The Bum's Sports Page For Friday August 21st Best Bets-Trends-News !

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Standings

EASTERN CONFERENCE

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

New York Liberty 17 7 0.708 0 8-3 9-4 9-5 8-2 W-1

Indiana Fever 15 9 0.625 2 8-4 7-5 9-7 7-3 W-4

Washington Mystics 15 9 0.625 2 9-4 6-5 8-8 7-3 W-2

Chicago Sky 15 11 0.577 3 10-3 5-8 10-6 5-5 L-1

Connecticut Sun 12 12 0.500 5 7-6 5-6 4-11 5-5 L-2

Atlanta Dream 9 15 0.375 8 6-6 3-9 5-8 3-7 W-1

WESTERN CONFERENCE

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

Minnesota Lynx 18 8 0.692 0 10-3 8-5 13-4 6-4 L-2

Phoenix Mercury 15 10 0.600 2 10-3 5-7 12-4 6-4 L-2

Tulsa Shock 12 14 0.462 6 7-5 5-9 7-10 2-8 W-2

Los Angeles Sparks 8 17 0.320 9 6-8 2-9 6-10 5-5 L-1

San Antonio Stars 7 19 0.269 11 7-6 0-13 5-10 3-7 L-3

Seattle Storm 7 19 0.269 11 5-6 2-13 6-11 3-7 W-1

Updated Fri Aug 21 11:37 AM EDT

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CFL

Dunkel

Week 9

Hamilton @ Edmonton

Game 293-294
August 21, 2015 @ 9:00 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Hamilton
111.463
Edmonton
116.436
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Edmonton
by 5
45
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Hamilton
by 2 1/2
50
Dunkel Pick:
Edmonton
(+2 1/2); Under

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CFL

Long Sheet


Friday, August 21

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HAMILTON (5 - 2) at EDMONTON (5 - 2) - 8/21/2015, 9:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
EDMONTON is 17-8 ATS (+8.2 Units) in games played on turf over the last 2 seasons.
HAMILTON is 10-2 ATS (+7.8 Units) in road games when playing on a Friday over the last 3 seasons.
HAMILTON is 12-3 ATS (+8.7 Units) in road games when playing with 6 or less days rest over the last 3 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
HAMILTON is 2-1 against the spread versus EDMONTON over the last 3 seasons
EDMONTON is 2-2 straight up against HAMILTON over the last 3 seasons
3 of 4 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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CFL

Week 9

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Trend Report
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Friday, August 21

9:00 PM
HAMILTON vs. EDMONTON
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Hamilton's last 6 games when playing on the road against Edmonton
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Hamilton's last 5 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Edmonton's last 6 games when playing Hamilton
Edmonton is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games


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CFL

Friday, August 21

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Game of the day: Tiger-Cats at Eskimos
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Hamilton quarterback Zach Collaros completed 19-of-23 passes for 290 yards and four touchdowns against the Lions in Week 8.

Hamilton Tiger-Cats at Edmonton Eskimos (+2, 50)

The Hamilton Tiger-Cats try to extend their winning streak to five games when they travel to Edmonton to tangle with the Eskimos on Friday. The Tiger-Cats have scored at least 31 points in each of their last four victories, including an impressive 52-22 win over the BC Lions, and have reached 52 twice this season.

Hamilton's defence has recorded six interception returns for touchdowns - one off the CFL record set by Toronto in 2006 - and has eight scores overall as it hopes to shut down Edmonton and move into sole possession of first place in the East Division. The Eskimos have a stout defence of their own as they racked up a season-high eight sacks in the 15-12 victory over the Montreal Alouettes in Week 8. Edmonton quarterback Matt Nichols has been given the green light to play Friday after a big hit sent him to the sidelines late in the third quarter to undergo concussion protocol testing. The Eskimos have won all three of their home games this season and their last seven overall at Commonwealth Stadium as they hope to pull ahead of the Calgary Stampeders in the race for first place in the West Division.

TV: 9 p.m. ET, TSN

LINE HISTORY: The Eskies opened as 2.5-point favorites but were quickly moved to -2. The total has remained at 50 since open.

INJURY REPORT: Tiger-Cats - DT Drake Nevis (Ques-Undisclosed), OL Landon Rice (Ques-Undisclosed), OL Brian Simmons (Ques-Undisclosed) Eskimos - SB Adarius Bowman (Ques-Lower Body)

ABOUT THE TIGER-CATS (5-2): Zach Collaros was named one of the CFL Top Performers of the Week after he completed 19-of-23 passes for 290 yards and four touchdowns against the Lions. Defensive end Eric Norwood also garnered honours from the league after recording four tackles, a sack, a forced fumble and a defensive touchdown in Week 8. Hamilton wide receiver Bakari Grant, who leads the team with four touchdown receptions, missed last week's game with an undisclosed injury and is doubtful after missing practice Monday.

ABOUT THE ESKIMOS (5-2): Nichols was limited to 15-of-24 passing with two interceptions before making way for James Franklin, who finished 9-of-13 for 144 yards, and led Edmonton on the game-winning field goal drive in the final minute. Adarius Bowman, who has caught 28 passes for 400 yards and three touchdowns, returned to practice after sitting out last week's game with a hip injury and is expected to suit up against the Tiger-Cats. "I call it the game of the year," Bowman told reporters. "I think our guys understand the challenge at hand and are going to show up."

TRENDS:

* Tiger-Cats are 13-3 ATS in their last 16 games overall.
* Eskimos are 8-0 ATS in their last 8 home games.
* Under is 7-2 in Tiger-Cats last 9 vs. a team with a winning record.
* Under is 6-1 in Eskimos last 7 home games.

