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

[StarDust Bum]

Cards, Cubs clash at Wrigley
September 24, 2016


ST. LOUIS CARDINALS at CHICAGO CUBS

First pitch: Sunday, 8:00 p.m. ET
Sportsbook.ag Line: Cubs -170, Cardinals +150, Total 8

Friday: Chicago 5 St. Louis 0
Saturday: St. Louis 10 Chicago 4

The Cardinals will be hoping to better their chances of playing in the postseason with a road win over the Cubs on Sunday night.

St. Louis is currently battling with both the Mets and Giants for one of the two NL Wild Card spots and a win over Chicago on Sunday would come a long way for the team.

With so few games remaining, the Cardinals know that they need to win this one and RHP Carlos Martinez (15-8, 3.16 ERA, 159 K) is going to need to pitch well for St. Louis.

Martinez has, however, really struggled against the Cubs this season. In four starts against Chicago, Martinez is 1-2 with a 5.25 ERA in 24.0 innings of work.

He’ll be hoping to be a lot better this time around, and it’s important that he holds his own in a duel with LHP Jon Lester (18-4, 2.36 ERA, 184 K).

Lester is one of the hottest pitchers in baseball right now, as he has allowed one or fewer earned runs in seven straight starts coming into this game.

He has also pitched into the eighth inning in two of those outings and it would really help Chicago if he can work deep into this one.

Carlos Martinez has pitched well for the Cardinals recently, allowing two or fewer earned runs in six of his past seven starts.

St. Louis has won in all six of those contests, but that one loss was when he allowed four earned runs in six innings of work against this Chicago team on Sep. 14. Martinez is going to need to find a way to figure out this Cubs lineup on Sunday, as the Cardinals are desperate for victories at this point in the season.

Offensively, look for guys like 3B Jhonny Peralta and C Yadier Molina to step it up for St. Louis in this one. The two of them are a combined 16-for-63 with three doubles, three homers (all from Peralta) and 10 RBI against Jon Lester in their careers.

OF Matt Holiday has also gotten the best of Lester, going 6-for-12 with a double and three RBI against the lefty in his career. He is, however, questionable for this one, as he has been on the DL with an injured right thumb.

Lester has been on fire lately and he would certainly be in the Cy Young conversation if it weren’t for his teammate, Kyle Hendricks, being around to steal the show. Lester faced this St. Louis team on Sep. 14 and was brilliant in that outing.

The lefty pitched eight innings in that one, striking out eight batters in a shutout. He’ll be hoping to regain that groove when he takes the mound in this nationally televised game on Sunday. Lester’s run support in this one should not be a huge issue either.

The Cubs have really given Martinez trouble in their careers, especially guys like 1B Anthony Rizzo and OF Jason Heyward. Rizzo is 7-for-23 with a double, a triple, three homers and seven RBI against Martinez in his career. He’ll be hoping to go yard once again in this one.

Heyward, meanwhile, is 6-for-14 with a double and two RBI versus the righty. If he can get on base in this one then it’d be big for the team, as he has struggled all season and the Cubs have the bats to take advantage of him being on the bases.

[StarDust Bum]

NFL SYSTEM PICKS WEEK 3

24th Sep 2016

The Vikings defense stepped up and saved us last week, to allow us to move to 1-1 on the season following our lone win of the week, as it’s been a bit of tough sledding so far. This week, we’ll once again stick with the Sunday night game, as the Chicago Bears visit the Dallas Cowboys. The Cowboys are favored by 7 and the total on the game is 44.5.

The loss of Jay Cutler hasn’t really influenced the line here, in part due to the fact that he’s so widely disliked by the public. Still, he isn’t the worst quarterback and is more talented than Brian Hoyer, but it’s a case of the team looking to show what they can do without their polarizing quarterback. Hoyer has been good to backers, sporting a 16-10 spread record as a starter and this is his chance to show what he can do on the field.

It’s not as though the Cowboys aren’t without some quarterback issues of their own, as Dak Prescott will lead the team a third straight game. He hasn’t turned any heads, but he hasn’t really made the mistakes that rookie quarterbacks are known to make.

The Bears were public favorites last time out against the Eagles, but fell to Philadelphia in ugly fashion, so the line is a bit inflated in this spot, as bettors tend to be not so forgiving to teams who let them down in a big way.

The Bears’ defense hasn’t played all that bad, but has been let down a bit by the offense, who may enjoy rushing the ball against a Dallas team allowing 4.8 yards per carry through the first two weeks of the season. Chicago can’t afford to make the same turnovers they did against the Eagles in this one if they hope to keep it close.

While I typically don’t give a lot of credit to team-specific trends, it’s hard to overlook the Cowboys’ dismal numbers at home, such as being on an 8-26 run as a home favorite and 12-30-1 overall run at home.

The Bears are in a situation that doesn’t occur too often, but has been profitable when it does, as Monday night home favorites who lost straight-up while allowing 29 or more points, are 10-3 when made an away underdog in their following game.
Have to take the Bears here to bounce back a bit and give a better effort and believe they will keep it close.

[StarDust Bum]

The Latest: Pitcher not wearing life vest during boat crash
September 25, 2016

MIAMI (AP) The Latest on the boating death of Miami Marlins pitching ace Jose Fernandez (all times local):

10:55 a.m.

Authorities in Florida say Miami Marlins ace Jose Fernandez was not wearing a life vest when he was killed in a boating crash off Miami Beach early Sunday.

An official from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission told reporters that Fernandez was with two friends when the 32-foot SeaVee that they were traveling in hit rocks and capsized during a boating trip.

Lorenzo Veloz of the fish commission said the boat was found upside down. Two bodies were found under the vessel and one was found in the water by divers.

The boat was traveling full speed and was demolished. There was no evidence of alcohol or illegal substances being a factor in the crash.

---

10:45 a.m.

Major League Baseball released a statement saying it was ''stunned and devastated'' by news of the death of ace right-hander Jose Fernandez.

The 24-year-old pitcher was killed in a boat crash early Sunday off Miami Beach. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission is investigating. Two other people died.

MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred called Fernandez one of baseball's ''great young stars'' who made a dramatic impact on and off the field since his debut in 2013.

Manfred said: ''Our thoughts and prayers are with his family, the Miami Marlins organization and all of the people he touched in his life.''

The Marlins' game Sunday at home against the Atlanta Braves has been canceled.

---

The Miami Marlins have announced the death of ace right-hander Jose Fernandez.

The U.S. Coast Guard says Fernandez was one of three people killed in a boat crash off Miami Beach early Sunday.

The Marlins did not immediately release details, other than releasing a statement confirming the death of one of the top pitchers in baseball.

In the statement, the Marlins say they are ''devastated by the tragic loss of Jos� Fern�ndez. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family at this very difficult time.''

The Marlins' game Sunday at home against the Atlanta Braves has been canceled.

[StarDust Bum]

MLB
Dunkel

Sunday, September 25


Arizona @ Baltimore

Game 979-980
September 25, 2016 @ 1:35 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Arizona
(Shipley) 14.262
Baltimore
(Bundy) 16.071
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Baltimore
by 2
6
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Baltimore
-210
9 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Baltimore
(-210); Under

Texas @ Oakland

Game 977-978
September 25, 2016 @ 4:05 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Texas
(Lewis) 18.082
Oakland
(Cotton) 13.631
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Texas
by 4 1/2
7
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Oakland
-110
8
Dunkel Pick:
Texas
(-110); Under

Seattle @ Minnesota

Game 975-976
September 25, 2016 @ 2:10 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Seattle
(Walker) 13.322
Minnesota
(Santiago) 14.302
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Minnesota
by 1
7
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Seattle
-140
9
Dunkel Pick:
Minnesota
(+120); Under

LA Angels @ Houston

Game 973-974
September 25, 2016 @ 2:10 pm

Dunkel Rating:
LA Angels
(Wright) 14.679
Houston
(Musgrve) 16.818
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Houston
by 2
8
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Houston
-180
9
Dunkel Pick:
Houston
(-180); Under

Chicago White Sox @ Cleveland

Game 971-972
September 25, 2016 @ 1:10 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Chicago White Sox
(Rodon) 13.431
Cleveland
(Tomlin) 14.802
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Cleveland
by 1 1/2
9
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Cleveland
-135
No Total
Dunkel Pick:
Cleveland
(-135); N/A

Kansas City @ Detroit

Game 969-970
September 25, 2016 @ 1:10 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Kansas City
(Volquez) 16.080
Detroit
(Boyd) 13.531
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Kansas City
by 1 1/2
11
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Detroit
-145
9 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Kansas City
(+125); Over

Boston @ Tampa Bay

Game 967-968
September 25, 2016 @ 1:10 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Boston
(Rdriguez) 16.046
Tampa Bay
(Odrizzi) 17.091
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Tampa Bay
by 1
9
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Boston
-135
8
Dunkel Pick:
Tampa Bay
(+115); Over

NY Yankees @ Toronto

Game 965-966
September 25, 2016 @ 1:07 pm

Dunkel Rating:
NY Yankees
(Pineda) 14.279
Toronto
(Estrada) 17.260
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Toronto
by 3
7
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Toronto
-150
9
Dunkel Pick:
Toronto
(-150); Under

San Francisco @ San Diego

Game 963-964
September 25, 2016 @ 4:10 pm

Dunkel Rating:
San Francisco
(Blach) 13.001
San Diego
(Richard) 16.057
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
San Diego
by 3
5
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
San Diego
-110
7 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
San Diego
(-110); Under

Colorado @ LA Dodgers

Game 961-962
September 25, 2016 @ 4:10 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Colorado
(Andrson) 16.401
LA Dodgers
(McCrthy) 14.864
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Colorado
by 1 1/2
9
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
LA Dodgers
-155
8
Dunkel Pick:
Colorado
(+135); Over

St. Louis @ Chicago Cubs

Game 959-960
September 25, 2016 @ 8:08 pm

Dunkel Rating:
St. Louis
(Mrtinez) 16.547
Chicago Cubs
(Lester) 14.744
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
St. Louis
by 2
10
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Chicago Cubs
-165
No Total
Dunkel Pick:
St. Louis
(+145); N/A

