The Bum's Sports Page For Wednesday July 29th Best Bets-Trends-News !

[StarDust Bum]

LEADING OFF: Kershaw's streak, All-Stars on new teams

July 29, 2015

A look at what's happening all around the major leagues today:

KERSHAW'S STREAK:

Dodgers ace Clayton Kershaw (8-6) looks to extend his streak of 29 straight scoreless innings when he faces Jesse Chavez (5-6, 3.45 ERA) and the Oakland A's. Kershaw was perfect through six innings against the Mets on Thursday and settled for a 3-0 shutout.

TULO WITH TORONTO:

Five-time All-Star Troy Tulowitzki, acquired from the Colorado Rockies in a swap of shortstops, could made his Toronto Blue Jays debut Wednesday. The Blue Jays also obtained reliever LaTroy Hawkins from the Rockies for shortstop Jose Reyes and minor league pitchers.

PAPELBON ON CONTENDER:

The Nationals expect new closer Jonathan Papelbon to be in Miami with the team on Wednesday, a day after the All-Star was acquired from Philadelphia. Papelbon, the Phillies' career saves leader with 123, wanted to be traded to a contender.

LOOKING FOR A W:

The Detroit Tigers and Tampa Bay Rays close a three-game series with a pair of starting pitchers looking to get back on the winning track. Tigers RHP Justin Verlander (0-3) will try for his first victory of the season in his eighth start since returning from a right triceps injury. The Rays counter with RHP Chris Archer (9-7), 0-3 since beating Toronto June 23.

TROUT'S SORE WRIST:

Home run leader (31) Mike Trout, who is nursing a sore wrist, looks to get back in the starting lineup against Houston in the second of a three-game series between the top teams in the AL West. Team officials say Trout is day to day.

[StarDust Bum]

Baseball Capsules

July 29, 2015

NEW YORK (AP) Noah Syndergaard retired his first 18 batters in the rookie's latest overpowering performance, and the New York Mets got two-run homers from Lucas Duda and Curtis Granderson to beat the San Diego Padres 4-0 Tuesday night.

Firing his fastball up to 98 mph, Syndergaard (5-5) struck out nine, walked none and allowed only three singles in eight innings. The big right-hander outpitched James Shields and avenged a 7-2 loss at San Diego on June 2.

Making his 14th major league start, Syndergaard lost his bid for a perfect game when Will Venable lined a clean single up the middle on the first pitch of the seventh, prompting a warm ovation from the Citi Field crowd of 26,034.

Yangervis Solarte followed with an infield single and Venable went to third on an error by shortstop Ruben Tejada, who made a sliding stop but a wild flip that rolled away from second baseman Daniel Murphy.

That's when Syndergaard buckled down to preserve a 2-0 lead. He retired No. 3 hitter Matt Kemp on a popup and got cleanup man Justin Upton to ground into an inning-ending double play.

ASTROS 10, ANGELS 5

HOUSTON (AP) - Jose Altuve had a career-high five RBIs to lead Houston to a victory over Los Angeles in a game between the top teams in the American League West.

Altuve had an RBI single in the second, drove in two runs in the fourth inning and tacked on another two with a double in Houston's four-run sixth to make it 10-5. He finished with three hits.

The Angels played without Mike Trout, who missed the game with an injured left wrist. He's listed as day to day.

Houston starter Collin McHugh (12-5) allowed seven hits and five runs with four walks in five innings for his third straight win.

C.J. Wilson (8-8) yielded six hits and six runs in four-plus innings.

ATHLETICS 2, DODGERS 0

LOS ANGELES (AP) - Sonny Gray pitched a masterful three-hitter for his second shutout in July, and Oakland snapped its four-game losing streak with a victory over Los Angeles.

Josh Reddick homered, doubled and singled for the last-place A's, who traded Ben Zobrist, Scott Kazmir and closer Tyler Clippard in the past six days.

Oakland won anyway with another gem from Gray (11-4), who struck out nine while cruising through his fourth career shutout. The right-hander didn't allow a runner to reach third base while improving to 8-1 with a 1.64 ERA on the road this season.

Howie Kendrick had two hits and Brett Anderson pitched seven innings of five-hit ball for the Dodgers, who opened a five-game homestand with their third straight loss.

ROYALS 2, INDIANS 1

CLEVELAND (AP) - Eric Hosmer's homer with two outs in the ninth inning lifted Kansas City to a victory over Cleveland, which has lost eight straight at home - its longest home losing streak in 40 years.

Hosmer hit a 3-2 pitch from Trevor Bauer (8-8) over the wall in right for his 11th homer. The shot came one pitch after Indians catcher Roberto Perez threw out Lorenzo Cain trying to steal second. When his homer cleared the wall, Hosmer pointed toward Kansas City's dugout, which was celebrating wildly.

Wade Davis (7-1) pitched a perfect eighth and Greg Holland worked the ninth - getting a nifty groundout, and a game-ending double play - for his 22nd save as the Royals won their fourth straight and 16th in 21 games.

REDS 4, CARDINALS 0

ST. LOUIS (AP) - Joey Votto hit a three-run home run in support of Mike Leake, and Cincinnati beat St. Louis.

Votto is the hottest hitter in the majors since the All-Star break, batting .561. He also walked, singled and doubled, giving him an NL-leading 37 multihit games.

Leake (9-5) allowed four hits in eight innings to win his fourth straight start. He allowed just two earned runs in his last 30 innings for a 0.60 ERA.

Jaime Garcia (3-4), activated from the 15-day disabled list earlier in the day, made his first start since June 2 and gave up three runs and four hits in six innings. He is 10-3 against the Reds, including 7-1 at home.

BREWERS 5, GIANTS 2

SAN FRANCISCO (AP) - Wily Peralta returned from the disabled list and shut down one of baseball's hottest teams in his first start in more than two months, pitching Milwaukee past San Francisco to snap the Brewers' three-game losing streak.

Peralta (2-5) retired the initial six batters on the way to winning for the first time since May 6, and he outpitched Matt Cain (2-2) as the Brewers also ended a seven-game skid to San Francisco - matching the longest in the series.

Milwaukee got plenty of contributions from throughout the order on a night slugger Ryan Braun missed his second straight game because of back spasms that came on during pregame warmups Monday and forced a late lineup scratch.

YANKEES 21, RANGERS 5

ARLINGTON, Texas (AP) - After giving up five runs in the first inning, New York made up for it real fast.

Brendan Ryan doubled twice with three RBIs and Didi Gregorius had a bases-loaded triple in New York's 11-run second inning as the Yankees overcame Texas.

Chris Young started the big inning with a double and scored the first of his two runs when Chase Headley had the first of his two RBI singles in the frame. An inning later, Young hit his fourth career grand slam.

A day after his 40th birthday, Alex Rodriguez had an RBI double off the top of the 14-foot wall in left field to make it 6-5 and chase starter Martin Perez (0-2).

The AL East-leading Yankees won for the eighth time in nine games, and are majors-best 16-5 in July - matching their most wins in a month since August 2013.

DIAMONDBACKS 8, MARINERS 4

SEATTLE (AP) - Rookie right-hander Zack Godley pitched six strong innings in his second career start, David Peralta had three hits and two RBIs, and Arizona beat Seattle for its fourth consecutive victory.

Godley (2-0), who pitched six shutout innings to win his debut last week, allowed three runs on six hits, including solo homers by Mike Zunino and Nelson Cruz. He struck out four and walked three.

Peralta drove in Arizona's first two runs on a single in the first inning and double in the third. He also singled in the sixth and walked in the seventh.

The Diamondbacks opened a 6-1 lead with a three-run sixth inning, bunching five hits to chase Hisashi Iwakuma (2-2), who was tagged for all six runs on 10 hits in 5 2-3 innings.

PHILLIES 3, BLUE JAYS 2

TORONTO (AP) - Philadelphia won its first game after trading All-Star closer Jonathan Papelbon to Washington, beating Toronto for its ninth victory in 10 games since the All-Star break.

Adam Morgan stopped a four-start winless streak and Cody Asche drove in two runs for the Phillies, who had lost their previous eight games against Toronto.

Morgan (2-2) allowed two runs and five hits in six innings to win for the first time since his major league debut, June 21 against St. Louis.

Blue Jays outfielder Jose Bautista left after an apparent right hamstring injury in the eighth.

All-Star shortstop Troy Tulowitzki, acquired by Toronto from Colorado, was not active and was expected to make his Blue Jays debut on Wednesday.

Jeanmar Gomez pitched the seventh, Luis Garcia worked the eighth and Ken Giles finished for his first save this season.

PIRATES 8, TWINS 7

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) - Jung Ho Kang hit a tiebreaking home run off the facing off the second deck in left center-field in the ninth inning, lifting the Pittsburgh Pirates over the Minnesota Twins 8-7 Tuesday night.

Kang's sixth home run of the season, a drive off All-Star closer Glen Perkins (0-3), sent Pittsburgh to its fourth win five games.

Perkins has allowed runs in three of four post-All-Star break appearances, blowing a pair of saves.

Pittsburgh All-Star closer Mark Melancon (2-1) retired five batters after the Twins tied the game with a four-run rally in the eighth.

Gregory Polanco hit a three-run double in the eighth and scored on Neil Walker's single for a 7-3 lead, but Minnesota tied the score in the bottom half.

ROCKIES 7, CUBS 2

CHICAGO (AP) - D.J. LeMahieu had three hits and scored twice to help Colorado get a win in its first game after trading Troy Tulowitzki.

LeMahieu extended his hitting streak to 18 games with an RBI double as part of a four-run first, tripled in the fifth and singled in the ninth to help Colorado won for the third time in five games.

Daniel Descalso, who started at shortstop in this game, made a leaping grab of a line drive by Kris Bryant to end the seventh inning and strand two runners.

Nolan Arenado had a two-run double and Nick Hundley added a run-scoring groundout in the first against Dallas Beeler (0-1).

Nolan Flande (1-1) got his first career victory, giving up a run and four hits while walking three and striking out four in five innings.

MARLINS 4, NATIONALS 1

MIAMI (AP) - Jose Fernandez stayed unbeaten in his home career, Dee Gordon's standup triple led to him scoring the go-ahead run in his return to the lineup and Miami topped Washington.

