150 to +175 over the last 3 seasons.
BALTIMORE is 47-35 (+21.8 Units) against the money line in road games this season.
BALTIMORE is 24-15 (+14.9 Units) against the money line in road games when playing on Sunday over the last 3 seasons.
BALTIMORE is 38-21 (+19.4 Units) against the money line when playing with a day off over the last 3 seasons.
BALTIMORE is 51-37 (+23.2 Units) against the money line in road games in day games over the last 3 seasons.
BALTIMORE is 88-59 (+32.5 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
BALTIMORE is 55-42 (+15.4 Units) against the money line after a win this season.
BALTIMORE is 47-27 (+26.1 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record this season.
BALTIMORE is 33-15 (+21.8 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record in the second half of the season this season.
DETROIT is 90-74 (-5.8 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
DETROIT is 65-60 (-21.2 Units) against the money line in day games over the last 2 seasons.
DETROIT is 87-71 (-5.3 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
DETROIT is 27-27 (-12.7 Units) against the money line in home games against right-handed starters this season.
DETROIT is 37-36 (-10.1 Units) against the money line after a loss this season.
PRICE is 9-14 (-14.8 Units) against the money line in home games when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 3 seasons. (Team's Record)

Head-to-Head Series History
DETROIT is 5-3 (+1.4 Units) against BALTIMORE this season
5 of 8 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+2.0 Units)

MIGUEL GONZALEZ vs. DETROIT since 1997
GONZALEZ is 0-2 when starting against DETROIT with an ERA of 9.00 and a WHIP of 2.067.
His team's record is 1-2 (-0.9 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 1-2. (-1.2 units)

DAVID PRICE vs. BALTIMORE since 1997
PRICE is 7-3 when starting against BALTIMORE with an ERA of 2.82 and a WHIP of 1.237.
His team's record is 10-7 (-3.1 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 10-7. (+1.5 units)

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LA ANGELS (98 - 66) at KANSAS CITY (92 - 73) - 7:35 PM
C.J. WILSON (L) vs. JAMES SHIELDS (R)
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

Head-to-Head Series History
KANSAS CITY is 5-3 (+3.1 Units) against LA ANGELS this season
4 of 7 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+0.6 Units)

C.J. WILSON vs. KANSAS CITY since 1997
WILSON is 4-0 when starting against KANSAS CITY with an ERA of 3.18 and a WHIP of 1.257.
His team's record is 6-1 (+4.8 units) in these starts. The OVER is 4-2. (+2.1 units)

JAMES SHIELDS vs. LA ANGELS since 1997
SHIELDS is 6-3 when starting against LA ANGELS with an ERA of 3.31 and a WHIP of 1.283.
His team's record is 10-3 (+7.9 units) in these starts. The OVER is 5-8. (-3.4 units)

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MLB
Armadillo's Write-Up

Sunday, October 5

Orioles-Tigers
Norris is making his first postseason start; he is 4-0, 2.08 in his last five starts, but was 0-2, 6.39 against Detroit this season. Orioles won seven of his last nine road starts.

Price is 0-4, 6.15 in four career playoff starts; he won a game in relief for Rays in '08 playoffs. Price is 1-0, 1.69 in his last two starts, 0-1, 5.40 vs Baltimore this year, allowing three runs in five IP.

Baltimore scored twelve 8th-inning runs in first two series games, rallying from down 6-3 in 8th inning in Game 2- they've won last three games overall.

Tigers' bullpen imploded in first two series games, allowing 11 runs in 4.2 IP. Detroit lost four of its last five games overall.

Norris 19-9.............10-28 first inning
Price 14-9/6-5.........12-34 first inning

Angels-Royals
Wilson is 1-5, 4.82 in nine playoff starts; he is 3-1, 4.68 in his last five starts, with one terrible start skewing the RA. Wilson is 1-0, 4.50 in two starts against Kansas City this season.

