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**StarDust Bum** · 05-09-2015, 02:41 AM

NBA ATS

NBA > (721) ATLANTA@ (722) WASHINGTON | 05/09/2015 - 05:05 PM
Play ON ATLANTA using the against the spread in All games when playing against a team with a winning record
The record is 26 Wins and 11 Losses for the this season (+13.9 units)

NBA MONEYLINE

NBA > (721) ATLANTA@ (722) WASHINGTON | 05/09/2015 - 05:05 PM
Play AGAINST ATLANTA using the money line in Road games versus good offensive teams - scoring 99+ points/game - 2nd half of the season
The record is 6 Wins and 22 Losses for the last three seasons (-19.55 units)

NBA > (723) GOLDEN STATE@ (724) MEMPHIS | 05/09/2015 - 08:05 PM
Play ON MEMPHIS using the money line in All games against Pacific division opponents
The record is 44 Wins and 18 Losses for the last three seasons (+25.7 units)

NBA FIRST HALF

NBA > (721) ATLANTA@ (722) WASHINGTON | 05/09/2015 - 05:05 PM
Play ON ATLANTA in the first half in Road games after scoring 105 points or more
The record is 31 Wins and 10 Losses for the last three seasons (+20 units)

NBA TOTALS

NBA > (721) ATLANTA@ (722) WASHINGTON | 05/09/2015 - 05:05 PM
Play UNDER ATLANTA on the total in All games versus good offensive teams - scoring 99+ points/game
The record is 24 Overs and 57 Unders for the last two seasons (+30.6 units)

NBA > (723) GOLDEN STATE@ (724) MEMPHIS | 05/09/2015 - 08:05 PM
Play UNDER MEMPHIS on the total in All games versus good offensive teams - scoring 99+ points/game - 2nd half of the season
The record is 8 Overs and 24 Unders for the this season (+15.2 units)

NBA TOP POWERLINES

NBA > (723) GOLDEN STATE @ (724) MEMPHIS | 05/09/2015 - 08:05 PM
Line: MEMPHIS 4.5 BTB PowerLine: MEMPHIS 1
Edge On: MEMPHIS (3.5)

**StarDust Bum** · 05-09-2015, 02:43 AM

NHL MONEYLINE

NHL > (11) TAMPA BAY@ (12) MONTREAL | 05/09/2015 - 07:05 PM
Play ON MONTREAL using the money line in All games on Saturday games
The record is 19 Wins and 3 Losses for the this season (+14.2 units)

NHL PUCKLINE

NHL > (11) TAMPA BAY@ (12) MONTREAL | 05/09/2015 - 07:05 PM
Play ON MONTREAL using the in All games on Saturday games
The record is 19 Wins and 3 Losses for the this season (+14.2 units)

NHL TOTALS

NHL > (11) TAMPA BAY@ (12) MONTREAL | 05/09/2015 - 07:05 PM
Play OVER TAMPA BAY on the total in Road games after allowing 4 goals or more
The record is 16 Overs and 4 Unders for the last three seasons (+11.9 units)

**StarDust Bum** · 05-09-2015, 02:45 AM

Saturday's Tip Sheet

May 8, 2015

**Hawks at Wizards**

-- Just like the other three series in the NBA Playoffs, the Hawks and Wizards are knotted at 1-1 in this best-of-seven Eastern Conference semifinals showdown that shifts to Washington D.C. for Saturday's Game 3. The big news that came out Thursday afternoon concerns Washington point guard John Wall, who is expected to miss a second straight game due to a wrist injury. Wall took a hard fall in Game 1 and braced himself with his left hand as he hit the deck. An X-ray Thursday revealed five non-displaced fractures, leaving his status for the rest of the postseason in question.

-- Wall averaged 17.6 points, 10.0 assists, 4.6 rebounds and 1.7 steals per game during the regular season. In a 104-98 comeback win at Atlanta in Game 1, Wall had 18 points, 13 assists, seven rebounds and three blocked shots.

-- On Thursday morning, most betting shops had Washington (51-37 straight up, 38-47-3 against the spread) installed as a 1.5-point favorite for Game 3. When the Wall news broke early Thursday afternoon, the number was adjusted to Atlanta as the 1.5-point favorite. As it became more clear Wall is unlikely to play Saturday, the line moved more. As of early Friday afternoon, most books had the Hawks favored by 3.5 points with a total of 199.5. The Wizards are +145 on the money line (risk $100 to win $145).

-- Atlanta (65-25 SU, 53-35-2 ATS) evened the series by capturing a 106-90 win as a nine-point home 'chalk' in Tuesday's Game 2 at Philips Arena. DeMarre Carroll was the catalyst again as he continued to his stellar postseason play with 22 points, six rebounds and four assists. Carroll became the first Hawk to score 20 points or more in six straight playoff games since Dominique Wilkins pulled the same trick in 1988. Paul Millsap added 18 points, 11 rebounds, five assists and four steals, while Al Horford finished with 18 points, six assists, four boards, three steals and a pair of blocked shots. Kyle Korver and Kent Bazemore were also in double figures with 12 and 10 points, respectively. Jeff Teague, who has been hampered by a sprained ankle since Game 5 of the Brooklyn series, had just nine points on 3-of-12 shooting from the field. However, the Wake Forest product did dish out eight assists and pull down seven rebounds.

-- Despite the Game 2 loss, Washington had to be encouraged by the play of Bradley Beal, who sprained his ankle in the fourth quarter of Game 1. Beal looked fine health-wise on Tuesday, producing 20 points, seven assists, five rebounds and three steals. Ramon Sessions, who started at PG in Wall's absence, came up big with 21 points on 8-of-14 shooting from the floor and 3-of-5 from long distance. Otto Porter and Paul Pierce contributed 15 points apiece. Porter also had eight rebounds, five assists and three steals.

-- The 'under' is 44-42-2 overall for the Wizards, but the 'over' is 23-19-1 in their home contests.

-- Totals have been an overall wash (45-45) for the Hawks this year, but the 'over' is 23-21 in their road assignments.

-- The adjusted series price at Sportsbook.ag has Atlanta at -300, while Washington is available for a +250 return (risk $100 to win $250).

