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

[StarDust Bum]

LEADING OFF: Dodgers chase 12th straight, Bryant heals
July 20, 2017

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

A DODGER DOZEN?

The Dodgers are bringing home their longest winning streak of the season, seeking a 12th straight victory as they host Atlanta. Los Angeles has won 31 of 35 - its best stretch of that length ever - and can extend it when Brandon McCarthy (6-3, 3.38 ERA) faces Mike Foltynewicz (7-5, 3.84).

PINKIE PROBLEM

The Cubs are hopeful that NL MVP Kris Bryant won't miss much time after he sprained his left pinkie during a headfirst slide in Wednesday's win over Atlanta. X-rays were negative, and Bryant is considered day-to-day. ''I think we really kind of dodged the bullet right there,'' manager Joe Maddon said. Bryant, the 2016 NL MVP, is hitting .273 with 19 homers and 40 RBIs. Chicago has a day off before opening a series against St. Louis at Wrigley Field on Friday.

BUMGARNER'S RETURN

Madison Bumgarner makes his first home start since missing three months following a dirt bike accident. Bumgarner (0-3, 3.18 ERA in five starts) threw 103 pitches and allowed three runs in seven innings in his first start back, taking a no-decision in a loss to the Padres. The Giants have the second-worst record in the majors.

TRY AGAIN

J.D. Martinez's debut with the Diamondbacks turned out to be more of a soft open, as the slugger bruised his left hand in his first game since a trade from the Tigers. X-Rays were negative, and Arizona will hope to get him back in the lineup soon as they close out a series in Cincinnati. Taijuan Walker (6-4, 3.61) gets the ball for the Diamondbacks against Reds rookie Luis Castillo (1-2, 3.41).

SEVERINO AND SUPPORT

Yankees All-Star Luis Severino (5-4, 3.40) will take the mound to open a four-game series at Seattle. The 23-year-old has 16 strikeouts in 14 innings over his past two starts, with four runs allowed. He's likely to get a boost in the starting lineup from slugger Todd Frazier, who was acquired Tuesday night along with relievers David Robertson and Tommy Kahnle, but only arrived in time to pinch hit for New York on Wednesday. Felix Hernandez (5-3, 4.20) is up for Seattle and has allowed one earned run in 11 innings over his past two starts, both victories.

[StarDust Bum]

THURSDAY, JULY 20

GAME TIME(ET) PICK UNITS

STL at NYM 12:10 PM

U 9.5

MIL at PIT 12:35 PM

MIL +115

U 8.0

ARI at CIN 12:35 PM

O 9.5

TOR at BOS 01:35 PM

O 10.5

TEX at BAL 07:05 PM

U 10.0

DET at KC 08:15 PM

O 9.0

ATL at LAD 10:10 PM

ATL +180

NYY at SEA 10:10 PM

SEA +110

O 8.0

SD at SF 10:15 PM

O 7.0

[StarDust Bum]

Baseball Capsules
July 20, 2017

PITTSBURGH (AP) Gregory Polanco homered, Chris Stewart added three hits and the Pittsburgh Pirates completed a four-game sweep of the NL Central-leading Milwaukee Brewers with a 4-2 victory on Thursday.

The Pirates have won 11 of 13 and moved within three games of Milwaukee in a division that's tightened up since the All-Star break. The Brewers have lost five straight, cutting their lead to one game over the idle Chicago Cubs.

Polanco hit a solo shot off Jimmy Nelson (8-5) in the fourth inning, his ninth homer. Stewart scored the go-ahead run in the fifth on a single by Josh Harrison.

Jameson Taillon (6-3) struck out a season-high eight in 5 1/3 innings. Felipe Rivero worked a perfect ninth for his ninth save.

BLUE JAYS 8, RED SOX 6

BOSTON (AP) - Justin Smoak hit a pair of homers and Steve Pearce drove in two runs when Boston second baseman Brock Holt lost his popup in the sun, giving Toronto a four-game split.

Including the 15-inning game on Tuesday with the Blue Jays, the AL East-leading Red Sox played 76 innings in about 144 hours - the equivalent of 8 1/2 games in six days.

Dominic Leone (2-0) earned the win. Francisco Liriano got just five outs but Toronto came back with four runs in the third to take a 5-3 lead against Doug Fister (0-4).

Roberto Osuna pitched the ninth for his 24th save.

DIAMONDBACKS 12, REDS 2

CINCINNATI (AP) - Jake Lamb hit a pair of three-run homers and Patrick Corbin pitched into the eighth inning during an emergency start, sending Arizona over Cincinnati.

Arizona stabilized itself by taking two of three in the series. The Diamondbacks had dropped eight of nine heading into the set, falling behind Colorado for the second NL wild-card spot.

Lamb homered in the first inning off Luis Castillo (1-3) and again in the ninth for a career-high six RBIs.

Scheduled starter Taijuan Walker was scratched after his wife, Heather, went into labor Thursday morning. Corbin (7-9) was moved up a day and wound up with his first victory since June 16.

Arizona newcomer J.D. Martinez didn't play, a day after a pitch bruised his hand.

METS 3, CARDINALS 2

NEW YORK (AP) - Cardinals pitcher Trevor Rosenthal was late covering first base on a two-out grounder by Jose Reyes that turned into a game-winning single in the ninth inning for the New York Mets.

A leadoff walk and T.J. Rivera's single put runners on the corners with two outs. Reyes then hit a grounder up the first base line, and Matt Carpenter fielded it cleanly well behind the bag. Rosenthal (2-4) was slow to leave the mound, and the speedy Reyes easily beat him to the base with a headfirst dive.

Addison Reed (1-2) pitched a perfect ninth.

ORIOLES 9, RANGERS 7

BALTIMORE (AP) - Jonathan Schoop and Adam Jones both homered and drove in three runs, and Baltimore rallied to beat Cole Hamels and Texas to complete a four-game sweep.

Mark Trumbo and Chris Davis also went deep for the Orioles, who trailed 5-1 in the fifth inning before coming back to hand Hamels (4-1) his first loss in 10 starts this season.

Baltimore hit 10 home runs in the series and outscored Texas 34-11. The Orioles' four-game winning streak is their longest since a six-game run in early May.

Miguel Castro (2-1) worked the sixth for Baltimore after starter Wade Miley allowed five runs over five innings.

Mike Napoli homered for the Rangers, whose five-game skid matches their season high.

Adrian Beltre had two hits for Texas and has 2,985 in his career, tied with Sam Rice for 31st place.

Hamels brought a 21-inning scoreless streak into the game and extended it to 24 before Schoop homered in the fourth.

ROYALS 16, TIGERS 4

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) - Brandon Moss drove in four runs, Mike Moustakas had three RBIs and Kansas City routed error-prone Detroit.

Eric Hosmer and Whit Merrifield homered for the Royals, who moved within 1+ games of first-place Cleveland in the AL Central. The 16 runs and 19 hits were season highs for Kansas City.

Detroit committed three errors in the Royals' four-run first inning, when only one run was earned. It was the most errors the Tigers have made in an inning since May 1, 2010.

Michael Fulmer, the 2016 AL Rookie of the Year, threw 37 pitches in the first. The heat index was 107 when the game started.

Fulmer (10-7), who had won his previous four starts, was removed after facing 18 batters. He retired only eight, and eight scored. It was the shortest outing of his career.

Danny Duffy (6-6) was staked to an 8-0 lead, but struggled to make it into the sixth.

[StarDust Bum]

Reports: Mariners acquire RHP Phelps from Marlins
July 20, 2017

The Seattle Mariners acquired right-hander David Phelps from the Miami Marlins on Thursday in exchange for four prospects.

The Marlins will receive center fielder Brayan Hernandez, the Mariners' No. 6 overall prospect, according to MLB.com, and right-handers Brandon Miller, Pablo Lopez and Lucas Schiraldi.

Phelps recorded a 2-4 mark with a 3.45 ERA while notching 51 strikeouts in 47 innings this season. The 30-year-old is in his first season as a full-time reliever after spending the first five years of his career shuffling between the rotation and bullpen.

"David was a target player for us headed into the deadline period," Mariners general manager Jerry Dipoto said. "The quality of his work, particularly over the past two years in the bullpen, in addition to his versatility (including his background as starter) made him very attractive to us. He fits our roster very well and is controllable through the 2018 season."

Phelps is making $4.6 million this season and is slated to be arbitration eligible in 2018.

Phelps owns a 28-32 mark with a 3.90 ERA in 218 career appearances (64 starts) with the New York Yankees and Marlins.

Hernandez has spent most of the year with Short-Season A Everett, batting .252 with two homers and 15 RBIs in 28 games. The 19-year-old Venezuelan earned Dominican Summer League All-Star honors in 2016.

Miller, 22, has posted a 9-4 mark with a 3.65 ERA in 18 starts this season at Single-A Clinton in the Midwest League.

Lopez, 21, owns a 5-8 record with a 5.04 ERA in 19 games at Single-A Modesto in 2017.

Schiraldi has posted a 2-1 mark with three saves and a 4.58 ERA in 28 relief appearances this season for Modesto. He is the son of former major league pitcher Calvin Schiraldi.

[StarDust Bum]

Report: Twins hope to acquire LHP Garcia from Braves
July 20, 2017

The Minnesota Twins hope to bolster their rotation by acquiring left-hander Jaime Garcia from the Atlanta Braves.

