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

[StarDust Bum]

AND THE BEAT GOES ON.........

8/27 - Saturday's Results: 7 - 12 - 3.37

July's Totals: 176- 174 + 37.42 50.28%
August Totals: 184 - 199 + 11.93 48.04%

Season's Overall Record : 530 - 531 + 81.11 49.95%

Big Winners Yesterday............. SDiego + 128 Texas + 129, Oakland + 206


SUNDAY, AUGUST 28

GAME TIME(ET) PICK UNITS

BAL at NYY 01:05 PM

BAL -103

MIN at TOR 01:07 PM

MIN +172

O 9.5

PHI at NYM 01:10 PM

PHI +122

O 8.0

LAA at DET 01:10 PM

DET -146

SD at MIA 01:10 PM

MIA -123

COL at WAS 01:35 PM

COL +157

PIT at MIL 02:10 PM

MIL +113

TB at HOU 02:10 PM

TB +101

SEA at CHW 02:10 PM

SEA +103

OAK at STL 02:15 PM

U 8.0

CLE at TEX 03:05 PM

TEX +104

ATL at SF 04:05 PM

SF -304

O 7.5

CHC at LAD 04:10 PM

CHC -150

U 8.5

CIN at ARI 04:10 PM

CIN +104

O 9.5

KC at BOS 08:08 PM

KC +133

O 9.0

[StarDust Bum]

Baseball Capsules
August 28, 2016

TORONTO (AP) Josh Donaldson had his first career three-homer game, Troy Tulowitzki also went deep and the Toronto Blue Jays beat the Minnesota Twins 9-6 on Sunday to complete a three-game sweep.

Donaldson hit a solo homer off Kyle Gibson in the second, then delivered a go-ahead, two-run blast off Pat Light (0-1) in the seventh.

Dozens of fans tossed hats onto the field to celebrate the home run hat trick after Donaldson, the AL MVP in 2015, hit a solo shot off Alex Wimmers in the eighth. Groundskeepers and even the Blue Jays mascot helped clear the hats away.

Donaldson's fourth multi-homer game this season and the 10th of his career also marked the 17th three-homer game in the majors this season.

Jose Bautista had his first three-hit game of the season for the AL East-leading Blue Jays.

Minnesota lost its season-worst 10th straight. The Twins have lost seven straight in Toronto.

Scott Feldman (7-4) earned the win by getting two outs in the seventh. Jason Grilli worked the eighth and Roberto Osuna finished.

DODGERS 1, CUBS 0

LOS ANGELES (AP) - Brock Stewart and four relievers combined on a four-hitter and Andrew Toles scored on a fielder's choice in the eighth inning, leading Los Angeles past Jon Lester and Chicago.

Los Angeles remained two games ahead of San Francisco in the NL West.

Stewart struck out eight in five innings of two-hit ball, and Jesse Chavez, Grant Dayton, Joe Blanton and Kenley Jansen finished. Blanton (5-2) got the win, and Jansen worked the ninth for his 39th save.

With one out in the eight, pinch-hitter Toles was hit by a pitch, and then Trevor Cahill (3-4) threw away Howie Kendrick's short roller, allowing Toles to reach third.

After an intentional walk and a strikeout, Adrian Gonzalez hit a grounder toward third, and Javier Baez double-clutched before throwing too late for a force play at second base, allowing Toles to score.

Lester struck out six and pitched three-hit ball over six innings.

GIANTS 13, BRAVES 4

SAN FRANCISCO (AP) - Joe Panik homered twice and matched his career high of four RBIs to back Madison Bumgarner, and San Francisco beat Atlanta for its second series win since the All-Star break.

Panik hit a solo homer in the second and added a two-run shot in the fourth. The second baseman also reached on an infield single in the sixth and had a sacrifice fly in the seventh.

Denard Span and Eduardo Nunez also homered, Brandon Crawford had three hits and Jarrett Parker drove in three runs for San Francisco. The Giants took two of three from the Braves.

Bumgarner (13-8) allowed three runs over seven uneven innings. He struck out five and walked two.

Freddie Freeman and Gordon Beckham homered for Atlanta. Ender Inciarte doubled, tripled and scored twice, but the last-place Braves have lost 13 of 18.

Aaron Blair (0-6) was the loser.

PADRES 3, MARLINS 1

MIAMI (AP) - Rookie Luis Perdomo benefited from a team-record six double plays and pitched a six-hitter for his first complete game, helping San Diego beat Miami.

The complete game was the Padres' first this year.

Perdomo allowed the leadoff batter to reach in five innings, and each time the runner was erased on a double play grounder. In addition, after Perdomo gave up a one-out single in the seventh, Ichiro Suzuki lined out to the pitcher, who then trotted to first base to double off the runner.

Five Marlins hit into double plays, and they went 6-4-3, 4-6-3, 6-4-3, 6-3, 1, and 5-4-3. The six DPs were a nine-inning team record for the Padres defensively, and a Marlins batting record.

Perdomo (7-7) walked three, struck out three and threw only 99 pitches, retiring the side in order in the ninth. Ryan Schimpf had an RBI triple, singled and scored for the Padres.

PHILLIES 5, METS 1

NEW YORK (AP) - A.J. Ellis had a big hit in his Philadelphia debut, breaking a seventh-inning tie with a two-run double that sent the Phillies past New York.

Vince Velasquez and four relievers quieted a streaking Mets lineup that was minus ailing sluggers Yoenis Cespedes (quad) and Neil Walker (back).

New York also lost shortstop Asdrubal Cabrera in the first inning. He exited with soreness in his left knee, a problem area that has sidelined him twice before this season.

David Hernandez (3-3) pitched a scoreless inning for the win. Robert Gsellman (1-1) lost in his first start in the majors.

ORIOLES 5, YANKEES 0

NEW YORK (AP) - Kevin Gausman tamed the torrid Yankees hitters, Mark Trumbo lined his major league-leading 40th home run and Steve Pearce also connected to help Baltimore avert a sweep.

The Orioles got battered in the first two games, outscored 27-9. Baltimore bounced back in the matchup between AL East contenders, halting its three-game skid and ending New York's winning string at four.

Gausman (6-10) threw seven innings, giving up seven hits while striking out nine and walking none. He posted a rare road win after going 0-16 in his previous 25 starts away from Camden Yards.

Yankees rookie sensation Gary Sanchez doubled and singled. He had homered in three straight games and is hitting .404 in 22 games this year. CC Sabathia (8-11) was the loser.

ROCKIES 5 NATIONALS 3

WASHINGTON (AP) - Nolan Arenado went 4 for 4, hitting his 35th home run and a triple, and drove in three runs in Colorado's victory over Washington.

Arenado and David Dahl hit back-to-back home runs in the third inning off Nationals rookie Lucas Giolito. Chad Bettis (11-7) allowed two runs, both on solo homers, and five hits with six strikeouts over seven innings in his longest start since April 10.

Bryce Harper, Trea Turner and Wilson Ramos homered for Washington.

Giolito (0-1) allowed four runs and six hits in five innings for the NL East leaders. Washington has dropped six of eight.

Adam Ottavino recorded the final three outs for his second save after Harper homered off Boone Logan leading off the ninth. Colorado took two of three from Washington.

ROYALS 10, RED SOX 4

BOSTON (AP) - Raul Mondesi hit a bases-loaded triple and Eric Hosmer added a two-run single during an eight-run sixth inning, lifting surging Kansas City past Boston.

Salvador Perez hit his third solo homer in two games for Kansas City. The defending champion Royals took two of three at Fenway Park and are 17-4 in their last 21 games.

David Ortiz hit his 534th homer, a solo shot, for the Red Sox, tying Jimmie Foxx for 18th on the career list. Boston has lost four of five.

Matt Strahm (2-0) pitched 2 2/3 innings of hitless relief.

Eduardo Rodriguez (2-6) gave up five runs in 5 1/3 innings.

RANGERS 2, INDIANS 1

ARLINGTON, Texas (AP) - Derek Holland allowed one run over six innings, new left fielder Carlos Gomez made two highlight-reel catches and AL-best Texas beat Cleveland.

The Rangers took three of four in the series between division leaders, the first time since 1999 both teams were in first place when playing each other after the All-Star break.

Cleveland loaded the bases with one out in the ninth against closer Sam Dyson, who struck out pinch-hitter Tyler Naquin and retired Abraham Almonte on a fly ball to end it.

Ian Desmond and Jonathan Lucroy each had an RBI single for Texas, which has an 8 1/2-game lead in the AL West with five weeks left in the season.

Holland (6-6) struck out five without a walk while yielding only four singles. The left-hander who missed two months because of shoulder inflammation before returning Tuesday at Cincinnati.

Dyson worked a scoreless ninth for his 29th save.

Danny Salazar (11-6) was the loser.

ATHLETICS 7, CARDINALS 4

ST. LOUIS (AP) - Rookie Andrew Triggs earned his first win and Stephen Vogt and Khris Davis homered to lead Oakland past St. Louis.

Triggs (1-1) allowed three runs on four hits, walked none and struck out eight in six innings. Ryan Madson pitched the ninth for his 27th save in 33 chances.

Jaime Garcia (10-10) gave up a three-run homer to Vogt with two out in the third and a two-run shot to Davis, his 34th, with two out in the first.

Matt Carpenter doubled twice, homered and scored the Cardinals' first three runs. His homer in the third extended the Cardinals' streak to 17 games with a homer, matching their season best. Ryon Healy doubled in the third to extend his hitting streak to 14 games, the longest active streak in the majors.

ANGELS 5, TIGERS 0

DETROIT (AP) - Former Tiger Jefry Marte had three RBI and Tyler Skaggs shut down Detroit in Los Angeles.

