MLB 2018 Season Long Thread Thru the World Series / Picks,Trends,News Etc. !!

[StarDust Bum]

MLB
Dunkel

Sunday, October 7


Milwaukee @ Colorado

Game 955-956
October 7, 2018 @ 4:35 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Milwaukee
(Miley) 16.502
Colorado
(Marquez) 19.170
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Colorado
by 2 1/2
10
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Colorado
-150
9 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Colorado
(-150); Over

LA Dodgers @ Atlanta

Game 957-958
October 7, 2018 @ 8:05 pm

Dunkel Rating:
LA Dodgers
(Buehler) 18.331
Atlanta
(Newcomb) 14.316
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
LA Dodgers
by 4
4
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
LA Dodgers
-170
8
Dunkel Pick:
LA Dodgers
(-170); Under




MLB
Long Sheet

Sunday, October 7

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MILWAUKEE (98 - 67) at COLORADO (92 - 74) - 4:35 PM
WADE MILEY (L) vs. GERMAN MARQUEZ (R)
Top Trends for this game.
MILWAUKEE is 107-182 (-53.4 Units) against the money line in road games when playing on Sunday since 1997.
COLORADO is 92-74 (+18.9 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
COLORADO is 62-47 (+20.3 Units) against the money line against left-handed starters over the last 2 seasons.
COLORADO is 54-41 (+18.8 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record this season.
COLORADO is 40-26 (+19.4 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record in the second half of the season this season.
MARQUEZ is 22-15 (+9.9 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
MILWAUKEE is 98-67 (+25.7 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
MILWAUKEE is 30-26 (+16.9 Units) against the money line as a road underdog of +125 to +175 over the last 2 seasons.
MILWAUKEE is 45-37 (+9.9 Units) against the money line in road games this season.
MILWAUKEE is 73-48 (+21.8 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.
MILWAUKEE is 99-82 (+14.2 Units) against the money line after a win over the last 2 seasons.
MILWAUKEE is 46-34 (+14.2 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record this season.
MILWAUKEE is 24-14 (+12.6 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record in the second half of the season this season.
MILEY is 12-4 (+9.4 Units) against the money line in all games this season. (Team's Record)

Head-to-Head Series History
MILWAUKEE is 7-2 (+5.8 Units) against COLORADO this season
6 of 8 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+3.8 Units)

WADE MILEY vs. COLORADO since 1997
MILEY is 7-2 when starting against COLORADO with an ERA of 4.03 and a WHIP of 1.319.
His team's record is 8-5 (+1.2 units) in these starts. The OVER is 8-4. (+4.2 units)

GERMAN MARQUEZ vs. MILWAUKEE since 1997
MARQUEZ is 1-1 when starting against MILWAUKEE with an ERA of 5.01 and a WHIP of 1.500.
His team's record is 1-3 (-2.9 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 3-0. (+3.1 units)

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LA DODGERS (94 - 71) at ATLANTA (90 - 74) - 8:05 PM
WALKER BUEHLER (R) vs. SEAN NEWCOMB (L)
Top Trends for this game.
LA DODGERS are 94-71 (-19.5 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
LA DODGERS are 38-45 (-24.4 Units) against the money line on the road when the total is 8 to 8.5 over the last 3 seasons.
LA DODGERS are 66-53 (-17.2 Units) against the money line in night games this season.
LA DODGERS are 13-16 (-14.5 Units) against the money line after 3 or more consecutive wins this season.
ATLANTA is 90-73 (+17.7 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
ATLANTA is 48-33 (+13.5 Units) against the money line when the total is 8 to 8.5 this season.
ATLANTA is 17-7 (+11.2 Units) against the money line when playing on Sunday this season.
ATLANTA is 59-51 (+6.8 Units) against the money line in night games this season.
ATLANTA is 69-46 (+25.1 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.
ATLANTA is 46-41 (+11.2 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record this season.
ATLANTA is 45-58 (-30.8 Units) against the money line in October games since 1997.
ATLANTA is 30-43 (-26.0 Units) against the money line in playoff games since 1997.

Head-to-Head Series History
LA DODGERS is 7-2 (+3.9 Units) against ATLANTA this season
5 of 9 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+0.7 Units)

WALKER BUEHLER vs. ATLANTA since 1997
BUEHLER is 1-0 when starting against ATLANTA with an ERA of 1.69 and a WHIP of 0.375.
His team's record is 1-0 (+1.0 units) in these starts. The OVER is 1-0. (+1.0 units)

SEAN NEWCOMB vs. LA DODGERS since 1997
NEWCOMB is 1-2 when starting against LA DODGERS with an ERA of 4.38 and a WHIP of 1.216.
His team's record is 1-3 (-1.7 units) in these starts. The OVER is 3-1. (+1.8 units)

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MLB
Armadillo's Write-Up

Sunday, October 7

National League
Brewers (98-67) @ Rockies (92-74)
Miley is 3-0, 3.26 in his last six starts; over is 5-3 in his last eight. Milwaukee won his last seven starts. Team in his starts: 12-4, 8-2 road. Miley gave up three runs in five IP against the Rockies at home August 4.
5-inning record: 9-5-2 Allowed run in 1st inning: 3-16

Marquez is 2-2, 3.28 in his last four starts; under is 10-3 in his last 13 starts. He is 0-1, 5.40 in two starts vs Milwaukee this season. Team in his starts: 18-14, 8-7 home
5-inning record: 12-15-5 Allowed run in 1st inning: 19-32

Colorado lost its first two games of this series, scoring two runs; they scored nine runs in three playoff games this week. Rockies won eight of their last nine home games. Brewers won their last ten games, five of which were on the rod. Milwaukee is 7-2 against the Rockies this season, 3-1 at Coors Field.

Colorado lost Wild Card game LY, their first playoffs appearance since 2009. Brewers are in the playoffs for first time since 2011.

Dodgers (93-71) @ Braves (90-73)
Buehler is 2-0, 1.35 in his last four starts; over is 5-2 in his last seven starts. Team in his starts: 10-5, 2-3 road. Buehler beat Atlanta June 8, allowing one run in 5.1 IP.
5-inning record: 9-4-2 Allowed run in 1st inning: 2-15

Newcomb is Team in his starts: 16-10, 6-6 home
5-inning record: 15-7-4 Allowed run in 1st inning: 4-26

Braves lost six of their last seven games; they’re first team since 1921 Giants to get shut out in first two games of a playoff series. Braves are in playoffs for first time since 2013. Dodgers won six in row, 12 of last 5 games; they won their last five home games. LA is in playoffs for sixth year in row; they haven’t won a World Series since 1988.