According to multiple media reports Thursday night, the teams were attempting to complete a trade featuring the veteran pitcher. Minnesota reportedly would send Atlanta only minor league talent in the deal.

Garcia, 31, is 3-7 with a 4.33 ERA in 17 starts for Atlanta this year. He pitched well in his most recent outing, tossing seven innings of one-run ball in a 7-1 win over the Arizona Diamondbacks on Sunday. However, in his previous four appearances, he went 0-2 with a 9.41 ERA, part of a seven-start winless streak.

The Braves acquired Garcia last December from the Cardinals for right-hander John Gant and two minor-leaguers.

Garcia spent eight seasons in St. Louis, going 62-45 with a 3.57 ERA in 158 games (147 starts). However, after winning 13 games in each of his first two full major league seasons in 2010 and 2011 -- and helping the Cardinals win the 2011 World Series -- injuries temporarily derailed his career.

He bounced back to be a 10-game winner for St. Louis in 2015 and 2016.

Garcia, who is making $11.5 million this year, will be a free agent after the season.

The Minnesota rotation has a 4.91 ERA, which ranks 13th in the 15-team American League. Left-hander Hector Santiago is on the disabled list due to a back ailment, and right-hander Phil Hughes probably will miss the remainder of the season due to recurring symptoms of thoracic outlet syndrome.

[StarDust Bum]

Marlins trade Phelps to M's for prospects
July 20, 2017

MIAMI (AP) The Miami Marlins' highly touted bullpen has been a bust, and so the dismantling began Thursday.

A seller once again as the non-waiver trade deadline approaches, Miami sent right-hander David Phelps to the Seattle Mariners for four prospects, including highly regarded outfielder Brayan Hernandez.

Also acquired by the Marlins to shore up their weak farm system were right-handed pitching prospects Pablo Lopez, Brandon Miller and Lukas Schiraldi.

Phelps is 2-4 with a 3.45 ERA in 44 games and 47 innings this season, all in relief. The bullpen was expected to be a strength, but it faltered and the Marlins appear destined to miss the playoffs for the 14th year in a row, the longest such drought in the NL.

As a result, Miami is shedding payroll for prospects.

''This is something we hoped we could have avoided,'' president of baseball operations Michael Hill said. ''As we look to the rest of the season, we wanted to see if we could get value for certain assets. Relief pitching brings a lot of value.''

Closer A.J. Ramos is also a target of trade talk.

''It has been very comparable to the David Phelps market,'' Hill said. ''As teams look to solidify their bullpen, A.J. should be someone they have interest in.''

The Mariners shored up their bullpen at the start of a 10-game homestand that begins against the New York Yankees and leads into the trade deadline. After a 5-1 trip following the All-Star break, the Mariners are 48-48 and 1+ games behind the Yankees in the AL wild-card standings.

Phelps is a versatile six-year veteran with 64 career starts.

''He becomes perhaps the most versatile reliever we have now in some ways,'' Seattle general manager Jerry Dipoto said. ''He has the physical ability to go more than one inning, because he has the ability to face the lefts and the rights and he has the physical stuff to get strikeouts in a critical situation either with runners on base or just getting through toward the end of the game.''

Phelps will join a bullpen that was overworked during the first half of the season as the Mariners dealt with major injuries to the rotation. They're fifth in the AL in innings pitched by the bullpen.

Seattle has solidified its eighth- and ninth-inning roles, with Nick Vincent typically the setup man for closer Edwin Diaz, but getting to that point has been a struggle at times. Phelps should provide manager Scott Servais more options to bridge the late innings.

Phelps also fits a desire by Dipoto to acquire players who aren't short-term rentals. Phelps will be under Seattle's control through the 2018 season.

''That's been the primary focus, is finding players that are sustainable, that can be a part of what we're doing,'' Dipoto said. ''We still have a need for David Phelps in 2018.''

Hernandez, a 19-year-old Venezuelan, is batting .259 in 31 games in the minors this year. He'll be assigned to the Marlins' short-season Class A affiliate in Batavia, New York.

''We got four players we really like,'' Hill said, ''and they'll help create more depth in our minor league system.''

[StarDust Bum]

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

07/20/2017..............6-4-1............60.00%....................+13.00
07/19/2017............9-12-0............42.86%.....................-15.00
07/18/2017..............8-9-0............47.06% ......................-7.25
07/17/2017..............8-7-1............53.33%......................+7.75
07/16/2017.............5-10-0............33.33%.....................-20.75
07/15/2017...........10-10-2.............50.00%.....................+4.50
07/14/2017.............10-7-1.............58.82%...................+13.75
07/09/2017.............14-4-2.............77.78%...................+61.75
07/08/2017...............5-8-2.............38.46%....................-16.25
07/07/2017.............11-7-2.............61.11%...................+23.00
07/06/2017............. 6-7-0............. 46.15%..................... -1.75
07/05/2017.......... 11-10-0............. 52.38%.................. +12.75
07/04/2017............ 4-13-0............. 23.53%................... -41.00
07/03/2017.............. 5-9-1............. 35.71%................... -20.75
07/02/2017.............. 5-4-1............. 55.56%.................. +10.75
07/01/2017............ 11-9-0............. 55.00%.................. +11.00


Total:.............128 - 130 - 12............49.61%....................+ 35.60


ATS / Totals
Best Bets:

07/20/2017.........1 - 2................33.33%............-0.20..........6 - 1..........+4.90
07/19/2017.........4 - 6................40.00%............-1.50..........1 - 5...........-5.60
07/18/2017.........2 - 2................50.00%...........+0.25..........6 - 6...........-0.60
07/17/2017.........1 - 3................25.00%...........- 1.05..........4 - 4...........- 0.40
07/16/2017.........3 - 3................50.00%..........+ 1.55..........1 - 5............-4.50
07/15/2017.........5 - 3................62.50%...........+3.60..........4 - 4...........- 0.40
07/14/2017.........2 - 1................66.66%...........+1.25..........6 - 6...........+2.70
07/09/2017.........5 - 2................71.42%...........+5.15..........5 - 1..........+ 4.90
07/08/2017.........1 - 3................25.00%............-1.75..........4 - 5 - 2......- 1.50
07/07/2017.........4 - 5................44.44%............-0.20...........5 - 1..........+ 3.90
07/06/2017.........2 - 5................28.57%...........- 2.70...........2 - 0..........+ 2.00
07/05/2017.........4 - 3................57,14%...........+3.25.......... 6 - 7...........- 1.70
07/04/2017........ 1 - 5 - 0...........16.66%............-2.40...........3 - 3............- 0.30
07/03/2017.........0 - 5 - 0...........00.00%............-5.00...........2 - 2 - 0.......- 0.20
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


Totals:...............42 - 54 - 0.........43.75%..........+ 12.70........60 - 54 - 3......+3.90

[StarDust Bum]

Friday’s games
National League

Cardinals @ Cubs
Martinez is 0-3, 5.28 in his last five starts; over is 3-1 in his last four. St Louis is 2-7 in his road starts— their first 5-inning record with him: 8-9-2

Arrieta is 2-1, 2.79 in his last three starts; under is 3-1 in his last four. Cubs are 4-2 in his Wrigley starts— their first 5-inning record with him: 10-7-2

St Louis is 7-6 in its last 13 road games, 5-9 in road series openers. Under is 7-1-1 in their last nine games. Chicago is 6-0 since All-Star break, 6-9 in home series openers; under is 3-1 in their last four games.

Brewers @ Phillies
Garza is 1-0, 1.65 in his last three starts; his last four stayed under. Milwaukee is 2-3 in his road starts— their first 5-inning record with him: 7-5-2

Nola is 3-1, 1.78 in his last five starts (under 4-1). Phillies are 3-3 in his home starts— their first 5-inning record with him: 6-8

Brewers lost their last five games, are 8-7 in road series openers- their last six games stayed under. Philly won three of last four games, is 3-11 in home series openers. Under is 7-0-1 in their last eight home games.

Marlins @ Reds
Urena is 1-2, 7.11 in his last four starts; under is 4-1-1 in his last six. Marlins are 5-1 in his road starts — their first 5-inning record with him: 7-5-2

Bailey is 2-3, 10.13 in five starts this year (over 3-2). Reds lost both his home starts— their first 5-inning record with him: 1-3-1

Miami is 1-5 since All-Star break, 6-9 in road series openers. Over is 6-3 in their last nine road tilts. Cincinnati lost seven of its last eight home games; over is 3-1 in their last four games. Reds are 7-9 in home series openers.

Pirates @ Rockies
Williams is 0-1, 3.63 in his last four starts; under is 5-0 in his last five. Pirates are 3-3 in his road starts- their first 5-inning record with him: 7-5-1

Hoffman is 2-1, 6.43 in five home starts (over 3-2). Colorado is 3-2 in his home starts- their first 5-inning record with him: 7-3

Pirates are 10-2 in last 12 games, 5-10 in road series openers. Under is 13-1-1 in their last 15 games. Colorado won its last four games; they’re 12-3 in home series openers. Rockies’ last six games went over total.

Nationals @ Diamondbacks
Scherzer is 3-0, 1.69 in his last four starts; his last three went over. Washington is 8-3 in his road starts- their first 5-inning record with him: 14-4-1

Godley is 0-3, 5.30 in his last three starts; under is 7-2 in his last nine. Arizona is 3-2 in his home starts- their first 5-inning record with him: 6-5-1

Washington won six of last seven games, is 11-5 in road series openers. Nationals’ last three games stayed under. Arizona lost six of last eight games; they’re 10-5 in home series openers. Under is 7-2-2 in their last 11 home games.

