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

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LEADING OFF: Kershaw vs Gio and the bullpen as NLCS begins
October 11, 2018
By The Associated Press

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

STARTING OFF

Clayton Kershaw starts for the Dodgers in Game 1 of the NL Championship Series against Brewers left-hander Gio Gonzalez and - more notably - Milwaukee's deep bullpen. Josh Hader and the rest of the club's lights-out relievers have helped the Brewers win 11 straight games. The bullpen's 3.47 ERA was second in the NL only to the Chicago Cubs, and it began to peak down the stretch. The relievers went 2-0 with a 1.17 ERA in the three-game Division Series sweep against Colorado. Gonzalez probably won't need to go more than four or five innings before Hader and crew take over.

Los Angeles' pitching approach will be more traditional. The Dodgers have gotten a higher percentage of outs from their starters this postseason than any other team, led by Kershaw's eight innings of two-hit ball in a 3-0 Game 2 win over Atlanta. Kershaw has thrown 12 consecutive scoreless innings in the postseason dating to last year's World Series.

The ALCS starts Saturday night when Justin Verlander and the World Series champion Houston Astros take on Chris Sale and the Boston Red Sox at Fenway Park.

SKIP HUNTING

The Rangers have done their first interviews in the search to replace fired manager Jeff Banister. According to people familiar with the details, the Rangers on Thursday interviewed Chicago Cubs bench coach Brandon Hyde in Arlington, and did a phone interview with Astros bench coach Joe Espada because Houston is preparing for the start of the ALCS against Boston. The team is making no public comments about candidates being interviewed. Texas did its first interview Tuesday in Arlington with Jayce Tingler, the team's assistant general manager.

BAM BAM IN DEMAND?

Giants bench coach Hensley ''Bam Bam'' Meulens has interviewed with the Reds for their open managerial position and also is set to meet with the Twins this week for the job that opened when Paul Molitor was fired. Meulens was in Minneapolis on Thursday and scheduled to interview with the Twins through Friday after traveling from Cincinnati. He met with the Reds, who fired Bryan Price after a 3-15 start. A former hitting coach with the Giants when they won World Series titles in 2010, `12 and `14, Meulens became bench coach this past season and Bruce Bochy's right-hand man in his ninth season with the club.

WAINO REMAINS

Adam Wainwright is staying with the Cardinals. St. Louis agreed to a one-year deal with the veteran right-hander Thursday, bringing him back to the only major league team he's pitched for. The 37-year-old Wainwright has been with the club since making his big league debut in 2005. Wainwright made just eight starts this season because of hamstring and elbow problems, going 2-4 with a 4.46 ERA.

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Brewers tab Gonzalez for Game 1
October 11, 2018
By The Associated Press

MILWAUKEE (AP) Gio Gonzalez will start for the Milwaukee Brewers in Game 1 of the NL Championship Series against the Los Angeles Dodgers on Friday night.

Brewers manager Craig Counsell announced his rotation on Thursday. Gonzalez was 3-0 with a 2.13 ERA in five starts for the Brewers after being acquired in a deal with the Washington Nationals.

The Brewers have chosen Wade Miley to start in Game 2 on Saturday, meaning that Milwaukee will open the NLCS with two straight lefties.

The Dodgers will line up the same way. They had already picked ace left-hander Clayton Kershaw as their starter for the opener.

Manager Dave Roberts on Thursday night said lefty Hyun-Jin Ryu will be his Game 2 starter.

Brewers right-hander Jhoulys Chacin will go in Game 3 on Monday in Los Angeles against Dodgers right-hander Walker Buehler.

Roberts said he will turn to left-hander Rich Hill to start Game 4.

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A capsule look at the Astros-Red Sox playoff series
October 11, 2018
By The Associated Press

A look at the best-of-seven American League Championship Series between the Houston Astros and Boston Red Sox:

Schedule: (All times EDT) Game 1, Saturday, at Boston, 8:09 p.m.; Game 2, Sunday, at Boston, 7:09 p.m.; Game 3, Tuesday, Oct. 16, at Houston, 5:09 p.m.; Game 4, Wednesday, Oct. 17, at Houston, 8:39 p.m.; x-Game 5, Thursday, Oct. 18, at Houston, 8:09 p.m.; x-Game 6, Saturday, Oct. 20, at Boston, 5:09 p.m.; x-Game 7, Sunday, Oct. 21, at Boston, 7:39 p.m. (All games on TBS).

x-if necessary.

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Season Series: Astros won 4-3.

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Projected Lineup:

Astros: CF George Springer (.265, 22 HRs, 71 RBIs), 2B Jose Altuve (.315, 13, 61), 3B Alex Bregman (.286, 31, 103, AL-best 51 doubles, 84 walks, 82 Ks), 1B Yuli Gurriel (.291, 13, 85), LF Marwin Gonzalez (.247, 16, 68), RF Josh Reddick (.242, 17, 47), SS Carlos Correa (.239, 15, 65), DH Tyler White (.276, 12, 42, .888 OPS in 66 games) or Tony Kemp (.263, 6, 30 in 97 games) or Evan Gattis (.226, 25, 78), C Martin Maldonado (.225, 9, 44 for Angels and Astros) or Brian McCann (.212, 7, 23 in 63 games).

Red Sox: RF Mookie Betts (.346, 32, 80, 129 runs, 30 steals), LF Andrew Benintendi (.290, 16, 87), DH J.D. Martinez (.330, 43, 130), SS Xander Bogaerts (.288, 23, 103), 1B Mitch Moreland (.245, 15, 68) or Steve Pearce (.284, 11, 42, .890 OPS in 76 games with Toronto and Boston), 2B Ian Kinsler (.240, 14, 48 with Angels and Red Sox) or Brock Holt (.277, 7, 46 in 109 games), 3B Rafael Devers (.240, 21, 66) or Eduardo Nunez (.265, 10, 44), CF Jackie Bradley Jr. (.234, 13, 59), C Sandy Leon (.177, 5, 22 in 89 games) or Christian Vazquez (.207, 3, 16 in 80 games).

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Projected Rotation:

Astros: RH Justin Verlander (16-9, 2.52 ERA, AL-high 290 Ks and only 37 walks in 214 IP), RH Gerrit Cole (15-5, 2.88, 2nd in AL with 276 Ks in 200 1/3 IP), LH Dallas Keuchel (12-11, 3.74), RH Charlie Morton (15-3, 3.13).

Red Sox: LH Chris Sale (12-4, 2.11, 237 Ks in 158 IP), LH David Price (16-7, 3.58, 177 Ks in 176 IP), RH Nathan Eovaldi (6-7, 3.81 with Red Sox and Rays), RH Rick Porcello (17-7, 4.28, 190 Ks in 191 1/3 IP).

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Relievers:

Astros: RH Roberto Osuna (2-2, 2.37, 21/22 saves for Blue Jays and Astros), RH Ryan Pressly (2-1, 2.54, 2 saves for Twins and Astros), RH Lance McCullers Jr. (10-6, 3.86 in 25 games, 22 starts), RH Hector Rondon (2-5, 3.20, 15 saves), LH Tony Sipp (3-1, 1.86, 54 appearances), RH Collin McHugh (6-2, 1.99, 58 appearances), RH Will Harris (5-3, 3.49, 61 appearances), RH Josh James (2-0, 2.35), RH Brad Peacock (3-5, 3.46, 61 appearances), RH Joe Smith (5-1, 3.74, 56 appearances).

Red Sox: RH Craig Kimbrel (5-1, 2.74, 42/47 saves), RH Matt Barnes (6-4, 3.65), RH Ryan Brasier (2-1, 1.60), RH Brandon Workman (6-1, 3.27), RH Joe Kelly (4-2, 4.39), LH Eduardo Rodriguez (13-5, 3.82, 146 Ks, 129 2/3 IP in 27 games, 23 starts), RH Heath Hembree (4-1, 4.20, 76 Ks, 27 BBs, 60 IP in 67 games).