MLB
Weather Report

Sunday, October 7






MLB

Sunday, October 7

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Trend Report
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Milwaukee Brewers
Milwaukee is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games
Milwaukee is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games on the road
Milwaukee is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games on the road
Milwaukee is 8-3 ATS in its last 11 games when playing Colorado
Milwaukee is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games when playing Colorado
The total has gone UNDER in 11 of Milwaukee's last 14 games when playing Colorado
Milwaukee is 5-1 ATS in its last 6 games when playing on the road against Colorado
Milwaukee is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games when playing on the road against Colorado
The total has gone UNDER in 9 of Milwaukee's last 10 games when playing on the road against Colorado
Colorado Rockies
Colorado is 11-3 ATS in its last 14 games
Colorado is 10-4 SU in its last 14 games
Colorado is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games
Colorado is 8-1 ATS in its last 9 games at home
Colorado is 8-1 SU in its last 9 games at home
The total has gone OVER in 6 of Colorado's last 8 games at home
Colorado is 3-8 ATS in its last 11 games when playing Milwaukee
Colorado is 1-5 SU in its last 6 games when playing Milwaukee
The total has gone UNDER in 11 of Colorado's last 14 games when playing Milwaukee
Colorado is 1-5 ATS in its last 6 games when playing at home against Milwaukee
Colorado is 1-5 SU in its last 6 games when playing at home against Milwaukee
The total has gone UNDER in 9 of Colorado's last 10 games when playing at home against Milwaukee


Los Angeles Dodgers
LA Dodgers is 5-0 ATS in its last 5 games
LA Dodgers is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games
LA Dodgers is 8-3 ATS in its last 11 games on the road
LA Dodgers is 8-3 SU in its last 11 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 4 of LA Dodgers's last 6 games on the road
LA Dodgers is 6-1 ATS in its last 7 games when playing Atlanta
LA Dodgers is 6-1 SU in its last 7 games when playing Atlanta
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of LA Dodgers's last 5 games when playing Atlanta
LA Dodgers is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games when playing on the road against Atlanta
LA Dodgers is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games when playing on the road against Atlanta
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of LA Dodgers's last 8 games when playing on the road against Atlanta
Atlanta Braves
Atlanta is 1-6 ATS in its last 7 games
Atlanta is 1-6 SU in its last 7 games
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Atlanta's last 7 games
Atlanta is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games at home
Atlanta is 8-15 ATS in its last 23 games at home
Atlanta is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games at home
The total has gone OVER in 6 of Atlanta's last 8 games at home
Atlanta is 1-6 ATS in its last 7 games when playing LA Dodgers
Atlanta is 1-6 SU in its last 7 games when playing LA Dodgers
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Atlanta's last 5 games when playing LA Dodgers
Atlanta is 1-4 ATS in its last 5 games when playing at home against LA Dodgers
Atlanta is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games when playing at home against LA Dodgers
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Atlanta's last 8 games when playing at home against LA Dodgers

[StarDust Bum]

Gausman likely Game 3 starter for Braves; Buehler for LA
October 5, 2018
By The Associated Press

LOS ANGELES (AP) Kevin Gausman will likely start Game 3 for the Atlanta Braves in the NL Division Series against the Los Angeles Dodgers.

Braves manager Brian Snitker said he is leaning toward using the 27-year-old right-hander when the series shifts to Atlanta on Sunday.

However, the Braves decided not to send Gausman back to Atlanta on Friday in case he was needed for Game 2.

''If it does and he has to pitch, then we'll adjust and regroup from there,'' Snitker said. ''But as of right now, if everything goes where it is, he'll be the Game 3 starter.''

Snitker said Game 1 starter Mike Foltynewicz is under consideration to start Game 4 if necessary on Monday at SunTrust Park.

The Dodgers won the opener 6-0.

Gausman joined the Braves from Baltimore at the non-waiver trade deadline in July in a six-player deal. He was 5-3 with a 2.87 ERA in 10 starts for the Braves.

Gausman has one previous postseason appearance, having pitched in relief for three games with Baltimore in the 2014 American League Division Series against Detroit and the American League Championship Series against Kansas City. He allowed one run over eight innings in the three games for a 1.13 ERA.

Gausman's only career appearance against the Dodgers came on July 6, 2017, while with the Orioles. He allowed four runs and eight hits over five innings in a no-decision.

The Dodgers will send rookie Walker Buehler to the mound on Sunday.

The 24-year-old right-hander last pitched on Monday, allowing one hit in 6 2/3 innings and striking out three in the NL West tiebreaker victory over the Rockies.

Buehler was 8-5 with a 2.62 ERA, becoming a solid No. 2 behind ace Clayton Kershaw.

''If it wasn't for Walker, we probably wouldn't be here in this situation right now,'' second baseman Enrique Hernandez said Friday. ''He's been huge.''

Buehler made his lone career start against the Braves on June 8 at Dodger Stadium, allowing one run and two hits in 5 1/3 innings of a 7-3 victory. He struck out four and didn't walk anyone on 71 pitches.

[StarDust Bum]

CarGo gone? Rockies, Gonzalez look to avoid NLDS elimination
October 6, 2018
By The Associated Press

MILWAUKEE (AP) The thin mountain air in Denver might do wonders for the slumping Colorado Rockies.

They're going home again, down 2-0 in the NL Division Series to the Milwaukee Brewers. Game 3 in the best-of-five series is Sunday at Coors Field.

''I don't have a doubt that we're going to get things going,'' Rockies veteran outfielder Carlos Gonzalez said.

If not, Gonzalez could be gone.

The one-year, $5 million deal he signed last offseason to return to Colorado expires at the end of the year. After 11 seasons playing on Blake Street, the three-time Gold Glove winner and 2010 NL batting champion is about as synonymous with Colorado as dry air and beer.

He's a lifetime .323 hitter at Coors Field, 72 points higher than his career road average. He knows how much of a difference playing at home can make for hitters.

Playing in front of a friendly crowd might have help the team relax after a frustrating Friday night of breaking bats and slamming batting gloves into helmets.

The Rockies finished among the major league leaders in several offensive categories this year. But they've scored just six runs in four games since slugging five homers in a 12-0 victory over Washington on Sunday that left them tied for the NL West lead after 162 games.

''When you're down and you have some opportunities in front of you and you don't get it done, you're going to have some emotions you don't see in the regular season. The season is on the line,'' Gonzalez said.

The Rockies will send right-hander German Marquez (14-11, 3.77 ERA) to the mound in Game 3 against Milwaukee's Wade Miley (5-2, 2.57).

''I think playing at home can get us going,'' skipper Bud Black said.

The punch is missing up and down the lineup.

Colorado's three All-Stars - center fielder Charlie Blackmon, third baseman Nolan Arenado and shortstop Trevor Story are a combined 3 for 23 in the series with two RBIs - both in the ninth inning of Game 1, which the Rockies lost 3-2 in 10 innings.

Take away that rally and it's a series shutout for Milwaukee. Colorado stranded nine runners in Game 2.

Story's struggles might be the most puzzling. He had seven homers and 18 RBIs against Milwaukee in the regular season.

''I think for me personally, it's swinging at bad pitches, chasing a little bit,'' he said. ''It's tough to pinpoint actually, but we're going home, where we feel really good hitting. Hopefully, we can get it turned around there.''

Gonzalez's problems at the plate extend into the last month of the regular season. He hit .200 in 20 games in September and October with one homer and eight RBIs.

Still, he was back in the cleanup position in Game 2, two spots up from the opener. He tripled in the first game, but ended up getting stranded.

''When things are bad, even when you put a good swing to the ball ... and some other guys hit the ball hard and they don't find holes, it's a little frustrating,'' Gonzalez said. ''You've just got to continue to work.''

