The Bum's Sports Page For Friday September 4th Best Bets-Trends-News !

[StarDust Bum]

Preview: Pirates (79-53) at Cardinals (86-47)
Game: 1
Venue: Busch Stadium
Date: September 04, 2015 8:15 PM EDT

History and time are not on the side of the Pittsburgh Pirates as they try to chase down the St. Louis Cardinals.

Pittsburgh's best chance to reel in the NL Central leaders starts with Friday night's series opener at Busch Stadium, a ballpark kind to the Cardinals and not so much to the Pirates this year.

Losers of four straight and 6 1/2 games back with a month to play, the Pirates (79-53) badly need a series win, something they haven't done in St. Louis since April 26-28, 2013.

Pittsburgh is 4-18 at Busch Stadium since then, including a 1-5 mark this season.

The Pirates still hold a four-game lead over the Chicago Cubs for the top wild-card spot despite losing three straight in Milwaukee, including Thursday's 5-3 loss.

'Our focus needs to be on playing better," manager Clint Hurdle said. "We got outpitched, outhit and out-defended three straight games."

The Pirates will have one of their hottest pitcher's on the mound Friday.

J.A. Happ (3-1, 1.98 ERA) has flipped around his season since coming to the Pirates via a trade with Seattle on July 31.

He struggled to a 4-6 record and 4.68 ERA in 20 starts with the Mariners, but he has won each of his last three starts with the Pirates with an ERA of 0.51 in victories over Arizona, Miami and Colorado.

The bad news is Happ's 1-8 record and 6.79 ERA in 10 starts against the Cardinals, though he hasn't faced them since 2012. He's especially bad in St. Louis, going 0-3 with a 12.34 ERA in three career starts there.

Brandon Moss (6 for 8) and Yadier Molina (6 for 15) have hit Happ hard, but Mark Reynolds is 0 for 16 with eight strikeouts against him. Jon Jay is 5 for 11 against Happ and is expected to be activated off the 15-day DL before the series opener.

Jay, out since July 1 with a stress reaction in his left wrist, is one of several key contributors the Cardinals expect back in September, joining outfielders Matt Holliday (right quad strain) and Randal Grichuk (right elbow strain), and first baseman Matt Adams (right quad strain).

"That's a pretty good boost when you start talking about the guys who we could potentially be bringing back here," manager Mike Matheny told MLB's official website. "We're talking about some of the key components of our club."

Pittsburgh is expected to reinstate Andrew McCutchen to the lineup after he sat out Thursday with what Hurdle called left knee soreness.

While the Pirates have fallen back, St. Louis (86-47) is making a push for its third straight division title with nine wins in 11 games.

The Cardinals, who are a major league-best 48-20 at home, will send Carlos Martinez to the mound to try and rebound from Wednesday's 4-3 loss to Washington that snapped a four-game win streak.

After pounding Martinez (13-6, 2.91) for seven runs over 5 1-3 innings in a 7-5 win on May 9, Pittsburgh didn't do much against him in losses of 4-1 on July 9 and 4-3 on Aug. 11.

Martinez - pitching on eight days' rest due to back tightness he experienced in a 5-3 win over Arizona on Aug. 27 - held the Pirates to three runs in 15 1-3 innings between the two wins.

Gregory Polanco has eight hits in 11 at-bats against Martinez, going 5 for 8 with two doubles and a triple this season.

St. Louis rookie Stephen Piscotty is hitting .419 with 11 RBIs during his career-best 10-game hitting streak.


SERIES AT A GLANCE

GAME 1
Pirates at Cardinals
Fri, Sep 4 - 8:15PM EDT

GAME 2
Pirates at Cardinals
Sat, Sep 5 - 4:05PM EDT

GAME 3
Pirates at Cardinals
Sun, Sep 6 - 8:05PM EDT

[StarDust Bum]

Preview: Giants (69-65) at Rockies (55-78)
Game: 2
Venue: Coors Field
Date: September 04, 2015 8:40 PM EDT

Struggling to beat the top teams in the NL is one thing. Being blown out by one of the worst should only raise the level of concern for the San Francisco Giants.

Fresh off a lopsided defeat to the Colorado Rockies, the reeling Giants try to avoid a seventh consecutive loss Friday night at Coors Field.

Prior to this series, San Francisco (69-65) endured a 5-11 stretch against St. Louis, Pittsburgh, the Chicago Cubs and Los Angeles Dodgers. The Giants, though, had reason to believe they could turn things around starting Thursday in the first of 22 straight games against clubs with losing records.

However, Colorado (55-78) scored four times in the first and Carlos Gonzalez recorded his second straight two-homer game to hand San Francisco an 11-3 loss.

Falling farther back in the NL West and wild-card races, the Giants are mired in their third skid of at least six games. They've dropped six straight and 13 of 15 on the road.

"It's uphill time," manager Bruce Bochy told MLB's official website. "We know what's ahead of us. You don't back into the postseason from where we are."

Following three consecutive one-run losses at Dodger Stadium, San Francisco yielded 19 hits and committed two errors Thursday. Loser Ryan Vogelsong hit a two-run homer for the Giants, who have totaled 14 runs in the last six.

San Francisco has lost the last four starts by Chris Heston (11-8, 3.56 ERA), who struggled in his return from a week-long stay at Triple-A Sacramento during which he never pitched. The right-hander gave up five runs and nine hits in 3 2-3 innings of Sunday's 7-5 loss to the Cardinals to fall to 0-3 with a 5.79 ERA in five August starts.

He hasn't fared any better while going 1-1 with a 9.82 ERA at Coors Field this season.

Gonzalez is 1 for 6 against Heston but has recorded back-to-back two-homer games for the second time this year while going deep a career-high and NL-leading 35 times.

'We've seen stuff like this from him before. I don't know about at this level,' manager Walt Weiss said. 'It's pretty impressive right now what he's done, especially recently. We know all about the talent. When he gets rolling it's something to see.'

DJ LeMahieu is 6 for 9 when facing Heston and Charlie Blackmon is 5 for 9 with two home runs. Blackmon is batting .404 during a 14-game home hitting streak.

Jorge De La Rosa (8-6, 4.40) tries to help Colorado win three straight for the first time since a four-game run July 9-12. The left-hander struck out seven in six-plus innings before being ejected for arguing with home plate umpire Jeff Nelson in Sunday's 5-0 victory at Pittsburgh.

'I've seen this guy pitch for years and he challenges your discipline," Pirates manager and former Rockies skipper Clint Hurdle said about De La Rosa, who went 2-2 with a 2.87 ERA in six starts last month. "Added and subtracted velocity and spin. It's what he does."

De La Rosa yielded two runs and struck out seven in five innings of a 5-4, 11-inning home loss to San Francisco on April 25.

A lifetime .300 hitter against De La Rosa, Buster Posey is batting .483 in his last seven games.

Giants shortstop Brandon Crawford could miss a fourth straight game with a sore calf.

Concussion symptoms and a cervical neck strain have kept Colorado's Justin Morneau out since May 13, but he could return in this series.


SERIES AT A GLANCE

GAME 1
Giants at Rockies
Thu, Sep 3 Final 3 to 11
Boxscores • Recaps

GAME 2
Giants at Rockies
Fri, Sep 4 - 8:40PM EDT

GAME 3
Giants at Rockies
Sat, Sep 5 - 8:10PM EDT

GAME 4
Giants at Rockies
Sun, Sep 6 - 4:10PM EDT

[StarDust Bum]

Preview: Dodgers (75-58) at Padres (65-69)
Game: 2
Venue: PETCO Park
Date: September 04, 2015 10:10 PM EDT

Although an outstanding pitching staff has them on top in the NL West, the Los Angeles Dodgers aren't likely to reach their goals without assistance from the offense.

If his MLB debut is any indication, Corey Seager may be able to provide a much-needed lift.

Looking to build on his memorable opener, the 21-year-old will try to help the visiting Dodgers bounce back with their ninth win in 11 games Friday night against the San Diego Padres.

Los Angeles starters had posted a 1.60 ERA over a 10-game stretch heading into this four-game series at Petco Park, while the offense was averaging just 2.8 runs over the previous 15.

After getting recalled from Triple-A Albuquerque to provide a spark, Seager did just that while starting for the slumping Jimmy Rollins in Thursday's 10-7 loss. The highly touted prospect doubled in the fifth inning and added a two-run single to put the Dodgers ahead in a five-run sixth.

"It was really fun,' Seager said. 'It would have been nice to win but I still had fun in my first day."

However, the club's three-game winning streak ended when the bullpen failed to hold an eighth-inning lead and allowed an opponent to score five or more for the first time in 18 games.

The Dodgers (75-58) maintained a 6 1/2-game division lead with San Francisco's loss, though they could have a tough time building on the offensive showing against James Shields. He's has been very good at Petco, going 6-2 with a 2.56 ERA in 14 career starts.

Shields has alternated between good and bad outings in his past four outings overall. He was on the good side Sunday when he gave up one run over seven innings in a 9-4 win at Philadelphia.

The right-hander allowed one run over seven in a 4-2, 12-inning loss June 14 in his only home meeting with the Dodgers this season. He's 1-0 with a 2.70 ERA in three matchups overall.

Andre Ethier (2 for 9), Chase Utley (2 for 9) and Carl Crawford (3 for 14) have struggled versus Shields (10-6, 3.78 ERA), but Ethier, Alex Guerrero and Adrian Gonzalez have homered off him.

After spending the past month at Triple-A Oklahoma City, Mike Bolsinger hopes to replicate the best performance of his career May 23 against the Padres (65-69). In that outing, he allowed one hit and struck out a career-high eight over eight innings in a 2-0 home win.

