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

[StarDust Bum]

Monday's ALCS Playoff Betting Preview And Odds: Astros at Yankees

Houston Astros at New York Yankees (HOU +115, NYY -125, O/U 8.5)

Astros lead series 2-0

The margin of error in the first two games of the American League Championship Series was razor thin, with the Houston Astros managing to come out on top in each contest to take a commanding lead in the best-of-seven matchup. The New York Yankees will try to turn the tide in their favor when they host Game 3 on Monday.

The Astros earned 2-1 wins in each of the first two games, with Game 2's victory coming only after Jose Altuve scampered around the bases from first on a Carlos Correa's double and scored when Yankees catcher Gary Sanchez was unable to handle the relay throw from shortstop Didi Gregorius. "Both sides are really, really emphasizing staying in the game and just continuing to fight because it can shift in a heartbeat," Houston manager A.J. Hinch told reporters. "Just when you feel good about where you're at, it can shift back to momentum the other way. So it's postseason baseball at its best." Sanchez (0-for-7, five strikeouts) and Aaron Judge (1-for-7, three strikeouts) are enduring a tough series at the plate for New York, but the team has no plans to change its batting order. "I'm going to stick with the same lineup because things can turn really quickly," Yankees manager Joe Girardi told reporters. "There's a lot of guys that struggle in the postseason. That's just what it is. If you just start moving people around trying to play a hot hand, it doesn't necessarily work."

TV: 8 p.m. ET, FS1

INJURY REPORT:

Astros - CF J. Marisnick (Out For Season, Thumb), SP D. Paulino (Out For Season, Suspension), RP J. Gustave (Out For Season, Elbow).

Yankees - SP L. Severino (day-to-day, Shoulder), SP L. Cessa (Out For Season, Ribs), SP M. Pineda (Out For Season, Elbow).

PITCHING MATCHUP: Astros RH Charlie Morton (0-0, 4.15 ERA) vs. Yankees LH CC Sabathia (0-0, 3.72)

Morton started the clinching game of the AL Division Series at Boston last Monday but did not factor in the decision, leaving after 4 1/3 innings. The New Jersey native surrendered seven hits and walked a pair but limited the damage to two runs in a game Houston went on to win 5-4. Morton earned a victory at New York on May 14, when he struck out 10 while allowing four runs on four hits and four walks in 5 2/3 frames.

Sabathia is coming off a performance in a clinching ALDS game as well and also lasted only 4 1/3 innings in Cleveland. The veteran registered nine strikeouts without walking a batter prior to his exit and was making his second ALDS start after working 5 1/3 solid frames in Game 2. Sabathia is 9-5 with a 4.46 ERA in 21 career postseason appearances - 20 starts - and is facing the Astros for the first time since posting a win in Houston on July 26, 2016.

TRENDS:

* Astros are 6-1 in their last 7 League Championship games.
* Astros are 4-0 in Morton's last 4 starts.
* Yankees are 1-10 in their last 11 League Championship games.
* Yankees are 13-3 in Sabathia's last 16 home starts.
* Over is 6-0 in Astros' last 6 games vs. a left-handed starter.
* Under is 5-0 in Sabathia's last 5 starts vs. American League West.
* Home team is 45-15 in Cederstrom's last 60 games behind home plate.

CONSENSUS: The public is siding with the home chalk Yankees at a rate of 62 percent and the Over is picking up 64 percent of the totals action.

[StarDust Bum]

MLB
Dunkel

Monday, October 16

Houston @ NY Yankees

Game 909-910
October 16, 2017 @ 8:05 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Houston
(Morton) 16.975
NY Yankees
(Sabathia) 18.839
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
NY Yankees
by 2
10
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
NY Yankees
-125
8 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
NY Yankees
(-125); Over




MLB
Long Sheet

Monday, October 16

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HOUSTON (106 - 62) at NY YANKEES (95 - 75) - 7:05 PM
CHARLIE MORTON (R) vs. C.C. SABATHIA (L)
Top Trends for this game.
HOUSTON is 50-50 (-17.2 Units) against the money line against left-handed starters over the last 2 seasons.
NY YANKEES are 51-33 (+15.2 Units) against the money line at home when the money line is +125 to -125 over the last 3 seasons.
NY YANKEES are 24-8 (+12.9 Units) against the money line at home when the total is 8 to 8.5 this season.
NY YANKEES are 67-34 (+20.0 Units) against the money line in home games in night games over the last 2 seasons.
NY YANKEES are 50-35 (+13.4 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record this season.
SABATHIA is 20-9 (+12.4 Units) against the money line in all games this season. (Team's Record)
SABATHIA is 15-7 (+10.0 Units) against the money line when the total is 8 to 8.5 over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
SABATHIA is 26-13 (+15.0 Units) against the money line in night games over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
SABATHIA is 10-2 (+9.3 Units) against the money line after a loss this season. (Team's Record)
SABATHIA is 10-4 (+7.9 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record this season. (Team's Record)
HOUSTON is 106-62 (+15.7 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
HOUSTON is 27-15 (+10.8 Units) against the money line on the road when the money line is +125 to -125 this season.
HOUSTON is 54-29 (+16.0 Units) against the money line in road games this season.
HOUSTON is 38-19 (+13.2 Units) against the money line in road games in night games this season.
HOUSTON is 33-19 (+10.1 Units) against the money line in road games after a win this season.
HOUSTON is 37-22 (+10.0 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record this season.
MORTON is 29-11 (+15.1 Units) against the money line in night games over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)

Head-to-Head Series History
HOUSTON is 7-2 (+4.6 Units) against NY YANKEES this season
5 of 9 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+0.7 Units)

CHARLIE MORTON vs. NY YANKEES since 1997
MORTON is 1-1 when starting against NY YANKEES with an ERA of 5.68 and a WHIP of 1.184.
His team's record is 1-1 (+0.1 units) in these starts. The OVER is 1-1. (-0.1 units)

C.C. SABATHIA vs. HOUSTON since 1997
SABATHIA is 2-1 when starting against HOUSTON with an ERA of 4.15 and a WHIP of 1.292.
His team's record is 2-1 (+1.0 units) in these starts. The OVER is 2-1. (+0.9 units)

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MLB
Armadillo's Write-Up

Monday, October 16

Houston @ New York
Astros are 7-2 against New York this season, winning 3 of 4 in the Bronx.

