The Bum's Best Bets For Wednesday June 3rd - MLB - NBA -NHL !

[StarDust Bum]

Preview: Mets (29-24) at Padres (26-28)
Game: 3
Venue: PETCO Park
Date: June 03, 2015 9:10 PM EDT

James Shields is the first starter to win his first six decisions in a San Diego Padres uniform, and another victory would give him the longest winning streak of his career.

Shields looks to go 7-0 for the first time and help the Padres win their first series at home in a month Wednesday night against the New York Mets.

Shields (6-0, 3.69 ERA) held the same record with a 3.04 ERA through his first 13 starts with Tampa Bay in 2007, and he's the first Padre to win his first six decisions in a season since Andy Hawkins went 11-0 in 1985.

Butch Metzger started his Padres career with 11 straight winning decisions - all in relief - from 1975-76.

Shields, who spent the last two years with Kansas City, has seen his last six starts end in San Diego wins, but he didn't get a decision in Friday's 6-2 victory over Pittsburgh. The right-hander did his part, yielding two runs with six strikeouts in six innings but didn't get any support before Derek Norris' walkoff grand slam.

Shields won his only meeting with the Mets on June 20, 2009, with the Rays.

The Padres (26-28) won 7-2 on Tuesday to beat New York (29-24) for the fifth time in seven meetings in San Diego. They had seven runs and 10 hits off Noah Syndergaard to chase the rookie phenom after four innings.

San Diego is in position to win its first series at Petco Park since sweeping a three-game set from Colorado from May 1-3. The team is 5-8 there since, splitting the last six.

Norris is 10 for 29 (.345) with two homers and seven RBIs in seven games after going 2 for 4 with a two-run blast Tuesday. He's 4 for 9 (.444) in four career meetings with the Mets, going 2 for 3 with a double off scheduled starter Dillon Gee (0-2, 3.86).

Yonder Alonso had three hits and two runs Tuesday in his return from a bone bruise in his right shoulder that kept him out since May 7. He's a .353 hitter in his last 18 games against New York.

"I just want to make sure I do my part and enjoy it and compete," Alonso told MLB's official website.

The Mets have dropped eight of nine on the road, and this will be Gee's first start in a month due to a groin strain.

With New York intent on Syndergaard remaining a starter and in the majors, Gee is rounding out a six-man rotation that manager Terry Collins claimed is designed to limit innings on New York's young arms - Syndergaard, Matt Harvey and Jacob deGrom.

It's unclear how long this arrangement will last.

"He's pitched great," Gee said of Syndergaard. "He deserves to be here as well. I wonder the same thing as most people, like what's going to happen.

"Six-man rotation, I don't really have anything to say about that, because I've never done it. I guess we'll see how that is after we do it for a little bit, see what everybody thinks."

Gee is 10-6 with a 3.61 ERA in 22 starts with six or more days of rest, and he allowed three earned runs in 16 2-3 innings over three rehab starts in the minors.

The right-hander has a 3.97 ERA while losing his last two starts against the Padres after winning his first two with a 1.32 mark.


SERIES AT A GLANCE

GAME 1
Mets at Padres
Mon, Jun 1 Final 7 to 0
Boxscores • Recaps

GAME 2
Mets at Padres
Tue, Jun 2 Final 2 to 7
Boxscores • Recaps

GAME 3
Mets at Padres
Wed, Jun 3 - 9:10PM EDT

[StarDust Bum]

Preview: Rays (27-26) at Angels (28-25)
Game: 3
Venue: Angel Stadium of Anaheim
Date: June 03, 2015 10:05 PM EDT

Hector Santiago and Nathan Karns were pitching in Triple-A at this time last year hoping to get another shot to prove they belonged in a major league rotation.

No one is arguing that fact now.

They'll oppose each other Wednesday night in Anaheim when Santiago's Los Angeles Angels conclude a three-game set against Karns and the Tampa Bay Rays.

Santiago's struggles followed him to the minors in 2014 after being demoted in mid-May. He finished the year with the Angels (28-25) after returning June 10, going 6-9 with a 3.75 ERA in 24 starts and six relief appearances before signing a one-year, $2.29 million contract in the offseason to avoid arbitration.

That appears to be a bargain.

Santiago (4-3, 2.18 ERA) had his best outing of the season Friday, giving up three hits and striking out seven in 7 1-3 innings of a 2-0 win over Detroit. He's 2-1 with a 1.35 ERA over his last five and has the lowest ERA of anyone in the Angels' rotation.

"That's about as strong an effort as we've seen from Hector," manager Mike Scioscia said. "That's a great outing to pitch that deep against that lineup, especially with all the tough right-handed hitters they have."

The left-hander improved to 2-0 with a 0.87 ERA over his last five home starts, but Karns enters this matchup 1-0 with a 1.02 ERA in three road outings after giving up one hit in six scoreless innings of Tampa Bay's 2-1 loss to Baltimore on Friday.

Karns (3-2, 3.32), who made three starts with Washington in 2013 and two with the Rays last season after coming over in an offseason trade, has given up two runs or fewer in eight of nine outings since allowing six to the Orioles in his first start April 7.

The right-hander went 2-1 with a 1.88 ERA in five May starts but wasn't happy when he was pulled after throwing 87 pitches Friday.

"I want to go out there even if I have like 120 pitches," Karns said. "That's just (being) a starter. We want to go as long as we can, and we kind of take pride in that."

Karns has never faced the Angels, who had a five-game winning streak snapped with Tuesday's 6-1 defeat. Chris Archer fanned a franchise record-tying 15 in eight innings, allowing only a fourth-inning homer to Albert Pujols.

It marked the 534th career homer for Pujols, who tied Jimmie Foxx for 17th all-time. He has six homers in as many games - including two in Monday's 7-3 victory - while batting .391 in that stretch.

The Rays (27-26) have won three of four following a six-game skid. Logan Forsythe went 2 for 14 over his previous four before hitting a two-run homer in the first inning Tuesday.

Evan Longoria went hitless, though, and is 2 for 20 over his last six following a 10-game hitting streak. He's 3 for 3 with a double against Santiago, who hasn't faced the Rays since allowing four runs in relief April 27, 2013, while with the Chicago White Sox.

This marks the second of four straight that Tampa Bay will be facing a left-handed starter. The Rays are hitting .254 against lefties compared to .240 versus righties.

SERIES AT A GLANCE

GAME 1
Rays at Angels
Mon, Jun 1 Final 3 to 7
Boxscores • Recaps

GAME 2
Rays at Angels
Tue, Jun 2 Final 6 to 1
Boxscores • Recaps

GAME 3
Rays at Angels
Wed, Jun 3 - 10:05PM EDT

[StarDust Bum]

Wednesday's Tip Sheet

June 3, 2015


Chicago White Sox at Texas Rangers | 8:05 p.m. ET

Is there a team in the American League that’s hotter than the Rangers? On paper, it doesn’t appear so, as the AL’s cellar dweller from a season ago -- although that was mostly because they were so decimated by injuries -- has re-emerged over the past couple of weeks, winning 11 of their past 13 ballgames, including four in a row at the moment, to vault two games over .500 for the first time in almost exactly one calendar year. They’ll look to keep it going with tonight’s starter Nick Martinez(4-1, 2.03 ERA), who has easily been their best pitcher all season. Interestingly, as good as he’s been, his ten starts have led to a 7-3 overs record, despite the fact that he’s allowed three runs or less in all of his assignments, while lasting at least six innings in eight of them. If Martinez, who almost didn’t even make the rotation, continues on this pace, he’s a surprise potential candidate to maybe start the All Star Game for the American League.

Coming into the campaign, you’d pencil in Chris Sale(4-2, 3.66 ERA) as one of such candidates, and while he hasn’t been his usual dominant self, he’s still been good since coming off the disabled list in mid-April. Sale has maintained his usual remarkable K/BB ratio, with 66 strikeouts compared to just 14 walks, in his 59 innings of work. He’s also registered three outings in his past four tries with double-digit punch-outs, including a season-high 12 in his last start at Baltimore. He’s also cashed four straight unders, and this particular matchup somewhat surprisingly carries an over/under line of 8.5.

Pittsburgh Pirates at San Francisco Giants | 3:45 p.m. ET

You'd be hard-pressed to find a starting pitcher more locked in right now than Pirates left-hander Francisco Liriano(2-4, 3.47 ERA), who has amassed a whopping 23 strikeouts, compared to just three walks, in his past two starts combined, spanning only 12 innings! Unfortunately for the veteran southpaw, he was not rewarded his last time out, as Pittsburgh's normally reliable bullpen proceeded to cough up his lead in San Diego. Interestingly, the Pirates have lost eight of the ten games this year started by Liriano, and because of the fact they've won 10 of their past 12, they'll be -120 favorites in this one.

Tim Hudson(3-4, 4.62 ERA) is a much different pitcher from his opponent tonight -- in fact, his 30 strikeouts in ten starts this season barely bests Liriano's total from his past two outings alone --but he could be starting to come on after a lackluster beginning to his 2015 season. The 39-year-old had his best performance in his last start, when he held his former team, the Braves, to one run on five hits over seven innings, striking out four and walking none. Hudson still possesses his trademark pinpoint control, having walked more than two batters in a start only once this year. Interestingly, after a stretch that saw the defending World Series Champions win 13 of 15, the Giants have now dropped four in a row.

Los Angeles Dodgers at Colorado Rockies | 8:10 p.m. ET (ESPN2)

You may not know it but the Rockies have come on in recent weeks to potentially save their season, as they've been one of the National League's most streaky teams. After a brutal stretch that dropped them ten games below the .500-mark, Colorado has won eight of ten. They'll look to the emerging Chad Bettis(2-0, 2.96 ERA) in tonight's ESPN2 affair, and he's been red-hot out of nowhere, going at least eight innings in each of his past two starts, and yielding a combined two runs. Bettis finally cashed his first under in his last outing when he flirted with a no-hitter in Philadelphia, but will have a much tougher task this evening.

