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MLB Daily Line Drive: Saturday's picks, betting odds and analysis

Double-Play Picks

Cleveland Indians at Detroit Tigers (+136, 9.5)

* Game 2 of doubleheader

It’s a battle of American League Central rivals which are headed in opposite directions when the Indians visit the Tigers in Game 2 of a doubleheader. The Indians have climbed to the top of the division, while the Tigers seem to be racing towards their inevitable fire sale later this month.

Cleveland has won 11 of their last 16 ball games thanks in large part to a pitching staff that is starting to round into form after a slow start. The Indians have allowed 3.2 runs per game over that 16 game stretch.

Cleveland sends Carlos Carrasco to the mound for Game 2 of the doubleheader and while he is coming off of his worst start of the year, he has been the Tribe’s most consistent starter this season, especially on the road.

Carrasco is 6-1 is with a 2.54 ERA and a 0.987 WHIP in eight starts away from home this season. The veteran right-hander has also performed well against the Tigers over the past two seasons. In his last six starts against Detroit Carrasco is 3-1 with a 1.48 ERA and a 0.923 WHIP.

Meanwhile, the Tigers will counter with Jordan Zimmermann, who has been consistently inconsistent this season. Zimmermann is 5-5 with a 5.53 ERA and a 1.494 WHIP this season.

He has just two quality start in his first nine outings, and then strung together five quality starts together in a row. But in his last outing, he got shelled by the Padres and the MLB’s worst offense.

Carrasco and the Indians are too good and provide too much value in this spot.

Pick: Indians -146

Colorado Rockies at Arizona Diamondbacks (-155, 8.5)

The Rockies finally ended their eight-game skid by taking the opening game of their three-game set in Arizona 6-3 against the Diamondbacks, but it will be to string together consecutive wins as the go up against D-backs ace Zack Greinke in Game 2 Saturday night.

The Rockies are one of the better road teams in baseball, going 26-19 away from Coors Field this season, but Greinke and the Diamondbacks have been even better playing at home.

Even with the loss last night, Arizona is a very impressive 30-13 at home this season, thanks in large part to an offense that just loves to mash the ball at Chase Field.
Arizona leads the majors in runs scored at home this season by a wide margin, platting 261 runs in 43 games at Chase Field. That equates to 6.1 runs per game. The next closest team is the Los Angeles Dodgers at 5.6 runs per game. The Diamondbacks are also first in hits at home, and third in average and OPS.

As mentioned above, it gets even tougher on the Rockies tonight because they have to go up against Greinke, who has also loved playing at Chase Field. Greinke is 7-0 with a 2.68 ERA and a .947 WHIP, while racking up 74 strikeouts in nine starts at home this season.

Greinke faces a Rockies lineup that has stalled a bit recently. Even with the six runs last night, they are averaging just 3.2 runs per game in their last nine games and expect Greinke to keep the Rockies struggles going.

Pick: Diamondbacks -155

Yesterday's Picks: 1-1
Season To Date: 77-69-7


Streaking and Slumping Starting Pitchers

Streaking: Chris Sale, Boston Red Sox (10-3, 2.77 ERA)

The Boston Red Sox gave up a kings ransom to acquire Chris Sale from the Chicago White Sox and so far Sale has been worth every penny. 10-3 (12-4 TW-TL), 2.77 ERA, .91 WHIP and as the calendar turns to July 1st, he’s only getting better.

Boston have won six of his last seven outings and he’s thrown eight quality starts in his last nine outings. Over his last three starts he sporting a 1.99 ERA, .71 WHIP, .193 opponents batting average, and has 29 strikeouts to four walks. Sale and the Red Sox are -159 road chalk against the Blue Jays on Canada Day.

Slumping: Zack Wheeler, New York Mets (3-5, 5.29 ERA)

It was destined to happen, maybe it was just his turn but we have another slumping New York Mets pitcher. Welcome Zach Wheeler your the next struggling Mets pitcher and you are absolutely worthy.

In his last two starts, both loses, Wheeler has an ERA of 36.82, a WHIP of 4.6364, only five strikeouts to go along with 3 walks, and he has allowed five home runs. All of this magic in 3.2 innings of work. Wheeler and the Mets are -170 home chalk against the Philadelphia Phillies.

Saturday's Top Trends

* Rangers are 0-6 in the last six meetings in Chicago. Rangers -120 @ White Sox.
* Royals are 7-0 in their last seven opening games of a double-header. Royals -140 vs. Twins.
* Over is 8-1-1 in Matt Moore's last 10 road starts. Giants @ Pirates, O/U: 9.5.
* Angels are 1-10 in Ricky Nolasco's last 11 starts. Angels -115 vs. Mariners.

Weather To Keep An Eye On

Wet weather will have an impact on a couple of games across Major League Baseball. There are thunderstorms forecasted and 85 percent chance of rain at first pitch at Camden Yards where the Orioles host the Rays and a possibility of thunderstorms moving into the area of Citi Field where the Phillies are in town to play the Mets.

There are three games on todays slate with double digit hitter’s winds in the forecast:

Cleveland Indians at Detroit Tigers (Total: 10.5) - 12-14 mile per hour wind blowing out to left field
San Francisco Giants at Pittsburgh Pirates (Total: 9.5) - 11-13 mile per hour wind blowing to left field
Atlanta Braves at Oakland Athletics (Total: 9) - 11-14 mile per hour wind blowing out to left-center field.

Ump Of The Day

Marty Foster: Foster is working behind the plate tonight in Houston as the Astros host the New York Yankees and that generally means home cooking will be rewarded. The home team has gotten the win in eight of the 12 games (66.7 percent)Foster has called balls and strikes in 2017 and more recently in six of the last seven games.

If that isn’t enough to make Yankees fans/backers cringe, the Pinstripes have lost 10 of their last 11 games with Foster behind the dish. The Astros are -132 home favorites today.

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Diamond Trends - Saturday
July 1, 2017

TOP SU TREND

-- The Giants are 0-11 since Jul 17, 2016 on the road past the first game of a series after they hit multiple home runs last game.

TOP OU TREND

-- The Yankees are 10-0-1 OU (5.41 ppg) since Jul 25, 2015 coming off a road game in which they did not give up a walk.

TOP STARTER TREND

-- The Cardinals are 0-10 RUN LINE AGAINST since May 21, 2014 when Michael Wacha starts at home after they won as an home favorite in his last start.

TOP CHOICE TREND

-- The Red Sox are 10-0 since Aug 19, 2016 as a favorite off a road game in which Hanley Ramirez had multiple hits.

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Saturday's Diamond Notes
July 1, 2017

Hottest team: Giants (4-0 past four games)

The Giants are still 20 games below .500, but seriously, they are the hottest team in the majors. Their four-game winning streak is longest active in baseball, and only two teams have a streak of three wins at the moment. The Giants humped up on the Pirates in the series opener Friday in the Steel City, winning by a decisive 13-5 score. Denard Span, Joe Panik and Hunter Pence combined for 10 hits in 14 at-bats at the top of the order, collecting seven RBI while also adding three walks. That's the recipe for success for any team. Now, they will face Chad Kuhl, and the Pirates are just 1-4 over Kuhl's past five home starts and 1-5 over his past six outings overall. Of course, the Giants are just 2-8 in Matt Moore's past 10 road outings and 1-6 in his past seven assignments overall.

Coldest team: Rockies (1-8 past nine games)

The Rockies have fallen six games off the pace in the National League West Divsion after experiencing an eight-game losing skid, all inside the division, from June 21-28. They came alive in Friday's series opener in Arizona, doubling up Robbie Ray and the Snakes by a 6-3 score. But one game does not snap a team out of a cold streak, as they're still 1-8 over the past nine. Colorado's offense is averaging just 3.2 runs per game over the past nine outings, and they'll need to rectify that situation on a regular basis before they can be trusted at the betting window again.

Hottest pitcher: Chris Sale, Red Sox (10-3, 2.77 ERA)

The league's top strikeout pitcher takes his show on the road trying to spoil Canada Day for the Blue Jays and their fans. The enigmatic southpaw is a little more hittable on the road, going 4-2 with a 3.21 ERA over eight starts with a .212 opponent batting average as opposed to a .187 home average and 2.34 ERA. However, his finest road outing of the season came April 20 when he allowed just four hits and a walk with 13 strikeouts over eight scoreless frames at Rogers Centre. Since the start of the 2014 season Sale is a perfect 5-0 with a 1.80 ERA over five starts with 38 strikeouts over 40 innings.

Coldest pitcher: Matt Moore, Giants (3-8, 6.04 ERA)

While the Giants have been red hot lately, their four-game winning streak will be put to the test with the southpaw Moore on the hill. He has allowed 60 earned runs, most in the majors, over 16 starts this season. Opponents are hitting a robust .299 against him this season while he has an awful 1.61 WHIP over 89 1/3 innings. The Giants are 1-6 over Moore's past seven assignments, 2-8 over his past 10 road outings and 1-6 in his past seven starts on the road against teams with a winning home mark. And, for what it's worth, the Giants are 0-4 in Moore's past four starts on Saturdays.

Biggest UNDER run: Phillies (3-1-1 past five overall, 3-1-1 past five road games)

The 'under' has been a frequent happening for the Phillies lately, going 3-1-1 in their past five games overall and 3-1-1 in their past five road games. The under is also 4-0-1 in their past five assignments vs. RHP. Having Jeremy Hellickson on the hill is also a good sign for the under, as it is 3-0-1 in his past four outings. The under is also 7-1 in Hellboy's past eight starts against National League East foes, 5-1-2 over his past eight against teams with a losing overall record and 3-0-2 in Philadelphia's past five road games vs. RHP.

Biggest OVER run: Reds (10-3 past 13 games overall)

The 'under' connected in Friday's series opener against the Cubbies, as Cincinnati dominated in a 5-0 win against the toothless lineup of the defending champs. No Kris Bryant (ankle) for Chicago certainly helps. The over has cashed in 10 of the past 13 games overall for Cincinnati while going 9-2 in their past 11 games overall against a right-handed starting pitcher. The over is 41-20-2 in their past 63 games overall, 33-16-2 over the past 51 within their division and 19-7 in their past 26 games played on Saturday. The over is also an impressive 16-5 in Cincinnati's past 21 games after posting five or more runs in their previous outing. And the over is an impressive 35-14-3 in Cincinnati's past 52 meetings with the Cubs, and 39-16-3 in the previous 58 meetings at GABP.

Matchup to watch: Astros vs. Yankees

The Yankees worked over the Astros in the series opener at Minute Maid, 13-4. The odds makers are expecting the Astros to bounce back on Saturday against Jordan Montgomery and company, as the 'Stros are moderate favorites. Despite their big win on Friday, New York is still just 5-12 over their past 17 games overall, including 3-8 over the past 11 outings on the road. They're also just 1-6 in their past seven road games against a right-handed starter and 0-5 in their past five outings following a win. However, the Yankees have won five of their past seven trips to Houston with the 'under' cashing in 11 of the past 14 battles in H-Town.

