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

Double-Play Picks

Detroit Tigers at Colorado Rockies (-120, 12.5)

The Rockies and Tigers will tangle in the final game of their three-game interleague series this afternoon in Denver.

Betting Under in baseball games played at Coors Field always seems like a risky proposition, however games played in the Mile High City this season have been favoring the Under at 36-27-2, including a current streak of five consecutive games below the closing total. The Rockies' good young pitching staff is the main reason for the totals turnaround in 2017.

Chad Bettis gets the ball for that Rockies' staff today. Bettis is three games into his comeback from beating cancer (twice!) and two of those outings have been at home where he owns an ERA of 1.93 and a WHIP of 1.07 in 14 innings of work. Keep the ball down and get lots of ground balls will be the perfect recipe against this uninspired Tigers' offense.

Under is 10-1 in Bettis' last 11 starts overall dating back to August of 2016.

The Tigers will send Justin Verlander to the hill. Although Verlander's season hasn't been quite as strong as his Cy Young worthy 2016 campaign, he is coming off two very strong performances and is always a threat to spin eight or nine innings of shutout pitching.

Today will be Verlander's second career start at Coors Field. His only other start at altitude was a long time ago (2011) but he did toss a complete game four-hitter, and just having that previous experience at Coors Field is important.

Both starters are capable of putting up plenty of zeros, so 12.5 just seems too high.

Pick: Under 12.5

Oakland Athletics at Los Angeles Angels (-140, 9)

The Angels have been one of the most surprising teams of 2017 and are currently in the midst of a battle for the second Wildcard spot in the American League, trailing the Twins by just one game. They look to inch loser to that spot when they host the A’s on Wednesday night.

To get that win, the Angels send right-hander Parker Bridwell to the mound. The standout rookie has been nothing short of spectacular since joining the Angels rotation. Bridwell is 7-2 with a 3.02 and a 1.12 WHIP, while holding opponents to a .240 average.

The scary thing is, Bridwell is getting better. The Angels are 8-1 in his last nine starts while pitching to a 2.40 ERA and a 1.01 WHIP.

To make things tougher on the A’s, Bridwell is very good at limiting home runs, allowing just 12 in 13 starts and only three in the month of August. Oakland scores most its run via the long ball.

Meanwhile, the A’s will counter with Kendall Graveman. The right-hander has had his troubles when pitching away from home this season. Graveman is 1-4 with a 6.39 ERA and a 1.48 WHIP in seven road starts in 2017 and the A’s have lost his last five road starts overall.

Pick: Angels -140

Yesterday's Picks: 1-1
Season To Date: 127-120-13

Streaking and Slumping Starting Pitchers

Streaking: Hyun-Jin Ryu, Los Angeles Dodgers (5-6, 3.34 ERA, $62)

This almost just seems unfair at this point. Ryu is the latest Dodgers starter to be absolutely dealing lately, making it easier to forget the Dodgers have kept winning at this ridiculous pace despite the fact Clayton Kershaw hasn’t pitched since July 23rd.

The Dodgers have won Ryu’s last six starts, with the lefty posting a 3-0 record, a 1.54 ERA and 1.06 WHIP. Ryu and the Dodgers are just slight -111 road favorites tonight in Arizona.

Slumping: Ty Blach, San Francisco Giants (8-10, 4.68 ERA, $-158)

One of the worst seasons in recent Giants’ memory can’t be over soon enough and southpaw Ty Blach might be feeling the same.

Blach has stumbled after a solid start to the season, going 0-3 with a whopping 8.82 ERA, a 1.84 WHIP and recording more walks than strikeouts in his last three starts. It’s gotten to the point where Blach and the Giants are +115 road underdogs at the Padres (who have clearly been better in 2017).

Wednesday's Top Trends

* Over is 16-4-1 in the St. Louis Cardinals' last 21 overall. Cards/Brewers Total: 9.
* The Washington Nationals are 46-13 in Stephen Strasburg's last 59 starts. -220 today vs. Marlins.
* Over is 11-2 in Jake Odorizzi's last 13 starts overall. Rays/Royals Total: 9.5.
* The Los Angeles Dodgers are 26-4 in their last 30 games vs. a left-handed starter. -111 today at D-Backs (Robbie Ray)

Weather To Keep An Eye On

Again, thoughts and prayers for everyone in southern Texas and Louisiana. Please donate to the American Red Cross (follow the link for simple donation instructions).

After yesterday's rain soaked day that really messed with games in the Northeast (and of course in Texas) there is no precipitation in the baseball forecast for Wednesday.

Wind will not be a factor across the league with the strongest being a 7-8 mile per hour cross-breeze at Target Field where the Twins will take on the White Sox.

Ump Of The Day

Sean Barber will be calling balls and strikes today at Rogers Centre in Toronto where the Blue Jays will take on the Red Sox.

Barber isn't a high volume home plate umpire, in fact, today will be only his 11th game behind the dish in 2017. When he does work the plate he really favors the home team. The hosts have won six of his last seven, are 7-3 on the season, and are 25-14 (56 percent) dating back to the beginning of the 2015 season.

The Jays are -120 favorites today on home soil...err...grass...err...carpet.

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Diamond Trends - Wednesday
August 30, 2017

TOP SU TREND:

-- The Yankees are 0-11 since Jun 04, 2017 after they drew 1 or fewer walks last game.

TOP OU TREND:

-- The Red Sox are 0-12 OU (-3.67 ppg) since Sep 08, 2015 as a dog past the first game of a series after they scored more runs off the bullpen than they did off the starter last game.

TOP STARTER TREND:

-- The Tigers are 10-0 RUN LINE ON since Aug 24, 2009 when Justin Verlander starts as a dog when they scored less than 3 runs in his last start and lost

TOP CHOICE TREND:

-- The Blue Jays are 14-0 since May 15, 2009 as a favorite after a game as a home dog in which Jose Bautista struck out at least twice.

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Wednesday's Diamond Notes
August 30, 2017

Hottest team: Orioles (6-0 last six) vs. Mariners

Baltimore hasn’t made the playoffs in consecutive seasons since the early 1970’s, but the O’s are making a run at a Wild Card berth for the second straight year. The O’s stand 1 ½ games behind the Twins for the second Wild Card spot in the American League after blanking the Mariners on Tuesday, 4-0 behind Dylan Bundy’s complete game one-hitter. Baltimore’s pitching, which has been shaky all season, has stepped up at the right time by allowing three runs or fewer in four of the past five games.

Ubaldo Jimenez gets the ball this afternoon for Baltimore as the O’s go for the sweep of the slumping Mariners. Jimenez has gone backwards recently as Baltimore is winless in past three starts, including allowing six earned runs in 4.1 innings of a 7-6 defeat at Seattle on August 16.

Coldest team: Blue Jays (2-9 last 11) vs. Red Sox

The Orioles lost to Toronto in the AL Wild Card game last season, but it doesn’t look like the Jays will make an appearance in the 2017 postseason. Toronto fell to 1-4 on its homestand after getting blanked by Chris Sale and Boston on Tuesday, while being held to two runs or fewer for the fourth time in the past six games.

J.A. Happ will try to stop the bleeding for the Blue Jays as they attempt to avoid the sweep. Happ has been knocked around of late by giving up five earned runs in each of his past two starts, while picking up a no-decision in a 5-4 setback at Boston on July 18 in spite of allowing just two solo homers in five innings of work.

Hottest pitcher: Parker Bridwell, Angels (7-2, 2.89 ERA)

Even though Bridwell took a defeat in his last start against the Astros, 2-1, the right-hander has yielded two earned runs or less in eight of his past nine trips to the mound. Seven of Bridwell’s last nine outings have been decided by one run, as taking him to win on the run-line may not be the smartest play. Bridwell isn’t a high strikeout pitcher, but finds way to get the most of out of his pitches by tossing at least six innings in 10 starts this season.

Coldest pitcher: Homer Bailey, Reds (4-6, 7.99 ERA)

The Mets won all six matchups with the Reds last season, but Cincinnati took no mercy in a 14-4 pounding of New York on Tuesday. Now, the Reds shoot for consecutive home victories for only the third time since the All-Star break. Bailey has struggled since picking up back-to-back road wins at Colorado and Arizona in July as the Reds have compiled a 2-6 mark in his past eight starts.

Biggest OVER run: Rangers (5-2 last seven)

Texas and Houston needed to travel to St. Petersburg for its series following the devastating effects of Hurricane Harvey. The Rangers bounced back after getting swept by the Athletics this past weekend by scoring 12 runs in a 12-2 blowout of the Astros on Tuesday. Texas put together 10 runs in the previous four games, as the offense needed to bust out, while allowing eight runs in each of the last two losses at Oakland. Andrew Cashner heads to the hill at Tropicana Field as the Rangers had cashed the UNDER in eight straight starts prior to an OVER in his last appearance against the Angels last Wednesday.