Opposing him is another young upstart right-hander, Mike Bolsinger(3-1, 1.15 ERA), who, like his counterpart in this assignment, has been enjoying great success from well under the radar. In fact, Bolsinger has even recorded a 4-1 record toward under bets, this after being more of an overs pitchers in his rookie campaign last season with the Diamondbacks (6-4 overs record in 2014). It's a unique pitching matchup in that regard, and features a line of 10.5, being at Coors Field.

Other Wednesday Notes

-- As good as he is year-in and year-out, James Shields(6-0, 3.69 ERA) has the best record in baseball for over bets, being 10-1 for overs. At the same time, you can’t attribute much of that to how the veteran right-hander has performed thus far, as he’s actually been consistently good, going six innings or more in all but one of his starts, and allowing three runs or less in nine of them. As far as how some of his games have played out, it’s simply been awful bad luck leading to an over, like his last time out when a fluky Derek Norris walk-off grand slam in the bottom of the ninth killed what should have been a well-deserved under. There was also his start against the Cubs, when a random, meaningless two-out home run in the ninth off the bat of Chris Coghlan wrecked the under as well. He’ll take on the returning Dillon Gee(0-2, 3.86 ERA), making his first start in exactly a month after a stint on the disabled list. He’s a +130 road ‘dog, as he fully christens the Mets’ new six-man pitching rotation. The o/u is 6.5.

-- The Red Sox and Twins will get together for a doubleheader today to make up their rainout from Monday, after there were two doubleheaders around Major League Baseball yesterday. Phil Hughes (4-4, 4.59 ERA) tangles with rookie Eduardo Rodriguez(1-0, 0.00 ERA), who will make his second career start after dazzling in his big league debut on May 28 in an impressive win over Texas. Two inconsistent starters, Trevor May(3-3, 5.07 ERA) and Rick Porcello(4-4, 5.37 ERA), will battle it out in the nightcap. May has one of the best records for overs this year at 7-2, while Porcello has also etched a favorable mark for over bets, being 6-4 in that department. The o/u for game two is currently at 8.5.

-- How many punch-outs will Corey Kluber(3-5, 3.52 ERA) record this time around? The reigning AL Cy Young winner had his memorable 18-strikeout game on May 13, and followed it up with an outing five days later that produced 12 more K's. In his last assignment, Kluber struck out 13 in Seattle, giving him an insane 50 strikeouts in his last four starts, spanning 32 innings, compared to just two walks -- two! -- over that span. He'll be tested, though, taking on the club that has the best team batting average, that being division rival Kansas City. They're countering with Jason Vargas(3-2, 5.16 ERA), who is making his second start since coming off the DL. Kluber is understandably a -140 favorite in this one, and although Cleveland curiously lost each of his first seven starts to the year, the Indians have now won three of his past four. Overall, they’re playing some of their best baseball of the season, with five wins in their past six games.

[StarDust Bum]

MLB
Armadillo's Write-Up

Wednesday, June 3


National League
Reds @ Phillies
Leake is 0-3, 12.86 in his last three starts, which all went over.

Hamels is 4-1, 1.67 in his last five starts, four of which stayed under.

Reds lost four of last five games in Philly; five of last six series games went over total. Cincinnati won four of last six games overall; four of last five went over total. Phillies lost seven of last eight games, scoring 17 runs; four of their last five stayed under.

Cubs @ Marlins
Lester is 4-1, 2.63 in his last six starts; three of his last four stayed under.

Haren is 1-0, 1.71 in his last three stars; over is 7-2-1 in his last ten.

Cubs are 3-5 in last eight games overall; they won six of their last nine games with Miami (over 5-3-1). Seven of last eight Cub games stayed under. Marlins lost five of last eight games; eight of their last ten games stayed under total.

Brewers @ Cardinals
Nelson is 1-3, 4.05 in his last five starts.

Lackey is 2-2, 1.89 in his last six starts; his last seven all stayed under.

Milwaukee lost eight of last ten games; they're 4-7 in last 11 games with St Louis (under 8-3). Cardinals won seven of last nine games, with last six staying under total. Teams traded 1-0 decisions the last two nights.

Dodgers @ Rockies
Bolsinger is 3-1, 1.15 in his five starts, four of which stayed under.

Bettis is 2-0, 1.10 in his last two starts; three of his last four went over.

Dodgers lost six of last nine on road; five their last seven games went under- LA is 10-3 in last 13 games with Colorado; six of last eight went over. Rockies won eight of last eleven games, with five of last eight staying under.

Braves @ Diamondbacks
Foltynewicz is 1-1, 1.88 in his last two starts; three of his last four stayed under the total.

de la Rosa is 0-0, 4.50 in his last three starts; four of his last five went over.

Arizona won three of last five games; six of last seven went over total. Braves won seven of last 11 games with Arizona; they won three of last four games, scoring 29 runs; seven of their last nine games went over the total.

Mets @ Padres
Gee is making first start since May 3 (groin); he is 0-1, 1.83 in his last three starts, all of which stayed under.

Shields is 2-0, 2.77 in his last four starts; six of his last seven starts went over the total.

Mets are 4-6 in last ten games with San Diego; four of last seven went under the total. NY won five of last eight games overall; eight of last ten went over. Padres are 6-4 in last ten games; over is 6-0-1 in their last seven.

Pirates @ Giants
Liriano is 1-0, 0.75 in his last two starts; four of his last five went over.

Hudson is 2-0, 0.68 in his last two home starts; three of his last four starts overall stayed under.

Giants lost their last four games, outscored 26-12; ten of their last 13 games went over. Pirates won ten of last 12 games; they won six of last eight games with SF. Over is 5-0-1 in last six Pittsburgh games.

American League
A's @ Tigers
Gray is 5-2, 1.71 in his last eight starts, with last three going over.

Sanchez is 0-2, 8.22 in his last three starts; three of his last four went over.

Oakland won seven of last ten games but lost six of last eight games with Detroit- five of last six stayed under. Tigers lost last five games, outscored by 31-13; six of their last eight stayed under.

Twins @ Red Sox
May 1-1, 6.08 in his last four starts; seven of his last nine went over. Twins won four of last five Hughes starts (2-0, 3.48 in last three); four of his last six starts went over.

Rodriguez blanked Texas for 7.2 innings (105 PT) in his MLB debut. Porcello is 0-2, 10.33 in his last two starts; three of his last four went over.

Home side won last eight Minnesota-Boston games (under 6-2); Twins won seven of last nine games- three of last five went over. Red Sox lost six of last eight games, with four of last five staying under.

White Sox @ Rangers
Sale is 2-1, 1.99 in his last four starts, all of which stayed under.

Martinez is 2-1, 2.37 in his last three starts; five of his last seven went under.

Chicago lost five of last seven games with Texas (over 4-2-1); Rangers scored 34 runs in winning their last four games; three of their last five stayed under. White Sox are 4-3 in their last seven games overall.

Orioles @ Astros
Gonzalez is 1-1, 4.74 in his last three starts; three of his last four went under.

McCullers is 1-0, 3.00 in three starts, but lasted only five IP/start, despite throwing 94 pitches/game (under 2-1).

Orioles are 4-8 in last 12 games overall; eight of their last 12 stayed under. O's lost three of last four games with Houston; seven of last ten series games stayed under. Astros won three of last four games (under 3-1).

Indians @ Royals
Kluber is 3-0, 1.41 in his last four starts, three of which stayed under.

Vargas is 2-1, 3.60 in his last three starts; four of his last five went over.

Cleveland lost six of last ten games with KC; eight of last nine series games went over the total. Indians won five of last six games overall; three of their last four stayed under. Royals lost six of last seven games; under is 6-2-1 in their last nine.

Rays @ Angels
Karns is 2-1, 1.88 in his last five starts; five of his last six stayed under.

Santiago is 2-1, 1.62 in his last five starts, all of which stayed under.

Tampa Bay lost seven of last ten games with Angels; over is 5-0-1 in last six. Rays lost seven of last ten games overall; under is 3-2-1 in last six. Angels won five of last six games, scoring 34 runs.

Bronx @ Mariners
Tanaka (arm) is making his first start since Aprl 23; he is 2-1, 4.03 in four starts this year (over 2-2).

Walker is 2-1, 2.22 in his last four home starts, last three of which went under.

Road team won last ten Bronx-Seattle games, with last three going over total; Bronx won three of last four games overall- five of last six went over the total. Mariners lost five of their last six games.

Interleague
Blue Jays @ Nationals
Buehrle is 1-2, 4.07 in his last three starts; three of his last four road starts went over the total.

Jordan is making first '15 start; he is 1-6, 5.60 in 14 career MLB starts, in both 2013-14- he is 1-2, 2.14 in seven AAA starts this year. .

Toronto lost seven of last nine games with Washington; under is 5-3-1 in last nine. Blue Jays lost four of last six games overall. Nationals lost four of last five games; six of their last nine games stayed under.