[StarDust Bum]

wild card/division/championship series/world series /record and best bets:


Date w-l-t % units record

10/06/2018 3-1-0 75.00% +9.55
10/05/2018 4-4-0 50.00% -0.50
10/04/2018 2-1-0 66.67% +5.00
10/03/2018 1-1-0 50.00% +0
10/01/2018 2-1-1 66.67% +5.85

total................12-8-1.......60.00%.....+19.90


best bets:................ats.....................units ..................o/u..................units............days total

10/06/2018...............1 - 0....................+5.05..................1 - 1..................-0.50.............+4.55
10/05/2018...............0 - 3....................-15.00.................3 - 1..................+9.50.............-5.50
10/04/2018...............0 - 1.....................-5.00..................2 - 0.................+10.00...........+5.00
10/03/2018...............0 - 1.....................-5.00..................1 - 0.................+5.00.............+0.00
10/01/2018...............1 - 1....................+5.85..................1 - 0.................+5.00.............+10.85

total.........................2 - 6....................-14.10.................8 - 2.................+29.00...........+14.90


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


SUNDAY, OCTOBER 7
GAME TIME(ET) PICK UNITS

MIL at COL 04:37 PM
COL -155
U 9.5

LAD at ATL 08:07 PM
LAD -171
U 8.0

[StarDust Bum]

Rockies' wait for title will extend past a quarter century
October 7, 2018
By The Associated Press

DENVER (AP) For once, the Colorado Rockies head into the offseason searching for more pop at the plate to go with excellent pitching, not the other way around.

The Rockies lacked patience at the plate in getting swept by Milwaukee in the best-of-five NL Division Series with a 6-0 loss Sunday, their second straight shutout.

They were outscored 13-2 as they hit .146 with three extra-base hits and no homers . They didn't score in their last 19 innings and set an NL Division Series low for runs,

So much for a return to the thin air of Coors Field to spark a dormant offense.

''I don't know what it is,'' third baseman Nolan Arenado said. ''It's just a bad stretch at the wrong time.''

Rockies fans have a long winter to lament that and manager Bud Black's decision to start German Marquez in Game 3 rather than hometown hero Kyle Freeland, who was 17-7 and pitched 6 2/3 scoreless innings in the 2-1 wild-card win at Wrigley Field last Tuesday.

''Everyone wants to be the guy that takes the ball or has a big at-bat or makes a big play in the field,'' Freeland said, admitting he was ''a little bummed. I mean, it would have been great to pitch in this atmosphere, in Denver, my hometown.''

Carlos Gonzalez also lamented not seeing Freeland on the mound in this series.

''I really like our chances with Kyle on the mound because he's been our horse all year long,'' Gonzalez said. ''But we're talking about a guy who has a brilliant future, and I'm sure he's going to have plenty of opportunities to pitch in front of this home crowd in big games.''

Until this week, Colorado was known for its hitting, for teams like the Blake Street Bombers who outscored opponents in games that resembled church softball leagues more than the major leagues.

Then came the humidor and while Coors Field was no longer the slugger's Shangri-La, its cavernous dimensions still made it a hitter's dream and a pitcher's nightmare.

Not so much anymore.

After losing the NL West tiebreaker 5-2 to the Dodgers in Los Angeles and flying to Chicago for the win over the Cubs, the Rockies seemed flat as they lost 3-2 in 10 innings at Miller Park and then 4-0 - their first postseason shutout in franchise history.

And when they got back to Coors, they were still impatient at the plate, expanding their strike zones.

''We were trying to get things going. You saw a lot of guys chasing bad pitches, including myself,'' Gonzalez said. ''I think we were anxious. But at the same time, they have a great staff there. Their bullpen did a tremendous job.''

Arenado, eligible for free agency after the 2019 season, issued a challenge to teammates and the organization in July, suggesting he wanted to play in meaningful autumn games.

They did just that, but Arenado went 3 for 16 in the postseason, although he flashed the glove that could turn help him earn free-agent riches.

Fellow All-Stars Charlie Blackmon (2 for 15) and Trevor Story (5 for 18) also failed to emulate their regular-season grooves at the plate, and Gonzalez went 2 for 12.

''Our pitchers pitched great. They did exactly what we needed,'' Arenado said. ''It's on the offense. We just couldn't get anything going.''

By the ninth inning, what was left of the sellout crowd was booing the bad at-bats, and Arenado didn't take offense.

''It was a bad loss. It was bad at-bats,'' Arenado said. ''It comes with the territory. It's October. You've got to do something and we weren't able to - I wasn't able to.

''This game teaches you something every year, and I've obviously learned a lot about myself and I've got to get better. That's basically what this game is telling me, what October's telling me.''

Colorado won nine of its last 10 regular season games to force a one-game playoff with the Dodgers. The Rockies' 91-72 record and .562 winning percentage was second-best in franchise history. They reached the playoffs for the second straight season, a franchise first.

That isn't enough anymore.

Now they need some hitting to go with that young pitching.

Freeland thinks all that is needed offensively is a change of fortune.

''You know this lineup with the bats is going to have success. I know it didn't show too much against the Brewers with this series. But we all know what they're capable of one through nine,'' he said.

''So, knowing we have both pitching and hitting, it makes the future very exciting.''

[StarDust Bum]

Vizcaino, Braves stop Dodgers 6-5, cut NLDS deficit to 2-1
October 7, 2018

ATLANTA (AP) Reliever Arodys Vizcaino escaped his own jam in a nervy ninth inning and the Atlanta Braves held off the Los Angeles Dodgers 6-5 Sunday night, cutting their deficit in the NL Division Series to 2-1.

Rookie Ronald Acuna Jr. hit a grand slam that helped the Braves build an early 5-0 lead. Atlanta blew that advantage, but Freddie Freeman hit a tiebreaking homer in the sixth.

Then in the ninth, the Dodgers got runners on first and second with no outs. Vizcaino came back from a 3-0 count to strike out slugger Max Muncy, then fanned Manny Machado on a wild pitch that moved the runners to second and third.

With the entire crowd at SunTrust Park standing, chanting and chopping, Vizcaino fanned a swinging Brian Dozier to end it.

Game 4 is Monday afternoon at Atlanta.

Shut out in the first two games at Dodger Stadium, the NL East champion Baby Braves bounced back.

''My heart's still pounding,'' Freeman said, moments after the last out. ''That's how we've been all year.''

''I like our chances. We've got a uniform on, so we know we've got a chance,'' he said.

At 20, Acuna became the youngest player to hit a postseason grand slam - Mickey Mantle was 21 when he did it for the New York Yankees in the 1953 World Series.

Acuna connected in the second, right after Dodgers rookie Walker Buehler walked Braves starter Sean Newcomb on four pitches.

Freeman connected on the first pitch from former teammate Alex Wood to put Atlanta back on top.

Chris Taylor hit a two-run homer and Muncy added a tying homer in the fifth to lead the comeback for Los Angeles.

Tagged at the outset, Buehler regained control as the Dodgers began their rally. Newcomb was pulled after walking a pair of walks in the third and Justin Turner hit an RBI single off Kevin Gausman. Taylor also scored when Acuna bobbled the ball in left field for an error.

Taylor connected off Gausman, and Muncy added a tying homer off Max Fried in the fifth.

The Dodgers threatened in the sixth. Matt Kemp led off the inning with a double, but with one out was thrown out on shortstop Charlie Culberson's throw to the plate.

Los Angeles was denied its second straight NLDS sweep after winning three straight over Arizona in 2017.

