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**Udog** · 10-12-2015, 07:02 AM

Armadillo: Monday's six-pack

Westgate Super Contest (1,727 entrants-- prize pool is $2.5M)

six most popular picks in Week 5 season record: 17-13-1
6) Bills -2.5 (385)-- Buffalo's losses were to QBs Brady/Manning- L

5) Texans -1 (427)-- Bad spread got jumped on, but Texans lost anyway- L

4) Giants -7 (427)-- 49ers allowed 90 points in first two road games- L.

3) Bengals -3 (521)-- Long travel, short work week for the Seahawks- T.

2) Patriots -8.5 (642)-- NE is 11-3 in last 14 games vs backup QBs- W.

1) Cardinals, -2.5 (710)-- Short work week for winless Detroit- W.

**********

Armadillo: Monday's List of 13: Wrapping up an NFL Sunday......

13) Colts 27, Texans 20-- Lot of people bet Houston because Hasselbeck was sick much of week before game, but he played and did enough to get Indy to 3-2. Colts had an 11-yard edge in field position.

12) Buccaneers 38, Jaguars 31-- Field position wins; not only did Tampa have a TD on defense, they scored on TD drives of 17-41-40 yards. Jags had TD drives of 78-78-61-86 yards. Teams that lose field position by 14+ yards seldom win the game.

11) Bills 14, Titans 13-- Buffalo did almost nothing on offense in first half (51 yards) but had two 80-yard TD drives and pulled this game out. Bills are 3-2, with losses to Brady/Manning. Total yardage in this defensive struggle was 276-209, Titans.

10) Browns 33, Ravens 30 OT-- Baltimore's defense is terrible; on Browns' last six drives, they ran 44 plays for 334 yards (7.6/play). Ravens led 21-9 but lost; they are 1-4 and in last place. They might've won but on his long run that got ball to Browns' 10-yard line in last 2:00, Forsett sprained an ankle and never returned to the game- he had been gaining all of Baltimore's tough yards.

9) Falcons 25, Redskins 19 OT-- I'm wondering if a 5-0 team has ever trailed four of the five wins in the 4th quarter; Atlanta went ahead with 0:24 left, Redskins tied the game with a 52-yard FG at the gun, but Falcons scored a defensive TD for the win.

8) Bears 18, Chiefs 17-- Horrific home loss for Chiefs, who led 17-3 at half; on their last five drives, KC ran 17 plays for 53 yards. Chicago scored two TDs in last 3:05 for the unlikely win. Chiefs are 1-4 with two last-minute home losses.

7) Eagles 39, Saints 17-- Why is Rob Ryan still a defensive coordinator in the NFL? When do his teams ever win? This game was 10-7 at half; Philly ran 37 plays for 269 yards, with three TDs, three FGs on six second half series.

6) Packers 24, Rams 10-- St Louis defended Aaron Rodgers OK, but in second half alone, St Louis missed three (long) FGs and threw two red zone picks- you have to play really well to beat the Packers, not turn ball over four times. Gurley is giving the Rams a running threat; the O-line has to pass block better.

5) Bengals 27, Seahawks 24 OT-- Guys behind me in sportsbook were Bengal fans; they spent most of game bashing Andy Dalton, but they changed their tune at the end, as Cincy won again and is now 5-0. You know things are going well when the GW field goal banks in off the left upright. For losing teams, it clanks out.

4) Cardinals 42, Lions 17-- Complete tank job by Detroit; I fully expect Fred Willard to show up in the Lions'' coaches' meeting Monday with a cake like he does on that DirecTV commercial: "Its going to be fun firing all of you." Stafford got benched in second half; he's going to be a Lion a lot longer than coach Caldwell.

3) Patriots 30, Cowboys 6-- CBS does the Nantz/Simms broadcast team a disservice, having them do two games every week. Simms is a sub-par analyst anyway; working two games every week makes him worse. He said ".....if the Patriots can hold on here" when they led 27-6 with 7:00 left. This was a bad game, by the way.

2) Broncos 16, Raiders 10-- Second time in first five weeks Denver won while scoring one TD, with defense scoring that TD. Trent Dilfer gets mocked for being worst QB to win a Super Bowl; the 2015 Peyton Manning ain't any better-- Broncos converted 8 of 34 third down plays in last three games.

1) Giants 30, 49ers 27-- Manning passed for 441 yards, Giants scored seven of nine times they had ball (four TDs, three FGs) but they needed last-minute TD to escape a very bad home loss. Beckham may or may not have pulled his hammy during his me-first TD dance. God forbid an NFL WR act like a normal human after he scores.