-- VI's Chris David had this take on the series going into Game 3: "With or without Wall in the lineup, Atlanta is the better team in this series. Due to his health, it would be surprising to see the Wizards defeat the Hawks. The one thing I don’t like about Washington is that it hasn’t been a great team off a loss this season, losing 19 back-to-back games. Those outcomes include losing skids of three, four, five and six games. Even though the Wizards have solid veterans on their squad with playoff experience, they seem to buckle when things aren’t going well and it’s clear that they’re heading in that direction now.

"I prefer to play totals more than sides and I’m going to keep riding the Atlanta team total ‘over’ in this series. The Hawks still haven’t put forth a great shooting performance and they put up 98 and 106 points in the first two games. They match up real well and they got to the line 11 more times (25-14) in Game 2. I’m hoping Budenholzer pushes the aggressive approach and I’m guessing Jeff Teague will finally start making shots. The number is 100 ½ and I believe Atlanta will jump over the century mark again on Saturday.

-- Tip-off is scheduled for 5:05 p.m. Eastern on ESPN.

**Warriors at Grizzlies**

-- Without starting point guard Mike Conley (facial fractures) in Game 1, Memphis (60-29 SU, 44-42-3 ATS) was blasted at Golden State by a 101-86 count as a 10-point road underdog. The combination of Nick Calathes and Beno Udrih at point guard produced just seven total points and more turnovers (four) than assists (three).

-- With Conley returning for Game 2 wearing a protective mask on his face, the Ohio State product scored a game-high 22 points to spark Memphis to a 97-90 win as a 10-point road 'dog. Conley drained 8-of-12 attempts from the field and connected on 3-of-6 shots from 3-point land. Zach Randolph added 20 points, seven rebounds and four assists, while Marc Gasol finished with 15 points, six rebounds, three assists and a pair of steals. Courtney Lee was also in double figures with 15 points. Tony Allen had nine points and four steals, showing why he's a perennial first-team selection to the NBA's All-Defensive Team. Allen held Klay Thompson to 13 points and forced him into five turnovers.

-- Golden State (72-16 SU, 49-38-1 ATS) lives and dies by its efficiency from 3-point land and it wasn't there in Tuesday's setback at home. The Warriors made only 6-of-26 from downtown (23.1%), as The Splash Brothers (Steph Curry and Thompson) combined to hit just 3-of-17 from beyond the arc. Curry scored a team-high 19 points to go with six assists and five rebounds. Draymond Green finished with 14 points and 12 boards, but he hit just 3-of-11 shots from the field. Leandro Barbosa scored 14 points from off of the bench.

-- Memphis is a home underdog in this spot for just the fourth time this year. Regardless of the venue, the Grizzlies went 12-8 ATS in 20 games as underdogs of three points or more.

-- Memphis has won five in a row at home while going 4-0-1 versus the number. The Grizzlies owns a 22-19-3 spread record at home this season.

-- Even though Memphis currently holds home-court advantage, Golden State is still a -600 'chalk' to win the series at Sportsbook.ag. The Grizzlies are +450 on the comeback (risk $100 to win $450).

-- VI's David offered these thoughts going into Game 3: "Memphis is a very solid club and I expected a dogfight in this series, predicting the Warriors to win in seven games. However, I’m not foolish to know that Golden State is the better team and the line tells you so. To put things in perspective, the Grizzlies have been home underdogs three times this season and they’ve gone 1-2 in those games. The one win came in the last game of the season when Memphis rested versus Indiana and we all saw the Pacers fold. The two losses came to quality contenders in the Cavaliers and Warriors. Cleveland beat them by 22 and Golden State racked up a 23-point road win. I don’t see the deficit being this high on Saturday but I’m not afraid to lay the price with the road favorites.

"Even though the first two games in this series went ‘under’ the total, I’d lean ‘over’ in Game 3 just based on the offensive tendencies from Golden State. The Warriors have been held under 100 points 14 times this season and in the very next game, the club has averaged 110.1 PPG in the following contest. In the first round, Golden State scored 97 in Game 2 versus New Orleans and rebounded with 123 in Game 3. Memphis is a different animal defensively but I don’t expect another inconsistent effort from the league’s best offense.

-- The 'under' is 47-40-1 overall for the Warriors, 25-18 in their road games. They have seen the 'under' cash in three straight and four of their last five.

-- The 'under' has been a major money maker in Memphis games, going 51-36-2 overall. The Grizzlies have seen the 'under' hit at a 29-14-1 clip in their home outings. They have seen the 'under' go 6-2 in their last eight games.

**StarDust Bum** · 05-09-2015, 02:51 AM

Game of the day: Saturday's NBA Playoff action

Atlanta Hawks at Washington Wizards (+3, 199)
Series tied 1-1

John Wall will likely be on the sidelines for a second consecutive contest when the Washington Wizards host the Atlanta Hawks in Game 3 of the Eastern Conference semifinals on Saturday. The star point guard has been diagnosed with five non-displaced fractures in his left hand and wrist and Washington has yet to announce his status for the rest of the series.

Wall’s injury is a big blow to the Wizards, who solidly defeated the Hawks in Game 1 before Atlanta recovered to win the second game with Wall sitting out. “By no means do we feel like this series is over or our goals change,” veteran forward Paul Pierce told reporters. “We will continue to go out there and reach for our goals.” The Hawks played much better in Game 2 after a lackluster opening performance and look to take control of the series. “We’ve been doing it all year,” center Al Horford told reporters. “I know it’s the playoffs and the intensity goes up. There are a lot of things that go into it, but it’s gotten us this far, so we have to stay confident.”

TV: 5 p.m. ET, ESPN

LINE HISTORY: Most shops opened the Wiz as 2-point favorites, but that line has since hopped the fence all the way to +3 as of this writing.

