The Bum's MLB Best Bets - Trends - News Thru the World Series !

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Diamond Trends - Wednesday
May 17, 2017


TOP SU TREND

-- The Giants are 0-14 SU since May 28, 2005 as a dog off a home game in which they did not draw a walk and it is not a series opener.

TOP OU TREND

-- The Red Sox are 0-11 OU (-2.77 ppg) in not the first game of a series as a dog after they scored first, trailed and won last game since Oct 19, 2004.

TOP STARTER TREND

-- The Dodgers are 10-0 since Jul 01, 2012 when Clayton Kershaw starts as a 140+ favorite when their opponent is on a 3+ win streak.

TOP RUN LINE TREND

-- The Pirates are 0-11 RL AGAINST since Aug 20, 2016 as a favorite off a home game in which they scored in at most two separate innings.

[StarDust Bum]

LEADING OFF: Rockies-Twins in surprising 1st-place matchup
May 16, 2017

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


NEW KIDS ON THE BLOCK

Two of baseball's biggest surprises square off when the Colorado Rockies visit Minnesota in an interleague matchup of first-place teams. Ervin Santana (6-1, 1.50 ERA) starts for the Twins against rookie German Marquez (1-2, 4.88). Both pitchers are coming off excellent outings - Santana threw two-hit ball for seven shutout innings at Cleveland, and Marquez limited the World Series champion Cubs to three hits in eight scoreless innings. The 22-year-old Marquez took a no-hitter into the seventh against Chicago and even had a two-run single for his first major league hit.

A GIANT 20?

Dodgers ace Clayton Kershaw goes for his 20th career win over the Giants when he starts against Johnny Cueto at AT&T Park. Kershaw is 19-9 with 1.66 ERA overall vs. San Francisco, including 11-4 with a 1.36 ERA by the Bay. Kershaw has already faced the Giants twice this year, while Cueto has opposed the Dodgers twice. In their one head-to-head matchup, Cueto won at Dodger Stadium.

SURPRISING SHOWDOWN

Royals left-hander Jason Vargas takes a 13-inning scoreless streak into his start against the upstart Yankees. The 34-year-old Vargas has suddenly emerged as one of the AL's top performers, leading the league with a 1.01 ERA through seven starts. He'll get his toughest test yet against Aaron Judge and a high-powered New York lineup, which leads the AL in runs, homers and on-base percentage. Big righty Michael Pineda is up for the Yankees.

TRY, TRY AGAIN

Embattled right-hander Matt Harvey tries to get back on track in his second start for the New York Mets since serving a three-game suspension imposed by the team for skipping a home game after a late night on the town. Harvey lost at Milwaukee last Friday, dropping to 2-3 with a 5.62 ERA. This time, he returns to Arizona - the site of his successful major league debut in 2012.

SCENE SHIFT

Freddie Freeman and Atlanta swept a two-game series in Toronto, and now they'll try to take two more from the Blue Jays at home. The teams switch stadiums without a break, with Mike Foltynewicz starting for the Braves vs. Joe Biagini. Freeman kept up his torrid pace and is hitting .343 with 14 home runs and 25 RBIs.

[StarDust Bum]

WEDNESDAY, MAY 17

GAME TIME(ET) PICK UNITS

TB at CLE

U 9.5

HOU at MIA

MIA +145

O 8.0

NYM at ARI 03:40 PM

U 9.5

LAD at SF 03:45 PM

SF +155

O 6.5

WAS at PIT 07:05 PM

U 8.5

BAL at DET 07:10 PM

O 9.5

TOR at ATL 07:35 PM

O 9.0

PHI at TEX 08:05 PM

U 10.0

CIN at CHC 08:05 PM

CIN +150

U 11.5

COL at MIN 08:10 PM

COL +120

O 8.5

BOS at STL 08:15 PM

U 8.0

NYY at KC 08:15 PM

KC +120

U 9.0

CHW at LAA 10:07 PM

O 7.5

MIL at SD 10:10 PM

MIL +115

U 7.5

OAK at SEA 10:10 PM

O 8.5

[StarDust Bum]

Baseball Capsules
May 17, 2017

SAN FRANCISCO (AP) Clayton Kershaw took a share of the major league lead with his seventh win and earned career victory No. 20 against the rival Giants, helping the Los Angeles Dodgers avoid a sweep by beating San Francisco 6-1 on Wednesday.

Kershaw (7-2) struck out five in seven shutout innings and retired the first 10 batters he faced before Justin Ruggiano's fourth-inning single. The left-hander moved into a tie for most wins with Houston's Dallas Keuchel.

Yasmani Grandal hit a two-run double in the first and Yasiel Puig singled in a pair of runs in the sixth as the Dodgers jumped on Johnny Cueto (4-3), who lost for the first time at home this season.

Kershaw allowed three hits and didn't walk a batter for the fourth time in 2017 as the Dodgers snapped their three-game skid and ended the Giants' season-best five-game winning streak.

The benches cleared briefly after the top of the third when Cueto and Grandal exchanged words. It happened just after Cueto's high, inside pitch flew wildly past catcher Buster Posey, allowing another Dodgers run.

ASTROS 3, MARLINS 0

MIAMI (AP) - Lance McCullers paid tribute to the late Jose Fernandez and pitched like him, allowing no earned runs for the third start in a row, and Houston completed a three-game sweep.

McCullers (4-1) wore cleats with Fernandez's initials and uniform number. Their friendship began when they were high school pitchers in the Tampa area, before Fernandez became the Marlins' ace and then died in a boating accident last September.

McCullers limited Miami to three hits in six innings and lowered his ERA to 2.65.

The Astros (29-12) have the best record in the majors and their fourth consecutive win lifted them 17 games above .500 for the first time since 2004.

Jose Urena (1-2) limited Houston to three runs, one earned, in 5 2/3 innings.

DIAMONDBACKS 5, METS 4, 11 INNINGS

PHOENIX (AP) - Chris Herrmann homered off Rafael Montero leading off the 11th inning, sending New York to its season-high seventh straight loss.

Montero (0-3) relieved to start the 11th, and Herrmann worked the count full, fouled off a pitch and connected on a belt-high fastball for his first game-ending home run in the major leagues.

New York went 0-6 in Milwaukee and Arizona, the Mets' longest winless trip since 1999, according to the Elias Sports Bureau. At 16-23, New York dropped seven games under .500 for the first time September 2014.

Tom Wilhelmsen (1-1) walked Matt Reynolds and Lucas Duda with two outs in the 11th before throwing a called third strike past Jose Reyes.

RAYS 7, INDIANS 4

CLEVELAND (AP) - Corey Dickerson hit a three-run shot - his third homer in two days - and Alex Cobb controlled Cleveland over seven innings as Tampa Bay completed its most successful road trip in a year.

Dickerson connected in the second inning off Josh Tomlin (2-5) and Logan Morrison hit a solo shot in the third for Tampa Bay, which went 4-2 on a swing through Boston and Cleveland. It's the Rays' first winning trip since last May.

Cobb (4-3) allowed three runs and six hits.

PIRATES 6, NATIONALS 1

PITTSBURGH (AP) - Gerrit Cole shut down the best offense in the majors, holding Washington to three hits in seven innings to win for the first time in a month.

Cole (2-4) struck out three, walked two and received an overdue dose of support when Josh Bell smacked a three-run homer in the sixth off Jacob Turner (2-2). Andrew McCutchen went 2 for 4 with two RBIs and stole two bases for Pittsburgh.

Turner cruised through the first five innings in his second start of the year, but ran into trouble in the sixth.

Bryce Harper and Ryan Zimmerman, who began the day with the top two batting averages in the majors, combined to go 0 for 8.

TIGERS 5, ORIOLES 4

DETROIT (AP) - Tyler Collins snapped an 0-for-30 skid in style, hitting two home runs for Detroit in a victory over Baltimore.

Hitless since May 1, Collins connected for a solo homer in the second inning and a three-run shot in the fifth, giving Detroit's offense a boost while Miguel Cabrera sat out with a sore left side. Michael Fulmer (5-1) wasn't at his best, allowing three earned runs and 10 hits in seven innings, but the Tigers gave him enough support.

Justin Wilson allowed two baserunners in the ninth but retired Adam Jones and Manny Machado for his third save in four chances. Machado struck out to end it when first base umpire C.B. Bucknor ruled he swung at the final pitch. Machado, who had tried to check his swing, slammed his helmet down in frustration after the call.

Ubaldo Jimenez (1-2) allowed five runs in five innings.

