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

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Diamond Trends - Sunday
July 2, 2017

TOP SU TREND

-- The Nationals are 13-0 since May 04, 2016 as a road favorite after they scored more runs off the opponent’s bullpen than they did off their starter last game.

TOP OU TREND

-- The Phillies are 11-0 OU (3.91 rpg) since Aug 07, 2016 as a dog coming off a game as a road dog in which they scored 6+ runs.

TOP STARTER TREND

-- The Giants are 0-8 RUN LINE AGAINST since May 08, 2016 when Jeff Samardzija starts when they used 6+ pitchers in their game yesterday

TOP CHOICE TREND

-- The Angels are 0-16 OU (-2.84 rpg) since Jun 22, 2014 as a home dog after they had fewer than five team-left-on-base.

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Sunday's Diamond Notes
July 2, 2017

Hottest team: Mets (4-0 past four games, 7-1 past eight overall)

The Mets have rattled off four consecutive victories, outscoring the opposition 23-10 during the impressive span. The four-game run also has the Mets within 8 1/2 games of the National League East Division, which is the same deficit they find themselves out of a Wild Card spot in the NL. So the Mets need to keep winning, and that's what they'll be looking to do against the Phillies on Sunday. New York has posted a 4-1 record over the past five games against a right-handed starter, 5-0 in their past five against a starter with a WHIP over 1.30 and 5-0 in their past five against teams with a winning percentage under .400. The Phillies counter with Nick Pivetta, and that usually doesn't end well. The Phils are 2-7 in their past nine starts by Pivetta while going just 15-44 over their past 59 games overall.

Coldest team: Blue Jays (2-7 past nine games)

The Blue Jays were showing some signs of life near the end of May and into June, working their way back into the postseason picture. However, a rough road trip in Kansas City and some uneven results at home ever since have dropped them back into the basement in the American League East Division. In fact, after a Canada Day loss against the Red Sox on Saturday, Toronto now finds themselves one game under .500 at home while sitting with a minus-31 run differential overall. The Jays are just 1-5 in Joe Biagini's past six starts overall, including 0-4 in his past four at home. The Jays are also 2-10 over their past 12 home games vs. LHP.

Hottest pitcher: Max Scherzer, Nationals (9-5, 2.06 ERA)

Scherzer puts the league's best ERA on the line when the Nationals and Cardinals square off under the lights in the Lou on Sunday night. Scherzer also leads the National League with 151 strikeouts, walking just 24 batters over 113 2/3 innings while holding the opposition to an impressive .164 opponent batting average. You'd think he would deserve a better fate in terms of wins and losses, but he is just four games over .500 despite his dominance. Scherzer also enters play with a sparkling 0.78 WHIP across 16 starts. The Cardinals counter with Carlos Martinez, and he enters with a 6-6 mark, 2.88 ERA, 121 strikeouts over 106 1/3 innings and a .199 opponent average. It should be a fun pitcher's duel.

Coldest pitcher: Kevin Gausman, Orioles (4-7, 6.07 ERA)

Gausman is finally starting to trend in the right direction after an ugly season, going 1-1 with a 2.45 ERA over his past two outings. However, he still has a long way to go before he can be trusted at the betting window again. He has managed a 3-3 record and 3.77 ERA over 45 1/3 innings in eight starts and one relief appearance against Tampa Bay since the start of the 2014 season. The O's are 0-4 in their past four home games, but 13-4 over Gausman's past 17 at Camden Yards. Baltimore is also 19-9 over their past 28 at home against teams with a losing road record.

Biggest UNDER run: Indians (12-3-2 past 17 games overall)

The 'under' has been a popular play for Cleveland and total bettors lately. The under is an impressive 12-3-2 over their past 17 games overall, 4-0-2 in their past six against teams with a losing record and, for what it's worth, 4-0 in their past four games on Sunday. The under is also 23-6-2 over their past 31 games against divisional foes. The under has been a frequent happening when Mike Clevinger is on the mound, going 4-1 over his past five road starts, 12-3 in his past 15 starts overall and 6-1 over his past seven games teams with a losing overall mark. The under is also 4-0-1 in the past five meetings at Comerica Park.

Biggest OVER run: Reds (10-4 past 14 games overall)

It was a rare 'under' result for Cincinnati in Saturday's game, but don't expect that to become a frequent happening. The over is still 10-4 in Cincinnati's past 14 games overall, 20-8 in their past 28 games against National League Central foes and 9-3 in their past 12 vs. RHP. The over is also 3-0-1 in Jake Arrieta's past four tries agaisnt the Reds, 4-0-1 in the past five meetings at GABP and 34-14-3 in the past 51 meetings overall in this series.

Matchup to watch: Cardinals vs. Nationals

The Nationals head into Sunday's series finale having won just two of their past seven games overall, and they're a dismal 1-5 in the past six road outings. It's a good thing they have Scherzer on the hill, as the Nats are 23-9 over his past 32 starts, 23-8 over his past 31 road outings and 9-2 in his past 11 starts on the road against teams with a losing overall mark. Washington is also an impressive 16-5 over his past 21 outings against a team with a losing overall record. The Cardinals have rattled off wins in each of the past four, including four in a row against teams with a winning overall record. They're also an impressive 16-5 in their past 21 tries against NL East clubs.

Betcha didn’t know: Dodgers 2B Logan Forsythe has back-to-back four-hit games to match a career high, raising his average from .208 to .247 in just a pair of games. He is on quite the roll offensively for a Dodgers team that seems to have a new face rise up every day. OF Chris Taylor belted a grand slam in Saturday's win in San Diego, and it's starting to become a regularity. He has four career grand slams, with three of them coming this season. Jhoulys Chacin will look to hold the Dodgers down. He is 9-8 with a 4.37 ERA over 21 starts and one relief appearance against the Dodgers in his career.

Biggest public favorite: Dodgers (-170) at Padres

Biggest public underdog: Rockies (+130) at Diamondbacks

Biggest line move: Athletics (-130 to -160) vs. Braves

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MLB Philadelphia Phillies
Action
2.34

MLB Chicago Cubs v Cincinnati Reds
T Adleman - R/J Arrieta - R
OV 10 1.95

MLB San Francisco Giants
T Williams - R/J Samardzija - R
-1.5 2.20

MLB Miami Marlins
Action
1.78

MLB Washington Nationals v Saint Louis Cardinals
C Martinez - R/M Scherzer - R
OV 7.5 2.00

MLB San Diego Padres
Action
2.66

MLB Toronto Blue Jays
Action
1.91

MLB Baltimore Orioles
Action
1.84

MLB Minnesota Twins v Kansas City Royals
T Wood - L/H Santiago - L
OV 10 1.83

MLB Seattle Mariners v Los Angeles Angels
J Chavez - R/J Paxton - L
UN 8.5 1.90

MLB Atlanta Braves v Oakland Athletics
S Manaea - L/J Teheran - R
UN 8.5 1.95

KOC.......doesn't seem to be working so this is what am going with thru Bookmaker.

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Baseball Capsules
July 2, 2017

CINCINNATI (AP) Jake Arrieta pitched one-hit ball for seven innings without allowing a stolen base, and Ian Happ homered twice in the ballpark where he played as a college star, leading Chicago past Cincinnati.

Arrieta (8-6) was coming off a subpar performance that created friction and a surprise move. The Nationals stole seven bases off Arrieta during their 6-1 win on Tuesday, and catcher Miguel Montero complained afterward about the pitcher's move to the plate with runners on base. Montero was cut loose the following day.