Betcha didn’t know: Independence Day comes early in Canada, at least if you're an American used to celebrating July 4th. On July 1, Canada celebrates its independence with baseball, fireworks and...well, probably poutine or something uniquely Canadian. And that's cool. Last season the Blue Jays had Canada Day spoiled in a 2-1 loss in 19 innings in front of 45,825 fans in a game which spanned six hours and 13 minutes. The previous season the Jays won 11-2 at home against the Red Sox. In fact, until last season's July 1 setback the Jays had a three-game winning streak on Canada Day dating back to July 1, 2012, when they fell at home 10-6 to the Angels.

Biggest public favorite: Mets (-165) vs. Phillies

Biggest public underdog: Nationals (+115) at Cardinals

Biggest line move: White Sox (+125 to -105) vs. Rangers

[StarDust Bum]

Win Total Update - July
July 1, 2017

Three months of the 2017 pro baseball season are in the books and bettors investing in “Win Total” wagers can start to get a clearer picture on their investments. Listed below are each team’s win totals and their records through July 1 along with their projection to go ‘over’ or ‘under’ this season.

NATIONAL LEAGUE WIN TOTALS

Team Win Total - 2017 Record on 7/1/17 Projection

Arizona Diamondbacks 77 ½ 50-31

Atlanta Braves 75 ½ 38-41

Chicago Cubs 95 ½ 40-40

Cincinnati Reds 70 ½ 34-45

Colorado Rockies 80 ½ 48-34

Los Angeles Dodgers 94 ½ 54-28

Miami Marlins 76 ½ 35-43

Milwaukee Brewers 69 ½ 43-39

New York Mets 88 ½ 37-42

Philadelphia Phillies 72 ½ 26-52

Pittsburgh Pirates 82 ½ 37-43

San Diego Padres 67 ½ 33-47

San Francisco Giants 87 ½ 31-51

St. Louis Cardinals 83 ½ 38-41

Washington Nationals 91½ 47-33



AMERICAN LEAGUE WIN TOTALS

Team Win Total - 2017 Record on 7/1/17 Projection

Baltimore Orioles 79 ½ 39-40

Boston Red Sox 92 ½ 45-35

Chicago White Sox 68 ½ 35-44

Cleveland Indians 93 ½ 42-36

Detroit Tigers 83 ½ 35-43

Houston Astros 91 ½ 54-27

Kansas City Royals 74 ½ 39-39

Los Angeles Angels 80 ½ 42-42

Minnesota Twins 75 ½ 40-38

New York Yankees 83 ½ 43-35

Oakland Athletics 74 ½ 35-45

Seattle Mariners 85 ½ 40-41

Tampa Bay Rays 78 ½ 42-40

Texas Rangers 84 ½ 39-41

Toronto Blue Jays 84 ½ 37-42

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SATURDAY, JULY 1

GAME TIME(ET) PICK UNITS

BOS at TOR 01:07 PM

U 8.5

CLE at DET 01:10 PM

U 10.5

TEX at CHW 02:10 PM

U 10.0

MIN at KC 02:15 PM

O 9.0

SF at PIT 04:05 PM

SF +105

O 9.5

TB at BAL 04:05 PM

TB +105

O 11.0

ATL at OAK 04:05 PM

ATL +160

O 9.0

PHI at NYM 04:10 PM

U 9.0

CHC at CIN 04:10 PM

U 11.0

MIA at MIL 04:10 PM

MIA +105

CLE at DET 07:15 PM

U 9.5

WAS at STL 07:15 PM

WAS +100

NYY at HOU 07:15 PM

NYY +100

O 9.5

MIN at KC 08:35 PM

O 9.5

SEA at LAA 10:07 PM

U 8.5

LAD at SD 10:10 PM

U 8.5

COL at ARI 10:10 PM

COL +135

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Baseball Capsules
July 1, 2017

TORONTO (AP) Chris Sale pitched seven shutout innings to win his third straight decision, Xander Bogaerts had three RBIs and the Boston Red Sox beat the Toronto Blue Jays 7-1 on Saturday.

Sale (11-3) struck out 11, boosting his major league-leading total to 166. He's 2-0 with 24 strikeouts in 15 scoreless innings against the Blue Jays this season.

Blaine Boyer pitched the eighth and Robby Scott gave up Steve Pearce's solo home run in the ninth.

Jackie Bradley Jr. hit a two-out, two run double in the first and Dustin Pedroia did the same in the second. Bogaerts had a sacrifice fly in the fifth and added a two-run single off Lucas Harrell in the ninth.

Mookie Betts walked three times and scored three runs for the AL East-leading Red Sox, who have won five of six. Hanley Ramirez had three hits.

Blue Jays left-hander Francisco Liriano (4-4) allowed five runs in six innings.

RANGERS 10, WHITE SOX 4

CHICAGO (AP) - Cole Hamels overcame a shaky start to win for the first time since April, and Texas hit three home runs.

Hamels (3-0) allowed two runs and two hits while striking out six in 6 2/3 innings for his first win since April 26. He retired 19 straight batters after giving up a double and a homer and hitting a batter with a pitch in the first inning of his second start since returning from a strained right oblique.

Elvis Andrus, Mike Napoli and Rougned Odor homered for the Rangers, who snapped a three-game losing streak.

White Sox starter Derek Holland (5-8) didn't fare as well in his first game against his former team. Holland, who spent his first eight seasons with the Rangers and was on their 2010 and 2011 AL championship squads, allowed five runs in 5 1/3 innings. He is 1-5 in his last seven starts.

REDS 5, CUBS 3

CINCINNATI (AP) - Jackson Stephens lasted five innings in his major league debut and drove in the go-ahead runs with a bases-loaded single to lead Cincinnati.

The Cubs' fourth loss in five games dropped them to 40-41, well off their pace from a year ago (51-30) when they were on their way to an NL Central title and a World Series championship.

Stephens (1-0) gave up a solo homer by Jon Jay and a two-run shot by Willson Contreras. He was called up to help the Reds fill an opening in the rotation created by Brandon Finnegan's arm injury.

With two outs and the bases loaded in the fourth, Stephens singled up the middle off Eddie Butler (4-3) for two runs and a 4-3 lead, smacking his hands together as he reached base with his first major league hit. He gave up six hits and struck out eight in five innings.

BREWERS 8 MARLINS 4

MILWAUKEE (AP) - Domingo Santana hit a two-run homer off Giancarlo Stanton's glove, sparking a seven-run second inning that lifted Milwaukee past Miami.

Santana tied it with a home run to right off Tom Koehler (1-3), who walked Travis Shaw to start the second. Stanton jumped and got the tip of his mitt on the ball, but it bounced off and fell into the seats. Stanton put his hands on his head as Santana circled the bases.

Shaw had a two-run single later in the inning. Brewers starter Zach Davies drove in a run on a fielder's choice, Stephen Vogt drew a bases-load walk and Jonathan Villar added a run-scoring single as Milwaukee sent 13 batters to the plate in the inning.

Davies (9-4) struggled a bit with his control early but retired his last 10 batters. He gave up four runs and five hits over six innings with two walks and five strikeouts.

BRAVES 4, ATHLETICS 3

OAKLAND, Calif. (AP) - Dansby Swanson hit a tiebreaking double off closer Santiago Casilla in the ninth inning to drive in Danny Santana - one of two unearned runs scored by Atlanta - and the Braves held on for the win.

Santana had two hits and two runs and Matt Adams added a sacrifice fly in his return to the lineup as Atlanta won its second straight in this interleague series. The Braves have won 10 of 14 overall.

Atlanta led 3-1 behind knuckleballer R.A. Dickey before Khris Davis hit a tying two-run home run off Arodys Vizcaino in the eighth.

After Johan Camargo struck out swinging against Casilla (1-3) to open the ninth, Santana reached base on Oakland shortstop Franklin Barreto's second error of the game. Santana stole second then scored when Swanson doubled down the left-field line,

Swanson also had an RBI double in the seventh.

Sam Freeman (1-0) retired two batters for the win. Jim Johnson pitched the ninth for his 18th save.

GIANTS 2, PIRATES 1, 11 INNINGS

PITTSBURGH (AP) - Denard Span scored on a wild pitch in the 11th inning to give San Francisco a win over Pittsburgh.

Span walked against Daniel Hudson (1-4) and stole second. Joe Panik singled, and Buster Posey faced a full count when Hudson's pitch got past catcher Elias Diaz, allowing Span to score.

Josh Osich (2-1) got the win. Sam Dyson pitched a scoreless 11th for his first save since being acquired from the Texas Rangers in early June.

In the ninth, Giants reliever Hunter Strickland walked the bases loaded but got Diaz to strike out looking. Diaz finished 0 for 5 with two strikeouts and left eight men on base.

RAYS 10, ORIOLES 3

BALTIMORE (AP) - Logan Morrison homered twice, Wilson Ramos hit a three-run drive and Tampa Bay beat Dylan Bundy and Baltimore.

Steven Souza had a solo shot for the Rays, who have 23 home runs in their last 12 games. Morrison, who connected in the first inning and again in the third, has 24 for the season - a career high.

Jake Odorizzi (5-3) was the beneficiary of Tampa Bay's 14-hit attack, which included four doubles. The right-hander pitched five innings, allowing at least three earned runs for the sixth start in a row. He also yielded a home run in his 12th successive appearance, a club record.

The Rays will seek to complete a three-game sweep on Sunday. They are already assured their first series win against Baltimore after going 0-5-1 since April 2016.

Bundy (8-7) allowed five runs and seven hits in four innings. He struck out seven.

TIGERS 7, INDIANS 4, 1ST GAME

INDIANS 4, TIGERS 1, 2ND GAME

DETROIT (AP) - Jose Ramirez hit a two-run homer to cap a four-run sixth inning, and Carlos Carrasco pitched Cleveland to a doubleheader split against Detroit.

The Tigers won the opener and led 1-0 in the second game before the Indians broke through against Jordan Zimmermann (5-6). The right-hander allowed one hit through five innings, but didn't make it through the sixth.

Carrasco (9-3) yielded four hits in seven innings. He struck out seven and walked one.

Andrew Miller worked a perfect ninth for his second save, aided by a spectacular catch from Bradley Zimmer.

In the opener, Nicholas Castellanos hit a tiebreaking triple in the seventh off Bryan Shaw (2-3). J.D. Martinez and Miguel Cabrera hit back-to-back homers for the Tigers.

Shane Greene (2-2) got the win, and Justin Wilson earned his eighth save.

METS 7, PHILLIES 6

NEW YORK (AP) - Asdrubal Cabrera hit a go-ahead homer on his bobblehead day, part of a four-run rally in the seventh inning that carried New York past Philadelphia.

The resurgent Mets overcame three errors and a short start by Zack Wheeler in his return from the disabled list to win their fourth straight. They've won seven of eight since getting swept in four games at Dodger Stadium.

Phillies starter Jeremy Hellickson left with a 6-4 lead in the seventh after giving up seven hits, including solo homers by Lucas Duda and T.J. Rivera. Pinch-hitter Wilmer Flores stroked an RBI single and Cabrera connected off Pat Neshek (2-2), who began the day with a 0.57 ERA. He had not permitted a run since May 14, making 19 straight scoreless appearances.

After a 57-minute rain delay in the top of the eighth, Addison Reed came on and got four outs for his 14th save. Reed worked around a leadoff double by Aaron Altherr in the ninth that nearly cleared the right-field wall.

Fernando Salas (1-2) got the win despite allowing a three-run homer to Tommy Joseph that gave Philadelphia a 6-3 lead in the seventh.