Shields is 0-1, 4.74 in his last four starts, 2-4, 5.26 in seven playoff starts. He allowed four runs in six IP in his only '14 start against the Angels.

Angels lost five games in a row, scoring 8 runs; they're 3-9 in last 12 overall; Angels are 10-21 in playoff games since winning the '02 World Series.

Royals won six of last seven games, last three in extra innings; they scored 22 runs in last four games. They're 5-6 in their last eleven home games.

Wilson 16-15.........7-31 first inning
Shields 22-13..........9-35 first inning




MLB

Sunday, October 5

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Trend Report
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3:45 PM
BALTIMORE vs. DETROIT
The total has gone UNDER in 16 of Baltimore's last 24 games on the road
Baltimore is 16-7 SU in its last 23 games
Detroit is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Detroit's last 5 games

7:37 PM
LA ANGELS vs. KANSAS CITY
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of LA Angels's last 6 games when playing on the road against Kansas City
LA Angels are 1-4 SU in their last 5 games when playing Kansas City
The total has gone OVER in 6 of Kansas City's last 9 games
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Kansas City's last 6 games when playing at home against LA Angels


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MLB

Sunday, October 5

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Sunday's MLB Playoff betting preview
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Baltimore Orioles at Detroit Tigers (-180, 7.5)

The Detroit Tigers traded for David Price at the deadline so that the former Cy Young Award winner could pitch meaningful games for the team in the postseason. It won’t get any more meaningful than Sunday, when the Tigers host the Baltimore Orioles in Game 3 of the American League Division Series needing a win to stay alive. Detroit is hoping for some length from the left-hander so it can avoid using a bullpen that has been a disaster in the first two games.

The Tigers have allowed a total of 12 runs in the eighth inning in the series, with setup men Joba Chamberlain and Joakim Soria combining to surrender nine while recording only four outs. The bullpen breakdowns have obscured great efforts from Victor Martinez and J.D. Martinez, who have combined for seven RBIs to pace Detroit's offense. The Orioles are getting more balanced production from their offense, and pinch-hitter Delmon Young delivered a go-ahead, three-run double in Friday’s 7-6 victory to give the AL East champions a 2-0 lead in the best-of-five series.

TV: 3:37 p.m. ET, TBS

PITCHING MATCHUP: Orioles RH Miguel Gonzalez (10-9, 3.23 ERA) vs. Tigers LH David Price (15-12, 3.26)

Gonzalez allowed three or fewer earned runs in each of his last eight starts to lock up a spot in the postseason rotation, breezing through five scoreless frames in his final regular-season turn. The 30-year-old Mexican did not yield a run in three of his last five starts but completed seven innings in only one of those turns. Gonzalez faced Detroit twice early in the regular season and was ripped for a total of nine runs – eight earned – and 11 hits in 5 1/3 innings.

Price pitched Detroit to the AL Central title by striking out eight over 7 1/3 scoreless innings against Minnesota on Sunday. The Vanderbilt product was up-and-down over the last five weeks of the season, allowing five or more runs in three of his final seven outings. Price is 1-4 with a 5.06 ERA in his postseason career and was lit up for seven runs in as many innings in the ALDS as a member of the Tampa Bay Rays last season.

WALK-OFFS:

1. The Orioles have not won a postseason series since beating the Seattle Mariners in the 1997 ALDS.

2. Tigers CF Rajai Davis (abdomen) left Game 2 in the fourth inning and is day-to-day.

3. Baltimore DH Nelson Cruz is 4-for-8 in the series and batting .400 in eight career postseason games against Detroit.



Los Angeles Angels at Kansas City Royals (-128, 7)

The Kansas City Royals look to complete a stunning sweep when they host the Los Angeles Angels in Game 3 of their best-of-five American League Division Series on Sunday. Kansas City won both of the first two games in extra innings on the road to shock Los Angeles, which had the AL’s best record in the regular season. “It’s not the position we want to be in,” Angels manager Mike Scioscia told reporters. “Nobody has their head buried in the sand, we need a three-game winning streak.”

