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

[StarDust Bum]

Tuesday’s six-pack

— Louis Oosthuizen’s 2nd place finishes in all four golf majors? They earned him a total of $3,362,406.

— Last two years, MAC football teams are 15-5-1 vs spread when facing a Big 14 team.

— Last night was Jay Bruce’s 1,378th major league game, his first one at Fenway Park.

— NBA schedule was released last night; Warriors are on national TV 43 times, the Hawks and Nets, only twice each.

— NBA starts little earlier this year (October 17); they’re stretching out season to minimize back/backs during the year.

— RIP coach Frank Broyles, 92, an Arkansas icon who was also the #1 college football analyst on ABC for years, working with the great Keith Jackson.

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

Tuesday’s List of 13: Nobody asked me, but……..

13) Cool to see Chad Bettis pitching for the Rockies Monday night, coming back from testicular cancer to make it back to the major leagues. Not only that, but he shut the Braves out for seven innings. Had to be a very emotional night for Mr Bettis. Good for him.

12) Looking forward to Hard Knocks tonight, when the Bucs part ways with kicker Roberto Aguayo. Tampa Bay TRADED UP to draft a kicker in the 2nd round, then cut him a year later. If I owned the Bucs, I’d want some answers on that one.

Nick Folk is now the Buccaneers’ 7th kicker since 2013.

11) Worst base running play ever Sunday: Phillies have bases loaded, one out, down 4-1. Nick Williams is up; he flies out to short CF- the runner on third tags up but doesn’t try to score. When the throw from the outfield gets by the cutoff man, the guy on second takes off for third, only to find a teammate standing on third when he got there. Oy.

Pay attention; this is why losing teams lose, they get mentally tired and stop paying attention. This was just an awful, careless play by a bad team. Hard to watch.

10) Bills traded for WR Jordan Matthews last week; he got a chip fracture in his sternum during his first practice with Buffalo, and is now week-to-week.

9) Baltimore Ravens signed backup QB Thad Lewis; he’s started six NFL games in his career and has bounced around a lot of rosters— I liked him when he was a backup for the Rams, but what this really is is a signal that Colin Kaepernick is going to have a hard time finding an NFL job.

8) Milwaukee Bucks’ star Giannis Antetokounmpo makes only $25,000 a year to wear Nikes; now that he is a star (his Bucks’ contract is four years, $100M) and his shoe contract is about to end, he is going to break the bank with a new shoe deal.

7) White Sox traded Tyler Clippard to the Astros, as Houston struggles to improve its pitching. Astros will be Clippard’s 6th team in the last three seasons- he must be very good at packing.

6) NFL should have their 2018 draft at a casino in Niagara Falls, seeing how Buffalo/Cleveland both have six picks in the first three rounds next year. Lake Erie will be the draft’s epicenter.

5) It cost $40 just to park for Patriots’ home games in Foxboro. Even exhibition games.

4) Matt Nagy is the Chiefs’ offensive coordinator; his dad was a high school coach in New Jersey who once coached Jets’ head coach Todd Bowles.

The elder Nagy played in the World Football League in the 70’s, a league that played for a year and a half and had some really good players. Matt Nagy played QB for four teams in the Arena League, including for coach John Gregory, who had previously coached Kurt Warner in Iowa.

3) I’m not fond of kids having press conferences to announce their choice of college. Too many young people are attention junkies; just post on Twitter when you’ve made a decision and thats that.

2) Bryce Harper got hurt slipping on a wet base Sunday; for the love of God, lets not over-react and get rid of bases the way they are. Having a kid dry off the bases in between innings would be fine, but lets not get wacky over this and put in flat bases or something like that.

The horse collar tackle rule in the NFL came about because Bo Jackson got hurt on a tackle like that while he was playing for the Raiders. A star gets hurt, people go nuts. Relax.

1) Get well soon to wrestling legend Ric Flair, 68, who is in an ICU in a Georgia hospital with heart problems. Flair has been a positive voice and a great entertainer for decades; hope he feels better soon.

[StarDust Bum]

MLB notebook: Miller close to returning to Indians' bullpen
August 14, 2017

Cleveland Indians All-Star reliever Andrew Miller will embark on a rehab outing at Triple-A Columbus on Wednesday and could return to the team two days later, manager Terry Francona announced Monday.

Miller, who has been sidelined since Aug. 3 with patellar tendinitis in his right knee, has progressed through bullpen sessions on Friday and Sunday.

Miller owns a 4-3 record with a 1.67 ERA and 78 strikeouts in 54 innings this season. The 32-year-old left-hander has issued 10 walks in his last 19 games (22 2/3 innings), eclipsing the nine walks he had during the 2016 season (74 1/3 innings).

-- Tyler Clippard, traded out of a pennant race last month, is headed to a contender.

The Houston Astros acquired the right-handed reliever from the Chicago White Sox late Sunday night in exchange for a player to be named or cash considerations.

The White Sox had picked up Clippard, 32, from the New York Yankees as part of a seven-player deal on July 18. He is 2-6 with three saves and a 4.27 ERA in 51 combined appearances this season between the Yankees and the White Sox. Since the All-Star break, Clippard has a 1.50 ERA in 13 appearances.

The Astros need help in their bullpen, as their relievers came into Sunday ranked last in the American League since the All-Star break in ERA, at 5.45.

-- The Toronto Blue Jays recalled left-handed reliever Tim Mayza from Triple-A Buffalo before Monday's game against the Tampa Bay Rays.

They optioned Lionel Campos to Buffalo and cleared space on the 40-man roster by giving fellow right-hander Taylor Cole his unconditional release.

Mayza, 25, was 2-2 with a 3.25 ERA in 40 games with four saves in seven opportunities in the minor leagues between Double-A New Hampshire and Triple-A Buffalo. In 11 games at Buffalo, he was 1-1 with an 0.93 ERA.

-- The Blue Jays recalled right-hander Chase Whitley from Triple-A Durham.

Whitley replaced left-hander Jose Alvarado, who was optioned to Durham on Sunday. Whitley is 2-1 with a 3.45 ERA in 31 games for the Rays. He was optioned to Durham on Aug. 1.

-- The Seattle Mariners recalled right-hander Thyago Vieira from Triple-A Tacoma, the team announced.

Vieira, who has yet to pitch in the majors, will take the roster spot of right-hander Christian Bergman, who was demoted to Tacoma.

The 24-year-old Vieira posted a 3.18 ERA and collected two saves in seven appearances at Tacoma. He also had 29 relief appearances at Double-A Arkansas, registering a 3.72 ERA and two saves while striking out 35 in 36 1/3 innings.

Bergman, 29, is 4-4 with a 4.91 ERA in 11 outing (eight starts) for Seattle this year.

[StarDust Bum]

LEADING OFF: Stanton HR streak, Porcello goes for 3 in row
August 14, 2017

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

STREAKING STANTON

Giancarlo Stanton has homered in five straight games for the Marlins and leads the majors with 43. He's already set the Miami record for homers in a season, topping Gary Sheffield's 42 in 1996.

Stanton has hit 22 home runs in his last 34 games. He takes aim on the Giants once again when the series continues at Marlins Park.

PORCELLO TRIO?

Boston righty Rick Porcello tries to win his third straight start when the Cardinals visit Fenway Park. At 6-14 with a 4.63 ERA, Porcello hasn't been able to duplicate the success he enjoyed last year in taking the Cy Young Award. The AL East-leading Red Sox are hoping he can recapture some of that winning form down the stretch.

VERLANDER QUARTET?

Justin Verlander is trying to win four straight starts for the first time in four years. The Tigers star, who is scheduled to start at Texas, allowed one run over eight scoreless innings against Pittsburgh last Wednesday. He has given up only two runs over 21 innings his last three starts (Houston, Baltimore and the Pirates).

The last time the 2011 AL Cy Young and AL MVP winner won four straight starts was midway through the 2013 season. Verlander is 4-1 with a 3.19 ERA in six road starts against the Rangers. He beat them in Detroit earlier this season with seven solid innings.

HEADY HODGES

It will be Gil Hodges Bobblehead Night at Dodger Stadium when Los Angeles hosts the Chicago White Sox. Hodges played in seven World Series for the Dodgers - six times in Brooklyn and also in 1959 when they beat the White Sox for their first championship in LA. An eight-time All-Star, the first baseman hit 370 home runs and, having also managed the 1969 Miracle Mets to their first title, has several supporters who believe he should be posthumously voted into the Hall of Fame.

Alex Wood (14-1) starts for the Dodgers. At 83-34, a win would put them 50 games over .500.

[StarDust Bum]

Tuesday’s games
National League

Giants @ Marlins
Bumgarner is 2-1, 1.38 in his last four starts; under is 6-2-1 in his last nine. Giants are 0-5 in his road starts— their first 5-inning record with him: 2-5-3

Straily is 0-4, 5.54 in his last five starts; over is 4-2 in his last six. Miami lost his last his last three home starts— their first 5-inning record with him: 13-9-2

Giants lost three of last four games; under is 6-1 in their last seven games. Miami won its last six home games; under is 8-3-1 in their last 12 games.

Pirates @ Brewers
Nova is 0-3, 8.46 in his last four starts (over 3-1). Pirates are 1-6 in his last seven road starts— their first 5-inning record with him: 10-12-1

Davies is 1-2, 4.58 in his last three starts; under is 4-0-1 in his last five. Brewers are 6-6 in his home starts— their first 5-inning record with him: 12-7-5

Pirates are 4-9 in last 13 road games; their last three games stayed under. Pittsburgh is 8-12 in road series openers. Milwaukee lost five of last seven games but won last two; over is 4-1-1 in their last six games. Brewers are 11-9 in home series openers.

Reds @ Cubs
Castillo is 1-1, 3.54 in his last three starts; over is 4-2 in his last six. Reds are 2-3 in his road starts— their first 5-inning record with him: 4-6

Hendricks is 0-2, 4.50 in his last six starts (under 5-1). Cubs are 4-4 in his home starts— their first 5-inning record with him: 7-6-2

Reds lost four of last five road games; their last nine games went over total. Cubs are 5-7 in last 12 games; over is 5-2 in their last seven home games.

Braves @ Rockies
Newcomb is 0-5, 6.82 in his last seven starts (under 7-4). Braves are 1-3 in his road starts— their first 5-inning record with him: 3-8

Freeland is 3-0, 2.75 in his last four starts; under is 6-2 in his last eight. Colorado is 7-4 in his home starts— their first 5-inning record with him: 13-7-1

Braves lost six of last seven games; over is 14-3-1 in their last 18 road games. Colorado lost five of last seven games; under is 10-2-1 in their last 13 games.