YANKEES 11, ROYALS 7

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) - Aaron Hicks hit a three-run homer to cap a five-run fourth inning, and New York piled up 16 hits against Kansas City.

Michael Pineda (4-2) allowed three runs and six hits over six-plus innings. The big right-hander was shaky throughout but good enough to win for only the second time in 16 road starts.

The Yankees teed off on Jason Vargas (5-2), who came into the game with a major league-leading 1.01 ERA. The left-hander allowed as many earned runs in the fourth as he had in his first seven starts combined, and was lifted after giving up six runs on seven hits and two walks in four innings.

Vargas had been unbeaten in his last 10 home starts. But he is 0-6 with a 7.15 ERA against the Yankees.

Starlin Castro had three hits for New York. Dellin Betances got one out for his first save since replacing injured Aroldis Chapman as closer.

Salvador Perez hit a two-run homer and Whit Merrifield also went deep for the Royals, who scored three times in the ninth.

CUBS 7, REDS 5

CHICAGO (AP) - Anthony Rizzo and Kyle Schwarber drove in two runs apiece, and Chicago handed sloppy Cincinnati its season-high fifth straight loss.

Kyle Hendricks (3-2) pitched six effective innings and drove in a run as the Cubs improved to 22-5 in their last 27 games against the Reds. Ben Zobrist reached three times after missing two games with lower back tightness.

Zack Cozart had three hits and two RBIs for Cincinnati, but Adam Duvall committed a big error in left field. Cozart extended his Wrigley Field homer streak to five games, matching a record for any player at the iconic ballpark.

Chicago went ahead to stay with five runs in the second against Scott Feldman (2-4), who was chased in the third.

BRAVES 8, BLUE JAYS 4

ATLANTA (AP) - Kurt Suzuki hit a three-run homer to cap a six-run first inning, and Atlanta held off Toronto in a testy game after Freddie Freeman left with an injury.

Freeman was struck on the left wrist by a pitch in the fifth inning. The umpires initially ruled that Aaron Loup's pitch did not hit Freeman. But with the Atlanta star in obvious pain, the Braves challenged and the call was reversed after a video review.

Freeman headed to the clubhouse instead of first base, and X-rays were inconclusive. He will have more tests Thursday, including an MRI.

Things got heated in the late innings after Kevin Pillar apparently thought Atlanta reliever Jason Motte quick-pitched him, yelling toward the mound before Suzuki stepped in to calm things.

In the eighth, the benches cleared after Toronto's Jose Bautista homered, standing briefly at home plate to admire the drive before flipping the bat away. Jace Peterson appeared to say something to Bautista as he rounded first, and Suzuki was waiting for Bautista when he touched home. No punches were thrown.

Atlanta has won three consecutive games against the Blue Jays. After the Braves took two straight in Toronto, the teams shifted to SunTrust Park to complete the four-game, home-and-home series.

The Braves, who scored 19 runs in their two wins at Toronto, jumped all over Joe Biagini (1-2) their first time up.

Mike Foltynewicz (2-4) went six innings for the win, allowing three runs.

RANGERS 9, PHILLIES 3

ARLINGTON, Texas (AP) - Andrew Cashner finally won in his home state of Texas, pitching seven solid innings to help the Rangers match the longest winning streak in the majors this year at eight games with a victory over Philadelphia.

The right-hander from the Houston area also got his first win with the Rangers, who scored all nine of their runs in the first five innings after getting just six in the first six starts by Cashner (1-3) when the stocky 30-year-old was in the game.

Texas turned four double plays in the first five innings behind Cashner. The Phillies also turned four double plays.

Jared Hoying hit his first big league homer and had his first four-hit game in his second start since coming up from the minors to replace injured center fielder Carlos Gomez.

Delino DeShields matched a career high with four hits, all singles that included two bunts and another infield hit.

Shin-Soo Choo had three hits with three RBIs among a season-high 17 hits for the Rangers, who matched the Yankees for the longest winning streak this season and are on their best run since August 2013. The defending AL West champs (21-20) are over .500 for the first time this year.

Zach Eflin (0-1) allowed 11 hits and seven runs in four innings as the Phillies dropped to 3-11 in May. The right-hander hit Joey Gallo with a pitch to become the first Phillies pitcher since at least 1913 to hit a batter in five straight games.

RED SOX 5, CARDINALS 4, 13 INNINGS

ST. LOUIS (AP) - Pinch-hitter Chris Young singled home the tiebreaking run in the 13th inning and Boston rallied past St. Louis to sweep their two-game interleague series.

Jackie Bradley Jr. hit a two-run homer in the seventh off starter Mike Leake to begin Boston's comeback from a four-run deficit. The Red Sox tied it in the eighth against reliever Trevor Rosenthal when Xander Bogaerts hit an RBI triple and scored on Andrew Benintendi's sacrifice fly.

Mitch Moreland doubled with two outs in the 13th and Bradley was intentionally walked before Young singled off Sam Tuivailala (2-1).

Fernando Abad (1-0) tossed two scoreless innings for the win, and Ben Taylor got three outs for his first major league save.

Dexter Fowler hit a leadoff homer for the Cardinals, who had won eight of 10.

Boston improved to 3-17 when trailing after seven innings, while St. Louis fell to 19-1 when leading after seven.

BREWERS 3, PADRES 1

SAN DIEGO (AP) - Jett Bandy singled in the go-ahead run with one out in the ninth inning and Milwaukee beat San Diego to take over first place in the NL Central.

The Brewers, who have won five of six, had only two hits going into the ninth before getting four straight with one out against reliever Brandon Maurer (0-3). Travis Shaw, who missed the previous two games with a swollen right index finger, started the rally with a double. Domingo Santana reached on a single that glanced off the glove of leaping shortstop Erick Aybar, and Bandy hit a bouncer up the middle to score Shaw.

Keon Broxton singled to load the bases, and Santana scored on Orlando Arcia's groundout.

Jacob Barnes (1-0) pitched the eighth for the win, and Corey Knebel earned his second save.

The Padres wasted a brilliant effort by Jhoulys Chacin, who struck out eight in seven innings and retired 19 straight batters during one stretch.

MARINERS 4, ATHLETICS 0

SEATTLE (AP) - Christian Bergman pitched two-hit ball into the eighth inning for the best start of his career, Jean Segura extended his hitting streak to 16 games with a two-run single and Seattle blanked Oakland.

Bergman (1-1) held the Athletics hitless until the fifth in his first win since May 5, 2016, with Colorado against San Francisco. He had a career-high nine strikeouts and tied James Paxton for the most in a game by a Mariners pitcher this year.

Nelson Cruz drove in two runs for the Mariners, who took two of three in the series.

Jesse Hahn (1-3) gave up four runs - three earned - in five innings. Oakland has lost five of six.

[StarDust Bum]

Thursday’s six-pack

Odds for the Byron Nelson golf tournament this weekend in Texas

9-2 Dustin Johnson

10-1 Jordan Spieth

13-1 Sergio Garcia

16-1 Brooks Koepka, Jason Day

30-1 Louis Oosthuizen, Tony Finau

35-1 Hoffman Palmer Kuchar Reed

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Thursday’s List of 13: Doing some thinking out loud………

13) Today’s weird story: The king of the Netherlands has revealed he has been living a secret double life as a co-pilot for a commercial airline.

For 21 years, King Willem-Alexander has taken to the skies twice a month to ferry passengers around on short-haul services for the Dutch airline KLM.

Go figure.

12) They’re honoring the 1967 World Champion Cardinals in St Louis this week; they had Steve Carlton on TV for half an inning Tuesday night, mainly because Tim McCarver is one of the TV guys for the Cardinals now- he and Carlton are great friends.

Was interesting to hear Carlton, who doesn’t speak publicly much, if ever. He doesn’t own a TV now so he doesn’t follow baseball much these days, but he talked about how he and Bob Boone didn’t see pitch selection the same way when he was on the Phillies, which is how McCarver became his personal catcher at the end of each of their careers.

McCarver was great when he did Mets’ games on local TV in the 80’s and he is really good now, but why was he not as good on FOX national broadcasts? Seriously, he just sounded like a different person on national TV, less relaxed.

11) Chris Davis homered in the 12th AND 13th inning Tuesday night in Detroit; to the best of my researching ability, he is the 4th major leaguer ever to homer in consecutive extra innings:

a) August 12, 1966— Art Shamsky homered in the 10th/11th innings, but the Reds lost in the 13th inning to Pittsburgh

b) June 4, 2013— John Mayberry Jr homered twice against the Marlins- his walk-off grand slam gave the Phillies a 7-3 win.

c) September 17, 2016- Curtis Granderson homered in the 11th/12th inning of the Mets’ 3-2 win over the Twins.

