The Bum's Sports Page For Thursday August 20th Best Bets-Trends-News !

[StarDust Bum]

Preview: Rangers (61-58) at Tigers (58-61)
Game: 1
Venue: Comerica Park
Date: August 20, 2015 7:08 PM EDT

The Texas Rangers have had a strong seven games thanks in large part to some impressive offense, and it could get even better against Alfredo Simon.

The right-hander has allowed at least four runs in nine of his last 10 starts, but he's at least likely to avoid Josh Hamilton on Thursday night as the Rangers and Tigers open a four-game series in Detroit.

After Wednesday's 7-2 home win over Seattle, the Rangers (61-58) have won six of seven with 5.9 runs per game. The last four have come with Hamilton out with a sore left knee, and the fragile outfielder may be headed to the disabled list as recently acquired Will Venable joins the team Thursday.

"If I could play through it, I would be out there right now," Hamilton told MLB's official website. "If I went out there right now, we would be back where we were four days ago: swollen or worse."

Simon (10-7, 4.84 ERA) has gone 1-1 with a 7.27 ERA in his last three starts as he's dealt with a groin injury, walking eight with just four strikeouts in 17 1-3 innings over that span.

He allowed four runs in five innings of Friday's 5-1 loss in Houston. That gave him a 3-4 record and 8.19 ERA in 10 starts after going 7-3 with a 2.58 ERA in his first 12 with Detroit.

Seven of Simon's eight games against Texas have come in relief, posting a 5.54 ERA without a decision. He lasted 1 1-3 innings and allowed three solo home runs in his only start in 2009, a 7-5 road loss.

Venable is 2 for 2 with a home run and a triple in the matchup and Adrian Beltre is 2 for 5 with a homer. Elvis Andrus is 0 for 5 against Simon.

Detroit's offense, however, seems like it could be capable of making a game of it even if Simon's struggles continue. The Tigers (58-61) concluded a two-game sweep of the Chicago Cubs with Wednesday's 15-8 win to salvage a split on an eight-game road trip.

They scored 25 runs with 40 hits at Wrigley Field, with the 21-hit finale marking season-best outputs in both categories.

"The two nights here, we swung the bats very well," manager Brad Ausmus said. "It was a little bit quieter in Houston, but since the off day and then two days in Chicago, the guys have had good at-bats, they've driven the ball, they've come up with big hits with men on and they kept tacking on even when ... the Cubs were chasing us back."

Nick Castellanos was 5 for 9 with two homers, two doubles and seven RBIs in the series. J.D. Martinez has gone 6 for 13 in his last three with homers in two straight and Ian Kinsler is batting .434 in his last 18 games.

Kinsler has hit .483 in seven career games against Texas, his former team.

That's all waiting for Martin Perez, whose first three starts after being removed from the disabled list in July were a collective disaster. He's been far better in August with a 1-0 record and 2.21 ERA in three starts.

Perez (1-2, 5.29) gave up three runs - two earned - in six innings of Friday's 5-3 home win over Tampa Bay but didn't earn the decision.

The left-hander hasn't faced Detroit since 2013, but he probably remembers both of his career outings as the Tigers tagged him with a loss and nine earned runs in 6 1-3 innings. Like Simon, he allowed three homers in his only start against his next opponent.


SERIES AT A GLANCE

GAME 1
Rangers at Tigers
Thu, Aug 20 - 7:08PM EDT

GAME 2
Rangers at Tigers
Fri, Aug 21 - 7:08PM EDT

GAME 3
Rangers at Tigers
Sat, Aug 22 - 7:08PM EDT

GAME 4
Rangers at Tigers
Sun, Aug 23 - 1:08PM EDT

[StarDust Bum]

Preview: Indians (55-64) at Yankees (67-52)
Game: 1
Venue: Yankee Stadium
Date: August 20, 2015 7:05 PM EDT

Although the New York Yankees braced for the worst when Mark Teixeira suffered a leg injury, Greg Bird's emergence is making his absence easier to swallow.

Bird hopes to continue his best Teixeira impersonation as the Yankees seek their seventh win in eight games Thursday night in the opener of a home series against the Cleveland Indians.

After hitting .209 with 25 home runs over 138 games in 2013-14, Teixeira is enjoying a resurgence this season with 31 homers and his highest OPS (.912) since 2009.

The All-Star, however, left Monday's 8-7 home win over Minnesota after fouling a ball off his lower right leg. Manager Joe Girardi then said that Teixeira was still too sore to play in Wednesday's 4-3 win that completed a three-game sweep.

With the slugger sidelined, Bird made the most of his opportunity by going 5 for 9 with five RBIs in the series. The 22-year-old first baseman hit his first two home runs Wednesday and received his first curtain call from the Bronx faithful.

'I'm not saying this is what my expectation is, but Miguel Cabrera had a slow clock and really had an understanding of what he wanted to do," said Girardi, who managed Cabrera with the Marlins in 2006. "And I think Greg Bird has an understanding of who he is and what he wants to do."

Since batting .157 while totaling nine runs during a 1-6 stretch, the AL East-leading Yankees (67-52) have hit 11 home runs and scored four runs or more six times while winning six of their last seven.

They'll try to keep it going for Ivan Nova, who insists he's fine after taking a comebacker off his right ring finger in his last start. The right-hander hasn't faced the Indians since June 2011 when he yielded two runs over seven innings in a 11-7 home win.

Nova (5-4, 3.57 ERA), who missed the first three months this season while recovering from Tommy John surgery, seeks his fifth win in six starts after holding Toronto to three runs and five hits over a season-high seven innings in Friday's 4-3 road win.

The Indians have batted .210 in dropping four of their last five games. They had scored once Wednesday until Yan Gomes' three-run homer in the eighth inning of a 6-4 loss at Boston.

Michael Brantley, who went 3 for 4, has hit .457 over his last 11 games. Francisco Lindor (6 for 13), Gomes (5 for 11) and Chris Johnson (5 for 12) led the attack last week when the AL Central-worst Indians (55-64) took two of three from the visiting Yankees.

Josh Tomlin (0-1, 2.84) hopes to build on a promising debut after recovering from right shoulder surgery. He allowed two runs and five hits over 6 1-3 innings in Saturday's 4-1 loss at Minnesota.

"It felt pretty good to be back out there and competing," Tomlin told MLB's official website.

The right-hander hasn't had much success in New York despite holding down some of the team's key hitters. He's 0-2 with an 11.57 ERA in three games - including a pair of starts - at Yankee Stadium.

Carlos Beltran and Jacoby Ellsbury are a combined 4 for 21 when facing Tomlin, while Alex Rodriguez is just 1 for 14 in this season series. Beltran, however, is hitting .367 with four home runs and eight RBIs in his last eight games versus Cleveland.


SERIES AT A GLANCE

GAME 1
Indians at Yankees
Thu, Aug 20 - 7:05PM EDT

GAME 2
Indians at Yankees
Fri, Aug 21 - 7:05PM EDT

GAME 3
Indians at Yankees
Sat, Aug 22 - 1:05PM EDT

[StarDust Bum]

Preview: Giants (65-55) at Pirates (71-47)
Game: 1
Venue: PNC Park
Date: August 20, 2015 7:05 PM EDT

The Pittsburgh Pirates can't alter the course of history by traveling back in time to the first night of October, when the San Francisco Giants rolled to a wild-card win at PNC Park that started their march to a third World Series title in five years.

As the champs return, the Pirates can take a big step toward ensuring they won't see the Giants in another one-game playoff.

Pittsburgh will try to put some distance between itself and third-place San Francisco as this four-game series gets underway Thursday night.

The Pirates (71-47) still have St. Louis in their sights in the NL Central - they trail the Cardinals by five - but hosting a third straight winner-take-all game at PNC, where they've won 32 of 42, is the likelier scenario.

The Giants (65-55) have a better chance of returning to the postseason as a division winner, sitting two behind the Los Angeles Dodgers in the West. A poor showing in Pittsburgh might make that route all the more probable, as San Francisco trails the wild card-leading Pirates by seven games and second-place Chicago by three.