Phillies @ Padres
Leiter is 1-1, 3.31 in three starts this year (under 2-0-1). Phillies are 2-0 in his road starts— their first 5-inning record with him: 1-2

Lamet is 3-0, 2.31 in his last four starts (under 3-1). San Diego is 4-1 in his home starts— their first 5-inning record with him: 7-6

Phillies lost four of last five games; under is 6-3 in their last nine road games. San Diego lost six of last nine games; six of their last seven games went over.

——————————–

American League
Rays @ Blue Jays
Snell is 0-1, 3.69 in his last six starts; under is 7-1 in his last eight. Rays are 3-5 in his road starts— their first 5-inning record with him: 4-8-2

Estrada is 1-0, 2.08 in his last four starts (under 3-1). Toronto is 5-4 in his home starts— their first 5-inning record with him: 8-13-3

Rays lost eight of last ten games (shut out 5 times); under is 11-1 in their last 12 games. Toronto won six of last eight home games; under is 6-1 in their last seven games.

Tigers @ Rangers
Verlander is 3-0, 0.86 in his last three starts; under is 4-2-1 in his last seven. Detroit is 3-9 in his road starts— their first 5-inning record with him: 9-11-3

Griffin is 1-1, 4.09 in two starts since coming off the DL; over is 5-1-1 in his last seven starts. Texas is 2-0 in his home starts— their first 5-inning record with him: 6-4

Detroit lost eight of last ten games; over is 4-1-1 in their last six. Rangers won four of last five games; under is 6-3-1 in their last ten home games.

Indians @ Twins
Salazar is 1-0, 1.42 in his last four starts; under is 4-1 in his last five. Cleveland is 4-4 in his road starts— their first 5-inning record with him: 6-5-3

Colon is 2-0, 2.25 in his last two starts; over is 3-1 in his last four. Twins are 1-1 in his home starts— their first 5-inning record with him: 3-2

Indians won their last four games; under is 6-0-1 in their last seven games. Cleveland is 9-11 in road series openers. Minnesota won seven of its last eight games (over 4-1-3). Twins are 10-9 in home series openers.

Royals @ A’s
Hammel is 1-1, 3.75 in his last six starts; under is 6-1 in his last seven. Royals are 2-6 in his road starts— their first 5-inning record with him: 7-11-5

Smith is 0-2, 6.35 in his last three starts (under 4-0-1). A’s are 1-2 in his home starts— their first 5-inning record with him: 1-3-1

Royals won their last three games; three of their last four games stayed under. Oakland lost 11 of last 16 home games (under 11-4-1).

Orioles @ Mariners
Miley is 3-0, 2.65 in his last three starts; over is 4-1-1 in his last six. Baltimore is 7-6 in his road starts— their first 5-inning record with him: 10-12-2

Albers is making his first ’17 start; he is 2-5, 4.41 in 12 MLB starts, most of which were for Minnesota in 2013. He is 12-3, 2.61 in 26 AAA games (17 starts) this season. Seattle traded for the 31-year old lefty three days ago.

Baltimore won 11 of last 17 games; under is 9-5 in their last 14. Mariners lost their last five games; over is 6-3 in their last nine.

__________________________

Interleague

Mets @ Bronx
deGrom is 4-2, 2.45 in his last six starts; over is 5-2 in his last seven. Mets are 8-4 in his road starts— their first 5-inning record with him: 15-7-1

Gray is 0-2, 5.25 in two starts for New York (under 2-0); they scored one run in the two games, both of which were on road. New York’s first 5-inning record with him: 0-2

Mets won three of last five games; under is 7-3-1 in their last 11 games. Bronx lost three of last five games; under is 13-4 in their last 17 games.

Astros @ Diamondbacks
Peacock is 6-0, 3.00 in his last eight starts; over is 4-2 in his last six. Houston is 6-1 in his road starts— their first 5-inning record with him: 11-2

Banda is 1-2, 4.60 in three starts this year (under 2-1). Arizona is 0-2 in his home starts— their first 5-inning record with him: 0-1-2

Astros lost eight of last nine road games; over is 16-7 in their last 23 road games. Arizona lost four of last six games; over is 5-3-2 in their last ten home games.

Angels @ Nationals
Skaggs is 1-1, 2.42 in his last four starts; under is 3-1-1 in his last five. Angels are 2-2 in his road starts— their first 5-inning record with him: 2-3-2

Gonzalez is 2-0, 1.23 in his last three starts; over is 3-1 in his last four. Washington is 5-6 in his home starts— their first 5-inning record with him: 13-5-5

Angels won their last six games; under is 5-2 in their last seven. Halos are 9-10 in road series openers. Washington won six of last eight games; their last four games stayed under. Nationals are 12-8 in home series openers.

Cardinals @ Red Sox
Leake is 0-2, 6.19 in his last three starts; over is 3-1-1 in his last five. St Louis is 1-5 in his last six road starts— their first 5-inning record with him: 10-10-3

Porcello is 2-2, 4.78 in his last four starts; under is 4-2 in her last six. Boston is 5-8 in his home starts— their first 5-inning record with him: 6-16-2

Cardinals won eight of last nine games; their last seven games went over. St Louis is 7-11 in road series openers. Boston won 10 of last 12 games; under is 6-2-1 in their last nine. Red Sox are 13-7 in home series openers.

White Sox @ Dodgers
Gonzalez is 1-1, 6.89 in his last three starts; over is 8-4 in his last 12. Chicago is 3-7 in his road starts— their first 5-inning record with him: 6-10-2

Wood is 3-0, 3.15 in his last three starts; over is 3-1 in his last four. Dodgers are 8-1 in his home starts— their first 5-inning record with him: 12-4-2

White Sox are 1-9 in last ten road games; under is 7-2 in their last nine games. Chicago is 6-13 in road series openers. Dodgers are 9-1 in last 10 games; three of their last four games went over LA is 14-6 in home series openers.

______________________________

Record with this pitcher starting:
National League
SF-Mia: Bumgarner 2-8; Straily 11-13 (0-6 last 6)
Pitt-Mil: Nova 12-11; Davies 15-9
Cin-Cubs: Castillo 4-6; Hendricks 7-8
Atl-Colo: Newcomb 2-9; Freeland 14-7
Phil-SD: Leiter 2-1; Lamet 8-5

American League
TB-Tor: Snell 5-9; Estrada 11-13
Det-Tex: Verlander 11-13; Griffin 7-3
Clev-Minn: Salazar 6-8; Colon 2-3 (5-8)
KC-A’s: Hammel 7-16; Smith 2-3
Balt-Sea: Miley 13-11; Albers 0-0

Interleague
NY-NY deGrom 15-8; Gray 0-2 (8-8)
Hst-Az: Peacock 10-3; Banda 1-2
LAA-Wsh: Skaggs 4-3; Gonzalez 13-10
StL-Bos: Leake 10-13; Porcello 10-14
CWS-LA: Gonzalez 7-11; Wood 14-4

Pitchers allowing a run in first inning:
National League
SF-Mia: Bumgarner 1-10; Straily 5-23
Pitt-Mil: Nova 8-23; Davies 8-24
Cin-Cubs: Castillo 2-10; Hendricks 6-15
Atl-Colo: Newcomb 2-11; Freeland 6-20
Phil-SD: Leiter 1-3; Lamet 5-13

American League
TB-Tor: Snell 4-14; Estrada 9-24
Det-Tex: Verlander 6-24; Griffin 3-10
Clev-Minn: Salazar 6-14; Colon 1-5 (6-18)
KC-A’s: Hammel 3-23; Smith 2-5
Balt-Sea: Miley 10-24; Albers 0-0

Interleague
NY-NY deGrom 7-23; Gray 3-17
Hst-Az: Peacock 1-13; Banda 2-3
LAA-Wsh: Skaggs 4-7; Gonzalez 7-23
StL-Bos: Leake 6-23; Porcello 7-24
CWS-LA: Gonzalez 6-18; Wood 2-18

_________________________

Umpires
National League
SF-Mia: Underdogs are 6-3 in Knight games this season.
Cin-Cubs: Six of last eight Hudson games stayed under.
Atl-Colo: Three of four Additon games went over the total.
Phil-SD: Under is 4-1-1 in last six Holbrook games.

American League
TB-Tor: Over is 5-2-2 in last nine HGibson games.
Det-Tex: Four of last five Tumpane games went over.
KC-A’s: Last five Timmons games stayed under the total.
Balt-Sea: Five of last six Morales games stayed under.

Interleague
NY-NY: Five of last seven Guccione games stayed under.
Hst-Az: Five of last seven Hamari games stayed under.

Interleague play
NL @ AL– 65-49 AL, favorites +$27
AL @ NL– 62-56 NL, favorites -$437
Total: 120-108 AL, favorites -$410

Totals in interleague games
NL @ AL: Over 57-56-3
AL @ NL: Over 63-49-7
Total: Over 120-105-10

Teams’ records in first five innings:
Team (road-home-total)- thru 8/14/17
Ariz 21-22-15……31-20–11……..52-42
Atl 22-28-9……19-30-7………..41-58
Cubs 28-27-6……26-21-9………..54-48
Reds 20-34-5……..22-33–5……….42-67
Colo 31-24-6…….31-21-4………..62-45
LA 28-18-8…….40-17-6……….68-35
Miami 25-27-6…….30-22-7………55-49
Milw 29-20-8…….30-25-8………58-45
Mets 28-27-3……..24-30-4……..52-57
Philly 15-33-13……21-27-7……….36-60
Pitt 28-28-4…….23-26-9………51-54
St. Louis 23-25-8……33-20-9…………56-45
SD 19-36-6……..27-23–7……….46-59
SF 13-38-9……..22-28-9……….38-66
Wash 35-18-5……25-24-8………….60-43

Orioles 24-31-5……..26-27-5………50-58
Boston 25-27-8………27-28-2……..52-55
White Sox 19-32-8………21-32–3……..40-63
Cleveland 31-20-7……..28-21-7……..59-41
Detroit 22-30-9…….26-25-6……..48-55
Astros 29-23-8……..36-19-4……..65-42
KC 23-27-8………23-24-12…….46-51
Angels 22-29-8………26-22-12……..48-51
Twins 33-16-9………25-29-6……..58-44
NYY 23-33-5……….29-23-4…..…52-56
A’s 21-28-7……..25-29-10……..46-57
Seattle 20-29-8……..32-22-9……..52-51
TB 28-21-10……..33-18-8……..61-39
Texas 28-21-10……..27-23-8………55-44
Toronto 23-32-3……..23-28-8……..46-60

