The Bum's Sports Page For Thursday June 25th Best Bets-Trends-News !

[StarDust Bum]

MLB

Thursday, June 25


Giants lose Aoki for six weeks with broken leg

SAN FRANCISCO -- Left fielder Nori Aoki was all set to start Tuesday night against the San Diego Padres despite some pain in his lower right leg.

He convinced San Francisco Giants manager Bruce Bochy to allow him to return to the top of the lineup after he was held out of the club's previous game.

Then came the bad news: X-rays taken during the day revealed a fractured leg, prompting Aoki's removal from the lineup and, on Wednesday, his placement on the disabled list.

The Giants expect Aoki to miss at least six weeks.

No doubt, the .317 hitter will be missed. But that wasn't the case for one night anyway.

Aoki's replacement will be supersub Gregor Blanco, who moved atop the lineup Tuesday and got on base four times, twice via hits and twice on walks. He scored one of the Giants' runs in a 3-2, 11-inning loss to the Padres.


Rangers recall OF Choice, demote LHP Claudio

The Texas Rangers recalled outfielder Michael Choice from Triple-A Round Rock on Wednesday and demoted left-hander Alex Claudio.

Choice was hitting .242 for Round Rock, although he was batting .400 with 10 RBIs in his last 11 games.

Claudio is 1-1 with a 2.87 ERA in 18 appearances for the Rangers.


Pirates call up RHP Volstad, put Hart on DL

The Pittsburgh Pirates promoted right-hander Chris Volstad from Triple-A Indianapolis on Wednesday and placed utility player Corey Hart on the 15-day disabled list.

Volstad, 28, returns to the majors for the first time since 2013, when he put up a 10.80 ERA in six games with the Colorado Rockies.

In parts of six seasons with the Florida Marlins, Chicago Cubs and Rockies, Volstad is 35-51 with a 4.94 ERA.

In 14 games (12 starts) for Indianapolis this season, he has gone 5-2 with a 3.43 ERA and 50 strikeouts in 76 innings.

Hart, 33, has been dealing with a left shoulder impingement. He is hitting .222 with two home runs.

[StarDust Bum]

MLB
Long Sheet

Thursday, June 25

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NY METS (36 - 37) at MILWAUKEE (27 - 46) - 2:10 PM
JACOB DEGROM (R) vs. TAYLOR JUNGMANN (R)
Top Trends for this game.
NY METS are 10-26 (-16.3 Units) against the money line in road games this season.
NY METS are 10-24 (-14.3 Units) against the money line in road games in games played on a grass field this season.
NY METS are 7-21 (-14.1 Units) against the money line in road games against right-handed starters this season.
NY METS are 6-15 (-9.9 Units) against the money line in road games when playing against a team with a losing record this season.
NY METS are 99-80 (+34.3 Units) against the money line in road games when playing on Thursday since 1997.
NY METS are 15-6 (+9.1 Units) against the money line in day games this season.
MILWAUKEE is 27-46 (-17.7 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
MILWAUKEE is 13-24 (-13.3 Units) against the money line in home games this season.
MILWAUKEE is 55-81 (-31.1 Units) against the money line in day games over the last 3 seasons.
MILWAUKEE is 27-46 (-17.7 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
MILWAUKEE is 19-39 (-20.0 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.
MILWAUKEE is 4-17 (-14.2 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
MILWAUKEE is 3-2 (+1.2 Units) against NY METS this season
3 of 4 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+1.9 Units)

JACOB DEGROM vs. MILWAUKEE since 1997
DEGROM is 2-1 when starting against MILWAUKEE with an ERA of 2.00 and a WHIP of 1.222.
His team's record is 2-1 (+1.2 units) in these starts. The OVER is 1-2. (-1.0 units)

TAYLOR JUNGMANN vs. NY METS since 1997
No recent starts.

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LA DODGERS (40 - 33) at CHICAGO CUBS (39 - 31) - 2:20 PM
CARLOS FRIAS (R) vs. JON LESTER (L)
Top Trends for this game.
LA DODGERS are 13-20 (-12.9 Units) against the money line in road games this season.
LA DODGERS are 13-20 (-12.9 Units) against the money line in road games in games played on a grass field this season.
LA DODGERS are 5-12 (-10.4 Units) against the money line in road games after a win this season.
LA DODGERS are 12-16 (-9.8 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record this season.
CHICAGO CUBS are 112-118 (+3.5 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
CHICAGO CUBS are 20-10 (+9.1 Units) against the money line after a loss this season.
CHICAGO CUBS are 63-64 (+6.1 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.
CHICAGO CUBS are 1426-1584 (-275.3 Units) against the money line in all games since 1997.
CHICAGO CUBS are 764-740 (-162.5 Units) against the money line in home games since 1997.
CHICAGO CUBS are 756-800 (-151.8 Units) against the money line in day games since 1997.
CHICAGO CUBS are 1049-1180 (-210.8 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters since 1997.

Head-to-Head Series History
CHICAGO CUBS is 2-1 (+1.9 Units) against LA DODGERS this season
3 of 3 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+3.0 Units)

CARLOS FRIAS vs. CHICAGO CUBS since 1997
No recent starts.

JON LESTER vs. LA DODGERS since 1997
LESTER is 1-0 when starting against LA DODGERS with an ERA of 1.23 and a WHIP of 0.955.
His team's record is 1-0 (+1.1 units) in these starts. The OVER is 0-1. (-1.2 units)

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ARIZONA (35 - 36) at COLORADO (31 - 40) - 3:10 PM
RUBBY DE LA ROSA (R) vs. JORGE DE LA ROSA (L)
Top Trends for this game.
ARIZONA is 99-134 (-29.1 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
ARIZONA is 99-134 (-29.1 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
ARIZONA is 37-60 (-22.4 Units) against the money line after a win over the last 2 seasons.
DE LA ROSA is 44-28 (+17.4 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 3 seasons. (Team's Record)
DE LA ROSA is 27-9 (+15.7 Units) against the money line in home games over the last 3 seasons. (Team's Record)
DE LA ROSA is 12-2 (+9.7 Units) against the money line at home when the total is 10 to 10.5 over the last 3 seasons. (Team's Record)
DE LA ROSA is 17-5 (+14.0 Units) against the money line in day games over the last 3 seasons. (Team's Record)
DE LA ROSA is 44-27 (+18.4 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 3 seasons. (Team's Record)
DE LA ROSA is 29-12 (+19.3 Units) against the money line after a loss over the last 3 seasons. (Team's Record)
ARIZONA is 9-2 (+8.3 Units) against the money line as a road underdog of +100 to +125 this season.
COLORADO is 97-136 (-33.7 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
COLORADO is 97-136 (-33.7 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
COLORADO is 71-102 (-28.5 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters over the last 2 seasons.
COLORADO is 53-84 (-27.1 Units) against the money line after a loss over the last 2 seasons.
COLORADO is 78-99 (-30.9 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 3 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
ARIZONA is 5-2 (+2.8 Units) against COLORADO this season
6 of 7 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+5.0 Units)