Cincinnati @ Milwaukee

Game 957-958
September 25, 2016 @ 2:10 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Cincinnati
(Fnnegan) 15.568
Milwaukee
(Peralta) 14.024
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Cincinnati
by 1 1/2
9
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Milwaukee
-130
8 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Cincinnati
(+110); Over

Washington @ Pittsburgh

Game 955-956
September 25, 2016 @ 1:35 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Washington
(Cole) 17.893
Pittsburgh
(Glasnow) 16.375
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Washington
by 1 1/2
7
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Pittsburgh
-110
8 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Washington
(-110); Under

Atlanta @ Miami

Game 953-954
September 25, 2016 @ 1:10 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Atlanta
(Teheran) 11.997
Miami
(Conley) 17.310
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Miami
by 5 1/2
9
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Miami
-190
6 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Miami
(-190); Over

Philadelphia @ NY Mets

Game 951-952
September 25, 2016 @ 1:10 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Philadelphia
(Thmpson) 13.468
NY Mets
(Gsllman) 15.477
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
NY Mets
by 2
12
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
NY Mets
-180
8 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
NY Mets
(-180); Over

[StarDust Bum]

MLB

Sunday, September 25

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

1:07 PM
NY YANKEES vs. TORONTO
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of NY Yankees's last 6 games on the road
NY Yankees are 2-7 SU in their last 9 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Toronto's last 5 games at home
Toronto is 5-0 SU in their last 5 games when playing at home against NY Yankees

1:10 PM
PHILADELPHIA vs. NY METS
Philadelphia is 1-5 SU in its last 6 games on the road
Philadelphia is 5-14 SU in its last 19 games when playing on the road against NY Mets
NY Mets are 2-4 SU in its last 6 games at home
The total has gone OVER in 5 of NY Mets's last 6 games

1:10 PM
BOSTON vs. TAMPA BAY
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Boston's last 6 games on the road
Boston is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Tampa Bay's last 5 games when playing at home against Boston
Tampa Bay is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games when playing Boston

1:10 PM
CHI WHITE SOX vs. CLEVELAND
Chi White Sox are 4-2 SU in their last 6 games when playing Cleveland
Chi White Sox are 1-6 SU in their last 7 games
Cleveland is 2-4 SU in their last 6 games when playing Chi White Sox
Cleveland is 10-5 SU in their last 15 games when playing Chi White Sox

1:10 PM
KANSAS CITY vs. DETROIT
Kansas City is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games on the road
Kansas City is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Detroit's last 6 games
Detroit is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games when playing at home against Kansas City

1:10 PM
ATLANTA vs. MIAMI
Atlanta is 6-2 SU in its last 8 games when playing on the road against Miami
The total has gone OVER in 16 of Atlanta's last 23 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 8 of Miami's last 11 games at home
Miami is 2-6 SU in its last 8 games when playing at home against Atlanta

1:35 PM
ARIZONA vs. BALTIMORE
Arizona is 9-3 SU in its last 12 games when playing Baltimore
Arizona is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games
Baltimore is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games when playing at home against Arizona
Baltimore is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games

1:35 PM
WASHINGTON vs. PITTSBURGH
Washington is 2-5 SU in its last 7 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 9 of Washington's last 13 games
Pittsburgh is 5-11 SU in its last 16 games when playing Washington
Pittsburgh is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games at home

2:10 PM
LA ANGELS vs. HOUSTON
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of LA Angels's last 8 games on the road
LA Angels are 4-1 SU in their last 5 games on the road
Houston is 15-6 SU in their last 21 games when playing at home against LA Angels
Houston is 11-3 SU in their last 14 games when playing LA Angels

2:10 PM
SEATTLE vs. MINNESOTA
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Seattle's last 5 games when playing Minnesota
Seattle is 11-5 SU in its last 16 games
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Minnesota's last 7 games at home
Minnesota is 1-5 SU in its last 6 games at home

2:10 PM
CINCINNATI vs. MILWAUKEE
The total has gone UNDER in 8 of Cincinnati's last 11 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 16 of Cincinnati's last 24 games when playing Milwaukee
Milwaukee is 3-6 SU in its last 9 games when playing Cincinnati
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Milwaukee's last 5 games when playing at home against Cincinnati

4:05 PM
TEXAS vs. OAKLAND
Texas is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games
Texas is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games on the road
Oakland is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games at home
Oakland is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games when playing at home against Texas

4:10 PM
COLORADO vs. LA DODGERS
Colorado is 0-5 SU in their last 5 games when playing on the road against LA Dodgers
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Colorado's last 6 games on the road
LA Dodgers are 4-1 SU in their last 5 games when playing Colorado
The total has gone UNDER in 12 of LA Dodgers's last 18 games

4:40 PM
SAN FRANCISCO vs. SAN DIEGO
San Francisco is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games when playing on the road against San Diego
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of San Francisco's last 9 games when playing on the road against San Diego
The total has gone UNDER in 10 of San Diego's last 15 games when playing San Francisco
San Diego is 7-2 SU in its last 9 games when playing San Francisco

8:08 PM
ST. LOUIS vs. CHI CUBS
St. Louis is 5-2 SU in its last 7 games
St. Louis is 6-3 SU in their last 9 games when playing on the road against Chi Cubs
Chi Cubs are 4-1 SU in their last 5 games
Chi Cubs are 3-6 SU in their last 9 games when playing at home against St. Louis

[StarDust Bum]

MLB
Long Sheet

Sunday, September 25

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

PHILADELPHIA (70 - 85) at NY METS (82 - 73) - 1:10 PM
JAKE THOMPSON (R) vs. ROBERT GSELLMAN (R)
Top Trends for this game.
NY METS are 60-35 (+18.2 Units) against the money line in day games over the last 2 seasons.
PHILADELPHIA is 70-85 (+3.5 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
PHILADELPHIA is 34-43 (+5.6 Units) against the money line in road games this season.
PHILADELPHIA is 69-84 (+2.9 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
PHILADELPHIA is 790-821 (+21.4 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record since 1997.
PHILADELPHIA is 423-419 (+48.7 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record in the second half of the season since 1997.
NY METS are 82-73 (-10.6 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
NY METS are 43-37 (-12.8 Units) against the money line in home games this season.
NY METS are 120-141 (-61.1 Units) against the money line in home games in September games since 1997.
NY METS are 17-21 (-17.3 Units) against the money line in home games against division opponents this season.
NY METS are 82-73 (-10.6 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
NY METS are 63-56 (-12.5 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.
NY METS are 17-20 (-12.7 Units) against the money line in home games after a loss this season.
NY METS are 36-34 (-17.1 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
PHILADELPHIA is 6-9 (+0.3 Units) against NY METS this season
9 of 15 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+2.9 Units)

JAKE THOMPSON vs. NY METS since 1997
No recent starts.

ROBERT GSELLMAN vs. PHILADELPHIA since 1997
GSELLMAN is 0-1 when starting against PHILADELPHIA with an ERA of 6.00 and a WHIP of 1.333.
His team's record is 0-1 (-1.3 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 1-0. (+1.0 units)

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

ATLANTA (63 - 92) at MIAMI (77 - 78) - 1:10 PM
JULIO TEHERAN (R) vs. ADAM CONLEY (L)
Top Trends for this game.
ATLANTA is 98-128 (-37.7 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 3 seasons.
TEHERAN is 8-20 (-11.1 Units) against the money line in all games this season. (Team's Record)
TEHERAN is 8-20 (-11.1 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season. (Team's Record)
ATLANTA is 37-43 (+17.7 Units) against the money line in road games this season.
ATLANTA is 33-39 (+8.6 Units) against the money line against division opponents this season.
ATLANTA is 37-44 (+16.7 Units) against the money line in road games in games played on a grass field this season.
TEHERAN is 9-2 (+9.5 Units) against the money line when playing on Sunday over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
MIAMI is 30-39 (-14.9 Units) against the money line against division opponents this season.
MIAMI is 55-66 (-18.3 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
ATLANTA is 11-7 (+8.4 Units) against MIAMI this season
12 of 17 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+6.6 Units)

JULIO TEHERAN vs. MIAMI since 1997
TEHERAN is 5-4 when starting against MIAMI with an ERA of 3.46 and a WHIP of 1.271.
His team's record is 8-7 (-1.4 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 8-7. (-0.2 units)

ADAM CONLEY vs. ATLANTA since 1997
CONLEY is 3-0 when starting against ATLANTA with an ERA of 1.93 and a WHIP of 1.114.
His team's record is 3-1 (+1.8 units) in these starts. The OVER is 1-3. (-2.2 units)

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

WASHINGTON (90 - 64) at PITTSBURGH (77 - 77) - 1:35 PM
A.J. COLE (R) vs. TYLER GLASNOW (R)
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

Head-to-Head Series History
PITTSBURGH is 2-3 (+0.3 Units) against WASHINGTON this season
4 of 5 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+2.9 Units)

A.J. COLE vs. PITTSBURGH since 1997
No recent starts.

TYLER GLASNOW vs. WASHINGTON since 1997
No recent starts.

