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

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  • Date WLT Pct Net Units Record

    10/12/14 0-*2-*0 0.00%-*1050 Detail

    10/11/14 2-*2-*0 50.00% -*70 Detail

    10/10/14 1-*1-*0 50.00% -*150 Detail

    10/07/14 2-*2-*0 50.00% +*240 Detail

    10/06/14 3-*1-*0 75.00% +*1080 Detail

    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 25-*13-*0 65.78 % +6595


    Rated Plays Only Record:


    6 - 2 ........ + 4.25.......*****

    9 - 6...........+ 12.46 ......Double Play

    8 - 5 ..........+ 7.09.....Triple Play

    2 - 1 .........+ 3.52.......Grand Slam
    Remember the 3 G's Gambling, Golf, Girls not in any particular order.....

    Comment


    • MLB
      Dunkel

      Baltimore at Kansas City
      After sitting through a rainout on Monday, the Orioles look to pick up their first win in the series and come into Tuesday's game with a 6-0 record in Wei-Yin Chen's last 6 starts as a favorite. Baltimore is the pick (-115) according to Dunkel, which has the Orioles favored by 1 1/2. Dunkel Pick: Baltimore (-115). Here are all of today's MLB picks.

      TUESDAY, OCTOBER 14

      Game 961-962: St. Louis at San Francisco (4:00 p.m. EST)
      Dunkel Ratings: St. Louis (Lackey) 14.763; San Francisco (Hudson) 16.349
      Dunkel Line: San Francisco by 1 1/2; 8
      Vegas Line: San Francisco (-125); 7
      Dunkel Pick: San Francisco (-125); Over

      Game 963-964: Baltimore at Kansas City (8:00 p.m. EST)
      Dunkel Ratings: Baltimore (Chen) 16.402; Kansas City (Guthrie) 14.831
      Dunkel Line: Baltimore by 1 1/2; 7
      Vegas Line: Baltimore (-115); 7 1/2
      Dunkel Pick: Baltimore (-115); Under




      MLB
      Long Sheet

      Tuesday, October 14

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

      ST LOUIS (94 - 74) at SAN FRANCISCO (93 - 76) - 4:05 PM
      JOHN LACKEY (R) vs. TIM HUDSON (R)
      There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

      Head-to-Head Series History
      SAN FRANCISCO is 5-4 (+1.4 Units) against ST LOUIS this season
      5 of 9 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+1.1 Units)

      JOHN LACKEY vs. SAN FRANCISCO since 1997
      LACKEY is 2-1 when starting against SAN FRANCISCO with an ERA of 3.00 and a WHIP of 1.417.
      His team's record is 2-2 (-0.1 units) in these starts. The OVER is 1-3. (-2.3 units)

      TIM HUDSON vs. ST LOUIS since 1997
      HUDSON is 4-4 when starting against ST LOUIS with an ERA of 5.26 and a WHIP of 1.462.
      His team's record is 6-7 (-3.1 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 1-10. (-10.4 units)

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

      BALTIMORE (99 - 68) at KANSAS CITY (95 - 73) - 8:05 PM
      WEI-YIN CHEN (L) vs. JEREMY GUTHRIE (R)
      Top Trends for this game.
      KANSAS CITY is 95-73 (+10.6 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
      KANSAS CITY is 20-7 (+11.9 Units) against the money line at home with a money line of -100 to -125 this season.
      KANSAS CITY is 15-5 (+9.7 Units) against the money line when playing with a day off this season.
      KANSAS CITY is 91-70 (+9.1 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
      KANSAS CITY is 69-48 (+13.0 Units) against the money line in night games this season.
      KANSAS CITY is 6-0 (+7.5 Units) against the money line in playoff games this season.
      KANSAS CITY is 55-40 (+10.7 Units) against the money line after a win this season.
      KANSAS CITY is 21-11 (+10.2 Units) against the money line after 3 or more consecutive wins this season.
      KANSAS CITY is 49-35 (+13.3 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record this season.
      KANSAS CITY is 22-15 (+8.0 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record in the second half of the season this season.
      GUTHRIE is 38-27 (+12.8 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
      GUTHRIE is 19-12 (+7.9 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season. (Team's Record)
      GUTHRIE is 39-29 (+13.4 Units) against the money line in night games over the last 3 seasons. (Team's Record)
      GUTHRIE is 29-18 (+18.2 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 3 seasons. (Team's Record)
      GUTHRIE is 17-11 (+10.8 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record in the second half of the season over the last 3 seasons. (Team's Record)
      BALTIMORE is 100-68 (+37.5 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
      BALTIMORE is 48-35 (+23.4 Units) against the money line in road games this season.
      BALTIMORE is 15-5 (+12.6 Units) against the money line when playing on Monday this season.
      BALTIMORE is 39-21 (+21.0 Units) against the money line when playing with a day off over the last 3 seasons.
      BALTIMORE is 89-61 (+31.8 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
      BALTIMORE is 73-38 (+40.4 Units) against the money line in night games this season.
      BALTIMORE is 77-49 (+32.2 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.
      BALTIMORE is 43-25 (+20.7 Units) against the money line after a loss this season.
      BALTIMORE is 48-29 (+25.3 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record this season.
      BALTIMORE is 34-17 (+21.1 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record in the second half of the season this season.
      CHEN is 20-12 (+8.4 Units) against the money line in all games this season. (Team's Record)
      CHEN is 20-8 (+12.6 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season. (Team's Record)
      CHEN is 18-9 (+10.3 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)

      Head-to-Head Series History
      KANSAS CITY is 6-3 (+2.8 Units) against BALTIMORE this season
      4 of 9 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=-1.1 Units, Under=-0.1 Units)

      WEI-YIN CHEN vs. KANSAS CITY since 1997
      CHEN is 1-1 when starting against KANSAS CITY with an ERA of 4.17 and a WHIP of 1.418.
      His team's record is 3-3 (-0.8 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 5-1. (+3.9 units)

      JEREMY GUTHRIE vs. BALTIMORE since 1997
      GUTHRIE is 2-1 when starting against BALTIMORE with an ERA of 2.67 and a WHIP of 1.222.
      His team's record is 2-2 (+0.3 units) in these starts. The OVER is 0-3. (-3.4 units)

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




      MLB
      Armadillo's Write-Up

      Tuesday, October 14

      Cardinals-Giants
      Lackey is 2-1, 1.69 in his last three starts, but 0-2, 6.14 in his last three starts on road. Lackey is 7-5, 2.92 in 17 postseason starts. He didn't pitch against the Giants this season.
      Hudson is 0-4, 7.45 in his last six starts, 1-3, 3.19 in ten playoff starts. Hudson threw seven shutout innings in his only start against St Louis this season.