Biggest UNDER run: Pirates (6-1 last seven)

Pittsburgh’s offense continues to scuffle as the Bucs were held to one run for the third time in four games. The Pirates were stymied by Jake Arrieta and the Cubs in a 4-1 loss at Wrigley Field last night, while getting outscored in the first two games at Chicago, 10-2. Pittsburgh is in the midst of a 28-game stretch against division opponents, as the Pirates have started 2-3, while losing 12 of its past 17 games overall. Ivan Nova heads to the mound at Wrigley tonight as the righty is winless in his previous five road starts, but his last away victory came at Chicago on July 8.

Matchup to watch: Dodgers vs. Diamondbacks

Arizona jumped to a 5-0 advantage in the first inning against Los Angeles on Tuesday before the Dodgers cut the deficit to 5-4. The D-backs held on for a 7-6 triumph to improve to 7-1 in its past eight home series openers, while sending the Dodgers to their third loss in a row. Los Angeles hasn’t suffered three consecutive defeats since early June, while not going through a four-game losing streak at all this season.

Hyun-Jin Ryu tries to end the Dodgers’ recent woes as the southpaw is unbeaten in his past six trips to the mound. Ryu has pitched especially well on the road since allowing 10 runs at Colorado in early May as he has yielded a total of eight runs in his past six outings away from Chavez Ravine. Ryu hasn’t faced Arizona since the 2014 season, as the Dodgers won all three meetings started by the left-hander.

Robbie Ray counters for Arizona, as the fire-baller is making his second start since getting drilled in the head by a line-drive at St. Louis on July 28. Ray responded well in his first outing since the injury by tossing five innings of two-hit ball in a 3-2 victory over the Mets as a -140 road favorite. The left-hander has lost his last two starts at Chase Field, but has recorded 29 strikeouts in three starts against the Dodgers this season.

Betcha didn’t know: The Twins are heavy favorites against the White Sox for the second straight night, as Jose Berrios will be happy to pitch at home. Minnesota is 0-7 in his past seven road starts, but the Twins are 6-0 in his previous six home outings, including a 4-2 victory over Chicago on June 21.

Biggest public favorite: Twins (-220) vs. White Sox

Biggest public underdog: Brewers (+110) vs. Cardinals

Biggest line move: Padres (-120 to -130) vs. Giants

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WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 30

GAME TIME(ET) PICK UNITS

ATL at PHI

O 8.5

STL at MIL 02:10 PM

MIL +105

SEA at BAL 03:05 PM

SEA +110

O 10.5

DET at COL 03:10 PM

U 12.5

ATL at PHI 03:35 PM

U 9.0

MIA at WAS 04:05 PM

MIA +205

O 8.5

BOS at TOR 07:07 PM

BOS +100

O 9.0

TEX at HOU 07:10 PM

TEX +170

O 8.5

NYM at CIN 07:10 PM

NYM +120

O 10.0

PIT at CHC 08:05 PM

PIT +185

O 8.5

CHW at MIN 08:10 PM

CHW +205

U 9.5

TB at KC 08:15 PM

U 9.5

SF at SD 09:10 PM

SF +115

O 8.5

LAD at ARI 09:40 PM

U 9.5

OAK at LAA 10:07 PM

OAK +125

U 9.0

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Baseball Capsules
August 30, 2017

NEW YORK (AP) Trevor Bauer and Ryan Merritt shut down the Yankees' offense, leading the Cleveland Indians to a doubleheader sweep that damaged New York's chances to win the AL East.

Bauer (14-8) won his career-best seventh straight decision, Jose Ramirez tied his big league high with four hits and the Indians took advantage of Gary Sanchez's passed ball in a two-run first inning that stood up for a 2-1 win in Wednesday's opener.

Yandy Diaz hit a two-run single in a four-run first inning against rookie Jordan Montgomery (7-7) in the second game, and Edwin Encarnacion, Yan Gomes and Francisco Lindor added home runs in a 9-4 blowout that completed a three-game series sweep and extended the Indians' winning streak to seven games.

Defending AL champion Cleveland has won 16 of 20, opening a 7 1/2-game lead over second-place Minnesota in the AL Central and moving a season-high 20 games over .500 at 76-56.

Cody Allen struck out three of four batters for his 22nd save in 25 chances.

Jaime Garcia (1-2) gave up two runs, six hits and three walks in five-plus innings.

Merritt (2-0) began 16 of 22 batters with strikes, allowing one run and five hits in 5 1/3 innings.

DIAMONDBACKS 6, DODGERS 4

PHOENIX (AP) - Paul Goldschmidt homered for the third straight game, Robbie Ray struck out 10 in 6 2/3 innings and Arizona handed Los Angeles its first four-game losing streak of the season.

Adam Rosales and Chris Herrmann also went deep for the Diamondbacks, who have won six straight and eight of nine to pull three games ahead of Colorado for the top NL wild card. They'll send Zack Greinke to the mound Thursday looking to become the first team to sweep a series from the Dodgers this year.

Ray allowed four hits and walked two. The left-hander topped 10 strikeouts for the seventh time this season. Fernando Rodney pitched a perfect ninth for his second save in two nights and 34th in 39 tries.

Hyun-Jin Ryu (5-7) lasted just four innings, giving up six runs and eight hits in his first loss since June 5. He had gone 2-0 in six starts since returning from the disabled list.

The Dodgers trailed 6-0 but got a solo homer from Curtis Granderson in the seventh and scored three in the eighth, two on Yasiel Puig's single.

Los Angeles had been the only team not to lose four straight this season. The Dodgers have dropped consecutive series for the first time since April.

ORIOLES 8, MARINERS 7

BALTIMORE (AP) - Welington Castillo went 4 for 4 with a homer and three RBIs, Jonathan Schoop singled in the go-ahead run in the eighth inning and Baltimore beat Seattle for its season-high seventh straight victory.

Schoop, Mancini and Craig Gentry also homered for the Orioles, who completed their first three-game sweep of Seattle since 2012. In this one, Baltimore fell behind 6-2 in the third inning before coming back.

Mitch Haniger homered and hit two doubles for Seattle, which completed an arduous 12-game East Coast trip with five straight defeats. After winning two of three in Tampa Bay and Atlanta, the Mariners went 1-2 at Yankee Stadium and came up empty against the sizzling Orioles.

After Baltimore went up 7-6 in the sixth on a bases loaded sacrifice fly by Manny Machado, Seattle pulled even in the eighth when Haniger connected off Brad Brach (4-4).

In the bottom half, Castillo singled off Christian Bergman (4-5) and went to second base on a sacrifice bunt before being replaced by pinch-runner Caleb Joseph. Tim Beckham then hit a liner to short, and Joseph was called out on a relay to second. But a replay overturned the call, and Schoop followed an intentional walk to Machado with a single to center off Marc Rzepczynski.

Zach Britton pitched the ninth for his 13th save.

RANGERS 8, ASTROS 1

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. (AP) - Andrew Cashner pitched eight strong innings, Mike Napoli hit a three-run homer and Texas beat Houston in a game relocated to Florida because of Hurricane Harvey.

A crowd of 6,123 - up from 3,485 the previous night for the opener of a three-game series at Tropicana Field - watched Cashner (8-9) limit the AL West leaders to three hits, one after the second inning.

Napoli's homer off Dallas Keuchel (11-3) capped a six-run fourth inning for the Rangers, who've won two straight following a three-game skid.

Houston's third loss in four games was overshadowed by the announcement earlier Wednesday that the Astros will return to home after Thursday's finale to face the New York Mets this weekend.

After an unscheduled day off, the Astros will play a doubleheader Saturday and afternoon game Sunday against the Mets.

NATIONALS 4, MARLINS 0

WASHINGTON (AP) - Stephen Strasburg tossed a complete game six-hitter and also homered, Wilmer Difo added a home run and Washington beat Miami to complete a three-game sweep.

Washington, which has won four in a row, extended its lead in the NL East to 15 games over the Marlins. Miami, which had won 13 of 16 prior to arriving in Washington, had not dropped three in a row since July 14-16.

The Marlins had no answer for Strasburg (11-4), who struck out eight. Strasburg threw 110 pitches. It was Strasburg's second complete game in 179 starts and his first since Aug. 11, 2013, against Philadelphia.

Strasburg is 1-1 with a 0.86 ERA in three starts since returning from a disabled list stint for right elbow nerve impingement.

Miami left-hander Adam Conley (6-6) made it through the first four innings unscathed before Strasburg launched the first pitch of the fifth to right-center for his second home run this season and third of his career.

RED SOX 7, BLUE JAYS 1

TORONTO (AP) - Mitch Moreland had a pinch-hit homer and drove in four runs, Hanley Ramirez added a solo blast and Boston beat Toronto to complete a three-game sweep.

Rick Porcello (9-15) allowed one run in 6 2/3 innings as the AL East-leading Red Sox moved 5 1/2 games ahead of the second-place New York Yankees, who were swept in a doubleheader by Cleveland. New York and Boston begin a four-game series at Yankee Stadium on Thursday.

