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**Udog** · 08-06-2015, 07:30 AM

Armadillo: Thursday's six-pack

-- If you watched a lot of baseball the last week, you'd swear the Mets, Blue Jays will never lose again. Ever.

-- Mets are now 42-4 when they get more hits than their opponents.

-- Arizona Cardinal WR Michael Floyd is out 4-6 weeks with broken fingers.

-- Milwaukee Bucks' new advertising slogan: "Fear the Deer". We'll see about that.

-- George W Bush did jury duty this week; how can he not get out of it?

-- A couple at Astros-Rangers game last night was celebrating their 70th wedding annversary- they appeared to have hearing aids, which helps explain the longevity.

**********

Armadillo: Thursday's List of 13: Doing some thinking out loud.......

13) Beating a dead horse about instant replay: You look at the replay; is the call an obvious mistake? If yes, change the call. If not, the call stands. Its very simple.

12) I think about NFL pregame shows that I almost never watch and especially the one on ESPN-- former Cowboys exec Gil Brandt is still out there, very active. Wouldn't he be better TV guy than Keyshawn Johnson, who rarely says anything worthwhile?

Coaches/executives are usually better than ex-players; TV networks mostly ignore this.

11) NFL Network is very good during the day, showing camp from different teams every day. You at least get a feel for whats going on; not sure you get a lot of useful info for handicapping or fantasy, but it gets your mind working at least.

10) Indianapolis Colts have Frank Gore/Andre Johnson now; they're going to have one hell of an offense if those guys stay healthy. They were good last year.

9) Someone on TV was touting Sam Bradford as a "potentially great QB". I've rooted for Sam the last five years, during which time he went 18-30-1 as a starter and missed 31 of the 80 games he was supposed to play. His WRs in Philly aren't better than the ones he had in St Louis, though his tight ends are better now.

Bradford tried hard and seems like a good guy but if he turns into a great player after stealing $65M from the Rams the last five years, I'm going to projectile vomit.

8) Bills-Patriots on Monday Night Football in Week 11; someone in the NFL office has a lot of faith in Rex Ryan to keep Buffalo relevant until then.

7) Couple of New York Mets have good bloodlines; Michael Conforto's dad played linebacker at Penn State; Matt Harvey's dad played baseball/football at UConn. John Mayberry's dad was a big leaguer.

6) Kris Bryant damn near got a concussion sliding headfirst into second base the other night, so he is going to give up sliding headfirst. Instant replay has unintentionally put a new premium on correct sliding techniques- it needs to be practiced more.

5) Chris Kamka of Comcast/Chicago had a great nugget yesterday; Avasail Garcia of the White Sox is the first big leaguer since 1979 (Rodney Scott) to have both a walk-off walk and a walk-off hit by pitch in the same season.

4) Seattle's Nelson Cruz is hotter than hell; he is on a 15-game hitting streak and he hit a home run in ten of those fifteen games. Lot of teams missed the boat on him.

3) Indians utility guy Mike Aviles would be a semi-valuable trade chip because he can play all over, but his 4-year old daughter is very ill, so Cleveland promised not to trade him during the season, so the family wouldn't be further inconvenienced. That is a very classy move by the Indians. Some things are more important than winning.

2) College football starts four weeks from tonight; summer goes by too fast.

1) If you drew up an all-time Lakers' starting five and you don't have Jerry West on it, then you need to do it over until you get it right. You can put Earvin Johnson at any position but center, so put Kobe/West in backcourt, Magic at the 3, Wilt and Kareem up front, with Elgin Baylor and Shaq coming off the bench. There, that is settled.

**Udog** · 08-06-2015, 07:31 AM

MLB

Thursday, August 6

MLB roundup: Cardinals top Reds in 13 innings

CINCINNATI -- Randal Grichuk's home run in the top of the 13th inning lifted the St. Louis Cardinals to a come-from-behind, 4-3 victory over the Cincinnati Reds on Wednesday night at Great American Ball Park.

Third baseman Matt Carpenter hit a game-tying homer in the eighth for St. Louis, which ended a three-game losing streak against the Reds.

Grichuk ended a long night for both teams when he launched a 1-0 pitch from Dylan Axelrod into the left field seats for his 13th homer this season.

Cincinnati led 3-0 through five innings and appeared poised to clinch consecutive series wins against St. Louis for the first time since 2011. The Reds will have another chance Thursday in the finale of the three-game series.

Rangers 4, Astros 3

ARLINGTON, Texas -- Texas did just enough to sweep American League West-leading Houston at Globe Life Park.

The Rangers scored all four runs against Scott Kazmir, though only one was earned, to make a winner of starter Nick Martinez on his 25th birthday.

Houston managed only four hits but drew a season-high eight walks.

Orioles 7, Athletics 3

OAKLAND, Calif. -- Chris Davis belted a grand slam in the top of the 10th inning to lift Baltimore past Oakland.

Caleb Joseph opened the 10th with his second hit of the game, a single against the fifth A's pitcher, Arnold Leon. Manny Machado sent Joseph to third with a single, after which Oakland manager Bob Melvin chose to intentionally walk Gerardo Parra to load the bases.

The strategy initially worked as Adam Jones popped out for the first out. But Davis took Leon to a full count before bombing his 28th homer over the 388-foot sign in left-center field.

Angels 4, Indians 3

ANAHEIM, Calif. -- Pinch-runner Taylor Featherston scored on a wild pitch in the bottom of the ninth inning to culminate a three-run rally that sent Los Angeles past Cleveland.

The Indians were two strikes from victory when the Angels combined two hits, two walks and two wild pitches to nullify a 3-1 deficit against Cody Allen.

With one out, Albert Pujols poked a single to right field. One out later, Erick Aybar and Conor Gillaspie walked, with Featherston replacing Gillaspie at first base. C.J. Cron lined a two-run single that sent Featherston to third. With the count 1-2 to pinch-hitter David De Jesus, Allen threw a breaking pitch between the legs of catcher Roberto Perez, enabling Featherston to score the winning run.