Pittsburgh swept three from the Giants at AT&T Park in June while missing Madison Bumgarner, whose first look at the Pirates since completing the 8-0 wild-card win will come Friday.

Brandon Crawford, whose grand slam broke that game open, brings a career-high 13-game hitting streak into the opener.

Jake Peavy (3-5, 4.18 ERA) wasn't around for the June series either, part of an 11-week stretch in which he was recovering from a strained back. The right-hander posted a 2.74 ERA in his first seven starts after returning but struggled Saturday, allowing 12 baserunners and five runs over 5 2-3 innings of a 12-6 win over Washington.

This will be Peavy's first start against the Pirates since April 2009 - two months before Andrew McCutchen made his major league debut.

McCutchen had two more hits and a walk Wednesday as the Pirates beat Arizona 4-1 to take two of three. The five-time All-Star boosted his OPS at PNC Park to 1.155 since May 20, second best in the majors at home over the past three months behind the New York Mets' Lucas Duda.

He's 20 for 41 with eight extra-base hits in his last nine regular-season home games against the Giants.

San Francisco came into its series in St. Louis off a four-game sweep of Washington in which it totaled 28 runs, then only scored six while dropping two of three to the Cardinals. Half of those came in Wednesday's finale, but all eight Giants hits were singles in a 4-3 loss that followed San Francisco announcing it will put Hunter Pence on the disabled list with a strained oblique.

'That oblique is a hard one to figure out,' manager Bruce Bochy said. 'This is a moderate strain so we hope two weeks, he'll be ready to go.'

The good news is Nori Aoki is expected to come off the concussion DL, giving the Giants back a leadoff hitter who also happens to lead the majors with a .368 road batting average. Aoki, though, is hitting .209 in 13 games since returning from a fractured fibula.

He's 3 for 7 off Charlie Morton (7-4, 4.36), who tossed six scoreless innings in Saturday's road start before allowing the Mets to tie it with three runs - two earned - on a pair of homers in the seventh of a 5-3 win.

The right-hander has allowed nine homers in 88 2-3 innings, matching the total he surrendered last season in 157 1-3.

He's kept the ball in the park in his last seven starts spanning 44 2-3 against the Giants, posting a 2.22 ERA.


SERIES AT A GLANCE

GAME 1
Giants at Pirates
Thu, Aug 20 - 7:05PM EDT

GAME 2
Giants at Pirates
Fri, Aug 21 - 7:05PM EDT

GAME 3
Giants at Pirates
Sat, Aug 22 - 4:05PM EDT

GAME 4
Giants at Pirates
Sun, Aug 23 - 8:05PM EDT

[StarDust Bum]

Preview: Royals (73-46) at Red Sox (54-66)
Game: 1
Venue: Fenway Park
Date: August 20, 2015 7:10 PM EDT

With their biggest contributions coming from some unlikely sources, the Boston Red Sox continue to pound the baseball during a week of change in the front office.

They were on a similar roll at the plate the last time they took on the Kansas City Royals.

The resurgent Red Sox will try to win three in a row Thursday night when they look to deny the AL-best Royals their sixth straight in the opener at Fenway Park.

Boston has turned it on with a .337 average, 19 home runs and 8.4 runs per game over its last 11. The Red Sox scored all their runs off Corey Kluber in Wednesday's 6-4 home win over Cleveland.

David Ortiz, Travis Shaw, Jackie Bradley Jr. and Ryan Hanigan homered to help Boston take two of three from the Indians. The Red Sox haven't won three straight since July 30-Aug. 1.

"We played with energy and drove the baseball offensively," interim manager Torey Lovullo said.

Ortiz was batting just .241 on Aug. 6 before going 21 for 42 with five home runs and 15 RBIs over his last 11 games. Shaw is 13 for 27 with four homers over his past six, while Bradley - a career .204 hitter - has gone 15 for 31 with four longballs and 16 RBIs in his last eight.

All this while the club learned Tuesday that general manager Ben Cherington is leaving the team and former Detroit boss Dave Dombrowski would be brought in as president of baseball operations.

Boston batted .362 and totaled 24 runs while taking two of three at Kansas City (73-46) in June. The Red Sox swept a three-game series in the most recent meeting at Fenway in July 2014.

Mookie Betts has gone 15 for 31 with two home runs in seven career games against the Royals. After resting Wednesday, Betts, Hanley Ramirez and Xander Bogaerts are expected to play in the opener.

Danny Duffy (6-5, 4.03 ERA) is tasked with cooling off the Red Sox (54-66) after alternating between good and bad performances over his last five starts. The left-hander was on the good side Friday when he allowed one run over six innings in a 4-1 home win over the Los Angeles Angels.

Duffy has gone 0-2 with a 5.23 ERA in four career starts versus Boston, though he gave up one earned run over 6 2-3 innings in a 2-1 road loss July 19, 2014. Ortiz has three doubles in eight at-bats off him.

Boston's Wade Miley has similarly fluctuated over his last five starts. He looked comfortable with a big lead Saturday, giving up two runs and four hits while striking out eight in a 22-10 win.

In his only meeting since joining Boston, Miley (9-9, 4.58) yielded five hits over six scoreless innings in a 13-2 win at Kauffman Stadium on June 21. Salvador Perez is 3 for 3 with a home run off him.

The Royals have built a 14 1/2-game lead in the AL Central during this 10-2 stretch. Ben Zobrist had four hits in Wednesday's 4-3 win at Cincinnati, leaving him 13 for 23 in his last six.

'He kept the line moving all night long,' manager Ned Yost said. 'He set up run-scoring opportunities.'

Eric Hosmer had an RBI single in the first inning to extend his hitting streak to 10 games.


SERIES AT A GLANCE

GAME 1
Royals at Red Sox
Thu, Aug 20 - 7:10PM EDT

GAME 2
Royals at Red Sox
Fri, Aug 21 - 7:10PM EDT

GAME 3
Royals at Red Sox
Sat, Aug 22 - 7:10PM EDT

GAME 4
Royals at Red Sox
Sun, Aug 23 - 1:35PM EDT

[StarDust Bum]

Preview: Phillies (47-73) at Marlins (49-71)
Game: 1
Venue: Marlins Park
Date: August 20, 2015 7:10 PM EDT

The Philadelphia Phillies have relied on youth for some time now, so the trade of another veteran only supports that eye toward the future.

With Chase Utley now gone, the visiting Phillies move on by trying for a fifth consecutive victory over the Miami Marlins on Thursday night.

Hours after news broke that the six-time All-Star second baseman was in the process of being traded to the Los Angeles Dodgers for a pair of prospects, Philadelphia (47-73) snapped a four-game skid with Wednesday's 7-4 victory over Toronto. Since breaking into the majors in 2003, Utley had played his entire career with the Phillies.

He joins starter Cole Hamels and closer Jonathan Papelbon as the big names Philadelphia has traded during a third straight disappointing season. Only Ryan Howard and Carlos Ruiz remain from the Phillies team that won the 2008 World Series.

'The hardest part is leaving the city of Philadelphia,' Utley said. 'They've been so supportive of me for so long and I can't thank them enough.'

In his first full season, Cesar Hernandez should see most of the time at second the rest of the year but is 3 for 21 in the last five games. Rookie center fielder Odubel Herrera, however, is batting .349 while hitting safely in 19 of his last 20 contests.

Also a potential part of the Phillies' future, outfielder Aaron Altherr had three RBIs and clubbed a two-run homer for one of the two hits in his second career game Wednesday.

'It was good to be out there and get that first hit out of the way," he said. "I hope I can just keep producing up here and helping the team win.'

After struggling for most of the season, 33-year-old Jerome Williams (4-8, 5.47 ERA) is 1-0 with a 1.50 ERA in three starts this month. He also hasn't issued a walk through 13 innings of the last two.

The right-hander is 1-0 with a 4.09 ERA in two starts this season against the Marlins (49-71), who were swept in a three-game set at Philadelphia in the teams' most recent meeting July 17-19.

Miami appeared in good position to complete a series sweep of Milwaukee on Wednesday, but blew an early 4-0 lead en route to an 8-7 defeat. Justin Bour hit a two-run homer and Derek Dietrich had three hits as the Marlins lost for the third time in the last nine games.