Morton is 3-0, 2.38 in his last four starts (under 4-0); Houston is 6-4 in his road starts. Morton won his only ’17 start vs NY, allowing four runs in 5.2 IP. He is 0-1, 3.60 in two career playoff starts.

Sabathia is 3-0, 3.26 in his last five starts; under is 9-3 in his last 2 starts. NY is 10-3 in his home starts this year. Sabathia didn’t pitch against Houston this season. He is 9-5, 4.46 in 21 career playoff games (20 starts).

AL Wild Card
NYY 8-4 Minn -$255, O7.5

NL Wild Card
Ariz 11-8 Colo -$148, O8.5

Hous 8-2 Bos, -$120, O7
Hous 8-2 Bos, -$185, O8.5
Bos 10-3 Hst, +$117, O9.5
Hst 5-4 Bos, -$118, O8
Astros win series, 3-1

Clev 4-0 NYY -$130, U8.5
Clev 9-8 NYY (13), -$210, O7
NYY 1-0 Clev, -$109, U8.5
NYY 7-3 Clev, -$150, O7.5
NYY 5-2 Clev, +$165, N7
New York wins series, 3-2

Cubs 3-0 Wash +$135, U7.5
Wash 6-3 Cubs, -$117, O8.5
Cubs 2-1 Wash, +$105, U7.5
Wash 5-0 Cubs, -$109, U7
Cubs 9-8 Wash, -$115, O7.5
Cubs win series, 3-2

LA 9-4 Ariz -$270, O7.5
LA 8-5 Ariz, -$142, O8
LA 2-1 Ariz, -$115, U8
Dodgers win series, 3-0

League championship series
Hst 2-1 NYY, -$165, U8
Hst 2-1 NYY, -$118, U7.5

LA 5-2 Cubs, -$190, U7
LA 2-1 Cubs, -$160, U7.5




MLB

Monday, October 16

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Trend Report
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8:08 PM
HOUSTON vs. NY YANKEES
Houston is 6-1 SU in its last 7 games
Houston is 7-3 SU in their last 10 games when playing on the road against NY Yankees
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of NY Yankees's last 6 games at home
The total has gone OVER in 5 of NY Yankees's last 7 games when playing Houston

[StarDust Bum]

MONDAY, OCTOBER 16

GAME TIME(ET) PICK UNITS

HOU at NYY 08:00 PM

NYY -135

O 8.5

[StarDust Bum]

Monday's Best Bet
October 16, 2017

ALCS Game 3 Betting Preview (FOX, 8:05 p.m. ET)
Houston Astros vs New York Yankees

The Houston Astros did what they were “supposed” to do in the first two games of this series as they took care of business at home and head to New York with a 2-0 series lead. Yet, the 2-0 series lead doesn't speak to just how close those first two games were and the phenomenal efforts from the Astros starting pitchers in those two games.

Houston won both games by 2-1 scores, as Dallas Keuchel (Game 1) and Justin Verlander (Game 2) were downright dominant in their starts. Those two guys combined to pitch 16 of the 18 innings so far in this series – Verlander had a complete game – and tonight the Astros would love to get a similar performance from starter Charlie Morton.

BetOnline.ag Odds: Houston (+123), New York (-133); Total set at 8.5

Morton couldn't get out of the 5th inning when he started Game 4 against Boston last round, but the Astros bullpen was able to piece things together after that as they clinched the series with a 5-4 win. There is no question that after sending out Keuchel and Verlander to open this ALCS, sending out Morton is a step down in quality for the Astros and the offense is likely going to have to do a bit more work then they did in Games 1 and 2. Houston was 17-9 SU when Morton got the nod this year so it's not like they haven't had much success with him on the mound, but most of his rougher starts did come away from home this year, including his lone start vs. New York.

Morton has only seen this Yankees lineup once this year and it came in New York back in mid-May. It was a hit-or-miss type day for Morton as he struck out 10, walked 4, gave up four runs on four hits in 5.2 innings of work en route to a 10-7 Houston win. That game was actually the back end of a double-header that day, so the Astros were happy to get the split (they lost Game 1), but tonight they know the stakes are much higher and another start where Morton struggles with command will definitely have him on a short leash.

Given the desperate spot the Yankees are in down 0-2 in the series, bettors should expect the Yankees to force Morton into the strike zone early and then be ultra-aggressive when he does find the plate. Morton simply doesn't have the type of swing-and-miss stuff Verlander or Keuchel do, so this matchup against Morton could be the break New York needs to get back into this ALCS.

New York is countering with C.C Sabathia tonight and he's had a great resurgence in 2017. The Yankees were 20-9 SU when Sabathia got the start this year, and his biggest performance had to have come in Game 5 of the ALDS against Cleveland. C.C may have only went 4.1 innings that day, but the 9 K's he had helped he and the Yankees wiggle out of some early trouble in spots where if Cleveland had got that big hit when the opportunity was there, we wouldn't even be talking about the Yankees still playing baseball right now.

But the fact remains that Joe Girardi didn't trust Sabathia's stuff beyond the 5th inning – which would be the third time through the order – and for as good as he's been in 2017, he's still prone to a blowup or two if he's not painting the corners with his pitches. Sabathia is a long ways away from the guy who used to blow people away with power when he first entered MLB, and there might not be a better lineup than Houston's to take advantage of Sabathia that doesn't have his best stuff.

It's nearly impossible to know how well either of these starters will be tonight, but situationally, tonight's Game 3 lends itself to bettors seeing a bit more offense. Both starters could easily have tough outings early and after a pair of 2-1 games, the two offenses both teams have will break out sooner than later.

Five of the seven regular season meetings between these two cashed 'over' tickets, and in three of those games both sides scored 6+ runs. Houston is on an 11-5 O/U run on the road, including a 4-0 O/U stretch on the road against southpaws. That later number extends to 6-0 O/U against lefties overall, as they finished the regular season with the 4th best batting average against lefties in 2017.

The Yankees also have to know that a breakout performance by this Houston lineup is likely on it's way, and given New York is down 0-2 in the series, they've got to be prepared to slug it out too. New York averaged 5.56 runs per home game this year, and given Houston put up 6.13 per road game, these next three games in New York should see the offenses come to life.

I'm backing that situation will happen in tonight's Game 3, and although it's a popular play according to the betting percentage numbers at VegasInsider.com, the 'over' 8.5 looks to be the best way to attack this game from a betting perspective.