CONSENSUS: 54 percent of users are backing the Ti-Cats and 51 percent on the under.

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CFL

Friday, August 21


Tiger-Cats are a hot bet away from home

Dating back to the end of the 2014 season, the Hamilton Tiger-Cats have posted a record of 8-1 against the spread in their last nine games away from home.

The Tabbies began the season with four-straight games on the road and went 3-1 ATS in that stretch. Hamilton played three games at home (3-0 ATS) before heading back out on the road for its Week 9 date with the Edmonton Eskimos.

At present, the Ti-Cats are 2.5-point road favorites for the game.

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2015 Regular Season Standings

West Division

GP W L T PTS F A HOME AWAY DIV STREAK

Calgary 7 5 2 0 10 185 151 5 - 0 - 0 0 - 2 - 0 1 - 0 - 0 W2

Edmonton 7 5 2 0 10 180 101 3 - 0 - 0 2 - 2 - 0 2 - 1 - 0 W1

Winnipeg 8 3 5 0 6 160 237 2 - 2 - 0 1 - 3 - 0 2 - 2 - 0 L2

BC 8 3 5 0 6 179 234 2 - 2 - 0 1 - 3 - 0 3 - 1 - 0 L2

Saskatchewan 7 0 7 0 0 174 225 0 - 4 - 0 0 - 3 - 0 0 - 4 - 0 L7


East Division

GP W L T PTS F A HOME AWAY DIV STREAK

Hamilton 7 5 2 0 10 243 136 3 - 0 - 0 2 - 2 - 0 1 - 1 - 0 W4

Toronto 7 5 2 0 10 193 183 2 - 0 - 0 3 - 2 - 0 0 - 1 - 0 W2

Ottawa 7 4 3 0 8 134 198 3 - 1 - 0 1 - 2 - 0 2 - 0 - 0 L1

Montreal 8 3 5 0 6 165 148 2 - 2 - 0 1 - 3 - 0 1 - 2 - 0 W1

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Friday's Preseason Tips

August 20, 2015

Week 2 of the preseason began on Thursday night with a pair of low-scoring games as the Redskins and Bills each picked up victories. Washington rallied past Detroit, 21-17, while Buffalo edged Cleveland on the road, 11-10. Home teams own a 12-6 straight-up and against the spread mark in the preseason, while the ‘under’ sits at 10-8-1.

Falcons at Jets (-1 ½, 39) – 7:30 PM EST

Atlanta
Head Coach: Dan Quinn (1-0 SU, 1-0 ATS in preseason)
Quarterback Rotation: Matt Ryan, T.J. Yates, Sean Renfree

The Falcons jumped out to a 17-0 lead over the Titans last Friday before Tennessee rallied to tie things up 24-24. Atlanta scored the go-ahead touchdown with 7:35 left in the fourth quarter to beat Tennessee, 31-24, while cashing as 2 ½-point favorites. The rushing game struggled to muster up 69 yards on 32 carries, but Matt Ryan looked sharp by completing all six passes for 86 yards and a touchdown.

Atlanta has dropped five consecutive Game 2’s of the preseason dating back to 2010, including three losses away from the Georgia Dome. The Falcons cashed the ‘under’ in all four preseason contests in 2014, but easily finished ‘over’ the total against the Titans. This is the first time the Falcons and Jets are hooking up in the preseason since 2007, when New York rolled to a 31-16 home victory.

New York
Head Coach: Todd Bowles (0-1 SU, 0-1 ATS in preseason)
Quarterback Rotation: Ryan Fitzpatrick, Bryce Petty (Rookie), Jake Heaps (Rookie)

The Jets didn’t exactly impress anybody in their preseason opener, getting steamrolled by the Lions, 23-3 as four-point road underdogs. Nothing went right for New York, who got outgained 428-123, while Ryan Fitzpatrick’s Jets’ debut was less than memorable, throwing for 16 yards on 2-of-3 passing.

New York has failed to cover in four of its previous five exhibition contests, but the Jets have won three of their past four preseason games at Met Life Stadium. The ‘over’ is 7-2 in New York’s last nine preseason contests since 2013, including a 3-1 mark at home.

Seahawks at Chiefs (-3, 40 ½) – 8:00 PM EST

Seattle
Head Coach: Pete Carroll (23-15 SU, 25-12-1 ATS in preseason)
Quarterback Rotation: Russell Wilson, Tarvaris Jackson, R.J. Archer

The Seahawks entered the preseason with seven consecutive exhibition wins at Qwest Field since 2011, but Seattle was tripped up last Friday by Denver, 22-20. Tyler Lockett provided one of Seattle’s two touchdowns by returning a kickoff 103 yards, while third-string quarterback R.J. Archer threw a touchdown pass late in the fourth quarter. The Seahawks racked up just 181 yards, as the defending NFC champions fell to 2-3 ATS in their last five preseason games as a favorite.

Last season, Seattle lost both road games in the preseason, but the Seahawks have still thrived with a 10-3 SU/ATS record in exhibition play since 2012.

Kansas City
Head Coach: Andy Reid (29-36 SU, 28-33-4 ATS in preseason)
Quarterback Rotation: Alex Smith, Chase Daniel, Aaron Murray, Tyler Bray

The Chiefs overcame a 10-0 deficit to knock off the Cardinals, 34-19 in Glendale, as Chase Daniel tossed three touchdown passes in the win. Jamaal Charles sat out for Kansas City, but the Chiefs’ ground game dominated for 143 yards rushing, including a touchdown run by Darrin Reaves.