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Matchups:

Only previous postseason meeting was last year, when Astros beat Boston 3-1 in best-of-five ALDS on way to first World Series championship. The 5-foot-6 Altuve hit three homers in the opener, two off Sale, and batted .533 (8 for 15) with 1.765 OPS in the series. Houston jumped out to 2-0 lead at home behind 8-2 wins from Verlander and Keuchel, then finished off Red Sox with 5-4 victory in Game 4 at Fenway Park. Verlander beat Sale when both started Game 1 and again when both aces entered Game 4 in relief. Correa had two homers and six RBIs in series. Bregman also went deep twice. Gurriel batted .529 (9 for 17), Springer .412 and Reddick .375. Gattis was 4 for 10 with two doubles, and McCann was 2 for 16 (.125). ... Red Sox rookie manager Alex Cora was Houston's bench coach under AJ Hinch last season and the two remain friends. ... Astros led majors with 3.11 ERA this year. Boston ranked first with 876 runs, 355 doubles and 594 extra-base hits. ... Astros outscored Red Sox 34-31 during season series. Teams split four games in Houston from May 31 to June 3. Cole beat Sale 7-3 before Price and Porcello earned wins for Boston. Astros took two of three in rematch Sept. 7-9 at Fenway Park. Morton won middle game, and Osuna had two saves. ... Betts was 7 for 11 (.636) with three doubles against Houston this year. Bogaerts batted .444 (12 for 27) with two homers, three doubles and six RBIs. Nunez hit .421 and Benintendi batted .333 (10 for 30) with two homers. Moreland and Martinez also went deep twice. Martinez was 5 for 26 (.192) with nine RBIs. Devers went 1 for 17 with eight strikeouts, and Bradley was 3 for 20 with eight Ks. Price struck out 17 in 12 1/3 innings. ... Gurriel batted .391 (9 for 23) with five RBIs vs. Red Sox. Springer hit .370 (10 for 27) with two homers, Kemp was 5 for 14 (.357) plus two walks, and White was 4 for 10 with four RBIs, three extra-base hits and five Ks. Cole had 15 strikeouts and a 3.46 ERA in 13 innings. Morton allowed eight earned runs and 16 hits in 10 1/3 innings for a 6.97 ERA. ... Verlander, the MVP of last year's ALCS against Yankees, is 12-6 with 3.08 ERA in postseason career. ... Moreland, a 2016 Gold Glove winner, injured his right hamstring during Division Series vs. Yankees and missed final two games. If he remains sidelined, Pearce could be in lineup against right-handers. ... Reddick played for Boston from 2009-11. ... Springer and Barnes were college teammates at Connecticut.

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Big Picture:

Astros: AL West champions for second consecutive year. Houston (103-59) set franchise record for wins and reached postseason for third time in four years under Hinch. Astros are in playoffs for 12th time overall and trying to become first team to repeat as World Series champions since Yankees won three straight from 1998-2000. ... Houston romped to 3-0 sweep of AL Central champion Cleveland in Division Series, outscoring Indians 21-6. Bregman batted .556 with two homers, four RBIs, five runs and four walks for .714 on-base percentage. Gonzalez was 7 for 13 (.538) with five RBIs. Springer, last year's World Series MVP, picked up where he left off in postseason by hitting .429 (6 for 14) with three homers. ... Houston went 64-35 in first half but cooled off in second half (39-24). ... Verlander, Keuchel and Cole all finished in top 5 in AL in innings pitched. Astros became sixth team to do that and first since 1970 Orioles, who won World Series. ... Team acquired Osuna and Pressly before July 31 trade deadline to bolster bullpen. ... Hinch signed four-year extension in August to keep him under contract with club through 2022. ... Astros had better record on road (57-24) than at home (46-35). ... Altuve was on disabled list this season for first time in career, sitting out from July 26 to Aug. 21 with knee injury. ... Verlander led AL with 0.90 WHIP and was third with .200 opponents' batting average. His 2.52 ERA ranked third in AL and was his lowest since 2.40 mark in 2011 with Detroit when he won AL MVP and Cy Young Award. ... Bregman led offense with Correa and Altuve not performing as well as they have in past. The 24-year-old Bregman set career highs for homers, RBIs and doubles.

Red Sox: Looking for fourth World Series title since 2004 after ending 86-year drought. ... In winning their third straight AL East title and setting a franchise record for wins, Red Sox (108-54) improved by 15 victories over their 2017 record. ... Eliminated the rival Yankees 3-1 in the AL Division Series after finishing eight games ahead of New York, their largest AL East victory margin. The previous high was seven games in 1995. Martinez batted .357 with one homer and six RBIs in the ALDS. Holt hit for the cycle in a 16-1 Game 3 victory but was out of the starting lineup for every other game in the series. Sale got the victory with 5 1/3 solid innings in Game 1, then pitched a perfect eighth inning in relief in Game 4. ... Spent 141 of the season's 186 days alone in first place and another seven in a tie for first, taking sole possession of the division lead for good on July 2. ... Twelve teams in baseball history have won as many as 108 games. Seattle won 116 in 2001 but lost in ALCS to the Yankees. The previous four won the World Series. ... Following a sensational regular season, Red Sox are looking to make a deep run in October. They were knocked out in Division Series each of last two years, by Houston last season and Cleveland in 2016, while going 1-6 overall. ... Boston completed the season without losing four in a row. It was the only team in baseball to go all season without losing four straight. It also accomplished that in 1903 and 2013, winning the World Series in both years. ... It's the fifth time the Red Sox have had the best record in baseball by themselves (1903, 1912, 1915, 1946). ... Cora had the second-most wins for a first-year manager. Ralph Houk's 1961 Yankees won 109 games. ... Boston's 57-24 record at home was the best in baseball. ... The last Red Sox player before Betts to win the AL batting title was Bill Mueller, with a .326 average in 2003. Wade Boggs was the previous Boston player to lead the majors, hitting .366 in 1988. ... Ted Williams (four times) and Jimmie Foxx (1938) are the only other Red Sox players to hit .340 or higher with 80 or more extra-base hits. ... Martinez led the majors with 130 RBIs and 358 total bases. His 43 homers were the most for a player in his first year with the Red Sox. ... Ten grand slams is the second-highest total in franchise history; the 2005 team hit 11.

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Watch For:

- Correa's Back. The top overall pick in the 2012 draft told The Associated Press this week that his aching back has been a constant problem. Correa hit .268 with 13 homers and 49 RBIs in the first half this season but struggled with a back injury for most of the second half. He missed about six weeks and hit just .180 with two homers and 16 RBIs in 37 games after the All-Star break. He experiences the most pain when he swings and misses, and says he's slowed down his swing at times because of it. He even has discomfort while walking on some days.

- Morton's Shoulder. The right-hander spent time on the DL late in season with shoulder discomfort but made two appearances during the last week and appeared to have regained his velocity. He looked ready for the playoffs.

- Mookie's Struggles. The likely AL MVP, Betts wasn't much of a factor against the Yankees. He batted .188 in the ALDS and is batting .238 without a home run in 11 career postseason games. Boston's deep lineup bailed out its leadoff hitter in the first round, but the Red Sox could use the regular-season version of Betts against Houston.

- Boston Bullpen. The Red Sox faced ceaseless questions about their relievers before the ALDS, but that crew was solid enough against New York. Barnes, Brasier and Kelly helped form a solid bridge, and Sale and Porcello picked up some relief innings, too. Kimbrel had perhaps the shakiest time, allowing a run in each of his two outings but still locking down saves in Games 1 and 4.

