The Bum's Sports Page For Wednesday September 23rd Best Bets-Trends-News !

[StarDust Bum]

Preview: Diamondbacks (73-78) at Dodgers (85-65)
Game: 3
Venue: Dodger Stadium
Date: September 23, 2015 10:10 PM EDT

While they still own a comfortable lead in the NL West, the slumping Los Angeles Dodgers are in danger of losing their hold on home-field advantage in the playoffs.

They're also on the verge of their longest losing streak at Dodger Stadium in two years, though they haven't lost when Zack Greinke has started there since early June.

The All-Star right-hander will try to help Los Angeles get back on track while continuing his historic season Wednesday night against the Arizona Diamondbacks.

Los Angeles (85-65) had its division lead cut to six games after Tuesday's 8-0 loss and San Francisco's win. However, the club remains in the driver's seat to win a third straight title with 12 games remaining.

The Dodgers, however, are clinging to a half-game edge on the East-leading New York Mets in the race for home-field advantage in a potential division series matchup. Now they're looking to avoid matching their longest skid of the season and longest home slide since May 1-10, 2013.

'We haven't won anything yet. This is time for us to buckle down and play better than we did in the last four games,' catcher A.J. Ellis said.

They should be in good hands with Greinke (18-3, 1.65 ERA), who will try to win a career high-tying sixth consecutive start. He's also gone 9-1 with a league-best 1.48 ERA in 16 home outings.

Greinke has a chance to become only the fifth Dodger since 1914 to win eight straight home starts in a single season. Sandy Koufax (10, 1964), Burleigh Grimes (8, 1918), Dazzy Vance (8, 1927) and teammate Clayton Kershaw (8, 2011) are the others.

"I pitch good at home," he told MLB's official website. "I'm just more comfortable."

Greinke has an 18-inning scoreless streak versus the Diamondbacks after winning a pair of starts against them this season. He's 7-0 with a 1.19 ERA in nine meetings since joining Los Angeles in 2013.

Paul Goldschmidt is 4 for 23 with 12 strikeouts lifetime when facing Greinke, while Ender Inciarte, Chris Owings and David Peralta are a combined 0 for 27.

Goldschmidt, though, homered for the second straight night Tuesday when Arizona won for only the third time in 16 games at Chavez Ravine. He's batting .388 with 11 homers and 26 RBIs in his last 22 meetings.

A.J. Pollock added his 18th home run and has a .400 average over an 11-game hitting streak. Rookie Brandon Drury has gone 5 for 9 with a home run, double and four RBIs in this series.

The Diamondbacks (73-78) are seeking their fifth win in the first six of this 10-game road trip.

Chase Anderson (6-6, 4.52) had been removed from the rotation after allowing five runs and two homers over two-plus innings in a 6-2 home loss to San Francisco on Sept. 8. The right-hander, though, has been working with pitching coach Mike Harkey over the past two weeks, and hopes to make the most of another opportunity after impressing in Friday's simulated game.

"Chase looked good," manager Chip Hale said. "He got better and better."

Anderson is 1-1 with a 3.95 ERA in five career starts against the Dodgers. He yielded two hits and struck out seven over six innings in a 1-0 win at Chavez Ravine on May 3. Adrian Gonzalez is 4 for 9 with a home run off him, while Yasmani Grandal has three homers in eight at-bats.

The Dodgers, however, have batted .176 and totaled nine runs during their losing streak after they managed only three singles off Robbie Ray and three relievers Tuesday.

Arizona shortstop Nick Ahmed's status is uncertain after he left Tuesday's game because of a jammed lower back.


SERIES AT A GLANCE

GAME 1
Diamondbacks at Dodgers
Mon, Sep 21 Final 8 to 4
Boxscores • Recaps

GAME 2
Diamondbacks at Dodgers
Tue, Sep 22 Final 8 to 0
Boxscores • Recaps

GAME 3
Diamondbacks at Dodgers
Wed, Sep 23 - 10:10PM EDT

GAME 4
Diamondbacks at Dodgers
Thu, Sep 24 - 3:10PM EDT

[StarDust Bum]

Preview: Giants (79-71) at Padres (70-81)
Game: 2
Venue: PETCO Park
Date: September 23, 2015 10:10 PM EDT

In the last 20 seasons, 17 pitchers have lost more than 15 games while maintaining an ERA under 4.50.

Andrew Cashner could join that group Wednesday night at Petco Park. He's been more deserving of his defeats against the San Francisco Giants, who aren't yet conceding they have nothing to play for as Jake Peavy tries for his first win as a visitor in San Diego.

Though misfortunate, Cashner (6-15, 4.25 ERA) certainly hasn't had the year he or the Padres wanted. Yet he might feel like he has little room to complain compared to Shelby Miller, who is already there this season with 16 losses and a 3.00 ERA.

Cashner would be the second San Diego pitcher in as many seasons to join the group after Eric Stults went 8-17 with a 4.30 mark last year.

After limiting Arizona to three runs and seven hits in last Wednesday's 4-3 win, Cashner is coming off a rare victory, though he still has a 5.40 ERA and .409 opponent on-base percentage while going 1-3 in a five-start span.

His manager wants to see him simplify things and hopefully cut down on the 4.45 walks per nine innings he's posted in that time after having a 2.79 mark through 24 starts.

"Cashner was great; player of the game for me," Pat Murphy said. "He just attacked a very good offensive team ... with 75 percent (of his pitches) or more were fastballs. Hopefully, he learned something he can take with him going forward, that he doesn't need to go deep in counts. His fastball is that good."

The right-hander has lost both of his starts against San Francisco this season with nine earned runs allowed in 10 2-3 innings to fall to 2-3 with a 5.13 ERA in seven career starts in the series. Buster Posey (11 for 22 with two home runs) and Brandon Crawford (5 for 11 with a home run) have hit him best.

Cashner is up against Peavy, San Diego's former ace, who's again doing his part down the stretch. Peavy (7-6, 4.08) was 4-0 with a 1.15 ERA as the Giants won his last six regular-season starts last year.

The right-hander hasn't been quite as strong this time around, but after allowing two runs and seven hits in six innings of last Wednesday's 5-3 home win over Cincinnati, he's 4-0 with a 3.52 mark in his last five. He's also 7-0 with a 3.12 ERA in 12 September starts dating to 2013.

The 34-year-old has only faced the Padres (70-81) three times since leaving in 2009, going 1-1 with a 3.38 ERA and the loss coming in his only return to Petco on April 12. Justin Upton is 9 for 17 with two homers and a triple against him, but Yangervis Solarte is 0 for 8.

With Tuesday's 4-2 series-opening win, San Francisco (79-71) has won 10 of 15 and six straight in the series with a 47-10 scoring advantage. More importantly, it gained a game on the NL West-leading Los Angeles Dodgers, who have dropped four in a row.

The Giants remain six back with 12 to play, though four come at home against the Dodgers next week. Their other two remaining series come at Oakland and at home against Colorado, two clubs toiling in last place.

'We're still alive,' manager Bruce Bochy said. 'I've talked about this so many times. You never know. You keep grinding, you keep fighting and see what happens. You've got to believe, and it's all up to us about winning games. That's where it starts. Of course, it's obvious we need a little help. There's a big series coming up.'

Posey (hip) was out of the lineup Tuesday but is expected back Wednesday.