Kansas City didn’t show much in the 2014 preseason by posting a 1-3 mark, but the Chiefs have been involved in high-scoring affairs by cashing the ‘over’ in four of the last five exhibition contests. The Chiefs are riding an amazing 10-game losing streak in the second game of the preseason dating back to 2005, while not starting 2-0 in the preseason since 2002.

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At the Gate - Friday

August 21, 2015

Friday’s feature at Saratoga is the $100,000 Schenectady for two-year-olds New York breds going 5 ½ furlongs on the grass. Eight were entered, but Laxfield Road will scratch and Sheikh of Sheikhs is a main track only entrant so we will likely see a compact field of six go to the post.

The Wesley Ward trained Bruised Orange is the 5-2 morning line favorite. Ward has won just three races from his 40 starters so far at the meeting.

The filly broke her maiden in her debut at Keeneland on the main track back in April, then made a trip to Royal Ascot where she was not a threat in a 12th place finish in the Queen Mary Stakes (G2) on June 17.

It looks as if we might catch a bit more value with the Christophe Clement trained Too Discreet, who went gate to wire as the betting favorite to break his maiden in his debut here on Aug. 2. The well-bred colt is 7-2 on the morning line with Joel Rosario in the irons.

We have a big day coming up at the Spa on Saturday with the $600,000 Alabama (G1) the featured race of the day.

The top four finishers of the Coaching Club American Oaks (G1) will renew acquaintances. The race was won by Curalina, who was placed first via the disqualification of I’m a Chatterbox, who caused interference in the stretch.

Also in the race is Kentucky Oaks (G1) winner Lovely Maria, who is looking to bounce back off a dull fifth place finish in the Delaware Oaks (G3) as the beaten chalk.

Her trainer Larry Jones said a virus had gone through his barn around that time, which might explain the poor outing. She had landed in the exacta in seven of her first eight starts and is a two-time Grade 1 winner taking the Ashland at Keeneland in April.

Here is today’s opening race from Saratoga to get the day off to a good start:

SAR Race 1 Clm $25,000N2L (1:00 ET)
3 Surfspun 1-1
1 Stoney Soprano 10-1
2 Call Daddy 2-1
6 Subcontractor 12-1

Analysis: Surfspun pressed the early pace and could not go with the top pair late in a third place finish versus $50,000 starter allowance foes last out. Two back he was beaten a neck by repeat winner Forever Utopia, who beat state bred Alw-1 foes in his next outing. His last pair of speed figs are tops in here as he looks well spotted here facing $25,000 non-winners of two. The main knock is the light price..

Stoney Soprano makes his first start since breaking his maiden in his debut back in May. He comes back as a gelding for the Contessa barn that is 10% winners with runners coming back off a 61-180 day layoff. He has a couple of good works on the morning tab and he looks as if he may have more upside than the two betting favorites who are a combined 2 for 22.

Wagering
WIN: #3 to win at 6-5 or better.
EX: 1,3 / 1,2,3
TRI: no play

Today’s Featured Race of the Day from Saratoga:

SAR Race 9 The Schenectady (5:29 ET)
1 Too Discreet 7-2
4 Montauk Cove 8-1
7 Bruised Orange 5-2
5 Don't Be So Salty 4-1

Analysis: Too Discreet took the field gate to wire to break his maiden in his debut for the Clement barn. The colt took action, sent off at even money in a field of eight. The speed fig is coming up on the light side but looking for this guy to move forward off his unveiling. He has a nice pedigree, out of the stakes winner To Marquet ($198,236) who has dropped three other turf winners including multiple turf stakes winner Discreet Marq ($1.2 million).

Montauk Cove broke his maiden two back on Tapeta and last out in the Tyro in his turf debut had a terrible trip. He was boxed in lacking room in the stretch and had to check inside the final furlong. He is out of an Awad mare that has dropped four other winners including one turf winner. Linda Rice's nephew Adam is perfect with two starts at the meeting.

Wagering
WIN: #1 to win at 5-2 or better.
EX: 1,4 / 1,4,7
TRI: no play

Live Longshots:
These are price plays for exotic players looking to find a couple of extra contenders to use in their trifecta and superfecta wagers. Or for those with smaller bankrolls, you might want to get in a small win-place wager.

Belmont Park
R1: #1 Stoney Soprano 10-1
R1: #6 Subcontractor 12-1
R2: #7 La Inesperada 10-1
R3: #5 Bella Veloce 8-1
R4: #6 Sister Superior 12-1
R5: #6 Latigo Trail 12-1
R6: #6 Prospector’s Moon 8-1
R8: #1 Non Stop 12-1
R9: #4 Montauk 8-1

Good luck today!

[StarDust Bum]

Irwin Tools Night Race

August 20, 2015

It’s time for some short track racing on the high banks of Bristol Motor Speedway, and while I may not like the layout which changed in 2007 to allow multiple grooves on the track, it’s still short track racing at high speeds.

Something always seems to happen that excites, and it usually comes from drivers getting in post-race arguments. It would probably smarter to watch the final 20 laps and wait for the fireworks to occur, but you have to get that entire story of what’s happening in the race.

You have to feel the emotions, like the high of Kevin Harvick leading 184 laps in the spring Bristol race looking to win his third win of the season and first at Bristol since 2005. He was third at the time when Jimmie Johnson, Jeb Burton and David Ragan all spun out in front of him and relegated him to 38th-place finish.

There actually wasn’t any real fun scuffles after the race, but you thought there might be some words. Harvick’s the defending Sprint Cup champion. He had the swagger of winning twice already and finishing in the top-two in six of seven races prior. And just like that, Bristol took him out, failing to see that he was the master on the planet.