RUBBY DE LA ROSA vs. COLORADO since 1997
DE LA ROSA is 2-0 when starting against COLORADO with an ERA of 3.27 and a WHIP of 1.182.
His team's record is 2-0 (+2.8 units) in these starts. The OVER is 2-0. (+2.0 units)

JORGE DE LA ROSA vs. ARIZONA since 1997
DE LA ROSA is 8-8 when starting against ARIZONA with an ERA of 3.10 and a WHIP of 1.267.
His team's record is 10-10 (-1.3 units) in these starts. The OVER is 8-12. (-4.5 units)

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SAN DIEGO (35 - 39) at SAN FRANCISCO (39 - 34) - 3:45 PM
JAMES SHIELDS (R) vs. CHRIS HESTON (R)
Top Trends for this game.
SAN FRANCISCO is 139-113 (+18.6 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
SAN FRANCISCO is 53-37 (+13.2 Units) against the money line in day games over the last 2 seasons.
SAN FRANCISCO is 139-113 (+18.6 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
SAN FRANCISCO is 80-42 (+29.8 Units) against the money line in home games after shutting out their opponent since 1997.
SAN FRANCISCO is 80-58 (+22.4 Units) against the money line after a win over the last 2 seasons.
SHIELDS is 54-34 (+13.8 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
SHIELDS is 21-10 (+11.3 Units) against the money line when the total is 7 or less over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
SHIELDS is 9-1 (+8.9 Units) against the money line as a road underdog of +100 to +125 over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
SHIELDS is 20-9 (+11.5 Units) against the money line in road games over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
SHIELDS is 18-9 (+11.7 Units) against the money line on the road when the total is 7 or less since 1997. (Team's Record)
SHIELDS is 23-11 (+12.7 Units) against the money line in day games over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
SHIELDS is 18-9 (+9.1 Units) against the money line in road games in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
SHIELDS is 11-2 (+9.9 Units) against the money line in road games after a loss over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
SHIELDS is 10-1 (+10.2 Units) against the money line in road games when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
SAN FRANCISCO is 19-28 (-13.8 Units) against the money line in June games over the last 2 seasons.
SAN FRANCISCO is 11-17 (-13.0 Units) against the money line in home games against right-handed starters this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
SAN DIEGO is 5-4 (+1.4 Units) against SAN FRANCISCO this season
6 of 9 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+2.4 Units)

JAMES SHIELDS vs. SAN FRANCISCO since 1997
SHIELDS is 2-2 when starting against SAN FRANCISCO with an ERA of 2.88 and a WHIP of 1.040.
His team's record is 2-2 (+0.0 units) in these starts. The OVER is 2-2. (+0.1 units)

CHRIS HESTON vs. SAN DIEGO since 1997
HESTON is 0-1 when starting against SAN DIEGO with an ERA of 8.00 and a WHIP of 2.444.
His team's record is 1-1 (-0.3 units) in these starts. The OVER is 2-0. (+2.1 units)

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ATLANTA (35 - 37) at WASHINGTON (39 - 33) - 4:05 PM
MATT WISLER (R) vs. DOUG FISTER (R)
Top Trends for this game.
ATLANTA is 6-15 (-10.5 Units) against the money line when playing on Thursday over the last 2 seasons.
ATLANTA is 112-119 (-15.8 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
ATLANTA is 20-16 (+8.6 Units) against the money line after a loss this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
WASHINGTON is 7-1 (+5.7 Units) against ATLANTA this season
6 of 8 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+3.8 Units)

MATT WISLER vs. WASHINGTON since 1997
No recent starts.

DOUG FISTER vs. ATLANTA since 1997
FISTER is 3-1 when starting against ATLANTA with an ERA of 2.62 and a WHIP of 1.019.
His team's record is 4-1 (+2.7 units) in these starts. The OVER is 3-2. (+1.0 units)

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CINCINNATI (33 - 37) at PITTSBURGH (40 - 31) - 7:05 PM
ANTHONY DESCLAFANI (R) vs. A.J. BURNETT (R)
Top Trends for this game.
CINCINNATI is 7-24 (-15.0 Units) against the money line as a road underdog of +125 to +150 over the last 2 seasons.
CINCINNATI is 46-72 (-21.3 Units) against the money line in road games over the last 2 seasons.
CINCINNATI is 46-72 (-21.3 Units) against the money line in road games in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
CINCINNATI is 30-59 (-23.4 Units) against the money line in road games when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 3 seasons.
PITTSBURGH is 225-177 (+31.6 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 3 seasons.
PITTSBURGH is 73-43 (+17.0 Units) against the money line in home games over the last 2 seasons.
PITTSBURGH is 48-26 (+22.4 Units) against the money line in June games over the last 3 seasons.
PITTSBURGH is 73-43 (+17.0 Units) against the money line in home games in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
PITTSBURGH is 91-65 (+15.5 Units) against the money line in night games over the last 2 seasons.
PITTSBURGH is 59-34 (+16.0 Units) against the money line in home games against right-handed starters over the last 2 seasons.
PITTSBURGH is 74-42 (+22.1 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 2 seasons.
CINCINNATI is 510-576 (+31.5 Units) against the money line in road games against right-handed starters since 1997.
CINCINNATI is 347-372 (+34.1 Units) against the money line in road games after a win since 1997.
PITTSBURGH is 59-56 (-29.9 Units) against the money line as a home favorite of -150 to -175 since 1997.
PITTSBURGH is 50-59 (-17.3 Units) against the money line against division opponents over the last 2 seasons.
BURNETT is 173-179 (-35.4 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field since 1997. (Team's Record)
BURNETT is 140-151 (-33.5 Units) against the money line in night games since 1997. (Team's Record)
BURNETT is 10-20 (-14.8 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
CINCINNATI is 6-2 (+5.7 Units) against PITTSBURGH this season
5 of 7 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+3.2 Units)

ANTHONY DESCLAFANI vs. PITTSBURGH since 1997
DESCLAFANI is 0-1 when starting against PITTSBURGH with an ERA of 4.09 and a WHIP of 1.545.
His team's record is 1-1 (+0.0 units) in these starts. The OVER is 1-1. (+0.0 units)

A.J. BURNETT vs. CINCINNATI since 1997
BURNETT is 8-6 when starting against CINCINNATI with an ERA of 3.62 and a WHIP of 1.277.
His team's record is 11-7 (+4.9 units) in these starts. The OVER is 9-8. (+0.9 units)

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ST LOUIS (47 - 24) at MIAMI (30 - 43) - 7:10 PM
LANCE LYNN (R) vs. DAN HAREN (R)
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