10) Willie Mays (22) hit the most extra inning homers in baseball history. Pitcher Elroy Face (21) has given up the most extra inning taters- no one else gave up more than 14.

9) Conference USA will hold its basketball tournament the next few years at The Star in Frisco, TX, the 12,000-seat arena Jerry Jones owns that also is the home field for eight high school football teams in that city.

8) ESPN laid off 80 people a couple weeks ago, but is paying Mike Greenberg $6.5M a year to host a 3-hour morning show? What genius decided that was a good idea?

7) Division I basketball teams are poaching lot of transfers from low and mid-major teams, which is why we’ll see fewer first round upsets in NCAA tournament. Kid plays well at the lower level and it is almost like he expects a promotion to a higher-level program.

6) They have an actual payphone at Chase Field in Arizona; don’t see many of those anymore. Put a quarter in, make a phone call; they used to be everywhere, before cellphones.

5) Nov 16-17, Madison Square Garden has a college basketball tournament: Providence, Saint Louis, Virginia Tech and Washington (former Syracuse assistant Mike Hopkins is coach).

4) Dodgers 6, Giants 1— Clayton Kershaw has had nine starts against the Giants where he didn’t allow a run; seven of those nine starts were in San Francisco- he has a 1.31 ERA in 20 career starts at AT&T Park.

3) Before we anoint these one-inning closers the “greatest ever” keep in mind that in 1974, Mike Marshall of the Dodgers appeared in 106 games, and threw 208.1 innings- thats just about six outs per appearance. Marshall was 15-12 with 21 saves that year for the NL Champs. In the 70’s, great relievers got more than three outs to close out games.

2) Cavaliers 117, Celtics 104— Cleveland was up 22 at the half.

1— Arizona 5, NY Mets 4 (11)— Metropolitans finish their first 0-6 road trip since 1963. Backup catcher Chris Hermann hit a walk-off homer in the 11th.

Braves 8, Blue Jays 4— Atlanta scored six runs in this game before they made an out.

[StarDust Bum]

Thursday’s games
National League

Nationals @ Pirates
Roark is 0-1, 5.40 in his last three starts (over 6-1-1).

Glasnow is 0-2, 11.42 in his last two starts (over 5-1-1).

Washington won four of its last six games; over is 7-2 in their last nine games. Pittsburgh lost seven of last ten games; under is 5-2 in their last seven home games.

Reds @ Cubs
Garrett is back from AAA; he is 3-2, 4.50 in six starts this year (over 3-3).

Lester is 1-2, 5.90 in his last five starts, all of which went over total.

Reds lost five games in row, nine of last 11 road games; over is 3-0 in their last three games. Cubs are 5-3 in last eight home games; over is 11-1 in last 12 games at Wrigley Field.

Brewers @ Padres
Davies is 4-0, 4.15 in his last five starts; Brewers scored 40 runs in the five games. Over is 7-1 in his starts this season.

Cosart is 0-1, 3.52 in two starts this year (over 1-1), last of which was April 18.

Brewers won eight of their last ten games- five of their last six games went over the total. San Diego lost seven of last nine games. Over is 10-3 in their last 13 home games.

Marlins @ Dodgers
Volquez is 0-4, 5.68 in his last four starts (under 5-1-1).

Ryu is 1-5, 6.46 in six starts this year, two of which were at Coors Field (1-1, 3.97 at home).

Miami lost eight of its last nine games; they’re 2-5 n road series openers. Under is 3-1-1 in their last five games. Dodgers lost three of their last four games; they’re 4-2 in home series openers. Over is 4-2-2 in their last eight home games.

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American League
Orioles @ Tigers
Bundy is 4-0, 2.11 in his last six starts (under 5-3).

Zimmerman is 2-2, 7.44 in his last six starts (over 5-2).

Baltimore lost five of its last six games; over is 5-2-1 in their last eight games. Detroit won four of last six games; under is 4-2-1 in their last seven games.

Bronx @ Kansas City
Montgomery is 1-2, 4.56 in his last four starts (over 4-2).

Duffy is 0-3, 5.79 in his last four starts; under is 5-1 in his last six starts.

New York won eight of last nine road games; over is 12-5 in their last 17 games. Kansas City won six of its last nine games; under is 9-3 in their last dozen home games.

White Sox @ Mariners
Covey is 0-2, 9.00 in his last three starts; over is 3-1-1 in his last five starts.

Gaviglio is making his first MLB start; he is 2-3, 3.31 in five AAA starts this season.

White Sox lost nine of their last eleven games; they’re 2-5 in road series openers. Over is 6-1-1 in their last eight games. Seattle lost five of its last seven games; they’re 4-2 in home series openers- over is 10-5-1 in their last 16 games.

Red Sox @ A’s
Velasquez is making his MLB debut here; he was 2-1,1.55 in five starts in AAA. He is 28 and has pitched a lot in the Mexican League.

Gray is 0-1, 5.40 in three starts this year (over 3-0).

Red Sox played 13 innings in St Louis last night; they’re 5-2 in last seven road games, 2-4 in road series openers. Oakland lost six of its last eight games; over is 13-5 in their last 18 games. A’s are 3-3 in home series openers.

__________________________

Interleague
Blue Jays @ Braves
Stroman is 2-0, 3.16 in his last five starts (over 3-1 in his last four).

Teheran is 2-3, 6.26 in his last five starts (over 3-1-1 in his last five).

Braves won five of last six games; over is 6-1-2 in their last nine home games. Toronto lost its last three games, allowing 27 runs; four of their last five games went over.

Phillies @ Rangers
Pivetta is 0-2, 6.14 in three starts this year (over 1-1-1).

Perez is 0-4, 5.20 in his last five starts (under 6-2).

Phillies lost seven of their last eight road games; over is 11-2-3 in their last 16 road games. Texas won its last eight games; over is 4-1 in their last five games.

Rockies @ Twins
Marquez is 1-1, 2.25 in his last three starts, all of which stayed under.

Chatwood 1-3, 6.65 in his last four starts (under 5-3).

Santana is 6-1, 1.50 in eight starts this year (over 2-1-2 at home). Berrios allowed one run in 7.2 IP in his first ’17 start, at Cleveland.

______________________________

Record with this pitcher starting:
National League
Wsh-Pitt: Roark 5-3; Glasnow 4-3
Cin-Chi: Garrett 4-2; Lester 3-5
Mil-SD: Davies 5-3 (5-0 last 5); Cosart 1-1
Mia-LA: Volquez 1-6; Ryu 1-5

American League
Blt-Det: Bundy 6-2; Zimmerman 3-4
NY-KC: Montgomery 3-3; Duffy 3-5
Bos-A’s: Velasquez 0-0; Gray 1-2
Chi-Sea: Covey 3-3; Gaviglio 0-0

Interleague
Tor-Atl: Stroman 4-4; Teheran 3-5
Phil-Tex: Pivetta 0-3; Perez 2-6
Colo-Minn: Marquez 5-2 Chatwood 3-5; Santana 6-2 Berrios 1-0

Pitchers allowing a run in first inning:
National League
Wsh-Pitt: Roark 3-8; Glasnow 3-7
Cin-Chi: Garrett 2-6; Lester 3-8
Mil-SD: Davies 1-8; Cosart 0-2
Mia-LA: Volquez 3-7; Ryu 5-6

American League
Blt-Det: Bundy 1-8; Zimmerman 3-7
NY-KC: Montgomery 2-6; Duffy 1-8
Bos-A’s: Velasquez 0-0; Gray 0-3
Chi-Sea: Covey 4-6; Gaviglio 0-0

Interleague
Tor-Atl: Stroman 1-8; Teheran 3-8
Phil-Tex: Pivetta 2-3; Perez 4-8
Colo-Minn: Marquez 5-2 Chatwood 0-8; Santana 6-2 Berrios 0-1

_________________________

Umpires
National League

American League

Interleague

Interleague play
NL @ AL– 20-9 AL, favorites -$261
AL @ NL– 19-15 AL, favorites -$323
Total: 39-24 AL, favorites -$584

Totals in interleague games
NL @ AL: Over 13-16-1
AL @ NL: Over 23-12
Total: Over 36-28-1

Teams’ records in first five innings:

Team (road-home-total)- thru 5/17/17
Ariz 5-8-3……14-8–4…….19-16–7
Atl 9-11-3……6-7-1……..15-18–4
Cubs 9-11………8-7-3……..17-18-3
Reds 4-11-2……11-8–2……..15-19-4
Colo 10-5-2…..11-10-2…….21-15–5
LA 9-11-2……12-5-2…….21-16-4
Miami 6-12-1…….8-9-3……..14-21-4
Milw 11-3-4…….11-10-2…….22-13-6
Mets 8-10-1……..7-11-2…….15-21-3
Philly 7-9-4………7-7-2…….14-16-6
Pitt 7-14-2…….7-8-2……..14-22-4
St. Louis 7-5-2……..12-6-4……..19-11-6
SD 5-14-4…….8-9–2……..13-23-6
SF 4-13-4……11-7-3………18-20-7
Wash 14-5-1……9-8-2………23-13-3

Orioles 10-9-2……….10-6………20-15-2
Boston 6-10-2………9-10-2……..15-20-4
White Sox 6-11-5……..8-7–1……..14-18-6
Cleveland 8-11-2……..6-11-1……..14-22-3
Detroit 9-9-2…….10-6-2…….19-15-4
Astros 8-8-5……..11-8-1……..19-16-6
KC 4-10-3……12-8-2……..16-18-5
Angels 5-10-5……12-6-5………17-16-10
Twins 9-5-2………8-6-5………17-11-7
NYY 9-8-1……….11-8…..…….20-16-1
A’s 7-11-3……..7-7-5……..14-18-8
Seattle 6-12-5……..10-4-4……..16-16-9
TB 11-7-3……..16-4-2……..27-11-5
Texas 10-4-4……..10-8-5…….20-12-9
Toronto 4-15-1……..6-9-5……..10-24-6

%age of times teams score in first inning (road/home/total- 5/17/17)
Ariz 4-16……..9-26……….13
Atl 5-23……..5-14………..10
Cubs 4-21……..7-18………..11
Reds 4-17……..10-22………14
Colo 5-17……..8-23……….13
LA 7-22……..7-19..……..14
Miami 6-19……..7-20……….13
Milw 7-18……..11-23………18
Mets 8-19……..10-20……….18
Philly 8-21……..4-16…………12
Pitt 6-23……..6-17…………12
StL 6-16……..7-22………..13
SD 11-23……6-19………..17
SF 3-24……..6-21………..9
Wash 8-20……..7-19……….15

Orioles 1-22……..5-16………..6
Boston 5-18……..5-21………..10
White Sox 5-22…….8-16………..13
Clev 6-21……..8-18………..14
Detroit 5-20……..9-18………..14
Astros 7-21……..10-20……….17
KC 2-17……..4-22…………6
Angels 6-20…….5-23………..11
Twins 3-16……..5-19……….8
NYY 5-18……..9-19……….14
A’s 3-21……..4-19……….7
Seattle 9-23……..10-18………19
TB 6-21……..10-22………16
Texas 7-18……..8-23………15
Toronto 5-20……..4-21………..9

[StarDust Bum]

LEADING OFF: Miami on road after home flop, Rox-Twins play 2
May 17, 2017

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

FINGERS CROSSED FOR FREDDIE

The Braves will be nervously awaiting the results of tests on the left wrist of Freddie Freeman. The slugging first baseman was struck by a pitch in Wednesday night's victory over the Toronto Blue Jays. He headed straight to the clubhouse for X-rays, which were inconclusive, and now will get an MRI and other tests to determine the seriousness of the injury. Freeman came into the game hitting .343 and tied for the major league lead with 14 homers. Atlanta will try to win its fourth straight against Toronto a day after benches cleared following an emphatic bat flip from the Blue Jays' Jose Bautista.

WANNA GET AWAY?

Giancarlo Stanton and the struggling Marlins open a four-game series at Dodger Stadium hoping a change of scenery will improve their fortunes. Houston just outscored the last-place Marlins 22-4 in a three-game sweep that completed a 1-8 homestand and left Miami with 17 losses in the past 21 games. Next up, Edinson Volquez (0-5, 4.41 ERA) tries to right the ship in Los Angeles, where the Marlins swept a four-game series last year. ''It can't get any worse than what it is,'' second baseman Dee Gordon said.

TWIN CITIES TWIN BILL

The Rockies and Twins complete a series between surprising division leaders with a day-night doubleheader at Target Field. Wednesday's matchup between Minnesota's Ervin Santana (6-1, 1.50) and Colorado rookie German Marquez (1-2, 4.88) was postponed due to stormy weather, so those two will square off in the opener of the twin bill. Santana has been among the game's best pitchers this season, and the 22-year-old Marquez took a no-hitter into the seventh against the Chicago Cubs in his last start. In the nightcap, 22-year-old Twins righty Jose Berrios (1-0, 1.17) makes his second start this season after pitching one-run ball into the eighth against Cleveland last time out. The promising Puerto Rican hurler had an 8.02 ERA in 14 starts last season.

INJURED SLUGGER

The Tigers are expecting to be without Miguel Cabrera for two or three days after the star slugger was a late scratch Wednesday night because of a strained oblique. Cabrera is hitting only .248 this season with four home runs and 15 RBIs. Jordan Zimmermann (3-2) starts for Detroit against Baltimore right-hander Dylan Bundy (5-1).

FAST-TRACKED

The Red Sox are pushing righty Hector Velazquez from the Mexican League to the majors in a hurry, giving the 28-year-old his first big league start in a game against Oakland. Signed in February after seven pro seasons in Mexico, Velazquez is 2-1 with a 1.55 ERA in five starts with Triple-A Pawtucket. Manager John Farrell was impressed by the 6-foot starter in spring training and has called him ''savvy.'' Velazquez will be Boston's eighth starting pitcher this season. The A's will counter with Sonny Gray (0-1, 3.78).

[StarDust Bum]

MLB notebook: Pirates' Taillon diagnosed with cancer
May 17, 2017

Tests on tissue removed from Pittsburgh Pirates right-hander Jameson Taillon last week confirmed he is dealing with testicular cancer.

Pittsburgh trainer Todd Tomczyk said Wednesday that Taillon will be re-evaluated next week before addressing the next course of treatment.

Taillon discovered the abnormality after being placed on the disabled list on May 6 and had tissue surgically removed two days later at Allegheny General Hospital.

The 25-year-old Taillon, who owns a 2-1 mark with a 3.31 ERA in six starts this season, was cleared to play catch and resume light cardiovascular drills Wednesday.

Taillon has a 7-5 career mark with a 3.36 ERA in 24 games since being selected with the second overall pick of the 2010 draft.

--The Pirates placed Gregory Polanco on the 10-day disabled list and recalled fellow outfielder Danny Ortiz from Triple-A Indianapolis.

The move is retroactive to Monday for Polanco, who is nursing a left hamstring strain.

Polanco is batting .252 with one homer and nine RBIs in 34 games this season. The 25-year-old Dominican is hitting .253 with 39 homers and 180 RBIs in 420 career contests -- all with Pittsburgh.

Ortiz, who will be joining the Pirates for his second stint this season, is batting .253 with three RBIs in 27 games with Indianapolis.

--Cleveland Indians outfielder Abraham Almonte is expected to miss three to five weeks with a high-grade sprain to his right biceps tendon, the team announced.

Almonte aggravated the injury and exited Monday's 8-7 victory over Tampa Bay before being placed on the 10-day disabled list the following day.

Further examination and an MRI confirmed the biceps injury for Almonte, who joined fellow outfielders Brandon Guyer and Austin Jackson on the sidelines. Guyer is expected to miss for four to six weeks with a left wrist sprain while Jackson is nursing a toe injury.

[StarDust Bum]

May's MLB Picks
Overall Picks of the Day DOGS AND TOTALS ONLY )
Date W-L-T % Units Record

05/17/2017........... 7-12-0......... 36.84%............ -28.25
05/16/2017............. 9-9-2......... 50.00%............. -1.75
05/12/2017........... 6-13-0......... 31.58%............ -38.75
05/11/2017............. 9-3-1......... 75.00%........... +29.75
05/10/2017............ 6-15-0......... 28.57%............ -45.25
05/09/2017............ 8-12-2......... 40.00%............ -19.75
05/08/2017............. 6-6-1.......... 50.00%............. -1.00
05/07/2017........... 10-10-1........ 50.00%.............. -0.75
05/06/2017........... 12-9-0.......... 57.14% ...........+13.75
05/05/2017........... 4-13-0.......... 23.53%............ -50.00
05/04/2017........... 7-11-0.......... 38.89%............ -22.50
05/03/2017.......... 11-12-0.......... 47.83%............. -5.00
05/02/2017.......... 11-11-0.......... 50.00%............. -1.50
05/01/2017.......... 9 -8 - 0.......... 52.94%........... +11.25

Totals.................115 - 144 ............44.40%...........- 158.25

Best Bets Daily: ( DOGS AND TOTALS ONLY )
Sides / Totals.