Back in the ballpark where he threw a no-hitter last season, Arrieta was back in form, allowing only Joey Votto's first-inning single and a pair of walks - the Reds were never in position to try to steal.

Happ hit a two-run homer and a solo shot off Tim Adleman (5-5), and added an RBI single.

Anthony Rizzo also had a solo homer, and Javier Baez doubled home a run.

NATIONALS 7, CARDINALS 2

ST. LOUIS (AP) - Bryce Harper homered twice against Carlos Martinez, Max Scherzer struck out 12 over seven scoreless innings and Washington beat St. Louis.

Harper also doubled and had four RBIs to pace Washington, which snapped a three-game skid and had lost five of seven.

The Cardinals had won four straight and six of seven overall, including series victories over the Arizona Diamondbacks and Nationals.

Scherzer (10-5) allowed two hits and two walks while lowering his major league-leading ERA to 1.94. Scherzer's double-digit strikeout performance was his 10th this season and 59th of his career.

Martinez (6-7) entered the game ranked fourth in the NL in ERA but allowed five runs in five innings.

ASTROS 8, YANKEES 1

HOUSTON (AP) - Yuli Gurriel finished a triple shy of the cycle, Carlos Correa tied a career-high with four hits and had three RBIs, and Houston handed New York its 14th loss in 19 games.

Marwin Gonzalez hit a two-run homer in a three-run second off Luis Severino (5-4) as the Astros improved the best record in the major leagues to 56-27. Houston had 14 hits, including seven doubles, and went 6 for 17 with runners in scoring position.

New York, which led the AL East by four games on June 13, lost two of three to the Astros and dropped three games behind division-leading Boston.

Chris Devenski (5-3) pitched two perfect innings in relief to get the win.

INDIANS 11, TIGERS 8

DETROIT (AP) - Jose Ramirez homered twice, and Cleveland snapped Justin Verlander's decade-long streak of games with at least one strikeout, chasing the Detroit star in the fourth inning.

Verlander (5-5) had struck out a batter in 331 consecutive appearances and was tied with Curt Schilling for the sixth-longest streak since 1913. He hadn't gone without a strikeout since April 28, 2007, when he lasted only three innings against Minnesota.

On Sunday, he allowed seven runs and nine hits with three walks in 3 1/3 innings.

Mike Clevinger (4-3) allowed a run and two hits in six innings. He walked five and struck out seven.

The Indians held on after Detroit scored six runs in the ninth inning, including homers by James McCann and Nicholas Castellanos. Cody Allen retired the final batter for his 16th save in 17 chances.

DIAMONDBACKS 4, ROCKIES 3

PHOENIX (AP) - Ketel Marte lined a run-scoring single in the ninth inning and Arizona overcame the first earned run allowed by Fernando Rodney in 21 games.

Rodney (2-2) had his hitless outings streak end at 11 with three straight singles in the ninth inning, including Charlie Blackmon's tying hit. Rodney got a pair of pop ups with two on to end the inning.

Brandon Drury hit a one-out single in the bottom half and Chris Iannetta followed with a double off Adam Ottavino (1-3). Marte fell into a 1-2 hole against Chris Rusin before lining a one-hopper off the wall, sending the Diamondbacks rushing out of the dugout to mob him.

Chris Owings hit a two-run homer and Drury had three hits for Arizona, off to the best start in franchise history at 52-31.

Colorado has lost 10 of 11.

PADRES 5, DODGERS 3

SAN DIEGO (AP) - Jhoulys Chacin pitched five scoreless innings, Manuel Margot homered and drove in two runs, and San Diego got a rare victory over the Dodgers.

The Padres lost seven of the first eight meetings with the Dodgers this season but defeated Kenta Maeda (6-4) for the second time in 13 weeks.

San Diego went ahead 5-0 against Maeda while Chacin (7-7) was recording his second scoreless outing in 17 starts this year.

Chacin, who struck out six, retired cleanup hitter Cody Bellinger three times with a man on base, twice on strikes and once on a 2-0 pitch with two runners aboard.

Brandon Mauer got the last three outs for his 16th save.

BRAVES 4, ATHLETICS 3, 12 INNINGS

OAKLAND, Calif. (AP) - Kurt Suzuki led off the 12th inning with his second home run of the game, helping Atlanta complete a three-game sweep.

One inning after closer Jim Johnson got his sixth blown save, Suzuki lined a shot to left on a 3-1 pitch from John Axford (0-1). Suzuki also homered off starter Sean Manaea to begin the second.

It's the third multihomer of Suzuki's career and first since 2011 when he was with Oakland. The veteran catcher had not gone deep against his previous club until these homers helped Atlanta finish its six-game West Coast trip on a positive note after a rocky beginning.

Johnson (6-1) got the win despite three walks, and Arodys Vizcaino retired three batters for his second save. Vizcaino got Franklin Barreto to fly out with two runners on to end it.

PHILLIES 7, METS 1

NEW YORK (AP) - Nick Pivetta allowed one hit in seven impressive innings for his second major league win, and Philadelphia stopped the New York Mets' four-game winning streak.

Maikel Franco had a two-run double in a four-run second aided by a pair of sacrifice bunts. Rookie catcher Andrew Knapp added an RBI single and dashed home from second on a wild pitch by Rafael Montero.

Leadoff man Daniel Nava had three hits and two RBIs to help the major league-worst Phillies prevent a three-game sweep and finish their 4-5 road trip on a positive note. Philadelphia outhit the Mets 12-2.

Making his 10th major league start, Pivetta (2-4) permitted only T.J. Rivera's home run on an 81 mph slider with one out in the fifth. He struck out four and walked four.

ORIOLES 7, RAYS 1

BALTIMORE (AP) - Manny Machado hit a three-run homer, Kevin Gausman pitched seven innings of two-hit ball and Baltimore avoided a three-game sweep.

Mark Trumbo also homered and Seth Smith had two RBIs for the Orioles, playing their final home game until July 14.

Gausman (5-7) struck out nine and walked two in the finest of his 18 starts this season. The right-hander allowed only one runner past first base in lowering his ERA from 6.07 to 5.61.

Jesus Sucre ended Baltimore's shutout bid with an eighth-inning homer off Mychal Givens.

Tampa Bay starter Alex Cobb (6-6) gave up seven runs and six hits over 6 1/3 innings.

RED SOX 15, BLUE JAYS 1

TORONTO (AP) - Mookie Betts hit two home runs and matched a career-high with eight RBIs to help Boston rout Toronto.

Betts went 4 for 6 as AL East-leading Boston won for the sixth time in seven games, completing the three-game sweep. He hit an RBI single in the second, a three-run homer in the fourth, a two-run blast in the sixth, and a two-run single in the seventh. It was the second multihomer game of the season for Betts, who also hit two at Philadelphia on June 14. Betts had eight RBIs against Arizona on Aug. 14, 2016.

Drew Pomeranz (8-4) pitched six innings for his third straight road win.

Hanley Ramirez had three hits, including a two-run homer, as the Red Sox collected a season-high 21 hits.

Joe Biagini (2-8) took the loss as he was chased in the sixth inning by Betts' second homer.

GIANTS 5, PIRATES 3

PITTSBURGH (AP) - Brandon Belt started San Francisco's comeback with an RBI single in a three-run seventh inning, then added a two-run homer in the eighth as the Giants got their season-high sixth straight win.

Jordy Mercer's two-run homer in the third off Jeff Samardzija (4-9) put the Pirates ahead.

Trevor Williams took a two-hit shutout into the seventh, when Hunter Pence walked leading off and Buster Posey doubled. Belt and Brandon Crawford hit consecutive run-scoring singles off left-hander Tony Watson (4-2), and Kelby Tomlinson's sacrifice fly gave San Francisco a 3-2 lead.