Win-loss records this year for team with this starting pitcher:
Cin-Phil-- Leake 3-7; Hamels 6-5
Chi-Mia-- Lester 6-4; Haren 7-3
Mil-StL-- Nelson 3-7; Lackey 5-5
LA-Colo-- Bolsinger 3-2; Bettis 4-0
Atl-Az-- Foltynewicz 3-3; de la Rosa 6-4
NY-SD-- Gee 3-2; Shields 8-3
Pitt-SF-- Liriano 2-9; Hudson 5-5

A's-Det-- Gray 6-5; Sanchez 3-8
Min-Bos-- May 5-4 Hughes 4-6; Porcello 6-4 Rodriguez 1-0
Chi-Tex-- Sale 6-3; Martinez 8-2
Balt-Hst-- Gonzalez 6-4; McCullers 1-2
Cle-KC-- Kluber 3-8; Vargas 4-2
TB-LAA-- Karns 4-6; Santiago 5-5
NY-Sea-- Tanaka 3-1; Walker 3-7

Tor-Wsh-- Buehrle 6-4; Jordan 0-0

Times this starting pitcher allowed a run in first inning:
Cin-Phil-- Leake 2-10; Hamels 3-11
Chi-Mia-- Lester 4-10; Haren 0-10
Mil-StL-- Nelson 5-10; Lackey 2-10
LA-Colo-- Bolsinger 2-5; Bettis 1-4
Atl-Az-- Foltynewicz 4-6; de la Rosa 2-10
NY-SD-- Gee 2-5; Shields 2-11
Pitt-SF-- Liriano 2-11; Hudson 2-10

A's-Det-- Gray 1-11; Sanchez 3-11
Min-Bos-- May 3-6 Hughes 2-10; Porcello 2-10 Rodriguez 0-1
Chi-Tex-- Sale 5-9; Martinez 1-10
Balt-Hst-- Gonzalez 3-10; McCullers 0-3
Cle-KC-- Kluber 4-11; Vargas 2-6
TB-LAA-- Karns 2-10; Santiago 2-10
NY-Sea-- Tanaka 1-4; Walker 3-10

Tor-Wsh-- Buehrle 6-10; Jordan 0-0

Umpires
Cin-Phil-- Three of last four Bellino games went over.
Chi-Mia-- Last five Hoye games went over the total.
Mil-StL-- Home side won five of six Danley games.
LA-Col-- Over is 6-0-2 in last eight Nelson games
Atl-Az-- Underdogs won four of last six Gonzalez games.
NY-SD-- Four of last six Segal games stayed under.
Pitt-SF-- Underdogs won seven of eight Eddings games

A's-Det-- Five of last six Hudson games stayed under.
Min-Bos-- Under is 5-3-1 in last nine Winters games. Four of last five Wegner games went over.
Chi-Tex-- Last three Estabrook games went over the total.
Balt-Hst-- Underdogs are 6-4 n Carlson games this year.
TB-LAA-- Six of last seven Kellogg games stayed under.
Cle-KC-- Underdogs won seven of last eight Davidson games.
NY-Sea-- Over is 3-1-1 in last five Little games

Tor-Wsh-- Six of seven Carapazza games stayed under.

[StarDust Bum]

MLB

Wednesday, June 3

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Trend Report
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1:35 PM
MINNESOTA vs. BOSTON
Minnesota is 7-2 SU in its last 9 games
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Minnesota's last 5 games on the road
Boston is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games when playing at home against Minnesota
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Boston's last 5 games when playing at home against Minnesota

1:45 PM
MILWAUKEE vs. ST. LOUIS
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Milwaukee's last 5 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 8 of Milwaukee's last 9 games when playing on the road against St. Louis
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of St. Louis's last 5 games
The total has gone UNDER in 8 of St. Louis's last 9 games when playing at home against Milwaukee

3:40 PM
NY YANKEES vs. SEATTLE
NY Yankees4-0-1 SU in their last 5 games when playing Seattle
NY Yankees are 6-13-1 SU in their last 20 games ,
Seattle is 0-4-1 SU in their last 5 games ,when playing at home against NY Yankees
Seattle is 1-4-1 SU in its last 6 games ,at home

3:40 PM
ATLANTA vs. ARIZONA
Atlanta is 2-5 SU in its last 7 games when playing on the road against Arizona
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Atlanta's last 6 games
Arizona is 8-16 SU in its last 24 games when playing Atlanta
Arizona is 5-2 SU in its last 7 games when playing at home against Atlanta

3:45 PM
PITTSBURGH vs. SAN FRANCISCO
Pittsburgh is 10-2 SU in its last 12 games
Pittsburgh is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games when playing on the road against San Francisco
San Francisco is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games when playing at home against Pittsburgh
San Francisco is 15-7 SU in its last 22 games at home

7:05 PM
CINCINNATI vs. PHILADELPHIA
Cincinnati is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games when playing on the road against Philadelphia
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Cincinnati's last 6 games when playing Philadelphia
Philadelphia is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games when playing at home against Cincinnati
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Philadelphia's last 5 games at home

7:05 PM
TORONTO vs. WASHINGTON
Toronto is 6-13 SU in its last 19 games when playing on the road against Washington
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Toronto's last 9 games when playing Washington
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Washington's last 9 games
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Washington's last 6 games at home

7:08 PM
OAKLAND vs. DETROIT
The total has gone OVER in 13 of Oakland's last 17 games when playing on the road against Detroit
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Oakland's last 6 games when playing Detroit
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Detroit's last 6 games when playing Oakland
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Detroit's last 8 games

7:10 PM
MINNESOTA vs. BOSTON
Minnesota7-2-1 SU in its last 10 games
Minnesota is 0-4-1 SU in its last 5 games ,when playing on the road against Boston
Boston is 1-3-1 SU in its last 5 games ,when playing Minnesota
Boston4-0-1 SU in its last 5 games when playing at home against Minnesota

7:10 PM
CHI CUBS vs. MIAMI
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Chi Cubs's last 7 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 7 of Chi Cubs's last 8 games
Miami is 3-10 SU in its last 13 games at home
The total has gone UNDER in 8 of Miami's last 10 games

8:05 PM
CHI WHITE SOX vs. TEXAS
Chi White Sox are 5-10 SU in their last 15 games
Chi White Sox are 2-5 SU in their last 7 games when playing Texas
Texas is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games at home
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Texas's last 6 games at home

8:10 PM
BALTIMORE vs. HOUSTON
Baltimore is 16-8 SU in its last 24 games when playing Houston
The total has gone UNDER in 7 of Baltimore's last 10 games when playing Houston
Houston is 8-16 SU in its last 24 games when playing Baltimore
Houston is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games when playing at home against Baltimore

8:10 PM
LA DODGERS vs. COLORADO
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of LA Dodgers's last 7 games
LA Dodgers are 4-1 SU in their last 5 games when playing on the road against Colorado
Colorado is 5-11 SU in its last 16 games at home
Colorado is 8-3 SU in its last 11 games

8:10 PM
CLEVELAND vs. KANSAS CITY
Cleveland is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games
The total has gone UNDER in 11 of Cleveland's last 16 games
Kansas City is 2-6 SU in its last 8 games when playing at home against Cleveland
Kansas City is 5-2 SU in its last 7 games at home

9:10 PM
NY METS vs. SAN DIEGO
NY Mets are 2-5 SU in its last 7 games when playing on the road against San Diego
The total has gone OVER in 4 of NY Mets's last 5 games
The total has gone OVER in 5 of San Diego's last 5 games at home
San Diego is 4-8 SU in its last 12 games at home

10:05 PM
TAMPA BAY vs. LA ANGELS
The total has gone UNDER in 14 of Tampa Bay's last 20 games on the road
Tampa Bay is 17-8 SU in their last 25 games when playing on the road against LA Angels
LA Angels are 5-1 SU in their last 6 games at home
LA Angels are 5-2 SU in their last 7 games when playing Tampa Bay

[StarDust Bum]

MLB

Wednesday, June 3


MLB roundup: Texas' Gallo drives in 4 in debut

ARLINGTON, Texas -- The top prospect in the Texas system showed folks why he is so valued.

Joey Gallo homered and drove in four runs in his major league debut, powering the Rangers to a 15-2 victory over the Chicago White Sox on Tuesday night at Globe Life Park. The four RBIs were a franchise record for a player in his first big-league game.

The Rangers opened the three-game series with their 11th win in the last 13 games.

Gallo was the story coming into the game after being called up earlier in the day from Double-A to replace injured third baseman Adrian Beltre in the lineup. The sweet-swinging lefty stole the show with a single, a homer and a double in his first three at-bats before finishing 3-for-4.

Cardinals 1, Brewers 0

ST. LOUIS -- Matt Holliday's National League-record streak of reaching base ended at 45 games, but it wasn't enough to prevent St. Louis from returning to the win column.

Despite the ejection of Holliday and manager Mike Matheny in the bottom of the seventh inning, the Cardinals blanked Milwaukee. Mark Reynolds' second-inning single scored the game's only run.

Cardinals starter Lance Lynn (4-4) threw 7 2/3 innings, giving up five hits and one walk with five strikeouts. Reliever Kevin Siegrist got the last out in the eighth inning, and closer Trevor Rosenthal worked the ninth for his 16th save in 17 chances, inducing a game-ending 5-4-3 double play from Aramis Ramirez with runners at the corners.

Red Sox 1, Twins 0

BOSTON -- Clay Buchholz pitched eight strong innings as Boston opened a seven-game homestand with a victory over Minnesota.

Rusney Castillo came through with a two-out RBI single in the seventh inning, delivering Xander Bogaerts from second with the only run of the game as Boston won for only the second time in its last eight games.

Buchholz (3-5) was strong from the start, needing just 92 pitches to get through eight innings of three-hit ball. He walked two and struck out eight, throwing 92 pitches. Koji Uehara, who blew the save and took the loss in Texas on Sunday, worked the ninth for his 11th save.

Marlins 5, Cubs 2

MIAMI -- Marcell Ozuna cleared the bases with a three-run double, the decisive blow in Miami's win over Chicago.

The Cubs momentarily loaded the bases with one out in the ninth, but Marlins right fielder Giancarlo Stanton's throw to second caught Chicago's Addison Russell off the base. Marlins closer A.J. Ramos then struck out pinch hitter Miguel Montero to nail down his fifth save of the season.

Ozuna's double came in the fourth inning. Stanton added a solo homer in the seventh, putting Miami up 5-2.

A's 5, Tigers 3

DETROIT -- Ben Zobrist's grand slam capped a five-run eruption in the seventh inning and Oakland held on for a victory over slumping Detroit.

It was the sixth career grand slam for Zobrist but just his second home run this season. Billy Burns added two hits and an RBI, and Kendall Graveman (3-2) pitched six innings to get the victory for the A's, who won for the fourth time in five games. Tyler Clippard pitched a scoreless ninth for his eighth save.

Third baseman Nick Castellanos hit a two-run single for the Tigers, who dropped their five straight. Alfredo Simon (5-3) took the loss despite taking a shutout into the seventh.