**Udog** · 10-12-2015, 07:03 AM

Harbaugh's fast start has Wolverines favored over Sparty

Books have tabbed the Wolverines as 6-point home favorites over their in-state rivals.

There were certainly people who thought that, in due time, Jim Harbaugh could turn around a lagging Michigan program. Outside of Ann Arbor, however, it’s likely nobody would have predicted that the former Wolverines QB would have such a speedy impact when he took the reins.

But by the time Michigan plays host to instate Big Ten rival Michigan State on Saturday, it will have been a month since the Wolverines gave up any points. Michigan (5-1 SU, 4-2 ATS) blanked No. 13 Northwestern 38-0 Saturday as a 10.5-point home favorite and has now outscored its last three foes by a total of 97-0. And that came after back-to-back wins in which the Wolverines allowed just seven points apiece.

Michigan State, meanwhile, is perfect on the field, and perfectly awful at the betting counter, at 6-0 SU and 0-6 ATS. The Spartans held off Rutgers 31-24 as a 12-point chalk on Saturday.

Although fourth-ranked Michigan State is 6-1 SU and a spotless 7-0 ATS in its last seven meetings with Michigan, the 14th-ranked Wolverines will be 6-point favorites here, according to Johnny Avello, executive director of race and sports at Wynn Las Vegas.

“These two have met 107 times, with Michigan winning 68 of those, and five ties,” Avello said. “At the start of the year, I had no intentions of making Michigan the favorite in this one, but after having as many shutouts as Jake Arrieta of the Cubs, and the Spartans just squeaking by in their last two against average competition, the team from Ann Arbor will be the chalk.”

Southern California at Notre Dame (-3)

The Trojans, a preseason top-10 team, are stunningly on the brink of having their season fly out the window. USC (3-2 SU and ATS) went off as a 17-point home fave Saturday against Washington, yet inexplicably mustered just one touchdown and two field goals in a 17-12 loss.

Notre Dame, on the flipside, is looking stout at 5-1 SU and ATS, despite losing its starting quarterback and starting running back early in the season. The Fighting Irish bounced back from a tough loss at Clemson to fend off Navy 41-24 Saturday laying 13.5 points at home.

“It must be the third Saturday of October, because that's when this traditional rivalry will continue at South Bend,” Avello said. “USC will try to recover after a stunning loss that most likely took them out of the hunt for a national championship. Notre Dame played a solid second half to take care of a stubborn Navy team, and if the Irish can get by this one, the schedule-maker has made the next four quite soft to keep their championship hopes alive.”

Florida at Louisiana State (-5)

Much like Michigan, Florida has a new coach who has engineered a big turnaround. The Gators (6-0 SU, 5-1 ATS) rolled past Missouri 21-3 Saturday giving 6.5 points on the road. Coach Jim McElwain has Florida at No. 11 in the nation.

But No. 5 LSU (5-0 SU, 2-3 ATS) and its rampaging running back, Leonard Fournette, will present the sternest test by far for the Gators. On Saturday, the Tigers – getting a bonus home game due to massive flooding in South Carolina – dumped the Gamecocks 45-24 to narrowly cash as a 20.5-point favorite.

“Florida and Michigan have to be the two biggest surprises of the season, and in both cases, their defenses have been the catalysts,” Avello said. “Florida is allowing opponents an average of less than 100 yards per game, and continuing that trend will be its biggest obstacle against the Tigers. To keep a perfect record, the Gators must figure out how to stop Fournette, who is averaging 10 yards a carry and 200 yards per game.”

Alabama (-4) at Texas A&M

The Crimson Tide (5-1 SU, 2-4 ATS) have bounced back from their upset home loss to Mississippi with three consecutive wins. That includes an impressive 38-10 rout of Georgia as a 1.5-point road pup, followed by Saturday’s 27-14 victory over Arkansas as a 15-point home chalk.

The Aggies (5-0 SU, 4-1 ATS) will come in well-rested off a bye week, after topping Mississippi State 30-17 laying 4 points at home on Oct. 3. And Avello figures the Aggies haven’t forgotten their last meeting against the Tide.

“I have to think that the Aggies are still a little bitter over the 59-0 drubbing at Alabama last year,” he said. “This game sets up nicely for them, as they had the week off and a 5-0 start to the season as a confidence builder. But they'll still be a small ‘dog against a team I'll be very careful about putting in the underdog role again.”