Odds per - BetOnline.ag

Best Bet: Over 8.5 runs (-115)

[StarDust Bum]

Astros, Yanks try to get bats going in NY
October 16, 2017

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

GOING BATTY

The two highest-scoring teams in the majors this season have combined for all of six runs in the first two games of the AL Championship Series. Houston, which totaled 896 runs to 858 for the Yankees this year, won a pair of nail-biters back home by identical 2-1 scores behind ace pitchers Dallas Keuchel and Justin Verlander. Two wins from the franchise's second trip to the World Series, the Astros send 14-game winner Charlie Morton to the mound in Game 3 at Yankee Stadium (8:08 p.m. EDT). Morton grew up in nearby Connecticut rooting for the Yankees.

HOLE IN THE MIDDLE

If the Yankees are going to rally in this ALCS, they're probably going to need more production from their top hitters. Aaron Judge, Gary Sanchez and Didi Gregorius combined to go 2 for 22 in the first two games of the series, while Astros stars Jose Altuve and Carlos Correa went 8 for 15. Not to mention, Yankees designated hitters are 0 for 27 in the postseason, with Chase Headley, Jacoby Ellsbury and Matt Holliday all coming up empty. Maybe being back at Yankee Stadium will help. New York went 51-30 at home during the regular season, the best mark in the American League, and is 3-0 there during the playoffs.

RIGHT MAN ON THE MOUND

CC Sabathia pitches for the Yankees as they try to stop a seven-game ALCS losing streak that dates to 2010 against Texas. The 37-year-old lefty went 14-5 with a 3.69 ERA during the regular season. But he was at his best when New York needed to rebound, going 9-0 with a 1.71 ERA in 10 starts following Yankees defeats.

CHILL OUT

The Dodgers and Cubs will trade sunglasses for long sleeves as their NL Championship Series shifts from Los Angeles to Chicago. Dodger Stadium was 92 degrees for first pitch of Game 2 on Sunday night, and Los Angeles right fielder Yasiel Puig had to battle a difficult setting sun to track a fly ball in the first inning.

Temperatures are projected to dip into the low-50s for Game 3 on Tuesday night at Wrigley Field, with first pitch set for 8:01 p.m. local time.

[StarDust Bum]

Judge, Sabathia help Yankees beat Astros 8-1, trail ALCS 2-1
October 16, 2017

NEW YORK (AP) Aaron Judge hit a three-run homer and a made pair of sparkling catches, leading CC Sabathia and the Yankees over the Houston Astros 8-1 Monday night and cutting New York's deficit to 2-1 in the best-of-seven AL Championship Series.

Sabathia allowed three hits over six scoreless innings for his first postseason win in five years. Todd Frazier hit a go-ahead, three-run homer for the Yankees, who stopped a seven-game ALCS losing streak dating to Sabathia's victory over Texas in 2010.

Sonny Gray starts Game 4 Wednesday on 11 days' rest, likely against Brad Peacock or Lance McCullers Jr.

Back in the Bronx after a pair of 2-1 losses in Houston, the Yankees led 8-0 after four innings. Houston scored on a bases-loaded walk in the ninth before postseason star Jose Altuve grounded into a game-ending double play with the bases loaded.

[StarDust Bum]

LEADING OFF: Cubs try to dent Dodgers, Judge breaks loose
October 16, 2017

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

PROFESSOR VS YU

Kyle Hendricks is set to pitch for the Cubs, who are trying to overcome a 2-0 deficit against the Dodgers in their NL Championship Series. Hendricks finished the regular season with a 2.19 ERA over his final 13 starts and opened the playoffs with seven scoreless innings against the Nationals. The Professor, from Dartmouth, has been overpowering at times despite a fastball that averaged just 86.6 mph, third-slowest among pitchers with at least 100 innings this year.

Yu Darvish gets the nod for Los Angeles. The Japanese right-hander tweaked his mechanics after being acquired from Texas in a trade deadline deal, and he's been dominant with a 98 mph heater this fall. He pitched one-run ball and struck out seven over five innings in NLDS Game 3 against Arizona.

JUDGE JOINS

Yankees slugger Aaron Judge had mostly been a no-show in the playoffs before launching a three-run homer against the Astros on Monday in Game 3 of the AL Championship Series. The rookie, who led the league with 52 home runs this season, was a combined 2 for 28 with 20 strikeouts in the playoffs vs. Cleveland and Houston until connecting. Judge also made a fine running catch while slamming into the padded right field wall at Yankee Stadium.

TURNED OVER

The Dodgers and Cubs are in the NLCS for a second straight year, but this Los Angeles team looks very different. Justin Turner was the only Dodger to start Game 2 of the 2016 NLCS and crack LA's starting lineup Sunday. The new faces around him have come up big, though, including fill-in shortstop Charlie Culberson, who is 2 for 5 with two doubles while replacing the injured Corey Seager. NL Rookie of the Year favorite Cody Bellinger has also been a key newcomer, going 3 for 7 in the first two games.

BULLPEN BLUES

A strength of Chicago's during the regular season, the bullpen has a 7.03 ERA in the playoffs. Manager Joe Maddon has tried to find creative solutions, including using starter John Lackey as a reliever in Games 1 and 2. Lackey allowed Justin Turner's game-ending homer Sunday night, and he, Carl Edwards Jr., Mike Montgomery and Hector Rondon all have ERAs larger than 10.00 this postseason. Meanwhile, closer Wade Davis has yet to appear since a seven-out save in NLDS Game 5 against Washington - Maddon was holding him Sunday in case Chicago encountered a save situation.

[StarDust Bum]

Puig might just have his struggles licked
October 16, 2017

LOS ANGELES (AP) When Yasiel Puig licks his bats , Dodger Stadium laughs. When he stands at the plate admiring a base hit , the fans' initial cheers hilariously morph into a group exhortation to ''Go! Go!'' - which he eventually does.

The Cuban outfielder's entire baseball career has been a quest to learn how to direct his prodigious talent without losing the fundamental joy he derives from the game.

Just 14 months ago, that quest appeared to be over, at least in Los Angeles. Puig had been demoted to Triple-A and seemed unlikely to return to the Dodgers amid frustration with his consistency and discipline.

The Wild Horse just might have it all figured out now, and LA is thrilled to be along for a redemptive ride that's going deep into October.