INJURY REPORT: Hawks - N/A Wizards - G John Wall (Doub-Wrist)

ABOUT THE HAWKS: Atlanta would like to see shooting guard Kyle Korver (9-of-26 in the series) regain his stroke and point guard Jeff Teague (7-of-26) is also struggling. One player thriving is small forward DeMarre Carroll, who is averaging 23 points in the series and has compiled six consecutive 20-point efforts, the longest by a Hawks’ player since Dominique Wilkins rattled off 12 straight in 1988. Power forward Paul Millsap has posted back-to-back double-doubles and has four in the postseason.

ABOUT THE WIZARDS: Journeyman Ramon Sessions started in place of Wall and had a solid effort with 21 points in Game 2. He will continue to play a big role in the series moving forward with Wall’s status in doubt while Pierce is troubled by the timing of the injury. “It is definitely difficult for the team but I am sure it is even more devastating for John,” Pierce told reporters. “I’m more hurt for him than anything because I know how badly he wants to be out there.”

TRENDS:

*Hawks are 5-1-1 ATS in the last 7 meetings.
*Wizards are 7-1-1 ATS in their last 9 games overall.
*Over is 5-1 in the last 6 meetings.
*Over is 10-2 in Wizards last 12 home games.

Golden State Warriors at Memphis Grizzlies (+4.5, 196.5)
Series tied 1-1

The return of Mike Conley sparked Memphis in Game 2 and the Grizzlies look to take a 2-1 lead in the Western Conference semifinals when they meet the visiting Golden Warriors on Saturday. Conley scored 22 points eight days after having facial surgery to lead Memphis to a 97-90 victory on Tuesday.

The Grizzlies have homecourt advantage after splitting the two games on Golden State’s floor, and thoroughly rattled the Warriors in Game 2 while forcing 20 turnovers. “We were too quick with our intention to score,” Golden State coach Steve Kerr told reporters. “Instead of just moving the ball and setting good screens, everyone was trying to do everything frantically on their own.” Memphis standout defender Tony Allen is causing problems for Golden State and insists the Grizzlies haven’t tweaked their philosophy. “We play a certain style no matter who we play,” Allen told reporters. “It’s just a game of basketball. You’ve got to get back in transition and with a team like (the Warriors), you’ve got to defend the perimeter.”

LINE HISTORY: Books initially opened the Grizz +4 but that's been bet to its current price of +4.5.

INJURY REPORT: Warriors - C Ognjen Kuzmic (Ques-Ankle) Grizzlies - N/A

ABOUT THE WARRIORS: The Golden State backcourt of Stephen Curry (20.5 average in the series) and Klay Thompson (15.5) have yet to hit their stride and the Warriors were 6-of-26 from 3-point range in Game 2. Curry was a subpar 7-of-19 shooting in the contest while Thompson was reduced to non-contributor status by Allen, ducked the media afterward and then bristled the following day when a reporter suggested Allen was in his head. “They know what I think now? That’s all I gotta say,” Thompson responded. “In my head? Come on, man.”

ABOUT THE GRIZZLIES: Conley wore a mask to protect the broken bones in his face and was 8-of-12 shooting in 27 stellar minutes. “I’m just happy that he’s able to play,” center Marc Gasol told reporters. “I’m happy that Mike is not only able to push through it but help his team win. He gives us poise, he gives us toughness.” Conley said his vision was fine out of the swollen left eye for most of the game, but his lack of activity did cause cramping issues in the final minutes.

TRENDS:

*Road team is 11-5 ATS in the last 16 meetings.
*Grizzlies are 4-0-1 ATS in their last 5 home games.
*Under is 6-1 in Warriors last 7 Conference Semifinals games.
*Under is 24-4 in Grizzlies last 28 home games.

**StarDust Bum** · 05-09-2015, 02:55 AM

What bettors need to know: Lightning at Canadiens

Tampa Bay Lightning at Montreal Canadiens (-125, 5)
Lightning lead series 3-1

The Montreal Canadiens kept alive their season with a lopsided victory and hope to stave off elimination again when they return home to face the Tampa Bay Lightning in Saturday's Game 5 of their Eastern Conference semifinal series. The Canadiens averted a sweep with a 6-2 drubbing at Tampa Bay on Thursday, ending a string of eight consecutive losses to the Lightning this season.

“We’re not going away quietly,” Montreal forward Brandon Prust said after his team rebounded from a crushing last-second loss in Game 3. The Canadiens dominated both games at Tampa Bay and one of their two home losses came in double overtime. The Lightning, who won all five regular-season meetings before taking the first three games of this series, know they need to put forth a better effort. "We got what was coming," Tampa Bay captain Steven Stamkos said. "We had too many passengers the last couple games. The team will address that."

TV: 7 p.m. ET, NBCSN, CBC, TVA

LINE HISTORY: Sportsbooks opened the Habs in the -116 ballpark, but that line has since moved to -125.

INJURY REPORT: Lighting - C Cedric Paquette (Ques-Undisclosed) Canadiens - Nathan Beaulieu (Ques-Upper Body)

ABOUT THE LIGHTNING: Ben Bishop was sidelined due to injury when Montreal swept the Lightning in four games a year ago, but the 6-7 netminder had haunted the Canadiens since, stopping 100 of 104 shots in the first three games before he was sent to an early exit Thursday. "I think Bishop sort of was sitting on a horseshoe for a little bit there," Montreal defenseman P.K. Subban said. "He's played well, but he's been lucky, as well. I think seeing him being pulled out of the net is a confidence booster for our team." Ondrej Palat, who had 16 goals and 63 points during the regular season, scored once and set up the Lightning's other tally Thursday to match his point total from the previous six contests.

ABOUT THE CANADIENS: Montreal netted only eight goals in the five regular-season meetings and four more in the first three games of the series before leading scorer Max Pacioretty set up one tally and scored short-handed in the first 8:43 of Game 3 to ignite the rout. "This group won three out of four elimination games in the playoffs last year, so we knew what to expect and we played with that desperation we needed to have," Pacioretty said. "But we're still down three games to one and we need to play with that same desperation the next game and hope to creep into their mind by playing the right way." Pacioretty finished with three points while Subban and Alex Galchenyuk added two assists each.

TRENDS:

*Lightning are 5-0 in the last 5 meetings in Montreal.
*Canadiens are 1-5 in their last 6 vs. a team with a winning % above .600.
*Over is 8-3-2 in the last 13 meetings.
*Over is 6-1-2 in Canadiens last 9 home games.