Ramirez connected for the second straight game as the Red Sox improved to 8-1 in Toronto this season. Boston is 10-3 overall against the Blue Jays with six meetings remaining at Fenway Park in September.

Pinch-hitting for Chris Young against right-hander Tom Koehler (1-7), Moreland hit a second deck drive in the seventh, his 18th. It was the third pinch-hit homer of Moreland's career.

BREWERS 6, CARDINALS 5

MILWAUKEE (AP) - Domingo Santana and Jonathan Villar homered in the sixth inning, and center fielder Keon Broxton made a leaping catch over the wall for the final out.

Corey Knebel pitched the ninth for his 30th save. Chase Anderson (8-3) gave up two hits - both homers - in six innings, three earned runs, struck out six and walked two to improve to 4-0 in nine starts at Miller Park this season.

Santana hit his 22nd homer of the season and Villar's was his 10th, giving Milwaukee a franchise-record nine players with at least 10 homers in a season.

Carlos Martinez (10-10) allowed 10 hits, six runs - three earned - and struck out seven in 5 2/3 innings.

CUBS 17, PIRATES 3

CHICAGO (AP) - Kyle Schwarber hit two home runs, Ian Happ and Anthony Rizzo also went deep and Chicago pounded Pittsburgh.

Chicago tied a season high for runs set against Philadelphia on Saturday and banged out 20 hits to match its highest total since May 12, 2014, at St. Louis. The Cubs (72-60) outscored the Pirates 27-5 in a three-game sweep and moved 12 games above .500 for the first time this year. They also remained 3 1/2 games ahead of Milwaukee for the NL Central lead.

Javier Baez became the first Cubs player in seven years to steal home.

Jose Quintana (5-3) held Pittsburgh to three runs in six innings. He retired 14 in a row after giving up two runs in the first and also had an RBI single.

Ivan Nova (11-12) lasted just three innings in his shortest outing of the year.

TWINS 11, WHITE SOX 1

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) - Jose Berrios pitched seven scoreless innings, Brian Dozier had four hits and Eddie Rosario homered twice as Minnesota defeated Chicago.

Berrios (12-6) tied a career high with 11 strikeouts, including seven of the last nine batters he faced. He walked one and gave up just four hits to win his seventh straight start at Target Field.

The Twins, with a slim lead for the second AL wild card, ran their August record to 19-10 - the most wins in the majors this month.

Mitch Garver and Ehire Adrianza each had three hits for the Twins. Adrianza tripled twice and drove in four runs, while Garver scored three runs and was a home run short of the cycle.

Derek Holland (7-14) gave up five runs in five innings. In six career starts at Target Field, he's 0-5 with a 7.98 ERA.

METS 2, REDS 0

CINCINNATI (AP) - Rafael Montero took a one-hitter into the ninth inning, and New York held on for a victory that extended its dominance over Cincinnati.

Montero (3-9) allowed only Joey Votto's single through the first eight innings. The Reds loaded the bases with one out in the ninth on two hits and an intentional walk to Votto. A.J. Ramos fanned Adam Duvall and Scooter Gennett for his 26th save in 28 chances.

Jose Reyes, Wilmer Flores and Kevin Plawecki doubled in the first inning for a 2-0 lead against Homer Bailey (4-7), setting up the Mets' 12th victory in their last 15 games at Great American Ball Park.

The Mets had won 14 straight against the Reds overall since 2014, a streak snapped by Cincinnati's 14-4 win Tuesday night.

TIGERS 6, ROCKIES 2

DENVER (AP) - Justin Verlander struck out nine over six commanding innings and aided his own cause by driving in his first career run.

Verlander (10-8) allowed one run and three hits. His only mistake was a curveball that Charlie Blackmon hit for a solo homer in the sixth. Verlander ignited the offense with an RBI single in the second.

Nicholas Castellanos added a solo homer and James McCann sealed the game with a three-run shot in the fifth to help Tigers take two of three from Colorado.

The Rockies finished August with a 12-15 record - their first losing month of the season. They saw their lead for the second NL wild card shrink to three games over Milwaukee.

Chad Bettis (0-2) struggled with his control in his fourth start since returning from treatment for testicular cancer. He allowed five runs in five innings.

RAYS 5, ROYALS 3

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) - Logan Morrison, Steven Souza Jr. and Adeiny Hechavarria homered to help Tampa Bay beat Kansas City for its latest series victory.

The Rays took two of three from the slumping Royals and have won three consecutive series. The Royals lost 18 of 28 games in August, including six of seven to end the month.

Morrison, born in Kansas City, has four homers, eight RBIs and six runs in the first six games of Tampa Bay's road trip. He hit his 33rd homer in the fifth against Jason Vargas (14-9). Souza hit his 29th earlier in the inning, snapping a 3-all tie.

Vargas, an All-Star this season, is 2-6 with a 7.20 ERA over his past 10 starts.

Jake Odorizzi (7-7) allowed three runs and four hits over five-plus innings. Alex Colome earned his major league-leading 40th save in 45 chances.

Whit Merrifield hit a three-run homer for the Royals.

PADRES 5, GIANTS 0

SAN DIEGO (AP) - Travis Wood homered and pitched into the fifth inning, Jose Pirela also went deep and San Diego blanked San Francisco.

Wood hit a solo shot in the third and Pirela added one of his own in the sixth as the Padres defeated the Giants for the ninth time in 12 games.

After Pirela's homer, reliever Kyle Crick's wild pitch scored Wil Myers, putting the Padres up 3-0. Austin Hedges' RBI single made it 4-0.

Wood's pitch count reached 97 through 4 1/3 innings and he was pulled. Craig Stammen (2-2), the first of four San Diego relievers, worked 1 2/3 clean innings for the win. Brad Hand got four outs for his 14th save as the bullpen retired 14 of 16 batters.

Giants lefty Ty Blach (8-11) went 5 2/3 innings, allowing two runs and five hits.

BRAVES 9, PHILLIES 1, First game

BRAVES 5, PHILLIES 2, Second game

PHILADELPHIA (AP) - David Freitas lined a go-ahead RBI double for his first career hit, Ender Inciarte had three hits and Atlanta beat Philadelphia to complete a doubleheader sweep.

Julio Teheran (9-11) allowed one run and five hits, striking out eight in 6 1/3 innings.

Inciarte was 3 for 5 with one RBI after going 5 for 5 with four RBIs to lead the Braves to a 9-1 victory in the opener.

Philadelphia's Game 2 starter, Mark Leiter Jr. (2-4), allowed three runs and nine hits in 6 2/3 innings.

Braves starter R.A Dickey (9-8) struck out nine over eight innings in Game 1.

Freddie Freeman hit a two-run homer off Jerad Eickhoff (4-8) in the first.

[StarDust Bum]

MLB notebook: Astros to return home for Mets series
August 30, 2017

The Houston Astros will return home to begin their three-game interleague series against the New York Mets on Saturday, the team announced Wednesday.

The series had been slated to begin on Friday, but the clubs will play a split doubleheader on Saturday at Minute Maid Park before wrapping up the set on Sunday.

The Astros will return to Houston on Thursday after their game against the Texas Rangers at Tropicana Field in St. Petersburg, Fla. The Astros had to relocate their series against their Lone Star State rivals this week because of catastrophic flooding in the area from Hurricane Harvey.

--The Seattle Mariners acquired right-handed pitcher Mike Leake from the St. Louis Cardinals as they contend for an American League wild-card spot.

The Cardinals get minor league shortstop Rayder Ascanio in exchange for Leake and international cap space totaling $750,000 for the current international signing period.

Leake, 29, was 7-12 with a 4.21 ERA over 154 innings with 103 strikeouts in 26 starts for St. Louis this season. He began the season going 6-6 with a 2.97 ERA in his first 16 starts, before going 1-6 with a 6.94 ERA over his last 10.

--Washington Nationals outfielder Bryce Harper admitted he is frustrated with having to watch from the bench.

Harper was unable to be part of Players Weekend after going on the disabled list Aug. 13, one day after he hyperextended his left knee in a home game against the San Francisco Giants.

A 2015 National League MVP, Harper told reporters he is "a long ways from running" prior to Wednesday's game against the Miami Marlins.

There is no timetable for the return of Harper.

--Reviving New York Yankees outfielder Aaron Judge's dormant bat might require a shot in the arm.

Judge said that conversations are ongoing about additional methods of treatment for his ailing left shoulder. Those options include a cortisone shot, Judge said.

[StarDust Bum]

LEADING OFF: Astros headed home; Red Sox-Yanks; O's fly high
August 30, 2017

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

CLOSE TO HOME

Jose Altuve and the Astros wrap up a three-game series against Texas that was moved to the Tampa Bay Rays' home ballpark in Florida because of Hurricane Harvey. Then, the AL West leaders finally return home to flood-ravaged Houston to face the Mets this weekend. After an unscheduled day off Friday, the teams play a doubleheader Saturday and an afternoon game Sunday. Houston manager A.J. Hinch broke the news to relieved players at a meeting Wednesday. In addition to reuniting with family and friends, many of them plan to spend part of Friday assisting people affected by the storm. Returning to Minute Maid Park figures to be emotional. ''You never know how much home means to you until you're not allowed to go home,'' Hinch said. ''Our attention is still going to be centered around the city and all the devastation that's going on. If we can provide any sort of relief, or any sort of escape, or any part of a distraction away from what's going on, I think that's going to be part of it.''