- Mixing and Matching. Cora showed a magic touch with the lineup in the ALDS, getting the most out of his platoon players. Holt only saw action in one game but made it count by hitting for the cycle, while Kinsler was also outstanding on the other side of that second-base timeshare, batting .308 with two doubles in 13 at-bats. Meanwhile, Nunez got more time at third base than Devers in part because he's sharper defensively. That moved paid off when Nunez's strong throw across the diamond retired Gleyber Torres for the final out of Game 4.

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Cora aims to knock out Astros
October 11, 2018
By The Associated Press

BOSTON (AP) Alex Cora led Boston to a victory over the hated Yankees. Next up for the first-year Red Sox manager: The team he left after winning a World Series as a bench coach last season.

''I've been talking about them the whole season, so now we go,'' he said after the Red Sox beat New York 4-3 in Game 4 of the AL Division Series to earn the right to play the Houston Astros for the pennant. ''Best of seven. They know me. I know them. It should be fun.''

An infielder who spent 14 years with six big league teams, Cora was in Houston for one year before the Red Sox made him the first minority manager in franchise history - and one of its youngest, too. His first season is already a success, with a franchise-record 108 victories, a third consecutive AL East title and the team's first playoff series win since 2013.

Now he has to do it again - against his former boss, A.J. Hinch, whose Astros swept Cleveland in the ALDS. Games 1 and 2 are Saturday and Sunday before the series moves to Houston for three more, if necessary.

''I don't know too much about them. Just they have a good team,'' Cora said coyly on Tuesday night. ''What they did to the Indians, that was impressive. It seems like they're playing their best baseball of the season at the right time.''

And so are the Red Sox, thanks to Cora.

In his first postseason series as a manager, he seemed to make all the right decisions, like starting Brock Holt in Game 3 and seeing him hit for the only postseason cycle in baseball history. And then he put Holt back on the bench in Game 4 and watched Ian Kinsler come through with a key RBI double.

''We're very fortunate to have a guy in A.C., who is not very far removed from playing the game, which definitely helps,'' Red Sox reliever Matt Barnes said. ''You have a guy who won the World Series last year, so he knows what it takes to win a World Series.

''It seemed like every button he's pushing is the right one. I think he's got a great feel for the game. He understands the game. He does a great job of managing and communicating with everybody on what's going on, and I think it showed in this series, and it will be awesome moving forward.''

Hinch said he is happy for his former assistant, who was a sounding board on strategy and preparation and took over when Hinch was ejected.

''(I'm) trying to remember some things that I told him that I wish I wouldn't have,'' Hinch said Wednesday when the Astros worked out for the first time since learning their next opponent.

''The bench coach and the manager are really tight,'' Hinch said. ''He was obviously right next to me every step of the way. As a bench coach, you're kind of involved in everything (but) maybe master of nothing when it comes to not being in charge.''

Cora also served as a link to the players, a role that has served him well in Boston. Red Sox players - including a couple that were Cora's teammates when he was with the team from 2005-08 - praised the relatability of their 42-year-old manager after five years with the more traditional and distant John Farrell.

The Astros saw it as well.

''He was a great coach and he meant a lot to me,'' Houston shortstop Carlos Correa said Wednesday. ''Getting to spend a full season with him last year was pretty special. I learned a lot of things from him. He's a brilliant mind. He knows a lot about the game.''

Hinch and Cora have maintained a friendship through their year apart, even exchanging text messages through the first round.

That's going to stop.

''He's encouraged me. I've encouraged him,'' Hinch said. ''The banter, the conversations will probably minimize a little bit over the next couple of days.''

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Davis, West crew chiefs for LCS
October 11, 2018
By The Associated Press

NEW YORK (AP) Gerry Davis, who has umpired a record 144 postseason games, will be the crew chief for the NL Championship Series.

Joe West, whose 5,194 regular-season games are second to Bill Klem's 5,375, will be the AL Championship Series crew chief, the commissioner's office said Thursday.

Scott Barry will be behind the plate for Friday night's NL opener between Milwaukee and the Los Angeles Dodgers. Alan Porter will be at first, Davis at second, Hunter Wendelstedt at third, Jim Wolf in left and Brian Gorman in right.

Greg Gibson will be the replay umpire in New York for the first two games. He'll join the crew for Game 3 while Barry switches to the replay room. Gibson would be behind the plate for a Game 7.

James Hoye will call balls and strikes for Saturday night's AL opener between Boston and Houston. Vic Carapazza will be at first, West at second, Mark Carlson at third, Chris Guccione in left and Mark Wegner in right. Bill Miller will be the replay umpire for the first two games. He'll join the crew while Hoye goes to the video center. Miller would be the Game 7 plate umpire.

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NLCS Cheat Sheet
October 9, 2018
By Kevin Rogers

2018 Head-to-Head Matchups (Dodgers 4-3, Over 4-3)

Dodgers vs. Brewers (Miller Park)
July 20 – Dodgers 6, Brewers 4 (Over 9)
July 21 – Brewers 4, Dodgers 2 (Under 8)
July 22 – Dodgers 11, Brewers 2 (Over 8 ½)

Brewers vs. Dodgers (Dodger Stadium)
July 30 – Brewers 5, Dodgers 2 (Under 7 ½)
July 31 – Brewers 1, Dodgers 0 (Under 8 ½)
August 1 – Dodgers 6, Brewers 4 (Over 8)
August 2 – Dodgers 21, Brewers 5 (Over 7 ½)

HOW THEY GOT HERE

The Brewers (96-67) are the hottest team in baseball entering the League Championship Series. Milwaukee has won 11 consecutive games, which includes the divisional tiebreaker victory at Wrigley Field over the Cubs. The Brewers locked up not only the NL Central title, but secured the all-important home-field advantage throughout the National League playoffs.

Milwaukee quickly disposed of Colorado in a three-game sweep in the NLDS to advance to its first Championship Series since 2011. For the exception of a ninth-inning rally to score two runs in Game 1, Colorado’s offense was shut down by the Milwaukee pitching staff in this series. The Rockies tallied a total of two runs in 28 innings, while getting blanked in the final two games. All three games finished UNDER the total, as none of Milwaukee’s starting pitchers allowed a run.

The Dodgers (92-71) also needed a victory in a division title contest as they routed the Rockies to pick up their sixth consecutive NL West championship. Los Angeles ran a tight race alongside Colorado and Arizona for the top spot in the West all season long until the Dodgers pulled away in the final five weeks. After the Cardinals swept the Dodgers at Chavez Ravine in late August, Los Angeles sat at 67-61. The Dodgers went 24-10 in the final 34 regular season games to clinch a playoff spot, while going 15-4 in the past 19 home contests.

Los Angeles needed four games to finish off an upstart Atlanta squad in the NLDS. The Dodgers blanked the Braves in each of the first two games, but couldn’t pull off the sweep as Los Angeles fell to Atlanta, 6-5 in Game 3 at SunTrust Park. L.A. rallied past Atlanta, 6-2 in Game 4 to advance to its third consecutive National League Championship Series.

SEASON SERIES

In seven meetings this season, the Dodgers captured four victories, including two wins at Miller Park in July. Los Angeles held off Milwaukee in the opener, 6-4, highlighted by two hits from Manny Machado in his Dodgers’ debut after getting traded from Baltimore. The Brewers won the second contest as nearly a +160 underdog against Clayton Kershaw as Milwaukee erased an early 2-0 deficit to pick up a 4-2 triumph. The Dodgers grabbed the rubber match in blowout fashion, 11-2, as Los Angeles allowed two early runs before it put together a pair of five-run innings for the series victory.