Martin Prado had three hits while Gordon and Christian Yelich had two each for Miami. Fernandez (4-0) allowed four hits and one run in six innings, improving his record at Marlins Park to 15-0.

Jordan Zimmermann (8-6) gave up eight hits and three runs in six innings. The Nationals lost for the first time in his last seven starts, and saw their lead in the NL East over the New York Mets trimmed to one game.

Bryce Harper reached base for the 24th straight game and 43rd straight on the road for the Nationals, who got Jayson Werth and Ryan Zimmerman back in the lineup after long stints on the disabled list.

ORIOLES 7, BRAVES 3

BALTIMORE (AP) - Chris Davis homered twice and drove in five runs, and Baltimore cruised past Atlanta for its fourth straight victory.

Davis hit a three-run shot in the first inning and a two-run drive in the second, both off Julio Teheran (6-6). It was Davis' 10th career multihomer game, the third this season.

Ubaldo Jimenez shook off a miserable start to pitch seven innings for the Orioles, who will seek to complete a three-game sweep on Wednesday night. Baltimore's four-game winning streak follows a 5-15 skid.

Jimenez (8-6) didn't allow a hit after the first inning and retired 18 of the final 20 batters he faced. The right-hander gave up two runs, four hits and three walks to end a run of three successive defeats.

Freddie Freeman homered for the Braves (46-54), who have lost 12 of 16 to fall a season-high eight games under .500.

WHITE SOX 9, RED SOX 4

BOSTON (AP) - Jose Abreu and Geovany Soto homered and drove in three runs apiece and Jeff Samardzija pitched eight strong innings for Chicago in a victory over Boston.

The White Sox quickly spoiled Boston's pregame party for Hall of Fame pitcher Pedro Martinez by scoring five runs in the first inning. Chicago tagged Boston starter Wade Miley for 10 hits and seven runs, all earned, over 5 2/3 innings, and finished with 14 hits.

The last batter Miley (8-9) faced was Abreu, who hit a shot deep to right-center field and sent Mookie Betts tumbling into Boston's bullpen. Betts grabbed the ball on the run and managed to hold on while twisting his body and hitting the wall with his lower back, but dropped it when he landed.

Initially called the third out, umpires reviewed the play for nearly three minutes before overturning the call and allowing Abreu to round the bases for his 16th homer.

RAYS 10, TIGERS 2

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. (AP) - Rookie Curt Casali had three hits and homered twice for the second straight game, leading Tampa Bay to a victory over slumping Detroit.

Casali hit a two-run homer off All-Star David Price (9-4) in the fourth inning and added a solo shot off the former Rays ace for a 5-1 lead in the sixth. He struck out with the bases loaded in the eighth, finishing 3 for 4 with three RBIs on consecutive nights.

Jake Odorizzi (6-6) allowed one run and six hits over six innings to improve to 2-1 since returning from a five-week stint on the disabled list.

Yoenis Cespedes homered for the second straight night for the Tigers, who've lost four of five to start a 10-game game road trip.

[StarDust Bum]

MLB
Dunkel

Wednesday, July 29


Colorado @ Chicago Cubs

Game 901-902
July 29, 2015 @ 2:20 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Colorado
(Butler) 11.816
Chicago Cubs
(Lester) 15,503
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Chicago Cubs
by 3 1/2
6 1/2
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Chicago Cubs
-260
No Run Total
Dunkel Pick:
Chicago Cubs
(-260); N/A

Milwaukee @ San Francisco

Game 903-904
July 29, 2015 @ 3:45 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Milwaukee
(Fiers) 15.312
San Francisco
(Peavy) 16.744
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
San Francisco
by 1 1/2
6
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
San Francisco
-130
7
Dunkel Pick:
San Francisco
(-130); Under

Washington @ Miami

Game 905-906
July 29, 2015 @ 7:10 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Washington
(Fister) 15.972
Miami
(Koehler) 14.283
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Washington
by 1 1/2
8
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Miami
-115
7 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Washington
(-105); Over

San Diego @ NY Mets

Game 907-908
July 29, 2015 @ 7:10 pm

Dunkel Rating:
San Diego
(Ross) 15.676
NY Mets
(Colon) 13.214
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
San Diego
by 2 1/2
8
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
NY Mets
-120
7
Dunkel Pick:
San Diego
(+100); Over

Cincinnati @ St. Louis

Game 909-910
July 29, 2015 @ 8:15 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Cincinnati
(DeSclafani) 14.186
St. Louis
(Lackey) 15.533
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
St. Louis
by 1 1/2
9
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
St. Louis
-175
7 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
St. Louis
(-175); Over

Detroit @ Tampa Bay

Game 911-912
July 29, 2015 @ 12:10 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Detroit
(Verlander) 12.809
Tampa Bay
(Archer) 15.309
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Tampa Bay
by 2 1/2
8 1/2
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Tampa Bay
-165
7
Dunkel Pick:
Tampa Bay
(-165); Over

Kansas City @ Cleveland

Game 913-914
July 29, 2015 @ 12:10 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Kansas City
(Guthrie) 17.331
Cleveland
(Kluber) 16.198
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Kansas City
by 1
6
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Cleveland
-160
7 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Kansas City
(+140); Under

Chicago White Sox @ Boston

Game 915-916
July 29, 2015 @ 7:10 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Chicago White Sox
(Quintana) 18.401
Boston
(Porcello) 16.822
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Chicago White Sox
by 1 1/2
8
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Boston
-125
8 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Chicago White Sox
(+105); Under

NY Yankees @ Texas

Game 917-918
July 29, 2015 @ 8:05 pm

Dunkel Rating:
NY Yankees
(Tanaka) 15.413
Texas
(Lewis) 16.539
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Texas
by 1
10
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
NY Yankees
-150
8 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Texas
(+130); Over

LA Angels @ Houston

Game 919-920
July 29, 2015 @ 8:10 pm

Dunkel Rating:
LA Angels
(Richards) 17.331
Houston
(McCullers) 15.839
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
LA Angels
by 1 1/2
8
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Houston
-120
7 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
LA Angels
(+100); Over

Pittsburgh @ Minnesota

Game 921-922
July 29, 2015 @ 1:10 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Pittsburgh
(Liriano) 17.453
Minnesota
(Santana) 13.248
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Pittsburgh
by 4
6
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Pittsburgh
-125
7 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Pittsburgh
(-125); Under

Arizona @ Seattle

Game 923-924
July 29, 2015 @ 3:40 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Arizona
(Corbin) 13.921
Seattle
(Hernandez) 17.066
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Seattle
by 3
5
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Seattle
-180
6 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Seattle
(-180); Under

Philadelphia @ Toronto

Game 925-926
July 29, 2015 @ 7:07 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Philadelphia
(Williams) 16.670
Toronto
(Dickey) 15.518
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Philadelphia
by 1
8 1/2
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Toronto
-260
9 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Philadelphia
(+220); Under

Atlanta @ Baltimore

Game 927-928
July 29, 2015 @ 7:05 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Atlanta
(Fltynwicz) 16.008
Baltimore
(Tillman) 15.197
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Atlanta
by 1
7
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Baltimore
-180
8
Dunkel Pick:
Atlanta
(+160); Under

Oakland @ LA Dodgers

Game 929-930
July 29, 2015 @ 10:10 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Oakland
(Chavez) 13.214
LA Dodgers
(Kershaw) 17.202
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
LA Dodgers
by 4
7
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
LA Dodgers
-300
6
Dunkel Pick:
LA Dodgers
(-300); Over

[StarDust Bum]

MLB
Armadillo's Write-Up

Wednesday, July 29

National League
Padres @ Mets
Ross is 3-1, 2.79 in his last seven starts; three of his last four stayed under.

Colon is 0-5, 5.55 in his last six starts; five of the six stayed under.

Padres won four of last six games with New York; three of last four series games went over total. San Diego is 7-4 in last 11 games; their last five stayed under the total. Mets won last three games, allowing four runs.

Nationals @ Marlins
Fister is 0-3, 5.73 in his last four starts; four of his last five stayed under.

Koehler is 4-2, 2.77 in his last six starts (under 5-0-1).

Washington lost five of last seven games with Miami; four of last six in series went over total. Nationals lost seven of last ten games; over is 5-2-1 in the last eight . Marlins won seven of their last eight at home.

Rockies @ Cubs
Butler is 1-1, 4.61 in his last five starts; under is 3-1-1 in his last five.

Lester is 1-0, 1.26 in his last two starts; under is 8-0-1 in his last nine.

Cubs are 3-6 in last nine games overall, 6-3 in its last nine games with Colorado (over 6-2 in last eight). Rockies are 4-6 in their last ten games (over 6-2-1 in last nine).

Reds @ Cardinals
DeSclafani is 0-3, 6.11 in his last six starts; over is 3-1-1 in his last five.

Lackey is 3-0, 1.40 in his last four starts; over is 3-1-1 in his last five.

Cincinnati lost five of last seven games with St Louis; last four series games stayed under. Reds lost four of last six games; three of last four stayed under. St Louis won six of last eight games; under is 6-0-1 in last seven.

Brewers @ Giants
Fiers is 1-1, 5.00 in his last three starts; three of his last four went over.

Peavy is 2-4, 5.13 in his six starts (over 4-2).

SF won 12 of its last 14 games overall. Brewers lost five of last seven games; they scored seven runs in last four games- under is 4-0-1 in their last five. Giants won seven of last eight games with Milwaukee; over is 3-2-1 in their last six games overall.

American League
Tigers @ Rays
Verlander is 0-3, 6.08 in his last six starts; seven of his last eight went over. Detroit lost his last eight starts overall.
Archer is 0-1, 2.08 in his last two starts; over is 5-2-1 in his last eight.
Detroit lost 11 of its last 15 games; four of its last six games stayed under total. Tigers lost eight of last 11 games with Tampa Bay- six of last nine series games went over. Rays won three of last five; under is 5-2-3 in their last ten.

White Sox @ Red Sox
Quintana is 2-2, 2.52 in his last five starts; three of his last four went under.