PIVOTAL SERIES

Boston begins a four-game set at Yankee Stadium with a 5+-game lead in the AL East over second-place New York. Red Sox second baseman Dustin Pedroia (left knee) is poised to come off the disabled list, and veteran lefty CC Sabathia (10-5, 3.82 ERA) starts the opener for the Yankees against Eduardo Rodriguez (4-4, 4.19). Sabathia is 7-0 with 1.44 ERA in nine starts this year after New York losses. Rodriguez is 4-1 with a 2.31 ERA in eight career starts against the rival Yankees. New York, which leads the wild-card race, dropped both ends of a doubleheader Wednesday, part of a three-game sweep by AL Central-leading Cleveland. Meanwhile, the Red Sox polished off a three-game sweep in Toronto.

FLYING HIGH

Surging up the wild-card standings, the Orioles try to extend their longest winning streak of the season to eight games when they host last-place Toronto in the opener of a four-game series. ''We've been able to dial up what was needed on a given day,'' Baltimore manager Buck Showalter said. ''I think we kind of know it's, `OK, what do we need to do tonight to win?''' After dispatching Boston and Seattle, the Orioles are coming off their first set of consecutive three-game sweeps since June 1999 against Atlanta and Kansas City.

OLD FRIENDS

Diamondbacks ace Zack Greinke (15-6, 3.14 ERA) has lost four straight to his former Dodgers teammates, a skid he'll try to end while Arizona seeks to become the first team to sweep a series against Los Angeles this season. Greinke spurned Los Angeles for a big-money deal in Arizona prior to the 2016 season, but since winning his first meeting against the Dodgers last June, Greinke has gone 0-4 with a 6.85 ERA in four starts against them. Kenta Maeda (12-5, 3.76) is up for NL West-leading Los Angeles, which has lost a season-high four straight, including the last two against the Diamondbacks.

GOOD NEWS, BAD NEWS

Cubs left-hander Jon Lester is scheduled to start Saturday against Atlanta following a successful 50-pitch bullpen session Wednesday. He's recovering from left lat tightness and shoulder fatigue. But shortstop Addison Russell was called back to Chicago to be examined after experiencing a setback in his recovery from a right foot injury. Russell was scratched from a rehab game with Triple-A Iowa on Wednesday after experiencing soreness. The 2016 All-Star has been sidelined since early August after straining the foot.

CAREER NIGHT

Mets ace Jacob deGrom (14-7) tries to set a personal high with his 15th win when he faces the Reds in the finale of their series at Cincinnati. He's fanned 201 batters, four shy of his career high from 2015.

[StarDust Bum]

Thursday’s six-pack

— Johnny Manziel worked out for the CFL’s Hamilton Tiger-Cats, but he showed up out of shape; they don’t think he is ready to play ball, mentally or physically.

— Browns cut CB Joe Haden, a 7-year veteran; he then got three years, $27M from the Steelers.

— Atlanta 3B Brandon Phillips got his 2,000th career hit Wednesday.

— Florida Atlantic opened as a 14.5-point underdog vs Navy; they’ve been bet down to +9. Navy’s OC is ill, and people are jumping on the Lane Kiffin bandwagon.

— Mariners acquired P Mike Leake from the Cardinals; he has $55M left on his contract.

— Cowboys-Texans preseason game scheduled for tonite was cancelled, so the Houston players could go home and assess the damage to their homes.

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

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

13) All-time record for consecutive scoreless innings:
48— Chicago Cubs, 1968
45— Cincinnati Reds, 1931
45— Kansas City Royals, 2017

12) As of Tuesday night’s results, Joey Votto had 27 walks in his last 18 games; time for the Reds to at least consider batting him leadoff.

Votto’s on-base %age: .449
Billy Hamilton’s on-base %age: .298

11) In 2015, the state of California collected $258.1M in taxes from pro athletes.

10) The major league record for home runs in a season by someone who wasn’t in the majors before August 1? 13, by Ted Williams in 1953.

Phillies’ rookie Rhys Hoskins has 11 homers; his first big league game was August 10.

9) To win $100 at the Westgate SuperBook in Las Vegas, all a bettor has to do is put up $100,000 on the Golden State Warriors making the NBA playoffs this coming season. A $100 bet on Golden State to miss the playoffs pays $10,100.

I could be wrong, but I would advise against putting up $100,000 to win $100.

8) Cedar Bayou, TX had 51.88 inches of rain from Hurricane Harvey, the most rainfall ever on the continental United States. Thats over four feet of rain!!!!

7) Dolphins’ DT Ndamukong Suh played youth soccer as a kid in Oregon— one of his teammates was Klay Thompson. Apparently Suh is now the Miami Dolphins’ backup kicker, should anything happen to starting kicker Andrew Franks, who went to D-III RPI, which is across the river from me in beautiful downtown Troy, NY.

RPI is better known for its Division I hockey program. And its engineering program.

6) How come no one bats the pitcher 8th this year? Because it was never a good idea, just something Tony Larussa/Joe Maddon did, so other teams blindly copied it.

5) Former LSU coach Les Miles, one of my favorites, will be a game analyst for FOX Sports this fall. Miles live-tweeted the Floyd Mayweather fight Saturday night- he could be television gold.

4) Major league record for most games started by a pitcher without ever appearing in relief:
682, Tom Glavine
379, Justin Verlander
372, Felix Hernandez
240, Juan Guzman

3) According to an article in the San Francisco Chronicle last week, the book Moneyball is required reading at most business schools across the country.

Wonder if they’ll study the part where the A’s trade their best pitcher (who has an affordable contract) for three players, two of whom are currently incapacitated, and a third guy who is in AA. (he is hitting .269 in the Texas League right now).

To paraphrase Rick Pitino, Brad Pitt isn’t walking thru that door anytime soon. Moneyball 2 ain’t gonna happen, not while the A’s flounder year after year.

2) First-round matchups for the Puerto Rico tip-off tournament this fall:
South Carolina-Illinois State, Boise State-UTEP, Iowa State-Appalachian State, Tulsa-Western Michigan. Pretty good tournament.

1) Astros are coming home to Houston this weekend; Friday’s game with the Mets was postponed to a day/night doubleheader on Saturday, with a day game on Sunday.

[StarDust Bum]

Thursday’s games
National League

Mets @ Reds
deGrom is 2-4, 3.92 in his last six starts; over is 7-3 in his last ten starts. New York is 9-5 in his road starts— their first 5-inning record with him: 16-9-1

Stephenson is 2-0, 2.76 in his last three starts (under 3-2). Reds split his two home starts— their first 5-inning record with him: 3-1-1

Mets are 5-12 in their last 17 games; four of their last five games went over. Cincinnati lost six of last nine games; under is 4-2 in their last six games.

Phillies @ Marlins
Lively is 0-4, 6.49 in his last five starts (under 6-2-1). Phillies are 1-4 in his road starts— their first 5-inning record with him: 0-8-1

Despaigne is 0-1, 7.59 in two starts this season (over 1-1). Miami won his only home start— their first 5-inning record with him: 0-1-1

Phillies are 2-5 in last seven road games (over 5-2)- they’re 8-14 in road series openers. Marlins lost their last three games; over is 6-2 in their last eight games. Miami is 7-14 in home series openers.

Dodgers @ Diamondbacks
Maeda is 6-1, 2.84 in his last eight starts; under is 4-1-1 in his last six. He is 0-0, 5.00 in two starts against Arizona this season. Dodgers are 6-5 in his road starts — their first 5-inning record with him: 14-5-2

Greinke is 2-2, 4.13 in his last four starts (under 4-0). He is 0-2, 6.17 against the Dodgers this season. LA is 15-2 in his home starts— their first 5-inning record with him: 15-6-4

Dodgers lost four in row for first time this year; five of their last seven games stayed under. Arizona won eight of last nine games; their last three games went over.

Braves @ Cubs
Newcomb is 1-2, 4.44 in his last five starts; under is 3-1 in his last four. Atlanta is 2-3 in his road starts— their first 5-inning record with him: 4-10

Hendricks is 1-0, 2.19 in his last four starts; under is 5-2 in his last seven. Cubs are 5-5 in his home starts— their first 5-inning record with him: 9-6-3

Atlanta is 5-3 in its last eight road games; over is 7-4 in their last 11 road games. Braves are 12-7 in last 19 road series openers. Cubs won four of last five games; under is 4-2-1 in their last seven games. Chicago is 10-12 in home series openers.