Phillies 5, Reds 4

PHILADELPHIA -- Pinch hitter Darin Ruf singled home the winning run in the bottom of the ninth as Philadelphia beat Cincinnati to break a seven-game losing streak.

Phillies rookie Maikel Franco hit a two-run homer to tie the game in the eighth. Chase Utley also homered for Philadelphia.

First baseman Joey Votto went 2-for-4 and drove in two runs for the Reds, who saw a three-game winning streak end.

Astros 6, Orioles 4

HOUSTON -- Evan Gattis and Luis Valbuena cranked back-to-back home runs in a turnaround third inning as Houston slugged its way past Baltimore at Minute Maid Park.

Gattis and Valbuena struck in succession against Mike Wright to rally the Astros from a four-run deficit. Houston's Collin McHugh surrendered the early but recovered to pitch effectively.

McHugh allowed four runs -- all in the second inning -- on six hits and two walks while striking out six over seven innings. The tandem of Pat Neshek and Luke Gregerson provided stifling relief, with Gregerson striking out the side in the ninth to record his 15th save on the season.

Indians 2, Royals 1

KANSAS CITY, Mo. -- Carlos Carrasco pitched seven pristine innings and Michael Brantley delivered a clutch run-producing single as Cleveland defeated Kansas City.

Carrasco won his third straight start, holding the Royals to five hits, while striking out eight and walking two. He held the Royals to 1-for-7 with runners in scoring position, stranding six. Carrasco retired the final 11 batters he faced.

Brantley supplied the go-ahead hit when his two-out eighth inning single to center scored second baseman Jason Kipnis and broke a 1-1 deadlock.

Pirates 7, Giants 4

SAN FRANCISCO -- Andrew McCutchen contributed a triple, double and two singles to a 14-hit attack, helping Pittsburgh make it two in a row over San Francisco.

Right-hander A.J. Burnett overcame a two-run first inning and a two-run home run by Giants shortstop Brandon Crawford to win a sixth consecutive start as the Pirates clinched their sixth consecutive non-losing series against the defending champions.

McCutchen and first baseman Pedro Alvarez drove in two runs apiece and shortstop Jordy Mercer smacked his first homer of the season. Alvarez, Mercer, third baseman Josh Harrison and second baseman Neil Walker had two hits apiece for the Pirates, who improved to 4-2 on their 10-game trip.

Padres 7, Mets 2

SAN DIEGO -- Behind Ian Kennedy's pitching and a 14-hit attack, San Diego beat the New York Mets.

Kennedy, a loser in his last four starts, limited the Mets to two runs on six hits. He struck out eight and walked two as the Padres took the second contest of the three-game series after losing the opener.

Three different Padres had two RBIs as the Mets' Noah Syndergaard was chased after four innings. He did strike out 10, but allowed seven runs on 10 hits. Center fielder Will Venable, catcher Derek Norris and shortstop Alexi Amarista each had a pair of RBIs.

Diamondbacks 7, Braves 6

PHOENIX -- A.J. Pollock homered and drove in three runs, and Paul Goldschmidt walked four times, once with the bases loaded, as Arizona beat Atlanta at Chase Field.

Ender Inciarte drew a two-out walk in the seventh inning off right-hander Brandon Cunniff before Pollock hit his sixth homer of the season into the swimming pool in right-center field for the lead.

Goldschmidt, who also doubled, was twice walked intentionally. The first baseman has eight walks in his past three games, five intentional. Todd Cunningham had three hits and two RBIs and right fielder Nick Markakis added two doubles for Atlanta, which had a three-game winning streak broken.

Rays 6, Angels 1

ANAHEIM, Calif. -- Chris Archer struck out a career-high 15 batters to lead Tampa Bay over the Los Angeles Angels at Angel Stadium.

Archer ended the Angels' five-game winning streak, a surge that was fueled by an offense that hit 13 homers and scored 33 runs during that span.

Archer's 15 strikeouts tied a Rays record, previously accomplished by James Shield on Oct. 2, 2012, against the Baltimore Orioles.

Yankees 5, Mariners 3 (11 innings)

SEATTLE -- Garrett Jones completed the Yankees' dramatic comeback with a three-run home run in the top of the 11th inning, and New York beat Seattle.

The Yankees extended the game on shortstop Stephen Drew's two-out, RBI single in the ninth inning, then earned their first extra-inning win in four tries.

Jones hit his second home run of the season. Tom Wilhelmsen took the loss.

Nationals 2-3, Blue Jays 0-7

WASHINGTON -- Kevin Pillar had three hits and a career-high four RBIs, thanks to a pair of home runs off ace Max Scherzer, and Marco Estrada beat his former team as Toronto blasted Washington in the second game to split a day-night doubleheader.

The Nationals won the first game 2-0 as Jordan Zimmermann threw eight strong innings and ignited the winning rally in the fifth inning.

In the nightcap, the Blue Jays took the lead for good at 4-3 in the sixth when Pillar hit a three-run homer, giving him his first career two-homer game. Pillar also hit a solo homer in the second off Scherzer.

Rockies 6-8, Dodgers 3-9

DENVER -- Michael McKenry homered and drove in three runs and Jorge De La Rosa gave Colorado six solid innings to take Game 1 of a doubleheader against the Los Angeles Dodgers.

The Game 1 win was just the third win for the Rockies in 11 games against the Dodgers this season and their first victory in four games with L.A. at Coors Field.

In Game 2, Alex Guerrero hit a grand slam with two outs in the ninth to give Los Angeles a 9-8 win and a split of its day-night doubleheader. The grand slam was the first for Guerrero in his major league career. It came against Rafael Betancourt, who gave up three straight singles and loaded the bases with no outs.

[StarDust Bum]

MLB
Long Sheet

Wednesday, June 3

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MILWAUKEE (18 - 35) at ST LOUIS (34 - 18) - 1:45 PM
JIMMY NELSON (R) vs. JOHN LACKEY (R)
Top Trends for this game.
MILWAUKEE is 18-35 (-16.7 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
MILWAUKEE is 18-35 (-16.7 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
MILWAUKEE is 13-29 (-16.1 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.
MILWAUKEE is 49-64 (-21.4 Units) against the money line after a loss over the last 2 seasons.
ST LOUIS is 34-18 (+13.7 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
ST LOUIS is 21-7 (+11.6 Units) against the money line in home games this season.
ST LOUIS is 38-15 (+15.7 Units) against the money line in home games against division opponents over the last 2 seasons.
ST LOUIS is 83-51 (+24.4 Units) against the money line in day games over the last 3 seasons.
ST LOUIS is 34-18 (+13.7 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
ST LOUIS is 28-13 (+13.4 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.
ST LOUIS is 47-23 (+16.3 Units) against the money line in home games after a win over the last 2 seasons.
MILWAUKEE is 38-31 (+16.0 Units) against the money line when the total is 7 or less over the last 3 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
ST LOUIS is 5-3 (+0.8 Units) against MILWAUKEE this season
5 of 8 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+1.5 Units)

JIMMY NELSON vs. ST LOUIS since 1997
NELSON is 0-2 when starting against ST LOUIS with an ERA of 9.65 and a WHIP of 1.822.
His team's record is 0-2 (-2.0 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 0-2. (-2.3 units)

JOHN LACKEY vs. MILWAUKEE since 1997
LACKEY is 3-1 when starting against MILWAUKEE with an ERA of 3.86 and a WHIP of 1.107.
His team's record is 3-1 (+2.0 units) in these starts. The OVER is 2-2. (+0.0 units)

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ATLANTA (26 - 26) at ARIZONA (24 - 27) - 3:40 PM
MIKE FOLTYNEWICZ (R) vs. RUBBY DE LA ROSA (R)
Top Trends for this game.
ATLANTA is 103-108 (-15.6 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
ATLANTA is 55-64 (-22.2 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 2 seasons.
ARIZONA is 88-125 (-32.1 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
ARIZONA is 45-60 (-18.6 Units) against the money line in home games over the last 2 seasons.
ARIZONA is 88-125 (-32.1 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
ARIZONA is 32-54 (-21.8 Units) against the money line after a win over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
ARIZONA is 1-1 (-0.1 Units) against ATLANTA this season
1 of 1 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+1.0 Units)

MIKE FOLTYNEWICZ vs. ARIZONA since 1997
No recent starts.

RUBBY DE LA ROSA vs. ATLANTA since 1997
No recent starts.

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PITTSBURGH (28 - 24) at SAN FRANCISCO (30 - 24) - 3:45 PM
FRANCISCO LIRIANO (L) vs. TIM HUDSON (R)
Top Trends for this game.
PITTSBURGH is 3-12 (-9.6 Units) against the money line in road games when playing on Wednesday over the last 2 seasons.
PITTSBURGH is 13-29 (-17.9 Units) against the money line in road games in day games over the last 2 seasons.
PITTSBURGH is 251-487 (-106.2 Units) against the money line in road games when playing against a team with a winning record since 1997.
LIRIANO is 2-8 (-7.9 Units) against the money line in all games this season. (Team's Record)
LIRIANO is 0-6 (-6.9 Units) against the money line when the total is 7 or less this season. (Team's Record)
LIRIANO is 29-38 (-19.9 Units) against the money line in day games since 1997. (Team's Record)
LIRIANO is 2-8 (-7.9 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season. (Team's Record)
LIRIANO is 53-60 (-26.3 Units) against the money line after a win since 1997. (Team's Record)
SAN FRANCISCO is 130-103 (+20.7 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
SAN FRANCISCO is 25-12 (+13.6 Units) against the money line when playing on Wednesday over the last 2 seasons.
SAN FRANCISCO is 50-33 (+14.9 Units) against the money line in day games over the last 2 seasons.
SAN FRANCISCO is 130-103 (+20.7 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
SAN FRANCISCO is 248-157 (+55.4 Units) against the money line in home games against left-handed starters since 1997.
SAN FRANCISCO is 59-51 (+13.1 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.
HUDSON is 295-185 (+52.3 Units) against the money line in all games since 1997. (Team's Record)
HUDSON is 168-76 (+49.9 Units) against the money line in home games since 1997. (Team's Record)
HUDSON is 108-60 (+33.1 Units) against the money line in day games since 1997. (Team's Record)
HUDSON is 283-173 (+56.3 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field since 1997. (Team's Record)
HUDSON is 74-33 (+23.2 Units) against the money line in home games after a loss since 1997. (Team's Record)
PITTSBURGH is 213-170 (+28.9 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 3 seasons.
PITTSBURGH is 36-19 (+19.7 Units) against the money line in June games over the last 3 seasons.
PITTSBURGH is 211-169 (+27.3 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 3 seasons.
SAN FRANCISCO is 10-18 (-11.8 Units) against the money line in June games over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
PITTSBURGH is 2-0 (+2.1 Units) against SAN FRANCISCO this season
1 of 1 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+1.2 Units)

