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**StarDust Bum** · 09-24-2015, 03:34 AM

LEADING OFF: Yankees honor Yogi; Rangers prep for Astros

September 23, 2015

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

REMEMBERING YOGI

Back from their big series in Toronto, the Yankees plan to honor Yogi Berra before their first home game since the Hall of Fame catcher died Tuesday. New York takes on Chris Sale (12-10) and the White Sox in the opener of a four-game series. In a salute to Berra, the Yankees are wearing a No. 8 patch on their sleeves for the rest of the season.

COLE PLUGS HOLE

Cole Hamels and the Rangers play one more in Oakland before traveling to Houston to begin a pivotal three-game series Friday. The Rangers lead the AL West in part because they've won Hamels' past seven starts. The left-hander has a 3.73 ERA in nine outings since being acquired from Philadelphia before the July 31 trade deadline.

TROPHY CASE

Clayton Kershaw tries to augment his resume for a fourth NL Cy Young Award when the first-place Dodgers wrap up a four-game series against the Diamondbacks. Kershaw has a 1.17 ERA in 14 starts since the end of June and is up against teammate Zack Greinke and Cubs ace Jake Arrieta for the coveted pithing prize. Greinke was scratched from his scheduled start Wednesday with a sore calf.

KNOW YOUR LIMITS

The Pirates hope to get Aramis Ramirez back against Colorado after the third baseman was held out Wednesday with a sore left groin. Ramirez tweaked his groin legging out a triple Tuesday and said he learned a valuable lesson: ''No more triples. I'm going to stop at second from now on. Speed is not part of my game.''

PLAYOFF PITCH

Mets rookie Steven Matz makes his fourth start since coming off the disabled list when New York visits Cincinnati. The left-hander is 4-0 with a 1.80 ERA and could play an important role in the postseason for the NL East leaders if they hang on to win the division. He's won twice since recovering from a partially torn muscle near his armpit.

HERE'S JOHNNY?

Johnny Cueto looks to build on his best start in a while as the Royals host Seattle. The former Reds ace has struggled since joining Kansas City before the July 31 trade deadline, but held Detroit to two runs over seven innings his last time out. He had a 9.57 ERA in his five previous starts.

**StarDust Bum** · 09-24-2015, 03:41 AM

Preview: Orioles (74-76) at Nationals (78-72)
Game: 4
Venue: Nationals Park
Date: September 24, 2015 4:05 PM EDT

The Baltimore Orioles can sweep the latest Beltway Series partly because they've controlled the opposing heart of the order and the Washington Nationals haven't.

Regardless of what their big hitters do, the Orioles and Nationals are unlikely to make the playoffs even though neither is far removed from having a very realistic chance to repeat as East Division champions.

Baltimore enters Thursday's season series finale in D.C. officially eliminated from the AL East chase after first-place Toronto won Wednesday. The Orioles (75-76) last led the division July 2 and were within four games of first Aug. 17 but went on to lose 13 of 15. The current 10-4 stretch has them four behind Houston for the second wild-card spot with 11 to play, but Minnesota and the Los Angeles Angels are also ahead of them.

Washington (78-73) is all but out of wild-card contention and six back of the New York Mets in the NL East. The Nationals led the division as recently as Aug. 2 but were amid a 4-13 stretch that let the Mets take control, and they wasted a chance to gain ground by losing 4-1 to the Orioles on Tuesday and 4-3 on Wednesday.

Prior to those defeats, Bryce Harper and Jayson Werth keyed a 7-1 span with nine home runs and 20 RBIs. Harper has drawn five walks in this series but was retired in his other three plate appearances. Issuing free passes to the MVP candidate has been a good strategy because Werth, batting cleanup behind Harper, is 0 for 8 while leaving 10 men on base.

Baltimore has had no such problems despite cleanup man Adam Jones missing both games with back spasms. Steve Pearce stepped in to deliver a two-run homer Wednesday and an RBI double Tuesday while batting behind Chris Davis, who has two doubles and an RBI.

It was No. 2 hitter Manny Machado, though, who had the biggest blow with a go-ahead, two-run homer off Max Scherzer in the seventh inning Wednesday.

There may be some lingering ill will after Nationals closer Jonathan Papelbon threw high and tight to Machado in the ninth and later plunked him on the upper arm. Machado yelled toward Papelbon, who was ejected, and the benches briefly cleared.

"When you throw at somebody's head on purpose first pitch, straight out the get-go, then you throw a curveball, then you throw again at the head, that's just ... ," Machado said using a street term. "You know it's coward stuff. It's just coward."

Harper is anticipating some retaliation.

"I mean Manny freaking hit a homer," Harper said. "Walked it off and somebody drilled him. I mean, it's pretty tired. It's one of those situations where it happens and, I don't know, I'll probably get drilled tomorrow."

The one to do it could be Tyler Wilson (2-2, 3.72 ERA).

The promising rookie is getting a try in Baltimore's rotation after being recalled last week, but he lost at Tampa Bay on Friday by allowing six runs and eight hits in 4 1-3 innings. The right-hander, who turns 26 on Friday, had a 2.19 ERA in six previous appearances for Baltimore, including two spot starts.

"You got to keep in mind these guys have never really pitched in September before," manager Buck Showalter told MLB's official website. "So it's part of the process, and I think he will learn from it. He's a sharp, competitive guy."

Washington goes with Tanner Roark (4-6, 4.73), who has failed to pitch past the fifth inning in three starts since his call-up.