**Udog** · 10-12-2015, 07:09 AM

MLB
Dunkel

Division Series

Kansas City @ Houston

Game 925-926
October 12, 2015 @ 1:00 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Kansas City
(Ventura) 18.615
Houston
(McCullers) 15.109
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Kansas City
by 3 1/2
6 1/2
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Houston
-140
8
Dunkel Pick:
Kansas City
(+120); Under

Toronto @ Texas

Game 927-928
October 12, 2015 @ 4:00 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Toronto
(Dickey) 14.468
Texas
(Holland) 15.838
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Texas
by 1 1/2
10
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Toronto
No Line
N/A
Dunkel Pick:
Texas
N/A

LA Dodgers @ NY Mets

Game 921-922
October 12, 2015 @ 8:30 pm

Dunkel Rating:
LA Dodgers
(Anderson) 15.769
NY Mets
(Harvey) 13.283
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
LA Dodgers
by 2 1/2
8
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
NY Mets
-180
6 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
LA Dodgers
(+160); Over

St. Louis @ Chicago Cubs

Game 923-924
October 12, 2015 @ 6:00 pm

Dunkel Rating:
St. Louis
(Wacha) 15.418
Chicago Cubs
(Arrieta) 16.922
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Chicago Cubs
by 1 1/2
4
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Chicago Cubs
-250
5 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Chicago Cubs
(-250); Under

**Udog** · 10-12-2015, 07:17 AM

MLB
Long Sheet

Monday, October 12

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KANSAS CITY (96 - 68) at HOUSTON (88 - 77) - 4:05 PM
EDINSON VOLQUEZ (R) vs. DALLAS KEUCHEL (L)
Top Trends for this game.
HOUSTON is 53-28 (+14.7 Units) against the money line in home games this season.
HOUSTON is 12-1 (+11.1 Units) against the money line in home games when playing on Sunday this season.
HOUSTON is 88-71 (+4.2 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
HOUSTON is 58-45 (+7.9 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.
HOUSTON is 65-65 (+11.5 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.
KEUCHEL is 41-22 (+21.3 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
KEUCHEL is 16-2 (+12.4 Units) against the money line in home games this season. (Team's Record)
KEUCHEL is 24-9 (+11.6 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season. (Team's Record)
KEUCHEL is 25-12 (+16.3 Units) against the money line after a loss over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
KEUCHEL is 17-6 (+13.6 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
KANSAS CITY is 96-68 (+18.6 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
KANSAS CITY is 24-14 (+10.8 Units) against the money line when the total is 7 or less this season.
KANSAS CITY is 44-37 (+7.4 Units) against the money line in road games this season.
KANSAS CITY is 28-21 (+10.1 Units) against the money line on the road when the total is 7 or less over the last 2 seasons.
KANSAS CITY is 15-5 (+10.9 Units) against the money line in October games over the last 2 seasons.
KANSAS CITY is 28-12 (+15.1 Units) against the money line when playing with a day off over the last 2 seasons.
KANSAS CITY is 30-16 (+14.2 Units) against the money line in day games this season.
KANSAS CITY is 93-64 (+19.4 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
KANSAS CITY is 56-41 (+9.5 Units) against the money line after a win this season.
KANSAS CITY is 87-66 (+15.8 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.
KANSAS CITY is 42-29 (+11.4 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record in the second half of the season over the last 2 seasons.
VOLQUEZ is 22-11 (+9.5 Units) against the money line in all games this season. (Team's Record)
VOLQUEZ is 10-3 (+8.8 Units) against the money line when the total is 7 or less over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
VOLQUEZ is 21-10 (+9.5 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season. (Team's Record)

Head-to-Head Series History
HOUSTON is 5-3 (+2.1 Units) against KANSAS CITY this season
5 of 7 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+2.4 Units)

EDINSON VOLQUEZ vs. HOUSTON since 1997
VOLQUEZ is 6-0 when starting against HOUSTON with an ERA of 2.70 and a WHIP of 1.130.
His team's record is 7-2 (+5.2 units) in these starts. The OVER is 3-6. (-3.6 units)

DALLAS KEUCHEL vs. KANSAS CITY since 1997
KEUCHEL is 2-1 when starting against KANSAS CITY with an ERA of 3.62 and a WHIP of 1.353.
His team's record is 2-2 (+0.3 units) in these starts. The OVER is 2-2. (-0.0 units)