After scoring 35 runs in the four games before this series, the Tigers were limited to six runs in the three-game weekend set against the Angels. It is the ninth time this season the Tigers have been shut out.

The victory gave the Angels back-to-back road series wins for the first time this season.

Marte hit a two-run home run in the fifth inning off Anibal Sanchez (7-13). It was Marte's 10th home run of the season and first since Aug. 17. He played in 33 games with the Tigers last season.

The Angels added three more runs in the sixth, on sacrifice flies by Andrelton Simmons and Marte, plus an RBI double by Nick Buss. Skaggs (2-3) allowed two hits while striking out six in six innings.

RAYS 10, ASTROS 4

HOUSTON (AP) - Chris Archer struck out 10 in seven innings, Corey Dickerson hit a three-run homer and Tampa Bay beat Houston.

Matt Duffy and Nick Franklin also went deep for the last-place Rays. They have homered in 21 of their last 24 games. Houston, in the hunt for an AL wild card, had won three straight.

Archer (8-17) gave up three runs on four hits and two walks. With his strikeout of A.J. Reed in the sixth, the right-hander joined David Price and James Shields as the only Tampa Bay pitchers with multiple 200-strikeout seasons.

Franklin and Evan Longoria each had three hits for the Rays, who jumped out early against Doug Fister (12-9). Jose Altuve hammered for Houston.

WHITE SOX 4, MARINERS 1

CHICAGO (AP) - Carlos Rodon pitched into the seventh inning, Justin Morneau had a two-run single and Melky Cabrera drove in a run and scored twice in Chicago's victory over Seattle.

Jose Abreu also drove in a run. Chicago took three of four in the series and has won six of eight.

Robinson Cano hit a solo homer, his 30th, and Kyle Seager had three hits for Seattle.

Rodon (5-8) allowed the run and five hits in six-plus innings before giving way to the bullpen.

Chris Beck and Dan Jennings worked out a jam in the seventh, Nate Jones pitched a 1-2-3 eighth and David Robertson got the last three outs for his 33rd save.

Taijuan Walker (4-9) allowed four runs on four hits in 7 1/3 innings. He also hit three batters.

DIAMONDBACKS 11, REDS 2

PHOENIX (AP) - Yasmany Tomas homered, Welington Castillo drove in four runs and Archie Bradley won for the first time in more than a month in Arizona's victory over Cincinnati.

Tomas delivered a pinch-hit three-run shot in the sixth inning off Reds reliever Ross Ohlendorf, his team-leading 27th of the season. Castillo had two hits, a run-scoring single in the fifth and an RBI double in the eighth, and knocked in runs with a fielder's choice grounder and a sacrifice fly.

Bradley (5-8) allowed two runs and five hits with three strikeouts over six innings.

The Diamondbacks scored four runs in the first off Reds starter Homer Bailey (2-3), all on singles, force outs and an error.

PIRATES 3, BREWERS 1

MILWAUKEE (AP) - Ivan Nova threw six sharp innings before leaving early because of a hurting left hamstring and Pittsburgh hit three solo homers to rally for its eighth straight road victory.

John Jaso and Gregory Polanco homered in the sixth off Brewers starter Chase Anderson (7-11) to complete Pittsburgh's first sweep at Miller Park since 2004. Starling Marte had a solo shot in the eighth.

Nova (4-0) retired 10 of his final 11 batters after allowing Jonathan Villar's homer in the third. Tony Watson pitched the ninth for his 10th save.

[StarDust Bum]

Armadillo: Monday's six-pack

— Since 2008, Michigan Wolverines are 7-13 as a road underdog.

— Since 2007, Pitt Panthers are 17-9 as a road underdog.

— Mississippi State is 19-11 as home favorites under Dan Mullen; the three years before he got to Starkville, they were 0-5.

— Last three years, Air Force is 9-2-1 vs spread at home.

— Last four years, Tennessee is 6-14 as a home favorite.

— Since 2013, Colorado is 13-5 vs spread at home, 6-0 if favored.

**********

Armadillo: Monday's List of 13: Wrapping up a sports weekend

13) Oswaldo Arcia is a 25-year old Venezuelan who has been in the major leagues on-and-off for four years. He’s had a very interesting summer.

After playing 32 games for the Twins this year, Minnesota traded him to Tampa Bay on June 24. He played 21 games for the Rays, then was claimed on waivers by the Marlins last Tuesday. Four days later, San Diego claimed him off waivers, so he has played for four big league teams, just this year.

From 1961-2008, only six players played for four teams in the same season; can’t find anything on it since then, but it doesn’t happen much.

12) Odds on the Patriots’ record during Tom Brady’s 4-game suspension:
4-0, +$1150…….3-1, +$150…….2-2, +$145…….1-3, +$335……0-4, +$1500

11) Congrats to the kids from Endicott, NY who won the Little League WS Sunday. PGA Tour used to have an event in Endicott (BC Open) that I went to a few times. Great memory for those kids and their families.

10) Mets, Orioles, Mariners are only three teams who’ve scored more than 50% of their runs this season via the home run.

9) Road team is 13-1 in Pittsburgh’s last 14 games; Pirates won their last eight road games.

8) Giants were -$300 Sunday, with Madison Bumgarner on the mound; since 2014, favorites of -$300 or higher are now 19-2.

7) If the Denver Broncos cut QB Mark Sanchez, they save $4.5M and also hold onto a 7th-round draft pick. Seems like Trevor Siemian is going to start for the Broncos, so cutting Sanchez and letting rookie Paxton Lynch be the backup makes some business sense.

6) If Sanchez does get cut, Dallas and the Giants should call his agent; both teams badly need an upgrade at backup QB. Same thing for Bryce Petty if the Jets cut him- he’ll get another job fairly quickly.

5) Padres 3, Marlins 1– San Diego turned six double plays, one short of the record for a 9-inning game, set by Houston in ’69 against the Giants.

4) Kyle Larson got his first NASCAR Sprint Cup win Sunday, only the second driver ever to get his first win at Michigan (Dale Jarrett, 1991). If he has as good a career as Jarrett, he’ll be doing darned well.

3) Vikings 23, Chargers 10– Minnesota opened its new domed stadium, which has a fixed roof, made of glass. Mike Zimmer is now 10-2 vs spread in preseason games.

2) Gary Trent Jr will be one of the best high school basketball players in the country this year, his senior year. Trent had gone to Apple Valley HS in Minnesota, but earlier this summer announced he was transferring to Findlay Prep in Las Vegas for his senior year.

Then the coach at Findlay quit to become an assistant coach at Southern Utah, so now young Trent is transferring again, to Prolific Prep in Napa Valley, CA.

How about letting the kid be a kid, instead of parading him around the country? Gary Trent Sr played ten years in NBA, so everyone knows who his son is– he is going to play in a really good college program, but he is spending his senior year in HS 1,500 miles from home, and that seems a little sad.

1– Colorado-Washington game Saturday afternoon had some fireworks, with plate ump Mike Winters searching for called strikes on a hot day. Bryce Harper snapped in extra innings and got tossed by Winters after being called out; somehow he avoided bumping the umpire, who had a bad day.

[StarDust Bum]

MLB

Monday, August 29


KC 10 (+135)
BOS 4
Royals are now 17-4 in their last 21 & have won Ventura's last 6. Sox still haven't won a 2016 Rodriguez home start (0-7)

[StarDust Bum]

MLB
Armadillo's Write-Up

Monday, August 29

National League
Nationals @ Phillies
Roark is 4-1, 3.03 in his last six starts; four of his last five went over. Washington won seven of his last eight road starts.

Thompson is 1-3, 9.78 in four MLB starts (over 3-0-1).

Nationals lost six of last eight games, are 12-9 in road series openers. Over is 8-4 in Washington’s last 12 road games. Philly is 4-7 in last 11 games, 6-14 in home series openers. Under is 3-0-1 in Phils’ last five home games.

Marlins @ Mets
Fernandez 1-3, 4.50 in his last five starts; Miami lost four of his last five road starts. Over is 4-2 in his last six road starts.

Montero is making his first ’16 start; he is 1-4, 4.45 in 17 MLB games (9 starts, 8 of which were in 2014). He is 4-6, 7.20 in 16 AAA starts this year.

Marlins lost four of last six games, are 5-1 in last six road series openers. Under is 7-1 in their last eight games. New York won four of last five home games; over is 11-2 in their last 13 games. Mets are 1-5 in their last six home series openers.

Cardinals @ Brewers
Martinez is 2-0, 2.14 in his last three starts; four of his last five went over. St Louis is 7-3 in his road starts.

Davies is 1-2, 6.55 in his last four starts; under is 6-3 in his last nine. Milwaukee is 7-3 in his last ten home starts.

Cardinals are 3-5 in last eight games, 9-11 in road series openers. Over is 5-2-1 in their last eight road games. Milwaukee lost its last four games, is 10-12 in home series openers. Under is 5-2 in Brewers’ last seven games.

Pirates @ Cubs
Brault is 0-1, 4.50 in two starts this year (under 2-0).

Arrieta is 4-0, 1.98 in his last four starts; his last three went over. Cubs lost five of their last seven home starts.

Pirates won their last eight road games; they’re 14-8 in road series openers. Under is 7-2 in Pittsburgh’s last nine games. Chicago is 16-3 in last 19 home games, 19-3 in home series openers. Over is 9-7 in their last 16 games.

Dodgers @ Rockies
Maeda is 5-0, 3.74 in his last six starts; six of his last seven went over. Dodgers are 8-3 in his road starts.

Gray is 0-2, 10.50 in his last four starts (over 4-0). Colorado is 6-4 in his home starts.

Dodgers won six of last eight games, are 7-13 in road series openers. Four of last five LA games stayed under the total. Colorado won four of its last five home games; they’re 11-10 in home series openers. Over is 10-6 in their last sixteen games.