Porcello is 1-1, 3.00 in his last three starts; under is 6-2-1 in his last nine.

White Sox won their last six games, but they're 5-7 in last 12 games with Boston, which lost ten of last 12 games overall-- over is 7-3 in their last ten games. Four of last five series games went over the total.

Royals @ Indians
Guthrie is 1-1, 4.62 in his last four starts; over is 6-3-1 in his last ten.

Kluber is 2-2, 3.38 in his last four starts; five of his last seven stayed under.

Royals won eight of last 11 games overall (under 6-1-1 last eight). Indians lost last six games, outscored 37-10; seven of their last ten games went over. Over is 8-3-1 in last 12 series games.

Bronx @ Rangers
Tanaka is 3-0, 3.22 in his last three starts; four of his last six went over.

Lewis is 2-0, 2.40 in his last two starts; four of his last five went over.

Bronx won ten of last 12 games (five of last six went over); they lost four of last six games with Texas, allowing 40 runs (under 8-4 in last 12). Rangers lost last three games, outscored 40-14 (over 7-3 in last ten).

Angels @ Astros
Richards is 2-2, 2.40 in his last four starts; five of his last seven went under.

McCullers is 1-1, 2.79 in his last five starts (over 2-0-1 in last three).

Angels won three of last five games with Houston; seven of last ten series games stayed under. Halos lost four of last five games overall; eight of their last ten away games went over total. Astros won six of last eight games; four of their last six stayed under total.

Interleague
Phillies @ Blue Jays
Williams is 0-3, 8.59 in his last five starts; over is 5-3 in his last eight.

Dickey is 1-1, 2.11 in his last three starts; under is 5-1-1 in his last seven.

Philly lost eight of last nine games with Toronto; three of last four went over total. Phils are 9-1 in their last ten games overall (under 4-1-1 in last six). Blue Jays lost three of last four games- three of the four went over

Braves @ Orioles
Foltynewicz is making first start since June 14; he is 0-0, 9.19 in his last three starts, all of which went over total.

Tillman is 2-0, 1.38 in his last five starts, all of which stayed under.

Atlanta lost five of last six games with Baltimore; four of last five stayed under. Braves lost five of last six games overall- under is 8-2-1 in their last eleven. Orioles won last four games, allowing seven runs; under is 5-2-1 in their last eight games.

Pirates @ Twins
Former Twin Liriano is 2-0, 1.95 in his last five starts; three of his last four starts went over the total.

Santana is 2-0, 0.00 (15.2 IP) in his last two starts; three of his last four starts stayed under the total.

Pirates lost seven of last 11 games with Minnesota; seven of last ten in series went over total. Pittsburgh won four of last five games overall (over 4-1). Twins lost seven of last nine games; last four went over total.

A's @ Dodgers
Chavez is 1-4, 5.19 in his last five starts; seven of his last eight went over.

Kershaw is 3-0, 0.00 (26 IP) in his last three starts; his last six stayed under.

A's won eight of last ten games against the Dodgers; last five went under the total. Oakland lost four of last five games, scoring 11 runs (under 4-1). LA lost five of last eight games; five of their last six home games stayed under.

Diamondbacks @ Mariners
Corbin is 0-3, 3.71 in his last three starts, which all stayed under.

Hernandez is 2-1, 1.36 in his last five starts; five of his last seven went under.

Arizona won five of last six games overall-- under is 6-3-1 in their last ten. Seattle lost three of last four games; six of its last eight went over the total. D'backs won fourof last five games with Seattle; over is 3-0-1 in last four.

Win-loss records this year for team with this starting pitcher:
Colo-Chi-- Butler 6-6; Lester 10-10
Mil-SF-- Fiers 11-9; Peavy 2-4
Wsh-Mia-- Fister 4-9; Koehler 10-8
Cin-StL-- DeSclafani 9-10; Lackey 12-8
SD-NY--- Ross 10-11; Colon 9-10

Det-TB-- Verlander 0-7; Archer 12-9
CWS-Bos-- Quintana 8-10; Porcello 9-10
KC-Clev-- Guthrie 12-7; Kluber 6-15
NY-Tex-- Tanaka 10-3; Lewis 10-10
LA-Hst-- Richards 11-7; McCullers 6-6

Phil-Tor-- Williams 5-10; Dickey 8-12
Atl-Balt-- Foltynewicz 4-5; Tilllman 10-9
Pitt-Min-- Liriano 9-10; Santana 3-1
A's-LA-- Chavez 5-12; Kershaw 11-9
Ariz-Sea-- Corbin 1-3; Hernandez 13-7

Times this starting pitcher allowed a run in first inning:
Colo-Chi-- Butler 6-13; Lester 8-20
Mil-SF-- Fiers 1-20; Peavy 2-6
Wsh-Mia-- Fister 4-13; Koehler 4-18
Cin-StL-- DeSclafani 4-19; Lackey 4-20
SD-NY--- Ross 5-21; Colon 5-19

Det-TB-- Verlander 3-7; Archer 5-21
CWS-Bos-- Quintana 11-18 (6 of last 7); Porcello 4-19
KC-Clev-- Guthrie 3-19; Kluber 10-21
NY-Tex-- Tanaka 3-13; Lewis 4-20
LA-Hst-- Richards 2-18; McCullers 2-12

Phil-Tor-- Williams 6-15; Dickey 4-20
Atl-Balt-- Foltynewicz 5-9; Tilllman 3-19
Pitt-Min-- Liriano 2-19; Santana 0-4
A's-LA-- Chavez 4-17; Kershaw 4-20
Ariz-Sea-- Corbin 0-4; Hernandez 5-20

Umpires
Col-Chi-- Six of last eight HGibson games went over.
Wsh-Mia-- Five of last six May games stayed under.
SD-NY-- 11 of 16 Scott games went over the total.
Cin-StL-- Six of last nine Muchlinski games stayed under.
Mil-SF-- Seven of last nine Cuzzi games stayed under.

KC-Clev-- Favorites won three of four Woodring games.
Det-TB-- Underdogs won three of last five Blakney games.
Chi-Bos-- Last three Johnson games stayed under total.
NY-Tex-- Favorites won six of last seven Baker games.
LA-Hst-- Eight of last ten GGibson games stayed under.

Pitt-Minn--- Underdogs won six of last eight Hoberg games; over is 3-0-1 in his last four games.
Atl-Balt-- Over is 4-1-1 in last six Wolf games.
Phil-Tor-- Home side won last four Reyburn games.
Az-Sea--Last three Hallion games stayed under the total.
A's-LA-- Five of last seven Knight games stayed under.

[StarDust Bum]

MLB

Wednesday, July 29

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Trend Report
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12:10 PM
KANSAS CITY vs. CLEVELAND
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Kansas City's last 5 games
The total has gone OVER in 9 of Kansas City's last 13 games when playing Cleveland
Cleveland is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games when playing Kansas City
The total has gone OVER in 7 of Cleveland's last 10 games

12:10 PM
DETROIT vs. TAMPA BAY
The total has gone OVER in 18 of Detroit's last 25 games
Detroit is 1-7 SU in its last 8 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 7 of Tampa Bay's last 9 games when playing Detroit
Tampa Bay is 5-2 SU in its last 7 games when playing at home against Detroit

1:10 PM
PITTSBURGH vs. MINNESOTA
Pittsburgh is 5-11 SU in its last 16 games when playing Minnesota
The total has gone OVER in 7 of Pittsburgh's last 10 games when playing Minnesota
Minnesota is 2-7 SU in its last 9 games
Minnesota is 8-4 SU in its last 12 games at home

2:20 PM
COLORADO vs. CHI CUBS
Colorado is 2-4 SU in their last 6 games when playing Chi Cubs
The total has gone OVER in 6 of Colorado's last 9 games when playing on the road against Chi Cubs
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Chi Cubs's last 5 games when playing Colorado
Chi Cubs are 4-2 SU in their last 6 games when playing Colorado

3:40 PM
ARIZONA vs. SEATTLE
Arizona is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games when playing on the road against Seattle
Arizona is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games
Seattle is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games when playing at home against Arizona
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Seattle's last 5 games

3:45 PM
MILWAUKEE vs. SAN FRANCISCO
Milwaukee is 1-5 SU in its last 6 games when playing on the road against San Francisco
Milwaukee is 2-5 SU in its last 7 games on the road
San Francisco is 7-1 SU in its last 8 games when playing Milwaukee
San Francisco is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games when playing at home against Milwaukee

7:05 PM
ATLANTA vs. BALTIMORE
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Atlanta's last 5 games on the road
Atlanta is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games when playing on the road against Baltimore
Baltimore is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games when playing at home against Atlanta
Baltimore is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games

7:07 PM
PHILADELPHIA vs. TORONTO
Philadelphia is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games on the road
Philadelphia is 1-8 SU in its last 9 games when playing Toronto
The total has gone OVER in 8 of Toronto's last 12 games when playing Philadelphia
The total has gone OVER in 7 of Toronto's last 10 games when playing at home against Philadelphia

7:10 PM
WASHINGTON vs. MIAMI
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Washington's last 7 games when playing on the road against Miami
Washington is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games when playing on the road against Miami
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Miami's last 5 games
Miami is 7-1 SU in its last 8 games at home

7:10 PM
CHI WHITE SOX vs. BOSTON
Chi White Sox are 4-2 SU in their last 6 games when playing on the road against Boston
Chi White Sox are 5-0 SU in their last 5 games on the road
Boston is 2-4 SU in their last 6 games when playing Chi White Sox
Boston is 2-11 SU in its last 13 games

7:10 PM
SAN DIEGO vs. NY METS
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of San Diego's last 5 games
San Diego is 8-4 SU in its last 12 games
NY Mets are 2-4 SU in its last 6 games when playing San Diego
The total has gone UNDER in 11 of NY Mets's last 16 games at home

8:05 PM
NY YANKEES vs. TEXAS
The total has gone OVER in 5 of NY Yankees's last 6 games on the road
NY Yankees are 8-1 SU in their last 9 games
Texas is 2-4 SU in their last 6 games when playing at home against NY Yankees
Texas is 6-13 SU in its last 19 games

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

8:15 PM
CINCINNATI vs. ST. LOUIS
Cincinnati is 2-9 SU in its last 11 games when playing on the road against St. Louis
Cincinnati is 1-6 SU in its last 7 games when playing St. Louis
St. Louis is 6-2 SU in its last 8 games
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of St. Louis's last 5 games

10:10 PM
OAKLAND vs. LA DODGERS
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Oakland's last 5 games
Oakland is 3-6 SU in its last 9 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of LA Dodgers's last 6 games
LA Dodgers are 1-5 SU in their last 6 games when playing Oakland

[StarDust Bum]

MLB

Wednesday, July 29


Exit Papelbon, enter Giles as Phillies' closer

TORONTO -- With Jonathan Papelbon finally getting his wish and moving out of Philadelphia, the Phillies handed the closer role to Ken Giles.