**StarDust Bum** · 05-09-2015, 03:11 AM

Preview: Royals (18-10) at Tigers (18-11)
Game: 2
Venue: Comerica Park
Date: May 09, 2015 1:08 PM EDT

The Detroit Tigers moved past the Kansas City Royals atop the AL Central with a walkoff win in the series opener.

They appear to have a good chance to pad their lead with Anibal Sanchez taking the mound at Comerica Park.

After carrying a perfect game into the sixth inning last weekend in Kansas City, Sanchez looks to continue his home dominance against the Royals on Saturday.

A pitchers' duel between David Price and Yordano Venture never materialized Friday, as the Tigers scored four in the second inning before Kansas City tied it with four in the fourth. It was a 5-5 game in the ninth when Royals reliever Yohan Pino, called up earlier in the day, threw wildly to first base on Ian Kinsler's bunt attempt, allowing Anthony Gose to score the winning run.

The Tigers (19-11), who split a four-game series with the Royals last week, moved one-half game ahead of Kansas City (18-11).

Detroit is hopeful the victory didn't come at a cost, however, as Price left the game in the seventh inning with a leg injury sustained from stepping on a discarded bat.

'Any injury is concerning, especially when you are talking about the ace of your staff,' Tigers manager Brad Ausmus said. 'But I'm less concerned now that I've heard the diagnosis.'

Ausmus also probably isn't too concerned with giving the ball to Sanchez (2-3, 5.11 ERA), who has won his last five starts against the Royals.

The right-hander retired the first 15 batters and wound up allowing three runs and four hits over 7 1-3 innings in Sunday's 6-4 win. He is 6-2 with a 1.40 ERA in eight career starts against Kansas City for his lowest ERA against any club he has faced more than once.

'I guess I just know them really well,' Sanchez said when asked why he continually stymies the Royals. 'We'll see. I face them again in my next start.'

This one could be even better considering he has a 0.77 ERA in winning all three of his starts versus Kansas City in Detroit.

Salvador Perez is 2 for 17 against Sanchez, Lorenzo Cain is 3 for 16 and Eric Hosmer is 6 for 25, though, Hosmer did double in last week's matchup.

Jeremy Guthrie (1-2, 6.52) opposed Sanchez last week, permitting six runs and 11 hits in six innings to take the loss. Miguel Cabrera again made life miserable for Guthrie, going 3 for 3 with a homer in their matchups while Alex Avila and Yoenis Cespedes had two hits apiece.

He has yielded at least four runs in four of five starts and his .376 opponent on-base percentage is the fourth-worst in the AL.

"Hitters have slumps and pitchers have slumps," Royals manager Ned Yost told MLB's official website. "You have to allow them, especially when they're veteran guys, to work through slumps

"I thought he threw the ball better (Sunday) than he did last time, and I thought he threw the ball better last time than he did the time before. We're making progress."

Despite being knocked around last week, Guthrie has proven he can pitch well against the Tigers. Though, there's also a chance he could get hit hard again. Since the start of last season, Guthrie has a 1.50 in two wins in the series but a 14.21 ERA in three losses.

Cabrera is batting .358 with four home runs and a double against Guthrie in 53 at_bats and Nick Castellanos, who doubled off the right-hander last weekend, is 5 for 12 with three doubles in their all-time matchups.

SERIES AT A GLANCE

GAME 1
Royals at Tigers
Fri, May 8 Final 5 to 6
Boxscores • Recaps

GAME 2
Royals at Tigers
Sat, May 9 - 1:08PM EDT

GAME 3
Royals at Tigers
Sun, May 10 - 8:05PM EDT

**StarDust Bum** · 05-09-2015, 03:14 AM

Preview: Orioles (12-15) at Yankees (19-11)
Game: 3
Venue: Yankee Stadium
Date: May 09, 2015 1:05 PM EDT

There's no guarantee the Baltimore Orioles will have Adam Jones or Ryan Flaherty available as they try to snap a four-game losing streak.

Their absences would especially be a big blow because of how they produce in day games.

Both are among the best day hitters in baseball and the Orioles could use their bats when they continue this four-game road series Saturday against the New York Yankees.

Jones crashed into the fence in the fifth inning of Friday's 5-4 defeat trying to catch a fly ball off the bat of Alex Rodriguez. He stayed in the game and went 1 for 5; he is 2 for 16 in this losing streak which is one shy of the Orioles' longest.

"He's going to be pretty sore tomorrow, we'll see," manager Buck Showalter said. "Not sure if it's (his) ribs there, I took a look at the replay between innings to see what he hit, whether he just stretched his shoulder."

Flaherty went 0 for 2 with two runs scored Friday in his return to the lineup after missing 11 games due to a strained right groin. His manager will check on his status because the second baseman didn't look healthy running the bases.

"The last thing he wants to go is back on the DL," Showalter said. "I just wanted to make sure he doesn't have a recurrence of that groin."

Both may want to play Saturday because of the early start.

Baltimore (12-15) leads the majors with a .318 average in day games with an AL-best .516 slugging percentage. Jones is second in the majors with a .576 average in day games, Flaherty is tied for sixth at .444 and Jimmy Paredes is 23rd at .385.

The Yankees are last in the majors with a .187 average in day games.

A day game could also benefit Chris Davis, who is 3 for 16 with 10 strikeouts in this losing streak and 2 for 20 with 14 strikeouts against New York (19-11) this year. Davis bats .333 in day games compared to .206 at night.

Those hitters will be up against Chase Whitley (1-0, 0.75 ERA), who was impressive in his second start Monday with seven scoreless innings in a 3-1 loss at Toronto.

The right-hander went 0-1 with a 14.29 ERA in three appearances - one start - against Baltimore last year. Davis went 2 for 3 with a homer in those games.

The Yankees have received a combined 4 1-3 hitless innings from relievers Dellin Betances and Andrew Miller to capture the first two games by one run. Neither, however, has pitched three consecutive days this year so manager Joe Girardi may not have the option of going to them.