Nationals @ Brewers
Gonzalez is 5-0, 1.05 in his last five starts; under is 7-4 in his last 11 starts. Washington is 9-4 in his road starts— their first 5-inning record with him: 16-5-5

Davies is 2-1, 1.37 in his last three starts; under is 7-0-1 in his last eight. Milwaukee is 7-6 in his home starts— their first 5-inning record with him: 14-8-5

Washington won its last four games; five of their last six games went over. Nationals are 14-9 in home series openers. Milwaukee won five of their last six home games; eight of their last ten games stayed under. Brewers are 12-10 in home series openers.

Cardinals @ Giants
Wacha is 0-3, 10.22 in his last three starts; over is 4-0 in his last four. St Louis is 4-6 in his road starts — their first 5-inning record with him: 10-10-4

Bumgarner is 2-1, 2.77 in his last four starts; under is 4-2 in his last six starts. Giants are 2-4 in his home starts— their first 5-inning record with him: 3-7-3

Cardinals lost four of last six games; over is 4-1 in their last five. St Louis is 9-12 in road series openers. Giants lost five of their last six games; eight of their last ten games overall stayed under. SF is 7-14 in home series openers.

——————————–

American League
White Sox @ Twins
Gonzalez is 2-0, 1.29 in his last four starts; under is 6-2 in his last eight. Chicago is 4-8 in his road starts— their first 5-inning record with him: 8-11-2

Colon is 4-1, 3.21 in his last five starts; over is 4-2-1 in his last seven. Minnesota split his four home starts— their first 5-inning record with him: 5-3

White Sox lost three of last four games; six of their last eight games stayed under. Minnesota won its last six home games; under is 5-3 in their last eight games overall.

Boston @ New York
Rodriguez is 0-1, 6.23 in his last three starts; under is 7-1 in his last eight. Boston lost his last four road starts— their first 5-inning record with him: 9-9

Sabathia is 1-0, 1.93 in his last two starts; under is 13-2 in his last 15 starts. New York is 6-3 in his home starts— their first 5-inning record with him: 10-10-1

Red Sox won five of last six road games; four of their last five games stayed under. Boston is 10-12 in road series openers. New York lost its last three games; under is 9-4 in their last 13 home games. NY is 13-8 in home series openers.

Blue Jays @ Orioles
Estrada is 1-1, 6.61 in his last three starts (over 3-0). Toronto lost four of his last five road starts— their first 5-inning record with him: 9-15-3

Hellickson is 1-2, 7.54 in his last four starts, last three of which went over. Baltimore is 2-0 in his home starts— their first 5-inning record with him: 2-2-1

Toronto lost nine of last 11 games; under is 5-2 in their last seven. Blue Jays lost their last five road series openers. Orioles won eight of last nine games; seven of their last 11 games stayed under. Baltimore is 15-7 in home series openers.

Rangers vs Astros (@ St Petersburg)
Hamels is 4-1, 3.51 in his last five starts; over is 3-1 in his last four. Texas is 4-5 in his road starts— their first 5-inning record with him: 14-1-2

McHugh is 2-0, 0.75 in his last two starts; his last six starts stayed under. Houston is 2-3 in his starts away from home— their first 5-inning record with him: 3-3-1

This is series is in the Trop where the Rays normally play. Rangers lost four of last seven games (over 6-1). Houston lost three of last four games; over is 4-0 in their last four games.

__________________________

Interleague



______________________________

Record with this pitcher starting:
National League
NY-Cin: deGrom 16-10; Stephenson 3-2
LA-Az: Maeda 15-6; Greinke 18-8
Phil-Mia: Lively 2-7; Despaigne 1-1
Atl-Chi: Newcomb 4-10; Hendricks 15-12

American League
Chi-Minn: Gonzalez 9-12; Colon 4-4
Bos-NY: Rodriguez 10-8; Sabathia 14-7
Tor-Balt: Estrada 12-15; Hellickson 3-2
Tex-Hst: Hamels 10-7; McHugh 3-4

Interleague

Pitchers allowing a run in first inning:
National League
NY-Cin: deGrom 8-26; Stephenson 1-5
LA-Az: Maeda 7-21; Greinke 3-26
Phil-Mia: Lively 3-9; Despaigne 1-2
Atl-Chi: Newcomb 3-14; Hendricks 7-27

American League
Chi-Minn: Gonzalez 6-21; Colon 1-8
Bos-NY: Rodriguez 4-18; Sabathia 5-21
Tor-Balt: Estrada 9-27; Hellickson 1-5
Tex-Hst: Hamels 7-17; McHugh 1-7

Interleague

_________________________

Umpires
National League

American League

Interleague

Interleague play
NL @ AL– 76-55 AL, favorites +$103
AL @ NL– 71-65 NL, favorites +$164
Total: 141-126 AL, favorites +$267

Totals in interleague games
NL @ AL: Over 65-65-3
AL @ NL: Over 71-59-7
Total: Over 136-124-10

Teams’ records in first five innings:
Team (road-home-total)- thru 8/30/17
Ariz 25-26-16……36-21–11……..61-47
Atl 25-31-9……23-35-7………..48-66
Cubs 30-30-7…….31-21-13………61-51
Reds 21-37-7……..25-36–7……….46-73
Colo 34-27-6…….35-26-4………..69-53
LA 30-21-12…….41-20-7……….71-41
Miami 28-32-8…….33-22-9………61-54
Milw 33-24-9…….32-27-8……….64-51
Mets 31-31-3……..25-36-6……….56-67
Philly 15-38-14……26-31-8……….41-69
Pitt 30-32-6…….26-28-11………57-60
St. Louis 26-29-8……35-24-9…………61-53
SD 20-39-8……..32-26–8……….52-65
SF 14-45-9……..27-28-11……….41-73
Wash 39-20-6……32-27-8………….71-47

Orioles 27-33-5……..30-31-6………57-64
Boston 29-29-10………30-33-2…….59-62
White Sox 21-37-9………24-36–4……..45-72
Cleveland 37-23-7……..31-24-8………68-47
Detroit 26-34-9…….27-29-8……..53-63
Astros 32-25-9……..40-24-4……..72-49
KC 24-30-9……..27-28-12…….51-58
Angels 25-31-8………29-27-13……..54-58
Twins 37-19-10………30-31-7……..66-49
NYY 28-36-6……….33-26-4…..…61-62
A’s 24-34-7……..28-30-11……..52-64
Seattle 26-35-9……..34-22-9………60-57
TB 34-24-10……..36-21-8……..70-45
Texas 32-24-11……..32-24-8……..64-48
Toronto 24-36-4……..27-31-10……..51-67

%age of times teams score in first inning (road/home/total- 8/30/17)
Ariz 20-65……..24-66………..44
Atl 15-64……….18-66……….33
Cubs 18-67……..24-65………..42
Reds 24-65……..26-68………50
Colo 17-67……..24-65..……..41
LA 18-63……..24-67..……..42
Miami 29-68……..23-64………52
Milw 22-66……25-68…..…..47
Mets 29-65……..22-67……….51
Philly 16-67……..20-66……….36
Pitt 20-68……..21-66……….41
StL 14-64……..21-67………..35
SD 23-67……….20-65……….43
SF 15-69……….20-66……….35
Wash 25-65……..26-67……….51

Orioles 15-66……..21-68……….36
Boston 20-68……..14-65……….34
White Sox 21-67……16-64………..37
Clev 18-67……..21-65……….39
Detroit 16-68…….26-64………42
Astros 19-66……..26-67……….45
KC 16-64……..13-69……….29
Angels 23-66……..20-70……….43
Twins 15-64……..16-67……….31
NYY 16-69……..17-63……….33
A’s 15-65……..26-69………41
Seattle 21-70…….22-66………43
TB 20-68……..23-67……….43
Texas 25-68……..27-64………52
Toronto 22-64……..19-71………41

[StarDust Bum]

August Best Bets Based on 5 Units Per Play

Best Bets

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

08/30/2017................4 - 6.........-1.05..................7 - 7 - 0..................-0.70
08/29/2017................0 - 5.........-5.00..................6 - 9 - 0..................- 3.90
08/28/2017................3 - 4..........-0.40.................8 - 2 - 0..................+5.80
08/27/2017................4 - 6.........+0.10.................2 - 6 - 0..................-4.60
08/26/2017................4 - 6.........- 1.35.................6 - 5 - 1..................+0.50
08/25/2017................3 - 4.........+0.70.................4 - 4 - 0...................-0.40
08/24/2017................4 - 2.........+4.10.................4 - 4 - 0..................- 0.40
08/23/2017................3 - 5.........- 0.50.................7 - 5 - 0..................+ 1.50
08/22/2017................2 - 2........+ 1.15.................4 - 7 - 0..................- 3.70
08/21/2017................2 - 6.........- 3.60.................5 - 1 - 0...................+3.90
08/20/2017................4 - 3.........+3.47.................6 - 4 - 0..................+ 1.60
08/19/2017................5 - 3.........+4.70.................8 - 6 - 0..................+ 1.40
08/18/2017................2 - 5.........- 2.10.................6 - 7 - 1...................- 1.70
08/17/2017................3 - 2.........+2.75.................5 - 5 - 0...................- 0.50
08/16/2017................1 - 10........-8.85.................5 - 3 - 0...................+ 1.70
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:...................87 - 130........- 7.85.................156 - 137 - 12..............- 1.80