ASTROS 7, YANKEES 6

HOUSTON (AP) - Yuli Gurriel hit a two-run homer in the fifth and a two-run double off Aroldis Chapman that put Houston on top in a four-run eighth inning as the Astros rallied to beat New York.

Houston trailed 6-3 in the eighth before Jose Altuve walked with one out before stealing second and third and scoring on a groundout by Carlos Correa. Evan Gattis hit a long home run off Dellin Betances (3-3) to make it 6-5.

Gurriel, who finished with three hits, ended the game when he tagged out Brett Gardner at first after the Yankees outfielder tried to get back to first basse after making too wide a turn on a single to left-center with two outs.

Dayan Diaz (1-1) worked a scoreless eighth and Ken Giles got his 19th save.

Correa had a solo homer in the sixth.

Didi Gregorius hit his first career grand slam to put the Yankees up 5-2 in the sixth. Clint Frazier became the first Yankees player since 1913 to hit a homer and a double in his major league debut.

CARDINALS 2, NATIONALS 1

ST. LOUIS (AP) - Alex Mejia's first two major league hits, including an eighth-inning home run, were the difference as St. Louis defeated Washington.

The Cardinals have won four straight and six of seven.

Washington, the only team in the National League yet to be shut out this season, has lost three in a row and five of seven.

Michael Wacha (5-3), celebrating his 26th birthday, tossed six scoreless innings. He allowed four hits and struck out a season-high nine.

Gio Gonzalez (7-3) was nearly as good. He yielded one run and two hits over seven innings, striking out nine.

With the bases loaded, Matt Bowman threw a called third strike past pinch-hitter Adrian Sanchez for his first major league save.

Mejia, playing his third game since being called up, had an RBI single in the second.

ROYALS 11, TWINS 6, 1ST GAME

TWINS 10, ROYALS 5, 2ND GAME

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) - Miguel Sano belted a three-run homer, Felix Jorge pitched five-plus solid innings to win his major league debut and Minnesota beat Kansas City to split their doubleheader.

Brandon Moss, Alcides Escobar and Alex Gordon, the Royals' 7-8-9 hitters, went a combined 6 for 12 with three home runs, seven RBIs and six runs as the Royals rallied from a four-run deficit to win the opener.

Sano has five home runs and 24 RBIs in 11 games against the Royals this season. He went deep in both games.

Eddie Rosario went 5 for 5 and scored three runs in the nightcap. Jorge (1-0) was charged with three runs and seven hits.

Kansas City starter Jason Hammel (4-7) gave up seven runs and nine hits in 5 1/3 innings. Eric Hosmer hit a two-run homer.

In the opener, Mike Moustakas hit his 22nd home run, tying his season high and matching Jermaine Dye in 2000 for the club record before the All-Star game. Moustakas bats sixth and for the first time in Royals history, their 6-7-8-9 batters all homered in the same game.

Alex Gordon had a three-run shot. Alcides Escobar and Brandon Moss, with an estimated 474-foot drive to straightaway center, also homered for Kansas City. Moss had three hits.

Salvador Perez hit a two-out, two-run single in a three-run seventh to snap a 6-all tie against Tyler Duffy (0-2).

Mike Minor (4-1), the fourth of six Kansas City pitchers, struck out four in two innings.

[StarDust Bum]

Sunday’s six-pack

— Amir Johnson gets $11M for one year from Philly; he has earned $65M in a 12-year career, as one of the last guys to go directly from HS to the pros.

— Mets 7, Phillies 6— Asdrubel Cabrera hit the GW homer on his bobblehead day.

— Singer Bruce Hornsby’s son Keith is on the Dallas Mavericks’ summer league team; he played college ball at LSU.

— Over last six years, Iona and Cal-Northridge have had 16 players transfer into their basketball programs, most in the country.

— North Carolina is only D-I basketball program in the country that hasn’t had a player transfer out in the last six years.

— There were 1,101 home runs hit in the major leagues in June, the most ever in one month, passing May of 2000, when 1,069 taters were hit.

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Sunday’s List of 13: Random thoughts on a summer day……

13) I spent a few days in Boston in August, 2003, saw the A’s play twice at Fenway Park.

One of the things I remember most about the trip is that after the game the first night, the newspaper the next day had 8 PAGES OF RED SOX COVERAGE after a Tuesday night game in August, and this was the year before they won their first World Series in 86 years.

My point is this: If David Price has a thin skin with media coverage, he is in exactly the wrong city. Price is making $30M+ for the next six years, and with that comes scrutiny and praise and if things don’t go well, criticism.

Take some of that $30M and buy some Bose headphones, to drown out the noise.

12) Red Sox manager John Farrell was in Kansas City Saturday to see his son Luke make his major league debut on the mound for the Royals; he got KO’d by the Twins in the 3rd inning. While that was going on, the Red Sox won 5-0 in Toronto without their manager.

I was surprised after reading that Farrell got the day off to go to Kansas City for the day, with the Red Sox in the pennant race and all.

11) Quote/Tweet of the Day, part 2:
“I strongly suggest that a young baseball pitcher NOT throw a curveball until they are 14 or 15 yrs old to protect your growth plate.”
Hall of Famer Bert Blyleven, owner of one of the best curveballs ever

10) Jose Abreu’s first 13 home runs this year came on the road, but he homered at home the last two days. When the weather heats up, so does Abreu’s bat- he should be play for Arizona or Miami, where it is always hot.

9) Chicago Bears were -20 in turnovers last year, are 14-34 the last three years, and now have all-new QB’s this season. No pressure on John Fox……..think of the Rams last year. Jeff Fisher on a hot seat with a similar QB situation; it didn’t end well.

8) Braves’ 3B coach Ron Washington is a great infield instructor and from all accounts, also a terrific guy- he worked for the A’s for a long time. Three hours before the Braves-A’s game Saturday, he was hitting grounders in foul territory down the first base line to a teenager, the son of A’s groundskeeper Clay Wood, helping him get better. Cool thing to see.

7) It still boggles my mind that Steph Curry will now make $40M a year , though Zack Greinke makes $34.4M and he will only pitch 32 games at most this year.

6) They drew 14,014 fans at a minor league game in Sacramento Friday night to see Madison Bumgarner throw in a rehab start. Bumgarner threw 3.2 innings.

5) NBA doings:
— Minnesota signed PG Jeff Teague for three years, $57M
— Golden State gave Shaun Livingston $24M for three years; he started a total of eight games the last three years, played 17.7 mpg LY.
— Clippers re-signed Blake Griffin for five years, $173M. Griffin missed 80 games the last three seasons, when the Clippers were 12-15 in playoff games.
— Jrue Holiday gets five years, $126M to stay in New Orleans.
— JJ Redick gets $23M for one year from the 76ers. JJ Redick. $23M. Oy.

4) Quote of the Day, part 3, from an NBA scout:
“When you’re watching a game live, you aren’t necessarily looking at the game. You’re looking at how the player warms up, how he reacts when the team is losing, how he reacts to the coach yelling at him, how he interacts with his teammates, whether he has confrontations with the referee or fans, how he acts during timeouts, how he handles being benched. There are so many things that you’re watching for that have nothing to do with the player’s skills.”

3) If you’re an NBA fan, the Orlando summer league is on NBA TV the next few days, then the Las Vegas summer league kicks off Friday, with 24 teams in it.

2) I write this once a year and it remains true; every high school/college basketball player should watch the NBA summer leagues, if only for a little while, so they can see firsthand how difficult it is to make it to the NBA and then make a roster for good.

Watch for a little while, then go find a gym and work on your game. A lot.

1) July 1 was Canada Day and it is also Bobby Bonilla-gets-paid Day; every July 1 from now until 2035, Bonilla will get $1.19M from the Mets.

Mets released Bonilla in January 2000 even though they still owed him $5.9 million in salary. Rather than accept the $5.9 million up front, Bonilla agreed to defer the money in exchange for 8% interest- the first payment came in 2011, by which time the $5.9M had grown to $29.8M.

Owner of the Mets, by the way, is the head of baseball’s Finance Committee.

[StarDust Bum]

Manaea will be on hill as A's try to avoid sweep by Braves
July 1, 2017

OAKLAND, Calif. -- Oakland Athletics left-hander Sean Manaea's last start turned into a high-wire act without a net on Monday against the Houston Astros.

Manaea gave up nine hits and three walks in 5 2/3 innings but allowed only one run and survived to get the win in a 6-4 victory at Minute Maid Park.

"That's exactly what he did, was survive," A's manager Bob Melvin said. "I was making a joke, it was like a simulated game where you put two guys on before the inning even started and he had to pitch around those jams, and he did. He's gone through the whole gamut now at this point in time of his career, where he's had good stuff, when he hasn't, when he's had traffic and had to pitch around it.

"He's really becoming a really good pitcher that's been through a lot in a short period of time in his career. He's a guy we really rely on. When he takes the mound we feel like we have a great chance to win. He's accomplished that in a short period of time."

Manaea will make his 15th start of the season on Sunday afternoon against Atlanta at Oakland Coliseum when the A's will try to avoid being swept in the three-game series.

Manaea is 7-4 with a 3.87 ERA, 84 strikeouts and 31 walks in 79 innings. He has more wins, starts and strikeouts than any other A's starter, and he has the highest winning percentage on the staff at .636.

Manaea is 6-1 with a 2.90 ERA in his past eight starts and already has as many wins as he did as a rookie last season when he went 7-9 with a 3.86 ERA in 25 games, including 24 starts.

"Experience definitely plays a huge role," Manaea said before Oakland's 4-3 loss to the Braves. "Last year when I first got called up I didn't really know what I was doing. I was really timid and shy and not going after things. I didn't have the mindset that I'm going to beat you that day. It was just hoping things would work out instead of going out and getting it. That all comes along with experience."

Braves right-hander Julio Teheran, a two-time National League All-Star, will try to get back on track after a nightmare start last Sunday at SunTrust Park against Milwaukee. He gave up seven runs and seven hits in three innings in a 7-0 loss. He's 6-6 with a 5.30 ERA in 16 starts.

"I think he'll be fine," Braves manager Brian Snitker said after Teheran's loss to Milwaukee. "I think he'll go back to work and get on a roll like he was before. Guys are going to have days. He's been on a pretty good run. Hopefully, he'll right the ship here and get back on one."

Pitching on the road should help. Teheran has a 7.58 ERA in nine home starts and a 2.89 ERA in seven road starts. He'll take a five-game road winning streak into Sunday's start.

"I want to keep my mind strong," Teheran said after his last start. "That's how I'm going to turn everything around. We still have a couple months, and a lot of things can happen."

Teheran is 1-0 with a 3.00 ERA in one career start against the A's. Manaea will face the Braves for the first time in his career.

[StarDust Bum]

LEADING OFF: All-Stars revealed, Arrieta vs speedy Hamilton
July 1, 2017

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

CALLING ALL STARS

Major League Baseball announces starters and backups for the All-Star Game in Miami on July 11. And while Yankees rookie Aaron Judge and Washington slugger Bryce Harper will undoubtedly be elected by fans, other selections and snubs are sure to inspire debate. For example, which National Leaguers will get picked out of all those deserving candidates at first and third base? Where does Dodgers phenom Cody Bellinger fit? And who will represent struggling teams like the Phillies and Padres?

