The Bum's Best Bets For Friday May 8th - MLB - NBA -NHL !

[StarDust Bum]

Preview: Cubs (14-12) at Brewers (9-19)
Game: 1
Venue: Miller Park
Date: May 08, 2015 8:10 PM EDT

The Chicago Cubs began a seven-game road trip by missing out on a chance to gain ground on the NL Central leaders. As a result, they're now closer to the bottom of the division than the top.

A three-game series against the Milwaukee Brewers could either fix that or further expose the slumping Cubs, and it begins Friday night with a rematch of a pitching matchup from less than a week ago.

After Thursday's 5-1 loss in St. Louis, the Cubs (14-13) are in danger of falling back to .500 for the first time since they were 2-2. They've dropped six of eight after losing three of four in St. Louis, are 6 1/2 games back of the Cardinals and six up on the last-place Brewers (9-20).

Thursday's loss included 12 strikeouts, and the Cubs' 263 for the season are an NL high. They're batting .209 with runners in scoring position in the last eight and leadoff hitter Dexter Fowler is 2 for 23 in his last six.

"I have zero concerns," manager Joe Maddon said. "The hitters will start figuring some of this stuff out as they get more ABs. I could not be happier with them as a group."

On the mound, Chicago has posted a 5.35 ERA in those eight games after having a 3.49 mark during its 12-7 start, but Milwaukee's lineup isn't stirring up much fear.

The Brewers had won two of three under new manager Craig Counsell before Thursday's 14-4 loss to the Los Angeles Dodgers clued him in on what it's been like in the Milwaukee dugout for much of the season.

Adam Lind homered for the second straight day and is batting .400 with five homers in the past 14 games, but the rest of the lineup has done little. After hitting .227 in April, the Brewers are off to a .211 start in May and settled for a split against the Dodgers.

Jason Hammel and Jimmy Nelson met in Sunday's 5-3 Milwaukee win in Chicago, though neither recorded a decision. The Brewers took two of three in that series, though the Cubs have won eight of 12 against their neighbors to the north.

Hammel (2-1, 3.73 ERA), whose 0.57 walks per nine innings and 13.50 strikeout-to-walk ratio trail only Bartolo Colon, yielded three runs in six innings after pitching 14 scoreless against Milwaukee last season in two starts, both at Miller Park.

He's 5-0 with a 2.20 ERA in seven career starts against the Brewers. Gerardo Parra is 8 for 22 in their matchups, and Lind is 6 for 20 with two home runs.

Nelson (1-2, 4.03), the Brewers' only starter with fewer than four losses, surrendered three runs in 6 2-3 innings. All of his starts this season have come in pairs against NL Central opponents, and familiarity is siding against him. His first times facing Pittsburgh and Cincinnati resulted in one earned run allowed over 15 innings. The second times accounted for both of his losses with nine earned in 7 1-3.

"(My stuff) will still be fresh in their mind, but our hitters are also facing a guy they just saw five days ago," Nelson told MLB's official website.

He's 0-2 with a 5.82 ERA in three starts against the Cubs. Chris Coghlan and Jorge Soler are both 4 for 9 off Nelson with six extra-base hits.

Anthony Rizzo is batting .419 with a 1.468 OPS during a nine-game hitting streak against the Brewers.

[StarDust Bum]

Preview: Dodgers (17-10) at Rockies (11-15)
Game: 1
Venue: Coors Field
Date: May 08, 2015 8:40 PM EDT

At the bottom of the NL West are the Colorado Rockies, whose latest loss left Troy Tulowitzki despondent.

At the top are the Los Angeles Dodgers, who enter Friday night in high spirits following their best offensive performance.

The Dodgers dominated these teams' only series of the year and now visit a Rockies team mired in a seven-game losing streak.

Los Angeles (18-10) trounced Milwaukee 14-4 on Thursday as Yasmani Grandal had eight RBIs, tied for the third-highest single-game total in franchise history. The catcher is 12 for 17 (.706) in his last five games with three home runs, three doubles and a 2.162 OPS.

"He's been swinging the bat well for a few days now. It seems like he's kind of caught fire," manager Don Mattingly said.

Colorado (11-15), on the other hand, has had little to celebrate. The Rockies dropped their sixth and seventh consecutive contests in a doubleheader sweep by Arizona on Wednesday that left Tulowitzki crestfallen.

"I care," said Tulowitzki, who sat in the dugout staring toward the field even after playing for six-plus hours. "Bottom line: We haven't played good baseball."

Colorado has lost 13 of 17, a stretch that began with a three-game sweep at Dodger Stadium. The Rockies batted .170 while getting outscored 20-6 by Los Angeles, which batted .333. The Dodgers have won six straight and 14 of 17 over Colorado.

Tulowitzki and the Rockies can turn things around Friday against former teammate Brett Anderson (1-1, 4.21 ERA). Anderson was with Colorado in 2014, but a broken finger and back surgery limited the left-hander to eight starts and 43 1-3 innings.

He was effective enough in that stint - 2.91 ERA - to warrant a one-year deal with Los Angeles, and Anderson further proved his worth Sunday with his best outing of the season. He allowed five hits in six innings, throwing only 86 pitches in a 1-0, 13-inning win over Arizona.

"I was able to be efficient with groundballs, got some strikeouts," Anderson said. "It's a good stepping stone, hopefully, for starts to come."

Anderson, who has never pitched against the Rockies, is 1-2 with a 3.54 ERA at Coors Field with one home run allowed in 20 1-3 innings.

He'll take on Eddie Butler (2-2, 3.81), who has faced Los Angeles in three of his eight career outings. He's gone 0-2 with a 7.80 ERA in those matchups but didn't pitch badly in the only one this year, allowing two runs in five innings of a 7-0 defeat April 19.

The right-hander, though, has since given up nine runs and 13 hits in 10 innings against San Francisco and San Diego.

Butler will be tasked with trying to provide Colorado's first quality start in 11 tries. The Rockies' starting staff has allowed 37 runs in its last 32 1-3 innings, and opponents are hitting .331 in that span.

"There's no magic pill. We need to show up and compete," manager Walt Weiss said. "We need to pitch better, we need to take better at_bats - we need to play better."

Howie Kendrick headlined Los Angeles' success in its previous series with Colorado, going 6 for 12 with two home runs, three doubles and five RBIs. He's 6 for 13 in three career games at Coors Field.

Los Angeles' Adrian Gonzalez has 17 home runs and 71 RBIs in 69 games at Colorado.

[StarDust Bum]

Preview: Athletics (12-17) at Mariners (11-17)
Game: 1
Venue: Safeco Field
Date: May 08, 2015 10:10 PM EDT

Sonny Gray pitches brilliantly more often than not, but what puts him in an elite class is his ability to work himself out of jams with in-game adjustments.

He hasn't encountered too many issues at Safeco Field.

The Oakland Athletics hand the ball to Gray on Friday night as they begin the final series of their road trip by looking to deal the Seattle Mariners a seventh loss in eight games.

Gray (4-0, 1.67 ERA) entered his sixth outing of the season Sunday having walked six in 36 1-3 innings while not issuing more than four in any of his previous 48 career starts.

The right-hander struggled with control against Texas and walked seven while also hitting a batter, but also struck out 10 - two short of his career high - and surrendered two hits in 6 2-3 scoreless innings of a 7-1 victory.

'You just have some days when you pick the ball up and you know it's going to be a battle,' Gray said. 'You've just got to grind through.'

The Mariners (11-17) already had trouble solving Gray, who allowed one earned run in 7 1-3 innings before Seattle rallied for a 5-4 victory in 11 at Oakland on April 11.

Gray is 4-1 with a 2.21 ERA in eight career starts overall against the Mariners, including a 3-0 mark with a 0.98 ERA in four outings at Safeco. He gave up two runs in eight innings of a 3-2 victory the last time he took the hill there Sept. 13.

Seattle is looking forward to playing at home after dropping six of seven to end a 10-game trip. It suffered back-to-back walk-off defeats to the Los Angeles on Tuesday and Wednesday, falling 5-4 and 4-3.

The Mariners and A's (12-18) fought to the wire for the AL's second wild-card spot last season, but currently occupy the bottom two spots of the West.

"We got off to a tough start last year and were able to battle," said Kyle Seager, who hit a two-run homer Wednesday. "We've got a lot more talent in this room then we did last year. We've shown different signs throughout the season. The pitching's been good, the hitting's been good, we just have to get everything in sync."

Nelson Cruz has been the Mariners' top offensive threat, leading the majors with 14 homers and hitting .389 over his last nine. Cruz will look to improve his 1-for-9 career line against Gray as Taijuan Walker takes the mound for Seattle.

Walker (1-3, 8.74) has been extremely inconsistent, going fewer than five innings in three of his five starts but also showing signs of promise. He gave up 14 runs through 7 1-3 innings while losing his first two starts, then allowed one earned run in 12 1-3 over his next two.

But the 22-year-old right-hander had another rough outing Saturday, giving up eight runs in three innings of an 11-4 loss to Houston.

"It's not going to happen overnight," manager Lloyd McClendon said. "You see flashes of him being brilliant almost. Then you see the youngster in him. It's going to take time, but in the end, I think he's going to be pretty good."

Walker's only career start against the A's came in his season debut, when he allowed nine runs in 3 1-3 innings of a 12-0 loss April 10.

Oakland enters this series after dropping three of four to Minnesota with Thursday's 6-5 loss to fall to 3-4 on its trip.