Jose Ramirez and Ryan Raburn homered for the Indians.

White Sox 6, Rays 5 (10 innings)

CHICAGO -- Chicago avoided a swept by Tampa Bay, winning the finale of a three-game series when Avisail Garcia drew a bases-loaded walk against Brad Boxberger to score Adam Eaton with the winning run in the 10th inning.

Eaton singled to start the 10th, stole second and went to third with no outs when Curt Casali's throw to second base hit Asdrubal Cabrera in the head. After a shallow flyout was unable to score Eaton, Boxberger intentionally walked Jose Abreu and Melky Cabrera to get to Garcia.

Garcia also hit a three-run homer in a five-run first inning and finished with four RBIs.

Rockies 7, Mariners 5 (11 innings)

DENVER -- Michael McKenry hit a two-run homer in the 11th inning to lift Colorado over Seattle.

Ben Paulsen singled with one out in the 11th for his third hit of the game and McKenry belted his fourth homer of the season for the first walk-off hit of his career.

The Rockies scored twice in the ninth to send the game into extra innings. After Joe Beimel struck out Carlos Gonzalez, Fernando Rodney issued a walk followed by Paulsen's RBI double. Parker flared a single that scored Paulsen to tie it at 5, tagging Rodney with his sixth blown save in 22 chances.

Franklin Gutierrez hit a two-run homer in the seventh that sent the Mariners ahead 5-3.

Giants 6, Braves 1

ATLANTA -- Madison Bumgarner struck out nine in 7 1/3 dominant innings to improve to 12-6 as San Francisco beat Atlanta to take the three-game series.

The left-hander allowed seven hits and didn't walk a batter, lowering his ERA to 3.28 in the 116-pitch outing.

Kelby Tomlinson, making his first major league start, drove in three runs with two singles to begin his career 3-for-3 after a pinch-double in the series opener. Buster Posey had hits in his first three at-bats to back Bumgarner.

Red Sox 2, Yankees 1

NEW YORK -- Steven Wright set a career high with nine strikeouts in eight innings and David Ortiz homered as Boston stopped an eight-game road losing streak.

In the longest of his 25 career outings, Wright allowed a solo home run to Carlos Beltran among four hits.

Alejandro De Aza hit an RBI double in the second inning and Ortiz homered off Luis Severino in the fourth.

Tigers 2, Royals 1

DETROIT -- Matt Boyd posted his first major league victory in his Detroit debut, outdueling new Kansas City ace Johnny Cueto.

Boyd, obtained in the trade last week that sent David Price to Toronto, gave up one run and seven hits in seven innings. Alex Wilson got the last out to notch his second save and Anthony Gose had an RBI triple for the Tigers.

Making his second start since he was acquired from Cincinnati, Cueto allowed two runs and five hits with two strikeouts in seven innings. Kendrys Morales tripled in the only run for the Royals.

Dodgers 4, Phillies 3

PHILADELPHIA -- Brett Anderson pitched six strong innings and Yasiel Puig hit a three-run homer as Los Angeles hung on to beat Philadelphia.

Howie Kendrick had three hits for the Dodgers, who won for the fifth time in six games. Jeff Francoeur hit a two-run homer for the Phillies, who lost for just the fourth time in 17 games since the All-Star break.

Anderson allowed one run and four hits while striking out five and walking two. The major league leader in ground-ball percentage entering the game recorded 10 outs on grounders.

Pirates 7, Cubs 5

PITTSBURGH -- Gregory Polanco and Andrew McCutchen homered and drove in runs in a decisive sixth inning as Pittsburgh ended Chicago's six-game winning streak.

Polanco led off the bottom of the first with a home run off Dan Haren, making his Cubs debut, then had an RBI single to break a 4-4 tie in a two-run sixth. McCutchen homered in the third and had a sacrifice fly in the sixth.

The Cubs tied it 4-4 in the top of the sixth when rookie Kyle Schwarber hit a two-run homer and Anthony Rizzo added a solo blast.

Blue Jays 9, Twins 7

TORONTO -- Jose Bautista hit a grand slam, Edwin Encarnacion added a three-run shot and Toronto held on to defeat Minnesota.

Josh Donaldson also hit a two-run homer for the Blue Jays, who have won the first three games of the four-game series. It was the fourth win in a row overall for Toronto and the fourth straight loss for the Minnesota.

Miguel Sano had an RBI single and a two-run homer for the Twins.

Mets 8, Marlins 6

MIAMI -- Juan Uribe slugged a three-run homer, Matt Harvey pitched seven scoreless innings and New York completed its second consecutive sweep.

Lucas Duda matched Uribe with three RBIs, hitting a two-run double in the third inning and adding a sacrifice fly in the ninth.

Miami scored six runs in the bottom of the ninth -- the big blow was a three-run double by Miguel Rojas. The Mets brought in Jeurys Familia to get the final out for his 29th save.

Harvey allowed two hits and no walks, striking out six. He retired the final 13 batters he faced.

Diamondbacks 11, Nationals 4

WASHINGTON -- Welington Castillo had two hits, including a three-run homer, and Aaron Hill drove in two runs without any hits as Arizona beat slumping Washington.

Hill had a sacrifice fly in the third inning and a bases-loaded walk in a four-run sixth and made a diving catch to rob Jose Lobaton of a double in the fourth before the Diamondbacks staged their comeback. Arizona took the lead in the sixth with four runs.

Arizona won for the eighth time in 11 games and Washington lost for the fifth time in six outings.

Brewers 8, Padres 5

MILWAUKEE -- Taylor Jungmann struck out eight in seven innings and Jonathan Lucroy hit his fourth home run of the season as Milwaukee beat San Diego.

