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**StarDust Bum** · 05-13-2015, 12:45 AM

NBA ATS

NBA > (737) WASHINGTON@ (738) ATLANTA | 05/13/2015 - 08:05 PM
Play ON ATLANTA using the against the spread in All games when playing against a team with a winning record
The record is 27 Wins and 12 Losses for the this season (+13.8 units)

NBA MONEYLINE

NBA > (737) WASHINGTON@ (738) ATLANTA | 05/13/2015 - 08:05 PM
Play ON ATLANTA using the money line in All games in a home game where where the total is between 195 and 199.5 points
The record is 16 Wins and 2 Losses for the last two seasons (+13.9 units)

NBA > (739) MEMPHIS@ (740) GOLDEN STATE | 05/13/2015 - 10:35 PM
Play ON MEMPHIS using the money line in Road games against Pacific division opponents
The record is 15 Wins and 5 Losses for the last two seasons (+15.15 units)

NBA TOTALS

NBA > (737) WASHINGTON@ (738) ATLANTA | 05/13/2015 - 08:05 PM
Play UNDER ATLANTA on the total in Home games in all playoff games
The record is 12 Overs and 35 Unders for the since 1992 (+21.8 units)

NBA > (739) MEMPHIS@ (740) GOLDEN STATE | 05/13/2015 - 10:35 PM
Play UNDER MEMPHIS on the total in All games versus poor defensive teams - allowing 99+ points/game - 2nd half of the season
The record is 8 Overs and 21 Unders for the this season (+12.2 units)

NBA TOP POWERLINES

NBA > (737) WASHINGTON @ (738) ATLANTA | 05/13/2015 - 08:05 PM
Line: ATLANTA -8 BTB PowerLine: ATLANTA -4
Edge On: ATLANTA (4)

NBA > (739) MEMPHIS @ (740) GOLDEN STATE | 05/13/2015 - 10:35 PM
Line: GOLDEN STATE -9.5 BTB PowerLine: GOLDEN STATE -9
Edge On: GOLDEN STATE (0.5)

**StarDust Bum** · 05-13-2015, 12:48 AM

NHL MONEYLINE

NHL > (23) WASHINGTON@ (24) NY RANGERS | 05/13/2015 - 07:35 PM
Play ON NY RANGERS using the money line in All games vs. division opponents
The record is 30 Wins and 11 Losses for the this season (+17.45 units)

NHL PUCKLINE

NHL > (23) WASHINGTON@ (24) NY RANGERS | 05/13/2015 - 07:35 PM
Play ON NY RANGERS using the in All games vs. division opponents
The record is 30 Wins and 11 Losses for the this season (+17.45 units)

**StarDust Bum** · 05-13-2015, 12:49 AM

Wednesday's Tip Sheet

May 12, 2015

**Hawks at Wizards**

-- Atlanta (66-26 SU, 54-36-2 ATS) pulled even at 2-2 in its Easter Conference best-of-seven semifinals series by capturing a 106-101 win Monday night at Washington as a 4.5-point road favorite. The Hawks also covered the number for first-quarter (-1) and first-half wagers (-2.5). Mike Budenholzer's team got a stop in the final seconds of the first stanza to take a 29-26 advantage into the second quarter, a stanza it dominated to go into intermission with a 65-55 lead. For second-half bets, the Wizards took the cash as 1/2-point 'chalk' (+9.5 adjusted). The 207 combined points soared 'over' the 198-point total.

-- Jeff Teague had been struggling mightily in Atlanta's four previous games, including a series-clinching win at Brooklyn in Game 6 of the opening round. He had been playing through the pain of a sprain ankle sustained in Game 5 vs. the Nets. Since then, the first-time All-Star out of Wake Forest had been averaging only 9.5 points per game (compared to a 15.9 PPG average during the regular season) and shooting at an abysmal 26.1 percent clip from the field. However, on Monday night in D.C., Teague returned to form with a team-high 26-point effort. He also had eight assists compared to just one turnover and also had a pair of steals.

-- Following a dreadful Game 3 that saw him coming off the bench to play just 22 minutes due to flu-like symptoms, Paul Millsap responded with a dominant first half when he scored 15 points and dished out six assists. The two-time All-Star finished with 19 points, six assists, five rebounds and two steals. Al Horford produced 18 points, 10 rebounds, three assists, two steals and a pair of blocked shots, playing with great activity and energy on both ends of the court.

-- Dennis Schroder had another strong game with 14 points, eight assists and four rebounds. Budenholzer gave him increased minutes (nearly 30) and played him in tandem with Teague at times. Mike Scott, who hit two huge 3's in back-to-back fashion during the fourth quarter of Atlanta's miraculous Game 3 rally that was ruined by Paul Pierce's game-winning buzzer beater, took his second 'DNP' of the series. Budenholzer instead gave his minutes to Mike Muscala, whose development gave the Hawks enough confidence to trade Adreian Payne at mid-season for Minnesota's first-round pick this summer. Muscala, who hit a game-tying trey in Saturday's Game 3 prior to Pierce's heroics, made 3-of-5 shots in 14 minutes of action for six points and two rebounds.

-- Despite trailing by 10 going into the fourth quarter and by nine with 3:40 remaining, Washington (52-38 straight up, 39-48-3 against the spread) took its turn at nearly staging a crazy comeback in Game 4. The Wizards cut the deficit to 104-101 on a Nene bucket in the paint with 36 ticks remaining. Following a stop and a timeout, they got a great look off the inbounds pass with Pierce free from the right wing for a triple to tie. The future Hall of Famer, who has been terrific the entire series, missed on this occasion, though. Millsap was fouled with 0.9 seconds left and made both free throws to give the Hawks the spread cover.

-- Bradley Beal was sensational in Monday's losing effort, tallying 34 points, seven assists, six rebounds, three steals and one blocked shot. Pierce, who has made at least a pair of 3-pointers in all eight of Washington's postseason games, went 5-of-7 from long distance and finished with 22 points, five rebounds and three blocked shots. Ramon Sessions had 13 points (5-14 FGs), five assists, four rebounds, one steal and one turnover. Nene was also in double figures with 12 points and seven boards. Will Bynum provided quality minutes off the bench, scoring 10 points on 5-of-7 shooting from the floor in just 14-plus minutes of playing time. Marcin Gortat had just three points on 1-of-7 shooting from the field.