Manager Don Mattingly said the right-hander would be in the rotation for at least one turn.

Bolsinger (5-3, 2.83) has gone 0-1 with a 3.38 ERA and 13 strikeouts in 10 2-3 innings in two career starts at Petco, including one last season while with Arizona. Justin Upton is 1 for 6 when facing Bolsinger this season, while Matt Kemp has gone 0 for 5 with two strikeouts.

Yangervis Solarte went 4 for 5 with his 12th home run Thursday, Upton and Derek Norris had three hits apiece and Jedd Gyorko homered as San Diego won for the ninth time in 13 home games.

Solarte is batting .452 with three home runs in his last eight home games, while Upton is batting .400 in his last six. Kemp has reached base in a career-high 23 straight games.

'(Solarte) has been great for us this year,' interim manager Pat Murphy said. 'This kid has been as consistent as anyone on the team."

The Padres have batted .316 while averaging 6.4 runs in their last 12 at Petco.


SERIES AT A GLANCE

GAME 1
Dodgers at Padres
Thu, Sep 3 Final 7 to 10
Boxscores • Recaps

GAME 2
Dodgers at Padres
Fri, Sep 4 - 10:10PM EDT

GAME 3
Dodgers at Padres
Sat, Sep 5 - 8:40PM EDT

GAME 4
Dodgers at Padres
Sun, Sep 6 - 4:10PM EDT

[StarDust Bum]

MLB
Armadillo's Write-Up

Friday, September 4

National League
Diamondbacks @ Cubs
Godley is 3-0, 1.50 in his three starts (over 3-0); Arizona scored 22 runs in the three games.

Lester is 0-2, 6.75 in his last three starts (under 6-3-1 in last ten).

Arizona won seven of last eight games with the Cubs; over is 5-3-1 in last nine series games. D'backs lost seven of last ten games; three of their last four went under the total. Chicago lost six of last eight (under 4-2 in last six).

Braves @ Nationals
Teheran is 1-1, 6.11 in his last three starts; over is 4-2-1 in his last seven.

Roark is making first start since June 28; he is 1-1, 5.72 in his last three starts, with his last five starts going over.

Braves were outscored 82-20 in losing their last nine games (over 8-3-1 last 12); they're 2-9 in last 11 games with Washington-- five of last seven in series stayed under. Nationals are 8-4 in last 12 games (over 4-1 last five).

Mets @ Marlins
deGrom is 4-1, 2.51 in his last nine starts; his last four road starts went over.

Koehler is 0-7, 7.03 in his last seven starts (under 3-1 last four).

Mets won three of last four games with Miami; over is 5-2 in last seven series games. NY won seven of last ten games (over 8-2); they've got a 6-game lead in NL East with 29 games left. Marlins won last three gams; three of their last four home games stayed under.

Brewers @ Reds
Garza is 0-2, 9.30 in his last four starts (over 3-1-1 in his last five).

Sampson is 0-1, 12.27 in his last three starts (over 3-1 in last four).

Milwaukee won six of last seven games with Cincinnati; three of last four in series stayed under. Brewers won four of last five games (over 7-2-1 in last ten). Reds lost six of their last nine games- they lost last six times they scored less than seven runs.

Pirates @ Cardinals
Happ is 3-0, 0.51 in his last three starts; his last five stayed under.

Martinez is 1-2, 5.71 in his last three starts (over 2-0-1 in last three).

Pittsburgh won six of last nine games with St Louis (over 4-1-1 last six); Bucs lost last four games (over 3-0 in last three) overall. Cardinals won eight of last ten games (over 4-1-1 in last six)

Giants @ Rockies
Heston is 0-3, 5.79 in his last four starts; four of his last five road starts went over the total.

de la Rosa is 1-2, 2.52 in his last four starts (under 3-1).

Giants are 5-4 in last eight games with Colorado; seven of last eight series games went over total. Rockies are 6-4 in last ten games; five of last seven went under. Giants are 4-11 in last 15 games overall; under is 3-2-1 in their last six road games.

Dodgers @ Padres
Bolsinger is making first start since July 29; he is 1-0, 2.45 in his last four, with four of his last six going over total.

Shields is 2-1, 2.89 in his last three starts; his last six all went over.

Dodgers won seven of last nine games; under is 8-3-1 in their last dozen. LA is 7-4 in last 11 games with San Diego (under 5-3 in last eight). Padres lost five of last eight games (over 4-0-1 in last five).

American League
Indians @ Tigers
Kluber is 0-1, 4.58 in his last three starts (over 5-2 in last seven).

Lobstein is making first start since May 23; he is 0-3, 7.36 in his last three starts- his last five starts stayed under.

Indians lost six of last eight games with Detroit; over is 8-2 in last ten series games. Cleveland won six of last eight games; last three stayed under. Tigers lost nine of last 11 games, allowing 56 runs in last five (over 5-0).

Rays @ Bronx
Odorizzi is 0-1, 4.33 in his last six starts (over 4-1 in last five).

Severino is 2-2, 2.48 in his five starts (under 3-2).

Tampa Bay won four of last six games with Bronx; under is 7-2-1 in last 10 in series. Rays won three of last four games (over 8-2 in last ten). NY won five of last six; over is 5-3 in their last eight games.

Orioles @ Blue Jays
Jimenez is 0-2, 7.59 in his last four starts (over 3-1).

Hutchison is 3-0, 1.74 in his last three starts; six of his last nine went over.

Orioles lost eight of last ten games; last three went over. Blue Jays won eight of last ten games (under is 5-2 in last seven). Baltimore won three of last four games with Toronto.

White Sox @ Royals
Danks is 0-4, 5.17 in his last five starts (over 3-1 in last four on road).

Medlen is 2-0, 4.76 in his two starts (over 2-0); Royals scored 14 runs in those two games.

White Sox lost their last five games with Kansas City; under is 6-3-1 in last 10 series games. Chicago lost four of last six games; four of its last five got over the total. Royals won five of last seven games (over 4-1 last five).

Twins @ Astros
Pelfrey is 0-1, 5.27 in his last three starts.

McHugh is 2-2, 2.05 in his last five starts (under 4-1).

Minnesota won three of last four games with Houston (under 3-1); Twins are 7-3 in last ten games (over 6-3 in last nine). Astros lost three of their last four games; all four went over the total.

Rangers @ Angels
Perez is 1-1, 4.63 in his last four starts; four of his last five stayed under.

Richards is 2-3, 5.84 in his last seven starts (over 6-1).

Rangers lost seven of last ten games with Angels; six of last seven in series went over total. Texas won six of last seven games (over 2-0-1 in last three). Halos lost four of last six games (over 4-0-1 in last five).

Mariners @ A's
Olmos allowed three runs in five IP (95 PT) in his first MLB start.

Brooks is 1-0, 1.26 in his two home starts (over 3-2 overall in his starts).

Seattle won seven of last ten games with Oakland; last three series games got over total. Mariners won six of last nine games (over 8-2 in last ten). A's lost five of last eight games; over is 8-1-1 in their last ten.

Interleague
Phillies @ Red Sox
Morgan is 2-0, 4.86 in his last three starts; under is 4-2-1 in his last seven.

Kelly is 5-0, 1.97 in his last five starts (over 5-1-1 in his last seven).

Philly lost six of last nine games with Boston; three of last four series games went over. Phils lost seven of last ten games (over 7-2-1). Red Sox lost three of last four games (over 6-4 in last ten)

Win-loss records this year for team with this starting pitcher:
Az-Chi-- Godley 3-0; Lester 14-12
Atl-Wsh-- Teheran 15-12; Roark 3-3
NY-Mia-- deGrom 17-8 (8-1 last 9); Koehler 10-15 (0-7 last 7)
Mil-Cin-- Garza 8-16 (1-6 last 7); Sampson 3-2
Pitt-StL-- Happ 4-1; Martinez 19-5
SF-Col-- Heston 14-11 (0-4 last 4); de la Rosa 12-11
LA-SD-- Bolsinger 9-7; Shields 13-15

Cle-Det-- Kluber 10-18; Lobstein 3-5
TB-NY-- Odorizzi 10-12; Severino 2-3
Balt-Tor-- Jimenez 13-13; Hutchison 18-7 (7-0 last 7)
Chi-KC-- Danks 11-14; Medlen 2-0
Min-Hst-- Pelfrey 13-12; McHugh 16-10
Tex-LAA-- Perez 5-3; Richards 14-11
Sea-A's-- Olmos 0-1; Brooks 2-2

Phil-Bos-- Morgan 7-5; Kelly 11-11 (6-0 last 6)

Times this starting pitcher allowed a run in first inning:
Az-Chi-- Godley 0-3; Lester 7-27
Atl-Wsh-- Teheran 9-27; Roark 2-6
NY-Mia-- deGrom 7-25; Koehler 5-25
Mil-Cin-- Garza 8-24; Sampson 3-5
Pitt-StL-- Happ 1-5; Martinez 5-24
SF-Col-- Heston 4-25; de la Rosa 8-23
LA-SD-- Bolsinger 4-16; Shields 7-28

Cle-Det-- Kluber 11-28; Lobstein 5-8
TB-NY-- Odorizzi 5-22; Severino 2-5
Balt-Tor-- Jimenez 7-26; Hutchison 11-25
Chi-KC-- Danks 8-25; Medlen 1-2
Min-Hst-- Pelfrey 3-25; McHugh 8-26
Tex-LAA-- Perez 1-8; Richards 5-25
Sea-A's-- Olmos 1-1; Brooks 2-4

Phil-Bos-- Morgan 1-12; Kelly 9-22

[StarDust Bum]