STAY THERE

Jake Arrieta makes his first start since the Washington Nationals stole seven bases off him - four by Trea Turner - during the Cubs' 6-1 loss on Tuesday. Afterward, Miguel Montero blamed the pitcher's move to the plate, prompting the Cubs to release the catcher a day later. Arrieta's biggest concern will be the Reds' Billy Hamilton, who ranks with Turner among the NL leaders in steals.

STARTING STRONG

Washington's Max Scherzer (9-5) opposes St. Louis' Carlos Martinez (6-6) in a showdown of NL Cy Young Award contenders on ESPN. Scherzer is aiming for his second straight Cy Young and making a strong case with his NL-leading 151 strikeouts and majors-best 2.06 ERA. Martinez isn't far behind in ERA at 2.88, and he's pitched at least six innings in a career-best 12 consecutive starts.

CALLED IT

Logan Morrison's breakout has hit a new level - the Rays slugger is homering on command. Morrison hit a pair of homers Saturday, both shots called by teammate Trevor Plouffe. That gives Morrison a career-high 24 homers, and he'll try to build on that in a game against Baltimore. ''He's having a special season, without a doubt,'' Rays manager Kevin Cash said. ''I'd love to see him get in the All-Star Game, that's for sure.''

COMING BACK

Pirates outfielder Starling Marte is scheduled to begin a minor league rehab assignment as he nears the end of his drug suspension. Marte will begin his stint with Class A Bradenton. The 28-year-old is serving an 80-game ban after testing positive for a performance enhancing substance. He is eligible to return to the majors July 18.

[StarDust Bum]

Sunday’s games
National League

Giants @ Pirates
Samardzija is 1-2, 5.68 in his last four starts; over is 4-2 in his last six. Giants are 3-6 in his road starts- their 1st 5-inning record with him: 2-10-5

Williams is 0-0, 5.32 in his last four starts (over 5-4-1). Pirates are 5-5 in his home starts- their 1st 5-inning record with him: 6-3-1

Giants won their last five games, are 4-10 in last 14 road games; over is 6-4-1 in their last 11 road games. Pirates are 3-6 in last nine home games; six of their last seven home games stayed under the total.

Phillies @ Mets
Pivetta is 0-2, 5.66 in his last four starts (under 3-1). Phillies are 1-5 in his road starts; their 1st 5-inning record with him: 2-6-2

Montero is 1-1, 6.57 in his last three starts (over 2-1). Mets’ 1st 5-inning record with him: 1-2

Phillies are 3-12 in last 15 road games; under is 5-3-1 in their last nine games. Mets won seven of last eight games; under is 4-2-1 in their last seven games.

Cubs @ Reds
Arrieta is 1-2, 6.30 in his last four starts; over is 10-5 in his last 15 starts. Cubs are 1-6 in his last seven road starts- their first 5-inning record with him: 7-7-2

Adleman is 1-2, 5.57 in his last four starts; over is 4-1 in his last five. Reds are 5-2 in his home starts- their first 5-inning record with him: 7-5-1

Chicago lost six of last eight games; under is 8-1 in their last nine games. Reds lost 15 of last 20 games; over is 10-4 in their last fourteen games.

Marlins @ Brewers
Straily is 1-0, 1.56 in his last three starts; under is 4-1 in his last five. Miami is 3-3 in his road starts- their 1st 5-inning record with him: 9-6-1

Guerra is 0-2, 6.67 in his last five starts (over 5-3). Brewers are 2-3 in his home starts- their 1st 5-inning record with him: 3-3-2

Miami lost six of last seven road games; under is 5-1-1 in their last seven games. Milwaukee won its last four home games; under is 7-3 in their last ten games.

Nationals @ Cardinals
Scherzer is 2-1, 1.64 in his last three starts; under is 7-1 in his last eight. Washington is 6-3 in his road starts- their 1st 5-inning record with him: 11-4-1

Martinez is 2-1, 2.00 in his last four starts; under is 6-2 in his last eight. St Louis 6-2 in his home starts- their 1st 5-inning record with him: 8-6-2

Washington lost five of last six road games; under is 6-1 in their last seven games. St Louis won six of last seven games; over is 8-4 in their last 12 games.

Rockies @ Diamondbacks
Marquez is 1-2, 5.87 in his last five starts; under is 3-1 in his last four. Colorado is 4-3 in his road starts- their 1st 5-inning record with him: 6-4-2

Walker is 3-0, 3.42 in his last four starts (over 3-1). Arizona is 4-1 in his home starts- their 1st 5-inning record with him: 7-4-1

Colorado lost nine of its last ten games; under is 7-2-1 in their last ten road games. Arizona lost three of its last four home games; over is 9-6-1 in their last 16 home games.

Dodgers @ Padres
Maeda is 2-0, 0.75 in his last two starts; over is 7-3-1 in his last 11. Dodgers are 4-2 in his road starts- their 1st 5-inning record with him: 7-4-1

Chacin is 2-2, 2.67 in his last four starts; his last three stayed under. Padres are 4-3 in his home starts- their 1st 5-inning record with him: 4-10-2

Dodgers are 15-2 in last 17 games; over is 7-3 in their last ten road games. San Diego lost four of last six games; under is 8-4 in their last 12 games.

——————————–

American League
Rays @ Orioles
Cobb is 2-0, 1.95 in his last four starts; over is 4-2 in his last six. Rays are 5-5 in his road starts- their 1st 5-inning record with him: 10-4-2

Gausman is 1-3, 6.53 in his last four starts- over is 7-3 in his last ten. Orioles are 6-3 in his home starts- their 1st 5-inning record with him: 7-10.

Tampa Bay won five of last seven road games; four of their last five games stayed under. Orioles lost their last four home games; four of their last five games stayed under.

Red Sox @ Blue Jays
Pomeranz is 1-0, 2.04 in his last three starts; over is 4-1 in his last five. Boston is 3-4 in his road starts- their 1st 5-inning record with him: 8-7

Biagini is 1-5, 6.19 in his last six starts (under 7-3). Toronto is 1-4 in his home starts- their 1st 5-inning record with him: 4-6

Red Sox won five of last six games; under is 6-2 in their last eight games. Toronto lost seven of last nine games; under is 6-2 in their last eight games.

Indians @ Tigers
Clevinger is 1-0, 2.40 in his last three starts (under 7-2). Indians are 4-1 in his road starts- their 1st 5-inning record with him: 4-3-2.

Verlander is 1-1, 3.74 in his last six starts; over is 5-3 in his last eight. Detroit is 6-1 in his home starts- their 1st 5-inning record with him: 7-6-3

Cleveland won four of its last six games; under is 9-2 in their last 11 games. Detroit won four of last six games; seven of their last ten games went over.

New York @ Houston
Severino is 0-1, 5.21 in his last three starts; over is 8-3 in his last 11. New York is 3-5 in his road starts- their 1st 5-inning record with him: 9-4-2

Fiers is 4-1, 2.68 in his last six starts; under is 3-1 in his last four. Houston is 3-4 in his home starts- their 1st 5-inning record with him: 6-6-3

New York is 5-1 in game following its last six losses; over is 8-4 in their last 12 games. Astros won nine of last 12 games- over is 7-2 in their last nine games.

Rangers @ White Sox
Ross is 1-1, 6.14 in three starts this year (over 2-1). Rangers’ 1st 5-inning record with him: 1-1-1

Quintana is 2-0, 0.90 in his last three starts; under is 3-1 in his last four. Chicago is 3-4 in his home starts- their 1st 5-inning record with him: 6-9-1

Texas lost four of last six games; under is 12-5 in their last 17 road games. Chicago lost nine of last 13 games; over is 4-2 in their last six games.

Twins @ Royals
Santiago is 0-5, 9.51 in his last six starts; over is 8-2 in his last ten. Twins are 1-6 in his road starts- their 1st 5-inning record with him: 4-8-1.

TWood is 44-54, 4.37 in 133 major league starts, last of which were 9 starts for the Cubs in 2015. This year, he is 1-2, 6.25 in 25 relief stints (28.2 IP) for the Royals.

Minnesota lost five of last seven games; under is 8-4 in their last 12 games. Kansas City won five of last seven home games; over is 18-6-1 in their last 25 games.

Mariners @ Angels
Paxton is 0-3, 8.10 in his last four starts; over is 4-1 in his last five. Seattle is 1-3 in his road starts- their 1st 5-inning record with him: 5-4-3

Chavez is 0-2, 6.75 in his last four starts; under is 4-2 in his last six. Angels are 4-3 in his home starts- their 1st 5-inning record with him: 6-8-2

Seattle lost five of its last six games; over is 10-4-3 in their last 17 games. Angels lost four of last six games; six of last eight Angel games stayed under the total.

__________________________

Interleague

Braves @ A’s
Teheran is 0-2, 9.58 in his last two starts; over is 5-2-1 in his last eight. Atlanta is won his last five road outings- their 1st 5-inning record with him: 8-6-2

Manaea is 6-1, 3.08 in his last eight starts; over is 3-1 in his last four. Oakland is 4-3 in his home starts- their 1st 5-inning record with him: 5-4-5

Atlanta is 7-3 in its last ten road games; under is 7-1 in their last eight games. Oakland lost its last six home games; their last three games stayed under.

______________________________

Record with this pitcher starting:
National League
SF-Pitt: Samardzija 6-10; Williams 5-5
Phil-NY: Pivetta 2-7; Montero 2-1
Chi-Cin: Arietta 8-8; Adleman 6-7
Mia-Mil: Straily 8-8; Guerra 3-5
Wsh-StL: Scherzer 10-6; Martinez 8-8
Col-Az: Marquez 7-5; Walker 9-3
LA-SD: Maeda 9-3; Chacin 7-9

American League
TB-Balt: Cobb 8-8; Gausman 8-9
Bos-Tor: Pomeranz 9-6; Biagini 4-6
Clev-Det: Clevinger 4-5; Verlander 8-8
NY-Hst: Severino 7-8; Fiers 9-6
Tex-Chi: Ross 2-1; Quintana 8-8
Minn-KC: Santiago 5-8; TWood 0-0
Sea-LA: Paxton 6-6; Chavez 8-8

Interleague
Atl-A’s: Teheran 7-9; Manaea 8-6

Pitchers allowing a run in first inning:
National League
SF-Pitt: Samardzija 6-16; Williams 4-10
Phil-NY: Pivetta 3-9; Montero 1-3
Chi-Cin: Arietta 6-16; Adleman 3-13
Mia-Mil: Straily 3-16; Guerra 2-8
Wsh-StL: Scherzer 4-16; Martinez 3-16
Col-Az: Marquez 6-2-4; Walker 4-12
LA-SD: Maeda 5-12; Chacin 7-16

American League
TB-Balt: Cobb 3-16; Gausman 4-17
Bos-Tor: Pomeranz 5-15; Biagini 3-10
Clev-Det: Clevinger 1-9; Verlander 6-16
NY-Hst: Severino 3-15; Fiers 6-15
Tex-Chi: Ross 2-3; Quintana 3-16
Minn-KC: Santiago 3-13; TWood 0-0
Sea-LA: Paxton 1-12; Chavez 2-16

Interleague
Atl-A’s: Teheran 6-16; Manaea 3-14

_________________________

Umpires
National League
SF-Pitt: Over is 6-3 in last nine Lentz games.
Phil-NY: Underdogs won five of last six DeJesus games.
Chi-Cin: Home side is 10-3 in Tumpane games this year.
Mia-Mil: Over is 3-0-1 in last four Wendelstedt games.
Wsh-StL: Over is 6-3 in last nine Segal games.
Col-Az: Over is 6-3 in last nine Hudson games.
LA-SD: Underdogs won seven of last eight Reyburn games.