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

TORONTO (93 - 71) at TEXAS (90 - 74) - 8:05 PM
MARCO ESTRADA (R) vs. MARTIN PEREZ (L)
Top Trends for this game.
TEXAS is 90-74 (+33.7 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
TEXAS is 85-70 (+29.5 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
TEXAS is 65-50 (+27.5 Units) against the money line in night games this season.
TEXAS is 54-43 (+19.8 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.
TEXAS is 49-40 (+20.0 Units) against the money line after a win this season.
TEXAS is 47-27 (+34.3 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record this season.
TEXAS is 24-15 (+14.4 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record in the second half of the season this season.
TORONTO is 48-33 (+9.8 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record this season.
TORONTO is 24-10 (+10.5 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record in the second half of the season this season.
ESTRADA is 21-12 (+12.4 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
TEXAS is 41-60 (-20.8 Units) against the money line at home when the total is 9 to 9.5 over the last 2 seasons.
TEXAS is 5-14 (-14.0 Units) against the money line in home games when playing with a day off over the last 3 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
TEXAS is 4-4 (+2.3 Units) against TORONTO this season
4 of 7 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+0.7 Units)

MARCO ESTRADA vs. TEXAS since 1997
ESTRADA is 1-1 when starting against TEXAS with an ERA of 1.50 and a WHIP of 0.917.
His team's record is 1-1 (+0.7 units) in these starts. The OVER is 0-2. (-2.0 units)

MARTIN PEREZ vs. TORONTO since 1997
No recent starts.

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LA DODGERS (93 - 71) at NY METS (91 - 73) - 8:35 PM
BRETT ANDERSON (L) vs. MATT HARVEY (R)
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

Head-to-Head Series History
NY METS is 5-4 (+3.6 Units) against LA DODGERS this season
5 of 9 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+0.9 Units)

BRETT ANDERSON vs. NY METS since 1997
No recent starts.

MATT HARVEY vs. LA DODGERS since 1997
HARVEY is 1-2 when starting against LA DODGERS with an ERA of 4.50 and a WHIP of 1.417.
His team's record is 2-2 (+0.0 units) in these starts. The OVER is 3-0. (+3.1 units)

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

ST LOUIS (102 - 62) at CHICAGO CUBS (99 - 66) - 6:05 PM
MICHAEL WACHA (R) vs. JAKE ARRIETA (R)
Top Trends for this game.
ST LOUIS is 8-17 (-12.2 Units) against the money line in road games when playing with a day off over the last 2 seasons.
CHICAGO CUBS are 99-66 (+18.2 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
CHICAGO CUBS are 48-31 (+12.0 Units) against the money line against division opponents this season.
CHICAGO CUBS are 99-66 (+18.2 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
CHICAGO CUBS are 60-36 (+19.0 Units) against the money line in night games this season.
CHICAGO CUBS are 78-52 (+12.8 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.
CHICAGO CUBS are 59-38 (+12.4 Units) against the money line after a win this season.
CHICAGO CUBS are 45-31 (+13.4 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record this season.
ARRIETA is 26-8 (+14.6 Units) against the money line in all games this season. (Team's Record)
ARRIETA is 26-8 (+14.6 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season. (Team's Record)
ARRIETA is 17-3 (+13.2 Units) against the money line in night games this season. (Team's Record)
ARRIETA is 25-12 (+13.7 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 3 seasons. (Team's Record)
ARRIETA is 15-5 (+11.0 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record in the second half of the season over the last 3 seasons. (Team's Record)
ST LOUIS is 102-62 (+25.0 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
ST LOUIS is 46-35 (+8.4 Units) against the money line in road games this season.
ST LOUIS is 48-30 (+10.7 Units) against the money line against division opponents this season.
ST LOUIS is 102-62 (+25.0 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
ST LOUIS is 73-40 (+25.1 Units) against the money line in night games this season.
ST LOUIS is 76-44 (+20.5 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.
ST LOUIS is 85-52 (+22.8 Units) against the money line after a loss over the last 2 seasons.
ST LOUIS is 45-29 (+13.7 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record this season.
WACHA is 21-9 (+9.2 Units) against the money line in all games this season. (Team's Record)
WACHA is 21-9 (+9.2 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season. (Team's Record)
CHICAGO CUBS are 793-758 (-162.4 Units) against the money line in home games since 1997.
CHICAGO CUBS are 9-17 (-17.7 Units) against the money line in home games in October games since 1997.
CHICAGO CUBS are 159-199 (-60.9 Units) against the money line when playing with a day off since 1997.
CHICAGO CUBS are 164-207 (-58.6 Units) against the money line in home games when playing against a team with a winning record in the second half of the season since 1997.