In the old days, before the progressive banking, the battle for bottom around the track was everything and it created drama. Now they just kind of go around in circles in two jam packed lanes. But I still like it. No, I love it. Night racing in Bristol, where the sponsor colors on all these cars look the brightest and best among all tracks.

Now, back to Harvick. I don’t want to say his swagger is gone, even though he hasn’t won since Phoenix, but I do think he’s feeling some pressure from Joe Gibbs Racing. He knows these guys are peaking at the right time now. And while Harvick is still running well, the other guys may have passed him with not only better cars, but also momentum.

The Gibbs cars couldn’t get the right package together to start the year, but they’ve got something working now while winning six of the past eight races. Kyle Busch was the entire talk of July with four wins in five races, then Matt Kenseth came along to win two of the past three. Denny Hamlin and Carl Edwards haven’t been as strong over that span, but they’re getting close.

The think about Kyle Busch and Matt Kenseth this week is they should be be considered co-favorites to win, which is a big statement because Harvick has been that ‘it’ guy favored in almost every race other than the roads and restrictor-plates.

Kenseth won the April race to give him four for his career. He’s won twice each on the old and new layouts. Equally tough and respected at the same time, which gives him kind of edge. He uses that nice thing well and doesn’t get too many cheap shots on him. In short confined areas like Bristol, you don’t want to give anyone and excuse to punt you because it’s so easy.

Kyle Busch has five wins, but none since 2011. The five wins tie him with Jeff Gordon and Kurt Busch for the most among active drivers. Gordon, still searching for that first win on 2015, hasn’t won at Bristol since 2002.

I think we’re going to see all four Gibbs car run well, with Kyle Busch and Kenseth leading the parade again. Edwards has always been good at Bristol with three wins and Hamlin has a 2012 win.

Jimmie Johnson only has one Bristol win (2010), but has finished fourth or better in past two starts, including runner-up in April. Brad Keselowski has two wins, the last coming in 2012. He was runner-up last fall.

I’m not going to recommend a wager on Ricky Stenhouse Jr. at 100/1 odds, but I couldn’t fault anyone for taking a shot with him in match-ups or the daily fantasy stuff. He’s been sixth or better in his past three Bristol starts. It’s obvious he likes this track and he also has some confidence.

And even though Roush Fenway Racing has been garbage lately, they always been good at Bristol for whatever reason. Kurt Busch, Edwards and Kenseth continually rocked this place for the organization.

Top-5 Finish Prediction

1) #18 Kyle Busch (6/1)
2) #20 Matt Kenseth (6/1)
3) #11 Denny Hamlin (12/1)
4) #4 Kevin Harvick (7/1)
5) #48 Jimmie Johnson (10/1)

[StarDust Bum]

Former NFL cheerleader sentenced to probation for rape

August 21, 2015

GEORGETOWN, Del. (AP) Former Baltimore Ravens cheerleader Molly Shattuck was sentenced Friday to two years of probation after pleading guilty to raping a 15-year-old boy at a vacation rental home in Delaware.

The 48-year-old collapsed to her knees in the courtroom after she was sentenced and wept as she apologized. Shattuck, who received a suspended 15-year prison sentence, must report every other weekend to a probation center in Delaware, register as a sex offender and continue therapy. The teen's parents said Shattuck stole their son's innocence and urged the judge to send her to prison to send a message to potential pedophiles.

''At the end of the day, there's nothing that we can do to take this pain away from him,'' the teen's father said. The Associated Press is not naming the parents to avoid identifying the teen. The AP generally does not name victims of sexual assault.

Shattuck pleaded guilty in June to one felony count of fourth-degree rape. She entered the plea just days before her scheduled trial on two counts of the more serious charge of third-degree rape, four counts of unlawful sexual contact, and three counts of providing alcohol to minors.

The teen, a classmate of one of Shattuck's children at the McDonogh School in Owings Mills, Maryland, told police last September that Shattuck began an inappropriate relationship with him near Baltimore, and that it culminated with sexual activity at a vacation rental home in Bethany Beach over Labor Day weekend.

The indictment alleged that Shattuck provided alcohol to three boys under the legal drinking age on Aug. 30 and Aug. 31 of last year and that she had sexual contact with one boy on or about Aug. 31.

Shattuck was divorced in November from Mayo Shattuck, former CEO of Baltimore-based Constellation Energy Nuclear Group and current chairman of Chicago-based Exelon Corp. Exelon, which has electric and gas utilities in Maryland, Illinois, and Pennsylvania, now owns Constellation.

In 2005, Shattuck became the oldest NFL cheerleader in history up to that time, when the Ravens selected her for the squad on her first tryout. She cheered for two years and was a part-time coach for six more years.

Shattuck also has worked as a fitness consultant and advocate, publishing a book called ''Vibrant Living'' last year.

After her arrest, Shattuck resigned as a board member of the Baltimore School for the Arts, a public high school.

Shattuck apologized to the teen, who was not in court Friday, and his parents.

''I take full responsibility for what I did. I never, ever, ever intended, obviously, to hurt anybody,'' Shattuck said. ''I will spend the rest of my life making this right.''

Both Shattuck's attorney and the judge noted that she had been publically humiliated.

''The press has reveled in her fall from prominence in the Baltimore area,'' attorney Eugene Maurer said. ''At her core ... she is a caring, empathetic, good and decent person.''

Prosecutor John Donahue and the teen's father said Shattuck groomed the teen over several months.

''This was not a momentary lapse in judgment. She groomed him, seduced him, supplied him with alcohol, then took advantage of him, all for her own gratification,'' Donahue said.