      Giants won seven of their last nine games, three of last four at home.

      St Louis won five of its last seven games, but are 3-4 in last seven road tilts.

      Lackey 12-9/7-5.........8-33 first inning
      Hudson 19-14............8-33 first inning

      Orioles-Royals
      Chen is 0-2, 6.89 in his last three starts, 1-0, 5.40 in two playoff starts, 1-0, 2.19 in his two starts against the Royals this season.

      Former Oriole Guthrie is making first postseason appearance after 11 years and 1,616 IP; he is 3-0, 1.33 in his last three starts, was 0-1, 3.60 in two starts vs Baltimore this year. Guthrie was an Oriole from 2007-11.

      Orioles allowed 14 runs in losing first two series games; they've lost three of their last four road games.

      Royals won seven games in row and 12 of last 14, with 11 of those 14 on road. KC won its last three home games.

      Chen 20-12..........10-32 first inning
      Guthrie 19-13......12-32 first inning




      MLB

      Tuesday, October 14

      ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
      Trend Report
      ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

      4:07 PM
      ST. LOUIS vs. SAN FRANCISCO
      The total has gone UNDER in 4 of St. Louis's last 5 games
      St. Louis is 5-2 SU in its last 7 games
      San Francisco is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games when playing at home against St. Louis
      San Francisco is 7-2 SU in its last 9 games

      8:07 PM
      BALTIMORE vs. KANSAS CITY
      The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Baltimore's last 7 games when playing on the road against Kansas City
      Baltimore is 2-5 SU in its last 7 games when playing on the road against Kansas City
      The total has gone OVER in 5 of Kansas City's last 7 games at home
      The total has gone OVER in 6 of Kansas City's last 8 games


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




      MLB

      Tuesday, October 14


      Cardinals keep injured Molina on active roster

      The St. Louis Cardinals plan to keep catcher Yadier Molina on their active roster, at least for now, despite the strained left oblique muscle he suffered in Game 2 of the National League Championship Series on Sunday.

      If Molina is removed from the active roster he would be ineligible to play in the World Series, if the Cardinals get that far.

      The best-of-seven NLCS against the San Francisco Giants is tied 1-1.

      Molina flew along with the team to the Bay Area on Sunday night and had an MRI exam.

      The team arrived at San Francisco's AT&T Park on Monday, and Molina then met with team doctors in the visitors' clubhouse.

      Manager Mike Matheny said Molina was able to throw Monday, but he did not swing a bat.

      "I didn't think there was any possibility, having that injury myself," Matheny said. "It's just great having him with us in any capacity."

      Molina said he was moving better Monday than he was Sunday night.


      Giants get wide-eyed at home with this ump working

      Umpire Gerry Davis will be in charge for Tuesday's NLCS clash between the St. Louis Cardinals and the San Francisco Giants in the Bay Area.

      The Giants have loved having Davis behind the plate at AT&T Park lately, as they've gone 5-1 in their last six at home with him calling balls and strikes.

      San Fran is currently -122 moneyline favorites with a total of seven.


      Orioles struggling vs. Game 3 umpire

      After heavy rains in the Kansas City area postponed Game 3 of the ALCS to Tuesday, the Royals and Orioles will be hoping Mother Nature is working in their favor this time.

      Wei-Yin Chen and Jeremy Guthrie are scheduled to take the bump after getting an extra day's rest.

      Ron Kulpa will handle umpiring duties, which could spell trouble for Baltimore. The Birds are 1-4 in their last five games with Kulpa calling balls and strikes.


      Tillman and Shields could pitch Game 4 of ALCS

      In the wake of Game 3 of the ALCS getting postponed to Tuesday due to heavy rains in the Kansas City area on Monday, there might be a different pair of starters on the mound for Game 4, per NBC Sports.

      Shields and Tillman faced off in Game 1, with the Royals coming out on the winning end of that matchup. O's manager Buck Showalter has already said that Tillman is a possibility for the Orioles in Game 4 even before Monday's contest got postponed.

      Miguel Gonzalez was initially scheduled to pitch in Game 4, but considering Tillman would have the opportunity to pitch on regular rest, it's up in the air. There has been no word from Royals manager Ned Yost on a pitching adjustment yet.

      Game 4 will now go Wednesday at 4 p.m. ET.
      Remember the 3 G's Gambling, Golf, Girls not in any particular order.....

      Comment


      • MLB

        Tuesday, October 14

        ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
        NLCS betting preview: Cardinals at Giants
        ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

        St. Louis Cardinals at San Francisco Giants (-122, 7)

        The St. Louis Cardinals will be without standout catcher Yadier Molina when the scene shifts to San Francisco for Wednesday’s Game 3 of the National League Championship Series. Kolten Wong’s ninth-inning homer to end Sunday’s Game 2 allowed the Cardinals to even the series at one win apiece, but St. Louis lost Molina to an oblique injury earlier in the contest. The injury could sideline the six-time All-Star for the rest of the postseason.

        The Cardinals will be attempting to make it through the rest of the series with catchers Tony Cruz and A.J. Pierzynski, which represents a huge drop-off from Molina. “It stinks,’ Giants catcher Buster Posey said of Molina’s injury. “You hate to see anybody go down, especially a guy like him that means so much to their team. It’s too bad.” Wong one was of four St. Louis players to hit homers in Sunday’s 5-4 win, joining Matt Carpenter, Oscar Taveras and Matt Adams.

        TV: 4:07 p.m. ET, FS1

        LINE HISTORY: The Giants opened as -117 faves, but that line has since moved to -122. The total for the game opened at seven, which is where it currently sits.

        WEATHER: The forecast is calling for sun and clouds at gametime with a 20 percent chance of precipitation. The temperature is expected to be 66 degrees Fahrenheit in the Bay, with winds of up to 13 mph.