[StarDust Bum]

Preview: Orioles (12-14) at Yankees (18-11)
Game: 2
Venue: Yankee Stadium
Date: May 08, 2015 7:05 PM EDT

The Baltimore Orioles aren't scoring enough this week in New York, and certainly not when they fail to hit homers.

Many of them have gotten untracked in the past when facing Adam Warren, who has never started against Baltimore.

The New York Yankees starter has been stingy in two home outings as he tries to hand the Orioles a fourth straight loss Friday night.

Baltimore (12-14) is spending the week in the Big Apple, losing twice to the Mets before beginning this four-game series with Thursday's 4-3 defeat. The Orioles have totaled six runs in the slide, with four solo homers.


Adam Jones is 1 for 11 in the three games while Baltimore is 2 for 16 with runners in scoring position.

"We're just not clicking where we need to be offensively yet," manager Buck Showalter said.

Chris Davis struck out all four times Thursday and is 2 for 16 with 13 strikeouts in the season series. He leads baseball with 44.

The Orioles may get well against the unheralded Warren (2-1, 4.78 ERA), who has an 8.18 ERA in 10 appearances versus them for his worst mark against any team he has faced at least five times.

Manny Machado is 3 for 4 against him, J.J. Hardy is 3 for 5, Davis is 2 for 4 and Jones is 3 for 6, though the Orioles have not homered versus the right-hander.

Warren has yet to pitch through the sixth inning, allowing four runs over 5 2-3 in Sunday's 8-5 win at Boston. He has a 1.64 home ERA compared to 7.04 on the road.

He'll hope to get support from Alex Rodriguez, who hit his 661st homer Thursday to pass Willie Mays for sole possession of fourth place on the all-time list. Rodriguez also singled and is 38 hits shy of 3,000.

'All of this is pretty crazy,' Rodriguez said. 'A year ago today I never thought I would ever get a curtain call or be hitting in the middle of the lineup for the Yankees, helping our team win.'

His effort in the No. 3 spot in the lineup came on a night when the top four hitters went 8 for 13 with all four RBIs and runs scored.

"The top guys, the four guys at the top had an awesome night," manager Joe Girardi said.

New York (18-11) will now try to fare better against Miguel Gonzalez (3-1, 2.59) than it did April 14 when he allowed one run over seven innings with a career-high 10 strikeouts in a 4-3 home victory. Gonzalez went 0-3 with a 4.22 ERA in his previous eight starts against the Yankees.

Rodriguez has a double in five at_bats against the right-hander and Mark Teixeira (1 for 12) and Brian McCann (2 for 11) have also fared poorly. Carlos Beltran, whose .227 on-base percentage is one of baseball's worst marks, is 4 for 6 with a homer and two doubles versus Gonzalez.

Gonzalez won his third straight decision Saturday with 7 2-3 innings in a 4-0 victory at Tampa Bay.

Orioles second baseman Ryan Flaherty is eligible to return from the disabled list after being out with a right groin strain. He was hitting .300 with two home runs in nine games before the injury.

SERIES AT A GLANCE

GAME 1
Orioles at Yankees
Thu, May 7 Final 3 to 4
Boxscores • Recaps

GAME 2
Orioles at Yankees
Fri, May 8 - 7:05PM EDT

GAME 3
Orioles at Yankees
Sat, May 9 - 1:05PM EDT

GAME 4
Orioles at Yankees
Sun, May 10 - 1:05PM EDT

[StarDust Bum]

Preview: Padres (15-15) at Diamondbacks (13-14)
Game: 2
Venue: Chase Field
Date: May 08, 2015 9:40 PM EDT

James Shields used some help from his teammates last time out to remain unbeaten despite his worst performance of the season.

Shields might not be as fortunate should he struggle again Friday night, given the San Diego Padres' recent difficulties at the plate while facing the hot-hitting Arizona Diamondbacks.

Shields (3-0, 3.72 ERA) gave up five runs - four coming on three homers - Sunday against Colorado while failing to make it through the sixth inning for the first time in 2015, but the right-hander still picked up an 8-6 victory.

Shields has one of the NL's best run-support averages at 7.68 but had done his part with a 2.90 ERA in his prior five games.

"It seemed that he couldn't really get any consistent momentum. He seemed a little out of sorts with his delivery," manager Bud Black said. "That's going to happen when you go to the mound 33 times a year."

The Padres (15-15) have been shut out in three of their four games since Shields' start, including a 11-0 drubbing in the opener in Arizona. San Diego is batting .187 in that span and the status of first baseman Yonder Alonso, hitting a team-best .333, is unknown after he injured his right shoulder diving for a ground ball Thursday.

The Diamondbacks (13-14), meanwhile, are batting .403 with 29 runs in their first three-game win streak in 2015. Tuffy Gosewisch had three doubles and drove in a career-best four runs Thursday after batting .208 with five RBIs in his first 20 games.

"He's had really good bats all year," first baseman Paul Goldschmidt said. "I know the numbers haven't been there for him. He's hit a lot of line drives right at guys and had some tough breaks and stuff like that. We all know what he's capable of."

Goldschmidt went 2 for 4 with a home run in his seventh multihit performance in the last nine games. He's batting .463 (19 for 41) in that stretch and has three homers in his past five contests.

The Diamondbacks have produced 24 runs in two games since moving Mark Trumbo to the No. 2 spot. He has two homers and two doubles in eight at_bats.

Shields will face Arizona for the first time since June 20, 2007, while with Tampa Bay and is 1-1 with a 6.00 ERA in two career matchups. In this one, he'll pitch opposite former Rays teammate Jeremy Hellickson (1-3, 5.20).

Hellickson was in line for a win on Saturday after giving up three runs in 5 1-3 innings, but the Diamondbacks bullpen couldn't hold on to his lead in a 6-4 loss to the Los Angeles Dodgers.

Hellickson was charged with five runs in 6 2-3 innings in a 5-1 loss in San Diego on April 14, making him 0-1 with a 7.43 ERA in two lifetime matchups.

Justin Upton hit a solo homer in the Padres' latest meeting with the right-hander and Matt Kemp went 2 for 4 with a triple. Upton is 2 for 12 in his last four games after batting .301 in his first 25 and Kemp is 3 for 23 in his past six contests after hitting .330 in his first 24.

Goldschmidt, who has never faced Shields, has reached base safely in 19 consecutive games against San Diego. Eleven of his 22 hits during that run have gone for extra bases, including five homers.

SERIES AT A GLANCE

GAME 1
Padres at Diamondbacks
Thu, May 7 Final 0 to 11
Boxscores • Recaps
GAME 2

Padres at Diamondbacks
Fri, May 8 - 9:40PM EDT

GAME 3
Padres at Diamondbacks
Sat, May 9 - 8:10PM EDT

GAME 4
Padres at Diamondbacks
Sun, May 10 - 4:10PM EDT

[StarDust Bum]

Preview: Marlins (14-15) at Giants (14-15)
Game: 2
Venue: AT&T Park
Date: May 08, 2015 10:15 PM EDT

Dee Gordon may finally meet his match with his 12-game hitting streak on the line.

Baseball's best hitter has fared poorly against Tim Lincecum, whose San Francisco Giants have dropped his last four starts against the Miami Marlins heading into Friday night's matchup at AT&T Park.

Gordon leads the majors in hits (52) and batting average (.437) and is second in multihit efforts (15). He is batting .560 during a hitting streak that is the longest current one in the majors and one game shy of his career best set in September.

'He's been a huge lift for us at the top of the order,' manager Mike Redmond said. 'This guy is locked in.'

The leadoff hitter is 3 for 21 against Lincecum (2-2, 2.40 ERA), who has gone 0-3 with a 5.26 ERA in his last four outings against the Marlins after going 2-0 with a 2.11 ERA in his first three.

The right-hander pitched eight innings of three-hit ball Sunday to earn a 5-0 victory over the Los Angeles Angels.

Lincecum should be tough on Gordon since he is limiting left-handed hitters to a .184 average. He is throwing a fastball, split-finger fastball or cut fastball on 81.8 percent of his pitches to lefties.

"His fastball command really can determine how his game goes," manager Bruce Bochy said.

Hitting right behind Gordon is the red-hot Martin Prado, who has reached base safely in 16 straight games with a .343 average. Prado is 10 for 30 off Lincecum while Giancarlo Stanton is 4 for 14.

The timing could be less than ideal for lefty-swinging Christian Yelich to return since he's 0 for 7 with five strikeouts versus Lincecum. Yelich will be activated from the disabled list Friday after being sidelined with a back injury since April 19.

Gordon and Prado each had three hits and Stanton and Marcell Ozuna drove in two runs apiece in Thursday's 7-2 victory to open this four-game series. The Marlins (14-15) continued this trip after losing two of three at Washington by posting their 13th win in their last 16 games at San Francisco.

"We came out really relaxed today after a long night of travel," Redmond said. "Our guys really like playing here for whatever reason."

Miami has lost four of five starts by Jarred Cosart (1-2, 2.97), who gave up three runs in five-plus innings in Sunday's 6-2 home defeat to Philadelphia.

The right-hander has never pitched against the Giants (14-15) and has faced two of their hitters - Casey McGehee (1 for 3) and Nori Aoki (0 for 2).

McGehee could see action for the first time Friday against the team he played for last season. He was second on the Marlins with a .287 average in 2014 with a team-high 177 hits, but is batting .178 this year.