Matt Kemp is batting .147 in his last nine games and .146 in his last 13 against the Giants.


SERIES AT A GLANCE

GAME 1
Giants at Padres
Tue, Sep 22 Final 4 to 2
Boxscores • Recaps

GAME 2
Giants at Padres
Wed, Sep 23 - 10:10PM EDT

GAME 3
Giants at Padres
Thu, Sep 24 - 9:10PM EDT

[StarDust Bum]

Hall of Famer Yogi Berra dies at 90

September 23, 2015

NEW YORK (AP) The lovable legend of Yogi Berra, that ain't ever gonna be over.

The Hall of Fame catcher renowned as much for his dizzying malapropisms as his unmatched 10 World Series championships with the New York Yankees, died Tuesday. He was 90.

Berra, who filled baseball's record book as well as ''Bartlett's Familiar Quotations,'' died of natural causes at his home in New Jersey, according to Dave Kaplan, the director of the Yogi Berra Museum.

Berra played in more World Series games than any other major leaguer, and was a three-time American League Most Valuable Player.

For many, though, he was even better known for all those amusing ''Yogi-isms.''

''It ain't over `til it's over'' is among eight of them included in Bartlett's.

''When I'm sittin' down to dinner with the family, stuff just pops out. And they'll say, `Dad, you just said another one.' And I don't even know what the heck I said,'' Berra insisted.

Short, squat and with a homely mug, Berra was a Yankees great who helped the team reach 14 World Series during his 18 seasons in the Bronx.

''While we mourn the loss of our father, grandfather and great-grandfather, we know he is at peace with Mom,'' Berra's family said in a statement released by the museum. ''We celebrate his remarkable life, and are thankful he meant so much to so many. He will truly be missed.''

Berra served on a gunboat supporting the D-Day invasion in 1944 and played for the Yankees from 1946-63. His teammates included fellow Hall of Famers Joe DiMaggio, Mickey Mantle and Whitey Ford.

''No! Say it ain't so. He was a good man, my former manager and friend! RIP Yogi,'' former Yankees star Dave Winfield tweeted.

Lawrence Peter Berra, the son of Italian immigrants, got his nickname while growing up in St. Louis. Among his amateur baseball teammates was Jack McGuire, another future big leaguer.

''Some of us went to a movie with a yogi in it and afterwards Jack began calling me Yogi. It stuck,'' Berra told the Saturday Evening Post.

He was a fan favorite, especially with children, and the cartoon character Yogi Bear was named after him.

Until recent years, he remained a fixture at Yankee Stadium and in the clubhouse, where the likes of Derek Jeter, Joe Torre and others in pinstripes looked up to the diminutive old-timer.

In 1956, Berra caught the only perfect game in World Series history and after the last out leaped into pitcher Don Larsen's arms. The famous moment is still often replayed on baseball broadcasts.

After his playing days, Berra coached or managed the Yankees, New York Mets and Houston Astros. He led both the Yankees and Mets to pennants.

In 1985, his firing as manager by the Yankees 16 games into the season sparked a feud with George Steinbrenner. Berra vowed never to return to Yankee Stadium as long as Steinbrenner owned the team.

But in 1999, Berra finally relented, throwing out the ceremonial first pitch of the Yankees' season-opener.

''We are deeply saddened by the loss of a Yankees legend and American hero, Yogi Berra,'' the Yankees posted on Twitter.

Berra, who played in 15 straight All-Star Games, never earned more than $65,000 a season. He died on the same date, Sept. 22, as his big league debut 69 years earlier.

Growing up, he was anything but a natural.

Chunky and slow, Berra was rejected by his hometown St. Louis Cardinals after a tryout in 1943. But a Yankees scout recognized his potential and signed him.

He reached the majors late in the 1946 season and homered in his first at-bat. The next year, he continued to hit well, but his throwing was so erratic he was shifted to the outfield, then benched.

His breakthrough season came in 1948, when he hit .315 with 14 homers and 98 RBIs while improving his fielding. In 1949, he compiled a .989 fielding percentage and did not make an error in the All-Star Game or World Series.

''I don't care who the hitter is,'' Yankees Hall of Fame manager Casey Stengel told the New York Journal-American, ''(Berra) knows just how he should be pitched to.''

Berra was the AL MVP in 1951, 1954 and 1955. He holds World Series records for most hits (71) and games (75).

He was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1972.

''You never think of that when you're a kid,'' Berra said. ''But egads, you gotta be somethin' to get in.''

Among his boyhood friends was Joe Garagiola, who went on to a career as a major league player and broadcaster. In rejecting Berra at the 1943 tryout, the Cardinals signed Garagiola, another catcher, instead.

Berra was born in St. Louis on May 12, 1925, the son of Pietro, a laborer in a brickyard, and Pauline Berra. He grew up in ''The Hill,'' or Italian district, with three older brothers and a younger sister.

Berra was forced to drop out of school in the eighth grade and go to work to help support his family. He took jobs in a coal yard, as a truck driver and in a shoe factory.

He continued to play amateur baseball, which brought him to the attention of major league scouts.

In 1943, his first professional season with the Yankees' farm team in Norfolk, Virginia, was interrupted by World War II.

Berra married his wife, Carmen, in 1949. The couple met in their native St. Louis. Carmen died in 2014. Yogi is survived by their three sons.

Dale Berra, a major league infielder, who briefly played for his father on the Yankees in 1985; Tim, who played one season for the NFL's Baltimore Colts, and Lawrence Jr.

Berra published three books: his autobiography in 1961, ''It Ain't Over ...'' in 1989 and ''The Yogi Book: I Really Didn't Say Everything I Said'' in 1998. The last made The New York Times' best seller list.

In 1996, Berra was awarded an honorary doctorate from the state university in Montclair, N.J., where he and his family lived. The university also named its baseball stadium for Berra. The adjoining Yogi Berra Museum opened in 1998.

The museum houses Berra memorabilia, including what he said was his most prized possession, the mitt he used to catch Larsen's perfect game.

He tickled TV viewers in recent years by bringing his malapropisms to a commercial with the AFLAC duck. (''They give you cash, which is just as good as money.'')

His wife once asked Berra where he wanted to be buried, in St. Louis, New York or Montclair.

''I don't know,'' he said. ''Why don't you surprise me?''

[StarDust Bum]

Wednesday's Tip Sheet

September 23, 2015


Baltimore Orioles at Washington Nationals | 7:05 p.m. ET

If the Nationals are going to make any sort of last-minute run at the Mets for first in the NL East, they’re going to need their big free-agent signing, Max Scherzer (12-11, 2.90 ERA), to start pitching like the dominant hurler he was in the beginning of the year. After all, this is someone that legitimately jumped out in front in the NL Cy Young race for the first half of the year, as he was 10-7 with a 2.11 ERA and 0.78 WHIP entering the All-Star break. While his numbers have regressed considerably since then, Scherzer appears to be retaining his earlier-season form, as evident in the month he’s having. In four September starts, Scherzer has a 3.00 ERA and a 1.15 WHIP to go along with an outstanding 28/3 K/BB ratio over 27 total innings. He carries -135 ML odds for tonight’s assignment.