Belt homered in the eighth off Edgar Santana, his 16th this season.

ROYALS 6, TWINS 2

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) - Alcides Escobar had two hits and two RBIs and Scott Alexander picked up his first major league victory for Kansas City.

The Royals have won 15 of 21 games to move a game above .500 and into a tie with the Twins for second place in the American League Central.

Escobar went 7-for-16 with four extra-base hits, including a home run, with seven RBIs and scored four runs in the four-game series to raised his average 50 points since June 13.

Travis Wood, making his first start since Sept. 19, 2015, after 108 relief appearances, was removed in the fifth after facing three batters and retiring none. Brian Dozier and Robbie Grossman had RBI-singles in the inning.

Alexander (1-2) replaced Wood and induced Eduardo Escobar to ground into an inning ending double play with the bases loaded.

Hector Santiago (4-8) was charged with four runs and four hits, a hit batter and a walk in 3 1/3 innings.

MARLINS 10, BREWERS 3

MILWAUKEE (AP) - Marcell Ozuna hit two home runs - the second moments after having his bat thrown out for having too much pine tar on it - and Miami beat Milwaukee.

The sticky situation began in the seventh, when Brewers second baseman Jonathan Villar had his bat tossed from the game for the same issue by plate umpire Hunter Wendelstedt.

Wendelstedt also checked Ozuna's bat to start the eighth and told him to get a new one. Ozuna did, and deposited his 22nd homer of the season into the bleachers in left.

Marlins starter Dan Straily (6-4) allowed solo home runs to Eric Thames and Orlando Arcia. Derek Dietrich also homered for Miami.

Brewers starter Junior Guerra (1-3) took the loss.

WHITE SOX 6, RANGERS 5

CHICAGO (AP) - Yolmer Sanchez hit a two-run home run with two outs in the eighth to rally Chicago past Texas.

The Rangers had the bases loaded in the ninth, but David Robertson (4-2) struck out Carlos Gomez to end the game.

Todd Frazier walked with one out in the eighth and, two batters later, Sanchez drove the ball to right-center off Texas reliever Jose Leclerc (1-2) for his fourth homer of the season. It handed the Rangers bullpen its American League-leading 17th blown save.

Jonathan Lucroy had given the Rangers a 5-4 lead with a two-run single in the fifth.

Melky Cabrera also homered for Chicago, and Mike Napoli hit his 16th for Texas.

MARINERS 5, ANGELS 3

ANAHEIM, Calif. (AP) - Robinson Cano hit a three-run homer in the eighth inning and James Paxton retired the first 16 hitters he faced in Seattle's win over Los Angeles.

Paxton (6-3) continued his career-long dominance of the Angels, throwing 6 1/3 innings of two-hit ball in his best start since missing most of May with a forearm strain. The left-hander has a career 2.04 ERA against the Halos, the second-best among active pitchers.

Jean Segura had four hits and drove in two runs as the Mariners took two of three from their AL West rivals.

Danny Espinosa got the Angels' first hit off Paxton in the sixth, and Yunel Escobar chased him with an RBI single in the seventh inning of Los Angeles' third loss in four games.

Jesse Chavez (5-9) yielded just four hits and two runs over five innings in his fifth consecutive winless start for the Angels.

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MLB notebook: Cash manages Rays after breaking ankle
July 2, 2017

Tampa Bay Rays manager Kevin Cash fractured his left ankle running near Camden Yards early Sunday morning.

However, he did not miss the series finale against the Baltimore Orioles, a 7-1 loss for the Rays.

"I was crossing the railroad track and I looked up and stepped into the track, I rolled it," Cash said before the game.

--The Texas Rangers acquired right-handed relief pitcher Jason Grilli from the Toronto Blue Jays in exchange for minor league outfielder Eduard Pinto.

The Rangers also activated right-hander Tony Barnette (finger sprain) from 10-day disabled list before Sunday's game in Chicago against the White Sox.

Grilli is expected to join the Rangers on Monday for a home game against the Boston Red Sox.

The Rangers need bullpen help as they lead the majors with 16 blown saves this year. Grilli, 40, was 2-4 with a 7.97 ERA in 26 2/3 innings with one save in 26 games for Toronto this season before being designated for assignment on June 27.

In addition, the Rangers optioned right-hander Tanner Scheppers to Triple-A Round Rock and designated right-hander Preston Claiborne, who is on option at Round Rock, for assignment to make room for Grilli on the 40-man roster.

--Boston Red Sox shortstop Xander Bogaerts was a late scratch from the lineup for Sunday's game against the Toronto Blue Jays with tightness in his left groin.

The Red Sox said he was day to day.

Tzu-Wei Lin, who was scheduled to start at third base, was moved to shortstop and Deven Marrero took over at third base.

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LEADING OFF: Trout readies for rehab stint, Matz vs Stras
July 2, 2017

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

BACK TO WORK

Angels star Mike Trout will have a private workout, then go for a full workout with Class A Inland Empire on Tuesday. If the two-time AL MVP looks strong, he will begin playing rehab games with Inland Empire. Now a six-time AL All-Star selection, Trout has missed 33 games after left thumb ligament surgery.

STARTING STRONG

Nationals right-hander Stephen Strasburg (9-2, 3.51 ERA) gets the ball at home against Mets left-hander Steven Matz (2-1, 2.67). Strasburg, named an All-Star on Sunday, struck out 13 in a win against the Cubs in his last start, though he dealt with a back spasm during that 8-4 win. Coming off seven shutout innings at Miami, Matz is 2-0 with a 1.80 ERA in three road starts this season.

ROCK BOTTOM?

The Rockies turn to rookie right-hander Jeff Hoffman to halt their skid in a game against Cincinnati. Colorado has lost 10 of 11, including two of three against NL West rival Arizona over the weekend, and is suddenly seven games behind the Dodgers in the division. Except for a hiccup at Coors Field on June 21, Hoffman (4-1, 4.04) has been excellent, holding opponents to two or fewer runs in five of his seven starts. The 24-year-old was the prize return when Colorado traded Troy Tulowitzki to the Blue Jays in July 2015.

LEADOFF LIFT

The Royals have won 15 of 21 heading into a series with the Mariners, a surge driven in part by Alcides Escobar's resurgence atop the lineup. The leadoff hitter went 7 of 16 during a four-game series with Minnesota and has raised his average 50 points to .230 since June 13 by hitting .380. Kansas City is a game over .500 and tied with the Twins for second in the AL Central following an abysmal start to the year.

HEALED UP

Rangers left-hander Martin Perez returns to the mound after a stint on the disabled list with a broken right thumb. Perez (4-6, 4.70) gets the start in the opener of a series against the Red Sox and AL Cy Young Award winner Rick Porcello (4-10, 5.06).

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Judge, Correa, Arenado among 12 1st-time All-Star starters
July 2, 2017

NEW YORK (AP) Aaron Judge, Carlos Correa and Nolan Arenado led a new generation of All-Stars, among 12 first-time starters elected by fans for the July 11 game at Marlins Park.

''I've got to call my family and tell them to book a flight to Miami. They're going to be excited,'' Judge said after rosters were announced Sunday.

The dozen first-time starters are the most since voting was returned to fans in 1970.

Just one player was picked from the World Series champion Cubs: reliever Wade Davis, who wasn't even with Chicago when it ended a 108-year title drought last fall. The Cubs had seven All-Stars last season, including their entire starting infield.