The 24-year-old right-hander was up to the task Tuesday, retiring three batters after allowing a leadoff single in the ninth. He closed out a 3-2 win over the Toronto Blue Jays to pick up his first save of the season and the second of his career. He had one save last season.

Papelbon was traded to the Washington Nationals for right-hander Nick Pivetta, who was pitching in Double-A.

Giles will have to be good to replace Papelbon, who was 17-for-17 in save chances with a 1.59 ERA in 37 outings this season.


Marlins lose Alvarez for season

MIAMI -- Tuesday was indicative of the Miami Marlins' entire 2015 season.

They activated All-Star second baseman Dee Gordon off the disabled list but also announced that a 2014 All-Star has been lost for the season.

Right-hander Henderson Alvarez, who pitched a no-hitter in 2013 and made the All-Star Game last season, had shoulder surgery on Tuesday.

So much had been expected of Alvarez this season. Yet, he finished his year with an 0-4 record and a bloated 6.45 ERA. He has not pitched since May 22, and Marlins manager Dan Jennings would not say if Alvarez would be ready for spring training.


Red Sox CF Betts leaves game with injury

BOSTON -- Boston Red Sox center fielder Mookie Betts left Tuesday's game against the Chicago White Sox in the sixth inning with a possible concussion suffered when he fell over the wall trying to make a catch.

Chicago first baseman Jose Abreu hit a ball that Betts caught on the field. Betts then ran into the right-field wall and tumbled into Boston's bullpen. He fell backward, and the ball fell out of his glove when he hit the ground hard.

Abreu was initially called out, but the White Sox challenged the play and it was overturned and ruled a home run. It was a two-run shot that gave Chicago a 7-2 lead.

Betts was being evaluated for a possible concussion.

He was replaced by Rusney Castillo.

[StarDust Bum]

Pro Baseball Trend Report

COLORADO (43 - 55) at CHICAGO CUBS (52 - 47) - 2:20 PM
EDDIE BUTLER (R) vs. JON LESTER (L)
Top Trends for this game.

COLORADO is 109-151 (-36.0 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
COLORADO is 40-88 (-36.9 Units) against the money line in road games over the last 2 seasons.
COLORADO is 211-284 (-80.6 Units) against the money line in July games since 1997.
COLORADO is 109-151 (-36.0 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
COLORADO is 14-41 (-20.7 Units) against the money line in road games when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.
CHICAGO CUBS are 69-64 (+9.0 Units) against the money line after a loss over the last 2 seasons.
CHICAGO CUBS are 1439-1600 (-284.9 Units) against the money line in all games since 1997.
CHICAGO CUBS are 770-750 (-172.8 Units) against the money line in home games since 1997.
CHICAGO CUBS are 17-22 (-13.7 Units) against the money line in day games this season.
CHICAGO CUBS are 1382-1513 (-259.7 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field since 1997.
CHICAGO CUBS are 1055-1192 (-221.3 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters since 1997.
CHICAGO CUBS are 21-25 (-12.6 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record this season.
CHICAGO CUBS are 209-183 (-49.2 Units) against the money line in home games when playing against a team with a losing record in the second half of the season since 1997.

Head-to-Head Series History
CHICAGO CUBS is 3-2 (+0.5 Units) against COLORADO this season
4 of 5 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+2.9 Units)

EDDIE BUTLER vs. CHICAGO CUBS since 1997
No recent starts.

JON LESTER vs. COLORADO since 1997
LESTER is 1-1 when starting against COLORADO with an ERA of 0.77 and a WHIP of 1.114.
His team's record is 1-1 (-0.4 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 2-0. (+2.0 units)

MILWAUKEE (44 - 57) at SAN FRANCISCO (55 - 45) - 3:45 PM
MICHAEL FIERS (R) vs. JAKE PEAVY (R)
Top Trends for this game.

MILWAUKEE is 44-57 (-12.4 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
MILWAUKEE is 59-86 (-32.5 Units) against the money line in day games over the last 3 seasons.
MILWAUKEE is 44-57 (-12.4 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
MILWAUKEE is 32-48 (-16.2 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.
SAN FRANCISCO is 155-124 (+22.0 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
SAN FRANCISCO is 28-16 (+12.8 Units) against the money line when playing on Wednesday over the last 2 seasons.
SAN FRANCISCO is 61-40 (+18.2 Units) against the money line in day games over the last 2 seasons.
SAN FRANCISCO is 155-124 (+22.0 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
SAN FRANCISCO is 109-86 (+13.1 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters over the last 2 seasons.
SAN FRANCISCO is 42-18 (+20.8 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record in the second half of the season over the last 2 seasons.
MILWAUKEE is 41-35 (+15.5 Units) against the money line when the total is 7 or less over the last 3 seasons.
SAN FRANCISCO is 16-24 (-15.1 Units) against the money line in home games in July games over the last 3 seasons.
SAN FRANCISCO is 10-16 (-11.6 Units) against the money line in home games after a loss this season.
PEAVY is 16-26 (-14.1 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
PEAVY is 15-24 (-12.9 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)

Head-to-Head Series History
SAN FRANCISCO is 4-1 (+2.8 Units) against MILWAUKEE this season
2 of 4 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=-0.0 Units, Under=-0.2 Units)

MICHAEL FIERS vs. SAN FRANCISCO since 1997
FIERS is 0-2 when starting against SAN FRANCISCO with an ERA of 3.75 and a WHIP of 1.417.
His team's record is 0-2 (-2.3 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 2-0. (+2.0 units)

JAKE PEAVY vs. MILWAUKEE since 1997
PEAVY is 4-4 when starting against MILWAUKEE with an ERA of 2.44 and a WHIP of 1.181.
His team's record is 5-7 (-3.3 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 9-3. (+5.9 units)

WASHINGTON (52 - 46) at MIAMI (42 - 58) - 7:10 PM
DOUG FISTER (R) vs. TOM KOEHLER (R)
Top Trends for this game.

WASHINGTON is 151-221 (-51.0 Units) against the money line as a road underdog of +100 to +125 since 1997.
WASHINGTON is 13-20 (-9.8 Units) against the money line in road games in night games this season.
WASHINGTON is 19-21 (-9.3 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record this season.
FISTER is 1-8 (-8.0 Units) against the money line in night games this season. (Team's Record)
MIAMI is 364-413 (+45.6 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record in the second half of the season since 1997.
KOEHLER is 7-1 (+7.5 Units) against the money line after a win this season. (Team's Record)
WASHINGTON is 27-11 (+12.6 Units) against the money line when playing on Wednesday over the last 2 seasons.
MIAMI is 42-58 (-15.1 Units) against the money line in all games this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
MIAMI is 5-2 (+4.0 Units) against WASHINGTON this season
4 of 7 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+1.2 Units)

DOUG FISTER vs. MIAMI since 1997
FISTER is 2-0 when starting against MIAMI with an ERA of 1.14 and a WHIP of 0.760.
His team's record is 3-0 (+3.1 units) in these starts. The OVER is 0-3. (-3.1 units)

TOM KOEHLER vs. WASHINGTON since 1997
KOEHLER is 3-4 when starting against WASHINGTON with an ERA of 3.83 and a WHIP of 1.252.
His team's record is 3-4 (+1.0 units) in these starts. The OVER is 5-2. (+3.4 units)

SAN DIEGO (47 - 53) at NY METS (52 - 48) - 7:10 PM
TYSON ROSS (R) vs. BARTOLO COLON (R)
Top Trends for this game.

SAN DIEGO is 20-42 (-17.9 Units) against the money line on the road when the total is 7 or less over the last 2 seasons.
SAN DIEGO is 37-60 (-19.5 Units) against the money line in road games against right-handed starters over the last 2 seasons.
NY METS are 131-131 (+6.9 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
NY METS are 35-16 (+16.8 Units) against the money line in home games this season.
NY METS are 42-32 (+16.6 Units) against the money line in July games over the last 3 seasons.
NY METS are 35-16 (+16.8 Units) against the money line in home games in games played on a grass field this season.
NY METS are 30-12 (+15.8 Units) against the money line in home games against right-handed starters this season.
NY METS are 26-6 (+19.0 Units) against the money line in home games after a win this season.
NY METS are 21-7 (+12.6 Units) against the money line in home games when playing against a team with a losing record this season.
NY METS are 30-13 (+16.1 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record in the second half of the season over the last 2 seasons.
NY METS are 28-39 (-12.0 Units) against the money line in night games this season.
COLON is 85-75 (-24.9 Units) against the money line in home games in night games since 1997. (Team's Record)
COLON is 74-64 (-21.8 Units) against the money line in home games after a win since 1997. (Team's Record)

Head-to-Head Series History
NY METS is 2-2 (+0.1 Units) against SAN DIEGO this season
3 of 4 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+2.1 Units)

TYSON ROSS vs. NY METS since 1997
ROSS is 1-0 when starting against NY METS with an ERA of 0.64 and a WHIP of 0.857.
His team's record is 1-1 (-0.5 units) in these starts. The OVER is 0-2. (-2.0 units)

BARTOLO COLON vs. SAN DIEGO since 1997
COLON is 2-2 when starting against SAN DIEGO with an ERA of 2.67 and a WHIP of 0.857.
His team's record is 3-2 (+0.4 units) in these starts. The OVER is 3-2. (+1.1 units)

CINCINNATI (44 - 54) at ST LOUIS (64 - 36) - 8:15 PM
ANTHONY DESCLAFANI (R) vs. JOHN LACKEY (R)
Top Trends for this game.