RECORD ATTENDANCE

The attendance was 42,385, setting a SunTrust Park record in the second-year stadium's first postseason game.

UP NEXT

The Dodgers could start LHP Rich Hill (11-5, 3.66) when the series continues on Monday.

The Braves are expected to start RHP Mike Foltynewicz, who gave up four runs and three hits in two innings in Thursday night's 6-0 Game 1 loss.

[StarDust Bum]

LEADING OFF: Red Sox-Yankees all even, Astros try for sweep
October 8, 2018
By The Associated Press

A look at what's happening around the majors Monday

REVVED-UP RIVALS

Luis Severino starts for the Yankees when they host Boston in Game 3 of the AL Division Series. They're 1-all going into the first playoff game between the teams in the Bronx since the Red Sox finished off a comeback from an 0-3 deficit in the 2004 ALCS at the old Yankee Stadium.

Severino was 10-2 with a 2.74 ERA and .217 opponents' batting average at home, and is coming off four sharp innings against Oakland in the AL wild-card game. Ex-Yankee Nathan Eovaldi starts for Boston - he allowed no earned runs in three of four starts this year vs. New York.

ROCK IT

The Astros try to complete an ALDS sweep over Cleveland when Dallas Keuchel starts Game 3 at Progressive Field. The defending World Series champions used dominant pitching by starters Justin Verlander and Gerrit Cole to open a 2-0 lead. Indians manager Terry Francona will tweak his lineup against the left-handed Keuchel, adding righty hitters Yandy Diaz and Brandon Guyer. Mike Clevinger pitches for Cleveland.

Houston second baseman Jose Altuve says he's all set to go. He irritated his troublesome right knee when he slipped leaving the batter's box in Game 2 Saturday.

NO BROOMS

After holding off the Dodgers in a tense ninth inning, the Atlanta Braves aim to even the NLDS in Game 4 at SunTrust Park.

Mike Foltynewicz, who gave up four runs and three hits in two innings in a 6-0 loss in the opener, will pitch for Atlanta. The Dodgers could start Rich Hill.

Los Angeles was denied its second straight sweep in the NLDS, having chased Arizona last year.

REST UP

At this rate, the Milwaukee Brewers probably would rather keep playing. But they'll have to wait a while after sweeping Colorado in the NLDS. The Brew Crew has won 11 in a row - by the time they host Game 1 of the NL Championship Series at Miller Park on Friday against the Dodgers-Braves winner, it will have been nearly three weeks since their last loss.

The break will give the Brewers time to rest their deep pitching staff. It also will give fans more time to marvel over the postseason run by Erik Kratz - a 38-year-old journeyman catcher who has been part of 12 different major league organizations, he's gone 5 for 8 in his first playoff action.

[StarDust Bum]

Judge blares 'New York, New York,' as Red Sox head to Bronx
October 7, 2018
By The Associated Press

NEW YORK (AP) Aaron Judge walked past Boston's Fenway Park clubhouse early Sunday morning, Frank Sinatra's rendition of "New York, New York" blaring from a boom box atop the wheelie bag he was pulling with his left hand.

''It's a good song. And Aaron, he's one of our resident deejays, so he's got a pretty extensive playlist,'' New York manager Aaron Boone said later in the day at Yankee Stadium, a smirk filling his face. ''We like to hear that song sometimes when we win a big game.''

New York and Boston split at Fenway Park and are tied 1-1 in the best-of-five AL Division Series going into Game 3 on Monday night. Luis Severino, coming off four scoreless innings in the wild-card game against Oakland, starts for New York and former Yankees pitcher Nathan Eovaldi pitches for the Red Sox.

Severino was 10-2 with a 2.74 ERA and .217 opponents' batting average at home, just 9-6 with a 3.99 ERA and .257 opponents' batting average on the road.

''Maybe my wife cooks better food here,'' he said.

New York is 19-9 in the postseason at new Yankee Stadium, where boisterous Bronx crowds try to intimidate. The Yankees' were 53-28 there during the regular season, the second-best home record behind Boston's 57-24. The win over Oakland in last week's wild-card game improved New York to 7-0 at home in the postseason since the start of the 2017 playoffs.

''The fans, they're out there on the field with you,'' Judge said. ''Every single pitch they're locked in. It's electric.''

New York is built for Yankee Stadium, where it takes advantage of the short right-field porch and hit 144 of its record 267 home runs. Boston is constructed in a similar fashion, knowing half its games are played in front of Fenway's Green Monster lurking in left field.

''Two places that are historic franchises where the fans are definitely rowdy for their home team and against the visiting team,'' Red Sox reliever Matt Barnes said .

This will be the first postseason game in the Bronx between the rivals since Boston won Games 6 and 7 of the 2004 AL Championship Series across the street at old Yankee Stadium, becoming the first major league team to overcome a 3-0 deficit in a best-of-seven postseason series.

''All empires fall sooner or later,'' then-Red Sox president Larry Lucchino said that night.

A year earlier, Boone's 11th-inning homer off Tim Wakefield won Game 7 and the AL pennant. Now he's a rookie manager, leading a group of Baby Bombers that reached Game 7 of the AL Championship Series last year before losing to Houston.

''This fan base I feel like absolutely connected with kind of this new generation of Yankee player, this young corps that has developed,'' Boone said . ''Me watching from afar last year, especially in the postseason, you could kind of see that raw intensity connection that the fan base had with the players.''

For all the focus on big boppers, J.D. Martinez, Mookie Betts and Andrew Benintendi for Boston, and Judge, Giancarlo Stanton and Gary Sanchez for New York, relievers have reigned in an error when starting pitchers often are shown the exit before they have a chance to stumble too much.

New York's bullpen has allowed one run in 10 innings, led by Dellin Betances, Zach Britton and Aroldis Chapman. Red Sox relievers have given up five in 11 innings.

Hoping for a deep outing, Boston manager Alex Cora selected Eovaldi for Game 3 over Rick Porcello, who pitched two-thirds of an inning of relief in Friday's opener and now will match up against 38-year-old left-hander CC Sabathia in Game 4.

Eovaldi was 3-3 with a 3.33 in 11 starts and one relief appearance for the Red Sox, who acquired him from Tampa Bay in July. The 28-year-old right-hander, who throws at 97-98 mph, allowed no earned runs in three of four starts this year against the Yankees. He pitched for New York in 2015 and `16 before injuring his elbow, which required Tommy John surgery for the second time.

His goal is to keep bats and fans quiet.

''Trying to keep the ball in the ballpark - try and get quick outs, try not to let the crowd get too crazy and get behind them and get them going,'' he said.

Cora and the Red Sox wouldn't sound off about Judge's musical taste - not that they could hear the famous Kander and Ebb song on Fenway's concourse through thick clubhouse walls after the 6-2 win in Game 2.

''That's probably just something they do when they win,'' the manager said.

Yankees players were ready for familiar sounds when the series resume.

''It's been a while since Boston played Yankees in the playoffs. So the fans are going to be excited,'' Betances said. ''They were pretty loud for that Oakland game. This is going to be a little crazier for this Boston game, for sure.''

AUTUMN SUNDAY

Red Sox closer Craig Kimbrel tossed a football with pitching coach Dana LeVangie before throwing a baseball in the outfield.