-- Washington played without John Wall on Monday for a third straight game due to fractures in his wrist, which appears entirely too swollen for him to return at any point in this series. In the first five games of the playoffs, Wall was averaging 17.4 points, 12.6 assists, 4.6 rebounds and 1.4 blocked shots per game.

-- As of Tuesday afternoon, most betting shops had Atlanta listed as a nine-point favorite with a total of 199.5 for Wednesday's Game 5 at Philips Arena. Gamblers can back the Wizards on the money line for a +400 return (risk $100 to win $400).

-- Sportsbook.ag has the updated series price as Atlanta -700, Washington +500.

-- Totals have been an overall wash (44-44-2) for the Wizards, but the 'under' is 25-19-1 in their road assignments.

-- The 'over' is 47-45 overall for the Hawks this year, but the 'under' is 24-22 in their home games.

-- Chris David of VegasInsider.com has been riding the Hawks team total 'over' in this series and he's not giving up on it anytime soon. "The Hawks have scored 98, 106, 101 and 106 points in this series against the Wizards and you could argue that they haven't played a great game yet. They’ve had some unbelievable halves but there hasn’t been a wire-to-wire domination for 48 minutes. If they ever do, Atlanta could light up the Wizards for 110-plus and that shouldn’t surprising considering Atlanta has done 17 times this season. I’m on ‘over’ 102.5 for Game 5.” -- Tip-off is scheduled for 8:00 p.m. ET on TNT.

**Grizzlies at Warriors**

-- Just like the East's top seed Atlanta, the West's top dog Golden State (73-17 SU, 50-39-1 ATS) needed a road win Monday to pull even at 2-2 with Memphis in this conference semifinals showdown. The Warriors got just that at The Grindhouse by virtue of a 101-84 victory as four-point road favorites. The 185 combined points stayed 'under' the 196-point total.

-- As of Tuesday afternoon, Golden State was installed as a 9.5-point 'chalk' with a total of 195 for Wednesday's Game 5. The Grizzlies are +415 on the money line (risk $100 to win $415).

-- Steve Kerr's team took control of Game 4 from the outset, racing out to a 28-20 lead at the end of the first quarter. Golden St. would go to halftime with a 61-44 advantage and Memphis never got the deficit into single digits in the second half. Steph Curry was the catalyst with 33 points, eight rebounds, five assists and two steals. Draymond Green added 16 points, 10 boards, four assists, two steals and a pair of blocked shots. Klay Thompson (15 points), Harrison Barnes (12) and Andre Iguodala (11) were also in double figures for the winners. Andrew Bogut made his presence felt with nine rebounds, four assists, three steals and three blocks.

-- Although the Warriors got back into the win column Monday, turnovers remain an issue. They committed 21 in Game 4, including seven from Green and four apiece from Bogut and Curry.

-- With Mo Speights (calf) missing Game 4, David Lee finally provided some decent minutes. Lee, a former All-Star who missed the New Orleans series with an injury, wasn't terrific by any means, but he did contribute five points, one rebounds, one block and one assist without a turnover. Speights is expected to miss the rest of the series.

-- Memphis (61-30 SU, 45-43-3 ATS) didn't get much production from anyone outside of Marc Gasol in Game 4. Gasol finished with 19 points, 10 rebounds and six assists compared to only one turnover. Zach Randolph had a double-double with 12 points and 11 boards, but he committed four turnover and didn't pass out any helpers. Mike Conley made only 4-of-15 shots and finished with 10 points, seven assists, three rebounds, three steals and three turnovers. Jeff Green and Vince Carter and 12 and 10 points from off the bench, respectively.

-- If you're still a believer in the Grizzlies in this series, there's money to be made. Sportsbook.ag has the updated series price: Golden St. -1000, Memphis +650.

-- Memphis owns a 22-23 spread record on the road this year.

-- The 'under' is 49-40-1 overall for the Warriors, but totals have been a wash (22-22-1) in their home games. They have seen the 'under' cash in five straight games and six of their last six.

-- David drilled the Memphis team total 'under' in Game 4 and he likes it again in Game 5. He explained his stance. "I was happy to see Kerr force the Grizzlies to shoot from the outside and it paid off in Game 4 as they went 4-of-18 (22.2%) from the field. The team total (93) is a tad lower for Wednesday but I don’t see Memphis coming close to this number again due to its outside shooting. The Warriors don’t get a lot of credit defensively but they’re ranked first in defensive efficiency and field goal percentage defense. They’re allowing 96 PPG in the playoffs and that number drops to 92 PPG if you toss out the overtime battle in Game 3 versus New Orleans in the first round. With that being said, I’ll play the averages again and go ‘under’ in Game 5." -- The 'under' has been a major money maker in Memphis games, going 53-36-2 overall. The Grizzlies have seen their totals produce a wash (22-22-1) in road assignments.. They have seen the 'under' go 8-2 in their last 10 games.

-- TNT will have the broadcast at 10:35 p.m. ET.

**StarDust Bum** · 05-13-2015, 12:52 AM

Game 7 - Capitals at Rangers

May 12, 2015

The Rangers are seeking their second straight Eastern Conference title, but need one more win over the Capitals to advance to the conference finals. New York trailed Washington, 3-1, but the Rangers have pulled off back-to-back victories to even up their series at 3-3 heading back to Madison Square Garden on Wednesday night for the decisive Game 7 of the conference semifinals.

New York opened as a -175 home favorite (Bet $175 to win $100) at Sportsbook.ag, as all 11 of its postseason games in the two rounds against the Penguins and Capitals have been decided by one goal each. The Rangers have seen seven of those games finish with a 2-1 score (five wins), while the ‘under’ is a solid 8-2-1 this postseason. The total has closed at 5 in each of the first 11 games, but Sportsbook.ag opened up the Game 7 total at 4 ½, with the ‘over’ shaded at -130 (Bet $130 to win $100).

Washington enters Game 7 as a +155 underdog (Bet $100 to win $155), as the Capitals are playing a decisive Game 7 for the second straight round. The Capitals eliminated the other New York squad in the opening round, edging the Islanders, 2-1 at the Verizon Center as a -150 favorite to advance. Washington is playing in its first road Game 7 since the 2012 conference semifinals, when it faced the Rangers and lost 2-1 at MSG.