MLB

Friday, September 4

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Trend Report
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2:20 PM
ARIZONA vs. CHI CUBS
Arizona is 7-1 SU in their last 8 games when playing Chi Cubs
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Arizona's last 6 games when playing Chi Cubs
Chi Cubs are 14-4 SU in their last 18 games at home
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Chi Cubs's last 6 games when playing at home against Arizona

7:05 PM
ATLANTA vs. WASHINGTON
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Atlanta's last 5 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Atlanta's last 7 games when playing Washington
Washington is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games
Washington is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing at home against Atlanta

7:05 PM
TAMPA BAY vs. NY YANKEES
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Tampa Bay's last 5 games on the road
Tampa Bay is 4-2 SU in their last 6 games when playing NY Yankees
NY Yankees are 6-2 SU in their last 8 games when playing at home against Tampa Bay
The total has gone OVER in 4 of NY Yankees's last 6 games at home

7:07 PM
BALTIMORE vs. TORONTO
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Baltimore's last 6 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Baltimore's last 6 games when playing on the road against Toronto
Toronto is 6-1 SU in its last 7 games at home
Toronto is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games when playing at home against Baltimore

7:08 PM
CLEVELAND vs. DETROIT
Cleveland is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Cleveland's last 5 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Detroit's last 7 games at home
Detroit is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games when playing at home against Cleveland

7:10 PM
PHILADELPHIA vs. BOSTON
The total has gone OVER in 8 of Philadelphia's last 11 games when playing on the road against Boston
The total has gone OVER in 7 of Philadelphia's last 10 games
Boston is 6-3 SU in its last 9 games when playing Philadelphia
Boston is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games at home

7:10 PM
NY METS vs. MIAMI
The total has gone OVER in 14 of NY Mets's last 17 games
NY Mets are 6-2 SU in its last 8 games when playing on the road against Miami
The total has gone OVER in 17 of Miami's last 23 games when playing NY Mets
Miami is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games

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

8:10 PM
MINNESOTA vs. HOUSTON
Minnesota is 8-3 SU in its last 11 games when playing on the road against Houston
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Minnesota's last 6 games when playing Houston
Houston is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games when playing Minnesota
Houston is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games

8:10 PM
CHI WHITE SOX vs. KANSAS CITY
The total has gone OVER in 6 of Chi White Sox's last 8 games when playing on the road against Kansas City
Chi White Sox are 4-10 SU in their last 14 games on the road
Kansas City is 5-0 SU in their last 5 games when playing Chi White Sox
Kansas City is 5-0 SU in their last 5 games when playing at home against Chi White Sox

8:15 PM
PITTSBURGH vs. ST. LOUIS
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Pittsburgh's last 6 games when playing St. Louis
Pittsburgh is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 4 of St. Louis's last 6 games when playing Pittsburgh
St. Louis is 8-1 SU in its last 9 games when playing at home against Pittsburgh

8:40 PM
SAN FRANCISCO vs. COLORADO
San Francisco is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 4 of San Francisco's last 5 games when playing on the road against Colorado
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Colorado's last 5 games when playing at home against San Francisco
Colorado is 8-16 SU in its last 24 games

10:05 PM
SEATTLE vs. OAKLAND
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Seattle's last 6 games when playing Oakland
Seattle is 9-3 SU in its last 12 games when playing Oakland
The total has gone OVER in 9 of Oakland's last 11 games
Oakland is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games when playing at home against Seattle

10:05 PM
TEXAS vs. LA ANGELS
Texas is 7-18 SU in their last 25 games when playing LA Angels
Texas is 6-1 SU in its last 7 games
The total has gone OVER in 4 of LA Angels's last 5 games
LA Angels are 4-9 SU in their last 13 games

10:10 PM
LA DODGERS vs. SAN DIEGO
The total has gone UNDER in 16 of LA Dodgers's last 21 games when playing on the road against San Diego
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of LA Dodgers's last 8 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 16 of San Diego's last 21 games when playing at home against LA Dodgers
San Diego is 7-3 SU in its last 10 games at home

[StarDust Bum]

MLB

Friday, September 4


Hutchison rolling along in home starts

Toronto Blue Jays' righty Drew Hutchison has some pretty insane home/away splits and he'll get another chance to build on his impressive home form with the Baltimore Orioles in town to open a three-game set Friday evening.

Hutchison is 11-1 with a 2.46 ERA in 14 starts at Rogers Centre so far this season and the Jays have won his last 10 starts north of the border.

In away starts, the 25-year-old is 2-1 with a 9.00 ERA in 11 appearances.

Books have opened the Jays in the -180 vicinity.


Twins' closer Perkins 'can barely walk' due to spasms

Minnesota Twins closer Glen Perkins told reporters on Thursday that he "can barely walk" suffering back spasms.

Perkins will definitely not travel with the team for a three-game series beginning Friday at the Chicago White Sox and his timetable for return is unknown.

Perkins has converted 32 of 34 save opportunities this season and has a 2.68 ERA with 46 strikeouts against only eight walks. Kevin Jepsen, who was acquired at the trade deadline, will fill in as the Twins' closer with Trevor May working as the primary set-up man.


Diamondbacks hold edge versus Cubs in recent meetings

The Arizona Diamondbacks open a three-game set against the Chicago Cubs at Wrigley Field Friday afternoon and if recent head to heads between the National League clubs are anything to go by, the Cubs could have their hands full.

The Dbacks have posted a record of 7-1 in the last eight meetings with the Cubs, including taking two of three from a series at Chase Field earlier this season.

Early lines have the Cubs -205 with Jon Lester on the bump. The Dbacks, who are expected to counter with Zack Godley, are +188.

[StarDust Bum]

MLB
Dunkel

Friday, September 4


Chicago White Sox @ Kansas City

Game 971-972
September 4, 2015 @ 8:10 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Chicago White Sox
(Danks) 15.257
Kansas City
(Medlen) 14.244
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Chicago White Sox
by 1
7
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Kansas City
-200
8 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Chicago White Sox
(+170); Under

Arizona @ Chicago Cubs

Game 951-952
September 4, 2015 @ 2:20 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Arizona
(Godley) 13.374
Chicago Cubs
(Lester) 15.773
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Chicago Cubs
by 2 1/2
6 1/2
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Chicago Cubs
-210
No Run Total
Dunkel Pick:
Chicago Cubs
(-210); N/A

Minnesota @ Houston

Game 973-974
September 4, 2015 @ 8:10 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Minnesota
(Pelfrey) 16.899
Houston
(McHugh) 15.712
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Minnesota
by 1
9
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Houston
-180
8
Dunkel Pick:
Minnesota
(+160); Over

Atlanta @ Washington

Game 953-954
September 4, 2015 @ 7:05 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Atlanta
(Teheran) 12.887
Washington
(Roark) 19.244
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Washington
by 6 1/2
10
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Washington
-200
8
Dunkel Pick:
Washington
(-200); Over

Texas @ LA Angels

Game 975-976
September 4, 2015 @ 10:05 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Texas
(Perez) 17.120
LA Angels
(Richards) 13.222
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Texas
by 4
7
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
LA Angels
-140
7 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Texas
(+120); Under

NY Mets @ Miami

Game 955-956
September 4, 2015 @ 7:10 pm

Dunkel Rating:
NY Mets
(deGrom) 15.268
Miami
(Koehler) 16.119
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Miami
by 1
6
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
NY Mets
-190
7
Dunkel Pick:
Miami
(+165); Under

Seattle @ Oakland

Game 977-978
September 4, 2015 @ 10:05 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Seattle
(Olmos) 15.331
Oakland
(Brooks) 11.761
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Seattle
by 3 1/2
9
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Oakland
-125
7 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Seattle
(+105); Over

Milwaukee @ Cincinnati

Game 957-958
September 4, 2015 @ 7:10 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Milwaukee
(Garza) 14.190
Cincinnati
(Sampson) 12.545
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Milwaukee
by 1 1/2
10 1/2
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Cincinnati
-115
9
Dunkel Pick:
Milwaukee
(-105); Over

Philadelphia @ Boston

Game 979-980
September 4, 2015 @ 7:10 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Philadelphia
(Morgan) 13.731
Boston
(Kelly) 15.294
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Boston
by 1 1/2
8
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Boston
-185
9 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Boston
(-185); Under

Pittsburgh @ St. Louis

Game 959-960
September 4, 2015 @ 8:15 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Pittsburgh
(Happ) 14.412
St. Louis
(Martinez) 15.798
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
St. Louis
by 1 1/2
7
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
St. Louis
-145
7 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
St. Louis
(-145); Under

San Francisco @ Colorado

Game 961-962
September 4, 2015 @ 8:40 pm

Dunkel Rating:
San Francisco
(Heston) 15.865
Colorado
(DeLaRosa) 14.439
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
San Francisco
by 1 1/2
12
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
San Francisco
-115
10 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
San Francisco
(-115); Over

LA Dodgers @ San Diego

Game 963-964
September 4, 2015 @ 10:10 pm

Dunkel Rating:
LA Dodgers
(Bolsinger) 14.967
San Diego
(Shields) 16.319
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
San Diego
by 1 1/2
8
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
LA Dodgers
-120
7
Dunkel Pick:
San Diego
(+100); Over

Cleveland @ Detroit

Game 965-966
September 4, 2015 @ 7:08 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Cleveland
(Kluber) 15.177
Detroit
(Lobstein) 16.015
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Detroit
by 1
9
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Cleveland
-170
8
Dunkel Pick:
Detroit
(+150); Over