''This is my best season,'' Puig said. ''I grew up a little bit more. I'm going to home plate for having fun, because I know (if) I hit nothing, I do nothing in the game, my teammates are going to have my back. That's the reason I play better and my team is in this position again.''

With his most consistent big-league campaign and a dynamite start to the playoffs, Puig is a major component of a team closing in on the World Series after a 4-1 victory over the Chicago Cubs on Sunday night to take a 2-0 lead in the NL Championship Series.

Puig set career highs this season with 28 homers and 74 RBIs while playing his usual superb defense in right field and appearing in a team-leading 152 games. In the postseason, he is 7 for 16 with five walks and six RBIs. He has already surpassed his entire career postseason RBI total, capped by his first playoff homer in Game 1 against Chicago.

Puig has made big plays in every game for the unbeaten Dodgers, who resume the NLCS at Wrigley Field on Tuesday. Once a shameless free-swinger, he drew three walks and scored a run in Los Angeles' 4-1 win in Game 2.

''I would have got the fourth walk, but my tongue wasn't working when I licked the bat, so I got struck out with the ball in the dirt,'' he said.

Oh yes, he also licks pine tar from his lumber for luck, flips his bats on seemingly minor hits, plays right field with inimitable grace and kisses his hitting coach on the cheek constantly.

''This is as good as we've seen him focus on every single pitch in the game,'' said manager Dave Roberts, who took over the Dodgers before last season. ''When you combine that with the skill set that he has, and the energy he brings, he doesn't only energize 50,000 people. He energizes everyone in the clubhouse.''

Ever since he joined the Dodgers in 2013 after his perilous exit from Cuba , Puig has played baseball with an ebullience that offends some baseball purists, but usually proves irresistible to younger fans, most teammates and anybody who enjoys fun.

''It's dumb sometimes, but he brings a lot of energy to this team,'' rookie star Cody Bellinger said.

He struggled with hamstring injuries over the past two seasons, perhaps because he weighed too much. He showed up late for work on occasion, and some teammates weren't laughing. It all culminated in August 2016 when the Dodgers sent Puig to Triple-A Oklahoma City.

But Puig's banishment lasted only a month due to his ability to hit left-handed pitching, and he contributed to the Dodgers' postseason run. He returned this season with a clear dedication to his job, and it translated into his most complete season.

''He's really come a long way,'' Roberts said. ''He cares so much about his teammates. He's a very talented player, but all he cares about is winning.''

Puig usually hit near the bottom of the Dodgers' lineup this season while the spotlight settled on youngsters Corey Seager and Bellinger. He thrived as a supporting player, no longer carrying the weight of the Dodgers on his shoulders.

''He understands that the whole team is going to pick each other up, and that takes a lot of pressure off him,'' closer Kenley Jansen said.

During the summer, Puig followed big hits by planting an equally big kiss on the cheek of hitting coach Turner Ward, grinningly powerless to escape Puig's grasp. Ward has played a key role in keeping the slugger focused and upbeat.

''I think that's great when he can play with such emotion and focus as well,'' Roberts said. ''He loves the big stage, and his only focus is helping us continue to win baseball games. Right now, he's playing at a high level. Not only the fans, but his teammates are feeding off it.''

Puig set the tone for the Dodgers' postseason in the NL Division Series opener against Arizona. After he tripled in Game 1, Puig looked up from his headfirst slide and stuck out his tongue at the Dodgers' bench, wagging his head and delighting his teammates.

''I was thinking, `That's about right,''' ace Clayton Kershaw said. ''Yasi is an exciting player, and it's pretty special when he gets focused and locked in.''

As for Puig's instantly meme-able bat licks, the Dodgers don't exactly get it - but they like it.

''I never asked him,'' Kershaw said. ''Doesn't seem like the most sanitary thing to do, but if he keeps getting hits, I hope he does it more.''

Not everybody loves Puig: Baseball fundamentalists frequently take offense to his lighthearted approach to their game. But Puig has even proved irresistible to the likes of Keith Olbermann, the irascible former SportsCenter anchor who ripped Puig after the NLCS opener for his bat flips.

Incredibly, Puig is now the Dodgers' fourth longest-tenured player - third excluding Adrian Gonzalez, who is injured and not with the team. His English has grown strong enough to allow him to conduct interviews in his second language, and he relishes pregame chats with Don Newcombe, the 91-year-old Dodgers legend.

Puig still hasn't figured out everything: In late September, he received a one-game benching for a baserunning blunder - and then he showed up late to Dodger Stadium the next day, earning another benching.

He owned up to his mistake and bounced back with flair in October.

''When he stuck out his tongue and waved his head? That's no surprise,'' Roberts said. ''That's what Yasiel does. He's called the Wild Horse for a reason. Sometimes you shake your head. Sometimes you smile. But he's a heck of a talent.''

[StarDust Bum]

MLB Playoff Record:.........

DATE W-L-T % UNITS RECORD ( Best Bets & Opinions )

10/16/2017 2-0-0 100.00% +10.00
10/15/2017 1-1-0 50.00% +0.00
10/14/2017 0-3-1 0.00% -15.50
10/13/2017 1-1-0 50.00% +0.00
10/12/2017 1-1-0 50.00% -0.50
10/11/2017 3-1-0 75.00% +15.50
10/09/2017 2-5-0 28.57% -16.75
10/08/2017 2-2-0 50.00% -2.30
10/07/2017 1-3-0 25.00% -10.50
10/06/2017.......5-2-0......71.43%.....+16.25
10/05/2017 ......1-3-0 .....25.00%..... -10.50
10/04/2017 ......1-1-0..... 50.00%....... -0.50

Total:...............19 -22......46.34%.......-14.30

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

Best Bets:......................ATS.................... ...TOTAL.....................TOTAL O/U

10/16/2017.................0 - 0.......................+0.00..................... ....1 - 0........+5.00
10/15/2017.................0 - 1........................-5.00.........................1 - 0........+5.00
10/14/2017.................0 - 2......................-10.00..........................0-0-1......+0.00
10/13/2017.................0 - 1.......................-5.00...........................1 - 0.......+5.00
10/12/2017.................0 - 0........................0.00..................... ......0 - 1........-5.50
10/11/2017.................2 - 0.......................+15.00.................... ...0 - 1........-5.50
10/09/2017.................0 - 1.......................- 5.00..........................1 - 3........-11.50
10/08/2017.................0 - 0........................00.00.................... .....2 - 0.......+10.00
10/07/2017.................0 - 2.......................-10.00.........................1-0-1.......+5.00
10/06/2017.................1 - 1.......................-1.00...........................3 - 1........+9.50
10/05/2017.................0 - 2.......................-10.00.........................1 - 1........-1.00
10/04/2017.................1 - 0.......................+ 5.00.........................0 - 1.......- 5.50


TOTAL:........................4 - 10....................- 26.00.......................12-9-2.......+10.50

[StarDust Bum]

Armadillo: Tuesday's six-pack

NBA over/under win totals for the coming season:

Golden State Warriors 67.5

Boston Celtics 56.5

Houston Rockets 55.5

San Antonio Spurs 54.5

Cleveland Cavaliers 53.5

Oklahoma City Thunder 51.5


**********

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

13) You hear a lot of cruddy things about people these days; here’s something nice about someone, Joey Votto of the Cincinnati Reds.