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CINCINNATI (64 - 90) at MILWAUKEE (70 - 85) - 2:10 PM
BRANDON FINNEGAN (L) vs. WILY PERALTA (R)
Top Trends for this game.
CINCINNATI is 127-189 (-42.9 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
CINCINNATI is 42-69 (-23.3 Units) against the money line when the total is 8 to 8.5 over the last 2 seasons.
CINCINNATI is 13-38 (-24.8 Units) against the money line when playing on Sunday over the last 2 seasons.
CINCINNATI is 127-189 (-42.9 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
CINCINNATI is 15-39 (-21.0 Units) against the money line in road games after a win over the last 2 seasons.
CINCINNATI is 39-55 (-20.1 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record in the second half of the season over the last 3 seasons.
MILWAUKEE is 13-9 (+11.5 Units) against the money line in September games this season.
MILWAUKEE is 29-17 (+19.5 Units) against the money line against left-handed starters this season.
CINCINNATI is 415-376 (+57.6 Units) against the money line in road games when playing against a team with a losing record since 1997.
MILWAUKEE is 15-22 (-14.9 Units) against the money line as a home favorite of -125 to -150 over the last 2 seasons.
MILWAUKEE is 43-57 (-27.0 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record in the second half of the season over the last 3 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
CINCINNATI is 10-8 (+2.5 Units) against MILWAUKEE this season
11 of 16 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+5.6 Units)

BRANDON FINNEGAN vs. MILWAUKEE since 1997
FINNEGAN is 1-1 when starting against MILWAUKEE with an ERA of 4.41 and a WHIP of 1.347.
His team's record is 1-2 (-1.0 units) in these starts. The OVER is 1-1. (-0.1 units)

WILY PERALTA vs. CINCINNATI since 1997
PERALTA is 5-5 when starting against CINCINNATI with an ERA of 3.12 and a WHIP of 1.141.
His team's record is 6-7 (-0.8 units) in these starts. The OVER is 4-9. (-5.3 units)

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

ST LOUIS (81 - 73) at CHICAGO CUBS (98 - 56) - 8:05 PM
CARLOS MARTINEZ (R) vs. JON LESTER (L)
Top Trends for this game.
ST LOUIS is 81-73 (-6.2 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
ST LOUIS is 81-73 (-6.2 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
ST LOUIS is 39-40 (-11.5 Units) against the money line after a win this season.
ST LOUIS is 48-32 (+18.9 Units) against the money line in road games this season.
ST LOUIS is 33-23 (+11.6 Units) against the money line in road games in night games this season.
ST LOUIS is 23-13 (+17.0 Units) against the money line in road games when playing against a team with a winning record this season.
MARTINEZ is 21-7 (+13.9 Units) against the money line in road games over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
MARTINEZ is 21-7 (+13.9 Units) against the money line in road games in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
CHICAGO CUBS are 1586-1679 (-263.3 Units) against the money line in all games since 1997.
CHICAGO CUBS are 851-784 (-156.2 Units) against the money line in home games since 1997.
CHICAGO CUBS are 400-366 (-84.8 Units) against the money line in home games against division opponents since 1997.
CHICAGO CUBS are 1529-1592 (-238.1 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field since 1997.
CHICAGO CUBS are 1166-1247 (-199.3 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters since 1997.

Head-to-Head Series History
ST LOUIS is 9-9 (+3.7 Units) against CHICAGO CUBS this season
10 of 18 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+0.7 Units)

CARLOS MARTINEZ vs. CHICAGO CUBS since 1997
MARTINEZ is 3-2 when starting against CHICAGO CUBS with an ERA of 5.36 and a WHIP of 1.522.
His team's record is 5-3 (+2.3 units) in these starts. The OVER is 3-4. (-1.1 units)

JON LESTER vs. ST LOUIS since 1997
LESTER is 4-4 when starting against ST LOUIS with an ERA of 2.03 and a WHIP of 0.943.
His team's record is 6-5 (+0.7 units) in these starts. The OVER is 2-8. (-6.4 units)

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

COLORADO (73 - 82) at LA DODGERS (89 - 66) - 4:10 PM
TYLER ANDERSON (L) vs. BRANDON MCCARTHY (R)
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

Head-to-Head Series History
LA DODGERS is 11-7 (+2.1 Units) against COLORADO this season
12 of 18 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+5.4 Units)

TYLER ANDERSON vs. LA DODGERS since 1997
ANDERSON is 2-0 when starting against LA DODGERS with an ERA of 1.35 and a WHIP of 1.200.
His team's record is 2-0 (+2.0 units) in these starts. The OVER is 1-1. (+0.0 units)

BRANDON MCCARTHY vs. COLORADO since 1997
MCCARTHY is 2-3 when starting against COLORADO with an ERA of 4.97 and a WHIP of 1.368.
His team's record is 3-4 (-2.0 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 4-2. (+1.6 units)

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

SAN FRANCISCO (82 - 73) at SAN DIEGO (65 - 90) - 4:40 PM
TY BLACH (L) vs. CLAYTON RICHARD (L)
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

Head-to-Head Series History
SAN DIEGO is 7-11 (+2.4 Units) against SAN FRANCISCO this season
11 of 18 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+3.4 Units)

TY BLACH vs. SAN DIEGO since 1997
No recent starts.

CLAYTON RICHARD vs. SAN FRANCISCO since 1997
RICHARD is 6-5 when starting against SAN FRANCISCO with an ERA of 3.92 and a WHIP of 1.372.
His team's record is 8-5 (+5.5 units) in these starts. The OVER is 7-5. (+1.8 units)

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

NY YANKEES (79 - 75) at TORONTO (85 - 69) - 1:05 PM
MICHAEL PINEDA (R) vs. MARCO ESTRADA (R)
Top Trends for this game.
NY YANKEES are 10-26 (-15.1 Units) against the money line in road games against division opponents this season.
TORONTO is 78-42 (+22.7 Units) against the money line in home games when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 3 seasons.
NY YANKEES are 38-25 (+14.0 Units) against the money line in road games in day games over the last 3 seasons.
TORONTO is 85-69 (-6.8 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
TORONTO is 44-40 (-8.8 Units) against the money line after a win this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
TORONTO is 11-6 (+3.5 Units) against NY YANKEES this season
12 of 17 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+6.7 Units)

MICHAEL PINEDA vs. TORONTO since 1997
PINEDA is 2-3 when starting against TORONTO with an ERA of 3.25 and a WHIP of 1.164.
His team's record is 4-6 (-2.4 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 3-7. (-5.1 units)

MARCO ESTRADA vs. NY YANKEES since 1997
ESTRADA is 3-2 when starting against NY YANKEES with an ERA of 3.78 and a WHIP of 1.154.
His team's record is 5-3 (+2.3 units) in these starts. The OVER is 5-3. (+1.7 units)

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

BOSTON (91 - 64) at TAMPA BAY (65 - 89) - 1:10 PM
EDUARDO RODRIGUEZ (L) vs. JAKE ODORIZZI (R)
Top Trends for this game.
BOSTON is 45-32 (+9.3 Units) against the money line in road games this season.
BOSTON is 17-5 (+10.6 Units) against the money line in September games this season.
BOSTON is 21-13 (+7.7 Units) against the money line in road games against division opponents this season.
BOSTON is 37-22 (+13.0 Units) against the money line in road games against right-handed starters this season.
TAMPA BAY is 65-89 (-28.5 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
TAMPA BAY is 36-44 (-14.9 Units) against the money line in home games this season.
TAMPA BAY is 35-46 (-23.5 Units) against the money line in home games in day games over the last 3 seasons.
TAMPA BAY is 36-44 (-14.9 Units) against the money line in games played in a dome this season.
TAMPA BAY is 42-47 (-9.5 Units) against the money line in games played on artificial turf this season.
TAMPA BAY is 34-54 (-21.2 Units) against the money line after a loss this season.
TAMPA BAY is 33-59 (-26.5 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
BOSTON is 11-7 (+1.6 Units) against TAMPA BAY this season
9 of 18 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=-0.4 Units, Under=-1.1 Units)

EDUARDO RODRIGUEZ vs. TAMPA BAY since 1997
RODRIGUEZ is 0-1 when starting against TAMPA BAY with an ERA of 9.88 and a WHIP of 2.195.
His team's record is 2-1 (+1.1 units) in these starts. The OVER is 3-0. (+3.2 units)

JAKE ODORIZZI vs. BOSTON since 1997
ODORIZZI is 3-3 when starting against BOSTON with an ERA of 4.05 and a WHIP of 1.245.
His team's record is 8-4 (+4.9 units) in these starts. The OVER is 3-9. (-6.3 units)

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

KANSAS CITY (78 - 77) at DETROIT (83 - 71) - 1:10 PM
EDINSON VOLQUEZ (R) vs. MATT BOYD (L)
Top Trends for this game.
KANSAS CITY is 6-19 (-10.6 Units) against the money line as a road underdog of +125 to +150 this season.
KANSAS CITY is 20-30 (-17.6 Units) against the money line in September games over the last 2 seasons.
DETROIT is 83-71 (+13.9 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
DETROIT is 33-25 (+8.6 Units) against the money line in day games this season.
DETROIT is 78-68 (+10.0 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
DETROIT is 58-49 (+12.7 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.
DETROIT is 44-38 (+11.2 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record this season.
KANSAS CITY is 78-77 (+3.1 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
KANSAS CITY is 133-124 (+16.7 Units) against the money line in road games over the last 3 seasons.
KANSAS CITY is 32-21 (+12.2 Units) against the money line when playing on Sunday over the last 2 seasons.
KANSAS CITY is 43-26 (+19.5 Units) against the money line against division opponents this season.
KANSAS CITY is 55-35 (+23.1 Units) against the money line in day games over the last 2 seasons.
KANSAS CITY is 76-72 (+5.8 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
KANSAS CITY is 42-36 (+7.9 Units) against the money line after a win this season.
KANSAS CITY is 84-78 (+7.9 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.
KANSAS CITY is 69-57 (+14.5 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.
VOLQUEZ is 41-29 (+11.8 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
VOLQUEZ is 40-25 (+14.8 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)

Head-to-Head Series History
KANSAS CITY is 11-7 (+4.0 Units) against DETROIT this season
9 of 17 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+0.3 Units)

EDINSON VOLQUEZ vs. DETROIT since 1997
VOLQUEZ is 3-4 when starting against DETROIT with an ERA of 5.46 and a WHIP of 1.543.
His team's record is 4-6 (-3.1 units) in these starts. The OVER is 5-5. (-0.3 units)

MATT BOYD vs. KANSAS CITY since 1997
BOYD is 1-2 when starting against KANSAS CITY with an ERA of 7.43 and a WHIP of 1.652.
His team's record is 2-3 (-0.1 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 2-3. (-1.3 units)