Head-to-Head Series History
ST LOUIS is 2-0 (+2.0 Units) against MIAMI this season
1 of 1 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+1.0 Units)

LANCE LYNN vs. MIAMI since 1997
LYNN is 3-0 when starting against MIAMI with an ERA of 4.34 and a WHIP of 1.500.
His team's record is 3-0 (+3.0 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 2-1. (+0.9 units)

DAN HAREN vs. ST LOUIS since 1997
HAREN is 4-2 when starting against ST LOUIS with an ERA of 4.05 and a WHIP of 1.328.
His team's record is 4-3 (+1.0 units) in these starts. The OVER is 3-4. (-1.2 units)

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CHI WHITE SOX (31 - 40) at DETROIT (37 - 35) - 1:05 PM
CARLOS RODON (L) vs. ALFREDO SIMON (R)
Top Trends for this game.
CHI WHITE SOX are 31-40 (-11.8 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
CHI WHITE SOX are 27-48 (-22.6 Units) against the money line in June games over the last 3 seasons.
CHI WHITE SOX are 6-19 (-13.7 Units) against the money line when playing on Thursday over the last 2 seasons.
CHI WHITE SOX are 14-23 (-12.8 Units) against the money line against division opponents this season.
CHI WHITE SOX are 33-53 (-19.8 Units) against the money line in day games over the last 2 seasons.
CHI WHITE SOX are 39-82 (-31.4 Units) against the money line in road games after a loss over the last 3 seasons.
DETROIT is 24-13 (+10.7 Units) against the money line against division opponents this season.
DETROIT is 20-10 (+10.4 Units) against the money line in day games this season.
SIMON is 28-18 (+13.3 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
SIMON is 17-5 (+14.7 Units) against the money line against division opponents over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
SIMON is 14-4 (+12.1 Units) against the money line in day games over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
SIMON is 28-18 (+13.3 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
SIMON is 15-7 (+9.4 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
DETROIT is 61-62 (-13.7 Units) against the money line when the total is 8 to 8.5 over the last 2 seasons.
DETROIT is 63-55 (-13.8 Units) against the money line in home games over the last 2 seasons.
DETROIT is 63-55 (-13.8 Units) against the money line in home games in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
DETROIT is 51-57 (-19.9 Units) against the money line after a loss over the last 2 seasons.
DETROIT is 59-59 (-16.4 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 5-4 (+1.2 Units) against CHI WHITE SOX this season
5 of 9 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+0.8 Units)

CARLOS RODON vs. DETROIT since 1997
No recent starts.

ALFREDO SIMON vs. CHI WHITE SOX since 1997
SIMON is 1-0 when starting against CHI WHITE SOX with an ERA of 2.77 and a WHIP of 1.231.
His team's record is 1-1 (+0.2 units) in these starts. The OVER is 2-0. (+2.0 units)

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BALTIMORE (37 - 34) at BOSTON (32 - 41) - 1:35 PM
MIGUEL GONZALEZ (R) vs. EDUARDO RODRIGUEZ (L)
Top Trends for this game.
BALTIMORE is 137-104 (+38.2 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
BALTIMORE is 71-56 (+12.3 Units) against the money line when the total is 8 to 8.5 over the last 2 seasons.
BALTIMORE is 61-57 (+15.8 Units) against the money line in road games over the last 2 seasons.
BALTIMORE is 31-16 (+16.1 Units) against the money line when playing on Thursday over the last 3 seasons.
BALTIMORE is 71-49 (+24.1 Units) against the money line against division opponents over the last 2 seasons.
BALTIMORE is 121-91 (+33.2 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
BALTIMORE is 60-43 (+20.6 Units) against the money line after a loss over the last 2 seasons.
BALTIMORE is 62-41 (+19.9 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 2 seasons.
BOSTON is 32-41 (-16.6 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
BOSTON is 16-22 (-11.3 Units) against the money line when the total is 8 to 8.5 this season.
BOSTON is 11-26 (-19.2 Units) against the money line at home with a money line of -100 to -125 over the last 2 seasons.
BOSTON is 51-67 (-34.7 Units) against the money line in home games over the last 2 seasons.
BOSTON is 28-33 (-14.3 Units) against the money line at home when the total is 8 to 8.5 over the last 2 seasons.
BOSTON is 11-22 (-14.6 Units) against the money line against division opponents this season.
BOSTON is 16-23 (-12.9 Units) against the money line in home games in day games over the last 2 seasons.
BOSTON is 30-37 (-14.4 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
BOSTON is 24-30 (-11.8 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.
BOSTON is 11-20 (-12.1 Units) against the money line after a win this season.
BOSTON is 11-17 (-10.4 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
BALTIMORE is 8-4 (+4.6 Units) against BOSTON this season
6 of 12 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=-0.4 Units, Under=-0.5 Units)

MIGUEL GONZALEZ vs. BOSTON since 1997
GONZALEZ is 5-1 when starting against BOSTON with an ERA of 3.00 and a WHIP of 1.371.
His team's record is 6-3 (+3.0 units) in these starts. The OVER is 2-6. (-4.6 units)

EDUARDO RODRIGUEZ vs. BALTIMORE since 1997
RODRIGUEZ is 0-0 when starting against BALTIMORE with an ERA of 0.00 and a WHIP of 1.000.
His team's record is 0-1 (-1.2 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 1-0. (+1.0 units)

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OAKLAND (33 - 41) at TEXAS (37 - 35) - 2:05 PM
SONNY GRAY (R) vs. COLBY LEWIS (R)
Top Trends for this game.
OAKLAND is 33-41 (-15.3 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
OAKLAND is 56-60 (-25.9 Units) against the money line against division opponents over the last 2 seasons.
OAKLAND is 42-44 (-16.4 Units) against the money line in day games over the last 2 seasons.
OAKLAND is 31-39 (-15.8 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
OAKLAND is 60-59 (-21.5 Units) against the money line after a win over the last 2 seasons.
TEXAS is 37-35 (+14.9 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
TEXAS is 35-33 (+14.0 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
TEXAS is 24-21 (+10.2 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.
TEXAS is 19-15 (+9.9 Units) against the money line after a loss this season.
TEXAS is 48-66 (-19.7 Units) against the money line in home games over the last 2 seasons.
TEXAS is 17-36 (-20.5 Units) against the money line in home games against division opponents over the last 2 seasons.
TEXAS is 35-56 (-20.1 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
OAKLAND is 8-4 (+1.8 Units) against TEXAS this season
8 of 11 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+5.3 Units)

SONNY GRAY vs. TEXAS since 1997
GRAY is 6-3 when starting against TEXAS with an ERA of 1.68 and a WHIP of 1.041.
His team's record is 6-3 (-0.3 units) in these starts. The OVER is 2-6. (-4.9 units)