Meanwhile, Orioles right-hander Chris Tillman (9-11, 5.19 ERA), who gets the ball this evening for the Birds, has been going in the opposite direction. At one point over the summer, Tillman looked like he could assume the role as ace of the Baltimore pitching staff once again, after posting a marvelous 1.31 ERA and 0.90 WHIP in five starts in July. Since then, however, the right-hander has struggled, registering a 5.73 ERA in four August starts, and thus far through September, his ERA for the month stands at a disastrous 9.64. Either way, the over/under is 7.

New York Yankees at Toronto Blue Jays | 7:07 p.m. ET (ESPN)

The saga over the AL East continues in the opening tilt of tonight’s ESPN Wednesday Night Baseball doubleheader. Last night, unsurprisingly also on ESPN, the Yankees pulled off a thrilling extra-innings victory at Rogers Centre to steal game two of this critical three-game set to cut Toronto’s first-place lead back to 2.5 games. If they want to inch further back to the top, they’re going to need an improved effort from Ivan Nova (6-8, 5.11 ERA), who originally wasn’t even slated to start this contest.

In fact, Nova was actually bumped from the rotation about a week ago because of recent struggles, but with Masahiro Tanaka experiencing a hamstring strain, the 28-year old Dominican gets another shot. Nova was faring well this year after coming back from Tommy John surgery in June, before running into a really rough four-start stretch that saw him surrender a whopping 19 runs across 17.2 combined innings pitched. That also includes his most recent assignment, when the Blue Jays knocked him out of the game in the second after plating six runs on seven hits with Nova on the hill. In turn, the linesmakers opened up the over/under at 9, but in most places, the line has already fallen to 8.5.

Toronto counters with sophomore sensation Marcus Stroman (2-0, 3.00 ERA), who, in a way, also wasn’t supposed to start this game. That’s because way back in March, Stroman was diagnosed with an alleged ‘season-ending’ torn ACL, yet here he is, making his third start of the year for the Blue Jays in helping spark their postseason push. The hard-throwing right-hander will be making his third start of the campaign, and in the first two, it didn’t look like there was much rust. Stroman was victorious in both, including a win over the Yankees on Sept. 12. With his potential to dominate any given time he takes the mound, the linesmakers have Stroman as a heavy -190 home favorite despite his tough competition on tap.

Texas Rangers at Oakland Athletics | 10:05 p.m. ET

With last night’s come-from-behind win over the Athletics coinciding with an Astros defeat at the hands of the Angels, the Rangers were able to extend their first-place lead in the AL West to two games. Now they get to hand the ball to someone who has surprisingly been one of their best pitchers this season, Colby Lewis (16-8, 4.41 ERA), who the club hopes can continue his mastery over tonight’s opponent. In four starts opposite the A’s in 2015, Lewis has been absolutely brilliant, going 2-0 with a 1.33 ERA and 0.70 WHIP, as Oakland has only been able to muster a .135 team batting average when facing the veteran right-hander. That string of starts also includes Lewis’ performance 12 days ago, when he nearly no-hit the Athletics and instead settled for a two-hit shutout. As a result, he’s a -130 road favorite.

On the other end of this pitching matchup is the inconsistent Felix Doubront (3-2, 4.95 ERA), making his seventh start since joining the A’s in the beginning of August. Up to this point, the 27-year-old southpaw has exhibited mixed results, sometimes looking like the above-average pitcher many thought he could be in Boston, as he’s posted three quality starts in six tries. Other times, he’s gotten hit, like when he faced the Rangers in Arlington two starts ago and couldn’t make it through the fifth inning. That’s because Texas drilled him for seven runs on seven hits, including three home runs. The linesmakers have the over/under set at 8.

Arizona Diamondbacks at Los Angeles Dodgers | 10:10 p.m. ET (ESPN)

The Dodgers may have the NL West all but officially wrapped up but there's still an intriguing storyline to monitor in the nightcap of tonight's ESPN Wednesday Night Baseball doubleheader.

Zack Greinke (18-3, 1.65 ERA), one of the top three candidates for this year's NL Cy Young honors, gets the ball tonight for LA, continuing to make his case. He has one tough act to follow, however, as Jake Arrieta, one of his main combatants for the award, tossed a three-hit shutout last night, en route to becoming the Majors' first 20-game winner. In the process, he also brought his ERA down to 1.88. How will Greinke respond? It's a good bet he counters with a quality start of his own, as the 31-year-old is typically at his best when pitching at Chavez Ravine. In 16 home starts this year, Greinke is 9-1 with a 1.48 ERA and 0.82 WHIP. The linesmakers have tagged him as a chalky -250 home favorite, but perhaps understandably so, as Los Angeles is 13-2 in the last 15 games started by Greinke.

This won't be an easy win for the Dodger right-hander, though, especially since the rival Diamondbacks have taken the first two of this four-game set. Arizona also somewhat has something to play for, looking to finish at the .500 mark after owning baseball’s worst record a year ago; they’re currently five games under. The D-backs will have one of their better starting pitchers on the hill for this one as Chase Anderson (6-6, 4.52 ERA) looks to capture the series win for his club. While the second-year starter has regressed significantly since the All-Star break (2-3 with a 6.08 ERA and 1.63 WHIP in eight starts), he has fared well against this division opponent. Anderson has faced the Dodgers twice this season, yielding just three runs in 11 total innings while racking up 13 strikeouts and maintaining a .189 opposing batting average. The over/under is currently 6.5 everywhere, but there is potential it rises to 7.

[StarDust Bum]

LEADING OFF: Yanks-Jays finale, Greinke goes for 19th win

September 23, 2015

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

FINALE IN TORONTO

The first-place Blue Jays host the Yankees in the rubber game of their AL East showdown. Struggling right-hander Ivan Nova (6-8), recently removed from the rotation, steps back in to start for New York in place of injured Masahiro Tanaka. On the mound for Toronto is Marcus Stroman, who has won both his outings this season since returning from a knee injury - including one at Yankee Stadium. Toronto holds a 2 1/2-game lead over New York.

ZACK ATTACK

As the Dodgers look to close in on the NL West title, Zack Greinke (18-3) tries to lower his major league-leading ERA of 1.65 when he pitches at home against the Diamondbacks. Greinke is in a remarkable race for the NL Cy Young Award with teammate Clayton Kershaw and Cubs ace Jake Arrieta, who improved to 20-6 with a 1.88 ERA by shutting out Milwaukee on Tuesday night.

SIDELINED STAR

Orioles manager Buck Showalter was unsure if center fielder Adam Jones will play against Washington. Jones sat out Tuesday night with a bad back and was not in the lineup Monday before that game was postponed because of rain. Showalter said Jones is improving but would not say when he might return.

CLOSING TIME

Two teams in the AL Central are testing new plans for the ninth inning. With closer Greg Holland nursing a sore elbow, the first-place Royals have switched to Wade Davis for the rest of the season and the playoffs. And in Detroit, struggling closer Bruce Rondon was sent home for the remainder of the year. Tigers manager Brad Ausmus gave very little explanation, saying only that Rondon had been jettisoned because of his ''effort level.'' Detroit turned to Neftali Feliz in the ninth inning Tuesday night, and he blew a save opportunity after giving up the first hit of the game by the White Sox.

SWEET 17

Rangers right-hander Colby Lewis (16-8), looking to extend his career high for wins, tries to become the first 17-game winner for Texas since Scott Feldman in 2009 when he faces his former team in Oakland. Lewis also looks to win his third straight start for the AL West leaders. Athletics lefty Felix Doubront (2-1) is 0-5 with a 12.68 ERA and .427 opponents' batting average vs. Texas - his most losses against any team.