His worst performance since returning came last Thursday when he surrendered six runs and eight hits in a 6-4 loss at Miami, though Roark said it was an effort he could "build off." He has a 5.66 ERA in nine starts this season.

SERIES AT A GLANCE

GAME 1
Orioles at Nationals
Mon, Sep 21 - 7:05PM EDT
Recaps

GAME 2
Orioles at Nationals
Tue, Sep 22 Final 4 to 1
Boxscores • Recaps

GAME 3
Orioles at Nationals
Wed, Sep 23 - Final 4 to 3
Boxscores • Recaps

GAME 4
Orioles at Nationals
Thu, Sep 24 - 4:05PM EDT

**StarDust Bum** · 09-24-2015, 03:43 AM

Preview: White Sox (72-80) at Yankees (83-67)
Game: 1
Venue: Yankee Stadium
Date: September 24, 2015 7:05 PM EDT

As the New York Yankees look to resume their pursuit of the AL East title, they'll do so with the memory of a late legend on their collective mind.

Back in the Bronx for the first time since the passing of Yogi Berra, the Yankees try for a ninth consecutive home victory over the Chicago White Sox on Thursday night.

One night after the Hall of Fame catcher died at age 90, New York (83-68) sported a patch with Berra's No. 8 on its uniform sleeve during Wednesday's 4-0 loss at Toronto.

"Yogi probably played as big a part in the Yankee organization being what it is today than any other person on the field," outfielder Brett Gardner said.

On Thursday, the Yankees plan to honor the man renowned as much for his lovable "Yogi-isms" as his 10 World Series titles. The tribute to the three-time MVP could provide some inspiration for a New York club that is in position to reach the postseason for the first time since 2012.

The Yankees trail the AL East-leading Blue Jays by 3 1/2 games after losing two of three north of the border, but they lead the wild-card race by four over Houston.

"I think that he'll be pulling for us. He always has. He's always kept up with us," Gardner said. "Finish strong and accomplish some of our goals that we want to accomplish, I think it will make him proud."

The Yankees, coming off a 5-4 road trip, have held the White Sox to 22 runs during an eight-game home winning streak which is their longest in the series since taking nine straight from 1951-52.

Extending this run could be difficult with their first 2015 look at Chris Sale (12-10, 3.47 ERA), who is 3-0 with an 0.79 ERA in five starts against them.

Sale, however, is 0-3 with a 5.40 ERA in four outings this month. He allowed six unearned runs in the third inning and one earned in the seventh of Friday's 12-1 loss at Cleveland to drop three straight starts for the first time since 2013.

Though the left-hander is 11 strikeouts shy of breaking Hall of Famer Ed Walsh's club record of 269, set in 1908, it's been a frustrating season for the Chicago ace. The White Sox have lost Sale's last five starts, giving him just eight runs of support.

"Saler realizes that expectations are high, so anytime he doesn't get a no-hitter, people don't understand it," manager Robin Ventura said. "He's human, like everyone else."

Chase Headley, who went 5 for 10 as the Yankees took two of three at Chicago (72-80) earlier this season, is 2 for 5 with a double and a home run off Sale. Gardner is 0 for 7 with four strikeouts against Sale and batting .103 in his last 10 games.

New York has lost 11 of 17 at home and Michael Pineda (11-8, 4.10) is 0-2 with a 7.06 ERA in his last four starts in the Bronx, including three since a stint on the disabled list with a forearm strain. However, he has something positive to build on after giving up four hits in 5 1-3 innings of a 5-0 road win over the New York Mets on Saturday.

"The injuries are part of the game," manager Joe Girardi said. "We felt that if we could get him on the mound, he would help us. And he's done that."

The right-hander's only two appearances against the White Sox came in 2011, both losses despite quality starts.

Melky Cabrera has faced Pineda more than any Chicago player, going 3 for 10, and clubbed his 100th home run in Wednesday's 7-4 loss at Detroit. He's batting .400 with three homers and 13 RBIs in his last 11 contests.

SERIES AT A GLANCE

GAME 1
White Sox at Yankees
Thu, Sep 24 - 7:05PM EDT

GAME 2
White Sox at Yankees
Fri, Sep 25 - 7:05PM EDT

GAME 3
White Sox at Yankees
Sat, Sep 26 - 4:05PM EDT

GAME 4
White Sox at Yankees
Sun, Sep 27 - 1:05PM EDT

**StarDust Bum** · 09-24-2015, 03:45 AM

Preview: Rays (73-78) at Red Sox (72-78)
Game: 4
Venue: Fenway Park
Date: September 24, 2015 7:10 PM EDT

After three inconsistent seasons with Seattle, Erasmo Ramirez is making a case to remain part of the Tampa Bay Rays' long-term plans following a breakout season.

The right-hander looks for a third consecutive strong outing as the Rays try to win the season series from the Boston Red Sox for the second straight year Thursday night at Fenway Park.

After making a total of 35 starts for the Mariners from 2012-14, Ramirez (10-6, 3.70 ERA) was traded to Tampa Bay for Mike Montgomery in late March. He's been better than expected since permanently joining the rotation May 14, posting a 3.01 ERA which is the best among all Rays starters - even All-Star Chris Archer.

Ramirez seemingly showed some fatigue during a recent four-start stretch in which he had a 6.20 ERA, but he's bounced back with a pair of impressive efforts. He got within six outs of a no-hitter against the New York Yankees on Sept. 14, then allowed two runs over seven innings in Saturday's 2-1 loss to Baltimore.