Marlins slugger Michael Morse was presented with his World Series ring before Thursday's contest and went 2 for 4. Morse singled in what turned out to be the winning run in the Giants' 3-2 Game 7 victory at Kansas City.

Miami has won 11 of 15 while San Francisco has dropped two straight at home after winning eight in a row there.


SERIES AT A GLANCE

GAME 1
Marlins at Giants
Thu, May 7 Final 7 to 2
Boxscores • Recaps

GAME 2
Marlins at Giants
Fri, May 8 - 10:15PM EDT

GAME 3
Marlins at Giants
Sat, May 9 - 9:05PM EDT

GAME 4
Marlins at Giants
Sun, May 10 - 4:05PM EDT

[StarDust Bum]

Preview: Astros (19-10) at Angels (13-16)
Game: 2
Venue: Angel Stadium of Anaheim
Date: May 08, 2015 10:05 PM EDT

Jered Weaver's recent struggles have been largely attributed to a drop in the speed of his fastball, but the Los Angeles Angels right-hander didn't appear to have too many issues against the Houston Astros last month.

After the Angels blew their chance to take the series opener, Weaver will try to help his club bounce back with another strong outing against Houston on Friday night.

Weaver has reportedly been throwing his primary pitch around 84.2 miles per hour, about five mph slower than his career average and three mph slower than in 2014. That seems to be a contributing factor in him going winless in his first six starts for the first time and likely played a part in Sunday's 5-0 loss in San Francisco.

Weaver (0-4, 6.29 ERA) gave up five runs and 10 hits in five innings, and has posted an 8.25 ERA in his last two outings. He was 131-69 with a 3.28 ERA in his first nine seasons.

"It's just like every other sport," Weaver told MLB's official website. "The older you get, your body changes with what's going on. As good as I do feel, something's just not clicking.

"I've never felt this good before, as far as strength and everything, and I've never gone through a struggle like this. That's why baseball is baseball. It's a humbling game. It's just a matter of what you're going to do to figure it back out."

Weaver gave up two runs in six innings April 17 in Houston but couldn't benefit from a 6-3 win. He's 2-1 with a 1.93 ERA in his last four matchups and has gone 2-0 with a 1.13 ERA in two at home, both last season.

The Astros (19-10) are batting .161 with eight runs in their last four games but snapped a three-game skid with a 3-2 win Thursday in Anaheim. Houston did all its scoring off Angels closer Huston Street in the ninth in his second straight blown save after converting his first nine attempts.

"You never draw it up like that going into the game, but it was a great win for us," Astros manager A.J. Hinch said. "We got quality at_bats at the end against their closer, which is hard to do."

Roberto Hernandez (1-2, 4.25) will try to lead his team to another win with another solid effort against the Angels (13-16). While pitching opposite Weaver last month, he gave up three runs and three hits in six innings before leaving without a decision. He's 0-4 with a 2.83 ERA in 10 starts against Los Angeles.

The only other AL club he's never beaten is Cleveland, and he's never faced his former team.

Hernandez was working on a solid showing in Sunday's 7-6 win against Seattle, giving up two runs in his first six innings. The Mariners, though, scored four times in the seventh with the right-hander getting charged with three runs after leaving with no outs.

Mike Trout, who has homered in consecutive games, is 4 for 11 with three home runs against Hernandez. That's tied for his second-most home runs versus any pitcher, trailing only his four against Texas' Yu Darvish.

SERIES AT A GLANCE

GAME 1
Astros at Angels
Thu, May 7 Final 3 to 2
Boxscores

GAME 2
Astros at Angels
Fri, May 8 - 10:05PM EDT

GAME 3
Astros at Angels
Sat, May 9 - 9:05PM EDT

GAME 4
Astros at Angels
Sun, May 10 - 3:35PM EDT

[StarDust Bum]

Armadillo: Friday's six-pack

-- White Sox have been outscored 20-7 in the first inning this year.

-- La'el Collins gets a guaranteed three-year deal from the Cowboys, who get a real good prospect without spending a draft pick.

-- Seven of Joc Pederson's last eight hits have been home runs.

-- Mets are 18-10; their AAA team in Las Vegas has won 14 in a row, when is a big league team going to hire Wally Backman as its manager?

-- Mike Fiers struck out the side on nine pitches in the fourth inning; that does not happen very much.

-- Astros 3, Angels 2-- Houston scored three in ninth to stun Halos. In 71 games the last three nights, in only four games did the winning run score after the sixth inning. Three of those four were Angel games.

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Armadillo: Friday's List of 13: Random stuff with weekend here........

13) My last comment on DeflateGate; there are too many rules in this world and this is a perfect example of that. Let teams have as much as air as they want in the damn ball-- only footballs that need to be monitored are ones used for the kicking game, both punts and kicks. Otherwise, there should be no rule.

12) Staying in Boston, the Red Sox fired their pitching coach, as GM covers his own butt for the lousy pitching staff he put together. Instead of paying Rick Porcello $20M a year, how about paying Jon Lester while they had him?

11) Alex Rodriguez hit his 661st homer Thursday, passing Willie Mays for 4th on the all-time list. Think he's gotten that $6M check yet?

10) Random stat (from Chris Komka of Comcast Chicago): of all the guys in MLB history who hit 500+ homers, these three had the most plate appearances before hitting their first homer:
1) Mel Ott, 129......2) Reggie Jackson 112....3) Alex Rodriguez 108

9) Pirates are 13-15; in 10 of those 28 games, their hitters haven't drawn any walks. No other team has more than four games like that.

8) Florida hired Michael White from Louisiana Tech as its new hoop coach; his profile resembles Billy Donovan's from 20 years ago, except his dad is AD at Duke and his brother is AD at Buffalo. White was 83-24 the last three years at Tech but never made the NCAA tournament. He has very big shoes to fill.

7) Gregg Popovich makes $11M a year?!?!?! Damn, for that much he should not complain about doing interviews after the first or third quarters. TV helps write those big paychecks, after all.

6) Everett Golson is going to transfer from Notre Dame and is eligible to play this fall; this is a kid who led Notre Dame to the national title game vs Alabama as a freshman in 2012, but had fallen out of favor since. It is a fickle world.

5) Top three college baseball teams in latest rankings:
1) LSU...... 2) Texas A&M.....3) Louisville

4) John Wall has five non-displaced fractures in his left hand/wrist; x-rays taken after Monday's game revealed no fractures, but they're there. His status for Game 3 is still unclear, but his hand is still really swollen. I'm guessing the term "pain tolerance" will make an appearance fairly soon.

3) Teams whose pitchers walk more batters than they strike out in a game are 7-45 so far this season. It is important to throw strikes.

2) This fall will be the Cleveland Browns' 17th season since returning to the NFL; in the first 16 years, they were 1-0 once, in 2004, when they won 20-3 over the Ravens, who used to play in Cleveland. They lost their other fifteen season openers- their opener this year is against the Jets in Swamp Stadium

1) If the NFL suspends Tom Brady for the season opener, will NBC ask for a different Thursday night game to open its season with? Steelers-Patriots does not have the same marquee value if Jimmy Garoppolo is the Pats' QB.

[StarDust Bum]

MLB
Long Sheet

Friday, May 8

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ATLANTA (14 - 14) at WASHINGTON (14 - 15) - 7:05 PM
ERIC STULTS (L) vs. GIO GONZALEZ (L)
Top Trends for this game.
ATLANTA is 93-97 (-16.1 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
ATLANTA is 91-96 (-18.1 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
ATLANTA is 47-59 (-25.8 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 2 seasons.
WASHINGTON is 31-10 (+17.6 Units) against the money line when playing with a day off over the last 3 seasons.
GONZALEZ is 109-75 (+29.2 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field since 1997. (Team's Record)
ATLANTA is 34-30 (+23.5 Units) against the money line as a road underdog of +150 to +175 since 1997.
STULTS is 40-29 (+17.6 Units) against the money line in night games since 1997. (Team's Record)
WASHINGTON is 12-20 (-16.1 Units) against the money line when playing on Friday over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
WASHINGTON is 2-1 (+0.7 Units) against ATLANTA this season
3 of 3 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+3.0 Units)

ERIC STULTS vs. WASHINGTON since 1997
STULTS is 2-1 when starting against WASHINGTON with an ERA of 4.50 and a WHIP of 1.410.
His team's record is 3-1 (+2.9 units) in these starts. The OVER is 1-2. (-1.6 units)

GIO GONZALEZ vs. ATLANTA since 1997
GONZALEZ is 2-8 when starting against ATLANTA with an ERA of 5.20 and a WHIP of 1.540.
His team's record is 2-9 (-8.2 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 6-5. (+0.2 units)

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NY METS (18 - 10) at PHILADELPHIA (10 - 19) - 7:05 PM
MATT HARVEY (R) vs. COLE HAMELS (L)
Top Trends for this game.
NY METS are 97-93 (+12.0 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
NY METS are 15-6 (+9.7 Units) against the money line when the total is 7 or less this season.
NY METS are 85-89 (+20.6 Units) against the money line in road games over the last 3 seasons.
NY METS are 97-93 (+12.0 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
NY METS are 26-21 (+14.1 Units) against the money line in road games against left-handed starters over the last 3 seasons.
NY METS are 52-32 (+19.3 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 2 seasons.
HAMELS is 30-39 (-17.3 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 3 seasons. (Team's Record)
HAMELS is 1-11 (-13.0 Units) against the money line in May games over the last 3 seasons. (Team's Record)
HAMELS is 67-68 (-31.6 Units) against the money line against division opponents since 1997. (Team's Record)
HAMELS is 30-39 (-17.3 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 3-0 (+3.0 Units) against PHILADELPHIA this season
1 of 2 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+0.0 Units)