'Very pleased with the offense,' said manager Dan Jennings, whose team has totaled 28 runs and 46 hits in the last four contests. 'The quality of the at-bats speak for themselves. Usually you score seven runs, you feel pretty good about coming out on top."

Dietrich is 8 for 16 in those four games.

Cole Gillespie had two hits for a second straight day and is batting .472 with six RBIs in his last 10 contests.

Dee Gordon has batted .373 in the last 13 games, .409 in five against Philadelphia this season and is 4 for 9 when opposing Williams.

Miami's Brad Hand (2-3, 4.74) is 0-2 with a 3.38 ERA in five starts against the Phillies but last faced them in that capacity in 2014. The left-hander makes a fourth straight start trying to rebound from yielding six runs and 11 hits in six innings of a 6-2 loss at St. Louis on Saturday.


SERIES AT A GLANCE

GAME 1
Phillies at Marlins
Thu, Aug 20 - 7:10PM EDT

GAME 2
Phillies at Marlins
Fri, Aug 21 - 7:10PM EDT

GAME 3
Phillies at Marlins
Sat, Aug 22 - 7:10PM EDT

GAME 4
Phillies at Marlins
Sun, Aug 23 - 1:10PM EDT

[StarDust Bum]

Preview: Braves (53-67) at Cubs (67-51)
Game: 1
Venue: Wrigley Field
Date: August 20, 2015 8:05 PM EDT

Following a stellar 16-game stretch, the Chicago Cubs find themselves in a bit of a slide.

With Jake Arrieta looking to continue his two-month run of success, the Cubs try to avoid a fourth consecutive defeat and add to the Atlanta Braves' misery on the road Thursday night.

Chicago (67-51) won 15 of 16 before it was cooled off with three consecutive losses. Cubs starters posted a 2.82 ERA and allowed nine home runs during that winning stretch but have a 13.06 ERA while matching that same homer total in the last three.

"Those things happen," manager Joe Maddon said.

Jon Lester gave up seven runs on three homers in 2 2-3 innings of Wednesday's 15-8 loss to Detroit.

Three games ahead of San Francisco for the second wild-card spot in the NL, the Cubs publicly don't claim to be scoreboard watching.

"All we really care about is what we're doing," said rookie Kris Bryant, who went 4 for 4 Wednesday and is batting .355 with three homers and seven RBIs in nine games at Wrigley Field this month.

The Cubs should feel confident behind Arrieta (14-6, 2.39 ERA), who has allowed one home run while going 8-1 with a 1.35 ERA and held opponents to a .166 batting average over his last 11 starts. He won his third straight start Saturday, giving up three runs in 6 2-3 innings of a 6-3 victory over the White Sox.

"I could have been more efficient," said Arrieta, who could become the majors' first 15-game winner.

The right-hander had little trouble July 19, when he allowed three hits and struck out 10 over seven scoreless innings of a 4-1 victory at Atlanta.

The Braves (53-67) have averaged 2.4 runs and hit 13 homers during a 2-18 stretch on the road. They managed five runs while being swept in a three-game set at San Diego this week.

"It can't keep going like this forever," first baseman Freddie Freeman told MLB's official website after Atlanta dropped its fifth straight road contest, 3-2 on Wednesday.

Despite the Braves' road struggles, Nick Markakis had three hits with two RBIs on Wednesday and ranks among the major league leaders with a .324 batting average away from home. However, he's 1 for 24 with seven strikeouts in his last six games against Chicago overall.

Teammate A.J. Pierzynski is 7 for 11 with two homers against Arrieta.

Rookie Mike Foltynewicz (4-4, 5.61), who attended high school an hour southwest of Wrigley in Minooka, Ill., makes his first appearance against the Cubs looking to rebound after he allowed six runs and nine hits in 4 2-3 innings of an 8-4 defeat to Arizona on Saturday.

Though inconsistency has plagued the right-hander in 13 starts this season, manager Fredi Gonzalez sees promise.

"You see some good glimpses coming out of (Foltynewicz's arm)," Gonzalez said. "Now we've got to get the whole thing together - the pitches, the location, his pitchability and getting through innings."

He'll try to contain Kyle Schwarber, who can become the first Cubs rookie since 1914 to homer in four straight home games. Four of Schwarber's five hits in 11 at-bats in the last three home contests have left the park.


SERIES AT A GLANCE

GAME 1
Braves at Cubs
Thu, Aug 20 - 8:05PM EDT

GAME 2
Braves at Cubs
Fri, Aug 21 - 4:05PM EDT

GAME 3
Braves at Cubs
Sat, Aug 22 - 4:05PM EDT

GAME 4
Braves at Cubs
Sun, Aug 23 - 2:20PM EDT

[StarDust Bum]

Preview: Rays (59-61) at Astros (66-55)
Game: 4
Venue: Minute Maid Park
Date: August 20, 2015 8:10 PM EDT

Although he hasn't been off his game very often for the Tampa Bay Rays, Chris Archer has wasted little time getting back on track following those rare occasions.

He'll likely need to be at his best while opposing the MLB's co-leader in home wins since last August.

The Rays will try to avoid their sixth loss in seven games Thursday night when Collin McHugh looks to lead the AL West-leading Houston Astros to their 19th win in 23 games at Minute Maid Park.

After posting a 2.18 ERA with 43 strikeouts over his previous five starts, Archer allowed eight runs and 11 hits while fanning only four over 5 1-3 innings in Saturday's 12-4 loss at Texas.

'I know the guys rely on me to give a better performance,' he said. 'To boil it down to one thing: pitch execution with two strikes. ... I wasn't able to put guys away like I normally can.'

The 26-year-old finished with his fewest strikeouts in nine starts and failed in his second attempt to reach a career-high 11th victory. However, he's allowed two runs or fewer while working into the seventh inning in three starts that followed outings in which he gave up five or more.

'It's motivating because there's always room for improvement,' the first-time All-Star said.

Archer (10-9, 2.53 ERA) is 2-1 with a 1.09 ERA in four starts against the Astros. But he yielded six runs - one earned - over three innings in a 7-3 loss in his last outing at Houston on June 14, 2014.

The Astros have batted .215 while averaging 2.7 runs over their last 11 games. Carlos Correa shined Wednesday, hitting his 15th home run and delivering a walkoff single in the 13th inning of a 3-2 win.

Houston (66-55), which has won five of seven overall, would seem to have the right man on the mound as it tries to win its seventh consecutive home series to wrap up this four-game set.

McHugh (13-6, 4.09) looks to match ace Dallas Keuchel for the team lead in wins after posting a 1.80 ERA through his first three August outings. He allowed one run and four hits over seven innings Saturday but got no run support in a 4-2, 11-inning home loss to Detroit.

The right-hander has been at his best at Minute Maid Park, going 5-0 with a 2.48 ERA in his last six starts. He's tied for the MLB lead in home victories since Aug. 1, 2014, at 14-2 over his past 17 outings.

McHugh has a 3.00 ERA in three career starts against the Rays (59-61), though he's received just two total runs of support while taking the loss in all three. He surrendered three runs and four hits over seven innings in a 3-1 loss at Tropicana Field on July 10.

Brandon Guyer took him deep in that contest, but Kevin Kiermaier is 1 for 9 with four strikeouts lifetime in the matchup and Evan Longoria is 0 for 8 with four strikeouts. Guyer is 8 for 16 over a six-game hitting streak after finishing with three hits Wednesday.

Tampa Bay's bid for an AL wild-card spot has taken a hit with back-to-back walkoff defeats.

'(Losses) all count the same," manager Kevin Cash said after the team fell to 1-5 on this 10-game trip. "I don't think there's any sense of desperation at all.'


SERIES AT A GLANCE

GAME 1
Rays at Astros
Mon, Aug 17 Final 9 to 2
Boxscores • Recaps

GAME 2
Rays at Astros
Tue, Aug 18 Final 2 to 3
Boxscores • Recaps

GAME 3
Rays at Astros
Wed, Aug 19 Final 2 to 3
Boxscores • Recaps

GAME 4
Rays at Astros
Thu, Aug 20 - 8:10PM EDT

[StarDust Bum]

Preview: Nationals (60-59) at Rockies (48-70)
Game: 3
Venue: Coors Field
Date: August 20, 2015 8:40 PM EDT

The last time Max Scherzer pitched at Coors Field, he was experiencing one of a number of inconsistent stretches that defined his one full season with Arizona.