[StarDust Bum]

Tim Hudson and Barry Zito facing off will happen Saturday

September 23, 2015

OAKLAND, Calif. (AP) Barry Zito had returned home from a minor league season ready to turn his attention from baseball to his other love, music, perhaps for good.

Now, he will make one more start from a big league mound while opposing close friend and former teammate Tim Hudson.

The baseball-crazed Bay Area is getting its Hudson vs. Zito matchup on Saturday as so many hoped. And it could be the last hurrah for the two former Athletics pitchers.

This is a bright spot for the A's in their final homestand of the year, which began with an 8-6 loss to the Texas Rangers on Tuesday night.

Zito, who spent the entire season with Triple-A Nashville before his call-up last week, might be able to throw around 50 pitches in his first - and, perhaps, last - major league start this year. Or ever.

''It's icing,'' the 37-year-old Zito said Tuesday after a throwing session and visit to the training room. ''I came to peace with the fact that Omaha was my last start. I had an inning on the Sunday game. Monday was our last game. The team threw me a little party, we had a baseball pinata in there and a champagne shower, because I was thinking this probably would be it. I never came out officially (to retire) and obviously still kind of seeing what happens. I was hanging out at home. I definitely didn't think this was going to happen. This is all bonus, like triple-bonus situation right now.''

A's manager Bob Melvin told Zito on Tuesday that he would start against Hudson and the San Francisco Giants for Saturday afternoon's game at the Coliseum. Melvin and general manager Billy Beane had discussed the possibility with Zito already.

''How many different reasons can you think of? Our fans, first and foremost ... it will be a terrific day, with Hudson pitching on the other side,'' Melvin said. ''Really and truly he deserves it, based on what he did this year in Triple-A, what he's meant to this organization. To get him out one more time in our ballpark against the Giants with our fan base, their fan base and Tim Hudson on the mound, it's going to be a very exciting day.''

It will be the left-hander's first big league start since Sept. 25, 2013, when he wrapped up a $126 million, seven-year contract with the Giants. He took 2014 off to build himself for a comeback attempt.

Zito will say hello to his former manager, Bruce Bochy, and the team on Friday.

''I'll be their mortal enemy on Saturday and then I'll probably be their friend again on Sunday,'' Zito said.

''It's going to be a really great experience regardless of what happens, being out there part of Huddy's last few weeks,'' said Zito, the 2002 AL Cy Young Award winner with the A's. ''It's going to be awesome. I think the fans deserve something like that, some closure from those early years, all that fun we had.''

Oakland plans to honor its former ''Big Three'' trio of Hudson, Zito and Mark Mulder in a pregame ceremony Sunday, when they will throw out the ceremonial first pitches as a group. Three sellouts are expected for the weekend series.

''It's definitely going to be rowdy out here,'' Zito said. ''I can't be a fan that day, I've got to still be a player.''

The 40-year-old Hudson plans to retire after the season, and Zito might join him in calling it a career.

They both cherish the way the ''Big Three'' dominated beginning in 2000, making up one of baseball's best 1-2-3 starting trios.

''When you're in the middle of something you usually don't know how special it is until you're away from it to reflect,'' Zito said. ''It definitely was special. To have three homegrown guys it's pretty rare.''

A's third base coach Ron Washington will cherish the memories dating back more than a decade.

''I thought they were the best three in the business at the time,'' said Washington, back for a second stint with the club this year. ''You couldn't imagine the things that they would say when they came off the field, `Just get me one run and I'll make it stand up,' and they'd make it stand up. `Get me two runs and I'll make it stand up,' and they would make it stand up. I think they fed off each other. Huddy was the smallest of the three and he was a tough character.

''I remember one time Mark Mulder throwing a fireworks night game and he did it in an hour and something, and the fans had to sit in the stands `til dark and I was at home eating. That's how good they were. Barry Zito had this changeup and this breaking ball that would fall off the table. More than anything they were fierce competitors.''

[StarDust Bum]

MLB MONEYLINE

MLB > (925) SEATTLE@ (926) KANSAS CITY | 2015-09-23 20:10:00 - 2015-09-23 20:10:00
Play AGAINST KANSAS CITY using money line as a home favorite of -175 to -200
The record is 11 Wins and 20 Losses for the since 1992 (-26.17 units)

MLB > (927) TEXAS@ (928) OAKLAND | 2015-09-23 22:05:00 - 2015-09-23 22:05:00
Play ON TEXAS using money line in games played on a grass field
The record is 39 Wins and 30 Losses for the this season (+22.52 units)

MLB > (921) TAMPA BAY@ (922) BOSTON | 2015-09-23 19:10:00 - 2015-09-23 19:10:00
Play AGAINST BOSTON using money line at home with a money line of -100 to -125
The record is 16 Wins and 34 Losses for the last two seasons (-23.35 units)

MLB > (903) ATLANTA@ (904) NY METS | 2015-09-23 19:10:00 - 2015-09-23 19:10:00
Play AGAINST ATLANTA using money line when playing against a team with a winning record
The record is 6 Wins and 28 Losses for the this season (-18.38 units)

MLB > (923) CLEVELAND@ (924) MINNESOTA | 2015-09-23 20:10:00 - 2015-09-23 20:10:00
Play ON MINNESOTA using money line in games played on a grass field
The record is 75 Wins and 68 Losses for the this season (+21.7 units)

MLB > (917) LA ANGELS@ (918) HOUSTON | 2015-09-23 14:10:00 - 2015-09-23 14:10:00
Play ON LA ANGELS using money line on the road when the total is 9 to 9.5
The record is 34 Wins and 13 Losses for the last two seasons (+20.25 units)

[StarDust Bum]

MLB RUNLINE

MLB > (921) TAMPA BAY@ (922) BOSTON | 2015-09-23 19:10:00 - 2015-09-23 19:10:00
Play AGAINST BOSTON when playing with a day off
The record is 8 Wins and 28 Losses for the last two seasons (-25.55 units)

MLB > (903) ATLANTA@ (904) NY METS | 2015-09-23 19:10:00 - 2015-09-23 19:10:00
Play AGAINST ATLANTA in September games
The record is 4 Wins and 17 Losses for the this season (-16.4 units)

MLB > (925) SEATTLE@ (926) KANSAS CITY | 2015-09-23 20:10:00 - 2015-09-23 20:10:00
Play AGAINST KANSAS CITY as a home favorite when the run line price is +100 to +115
The record is 5 Wins and 26 Losses for the since 1992 (-20.55 units)

MLB > (905) MILWAUKEE@ (906) CHICAGO CUBS | 2015-09-23 20:05:00 - 2015-09-23 20:05:00
Play AGAINST MILWAUKEE vs. right-handed starters
The record is 22 Wins and 33 Losses for the this season (-24.65 units)

MLB > (919) NY YANKEES@ (920) TORONTO | 2015-09-23 19:05:00 - 2015-09-23 19:05:00
Play ON TORONTO when playing on Wednesday
The record is 18 Wins and 7 Losses for the last two seasons (+14.7 units)

MLB > (929) BALTIMORE@ (930) WASHINGTON | 2015-09-23 19:05:00 - 2015-09-23 19:05:00
Play AGAINST WASHINGTON when the total is 7 or less
The record is 26 Wins and 51 Losses for the this season (-32.95 units)