MATT HARVEY vs. PHILADELPHIA since 1997
HARVEY is 5-0 when starting against PHILADELPHIA with an ERA of 1.60 and a WHIP of 0.712.
His team's record is 5-1 (+4.2 units) in these starts. The OVER is 3-3. (-0.1 units)

COLE HAMELS vs. NY METS since 1997
HAMELS is 8-14 when starting against NY METS with an ERA of 4.09 and a WHIP of 1.446.
His team's record is 11-20 (-17.9 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 12-15. (-5.3 units)

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ST LOUIS (20 - 7) at PITTSBURGH (12 - 15) - 7:05 PM
MICHAEL WACHA (R) vs. FRANCISCO LIRIANO (L)
Top Trends for this game.
ST LOUIS is 2-10 (-9.9 Units) against the money line in road games when playing with a day off over the last 2 seasons.
PITTSBURGH is 21-8 (+13.2 Units) against the money line when playing on Friday over the last 2 seasons.
PITTSBURGH is 110-83 (+31.7 Units) against the money line in home games when playing with a day off since 1997.
PITTSBURGH is 136-96 (+28.7 Units) against the money line in night games over the last 3 seasons.
PITTSBURGH is 91-53 (+27.0 Units) against the money line in home games against right-handed starters over the last 3 seasons.
PITTSBURGH is 360-368 (+47.7 Units) against the money line in home games when playing against a team with a winning record since 1997.
ST LOUIS is 20-7 (+11.5 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
ST LOUIS is 109-68 (+22.0 Units) against the money line against division opponents over the last 3 seasons.
ST LOUIS is 20-7 (+11.5 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
PITTSBURGH is 44-53 (-15.6 Units) against the money line against division opponents over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
ST LOUIS is 3-0 (+3.0 Units) against PITTSBURGH this season
3 of 3 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+3.0 Units)

MICHAEL WACHA vs. PITTSBURGH since 1997
WACHA is 2-0 when starting against PITTSBURGH with an ERA of 1.38 and a WHIP of 0.846.
His team's record is 3-1 (+1.8 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 2-2. (-0.2 units)

FRANCISCO LIRIANO vs. ST LOUIS since 1997
LIRIANO is 4-1 when starting against ST LOUIS with an ERA of 1.97 and a WHIP of 0.953.
His team's record is 7-3 (+3.6 units) in these starts. The OVER is 3-6. (-3.6 units)

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CHICAGO CUBS (14 - 12) at MILWAUKEE (9 - 19) - 8:10 PM
JASON HAMMEL (R) vs. JIMMY NELSON (R)
Top Trends for this game.
CHICAGO CUBS are 1401-1565 (-280.3 Units) against the money line in all games since 1997.
CHICAGO CUBS are 151-189 (-55.1 Units) against the money line when playing with a day off since 1997.
CHICAGO CUBS are 1344-1478 (-255.1 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field since 1997.
CHICAGO CUBS are 1028-1162 (-212.1 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters since 1997.
CHICAGO CUBS are 686-687 (-155.5 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record since 1997.
HAMMEL is 2-12 (-13.5 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
MILWAUKEE is 91-99 (-16.7 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
MILWAUKEE is 47-50 (-17.5 Units) against the money line in home games over the last 2 seasons.
MILWAUKEE is 23-39 (-18.1 Units) against the money line in May games over the last 3 seasons.
MILWAUKEE is 47-50 (-17.5 Units) against the money line in home games in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
MILWAUKEE is 3-14 (-11.5 Units) against the money line in night games this season.
MILWAUKEE is 35-40 (-16.2 Units) against the money line in home games against right-handed starters over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
MILWAUKEE is 2-1 (+2.0 Units) against CHICAGO CUBS this season
3 of 3 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+3.0 Units)

JASON HAMMEL vs. MILWAUKEE since 1997
HAMMEL is 5-0 when starting against MILWAUKEE with an ERA of 2.20 and a WHIP of 1.089.
His team's record is 5-2 (+3.5 units) in these starts. The OVER is 3-4. (-1.2 units)

JIMMY NELSON vs. CHICAGO CUBS since 1997
NELSON is 0-2 when starting against CHICAGO CUBS with an ERA of 5.82 and a WHIP of 1.529.
His team's record is 1-2 (-1.5 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 2-1. (+1.0 units)

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LA DODGERS (17 - 10) at COLORADO (11 - 15) - 8:40 PM
BRETT ANDERSON (L) vs. JORGE DE LA ROSA (L)
Top Trends for this game.
DE LA ROSA is 39-26 (+13.7 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 3 seasons. (Team's Record)
DE LA ROSA is 24-7 (+15.0 Units) against the money line in home games over the last 3 seasons. (Team's Record)
DE LA ROSA is 16-2 (+15.2 Units) against the money line in home games when playing on Friday since 1997. (Team's Record)
DE LA ROSA is 39-25 (+14.7 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 3 seasons. (Team's Record)
DE LA ROSA is 25-10 (+16.7 Units) against the money line after a loss over the last 3 seasons. (Team's Record)
DE LA ROSA is 14-3 (+11.3 Units) against the money line in home games when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 3 seasons. (Team's Record)
COLORADO is 77-111 (-32.0 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
COLORADO is 222-291 (-78.6 Units) against the money line in May games since 1997.
COLORADO is 77-111 (-32.0 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
COLORADO is 49-78 (-29.3 Units) against the money line in night games over the last 2 seasons.
COLORADO is 40-70 (-28.7 Units) against the money line after a loss over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
LA DODGERS is 3-0 (+3.0 Units) against COLORADO this season
2 of 3 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+0.8 Units)

BRETT ANDERSON vs. COLORADO since 1997
No recent starts.

JORGE DE LA ROSA vs. LA DODGERS since 1997
DE LA ROSA is 5-10 when starting against LA DODGERS with an ERA of 5.54 and a WHIP of 1.511.
His team's record is 5-12 (-7.7 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 8-8. (-1.1 units)

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SAN DIEGO (15 - 14) at ARIZONA (12 - 14) - 9:40 PM
JAMES SHIELDS (R) vs. CHASE ANDERSON (R)
Top Trends for this game.
SAN DIEGO is 6-16 (-12.2 Units) against the money line on the road with a money line of -100 to -125 over the last 2 seasons.
SAN DIEGO is 23-42 (-17.3 Units) against the money line in road games against right-handed starters over the last 2 seasons.
SHIELDS is 17-7 (+10.4 Units) against the money line in road games over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
SHIELDS is 27-12 (+15.1 Units) against the money line in road games in games played on a grass field over the last 3 seasons. (Team's Record)
SHIELDS is 17-6 (+10.3 Units) against the money line in road games in night games over the last 3 seasons. (Team's Record)
ARIZONA is 76-112 (-31.8 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
ARIZONA is 39-54 (-19.0 Units) against the money line in home games over the last 2 seasons.
ARIZONA is 76-112 (-31.8 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
ARIZONA is 57-83 (-24.4 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters over the last 2 seasons.
ARIZONA is 28-60 (-27.7 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
SAN DIEGO is 2-1 (+0.4 Units) against ARIZONA this season
2 of 3 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+0.9 Units)

JAMES SHIELDS vs. ARIZONA since 1997
SHIELDS is 1-1 when starting against ARIZONA with an ERA of 6.00 and a WHIP of 1.417.
His team's record is 1-1 (+0.1 units) in these starts. The OVER is 1-1. (+0.0 units)

CHASE ANDERSON vs. SAN DIEGO since 1997
ANDERSON is 2-1 when starting against SAN DIEGO with an ERA of 3.86 and a WHIP of 1.667.
His team's record is 2-2 (+0.1 units) in these starts. The OVER is 3-1. (+2.0 units)

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MIAMI (13 - 15) at SAN FRANCISCO (14 - 14) - 10:15 PM
JARRED COSART (R) vs. TIM LINCECUM (R)
Top Trends for this game.
SAN FRANCISCO is 114-93 (+16.2 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
SAN FRANCISCO is 24-10 (+15.5 Units) against the money line in May games over the last 2 seasons.
SAN FRANCISCO is 114-93 (+16.2 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
SAN FRANCISCO is 1032-863 (+117.8 Units) against the money line in night games since 1997.

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

JARRED COSART vs. SAN FRANCISCO since 1997
No recent starts.