The Cy Young Award winner has evolved out of a great deal of that, but he'll take the mound in Colorado on Thursday night in a similar kind of rut for the Washington Nationals as they try for a three-game sweep of the Rockies.

Scherzer (11-9, 2.73 ERA) gave up six earned runs for the first time in his last 42 starts in Friday's 8-5 loss in San Francisco. The right-hander allowed seven hits in three innings with two leaving the yard, and he's given up five homers in his last two starts. Over three August outings, he's 0-1 with a 7.80 ERA and .306 opponent batting average.

"I get it. I stunk. There is no getting around that," Scherzer told MLB's official website. "... My arm slot is a little low right now. It causes my fastball to flatten out. When you think about the results tonight, a lot of damage was done against the fastball."

The previous start came against the Rockies (48-70) on Aug. 9 as Scherzer avoided the decision after giving up four runs and eight hits with 10 strikeouts in six innings of a 6-4 loss. Scherzer last pitched in Colorado in 2009 and is 0-2 with a 5.63 ERA in three career starts there. Carlos Gonzalez is 3 for 9 with three home runs in their matchups.

Scherzer is again facing Yohan Flande (2-1, 4.19), who has yet to lose in four starts this season. He's been fortunate to avoid that fate in his last two. The left-hander has a 5.91 ERA with five home runs allowed in 10 2-3 innings, and the first was against the Nationals (60-59) as Flande allowed a pair of solo homers to Ryan Zimmerman and one to Jayson Werth.

Flande is 0-1 with a 5.87 ERA in three starts against Washington with Zimmerman (4 for 6) and Ian Desmond (3 for 6) hitting him well.

With Wednesday's 4-1 win, the Nationals are 10-6 at Coors since last losing a series there in 2010. They have a .312 average in that time with Desmond batting .538 on a 12-game hitting streak in Denver.

They could also finally be getting some top-of-the-order help from Werth, who's strung together multihit games for just the second time this season after a 1-for-16 slump.

"It felt like something clicked," said Werth, who helped the team get within 3 1/2 games of the New York Mets in the NL East. "Hopefully I hold onto that going forward."

But what might have been most encouraging about the win was it was easily their best pitching performance in 10 games and one of their best of the season after limiting the Rockies to two hits. The staff had a 5.52 ERA over the preceding 2-7 span.

Colorado has lost eight of nine, and its terrible home pitching has reached new lows. Since the All-Star break, the Rockies have a 6.54 ERA and .311 opponent batting average in a 5-9 home span while limiting opponents to fewer than five runs twice. The staff's 5.55 season ERA at Coors is on pace to be the worst in baseball since the 2012 Rockies turned in a 5.97 mark.

The bullpen gave up all four runs Wednesday and has an 11.16 ERA with a 1.013 opponent OPS in the last six games.

"These things can be contagious, good and bad," manager Walt Weiss said. "It's on the bad side right now, running through the bullpen."


SERIES AT A GLANCE

GAME 1
Nationals at Rockies
Tue, Aug 18 Final 15 to 6
Boxscores • Recaps

GAME 2
Nationals at Rockies
Wed, Aug 19 Final 4 to 1
Boxscores • Recaps

GAME 3
Nationals at Rockies
Thu, Aug 20 - 8:40PM EDT

[StarDust Bum]

Preview: White Sox (55-63) at Angels (63-57)
Game: 4
Venue: Angel Stadium of Anaheim
Date: August 20, 2015 10:05 PM EDT

Much like last week's road series against the Chicago White Sox, the Los Angeles Angels have struggled to produce with runners in scoring position in their rematch at home.

Unlike that first series, the Angels are in position to sweep this four-game set thanks to their opponent's own offensive struggles.

The Angels can do so by handing the White Sox a ninth consecutive loss at Anaheim on Thursday night.

Los Angeles (63-57) was outscored 14-4 and went 1 for 32 with runners in scoring position while being swept on Chicago's South Side from Aug. 10-12. The Angels have managed eight runs and are 1 for 16 in those situations through the first three of this series. However, they've held the White Sox (55-63) to four runs and a 1-for-19 effort with runners in scoring position.

Carlos Perez's sixth-inning homer was the difference in Wednesday's 1-0 victory for Los Angeles, which has recorded six of its runs on five homers in the series. The Angels held on thanks to a game-ending double play that needed replay to overturn a safe call at first.

"It's one of those things where one error can hurt you, one bad pitch can hurt you," winning pitcher Jered Weaver said. "It's exciting.'

Mired in its third seven-game road losing streak of the season, Chicago has dropped 14 of 17 at Anaheim.

Losers of 13 of 19 overall, the White Sox turn to Jose Quintana (6-10, 3.62 ERA), who is 0-2 with a 5.06 ERA in three road starts against the Angels. He's 0-1 with a 4.34 ERA and has received seven runs of support in three starts this month.

"I love the kid," manager Robin Ventura told MLB's official website after the left-hander allowed three runs in six innings of Saturday's 6-3 loss to the Cubs.

"He's a competitor. When he goes (to the mound), the other teams know they're in for a fight. He's grinding the whole time. His record is one thing, but we know what he is. ... That record, you can throw it out the window."

Mike Trout and Albert Pujols are each batting .333 with a home run against Quintana. Trout, however, is 1 for 15 in the last five games.

Pujols, who's homered in each of the first two games of this series and three of four overall, is expected to be in the lineup after being rested Wednesday.

"I don't think it's ever easy for Albert to have a day off," manager Mike Scioscia said. "With Albert, I think there's a definite parallel between the strength in his legs and his foundation and his production, and you want to make sure that stays there."

Los Angeles has recalled Nick Tropeano (1-1, 3.00) from Triple-A Salt Lake to make this start in place of Matt Shoemaker, who was sent down Sunday. The right-hander has started twice this season, most recently July 24 when he gave up four runs in six-plus innings of a 4-2 loss to Texas.

Tropeano will try to cool off Chicago second baseman Carlos Sanchez, who is batting .417 with nine doubles in his last 18 road contests.


SERIES AT A GLANCE

GAME 1
White Sox at Angels
Mon, Aug 17 Final 1 to 2
Boxscores • Recaps

GAME 2
White Sox at Angels
Tue, Aug 18 Final 3 to 5
Boxscores • Recaps

GAME 3
White Sox at Angels
Wed, Aug 19 Final 0 to 1
Boxscores • Recaps

GAME 4
White Sox at Angels
Thu, Aug 20 - 10:05PM EDT

[StarDust Bum]

MLB
Armadillo's Write-Up

Thursday, August 20

National League
Giants @ Pirates
Peavy is 1-1, 3.18 in his last four starts; four of his last six went over.

Morton is 1-1, 4.70 in his last five starts; three of his last four went over.

Pittsburgh won seven of last nine games with the Giants; over is 3-0-2 in last five series games. Pirates won ten of last 12 games (over 8-3-2). SF won five of its last seven games; under is 7-2-1 in its last ten.

Diamondbacks @ Reds
Corbin is 2-0, 3.15 in his last four starts (over 3-1).

Lamb allowed five runs in six IP (99 PT) in his first MLB start.

Arizona won three of last four games with Cincinnati; seven of last eight tilts in series stayed under the total. D'backs lost five of last seven games; three of last four stayed under. Reds lost eight of last ten games; their last three all stayed under the total.

Phillies @ Marlins
Williams is 1-1, 2.00 in his last three starts.

Hand is 1-1, 3.71 in his last three starts (under 2-1).

Philly won three of last four games with Miami (over 3-1); Phils lost six of last eight games (over 6-3 in last nine). Marlins scored 28 runs in winning three of last four games; over is 6-1-1 in their last eight.

Braves @ Cubs
Foltynewicz is 1-2, 6.45 in his last four starts (over 3-0 in last three).

Arrieta is 3-0, 1.65 in his last four starts; under is 5-1-1 in his last seven.