When the teams met in southern California over a week later, the Brewers rebounded with a pair of wins, while limiting the Dodgers to two runs in those victories. Eric Thames knocked out a three-run homer in the series opening 5-2 win, while Wade Miley tossed seven scoreless innings in a 2-0 triumph in Game 2. The Dodgers broke through in Game 3 on a Yasmani Grandal walk-off homer in the 10th inning, 6-4 followed up by a 21-5 rout of Milwaukee in the finale to grab the series split.

PLAYOFF HISTORY

The Dodgers and Brewers have never met in the playoffs, as Milwaukee has played in the National League since 1998. Los Angeles is seeking back-to-back National League pennants for the first time since 1977-78, while losing in four of its past five NLCS appearances dating back to 2008. Milwaukee last reached the NLCS in 2011 as the Brewers fell in six games to the Cardinals, while the Brew Crew is looking for their first World Series appearance since 1982.

PITCHERS TO WATCH

Obviously the most decorated pitcher in this series is Dodgers’ ace Clayton Kershaw (9-5, 2.73 ERA), who silenced the Braves’ bats in Game 2 of the NLDS. Kershaw tossed eight scoreless innings and scattered two hits in a 3-0 shutout as the Dodgers have won each of the left-hander’s last nine starts. Los Angeles owns a 5-0 mark in each of Kershaw’s last five home playoff starts, but the road is a different story for the three-time Cy Young winner. Kershaw has allowed 11 earned runs in his past two road playoff outings, while the Dodgers are 0-2 in those affairs.

Jhoulys Chacin (15-8, 3.56 ERA) picked up a career-high in victories in his first season in Milwaukee. Chacin was an integral part of lifting the Brewers to the NL Central title by allowing one hit and one run in 5.2 innings of the division championship win over the Cubs. The right-hander followed that performance up by yielding three hits in five scoreless innings of a 4-0 triumph over Colorado in Game 2 of the NLDS. However, Chacin was lit up by the Dodgers in the 16-run defeat in August as he was tagged for nine runs in 4.1 innings opposite Kershaw.

Southpaw Wade Miley (5-2, 2.57 ERA) is unbeaten in his past eight starts for Milwaukee, while having the Dodgers’ number in two starts. In 13 innings against Los Angeles, Miley allowed six hits and one run, as the Brewers split those two games. Miley finished one out from a victory against Colorado in Game 3 of the NLDS as he tossed 4.2 scoreless innings in the 6-0 rout as +145 underdogs in the series clincher.

SERIES SCHEDULE (All games on FOX/FS1)

Game 1 – Friday, October 12 – at Milwaukee
Game 2 – Saturday, October 13 - at Milwaukee
Game 3 – Monday, October 15 - at Los Angeles
Game 4 – Tuesday, October 16 - at Los Angeles
*Game 5 – Wednesday, October 17 - at Los Angeles
*Game 6 – Friday, October 19 - at Milwaukee
*Game 7 – Saturday, October 20 - at Milwaukee

* - If Necessary

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ALCS Cheat Sheet
October 11, 2018
By Kevin Rogers

2018 Head-to-Head Matchups (Astros 4-3, Over 5-2)

Red Sox vs. Astros (Minute Maid Park)
May 31 – Astros 4, Red Sox 2 (Under 8 ½)
June 1 – Astros 7, Red Sox 3 (Over 7)
June 2 – Red Sox 5, Astros 4 (Over 7 ½)
June 3 – Red Sox 9, Astros 3 (Over 7 ½)

Astros vs. Red Sox (Fenway Park)
September 7 – Astros 6, Red Sox 3 (Over 8 ½)
September 8 – Astros 5, Red Sox 3 (Under 9)
September 9 – Red Sox 6, Astros 5 (Over 8 ½)

HOW THEY GOT HERE

The Red Sox (108-54) won the most games in franchise history this season as they reached the ALCS for the first time since 2013 after knocking out the Yankees in four games of the ALDS. Boston split the first two games against New York at Fenway Park, but rebounded for a pair of victories in the Bronx, capped off by Tuesday’s Game 4 clincher, 4-3.

Boston won 93 games each of the last two seasons on its way to the AL East title, but in Alex Cora’s first season as manager, the Red Sox jumped to 108 victories, its most since winning 104 games in 1946. The difference this season is the Red Sox were able to escape the ALDS unscathed after losing to Cleveland in 2016 and Houston in 2017.

In those two series losses to the Indians and Astros, the Red Sox posted an 0-4 road record. Boston put together a 51-30 mark away from Fenway this season, which ranked second in the league behind Houston’s 57-24 road ledger. The Red Sox are on a 4-1 road underdog run since late September, which includes three wins over the Yankees and a victory at Cleveland.

The Astros (103-59) are back in the ALCS for the second consecutive season as Houston seeks back-to-back World Series titles. Houston closed the regular season on a 28-9 run to capture the AL West title, while finishing off Cleveland in a three-game sweep in the ALDS.

Houston’s pitching staff stifled the Cleveland bats by allowing six runs in the three games, while pulling away in the Game 3 clincher by scoring 10 runs in the final three innings of an 11-3 rout at Progressive Field. The Astros knocked out eight home runs in the series sweep, including a pair of jacks from outfielder George Springer in the Game 3 rout.

SEASON SERIES

The Astros grabbed four of seven meetings from the Red Sox, as Houston won the first two matchups in each series. In the first series at Minute Maid Park in June, Houston captured the opener, 4-2 thanks to a pair of fourth inning runs to break a 2-2 tie. The two teams combined for five homers in the second game with aces Gerrit Cole and Chris Sale on the mound, but the Astros pulled away for a 7-3 victory.

The Red Sox rebounded in the next two games to grab a split as Andrew Benintendi and Christian Vasquez each went deep in the seventh inning of a 5-4 win in Game 3. Boston destroyed Houston in the series finale, 9-3 as the Red Sox handed Charlie Morton his first loss of the season by tagging the Astros’ right-hander for six runs in 5.1 innings of work.

In the following series at Fenway Park in September, the Astros rallied from a 2-0 deficit to score six late runs in a 6-3 victory in the opener. Morton rebounded in his second opportunity against the Red Sox by allowing two runs in five innings of a 5-3 victory in Game 2, while Alex Bregman drilled his 30th homer of the season. The Red Sox avoided the sweep with a 6-5 walk-off victory in the series finale on Mitch Moreland’s RBI single, while J.D. Martinez drove in four runs for Boston.

PLAYOFF HISTORY

Houston and Boston are meeting in the playoffs for the second straight season as the Astros eliminated the Red Sox in four games of the ALDS in 2017. The Astros wacked the Red Sox in back-to-back 8-2 blowouts at Minute Maid Park to jump out to a commanding 2-0 lead, highlighted by racking Sale in the series opener for seven runs in five innings.

The Red Sox avoided elimination in Game 3 by erasing an early 3-0 deficit to score 10 unanswered runs in a 10-3 rout at Fenway Park. Game 4 was certainly quirky as both teams turned to their aces out of the bullpen as Justin Verlander tossed 2.2 innings and Sale lasted 4.2 innings in relief. However, Houston knocked out Boston by scoring three late runs in a 5-4 win as short road favorites.

PITCHERS TO WATCH

There is no shortage of aces to go around for these two teams. Verlander (16-9, 2.52 ERA) is unbeaten in his last six starts, while shutting down the Indians in Game 1 of the ALDS by scattering two hits in 5.1 innings of work. Verlander faced the Red Sox once this season as the Astros lost as -200 favorites, 5-4 on June 2. The former MVP and Cy Young winner did his part by allowing three hits and two earned runs in six innings, but the Red Sox scored three runs in the seventh inning for the win. The Astros have won five of Verlander’s six playoff starts since he was acquired last season, but the only loss came on the road to the Dodgers in the World Series.