The Brewers had scored just one run in his last two starts but struck early, scoring four in the first inning before adding three in the eighth.

San Diego cut into that lead with three runs in the ninth, including a two-run pinch-homer by Brett Wallace. Francisco Rodriguez came in to strike out Derek Norris for his 25th save of the season.

**Udog** · 08-06-2015, 07:31 AM

MLB
Armadillo's Write-Up

Thursday, August 6

National League
Cardinals @ Reds
Wacha is 1-1, 2.08 in his last two starts; four of his last five road starts went over the total.

Lorenzen is 0-4, 8.61 in his last five starts; under is 5-1-1 in his last seven.

St Louis won six of last nine games with Cincinnati; last seven series games stayed under. Cardinals won four of last six games; ten of their last 12 stayed under. Reds won five of last eight games; under is 7-1-1 in last nine.

Dodgers @ Phillies
Greinke is 5-0, 0.79 in his last six starts; eight of his last ten stayed under.

Buchanan is 2-0, 3.38 in his last three starts; three of his last four went over.

Phillies are 13-4 since All-Star break; over is 3-2-2 in their last seven. Dodgers won five of last seven games with the Phillies; under is 6-2-1 in last nine. LA won five of its last six games; over is 3-2-1 in their last six.

Padres @ Brewers
Despaigne is 2-0, 300 in his last two starts; over is 5-3 in his last eight.

Garza is 0-2, 4.63 in his last two starts; over is 5-3 in his last eight.

Brewers lost 11 of last 15 games but won last two; under is 9-2-2 in last 13. Milwaukee is 6-7 in its last 13 games with San Diego (under 9-4). Padres lost three of last four games (over 7-1 in last eight).

Diamondbacks @ Nationals
Hellickson is 2-2, 3.95 in his last five starts; over is 4-2-1 in his last seven.

Ross is 2-2, 2.91 in his last five starts; three of his last four stayed under.

Washington is 4-9 in last 13 games overall; five of their last six went over the total- they won eight of last 11 games with Arizona- last six games in series went over. D'backs won seven of their last ten games (over 7-1 last 8).

Marlins @ Braves
Urena is 0-3, 4.71 in his last four starts; under is 6-1-1 in his last eight.

Wisler is 4-1, 4.67 in his last six starts; under is 6-2 in his starts.

Braves lost eight of last ten games (over 4-0-2 in last six). Marlins lost ten of last 12 games (under 10-6 in last 16). Atlanta won seven of last nine games vs Miami; four of last five went over the total.

Giants @ Cubs
Heston is 3-0, 2.10 in his last four starts; over is 5-3 in his last eight.

Hammel is 1-2, 4.43 in his last five starts; three of his last four went over.

Giants won four of last five games with Chicago; seven of last nine in series stayed under the total. SF is 6-4 in its last ten games; over is 3-1-1 in its last five. Cubs won six of their last seven games (under 5-1-1).

American League
Royals @ Tigers
Ventura is 3-1, 5.87 in his last four starts; Royals scored 27 runs in the four games, three of which went over.

Sanchez is 0-2, 675 in his last two starts; over is 6-0-2 in his last eight.

Royals are 3-1 in last four games with Detroit; eight of last 11 series games stayed under. KC lost five of its last seven games overall; their last three stayed under. Tigers are 4-6 in last ten games- their last three stayed under.

Twins @ Blue Jays
Gibson is 0-2, 7.27 in his last three starts; under is 5-2-2 in his last nine.
Buehrle is 4-1, 3.14 in his last seven starts; his last three went over.
Minnesota lost its last three games with Toronto; three of last five stayed under. Twins lost nine of last 11 games overall, five of last six stayed under. Blue Jays won seven of last eight games; three of their last four went under.

Red Sox @ Bronx
Rodriguez is 3-1, 4.35 in his last six starts; four of last five went over.

Sabathia is 1-1, 6.09 in his last six starts; six of his last eight went over.

Boston lost seven of its last nine games with Bronx; five of last eight in series stayed under the total. Red Sox won four of last six games; eight of their last ten went over. Bronx won eight of its last ten home games.

Astros @ A's
Feldman is 0-1, 3.86 in his last three starts; four of his last six went over.

Brooks allowed one run in 7.1 IP (94 PT) in his first '15 start.

Houston won six of last seven games with Oakland; four of last six went over the total. Astros lost last three games overall, allowing 20 runs; three of their last four stayed under. A's lost nine of last 13 games; nine of those thirteen games stayed under.

Win-loss records this year for team with this starting pitcher:
StL-Cin-- Wacha 15-5; Lorenzen 6-9
LA-Phil-- Greinke 14-7; Buchanan 2-6
SD-Mil-- Despaigne 7-9; Garza 7-12
Az-Wash-- Hellickson 9-11; Ross 2-4
Mia-Atl-- Urena 2-6; Wisler 5-3
SF-Chi-- Heston 14-7; Hammel 9-11

KC-Det-- Ventura 7-9; Sanchez 11-11
Bos-NY-- Rodriguez 8-4; Sabathia 9-11
Min-Tor-- Gibson 11-10; Buehrle 12-9
Hst-A's-- Feldman 5-8; Brooks 1-0

Times this starting pitcher allowed a run in first inning:
StL-Cin-- Wacha 4-20; Lorenzen 8-15 (8 of last 9)
LA-Phil-- Greinke 5-21; Buchanan 2-8
SD-Mil-- Despaigne 4-16; Garza 6-19
Az-Wash-- Hellickson 7-20; Ross 0-6
Mia-Atl-- Urena 4-8; Wisler 4-4
SF-Chi-- Heston 2-21; Hammel 8-20 (4 of last 5)

KC-Det-- Ventura 4-16; Sanchez 5-22
Bos-NY-- Rodriguez 2-12; Sabathia 7-20
Min-Tor-- Gibson 4-21; Buehrle 12-21
Hst-A's-- Feldman 4-13; Brooks 0-1