There have been 155 Game 7’s in the NHL Playoffs and the home squad owns a 96-59 (61.9%) record. In this season’s playoffs, the home team is 2-0 in Game 7’s, which is in stark contrast to the 1-6 mark put up by the home squads in 2014. The Capitals have captured one Game 7 victory by beating the Islanders in the last round, while the Lightning blanked the Red Wings, 2-0 as heavy -190 favorites.

Recent Game 7 History

The Rangers are no stranger to reaching the limit in a playoff series. New York has won five consecutive Game 7’s, while playing in its first Game 7 since last season’s second round against Pittsburgh.

New York

2014 – New York Rangers 2 at Pittsburgh Penguins 1 (Conference Semifinals)
2014 – Philadelphia Flyers 1 at New York Rangers 2 (Conference Quarterfinals)
2013 – New York Rangers 5 at Washington Capitals 0 (Conference Quarterfinals)

Washington

2015 – New York Islanders 1 at Washington Capitals 2 (Conference Quarterfinals)
2013 – New York Rangers 5 at Washington Capitals 0 (Conference Quarterfinals)
2012 – Washington Capitals 1 at New York Rangers 2 (Conference Semifinals)

NHL Game 7 Playoff History (2012-2014)

As mentioned above, road teams won 85 percent (6-1) of the Game 7’s in last year’s NHL Playoffs and that shouldn’t be surprising. In the previous three playoff campaigns, the road team has been competitive, going 10-6 in the previous 16 decisive battles. Five of the 16 went to an extra session but none of this year’s Game 7’s have seen overtime.

2014
Los Angeles Kings 5 at Chicago Blackhawks 4 (OT)
Los Angeles Kings 6 at Anaheim Ducks 2
Montreal Canadiens 3 at Boston Bruins 1
New York Rangers 2 at Pittsburgh Penguins 1
Philadelphia Flyers 3 at New York Rangers 4
Minnesota Wild 5 at Colorado Avalanche 4
Los Angeles Kings 5 at San Jose Sharks 1

2013
New York Rangers 5 at Washington Capitals 0
Toronto Maple Leafs 4 at Boston Bruins 5 (OT)
Detroit Red Wings 3 at Anaheim Ducks 2
Detroit Red Wings 1 at Chicago Blackhawks 2 (OT)
San Jose Sharks 1 at Los Angeles Kings 2

2012
Ottawa Senators 1 at New York Rangers 2
Washington Capitals 2 at Boston Bruins 1 (OT)
New Jersey Devils 3 at Florida Panthers 2 (2OT)
Washington Capitals 1 at New York Rangers 2

**StarDust Bum** · 05-13-2015, 12:54 AM

Rangers face Ovechkin, Caps in Game 7

May 12, 2015

GREENBURGH, N.Y. (AP) - The New York Rangers weren't wasting any time on Alexander Ovechkin's prediction of a Game 7 win for the Washington Capitals in the Eastern Conference semifinals.

Ovechkin said it on Monday and the Rangers didn't care Tuesday. The only thing they talked about after practice was being prepared for winner-take-all game Wednesday night at Madison Square Garden.

The Rangers usually are. They have won their last five Game 7s dating to 2012, including a win in Pittsburgh last season that capped a rally from a 3-1 deficit and the last two series against Washington (2012 and '13).

In the 2013 series, the Rangers overcame deficits of 2-0 and 3-1 to win. They are one win away from overcoming a 3-1 deficit in this series.

While the Capitals have Ovechkin leading the way, the Rangers have Henrik Lundqvist. The goaltender is 5-0 with a 0.80 goals-against average and a .973 save percentage in his last five Game 7 appearances.

''His focus and his preparation are by far one of the best I have seen in this game,'' Rangers coach Alain Vigneault said. ''For him and, I can say our group, these are moments to play for and I think everybody is looking forward to it.''

Game 7s are the dream of children playing hockey, with hopes of scoring the game-winning goal or coming up with the big save.

When they get older, it's a job, no matter how well you have done.

''The past is the past,'' Lundqvist said. ''You don't think about it, you just go in there and you focus the same way you focused the game before. It's great memories to have to win important games. Tomorrow is a new opportunity for the team here, so you have to be in the moment. You can't think about the last year and whatever. That doesn't really matter, You stay in the moment.''

Lundqvist expects to have butterflies before the game. He gets them every game, whether it's the season opener or the playoffs.

''When you start the playoffs, I talked about, you have to see it happen, you have to see good things happen to you and your team, and then you have to go out there and work for it,'' Lundqvist said. ''It starts with believing. We were in a tough spot in this series and we believed we could force another game, and another game, and now are here.''

Lundqvist refused to comment on Ovechkin's prediction, other than to say he was just trying to get himself ready for Game 7. The Capitals were doing to same thing in Washington.

''We're just going in there to concentrate for three periods, maybe four, maybe five,'' Ovechkin said. ''Whatever it takes.''

History is working against the Capitals. In all previous series that they led 3-1, the Capitals have been pushed to Game 7 four times and they're 0-4.

Since Ovechkin, Nicklas Backstrom and Mike Green made their playoff debuts in 2008, this is the ninth time in 11 playoff series that Washington has gone to a Game 7. The team is 3-5 in the previous eight. That core group has never made it out of the second round of the playoffs.

''There's an opportunity here and that's the key word - opportunity,' Green said. ''None of us wants that to go to waste. We want to create something special here, especially with his group of guys. It's been a lot of fun and it's not over yet.''

A closer look at the only game on the NHL playoff schedule Wednesday night:

Capitals at Rangers, series tied 3-3, 7:30 p.m. EDT, NBC Sports Network

NO VIDEO

Capitals coach Barry Trotz was asked whether he's gone back and watched any of the team's past Game 7s.

''No, because they're not the same team and I wasn't a part of it, so, no. And I won't, because it has no relevance on this series at all. Zero. Nothing,'' Trotz said.

RICK NASH ON RISK VS. REWARD

''It's a happy medium of making sure you're tight defensively but you've got to take chances to get the offensive battles,'' said Rick Nash, who led the Rangers with 42 goals during the season. ''When it's Game 7 and everything on the line, sometimes it's tough to take those.''