"Erasmo was very good again ... even when we took him out, he had a relatively low pitch count (86)," manager Kevin Cash told MLB's official website. "He gets a lot of swings early. I think that's a credit to the way he's pitched throughout the year."

Ramirez is winless in six straight starts, getting just one run of support over the last two. However, neither of those solid performances came on the road, where he's posted a 6.18 ERA over his last five outings.

The 25-year-old has a 5.09 ERA in four career starts versus Boston. The most recent was also his only one at Fenway, giving up four runs - one earned - over six innings July 31.

The Red Sox had averaged 7.4 runs during a 6-1 stretch at home after Monday's 8-7 win in the series opener. However, they've been held to 15 hits and 3 for 18 with runners in scoring position over the last two games, losing 5-2 on Tuesday and 6-2 on Wednesday.

Mookie Betts is 7 for 12 in the series and batting .500 over a 12-game home hitting streak. Xander Bogaerts extended his hitting streak to a career-best 12 with a ninth-inning single Wednesday, but David Ortiz went hitless for a fourth straight game.

"Our offense just couldn't get any momentum," interim manager Torey Lovullo said.

Steven Souza Jr. went 4 for 5 with his 16th home run and Asdrubal Cabrera went 3 for 5 with his 13th homer for the Rays, who tied the season series at nine wins apiece.

Tampa Bay (74-78) also moved 1 1/2 games up on last-place Boston (72-79) in the AL East. The Red Sox haven't ended up in the cellar in consecutive seasons since a six-year span from 1925-30.

Wade Miley (11-10, 4.34) will try to help them salvage a split of this four-game series after going 1-0 with a 2.78 ERA in his first three September starts. He overcame five walks to yield two runs over 6 2-3 innings Saturday when he didn't get a decision in a 7-6 win at Toronto.

Miley has posted a 1.93 ERA in winning his last three starts at Fenway. The left-hander is 3-1 with a 1.85 ERA in six career meetings with Tampa Bay, including four this year.

Boston's Pablo Sandoval could miss his fourth straight game with an upper respiratory infection.

SERIES AT A GLANCE

GAME 1
Rays at Red Sox
Mon, Sep 21 Final 7 to 8
Boxscores • Recaps

GAME 2
Rays at Red Sox
Tue, Sep 22 Final 5 to 2
Boxscores • Recaps

GAME 3
Rays at Red Sox
Wed, Sep 23 -Final 6 to 2
Boxscores • Recaps

GAME 4
Rays at Red Sox
Thu, Sep 24 - 7:10PM EDT

**StarDust Bum** · 09-24-2015, 03:47 AM

Preview: Phillies (57-94) at Marlins (64-87)
Game: 3
Venue: Marlins Park
Date: September 24, 2015 7:10 PM EDT

Alec Asher's struggles have coincided with those of the young Phillies, but a solution could come against one of the only teams Philadelphia has bested this season.

The rookie goes for his first big league win Thursday night when the last-place Phillies try for a series victory against the Miami Marlins.

Despite Wednesday's 4-3, 11-inning loss, Philadelphia (57-95) has won eight of 10 against Miami (65-87) since dropping four of the first five meetings this season. Four of the club's 10 wins since Aug. 21 have come against the Marlins, who are one of six teams against whom Philadelphia has a winning record.

The Phillies' true colors shone through Wednesday, though, as three errors - including one in a sloppy 10th - kept them from their fifth straight win over Miami. Philadelphia ranks toward the top of the majors with 34 errors since Aug. 15 and has 108 on the season.

"I'm thinking about spring training next year and the theme for spring training camp is going to be defense and baserunning," Phillies manager Pete Mackanin said. "You don't want to lose games due to bad defense."

Philadelphia's issues stretch to filling out its starting rotation for 2016, an area where Asher has failed to make an impression.

Asher (0-4, 9.78 ERA) has lost each of his first four big league starts since his Aug. 30 promotion from Triple-A Lehigh Valley. The right-hander has allowed at least four runs in each outing and hasn't completed six innings.

"Failure is part of the game," Asher told MLB's official website. "It's frustrating. No one likes losing. I hate it."

The Phillies hope a 6-4 finish can help them avoid their first 100-loss season since they dropped 107 games in 1961.

Meanwhile, Wednesday's win snapped a four-game losing streak for the Marlins, who had won 12 of 16 games prior to the skid.

Justin Bour hit his 19th home run and third in seven games, while Dee Gordon had three hits, including a walkoff double. Gordon is hitting .381 since Sept. 6 and recorded his first walkoff hit and RBI since June 17, 2012, when he was with the Los Angeles Dodgers.

"That was his first walkoff in a few years, but it couldn't have come at a better time," Marlins manager Dan Jennings said.

Jarred Cosart will take the mound in his fourth start for Miami since returning earlier this month from a bout with vertigo which forced him to miss most of the season.

Cosart (2-4, 4.43) has looked good since his return, though, with a 1-0 record and 1.72 ERA in three September outings that have each been longer than the previous. After lasting 4 2-3 innings in his first, he tossed five in the second and six in the third.

The right-hander split his first two career outings against the Phillies in late April and early May, going 1-1 with a 3.27 ERA. Philadelphia left fielder Cody Asche, who hit two homers Tuesday, had a solo shot against Cosart in Miami's 6-1 win April 22.

Cosart could have shortstop Adeiny Hechavarria behind him for the series finale. Jennings said his middle infielder made more progress Wednesday from a hamstring injury that has kept him out since Sept. 2.