[StarDust Bum]

MLB

Thursday, August 31

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

12:35 PM
NY METS vs. CINCINNATI
The total has gone OVER in 4 of NY Mets's last 5 games
NY Mets are 5-12 SU in its last 17 games
The total has gone OVER in 9 of Cincinnati's last 13 games at home
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Cincinnati's last 6 games at home

1:10 PM
TEXAS vs. HOUSTON
Texas is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games when playing on the road against Houston
Texas is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games when playing Houston
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Houston's last 9 games at home
Houston is 1-5 SU in its last 6 games at home

1:10 PM
CHI WHITE SOX vs. MINNESOTA
Chi White Sox are 2-11 SU in their last 13 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Chi White Sox's last 7 games on the road
Minnesota is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games
Minnesota is 4-2 SU in their last 6 games when playing Chi White Sox

3:40 PM
LA DODGERS vs. ARIZONA
LA Dodgers are 16-8 SU in their last 24 games
LA Dodgers are 1-4 SU in their last 5 games
Arizona is 6-3 SU in their last 9 games when playing at home against LA Dodgers
Arizona is 3-6 SU in their last 9 games when playing LA Dodgers

7:05 PM
TORONTO vs. BALTIMORE
Toronto is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games when playing on the road against Baltimore
The total has gone UNDER in 7 of Toronto's last 8 games when playing on the road against Baltimore
Baltimore is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games
Baltimore is 9-3 SU in its last 12 games when playing Toronto

7:05 PM
BOSTON vs. NY YANKEES
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Boston's last 9 games when playing NY Yankees
Boston is 4-1 SU in their last 5 games when playing NY Yankees
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of NY Yankees's last 9 games when playing Boston
NY Yankees are 2-5 SU in their last 7 games

7:10 PM
PHILADELPHIA vs. MIAMI
Philadelphia is 2-5 SU in its last 7 games when playing on the road against Miami
Philadelphia is 2-5 SU in its last 7 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Miami's last 5 games when playing Philadelphia
Miami is 10-1 SU in its last 11 games at home

8:05 PM
ATLANTA vs. CHI CUBS
Atlanta is 1-5 SU in their last 6 games when playing Chi Cubs
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Atlanta's last 5 games when playing on the road against Chi Cubs
Chi Cubs are 5-0 SU in their last 5 games at home
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Chi Cubs's last 5 games when playing at home against Atlanta

8:10 PM
WASHINGTON vs. MILWAUKEE
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Washington's last 6 games
Washington is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games
Milwaukee is 10-5 SU in its last 15 games
The total has gone OVER in 6 of Milwaukee's last 7 games at home

10:15 PM
ST. LOUIS vs. SAN FRANCISCO
St. Louis is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games when playing on the road against San Francisco
The total has gone OVER in 8 of St. Louis's last 11 games when playing on the road against San Francisco
The total has gone UNDER in 8 of San Francisco's last 10 games
San Francisco is 1-5 SU in its last 6 games

[StarDust Bum]

MLB
Dunkel

Thursday, August 31


Texas @ Houston

Game 969-970
August 31, 2017 @ 1:10 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Texas
(Mrtinez) 14.566
Houston
(McHugh) 15.790
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Houston
by 1
9
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Houston
-150
8 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Houston
(-150); Over

Toronto @ Baltimore

Game 967-968
August 31, 2017 @ 7:05 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Toronto
(Estrada) 13.131
Baltimore
(Hllckson) 17.427
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Baltimore
by 4 1/2
8
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Baltimore
-135
10 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Baltimore
(-135); Under

Boston @ NY Yankees

Game 965-966
August 31, 2017 @ 7:05 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Boston
(Rdriguez) 15.404
NY Yankees
(Sabathia) 16.296
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
NY Yankees
by 1
7
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
NY Yankees
-120
9 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
NY Yankees
(-120); Under

Chicago White Sox @ Minnesota

Game 963-964
August 31, 2017 @ 1:10 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Chicago White Sox
(Gnzalez) 14.233
Minnesota
(Colon) 17.034
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Minnesota
by 3
9
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Minnesota
-155
10
Dunkel Pick:
Minnesota
(-155); Under

St. Louis @ San Francisco

Game 961-962
August 31, 2017 @ 10:15 pm

Dunkel Rating:
St. Louis
(Wacha) 15.391
San Francisco
(Bmgrner) 13.040
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
St. Louis
by 2 1/2
10
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
San Francisco
-120
7 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
St. Louis
(+100); Over

Washington @ Milwaukee

Game 959-960
August 31, 2017 @ 8:10 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Washington
(Gnzalez) 16.882
Milwaukee
(Davies) 14.384
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Washington
by 2 1/2
8
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Milwaukee
-115
8 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Washington
(-105); Under

Atlanta @ Chicago Cubs

Game 957-958
August 31, 2017 @ 8:05 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Atlanta
(Newcomb) 15.502
Chicago Cubs
(Hendrcks) 18.032
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Chicago Cubs
by 2 1/2
8
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Chicago Cubs
-220
No Total
Dunkel Pick:
Chicago Cubs
(-220); N/A

Philadelphia @ Miami

Game 955-956
August 31, 2017 @ 7:10 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Philadelphia
(Lively) 13.160
Miami
(Despaigne) 14.648
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Miami
by 1 1/2
11
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Miami
-165
9 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Miami
(-165); Over

LA Dodgers @ Arizona

Game 953-954
August 31, 2017 @ 3:40 pm

Dunkel Rating:
LA Dodgers
(Maeda) 14.634
Arizona
(Greinke) 15.812
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Arizona
by 1
7
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
LA Dodgers
-115
9
Dunkel Pick:
Arizona
(-105); Under

NY Mets @ Cincinnati

Game 951-952
August 31, 2017 @ 12:35 pm

Dunkel Rating:
NY Mets
(deGrom) 13.897
Cincinnati
(Stphnson) 14.608
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Cincinnati
by 1
11
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
NY Mets
-130
9
Dunkel Pick:
Cincinnati
(+110); Over

[StarDust Bum]

MLB
Long Sheet

Thursday, August 31

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

NY METS (58 - 74) at CINCINNATI (56 - 77) - 12:35 PM
JACOB DEGROM (R) vs. ROBERT STEPHENSON (R)
Top Trends for this game.
NY METS are 58-74 (-23.5 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
NY METS are 12-26 (-17.1 Units) against the money line in day games this season.
NY METS are 46-54 (-15.4 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.
NY METS are 24-31 (-12.4 Units) against the money line after a win this season.
CINCINNATI is 48-51 (+4.9 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.
NY METS are 110-88 (+36.6 Units) against the money line in road games when playing on Thursday since 1997.
NY METS are 23-14 (+9.9 Units) against the money line in road games when playing against a team with a losing record this season.
NY METS are 220-169 (+40.8 Units) against the money line in road games when playing against a team with a losing record in the second half of the season since 1997.
CINCINNATI is 402-369 (-85.8 Units) against the money line in home games when playing against a team with a losing record since 1997.

Head-to-Head Series History
NY METS is 1-1 (+0.4 Units) against CINCINNATI this season
1 of 2 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+0.1 Units)

JACOB DEGROM vs. CINCINNATI since 1997
DEGROM is 1-0 when starting against CINCINNATI with an ERA of 1.50 and a WHIP of 0.833.
His team's record is 1-0 (+1.0 units) in these starts. The OVER is 1-0. (+1.0 units)

ROBERT STEPHENSON vs. NY METS since 1997
STEPHENSON is 0-1 when starting against NY METS with an ERA of 3.38 and a WHIP of 1.313.
His team's record is 0-1 (-1.0 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 1-0. (+1.0 units)

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LA DODGERS (91 - 40) at ARIZONA (75 - 58) - 3:40 PM
KENTA MAEDA (R) vs. ZACK GREINKE (R)
Top Trends for this game.
LA DODGERS are 18-30 (-13.3 Units) against the money line on the road when the money line is +125 to -125 over the last 2 seasons.
LA DODGERS are 118-115 (-33.0 Units) against the money line in road games over the last 3 seasons.
LA DODGERS are 29-36 (-20.0 Units) against the money line in road games against division opponents over the last 2 seasons.
ARIZONA is 75-58 (+14.1 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
ARIZONA is 36-20 (+13.8 Units) against the money line when the total is 9 to 9.5 this season.
ARIZONA is 18-9 (+9.1 Units) against the money line at home when the money line is +125 to -125 this season.
ARIZONA is 44-23 (+17.4 Units) against the money line in home games this season.
ARIZONA is 26-10 (+15.4 Units) against the money line at home when the total is 9 to 9.5 this season.
ARIZONA is 12-5 (+7.7 Units) against the money line when playing on Thursday this season.
ARIZONA is 30-23 (+7.7 Units) against the money line against division opponents this season.
ARIZONA is 57-44 (+9.0 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.
ARIZONA is 44-30 (+11.6 Units) against the money line after a win this season.
GREINKE is 34-18 (+12.9 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
GREINKE is 13-2 (+11.1 Units) against the money line in home games this season. (Team's Record)
GREINKE is 67-26 (+34.7 Units) against the money line in home games after a win since 1997. (Team's Record)
LA DODGERS are 91-40 (+29.9 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
LA DODGERS are 62-28 (+20.0 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
ARIZONA is 7-8 (+0.8 Units) against LA DODGERS this season
8 of 14 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+1.3 Units)