FRANCISCO LIRIANO vs. SAN FRANCISCO since 1997
LIRIANO is 2-1 when starting against SAN FRANCISCO with an ERA of 4.76 and a WHIP of 1.588.
His team's record is 2-1 (+0.7 units) in these starts. The OVER is 2-1. (+1.1 units)

TIM HUDSON vs. PITTSBURGH since 1997
HUDSON is 6-8 when starting against PITTSBURGH with an ERA of 3.23 and a WHIP of 1.126.
His team's record is 6-9 (-7.3 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 11-2. (+8.9 units)

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CINCINNATI (22 - 28) at PHILADELPHIA (20 - 33) - 7:05 PM
MIKE LEAKE (R) vs. COLE HAMELS (L)
Top Trends for this game.
CINCINNATI is 8-26 (-15.7 Units) against the money line as a road underdog of +125 to +150 over the last 3 seasons.
LEAKE is 15-28 (-13.4 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
LEAKE is 15-28 (-13.4 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
CINCINNATI is 698-792 (+35.4 Units) against the money line in road games since 1997.
CINCINNATI is 392-346 (+60.4 Units) against the money line in road games when playing against a team with a losing record since 1997.
LEAKE is 11-2 (+10.6 Units) against the money line in road games in June games since 1997. (Team's Record)
PHILADELPHIA is 20-38 (-18.9 Units) against the money line when playing on Wednesday over the last 3 seasons.
PHILADELPHIA is 75-97 (-31.4 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 3 seasons.
HAMELS is 21-28 (-18.9 Units) against the money line in June games since 1997. (Team's Record)
HAMELS is 12-23 (-20.5 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 3 seasons. (Team's Record)

Head-to-Head Series History
PHILADELPHIA is 1-0 (+1.6 Units) against CINCINNATI this season
1 of 1 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+1.1 Units)

MIKE LEAKE vs. PHILADELPHIA since 1997
LEAKE is 1-3 when starting against PHILADELPHIA with an ERA of 7.41 and a WHIP of 1.383.
His team's record is 1-5 (-4.3 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 0-5. (-5.4 units)

COLE HAMELS vs. CINCINNATI since 1997
HAMELS is 10-0 when starting against CINCINNATI with an ERA of 1.36 and a WHIP of 0.877.
His team's record is 13-0 (+13.2 units) in these starts. The OVER is 5-7. (-2.6 units)

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CHICAGO CUBS (27 - 23) at MIAMI (21 - 32) - 7:10 PM
JON LESTER (L) vs. DAN HAREN (R)
Top Trends for this game.
CHICAGO CUBS are 1414-1576 (-279.8 Units) against the money line in all games since 1997.
CHICAGO CUBS are 1357-1489 (-254.6 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field since 1997.
CHICAGO CUBS are 1039-1172 (-212.6 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters since 1997.
CHICAGO CUBS are 692-694 (-157.7 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record since 1997.
MIAMI is 401-391 (+41.6 Units) against the money line against left-handed starters since 1997.
CHICAGO CUBS are 55-54 (+7.9 Units) against the money line after a loss over the last 2 seasons.
LESTER is 28-12 (+14.5 Units) against the money line after a loss over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
MIAMI is 21-32 (-13.0 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
MIAMI is 21-32 (-13.0 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
HAREN is 183-177 (-36.6 Units) against the money line in all games since 1997. (Team's Record)
HAREN is 170-171 (-43.4 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field since 1997. (Team's Record)
HAREN is 121-123 (-33.1 Units) against the money line in night games since 1997. (Team's Record)

Head-to-Head Series History
MIAMI is 1-1 (+0.0 Units) against CHICAGO CUBS this season
2 of 2 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+2.1 Units)

JON LESTER vs. MIAMI since 1997
LESTER is 0-1 when starting against MIAMI with an ERA of 3.60 and a WHIP of 1.800.
His team's record is 1-1 (-1.0 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 2-0. (+2.0 units)

DAN HAREN vs. CHICAGO CUBS since 1997
HAREN is 2-3 when starting against CHICAGO CUBS with an ERA of 5.71 and a WHIP of 1.390.
His team's record is 2-5 (-3.6 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 2-5. (-3.7 units)

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LA DODGERS (31 - 21) at COLORADO (23 - 28) - 8:10 PM
MIKE BOLSINGER (R) vs. CHAD BETTIS (R)
Top Trends for this game.
LA DODGERS are 225-235 (-58.2 Units) against the money line when playing on Wednesday since 1997.
LA DODGERS are 64-62 (-14.6 Units) against the money line after a win over the last 2 seasons.
COLORADO is 54-88 (-32.4 Units) against the money line in night games over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
LA DODGERS is 9-3 (+3.8 Units) against COLORADO this season
8 of 12 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+3.6 Units)

MIKE BOLSINGER vs. COLORADO since 1997
BOLSINGER is 1-0 when starting against COLORADO with an ERA of 3.27 and a WHIP of 1.273.
His team's record is 1-1 (-0.1 units) in these starts. The OVER is 1-1. (-0.1 units)

CHAD BETTIS vs. LA DODGERS since 1997
BETTIS is 0-0 when starting against LA DODGERS with an ERA of 8.38 and a WHIP of 2.378.
His team's record is 1-1 (+1.0 units) in these starts. The OVER is 2-0. (+2.1 units)

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NY METS (29 - 24) at SAN DIEGO (26 - 28) - 9:10 PM
DILLON GEE (R) vs. JAMES SHIELDS (R)
Top Trends for this game.
NY METS are 3-13 (-10.2 Units) against the money line in road games in night games this season.
SAN DIEGO is 62-48 (+15.0 Units) against the money line in home games when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 3 seasons.
SHIELDS is 32-18 (+11.1 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
SHIELDS is 20-8 (+12.6 Units) against the money line when the total is 7 or less over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
SHIELDS is 18-6 (+11.6 Units) against the money line after a win over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
SHIELDS is 30-16 (+13.1 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 3 seasons. (Team's Record)
NY METS are 108-107 (+7.7 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
NY METS are 108-107 (+7.7 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
NY METS are 61-40 (+19.0 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 2 seasons.
GEE is 15-8 (+12.3 Units) against the money line as a road underdog of +125 to +150 since 1997. (Team's Record)
GEE is 30-21 (+19.4 Units) against the money line in road games since 1997. (Team's Record)
GEE is 12-3 (+12.1 Units) against the money line when playing on Wednesday since 1997. (Team's Record)
GEE is 29-21 (+18.0 Units) against the money line in road games in games played on a grass field since 1997. (Team's Record)
GEE is 18-10 (+14.3 Units) against the money line in road games after a loss since 1997. (Team's Record)

Head-to-Head Series History
NY METS is 1-1 (+0.1 Units) against SAN DIEGO this season
2 of 2 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+2.1 Units)

DILLON GEE vs. SAN DIEGO since 1997
GEE is 2-2 when starting against SAN DIEGO with an ERA of 2.52 and a WHIP of 1.080.
His team's record is 2-2 (-0.1 units) in these starts. The OVER is 1-2. (-1.0 units)

JAMES SHIELDS vs. NY METS since 1997
SHIELDS is 1-0 when starting against NY METS with an ERA of 1.29 and a WHIP of 0.429.
His team's record is 1-0 (+1.1 units) in these starts. The OVER is 0-1. (-1.0 units)

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NY YANKEES (28 - 25) at SEATTLE (24 - 28) - 3:40 PM
MASAHIRO TANAKA (R) vs. TAIJUAN WALKER (R)
Top Trends for this game.
NY YANKEES are 31-21 (+14.8 Units) against the money line in road games in day games over the last 3 seasons.
SEATTLE is 53-55 (-19.5 Units) against the money line in home games over the last 2 seasons.
SEATTLE is 5-10 (-8.0 Units) against the money line at home when the total is 7 or less this season.
SEATTLE is 8-19 (-17.3 Units) against the money line in home games when playing on Wednesday over the last 3 seasons.
SEATTLE is 19-27 (-13.4 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
SEATTLE is 34-43 (-24.2 Units) against the money line in home games against right-handed starters over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
NY YANKEES is 2-0 (+2.3 Units) against SEATTLE this season
2 of 2 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+2.0 Units)

MASAHIRO TANAKA vs. SEATTLE since 1997
TANAKA is 1-0 when starting against SEATTLE with an ERA of 2.00 and a WHIP of 0.778.
His team's record is 1-0 (+1.0 units) in these starts. The OVER is 0-1. (-1.4 units)

TAIJUAN WALKER vs. NY YANKEES since 1997
No recent starts.