SERIES AT A GLANCE

GAME 1
Phillies at Marlins
Tue, Sep 22 Final 6 to 2
Boxscores • Recaps

GAME 2
Phillies at Marlins
Wed, Sep 23 - Final 3 to 4
Boxscores • Recaps

GAME 3
Phillies at Marlins
Thu, Sep 24 - 7:10PM EDT

**StarDust Bum** · 09-24-2015, 03:49 AM

Preview: Mets (85-66) at Reds (63-87)
Game: 1
Venue: Great American Ball Park
Date: September 24, 2015 7:10 PM EDT

The slumping New York Mets are aiming to wrap up their first NL East title in nine years during this four-game series against the lowly Cincinnati Reds.

Giving the ball to Steven Matz in the opener should move them closer to that goal.

Matz looks to continue the best start by a Mets rookie Thursday night when he faces the Reds for the first time since his sensational major-league debut.

New York (85-67) has lost six of its last eight after falling 6-3 to Atlanta on Wednesday. Still, the Mets remain 6 1/2 games ahead of second-place Washington in the division race with 10 to play, giving them a magic number of five to clinch.

"Ultimately, we'd like to play better and have that magic number shrink because we're winning and not have it shrink because they're losing," third baseman David Wright said.

Turning to Matz (4-0, 1.80 ERA) could be just what the Mets need. He's off to the club's best start by a rookie stemming from an historical debut. The left-hander allowed two runs in 7 2-3 innings of a 7-2 win over Cincinnati (63-88) on June 28 and also became the first pitcher with four RBIs in his first career game, going 3 for 3 with a double.

Only a torn left lat muscle was able to stop him, sidelining him for two months. However, he's 2-0 with a 2.20 ERA in three starts since returning.

Matz gave up one run and four hits while battling through 43 pitches in the first two innings Friday, but he settled down to yield three singles over the next four of a 5-1 win over the Yankees.

"He doesn't let the game get out of control," manager Terry Collins told MLB's official website. "He has a knack, even though he's not real sharp, to just battle and make a pitch he has to make."

The Mets are going to need that with the offense hitting .221 overall and .150 with runners in scoring position over the past eight games.

"We're not giving our pitchers much room for error," said Wright, who is batting .353 in his last nine games.

Curtis Granderson has a .130 average in eight games after going 0 for 5 and stranding three runners Wednesday. However, he went 6 for 13 with two homers, two doubles and four RBIs to help New York sweep a three-game set from the Reds from June 26-28.

The Mets have won nine of the last 11 meetings, including four of five on the road.

The Reds have lost four in a row overall due in large part to the staff's 5.91 ERA. Much of that damage came in a 10-2 loss to St. Louis on Wednesday that dropped them back into the NL Central basement, one-half game behind Milwaukee.

Josh Smith (0-2, 7.71) again starts opposite Matz, who went 2 for 2 with two RBIs off him June 28. The rookie right-hander gave up three runs - one earned - with four walks in five innings against the Mets to record his first career loss.

Smith is trying to prove worthy of a spot in next year's rotation in his fifth career start, but his latest outing certainly didn't inspire much confidence. He surrendered four runs and six hits in four innings while not getting a decision in Saturday's 9-7 win at Milwaukee - his first start since July 4.

SERIES AT A GLANCE

GAME 1
Mets at Reds
Thu, Sep 24 - 7:10PM EDT

GAME 2
Mets at Reds
Fri, Sep 25 - 7:10PM EDT

GAME 3
Mets at Reds
Sat, Sep 26 - 4:10PM EDT

GAME 4
Mets at Reds
Sun, Sep 27 - 1:10PM EDT

**StarDust Bum** · 09-24-2015, 03:51 AM

Preview: Brewers (63-88) at Cardinals (95-56)
Game: 1
Venue: Busch Stadium
Date: September 24, 2015 7:15 PM EDT

Another series with the Milwaukee Brewers could go a long way toward putting the St. Louis Cardinals on the brink of another NL Central crown.

Michael Wacha will try to shake out of his funk Thursday night and capitalize on the lowly Brewers as the Cardinals try to beat them for the fourth time in just over a week.

St. Louis (96-56) capped a three-game sweep at Milwaukee (64-88) with a 6-3 victory last Thursday. The Cardinals enter this four-game set after beating Cincinnati 10-2 on Wednesday, extending their winning streak to four and reducing their magic number to clinch a third straight division crown to seven.

They lead the Central by four games over second-place Pittsburgh with 10 to play.

St. Louis has a chance to widen the gap against the Brewers, who have dropped 10 of their last 12 despite beating the Chicago Cubs 4-1 on Wednesday. The Cardinals are 11-4 against Milwaukee this year, winning four of the last five at home.

Wacha (16-6, 3.08 ERA), though, is 1-0 with a 6.10 ERA in three appearances against the Brewers, including two starts, but this is the first time he'll face them this season.

The right-hander also owns a 7.20 ERA while losing two of his last three starts after going 4-0 with a 0.92 ERA over his previous six before that stretch.

Wacha was hit hard again Saturday, giving up four runs and two homers with seven strikeouts and four walks in five innings of a 5-4 loss to the Cubs.

Matt Carpenter, who had a pair of two-run homers Wednesday, is hitting .452 with five home runs, five doubles, eight RBIs and nine runs over the last eight games. His 26 homers are 15 more than his previous carer high from two years ago.

"This is all kind of all foreign territory," said Carpenter, who also has a personal-best 81 RBIs. "I knew I could definitely do more but where it would head, I didn't know. I'm still finding out."