American League
Blue Jays @ Orioles
Estrada is 0-2, 9.00 in his last three starts; four of his last five went over. Toronto won six of his last seven road starts.

Miley is 1-2, 9.00 in five starts for the Orioles; his last three went over the total.

Toronto won its last three games, scoring 32 runs; they’re 2-6 in last eight road series openers. Over is 7-4 in Jays’ last 11 games. Orioles lost three of last four games; they’re 5-1 in last six home series openers. Last three games at Camden Yards stayed under.

Rays @ Red Sox
Andriese is 0-4, 6.07 in his last six starts; three of his last four went over. Rays lost three of his last four road starts.

Porcello is 3-1, 2.43 in his last four starts; under is 6-3 in his last nine. Boston is 13-0 when Porcello starts at home.

Tampa Bay is 2-5 in last seven road games, 2-11 in last 13 road series openers. Over is 7-1-1 in Rays’ last nine road games. Boston lost four of last five games, is 7-2 in last nine home series openers. Over is 4-1-1 in last six games at Fenway Park.

Twins @ Indians
Santiago is 0-4, 11.37 in four starts for the Twins (over 4-0).

Bauer is 1-1, 4.79 in his last three starts; his last four starts stayed under. Cleveland is 6-2 in his last eight home starts.

Twins lost their last 10 games; they’re 8-13 in road series openers. Over is 7-1 in Minnesota’s last eight games. Cleveland lost five of last six games; they’re 14-6 in home series openers. Under is 5-2-1 in Tribe’s last eight games.

White Sox @ Tigers
Shields is 0-4, 13.09 in his last five starts (over 9-5-1). White Sox are 1-4 in his road starts.

Boyd is 5-0, 2.97 in his last seven starts; under is 5-3 in his last eight. Detroit won his last five home starts.

White Sox won six of last eight games, are 3-11 in last 14 road series openers. Four of last five Chicago road games went over. Detroit is 3-8 in last 11 home games, 8-1 in last nine home series openers. Under is 9-2 in Tigers’ last 11 home games.

Mariners @ Rangers
Iwakuma is 3-3, 3.86 in his last six starts; four of his last five stayed under. Seattle is 8-6 in his road starts.

Darvish is 2-0, 3.71 in his last four starts (under 6-4-1). Texas is 4-2 in his home starts.

Mariners lost four of last five road games, are 4-9 in last 13 road series openers. Over is 10-6 in their last 16 road games. Texas won six of last seven home games, is 14-6 in home series openers. Under is 7-1-1 in last nine Ranger games.

A’s @ Astros
Manaea is 2-2, 3.96 in his last four starts; four of his last six went over. Oakland is 1-5 in his road starts.

Musgrove is 1-2, 6.17 in four MLB starts (under 2-1-1).

A’s won four of last five games, are 1-5 in last six road series openers. Under is 8-1 in last nine Oakland road games. Houston won seven of last nine games, is 10-4 in last 14 home series openers; over is 4-0-1 in last five games at Minute Maid Park.

New York @ Royals
Pineda is 1-1, 5.08 in his last five starts (over 4-1). New York is 4-7 in his road starts.

Gee is 1-5, 5.63 in his last seven starts; under is 4-0-1 in his last five. Royals are 2-4 in his home starts.

New York won four of last five games, is 10-11 in road series openers. Under is 6-1 in last seven Bronx road games. Royals are 12-2 in last 14 games, 14-5 in home series openers. Under is 6-2-2 in last ten games at Kauffman Stadium.

Interleague
Reds @ Angels
Straily is 7-0, 1.98 in his last eight starts; four of his last five went over. Reds won four of his last five road starts.

Shoemaker is 2-0, 1.39 in his last two starts; four of his last six starts went over. Angels are 5-2 in his last seven home starts.

Cincinnati lost five of last seven games; they’re 7-14 in road series openers. Five of Reds’ last six road games went over. Angels won four of last five games, are 9-11 in home series openers. Under is 8-1 in their last nine games.

Teams’ record when this pitcher starts:
Wsh-Phil– Roark 16-10; Thompson 1-3
Mia-NY– Fernandez 15-9; Montero 0-0
StL-Mil– Martinez 12-12; Davies 12-11
Pitt-Chi– Brault 1-1; Arrieta 17-8 (4-0 last 4)
LA-Colo– Maeda 17-9 (6-0 last 6); Gray 10-13

Tor-Balt– Estrada 12-10; Miley 2-3/10-9
TB-Bos– Andriese 6-7; Porcello 19-7
Min-Clev– Santiago 0-4/16-6; Bauer 11-10
Chi-Det– Shields 5-10/2-9; Boyd 8-5 (5-0 last 5)
Sea-Tex– Iwakuma 15-11; Darvish 6-5
A’s-Hst– Manaea 9-10; Musgrove 1-3
NY-KC– Pineda 12-13; Gee 3-8

Cin-LAA– Straily 15-9 (8-0 last 8); Shoemaker 9-16

%age of time pitcher allows 1+ runs in first inning:
Wsh-Phil– Roark 5-26; Thompson 2-4
Mia-NY– Fernandez 6-24; Montero 0-0
StL-Mil– Martinez 3-24; Davies 7-23
Pitt-Chi– Brault 1-2; Arrieta 3-25
LA-Colo– Maeda 5-26; Gray 8-23

Tor-Balt– Estrada 9-22; Miley 9-24
TB-Bos– Andriese 4-13; Porcello 7-26
Min-Clev– Santiago 12-26; Bauer 6-21
Chi-Det– Shields 10-26; Boyd 2-13
Sea-Tex– Iwakuma 5-26; Darvish 4-11
A’s-Hst– Manaea 1-19; Musgrove 2-4
NY-KC– Pineda 8-25; Gee 7-11

Cin-LAA– Straily 5-24; Shoemaker 6-25

Teams’ records in first five innings:
Team (road-home-total)- thru 8/28
Arizona 22-30-11…..27-36-5…….49-66
Atlanta 26-34-8……18-31-13……44-65
Cubs 35-21-9……40-17-8……..75-38
Reds 18-39-7……29-31-5…….47-70
Colo 25-30-12…..26-32-4……51-62
LA 27-26-9……40-21-8…….67-47
Miami 28-26-9….29-21-16…….57-47
Milw 19-37-7……36-23-9…….55-60
Mets 27-41-9……29-24-10…..56-55
Philly 21-30-16….23-29-11……44-57
Pitt 19-34-12…..38-22-4……57-55
St. Louis 29-27-6…..27-28-12…..56-55
SD 22-40-4…..28-30-6……50-70
SF 28-30-7……33-19-13……61-49
Wash 33-20-13…..27-20-17…..60-40

Orioles 24-35-8…….33-24-8……..57-59
Boston 25-27-10……41-18-8…….66-45
White Sox 28-28-8……35-28-3……..63-56
Cleveland 35-26-7……29-26-5……..64-52
Detroit 27-30-8…….30-28-4……..57-58
Astros 26-29-11…..31-25-7………57-54
KC 25-34-11……25-23-13……50-57
Angels 26-35-7…….23-30-10……49-65
Twins 25-33-11…….21-34-11…….46-67
NYY 22-34-8……30-28-10…….52-62
A’s 21-36-8……25-29-12…….46-65
Seattle 30-27-9……29-22-12……59-49
Tampa Bay 22-27-10……30-30-10…..52-57
Texas 25-34-9…….31-22-9…….56-56
Toronto 38-19-4……..38-27-4…….76-46

%age of times teams score in first inning (road/home/total)
Arizona 23-61……26-69…….49
Atlanta 22-69……13-62…….34
Cubs 24-67……20-65……44
Reds 24-65……24-65……48
Colo 13-66…….23-61…….36
LA 18-61…….26-70……44
Miami 22-62……17-63…….39
Milw 13-60……28-69……41
Mets 17-64……24-63…….41
Philly 10-68……18-60……28
Pitt 15-60…….22-65……37
StL 14-60…….17-66……31
SD 16-66…….24-63……40
SF 10-62……..17-66……27
Wash 26-65…….26-63……52

Orioles 16-69……18-61…….34
Boston 16-60……31-68…….47
White Sox 20-64…..22-68……42
Cleveland 14-68…….23-60……37
Detroit 14-65……21-65……35
Astros 22-64……23-62…..45
KC 21-70…… 17-62…..38
Angels 24-68…….22-62…..46
Twins 18-66…….24-66……42
NYY 7-64…….25-66……32
A’s 18-64…….15-65……33
Seattle 17-67……20-63……37
Tampa Bay 20-59…..23-68…..43
Texas 18-67……18-62……36
Toronto 19-60…..28-71…….47

[StarDust Bum]

MLB

Monday, August 29

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

7:05 PM
TORONTO vs. BALTIMORE
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Toronto's last 6 games when playing on the road against Baltimore
The total has gone OVER in 6 of Toronto's last 8 games when playing Baltimore
The total has gone UNDER in 15 of Baltimore's last 19 games at home
Baltimore is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games when playing at home against Toronto

7:05 PM
WASHINGTON vs. PHILADELPHIA
Washington is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing Philadelphia
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Washington's last 5 games when playing Philadelphia
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Philadelphia's last 5 games when playing Washington
Philadelphia is 1-8 SU in its last 9 games when playing at home against Washington

7:10 PM
MIAMI vs. NY METS
Miami is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games
The total has gone UNDER in 7 of Miami's last 8 games
The total has gone OVER in 11 of NY Mets's last 13 games
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of NY Mets's last 5 games when playing at home against Miami

7:10 PM
MINNESOTA vs. CLEVELAND
The total has gone OVER in 6 of Minnesota's last 7 games when playing on the road against Cleveland
Minnesota is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games when playing on the road against Cleveland
Cleveland is 1-5 SU in its last 6 games
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Cleveland's last 9 games at home

