The Bum's Major League Baseball Best Bets for August/Sept. - Picks, News, Trends !

[StarDust Bum]

NCAAF

Friday, September 23

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NCAAF Game of the Day: USC at Utah
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The home team is 5-0 ATS in the last five meetings between USC and Utah. The Utes are currently 3-pt home faves.

USC Trojans at Utah Utes (-3, 46.5)

USC is off to its worst start since 2001 and its upcoming schedule won't get any easier as the Trojans travel to face No. 23 Utah in a Pac-12 game Friday night. USC is coming off a 27-10 loss Saturday at No. 6 Stanford, which dropped its record to 1-2 for the first time since Pete Carroll's first season with the Trojans 15 years ago, and coach Clay Helton responded by replacing starting quarterback Max Browne, a junior, with freshman Sam Darnold.

The Utes won't have any pity for USC after the Trojans upset them 42-24 last season when they came to Los Angeles ranked No. 7, spoiling a 6-0 start. That game was the debut of Helton, who was made the permanent coach later in the season but has gone 1-4 since. Utah is led by quarterback Troy Williams, an L.A.-area product who is coming off a 20-for-28 performance last weekend against San Jose State, finishing with 257 yards and a touchdown. The Utes didn't throw a touchdown pass until their third game last season, but already have four in 2016 - all to senior wide receiver Tim Patrick.

TV: 9 p.m. ET., FOX Sports 1.

LINE HISTORY: Utah opened this game favored by a point and a half, but bettors have moved that number all the way to Utes -3. The total opened at 46.5 and has yet to move off of that number. Check out the complete line history here.

INJURY REPORT:

USC - CB J. Plattenburg (probable Friday, concussion), TE T. Petite (probable Friday, thigh), DT M. Dorton (questionable Friday, hip), TE T. McNamara (questionable Friday, foot), C K. Rodgers (questionable Friday, hamstring), DT N. Jefferson (questionable Friday, shoulder), QB M. Fink (questionable Friday, ankle), LB Q. Powell (questionable friday, illness).

Utah- DB D. Hatfield (questionable Friday, leg), T S. Tevi (questionable Friday, back), DE K. Fitts (out Friday, foot).

WEATHER REPORT: It could be a messy night in Salt Lake City. There is a 100 perent of rain at kickoff with temperatures in the high 40's. There will also be a six to seven mile per hour wind blowing towards the northeast corner of the stadium.

WHAT SHARPS SAY: "USC returned 10 offensive starters this season. The only offensive starter they lost from last year's squad was QB Cody Kessler who threw for 3,536 yards with a 29/7 touchdown/interception ratio. It turns out that one lost starter was tough to replace as the Trojans passing game has struggled this season, averaging just 5.6 yards per pass (versus opponents that have allowed 6.6 ypp). USC will now be facing a strong Utah pass defense that has allowed just 4.9 yards per pass this season (versus opponent that average 5.6 ypp)."

WHAT BOOKS SAY: "We had Utah as a -1.5 point favorite earlier this week and it has been bet all the way to Utah -3.5 with over 70 percent of the action on Utah to cover."

ABOUT USC (1-2, 1-2 ATS, 1-2 O/U): Adoree' Jackson is one of the most versatile and entertaining players in Division I and may need to take over this game to get the Trojans back on track. He's a three-year starter at cornerback and also plays wide receiver and returns punt and kickoffs, putting him in the rare position of scoring touchdowns on a reception, interception return, punt and kickoff return during his career. Jackson, who limited Alabama sophomore wide receiver Calvin Ridley to two catches for nine yards in the season opener earlier this month, figures to draw the task of covering Patrick.

ABOUT UTAH (3-0, 1-2 ATS, 1-2 O/U): The Utes delivered 10 sacks against San Jose and look to get after Darnold against one of the most experienced offensive lines in the country. Hunter Dimick leads the way with three sacks for Utah and brings plenty of experience, starting 23 games in his college career. Kylie Fitts was expected to be a key part of the defensive line, but suffered a season-ending injury two weeks ago, increasing the role of Filipo Mokofisi, who move from defensive tackle to Fitts' former spot at defensive end last week and produced two sacks.

TRENDS:

* Home team is 5-0 ATS in their last five meetings.
* Utah is 1-6 ATS in its last seven games following a ATS win.
* Under is 9-3 in USC's last 12 road games.
* Under is 5-1 in Utah's last six home games.

CONSENSUS: Bettors are strongly behind the home team in this Pac-12 showdown, with 67 percetn of wagers backing Utah. As for the total, bettors are siding with over, with 59 percent of wagers on it.

[StarDust Bum]

EVENING MLB BEST BETS:


WAS at PIT 07:05 PM

WAS +109

U 8.0

ARI at BAL 07:05 PM

BAL -214

U 10.0

NYY at TOR 07:07 PM

TOR -175

O 9.5

CHW at CLE 07:10 PM

CHW +149

PHI at NYM 07:10 PM

PHI +126

O 8.0

KC at DET 07:10 PM

KC +114

BOS at TB 07:10 PM

TB -104

O 7.5

ATL at MIA 07:10 PM

ATL +128

U 8.5

SEA at MIN 08:10 PM

SEA -148

LAA at HOU 08:10 PM

HOU -144

U 9.0

CIN at MIL 08:10 PM

MIL -114

O 8.5

TEX at OAK 09:35 PM

OAK +135

U 8.0

COL at LAD 10:10 PM

COL +151

O 7.5

SF at SD 10:40 PM

SF -138

O 8.0

[StarDust Bum]

EVENING MLB BEST BETS:


WAS at PIT 07:05 PM

WAS +109

U 8.0

ARI at BAL 07:05 PM

BAL -214

U 10.0

NYY at TOR 07:07 PM

TOR -175

O 9.5

CHW at CLE 07:10 PM

CHW +149

PHI at NYM 07:10 PM

PHI +126

O 8.0

KC at DET 07:10 PM

KC +114

BOS at TB 07:10 PM

TB -104

O 7.5

ATL at MIA 07:10 PM

ATL +128

U 8.5

SEA at MIN 08:10 PM

SEA -148

LAA at HOU 08:10 PM

HOU -144

U 9.0

CIN at MIL 08:10 PM

MIL -114

O 8.5

TEX at OAK 09:35 PM

OAK +135

U 8.0

COL at LAD 10:10 PM

COL +151

O 7.5

SF at SD 10:40 PM

SF -138

O 8.0

[StarDust Bum]

*MLB
Short Sheet

Friday, September 23*

*St Louis at Chicago, 2:20 PM ET*
Leake: ST LOUIS is 7-3 SU as a road underdog of +150 or more
Arrieta: CHICAGO CUBS are 11-13 against the money line after a win by 6 runs or more

*Washington at Pittsburgh, 7:05 PM ET*
Gonzalez: WASHINGTON is 21-40 SU as an underdog of +100 to +150
Taillon: PITTSBURGH is 19-9 SU against left-handed starters

*Atlanta at Miami, 7:10 PM ET*
Wisler: 7-2 SU off 2 straight upset wins over division rivals as a road underdog
Cashner: 11-26 SU revenging a loss vs opponent as a home favorite