He's hitting .355 against the Brewers this year and half of his eight hits in 22 at-bats over the past five matchups have left the park.

Carpenter and the Cardinals will get their first look at heralded Brewers rookie Taylor Jungmann (9-6, 3.31). The right-hander, though, is 0-1 with a 9.20 ERA while serving up five homers in his last three starts. He had allowed three homers while compiling a 2.42 ERA over his first 16.

Jungmann was hammered again Saturday, surrendering six runs and two homers in five-plus innings while not factoring into the decision of a 9-7 loss to Cincinnati.

He's 0-4 with a 7.66 ERA over his last five road starts, getting pulled before the fifth in three of them.

Milwaukee could be without Ryan Braun for a sixth straight game due to tightness in his lower back after manager Craig Counsell said it "didn't progress like we wanted to."

The right fielder was hitting .373 in 16 games before getting hurt, and he's yet to face Wacha.

Adam Lind has picked up the slack with a .375 average over the past seven games.

SERIES AT A GLANCE

GAME 1
Brewers at Cardinals
Thu, Sep 24 - 7:15PM EDT

GAME 2
Brewers at Cardinals
Fri, Sep 25 - 8:15PM EDT

GAME 3
Brewers at Cardinals
Sat, Sep 26 - 7:15PM EDT

GAME 4
Brewers at Cardinals
Sun, Sep 27 - 2:15PM EDT

**StarDust Bum** · 09-24-2015, 03:53 AM

Preview: Indians (74-75) at Twins (77-73)
Game: 3
Venue: Target Field
Date: September 24, 2015 8:10 PM EDT

Time may be about up for the Cleveland Indians, but the Minnesota Twins are going to stick around for a while.

Minnesota has ridden three straight victories to the doorstep of the AL's final postseason spot, and it will go for a home sweep Thursday night to deal another blow to the fading Indians.

The Twins (78-73) seemingly put their playoff hopes in jeopardy by losing five straight before responding with a spurt that has pulled them within one game of Houston for the second wild card.

"This is the time of year where every good performance is magnified," starter Phil Hughes told MLB's official website after beating the Indians in Wednesday's 4-2 victory.

Kyle Gibson looks to become the latest Twins starter to stymie the Indians (74-76), who have managed 12 hits and three runs through two games of this series while falling 4 1/2 back of the Astros.

Gibson (10-10, 3.73 ERA) has pitched well in his last five starts with a 2-1 record and 2.67 ERA. Opposing batters have hit .205 against him in that span without a home run.

He has not faced the Indians this year but was hit hard in his final two outings against them in 2014, allowing 15 hits and 12 runs in 8 1-3 innings.

Yan Gomes homered twice off Gibson last season and is 5 for 9 lifetime against him. Carlos Santana also took him deep in 2014, but that's his only hit in 10 at-bats against the right-hander. Santana snapped 0-for-12 drought with his 17th home run Wednesday.

Gibson may catch a break as Cleveland's No. 3 hitter, Michael Brantley, could be out of the lineup for a second straight game after jamming his shoulder in a 3-1 loss in the series opener. Brantley did not have an MRI and plans to take some swings in the batting cage before the series finale.

Last year at this time, Cleveland's Cody Anderson was coming off a rough 4-11 campaign at Double-A Akron in which he had a 5.44 ERA in 25 starts. A productive offseason and a promotion from the minors in June followed, and after a brief stint on the disabled list, the rookie now looks to continue thriving at the big-league level.

"It's been really almost surreal," he said. "It's been such a fun year. I can't really put it into words."

Anderson (5-3, 3.48) has beaten aces in each of his last three outings, besting Detroit's Justin Verlander in back-to-back starts before topping Chris Sale of the Chicago White Sox on Friday. The right-hander is 3-0 with a 2.12 ERA since his return from the disabled list in late August.

The start that sent him there was a 10-9 loss to Minnesota on Aug. 7 in which Anderson coughed up six runs in 2 2-3 innings while straining his left oblique. Anderson was 0-2 with a 10.19 ERA in four starts before his DL stint, but he said fixing a mechanical flaw in his motion while sidelined has helped in his return.

One of his biggest concerns should be Brian Dozier, who doubled off Anderson last month and homered Wednesday for the fifth time in nine games against Cleveland.

SERIES AT A GLANCE

GAME 1
Indians at Twins
Tue, Sep 22 Final 1 to 3
Boxscores • Recaps

GAME 2
Indians at Twins
Wed, Sep 23 - Final 2 to 4
Boxscores • Recaps

GAME 3
Indians at Twins
Thu, Sep 24 - 8:10PM EDT

**StarDust Bum** · 09-24-2015, 11:05 AM

Preview: Pirates (92-60) at Rockies (63-89)
Game: 4
Venue: Coors Field
Date: September 24, 2015 3:10 PM EDT

Though the Pittsburgh Pirates are headed to the postseason for a third straight year, there's still work to be done before the playoffs begin.

With the NL Central title in their sights, the surging Pirates can complete a four-game road sweep of the Colorado Rockies with a sixth straight victory Thursday.

Neil Walker had four hits and recorded a career-high six RBIs to help Pittsburgh (92-60) clinch that postseason berth with Wednesday's 13-7 win at Coors Field.

"We know how hard we've worked," manager Clint Hurdle said. "We know what we've poured into this. We know what we've committed to this.

"We still have things in front of us we need to take care of."

The Pirates last made three consecutive playoff appearances during their division-title run from 1990-92, but are hardly content with just getting there again.