Tampa Bay @ NY Yankees

Game 967-968
September 4, 2015 @ 7:05 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Tampa Bay
(Odorizzi) 12.695
NY Yankees
(Severino) 17.843
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
NY Yankees
by 5
9
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
NY Yankees
-165
8
Dunkel Pick:
NY Yankees
(-165); Over

Baltimore @ Toronto

Game 969-970
September 4, 2015 @ 7:07 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Baltimore
(Jimenez) 16.681
Toronto
(Hutchson) 18.479
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Toronto
by 2
10
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Toronto
-180
9 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Toronto
(-180); Over

[StarDust Bum]

MLB
Long Sheet

Friday, September 4

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

ARIZONA (65 - 69) at CHICAGO CUBS (75 - 57) - 2:20 PM
ZACK GODLEY (R) vs. JON LESTER (L)
Top Trends for this game.
ARIZONA is 129-167 (-32.3 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
ARIZONA is 46-90 (-36.7 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.
ARIZONA is 4-16 (-11.1 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record in the second half of the season this season.
CHICAGO CUBS are 75-57 (+5.4 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
CHICAGO CUBS are 75-57 (+5.4 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
CHICAGO CUBS are 74-69 (+7.3 Units) against the money line after a loss over the last 2 seasons.
ARIZONA is 34-34 (+5.5 Units) against the money line in road games this season.
ARIZONA is 34-34 (+5.5 Units) against the money line in road games in games played on a grass field this season.
ARIZONA is 37-33 (+6.5 Units) against the money line after a loss this season.
CHICAGO CUBS are 784-754 (-165.8 Units) against the money line in home games since 1997.
CHICAGO CUBS are 155-196 (-61.8 Units) against the money line when playing with a day off since 1997.
CHICAGO CUBS are 57-73 (-23.9 Units) against the money line in home games in day games over the last 3 seasons.
CHICAGO CUBS are 1075-1197 (-208.8 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters since 1997.
CHICAGO CUBS are 720-713 (-158.1 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record since 1997.
CHICAGO CUBS are 219-187 (-46.2 Units) against the money line in home games when playing against a team with a losing record in the second half of the season since 1997.

Head-to-Head Series History
ARIZONA is 2-1 (+1.3 Units) against CHICAGO CUBS this season
2 of 3 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+0.8 Units)

ZACK GODLEY vs. CHICAGO CUBS since 1997
No recent starts.

JON LESTER vs. ARIZONA since 1997
LESTER is 1-0 when starting against ARIZONA with an ERA of 4.91 and a WHIP of 1.364.
His team's record is 1-2 (-2.1 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 1-2. (-1.2 units)

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

ATLANTA (54 - 80) at WASHINGTON (68 - 65) - 7:05 PM
JULIO TEHERAN (R) vs. TANNER ROARK (R)
Top Trends for this game.
ATLANTA is 54-80 (-17.0 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
ATLANTA is 21-48 (-20.0 Units) against the money line in road games this season.
ATLANTA is 7-21 (-16.2 Units) against the money line in September games over the last 2 seasons.
ATLANTA is 52-77 (-17.0 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
ATLANTA is 12-31 (-15.8 Units) against the money line in road games in night games this season.
ATLANTA is 17-40 (-18.0 Units) against the money line in road games against right-handed starters this season.
ATLANTA is 13-34 (-16.5 Units) against the money line in road games after a loss this season.
ATLANTA is 6-24 (-14.4 Units) against the money line in road games when playing against a team with a winning record this season.
ATLANTA is 80-56 (+23.8 Units) against the money line in road games after 3 or more consecutive losses since 1997.
TEHERAN is 6-0 (+7.4 Units) against the money line when playing on Friday this season. (Team's Record)
TEHERAN is 11-3 (+9.4 Units) against the money line in night games this season. (Team's Record)
WASHINGTON is 68-65 (-13.1 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
WASHINGTON is 20-29 (-20.7 Units) against the money line when playing on Friday over the last 2 seasons.
WASHINGTON is 67-64 (-13.3 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
WASHINGTON is 42-47 (-16.0 Units) against the money line in night games this season.
WASHINGTON is 50-49 (-7.8 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.
WASHINGTON is 33-29 (-9.8 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
WASHINGTON is 10-3 (+5.5 Units) against ATLANTA this season
8 of 13 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+2.8 Units)

JULIO TEHERAN vs. WASHINGTON since 1997
TEHERAN is 3-2 when starting against WASHINGTON with an ERA of 3.86 and a WHIP of 1.516.
His team's record is 6-4 (+2.7 units) in these starts. The OVER is 5-5. (-0.6 units)

TANNER ROARK vs. ATLANTA since 1997
ROARK is 3-0 when starting against ATLANTA with an ERA of 2.03 and a WHIP of 1.000.
His team's record is 4-1 (+3.0 units) in these starts. The OVER is 1-4. (-3.5 units)

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

NY METS (74 - 59) at MIAMI (55 - 79) - 7:10 PM
JACOB DEGROM (R) vs. TOM KOEHLER (R)
Top Trends for this game.
NY METS are 18-29 (-10.6 Units) against the money line in road games in night games this season.
MIAMI is 51-42 (+15.7 Units) against the money line at home when the total is 7 or less over the last 3 seasons.
MIAMI is 367-425 (+39.5 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record in the second half of the season since 1997.
NY METS are 74-59 (+10.7 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
NY METS are 109-117 (+17.7 Units) against the money line in road games over the last 3 seasons.
NY METS are 15-10 (+11.1 Units) against the money line in road games in September games over the last 3 seasons.
NY METS are 36-18 (+15.0 Units) against the money line against division opponents this season.
NY METS are 73-55 (+13.8 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
NY METS are 45-28 (+13.5 Units) against the money line after a win this season.
NY METS are 46-29 (+11.4 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record this season.
NY METS are 48-20 (+23.8 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.
MIAMI is 55-79 (-20.4 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
MIAMI is 21-33 (-14.2 Units) against the money line against division opponents this season.
MIAMI is 55-76 (-17.4 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
MIAMI is 36-54 (-16.4 Units) against the money line in night games this season.
MIAMI is 43-62 (-16.3 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
NY METS is 9-4 (+4.4 Units) against MIAMI this season
8 of 13 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+3.2 Units)

JACOB DEGROM vs. MIAMI since 1997
DEGROM is 3-0 when starting against MIAMI with an ERA of 1.32 and a WHIP of 1.059.
His team's record is 4-1 (+2.5 units) in these starts. The OVER is 3-1. (+2.1 units)

TOM KOEHLER vs. NY METS since 1997
KOEHLER is 1-5 when starting against NY METS with an ERA of 4.61 and a WHIP of 1.237.
His team's record is 4-8 (-2.7 units) in these starts. The OVER is 5-6. (-1.1 units)

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

MILWAUKEE (58 - 75) at CINCINNATI (55 - 77) - 7:10 PM
MATT GARZA (R) vs. KEYVIUS SAMPSON (R)
Top Trends for this game.
MILWAUKEE is 58-75 (-16.5 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
MILWAUKEE is 10-25 (-17.3 Units) against the money line when the total is 9 to 9.5 over the last 3 seasons.
MILWAUKEE is 58-75 (-16.5 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
MILWAUKEE is 41-61 (-20.1 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.
MILWAUKEE is 22-31 (-12.8 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record this season.
MILWAUKEE is 23-36 (-24.7 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.
GARZA is 27-33 (-16.5 Units) against the money line when the total is 9 to 9.5 since 1997. (Team's Record)
GARZA is 3-11 (-9.0 Units) against the money line in night games this season. (Team's Record)
MILWAUKEE is 16-7 (+12.3 Units) against the money line in road games when playing on Friday over the last 2 seasons.
MILWAUKEE is 10-0 (+10.3 Units) against the money line in road games after 3 or more consecutive wins over the last 2 seasons.
CINCINNATI is 55-77 (-20.1 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
CINCINNATI is 29-44 (-20.8 Units) against the money line when playing on Friday over the last 3 seasons.
CINCINNATI is 55-77 (-20.1 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
CINCINNATI is 85-112 (-23.6 Units) against the money line in night games over the last 2 seasons.
CINCINNATI is 42-57 (-13.6 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.
CINCINNATI is 21-32 (-11.0 Units) against the money line after a win this season.
CINCINNATI is 26-38 (-15.1 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record this season.
CINCINNATI is 20-36 (-19.9 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
MILWAUKEE is 7-6 (+0.7 Units) against CINCINNATI this season
6 of 13 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=-1.1 Units, Under=-0.3 Units)

MATT GARZA vs. CINCINNATI since 1997
GARZA is 4-3 when starting against CINCINNATI with an ERA of 4.71 and a WHIP of 1.415.
His team's record is 5-6 (-0.7 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 1-9. (-9.1 units)

KEYVIUS SAMPSON vs. MILWAUKEE since 1997
SAMPSON is 0-0 when starting against MILWAUKEE with an ERA of 12.26 and a WHIP of 2.452.
His team's record is 1-0 (+1.2 units) in these starts. The OVER is 1-0. (+1.0 units)