'Ever since I can remember in 1996, if you gave us a lead after six innings, there was a really, really good chance we were going to close the door," Girardi said. "And our club feeds off that.'

Orioles starter Wei-Yin Chen (0-1, 2.83) is 0-4 with a 3.62 ERA in his last nine starts, including two in the postseason. He is 2-4 with a 5.18 ERA in 10 regular-season starts against New York.

Jacoby Ellsbury is 7 for 16 off the left-hander and Brett Gardner - 4 for 8 in this series - is 5 for 15. Rodriguez is 2 for 13 with a homer against Chen.

Ellsbury is batting .489 during an 11-game streak.

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 Final 4 to 5
Boxscores • Recaps

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

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

**StarDust Bum** · 05-09-2015, 03:16 AM

Preview: Red Sox (13-16) at Blue Jays (15-15)
Game: 2
Venue: Rogers Centre
Date: May 09, 2015 1:07 PM EDT

A couple days after the Boston Red Sox fired their pitching coach, it might be fair to wonder if the hitting coach's job is also in jeopardy.

The scuffling Red Sox try to avoid a seventh loss in eight games Saturday when they continue this three-game series against the Toronto Blue Jays.

Boston made a move to try to improve the worst pitching staff in the AL, firing pitching coach Juan Nieves on Thursday. The Red Sox have a 4.95 ERA and the starters' mark jumped to 5.56 after Wade Miley allowed four runs over six innings in Friday's 7-0 loss to Toronto (15-15).

Manager John Farrell handled pitching coach duties in the series opener and will again for this game. He said Boston is 'working through some logistics' with its new hire and could announce a replacement as early as Saturday.

Whoever gets the job shouldn't be asked to work wonders, something first-year hitting coach Chili Davis has been unable to do with an offense that ranks near the bottom of the AL with a .234 batting average. The Red Sox (13-16), who finished 13th in the AL last year hitting .244, have scored 15 runs and batted .196 the last seven games.

'This will get better when we get back to full strength,' Farrell said. 'David (Ortiz) comes back to us tomorrow, Hanley (Ramirez) is close to that, so better days are ahead.'

Farrell's team managed just two hits and went 0 for 7 with runners in scoring position Friday, dropping to 4 for 52 in such situations this month. Pablo Sandoval (1 for 15), Mike Napoli (4 for 33) and Daniel Nava (1 for 30) are all mired in slumps.

'Obviously this lineup is going to hit,' Miley said. 'We're capable of getting ridiculous. Right now it's a little slow but, like I said, this lineup is going to hit.'

At least those hitters will be facing the struggling Drew Hutchison (2-0, 7.47 ERA), whose ERA is the highest in the AL among qualifying pitchers.

The right-hander has pitched past the fifth inning in only two of his six starts and his 6.6 strikeouts per nine innings are a career low. He allowed six runs for the second straight game Sunday, lasting 4 1-3 innings in a 10-7 loss at Cleveland.

Hutchison's career ERA in five starts against Boston ballooned to 6.04 after he was tagged for six runs over four-plus innings in an 11-8 loss at Fenway Park on April 28.

Sandoval went 3 for 3 with a pair of doubles off Hutchison in that contest.

Josh Donaldson and Chris Colabello hit solo home runs Friday as the Blue Jays posted the 3,000th win in franchise history.

Toronto has won three of four on its six-game homestand and will try to extend that momentum against Joe Kelly (1-1, 5.72).

After allowing three runs over 12 2-3 innings in his first two outings, the right-hander has posted an 8.62 ERA in his past three. He turned in his shortest start of the season Sunday in an 8-5 loss to the New York Yankees, yielding five runs and nine hits in 4 2-3 innings.

Kelly's previous start came against Toronto and he was only slightly better. He completed six innings but surrendered five runs, five hits and three walks while striking out a career-high 10 before leaving without a decision in a 6-5 win.

Russell Martin is 4 for 8 with a home run and double in this matchup.

Kelly has never lost to an AL team on the road, going 5-0 with a 3.86 ERA in eight games - seven starts.

SERIES AT A GLANCE

GAME 1
Red Sox at Blue Jays
Fri, May 8 Final 0 to 7
Boxscores • Recaps

GAME 2
Red Sox at Blue Jays
Sat, May 9 - 1:07PM EDT

GAME 3
Red Sox at Blue Jays
Sun, May 10 - 1:07PM EDT

**StarDust Bum** · 05-09-2015, 03:18 AM

Preview: Braves (14-15) at Nationals (15-15)
Game: 2
Venue: Nationals Park
Date: May 09, 2015 4:05 PM EDT

Bryce Harper is on a tear and that may not bode well for Julio Teheran and the Atlanta Braves.

After back-to-back offensive displays put him in the record books, Harper will try to help the Washington Nationals to a ninth win in 11 tries Saturday against the Braves.

Harper is among baseball's leaders with 10 homers and 25 RBIs, but he's joined that elite group rather quickly. The right fielder is 6 for 8 with five homers and 10 RBIs in his last two games.

He was 6 for 31 with no homers and four RBIs over the nine previous contests before becoming the youngest player (22) in baseball history with five homers in two games and the first to do it for the Nationals/Expos franchise.

"Don't touch him," left-hander Gio Gonzalez said. "You might get third-degree burns. That guy's on fire."

Harper can become the first player to have six homers in three games since Hee-Seop Choi did it with the Los Angeles Dodgers from June 10-12, 2005.

Harper followed Wednesday's three-homer game with two more in the Nationals' 9-2 series-opening win over Atlanta (14-15) on Friday.

"Just trying to go about my business the right way, and keeping my same routine every day," said Harper, who is 8 for 19 (.421) with three doubles and two homers off Teheran.

Teheran (3-1, 3.82 ERA) is looking to show he's recovered from his last meeting with Washington (15-15), matching his career high by surrendering seven runs - three earned - and two homers in 5 2-3 innings while not figuring in the decision of a 13-12 loss April 28.

That was part of a three-start stretch, during which the right-hander went 0-1 with a 7.20 ERA and served up six homers with seven walks in 15 innings.