''Frankly, we haven't had many guys who were all that deserving,'' Cubs pitcher Jake Arrieta.

Just past the halfway point, the Cubs are 41-41.

''Maybe this is actually a good thing. Right now, rest is not a bad word,'' said Chicago's Joe Maddon, who will manage the NL.

In a sign of the generational change, the All-Stars with the most selections are Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Clayton Kershaw with eight and St. Louis catcher Yadier Molina with seven. Detroit's Miguel Cabrera, the senior All-Star last year with 11 selections, wasn't picked for the first time since 2009.

Two of the first-time starters are from the Houston Astros, who have the best record in the major leagues: Correa, the shortstop drafted first overall in 2012, and outfielder George Springer. Second baseman Jose Altuve was elected to his third start.

''It's something that you dream about since you are a little kid, since you get drafted, since you sign a professional contract,'' Correa said.

Houston pitchers Dallas Keuchel and Lance McCullers Jr. were picked, as well, giving the Astros five All-Stars, tied for the most with the New York Yankees, Cleveland and Washington. Keuchel is hurt and won't pitch.

Nationals outfielder Bryce Harper, second baseman Daniel Murphy and first baseman Ryan Zimmerman were elected to start, and Max Scherzer and Stephen Strasburg were selected for the pitching staff. Harper led fan voting with 4.63 million ballots.

''Definitely humbled by fans, the way they treat me,'' Harper said.

At 32, Zimmerman is an All-Star for the first time since 2009, when he was a reserve third baseman.

''Yeah, sports are funny, man,'' Zimmerman said. ''It's just a crazy path to get back, but it's also pretty cool.''

Judge, the 6-foot-7 rookie who leads the major leagues with 27 home runs, topped the AL with 4.49 million votes. He is joined in the outfield by Springer and Los Angeles Angels star Mike Trout, who hopes to return in time from a torn thumb ligament.

Cleveland's Jose Ramirez overtook Minnesota's Miguel Sano in the final days of balloting to win the AL third base spot by about 54,000 votes, Toronto's Justin Smoak bounced back to beat Kansas City's Eric Hosmer by 555,000 at first base, and Tampa Bay's Corey Dickerson rallied to win at designated hitter by nearly 75,000 over Seattle's Nelson Cruz. The Royals' Salvador Perez won at catcher.

Arenado overtook the Cubs' Kris Bryant, last year's NL MVP, to win at third base by 180,000. Arenado will be joined in the NL lineup by Cincinnati shortstop Zack Cozart, Rockies outfielder Charlie Blackmon, Miami outfielder Marcell Ozuna and San Francisco catcher Buster Posey.

''It would be even more fun if there were a few more guys going from the team,'' said Posey, whose Giants are last in the NL West.

There were 11 first-time starters last season in San Diego, the last year the winning league received home-field advantage in the World Series. Under baseball's new labor contract, the Series now starts in the ballpark of the pennant winner with the better record.

Catcher Gary Sanchez, injured second baseman Starlin Castro and pitchers Dellin Betances and Luis Severino also were picked from the Yankees. Cleveland is sending pitchers Corey Kluber and Andrew Miller, shortstop Francisco Lindor and outfielder Michael Brantley.

''I'm just happy for Cleveland,'' said the Indians' Terry Francona, who will manage the AL. ''I think the fans and the city - everybody should be proud.''

Marlins outfielder Giancarlo Stanton was picked as a reserve and plans to defend his Home Run Derby title on July 10. Judge also has been invited, and Los Angeles Dodgers rookie Cody Bellinger, who leads the NL with 24 homers, has said he will participate.

''It is going to be amazing,'' Stanton said. ''Either way, the week was going to be cool, but this makes it even cooler.''

The NL-leading Dodgers will send Bellinger, Kershaw, shortstop Corey Seager and closer Kenley Jansen to Miami, but nobody from Los Angeles was elected for the starting lineup by fans. Jansen was upset with his own fanbase for letting down Seager and third baseman Justin Turner.

''I'll say it loud and clear again: It's the Dodger fans' fault,'' Jansen said.

Among other strong candidates overlooked were Carlos Carrasco, Jacob deGrom, Gio Gonzalez, Ivan Nova, Roberto Osuna, Anthony Rizzo, Travis Shaw, Andrelton Simmons, Justin Upton and Alex Wood.

Rosters were cut from 34 per league to 32 under the new labor deal, and online voting determines the last spot on each roster. Elvis Andrus, Xander Bogaerts, Didi Gregorius, Logan Morrison and Mike Moustakas are the AL candidates, and Justin Bour, Bryant, Anthony Rendon, Mark Reynolds and Turner are on the NL ballot.

The AL had won four straight and went 11-3 in the years the All-Star Game determined World Series home field. Marlins Park is the third of four straight NL ballparks to host the All-Stars and will be followed by Washington in 2018.

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Kenley Jansen blasts Dodgers fans over All-Star voting
July 2, 2017

LOS ANGELES (AP) Dodgers closer Kenley Jansen is blaming his own fans for not turning out the All-Star vote for his teammates.

The National League leaders don't have a starting player on the NL squad revealed Sunday for the game in Miami on July 11. Jansen, left-hander Clayton Kershaw, shortstop Corey Seager and first baseman/outfielder Cody Bellinger made the team via the player ballots, but starters are elected by the fans.

''I'll say it loud and clear again: It's the Dodger fans' fault,'' Jansen said.

Jansen is especially upset that Seager and third baseman Justin Turner weren't picked as starters. He added that Seager should have beaten out Cubs shortstop Addison Russell for the starting spot last year, and that Turner - who has never made an All-Star team - should have been selected in 2015, 2016 and this year. Turner is one of five candidates in the online fan vote for the final NL spot this year.

''We should have voted for those two guys,'' Jansen said. ''They deserved to be the starters.'

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Brewers' Knebel makes All-Star Game, learns big family news
July 2, 2017

MILWAUKEE (AP) Brewers closer Corey Knebel had quite a day without even taking the mound.

In the morning, he learned he and his wife, Danielle, would be having a baby girl through a unique unveiling. Then, just before the Brewers played the Miami Marlins on Sunday, he was informed he'd been chosen for his first All-Star Game.

''What a day,'' Knebel said. ''I don't know how it could get any better.''

The Knebels learned they'd be having a girl, due Nov. 23, when the team created a special `baseball' that Danielle pitched to Corey, who was in an unfamiliar position of holding a bat.

When Corey hit the pitch, the ball exploded in a puff of pink chalk. When he rejoined his teammates, he learned he was going to Miami for the All-Star Game festivities.

''Danielle is happy, excited because we're having a girl and then we find out 30 minutes later that I'm going to be an All-Star. I've been saying all day I'm on cloud nine, but I don't know where I am now. I'm really excited.''

Knebel has had a meteoric rise from the minor leagues to All-Star.

''This time last year, I got sent down to Triple-A. It was kind of a reality check,'' Knebel said. ''I didn't have a year that I wanted to. I went into the offseason and told myself this isn't going to happen.''

After Milwaukee traded Tyler Thornburg to Boston, Knebel decided to dedicate himself to winning the closer role, which initially went to Nefatli Feliz, who is no longer with the team.

''Thorny got traded and in my mind, I decided I was going to take that closer role. I didn't want to mess around anymore, Knebel said. ''I knew this is where I needed to be and everything else worked out.''

He is 0-1 with a 1.13 ERA and 13 saves in 16 chances. He has at least one strikeout in each of his 40 appearances this season, setting the major league single-season record for most consecutive games with a strikeout in Friday night's win over Miami.