OVECHKIN AND BACKSTROM

Ovechkin led the NHL in goals with 53 this season and linemate Nicklas Backstrom was No. 1 in assists with 60. For all of their regular-season success in this year and others, they do not have particularly impressive individual numbers in Game 7s.

In eight previous Game 7s, Ovechkin and Backstrom have combined for three goals and four assists - but neither has scored a goal during the past five Game 7s. Backstrom has zero points in any of his last six Game 7s, while Ovechkin has no goals and two assists in his last five.

Ovechkin's last goal in a Game 7 came all the way back in 2009, and it was a meaningless late score in a 6-2 home loss to the Pittsburgh Penguins.

**StarDust Bum** · 05-13-2015, 01:28 AM

Preview: Cardinals (22-9) at Indians (11-19)
Game: 2
Venue: Progressive Field
Date: May 13, 2015 6:10 PM EDT

Corey Kluber is already on an impressive list as a Cy Young Award winner.

Failing to get a win over the St. Louis Cardinals on Wednesday would put Kluber atop a dubious one among those peers as he tries once more for his first victory of 2015.

Kluber is the third reigning Cy Young Award winner to go winless in his first seven starts the following season, joining Frank Viola (1989) and Zack Greinke (2010). While the trio have the common thread of poor run support - both Kluber and Viola were backed with 2.42 runs of support while going 0-5 in that span, and Greinke's was marginally better at 2.51 as he opened 0-4 - Kluber's 5.04 ERA is the worst of the three, slightly worse than Viola's 4.84 and more than double Greinke's 2.51.

To avoid being the first to have no wins after his first eight starts after winning a Cy Young Award will be a challenge considering Kluber has lost a career-high four straight starts. He yielded five runs and seven hits in 5 2-3 innings of a 7-4 defeat to Kansas City on Thursday and has a 7.43 ERA during this rough patch.

'Whether it's good or bad I don't think you dwell on it,' Kluber said. 'Each start is its own thing. That's when things compound on you when you try to look at three starts or five starts or whatever.'

Though the Indians' run support is well below last year's 4.39 per start for the right-hander, two intertwined numbers are bigger tell-tale signs of Kluber's struggles.

Opponents are batting .290 against Kluber, notably better than .233 in 2014, and their average on the balls put in play is .373 - third-highest in the AL and sixth-highest in the majors as opposed to .318 last year. Hitters have also been more aggressive, swinging at first pitches 34.2 percent of the time and compiling a .452 average in those instances compared to 29.8 percent and .345 in 2014.

The Cardinals (23-9), hitting .354 on the first pitch of an at-bat, regrouped with an 8-3 victory Tuesday, scoring all of their runs with two outs. Lance Lynn struck out nine in six shutout innings and Matt Holliday's three-run homer capped a four-run eighth to put away the game after the Indians pulled within one.

'Overall, relentless at_bats are the goal regardless of what the situation is,' Cardinals manager Mike Matheny said. 'We had some guys come up big.'

St. Louis also welcomed back Matt Carpenter, who went 2 for 5 with an RBI after missing last weekend's series at Pittsburgh due to extreme fatigue.

'The first time stepping in the box always feels a little foreign, but it usually comes back pretty quickly,' said Carpenter, who raised his average to .336. 'I hated not being able to play this game. I love being out here with these guys.'

John Lackey (2-1, 3.20) is coming off one of his better starts and has allowed two runs in 13 2-3 innings in his last two starts. The veteran right-hander stifled the Chicago Cubs on one run and five hits while posting season highs of 7 2-3 innings and 10 strikeouts in a 5-1 victory Thursday.

Lackey is 8-8 with a 3.94 ERA in 19 lifetime starts versus Cleveland, and David Murphy is 11 for 25 with a two doubles and a triple lifetime against him.

The Indians were denied back-to-back wins for the second time this year and are 5-11 at home. Nick Swisher, who went 0 for 3 on Tuesday, is 10 for 64 (.156) with 24 strikeouts versus Lackey.

SERIES AT A GLANCE

GAME 1
Cardinals at Indians
Tue, May 12 Final 8 to 3
Boxscores • Recaps

GAME 2
Cardinals at Indians
Wed, May 13 - 6:10PM EDT

GAME 3
Cardinals at Indians
Thu, May 14 - 12:10PM EDT

**StarDust Bum** · 05-13-2015, 01:31 AM

Preview: Blue Jays (16-17) at Orioles (14-16)
Game: 3
Venue: Oriole Park at Camden Yards
Date: May 13, 2015 7:05 PM EDT

Up until a few weeks ago, Baltimore's Jimmy Paredes probably would've been labeled either a journeyman or a utility infielder.

Now, he's an everyday player and one of the most productive players in baseball.

Paredes looks to continue his breakout season Wednesday night as the Orioles face the Toronto Blue Jays in the finale of this three-game series.

Paredes made an impression in 18 games with the Orioles (14-17) last year, batting .302 after he had a .234 average in his first 377 at_bats over parts of three seasons in stints with Houston and Kansas City.

Released and acquired off waivers three times before he was obtained from the Royals in July for cash considerations, Paredes hasn't stopped hitting since he was reinstated from the disabled list on April 18. He's been used exclusively lately as a designated hitter and also has seen time at second and third base.

He accounted for all of Baltimore's offense with a two-run single in Tuesday's 10-2 loss to Toronto, extending his hitting streak to 11 games. Paredes is batting .357 in 20 games with five home runs, 17 RBIs, six doubles, two triples and 16 runs. His 55 total bases since April 18 are tied for third in the AL during that span.

After dropping Monday's series opener, the Blue Jays (17-17) got two home runs from Edwin Encarnacion and another from Josh Donaldson en route to their sixth win in eight games against the Orioles.

Both of Encarnacion's homers were to the opposite field.

'I can't remember the last time I saw him do that,' manager John Gibbons said. 'That just shows you he's staying on the baseball.'

Encarnacion has reached base safely in 14 consecutive games and is batting .346 with three homers and 13 RBIs in that stretch. He is just 6 for 31 versus Baltimore this season, but four of his seven home runs have come in those matchups.

He's fared similarly against scheduled starter Miguel Gonzalez, going 3 for 22 with three homers.

Gonzalez (3-2, 3.57 ERA) tries to continue his success against the Blue Jays. He's gone 6-1 with a 2.13 ERA in his last nine starts versus Toronto, allowing 38 hits over 55 innings. He posted a 1.62 ERA in this matchup last season and won both decisions in three starts.