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

CHI WHITE SOX (73 - 81) at CLEVELAND (90 - 64) - 1:10 PM
CARLOS RODON (L) vs. JOSH TOMLIN (R)
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

Head-to-Head Series History
CLEVELAND is 11-7 (+1.3 Units) against CHI WHITE SOX this season
10 of 17 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+2.9 Units)

CARLOS RODON vs. CLEVELAND since 1997
RODON is 3-1 when starting against CLEVELAND with an ERA of 2.62 and a WHIP of 1.254.
His team's record is 3-4 (-0.2 units) in these starts. The OVER is 2-4. (-2.3 units)

JOSH TOMLIN vs. CHI WHITE SOX since 1997
TOMLIN is 4-2 when starting against CHI WHITE SOX with an ERA of 3.21 and a WHIP of 1.049.
His team's record is 6-2 (+4.6 units) in these starts. The OVER is 4-4. (-0.5 units)

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

LA ANGELS (69 - 86) at HOUSTON (81 - 74) - 2:10 PM
DANIEL WRIGHT (R) vs. JOE MUSGROVE (R)
Top Trends for this game.
LA ANGELS are 64-84 (-17.9 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
LA ANGELS are 62-46 (+17.6 Units) against the money line when the total is 9 to 9.5 over the last 3 seasons.
LA ANGELS are 820-819 (+58.1 Units) against the money line in road games since 1997.
LA ANGELS are 49-34 (+16.9 Units) against the money line on the road when the total is 9 to 9.5 over the last 3 seasons.
LA ANGELS are 25-15 (+14.0 Units) against the money line in road games in September games over the last 3 seasons.
LA ANGELS are 291-252 (+70.4 Units) against the money line in road games in day games since 1997.
HOUSTON is 81-74 (-7.6 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
HOUSTON is 21-28 (-14.9 Units) against the money line in September games over the last 2 seasons.
HOUSTON is 79-70 (-5.4 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
HOUSTON is 11-4 (+5.8 Units) against LA ANGELS this season
7 of 14 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=-0.5 Units, Under=-1.0 Units)

DANIEL WRIGHT vs. HOUSTON since 1997
No recent starts.

JOE MUSGROVE vs. LA ANGELS since 1997
No recent starts.

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

SEATTLE (81 - 73) at MINNESOTA (56 - 99) - 2:10 PM
TAIJUAN WALKER (R) vs. HECTOR SANTIAGO (L)
Top Trends for this game.
SEATTLE is 157-159 (-21.5 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
SEATTLE is 8-16 (-11.4 Units) against the money line when playing on Sunday this season.
SEATTLE is 149-155 (-26.6 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
SEATTLE is 23-33 (-12.3 Units) against the money line against left-handed starters this season.
SEATTLE is 372-342 (-80.5 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record in the second half of the season since 1997.
SANTIAGO is 19-12 (+8.2 Units) against the money line in all games this season. (Team's Record)
SANTIAGO is 8-1 (+8.5 Units) against the money line in September games over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
SANTIAGO is 18-12 (+7.2 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season. (Team's Record)
SEATTLE is 125-114 (+20.0 Units) against the money line in road games over the last 3 seasons.
SEATTLE is 45-30 (+15.9 Units) against the money line in road games when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 2 seasons.
MINNESOTA is 56-99 (-31.4 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
MINNESOTA is 30-50 (-20.5 Units) against the money line in home games this season.
MINNESOTA is 19-37 (-14.3 Units) against the money line in day games this season.
MINNESOTA is 54-95 (-29.7 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
MINNESOTA is 37-76 (-33.4 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.
MINNESOTA is 33-58 (-12.5 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
MINNESOTA is 4-1 (+5.4 Units) against SEATTLE this season
4 of 5 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+3.0 Units)

TAIJUAN WALKER vs. MINNESOTA since 1997
WALKER is 1-1 when starting against MINNESOTA with an ERA of 4.05 and a WHIP of 0.750.
His team's record is 1-1 (-0.9 units) in these starts. The OVER is 1-1. (+0.0 units)

HECTOR SANTIAGO vs. SEATTLE since 1997
SANTIAGO is 3-2 when starting against SEATTLE with an ERA of 2.89 and a WHIP of 1.072.
His team's record is 4-2 (+1.9 units) in these starts. The OVER is 3-3. (-0.2 units)

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

TEXAS (92 - 63) at OAKLAND (66 - 88) - 4:05 PM
COLBY LEWIS (R) vs. JHAREL COTTON (R)
Top Trends for this game.
TEXAS is 92-63 (+31.8 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
TEXAS is 63-45 (+28.4 Units) against the money line when the total is 8 to 8.5 over the last 2 seasons.
TEXAS is 42-38 (+12.0 Units) against the money line in road games this season.
TEXAS is 39-31 (+18.5 Units) against the money line on the road when the total is 8 to 8.5 over the last 2 seasons.
TEXAS is 44-31 (+17.6 Units) against the money line in September games over the last 3 seasons.
TEXAS is 47-28 (+20.9 Units) against the money line against division opponents this season.
TEXAS is 74-66 (+19.4 Units) against the money line in day games over the last 3 seasons.
TEXAS is 90-58 (+34.3 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
TEXAS is 70-44 (+27.5 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.
TEXAS is 55-36 (+19.6 Units) against the money line after a win this season.
TEXAS is 47-34 (+10.3 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record this season.
LEWIS is 22-15 (+15.2 Units) against the money line in road games over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
LEWIS is 10-3 (+10.1 Units) against the money line on the road when the total is 8 to 8.5 over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
LEWIS is 14-6 (+12.8 Units) against the money line in road games against division opponents over the last 3 seasons. (Team's Record)
LEWIS is 27-22 (+10.1 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
OAKLAND is 66-88 (-13.4 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
OAKLAND is 54-80 (-22.2 Units) against the money line when the total is 8 to 8.5 over the last 2 seasons.
OAKLAND is 10-22 (-15.6 Units) against the money line at home with a money line of -100 to -125 over the last 2 seasons.
OAKLAND is 33-47 (-15.7 Units) against the money line in home games this season.
OAKLAND is 6-22 (-16.7 Units) against the money line in home games in September games over the last 2 seasons.
OAKLAND is 12-24 (-13.3 Units) against the money line in home games against division opponents this season.
OAKLAND is 13-22 (-10.5 Units) against the money line in home games in day games this season.
OAKLAND is 63-85 (-14.0 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
OAKLAND is 44-62 (-25.6 Units) against the money line in home games against right-handed starters over the last 2 seasons.
OAKLAND is 32-55 (-19.2 Units) against the money line after a loss this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
OAKLAND is 8-10 (-0.4 Units) against TEXAS this season
9 of 18 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=-0.7 Units, Under=-1.6 Units)

COLBY LEWIS vs. OAKLAND since 1997
LEWIS is 12-5 when starting against OAKLAND with an ERA of 2.98 and a WHIP of 1.134.
His team's record is 15-12 (+3.4 units) in these starts. The OVER is 11-14. (-4.0 units)

JHAREL COTTON vs. TEXAS since 1997
No recent starts.

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

ARIZONA (64 - 90) at BALTIMORE (84 - 71) - 1:35 PM
BRADEN SHIPLEY (R) vs. DYLAN BUNDY (R)
Top Trends for this game.
ARIZONA is 64-90 (-23.5 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
ARIZONA is 17-32 (-16.1 Units) against the money line when the total is 9 to 9.5 this season.
ARIZONA is 63-89 (-24.3 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
ARIZONA is 43-68 (-22.0 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.
ARIZONA is 55-95 (-26.6 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.
ARIZONA is 24-54 (-22.4 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.
BALTIMORE is 84-71 (+11.7 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
BALTIMORE is 49-31 (+13.0 Units) against the money line in home games this season.
BALTIMORE is 77-62 (+12.5 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
BALTIMORE is 62-48 (+12.5 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.
BALTIMORE is 47-36 (+10.1 Units) against the money line after a win this season.
BALTIMORE is 47-22 (+16.9 Units) against the money line in home games when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 2 seasons.
BALTIMORE is 109-150 (-66.6 Units) against the money line in home games when playing on Sunday since 1997.

Head-to-Head Series History
BALTIMORE is 2-0 (+2.0 Units) against ARIZONA this season
2 of 2 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+2.1 Units)

BRADEN SHIPLEY vs. BALTIMORE since 1997
No recent starts.

DYLAN BUNDY vs. ARIZONA since 1997
No recent starts.

[StarDust Bum]

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 25

GAME TIME(ET) PICK UNITS

NYY at TOR 01:07 PM

NYY +125

CHW at CLE 01:10 PM

CHW +136

PHI at NYM 01:10 PM

PHI +167

KC at DET 01:10 PM

DET -161

BOS at TB 01:10 PM

BOS -116

WAS at PIT 01:35 PM

PIT -155

ARI at BAL 01:35 PM

ARI +225

SEA at MIN 02:10 PM

SEA -148

LAA at HOU 02:10 PM

HOU -197

CIN at MIL 02:10 PM

CIN +118

TEX at OAK 04:05 PM

TEX -103

COL at LAD 04:10 PM

COL +146

SF at SD 04:40 PM

SF -120

STL at CHC 08:08 PM

STL +146

[StarDust Bum]

Baseball Capsules
September 25, 2016

LOS ANGELES (AP) The Los Angeles Dodgers clinched their fourth straight NL West title, winning the crown in Vin Scully's final home game when Charlie Culberson homered with two outs in the 10th inning to beat the Colorado Rockies 4-3 Sunday.

Culberson hit his first homer of the season and just sixth of his career off Boone Logan (2-5) and the ball landed in the lower left-field seats, touching off wild cheers and a raucous celebration at home plate. The Dodgers charged out of their dugout and surrounded Culberson, jumping up and down. They donned championship T-shirts and hats from carts wheeled on the field.

The Dodgers took off their caps, turned toward Scully's broadcasting booth and held them in a salute to the 88-year-old Hall of Famer, who has just three games at San Francisco next weekend before ending his 67-year career.

