Announcement

**StarDust Bum** · 04-09-2015, 10:52 AM

MLB
Long Sheet

Thursday, April 9

First Post

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PITTSBURGH (0 - 2) at CINCINNATI (2 - 0) - 12:35 PM
A.J. BURNETT (R) vs. ANTHONY DESCLAFANI (R)
Top Trends for this game.
PITTSBURGH is 23-32 (-12.6 Units) against the money line in day games over the last 2 seasons.
PITTSBURGH is 25-40 (-15.6 Units) against the money line in road games against right-handed starters over the last 2 seasons.
BURNETT is 205-206 (-38.9 Units) against the money line in all games since 1997. (Team's Record)
BURNETT is 86-127 (-46.6 Units) against the money line in road games since 1997. (Team's Record)
BURNETT is 165-173 (-37.0 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field since 1997. (Team's Record)
BURNETT is 2-13 (-12.0 Units) against the money line in road games after a loss over the last 3 seasons. (Team's Record)
CINCINNATI is 27-14 (+12.0 Units) against the money line in home games against division opponents over the last 2 seasons.
CINCINNATI is 35-23 (+12.2 Units) against the money line in day games over the last 2 seasons.
PITTSBURGH is 185-148 (+26.2 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 3 seasons.
CINCINNATI is 355-380 (-95.4 Units) against the money line in home games after a win since 1997.

Head-to-Head Series History
CINCINNATI is 2-0 (+2.1 Units) against PITTSBURGH this season
1 of 1 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+1.0 Units)

A.J. BURNETT vs. CINCINNATI since 1997
BURNETT is 7-6 when starting against CINCINNATI with an ERA of 3.71 and a WHIP of 1.294.
His team's record is 10-6 (+5.0 units) in these starts. The OVER is 8-7. (+0.9 units)

ANTHONY DESCLAFANI vs. PITTSBURGH since 1997
No recent starts.

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NY METS (1 - 1) at WASHINGTON (1 - 1) - 1:05 PM
MATT HARVEY (R) vs. STEPHEN STRASBURG (R)
Top Trends for this game.
NY METS are 81-83 (+22.3 Units) against the money line in road games over the last 3 seasons.
NY METS are 97-78 (+34.3 Units) against the money line in road games when playing on Thursday since 1997.
NY METS are 32-22 (+13.5 Units) against the money line in day games over the last 2 seasons.
NY METS are 81-83 (+22.3 Units) against the money line in road games in games played on a grass field over the last 3 seasons.
NY METS are 373-392 (+28.9 Units) against the money line in road games after a loss since 1997.
STRASBURG is 33-32 (-14.9 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 3 seasons. (Team's Record)
STRASBURG is 33-32 (-14.9 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 3 seasons. (Team's Record)

Head-to-Head Series History
NY METS is 1-1 (+0.6 Units) against WASHINGTON this season
2 of 2 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+2.0 Units)

MATT HARVEY vs. WASHINGTON since 1997
HARVEY is 1-1 when starting against WASHINGTON with an ERA of 1.00 and a WHIP of 0.889.
His team's record is 1-3 (-3.0 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 2-2. (-0.4 units)

STEPHEN STRASBURG vs. NY METS since 1997
STRASBURG is 3-1 when starting against NY METS with an ERA of 2.19 and a WHIP of 0.946.
His team's record is 5-1 (+4.0 units) in these starts. The OVER is 3-3. (+0.2 units)

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MINNESOTA (0 - 2) at DETROIT (2 - 0) - 1:05 PM
KYLE GIBSON (R) vs. SHANE GREENE (R)
Top Trends for this game.
MINNESOTA is 35-36 (+15.5 Units) against the money line in road games in day games over the last 3 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
DETROIT is 2-0 (+2.0 Units) against MINNESOTA this season
1 of 2 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=-0.2 Units, Under=-0.2 Units)

KYLE GIBSON vs. DETROIT since 1997
GIBSON is 2-3 when starting against DETROIT with an ERA of 6.00 and a WHIP of 1.630.
His team's record is 2-3 (+0.1 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 2-3. (-1.4 units)

SHANE GREENE vs. MINNESOTA since 1997
No recent starts.

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CHI WHITE SOX (0 - 2) at KANSAS CITY (2 - 0) - 2:10 PM
JOHN DANKS (L) vs. EDINSON VOLQUEZ (R)
Top Trends for this game.
KANSAS CITY is 102-77 (+13.2 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
KANSAS CITY is 23-7 (+14.9 Units) against the money line at home with a money line of -100 to -125 over the last 2 seasons.
KANSAS CITY is 98-74 (+11.7 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
KANSAS CITY is 2-0 (+2.0 Units) against CHI WHITE SOX this season
2 of 2 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+2.1 Units)

JOHN DANKS vs. KANSAS CITY since 1997
DANKS is 7-0 when starting against KANSAS CITY with an ERA of 2.43 and a WHIP of 1.158.
His team's record is 10-6 (+5.0 units) in these starts. The OVER is 6-8. (-2.4 units)

EDINSON VOLQUEZ vs. CHI WHITE SOX since 1997
VOLQUEZ is 0-1 when starting against CHI WHITE SOX with an ERA of 9.64 and a WHIP of 1.713.
His team's record is 0-1 (-1.1 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 1-0. (+1.0 units)

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CLEVELAND (1 - 1) at HOUSTON (1 - 1) - 2:10 PM
TREVOR BAUER (R) vs. ASHER WOJCIECHOWSKI (R)
Top Trends for this game.
CLEVELAND is 60-79 (-32.2 Units) against the money line after shutting out their opponent since 1997.
HOUSTON is 109-119 (-39.4 Units) against the money line in home games in April games since 1997.

Head-to-Head Series History
HOUSTON is 1-1 (+0.0 Units) against CLEVELAND this season
2 of 2 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+2.0 Units)

TREVOR BAUER vs. HOUSTON since 1997
BAUER is 1-0 when starting against HOUSTON with an ERA of 0.00 and a WHIP of 1.167.
His team's record is 1-0 (+1.0 units) in these starts. The OVER is 0-1. (-1.1 units)

ASHER WOJCIECHOWSKI vs. CLEVELAND since 1997
No recent starts.

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TEXAS (1 - 2) at OAKLAND (2 - 1) - 3:35 PM
NICK MARTINEZ (R) vs. KENDALL GRAVEMAN (R)
Top Trends for this game.
TEXAS is 43-67 (-19.6 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters over the last 2 seasons.
OAKLAND is 18-5 (+11.3 Units) against the money line as a home favorite of -125 to -150 over the last 2 seasons.
OAKLAND is 118-72 (+35.7 Units) against the money line after shutting out their opponent since 1997.
TEXAS is 47-31 (+24.2 Units) against the money line in road games against division opponents over the last 3 seasons.
TEXAS is 25-19 (+12.6 Units) against the money line in day games over the last 2 seasons.
OAKLAND is 90-76 (-17.1 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
OAKLAND is 40-39 (-16.9 Units) against the money line against division opponents over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
OAKLAND is 2-1 (+0.4 Units) against TEXAS this season
2 of 3 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+1.2 Units)

NICK MARTINEZ vs. OAKLAND since 1997
MARTINEZ is 1-1 when starting against OAKLAND with an ERA of 3.30 and a WHIP of 1.163.
His team's record is 2-1 (+3.0 units) in these starts. The OVER is 2-1. (+0.8 units)

KENDALL GRAVEMAN vs. TEXAS since 1997
No recent starts.

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TORONTO (1 - 1) at NY YANKEES (1 - 1) - 7:05 PM
DANIEL NORRIS (L) vs. C.C. SABATHIA (L)
Top Trends for this game.
NY YANKEES are 16-4 (+12.1 Units) against the money line when playing on Thursday over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
TORONTO is 1-1 (+0.2 Units) against NY YANKEES this season
1 of 2 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+0.0 Units)

DANIEL NORRIS vs. NY YANKEES since 1997
No recent starts.

C.C. SABATHIA vs. TORONTO since 1997
SABATHIA is 15-4 when starting against TORONTO with an ERA of 3.13 and a WHIP of 1.064.
His team's record is 15-5 (+6.9 units) in these starts. The OVER is 8-11. (-4.1 units)

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BOSTON (1 - 1) at PHILADELPHIA (1 - 1) - 7:05 PM
JUSTIN MASTERSON (R) vs. DAVID BUCHANAN (R)
Top Trends for this game.
BOSTON is 72-93 (-28.7 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
BOSTON is 64-81 (-25.9 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
BOSTON is 51-67 (-21.5 Units) against the money line in night games over the last 2 seasons.
BOSTON is 49-65 (-19.2 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters over the last 2 seasons.
BOSTON is 48-36 (+18.2 Units) against the money line in road games after a loss over the last 3 seasons.
PHILADELPHIA is 103-107 (-34.8 Units) against the money line in home games in April games since 1997.

Head-to-Head Series History
PHILADELPHIA is 1-1 (+0.2 Units) against BOSTON this season
1 of 2 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+0.0 Units)

JUSTIN MASTERSON vs. PHILADELPHIA since 1997
MASTERSON is 1-1 when starting against PHILADELPHIA with an ERA of 7.88 and a WHIP of 1.750.
His team's record is 1-1 (+0.0 units) in these starts. The OVER is 1-1. (-0.1 units)

DAVID BUCHANAN vs. BOSTON since 1997
No recent starts.

**StarDust Bum** · 04-09-2015, 10:53 AM

MLB
Armadillo's Write-Up

Thursday, April 9

National League
Pirates @ Reds
Burnett is 0-3, 7.54 in his last four starts; three of his last four road starts went over the total.

DeSclafani is 0-1, 12.14 in two MLB starts; they both went over.

Reds won five of last six games with Pittsburgh, winning first two games in this series; under is 5-2-1 in last eight series games.

Mets @ Nationals
Harvey hasn't pitched since 2013; he was 0-2, 3.86 in his last three starts; under is 5-1-1 in his last seven starts.

Strasburg is 4-2, 1.41 in his last seven starts; his last four stayed under.

Washington won nine of last 12 games with the Mets; five of last six in series stayed under the total.

Giants @ Padres
Hudson is 0-5, 6.04 in his last ten starts; three of last four stayed under.

Kennedy is 3-0, 2.75 in his last three starts; four of his last six stayed under.

Home side won six of last seven Giant-Padre games, with Giants winning three of last four.

American League
Twins @ Tigers
Gibson is 2-3, 5.63 in his last seven starts; six of his last eight went over. .

Greene was 1-3, 6.17 in his last five starts for Bronx; six of his last nine starts stayed under the total.

Minnesota lost last three games with Detroit, outscored 18-0; Twins are first AL team since 1977 to get shut out in first two games- they haven't even had a runner on third base yet.

White Sox @ Royals
Danks is 2-0, 1.89 in his last three starts; over is 4-0-1 in his last five.

Volquez is 2-1, 2.35 in his last seven starts; three of his last four went over.

Royals won nine of last eleven games with Chicago; seven of last eight went over the total. KC scored 17 runs in first two games of this series.