Gonzalez, though, struggled at Yankee Stadium on Friday, yielding five runs and five hits over a season-low four innings of a 5-4 loss.

The Blue Jays have averaged 7.4 runs against the Orioles this season, collecting 12 homers and 27 doubles among their 82 hits.

'They're swinging the bat. We're not,' said Manny Machado, who made one of Baltimore's season-high three errors. 'They're hitting in key situations, and we're just making too many errors. Plain and simple, we're making too many errors. Dumb mistakes that we shouldn't be doing. It's not like us.'

Aaron Sanchez (3-2, 3.62) hopes his teammates can continue their production as he tries to build off his best start. The right-hander allowed two hits over a career-best seven-plus innings and worked around five walks in a 7-0 victory over Boston on Friday.

Lack of command continues to be a concern for Sanchez, who has walked 11 in his last two starts and a major league-high 25 in 32 1-3 innings.

Seven of those walks came against the Orioles on April 22 but he survived by limiting them to two hits over 5 1-3 innings in a 4-2 victory.

Chris Davis is 4 for 4 with two homers against Sanchez.

SERIES AT A GLANCE

GAME 1
Blue Jays at Orioles
Mon, May 11 Final 2 to 5
Boxscores • Recaps

GAME 2
Blue Jays at Orioles
Tue, May 12 Final 10 to 2
Boxscores • Recaps

GAME 3
Blue Jays at Orioles
Wed, May 13 - 7:05PM EDT

**StarDust Bum** · 05-13-2015, 01:33 AM

Preview: Twins (18-14) at Tigers (19-13)
Game: 2
Venue: Comerica Park
Date: May 13, 2015 7:08 PM EDT

Minnesota has been among baseball's most productive clubs this season, having little issue scoring against virtually every opponent - except the Detroit Tigers.

Detroit shut down the Twins in Tuesday's series opener and will look to do so again Wednesday night at Comerica Park behind Kyle Lobstein.

Minnesota (18-15) had won nine of 11, going 42 for 122 (.344) with runners in scoring position and tallying six or more runs seven times. The Twins were 0 for 8 in those situations in a 2-1, 10-inning loss Tuesday, however, only getting a sacrifice fly from Torii Hunter.

They're averaging 2.3 runs while dropping six of seven meetings with Detroit, compared to 5.2 runs per game and a 17-9 record against other teams.

Minnesota was limited to six hits into the eighth inning against Alfredo Simon on Tuesday.

"(Alfredo) Simon was tough, but we had some opportunities against him and we just didn't get the kind of at_bats that we've had with runners in scoring position lately," manager Paul Molitor said.

The Tigers (20-13) haven't exactly been electric on offense recently, scoring five runs in their last three games. They dropped four of six prior to Tuesday's victory.

Anthony Gose, who scored the winning run on Ian Kinsler's single, is 12 for 29 with four doubles over his last seven games after a 2-for-4 performance. Kinsler had his fifth multihit game in his last eight games against Minnesota.

J.D. Martinez continued to hurt the Twins with his seventh homer of the season and is batting .364 with five home runs and 12 RBIs in his last 17 matchups.

Minnesota is hoping this matchup with Lobstein (3-2, 3.00 ERA) is similar to the first. The Twins reached him for six runs over 4 2-3 innings in a 12-3 win on Sept. 27.

The left-hander is coming off maybe his best outing ever, though. He threw a personal-best 7 2-3 innings while not surrendering an earned run for the first time in his career in Thursday's 4-1 win against the Chicago White Sox.

"He was outstanding," manager Brad Ausmus said.

Lobstein only has 15 strikeouts in 33 innings but his 58.3 groundball percentage is one of the highest in the AL.

Minnesota's Ricky Nolasco (2-1, 9.00) hasn't been any better since taking a month off to let elbow inflammation subside, at least not in the way of results. He has given up seven runs over 10 innings in two starts since returning, though the Twins backed him with 11 runs of support to help him win both.

He needed 94 pitches to get through five innings in a 6-5 win over Oakland on Thursday.

"I have a lot of hope for him," Molitor said. "I think he got set back with the inflammation in the elbow. He had a really good spring and I think he's motivated to do well. He's still kind of trying to find that groove."

Nolasco's lone loss was an 11-0 defeat at Detroit on April 8. He gave up six runs and walked four in three-plus innings after giving up a total of five runs in his three previous matchups.

Kinsler is 6 for 14 against Nolasco with three doubles.

SERIES AT A GLANCE

GAME 1
Twins at Tigers
Tue, May 12 Final 1 to 2
Boxscores • Recaps

GAME 2
Twins at Tigers
Wed, May 13 - 7:08PM EDT

GAME 3
Twins at Tigers
Thu, May 14 - 1:08PM EDT

**StarDust Bum** · 05-13-2015, 01:34 AM

Preview: Pirates (16-16) at Phillies (11-22)
Game: 3
Venue: Citizens Bank Park
Date: May 13, 2015 7:05 PM EDT

The Pittsburgh Pirates' offense is coming around following a terrible stretch, but staying hot could be tough given their troubles facing left-handers.

In a matchup with Cole Hamels on Wednesday night, the Pirates go for a fifth straight victory overall and eighth win in nine games against the Philadelphia Phillies.

Pittsburgh (17-16) is averaging 5.7 runs and hitting .290 with 20 extra-base hits during a 5-1 stretch after totaling five runs while batting .209 with nine extra-base hits during a five-game losing streak. In Tuesday's 7-2 win in Philadelphia, Josh Harrison hit a three-run homer and Andrew McCutchen added a two-run shot.

McCutchen has a 1.189 OPS in his last six games while going 9 for 22 to raise his average 41 points to .229.

'We've got a lot of pro hitters here, guys that really know how to handle themselves at bat,' Tuesday's winning pitcher A.J. Burnett said.

However, the Pirates are hitting .204 against lefties, baseball's third-worst mark, with Harrison going 1 for 12 and McCutchen 3 for 14. Starling Marte, the team leader with eight homers and 24 RBIs, is 7 for 14 with four home runs off southpaws.

Hamels (2-3, 3.68 ERA), who is holding batters to a .216 average, gave up one run and four hits while striking out eight in seven innings in Friday's 3-1 win over Washington.