CINCINNATI is 44-54 (-11.4 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
CINCINNATI is 52-81 (-24.1 Units) against the money line in road games over the last 2 seasons.
CINCINNATI is 44-54 (-11.4 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
CINCINNATI is 5-14 (-9.5 Units) against the money line in road games after a win this season.
ST LOUIS is 64-36 (+21.9 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
ST LOUIS is 37-14 (+17.7 Units) against the money line in home games this season.
ST LOUIS is 26-14 (+9.9 Units) against the money line against division opponents this season.
ST LOUIS is 64-36 (+21.9 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
ST LOUIS is 44-25 (+15.5 Units) against the money line in night games this season.
ST LOUIS is 52-23 (+25.5 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.
ST LOUIS is 68-43 (+17.8 Units) against the money line after a loss over the last 2 seasons.
LACKEY is 32-12 (+15.7 Units) against the money line in home games over the last 3 seasons. (Team's Record)
LACKEY is 32-12 (+15.7 Units) against the money line in home games in games played on a grass field over the last 3 seasons. (Team's Record)
CINCINNATI is 514-583 (+28.6 Units) against the money line in road games against right-handed starters since 1997.

Head-to-Head Series History
ST LOUIS is 6-2 (+3.4 Units) against CINCINNATI this season
5 of 8 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+1.4 Units)

ANTHONY DESCLAFANI vs. ST LOUIS since 1997
No recent starts.

JOHN LACKEY vs. CINCINNATI since 1997
LACKEY is 2-0 when starting against CINCINNATI with an ERA of 3.25 and a WHIP of 0.976.
His team's record is 3-2 (+0.4 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 2-2. (-0.3 units)

DETROIT (48 - 52) at TAMPA BAY (51 - 51) - 12:10 PM
JUSTIN VERLANDER (R) vs. CHRIS ARCHER (R)
Top Trends for this game.

DETROIT is 138-127 (-14.9 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
DETROIT is 33-43 (-13.3 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.
DETROIT is 22-29 (-9.3 Units) against the money line after a loss this season.
VERLANDER is 0-7 (-7.3 Units) against the money line in all games this season. (Team's Record)
VERLANDER is 11-17 (-13.1 Units) against the money line after a loss over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
DETROIT is 12-5 (+8.3 Units) against the money line in road games in day games this season.
TAMPA BAY is 128-136 (-29.1 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
TAMPA BAY is 19-28 (-11.3 Units) against the money line when the total is 7 or less this season.
TAMPA BAY is 62-72 (-31.2 Units) against the money line in home games over the last 2 seasons.
TAMPA BAY is 12-20 (-10.9 Units) against the money line at home when the total is 7 or less this season.
TAMPA BAY is 6-14 (-12.8 Units) against the money line in home games when playing on Wednesday over the last 2 seasons.
TAMPA BAY is 18-28 (-19.6 Units) against the money line in home games in day games over the last 2 seasons.
TAMPA BAY is 63-73 (-31.5 Units) against the money line in games played in a dome over the last 2 seasons.
TAMPA BAY is 71-81 (-30.5 Units) against the money line in games played on artificial turf over the last 2 seasons.
TAMPA BAY is 91-101 (-24.4 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters over the last 2 seasons.
TAMPA BAY is 11-20 (-12.3 Units) against the money line in home games when playing against a team with a losing record this season.

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

JUSTIN VERLANDER vs. TAMPA BAY since 1997
VERLANDER is 6-3 when starting against TAMPA BAY with an ERA of 3.71 and a WHIP of 1.191.
His team's record is 9-4 (+3.8 units) in these starts. The OVER is 4-8. (-4.6 units)

CHRIS ARCHER vs. DETROIT since 1997
ARCHER is 1-0 when starting against DETROIT with an ERA of 2.84 and a WHIP of 1.474.
His team's record is 2-1 (+1.5 units) in these starts. The OVER is 2-1. (+1.0 units)

KANSAS CITY (61 - 38) at CLEVELAND (45 - 54) - 12:10 PM
JEREMY GUTHRIE (R) vs. COREY KLUBER (R)
Top Trends for this game.

KANSAS CITY is 61-38 (+21.9 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
KANSAS CITY is 27-20 (+9.7 Units) against the money line in road games this season.
KANSAS CITY is 17-8 (+8.7 Units) against the money line in July games this season.
KANSAS CITY is 26-15 (+10.6 Units) against the money line against division opponents this season.
KANSAS CITY is 21-11 (+11.1 Units) against the money line in day games this season.
KANSAS CITY is 61-38 (+21.9 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
KANSAS CITY is 43-21 (+20.6 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.
KANSAS CITY is 37-25 (+10.8 Units) against the money line after a win this season.
KANSAS CITY is 36-19 (+17.3 Units) against the money line after 3 or more consecutive wins over the last 2 seasons.
KANSAS CITY is 30-17 (+13.6 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record this season.
KANSAS CITY is 39-19 (+18.7 Units) against the money line in road games when playing against a team with a losing record in the second half of the season over the last 3 seasons.
GUTHRIE is 33-21 (+13.7 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
GUTHRIE is 17-9 (+11.0 Units) against the money line in road games over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
GUTHRIE is 33-20 (+14.7 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
GUTHRIE is 12-4 (+10.4 Units) against the money line in road games after a win over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
CLEVELAND is 45-54 (-21.3 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
CLEVELAND is 19-32 (-24.5 Units) against the money line in home games this season.
CLEVELAND is 14-28 (-19.3 Units) against the money line against division opponents this season.
CLEVELAND is 41-54 (-25.4 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
CLEVELAND is 13-19 (-12.6 Units) against the money line in home games after a loss this season.
CLEVELAND is 21-29 (-12.9 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record this season.
KLUBER is 6-15 (-15.0 Units) against the money line in all games this season. (Team's Record)
KLUBER is 0-9 (-12.0 Units) against the money line against division opponents this season. (Team's Record)
KLUBER is 5-15 (-16.0 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season. (Team's Record)

Head-to-Head Series History
KANSAS CITY is 7-4 (+3.3 Units) against CLEVELAND this season
7 of 10 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+3.7 Units)

JEREMY GUTHRIE vs. CLEVELAND since 1997
GUTHRIE is 5-5 when starting against CLEVELAND with an ERA of 5.21 and a WHIP of 1.442.
His team's record is 7-6 (+1.2 units) in these starts. The OVER is 8-4. (+4.0 units)

COREY KLUBER vs. KANSAS CITY since 1997
KLUBER is 4-4 when starting against KANSAS CITY with an ERA of 3.59 and a WHIP of 1.095.
His team's record is 6-6 (-0.6 units) in these starts. The OVER is 6-5. (+0.8 units)

CHI WHITE SOX (48 - 50) at BOSTON (44 - 57) - 7:10 PM
JOSE QUINTANA (L) vs. RICK PORCELLO (R)
Top Trends for this game.

QUINTANA is 18-32 (-14.9 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
CHI WHITE SOX are 15-8 (+9.8 Units) against the money line in July games this season.
CHI WHITE SOX are 82-80 (+17.2 Units) against the money line in night games over the last 2 seasons.
CHI WHITE SOX are 541-572 (+38.7 Units) against the money line in road games against right-handed starters since 1997.
CHI WHITE SOX are 377-375 (+39.2 Units) against the money line in road games after a win since 1997.
CHI WHITE SOX are 112-91 (+33.2 Units) against the money line in road games after 3 or more consecutive wins since 1997.
CHI WHITE SOX are 6-0 (+8.0 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record in the second half of the season this season.
BOSTON is 44-57 (-20.8 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
BOSTON is 20-29 (-14.9 Units) against the money line when the total is 8 to 8.5 this season.
BOSTON is 12-29 (-21.7 Units) against the money line at home with a money line of -100 to -125 over the last 2 seasons.
BOSTON is 24-26 (-10.3 Units) against the money line in home games this season.
BOSTON is 18-29 (-17.2 Units) against the money line in July games over the last 2 seasons.
BOSTON is 37-51 (-23.2 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
BOSTON is 29-38 (-14.5 Units) against the money line in night games this season.
BOSTON is 31-44 (-19.5 Units) against the money line against left-handed starters over the last 2 seasons.
BOSTON is 32-40 (-19.6 Units) against the money line in home games after a loss over the last 2 seasons.
BOSTON is 46-54 (-17.7 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
CHI WHITE SOX is 2-0 (+2.8 Units) against BOSTON this season
2 of 2 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+2.1 Units)

JOSE QUINTANA vs. BOSTON since 1997
QUINTANA is 1-0 when starting against BOSTON with an ERA of 1.27 and a WHIP of 0.656.
His team's record is 1-2 (-1.0 units) in these starts. The OVER is 0-3. (-3.2 units)

RICK PORCELLO vs. CHI WHITE SOX since 1997
PORCELLO is 9-7 when starting against CHI WHITE SOX with an ERA of 4.10 and a WHIP of 1.244.
His team's record is 12-7 (+4.6 units) in these starts. The OVER is 9-9. (-0.8 units)

NY YANKEES (57 - 42) at TEXAS (47 - 52) - 8:05 PM
MASAHIRO TANAKA (R) vs. COLBY LEWIS (R)
Top Trends for this game.

TEXAS is 47-52 (+9.6 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
TEXAS is 20-16 (+9.7 Units) against the money line when the total is 8 to 8.5 this season.
TEXAS is 44-48 (+9.1 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
TEXAS is 36-35 (+12.3 Units) against the money line in night games this season.
TEXAS is 31-29 (+9.8 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.
TEXAS is 26-18 (+17.9 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record this season.
NY YANKEES are 57-42 (+6.5 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
NY YANKEES are 16-5 (+9.7 Units) against the money line in July games this season.
NY YANKEES are 52-37 (+6.9 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
NY YANKEES are 35-21 (+11.8 Units) against the money line after a win this season.
TEXAS is 16-28 (-12.3 Units) against the money line in home games this season.
TEXAS is 1-9 (-8.9 Units) against the money line in home games in July games this season.
TEXAS is 29-48 (-21.1 Units) against the money line in home games after a loss over the last 2 seasons.
TEXAS is 15-27 (-15.7 Units) against the money line in home games after 3 or more consecutive losses over the last 3 seasons.
TEXAS is 15-34 (-19.9 Units) against the money line in home games when playing against a team with a winning record in the second half of the season over the last 3 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
TEXAS is 3-2 (+2.9 Units) against NY YANKEES this season
3 of 5 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+1.0 Units)

MASAHIRO TANAKA vs. TEXAS since 1997
No recent starts.