05/17/2017..........1 - 3..........25.00%..........-1.85........4 - 4.........50.00%.........-0.40
05/16/2017..........1 - 2..........33.00%..........-0.95........4 - 4.........50.00%.........-0.40
05/12/2017..........2 - 3..........40.00%..........-0.25........4 - 10........40.00%.........-7.20
05/11/2017..........1 - 2..........33.33%..........-0.95........4 - 1..........80.00%.........+2.90
05/10/2017..........3 - 7..........30.00%..........-3.75........3 - 8..........37.50%.........-5.80
05/09/2017..........3 - 4..........42.85%..........-0.10........8 - 6.........57.44%.........+1,40
05/08/2017..........0 - 4..........00.00%..........-4.00........6 - 2.........75.00%.........+3.28
05/07/2017..........4 - 4..........50.00%.........+0.45........7 - 6.........53.84%.........+0.40
05/06/2017..........1 - 5..........20.00%..........-3.85.......10 - 5........66.66%.........+4.50
05/05/2017..........0 - 3..........00.00%..........-3.00........4 - 9..........30.76%.........- 5.90
05/04/2017..........3 - 4..........42.85%..........-0.80........4 - 7..........36.36%.........- 3.70
05/03/2017..........3 - 5..........37.50%..........-1.40........8 - 6..........57.44%.........+2.40
05/02/2017..........2 - 5..........28.57%.........- 2.70........9 - 6..........60.00%.........+ 3.30
05/01/2017..........4 - 2..........66.66 %.......+ 3.85........5 - 5..........50.00%.........- 0.50


Totals...............28 - 53.........34.56%.........- 19.33......80 - 79.........50.31%........+4.12

[StarDust Bum]

MLB

Thursday, May 18

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

12:35 PM
WASHINGTON vs. PITTSBURGH
The total has gone OVER in 7 of Washington's last 9 games
Washington is 13-6 SU in its last 19 games when playing Pittsburgh
The total has gone OVER in 6 of Pittsburgh's last 9 games when playing at home against Washington
Pittsburgh is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games at home

1:10 PM
BALTIMORE vs. DETROIT
Baltimore is 13-6 SU in its last 19 games when playing Detroit
Baltimore is 1-5 SU in its last 6 games
Detroit is 6-13 SU in its last 19 games when playing Baltimore
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Detroit's last 5 games

2:05 PM
PHILADELPHIA vs. TEXAS
Philadelphia is 1-5 SU in its last 6 games when playing on the road against Texas
The total has gone OVER in 13 of Philadelphia's last 16 games on the road
Texas is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games when playing at home against Philadelphia
Texas is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games when playing Philadelphia

2:20 PM
CINCINNATI vs. CHI CUBS
The total has gone OVER in 9 of Cincinnati's last 12 games when playing on the road against Chi Cubs
Cincinnati is 1-5 SU in their last 6 games when playing Chi Cubs
The total has gone OVER in 9 of Chi Cubs's last 12 games when playing at home against Cincinnati
Chi Cubs are 5-0 SU in their last 5 games when playing at home against Cincinnati

3:40 PM
MILWAUKEE vs. SAN DIEGO
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Milwaukee's last 6 games
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Milwaukee's last 6 games when playing on the road against San Diego
The total has gone OVER in 4 of San Diego's last 6 games when playing Milwaukee
The total has gone OVER in 4 of San Diego's last 6 games when playing at home against Milwaukee

7:10 PM
COLORADO vs. MINNESOTA
Colorado8-3-1 SU in its last 12 games on the road
Colorado is 2-4-1 SU in its last 7 games ,when playing on the road against Minnesota
Minnesota is 2-3-1 SU in its last 6 games ,when playing Colorado
Minnesota is 1-4-1 SU in its last 6 games ,at home

7:35 PM
TORONTO vs. ATLANTA
The total has gone UNDER in 11 of Toronto's last 16 games when playing on the road against Atlanta
Toronto is 6-16 SU in its last 22 games when playing Atlanta
The total has gone OVER in 6 of Atlanta's last 7 games at home
Atlanta is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games

8:15 PM
NY YANKEES vs. KANSAS CITY
The total has gone OVER in 4 of NY Yankees's last 6 games on the road
NY Yankees are 9-4 SU in their last 13 games
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Kansas City's last 6 games
Kansas City is 1-5 SU in their last 6 games when playing NY Yankees

10:05 PM
BOSTON vs. OAKLAND
Boston is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games
Boston is 6-13 SU in its last 19 games when playing on the road against Oakland
Oakland is 13-6 SU in its last 19 games when playing at home against Boston
Oakland is 2-5 SU in its last 7 games when playing at home against Boston

10:10 PM
MIAMI vs. LA DODGERS
The total has gone OVER in 8 of Miami's last 10 games when playing on the road against LA Dodgers
Miami is 5-0 SU in their last 5 games when playing on the road against LA Dodgers
LA Dodgers are 0-5 SU in their last 5 games when playing at home against Miami
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of LA Dodgers's last 5 games when playing Miami

10:10 PM
CHI WHITE SOX vs. SEATTLE
Chi White Sox are 0-5 SU in their last 5 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Chi White Sox's last 6 games when playing on the road against Seattle
Seattle is 2-4 SU in their last 6 games when playing Chi White Sox
The total has gone OVER in 11 of Seattle's last 16 games

[StarDust Bum]

MLB
Dunkel

Thursday, May 18


Colorado @ Minnesota

Game 923-924
May 18, 2017 @ 1:10 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Colorado
(Marquez) 14.377
Minnesota
(Santana) 15.951
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Minnesota
by 1 1/2
9
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Minnesota
-140
8 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Minnesota
(-140); Over

Philadelphia @ Texas

Game 921-922
May 18, 2017 @ 2:05 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Philadelphia
(Pivetta) 13.378
Texas
(Perez) 16.236
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Texas
by 3
9
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Texas
-170
10
Dunkel Pick:
Texas
(-170); Under

Toronto @ Atlanta

Game 919-920
May 18, 2017 @ 7:35 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Toronto
(Stroman) 14.318
Atlanta
(Teheran) 16.841
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Atlanta
by 2 1/2
10
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Toronto
-120
8
Dunkel Pick:
Atlanta
(+100); Over

Colorado @ Minnesota

Game 917-918
May 18, 2017 @ 7:10 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Colorado
(Chtwood) 13.787
Minnesota
(Berrios) 16.541
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Minnesota
by 3
9
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Minnesota
-125
8
Dunkel Pick:
Minnesota
(-125); Over

Chicago White Sox @ Seattle

Game 915-916
May 18, 2017 @ 10:10 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Chicago White Sox
(Covey) 12.383
Seattle
(Gaviglio) 14.890
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Seattle
by 2 1/2
10
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Seattle
-170
9
Dunkel Pick:
Seattle
(-170); Over

Boston @ Oakland

Game 913-914
May 18, 2017 @ 10:05 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Boston
(Velazquez) 13.540
Oakland
(Gray) 16.041
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Oakland
by 2 1/2
8
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Oakland
-110
9
Dunkel Pick:
Oakland
(-110); Under

NY Yankees @ Kansas City

Game 911-912
May 18, 2017 @ 8:15 pm

Dunkel Rating:
NY Yankees
(Mntgmry) 14.951
Kansas City
(Duffy) 16.867
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Kansas City
by 2
12
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
NY Yankees
-120
8 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Kansas City
(+100); Over

Baltimore @ Detroit

Game 909-910
May 18, 2017 @ 1:10 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Baltimore
(Bundy) 16.645
Detroit
(Zmmrmnn) 14.720
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Baltimore
by 2
8
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Baltimore
-120
10
Dunkel Pick:
Baltimore
(-120); Under

Miami @ LA Dodgers

Game 907-908
May 18, 2017 @ 10:10 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Miami
(Volquez) 14.916
LA Dodgers
(Ryu) 14.114
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Miami
by 1
7
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
LA Dodgers
-185
8
Dunkel Pick:
Miami
(+165); Under

Milwaukee @ San Diego

Game 905-906
May 18, 2017 @ 3:40 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Milwaukee
(Davies) 15.736
San Diego
(Cosart) 12.816
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Milwaukee
by 3
7
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
San Diego
-130
8 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Milwaukee
(+110); Under