Indians @ Astros
Bauer was 0-1, 4.41 in his last six starts LY, with four of last five going over the total.

Wojciechowski is making MLB debut here; he is 13-11, 3.99 in 35 career AAA starts (4-4, 4.74 in only 14 starts LY).

Cleveland won nine of last 12 games with Houston; 11 of those 12 games stayed under the total. Teams split pair of 2-0 games in this series.

Rangers @ A's
Martinez is 2-2, 2.80 in his last six starts; seven of his last ten stayed under.

Graveman is making first MLB start; he allowed two runs in 4.2 IP in relief for Jays LY. He jumped from A ball to majors LY, going 3-2, 1.88 in his six AAA starts, 14-6, 1.83 overall in 27 minor league starts LY.

Oakland lost six of last ten games with Texas, but won two of first three in this series; over is 7-3-1 in last eleven series games.

Blue Jays @ Bronx
Norris allowed two runs in 3.1 IP (59 PT) in his only MLB start, vs Seattle last September.

Sabathia is making first start since last May 10; he is 0-2, 8.36 in his last three starts- four of his last five went over.

Toronto is 4-4 in its last eight games in the Bronx; six of last eight games in series stayed under total.

Interleague
Red Sox @ Phillies
Masterson is 0-2, 10.22 in his last three starts; three of his last four stayed under the total.

Buchanan was 0-3, 3.81 in his last nine starts LY; Phils scored 28 runs in the nine games. Over is 3-1-1 in his last five home starts.

Boston won five of its last eight games with the Phillies; over is 4-1-1 in last six Boston series wins, 0-3 in Philly's last three series wins.

Umpires
obviously, these numbers go back to last year
Pitt-Cin-- Favorites are 11-3 in last 14 BWelke games.
NY-Wsh-- Favorites won 13 of last 17 Timmons games.

Minn-Det-- Five of last seven Barksdale games stayed under.
Chi-KC-- Underdogs are 4-3 in last seven Davidson games.
Cle-Hst-- Underdogs were 15-13 in Barry games last year.
Tex-A's-- Seven of last ten Hamari games went over total.
Tor-NYY-- Over is 11-4-1 in last sixteen Meals games.

Bos-Phil-- Under is 14-5-1 in last 20 Randazzo games.

**StarDust Bum** · 04-09-2015, 10:53 AM

MLB

Thursday, April 9

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Trend Report
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12:35 PM
PITTSBURGH vs. CINCINNATI
Pittsburgh is 1-3-1 SU in its last 5 games ,on the road
Pittsburgh is 1-4-1 SU in its last 6 games ,when playing on the road against Cincinnati
Cincinnati4-1-1 SU in its last 6 games when playing Pittsburgh
Cincinnati8-2-1 SU in its last 11 games at home

1:05 PM
NY METS vs. WASHINGTON
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of NY Mets's last 5 games when playing on the road against Washington
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of NY Mets's last 6 games when playing Washington
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Washington's last 5 games at home
Washington is 5-2 SU in its last 7 games when playing at home against NY Mets

1:08 PM
MINNESOTA vs. DETROIT
Minnesota is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games when playing Detroit
Minnesota is 3-8 SU in its last 11 games on the road
Detroit is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games when playing Minnesota
The total has gone OVER in 9 of Detroit's last 13 games when playing Minnesota

2:10 PM
CHI WHITE SOX vs. KANSAS CITY
Chi White Sox are 1-7 SU in their last 8 games
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Chi White Sox's last 6 games
Kansas City is 5-1 SU in their last 6 games when playing at home against Chi White Sox
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Kansas City's last 5 games when playing at home against Chi White Sox

2:10 PM
CLEVELAND vs. HOUSTON
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Cleveland's last 5 games
Cleveland is 6-2 SU in its last 8 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Houston's last 5 games when playing Cleveland
Houston is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games when playing Cleveland

3:35 PM
TEXAS vs. OAKLAND
Texas is 6-3 SU in its last 9 games on the road
Texas is 14-5 SU in its last 19 games
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Oakland's last 6 games
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Oakland's last 6 games when playing at home against Texas

6:40 PM
SAN FRANCISCO vs. SAN DIEGO
The total has gone OVER in 6 of San Francisco's last 8 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 10 of San Francisco's last 14 games
San Diego is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games
The total has gone OVER in 4 of San Diego's last 5 games

7:05 PM
BOSTON vs. PHILADELPHIA
Boston is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games when playing on the road against Philadelphia
The total has gone OVER in 6 of Boston's last 8 games
Philadelphia is 5-11 SU in its last 16 games
Philadelphia is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games when playing at home against Boston

7:05 PM
TORONTO vs. NY YANKEES
Toronto is 4-21 SU in their last 25 games when playing on the road against NY Yankees
Toronto is 2-4 SU in their last 6 games when playing NY Yankees
NY Yankees are 21-4 SU in their last 25 games when playing at home against Toronto
NY Yankees are 8-4 SU in their last 12 games at home

**StarDust Bum** · 04-09-2015, 10:54 AM

MLB

Thursday, April 9

MLB roundup: Dodgers' Gonzalez hits 3 homers

LOS ANGELES -- Adrian Gonzalez hit solo three home runs, and the Los Angeles Dodgers defeated the San Diego Padres 7-4 Wednesday night at Dodger Stadium.

Gonzalez set a major league record by hitting five home runs in the first three games of the season, according to the Elias Sports Bureau. He drove in four runs Wednesday as the Dodgers won for the second time in the season-opening series.

The 32-year-old first baseman, who went deep in a fifth consecutive game dating back to last season, became just the third Dodger to homer in each of the first three games of a season, joining Jimmy Wynn (1974) and Carl Furillo (1955).

Right-hander Brandon McCarthy (1-0) struck out nine and walked one, allowing four runs on nine hits in five-plus innings in his Dodgers debut. McCarthy also drove in a run.

Braves 2, Marlins 0

MIAMI -- A.J. Pierzynski, making his Braves debut, hit a two-run homer to help Atlanta beat Miami.

Freddie Freeman started the seventh-inning rally with a single off of Marlins starter Tom Koehler (0-1). Pierzynski pulled Koehler's next pitch off the upper-deck facade in right field, snapping a scoreless tie.

Atlanta right-hander Shelby Miller, who pitched five innings, got a no-decision. The Braves got scoreless relief from Brandon Cunniff (1-0), Luis Avilan, Jim Johnson and Jason Grilli (second save).

Yankees 4, Blue Jays 3

NEW YORK -- Chase Headley's single capped a three-run, eighth-inning rally, and New York edged Toronto.

The Yankees' first two runs in the eighth scored on a wild pitch and a bases-loaded hit-by-pitch, with Jays reliever Brett Cecil plunking Brian McCann. Headley hit a ground ball that deflected off the mound and under the glove of shortstop Jose Reyes into left field.

Dellin Betances (1-0) picked up the win despite throwing 32 pitches and giving up an unearned run in the eighth. Andrew Miller pitched a perfect ninth for his first save.

Phillies 4, Red Sox 2

PHILADELPHIA -- Jeff Francoeur's three-run homer in the sixth inning proved to be the difference as Philadelphia topped Boston.

The Phillies failed to score in the first 14 innings of the season, Francoeur changed all that with one swing. The long ball came after left fielder Darin Ruf walked and third baseman Cody Asche singled to put two runners on base against Boston right-hander Rick Porcello.

It was the first homer in the major leagues by Francoeur since June 16, 2013, for the Kansas City Royals.

Rays 2, Orioles 0

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. -- Jake Odorizzi and three relievers combined for a three-hit shutout, giving rookie manager Kevin Cash his first career win as Tampa Bay edged Baltimore.

The Rays got their first lead of 2015 -- in their 24th inning of the season -- without a hit, loading the bases in the sixth inning on three walks, then bringing in a run when Brian Matusz walked Logan Forsythe.

Odorizzi was sharp in his season debut, holding the Orioles to two hits in 6 2/3 innings. Brad Boxberger struck out three in the ninth for his first save.

Nationals 2, Mets 1

WASHINGTON -- Jordan Zimmermann allowed one run in six innings, and Ryan Zimmerman hit a two-run homer in the first as Washington beat New York.

Zimmermann (1-0) was 3-0 last year against the Mets, and he is now 15-6 in his career against New York. He gave up five hits and no walks with four strikeouts. Closer Drew Storen got his first save of the season as he pitched a perfect ninth for the Nationals.

Mets starter Jacob deGrom (0-1) allowed two runs and six hits in six innings.

Tigers 11, Twins 0

DETROIT -- Ian Kinsler drove in four runs, Jose Iglesias chipped in four hits and Anibal Sanchez pitched 6 2/3 innings of three-hit shutout ball to lead Detroit to its second consecutive shutout of Minnesota.

Iglesias scored three runs during his first career four-hit game. He has six hits in two games after collecting just five all spring.

Minnesota starter Ricky Nolasco walked four and gave up six runs and six hits in a three-inning stint in his first start of the season.

Cubs 2, Cardinals 0

CHICAGO -- Shortstop Starlin Castro's seventh-inning RBI single to left-center field delivered a go-ahead run as Chicago beat St. Louis.

Castro drove in Anthony Rizzo and later scored from third on Miguel Montero's sacrifice fly to right.

Cubs right-hander Jake Arrieta (1-0) worked seven innings and allowed just three hits while striking out seven and walking three. Hector Rondon threw a perfect ninth inning for his first save.

Rockies 5, Brewers 4 (10 innings)

MILWAUKEE -- Colorado overcame a late rally by Milwaukee to secure a series sweep. Pinch hitter Wilin Rosario was the hero for the Rockies in the top of the 10th, taking a 3-2 fastball from Brewers closer Francisco Rodriguez over the wall in right field for a game-deciding solo shot.

It was the Rockies' 18th extra-base hit of the series and the decisive blow for an offense that has been clicking on all cylinders, racking up 38 hits and 20 runs in the three games against the Brewers.

Rockies closer LaTroy Hawkins blew the lead by giving up two ninth-inning runs, but he earned the win. John Axford came on for the save in the bottom of the 10th, retiring the Brewers in order.

Royals 7, White Sox 5

KANSAS CITY, Mo. -- Lorenzo Cain, who reached base four times, hit a two-run, tiebreaking homer in the eighth as Kansas City defeated Chicago.

Cain hit the first pitch from Zack Putnam out to deep left with Alcides Escobar aboard. Cain and Escobar went a combined 6-for-9 with three runs and two RBIs.

Wade Davis picked up the victory, striking out two and allowing one hit in the eighth inning. Greg Holland pitched a flawless ninth for his first save.

Indians 2, Astros 0

HOUSTON -- Carlos Carrasco, who signed a four-year, $22 million contract extension Tuesday, pitching 6 1/3 shutout innings as Cleveland blanked Houston.

Carrasco struck out 10, walked one and allowed three hits.

The Indians provided Carrasco modest run support in the form of solo home runs from Carlos Santana in the fourth inning and Mike Aviles in the eighth. Aviles was a last-minute replacement for left fielder Michael Brantley (lower back stiffness).