American League
TB-Balt: Over is 10-2 in last dozen Marquez games.
Bos-Tor: Three of last four Randazzo games stayed under.
NY-Hst: Over is 9-5 in Muchlinski games this season.
Clev-Det: Under is 3-1-1 in last five Hoye games.
Tex-Chi: Under is 9-4 in Cooper games this season.
Minn-KC: Over is 6-2 in last eight Everitt games.
Sea-LA: Last five BWelke games stayed under.

Interleague
Atl-A’s: Favorites won 10 of last 12 Scheurwater games.

Interleague play
NL @ AL– 41-27 AL, favorites -$442
AL @ NL– 40-40, favorites -$1,010
Total: 81-67 AL, favorites -$1,452

Totals in interleague games
NL @ AL: Over 42-29-2
AL @ NL: Over 43-32-2
Total: Over 85-61-4

Teams’ records in first five innings:
Team (road-home-total)- thru 7/1/17
Ariz 14-15-9……26-13–5……….39-28
Atl 17-18-5……16-21-4………..33-39
Cubs 16-24-2……18-15-5………..34-39
Reds 11-24-3……18-21–2…………29-45
Colo 26-15-5…….19-16-2……….45-31
LA 18-16-5…….28-13-3……….46-29
Miami 15-20-2…….21-16-4……..36-36
Milw 19-13-6…….20-19-6………39-32
Mets 21-16-1……..18-21-3………39-37
Philly 10-26-8……11-17-6……….21-43
Pitt 18-18-3…..16-19-7………..34-37
St. Louis 16-17-3……23-12-7……….39-29
SD 9-24-5……..20-19–4………29-43
SF 9-29-7……..17-18-4……..29-47
Wash 28-12-2……19-15-4………..47-27

Orioles 13-22-5……..17-20-3………30-42
Boston 17-20-5………18-19-2…….35-39
White Sox 14-24-6……..17-17–2……..31-40
Cleveland 20-17-4……..17-18-4……..36-35
Detroit 16-20-5…….20-15-4……..36-35
Astros 20-11-7……..26-15-3……..46-26
KC 13-19-6………18-17-8…….31-36
Angels 16-21-7………18-15-7………34-36
Twins 23-11-4………15-20-6……..38-31
NYY 18-21-3……….22-12-2…..…40-33
A’s 12-22-5……..17-15-9……..29-37
Seattle 13-22-5……..21-15-6……..34-37
TB 19-13-8……..26-10-6……..45-23
Texas 22-12-7……..17-15-7………39-27
Toronto 14-22-3……..13-20-6……..27-42

%age of times teams score in first inning (road/home/total- 7/1/17)
Ariz 12-38……..18-44………30
Atl 8-39……..11-41…………19
Cubs 13-43……..16-38……….29
Reds 14-38……..17-42……….31
Colo 10-47……..10-37..…….21
LA 11-39……..17-43..……..28
Miami 14-37……..14-42………28
Milw 15-38……18-45…..…..33
Mets 17-37……..15-41……….32
Philly 13-45……..9-34………..22
Pitt 11-39……..14-42……….25
StL 10-37……..12-42……….22
SD 17-38……..12-41…………29
SF 9-48……..11-37………….20
Wash 15-42……..19-39………34

Orioles 5-40……..15-41……….20
Boston 13-41……..10-38………23
White Sox 14-44……11-36……….25
Clev 9-42……..13-39……….22
Detroit 8-41…….17-39………..25
Astros 12-38……..19-44………31
KC 6-38……..7-41…………13
Angels 18-45…….10-41………28
Twins 9-39……..11-42……….20
NYY 11-42……..13-37……….24
A’s 7-40……..12-42……….19
Seattle 15-40…….15-43………30
TB 12-41……..19-42………31
Texas 13-42……..18-39………31
Toronto 11-39……..9-41……….20

[StarDust Bum]

Best Bets and Opinions
Date....................... W-L-T................. %...................... Units Record

07/01/2017............ 11-9-0............. 55.00%................. +11.00


ATS / Totals
Best Bets:


07/01/2017........ 3 - 3 - 0.......... 50.00%.......... +0.70...........5 - 3..........+ 1.70

[StarDust Bum]

With home runs on the rise can bettors find an edge when wagering MLB totals

Justin Smoak’s 22nd dinger of the season made MLB history as the 1,070th home run hit during the month of June, the most bombs the sport has ever witnessed during a single month in its existence.

Facing a 1-1 count with one out and runners on first and second base in the bottom of the first inning Friday night, Toronto first baseman Justin Smoak annihilated an 89.9 mile-per-hour Doug Fister two-seam fastball into the left-centerfield stands at Rogers Centre to deliver his Blue Jays an early 3-0 lead over the visiting Boston Red Sox.

Interestingly enough, the Sox would go on to defeat the Jays 7-4 in 11 innings on Friday. But this contest would be more remembered for Smoak’s first inning laser than Boston’s impressive come-from-behind victory. That’s because Smoak’s 22nd dinger of the season made Major League Baseball history as the 1,070th home run hit during the month of June, the most bombs the sport has ever witnessed during a single month in its existence.

When the curtain finally fell on both Friday night and the month of June, a grand total of 1,101 home runs had been hit over the previous 30 days. Baseball’s historic power surge was led by 21-year-old Los Angeles Dodgers rookie Cody Bellinger, who blasted an incendiary 13 home runs during the month of June. Not only are those 13 jacks tied for third-most by a rookie in a single month in MLB history, but they are the most hit by a rookie in a single month since Mark McGwire crushed 15 homers in May of 1987.

However, with a significant increase in home run totals comes a significant increase in questions and scrutiny. And many around the sport are asking just what, exactly, is the primary reason why so many balls are flying out of the yard this early in the 2017 season.

Some would be quick to point the finger at performance-enhancing drugs, but baseball’s austere drug-testing program combined with the fact that no single player is currently anywhere close to challenging the single-season home run record should serve as enough contradictory evidence to rebuff those claims.

Others would point to the fact that it’s a new era in baseball, one in which only three outcomes truly matter: the home run, the walk and the strikeout. The sport is no longer placing an emphasis on defense, base-running or batting average. It’s all about either sitting guys down or taking guys deep. The sport simply no longer values anything in between.

And then there is theory number three, which states that the balls are juiced.

Said Boston Red Sox pitcher David Price to USA Today’s Bob Nightengale this past week when asked if he thought MLB’s baseballs were juiced, “One hundred percent. We have all talked about it.”

“There’s a lot of people unhappy with the baseball, and I’m getting some feedback,” New York Mets pitching coach Dan Warthen told Nightengale. “You’re seeing guys going opposite field, breaking their bats, and the balls are flying out. It’s the balls. They’re throwing harder with it, and they’re getting less movement, so they’re just hanging there. There has got to be some investigation.”

Whatever theory with which you subscribe as it pertains to the meteoric rise in baseball’s most fan-favorite highlight, it’s important to note that from a betting perspective, none of this has slipped past the Las Vegas bookmakers. More home runs should translate into more runs, which should then translate into more overs. But as of the morning of July 1, MLB Overs held just a slight edge against Unders to the tune of a 594-545 overall record (.521 for overs).

This data suggests that, while home runs are certainly on the rise, the bookmakers are well aware of what is taking place around Major League Baseball. So where can we look to find an edge when it comes to MLB totals and the soaring home run rate?

Well, let’s ask ourselves the following question: How do you prevent a baseball from flying over the outfield fence?

Answer 1: You strike the batter out
Answer 2: You keep the ball on the ground and out of the air

Here’s a look at the top-10 MLB starting pitchers in terms of strikeouts per nine innings (K/9), immediately followed by each pitcher’s 2017 totals record (Unders listed first, followed by overs):

1. Chris Sale, Red Sox: 12.27 K/9, 9-7
2. Max Scherzer, Nationals: 11.96 K/9, 10-6
3. Corey Kluber, Indians: 11.76 K/9, 7-5
4. Robbie Ray, Diamondbacks: 11.52 K/9, 6-8-2
5. Jacob deGrom, Mets: 10.82 K/9, 8-7-1
6. Stephen Strasburg, Nationals: 10.69 K/9, 8-7-1
7. Chris Archer, Rays: 10.69 K/9, 7-10
8. Lance McCullers, Astros: 10.66 K/9, 9-6
9. Clayton Kershaw, Dodgers: 10.44 K/9, 8-9
10. Carlos Martinez, Cardinals: 10.24 K/9, 8-6-2

The starting pitchers who currently comprise the top-10 in strikeouts per nine innings are a combined 80-71-6 (.529) to the Under this season, which seven of those ten pitchers in the black when it comes to betting Unders. Or, to put it another way, had you bet $110 to win $100 on the under in every single game those aforementioned seven pitchers have started this season (Sale, Scherzer, Kluber, deGrom, Strasburg, McCullers and Martinez), you would currently be up $1,060.

Granted, K/9 is just a very small piece to a much larger puzzle. These rankings don’t take into account opposing pitchers, weather, defenses or our starting pitcher’s supporting cast in terms of run production. But this information does serve as a useful guide when looking to establish an edge while betting MLB totals.

Now let’s take a look at the top-10 starting pitchers in terms of groundball rate as well as their 2017 totals record (Unders listed first, followed by overs):

1. Lance McCullers, Astros: 63.9%, 9-6
2. Marcus Stroman, Blue Jays: 60.8%, 7-8-1
3. Clayton Richard, Padres: 57.9%, 8-8-1
4. Tyler Chatwood, Rockies: 56.7%, 9-4-3
5. Mike Leake, Cardinals: 56.6%, 10-5-1
6. Kyle Freeland, Rockies: 56.4%, 12-2-2
7. Luis Severino, Yankees: 56.0%, 6-9
8. Jaime Garcia, Braves: 55.0%, 8-7
9. Wade Miley, Orioles: 53.0%, 7-9
10. Jhoulys Chacin, Padres: 52.8%, 7-8-1

Grand total: Unders 83, Overs 66, Pushes 9 for an Unders winning percentage of .557.

Again, these metrics are not intended to be utilized as a be-all, end-all type of tool. Rather, incorporate them into your overall handicapping strategy in an attempt to tip the scales from the bookmaker’s favor into your favor.

Because as baseball teams continue to shift their respective strategies, we need to be prepared to do the same. And at some point when these home run totals begin to regress to the mean, Unders should start cashing at highly favorable rate early on in that process.