When counting Knebel's final appearance of 2016, he has 41 consecutive games with a strikeout and trails only Yankees closer Aroldis Chapman's record of 49 consecutive appearances set over 2013-14.

''This kind of came out of nowhere. I've been feeling good,'' Knebel said. ''Throwing the ball over the plate and everything works out. Funny how it works out.''

[StarDust Bum]

Monday’s List of 13: Wrapping up a sports weekend…….

13) Colorado Rockies lost eight games in a row recently and the bandwagon was quickly emptying. Baseball season is very long, though; here is what I mean…….

2012 Giants went 2-7 from June 29-July 8; they won the World Series
2013 Cardinals went 0-7 from July 26-31; they lost the World Series.
2014 Giants went 2-9 from June 23-July 4; they won the World Series.
2015 Mets went 0-7 from June 17-24; they lost the World Series.
2016 Cubs went 1-9 from June 30-July 9; they won the World Series.

Every team hits a rough patch during the season, even the really good ones.

12) Major league teams are 76-228 this season when they score two runs in a game; Cardinals are 7-2 at home when they score two runs.

11) Miami Marlins said Brewers’ PH Jonathan Villar had too much pine tar on his bat, so when Marcell Ozuna batted for the Marlins, Milwaukee returned the favor and had two of his bats taken out of play for the same reason. Ozuna then used one of Giancarlo Stanton’s bats and hit a homer to give the Marlins a 7-3 lead. Weird gamesmanship.

10) Odd Fact of the Day: In the last 40 years, only twice has a team broken a losing streak of 8+ games on its manager’s birthday. Both times, in 2008 and 2017, the manager was Bud Black.

9) Brewers’ pitcher Zach Davies got 30 called strikes from plate umpire Joe West Saturday, which is really unusual; only third time this season a pitcher got 30 called strikes in one game. Dallas Keuchel, Alex Cobb were the other two pitchers.

8) Odd to see the Michigan Wolverines’ football team ranked #127 out of 130 I-A team in terms of experience this season- they only have one starter back on defense.

7) Random All-Star Game fact: Rosters have been reduced from 34 to 32 players this year and every team has be represented.

6) Alex Rodriguez hit six home runs on his birthday, more than any major leaguer hit on their birthday.

5) Chris Paul talked free agent PJ Tucker into choosing Houston over Toronto; he took $32M for four years from the Rockets, turned down $33M for three years from Toronto.

You do the math. Tucker must like hanging around with Chris Paul..

4) Padres called up reliever Kevin Quackenbush from AAA Sunday, the 5th time they’ve called him up this season. Unfortunately, he’s also been sent out five times.

3) Mets-Nationals have an 11am game on the 4th of July (Tuesday). Lot of stuff going on in the nation’s capital, so they play the game earlier in the day.

2) NBA happenings:
— Andre Iguodala gets three years, $48M to stay with the Warriors
— Kyle Korner gets three years, $22M to keep shooting jumpers in Cleveland.
— Jodie Meeks gets $7M for two years from Washington
— Taj Gibson gets two years, $28M from Minnesota
— Serge Ibaka gets three years, $65M to stay in Toronto; Kyle Lowry gets three years, $100M to stay with the Raptors.
— Denver Nuggets sign Paul Millsap; three years, $90M. Good day for the Millsaps.

1) If you watch Ray Donovan on Showtime, the new season starts August 6, and Susan Sarandon is joining the cast, which is excellent news.

[StarDust Bum]

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

07/02/2017.............. 5-4-1............. 55.56%................. +10.75
07/01/2017............ 11-9-0............. 55.00%................. +11.00


ATS / Totals
Best Bets:

07/02/2017.........4 - 3 - 0...........57.14%...........11.75...........2 - 2 - 1......- 1.00
07/01/2017........ 3 - 3 - 0.......... 50.00%.......... +0.70...........5 - 3..........+ 1.70

[StarDust Bum]

MLB

Monday, July 3

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

2:10 PM
BALTIMORE vs. MILWAUKEE
Baltimore is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games on the road
Baltimore is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games when playing Milwaukee
The total has gone OVER in 7 of Milwaukee's last 8 games when playing Baltimore
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Milwaukee's last 6 games

6:05 PM
NY METS vs. WASHINGTON
The total has gone OVER in 4 of NY Mets's last 5 games when playing Washington
NY Mets are 5-1 SU in its last 6 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Washington's last 5 games at home
Washington is 6-3 SU in its last 9 games when playing at home against NY Mets

7:05 PM
TORONTO vs. NY YANKEES
The total has gone OVER in 6 of Toronto's last 8 games when playing NY Yankees
Toronto is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games on the road
NY Yankees are 5-14 SU in their last 19 games
The total has gone OVER in 4 of NY Yankees's last 5 games

7:05 PM
PITTSBURGH vs. PHILADELPHIA
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Pittsburgh's last 6 games when playing on the road against Philadelphia
Pittsburgh is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games when playing on the road against Philadelphia
Philadelphia is 6-18 SU in its last 24 games
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Philadelphia's last 6 games when playing at home against Pittsburgh

7:15 PM
MIAMI vs. ST. LOUIS
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Miami's last 5 games when playing on the road against St. Louis
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Miami's last 5 games when playing St. Louis
St. Louis is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games at home
The total has gone OVER in 4 of St. Louis's last 6 games at home

8:05 PM
BOSTON vs. TEXAS
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Boston's last 5 games on the road
Boston is 1-5 SU in its last 6 games when playing on the road against Texas
Texas is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games
Texas is 1-5 SU in its last 6 games when playing Boston

8:10 PM
CINCINNATI vs. COLORADO
The total has gone OVER in 6 of Cincinnati's last 7 games on the road
Cincinnati is 6-16 SU in its last 22 games
Colorado is 7-2 SU in its last 9 games at home
Colorado is 3-6 SU in its last 9 games when playing Cincinnati

8:10 PM
LA ANGELS vs. MINNESOTA
LA Angels are 2-4 SU in their last 6 games
LA Angels are 1-4 SU in their last 5 games when playing on the road against Minnesota
Minnesota is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games
The total has gone UNDER in 14 of Minnesota's last 20 games

9:05 PM
CHI WHITE SOX vs. OAKLAND
The total has gone UNDER in 7 of Chi White Sox's last 8 games when playing Oakland
Chi White Sox are 7-1 SU in their last 8 games when playing on the road against Oakland
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Oakland's last 5 games
Oakland is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games

10:10 PM
KANSAS CITY vs. SEATTLE
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Kansas City's last 6 games when playing on the road against Seattle
The total has gone OVER in 10 of Kansas City's last 13 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Seattle's last 7 games when playing Kansas City
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Seattle's last 6 games when playing at home against Kansas City

[StarDust Bum]

MLB
Dunkel

Monday, July 3


Baltimore @ Milwaukee

Game 919-920
July 3, 2017 @ 2:10 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Baltimore
(Miley) 15.408
Milwaukee
(Suter) 14.085
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Baltimore
by 1 1/2
9
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Milwaukee
-110
9 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Baltimore
(-110); Under

Kansas City @ Seattle

Game 917-918
July 3, 2017 @ 10:10 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Kansas City
(Kennedy) 14.320
Seattle
(Moore) 15.840
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Seattle
by 1 1/2
11
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Seattle
-135
9
Dunkel Pick:
Seattle
(-135); Over

Chicago White Sox @ Oakland

Game 915-916
July 3, 2017 @ 9:05 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Chicago White Sox
(Rodon) 13.926
Oakland
(Cotton) 15.569
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Oakland
by 1 1/2
7
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Oakland
-125
9
Dunkel Pick:
Oakland
(-125); Under