Braves @ Dodgers
Garcia is 0-4, 6.87 in his last six starts; over is 3-1 in his last four. Braves are 4-5 in his road starts— their first 5-inning record with him: 5-7-4

Dodgers won Wood’s last 11 starts; he is 5-0, 0.82 in his last five (under 4-1). LA is 7-0 in his home starts — their first 5-inning record with him: 11-2-1

Atlanta lost three of its last four games; over is 4-0 in their last four road games. Dodgers won 11 of their last 12 games; under is 3-2-1 in their last six home games.

Padres @ Giants
Cahill is 3-1, 2.70 in his last six starts; under is 3-0-2 in his last five. Padres are 2-4 in his road outings— their first 5-inning record with him: 3-6-1

Samardzija is 0-2, 7.62 in his last two starts; over is 5-3-1 in his last nine. Giants are 3-5 in his home starts— their first 5-inning record with him: 2-12-5

San Diego lost four of its last five road games; over is 5-1-1 in their last seven games. Giants are 3-8 in last 11 games; over is 5-3-1 in their last nine games.

——————————–

American League
Astros @ Orioles
Fiers is 1-1, 2.65 in his last three starts; under is 5-2 in his last seven. Houston is 6-3 in his road starts — their first 5-inning record with him: 8-7-3

Jimenez is 1-2, 9.88 in his last three starts; under is 3-1 in his last four. Orioles are 4-2 in his home starts— their first 5-inning record with him: 5-8-1

Astros are 10-0 in game following their last ten losses; they’re 11-3 in road series openers. Over is 6-1 in their last seven road games. Baltimore won last four games- over is 8-3 in their last 11 games. Orioles are 13-5 in home series openers.

Rangers @ Rays
Darvish is 0-4, 4.95 in his last six starts; under is 12-1-1 in his last 14. Texas is 4-6 in his road starts— their first 5-inning record with him: 7-8-5

Cobb is 2-0, 0.59 in his last two starts; under is 3-1 in his last four. Rays are 4-3 in his home starts— their first 5-inning record with him: 12-5-2

Rangers lost its last five games, is 6-10 in road series openers. Last three Texas games went over total. Tampa Bay won six of last eight games; they’re 6-8 in home series openers. Under is 6-3-1 in their last ten games.

Blue Jays @ Indians
Estrada is 0-4, 9.50 in his last eight starts; over is 4-1 in his last five. Toronto is 5-6 in his road starts- their first 5-inning record with him: 6-10-3

Bauer is 1-3, 6.75 in his last four starts; under is 6-2 in his last eight. Cleveland is 4-5 in his home starts- their first 5-inning record with him: 8-8-2

Toronto lost four of last six games, is 9-7 in road series openers. Under is 3-1 in their last four games. Cleveland lost six of last seven games, is 6-9 in home series openers. Under is 9-3-1 in their last 13 home games.

Tigers @ Twins
Sanchez is 1-0, 4.30 in five starts this year (over 3-2). Detroit lost both his road starts- their first 5-inning record with him: 3-1-1

Santana is 4-3, 4.37 in his last seven starts; under is 3-1 in his last four. Twins lost five of his last six home starts- their first 5-inning record with him: 11-5-3

Detroit won four of last six games, is 7-8 in road series openers. Three of their last four games went over. Minnesota is 3-5 in its last eight games, 9-7 in home series openers. Twins’ last five games stayed under total.

White Sox @ Royals
Shields is 1-2, 8.41 in his last four starts (over 4-4). Chicago is 1-3 in his road starts- their first 5-inning record with him: 3-4-1

Kennedy is 2-0, 2.73 in his last four starts; under is 2-0-1 in his last three. Royals are 3-5 in his home starts- their first 5-inning record with him: 5-10-2

White Sox are 0-5 since All-Star break; under is 5-2 in their last seven games. Chicago is 5-11 in road series openers. Royals are 3-7 in last ten games, 8-8 in home series openers. Three of their last four games went over.

Red Sox @ Angels
Sale is 3-1, 1.98 in his last five starts; under is 3-1 in his last four. Boston is 6-4 in his road starts; their first 5-inning record with him: 10-4-6

Nolasco is 2-1, 3.38 in his last four starts (under 3-0-1). Angels are 3-6 in his home starts- their first 5-inning record with him: 6-9-4

Boston is 4-6 in its last ten games, 7-9 in road series openers. Six of their last seven games stayed under. Angels are 3-5 in last eight games, 5-10 in home series openers. Under is 6-1 in their last seven home games.

New York @ Seattle
Sabathia is 6-1, 2.00 in his last eight starts; under is 8-1 in his last nine. New York is 6-3 in his road starts— their first 5-inning record with him: 8-6-1

Moore is 1-1, 5.25 in four starts this year (over 2-2). Seattle is 1-2 in his home starts— their first 5-inning record with him:

New York is 4-3 in its last seven games; under is 9-0-1 in their last ten games. Mariners won six of their last eight games; under is 7-2 in their last eight.

__________________________

Interleague

A’s @ Mets
Blackburn is 1-0, 2.37 in three starts this year (over 1-1-1). A’s won his only road start- their first 5-inning record with him: 1-0-2

Matz is 0-2, 20.26 in his last two starts; under is 3-1 in his last four. Mets are 0-2 in his home starts- their first 5-inning record with him: 2-4-1

Oakland is 8-4 in its last 12 games, 5-9 in road series openers. Under is 5-2-1 in their last eight games. New York is 7-4 in last 11 home games, 8-3 in last 11 home series openers. Over is 4-2-1 in their last seven home games.

______________________________

Record with this pitcher starting:
National League
StL-Chi: Martinez 8-11 (0-5 last 5); Arrieta 10-9
Mil-Phil: Garza 7-7; Nola 6-8
Mia-Cin: Urena 9-5; Bailey 2-3
Pitt-Colo: Williams 6-7; Hoffman 7-3
Wash-Az: Scherzer 13-6; Godley 7-5
Atl-LA: Garcia 7-9; Wood 11-3
SD-SF: Cahill 6-4; Samardzija 7-12

American League
Hst-Balt: Fiers 11-7; Jimenez 8-6
Tex-TB: Darvish 8-12; Cobb 10-9
Tor-Clev: Estrada 8-11; Bauer 8-10
Det-Minn: Sanchez 3-2; Santana 11-8
Chi-KC: Shields 3-5; Kennedy 8-9
Bos-LAA: Sale 13-6; Nolasco 5-14
NY-Sea: Sabathia 11-4; Moore 2-2

Interleague
A’s-NY: Blackburn 2-1; Matz 2-5

Pitchers allowing a run in first inning:
National League
StL-Chi: Martinez 6-19 (4 of last 5); Arrieta 6-19
Mil-Phil: Garza 3-14; Nola 3-14
Mia-Cin: Urena 2-14; Bailey 4-5
Pitt-Colo: Williams 4-13; Hoffman 2-10
Wash-Az: Scherzer 4-19; Godley 2-12
Atl-LA: Garcia 4-16; Wood 1-14
SD-SF: Cahill 2-10; Samardzija 8-19

American League
Hst-Balt: Fiers 6-18; Jimenez 4-14
Tex-TB: Darvish 6-20; Cobb 3-19
Tor-Clev: Estrada 8-19; Bauer 3-18
Det-Minn: Sanchez 3-1-1; Santana 4-19
Chi-KC: Shields 3-8; Kennedy 3-17
Bos-LAA: Sale 1-19; Nolasco 6-19
NY-Sea: Sabathia 3-15; Moore 1-4

Interleague
A’s-NY: Blackburn 0-3; Matz 2-7

_________________________

Umpires
National League

American League

Interleague play
NL @ AL– 46-38 AL, favorites -$820
AL @ NL– 49-45 NL, favorites -$628
Total: 91-87 AL, favorites -$1,448

Totals in interleague games
NL @ AL: Over 47-40-2
AL @ NL: Over 49-39-3
Total: Over 96-79-5

Teams’ records in first five innings:
Team (road-home-total)- thru 7/20/17
Ariz 16-20-11……27-14–7……….42-34
Atl 21-19-6……19-25-4………..40-44
Cubs 23-24-3……20-19-5………..43-43
Reds 14-27-4……18-28–4…………32-55
Colo 27-17-6…….25-19-2……….52-36
LA 22-18-5…….33-14-4……….55-32
Miami 19-23-3…….23-19-6……..42-42
Milw 23-15-8…….25-20-7………47-35
Mets 22-19-2……..23-24-3………45-43
Philly 12-29-11……14-20-7……….26-49
Pitt 22-21-3…….19-22-9………41-43
St. Louis 18-21-6……28-15-7……….46-36
SD 13-30-5……..24-19–4………37-49
SF 10-35-7……..17-23-5……….30-58
Wash 33-13-3……21-17-7………….54-30

Orioles 16-27-4……..20-25-3………36-52
Boston 20-24-6………21-24-2…….41-48
White Sox 16-28-6……..18-21–3……..34-48
Cleveland 23-19-6……..20-20-5……..42-39
Detroit 18-23-7…….23-19-4……..41-42
Astros 23-13-8……..31-17-4……..54-30
KC 15-22-7………22-19-9…….37-41
Angels 18-25-7………20-17-10………38-42
Twins 23-14-6………21-25-5……..44-38
NYY 21-26-4……….25-15-3…..…46-41
A’s 13-24-7……..23-18-10……..36-42
Seattle 17-25-6……..23-18-9……..40-43
TB 23-17-10……..29-11-6……..52-28
Texas 25-16-9……..20-17-8………45-33
Toronto 20-26-3……..15-23-8……..35-49