MLB > (927) TEXAS@ (928) OAKLAND | 2015-09-23 22:05:00 - 2015-09-23 22:05:00
Play ON TEXAS on the road when the total is 8 to 8.5
The record is 23 Wins and 5 Losses for the this season (+15 units)

MLB > (917) LA ANGELS@ (918) HOUSTON | 2015-09-23 14:10:00 - 2015-09-23 14:10:00
Play ON HOUSTON when playing against a team with a winning record
The record is 40 Wins and 19 Losses for the last two seasons (+22.85 units)

MLB > (923) CLEVELAND@ (924) MINNESOTA | 2015-09-23 20:10:00 - 2015-09-23 20:10:00
Play ON CLEVELAND when playing on Wednesday
The record is 16 Wins and 7 Losses for the this season (+13.2 units)

[StarDust Bum]

MLB TOTALS

MLB > (905) MILWAUKEE@ (906) CHICAGO CUBS | 2015-09-23 20:05:00 - 2015-09-23 20:05:00
Play OVER MILWAUKEE on the total in September games
The record is 17 Overs and 4 Unders for the this season (+13.2 units)

MLB > (911) SAN FRANCISCO@ (912) SAN DIEGO | 2015-09-23 22:10:00 - 2015-09-23 22:10:00
Play OVER SAN DIEGO on the total in games played on a grass field
The record is 89 Overs and 57 Unders for the this season (+30.9 units)

MLB > (921) TAMPA BAY@ (922) BOSTON | 2015-09-23 19:10:00 - 2015-09-23 19:10:00
Play OVER BOSTON on the total when playing against a team with a losing record in the second half of the season
The record is 39 Overs and 19 Unders for the last two seasons (+20.5 units)

MLB > (927) TEXAS@ (928) OAKLAND | 2015-09-23 22:05:00 - 2015-09-23 22:05:00
Play OVER OAKLAND on the total against division opponents
The record is 41 Overs and 23 Unders for the this season (+17.5 units)

MLB > (901) PHILADELPHIA@ (902) MIAMI | 2015-09-23 19:10:00 - 2015-09-23 19:10:00
Play OVER PHILADELPHIA on the total in night games
The record is 57 Overs and 36 Unders for the this season (+19.9 units)

MLB > (913) ARIZONA@ (914) LA DODGERS | 2015-09-23 22:10:00 - 2015-09-23 22:10:00
Play OVER LA DODGERS on the total against right-handed starters
The record is 74 Overs and 43 Unders for the last two seasons (+30.55 units)

MLB > (929) BALTIMORE@ (930) WASHINGTON | 2015-09-23 19:05:00 - 2015-09-23 19:05:00
Play OVER WASHINGTON on the total as a home favorite of -175 to -200
The record is 8 Overs and 0 Unders for the this season (+8.1 units)

MLB > (915) CHI WHITE SOX@ (916) DETROIT | 2015-09-23 13:05:00 - 2015-09-23 13:05:00
Play OVER DETROIT on the total in day games
The record is 35 Overs and 19 Unders for the this season (+15.5 units)

[StarDust Bum]

MLB TOP POWERLINES

MLB > (917) LA ANGELS @ (918) HOUSTON | 2015-09-23 14:10:00 - 2015-09-23 14:10:00
Line: HOUSTON-171 BTB PowerLine: HOUSTON-215
Edge On: HOUSTON (44)

MLB > (919) NY YANKEES @ (920) TORONTO | 2015-09-23 19:05:00 - 2015-09-23 19:05:00
Line: TORONTO-192 BTB PowerLine: TORONTO-241
Edge On: TORONTO (49)

MLB > (929) BALTIMORE @ (930) WASHINGTON | 2015-09-23 19:05:00 - 2015-09-23 19:05:00
Line: BALTIMORE BTB PowerLine: BALTIMORE-135
Edge On: BALTIMORE (25)

MLB > (903) ATLANTA @ (904) NY METS | 2015-09-23 19:10:00 - 2015-09-23 19:10:00
Line: ATLANTA BTB PowerLine: ATLANTA-207
Edge On: ATLANTA (13)

MLB > (921) TAMPA BAY @ (922) BOSTON | 2015-09-23 19:10:00 - 2015-09-23 19:10:00
Line: TAMPA BAY BTB PowerLine: TAMPA BAY-104
Edge On: TAMPA BAY (16)

MLB > (901) PHILADELPHIA @ (902) MIAMI | 2015-09-23 19:10:00 - 2015-09-23 19:10:00
Line: PHILADELPHIA BTB PowerLine: PHILADELPHIA-147
Edge On: PHILADELPHIA (23)

MLB > (905) MILWAUKEE @ (906) CHICAGO CUBS | 2015-09-23 20:05:00 - 2015-09-23 20:05:00
Line: MILWAUKEE BTB PowerLine: MILWAUKEE-172
Edge On: MILWAUKEE (23)

MLB > (925) SEATTLE @ (926) KANSAS CITY | 2015-09-23 20:10:00 - 2015-09-23 20:10:00
Line: SEATTLE BTB PowerLine: SEATTLE-143
Edge On: SEATTLE (14)

MLB > (923) CLEVELAND @ (924) MINNESOTA | 2015-09-23 20:10:00 - 2015-09-23 20:10:00
Line: CLEVELAND BTB PowerLine: CLEVELAND127
Edge On: CLEVELAND (5)

MLB > (907) CINCINNATI @ (908) ST LOUIS | 2015-09-23 20:15:00 - 2015-09-23 20:15:00
Line: CINCINNATI BTB PowerLine: CINCINNATI-153
Edge On: CINCINNATI (19)

MLB > (909) PITTSBURGH @ (910) COLORADO | 2015-09-23 20:40:00 - 2015-09-23 20:40:00
Line: PITTSBURGH BTB PowerLine: PITTSBURGH135
Edge On: PITTSBURGH (6)

MLB > (927) TEXAS @ (928) OAKLAND | 2015-09-23 22:05:00 - 2015-09-23 22:05:00
Line: OAKLAND+113 BTB PowerLine: OAKLAND-103
Edge On: OAKLAND (16)

MLB > (911) SAN FRANCISCO @ (912) SAN DIEGO | 2015-09-23 22:10:00 - 2015-09-23 22:10:00
Line: SAN FRANCISCO BTB PowerLine: SAN FRANCISCO121
Edge On: SAN FRANCISCO (19)

MLB > (913) ARIZONA @ (914) LA DODGERS | 2015-09-23 22:10:00 - 2015-09-23 22:10:00
Line: ARIZONA BTB PowerLine: ARIZONA-202
Edge On: ARIZONA (13)

[StarDust Bum]

MLB
Armadillo's Write-Up

Wednesday, September 23

National League
Braves @ Mets
Perez is 2-0, 2.89 in his last three starts (over 6-1 last seven).

Colon is 3-1, 1.53 in his last four starts (under 3-1).

Braves lost five of last six games with the Mets (over 7-4-1 last 12); Atlanta won four of last five games, allowing nine runs- under is 5-0-1 in their last six games. Mets lost five of last seven games; five of last six stayed under.

Phillies @ Marlins
Buchanan is 0-4, 14.40 in his last four starts (over 5-1-2 last eight).