TIM LINCECUM vs. MIAMI since 1997
LINCECUM is 2-3 when starting against MIAMI with an ERA of 3.83 and a WHIP of 1.064.
His team's record is 3-4 (-2.1 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 4-3. (+0.4 units)

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KANSAS CITY (17 - 10) at DETROIT (17 - 11) - 7:05 PM
YORDANO VENTURA (R) vs. DAVID PRICE (L)
Top Trends for this game.
KANSAS CITY is 22-40 (-24.9 Units) against the money line in May games over the last 3 seasons.
PRICE is 65-28 (+27.5 Units) against the money line against division opponents since 1997. (Team's Record)
KANSAS CITY is 117-87 (+18.0 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
KANSAS CITY is 59-41 (+21.0 Units) against the money line in road games over the last 2 seasons.
KANSAS CITY is 14-3 (+13.4 Units) against the money line in road games when playing on Friday over the last 2 seasons.
KANSAS CITY is 19-6 (+12.6 Units) against the money line when playing with a day off over the last 2 seasons.
KANSAS CITY is 113-84 (+16.5 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
KANSAS CITY is 85-59 (+17.7 Units) against the money line in night games over the last 2 seasons.
KANSAS CITY is 57-41 (+15.2 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.
VENTURA is 14-5 (+10.0 Units) against the money line in road games over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
DETROIT is 23-26 (-16.2 Units) against the money line in home games in night games over the last 2 seasons.
DETROIT is 32-32 (-14.6 Units) against the money line in home games against right-handed starters over the last 2 seasons.
PRICE is 6-11 (-12.5 Units) against the money line in home games when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 3 seasons. (Team's Record)

Head-to-Head Series History
DETROIT is 2-2 (+0.0 Units) against KANSAS CITY this season
2 of 4 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=-0.1 Units, Under=-0.2 Units)

YORDANO VENTURA vs. DETROIT since 1997
VENTURA is 1-0 when starting against DETROIT with an ERA of 3.86 and a WHIP of 1.429.
His team's record is 1-0 (+1.4 units) in these starts. The OVER is 1-0. (+1.0 units)

DAVID PRICE vs. KANSAS CITY since 1997
PRICE is 2-0 when starting against KANSAS CITY with an ERA of 1.20 and a WHIP of 0.667.
His team's record is 2-2 (-3.4 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 3-0. (+3.0 units)

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BALTIMORE (12 - 13) at NY YANKEES (17 - 11) - 7:05 PM
MIGUEL GONZALEZ (R) vs. ADAM WARREN (R)
Top Trends for this game.
BALTIMORE is 112-83 (+34.5 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
BALTIMORE is 52-45 (+17.8 Units) against the money line in road games over the last 2 seasons.
BALTIMORE is 59-40 (+21.2 Units) against the money line against division opponents over the last 2 seasons.
BALTIMORE is 98-71 (+30.8 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
BALTIMORE is 79-49 (+35.1 Units) against the money line in night games over the last 2 seasons.
BALTIMORE is 87-61 (+30.4 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters over the last 2 seasons.
BALTIMORE is 55-40 (+21.5 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.
NY YANKEES are 38-45 (-15.2 Units) against the money line when the total is 8 to 8.5 over the last 2 seasons.
NY YANKEES are 124-114 (-70.7 Units) against the money line in home games in May games since 1997.

Head-to-Head Series History
BALTIMORE is 2-1 (+0.9 Units) against NY YANKEES this season
2 of 3 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+1.0 Units)

MIGUEL GONZALEZ vs. NY YANKEES since 1997
GONZALEZ is 3-3 when starting against NY YANKEES with an ERA of 3.40 and a WHIP of 1.043.
His team's record is 6-6 (+1.3 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 9-3. (+5.7 units)

ADAM WARREN vs. BALTIMORE since 1997
No recent starts.

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MINNESOTA (15 - 13) at CLEVELAND (10 - 16) - 7:05 PM
MIKE PELFREY (R) vs. TREVOR BAUER (R)
Top Trends for this game.
CLEVELAND is 26-11 (+13.2 Units) against the money line in home games in May games over the last 3 seasons.
MINNESOTA is 11-5 (+8.2 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record this season.
CLEVELAND is 6-13 (-9.2 Units) against the money line against division opponents this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
MINNESOTA is 2-1 (+1.7 Units) against CLEVELAND this season
2 of 2 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+2.0 Units)

MIKE PELFREY vs. CLEVELAND since 1997
PELFREY is 1-1 when starting against CLEVELAND with an ERA of 2.67 and a WHIP of 1.222.
His team's record is 3-2 (+2.3 units) in these starts. The OVER is 1-4. (-3.3 units)

TREVOR BAUER vs. MINNESOTA since 1997
BAUER is 0-2 when starting against MINNESOTA with an ERA of 5.47 and a WHIP of 0.932.
His team's record is 1-3 (-3.0 units) in these starts. The OVER is 2-2. (-0.2 units)

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BOSTON (13 - 15) at TORONTO (14 - 15) - 7:05 PM
WADE MILEY (L) vs. AARON SANCHEZ (R)
Top Trends for this game.
BOSTON is 84-107 (-33.6 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
BOSTON is 597-536 (-77.4 Units) against the money line when the total is 9 to 9.5 since 1997.
BOSTON is 40-59 (-23.4 Units) against the money line against division opponents over the last 2 seasons.
BOSTON is 60-76 (-23.3 Units) against the money line in night games over the last 2 seasons.
BOSTON is 59-76 (-22.8 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters over the last 2 seasons.
TORONTO is 24-12 (+13.2 Units) against the money line in May games over the last 2 seasons.
BOSTON is 50-38 (+18.1 Units) against the money line in road games after a loss over the last 3 seasons.
TORONTO is 3-11 (-10.0 Units) against the money line in home games when playing on Friday over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
BOSTON is 2-1 (+0.8 Units) against TORONTO this season
2 of 3 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+0.8 Units)

WADE MILEY vs. TORONTO since 1997
MILEY is 0-1 when starting against TORONTO with an ERA of 26.95 and a WHIP of 5.988.
His team's record is 0-1 (-1.5 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 0-1. (-1.1 units)

AARON SANCHEZ vs. BOSTON since 1997
SANCHEZ is 0-0 when starting against BOSTON with an ERA of 4.76 and a WHIP of 1.235.
His team's record is 0-1 (-1.0 units) in these starts. The OVER is 1-0. (+1.0 units)

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TEXAS (11 - 16) at TAMPA BAY (15 - 13) - 7:10 PM
YOVANI GALLARDO (R) vs. NATE KARNS (R)
Top Trends for this game.
TEXAS is 78-111 (-21.0 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
TEXAS is 51-87 (-31.3 Units) against the money line in night games over the last 2 seasons.
TEXAS is 49-75 (-20.5 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters over the last 2 seasons.
GALLARDO is 14-24 (-13.1 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
GALLARDO is 8-19 (-14.0 Units) against the money line in night games over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
TEXAS is 27-23 (+16.6 Units) against the money line in road games when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.
TAMPA BAY is 92-98 (-24.1 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
TAMPA BAY is 42-51 (-26.6 Units) against the money line in home games over the last 2 seasons.
TAMPA BAY is 43-52 (-26.8 Units) against the money line in games played in a dome over the last 2 seasons.
TAMPA BAY is 50-58 (-25.0 Units) against the money line in games played on artificial turf over the last 2 seasons.
TAMPA BAY is 31-37 (-18.4 Units) against the money line in home games 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.

YOVANI GALLARDO vs. TAMPA BAY since 1997
GALLARDO is 1-0 when starting against TAMPA BAY with an ERA of 0.00 and a WHIP of 0.714.
His team's record is 1-0 (+1.6 units) in these starts. The OVER is 0-1. (-1.0 units)

NATE KARNS vs. TEXAS since 1997
No recent starts.

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HOUSTON (18 - 10) at LA ANGELS (13 - 15) - 10:05 PM
ROBERTO HERNANDEZ (R) vs. JERED WEAVER (R)
Top Trends for this game.
HERNANDEZ is 12-26 (-14.3 Units) against the money line in night games over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
LA ANGELS are 275-203 (+49.0 Units) against the money line when playing on Friday since 1997.
WEAVER is 94-40 (+30.6 Units) against the money line in home games since 1997. (Team's Record)
WEAVER is 37-10 (+19.7 Units) against the money line in home games against division opponents since 1997. (Team's Record)
WEAVER is 94-40 (+30.6 Units) against the money line in home games in games played on a grass field since 1997. (Team's Record)
HOUSTON is 18-10 (+8.6 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
HOUSTON is 10-2 (+10.3 Units) against the money line in road games this season.
HOUSTON is 49-49 (+13.9 Units) against the money line against division opponents over the last 2 seasons.
HOUSTON is 18-10 (+8.6 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
HOUSTON is 7-1 (+7.6 Units) against the money line in road games against right-handed starters this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
HOUSTON is 2-1 (+1.1 Units) against LA ANGELS this season
2 of 2 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+2.0 Units)

ROBERTO HERNANDEZ vs. LA ANGELS since 1997
HERNANDEZ is 0-4 when starting against LA ANGELS with an ERA of 2.83 and a WHIP of 1.304.
His team's record is 2-8 (-6.3 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 5-4. (+0.4 units)

JERED WEAVER vs. HOUSTON since 1997
WEAVER is 3-2 when starting against HOUSTON with an ERA of 2.95 and a WHIP of 0.832.
His team's record is 4-2 (+1.2 units) in these starts. The OVER is 1-3. (-2.3 units)

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OAKLAND (12 - 17) at SEATTLE (11 - 17) - 10:10 PM
SONNY GRAY (R) vs. TAIJUAN WALKER (R)
Top Trends for this game.
OAKLAND is 100-92 (-25.8 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
OAKLAND is 22-33 (-19.5 Units) against the money line when the total is 7 or less over the last 2 seasons.
OAKLAND is 4-17 (-14.1 Units) against the money line on the road when the total is 7 or less over the last 2 seasons.
OAKLAND is 48-51 (-23.1 Units) against the money line against division opponents over the last 2 seasons.
OAKLAND is 98-88 (-23.4 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
SEATTLE is 11-17 (-9.5 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
SEATTLE is 46-47 (-16.3 Units) against the money line in home games over the last 2 seasons.
SEATTLE is 11-17 (-9.5 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
SEATTLE is 7-15 (-11.2 Units) against the money line in night games this season.
SEATTLE is 27-36 (-22.2 Units) against the money line in home games against right-handed starters over the last 2 seasons.
SEATTLE is 23-26 (-13.9 Units) against the money line in home games when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
SEATTLE is 2-1 (+1.3 Units) against OAKLAND this season
3 of 3 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+3.1 Units)