"We're in a different place than we were last year, certainly than a couple of years ago," Walker told MLB's official website.

Pittsburgh owns a three-game lead over the Chicago Cubs for the top wild-card spot in the NL and is four back of first-place St. Louis in the Central. The Pirates begin a three-game series at Wrigley Field on Friday then host the Cardinals for three.

"We still feel like we have the Cardinals in our grasp," Walker said.

Before all that, the Pirates look to sweep a series at Colorado (63-89) for the first time since 1999. They've batted .369 with 28 runs and 45 hits in the first three against a Rockies pitching staff that's posted a 9.50 ERA during the club's four-game skid.

Starling Marte is 9 for 15 with six RBIs in the set.

Chad Bettis (8-5, 4.46 ERA) last made a start against the Pirates in 2013. The right-hander has yielded one run and struck out 12 over 12 innings to win his last two starts. That run came through five innings of Friday's 7-4 victory over San Diego.

"As the game goes on, I get a little bit more dialed in," he said.

Walker is 2 for 5 against Bettis.

It's uncertain if Aramis Ramirez will be back in the Pittsburgh lineup after he sat for precautionary reasons Wednesday to deal with a left groin he tweaked while running the bases the night before.

"We'll see how it is (Thursday)," Ramirez said. "If I'm good enough to play (Thursday), I'll play."

Teammate Jeff Locke (8-11, 4.48) has struggled while posting a 6.00 ERA in losing all three road starts this month. The left-hander allowed four of his five runs in the first four innings and lasted 6 1-3 during Friday's 6-2 defeat at Dodger Stadium.

Locke was much worse in his most recent outing at Coors Field on July 26 of last season when he gave up six runs and three homers in 6 2-3 innings of an 8-1 loss.

Nolan Arenado hit one of those home runs and is 4 for 9 against Locke.

However, it's uncertain if the All-Star third baseman will play after he was rested Wednesday for a bump on the head he suffered Tuesday. Arenado is 1 for 13 with seven strikeouts in his last three contests.

Teammate Corey Dickerson is 5 for 9 with a homer and two doubles in the series.

SERIES AT A GLANCE

GAME 1
Pirates at Rockies
Mon, Sep 21 Final 9 to 3
Boxscores • Recaps

GAME 2
Pirates at Rockies
Tue, Sep 22 Final 6 to 3
Boxscores • Recaps

GAME 3
Pirates at Rockies
Wed, Sep 23 Final 13 to 7
Boxscores • Recaps

GAME 4
Pirates at Rockies
Thu, Sep 24 - 3:10PM EDT

**StarDust Bum** · 09-24-2015, 11:07 AM

Preview: Giants (79-72) at Padres (71-81)
Game: 3
Venue: PETCO Park
Date: September 24, 2015 9:10 PM EDT

Madison Bumgarner needs one win to set a personal record. He very nearly had a much bigger achievement last week against the San Diego Padres.

The ace left-hander attempts to become the San Francisco Giants' first 19-game winner in 18 years Thursday night against the Padres.

Bumgarner (18-8, 2.84 ERA) is 7-2 with a 1.73 ERA over his last nine starts. He's tossed three complete games over that stretch, including a one-hitter in an 8-0 win over San Diego on Sept. 12 to match his career high in wins set last year. He also came four outs shy of his first perfect game.

Another victory would make him the first Giant to reach 19 since Shawn Estes in 1997, and he may get a chance to become the club's first 20-game winner since John Burkett and Bill Swift in 1993.

Bumgarner could've used some help Friday, allowing two runs - one earned - in eight innings while the offense was two-hit in a 2-0 loss to Arizona.

"Not good enough to win," Bumgarner said.

He's clearly been good enough against the Padres, going 2-0 with a 0.76 ERA in the last three matchups. However, those all came at home. Bumgarner is 2-2 with a 5.88 ERA in his last five games at Petco Park and had his worst performance of the season there April 11, surrendering five runs and 10 hits in three innings.

San Francisco (79-72) had its six-game winning streak over the Padres (71-81) snapped after Santiago Casilla gave up a walkoff single to Jedd Gyorko in Wednesday's 5-4 loss.

The Giants fell seven games back of NL West-leading Los Angeles with 11 remaining, and they sit 9 1/2 behind the Chicago Cubs for the league's second wild-card spot.

"Look, the thoughts aren't good," said Jake Peavy, who pitched six scoreless innings Wednesday. "I'm not going to sit here and tell you I feel great about our chances. That being said, we're not eliminated and we needed them all for a while now. When you lose one like this it is tough, and staring those numbers in the face, it is harsh reality.

"It stinks to be in this position, but you have to be a professional and play as hard as you can and show up (Thursday) and figure out a way to get the big boy (Bumgarner) in the win column."

Brandon Crawford has four hits and three RBIs through the first two of this three-game set after hitting .093 over his previous 14 contests while battling an oblique injury. The shortstop is batting .435 with nine RBIs in his last six meetings with San Diego.

The Padres, losers of six of nine at home, are turning to Ian Kennedy (8-15, 4.29). The right-hander is 0-4 with a 5.52 ERA over his last five starts, and that includes being tagged for seven runs and seven hits in 4 2-3 innings while losing to Bumgarner on Sept. 12.

Kennedy followed that six days later by losing a third straight start, yielding four runs in six innings of a 7-4 defeat at Colorado.

Hosting the Giants may be a relief for Kennedy, who is 3-0 with a 2.14 ERA in four starts against them at Petco.