*Philadelphia at NY Mets, 7:10 PM ET*
Hellickson: 22-10 SU after a loss by 2 runs or less
Ynoa: 35-46 SU after batting .250 or worse over a 20 game span

*Cincinnati at Milwaukee, 8:10 PM ET*
Desclafani: CINCINNATI is 18-42 SU after allowing 8 runs or more
Davies: MILWAUKEE is 10-5 SU after 5 straight games where they had less than 10 hits

*Colorado at LA Dodgers, 10:10 PM ET*
Gray: COLORADO is 9-3 SU as a road underdog of +125 to +150
Kazmir: LA DODGERS are 13-23 SU after having won 5 or 6 of their last 7

*San Francisco at San Diego, 10:40 PM ET*
Suarez: SAN FRANCISCO is 13-25 SU in road games after a win by 2 runs or less
Jackson: SAN DIEGO is 7-3 SU after 2 straight losses by 2 runs or less

*NY Yankees at Toronto, 7:05 PM ET*
Mitchell: NEW YORK is 35-42 SU in road games
Liriano: TORONTO is 5-1 SU after allowing 2 runs or less 3 straight games

*Boston at Tampa Bay, 7:10 PM ET*
Pomeranz: BOSTON is 14-6 SU in road games after 9 consecutive games versus division rivals
Archer: TAMPA BAY is 9-19 SU after a win by 2 runs or less

*Kansas City at Detroit, 7:10 PM ET*
Duffy: KANSAS CITY is 27-18 SU after 2 or more consecutive unders
Fulmer: DETROIT is 13-25 SU after allowing 3 runs or less 2 straight games

*Chicago White Sox at Cleveland, 7:10 PM ET*
Gonzalez: CHI WHITE SOX are 10-19 SU after 3 or more consecutive overs
Bauer: CLEVELAND is 25-8 SU as a home favorite of -125 to -175

*LA Angels at Houston, 8:10 PM ET*
Meyer: LA ANGELS are 13-6 SU after batting .240 or worse over a 20 game span
Fister: HOUSTON is 16-23 SU after a loss by 2 runs or less

*Seattle at Minnesota, 8:10 PM ET*
Paxton: SEATTLE is 21-6 SU as a road favorite of -125 or more
Gibson: MINNESOTA is 7-24 SU after scoring 3 runs or less 2 straight games

*Texas at Oakland, 9:35 PM ET*
Hamels: TEXAS is 18-9 SU after 5 or more consecutive home games
Graveman: OAKLAND is 7-29 SU after 3 consecutive game versus a division rival

*Arizona at Baltimore, 7:05 PM ET*
Miller: ARIZONA is 5-19 SU on the road when the total is 8.5 to 10
Gallardo: BALTIMORE is 10-2 SU after 7 or more consecutive home games

*TSR = Team Start Record

[StarDust Bum]

Baseball Capsules
September 24, 2016

OAKLAND, Calif. (AP) Adrian Beltre hit a two-run homer in the seventh inning and the Texas Rangers secured their second straight AL West title, becoming the first American League team to clinch a playoff spot with a 3-0 victory over the Oakland Athletics on Friday night.

Beltre's homer came during a three-run seventh after Oakland starter Kendall Graveman (10-11) pitched six perfect innings. Texas got its first baserunner when Carlos Gomez beat out an infield hit to lead off the seventh against Graveman.

This is Texas' eighth AL West title and fourth since 2010.

All-Star left-hander Cole Hamels (15-5), acquired prior to last year's non-waiver trade deadline, pitched the division-clinching game for the second year in a row. Last year, he threw a three-hitter in the last game of the regular season to beat the Los Angeles Angels.

Rangers closer Sam Dyson got pinch-hitter Yonder Alonso to hit into a fielder's choice for the last out to record his 36th save.

RED SOX 2, RAYS 1

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. (AP) - David Ortiz hit a two-run homer in the first inning to set the RBIs record for a player in his final season, and the AL East-leading Boston beat Tampa Bay for its ninth straight victory

Ortiz's 37th homer came off Chris Archer (8-19) and raised his RBIs total to 124, one more than Shoeless Joe Jackson in 1920. The 40-year-old's 540th homer, his 300th on the road, struck an overhanging catwalk above the right-field seats.

Coming off four-game sweeps of the New York Yankees and Baltimore, the Red Sox began the night with a six-game lead over second-place Toronto in the AL East. They lowered their magic number to two for clinching a playoff berth.

Drew Pomeranz (3-5) allowed one run and four hits in five innings. Brad Ziegler, the fifth Boston reliever, got his fourth save after allowing a leadoff double in the ninth to Evan Longoria.

Archer set a Tampa Bay record for losses in a season, breaking the mark Tanyon Sturtze set in 2002. He has lost 11 straight decisions against Boston since beating the Red Sox in his first career start against them on Sept. 19, 2012. Mikie Mahtook hit a solo homer in the second for the Rays.

CUBS 5, CARDINALS 0

CHICAGO (AP) - Jake Arrieta struck out 10 in seven innings and Chicago beat St. Louis for its 98th victory, the Cubs' most since they last played in the World Series in 1945.

Arrieta (18-7) allowed five hits and walked one, Anthony Rizzo had three hits and Ben Zobrist drove in two runs to help the Cubs (98-55) tie a team record with their 56th home win. They moved within one victory or one Washington loss of clinching home-field advantage throughout the NL playoffs.

Chicago scored four runs in the first inning off Mike Leake (9-11).

Pedro Strop came off the disabled list to work the eighth, and Travis Wood and Carl Edwards Jr. finished the five-hitter. Rizzo, Zobrist and Chris Coghlan drove in runs in the first off Leake, who lasted 3 1/3 innings and is winless in four starts since recovering from shingles.

Leake allowed another run on one of two wild pitches. Cardinals' gaffes included Kolten Wong face-planting into the turf chasing Rizzo's first-inning double and Matt Adams getting picked off first. Zobrist's fourth-inning groundout added another run for Chicago.

METS 10, PHILLIES 5

NEW YORK (AP) - Michael Conforto hit a three-run homer that capped a six-run rally in the fifth inning, Hansel Robles gave a big boost from the bullpen and New York beat Philadelphia to stay atop the NL wild-card race.

The Mets began the day tied with San Francisco for the wild-card lead. St. Louis lost and trails New York by 1 1/2 games.

A day after using 10 pitchers in a stirring 9-8, 11-inning win over the Phillies, the Mets sent out six more. With his team competing for a playoff spot, manager Terry Collins yanked starter Gabriel Ynoa after just two shaky innings.

Robles preserved a 7-5 lead in the seventh, getting pinch-hitter Tommy Joseph to ground into an inning-ending double play with the bases loaded. Robles finished with hitless relief for his first career save. Josh Smoker (3-0) was the winner.

Jeremy Hellickson (12-10) was the loser. Maikel Franco homered for the second straight day and pinch-hitter Darin Ruf also connected for the Phillies.