Mike Moustakas hit the game-winning homer in the opener and Eric Hosmer smacked the decisive blast in Game 2 as the Royals appeared to play looser than Los Angeles, the heavy favorites. “It’s fun to be the underdog,” Hosmer told reporters. “It’s fun to realize and go out there and play and you don’t have anything to lose and just let it all on the line.” Angels star Mike Trout has been one of his club’s underachievers, going hitless in eight at-bats in the series.

TV: 7:37 p.m. ET, TBS

PITCHING MATCHUP: Angels LH C.J. Wilson (13-10, 4.51 ERA) vs. Royals RH James Shields (14-8, 3.30)

Wilson has struggled mightily on the road, going 4-8 with a 5.31 ERA in 16 starts. He was 1-0 with a 4.50 ERA in two outings against Kansas City this season, and Scioscia is counting on a big performance. “C.J. dissects his ability and what he is trying to do on the mound more than anybody I’ve been around,” Scioscia said. “He has to find the balance between finding that edge and keeping his stuff where it needs to be.”

Shields somehow has the nickname “Big Game James” despite his postseason ERA rising to 5.26 in seven career starts (2-4 record) after allowing four runs and five hits in five-plus innings against Oakland in Tuesday’s AL wild-card game. He is 6-3 with a 3.31 ERA in 13 career starts against the Angels, and closer Greg Holland said he is the key to Kansas City's starting rotation. “He leads by example, taking the ball every five days and giving his heart and soul,” Holland said in a press conference. “I think once you start rattling off good start after good start, it kind of builds on itself.”

WALK-OFFS:

1. Kansas City is the first team in major-league history to play three consecutive extra-inning contests to begin a postseason - and win them.

2. Royals 2B Omar Infante, who is hitless in eight at-bats in the series, is 7-for-15 with two doubles against Wilson.

3. Angels LF Josh Hamilton, who is 0-for-9 in the series, is just 3-for-25 with 11 strikeouts versus Shields.


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MLB

Sunday, October 5


Umpire trend you need to know for Orioles-Tigers

The Detroit Tigers and the Baltimore Orioles face off at Comerica Park in Game 3 of their AL Divisional Series Sunday, and there's one particular trend bettors who plan on wagering on the game need to be aware of.

Umpire Jeff Kellogg will be behind the plate for the matchup. In Baltimore's last seven games with Kellogg calling balls and strikes, the Over is a sizzling 7-0.

Baltimore sends Bud Norris to the mound, while David Price counters for Detroit.

The Tigers are currently -175 faves on the moneyline with a total of 7.5 for the contest.

[StarDust Bum]

Date WLT Pct Net Units Record

Date WLT Pct Net Units Record

10/04/14 1-*1-*0 50.00% + 310 Detail

10/03/14 6-*2-*0 75.00% +*2395 Detail

10/02/14 2-*2-*0 50.00% -*450 Detail

10/01/14 2-*0-*0 100.00% +*1000 Detail

09/30/14 2-*0-*0 100.00% +*1000 Detail

Totals 13 -*5-*0 72.22% + 4255




Rated Plays Only Record:


4 - 1 ........ + 3.00.......*****

5 - 2..........+ 8.86 ......Double Play

4 - 3 .........+ 0.93.....Triple Play

0 - 0 .........- 0.00.......Grand Slam

[StarDust Bum]

Correction:

Date WLT Pct Net Units Record

10/04/14 1-*1-*0 50.00% + 110 Detail

10/03/14 6-*2-*0 75.00% +*2395 Detail

10/02/14 2-*2-*0 50.00% -*450 Detail

10/01/14 2-*0-*0 100.00% +*1000 Detail

09/30/14 2-*0-*0 100.00% +*1000 Detail

Totals 13 -*5-*0 72.22% + 4055




Rated Plays Only Record:


4 - 1 ........ + 3.00.......*****

5 - 2..........+ 8.86 ......Double Play

4 - 3 .........+ 0.93.....Triple Play

0 - 0 .........- 0.00.......Grand Slam

[StarDust Bum]