**Udog** · 08-06-2015, 07:32 AM

MLB

Thursday, August 6

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Trend Report
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12:35 PM
ST. LOUIS vs. CINCINNATI
The total has gone UNDER in 10 of St. Louis's last 12 games
St. Louis is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Cincinnati's last 5 games
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Cincinnati's last 5 games at home

1:05 PM
LA DODGERS vs. PHILADELPHIA
LA Dodgers are 5-1 SU in their last 6 games
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of LA Dodgers's last 5 games when playing on the road against Philadelphia
Philadelphia is 3-9 SU in their last 12 games when playing at home against LA Dodgers
Philadelphia is 9-3 SU in its last 12 games at home

1:08 PM
KANSAS CITY vs. DETROIT
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Kansas City's last 6 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Kansas City's last 7 games when playing on the road against Detroit
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Detroit's last 7 games when playing at home against Kansas City
The total has gone OVER in 13 of Detroit's last 18 games at home

2:10 PM
SAN DIEGO vs. MILWAUKEE
The total has gone UNDER in 7 of San Diego's last 10 games when playing on the road against Milwaukee
San Diego is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games when playing on the road against Milwaukee
Milwaukee is 2-6 SU in its last 8 games at home
The total has gone UNDER in 10 of Milwaukee's last 14 games when playing San Diego

4:05 PM
ARIZONA vs. WASHINGTON
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Arizona's last 7 games when playing on the road against Washington
Arizona is 8-3 SU in its last 11 games
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Washington's last 7 games when playing at home against Arizona
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Washington's last 6 games at home

7:05 PM
BOSTON vs. NY YANKEES
Boston is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games
Boston is 2-7 SU in their last 9 games when playing NY Yankees
The total has gone UNDER in 7 of NY Yankees's last 9 games at home
NY Yankees are 5-1 SU in their last 6 games at home

7:07 PM
MINNESOTA vs. TORONTO
Minnesota is 1-5 SU in its last 6 games
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Minnesota's last 6 games
The total has gone UNDER in 8 of Toronto's last 12 games at home
Toronto is 7-1 SU in its last 8 games

7:10 PM
MIAMI vs. ATLANTA
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Miami's last 6 games
Miami is 1-7 SU in its last 8 games
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Atlanta's last 6 games
Atlanta is 2-8 SU in its last 10 games

8:05 PM
SAN FRANCISCO vs. CHI CUBS
San Francisco is 4-1 SU in their last 5 games when playing Chi Cubs
San Francisco is 4-1 SU in their last 5 games when playing on the road against Chi Cubs
The total has gone UNDER in 15 of Chi Cubs's last 23 games at home
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Chi Cubs's last 5 games when playing San Francisco

10:05 PM
HOUSTON vs. OAKLAND
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Houston's last 6 games on the road
Houston is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games when playing on the road against Oakland
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Oakland's last 6 games when playing Houston
Oakland is 1-6 SU in its last 7 games when playing Houston

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**Udog** · 08-06-2015, 08:47 AM

MLB
Long Sheet

Thursday, August 6

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ST LOUIS (68 - 39) at CINCINNATI (48 - 57) - 12:35 PM
MICHAEL WACHA (R) vs. MICHAEL LORENZEN (R)
Top Trends for this game.
ST LOUIS is 68-39 (+21.4 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
ST LOUIS is 91-56 (+25.1 Units) against the money line in day games over the last 3 seasons.
ST LOUIS is 68-39 (+21.4 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
ST LOUIS is 53-25 (+23.6 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.
ST LOUIS is 43-25 (+12.0 Units) against the money line after a win this season.
CINCINNATI is 11-22 (-13.6 Units) against the money line in day games this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
ST LOUIS is 7-4 (+1.5 Units) against CINCINNATI this season
8 of 11 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+4.6 Units)

MICHAEL WACHA vs. CINCINNATI since 1997
WACHA is 3-1 when starting against CINCINNATI with an ERA of 2.21 and a WHIP of 1.082.
His team's record is 4-3 (+0.5 units) in these starts. The OVER is 4-3. (+1.1 units)

MICHAEL LORENZEN vs. ST LOUIS since 1997
No recent starts.

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LA DODGERS (61 - 46) at PHILADELPHIA (42 - 66) - 1:05 PM
ZACK GREINKE (R) vs. DAVID BUCHANAN (R)
Top Trends for this game.
LA DODGERS are 61-46 (-8.3 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
LA DODGERS are 29-26 (-12.5 Units) against the money line when the total is 7 or less this season.
LA DODGERS are 24-28 (-14.8 Units) against the money line in road games this season.
LA DODGERS are 61-46 (-8.3 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
LA DODGERS are 19-23 (-13.2 Units) against the money line in road games against right-handed starters this season.
LA DODGERS are 32-30 (-14.2 Units) against the money line after a win this season.
GREINKE is 65-91 (-32.3 Units) against the money line in road games since 1997. (Team's Record)
PHILADELPHIA is 402-379 (+53.8 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record in the second half of the season since 1997.