7:10 PM
CHI WHITE SOX vs. DETROIT
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Chi White Sox's last 5 games on the road
Chi White Sox are 1-7 SU in their last 8 games when playing on the road against Detroit
Detroit is 5-2 SU in its last 7 games
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Detroit's last 5 games at home

7:10 PM
TAMPA BAY vs. BOSTON
Tampa Bay is 2-5 SU in its last 7 games when playing Boston
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Tampa Bay's last 9 games when playing on the road against Boston
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Boston's last 6 games
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Boston's last 6 games when playing Tampa Bay

7:20 PM
ST. LOUIS vs. MILWAUKEE
St. Louis is 6-1 SU in its last 7 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 6 of St. Louis's last 8 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Milwaukee's last 7 games when playing St. Louis
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Milwaukee's last 5 games at home

8:05 PM
SEATTLE vs. TEXAS
Seattle is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games when playing on the road against Texas
Seattle is 1-5 SU in its last 6 games when playing Texas
Texas is 6-1 SU in its last 7 games at home
The total has gone UNDER in 7 of Texas's last 9 games at home

8:05 PM
PITTSBURGH vs. CHI CUBS
Pittsburgh is 3-11 SU in their last 14 games when playing Chi Cubs
Pittsburgh is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Chi Cubs's last 5 games when playing Pittsburgh
The total has gone UNDER in 17 of Chi Cubs's last 25 games at home

8:10 PM
OAKLAND vs. HOUSTON
The total has gone UNDER in 8 of Oakland's last 9 games on the road
Oakland is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games
Houston is 7-2 SU in its last 9 games when playing at home against Oakland
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Houston's last 5 games

8:15 PM
NY YANKEES vs. KANSAS CITY
NY Yankees are 6-2 SU in their last 8 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of NY Yankees's last 7 games on the road
Kansas City is 4-2 SU in their last 6 games when playing at home against NY Yankees
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Kansas City's last 7 games

8:40 PM
LA DODGERS vs. COLORADO
LA Dodgers are 6-2 SU in their last 8 games
LA Dodgers are 4-2 SU in their last 6 games when playing Colorado
Colorado is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games at home
Colorado is 7-3 SU in their last 10 games when playing at home against LA Dodgers

10:05 PM
CINCINNATI vs. LA ANGELS
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Cincinnati's last 6 games on the road
Cincinnati is 2-5 SU in its last 7 games
LA Angels are 4-1 SU in their last 5 games
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of LA Angels's last 5 games at home

[StarDust Bum]

MLB
Dunkel

Monday, August 29


Chicago White Sox @ Detroit

Game 917-918
August 29, 2016 @ 7:10 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Chicago White Sox
(Shields) 17.238
Detroit
(Boyd) 13.194
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Chicago White Sox
by 4
12
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Detroit
-220
10
Dunkel Pick:
Chicago White Sox
(+185); Over

Seattle @ Texas

Game 919-920
August 29, 2016 @ 8:05 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Seattle
(Iwakuma) 16.512
Texas
(Darvish) 13.194
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Seattle
by 3 1/2
11
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Texas
-175
8 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Seattle
(+155); Over

Oakland @ Houston

Game 921-922
August 29, 2016 @ 8:10 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Oakland
(Manaea) 14.376
Houston
(Musgrve) 18.252
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Houston
by 4
12
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Houston
-170
8 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Houston
(-170); Over

Washington @ Philadelphia

Game 901-902
August 29, 2016 @ 7:05 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Washington
(Roark) 14.376
Philadelphia
(Thmpson) 12.346
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Washington
by 2
10
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Washington
-215
9
Dunkel Pick:
Washington
(-215); Over

NY Yankees @ Kansas City

Game 923-924
August 29, 2016 @ 8:15 pm

Dunkel Rating:
NY Yankees
(Pineda) 15.531
Kansas City
(Gee) 14.401
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
NY Yankees
by 1
7
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
NY Yankees
-115
8 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
NY Yankees
(-115); Under

Miami @ NY Mets

Game 903-904
August 29, 2016 @ 7:10 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Miami
(Frnandez) 16.352
NY Mets
(Montero) 14.847
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Miami
by 1 1/2
5
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Miami
-170
7
Dunkel Pick:
Miami
(-170); Under

Cincinnati @ LA Angels

Game 925-926
August 29, 2016 @ 10:05 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Cincinnati
(Straily) 14.239
LA Angels
(Shmaker) 15.734
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
LA Angels
by 1 1/2
9
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
LA Angels
-150
8
Dunkel Pick:
LA Angels
(-150); Over

St. Louis @ Milwaukee

Game 905-906
August 29, 2016 @ 7:20 pm

Dunkel Rating:
St. Louis
(Mrtinez) 14.877
Milwaukee
(Davies) 16.309
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Milwaukee
by 1 1/2
11
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
St. Louis
-140
8 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Milwaukee
(+120); Over

Pittsburgh @ Chicago Cubs

Game 907-908
August 29, 2016 @ 8:05 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Pittsburgh
(Brault) 17.321
Chicago Cubs
(Arrieta) 16.209
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Pittsburgh
by 1
7
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Chicago Cubs
-280
No Total
Dunkel Pick:
Pittsburgh
(+230); N/A

LA Dodgers @ Colorado

Game 909-910
August 29, 2016 @ 8:40 pm

Dunkel Rating:
LA Dodgers
(Maeda) 14.877
Colorado
(Gray) 16.250
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Colorado
by 1 1/2
9
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
LA Dodgers
-130
11
Dunkel Pick:
Colorado
(+110); Under

Toronto @ Baltimore

Game 911-912
August 29, 2016 @ 7:05 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Toronto
(Estrada) 13.194
Baltimore
(Miley) 15.291
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Baltimore
by 2
8
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Toronto
-120
10
Dunkel Pick:
Baltimore
(+100); Under

Tampa Bay @ Boston

Game 913-914
August 29, 2016 @ 7:10 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Tampa Bay
(Andriese) 14.464
Boston
(Porcllo) 18.583
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Boston
by 4
12
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Boston
-205
9
Dunkel Pick:
Boston
(-205); Over

Minnesota @ Cleveland

Game 915-916
August 29, 2016 @ 7:10 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Minnesota
(Santiago) 13.490
Cleveland
(Bauer) 16.515
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Cleveland
by 3
7
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Cleveland
-185
9
Dunkel Pick:
Cleveland
(-185); Under

[StarDust Bum]

MLB
Long Sheet

Monday, August 29

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

WASHINGTON (75 - 55) at PHILADELPHIA (60 - 70) - 7:05 PM
TANNER ROARK (R) vs. JAKE THOMPSON (R)
Top Trends for this game.
WASHINGTON is 158-134 (-23.3 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
WASHINGTON is 26-28 (-15.4 Units) against the money line in August games over the last 2 seasons.
WASHINGTON is 157-133 (-23.4 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
WASHINGTON is 101-89 (-17.8 Units) against the money line in night games over the last 2 seasons.
WASHINGTON is 119-104 (-19.7 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters over the last 2 seasons.
WASHINGTON is 66-67 (-17.6 Units) against the money line after a loss over the last 2 seasons.
WASHINGTON is 81-62 (-17.8 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 2 seasons.
PHILADELPHIA is 60-70 (+6.2 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
PHILADELPHIA is 59-69 (+5.6 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
PHILADELPHIA is 40-43 (+9.6 Units) against the money line in night games this season.
PHILADELPHIA is 788-813 (+25.6 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record since 1997.
PHILADELPHIA is 421-411 (+52.9 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record in the second half of the season since 1997.
PHILADELPHIA is 2-13 (-11.6 Units) against the money line in home games when playing on Monday over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
WASHINGTON is 8-4 (+1.3 Units) against PHILADELPHIA this season
6 of 11 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+0.5 Units)

TANNER ROARK vs. PHILADELPHIA since 1997
ROARK is 3-4 when starting against PHILADELPHIA with an ERA of 4.37 and a WHIP of 1.162.
His team's record is 3-5 (-4.0 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 4-4. (-0.6 units)

JAKE THOMPSON vs. WASHINGTON since 1997
No recent starts.

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

MIAMI (67 - 63) at NY METS (66 - 64) - 7:10 PM
JOSE FERNANDEZ (R) vs. RAFAEL MONTERO (R)
Top Trends for this game.
MIAMI is 46-54 (-16.1 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.
NY METS are 23-7 (+17.9 Units) against the money line when playing on Monday over the last 2 seasons.
NY METS are 35-28 (+8.5 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record this season.
MIAMI is 27-18 (+12.5 Units) against the money line in road games in night games this season.
MIAMI is 385-445 (+41.1 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 66-64 (-12.7 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
NY METS are 33-31 (-11.9 Units) against the money line in home games this season.
NY METS are 10-15 (-13.4 Units) against the money line in home games against division opponents this season.
NY METS are 66-64 (-12.7 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
NY METS are 43-47 (-13.0 Units) against the money line in night games this season.
NY METS are 49-47 (-12.4 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.
NY METS are 13-17 (-12.9 Units) against the money line in home games after a loss this season.
NY METS are 190-235 (-61.5 Units) against the money line in home games when playing against a team with a winning record in the second half of the season since 1997.