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

PITTSBURGH (79 - 53) at ST LOUIS (86 - 47) - 8:15 PM
J.A. HAPP (L) vs. CARLOS MARTINEZ (R)
Top Trends for this game.
PITTSBURGH is 21-32 (-17.6 Units) against the money line against division opponents this season.
ST LOUIS is 86-47 (+29.1 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
ST LOUIS is 48-20 (+19.7 Units) against the money line in home games this season.
ST LOUIS is 24-5 (+16.0 Units) against the money line in home games in September games over the last 3 seasons.
ST LOUIS is 24-5 (+17.5 Units) against the money line in home games when playing with a day off over the last 3 seasons.
ST LOUIS is 32-18 (+10.9 Units) against the money line against division opponents this season.
ST LOUIS is 86-47 (+29.1 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
ST LOUIS is 61-34 (+21.3 Units) against the money line in night games this season.
ST LOUIS is 30-15 (+13.1 Units) against the money line after a loss this season.
ST LOUIS is 39-21 (+16.9 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record this season.
ST LOUIS is 24-9 (+13.8 Units) against the money line in home games when playing against a team with a winning record in the second half of the season over the last 2 seasons.
MARTINEZ is 19-5 (+11.7 Units) against the money line in all games this season. (Team's Record)
MARTINEZ is 19-5 (+11.7 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season. (Team's Record)
PITTSBURGH is 79-53 (+14.8 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
PITTSBURGH is 31-15 (+16.2 Units) against the money line when playing on Friday over the last 2 seasons.
PITTSBURGH is 79-53 (+14.8 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
PITTSBURGH is 120-84 (+21.0 Units) against the money line in night games over the last 2 seasons.
PITTSBURGH is 62-41 (+13.5 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.
PITTSBURGH is 38-25 (+11.5 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record this season.
PITTSBURGH is 20-8 (+12.7 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record in the second half of the season this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
ST LOUIS is 7-6 (+1.0 Units) against PITTSBURGH this season
6 of 12 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=-0.2 Units, Under=-0.8 Units)

J.A. HAPP vs. ST LOUIS since 1997
HAPP is 1-8 when starting against ST LOUIS with an ERA of 6.79 and a WHIP of 1.566.
His team's record is 2-8 (-6.1 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 4-6. (-2.6 units)

CARLOS MARTINEZ vs. PITTSBURGH since 1997
MARTINEZ is 2-1 when starting against PITTSBURGH with an ERA of 4.73 and a WHIP of 1.350.
His team's record is 3-1 (+2.0 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 1-2. (-1.2 units)

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

SAN FRANCISCO (69 - 65) at COLORADO (55 - 78) - 8:40 PM
CHRIS HESTON (R) vs. JORGE DE LA ROSA (L)
Top Trends for this game.
SAN FRANCISCO is 27-36 (-13.0 Units) against the money line after a loss this season.
SAN FRANCISCO is 6-17 (-13.9 Units) against the money line after 3 or more consecutive losses this season.
COLORADO is 49-54 (+3.2 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.
DE LA ROSA is 51-34 (+20.8 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 3 seasons. (Team's Record)
DE LA ROSA is 8-1 (+7.8 Units) against the money line as a home underdog of +100 to +125 over the last 3 seasons. (Team's Record)
DE LA ROSA is 29-11 (+15.3 Units) against the money line in home games over the last 3 seasons. (Team's Record)
DE LA ROSA is 14-3 (+10.3 Units) against the money line at home when the total is 10 to 10.5 over the last 3 seasons. (Team's Record)
DE LA ROSA is 16-3 (+13.8 Units) against the money line in home games when playing on Friday since 1997. (Team's Record)
DE LA ROSA is 51-33 (+21.8 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 3 seasons. (Team's Record)
DE LA ROSA is 17-12 (+8.9 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
SAN FRANCISCO is 169-144 (+15.6 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
SAN FRANCISCO is 169-144 (+15.6 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
SAN FRANCISCO is 1067-897 (+116.1 Units) against the money line in night games since 1997.
SAN FRANCISCO is 46-22 (+20.0 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record in the second half of the season over the last 2 seasons.
COLORADO is 121-174 (-42.7 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
COLORADO is 121-174 (-42.7 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
COLORADO is 31-58 (-22.5 Units) against the money line in night games this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
COLORADO is 8-5 (+3.5 Units) against SAN FRANCISCO this season
7 of 12 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+1.7 Units)

CHRIS HESTON vs. COLORADO since 1997
HESTON is 1-2 when starting against COLORADO with an ERA of 6.50 and a WHIP of 1.722.
His team's record is 1-2 (-1.6 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 1-1. (-0.2 units)

JORGE DE LA ROSA vs. SAN FRANCISCO since 1997
DE LA ROSA is 9-6 when starting against SAN FRANCISCO with an ERA of 3.80 and a WHIP of 1.243.
His team's record is 14-8 (+5.5 units) in these starts. The OVER is 9-13. (-4.5 units)

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

LA DODGERS (75 - 58) at SAN DIEGO (65 - 69) - 10:10 PM
MIKE BOLSINGER (R) vs. JAMES SHIELDS (R)
Top Trends for this game.
LA DODGERS are 75-58 (-10.3 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
LA DODGERS are 36-33 (-15.2 Units) against the money line when the total is 7 or less this season.
LA DODGERS are 28-37 (-23.3 Units) against the money line in road games this season.
LA DODGERS are 11-18 (-15.2 Units) against the money line on the road when the total is 7 or less this season.
LA DODGERS are 75-58 (-10.3 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
LA DODGERS are 55-44 (-11.1 Units) against the money line in night games this season.
LA DODGERS are 58-44 (-5.3 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.
SAN DIEGO is 25-12 (+12.1 Units) against the money line in home games when playing on Friday over the last 3 seasons.
SAN DIEGO is 46-31 (+12.9 Units) against the money line in home games after a win over the last 2 seasons.
SAN DIEGO is 69-55 (+16.1 Units) against the money line in home games when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 3 seasons.
SAN DIEGO is 21-10 (+12.3 Units) against the money line in home games when playing against a team with a winning record in the second half of the season over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
LA DODGERS is 8-5 (+1.3 Units) against SAN DIEGO this season
7 of 13 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+1.2 Units)

MIKE BOLSINGER vs. SAN DIEGO since 1997
BOLSINGER is 1-1 when starting against SAN DIEGO with an ERA of 1.93 and a WHIP of 0.911.
His team's record is 2-1 (+1.0 units) in these starts. The OVER is 0-3. (-3.1 units)

JAMES SHIELDS vs. LA DODGERS since 1997
SHIELDS is 1-0 when starting against LA DODGERS with an ERA of 3.33 and a WHIP of 1.111.
His team's record is 1-3 (-2.6 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 1-3. (-2.3 units)

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

CLEVELAND (64 - 68) at DETROIT (61 - 72) - 7:05 PM
COREY KLUBER (R) vs. KYLE LOBSTEIN (L)
Top Trends for this game.
CLEVELAND is 64-68 (-15.3 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
CLEVELAND is 18-31 (-18.9 Units) against the money line against division opponents this season.
CLEVELAND is 59-66 (-19.4 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
CLEVELAND is 18-28 (-12.9 Units) against the money line against left-handed starters this season.
CLEVELAND is 23-28 (-13.6 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record this season.
KLUBER is 10-18 (-14.4 Units) against the money line in all games this season. (Team's Record)
KLUBER is 4-11 (-9.5 Units) against the money line in road games this season. (Team's Record)
KLUBER is 3-9 (-9.0 Units) against the money line against division opponents this season. (Team's Record)
KLUBER is 9-18 (-15.4 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season. (Team's Record)
KLUBER is 6-11 (-9.3 Units) against the money line in night games this season. (Team's Record)
KLUBER is 2-7 (-9.0 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record this season. (Team's Record)
DETROIT is 31-22 (+10.0 Units) against the money line against division opponents this season.
CLEVELAND is 27-19 (+9.9 Units) against the money line in road games in night games this season.
CLEVELAND is 19-12 (+8.6 Units) against the money line in road games after a loss this season.
CLEVELAND is 71-36 (+24.7 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record in the second half of the season over the last 3 seasons.
DETROIT is 61-72 (-10.1 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
DETROIT is 26-39 (-15.0 Units) against the money line when the total is 8 to 8.5 this season.
DETROIT is 30-35 (-10.6 Units) against the money line in home games this season.
DETROIT is 39-39 (-13.7 Units) against the money line at home when the total is 8 to 8.5 over the last 2 seasons.
DETROIT is 30-35 (-10.6 Units) against the money line in home games in games played on a grass field this season.
DETROIT is 34-49 (-14.2 Units) against the money line in night games this season.
DETROIT is 42-57 (-14.4 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.
DETROIT is 68-77 (-19.1 Units) against the money line after a loss over the last 2 seasons.
DETROIT is 67-71 (-21.8 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
DETROIT is 9-3 (+6.8 Units) against CLEVELAND this season
10 of 12 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+8.2 Units)

COREY KLUBER vs. DETROIT since 1997
KLUBER is 2-6 when starting against DETROIT with an ERA of 4.36 and a WHIP of 1.410.
His team's record is 4-8 (-4.1 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 5-7. (-2.8 units)

KYLE LOBSTEIN vs. CLEVELAND since 1997
LOBSTEIN is 2-0 when starting against CLEVELAND with an ERA of 4.84 and a WHIP of 1.478.
His team's record is 4-0 (+4.4 units) in these starts. The OVER is 3-1. (+1.9 units)

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

TAMPA BAY (66 - 67) at NY YANKEES (74 - 58) - 7:05 PM
JAKE ODORIZZI (R) vs. LUIS SEVERINO (R)
Top Trends for this game.
TAMPA BAY is 143-152 (-30.9 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
TAMPA BAY is 4-11 (-7.8 Units) against the money line when playing with a day off this season.
TAMPA BAY is 42-53 (-13.5 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.
TAMPA BAY is 70-79 (-18.5 Units) against the money line after a loss over the last 2 seasons.
ODORIZZI is 23-30 (-12.5 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
ODORIZZI is 14-22 (-11.0 Units) against the money line in night games over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
NY YANKEES are 74-58 (+4.5 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
NY YANKEES are 43-30 (+9.2 Units) against the money line after a win this season.
TAMPA BAY is 582-665 (+14.1 Units) against the money line against division opponents since 1997.