Miami is 7-1 when Conley starts (3-1, 2.96 last five; over 5-2-1).

Phillies won eight of last nine games with Miami (over 5-3-1); Phils lost six of last seven games (under 4-1-1 last six). Marlins lost last four games, allowing 29 runs (over 3-1-1 last five).

Brewers @ Cubs
Davies is 1-2, 6.00 in his four starts (over 3-1).

Hendricks is 1-1, 5.26 in his last five starts (over 4-0 last four).

Brewers lost last nine games with the Cubs (over 3-2 last five). Milwaukee lost ten of last 11 games (over 9-3 last 12). Cubs won seven of last eight games (over 8-4 last twelve).

Reds @ Cardinals
Finnegan allowed one run in five IP (75 PT) in his first MLB start.

Lynn is 0-2, 9.26 in his last three starts (over 3-0-1 last four at home).

Reds lost last three games with St Louis (under 10-2 last 12); Cincinnati is 3-6 in its last nine games (over 6-3). Cardinals won seven of their last nine games; their last three games stayed under.

Pirates @ Rockies
Morton is 1-4, 6.59 in his last five starts (under 4-2 last six).

Bergman is making first start since April 14 (four IP, no runs, 85 PT).

Pittsburgh won eight of last 11 games with Colorado (under 8-3-1 in last 12). Pirates are 8-4 in last dozen games; five of last eight stayed under. Rockies lost last three games, allowing 25 runs; five of last seven went over total.

Diamondbacks @ Dodgers
Anderson is 0-1, 6.92 in his last three starts (over 4-2 last six).

Greinke is 5-0, 1.53 in his last five starts (under 6-2 last eight).

Arizona won three of last five games with Los Angeles; seven of last nine in series went over. D'backs won four of last five games;four of their last six stayed under the total. Dodgers lost five of last seven (over 4-3).

Giants @ Padres
Former Padre Peavy is 3-0, 2.89 in his last three starts (over 3-1 last four).

Cashner is 1-3, 5.40 in his last five starts (over 5-3 in last eight).

Giants won their last six games with San Diego (over 5-1); SF won seven of last ten games overall (last four under). Padres lost eight of their last eleven games; eight of their last ten went over the total.

American League
White Sox @ Tigers
Montas is making first MLB start; he allowed one run in five relief stints (eight IP) so far this season and was 5-5, 2.97 in 23 starts in AA Southern League this year.

Verlander is 0-2, 3.74 in his last three starts (over 3-1 last four).

White Sox split last six games with Detroit (over 5-3 last eight); Chicago won three of last five games (under 8-1-1 last ten). Tigers lost three of last four games, scoring eight runs (over 7-4-1 in their last twelve games)

Bronx @ Blue Jays
Nova is 1-4, 8.74 in his last five starts (over 3-1 last four).

Stroman is 2-0, 3.00 in his two starts this year (over 1-1).

Bronx lost five of last seven games with Toronto; four of last six series games went over total. New York won six of last nine games (under 6-3). Toronto won four of its last seven games (under 6-3).

Rays @ Red Sox
Smyly is 2-0, 3.42 in his last four starts (over 3-1-1 last five).

Porcello is 2-2, 5.08 in his last four sarts (under 5-3 last eight).

Rays lost six of last nine games with Boston (over 6-3); Tampa Bay lost seven of last 11 games overall (under 6-4 last ten). Red Sox won four of last six (over is 7-5 in their last twelve games).

Indians @ Twins
Kluber is 0-2, 4.94 in his last four starts (over 5-2 last seven).

Hughes is 0-3, 10.03 in his last three starts (over 3-1-1 last five).

Indians are 4-7 in last 11 games with Minnesota; last four series games went under the total. Cleveland is 4-0 in game following its last four losses; over is 3-1-1 in its last five games overall. Twins lost five of their last seven games.

Angels @ Astros
Tropeano is 1-2, 6.86 in his last four starts (over 2-0-1 last three).

Fiers is 0-1, 4.50 in his last three starts (under 3-1-1 last five).

Angels are 4-6 in last ten games with Astros; home side won nine of last 12 series games, under is 4-1-1 in last six. Halos won four of last six games (under 6-4-2 in last 12). Houston won five of last eight home games; five of their last eight games overall went over the total.

Mariners @ Royals
Elias is 1-2, 6.11 in his last four starts (over 2-2).

Ventura is 5-1, 3.34 in his last six starts (over 3-0-1 last four).

Mariners won five of last seven games with Kansas City; under is 3-2-1 in last six in series. Seattle won five of its last seven games overall. Royals are 3-6 in their last nine games; their last five games all went over the total.

Rangers @ A's
Lewis is 2-0, 1.20 in his last two starts (under 3-0-1 last four on road).

Doubront is 1-1, 7.71 in his last three starts (over 5-1 in Oakland starts).

Texas won three of last four games with Oakland; Rangers won seven of last nine games overall-- six of last seven went over the total. A's are 3-6 in last nine games; three of last five Oakland games stayed under the total. .

Interleague
Orioles @ Nationals
Tillman is 0-4, 7.76 in his last six starts; (over 3-1 last four).

Scherzer is 1-0, 3.00 in his last four starts (over 5-2-2 last nine).

Baltimore won seven of last ten games with Washington; five of last seven in series stayed under total. Orioles split last six games (over 4-3 last seven). Washington won seven of last nine games, with four of last six going over total. .

Win-loss records this year for team with this starting pitcher:
Atl-NY-- Perez 7-11; Colon 15-14
Phil-Mia-- Buchanan 2-10; Conroy 7-1
Mil-Chi-- Davies 2-2; Hendricks 17-12 (8-2 last 10)
Cin-StL-- Finnegan 1-0; Lynn 15-13 (0-3 last 3)
Pitt-Col-- Morton 13-8; Bergman 1-0
Az-LA-- Anderson 10-15; Greinke 22-8 (13-2 last 15)
SF-SD-- Peavy 9-7; Cashner 11-18 (1-4 last 5)

Chi-Det-- Montas 0-0; Verlander 5-12
NY-Tor-- Nova 6-8 (1-4 last 5); Stroman 2-0
TB-Bos-- Smyly 6-4; Porcello 12-13
Cle-Min-- Kluber 11-19; Hughes 12-12 (0-3 last 3)
LA-Hst-- Tropeano 2-3; Fiers 15-13/4-3
Sea-KC-- Elias 6-11; Ventura 14-11 (7-1 last 8)
Tex-A's-- Lewis 15-15; Doubront 6-4/5-1

Balt-Wsh-- Tillman 13-15; Scherzer 16-14

Times this starting pitcher allowed a run in first inning:
Atl-NY-- Perez 6-18; Colon 8-29
Phil-Mia-- Buchanan 4-12; Conroy 0-8
Mil-Chi-- Davies 1-4; Hendricks 7-29
Cin-StL-- Finnegan 0-1; Lynn 10-28
Pitt-Col-- Morton 10-21; Bergman 0-1
Az-LA-- Anderson 9-25; Greinke 7-30
SF-SD-- Peavy 4-16; Cashner 13-30

Chi-Det-- Montas 0-0; Verlander 3-17
NY-Tor-- Nova 2-14; Stroman 0-2
TB-Bos-- Smyly 1-10; Porcello 5-25
Cle-Min-- Kluber 11-30; Hughes 8-24 (4 of last 4)
LA-Hst-- Tropeano 2-5; Fiers 4-28
Sea-KC-- Elias 7-17; Ventura 6-25
Tex-A's-- Lewis 6-30; Doubront 5-10 (4 of last 4)

Balt-Wsh-- Tillman 5-28; Scherzer 7-30

Umpires
Phil-Mia-- Underdogs won both Torres games this season.
Atl-NY-- Seven of last nine Schrieber games went over.
Mil-Chi-- Five of last six Nauert games went over total.
Cin-StL-- Last seven Cuzzi games went over the total.
Pitt-Col-- Under is 4-0-1 in last five Carapazza games.
Az-LA-- Five of last six Hudson games stayed under.
SF-SD-- Home side won both Scheurwater games.