Head-to-Head Series History
PHILADELPHIA is 2-4 (+0.3 Units) against LA DODGERS this season
4 of 6 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+2.0 Units)

ZACK GREINKE vs. PHILADELPHIA since 1997
GREINKE is 4-1 when starting against PHILADELPHIA with an ERA of 2.13 and a WHIP of 0.850.
His team's record is 4-2 (+2.0 units) in these starts. The OVER is 3-3. (-0.3 units)

DAVID BUCHANAN vs. LA DODGERS since 1997
BUCHANAN is 1-0 when starting against LA DODGERS with an ERA of 3.60 and a WHIP of 1.000.
His team's record is 1-0 (+1.2 units) in these starts. The OVER is 0-1. (-1.1 units)

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SAN DIEGO (52 - 56) at MILWAUKEE (46 - 63) - 2:10 PM
ODRISAMER DESPAIGNE (R) vs. MATT GARZA (R)
Top Trends for this game.
MILWAUKEE is 46-63 (-16.6 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
MILWAUKEE is 22-34 (-15.9 Units) against the money line in home games this season.
MILWAUKEE is 68-89 (-32.9 Units) against the money line in home games when playing on Thursday since 1997.
MILWAUKEE is 13-25 (-12.5 Units) against the money line in day games this season.
MILWAUKEE is 46-63 (-16.6 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
MILWAUKEE is 34-53 (-19.3 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.
MILWAUKEE is 15-25 (-12.5 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record this season.
MILWAUKEE is 16-30 (-24.4 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.

Head-to-Head Series History
MILWAUKEE is 2-1 (+1.0 Units) against SAN DIEGO this season
2 of 3 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+1.1 Units)

ODRISAMER DESPAIGNE vs. MILWAUKEE since 1997
DESPAIGNE is 0-0 when starting against MILWAUKEE with an ERA of 1.29 and a WHIP of 1.000.
His team's record is 1-0 (+1.3 units) in these starts. The OVER is 0-1. (-1.1 units)

MATT GARZA vs. SAN DIEGO since 1997
GARZA is 2-0 when starting against SAN DIEGO with an ERA of 2.14 and a WHIP of 1.048.
His team's record is 3-0 (+3.0 units) in these starts. The OVER is 1-1. (-0.1 units)

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ARIZONA (52 - 54) at WASHINGTON (55 - 51) - 4:05 PM
JEREMY HELLICKSON (R) vs. JOE ROSS (R)
Top Trends for this game.
ARIZONA is 116-152 (-29.1 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
ARIZONA is 116-152 (-29.1 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
ARIZONA is 46-68 (-20.8 Units) against the money line after a win over the last 2 seasons.
ARIZONA is 45-83 (-31.4 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.
ARIZONA is 12-38 (-23.0 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record in the second half of the season over the last 2 seasons.
HELLICKSON is 4-15 (-12.0 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record in the second half of the season over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
WASHINGTON is 41-42 (-8.3 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.
WASHINGTON is 22-23 (-8.9 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
ARIZONA is 3-3 (+0.7 Units) against WASHINGTON this season
6 of 6 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+6.1 Units)

JEREMY HELLICKSON vs. WASHINGTON since 1997
HELLICKSON is 0-0 when starting against WASHINGTON with an ERA of 6.35 and a WHIP of 1.411.
His team's record is 0-1 (-1.0 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 0-1. (-1.2 units)

JOE ROSS vs. ARIZONA since 1997
No recent starts.

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MIAMI (43 - 65) at ATLANTA (48 - 60) - 7:10 PM
JOSE URENA (R) vs. MATT WISLER (R)
Top Trends for this game.
MIAMI is 43-65 (-21.2 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
MIAMI is 17-35 (-15.5 Units) against the money line in road games this season.
MIAMI is 15-25 (-12.5 Units) against the money line against division opponents this season.
MIAMI is 43-62 (-18.2 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
MIAMI is 27-44 (-17.3 Units) against the money line in night games this season.
MIAMI is 33-51 (-17.9 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.
MIAMI is 22-42 (-18.2 Units) against the money line after a loss this season.
MIAMI is 24-35 (-13.1 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record this season.
ATLANTA is 24-16 (+10.7 Units) against the money line in home games in night games this season.
ATLANTA is 14-7 (+8.9 Units) against the money line in home games after a loss this season.
ATLANTA is 127-143 (-20.0 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
ATLANTA is 7-18 (-12.0 Units) against the money line when playing on Thursday over the last 2 seasons.
ATLANTA is 125-142 (-22.1 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
ATLANTA is 100-115 (-19.2 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters over the last 2 seasons.
ATLANTA is 62-78 (-28.1 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 2 seasons.
ATLANTA is 28-38 (-18.0 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.

Head-to-Head Series History
ATLANTA is 7-2 (+6.3 Units) against MIAMI this season
5 of 9 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+0.7 Units)

JOSE URENA vs. ATLANTA since 1997
No recent starts.

MATT WISLER vs. MIAMI since 1997
No recent starts.

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

SAN FRANCISCO (59 - 48) at CHICAGO CUBS (58 - 48) - 8:05 PM
CHRIS HESTON (R) vs. JASON HAMMEL (R)
Top Trends for this game.
CHICAGO CUBS are 39-26 (+12.4 Units) against the money line in night games this season.
CHICAGO CUBS are 70-64 (+10.0 Units) against the money line after a loss over the last 2 seasons.
CHICAGO CUBS are 69-71 (+4.4 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.
HAMMEL is 59-51 (+15.1 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record since 1997. (Team's Record)
SAN FRANCISCO is 159-127 (+22.2 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
SAN FRANCISCO is 78-66 (+18.7 Units) against the money line in road games over the last 2 seasons.
SAN FRANCISCO is 159-127 (+22.2 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
SAN FRANCISCO is 1059-887 (+117.4 Units) against the money line in night games since 1997.
SAN FRANCISCO is 112-88 (+13.1 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters over the last 2 seasons.
SAN FRANCISCO is 36-23 (+11.7 Units) against the money line after a win this season.
SAN FRANCISCO is 64-59 (+10.8 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.
CHICAGO CUBS are 1445-1601 (-279.9 Units) against the money line in all games since 1997.
CHICAGO CUBS are 771-750 (-171.8 Units) against the money line in home games since 1997.
CHICAGO CUBS are 223-296 (-80.5 Units) against the money line in August games since 1997.
CHICAGO CUBS are 1388-1514 (-254.7 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field since 1997.
CHICAGO CUBS are 1060-1192 (-216.3 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters since 1997.
CHICAGO CUBS are 156-204 (-63.2 Units) against the money line in home games when playing against a team with a winning record in the second half of the season since 1997.