Crawford is 0 for 9 with five strikeouts against Kennedy this year, but Buster Posey has hit .429 against him since the start of 2013 while Marlon Byrd has gone 6 for 13 with two homers.

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 Final 4 to 5
Boxscores • Recaps

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

**StarDust Bum** · 09-24-2015, 11:09 AM

Preview: Rangers (82-69) at Athletics (64-88)
Game: 3
Venue: O.co Coliseum
Date: September 24, 2015 3:35 PM EDT

The bad news for Oakland is it has one more game against the Texas Rangers. Even worse for the Athletics is that Cole Hamels will be taking the mound.

The Rangers bumped Hamels' start up to Thursday night's series finale as they look to add to their division lead with a road sweep of last-place Oakland.

The A's (64-88) won nine of the first 13 matchups this season but have dropped four of their last five against Texas (82-69), which holds a three-game lead over second-place Houston in the AL West.

The Rangers used Monday's off day to shift Hamels into this finale, giving him three starts in the regular season's final two weeks - the last two coming Tuesday against Detroit and Oct. 4 against the Los Angeles Angels on the final day of the regular season.

The intriguing part is the option to save Hamels for the postseason opener if the Rangers have clinched prior to their final game. The downside is losing him for the opener of a key series in Houston this weekend.

"This is an opportunity to have him for three starts," manager Jeff Banister said. "All games matter, not just those three against the Astros. It's about taking care of what we need to every day."

Hamels (4-1, 3.73 ERA) has taken care of his business with a 4-0 record and 3.12 ERA in his last seven starts - all wins for Texas. The left-hander has pitched at least seven innings in his last five starts.

Also working for Texas is a surging offense which recorded three home runs and three doubles in Wednesday's 10-3 win. Adrian Beltre and Elvis Andrus each hit three-run homers, while Rougned Odor added a solo shot.

During their 8-2 spurt, the Rangers lead the majors in runs (76), home runs (17), batting average (.310), on base percentage (.392) and slugging percentage (.528).

Surging at the plate are Beltre (21 for 45), Andrus (14 for 42), Shin-Soo Choo (20 for 43), Mike Napoli (11 for 31), Mitch Moreland (6 for 14) and Delino DeShields (5 for 14).

"We're playing well at one of the most crucial times of the year," Banister told MLB's official website. "They have learned how to win games."

Oakland has lost four straight and had an odd game Wednesday, setting a franchise record with 41 triples on Billy Burns' three-bagger in the fifth inning, seeing Eric Sogard's 457-at-bat homerless streak end on his seventh-inning solo shot and watching Josh Reddick commit two errors in a game for the first time in his seven-year career.

"You don't see very often a one-error night let alone a two-error night," A's manager Bob Melvin said.

The Hamels move could have set up a prime pitching matchup in the series finale, but the Athletics announced Tuesday that All-Star Sonny Gray's scheduled start would be moved to the opener of a series against San Francisco on Friday night.

Instead, Chris Bassitt (1-6, 2.82) will make his first start since Aug. 26. Oakland has been careful with Bassitt since he felt right shoulder discomfort following his latest start, putting into question if he would return this year.

The right-hander is back, though, and looks to strengthen his case for the 2016 rotation. His record doesn't show it, but Bassitt has pitched well in 10 starts since June 30. He allowed two or fewer runs in seven of those outings while tossing six innings or more seven times.

SERIES AT A GLANCE

GAME 1
Rangers at Athletics
Tue, Sep 22 Final 8 to 6
Boxscores • Recaps

GAME 2
Rangers at Athletics
Wed, Sep 23 Final 10 to 3
Boxscores • Recaps

GAME 3
Rangers at Athletics
Thu, Sep 24 - 3:35PM EDT

**StarDust Bum** · 09-24-2015, 11:11 AM

Preview: Mariners (74-78) at Royals (88-63)
Game: 3
Venue: Ewing M. Kauffman Stadium
Date: September 24, 2015 8:10 PM EDT

A day after his team may have turned a corner, Johnny Cueto wants to keep showing that he has, too.

The right-hander hopes to build on a breakthrough effort as the Royals look to wrap up their first division title in 30 years Thursday night against the visiting Seattle Mariners.

Cueto's surprising struggles were one reason Kansas City starters posted a 6.00 ERA during a 5-12 stretch which had cut the club's hold on the AL's best record to 1 1/2 games. However, the Royals (88-63) could finally be headed back in the right direction following a come-from-behind, walkoff victory.

Jarrod Dyson hit a tying sacrifice fly in the ninth inning and Lorenzo Cain delivered an RBI single in the 10th to give Kansas City a 4-3 win Wednesday.

"Champagne tomorrow, that would be nice," said Cain, who had three hits after entering in a 4-for-29 slump.

The Royals could finally clinch their first division title since 1985 if they win Thursday's series finale while Minnesota loses to Cleveland.

"We definitely know," first baseman Eric Hosmer said of the magic number being down to two. "This kind of victory can give us a boost."

Cueto, acquired at the trade deadline to be the ace, hadn't helped with a 9.57 ERA during a five-start skid before allowing two runs over seven innings in Friday's 5-4, 12-inning loss at Detroit.

Earlier last week, the 29-year-old met with manager Ned Yost and pitching coach Dave Eiland to discuss how to fix what had been giving him trouble. What they discovered was that catcher Salvador Perez needed to make the adjustment, not Cueto (2-6, 5.12 ERA).