He snapped out of that funk by relying heavily on his fastball Sunday, striking out a season-high six and allowing three hits in six innings of a 5-0 win over Cincinnati.

"My mindset coming in was to fight and really focus on this game," Teheran told MLB's official website. "I know that's something I didn't have a couple starts ago."

He's 2-1 with a 2.70 ERA in his last three starts in Washington, fanning 20 in 20 innings and holding the Nationals to a .197 average.

Washington counters with Doug Fister (2-1, 2.61), who is facing the Braves for the second time in three starts. The right-hander was tagged for five runs and 10 hits in 5 2-3 innings of an 8-4 loss April 27.

Still, he's 3-1 with a 2.28 ERA in four career starts against Atlanta, winning both in the nation's capital while tossing 15 scoreless innings.

Fister bounced back from the most recent matchup impressively on Sunday, yielding five hits in 6 1-3 innings of a 1-0 road win over the New York Mets.

"Location, fastball were the biggest thing," Fister said. "It was really a matter of throwing the changeup to offset the fastball and really locate the fastball."

This is a favorable matchup for Freddie Freeman, who is 4 for 11 against Fister after collecting two hits last month.

Freeman is batting .468 in 12 games, going 11 for 20 with five doubles and eight RBIs in the last five.

SERIES AT A GLANCE

GAME 1
Braves at Nationals
Fri, May 8 Final 2 to 9
Boxscores • Recaps

GAME 2
Braves at Nationals
Sat, May 9 - 4:05PM EDT

GAME 3
Braves at Nationals
Sun, May 10 - 1:35PM EDT

**StarDust Bum** · 05-09-2015, 03:21 AM

Preview: Reds (14-14) at White Sox (10-15)
Game: 2
Venue: U.S. Cellular Field
Date: May 09, 2015 7:10 PM EDT

Carlos Rodon's highly anticipated first major league start will take place as scheduled Saturday but will now serve as the finale to a doubleheader after the Chicago White Sox's series opener against the Cincinnati Reds was rained out.

In the opener, Reds right-hander Johnny Cueto will try to continue his success in interleague play while Joey Votto serves a one-game suspension.

Rodon, the No. 3 pick in the 2014 draft, is getting a start because Jeff Samardzija is serving a five-game suspension for his part in a brawl April 23 against Kansas City. Even if the prized prospect pitches well, White Sox manager Robin Ventura said the left-hander might still head back to the bullpen.

"There's no guarantees that he's gonna stay in the rotation even if he has a good game," Ventura said. "I expect him to have a good game. The way it sits right now he would still be back in the bullpen and getting us some innings there."

Rodon (0-0, 2.84 ERA) has made three appearances since being called up from the minors April 20 and tossed three scoreless innings in his latest one last Saturday in Minnesota.

First, the White Sox (10-15) will try to hand Cueto a rare loss against an AL opponent. The Reds starter is 12-5 with a 2.48 ERA in 23 career interleague starts, giving him the most wins by an NL pitcher since the start of the 2008 season. He did not get a decision in his only start against the White Sox on June 20, 2009.

Cueto (2-3, 2.72) is coming off his least effective outing of this season, a 5-0 loss in Atlanta on Sunday. He gave up five runs - three in the first inning - and nine hits in a season-low six innings after recording a 1.95 ERA in his first five starts.

Votto will miss the first game because he made contact with home plate umpire Chris Conroy in Thursday's 3-0 win in Pittsburgh. The first baseman is batting .311 with seven homers and 18 RBIs in 28 games.

"I want to be back as soon as possible to help the team, and missing ... the fewer the games, the better," he said. "But I do feel like I have to pay a price for my actions."

Zack Cozart, batting .304 with five homers and 12 RBIs, might end a three-game absence for Cincinnati (14-14) because of wrist and hand injuries. Devin Mesoraco (hip) could return to the starting lineup for the first time since April 11 but likely as a designated hitter.

Jason Marquis (3-1, 5.22), who has been the beneficiary of a combined 28 runs of support in his prior three starts, will seek a fourth consecutive win in the finale.

The veteran right-hander gave up three runs in 6 1-3 innings in an 8-4 win in Atlanta last Saturday. He's 2-1 with a 9.00 ERA in four career starts versus the White Sox with the most recent June 21, 2008.

In the opening game, Chicago right-hander Hector Noesi (0-3, 6.75) will seek to snap a six-start losing streak that dates to Sept. 14. He gave up five runs in 4 1-3 innings in a 5-3 loss at Minnesota last Saturday and will make his first start against Cincinnati.

He was 1-1 with a 2.65 ERA in three interleague starts in 2014.

SERIES AT A GLANCE

GAME 1
Reds at White Sox RAIN OUT
Fri, May 8 - 8:10PM EDT

GAME 2
Reds at White Sox DOUBLE HEADER
Sat, May 9 - 7:40PM EDT

GAME 3
Reds at White Sox
Sun, May 10 - 2:10PM EDT

**StarDust Bum** · 05-09-2015, 03:23 AM

Preview: Twins (17-13) at Indians (10-18)
Game: 2
Venue: Progressive Field
Date: May 09, 2015 4:10 PM EDT

With a boost from Torii Hunter, the Minnesota Twins continued their hot hitting in the opener of their six-game road trip.

The Twins will try to keep rolling at the plate Saturday while spoiling Cleveland Indians left-hander Bruce Chen's return to the majors.

Hunter went 4 for 4, homered and drove in four runs in a 9-3 victory Friday. The Twins' 13 hits gave them double digits in eight of the last 11 games.

Minnesota (17-13), winners in nine of those contests, are batting .316 with 78 runs in that stretch. The Twins have also won 16 of 23 since their 1-6 start.

"The first seven games it wasn't us," Hunter said. 'We were down, but we found our groove. We started playing Twins' baseball."

Hunter, batting .441 with three homers and 11 RBIs in eight games this month, will try to keep Chen from winning in his first major league start since July 27, 2014. The left-hander took a 10-3 loss to Cleveland in that game for Kansas City.