Cole (15-5, 2.88 ERA) hasn’t lost a decision since August 10 against Seattle, while the Astros are 7-0 in his past seven outings. The former Pirates’ standout struck out 12 in a Game 2 victory over Cleveland in the ALDS, while picking up his first postseason win since 2013 against the Cardinals. Cole will start Game 2 at Fenway Park as the Astros posted a 7-3 record and 2.77 ERA away from Minute Maid Park this season. The Astros won each of Cole’s starts against the Red Sox in 2018, as the right-hander allowed five earned runs in 13 innings of work.

The Red Sox send out Sale (12-4, 2.11 ERA) in the series opener as the Cy Young candidate hasn’t pitched past the sixth inning since July 27. Sale spent a month on the disabled list with a shoulder injury, but returned in September to four no-decisions (3-1 team record). The southpaw picked up a Game 1 ALDS win against the Yankees by tossing 5.1 innings of five-hit ball and striking out eight in a 5-4 victory. The Red Sox won nine of Sale’s 13 home starts this season, although the four losses came as a favorite of -230 or higher.

David Price (16-7, 3.58 ERA) has been postseason poison in his career as his teams are 0-7 in his past seven playoff starts dating back to 2013. Price didn’t escape the second inning in the Game 2 ALDS loss to the Yankees, as the southpaw is set to start Game 2 against the Astros. However, Price was dominant against this Houston lineup in two starts this season by giving up five runs and seven hits, while striking out 17 in 12.1 innings of work.

SERIES SCHEDULE (All games on TBS)

Game 1 – Saturday, October 13 – at Boston
Game 2 – Sunday, October 14 – at Boston
Game 3 – Tuesday, October 16 – at Houston
Game 4 – Wednesday, October 17 – at Houston
*Game 5 – Thursday, October 18 – at Houston
*Game 6 – Saturday, October 20 – at Boston
*Game 7 – Sunday, October 21 – at Boston

[StarDust Bum]

What a relief: Dodgers next up for Brewers' lights-out 'pen
October 11, 2018
By The Associated Press

MILWAUKEE (AP) Build an early lead, get five good innings out of the starter and bring in the bullpen.

The Milwaukee Brewers used that formula to win 11 straight games going into the NL Championship Series against the Los Angeles Dodgers.

Clayton Kershaw could be the ace that finally puts a stop to the streak.

The three-time NL Cy Young Award winner will start for Los Angeles in Game 1 on Friday night at Miller Park.

''We know we're not going to get a ton of opportunities'' against Kershaw and Dodgers starting pitching, outfielder Ryan Braun said. ''So we've talked about the importance of cashing in on the opportunities we do get.''

Once the Brewers take a lead, they're hard to beat. Good luck getting to their lights-out bullpen.

Milwaukee's 3.47 ERA in relief was second in the NL only to the Chicago Cubs. The bullpen went 2-0 with a save and a 1.17 ERA in the three-game Division Series sweep Colorado.

Corey Knebel can come in as soon as the fifth, usually lights-out left-hander Josh Hader in just about situation and Jeremy Jeffress in the late innings. All three relievers are capable of closing.

Knebel and Hader are making their postseason debuts, while Jeffress' playoff experience before this year was limited to just one inning in 2016 with Texas.

''I thought it was going to be a lot different,'' Knebel said Thursday of the playoffs. ''The first time I came in, I felt the same surprisingly. ... Hey's it's just another game. That's all it is. You just want to keep playing ball.''

The spotlight probably won't faze the Dodgers, who are in a third straight NLCS for the first time in franchise history. The strategy at the plate doesn't change, either, just because Milwaukee's relievers are so good.

Knebel, Hader and Jeffress, along with righty Joakim Soria, appeared in all three games against Colorado spread out over four days.

The NLCS is best-of-seven, with the first four games over five days, so bullpen usage could differ.

''When you're talking about a seven-game series,'' Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said, ''having those guys go to their `pen and taxing them and beating the starter, there's still a lot of value in that.''

Chasing the starter will require building an early lead that might require the Brewers to dip into his bullpen earlier or more often than planned.

''If they go bullpen game, like they did against the Rockies, it's a seven-game set,'' Dodgers infielder Max Muncy said. ''It's more games you're putting stress on the bullpen.''

Other notes and things to watch:

UNFINISHED BUSINESS

Pressure in the NLCS? Maybe not for the Dodgers, who lost Game 7 of the World Series to the Houston Astros a year ago. Now that's pressure.

''We want to finish off what we didn't finish off last year. That's been their focus since after that Game 7,'' Roberts said. ''We're in a position right now where we can give ourselves an opportunity to get back there.''

MVP WATCH

Outfielder Christian Yelich, making his postseason debut, hit .250 with a homer and two RBIs with two steals in the NLDS. The smooth-hitting left-hander went on a tear in the second half, hitting .367 after the All-Star break with 25 homers to help lift the Brewers to the NL Central crown.

When the series shifts to Dodger Stadium next week, the southern California native will be playing in a park where he used to watch games as a child .

START IT UP

No bullpen day to open up the series for the Brewers. Milwaukee is going with left-hander Gio Gonzalez to oppose Kershaw in Game 1 on Friday night. For Gonzalez, it has been quite a rebound since being acquired in a deal with the Washington Nationals, going 3-0 with a 2.13 ERA in five starts with Milwaukee.

''So to sit here, and I'm pitching Game 1 of the second round, I think it's remarkable, pretty incredible,'' Gonzalez said, ''and hopefully I get to tell my kids about this one day.''

An 11-year veteran, Gonzalez is 4-1 with a 1.89 ERA in six career starts against the Dodgers.

CY KERSHAW

One of the toughest left-handers in baseball, Kershaw (9-5, 2.73) hasn't been quite as good in his career in the NLCS. He is 2-4 with a 4.65 ERA in five career starts in this round.

BACK WHERE IT STARTED

The NLCS will begin in the park where All-Star Manny Machado made his Dodgers' debut. After Machado was acquired at the All-Star break from the Orioles, the Dodgers opened up the second half of the season at Miller Park.

Machado has hit .273 with 13 homers and 42 RBIs in 66 games with the Dodgers.

''It made it a lot easier knowing I was just another piece to this ballclub,'' Machado said. ''This ballclub could have made it just as easily without me.''

[StarDust Bum]

Red Sox hope to home-field advantage makes difference
October 11, 2018
By The Associated Press

BOSTON (AP) The Red Sox hope home-field advantage makes a difference after consecutive Division Series eliminations.

Boston began the postseason 0-2 on the road at Cleveland in 2016 and again at Houston last year.

By winning a club-record 108 games this season, the Red Sox ensured home-field advantage through the postseason. They split at home against the Yankees last weekend, swept a pair of games in New York to advance and open the AL Championship Series against the World Series champion Astros on Saturday night.

Chris Sale starts for the Red Sox and Justin Verlander for the Astros.

Sale gave up seven runs in last year's opening 8-2 loss to Houston, including two home runs by Jose Altuve and by Alex Bregman. Sale made a rare relief appearance in Game 4 at Fenway Park, replacing Rick Porcello to start the fourth inning with Boston trailing 2-1. After Andrew Benintendi's two-run homer put the Red Sox ahead, Sale allowed Bregman's tying home run leading off the eighth and a one-out single to Evan Gattis, who gave Houston the lead for good when he scored on Josh Reddick's single against Craig Kimbrel.

''Going through that the last two years helped,'' Brock Holt. ''We're better because of what happened last year.''

Boston was 57-24 at Fenway Park this year, the best home record in the major leagues, and Sale has a 1.29 ERA and .199 opponents' batting average in his last eight home starts.

''I think he just feeds off the crowd and he just feels more comfortable at home,'' Red Sox shortstop Xander Bogaerts said.