COLBY LEWIS vs. OAKLAND since 1997
LEWIS is 9-4 when starting against OAKLAND with an ERA of 3.16 and a WHIP of 1.222.
His team's record is 12-10 (+3.1 units) in these starts. The OVER is 10-11. (-1.8 units)

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NY YANKEES (39 - 33) at HOUSTON (42 - 32) - 8:10 PM
ADAM WARREN (R) vs. DALLAS KEUCHEL (L)
Top Trends for this game.
HOUSTON is 42-32 (+7.5 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
HOUSTON is 42-29 (+10.5 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
HOUSTON is 26-15 (+12.2 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.
HOUSTON is 41-46 (+10.2 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.
KEUCHEL is 27-17 (+13.7 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
KEUCHEL is 26-16 (+12.9 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
KEUCHEL is 17-10 (+10.0 Units) against the money line in night games over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
KEUCHEL is 17-9 (+12.0 Units) against the money line after a loss over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
KEUCHEL is 10-3 (+10.9 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
NY YANKEES are 19-7 (+11.7 Units) against the money line when playing on Thursday over the last 2 seasons.
NY YANKEES are 32-23 (+15.6 Units) against the money line in road games against left-handed starters over the last 3 seasons.
NY YANKEES are 23-13 (+9.6 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record this season.
WARREN is 8-2 (+7.0 Units) against the money line in night games this season. (Team's Record)
WARREN is 7-1 (+7.1 Units) against the money line after a win this season. (Team's Record)

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

ADAM WARREN vs. HOUSTON since 1997
WARREN is 1-0 when starting against HOUSTON with an ERA of 0.00 and a WHIP of 0.600.
His team's record is 1-0 (+1.0 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 1-0. (+1.1 units)

DALLAS KEUCHEL vs. NY YANKEES since 1997
KEUCHEL is 0-1 when starting against NY YANKEES with an ERA of 3.38 and a WHIP of 0.875.
His team's record is 0-1 (-1.0 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 1-0. (+1.0 units)

[StarDust Bum]

MLB
Dunkel

Thursday, June 25


NY Mets @ Milwaukee

Game 901-902
June 25, 2015 @ 2:10 pm

Dunkel Rating:
NY Mets
(deGrom) 15.640
Milwaukee
(Jungmann) 14.149
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
NY Mets
by 1 1/2
6
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
NY Mets
-140
7
Dunkel Pick:
NY Mets
(-140); Under

LA Dodgers @ Chicago Cubs

Game 903-904
June 25, 2015 @ 2:20 pm

Dunkel Rating:
LA Dodgers
(Frias) 13.608
Chicago Cubs
(Lester) 15.226
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Chicago Cubs
by 1 1/2
5 1/2
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Chicago Cubs
-130
No Run Total
Dunkel Pick:
Chicago Cubs
(-130); N/A

Arizona @ Colorado

Game 905-906
June 25, 2015 @ 3:10 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Arizona
(DeLaRosa) 15.723
Colorado
(DeLaRosa) 14.668
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Arizona
by 1
11
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Colorado
-135
10
Dunkel Pick:
Arizona
(+115); Over

San Diego @ San Francisco

Game 907-908
June 25, 2015 @ 3:45 pm

Dunkel Rating:
San Diego
(Shields) 15.929
San Francisco
(Heston) 14.447
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
San Diego
by 1 1/2
8
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
San Francisco
-125
7
Dunkel Pick:
San Diego
(+105); Over

Atlanta @ Washington

Game 909-910
June 25, 2015 @ 4:05 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Atlanta
(Wisler) 16.232
Washington
(Fister) 15.109
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Atlanta
by 1
6
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Washington
-165
7 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Atlanta
(+145); Under

Cincinnati @ Pittsburgh

Game 911-912
June 25, 2015 @ 7:05 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Cincinnati
(DeSclafani) 16.315
Pittsburgh
(Burnett) 15.498
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Cincinnati
by 1
6
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Pittsburgh
-160
7 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Cincinnati
(+140); Under

St. Louis @ Miami

Game 913-914
June 25, 2015 @ 7:10 pm

Dunkel Rating:
St. Louis
(Lynn) 16.725
Miami
(Haren) 14.219
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
St. Louis
by 2 1/2
8
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
St. Louis
-120
7
Dunkel Pick:
St. Louis
(-120); Over

Chicago White Sox @ Detroit

Game 915-916
June 25, 2015 @ 1:08 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Chicago White Sox
(Rodon) 14.850
Detroit
(Simon) 16.358
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Detroit
by 1 1/2
10
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Detroit
-140
8 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Detroit
(-140); Over

Baltimore @ Boston

Game 917-918
June 25, 2015 @ 1:35 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Baltimore
(Gonzalez) 16.384
Boston
(Rodriguez) 14.871
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Baltimore
by 1 1/2
8
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Boston
-120
8 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Baltimore
(+100); Under

Oakland @ Texas

Game 919-920
June 25, 2015 @ 2:05 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Oakland
(Gray) 13.466
Texas
(Lewis) 18.365
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Texas
by 5
8
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Oakland
-145
8 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Texas
(+125); Under

NY Yankees @ Houston

Game 921-922
June 25, 2015 @ 8:10 pm

Dunkel Rating:
NY Yankees
(Warren) 15.335
Houston
(Keuchel) 17.254
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Houston
by 2
8
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Houston
-150
7
Dunkel Pick:
Houston
(-150); Over

[StarDust Bum]

Armadillo: Thursday's six-pack

-- Why can people vote 35 times for All-Star Game? How about everyone gets one vote and thats that.

-- NHL awards show was in Las Vegas, its draft is in Florida; sound choices.

-- Chucky Brown/Tony Massenberg hold the all-time NBA record; they played for 14 teams each, the most of any NBA player ever.

-- Why don't pitchers wear single digit uniform numbers?

-- Colorado Rockies lead MLB with 13 rain delays, 12 of which were at home.

-- Virginia 4, Vanderbilt 2-- Cavaliers win first College World Series.

**********

Armadillo: Thursday's List of 13: Only six months left until Christmas......

13) First of all, with great sadness I report the passing of Mr Harvey Pollack at age 93. He was the godfather of basketball statistics, a guy who is responsible for the start of the analystics movement, way before anyone ever heard of the word analytics.

He was the first person to use plus/minus as a basketball stat; he worked for the 76ers for decades and was an original employee of the NBA. I put myself thru college as a student manager of the basketball team and a stat guy-- Harvey Pollack was my hero.

12) I'm watching NBA TV's Mock Draft the night before the real draft and chances are it'll be better than ESPN's coverage of the draft tonight. Just can't take Jay Bilas-- ESPN screwed up badly letting him become their voice of college basketball.

11) Stu Jackson just called Ohio State's D'Angelo Russell the most creative passer we've seen since Jason Kidd, which is quite a compliment.