%age of times teams score in first inning (road/home/total- 8/14/17)
Ariz 17-56……..21-61………..37
Atl 13-59……..16-56………..29
Cubs 15-61……..21-56…………36
Reds 23-59……..24-59……….47
Colo 16-61……..20-57..…….36
LA 17-54……..24-62..……..41
Miami 24-58……..20-59………44
Milw 20-57……25-63…..…..45
Mets 25-58……..19-58……….44
Philly 16-61……..16-56……….32
Pitt 18-60……..18-58……….36
StL 12-56……..19-61………..31
SD 23-61……..17-57…………40
SF 15-61……..17-59…………32
Wash 24-58……..23-58……….47

Orioles 11-61……..19-59………30
Boston 18-61……..13-57………..31
White Sox 16-59……13-56……….29
Clev 12-58……..19-58………31
Detroit 15-61…….24-58………39
Astros 17-60……..24-58……….41
KC 14-59……..10-59………..24
Angels 21-61…….15-60………..35
Twins 13-56……..13-59……….26
NYY 13-61……..16-56………29
A’s 13-56……..24-64………37
Seattle 19-56…….22-65………41
TB 18-59……..20-61……..38
Texas 22-59……..26-57………48
Toronto 19-58……..17-62………36

[StarDust Bum]

August Best Bets Based on 5 Units Per Play

Best Bets

Date.........................Ats.................. ..........Totals................ Units Record

08/14/2017................1 - 6.........- 4.95.................4 - 7 - 0....................- 3.70
08/13/2017................1 - 5.........- 4.35.................6 - 4 - 2...................+ 1.60
08/12/2017................2 - 3.........- 0.45.................6 - 3 - 0...................+ 2.70
08/11/2017................4 - 3.....,...+5.70.................6 - 5 - 1...................+ 0.50
08/10/2017................4 - 2........+ 3.53.................4 - 7 - 0....................- 3.70
08/09/2017................5 - 5........+ 3.10.................2 - 2 - 0....................- 0.20
08/08/2017................4 - 4........+ 1.30.................6 - 7 - 2....................- 1.70
08/07/2017................1 - 3.........- 1.95.................3 - 1 - 2...................+ 1.90
08/06/2017................3 - 7.........- 3.15.................4 - 3 - 1...................+ 0.70
08/05/2017................5 - 5........+ 1.40...............10 - 2 - 1...................+ 7.80
08/04/2017................4 - 3........+ 1.70.................5 - 5 - 0....................- 0.50
08/03/2017................4 - 4........+ 1.10.................4 - 2 - 1....................+1.80
08/02/2017................2 - 0........+ 2.90.................5 - 6 - 1......................-1.60
08/01/2017................0 - 1.........- 1.00.................1 - 7 - 1......................-6.60

Totals:...................40 - 51........+ 4,88..............66 - 58 - 11...................+ 0.00

[StarDust Bum]

MLB

Tuesday, August 15

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

3:40 PM
HOUSTON vs. ARIZONA
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Houston's last 6 games
Houston is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games when playing on the road against Arizona
Arizona is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games at home
Arizona is 3-7 SU in its last 10 games when playing Houston

7:05 PM
NY METS vs. NY YANKEES
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of NY Mets's last 8 games
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of NY Mets's last 6 games on the road
NY Yankees are 5-2 SU in their last 7 games when playing NY Mets
The total has gone OVER in 4 of NY Yankees's last 6 games when playing NY Mets

7:05 PM
LA ANGELS vs. WASHINGTON
LA Angels are 6-2 SU in their last 8 games when playing Washington
LA Angels are 6-1 SU in their last 7 games on the road
Washington is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Washington's last 5 games when playing at home against LA Angels

7:07 PM
TAMPA BAY vs. TORONTO
Tampa Bay is 2-6 SU in its last 8 games when playing Toronto
Tampa Bay is 1-6 SU in its last 7 games
Toronto is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games when playing at home against Tampa Bay
Toronto is 6-2 SU in its last 8 games when playing Tampa Bay

7:10 PM
SAN FRANCISCO vs. MIAMI
The total has gone OVER in 10 of San Francisco's last 13 games when playing Miami
San Francisco is 1-5 SU in its last 6 games when playing Miami
Miami is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games
Miami is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games at home

7:10 PM
ST. LOUIS vs. BOSTON
The total has gone OVER in 5 of St. Louis's last 5 games
St. Louis is 8-1 SU in its last 9 games
Boston is 10-2 SU in its last 12 games
Boston is 6-1 SU in its last 7 games at home

7:40 PM
PITTSBURGH vs. MILWAUKEE
Pittsburgh is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games when playing Milwaukee
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Pittsburgh's last 5 games when playing Milwaukee
Milwaukee is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games when playing Pittsburgh
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Milwaukee's last 5 games when playing Pittsburgh

8:05 PM
CINCINNATI vs. CHI CUBS
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Cincinnati's last 5 games when playing on the road against Chi Cubs
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Cincinnati's last 5 games
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Chi Cubs's last 5 games when playing at home against Cincinnati
Chi Cubs are 12-4 SU in their last 16 games when playing Cincinnati

8:05 PM
DETROIT vs. TEXAS
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Detroit's last 6 games on the road
Detroit is 3-9 SU in its last 12 games when playing Texas
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Texas's last 5 games when playing at home against Detroit
Texas is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games when playing at home against Detroit

8:10 PM
CLEVELAND vs. MINNESOTA
Cleveland is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Cleveland's last 5 games when playing Minnesota
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Minnesota's last 5 games when playing at home against Cleveland
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Minnesota's last 6 games

8:40 PM
ATLANTA vs. COLORADO
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Atlanta's last 5 games when playing on the road against Colorado
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Atlanta's last 7 games when playing Colorado
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Colorado's last 5 games when playing at home against Atlanta
Colorado is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing at home against Atlanta

10:05 PM
KANSAS CITY vs. OAKLAND
The total has gone UNDER in 12 of Kansas City's last 17 games when playing on the road against Oakland
Kansas City is 6-2 SU in its last 8 games when playing on the road against Oakland
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Oakland's last 6 games
The total has gone UNDER in 12 of Oakland's last 17 games when playing at home against Kansas City

10:10 PM
PHILADELPHIA vs. SAN DIEGO
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Philadelphia's last 6 games on the road
Philadelphia is 5-2 SU in its last 7 games when playing on the road against San Diego
The total has gone OVER in 5 of San Diego's last 5 games when playing at home against Philadelphia
San Diego is 6-2 SU in its last 8 games at home

10:10 PM
CHI WHITE SOX vs. LA DODGERS
Chi White Sox are 4-2 SU in their last 6 games
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Chi White Sox's last 8 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 9 of LA Dodgers's last 13 games when playing Chi White Sox
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of LA Dodgers's last 9 games when playing at home against Chi White Sox

10:10 PM
BALTIMORE vs. SEATTLE
The total has gone UNDER in 13 of Baltimore's last 19 games
Baltimore is 1-6 SU in its last 7 games when playing on the road against Seattle
Seattle is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games at home
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Seattle's last 6 games when playing Baltimore

[StarDust Bum]

MLB (PROFESSIONAL)

DUNKEL'S HIGHLIGHTED GAME

Detroit at Texas - Tuesday August 15, 2017

The Tigers look to bounce back from last night’s 6-2 loss to the Rangers and come into tonight’s contest with a 5-1 record in Justin Verlander’s last 6 Tuesday starts. Detroit is the pick (-120) according to Dunkel, which has the Tigers favored by 3 1/2. Dunkel Pick: Detroit (-120).

TUESDAY AUGUST 15, 2017


Chicago White Sox
@
LA Dodgers

Game 979-980
August 15, 2017 @ 10:10 pm

Dunkel Rating: Chicago White Sox
(Gnzalez) 13.447
LA Dodgers
(Wood) 15.948
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total: LA Dodgers
by 2 1/2
10
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total: LA Dodgers
-340
8
Dunkel Pick: LA Dodgers
(-340); Over

St. Louis
@
Boston

Game 977-978
August 15, 2017 @ 7:10 pm

Dunkel Rating: St. Louis
(Leake) 17.440
Boston
(Porcello) 16.051
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total: St. Louis
by 1 1/2
11
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total: Boston
-135
10
Dunkel Pick: St. Louis
(+115); Over

LA Angels
@
Washington

Game 975-976
August 15, 2017 @ 7:05 pm

Dunkel Rating: LA Angels
(Skaggs) 18.343
Washington
(Gnzalez) 14.906
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total: LA Angels
by 3 1/2
11
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total: Washington
-130
8 1/2
Dunkel Pick: LA Angels
(+110); Over

NY Mets
@
NY Yankees

Game 973-974
August 15, 2017 @ 7:30 pm

Dunkel Rating: NY Mets
(deGrom) 17.032
NY Yankees
(Gray) 13.617
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total: NY Mets
by 3 1/2
7
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total: NY Yankees
-145
8
Dunkel Pick: NY Mets
(+125); Under

Houston
@
Arizona

Game 971-972
August 15, 2017 @ 3:40 pm

Dunkel Rating: Houston
(Peacock) 13.408
Arizona
(Banda) 14.973
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total: Arizona
by 1 1/2
7
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total: Houston
-115
9 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Arizona
(-105); Under

Baltimore
@
Seattle

Game 969-970
August 15, 2017 @ 10:10 pm

Dunkel Rating: Baltimore
(Miley) 16.194
Seattle
(Albers) 13.680
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total: Baltimore
by 2 1/2
12
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total: Baltimore
No Line
N/A
Dunkel Pick: Baltimore
N/A

Kansas City
@
Oakland

Game 967-968
August 15, 2017 @ 10:05 pm

Dunkel Rating: Kansas City
(Hammel) 16.144
Oakland
(Smith) 14.158
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total: Kansas City
by 1 1/2
7
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total: Kansas City
-120
9
Dunkel Pick: Kansas City
(-120); Under

Cleveland
@
Minnesota

Game 965-966
August 15, 2017 @ 8:10 pm

Dunkel Rating: Cleveland
(Salazar) 16.304
Minnesota
(Colon) 15.130
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total: Cleveland
by 1
11
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total: Cleveland
-175
9
Dunkel Pick: Cleveland
(-175); Over