Head-to-Head Series History
NY METS is 7-5 (+1.0 Units) against MIAMI this season
6 of 11 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+0.6 Units)

JOSE FERNANDEZ vs. NY METS since 1997
FERNANDEZ is 3-0 when starting against NY METS with an ERA of 1.54 and a WHIP of 0.951.
His team's record is 6-1 (+6.5 units) in these starts. The OVER is 2-4. (-2.4 units)

RAFAEL MONTERO vs. MIAMI since 1997
MONTERO is 0-0 when starting against MIAMI with an ERA of 4.76 and a WHIP of 1.058.
His team's record is 0-1 (-1.0 units) in these starts. The OVER is 0-1. (-1.0 units)

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

ST LOUIS (68 - 61) at MILWAUKEE (56 - 74) - 7:20 PM
CARLOS MARTINEZ (R) vs. ZACH DAVIES (R)
Top Trends for this game.
ST LOUIS is 38-24 (+17.6 Units) against the money line in road games this season.
ST LOUIS is 38-24 (+17.6 Units) against the money line in road games in games played on a grass field this season.
ST LOUIS is 27-18 (+11.2 Units) against the money line in road games in night games this season.
ST LOUIS is 27-16 (+14.7 Units) against the money line in road games against right-handed starters this season.
ST LOUIS is 17-9 (+9.9 Units) against the money line in road games after a loss this season.
MARTINEZ is 18-7 (+10.9 Units) against the money line in road games over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
MARTINEZ is 18-7 (+10.9 Units) against the money line in road games in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
MILWAUKEE is 16-32 (-13.9 Units) against the money line when the total is 8 to 8.5 this season.
MILWAUKEE is 7-22 (-12.4 Units) against the money line as a home underdog of +125 to +150 over the last 2 seasons.
MILWAUKEE is 41-56 (-18.1 Units) against the money line in home games in night games over the last 2 seasons.
MILWAUKEE is 31-58 (-25.0 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
ST LOUIS is 9-3 (+4.9 Units) against MILWAUKEE this season
7 of 11 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+2.2 Units)

CARLOS MARTINEZ vs. MILWAUKEE since 1997
MARTINEZ is 3-1 when starting against MILWAUKEE with an ERA of 1.67 and a WHIP of 1.144.
His team's record is 4-2 (+0.8 units) in these starts. The OVER is 1-3. (-2.3 units)

ZACH DAVIES vs. ST LOUIS since 1997
DAVIES is 1-0 when starting against ST LOUIS with an ERA of 0.00 and a WHIP of 0.375.
His team's record is 1-0 (+1.7 units) in these starts. The OVER is 0-1. (-1.1 units)

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

PITTSBURGH (67 - 61) at CHICAGO CUBS (82 - 47) - 8:05 PM
STEVEN BRAULT (L) vs. JAKE ARRIETA (R)
Top Trends for this game.
PITTSBURGH is 59-67 (-18.3 Units) against the money line against division opponents over the last 2 seasons.
PITTSBURGH is 49-53 (-11.8 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.
ARRIETA is 59-26 (+20.3 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 3 seasons. (Team's Record)
ARRIETA is 58-39 (+19.9 Units) against the money line in night games since 1997. (Team's Record)
PITTSBURGH is 165-126 (+22.3 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
PITTSBURGH is 78-67 (+13.3 Units) against the money line in road games over the last 2 seasons.
PITTSBURGH is 18-7 (+12.1 Units) against the money line in road games in August games over the last 2 seasons.
PITTSBURGH is 16-6 (+12.5 Units) against the money line in road games when playing on Monday over the last 3 seasons.
PITTSBURGH is 165-126 (+22.3 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
PITTSBURGH is 56-42 (+13.1 Units) against the money line in road games in night games over the last 2 seasons.
PITTSBURGH is 98-64 (+24.0 Units) against the money line after a win over the last 2 seasons.
PITTSBURGH is 9-3 (+8.1 Units) against the money line in road games after 3 or more consecutive wins this season.
PITTSBURGH is 42-36 (+13.0 Units) against the money line in road games when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.
PITTSBURGH is 9-4 (+9.5 Units) against the money line in road games when playing against a team with a winning record in the second half of the season this season.
CHICAGO CUBS are 1570-1670 (-263.9 Units) against the money line in all games since 1997.
CHICAGO CUBS are 840-779 (-157.2 Units) against the money line in home games since 1997.
CHICAGO CUBS are 138-160 (-53.6 Units) against the money line in home games in August games since 1997.
CHICAGO CUBS are 392-362 (-84.1 Units) against the money line in home games against division opponents since 1997.
CHICAGO CUBS are 1513-1583 (-238.7 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field since 1997.
CHICAGO CUBS are 263-250 (-56.4 Units) against the money line in home games in night games since 1997.

Head-to-Head Series History
CHICAGO CUBS is 9-3 (+4.3 Units) against PITTSBURGH this season
9 of 12 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+6.4 Units)

STEVEN BRAULT vs. CHICAGO CUBS since 1997
No recent starts.

JAKE ARRIETA vs. PITTSBURGH since 1997
ARRIETA is 10-2 when starting against PITTSBURGH with an ERA of 1.80 and a WHIP of 0.811.
His team's record is 12-2 (+9.7 units) in these starts. The OVER is 5-8. (-3.2 units)

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

LA DODGERS (73 - 57) at COLORADO (62 - 68) - 8:40 PM
KENTA MAEDA (R) vs. JON GRAY (R)
Top Trends for this game.
LA DODGERS are 73-57 (-2.2 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
LA DODGERS are 69-76 (-29.4 Units) against the money line in road games over the last 2 seasons.
LA DODGERS are 70-55 (-4.0 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
LA DODGERS are 48-46 (-14.6 Units) against the money line in night games this season.
LA DODGERS are 53-58 (-21.9 Units) against the money line in road games against right-handed starters over the last 2 seasons.
LA DODGERS are 93-75 (-13.0 Units) against the money line after a win over the last 2 seasons.
LA DODGERS are 39-32 (-10.6 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record this season.
COLORADO is 47-46 (+4.8 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.
COLORADO is 35-38 (+8.2 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record this season.
COLORADO is 16-13 (+8.9 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record in the second half of the season this season.
COLORADO is 77-115 (-28.6 Units) against the money line in night games over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
LA DODGERS is 7-5 (+0.3 Units) against COLORADO this season
9 of 12 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+5.7 Units)

KENTA MAEDA vs. COLORADO since 1997
MAEDA is 2-1 when starting against COLORADO with an ERA of 1.45 and a WHIP of 0.750.
His team's record is 2-1 (+0.2 units) in these starts. The OVER is 0-3. (-3.3 units)

JON GRAY vs. LA DODGERS since 1997
GRAY is 1-2 when starting against LA DODGERS with an ERA of 4.35 and a WHIP of 1.451.
His team's record is 2-2 (+0.5 units) in these starts. The OVER is 1-3. (-2.1 units)

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

TORONTO (74 - 56) at BALTIMORE (71 - 59) - 7:05 PM
MARCO ESTRADA (R) vs. WADE MILEY (L)
Top Trends for this game.
BALTIMORE is 71-59 (+10.2 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
BALTIMORE is 42-22 (+15.9 Units) against the money line in home games this season.
BALTIMORE is 39-22 (+15.3 Units) against the money line in home games against division opponents over the last 2 seasons.
BALTIMORE is 66-51 (+12.2 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
BALTIMORE is 31-16 (+11.2 Units) against the money line in home games in night games this season.
BALTIMORE is 53-41 (+9.9 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.
BALTIMORE is 42-28 (+12.9 Units) against the money line after a win this season.
BALTIMORE is 118-108 (+21.4 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 3 seasons.
BALTIMORE is 68-57 (+18.4 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record in the second half of the season over the last 3 seasons.
TORONTO is 46-23 (+15.5 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record in the second half of the season over the last 2 seasons.
MILEY is 2-12 (-12.3 Units) against the money line in home games against division opponents over the last 3 seasons. (Team's Record)

Head-to-Head Series History
BALTIMORE is 6-7 (+0.3 Units) against TORONTO this season
7 of 13 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+0.8 Units)

MARCO ESTRADA vs. BALTIMORE since 1997
ESTRADA is 3-1 when starting against BALTIMORE with an ERA of 3.48 and a WHIP of 1.161.
His team's record is 5-2 (+2.8 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 4-3. (+0.7 units)

WADE MILEY vs. TORONTO since 1997
MILEY is 1-3 when starting against TORONTO with an ERA of 6.04 and a WHIP of 1.855.
His team's record is 2-3 (-0.5 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 2-3. (-1.4 units)

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

TAMPA BAY (55 - 74) at BOSTON (72 - 58) - 7:10 PM
MATT ANDRIESE (R) vs. RICK PORCELLO (R)
Top Trends for this game.
TAMPA BAY is 55-74 (-25.5 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
TAMPA BAY is 3-13 (-11.3 Units) against the money line when the total is 9 to 9.5 this season.
TAMPA BAY is 23-37 (-13.6 Units) against the money line in road games this season.
TAMPA BAY is 19-35 (-17.0 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
TAMPA BAY is 32-49 (-22.1 Units) against the money line in night games this season.
TAMPA BAY is 40-55 (-20.3 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.
TAMPA BAY is 23-44 (-23.5 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record this season.
PORCELLO is 13-0 (+13.0 Units) against the money line in home games this season. (Team's Record)
PORCELLO is 13-0 (+13.0 Units) against the money line in home games in games played on a grass field this season. (Team's Record)
PORCELLO is 73-38 (+25.1 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record since 1997. (Team's Record)
BOSTON is 221-234 (-38.4 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 3 seasons.
BOSTON is 647-583 (-82.6 Units) against the money line when the total is 9 to 9.5 since 1997.
BOSTON is 116-115 (-32.9 Units) against the money line in home games over the last 3 seasons.
BOSTON is 11-14 (-9.8 Units) against the money line at home when the total is 9 to 9.5 this season.
BOSTON is 43-58 (-27.8 Units) against the money line in home games against division opponents over the last 3 seasons.
BOSTON is 133-127 (-14.5 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
BOSTON is 24-23 (-11.8 Units) against the money line in home games in night games this season.
BOSTON is 84-87 (-29.3 Units) against the money line in home games against right-handed starters over the last 3 seasons.
BOSTON is 56-61 (-23.4 Units) against the money line in home games after a loss over the last 3 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
TAMPA BAY is 6-7 (+0.1 Units) against BOSTON this season
7 of 13 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+0.2 Units)