SONNY GRAY vs. SEATTLE since 1997
GRAY is 4-1 when starting against SEATTLE with an ERA of 2.21 and a WHIP of 1.057.
His team's record is 5-3 (+0.8 units) in these starts. The OVER is 5-3. (+1.7 units)

TAIJUAN WALKER vs. OAKLAND since 1997
WALKER is 0-1 when starting against OAKLAND with an ERA of 24.32 and a WHIP of 3.303.
His team's record is 0-1 (-1.1 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 0-1. (-1.3 units)

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CINCINNATI (14 - 13) at CHI WHITE SOX (10 - 14) - 8:10 PM
JASON MARQUIS (R) vs. HECTOR NOESI (R)
Top Trends for this game.
CHI WHITE SOX are 186-141 (+40.9 Units) against the money line in an inter-league game since 1997.
CINCINNATI is 697-783 (+44.2 Units) against the money line in road games since 1997.
CINCINNATI is 457-513 (+27.9 Units) against the money line in road games in night games since 1997.
CINCINNATI is 506-567 (+36.3 Units) against the money line in road games against right-handed starters since 1997.
CINCINNATI is 391-339 (+67.1 Units) against the money line in road games when playing against a team with a losing record since 1997.
CHI WHITE SOX are 17-36 (-20.9 Units) against the money line when playing on Friday over the last 3 seasons.

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

JASON MARQUIS vs. CHI WHITE SOX since 1997
MARQUIS is 2-1 when starting against CHI WHITE SOX with an ERA of 9.00 and a WHIP of 1.583.
His team's record is 3-1 (+2.0 units) in these starts. The OVER is 4-0. (+4.0 units)

HECTOR NOESI vs. CINCINNATI since 1997
No recent starts.

[StarDust Bum]

MLB
Armadillo's Write-Up

Friday, May 8


National League
Braves @ Nationals
Stults is 1-2, 4.91 in five starts, four of which went over.

Gonzalez is 1-1, 3.00 in his last three starts; five of his last seven went under.

Washington won six of last nine games with Atlanta; last three series games went over. Braves won three of last four games; over is 6-2-2 in their last ten games. Nationals won seven of last nine games; four of last six went under.

Mets @ Phillies
Mets won all five Harvey starts (5-0, 2.41) with four of five going over total; NY scored 31 runs in the five games.

Hamels is 0-0, 1.38 in two starts; under is 3-1-1 in his last five at home. .

Mets won eight of last ten games with Philly; over is 3-1-1 in last five series games. NY is 3-2 in last five games, despite allowing total of five runs in five games (two 1-0 losses)- all five games stayed under. Phillies lost seven of last nine games; over is 3-1-1 in their last five.

Cardinals @ Pirates
Wacha is 4-0, 1.93 in his five starts (under 3-2).

Liriano is 1-1, 1.95 in his five starts this season.

Pittsburgh lost last six games with St Louis; home side won last eight series games, with last four staying under, last three going extra innngs. Pirates also lost five of last six games; under is 7-2-3 in their last 12. St Louis won nine of its last ten games, with three of last four going over.

Cubs @ Brewers
Hammel is 1-0, 1.93 in his last two starts; his last three stayed under.

Nelson allowed one run in 15 IP in his two home starts; he is 0-1, 9.00 in his last two starts- both of those were on road.

Chicago won six of last nine games with Milwaukee; last five in series went under total. Cubs lost five of last six games, with three of last four going over total. Brewers are 4-2 since Gomez came off DL but he sat out yesterday; last three Milwaukee games went over the total.

Dodgers @ Rockies
Former Rockie Anderson is 1-1, 4.21 in his five starts this year.

Butler is 1-2, 6.60 in his last three starts.

Colorado lost last six games to the Dodgers; home side won last eight series games- eight of last nine went over the total. LA won six of last eight games with over 4-1-1 in its last six. Rockies lost its last seven games, allowing a total of 65 runs-- six of their last eight games went over.

Padres @ Diamondbacks
Shields is 2-0, 5.79 in his last four starts; five of his six went over. San Diego scored 31 runs in his last five starts.

Hellickson is 1-3, 5.20 in his five starts; under is 3-1-1 in those games.

Arizona is 6-3 in its last nine games with San Diego; last four series games in Arizona went over the total. Padres lost five of last six road games, with four of those six staying under. Diamondbacks are 5-3 in last eight games; over is 6-2-1 in their last nine.

Marlins @ Giants
Cosart is 1-1, 1.89 in his last three starts; under is 4-2-1 in his last seven.

Lincecum is 2-1, 2.50 in his last three starts.

Giants lost last two games by combined 16-3 score; eight of their last 12 home games stayed under the total. SF won three of last five games with Marlins, but lost three of last four here; eight of last 11 series games went over. Miami lost three of last five games overall, with four of those five going over.

American League
Royals @ Tigers
Ventura is 0-2, 6.89 in his last three starts six of his last eight went over.

Price is 2-0, 2.35 in his last two starts; six of his last nine stayed under.

Kansas City is 4-6 in its last ten games with Detroit; six of last nine in series stayed under total. Royals are 2-3 in last five games; their last four all went over total. Tigers are 3-4 in last seven games; four of last six stayed under.

Orioles @ Bronx
Gonzalez is 3-0, 2.81 in his last four starts; eight of his last ten stayed under.

Warren is 2-2, 5.57 in his last four starts; four of his five went over.

Orioles won four of last seven games with Bronx; five of the seven went over the total. Baltimore lost eight of last ten road games, with last seven staying under total. Bronx is 8-3 in last 11 games; eight of its last ten stayed under.

Twins @ Indians
Pelfrey is 2-0, 2.02 in his last four starts, three of which stayed under.

Bauer is 0-0, 7.84 in his last two starts, after he was 2-0, 0.90 in his first three.

Minnesota is 3-5 in last eight games with Cleveland; four of last six in series went over total. Twins won seven of last eight games, with four of last five going over total. Indians lost eight of their last twelve games- nine of their last ten went over.

Red Sox @ Blue Jays
Miley is 1-3, 8.83 in his last four starts; over is 5-3 in his last eight.

Sanchez is 2-0, 4.32 in his last three starts, with Jays scoring 20 runs.

Boston won six of its last nine games with Toronto, but lodt five of last six games overall, with six of its last seven staying under total. Blue Jays are 3-7 in last ten home games; they're 3-10 in game following a win. Four of their last six games went over.

Rangers @ Rays
Gallardo is 0-3, 6.11 in his last three starts (under 3-1-1).

Karns is 1-0, 3.25 in his last five starts; four of his last six went over.

Texas won its last four games, allowing total of nine runs; they've lost six of last nine games vs Tampa Bay- under is 3-2-1 in last six. Under is 10-1 in last eleven Tampa Bay games. Rays lost four of their last six games.

Astros @ Angels
Hernandez is 0-2, 5.76 in his five starts (over 2-2-1).

Angels are 1-5 when Weaver starts (0-4, 6.29); over is 3-1-1 in his last five.

Houston is 11-3 in last 14 games but lost three of last four; they've won four of last five against the Angels, rallying fron down 2-0 in last inning last night- under is 5-0-1 in last six in series. Angels lost five of last seven games, with winning run in last three games all being scored in last inning. Four of last five Halo games stayed under.

A's @ Mariners
Gray is 3-0, 1.25 in his last three starts; over is 5-0-1 in his last six.

Walker is 1-3, 9.53 in his five starts (over 3-2).

Oakland lost six of last nine games; ten of last 11 went over. A's are 3-5 in last eight games with Seattle; last three went over total. Mariners lost six of last seven games, with five one-run losses. Over is 9-0 in Oakland series openers.

Interleague
Reds @ White Sox
Marquis is 3-0, 4.66 in his last three starts; five of his last six went over total. He is getting best run support (33 runs/last three games) of any pitcher in major leagues.

Noesi is 0-3, 6.75 in his three starts; his last five stayed under. Sox scored a total of 11 runs in his last six starts.

Reds/White Sox are meeting for first time since 2009; Sox won eight of last nine series games, three of last four stayed under. Cincinnati is 7-4 in its last eleven road games. White Sox lost six of last eight games, with four of their last six staying under the total.