LA Angels @ Minnesota

Game 913-914
July 3, 2017 @ 8:10 pm

Dunkel Rating:
LA Angels
(Meyer) 15.310
Minnesota
(Mejia) 14.567
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
LA Angels
by 1
11
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Minnesota
-125
9 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
LA Angels
(+105); Over

Boston @ Texas

Game 911-912
July 3, 2017 @ 8:05 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Boston
(Porcello) 15.410
Texas
(Perez) 16.311
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Texas
by 1
13
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Boston
-125
11
Dunkel Pick:
Texas
(+105); Over

Toronto @ NY Yankees

Game 909-910
July 3, 2017 @ 7:05 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Toronto
(Stroman) 15.216
NY Yankees
(Tanaka) 13.776
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Toronto
by 1 1/2
7
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
NY Yankees
-130
9
Dunkel Pick:
Toronto
(+110); Under

Cincinnati @ Colorado

Game 907-908
July 3, 2017 @ 8:10 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Cincinnati
(Castillo) 14.665
Colorado
(Hoffman) 13.246
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Cincinnati
by 1 1/2
13
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Colorado
-175
12
Dunkel Pick:
Cincinnati
(+155); Over

Miami @ St. Louis

Game 905-906
July 3, 2017 @ 7:15 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Miami
(Locke) 14.980
St. Louis
(Wnwrght) 15.772
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
St. Louis
by 1
9
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
St. Louis
-145
9 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
St. Louis
(-145); Under

Pittsburgh @ Philadelphia

Game 903-904
July 3, 2017 @ 7:05 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Pittsburgh
(Nova) 15.339
Philadelphia
(Nola) 14.348
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Pittsburgh
by 1
7
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Philadelphia
-110
8 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Pittsburgh
(-110); Under

NY Mets @ Washington

Game 901-902
July 3, 2017 @ 6:05 pm

Dunkel Rating:
NY Mets
(Matz) 14.911
Washington
(Strasburg) 16.423
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Washington
by 1 1/2
9
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Washington
-175
8 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Washington
(-175); Over

[StarDust Bum]

MLB
Long Sheet

Monday, July 3

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

NY METS (38 - 43) at WASHINGTON (48 - 34) - 6:05 PM
STEVEN MATZ (L) vs. STEPHEN STRASBURG (R)
Top Trends for this game.
NY METS are 38-43 (-12.5 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
NY METS are 29-33 (-12.0 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.
NY METS are 7-20 (-14.1 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record this season.
WASHINGTON is 34-14 (+15.9 Units) against the money line in night games this season.
STRASBURG is 31-9 (+14.8 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
STRASBURG is 18-3 (+11.3 Units) against the money line in night games over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
NY METS are 27-15 (+13.8 Units) against the money line on the road when the total is 8 to 8.5 over the last 2 seasons.
NY METS are 31-12 (+19.9 Units) against the money line when playing on Monday over the last 3 seasons.
NY METS are 35-22 (+13.0 Units) against the money line in road games against division opponents over the last 2 seasons.
NY METS are 423-435 (+36.0 Units) against the money line in road games after a loss since 1997.
WASHINGTON is 172-152 (-50.2 Units) against the money line as a home favorite of -125 to -175 since 1997.
WASHINGTON is 9-12 (-10.1 Units) against the money line in home games after a win this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
WASHINGTON is 7-3 (+2.8 Units) against NY METS this season
6 of 8 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+3.9 Units)

STEVEN MATZ vs. WASHINGTON since 1997
MATZ is 1-2 when starting against WASHINGTON with an ERA of 2.86 and a WHIP of 1.045.
His team's record is 1-2 (-1.0 units) in these starts. The OVER is 1-2. (-1.2 units)

STEPHEN STRASBURG vs. NY METS since 1997
STRASBURG is 8-4 when starting against NY METS with an ERA of 2.69 and a WHIP of 1.058.
His team's record is 10-4 (+5.1 units) in these starts. The OVER is 9-4. (+5.2 units)

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

PITTSBURGH (37 - 45) at PHILADELPHIA (27 - 53) - 7:05 PM
IVAN NOVA (R) vs. AARON NOLA (R)
Top Trends for this game.
PITTSBURGH is 22-33 (-12.8 Units) against the money line in night games this season.
PITTSBURGH is 86-107 (-32.1 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters over the last 2 seasons.
PHILADELPHIA is 27-53 (-18.5 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
PHILADELPHIA is 3-16 (-13.5 Units) against the money line in home games when playing on Monday over the last 3 seasons.
PHILADELPHIA is 13-34 (-17.3 Units) against the money line in night games this season.
PHILADELPHIA is 17-40 (-19.4 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
PITTSBURGH is 2-1 (+0.9 Units) against PHILADELPHIA this season
1 of 2 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=-0.1 Units, Under=-0.2 Units)

IVAN NOVA vs. PHILADELPHIA since 1997
NOVA is 2-0 when starting against PHILADELPHIA with an ERA of 1.80 and a WHIP of 1.000.
His team's record is 3-0 (+3.0 units) in these starts. The OVER is 2-1. (+1.1 units)

AARON NOLA vs. PITTSBURGH since 1997
NOLA is 0-2 when starting against PITTSBURGH with an ERA of 5.73 and a WHIP of 1.273.
His team's record is 0-2 (-2.2 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 1-1. (-0.2 units)

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

MIAMI (36 - 44) at ST LOUIS (39 - 42) - 7:15 PM
JEFF LOCKE (L) vs. ADAM WAINWRIGHT (R)
Top Trends for this game.
MIAMI is 86-105 (-26.5 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters over the last 2 seasons.
WAINWRIGHT is 178-104 (+37.9 Units) against the money line in all games since 1997. (Team's Record)
WAINWRIGHT is 87-44 (+28.5 Units) against the money line after a loss since 1997. (Team's Record)
ST LOUIS is 125-118 (-16.0 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
ST LOUIS is 23-30 (-21.7 Units) against the money line as a home favorite of -125 to -175 over the last 2 seasons.
ST LOUIS is 60-64 (-29.2 Units) against the money line in home games over the last 2 seasons.
ST LOUIS is 12-17 (-9.5 Units) against the money line in home games in night games this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
ST LOUIS is 3-0 (+3.1 Units) against MIAMI this season
3 of 3 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+3.0 Units)

JEFF LOCKE vs. ST LOUIS since 1997
LOCKE is 2-4 when starting against ST LOUIS with an ERA of 4.58 and a WHIP of 1.509.
His team's record is 5-5 (+1.5 units) in these starts. The OVER is 5-4. (+1.0 units)

ADAM WAINWRIGHT vs. MIAMI since 1997
WAINWRIGHT is 5-2 when starting against MIAMI with an ERA of 2.48 and a WHIP of 1.133.
His team's record is 7-2 (+3.3 units) in these starts. The OVER is 3-6. (-3.4 units)

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

CINCINNATI (35 - 46) at COLORADO (48 - 36) - 8:10 PM
LUIS CASTILLO (R) vs. JEFF HOFFMAN (R)
Top Trends for this game.
COLORADO is 48-36 (+14.2 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
COLORADO is 33-25 (+6.5 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.
COLORADO is 227-301 (-79.5 Units) against the money line in July games since 1997.

Head-to-Head Series History
COLORADO is 2-1 (+1.0 Units) against CINCINNATI this season
3 of 3 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+3.0 Units)

LUIS CASTILLO vs. COLORADO since 1997
No recent starts.

JEFF HOFFMAN vs. CINCINNATI since 1997
No recent starts.

