Cnotes MLB 2019 Thru the World Series News, Notes, Trends Best Bets and Opinions !

[StarDust Bum]

SCHEDULE FOR THURSDAY AUGUST 1, 2019
Time (ET) Away Home Site
12:10 PM Minnesota Twins Miami Marlins Marlins Park
1:05 PM San Francisco Giants Philadelphia Phillies Citizens Bank Park
2:10 PM New York Mets Chicago White Sox Guaranteed Rate Field
3:37 PM Milwaukee Brewers Oakland Athletics Ring Central Coliseum
7:05 PM Toronto Blue Jays Baltimore Orioles Oriole Park at Camden Yards
7:10 PM Houston Astros Cleveland Indians Progressive Field
7:10 PM Tampa Bay Rays Boston Red Sox Fenway Park
7:15 PM Chicago Cubs St. Louis Cardinals Busch Stadium
7:20 PM Cincinnati Reds Atlanta Braves SunTrust Park
10:10 PM San Diego Padres Los Angeles Dodgers Dodger Stadium


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MLB JULY'S OPINIONS AND BEST BETS: ALL BASED ON 5 UNITS

DATE W-L-T % UNITS RECORD

07/31/2019 9-9-0 50.00% +2.40
07/30/2019 12-9-0 57.14% +14.55
07/29/2019 7-3-1 70.00% +26.45
07/28/2019 12-11-0 52.17% +8.20
07/27/2019 7-12-1 36.84% -25.50
07/26/2019 16-7-1 69.57% +54.40
07/25/2019 6-6-1 50.00% +11.70
07/24/2019 8-15-0 34.78% -34.00
07/23/2019 16-13-1 55.17% +18.05
07/22/2019 3-7-2 30.00% -22.50
07/21/2019 8-16-0 33.33% -37.00
07/20/2019 8-14-0 36.36% -40.75
07/19/2019 10-12-1 45.45% -4.25
07/18/2019 6-9-2 40.00% -16.50
07/17/2019 12-10-1 54.55% +15.50
07/16/20195-10-033.33% -27.00
07/07/2019 10-13-0 43.48% -15.40
07/06/2019 10-12-2 45.45% -5.65
07/05/2019 8-10-1 44.44% -13.15
07/04/2019 10-7-0 58.82% +12.40
07/03/2019 11-12-1 47.83% -2.85
07/02/2019 10-6-2 62.50% +21.10
07/01/2019 4-3-1 57.14% + 6.75


Totals............203-202......50.12%..... -32.04


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BEST BETS:


DATE........................ATS................... ..UNITS..................O/U..................UNITS.............TOTALS


07/31/2019.............2 - 3......................-3.25..................6 - 6.................-3.00..............-6.25
07/30/2019.............3 - 3.....................+2.55..................9 - 6................+12.00............+14.55
07/29/2019.............3 - 2.....................+11.95.................4 - 1..............+14.50.............+26.45
07/28/2019.............4 - 4.....................+6.70..................7 - 7................-3.50...............+3.20
07/27/2019.............1 - 3.....................-17.00..................6 - 7................-8.50..............-25.50
07/26/2019.............6 - 4....................+20.50.................10 - 3..............+33.50............+54.00
07/25/2019.............3 - 2....................+18.70..................3 - 4................-7.00..............+11.70
07/24/2019.............2 - 6....................-14.50...................5 - 8................-24.50.............-39.00
07/23/2019.............6 - 3....................+39.65..................6 - 9................-14.00.............+25.65
07/22/2019.............1 - 2.....................-5.00....................2 - 5................-17.50..............-22.50
07/21/2019.............3 - 5.....................-1.50....................4-11................-40.50..............-42.00
07/20/2019.............1 - 4.....................-14.25..................7 - 7................-3.50...............-17.75
07/19/2019.............5 - 3....................+20.25..................5 - 9................-24.50.............-4.25
07/18/2019.............0 - 6.....................-30.00..................8 - 1...............+34.50.............+4.50
07/17/2019.............3 - 6.....................-2.50....................7 - 4................+13.00............+10.50
07/16/2019.............2 - 3.....................-3.50....................3 - 7................-23.50..............-27.00
07/07/2019.............2 - 3.....................+0.95...................5 - 10..............-30.00..............-29.05
07/06/2019.............2 - 4......................-4.05...................4 - 9.................-29.50.............-33.55
07/05/2019.............2 - 3......................-0.80...................6 - 6.................-3.00...............-3.80
07/04/2019.............1 - 1.....................+0.30...................6 - 5.................+2.50..............+2.80
07/03/2019.............2 - 6.....................-14.85..................9 - 6.................+12.00.............-2.85
07/02/2019.............3 - 2.....................+8.10...................8 - 4................+18.00.............+26.10
07/01/2019.............1 - 2......................-2.75...................3 - 1.................+9.50..............+ 6.75