        PITCHING MATCHUP: Cardinals RH John Lackey (1-0, 1.29 ERA) vs. Giants RH Tim Hudson (0-0, 1.23)

        Lackey was acquired due to his postseason experience, and manager Mike Matheny is expecting he will rise to the occasion. “Every time he was on the mound, he is one of those guys that is going to come into a big situation and into a hostile environment, and we love what San Francisco brings,” Matheny told reporters. “The excitement they bring, and the city is fired up for the matchup.” Lackey is 1-1 with a 2.57 ERA in two career starts against San Francisco.

        Hudson lost his final four starts of the regular season before rebounding with a strong outing against Washington in the NL Divisional Series, as he gave up one run and seven hits over 7 1/3 innings in a no-decision. The 39-year-old veteran merely was average at home during the regular season, going 5-5 with a 3.94 ERA in 14 starts. Hudson is 4-4 with a 5.26 ERA in 13 career outings against St. Louis but defeated the Cardinals this year when he gave up three hits over seven scoreless frames.

        TRENDS:

        *Cardinals are 4-1 in their last five meetings in San Francisco
        *Giants are 1-4 in their last five games with umpire Gerry Davis behind the plate
        *Under is 4-0 in John Lackey's last four starts
        *Giants are 1-5 in Tim Hudson's last six starts
        Remember the 3 G's Gambling, Golf, Girls not in any particular order.....

        Comment


        • MLB

          Tuesday, October 14

          ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
          ALCS Betting Preview: Orioles at Royals
          ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

          Baltimore Orioles at Kansas City Royals (+102, 7.5)

          The Kansas City Royals spent 28 years watching the postseason from home, and now that they’ve gotten back, they just can’t lose. The Royals go for their seventh straight win this postseason and a 3-0 lead in the American League Championship Series when they host the Baltimore Orioles in Game 3 on Tuesday. The Orioles have lost the battle of the bullpens in the first two games and will need to make some history in order to win the series.

          No team ever has come back from a 2-0 deficit in the ALCS after losing the first two at home, a fact Baltimore has the talent to change. Adam Jones hit his first postseason homer in the Orioles’ 6-4 loss in Game 2 and insisted after the contest that the series was not over despite back-to-back late-inning meltdowns. If Baltimore hopes for a comeback, getting setup man Darren O’Day and closer Zach Britton on track would be one key, as the two have combined to allow four runs on four hits and three walks in the first two games.

          TV: 8:07 p.m. ET, TBS

          LINE HISTORY: The Royals opened as slight -110 favorites, but the money has been coming in on the Orioles with the Kansas City moving all the way to +102. The total is set at 7.5.

          INJURY REPORT: Royals - SP Yordano Ventura (day-to-day, shoulder).

          WEATHER: It is expected to rain at Kauffman Stadium in Kansas City. The forecast is calling for a 100 percent chance of rain and a chance of thunderstorms. There will also be a strong 15 mile per hour wind blowing in from left field.

          PITCHING MATCHUP: Orioles LH Wei-Yin Chen (0-0, 12.27 ERA) vs. Royals RH Jeremy Guthrie (2014: 13-11, 4.13)

          Chen was bailed out by the offense in Game 2 of the AL Division Series against Detroit after allowing five runs and seven hits in 3 2/3 innings. The Taiwan native surrendered two or fewer earned runs in each of his final five regular-season turns and held Kansas City to three runs over 12 1/3 frames in two starts earlier in 2014. Chen yielded a pair of home runs in his ALDS start and was reached for 29 blasts in 32 regular-season outings.

          Guthrie missed out on the fun in the wild-card game and the ALDS but gets the nod against his former team in Game 3. The veteran spent five seasons at the top of Baltimore's staff without making the playoffs before leaving via free agency following the 2011 campaign. Guthrie finished the regular season strong, allowing a total of one earned run in 20 1/3 innings over his last three starts, but has not pitched since Sept. 26.

          TRENDS:

          * Orioles are 0-4 in their last four meetings with the Royals.
          * Under is 4-0 in Chen's last four starts versus the Royals.
          * Under is 5-1-1 in the last seven meetings in Kansas City.
          * Orioles are 2-5 in their last seven meetings in Kansas City.
          Remember the 3 G's Gambling, Golf, Girls not in any particular order.....

          Comment


          • MLB

            Tuesday, October 14


            O's producing high totals on grass

            After getting rained out Monday, Game 3 of the ALCS goes Tuesday and after jumping out to a 2-0 lead, the Kansas City Royals will look to keep the momentum going as the series shifts to Missouri.

            The Royals have now won six straight playoff games. Despite their recent struggles, the O's have had no problem producing high totals on grass surfaces, as the Over is 7-1 in Baltimore's last eight games on grass. Over bettors will hope that trend continues when the two teams face off at Kauffman Stadium - a natural surface.

            Wei-Yen Chen will get the ball for Baltimore, while Jeremy Guthrie counters on the bump for K.C.

            The Orioles are currently -115 faves on the moneyline with a total of 7.5.
            Remember the 3 G's Gambling, Golf, Girls not in any particular order.....

            Comment


            • NLDS Game 3 - Cards at Giants

              October 14, 2014


              ST. LOUIS CARDINALS (94-74) at SAN FRANCISCO GIANTS (93-76)
              National League Championship Series
              Game 3: Series tied 1-1
              First pitch: Tuesday, 4:05 p.m. ET
              Sportsbook.ag Line & Total: San Francisco -125, St. Louis +115, Total: 7

              After splitting two games at Busch Stadium, the Cardinals and Giants head west to San Francisco for Game 3 of the NLCS on Tuesday afternoon.

              After being shut down in a 3-0 loss in Game 1, St. Louis evened up the series on Sunday night with a 5-4 victory. The win was dramatic, as at least one team scored a run in each of the final seven innings capped by a walk-off homer from 2B Kolten Wong. The Cardinals were a mere 1-for-5 with runners in scoring position in the win while hitting four homers, including yet another one from 3B Matt Carpenter, who already has four long balls in six postseason games after hitting eight in the regular season (595 at-bats).

              The Giants were hoping to build off their 3-0 shutout in the first game of this series, as they tallied 10 hits on Sunday night, but could not hold off a late run from the resilient Redbirds. San Francisco was 3-for-9 with runners in scoring position over the course of the contest, as C Buster Posey was held hitless (0-for-4) for the first time in these playoffs.