Atlanta won seven of last ten games with the Cubs, with last three staying under- they scored one run total in last two. Braves lost seven of last nine games overall (over 3-2 in last five). Cubs lost last three games, allowing 25 runs in last two-- five of their last six games went over.

Nationals @ Rockies
Scherzer is 0-1, 7.80 in his last three starts (over 4-1 in last five).

Flande is 0-0, 5.91 in his last two starts; his last three went over.

Washington is 8-3 in last 11 games with Colorado; over is 4-2-1 in last seven series games. Nationals won last two nights after losing six in a row; under is 5-3 in their last eight. Rockies lost eight of last nine games; four of their last six games went over the total.

American League
Indians @ Bronx
Tomlin allowed two runs in 6.1 IP (84 PT) in his first '15 start.

Nova is 4-1, 3.68 in his last five starts; under is 6-1-1 in his last eight.

Bronx lost four of last five games with Cleveland (over 6-3 in last nine), but they won six of last seven games overall; five of their last eight stayed under the total. Indians lost four of last five games (last three all went over).

Rangers @ Tigers
Perez is 1-0, 3.10 in his last three starts (under 2-1).

Simon is 1-1, 7.27 in his last three starts (over 7-3 in last ten).

Texas lost its last three games with Detroit; six of last seven series games got over the total. Rangers won six of last seven games overall; under is 4-1-1 in their last six. Tigers won three of last four games, scoring 25 runs the last two nights- their last three games went over, with Cabrera back in lineup.

Twins @ Orioles
Duffey in 1-1, 6.75 in his first two starts (over 1-1).

Gonzalez is 0-2, 6.64 in his last ten starts; over is 7-3 in his last ten.

Minnesota won its last four games with Baltimore; over is 3-1-1 in last five in series. Twins lost five of last seven games; four of last six stayed under. Orioles won five of last six games; three of their last four went over the total.

Royals @ Red Sox
Duffy is 2-0, 2.76 in his last three starts; eight of his last nine stayed under.

Miley is 1-1, 4.70 in his last six starts; four of his last five went over.

Royals lost eight of last ten games with Boston; last five series games went over the total. KC won its last five games, allowing 12 runs (under 4-1). Red Sox won four of last six games; their last ten games all went over.

Rays @ Astros
Archer is 1-2, 5.33 in his last four starts; his last three went over.

McHugh is 1-1, 1.80 in his last three starts; eight of his last nine stayed under.

Tampa Bay lost five of last six games; under is 3-1 in last four games. Astros won five of last seven games; eight of their last 11 stayed under total. Rays won eight of their last 11 games with Houston (under 8-2-1) but lost last two.

White Sox @ Angels
Quintana is 0-1, 4.34 in his last three starts; five of his last six went over.

Tropeano is making first start since July 24; he is 1-1, 3.00 in his two starts this season (under 2-0).

White Sox lost last three games with Angels, scoring four runs; home side won 12 of last 13 series games. Chicago lost five of last six games; over is 1-3 in its last four games. Angels won last three games; six of their last nine went under the total.

Win-loss records this year for team with this starting pitcher:
SF-Pitt-- Peavy 5-5; Morton 11-4
Az-Cin-- Corbin 4-4; Lamb 0-1
Phil-Mia-- Williams 7-12; Hand 2-4
Atl-Chi-- Foltynewicz 6-7; Arrieta 16-8 (8-1 last 9)
Wsh-Colo-- Scherzer 13-11; Flande 2-2

Clev-NY-- Tomlin 0-1; Nova 5-4
Tex-Det-- Perez 4-2; Simon 13-9
Min-Balt-- Duffey 1-1; Gonzalez 12-10
KC-Bos-- Duffy 12-6 (7-1 last 8); Miley 11-13 (1-6 last 7)
TB-Hst-- Archer 14-11; McHugh 15-9
Chi-LA-- Quintana 9-15; Tropeano 1-1

Times this starting pitcher allowed a run in first inning:
SF-Pitt-- Peavy 1-10; Morton 8-15
Az-Cin-- Corbin 1-8; Lamb 1-1
Phil-Mia-- Williams 6-19; Hand 3-3
Atl-Chi-- Foltynewicz Arrieta 4-24
Wsh-Colo-- Scherzer 5-24; Flande 2-4

Clev-NY-- Tomlin 0-1; Nova 1-9
Tex-Det-- Perez 0-6; Simon 3-22
Min-Balt-- Duffey 1-2; Gonzalez 6-22
KC-Bos-- Duffy 4-18; Miley 7-24
TB-Hst-- Archer 6-25; McHugh 8-24
Chi-LA-- Quintana 13-24; Tropeano 0-2

[StarDust Bum]

MLB

Thursday, August 20

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

7:05 PM
SAN FRANCISCO vs. PITTSBURGH
San Francisco is 3-6 SU in its last 9 games when playing on the road against Pittsburgh
San Francisco is 5-2 SU in its last 7 games
Pittsburgh is 7-2 SU in its last 9 games when playing San Francisco
Pittsburgh is 6-3 SU in its last 9 games when playing at home against San Francisco

7:05 PM
CLEVELAND vs. NY YANKEES
Cleveland is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games
The total has gone UNDER in 9 of Cleveland's last 13 games on the road
NY Yankees are 12-3 SU in their last 15 games when playing at home against Cleveland
The total has gone UNDER in 10 of NY Yankees's last 14 games

7:05 PM
MINNESOTA vs. BALTIMORE
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Minnesota's last 6 games
The total has gone OVER in 7 of Minnesota's last 8 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Baltimore's last 6 games at home
Baltimore is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games at home

7:08 PM
TEXAS vs. DETROIT
The total has gone OVER in 6 of Texas's last 7 games when playing Detroit
Texas is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games when playing Detroit
The total has gone OVER in 16 of Detroit's last 22 games at home
Detroit is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games when playing Texas

7:10 PM
PHILADELPHIA vs. MIAMI
Philadelphia is 1-5 SU in its last 6 games on the road
Philadelphia is 3-8 SU in its last 11 games when playing on the road against Miami
Miami is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games when playing Philadelphia
Miami is 3-7 SU in its last 10 games at home

7:10 PM
KANSAS CITY vs. BOSTON
Kansas City is 2-8 SU in its last 10 games when playing Boston
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Kansas City's last 5 games when playing Boston
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Boston's last 5 games at home
Boston is 8-2 SU in its last 10 games when playing Kansas City

7:10 PM
ARIZONA vs. CINCINNATI
The total has gone OVER in 10 of Arizona's last 15 games on the road
Arizona is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games when playing Cincinnati
Cincinnati is 1-5 SU in its last 6 games at home
The total has gone UNDER in 7 of Cincinnati's last 8 games when playing Arizona

8:05 PM
ATLANTA vs. CHI CUBS
Atlanta is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games on the road
Atlanta is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Chi Cubs's last 6 games when playing at home against Atlanta
Chi Cubs are 8-2 SU in their last 10 games at home

8:10 PM
TAMPA BAY vs. HOUSTON
The total has gone UNDER in 12 of Tampa Bay's last 16 games when playing Houston
Tampa Bay is 19-6 SU in its last 25 games when playing Houston
Houston is 6-19 SU in its last 25 games when playing Tampa Bay
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Houston's last 8 games

8:40 PM
WASHINGTON vs. COLORADO
Washington is 8-3 SU in its last 11 games when playing Colorado
Washington is 2-6 SU in its last 8 games on the road
Colorado is 3-8 SU in its last 11 games when playing Washington
Colorado is 1-6 SU in its last 7 games when playing at home against Washington

10:05 PM
CHI WHITE SOX vs. LA ANGELS
Chi White Sox are 0-5 SU in their last 5 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Chi White Sox's last 5 games when playing LA Angels
LA Angels are 5-0 SU in their last 5 games when playing at home against Chi White Sox
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of LA Angels's last 6 games

[StarDust Bum]

MLB

Thursday, August 20


Pitcher change - Jake Arrieta, Chi. Cubs

Chi. Cubs vs. Atlanta on August 20 at 8:05 PM. Previous Starter: Kyle Hendricks.