Detroit
@
Texas

Game 963-964
August 15, 2017 @ 8:05 pm

Dunkel Rating: Detroit
(Verlnder) 16.292
Texas
(Griffin) 12.959
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total: Detroit
by 3 1/2
9
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total: Detroit
-120
10
Dunkel Pick: Detroit
(-120); Under

Tampa Bay
@
Toronto

Game 961-962
August 15, 2017 @ 7:05 pm

Dunkel Rating: Tampa Bay
(Snell) 15.850
Toronto
(Estrada) 13.604
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total: Tampa Bay
by 2
8
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total: Toronto
-135
9
Dunkel Pick: Tampa Bay
(+115); Under

Philadelphia
@
San Diego

Game 959-960
August 15, 2017 @ 10:10 pm

Dunkel Rating: Philadelphia
(Leiter) 16.292
San Diego
(Lamet) 12.959
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total: Philadelphia
by 3 1/2
11
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total: Philadelphia
No Line
N/A
Dunkel Pick: Philadelphia
N/A

Atlanta
@
Colorado

Game 957-958
August 15, 2017 @ 8:40 pm

Dunkel Rating: Atlanta
(Newcomb) 14.328
Colorado
(Freeland) 16.127
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total: Colorado
by 2
6
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total: Colorado
-140
11 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Colorado
(-140); Under

Cincinnati
@
Chicago Cubs

Game 955-956
August 15, 2017 @ 8:05 pm

Dunkel Rating: Cincinnati
(Castillo) 13.151
Chicago Cubs
(Hendricks) 17.078
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total: Chicago Cubs
by 4
12
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total: Chicago Cubs
-180
No Total
Dunkel Pick: Chicago Cubs
(-180); N/A

Pittsburgh
@
Milwaukee

Game 953-954
August 15, 2017 @ 7:40 pm

Dunkel Rating: Pittsburgh
(Nova) 15.585
Milwaukee
(Davies) 12.194
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total: Pittsburgh
by 3 1/2
11
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total: Milwaukee
-120
9
Dunkel Pick: Pittsburgh
(+100); Over

San Francisco
@
Miami

Game 951-952
August 15, 2017 @ 7:10 pm

Dunkel Rating: San Francisco
(Bmgrner) 15.179
Miami
(Straily) 16.319
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total: Miami
by 1
9
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total: San Francisco
-115
7 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Miami
(-105); Over

[StarDust Bum]

Tuesday's Diamond Notes
August 15, 2017

Hottest team: Angels (6-0 past six games, 12-4 past 16 overall)

The Angels have had tremendous injury difficulties, including the loss of All-Star OF Mike Trout for an extended period. However, they have persevered, and now find themselves right in the mix for a wild-card spot thanks to a six-game winning streak. Now, they'll head east to face a Nationals club missing its biggest star, OF Bryce Harper (knee). The Halos have won 35 of their past 52 against National League East teams, and they're 6-1 over their past seven against left-handed starting pitchers. They have also posted a 5-0 mark over their past five road outings vs. LHP. The Nationals have won four of the past five by Gio Gonzalez, but they're 0-4 over his past four interleague outings. The Nats are also 2-5 over Gio's past seven home outings.

Coldest team: Rays (0-4 past four games, 2-8 past 10 overall)

The Rays were in the mix for a playoff spot, but they have done a slow burn down the American League standings. They're not done yet, but they're also not playing very well. They need to pick on the dregs of the league, but they're just 2-6 over their past eight against teams with a losing overall record. They have also dropped six of their past seven within the division while going 3-7 over Blake Snell's past 10 starts. The Rays also haven't handled their business against right-handed pitchers, going 0-4 over the past four outings. Tampa Bay is 2-6 over their past eight against Toronto, too, and 1-4 in their past five in Toronto. If the Rays have anything going for them, though, it's that they're facing Marco Estrada. The Jays are 0-7 in Estrada's past seven starts vs. Tampa.

Hottest pitcher: Gio Gonzalez, Nationals (10-5, 2.59 ERA)

Gonzalez dominated his past two outings against the Marlins, but now he'll be tasked with facing one of the hottest teams in baseball, the Angels. Gonzalez has managed 138 strikeouts over 149 1/3 innings while posting an impressive .209 opponent batting average and 1.14 WHIP. The Nationals have rattled off wins in four of Gonzalez's past five starts, while going 5-1 over his past six at home against teams with a winning overallrecord. They're also 12-5 across their past 17 games after a day off. They're also 7-2 in Gonzalez's past nine outings against a team with a winning record.

Coldest pitcher: Rick Porcello, Red Sox (6-14, 4.63 ERA)

Porcello has started to trend in the right direction lately, but he is still allowing way too many homers. He has served up 28 home runs through 151 2/3 innings to tie for fourth-most in the majors, and he has the most among all starting pitchers working on Tuesday. Working at home has been a problem, as he is 4-8 with a 5.24 ERA across 13 starts at Fenway Park while opponents are hitting .306 against him across just 79 innings. He'll get a crack at the Cardinals, a team playing very well of late. St. Louis has won eight of their past nine outings. The good news is that the Red Sox are 8-0 over Porcello's past eight interleague starts, 4-0 in his past four starts with five days of rest and 20-9 over his past 29 at Fenway.

Biggest UNDER run: Indians (8-1-2 past 11 overall)

The Indians continue to thump the under lately, posting an 8-1-2 record over their past 11 outings. The under is also 5-0-1 in their past six against a right-handed starting pitcher, while going 32-15-6 across their past 53 road outings. For Cleveland, the under is 37-18-4 in their past 59 against a team with a winning record, as they continue to score few runs on offense while their pitchers allow even less. The under is also 4-1 in Danny Salazar's past five overall while hitting in four of the past five against a team with a winning record. The under is also 25-10-3 in the past 38 games for the Indians inside the division.

Biggest OVER run: Cardinals (8-0 past eight overall)

The 'over' has connected in eight consecutive outings for the Cards, while going 7-0 across their past seven against a right-handed starting pitcher. In addition, the over is an impressive 11-1 over their past 12 interleague games vs. RHP. The over is 12-3-1 in their past 16 interleague road starts while going 12-2 in their past 14 against American League opponents. The under is 7-1 in Mike Leake's past eight starts with five days of rest, while going 8-1-1 across the past 10 starts in the first game of a new series. The Red Sox have been cooperating with the over lately, too, going 3-1-1 in their past five while hitting in each of Porcello's past seven outings working on five days of rest.

Matchup to watch: Yankees vs. Mets

The Mets turn to Jacob deGrom looking to keep the Yankees down, going 9-2 over his past 11 starts. The Mets are also an impressive 4-1 over his past five outings against American League clubs while going 6-2 over his past eight while recording a quality start in his last appearance. The Yankees look to stay hot, especially in interleague play. The Bronx Bombers have posted an 8-2 mark in their past 10 interleague games against a team with a losing record, 4-1 in their past five interleague games and 9-3 in their past 12 against NL East foes. The Yankees are also an impressive 47-22 in their past 69 interleague home outings against a team with a losing overall record. The Mets have posted just two wins in their past seven tries against their Big Apple rivals, while the 'over' is 5-2-1 in the past eight meetings at 'The Stadium'.

Betcha didn’t know: The White Sox appeared to throw in the towel earlier in July, trading several key veteran pieces with an eye on the future. However, some of those younger players getting a shot are already starting to pay big dividends. Perhaps the future is quite bright on the south side. Rookie Nicky Delmonico is the first player in Chicago's long and storied franchise history to reach base in each of his first 12 major league games. He has posted an impressive .364 average with six runs scored, a home run and six RBI across 44 at-bats. The Pale Hose will certainly have their hands ful against a Dodgers squad which has won 48 of their past 57 outings, including 44 of their past 54 at Dodger Stadium.

Biggest public favorite: Dodgers (-350) vs. White Sox

Biggest public underdog: Mets (+145) at Yankees

Biggest line move: Reds (+195 to +175) at Cubs

[StarDust Bum]

MLB
Long Sheet

Tuesday, August 15

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

SAN FRANCISCO (47 - 73) at MIAMI (57 - 60) - 7:10 PM
MADISON BUMGARNER (L) vs. DANIEL STRAILY (R)
Top Trends for this game.
SAN FRANCISCO is 47-73 (-29.1 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
SAN FRANCISCO is 45-56 (-21.6 Units) against the money line when the total is 8 to 8.5 over the last 2 seasons.
SAN FRANCISCO is 10-19 (-9.7 Units) against the money line on the road when the money line is +125 to -125 this season.
SAN FRANCISCO is 20-41 (-20.1 Units) against the money line in road games this season.
SAN FRANCISCO is 30-47 (-17.9 Units) against the money line in night games this season.
SAN FRANCISCO is 31-50 (-23.7 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.
SAN FRANCISCO is 16-34 (-24.4 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record this season.
SAN FRANCISCO is 28-35 (-24.6 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.
BUMGARNER is 2-8 (-10.0 Units) against the money line in all games this season. (Team's Record)
BUMGARNER is 1-7 (-9.6 Units) against the money line in night games this season. (Team's Record)
BUMGARNER is 10-12 (-13.9 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
MIAMI is 57-60 (+1.2 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
MIAMI is 6-0 (+7.0 Units) against the money line in home games in August games this season.
MIAMI is 32-26 (+11.6 Units) against the money line against left-handed starters over the last 2 seasons.
MIAMI is 15-8 (+8.9 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record in the second half of the season this season.
STRAILY is 31-24 (+12.4 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
STRAILY is 19-9 (+11.8 Units) against the money line in home games over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)

Head-to-Head Series History
MIAMI is 4-0 (+4.5 Units) against SAN FRANCISCO this season
3 of 4 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+2.0 Units)

MADISON BUMGARNER vs. MIAMI since 1997
BUMGARNER is 1-3 when starting against MIAMI with an ERA of 4.76 and a WHIP of 1.441.
His team's record is 1-5 (-5.9 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 1-5. (-5.0 units)

DANIEL STRAILY vs. SAN FRANCISCO since 1997
STRAILY is 4-0 when starting against SAN FRANCISCO with an ERA of 1.91 and a WHIP of 0.741.
His team's record is 4-0 (+5.2 units) in these starts. The OVER is 1-3. (-2.2 units)

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

PITTSBURGH (58 - 60) at MILWAUKEE (61 - 59) - 7:40 PM
IVAN NOVA (R) vs. ZACH DAVIES (R)
Top Trends for this game.
PITTSBURGH is 88-106 (-31.2 Units) against the money line against division opponents over the last 3 seasons.
PITTSBURGH is 36-43 (-10.2 Units) against the money line in night games this season.
PITTSBURGH is 101-118 (-29.3 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters over the last 2 seasons.
MILWAUKEE is 61-59 (+9.4 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
MILWAUKEE is 46-34 (+12.7 Units) against the money line at home when the total is 9 to 9.5 over the last 2 seasons.
MILWAUKEE is 40-36 (+9.8 Units) against the money line in night games this season.
MILWAUKEE is 48-47 (+5.8 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.
DAVIES is 15-9 (+7.8 Units) against the money line in all games this season. (Team's Record)
DAVIES is 9-1 (+9.7 Units) against the money line after a win this season. (Team's Record)
PITTSBURGH is 117-126 (+27.5 Units) against the money line in road games when playing on Tuesday since 1997.