Although he doesn't give up many hits, that doesn't necessarily mean the basepaths will be empty. Hamels has the NL's fourth-highest average of walks per nine innings at 4.30. Counterpart Francisco Liriano isn't much better at 3.72.

Hamels' 1.84 run support average is the worst in the NL. but he doesn't need much help to be successful. Since the start of last season, he is 9-0 with a 2.29 ERA in the 15 games he's received at least three runs of support.

The trouble with that is the Phillies (11-23) are last in the majors in runs per game (2.8), on-base percentage (.283) and slugging (.332).

Cleanup hitter Ryan Howard is 1 for 12 during the Phillies' four-game losing streak, while Chase Utley has two extra-base hits in his last 22 contests.

'We get close and we're not able to get over the hump,' manager Ryne Sandberg said after their 11th loss in 14 games.

There doesn't appear to be much relief for Utley, who is batting an NL-worst .071 (2 for 28) against lefties and .127 overall. Freddy Galvis, however, is 10 for 22 against lefties.

Liriano (1-2, 2.79) is the major league leader in opponents' batting average at .149 and the NL leader in opponents' OPS at .514.

After posting a 1.95 ERA in his first five games, Liriano was tagged for six runs - four coming on a pair of homers - in 6 1-3 innings in Friday's 8-5 loss to St. Louis. Despite permitting five extra-base hits, he showed some better command. He struck out 10 - his most since racking up 12 at Philadelphia on Sept. 11 - and walked one after issuing nine in his prior two outings.

Friday marked the eighth time since Liriano joined the Pirates in 2013 he yielded at least five runs in a start. He is proficient at bouncing back, allowing one or no runs in five of the seven subsequent outings.

Liriano tossed eight scoreless innings to beat the Phillies eight months ago, his only career matchup.

Hamels hasn't faced the Pirates since 2013, and is 1-1 with a 1.57 ERA in his last three starts in the series.

SERIES AT A GLANCE

GAME 1
Pirates at Phillies
Mon, May 11 Final 4 to 3
Boxscores • Recaps

GAME 2
Pirates at Phillies
Tue, May 12 Final 7 to 2
Boxscores • Recaps

GAME 3
Pirates at Phillies
Wed, May 13 - 7:05PM EDT

GAME 4
Pirates at Phillies
Thu, May 14 - 1:05PM EDT

**StarDust Bum** · 05-13-2015, 01:36 AM

Preview: Braves (15-17) at Reds (15-17)
Game: 3
Venue: Great American Ball Park
Date: May 13, 2015 7:10 PM EDT

Raisel Iglesias is back with the Cincinnati Reds and that's enough to generate excitement.

A rainout last week gives Iglesias another spot start as the Reds try for back-to-back wins over the Atlanta Braves in Wednesday night's series finale.

Iglesias gave up two hits through four scoreless innings before surrendering three runs and leaving after the fifth of a 7-5, 11-inning loss to St. Louis in his major league debut on April 12. Signed last July to a $27 million, seven-year contract, the Cuban defector became the first Red since Mike Leake in 2010 to reach the majors without playing in the minors.

The right-hander, though, was sent to Triple-A Louisville a day later, and went 1-2 with a 3.80 ERA in four starts there. He spent the last three years as a reliever in his native country and at the 2013 World Baseball Classic.

"He's been throwing strikes," manager Bryan Price told MLB's official website. "He's been changing arm angles. He's going through the same growing pains, at times, that young pitchers do - losing feel for that particular arm slot every now and again or relying on it a little bit too much.

"It's transitioning back to starting. ... Everybody has been excited about his development. There's really no negatives."

Devin Mesoraco is 3 for 5 with a double, triple and two RBIs in his last two games after going 2 for 30 through his first 15. One of Cincinnati's five All-Stars last year, Mesoraco hasn't started behind the plate since April 11 due to an ailing hip, which has limited him to being a designated hitter and pinch-hitting duties.

Mesoraco came through as a pinch hitter Tuesday, connecting for a walkoff double to snap Cincinnati's three-game losing streak with a 4-3 win over Atlanta.

"I haven't done it before," Mesoraco said of his first walkoff hit. "I've had situations where I wish I could have done it. I'm just thankful I got a good pitch to hit and put a good swing on it.

"Getting this opportunity definitely helps."

The Reds (16-17) are getting surprising production from Brayan Pena, Mesoraco's backup. He's hitting .356, and is 10 for 17 in the past five games after collecting a season-high three hits Tuesday.

"He's been terrific," Price said. "He's been great behind the plate and terrific with the bat. It's a big help when you lose someone like Devin to have someone like Pena to step in."

The Braves (15-18) have dropped nine of their last 11 on the road. They're 1-4 so far on a nine-game trip, and the pitching staff can take much of the blame with a 5.62 ERA - 9.58 from the bullpen.

Giving the ball to Eric Stults (1-3, 4.84 ERA) may not help since he was hammered by the Reds on May 2 to the tune of six runs and 11 hits - two homers - in seven innings in an 8-4 loss. The left-hander had been 1-1 with a 2.08 ERA over his five previous meetings - two starts.

Stults allowed three runs and two homers with a season-high seven strikeouts in six innings of Friday's 9-2 loss at Washington.

Freddie Freeman has a .486 average during a nine-game hitting streak, while Nick Markakis is batting .343 on an eight-game run.

SERIES AT A GLANCE

GAME 1
Braves at Reds
Mon, May 11 Final 2 to 1
Boxscores • Recaps

GAME 2
Braves at Reds
Tue, May 12 Final 3 to 4
Boxscores • Recaps

GAME 3
Braves at Reds
Wed, May 13 - 7:10PM EDT

**StarDust Bum** · 05-13-2015, 01:39 AM

Preview: Yankees (21-12) at Rays (17-16)
Game: 3
Venue: Tropicana Field
Date: May 13, 2015 7:10 PM EDT

The New York Yankees' Adam Warren and Tampa Bay Rays' Nathan Karns are meeting for the third time this year, with neither receiving a decision in the first two matchups.

That means Wednesday night's contest again figures to come down to the bullpens, which would seemingly give New York an advantage.

The visiting Yankees turned in spotless relief work both time these right-handers met as these AL East rivals continue a four-game series.