Williams doing little to help Phillies on the road

Jerome Williams has started on the road 11 times this season, with the Philadelphia Phillies going 2-9 in those occasions. Williams is 1-6 with a 6.47 ERA away from Citizen Bank Park this season.

The Phillies are 19-43 on the road this season, which has them firmly entrenched as the worst in the MLB.

The Phils will visit the Miami Marlins Thursday.


Phillies deal franchise icon Utley to Dodgers

Thirteen years of excellence, a tenure that included six All-Star appearances, can't be summed up easily.

Is there a way to encapsulate one of a franchise's all-time greats?

Chase Utley is now the Philadelphia Phillies' former second baseman.

Utley was traded Wednesday night to the Los Angeles Dodgers for a pair of a minor league prospects, right-hander John Richy and outfielder Darnell Sweeney. The Phillies sent the Dodgers $2 million toward the $6 million Utley will make in the remainder of this season. Los Angeles will be responsible for a $2 million buyout of Utley's 2016 option.

The 36-year-old veteran leaves behind a glittering legacy, one that can be measured by sheer numbers but is better reflected in his tireless work ethic and ability to withstand baseball's endless grind.

[StarDust Bum]

MLB

Thursday, August 20


Another hot day for home teams

Home teams have another hot night on the diamond, going 12-3 straight up Wednesday night.

That is a success rate of 80 percent and brings home teams to 60-34 in the last seven days, which is good for a 63.83 success rate.

The Kansas City Royals, the Detroit Tigers and the Washington Nationals were the lone road teams to secure a win last night.

[StarDust Bum]

MLB
Dunkel

Thursday, August 20


San Francisco @ Pittsburgh

Game 901-902
August 20, 2015 @ 7:05 pm

Dunkel Rating:
San Francisco
(Peavy) 14.049
Pittsburgh
(Morton) 17.824
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Pittsburgh
by 4
9
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Pittsburgh
-135
8
Dunkel Pick:
Pittsburgh
(-135); Over

Arizona @ Cincinnati

Game 903-904
August 20, 2015 @ 7:10 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Arizona
(Corbin) 15.827
Cincinnati
(Lamb) 13.447
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Arizona
by 2 1/2
7
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Arizona
-140
8
Dunkel Pick:
Arizona
(-140); Under

Philadelphia @ Miami

Game 905-906
August 20, 2015 @ 7:10 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Philadelphia
(Williams) 15.724
Miami
(Hand) 13.241
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Philadelphia
by 2 1/2
10
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Miami
-150
8
Dunkel Pick:
Philadelphia
(+130); Over

Atlanta @ Chicago Cubs

Game 907-908
August 20, 2015 @ 8:05 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Atlanta
(Fltynwicz) 16.596
Chicago Cubs
(Arrieta) 15.667
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Atlanta
by 1
6 1/2
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Chicago Cubs
-280
No Run Total
Dunkel Pick:
Atlanta
(+230); N/A

Washington @ Colorado

Game 909-910
August 20, 2015 @ 8:39 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Washington
(Scherzer) 14.201
Colorado
(Flande) 12.545
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Washington
by 1 1/2
11
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Washington
-200
10
Dunkel Pick:
Washington
(-200); Over

Cleveland @ NY Yankees

Game 911-912
August 20, 2015 @ 7:05 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Cleveland
(Tomlin) 14.853
NY Yankees
(Nova) 16.759
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
NY Yankees
by 2
8
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
NY Yankees
-175
8 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
NY Yankees
(-175); Under

Texas @ Detroit

Game 913-914
August 20, 2015 @ 7:08 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Texas
(Perez) 15.955
Detroit
(Simon) 14.458
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Texas
by 1 1/2
10 1/2
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Detroit
-110
9
Dunkel Pick:
Texas
(-110); Over

Minnesota @ Baltimore

Game 915-916
August 20, 2015 @ 7:05 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Minnesota
(Duffey) 15.740
Baltimore
(Gonzlez) 14.882
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Minnesota
by 1
7
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Baltimore
-155
8 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Minnesota
(+135); Under

Kansas City @ Boston

Game 917-918
August 20, 2015 @ 7:10 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Kansas City
(Duffy 15.844
Boston
(Miley) 14.044
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Kansas City
by 2
8
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Kansas City
-115
9
Dunkel Pick:
Kansas City
(-115); Under

Tampa Bay @ Houston

Game 919-920
August 20, 2015 @ 8:10 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Tampa Bay
(Archer) 13.198
Houston
(McHugh) 16.527
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Houston
by 3 1/2
5 1/2
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Houston
-120
7
Dunkel Pick:
Houston
(-120); Under

Chicago White Sox @ LA Angels

Game 921-922
August 20, 2015 @ 10:05 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Chicago White Sox
(Quintana) 16.466
LA Angels
(Tropeano) 14.912
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Chicago White Sox
by 1 1/2
9
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
LA Angels
-115
7 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Chicago White Sox
(-105); Over

[StarDust Bum]

MLB
Long Sheet

Thursday, August 20

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

SAN FRANCISCO (65 - 55) at PITTSBURGH (71 - 47) - 7:05 PM
JAKE PEAVY (R) vs. CHARLIE MORTON (R)
Top Trends for this game.
PITTSBURGH is 71-47 (+15.4 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
PITTSBURGH is 55-36 (+19.8 Units) against the money line when the total is 8 to 8.5 over the last 3 seasons.
PITTSBURGH is 41-19 (+14.7 Units) against the money line in home games this season.
PITTSBURGH is 25-6 (+18.3 Units) against the money line at home when the total is 8 to 8.5 over the last 3 seasons.
PITTSBURGH is 71-47 (+15.4 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
PITTSBURGH is 113-79 (+20.7 Units) against the money line in night games over the last 2 seasons.
PITTSBURGH is 57-38 (+12.8 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.
PITTSBURGH is 45-25 (+15.4 Units) against the money line after a win this season.
PITTSBURGH is 35-24 (+9.5 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record this season.
PITTSBURGH is 17-7 (+10.7 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record in the second half of the season this season.
SAN FRANCISCO is 65-55 (+4.5 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
SAN FRANCISCO is 79-72 (+14.0 Units) against the money line in road games over the last 2 seasons.
SAN FRANCISCO is 65-55 (+4.5 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
SAN FRANCISCO is 1064-890 (+120.1 Units) against the money line in night games since 1997.
SAN FRANCISCO is 116-93 (+12.5 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters over the last 2 seasons.
SAN FRANCISCO is 380-380 (+42.3 Units) against the money line in road games after a loss since 1997.
SAN FRANCISCO is 740-729 (+47.6 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record since 1997.

Head-to-Head Series History
PITTSBURGH is 3-0 (+3.1 Units) against SAN FRANCISCO this season
1 of 1 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+1.2 Units)

JAKE PEAVY vs. PITTSBURGH since 1997
PEAVY is 5-2 when starting against PITTSBURGH with an ERA of 2.52 and a WHIP of 1.043.
His team's record is 6-2 (+3.0 units) in these starts. The OVER is 4-3. (+1.0 units)

CHARLIE MORTON vs. SAN FRANCISCO since 1997
MORTON is 3-4 when starting against SAN FRANCISCO with an ERA of 2.84 and a WHIP of 1.249.
His team's record is 4-7 (-2.1 units) in these starts. The OVER is 2-9. (-7.3 units)

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

ARIZONA (58 - 61) at CINCINNATI (51 - 67) - 7:10 PM
PAT CORBIN (L) vs. JOHN LAMB (L)
Top Trends for this game.
ARIZONA is 122-159 (-30.6 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
ARIZONA is 122-159 (-30.6 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
ARIZONA is 33-28 (+7.8 Units) against the money line after a loss this season.
ARIZONA is 33-20 (+13.1 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record this season.
CINCINNATI is 51-67 (-15.3 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
CINCINNATI is 51-67 (-15.3 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
CINCINNATI is 24-33 (-12.1 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record this season.
CINCINNATI is 18-31 (-16.9 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
ARIZONA is 2-1 (+0.6 Units) against CINCINNATI this season
3 of 3 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+3.0 Units)

PAT CORBIN vs. CINCINNATI since 1997
CORBIN is 1-1 when starting against CINCINNATI with an ERA of 2.73 and a WHIP of 0.944.
His team's record is 3-1 (+2.3 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 2-0. (+2.0 units)

JOHN LAMB vs. ARIZONA since 1997
No recent starts.