Boston won the AL pennant in four of the six times it opened the Championship Series at Fenway, in 1975, 1986, 2007 and 2013, the last two en route to World Series titles. The Red Sox failed at this stage in 1988 and 1990.

''It's a big difference to be able start at home against a good team,'' Holt said.

With its quirky dimensions that include the Green Monster in left, Fenway can be difficult for visiting teams defensively. Marwin Gonzalez has played just 24 regular-season innings in left field at Fenway plus the two games last October.

After beating the 100-win Yankees, the Red Sox face the 103-victory Astros. The only other year Boston met a pair of teams in the postseason with triple-digit regular-season wins was in 2004, when the Red Sox beat the Yankees (101) to become the first major league team to rebound from a 3-0 postseason deficit, then swept St. Louis (105) for their first title since 1918.

Red Sox manager Alex Cora said thus year's win over the Yankees provides a mental boost, especially after the Game 2 loss at home.

''I think we grew up as a group,'' he said.

Cora was Houston's bench coach last year before he was hired by Boston.

''Like Verlander said in spring training, to get to the World Series, you have to go through Houston,''' Cora said. ''Here we are.''

Notes: 1B Mitch Moreland, who injured his right hamstring in Game 2 against the Yankees while running the bases, participated in batting practice on Thursday. ''He's feeling better,'' Cora said. ''We've still got time to see where we're at with him. Hopefully he keeps getting better and he'll be ready to go on Saturday.'' ... 3B Eduardo Nunez appeared to injure himself while making the throw to first for the final out Tuesday. ''He's OK. I think he slipped on that play, but then he was jumping up and down celebrating,'' Cora said.

[StarDust Bum]

Springer super for Astros as they look to repeat as champs
October 11, 2018
By The Associated Press

HOUSTON (AP) Ask Houston manager AJ Hinch to name the best thing about George Springer and he rattles off a laundry list of qualities he admires in the outfielder.

When he finishes that list, he adds a final thought.

''I'm not sure there's a perfect player,'' Hinch said. ''But he's pretty close.''

Last year's World Series MVP hit three homers during a sweep of Cleveland in the AL Division Series, and the Astros look for him to keep delivering as they prepare for Boston's powerful lineup in the AL Championship Series beginning Saturday.

''There's nothing not to like about Springer,'' Hinch said. ''His makeup's good, his effort's good, his competitiveness is off the charts, he's happy when he comes to the ballpark every day, blends in well with all aspects of the clubhouse.''

Springer's three homers are tied with Yankees slugger Aaron Judge for the most this postseason and his six hits rank third in the playoffs. It's a continuation of the work he did in helping the Astros to their first World Series title last season.

In 2017, Springer hit six homers, five doubles and drove in nine runs in the postseason. Most of his damage came in the World Series when he hit five homers.

The leadoff man came one shy of the MLB record when extended his streak of postseason games with a home run to five with a solo shot in a win over the Indians in the ALDS opener. He didn't homer in Game 2, but made up for it by connecting twice in Game 3 to help the Astros complete the sweep.

Springer tries not to get too wrapped up in statistics, but knows what people expect in October.

''This is a result-oriented time of the year,'' Springer said. ''But for us it's about doing anything that you can for the team. So just sticking with that mentality.''

Springer's teammates rave about what he does on the field and the attitude he brings to work every day.

''Unbelievable teammate, unbelievable player,'' third baseman Alex Bregman said. ''Stepped up huge for us last year and then is stepping up huge for us now. Definitely fun to be on his team. He loves to compete and do anything to help the team win. We love George.''

A two-time All-Star, Springer was the 11th overall pick out UConn in 2011. He made his debut in 2014 and since then has become one of Houston's most consistent and dynamic players, part of a young core that helped the Astros morph from league laughingstocks to World Series champions in just a few short years.

Springer hit a career-high 34 home runs last season and had 22 this year. It's the type of power rarely seen in a leadoff hitter, but his pop combined with speed has been a great combination for the Astros.

He believes the experience this team gained in capturing the franchise's first title last year will help the Astros as the get deeper into this postseason. Springer also thinks Houston's success last year has given the team a certain calmness this season no matter what challenge it encounters.

Springer is rarely seen without a smile and you can often find him cracking jokes to his teammates or dancing around the clubhouse. Despite the importance of the situation, he believes it's important to remember that even though the stage is much bigger, they're simply playing the game they love.

''This is obviously a game where the higher up you go the harder it gets so you want to try to make things simple,'' he said. ''You want to try to have as much fun as you possibly can and just enjoy it and try to keep yourself and other guys loose.''

[StarDust Bum]

In Milwaukee, Yelich's success stirs Serbian pride
October 12, 2018
By The Associated Press

MILWAUKEE (AP) When Brewers slugger Christian Yelich takes the field against the Los Angeles Dodgers, he'll have one group of Milwaukee fans rooting especially loud for his success: Serbian-Americans.

The 26-year-old MVP candidate's banner year has earned him plenty of new fans, including Serbians who are just now becoming aware of his heritage. Yelich's paternal grandfather was Serbian.

''Everybody is seriously super-stoked and really happy,'' said Sinisa Torbica, 50, whose parents immigrated to Milwaukee from Serbia in the 1960s.

Torbica, who makes a living as a translator, said he long thought Yelich might be of Serbian descent but wasn't sure because the Americanized spelling differs from the more usual Jelic surname. Torbica said it was ''fricking awesome'' when a friend told him about Yelich's ancestry last year. His own friends, he said, feel the same.

''They're just kind of like awestruck,'' Torbica said. ''They're like, `Wow, I can't believe it. He's Serbian, are you kidding me? MVP?' It's unbelievable.''

Yelich said he has never visited Serbia or fully researched his heritage, but he feels ''pride in it.''

''Any time you can have an impact on anybody's life in a positive direction, to bring happiness to the community or a certain group of people, you don't take that lightly as a team, as a player,'' he said.

The Brewers acquired Yelich from the Miami Marlins in a trade this past offseason and he went on to win the National League batting title with a .326 average. He hit 36 home runs and had 110 RBIs, just missing the Triple Crown - a rare feat last accomplished by Miguel Cabrera for Detroit in 2012.

Now, Yelich is a frequent topic of conversation among Milwaukee's small, tight-knit Serbian community that likes cheering for athletes who have a connection to home, said Steve Petrovic, the president of the American Serb Hall on the city's southwest side. Petrovic said it's the same adulation Serbians feel for athletes like tennis superstar Novak Djokovic and retired NBA player Vlade Divac.

''When you're within the Serbian community, that kind of stuff is talked about - `Did you see Yelich had three hits the other night?''' Petrovic said. ''That is very commonplace.''

Serbians' migration to Milwaukee began in the late 1800s, driven by poverty and overpopulation in Eastern Europe, said John Gurda, a Milwaukee historian and author.

They settled in Milwaukee's Walker's Point neighborhood, near the city's south side, and largely worked industrial jobs, Gurda said. Another wave of Serbian immigrants began arriving in Milwaukee in the 1980s during the wars in Sarajevo and the Bosnian conflict.

The St. Sava Serbian Orthodox Cathedral, the St. Sava Orthodox School and Serb Hall have become important gathering places for Serbians, who number about 4,000 in the area, according to census data.

''I can guarantee you that if you go out to Serb Hall or the school, they know (about Yelich) and they're proud,'' Gurda said.

That pride is part of Serbians' nationalistic streak and their ''special draw'' toward cheering on their own when they succeed, said Mike Uzelac, 63, former president of Serb Hall.

''We try to support each other, and root for each other whether it's basketball, football, acting, whatever,'' he said.

Now that more Serbians are learning about Yelich's heritage, they want to make sure that others know it, too.