Giants 5, Diamondbacks 2

PHOENIX -- Casey McGehee hit a two-run home run, and rookie right-hander Chris Heston picked up his first major league victory as San Francisco beat Arizona.

Heston, recalled Tuesday to take injured Matt Cain's spot in the rotation, gave up three hits and two runs (one earned) in six innings. One Arizona run scored after an errant pickoff throw and the other on a passed ball.

McGehee, acquired to replace Pablo Sandoval, hit his first homer of the season in the ninth inning. Nori Aoki added three hits for the Giants.

A's 10, Rangers 0

OAKLAND, Calif. -- Scott Kazmir pitched seven shutout innings, and first baseman Mark Canha went 3-for-5 with two doubles and four RBIs in his major league debut, leading Oakland to a rout of Texas.

Kazmir allowed just one hit and struck out 10 in his first start of the season, notching double-digit strikeouts for the 23rd time in his career.

Second baseman Tyler Ladendorf, another Oakland player making his major league debut, lined an RBI triple in his first at-bat during a five-run third inning. He scored two runs and had two RBIs on the night.

Angels 5, Mariners 3

SEATTLE -- Los Angeles jumped out to a big early lead and held on to beat the Seattle to take the opening series.

The Angels scored four first-inning runs on the way to a 5-0 lead before the Mariners rallied to make things interesting.

Albert Pujols' home run gave the Angels a 2-0 lead in the top of the first inning, and Los Angeles never trailed after that. Shortstop Brad Miller and third baseman Kyle Seager each hit home runs for the Mariners.

Reds 5, Pirates 4 (11 innings)

CINCINNATI -- Joey Votto's single with two outs in the bottom of the 11th inning drove home Zack Cozart, lifting Cincinnati to a victory over Pittsburgh. The game was delayed two hours and 34 minutes by rain.

At 1:47 a.m. EST, Votto laced a single to right off right hander Radhames Liz (0-1), and Cozart scored easily from second base. Cozart reached base when he was hit by a pitch, and he went to second on a walk by Billy Hamilton.

The sixth Cincinnati pitcher, J.J. Hoover (1-0), threw two scoreless innings to earn the victory.

**StarDust Bum** · 04-10-2015, 12:46 PM

Armadillo: Friday's six-pack

I watch lot of baseball; here are six announcers/announce teams I prefer to listen to:

-- Dick Enberg, Padres-- What a career this guy has had, all different sports. He is in his late 70's and still doing play-by-play. Pretty cool.

-- Brian Anderson, Bill Schroeder, Brewers-- Anderson is also very good on college hoop during March Madness.

-- Bob Brenly, Diamondbacks-- Has a way of explaining things very simply.

-- Dan Orsillo/Jerry Remy, Red Sox--- Orsillo is very good and once he gets laughing with Remy (who has kind of a dark side) it is good TV.

-- Rich Waltz, Tommy Hutton, Marlins-- Lot of times they digress into social media and other stuff when the Marlins stink, but they're upbeat and fun to listen to.

-- Tom Grieve, Rangers-- Like a wise uncle in the booth; very smart, calm. Always learn something when I listen to him.

**********

Armadillo: Friday's List of 13: Nobody asked me, but.........

13) Trevor Bauer didn't allow a hit in six innings at Houston Thursday, in his six innings (111 PT) he allowed only six fair balls to be hit, striking out 11. In its first three games, Astros are batting .097 as a team.

12) Atlanta Hawks forward Thabo Sefolosha broke his ankle in an incident with the NYPD at a nightclub early Wednesday morning. He played 19 mpg in the Hawks' last six games before the injury.

11) Bobby Hurley was officially named coach at Arizona State, as his career path moves in the direction of eventually replacing Mike Krzyzewski at Duke.

10) Seven Kentucky players declared for the NBA Draft, gutting their team for next year; eight of the top 20 high school seniors are still undeclared, so you know John Calipari will be after lot of those guys.

One mock draft I saw had one Harrison brother getting picked #53, the other not getting taken at all. Why leave early if that is when you're getting picked?

9) There are 351 Division I college basketball teams; there are already 261 transfers posted for this year. Kids make bad decisions, or things don't go as well as they would like. No one wants to sit anymore, not even for a while.

8) There is a Presidential election in 2016; I personally don't care who wins, as long as their last name isn't Clinton or Bush.

7) There was a story this week about how in 2008, Celtics played Atlanta in a playoff series; Boston's scouting report was 100 pages long. Thats an awful lot of information-- how much do you think gets absorbed?

6) Adrian Gonzalez is the ballplayer ever to hit five home runs in his first three games of a season; I was surprised no one had ever done that before.

5) NFL announced their preseason schedule Thursday; Vikings-Steelers is the Hall of Fame game August 9. Johnny Manziel remains an interesting person, as Buffalo-Cleveland is somehow a national TV game on August 23.

4) As far as NFL mock drafts go, only one per writer, please; there is too much speculation in media today anyway. The real draft is three weeks away.

3) Not to throw dirt on any baseball team this early in the season, but if your starting rightfielder is Jeff Francoeur, chances are your team stinks.

2) Nigel Williams-Goss transferred out of Washington's basketball program; he is a very good player, will be an excellent get no matter where he lands. Two schools that already have had contact with him: UNLV and Arkansas.

1) Don't think I could ever go to the Masters; would be traumatic to be without my cellphone for that long.

**StarDust Bum** · 04-10-2015, 12:47 PM

MLB
Dunkel

Friday, April 10

Toronto Blue Jays @ Baltimore Orioles

Game 915-916
April 10, 2015 @ 3:10 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Toronto Blue Jays
(Buehrle) 13.828
Baltimore Orioles
(Norris) 15.753
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Baltimore Orioles
by 2
9 1/2
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Baltimore Orioles
-125
8
Dunkel Pick:
Baltimore Orioles
(-125); Over

Detroit Tigers @ Cleveland Indians

Game 917-918
April 10, 2015 @ 4:10 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Detroit Tigers
(Simon) 16.723
Cleveland Indians
(McAllister) 15.616
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Detroit Tigers
by 1
9
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Cleveland Indians
-120
8
Dunkel Pick:
Detroit Tigers
(+100); Over

Houston Astros @ Texas Rangers

Game 919-920
April 10, 2015 @ 4:10 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Houston Astros
(McHugh) 16.694
Texas Rangers
(Holland) 14.669
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Houston Astros
by 2
9 1/2
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Texas Rangers
-115
8 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Houston Astros
(-105); Over

Minnesota Twins @ Chicago White Sox

Game 921-922
April 10, 2015 @ 4:10 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Minnesota Twins
(Milone) 13.891
Chicago White Sox
(Noesi) 15.099
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Chicago White Sox
by 1
8
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Chicago White Sox
-140
9
Dunkel Pick:
Chicago White Sox
(-140); Under

Chicago Cubs @ Colorado Rockies

Game 901-902
April 10, 2015 @ 4:10 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Chicago Cubs
(Wood) 16.667
Colorado Rockies
(Matzek) 12.096
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Chicago Cubs
by 4 1/2
12
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Colorado Rockies
-125
10
Dunkel Pick:
Chicago Cubs
(+105); Over

Boston Red Sox @ New York Yankees

Game 923-924
April 10, 2015 @ 7:05 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Boston Red Sox
(Miley) 15.902
New York Yankees
(Eovaldi) 14.542
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Boston Red Sox
by 1 1/2
6 1/2
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Boston Red Sox
-120
7 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Boston Red Sox
(-120); Under

Washington Nationals @ Philadelphia Phillies

Game 903-904
April 10, 2015 @ 7:05 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Washington Nation
(Gonzalez) 15.734
Philadelphia Phil
16.610
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Philadelphia Phil
by 1
8 1/2
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Washington Nation
-160
7
Dunkel Pick:
Philadelphia Phil
(+140); Over

Kansas City Royals @ Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim

Game 925-926
April 10, 2015 @ 10:05 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Kansas City Royal
(Vargas) 15.617
Los Angeles Angel
(Santiago) 13.491
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Kansas City Royal
by 2
7
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Los Angeles Angel
-135
8
Dunkel Pick:
Kansas City Royal
(+115); Under

St. Louis Cardinals @ Cincinnati Reds

Game 905-906
April 10, 2015 @ 7:10 pm

Dunkel Rating:
St. Louis Cardina
(Lackey) 14.230
Cincinnati Reds
(Marquis) 12.784
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
St. Louis Cardina
by 1 1/2
9 1/2
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
St. Louis Cardina
-140
8
Dunkel Pick:
St. Louis Cardina
(-140); Over

Seattle Mariners @ Oakland Athletics

Game 927-928
April 10, 2015 @ 10:05 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Seattle Mariners
(Walker) 16.639
Oakland Athletics
(Pomeranz) 15.855
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Seattle Mariners
by 1
8
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Oakland Athletics
-115
7
Dunkel Pick:
Seattle Mariners
(-105); Over

New York Mets @ Atlanta Braves

Game 907-908
April 10, 2015 @ 7:10 pm

Dunkel Rating:
New York Mets
(Niese) 14.427
Atlanta Braves
(Stults) 12.419
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
New York Mets
by 2
6
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
New York Mets
-120
7
Dunkel Pick:
New York Mets
(-120); Under

Tampa Bay Rays @ Miami Marlins

Game 929-930
April 10, 2015 @ 7:10 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Tampa Bay Rays
(Geltz) 14.226
Miami Marlins
(Haren) 16.417
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Miami Marlins
by 2
9
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Miami Marlins
No Line
N/A
Dunkel Pick:
Miami Marlins
N/A

Pittsburgh Pirates @ Milwaukee Brewers

Game 909-910
April 10, 2015 @ 8:10 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Pittsburgh Pirate
(Locke) 16.893
Milwaukee Brewers
(Fiers) 15.313
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Pittsburgh Pirate
by 1 1/2
9
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Milwaukee Brewers
-125
8
Dunkel Pick:
Pittsburgh Pirate
(+105); Over

Los Angeles Dodgers @ Arizona Diamondbacks

Game 911-912
April 10, 2015 @ 9:40 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Los Angeles Dodge
(Anderson) 16.241
Arizona Diamondba
(Anderson) 17.931
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Arizona Diamondba
by 1 1/2
9 1/2
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Los Angeles Dodge
-145
8 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Arizona Diamondba
(+125); Over

San Francisco Giants @ San Diego Padres

Game 913-914
April 10, 2015 @ 10:10 pm

Dunkel Rating:
San Francisco Gia
(Lincecum) 13.241
San Diego Padres
(Morrow) 17.931
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
San Diego Padres
by 4 1/2
6
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
San Diego Padres
-130
7
Dunkel Pick:
San Diego Padres
(-130); Under

**StarDust Bum** · 04-10-2015, 12:48 PM

MLB
Armadillo's Write-Up

Friday, April 10

National League
Cubs @ Rockies
Wood is 0-2, 9.35 in his last four starts, three of which went over total.

Matzek is 4-2, 1.55 in his last six starts, five of which stayed under.

Colorado swept Milwaukee in Miller Park to start season; they've lost three of last four games with Cubs, who scored two runs in splitting first two games this season.