The Dodgers became the first NL West team to win four straight division titles.

Joe Blanton (7-2) pitched the 10th to get the victory.

PADRES 4, GIANTS 3

SAN DIEGO (AP) - Rookie Manuel Margot tripled in the seventh inning and scored the go-ahead run on Wil Myers' single as San Diego dropped San Francisco a game behind the New York Mets in the NL wild-card race.

A few minutes before this game ended, the Los Angeles Dodgers beat Colorado in 10 innings to win the NL West title. The Dodgers came into Sunday seven games ahead of the Giants.

Margot, called up Wednesday from Pacific Coast League champion El Paso, tripled to right center off Cory Gearrin (3-2) with one out in the seventh and scored on Myers' single to right.

Margot doubled in the first and hit an RBI single in the second, both off rookie Ty Blach, who was making his first big league start, in place of the injured Johnny Cueto.

Brandon Morrow (1-0) got two outs for the victory. Brad Hand got the last five outs for his first save.

CUBS 3, CARDINALS 1

CHICAGO (AP) - David Ross homered and teamed with Jon Lester for another scoreless performance, and Chicago hurt St. Louis' wild-card chances.

Ben Zobrist had three hits and scored two runs as Chicago finished with a major league-best 57-24 home record. It's the most home wins for the Cubs since they went 58-19 at the West Side Grounds in 1910.

The Cardinals lost for the third time in four games, wasting a chance to improve their playoff positioning. They remain a half-game back of San Francisco for the second NL wild card.

Lester (19-4), one of the top candidates for the NL Cy Young Award, struck out seven in 6 2/3 innings. The left-hander allowed three hits and walked one while improving to 10-0 with 1.34 ERA in his last 13 starts.

Carlos Martinez (15-9) allowed two runs and six hits in six innings.

WHITE SOX 3, INDIANS 0

CLEVELAND (AP) - Carlos Rodon struck out a career-high 11 over eight dominant innings and the Chicago White Sox denied Cleveland any chance of winning the AL Central title by beating the Indians 3-0 on Sunday.

Rodon (8-10) blanked the Indians on just two singles and easily handled the division leaders who still haven't wrapped up a playoff spot and have gone flat at the worst time possible. Cleveland needed to win its regular-season finale at home and Detroit to lose to Kansas City for the Indians to clinch their first division championship since 2007.

Now, they will have to try and do it on the road against the Tigers, whom they've beaten 13 times in 15 games this season. The clubs open a four-game series Monday at Comerica Park.

It was a disappointing finish for the Indians at Progressive Field, where they went 50-27 and had 11 walk-off wins in a season of comebacks. Cleveland had three errors for the second straight game.

Carlos Sanchez had two RBIs off Josh Tomlin (12-9).

BLUE JAYS 4, YANKEES 3

TORONTO (AP) - Ezequiel Carrera drove in the tying run with a squeeze bunt in the ninth inning, Edwin Encarnacion hit a winning single and Toront hled its AL wild-card lead.

Toronto leads Baltimore by 1 1/2 games for the top AL wild-card spot. The Blue Jays have won a team-record eight straight at home against the Yankees.

New York ended its 33-inning scoreless streak, but lost for the 11th time in 14 games.

After the Yankees scored twice in the ninth off closer Roberto Osuna (3-2) for a 3-2 lead, the Blue Jays bounced back.

Dellin Betances walked Melvin Upton Jr. to begin the bottom of the ninth and took third when Kevin Pillar singled off Tyler Clippard (3-6). Carrera followed with a squeeze bunt, and both runners advanced as Clippard's attempted scoop sent the ball rolling past catcher Gary Sanchez toward the backstop.

Clippard struck out Devon Travis before Josh Donaldson was intentionally walked to load the bases. Encarnacion's slow roller between first and second scored the winning run.

ORIOLES 2, DIAMONDBACKS 1

BALTIMORE (AP) - Hyun Soo Kim hit his fifth home run, a two-run shot in the second inning, and Baltimore completed a three-game sweep of Arizona.

The Orioles entered the day a half-game ahead of Detroit for the second AL wild card and trailed Toronto by 1 1/2 games for the top spot. The Orioles begin a crucial three-game series at the Blue Jays on Tuesday.

Baltimore finished the regular season 50-31 at Camden Yards. Arizona has been swept 13 times this season, including six on the road.

Orioles rookie Dylan Bundy (10-6) allowed the one run on three hits with five strikeouts over five innings. Baltimore's Zach Britton picked up his American League-leading 46th save in 46 chances. Manny Machado went 2 for 4 for his team-high 54th multi-hit game.

ROYALS 12, TIGERS 9

DETROIT (AP) - Salvador Perez homered to cap a cycle by Kansas City's first four batters of the game, and the Royals went deep three more times to beat Detroit and drop the Tigers in the AL wild-card race.

The defending World Series champions avoided elimination from this year's postseason race by chasing Detroit starter Matt Boyd (6-5) before he retired a hitter. Kansas City started the game with a single, a triple and a double before Perez's two-run homer made it 4-0.

The Tigers fell 1 1/2 games behind Baltimore for the second wild-card spot. The loss cut Cleveland's magic number to clinch the AL Central to one - the Indians start a four-game series in Detroit on Monday night.

RED SOX 3, RAYS 2, 10 INNINGS

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. (AP) - Dustin Pedroia used nifty baserunning to score from first base on David Ortiz's double in the 10th inning and AL East-leading Boston won its 11th straight.

Pedroia singled off Eddie Gamboa (0-1) to start the inning. The relay throw on Ortiz's hit to right center beat Pedroia to plate but he avoided Luke Maile's first tag. Pedroia's momentum carried him past the plate and when he went back to touch it Maile was charged with an error when the ball dropped out his glove on another tag try.

Joe Kelly (4-0) went 2 2/3 scoreless innings for the win.

Red Sox starter Eduardo Rodriguez struck out a career-high 13 in 5 1/3 innings.

METS 17, PHILLIES 0

NEW YORK (AP) - Asdrubal Cabrera hit a grand slam, Jose Reyes drove in four runs and the Mets got the largest shutout victory in team history to maintain the NL wild-card lead.

On an afternoon when batters circled the bases like the cartoon Gashouse Gorillas, the Mets romped in their final regular-season game at Citi Field.

Reyes batted four straight times with the bases loaded and Cabrera hit his 23rd home run this season. Curtis Granderson reached 30 home runs for the first time since 2012 and rookie Robert Gsellman (3-2) allowed three hits over seven innings.

New York's previous high for runs in a shutout was 14, against the Chicago Cubs in 1965 and Cincinnati in 1998.

Wearing 1986 commemorative uniforms, New York began the day tied with San Francisco for the NL's two wild cards, a half-game ahead of St. Louis.

Jake Thompson (3-6) allowed three runs and five hits in four innings.

REDS 4, BREWERS 2

MILWAUKEE (AP) - Brandon Finnegan pitched five scoreless innings in his final start of the season, lifting the Cincinnati past Milwaukee.

Finnegan (10-11) scattered three hits and struck out four, needing only 54 pitches to get through five innings. Raisel Iglesias pitched the ninth for his fourth save in five chances.

Finnegan, obtained in the July 2015 trade that sent Johnny Cueto to Kansas City, went 4-3 with a 2.23 ERA in his final 11 starts. The left-hander pitched 172 innings this year, up from 105 1/3 innings splitting time between the major and minor leagues in 2015.

Milwaukee starter Wily Peralta (7-11) pitched six innings, allowing three runs - two earned - on five hits and three walks while striking out five.

ASTROS 4, ANGELS 1

HOUSTON (AP) - Joe Musgrove pitched seven strong innings, Evan Gattis, Tony Kemp and Tyler White homered, and Houston snapped a three-game slide to preserve its playoff hopes.

Houston began the day three games behind Baltimore for the second AL wild-card spot.

Musgrove (4-4, 4.06 ERA) allowed one run on seven hits while striking out four.

Closer Ken Giles rebounded from a blown save in Friday's 10-6 loss to Los Angeles. He walked one and struck out two in the ninth for his 14th save.

Daniel Wright (0-5, 6.95) lasted six innings for the Angels. He gave up three runs on seven hits, including two homers, while striking out four and walking two.

MARINERS 4, TWINS 3

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) - Nelson Cruz homered twice before leaving with left wrist soreness, Jesus Sucre homered for the first time in 14 months and Seattle beat Minnesota.

Taijuan Walker (7-11) danced around danger for most of his 5 2/3 innings, allowing nine hits and three earned runs. Nick Vincent, Steve Cishek and Edwin Diaz then combined for 3 2/3 innings of no-hit relief, including Diaz's 17th save in 19 chances.

Trying to make the postseason for the first time since 2001, Seattle is 2 1/2 games behind Baltimore for the second American League wild-card spot with a week to play.

Max Kepler homered and Robbie Grossman had three hits for Minnesota in its 100th loss. This is the second time in team history the Twins have had triple-digit losses: The 1982 squad finished 60-102.

Hector Santiago (12-10) allowed four earned runs in 5 2/3 innings for Minnesota.

ATHLETICS 7, RANGERS 1

OAKLAND, Calif. (AP) - Jharel Cotton pitched seven crisp innings and Oakland avoided a series sweep.

Ryon Healy had three hits, including a two-run homer, and Stephen Vogt drove in three runs to help the A's win after being shut out in back-to-back games.

Adrian Beltre hit his 32nd home run for Texas.

The Rangers, who clinched the AL West on Friday, fell into a tie with the Boston Red Sox for home-field advantage in the playoffs. Texas (92-64) holds a slight tiebreaking advantage based on division record.

Oakland will be sitting out the postseason and had lost the first five games on this homestand but ended it on an encouraging note behind Cotton (2-0). The rookie right-hander allowed one run, struck out five and faced two over the minimum while quieting the Rangers' potent offense.

Coming off consecutive shutout losses in the first two games of the series, the A's did all of their scoring in the second to chase starter Colby Lewis (6-4).