Head-to-Head Series History
PITTSBURGH is 8-3 (+5.0 Units) against MILWAUKEE this season
8 of 9 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+6.8 Units)

IVAN NOVA vs. MILWAUKEE since 1997
NOVA is 2-1 when starting against MILWAUKEE with an ERA of 3.60 and a WHIP of 1.320.
His team's record is 2-2 (-0.9 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 3-1. (+1.9 units)

ZACH DAVIES vs. PITTSBURGH since 1997
DAVIES is 1-3 when starting against PITTSBURGH with an ERA of 7.71 and a WHIP of 2.000.
His team's record is 2-4 (-1.9 units) in these starts. The OVER is 4-1. (+3.1 units)

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

CINCINNATI (49 - 70) at CHICAGO CUBS (62 - 55) - 8:05 PM
LUIS CASTILLO (R) vs. KYLE HENDRICKS (R)
Top Trends for this game.
CHICAGO CUBS are 62-55 (-17.8 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
CHICAGO CUBS are 30-26 (-13.5 Units) against the money line in home games this season.
CHICAGO CUBS are 266-318 (-67.9 Units) against the money line in August games since 1997.
CHICAGO CUBS are 236-273 (-69.2 Units) against the money line when playing on Tuesday since 1997.
CHICAGO CUBS are 413-374 (-83.3 Units) against the money line in home games against division opponents since 1997.
CHICAGO CUBS are 43-45 (-24.6 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.
CHICAGO CUBS are 30-31 (-15.2 Units) against the money line after a win this season.
CHICAGO CUBS are 810-766 (-159.7 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record since 1997.
CHICAGO CUBS are 240-199 (-49.6 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 7-3 (+3.1 Units) against CINCINNATI this season
7 of 10 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+3.9 Units)

LUIS CASTILLO vs. CHICAGO CUBS since 1997
No recent starts.

KYLE HENDRICKS vs. CINCINNATI since 1997
HENDRICKS is 4-1 when starting against CINCINNATI with an ERA of 3.81 and a WHIP of 1.269.
His team's record is 7-2 (+4.0 units) in these starts. The OVER is 7-2. (+5.0 units)

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

ATLANTA (52 - 64) at COLORADO (66 - 52) - 8:40 PM
SEAN NEWCOMB (L) vs. KYLE FREELAND (L)
Top Trends for this game.
COLORADO is 66-52 (+15.1 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
COLORADO is 36-21 (+11.9 Units) against the money line in home games this season.
COLORADO is 20-13 (+10.4 Units) against the money line against left-handed starters this season.
FREELAND is 14-7 (+7.6 Units) against the money line in all games this season. (Team's Record)
ATLANTA is 120-157 (+3.0 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
ATLANTA is 63-77 (+20.9 Units) against the money line in road games over the last 2 seasons.
ATLANTA is 46-49 (+23.5 Units) against the money line in road games in night games over the last 2 seasons.
ATLANTA is 57-77 (+13.0 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.

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

SEAN NEWCOMB vs. COLORADO since 1997
No recent starts.

KYLE FREELAND vs. ATLANTA since 1997
No recent starts.

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

PHILADELPHIA (43 - 73) at SAN DIEGO (52 - 66) - 10:10 PM
MARK LEITER JR. (R) vs. DINELSON LAMET (R)
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

Head-to-Head Series History
SAN DIEGO is 3-1 (+2.3 Units) against PHILADELPHIA this season
3 of 4 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+1.9 Units)

MARK LEITER JR. vs. SAN DIEGO since 1997
No recent starts.

DINELSON LAMET vs. PHILADELPHIA since 1997
No recent starts.

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

TAMPA BAY (59 - 61) at TORONTO (57 - 61) - 7:05 PM
BLAKE SNELL (L) vs. MARCO ESTRADA (R)
Top Trends for this game.
TAMPA BAY is 127-154 (-32.9 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
TAMPA BAY is 79-101 (-26.6 Units) against the money line in night games over the last 2 seasons.
TAMPA BAY is 94-108 (-21.2 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters over the last 2 seasons.
TAMPA BAY is 67-86 (-21.5 Units) against the money line after a loss over the last 2 seasons.
TAMPA BAY is 8-1 (+8.6 Units) against the money line in road games when playing on Tuesday this season.
TORONTO is 57-61 (-14.0 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
TORONTO is 10-14 (-10.7 Units) against the money line as a home favorite of -125 to -175 this season.
TORONTO is 32-42 (-17.7 Units) against the money line in night games this season.
TORONTO is 11-17 (-10.2 Units) against the money line against left-handed starters this season.
TORONTO is 23-34 (-17.0 Units) against the money line after a win this season.
TORONTO is 25-28 (-12.6 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
TORONTO is 7-6 (+0.5 Units) against TAMPA BAY this season
7 of 13 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+0.4 Units)

BLAKE SNELL vs. TORONTO since 1997
SNELL is 1-2 when starting against TORONTO with an ERA of 4.65 and a WHIP of 1.603.
His team's record is 2-2 (+0.4 units) in these starts. The OVER is 2-2. (-0.2 units)

MARCO ESTRADA vs. TAMPA BAY since 1997
ESTRADA is 1-6 when starting against TAMPA BAY with an ERA of 4.92 and a WHIP of 1.208.
His team's record is 2-7 (-7.4 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 3-5. (-2.1 units)

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

DETROIT (53 - 65) at TEXAS (57 - 60) - 8:05 PM
JUSTIN VERLANDER (R) vs. A.J. GRIFFIN (R)
Top Trends for this game.
DETROIT is 53-65 (-12.1 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
DETROIT is 330-419 (-93.4 Units) against the money line on the road when the money line is +125 to -125 since 1997.
DETROIT is 31-47 (-15.5 Units) against the money line in night games this season.
DETROIT is 36-50 (-12.9 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.
DETROIT is 23-32 (-11.2 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record this season.
VERLANDER is 61-75 (-25.3 Units) against the money line in road games in night games since 1997. (Team's Record)
VERLANDER is 11-20 (-12.5 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
TEXAS is 152-130 (+25.3 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
TEXAS is 42-28 (+14.8 Units) against the money line at home when the money line is +125 to -125 over the last 2 seasons.
TEXAS is 84-57 (+15.1 Units) against the money line in home games over the last 2 seasons.
TEXAS is 43-25 (+18.0 Units) against the money line in August games over the last 3 seasons.
TEXAS is 41-27 (+19.9 Units) against the money line when playing on Tuesday over the last 3 seasons.
TEXAS is 111-91 (+22.2 Units) against the money line in night games over the last 2 seasons.
TEXAS is 117-97 (+21.6 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters over the last 2 seasons.
TEXAS is 85-66 (+18.6 Units) against the money line after a win over the last 2 seasons.
GRIFFIN is 23-10 (+16.2 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
GRIFFIN is 12-2 (+10.0 Units) against the money line at home when the money line is +125 to -125 since 1997. (Team's Record)
GRIFFIN is 29-8 (+19.2 Units) against the money line in home games since 1997. (Team's Record)
GRIFFIN is 17-6 (+14.8 Units) against the money line in night games over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
GRIFFIN is 29-12 (+16.9 Units) against the money line after a win since 1997. (Team's Record)

Head-to-Head Series History
TEXAS is 3-1 (+2.3 Units) against DETROIT this season
3 of 4 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+2.0 Units)

JUSTIN VERLANDER vs. TEXAS since 1997
VERLANDER is 11-6 when starting against TEXAS with an ERA of 3.03 and a WHIP of 1.147.
His team's record is 12-8 (+2.4 units) in these starts. The OVER is 9-10. (-1.9 units)

A.J. GRIFFIN vs. DETROIT since 1997
GRIFFIN is 1-3 when starting against DETROIT with an ERA of 9.55 and a WHIP of 1.939.
His team's record is 3-3 (+0.2 units) in these starts. The OVER is 4-1. (+2.9 units)

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

CLEVELAND (64 - 52) at MINNESOTA (59 - 57) - 8:10 PM
DANNY SALAZAR (R) vs. BARTOLO COLON (R)
Top Trends for this game.
CLEVELAND is 64-52 (-18.6 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
CLEVELAND is 45-50 (-23.3 Units) against the money line when the total is 9 to 9.5 over the last 3 seasons.
CLEVELAND is 41-36 (-14.7 Units) against the money line in night games this season.
MINNESOTA is 59-57 (+5.7 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
MINNESOTA is 39-30 (+11.3 Units) against the money line in night games this season.
MINNESOTA is 44-40 (+7.2 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.
COLON is 14-6 (+11.7 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
MINNESOTA is 57-84 (-30.9 Units) against the money line in home games over the last 2 seasons.
MINNESOTA is 126-145 (-39.6 Units) against the money line in home games in August games since 1997.
MINNESOTA is 7-17 (-12.0 Units) against the money line in home games when playing with a day off over the last 2 seasons.
MINNESOTA is 21-41 (-22.1 Units) against the money line in home games against division opponents over the last 2 seasons.
MINNESOTA is 11-18 (-10.0 Units) against the money line in home games after a win this season.
MINNESOTA is 24-44 (-18.0 Units) against the money line in home games when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.
COLON is 97-88 (-27.8 Units) against the money line in home games in night games since 1997. (Team's Record)

Head-to-Head Series History
MINNESOTA is 5-8 (+0.3 Units) against CLEVELAND this season
10 of 13 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+6.8 Units)

DANNY SALAZAR vs. MINNESOTA since 1997
SALAZAR is 4-3 when starting against MINNESOTA with an ERA of 4.45 and a WHIP of 1.412.
His team's record is 7-4 (+1.0 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 6-5. (+0.3 units)