[StarDust Bum]

MLB
Dunkel

Sunday, July 2


Atlanta @ Oakland

Game 979-980
July 2, 2017 @ 4:05 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Atlanta
(Teheran) 14.617
Oakland
(Manaea) 15.972
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Oakland
by 1 1/2
9
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Oakland
-160
8 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Oakland
(-160); Over

Seattle @ LA Angels

Game 977-978
July 2, 2017 @ 3:35 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Seattle
(Paxton) 14.630
LA Angels
(Chavez) 16.520
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
LA Angels
by 2
10
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Seattle
-155
8 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
LA Angels
(+135); Over

Minnesota @ Kansas City

Game 975-976
July 2, 2017 @ 2:15 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Minnesota
(Santiago) 16.157
Kansas City
(Wood) 14.730
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Minnesota
by 1 1/2
9
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Kansas City
-140
10
Dunkel Pick:
Minnesota
(+120); Under

Texas @ Chicago White Sox

Game 973-974
July 2, 2017 @ 2:10 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Texas
(Ross) 13.300
Chicago White Sox
(Quntana) 15.661
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Chicago White Sox
by 2 1/2
12
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Chicago White Sox
-120
9 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Chicago White Sox
(-120); Over

NY Yankees @ Houston

Game 971-972
July 2, 2017 @ 2:10 pm

Dunkel Rating:
NY Yankees
(Severino) 16.830
Houston
(Fiers) 15.924
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
NY Yankees
by 1
7
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Houston
-110
8 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
NY Yankees
(-110); Under

Tampa Bay @ Baltimore

Game 969-970
July 2, 2017 @ 1:35 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Tampa Bay
(Cobb) 13.398
Baltimore
(Gausman) 15.333
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Baltimore
by 2
12
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Tampa Bay
-115
10
Dunkel Pick:
Baltimore
(-105); Over

Cleveland @ Detroit

Game 967-968
July 2, 2017 @ 1:10 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Cleveland
(Clevnger) 15.727
Detroit
(Verlnder) 14.768
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Cleveland
by 1
7
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Detroit
-120
9 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Cleveland
(+100); Under

Boston @ Toronto

Game 965-966
July 2, 2017 @ 1:05 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Boston
(Pmeranz) 15.152
Toronto
(Biagini) 16.574
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Toronto
by 1 1/2
13
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Toronto
-110
9
Dunkel Pick:
Toronto
(-110); Over

LA Dodgers @ San Diego

Game 963-964
July 2, 2017 @ 4:40 pm

Dunkel Rating:
LA Dodgers
(Maeda) 18.861
San Diego
(Chacin) 14.379
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
LA Dodgers
by 4 1/2
6
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
LA Dodgers
-185
8
Dunkel Pick:
LA Dodgers
(-185); Under

Colorado @ Arizona

Game 961-962
July 2, 2017 @ 4:10 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Colorado
(Marquez) 13.212
Arizona
(Walker) 14.619
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Arizona
by 1 1/2
11
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Arizona
-130
9
Dunkel Pick:
Arizona
(-130); Over

Washington @ St. Louis

Game 959-960
July 2, 2017 @ 8:05 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Washington
(Scherzer) 17.336
St. Louis
(Mrtinez) 14.859
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Washington
by 2 1/2
6
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Washington
-125
7 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Washington
(-125); Under

Miami @ Milwaukee

Game 957-958
July 2, 2017 @ 2:10 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Miami
(Straily) 15.454
Milwaukee
(Guerra) 13.611
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Miami
by 2
12
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Miami
-130
10
Dunkel Pick:
Miami
(-130); Over

San Francisco @ Pittsburgh

Game 955-956
July 2, 2017 @ 1:35 pm

Dunkel Rating:
San Francisco
(Smrdzja) 13.042
Pittsburgh
(Williams) 15.576
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Pittsburgh
by 2 1/2
8
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
San Francisco
-130
8 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Pittsburgh
(+110); Under

Chicago Cubs @ Cincinnati

Game 953-954
July 2, 2017 @ 1:10 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Chicago Cubs
(Arrieta) 15.969
Cincinnati
(Adleman) 12.404
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Chicago Cubs
by 3 1/2
11
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Chicago Cubs
-140
9 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Chicago Cubs
(-140); Over

Philadelphia @ NY Mets

Game 951-952
July 2, 2017 @ 1:10 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Philadelphia
(Pivetta) 15.207
NY Mets
(Montero) 16.052
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
NY Mets
by 1
7
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
NY Mets
-155
9
Dunkel Pick:
NY Mets
(-155); Under

[StarDust Bum]

MLB

Sunday, July 2

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

1:07 PM
BOSTON vs. TORONTO
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Boston's last 8 games
Boston is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Toronto's last 5 games at home
Toronto is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games at home

1:10 PM
CHI CUBS vs. CINCINNATI
The total has gone UNDER in 8 of Chi Cubs's last 9 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 7 of Chi Cubs's last 9 games when playing on the road against Cincinnati
Cincinnati is 5-14 SU in their last 19 games when playing at home against Chi Cubs
The total has gone OVER in 7 of Cincinnati's last 9 games when playing at home against Chi Cubs

1:10 PM
CLEVELAND vs. DETROIT
Cleveland is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games
The total has gone UNDER in 9 of Cleveland's last 11 games
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Detroit's last 5 games when playing at home against Cleveland
Detroit is 5-2 SU in its last 7 games when playing at home against Cleveland

1:10 PM
PHILADELPHIA vs. NY METS
Philadelphia is 7-18 SU in its last 25 games when playing on the road against NY Mets
The total has gone OVER in 6 of Philadelphia's last 7 games when playing NY Mets
The total has gone OVER in 6 of NY Mets's last 7 games when playing Philadelphia
The total has gone OVER in 8 of NY Mets's last 9 games when playing at home against Philadelphia

1:35 PM
TAMPA BAY vs. BALTIMORE
Tampa Bay is 5-11 SU in its last 16 games when playing on the road against Baltimore
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Tampa Bay's last 5 games
Baltimore is 8-15 SU in its last 23 games
Baltimore is 11-5 SU in its last 16 games when playing at home against Tampa Bay

1:35 PM
SAN FRANCISCO vs. PITTSBURGH
San Francisco is 3-7 SU in its last 10 games on the road
San Francisco is 6-12 SU in its last 18 games
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Pittsburgh's last 7 games at home
Pittsburgh is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games at home

2:10 PM
MIAMI vs. MILWAUKEE
Miami is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games when playing Milwaukee
The total has gone OVER in 9 of Miami's last 13 games when playing Milwaukee
Milwaukee is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games at home
The total has gone OVER in 9 of Milwaukee's last 13 games when playing Miami

2:10 PM
TEXAS vs. CHI WHITE SOX
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Texas's last 5 games when playing Chi White Sox
Texas is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games on the road
Chi White Sox are 6-1 SU in their last 7 games when playing at home against Texas
The total has gone UNDER in 7 of Chi White Sox's last 9 games when playing at home against Texas

2:10 PM
NY YANKEES vs. HOUSTON
NY Yankees are 3-9 SU in their last 12 games on the road
NY Yankees are 12-6 SU in their last 18 games when playing on the road against Houston
The total has gone UNDER in 11 of Houston's last 15 games when playing at home against NY Yankees
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Houston's last 5 games

2:15 PM
MINNESOTA vs. KANSAS CITY
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Minnesota's last 6 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Minnesota's last 5 games when playing on the road against Kansas City
Kansas City is 5-2 SU in its last 7 games at home
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Kansas City's last 5 games at home

3:37 PM
SEATTLE vs. LA ANGELS
Seattle is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games on the road
Seattle is 1-5 SU in its last 6 games
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of LA Angels's last 8 games
The total has gone OVER in 6 of LA Angels's last 7 games when playing Seattle

4:05 PM
ATLANTA vs. OAKLAND
Atlanta is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games when playing on the road against Oakland
Atlanta is 7-3 SU in its last 10 games on the road
Oakland is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games when playing Atlanta
Oakland is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games at home

4:10 PM
COLORADO vs. ARIZONA
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Colorado's last 9 games when playing Arizona
Colorado is 1-9 SU in its last 10 games
Arizona is 16-5 SU in its last 21 games at home
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Arizona's last 9 games when playing Colorado

4:40 PM
LA DODGERS vs. SAN DIEGO
The total has gone OVER in 7 of LA Dodgers's last 10 games on the road
LA Dodgers are 6-1 SU in their last 7 games on the road
San Diego is 0-5 SU in their last 5 games when playing at home against LA Dodgers
The total has gone OVER in 5 of San Diego's last 6 games when playing at home against LA Dodgers

8:08 PM
WASHINGTON vs. ST. LOUIS
Washington is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games when playing on the road against St. Louis
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Washington's last 7 games
St. Louis is 6-1 SU in its last 7 games
St. Louis is 11-4 SU in its last 15 games when playing at home against Washington

[StarDust Bum]

MLB
Long Sheet

Sunday, July 2

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

PHILADELPHIA (26 - 53) at NY METS (38 - 42) - 1:10 PM
NICK PIVETTA (R) vs. RAFAEL MONTERO (R)
Top Trends for this game.
PHILADELPHIA is 26-53 (-19.8 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
PHILADELPHIA is 3-20 (-17.3 Units) against the money line when the total is 9 to 9.5 this season.
PHILADELPHIA is 12-33 (-14.8 Units) against the money line in road games this season.
PHILADELPHIA is 1-12 (-10.9 Units) against the money line on the road when the total is 9 to 9.5 this season.
PHILADELPHIA is 16-40 (-20.7 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.
PHILADELPHIA is 14-39 (-19.8 Units) against the money line after a loss this season.
NY METS are 19-23 (-11.9 Units) against the money line in home games this season.
NY METS are 9-14 (-9.6 Units) against the money line in home games against division opponents this season.
NY METS are 48-46 (-22.6 Units) against the money line in home games against right-handed starters over the last 2 seasons.
NY METS are 27-34 (-28.0 Units) against the money line in home games when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
NY METS is 6-2 (+2.4 Units) against PHILADELPHIA this season
6 of 8 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+3.8 Units)

NICK PIVETTA vs. NY METS since 1997
No recent starts.

RAFAEL MONTERO vs. PHILADELPHIA since 1997
MONTERO is 0-0 when starting against PHILADELPHIA with an ERA of 7.36 and a WHIP of 2.452.
His team's record is 0-1 (-1.0 units) in these starts. The OVER is 1-0. (+1.0 units)

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

CHICAGO CUBS (40 - 41) at CINCINNATI (35 - 45) - 1:10 PM
JAKE ARRIETA (R) vs. TIM ADLEMAN (R)
Top Trends for this game.
CHICAGO CUBS are 40-41 (-17.4 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
CHICAGO CUBS are 414-444 (-94.7 Units) against the money line when the total is 9 to 9.5 since 1997.
CHICAGO CUBS are 18-25 (-13.2 Units) against the money line in road games this season.
CHICAGO CUBS are 12-15 (-15.1 Units) against the money line in July games over the last 2 seasons.
CHICAGO CUBS are 16-19 (-12.2 Units) against the money line in day games this season.
CHICAGO CUBS are 27-35 (-23.4 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.
CHICAGO CUBS are 796-760 (-163.2 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record since 1997.
ARRIETA is 0-5 (-10.3 Units) against the money line in July games over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
CINCINNATI is 52-59 (+8.7 Units) against the money line against division opponents over the last 2 seasons.
CINCINNATI is 20-12 (+8.6 Units) against the money line in home games against right-handed starters this season.
CHICAGO CUBS are 59-25 (+22.3 Units) against the money line as a road favorite of -125 to -175 over the last 3 seasons.
ARRIETA is 20-3 (+15.5 Units) against the money line as a road favorite of -125 to -175 over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
CINCINNATI is 20-44 (-21.6 Units) against the money line when playing on Sunday over the last 3 seasons.
CINCINNATI is 397-424 (-96.3 Units) against the money line in home games after a win since 1997.
CINCINNATI is 395-360 (-81.9 Units) against the money line in home games when playing against a team with a losing record since 1997.