Head-to-Head Series History
ST LOUIS is 12-9 (+1.7 Units) against CHICAGO CUBS this season
12 of 20 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+3.8 Units)

MICHAEL WACHA vs. CHICAGO CUBS since 1997
WACHA is 3-3 when starting against CHICAGO CUBS with an ERA of 4.96 and a WHIP of 1.412.
His team's record is 4-4 (-2.4 units) in these starts. The OVER is 7-1. (+6.0 units)

JAKE ARRIETA vs. ST LOUIS since 1997
ARRIETA is 4-1 when starting against ST LOUIS with an ERA of 1.63 and a WHIP of 1.048.
His team's record is 5-4 (+1.5 units) in these starts. The OVER is 2-6. (-4.2 units)

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MLB
Short Sheet

Monday, October 12

LA Dodgers at NY Mets, 8:35 PM EDT
Los Angeles: 2-10 SU in road games after 4 or more consecutive home games
New York: 25-7 SU as a home favorite of -125 to -175

St Louis at Chicago, 6:05 PM EDT
St Louis: 8-17 SU in road games when playing with a day off
Chicago: 71-40 SU as a favorite of -110 or higher

MLB
Armadillo's Write-Up

Monday, October 12

American League
Blue Jays vs Rangers
Dickey is 1-0, 2.00 in his last three starts (over 2-0-1).

Holland is 1-2, 7.12 in his last five starts (over 3-1 in last four).

Blue Jays are in playoffs for first time since winning '93 World Series; they lost six of last eight games-- over is 6-1-2 in their last nine games.

Rangers won three of last four games with Toronto (over 3-2-1 last six); Texas is in the playoffs for first time since losing first AL Wild Card game in 2012- they've won six of last nine games overall (over 6-5-1 in last twelve).

Royals vs Astros
Ventura is 1-1, 2.25 in his last three starts (under 4-0 last four).

McCullers is 1-2, 4.13 in his last four starts (under 5-1 last six).

Kansas City lost Game 7 of World Series LY, its first playoff appearance since 1985; Royals won six of last eight games overall (under 8-3 in last 11)- they lost last two.

Houston won eight of its last 11 game; this is Astros' first postseason since 2005. Astros are 8-3 in last 11 games with Royals (under is 5-2 in last seven in series).

National League
Cubs vs Cardinals
Wacha is 2-3, 7.88 in his last five starts (over 7-0 last seven); he allowed ten runs in nine IP in his last two starts against the Cubs.

Arietta is 4-0, 0.00 (31 IP) in his last four starts (under 7-0-1 last eight).

Cubs won nine of last 11 games, allowing 19 runs (under 9-3-1 last 13) they're 6-5 in last 11 games with St Louis (over 8-2-1). Chicago is in playoffs for first time since '08. Joe Maddon was in playoffs with Rays four times in six years from '08-'13.

St Louis is in playoffs for fifth year in row, 12th time in 16 years; they lost six of last 11 games- four of their last five games stayed under.

Mets vs Dodgers
Anderson is 1-1, 6.45 in his last four starts (over 5-2 last seven)- he threw six shutout innings vs Detroit in his only playoff start, in 2012.

Harvey is 1-1, 1.53 in his last three starts (over 6-1 last seven).

Dodgers are in playoffs for third year in row; they've won five of last six games- they are playing a man short, wth Utley suspended for the two games in Flushing.

Mets are 6-4 in last ten games with LA (over 8-4 last 12). NY lost six of last eight games overall, scoring seven runs in last six games. Mets are in playoffs for first time since 2006, second time since '00.

MLB

Monday, October 12

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

1:07 PM
KANSAS CITY vs. HOUSTON
Kansas City is 6-2 SU in its last 8 games
Kansas City is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games when playing on the road against Houston
Houston is 6-2 SU in its last 8 games
Houston is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games when playing at home against Kansas City

4:07 PM
TORONTO vs. TEXAS
The total has gone UNDER in 13 of Toronto's last 19 games when playing Texas
The total has gone UNDER in 9 of Toronto's last 11 games when playing on the road against Texas
Texas is 15-7 SU in its last 22 games at home
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Texas's last 6 games at home

6:07 PM
ST. LOUIS vs. CHI CUBS
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of St. Louis's last 7 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 8 of St. Louis's last 11 games when playing Chi Cubs
Chi Cubs are 10-1 SU in their last 11 games
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Chi Cubs's last 5 games at home

8:37 PM
LA DODGERS vs. NY METS
LA Dodgers are 5-1 SU in their last 6 games
LA Dodgers are 10-4 SU in their last 14 games when playing on the road against NY Mets
NY Mets are 8-17 SU in their last 25 games when playing LA Dodgers
NY Mets are 1-4 SU in its last 5 games at home

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

**Udog** · 10-12-2015, 07:24 AM

MLB

Monday, October 12

Fiery McCullers ready for bigger stage

HOUSTON -- Upon announcing rookie right-hander Lance McCullers as his Game 4 starter earlier during this American League Division Series, Astros manager A.J. Hinch was quick to point out that McCullers pitched often enough and under enough duress to no longer be labeled a rookie.