BARTOLO COLON vs. CLEVELAND since 1997
COLON is 7-4 when starting against CLEVELAND with an ERA of 3.81 and a WHIP of 1.218.
His team's record is 8-4 (+2.8 units) in these starts. The OVER is 4-7. (-3.6 units)

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

KANSAS CITY (60 - 58) at OAKLAND (52 - 67) - 10:05 PM
JASON HAMMEL (R) vs. CHRIS SMITH (R)
Top Trends for this game.
HAMMEL is 23-46 (-25.2 Units) against the money line in road games after a win since 1997. (Team's Record)
HAMMEL is 16-22 (-14.4 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
KANSAS CITY is 60-58 (+8.3 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
KANSAS CITY is 44-27 (+16.5 Units) against the money line in August games over the last 3 seasons.
KANSAS CITY is 45-39 (+10.6 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.
KANSAS CITY is 34-26 (+12.1 Units) against the money line after a win this season.
KANSAS CITY is 25-15 (+11.4 Units) against the money line after 3 or more consecutive wins over the last 2 seasons.
OAKLAND is 121-160 (-26.3 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
OAKLAND is 18-32 (-11.8 Units) against the money line when the total is 9 to 9.5 this season.
OAKLAND is 101-124 (-34.5 Units) against the money line in home games over the last 3 seasons.
OAKLAND is 29-45 (-11.6 Units) against the money line in night games this season.
OAKLAND is 68-84 (-25.3 Units) against the money line in home games against right-handed starters over the last 3 seasons.
OAKLAND is 61-99 (-32.8 Units) against the money line after a loss over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
OAKLAND is 2-2 (-0.2 Units) against KANSAS CITY this season
3 of 4 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+2.0 Units)

JASON HAMMEL vs. OAKLAND since 1997
HAMMEL is 2-2 when starting against OAKLAND with an ERA of 5.14 and a WHIP of 1.429.
His team's record is 2-2 (+0.4 units) in these starts. The OVER is 3-1. (+2.2 units)

CHRIS SMITH vs. KANSAS CITY since 1997
No recent starts.

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

BALTIMORE (59 - 60) at SEATTLE (59 - 61) - 10:10 PM
WADE MILEY (L) vs. ANDREW ALBERS (L)
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

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

WADE MILEY vs. SEATTLE since 1997
MILEY is 2-0 when starting against SEATTLE with an ERA of 1.93 and a WHIP of 1.143.
His team's record is 2-0 (+2.2 units) in these starts. The OVER is 1-1. (-0.2 units)

ANDREW ALBERS vs. BALTIMORE since 1997
No recent starts.

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

HOUSTON (72 - 46) at ARIZONA (66 - 52) - 3:40 PM
BRAD PEACOCK (R) vs. ANTHONY BANDA (L)
Top Trends for this game.
HOUSTON is 3-10 (-12.4 Units) against the money line in August games this season.
HOUSTON is 42-44 (-17.6 Units) against the money line against left-handed starters over the last 2 seasons.
ARIZONA is 66-52 (+12.1 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
ARIZONA is 28-15 (+11.8 Units) against the money line when the total is 9 to 9.5 this season.
ARIZONA is 39-22 (+13.4 Units) against the money line in home games this season.
ARIZONA is 21-9 (+11.4 Units) against the money line at home when the total is 9 to 9.5 this season.
ARIZONA is 10-1 (+10.0 Units) against the money line in an inter-league game this season.
ARIZONA is 53-38 (+12.1 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.
ARIZONA is 38-27 (+9.2 Units) against the money line after a win this season.
HOUSTON is 72-46 (+8.1 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
HOUSTON is 21-11 (+9.2 Units) against the money line on the road when the money line is +125 to -125 this season.
HOUSTON is 39-21 (+12.5 Units) against the money line in road games this season.
HOUSTON is 36-15 (+18.3 Units) against the money line in an inter-league game over the last 3 seasons.

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

BRAD PEACOCK vs. ARIZONA since 1997
PEACOCK is 0-0 when starting against ARIZONA with an ERA of 1.50 and a WHIP of 1.000.
His team's record is 0-1 (-1.0 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 1-0. (+1.0 units)

ANTHONY BANDA vs. HOUSTON since 1997
No recent starts.

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

NY METS (53 - 63) at NY YANKEES (62 - 55) - 7:05 PM
JACOB DEGROM (R) vs. SONNY GRAY (R)
Top Trends for this game.
NY METS are 53-63 (-18.1 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
NY METS are 41-49 (-16.8 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.
NY METS are 10-29 (-20.1 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record this season.
NY YANKEES are 55-30 (+14.3 Units) against the money line in home games in night games over the last 2 seasons.
NY METS are 429-441 (+36.7 Units) against the money line in road games after a loss since 1997.
NY YANKEES are 62-55 (-8.2 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
NY YANKEES are 24-26 (-12.8 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record this season.
GRAY is 15-25 (-12.9 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
GRAY is 5-14 (-13.1 Units) against the money line in August games since 1997. (Team's Record)
GRAY is 7-18 (-14.2 Units) against the money line in night games over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
GRAY is 6-14 (-10.5 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 1-0 (+1.0 Units) against NY METS this season
1 of 1 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+1.0 Units)

JACOB DEGROM vs. NY YANKEES since 1997
DEGROM is 1-2 when starting against NY YANKEES with an ERA of 3.32 and a WHIP of 1.105.
His team's record is 1-2 (-1.0 units) in these starts. The OVER is 1-1. (+0.1 units)

SONNY GRAY vs. NY METS since 1997
No recent starts.

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

LA ANGELS (61 - 58) at WASHINGTON (70 - 46) - 7:05 PM
TYLER SKAGGS (L) vs. GIO GONZALEZ (L)
Top Trends for this game.
WASHINGTON is 48-22 (+18.6 Units) against the money line in night games this season.
LA ANGELS are 61-58 (+11.0 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
LA ANGELS are 536-509 (+49.8 Units) against the money line in road games since 1997.
LA ANGELS are 14-4 (+12.2 Units) against the money line when playing on Tuesday this season.
LA ANGELS are 47-41 (+10.7 Units) against the money line in night games this season.
LA ANGELS are 21-16 (+8.0 Units) against the money line against left-handed starters this season.
LA ANGELS are 24-23 (+9.2 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record this season.
WASHINGTON is 179-158 (-51.8 Units) against the money line as a home favorite of -125 to -175 since 1997.
WASHINGTON is 16-18 (-12.6 Units) against the money line in home games after a win this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
WASHINGTON is 1-1 (+0.2 Units) against LA ANGELS this season
2 of 2 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+2.1 Units)

TYLER SKAGGS vs. WASHINGTON since 1997
SKAGGS is 1-0 when starting against WASHINGTON with an ERA of 2.57 and a WHIP of 1.000.
His team's record is 1-0 (+1.1 units) in these starts. The OVER is 1-0. (+1.0 units)

GIO GONZALEZ vs. LA ANGELS since 1997
GONZALEZ is 7-3 when starting against LA ANGELS with an ERA of 2.92 and a WHIP of 1.127.
His team's record is 9-3 (+9.1 units) in these starts. The OVER is 7-5. (+1.7 units)

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

ST LOUIS (61 - 57) at BOSTON (67 - 51) - 7:10 PM
MIKE LEAKE (R) vs. RICK PORCELLO (R)
Top Trends for this game.
ST LOUIS is 4-12 (-10.4 Units) against the money line when playing with a day off this season.
BOSTON is 14-2 (+12.8 Units) against the money line when playing on Tuesday this season.
BOSTON is 17-4 (+11.7 Units) against the money line in home games after a loss this season.
ST LOUIS is 74-63 (+13.5 Units) against the money line in road games over the last 2 seasons.
ST LOUIS is 53-42 (+12.2 Units) against the money line in road games in night games over the last 2 seasons.
ST LOUIS is 440-397 (+52.3 Units) against the money line in road games after a loss since 1997.
ST LOUIS is 33-27 (+13.7 Units) against the money line in road games when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.
BOSTON is 52-51 (-13.9 Units) against the money line when the total is 9 to 9.5 over the last 2 seasons.
BOSTON is 363-288 (-47.5 Units) against the money line at home when the total is 9 to 9.5 since 1997.
BOSTON is 52-54 (-19.4 Units) against the money line in home games when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 3 seasons.
BOSTON is 221-226 (-65.6 Units) against the money line in home games when playing against a team with a winning record in the second half of the season since 1997.
PORCELLO is 10-14 (-8.6 Units) against the money line in all games this season. (Team's Record)
PORCELLO is 3-8 (-7.4 Units) against the money line when the total is 9 to 9.5 this season. (Team's Record)

Head-to-Head Series History
BOSTON is 2-0 (+2.0 Units) against ST LOUIS this season
2 of 2 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+2.0 Units)

MIKE LEAKE vs. BOSTON since 1997
LEAKE is 0-1 when starting against BOSTON with an ERA of 4.26 and a WHIP of 1.368.
His team's record is 0-3 (-3.4 units) in these starts. The OVER is 2-1. (+1.1 units)

RICK PORCELLO vs. ST LOUIS since 1997
PORCELLO is 1-1 when starting against ST LOUIS with an ERA of 3.37 and a WHIP of 1.768.
His team's record is 2-1 (+0.8 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 1-2. (-1.0 units)

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

CHI WHITE SOX (45 - 70) at LA DODGERS (83 - 34) - 10:10 PM
MIGUEL GONZALEZ (R) vs. ALEX WOOD (L)
Top Trends for this game.
CHI WHITE SOX are 26-55 (-20.9 Units) against the money line in road games after a loss over the last 2 seasons.
LA DODGERS are 83-34 (+30.7 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
LA DODGERS are 49-14 (+23.0 Units) against the money line in home games this season.
LA DODGERS are 36-8 (+22.4 Units) against the money line at home when the total is 8 to 8.5 over the last 2 seasons.
LA DODGERS are 55-23 (+20.8 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.
LA DODGERS are 58-24 (+20.9 Units) against the money line after a win this season.
LA DODGERS are 43-13 (+19.9 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record this season.
LA DODGERS are 100-121 (-36.9 Units) against the money line in an inter-league game since 1997.
WOOD is 28-32 (-17.2 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record since 1997. (Team's Record)

Head-to-Head Series History
LA DODGERS is 2-0 (+2.0 Units) against CHI WHITE SOX this season
1 of 2 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=-0.1 Units, Under=-0.2 Units)

MIGUEL GONZALEZ vs. LA DODGERS since 1997
GONZALEZ is 0-1 when starting against LA DODGERS with an ERA of 1.50 and a WHIP of 1.667.
His team's record is 0-1 (-1.0 units) in these starts. The OVER is 0-1. (-1.1 units)

ALEX WOOD vs. CHI WHITE SOX since 1997
No recent starts.