%age of times teams score in first inning (road/home/total- 7/20/17)
Ariz 14-47……..18-48………..32
Atl 9-46……..13-48…………22
Cubs 14-50……..16-44……….30
Reds 18-45……..19-50……….37
Colo 12-50……..16-47..……..28
LA 14-45……..20-51..……..34
Miami 18-45……..17-48………35
Milw 19-46……20-52…..…..39
Mets 19-43……..17-50……….36
Philly 15-52……..11-41………..26
Pitt 12-46……..16-50……….28
StL 12-45……..14-50………..26
SD 19-48……..14-47…………33
SF 12-52……..12-45…………24
Wash 20-49……..20-45………40

Orioles 7-47……..17-49……….24
Boston 15-50……..10-47………25
White Sox 15-50……12-42……….27
Clev 9-48……..14-45……….23
Detroit 10-48…….20-46……..30
Astros 14-44……..21-51………35
KC 9-44……..10-50………..19
Angels 20-50…….12-47……….32
Twins 11-43……..12-51……….23
NYY 11-51……..14-43………25
A’s 8-44……..15-51……….23
Seattle 16-47…….18-50………34
TB 14-50……..20-46……..34
Texas 16-50……..21-45………37
Toronto 15-49……..9-46……….24

[StarDust Bum]

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

13) Our best wishes to Senator John McCain, who got bad medical news this week. Mr McCain has had a great life, is a tough man, a leader. We wish him well in his recovery.

Senator McCain’s mom is 105 years old; she was born two months before the Titanic sank, and is still hanging in there. Good for her.

12) Tony Dungy ranked Tom Brady as the #6 QB of all-time, behind Elway-Steve Young-Rodgers-Marino and Peyton Manning.

Steve Young? He inherited the champion 49ers from Joe Montana and went 8-6 in playoff games. Yeah, he’s the #2 QB of all-time. And I’ll be on the cover of GQ next month.

Montana, by the way, went 16-7 in playoff games, with basically the same nucleus that Young went 8-6 with. But Dungy doesn’t think too much of him.

11) Guy named Phil Scott is governor of Vermont; apparently he is also a stock car driver, has been driving stock cars for 27 years and still does it, at the Thunder Road racetrack. Wonder how many speeding tickets the governor has gotten?

10) OJ Simpson got his parole, will be released on October 1st. What do you do after nine years in the slammer? Does he still own a house? Whats the first thing he does after he gets out? Does he go to In ’n Out for hamburgers?

Simpson is 70 now. Hopefully he will disappear from the public eye and just be a normal person.

9) Chicago White Sox sold roughly 5,000 tickets for Wednesday’s game after the Todd Frazier trade and they announced that top prospect Yoan Moncada was being brought up to the majors. White Sox have 10 of the top 68 prospects in the minor leagues, which is fine, if enough of them realize their potential. At least there is optimism on the South Side.

8) Baseball doings:
— Giants signed Pablo Sandoval to a minor-league deal.
— A’s signed Chris Carter, which is dumb, but probably signals that a Yonder Alonso deal is imminent. Alonso is a free agent-to-be and was always injury-prone before coming to the A’s, so getting a prospect or two for him isn’t the worst idea.
— Seattle acquired reliever David Phelps from the Marlins, for four prospects.

7) One of the Mets’ big giveaways this summer is Noah Syndergaard/Thor Bobblehead Day; the Angels have Mike Trout Bobblehead Night coming up. Solid giveaways, both of them with the A’s as the visiting team, a sure sign the home team thinks you’re no good.

6) This season, 26 NBA teams will have their own G-League affiliate; two years ago, only 19 teams had one. Only four more to go and every NBA team will have one.

5) Hugh Freeze quit/got fired/both as football coach at Ole Miss last night. Rebels are going to get bludgeoned by the NCAA over recruiting violations. July 20 is not a great time for a head coach to quit/get fired, seeing as fall practice starts in a couple weeks.

4) Pirates 4, Brewers 2— Pittsburgh is 11-2 in its last 13 games, is only three games back in the NL Central. Milwaukee has lost five in a row; they have 10 days before the trade deadline. What will their front office do to fortify their struggling team?

3) From Pro Football Talk: “Arizona Cardinals scaled back Carson Palmer’s workload in practice last season and have limited him in offseason practices as well this spring and summer. According to Bruce Arians, the biggest reason for that was Palmer had thrown so much last year that he wore down quickly once the season started and his production suffered.”

2) Captain Obvious checks in with this observation: “It isn’t a good idea to go to war with the media, especially if they already dislike you. Very bad idea.”

1) Mets’ TV analyst Keith Hernandez called his Twitter critics “gutless wonders” during Wednesday night’s broadcast; that would be a great name for a racehorse. Down the stretch comes Gutless Wonders……it is Gutless Wonders, in front!!!

[StarDust Bum]

MLB

Friday, July 21

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

2:20 PM
ST. LOUIS vs. CHI CUBS
St. Louis is 2-6 SU in their last 8 games when playing Chi Cubs
St. Louis is 8-16 SU in its last 24 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Chi Cubs's last 6 games at home
Chi Cubs are 5-1 SU in their last 6 games when playing at home against St. Louis

7:05 PM
MILWAUKEE vs. PHILADELPHIA
Milwaukee is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games
Milwaukee is 12-5 SU in its last 17 games when playing Philadelphia
Philadelphia is 2-9 SU in its last 11 games when playing at home against Milwaukee
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Philadelphia's last 6 games when playing at home against Milwaukee

7:05 PM
HOUSTON vs. BALTIMORE
Houston is 6-13 SU in its last 19 games when playing on the road against Baltimore
Houston is 17-8 SU in its last 25 games
Baltimore is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games at home
The total has gone UNDER in 15 of Baltimore's last 22 games when playing Houston

7:10 PM
MIAMI vs. CINCINNATI
Miami is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Miami's last 5 games when playing Cincinnati
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Cincinnati's last 5 games when playing Miami
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Cincinnati's last 6 games at home

7:10 PM
TEXAS vs. TAMPA BAY
Texas is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games when playing on the road against Tampa Bay
The total has gone OVER in 6 of Texas's last 7 games when playing on the road against Tampa Bay
Tampa Bay is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games when playing at home against Texas
The total has gone OVER in 13 of Tampa Bay's last 15 games at home

7:10 PM
OAKLAND vs. NY METS
Oakland is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Oakland's last 6 games when playing on the road against NY Mets
The total has gone OVER in 4 of NY Mets's last 6 games when playing at home against Oakland
NY Mets are 6-2 SU in its last 8 games when playing at home against Oakland

7:10 PM
TORONTO vs. CLEVELAND
The total has gone UNDER in 8 of Toronto's last 9 games when playing Cleveland
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Toronto's last 5 games when playing on the road against Cleveland
The total has gone UNDER in 8 of Cleveland's last 9 games when playing Toronto
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Cleveland's last 5 games when playing at home against Toronto

8:10 PM
DETROIT vs. MINNESOTA
Detroit is 7-2 SU in its last 9 games when playing Minnesota
Detroit is 13-1 SU in its last 14 games when playing on the road against Minnesota
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Minnesota's last 5 games
The total has gone OVER in 7 of Minnesota's last 10 games when playing at home against Detroit

8:15 PM
CHI WHITE SOX vs. KANSAS CITY
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Chi White Sox's last 5 games when playing Kansas City
Chi White Sox are 5-2 SU in their last 7 games when playing Kansas City
Kansas City is 2-5 SU in their last 7 games when playing Chi White Sox
Kansas City is 5-2 SU in their last 7 games when playing at home against Chi White Sox

8:40 PM
PITTSBURGH vs. COLORADO
Pittsburgh is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games
Pittsburgh is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Colorado's last 6 games at home
Colorado is 3-11 SU in its last 14 games when playing Pittsburgh

9:40 PM
WASHINGTON vs. ARIZONA
Washington is 8-3 SU in its last 11 games when playing Arizona
Washington is 6-1 SU in its last 7 games when playing on the road against Arizona
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Arizona's last 5 games when playing at home against Washington
Arizona is 3-8 SU in its last 11 games when playing Washington

10:07 PM
BOSTON vs. LA ANGELS
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Boston's last 5 games when playing on the road against LA Angels
The total has gone OVER in 8 of Boston's last 12 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of LA Angels's last 7 games
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of LA Angels's last 5 games when playing at home against Boston

10:10 PM
NY YANKEES vs. SEATTLE
NY Yankees are 7-14 SU in their last 21 games on the road
NY Yankees are 4-1 SU in their last 5 games when playing Seattle
Seattle is 6-2 SU in its last 8 games
Seattle is 2-10 SU in its last 12 games at home

10:10 PM
ATLANTA vs. LA DODGERS
Atlanta is 1-5 SU in their last 6 games when playing LA Dodgers
Atlanta is 2-10 SU in their last 12 games when playing on the road against LA Dodgers
LA Dodgers are 18-2 SU in their last 20 games at home
LA Dodgers are 10-2 SU in their last 12 games when playing at home against Atlanta