Cincinnati @ Chicago Cubs

Game 903-904
May 18, 2017 @ 2:20 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Cincinnati
(Garrett) 13.955
Chicago Cubs
(Lester) 16.671
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Chicago Cubs
by 2 1/2
10
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Chicago Cubs
-200
No Total
Dunkel Pick:
Chicago Cubs
(-200); N/A

Washington @ Pittsburgh

Game 901-902
May 18, 2017 @ 12:35 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Washington
(Roark) 13.526
Pittsburgh
(Glasnow) 17.205
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Pittsburgh
by 3 1/2
7
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Washington
-135
9
Dunkel Pick:
Pittsburgh
(+115); Under

[StarDust Bum]

MLB
Long Sheet

Thursday, May 18

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

WASHINGTON (25 - 14) at PITTSBURGH (17 - 23) - 12:35 PM
TANNER ROARK (R) vs. TYLER GLASNOW (R)
Top Trends for this game.
WASHINGTON is 34-50 (-24.5 Units) against the money line in road games after a loss over the last 3 seasons.
PITTSBURGH is 47-50 (-16.7 Units) against the money line in home games over the last 2 seasons.
PITTSBURGH is 69-88 (-29.6 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters over the last 2 seasons.
PITTSBURGH is 18-33 (-18.1 Units) against the money line in home games when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
PITTSBURGH is 1-1 (+0.0 Units) against WASHINGTON this season
1 of 2 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+0.1 Units)

TANNER ROARK vs. PITTSBURGH since 1997
ROARK is 2-0 when starting against PITTSBURGH with an ERA of 1.98 and a WHIP of 0.951.
His team's record is 2-0 (+2.0 units) in these starts. The OVER is 1-1. (-0.1 units)

TYLER GLASNOW vs. WASHINGTON since 1997
GLASNOW is 0-0 when starting against WASHINGTON with an ERA of 9.00 and a WHIP of 2.667.
His team's record is 0-1 (-1.4 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 0-1. (-1.1 units)

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

CINCINNATI (19 - 20) at CHICAGO CUBS (20 - 19) - 2:20 PM
AMIR GARRETT (L) vs. JON LESTER (L)
Top Trends for this game.
LESTER is 49-12 (+26.5 Units) against the money line in home games when playing against a team with a losing record since 1997. (Team's Record)
CHICAGO CUBS are 1619-1705 (-261.1 Units) against the money line in all games since 1997.
CHICAGO CUBS are 865-796 (-155.0 Units) against the money line in home games since 1997.
CHICAGO CUBS are 404-369 (-83.9 Units) against the money line in home games against division opponents since 1997.
CHICAGO CUBS are 832-853 (-158.5 Units) against the money line in day games since 1997.
CHICAGO CUBS are 780-834 (-183.1 Units) against the money line after a win since 1997.
CHICAGO CUBS are 782-747 (-157.8 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record since 1997.

Head-to-Head Series History
CHICAGO CUBS is 4-1 (+2.2 Units) against CINCINNATI this season
5 of 5 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+5.2 Units)

AMIR GARRETT vs. CHICAGO CUBS since 1997
No recent starts.

JON LESTER vs. CINCINNATI since 1997
LESTER is 3-1 when starting against CINCINNATI with an ERA of 3.72 and a WHIP of 1.025.
His team's record is 9-1 (+6.8 units) in these starts. The OVER is 7-2. (+4.9 units)

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

MILWAUKEE (23 - 18) at SAN DIEGO (15 - 27) - 3:40 PM
ZACH DAVIES (R) vs. JARRED COSART (R)
Top Trends for this game.
SAN DIEGO is 29-23 (+11.8 Units) against the money line in home games after a loss over the last 2 seasons.
MILWAUKEE is 23-18 (+9.3 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
MILWAUKEE is 18-13 (+8.1 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.
SAN DIEGO is 35-72 (-33.0 Units) against the money line in day games over the last 3 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
MILWAUKEE is 2-1 (+1.3 Units) against SAN DIEGO this season
2 of 3 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+1.0 Units)

ZACH DAVIES vs. SAN DIEGO since 1997
DAVIES is 2-0 when starting against SAN DIEGO with an ERA of 1.89 and a WHIP of 0.947.
His team's record is 3-0 (+3.4 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 3-0. (+3.0 units)

JARRED COSART vs. MILWAUKEE since 1997
COSART is 0-1 when starting against MILWAUKEE with an ERA of 0.96 and a WHIP of 1.393.
His team's record is 1-1 (+0.0 units) in these starts. The OVER is 1-1. (-0.1 units)

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

MIAMI (14 - 25) at LA DODGERS (23 - 18) - 10:10 PM
EDINSON VOLQUEZ (R) vs. HYUN-JIN RYU (L)
Top Trends for this game.
MIAMI is 14-25 (-12.1 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
MIAMI is 39-54 (-20.9 Units) against the money line when the total is 8 to 8.5 over the last 2 seasons.
MIAMI is 3-13 (-11.2 Units) against the money line in May games this season.
MIAMI is 8-21 (-14.7 Units) against the money line in night games this season.
LA DODGERS are 19-3 (+15.6 Units) against the money line at home when the total is 8 to 8.5 over the last 2 seasons.
MIAMI is 25-15 (+14.6 Units) against the money line against left-handed starters over the last 2 seasons.
LA DODGERS are 119-95 (-11.7 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
LA DODGERS are 83-73 (-19.8 Units) against the money line in night games over the last 2 seasons.
LA DODGERS are 61-56 (-14.0 Units) against the money line after a win over the last 2 seasons.

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

EDINSON VOLQUEZ vs. LA DODGERS since 1997
VOLQUEZ is 3-4 when starting against LA DODGERS with an ERA of 4.29 and a WHIP of 1.649.
His team's record is 4-5 (-0.4 units) in these starts. The OVER is 5-3. (+2.1 units)

HYUN-JIN RYU vs. MIAMI since 1997
RYU is 1-1 when starting against MIAMI with an ERA of 2.57 and a WHIP of 1.143.
His team's record is 1-1 (-0.2 units) in these starts. The OVER is 2-0. (+2.4 units)

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

BALTIMORE (23 - 15) at DETROIT (19 - 19) - 1:10 PM
DYLAN BUNDY (R) vs. JORDAN ZIMMERMANN (R)
Top Trends for this game.
DETROIT is 105-94 (+11.1 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
DETROIT is 59-45 (+13.7 Units) against the money line after a win over the last 2 seasons.
DETROIT is 55-46 (+12.9 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.
BALTIMORE is 23-15 (+7.9 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
BALTIMORE is 80-59 (+20.5 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
BALTIMORE is 1-1 (+0.1 Units) against DETROIT this season
1 of 2 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+0.0 Units)

DYLAN BUNDY vs. DETROIT since 1997
No recent starts.

JORDAN ZIMMERMANN vs. BALTIMORE since 1997
ZIMMERMANN is 2-4 when starting against BALTIMORE with an ERA of 5.82 and a WHIP of 1.500.
His team's record is 2-5 (-3.4 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 4-3. (+0.7 units)

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

NY YANKEES (24 - 13) at KANSAS CITY (16 - 23) - 8:15 PM
JORDAN MONTGOMERY (L) vs. DANNY DUFFY (L)
Top Trends for this game.
KANSAS CITY is 203-176 (+22.3 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 3 seasons.
KANSAS CITY is 63-45 (+17.0 Units) against the money line at home when the money line is +125 to -125 over the last 3 seasons.
KANSAS CITY is 116-76 (+27.9 Units) against the money line in home games over the last 3 seasons.
KANSAS CITY is 28-14 (+14.1 Units) against the money line at home when the total is 8 to 8.5 over the last 2 seasons.
KANSAS CITY is 62-41 (+18.0 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 108-91 (+13.8 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
NY YANKEES are 16-6 (+9.7 Units) against the money line after a win this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
NY YANKEES is 2-0 (+2.0 Units) against KANSAS CITY this season
1 of 2 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=-0.1 Units, Under=-0.3 Units)

JORDAN MONTGOMERY vs. KANSAS CITY since 1997
No recent starts.