''Now I'm going to be bringing it up to all my friends,'' said Ilija Stojsavljevic, 47, an engineer from the Milwaukee suburb of Cudahy. ''I will be bringing that up whenever possible.''

[StarDust Bum]

Friday’s six-pack

NFL trends for Week 6:

— Texans are 2-8 vs spread in their last ten games.

— Pittsburgh is 3-8 vs spread in its last 11 games.

— Tennessee is 11-3-1 vs spread coming off its last 15 losses.

— New England is 17-6-3 in last 26 games as home favorites.

— Buccaneers are 8-3 vs spread in last 11 post-bye games.

— Kansas City covered its last nine games.

Quote of the Day
“Ron Adams told me that Tex (Winter) knew more about the history of the game and the fundamentals of the game than anybody he had ever met in his life. I was lucky enough to play for Tex for five years and learn from him.

A lot of what I do here with the Warriors is patterned from things I learned from Tex. What a life he lived. He was a unique individual and touched thousands of lives. Today, the news was tough. Tex was a special person to me and everyone that played for him.”
Steve Kerr

Friday’s quiz
Who did the Cincinnati Bengals beat the last time they won a playoff game, in 1990?

Thursday’s quiz
Milwaukee Brewers were last in a World Series in 1982, losing to St Louis in 7 games.

Wednesday’s quiz
Cam Newton played college football for both Florida and Auburn.

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

13) If you like/love basketball, the specials that ESPN is putting out on the history of the game seem to be very well done; saw a couple of them this week, one piece about the finals of the 1972 Olympic basketball tournament, another on the first ABA dunk contest. Lot of history there; it is well worth your time if you’re a basketball person.

12) My hotel room at the Golden Nugget had free earplugs on the nightstand; didn’t come close to needing them until tonight, when there was a concert in the park next to the hotel. Very loud, but music from the 80’s, so I passed on using the earplugs.

There is also a tattoo convention at the hotel this weekend, and a ton of motorcyclists; not sure if those two things are related, but the hallways look like a Duck Dynasty class reunion.

11) Highly recommend the Golden Nugget by the way; great pool, food places are real good and people here are real nice. Its been a fun vacation.

10) New restaurants I’ve tried/enjoyed for the last eight days in Las Vegas:
— The Grotto (in Golden Nugget). Very good pizza and meatball sliders
— Claim Jumper (in Golden Nugget). Open 24 hours, lot of good choices.
— Chicago Joe’s. Old-fashioned Italian place that actually used to be someone’s house. Very good food, excellent prices; it is right next to a very sketchy-looking apartment complex.
— Pizza Rock— Really good pizza, lot of TV’s, a little expensive.
— Hash House a Go-Go (in Plaza Hotel). Big portions, very good scrambled eggs.

9) Lakers-Warriors was an unusually intense exhibition game Wednesday; was watching end of the game in the sportsbook— guy on the Lakers stole the ball, went in for a dunk, and the only other guy in there with me says excitedly “That put the game over the total!!!”

If you’re wagering on totals in NBA exhibition games, you’ve got a better stomach than I do.

8) Doug McDermott is playing for the Indiana Pacers this season, 5th team he’ll play for in his fifth NBA season; he was also traded by the Nuggets the night he got drafted in 2014, so thats six teams for him in 4+ years.

7) Eagles 34, Giants 13— Philly evened its record at 3-3 in game where their first two TD drives were only 16-44 yards. Giants have a porous offensive line, an aging, immobile QB and a 1-5 record, which should make the back page of the NY tabloids interesting.

6) Why teams win/lose; looking back at the 2009 NBA Draft:

2nd pick— Memphis, Hasheem Thabeet
3rd pick— Oklahoma City, James Harden

6th pick— Minnesota, Jonny Flynn
7th pick— Golden State, Stephen Curry

9th pick— New York, Jordan Hill
10th pick— Toronto, DeMar DeRozan

5) One weekend each year, the NBA should use red, white and blue basketballs in its games to honor the ABA, which closed shop after the 1975-76 season.

Lot of terrific players in the ABA (George Gervin, Julius Erving, Rick Barry, Artis Gilmore, Dan Issel, even Wilt Chamberlain briefly). Their teams played an exciting style of ball.

4) Shahid Khan owns the Jacksonville Jaguars; he is trying to buy Wembley Stadium in London and if he does, he may have the Jaguars play half their home games there every year. Would this be a good thing for the NFL? For the Jaguars? We may find out.

3) Chicago Cubs fired hitting coach Chili Davis Thursday; if the Phillies or some other team has half a brain, they’ll sign Davis— he’s a damn good hitting coach.

2) NBA’s Minnesota Timberwolves cancelled practice and team activities Thursday, after the circus that was Wednesday, with Jimmy Butler taking the four worst players in camp and then beating the five starters in a scrimmage, while he yelled at the team’s coach and GM.

1) Former Ole Miss football coach Hugh Freeze will be offensive coordinator for the Arizona team in the new AAF next spring. Lot of big names will be coaching in the 8-team league.

[StarDust Bum]

Friday’s games

National League

Dodgers @ Brewers

Kershaw is 4-0, 3.79 in his last six starts; his last three road starts went over. Team in his starts: 17-10, 9-4 road (won his last nine starts) He is 1-1, 4.50 vs Milwaukee this season.
5-inning record: 16-7-4 Allowed run in 1st inning: 4-27

Gonzalez is 3-0, 2.49 in his last five starts; Brewers won his last five starts. Over is 7-3 in his last ten starts. Team in his starts: 5-0, 4-0 home
5-inning record: 5-0 Allowed run in 1st inning: 0-5

Dodgers won seven of their last eight games overall, four of last five on road. LA is in playoffs for 6th year in row; they lost 7th game of World Series LY. Dodgers’ last WS title was in 1988.

Milwaukee won its last 11 games; their last loss was Sept 22. Brewers won their last six home games- they’re in playoffs for first time since 2011- they lost Game 7 of the 1982 World Series.

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Saturday’s game

American League

Houston @ Boston

Verlander is 4-0, 1.41 in his last six starts; over is 3-1 in his last four starts. Team in his starts: 22-13, 13-2 road Verlander allowed two runs in six IP in a June 2 no-decision vs Boston.
5-inning record: 23-6-6 Allowed run in 1st inning: 7-35

Sale is 1-0, 4.73 in his last three starts; he pitched scoreless 8th inning Tuesday in New York. Team in his starts: 19-9, 9-4 home Sale lost 7-3 in Houston June 1, allowing four runs in six IP.
5-inning record: 18-5-5 Allowed run in 1st inning: 6-28

Houston is 11-2 in its last 13 games; they outscored Cleveland 21-6 in last series. Red Sox won four of their last five games; they scored 27 runs in 3-1 series win vs New York.

Red Sox are in playoffs for third year in row; they won World Series in 2013. Astros won their first WS title LY, in their second try (’05); they’re in playoffs for third time in four years.