Chen, who turns 38 next month, was released by the Royals in September and signed a minor league contract with Cleveland in February. He went 2-1 with a 1.74 ERA in five starts at Triple-A Columbus and is getting this chance after left-hander T.J. House went on the disabled list because of an ailing shoulder.

"When I told (my daughters) that daddy was going back to the big leagues, that was one of the greatest moments as a father, to tell your kids. Then I told my (parents)," Chen told MLB's official website. "I'm very grateful for this opportunity."

Chen is 5-6 with a 5.42 ERA in 13 career starts against Minnesota, including 1-1 with a 10.38 ERA in his two last season. He gave up six runs in 3 2-3 innings in his lone start at Target Field in 2014 and is 1-3 with a 9.68 ERA in his last four there.

Minnesota's Phil Hughes (1-4, 5.02) is hoping to see some more generous run support after receiving his first win of the season Monday with an 8-7 victory against visiting Oakland. The right-hander gave up season highs of five runs and nine hits in six innings, but was put in line for the win with Hunter's three-run homer in the sixth.

Hughes took a 4-2 loss to Cleveland on April 18, allowing four runs in 6 2-3 innings, and is 0-1 with a 5.27 ERA in his last two matchups. He was 4-1 with a 2.37 ERA in his first six starts against the Indians.

Hughes will try to lead the Twins to their first four-game road win streak since July 2013. Minnesota is also seeking a fourth consecutive victory overall.

Hunter is 6 for 27 in his career versus Chen and batting .233 (10 for 43) versus left-handers this season. Trevor Plouffe has seven hits in his past 16 at_bats against the veteran - six for extra bases.

Roberto Perez went 3 for 3 with a solo homer in the win over Hughes earlier this season. He's 5 for 7 lifetime against the Twins starter.

SERIES AT A GLANCE

GAME 1
Twins at Indians
Fri, May 8 Final 9 to 3
Boxscores

GAME 2
Twins at Indians
Sat, May 9 - 4:10PM EDT

GAME 3
Twins at Indians
Sun, May 10 - 1:10PM EDT

**StarDust Bum** · 05-09-2015, 03:25 AM

Preview: Rangers (12-17) at Rays (16-14)
Game: 3
Venue: Tropicana Field
Date: May 09, 2015 6:10 PM EDT

The Tampa Bay Rays appear poised to successfully move on while dealing with injuries and illness to their pitching staff.

Relying on a minor-league call up to take the mound Saturday night, the Rays try to build on their latest victory over the Texas Rangers.

Hours after the team confirmed talented right-hander Alex Cobb will undergo season-ending elbow surgery and announced Drew Smyly was placed on the disabled list with shoulder soreness, Tampa Bay (16-14) snapped a three-game home skid with an 8-2 win over Texas on Friday.

"We're getting tested," first-year Rays president of baseball operations Matt Silverman told MLB's official website prior to that contest.

Also without key position players Desmond Jennings (knee), John Jaso (wrist), and pitchers Matt Moore (elbow) and Jake McGee (elbow) for the time being, the Rays have met the challenge. Especially on the mound, where their 3.45 ERA is among the best in the AL.

Nathan Karns struck out nine and took a shutout into the eighth inning Friday to help Tampa Bay even the four-game set.

'We just get back to work,' Karns said. 'Next guy comes in, he's got a job to fill. Pretty much how we've been all year."

Matt Andriese (0-1, 5.54 ERA) will take his turn Saturday after Jake Odorizzi was scratched because of the flu. Andriese, who was recalled from Triple-A Durham, has appeared in five games this season and is 0-1 with a 7.71 ERA in two starts.

The right-hander allowed four runs and eight hits in 3 1-3 innings of a 5-3 loss to the New York Yankees in his most recent start April 19.

This will be his first appearance versus Texas (12-17), which managed six hits as its four-game winning streak ended Friday.

Prince Fielder, who had one of those hits, is batting .339 while hitting safely in all but five games. However, he struck out with the bases loaded in the eighth.

'I believe in what he's going to do for us this year ... keep loading the bases in front of him," manager Jeff Banister said about Fielder, who has a team-leading 14 RBIs.

Ross Detwiler (0-3, 6.57) will try for a sixth time to earn his first win with the Rangers. In 2009, the left-hander went 0-6 in 12 starts before earning his only victory while splitting time between Washington and the minors.

Detwiler yielded 18 runs in 12 1-3 innings of his first three starts but allowed only three while striking out 12 over the same number of innings in the last two. Texas, however, totaled one run with him on the mound in those two contests.

"I can't say enough about Detwiler," Banister said after the veteran gave up one run and four hits in seven innings of Monday's 2-1 victory that ended Houston's 10-game winning streak.

"Everybody had him out of the picture. Talk about grit."

Detwiler's only other start against the Rays came when he allowed four runs and walked five over six innings in 2009.

Brandon Guyer, who has never faced Detwiler, belted a pinch-hit, three-run homer in a game-breaking four-run sixth. Guyer is 8 for 13 with two homers and seven RBIs while recording four straight two-hit games at Tropicana Field.

SERIES AT A GLANCE

GAME 1
Rangers at Rays
Thu, May 7 Final 5 to 4
Boxscores • Recaps

GAME 2
Rangers at Rays
Fri, May 8 Final 2 to 8
Boxscores

GAME 3
Rangers at Rays
Sat, May 9 - 6:10PM EDT

GAME 4
Rangers at Rays
Sun, May 10 - 1:10PM EDT

**StarDust Bum** · 05-09-2015, 03:27 AM

Preview: Mets (18-11) at Phillies (11-19)
Game: 2
Venue: Citizens Bank Park
Date: May 09, 2015 7:05 PM EDT

The New York Mets' offense has been hurting and David Wright's return has been put on hold.

They may not need to put much on the scoreboard Saturday night when Jonathon Niese tries to continue his success against the Philadelphia Phillies.

New York (18-11) is batting .215 and scoring 2.8 runs per game on a 5-8 stretch after hitting .273 and averaging 5.2 runs during an 11-game winning streak.

To make matters worse, the Mets shut down Wright's rehabilitation program Friday after he developed back pain and there's no time table for a return. An MRI showed no structural damage to the third baseman, who was already trying to come back from a hamstring injury that landed him on the disabled list over three weeks ago.