PIRATES 6, NATIONALS 5, 11 INNINGS

PITTSBURGH (AP) - Rookie Jacob Stallings' pinch-hit single in the 11th inning lifted Pittsburgh past Washington, preventing the Nationals from clinching a postseason berth.

Pittsburgh loaded the bases with one out against Yusmiero Petit (3-5) when Francisco Cervelli doubled, Andrew McCutchen was intentionally walked and Pedro Florimon walked.

Sean Rodriguez struck out and Stalling, a son of University of Pittsburgh basketball coach Kevin Stallings, grounded a 3-2 pitch into left field.

Wade LeBlanc (4-0) was the winner. Pittsburgh's seventh win in nine games kept the Pirates on the fringe of the NL wild-card race.

Washington lost for the fifth time in six games. The Nationals have magic numbers of one for a playoff berth and two for an NL East title. Wilson Ramos and Danny Espinosa homered for the Nationals.

INDIANS 10, WHITE SOX 4.

CLEVELAND (AP) - Jose Ramirez hit a two-run homer and drove in four runs, and Cleveland beat Chicago to move a step closer to the AL Central title.

The Indians dropped their magic number to three games for their first division title since 2007.

Trevor Bauer (12-8) overcame two-run homers by Melky Cabrera and Avisail Garcia. The right-hander allowed four runs in 7 2/3 innings.

Mike Napoli drove in two runs and became the first Cleveland player to reach 100 RBIs in nine years.

Miguel Gonzalez (4-8) was the loser. Chicago has lost six in a row and was eliminated from the AL wild-card race.

White Sox center fielder Adam Eaton left after appearing to hit his head and left shoulder running into the wall catching Roberto Perez's long drive in the sixth.

ORIOLES 3, DIAMONDBACKS 2, 12 INNINGS

BALTIMORE (AP) - Mark Trumbo led off the 12th inning with his major league-leading 44th home run, and Baltimore ovrcame a late two-run deficit to beat Arizona.

After getting swept in a four-game series by Boston, the Orioles remained a half-game behind Detroit for the AL's second wild card.

Baltimore trailed 2-0 before Pedro Alvarez homered in the eighth off Enrique Burgos, and Matt Wieters homered against Daniel Hudson leading off the ninth.

Oliver Drake (1-0) pitched a scoreless 12th for his first big league win. Matt Koch (1-1) relieved to start the bottom half and Trumbo sent his first pitch over the left-field fence, setting off a celebration.

BLUE JAYS 9, YANKEES 0

TORONTO (AP) - Francisco Liriano and three relievers combined on a three-hitter, Troy Tulowitzki had four RBIs and the Toronto routed New York to maintain a one-game lead in the AL wild-card standings.

Josh Donaldson hit a two-run homer, Edwin Encarnacion had his 124th RBI - tied with Boston's David Ortiz for the AL lead - and the Blue Jays won their sixth straight home game over New York.

New York was shut out for the second straight night and lost for the ninth time in 12 games, following a seven-game winning streak. The Yankees have gone 0 for 12 with runners in scoring position in their last two games and stranded 17 runners.

Liriano (8-13) escaped a bases-loaded jam by striking out Chase Headley to end a 27-pitch first inning, then left runners at the corners after the first two batters reached in the third. That was the start of a stretch that saw the left-hander retire nine straight. Liriano allowed three hits, walked two and struck out six for his second win with Toronto. Bryan Mitchell (1-2) was the loser.

BREWERS 5, REDS 4

MILWAUKEE (AP) - Chris Carter homered, Ryan Braun had a late clutch hit and Milwaukee its second triple play of the season in a victory over Cincinnati.

Carter hit his 38th home run of the season leading off the second against Anthony DeSclafani (8-4).

Jose Peraza put the Reds in front with a three-run homer with one out in the fifth off Milwaukee starter Zach Davies.

The Brewers scored in the sixth on Carter's RBI groundout to cut the lead to 3-2. Milwaukee loaded the bases with no outs in the seventh, chasing DeSclafani. Scooter Gennett drew a walk off reliever Tony Cingrani to tie it. Milwaukee regained the lead when Braun followed with a two-run single off Blake Wood.

Brent Suter (2-1) retired the only batter he faced to get the victory. Tyler Thornburg finished for his 13th save.

ANGELS 10, ASTROS 6

HOUSTON (AP) - Yunel Escobar hit a two-run homer and pinch-hitter Rafael Ortega had three RBIs during a six-run ninth inning, lifting Los Angeles past Houston.

Houston fell 2 1/2 games behind the Tigers for the second AL wild card.

Houston led 6-4 when Escobar sent a slider from Ken Giles (2-5) into the seats in left field to start the ninth. Giles walked Mike Trout with one out before intentionally walking Albert Pujols. C.J. Cron followed with a bloop single to score Trout and put the Angels on top.

Giles was replaced by Michael Feliz after loading the bases with a walk. Ortega cleared the bases with his two-out double that deflected off shortstop Carlos Correa's glove to extend the lead.

Cody Ege (1-0) got the last two outs of the eighth inning for the win.

TIGERS 8, ROYALS 3

DETROIT (AP) - Michael Fulmer pitched seven sharp innings for his first win in over a month and Detroit homered three times in a victory over Kansas City.

Justin Upton, Victor Martinez and Cameron Maybin went deep to help the Tigers win their fifth straight while chasing a postseason spot. Upton has 27 homers, including 14 in his last 29 games.

Fulmer (11-7) allowed a run and eight hits, striking out nine with no walks. Danny Duffy (12-3) allowed six runs and seven hits in 3 2/3 innings. Kansas City has lost nine of its last 12.

MARINERS 10, TWINS 1

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) - Robinson Cano had four hits and two RBIs, and Nelson Cruz added a towering two-run homer among his four RBIs and struggling Seattle beat Minnesota.

James Paxton pitched seven strong innings and finally received a boost from the offense, which broke out with a six-run seventh inning. Paxton (5-7) struck out nine and allowed one run on five hits.

The Mariners (81-72) passed Houston - which lost to the Los Angeles Angels - in the standings but still trail Detroit by two games for the second wild card.

Kyle Gibson (6-10) gave up two runs, five hits and four walks for Minnesota.

BRAVES 3, MARLINS 2.

MIAMI (AP) - Adonis Garcia hit a tiebreaking single in the ninth inning, and Atlanta beat Miami for its season-high seventh straight win

Freddie Freeman extended his hitting streak to 27 games with a sixth-inning double. Atlanta's winning streak is its longest since it won nine in a row from June 27-July 5, 2014.

With the score 2-2, Emilio Bonifacio singled with one out off A.J. Ramos (1-4), stole his first base this season, took third on catcher J.T. Realmuto's throwing error and came home on Garcia's single to center.

Brandon Cuniff (2-0) struck out two of three batters in a hitless eighth, and Mauricio Cabrera threw a hitless ninth for his sixth save in seven chances with the Braves.

[StarDust Bum]

Saturday’s six-pack

College football trends to consider for this week…….

— Iowa Hawkeyes covered last 10 games as a road favorite.

— UConn is 0-10 in its last 10 games as a home favorite.