[StarDust Bum]

BC-AP Sports Preview ******

August 21, 2015

Some of the sports stories The Associated Press is covering Friday. A full Sports ****** will be sent about 3 p.m. All times EDT:

- GREENSBORO, N.C. - Tiger Woods looks to stay in contention for the victory that will put him in golf's postseason during the second round of the Wyndham Championship. UPCOMING: 700 words, photos by 7:30 p.m.

- BEIJING - His sport under siege, the president of the IAAF dismissed the notion that track and field's credibility has been compromised by a storm of doping allegations. He called it ''ridiculous'' to suggest the federation has ever swept evidence of positive tests under the rug. SENT: 950 words, photos.

- COLUMBUS, Ohio - Ohio State coach Urban Meyer plans to embrace the grind of trying to win consecutive national championships while also appreciating the success he's having. 900 words, photos by 2 p.m.

- ANAHEIM, Calif. - David Price goes for his third victory in four starts since joining the Blue Jays when they open a three-game series against the Angels. UPCOMING: 700 words, photos. Starts 10 p.m.

- EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. - Matt Ryan and Atlanta's starting offense had an impressive exhibition opener, and now face Darrelle Revis and the New York Jets' improved defense. UPCOMING: 700 words, photos. Starts 7:30 p.m.

- CLEVELAND - Browns coach Mike Pettine didn't want to ''stir up'' a quarterback. However, he may already have one after Josh McCown threw two interceptions and Johnny Manziel threw a TD pass in a loss to the Bills. UPCOMING: 600 words, photos.

- WILLIAMSPORT, Pa. - All 16 teams play in the Little League World Series: UPCOMING: 750 words, photos after sixth game, about 8.p.m. UPCOMING: 150 words on each of eight games: Uganda-Dominican Republic (10 a.m.); Texas-Oregon (11 a.m.); Venezuela-Australia (1 p.m.); Kentucky-California (2 p.m.); Canada-Mexico (4 p.m.); South Carolina-Rhode Island (5 p.m.); Taiwan-Japan (7 p.m.); Pennsylvania-Missouri (8 p.m.).

- MASON, Ohio - Top seeds Novak Djokovic and Serena Williams open the quarterfinals at the Western & Southern Open. UPCOMING: 600 words by 4 p.m. ET. Federer plays evening match at 7 p.m.

- BRISTOL Tenn. - Clint Bowyer won't reveal where he's headed now that he's got his release from Michael Waltrip Racing, which will cease operations at the end of the season. UPCOMING. 700 words, photos by 1 p.m.

- LONG POND, Pa. - Juan Pablo Montoya holds the points lead with two races left in the IndyCar season heading in to Pocono. UPCOMING. 800 words, photos by 5 p.m.

- OLYMPIA FIELDS, Ill. - A month after sharing the 54-hole lead in the British Open, Ireland's Paul Dunne faces NCAA champion Bryson DeChambeau of SMU in the U.S. Amateur quarterfinals. UPCOMING: 500 words by 8 p.m.

- COQUITLAM, British Columbia - France's Karine Icher takes a two-stroke lead over two-time champion Lydia Ko into the second round of the Canadian Pacific Women's Open. UPCOMING: 500 words, photos by 11 p.m.

- SNQOUALMIE, Wash. - Fred Couples, Jeff Maggert and Bernhard Langer are the featured group in the first round of the Boeing Classic. UPCOMING: 500 words by 10 p.m.

[StarDust Bum]

NFL Preseason Capsules

August 20, 2015

LANDOVER, Md. (AP) With zero help from his offensive line, Robert Griffin III repeatedly wound up on the turf until leaving with a concussion after being sacked three times and fumbling twice Thursday night in the Washington Redskins' 21-17 exhibition victory over the Detroit Lions.

Griffin went 2 for 5 for 8 yards on four possessions for Washington (2-0). On his final play, early in the second quarter, he started to scramble but dropped the ball despite no contact. As the quarterback went to the ground to try to corral the loose ball, Lions defensive end Corey Wootton landed on Griffin.

Redskins coach Jay Gruden said Griffin had a concussion but that the QB's right shoulder, which also was hurt, would be OK. Gruden said he had ''no idea'' how long Griffin will be sidelined. The coach added he ''would imagine, depending how long'' Griffin is out, ''he's still going to be our starter.''

For Detroit (1-1), Matthew Stafford looked good, going 6 of 8 for 78 yards and leading one scoring drive that ended with Matt Prater's 49-yard field goal.

When Griffin got hurt, he stayed down on the field for about 5 minutes and was tended to by trainers, while some teammates kneeled nearby. When Griffin eventually rose, he slowly stepped to the sideline, then kept going until he left the field and entered the tunnel that leads to the Redskins' locker room. Griffin gave a thumb's up to spectators as he trudged away.

The 2012 NFL Offensive Player of the Year's career has been marked by injuries and, the past two seasons, benchings.

BILLS 11, BROWNS 10

CLEVELAND (AP) - Johnny Manziel threw a touchdown pass and maybe closed the gap on Browns presumed starting quarterback Josh McCown in Cleveland's loss to Buffalo.

Buffalo's EJ Manuel, attempting to beat out Matt Cassel and Tyrod Taylor for the starting job, threw a 14-yard TD pass to Andre Davis with 1:31 left. He then connected with rookie Bronson Hill for the 2-point conversion to complete a late rally by the Bills (1-1).

Manziel had one last chance, but he couldn't pull off any magic as the Browns (0-2) dropped their second straight exhibition at home.