KENTA MAEDA vs. ARIZONA since 1997
MAEDA is 3-2 when starting against ARIZONA with an ERA of 4.18 and a WHIP of 1.162.
His team's record is 5-4 (-0.2 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 2-6. (-4.9 units)

ZACK GREINKE vs. LA DODGERS since 1997
GREINKE is 3-4 when starting against LA DODGERS with an ERA of 4.31 and a WHIP of 1.491.
His team's record is 5-4 (+1.3 units) in these starts. The OVER is 4-5. (-1.6 units)

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PHILADELPHIA (49 - 83) at MIAMI (66 - 66) - 7:10 PM
BEN LIVELY (R) vs. ODRISAMER DESPAIGNE (R)
Top Trends for this game.
PHILADELPHIA is 49-83 (-22.0 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
PHILADELPHIA is 14-33 (-17.2 Units) against the money line when the total is 9 to 9.5 this season.
PHILADELPHIA is 21-46 (-14.8 Units) against the money line in road games this season.
PHILADELPHIA is 26-57 (-25.1 Units) against the money line in night games this season.
PHILADELPHIA is 31-64 (-27.9 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.
PHILADELPHIA is 26-55 (-21.5 Units) against the money line after a loss this season.
MIAMI is 66-66 (+4.6 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
MIAMI is 17-11 (+8.0 Units) against the money line in August games this season.
MIAMI is 54-51 (+6.1 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.
MIAMI is 34-31 (+7.5 Units) against the money line after a loss this season.
MIAMI is 41-34 (+7.6 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record this season.
MIAMI is 24-11 (+15.3 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
MIAMI is 7-5 (+0.7 Units) against PHILADELPHIA this season
7 of 11 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+2.3 Units)

BEN LIVELY vs. MIAMI since 1997
No recent starts.

ODRISAMER DESPAIGNE vs. PHILADELPHIA since 1997
No recent starts.

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ATLANTA (59 - 72) at CHICAGO CUBS (72 - 60) - 8:05 PM
SEAN NEWCOMB (L) vs. KYLE HENDRICKS (R)
Top Trends for this game.
ATLANTA is 127-165 (+2.6 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
ATLANTA is 22-27 (+17.8 Units) against the money line as a road underdog of +175 to +250 over the last 2 seasons.
ATLANTA is 67-79 (+24.2 Units) against the money line in road games over the last 2 seasons.
ATLANTA is 47-51 (+23.2 Units) against the money line in road games in night games over the last 2 seasons.
ATLANTA is 54-57 (+23.6 Units) against the money line in road games against right-handed starters over the last 2 seasons.
ATLANTA is 61-82 (+13.3 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.
CHICAGO CUBS are 72-60 (-17.3 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
CHICAGO CUBS are 893-815 (-160.3 Units) against the money line in home games since 1997.
CHICAGO CUBS are 276-323 (-67.5 Units) against the money line in August games since 1997.
CHICAGO CUBS are 36-35 (-16.6 Units) against the money line after a win this season.
CHICAGO CUBS are 2-7 (-9.0 Units) against the money line in home games after 3 or more consecutive wins this season.
CHICAGO CUBS are 820-771 (-159.3 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record since 1997.

Head-to-Head Series History
CHICAGO CUBS is 3-0 (+3.0 Units) against ATLANTA this season
2 of 3 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+1.1 Units)

SEAN NEWCOMB vs. CHICAGO CUBS since 1997
NEWCOMB is 0-1 when starting against CHICAGO CUBS with an ERA of 8.44 and a WHIP of 2.064.
His team's record is 0-1 (-1.0 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 1-0. (+1.0 units)

KYLE HENDRICKS vs. ATLANTA since 1997
HENDRICKS is 0-0 when starting against ATLANTA with an ERA of 3.37 and a WHIP of 1.218.
His team's record is 1-1 (-0.3 units) in these starts. The OVER is 0-2. (-2.0 units)

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WASHINGTON (81 - 51) at MILWAUKEE (69 - 64) - 8:10 PM
GIO GONZALEZ (L) vs. ZACH DAVIES (R)
Top Trends for this game.
MILWAUKEE is 69-64 (+14.1 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
MILWAUKEE is 44-40 (+10.5 Units) against the money line in night games this season.
MILWAUKEE is 44-32 (+22.6 Units) against the money line against left-handed starters over the last 2 seasons.
MILWAUKEE is 35-32 (+8.6 Units) against the money line after a win this season.
MILWAUKEE is 23-19 (+10.5 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record this season.
MILWAUKEE is 33-33 (+17.4 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.
DAVIES is 17-10 (+9.1 Units) against the money line in all games this season. (Team's Record)
DAVIES is 10-2 (+9.5 Units) against the money line after a win this season. (Team's Record)
WASHINGTON is 23-12 (+11.8 Units) against the money line on the road when the money line is +125 to -125 this season.
WASHINGTON is 41-24 (+13.8 Units) against the money line in road games this season.
WASHINGTON is 56-25 (+23.8 Units) against the money line in night games this season.
WASHINGTON is 33-19 (+11.4 Units) against the money line in road games against right-handed starters this season.
WASHINGTON is 27-13 (+13.0 Units) against the money line in road games after a win this season.
MILWAUKEE is 77-100 (-34.8 Units) against the money line in home games when playing on Thursday since 1997.

Head-to-Head Series History
WASHINGTON is 2-1 (+0.8 Units) against MILWAUKEE this season
2 of 3 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+0.9 Units)

GIO GONZALEZ vs. MILWAUKEE since 1997
GONZALEZ is 2-3 when starting against MILWAUKEE with an ERA of 4.57 and a WHIP of 1.408.
His team's record is 5-3 (+0.8 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 2-6. (-4.7 units)

ZACH DAVIES vs. WASHINGTON since 1997
DAVIES is 2-0 when starting against WASHINGTON with an ERA of 2.33 and a WHIP of 1.241.
His team's record is 3-0 (+4.4 units) in these starts. The OVER is 1-2. (-1.2 units)

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ST LOUIS (66 - 66) at SAN FRANCISCO (53 - 82) - 10:15 PM
MICHAEL WACHA (R) vs. MADISON BUMGARNER (L)
Top Trends for this game.
ST LOUIS is 66-66 (-11.5 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
ST LOUIS is 77-68 (+11.2 Units) against the money line in road games over the last 2 seasons.
ST LOUIS is 56-45 (+12.3 Units) against the money line in road games in night games over the last 2 seasons.
ST LOUIS is 442-400 (+51.4 Units) against the money line in road games after a loss since 1997.
SAN FRANCISCO is 53-82 (-33.7 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
SAN FRANCISCO is 26-29 (-15.5 Units) against the money line as a home favorite of -125 to -175 over the last 2 seasons.
SAN FRANCISCO is 35-53 (-19.2 Units) against the money line in night games this season.
SAN FRANCISCO is 37-57 (-26.3 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.
BUMGARNER is 3-10 (-12.3 Units) against the money line in all games this season. (Team's Record)
BUMGARNER is 2-8 (-9.5 Units) against the money line in night games this season. (Team's Record)

Head-to-Head Series History
SAN FRANCISCO is 2-1 (+1.6 Units) against ST LOUIS this season
2 of 3 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+0.9 Units)

MICHAEL WACHA vs. SAN FRANCISCO since 1997
WACHA is 1-0 when starting against SAN FRANCISCO with an ERA of 1.50 and a WHIP of 1.100.
His team's record is 3-2 (+0.6 units) in these starts. The OVER is 3-2. (+1.0 units)

MADISON BUMGARNER vs. ST LOUIS since 1997
BUMGARNER is 4-5 when starting against ST LOUIS with an ERA of 4.04 and a WHIP of 1.082.
His team's record is 5-5 (+0.5 units) in these starts. The OVER is 7-3. (+4.0 units)