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

TORONTO (37 - 44) at NY YANKEES (43 - 37) - 7:05 PM
MARCUS STROMAN (R) vs. MASAHIRO TANAKA (R)
Top Trends for this game.
TORONTO is 37-44 (-16.9 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
TORONTO is 10-16 (-11.9 Units) against the money line when the total is 9 to 9.5 this season.
TORONTO is 13-24 (-15.2 Units) against the money line against division opponents this season.
TORONTO is 21-30 (-15.9 Units) against the money line in night games this season.
TORONTO is 4-11 (-11.9 Units) against the money line after allowing 10 runs or more over the last 2 seasons.
STROMAN is 10-15 (-13.7 Units) against the money line after a loss over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
NY YANKEES are 47-30 (+14.5 Units) against the money line at home when the money line is +125 to -125 over the last 3 seasons.
NY YANKEES are 36-17 (+18.6 Units) against the money line in home games against division opponents over the last 2 seasons.
TANAKA is 31-16 (+14.1 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
TANAKA is 16-2 (+13.4 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)

Head-to-Head Series History
NY YANKEES is 4-3 (+0.8 Units) against TORONTO this season
5 of 7 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+2.8 Units)

MARCUS STROMAN vs. NY YANKEES since 1997
STROMAN is 5-2 when starting against NY YANKEES with an ERA of 2.91 and a WHIP of 1.074.
His team's record is 7-3 (+3.3 units) in these starts. The OVER is 4-6. (-2.8 units)

MASAHIRO TANAKA vs. TORONTO since 1997
TANAKA is 7-3 when starting against TORONTO with an ERA of 2.65 and a WHIP of 1.074.
His team's record is 8-3 (+4.3 units) in these starts. The OVER is 2-9. (-7.4 units)

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

BOSTON (47 - 35) at TEXAS (40 - 42) - 8:05 PM
RICK PORCELLO (R) vs. YU DARVISH (R)
Top Trends for this game.
BOSTON is 22-24 (-8.9 Units) against the money line after a win this season.
PORCELLO is 4-9 (-7.5 Units) against the money line in night games this season. (Team's Record)
PORCELLO is 2-9 (-10.1 Units) against the money line after a win this season. (Team's Record)
TEXAS is 135-112 (+28.3 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
TEXAS is 37-21 (+16.8 Units) against the money line at home when the money line is +125 to -125 over the last 2 seasons.
TEXAS is 75-47 (+18.9 Units) against the money line in home games over the last 2 seasons.
TEXAS is 96-78 (+20.9 Units) against the money line in night games over the last 2 seasons.
TEXAS is 103-84 (+22.2 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters over the last 2 seasons.
TEXAS is 98-88 (+20.5 Units) against the money line after a loss over the last 3 seasons.
TEXAS is 54-44 (+20.1 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.
PORCELLO is 77-41 (+24.4 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record since 1997. (Team's Record)
DARVISH is 4-11 (-13.5 Units) against the money line in July games since 1997. (Team's Record)

Head-to-Head Series History
BOSTON is 3-0 (+3.0 Units) against TEXAS this season
2 of 3 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+1.1 Units)

RICK PORCELLO vs. TEXAS since 1997
PORCELLO is 6-4 when starting against TEXAS with an ERA of 5.49 and a WHIP of 1.684.
His team's record is 6-5 (+0.9 units) in these starts. The OVER is 7-4. (+2.8 units)

YU DARVISH vs. BOSTON since 1997
DARVISH is 1-1 when starting against BOSTON with an ERA of 3.63 and a WHIP of 1.119.
His team's record is 2-1 (+0.6 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 1-1. (-0.2 units)

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

LA ANGELS (43 - 43) at MINNESOTA (41 - 40) - 8:10 PM
ALEX MEYER (R) vs. ADALBERTO MEJIA (L)
Top Trends for this game.
MINNESOTA is 26-18 (+10.3 Units) against the money line in night games this season.
LA ANGELS are 528-501 (+46.3 Units) against the money line in road games since 1997.
LA ANGELS are 35-30 (+9.0 Units) against the money line in night games this season.
LA ANGELS are 24-18 (+10.4 Units) against the money line after a loss this season.
MINNESOTA is 100-143 (-25.4 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
MINNESOTA is 28-48 (-21.1 Units) against the money line at home when the money line is +125 to -125 over the last 2 seasons.
MINNESOTA is 16-25 (-11.2 Units) against the money line in home games this season.
MINNESOTA is 10-20 (-12.1 Units) against the money line in home games against right-handed starters this season.
MINNESOTA is 53-90 (-28.6 Units) against the money line after a loss over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
MINNESOTA is 3-1 (+2.1 Units) against LA ANGELS this season
2 of 4 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=-0.2 Units, Under=-0.3 Units)

ALEX MEYER vs. MINNESOTA since 1997
MEYER is 0-0 when starting against MINNESOTA with an ERA of 1.50 and a WHIP of 1.167.
His team's record is 0-1 (-1.2 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 1-0. (+1.0 units)

ADALBERTO MEJIA vs. LA ANGELS since 1997
MEJIA is 0-0 when starting against LA ANGELS with an ERA of 1.50 and a WHIP of 1.167.
His team's record is 1-0 (+1.1 units) in these starts. The OVER is 0-1. (-1.1 units)

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

CHI WHITE SOX (36 - 45) at OAKLAND (35 - 47) - 9:05 PM
CARLOS RODON (L) vs. JHAREL COTTON (R)
Top Trends for this game.
CHI WHITE SOX are 404-407 (+38.9 Units) against the money line in road games after a win since 1997.
OAKLAND is 172-234 (-55.5 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 3 seasons.
OAKLAND is 31-40 (-25.5 Units) against the money line as a home favorite of -125 to -175 over the last 3 seasons.
OAKLAND is 90-114 (-36.0 Units) against the money line in home games over the last 3 seasons.
OAKLAND is 41-66 (-25.6 Units) against the money line against left-handed starters over the last 3 seasons.
OAKLAND is 17-30 (-13.9 Units) against the money line after a loss this season.
OAKLAND is 69-96 (-30.9 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 3 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
OAKLAND is 3-0 (+3.0 Units) against CHI WHITE SOX this season
2 of 3 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+1.0 Units)

CARLOS RODON vs. OAKLAND since 1997
RODON is 0-1 when starting against OAKLAND with an ERA of 5.73 and a WHIP of 1.727.
His team's record is 1-1 (+0.2 units) in these starts. The OVER is 1-1. (+0.0 units)

JHAREL COTTON vs. CHI WHITE SOX since 1997
COTTON is 1-0 when starting against CHI WHITE SOX with an ERA of 0.00 and a WHIP of 0.800.
His team's record is 1-0 (+1.0 units) in these starts. The OVER is 0-1. (-1.1 units)

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

KANSAS CITY (41 - 40) at SEATTLE (41 - 42) - 10:10 PM
IAN KENNEDY (R) vs. ANDREW MOORE (R)
Top Trends for this game.
KANSAS CITY is 41-40 (+6.2 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
KANSAS CITY is 161-131 (+28.9 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters over the last 3 seasons.
KANSAS CITY is 66-57 (+13.2 Units) against the money line after a win over the last 2 seasons.
SEATTLE is 616-564 (-92.4 Units) against the money line in home games in night games since 1997.
SEATTLE is 48-55 (-22.7 Units) against the money line in home games after a win over the last 3 seasons.