Win-loss records this year for team with this starting pitcher:
Atl-Wsh-- Stults 2-3; Gonzalez 3-2
NY-Phil-- Harvey 5-0; Hamels 2-4
StL-Pitt-- Wacha 5-0; Liriano 1-4
Chi-Mil-- Hammel 2-3; Nelson 2-3
LA-Col-- Anderson 3-2; Butler 3-2
SD-Az-- Shields 3-3; Hellickson 1-4
Mia-SF-- Cosart 1-4; Lincecum 2-3

KC-Det-- Ventura 3-2; Price 5-1
Balt-NY-- Gonzalez 3-2; Warren 4-1
Min-Cle-- Pelfrey 4-1; Bauer 3-2
Bos-Tor-- Miley 2-3; Sanchez 2-3
Tex-TB-- Gallardo 2-4; Karns 2-4
A's-Sea-- Gray 4-2; Walker 1-4
Hst-LA-- Hernandez 2-3; Weaver 1-5

Cin-CWS-- Marquis 4-1; Noesi 0-3

Times this starting pitcher allowed a run in first inning:
Atl-Wsh-- Stults 0-5; Gonzalez 0-5
NY-Phil-- Harvey 1-5; Hamels 2-6
StL-Pitt-- Wacha 2-5; Liriano 1-5
Chi-Mil-- Hammel 0-5; Nelson 1-5
LA-Col-- Anderson 0-5; Butler 1-5
SD-Az-- Shields 2-6; Hellickson 4-5
Mia-SF-- Cosart 0-5; Lincecum 1-5

KC-Det-- Ventura 1-5; Price 2-4
Balt-NY-- Gonzalez 1-5; Warren 1-5
Min-Cle-- Pelfrey 0-5; Bauer 0-5
Bos-Tor-- Miley 1-5; Sanchez 3-5
Tex-TB-- Gallardo 3-6; Karns 1-6
A's-Sea-- Gray 1-6; Walker 2-5
Hst-LA-- Hernandez 3-5; Weaver 3-6

Cin-CWS-- Marquis 2-5; Noesi 1-3

[StarDust Bum]

MLB

Friday, May 8

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

7:05 PM
BALTIMORE vs. NY YANKEES
Baltimore is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games
Baltimore is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 4 of NY Yankees's last 6 games when playing at home against Baltimore
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of NY Yankees's last 5 games at home

7:05 PM
NY METS vs. PHILADELPHIA
The total has gone OVER in 13 of NY Mets's last 19 games when playing on the road against Philadelphia
NY Mets are 16-7 SU in its last 23 games
Philadelphia is 1-6 SU in its last 7 games when playing NY Mets
Philadelphia is 2-7 SU in its last 9 games

7:05 PM
ST. LOUIS vs. PITTSBURGH
St. Louis is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing Pittsburgh
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of St. Louis's last 5 games when playing on the road against Pittsburgh
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Pittsburgh's last 6 games at home
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Pittsburgh's last 6 games

7:05 PM
ATLANTA vs. WASHINGTON
Atlanta is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games when playing Washington
Atlanta is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games when playing on the road against Washington
Washington is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games when playing at home against Atlanta
Washington is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games when playing Atlanta

7:07 PM
BOSTON vs. TORONTO
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Boston's last 7 games
Boston is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games on the road
Toronto is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games when playing at home against Boston
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Toronto's last 6 games

7:08 PM
KANSAS CITY vs. DETROIT
Kansas City is 8-17 SU in its last 25 games when playing on the road against Detroit
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Kansas City's last 5 games
Detroit is 10-5 SU in its last 15 games when playing Kansas City
Detroit is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games at home

7:10 PM
MINNESOTA vs. CLEVELAND
Minnesota is 4-9 SU in its last 13 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Minnesota's last 5 games
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Cleveland's last 5 games
Cleveland is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games when playing at home against Minnesota

7:10 PM
TEXAS vs. TAMPA BAY
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Texas's last 5 games when playing on the road against Tampa Bay
Texas is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games on the road
Tampa Bay is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games at home
The total has gone UNDER in 11 of Tampa Bay's last 12 games

8:10 PM
CINCINNATI vs. CHI WHITE SOX
Cincinnati is 1-11 SU in their last 12 games when playing Chi White Sox
Chi White Sox are 11-1 SU in their last 12 games when playing Cincinnati
The total has gone UNDER in 7 of Chi White Sox's last 9 games at home

8:10 PM
CHI CUBS vs. MILWAUKEE
Chi Cubs are 6-3 SU in their last 9 games when playing Milwaukee
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Chi Cubs's last 7 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Milwaukee's last 6 games when playing at home against Chi Cubs
Milwaukee is 17-7 SU in their last 24 games when playing at home against Chi Cubs

8:40 PM
LA DODGERS vs. COLORADO
The total has gone OVER in 8 of LA Dodgers's last 9 games when playing Colorado
LA Dodgers are 5-0 SU in their last 5 games when playing Colorado
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Colorado's last 5 games when playing at home against LA Dodgers
Colorado is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games

9:40 PM
SAN DIEGO vs. ARIZONA
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of San Diego's last 6 games on the road
San Diego is 5-10 SU in its last 15 games
Arizona is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games when playing San Diego
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Arizona's last 5 games when playing at home against San Diego

10:05 PM
HOUSTON vs. LA ANGELS
The total has gone OVER in 6 of Houston's last 7 games on the road
Houston is 4-1 SU in their last 5 games when playing LA Angels
LA Angels are 8-2 SU in their last 10 games when playing at home against Houston
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of LA Angels's last 6 games when playing Houston

10:10 PM
OAKLAND vs. SEATTLE
The total has gone UNDER in 7 of Oakland's last 8 games when playing on the road against Seattle
Oakland is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games on the road
Seattle is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games at home
The total has gone UNDER in 12 of Seattle's last 18 games at home

10:15 PM
MIAMI vs. SAN FRANCISCO
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Miami's last 5 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 9 of Miami's last 12 games when playing San Francisco
The total has gone OVER in 4 of San Francisco's last 6 games when playing at home against Miami
San Francisco is 3-13 SU in its last 16 games when playing at home against Miami

[StarDust Bum]

MLB

Friday, May 8


Cardinals undefeated in Wacha's past seven starts

Michael Wacha has taken a huge leap forward for the St. Louis Cardinals, which has the Red Birds looking for their eighth consecutive wins with the rightie on the mound. In Wacha's past seven starts he has only allowed 1.6 runs per game, while allowing one or less four times.

This season has seen Wacha post a 4-0 record with a 1.93 ERA and a 1.04 WHIP.

St. Louis visits the Pittsburgh Pirates Friday.


Gonzalez winless in past eight versus Braves

Gio Gonzalez will look to exorcise some demons when he takes the mound Friday, as his Washington Nationals have dropped their past eight contests he has started.

Gonzalez has not been terrible in his appearances as he has only been chased before the sixth inning in three of those eight games while allowing 3.4 runs per contest.

In a smaller window the leftie has actually been solid as he has allowed two runs or less in 62.5 percent of those games.

[StarDust Bum]

MLB
Dunkel

Friday, May 8


Minnesota @ Cleveland

Game 919-920
May 8, 2015 @ 7:10 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Minnesota
(Pelfrey) 16.721
Cleveland
(Bauer) 15.660
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Minnesota
by 1
8
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Cleveland
-150
8 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Minnesota
(+130); Under

Boston @ Toronto

Game 921-922
May 8, 2015 @ 7:07 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Boston
(Miley) 14.552
Toronto
(Sanchez) 16.133
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Toronto
by 1 1/2
10
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Toronto
-125
9
Dunkel Pick:
Toronto
(-125); Over

Atlanta @ Washington

Game 901-902
May 8, 2015 @ 7:05 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Atlanta
(Stults) 15.212
Washington
(Gonzalez) 14.309
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Atlanta
by 1
7
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Washington
-200
7 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Atlanta
(+170); Under

Texas @ Tampa Bay

Game 923-924
May 8, 2015 @ 7:10 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Texas
(Gallardo) 14.114
Tampa Bay
(Karns) 16.878
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Tampa Bay
by 3
9
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Tampa Bay
-115
7 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Tampa Bay
(-115); Over

NY Mets @ Philadelphia

Game 903-904
May 8, 2015 @ 7:05 pm

Dunkel Rating:
NY Mets
(Harvey) 16.812
Philadelphia
(Hamels) 17.987
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Philadelphia
by 1
5
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
NY Mets
-145
6 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Philadelphia
(+125); Under

Houston @ LA Angels

Game 925-926
May 8, 2015 @ 10:05 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Houston
(Hernandez) 16.122
LA Angels
(Weaver) 17.290
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
LA Angels
by 1
7
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
LA Angels
-135
8 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
LA Angels
(-135); Under

St. Louis @ Pittsburgh

Game 905-906
May 8, 2015 @ 7:05 pm

Dunkel Rating:
St. Louis
(Wacha) 14.961
Pittsburgh
(Liriano) 16.465
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Pittsburgh
by 1 1/2
7 1/2
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Pittsburgh
-120
7
Dunkel Pick:
Pittsburgh
(-120); Over

Oakland @ Seattle

Game 927-928
May 8, 2015 @ 10:10 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Oakland
(Gray) 19.138
Seattle
(Walker) 13.122
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Oakland
by 6
6
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Oakland
-130
7
Dunkel Pick:
Oakland
(-130); Under

Chicago Cubs @ Milwaukee

Game 907-908
May 8, 2015 @ 8:10 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Chicago Cubs
(Hammel) 16.610
Milwaukee
(Nelson) 15.261
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Chicago Cubs
by 1 1/2
9
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Chicago Cubs
-115
7 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Chicago Cubs
(-115); Over

Cincinnati @ Chicago White Sox

Game 929-930
May 8, 2015 @ 8:10 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Cincinnati
(Marquis) 16.371
Chicago White Sox
(Noesi) 14.822
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Cincinnati
by 1 1/2
10
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Chicago White Sox
-115
9
Dunkel Pick:
Cincinnati
(-105); Over

LA Dodgers @ Colorado

Game 909-910
May 8, 2015 @ 8:40 pm

Dunkel Rating:
LA Dodgers
(Anderson) 16.854
Colorado
(Butler) 15.212
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
LA Dodgers
by 1 1/2
9
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
LA Dodgers
-135
10 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
LA Dodgers
(-135); Under