10:15 PM
SAN DIEGO vs. SAN FRANCISCO
San Diego is 6-1 SU in its last 7 games when playing on the road against San Francisco
San Diego is 6-12 SU in its last 18 games when playing on the road against San Francisco
The total has gone OVER in 6 of San Francisco's last 9 games
San Francisco is 12-6 SU in its last 18 games when playing at home against San Diego

[StarDust Bum]

MLB
Dunkel

Friday, July 21


Oakland @ NY Mets

Game 929-930
July 21, 2017 @ 7:10 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Oakland
(Blackburn) 16.192
NY Mets
(Matz) 14.691
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Oakland
by 1 1/2
11
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
NY Mets
-165
9
Dunkel Pick:
Oakland
(+145); Over

NY Yankees @ Seattle

Game 927-928
July 21, 2017 @ 10:10 pm

Dunkel Rating:
NY Yankees
(Sabathia) 16.324
Seattle
(Moore) 15.261
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
NY Yankees
by 1
7
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
NY Yankees
-120
9
Dunkel Pick:
NY Yankees
(-120); Under

Boston @ LA Angels

Game 925-926
July 21, 2017 @ 10:05 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Boston
(Sale) 14.691
LA Angels
(Nolasco) 16.478
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
LA Angels
by 2
8
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Boston
-200
7 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
LA Angels
(+170); Over

Chicago White Sox @ Kansas City

Game 923-924
July 21, 2017 @ 8:15 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Chicago White Sox
(Shields) 15.677
Kansas City
(Kennedy) 14.463
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Chicago White Sox
by 1
13
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Kansas City
-185
10
Dunkel Pick:
Chicago White Sox
(+165); Over

Detroit @ Minnesota

Game 921-922
July 21, 2017 @ 8:10 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Detroit
(Sanchez) 14.770
Minnesota
(Santana) 16.192
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Minnesota
by 1 1/2
7
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Minnesota
-130
9 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Minnesota
(-130); Under

Toronto @ Cleveland

Game 919-920
July 21, 2017 @ 7:10 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Toronto
(Estrada) 15.303
Cleveland
(Bauer) 14.208
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Toronto
by 1
9
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Cleveland
-135
9 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Toronto
(+115); Under

Texas @ Tampa Bay

Game 917-918
July 21, 2017 @ 7:10 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Texas
(Darvish) 15.024
Tampa Bay
(Cobb) 13.077
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Texas
by 2
10
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Texas
-125
8
Dunkel Pick:
Texas
(-125); Over

Houston @ Baltimore

Game 915-916
July 21, 2017 @ 7:05 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Houston
(Fiers) 16.124
Baltimore
(Jimenez) 14.592
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Houston
by 1 1/2
13
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Houston
-135
11
Dunkel Pick:
Houston
(-135); Over

San Diego @ San Francisco

Game 913-914
July 21, 2017 @ 10:15 pm

Dunkel Rating:
San Diego
(Cahill) 11.545
San Francisco
(Smrdzja) 15.148
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
San Francisco
by 3 1/2
7
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
San Francisco
-160
7 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
San Francisco
(-160); Under

Atlanta @ LA Dodgers

Game 911-912
July 21, 2017 @ 10:10 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Atlanta
(Garcia) 17.859
LA Dodgers
(Wood) 14.905
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Atlanta
by 3
7
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
LA Dodgers
-285
7 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Atlanta
(+250); Under

Washington @ Arizona

Game 909-910
July 21, 2017 @ 9:40 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Washington
(Scherzer) 16.519
Arizona
(Godley) 15.002
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Washington
by 1 1/2
11
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Washington
No Line
N/A
Dunkel Pick:
Washington
N/A

Pittsburgh @ Colorado

Game 907-908
July 21, 2017 @ 8:40 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Pittsburgh
(Williams) 18.163
Colorado
(Hoffman) 14.668
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Pittsburgh
by 3 1/2
9
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Colorado
-140
11 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Pittsburgh
(+120); Under

Miami @ Cincinnati

Game 905-906
July 21, 2017 @ 7:10 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Miami
(Urena) 14.505
Cincinnati
(Bailey) 11.635
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Miami
by 3
11
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Cincinnati
-120
10
Dunkel Pick:
Miami
(+100); Over

Milwaukee @ Philadelphia

Game 903-904
July 21, 2017 @ 7:05 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Milwaukee
(Garza) 15.238
Philadelphia
(Nola) 16.780
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Philadelphia
by 1 1/2
7
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Philadelphia
-140
8 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Philadelphia
(-140); Under

St. Louis @ Chicago Cubs

Game 901-902
July 21, 2017 @ 2:20 pm

Dunkel Rating:
St. Louis
(Mrtinez) 17.226
Chicago Cubs
(Arrieta) 15.190
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
St. Louis
by 2
10
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Chicago Cubs
-155
No Total
Dunkel Pick:
St. Louis
(+135); N/A

[StarDust Bum]

MLB
Long Sheet

Friday, July 21

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

ST LOUIS (46 - 49) at CHICAGO CUBS (49 - 45) - 2:20 PM
CARLOS MARTINEZ (R) vs. JAKE ARRIETA (R)
Top Trends for this game.
ST LOUIS is 46-49 (-10.6 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
ST LOUIS is 16-23 (-12.9 Units) against the money line against division opponents this season.
ST LOUIS is 34-40 (-12.9 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.
ST LOUIS is 68-58 (+12.2 Units) against the money line in road games over the last 2 seasons.
ST LOUIS is 437-395 (+50.7 Units) against the money line in road games after a loss since 1997.
ST LOUIS is 29-23 (+13.8 Units) against the money line in road games when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.
CHICAGO CUBS are 49-45 (-15.1 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
CHICAGO CUBS are 355-295 (-77.9 Units) against the money line as a home favorite of -125 to -175 since 1997.
CHICAGO CUBS are 880-807 (-158.7 Units) against the money line in home games since 1997.
CHICAGO CUBS are 410-373 (-84.9 Units) against the money line in home games against division opponents since 1997.
CHICAGO CUBS are 21-22 (-12.1 Units) against the money line in day games this season.
CHICAGO CUBS are 33-39 (-24.2 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.
CHICAGO CUBS are 24-24 (-9.5 Units) against the money line after a win this season.
CHICAGO CUBS are 110-102 (-34.3 Units) against the money line in home games after 3 or more consecutive wins since 1997.
CHICAGO CUBS are 803-762 (-159.9 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record since 1997.
CHICAGO CUBS are 236-197 (-49.7 Units) against the money line in home games when playing against a team with a losing record in the second half of the season since 1997.

Head-to-Head Series History
CHICAGO CUBS is 6-3 (+2.7 Units) against ST LOUIS this season
5 of 8 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+2.0 Units)

CARLOS MARTINEZ vs. CHICAGO CUBS since 1997
MARTINEZ is 4-3 when starting against CHICAGO CUBS with an ERA of 4.41 and a WHIP of 1.439.
His team's record is 7-4 (+3.6 units) in these starts. The OVER is 4-5. (-1.1 units)

JAKE ARRIETA vs. ST LOUIS since 1997
ARRIETA is 9-3 when starting against ST LOUIS with an ERA of 2.26 and a WHIP of 1.118.
His team's record is 10-6 (+2.9 units) in these starts. The OVER is 6-9. (-3.6 units)

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

MILWAUKEE (52 - 46) at PHILADELPHIA (32 - 61) - 7:05 PM
MATT GARZA (R) vs. AARON NOLA (R)
Top Trends for this game.
PHILADELPHIA is 426-425 (+45.2 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record in the second half of the season since 1997.
MILWAUKEE is 52-46 (+13.9 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
MILWAUKEE is 24-22 (+10.2 Units) against the money line in road games this season.
MILWAUKEE is 33-27 (+12.4 Units) against the money line in night games this season.
MILWAUKEE is 40-37 (+8.1 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.
MILWAUKEE is 65-69 (+7.5 Units) against the money line after a loss over the last 2 seasons.
PHILADELPHIA is 32-61 (-20.8 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
PHILADELPHIA is 15-40 (-21.3 Units) against the money line in night games this season.
PHILADELPHIA is 21-47 (-21.7 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
MILWAUKEE is 2-1 (+0.5 Units) against PHILADELPHIA this season
2 of 3 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+0.8 Units)

MATT GARZA vs. PHILADELPHIA since 1997
GARZA is 2-2 when starting against PHILADELPHIA with an ERA of 2.62 and a WHIP of 1.102.
His team's record is 4-6 (-4.4 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 4-5. (-2.3 units)

AARON NOLA vs. MILWAUKEE since 1997
NOLA is 2-0 when starting against MILWAUKEE with an ERA of 1.42 and a WHIP of 1.316.
His team's record is 2-1 (+1.2 units) in these starts. The OVER is 1-2. (-1.2 units)

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

MIAMI (42 - 51) at CINCINNATI (40 - 55) - 7:10 PM
JOSE URENA (R) vs. HOMER BAILEY (R)
Top Trends for this game.
MIAMI is 91-110 (-26.5 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters over the last 2 seasons.
MIAMI is 45-40 (+11.9 Units) against the money line in road games in night games over the last 2 seasons.
CINCINNATI is 395-361 (-82.9 Units) against the money line in home games when playing against a team with a losing record since 1997.