Head-to-Head Series History
NY YANKEES is 8-5 (+1.9 Units) against TAMPA BAY this season
7 of 12 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+1.1 Units)

JAKE ODORIZZI vs. NY YANKEES since 1997
ODORIZZI is 2-3 when starting against NY YANKEES with an ERA of 5.57 and a WHIP of 1.423.
His team's record is 2-4 (-2.1 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 1-4. (-3.9 units)

LUIS SEVERINO vs. TAMPA BAY since 1997
No recent starts.

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BALTIMORE (64 - 69) at TORONTO (76 - 57) - 7:05 PM
UBALDO JIMENEZ (R) vs. DREW HUTCHISON (R)
Top Trends for this game.
BALTIMORE is 64-69 (-11.0 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
BALTIMORE is 24-41 (-16.2 Units) against the money line in road games this season.
BALTIMORE is 41-48 (-12.5 Units) against the money line in night games this season.
BALTIMORE is 46-51 (-7.6 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.
BALTIMORE is 22-39 (-17.9 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record this season.
BALTIMORE is 5-18 (-14.2 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record in the second half of the season this season.
JIMENEZ is 4-11 (-8.2 Units) against the money line in road games this season. (Team's Record)
TORONTO is 76-57 (+8.7 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
TORONTO is 66-41 (+16.3 Units) against the money line when the total is 9 to 9.5 over the last 2 seasons.
TORONTO is 99-67 (+17.2 Units) against the money line in games played on artificial turf over the last 2 seasons.
HUTCHISON is 18-7 (+9.9 Units) against the money line in all games this season. (Team's Record)
HUTCHISON is 9-0 (+9.6 Units) against the money line against division opponents this season. (Team's Record)
HUTCHISON is 13-2 (+10.4 Units) against the money line in games played on artificial turf this season. (Team's Record)
BALTIMORE is 75-55 (+21.8 Units) against the money line against division opponents over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
TORONTO is 7-5 (+1.9 Units) against BALTIMORE this season
7 of 11 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+2.6 Units)

UBALDO JIMENEZ vs. TORONTO since 1997
JIMENEZ is 5-4 when starting against TORONTO with an ERA of 4.17 and a WHIP of 1.309.
His team's record is 6-5 (+1.5 units) in these starts. The OVER is 5-5. (-0.4 units)

DREW HUTCHISON vs. BALTIMORE since 1997
HUTCHISON is 5-1 when starting against BALTIMORE with an ERA of 3.13 and a WHIP of 0.932.
His team's record is 6-4 (+1.5 units) in these starts. The OVER is 4-6. (-2.1 units)

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CHI WHITE SOX (62 - 70) at KANSAS CITY (82 - 51) - 8:10 PM
JOHN DANKS (L) vs. KRIS MEDLEN (R)
Top Trends for this game.
CHI WHITE SOX are 21-33 (-15.5 Units) against the money line against division opponents this season.
DANKS is 8-25 (-19.8 Units) against the money line when playing on Friday since 1997. (Team's Record)
KANSAS CITY is 82-51 (+27.1 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
KANSAS CITY is 47-22 (+19.4 Units) against the money line in home games this season.
KANSAS CITY is 31-19 (+11.5 Units) against the money line when playing on Friday over the last 2 seasons.
KANSAS CITY is 34-20 (+11.3 Units) against the money line against division opponents this season.
KANSAS CITY is 79-47 (+28.0 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
KANSAS CITY is 57-36 (+15.9 Units) against the money line in night games this season.
KANSAS CITY is 51-32 (+16.2 Units) against the money line after a win this season.
KANSAS CITY is 44-26 (+15.6 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record this season.
MEDLEN is 47-19 (+24.2 Units) against the money line in all games since 1997. (Team's Record)
MEDLEN is 25-4 (+20.1 Units) against the money line against division opponents since 1997. (Team's Record)
MEDLEN is 46-19 (+23.2 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field since 1997. (Team's Record)
MEDLEN is 39-11 (+25.6 Units) against the money line in night games since 1997. (Team's Record)
MEDLEN is 31-7 (+21.8 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record since 1997. (Team's Record)
CHI WHITE SOX are 92-96 (+8.6 Units) against the money line in night games over the last 2 seasons.
CHI WHITE SOX are 380-380 (+35.9 Units) against the money line in road games after a win since 1997.
KANSAS CITY is 1-9 (-15.6 Units) against the money line as a home favorite of -175 to -200 over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
KANSAS CITY is 10-3 (+7.9 Units) against CHI WHITE SOX this season
7 of 12 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+1.1 Units)

JOHN DANKS vs. KANSAS CITY since 1997
DANKS is 9-2 when starting against KANSAS CITY with an ERA of 2.69 and a WHIP of 1.178.
His team's record is 12-8 (+5.1 units) in these starts. The OVER is 6-11. (-5.5 units)

KRIS MEDLEN vs. CHI WHITE SOX since 1997
No recent starts.

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MINNESOTA (69 - 64) at HOUSTON (73 - 61) - 8:10 PM
MIKE PELFREY (R) vs. COLLIN MCHUGH (R)
Top Trends for this game.
HOUSTON is 73-61 (+5.1 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
HOUSTON is 46-23 (+16.3 Units) against the money line in home games this season.
HOUSTON is 73-55 (+11.5 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
HOUSTON is 34-18 (+10.2 Units) against the money line in home games in night games this season.
HOUSTON is 27-14 (+10.0 Units) against the money line in home games against right-handed starters this season.
HOUSTON is 23-10 (+14.0 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record this season.
HOUSTON is 31-30 (+11.1 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.
MCHUGH is 29-19 (+10.8 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
MCHUGH is 9-2 (+8.0 Units) against the money line in home games when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
MINNESOTA is 69-64 (+18.9 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
MINNESOTA is 36-34 (+8.4 Units) against the money line when the total is 8 to 8.5 this season.
MINNESOTA is 67-59 (+20.9 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
MINNESOTA is 41-35 (+16.0 Units) against the money line in night games this season.
MINNESOTA is 44-44 (+9.2 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.
MINNESOTA is 34-29 (+12.0 Units) against the money line after a loss this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
MINNESOTA is 2-1 (+1.5 Units) against HOUSTON this season
2 of 3 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+0.9 Units)

MIKE PELFREY vs. HOUSTON since 1997
PELFREY is 3-3 when starting against HOUSTON with an ERA of 3.92 and a WHIP of 1.476.
His team's record is 4-3 (+1.0 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 4-3. (+0.5 units)

COLLIN MCHUGH vs. MINNESOTA since 1997
MCHUGH is 1-0 when starting against MINNESOTA with an ERA of 3.48 and a WHIP of 1.162.
His team's record is 2-0 (+2.1 units) in these starts. The OVER is 2-0. (+2.0 units)

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TEXAS (70 - 62) at LA ANGELS (67 - 66) - 10:05 PM
MARTIN PEREZ (L) vs. GARRETT RICHARDS (R)
Top Trends for this game.
LA ANGELS are 285-210 (+52.0 Units) against the money line when playing on Friday since 1997.
TEXAS is 70-62 (+24.7 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
TEXAS is 17-11 (+13.2 Units) against the money line as a road underdog of +125 to +150 this season.
TEXAS is 38-30 (+23.1 Units) against the money line in road games this season.
TEXAS is 16-12 (+11.1 Units) against the money line in September games over the last 2 seasons.
TEXAS is 58-42 (+28.7 Units) against the money line in road games against division opponents over the last 3 seasons.
TEXAS is 67-58 (+24.3 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
TEXAS is 51-44 (+20.2 Units) against the money line in night games this season.
TEXAS is 46-37 (+17.8 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.
TEXAS is 37-32 (+14.5 Units) against the money line after a win this season.
TEXAS is 37-21 (+27.9 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record this season.
TEXAS is 14-9 (+7.9 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record in the second half of the season this season.
LA ANGELS are 91-118 (-34.3 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 3 seasons.
LA ANGELS are 5-14 (-10.2 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record in the second half of the season this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
LA ANGELS is 8-4 (+2.4 Units) against TEXAS this season
8 of 11 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+5.0 Units)

MARTIN PEREZ vs. LA ANGELS since 1997
PEREZ is 1-0 when starting against LA ANGELS with an ERA of 1.98 and a WHIP of 1.025.
His team's record is 2-0 (+2.0 units) in these starts. The OVER is 0-2. (-2.5 units)

GARRETT RICHARDS vs. TEXAS since 1997
RICHARDS is 7-1 when starting against TEXAS with an ERA of 2.84 and a WHIP of 1.191.
His team's record is 7-5 (+2.3 units) in these starts. The OVER is 7-4. (+3.0 units)

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SEATTLE (63 - 71) at OAKLAND (58 - 76) - 10:05 PM
EDGAR OLMOS (L) vs. AARON BROOKS (R)
Top Trends for this game.
SEATTLE is 63-71 (-15.2 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
SEATTLE is 58-70 (-19.7 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
SEATTLE is 43-47 (-9.9 Units) against the money line in night games this season.
SEATTLE is 21-41 (-25.5 Units) against the money line after a win this season.
SEATTLE is 70-72 (-16.6 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 2 seasons.
SEATTLE is 347-327 (-86.1 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record in the second half of the season since 1997.
SEATTLE is 80-70 (+17.0 Units) against the money line in road games over the last 2 seasons.
SEATTLE is 20-9 (+12.1 Units) against the money line when playing with a day off over the last 2 seasons.
SEATTLE is 57-42 (+17.7 Units) against the money line in road games against right-handed starters over the last 2 seasons.
OAKLAND is 58-76 (-25.5 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
OAKLAND is 4-11 (-9.2 Units) against the money line at home with a money line of -100 to -125 this season.
OAKLAND is 31-38 (-15.9 Units) against the money line in home games this season.
OAKLAND is 10-19 (-21.2 Units) against the money line in September games over the last 2 seasons.
OAKLAND is 4-17 (-15.8 Units) against the money line when playing on Friday this season.
OAKLAND is 6-11 (-12.9 Units) against the money line in home games when playing with a day off over the last 2 seasons.
OAKLAND is 64-67 (-24.6 Units) against the money line against division opponents over the last 2 seasons.
OAKLAND is 56-71 (-23.0 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
OAKLAND is 36-47 (-15.0 Units) against the money line in night games this season.
OAKLAND is 13-25 (-13.6 Units) against the money line against left-handed starters this season.
OAKLAND is 32-43 (-13.9 Units) against the money line after a loss this season.
OAKLAND is 22-32 (-12.8 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record this season.
OAKLAND is 26-28 (-17.3 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
SEATTLE is 9-4 (+4.5 Units) against OAKLAND this season
8 of 12 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+3.7 Units)

EDGAR OLMOS vs. OAKLAND since 1997
No recent starts.