10) Kevin Love, Monta Ellis, Aaron Afflalo all opted out of their cntracts and will become free agents.

9) If you're a college basketball player who won't make an NBA team, do you play overseas or go to the D-League? You'll make more money overseas, but you're more accessible to the NBA for 10-day contracts in the D-League. Interesting decision a lot of kids have to make. Getting your foot in the NBA door is a big deal.

8) First day of the NBA Summer League next month at UNLV: Minnesota-Lakers are playing the first day, with top two picks in tonight's draft facing each other.

7) Astros lost in 13 innings in Anaheim yesterday; they used George Springer as a pinch-runner in a 1-1 game in ninth inning- he got picked off before a pitch was thrown to the next hitter. Nothing like being ready to play.

6) Baseball teams have these complex algorithms that predict success/failure; hard for me to criticize it, since they're way over my head academically, but the Red Sox gave Rick Porcello a $100M contract, even though he gave up 622 hits in in 558 IP over the last three years. Porcello is 4-8, 5.61 in 14 starts this year.

In other words, whatever algorithm Boston used to pay Porcello, they should put it up on their computer screen, then hit the delete key. Use some common sense!!!

5) Marco Estrada had a no-hitter in 8th inning for second start in a row yesterday; he threw 129 pitches before being taken out, most any big league pitcher has thrown so far this season. Blue Jays won the game 1-0 in 12 innings.

4) You watch Starlin Castro play for the Cubs and you wonder what his future is; he has ability but he doesn't run balls out, his mind wanders in the field, he's not what you want in a middle infielder, where defense is so important. If Cubs try to trade him with Addison Russell also a shortstop, you wonder who will take Castro?

3) American League has an 85-68 lead over the National League in interleague play, which should be the measure used to determine home field for the World Series.

2) Mets are falling apart; they're under .500 now, they've lost seven games in a row, all while Justin Turner is hitting .323 and batting third for the Dodgers, a team with the biggest payroll in baseball history. The Mets let Turner walk as a free agent after the 2013 season-- think they could use him now?

Show me a statistic that measures heart, that measures how a guy adds to a team with his positive attitude and hustle; you can't; the eye-test is still essential!!!!

1) UCLA's football coaches don't want charges pressed against Sean Combs, because they want the whole strength coach scuffle/debacle to go away, since they think it'll hurt them in recruiting, but the coaches do think the elder Combs is a jerk.

[StarDust Bum]

WNBA
Long Sheet

Thursday, June 25

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

PHOENIX (3 - 3) at SAN ANTONIO (0 - 6) - 6/25/2015, 8:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
SAN ANTONIO is 8-1 ATS (+6.9 Units) on Thursday over the last 3 seasons.
PHOENIX is 29-18 ATS (+9.2 Units) in all games over the last 2 seasons.
PHOENIX is 22-9 ATS (+12.1 Units) in May, June, or July games over the last 2 seasons.
PHOENIX is 19-10 ATS (+8.0 Units) vs. division opponents over the last 2 seasons.
SAN ANTONIO is 4-12 ATS (-9.2 Units) in home games in May, June, or July games over the last 2 seasons.
SAN ANTONIO is 2-10 ATS (-9.0 Units) in home games after scoring 75 points or more over the last 3 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
SAN ANTONIO is 5-4 against the spread versus PHOENIX over the last 3 seasons
PHOENIX is 7-3 straight up against SAN ANTONIO over the last 3 seasons
6 of 10 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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

MINNESOTA (5 - 2) at SEATTLE (2 - 4) - 6/25/2015, 10:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
SEATTLE is 105-74 ATS (+23.6 Units) in home games vs. division opponents since 1997.
MINNESOTA is 51-35 ATS (+12.5 Units) in all games over the last 3 seasons.
MINNESOTA is 47-29 ATS (+15.1 Units) as a favorite over the last 3 seasons.
SEATTLE is 14-25 ATS (-13.5 Units) in all games over the last 2 seasons.
SEATTLE is 10-19 ATS (-10.9 Units) as an underdog over the last 2 seasons.
SEATTLE is 11-23 ATS (-14.3 Units) in May, June, or July games over the last 2 seasons.
SEATTLE is 7-16 ATS (-10.6 Units) revenging a loss versus opponent over the last 2 seasons.
SEATTLE is 5-15 ATS (-11.5 Units) after allowing 75 points or more over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
MINNESOTA is 7-4 against the spread versus SEATTLE over the last 3 seasons
MINNESOTA is 9-2 straight up against SEATTLE over the last 3 seasons
7 of 11 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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




WNBA

Thursday, June 25

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

8:00 PM
PHOENIX vs. SAN ANTONIO
Phoenix is 6-1 SU in its last 7 games when playing San Antonio
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Phoenix's last 6 games when playing San Antonio
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of San Antonio's last 6 games when playing Phoenix
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of San Antonio's last 7 games when playing at home against Phoenix

10:00 PM
MINNESOTA vs. SEATTLE
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Minnesota's last 6 games on the road
Minnesota is 2-4 ATS in its last 6 games when playing Seattle
The total has gone UNDER in 7 of Seattle's last 9 games when playing Minnesota
Seattle is 2-10 SU in its last 12 games when playing Minnesota

[StarDust Bum]

WNBA
Dunkel

Thursday, June 25


Phoenix @ San Antonio

Game 651-652
June 25, 2015 @ 8:00 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Phoenix
111.822
San Antonio
112.717
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
San Antonio
by 1
154
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Phoenix
by 2 1/2
147
Dunkel Pick:
San Antonio
(+2 1/2); Over

Minnesota @ Seattle

Game 653-654
June 25, 2015 @ 10:00 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Minnesota
118.445
Seattle
116.930
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Minnesota
by 1 1/2
152
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Minnesota
by 9 1/2
145 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Seattle
(+9 1/2); Over

[StarDust Bum]

CFL Betting Notes - Week 1

June 22, 2015

The 2015 CFL season gets underway this week with Calgary coming in as the reigning Grey Cup Champion and odds-on favorite (7/2) to repeat according to Sportsbook.ag, a major offshore sportsbook.

The West Division is once again loaded with the best teams in the league. The Edmonton Eskimos are second on the list at 4/1 odds followed by Saskatchewan and both British Columbia Lions at 5/1 odds.

The top team from the East is the Hamilton Tiger-Cats and their odds to win the Grey Cup are set at 6/1.

The following is a brief betting tip sheet for Week 1 of the CFL regular season with the opening point-spread and total provided by 5Dimes.eu.

(2014 Straight-up & Against the Spread records)

Thursday, June 25

Ottawa RedBlacks (*2-16 SU, 6-11-1 ATS) vs. Montreal Alouettes (10-10 SU, 10-9-1 ATS)
Point-spread: Montreal -9
Total: 45 ½

Game Overview

The RedBlacks begin their second season of play in the CFL and the prospect for any great improvement on last year’s two-win campaign has to be tempered with the longest odds by far to win a title this year at +3550. Veteran CFL quarterback Henry Burris is back for his 17th season in the league and the additions of wide receivers Maurice Price and Chris Williams is a big step in the right direction.