Nationals @ Phillies
Gonzalez is 2-1, 2.00 in his last three starts; under is 3-1-1 in his last five

Williams is 1-2, 4.11 in his last five starts; four of his last six went over.

Washington lost five of last six games with Phillies; under is 4-2-1 in last seven meetings. Both teams lost two of three to start this season.

Cardinals @ Reds
Lackey is 2-1, 2.63 in his last four starts; four of his last five stayed under.

Marquis is making first start since '13; he was 0-3, 6.91 in his last five starts that year- seven of his last nine starts went over total.

Cincinnati won its first three games, allowing eight runs. Home side won eight of last ten St Louis-Cincy games; three of last four in this park stayed under.

Mets @ Braves
Niese is 1-1, 1.71 in his last four starts, all of which stayed under.

Stults is 1-1, 2.55 in his last three starts; three of his last four home starts went over the total.

Atlanta swept Marlins in Miami to start season; Mets won two of three in Washington. Mets won seven of last ten with Atlanta; under is 6-1-1 in last eight series games.

Pirates @ Brewers
Locke is 1-3, 5.81 in his last five starts, four of which went over.

Fiers is 0-3, 4.00 in his last three starts; Brewers scored three runs in those three games. Seven of his last eight starts stayed under.

Pirates got swept three games in Cincinnati; Brewers lost three in row at home to Colorado to open season. Pittsburgh won four of last six games against the Brewers, with last four staying under.

Dodgers @ Diamondbacks
Oft-injured BAnderson is making first Dodger start; he was 1-0, 1.16 in his last four starts for the Rockies.

CAnderson is 3-1, 3.21 in his last five home starts; over is 8-0-1 in his last nine starts overall.

Dodgers won seven of last eight games with Arizona; six of those eight tilts went over the total. All three LA games this week went over total

Giants @ Padres
Lincecum was 1-2, 11.45 in his last three starts LY.

Morrow is making first start since last May; he was 0-1, 6.39 in his last three starts for Toronto.

San Francisco won three of first four games; Padres lost three of last four; San Diego bullpen threw 10 innings last night. Home side won six of last eight Giant-Padre games, with Giants winning four of last five- three of last four stayed under the total.

American League
Blue Jays @ Orioles
Buehrle is 2-1, 2.83 in his last five starts; three of his last four went over.

Norris is 5-0, 2.41 in his last seven starts; seven of his last ten went over.

Toronto played in Bronx last night, has day game here; they've lost five of last seven games with Orioles. Under is 7-1 in last eight series games. both teams won two of first three games this season.

Tigers @ Indians
Simon is 2-0, 2.88 in his last four starts; six of his last nine starts went over.

McAllister was 0-2, 7.42 in his last three starts LY.

Detroit swept Minnesota three games to start season; they won seven of last eight games with Cleveland-- last four went over the total. Indians won two of three in Houston, allowing total of three runs.

Astros @ Rangers
McHugh is 7-0, 1.88 in his last eight starts; five of his last six stayed under.

Holland is 3-0, 2.00 in his last eight starts; four of his last five stayed under.

Home side won eight of last ten Houston-Texas games; seven of last eight in series stayed under the total.

Twins @ White Sox
Milone is 0-1, 11.66 in his last four starts, all of which went over total.

Noesi is 0-3, 5.30 in his last three starts.

Minnesota was outscored 22-1 in losing three straight at Detroit; White Sox were outscored 21-7 in losing three in row at KC. Twins split last ten games with Chicago- over is 7-1 in last eight series meetings.

Red Sox @ Bronx
Miley was 1-4, 3.60 in his last eight starts for Arizona; seven of his last nine starts stayed under the total.

Eovaldi was 0-8, 6.10 in his last nine starts for Miami; under is 4-1-1 in his last six outings (Marlins scored 10 runs in his last seven starts).

Boston lost six of last eight games with Bronx; six of those eight games went over the total.

Royals @ Angels
Vargas is 1-0, 3.52 in his last three starts; four of his last six went over.

Santiago is 1-2, 12.96 in his last three starts; four of his last five went over.

Kansas City won five of last six games against Angels, sweeping LA 3-0 in playoffs last fall. Royals won first three games this season. Angels won two of three in Seattle.

Mariners @ A's
Walker is 1-3, 2.38 in his last four starts, three of which stayed under.

Pomeranz is 0-2, 3.86 in his last five starts.

Road team won five of last seven Seattle-Oakland games, with six of seven staying under total.

Interleague
Rays @ Marlins
Geltz has pitched in 15 big league games, all in relief (0-1, 2.84); he's pitched in 241 minor league games but never started one.

Haren was 0-1, 4.76 in his last three starts for the Dodgers.

Miami lost three in row to Atlanta to open season; Rays lost two of three at home to Baltimore. Marlins won last four games with Tampa Bay; four of last six series games stayed under the total.

**StarDust Bum** · 04-10-2015, 12:48 PM

MLB

Friday, April 10

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

3:05 PM
TORONTO vs. BALTIMORE
Toronto is 3-7 SU in its last 10 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Toronto's last 6 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 7 of Baltimore's last 8 games when playing Toronto
Baltimore is 16-6 SU in its last 22 games at home

4:05 PM
HOUSTON vs. TEXAS
Houston is 10-5 SU in its last 15 games when playing Texas
Houston is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Texas's last 6 games
Texas is 16-5 SU in its last 21 games when playing at home against Houston

4:10 PM
CHI CUBS vs. COLORADO
The total has gone OVER in 13 of Chi Cubs's last 18 games when playing on the road against Colorado
Chi Cubs are 5-2 SU in their last 7 games when playing Colorado
Colorado is 10-5 SU in its last 15 games
Colorado is 13-4 SU in their last 17 games when playing at home against Chi Cubs

4:10 PM
MINNESOTA vs. CHI WHITE SOX
Minnesota is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 8 of Minnesota's last 9 games when playing on the road against Chi White Sox
The total has gone OVER in 8 of Chi White Sox's last 9 games when playing at home against Minnesota
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Chi White Sox's last 5 games

4:10 PM
DETROIT vs. CLEVELAND
Detroit is 7-1 SU in its last 8 games when playing Cleveland
The total has gone OVER in 6 of Detroit's last 8 games when playing on the road against Cleveland
Cleveland is 5-2 SU in its last 7 games
Cleveland is 1-6 SU in its last 7 games when playing at home against Detroit

7:05 PM
WASHINGTON vs. PHILADELPHIA
The total has gone UNDER in 8 of Washington's last 9 games
Washington is 1-5 SU in its last 6 games when playing Philadelphia
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Philadelphia's last 6 games when playing at home against Washington
Philadelphia is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games when playing Washington

7:05 PM
BOSTON vs. NY YANKEES
Boston is 1-4 SU in their last 5 games when playing NY Yankees
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Boston's last 5 games
The total has gone OVER in 5 of NY Yankees's last 6 games at home
The total has gone OVER in 4 of NY Yankees's last 5 games

7:10 PM
ST. LOUIS vs. CINCINNATI
St. Louis is 1-5 SU in its last 6 games on the road
St. Louis is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games
Cincinnati is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games at home
Cincinnati is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games

7:10 PM
TAMPA BAY vs. MIAMI
Tampa Bay is 6-2 SU in its last 8 games when playing on the road against Miami
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Tampa Bay's last 5 games when playing on the road against Miami
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Miami's last 6 games when playing Tampa Bay
The total has gone UNDER in 7 of Miami's last 9 games at home

7:35 PM
NY METS vs. ATLANTA
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of NY Mets's last 7 games
NY Mets are 4-1 SU in its last 5 games
The total has gone UNDER in 7 of Atlanta's last 10 games at home
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Atlanta's last 5 games

8:10 PM
PITTSBURGH vs. MILWAUKEE
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Pittsburgh's last 5 games when playing Milwaukee
Pittsburgh is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Milwaukee's last 9 games when playing at home against Pittsburgh
Milwaukee is 7-3 SU in its last 10 games when playing at home against Pittsburgh

9:40 PM
LA DODGERS vs. ARIZONA
The total has gone OVER in 6 of LA Dodgers's last 8 games when playing Arizona
The total has gone OVER in 7 of LA Dodgers's last 9 games on the road
Arizona is 3-12 SU in its last 15 games
Arizona is 2-6 SU in its last 8 games at home

10:05 PM
SEATTLE vs. OAKLAND
Seattle is 5-2 SU in its last 7 games when playing on the road against Oakland
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Seattle's last 7 games when playing Oakland
Oakland is 2-5 SU in its last 7 games when playing at home against Seattle
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Oakland's last 5 games

10:05 PM
KANSAS CITY vs. LA ANGELS
Kansas City is 5-1 SU in their last 6 games when playing LA Angels
Kansas City is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games
LA Angels are 2-7 SU in their last 9 games
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of LA Angels's last 7 games at home

10:10 PM
SAN FRANCISCO vs. SAN DIEGO
San Francisco is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games
The total has gone OVER in 10 of San Francisco's last 15 games
San Diego is 6-2 SU in its last 8 games at home
San Diego is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games when playing San Francisco

**StarDust Bum** · 04-10-2015, 12:49 PM

MLB

Friday, April 10

Hitters' wind in Chicago as White Sox host Twins

According to weather forecasts, wind will blow out to left field around 21 miles per hour when the Chicago White Sox host the Minnesota Twins Friday afternoon.

The Pale Hose are presently -130 favorites and the total is 8.5.

Wind, possible thunderstorms forecast in Baltimore

According to weather forecasts, there is a strong possibility of scattered thunderstorms in Baltimore as the Orioles host the Toronto Blue Jays Friday afternoon.

Forecasts are calling for as much as a 95 percent chance of thunderstorms during gametime. Furthermore, winds as high as 15 miles per hour will blow out to dead center field.

The O's are presently priced at -120 for the first game in the three-game series with the Jays. The total is currently 8.

Dodgers are top Over bet heading into weekend series

Early days of course, but the Los Angeles are the top Over bet in the Major Leagues to kick off the 2015 season at 3-0 O/U.

The Dodgers and Padres went over the closing number in each game in their three game set earlier this week.

The Dodgers are the only team without a notch in the Under column heading into Friday's action. They visit the Arizona Diamondbacks Friday evening and oddsmakers have tabbed the game with a total of 8.5.

**StarDust Bum** · 04-10-2015, 12:49 PM

MLB

Friday, April 10

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
MLB betting cheat sheet: Over cashing in National League West
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Here's a comprehensive look at betting notes for this weekend’s major-league schedule:

Wild West

The Over was the way to go in the National League West throughout the first three days of the season. As of Thursday afternoon, the five representatives were 12-3 O/U. None had scored fewer than 13 total runs and the Colorado Rockies had crossed the plate 20 times.

Braves’ New World

After cleaning house in the offseason, all the depleted Atlanta Braves did was go out and sweep the Miami Marlins in their opening series. Atlanta has given up only three runs (1-2 O/U) heading into a weekend series with the Mets. The two NL East rivals are 1-6-1 O/U in their last eight head-to-head meetings.