DANNY DUFFY vs. NY YANKEES since 1997
DUFFY is 1-2 when starting against NY YANKEES with an ERA of 8.05 and a WHIP of 1.789.
His team's record is 2-3 (-1.1 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 2-3. (-1.3 units)

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

BOSTON (21 - 18) at OAKLAND (17 - 23) - 10:05 PM
HECTOR VELAZQUEZ (R) vs. SONNY GRAY (R)
Top Trends for this game.
BOSTON is 659-595 (-82.3 Units) against the money line when the total is 9 to 9.5 since 1997.
BOSTON is 7-13 (-8.5 Units) against the money line after a win this season.
OAKLAND is 154-210 (-50.0 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 3 seasons.
OAKLAND is 79-102 (-34.3 Units) against the money line in home games over the last 3 seasons.
OAKLAND is 28-45 (-21.2 Units) against the money line in May games over the last 3 seasons.
OAKLAND is 51-69 (-26.5 Units) against the money line in home games against right-handed starters over the last 3 seasons.
OAKLAND is 43-72 (-23.7 Units) against the money line after a loss over the last 2 seasons.
GRAY is 4-12 (-10.3 Units) against the money line in night games over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
GRAY is 5-14 (-10.7 Units) against the money line after a loss 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.

HECTOR VELAZQUEZ vs. OAKLAND since 1997
No recent starts.

SONNY GRAY vs. BOSTON since 1997
GRAY is 0-2 when starting against BOSTON with an ERA of 5.40 and a WHIP of 1.260.
His team's record is 1-2 (-1.4 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 2-1. (+1.0 units)

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CHI WHITE SOX (17 - 21) at SEATTLE (19 - 22) - 10:10 PM
DYLAN COVEY (R) vs. SAM GAVIGLIO (R)
Top Trends for this game.
CHI WHITE SOX are 15-28 (-15.0 Units) against the money line in May games over the last 2 seasons.
CHI WHITE SOX are 30-23 (+12.0 Units) against the money line when the total is 9 to 9.5 over the last 2 seasons.
SEATTLE is 37-41 (-22.0 Units) against the money line as a home favorite of -125 to -175 over the last 3 seasons.
SEATTLE is 159-197 (-52.5 Units) against the money line when playing on Thursday since 1997.
SEATTLE is 604-558 (-97.0 Units) against the money line in home games in night games since 1997.
SEATTLE is 46-65 (-36.3 Units) against the money line in home games after shutting out their opponent since 1997.
SEATTLE is 82-97 (-29.4 Units) against the money line after a win over the last 3 seasons.
SEATTLE is 788-708 (-100.2 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record since 1997.

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

DYLAN COVEY vs. SEATTLE since 1997
No recent starts.

SAM GAVIGLIO vs. CHI WHITE SOX since 1997
No recent starts.

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COLORADO (25 - 15) at MINNESOTA (19 - 16) - 7:10 PM
TYLER CHATWOOD (R) vs. JOSE BERRIOS (R)
Top Trends for this game.
COLORADO is 300-412 (-101.1 Units) against the money line on the road when the money line is +125 to -125 since 1997.
COLORADO is 108-197 (-65.7 Units) against the money line in road games in May games since 1997.
COLORADO is 432-682 (-132.3 Units) against the money line in road games in night games since 1997.
COLORADO is 25-15 (+12.5 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
COLORADO is 12-5 (+9.0 Units) against the money line in road games this season.
COLORADO is 53-55 (+12.1 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.
CHATWOOD is 11-5 (+10.1 Units) against the money line in road games over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
MINNESOTA is 78-119 (-26.6 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
MINNESOTA is 23-39 (-16.6 Units) against the money line at home when the money line is +125 to -125 over the last 2 seasons.
MINNESOTA is 38-62 (-25.5 Units) against the money line in home games over the last 2 seasons.
MINNESOTA is 90-121 (-50.6 Units) against the money line in home games when playing on Thursday since 1997.
MINNESOTA is 4-13 (-10.3 Units) against the money line in home games when playing with a day off over the last 2 seasons.
MINNESOTA is 50-89 (-33.0 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters over the last 2 seasons.
MINNESOTA is 18-35 (-14.7 Units) against the money line in home games when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
COLORADO is 1-0 (+1.1 Units) against MINNESOTA this season
1 of 1 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+1.0 Units)

TYLER CHATWOOD vs. MINNESOTA since 1997
CHATWOOD is 0-1 when starting against MINNESOTA with an ERA of 8.67 and a WHIP of 2.248.
His team's record is 1-1 (-0.5 units) in these starts. The OVER is 2-0. (+2.1 units)

JOSE BERRIOS vs. COLORADO since 1997
No recent starts.

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TORONTO (17 - 24) at ATLANTA (16 - 21) - 7:35 PM
MARCUS STROMAN (R) vs. JULIO TEHERAN (R)
Top Trends for this game.
TORONTO is 111-101 (-19.1 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
TORONTO is 65-66 (-20.8 Units) against the money line in night games over the last 2 seasons.
TORONTO is 38-39 (-15.7 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 2 seasons.
STROMAN is 19-23 (-14.5 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
STROMAN is 8-15 (-15.9 Units) against the money line in night games over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
STROMAN is 5-14 (-16.4 Units) against the money line after a loss over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
ATLANTA is 41-41 (+13.9 Units) against the money line after a win over the last 2 seasons.
ATLANTA is 15-8 (+13.0 Units) against the money line after 3 or more consecutive wins over the last 2 seasons.
ATLANTA is 24-47 (-21.6 Units) against the money line in home games in night games over the last 2 seasons.
TEHERAN is 1-10 (-10.2 Units) against the money line at home when the money line is +125 to -125 over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
TEHERAN is 5-17 (-13.8 Units) against the money line in home games over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
TEHERAN is 7-20 (-14.0 Units) against the money line in night games over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)

Head-to-Head Series History
ATLANTA is 3-0 (+3.5 Units) against TORONTO this season
3 of 3 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+3.2 Units)

MARCUS STROMAN vs. ATLANTA since 1997
No recent starts.

JULIO TEHERAN vs. TORONTO since 1997
TEHERAN is 0-0 when starting against TORONTO with an ERA of 6.60 and a WHIP of 1.533.
His team's record is 2-1 (+1.9 units) in these starts. The OVER is 2-1. (+1.0 units)

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PHILADELPHIA (14 - 23) at TEXAS (21 - 20) - 2:05 PM
NICK PIVETTA (R) vs. MARTIN PEREZ (L)
Top Trends for this game.
TEXAS is 116-90 (+26.8 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
TEXAS is 68-38 (+22.3 Units) against the money line in home games over the last 2 seasons.
TEXAS is 27-17 (+14.3 Units) against the money line in May games over the last 2 seasons.
TEXAS is 23-14 (+13.1 Units) against the money line when playing on Thursday over the last 3 seasons.
TEXAS is 90-66 (+23.6 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters over the last 2 seasons.
TEXAS is 69-46 (+22.4 Units) against the money line after a win over the last 2 seasons.
PHILADELPHIA is 39-42 (+16.9 Units) against the money line against left-handed starters over the last 3 seasons.
PHILADELPHIA is 802-838 (+19.0 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record since 1997.

Head-to-Head Series History
TEXAS is 2-0 (+2.0 Units) against PHILADELPHIA this season
1 of 2 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=-0.3 Units, Under=-0.1 Units)

NICK PIVETTA vs. TEXAS since 1997
No recent starts.

MARTIN PEREZ vs. PHILADELPHIA since 1997
PEREZ is 0-0 when starting against PHILADELPHIA with an ERA of 3.17 and a WHIP of 1.235.
His team's record is 1-0 (+1.0 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 1-0. (+1.0 units)

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COLORADO (25 - 15) at MINNESOTA (19 - 16) - 1:10 PM
GERMAN MARQUEZ (R) vs. ERVIN SANTANA (R)
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

Head-to-Head Series History
COLORADO is 1-0 (+1.1 Units) against MINNESOTA this season
1 of 1 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+1.0 Units)

GERMAN MARQUEZ vs. MINNESOTA since 1997
No recent starts.

ERVIN SANTANA vs. COLORADO since 1997
SANTANA is 2-1 when starting against COLORADO with an ERA of 6.31 and a WHIP of 1.402.
His team's record is 2-2 (-0.5 units) in these starts. The OVER is 3-0. (+3.0 units)

[StarDust Bum]

Thursday's Diamond Notes
May 18, 2017

Hottest team: Rangers (8-0 past eight games, 14-4 past 18 at home)

The Rangers are trying to keep their Lone Star State rivals, the Houston Astros, within hailing distance in the American League West Division. It's a tall order, as the Astros keep winning. Texas enters Thursday's interleague series finale with an eight-game winning streak in tow, winning the first two games of their interleague series with the Phillies by a combined score of 14-4. Pitching has been the biggest key for the Rangers during their impressive run, allowing just 2.5 runs per game over the past eight. The Phillies have won just three of their past 17 overall while going 3-12 in their past 15 interleague road games against a left-handed starter, so a sweep certainly looks rather favorable for Texas.