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OAKLAND (21 - 33) at DETROIT (28 - 25) - 7:05 PM
SONNY GRAY (R) vs. ANIBAL SANCHEZ (R)
Top Trends for this game.
OAKLAND is 21-33 (-17.7 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
OAKLAND is 14-21 (-15.5 Units) against the money line when playing on Wednesday over the last 2 seasons.
OAKLAND is 19-31 (-18.1 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
OAKLAND is 73-67 (-16.1 Units) against the money line in night games over the last 2 seasons.
OAKLAND is 78-73 (-18.6 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters over the last 2 seasons.
OAKLAND is 5-15 (-13.4 Units) against the money line after a win this season.
OAKLAND is 51-55 (-14.9 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.
GRAY is 9-15 (-13.1 Units) against the money line after a win over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
DETROIT is 11-18 (-9.4 Units) against the money line in night games this season.
DETROIT is 38-40 (-18.9 Units) against the money line in home games against right-handed starters over the last 2 seasons.
DETROIT is 47-51 (-18.6 Units) against the money line after a loss over the last 2 seasons.
DETROIT is 52-52 (-17.0 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
DETROIT is 2-2 (+0.1 Units) against OAKLAND this season
4 of 4 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+4.0 Units)

SONNY GRAY vs. DETROIT since 1997
GRAY is 0-1 when starting against DETROIT with an ERA of 3.32 and a WHIP of 1.316.
His team's record is 1-2 (-1.4 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 2-1. (+0.7 units)

ANIBAL SANCHEZ vs. OAKLAND since 1997
SANCHEZ is 1-3 when starting against OAKLAND with an ERA of 4.12 and a WHIP of 1.191.
His team's record is 2-5 (-4.5 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 2-4. (-2.0 units)

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MINNESOTA (30 - 20) at BOSTON (23 - 29) - 7:10 PM
TREVOR MAY (R) vs. RICK PORCELLO (R)
Top Trends for this game.
MINNESOTA is 30-20 (+16.0 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
MINNESOTA is 39-34 (+15.4 Units) against the money line when the total is 9 to 9.5 over the last 3 seasons.
MINNESOTA is 30-20 (+16.0 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
MINNESOTA is 15-9 (+10.3 Units) against the money line in night games this season.
MINNESOTA is 23-9 (+19.0 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record this season.
BOSTON is 23-29 (-11.1 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
BOSTON is 602-543 (-80.7 Units) against the money line when the total is 9 to 9.5 since 1997.
BOSTON is 45-60 (-31.4 Units) against the money line in home games over the last 2 seasons.
BOSTON is 84-105 (-34.4 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
BOSTON is 67-85 (-26.8 Units) against the money line in night games over the last 2 seasons.
BOSTON is 65-85 (-26.7 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters over the last 2 seasons.
BOSTON is 46-65 (-21.6 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
MINNESOTA is 3-1 (+2.5 Units) against BOSTON this season
2 of 3 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+0.7 Units)

TREVOR MAY vs. BOSTON since 1997
No recent starts.

RICK PORCELLO vs. MINNESOTA since 1997
PORCELLO is 8-8 when starting against MINNESOTA with an ERA of 4.10 and a WHIP of 1.431.
His team's record is 12-12 (-4.2 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 13-10. (+1.3 units)

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

CHI WHITE SOX (23 - 27) at TEXAS (27 - 25) - 8:05 PM
CHRIS SALE (L) vs. NICK MARTINEZ (R)
Top Trends for this game.
CHI WHITE SOX are 37-78 (-29.1 Units) against the money line in road games after a loss over the last 3 seasons.
TEXAS is 27-25 (+10.9 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
TEXAS is 25-23 (+9.9 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
TEXAS is 14-8 (+12.0 Units) against the money line after 3 or more consecutive wins over the last 2 seasons.
MARTINEZ is 8-2 (+8.8 Units) against the money line in all games this season. (Team's Record)
TEXAS is 43-62 (-20.8 Units) against the money line in home games over the last 2 seasons.
TEXAS is 62-94 (-23.6 Units) against the money line in night games over the last 2 seasons.
TEXAS is 32-49 (-17.5 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
TEXAS is 1-0 (+1.0 Units) against CHI WHITE SOX this season
1 of 1 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+1.0 Units)

CHRIS SALE vs. TEXAS since 1997
SALE is 3-2 when starting against TEXAS with an ERA of 4.81 and a WHIP of 1.070.
His team's record is 3-2 (-0.3 units) in these starts. The OVER is 3-2. (+0.9 units)

NICK MARTINEZ vs. CHI WHITE SOX since 1997
MARTINEZ is 0-1 when starting against CHI WHITE SOX with an ERA of 9.00 and a WHIP of 2.200.
His team's record is 0-1 (-1.0 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 1-0. (+1.0 units)

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

BALTIMORE (23 - 28) at HOUSTON (33 - 20) - 8:10 PM
MIGUEL GONZALEZ (R) vs. LANCE MCCULLERS (R)
Top Trends for this game.
BALTIMORE is 11-20 (-10.6 Units) against the money line in night games this season.
BALTIMORE is 189-313 (-102.4 Units) against the money line after 3 or more consecutive losses since 1997.
HOUSTON is 33-20 (+12.2 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
HOUSTON is 33-20 (+12.2 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
HOUSTON is 21-11 (+11.2 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.
BALTIMORE is 123-98 (+28.9 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
BALTIMORE is 109-86 (+25.2 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
BALTIMORE is 96-71 (+28.9 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters over the last 2 seasons.
BALTIMORE is 56-41 (+17.3 Units) against the money line after a loss over the last 2 seasons.
BALTIMORE is 59-47 (+18.1 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.
GONZALEZ is 35-21 (+15.8 Units) against the money line in night games since 1997. (Team's Record)

Head-to-Head Series History
HOUSTON is 3-2 (+1.0 Units) against BALTIMORE this season
3 of 5 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+0.8 Units)

MIGUEL GONZALEZ vs. HOUSTON since 1997
GONZALEZ is 1-2 when starting against HOUSTON with an ERA of 3.47 and a WHIP of 1.371.
His team's record is 2-2 (-1.6 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 2-2. (-0.3 units)

LANCE MCCULLERS vs. BALTIMORE since 1997
No recent starts.

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

CLEVELAND (25 - 26) at KANSAS CITY (29 - 20) - 8:10 PM
COREY KLUBER (R) vs. JASON VARGAS (L)
Top Trends for this game.
KLUBER is 0-6 (-7.6 Units) against the money line against division opponents this season. (Team's Record)
KANSAS CITY is 29-20 (+8.4 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
KANSAS CITY is 29-20 (+8.4 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
KANSAS CITY is 92-65 (+17.8 Units) against the money line in night games over the last 2 seasons.
KANSAS CITY is 92-67 (+14.4 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters over the last 2 seasons.
CLEVELAND is 23-11 (+11.2 Units) against the money line when playing on Wednesday over the last 2 seasons.
KANSAS CITY is 301-320 (-72.0 Units) against the money line in home games when playing against a team with a losing record since 1997.

Head-to-Head Series History
KANSAS CITY is 4-3 (+1.2 Units) against CLEVELAND this season
6 of 7 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+5.1 Units)

COREY KLUBER vs. KANSAS CITY since 1997
KLUBER is 4-3 when starting against KANSAS CITY with an ERA of 3.48 and a WHIP of 1.078.
His team's record is 6-5 (+0.6 units) in these starts. The OVER is 6-4. (+2.0 units)

JASON VARGAS vs. CLEVELAND since 1997
VARGAS is 5-3 when starting against CLEVELAND with an ERA of 4.86 and a WHIP of 1.302.
His team's record is 6-5 (+0.9 units) in these starts. The OVER is 8-3. (+5.2 units)

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

TAMPA BAY (27 - 26) at LA ANGELS (28 - 25) - 10:05 PM
NATE KARNS (R) vs. HECTOR SANTIAGO (L)
Top Trends for this game.
TAMPA BAY is 104-111 (-27.5 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
LA ANGELS are 126-92 (+16.6 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
LA ANGELS are 101-67 (+19.9 Units) against the money line in night games over the last 2 seasons.
SANTIAGO is 21-36 (-16.6 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 3 seasons. (Team's Record)
SANTIAGO is 20-36 (-17.7 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 3 seasons. (Team's Record)

Head-to-Head Series History
LA ANGELS is 1-1 (+0.0 Units) against TAMPA BAY this season
1 of 1 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+1.0 Units)

NATE KARNS vs. LA ANGELS since 1997
No recent starts.

HECTOR SANTIAGO vs. TAMPA BAY since 1997
No recent starts.

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

TORONTO (24 - 30) at WASHINGTON (29 - 23) - 7:05 PM
MARK BUEHRLE (L) vs. TAYLOR JORDAN (R)
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

Head-to-Head Series History
TORONTO is 1-1 (+0.6 Units) against WASHINGTON this season
1 of 2 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+0.0 Units)

MARK BUEHRLE vs. WASHINGTON since 1997
BUEHRLE is 2-0 when starting against WASHINGTON with an ERA of 4.64 and a WHIP of 1.303.
His team's record is 3-2 (+1.1 units) in these starts. The OVER is 4-1. (+2.8 units)

TAYLOR JORDAN vs. TORONTO since 1997
No recent starts.

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

MINNESOTA (30 - 20) at BOSTON (23 - 29) - 1:35 PM
PHIL HUGHES (R) vs. EDUARDO RODRIGUEZ (L)
Top Trends for this game.
MINNESOTA is 30-20 (+16.0 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
MINNESOTA is 47-46 (+9.5 Units) against the money line in day games over the last 2 seasons.
MINNESOTA is 30-20 (+16.0 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
MINNESOTA is 15-6 (+12.5 Units) against the money line against left-handed starters this season.
MINNESOTA is 13-6 (+10.2 Units) against the money line after a loss this season.
MINNESOTA is 23-9 (+19.0 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record this season.
HUGHES is 24-18 (+9.7 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
HUGHES is 15-7 (+11.2 Units) against the money line in day games over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
BOSTON is 23-29 (-11.1 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
BOSTON is 38-54 (-23.4 Units) against the money line when the total is 8 to 8.5 over the last 2 seasons.
BOSTON is 45-60 (-31.4 Units) against the money line in home games over the last 2 seasons.
BOSTON is 23-30 (-14.9 Units) against the money line at home when the total is 8 to 8.5 over the last 2 seasons.
BOSTON is 12-20 (-13.0 Units) against the money line in home games in day games over the last 2 seasons.
BOSTON is 84-105 (-34.4 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
BOSTON is 65-85 (-26.7 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters over the last 2 seasons.
BOSTON is 7-15 (-10.4 Units) against the money line after a win this season.
BOSTON is 46-65 (-21.6 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
MINNESOTA is 3-1 (+2.5 Units) against BOSTON this season
2 of 3 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+0.7 Units)

PHIL HUGHES vs. BOSTON since 1997
HUGHES is 5-7 when starting against BOSTON with an ERA of 4.94 and a WHIP of 1.388.
His team's record is 8-8 (-0.2 units) in these starts. The OVER is 10-5. (+4.8 units)

EDUARDO RODRIGUEZ vs. MINNESOTA since 1997
No recent starts.