Montreal rallied from a slow start to make the playoffs last season as the second-best team in the East Division, but it will need much better consistency on both sides of the ball to have any hopes of a return to the Grey Cup glory this franchise has enjoyed over the years. Jonathan Crompton is expected to be the Alouettes starting quarterback in the season opener, but keep an eye on highly touted rookie Brando Bridge, who was selected in the fourth round of the draft.

Betting Trends

The RedBlacks went 2-5 against the spread in their final seven division games last season and they are 2-7 ATS in their last nine road games. Montreal covered ATS in its last six home games, but it is just 1-4 ATS in its last five season openers. The total has stayed UNDER in 20 of the Alouettes last 27 division games.

Friday, June 26

Hamilton Tiger-Cats (10-10 SU, 11-9 ATS) vs. Calgary Stampeders (17-3 SU, 13-6-1 ATS)
Point-spread: Calgary -7
Total: 51 ½

Game Overview

The Tiger-Cats come into this replay of last season’s Grey Cup Championship as the top team in the East Division despite the fact that they are actually the fifth team on 5Dimes’ CFL futures to win a title. They have been to the last two Grey Cup Finals and if they want to make the third time a charm, it will be behind the arm of Zach Collaros at quarterback, who is one of the brightest young stars in this league.

Calgary is the favorite to repeat as CFL champs with the best odds on the board and for good reason. This is easily the best balanced offensive team in the league with Bo Levi Mitchell back at quarterback and Jon Cornish anchoring the running game. The Stampeders also return 10 of 12 starters on a defense that was second only to Edmonton is points allowed in 2014.

Betting Trends

The Tiger-Cats are a perfect 5-0 ATS in their last five road games and they have covered the spread in their last four road games against Calgary. The total has stayed UNDER in the last five meetings between these two teams.

Saturday, June 27

Edmonton Eskimos (13-7 SU, 13-7 ATS) vs. Toronto Argonauts (8-10 SU, 7-11 ATS)
Point-spread: Edmonton -4 ½
Total: 50

Game Overview

If the Stampeders are the team to beat in the West in 2015, then Edmonton probably has the best shot to take them down as a second-favorite to win this season’s CFL title. Mike Reilly is back at the helm at quarterback with Justin Goltz in place as his backup. The Eskimos also have Adarius Bowman back after leading the CFL in receiving yards last season as well as running back John White to help lead the ground game.

The Argonauts failed to make the playoffs last season after falling to third-place in the East. They will have to try and avoid a slow start this season with quarterback Ricky Ray still on the shelf for the first few weeks. Toronto also has to be leery of a defense that was ranked near the bottom of the CFL in points allowed last year.

Betting Trends

The Eskimos went 11-5 ATS in their last 16 road games and they ended last season 8-2 ATS in their last 10 games overall. Edmonton is 5-1 ATS in its last six road games against Toronto and the total has gone OVER in the last five meetings overall.

Winnipeg Blue Bombers (7-11 SU, 8-9-1 ATS) vs. Saskatchewan Roughriders (10-9 SU, 7-12 ATS)
Point-spread: Saskatchewan 8 ½
Total: 49

Game Overview

The Blue Bombers move to the West Division last season was partly to blame for their losing record. Given just how stacked this division remains, it is very likely they will be bringing up the rear again with the longest odds in the West to win a title at +1175. The one bright spot was the play of Drew Willy at quarterback, after passing for the third most yards in the CFL last year.

Saskatchewan still managed to make the playoffs out of the West last season despite a collapse when quarterback Darian Durant was lost to injury. He should be ready to go against the Bombers in the season opener along with first round pick at wide receiver, Nic Demski. The Roughriders should also have a solid run game with Anthony Allen leading the way.

Betting Trends

The Blue Bombers are just 2-5 ATS in their last seven road games against Saskatchewan and the total has gone OVER in five of the last eight meetings overall. The Roughriders are 36-15 ATS over the course of their last 51 season openers.

[StarDust Bum]

Shields seeks to bounce back against Giants

(SportsNetwork.com) - James Shields attempts to bounce back from his first loss of the season on Thursday afternoon as the San Diego Padres play the rubber match of a three-game set with the San Francisco Giants.

Shields went 7-0 through his first 14 outings with the Padres before getting dealt a 4-2 setback in Arizona on Friday. The right-hander gave up all four runs on eight hits and a season-high four walks, adding five strikeouts. His earned run average moved to 3.75.

The 33-year-old Shields has allowed only one run and seven hits over 16 innings in winning his first two career starts against San Francisco. That includes a home victory on April 11 when he allowed three hits -- one a solo homer to Joaquin Arias in the fourth -- over seven innings with seven strikeouts.

Right-hander Chris Heston gets the start for the Giants having split two starts since his no-hitter against the New York Mets on June 9.

Heston followed up with a 4-0 loss to Arizona, charged with three runs -- two earned -- on seven hits and four walks over five innings. He struck out another six batters after fanning 11 a start earlier against the Mets.

The righty then beat the Los Angeles Dodgers on Friday, though he lasted only 5 2/3 innings. Heston yielded three runs on seven hits, striking out one without a walk to move to 7-5 on the year with a 3.83 ERA.

Heston was hammered for five runs and 11 hits over five frames of a home loss to San Diego on May 6 and is 0-1 with an 8.00 ERA in two starts against the club.

After losing Tuesday's opener in 11 innings, the Giants rebounded to blank the Padres 6-0 last night. Buster Posey hit a grand slam and Ryan Vogelsong scattered five hits over six scoreless innings.

Catcher Andrew Susac had two hits and scored a pair of runs as San Francisco won for the fourth time in six games.

"Great game by Susac," Giants manager Bruce Bochy said. "Called a shutout ... I thought every at-bat was pretty good."

Ian Kennedy allowed six runs on five hits and four walks with six strikeouts for San Diego, which has dropped seven of its last 10 games. The five runs charged to Kennedy in the third inning were all unearned thanks to Will Middlebrooks' error to open the frame.

Joe Panik plated the first run of the inning with a sac fly for the second out and Posey followed Matt Duffy's walk with his fourth career grand slam and second in five games.

"If you didn't give them those extra outs it's a different game," Padres interim manager Patrick Murphy said of the error.

The Padres are 5-4 against the Giants this season, losing two of three in San Francisco in early May.

[StarDust Bum]

Double take: De La Rosas square off in Diamondbacks-Rockies finale

(SportsNetwork.com) - Rubby De La Rosa has turned the corner following a bad start to the month and aims for a third straight victory Thursday afternoon when the Arizona Diamondbacks conclude a three-game set with the Colorado Rockies.