TRAINER'S ROOM

Red Sox: 1B Mitch Moreland had what Cora called aggressive treatment on his right hamstring, which forced him from Game 2.

Yankees: CF Aaron Hicks hopes to be back in the lineup after missing Game 2 because of right hamstring tightness, but Boone said it was unclear if the leg might need another day to deal.

[StarDust Bum]

Red Sox to start Eovaldi in Game 3
October 7, 2018
By The Associated Press

NEW YORK (AP) Boston will start former Yankee Nathan Eovaldi rather than Rick Porcello against New York in Game 3 of the AL Division Series on Monday.

Red Sox manager Alex Cora says he made the decision because Porcello pitched two-thirds of an inning of relief in Friday's opener and he wanted to give him an extra day of rest. Porcello is scheduled to pitch Game 4 on Tuesday.

Eovaldi was 3-3 with a 3.33 in 11 starts and one relief appearance for the Red Sox, who acquired him from Tampa Bay in July. The 28-year-old right-hander, who throws at 97-98 mph, allowed no earned runs in three of four starts this year against the Yankees. He pitched for the Yankees in 2015 and '16 before injuring his elbow, which required Tommy John surgery for the second time.

New York starts Luis Severino in Game 3, followed by CC Sabathia. The best-of-five series is tied 1-1.

[StarDust Bum]

wild card/division/championship series/world series /record and best bets:


Date w-l-t % units record

10/07/2018 1-3-0 25.00% -16.80
10/06/2018 3-1-0 75.00% +9.55
10/05/2018 4-4-0 50.00% -0.50
10/04/2018 2-1-0 66.67% +5.00
10/03/2018 1-1-0 50.00% +0
10/01/2018 2-1-1 66.67% +5.85

total..............13-11-1.......54.15%.....+3.10


best bets:................ats.....................units ..................o/u..................units............days total

10/07/2018...............0 - 0....................+0.00..................1 - 1.................-0.50..............-0.50
10/06/2018...............1 - 0....................+5.05..................1 - 1..................-0.50.............+4.55
10/05/2018...............0 - 3....................-15.00.................3 - 1..................+9.50.............-5.50
10/04/2018...............0 - 1.....................-5.00..................2 - 0.................+10.00...........+5.00
10/03/2018...............0 - 1.....................-5.00..................1 - 0.................+5.00.............+0.00
10/01/2018...............1 - 1....................+5.85..................1 - 0.................+5.00.............+10.85

total.........................2 - 6....................-14.10.................9 - 3.................+28.50...........+14.40

[StarDust Bum]

Armadillo: Monday's six-pack

Top 6 picks in Week 5 of Westgate SuperBook NFL handicapping contest (3,123 entries)

1) Ravens, -3 (1,014)- L

2) Rams -7 (873)- L

3) Titans -3.5 (811)- L

4) Cardinals +4 (759)- W

5) Redskins +6.5 (757)

6) Broncos +1 (712)- L

Season record: 13-14-2

**********

Armadillo: Monday's List of 13: Wrapping up an NFL Sunday……

Browns 12, Ravens 9 OT— Cleveland is 2-2-1, with all five games decided by 4 or fewer points; Browns have 15 takeaways, are +7 in turnovers. There was only one TD in this game; Browns missed PAT after that one. Ravens are now 6-10-1 in last 17 games as road favorites; they’re 3-0 when scoring 26+ points, 0-2 when they don’t. Under is 4-1 in Cleveland games

Lions 31, Packers 23— Brutal day for Green Bay K Crosby, who missed four FGs and a PAT; in first half, Packers had ball five times- three missed FG’s, two fumbles. Green Bay outgained Lions 521-264, but Detroit had huge 25-yard edge in field position. Lions covered their last four games; four of their five games went over. Detroit was perfect (28 pts/4 trips) in red zzone.

Panthers 33, Giants 31— Graham Gano kicked a 63-yard FG at the gun and Carolina recovered a muffed punt in end zone for a TD as they improved to 3-1. What were odds that Odell Beckham would throw a TD pass before he caught one this year? He did both in this game. Giants scored 31 points without converting on 3rd down (0-7); they had three turnovers (-1).

Chiefs 30, Jaguars 14— Jacksonville threw 61 passes, ran ball 17 times; I’m sure Tom Coughlin loved that. Jaguars had ball in red zone five times, scored only one TD— four empty trips to red zone in one game!!! Chiefs covered nine of last 11 as a home favorite; they had five takeaways (+3), two more than they had in first four games combined. Chiefs play Patriots next week.

Bengals 27, Dolphins 17— Miami led 17-3 after third quarter; Cincy scored three TD’s in fourth quarter, two of them by defense- an 18-yard fumble return with 2:37 left covered the spread. Miami is now 10-18 in last 28 games as road underdogs. There were five TD’s in this game, one for each offense- Miami ran a punt back for a TD. Cincy’s offense is suspect without TE Eifert.

Vikings 23, Eagles 21— Game was 3-3 when a sack/fumble was run back 64 yards for a TD that put Minnesota ahead to stay; Vikings scored only one offensive TD, tried five FG’s (two missed), but they hung on for win, avenging loss in LY’s playoffs. Eagles scored TD down 20-6 with 12:05 left; for whatever reason, they went for 2, which NEVER happens, but they made it. All five Eagle games this season were decided by 6 or fewer points.

Steelers 41, Falcons 17— Roethlisberger tried really, really hard to get ball to Antonio Brown in this game; he targeted Brown 13 times, completed only six, but for 101 yards. Big Ben threw an awful INT in end zone at end of first half, but Steelers dominated second half. Falcons allowed 43-37-41 points in their last three games.

Here is a breakdown of Atlanta’s offense:
2 road games, both on grass fields: 22 drives, three TD’s
3 road games, all indoors on turf: 30 drives, 13 TD’s

Rams 33, Seahawks 31— LA receivers Cooks/Kupp were both KO’d in first half (concussions) but Rams scored 16 points in second half anyway, gaining 194 yards on 23 plays on three scoring drives on first three 2nd half drives, then killing clock for final 3:28 on last drive. Gurley scored three TD’s for Rams. Seattle ran ball for 190 yards, gave it their very best shot here. Seahawks are 8-2 vs spread in last ten games as home underdogs.

Bills 13, Titans 12— Only one TD in this game, and that was on a 47-yard drive by Bills; Buffalo has one TD on 20 drives in its last two games- when was last time an NFL team won a game with only 79 passing yards? Tennessee’s last four games were decided by total of 10 points; Titans turned ball over six times (-3) in their two losses, one time (+1) in their three wins.

Jets 34, Broncos 16— Jets ran ball for 323 yards, which doesn’t happen much in NFL games; they had TD plays of 77,76 yards in first 5:00 of second quarter. Gang Green is now 7-2-1 in last ten games as home underdogs; Denver is 7-11-2 in last 20 games where spread was 3 or fewer points. Jets led 24-10 at half; they had total of 31 first half points in first four games.

Chargers 26, Raiders 10— With 1:05 left in third quarter and down 20-3, Carr threw an awful INT in end zone, ending Oakland’s day. Team that won field position won all five Raider games. Chargers averaged 11.9 yards/pass play; they won field position in last two games by 19-14 yards. Bolts are +5 in turnovers in last four games; they had 14-yard edge in field position here.