[StarDust Bum]

TUESDAY, AUGUST 15

GAME TIME(ET) PICK UNITS

HOU at ARI 03:40 PM

U 9.5

NYM at NYY 07:05 PM

NYM +120

U 8.0

LAA at WAS 07:05 PM

U 8.5

TB at TOR 07:07 PM

TB +100

SF at MIA 07:10 PM

U 7.5

STL at BOS 07:10 PM

STL +115

O 10.0

PIT at MIL 07:40 PM

U 9.0

DET at TEX 08:05 PM

O 10.5

CIN at CHC 08:05 PM

CIN +160

CLE at MIN 08:10 PM

MIN +150

ATL at COL 08:40 PM

U 11.5

KC at OAK 10:05 PM

O 9.0

CHW at LAD 10:10 PM

CHW +270

BAL at SEA 10:10 PM

SEA +110

O 9.0

PHI at SD 10:10 PM

PHI +125

O 8.0

[StarDust Bum]

Baseball Capsules
August 15, 2017

MIAMI (AP) Giancarlo Stanton homered in his sixth consecutive game to give him a major league-leading 44, but the Miami Marlins fell 9-4 to the San Francisco Giants on Tuesday night.

Stanton hit a solo shot to deep left-center field off Madison Bumgarner (3-5) in the third inning, tying the game at 2. He has 11 homers in his past 12 games, and 23 in the past 35. Only Sammy Sosa (25 in 1998) and Barry Bonds (24 in 2001) have hit more in that span, according to Elias.

He is two games from tying the major league record of hitting a home run in eight straight set by Dale Long (1956), Don Mattingly (1987), and Ken Griffey Jr. (1993).

Stanton will look to make it seven straight on Wednesday in the series finale. The Giants will start right-hander Matt Cain. Stanton has four home runs in 22 at-bats against Cain.

RED SOX 10, CARDINALS 4

BOSTON (AP) - Xander Bogaerts had three hits, Hanley Ramirez, Sandy Leon and Jackie Bradley Jr. all added two RBIs and Boston beat St. Louis.

Boston blew the game open courtesy of a wild fifth inning, tallying eight hits and eight runs against Cardinals starter Mike Leake and reliever Matt Bowman. It came an inning after the Red Sox turned their first triple play in six years .

The Red Sox have won 11 of their past 13.

Rick Porcello (7-14) was mostly able to cruise, giving up eight hits and three runs over seven innings to pick up the victory. He has won his past three starts after going winless for more than a month.

Leake (7-11) got the loss and has failed to win in his past four starts.

NATIONALS 3, ANGELS 1

WASHINGTON (AP) - Gio Gonzalez allowed two hits in six scoreless innings, Howie Kendrick hit two solo home runs and Washington snapped Los Angeles' winning streak at six.

Gonzalez (11-5) struck out four and issued three walks in lowering his home ERA to 1.79, now the best in baseball. The left-hander, who was three outs from a no-hitter July 31 at Miami, allowed his first hit two hits into the fifth against the Angels.

Los Angeles, which had climbed into an AL wild-card spot during its streak, lost for the first time since Aug. 7. Tyler Skaggs (1-3) allowed the two home runs to Kendrick and five other hits while striking out six in five innings.

Sean Doolittle picked up his 12th save of the season and his ninth with Washington.

INDIANS 8, TWINS 1

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) - Carlos Santana hit two of Cleveland's five home runs and Danny Salazar continued his strong second-half stretch in the Indians' victory over Minnesota.

Santana, Jason Kipnis and Edwin Encarnacion all hit solo homers off Bartolo Colon (4-10) as Cleveland won its fifth straight overall and stayed unbeaten in eight games in Minnesota this season. Austin Jackson added a three-run shot and Santana homered from both sides of the plate for the Indians, who have outscored the Twins 56-16 at Target Field this season.

Salazar (5-5) cruised through seven innings, allowing one run and three hits. He struck out 10 while running his mark to 2-0 with a 1.39 ERA and 46 strikeouts in 32 1/3 innings in five starts since coming off the disabled list on July 22.

YANKEES 5, METS 4

NEW YORK (AP) - Sonny Gray outpitched Jacob deGrom, Jacoby Ellsbury and Gary Sanchez homered, and the Yankees held off the Mets to sweep both Subway Series games in the Bronx.

Despite another late stumble by closer Aroldis Chapman, the Yankees kept the Empire State Building lit up in pinstripes with the win. The Mets will try to change the color scheme to blue and orange when the rivalry now shifts to Citi Field for two games beginning Wednesday night.

Gray (7-7) earned his first win in three starts since being traded from Oakland to a playoff contender. He blanked the Mets on four singles until the seventh inning, when he issued a leadoff walk and rookie Dominic Smith followed with his first major league homer.

Chapman gave up an infield single to pinch-hitter Jose Reyes and a two-run homer by rookie Amed Rosario in the ninth, then got two more outs for his 16th save in 20 chances.

DeGrom (13-6) gave up more than four earned runs for the first time in 12 starts.

BRAVES 4, ROCKIES 3

DENVER (AP) - Brandon Phillips scored the go-ahead run on a rare error by Nolan Arenado, and Atlanta beat Colorado.

Nick Markakis homered for the Braves, who snapped an 11-game skid in Denver.

The game was tied in the eighth when Phillips reached on a one-out double off Pat Neshek (3-3). One out later Tyler Flowers hit a routine grounder to Arenado at third base, but his throw to first was off line and skipped away from Mark Reynolds, allowing Phillips to score from second.

Arenado, who has won the Gold Glove at third in each of his four seasons, has five errors in 306 total chances this season.

Sam Freeman (2-0) pitched the seventh and Arodys Vizcaino worked the ninth for his seventh save.

RANGERS 10, TIGERS 4

ARLINGTON, Texas (AP) - Joey Gallo and Mike Napoli hit back-to-back homers and Texas beat Detroit to end Justin Verlander's three-game winning streak.

The Rangers had just gone ahead 2-1 on Nomar Mazara's RBI single in the fourth inning when Gallo hit his 34th homer, a towering drive that landed in the second deck of seats in right-center above the Texas bullpen and was estimated at 459 feet.

Napoli followed with a 416-foot shot to left for his 24th homer, and added a two-run single in the Rangers' four-run eighth.

Robinson Chirinos also went deep off Verlander (8-8), who struck out eight without any walks while allowing five runs in six innings.

A.J. Griffin (6-3) allowed one run and struck out four in five innings.

REDS 2, CUBS 1

CHICAGO (AP) - Scooter Gennett's sacrifice fly drove in Joey Votto to break a scoreless tie in the eighth, and Billy Hamilton singled in a run in the ninth and Cincinnati edged Chicago.

After Votto walked for the third time and advanced to third on Adam Duvall's single off reliever Pedro Strop (3-3), Gennett smacked a line drive to right that Jason Heyward caught on the run.

Cincinnati rookie Luis Castillo allowed only two hits over six innings. Chicago remained 1+ games ahead of both St. Louis and Milwaukee in the NL Central.

Ben Zobrist singled in a run in the ninth off Raisel Iglesias to cut the Reds' lead to 2-1, but Iglesias worked around three hits in the ninth for his 21st save in 22 chances.

Michael Lorenzen (7-2) pitched a scoreless seventh for the win.

ASTROS 9, DIAMONDBACKS 4

PHOENIX (AP) - Houston had six extra-base hits in the first four innings, building a big enough lead to top Arizona.

Houston jumped to an 8-0 lead in the fourth inning. Starting pitcher Brad Peacock couldn't get out of the bottom of the fifth, so Francis Martes (5-2) came on and struck out all four batters he faced in 1 1/3 innings for the victory.

Diamondbacks starter Anthony Banda (1-3) allowed eight runs and nine hits in four innings.

George Springer had a two-run double and in the second and scored on Alex Bregman's RBI triple as the Astros opened a 5-0 lead. Peacock added a two-run double in the third.

RAYS 6, BLUE JAYS 4

TORONTO (AP) - Lucas Duda hit a two-run homer, Wilson Ramos added a solo shot and Tampa Bay beat Toronto, snapping a four-game skid.

The Rays came in having scored 12 runs in their past 10 games. According to Elias, that is the lowest total for any AL team over a 10-game stretch since the designated hitter was introduced in 1973. The Rays suffered five shutout defeats in that span, and lead the majors with 10 scoreless losses.

Blake Snell (1-6) allowed one run and four hits.

Alex Colome finished for his 35th save in 40 chances.

Blue Jays slugger Josh Donaldson homered for the third consecutive game, hitting a three-run shot in the fifth. Donaldson has gone deep nine times in 17 games. The blast gave him 500 RBIs.

Marco Estrada (5-8) allowed six runs and 10 hits in 4 1/3 innings.

BREWERS 3, PIRATES 1

MILWAUKEE (AP) - Keon Broxton hit a pinch-hit home run, Manny Pi�a drove in two runs, Zach Davies pitched into the seventh and Milwaukee beat Pittsburgh.

Davies (14-6) allowed six hits, including Adam Frazier's run-scoring triple in the sixth, walked two and struck out two. Jared Hughes took over and retired Josh Harrison on a bouncer back to the mound. Jacob Barnes retired the side in order in the eighth and Corey Knebel pitched the ninth for his 23rd save.

Pi�a capitalized on Travis Shaw's success against Ivan Nova (10-10). Shaw came in batting .769 (10 for 13) against the big right-hander. He singled in the second and scored when Pi�a bounced into a fielder's choice with the bases loaded. In the sixth, Shaw walked and scored on Pi�a's two-out infield hit.

[StarDust Bum]

Wednesday’s six-pack

Bears coach John Fox’s coaching resume, from 1978-88:

1978— San Diego State

1979— US International

1980— Boise State

1981— Long Beach State

1982— Kansas

1983— Utah

1984— Iowa State

1986-88— Pitt

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

Wednesday’s List of 13: Mid-week musings…….

13) One thing Cubs’ manager Joe Maddon has changed in baseball is that he introduced “themed” road trips, where players dress up in outfits that correspond to where they’re going, breaking up the monotony of a long season.