NY-Tor-- Favorites won last nine Reynolds games.
Chi-Det-- Seven of last ten Woodring games went over.
TB-Bos-- Favorites won seven of last eight BWelke games.
LA-Hst-- Underdogs are 8-6 in last 14 TBarrett games.
Cle-Min-- Over is 4-1-1 in last six Bellino games.
Sea-KC-- Last four Drake games went over the total.
Tex-A's-- Underdogs are 6-5 in last eleven Baker games.

Blt-Wsh-- Six of last nine Ripperger games went over.

[StarDust Bum]

MLB

Wednesday, September 23

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

1:08 PM
CHI WHITE SOX vs. DETROIT
Chi White Sox are 7-3 SU in their last 10 games on the road
No trends available

2:10 PM
LA ANGELS vs. HOUSTON
LA Angels are 4-2 SU in their last 6 games
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of LA Angels's last 6 games when playing Houston
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Houston's last 6 games when playing LA Angels
Houston is 3-6 SU in its last 9 games

7:05 PM
BALTIMORE vs. WASHINGTON
Baltimore is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games when playing on the road against Washington
The total has gone OVER in 6 of Baltimore's last 7 games when playing on the road against Washington
Washington is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games when playing at home against Baltimore
The total has gone OVER in 6 of Washington's last 7 games when playing at home against Baltimore

7:07 PM
NY YANKEES vs. TORONTO
The total has gone UNDER in 9 of NY Yankees's last 13 games when playing Toronto
NY Yankees are 13-5 SU in their last 18 games on the road
Toronto is 5-2 SU in their last 7 games when playing NY Yankees
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Toronto's last 6 games when playing NY Yankees

7:10 PM
TAMPA BAY vs. BOSTON
The total has gone OVER in 6 of Tampa Bay's last 9 games when playing Boston
Tampa Bay is 3-6 SU in its last 9 games when playing Boston
The total has gone OVER in 17 of Boston's last 25 games at home
Boston is 6-3 SU in its last 9 games when playing Tampa Bay

7:10 PM
ATLANTA vs. NY METS
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Atlanta's last 6 games when playing on the road against NY Mets
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Atlanta's last 6 games
NY Mets are 6-2 SU in its last 8 games when playing at home against Atlanta
The total has gone OVER in 5 of NY Mets's last 6 games when playing at home against Atlanta

7:10 PM
PHILADELPHIA vs. MIAMI
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Philadelphia's last 5 games on the road
Philadelphia is 1-6 SU in its last 7 games
Miami is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games
Miami is 1-5 SU in its last 6 games when playing at home against Philadelphia

8:05 PM
MILWAUKEE vs. CHI CUBS
The total has gone OVER in 13 of Milwaukee's last 15 games on the road
Milwaukee is 0-5 SU in their last 5 games when playing Chi Cubs
Chi Cubs are 5-0 SU in their last 5 games when playing at home against Milwaukee
The total has gone OVER in 13 of Chi Cubs's last 19 games at home

8:10 PM
CLEVELAND vs. MINNESOTA
The total has gone OVER in 9 of Cleveland's last 13 games
The total has gone UNDER in 9 of Cleveland's last 12 games on the road
Minnesota is 2-5 SU in its last 7 games
Minnesota is 2-5 SU in its last 7 games at home

8:10 PM
SEATTLE vs. KANSAS CITY
Seattle is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games when playing on the road against Kansas City
Seattle is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games
Kansas City is 1-6 SU in its last 7 games at home
Kansas City is 2-5 SU in its last 7 games when playing Seattle

8:15 PM
CINCINNATI vs. ST. LOUIS
Cincinnati is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 6 of Cincinnati's last 9 games on the road
St. Louis is 7-2 SU in its last 9 games
St. Louis is 11-3 SU in its last 14 games when playing at home against Cincinnati

8:40 PM
PITTSBURGH vs. COLORADO
The total has gone UNDER in 8 of Pittsburgh's last 12 games when playing Colorado
Pittsburgh is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games when playing Colorado
Colorado is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Colorado's last 5 games

10:05 PM
TEXAS vs. OAKLAND
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Texas's last 8 games on the road
Texas is 7-2 SU in its last 9 games
Oakland is 2-7 SU in its last 9 games at home
The total has gone OVER in 8 of Oakland's last 11 games when playing at home against Texas

10:10 PM
ARIZONA vs. LA DODGERS
Arizona is 4-11 SU in their last 15 games when playing LA Dodgers
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Arizona's last 6 games
LA Dodgers are 17-8 SU in their last 25 games at home
The total has gone UNDER in 10 of LA Dodgers's last 15 games at home

10:10 PM
SAN FRANCISCO vs. SAN DIEGO
San Francisco is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing San Diego
The total has gone OVER in 5 of San Francisco's last 6 games when playing San Diego
The total has gone OVER in 8 of San Diego's last 10 games
The total has gone OVER in 4 of San Diego's last 6 games when playing at home against San Francisco

[StarDust Bum]

MLB
Dunkel

Wednesday, September 23


NY Yankees @ Toronto

Game 919-920
September 23, 2015 @ 7:07 pm

Dunkel Rating:
NY Yankees
(Nova) 18.436
Toronto
(Stroman) 17.423
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
NY Yankees
by 1
10
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Toronto
-175
9
Dunkel Pick:
NY Yankees
(+155); Over

Tampa Bay @ Boston

Game 921-922
September 23, 2015 @ 7:10 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Tampa Bay
(Smyly) 15.338
Boston
(Porcello) 17.217
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Boston
by 2
7 1/2
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Boston
-125
9
Dunkel Pick:
Boston
(-125); Under

Philadelphia @ Miami

Game 901-902
September 23, 2015 @ 7:10 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Philadelphia
(Buchanan) 14.610
Miami
(Conley) 13.788
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Philadelphia
by 1
9
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Miami
-165
8 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Philadelphia
(+145); Over

Cleveland @ Minnesota

Game 923-924
September 23, 2015 @ 8:10 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Cleveland
(Kluber) 16.918
Minnesota
(Hughes) 13.496
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Cleveland
by 3 1/2
6
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Cleveland
-135
7 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Cleveland
(-135); Under

Atlanta @ NY Mets

Game 903-904
September 23, 2015 @ 7:10 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Atlanta
(Perez) 14.163
NY Mets
(Colon) 13.211
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Atlanta
by 1
8
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
NY Mets
-220
7 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Atlanta
(+185); Over

Seattle @ Kansas City

Game 925-926
September 23, 2015 @ 8:10 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Seattle
(Elias) 18.448
Kansas City
(Ventura) 16.005
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Seattle
by 2 1/2
9 1/2
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Kansas City
-170
8
Dunkel Pick:
Seattle
(+150); Over