Cardinals 28, 49ers 18— Cardinals are 12-4 vs spread in last 16 NFC West road games; they’ve won last seven games vs 49ers, but these were Arizona’s four TD’s Sunday:

— Arizona’s first offensive play was a 75-yard TD pass.
— 18 yards, four plays after a 49er fumble.
— Defensive touchdown
— 26 yards, five plays after a 49er INT.

San Francisco was -5 (0-5) in turnovers; hard to win that way.

Texans 19, Cowboys 16 OT— Houston outgained Cowboys 462-292, but scored only one TD on six red zone drives. Dallas is 19-60 on third down this year; they’ve scored only seven TD’s on 49 drives, 33 points on last eight red zone drives. Cowboys are desperate for an explosive WR; other than RB Elliott (7 targets), no other Cowboy had more than four targets.

[StarDust Bum]

MLB
Dunkel

Monday, October 8


LA Dodgers @ Atlanta

Game 919-920
October 8, 2018 @ 4:35 pm

Dunkel Rating:
LA Dodgers
(Hill) 17.663
Atlanta
(Fltynwcz) 14.985
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
LA Dodgers
by 2 1/2
7
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
LA Dodgers
No Line
N/A
Dunkel Pick:
LA Dodgers
N/A

Boston @ NY Yankees

Game 913-914
October 8, 2018 @ 7:35 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Boston
(Eovaldi) 15.945
NY Yankees
(Severino) 18.428
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
NY Yankees
by 2 1/2
10
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
NY Yankees
-175
8 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
NY Yankees
(-175); Over

Houston @ Cleveland

Game 915-916
October 8, 2018 @ 1:35 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Houston
(Keuchel) 16.012
Cleveland
(Clevnger) 14.932
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Houston
by 1
7
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Cleveland
-125
8 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Houston
(+105); Under




MLB
Long Sheet

Monday, October 8

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

BOSTON (109 - 55) at NY YANKEES (102 - 63) - 7:35 PM
RICK PORCELLO (R) vs. LUIS SEVERINO (R)
Top Trends for this game.
NY YANKEES are 99-66 (+22.4 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.
SEVERINO is 27-9 (+15.4 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
BOSTON is 109-55 (+31.6 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
BOSTON is 51-30 (+17.4 Units) against the money line in road games this season.
BOSTON is 53-25 (+17.8 Units) against the money line against division opponents this season.
BOSTON is 87-39 (+30.5 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.
NY YANKEES are 59-44 (-21.0 Units) against the money line after a win this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
BOSTON is 11-10 (+1.0 Units) against NY YANKEES this season
12 of 19 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+4.6 Units)

RICK PORCELLO vs. NY YANKEES since 1997
PORCELLO is 10-9 when starting against NY YANKEES with an ERA of 3.23 and a WHIP of 1.124.
His team's record is 12-11 (+1.6 units) in these starts. The OVER is 7-13. (-7.6 units)

LUIS SEVERINO vs. BOSTON since 1997
SEVERINO is 4-6 when starting against BOSTON with an ERA of 3.95 and a WHIP of 1.090.
His team's record is 6-6 (-1.1 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 7-5. (+1.2 units)

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

HOUSTON (105 - 59) at CLEVELAND (91 - 73) - 1:35 PM
DALLAS KEUCHEL (L) vs. MIKE CLEVINGER (R)
Top Trends for this game.
HOUSTON is 41-35 (-13.5 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record this season.
KEUCHEL is 4-10 (-9.6 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record this season. (Team's Record)
CLEVELAND is 144-71 (+36.8 Units) against the money line when the total is 8 to 8.5 over the last 3 seasons.
HOUSTON is 57-24 (+24.6 Units) against the money line in road games this season.
HOUSTON is 154-76 (+35.1 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters over the last 2 seasons.
HOUSTON is 41-15 (+20.8 Units) against the money line in road games after a win this season.
CLEVELAND is 91-73 (-26.5 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
CLEVELAND is 25-36 (-23.4 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record this season.
CLEVINGER is 16-16 (-8.1 Units) against the money line in all games this season. (Team's Record)

Head-to-Head Series History
HOUSTON is 6-3 (+2.9 Units) against CLEVELAND this season
6 of 9 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+2.9 Units)

DALLAS KEUCHEL vs. CLEVELAND since 1997
KEUCHEL is 4-1 when starting against CLEVELAND with an ERA of 2.39 and a WHIP of 1.163.
His team's record is 5-2 (+3.3 units) in these starts. The OVER is 3-3. (-0.2 units)

MIKE CLEVINGER vs. HOUSTON since 1997
CLEVINGER is 1-3 when starting against HOUSTON with an ERA of 3.98 and a WHIP of 1.476.
His team's record is 1-3 (-1.9 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 3-1. (+2.0 units)

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

LA DODGERS (94 - 72) at ATLANTA (91 - 74) - 4:35 PM
RICH HILL (L) vs. MIKE FOLTYNEWICZ (R)
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

Head-to-Head Series History
LA DODGERS is 7-3 (+2.2 Units) against ATLANTA this season
5 of 10 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=-0.9 Units, Under=-0.5 Units)

RICH HILL vs. ATLANTA since 1997
HILL is 5-0 when starting against ATLANTA with an ERA of 1.76 and a WHIP of 0.957.
His team's record is 6-1 (+5.5 units) in these starts. The OVER is 3-3. (-0.3 units)

MIKE FOLTYNEWICZ vs. LA DODGERS since 1997
FOLTYNEWICZ is 1-2 when starting against LA DODGERS with an ERA of 7.43 and a WHIP of 1.725.
His team's record is 1-2 (-0.1 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 2-1. (+1.0 units)

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




MLB
Armadillo's Write-Up

Monday, October 8

National League
Dodgers (93-72) @ Braves (91-73) (Dodgers lead series, 2-1)
Hill is 5-0, 3.90 in his last five starts; over is 7-1 in his last eight. LA scored 59 runs in those games. Team in his starts: 13-10, 7-5 road. Hill blanked Atlanta for seven innings here back on July 26.
5-inning record: 10-10-3 Allowed run in 1st inning: 6-23

Foltynewicz is 2-2, 6.16 in his last four starts; under is 8-5 in his last 13. Team in his starts: 15-17, 7-9 home He is 0-2, 10.29 in two starts vs LA this season.
5-inning record: 17-10-5 Allowed run in 1st inning: 5-32

Braves lost six of their last eight games; teams that lose first two games of a playoff series, then win Game 3, are 16-16 in Game 4. Braves are in playoffs for first time since 2013. Dodgers won six last seven games, 12 of last 16 games. LA is in playoffs for sixth year in row; they haven’t won a World Series since 1988.

American League
Boston (109-55) @ New York (102-63) (series tied, 1-1)
Eovaldi is 1-0, 1.80 in his last four appearances (20 IP). Under is 6-5 in his Boston starts. Team in his starts: 5-6, 2-4 road For the Red Sox, he’s allowed one in 16 IP vs New York.
5-inning record: 5-5-1 Allowed run in 1st inning: 3-11

Severino is 2-1, 1.66 in his last four starts, last three of which went over. Team in his starts: 25-8, 14-1 home
5-inning record: 21-8-4 Allowed run in 1st inning: 9-33

New York is 11-5 in its last 16 games, 5-2 in last seven home games. Red Sox are 4-6 in their last ten games, 2-4 in last six on road; Boston is 11-10 vs New York this season; 3-6 in the Bronx.