Manziel connected with rookie Shane Wynn on a 21-yard TD pass in the fourth quarter. Playing against Buffalo's backups, Manziel finished 10 of 18 for 118 yards and made one of those Johnny Football plays that made him an electrifying college star.

[StarDust Bum]

Thursday's Sports In Brief

August 21, 2015

NFL

LANDOVER, Md. (AP) After watching Robert Griffin III get knocked around for three possessions, Washington Redskins coach Jay Gruden sent his starting quarterback back out for a fourth. That one ended with consecutive sacks and Griffin leaving with a concussion.

Griffin was hurt early in the second quarter of Washington's 21-17 exhibition victory over the Detroit Lions when he fumbled the ball without contact while scrambling, then got landed on by defensive end Corey Wooton.

Gruden said he had ''no idea'' how long the 2012 NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year would be sidelined. As for who would start Washington's next preseason game, Aug. 29 at Baltimore, Gruden said: ''We'll have to see. I would imagine, depending how long he's out, he's still going to be our starter.''

Griffin also got a stinger in his right shoulder, but Gruden said that should be OK.

NEW YORK (AP) - New York Jets offensive lineman Oday Aboushi was suspended one game without pay by the NFL for violating the league's substance abuse policy.

Aboushi, entering his third NFL season, will be eligible to return to the Jets' active roster on Sept. 14, a day after the team's regular-season opener against the Cleveland Browns. He can participate in all preseason practices and games.

GOLF

GREENSBORO, N.C. (AP) - Tiger Woods had his best round in more than two years, shooting a 6-under 64 in the first round of the Wyndham Championship.

Two-time heart transplant recipient Erik Compton, William McGirt and Tom Hoge shared the first-round lead at 62 in the PGA Tour's regular-season finale.

Morgan Hoffman, Jim Herman and Derek Ernst followed at 63, and Martin Kaymer, Davis Love III and Carl Pettersson joined Woods at 64s. It was Woods' lowest score on the PGA Tour since a 61 in the second round of the WGC-Bridgestone Invitational in 2013.

The players took advantage of good scoring conditions after morning showers softened the fairways and greens at Donald Ross-designed Sedgefield Country Club.

Woods set the tone by holing a 54-foot chip shot on his first hole, the par-4 10th, for the first of his seven birdies. Coming off a missed cut last week in the PGA Championship, he is 187th on the FedEx Cup points list and probably needs a win to move into the top 125 and earn a playoff spot.

COQUITLAM, British Columbia (AP) - Karine Icher had six birdies in a seven-hole stretch and shot a 7-under 65 to take the first-round lead in the Canadian Pacific Women's Open.

The 36-year-old Frenchwoman, winless in 253 career LPGA Tour starts, birdied Nos. 2, 5-6 and 8-11 at Vancouver Golf Club, then closed the bogey-free round with seven pars.

Two-time champion Lydia Ko was second after a 67. Stacy Lewis, I.K. Kim, Danah Bordner and Pernilla Lindberg shot 68.

Canadian teen Brooke Henderson, coming off a victory Sunday in the Portland Classic, opened with a 70.

BASEBALL

NEW YORK (AP) - Chase Utley's acquisition put the Los Angeles Dodgers close to becoming the first baseball team with a $300 million luxury-tax payroll.

The trade Wednesday that sent the six-time All-Star second baseman from Philadelphia to the NL West leaders raised the Dodgers' projected payroll for tax purposes to about $298.5 million, according to calculations by Major League Baseball. Performance bonuses for other players and end-of-season award bonuses could make the Dodgers the first team to reach the $300 million mark.

Luxury tax payrolls are based average annual values of contracts for the 40-man roster and include about $13 million per team in benefits, such as the health and pension plan, and payroll, unemployment and Social Security taxes paid by clubs.

Los Angeles is well above the $189 million tax threshold and will pay at a 40 percent rate for exceeding the mark for the third straight year. Its projected tax bill is about $44 million, which would top the record $34 million paid by the New York Yankees after the 2005 season.

The Dodgers' luxury tax payroll includes about $40 million for players no longer with the organization.

NBA

CLEVELAND (AP) - J.R. Smith looked around and realized there was no place like Cleveland.

The free-wheeling and enigmatic shooter has agreed to re-sign with the Cavaliers, a person familiar with the decision told the Associated Press. Smith, who declined his $6.8 million player option shortly after the season, considered other options before returning to Cleveland, said the person who spoke on condition of anonymity because the contract has not yet been signed.

Smith came to the Cavs along with Iman Shumpert in a trade with the New York Knicks last season. Smith averaged 12.7 points in 46 regular-season games with Cleveland, and seemed to fit in nicely as well as bond with star LeBron James.

TORONTO (AP) - The Toronto Raptors have signed center Jonas Valanciunas to a four-year contract extension.

The Raptors and Valanciunas announced the deal. A person with knowledge of the deal told The Associated Press it is worth $64 million. The person requested anonymity because the team is not publicly announcing the terms, which were first reported by Yahoo Sports.

Valanciunas averaged a career-high 12 points last season and finished second to Los Angeles Clippers center DeAndre Jordan with a .572 field goal percentage. Valanciunas led the Raptors with 22 double-doubles, and his 8.7 rebounds per game were a team high.

TENNIS

MASON, Ohio (AP) - Novak Djokovic smacked his racket on the court after losing serve, seemingly headed for another unexplainable loss at a tournament that has eluded him. In the end, he stopped fuming and started playing like the best.

The top-ranked Serb rallied from a 3-0 deficit in the final set to a 6-4, 2-6, 6-3 victory over David Goffin, reaching the quarterfinals of the Western & Southern Open.