"He's taking some medication and he'll be back doing his exercise and his stuff next week," manager Terry Collins said. "Obviously, it's going to be a couple of days."

New York was held to five hits in Friday's 3-1 loss at Philadelphia (11-19) but turning to Niese (2-2, 2.40 ERA) could help it rebound.

The left-hander is 4-0 with a 1.87 ERA over his last six starts against the Phillies, with all of them ending in Mets wins. He yielded one run and scattered nine hits in 6 1-3 innings of a 6-1 home win on April 15.

Niese has allowed one earned run in four of his first five starts, but he's trying to avoid a third straight losing one. He can't be blamed for the most recent last Saturday, giving up one run and nine singles in seven innings of a 1-0 loss to Washington.

"He limited the damage," manager Terry Collins told MLB's official website. "If you hold them to singles, you can give up some hits and still stay in the game."

Niese has held Ryan Howard and Chase Utley to a combined 7 for 58 with 16 strikeouts.

Howard hit a solo homer and Freddy Galvis went 3 for 3 Friday as Philadelphia ended a four-game losing streak to New York. Howard is 8 for 15 with two homers and five RBIs in four games, raising his average 57 points to .234.

"He's starting to look good," manager Ryne Sandberg said of Howard, who has hit all six of his homers in the last 15 games.

Galvis is among baseball's top hitters with a .351 average, going 6 for 10 in three meetings with the Mets.

The Phillies give the ball to Aaron Harang (3-2, 2.35), who has limited opponents to four hits over 14 1-3 scoreless innings and struck out 14 in his first two home starts with the Phillies.

The right-hander has a chance to become the first pitcher since 1914 to prevent a run through his first three home starts with Philadelphia. He can also become the first to go at least 15 shutout innings as host to begin his tenure with the Phillies since Nino Espinosa went 18 1-3 in 1979.

Harang was impressive at Atlanta on Monday, allowing one run and five hits in six innings of a 5-2 win.

He has a 1.04 ERA over his last four starts against the Mets, tossing six innings of one-run ball in a 2-0 loss at Citi Field on April 13.

SERIES AT A GLANCE

GAME 1
Mets at Phillies
Fri, May 8 Final 1 to 3
Boxscores • Recaps

GAME 2
Mets at Phillies
Sat, May 9 - 7:05PM EDT

GAME 3
Mets at Phillies
Sun, May 10 - 1:35PM EDT

**StarDust Bum** · 05-09-2015, 03:29 AM

Preview: Cardinals (22-7) at Pirates (13-16)
Game: 2
Venue: PNC Park
Date: May 09, 2015 7:05 PM EDT

The St. Louis Cardinals have thrived despite losing their staff ace two weeks ago.

They proved themselves plenty capable of winning without their hottest hitter at the moment, and the NL Central leaders look to continue their surge Saturday against the Pittsburgh Pirates.

Since two-time 20-game winner Adam Wainwright suffered a season-ending Achilles injury on April 25, the Cardinals (22-7) have won 10 of 13 games as their bullpen has picked up the slack for an adjusting rotation - their relievers have gone 6-0 with five saves and a 1.24 ERA in that span.

On Friday, manager Mike Matheny said Matt Carpenter would not play this weekend against Pittsburgh due to "extreme fatigue" and an accelerated heart rate, removing the team's leader in homers (5), RBIs (20), runs (23) and extra-base hits (20) from the lineup. St. Louis didn't skip a beat without the third baseman, collecting a season-high seven extra-base hits to open this three-game set with an 8-5 victory, its 10th in 11 games.

Matt Holliday and Kolten Wong belted three-run homers as the duo, along with leadoff hitter Peter Bourjos, went a combined 6 for 14 with four runs scored.

Wong has been a key contributor to the Cardinals' best start in modern history - he's 13 for 22 with two homers, eight RBIs and a 1.545 OPS while hitting safely in his last six games - and 6 for 9 with two homers in his last two games against Pittsburgh.

'Hitting in front of Holliday definitely gives me an opportunity to see more fastballs obviously,' said Wong, who's batting .340. 'I'm just trying to hold this spot for Carp.'

While Wong has delivered some offense, Carlos Martinez (3-0, 3.64 ERA) has tried to help fill the gaping void created by Wainwright's injury. The right-hander struggled for the first time this season on Monday when the Chicago Cubs tagged him for a career-worst seven runs and nine hits in 3 2-3 innings, more than doubling his ERA after entering the game with a 1.72 mark.

The Cardinals, though, rallied for a 10-9 win.

"Every day is a lesson," said Martinez, who has a 1.29 ERA on the road, to MLB's official website after that outing. "(Monday) was a little difficult, but I know that I can compete and know that I can be very good."

Pittsburgh (13-16) has dropped six of seven and needs a win to avoid a 10-game deficit to St. Louis after 30 games played.

'You've got to keep playing,' Pirates manager Clint Hurdle said. 'The season is not going to stop. We did some good things tonight offensively, found some traction there and found some momentum there.'

Andrew McCutchen went 2 for 5 for his first back-to-back multihit games this season but still hasn't homered in 23 games dating to April 12. His .219 average is a career low through the first 29 games of a season.

Vance Worley (2-2, 3.90) will try to win for the third time in as many starts at home this year. He allowed a solo homer to Carpenter and three other hits over six innings Sunday in Pittsburgh's 3-2, 14-inning loss.

The right-hander has a 1.54 ERA at home, but those two outings are the only time the Pirates have scored when he's pitched. Worley's 2.10 run support average is among the lowest in the majors.

Worley won't mind Carpenter's absence given he's 6 for 9 with a homer lifetime against him. Jason Heyward, though, is 6 for 14 with a homer.

SERIES AT A GLANCE

GAME 1
Cardinals at Pirates
Fri, May 8 Final 8 to 5
Boxscores • Recaps

GAME 2
Cardinals at Pirates
Sat, May 9 - 7:05PM EDT

GAME 3
Cardinals at Pirates
Sun, May 10 - 1:35PM EDT

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