Votto is the Reds’ biggest star; when a 6-year old boy in Cincinnati had cancer this past summer, Votto visited the kid, without wanting publicity, and tried to make the kid feel as good as possible as this horrible disease took its toll. He helped in a fundraising event for the boy’s family that the Reds sponsored- he contributed $10,000 of his own money.

The little boy passed away 10 days ago; Votto was at the memorial service, again not wanting publicity, but in this age of negativity, how can you can not talk about such a nice person?

12) Detroit Lions’ QB Matthew Stafford is on pace to get sacked 61 times this season; the last NFL QB to get sacked 60+ times in a season? Jon Kitna, also of Detroit, back in 2006.

11) Maryland fired its athletic director, in part because the guy tried to get the AD job out at California, and Maryland’s school president wasn’t happy about that.

10) Rams play Arizona in London Sunday, but they’re staying in Jacksonville until Thursday, to get solid practices in, as opposed to doing tourist-type stuff in England. Different teams have taken different approaches to the London games; we’ll see how this works out.

9) New York-Houston playoff game Friday was the first time ever that the two cleanup hitters in a playoff game were the starting shortstops.

8) Cubs’ pitching coach Chris Bosio takes a while to the walk to the mound, but with good reason; he has a broken ankle, and is wearing a boot on his foot.

7) 37-year old Damien Wilkins has been out of the NBA since 2013, but he made the Indiana Pacers’ roster this season— good for him.

6) Nebraska hired Washington State AD Bill Moos as its new athletic director, which may be bad news for both football coach Mike Riley and basketball coach Tim Miles, both of whom have been struggling to win as much as the wealthy boosters would like.

5) Ike Iroegbu played an exhibition game for the Clippers last week with no name on the back of his uniform; he had arrived in LA just a few hours before the game. Clippers cut him over the weekend; he is probably headed to the G-League.

4) Golden State Warriors may have found itself a steal in Oregon alum Jordan Bell; the 38th pick in the draft scored 29 points in 49 minutes in the preseason.

3) When Cavaliers’ JR Smith drinks coffee, he puts in 8 creams and 8 sugars in each one. Not a lot of room left for the coffee.

2) 49ers released LB NaVorro Bowman last week, a once-great player who is still good enough to play in the NFL. He signed with Oakland Monday.

1) Chiefs were at the last NFL team to lose this season; last time the “last team to lose” won the Super Bowl that year? The 2006 Indianapolis Colts

[StarDust Bum]

MLB
Dunkel

Tuesday, October 17


LA Dodgers @ Chicago Cubs

Game 963-964
October 17, 2017 @ 9:00 pm

Dunkel Rating:
LA Dodgers
(Darvish) 17.112
Chicago Cubs
(Hendrcks) 15.006
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
LA Dodgers
by 2
6
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Chicago Cubs
-120
No Total
Dunkel Pick:
LA Dodgers
(+100); N/A

Houston @ NY Yankees

Game 965-966
October 17, 2017 @ 5:00 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Houston
(McCllers) 19.023
NY Yankees
(Gray) 16.791
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Houston
by 2
6
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Houston
No Line
N/A
Dunkel Pick:
Houston
N/A




MLB
Long Sheet

Tuesday, October 17

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

LA DODGERS (109 - 58) at CHICAGO CUBS (95 - 74) - 9:05 PM
YU DARVISH (R) vs. KYLE HENDRICKS (R)
Top Trends for this game.
LA DODGERS are 19-31 (-13.4 Units) against the money line on the road when the money line is +125 to -125 over the last 2 seasons.
LA DODGERS are 89-80 (-19.5 Units) against the money line in road games over the last 2 seasons.
LA DODGERS are 145-104 (-13.0 Units) against the money line in night games over the last 2 seasons.
LA DODGERS are 96-93 (-34.3 Units) against the money line in road games against right-handed starters over the last 3 seasons.
DARVISH is 15-17 (-11.5 Units) against the money line in all games this season. (Team's Record)
CHICAGO CUBS are 187-112 (+37.8 Units) against the money line in night games over the last 3 seasons.
LA DODGERS are 77-32 (+27.5 Units) against the money line after a win this season.
LA DODGERS are 40-13 (+20.4 Units) against the money line after 3 or more consecutive wins this season.
CHICAGO CUBS are 95-74 (-12.4 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
CHICAGO CUBS are 905-821 (-157.9 Units) against the money line in home games since 1997.
CHICAGO CUBS are 17-24 (-18.5 Units) against the money line in home games in October games since 1997.
CHICAGO CUBS are 240-276 (-69.0 Units) against the money line when playing on Tuesday since 1997.
CHICAGO CUBS are 73-57 (-12.7 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.
CHICAGO CUBS are 34-36 (-10.7 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
LA DODGERS is 6-2 (+4.2 Units) against CHICAGO CUBS this season
6 of 7 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+5.0 Units)

YU DARVISH vs. CHICAGO CUBS since 1997
DARVISH is 0-1 when starting against CHICAGO CUBS with an ERA of 4.16 and a WHIP of 1.386.
His team's record is 0-1 (-1.0 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 1-0. (+1.0 units)

KYLE HENDRICKS vs. LA DODGERS since 1997
HENDRICKS is 3-2 when starting against LA DODGERS with an ERA of 2.20 and a WHIP of 0.704.
His team's record is 3-2 (+1.5 units) in these starts. The OVER is 2-3. (-1.0 units)

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

HOUSTON (106 - 62) at NY YANKEES (95 - 75) - 5:05 PM
BRAD PEACOCK (R) vs. SONNY GRAY (R)
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

Head-to-Head Series History
HOUSTON is 7-2 (+4.6 Units) against NY YANKEES this season
5 of 9 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+0.7 Units)

BRAD PEACOCK vs. NY YANKEES since 1997
No recent starts.