— Michigan State is 3-10 in its last 13 games as a favorite.

— Central Michigan covered 15 of last 17 road games.

— Penn State is 2-7 in its last nine games as a road dog.

— Rice is 18-7-1 vs spread in last 26 games as home favorite.

Late update: Utah Utes scored with 0:16 left to beat USC 31-27 Friday nite.


Saturday’s List of 13: Nobody asked me, but……..

13) FOX announcer Joe Buck is from St Louis; his dad was a Hall of Fame announcer for the baseball Cardinals. Obviously he loves his hometown and had some sharp comments for Rams’ ownership when they skipped town for Los Angeles last winter.

Mr Buck showed his professionalism last Sunday when he and Troy Aikman worked the Rams’ home opener in the LA Coliseum. Couldn’t have been that much fun for him but he did his job and he did it well, which is why he makes a boatload of money. Good for him.

Ironic thing is that Aikman was a big Rams’ fan growing up so he thinks it is cool the Rams are back in LA.

12) Patriots 27, Texans 0– New England special teams/defense dominated game; Pats scored three TDs, but on drives of 22-21-47 yards, with two of three TDs coming after they recovered fumbled kick returns by Texans.

3rd-string QB Jacoby Brissett ran for a TD, didn’t turn ball over (NE was +3 in turnovers) but he also hurt ligaments in his thumb, so we’ve seen the last of him, seeing as Brady comes back October 9. Remains to be seen if Patriots will add another QB for the Buffalo game next week.

11) Speaking of the Bills, they still owe fired offensive coordinator Greg Roman $3M over the next 16 months.

10) Looks as if Jimmy Garoppolo would play against the Bills in Week 4, but if he never takes another snap for the Patriots, he’s already made himself a ton of money from someone, when he becomes a free agent after 2017. Competent QBs are in high demand.

9) This happened Thursday night; Patriots’ punt returner fumbled as he was tackled, the ball goes 7-8 yards forward, but NE recovers. Refs say the fumble counts, but Patriots recovered, so no big deal.

All of a sudden, Houston challenges the call; they want the ball pushed back to where the fumble happened. They win the challenge, but so what? You can only challenge a maximum of three plays/game; was it worth it?

Sideline reporter then piped in that Houston coach O’Brien was talking to his QB and wasn’t even watching the play. Texans’ punter went over to him and told him he had to look at the play and challenge it, and he did.

Didn’t make the Houston coaches look very good; it is the danger of your head coach also coaching the QBs. No one is the “CEO” of the game.

8) Padres’ OF prospect Hunter Renfroe got an intentional walk in his first major league plate appearance; not bad. He got two hits in his first start on Thursday; he put up big numbers in the minors.

7) Mets have 39 players on their roster; 25 is the limit before September 1. Terry Collins used 22 guys on Wednesday, 27 on Thursday; having so many guys in your dugout lends itself to over-managing.

Jay Bruce is hitting .174 since the Reds traded him to New York. They pinch-hit for him against a lefty the other night and have buried him on the bench since, preferring to start Alejandro De Aza.

6) Detroit scored a run in Minnesota Thursday on a wild pitch that was thrown during an intentional walk. Been a tough year in the Twin Cities.

5) June 14, 2015, Washington-San Diego-Tampa Bay made a 3-way deal. Nationals got Joe Ross/Trea Turner, San Diego got Wil Myers, Rays got Steven Souza Jr– there were other minor leaguers involved, so the final verdict on the deal can’t be judged for years, except that Tampa Bay got the short end of things.

Tim McCarver was working the Cardinal-Cub game Friday and declared that “whoever in San Diego traded Trea Turner should be fired” before he looked the deal up, at which point he changed the subject. Washington probably got the better of the deal, but Myers is pretty darned good, too.

4) Speaking of the Cardinals, Matt Adams got picked off first base in the 4th inning Friday, with St Louis trailing 4-0. Adams is in no way a base stealer– terrible baserunning.

3) Jon Miller/Mike Krukow were talking on Giants’ TV the other night about the scenarios if Giants-Mets-Cardinals finish in a 3-way tie for the two Wild Card spots. Put it this way; it would be good for travel agents.

2) Minnesota is paying Sam Bradford $7M this year; Eagles already paid him an $11M signing bonus in March. Vikings visit Philly October 23. Should be a fun day.

1– Kevin Garnett retired Friday; he played 21 years in the NBA, scoring 26,071 points, playing in 14 All-Star games. He grew up in South Carolina but played his last year of HS ball in Chicago, then jumped right to the NBA. Great career; hope he goes on TV, so we can learn from him.

[StarDust Bum]

Saturday’s games

National League

Cardinals @ Cubs

Reyes is 1-0, 1.53 in three MLB starts (under 3-0). Hammel is 1-2, 7.37 in his last three starts; under is 9-4 in his home starts. Chicago won his last seven home starts.

Cardinals won four of last six games; five of their last six games stayed under. Chicago won their last four games; four of their last five games stayed under.

Nationals @ Pirates

Ross is 1-1, 4.79 in his last four starts; over is 5-1-1 in his last seven. Washington is 6-4 in his road starts. Nova is 3-1, 2.77 in his last six starts (under 5-3-1). Pirates are 3-1 in his home starts.

Nationals lost five of last six games; under is 10-4-1 in their last 15 road games. Pittsburgh won seven of last nine games; over is 6-2-1 in their last nine games.

Braves @ Marlins

Wisler is 3-1, 3.75 in his last four starts; over is 6-1-1 in his last eight. Braves are 4-5 in his road starts. Cashner is 1-2, 6.85 in his last five starts; under is 5-2 in his last seven.

Braves won their last seven games; over is 9-3 in their last 11 road games. Miami lost its last three games; under is 14-3 in Miami’s last 17 home games.

Phillies @ Mets

Asher is 1-0, 2.16 in three starts (over 1-1-1) this year. Gilmartin is making his first ’16 start; he started one MLB game LY, is 0-0, 4.76 in 13 relief stints (17 IP) this year. He was 9-7, 4.86 in 18 AAA starts this season.

Phillies lost their last five road games; under is 7-2-1 in their last ten road games. Mets lost three of last five games; four of their last five games went over.

Reds @ Brewers

Straily is 3-1, 3.28 in his last four starts; over is 8-2 in his last 10. Reds are 6-7 in his road starts. Jungmann is making first start since April 28; he iss 0-4, 9.58 in five starts this year.

Reds lost eight of last nine games; under is 7-3 in their last ten road games. Milwaukee is 6-3 in its last nine games; under is 3-1-1 in their last five home games.

Giants @ Padres

Bumgarner is 2-1, 3.31 in his last five starts; three of his last four starts stayed under. Giants are 2-6 in his last eight road starts. Cosart is 0-3, 11.92 in his last three starts; over is 6-2 in his San Diego starts.

Giants lost five of last seven games; five of last seven Giant games stayed under. San Diego is 6-9 in last 15 home games; six of last seven Padre games stayed under the total.