              A pair of veterans will take the mound on Tuesday as RHP John Lackey (1-0, 1.29 ERA) of the Cardinals goes head-to-head with Giants RHP Tim Hudson (0-0, 1.23 ERA). As the road team this year, St. Louis has gone 40-43 (.482, 13th in majors) while San Francisco is 46-37 (.554, T-12 in MLB) when playing its games by the bay. These two clubs are dead even (14-14) against each other over the past three seasons while also splitting their 12 contests (6-6) at AT&T Park in that time. Trends show that the Cardinals are a whopping 21-7 (.750) after batting .240 or worse in their previous 15-game span this year, while the Giants love playing in the postseason with a 16-7 record (.696) in October over the past three years.

              Injuries could hurt St. Louis in this one as C Yadier Molina (oblique) is listed as doubtful, while both OF Angel Pagan (back) and 2B Marco Scutaro (back) are unavailable for the rest of the season.

              John Lackey was an important addition for the Cardinals midseason as he has posted an ERA below 3.85 in seven of his past nine seasons. In 2014, he struck out 7.5 batters per nine innings while showing some great control (2.1 BB/9), but was just 3-3 with a 4.30 ERA in his 10 starts with St. Louis. One of the main reasons the Redbirds wanted him as part of their ballclub was his postseason success, as he is 7-5 with a 2.92 ERA and 1.27 WHIP over 20 playoff games (17 starts) while pitching amazing (7 IP, 5 H, 1 ER, 8 K's) in earning a win in the NLDS against the Dodgers.

              In his career against the Giants, Lackey is 1-1 with a 2.57 ERA and 1.21 WHIP, while having a 12:2 K/BB ratio in his 14 frames. No player on San Francisco’s NLCS roster has more than six at-bats against the veteran, while 3B Pablo Sandoval, OF Hunter Pence and OF Michael Morse have combined to go 3-for-12 with four strikeouts in the matchup.

              The bullpen for the Cardinals is 29-24 (.547) this year with a 3.61 ERA (1.23 WHIP) while successfully saving 58-of-76 (76%) games. Closer Trevor Rosenthal (4.91 ERA, 3 saves) blew the save on Sunday night after a fairly unspectacular season in which he boasted a 1.41 WHIP and walked 5.4 batters per nine innings.

              Tim Hudson has been one of the more consistent starters in baseball, pitching to an ERA under 4.00 in 13 of his past 14 seasons while providing another solid campaign in 2014 (3.57 ERA). He had a career-low 1.6 BB/9 this year while striking out a mere 5.7 batters per nine and surrendered only 15 homers in his 189.1 innings on the mound (0.71 HR/9). Hudson was amazing in his start against the Nationals, getting a no-decision after going 7.1 frames while allowing a single run on seven hits with eight strikeouts (0 walks).

              Overall in his playoff career (11 games, 10 starts), he is 1-3 with a 3.19 ERA and 1.31 WHIP, and has not given up a homer since 2003 when he was with the Athletics. Against the Cardinals, Hudson is 4-4 (6-7 team record) with a brutal 5.26 ERA and 1.46 WHIP, but did shut them out for seven innings (3 H, 2 BB, 6 K's) when he last faced them on June 1. OF Matt Holliday (9-for-26, 1 double, 5 RBI) has done well when facing Hudson in his career, while 1B Matt Adams, 2B Mark Ellis, SS Jhonny Peralta and 2B Kolten Wong are a combined 1-for-15 (.067) against the veteran.

              San Francisco’s relievers have been strong all season, going 34-15 (.694) with a 2.99 ERA and 1.05 WHIP, while going 50-for-69 (73%) in save chances. Closer Santiago Casilla (0.00 ERA, 3 saves) has not allowed a hit while striking out two in his four innings so far in this postseason.
              Remember the 3 G's Gambling, Golf, Girls not in any particular order.....

              Comment


              • ALDS Game 3 - O's at Royals

                October 13, 2014


                BALTIMORE ORIOLES (99-68) at KANSAS CITY ROYALS (95-73)
                American League Championship Series
                Game 3: Kansas City leads series 2-0
                First pitch: Tuesday, 8:05 p.m. ET
                Sportsbook.ag Line & Total: Baltimore -110, Kansas City +100, Total: 7.5

                The Royals look to take a demanding 3-0 series lead in the ALCS when they host the Orioles on Tuesday night. This matchup was supposed to take place on Monday but was postponed due to poor weather in the Kansas City area.

                Baltimore used its big bats to lead the majors in home runs (211) and dominated both the AL East, winning by 12 games over its closest contender, and the ALDS by sweeping the Tigers. Over the first two games of this series, the offense has pounded out 10 runs on 23 hits, but has hit just one home run. The Orioles have also not found any reliable pitching, giving up 14 runs over two losses at Camden Yards.

                On Saturday, they took a tie game into the ninth inning before allowing two runs in the top half of the inning in a 6-4 loss as they tallied nine hits; including having their 2-3-4 hitters go 6-for-13 with 3 RBI and three runs. OF Adam Jones has the lone homer for the O's in the series, and brings a four-game hitting streak into this one.

                Kansas City has had the dream postseason, going a perfect 6-0 while coming away victorious in four extra-inning games. They have already totaled 25 hits over their first two wins with four of them leaving the ballpark. In Saturday’s win, the Royals got a hit from eight of their nine starters while going 4-for-12 with runners in scoring position. One of the main keys to this historic playoff run has been ninth-place hitter 3B Mike Moustakas, who had a home run in Saturday’s win while going 7-for-22 with 4 HR, 5 RBI and six runs over the six postseason games thus far.

                Attempting to get his team back in the win column will be starter LHP Wei-Yin Chen (0-0, 12.27 ERA in postseason) as he goes against Kansas City’s RHP Jeremy Guthrie (13-11, 4.13 ERA in regular season), who pitched five seasons with Baltimore. The Orioles have been outstanding on the road this year, going 47-35 (.573, 3rd in majors), while the Royals are a mediocre 44-39 (.530, 16th in MLB) at home.