Third-seeded Andy Murray also needed a late surge. He recovered from a 5-2 deficit in the third set, survived a match point, and pulled out a 4-6, 7-6 (3), 7-5 victory over Grigor Dimitrov in a match that lasted 2 hours, 58 minutes.

Serena Williams moved on to the quarterfinals as well, losing only two games in her lopsided match. She's the tournament's defending champion.

Djokovic has never won Cincinnati. He's trying to become the first player to win all nine ATP Masters events in a career.

[StarDust Bum]

Dodgers, Astros square off

August 21, 2015


LOS ANGELES DODGERS (67-53) at HOUSTON ASTROS (66-56)

Sportsbook.ag Line: Houston -122, Los Angeles +112, Total: 8

Two divisional leaders, the Los Angeles Dodgers and Houston Astros, go head-to-head in an interleague matchup this Friday night.

The Dodgers have been able to hold off the Giants in the NL West up to this point and come into this contest 2.5-games ahead of them in the division. They have gone 5-3 in their last eight games, dominating the likes of Washington and Cincinnati in that time, but were unable to get a win over two attempts in Oakland most recently. On Wednesday they were outscored 5-2 by the Athletics as the Los Angeles offense managed a mere two hits; both going for extra bases. All season long, 3B Justin Turner (.312) has been one of the team’s best hitters, but since returning from a DL stint is just 4-for-22 (.182) with a pair of strikeouts.

After briefly losing their hold on the AL West, the Astros have stormed back into first place with victories in five of their last eight games. In that time they won three contests by a single run and went into extra innings three times; two of which they won. Their 1-0 loss against the Rays on Thursday night put the teams at 2-2 over the four-game set as the Astros offense was held to one hit in the pitcher’s duel. SS Carlos Correa (.283) has been huge for this club despite being just 20-years-old and already has double-digit homers (15) and stolen bases (10) in his 63 big league games.

The pitching matchup for this contest pegs LHP Brett Anderson (7-7, 3.48 ERA) of the Dodgers up against RHP Mike Fiers (5-9, 3.87 ERA) of the host group. Playing on the road has certainly not been enjoyable for this Los Angeles crew as they are a meager 25-33 (.431) when away from home as Houston has managed a record of 42-21 (.667) when playing in front of its fans.

Since the Astros have moved to the American League, these teams seldom meet and have not seen each other at all in the past three seasons. Trends show that L.A. is 19-3 (.864) after a game where they had four or less hits over the past two seasons as they have gone a meager 2-7 (.222) when Anderson is pitching on five or six days rest this year. A couple of young, talented OFs could be out for this one as Yasiel Puig (Hamstring) is questionable for the visitors while George Springer (Wrist) is on the DL for Houston.

Anderson has had a successful and healthy season for the Dodgers in 2015 and has already started more games (23) than he did in the last three years combined. His talent was never really in question in the past, more just the health, so the solid effort this year is no surprise as he has kept his sinker down and forced batters to hit it on the ground an amazing 66.8% of the time. The ball has been put in play plenty against him as he is striking out a career-low 6.0 batters per nine innings while they are hitting .310 BABIP against him. The 27-year-old has had a quality start in seven of his last 10 outings and when he saw the Reds most recently, he went six innings with three runs allowed on six hits and struck out three (2 walks) in a winning effort.

His one opportunity to face the Astros came in 2013 and he did not disappoint, giving up two unearned runs on five hits with 10 strikeouts over six innings of work. Overall, the players on Houston who have seen Anderson are a combined 7-for-31 (.226) with 10 strikeouts as SS Jed Lowrie (3-for-12, 1 double) is the only player with double-digit at-bats.

The team’s bullpen has struggled, going 23-22 with a 4.20 ERA (1.31 WHIP) and is 32-for-50 (64%) in save opportunities. Kenley Jansen (2.48 ERA, 24 saves) has blown just one save this season and has struck out 59 batters in 32.2 innings (16.3 K/9).

Fiers was acquired by the Astros in order to increase the depth of their rotation and the 30-year-old has been unable to get a win in his first three starts with them despite giving up just one earned run in his last two outings (12 IP). He has continued to strikeout the opposition at a solid rate (9.1 K/9), but has seen his control drop to a career-worst 3.3 BB/9 in a season where he has at least 10 starts. The righty has reached career-highs in games (24) and innings pitched (135) this year and in that time has not been able to keep the ball from leaving the park as batters have gone yard 16 times (1.07 HR/9), a number that could rise in Minute Maid Park.

He’s had some success in his time (3 starts) against the Dodgers, going 2-1 with a 3.15 ERA (0.95 WHIP), but took a loss when they met earlier this year after giving up five runs on five hits with eight strikeouts (5 walks) over five frames. OF Andre Ethier has tagged him for four hits in six at-bats, getting two extra-base hits and a pair of RBI as both 1B Adrian Gonzalez (2-for-7) and OF Alex Guerrero (1-for-2) have gone deep against him. OFs Joc Pederson and Carl Crawford have not done well in limited at-bats against the righty, going a combined 0-for-5 with two strikeouts.

Much of Houston’s success this year has come from the improved ability of its relievers who have gone 23-19 with a 2.67 ERA (1.03 WHIP) and have been able to save 30-of-47 (64%) games. Luke Gregerson (3.00 ERA, 23 saves) has been solid since blowing consecutive games in mid-August and has not given up a hit with seven strikeouts (0 walks) over six scoreless innings since.