MATT ANDRIESE vs. BOSTON since 1997
ANDRIESE is 1-0 when starting against BOSTON with an ERA of 2.25 and a WHIP of 0.750.
His team's record is 2-0 (+2.3 units) in these starts. The OVER is 0-2. (-2.2 units)

RICK PORCELLO vs. TAMPA BAY since 1997
PORCELLO is 8-4 when starting against TAMPA BAY with an ERA of 2.90 and a WHIP of 1.153.
His team's record is 10-5 (+4.9 units) in these starts. The OVER is 4-11. (-7.6 units)

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MINNESOTA (49 - 81) at CLEVELAND (73 - 56) - 7:10 PM
HECTOR SANTIAGO (L) vs. TREVOR BAUER (R)
Top Trends for this game.
MINNESOTA is 49-81 (-21.7 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
MINNESOTA is 15-35 (-15.5 Units) against the money line against division opponents this season.
MINNESOTA is 47-77 (-20.0 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
MINNESOTA is 31-49 (-11.3 Units) against the money line in night games this season.
MINNESOTA is 34-62 (-22.5 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.
MINNESOTA is 24-56 (-28.2 Units) against the money line after a loss this season.
SANTIAGO is 2-13 (-12.3 Units) against the money line in August games over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
CLEVELAND is 52-31 (+10.2 Units) against the money line in night games this season.
SANTIAGO is 34-24 (+9.7 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
CLEVELAND is 8-19 (-16.5 Units) against the money line when the total is 9 to 9.5 this season.
CLEVELAND is 5-13 (-13.7 Units) against the money line at home when the total is 9 to 9.5 over the last 2 seasons.
CLEVELAND is 78-87 (-31.7 Units) against the money line in home games when playing on Monday since 1997.
CLEVELAND is 145-131 (-16.7 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
BAUER is 3-10 (-10.0 Units) against the money line when the total is 9 to 9.5 over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)

Head-to-Head Series History
MINNESOTA is 8-5 (+7.2 Units) against CLEVELAND this season
8 of 12 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+3.9 Units)

HECTOR SANTIAGO vs. CLEVELAND since 1997
SANTIAGO is 1-3 when starting against CLEVELAND with an ERA of 6.63 and a WHIP of 1.670.
His team's record is 2-6 (-4.8 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 2-6. (-5.3 units)

TREVOR BAUER vs. MINNESOTA since 1997
BAUER is 1-5 when starting against MINNESOTA with an ERA of 5.86 and a WHIP of 1.320.
His team's record is 2-8 (-9.1 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 4-5. (-1.7 units)

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CHI WHITE SOX (63 - 66) at DETROIT (69 - 61) - 7:10 PM
JAMES SHIELDS (R) vs. MATT BOYD (L)
Top Trends for this game.
CHI WHITE SOX are 20-29 (-11.7 Units) against the money line against division opponents this season.
SHIELDS is 7-19 (-11.3 Units) against the money line in all games this season. (Team's Record)
SHIELDS is 7-19 (-11.3 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season. (Team's Record)
DETROIT is 69-61 (+12.1 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
DETROIT is 64-58 (+8.2 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
DETROIT is 50-41 (+14.7 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.
BOYD is 9-2 (+8.7 Units) against the money line in home games in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
CHI WHITE SOX are 30-19 (+16.3 Units) against the money line when playing on Monday over the last 3 seasons.
CHI WHITE SOX are 398-398 (+38.3 Units) against the money line in road games after a win since 1997.
DETROIT is 140-158 (-46.2 Units) against the money line in home games in August games since 1997.
DETROIT is 96-102 (-25.0 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 3 seasons.
DETROIT is 21-26 (-14.0 Units) against the money line in home games 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
DETROIT is 8-5 (+3.3 Units) against CHI WHITE SOX this season
7 of 12 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+1.5 Units)

JAMES SHIELDS vs. DETROIT since 1997
SHIELDS is 7-8 when starting against DETROIT with an ERA of 4.53 and a WHIP of 1.362.
His team's record is 12-10 (+1.4 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 12-9. (+1.7 units)

MATT BOYD vs. CHI WHITE SOX since 1997
BOYD is 0-0 when starting against CHI WHITE SOX with an ERA of 7.27 and a WHIP of 1.617.
His team's record is 0-2 (-2.0 units) in these starts. The OVER is 1-1. (+0.0 units)

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SEATTLE (68 - 62) at TEXAS (77 - 54) - 8:05 PM
HISASHI IWAKUMA (R) vs. YU DARVISH (R)
Top Trends for this game.
SEATTLE is 144-148 (-21.7 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
SEATTLE is 38-50 (-15.2 Units) against the money line when the total is 8 to 8.5 over the last 2 seasons.
SEATTLE is 136-144 (-26.7 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
TEXAS is 77-54 (+27.7 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
TEXAS is 57-43 (+24.0 Units) against the money line when the total is 8 to 8.5 over the last 2 seasons.
TEXAS is 42-21 (+18.5 Units) against the money line in home games this season.
TEXAS is 33-20 (+12.8 Units) against the money line in August games over the last 2 seasons.
TEXAS is 32-19 (+16.8 Units) against the money line against division opponents this season.
TEXAS is 75-49 (+30.2 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
TEXAS is 56-37 (+23.0 Units) against the money line in night games this season.
TEXAS is 58-37 (+24.2 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.
TEXAS is 46-30 (+18.5 Units) against the money line after a win this season.
TEXAS is 31-19 (+15.9 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record this season.
TEXAS is 34-28 (+11.9 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.
SEATTLE is 48-34 (+8.4 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.
IWAKUMA is 21-8 (+15.0 Units) against the money line when the total is 8 to 8.5 since 1997. (Team's Record)
IWAKUMA is 24-12 (+12.9 Units) against the money line in road games over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
IWAKUMA is 33-22 (+15.1 Units) against the money line in road games in games played on a grass field since 1997. (Team's Record)
IWAKUMA is 16-5 (+11.4 Units) against the money line in road games in night games over the last 3 seasons. (Team's Record)
IWAKUMA is 38-27 (+16.2 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record since 1997. (Team's Record)
IWAKUMA is 13-4 (+8.9 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. (Team's Record)

Head-to-Head Series History
TEXAS is 8-4 (+5.6 Units) against SEATTLE this season
8 of 12 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+3.8 Units)

HISASHI IWAKUMA vs. TEXAS since 1997
IWAKUMA is 9-5 when starting against TEXAS with an ERA of 3.23 and a WHIP of 1.078.
His team's record is 11-6 (+5.3 units) in these starts. The OVER is 8-7. (+0.6 units)

YU DARVISH vs. SEATTLE since 1997
DARVISH is 4-3 when starting against SEATTLE with an ERA of 4.50 and a WHIP of 1.339.
His team's record is 5-4 (-1.5 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 4-5. (-1.8 units)

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OAKLAND (57 - 73) at HOUSTON (68 - 62) - 8:10 PM
SEAN MANAEA (L) vs. JOE MUSGROVE (R)
Top Trends for this game.
OAKLAND is 125-167 (-39.7 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
OAKLAND is 10-29 (-18.2 Units) against the money line in road games in August games over the last 3 seasons.
OAKLAND is 93-110 (-32.1 Units) against the money line against division opponents over the last 3 seasons.
OAKLAND is 120-159 (-37.7 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
OAKLAND is 16-44 (-23.2 Units) against the money line in road games when playing against a team with a winning record in the second half of the season over the last 3 seasons.
HOUSTON is 68-62 (-7.8 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
HOUSTON is 51-53 (-16.2 Units) against the money line against left-handed starters over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
OAKLAND is 6-7 (+0.4 Units) against HOUSTON this season
8 of 13 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+2.4 Units)

SEAN MANAEA vs. HOUSTON since 1997
MANAEA is 0-0 when starting against HOUSTON with an ERA of 3.00 and a WHIP of 1.083.
His team's record is 1-1 (+0.1 units) in these starts. The OVER is 1-1. (+0.0 units)

JOE MUSGROVE vs. OAKLAND since 1997
No recent starts.