New York (21-13) won 5-4 on April 17 and 4-1 on April 27 when these starters pitched.

In the first matchup, Warren (2-1, 4.65 ERA) was charged with all four runs over four innings and Karns gave up two in five. The difference that night was that the Yankees bullpen yielded two hits in five scoreless innings while Rays relievers allowed three runs over the final four.

That scenario repeated itself in the second meeting, as both starters yielded one run with Warren lasting 5 2-3 innings and Karns 4 2-3. Tampa Bay's bullpen was reached for three runs over 3 1-3 innings while the Yankees' unit conceded one hit in the same amount of innings.

New York manager Joe Girardi didn't go to his bullpen until it was too late in Tuesday's 4-2 defeat. Dellin Betances replaced Nathan Eovaldi and was greeted by Evan Longoria's go-ahead sacrifice fly.

Both teams agreed the top of the first inning was critical. The first five hitters reached for the Yankees, who took a quick 2-0 lead before Rays starter Chris Archer - who has never lost to New York - settled down for the remainder of his seven innings.

'The way the game started I don't know if we saw an ending like that,' manager Kevin Cash said. 'It's a credit to Arch, keeping his cool, keeping us right there in the ballgame.'

Tampa Bay (18-16) ended a five-game home skid versus New York. The Rays were held scoreless until David DeJesus delivered a tying, two-run single in the seventh inning.

Mark Teixeira did not start but is expected to return to Wednesday's lineup, with Carlos Beltran likely getting the night off.

"I was gonna give him or Carlos off and they're both swinging well so I figured I'd give Tex today and Carlos maybe tomorrow," Girardi said.

Karns (2-1, 3.79) threw a career-high 117 pitches Friday when he allowed two runs in seven-plus innings to earn an 8-2 win over Texas.

"I don't think there will (be any carry-over) in the sense of my arm being tired," he told MLB's official website.

Warren allowed two runs over 4 2-3 innings in Friday's 5-4 win over Baltimore. James Loney is 4 for 9 with a homer against him.

The Yankees have won Warren's last five outings, and sound confident they can bounce back from this defeat.

"We're not going to win them all, we still have a chance to win the series, two more to play, so we gotta come out tomorrow and get after them early again," center fielder Jacoby Ellsbury said.

Ellsbury is hitting .424 in his last 14 games and .419 in the season series, which New York leads 6-2.

SERIES AT A GLANCE

GAME 1
Yankees at Rays
Mon, May 11 Final 11 to 5
Boxscores • Recaps

GAME 2
Yankees at Rays
Tue, May 12 Final 2 to 4
Boxscores • Recaps

GAME 3
Yankees at Rays
Wed, May 13 - 7:10PM EDT

GAME 4
Yankees at Rays
Thu, May 14 - 7:10PM EDT

**StarDust Bum** · 05-13-2015, 01:42 AM

Preview: White Sox (12-17) at Brewers (12-21)
Game: 3
Venue: Miller Park
Date: May 13, 2015 8:10 PM EDT

If the Chicago White Sox are to turn things around, they must find a way to string together some wins on the road.

After snapping a seven-game losing streak away from home, the White Sox look to win consecutive road contests for the first time Wednesday night against the Milwaukee Brewers.

Chicago's 3-12 road mark is the worst in the majors but Tuesday's 4-2 victory leaves it in position to win a third consecutive series overall. Chris Sale struck out 11 over eight solid innings as the White Sox (13-17) won for the fifth time in eight games since losing five in a row.

'I didn't even know about the road losing streak until the articles came out,' said catcher Tyler Flowers, who had two hits with an RBI. 'We need one more (Wednesday), then a day off and then we'll keep rolling.'

Chicago hit .236 and averaged 2.8 runs on the road before batting .307 and totaling 11 runs to split the first two at Miller Park.

Avisail Garcia went 0 for 5 on Monday, but followed with two hits. The talented right fielder hit .240 in his first seven road contests but is batting .444 in his last seven.

Though teammate Jose Quintana (1-3, 5.03 ERA) looks to avoid losing a third straight start, he's posted a 2.37 ERA in three outings since giving up nine runs in four innings of a 9-1 loss at Detroit on April 19. The left-hander has received three runs of support while on the mound over the last four.

Quintana gave up two runs and four hits but lasted five innings while throwing 107 pitches in Thursday's 4-1 loss to the Tigers.

"Every time through you keep going,' he said of his recent hard luck. '(I) want to change the situation and get some wins."

During a 1-0 win June 24, 2012, in his only previous appearance against the Brewers, Quintana didn't need much help while allowing six hits in eight innings.

Infielder Elian Herrera homered for a third straight contest but that was one of three hits Milwaukee (12-22) managed while its three-game winning streak ended.

Herrera, who homered twice in 158 career games prior to beginning his current run Sunday, has four this year and is 5 for 14 with four RBIs in the last four contests while filling in for the ailing Aramis Ramirez.

"I think the good thing for Elian right now is he's getting consistent at_bats," manager Craig Counsell told MLB's official website.

Ramirez has missed five straight games with a back issue and could sit regardless considering he's 1 for 13 against left-handers.

For the first time this season teammate Jimmy Nelson (1-3, 4.00) won't face the same opponent in two straight starts. The right-hander struck out a career-high 11, but yielded all four of his runs on three homers over seven innings of a 7-6 defeat to the Chicago Cubs on Friday.

"We do our best to try to keep the ball on the ground," said Nelson, who gave up one home run in his first five starts.

"If a guy hits a home run it is usually a mistake on our part. Sometimes we do throw a good pitch and they hit it. You just have to tip your cap at that point. That's just part of the game, really."

SERIES AT A GLANCE

GAME 1
White Sox at Brewers
Mon, May 11 Final 7 to 10
Boxscores • Recaps

GAME 2
White Sox at Brewers
Tue, May 12 Final 4 to 2
Boxscores • Recaps

GAME 3
White Sox at Brewers
Wed, May 13 - 8:10PM EDT

**StarDust Bum** · 05-13-2015, 12:07 PM

Preview: Nationals (18-16) at Diamondbacks (15-17)
Game: 3
Venue: Chase Field
Date: May 13, 2015 3:40 PM EDT

After the Washington Nationals and Arizona Diamondbacks traded lopsided victories to open their three-game set, it's uncertain which club has the upper hand for Wednesday's finale at Chase Field.