COLBY LEWIS vs. NY YANKEES since 1997
LEWIS is 4-3 when starting against NY YANKEES with an ERA of 4.56 and a WHIP of 1.317.
His team's record is 5-3 (+4.5 units) in these starts. The OVER is 2-5. (-3.3 units)

LA ANGELS (55 - 44) at HOUSTON (56 - 45) - 8:10 PM
GARRETT RICHARDS (R) vs. LANCE MCCULLERS (R)
Top Trends for this game.

HOUSTON is 56-45 (+7.6 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
HOUSTON is 34-17 (+12.4 Units) against the money line in home games this season.
HOUSTON is 60-58 (+15.2 Units) against the money line against division opponents over the last 2 seasons.
HOUSTON is 56-39 (+14.0 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
HOUSTON is 38-28 (+7.5 Units) against the money line in night games this season.
HOUSTON is 35-24 (+11.6 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.
HOUSTON is 32-23 (+8.1 Units) against the money line after a win this season.
HOUSTON is 14-6 (+8.4 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record this season.
LA ANGELS are 153-111 (+22.4 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
LA ANGELS are 773-751 (+70.4 Units) against the money line in road games since 1997.
LA ANGELS are 144-106 (+18.1 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
LA ANGELS are 44-29 (+11.5 Units) against the money line in night games this season.
LA ANGELS are 552-532 (+50.3 Units) against the money line in road games against right-handed starters since 1997.
RICHARDS is 30-14 (+12.8 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
RICHARDS is 24-10 (+11.8 Units) against the money line in night games over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
Head-to-Head Series History
HOUSTON is 6-5 (+1.1 Units) against LA ANGELS this season
7 of 10 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+4.0 Units)

GARRETT RICHARDS vs. HOUSTON since 1997
RICHARDS is 4-2 when starting against HOUSTON with an ERA of 3.51 and a WHIP of 1.227.
His team's record is 6-2 (+3.0 units) in these starts. The OVER is 3-5. (-2.7 units)

LANCE MCCULLERS vs. LA ANGELS since 1997
MCCULLERS is 0-0 when starting against LA ANGELS with an ERA of 1.50 and a WHIP of 1.167.
His team's record is 0-1 (-1.1 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 1-0. (+1.0 units)

PITTSBURGH (58 - 41) at MINNESOTA (52 - 47) - 1:10 PM
FRANCISCO LIRIANO (L) vs. ERVIN SANTANA (R)
Top Trends for this game.

PITTSBURGH is 16-32 (-18.0 Units) against the money line in road games in day games over the last 2 seasons.
PITTSBURGH is 257-492 (-105.4 Units) against the money line in road games when playing against a team with a winning record since 1997.
PITTSBURGH is 111-246 (-74.2 Units) against the money line in road games when playing against a team with a winning record in the second half of the season since 1997.
MINNESOTA is 52-47 (+15.1 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
MINNESOTA is 19-11 (+9.7 Units) against the money line as a home underdog of +100 to +125 this season.
MINNESOTA is 32-19 (+15.9 Units) against the money line in home games this season.
MINNESOTA is 25-22 (+6.3 Units) against the money line in day games this season.
MINNESOTA is 52-47 (+15.1 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
MINNESOTA is 26-20 (+11.8 Units) against the money line after a loss this season.
MINNESOTA is 21-13 (+12.3 Units) against the money line after 3 or more consecutive losses over the last 2 seasons.
SANTANA is 17-5 (+13.0 Units) against the money line as a home underdog of +100 to +125 since 1997. (Team's Record)
SANTANA is 9-1 (+8.3 Units) against the money line in home games when playing against a team with a winning record in the second half of the season over the last 3 seasons. (Team's Record)
PITTSBURGH is 243-187 (+37.8 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 3 seasons.
PITTSBURGH is 21-6 (+13.4 Units) against the money line as a road favorite of -125 to -150 over the last 2 seasons.
PITTSBURGH is 38-21 (+17.0 Units) against the money line in an inter-league game over the last 3 seasons.
PITTSBURGH is 241-186 (+36.2 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 3 seasons.
PITTSBURGH is 195-152 (+32.5 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters over the last 3 seasons.
PITTSBURGH is 37-20 (+13.5 Units) against the money line after a win this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
MINNESOTA is 2-1 (+1.8 Units) against PITTSBURGH this season
2 of 3 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+1.0 Units)

FRANCISCO LIRIANO vs. MINNESOTA since 1997
LIRIANO is 1-1 when starting against MINNESOTA with an ERA of 6.60 and a WHIP of 1.200.
His team's record is 2-1 (+0.4 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 2-1. (+0.8 units)

ERVIN SANTANA vs. PITTSBURGH since 1997
SANTANA is 1-0 when starting against PITTSBURGH with an ERA of 5.07 and a WHIP of 2.064.
His team's record is 1-0 (+1.0 units) in these starts. The OVER is 1-0. (+1.0 units)

ARIZONA (48 - 51) at SEATTLE (46 - 55) - 3:40 PM
PAT CORBIN (L) vs. FELIX HERNANDEZ (R)
Top Trends for this game.

ARIZONA is 112-149 (-31.3 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
ARIZONA is 112-149 (-31.3 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
ARIZONA is 44-66 (-21.6 Units) against the money line after a win over the last 2 seasons.
ARIZONA is 27-16 (+12.0 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record this season.
SEATTLE is 46-55 (-15.3 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
SEATTLE is 22-30 (-16.3 Units) against the money line in home games this season.
SEATTLE is 12-17 (-9.3 Units) against the money line at home when the total is 7 or less this season.
SEATTLE is 6-13 (-10.8 Units) against the money line in home games when playing on Wednesday over the last 2 seasons.
SEATTLE is 41-54 (-19.8 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
SEATTLE is 29-33 (-17.2 Units) against the money line in home games when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 2 seasons.
SEATTLE is 7-12 (-11.7 Units) against the money line in home games when playing against a team with a losing record in the second half of the season over the last 2 seasons.
HERNANDEZ is 19-24 (-19.6 Units) against the money line as a home favorite of -150 to -175 since 1997. (Team's Record)

Head-to-Head Series History
ARIZONA is 2-0 (+2.8 Units) against SEATTLE this season
1 of 1 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+1.0 Units)

PAT CORBIN vs. SEATTLE since 1997
No recent starts.

FELIX HERNANDEZ vs. ARIZONA since 1997
HERNANDEZ is 1-0 when starting against ARIZONA with an ERA of 2.51 and a WHIP of 1.117.
His team's record is 2-0 (+2.0 units) in these starts. The OVER is 1-1. (-0.1 units)

PHILADELPHIA (38 - 63) at TORONTO (50 - 51) - 7:05 PM
JEROME WILLIAMS (R) vs. R.A. DICKEY (R)
Top Trends for this game.

PHILADELPHIA is 22-43 (-21.3 Units) against the money line when playing on Wednesday over the last 3 seasons.
PHILADELPHIA is 80-108 (-37.0 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 3 seasons.
Head-to-Head Series History
PHILADELPHIA is 1-0 (+2.4 Units) against TORONTO this season
1 of 1 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+1.0 Units)
JEROME WILLIAMS vs. TORONTO since 1997
WILLIAMS is 2-0 when starting against TORONTO with an ERA of 4.00 and a WHIP of 1.556.
His team's record is 2-1 (+1.2 units) in these starts. The OVER is 1-2. (-1.1 units)
R.A. DICKEY vs. PHILADELPHIA since 1997
DICKEY is 4-4 when starting against PHILADELPHIA with an ERA of 2.89 and a WHIP of 1.255.
His team's record is 6-4 (+3.5 units) in these starts. The OVER is 5-5. (-0.3 units)
ATLANTA (46 - 54) at BALTIMORE (50 - 49) - 7:05 PM
MIKE FOLTYNEWICZ (R) vs. CHRIS TILLMAN (R)
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

Head-to-Head Series History
BALTIMORE is 2-0 (+2.0 Units) against ATLANTA this season
1 of 2 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+0.0 Units)

MIKE FOLTYNEWICZ vs. BALTIMORE since 1997
No recent starts.

CHRIS TILLMAN vs. ATLANTA since 1997
No recent starts.

OAKLAND (45 - 56) at LA DODGERS (56 - 45) - 10:10 PM
JESSE CHAVEZ (R) vs. CLAYTON KERSHAW (L)
Top Trends for this game.

OAKLAND is 45-56 (-19.7 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
OAKLAND is 35-47 (-23.8 Units) against the money line when the total is 7 or less over the last 2 seasons.
OAKLAND is 43-54 (-20.1 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
OAKLAND is 86-80 (-18.2 Units) against the money line in night games over the last 2 seasons.
OAKLAND is 9-19 (-12.4 Units) against the money line against left-handed starters this season.
OAKLAND is 2-10 (-10.6 Units) against the money line after shutting out their opponent this season.
OAKLAND is 18-26 (-13.0 Units) against the money line after a win this season.
OAKLAND is 7-20 (-13.7 Units) against the money line in road games when playing against a team with a winning record in the second half of the season over the last 2 seasons.
CHAVEZ is 5-12 (-8.5 Units) against the money line in all games this season. (Team's Record)
LA DODGERS are 73-39 (+20.9 Units) against the money line after a loss over the last 2 seasons.
LA DODGERS are 56-45 (-11.1 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
LA DODGERS are 26-26 (-15.5 Units) against the money line when the total is 7 or less this season.
LA DODGERS are 230-237 (-57.1 Units) against the money line when playing on Wednesday since 1997.
LA DODGERS are 56-45 (-11.1 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
LA DODGERS are 41-34 (-10.6 Units) against the money line in night games this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
OAKLAND is 1-0 (+1.3 Units) against LA DODGERS this season
1 of 1 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+1.0 Units)

JESSE CHAVEZ vs. LA DODGERS since 1997
No recent starts.