McCullers supported that opinion Sunday, the eve of his first career postseason start. McCullers, who turned 22 on Oct. 2, is 6-7 with a 3.22 ERA for the Astros this season. While his talent is unquestioned -- McCullers was a first-round selection in the 2012 draft out of Tampa (Fla.) Jesuit High-- his poise has been as much of an asset as his arm.

Jays' Dickey set for postseason debut at 40

ARLINGTON, Texas -- The fact that Toronto Blue Jays right-hander R.A. Dickey will pitch in the American League Division Series in Texas isn't lost on him.

Dickey's career began with the Rangers, and now the 40-year-old veteran will make his first postseason appearance against the team that drafted him.

"It's special for sure," Dickey said. "That seems like such a cliche word, but it's funny how it's come full circle for me personally, having learned the knuckleball here in 2005, and now potentially with a chance to take the series back to Toronto with a Game 4 start. It's poetic is what it is for me. It's a neat narrative."

Dickey, a 13-year major-leaguer, has pitched for some good teams, but this is the first time he is in the playoffs.

He is cherishing every moment of it, too, and he also feels good about how he is pitching. Over the past month, he owns a 2.84 ERA in five starts.

Diekman, Rangers relievers are rolling

ARLINGTON, Texas -- The Texas Rangers' bullpen is off to a strong start to the postseason, with Jake Diekman leading the charge.

The left-hander pitched two innings in each of the first two games of the American League Division Series against the Toronto Blue Jays, not allowing a hit and striking out three batters. Diekman threw just 44 pitches in his four frames, 32 of them strikes.

It marked the first time this season Diekman pitched two innings in back-to-back games, but he showed no ill effects. He hit 100 mph three times in Game 2.

Retaliation threat hovers over Mets-Dodgers Game 3

The intensity of Game 3 of the National League Division Series between the New York Mets and Los Angeles Dodgers on Monday figures to be cranked up a few notches after a controversial play in Saturday's game.

The Dodgers won Game 2 by a 5-2 score, evening the best-of-five series at a game apiece. During Los Angeles' pivotal four-run, seventh-inning rally, the Dodgers' Chase Utley used a late slide into second base to foil a double-play attempt. Utley also crashed into Mets shortstop Ruben Tejada, causing him to be taken on the field in a stretcher with a broken right leg.

On Sunday night, Major League Baseball suspended Utley for two games. The penalty would be served in Games 3 and 4 of the NLDS unless Utley files an appeal.

Utley's move was not received well by the Mets, who will start right-hander Matt Harvey against Dodgers left-hander Brett Anderson on Monday in New York.

Mets manager Terry Collins has not yet decided on a starting shortstop for Game 3, trying to choose between Matt Reynolds, who was called up from the minors on Sunday, and Wilmer Flores, a second baseman who began the season at short.

Harvey hit Utley with a pitch earlier this season when the veteran second baseman was with the Philadelphia Phillies.

Cubs excited about home postseason debut

The Chicago Cubs are a confident bunch ahead of their first home playoff game since 2008.

"These fans have been waiting for this for a long time, so, you know, it's just going to be nice," said right-hander Jake Arrieta, who will start Monday for the Cubs against the St. Louis Cardinals in Game 3 of the National League Division Series. "It's going to be a boost, if anything, (Monday) night, pitching in front of the city of Chicago here at Wrigley. I think it's only going to benefit us."

Not only are the Cubs tied with the Cardinals 1-1 in the series after a 6-3 win in St. Louis on Saturday, but they have their ace on the mound. Arrieta, an NL Cy Young Award candidate, has been lights out since his last loss July 25, going 11-0 in 13 starts while allowing only six earned runs in that span. He is 9-5 with a 1.95 ERA at home on the season.

**Udog** · 10-12-2015, 10:27 AM

MLB

Monday, October 12

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Monday's Divisional Series Betting Cheat Sheet
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Kansas City Royals at Houston Astros (-127, 8.0)

Astros lead series 2-1.

The Houston Astros attempt to become an unlikely participant in the American League Championship Series when they host the Kansas City Royals on Monday for Game 4 of the Division Series. Houston, which averaged 104 losses over a four-year span before this year's breakthrough campaign, owns a 2-1 lead in the best-of-five matchup after posting a 4-2 victory on Sunday.