[StarDust Bum]

MLB
Dunkel

Wednesday, June 3


Milwaukee @ St. Louis

Game 901-902
June 3, 2015 @ 1:45 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Milwaukee
(Nelson) 14.430
St. Louis
(Lackey) 16.076
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
St. Louis
by 1 1/2
6
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
St. Louis
-165
7
Dunkel Pick:
St. Louis
(-165); Under

Atlanta @ Arizona

Game 903-904
June 3, 2015 @ 3:40 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Atlanta
(Fltynwicz) 14.569
Arizona
(DeLaRosa) 16.680
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Arizona
by 2
8
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Arizona
-125
8 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Arizona
(-125); Under

Pittsburgh @ San Francisco

Game 905-906
June 3, 2015 @ 3:45 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Pittsburgh
(Liriano) 16.413
San Francisco
(Hudson) 14.342
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Pittsburgh
by 2
8
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Pittsburgh
-120
7
Dunkel Pick:
Pittsburgh
(-120); Over

Cincinnati @ Philadelphia

Game 907-908
June 3, 2015 @ 7:05 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Cincinnati
(Leake) 15.508
Philadelphia
(Hamels) 13.580
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Cincinnati
by 2
8
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Philadelphia
-140
7
Dunkel Pick:
Cincinnati
(+120); Over

Chicago Cubs @ Miami

Game 909-910
June 3, 2015 @ 7:10 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Chicago Cubs
(Lester) 15.118
Miami
(Haren) 16.247
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Miami
by 1
6
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Chicago Cubs
-125
7
Dunkel Pick:
Miami
(+105); Under

LA Dodgers @ Colorado

Game 911-912
June 3, 2015 @ 8:10 pm

Dunkel Rating:
LA Dodgers
(Bolsinger) 14.331
Colorado
(Bettis) 17.396
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Colorado
by 3
12
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
LA Dodgers
-145
10 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Colorado
(+125); Over

NY Mets @ San Diego

Game 913-914
June 3, 2015 @ 9:10 pm

Dunkel Rating:
NY Mets
(Gee) 16.506
San Diego
(Shields) 15.423
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
NY Mets
by 1
8
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
San Diego
-150
6 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
NY Mets
(+130); Over

NY Yankees @ Seattle

Game 915-916
June 3, 2015 @ 3:40 pm

Dunkel Rating:
NY Yankees
(Tanaka) 17.280
Seattle
(Walker) 14.813
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
NY Yankees
by 2 1/2
8
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
NY Yankees
-125
7
Dunkel Pick:
NY Yankees
(-125); Over

Oakland @ Detroit

Game 917-918
June 3, 2015 @ 7:05 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Oakland
(Gray) 16.881
Detroit
(Sanchez) 15.309
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Oakland
by 1 1/2
7
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Detroit
-115
8
Dunkel Pick:
Oakland
(-105); Under

Minnesota @ Boston

Game 919-920
June 3, 2015 @ 7:10 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Minnesota
(May) 17.556
Boston
(Porcello) 16.409
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Minnesota
by 1
10
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Boston
-160
9
Dunkel Pick:
Minnesota
(+140); Over

Chicago White Sox @ Texas

Game 921-922
June 3, 2015 @ 8:05 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Chicago White Sox
(Sale) 17.212
Texas
(Martinez) 15.349
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Chicago White Sox
by 2
7
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Chicago White Sox
-135
8 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Chicago White Sox
(-135); Under

Baltimore @ Houston

Game 923-924
June 3, 2015 @ 8:10 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Baltimore
(Gonzalez) 15.975
Houston
(McCullers) 14.411
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Baltimore
by 1 1/2
9
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Houston
-130
8 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Baltimore
(+110); Over

Cleveland @ Kansas City

Game 925-926
June 3, 2015 @ 8:10 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Cleveland
(Kluber) 15.688
Kansas City
(Vargas) 16.709
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Kansas City
by 1
6
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Cleveland
-135
7 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Kansas City
(+115); Under

Tampa Bay @ LA Angels

Game 927-928
June 3, 2015 @ 10:05 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Tampa Bay
(Karns) 16.881
LA Angels
(Santiago) 13.226
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Tampa Bay
by 3 1/2
9
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
LA Angels
-135
7 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Tampa Bay
(+115); Over

Toronto @ Washington

Game 929-930
June 3, 2015 @ 7:05 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Toronto
(Buehrle) 16.205
Washington
(Jordan) 15.112
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Toronto
by 1
9
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Washington
No Line
N/A
Dunkel Pick:
Toronto
N/A

Minnesota @ Boston

Game 931-932
June 3, 2015 @ 1:35 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Minnesota
(Hughes) 17.556
Boston
(Rodriguez) 16.408
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Minnesota
by 1
9
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Boston
-160
8 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Minnesota
(+140); Over

[StarDust Bum]

MLB

Wednesday, June 3


Cardinals extend under streak with shutout of Brewers

The St. Louis Cardinals shutout the Milwaukee Brewers 1-0 Tuesday night, going under the total for the sixth consecutive games.

The under is also 10-1-1 in the Cardinals last 11 games overall, making them the best under play in baseball at 19-31-2 over/under for the season.

This is thanks to the Cardinals major league leading team ERA of of 2.64, while scoring a middling 4.04 runs per game.

The Cardinals will try to make it seven in a row Wednesday afternoon when they close out their series with the Brewers. The total is currently at 7.0.

[StarDust Bum]

MLB

Wednesday, June 3


Chance of thunderstorms at Coors Field Wednesday

Weather forecasts are predicting a 37 percent possibility of thunderstorms at Coors Field when the Colorado Rockies host the Los Angeles Dodgers in the finale of their four-game series Wednesday.

Chad Bettis is the probable starter for the Rockies while the Dodgers are slated to give the ball to Michael Bolsinger. The Dodgers are presently -130 with a total of 10.5.


Road team is a hot bet with Eddings as umpire

The road team has gone 9-2 in the last 11 games when umpire Doug Eddings is tasked with calling pitches behind home plate. That clip includes a 6-2 record for the road team in eight games this season.

According to our umpire stats, the home team plates just 3.88 runs per game while the road team scores an average of 5.12 runs per game in contests with Eddings behind the dish.

Eddings will be working the plate in Wednesday's matchup between the Pittsburgh Pirates and San Francisco Giants at AT&T Park.

[StarDust Bum]

Armadillo: Wednesday's six-pack

Some of the Sporting News College Football Guide's top tailgating experiences........

-- Texas A&M-- They have Midnight Yell practice the night before.

-- Washington-- Lot of tailgaters get to the stadium by boat.....

-- Tennessee-- You've never seen so many people wearing orange.

-- Ole Miss-- "The Grove" is famous for big parties and attractive ladies.

-- Wisconsin-- Less RVs, lot more brats, same amount of beer as other places.

-- LSU-- Former Tiger QB Rohan Davey once said "You can smell the bourbon in the air" as he and his teammates took the field. Night games are that much more fun.

**********

Armadillo: Wednesday's List of 13: Random mid-week thoughts.......

13) Weirdness in San Diego this week. Statistical weirdness.........

Monday night, Andrew Cashner allowed 11 hits while striking out 12 Mets in 4.2 IP; in the last 115 years, no one had struck out 10+ while allowing 10+ hits while pitching less than five innings. No one in 115 years.

Last night in the same ballpark, Noah Syndergaard of the Mets allowed 10 hits while striking out 10.....in four innings. So something that hadn't been done in 115 years was done on consecutive nights, in the same ballpark. Weird.

12) Texas Rangers prospect Joey Gallo had a memorable debut, going 3-4 with three runs scored and three RBI as Texas blasted the White Sox 15-2.

11) Milwaukee-St Louis played pair of 1-0 games last two nights; Tyler Cravy had a solid debut for the Brewers after pitching in the minors for six years. He gave up only four hits, two walks in seven IP but lost 1-0 to the Redbirds.

10) I've had Giancarlo Stanton on my keeper fantasy team since he was an 18-year old in the Florida State League, but every year recently, the Marlins suck, then they fire someone or trade all the other good players and Stanton looks like a lost soul for long stretches of time. He is in one of those funks now.

Stanton makes $20M+ a year and is expected to carry the franchise, but the Marlins have imploded again and the only hits Stanton get go out of the ballpark; he's turning into this generation's Rob Deer. Thats not a good thing.

I mean, the Marlins fire the manager/bench coach, the new bench coach, who is really running the team since the GM is the "manager", isn't getting along with the coaches left over from the previous regime. Must be a great group to be around these days.

9) Marlins have the best TV announcers, Rich Waltz and Tommy Hutton; Hutton played in big leagues, was less than happy when Starlin Castro homered Monday and took his time getting around the bases. Hutton mentioned it again last night, so I'm guessing the Marlins in the dugout weren't too happy about it either. You wonder if the Cubs will be able to find a taker for Castro in trade talks, as is rumored.

8) Oakland A's are 10-11 when Ben Zobrist plays, 11-22 when he does not. Zobrist is healthy now, but he is 34 and will be a free agent this winter, so chances are he is going to get traded before July 31, which will make this season even more depressing, especially since the A's are 7-3 in their last ten games and are improving.