Totals....................58 - 82..................+15.70..................133 - 136..........-83.00..............-67.30

[StarDust Bum]

Thursday’s 6-pack

— Robinson Cano hit three HR’s on July 23; he is 1-26 since then.

— Dodgers 5, Rockies 1— LA’s rookie C Will Smith has 15 RBI in his first 13 career games.

— Cubs traded C Martin Maldonado to the Astros for OF Tony Kemp.

— WR Michael Thomas signed a 5-year, $100M extension with the Saints.

— Reds’ rookie manager David Bell has been ejected an MLB-high eight times this season.

— First five innings under is 35-11-2 in Jacob deGrom’s last 48 starts.

Quote of the Day
“I never expected to be somewhere else until that happened. Nothing has changed for me. I don’t look at it as being past a hurdle. I’ve got a job to do, and I’m going to do it. That’s why we all show up here. Nobody is here collecting paychecks. We’re trying to win games.”
Madison Bumgarner

Thursday’s quiz
SF Giants have won three World Series in this decade; who did they beat?

Wednesday’s quiz
New Hampshire is known as the Granite State.

Tuesday’s quiz
Tennessee Volunteers play their home games in Neyland Stadium.


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Thursday’s List of 13: Doing some thinking out loud…….

13) Biggest baseball trade happened right at the 4:00 trade deadline.

Zack Greinke goes to Houston; he is their #3 starter, behind Verlander/Cole. Good luck beating the Astros in a short series.

Arizona is footing $24M of the $77M that Greinke is still owed on his contract. One of the pitchers Arizona got in this deal, Corbin Martin, had Tommy John surgery a few weeks ago and likely won’t pitch again until 2021.

12) Houston also acquired Aaron Sanchez, who is 0-13, 7.71 in 17 starts since May 1st.

11) Cubs added OF/3B Nicholas Castellano from Detroit for prospects.

10) Tigers also traded closer Shane Greene to the Braves.

9) A’s acquired P Tanner Roark from the Reds; Roark found out he got traded in an Arby’s parking lot, where he was ordering a beef and cheddar with curly fries.

Reds also dealt 2B Scooter Gennett to the Giants for cash.

8) Brewers traded 1B Jesus Aguilar to Tampa Bay for P Jake Faria.

7) Roberto Pérez started this season with 21 career homers in 963 career plate appearances; this year, he has 18 HR’s in 297 PA.

6) Miami Marlins traded P Zac Gallen to Arizona for SS prospect Jazz Chisholm.

Marlins also traded P’s Nick Anderson, Trevor Richards to Tampa Bay for P Ryan Stanek, OF Jesus Sanchez.

Chisholm, Sanchez are both 21-year old prospects, but Sanchez is batting only .206 at AAA Durham, Chisholm is hitting .204 in AA ball.

5) Baseball stuff:
— A’s put OF Ramon Laureano (stress reaction/shin) on IL.
— White Sox put 3B Yoan Moncada (hamstring) on IL.

4) Since 2011, teams are 181-97 when Zack Greinke starts for them, for a profit of $3,562, which makes him the most profitable pitcher to wager on during since 2011.