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

JOSE URENA vs. CINCINNATI since 1997
URENA is 0-1 when starting against CINCINNATI with an ERA of 7.50 and a WHIP of 1.667.
His team's record is 0-1 (-1.0 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 0-1. (-1.2 units)

HOMER BAILEY vs. MIAMI since 1997
BAILEY is 2-1 when starting against MIAMI with an ERA of 2.41 and a WHIP of 1.032.
His team's record is 4-4 (-0.3 units) in these starts. The OVER is 3-5. (-2.3 units)

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

PITTSBURGH (48 - 48) at COLORADO (56 - 41) - 8:40 PM
TREVOR WILLIAMS (R) vs. JEFF HOFFMAN (R)
Top Trends for this game.
PITTSBURGH is 95-110 (-25.6 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters over the last 2 seasons.
COLORADO is 56-41 (+16.0 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
COLORADO is 18-11 (+9.8 Units) against the money line when playing with a day off over the last 2 seasons.
COLORADO is 32-23 (+9.9 Units) against the money line after a win this season.
PITTSBURGH is 25-15 (+12.6 Units) against the money line in July games over the last 2 seasons.
PITTSBURGH is 62-45 (+21.0 Units) against the money line in road games after a win over the last 3 seasons.
COLORADO is 235-306 (-77.6 Units) against the money line in July games since 1997.

Head-to-Head Series History
PITTSBURGH is 2-1 (+1.0 Units) against COLORADO this season
2 of 2 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+2.0 Units)

TREVOR WILLIAMS vs. COLORADO since 1997
No recent starts.

JEFF HOFFMAN vs. PITTSBURGH since 1997
No recent starts.

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

WASHINGTON (57 - 37) at ARIZONA (55 - 40) - 9:40 PM
MAX SCHERZER (R) vs. ZACK GODLEY (R)
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

Head-to-Head Series History
WASHINGTON is 2-1 (+0.6 Units) against ARIZONA this season
2 of 3 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+0.8 Units)

MAX SCHERZER vs. ARIZONA since 1997
SCHERZER is 5-0 when starting against ARIZONA with an ERA of 2.41 and a WHIP of 0.878.
His team's record is 6-0 (+6.0 units) in these starts. The OVER is 3-3. (-0.1 units)

ZACK GODLEY vs. WASHINGTON since 1997
GODLEY is 1-1 when starting against WASHINGTON with an ERA of 3.00 and a WHIP of 1.167.
His team's record is 1-1 (+0.1 units) in these starts. The OVER is 2-0. (+2.0 units)

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

ATLANTA (46 - 48) at LA DODGERS (66 - 30) - 10:10 PM
JAIME GARCIA (L) vs. ALEX WOOD (L)
Top Trends for this game.
LA DODGERS are 66-30 (+21.8 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
LA DODGERS are 39-12 (+18.2 Units) against the money line in home games this season.
ATLANTA is 46-48 (+7.3 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
ATLANTA is 20-23 (+17.8 Units) against the money line as a road underdog of +175 to +250 over the last 2 seasons.
ATLANTA is 60-66 (+26.7 Units) against the money line in road games over the last 2 seasons.
ATLANTA is 44-42 (+27.1 Units) against the money line in road games in night games over the last 2 seasons.
ATLANTA is 55-58 (+12.4 Units) against the money line after a win over the last 2 seasons.
ATLANTA is 53-68 (+15.0 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.
ATLANTA is 24-25 (+13.1 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record in the second half of the season over the last 2 seasons.
LA DODGERS are 182-138 (-17.9 Units) against the money line in night games over the last 3 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
ATLANTA is 1-0 (+1.9 Units) against LA DODGERS this season
1 of 1 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+1.0 Units)

JAIME GARCIA vs. LA DODGERS since 1997
GARCIA is 1-2 when starting against LA DODGERS with an ERA of 4.79 and a WHIP of 1.519.
His team's record is 2-3 (-1.6 units) in these starts. The OVER is 3-2. (+1.0 units)

ALEX WOOD vs. ATLANTA since 1997
WOOD is 0-1 when starting against ATLANTA with an ERA of 6.75 and a WHIP of 2.500.
His team's record is 0-1 (-2.2 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 0-1. (-1.1 units)

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SAN DIEGO (41 - 54) at SAN FRANCISCO (37 - 60) - 10:15 PM
TREVOR CAHILL (R) vs. JEFF SAMARDZIJA (R)
Top Trends for this game.
SAN DIEGO is 23-18 (+13.6 Units) against the money line when playing on Friday over the last 2 seasons.
SAN DIEGO is 81-94 (+14.3 Units) against the money line in night games over the last 2 seasons.
SAN FRANCISCO is 37-60 (-26.1 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
SAN FRANCISCO is 40-44 (-22.5 Units) against the money line as a home favorite of -125 to -175 over the last 3 seasons.
SAN FRANCISCO is 19-26 (-10.6 Units) against the money line in home games this season.
SAN FRANCISCO is 25-36 (-11.7 Units) against the money line in night games this season.
SAN FRANCISCO is 24-42 (-22.3 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.
SAN FRANCISCO is 24-35 (-12.0 Units) against the money line after a loss this season.
SAN FRANCISCO is 12-28 (-21.4 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record this season.
SAN FRANCISCO is 24-29 (-21.6 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.
SAMARDZIJA is 22-30 (-15.1 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
SAMARDZIJA is 37-50 (-25.2 Units) against the money line in home games since 1997. (Team's Record)
SAMARDZIJA is 20-29 (-17.3 Units) against the money line in home games in night games since 1997. (Team's Record)

Head-to-Head Series History
SAN DIEGO is 7-3 (+6.2 Units) against SAN FRANCISCO this season
6 of 9 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+2.6 Units)

TREVOR CAHILL vs. SAN FRANCISCO since 1997
CAHILL is 6-5 when starting against SAN FRANCISCO with an ERA of 3.81 and a WHIP of 1.247.
His team's record is 7-7 (+0.1 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 10-4. (+5.4 units)

JEFF SAMARDZIJA vs. SAN DIEGO since 1997
SAMARDZIJA is 6-3 when starting against SAN DIEGO with an ERA of 3.79 and a WHIP of 1.111.
His team's record is 8-4 (+1.4 units) in these starts. The OVER is 4-8. (-4.6 units)

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HOUSTON (63 - 32) at BALTIMORE (46 - 49) - 7:05 PM
MICHAEL FIERS (R) vs. UBALDO JIMENEZ (R)
Top Trends for this game.
BALTIMORE is 134-123 (+11.4 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
BALTIMORE is 68-49 (+17.1 Units) against the money line at home when the money line is +125 to -125 over the last 3 seasons.
BALTIMORE is 29-19 (+9.0 Units) against the money line in home games this season.
BALTIMORE is 22-12 (+9.6 Units) against the money line in home games in night games this season.
BALTIMORE is 96-84 (+11.4 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters over the last 2 seasons.
BALTIMORE is 75-59 (+17.1 Units) against the money line after a win over the last 2 seasons.
JIMENEZ is 13-4 (+9.2 Units) against the money line at home when the money line is +125 to -125 over the last 3 seasons. (Team's Record)
JIMENEZ is 24-8 (+15.4 Units) against the money line in home games over the last 3 seasons. (Team's Record)
JIMENEZ is 18-10 (+10.0 Units) against the money line in night games over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
JIMENEZ is 22-9 (+14.6 Units) against the money line after a win over the last 3 seasons. (Team's Record)
HOUSTON is 63-32 (+19.0 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
HOUSTON is 33-11 (+20.5 Units) against the money line in road games this season.
HOUSTON is 44-24 (+9.5 Units) against the money line in night games this season.
HOUSTON is 48-19 (+23.2 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.
HOUSTON is 22-8 (+10.7 Units) against the money line after a loss this season.
HOUSTON is 19-6 (+11.3 Units) against the money line in road games when playing against a team with a losing record this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
HOUSTON is 3-0 (+3.0 Units) against BALTIMORE this season
2 of 3 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+0.9 Units)

MICHAEL FIERS vs. BALTIMORE since 1997
FIERS is 1-0 when starting against BALTIMORE with an ERA of 1.29 and a WHIP of 0.857.
His team's record is 1-0 (+1.3 units) in these starts. The OVER is 1-0. (+1.0 units)

UBALDO JIMENEZ vs. HOUSTON since 1997
JIMENEZ is 4-0 when starting against HOUSTON with an ERA of 2.60 and a WHIP of 1.139.
His team's record is 7-4 (+2.3 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 7-3. (+3.6 units)

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TEXAS (45 - 50) at TAMPA BAY (51 - 45) - 7:10 PM
YU DARVISH (R) vs. ALEX COBB (R)
Top Trends for this game.
DARVISH is 0-6 (-8.1 Units) against the money line in July games over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
TAMPA BAY is 51-44 (+6.6 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
TAMPA BAY is 33-25 (+8.3 Units) against the money line in night games this season.
TAMPA BAY is 39-27 (+11.3 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.
TAMPA BAY is 26-17 (+9.7 Units) against the money line after a loss this season.
TEXAS is 140-120 (+24.2 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
TEXAS is 109-107 (+33.3 Units) against the money line in road games over the last 3 seasons.
TEXAS is 101-84 (+20.1 Units) against the money line in night games over the last 2 seasons.
TEXAS is 107-90 (+19.0 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters over the last 2 seasons.
TEXAS is 56-46 (+20.2 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
TAMPA BAY is 2-1 (+1.3 Units) against TEXAS this season
3 of 3 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+3.0 Units)