Coldest team : Marlins (1-8 past nine overall, 2-5 past seven road games)

The Marlins were broomed at home by the Astros, and they were outscored by a combined 22-4 in the three-game interleague set. Manager Don Mattingly's bunch certainly looked outclassed by one of the American League's best, now his Marlins head to the left coast to face his old employer, the Los Angeles Dodgers. Perhaps the Fish are catching a bit of a break, as they won't have to deal with the red-hot Clayton Kershaw. L.A. is just 1-3 over its past four outings, but they have managed an impressive plus-55 run differential which is good for No. 1 in the National League.

Hottest pitcher: Dylan Bundy, Orioles (5-1, 2.26 ERA)

Bundy hits the hill Thursday looking for his ninth quality start in as many outings when he faces the Tigers at Comerica Park in Detroit. He hasn't tasted defeat since April 11 in Boston, and he spun six scoreless innings in his only other daytime start on April 16 in Toronto.While the O's are 1-5 in their past six games overall, and 1-5 in their past six outings on the road, they're an impressive 5-1 in Bundy's past six appearances. They're also catching the Tigers are a good time, as they have posted a 3-7 record in Jordan Zimmermann's past 10 outings while going 0-5 in their past five games following a win.

Coldest pitcher: Tyler Chatwood, Rockies (3-5, 5.25 ERA)

Chatwood and the Rockies hit the road for a date with the Twins at Target Field. He has dropped three of his past four decisions, and he hasn't won on the road since April 15 in San Francisco. He'll be making his first appearance at Target Field since May 27, 2011 when he was a member of the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim. Chatwood has served up nine homers across just 48 innings, walking 22 while striking out 37. Opponents are hitting .247 against him over eight starts. The good news for Chatwood is that the Twins have clubbed just 46 homers, tied for 15th in the majors while posting a .247 team batting average.

Biggest UNDER run: Tigers (4-1 past five games)

The 'under' hasn't been a frequent occurence for anyone lately, but the flagging Tigers offense has helped total bettors cash at the window lately. Outside of an 11-run outburst May 16 vs. the O's, the Detroit bats have produced very little lately. The offense is averaging just 4.3 runs per game over the past five, including that 11-run performance, and just 2.5 runs per game if you take that 11-run tally out of the equation. They're facing the red-hot Bundy, with the 'under' going 7-3-1 in his past 11 starts overall, including 3-1-1 in his past five assignments on the road.

Biggest OVER run: Twins (10-3-1 past 15 games)

The Twins have been a strong play on the 'over' lately, going 11-3-1 in their past 15 games overall, 13-2-1 in their past 16 interleague home games and 8-1-1 in their past 10 interleague home games against a right-handed starter. While the under is 9-2-1 in Ervin Santana's past 12 starts overall, the over is 4-1 in the past five opening games of a doubleheader and 7-2-1 in the past 10 against right-handed starters. The over is also 10-4 in Colorado's past 14 road games against a team with a losing home record.

Matchup to watch: Dodgers vs. Marlins

Mattingly brings his ice-cold Marlins out to face manager Dave Roberts and the Dodgers. L.A. opens a 10-game homestand, looking to turn things around after dropping three of the past four overall. Edinson Volquez takes the ball for the Marlins looking for much better results. He is 0-5 with a 4.41 ERA overall, and he has walked 24 batters over just 34 2/3 innings. He is also 3-4 with a 4.29 ERA across nine career starts against the Dodgers. Meanwhile, Hyun-Jin Ryu looks to improve on his 1-1 record, 3.97 ERA and 1.24 WHIP over two home starts this season.

Betcha didn’t know: The Marlins might be running cold right now, but they were able to post a four-game sweep at Dodger Stadium last season. In fact, Miami has won five straight trips to Chavez Ravine while going 6-1 in their past seven meetings overall. The 'over' is a frequent happened with the Marlins and Dodgers hook up, going 24-6-3 in the past 33 in Los Angeles and 39-16-5 in the past 60 meetings in this series.

Biggest public favorite: Cubs (-205) vs. Reds

Biggest public underdog: Brewers (+125) at Padres

Biggest line move: Padres (-115 to -125) vs. Brewers

[StarDust Bum]

THURSDAY, MAY 18

GAME TIME(ET) PICK UNITS

WAS at PIT 12:35 PM

U 9.0

COL at MIN 01:10 PM

O 8.0

BAL at DET 01:10 PM

DET +115

U 10.5

PHI at TEX 02:05 PM

U 10.0

CIN at CHC 02:20 PM

CIN +167

MIL at SD 03:40 PM

MIL +110

U 7.5

COL at MIN 07:10 PM

U 8.5

TOR at ATL 07:35 PM

ATL +120

U 8.0

NYY at KC 08:15 PM

O 8.5

BOS at OAK 10:05 PM

U 9.0

MIA at LAD 10:10 PM

MIA +165

U 8.0

CHW at SEA 10:10 PM

U 9.0

[StarDust Bum]

Friday’s six-pack

— Kansas City Chiefs went 12-4 last year; still, 33-year old QB Alex Smith thinks the Chiefs will dump him after this coming season and go with Patrick Mahomes.

— Who knew that the Rockies-Twins series this week would be a matchup of first-place teams?

— Angels bolstered their pitching staff by adding veteran hurler Doug Fister.

— Among active players with 300+ PA, Dustin Pedroia (.328) has the highest batting average in interleague games.

— Miami Marlins will be sold soon, either to Jeb Bush’s group or one led by Mitt Romney’s son. Good luck fixing that payroll.

— In 1976, a guy named Ronald Wayne sold his 10% stake in Apple for $800. Today it would be worth $80 billion- thats billion, with a B.

**************************

Friday’s List of 13: Random stuff with the weekend here……..

13) Bad news for my Rams (and the Chargers); there has been so much rain in Los Angeles this year that excavation at the construction of the new stadium in Inglewood has been delayed- the opening date for the new stadium has been pushed back until the 2020 football season.

12) One small quirk here; the Super Bowl after the 2020 season is supposed to be in this stadium, but NFL rules say a stadium can’t host a Super Bowl in the first year it is open. We’ll see about that.

11) More LA Coliseum news; the Coliseum has apparently sold its naming rights to United Airlines; hopefully this doesn’t mean fans will get dragged out of the stadium by their feet if games are sold out.

10) Jose Altuve had two doubles and two triples Wednesday, the first major leaguer to do that since Carl Crawford in 2005. Oddly, Altuve didn’t score a run despite the four extra-base hits.

9) There are seven schools in the SEC West; all seven of their football coaches make $4M+ a year. Boosters at the schools who finish 6th and 7th ain’t gonna be happy.

8) Jalen Poyser has transferred from UNLV to St Bonaventure; there are very few places in this country more different than Las Vegas and Olean, NY.

Mountain West and Atlantic 14 are very similarly-ranked leagues. Poyser is from Ontario so he is a lot closer to home now. He should be a much stronger kid by time he is eligible to play in 2018-19.

7) New York Mets’ starting pitchers have an ERA of 5.13 this season, 14th in the 15-team NL, which is really hard to believe, given the level of hype their pitchers get.

6) Bad news for the Atlanta Braves; star 1B Freddie Freeman has a broken wrist, is out 8-10 weeks. He was hit by a pitch Wednesday night.

5) Miguel Cabrera will miss the next couple of games with an oblique strain, which I think used to be called an abdominal muscle. Not having many muscles myself, I’m not totally sure.

4) Weird story of the day: A Girl Scout leader in Kentucky absconded with $15,000 in Girl Scout cookies and is now on the lam. What makes people do stuff like this?

3) A writer in California who used to write jokes for Jay Leno is suing Conan O’Brien for stealing at least five jokes from him in 2014-15. Stealing jokes is no laughing matter.

2) In the NBA this season, 77.2% of free throws were made. Last year, 11 of 12 teams in the WNBA shot higher than 77.2% on the foul line- Connecticut shot 71.5% on the foul line. Seven of 12 WNBA teams shot higher than 80% on the charity stripe last year.

In the NBA this season, 35.8% of 3-pointers were made. Only three of 12 WNBA teams shot better than that on the arc last season, even though the basketball is smaller and the arc is slightly closer than in the NBA.

1) Somebody didn’t vote Russell Westbrook 1st team all-NBA this season; this person needs to be identified, because thats just dumb. They should probably lose their voting rights, too.