Head-to-Head Series History
CHICAGO CUBS is 5-3 (+1.1 Units) against CINCINNATI this season
6 of 8 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+4.0 Units)

JAKE ARRIETA vs. CINCINNATI since 1997
ARRIETA is 6-2 when starting against CINCINNATI with an ERA of 3.76 and a WHIP of 0.968.
His team's record is 6-2 (+3.6 units) in these starts. The OVER is 6-1. (+5.3 units)

TIM ADLEMAN vs. CHICAGO CUBS since 1997
ADLEMAN is 1-0 when starting against CHICAGO CUBS with an ERA of 3.64 and a WHIP of 1.096.
His team's record is 1-2 (+0.0 units) in these starts. The OVER is 2-1. (+1.2 units)

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

SAN FRANCISCO (32 - 51) at PITTSBURGH (37 - 44) - 1:35 PM
JEFF SAMARDZIJA (R) vs. TREVOR WILLIAMS (R)
Top Trends for this game.
SAN FRANCISCO is 32-51 (-21.9 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
SAN FRANCISCO is 36-43 (-17.3 Units) against the money line when the total is 8 to 8.5 over the last 2 seasons.
SAN FRANCISCO is 8-17 (-9.6 Units) against the money line on the road when the money line is +125 to -125 this season.
SAN FRANCISCO is 15-30 (-14.7 Units) against the money line in road games this season.
SAN FRANCISCO is 10-20 (-13.1 Units) against the money line in day games this season.
SAN FRANCISCO is 21-34 (-17.0 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.
SAN FRANCISCO is 58-62 (-19.7 Units) against the money line after a win over the last 2 seasons.
SAN FRANCISCO is 9-20 (-15.0 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record this season.
SAMARDZIJA is 21-28 (-13.3 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
SAMARDZIJA is 4-10 (-10.3 Units) against the money line when the total is 8 to 8.5 over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
SAMARDZIJA is 27-46 (-22.3 Units) against the money line in day games since 1997. (Team's Record)
SAMARDZIJA is 30-45 (-22.9 Units) against the money line after a win since 1997. (Team's Record)
PITTSBURGH is 153-112 (+35.2 Units) against the money line in home games in July games since 1997.
PITTSBURGH is 59-63 (-19.0 Units) against the money line in home games over the last 2 seasons.
PITTSBURGH is 86-106 (-31.1 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
SAN FRANCISCO is 2-0 (+2.2 Units) against PITTSBURGH this season
1 of 2 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=-0.1 Units, Under=-0.2 Units)

JEFF SAMARDZIJA vs. PITTSBURGH since 1997
SAMARDZIJA is 3-4 when starting against PITTSBURGH with an ERA of 3.19 and a WHIP of 1.127.
His team's record is 4-8 (-3.3 units) in these starts. The OVER is 3-7. (-4.1 units)

TREVOR WILLIAMS vs. SAN FRANCISCO since 1997
No recent starts.

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

MIAMI (35 - 44) at MILWAUKEE (44 - 39) - 2:10 PM
DANIEL STRAILY (R) vs. JUNIOR GUERRA (R)
Top Trends for this game.
MIAMI is 46-99 (-42.3 Units) against the money line in road games in day games since 1997.
MIAMI is 85-105 (-27.5 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters over the last 2 seasons.
MILWAUKEE is 44-39 (+11.4 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
MILWAUKEE is 22-16 (+10.8 Units) against the money line when playing on Sunday over the last 2 seasons.
MILWAUKEE is 36-30 (+11.2 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.
MIAMI is 23-14 (+11.0 Units) against the money line when playing on Sunday over the last 2 seasons.
STRAILY is 29-18 (+17.1 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
STRAILY is 13-2 (+14.5 Units) against the money line in day games over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
STRAILY is 17-10 (+11.2 Units) against the money line after a loss over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
STRAILY is 15-11 (+9.9 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)

Head-to-Head Series History
MILWAUKEE is 2-0 (+2.0 Units) against MIAMI this season
1 of 2 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+0.1 Units)

DANIEL STRAILY vs. MILWAUKEE since 1997
STRAILY is 3-0 when starting against MILWAUKEE with an ERA of 1.67 and a WHIP of 0.926.
His team's record is 4-0 (+4.3 units) in these starts. The OVER is 2-2. (-0.4 units)

JUNIOR GUERRA vs. MIAMI since 1997
No recent starts.

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

WASHINGTON (47 - 34) at ST LOUIS (39 - 41) - 8:05 PM
MAX SCHERZER (R) vs. CARLOS MARTINEZ (R)
Top Trends for this game.
WASHINGTON is 21-30 (-15.6 Units) against the money line in road games after a loss over the last 2 seasons.
WASHINGTON is 126-95 (-23.0 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 3 seasons.
WASHINGTON is 33-14 (+14.9 Units) against the money line in night games this season.
ST LOUIS is 125-117 (-15.0 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
ST LOUIS is 60-63 (-28.2 Units) against the money line in home games over the last 2 seasons.
ST LOUIS is 83-82 (-16.2 Units) against the money line in night games over the last 2 seasons.
ST LOUIS is 47-45 (-16.4 Units) against the money line in home games against right-handed starters over the last 2 seasons.
ST LOUIS is 26-33 (-22.6 Units) against the money line in home games after a win over the last 2 seasons.
ST LOUIS is 25-34 (-17.9 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
ST LOUIS is 3-2 (+1.7 Units) against WASHINGTON this season
2 of 4 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=-0.3 Units, Under=-0.1 Units)

MAX SCHERZER vs. ST LOUIS since 1997
SCHERZER is 1-4 when starting against ST LOUIS with an ERA of 3.14 and a WHIP of 1.163.
His team's record is 3-4 (-2.6 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 3-2. (+0.9 units)

CARLOS MARTINEZ vs. WASHINGTON since 1997
MARTINEZ is 0-1 when starting against WASHINGTON with an ERA of 5.40 and a WHIP of 1.049.
His team's record is 0-1 (-1.0 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 0-0. (+0.0 units)

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

COLORADO (48 - 35) at ARIZONA (51 - 31) - 4:10 PM
GERMAN MARQUEZ (R) vs. TAIJUAN WALKER (R)
Top Trends for this game.
COLORADO is 310-421 (-100.3 Units) against the money line on the road when the money line is +125 to -125 since 1997.
COLORADO is 227-300 (-78.5 Units) against the money line in July games since 1997.
ARIZONA is 51-31 (+19.1 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
ARIZONA is 19-8 (+10.5 Units) against the money line when the total is 9 to 9.5 this season.
ARIZONA is 31-13 (+15.4 Units) against the money line in home games this season.
ARIZONA is 41-23 (+16.6 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.
ARIZONA is 33-17 (+14.8 Units) against the money line after a win this season.
COLORADO is 48-35 (+15.2 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
COLORADO is 12-4 (+10.3 Units) against the money line when the total is 9 to 9.5 this season.
COLORADO is 26-20 (+9.2 Units) against the money line in road games this season.
COLORADO is 26-20 (+7.1 Units) against the money line against division opponents this season.
COLORADO is 22-11 (+11.5 Units) against the money line in day games this season.
COLORADO is 33-24 (+7.5 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.
COLORADO is 21-15 (+9.3 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
COLORADO is 6-5 (+1.1 Units) against ARIZONA this season
7 of 10 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+3.7 Units)

GERMAN MARQUEZ vs. ARIZONA since 1997
MARQUEZ is 0-1 when starting against ARIZONA with an ERA of 3.00 and a WHIP of 1.167.
His team's record is 1-2 (-1.0 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 3-0. (+3.1 units)

TAIJUAN WALKER vs. COLORADO since 1997
WALKER is 1-1 when starting against COLORADO with an ERA of 3.32 and a WHIP of 1.316.
His team's record is 1-2 (-0.9 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 1-2. (-1.4 units)

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

LA DODGERS (55 - 28) at SAN DIEGO (33 - 48) - 4:40 PM
KENTA MAEDA (R) vs. JHOULYS CHACIN (R)
Top Trends for this game.
LA DODGERS are 63-63 (-15.9 Units) against the money line in road games over the last 2 seasons.
LA DODGERS are 20-30 (-17.5 Units) against the money line on the road when the total is 8 to 8.5 over the last 3 seasons.
LA DODGERS are 27-32 (-16.5 Units) against the money line in road games against division opponents over the last 2 seasons.
LA DODGERS are 77-78 (-26.1 Units) against the money line in road games against right-handed starters over the last 3 seasons.
LA DODGERS are 26-39 (-22.1 Units) against the money line in road games after a win over the last 2 seasons.
LA DODGERS are 8-18 (-19.3 Units) against the money line in road games after 3 or more consecutive wins over the last 3 seasons.
LA DODGERS are 29-30 (-14.8 Units) against the money line in road games when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 2 seasons.
SAN DIEGO is 33-27 (+12.1 Units) against the money line at home when the total is 8 to 8.5 over the last 2 seasons.
SAN DIEGO is 9-28 (-16.4 Units) against the money line when playing on Sunday over the last 2 seasons.
SAN DIEGO is 42-81 (-31.9 Units) against the money line in day games over the last 3 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
LA DODGERS is 7-1 (+4.9 Units) against SAN DIEGO this season
5 of 8 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+2.0 Units)

KENTA MAEDA vs. SAN DIEGO since 1997
MAEDA is 2-2 when starting against SAN DIEGO with an ERA of 3.38 and a WHIP of 0.938.
His team's record is 4-2 (-0.4 units) in these starts. The OVER is 2-2. (+0.0 units)

JHOULYS CHACIN vs. LA DODGERS since 1997
CHACIN is 9-8 when starting against LA DODGERS with an ERA of 4.38 and a WHIP of 1.557.
His team's record is 12-9 (+2.9 units) in these starts. The OVER is 12-9. (+2.1 units)

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BOSTON (46 - 35) at TORONTO (37 - 43) - 1:05 PM
DREW POMERANZ (L) vs. JOE BIAGINI (R)
Top Trends for this game.
BOSTON is 669-604 (-83.9 Units) against the money line when the total is 9 to 9.5 since 1997.
BOSTON is 21-24 (-10.0 Units) against the money line after a win this season.
POMERANZ is 4-12 (-11.5 Units) against the money line in day games over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
POMERANZ is 5-13 (-12.3 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
TORONTO is 37-43 (-15.7 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
TORONTO is 10-15 (-10.7 Units) against the money line when the total is 9 to 9.5 this season.
TORONTO is 13-23 (-14.0 Units) against the money line against division opponents this season.
TORONTO is 6-14 (-11.7 Units) against the money line against left-handed starters this season.
BIAGINI is 0-5 (-7.9 Units) against the money line when the total is 9 to 9.5 this season. (Team's Record)

Head-to-Head Series History
BOSTON is 4-1 (+3.6 Units) against TORONTO this season
3 of 5 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+0.9 Units)

DREW POMERANZ vs. TORONTO since 1997
POMERANZ is 0-1 when starting against TORONTO with an ERA of 6.35 and a WHIP of 2.116.
His team's record is 0-2 (-2.1 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 2-0. (+2.0 units)

JOE BIAGINI vs. BOSTON since 1997
No recent starts.