SONNY GRAY vs. HOUSTON since 1997
GRAY is 4-3 when starting against HOUSTON with an ERA of 3.09 and a WHIP of 1.286.
His team's record is 4-5 (-3.1 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 5-4. (+0.4 units)

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




MLB
Armadillo's Write-Up

Tuesday, October 17

New York @ Houston
Astros are 7-3 against New York this season, winning 3 of 5 in the Bronx. Houston scored total of five runs in first three games in this series.

McCullers is 0-2, 7.50 in his last four starts; his last win was June 24. Over is 6-2 in his last eight starts. Houston is 1-4 in his last five road starts. He is 1-0, 2.38 in two starts vs NY this season, is 0-0, 3.86 in two career playoff games (one start).

Gray is 1-3, 6.75 in his last four starts; under is 8-4-1 in his last 13 starts. NY is 2-3 in his home starts. Gray allowed five runs in five IP in his one start vs Houston this year- he is 0-2, 3.31 in three career playoff starts.

Cubs @ Dodgers
Dodgers are 5-2 vs Chicago this season; they shut Cubs out in 3 of the 5 wins. Home team won six of seven series games (under 6-1).

Darvish is 3-0, 1.11 in his last four starts; over is 5-3-1 in his last nine starts. Dodgers are 4-2 in his road starts. He is 1-2, 4.32 in three career playoff starts- he hasn’t pitched the Cubs this year.

Hendricks is 2-0, 1.82 in his last five starts; under is 6-1 in his last seven starts. Cubs are 7-6 in his home starts. Hendricks is 2-1, 2.60 in nine career playoff starts; he hasn’t pitched against the Dodgers this season.




MLB

Tuesday, October 17

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

5:08 PM
HOUSTON vs. NY YANKEES
Houston is 4-1 SU in their last 5 games when playing NY Yankees
The total has gone OVER in 6 of Houston's last 8 games when playing on the road against NY Yankees
NY Yankees are 1-4 SU in their last 5 games when playing Houston
NY Yankees are 6-1 SU in their last 7 games at home

9:01 PM
LA DODGERS vs. CHI CUBS
LA Dodgers are 4-1 SU in their last 5 games on the road
LA Dodgers are 5-0 SU in their last 5 games when playing Chi Cubs
Chi Cubs are 6-2 SU in their last 8 games when playing at home against LA Dodgers
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Chi Cubs's last 5 games when playing at home against LA Dodgers

[StarDust Bum]

Tuesday's MLB League Championship Series Betting Preview and Odds

It should be a tremendous day of baseball Tuesday with a pair of crucial games hitting the field. The Yankees will host the Astros for Game 4 of the ALCS, followed by the Dodgers and Cubs at Wrigley Field in Chicago for Game 3 of the NLCS.

Houston Astros at New York Yankees (HOU +115, NYY -125, Total: 9)

Astros lead series 2-1

The New York Yankees woke up offensively just in time on their home field and hope to build on a big night when the Houston Astros visit for Game 4 of the American League Championship Series on Tuesday. The Yankees managed only two runs while losing the first two games but exploded for eight runs in the first four innings on Monday before going on to post a critical 8-1 triumph.

Aaron Judge, who was 4-for-31 with 19 strikeouts in the playoffs coming into Monday's contest, and Todd Frazier (2-for-15 in the previous five games) each belted a three-run homer to break out of postseason slumbers as New York avoided playing another elimination game. Sonny Gray will try to help the Yankees even the series and keep Jose Altuve under control as the AL batting champion is 11-for-30 lifetime against him and hitting .481 with three homers in the postseason. Houston will counter with Lance McCullers Jr., who struck out 132 batters over 118 2/3 innings during the regular season but is looking for his first victory since June 24. The Astros, who led the majors in several offensive categories this campaign and averaged six runs along with 12.3 hits in the AL Division Series, have managed five runs and 15 hits over the first three games against the Yankees.

TV: 5:08 p.m. ET, FS1

PITCHING MATCHUP: Astros RH Lance McCullers Jr. (0-0, 6.00 ERA) vs. Yankees RH Sonny Gray (0-1, 8.10)

McCullers makes his second career playoff start and first this postseason after giving up two runs and three hits over three innings of relief against Boston on Oct. 8. The 24-year-old Tampa native, who gave up two runs over 6 1/3 frames in his other playoff start in 2015, went 7-4 with a 4.25 ERA during the regular season but was winless in his last eight turns. Didi Gregorius is 5-for-8 against McCullers, who went 1-0 with a 2.38 ERA in two starts versus the Yankees during an eight-game stretch this year in which he went 5-0.

Gray has had plenty of rest since permitting three runs on three hits and four walks over 3 1/3 innings against Cleveland in the ALDS for his eighth loss in 12 decisions since joining the Yankees. The 27-year-old Vanderbilt product is 2-3 with a 5.65 ERA in five starts at Yankee Stadium this year and gave up five runs over five innings in a loss to Houston on June 20 while with Oakland. Gray is winless in three career postseason outings, but he pitched well for the Athletics during the 2013 playoffs (2.08 ERA in two starts).

TRENDS:

* Astros are 40-18 in their last 58 road games vs. a right-handed starter.
* Astros are 1-7 in McCullers Jr.'s last 8 starts.
* Yankees are 20-7 in their last 27 home games.
* Yankees are 1-7 in their last 8 League Championship games.
* Over is 7-1 in McCullers Jr.'s last 8 starts overall.
* Home team is 19-9 in Guccione's last 28 games behind home plate.



Los Angeles Dodgers at Chicago Cubs (LAD +102, CHC -110, Total: 8.5)

Dodgers lead series 2-0

The Los Angeles Dodgers have yet to lose in the postseason and are two wins from reaching their first World Series since 1988. The defending World Series champion Chicago Cubs have three straight home games beginning Tuesday to try to prevent them from getting any closer.