Something’s Gotta Give

In his first Opening Day start with the Boston Red Sox, Clay Buchholz pitched seven scoreless innings at the expense of the Philadelphia Phillies while surrendering just three hits and striking out nine. But his next start is coming on Sunday night against the New York Yankees, against whom he went 0-2 with a 6.88 ERA in three starts last season (2-1 O/U).

Pitching Notes

* Look for David Price of the Detroit Tigers to go Under the total again when he takes the mound on Saturday against the Cleveland Indians. The Tigers won each of their first two games this season with shutouts—including one started by Price. The southpaw, who went 8.2 innings and allowed five hits on Monday against the Minnesota Twins, also ended 2014 with three consecutive Unders. Detroit scored 15 runs in its first two games, but the team is facing Cleveland’s Corey Kluber (7.1 innings, two runs at the Houston Astros in his first start) on Saturday.

* Seattle Mariners’ ace Felix Hernandez appears to have picked up where he left off in 2014. King Felix gave up only two hits and one run while striking out 10 batters in seven innings during a 4-1 win over the Los Angeles Angels on Opening Day. He wrapped up last season with three scoreless outings in his last five. Hernandez is 1-6 O/U in his last seven starts heading into Sunday at the Oakland Athletics.

Hitting Notes

* Los Angeles Dodgers’ first baseman Adrian Gonzalez went a ridiculous 10-for-13 with five home runs (three on Wednesday) and seven RBIs in his first three games of the season (all Overs for the Dodgers). This weekend he is going up against the Arizona Diamondbacks (2-1 O/U), who allowed a total of 16 runs in their first three contests.

* Adrian Beltre of the Texas Rangers went 0-for-11 in his first three games of 2015. He is not alone, either. The Rangers scored a grand total of three runs in their first three games versus Oakland. This weekend’s opponent, Houston, allowed only two runs in its first two games (0-2 O/U).

Totals Streak

San Diego Padres (3-0 O/U): San Diego outdid all of its competition in terms of an offseason spending spree and the offense acted accordingly with 14 runs in its first three games against the Dodgers. Of course, the Padres also gave up 16 total runs. Next up for SD are the San Francisco Giants (2-1 O/U).

Injury Notes

* Detroit traded Max Scherzer to the Washington Nationals this offseason and now the pitching staff is not getting any help. Both starter Justin Verlander (triceps) and closer Joe Nathan (flexor strain) were placed on the disabled list earlier this week.

* Jayson Werth (shoulder) and Denard Span (core surgery) of the Washington Nationals will be on rehab assignments this weekend. Washington (0-2 O/U) scored a total of three runs in its first two games.

Weather Watch

* There are a handful of games that could be affected by thundershowers Thursday. Below are a list of games and percent chance of thundershowers.
Blue Jays at Orioles - 60 percent
Red Sox at Yankees - 75 percent
Nationals at Phillies - 71 percent
Mets at Braves - 70 percent

Umpire Note: N/A

**StarDust Bum** · 04-10-2015, 12:50 PM

See spot. See spot bet: This week's best spot bet opportunities

Letdown spot

We’re tabbing this NHL regular season finale as our letdown spot, but it could really be dubbed a “motivational” spot, with the Pittsburgh Penguins still playing for postseason positioning and the Buffalo Sabres in full-on tank mode hoping to score projected No. 1 overall pick Connor McDavid in the upcoming NHL Draft.

The Pens visit the Sabres Saturday night and head into Thursday's action sitting seventh in the Eastern Conference. Pittsburgh isn’t out of the woods when it comes to even making the playoff cut so there's a lot on the line. Buffalo is at the bottom of the league with 54 points, two less than Arizona. The Sabres, who have actually won three of their last five, could be counting down the seconds to the offseason and laying down for the Pens in order to secure the No. 1 pick.

Lookahead spot

The Toronto Raptors have the Atlantic Division title in the bag but are still trying to secure the third spot in the Eastern Conference playoffs. They're currently tied with the Chicago Bulls but hold the tie-breaker heading toward the weekend. Toronto has a huge matchup with the Heat Saturday night – Miami trying to sneak into the No. 8 spot - but could get caught looking ahead when it takes the court in Orlando Friday.

The Raptors visit the Magic ahead of that showdown in Miami. Toronto has won all three meetings with Orlando this season, with an average margin of victory of 10 points in those contests. The Magic did the Raps a favor Wednesday, edging the Bulls by two points and have a taste for the spoiler role now. They’ve won three in a row heading into Thursday, going 3-0 ATS in that span.

Schedule spot

Coors Field is always a tricky stadium to deal with, but it has especially draining effects this early into the season. Fresh off spring training, teams aren’t yet in tip-top shape and the thin air in Denver can quickly leave players lethargic. The Chicago Cubs head up the mountain for the Rockies' home opening series, starting Friday.

No team in the big leagues smashes more home runs in front of their faithful than Colorado. The Rockies launched a MLB-high 119 balls over the fences at Coors Field and have already done some damage with the long ball, recording five home runs in their season-opening set against the Brewers this week. Colorado won all three road games and scored a combined 20 runs in those three contests. The Cubs and Rockies have gone Over the number in 13 of their last 18 meetings in Coors Field.

**StarDust Bum** · 04-10-2015, 12:51 PM

MLB
Long Sheet

Friday, April 10

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

CHICAGO CUBS (1 - 1) at COLORADO (3 - 0) - 4:10 PM
TRAVIS WOOD (L) vs. TYLER MATZEK (L)
Top Trends for this game.
CHICAGO CUBS are 1388-1554 (-280.7 Units) against the money line in all games since 1997.
CHICAGO CUBS are 149-187 (-54.9 Units) against the money line when playing with a day off since 1997.
CHICAGO CUBS are 744-787 (-147.6 Units) against the money line in day games since 1997.
CHICAGO CUBS are 1331-1467 (-255.5 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field since 1997.
CHICAGO CUBS are 643-746 (-197.2 Units) against the money line after a win since 1997.
CHICAGO CUBS are 22-18 (+15.3 Units) against the money line in road games against left-handed starters over the last 3 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
There were no past matchups in this series during this time period.

TRAVIS WOOD vs. COLORADO since 1997
WOOD is 1-1 when starting against COLORADO with an ERA of 3.30 and a WHIP of 1.300.
His team's record is 2-3 (-1.3 units) in these starts. The OVER is 4-1. (+2.8 units)

TYLER MATZEK vs. CHICAGO CUBS since 1997
No recent starts.

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

WASHINGTON (1 - 2) at PHILADELPHIA (1 - 2) - 7:05 PM
GIO GONZALEZ (L) vs. JEROME WILLIAMS (R)
Top Trends for this game.
WASHINGTON is 11-17 (-13.4 Units) against the money line when playing on Friday over the last 2 seasons.
WILLIAMS is 7-2 (+9.0 Units) against the money line after a loss over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
GONZALEZ is 106-73 (+28.8 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field since 1997. (Team's Record)
PHILADELPHIA is 103-108 (-35.8 Units) against the money line in home games in April games since 1997.
PHILADELPHIA is 64-81 (-27.9 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 3 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
There were no past matchups in this series during this time period.

GIO GONZALEZ vs. PHILADELPHIA since 1997
GONZALEZ is 6-4 when starting against PHILADELPHIA with an ERA of 3.05 and a WHIP of 1.154.
His team's record is 7-5 (+0.5 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 5-6. (-1.6 units)

JEROME WILLIAMS vs. WASHINGTON since 1997
WILLIAMS is 0-1 when starting against WASHINGTON with an ERA of 4.74 and a WHIP of 1.316.
His team's record is 2-1 (+1.6 units) in these starts. The OVER is 2-1. (+0.8 units)

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

ST LOUIS (1 - 1) at CINCINNATI (3 - 0) - 7:10 PM
JOHN LACKEY (R) vs. JASON MARQUIS (R)
Top Trends for this game.
ST LOUIS is 5-17 (-14.3 Units) against the money line in road games when playing with a day off over the last 3 seasons.
CINCINNATI is 28-14 (+13.0 Units) against the money line in home games against division opponents over the last 2 seasons.
MARQUIS is 16-6 (+11.7 Units) against the money line as a home underdog of +100 to +125 since 1997. (Team's Record)
MARQUIS is 18-4 (+11.0 Units) against the money line in home games when playing on Friday since 1997. (Team's Record)
ST LOUIS is 97-53 (+33.4 Units) against the money line after a loss over the last 3 seasons.
CINCINNATI is 44-63 (-19.6 Units) against the money line in night games over the last 2 seasons.
CINCINNATI is 356-380 (-94.4 Units) against the money line in home games after a win since 1997.
CINCINNATI is 14-24 (-18.1 Units) against the money line after 3 or more consecutive wins over the last 3 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
There were no past matchups in this series during this time period.

JOHN LACKEY vs. CINCINNATI since 1997
LACKEY is 2-0 when starting against CINCINNATI with an ERA of 2.49 and a WHIP of 0.969.
His team's record is 3-1 (+1.7 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 2-1. (+0.9 units)

JASON MARQUIS vs. ST LOUIS since 1997
MARQUIS is 6-3 when starting against ST LOUIS with an ERA of 4.14 and a WHIP of 1.399.
His team's record is 6-3 (+3.6 units) in these starts. The OVER is 2-7. (-5.6 units)

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

NY METS (2 - 1) at ATLANTA (3 - 0) - 7:35 PM
JON NIESE (L) vs. ERIC STULTS (L)
Top Trends for this game.
ATLANTA is 20-8 (+13.3 Units) against the money line in April games over the last 2 seasons.
STULTS is 38-27 (+17.3 Units) against the money line in night games since 1997. (Team's Record)
NY METS are 82-83 (+23.3 Units) against the money line in road games over the last 3 seasons.
NY METS are 82-83 (+23.3 Units) against the money line in road games in games played on a grass field over the last 3 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
There were no past matchups in this series during this time period.

JON NIESE vs. ATLANTA since 1997
NIESE is 7-6 when starting against ATLANTA with an ERA of 3.43 and a WHIP of 1.430.
His team's record is 9-9 (+1.4 units) in these starts. The OVER is 8-8. (-0.2 units)

ERIC STULTS vs. NY METS since 1997
STULTS is 3-1 when starting against NY METS with an ERA of 2.48 and a WHIP of 1.133.
His team's record is 4-2 (+3.4 units) in these starts. The OVER is 3-3. (-0.2 units)

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

PITTSBURGH (0 - 3) at MILWAUKEE (0 - 3) - 8:10 PM
JEFF LOCKE (L) vs. MICHAEL FIERS (R)
Top Trends for this game.
PITTSBURGH is 9-19 (-11.6 Units) against the money line in April games over the last 2 seasons.
PITTSBURGH is 25-41 (-16.7 Units) against the money line in road games against right-handed starters over the last 2 seasons.
PITTSBURGH is 65-45 (+14.9 Units) against the money line in night games over the last 2 seasons.
PITTSBURGH is 106-64 (+27.9 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 3 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
There were no past matchups in this series during this time period.