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CLEVELAND (43 - 37) at DETROIT (36 - 44) - 1:10 PM
MIKE CLEVINGER (R) vs. JUSTIN VERLANDER (R)
Top Trends for this game.
CLEVELAND is 43-37 (-14.8 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
CLEVELAND is 29-34 (-18.3 Units) against the money line when the total is 9 to 9.5 over the last 2 seasons.
CLEVELAND is 18-19 (-13.2 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record this season.
DETROIT is 36-44 (-10.1 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
DETROIT is 24-35 (-12.2 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.
VERLANDER is 3-10 (-9.9 Units) against the money line when playing on Sunday over the last 3 seasons. (Team's Record)

Head-to-Head Series History
DETROIT is 5-3 (+3.9 Units) against CLEVELAND this season
5 of 7 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+2.8 Units)

MIKE CLEVINGER vs. DETROIT since 1997
CLEVINGER is 0-1 when starting against DETROIT with an ERA of 22.50 and a WHIP of 4.500.
His team's record is 0-1 (-1.0 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 0-1. (-1.3 units)

JUSTIN VERLANDER vs. CLEVELAND since 1997
VERLANDER is 20-22 when starting against CLEVELAND with an ERA of 4.60 and a WHIP of 1.287.
His team's record is 23-27 (-11.6 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 20-28. (-12.6 units)

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TAMPA BAY (43 - 40) at BALTIMORE (39 - 41) - 1:35 PM
ALEX COBB (R) vs. KEVIN GAUSMAN (R)
Top Trends for this game.
TAMPA BAY is 111-133 (-27.8 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
BALTIMORE is 127-115 (+12.6 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
BALTIMORE is 65-47 (+16.2 Units) against the money line at home when the money line is +125 to -125 over the last 3 seasons.
BALTIMORE is 74-47 (+21.0 Units) against the money line in home games over the last 2 seasons.
BALTIMORE is 24-20 (+6.2 Units) against the money line against division opponents this season.
BALTIMORE is 92-79 (+12.6 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters over the last 2 seasons.
TAMPA BAY is 34-23 (+10.4 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.
BALTIMORE is 112-154 (-67.4 Units) against the money line in home games when playing on Sunday since 1997.

Head-to-Head Series History
BALTIMORE is 4-4 (+0.3 Units) against TAMPA BAY this season
6 of 8 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+3.9 Units)

ALEX COBB vs. BALTIMORE since 1997
COBB is 4-1 when starting against BALTIMORE with an ERA of 2.00 and a WHIP of 1.222.
His team's record is 5-4 (+0.3 units) in these starts. The OVER is 4-5. (-1.0 units)

KEVIN GAUSMAN vs. TAMPA BAY since 1997
GAUSMAN is 2-4 when starting against TAMPA BAY with an ERA of 4.56 and a WHIP of 1.500.
His team's record is 3-6 (-3.2 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 7-2. (+4.8 units)

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NY YANKEES (43 - 36) at HOUSTON (55 - 27) - 2:10 PM
LUIS SEVERINO (R) vs. MICHAEL FIERS (R)
Top Trends for this game.
NY YANKEES are 9-18 (-10.1 Units) against the money line on the road when the money line is +125 to -125 this season.
NY YANKEES are 6-13 (-8.5 Units) against the money line on the road when the total is 8 to 8.5 this season.
SEVERINO is 9-17 (-11.8 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
HOUSTON is 55-27 (+18.4 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
HOUSTON is 43-17 (+20.8 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.
NY YANKEES are 23-10 (+14.0 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record this season.
HOUSTON is 25-32 (-15.8 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
HOUSTON is 4-2 (+1.6 Units) against NY YANKEES this season
4 of 6 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+1.8 Units)

LUIS SEVERINO vs. HOUSTON since 1997
SEVERINO is 0-0 when starting against HOUSTON with an ERA of 11.59 and a WHIP of 3.863.
His team's record is 1-0 (+1.0 units) in these starts. The OVER is 1-0. (+1.0 units)

MICHAEL FIERS vs. NY YANKEES since 1997
FIERS is 0-0 when starting against NY YANKEES with an ERA of 7.59 and a WHIP of 1.406.
His team's record is 0-2 (-2.1 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 0-2. (-2.0 units)

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TEXAS (40 - 41) at CHI WHITE SOX (35 - 45) - 2:10 PM
TYSON ROSS (R) vs. JOSE QUINTANA (L)
Top Trends for this game.
CHI WHITE SOX are 25-16 (+12.5 Units) against the money line at home when the total is 9 to 9.5 over the last 2 seasons.
QUINTANA is 6-0 (+7.5 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record this season. (Team's Record)
TEXAS is 135-111 (+29.3 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
TEXAS is 63-42 (+25.4 Units) against the money line when the total is 9 to 9.5 over the last 2 seasons.
TEXAS is 107-101 (+37.4 Units) against the money line in road games over the last 3 seasons.
TEXAS is 28-24 (+13.9 Units) against the money line on the road when the total is 9 to 9.5 over the last 3 seasons.
TEXAS is 15-8 (+10.7 Units) against the money line in day games this season.
TEXAS is 68-58 (+21.0 Units) against the money line against left-handed starters over the last 3 seasons.
TEXAS is 77-57 (+21.5 Units) against the money line after a win over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
CHI WHITE SOX is 1-1 (+0.3 Units) against TEXAS this season
2 of 2 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+2.0 Units)

TYSON ROSS vs. CHI WHITE SOX since 1997
ROSS is 2-0 when starting against CHI WHITE SOX with an ERA of 2.03 and a WHIP of 1.125.
His team's record is 2-0 (+2.0 units) in these starts. The OVER is 1-1. (-0.1 units)

JOSE QUINTANA vs. TEXAS since 1997
QUINTANA is 2-1 when starting against TEXAS with an ERA of 3.38 and a WHIP of 1.125.
His team's record is 3-2 (+1.2 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 3-1. (+2.0 units)

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MINNESOTA (41 - 39) at KANSAS CITY (40 - 40) - 2:15 PM
HECTOR SANTIAGO (L) vs. TRAVIS WOOD (L)
Top Trends for this game.
MINNESOTA is 35-59 (-17.4 Units) against the money line in day games over the last 2 seasons.
KANSAS CITY is 121-121 (+6.8 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
KANSAS CITY is 70-53 (+15.8 Units) against the money line in home games over the last 2 seasons.
KANSAS CITY is 69-52 (+22.0 Units) against the money line in day games over the last 3 seasons.
KANSAS CITY is 25-17 (+12.5 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record this season.
MINNESOTA is 41-39 (+6.0 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
MINNESOTA is 9-3 (+9.6 Units) against the money line as a road underdog of +125 to +175 this season.
MINNESOTA is 25-14 (+17.2 Units) against the money line in road games this season.
MINNESOTA is 13-6 (+11.3 Units) against the money line in road games against division opponents this season.
MINNESOTA is 28-24 (+16.7 Units) against the money line in road games after a win over the last 2 seasons.
SANTIAGO is 26-15 (+11.0 Units) against the money line against division opponents over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
KANSAS CITY is 8-20 (-12.6 Units) against the money line in July games over the last 2 seasons.
WOOD is 5-12 (-12.3 Units) against the money line as a home favorite of -125 to -175 since 1997. (Team's Record)

Head-to-Head Series History
MINNESOTA is 8-3 (+5.3 Units) against KANSAS CITY this season
8 of 9 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+6.8 Units)

HECTOR SANTIAGO vs. KANSAS CITY since 1997
SANTIAGO is 3-3 when starting against KANSAS CITY with an ERA of 4.42 and a WHIP of 1.356.
His team's record is 5-6 (-1.1 units) in these starts. The OVER is 4-7. (-3.7 units)

TRAVIS WOOD vs. MINNESOTA since 1997
WOOD is 0-0 when starting against MINNESOTA with an ERA of 5.40 and a WHIP of 1.800.
His team's record is 0-1 (-1.0 units) in these starts. The OVER is 1-0. (+1.0 units)

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SEATTLE (40 - 42) at LA ANGELS (43 - 42) - 3:35 PM
JAMES PAXTON (L) vs. JESSE CHAVEZ (R)
Top Trends for this game.
SEATTLE is 51-58 (-14.9 Units) against the money line when the total is 8 to 8.5 over the last 2 seasons.
PAXTON is 13-19 (-11.3 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
PAXTON is 4-12 (-11.3 Units) against the money line after a loss over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
LA ANGELS are 43-42 (+6.7 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
LA ANGELS are 99-51 (+27.5 Units) against the money line in home games in July games since 1997.
LA ANGELS are 15-5 (+11.2 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record in the second half of the season over the last 2 seasons.
SEATTLE is 26-9 (+13.9 Units) against the money line as a road favorite of -125 to -175 over the last 3 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
LA ANGELS is 5-3 (+2.2 Units) against SEATTLE this season
6 of 8 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+3.8 Units)

JAMES PAXTON vs. LA ANGELS since 1997
PAXTON is 3-2 when starting against LA ANGELS with an ERA of 2.12 and a WHIP of 0.941.
His team's record is 4-4 (-0.1 units) in these starts. The OVER is 4-4. (+0.0 units)

JESSE CHAVEZ vs. SEATTLE since 1997
CHAVEZ is 1-6 when starting against SEATTLE with an ERA of 5.90 and a WHIP of 1.640.
His team's record is 2-6 (-5.0 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 2-5. (-3.6 units)

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ATLANTA (39 - 41) at OAKLAND (35 - 46) - 4:05 PM
JULIO TEHERAN (R) vs. SEAN MANAEA (L)
Top Trends for this game.
ATLANTA is 107-134 (+8.4 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
ATLANTA is 50-50 (+14.8 Units) against the money line when the total is 8 to 8.5 over the last 2 seasons.
ATLANTA is 56-64 (+21.5 Units) against the money line in road games over the last 2 seasons.
ATLANTA is 52-54 (+12.5 Units) against the money line after a win over the last 2 seasons.
OAKLAND is 172-233 (-53.8 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 3 seasons.
OAKLAND is 31-39 (-23.7 Units) against the money line as a home favorite of -125 to -175 over the last 3 seasons.
OAKLAND is 90-113 (-34.3 Units) against the money line in home games over the last 3 seasons.
OAKLAND is 4-13 (-12.1 Units) against the money line in home games in an inter-league game over the last 2 seasons.
OAKLAND is 58-78 (-29.3 Units) against the money line in home games against right-handed starters over the last 3 seasons.
OAKLAND is 51-88 (-32.7 Units) against the money line after a loss over the last 2 seasons.
OAKLAND is 69-95 (-29.1 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 3 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
ATLANTA is 2-0 (+2.9 Units) against OAKLAND this season
2 of 2 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+2.0 Units)

JULIO TEHERAN vs. OAKLAND since 1997
TEHERAN is 1-0 when starting against OAKLAND with an ERA of 3.00 and a WHIP of 1.167.
His team's record is 1-0 (+1.0 units) in these starts. The OVER is 0-0. (+0.0 units)

SEAN MANAEA vs. ATLANTA since 1997
No recent starts.