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CHI WHITE SOX (52 - 79) at MINNESOTA (69 - 63) - 1:10 PM
MIGUEL GONZALEZ (R) vs. BARTOLO COLON (R)
Top Trends for this game.
CHI WHITE SOX are 16-41 (-17.3 Units) against the money line as a road underdog of +125 to +175 over the last 2 seasons.
MINNESOTA is 69-63 (+9.9 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
MINNESOTA is 19-10 (+9.5 Units) against the money line in August games this season.
MINNESOTA is 50-44 (+9.2 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.
MINNESOTA is 63-86 (-26.5 Units) against the money line in home games over the last 2 seasons.
MINNESOTA is 94-125 (-51.0 Units) against the money line in home games when playing on Thursday since 1997.
MINNESOTA is 24-43 (-21.0 Units) against the money line in home games against division opponents over the last 2 seasons.
MINNESOTA is 10-19 (-10.6 Units) against the money line in home games in day games this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
MINNESOTA is 11-7 (+2.1 Units) against CHI WHITE SOX this season
11 of 17 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+4.5 Units)

MIGUEL GONZALEZ vs. MINNESOTA since 1997
GONZALEZ is 2-2 when starting against MINNESOTA with an ERA of 4.25 and a WHIP of 1.382.
His team's record is 3-2 (+0.5 units) in these starts. The OVER is 3-2. (+0.8 units)

BARTOLO COLON vs. CHI WHITE SOX since 1997
COLON is 11-8 when starting against CHI WHITE SOX with an ERA of 3.81 and a WHIP of 1.311.
His team's record is 12-11 (-2.1 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 12-10. (+0.9 units)

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BOSTON (76 - 57) at NY YANKEES (70 - 62) - 7:05 PM
EDUARDO RODRIGUEZ (L) vs. C.C. SABATHIA (L)
Top Trends for this game.
BOSTON is 56-54 (-13.9 Units) against the money line when the total is 9 to 9.5 over the last 2 seasons.
BOSTON is 13-20 (-15.2 Units) against the money line when playing on Thursday over the last 2 seasons.
BOSTON is 38-36 (-8.9 Units) against the money line after a win this season.
RODRIGUEZ is 5-12 (-8.8 Units) against the money line when the total is 9 to 9.5 over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
NY YANKEES are 41-22 (+16.7 Units) against the money line in home games against division opponents over the last 2 seasons.
SABATHIA is 14-7 (+7.6 Units) against the money line in all games this season. (Team's Record)
SABATHIA is 10-2 (+10.2 Units) against the money line against division opponents this season. (Team's Record)
SABATHIA is 22-11 (+12.2 Units) against the money line in night games over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
SABATHIA is 8-1 (+8.3 Units) against the money line after a loss this season. (Team's Record)
NY YANKEES are 70-62 (-7.6 Units) against the money line in all games this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
NY YANKEES is 8-7 (+3.0 Units) against BOSTON this season
9 of 15 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+2.4 Units)

EDUARDO RODRIGUEZ vs. NY YANKEES since 1997
RODRIGUEZ is 4-1 when starting against NY YANKEES with an ERA of 2.31 and a WHIP of 1.157.
His team's record is 5-3 (+2.2 units) in these starts. The OVER is 2-6. (-4.7 units)

C.C. SABATHIA vs. BOSTON since 1997
SABATHIA is 16-15 when starting against BOSTON with an ERA of 4.44 and a WHIP of 1.350.
His team's record is 19-21 (-4.2 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 24-14. (+8.6 units)

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

TORONTO (61 - 72) at BALTIMORE (68 - 65) - 7:05 PM
MARCO ESTRADA (R) vs. JEREMY HELLICKSON (R)
Top Trends for this game.
TORONTO is 61-72 (-22.1 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
TORONTO is 23-34 (-14.4 Units) against the money line against division opponents this season.
TORONTO is 34-48 (-22.9 Units) against the money line in night games this season.
TORONTO is 22-37 (-17.2 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record this season.
BALTIMORE is 67-65 (+0.8 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
BALTIMORE is 39-17 (+14.3 Units) against the money line as a home favorite of -125 to -175 over the last 2 seasons.
BALTIMORE is 41-26 (+12.0 Units) against the money line in home games this season.
BALTIMORE is 29-22 (+10.4 Units) against the money line against division opponents this season.
BALTIMORE is 48-44 (+3.5 Units) against the money line in night games this season.
BALTIMORE is 109-97 (+10.1 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters over the last 2 seasons.
BALTIMORE is 38-29 (+9.4 Units) against the money line after a win this season.
BALTIMORE is 64-31 (+22.6 Units) against the money line in home games when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 3 seasons.
HELLICKSON is 30-27 (+11.8 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
HELLICKSON is 7-2 (+7.5 Units) against the money line against division opponents this season. (Team's Record)

Head-to-Head Series History
BALTIMORE is 9-3 (+7.8 Units) against TORONTO this season
9 of 12 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+6.0 Units)

MARCO ESTRADA vs. BALTIMORE since 1997
ESTRADA is 5-1 when starting against BALTIMORE with an ERA of 2.61 and a WHIP of 1.058.
His team's record is 8-3 (+4.8 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 8-3. (+4.7 units)

JEREMY HELLICKSON vs. TORONTO since 1997
HELLICKSON is 5-5 when starting against TORONTO with an ERA of 3.61 and a WHIP of 1.289.
His team's record is 6-10 (-5.4 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 5-10. (-6.5 units)

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

TEXAS (66 - 66) at HOUSTON (79 - 53) - 1:10 PM
NICK MARTINEZ (R) vs. COLLIN MCHUGH (R)
Top Trends for this game.
HOUSTON is 62-32 (+17.6 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.
MCHUGH is 15-3 (+11.8 Units) against the money line when the total is 8 to 8.5 over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
MCHUGH is 18-3 (+13.8 Units) against the money line at home when the total is 8 to 8.5 over the last 3 seasons. (Team's Record)
MCHUGH is 15-2 (+13.4 Units) against the money line against division opponents over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
TEXAS is 66-66 (+2.7 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
TEXAS is 80-61 (+30.9 Units) against the money line when the total is 8 to 8.5 over the last 3 seasons.
TEXAS is 73-77 (+13.7 Units) against the money line in road games over the last 2 seasons.
TEXAS is 50-42 (+21.0 Units) against the money line on the road when the total is 8 to 8.5 over the last 3 seasons.
TEXAS is 52-31 (+21.5 Units) against the money line in August games over the last 3 seasons.
TEXAS is 28-17 (+15.7 Units) against the money line when playing on Thursday over the last 3 seasons.
TEXAS is 72-56 (+19.3 Units) against the money line against division opponents over the last 2 seasons.
TEXAS is 122-102 (+20.4 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters over the last 2 seasons.
TEXAS is 90-70 (+18.9 Units) against the money line after a win over the last 2 seasons.
TEXAS is 28-22 (+15.5 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record this season.
TEXAS is 13-5 (+11.6 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record in the second half of the season this season.
HOUSTON is 80-69 (-18.5 Units) against the money line in home games over the last 2 seasons.
HOUSTON is 10-17 (-16.6 Units) against the money line in August games this season.
HOUSTON is 9-21 (-17.7 Units) against the money line when playing on Thursday over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
TEXAS is 7-8 (+1.6 Units) against HOUSTON this season
7 of 13 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+0.5 Units)

NICK MARTINEZ vs. HOUSTON since 1997
MARTINEZ is 3-1 when starting against HOUSTON with an ERA of 3.24 and a WHIP of 1.260.
His team's record is 4-2 (+3.7 units) in these starts. The OVER is 1-5. (-4.3 units)

COLLIN MCHUGH vs. TEXAS since 1997
MCHUGH is 4-1 when starting against TEXAS with an ERA of 5.30 and a WHIP of 1.687.
His team's record is 5-2 (+3.2 units) in these starts. The OVER is 3-4. (-1.1 units)

[StarDust Bum]

Diamond Trends - Thursday
August 31, 2017

TOP SU TREND:

-- The White Sox are 0-11 since Jul 23, 2014 post All-Star break in the last game of a series when they came back from a deficit to win in their starters last start.

TOP OU TREND:

-- The White Sox are 0-10-1 OU (-3.36 ppg) since Aug 13, 2013 as a home dog after they did not give up a walk last game.

TOP STARTER TREND:

-- The Cardinals are 15-0 OU (3.13 ppg) since May 09, 2014 when Michael Wacha starts on the road when they lost in his last start.

TOP CHOICE TREND:

-- The Brewers are 0-12 OU (-3.71 ppg) since May 17, 2016 as a home dog after Hernan Perez had multiple hits last game.

[StarDust Bum]

THURSDAY, AUGUST 31

GAME TIME(ET) PICK UNITS

NYM at CIN 12:35 PM

CIN +120

U 8.5

CHW at MIN 01:10 PM

O 10.0

TEX at HOU 01:10 PM

TEX +135

LAD at ARI 03:40 PM

U 9.0

TOR at BAL 07:05 PM

TOR +125

O 10.0

BOS at NYY 07:05 PM

O 9.0

PHI at MIA 07:10 PM

PHI +145

O 9.0

ATL at CHC 08:05 PM

ATL +190

U 8.0

WAS at MIL 08:10 PM

WAS +100

U 8.5

STL at SF 10:15 PM

U 7.5