Rockies @ Dodgers

Bettis is 3-0, 2.22 in his last four starts; his last six starts stayed under. Colorado is 6-2 in his road starts. Kershaw is 0-2, 3.15 in his last four starts; under is 10-0-2 in his last 12.starts. Dodgers won his last seven home starts.

Colorado is 4-14 in last 18 road games; over is 8-4 in their last 12 road games. Dodgers won nine of last ten home games; under is 12-5 in their last 17 games.

American League
New York @ Toronto

Sabathia is 1-2, 3.86 in his last five starts; five of his last six stayed under. New York is 8-6 in his road starts. Stroman is 0-4, 4.30 in his last four starts; his last three stayed under. Jays are 8-6 in his home starts.

New York lost seven of last nine games; over is 6-2 in their last eight games. Blue Jays lost four of last seven home games; under is 7-2-2 in Jays’ last 11 games.

Red Sox @ Rays

Porcello is 4-1, 2.37 in his last five starts; over is 5-3 in his last eight. Boston won four of his last five road starts. Andriese is 2-0, 2.61 in his last two starts; over is 5-3 in his last eight. Rays are 3-5 in his home starts.

Tampa Bay lost four of last five games; under is 7-1-2 in their last ten home games. Boston won its last nine games; last six Boston games stayed under the total.

Royals @ Tigers

Ventura is 1-2, 5.76 in his last three starts; over is 3-1-1 in his last five. Royals won four of his last five road starts. Norris is 2-0, 4.40 in his last five starts; Tigers scored 35 runs in the five games (over 4-1). Detroit is 4-2 in his home starts.

Royals are 5-11 in last 16 games; four of KC’s last five road games stayed under the total. Detroit won its last five games; under is 15-6-2 in Tigers’ last 23 home games.

White Sox @ Indians

Quintana is 1-2, 6.84 in his last four starts; his last five went over. Chicago lost four of his last five road starts. Anderson is making first start since June 7; he is 1-4, 7.65 in eight starts this season (over 5-2-1).

White Sox lost their last six games; over is 10-1 in their last 11 road games. Cleveland won eight of last nine home games; four of Indians’ last six games stayed under.

Angels @ Astros

Chacin is 1-0, 1.08 in his last three starts (under 3-0). Halos lost his last seven road starts. Peacock is 0-0, 2.40 in three starts (15 IP, under 3-0).

Angels won their last three games; under is 9-1-1 in Halos’ last 11 games. Astros won six of last nine games; under is 9-5 in their last 14 games.

Mariners @ Twins

Miranda is 4-0, 3.24 in his last four starts; over is 6-0-1 in his last seven. Seattle scored 34 runs in his last four starts. Duffey is 0-3, 13.20 in his last four starts (over 15-5). Minnesota is 5-3 in his last eight home starts.
Mariners are 9-4 in last 13 games, 7-0 in last six on road; over is 5-3-2 in their last 10 road games. Minnesota lost its last seven games; Four of their last six games stayed under.

Rangers @ A’s

Darvish is 0-2, 7.47 in his last three starts; four of his last five went over. Texas won his last three road starts. Alcantara is 1-1, 6.08 in his first three MLB starts (over 2-1).
Rangers are 8-5 in last 13 games; under is 8-3 in their last 11 games. Oakland lost its last seven home games; seven of last nine Oakland home games stayed under.

Interleague
Diamondbacks @ Orioles

Miller is 0-6, 8.36 in his last seven starts; three of his last four stayed under. Three of his last four road starts stayed under. Gallardo is 1-4, 9.13 in his last five starts; three of his last four went over. Baltimore lost his last four home starts.

Arizona lost six of last seven road games; five of last six Arizona road games stayed under. Orioles lost four of last five games; under is 16-1-1 in last 18 games at Camden Yards.
Teams’ record when this pitcher starts:

StL-Chi– Reyes 1-2; Hammel 17-12
Wsh-Pitt– Ross 10-7; Nova 7-2/7-8
Atl-Mia– Blair 3-10; Chen 12-8
Phil-NY– Asher 1-2; Gilmartin 0-0
Cin-Mil– Straily 18-11; Jungmann 1-4
Colo-LA– Bettis 20-10; Kershaw 16-3
SF-SD– Bumgarner 18-14; Cosart 2-6/1-3

NY-Tor– Sabathia 14-14; Stroman 13-17 (0-4 last 4)
Bos-TB– Porcello 23-8; Andriese 8-9
KC-Det– Ventura 17-13; Norris 7-4
Chi-Clev– Quintana 16-14; Anderson 2-6
LA-Hst– Chacin 6-9; Peacock 2-1
Sea-Min– Miranda 4-4; Duffey 10-14
Tex-A’s– Darvish 8-7; Alcantara 1-2

Az-Balt– Ray 11-19; Miley 3-6/10-9

%age of time pitcher allows 1+ runs in first inning:

StL-Chi– Reyes 0-3; Hammel 7-29
Wsh-Pitt– Ross 5-17; Nova 5-24
Atl-Mia– Blair 5-13; Chen 7-20
Phil-NY– Asher 0-3; Gilmartin 0-0
Cin-Mil– Straily 8-29; Jungmann 4-5
Colo-LA– Bettis 12-30; Kershaw 3-19
SF-SD– Bumgarner 9-32; Cosart 5-12

NY-Tor– Sabathia 6-28; Stroman 7-30
Bos-TB– Porcello 7-31; Andriese 5-17
KC-Det– Ventura 7-30; Norris 1-11
Chi-Clev– Quintana 8-30; Anderson 5-8
LA-Hst– Chacin 5-15; Peacock 0-3
Sea-Min– Miranda 3-8; Duffey 8-24
Tex-A’s– Darvish 6-15; Alcantara 1-3

Az-Balt– Ray 7-30; Miley 11-28

Teams’ records in first five innings:
Team (road-home-total)- thru 9/23

Arizona 25-38-11…..34-39-6…….59-76
Atlanta 29-39-11…..26-35-13……55-74
Cubs 39-25-10……47-23-10…….86-48
Reds 22-44-9……35-38-5…….57-82
Colo 28-35-13…..36-36-4……..64-71
LA 31-33-11……48-24-8…….78-57
Miami 32-34-10…..33-27-17…….65-61
Milw 25-42-10……41-27-10…..66-69
Mets 32-44-10……38-28-12……70-62
Philly 24-33-19…..30-34-14……54-67
Pitt 25-41-13…..42-26-7……67-66
St. Louis 36-36-7……28-33-13…….64-69
SD 24-50-5…..35-34-7……..59-84
SF 35-37-8…….38-22-14……73-59
Wash 39-24-16….30-22-22……69-46
Orioles 30-37-9…….38-34-8…….68-71
Boston 34-31-11……45-23-9…….79-54
White Sox 31-37-10…….39-31-6……..70-68
Cleveland 38-27-10……39-30-8……..77-57
Detroit 32-33-12…….32-36-5……..64-69
Astros 30-35-14…..34-31-8……..64-66
KC 28-39-13……32-28-14……60-67
Angels 33-39-7…….27-35-13…….60-74
Twins 29-37-13…….25-40-15…..54-77
NYY 27-42-8……34-31-13……..61-73
A’s 27-40-8……27-35-17……54-74
Seattle 36-29-11……35-28-13……71-57
Tampa Bay 28-32-13……34-35-12……62-67
Texas 28-39-12…….38-27-9……66-66
Toronto 46-27-5……..41-30-5……87-57