New York is in playoffs for third time in last six years; they haven’t been to a World Series since 2009. Red Sox are in playoffs for third year in row; they won World Series in 2013. Both managers here are rookie managers.

Astros (105-59) @ Indians (91-73) (Astros lead series, 2-0)
Keuchel is 1-1, 5.76 in his last five starts; under is 3-1 in his last four. Team in his starts: 19-15, 12-6 road. He is 0-1, 4.91 in two starts vs Cleveland this year.
5-inning record: 15-15-4 Allowed run in 1st inning: 11-34

Clevinger is 2-0, 1.53 in his last three starts; under is 8-5-1 in his last 14. Team in his starts: 16-16, 10-7 home
5-inning record: 11-14-7 Allowed run in 1st inning: 9-32

Astros are 5-3 vs Cleveland this year, 1-2 in this ballpark- they’re in playoffs for 3rd year in row. Tribe hasn’t won World Series since 1948, but Francona won two WS titles with the Red Sox. Cleveland won a terrible AL Central; they scored three runs in first two games of this series. Astros won World Series LY; they’re in playoffs for third time in four years. Houston won 10 of its last 12 games.




MLB
Weather Report

Monday, October 8






MLB

Monday, October 8

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

Houston Astros
Houston is 8-4 ATS in its last 12 games
Houston is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games
The total has gone UNDER in 8 of Houston's last 9 games
Houston is 1-4 ATS in its last 5 games on the road
Houston is 15-3 SU in its last 18 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Houston's last 5 games on the road
Houston is 5-2 ATS in its last 7 games when playing Cleveland
Houston is 5-2 SU in its last 7 games when playing Cleveland
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Houston's last 6 games when playing Cleveland
Houston is 8-3 ATS in its last 11 games when playing on the road against Cleveland
Houston is 7-17 SU in its last 24 games when playing on the road against Cleveland
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Houston's last 6 games when playing on the road against Cleveland
Cleveland Indians
Cleveland is 1-5 ATS in its last 6 games
Cleveland is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games
Cleveland is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games at home
Cleveland is 2-5 ATS in its last 7 games when playing Houston
Cleveland is 2-5 SU in its last 7 games when playing Houston
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Cleveland's last 6 games when playing Houston
Cleveland is 3-8 ATS in its last 11 games when playing at home against Houston
Cleveland is 17-7 SU in its last 24 games when playing at home against Houston
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Cleveland's last 6 games when playing at home against Houston


Los Angeles Dodgers
LA Dodgers is 6-1 ATS in its last 7 games
LA Dodgers is 6-1 SU in its last 7 games
LA Dodgers is 8-4 ATS in its last 12 games on the road
LA Dodgers is 8-4 SU in its last 12 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 4 of LA Dodgers's last 5 games on the road
LA Dodgers is 6-2 ATS in its last 8 games when playing Atlanta
LA Dodgers is 6-2 SU in its last 8 games when playing Atlanta
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of LA Dodgers's last 6 games when playing Atlanta
LA Dodgers is 4-2 ATS in its last 6 games when playing on the road against Atlanta
LA Dodgers is 7-3 SU in its last 10 games when playing on the road against Atlanta
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of LA Dodgers's last 9 games when playing on the road against Atlanta
Atlanta Braves
Atlanta is 1-4 ATS in its last 5 games
Atlanta is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Atlanta's last 5 games
Atlanta is 5-1 ATS in its last 6 games at home
Atlanta is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games at home
The total has gone OVER in 7 of Atlanta's last 9 games at home
Atlanta is 2-6 ATS in its last 8 games when playing LA Dodgers
Atlanta is 2-6 SU in its last 8 games when playing LA Dodgers
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Atlanta's last 6 games when playing LA Dodgers
Atlanta is 2-4 ATS in its last 6 games when playing at home against LA Dodgers
Atlanta is 3-7 SU in its last 10 games when playing at home against LA Dodgers
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Atlanta's last 9 games when playing at home against LA Dodgers


Boston Red Sox
Boston is 1-5 ATS in its last 6 games
Boston is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games
The total has gone OVER in 6 of Boston's last 7 games
Boston is 7-2 ATS in its last 9 games on the road
Boston is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Boston's last 5 games on the road
Boston is 1-4 ATS in its last 5 games when playing NY Yankees
The total has gone OVER in 6 of Boston's last 7 games when playing NY Yankees
Boston is 3-8 SU in its last 11 games when playing on the road against NY Yankees
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Boston's last 5 games when playing on the road against NY Yankees
New York Yankees
NY Yankees is 6-1 ATS in its last 7 games
NY Yankees is 5-2 SU in its last 7 games
The total has gone OVER in 8 of NY Yankees's last 9 games
NY Yankees is 5-12 ATS in its last 17 games at home
NY Yankees is 5-2 SU in its last 7 games at home
The total has gone OVER in 5 of NY Yankees's last 6 games at home
NY Yankees is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games when playing Boston
The total has gone OVER in 6 of NY Yankees's last 7 games when playing Boston
NY Yankees is 8-3 SU in its last 11 games when playing at home against Boston
The total has gone OVER in 4 of NY Yankees's last 5 games when playing at home against Boston

[StarDust Bum]

POSTSEASON STARTER STAT OF THE DAY

Mike Foltynewicz, Atlanta Braves (13-10, 2.85 ERA, -$203)

Folty was completely faulty in Game 1 of the Braves' National League Division Series with the Dodgers, surrendering four runs over two innings while issuing three walks and giving up a pair of home runs. It was his second bad outing in a four-start stretch; he gave up two homers in that one, as well, and has allowed 13 runs over 19 innings in his last four turns.

The Dodgers have had Foltynewicz's number this season, torching him for eight runs – including four homers – in a pair of head-to-head meetings. With a spot in the NLCS just one win away, Los Angeles is a good pick to win SU (-145) or on the runline (+110).


Consider Going Even Lower

We've established the Astros and Indians as a great Under play at the current number – but there's a strong trend foundation to support an alternate total wager. For starters, Houston has averaged just 5.4 combined runs in its last seven road games. Also, the Indians have gone below the number in 14 of their previous 21 postseason games; 13 of those saw six or fewer combined runs.

The Under-7.5 play is an intriguing +125, while the Under-6.5 option pays out at +215; both are worth considering Monday.


Over The Hill

The Dodgers-Braves total should see plenty of betting attention, particularly after the teams combined to produce 11 total runs in Game 3 following a pair of Los Angeles shutouts in Games 1 and 2. Dodgers starter Rich Hill has been one of the top Over plays in baseball this season, with Los Angeles exceeding the total in 19 of his 25 regular-season starts.

Hill's incredible Over trend, combined with Foltynewicz's recent struggles, make this game a prime target for an over-8 bet (+100); the Over-8.5 option worth a slightly higher +110, but takes the push out of play.


Winters Of Their Discontent

Mike Winters is probably the last man Boston wants to see behind home plate for Game 3 at Yankee Stadium – and yet, there he'll be. The Red Sox have two significant umpire trends working against them here: they're an incredible 7-19 in Winters' last 26 games calling balls and strikes, while the home team is 31-15 in his previous 46 games behind the dish.