For instance, the Diamondbacks flew to Houston last nite, so they all dressed up like astronauts, with helmets and all. When some teams go to Toronto, they all wear NHL jerseys. Sounds goofy, but it make people laugh, and laughter is healthy. Winning also helps.

12) Houston Astros swing at the first pitch of an at-bat more than any other team; they’ve hit 47 first-pitch homers this year, most in the major leagues.

11) 64 players have 20+ homers this season; in 2014, 57 players hit 20+. It is only August 16.

10) Vic Fangio is defensive coordinator for the Bears; he coached under Jim Mora Sr with the Philly/Baltimore Stars in the old USFL in 1984-5. He must have some excellent stories.

9) Buffalo Bills haven’t made the playoffs since 1999; they’ve been 8-8 three times, 9-7 twice during that stretch, but no postseason games. They’re 24-24 the last three years, but now with a new GM are stockpiling draft picks for the next few years, which could very well be the start of the post-Brady era in the AFC East.

8) Battle for Atlantis is a very good hoop tournament in November. 1st-round matchups:
— Villanova vs Western Kentucky
— Purdue vs Tennessee
— SMU vs Northern Iowa
— NC State vs Arizona

7) Jose Altuve is hitting “only” .305 on the road this year with six homers; on the road, he is batting .417, with 12 homers. Go figure.

6) St Joseph’s College in Connecticut is starting a basketball program in 2018-19; one of the candidates for the head coaching job is former UConn coach Jim Calhoun, who is 75. He isn’t working on ESPN anymore and says he is interested in the position; his wife apparently has the last word on whether he takes the job or not.

5) Mike Shula is Carolina’s offensive coordinator; he was Alabama’s head coach from 2003-6, just before Nick Saban, but other than that, has never coached college football— he’s been an NFL assistant coach for 26 of the last 30 years.

4) Lets not forget that Nick Saban left college ball briefly for the NFL; he went 48-16 at LSU, is 114-19 at Alabama, but in between, he went 15-17 as coach of the Dolphins in 2005-6, famously choosing Daunte Culpepper over Drew Brees as a free agent QB signing. No one’s perfect.

3) In my opinion, Buck Showalter is a great manager; his Orioles are 21-10 in games this season where the winning run scored after the 6th inning- they’re 38-50 in other games. Last two years Baltimore is 71-53 in games decided by 1 or 2 runs.

Look at their pitching staff and explain how they’re in contention.

In his career, Showalter is 1,488-1,375 as a big league skipper; New York and Arizona won World Series right after he left. He is 606-542 in Baltimore, making playoffs three of last six years. They hadn’t made the playoffs for 13 years before he got to Camden Yards.

2) Milwaukee is 13-22 this season in games where winning run scores from 7th inning on; they’re 61-59 overall, which makes them 48-37 otherwise. Brewers have legit shot to be a Cinderella playoff team, but they need to be better in the late innings.

1) The bar is low for new Rams’ coach Sean McVay; the 2003 Rams went 12-4. Since then, they’ve gone 8-8 twice and lost 10+ games in 7 of the other 11 years, with three 7-9 years and a 7-8-1 season thrown in. No winning seasons since 2003; we’re not asking for much!!!!

[StarDust Bum]

MLB notebook: Reds C Mesoraco suffers fractured foot
August 15, 2017

Cincinnati Reds catcher Devin Mesoraco was placed on the disabled list Tuesday, one day after fracturing his left foot.

Mesoraco departed Monday's game against the Chicago Cubs in the second inning after being hit in the left foot by a pitch from Jose Quintana.

X-rays displayed a fracture of the fifth metatarsal. Mesoraco is batting just .213 with six homers and 14 RBIs this season.

Outfielder Phillip Ervin was recalled from Triple-A Louisville to fill the roster opening. Ervin is batting .256 with seven homers and 40 RBIs at Louisville and went 0-for-2 in three games with the Reds earlier this season.

Meanwhile, outfielder Scott Schebler (shoulder), who has hit 23 homers, was sent to Louisville on a rehab assignment. Outfielder Scott Van Slyke, recently acquired from the Los Angeles Dodgers, accepted an outright assignment to Louisville.

--The Pittsburgh Pirates placed outfielder Gregory Polanco on the 10-day disabled list with a left hamstring strain, the team announced.

Polanco will be making his third stint on the disabled list this season. The most recent move is retroactive to Sunday.

Catcher Elias Diaz was recalled from Triple-A Indianapolis to replace Polanco, who sustained his injury during Saturday's 7-2 loss to the Toronto Blue Jays.

Polanco, 25, is batting .255 with 10 homers and 32 RBIs in 91 games this season. Diaz is hitting .266 with two homers and 27 RBIs in 57 games with Indianapolis. The 26-year-old also batted .266 and had one homer and 14 RBIs during 30 games with the Pirates this season.

--The New York Yankees placed right-hander Luis Cessa on the 10-day disabled list with a ribcage injury.

Cessa has appeared in 10 games, making five starts, for New York this season. He was 0-3 with a 4.75 ERA, including 4 1/3 innings of two-run ball against the New York Mets on Monday.

The 25-year-old Cessa started nine of 17 games with the Yankees in 2016, logging a 4-4 record and 4.35 ERA.

In a corresponding move, New York recalled left-hander Caleb Smith from Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre. Smith, 26, made three appearances (two starts) for the Yankees over a two-week span last month, going 0-1 with a 7.20 ERA.

--The Los Angeles Dodgers traded right-handed pitcher Chris Hatcher to the Oakland Athletics.

The Dodgers received international amateur signing bonus pool space in exchange for Hatcher, who has been sidelined since June 22 with thoracic inflammation.

Hatcher made 26 relief appearances this season for Los Angeles, posting an 0-1 record with a 4.66 ERA. Acquired from Miami in 2015, Hatcher is 8-10 with four saves and a 4.64 ERA in three seasons with the Dodgers.

Los Angeles also reinstated infielder/outfielder Rob Segedin (wrist) from the 60-day disabled list.

--The Chicago White Sox activated right-hander Dylan Covey from the disabled list prior to the opener of a two-game interleague series versus the Los Angeles Dodgers.

Covey will assume the available roster spot of Tyler Clippard, who was traded to the Houston Astros on Sunday for a player to be named later or cash considerations.

The 26-year-old Covey had been sidelined with a strained left oblique sustained in his last start on May 23. He owns an 0-4 mark with an 8.12 ERA in eight starts during his first season with the White Sox.

[StarDust Bum]

LEADING OFF: Stanton tries for 7 straight; Miller on rehab
August 15, 2017

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

RECORD CHASE

Streaking slugger Giancarlo Stanton tries to hit a home run in his seventh straight game when the Marlins host the Giants. Struggling right-hander Matt Cain (3-9, 5.22 ERA) starts for San Francisco. Stanton, who leads the majors with a team-record 44 homers this season, has four in 22 career at-bats against Cain. The major league record for consecutive games with a home run is eight, set by Dale Long (1956), Don Mattingly (1987) and Ken Griffey Jr. (1993). Stanton has 11 homers in his last 12 games, and 23 in the last 35.

THE IMPOSSIBLE DREAM

The Red Sox celebrate the 50th anniversary of their 1967 AL championship before facing St. Louis at Fenway Park. Triple Crown winner Carl Yastrzemski and ace pitcher Jim Lonborg are among the members of that ''Impossible Dream'' team, which lost to the Cardinals in the World Series, scheduled to attend the ceremony. Following a thrilling, four-team race that came down to the final day of the season, the pennant Boston won in `67 was its first in 21 years.

CLOSE ENCOUNTER

One day after harshly criticizing Angel Hernandez and saying the veteran umpire should find another job, Tigers second baseman Ian Kinsler could be just steps away from Hernandez much of the night. A normal rotation for the umps would put Hernandez at second base when Detroit plays the Texas Rangers. Kinsler was ejected by Hernandez for questioning his calls on balls and strikes Monday night. The next day, the four-time All-Star told reporters covering the Tigers that Hernandez is a bad umpire who is ''messing'' with games ''blatantly.''

ON THE MEND

Indians reliever Andrew Miller is set to pitch one inning in a rehab assignment with Triple-A Columbus. If all goes well, the All-Star lefty is expected to come off the disabled list Friday in Kansas City. Miller has been out since Aug. 2 with right knee patella tendinitis. He is 4-3 with a 1.67 ERA and two saves in 46 games this season.

NOTHING EARNED

Rangers lefty Cole Hamels is slated to pitch against Detroit. Hamels (7-1, 3.31 ERA) has won his first two starts in August by allowing only one run in 16 innings - and it was unearned. It is the second time this season he has tossed at least seven innings in consecutive games without giving up an earned run. Hamels threw seven scoreless innings against Houston last Friday, staying in the game after a comebacker ricocheted off his left knee in the fourth. He is 29-7 in 58 regular-season starts for the Rangers since they acquired him from Philadelphia in July 2015.

[StarDust Bum]

August Best Bets Based on 5 Units Per Play


Best Bets


Date.........................Ats.................. ..........Totals................ Units Record

08/15/2017................3 - 5..........-1.29.................7 - 4 - 0...................+ 2.60
08/14/2017................1 - 6.........- 4.95.................4 - 7 - 0....................- 3.70
08/13/2017................1 - 5.........- 4.35.................6 - 4 - 2...................+ 1.60
08/12/2017................2 - 3.........- 0.45.................6 - 3 - 0...................+ 2.70
08/11/2017................4 - 3.....,...+5.70.................6 - 5 - 1...................+ 0.50
08/10/2017................4 - 2........+ 3.53.................4 - 7 - 0....................- 3.70
08/09/2017................5 - 5........+ 3.10.................2 - 2 - 0....................- 0.20
08/08/2017................4 - 4........+ 1.30.................6 - 7 - 2....................- 1.70
08/07/2017................1 - 3.........- 1.95.................3 - 1 - 2...................+ 1.90
08/06/2017................3 - 7.........- 3.15.................4 - 3 - 1...................+ 0.70
08/05/2017................5 - 5........+ 1.40...............10 - 2 - 1...................+ 7.80
08/04/2017................4 - 3........+ 1.70.................5 - 5 - 0....................- 0.50
08/03/2017................4 - 4........+ 1.10.................4 - 2 - 1....................+1.80
08/02/2017................2 - 0........+ 2.90.................5 - 6 - 1......................-1.60
08/01/2017................0 - 1.........- 1.00.................1 - 7 - 1......................-6.60


Totals:...................43 - 56........+ 3.59..............73 - 62 - 11...................+ 2.60