3) Seahawks’ LB Bobby Wagner acted as his own agent, got himself a 3-year, $54M contract extension with $40.25M in guarantees, and he didn’t have to pay his agent a 3% fee, since he was the agent. Good for him.

2) Jack Flaherty, Max Fried, Lucas Giolito were all on the same HS baseball team; three major league pitchers on one high school team.

1) A 79-year-old Ohio woman is going to be spending 10 days in jail next month for the crime of giving food to stray cats; that sentence was handed down by an judge in a town called Garfield Heights, which makes it all the more strange.

10 days in jail for ignoring orders not to feed cats. Wow.

[StarDust Bum]

August Pitchers Report
July 31, 2019

With the MLB trading deadline closed, and the NFL preseason whetting our palates, the month of August sets the table for the stretch run of the baseball season. The question is which pitchers can we count on to satisfy our tastes, and which ones figure to sour our stomachs? Take a look below.

Listed below are hurlers that have enjoyed a two-to-one or better success ratio in team-starts over the course of the last three seasons during the month of August. On the flip side, we've also listed pitchers that struggle in August, winning 33% percent or less of their team-start efforts. To qualify pitchers must have made a minimum of 10 starts, with at least one start each April over the last three years. And for your convenience alongside each record we break down each pitcher’s greatest success or greatest failure rate either home (H) or away (A) within his good or bad month.

Note: * designates a categorical repeat appearance by this pitcher, maintaining status quo from last season’s August list.

I’ll be back next month with September’s Good Month Pitchers. Until then, make like legendary singer and songwriter Neil Diamond and enjoy the hot August nights.

GOOD MONTH PITCHERS:

*Bauer, Trevor - 12-3 (6-1 A)

In Bauer's last start in July, he added a whole new dimension to the phrase "control pitcher". With that behind him, the right-hander can focus on being a top-notch pitcher like he's frequently been in the latter stages of the season. Bauer can have a big month if he cuts back on silly mistakes now that he’s joined a pitching-rich Reds’ staff.

Hamels, Cole - 14-3 (7-1 H)

The Cubs left-hander was in the midst of a fine season at 6-3 with a 2.98 ERA when he suffered aleft oblique strain. He made one rehab start on July 26th and if the next one goes well, he'll be back with Chicago in the early part of this month. If the Cubs are to return to the playoffs, they will need a healthy Hamels.

*Kluber, Corey - 15-2 (9-1 H)

The Cleveland right-hander is getting close to returning after breaking his right arm early in the season. Last month he tossed off the bullpen mound and is inching closer to a couple of rehab starts. If all goes well, he'll be back with the Indians in the second half of August and could be a major factor for the Tribe when the postseason starts, especially now that Bauer has been shipped off to Cincinnati.

Pomeranz, Drew - 9-3 (7-1 A)

The Giants lefty was afforded every opportunity to turn his season around, but with an ERA of 6.42 after another terrible start, manager Bruce Boche pulled the plug. Pomeranz is now working out of the bullpen, where he will stay barring an injury to a San Francisco starter.

*Porcello, Rick - 12-6 (7-2 H)

It has been an extremely long season for the former Cu Young winner. A good outing now for Porcello is three runs allowed in five or six innings. In an era of low batting averages, opposing batters are knocking him around for over a .280 average. As bad as he's pitched, on the road he's surrendered a .313 BA on the road. Boston could use a typical August from Porcello, but that seems unlikely.

Roark, Tanner - 13-4 (7-2 A)

After a 16-10 season with career-best 2.87 ERA in 2016, Roark was 22-26 the next two years with an ERA of 4.50. He was traded to Cincinnati in the off-season and was pitching well through June with a 3.36 ERA, but with only a .500 record due to a lack of run support. At the end of July, his ERA had zoomed to 4.24. Let's see if the right-hander can turn it around this month.

Scherzer, Max - 11-5 (5-2 A)

After being one baseball's most durable starting pitcher, Mad Max begins the month on the IL, his second stint since July. He has something called a rhomboid strain (upper back). Because this is a stretch or tear of these muscles, rest is the only real cure and there is no timetable for Scherzer return. Needless to say, Washington needs its ace.