JEFF LOCKE vs. MILWAUKEE since 1997
LOCKE is 2-2 when starting against MILWAUKEE with an ERA of 3.98 and a WHIP of 1.180.
His team's record is 4-3 (+1.3 units) in these starts. The OVER is 3-4. (-1.7 units)

MICHAEL FIERS vs. PITTSBURGH since 1997
FIERS is 2-2 when starting against PITTSBURGH with an ERA of 5.61 and a WHIP of 1.169.
His team's record is 3-2 (+0.8 units) in these starts. The OVER is 3-2. (+1.0 units)

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

LA DODGERS (2 - 1) at ARIZONA (1 - 2) - 9:40 PM
BRETT ANDERSON (L) vs. CHASE ANDERSON (R)
Top Trends for this game.
LA DODGERS are 24-31 (-15.4 Units) against the money line when playing on Friday over the last 3 seasons.
LA DODGERS are 47-49 (-13.7 Units) against the money line after a win over the last 2 seasons.
ANDERSON is 6-16 (-13.8 Units) against the money line in April games since 1997. (Team's Record)
LA DODGERS are 51-26 (+22.0 Units) against the money line in road games when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 3 seasons.
ARIZONA is 65-100 (-32.8 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
ARIZONA is 34-48 (-18.1 Units) against the money line in home games over the last 2 seasons.
ARIZONA is 4-14 (-12.4 Units) against the money line in home games in April games over the last 2 seasons.
ARIZONA is 65-100 (-32.8 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
ARIZONA is 24-53 (-25.0 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
There were no past matchups in this series during this time period.

BRETT ANDERSON vs. ARIZONA since 1997
ANDERSON is 0-1 when starting against ARIZONA with an ERA of 4.50 and a WHIP of 2.167.
His team's record is 0-1 (-1.2 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 1-0. (+1.0 units)

CHASE ANDERSON vs. LA DODGERS since 1997
ANDERSON is 1-1 when starting against LA DODGERS with an ERA of 4.96 and a WHIP of 1.286.
His team's record is 1-2 (-0.5 units) in these starts. The OVER is 3-0. (+3.1 units)

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

SAN FRANCISCO (3 - 1) at SAN DIEGO (1 - 3) - 10:10 PM
TIM LINCECUM (R) vs. BRANDON MORROW (R)
Top Trends for this game.
SAN DIEGO is 93-70 (+19.2 Units) against the money line in home games over the last 3 seasons.
SAN DIEGO is 93-70 (+19.2 Units) against the money line in home games in games played on a grass field over the last 3 seasons.
SAN DIEGO is 27-14 (+13.1 Units) against the money line in home games when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.
SAN FRANCISCO is 103-80 (+19.3 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
SAN FRANCISCO is 52-42 (+15.6 Units) against the money line in road games over the last 2 seasons.
SAN FRANCISCO is 103-80 (+19.3 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
SAN FRANCISCO is 1024-854 (+118.9 Units) against the money line in night games since 1997.
SAN FRANCISCO is 71-50 (+18.2 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters over the last 2 seasons.
SAN FRANCISCO is 58-43 (+15.3 Units) against the money line after a win over the last 2 seasons.
LINCECUM is 21-9 (+12.5 Units) against the money line after a win over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)

Head-to-Head Series History
SAN FRANCISCO is 1-0 (+1.2 Units) against SAN DIEGO this season
1 of 1 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+1.0 Units)

TIM LINCECUM vs. SAN DIEGO since 1997
LINCECUM is 16-6 when starting against SAN DIEGO with an ERA of 2.32 and a WHIP of 1.120.
His team's record is 21-8 (+10.9 units) in these starts. The OVER is 14-14. (-0.8 units)

BRANDON MORROW vs. SAN FRANCISCO since 1997
MORROW is 0-0 when starting against SAN FRANCISCO with an ERA of 3.00 and a WHIP of 1.333.
His team's record is 1-0 (+1.0 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 1-0. (+1.0 units)

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

TORONTO (2 - 1) at BALTIMORE (2 - 1) - 3:05 PM
MARK BUEHRLE (L) vs. BUD NORRIS (R)
Top Trends for this game.
TORONTO is 18-34 (-16.6 Units) against the money line when playing on Friday over the last 3 seasons.
BALTIMORE is 102-71 (+36.5 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
BALTIMORE is 52-33 (+14.1 Units) against the money line in home games over the last 2 seasons.
BALTIMORE is 50-30 (+22.2 Units) against the money line against division opponents over the last 2 seasons.
BALTIMORE is 89-63 (+29.7 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
BALTIMORE is 15-2 (+14.5 Units) against the money line after getting shut out over the last 3 seasons.
BALTIMORE is 43-27 (+18.6 Units) against the money line after a loss over the last 2 seasons.
BALTIMORE is 48-31 (+23.2 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.
NORRIS is 20-10 (+11.4 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
NORRIS is 13-1 (+12.6 Units) against the money line against division opponents over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
NORRIS is 29-16 (+14.8 Units) against the money line in home games after a loss since 1997. (Team's Record)
BUEHRLE is 21-11 (+10.6 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
BUEHRLE is 96-63 (+24.9 Units) against the money line in day games since 1997. (Team's Record)
BUEHRLE is 14-4 (+10.7 Units) against the money line after a win over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
BALTIMORE is 17-29 (-19.5 Units) against the money line in home games in day games over the last 3 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
There were no past matchups in this series during this time period.

MARK BUEHRLE vs. BALTIMORE since 1997
BUEHRLE is 8-10 when starting against BALTIMORE with an ERA of 3.71 and a WHIP of 1.301.
His team's record is 11-11 (-2.7 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 11-10. (+0.0 units)

BUD NORRIS vs. TORONTO since 1997
NORRIS is 4-0 when starting against TORONTO with an ERA of 2.36 and a WHIP of 1.369.
His team's record is 6-0 (+6.3 units) in these starts. The OVER is 3-3. (+0.0 units)

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

DETROIT (3 - 0) at CLEVELAND (2 - 1) - 4:05 PM
ALFREDO SIMON (R) vs. ZACH MCALLISTER (R)
Top Trends for this game.
DETROIT is 140-212 (-56.1 Units) against the money line as a road underdog of +100 to +125 since 1997.
DETROIT is 22-31 (-15.1 Units) against the money line in road games in day games over the last 3 seasons.
SIMON is 20-13 (+9.4 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
SIMON is 12-3 (+10.9 Units) against the money line against division opponents over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
SIMON is 20-13 (+9.4 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
SIMON is 13-3 (+11.4 Units) against the money line after a win over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)

Head-to-Head Series History
There were no past matchups in this series during this time period.

ALFREDO SIMON vs. CLEVELAND since 1997
SIMON is 1-1 when starting against CLEVELAND with an ERA of 5.25 and a WHIP of 1.083.
His team's record is 1-1 (+0.1 units) in these starts. The OVER is 2-0. (+2.1 units)

ZACH MCALLISTER vs. DETROIT since 1997
MCALLISTER is 1-2 when starting against DETROIT with an ERA of 4.82 and a WHIP of 1.721.
His team's record is 6-3 (+5.3 units) in these starts. The OVER is 2-6. (-4.2 units)

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

HOUSTON (1 - 2) at TEXAS (2 - 2) - 4:05 PM
COLLIN MCHUGH (R) vs. DEREK HOLLAND (L)
Top Trends for this game.
TEXAS is 26-19 (+14.1 Units) against the money line in day games over the last 2 seasons.
TEXAS is 33-48 (-17.4 Units) against the money line in home games over the last 2 seasons.
TEXAS is 33-48 (-17.4 Units) against the money line in home games in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
TEXAS is 44-67 (-18.2 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
There were no past matchups in this series during this time period.

COLLIN MCHUGH vs. TEXAS since 1997
MCHUGH is 1-0 when starting against TEXAS with an ERA of 2.57 and a WHIP of 1.143.
His team's record is 1-0 (+1.0 units) in these starts. The OVER is 0-1. (-1.0 units)

DEREK HOLLAND vs. HOUSTON since 1997
HOLLAND is 3-1 when starting against HOUSTON with an ERA of 3.52 and a WHIP of 1.109.
His team's record is 6-1 (+4.3 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 1-6. (-6.0 units)

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

MINNESOTA (0 - 3) at CHI WHITE SOX (0 - 3) - 4:10 PM
TOM MILONE (L) vs. HECTOR NOESI (R)
Top Trends for this game.
MINNESOTA is 17-10 (+10.4 Units) against the money line after 3 or more consecutive losses over the last 2 seasons.
MILONE is 53-31 (+22.0 Units) against the money line in all games since 1997. (Team's Record)
MILONE is 51-29 (+21.6 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field since 1997. (Team's Record)
CHI WHITE SOX are 11-18 (-13.5 Units) against the money line as a home favorite of -125 to -150 over the last 3 seasons.
CHI WHITE SOX are 29-48 (-22.3 Units) against the money line in home games against division opponents over the last 3 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
There were no past matchups in this series during this time period.

TOM MILONE vs. CHI WHITE SOX since 1997
MILONE is 1-0 when starting against CHI WHITE SOX with an ERA of 1.82 and a WHIP of 0.892.
His team's record is 1-3 (-3.7 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 3-1. (+1.9 units)

HECTOR NOESI vs. MINNESOTA since 1997
NOESI is 2-1 when starting against MINNESOTA with an ERA of 3.82 and a WHIP of 1.075.
His team's record is 3-2 (+1.6 units) in these starts. The OVER is 2-2. (-0.2 units)

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

BOSTON (2 - 1) at NY YANKEES (1 - 2) - 7:05 PM
WADE MILEY (L) vs. NATHAN EOVALDI (R)
Top Trends for this game.
BOSTON is 73-93 (-27.7 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
BOSTON is 31-46 (-16.6 Units) against the money line against division opponents over the last 2 seasons.
BOSTON is 65-81 (-24.9 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
BOSTON is 52-67 (-20.5 Units) against the money line in night games over the last 2 seasons.
BOSTON is 50-65 (-18.2 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters over the last 2 seasons.
BOSTON is 30-44 (-19.4 Units) against the money line after a win over the last 2 seasons.
BOSTON is 23-31 (-14.1 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 2 seasons.
EOVALDI is 10-23 (-13.7 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
EOVALDI is 10-23 (-13.7 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)

Head-to-Head Series History
There were no past matchups in this series during this time period.

WADE MILEY vs. NY YANKEES since 1997
MILEY is 0-0 when starting against NY YANKEES with an ERA of 4.05 and a WHIP of 1.049.
His team's record is 0-1 (-1.0 units) in these starts. The OVER is 0-1. (-1.0 units)

NATHAN EOVALDI vs. BOSTON since 1997
No recent starts.