The Royals are aiming to reach the World Series for the second straight year but are on the brink of elimination. "Every game is a must-win," first baseman Eric Hosmer told reporters. "Obviously, it didn't work out the way we wanted it (Sunday). We have to come back and do everything we can to win and take it back to Kansas City." Chris Carter was the Game 3 hero for Houston, going 3-for-3 with a homer and is 5-for-11 in the series. Carter didn't have a single three-hit performance in the regular season when he batted .199 and struggled most of the campaign before going deep in six of his final 12 appearances to finish with 24 homers.

TV: 1:07 p.m. ET, FS1

PITCHING MATCHUP: Royals RH Yordano Ventura (0-1, 13.50 ERA) vs. Astros RH Lance McCullers (2015: 6-7, 3.22)

Ventura's Game 1 start was limited to two innings due to a rain delay, assuring he will be fresh for Monday's contest. He allowed three runs and four hits while throwing 42 pitches in the shortened outing. "Obviously, it's a different situation, but my routine is going to remain the same," Ventura said through an interpreter at his press conference. "I've got a good defense behind me, and I'm ready to go for (Monday). I'll attack the strike zone, let the defense play behind me."

McCullers is making his first appearance of the series after starting 22 games during the regular season. "You can't go into a game like (Monday) and just say to yourself, 'Oh, it's like every other game you ever pitched in,' because it's not," McCullers said during his press conference. "And I'm OK with that. I'm going to attack that head on, understand that the moment's bigger, the stage is bigger." McCullers, who turned 22 earlier this month, gave up one run and four hits in seven innings of a victory over Kansas City on June 29.

TRENDS:

* Under is 5-1 in the last six meetings.
* Royals are 0-4 in the last four meetings in Houston.
* Under is 6-0 in Royals' last six games versus a right-handed starter.
* Astros are 1-6 in McCuller's last seven starts.

Toronto Blue Jays at Texas Rangers (OFF)

Rangers lead series 2-1.

The Toronto Blue Jays staved off elimination and attempt to force a decisive fifth game when they visit the Texas Rangers on Monday for Game 4 of their American League Division Series. Toronto registered its first playoff victory since 1993 when it notched a 5-1 triumph on Sunday to stay alive in the best-of-five matchup.

Blue Jays shortstop Troy Tulowitzki played through shoulder pain and was the hitting star of Game 3, smacking a three-run homer to become the fourth player in team history to drive in four or more runs in a postseason game. "Good enough to go, good enough to play and tons of treatment, to be honest with you," Tulowitzki said in the postgame press conference when asked about his health. "I could do it all day, but just go out there and play and see what happens." Texas' Josh Hamilton saw his postseason hitless funk stretch to 31 at-bats before hitting singles in each of his last two trips to the plate on Sunday. Prince Fielder has a slump of his own with which to deal, going 88 postseason at-bats without a homer.

TV: 4:07 p.m. ET, FS1, RSN (Toronto)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Blue Jays RH R.A. Dickey (2015: 11-11, 3.91 ERA) vs. Rangers LH Derek Holland (2015: 4-3, 4.91)

The 41-year-old Dickey will become the oldest pitcher in baseball history to make his postseason debut. He struggled on the road this season with a 2-8 record and 4.83 ERA in 16 starts but always has liked pitching in Arlington, Texas. "The humidity is usually nice and it's warmer," Dickey said in his press conference. "Those are two things that contribute to a moving knuckleball, one that reacts favorably as far as movement's concerned. That's what I rely on."

Holland lands the pivotal start despite posting a 7.62 ERA over his last five outings. He was chosen over veteran right-hander Colby Lewis, who won a career-high 17 games this season. "We like the body of work," Texas manager Jeff Banister said in a press conference. "We like what we have seen from him lately. ... One of the more challenging decisions that we've had to make."

TRENDS:

* Under is 9-2 in the last 11 meetings in Texas.
* Blue Jays are 9-2 in the last 11 meetings in Texas.
* Over is 4-1 in Holland's last five home starts versus the Blue Jays.
* Rangers are 1-5 in their last six Divisional Playoff home games.

St. Louis Cardinals at Chicago Cubs (-225, OFF)

Series tied 1-1.

The Chicago Cubs did what they needed to do in the first two games of the National League Division Series and head home with a chance to take the best-of-five set at Wrigley Field. The St. Louis Cardinals, who visit the Cubs for Game 3 on Monday, will try to bounce back after an error-marred performance in Game 2.