Sunday's MLB Playoff betting preview


Baltimore Orioles at Detroit Tigers (-180, 7.5)

The Detroit Tigers traded for David Price at the deadline so that the former Cy Young Award winner could pitch meaningful games for the team in the postseason. It won’t get any more meaningful than Sunday, when the Tigers host the Baltimore Orioles in Game 3 of the American League Division Series needing a win to stay alive. Detroit is hoping for some length from the left-hander so it can avoid using a bullpen that has been a disaster in the first two games.

The Tigers have allowed a total of 12 runs in the eighth inning in the series, with setup men Joba Chamberlain and Joakim Soria combining to surrender nine while recording only four outs. The bullpen breakdowns have obscured great efforts from Victor Martinez and J.D. Martinez, who have combined for seven RBIs to pace Detroit's offense. The Orioles are getting more balanced production from their offense, and pinch-hitter Delmon Young delivered a go-ahead, three-run double in Friday’s 7-6 victory to give the AL East champions a 2-0 lead in the best-of-five series.

TV: 3:37 p.m. ET, TBS

PITCHING MATCHUP: Orioles RH Miguel Gonzalez (10-9, 3.23 ERA) vs. Tigers LH David Price (15-12, 3.26)

Gonzalez allowed three or fewer earned runs in each of his last eight starts to lock up a spot in the postseason rotation, breezing through five scoreless frames in his final regular-season turn. The 30-year-old Mexican did not yield a run in three of his last five starts but completed seven innings in only one of those turns. Gonzalez faced Detroit twice early in the regular season and was ripped for a total of nine runs – eight earned – and 11 hits in 5 1/3 innings.

Price pitched Detroit to the AL Central title by striking out eight over 7 1/3 scoreless innings against Minnesota on Sunday. The Vanderbilt product was up-and-down over the last five weeks of the season, allowing five or more runs in three of his final seven outings. Price is 1-4 with a 5.06 ERA in his postseason career and was lit up for seven runs in as many innings in the ALDS as a member of the Tampa Bay Rays last season.

WALK-OFFS:

1. The Orioles have not won a postseason series since beating the Seattle Mariners in the 1997 ALDS.

2. Tigers CF Rajai Davis (abdomen) left Game 2 in the fourth inning and is day-to-day.

3. Baltimore DH Nelson Cruz is 4-for-8 in the series and batting .400 in eight career postseason games against Detroit.


Los Angeles Angels at Kansas City Royals (-128, 7)

The Kansas City Royals look to complete a stunning sweep when they host the Los Angeles Angels in Game 3 of their best-of-five American League Division Series on Sunday. Kansas City won both of the first two games in extra innings on the road to shock Los Angeles, which had the AL’s best record in the regular season. “It’s not the position we want to be in,” Angels manager Mike Scioscia told reporters. “Nobody has their head buried in the sand, we need a three-game winning streak.”

Mike Moustakas hit the game-winning homer in the opener and Eric Hosmer smacked the decisive blast in Game 2 as the Royals appeared to play looser than Los Angeles, the heavy favorites. “It’s fun to be the underdog,” Hosmer told reporters. “It’s fun to realize and go out there and play and you don’t have anything to lose and just let it all on the line.” Angels star Mike Trout has been one of his club’s underachievers, going hitless in eight at-bats in the series.

TV: 7:37 p.m. ET, TBS

PITCHING MATCHUP: Angels LH C.J. Wilson (13-10, 4.51 ERA) vs. Royals RH James Shields (14-8, 3.30)

Wilson has struggled mightily on the road, going 4-8 with a 5.31 ERA in 16 starts. He was 1-0 with a 4.50 ERA in two outings against Kansas City this season, and Scioscia is counting on a big performance. “C.J. dissects his ability and what he is trying to do on the mound more than anybody I’ve been around,” Scioscia said. “He has to find the balance between finding that edge and keeping his stuff where it needs to be.”