The Rockies counter with their own De La Rosa in left-hander Jorge.

Rubby De La Rosa allowed 16 runs and 19 hits over 10 total innings in his first two outings of June, going 0-1, but has since posted solid wins over San Francisco and San Diego. The right-hander logged eight scoreless frames of eight-hit ball to top the Giants 4-0, then won a 4-2 decision over the Padres after getting charged with two runs -- one earned -- over seven innings.

"He did a great job. He had great stuff tonight," said D-backs manager Chip Hale after Friday's win over San Diego. "He had good stuff until the end."

The 26-year-old is 6-3 and has now lowered his season earned run average to 4.96. He is 2-0 with a 2.57 ERA in four career meetings with the Rockies, including two starts.

Jorge De La Rosa looks to bounce back this afternoon after having his four- decision win streak snapped last time out.

The Rockies starter did not allow more than three earned runs over his five- start unbeaten streak prior to taking a 9-5 loss to Milwaukee on Friday. He was charged with six runs on 11 hits, two homers and three walks over five innings. The hurler also struck out four, falling to 4-3 on the year with a 5.47 ERA.

The 34-year-old has made 24 career appearances against the Diamondbacks, all but four of those starts, and is 8-8 with a 2.98 ERA.

Arizona drew even in this series by rallying for an 8-7 win last night as Aaron Hill capped a three-run ninth frame with a sacrifice fly.

John Axford, Colorado's sixth reliever, began the ninth inning on the mound in search of his 13th save, but the first four batters reached safely and the Diamondbacks were able to rally from a two-run deficit to win for the eighth time in 12 games.

Yasmany Tomas went 4-for-5 with an RBI in the ninth inning and scored twice, while Paul Goldschmidt belted a two-run homer in the contest.

"We just battled. There were some scratch hits there. You have to get lucky sometimes," Hale said.

Nick Hundley homered in the second inning and walked with the bases loaded to force in the go-ahead tally during a four-run fifth for the Rockies, but they had a three-game winning streak halted as Axford blew his first save of the season.

"He's fine. he's been outstanding, almost perfect," Rockies manager Walt Weiss said of Axford, who had converted 12 straight save chances. "The bullpen did an outstanding job, but it got away from us in the ninth."

Charlie Blackmon had a pair of hits and scored twice for the Rockies. Wilin Rosario added two hits and an RBI.

Arizona is 5-2 against the NL West-rival Rockies this season.

[StarDust Bum]

Wisler, Braves try to avoid sweep by Nationals

(SportsNetwork.com) - Matt Wisler looks to build off last week's successful major league debut on Thursday afternoon when the Atlanta Braves try to avoid a three-game sweep at the hands of the Washington Nationals.

The 22-year-old righty took the place of the demoted Mike Foltynewicz and logged eight innings to beat the New York Mets 2-1 on Friday. Wisler hurled 63 of his 88 pitches for strikes, giving up one run on six hits without a walk. He also fanned two.

Wisler was in line for a tough-luck loss, though, until Jace Peterson hit a two-run double in the eighth inning.

"Tremendous outing. He came as advertised. He mixed three or four pitches," Braves manager Fredi Gonzalez said of Wisler.

The Nationals will give Doug Fister his second start since the righty returned from a month-long stint on the disabled list due to a flexor tendon strain.

Fister made his first start since May 14 last Thursday, but looked rusty in a 5-3 loss. He gave up all five runs on nine hits over 5 1/3 innings, falling to 2-3 with a 4.80 earned run average on the season.

The 31-year-old is 3-1 in five career meetings with the Braves, posting a 2.62 ERA.

Wisler and Fister will follow up Wednesday's pitcher's duel, with the Nats coming away with a 2-1 victory in 11 innings.

Bryce Harper legged out a one-out double off Atlanta's Dana Eveland in the 11th, then consecutive walks to Wilson Ramos and Clint Robinson loaded the bases. David Aardsma entered from the bullpen and served up Ian Desmond's deep sac fly to left.

"I feel like I bring something to the team every day," Desmond said. "It felt good to drive a run in there."

Felipe Rivero picked up the win for Washington, which has won seven straight against the Braves and five in a row overall.

Braves starter Shelby Miller was charged with a run on three hits over seven innings of work, while counterpart Jordan Zimmermann scattered six hits and three strikeouts over eight scoreless innings. He was in line for the win before closer Drew Storen blew the save in the ninth.

"Shelby was tremendous," Gonzalez said.

Zimmermann, meanwhile, extended a scoreless innings streak by Washington starters to 34 1/3 innings, a Nats record. The franchise mark is a 39 1/3- inning run by the Montreal Expos in 1981.

The Braves have dropped two in a row after sweeping a three-game set from the New York Mets last weekend.

[StarDust Bum]

Pirates turn to Burnett for finale with Reds

(SportsNetwork.com) - Winless over his past three starts, A.J. Burnett takes the mound on Thursday night for the Pittsburgh Pirates in the rubber match of a three-game set with the Cincinnati Reds.

Burnett has not been bad over his current 0-2 rut, giving up just one run in a 2-0 loss to Milwaukee on June 8 and then logging nine scoreless innings of a no-decisions versus Philadelphia on June 14.

The righty struggled to keep runners off the bases last Friday versus Washington, allowing a career-high 14 hits over 6 2/3 innings. Burnett did minimize the damage to four runs -- three earned -- and struck out seven, but lost a 4-1 decision.

"They had a good approach, came out and swung early," Burnett said. "They had a lot of first-, second-pitch hits."

Burnett fell to 6-3 on the year with a 2.05 earned run average and is 8-6 lifetime versus the Reds with a 3.62 ERA in 18 meetings.

The Reds turn tonight to Anthony DeSclafani for this finale and the 25-year- old is coming off a loss to Miami on Saturday.

DeSclafani was charged with three runs on four hits and three walks over five innings, giving the hurler his shortest start since lasting just three frames on May 17. He fanned three and dropped to 5-5 on the year with a 3.48 ERA.

"I think he made some pitches he'd like to have back, and they took advantage of them," said Reds manager Bryan Price.

The righty will be making his third career start against the Pirates and is 0-1 against them with a 4.09 ERA.

The Reds evened this series with last night's 5-2 win, getting to red-hot Pirates starter Gerrit Cole for four runs in the first inning.

Marlon Byrd hit a two-run homer in the opening frame and drove in three runs on the night, while Todd Frazier and Jay Bruce also had RBI hits in the first inning.

"It was big to get on him early because once he starts cruising he just doesn't let up," said Byrd about Cole. "We needed to get runs early and we did tonight."

Mike Leake won his third straight decision after giving up two runs on eight hits with five strikeouts over seven innings. His effort helped the Reds to their fifth victory in seven games.