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NY YANKEES (67 - 62) at KANSAS CITY (68 - 62) - 8:15 PM
MICHAEL PINEDA (R) vs. DILLON GEE (R)
Top Trends for this game.
PINEDA is 7-13 (-12.2 Units) against the money line when the total is 8 to 8.5 over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
PINEDA is 17-28 (-18.0 Units) against the money line after a loss since 1997. (Team's Record)
KANSAS CITY is 68-62 (+9.8 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
KANSAS CITY is 29-22 (+8.2 Units) against the money line when the total is 8 to 8.5 this season.
KANSAS CITY is 40-21 (+19.7 Units) against the money line in home games this season.
KANSAS CITY is 17-6 (+11.2 Units) against the money line at home when the total is 8 to 8.5 this season.
KANSAS CITY is 19-7 (+14.4 Units) against the money line in August games this season.
KANSAS CITY is 66-57 (+12.6 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
KANSAS CITY is 51-46 (+7.9 Units) against the money line in night games this season.
KANSAS CITY is 52-46 (+8.5 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.
KANSAS CITY is 37-31 (+8.0 Units) against the money line after a win this season.
KANSAS CITY is 23-14 (+10.7 Units) against the money line in home games when playing against a team with a winning record this season.
KANSAS CITY is 39-30 (+11.2 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.
NY YANKEES are 64-53 (+6.8 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
NY YANKEES are 93-46 (+32.2 Units) against the money line after getting shut out since 1997.
NY YANKEES are 23-16 (+7.9 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record in the second half of the season this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
NY YANKEES is 3-1 (+1.7 Units) against KANSAS CITY this season
4 of 4 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+4.2 Units)

MICHAEL PINEDA vs. KANSAS CITY since 1997
PINEDA is 3-4 when starting against KANSAS CITY with an ERA of 3.40 and a WHIP of 1.067.
His team's record is 3-4 (-1.8 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 4-3. (+0.6 units)

DILLON GEE vs. NY YANKEES since 1997
GEE is 1-2 when starting against NY YANKEES with an ERA of 3.38 and a WHIP of 1.031.
His team's record is 1-2 (-0.2 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 3-0. (+3.1 units)

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CINCINNATI (55 - 74) at LA ANGELS (56 - 74) - 10:05 PM
DANIEL STRAILY (R) vs. MATT SHOEMAKER (R)
Top Trends for this game.
CINCINNATI is 118-173 (-37.6 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
CINCINNATI is 118-173 (-37.6 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
LA ANGELS are 117-77 (+35.0 Units) against the money line after shutting out their opponent since 1997.
LA ANGELS are 62-31 (+23.4 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.
CINCINNATI is 544-627 (+27.8 Units) against the money line in road games against right-handed starters since 1997.
CINCINNATI is 412-371 (+58.7 Units) against the money line in road games when playing against a team with a losing record since 1997.
CINCINNATI is 229-197 (+35.8 Units) against the money line in road games when playing against a team with a losing record in the second half of the season since 1997.
STRAILY is 16-8 (+13.5 Units) against the money line in all games this season. (Team's Record)
STRAILY is 5-0 (+6.9 Units) against the money line in August games this season. (Team's Record)
STRAILY is 16-8 (+13.5 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season. (Team's Record)
STRAILY is 10-5 (+8.6 Units) against the money line after a loss this season. (Team's Record)
LA ANGELS are 56-74 (-15.3 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
LA ANGELS are 51-72 (-21.1 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
LA ANGELS are 39-57 (-16.3 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.
LA ANGELS are 17-28 (-13.8 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record this season.
SHOEMAKER is 4-12 (-9.5 Units) against the money line when the total is 8 to 8.5 over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
SHOEMAKER is 8-16 (-8.6 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season. (Team's Record)
SHOEMAKER is 3-10 (-8.8 Units) against the money line in home games after a win over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
SHOEMAKER is 2-9 (-9.2 Units) against the money line in home games when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)

Head-to-Head Series History
There were no past matchups in this series during this time period.

DANIEL STRAILY vs. LA ANGELS since 1997
STRAILY is 1-3 when starting against LA ANGELS with an ERA of 6.69 and a WHIP of 1.566.
His team's record is 4-3 (+1.5 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 2-5. (-3.6 units)

MATT SHOEMAKER vs. CINCINNATI since 1997
No recent starts.

[StarDust Bum]

LEADING OFF: Jays roll into Baltimore; Porcello seeks 18th W
August 29, 2016

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

DIVISION DUST-UP

Josh Donaldson and the first-place Blue Jays roll into a pivotal series at AL East-rival Baltimore. Donaldson had his first three-homer game Sunday in a 9-6 win that gave Toronto a sweep of Minnesota. Fans in Canada threw caps onto the field to celebrate the home run hat trick. The Blue Jays hold a slim lead in the division over the Red Sox and Orioles.

MINUS ONE

Rick Porcello (17-3, 3.23 ERA) tries to become the first 18-game winner in the majors when the Red Sox host the Rays. Boston will be without second baseman Dustin Pedroia, who left the team Sunday night following a death in the family. The Red Sox did not put him on the bereavement list, though, and he's expected to return Tuesday.

TUESDAY MORNING IN JAPAN

Rangers right-hander Yu Darvish and Mariners opponent Hisashi Iwakuma both came to the big leagues before the 2012 season. They will start against each other in the majors for the third time - and first since April 2013 - in the opener of a three-game series between AL West rivals. Darvish and Iwakuma split their previous two meetings in the majors, with each winning at home. They squared off six times in Japan, with Darvish earning three wins and Iwakuma two.

ACE IS UP

Cubs right-hander Jake Arrieta (16-5, 2.62 ERA), leading the NL in wins, opens a seven-game homestand against the Pirates. Last time out, Arrieta gave up two hits in eight scoreless innings to beat San Diego.

TALL ORDER

In his first major league start this season, Mets right-hander Rafael Montero faces All-Star ace Jose Fernandez (13-7, 2.91 ERA) and the Marlins in the opener of an important four-game series between wild-card hopefuls at Citi Field. Set to be recalled from Double-A Binghamton, Montero was tabbed to fill in for Jacob deGrom, who is skipping a turn to regroup from two poor starts. Miami, however, scored only 13 runs on the 2-4 homestand it just completed.

IMPERFECT 10

The Twins have lost a season-worst 10 consecutive games heading into their series at first-place Cleveland. Left-hander Hector Santiago (10-8, 5.16 ERA), who starts the opener, has not pitched since Aug. 20 because of a sore left thumb. Minnesota has allowed eight or more runs in a franchise-high six straight games.

[StarDust Bum]

Standings can deceive in multiteam postseason races
August 29, 2016

Of the 30 teams in the major leagues, 18 are either in playoff position or within 3 1/2 games of a spot.

That's enough to give a lot of fans hope down the stretch - but there's a catch.

The more contenders there are in a postseason race, the harder it is for any one team to emerge. Take a look at the American League's second wild card, for example: Right now, Baltimore leads that race and Detroit is only two games back, but according to the playoff probabilities at Fangraphs.com , the Orioles have only a 43 percent chance to reach the postseason, and the Tigers are at 36 percent.

That's partly because there are so many other teams (the Astros, Mariners, Royals and even the Yankees) still within striking distance. Aside from the clear division leaders like the Cubs, Nationals and Rangers, nobody should feel all that great about their situation right now.

It's easy for teams to stay optimistic if they aren't that far from a playoff spot, but the games-back column can be a bit of an illusion. The New York Mets are only 2 1/2 games behind St. Louis for the second wild card in the National League - hardly a daunting deficit with over a month to play. But the Marlins and Pirates are in between, meaning New York also has to worry about outperforming those other teams over these next few weeks.

Fangraphs gives the Mets a 19-percent chance to make it. That 2 1/2-game margin is certainly surmountable, but a lot will have to go right for New York to return to the postseason.

Here are a few other developments from around baseball:

ON A TEAR

Yankees rookie Gary Sanchez is hitting .405 with 11 homers in 22 games this season. Sanchez entered Sunday's game already leading his team's position players in wins above replacement (WAR) on the year, according to Baseball-Reference.com.

Over half (19 of 34) of Sanchez's hits have gone for extra bases this season. After the Yankees were sellers at the non-waiver trade deadline, Sanchez is just what they needed to hold New York's attention for at least a little while longer.

ON A TEAR, PART II

Boston's Dustin Pedroia had hits in 11 straight at-bats, coming within one of the major league record. He grounded into a double play in his final at-bat Saturday night.

It takes a lot for a full-time player to move the needle on his batting average at this stage in the season, but Pedroia's went up from .306 to .320 over his past three games. He's hitting .398 in August, albeit with no homers.

FANTASY FOCUS

With September call-ups looming, keep an eye on top prospect Yoan Moncada of Boston. If he gets a chance to play with the Red Sox, his speed could be an immediate fantasy asset.

LINE OF THE WEEK

Matt Moore of San Francisco came within one out of a no-hitter before giving up a single to Corey Seager of the Dodgers in the ninth inning Thursday night. He was pulled immediately after that hit, but his 133-pitch effort was still a highlight this past week.

Honorable mention goes to Toronto's Josh Donaldson, whose three-homer game Sunday had fans throwing hats onto the field.

[StarDust Bum]

Monday's Diamond Notes
August 29, 2016

Hottest team: Royals (12-2 past 14, 8-1 past nine at home)

The Royals return home to host the Yankees at Kauffman Stadium Monday night. Kansas City has won its past six games at home, and eight of the past nine. It has been like a tale of two seasons for the Royals, as they have rebounded from an ugly middle of the season to get themselves back into playoff contention. The last time they faced the Yankees things weren't going so well. Kansas City dropped three of four in the Bronx May 9-12. New York has been hot lately, especially homer happy backstop Gary Sanchez. The Yankees are 4-1 in their past five against right-handed pitching, while the Royals are 14-3 in their past 17 vs. RHP. However, the Royals are also just 1-6 in their past seven starts by Dillon Gee.

Coldest team: Twins (0-10 past 10, 0-7 past seven on road)

The Twins started to show some signs of life near the end of July and early August, going 9-3 in a 12-game stretch from July 28 to Aug. 8, which also included a 3-1 series win at Progressive Field from Aug. 1-4. They return to the scene of the crime trying to snap their double-digit loss streak. In their three weeks in Cleveland earlier this month, Minnesota posted 10 or more runs in each of the first three games of the series while the 'over' cashed in each of the four games. The Indians might be on their way to winning the American League Central Division, but it's no thanks to the Twins. Minnesota is 8-5 against Cleveland this season, including 5-2 at Progressive Field.

Hottest pitcher: Dan Straily, Reds (10-6, 3.57 ERA)

There haven't been a lot of bright spots in Cincinnati this season, but how many people could have predicted double-digit wins from Straily after he was claimed off waivers from the San Diego Padres back on April Fool's Day? He is showing no signs of slowing down, going 3-0 with a 2.08 ERA and 0.82 WHIP over his past three outings, striking out 18 batters while walking just two in the past 17 1/3 innings. The Reds are even hotter with Straily on the hill, winning each of his past eight starts, and four of his past five on the road.