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

PHILADELPHIA (47 - 73) at MIAMI (49 - 71) - 7:10 PM
JEROME WILLIAMS (R) vs. BRAD HAND (L)
Top Trends for this game.
PHILADELPHIA is 86-115 (-35.7 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 3 seasons.
PHILADELPHIA is 34-35 (+12.0 Units) against the money line against left-handed starters over the last 2 seasons.
MIAMI is 49-71 (-19.5 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
MIAMI is 16-28 (-15.0 Units) against the money line against division opponents this season.
MIAMI is 49-68 (-16.5 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
MIAMI is 31-49 (-18.0 Units) against the money line in night games this season.
MIAMI is 38-56 (-16.3 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.
MIAMI is 24-46 (-19.5 Units) against the money line after a loss this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
PHILADELPHIA is 5-4 (+2.1 Units) against MIAMI this season
5 of 7 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+2.8 Units)

JEROME WILLIAMS vs. MIAMI since 1997
WILLIAMS is 1-1 when starting against MIAMI with an ERA of 6.92 and a WHIP of 1.654.
His team's record is 1-4 (-3.0 units) in these starts. The OVER is 3-2. (+0.8 units)

BRAD HAND vs. PHILADELPHIA since 1997
HAND is 0-2 when starting against PHILADELPHIA with an ERA of 3.38 and a WHIP of 1.227.
His team's record is 1-4 (-3.1 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 3-1. (+1.9 units)

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

ATLANTA (53 - 67) at CHICAGO CUBS (67 - 51) - 8:05 PM
MIKE FOLTYNEWICZ (R) vs. JAKE ARRIETA (R)
Top Trends for this game.
ATLANTA is 132-150 (-21.7 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
ATLANTA is 21-43 (-15.0 Units) against the money line in road games this season.
ATLANTA is 8-18 (-11.0 Units) against the money line when playing on Thursday over the last 2 seasons.
ATLANTA is 19-40 (-15.0 Units) against the money line in road games in games played on a grass field this season.
ATLANTA is 12-29 (-13.8 Units) against the money line in road games in night games this season.
ATLANTA is 17-35 (-13.0 Units) against the money line in road games against right-handed starters this season.
ATLANTA is 30-55 (-22.8 Units) against the money line in road games after a loss over the last 2 seasons.
CHICAGO CUBS are 67-51 (+5.3 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
CHICAGO CUBS are 28-18 (+12.0 Units) against the money line in August games over the last 2 seasons.
CHICAGO CUBS are 67-51 (+5.3 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
CHICAGO CUBS are 43-28 (+13.0 Units) against the money line in night games this season.
CHICAGO CUBS are 71-66 (+7.6 Units) against the money line after a loss over the last 2 seasons.
ARRIETA is 31-18 (+10.7 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
ARRIETA is 31-17 (+11.7 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
ARRIETA is 18-8 (+10.0 Units) against the money line in night games over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
ARRIETA is 17-7 (+9.6 Units) against the money line after a loss over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
ATLANTA is 80-51 (+28.8 Units) against the money line in road games after 3 or more consecutive losses since 1997.
CHICAGO CUBS are 778-752 (-168.2 Units) against the money line in home games since 1997.
CHICAGO CUBS are 1068-1193 (-209.9 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters since 1997.
CHICAGO CUBS are 714-711 (-160.5 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record since 1997.
CHICAGO CUBS are 213-185 (-48.6 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 2-1 (+0.7 Units) against ATLANTA this season
3 of 3 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+3.0 Units)

MIKE FOLTYNEWICZ vs. CHICAGO CUBS since 1997
No recent starts.

JAKE ARRIETA vs. ATLANTA since 1997
ARRIETA is 1-1 when starting against ATLANTA with an ERA of 3.66 and a WHIP of 1.068.
His team's record is 2-1 (+1.0 units) in these starts. The OVER is 2-1. (+0.9 units)

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WASHINGTON (60 - 59) at COLORADO (48 - 70) - 8:40 PM
MAX SCHERZER (R) vs. YOHAN FLANDE (L)
Top Trends for this game.
WASHINGTON is 60-59 (-11.5 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
WASHINGTON is 29-36 (-11.4 Units) against the money line in road games this season.
WASHINGTON is 6-12 (-9.7 Units) against the money line in August games this season.
WASHINGTON is 59-58 (-11.7 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
WASHINGTON is 36-41 (-12.4 Units) against the money line in night games this season.
WASHINGTON is 26-25 (-9.3 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record this season.
SCHERZER is 24-7 (+14.4 Units) against the money line after a win over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
COLORADO is 114-166 (-43.6 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
COLORADO is 114-166 (-43.6 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
COLORADO is 25-51 (-22.7 Units) against the money line in night games this season.
COLORADO is 65-102 (-30.5 Units) against the money line after a loss over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
COLORADO is 2-3 (+1.0 Units) against WASHINGTON this season
3 of 5 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+0.9 Units)

MAX SCHERZER vs. COLORADO since 1997
SCHERZER is 1-3 when starting against COLORADO with an ERA of 4.33 and a WHIP of 1.330.
His team's record is 2-4 (-3.5 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 3-3. (-0.4 units)

YOHAN FLANDE vs. WASHINGTON since 1997
FLANDE is 0-1 when starting against WASHINGTON with an ERA of 5.87 and a WHIP of 1.305.
His team's record is 1-2 (+0.4 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 0-3. (-3.1 units)

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CLEVELAND (55 - 64) at NY YANKEES (67 - 52) - 7:05 PM
JOSH TOMLIN (R) vs. IVAN NOVA (R)
Top Trends for this game.
CLEVELAND is 55-64 (-22.3 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
CLEVELAND is 51-64 (-26.4 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
CLEVELAND is 36-41 (-13.1 Units) against the money line in night games this season.
CLEVELAND is 26-32 (-10.9 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record this season.
NY YANKEES are 67-52 (+5.3 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
NY YANKEES are 34-22 (+6.6 Units) against the money line when the total is 8 to 8.5 this season.
NY YANKEES are 23-9 (+13.5 Units) against the money line when playing on Thursday over the last 2 seasons.
NY YANKEES are 60-46 (+3.5 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
NY YANKEES are 25-9 (+10.1 Units) against the money line in home games in night games this season.
NY YANKEES are 40-26 (+11.2 Units) against the money line after a win this season.

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

JOSH TOMLIN vs. NY YANKEES since 1997
TOMLIN is 2-2 when starting against NY YANKEES with an ERA of 5.90 and a WHIP of 1.241.
His team's record is 2-3 (+0.2 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 2-1. (+0.8 units)

IVAN NOVA vs. CLEVELAND since 1997
NOVA is 1-0 when starting against CLEVELAND with an ERA of 2.57 and a WHIP of 1.000.
His team's record is 1-0 (+1.0 units) in these starts. The OVER is 1-0. (+1.0 units)

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TEXAS (61 - 58) at DETROIT (58 - 61) - 7:05 PM
MARTIN PEREZ (L) vs. ALFREDO SIMON (R)
Top Trends for this game.
TEXAS is 45-67 (-20.1 Units) against the money line when the total is 9 to 9.5 over the last 2 seasons.
TEXAS is 41-66 (-24.4 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 2 seasons.
SIMON is 33-22 (+14.7 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
SIMON is 33-22 (+14.7 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
SIMON is 19-6 (+15.4 Units) against the money line after a win over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
TEXAS is 61-58 (+19.4 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
TEXAS is 33-28 (+20.0 Units) against the money line in road games this season.
TEXAS is 58-54 (+19.0 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
TEXAS is 45-40 (+17.9 Units) against the money line in night games this season.
TEXAS is 39-35 (+12.5 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.
TEXAS is 31-29 (+11.4 Units) against the money line after a win this season.
PEREZ is 8-0 (+8.2 Units) against the money line in August games over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
PEREZ is 12-1 (+11.8 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
PEREZ is 10-0 (+10.7 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. (Team's Record)
DETROIT is 73-67 (-17.6 Units) against the money line in home games over the last 2 seasons.
DETROIT is 73-67 (-17.6 Units) against the money line in home games in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
DETROIT is 31-42 (-10.6 Units) against the money line in night games this season.
DETROIT is 66-59 (-27.0 Units) against the money line in home games after a win over the last 3 seasons.