One night after Max Scherzer stymied his former team during Washington's 11-1 victory, Arizona (15-17) tagged Stephen Strasburg for eight runs in 3 1-3 innings to end the Nationals' five-game winning streak with a 14-6 win Tuesday.

"We had a good game plan going in," Diamondbacks manager Chip Hale said.

The Nationals (18-16) had won 11 of their last 13 and owned a 33-9 run advantage during a six-game series winning streak that ended Tuesday.

'I think every time (Strasburg) made a mistake - not every time but close to every time - we put some wood on it and some really good things happened," said outfielder Mark Trumbo, who hit a three-run homer and a solo shot.

'I think this was exactly what we needed - especially after (Monday) night.'

Aaron Hill stayed hot with three hits and two RBIs as Arizona improved to 3-3 on a seven-game homestand. After batting .156 with two RBIs in his first 14 games, Hill is hitting .455 with nine RBIs in his last 11.

"Honestly feeling better, but feeling more relaxed," Hill told MLB's official website. "Not that I've found a swing, but I definitely feel more comfortable in the box now, as opposed to a few weeks ago.

He's batting .333 with five RBIs in 10 games versus Washington at Chase Field, but is 3 for 13 with a double against Gio Gonzalez (3-2, 3.62 ERA).

The left-hander looks to win a third straight start after allowing two runs and striking out 17 while lasting seven innings in each of the last two. He gave up those two runs over the first three innings of Friday's 9-2 victory over Atlanta.

Gonzalez, who yielded four hits in seven innings while not factoring in the decision of a 1-0 win over the Diamondbacks on Aug. 21, is 2-0 with a 1.33 ERA against them.

Teammate Bryce Harper homered for the seventh time in six games Tuesday. During that stretch, he's 13 for 23 with 11 runs scored, 16 RBIs and a 2.181 OPS after going 1 for 17 in the previous five contests.

Making his first appearance versus Washington, Jeremy Hellickson (1-3, 5.85) has allowed at least four runs and failed to complete five innings in half of his six starts. Both happened Friday when the right-hander yielded five over 4 2-3 innings while not factoring in the decision of a 6-5 home loss to San Diego.

'I feel that anytime we score five runs I've got to come out with a win,' said Hellickson, who is 0-2 with a 7.90 ERA in three home starts this season. 'It's just frustrating. ... I just got to start doing my part."

Teammate Chris Owings, who was a home run shy of the cycle Tuesday, is 5 for 9 in the series.

SERIES AT A GLANCE

GAME 1
Nationals at Diamondbacks
Mon, May 11 Final 11 to 1
Boxscores

GAME 2
Nationals at Diamondbacks
Tue, May 12 Final 6 to 14
Boxscores • Recaps

GAME 3
Nationals at Diamondbacks
Wed, May 13 - 3:40PM EDT

**StarDust Bum** · 05-13-2015, 12:09 PM

Preview: Marlins (15-19) at Dodgers (22-10)
Game: 3
Venue: Dodger Stadium
Date: May 13, 2015 7:50 PM EDT

Games at Dodger Stadium are starting to look like batting practice for Los Angeles.

The red-hot Los Dodgers will look to improve upon their best home start in club history Wednesday night against the Miami Marlins.

Los Angeles (22-10) won 11-1 Tuesday, its fifth straight overall and 10th in 12 games. The Dodgers are 15-2 at home for the while averaging 5.9 runs and clobbered Miami for 21 hits, including 11 against former teammate Dan Haren.

"We just got some pitches to hit and didn't miss," said Howie Kendrick, who had four hits, including his fourth homer. "Different guys at different times have been swinging the bat well all year and tonight it was everybody at the same time."

Adrian Gonzalez hit his 15th double, tying St. Louis' Matt Carpenter for the major league lead and extending his hitting streak to 11 games, but the back half of the Dodgers' lineup did most of the damage. Nos. 5-8 hitters Alex Guerrero, Yasmani Grandal, Andre Ethier and Scott Van Slyke were a combined 13 for 18 with nine RBIs.

Ethier hit his fifth home run in his third career five-hit game and first since 2008. He had a career-low four homers in 341 at_bats last season and has already eclipsed that mark in 82 this year.

Miami (15-19) has lost four of five, totaling six runs in those losses.

Giancarlo Stanton accounted for two of the club's five hits and hit his eighth homer of the year, a towering shot that traveled an estimated 478 feet and left the stadium. He's batting .431 with eight home runs and 13 RBIs in his last 15 matchups with the Dodgers.

Carlos Frias (3-0, 2.13 ERA) will try to take advantage of the struggling Marlins in his bid for a three-game winning streak in only his fifth career start. He gave up three runs and struck out six in five innings of a 14-4 win at Milwaukee on Thursday.

Frias, replacing the injured Brandon McCarthy, is trying to make his case for an extended stay in the rotation.

"I just get ready to do anything they tell me to do to help the team win," he said. "My goal is to stay here."

Conversely, Jarred Cosart (1-3, 3.67) is trying to avoid dropping a third consecutive start, though he's been OK with a 3.71 ERA in three outings since his last win. The Astros have only scored three runs over 17 innings behind him in that span.

He gave up a grand slam in four innings of Friday's 6-0 loss at San Francisco, matching the second-shortest outing of his career.

"He's still a young guy trying to get consistent," manager Mike Redmond told MLB's official website. "That's the key for him. The secondary pitches are important. He's got to be able to get a feel and throw those pitches behind in the count for strikes."

This is Cosart's first start against Los Angeles. Howie Kendrick is the only current Dodger to face him, going 3 for 9.

Redmond has opted to go with a closer-by-committee solution for his bullpen, though it didn't come into play Tuesday. Steve Cishek lost the job after blowing four saves in seven opportunities, and Miami is reportedly in talks with free agent Rafael Soriano. Soriano ranks third in baseball with 164 saves since 2010.

Los Angeles has won 17 of the past 25 meetings.

SERIES AT A GLANCE

GAME 1
Marlins at Dodgers
Mon, May 11 Final 3 to 5
Boxscores

GAME 2
Marlins at Dodgers
Tue, May 12 Final 1 to 11
Boxscores • Recaps

GAME 3
Marlins at Dodgers
Wed, May 13 - 7:50PM EDT

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