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

KANSAS CITY (3 - 0) at LA ANGELS (2 - 1) - 10:05 PM
JASON VARGAS (L) vs. HECTOR SANTIAGO (L)
Top Trends for this game.
LA ANGELS are 100-68 (+17.8 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
LA ANGELS are 273-201 (+49.3 Units) against the money line when playing on Friday since 1997.
LA ANGELS are 79-51 (+16.2 Units) against the money line in night games over the last 2 seasons.
KANSAS CITY is 103-77 (+14.2 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
KANSAS CITY is 19-9 (+12.0 Units) against the money line as a road underdog of +100 to +125 over the last 2 seasons.
KANSAS CITY is 52-36 (+18.2 Units) against the money line in road games over the last 2 seasons.
KANSAS CITY is 13-3 (+12.2 Units) against the money line in road games when playing on Friday over the last 2 seasons.
KANSAS CITY is 99-74 (+12.7 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
KANSAS CITY is 74-52 (+13.6 Units) against the money line in night games over the last 2 seasons.
KANSAS CITY is 60-43 (+12.4 Units) against the money line after a win over the last 2 seasons.
KANSAS CITY is 23-12 (+11.2 Units) against the money line after 3 or more consecutive wins over the last 2 seasons.
KANSAS CITY is 54-39 (+14.0 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.
SANTIAGO is 16-31 (-15.9 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 3 seasons. (Team's Record)
SANTIAGO is 16-31 (-15.9 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 3 seasons. (Team's Record)

Head-to-Head Series History
There were no past matchups in this series during this time period.

JASON VARGAS vs. LA ANGELS since 1997
VARGAS is 5-4 when starting against LA ANGELS with an ERA of 2.92 and a WHIP of 1.115.
His team's record is 8-7 (+4.7 units) in these starts. The OVER is 5-10. (-5.6 units)

HECTOR SANTIAGO vs. KANSAS CITY since 1997
SANTIAGO is 1-0 when starting against KANSAS CITY with an ERA of 1.19 and a WHIP of 1.015.
His team's record is 2-2 (+0.3 units) in these starts. The OVER is 1-3. (-2.2 units)

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

SEATTLE (1 - 2) at OAKLAND (2 - 2) - 10:05 PM
TAIJUAN WALKER (R) vs. DREW POMERANZ (L)
Top Trends for this game.
SEATTLE is 46-35 (+15.4 Units) against the money line in road games over the last 2 seasons.
SEATTLE is 13-4 (+9.8 Units) against the money line when playing with a day off over the last 2 seasons.
SEATTLE is 42-31 (+14.9 Units) against the money line in road games in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
OAKLAND is 90-77 (-18.7 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
OAKLAND is 21-29 (-15.7 Units) against the money line when the total is 7 or less over the last 2 seasons.
OAKLAND is 40-40 (-18.5 Units) against the money line against division opponents over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
There were no past matchups in this series during this time period.

TAIJUAN WALKER vs. OAKLAND since 1997
No recent starts.

DREW POMERANZ vs. SEATTLE since 1997
POMERANZ is 1-0 when starting against SEATTLE with an ERA of 0.00 and a WHIP of 0.400.
His team's record is 1-0 (+1.0 units) in these starts. The OVER is 0-1. (-1.0 units)

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

TAMPA BAY (1 - 2) at MIAMI (0 - 3) - 7:10 PM
ERASMO RAMIREZ (L) vs. DAN HAREN (R)
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

Head-to-Head Series History
There were no past matchups in this series during this time period.

ERASMO RAMIREZ vs. MIAMI since 1997
No recent starts.

DAN HAREN vs. TAMPA BAY since 1997
HAREN is 7-4 when starting against TAMPA BAY with an ERA of 3.01 and a WHIP of 0.912.
His team's record is 9-4 (+4.0 units) in these starts. The OVER is 5-8. (-3.8 units)

**StarDust Bum** · 04-10-2015, 12:52 PM

Weekend Primer

April 10, 2015

Welcome to the first of what is a new weekly installment here on VegasInsider.com, that being the MLB Weekend Primer, in which I take a look at some of the more compelling series meetings for the upcoming weekend. It’s been less than a week since the season started, but there’s already been the usual craziness that we’ve grown accustomed to when it comes to each baseball campaign.

For instance, if you had the Braves, Rockies, and Reds -- three teams whom Vegas projected for win totals in the 70’s -- as your picks to be the only three remaining unbeaten teams from the National League entering the first weekend of play, then you’re just from another world.

That being said, let’s take a look at some of the more intriguing series matchups this weekend that could begin to set the tone as the MLB season wanders through its first few weeks…

Boston Red Sox at New York Yankees

Whenever the Red Sox and Yankees get together -- arguably the biggest and most storied rivalry in all of professional sports -- you know it’s going to get first-billing. And in a bit of a transition year for both organizations, that makes this latest chapter all the more interesting.

The Red Sox prevailed in their first series, taking two out of three on the road from Philadelphia, and were the favorite in all three contests. The linesmakers are continuing their affection towards Boston, listing them as a -120 favorite for game one of this series. That’s probably to be expected, as their new-look lineup looked impressive in their season-opening slate, and could potentially sustain an offensive onslaught at Yankee Stadium.

Meanwhile, the Yankees opened up the season at home, only to lose two out of three to division-rival Toronto. Their most alarming issue from that series is the performance of Masahiro Tanaka, who displayed lower velocity and just didn’t look as sharp as he normally was prior to his season-ending injury a year ago. His second assignment will come in this series so that’s certainly something to keep tabs on, especially if the Red Sox are a ‘dog in that matchup, which is typically the standard when opposing an ace on their home turf. The opener of this set pits Wade Miley against Nathan Eovaldi, with both pitchers making their respective debuts donning their new team colors, and is the main featured game on MLB Network tonight.. Overall, this should be an entertaining collection of contests, featuring the usual aura of a Yankees/Red Sox series.

Detroit Tigers at Cleveland Indians

Cleveland opens up its 2015 home slate against the division rival Tigers in what could be a telling series for both clubs. After all, each team was successful in its first series of the year, and already possesses relatively high expectations within the competitive AL Central. A statement here can propel one of these franchises into a sustained run.

In the first game, scheduled for late-Friday afternoon, it will be Alfredo Simon making his Tigers debut after a breakout 2014, as he toes the rubber opposite longtime Indians right-hander Zach McAllister, with the latter surprisingly being a -125 favorite. The Tigers might be a good bet to ride in this series if they are consistently ‘dogs for the remaining contests also, given how hot their offense already is. In fact, it’s probably one of the most potent lineups in all of baseball, making it unlikely they’re suddenly ready to cool off, let alone against someone the likes of McAllister, in the opener. The Indians do have a chance here to send a message that they’re a legitimate challenger for Detroit’s division crown, but the Tigers seem really locked in right now. Cleveland didn’t have much offense on display in their opening series versus the Astros.

Toronto Blue Jays at Baltimore Orioles

The Yankees/Red Sox series isn’t the only meaningful AL East get-together this weekend, as Blue Jays/Orioles also carries some potential importance in dictating who garners early favorable positioning within the division.

This will be Baltimore’s first time in front of its home crowd in 2015 so they’ll be extra fired up, playing in front of fans looking to carry over their momentous excitement from a year ago when their team went all the way to the ALCS. Both teams are out to a 2-1 start after series wins over division foes, making this particular series a bit more important than the usual mid-April set. An additional series triumph here could propel the winner into a nice comfortable groove to ride throughout the first month. It’s no secret that Toronto and last year’s division champion Baltimore each have a legitimate chance in winning the AL East, so this should be an early measuring stick for each club.

From a betting standpoint, I think both teams are very evenly matched -- there’s an efficient, productive lineup on each side and mostly stable starting pitching. It’s a tough one to decipher at this point in time, in my opinion.

San Francisco Giants at San Diego Padres

This series started last night with a Giants 1-0 victory in extra innings and I fully expect the other three games in this four-game set to be just as competitive. As I’ve written about a few times already, I’m very high on the Padres this year and am definitely interesting in seeing how they measure up early on against some of the league’s best. They opened up on the road in Los Angeles, and while the Dodgers did take two of three, I was impressed with how the Padres looked overall, as they were in every game and actually had a chance at winning all three. Now to begin their home schedule, they’re tasked with taking on the defending World Series champs so they’re being tested right away.

The Giants, who seemingly are not getting any respect once again despite their three world titles in the past five years, are out to a 3-1 start, even without departed Pablo Sandoval and disable list-resident Hunter Pence, making a statement that they’re still the team to beat. Their offense has been pretty solid through the first four games, and I think a big difference is that Angel Pagan has been hitting third and helping fill the void left by Pence. While their starting pitching is badly banged up, they received a nice lift from youngster Chris Heston in his first start the other night, although he won’t be making an assignment in this series.

If you’re looking to capitalize on the lack of respect the linesmakers are showing towards the Giants, you’ll have a nice opportunity to jump on it, as San Francisco is currently listed as a +110 underdog in tonight’s affair. However, they have the mercurial Tim Lincecum on the mound so it’s tough to get a feel for what he’ll contribute in his first start of the year. Opposing him as a surprising -130 favorite is one of my top ten sleepers this year, Brandon Morrow, who is set to make his Padres debut. His spring wasn’t the sharpest, but he’s proven in the past that when he’s in his rhythm, he can overpower any given lineup, being one of the league’s better strikeout hurlers. Both starters over the past couple of years have mainly been erratic and battled injuries, perhaps making this particular game a tough one to get a beat on.

Kansas City Royals at Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim

Ah, we already have a rematch from last year’s postseason, bringing about quick memories of when the Royals shockingly swept the Angels, owners of last year’s best regular season record in all of baseball. With Anaheim opening up their home slate here, they’d certainly cherish a little bit of potential redemption.

It’s going to be tough, though, as the Royals are coming off an impressive sweep of the division-rival White Sox, who are supposed to be pretty good this year. As a result, look out, as we all remember what happened the last time Kansas City caught fire -- it was an amazing stretch they rode in sweeping through the Division Series and Championship Series, en route to the World Series, where they dramatically lost in seven games. If the Royals have caught fire again, which is very possible given how decisive they were against Chicago, they might provide excellent value throughout this weekend set. In game one, at least, they’re currently +120 underdogs with former Angels starter Jason Vargas on the hill. Vargas was actually very good in his ALDS assignment in Anaheim last postseason.

At the same time, though, the Angels were also impressive in their opening series, as they knocked off the Mariners in taking two out of three. They arguably have awful value for game one, however, as mediocre Hector Santiago will start for them in game one. This could be a trend for this series, despite the Royals’ current reemergence, and if you think Kansas City is picking up where they left off last year, it might be wise to bet on them accordingly.

Other Weekend Thoughts

-- The Mariners and Athletics meeting up is a big deal these days, with both expected to contend for the AL West division title. Seattle is out to a 1-2 start after its first series with the Angels, but still looked good in defeat and will be fine moving forward. The A’s split a four-game set at home with Texas, but showed flashes of being the really good team they were in the first half of last year. I’ll definitely be tracking what happens in game one of this intriguing series, with potential breakout star Taijuan Walker set for his first assignment of the year after an outstanding spring, matching up against former first round pick Drew Pomeranz, who is making his first start since a fluke injury sidelined him for most of the second half of 2014. Both teams are looking to make an early statement in the division.