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

MARTIN PEREZ vs. DETROIT since 1997
PEREZ is 0-1 when starting against DETROIT with an ERA of 7.94 and a WHIP of 1.235.
His team's record is 0-1 (-1.0 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 1-0. (+1.1 units)

ALFREDO SIMON vs. TEXAS since 1997
SIMON is 0-0 when starting against TEXAS with an ERA of 20.30 and a WHIP of 3.008.
His team's record is 1-0 (+1.4 units) in these starts. The OVER is 1-0. (+1.0 units)

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MINNESOTA (59 - 61) at BALTIMORE (62 - 57) - 7:05 PM
TYLER DUFFEY (R) vs. MIGUEL GONZALEZ (R)
Top Trends for this game.
BALTIMORE is 162-127 (+37.4 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
BALTIMORE is 83-65 (+14.0 Units) against the money line when the total is 8 to 8.5 over the last 2 seasons.
BALTIMORE is 39-22 (+13.2 Units) against the money line in home games this season.
BALTIMORE is 28-14 (+11.8 Units) against the money line at home when the total is 8 to 8.5 this season.
BALTIMORE is 29-16 (+12.5 Units) against the money line in August games over the last 2 seasons.
BALTIMORE is 38-21 (+13.1 Units) against the money line in home games in games played on a grass field this season.
BALTIMORE is 29-14 (+12.6 Units) against the money line in home games in night games this season.
BALTIMORE is 29-15 (+12.4 Units) against the money line in home games against right-handed starters this season.
BALTIMORE is 87-73 (+13.3 Units) against the money line after a win over the last 2 seasons.
BALTIMORE is 34-19 (+12.6 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record this season.
BALTIMORE is 36-16 (+18.8 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.
MINNESOTA is 59-61 (+8.2 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
MINNESOTA is 59-57 (+12.2 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
MINNESOTA is 33-33 (+7.0 Units) against the money line in night games this season.
MINNESOTA is 31-29 (+8.0 Units) against the money line after a loss this season.
MINNESOTA is 23-16 (+11.5 Units) against the money line after 3 or more consecutive losses over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
MINNESOTA is 3-0 (+3.5 Units) against BALTIMORE this season
1 of 2 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+0.0 Units)

TYLER DUFFEY vs. BALTIMORE since 1997
No recent starts.

MIGUEL GONZALEZ vs. MINNESOTA since 1997
GONZALEZ is 1-1 when starting against MINNESOTA with an ERA of 3.08 and a WHIP of 1.285.
His team's record is 1-1 (+0.0 units) in these starts. The OVER is 1-1. (+0.0 units)

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KANSAS CITY (73 - 46) at BOSTON (54 - 66) - 7:10 PM
DANNY DUFFY (L) vs. WADE MILEY (L)
Top Trends for this game.
KANSAS CITY is 73-46 (+24.7 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
KANSAS CITY is 29-19 (+13.2 Units) against the money line as a road underdog of +100 to +125 over the last 2 seasons.
KANSAS CITY is 31-26 (+7.2 Units) against the money line in road games this season.
KANSAS CITY is 31-14 (+15.0 Units) against the money line in August games over the last 2 seasons.
KANSAS CITY is 72-43 (+26.6 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
KANSAS CITY is 50-32 (+14.6 Units) against the money line in night games this season.
KANSAS CITY is 45-29 (+13.5 Units) against the money line after a win this season.
KANSAS CITY is 40-21 (+18.7 Units) against the money line after 3 or more consecutive wins over the last 2 seasons.
KANSAS CITY is 38-21 (+16.2 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record this season.
KANSAS CITY is 42-22 (+18.1 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.
DUFFY is 10-1 (+9.9 Units) against the money line in August games over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
BOSTON is 54-66 (-18.6 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
BOSTON is 615-555 (-79.9 Units) against the money line when the total is 9 to 9.5 since 1997.
BOSTON is 15-32 (-22.1 Units) against the money line at home with a money line of -100 to -125 over the last 2 seasons.
BOSTON is 65-78 (-32.7 Units) against the money line in home games over the last 2 seasons.
BOSTON is 26-32 (-15.2 Units) against the money line at home when the total is 9 to 9.5 over the last 2 seasons.
BOSTON is 47-60 (-21.0 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
BOSTON is 36-44 (-12.3 Units) against the money line in night games this season.
BOSTON is 13-21 (-10.0 Units) against the money line against left-handed starters this season.
BOSTON is 20-33 (-17.2 Units) against the money line after a win this season.
BOSTON is 20-32 (-14.7 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record this season.
BOSTON is 25-45 (-17.4 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.

Head-to-Head Series History
BOSTON is 2-1 (+1.0 Units) against KANSAS CITY this season
3 of 3 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+3.1 Units)

DANNY DUFFY vs. BOSTON since 1997
DUFFY is 0-2 when starting against BOSTON with an ERA of 5.22 and a WHIP of 1.790.
His team's record is 1-3 (-2.0 units) in these starts. The OVER is 2-2. (-0.1 units)

WADE MILEY vs. KANSAS CITY since 1997
MILEY is 2-1 when starting against KANSAS CITY with an ERA of 5.09 and a WHIP of 1.585.
His team's record is 2-1 (+1.0 units) in these starts. The OVER is 2-1. (+1.0 units)

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TAMPA BAY (59 - 61) at HOUSTON (66 - 55) - 8:10 PM
CHRIS ARCHER (R) vs. COLLIN MCHUGH (R)
Top Trends for this game.
TAMPA BAY is 136-146 (-31.5 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
TAMPA BAY is 51-59 (-19.5 Units) against the money line when the total is 7 or less over the last 2 seasons.
TAMPA BAY is 38-47 (-11.0 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.
TAMPA BAY is 67-76 (-17.3 Units) against the money line after a loss over the last 2 seasons.
HOUSTON is 66-55 (+5.0 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
HOUSTON is 42-20 (+16.0 Units) against the money line in home games this season.
HOUSTON is 66-49 (+11.4 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
HOUSTON is 31-15 (+11.3 Units) against the money line in home games in night games this season.
HOUSTON is 43-33 (+8.0 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.
HOUSTON is 68-67 (+10.1 Units) against the money line after a win over the last 2 seasons.
HOUSTON is 29-14 (+10.0 Units) against the money line in home games when playing against a team with a losing record this season.
MCHUGH is 28-18 (+10.5 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
TAMPA BAY is 4-2 (+2.7 Units) against HOUSTON this season
4 of 5 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+2.8 Units)

CHRIS ARCHER vs. HOUSTON since 1997
ARCHER is 2-1 when starting against HOUSTON with an ERA of 1.09 and a WHIP of 0.851.
His team's record is 3-1 (+1.6 units) in these starts. The OVER is 2-2. (+0.1 units)

COLLIN MCHUGH vs. TAMPA BAY since 1997
MCHUGH is 0-3 when starting against TAMPA BAY with an ERA of 3.00 and a WHIP of 1.111.
His team's record is 0-3 (-3.1 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 3-0. (+3.0 units)

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CHI WHITE SOX (55 - 63) at LA ANGELS (63 - 57) - 10:05 PM
JOSE QUINTANA (L) vs. NICK TROPEANO (R)
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

Head-to-Head Series History
CHI WHITE SOX is 3-3 (+0.2 Units) against LA ANGELS this season
4 of 6 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+2.0 Units)

JOSE QUINTANA vs. LA ANGELS since 1997
QUINTANA is 0-3 when starting against LA ANGELS with an ERA of 4.50 and a WHIP of 1.682.
His team's record is 1-3 (-1.7 units) in these starts. The OVER is 1-3. (-2.3 units)

NICK TROPEANO vs. CHI WHITE SOX since 1997
No recent starts.