                Kansas City upped its record against Baltimore over the past three seasons to 14-11 (.560) after Saturday’s victory while the teams have split 10 games (5-5) at Kauffman Stadium in that time. Bettors should take notice that the Orioles are 73-38 (.658) in night games this year while the Royals are 26-8 (.765) after having won six or seven of their previous eight contests in 2014.

                As far as injuries go, Baltimore left 1B Chris Davis (suspended until Game 5) off of the ALCS roster, while 3B Manny Machado (knee) is out for the rest of the year, On the other side of the diamond, Kansas City has no significant omissions from their offense.

                Wei-Yin Chen has been a solid yet unspectacular starter since joining the majors in 2012 and did well in 2014 by posting a career-best 3.54 ERA. He also showed a tremendous amount of control (1.7 BB/9) while striking out 6.6 batters per nine innings. Chen finished off the regular season with a great September (2-2, 2.05 ERA) but could not continue that success in his first postseason start as he earned a no-decision after giving up five runs on seven hits (2 HR) over 3.2 innings against Detroit in the ALDS. Overall in his career against the Royals, Chen is 1-1 (3-3 team record) with a 4.17 ERA (1.42 WHIP) while earning a win (5.1 IP, 8 H, 4 ER, 2 Ks) in his last outing earlier this year. Both DH Billy Butler (8-for-18, 2 doubles, 1 triple, 2 HR, 4 RBI) and 1B Eric Hosmer (7-for-17, 1 double, 2 HR, 5 RBI) have torched Chen over their careers, while C Salvador Perez is a poor 2-for-13 (.154) in the matchup.

                The bullpen for Baltimore was sharp during the regular season, going 28-21 with a 3.10 ERA and 1.16 WHIP, but so far in this series, O's relievers have a subpar combined pitching line of: 10.1 IP, 9 H, 5 ER, 7 BB's and 11 K's, which equates to a 4.35 ERA and 1.55 WHIP. Zach Britton (4.91 ERA, 2 saves in postseason), who forced batters into groundballs 75.3% of the time in the regular season, has allowed five base-runners in only 1.1 innings in the ALCS.

                Jeremy Guthrie has had a long career (275 games, 248 starts) despite a mediocre 4.23 lifetime ERA and 5.4 K/9. This year, he upped his strikeout rate slightly (5.5 K/9) while walking just 2.2 batters per nine innings and allowing his lowest HR rate (1.02 HR/9) since becoming a full-time starter. He finished off the regular season on a positive note, with his team going 9-3 over his final 12 starts of the year while he had a 2.40 ERA in five September outings. Although he has pitched in nearly 300 games, Guthrie has yet to make a postseason start and is 2-1 (2-2 team record) with a 2.67 ERA and 1.22 WHIP against his former team over his career.

                The most productive bat in the lineup over his time against the veteran has been OF Nelson Cruz who is 6-for-24 (.250) with a double and 6 RBI while SS J.J. Hardy (3-for-14, 2 K's), OF Adam Jones (1-for-12, 2 K's) and OF Delmon Young (4-for-27) have all been poor in the matchup. Including the postseason, Kansas City relievers have combined to go 33-18 (.647) with a 3.24 ERA and 1.24 WHIP, while being 57-for-69 (83%) in save opportunities.

                However, these numbers are far worse at home, where the bullpen carries a 4.08 ERA and 1.35 WHIP. After mowing down 13 batters per nine frames in the regular season, closer Greg Holland (1.50 ERA, 4 saves) has allowed just three hits while striking out nine in his six postseason innings.
                Remember the 3 G's Gambling, Golf, Girls not in any particular order.....

                Comment


                • Cardinals arrive at AT&T Park for Game 3

                  October 13, 2014


                  SAN FRANCISCO (AP) - The St. Louis Cardinals arrived in the Bay Area ballpark they know so well in October and began preparing for the possibility of facing the Giants without star catcher Yadier Molina.

                  ''Another beautiful day in NorCal!'' reliever Randy Choate shouted as he hopped up the dugout steps and onto the field for Monday's workout.

                  ''Shocker!'' bench coach Mike Aldrete hollered in response.

                  Manager Mike Matheny is encouraged Molina might be able to help St. Louis as soon as Tuesday in Game 3, perhaps initially just off the bench as he recovers from a strained left oblique muscle sustained in Sunday's 5-4 victory at Busch Stadium. Playing at all appeared doubtful only a night earlier, then Molina played catch under cloudless skies at AT&T Park and gave Matheny hope.

                  ''A little better than what I expected,'' Molina said afterward. ''When I woke up, I was moving all right. We'll see. I'm going to try.''

                  A.J. Pierzynski is the likely choice to catch former Boston teammate John Lackey in Game 3, and deemed himself ready. The best-of-seven series is tied 1-1.

                  Molina flew on the team charter on Sunday night after having an MRI. Once the Cardinals arrived at the ballpark on Monday, Molina met with team doctors and medical staff in the training room of the visitors' clubhouse.

                  Matheny carried three catchers and has Tony Cruz and Pierzynski to fill the big void.

                  ''Obviously it's a big loss, but we spent some time without him this year and we're fortunate to have A.J. and Tony, who are two really good players,'' infielder Mark Ellis said. ''We're lucky to have them but I feel bad for Yadi because this is what he worked for the whole year and he's not able to be with us.''

                  Tim Hudson takes the ball for the Giants, the 39-year-old right-hander's first start beyond the division series in 16 major league seasons.

                  He is already thriving in the raucous playoff environment of pumped-up crowds.

                  ''At this point in my career, it's almost like a shot of coffee,'' he said.

                  While noting he wishes no ill will for the injured Molina, Hudson would be fine not having to face the slugging catcher. There are plenty of other big bats to contend with, anyway.

                  ''That would be a pretty big blow for them, not only from an offensive standpoint but from a defensive standpoint how he handles those pitchers.'' Hudson said. ''But it wouldn't hurt my feelings if he's not in the lineup for a few days, there's no question about that.''

                  As the series shifts to San Francisco's pitcher-friendly ballpark, the Cardinals know plenty about how the Giants protect their home field. Two years ago, St. Louis arrived in town leading the NLCS 3-2 before the Giants rallied to take the series on the way to their second championship in three years.

                  Lackey, too, has pitched on the big October stage in San Francisco - albeit back in 2002 with the eventual champion wild-card Angels.