CLAYTON KERSHAW vs. OAKLAND since 1997
KERSHAW is 0-0 when starting against OAKLAND with an ERA of 0.66 and a WHIP of 0.878.
His team's record is 1-1 (-0.5 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 1-1. (-0.3 units)

[StarDust Bum]

WNBA
Dunkel

Wednesday, July 29


Seattle @ Washington

Game 601-602
July 29, 2015 @ 11:30 am

Dunkel Rating:
Seattle
108.777
Washington
114.210
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Washington
by 5 1/2
149
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Washington
by 8
142 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Seattle
(+8); Over

New York @ Indiana

Game 603-604
July 29, 2015 @ 7:00 pm

Dunkel Rating:
New York
113.195
Indiana
111.515
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
New York
by 1 1/2
153
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Indiana
by 1
149
Dunkel Pick:
New York
(+1); Over

Los Angeles @ Minnesota

Game 605-606
July 29, 2015 @ 8:00 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Los Angeles
109.761
Minnesota
116.110
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Minnesota
by 6 1/2
142
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Minnesota
by 8 1/2
146 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Los Angeles
(+8 1/2); Under

Atlanta @ San Antonio

Game 607-608
July 29, 2015 @ 8:00 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Atlanta
112.399
San Antonio
110.230
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Atlanta
by 2
146
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
San Antonio
by 1 1/2
151
Dunkel Pick:
Atlanta
(+2); Under




WNBA

Wednesday, July 29

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

11:30 AM
SEATTLE vs. WASHINGTON
Seattle is 7-1 SU in its last 8 games when playing Washington
Seattle is 4-8 ATS in its last 12 games on the road
Washington is 3-7-1 ATS in its last 11 games at home
Washington is 1-7 SU in its last 8 games when playing Seattle

7:00 PM
NEW YORK vs. INDIANA
New York is 2-6 SU in its last 8 games when playing Indiana
New York is 1-8 SU in its last 9 games when playing on the road against Indiana
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Indiana's last 7 games when playing New York
Indiana is 3-7 ATS in its last 10 games at home

8:00 PM
LOS ANGELES vs. MINNESOTA
Los Angeles is 1-5 ATS in its last 6 games when playing on the road against Minnesota
Los Angeles is 1-5 ATS in its last 6 games
Minnesota is 20-3 SU in its last 23 games at home
Minnesota is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games when playing Los Angeles

8:00 PM
ATLANTA vs. SAN ANTONIO
Atlanta is 1-5 SU in its last 6 games on the road
Atlanta is 1-8-1 ATS in its last 10 games when playing San Antonio
San Antonio is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games when playing Atlanta
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of San Antonio's last 5 games at home

[StarDust Bum]

WNBA

Wednesday, July 29


Dogs cash in first games back after break

The WNBA returned from its All-Star Break with a pair of games Tuesday and underdogs cashed in both instances.

The Indiana Fever defeated the Connecticut Sun 75-73 cashing as 1-point road underdogs in the process, while the Phoenix Mercury beat the Chicago Sky 89-87, but it was the latter that cashed as 3.5-point dogs.

Dogs have been a solid bet all season long in the WNBA, posting a record of 61-39-1 against the spread heading into Wednesday's action.

[StarDust Bum]

Preview: Storm (5-13) at Mystics (9-6)
Date: July 29, 2015 11:30 AM EDT

The Washington Mystics' past and present star centers collide as the club looks to pick up where it left off following the All-Star break against the Seattle Storm.

While Stefanie Dolson tries to lead Washington to a season-high fourth straight victory, former Mystic Crystal Langhorne hopes to help Seattle snap a six-game road skid Wednesday night.

Dolson was tabbed as Langhorne's eventual replacement after Washington drafted the former Connecticut standout sixth overall in 2014. Langhorne, a three-time All-Star over six seasons, was traded to Seattle on draft day for Tianna Hawkins and Bria Hartley.

After playing primarily a reserve role as a rookie, Dolson has blossomed into an All-Star while leading the Mystics in scoring and rebounding this season. She was playing well heading into the break, averaging 14.2 points and 6.5 rebounds in her past six games.

Dolson, who has totaled 38 points in her last two, will now try to help Washington (9-6) extend its winning streak after a 76-69 win at Tulsa on July 21. Ivory Latta chipped in with 14 points, Tierra Ruffin-Pratt had 13 and Emma Meesseman added 10.

Despite sitting near the bottom of the league with a 41.2 field-goal percentage, the Mystics have shot 46.5 percent in their last two and held opponents to 35.8 in the past three. They've moved within two games of Eastern Conference-leading New York.

Langhorne pulled down 14 rebounds as Seattle (5-13) rallied in the second half for a 73-65 win in her first game back in the nation's capital on May 24, 2014. All-Star Sue Bird totaled 37 points to key the Storm's two-game sweep of last season's series.

Bird and Ramu Tokashiki scored 14 apiece and Langhorne added 13 on July 21 when Seattle's two-game winning streak ended in an 81-77 home loss to the Liberty.

Tokashiki, a rookie from Japan, has provided a spark by totaling 28 points on 12-of-21 shooting while the Storm have shot 52.5 percent over the last two games. They've averaged 81.5 points in those contests after entering the stretch scoring a league-worst 68.2 per game.

"We're focused on our progression," coach Jenny Boucek told the team's official website. "(New York) was a big test for us and I thought we've shown continued growth (prior to the break). It's a good note to pause on and we want to start right where we left off."

Seattle, however, opens the second half with a six-game road stretch. That certainly doesn't bode well for a club that is 1-8 away from home and has dropped the last four by an average of 16.5 points.

Meesseman was named to her first All-Star Game despite falling off her early scoring pace. Since averaging 15.5 points in her first nine games, the forward has scored 9.2 over the past six.


WNBA HEAD TO HEAD

Jun 22, 2014 Score ATS Results
WAS 86 Cover: 0.5
SEA « 89 Over: 175
Tools: Recaps

May 24, 2014 Score ATS Results
SEA « 73 Cover: 13.5
WAS 65 Under: 138
Tools: Recaps

[StarDust Bum]

Preview: Liberty (12-5) at Fever (9-8)
Date: July 29, 2015 7:00 PM EDT

The New York Liberty are off to their best start since 2001 while also riding their longest winning streak in five years, with Tina Charles responsible for most of that success.

The 2012 WNBA MVP is putting up numbers that could see her add another trophy to her collection, and she'll look to help the Liberty stay hot Wednesday night against the Indiana Fever.

New York (12-5) went into the All-Star break on a five-game win streak and in sole possession of first place in the Eastern Conference following a 59-53 victory at Los Angeles last Wednesday.

The Liberty, who haven't won six straight since a franchise-record 10-game run in 2010, were led by Charles' 14 points and 14 rebounds before she headed to Connecticut for the All-Star Game.

Charles started at center for the East and had 13 points and four boards in 14 minutes Saturday.

That performance came after she averaged 19.6 points and 10.2 rebounds during the win streak. Charles is fourth in the league in scoring (17.2) and rebounding (9.3) for New York, which has won eight of nine after sitting at .500 in late June.

"We have to stay confident and take care of ourselves," Charles said about opening the second half. "... We just have to stay focused and locked in."

Guard Epiphanny Prince has also been instrumental to the surge, averaging 12.7 points in seven games since making her team debut July 9.

"We just want to get better as a team," Prince said. "We want to focus on ourselves. We're playing pretty good basketball right now but we know we can always do better."

Indiana (9-8) played for the first time since the break Tuesday and avoided a third straight loss with a 75-73 overtime win at Connecticut.

All-Star Tamika Catchings hit a fadeaway jump shot with 6 seconds left in the extra session after passing Diana Taurasi as the No. 2 scorer in WNBA history earlier in the game.

"Records are meant to be broken, that's why they're there," Catchings told the Fever's official website. "But it's pretty cool for now. It's kind of overwhelming."

Catchings had 15 points, eight rebounds and five steals, while Shavonte Zellous scored a season-high 19 off the bench.

The Fever are in fourth place in the conference but trail New York by just three games and are returning home, where they've won four in a row.

"(East) teams are always clustered," Catchings said. "You can go from being fourth to first to sixth."

New York beat the visiting Fever 86-79 behind Charles' 21 points June 9 before Indiana returned to Madison Square Garden 10 days later and posted an 80-63 win. Catchings went 0 for 10 from the field and Charles shot 3 for 13.


WNBA HEAD TO HEAD

Jun 19, 2015 Score ATS Results
IND « 80 Cover: 20.5
NEW 63 Under: 143
Tools: Recaps

Jun 9, 2015 Score ATS Results
IND 79 Over: 165
NEW « 86 Cover: 4
Tools: Recaps

Aug 17, 2014 Score ATS Results
IND 61 Under: 134
NEW « 73 Cover: 8.5
Tools:

Aug 14, 2014 Score ATS Results
NEW 63 Under: 139
IND « 76 Cover: 7
Tools: Recaps

Aug 10, 2014 Score ATS Results
IND « 90 Cover: 14
NEW 76 Over: 166
Tools: Recaps

May 31, 2014 Score ATS Results
NEW 66 Under: 136
IND « 70 Cover: 1
Tools: Recaps

[StarDust Bum]

Preview: Sparks (3-13) at Lynx (12-4)
Date: July 29, 2015 8:00 PM EDT

After heading in completely different directions in the season's first half, the Minnesota Lynx and Los Angeles Sparks both added star power during the All-Star break.

With Sylvia Fowles expected to start, the Lynx look to avoid rare back-to-back home losses Wednesday night when Candace Parker makes her season debut for the road winless Sparks.

Behind Olympians Maya Moore, Lindsay Whalen, Seimone Augustus and Asjha Jones and All-Star Rebekkah Brunson, Minnesota (12-4) rolled into the break with the WNBA's best record.