The Cubs have had the Dodgers’ number at Wrigley Field recently, winning two of three there during last year’s NLCS and taking two of three when the Dodgers visited in April. Los Angeles’ pitchers have dominated this series, though, allowing only three runs through two games as the bullpen has combined for eight scoreless frames and allowed one baserunner and no hits. “I think up to this point we've done everything we can to put ourselves in a good position, but there is a long way to go,” Dodgers manager Dave Roberts told reporters. “It’s definitely noted how resilient that club is over there. They're going to do everything they can to win a game, and we're going to do the same.” To get back into the series, the Cubs will have to get the big bats in the middle of their lineup going as Chicago is hitting .117 in the series and stars Kris Bryant and Anthony Rizzo are a combined 1-for-14 with six strikeouts.

TV: 9 p.m. ET, TBS

PITCHING MATCHUP: Dodgers RH Yu Darvish (1-0, 1.80 ERA) vs. Cubs RH Kyle Hendricks (1-0, 3.27)

Darvish won his only start in the NLDS, allowing one run and two hits while striking out seven over five innings to beat Arizona for his first win in three postseason starts. The 31-year-old went 4-3 with a 3.44 ERA in nine regular-season starts after the Dodgers acquired him from Texas, and has allowed only two earned runs over his last four starts dating to the regular season. Darvish faced the Cubs last season while with the Rangers and allowed two runs over 4 1/3 innings in a loss at Wrigley Field.

Hendricks is 2-1 with a 2.60 ERA in nine postseason starts, but wasn’t at his best in Game 5 of the NLDS against Washington, allowing four runs --and two homers -- over four innings. The 27-year-old helped the Cubs clinch last year’s NLCS by throwing 7 1/3 scoreless innings against the Dodgers a year ago. Hendricks is 2-1 with a 3.15 ERA in three regular-season meetings against Los Angeles.

TRENDS:

* Dodgers are 1-10 in their last 11 League Championship road games.
* Cubs are 16-5 in their last 21 home games vs. a right-handed starter.
* Under is 6-0-1 in Dodgers' last 7 vs. National League Central.
* Under is 6-1 in Cubs' last 7 playoff home games.
* Under is 24-6-1 in Hendricks' last 31 starts vs. a team with a winning record.
* Under is 12-2 in the last 14 meetings in Chicago.

CONSENSUS: The public is leaning toward the home chalk Cubs with 60 percent of the picks.

[StarDust Bum]

MLB Playoff Record:.........

DATE W-L-T % UNITS RECORD ( Best Bets & Opinions )

10/16/2017 2-0-0 100.00% +10.00
10/15/2017 1-1-0 50.00% +0.00
10/14/2017 0-3-1 0.00% -15.50
10/13/2017 1-1-0 50.00% +0.00
10/12/2017 1-1-0 50.00% -0.50
10/11/2017 3-1-0 75.00% +15.50
10/09/2017 2-5-0 28.57% -16.75
10/08/2017 2-2-0 50.00% -2.30
10/07/2017 1-3-0 25.00% -10.50
10/06/2017.......5-2-0......71.43%.....+16.25
10/05/2017 ......1-3-0 .....25.00%..... -10.50
10/04/2017 ......1-1-0..... 50.00%....... -0.50

Total:...............19 -22......46.34%.......-14.30

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

Best Bets:......................ATS.................... ...TOTAL.....................TOTAL O/U

10/16/2017.................0 - 0.......................+0.00..................... ....1 - 0........+5.00
10/15/2017.................0 - 1........................-5.00.........................1 - 0........+5.00
10/14/2017.................0 - 2......................-10.00..........................0-0-1......+0.00
10/13/2017.................0 - 1.......................-5.00...........................1 - 0.......+5.00
10/12/2017.................0 - 0........................0.00..................... ......0 - 1........-5.50
10/11/2017.................2 - 0.......................+15.00.................... ...0 - 1........-5.50
10/09/2017.................0 - 1.......................- 5.00..........................1 - 3........-11.50
10/08/2017.................0 - 0........................00.00.................... .....2 - 0.......+10.00
10/07/2017.................0 - 2.......................-10.00.........................1-0-1.......+5.00
10/06/2017.................1 - 1.......................-1.00...........................3 - 1........+9.50
10/05/2017.................0 - 2.......................-10.00.........................1 - 1........-1.00
10/04/2017.................1 - 0.......................+ 5.00.........................0 - 1.......- 5.50


TOTAL:........................4 - 10....................- 26.00.......................12-9-2.......+10.50


TUESDAY, OCTOBER 17

GAME TIME(ET) PICK UNITS

HOU at NYY 05:00 PM

NYY -147

U 8.5 ******

LAD at CHC 09:00 PM

CHC -116

U 8.5 *****

[StarDust Bum]

Judge HR sparks NY in 6-4 win vs. Astros
October 17, 2017

NEW YORK (AP) With a soaring shot headed for Monument Park, Aaron Judge got New York back on course for another memorable October.

Yankee Stadium sounds like it's ready, too.

''That ballpark is alive,'' Judge said after this latest rousing rally.

Judge ignited a comeback with a home run , then hit a tying double during a four-run eighth inning to spur the unflappable Yankees over the Houston Astros 6-4 Tuesday night and tie the AL Championship Series 2-2.

The Baby Bombers trailed 4-0 against starter Lance McCullers Jr. until Judge homered leading off the seventh. He tied it with a line drive that nearly left the park in the eighth and scored when Gary Sanchez hit a go-ahead two-run double off loser Ken Giles.

''I didn't know what to do after I touched home plate,'' Judge said. ''I can't describe it.''

The Yankees overcame three errors and have roared back from a second straight 0-2 series deficit - they beat Cleveland in the Division Series by winning three in a row to take that best-of-five matchup.

Aroldis Chapman struck out two in a perfect ninth to cap a three-hitter and get the save . Before a sellout crowd of 48,804, New York improved to 5-0 at home in the playoffs and won for the 18th time in its last 21 home games.

''Every home game has been special,'' manager Joe Girardi said. ''I just feel like the fans are back. And I see things that I haven't in a while, and it reminds me a lot of when I was playing here.''

Yankee Stadium will be rocking again when Masahiro Tanaka pitches for New York against Dallas Keuchel in Game 5 Wednesday. It's a rematch of the series opener, when Keuchel outdid the Japanese right-hander in a 2-1 Astros win.

An AL MVP candidate mired in a sluggish October, Judge sparked the Yankees by chasing McCullers, who baffled the Yankees with his power breaking ball.

Except for the last one.

Judge launched a curveball into the netting above center field's Monument Park for New York's second hit.

''I thought Aaron's home run just lit a little spark,'' Girardi said.