Taillon, Jameson - 11-5 (7-1 A)

The right-hander has been out since the beginning of May because of a flexor strain and started to throw in July. On the 24th he felt tightness in his elbow and was shut down. Taillon is likely done for 2019.

BAD MONTH PITCHERS:

Cashner, Andrew - 5-10 (2-5 H)

Cashner's ERA was about the same this season with Baltimore to match career numbers, but thanks to run support he had a 9-3 record. Traded to Boston, Cashner immediately began to get hit like a drum in a marching band, having to pitch with pressure. Unless the Red Sox hit, Cashner will not win many games for his new club.

Cole, Gerrit - 5-10 (3-6 H)

Don't expect Cole to continue to fight for wins this month. The righty is having a terrific season as 12-5 with a 2.94 ERA as August commences and with Houston's offense, he'll pile up the victories.

Matz, Steven - 2-8 (0-4 A)

Strictly a back of the rotation hurler who is a fly ball pitcher and in today's game, that's a problem. Matz is in the Top 15 of long balls allowed in the senior circuit and will likely stay there for the rest of 2019.

Sanchez, Anibal - 5-11 (2-6 H)

Thought as just an innings-eater and 5th starter for Washington, Sanchez has an ERA under 3.00 since May. With alittle better run support, he and the Nationals would have a better than 8-5 record in the span. As good as he's pitched, the numbers suggest regression going forward.

[StarDust Bum]

901San Francisco -902 Philadelphia
SAN FRANCISCO is 18-6 SU (10.6 Units) vs. NL teams scoring 4.5 or more runs/game in the second half of the season in the current season.

903Chicago Cubs -904 St Louis
ST LOUIS are 10-3 SU (10.6 Units) in home games vs. a starting pitcher with good control (less than 1.75 BB's/start) in the current season.

905Cincinnati -906 Atlanta
CINCINNATI is 53-38 SU (7.9 Units) vs. an overused bullpen that pitches more than 3.2 innings per game in the current season.

907San Diego -908 La Dodgers
SAN DIEGO is 30-47 SU (-26.6 Units) vs. poor baserunning teams - averaging 0.5 or less SB's/game in the current season.

909Toronto -910 Baltimore
BALTIMORE is 20-35 SU (-19.2 Units) vs. an AL team with a team batting average of .255 or worse in the current season.

911Tampa Bay -912 Boston
BOSTON is 8-24 SU (-17.7 Units) in home games vs. good fielding teams - averaging <=0.6 errors/game in the current season.

913Houston -914 Cleveland
CLEVELAND is 33-22 SU (12.7 Units) vs. poor baserunning teams - averaging 0.5 or less SB's/game in the current season.

915Minnesota -916 Miami
MIAMI is 34-22 SU (7.2 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record in the current season.

917Ny Mets -918 Chi White Sox
NY METS are 26-35 SU (-16.7 Units) vs. a team with a poor bullpen whose ERA is 4.20 or worse in the current season.

919Milwaukee -920 Oakland
MILWAUKEE is 11-30 SU (-19.4 Units) vs teams who strand 6.9 or less runners on base per game in the current season.

[StarDust Bum]

MLB
Armadillo's Write-Up

Thursday, August 1

National League
Giants (55-53) @ Phillies (56-51)
Rodriguez is 1-3, 9.50 in his last four starts; he is 1-0, 1.50 in one start vs Philly. Team in his starts: 4-5
5-inning record: 3-4-2 Allowed run in 1st inning: 3-9 Over/under: 3-5-1

Arrieta is 0-2, 5.85 in his last four starts; he is 5-3, 2.60 in eight starts vs SF. Team in his starts: 12-9
5-inning record: 8-11-2 Allowed run in 1st inning: 6-21 Over/under: 11-8-2

Giants are 16-5 in last 21 games; under is 5-1 in their last six games. Over/under 1st 5 innings: under 5-1 last six games.

Philly won seven of last 11 games; over is 6-3 in their last nine home games. Over/under 1st 5 innings: over 5-3-1 last nine home games.