AARON BROOKS vs. SEATTLE since 1997
No recent starts.

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PHILADELPHIA (53 - 81) at BOSTON (61 - 72) - 7:10 PM
ADAM MORGAN (L) vs. JOE KELLY (R)
Top Trends for this game.
PHILADELPHIA is 10-31 (-15.9 Units) against the money line in road games after a loss this season.
PHILADELPHIA is 37-65 (-25.4 Units) against the money line in road games when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 3 seasons.
PHILADELPHIA is 126-113 (+27.8 Units) against the money line in road games when playing on Friday since 1997.
PHILADELPHIA is 15-10 (+9.1 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record in the second half of the season this season.
BOSTON is 61-72 (-14.6 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
BOSTON is 617-557 (-79.9 Units) against the money line when the total is 9 to 9.5 since 1997.
BOSTON is 68-82 (-33.4 Units) against the money line in home games over the last 2 seasons.
BOSTON is 28-34 (-15.2 Units) against the money line at home when the total is 9 to 9.5 over the last 2 seasons.
BOSTON is 247-239 (-53.7 Units) against the money line in September games since 1997.
BOSTON is 54-66 (-17.0 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
BOSTON is 93-113 (-27.1 Units) against the money line in night games over the last 2 seasons.
BOSTON is 37-50 (-18.6 Units) against the money line against left-handed starters over the last 2 seasons.
BOSTON is 36-44 (-19.1 Units) against the money line in home games after a loss over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
BOSTON is 2-1 (+0.7 Units) against PHILADELPHIA this season
2 of 3 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+1.1 Units)

ADAM MORGAN vs. BOSTON since 1997
No recent starts.

JOE KELLY vs. PHILADELPHIA since 1997
No recent starts.

[StarDust Bum]

MLB

Friday, September 4


Pitcher change announced - Carlos Martinez, St. Louis

St. Louis vs. Pittsburgh on September 4 at 8:15 PM. Previous Starter: Lance Lynn.


Tigers activate Lobstein for Friday start

Left-hander Kyle Lobstein was reinstated off the 60-day disabled list Thursday, and he will start Friday for the Detroit Tigers against the Cleveland Indians.

Lobstein went 3-5 with a 4.34 ERA in eight starts before landing on the disabled list May 24 with left shoulder soreness. He lost his final three starts before acknowledging he was pitching through shoulder discomfort.

An MRI detected no structural damage.

"He pitched pretty well for us last year," Tigers manager Brad Ausmus said. "He was injured this year. We'll see what he can do."

Lobstein went 1-2 with a 4.34 ERA in seven games, including six starts, last season.

He was a combined 0-3 with a 5.68 ERA in six rehab starts with Class A Lakeland and Triple-A Toledo. In a Sunday start with Toledo, he allowed four runs and struck out five in 6 2/3 innings.

Ausmus said Lobstein's fastball topped out at 88 mph in his rehab.


Roark, not Strasburg, will start Friday for Nationals

Tanner Roark will be limited to about 85 pitches when he starts for the Washington Nationals on Friday against the Atlanta Braves, according to manager Matt Williams.

"Depending on (the amount) of stressful innings," said Williams, whose team is fighting for its post-season lives while trying to catch the first-place New York Mets.

Washington pulled to within six games of the idle Mets with a 15-1 laugher over the Braves on Thursday in the first of a four-game set.

Roark, 28, was 15-10 with an ERA of 2.85 in 31 starts last year for the Nationals. But when Washington signed free agent Max Scherzer to a seven-year deal in January, Roark was bumped to the bullpen. The Nationals began the season with a starting rotation of Scherzer, Jordan Zimmermann, Stephen Strasburg, Doug Fister and Gio Gonzalez.


Over bets on fire heading into Friday's schedule

Over wagers continued to stay hot, going 6-0 on the diamond Thursday to head into Friday's slate of games with a record of 18-3 over the past two days.

Four clubs - the Washington Nationals, Kansas City Royals, Colorado Rockies and San Diego Padres - basically took care of the Over on their own, plating 15, 15, 11 and 10 runs respectively in their ball games.

Overs have the slightest of edges season to date, improving to 964-924 (51.06 percent). Over the past seven days, the O/U count is 51-37 (57.95 percent).


Division foes are sinking Pirates' title hopes

Few enjoy their time in Wisconsin's largest city less than the Pittsburgh Pirates.

Since the 2007 season, the Pirates are 17-61 in Milwaukee. They fell to 2-7 at Miller Park in 2015 after dropping a 5-3 decision to the Brewers on Thursday, but manager Clint Hurdle wasn't about to dwell on his squad's misfortune in the Brew City.

"We're ready to move on," Hurdle said.

While holding a comfortable lead in the National League wild-card race, the Pirates now trail the NL Central-leading St. Louis Cardinals by seven games -- exactly the number of games they dropped in nine meetings at Milwaukee this season.

It is not just the Brewers who have Pittsburgh's number. After Thursday, the Pirates are 21-32 against division opponents this season. Even the lowly Brewers are better within the NL Central at 24-29.

[StarDust Bum]

LEADING OFF: Stanton could return, Martinez well rested

September 4, 2015

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

STANTON WATCH

Miami slugger Giancarlo Stanton had been hoping to play when the New York Mets came to town. He's been out since June 26 because of a broken left hand, and said it didn't feel totally OK after a couple minor league at-bats this week. Might come down to a game-time decision at Marlins Park.

FEELING BETTER

Royals reliever Kelvin Herrera and outfielder Alex Rios might be able to work out early at Kauffman Stadium after recently being diagnosed with chickenpox. If they do come to the ballpark, they'll leave before the rest of the team arrives to play the White Sox.

WELL RESTED

Carlos Martinez will be pitching on two extra days of rest when he starts for St. Louis at home vs. the Pirates. The NL Central-leading Cardinals hold a comfortable lead over second-place Pittsburgh and altered their rotation to give Martinez (13-6, 2.91 ERA) a break.

HOPING TO HEAL

Rookie Miguel Sano could return to the starting lineup when the contending Twins visit Houston to begin a nine-game road trip. He didn't start Thursday because of a hamstring problem.

PLENTY OF SUPPORT

The AL East-leading Blue Jays send Drew Hutchison to the mound at Rogers Centre to face Baltimore. He is 13-2 despite a 4.87 ERA - it helps that he pitches for the highest-scoring team in the majors.

[StarDust Bum]

Standings

Regular Season Standings

AMERICAN - EAST

Team Win Loss Percent GB Home Away Last 10 Streak
Toronto Blue Jays 76 57 .571 0 45-24 31-33 8-2 W-2
New York Yankees 74 58 .561 1 37-26 37-32 6-4 W-2
Tampa Bay Rays 66 67 .496 10 33-35 33-32 4-6 L-1
Baltimore Orioles 64 69 .481 12 38-27 26-42 2-8 W-1
Boston Red Sox 61 72 .459 15 34-34 27-38 5-5 L-2

AMERICAN - CENTRAL

Team Win Loss Percent GB Home Away Last 10 Streak
Kansas City Royals 82 51 .617 0 47-22 35-29 7-3 W-2
Minnesota Twins 69 64 .519 13 42-26 27-38 7-3 L-1
Cleveland Indians 64 68 .485 17 29-34 35-34 7-3 L-2
Chicago White Sox 62 70 .470 19 33-32 29-38 4-6 W-1
Detroit Tigers 61 72 .459 21 30-35 31-37 2-8 L-2



AMERICAN - WEST

Team Win Loss Percent GB Home Away Last 10 Streak
Houston Astros 73 61 .545 0 46-23 27-38 5-5 L-2
Texas Rangers 70 62 .530 2 32-32 38-30 7-3 W-2
Los Angeles Angels 67 66 .504 5 39-27 28-39 4-6 W-2
Seattle Mariners 63 71 .470 10 29-36 34-35 6-4 W-2
Oakland Athletics 58 76 .433 15 31-38 27-38 5-5 L-2

NATIONAL - EAST

Team Win Loss Percent GB Home Away Last 10 Streak
New York Mets 74 59 .556 0 45-24 29-35 7-3 W-1
Washington Nationals 68 65 .511 6 38-26 30-39 6-4 W-2
Miami Marlins 55 79 .410 19 30-36 25-43 5-5 W-3
Atlanta Braves 54 80 .403 20 33-32 21-48 1-9 L-9
Philadelphia Phillies 53 81 .396 21 30-35 23-46 3-7 L-1