[StarDust Bum]

MLB
Dunkel

Friday, October 12

LA Dodgers @ Milwaukee

Game 901-902
October 12, 2018 @ 8:05 pm

Dunkel Rating:
LA Dodgers
(Kershaw) 17.810
Milwaukee
(Gonzalez) 20.021
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Milwaukee
by 2
8
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
LA Dodgers
-160
7 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Milwaukee
(+140); Over


Saturday, October 13

Houston @ Boston

Game 903-904
October 13, 2018 @ 8:05 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Houston
(Verlnder) 18.781
Boston
(Sale) 16.344
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Houston
by 2 1/2
10
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Boston
-125
10
Dunkel Pick:
Houston
(+105); Over


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MLB
Long Sheet

Friday, October 12

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LA DODGERS (95 - 72) at MILWAUKEE (99 - 67) - 8:05 PM
CLAYTON KERSHAW (L) vs. GIO GONZALEZ (L)
Top Trends for this game.
LA DODGERS are 95-72 (-20.3 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
LA DODGERS are 66-54 (-19.0 Units) against the money line in night games this season.
MILWAUKEE is 99-67 (+27.0 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
MILWAUKEE is 53-30 (+15.8 Units) against the money line in home games this season.
MILWAUKEE is 20-8 (+12.6 Units) against the money line when playing on Friday this season.
MILWAUKEE is 68-35 (+31.9 Units) against the money line in night games this season.
MILWAUKEE is 72-55 (+24.6 Units) against the money line against left-handed starters over the last 3 seasons.
MILWAUKEE is 100-82 (+15.6 Units) against the money line after a win over the last 2 seasons.
MILWAUKEE is 47-34 (+15.5 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record this season.
MILWAUKEE is 25-14 (+14.0 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record in the second half of the season this season.
KERSHAW is 41-11 (+21.7 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
GONZALEZ is 7-15 (-13.6 Units) against the money line after 3 or more consecutive wins over the last 3 seasons. (Team's Record)

Head-to-Head Series History
MILWAUKEE is 3-4 (+0.4 Units) against LA DODGERS this season
4 of 7 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+0.7 Units)

CLAYTON KERSHAW vs. MILWAUKEE since 1997
KERSHAW is 6-5 when starting against MILWAUKEE with an ERA of 2.86 and a WHIP of 1.018.
His team's record is 8-6 (-2.7 units) in these starts. The OVER is 6-7. (-2.4 units)

GIO GONZALEZ vs. LA DODGERS since 1997
GONZALEZ is 4-1 when starting against LA DODGERS with an ERA of 2.34 and a WHIP of 1.016.
His team's record is 5-2 (+3.0 units) in these starts. The OVER is 4-3. (+0.7 units)

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HOUSTON (106 - 59) at BOSTON (111 - 55) - 8:05 PM
JUSTIN VERLANDER (R) vs. CHRIS SALE (L)
Top Trends for this game.
HOUSTON is 275-313 (-72.2 Units) against the money line when playing on Saturday since 1997.
BOSTON is 111-55 (+34.4 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
BOSTON is 88-39 (+32.2 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.
BOSTON is 75-35 (+23.7 Units) against the money line after a win this season.
BOSTON is 42-29 (+12.1 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record this season.
HOUSTON is 58-24 (+25.8 Units) against the money line in road games this season.
HOUSTON is 37-14 (+19.1 Units) against the money line in road games in night games this season.
HOUSTON is 24-6 (+16.7 Units) against the money line in road games against left-handed starters this season.
HOUSTON is 42-15 (+22.0 Units) against the money line in road games after a win this season.
HOUSTON is 38-16 (+18.2 Units) against the money line in road games after 3 or more consecutive wins over the last 2 seasons.
HOUSTON is 49-28 (+17.9 Units) against the money line in road games when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.
BOSTON is 240-240 (-64.9 Units) against the money line in home games when playing against a team with a winning record in the second half of the season since 1997.

Head-to-Head Series History
BOSTON is 3-4 (+0.4 Units) against HOUSTON this season
5 of 7 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+2.9 Units)

JUSTIN VERLANDER vs. BOSTON since 1997
VERLANDER is 6-6 when starting against BOSTON with an ERA of 2.79 and a WHIP of 1.103.
His team's record is 9-11 (-4.6 units) in these starts. The OVER is 7-10. (-3.6 units)

CHRIS SALE vs. HOUSTON since 1997
SALE is 5-3 when starting against HOUSTON with an ERA of 2.75 and a WHIP of 0.864.
His team's record is 5-3 (+1.2 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 4-4. (-0.4 units)

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LA DODGERS (95 - 72) at MILWAUKEE (99 - 67) - 4:05 PM
WALKER BUEHLER (R) vs. WADE MILEY (L)
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

Head-to-Head Series History
MILWAUKEE is 3-4 (+0.4 Units) against LA DODGERS this season
4 of 7 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+0.7 Units)

WALKER BUEHLER vs. MILWAUKEE since 1997
BUEHLER is 0-1 when starting against MILWAUKEE with an ERA of 1.29 and a WHIP of 0.714.
His team's record is 0-1 (-1.6 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 1-0. (+1.0 units)

WADE MILEY vs. LA DODGERS since 1997
MILEY is 4-5 when starting against LA DODGERS with an ERA of 3.39 and a WHIP of 1.312.
His team's record is 6-8 (-0.3 units) in these starts. The OVER is 6-8. (-2.8 units)


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MLB
Armadillo's Write-Up

Friday, October 12

National League
Dodgers @ Brewers
Kershaw is 4-0, 3.79 in his last six starts; his last three road starts went over. Team in his starts: 17-10, 9-4 road (won his last nine starts) He is 1-1, 4.50 vs Milwaukee this season.
5-inning record: 16-7-4 Allowed run in 1st inning: 4-27

Gonzalez is 3-0, 2.49 in his last five starts; Brewers won his last five starts. Over is 7-3 in his last ten starts. Team in his starts: 5-0, 4-0 home
5-inning record: 5-0 Allowed run in 1st inning: 0-5

Dodgers won seven of their last eight games overall, four of last five on road. LA is in playoffs for 6th year in row; they lost 7th game of World Series LY. Dodgers’ last WS title was in 1988.

Milwaukee won its last 11 games; their last loss was Sept 22. Brewers won their last six home games- they’re in playoffs for first time since 2011- they lost Game 7 of the 1982 World Series.

Saturday’s game
American League
Houston @ Boston
Verlander is 4-0, 1.41 in his last six starts; over is 3-1 in his last four starts. Team in his starts: 22-13, 13-2 road Verlander allowed two runs in six IP in a June 2 no-decision vs Boston.
5-inning record: 23-6-6 Allowed run in 1st inning: 7-35

Sale is 1-0, 4.73 in his last three starts; he pitched scoreless 8th inning Tuesday in New York. Team in his starts: 19-9, 9-4 home Sale lost 7-3 in Houston June 1, allowing four runs in six IP.
5-inning record: 18-5-5 Allowed run in 1st inning: 6-28

Houston is 11-2 in its last 13 games; they outscored Cleveland 21-6 in last series. Red Sox won four of their last five games; they scored 27 runs in 3-1 series win vs New York.

Red Sox are in playoffs for third year in row; they won World Series in 2013. Astros won their first WS title LY, in their second try (’05); they’re in playoffs for third time in four years.


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MLB

Friday, October 12

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


Saturday, October 13

Houston Astros
Houston is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games
Houston is 6-1 SU in its last 7 games
The total has gone UNDER in 8 of Houston's last 10 games
Houston is 2-4 ATS in its last 6 games on the road
Houston is 16-3 SU in its last 19 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 7 of Houston's last 8 games on the road
Houston is 5-2 ATS in its last 7 games when playing Boston
Houston is 8-4 SU in its last 12 games when playing Boston
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Houston's last 6 games when playing Boston
Houston is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games when playing on the road against Boston
The total has gone OVER in 12 of Houston's last 18 games when playing on the road against Boston
Boston Red Sox
Boston is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games
The total has gone OVER in 7 of Boston's last 9 games
Boston is 2-5 ATS in its last 7 games when playing Houston
Boston is 4-8 SU in its last 12 games when playing Houston
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Boston's last 6 games when playing Houston
Boston is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games when playing at home against Houston
The total has gone OVER in 12 of Boston's last 18 games when playing at home against Houston

[StarDust Bum]

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 12
GAME TIME(ET) PICK UNITS

LAD at MIL 08:09 PM

MIL +133

O 7.5