Milwaukee @ Chicago Cubs

Game 905-906
September 23, 2015 @ 8:05 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Milwaukee
(Davies) 13.612
Chicago Cubs
(Hendricks) 15.500
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Chicago Cubs
by 2
6
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Chicago Cubs
-230
No Run Total
Dunkel Pick:
Chicago Cubs
(-230); N/A

Texas @ Oakland

Game 927-928
September 23, 2015 @ 10:05 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Texas
(Lewis) 14.863
Oakland
(Doubront) 15.775
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Oakland
by 1
9 1/2
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Texas
-130
8
Dunkel Pick:
Oakland
(+110); Over

Cincinnati @ St. Louis

Game 907-908
September 23, 2015 @ 8:15 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Cincinnati
(Finnegan) 13.240
St. Louis
(Lynn) 16.053
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
St. Louis
by 3
6
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
St. Louis
-185
7 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
St. Louis
(-185); Under

Baltimore @ Washington

Game 929-930
September 23, 2015 @ 7:05 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Baltimore
(Tillman) 15.229
Washington
(Scherzer) 17.194
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Washington
by 2
5 1/2
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Washington
-185
7
Dunkel Pick:
Washington
(-185); Under

Pittsburgh @ Colorado

Game 909-910
September 23, 2015 @ 8:40 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Pittsburgh
(Morton) 16.031
Colorado
(Bergman) 13.588
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Pittsburgh
by 2 1/2
9
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Pittsburgh
-150
11
Dunkel Pick:
Pittsburgh
(-150); Under

San Francisco @ San Diego

Game 911-912
September 23, 2015 @ 10:10 pm

Dunkel Rating:
San Francisco
(Peavy) 12.261
San Diego
(Cashner) 16.689
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
San Diego
by 4 1/2
6
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
San Diego
-115
7
Dunkel Pick:
San Diego
(-115); Under

Arizona @ LA Dodgers

Game 913-914
September 23, 2015 @ 10:10 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Arizona
(Anderson) 16.736
LA Dodgers
(Greinke) 15.619
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Arizona
by 1
8
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Arizona
-260
6 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Arizona
(+220); Over

Chicago White Sox @ Detroit

Game 915-916
September 23, 2015 @ 1:08 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Chicago White Sox
(Montas) 16.005
Detroit
(Verlander) 12.568
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Chicago White Sox
by 3 1/2
6 1/2
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Detroit
-170
8 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Chicago White Sox
(+150); Under

LA Angels @ Houston

Game 917-918
September 23, 2015 @ 2:10 pm

Dunkel Rating:
LA Angels
(Tropeano) 16.725
Houston
(Fiers) 15.819
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
LA Angels
by 1
10
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Houston
-170
9
Dunkel Pick:
LA Angels
(+150); Over

[StarDust Bum]

MLB

Wednesday, September 23


Rays lefty Moore showing off past form

Matt Moore is starting to look more and more like the pre-Tommy John surgery Matt Moore.

The left-hander struggled through a two-run first inning at Fenway Park on Tuesday night. But he settled down and turned in a strong 6 2/3 to get his first win since July 12.

This effort came on the heels of Moore throwing seven shutout innings and allowing just two hits while striking out nine in Baltimore last week. He struck out seven on Tuesday.


Tropeano draws key start for Angels

Opportunity is coming sporadically for Los Angeles Angels right-hander Nick Tropeano this season -- one start each in April, July and August before three followed this month.

On Wednesday, the Angels' playoff hopes might hinge on his performance against his former club.

With a rainout last Friday in Minnesota pushing the start of left-hander Andrew Heaney back one day, Tropeano must fill in the gap in the series finale against the Houston Astros.

The Angels will enter 2 1/2 games behind Houston in the chase for the second American League wild card. Tropeano (2-2, 5.06 ERA) needs to pitch effectively against the organization that traded him along with catcher Carlos Perez on Nov. 5, 2014, for catcher Hank Conger.


Rangers 1B Moreland at home in Oakland's O.co Coliseum

The O.co Coliseum is supposed to be a pitcher-friendly park, but Rangers first baseman Mitch Moreland continued making himself at home there Tuesday night in an 8-6 victory against Oakland.

Moreland hit his career-high-tying 23rd home run of the season, a two-run shot in the sixth inning that tied the game 5-5 and ended A's left-hander Sean Nolin's night.

The home run was Moreland's 14th of his career against the A's, the most he has hit against any team. Moreland has 10 of those homers at the Coliseum, more than at any other road stadium. Moreland's blast Tuesday was also his career-high fifth against a left-hander.


Brewers bolster roster with six from Double-A

The Milwaukee Brewers added an infusion of Double-A talent to their big league roster Tuesday.

The Brewers called up six players from their Biloxi, Miss., affiliate following the completion of the Shuckers' season Monday, a three-games-to-two series loss to Chattanooga (a Minnesota Twins affiliate) for the Southern League championship.

Five of the six will get their first taste of the big leagues during the season's final 11 games.

Milwaukee recalled infielder Yadiel Rivera and right-hander Tyler Wagner.

The Brewers also selected the contracts of right-handers Yhonathan Barrios, Adrian Houser, Jorge Lopez and outfielder Michael Reed. Only Wagner has major league previous major league experience.

Rivera made his big league debut Tuesday in the Brewers' 4-0 loss to the Cubs, coming on as a sub and going 0-for-2. He batted .277 in 52 games for Biloxi and also played at Triple-A Colorado Springs this season.

Wagner posted an 11-5 record in 25 starts with the Shuckers and held opponents to a .235 collective batting average.

Barrios was acquired from Pittsburgh on July 23 in the Aramis Ramirez trade. A former infielder, he became a pitcher in 2013. In a combined 49 relief appearances between Double-A and Triple-A this year, he went 4-5 with 17 saves and a 2.83 ERA.

Houser, acquired on July 30 from the Houston Astros with three others in the Carlos Gomez trade, was 4-1 with a 2.92 ERA in seven regular-season starts for Biloxi. He threw a shutout in the first game of the Southern League playoffs.

Lopez went 12-5 with a 2.26 ERA in 24 games with Biloxi and was named Brewers' minor league pitcher of the year and the Southern League pitcher of the year. He also was a Southern League All-Star.

Reed batted .278 average with five homers and 49 RBIs in 93 games in Double-A. He was promoted Aug. 1 to Triple-A Colorado Springs, where he finished the regular season before joining Biloxi for the Southern League playoffs.

One day after declaring Jimmy Nelson finished for the season, Milwaukee placed the right-hander on the 60-day disabled list due to a head contusion. Right-hander Michael Blazek (fractured right hand) also moved from the 15-day to 60-day DL, with both moves clearing spots on the 40-man roster for newly promoted players.

[StarDust Bum]

MLB

Wednesday, September 23


Chance of rain in Minnesota Wednesday

According to weather forecasts, there is a 47 percent chance of thunderstorms in Minnesota when the Twins host the Cleveland Indians at Target Field Wednesday evening.

The threat of storms will loom all day in Minnesota with up to a 43 percent possibility prior to game time and hovering around that number throughout.

Corey Kluber is expected to start for the Indians (-128) while Phil Hughes is scheduled to get the ball for the Twins (+118).