NATIONALS 10, PIRATES 7

PITTSBURGH (AP) - Nationals star Bryce Harper injured his left thumb making an awkward slide to avoid a pretend tag by Pittsburgh third baseman Jung Ho Kang, and the teams later cleared the benches in Washington's win.

Harper's thumb was sore and the reigning NL MVP will have X-rays Monday.

Harper led off the third inning with a triple for the NL East champions. As Harper neared third, Kang acted as if a throw was coming and faked a tag. Harper went down, was checked by a trainer and stayed in. He scored on Anthony Rendon's double and was replaced in the field in the bottom half.

The next time Kang came up, Nationals starter A.J. Cole threw a fastball behind him and was immediately ejected by plate umpire Jordan Baker.

The benches cleared, with Washington's Jayson Werth in the middle of the skirmish. Pirates outfielder Sean Rodriguez was ejected.

Washington rallied for five runs in the eighth off former teammate Felipe Rivero (1-5).

Shawn Kelley (3-2) got the win. Former Pirates closer Mark Melancon got his 43rd save.

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Monday’s six-pack

Top 6 selections in the Westgate Super Contest this week:

6) Miami Dolphins (395) -9.5– L

5) San Diego Chargers (418) +3– L

4) Jacksonville Jaguars (477) even– L

3) Tampa Bay Buccaneers (502) -5.5– L

2) Arizona Cardinals (536) -4– L

1) Pittsburgh Steelers (663) -3.5– L

Top 6 so far this year: 4-14 vs spread. Rough start for public opinion
Through two weeks of the Westgate Super Contest, out of 1,800 people in it, two entrants are 10-0; two are 0-10. Here are their Week 3 picks:

10-0 people:
first 10-0 guy: Bills-Jaguars-Packers-Chiefs-Bears (2-3)
other 10-0 guy: Broncos-Raiders-Steelers-Jets-Chargers (2-3)

0-10 people:
first 0-10 guy: Bengals-Titans-Bills-Eagles-Cowboys (3-2)
other 0-10 guy: Raiders-Cardinals-Giants-Steelers-Cowboys (2-3)


Sunday’s List of 13: Wrapping up an NFL Sunday………

1)– Broncos 29, Bengals 17– Is Trevor Siemian a better QB than Peyton Manning was last year? Denver scored four TDs, two on plays of 40+ yards, handing Bengals their second loss in a row.

This is shaping up as the Year of the Inexperienced QB

2) Raiders 17, Titans 10– Tennessee had ball on Oakland’s 3-yard line in last 1:00 but roughing call on a Titan lineman pushed it back 15 yards, then a very shaky offensive PI call nullified the tying TD on the next play. Weird seeing Raiders getting calls from the refs. Game was 17-3 at half; Tennessee gained 393 yards but turned ball over three times.

3) Bills 33, Cardinals 18– Arizona turned ball over five times, including last four times they had it; Bills started three drives in Cardinal territory. Buffalo had only 88 passing yards, averaged 3.0 yards/attempt, but they won by two TDs, so who cares? Buffalo scored 31 points LW and fired their OC; no telling what they’ll do to the new guy.

4) Ravens 19, Jaguars 17– Justin Tucker nailed a 54-yard FG with 1:02 left to hand Jax its third loss in row. One TD, four FG tries is bit of a red flag for Ravens, but they’re 3-0, albeit vs Bills-Browns-Jaguars. 3-0 is 3-0.

5) Dolphins 30, Browns 24 OT– Cleveland’s kicker got hurt Friday; guy who replaced him was 3-6 on field goals, missing game-winner at gun of regulation. Browns are 0-3 but they’re fighting hard.

Hue Jackson coached his ass off in this game, but lost; he had rookie QB Kessler making his first NFL start, his third starting QB in three weeks, then he sprinkled in QB-turned-WR-turned-QB Pryor for running situations and he almost won.

When/if Browns get Josh Gordon back, their offense will make a big jump.

Over last 8+ years, Miami is now 11-27 vs spread as a home favorite.

6) Redskins 29, Giants 27– Five lead changes in second half in game with too much jawing, too many penalties (20 accepted for 198 yards). Skins kicked five FGs and passed up an easy one at end of 1st half, screwing up game management so badly that you wonder what would’ve happened if they lost this game by a point.

I like the Shepard kid who plays WR for the Giants; he catches a pass and doesn’t act like he cured cancer by doing so. He just keeps playing.

7) Packers 34, Lions 27– Game was 31-3 at one point; Packers only scored 3 points in second half- they have to be relieved, using 12-yard advantage in field position to score four TDs on eight drives. Detroit fought til the end, throwing for 368 yards, but they scored 13 points in 3 red zone trips.

8) Vikings 22, Panthers 10– Minnesota is on a 16-2 spread run in regular season; they scored only one offensive TD, but ran punt back for a score and picked Newton off three times (+3 in TOs). Vikings had eight sacks; October 23 is shaping up to be interesting, Bradford’s return to Philly.

9) Seahawks 37, 49ers 18– Easy win Seattle dampened by Russell Wilson spraining his left knee. Niners allowed 83 points in last two games.

I’m watching the late games and at one point I just yelled out, “How the bleeping bleep did we lose to the 49ers?!?!?!” No one else was here, so I basically was like an insane person but that happens a lot on Sundays.

10) Rams 37, Bucs 32– Last year, Rams two lost games just like this one, at Minnesota/Baltimore- those losses ruined their season. This year, they found a way to win, after a 70-minute lightning delay at the 2:00 warning. Bucs got to the 10-yard line at the end, but ran out of time.

Odd quirk of Jared Goff not playing yet; his QB coach is Chris Weinke, who went 1-14 as Carolina’s starting QB as a rookie in 2001, and Weinke was a little older, since he had played some minor league baseball. Case Keenum is doing just fine, no reason to rush the young QB into action.

As for Tampa Bay, they traded up to draft a kicker in the second round, and the young man is struggling. Bucs missed a PAT and a 41-yard FG.

11) Eagles 34, Steelers 3– You do realize that if Teddy Bridgewater hadn’t gotten hurt up in Minnesota, then Carson Wentz would be red-shirting this year, just like Jared Goff is. Instead he is heading to the Pro Bowl; in three games, Eagles haven’t even turned the ball over yet. Wow.

How would you like to be a coach at North Dakota State right now who is recruiting a QB for next year? Think his job is fairly easy?

12) Chiefs 24, Jets 3– I’ve never seen drive charts like the Jets’ in this game; they had ball 10 times, and turned it over 7 times, with two of those run back for KC touchdowns. Chiefs’ only TD drive was on a 35-yard drive; hard to tell if they didn’t try that hard on offense because of how well the defense played. KC scored only 10 points on three red zone visits.

13) Colts 26, Chargers 22– If you took San Diego +3, very bad beat; Luck hit TY Hilton for a 63-yard TD with 1:17 left for the win/cover. Chargers fumbled last two times they had ball; they missed a PAT, had only one TD in four visits inside the Indy 30-yard line.

I’m guessing the Pagano family is glad this is over; Chargers’ DC John and Colts’ HC Chuck are brothers. Tough weekend for the family members.

14) Cowboys 31, Bears 17– Good time to play the Bears; they have ton of injuries, but Fox is a good coach and they’ll get better. Prescott continues the amazing run of young QBs having success this season. Will be funny if Dallas keeps winning and then Romo gets healthy; who plays QB then?

For the week so far, favorites are 5-10 vs spread, home teams 7-8, over 8-7.

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Some notable deaths of active MLB players
September 25, 2016

A look at some of the notable deaths of active Major League Baseball players in recent years.

- Oct. 26, 2014: Cardinals outfielder Oscar Taveras was killed in a car crash in his native Dominican Republic, along with his girlfriend. Earlier in the month, Taveras had homered in the NL playoffs. Dominican officials said Taveras, 22, was legally intoxicated when his car ran into a tree.

- April 9, 2009: Angels pitcher Nick Adenhart, 22, was killed in a car crash hours after pitching six shutout innings in Anaheim against the Athletics. Two of Adenhart's friends also were killed. A man who was on probation for felony drunken driving was sentenced to 51 years to life in prison. Prosecutors said the driver's blood-alcohol level was nearly three times the legal limit when he ran a red light and hit the car carrying Adenhart and three friends.

- April 29, 2007: Cardinals pitcher Josh Hancock, a 29-year-old reliever, was killed when his SUV hit the back of a tow truck parked on a highway to help a driver from another accident. Authorities determined Hancock's blood-alcohol level was nearly twice Missouri's legal limit and that he was going 68 mph in a 55 mph zone and talking on his cellphone when the crash occurred.

- Oct. 11, 2006: Yankees pitcher Cory Lidle was killed when his small plane crashed into a Manhattan high-rise apartment building. The accident came four days after New York lost in the AL playoffs. The 34-year-old Lidle had gotten his pilot's license earlier in the year. His flight instructor also was killed in the crash, and the National Transportation Safety Board said it couldn't be determined who was at the controls at the time.

- Feb. 17, 2003: Orioles pitcher Steve Bechler, 23, died a day after collapsing during a spring training workout in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. A medical examiner said the diet supplement ephedra was partly to blame for Bechler's death.

- June 22, 2002: Cardinals pitcher Darryl Kile died in his hotel room in Chicago from a blockage of the arteries supplying the heart. The 33-year-old's body was found after he wasn't at Wrigley Field for a game.

- March 1993: Indians pitchers Steve Olin, 27, and Tim Crews, 31, were killed when their power boat hit a dock at night on Little Lake Nellie, near Cleveland's spring training camp in central Florida. Pitcher Bob Ojeda was injured in the crash. Investigators determined that Crews, who was driving the boat, had a blood-alcohol level over the state's legal limit.

- Aug. 2, 1979: Yankees catcher Thurman Munson was killed when the plane he was piloting crashed near Ohio's Akron-Canton Airport. The 32-year-old team captain had gone home for a day and was practicing landings and takeoffs. Two passengers in the plane survived.