                  Reminded he intentionally walked home run king Barry Bonds four times, Lackey smiled and said: ''Wouldn't you? Geez.''

                  ''No offense to anybody in their lineup but they don't got Barry Bonds,'' he said. ''They have got a really good lineup.''

                  While Molina is improving, Matheny also is pleased with Adam Wainwright's health. His workload has come into question after the ace right-hander hasn't made it out of the fifth in his two postseason starts. He threw a bullpen session Monday with a hitter standing in the box but not swinging.

                  ''His game comes down to feel and when he has a good feel for his fastball, next thing you know that breaking ball has a nice, sharp break to it,'' Matheny said. ''So to hear from him that he feels great right now is great news for us.''

                  Hudson knows he will have to keep the Cardinals from clearing the fences, whether or not Molina is in there.

                  ''They are hot with the longball, and that's what beat us last night,'' Giants manager Bruce Bochy said.

                  On Sunday, St. Louis became the first club to hit home runs in the seventh, eighth and ninth innings of a postseason game, according to STATS.

                  ''That's not necessarily how we've been winning games this season,'' Matheny said. ''We'll take it.''

                  Giants reliever Jean Machi tore the fingernail on his right pinkie playing catch during Monday's workout but athletic trainer Dave Groeschner said, ''all good.''

                  NOTES: Game 2 drew 4,367,000 viewers to Fox Sports 1, a record for the network, which launched in August 2013.
                  Remember the 3 G's Gambling, Golf, Girls not in any particular order.....

                  Comment


                  • MLB

                    Tuesday, October 14

                    Hitters wind in play for Game 3 of NLCS

                    With St. Louis visiting San Francisco for Game 3 of the NLCS Tuesday afternoon, there is some weather on tap you should be aware of before placing your bets.

                    There will be a strong hitters wind blowing out to left field at 12 miles per hour. There will also be a slight 16 percent chance of rain at game time with temperatures in the mid 60s.

                    San Francisco is currently a -126 home favorite with the total sitting at 7.0.
                    Remember the 3 G's Gambling, Golf, Girls not in any particular order.....

                    Comment


                    • Date WLT Pct Net Units Record

                      10/12/14 0-*2-*0 0.00%-*1050 Detail

                      10/11/14 2-*2-*0 50.00% -*70 Detail

                      10/10/14 1-*1-*0 50.00% -*150 Detail

                      10/07/14 2-*2-*0 50.00% +*240 Detail

                      10/06/14 3-*1-*0 75.00% +*1080 Detail

                      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 25-*13-*0 65.78 % +6595


                      Rated Plays Only Record:


                      6 - 2 ........ + 4.25.......*****

                      9 - 6...........+ 12.46 ......Double Play

                      8 - 5 ..........+ 7.09.....Triple Play

                      2 - 1 .........+ 3.52.......Grand Slam


                      Tuesday, October 14

                      Game Score Status Pick Amount

                      St. Louis - 4:00 PM ET St. Louis +115 500 GRAND SLAM

                      San Francisco - Under 7 500 DOUBLE PLAY
                      Remember the 3 G's Gambling, Golf, Girls not in any particular order.....

                      Comment


                      • American League Game # 3


                        Baltimore - 8:00 PM ET Baltimore -107 500 DOUBLE PLAY

                        Kansas City - Over 7 500 DOUBLE PLAY
                        Remember the 3 G's Gambling, Golf, Girls not in any particular order.....

                        Comment


                        • Date WLT Pct Net Units Record

                          10/14/14 0-*4-*0 0.00% -*2135 Detail

                          10/12/14 0-*2-*0 0.00%-*1050 Detail

                          10/11/14 2-*2-*0 50.00% -*70 Detail

                          10/10/14 1-*1-*0 50.00% -*150 Detail

                          10/07/14 2-*2-*0 50.00% +*240 Detail

                          10/06/14 3-*1-*0 75.00% +*1080 Detail

                          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 25-*17-*0 59.52 % +44.60


                          Rated Plays Only Record:


                          6 - 2 ........ + 4.25.......*****

                          9 - 9...........+ 6.32 ......Double Play

                          8 - 5 ..........+ 7.09.....Triple Play

                          2 - 2 .......... -0.48 .......Grand Slam


                          Not a very good two days.......tomorrow is another day......
                          Remember the 3 G's Gambling, Golf, Girls not in any particular order.....

                          Comment


                          • 2014 MLB Playoff Results

                            October 13, 2014

                            Overall Results:

                            -- Underdogs are 14-8

                            -- Run-Line Favorites are 3-5

                            -- Road teams are 12-10

                            -- The 'Under' is 12-10

                            American League Championship Series

                            Baltimore vs. Kansas City

                            Game Matchup Score Favorite-Underdog Over-Under

                            1 Kansas City (+110) at Baltimore 8-6 Underdog Over 7

                            2 Kansas City (+110) at Baltimore 6-4 Underdog Over 7

                            3 Baltimore at Kansas City (-105) 2-1 Favorite Under 7

                            4 Baltimore at Kansas City - - -

                            5 Kansas City at Baltimore - - -

                            6 Baltimore at Kansas City - - -

                            7 Kansas City at Baltimore - - -




                            National League Championship Series

                            St. Louis vs. San Francisco

                            Game Matchup Score Favorite-Underdog Over-Under

                            1 San Francisco (+107) at St. Louis 3-0 Underdog Under 6

                            2 San Francisco at St. Louis (-130) 5-4 Favorite Over 6 ½

                            3 St. Louis at San Francisco (-125) 5-4 (10) Favorite Over 7

                            4 St. Louis at San Francisco - - -

                            5 San Francisco at St. Louis - - -

                            6 St. Louis at San Francisco - - -

                            7 San Francisco at St. Louis - - -
                            Remember the 3 G's Gambling, Golf, Girls not in any particular order.....

                            Comment


                            • Armadillo: Wednesday's six-pack

                              -- Giants 5, Cardinals 4 (10)-- St Louis threw a bunt away to allow winning run to score, after the Giants got a hit from a guy who failed to sacrifice twice.

                              -- Aaron Rodgers was complaining Tuesday that there are too many cameras and microphones on the field before/after games. Apparently he got hit in the head by a camera in the pre-game huddle a couple weeks ago.