Houston manager A.J. Hinch pulled McCullers after 81 pitches, Didi Gregorius tripled off Chris Devenski and Sanchez brought Gregorius in with a sacrifice fly.

Todd Frazier led off the eighth with a single to left, and pinch-hitter Chase Headley, in a 1-for-18 postseason slide, singled. He lost his balance stepping on first, fell en route to second, then took a step back before continuing on and getting his left hand in ahead of Jose Altuve's tag.

''Just stumbled and stumbled and stumbled and finally went down,'' Headley said. ''I went from one of the best feelings of my career to one of the worst in just a matter of seconds.''

Headley was awarded second after a video review, and the ballpark boomed when crew chief Gary Cederstrom gave the signal. It got so loud that on-deck hitter Brett Gardner said he ''kind of blacked out for a second.''

Gardner brought in Frazier on a groundout, and Judge came to bat with the bundled, buzzing crowd on its feet.

He lunged for a low slider and drilled a double high off the left-field wall as a fan in a longsleeve yellow shirt reached down and touched the ball. Pinch-runner Jacoby Ellsbury came home with the tying run, and Gregorius grounded a single just beyond shortstop Carlos Correa's reach to put runners at the corner. Sanchez, who had been 0 for 13 in the series, scored them both with a slicing drive that skipped to the wall in right-center.

''Those guys came up big for us today,'' Girardi said.

Judge had multiple hits for the first time since the AL wild-card game against Minnesota. He's still just 7 for 37 with 22 strikeouts in the playoffs, but he's 4 for 13 (.308) with three walks in the ALCS. He also homered in an 8-1 Game 3 win.

Judge said he used to dream about postseason at-bats in Yankee Stadium as a minor leaguer.

''The dreams aren't the same as reality,'' he said. ''To be out with the crowd and the atmosphere, it was unbelievable.''

The 35-minute bottom of the eighth was the latest stunning comeback for New York, which has overcome deficits of three or more 11 times this year, including in the wild-card game against Minnesota.

Houston had not lost consecutive games since Sept. 8-10 at Oakland and had the major leagues' best road record during the regular season. The Astros are hitting .153 in the series.

''We're not going to hit the panic button because we lost two games in a row,'' Correa said. ''We got Keuchel going tomorrow.''

McCullers cruised in his first start since Sept. 30 and turned over a 4-1 lead to his bullpen.

''He was awesome,'' manager A.J. Hinch said. ''And really proud of him because I know how important this start was for him.''

Yankees starter Sonny Gray pitched one-hit ball through five innings. His teammates have yet to score for him in four career postseason starts while he's still on the mound, including twice with New York this year.

Houston took a 3-0 lead in the sixth after George Springer walked leading off and Josh Reddick reached on catcher's interference by Austin Romine - inserted into lineup for his defense.

Yuli Gurriel lined a three-run double off David Robertson for a 3-0 lead in the sixth and second baseman Starlin Castro misplayed Brian McCann's seventh-inning grounder for his second error, allowing Marwin Gonzalez to score from second.

Winner Chad Green gave up an unearned run over two innings.

''All of a sudden, the pressure's back on the other team,'' Frazier said. ''It's the best place to play and the loudest place in baseball to play. No doubt about it.''

OUT, SAFE, OUT

The fourth inning ended strangely . Judge was doubled off first on Sanchez's popup, but the Yankees successfully challenged that Judge beat first baseman Gurriel to the base. Houston then appealed that Judge missed retouching second on his way back to first. Judge - realizing he would be called out on the challenge - decided to race McCullers' appeal throw to second and was tagged out. He would have voided the appeal attempt if he had beaten the throw.

''The coaching staff kind of gave me a heads up,'' Judge said. ''So I said, `All right, let's go. Got to try something.'''

Adding to the strangeness: throughout the challenge, McCullers was digging around the mound with his hands, scooping up beads off his necklace, which broke during the play.

TRAINER'S ROOM

Tanaka has been receiving treatment on his leg after being struck by Reddick's liner in Game 1. He did not expect it to be an issue Wednesday.

[StarDust Bum]

A year after 1st title since 1908, Cubs trail Dodgers 3-0
October 18, 2017

CHICAGO (AP) Kyle Schwarber had the fans roaring, thinking the Chicago Cubs just might be ready to tighten the NL Championship Series against the Los Angeles Dodgers.

Turns out, his first-inning was about all they had to cheer.

Yu Darvish shut down Chicago after Schwarber went deep, and the Cubs are on the verge of being swept in the NLCS for the second time in three years after Tuesday's night's 6-1 loss.

After knocking out Los Angeles last fall en route to their first World Series championship since consecutive titles in 1907 and 1908, hopes of another parade are just about dashed.

''Tomorrow is a Game 7. We have three or four Game 7s in a row coming up right now,'' Cubs manager Joe Maddon said.

Jake Arrieta will try to keep the series going for the Cubs when he opposes Alex Wood on Wednesday night. But unless the Cubs get their hitting and bullpen in order, this season could come to a close.

The Cubs have been in tough spots before, rallying from a 3-1 deficit to beat Cleveland in seven games for the title last year. They also pulled out a wild victory at Washington in Game 5 of the Division Series this month after failing to close out the Nationals at Wrigley Field.

But they are hitting .160 with four extra-base hits through three games.

''Of course we expected more,'' Maddon said. ''It's somewhat surprising. I don't want to use the word disappointing.''

And the Cubs bullpen is struggling, too.

Batting second, Schwarber hit an opposite-field drive to left-center for a 1-0 lead in the first. From there, the offense stalled again.

Chicago managed just one run and six hits in 6 1/3 innings against Yu Darvish.

Cubs starter Kyle Hendricks gave up four runs and six hits, including solo homers to Andre Ethier and Chris Taylor.

Los Angeles led 3-1 with runners on first and second and none out in the sixth when Carl Edwards Jr. relieved Hendricks and walked Austin Barnes with one out. Joc Pederson flied out and Edwards walked Darvish on four pitches. After Taylor struck out to end the rally, boos came ringing from the Wrigley Field stands.

Mike Montgomery gave up two more runs in the eighth. With runners on first and second, pinch-hitter Charlie Culberson struck out only for the pitch to ricocheted off catcher Willson Contreras' arm for a passed ball that allowed Logan Forsythe to score from second. With runners at the corners, Kyle Farmer followed with a sacrifice fly.