%age of times teams score in first inning (road/home/total)

Arizona 28-72……30-78…….58
Atlanta 25-79……18-74……..43
Cubs 27-76……27-79…….54
Reds 25-75……27-78……..52
Colo 15-75…….30-75……..45
LA 22-74…….30-79……52
Miami 25-75……21-73……46
Milw 15-73……30-79……45
Mets 21-73……28-77…….49
Philly 11-77……23-74…….34
Pitt 21-73…….26-76……47
StL 18-76…….18-73……36
SD 18-78…….27-75……45
SF 15-76……..19-75……34
Wash 33-77………28-73……61
Orioles 17-78…….20-76…….37
Boston 22-73……34-78……..56
White Sox 26-76…..26-78…….52
Cleveland 15-75……28-77……..43
Detroit 16-77……26-75………42
Astros 26-76…….24-78……..50
KC 24-79…… 21-75………45
Angels 29-78…….25-75……..54
Twins 20-76……30-79…….50
NYY 11-78…….28-76……..39
A’s 20-74…….16-78……..36
Seattle 20-79…….26-75…….46
Tampa Bay 24-72…..28-79…….52
Texas 23-79……21-74……44
Toronto 25-75……31-79…….56

Interleague play
NL @ AL– 77-66 AL, favorites -$1,684
AL @ NL– 81-75 AL, favorites -$826
Total: 158-139 AL, favorites -$2,510

Totals in interleague games
NL @ AL– Over 77-58-3
AL @ NL– Over 75-71-5
Total– Over 152-139-8

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MLB BETTING TRENDS

Our free MLB betting trends is a tool that uses a comprehensive statistical database to analyze MLB trends and make recommendations based on historical team data for the moneyline, teaser, and run lines bets as well.

Money Line

7:10 pm 9/24/2016
(907) PHILADELPHIA @(908) NY METS
Play AGAINST NY METS using the money line in Home games when playing against a team with a losing record.
The record is 16 Wins and 20 Losses this season (-18.45 units)
BET NOW

7:10 pm 9/24/2016
(905) ATLANTA @(906) MIAMI
Play ON ATLANTA using the money line in All games on the road when the total is 8 to 8.5.
The record is 16 Wins and 10 Losses this season (+14.57 units)
BET NOW

7:10 pm 9/24/2016
(905) ATLANTA @(906) MIAMI
Play ON ATLANTA using the money line in All games when the total is 8 to 8.5.
The record is 34 Wins and 25 Losses this season (+22.92 units)
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4:05 pm 9/24/2016
(917) TEXAS @(918) OAKLAND
Play ON TEXAS using the money line in All games in games played on a grass field.
The record is 88 Wins and 58 Losses this season (+32.25 units)
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4:05 pm 9/24/2016
(917) TEXAS @(918) OAKLAND
Play AGAINST OAKLAND using the money line in Home games in September games.
The record is 11 Wins and 30 Losses for the last three seasons (-28.9 units)
BET NOW

1:05 pm 9/24/2016
(925) KANSAS CITY @(926) DETROIT
Play ON KANSAS CITY using the money line in All games against division opponents.
The record is 42 Wins and 25 Losses this season (+19.05 units)
BET NOW

1:05 pm 9/24/2016
(901) ST LOUIS @(902) CHICAGO CUBS
Play ON ST LOUIS using the money line in Road games when playing against a team with a winning record.
The record is 22 Wins and 12 Losses this season (+16.65 units)
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MLB BETTING TRENDS

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Run Line

8:40 pm 9/24/2016
(911) SAN FRANCISCO @(912) SAN DIEGO
Play ON SAN DIEGO using the run line in All games in night games.
The record is 67 Wins and 38 Losses this season (+26.6 units)
BET NOW

7:10 pm 9/24/2016
(905) ATLANTA @(906) MIAMI
Play ON ATLANTA using the run line in All games when the total is 8 to 8.5.
The record is 40 Wins and 19 Losses this season (+19.9 units)
BET NOW

7:05 pm 9/24/2016
(929) ARIZONA @(930) BALTIMORE
Play AGAINST ARIZONA using the run line in All games in all games.
The record is 61 Wins and 91 Losses this season (-41.4 units)
BET NOW

7:05 pm 9/24/2016
(929) ARIZONA @(930) BALTIMORE
Play AGAINST ARIZONA using the run line in All games in games played on a grass field.
The record is 60 Wins and 90 Losses this season (-40.95 units)
BET NOW

4:05 pm 9/24/2016
(917) TEXAS @(918) OAKLAND
Play AGAINST TEXAS using the run line in All games when playing against a team with a losing record in the second half of the season.
The record is 7 Wins and 28 Losses this season (-24.9 units)
BET NOW

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MLB BETTING TRENDS

Our free MLB betting trends is a tool that uses a comprehensive statistical database to analyze MLB trends and make recommendations based on historical team data for the moneyline, teaser, and run lines bets as well.

Over


7:10 pm 9/24/2016
(909) CINCINNATI @(910) MILWAUKEE
Play OVER CINCINNATI on the total in All games against right-handed starters.
The record is 68 Overs and 44 Unders this season (+20.8 units)
BET NOW

7:10 pm 9/24/2016
(923) CHI WHITE SOX @(924) CLEVELAND
Play OVER CLEVELAND on the total in Home games against division opponents.
The record is 47 Overs and 24 Unders for the last two seasons (+21.75 units)
BET NOW

7:10 pm 9/24/2016
(905) ATLANTA @(906) MIAMI
Play OVER ATLANTA on the total in All games in September games.
The record is 15 Overs and 4 Unders this season (+10.7 units)
BET NOW

7:10 pm 9/24/2016
(927) SEATTLE @(928) MINNESOTA
Play OVER MINNESOTA on the total in All games in night games.
The record is 60 Overs and 31 Unders this season (+28.15 units)
BET NOW

7:10 pm 9/24/2016
(927) SEATTLE @(928) MINNESOTA
Play OVER MINNESOTA on the total in Home games in games played on a grass field.
The record is 51 Overs and 25 Unders this season (+24.75 units)
BET NOW

7:10 pm 9/24/2016
(909) CINCINNATI @(910) MILWAUKEE
Play OVER MILWAUKEE on the total in All games when playing on Saturday.
The record is 18 Overs and 5 Unders this season (+12.65 units)
BET NOW

7:05 pm 9/24/2016
(929) ARIZONA @(930) BALTIMORE
Play OVER ARIZONA on the total in All games in games played on a grass field.
The record is 87 Overs and 58 Unders this season (+26.1 units)
BET NOW

1:05 pm 9/24/2016
(901) ST LOUIS @(902) CHICAGO CUBS
Play OVER ST LOUIS on the total in Road games when playing against a team with a winning record in the second half of the season.
The record is 26 Overs and 9 Unders for the last two seasons (+16.9 units)
BET NOW

1:05 pm 9/24/2016
(901) ST LOUIS @(902) CHICAGO CUBS
Play OVER ST LOUIS on the total in Road games when playing against a team with a winning record in the second half of the season.
The record is 41 Overs and 17 Unders for the last three seasons (+24 units)
BET NOW

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MLB BETTING TRENDS

Our free MLB betting trends is a tool that uses a comprehensive statistical database to analyze MLB trends and make recommendations based on historical team data for the moneyline, teaser, and run lines bets as well.