Cubs (57-50) @ Cardinals (57-50)
Lester is 2-0, 3.46 in his last four starts; he is 8-5, 3.02 in 19 starts vs StL. Team in his starts: 13-7
5-inning record: 11-7-2 Allowed run in 1st inning: 6-20 Over/under: 13-6-1

Flaherty is 0-1, 1.48 in his last four starts; he is 0-1, 5.65 in three starts vs Chicago this season. Team in his starts: 9-12
5-inning record: 7-8-6 Allowed run in 1st inning: 6-21 Over/under: last four under

Cubs are 9-21 in last 30 road games; under is 5-1 in their last six games. Over/under 1st 5 innings: over 6-5 last 11 games.

St Louis lost four of last six games; under is 10-2 in their last 12 home games. Over/under 1st 5 innings: under 4-1 last five games.

Reds (50-56) @ Braves (64-45)
DeSclafani is 2-1, 2.48 in his last five starts; he is 1-1, 4.15 in four starts vs Atlanta. Team in his starts: 10-10
5-inning record: 6-6-8 Allowed run in 1st inning: 5-20 Over/under: under 8-2 last 10

Fried is 2-1, 5.87 in his last four starts. Team in his starts: 14-6
5-inning record: 10-8-2 Allowed run in 1st inning: 5-20 Over/under: 13-6-1

Cincy won six of last nine games; they’re 11-6 in road series openers- under is 7-4 in their last 11 road games. Over/under 1st 5 innings: over 5-3 last eight games.

Braves won four of their last six games; they’re 8-9 in home series openers- four of their last six games went over. Over/under 1st 5 innings: under 7-3-1 last 11 games.

Padres (50-57) @ Dodgers (71-39)
Lucchesi is 1-1, 4.98 in his last four starts; he is 1-0, 3.18 in two starts vs LA this year. Team in his starts: 15-5
5-inning record: 11-6-3 Allowed run in 1st inning: 3-20 Over/under: under 5-2-1 last eight

Kershaw is 2-0, 1.80 in his last four starts; he is 1-0, 3.60 in three starts vs SD this year. Team in his starts: 14-4
5-inning record: 12-4-2 Allowed run in 1st inning: 6-18 Over/under: over 6-2 last eight

San Diego lost right of last 12 games; they’re 2-11 in last 13 road series openers- their last three games went over. Over/under 1st 5 innings: over 3-0 last three games.

Dodgers are 7-4 in their last 11 games; they’re 12-5 in home series openers- under is 7-2 last nine home games. Over/under 1st 5 innings: under 6-1-1 last eight games.

American League
Blue Jays (43-67) @ Orioles (36-71)
Thornton is 1-1, 7.84 in his last three starts. Team in his starts: 8-13
5-inning record: 4-8-9 Allowed run in 1st inning: 5-21 Over/under: 12-8-1

Wojchiechowski is 2-0, 1.26 in his last two starts. Team in his starts: 2-3
5-inning record: 2-3 Allowed run in 1st inning: 2-5 Over/under: 1-3-1

Toronto won its last three games; they’re 7-11 in road series openers- over is 3-1-1 in their last five games. Over/under 1st 5 innings: under 6-1-1 last eight road games.

Orioles are 8-5 in last 13 games, 7-10 in home series openers; over is 5-1 in their last six games. Over/under 1st 5 innings: over 4-0-1 last five games.

Rays (62-48) @ Red Sox (59-50)
McKay is 1-1, 4.19 in his four starts. Team in his starts: 1-3
5-inning record: 2-2 Allowed run in 1st inning: 2-4 Over/under: 2-2

Cashner is 1-2, 6.88 in three starts for Boston; he is 2-1, 4.03 in five starts vs TB. Team in his starts: 1-2
5-inning record: 1-1-1 Allowed run in 1st inning: 6-20 Over/under: 2-1

Rays won five of last six games; over is 6-2 in their last eight games. Over/under 1st 5 innings: over 7-1 last eight games.