The Cardinals took an early lead on Matt Carpenter’s leadoff homer in Game 2 but made a pair of errors in the second inning as Chicago scored three times without getting the ball out of the infield before Jorge Soler’s two-run homer capped the big frame. “It is hard to watch a club that's played so well defensively, see a couple things happen that are kind of uncharacteristic for us, but they do happen,” St. Louis manager Mike Matheny told reporters. “We gotta figure out ways to get around 'em.” Avoiding a deficit in the series could prove to be a tough task when the Cardinals go up against Chicago ace Jake Arrieta in Game 3. “Getting Jake pitching the next game is kind of a good thought for us, obviously,” Cubs manager Joe Maddon told reporters. “He's been pitching -- how can I even say? You've all been watching; he's been spectacular.”

TV: 6:07 p.m. ET, TBS

PITCHING MATCHUP: Cardinals RH Michael Wacha (17-7, 3.38 ERA) vs. Cubs RH Jake Arrieta (22-6, 1.77)

Wacha is hoping a shaky final month doesn’t carry over into the postseason after he went 2-3 with a 7.88 ERA in five September starts. The Texas A&M product yielded seven home runs in those five outings and lost to Chicago twice in that span, allowing a total of 10 runs and 12 hits – four homers – in nine total innings against the Cubs. Wacha is 4-2 with a 3.48 ERA in six career postseason games – five starts.

Arrieta started the wild-card game at Pittsburgh and scattered four hits without a walk while striking out 11 in a shutout. The Cy Young Award candidate has not lost since July 25 and has allowed a total of two earned runs in his last 10 outings. Arrieta is 2-1 with a 2.42 ERA in four starts against St. Louis this season but has not faced the Cardinals since July 7.

TRENDS:

* Over is 5-0 in Wacha's last five starts versus the Chicago.
* Over is 5-1 in the last six meetings in Chicago.
* Cubs are 5-1 in Arrieta's last six home starts versus the Cardinals.
* Cardinals are 0-4 in their last four road playoff games.

Los Angeles Dodgers at New York Mets (-180, 6.5)

Series tied 1-1.

The New York Mets are in a position to take control of the National League Division Series with their ace on the mound heading into Game 3, but a key loss in the infield could be tough to overcome. The Mets will send Matt Harvey to the mound when they host the Los Angeles Dodgers in Game 3 on Monday.

New York nearly pulled off the great feat of beating Clayton Kershaw and Zack Greinke in the first two games at Dodger Stadium but watched Game 2 spiral out of control in the seventh inning as Los Angeles' Chase Utley made a hard slide into second base that resulted in a broken leg for Mets shortstop Ruben Tejada and marked a key turning point in the contest as the Dodgers went on to take the lead in the frame and win 5-2. “We'll control it, but, yeah, they're angry,” New York manager Terry Collins told reporters of his players’ emotions going forward. “You lose in a playoff series to that serious of an injury, yeah, they're not very happy about it.” Harvey, who was fined for missing a mandatory workout prior to the start of the series, was limited in September in an effort to keep his workload lower following Tommy John surgery but is not expected to be on a strict pitch limit on Monday. The Dodgers went 37-44 on the road during the regular season and will turn to Brett Anderson for Game 3.

TV: 8:37 p.m. ET, TBS

PITCHING MATCHUP: Dodgers LH Brett Anderson (10-9, 3.69 ERA) vs. Mets RH Matt Harvey (13-8, 2.71)

Getting through an entire season healthy was a big step for Anderson, who made 31 starts and worked a career-high 180 1/3 innings after totaling 32 turns over the previous four campaigns. The Texan faltered a bit at the end of September but tuned up for the postseason and earned his Game 3 start by holding San Francisco to two runs and four hits over 7 2/3 frames on Oct. 1. Anderson, who is making his first career start against the Mets, surrendered one run and three hits over 6 1/3 total innings in the 2012 and 2013 ALDS with Oakland.

Harvey has totaled 17 2/3 innings since Sept. 8 but allowed only two earned runs in those frames while striking out 24 and walking one. The Connecticut native faced the Dodgers twice during the regular season and went 1-1 while allowing five runs and 13 hits in 12 total frames. Harvey, who is making his postseason debut, went 8-3 with a 2.23 ERA in 17 home starts in 2015.

TRENDS:

* Over is 3-0-1 in Harvey's last four starts versus the Dodgers.
* Over is 9-3-1 in the last 13 meetings in New York.
* Dodgers are 10-4 in the last 14 meetings in New York.
* Mets are 1-4 in Harvey's last five home starts.

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