Under

9:10 pm 9/24/2016
(913) COLORADO @(914) LA DODGERS
Play UNDER LA DODGERS on the total in Home games against division opponents.
The record is 9 Overs and 26 Unders this season (+16.05 units)
BET NOW

7:10 pm 9/24/2016
(921) LA ANGELS @(922) HOUSTON
Play UNDER LA ANGELS on the total in All games when the total is 9 to 9.5.
The record is 15 Overs and 32 Unders this season (+15.1 units)
BET NOW

7:10 pm 9/24/2016
(921) LA ANGELS @(922) HOUSTON
Play UNDER LA ANGELS on the total in All games when playing against a team with a winning record in the second half of the season.
The record is 16 Overs and 35 Unders this season (+17.9 units)
BET NOW

7:05 pm 9/24/2016
(929) ARIZONA @(930) BALTIMORE
Play UNDER BALTIMORE on the total in Home games in games played on a grass field.
The record is 26 Overs and 48 Unders this season (+18.95 units)
BET NOW

4:05 pm 9/24/2016
(917) TEXAS @(918) OAKLAND
Play UNDER OAKLAND on the total in Home games against right-handed starters.
The record is 16 Overs and 34 Unders this season (+16.05 units)
BET NOW

4:05 pm 9/24/2016
(915) NY YANKEES @(916) TORONTO
Play UNDER TORONTO on the total in All games against left-handed starters.
The record is 10 Overs and 26 Unders this season (+15.05 units)
BET NOW

1:05 pm 9/24/2016
(925) KANSAS CITY @(926) DETROIT
Play UNDER KANSAS CITY on the total in Road games when playing against a team with a winning record.
The record is 22 Overs and 48 Unders for the last two seasons (+22.95 units)
BET NOW

1:05 pm 9/24/2016
(925) KANSAS CITY @(926) DETROIT
Play UNDER KANSAS CITY on the total in Road games when playing against a team with a winning record.
The record is 10 Overs and 30 Unders this season (+18.7 units)
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MLB POWER LINES

Power Line ratings are calculated using both teams' ratings and home field advantage. The Top Power Lines tool offers a way to view and compare current Power Lines in one simple report, as well as the Power Line Edge, where the Power Line differs significantly from the current line.

1:05 pm 9/24/2016
(901) ST LOUIS @(902) CHICAGO CUBS
Play Line: ST LOUIS 125
BTB PowerLine: ST LOUIS +128
Edge On: ST LOUIS 12

4:05 pm 9/24/2016
(915) NY YANKEES @(916) TORONTO
Play Line: NY YANKEES 170
BTB PowerLine: NY YANKEES +140
Edge On: NY YANKEES 30

7:05 pm 9/24/2016
(929) ARIZONA @(930) BALTIMORE
Play Line: ARIZONA 127
BTB PowerLine: ARIZONA +118
Edge On: ARIZONA 9

7:10 pm 9/24/2016
(921) LA ANGELS @(922) HOUSTON
Play Line: HOUSTON -153
BTB PowerLine: HOUSTON -187
Edge On: HOUSTON 34

7:10 pm 9/24/2016
(907) PHILADELPHIA @(908) NY METS
Play Line: PHILADELPHIA 210
BTB PowerLine: PHILADELPHIA +202
Edge On: PHILADELPHIA 8

7:10 pm 9/24/2016
(927) SEATTLE @(928) MINNESOTA
Play Line: SEATTLE -133
BTB PowerLine: SEATTLE -156
Edge On: SEATTLE 23

7:10 pm 9/24/2016
(923) CHI WHITE SOX @(924) CLEVELAND
Play Line: CLEVELAND -109
BTB PowerLine: CLEVELAND -119
Edge On: CLEVELAND 10

7:10 pm 9/24/2016
(909) CINCINNATI @(910) MILWAUKEE
Play Line: MILWAUKEE -105
BTB PowerLine: MILWAUKEE -113
Edge On: MILWAUKEE 8

7:10 pm 9/24/2016
(905) ATLANTA @(906) MIAMI
Play Line: MIAMI -144
BTB PowerLine: MIAMI -255
Edge On: MIAMI 111

9:10 pm 9/24/2016
(913) COLORADO @(914) LA DODGERS
Play Line: COLORADO 255
BTB PowerLine: COLORADO +206
Edge On: COLORADO 49

[StarDust Bum]

LEADING OFF: Cubs go for Wrigley record, Porcello chases 22
September 23, 2016

A look at what's happening all around the majors Saturday:

WINNERS AT WRIGLEY

The Cubs can set a team record with their 57th home victory when they host the Cardinals at Wrigley Field. Jason Hammel (15-9, 3.56) is trying to prove himself worthy of a postseason rotation spot for the NL Central champs, though he hasn't helped himself with a 6.87 ERA in three starts this month. Rookie Alex Reyes (3-1, 1.03) gets his fourth start for St. Louis riding a scoreless streak of 11 1/3 innings.

RICK'S ROLL

Rick Porcello (21-4, 3.08) can become baseball's second 22-game winner in the past five years when Boston plays at Tampa Bay. Jake Arrieta won 22 games while earning the NL Cy Young Award last season, making him baseball's biggest winner since Justin Verlander won 24 times with Detroit in 2011. Porcello likely only has two starts left, so Verlander's mark is out of reach, but that win total combined with his late-season dominance - he's 7-2 with a 2.38 ERA since Aug. 1 - could give him an edge in the AL Cy Young race.

BUILDING UP

Clayton Kershaw (11-3, 1.73) tries to stretch out even more before the postseason when the Dodgers face the Rockies. Kershaw was limited to 66 and 64 pitches in his first two starts after returning from the disabled list, then jumped up to 88 pitches in a 2-1 win over the Giants in his last start. Despite missing more than two months, Kershaw (6.1) entered Friday trailing only Jose Fernandez (6.2) in wins above replacement, per Fangraphs .

RIGHT THAT RANGER

The Rangers hope to get Yu Darvish on track in a game against Oakland before beginning what they hope is a deep postseason run. Darvish (5-5, 3.81) has a 7.47 ERA in his past three starts, including when he allowed seven runs over five innings last time out against the A's. Darvish is stumbling at the end of a season that included his successful return from Tommy John surgery, though Texas is just 8-7 this season with their Japanese ace on the mound.

SEARAGE'S LATEST STAR

Ivan Nova starts vs. Washington looking like yet another success story for Pirates pitching coach Ray Searage. After going 7-6 with a 4.90 ERA with the Yankees this season, Nova is 5-1 with a 2.93 ERA in nine starts with the Pirates following a trade Aug. 1. Nova has just three walks in 55 1/3 innings with Pittsburgh, helping him produce a video game-like 15.00 strikeout-to-walk ratio.