Boston lost five of last six games; over is 10-2 in their last 12 games. Over/under 1st 5 innings: over 9-1-2 last 12 games.

Astros (69-40) @ Indians (63-44)
Cole is 6-0, 1.72 in his last seven starts; he is 1-1, 3.27 in three starts vs Cleveland. Team in his starts: 15-7
5-inning record: 13-6-3 Allowed run in 1st inning: 8-22 Over/under: last four over

Salazar is making his first start since 2017; he is expected to be capped around 70 pitches here. Salazar is 38-33, 3.82 in 104 career starts, 1-0, 2.25 in four starts vs Houston. Team in his starts: 0-0
5-inning record: 0-0 Allowed run in 1st inning: 0-0 Over/under: 0-0

Astros won 10 of last 13 games; under is 9-3 in their last 12 games. Over/under 1st 5 innings: over 9-3 last 12 road games.

Cleveland won 13 of its last 17 games; over is 4-1 in their last five games. Over/under 1st 5 innings: under 6-2 last eight games.

Interleague
Twins (66-41) @ Marlins (42-65)
Pineda is 3-1, 2.97 in his last five starts. Team in his starts: 12-8
5-inning record: 10-9-1 Allowed run in 1st inning: 5-20 Over/under: 11-8-1

Yamamoto is 0-2, 12.38 in his last two starts. Team in his starts: 5-3
5-inning record: 4-3-1 Allowed run in 1st inning: 2-8 Over/under: 6-2

Twins won seven of last nine road games; over is 7-3 in their last ten games. Over/under 1st 5 innings: over 8-2 last ten games.

Miami is 5-3 in its last eight games; under is 5-3 in their last eight home games. Over/under 1st 5 innings: over 16-5-1 last 22 home games.

Mets (52-55) @ White Sox (46-59)
Wheeler is 1-1, 4.76 in his last four starts. Team in his starts: 10-10
5-inning record: 7-9-4 Allowed run in 1st inning: 5-20 Over/under: over 5-2-1 last 8

Cease is 0-3, 8.44 in his last three starts. Team in his starts: 1-3
5-inning record: 1-3 Allowed run in 1st inning: 2-4 Over/under: 2-2

Mets won seven of last eight games; under is 8-3-2 in their last 13 games. Over/under 1st 5 innings: under 4-1-1 last six games.

White Sox lost eight of their last nine games; under is 8-3 in their last 11 games. Over/under 1st 5 innings: under 3-1 last four games.

Brewers (57-52) @ A’s (61-48)
Gonzalez is 0-0, 5.40 in his last three starts. Team in his starts: 6-2
5-inning record: 3-4-1 Allowed run in 1st inning: 4-8 Over/under: 2-6

Mengden is 1-1, 5.17 in his last three starts. Team in his starts: 6-3
5-inning record: 5-3-1 Allowed run in 1st inning: 3-9 Over/under: over 4-1 last five

Brewers won four of last six games; over is 6-3 in their last nine games. Over/under 1st 5 innings: under 14-5 last 19 games.

A’s won three of their last four games; under is 9-4 in their last 13 games. Over/under 1st 5 innings: under 12-5-1 last 18 games.

%age of times teams score in first inning (road/home/total)
Team (road-home-total)- thru 7/31
Ariz 18-60……12-49……30
Atl 17-56…..19-53……36
Cubs 14-53……19-54…..33
Reds 18-51……18-55…..36
Colo 12-56……19-53……31
LA 16-56……20-54……36
Mia 8-50……15-56……23
Milw 16-52…..19-57…..35
Mets 20-59……15-48…..35
Philly 13-51…..19-57……32
Pitt 17-58…..14-50……31
StL 14-54…..12-53…….26
SD 16-50……15-54…..31
SF 6-54……10-52…….16
Wash 13-52…..16-54……,29