- Sept. 23, 1978: Angels outfielder Lyman Bostock, 27, had gone to visit relatives in Gary, Indiana, after a game in Chicago and was riding in a car when he was killed by a shotgun blast intended for someone else in the vehicle.

- Dec. 31, 1972: Pirates outfielder Roberto Clemente, 38, was killed when a plane carrying relief supplies for earthquake victims in Nicaragua crashed on its way from Puerto Rico. Clemente had gotten his 3,000th and final hit in his last at-bat of the regular season. He was voted into the Hall of Fame in 1973 in a special election.

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Marlins P Fernandez dies in accident
September 25, 2016

MIAMI (AP) �� Jose Fernandez, the ace right-hander for the Miami Marlins who escaped Cuba to become one of baseball's brightest stars, was killed in a boating accident early Sunday morning. Fernandez was 24.

He and two other people died when their 32-foot vessel slammed into a jetty off Miami Beach, authorities said.

"We are devastated by the tragic loss of José Fernández," the Marlins said in a statement.

Reaction quickly poured in from around the game. Major League Baseball released a statement saying it was "stunned and devastated."

"He was one of our game's great young stars who made a dramatic impact on and off the field since his debut in 2013," MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred said. "Our thoughts and prayers are with his family, the Miami Marlins organization and all of the people he touched in his life."

The Marlins' game Sunday at home against the Atlanta Braves has been canceled. The Braves, along with several other teams, quickly shared their condolences with the Marlins.

"Hands down one of my favorite guys to watch pitch! He brought nothing but intensity and passion," Boston Red Sox pitcher David Price said on Twitter early Sunday.

Because the boat was on a jetty, the Coast Guard notified Miami-Dade police, which turned the investigation over to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission.

Fernandez was on a 32-foot vessel that had a "severe impact" with a jetty, said FWC's Lorenzo Veloz. The overturned boat remained in the water Sunday morning, its engine partially submerged as its nose pointed skyward, as debris from the crash was scattered over some of the large jagged rocks.

Fernandez's death immediately brought memories of past baseball tragedies, such as the deaths of Thurman Munson and Roberto Clemente - stars who died in plane crashes in the 1970s.

Cleveland teammates Steve Olin and Tim Crews were killed in a boating accident in Florida in 1993, and the game also reeled from the sudden deaths of major leaguers Darryl Kile, Lyman Bostock and Cory Lidle in recent years.

"Jose was a remarkable young man and a tremendously gifted athlete, who, at just 24, established himself as one of the game's biggest and brightest stars," said Tony Clark, the executive director of the Major League Baseball Players Association. "Our thoughts and prayers go out to Jose's family, friends, teammates, Miami Marlins organization and legions of fans in the United States and Latin America."

The Miami Dolphins said they would have a moment of silence before their game in nearby Miami Gardens on Sunday afternoon to remember Fernandez.

City of Miami Fire-Rescue workers were seen carrying bodies, draped and on stretchers, at the Coast Guard station after sunrise Sunday. Officials later said they were taken to the medical examiner's office. Two bodies were found under the vessel and a third was found on the jetty, said Capt. Leonel Reyes of Miami-Dade Fire Rescue's Marine Services Bureau.

The names of the other two individuals are being withheld pending notification of relatives, the Coast Guard said.

"It does appear that speed was involved due to the impact and the severity of it," said Veloz, the FWC spokesman. "It does appear to be that they were coming at full speed when they encountered the jetty, and the accident happened."

Veloz said there was no immediate indication that alcohol or drugs were a cause in the crash. He also said none of the three victims wore a life jacket, and that the boat was owned by a friend of Fernandez's.

"It does pertain to a friend of Jose who is very well connected with several Marlins players and I have stopped that boat before for safety inspections with other Marlins players on board," Veloz said. "We know that this boat knows the area. We just can't answer why this happened."

Fernandez was a two-time All-Star who went 38-17 in his four seasons with the Marlins, winning the NL's Rookie of the Year award in 2013. The native of Santa Clara, Cuba became a U.S. citizen last year and was enormously popular in Miami.

He tried to defect from Cuba at least three times - landing in jail after one of those unsuccessful tries - before eventually getting to the U.S. and going to high school in Tampa, Florida. The Marlins drafted him in 2011 and Fernandez was in the majors two years later.

"I'm still in shock," former Marlins player Gaby Sanchez said on Twitter. "The world has lost a remarkable person. You will be missed and my heart goes out to the Fernandez family."

Video boards at Marlins Park on Sunday morning showed a large "16" - Fernandez's jersey number - over his name. A few fans milled about, even though the game was canceled.

Fernandez posted a photo of his girlfriend sporting a "baby bump" on his Instagram page last week, announcing that the couple were expecting their first child.

"I'm so glad you came into my life," Fernandez wrote in that post. "I'm ready for where this journey is gonna take us together."

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Wild Card Standings

AMERICAN

Team Win Loss Percent GB

Toronto Blue Jays 86 69 0.555 +1.5

Baltimore Orioles 85 71 0.545 0.0

Detroit Tigers 83 72 0.535 1.5

Seattle Mariners 82 73 0.529 2.5

Houston Astros 82 74 0.526 3.0

New York Yankees 79 76 0.510 5.5
Kansas City Royals 79 77 0.506 6.0
Chicago White Sox 74 81 0.477 10.5
Los Angeles Angels 69 87 0.442 16.0
Oakland Athletics 67 88 0.432 17.5
Tampa Bay Rays 65 90 0.419 19.5
Minnesota Twins 56 100 0.359 29.0


NATIONAL

Team Win Loss Percent GB

New York Mets 83 73 0.532 +1

San Francisco Giants 82 74 0.526 0.0

St. Louis Cardinals 81 74 0.523 0.5

Miami Marlins 77 78 0.497 4.5
Pittsburgh Pirates 77 78 0.497 4.5
Colorado Rockies 73 83 0.468 9.0
Philadelphia Phillies 70 86 0.449 12.0
Milwaukee Brewers 70 86 0.449 12.0
San Diego Padres 66 90 0.423 16.0
Cincinnati Reds 65 90 0.419 16.5
Arizona Diamondbacks 64 91 0.413 17.5
Atlanta Braves 63 92 0.406 18.5

Updated Mon Sep 26 1:34 AM EDT

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09/25- Sunday's Results: 2 - 4 - 0 - 1.46

July's Totals: 176- 174 + 37.42 50.28%
August Totals: 208 - 232 + 5.28 47.27%
September Totals: 159 - 195 - 6.90 44.91%

Season's Overall Record : 713 - 769 + 65.16 48.11%

Big Winners Yesterday............Cincy + 118, CWS + 136

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MLB betting cheat sheet and odds: Cleveland Clincher?

The Cleveland Indians blew a chance to secure their first division title in eight years at Progressive Field on Sunday, so they'll have to do it on the road.

Our MLB cheat sheet breaks down the best MLB betting notes so you can handicap every series like a pro this week, including the Cleveland Indians who roll into Detroit to take on the Tigers with a champagne party on their minds.

Cleveland Clincher?

The Cleveland Indians blew a chance to secure their first division title in eight years at Progressive Field on Sunday, so they'll have to do it on the road. That quest begins Monday as the Indians kick off a four-game series with the only team that can stand in the way of the AL Central crown - the Detroit Tigers, who are a full seven games back. Cleveland only needs one more win or a Detroit loss over the final seven games for its first division championship in nine years. And that should happen at some point during this series, with the Indians having beaten the Tigers in 13 of their first 15 meetings this season. Detroit does have the edge in units won, accumulating $1,214 to the Indians' $692.

Worst in the West

Nothing but pride will be on the line this week in Anaheim as the Los Angeles Angels host the Oakland Athletics in a three-game series. Both teams had high hopes for the 2016 season, but injuries and poor performances have relegated both rosters to the basement of the American League West. The Angels have lost the third-most units in the AL (-$1,296), with the Athletics only marginally better (-$1,292). The teams have combined to produce just two winning months all season; at 10-12 in September, the Angels have a slightly better shot at accomplishing the feat than Oakland (9-12). The Angels come into the series with a 9-7 edge over the Athletics in the season series.

Over and Out

The hottest Over play over the past 30 games takes on the best Over option of the season as the Kansas City Royals entertain the Minnesota Twins in a three-game series beginning Tuesday night. The Royals have taken part in some high-scoring affairs, going 22-7-1 O/U since Aug. 28 - capped by a 12-9 slugfest victory over the Tigers on Sunday afternoon. It has been that way all season for the Twins, who are a stunning 92-56-8 O/U - easily the most Overs in baseball. The Twins secured their place as the only 100-loss team in the majors with Sunday's 4-3 loss to the Seattle Mariners. The teams opened their season series with three straight Unders, but are 9-3-1 O/U since.

Injury Update

* The Houston Astros remain in the American League wild card race despite losing promising rookie infielder Alex Bregman for the rest of the season with a hamstring injury. The Astros have gone 6-4 SU for 110 units in Bregman's absence, going 4-6 O/U in that span.

* The Tampa Bay Rays' struggles without Steven Souza Jr. continue, as he misses the remainder of the season with a hip injury. The Rays have lost five of six for -$400 since Souza was ruled out for the year, and are an abysmal 5-21 for -$1,645 without Souza on the year.

Hitting Notes

* David Ortiz is having the best final season in the history of baseball. With one week left in his amazing career, the 40-year-old Boston Red Sox designated hitter is batting .321 with 37 home runs and 121 RBIs; his 5.1 WAR (per Baseball Reference) is his highest tally since 2007.

* The Atlanta Braves' season was a disappointment, but Freddie Freeman isn't content to let it end on a sour note. The Braves first baseman is slashing a red-hot .405/.495/.709 so far in September, with five home runs, nine doubles, 21 RBIs and 15 walks in 79 at-bats.

Pitching Notes

* Can Dan Straily beat astronomical odds and wind up the top money pitcher in the majors? Straily has his chance Thursday night against the St. Louis Cardinals; the veteran right-hander comes into the start at +$1,577, with the disappointing Reds going 20-10 in his starts.