Cincinnati was without second baseman Brandon Phillips, who was out of the lineup due to a thumb injury sustained on Tuesday.

Cole had a six-start winning streak snapped as he was tagged for five runs on eight hits over 4 2/3 innings.

"The misses were east and west," said Cole. "I was trying to elevate up in the zone, but when it starts high and stays high, that's an easy one for those guys to get a hold of."

Pedro Alvarez and Chris Stewart each drove in runs for the Pirates, who have lost four of their last five.

The Reds lead the season series, 6-2.

[StarDust Bum]

Tigers open up homestand against White Sox

(SportsNetwork.com) - The Detroit Tigers open up a 10-game homestand with a matinee matchup on Thursday afternoon as they play the first of four straight against the Chicago White Sox.

The Tigers come in having had a three-game winning streak snapped with Wednesday afternoon's 8-2 loss to the Cleveland Indians. J.D. Martinez hit a two-run homer to account for Detroit's offense as Cleveland got eight solid innings from Carlos Carrasco.

Detroit did not have slugger Miguel Cabrera in the lineup as he was given a day off by manager Brad Ausmus. The Detroit skipper insisted that Cabrera was not sat due to injury.

The way Carrasco pitched, having Cabrera in the lineup may not have mattered.

"Guys were having trouble differentiating between the slider and the fastball," Ausmus said of Carrasco.

Buck Farmer was recalled from Triple-A Toledo before the game as Justin Verlander was scratched from the start on Tuesday with back stiffness. Farmer was forced from the game in the sixth inning, charged with five runs on eight hits with seven strikeouts.

Alfredo Simon looks to rebound for the Tigers today after getting denied a third straight winning start on Saturday.

Facing the New York Yankees, Simon was pounded for seven runs on eight hits over 2 2/3 innings. He allowed a pair of homers and walked three while striking out two as the righty fell to 7-4 while seeing his earned run average jump from 2.58 to 3.29.

"I think he had a little trouble getting ahead of the hitters," Ausmus said.

Simon, 34, beat the hosting White Sox on June 7 as he was charged with four runs over eight innings. Only one run was earned and he moved to 2-0 lifetime versus Chicago with a 4.15 ERA and a save in six games (2 starts).

The White Sox also saw their offense shut down on Wednesday afternoon as Minnesota's Phil Hughes tossed eight solid innings in a 6-1 win over Chicago.

Chris Sale came up short in his quest to become the first major league pitcher ever to strike out 12-plus batters in six straight starts. He finished with 10 punchouts and allowed six runs -- five earned -- on eight hits and a walk in 6 2/3 innings.

"I didn't leave him out there so he could go get a record," said White Sox manager Robin Ventura. "If he didn't feel like he was strong enough and tired, then he was going to come out."

Adam LaRoche's second-inning home run accounted for Chicago's only run as the club had won three of four prior to losing Wednesday's rubber match with the Twins.

Carlos Rodon gets the call for the White Sox in today's opener and the 2014 first-round pick is 3-1 with a 3.75 ERA through 11 outings with eight starts.

Rodon picked up the first loss of his career on June 15 as he was hammered for seven runs and nine hits over 3 2/3 frames of an 11-0 setback to Pittsburgh. The lefty was able to bounce back five days later against Texas for a 3-2 win, charged with a pair of runs on four hits and three walks with five strikeouts.

The 22-year-old has a 5.25 road ERA on the year and faces Detroit for the first time.

The Tigers took two of three from the White Sox at home from April 17-19 and hold a slim 5-4 edge in the season series.

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Astros rely on Keuchel in opener with Yankees
(SportsNetwork.com) - Dallas Keuchel tries to get himself back on the winning track Thursday when the Houston Astros open a four-game series with the New York Yankees at Minute Maid Park.

Keuchel lost for the second time in three starts on Saturday in Seattle, as he allowed five runs and five hits in six innings to fall to 8-3 on the year to go along with a 2.35 ERA.

"We don't see that very often out of him," manager A.J. Hinch said. "I know he didn't feel the ball out of his hand. I know it was a little slippery. When [pitching coach Brent Strom] went out to talk to him, he had a little bit of trouble with gripping the ball. It was pretty dry, and you just don't see him walk those guys very often.

"He had a lot of movement, just couldn't command the strike zone and they were patient enough through that inning. The one-run innings at a time, they kept on tacking on runs to create a little bit of a gap there."

Keuchel lost his only other start to the Yanks, but pitched well, as he gave up three runs in eight innings.

Houston lost the rubber match of its three-game set with the Los Angeles Angels on Wednesday when Taylor Featherston's bloop single brought home the deciding run in the 13th inning and sent the Astros to a 2-1 loss.

"That was a hard-fought game on both sides," Hinch said. "To see the game end on a bloop hit over the infield was a punch in the gut."

Houston has now lost four of its last six.

New York, meanwhile, salvaged the finale of its series with the Philadelphia Phillies, as Ivan Nova pitched into the seventh inning in his first start in more than 14 months and the Yankees rolled, 10-2.

Nova (1-0) returned from Tommy John surgery to allow just three hits and two walks in 6 2/3 shutout innings. The 28-year-old right-hander threw 91 pitches, including 51 strikes.

"When I walked to the mound I couldn't believe it had been 14 months," said Nova. "But I was able to keep calm and try to do my best out there."

Mark Teixeira had three hits and two RBI for the Yankees, who snapped a three- game losing streak.

Getting the call for the Yankees on Thursday will be righty Adam Warren, who could be the odd-man out with Nova back in the rotation. Warren, though, has been solid and is coming off a terrific outing against Detroit that saw him allow just two runs in eight innings, as he improved to 5-4 with a 3.62 ERA.

"I thought he was outstanding," Yankees manager Joe Girardi said. "He was as good as he's been all year, and we pushed him. And he was outstanding."

Houston won four of six from the Yankees last season.

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Team Open Line Movements Current Moneyline Halftime Scores

7:35 PM EDT

121 OTTAWA REDBLACKS 46o06 46 / 46.5 / 47 48 +305
122 MONTREAL ALOUETTES -7.5 -06 -8 -05 / -8 / -8 -09 -8 -05 -370

TV: ESPN2, DTV: 209

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Team Open Line Movements Current Moneyline Halftime Scores

8:05 PM EDT

651 PHOENIX MERCURY 149o05 -1.5 -20 / -1.5 / -2.5 -3 -145
652 SA STARS -2 -05 147 / 148 / 148.5 149 +125

PHO-C-Brittney Griner-OUT | PHO-G-Diana Taurasi-OUT | TV: FS-Arizona, FS-Southwest, DTV: 676, 686

10:05 PM EDT

653 MINNESOTA LYNX 145.5o05 -9 / -9.5 / -9 -10 -575
654 SEATTLE STORM -8 -05 146 / 146.5 / 146 145.5 +435

MIN-G-Seimone Augustus-Probable