GIANT STRUGGLES

Madison Bumgarner (14-9, 2.57) leads San Francisco against the pesky Padres, who had beaten the Giants six straight times before losing 2-1 on Thursday night. Bumgarner is coming off a dominant start against the Dodgers, when he threw seven scoreless innings of one-hit ball in a 2-1 loss. In his six starts previous to that one, Bumgarner had struggled to a 5.30 ERA.

[StarDust Bum]

Wild Card Standings

AMERICAN

Team Win Loss Percent GB

Toronto Blue Jays 84 69 0.549 +1

Detroit Tigers 83 70 0.542 0.0

Baltimore Orioles 83 71 0.539 0.5

Seattle Mariners 81 72 0.529 2.0

Houston Astros 81 73 0.526 2.5

New York Yankees 79 74 0.516 4.0
Kansas City Royals 77 77 0.500 6.5
Chicago White Sox 72 81 0.471 11.0
Los Angeles Angels 68 86 0.442 15.5
Oakland Athletics 66 87 0.431 17.0
Tampa Bay Rays 65 88 0.425 18.0
Minnesota Twins 55 99 0.357 28.5



NATIONAL

Team Win Loss Percent GB

New York Mets 82 72 0.532 +1

San Francisco Giants 81 73 0.526 0.0

St. Louis Cardinals 80 73 0.523 0.5

Pittsburgh Pirates 77 76 0.503 3.5

Miami Marlins 76 78 0.494 5.0

Colorado Rockies 73 81 0.474 8.0
Milwaukee Brewers 70 84 0.455 11.0
Philadelphia Phillies 69 85 0.448 12.0
San Diego Padres 65 89 0.422 16.0
Arizona Diamondbacks 64 89 0.418 16.5
Cincinnati Reds 63 90 0.412 17.5
Atlanta Braves 63 91 0.409 18.0


Updated Sat Sep 24 2:34 AM EDT

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Here's what happens if the Mets, Cardinals, and Giants all tie for NL wild card

The three teams are 80-71 at the moment

The 2016 season isn't over yet, but, if it were, there would be a three-team tie for the two wild-card spots in the National League. The Mets, Cardinals and Giants all came into Wednesday with identical 80-71 records.

It goes without saying the odds of those three teams finishing the regular season with identical records is tiny, though MLB is prepared for such a scenario. Here are the tiebreak rules:

Three-Club Tie for Two Wild Card Spots: After Clubs have been assigned their A, B and C designations, Club A would host Club B. The winner of the game would be declared one Wild Card winner. Club C would then host the loser of the game between Club A and Club B to determine the second Wild Card Club.

It's not that complicated, right? Two teams play a tiebreaker game and the winner is one wild-card team. The loser plays the third team and the winner of that game gets the other wild-card spot. In this scenario you want to be Club A because you get the home tiebreaker game and a loss would not automatically mean elimination.
The Club A, B and C designations are determined according to a long cookbook formula. First up is head-to-head records. Here they are:
NYM SFG STL
vs. NYM
-- 3-4
3-3
vs. SFG
4-3 -- 4-3
vs. STL
3-3 3-4 --
Total 7-6 6-8 7-6

These three teams do not have any games remaining with each other, so those head-to-head records are final. The Mets and Cardinals have identical combined head-to-head records while the Giants lag. That brings us to this tiebreak scenario:

If Club 1 and 2 have identical records against one another, but each has a better record against Club 3, then Clubs 1 and 2 would follow the two-Club tiebreak rules to break their tie to pick the first designation.

The Mets and Cardinals are 3-3 against each other and 4-3 against the Giants, so they're our Clubs 1 and 2. The Giants are Club 3.

OK, so now what are the two-club tiebreak rules? They're more straightforward:
1. Head-to-head winning percentage during the regular season.
2. Higher winning percentage in intradivision games.
3. Higher winning percentage in intraleague games.
4. Higher winning percentage in the last half of intraleague games.
5. Higher winning percentage in the last half plus one intraleague game, provided that such additional game was not between the two tied clubs. Continue to go back one intraleague game at a time until the tie has been broken.

Because the Mets and Cardinals have identical head-to-head records, we move on to the second set of criteria, their intradivision records. That means the Mets against the NL East and the Cardinals against the NL Central. Here are their records:
Mets vs. NL East: 33-32
Cardinals vs. NL Central: 36-30

The Cardinals have the edge here, though it's worth noting both teams have a bunch of intradivision games remaining, so those records will change. We're just taking a snapshot in time, so we'll stick with those intradivision records and keep moving forward.

Based on those intradivision records, the Cardinals are Club 1, the Mets are Club 2, and the Giants are Club 3. That does not mean the Cardinals are Club A for the tiebreaker scenario. It means the Cardinals get to pick whether they want to be Club A, B or C. Then the Mets get to pick. The Giants get whatever is left over.

Since Club A has the most favorable situation -- again, you get the home tiebreaker and a loss doesn't equal elimination -- it's safe to assume that the Cardinals would elect to be Club A. That leaves the Mets the choice of being Club B or Club C. Each has their pros and cons:

Club B gets two chances to win one game to claim a wild-card spot, but both games are on the road. That means travel and unfriendly environments and all that.
Club C plays one winner-take-all game for a wild-card spot. That game is at home and you get to play a tired team that just lost the first tiebreaker game and traveled from St. Louis.

There's a case to be made for being either Club B or Club C. I'm not sure there's a right answer. It comes down to each team's preference. The Mets have a slightly better record at home (41-35) than on the road (39-36), so that doesn't help us much. The travel schedule could be a factor as well:

The Mets finish the regular season in Philadelphia, so selecting Club B means going from Philly to St. Louis. A loss in the tiebreaker game then means a trip from St. Louis to San Francisco.

Selecting Club C means going from Philly back to New York and awaiting the loser of the first tiebreaker game.

What do you think is better, Club B or Club C? I lean Club B. Yeah, you have to play on the road, but it gives you two chances to win one game. Let's assume the Mets choose Club B. That makes the Giants our Club C.

So, after all of that, here are the tiebreaker games:

Game 1: Mets (Club B) at Cardinals (Club A), winner gets one wild card spot
Game 2: Loser of Game 1 at Giants (Club C), winner gets the other wild card spot
All of that only determines the two wild-card teams. So there's two tiebreaker games then the Wild Card game itself. Zoinks! Home-field advantage for the Wild Card game is determined through the five-step criteria cited above, so first head-to-head record, then intradivision record, so on and so forth.

Got all that? It's not as bad as it sounds. The only real decision here is whether Club 2 wants to be Club B or C for tiebreaker game purposes. The rest is all based on head-to-head records and things like that.

Keep in mind this only applies if the three teams finish with identical records and tie for the two wild-card spots. There are all sorts of separate tiebreak scenarios for two-team ties and four-team ties, division races, wild-card spots ... all of that. MLB has tiebreak scenarios in place. With any luck, we'll get to see some of them in action this year.