-- The Pirates and Brewers are set to clash in a battle of 0-3 teams, making this series very imperative for both NL Central rivals. The Brewers were largely successful last year because of the torrid start they rode, before fading in the final month of the season. The Pirates, meanwhile, are the ones with bigger expectations, so it might be best to ride them here throughout this series. As the road team, they’ll get better value, and are actually listed as +100 underdogs in game one of the series behind starter Jeff Locke, who has always been at his best in the first half of the campaign. Keep an eye on Pittsburgh this weekend, as they’re more likely to get back on track right away compared to Milwaukee, who looked sluggish in getting swept by Colorado to start the year.

-- The Mets and Braves will certainly have a lot of people’s attention this weekend when they meet in Atlanta for a very compelling set. After all, it is the Mets, my top breakout team for this season, who emerged from Washington surprisingly taking two out of three against the team who had the best record in the NL last year, so I’m curious to see where that momentum leads them. However, Atlanta is also possessing similar excitement, as despite most labeling this a rebuilding year for the club, they’re out to a 3-0 start after a road sweep of Miami. The winner of this series could easily springboard that into a nice run to ride throughout April. Since I think the Mets are legitimate this year, I’d recommend going with them, especially if it involves odds as low as -120, which is what they’re favored by in game one’s matchup of Jon Niese taking on new Braves left-hander Eric Stults.

-- The Astros and Rangers are getting a mention here, not just because I’m a lifelong Rangers fan, but because The Lone Star Series is somewhat underrated. And it shouldn’t be underrated this year, considering the paths that each team is on. Houston, of course, has its highest expectations in probably six years, and despite starting 1-2, they received some mostly excellent starting pitching, which is a great sign for them because their offense will easily get it going sooner than later, with stalwarts like Jose Altuve, George Springer, and Chris Carter. The potential for a dynamic offense is still there and maybe they’ll break out in hitter-friendly Arlington. The Rangers, meanwhile, saw their bats bust out yesterday in a 10-1 win over Oakland, salvaging the opening four-game series in the process, so their 2-2 start has them thinking last year’s aberration of an awful season is maybe already behind them. The first game in this series contains a potentially delightful pitching matchup, with one of 2015’s biggest surprise breakouts, Colin McHugh, taking on Derek Holland, who was lights out when he finally returned from injury at the very beginning of September. I think it’s hard to tell who controls the series at this juncture of the season.

Fearless Prediction

While I’m strictly only an over/unders handicapper, I don’t see the Pirates continuing their winless ways this weekend. They’re a better team than the Brewers, and with both teams being 0-3, it’s really important they jump on another club going through their own struggles. Pittsburgh is my pick to win the NL Central this year, and thus, I think they’ll set the ship right with this weekend’s extra sense of urgency. Milwaukee, at least as I predicted, is a below-average team this year with holes on their pitching staff, and their slow start should continue through at least another series to reinforce that.

**StarDust Bum** · 04-11-2015, 12:27 PM

Armadillo: Saturday's six-pack

Anatomy of a marathon; notes on the 19-inning game in the Bronx Friday:

-- Red Sox won 6-5 in 19 innings, after blowing leads in 9th, 16th and 18th innings.

-- Game took 6:49-- it started at 7:24pm, ended at 2:13am.

-- Red Sox left 20 men on base; Mike Napoli was 0-8 with four Ks.

-- Carlos Beltran, Didi Gregorius both went 1-6; neither guy started.

-- Total of 628 pitches were thrown; quick turnaround for umpires, who don't get to sit down during game. Saturday's game is at 1:05.

-- 249 pitches were called a ball; only 247 of the 628 pitches were swung at, with 132 pitches called strikes.

**********

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

13) Tampa Bay's new manager is Kevin Cash. Bottom 8th in Miami last night, Marlins have go-ahead run on second, two out, Giancarlo Stanton up in an 8-8 game. Mike Morse is on deck. A drunken monkey knows you walk Stanton and pitch to Morse, but no, they didn't and Stanton gets the go-ahead single.

There is no defense for such hideous strategy; Rays had rallied from down 8-1 to tie game- they wound up losing 10-9 in the ninth. Cash is a rookie manager, for sure, but he'll never become a veteran manager unless he wakes up.

12) Adrian Gonzalez had knocked in a run in six straight plate appearances; since 1950, the holder of the record in this category is Jermaine Dye, with seven in 1999.

11) Cincinnati Reds are 4-0, with all four wins in their final at-bat.

10) Oakland A's have played five games; five different guys batted 2nd.

9) In their first four games, Bronx Bombers have been outscored 12-1 in the first five innings.

8) Calgary Flames are in NHL playoffs for first time in six years; Winnipeg has a team in playoffs for first time since 1996. People there are VERY happy.

7) Texas football coach Charlie Strong forgot his quarterback's first name during a deposition of a lawsuit between the Longhorns and Oklahoma State. Lot of coaches would forget their wife's name before their QB's.

6) Part of the reason Bobby Hurley bolted Buffalo for Arizona State was that Buffalo AD wouldn't negotiate with Hurley's agent. That and the maximum possible weather upgrade, moving from western New York to Tempe.

5) If I'm Danny Hurley, I get my brother on the phone, schedule a road game in the Arizona desert this year, with a return trip to URI next year. Even if ASU doesn't give the Rams a return game, URI should be better than the Sun Devils this coming season.

4) As I'm typing this, I can hear a guy outside walking down the street, cursing out whoever he is talking to on his cellphone. Keep it classy, Colonie.....

3) Friday's Cubs-Rockies game was the 12th game in major league history where both pitchers batted 8th; I'm just not a fan of this, but managers keep doing it. DJ LaMahieu went 3-4 in 9-hole for Colorado, but scored only once.

2) Best wishes to Iowa State basketball coach Fred Hoiberg, who will undergo open heart surgery soon to repair a valve in his heart. Hoiberg is so calm, he seems like the last guy who would have heart problems. Get well soon, sir.

1) What a week for Jim Nantz; Final Four last weekend, Masters this week. Wonder which event he prefers doing?

**StarDust Bum** · 04-11-2015, 12:28 PM

MLB
Dunkel

Saturday, April 11

Seattle Mariners @ Oakland Athletics

Game 969-970
April 11, 2015 @ 4:05 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Seattle Mariners
(Happ) 14.659
Oakland Athletics
(Gray) 16.223
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Oakland Athletics
by 1 1/2
5 1/2
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Oakland Athletics
-155
7
Dunkel Pick:
Oakland Athletics
(-155); Under

Detroit Tigers @ Cleveland Indians

Game 971-972
April 11, 2015 @ 4:10 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Detroit Tigers
(Price) 16.362
Cleveland Indians
(Kluber) 15.449
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Detroit Tigers
by 1
5 1/2
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Cleveland Indians
-110
7
Dunkel Pick:
Detroit Tigers
(-110); Under

St. Louis Cardinals @ Cincinnati Reds

Game 951-952
April 11, 2015 @ 1:10 pm

Dunkel Rating:
St. Louis Cardina
(Wacha) 12.742
Cincinnati Reds
(Cueto) 14.245
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Cincinnati Reds
by 1 1/2
5 1/2
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Cincinnati Reds
-130
6 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Cincinnati Reds
(-130); Under

Toronto Blue Jays @ Baltimore Orioles

Game 973-974
April 11, 2015 @ 7:05 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Toronto Blue Jays
(Sanchez) 16.819
Baltimore Orioles
(Jimenez) 12.658
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Toronto Blue Jays
by 4
7
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Baltimore Orioles
-110
8 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Toronto Blue Jays
(-110); Under

Washington Nationals @ Philadelphia Phillies

Game 953-954
April 11, 2015 @ 7:05 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Washington Nation
(Fister) 17.882
Philadelphia Phil
(Hamels) 14.881
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Washington Nation
by 3
8
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Washington Nation
-115
6 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Washington Nation
(-115); Over

Houston Astros @ Texas Rangers

Game 975-976
April 11, 2015 @ 8:05 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Houston Astros
(Hernandez) 16.802
Texas Rangers
(Gallardo) 14.659
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Houston Astros
by 2
9 1/2
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Texas Rangers
-140
8 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Houston Astros
(+120); Over

New York Mets @ Atlanta Braves

Game 955-956
April 11, 2015 @ 7:10 pm

Dunkel Rating:
New York Mets
(Gee) 16.863
Atlanta Braves
(Teheran) 14.882
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
New York Mets
by 2
7 1/2
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Atlanta Braves
-130
6 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
New York Mets
(+110); Over

Kansas City Royals @ Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim

Game 977-978
April 11, 2015 @ 9:05 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Kansas City Royal
(Guthrie) 15.247
Los Angeles Angel
(Weaver) 13.223
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Kansas City Royal
by 2
6
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Los Angeles Angel
-140
7 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Kansas City Royal
(+120); Under

Pittsburgh Pirates @ Milwaukee Brewers

Game 957-958
April 11, 2015 @ 7:10 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Pittsburgh Pirate
(Worley) 16.985
Milwaukee Brewers
(Nelson) 15.244
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Pittsburgh Pirate
by 1 1/2
10
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Milwaukee Brewers
-115
8 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Pittsburgh Pirate
(-105); Over

Tampa Bay Rays @ Miami Marlins

Game 979-980
April 11, 2015 @ 4:10 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Tampa Bay Rays
(Archer) 17.024
Miami Marlins
(Cosart) 15.863
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Tampa Bay Rays
by 1
6
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Tampa Bay Rays
-115
7
Dunkel Pick:
Tampa Bay Rays
(-115); Under

Chicago Cubs @ Colorado Rockies

Game 959-960
April 11, 2015 @ 8:10 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Chicago Cubs
(Hammel) 16.579
Colorado Rockies
(Kendrick) 11.758
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Chicago Cubs
by 5
12
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Colorado Rockies
-115
10
Dunkel Pick:
Chicago Cubs
(-105); Over

Los Angeles Dodgers @ Arizona Diamondbacks

Game 961-962
April 11, 2015 @ 8:10 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Los Angeles Dodge
(Kershaw) 16.363
Arizona Diamondba
(Bradley) 17.763
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Arizona Diamondba
by 1 1/2
5 1/2
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Los Angeles Dodge
-225
7
Dunkel Pick:
Arizona Diamondba
(+190); Under

San Francisco Giants @ San Diego Padres

Game 963-964
April 11, 2015 @ 8:40 pm

Dunkel Rating:
San Francisco Gia
(Bumgarner) 17.763
San Diego Padres
(Shields) 16.363
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
San Francisco Gia
by 1 1/2
7
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
San Francisco Gia
-115
6
Dunkel Pick:
San Francisco Gia
(-115); Over

Boston Red Sox @ New York Yankees

Game 965-966
April 11, 2015 @ 1:05 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Boston Red Sox
(Kelly) 15.988
New York Yankees
(Warren) 14.798
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Boston Red Sox
by 1
8
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Boston Red Sox
-115
8 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Boston Red Sox
(-115); Under

Minnesota Twins @ Chicago White Sox

Game 967-968
April 11, 2015 @ 2:10 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Minnesota Twins
(Pelfrey) 12.247
Chicago White Sox
(Samardzija) 15.449
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Chicago White Sox
by 3
7 1/2
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Chicago White Sox
-185
8 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Chicago White Sox
(-185); Under

Announcement

The Bum's April Major League Baseball Trends-Stats-Notes Etc. !

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