7) Judge Judy makes $45M a year? Really? And I thought Stephen A Smith and Skip Bayless were overpaid (they are). Yikes.

6) Mets are carrying 13 pitchers on their roster now, which leaves four position player subs per game, one of whom is the backup catcher who probably won't get into the game. Back when pitchers went deeper in games, i remember the A's going with nine pitchers until they needed a fifth starter around Memorial Day, then they would bring up Glenn Abbott or Dave Hamilton as their 10th pitcher.

5) San Diego Padres really need to go back to their old brown/gold color scheme; still see a lot of fans at Petco Park wearing those colors. Previous owners wanted to make their team to look more mainstream, but unique colors sell more stuff.

4) New York's Hospital for Special Surgery is sponsoring the David Wright jersey giveaway June 13 at Citi Field, which is fitting, since Wright is probably out for the year with spinal stenosis. Still waiting for the Mets to make their move trade-wise to cement themselves as playoff contenders.

3) Jets cut QB Matt Simms, who was then signed by Buffalo, which then cut QB Jeff Tuel to make room for Simms. Jacksonville then signed Tuel and cut QB Jake Waters to make room for Tuel. Funny thing is that Simms was by far the worst college QB of the three, but he is Phil Simms' son, which seems to carry some weight. Certainly nothing he has ever done on the playing field would dictate this much interest in him.

2) Speaking of the Bills, SI.com's Peter King had this to say about Rex Ryan this week: "........Who wouldn’t love to see Rex Ryan playing important football games in January?" I neither like or dislike Rex, but I sure as hell don't give a rat's ass whether he ever coaches in the playoffs again. Why would a non-Bills fan root for him?

This identifies a problem with some members of mainstream media; they prefer guys who make their jobs easier, guys who run their mouth for no apparent reason. Ryan is unquestionably one of those guys and the media loves him for it.

1) Cam Newton gets a five-year, $103M extension from Carolina; with $$$ comes the weight of expectations. Panthers will be an interesting team to follow this fall.

[StarDust Bum]

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

Letdown spot

Remember the NBA conference finals? It's been so long since we’ve seen playoff betting action, it isn’t just the Cavaliers and Warriors shaking off the rust for Game 1 Thursday. With basketball bettors returning to the book, you can’t help but wonder how much that seven-day hiatus will impact these teams? The one thing we do know is that Finals teams do suffer a bit of a letdown in the opening quarter of the series. Call it jitters or just a feeling-out process, but over the past eight seasons there has been an average of just 43.6 combined points scored in the first quarter of Game 1 of the NBA Finals.

Oddsmakers have set the first quarter total at 51.5 points for Game 1 between Cleveland and Golden State. The Cavs scored 27.2 points per first quarter this season while allowing 24.6 points against. The Warriors averaged 27.8 points in first quarters while giving up 25.6 points in the opening frames. Only one time in that eight-season span have the finals teams scored close to that expected first quarter total, with the Heat and Thunder putting up 51 first-quarter points in Game 1 of the 2012 NBA Finals.

Lookahead spot

You knew it wouldn’t take long for another NFL team to scoop up Rex Ryan when the New York Jets canned the head coach at the end of last season. And in classic Ryan fashion, he stayed within the division - just to stick it to his rivals - and took over the big job with the Buffalo Bills, putting a circle around his return to the Meadowlands in Week 10 of the NFL season.

The Jets will undoubtedly have plenty of media hype and locker room hoopla as that matchup draws near, which could get them into trouble. New York, which is an early 1-point home underdog hosting Buffalo in Week 10, runs the risk of a letdown spot the week prior hosting the Jacksonville Jaguars. Books are giving the improving Jags five points in that game – just enough to make them dangerous.

Schedule spot

The St. Louis Cardinals and Los Angeles Dodgers clash this weekend in a possible NLCS preview in La-La Land, headlined by a Sunday Night Baseball finale. The Cardinals and Dodgers are currently No. 1 and No. 3 in the National League and you can expect some intense battles by the time this three-game set wraps late Sunday. But following that high-profile, primetime showdown, St. Louis makes the trip up the mountain to play the Colorado Rockies Monday.

Not only will a depleted Cardinals squad have to battle the thin air and fatigue that comes with Coors Field but their pitching staff, which currently sits tops in the big leagues with a 2.70 ERA, hasn’t been that sharp in recent trips to Colorado. St. Louis has allowed an average of 5.6 runs per game to the Rockies in their last 10 meetings in Coors Field. Luckily, the Cards have fired back with an average of 6.7 runs for in that 10-game span.

[StarDust Bum]

NHL
Dunkel

Wednesday, June 3

Chicago @ Tampa Bay

Game 1-2
June 3, 2015 @ 8:00 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Chicago
10.517
Tampa Bay
12.112
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Tampa Bay
by 1 1/2
4
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Tampa Bay
-120
5
Dunkel Pick:
Tampa Bay
(-120); Under




NHL
Long Sheet

Wednesday, June 3

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

CHICAGO (60-32-0-7, 127 pts.) at TAMPA BAY (62-32-0-8, 132 pts.) - 6/3/2015, 8:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
CHICAGO is 64-57 ATS (-25.4 Units) second half of the season over the last 2 seasons.
TAMPA BAY is 322-361 ATS (-73.1 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record since 1996.
TAMPA BAY is 187-196 ATS (+467.4 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record in the second half of the season since 1996.
CHICAGO is 37-18 ATS (+12.2 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
TAMPA BAY is 3-1 (+2.9 Units) against the spread versus CHICAGO over the last 3 seasons
TAMPA BAY is 3-1-0 straight up against CHICAGO over the last 3 seasons
3 of 4 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Under=+1.8 Units)

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




NHL
Short Sheet

Wednesday, June 3


Stanley Cup Finals - Best of 7 - Game 1

Chicago at Tampa Bay, 8:05 PM
Chicago: 21-27 SU in road games after having won 2 of their last 3
Tampa Bay: 37-14 SU in home games




NHL

Wednesday, June 3

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

8:00 PM
CHICAGO vs. TAMPA BAY
The total has gone UNDER in 9 of Chicago's last 13 games when playing on the road against Tampa Bay
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Chicago's last 5 games when playing on the road against Tampa Bay
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Tampa Bay's last 5 games at home
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Tampa Bay's last 6 games

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NHL
Armadillo's Write-Up

Wednesday, June 3


Tampa Bay won six of last seven games with Chicago, winning last four played here- three of the four here were decided in OT/SO. Three of last four series games stayed under. Lightning had an extra day to get ready- they won Game 7 on Friday, Chicago on Saturday. Blackhawks won two of the last five Stanley Cups; they split last four road games- their last four games overall all went over total. Tampa Bay lost its last two home games, allowing 12 goals; four of its last six games went over.

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NHL

Wednesday, June 3

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Game of the Day: Blackhawks at Lightning
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Chicago Blackhawks at Tampa Bay Lightning (-129, 5)

The Chicago Blackhawks' quest for their third championship in six seasons was put in peril late in February as Patrick Kane sustained a broken clavicle while falling awkwardly into the boards. Originally expected to be sidelined nearly three months, the flashy superstar returned just short of two and hasn't missed a beat as Chicago heads into Game 1 of the Stanley Cup final against the host Tampa Bay Lightning on Wednesday.

While Kane (10 goals, team-high 20 points) vies for his second Conn Smythe Trophy in three years, captain Jonathan Toews (nine goals, nine assists) added another line to his big-game resume by scoring twice in the Blackhawks' 5-3 win over Anaheim in Game 7 of the Western Conference final. Both Chicago and Tampa Bay boast considerable depth, with the latter seeing its vaunted "Triplets" line of Tyler Johnson (league-leading 12 goals, 21 points), Nikita Kucherov (nine goals, 10 assists) and Ondrej Palat (seven goals, eight assists) accounting for 28 of the club's 55 goals in the playoffs. Towering Ben Bishop has come up large with a league-best three shutouts for the Lightning, who are making their second Stanley Cup appearance while becoming the first team in league history to play four Original Six foes in one playoff round. Tampa Bay outlasted Calgary in seven games in 2004 to win its lone final appearance while Chicago has claimed the Stanley Cup on five occasions, including a pair of spirited six-game series victories over Philadelphia (2010) and Boston (2013).

TV: 8 p.m. ET, NBC, CBC, TVA Sports

LINE HISTORY: Books opened the Lightning -116 and that has since been adjusted to -129. The total has opened at 5 and remained.

INJURY REPORT: Blackhawks - D Michal Rozsival (Out, ankle). Lightning - D Mattias Ohlund (I-R, knee).

ABOUT THE BLACKHAWKS: While Chicago's electric offense receives plenty of fanfare, Duncan Keith has anchored a sturdy defense that routinely ranks as one of the best in the NHL. Keith, a two-time Norris Trophy winner, has recorded 18 points and a league-best plus-13 rating while averaging 31:36 per contest. Traditional partner Brent Seabrook and Niklas Hjalmarsson have been steady while an inconsistent Johnny Oduya has provided a presence in front of Corey Crawford, who overcame his considerable struggles in the opening round to subdue both Minnesota and Anaheim.

ABOUT THE LIGHTNING: Bishop became the first goaltender in league history to notch a shutout in his first two Game 7 appearances after making 22 saves to eliminate the Presidents' Trophy-winning New York Rangers in the Eastern Conference final. "We still haven't accomplished anything yet," the 28-year-old said. "We're four wins away. It's going to be probably the hardest four wins of all of our careers. We know there's a lot ahead of us." Bishop stopped 65 of 67 shots versus Chicago this season - including all 28 he faced in a 4-0 victory on Feb. 27.

TRENDS:

* Blackhawks are 1-6 in the last seven meetings.
* Blackhawks are 0-4 in the last four meetings in Tampa Bay.
* Lightning are 1-4 in their last five games following a win.
* Over is 4-0-1 in Lightning last five home games.

CONSENSUS: Fifty-one percent of bettors are backing the Lightning in Game 1.