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

IAN KENNEDY vs. SEATTLE since 1997
KENNEDY is 1-2 when starting against SEATTLE with an ERA of 4.29 and a WHIP of 1.500.
His team's record is 1-2 (-1.2 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 2-1. (+0.9 units)

ANDREW MOORE vs. KANSAS CITY since 1997
No recent starts.

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BALTIMORE (40 - 41) at MILWAUKEE (44 - 40) - 2:10 PM
WADE MILEY (L) vs. BRENT SUTER (L)
Top Trends for this game.
BALTIMORE is 49-75 (-26.4 Units) against the money line on the road when the money line is +125 to -125 over the last 3 seasons.
MILWAUKEE is 44-40 (+10.4 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
MILWAUKEE is 41-29 (+14.0 Units) against the money line at home when the total is 9 to 9.5 over the last 2 seasons.
MILWAUKEE is 38-28 (+19.1 Units) against the money line against left-handed starters over the last 2 seasons.
MILWAUKEE is 63-65 (+9.0 Units) against the money line after a loss over the last 2 seasons.
BALTIMORE is 128-115 (+13.6 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
BALTIMORE is 71-57 (+15.1 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.

WADE MILEY vs. MILWAUKEE since 1997
MILEY is 3-1 when starting against MILWAUKEE with an ERA of 5.17 and a WHIP of 1.340.
His team's record is 4-1 (+3.2 units) in these starts. The OVER is 2-3. (-1.3 units)

BRENT SUTER vs. BALTIMORE since 1997
No recent starts.

[StarDust Bum]

Monday's Diamond Notes
July 3, 2017

Hottest team: Red Sox (4-0 past four games, 6-1 past seven overall)

The Red Sox were extremely rude guests of the Blue Jays over the weekend, sweeping the home team by a combined 29-6. The Jays likely offered to drive the Red Sox to Pearson Int'l Airport personally for their trip to Texas, just to make sure they left town. Boston has opened up a three-game lead on the Yankees in the American League East thanks to a 6-1 run over the past seven outings. Their hot play will be put to the test, as Rick Porcello takes the hill. Last season he was the American League Cy Young Award winner. This season he was the first pitcher in the majors to lose 10 games. Perhaps he'll have a better fate against a Rangers team with problems of their own, losing seven of their past 10 at home vs. right-handed starting pitchers and 6-15 in their past 21 against AL East foes.

Coldest team: Rockies (1-10 past 11 games)

The Rockies have fallen seven games off the pace in the National League West thanks to a 1-11 stretch over their past 12 outings. Colorado's offense has dried up, as they're averaging just 2.9 runs per game over their past 10 contests. Perhaps the Rockies will be able to turn things around against a pitcher making just his second major league start since his recall from Double-A Pensacola (Fla.). The Reds are also 6-16 over their past 22 games, 5-21 over their past 26 road outings and 6-18 in their past 24 road games vs. RHP. Colorado rolls out Jeff Hoffman to quiet the Cincinnati bats. The Rockies are 5-2 over his past seven outings, 7-2 in their past nine at home and 19-8 in their past 27 in Game 1 of a new series.

Hottest pitcher: Ivan Nova, Pirates (8-5, 3.08 ERA)

Nova hits the road for the City of Brotherly Love looking to keep the struggling Phillies down. It's a favorite matchup for the Bucs even though they have had their own issues lately. The Pirates are 2-5 over their past seven outings, 1-4 in their past five vs. RHP and 5-11 in their past 16 in the first game of a new series. However, the Phillies have won just 16 of their past 60 games overall, they're a dismal 1-5 in their past six home games and they're just 4-10 in Aaron Nola's past 14 assignments at 'The Vault'. The Bucs are an impressive 17-7 in the past 24 meetings with their Keystone State brethren, another good sign for Nova.

Coldest pitcher: Rick Porcello, Red Sox (4-10, 5.06 ERA)

Porcello has gone from the penthouse to the outhouse in the matter of two-plus months. He was the AL Cy Young winner last season in Boston, but now he is the first pitcher to 10 losses. He has been extremely hittable this season, allowing 17 homers, 138 hits and 21 walks over 105 innings while the opposition is hitting .312 against him through 17 starts. In his 22-win campaign from a season ago, he posted a 3.15 ERA, 1.01 WHIP and the opponents were hitting just .230 against him, by far a career best. Porcello has basically reverted back to his 2012 form, as his numbers this season mirror that campaign with the Detroit Tigers almost exactly.

Biggest UNDER run: Pirates (5-1 past six overall)

The 'under' has been the play for the Bucs lately, going 5-1 over their past six games overall. They have the right pitcher on the hill, too, as the under has cashed in each of Nova's past four showings. In addition, the under is 6-2-1 in Pittsburgh's past nine against teams with a winning percentage under .400, 9-4 in their past 13 vs. RHP and a perfect 8-0 in their past eight games following a loss. The Phillies should cooperate, too, as the under is 5-1-1 in their past seven vs. RHP, 3-1-1 in their past five at home and 13-6-4 in their past 23 games overall.

Biggest OVER run: White Sox (4-1 past five overall)

The White Sox have been hitting the 'over' a lot lately, mostly due to some pitching woes and some decent offensive production. The over is 4-1 in their past five overall, 4-1 in their past five against sub-.500 squads and 8-3 in their past 11 on the road against teams with a losing overall record. They turn to Carlos Rodon, a former No. 1 pick, and he could keep the over train rolling. The over has cashed in each of his past eight starts against teams with a losing overall mark, five of his past seven starts overall and the over is 7-3-1 in his past 11 outings on the road. A meeting with the Athletics will put that over run to the test, as the under has hit in seven of the past eight meetings between these two clubs.

Matchup to watch: Mariners vs. Royals

In the only game set for 10pm ET or later, the Mariners will host the Royals at Safeco Field in Seattle. Both teams are fairly interchangeable, as Kansas City is one game over .500, while Seattle checks in one game under. The Royals have been the hotter team lately, however, winning 15 of their past 21 games overall, including an impressive 8-3 over their past 11 games on the road. Ian Kennedy has also turned things around after a rocky start to the season, as Kansas City is a perfect 4-0 over his past four outings, and 4-0 over his past four on the road. The Mariners have won six straight on Mondays, and they're 4-0 in their past four against AL Central foes. However, Seattle has dropped four in a row at home, and five of their past seven overall.

Betcha didn’t know: The Twins are looking to turn things around at Target Field, as they're back from a long road trip with very mixed results. Things started out swimmingly with a three-game sweep in Cleveland, but they went 2-6 over their final eight excursions. If history repeats itself, they might get off to a sluggish start in Monday's game, too. Minnesota is a dismal 2-8 in their past 10 home games following a road trip of seven or more days. They have also won just four of their past 15 games at Target Field, actually posting a much better record on the road (25-15) than at home (16-25).

Biggest public favorite: Nationals (-175) vs. Nationals

Biggest public underdog: Pirates (+110) at Phillies

Biggest line move: Yankees (-110 to -130) vs. Blue Jays

[StarDust Bum]

MONDAY, JULY 3

GAME TIME(ET) PICK UNITS

BAL at MIL 02:10 PM

O 10.0

NYM at WAS 06:05 PM

NYM +160

O 9.0

TOR at NYY 07:05 PM

TOR +100

U 9.0

PIT at PHI 07:05 PM

PIT +100

U 8.5

MIA at STL 07:15 PM

O 9.5

BOS at TEX 08:05 PM

U 10.5

LAA at MIN 08:10 PM

LAA +100

CIN at COL 08:10 PM

CIN +135

O 12.0

CHW at OAK 09:05 PM

O 8.5

KC at SEA 10:10 PM

KC +125

U 9.0