                              -- Watched Knicks-76ers game on TV last night; the Sixers are TERRIBLE. Their over/under for wins is anywhere from 15.5 to 17.5. Out of 82.

                              -- Speaking of which, the Cavaliers' over/under is 58.5 or 59.

                              -- Falcons' owner Arthur Blank on his team's 2-4 start: "We've got tremendous talent, really, on both sides of the ball, coaching-wise and player-wise, and to be sitting at 2-4 after six games is very disappointing,"

                              -- The more I think about the NBA experimenting with a 44:00 game, the more confused I am by it; how does it help? So subs play less minutes, or they can jam more commercials into a broadcast. I have no idea why this would be a possibility.

                              **********

                              Armadillo: Wednesday's List of 13: Doing some thinking out loud......

                              13) What we need on TV is Hard Knocks: Regular Season. How awesome would it have been to be a fly on the wall in the Rams’ film room when their coaches went over Janoris Jenkins’ horrific play at the end of the first half Monday night, turning a 14-3 lead into a tenuous 14-10 lead by allowing an 80-yard TD pass with 0:14 left in the half? Do coaches curse the player out? If so, does the player answer back? This would be great TV, but doubt we’ll ever see it. Too bad.

                              12) From Bill Barnwell of ESPN.com:

                              “The Rams are about three drives away from 4-1; replace those late-game interceptions by Austin Davis against the Cowboys and 49ers with scores, and sneak in one more big play late in the fourth quarter against the Eagles, and we’re talking about the Rams as a stunning sleeper team. The margin between wild success and routine disappointment is just that thin in the NFL.”

                              That goes for several other teams, too.

                              11) NFL Network should grab the reality show that Browns’ coach Mike Pettine and his father were on in 1999, when both were high school coaches in eastern Pennsylvania. It was early in the reality show era, so it is realistic and not played up at all. Would be more interesting seeing it now, with Pettine coaching one of the NFL’s surprise teams in his rookie year as a head coach.

                              10) In parts of Ohio, they don’t Trick or Treat on Fri-Sat-Sun, as not to interfere with football on the weekends. Seriously; they Trick or Treat on Thursdays if there is a football/Halloween conflict.

                              9) 1992 Chargers are only NFL team to start a year 0-4 and still make playoffs.

                              8) Calgary Flames (last playoffs ’09) and Edmonton Oilers (’06) both have very long NHL playoff droughts; too bad, because their fans love hockey so much, you’d wish those teams could be better.

                              7) NBA is experimenting with a 44:00 (as opposed to 48:00) game this week; if they went to a shorter game, would they discount tickets by the 8.3% they shortened the game? I think not. If anything, they should reduce the number of games, which would reduce travel, which is draining on players and reduces practice time, which curtails the quality of the product.

                              6) Buffalo Sabres are hosting the 2016 NHL Draft; I live five hours from Buffalo and there are casinos in Niagara Falls. That’s a potential vacation down the road.

                              5) Adirondack Flames are the new AHL affiliate of NHL’s Calgary Flames- they play in Glens Falls, Jimmer Fredette’s hometown. Their “A” logo is the same logo the parent Flames used when they played home games in Atlanta, before moving to Calgary, in 1980.

                              Sadly their mascot, an animated flame, got fired in the first month of the season for pretending to beat up a fireman. Get it? flames/fireman? No bueno.

                              4) Very interesting article on ESPN.com about rebounding in basketball, about how players/teams can maximize their rebounding efforts by understanding where missed shots are likely to wind up, depending on where the shot was taken from. Nothing will ever replace good ol’ rebounding instincts, but a close study of this stuff can help someone who is less instinctive.

                              3) Quick fact from the article if you didn’t click on the link: 80% of NBA rebounds land within eight feet of the basket. It seems obvious but teams are trying to find every edge to help them win games. This is good stuff.

                              2) Andrew Friedman is leaving Tampa Bay to become President of the Dodgers, which is big news and probably bad news for Don Mattingly. Will Friedman try to poach Joe Maddon from the Rays? Usually when a new guy takes charge, he brings in “his guys”. This will be very interesting to follow.

                              1) Fair question: Dodgers signing Friedman as club president begs the question: Did they make a run at Billy Beane first?
                              Remember the 3 G's Gambling, Golf, Girls not in any particular order.....

                              Comment


                              • MLB
                                Dunkel

                                St. Louis at San Francisco
                                The Cardinals look to bounce back from yesterday's 5-4 loss as they face a Giants team that is 3-8 in Ryan Vogelsong's last 11 home starts. St. Louis is the pick (+100) according to Dunkel, which has the Cardinals favored by 1 1/2. Dunkel Pick: St. Louis (+100). Here are all of today's MLB picks.

                                WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 15

                                Game 965-966: St. Louis at San Francisco (8:00 p.m. EST)
                                Dunkel Ratings: St. Louis (Miller) 15.662; San Francisco (Vogelsong) 14.209
                                Dunkel Line: St. Louis by 1 1/2; 8
                                Vegas Line: San Francisco (-120); 7
                                Dunkel Pick: St. Louis (+100); Over

                                Game 967-968: Baltimore at Kansas City (4:00 p.m. EST)
                                Dunkel Ratings: Baltimore (Gonzalez) 14.509; Kansas City (Vargas) 16.113
                                Dunkel Line: Kansas City by 1 1/2; 6
                                Vegas Line: No Line
                                Dunkel Pick: N/A




                                MLB
                                Armadillo's Write-Up

                                Wednesday, October 15

                                Cardinals-Giants
                                Miller is 2-0, 2.09 in his last seven starts; he allowed two runs in 5.2 IP in his only postseason starts and has not pitched against the Giants this year.
                                Vogelsong is 3-0, 1.19 in five postseason starts, but is 1-3, 5.40 in his last four starts overall- he is 0-1, 4.05 in two starts vs St Louis this season.

                                Giants won eight of their last ten games, four of last five at home.

                                St Louis are 5-3 in their last eight games, but are 3-5 in last eight road tilts.

                                Miller 16-16..................3-32 first inning
                                Vogelsong 16-17........... 7-33 first inning

                                Orioles-Royals
                                Gonzalez is 5-3, 1.75 in his last eight starts, 0-1, 4.50 against the Royals this season; he allowed one run in seven IP in his only postseason start, in '12.