San Diego @ Arizona

Game 911-912
May 8, 2015 @ 9:40 pm

Dunkel Rating:
San Diego
(Shields) 13.714
Arizona
(Hellickson) 10.489
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
San Diego
by 3
7
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
San Diego
-125
8 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
San Diego
(-125); Under

Miami @ San Francisco

Game 913-914
May 8, 2015 @ 10:15 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Miami
(Cosart) 16.250
San Francisco
(Lincecum) 15.189
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Miami
by 1
8
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
San Francisco
-135
7
Dunkel Pick:
Miami
(+115); Over

Kansas City @ Detroit

Game 915-916
May 8, 2015 @ 7:08 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Kansas City
(Ventura) 15.529
Detroit
(Price) 12.641
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Kansas City
by 3
8
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Detroit
-160
7 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Kansas City
(+140); Over

Baltimore @ NY Yankees

Game 917-918
May 8, 2015 @ 7:05 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Baltimore
(Gonzalez) 14.702
NY Yankees
(Warren) 13.261
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Baltimore
by 1 1/2
8
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
NY Yankees
-130
8 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Baltimore
(+110); Under

[StarDust Bum]

MLB

Friday, May 8


Giants-Marlins to play with high winds

There may appear to be some extra pop in the bats at AT&T Park Friday as high winds will be helping out batters. The Miami Marlins and San Francisco Giants are going to face-off with winds blowing between eight and 13 miles per hour out towards centerfield.

The Marlins will start Jarred Cosart (2.97 ERA) while the Giants will send Tim Linecum (2.40 ERA) to the mound.

The current total for the Marlins-Giants is 7.


Hitter friendly wind for Phillies-Mets

There will be some extra carry on balls hit to centerfield at Citizen Bank Park Friday. Winds are expected to be blowing outward to CF from six to nine miles per hour when the Philadelphia Phillies host the New York Mets.

However the total is posted at a low 6.5 as the Mets will start Matt Harvey with the Phillies countering with Cole Hamels.


Orioles record sixth straight under

The Baltimore Orioles may have lost 4-3 to the New York Yankees Thursday, but under bettors continue to find profit in the O's. Six consecutive Orioles games have seen the under cash out thanks, in large, to the teams offensive deficiencies.

Baltimore has scored a mere 14 runs in their past six, which equals an average of 2.3 runs per game.

The O's continue their weekend series with the Yankees Friday with a current total of 8.5.


Padres shutout for third of past four games

The San Diego Padres continued their ineffectiveness with their bats Thursday as the team has now managed to not score a single run in three of their past four games.

Those three scoreless games have seen the Padres manage a mere three hits per game while giving up nearly 12 to their opponents.

San Diego continues their weekend series with the Arizona Diamondbacks Friday with the Padres currently -110.


Pirates halt losing streak, finally beat Reds

The Pittsburgh Pirates finally halted their five game losing streak by topping the Cincinnati Reds Thursday. The Pirates bats finally woke up by plating seven runs Thursday compared to just five during their five games previous.

The Bucs win also ended their seven game losing streak against their division rivals.

[StarDust Bum]

Weekend Primer

May 8, 2015


Upcoming Series to Watch

St. Louis Cardinals at Pittsburgh Pirates

These two NL Central rivals just faced off in a three-game set last weekend, and it led to one of the more entertaining series of the young season. Unfortunately for the Pirates, it was St. Louis who emerged with a sweep -- a familiar result for baseball's best team thus far -- winning every game in walk-off fashion. That series actually submerged Pittsburgh into a bit of a slump in their last series at home against the Reds, losing two of three. However, they did capture the last game and hope that will shoot them back on track. In order for that to happen, they’ll certainly need team leader Andrew McCutchen to get going already, as he enters the weekend with a .210 batting average.

The Cardinals boast the top record for one main reason -- they're getting exceptional contributions in every area. Even with staff leader Adam Wainwright done for the year, they're still getting great pitching, specifically from John Lackey and tonight's starter Michael Wacha. In fact, their rotation has the third-best team ERA at 3.11. The bullpen's been doing their usual effective job, as the relievers own baseball’s top ERA at a ridiculous 1.47, and the offense, spearheaded by Matt Holliday and Matt Carpenter, is providing more than enough run support.

These two clubs have always played each other close since the Pirates' long-awaited ascension a couple of years ago, thus making this series a tough one to grasp. At the same time, it's awfully tough to bet against the Cardinals right now as they continue to coast. They’ve shown no signs of letting up.

Kansas City Royals at Detroit Tigers

One of the main storylines early on in the 2015 Major League Baseball season has been the on-going rivalry between AL Central residents the Royals and Tigers, who both flew out of the gate to kick off the campaign, and despite cooling off a bit, still own two of the best records in the American League entering the weekend. They met for the first time last weekend in a four-game set, unsurprisingly splitting the series with two wins apiece, and are currently separated by just a half-game atop the standings.

In the process, both games generated a 2-2 record towards the over/under, which is notable because of the presence of Kansas City, who sports one of baseball’s best records towards over bets at 16-9-3. Their tendency to win overs at such a high percentage thus far makes sense when you look at every team’s batting average, and observe that it is actually the Royals who stand with the best mark at very nifty .290. Furthermore, they have the third-most runs scored (143), albeit while posting 22 home runs as a team to rank in the middle of the pack. The Tigers aren’t far behind them in the offensive department, as they’re second in the AL with a .275 team batting average, but are just 15-14 towards over wagers. Regardless, it’s always an entertaining clash these days when both teams get together, and game one should be especially compelling with both aces slated to start, as David Price takes on the mercurial Yordano Ventura. Price just dominated the Royals with a complete game last Saturday so that’s definitely something to consider if you choose to bet on the opener. For the series, they clearly match up very evenly, making it difficult to bet on the series odds.

Baltimore Orioles at New York Yankees

It feels like every weekend there's some crucial series taking place over in the AL East, but that's how important these early-season division matchups are with everyone closely jockeying for position. The four-game series began last night with the Yankees narrowly pulling out a one-run victory.

Along with that, there was another off performance from Orioles Opening Day starter Chris Tillman, which is really a microcosm of why Baltimore is currently under .500. Their starting pitching just has not been good, as the rotation is currently ranked fifth-worst in the American League with a 4.62 team ERA. Tillman isn’t the only culprit, as Bud Norris has also been far from his norm. As a result, they're off pace from last year’s success that saw them net their first division title in over a decade. The Yankees, meanwhile, have the fourth best starting pitching ERA in the league at 3.87, but arguably the biggest reason for their early fortunes has been their power hitting, having churned out 35 home runs and 136 runs scored. The series opener may have yielded an under last night, but look for more scoring as the weekend progresses.

Other Weekend Thoughts

-- I’ll look for any reason to talk about my Texas Rangers, and there’s certainly good reasoning to break them down at this point in time -- they’re on a very impressive winning streak. Remember when the Astros had their big winning streak and everyone was afraid of them? The Rangers put that to a halt by sweeping their in-state rival earlier this week, and now have won four in a row to suddenly shoot up to second place when everybody was beginning to write them off already.

Last night, they continued their winning ways by taking game one of their current four-game set with the Rays, and will look to veteran Yovani Gallardo, who has been solid in his first season in Texas, to keep it going against rookie Nathan Karns. Bias aside, I’m not really surprised the Rangers have gotten hot; their offense, statistically, was dreadful not too long ago, and given the talent they have in their lineup like Prince Fielder, Adrian Beltre, Shin-Soo Choo, and Elvis Andrus, it was inevitable that they’d escape their funk. Keep your eyes on Texas as they continue to attract good odds in terms of being a nice daily value bet.

-- A lot of people had high hopes for the Athletics this year, and even higher hopes for the Mariners entering 2015. Instead, both teams have tumbled down the standings, as they shocking both share residence in the AL West cellar. While they’re still close to everyone else except first-place Houston, this is a very big series for each team, as a series loss here continues their tailspin. The winner, however, will get some much-needed momentum and hopefully use this as a springboard to finally get on their expected path.

The Mariners are one of baseball’s biggest surprises this year in terms of how they’ve slumped to an 11-17 start, especially considering they have the league’s best hitter in Nelson Cruz continuing his monstrous ways. If you wanted to buy them low, now looks like a good opportunity, as the A’s offense is falling off with one of their key cogs, Ben Zobrist, on the disabled list for a little while. You know Seattle’s starting pitching is going to improve overall, and they’ll certainly look for that out of Taijuan Walker in tonight’s game one. He takes on Athletics ace Sonny Gray, who has been as tough on hitters as any starter so far.

Fearless Prediction

-- Break up the Minnesota Twins? With seven wins in their past eight games, the Twins have not only shot up three games above .500, but they’ve also assumed control of one of the American League’s two Wild Card spots, while also being 2.5 games out of first in the AL Central behind the upstart Royals. Imagine that, the team with the lowest projected win total in the AL by Vegas, making a strong postseason push. While this is a surprise to many, it’s not as much to me, as I had Minnesota exceeding expectations in 2015 under first-year manager Paul Molitor. They have a lot of young talent here, and it looks some of those guys are hitting their stride at the same time. They take on the struggling Indians in a three-game series this weekend, and being on the road, they could have very favorable odds for such a hot team, making them a tremendous value bet in terms of taking them for the series, which I would recommend backing. Be on the look-out for the Twins.