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

CHRIS HESTON vs. CHICAGO CUBS since 1997
No recent starts.

JASON HAMMEL vs. SAN FRANCISCO since 1997
HAMMEL is 0-3 when starting against SAN FRANCISCO with an ERA of 3.19 and a WHIP of 1.230.
His team's record is 3-6 (-3.5 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 5-3. (+1.8 units)

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

KANSAS CITY (63 - 43) at DETROIT (52 - 55) - 1:05 PM
YORDANO VENTURA (R) vs. ANIBAL SANCHEZ (R)
Top Trends for this game.
DETROIT is 26-17 (+9.5 Units) against the money line in day games this season.
KANSAS CITY is 63-43 (+18.4 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
KANSAS CITY is 81-61 (+24.3 Units) against the money line in road games over the last 2 seasons.
KANSAS CITY is 27-17 (+8.9 Units) against the money line against division opponents this season.
KANSAS CITY is 22-13 (+10.2 Units) against the money line in day games this season.
KANSAS CITY is 62-40 (+20.2 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
KANSAS CITY is 44-25 (+17.6 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.
KANSAS CITY is 25-15 (+10.3 Units) against the money line after a loss this season.
KANSAS CITY is 31-19 (+11.9 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record this season.
KANSAS CITY is 40-21 (+17.0 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.
DETROIT is 240-205 (-25.3 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 3 seasons.
DETROIT is 24-33 (-10.9 Units) against the money line when the total is 8 to 8.5 this season.
DETROIT is 71-65 (-17.1 Units) against the money line in home games over the last 2 seasons.
DETROIT is 71-65 (-17.1 Units) against the money line in home games in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
DETROIT is 19-24 (-9.1 Units) against the money line in home games against right-handed starters this season.
DETROIT is 65-57 (-25.5 Units) against the money line in home games after a win over the last 3 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
KANSAS CITY is 5-4 (+0.7 Units) against DETROIT this season
6 of 9 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+2.8 Units)

YORDANO VENTURA vs. DETROIT since 1997
VENTURA is 1-0 when starting against DETROIT with an ERA of 4.85 and a WHIP of 1.615.
His team's record is 1-1 (+0.4 units) in these starts. The OVER is 2-0. (+2.0 units)

ANIBAL SANCHEZ vs. KANSAS CITY since 1997
SANCHEZ is 6-3 when starting against KANSAS CITY with an ERA of 1.98 and a WHIP of 1.052.
His team's record is 6-3 (+2.0 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 7-2. (+4.8 units)

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

BOSTON (48 - 60) at NY YANKEES (60 - 46) - 7:05 PM
EDUARDO RODRIGUEZ (L) vs. C.C. SABATHIA (L)
Top Trends for this game.
BOSTON is 48-60 (-18.7 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
BOSTON is 611-552 (-80.9 Units) against the money line when the total is 9 to 9.5 since 1997.
BOSTON is 20-29 (-10.8 Units) against the money line against division opponents this season.
BOSTON is 41-54 (-21.0 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
BOSTON is 32-40 (-12.3 Units) against the money line in night games this season.
BOSTON is 33-45 (-17.9 Units) against the money line against left-handed starters over the last 2 seasons.
BOSTON is 18-29 (-15.2 Units) against the money line after a win this season.
BOSTON is 20-31 (-13.7 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record this season.
BOSTON is 25-44 (-16.4 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record in the second half of the season over the last 2 seasons.
NY YANKEES are 60-46 (+3.7 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
NY YANKEES are 21-9 (+11.5 Units) against the money line when playing on Thursday over the last 2 seasons.
NY YANKEES are 55-41 (+4.1 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
NY YANKEES are 22-8 (+8.2 Units) against the money line in home games in night games this season.
NY YANKEES are 76-57 (+21.1 Units) against the money line against left-handed starters over the last 3 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
NY YANKEES is 7-4 (+2.6 Units) against BOSTON this season
6 of 11 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+0.5 Units)

EDUARDO RODRIGUEZ vs. NY YANKEES since 1997
RODRIGUEZ is 1-0 when starting against NY YANKEES with an ERA of 2.84 and a WHIP of 0.948.
His team's record is 1-0 (+1.0 units) in these starts. The OVER is 0-1. (-1.2 units)

C.C. SABATHIA vs. BOSTON since 1997
SABATHIA is 11-14 when starting against BOSTON with an ERA of 4.92 and a WHIP of 1.373.
His team's record is 13-19 (-9.5 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 17-14. (+1.5 units)

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

MINNESOTA (54 - 53) at TORONTO (57 - 52) - 7:05 PM
KYLE GIBSON (R) vs. MARK BUEHRLE (L)
Top Trends for this game.
TORONTO is 23-9 (+11.3 Units) against the money line in home games when playing against a team with a winning record this season.
TORONTO is 20-7 (+13.3 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 2 seasons.
BUEHRLE is 33-20 (+13.1 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
BUEHRLE is 165-86 (+52.6 Units) against the money line in home games since 1997. (Team's Record)
BUEHRLE is 67-34 (+27.8 Units) against the money line at home when the total is 8 to 8.5 since 1997. (Team's Record)
BUEHRLE is 23-11 (+13.1 Units) against the money line in night games over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
BUEHRLE is 32-16 (+15.7 Units) against the money line in games played on artificial turf over the last 3 seasons. (Team's Record)
MINNESOTA is 54-53 (+11.1 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
MINNESOTA is 29-28 (+7.8 Units) against the money line in night games this season.
MINNESOTA is 21-17 (+7.8 Units) against the money line against left-handed starters this season.
MINNESOTA is 28-24 (+9.8 Units) against the money line after a loss this season.
MINNESOTA is 22-15 (+11.3 Units) against the money line after 3 or more consecutive losses over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
TORONTO is 4-2 (+1.7 Units) against MINNESOTA this season
3 of 6 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=-0.1 Units, Under=-0.4 Units)