* If Lance McCullers is done for the season, he will go down as the one of the top Under starters in the majors - albeit in limited time. McCullers made just 14 regular-season starts, but he provided plenty of value to totals bettors, going 2-12 O/U in those games.

Totals Trend

Camden Yards isn't thought of as an offense-suppressing park, but bettors might suggest otherwise. The Orioles went 1-9-1 O/U on their most recent 11-game homestand that wrapped up with a 2-1 win over Arizona on Sunday; they finished 26-51-4 O/U at home on the season.

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MLB
Armadillo's Write-Up

Monday, September 26

National League

Diamondbacks @ Nationals

Bradley is 3-1, 4.85 in his last five starts; over is 8-2 in his last ten starts. Arizona is 2-5 in his last seven road starts.
Roark is 2-2, 1.13 in his last five starts (under 4-0-1). Nationals are 8-2 in his last ten home starts.

Arizona lost seven of last nine games, is 2-10 in last 12 road series openers. Last eight Arizona road games stayed under. Nationals won three of last four games, are 14-10 in home series openers. Under is 5-1 in Washington’s last six home games.

Cubs @ Pirates

Hendricks is 4-1, 1.64 in his last five starts; three of his last four stayed under. Cubs won six of his last eight road starts.
Kuhl is 2-0, 2.25 in his last two starts; four of his last six starts stayed under the total. Pirates are 3-2 in his home starts.

Chicago won five of last six games; they’re 15-9 in road series openers. Under is 6-1 in last seven Cub road games. Pirates lost five of last six home games, are 14-11 in home series openers. Over is 8-6 in Pittsburgh’s last 14 home games.

Mets @ Marlins

Colon is 4-0, 2.54 in his last seven starts; his last five stayed under. Mets are 8-5 in his road starts.
Conley is 1-1, 9.00 in his last three starts; three of his last four went over. Miami won four of his last five home starts.

This will be a horribly sad night after the passing of Jose Fernandez Sunday. Mets won three of last four games, are 12-12 in road series openers. Six of Mets’ last seven games went over total. Miami lost three of last four games; they’re 11-15 in home series openers. Under is 12-4 in their last 16 home games.

Reds @ Cardinals

Adleman is 0-3, 5.13 in his last six starts; his last five stayed under. Reds are 2-3 in his road starts.
Garcia is 0-4, 8.06 in his last five starts; five of his last six went over. St Louis is 6-11 in hs home starts.

Reds lost eight of last 11 games, are 7-18 in road series openers. Under is 9-3 in last dozen Cincinnati road games. St Louis lost three of last four games, is 10-14 in home series openers. Last five Cardinal home games stayed under the total.

American League

New York @ Toronto

Severino is 0-8, 6.47 in nine starts this year (under 5-4).
Happ is 3-0, 3.18 in his last three starts; under is 5-3-1 in his last nine. Toronto is 12-2 in his home starts.

New York lost nine of last 11 games; three of their last four games stayed under. Blue Jays won five of last six games; under is 9-2-2 in Jays’ last 13 games.

Indians @ Tigers

Kluber is 3-0, 3.10 in his last three starts; three of his last four stayed under. Indians are 7-3 in his last ten road starts.
Farmer threw 2.1 scoreless IP in his first ’16 start LW, but game got washed out; he is 0-5, 6.81 in 31 big league games (7 starts).

Indians won six of last nine games, are 13-11 in road series openers. Under is 6-2-1 in last nine Cleveland road games. Detroit won five of last seven games, is 12-1 in last 13 home series openers. Four of Tigers’ last five games went over the total.

Rays @ White Sox

Smyly is 1-0, 5.47 in his last five starts; seven of his last eight starts went over. Rays are 3-8 in his last 11 road starts.
Shields is 0-4, 7.18 in his last seven starts; three of his last four stayed under total. Chicago lost six of his last seven home starts.

Rays lost six of last seven games, are 3-14 in last 17 road series openers. Under is 6-1-2 in their last nine road games. Chicago lost six of last eight games, is 13-11 in home series openers. Six of White Sox’ last seven games went over.

Mariners @ Astros

Iwakuma is 2-5, 5.96 in his last seven starts; under is 7-3 in his last ten. Seattle is 10-7 in his road starts.
McHugh is 5-0, 3.00 in his last six starts; under is 6-4 in his last ten. Houston is 8-2 in his last ten home starts.

Mariners won eight of last nine road games, are 13-12 in road series openers. Under is 7-3 in their last ten games. Houston lost six of last eight home games, is 14-11 in home series openers. Under is 9-4 in Astros’ last 13 home games.

A’s @ Angels

Manaea is 2-1, 1.27 in his last four starts; under is 3-1-1 in his last five. Oakland is 2-6 in his road starts.
Weaver is 4-1, 4.41 in his last six starts; six of his last seven stayed under. Angels Angels are 8-8 in his home starts.

Oakland lost five of last six games, is 2-7 in last nine road series openers. Six of A’s last seven games stayed under. Angels won four of last five games, are 10-14 in home series openers. Under is 9-2-1 in their last dozen games.

Interleague

Brewers @ Rangers

Garza is 0-2, 6.60 in his last three starts; under is 3-1-1 in his last five. Milwaukee is 2-8 in his road starts.
Perez is 2-0, 2.84 in his last four starts; under is 6-3 in his last nine home starts. Texas won 11 of his last 12 home starts.

Brewers lost four of last six games, are 8-16 in road series openers. Four of last five Milwaukee games stayed under. Texas is 10-4 in its last 14 home games, 13-2 in last 15 home series openers. Rangers’ last seven games stayed under the total.

Teams’ record when this pitcher starts:

Az-Wash– Bradley 11-13; Roark 19-12
Chi-Pitt– Hendricks 17-11; Kuhl 9-3
NY-Mia– Colon 19-12; Conley 13-11
Cin-StL– Adleman 4-7; Garcia 14-15

NY-Tor– Severino 0-9; Happ 23-7
Cle-Det– Kluber 19-12; Farmer 0-0
TB-Chi– Smyly 13-16; Shields 6-14/2-9
Sea-Hst– Iwakuma 17-14; McHugh 20-11
A’s-LAA– Manaea 10-12; Weaver 14-16

Mil-Tex– Garza 8-10; Perez 18-13

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

Az-Wash– Bradley 10-24; Roark 5-31
Chi-Pitt– Hendricks 6-28; Kuhl 4-12
NY-Mia– Colon 9-31; Conley 8-24
Cin-StL– Adleman 1-11; Garcia 12-29

NY-Tor– Severino 4-9; Happ 6-30
Cle-Det– Kluber 6-31; Farmer 0-0
TB-Chi– Smyly 9-29; Shields 13-31
Sea-Hst– Iwakuma 7-31; McHugh 11-31
A’s-LAA– Manaea 1-22; Weaver 10-30

Mil-Tex– Garza 6-18; Perez 12-31

Teams’ records in first five innings:
Team (road-home-total)- thru 9/25

Arizona 25-40-11…..34-39-6…….59-78
Atlanta 29-40-11…..26-35-13……55-75
Cubs 39-25-10……48-24-10…….87-49
Reds 24-44-9……35-38-5…….59-82
Colo 29-36-13…..36-36-4……..65-72
LA 31-33-11……49-25-8…….79-58
Miami 32-34-10…..34-27-17…….66-61
Milw 25-42-10……41-29-10…..66-71
Mets 32-44-10……39-29-12……71-63
Philly 25-34-19…..30-34-14……55-68
Pitt 25-41-13…..42-27-8……67-67
St. Louis 37-37-7……28-33-13…….65-70
SD 24-50-5…..35-35-8……..59-85
SF 36-37-9…….38-22-14……74-59
Wash 40-24-17….30-22-22……69-46
Orioles 30-37-9…….40-34-8…….70-71
Boston 35-32-11……45-23-9…….80-55
White Sox 33-37-10…….39-31-6……..72-68
Cleveland 38-27-10……39-32-8……..77-59
Detroit 32-33-12…….33-37-5……..65-70
Astros 30-35-14…..36-31-8……..66-66
KC 29-40-13……32-28-14……61-68
Angels 33-41-7…….27-35-13…….60-76
Twins 29-37-13…….26-41-15…..55-78
NYY 27-43-9……34-31-13……..61-74
A’s 27-40-8……28-36-17……55-75
Seattle 37-30-11……35-28-13……72-58
Tampa Bay 28-32-13……35-36-12……63-68
Texas 29-40-12…….38-27-9……67-67
Toronto 46-27-5……..42-30-6……88-57

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

Arizona 28-74……30-78…….58
Atlanta 26-80……18-74……..44
Cubs 27-76……28-81…….55
Reds 27-77……27-78……..54
Colo 15-77…….30-75……..45
LA 22-74…….30-81……52
Miami 25-75……22-74……47
Milw 15-73……30-81……45
Mets 21-73……28-79…….49
Philly 12-79……23-74…….35
Pitt 21-73…….27-78……48
StL 19-78…….18-73……37
SD 18-78…….27-77……45
SF 16-78……..19-75……35
Wash 34-78……29-74……63
Orioles 17-78…….21-78…….38
Boston 23-75……34-78……..57
White Sox 28-78…..26-78…….54
Cleveland 15-75……27-79……..42
Detroit 16-77……26-77………42
Astros 26-76…….25-81……..51
KC 25-81…… 21-75………46
Angels 29-81…….25-75……..54
Twins 20-76……32-81…….52
NYY 11-80…….28-76……..39
A’s 20-74…….16-81……..36
Seattle 20-81…….26-75…….46
Tampa Bay 24-72…..28-81…….52
Texas 23-81……21-74……44

Toronto 25-75……31-81…….56

Interleague play

NL @ AL– 79-66 AL, favorites -$1,484
AL @ NL– 81-75 AL, favorites -$826
Total: 160-139 AL, favorites -$2,310

Totals in interleague games
NL @ AL– Over 77-60-3
AL @ NL– Over 75-71-5
Total– Over 152-141-8