                                Vargas is 0-3, 7.50 in his last five starts; he allowed two runs in six IP in his only postseason start.-- he didn't pitch against Baltimore this season.

                                Orioles allowed 16 runs in losing first three series games; they've lost four of their last five road games.

                                Royals won eight games in row and 13 of last 15, with 11 of those 15 on road. KC won its last four home games.

                                Gonzalez 14-12..........5-26 first inning
                                Vargas 15-16...............6-31 first inning




                                MLB

                                Wednesday, October 15

                                ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                Trend Report
                                ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

                                4:07 PM
                                BALTIMORE vs. KANSAS CITY
                                The total has gone UNDER in 7 of Baltimore's last 8 games when playing on the road against Kansas City
                                Baltimore is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games on the road
                                The total has gone UNDER in 13 of Kansas City's last 18 games when playing Baltimore
                                Kansas City is 6-2 SU in its last 8 games when playing at home against Baltimore

                                8:07 PM
                                ST. LOUIS vs. SAN FRANCISCO
                                The total has gone UNDER in 4 of St. Louis's last 6 games
                                St. Louis is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games when playing on the road against San Francisco
                                The total has gone OVER in 10 of San Francisco's last 15 games when playing St. Louis
                                San Francisco is 8-2 SU in its last 10 games


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




                                MLB

                                Wednesday, October 15

                                ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                Wednesday's MLB Playoff Betting Preview
                                ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

                                Baltimore Orioles at Kansas City Royals (OFF)

                                The Kansas City Royals are one win away from the World Series. The Royals will try to clinch their first pennant since 1985 and a sweep of the American League Championship Series when they host the Baltimore Orioles in Game 4 on Wednesday. Kansas City entered the series with a hot bullpen and continues to deploy that weapon in the ALCS while showing a much more balanced offense than it was given credit for prior to the series.

                                The Royals have gotten the home run when need and still able to manufacture runs, grabbing the win in Game 3 on the strength of an RBI groundout and a sacrifice fly. The Orioles won 96 games in the regular season and swept the Detroit Tigers in the AL Division Series, but are having trouble coming up with the big hit against Kansas City and were limited to three hits in Tuesday’s 2-1 setback. “I always feel like we’re one win from getting the thing going the other way,” Baltimore manager Buck Showalter told reporters after Game 3. “…We’re always one more opportunity away and that’s tomorrow.”

                                TV: 4:07 p.m. ET, TBS

                                LINE HISTORY: The line and total are currently off the board.

                                PITCHING MATCHUP: Orioles RH Miguel Gonzalez (2014: 10-9, 3.23 ERA) vs. Royals LH Jason Vargas (0-0, 3.00)

                                Gonzalez was not needed in the three-game sweep of the Detroit Tigers in the AL Division Series and could have been skipped again due to Monday’s rainout, but gets his chance to start. The Mexico native allowed three or fewer earned runs in each of his final eight regular-season turns and held Toronto scoreless over five innings in his last start Sept. 28. Gonzalez surrendered four runs – three earned – over six innings against Kansas City to suffer a loss April 27.

                                The Royals will stick with Vargas as well despite the rainout, saving James Shields for Game 5. Vargas was sharp against the Los Angeles Angels in the ALDS, yielding two runs on three hits in six innings without factoring in the decision in a game Kansas City went on to win 3-2 in 11 innings. Two of the hits the veteran surrendered were solo home runs, and he has yielded six blasts over his last five turns.

                                TRENDS:

                                * Under is 6-1-1 in the last eight meetings in Kansas City.
                                * Under is 12-5-1 in the last 18 meetings.
                                * Orioles are 2-6 in the last eight meetings in Kansas City.
                                * Orioles are 0-5 in the last five meetings.



                                St. Louis Cardinals at San Francisco Giants (-104, 7)

                                The teams have traded 5-4 walk-off victories over the last two games and that leaves St. Louis in dire need of a victory when the Cardinals visit the San Francisco Giants in Game 4 of the National League Championship Series on Wednesday. The Giants moved ahead 2-1 on Tuesday when a throwing error by St. Louis reliever Randy Choate after fielding a bunt allowed Brandon Crawford to score the winning run. The Cardinals have hit five homers in the series and San Francisco has none.

                                Crawford said part of the Giants’ success in the postseason comes from limiting the stress on the team. “I think that’s a big reason why we do well in the postseason – is we don’t put a whole lot of pressure on ourselves,” Crawford said in a press conference after Game 3. “We go out there and have fun and play our game, almost like it’s a regular-season game.” St. Louis second baseman Kolten Wong had a two-run triple in Game 3, two days after hitting the walk-off homer to win Game 2.

                                TV: 8:07 p.m. ET, Fox Sports 1

                                LINE HISTORY: The Giants opened as -114 home favorites, but have been bet down to -104. The total is set at 7.0

                                PITCHING MATCHUP: Cardinals RH Shelby Miller (0-0, 3.18 ERA) vs. Giants RH Ryan Vogelsong (0-0, 1.59)

                                Miller is making his second career postseason start and he felt heavy anxiety prior to the first against the Los Angeles Dodgers. “Even with that one start under your belt, you’re starting in a hectic environment in San Francisco,” Miller said at his press conference. “They’ve got great fans that are loud and know baseball and love their team but at the same time, yeah, the first one definitely helps.” Miller is 2-0 with a 1.46 ERA in two career starts against San Francisco but didn’t face the Giants this season.

                                Vogelsong felt he got away from what he does best late in the season and has used some of the downtime in the postseason to get his mechanics back in order. “I got a little away from being how I wanted to be at the end of the season and it affected my command and velocity,” Vogelsong said at his press conference. “I felt like there were some things that I really needed to clean up and took advantage of it on the time off.” Vogelsong is 2-6 with a 6.17 ERA in 19 career appearances (nine starts) against the Cardinals and went 0-1 with a 4.05 ERA in two 2014 turns against St. Louis.

                                TRENDS:

                                * Over is 5-1 in Vogelsongs last six starts versus the Cardinals.
                                * Over is 9-3 in the last 12 meetings in San Francisco.
                                * Giants are 7-1 in their last eight home playoff games.
                                * Cardinals are 1-6 in their last seven NLCS road games.
                                Remember the 3 G's Gambling, Golf, Girls not in any particular order.....

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