KYLE GIBSON vs. TORONTO since 1997
GIBSON is 1-0 when starting against TORONTO with an ERA of 0.66 and a WHIP of 1.244.
His team's record is 2-0 (+2.1 units) in these starts. The OVER is 0-2. (-2.0 units)

MARK BUEHRLE vs. MINNESOTA since 1997
BUEHRLE is 29-19 when starting against MINNESOTA with an ERA of 3.62 and a WHIP of 1.251.
His team's record is 32-19 (+10.9 units) in these starts. The OVER is 24-27. (-5.5 units)

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

HOUSTON (60 - 49) at OAKLAND (48 - 61) - 10:05 PM
SCOTT FELDMAN (R) vs. AARON BROOKS (R)
Top Trends for this game.
FELDMAN is 23-44 (-24.7 Units) against the money line against division opponents since 1997. (Team's Record)
HOUSTON is 60-49 (+6.4 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
HOUSTON is 62-61 (+13.3 Units) against the money line against division opponents over the last 2 seasons.
HOUSTON is 60-43 (+12.8 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
HOUSTON is 90-98 (+7.2 Units) against the money line in night games over the last 2 seasons.
HOUSTON is 38-28 (+9.4 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.
OAKLAND is 48-61 (-21.8 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
OAKLAND is 24-33 (-18.6 Units) against the money line in home games this season.
OAKLAND is 59-62 (-25.0 Units) against the money line against division opponents over the last 2 seasons.
OAKLAND is 46-59 (-22.3 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
OAKLAND is 31-36 (-10.2 Units) against the money line in night games this season.
OAKLAND is 18-22 (-11.0 Units) against the money line in home games against right-handed starters this season.
OAKLAND is 67-70 (-17.0 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.
OAKLAND is 24-32 (-14.2 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record in the second half of the season over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
HOUSTON is 6-3 (+3.7 Units) against OAKLAND this season
5 of 9 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+0.9 Units)

SCOTT FELDMAN vs. OAKLAND since 1997
FELDMAN is 6-9 when starting against OAKLAND with an ERA of 6.16 and a WHIP of 1.509.
His team's record is 6-13 (-8.8 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 7-11. (-5.6 units)

AARON BROOKS vs. HOUSTON since 1997
No recent starts.

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

**Udog** · 08-06-2015, 09:41 AM

MLB
Dunkel

Thursday, August 6

St. Louis @ Cincinnati

Game 901-902
August 6, 2015 @ 12:35 pm

Dunkel Rating:
St. Louis
(Wacha) 14.412
Cincinnati
(Lorenzen) 16.585
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Cincinnati
by 1
9
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
St. Louis
-165
8
Dunkel Pick:
Cincinnati
(+145); Over

LA Dodgers @ Philadelphia

Game 903-904
August 6, 2015 @ 1:05 pm

Dunkel Rating:
LA Dodgers
(Greinke) 16.303
Philadelphia
(Buchanan) 17.461
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Philadelphia
by 1
8
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
LA Dodgers
-250
7
Dunkel Pick:
Philadelphia
(+200); Over

San Diego @ Milwaukee

Game 905-906
August 6, 2015 @ 2:10 pm

Dunkel Rating:
San Diego
(Despaigne) 12.226
Milwaukee
(Garza) 16.728
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Milwaukee
by 4 1/2
8
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Milwaukee
-120
8 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Milwaukee
(-120); Under

Arizona @ Washington

Game 907-908
August 6, 2015 @ 4:05 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Arizona
(Hellicksn) 13.199
Washington
17.494
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Washington
by 4 1/2
7
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Washington
-150
7 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Washington
(-150); Under

Miami @ Atlanta

Game 909-910
August 6, 2015 @ 7:10 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Miami
(Urena) 14.987
Atlanta
(Wisler) 14.531
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Miami
by 1 1/2
9
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Atlanta
-130
7 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Miami
(+110); Over

San Francisco @ Chicago Cubs

Game 911-912
August 6, 2015 @ 8:05 pm

Dunkel Rating:
San Francisco
(Heston) 15.449
Chicago Cubs
(Hammel) 13.325
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
San Francisco
by 2
9 1/2
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Chicago Cubs
-125
No Run Total
Dunkel Pick:
San Francisco
(+105); N/A

Kansas City @ Detroit

Game 913-914
August 6, 2015 @ 1:05 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Kansas City
(Ventura) 15.667
Detroit
(Sanchez) 13.314
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Kansas City
by 2
7
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Kansas City
-120
8
Dunkel Pick:
Kansas City
(-120); Under

Boston @ NY Yankees

Game 915-916
August 6, 2015 @ 7:05 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Boston
(Rodriguez) 15.526
NY Yankees
(Sabathia) 17.075
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
NY Yankees
by 1 1/2
8
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
NY Yankees
-145
9
Dunkel Pick:
NY Yankees
(-145); Under

Minnesota @ Toronto

Game 917-918
August 6, 2015 @ 8:05 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Minnesota
(Gibson) 14.670
Toronto
(Buehrle) 16.236
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Toronto
by 1 1/2
10
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Toronto
-185
8 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Toronto
(-185); Over

Houston @ Oakland

Game 919-920
August 6, 2015 @ 10:05 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Houston
(Feldman) 17.721
Oakland
(Brooks) 13.662
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Houston
by 4
9
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Houston
-135
8
Dunkel Pick:
Houston
(-135); Over

**Udog** · 08-06-2015, 09:44 AM

MLB

Thursday, August 6

Chance of rain showers at Nationals Park

There is a 54 percent chance of rain showers at Nationals Park Thursday afternoon, where the Washington Nationals are set to host the Arizona Diamondbacks.