NATIONAL - CENTRAL

Team Win Loss Percent GB Home Away Last 10 Streak
St. Louis Cardinals 86 47 .647 0 48-20 38-27 8-2 L-1
Pittsburgh Pirates 79 53 .598 6 46-21 33-32 5-5 L-4
Chicago Cubs 75 57 .568 10 40-28 35-29 4-6 L-1
Milwaukee Brewers 58 75 .436 28 33-39 25-36 5-5 W-4
Cincinnati Reds 55 77 .417 30 29-35 26-42 4-6 W-1

NATIONAL - WEST

Team Win Loss Percent GB Home Away Last 10 Streak
Los Angeles Dodgers 75 58 .564 0 47-21 28-37 8-2 L-1
San Francisco Giants 69 65 .515 6 38-27 31-38 3-7 L-6
Arizona Diamondbacks 65 69 .485 10 31-35 34-34 3-7 L-1
San Diego Padres 65 69 .485 10 33-32 32-37 4-6 W-1
Colorado Rockies 55 78 .414 20 30-38 25-40 6-4 W-2

Updated Fri Sep 4 10:04 AM EDT

[StarDust Bum]

Standings

Wild Card Standings


AMERICAN

Team Win Loss Percent GB

New York Yankees 74 58 0.561 +4

Texas Rangers 70 62 0.530 0.0

Minnesota Twins 69 64 0.519 1.5

Los Angeles Angels 67 66 0.504 3.5

Tampa Bay Rays 66 67 0.496 4.5

Cleveland Indians 64 68 0.485 6.0

Baltimore Orioles 64 69 0.481 6.5

Seattle Mariners 63 71 0.470 8.0

Chicago White Sox 62 70 0.470 8.0

Boston Red Sox 61 72 0.459 9.5

Detroit Tigers 61 72 0.459 9.5

Oakland Athletics 58 76 0.433 13.0



NATIONAL

Team Win Loss Percent GB

Pittsburgh Pirates 79 53 0.598 +4

Chicago Cubs 75 57 0.568 0.0

San Francisco Giants 69 65 0.515 7.0

Washington Nationals 68 65 0.511 7.5

Arizona Diamondbacks 65 69 0.485 11.0

San Diego Padres 65 69 0.485 11.0

Milwaukee Brewers 58 75 0.436 17.5

Cincinnati Reds 55 77 0.417 20.0

Colorado Rockies 55 78 0.414 20.5

Miami Marlins 55 79 0.410 21.0

Atlanta Braves 54 80 0.403 22.0

Philadelphia Phillies 53 81 0.396 23.0


Updated Fri Sep 4 10:04 AM EDT

[StarDust Bum]

Preview: Fever (18-12) at Lynx (20-10)

Date: September 04, 2015 8:00 PM EDT

The Minnesota Lynx picked up a key victory in their pursuit of another first-place finish in the Western Conference. They might not have two starters for the rest of the regular season, however.

Lindsay Whalen will likely join Seimone Augustus on the sidelines beginning with Friday night's home game against the Indiana Fever.

Minnesota (20-10) is 2 1/2 games ahead of Phoenix and three up in the loss column after a 71-61 victory over the Mercury on Sunday. Maya Moore scored 28 points in the opener of a season-high four-game homestand to help the Lynx overcome Whalen's absence in the second half.

Whalen was forced to leave in the second quarter because of nagging bursitis in her right heel and a sore Achilles tendon. Coach Cheryl Reeve said Tuesday that she was "hopeful" that the point guard and Augustus, out since Aug. 19 because of a left foot injury, could return for the playoffs.

The Lynx clinched home-court advantage for the opening round with Sunday's victory and are seeking their fourth No. 1 seed in the conference playoffs in five years.

"We're not going to feel sorry that Lindsay or Seimone won't be out there with them. The mindset is just like it was against Phoenix. They're out so we have to step up," Reeve said. "They're all good enough to do so as we saw during that Phoenix game.

"The mindset is we're going to win four games. We're working to get ready for the game on Friday and win our home game."

Renee Montgomery, acquired from Seattle on July 20, and Anna Cruz will likely have greater roles for the short term. Montgomery had 15 points Sunday, her most since scoring 19 in her season debut June 6.

"When you get minutes, you want to try and make the most of them and that was my mindset the whole time," Montgomery told the team's official website. "I feel like this is the time where I need to step up, my team needs me."

Whalen had a team-best 17 points in the first matchup with Indiana, a 78-69 road victory June 6 in the second game of the season for both teams. The Fever (18-12) played without Tamika Catchings due to a knee injury.

Catchings got a little rest Tuesday with Indiana blowing out Connecticut 81-51 to clinch a league-record 11th consecutive playoff berth. She scored a team-high 13 points in 21 minutes after topping 20 in the final two games of the Fever's three-game losing streak.

"We're not done yet," Catchings said. "We've got four more games so we have to really ride that wave and propel ourselves into the playoffs."

Minnesota has won the last five matchups in the series.


WNBA HEAD TO HEAD

Jun 6, 2015 Score ATS Results
MIN « 78 Cover: 1
IND 69 Under: 147
Tools: Recaps

Aug 5, 2014 Score ATS Results
MIN « 66 Under: 130
IND 64 Cover: 2.5
Tools: Recaps

Jun 22, 2014 Score ATS Results
IND 77 Cover: 4
MIN « 83 Over: 160
Tools: Recaps

[StarDust Bum]

Sun-Stars Preview

The league-worst San Antonio Stars are mired in a seven-game slide with the season winding down, though they have some extra incentive this weekend.

The retiring Sophia Young-Malcolm will play her final home games in a back-to-back set that begins Friday night against the short-handed Connecticut Sun, who are also eliminated from playoff contention.

This is the first home game for Young-Malcolm since she announced last Wednesday that this will be her final campaign. She spent her entire 10-year career with the Stars, and will play her last home game Saturday against Phoenix.

The four-time all-WNBA selection is the franchise's leader in scoring with 4,266 points and one of 24 in league history with over 4,000 points. She helped lead San Antonio (7-23) to its lone WNBA finals appearance in 2008.

Young-Malcolm will be looking to fare better this weekend than in her previous three home games in which she totaled 14 points on 6-of-22 shooting - all losses for the Stars. Her field-goal percentage of 47.9 leads the club.

San Antonio will seek to stop its longest losing streak since dropping a franchise record-tying nine straight from Aug. 2-26, 2005.

The Stars haven't played since Sunday's 60-52 defeat at Los Angeles in which Jia Perkins scored 15 points and Young-Malcolm added 11.

They'll be eager to avenge an 82-51 loss at Connecticut (13-18) on Aug. 4 for its most lopsided defeat in the 25-game history of the series with the Sun. Kelsey Bone had 17 points, 10 rebounds and six assists for Connecticut, which held a 41-25 rebounding edge.

Bone is tied for the team lead with Alex Bentley with a 14.7 scoring average. Bentley, who scored 10 points in the first meeting, has missed the last six games with an ankle injury and fellow starter Alyssa Thomas has missed the last nine with a shoulder injury.

The Sun fell to 1-8 in this stretch without Thomas with Tuesday's 81-51 loss at Indiana. Bone scored 17 points.

[StarDust Bum]

WNBA
Long Sheet

Friday, September 4

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INDIANA (18 - 12) at MINNESOTA (20 - 10) - 9/4/2015, 8:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
MINNESOTA is 57-41 ATS (+11.9 Units) as a favorite over the last 3 seasons.
MINNESOTA is 34-20 ATS (+12.0 Units) in home games over the last 3 seasons.
INDIANA is 22-11 ATS (+9.9 Units) in road games over the last 2 seasons.
INDIANA is 9-2 ATS (+6.8 Units) in road games against Western conference opponents over the last 2 seasons.
INDIANA is 27-16 ATS (+9.4 Units) after a division game over the last 2 seasons.
INDIANA is 9-2 ATS (+6.8 Units) in road games in non-conference games over the last 2 seasons.
INDIANA is 13-4 ATS (+8.6 Units) in road games revenging a loss versus opponent over the last 2 seasons.
INDIANA is 17-7 ATS (+9.3 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.
MINNESOTA is 4-12 ATS (-9.2 Units) when playing with 3 or more days rest over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
INDIANA is 3-2 against the spread versus MINNESOTA over the last 3 seasons
MINNESOTA is 5-0 straight up against INDIANA over the last 3 seasons
3 of 5 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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CONNECTICUT (13 - 18) at SAN ANTONIO (7 - 23) - 9/4/2015, 8:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
CONNECTICUT is 9-2 ATS (+6.8 Units) in road games against Western conference opponents over the last 2 seasons.
CONNECTICUT is 25-15 ATS (+8.5 Units) after a division game over the last 2 seasons.
CONNECTICUT is 9-2 ATS (+6.8 Units) in road games in non-conference games over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
SAN ANTONIO is 3-2 against the spread versus CONNECTICUT over the last 3 seasons
CONNECTICUT is 3-2 straight up against SAN ANTONIO over the last 3 seasons
3 of 5 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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WNBA

Friday, September 4

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Trend Report
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8:00 PM
INDIANA vs. MINNESOTA
Indiana is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games when playing Minnesota
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Indiana's last 6 games when playing on the road against Minnesota
Minnesota is 21-4 SU in its last 25 games at home
Minnesota is 2-6 ATS in its last 8 games when playing at home against Indiana

8:00 PM
CONNECTICUT vs. SAN ANTONIO
The total has gone OVER in 8 of Connecticut's last 12 games
Connecticut is 1-6 ATS in its last 7 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of San Antonio's last 6 games when playing at home against Connecticut
San Antonio is 2-5 SU in its last 7 games when playing Connecticut