Shields somehow has the nickname “Big Game James” despite his postseason ERA rising to 5.26 in seven career starts (2-4 record) after allowing four runs and five hits in five-plus innings against Oakland in Tuesday’s AL wild-card game. He is 6-3 with a 3.31 ERA in 13 career starts against the Angels, and closer Greg Holland said he is the key to Kansas City's starting rotation. “He leads by example, taking the ball every five days and giving his heart and soul,” Holland said in a press conference. “I think once you start rattling off good start after good start, it kind of builds on itself.”

WALK-OFFS:

1. Kansas City is the first team in major-league history to play three consecutive extra-inning contests to begin a postseason - and win them.

2. Royals 2B Omar Infante, who is hitless in eight at-bats in the series, is 7-for-15 with two doubles against Wilson.

3. Angels LF Josh Hamilton, who is 0-for-9 in the series, is just 3-for-25 with 11 strikeouts versus Shields.

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Sunday, October 5

Game Score Status Pick Amount


Baltimore - 3:30 PM ET Baltimore +158 500 DOUBLE PLAY

Detroit - Under 7.5 500 *****


LA Angels - 7:30 PM ET Kansas City -125 500 TRIPLE PLAY

Kansas City - Over 7 500 DOUBLE PLAY

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Date WLT Pct Net Units Record

10/05/14 4-*0-*0 100.00% +*2290 Detail

10/04/14 1-*1-*0 50.00% + 310 Detail

10/03/14 6-*2-*0 75.00% +*2395 Detail

10/02/14 2-*2-*0 50.00% -*450 Detail

10/01/14 2-*0-*0 100.00% +*1000 Detail

09/30/14 2-*0-*0 100.00% +*1000 Detail

Totals 17-*5-*0 77.72%% +6545




Rated Plays Only Record:


5 - 1 ........ + 4.00.......*****

7 - 2..........+ 15.60 ......Double Play

5 - 3 .........+ 3.93.....Triple Play

0 - 0 .........- 0.00.......Grand Slam

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2014 MLB Playoff Results

October 6, 2014

Overall Results:

-- Underdogs are 8-4

-- Run-Line Favorites are 2-2

-- Road teams are 7-5

-- The Over is 6-6

American League Divisional Series

Baltimore wins series 3-0

Kansas City wins series 3-0


Detroit vs. Baltimore

Game Matchup Score Favorite-Underdog Over-Under

1 Detroit at Baltimore (+110) 12-3 Underdog Over 7

2 Detroit at Baltimore (-120) 7-6 Favorite Over 7 ½

3 Baltimore (+155) at Detroit 2-1 Underdog Under 7 ½


Kansas City vs. Los Angeles

Game Matchup Score Favorite-Underdog Over-Under

1 Kansas City (+165) at Los Angeles 3-2 (11) Underdog Under 7 ½

2 Kansas City (+155) at Los Angeles 4-1 (11) Underdog Under 7

3 Los Angeles at Kansas City (-120) 8-3 Favorite Over 7


National League Divisional Series

San Francisco vs. Washington

Game Matchup Score Favorite-Underdog Over-Under

1 San Francisco (+165) at Washington 3-2 Underdog Under 7

2 San Francisco (+180) at Washington 2-1 (18) Underdog Under 7

3 Washington at San Francisco - - -

4 Washington at San Francisco - - -

5 San Francisco at Washington - - -


St. Louis vs. Los Angeles

Game Matchup Score Favorite-Underdog Over-Under

1 St. Louis (+165) at Los Angeles 10-9 Underdog Over 6

2 St. Louis at Los Angeles (-170) 3-2 Favorite Under 7

3 Los Angeles at St. Louis - - -

4 Los Angeles at St. Louis - - -

5 St. Louis at Los Angeles - - -


Wild Card

Wild Card Game

Game Matchup Score Favorite-Underdog Over-Under

AL Oakland at Kansas City (+100) 9-8 (12) Underdog Over 6 ½

NL San Francisco (-110) at Pittsburgh 8-0 Favorite Over 6 ½

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Giants know there's no guarantee with lead

October 5, 2014


SAN FRANCISCO (AP) - The Giants know how realistic it is to rally in the playoffs.