The Nationals are currently -150 favorites, sending Joe Ross (3.00 ERA, 2-4 O/U) to the mound to take on the D-Backs Jeremy Hellickson (4.95 ERA, 9-8 O/U). The total sits at 8.0 runs.

Rough forecast at Great American Ball Park Thursday

Both the Cincinnati Reds and the St. Louis Cardinals are hoping to get their getaway-day game in Thursday afternoon, but there is some rough weather in the forecast in Cincy.

Rain is expected throughout the game and there is even a chance of thunderstorms. If the game does get played there will also be a strong itchers wind gusting in from center field at 10 miles per hour.

Michael Wacha (3.09 ERA, 9-10 O/U) is expected to take the mound for the Cardinals (-157), while Michael Lorenzen (4.80 ERA, 7-7 O/U) counters for the Reds. The total is currently 8.0.

Mets win sixth straight, extend lead in NL East

The New York Mets were able to hold on for an 8-6 win over the Miami Marlins for their sixth consecutive win and extend their lead in the National League East.

The win, combined with the Washington Nationals getting thumped 11-4 by the Arizona Diamondbacks, means the Mets now lead the division by two games.

The Mets, who are currently 14/1 to win the World Series, are off Thursday before starting a three-game series in Tampa Bay Friday.

**Udog** · 08-06-2015, 09:45 AM

MLB

Thursday, August 6

Greinke looks for 11th straight start of 2 ER or fewer

Los Angeles Dodgers starter Zack Greinke will try to extend his streak of giving up two earned runs or fewer to 11 consecutive games when he goes up against the Philadelphia Phillies Thursday afternoon.

Greinke's streak is the longest active such streak in the majors and he has pitched to a ridiculous 0.86 ERA in those 10 games. The streak has also made the Dodgers a decent under bet, with it going 8-2 in those starts.

Not surprisingly, Greinke is facing a huge amount of chalk today, with the Dodgers on the board at -243.

**Udog** · 08-06-2015, 01:56 PM

MLB

Thursday, August 6

Diamondbacks a hot over bet in this situation

The Arizona Diamondbacks are currently +135 road underdogs today in Washington against the Nationals, a situation that has seem them cash overs at a high rate.

The over is is 9-1-1 in the D-Backs last 11 games as an underdog, 8-1-1 in their last 10 road games and 7-1-1 in their last nine games overall.

To make over bettors even more excited, Jeremy Hellickson gets the call for the D-Backs, who has pitched to the over in his last four starts as an underdog.

The total is currently sitting at 8.0 runs.

Gibson has dominated Blue Jays in limited appearances

Kyle Gibson has only faced off against the Toronto Blue Jays twice in his career, but he has dominated those starts.

Gibson has a 1-0 record with a 0.66 ERA against the Blue Jays, which includes a game earlier this season when he allowed one earned run over 5.2 innings.

Thursday will be Gibson's first time pitching in Toronto though, as the Twins are currently +144.

Red Sox slumping when they are away from Boston

The Boston Red Sox have just won one of their past nine games on the road. The Sox have been outscored 53-18 in those games and only notched more than two runs four times.

That gives the Red Sox an average scoring margin of -3.9 runs in their past 12 away from Fenway Park.

Boston is currently +133 when they take on the Yankees in New York Thursday.

Astros have been abysmal on the road

The Houston Astros have lost 11 of their past 12 road games, with their offense going completely silent.

The 'Stros have averaged a mere 2.3 runs per game in those 12 road contests. However, their defense has also held their opponents to 3.8 rpg.

Houston is currently -113 when they visit the Oakland A's Thursday.

**Udog** · 08-06-2015, 04:30 PM

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

Lookahead spot

Things are heating up north of the border. Since making the biggest splash in the majors during the trade deadline, the Toronto Blue Jays have played like World Series contenders and ride a 7-1 winning clip into Thursday’s series finale with the Minnesota Twins.

However, Toronto could get caught looking past this matchup with Minnesota and to Friday’s series opener with the New York Yankees. A series win over the Bronx Bombers would solidify the Jays' place as the team to beat in the AL East, with Toronto 5.5 games back of New York in the standings as of Wednesday. That eagerness to test this revamped roster against the Yankees could open up Toronto for a letdown spot against the Twins Thursday.

Schedule spot

Keeping things in Toronto, the CFL’s Argonauts make their Rogers Centre debut this weekend hosting Saskatchewan in their first official home game of the 2015 season. Thanks to the Pan Am Games taking over the Big Smoke, the Argos were on the road for their first five games, including a season-opening “home game” against Edmonton in Fort McMurray, Alberta.

Toronto has done well for facing sure a tough and quirky challenge to start the season, going 3-2 SU and 4-1 ATS. The Argos got caught looking ahead to the comforts of home last week in Hamilton, losing 34-18 as 3.5-point underdogs. Oddsmakers have pegged Toronto as a 9.5-point favorite at home to the winless Rough Riders Saturday.

Letdown spot

The Texas Longhorns are a program in flux as the 2015 college football campaign gets closer. The Horns enter Year 2 under Charlie Strong and while they are still a very capable and talented program, Texas is a far cry from its national title days.

For Strong, showing the Longhorns can compete against the Big 12 elite is imperative to the growth of this program - even if that means just one marquee win. And that entails taking down the likes of TCU or hated rival Oklahoma, who highlight Weeks 5 and 6 for Texas. That back-to-back gauntlet is followed by a bye week then a home game against Kansas State. If Texas can't stand its ground against the Horned Frogs or Sooners, Strong may lose his grip on this program and it's players, lining up a letdown in Week 8.

Announcement

Thursday's MLB Trends and Indexes - 8/6

Thursday's MLB Trends and Indexes - 8/6

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