YU DARVISH vs. TAMPA BAY since 1997
DARVISH is 4-0 when starting against TAMPA BAY with an ERA of 1.09 and a WHIP of 1.061.
His team's record is 5-0 (+5.0 units) in these starts. The OVER is 1-4. (-3.2 units)

ALEX COBB vs. TEXAS since 1997
COBB is 1-0 when starting against TEXAS with an ERA of 2.77 and a WHIP of 1.077.
His team's record is 3-1 (+2.5 units) in these starts. The OVER is 3-1. (+2.0 units)

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TORONTO (44 - 51) at CLEVELAND (48 - 45) - 7:10 PM
MARCO ESTRADA (R) vs. TREVOR BAUER (R)
Top Trends for this game.
TORONTO is 44-51 (-16.2 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
TORONTO is 15-21 (-10.8 Units) against the money line when the total is 9 to 9.5 this season.
TORONTO is 24-35 (-17.9 Units) against the money line in night games this season.
TORONTO is 17-27 (-14.3 Units) against the money line after a win this season.
CLEVELAND is 48-45 (-25.6 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
CLEVELAND is 33-35 (-16.7 Units) against the money line when the total is 9 to 9.5 over the last 2 seasons.
CLEVELAND is 21-24 (-22.9 Units) against the money line in home games this season.
CLEVELAND is 20-23 (-16.3 Units) against the money line at home when the total is 9 to 9.5 over the last 3 seasons.
CLEVELAND is 28-32 (-23.2 Units) against the money line in night games this season.
CLEVELAND is 30-27 (-15.5 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.
CLEVELAND is 23-27 (-24.0 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record this season.
CLEVELAND is 4-8 (-11.8 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record in the second half of the season this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
TORONTO is 2-1 (+1.4 Units) against CLEVELAND this season
2 of 3 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+0.9 Units)

MARCO ESTRADA vs. CLEVELAND since 1997
ESTRADA is 0-2 when starting against CLEVELAND with an ERA of 3.12 and a WHIP of 0.885.
His team's record is 2-2 (-0.7 units) in these starts. The OVER is 1-3. (-2.1 units)

TREVOR BAUER vs. TORONTO since 1997
BAUER is 0-2 when starting against TORONTO with an ERA of 7.53 and a WHIP of 1.722.
His team's record is 3-2 (+1.6 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 4-1. (+2.9 units)

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DETROIT (43 - 51) at MINNESOTA (48 - 46) - 8:10 PM
ANIBAL SANCHEZ (R) vs. ERVIN SANTANA (R)
Top Trends for this game.
DETROIT is 43-51 (-10.2 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
DETROIT is 14-25 (-12.8 Units) against the money line when the total is 9 to 9.5 this season.
DETROIT is 327-417 (-94.8 Units) against the money line on the road when the money line is +125 to -125 since 1997.
DETROIT is 24-36 (-12.3 Units) against the money line in night games this season.
DETROIT is 28-40 (-12.6 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.
SANCHEZ is 3-14 (-11.6 Units) against the money line after a loss over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
MINNESOTA is 48-46 (+5.8 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
MINNESOTA is 31-21 (+12.3 Units) against the money line in night games this season.
MINNESOTA is 36-32 (+7.2 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.
SANTANA is 37-21 (+18.0 Units) against the money line when playing on Friday since 1997. (Team's Record)
MINNESOTA is 52-80 (-31.4 Units) against the money line in home games over the last 2 seasons.
MINNESOTA is 20-39 (-20.8 Units) against the money line in home games against division opponents over the last 2 seasons.
SANTANA is 2-8 (-9.5 Units) against the money line as a home favorite of -125 to -175 over the last 3 seasons. (Team's Record)
SANTANA is 8-17 (-12.3 Units) against the money line in home games over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
SANTANA is 3-10 (-9.4 Units) against the money line in home games in night games over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)

Head-to-Head Series History
DETROIT is 4-2 (+1.5 Units) against MINNESOTA this season
3 of 5 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+1.0 Units)

ANIBAL SANCHEZ vs. MINNESOTA since 1997
SANCHEZ is 5-4 when starting against MINNESOTA with an ERA of 3.04 and a WHIP of 1.130.
His team's record is 9-7 (-1.9 units) in these starts. The OVER is 8-6. (+1.9 units)

ERVIN SANTANA vs. DETROIT since 1997
SANTANA is 9-4 when starting against DETROIT with an ERA of 3.08 and a WHIP of 1.125.
His team's record is 12-7 (+5.8 units) in these starts. The OVER is 4-14. (-11.1 units)

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CHI WHITE SOX (38 - 54) at KANSAS CITY (47 - 47) - 8:15 PM
JAMES SHIELDS (R) vs. IAN KENNEDY (R)
Top Trends for this game.
KANSAS CITY is 47-47 (+5.5 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
KANSAS CITY is 74-57 (+15.5 Units) against the money line in home games over the last 2 seasons.
KANSAS CITY is 35-31 (+8.0 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.
KANSAS CITY is 25-22 (+6.3 Units) against the money line after a win this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
CHI WHITE SOX is 5-2 (+3.6 Units) against KANSAS CITY this season
4 of 7 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+0.8 Units)

JAMES SHIELDS vs. KANSAS CITY since 1997
SHIELDS is 7-2 when starting against KANSAS CITY with an ERA of 3.54 and a WHIP of 1.114.
His team's record is 8-3 (+2.9 units) in these starts. The OVER is 5-5. (-0.1 units)

IAN KENNEDY vs. CHI WHITE SOX since 1997
KENNEDY is 2-2 when starting against CHI WHITE SOX with an ERA of 3.93 and a WHIP of 1.311.
His team's record is 3-3 (+0.0 units) in these starts. The OVER is 3-3. (-0.3 units)

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BOSTON (54 - 43) at LA ANGELS (47 - 50) - 10:05 PM
CHRIS SALE (L) vs. RICKY NOLASCO (R)
Top Trends for this game.
SALE is 20-31 (-17.6 Units) against the money line in road games after a loss since 1997. (Team's Record)
LA ANGELS are 11-30 (-20.5 Units) against the money line when playing on Friday over the last 2 seasons.
NOLASCO is 7-17 (-13.0 Units) against the money line in home games when playing on Friday since 1997. (Team's Record)

Head-to-Head Series History
LA ANGELS is 2-1 (+2.0 Units) against BOSTON this season
2 of 3 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+0.9 Units)

CHRIS SALE vs. LA ANGELS since 1997
SALE is 5-0 when starting against LA ANGELS with an ERA of 1.45 and a WHIP of 0.692.
His team's record is 5-1 (+4.4 units) in these starts. The OVER is 2-4. (-2.3 units)

RICKY NOLASCO vs. BOSTON since 1997
NOLASCO is 3-2 when starting against BOSTON with an ERA of 5.68 and a WHIP of 1.105.
His team's record is 5-2 (+5.2 units) in these starts. The OVER is 4-2. (+1.9 units)

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NY YANKEES (49 - 45) at SEATTLE (48 - 49) - 10:10 PM
C.C. SABATHIA (L) vs. ANDREW MOORE (R)
Top Trends for this game.
NY YANKEES are 11-23 (-13.1 Units) against the money line on the road when the money line is +125 to -125 this season.
NY YANKEES are 8-16 (-8.9 Units) against the money line in road games after a win this season.
NY YANKEES are 17-21 (-11.8 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record this season.
SABATHIA is 11-4 (+7.7 Units) against the money line in all games this season. (Team's Record)
SABATHIA is 19-8 (+12.3 Units) against the money line in night games over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
SABATHIA is 72-34 (+28.2 Units) against the money line in road games when playing against a team with a losing record since 1997. (Team's Record)
SEATTLE is 107-105 (-29.2 Units) against the money line in home games over the last 3 seasons.
SEATTLE is 617-569 (-98.1 Units) against the money line in home games in night games since 1997.
SEATTLE is 59-78 (-24.4 Units) against the money line against left-handed starters over the last 3 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
NY YANKEES is 1-0 (+1.0 Units) against SEATTLE this season
1 of 1 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+1.0 Units)

C.C. SABATHIA vs. SEATTLE since 1997
SABATHIA is 14-6 when starting against SEATTLE with an ERA of 2.65 and a WHIP of 1.180.
His team's record is 19-8 (+9.3 units) in these starts. The OVER is 13-12. (-0.2 units)

ANDREW MOORE vs. NY YANKEES since 1997
No recent starts.

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OAKLAND (43 - 52) at NY METS (43 - 50) - 7:10 PM
PAUL BLACKBURN (R) vs. STEVEN MATZ (L)
Top Trends for this game.
OAKLAND is 180-239 (-50.8 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 3 seasons.
OAKLAND is 23-43 (-20.2 Units) against the money line when playing on Friday over the last 3 seasons.
OAKLAND is 13-28 (-15.2 Units) against the money line when playing with a day off over the last 3 seasons.
OAKLAND is 9-21 (-13.7 Units) against the money line in an inter-league game over the last 2 seasons.
OAKLAND is 41-69 (-28.9 Units) against the money line against left-handed starters over the last 3 seasons.
OAKLAND is 73-99 (-29.3 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 3 seasons.
OAKLAND is 56-53 (+10.8 Units) against the money line after a win over the last 2 seasons.
NY METS are 43-50 (-14.8 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
NY METS are 23-27 (-12.7 Units) against the money line in home games this season.
NY METS are 46-46 (-19.2 Units) against the money line in home games in night games over the last 2 seasons.
NY METS are 34-40 (-14.3 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.
NY METS are 11-16 (-10.9 Units) against the money line in home games when playing against a team with a losing record this season.