The Lynx, however, had bigger goals in mind Monday when they acquired Fowles, a two-time Olympian, three-time All-Star and two-time WNBA Defensive Player of the Year.

"She's been one of the elite centers in the WNBA and will be a key addition to our championship caliber roster," Lynx executive vice president Roger Griffith told the team's official website.

Fowles has averaged 17.1 points and 10.5 rebounds over her last five seasons, but was down to 13.4 and 10.2 in 2014 while being limited to 20 games because of injuries. She sat out the first half this year after requesting a trade from Chicago in the offseason.

"Coming to Minnesota and seeing what they have already established, and how hungry they are to get back to the championship and win, that pretty much set everything apart," Fowles said Tuesday at her introductory press conference.

Minnesota looks to bounce back after its four-game winning streak ended in last Wednesday's 78-77 overtime home loss to Connecticut. Moore had 25 points, while Brunson added 14 and 15 boards.

Now the Lynx are likely to have Whalen back after she missed the contest due to an eye injury.

Moore has scored 20 or more in a franchise-record eight straight games, averaging 25.6 over that span. She also had 30 points Saturday en route to All-Star Game MVP honors.

Moore scored 22 last month when Minnesota shot 52.6 percent in a 67-52 road win over the Sparks. She'll try to help the team avoid its first consecutive home defeats since August 2013.

Prior to the season, Parker said she would miss an undetermined number of games until she was completely healthy after leading the Sparks (3-13) in scoring (19.4) and assists (4.3) in 2014.

Now ready to return, the two-time MVP will try to help turn things around for a league-worst Los Angeles team that has dropped each of its seven road games.

"Candace has been an influential part of the Sparks for several years and a big part of its success," coach Brian Agler told the team's official website. "She as been an All-Star and an MVP, and we are sure she will influence great play by the Sparks in the future."

The Sparks couldn't build on July 21's impressive 70-65 home win over Phoenix, falling 59-53 to visiting New York the following night. Kristi Toliver finished with a team-high 16 points.

Los Angeles held the Liberty to 25.8 percent shooting but had 12 free-throw attempts compared to New York's 34. Nneka Ogwumike, averaging a team-high 16.8 points, hopes to get back on track after scoring a season-low six on 2-of-9 shooting.


WNBA HEAD TO HEAD

Jun 16, 2015 Score ATS Results
MIN « 67 Cover: 3.5
LOS 52 Under: 119
Tools: Recaps

Aug 12, 2014 Score ATS Results
LOS « 71 Cover: 16
MIN 63 Under: 134
Tools: Recaps

Jul 8, 2014 Score ATS Results
LOS 72 Under: 155
MIN « 83 Cover: 7
Tools: Recaps

Jun 17, 2014 Score ATS Results
MIN « 94 Cover: 15.5
LOS 77 Over: 171
Tools: Recaps

Jun 8, 2014 Score ATS Results
MIN « 85 Cover: 16.5
LOS 72 Under: 157
Tools: Recaps

[StarDust Bum]

Dream-Stars Preview

All-Star week ended up being more than a break for the Atlanta Dream, who were busy retooling and ended up sending a three-time All-Star out of town in a three-team trade that might target the future more than a 2015 playoff run.

The season's second half and the post-Erika de Souza era both begin Wednesday night as the suddenly younger Dream face the San Antonio Stars to open a stretch in which they play four of their next five on the road.

Atlanta (7-10) finalized a deal with Chicago and Minnesota on Monday that sent De Souza to the Sky, while the Dream landed Damiris Dantas, Reshanda Gray and a 2016 first-round pick from the Lynx.

De Souza was in her eighth year with the Dream and was an All-Star in 2009, '13 and '14, but the center's 8.6 scoring average and shooting mark of 45.9 percent were at their lowest levels in her time in Atlanta.

Dantas, a second-year forward from Brazil selected by Minnesota in the first round of the 2012 draft, is averaging 5.9 points and 4.5 rebounds in 46 career games.

Gray has only played 10 minutes once in her 10-game rookie season after being selected in the second round this year, though the forward figures to see more time now that she won't be competing for minutes with Minnesota's established front court.

"As we look to make a strong playoff push in the second half of the season, we are excited to add two young and very talented post players to our roster," president and general manager Angela Taylor told the team's official website. "Damiris and Reshanda both are versatile posts who bring skill sets that will complement the other players on our roster. Both should make an immediate and long-term impact on our franchise."

One thing that hasn't changed is Atlanta remains in last place. The Dream limped into the break with consecutive losses, including a 97-92 defeat in Chicago on July 21 while Angel McCoughtry suffered through another poor shooting night. The All-Star forward was 6 of 17 for 14 points and is shooting 27.9 percent in the last four games.

The Dream beat the Stars 72-69 on June 11 in Atlanta for their third straight win in the series. McCoughtry had 21 points, while Stars forward Kayla McBride had a season-high 29.

San Antonio's top scorer also had 18 points in 23 minutes off the bench to help the West to a 117-112 All-Star victory.

Leading into that, the Stars (5-12) won two of three with an 80-62 home victory over Indiana marking their most impressive of the season. Danielle Robinson stayed hot with 18 points, and the All-Star guard is averaging 16.2 on 54.8 percent in her last four games.

"She has evolved to what the team has needed, and that's a mark of a great leader," coach Dan Hughes told the team's official website. "This experience is helping her understand how to exert leadership. In some cases it's a sacrifice, in other cases, it means scoring."

[StarDust Bum]

Standings

EASTERN CONFERENCE

Team Win Loss Percent GB Home Away Conf. Last 10 Streak

New York Liberty 12 5 0.706 0 6-2 6-3 6-4 8-2 W-5

Chicago Sky 11 7 0.611 1 7-1 4-6 8-4 6-4 L-1

Washington Mystics 9 6 0.600 2 5-3 4-3 7-5 6-4 W-3

Indiana Fever 9 8 0.529 3 5-4 4-4 5-6 6-4 W-1

Connecticut Sun 8 8 0.500 3 3-5 5-3 3-7 3-7 L-1

Atlanta Dream 7 10 0.412 5 5-4 2-6 4-7 4-6 L-2


WESTERN CONFERENCE

Team Win Loss Percent GB Home Away Conf. Last 10 Streak

Minnesota Lynx 12 4 0.750 0 6-2 6-2 9-2 7-3 L-1

Phoenix Mercury 10 7 0.588 2 7-2 3-5 8-3 7-3 W-1

Tulsa Shock 10 8 0.556 3 6-2 4-6 6-6 3-7 L-4

San Antonio Stars 5 12 0.294 7 5-3 0-9 4-7 4-6 W-1

Seattle Storm 5 13 0.278 8 4-5 1-8 4-9 3-7 L-1

Los Angeles Sparks 3 13 0.188 9 3-6 0-7 3-7 3-7 L-1

Updated Wed Jul 29 10:36 AM EDT

[StarDust Bum]

Sky trade Sylvia Fowles to Lynx as part of 3-team deal

July 27, 2015

Sylvia Fowles only wanted to play for one team this season - the Minnesota Lynx. The Chicago Sky finally were able to make it happen.

After sitting out the first half of the year, Fowles was traded to the Lynx on Monday as part of a three-team deal.

''Words can't describe how excited I am to be a part of the Minnesota Lynx family,'' Fowles wrote in an email to The Associated Press. ''I'm also a bit nervous, like the first day of school. They have a very strong culture and I am anxious to join the team and start contributing.''

The star center will be reunited with Olympic teammates Maya Moore, Lindsay Whalen and Seimone Augustus - who also played with Fowles at LSU. That gives Minnesota (12-4), which is already in first in the Western Conference, an unmatched quartet of Olympians.

''It would be a disappointment to have that many Olympians and not win a championship,'' Augustus said. ''But one day at a time. It's almost like we're starting over. It's like training camp again with the new additions we have. She'll get a nice workout in tomorrow and then Wednesday it's go time.''

Fowles said in May that she just was looking for a change of scenery when asked why she was willing to leave Chicago, which made the WNBA Finals last season for the first time in franchise history.

''In my conversation with her, I think there were three reasons, Lindsay, Seimone and Maya,'' Minnesota coach Cheryl Reeve said. ''People want to play with that group.''

The Sky acquired Erika De Souza from Atlanta and also gave the Lynx their second-round pick in next year's draft. The Dream received Damiris Dantas, Reshanda Gray and Minnesota's first-round pick next season. It's arguably one of the biggest trades in the middle of the season in league history.

Fowles said she has been staying in shape and spent time working on the bike while relaxing.

''It will take time to adjust to game speed and learn the system, but I'm committed to doing whatever I have to to contribute as quickly as possible,'' she said.

The two-time Olympian is averaging 15.7 points, 9.8 rebounds and 2 blocks for her career. She also provides another scoring option for the Lynx, who are without Augustus most likely until mid-August with a knee injury. Whalen hurt her eye last week, ending her streak of 106 straight starts. Both players missed the All-Star Game on Saturday, but Whalen said she'll play Wednesday when the Lynx host the Los Angeles Sparks.

The Lynx traded injured guard Monica Wright to the Seattle Storm last week for Renee Montgomery.

Chicago (11-6) has gotten along fine without Fowles, sitting in second place in the Eastern Conference. De Souza, who is an unrestricted free agent at the end of the season, is averaging 8.6 points and 7.5 rebounds this year for the Dream. The Brazilian center spent her last eight years in Atlanta.

''Erika's a player that I liked her since I played against her when she was in Spain,'' Sky coach and general manager Pokey Chatman said. ''Erika's been in the system that's fast paced, lots of transition so she'll fit in well with us. ''

Chatman said that trade talks had been ongoing for a few weeks and finally everything came together for the three-team trade. She wasn't sure if De Souza would be in Phoenix for the Sky's game against the Mercury on Tuesday night.

''We're working on that, don't know for sure yet,'' she said.

Atlanta (7-10) is last in the Eastern Conference but only five games out of first. In acquiring Gray, it gets a player who was selected 16th in the April draft.

''Reshanda Gray is a very good young player in this league,'' Dream coach Michael Cooper said. ''She is a tough player who competes on the boards at both the offensive and defensive ends of the floor.''