San Francisco leads Washington 2-0 in the NL Division Series, two years after losing its first two games at home to the Reds - just as the Nationals did this time. The Giants became the first team in major league history to overcome an 0-2 deficit in a best-of-five series by winning three straight road games. They went on to win their second World Series title in three years, and they're still riding a 10-game postseason winning streak dating back to that run.

''Yeah, it can be done,'' Nationals manager Matt Williams said Sunday. ''It can certainly be done. You have to start with the first one.''

The Nationals' next - and, perhaps, last - chance comes in Game 3 on Monday at AT&T Park when San Francisco can close the series at its picturesque waterfront home behind 18-game winner Madison Bumgarner.

Both clubs could be weary following the Giants' 2-1, 18-inning victory that stretched into Sunday morning. San Francisco's plane landed back in the Bay Area just after 5 a.m.

The Nationals, who led the NL with 96 wins, held an optional workout under clear skies in Northern California. A few players tossed a football around in right field ahead of batting practice.

After catcher Buster Posey could be seen blowing on his hands to keep warm a night earlier in the nation's capital, cold weather shouldn't be an issue during an unseasonably hot Indian summer in San Francisco. It was 81 degrees as Washington players took the field Sunday.

Even after the cross-country flight, Williams wasn't too concerned about his team being mentally ready to fight for its season after a pair of one-run defeats. Doug Fister will pitch Game 3.

''They're fine. They're all here,'' Williams said. ''We have an optional workout today, but the buses are full and they are itching to get back out there and work today. Last night's flight was a long one, but there was a lot of conversation going. Guys were talking about the previous two games and what we must do to get back in this thing and win tomorrow. ...

''They don't panic, for sure. That's a good thing.''

Bumgarner pitched a four-hit shutout at Pittsburgh on Wednesday night in the wild-card game. During this 10-game postseason winning streak, San Francisco pitchers own a 0.90 ERA, having allowed 58 hits in 100 innings with 99 strikeouts and 27 walks.

The Giants are looking for the third-longest postseason winning streak ever and best since the 1998-99 New York Yankees won 12 straight, according to STATS.

It could be another pitchers' duel two days after Jordan Zimmermann and Tim Hudson dazzled.

Fister's last start at AT&T Park was memorable for the wrong reasons. Pitching for Detroit in Game 2 of the 2012 World Series, Fister took a line drive by Gregor Blanco off the right side of his head but stayed in and carried a shutout bid into the seventh inning. The Tigers wound up losing 2-0 and San Francisco swept.

''Doesn't matter where he pitches. It could be here. It could be D.C. It could be the moon,'' Williams said.

Now, it's up to the Nationals right-hander to stave off elimination.

Fister, who grew up about two hours away in Merced in California's Central Valley, has watched video of the play many times.

''I remember it very vividly. It's not something that gives me chills or anything else,'' Fister said. ''It's something that I've gone back and looked at it just to know that, you know what, `Hey, I'm OK.' I was blessed that day to come out on top and not have to come out of the game.''

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Team Pitcher Open Line Movements Current Runline Scores

9:05 PM EDT

921 LOS ANGELES DODGERS (l) ryu, h -105 7.5u20 7.5u25 +1.5(-215)

922 ST LOUIS CARDINALS (r) lackey, j 7.5u20 -105 -111 -1.5(+185)

TV: FS-1, DTV: 219



5:05 PM EDT

923 WASHINGTON NATIONALS (r) fister, d 6o15 6o15 / 6o20 / 6o24 6o25 +1.5(-200)

924 SAN FRANCISCO GIANTS (l) bumgarner, m -140 -140 -1.5(+170)

TV: MLB, DTV: 213