[StarDust Bum]

LEADING OFF: Bumgarner back at PNC Park, Miller tries again

August 21, 2015

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

BACK WHERE IT BEGAN

San Francisco ace Madison Bumgarner returns to the mound where his great 2014 postseason began when he starts vs. Pittsburgh at PNC Park. The lefty pitched a four-hit shutout in the NL wild-card game last October, and went on to become the World Series MVP as the Giants won their third crown in five years. Bumgarner is coming off his most dominant start of the season - he struck out 14 and shut out Washington on three hits, and also homered and doubled.

STREAK BREAKER?

Shelby Miller tries to end a streak of 16 straight starts without a win when he pitches for Atlanta against the Cubs at Wrigley Field. He is 0-8 during the drought, yet ranks among the NL leaders with a 2.43 ERA. An All-Star last month, he took a no-hit bid into the eighth inning of his previous start against Arizona. Once again, the Braves didn't score much for him.

BYRD FLIES

Marlon Byrd joins the Giants in Pittsburgh, a day after they got him in a trade from Cincinnati. This will be Byrd's seventh team since 2012. The 37-year-old hopes to provide a boost to a banged-up infield - he hit .237 with 19 home runs and 42 RBIs in 96 games with the Reds.

GETTING CLOSE

Royals left fielder Alex Gordon is scheduled to join Triple-A Omaha this weekend and start a rehab assignment as he returns from a groin strain that has kept him out since early July. He said the plan is to start as the designated hitter and alternate games with limited time in the outfield.

STEPPING UP

Phillies right-hander Jerad Eickhoff makes his major league debut at Miami. He was one of six players Philadelphia got from Texas in the trade deadline deal for Cole Hamels. Eickhoff is 12-5 with a 3.85 ERA in 22 starts with three minor league teams this year.

[StarDust Bum]

CFL

Team Open Line Movements Current Moneyline Halftime Scores

9:05 PM EDT

293 HAMILTON TIGERCATS -2.5 -2.5 / -2 -2 -15 -135
294 EDMONTON ESKIMOS 50 49.5u13 / 49 / 48.5 48 +115

EDM-QB-Mike Reilly-OUT | TV: ESPN3.com


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


CFL Consensus Picks

SIDES (ATS)

Time Away Line Picks Pct Home Line Picks Pct Detail Odds

9:00 PM Hamilton -2 462 52.92% Edmonton +2 411 47.08% View View


TOTALS (OVER/UNDER)

Time Away Total Over Pct Home Total Under Pct Detail Odds

9:00 PM Hamilton 49 371 48.50% Edmonton 49 394 51.50% View View

[StarDust Bum]

WNBA

08/21/2015


Team Open Line Movements Current Moneyline Halftime Scores

7:35 PM EDT

601 ATLANTA DREAM 156u07 156u07 / 155 154.5 +430
602 NEW YORK LIBERTY -11 -05 -9 -15 / -9 -21 / -9.5 -10 -560

TV: NBA, DTV: 216

8:05 PM EDT

603 CONNECTICUT SUN 155o07 155o07 / 154.5 155 +210
604 TULSA SHOCK -4 -05 -4 / -5 / -5.5 -5.5 -05 -250

CON-F-Chiney Ogwumike-OUT | Tul-G-Skylar Diggins-OUT | Tul-F-Glory Johnson-OUT

8:05 PM EDT

605 MINNESOTA LYNX -9 -05 -8.5 -05 / -8.5 / -8 -8 -05 -375
606 SA STARS 148.5o05 149.5 / 149 / 150.5 150 +305

MIN-G-Seimone Augustus-?

8:35 PM EDT

607 WASHINGTON MYSTICS 153.5o05 155.5 / 154.5 / 154 154.5 +200
608 CHICAGO SKY -5 -05 -5.5 / -5.5 -15 / -5.5 -05 -5 -15 -240

10:05 PM EDT

609 INDIANA FEVER -5 -03 -5 -03 / -5 -5 -15 -215
610 SEATTLE STORM 150.5o05 149.5 / 150.5 / 151 151.5 +180

10:05 PM EDT

611 LOS ANGELES SPARKS 148.5o05 147u14 / 146.5 / 147 146 +185
612 PHOENIX MERCURY -4.5 -05 -4.5 -05 / -4.5 -5 -15 -215

LA-F-Nnemkadi Ogwumike-? | PHO-G-Diana Taurasi-OUT | TV: NBA, DTV: 216

[StarDust Bum]

WNBA Consensus Picks

SIDES (ATS)

Time Away Line Picks Pct Home Line Picks Pct Detail Odds

10:00 PM Los Angeles +5 249 43.68% Phoenix -5 321 56.32% View View

8:00 PM Connecticut +5.5 271 45.62% Tulsa -5.5 323 54.38% View View

8:30 PM Washington +5 281 46.76% Chicago -5 320 53.24% View View

8:00 PM Minnesota -8.5 289 49.15% San Antonio +8.5 299 50.85% View View

7:30 PM Atlanta +10 366 61.41% New York -10 230 38.59% View View

10:00 PM Indiana -5 353 62.15% Seattle +5 215 37.85% View View


TOTALS (OVER/UNDER)

Time Away Total Over Pct Home Total Under Pct Detail Odds

7:30 PM Atlanta 155.5 203 40.44% New York 155.5 299 59.56% View View

8:00 PM Minnesota 150.5 229 45.89% San Antonio 150.5 270 54.11% View View

8:30 PM Washington 155 230 46.28% Chicago 155 267 53.72% View View

8:00 PM Connecticut 155 250 51.02% Tulsa 155 240 48.98% View View

10:00 PM Indiana 151.5 273 55.60% Seattle 151.5 218 44.40% View View

10:00 PM Los Angeles 146 298 59.60% Phoenix 146 202 40.40% View View