Coldest pitcher: Hector Santiago, Twins (10-8, 5.16 ERA)

The Twins acquired the left-handed Santiago from the Angels looking to bolster their rotation. He had a couple of decent outings, but lately he has gone off the rails. He is 0-3 with a 12.21 ERA and 2.00 WHIP over his past three outings, striking out just eight batters in the 14-inning span. The Twins have dropped each of his past four outings on the road, and they're 0-7 in their past seven road games, 0-7 in their past seven road games against a team with a winning overall record, and 0-6 in their past six against a right-handed starting pitcher.

Biggest UNDER run: Marlins (7-1 past eight)

The Marlins lost All-Star OF Giancarlo Stanton to a season-ending injury earlier in the month, and to no one's surprise the Miami offense has struggled without their big bat in the middle of the lineup. The Marlins have posted three or fewer runs in seven of the past eight games, while they have allowed three or fewer runs in six of the past eight otuings. On Monday, it's #JoseDay, as Jose Fernandez toes the slab for the Fish. Miami is 6-0 in Fernandez's past six outings against the Mets. The under is 3-1-1 in the past five meetings in this series, and 4-1 in the past five meetings in Queens.

Biggest OVER run: Reds (7-3 past 10, 16-5 past 21)

The 'over' has been a frequent play for Cincinnati lately, especially at home. The over is 9-4-1 in the past 14 games at home for the Reds, while the Angels have seen the 'under' hit in each of their past four, while the under is 6-1-1 in their past eight vs. RHP. However, in interleague play the 'over' is 10-4-1 in the past 15 interleague games, and the over is 13-3 in their past 16 home games against a team with a losing overall record.

Matchup to watch: Rockies vs. Dodgers

The Dodgers hit the road for Coors Field looking to stay hot behind Kenta Maeda. L.A. has won each of his past six starts while going 5-1 in his past six assignments against divisional foes. The Dodgers are also 5-2 in their past seven tries against a right-handed starter on the road, while winning each of their past four overall vs. RHP. For Colorado, the Rockies are 6-2 in their past eight against a team with an overall winning record, and 10-4 in their past 14 home games against a right-handed starting pitcher. The Rockies have also managed to win four of the past five home starts by Jon Gray against a team with an overall winning mark.

Betcha didn’t know: As mentioned, the Twins have a 10-game losing streak. It is their pitching which has really let them down, as Minnesota's pitching staff has yielded three or more runs in at least one inning in each of the past six games. All those crooked numbers certainly don't help turns things around. That will certainly be put to the test, as Cleveland has scored one or fewer runs in six of their past seven games.

Biggest public favorite: Cubs (-255) vs. Pirates

Biggest public underdog: Royals (+105) vs. Yankees

Biggest line move: Rangers (-150 to -170) vs. Mariners

[StarDust Bum]

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

8:40 pm 8/29/2016
(909) LA DODGERS @(910) COLORADO
Play AGAINST LA DODGERS using the money line in Road games in night games.
The record is 42 Wins and 59 Losses for the last two seasons (-36.1 units)
BET NOW

8:15 pm 8/29/2016
(923) NY YANKEES @(924) KANSAS CITY
Play ON KANSAS CITY using the money line in Home games against right-handed starters.
The record is 31 Wins and 12 Losses this season (+19.55 units)
BET NOW

8:15 pm 8/29/2016
(923) NY YANKEES @(924) KANSAS CITY
Play ON KANSAS CITY using the money line in All games in August games.
The record is 19 Wins and 7 Losses this season (+14.35 units)
BET NOW

8:05 pm 8/29/2016
(907) PITTSBURGH @(908) CHICAGO CUBS
Play ON PITTSBURGH using the money line in Road games when playing against a team with a winning record in the second half of the season.
The record is 22 Wins and 11 Losses for the last two seasons (+17.3 units)
BET NOW

8:05 pm 8/29/2016
(919) SEATTLE @(920) TEXAS
Play ON TEXAS using the money line in All games in games played on a grass field.
The record is 75 Wins and 49 Losses this season (+30.2 units)
BET NOW

8:05 pm 8/29/2016
(919) SEATTLE @(920) TEXAS
Play ON TEXAS using the money line in All games when playing against a team with a winning record.
The record is 78 Wins and 49 Losses for the last two seasons (+47.17 units)
BET NOW

7:10 pm 8/29/2016
(915) MINNESOTA @(916) CLEVELAND
Play AGAINST CLEVELAND using the money line in All games when the total is 9 to 9.5.
The record is 8 Wins and 19 Losses this season (-16.45 units)
BET NOW

7:10 pm 8/29/2016
(915) MINNESOTA @(916) CLEVELAND
Play AGAINST CLEVELAND using the money line in All games when the total is 9 to 9.5.
The record is 13 Wins and 32 Losses for the last two seasons (-26.8 units)
BET NOW

7:10 pm 8/29/2016
(913) TAMPA BAY @(914) BOSTON
Play AGAINST TAMPA BAY using the money line in Road games when playing against a team with a winning record.
The record is 5 Wins and 26 Losses this season (-20.65 units)
BET NOW

7:05 pm 8/29/2016
(911) TORONTO @(912) BALTIMORE
Play ON BALTIMORE using the money line in Home games against right-handed starters.
The record is 34 Wins and 14 Losses this season (+16.55 units)
BET NOW

[StarDust Bum]

RUNLINE

10:05 pm 8/29/2016
(925) CINCINNATI @(926) LA ANGELS
Play ON CINCINNATI using the run line in All games in August games.
The record is 19 Wins and 6 Losses this season (+12.95 units)
BET NOW

10:05 pm 8/29/2016
(925) CINCINNATI @(926) LA ANGELS
Play AGAINST LA ANGELS using the run line in All games in August games.
The record is 14 Wins and 40 Losses for the last two seasons (-34.35 units)
BET NOW

8:05 pm 8/29/2016
(919) SEATTLE @(920) TEXAS
Play ON TEXAS using the run line in All games when playing against a team with a winning record.
The record is 84 Wins and 43 Losses for the last two seasons (+34.85 units)
BET NOW

7:10 pm 8/29/2016
(913) TAMPA BAY @(914) BOSTON
Play AGAINST TAMPA BAY using the run line in All games when the total is 9 to 9.5.
The record is 3 Wins and 13 Losses this season (-13 units)
BET NOW

7:10 pm 8/29/2016
(913) TAMPA BAY @(914) BOSTON
Play AGAINST TAMPA BAY using the run line in Road games when playing against a team with a winning record.
The record is 8 Wins and 23 Losses this season (-24.15 units)
BET NOW

7:05 pm 8/29/2016
(911) TORONTO @(912) BALTIMORE
Play ON TORONTO using the run line in All games in August games.
The record is 35 Wins and 17 Losses for the last two seasons (+21.3 units)
BET NOW

7:05 pm 8/29/2016
(911) TORONTO @(912) BALTIMORE
Play ON TORONTO using the run line in All games when playing against a team with a winning record in the second half of the season.
The record is 45 Wins and 24 Losses for the last two seasons (+26 units)
BET NOW

[StarDust Bum]

TOTALS OVER

10:05 pm 8/29/2016
(925) CINCINNATI @(926) LA ANGELS
Play OVER CINCINNATI on the total in All games when playing on Monday.
The record is 14 Overs and 3 Unders this season (+11.1 units)
BET NOW

10:05 pm 8/29/2016
(925) CINCINNATI @(926) LA ANGELS
Play OVER CINCINNATI on the total in All games against right-handed starters.
The record is 59 Overs and 33 Unders this season (+24.2 units)
BET NOW

7:10 pm 8/29/2016
(903) MIAMI @(904) NY METS
Play OVER NY METS on the total in All games in August games.
The record is 37 Overs and 17 Unders for the last two seasons (+19.6 units)
BET NOW

7:10 pm 8/29/2016
(915) MINNESOTA @(916) CLEVELAND
Play OVER MINNESOTA on the total in All games in night games.
The record is 52 Overs and 23 Unders this season (+28.6 units)
BET NOW

7:10 pm 8/29/2016
(915) MINNESOTA @(916) CLEVELAND
Play OVER MINNESOTA on the total in All games in August games.
The record is 20 Overs and 5 Unders this season (+14.9 units)
BET NOW

7:05 pm 8/29/2016
(901) WASHINGTON @(902) PHILADELPHIA
Play OVER PHILADELPHIA on the total in All games in August games.
The record is 16 Overs and 5 Unders this season (+10.75 units)
BET NOW
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TOTALS UNDER

NONE LISTED TODAY

[StarDust Bum]

WILD-CARD RACE

AMERICAN LEAGUE

TEAM W L PCT GB
Boston 72 58 .554 -
Baltimore 71 59 .546 -
Detroit (31) 69 61 .531 2
Houston (30) 68 62 .523 3
Kansas City (30) 68 62 .523 3
Seattle (30) 68 62 .523 3
N.Y. Yankees (30) 67 62 .519 3½
Chi. White Sox (26) 63 66 .488 7½
Oakland (19) 57 73 .438 14
L.A. Angels (18) 56 74 .431 15
Tampa Bay (18) 55 74 .426 15½
Minnesota (11) 49 81 .377 22

NATIONAL LEAGUE

TEAM W L PCT GB
San Francisco 71 59 .546 -
St. Louis 68 61 .527 -
Pittsburgh (34) 67 61 .523 ½
Miami (32) 67 63 .515 1½
N.Y. Mets (31) 66 64 .508 2½
Colorado (27) 62 68 .477 6½
Philadelphia (25) 60 70 .462 8½
Milwaukee (21) 56 74 .431 12½
Cincinnati (21) 55 74 .426 13
San Diego (20) 55 75 .423 13½
Arizona (19) 55 76 .420 14
Atlanta (12) 48 83 .366 21