Combined with the starter advantage New York has, the Yankees are worth a long look on the run line (+110).

[StarDust Bum]

Indians tweak slugging lineup for Game 3 of ALDS
October 8, 2018
By The Associated Press

CLEVELAND (AP) Indians manager Terry Francona juggled his struggling lineup for Game 3 of the AL Division Series against Houston.

With his club batting .100 (6 for 60) in the series and facing left-hander Dallas Keuchel, the Indians are starting right-handed hitters Yandy Diaz at designated hitter and Brandon Guyer in right field. Also, Edwin Encarnacion will switch from DH and play first base, replacing left-handed Yonder Alonso.

The Indians were dominated in Games 1 and 2 by Astros fireballers Justin Verlander and Gerrit Cole. Cleveland has had some success against Keuchel, beating him on May 19 in Houston. The Indians scored three runs in the first inning and chased Keuchel after in five innings.

In his second matchup against Cleveland on May 25, he allowed two runs and eight hits in six innings.

Astros manager A.J. Hinch made two switches, starting Brian McCann behind the plate and using Tony Kemp as his DH instead of Tyler White, who served that role in the first two games.


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


Odd path to playoffs: Kratz, Voit, Brasier take longer road
October 8, 2018
By The Associated Press

Of course Erik Kratz kept hoping for a moment like this. That's why he stuck around, through a dozen big league organizations, a couple of cruel demotions in the minors, a bunch of near-misses in October.

And the time he accidentally shot himself in the hand with a nail gun.

''I really feel like I've played my last game for the last 12 years because the game doesn't owe anybody anything,'' the Milwaukee catcher said. ''When you understand that, you appreciate these times more than anything else.''

Luke Voit certainly never expected to hear crowds at Yankee Stadium chanting his name in October, especially when he was stuck at Triple-A for St. Louis in late July.

Ryan Brasier's path to these playoffs was unusual, too. The Red Sox reliever is a rookie - even though he made his major league debut in 2013.

This postseason is full of stars, including Christian Yelich, Jose Altuve and Mookie Betts. Ronald Acuna Jr., Miguel Andujar and Walker Buehler are among the many talented newcomers.

To see them here, now, that's probably not a huge surprise.

But Kratz?

Still scrapping at 38, he was a .211 career hitter in the bigs, the very definition of a veteran backup catcher. He did have a piece of World Series jewelry, however - he went 0 for 4 in the regular season for Kansas City in 2015 and even though he was nowhere near the playoff roster, the Royals rewarded him with a ring.

Kratz was in the minors this June when the Yankees traded him to Milwaukee for a player to be named. He impressed the Brewers with his work regimen and knowledge, and produced enough to earn a spot in the playoffs.

Against Colorado last week, he became the oldest position player to start in his postseason debut since Lave Cross for the Philadelphia Athletics in the 1905 World Series.

''Lave Cross from Milwaukee, yeah, he was a really good third baseman. We played together in rookie ball,'' Kratz kidded.

''It's something that is part of history, so maybe in 113 years, some dude is going to be like, Erik Kratz - is it Kratz? What is that?'' he said.

No joke: Kratz went 5 for 8 in the NL Division Series sweep of the Rockies, and his Milwaukee teammates started chanting ''MVP! MVP!'' at him in the bubbly-soaked clubhouse.

''It's gone from an unsung season to kind of a front-and-center role right now,'' Brewers manager Craig Counsell said.

During the series, Kratz reflected on his future in baseball. He realizes time is running out.

''I haven't had a good enough career to retire. I'm just going to quit. I'll just be out. That's what's going to happen,'' he said.

Brasier's trip to this postseason also took several turns. He seemed to be off to a good start as rookie with the Angels in 2013, putting together a 2.00 ERA in seven relief appearances.

That was before Tommy John surgery, more time in the minors and a detour to Japan. He signed with the Red Sox in spring training, returned to the majors shortly before the All-Star break and kept a spot in the Boston bullpen.

He's already made his presence known.

In Game 2 of the ALDS, the 31-year-old Brasier got into a verbal spat with Gary Sanchez, annoyed that the Yankees slugger kept stepping out of the batter's box. That came as he struck out Andrew McCutchen, Giancarlo Stanton and Sanchez in the same inning.

At 27, Voit's trek wasn't so winding. Rather, he was backed up in the minors for St. Louis behind star first baseman Matt Carpenter. The beefy Voit didn't exactly fit the physical profile of the athletic-minded Cardinals, either.

Dealt to the Yankees shortly before the July 31 trade deadline for Giovanny Gallegos and Chasen Shreve, Voit got off to a slow start and seemed to be a backup for Greg Bird, at best.

But then, his huge swing started clicking. He connected for 14 home runs down the stretch, hit a two-run triple in the AL wild-card win over Oakland and has two hits and two RBIs in two playoff games against Boston.

In a city known for fashion, Voit also has made his own style statement. He prefers to keep the top button on his jersey unfastened, with no T-shirt underneath.

''Let the chest hair hang, baby,'' he said.

[StarDust Bum]

LEADING OFF: Red Sox-Yankees all even, Astros try for sweep
October 8, 2018
By The Associated Press

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

REVVED-UP RIVALS

Luis Severino starts for the Yankees when they host Boston in Game 3 of the AL Division Series. They're 1-all going into the first playoff game between the teams in the Bronx since the Red Sox finished off a comeback from an 0-3 deficit in the 2004 ALCS at the old Yankee Stadium.

Severino was 10-2 with a 2.74 ERA and .217 opponents' batting average at home, and is coming off four sharp innings against Oakland in the AL wild-card game. Ex-Yankee Nathan Eovaldi starts for Boston - he allowed no earned runs in three of four starts this year vs. New York.

ROCK IT

The Astros try to complete an ALDS sweep over Cleveland when Dallas Keuchel starts Game 3 at Progressive Field. The defending World Series champions used dominant pitching by starters Justin Verlander and Gerrit Cole to open a 2-0 lead. Indians manager Terry Francona will tweak his lineup against the left-handed Keuchel, adding righty hitters Yandy Diaz and Brandon Guyer. Mike Clevinger pitches for Cleveland.

Houston second baseman Jose Altuve says he's all set to go. He irritated his troublesome right knee when he slipped leaving the batter's box in Game 2 Saturday.

NO BROOMS

After holding off the Dodgers in a tense ninth inning, the Atlanta Braves aim to even the NLDS in Game 4 at SunTrust Park.

Mike Foltynewicz, who gave up four runs and three hits in two innings in a 6-0 loss in the opener, will pitch for Atlanta. The Dodgers could start Rich Hill.

Los Angeles was denied its second straight sweep in the NLDS, having chased Arizona last year.

REST UP

At this rate, the Milwaukee Brewers probably would rather keep playing. But they'll have to wait a while after sweeping Colorado in the NLDS. The Brew Crew has won 11 in a row - by the time they host Game 1 of the NL Championship Series at Miller Park on Friday against the Dodgers-Braves winner, it will have been nearly three weeks since their last loss.

The break will give the Brewers time to rest their deep pitching staff. It also will give fans more time to marvel over the postseason run by Erik Kratz - a 38-year-old journeyman catcher who has been part of 12 different major league organizations, he's gone 5 for 8 in his first playoff action.