"He thought that with Salvy being so tall, he was setting up a high target," Yost told MLB's official website. "Johnny is a guy who throws to the glove. So if the target is set up high, he's going to miss high."

Now it could be Drew Butera setting up low after Perez left Wednesday's game with a bruised knee.

Cueto hasn't faced the Mariners since 2010 when he was with the Reds. Now he's taking on a Seattle team that has hit .303 and averaged 6.4 runs while going 8-2 on the road this month.

Ketel Marte went 3 for 5 with his third home run Wednesday. He's batting .415 over a 10-game hitting streak for the Mariners, who fell to 13-7 in September.

Robinson Cano singled to become the 14th player to reach 2,000 hits in his first 11 seasons.

"I feel blessed," Cano said. "Like I said, it doesn't mean too much because we were losing."

James Paxton (3-4, 3.70) will try to help Seattle (74-78) improve to 5-1 at Kansas City over the past two seasons. The left-hander is continuing to work through some wildness after missing more than three months due to a blister problem.

After yielding three walks and three runs over three innings in a 3-2 loss to Colorado on Sept. 13, he overcame four free passes to give up one run over 4 1-3 in Friday's 3-1 win at Texas.

In his only career start versus Kansas City, Paxton surrendered four hits while striking out a career-high 10 in seven innings of a 4-0 win in September 2013.

SERIES AT A GLANCE

GAME 1
Mariners at Royals
Tue, Sep 22 Final 11 to 2
Boxscores • Recaps

GAME 2
Mariners at Royals
Wed, Sep 23 Final 3 to 4
Boxscores • Recaps

GAME 3
Mariners at Royals
Thu, Sep 24 - 8:10PM EDT

**StarDust Bum** · 09-24-2015, 11:15 AM

MLB
Dunkel

Thursday, September 24

NY Mets @ Cincinnati

Game 953-954
September 24, 2015 @ 7:10 pm

Dunkel Rating:
NY Mets
(Matz) 13.502
Cincinnati
(Smith) 14.372
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Cincinnati
by 1
7 1/2
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
NY Mets
-165
8
Dunkel Pick:
Cincinnati
(+145); Under

Philadelphia @ Miami

Game 955-956
September 24, 2015 @ 7:10 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Philadelphia
(Asher) 13.579
Miami
(Cosart) 14.985
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Miami
by 1 1/2
7
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Miami
-175
8 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Miami
(-175); Under

Milwaukee @ St. Louis

Game 957-958
September 24, 2015 @ 7:15 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Milwaukee
(Jungmnn) 13.502
St. Louis
(Wacha) 15.678
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
St. Louis
by 2
8
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
St. Louis
-190
7 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
St. Louis
(-190); Over

San Francisco @ San Diego

Game 959-960
September 24, 2015 @ 9:10 pm

Dunkel Rating:
San Francisco
(Bumgrner) 16.409
San Diego
(Kennedy) 14.813
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
San Francisco
by 1 1/2
8
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
San Francisco
-165
6 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
San Francisco
(-165); Over

Arizona @ LA Dodgers

Game 961-962
September 24, 2015 @ 3:10 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Arizona
(Corbin) 13.229
LA Dodgers
(Kershaw) 16.998
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
LA Dodgers
by 3 1/2
5
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
LA Dodgers
-220
6 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
LA Dodgers
(-220); Under

Texas @ Oakland

Game 963-964
September 24, 2015 @ 3:35 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Texas
(Hamels) 14.579
Oakland
(Bassitt) 15.481
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Oakland
by 1
9
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Texas
-150
8
Dunkel Pick:
Oakland
(+130); Over

Chicago White Sox @ NY Yankees

Game 965-966
September 24, 2015 @ 7:05 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Chicago White Sox
(Sale) 15.431
NY Yankees
(Pineda) 14.081
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Chicago White Sox
by 1 1/2
5 1/2
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
NY Yankees
-125
7
Dunkel Pick:
Chicago White Sox
(+105); Under

Tampa Bay @ Boston

Game 967-968
September 24, 2015 @ 7:10 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Tampa Bay
(Ramirez) 16.648
Boston
(Miley) 15.161
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Tampa Bay
by 1 1/2
9
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Boston
-125
8
Dunkel Pick:
Tampa Bay
(+105); Over

Cleveland @ Minnesota

Game 969-970
September 24, 2015 @ 8:10 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Cleveland
(Anderson) 17.113
Minnesota
(Gibson) 13.576
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Cleveland
by 3 1/2
7
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Minnesota
-120
8
Dunkel Pick:
Cleveland
(+100); Under

Seattle @ Kansas City

Game 971-972
September 24, 2015 @ 8:10 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Seattle
(Paxton) 17.181
Kansas City
(Cueto) 16.099
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Seattle
by 1
7
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Kansas City
-165
8
Dunkel Pick:
Seattle
(+145); Under

Pittsburgh @ Colorado

Game 951-952
September 24, 2015 @ 3:10 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Pittsburgh
(Locke) 13.971
Colorado
(Bettis) 15.534
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Colorado
by 1 1/2
12 1/2
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Pittsburgh
-130
11
Dunkel Pick:
Colorado
(+110); Over

Baltimore @ Washington

Game 973-974
September 24, 2015 @ 4:05 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Baltimore
(Wilson) 16.310
Washington
(Roark) 14.279
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Baltimore
by 1
9
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Washington
-145
8
Dunkel Pick:
Baltimore
(+125); Over

**StarDust Bum** · 09-24-2015, 11:16 AM

MLB
Armadillo's Write-Up

Thursday, September 24

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.

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