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

PAUL BLACKBURN vs. NY METS since 1997
No recent starts.

STEVEN MATZ vs. OAKLAND since 1997
No recent starts.

[StarDust Bum]

Veterans nearly miss Pirates game after bus gets stuck
July 21, 2017

PITTSBURGH (AP) Some veterans out to see the Pittsburgh Pirates made it to the game, although their bus didn't.

Police officers and nursing home staff pushed the veterans in wheelchairs a half mile after the bus carrying them from the Pennsylvania Soldiers and Sailors Home in Erie became trapped under an overpass in Pittsburgh.

The group was heading to the game Thursday when their bus took a detour.

As the driver drove under the overpass, the roof of the bus tore off and the bus got, stuck tilting on two wheels.

Police and emergency services were able to stabilize the bus and free the veterans. Officials say no one was injured in the crash.

The vets made it to the game and got to see the Pirates beat the Milwaukee Brewers 4-0.

[StarDust Bum]

LEADING OFF: Cubs, Pirates gaining ground; Panda returns
July 21, 2017

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

ROLLING INTO WRIGLEY

The Cubs have won six straight and are just a game behind slumping Milwaukee in the NL Central as they begin a home series against St. Louis. Chicago right-hander Jake Arrieta (9-7, 4.17) has trimmed half a run off his ERA over his past four starts and can reach double digits in victories for the fourth straight season. All-Star Carlos Martinez (6-8, 3.36) counters for the Cardinals seeking his first victory since June 16, a span of five starts. The Brewers have been alone atop the division since June 6.

HERE COME THE BUCS

Starling Marte is back from his 80-game steroids suspension and Pittsburgh is making a charge in the NL Central. After completing a four-game sweep of division-leading Milwaukee, the Pirates begin a nine-game road trip out West when they visit Colorado. Pittsburgh right-hander Trevor Williams (3-4) faces fellow rookie Jeff Hoffman (6-1) in the opener. The Pirates have won 11 of 13 and moved within three games of first place. They are .500 (48-48) for the first time since April 16, two days before Marte's suspension began. ''When we play our best baseball, we can compete with anybody,'' resurgent slugger Andrew McCutchen said.

PANDA'S RETURN

Pablo Sandoval is expected to sign a minor league contract to return to the Giants, two days after the Red Sox released the husky third baseman. Sandoval was a two-time All-Star and a World Series MVP during his seven years with San Francisco, and of course, the Kung Fu Panda was a fan favorite at AT&T Park. ''He's always been one of those personalities that kind of fits in with the Giants and the Bay Area,'' right fielder Hunter Pence said.

ACES UP

Among the 2017 All-Stars on the mound are Texas right-hander Yu Darvish, Boston newcomer Chris Sale, Minnesota's Ervin Santana, Washington Cy Young Award winner Max Scherzer and Dodgers lefty Alex Wood, who tries to improve to 12-0 when he faces Atlanta. Darvish starts at Tampa Bay - he is 4-0 with a 1.09 ERA and 40 strikeouts in five career games against the Rays.

NEXT TO FALL

Rangers third baseman Adrian Beltre is 15 hits shy of 3,000 heading into a three-game series at Tampa Bay. He is tied with Sam Rice for 31st place on the career list.

TEXAS TWO-STEP

After finishing a four-game sweep of the Rangers, outfielder Adam Jones and the Orioles welcome Houston to Camden Yards. Mike Fiers (6-4, 3.75 ERA) pitches for the AL-leading Astros against Ubaldo Jimenez (4-5, 7.01). Baltimore's big hitters combined for 10 home runs in the series against Texas and outscored the Rangers 34-11. The Orioles' four-game winning streak is their longest since a six-game run in early May, and it puts them within three games of .500 (46-49) for the first time since July 4.

[StarDust Bum]

Friday's Diamond Notes
July 21, 2017

Hottest team: Pirates (7-3 last 10) at Rockies

For the first time since early April, the Pirates are at the .500 mark after pulling off a four-game home sweep of the NL Central-leading Brewers. Not only is Pittsburgh three games off the pace inside the division, but the Bucs completed a 6-1 homestand against St. Louis and Milwaukee, while winning four consecutive series. Now, Pittsburgh has to prove it can win on the highway as the Pirates face three straight NL West opponents to close out July.

The first stop for the Bucs is in Denver to face the suddenly streaking Rockies. Pittsburgh captured two of three from Colorado at PNC Park in mid-June as right-hander Trevor Williams takes the mound in the opener. The Pirates had lost five consecutive starts made by Williams prior to a 4-3 walk-off win last Sunday over the Cardinals. Pittsburgh has struggled in road series openers recently by posting a 3-7 mark in the last 10 games in this situation.

Coldest team: White Sox (1-9 last 10) at Royals

Chicago has begun the dismantling process after dealing southpaw Jose Quintana, third baseman Todd Frazier, and closer David Robertson in the last week. The White Sox dropped all five games on their homestand to the Mariners and Dodgers, although three of those defeats came by one run. Chicago has been limited to three runs or fewer five times during its current six-game skid, while compiling a 3-7 record in its last 10 road contests.

The Sox travel to Kansas City as Chicago tries to improve on a 5-2 record against the Royals this season. James Shields has won only one decision in five starts since April for Chicago, while taking the mound at Kauffman Stadium for the first time since pitching in the World Series for Kansas City in 2014.

Hottest pitcher: Max Scherzer, Nationals (11-5, 2.01 ERA)

Scherzer and Dodgers’ southpaw Clayton Kershaw have combined to win three of the last four National League Cy Young awards as one of these two aces will likely capture the honor in 2017. Scherzer has delivered double-digit strikeouts in nine of his past 10 starts, while allowing one earned run or less in five of his previous six trips to the mound. Washington owns a 5-1 mark in Scherzer’s last six road assignments as the Nats begin a crucial series in Arizona as the righty scattered two hits in seven innings against the D-backs in early May.

Coldest pitcher: Steven Matz, Mets (2-3, 4.58 ERA)

New York salvaged the final two games of its series with St. Louis following a three-game skid. The Mets face the Athletics in an interleague set at Citi Field as Matz is coming off his worst start of the season by lasting one inning and allowing seven earned runs in a 13-4 setback to Colorado last Sunday. Matz put together a pair of scoreless outings against Washington and Miami before giving up 16 hits and 12 earned runs in his last two trips to the mound.

Biggest OVER run: Padres (6-0-1 last seven)

San Diego continues to cash OVERS since the All-Star break, but the pitching finally came through in Thursday’s 5-2 victory at San Francisco. The Padres turn to veteran Trevor Cahill, who has pitched well since returning to the rotation in early July in wins over Cleveland and San Francisco. The Padres tagged Jeff Samardzija for seven runs last Sunday as the Giants’ beleaguered right-hander takes the mound on Friday, as San Francisco is 4-1 to the OVER in his previous five home starts.

Biggest UNDER run: Brewers (7-1 last eight)

Are things drying up in Milwaukee? The Brewers have dropped five consecutive games, while not busting the three-run plateau in six straight contests. Milwaukee hooks up with Philadelphia for the second time since the All-Star break as the Crew posted nine runs in the series opener last week before combining for five runs in the final two contests. The UNDER trend has a strong chance of continuing as Matt Garza takes the ball for the Brewers, racking up five UNDERS in his previous five appearances.

Matchup to watch: Blue Jays vs. Indians

These two teams hooked up for the American League title last season as Cleveland topped Toronto in five games to capture the pennant. Call it the Edwin Encarnacion bowl as the former Blue Jays slugger faces his old team for the second time after the Indians dropped two of three at Toronto in May. Encarnacion leads Cleveland with 19 home runs and is tied with Jose Ramirez for the team RBI lead with 50, but Encarnacion is well below his pace from 2016 in Toronto when he knocked out 42 homers.

Cleveland returns home following a dreadful trip to the Bay Area by losing five of six games at Oakland and San Francisco. Trevor Bauer couldn’t escape the first inning in his last outing on Sunday in a 7-3 loss to the A’s, allowing four runs on 43 pitches and recording only two outs. The Indians have stumbled to a 1-3 mark in Bauer’s past four home starts, while dropping a 4-2 decision the last time he faced the Blue Jays in May.

The Blue Jays managed a split with the Red Sox at Fenway Park after outlasting Boston, 8-6 on Thursday, but Toronto has lost four straight games following a victory. Marco Estrada has struggled recently for Toronto as the Jays have put together a 2-6 record in his last eight outings, but both victories came on the road. Estrada has been tagged for at least four earned runs six times in his past eight starts, while Toronto tries to improve on a 3-0 record in its previous three series openers.

Betcha didn’t know: Ervin Santana has struggled at home recently for Minnesota as the Twins are 1-5 in his previous six outings at Target Field. Santana heads to the hill in the series opener against the Tigers, as Minnesota lost two of his three starts against Detroit last season. The Twins seek their fifth straight win in a home series opener, while the Tigers for the first time since late April.

Biggest public favorite: Red Sox (-205) at Angels

Biggest public underdog: Pirates (+125) at Rockies

Biggest line move: Twins (-125 to -135) vs. Tigers