Orioles 14-55…….17-51..…..31
Boston 13-54…….18-53……31
W Sox 11-51…….17-54…….28
Clev 16-52…..16-55……..32
Det 16-55……14-48……..30
Astros 21-55…..11-53……..32
KC 15-52…..21-58……..36
Angels 17-53……13-56…….30
Twins 21-55……13-52……34
NYY 16-50……17-58……33
A’s 12-52…..15-57…….27
Sea 14-53…..16-58…….30
TB 20-56…..16-52…….36
Texas 15-54…..19-54…….34
Toronto 12-55…..16-55…….28

Interleague play- 2019
NL @ AL– 60-42 NL, favorites -$1,463 under 48-48-3
AL @ NL– 42-40 AL, favorites -$1,787 over 42-38-5
Total: 100-84 NL, favorites -$3,250 Over 90-86-8

[StarDust Bum]

MLB

Thursday, August 1

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Trend Report
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Minnesota Twins
Minnesota is 4-2 ATS in its last 6 games
Minnesota is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games
The total has gone OVER in 7 of Minnesota's last 10 games
Minnesota is 7-2 ATS in its last 9 games on the road
Minnesota is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 8 of Minnesota's last 11 games on the road
Minnesota is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games when playing Miami
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Minnesota's last 5 games when playing Miami
Minnesota is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games when playing on the road against Miami
Miami Marlins
Miami is 6-2 ATS in its last 8 games
Miami is 7-2 ATS in its last 9 games at home
Miami is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games when playing Minnesota
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Miami's last 5 games when playing Minnesota
Miami is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games when playing at home against Minnesota

San Francisco Giants
San Francisco is 17-8 ATS in its last 25 games
San Francisco is 2-4 ATS in its last 6 games
San Francisco is 13-4 SU in its last 17 games
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of San Francisco's last 6 games
San Francisco is 16-3 ATS in its last 19 games on the road
San Francisco is 8-2 SU in its last 10 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of San Francisco's last 5 games on the road
San Francisco is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games when playing Philadelphia
San Francisco is 6-16 ATS in its last 22 games when playing Philadelphia
San Francisco is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games when playing Philadelphia
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of San Francisco's last 5 games when playing Philadelphia
San Francisco is 1-7 ATS in its last 8 games when playing on the road against Philadelphia
San Francisco is 1-7 SU in its last 8 games when playing on the road against Philadelphia
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of San Francisco's last 5 games when playing on the road against Philadelphia
Philadelphia Phillies
The total has gone UNDER in 7 of Philadelphia's last 10 games
Philadelphia is 3-9 ATS in its last 12 games at home
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Philadelphia's last 6 games at home
Philadelphia is 16-6 ATS in its last 22 games when playing San Francisco
Philadelphia is 1-4 ATS in its last 5 games when playing San Francisco
Philadelphia is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games when playing San Francisco
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Philadelphia's last 5 games when playing San Francisco
Philadelphia is 7-1 ATS in its last 8 games when playing at home against San Francisco
Philadelphia is 7-1 SU in its last 8 games when playing at home against San Francisco
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Philadelphia's last 5 games when playing at home against San Francisco

New York Mets
NY Mets is 5-1 ATS in its last 6 games
NY Mets is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of NY Mets's last 6 games
NY Mets is 9-1 ATS in its last 10 games on the road
NY Mets is 7-3 SU in its last 10 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of NY Mets's last 6 games on the road
NY Mets is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games when playing Chi White Sox
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of NY Mets's last 6 games when playing Chi White Sox
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of NY Mets's last 5 games when playing on the road against Chi White Sox
Chicago White Sox
Chi White Sox is 1-7 ATS in its last 8 games
Chi White Sox is 1-7 SU in its last 8 games
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Chi White Sox's last 5 games
Chi White Sox is 1-7 ATS in its last 8 games at home
Chi White Sox is 1-7 SU in its last 8 games at home
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Chi White Sox's last 5 games at home
Chi White Sox is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games when playing NY Mets
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Chi White Sox's last 6 games when playing NY Mets
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Chi White Sox's last 5 games when playing at home against NY Mets

Milwaukee Brewers
Milwaukee is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games
Milwaukee is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Milwaukee's last 6 games
Milwaukee is 6-1 ATS in its last 7 games on the road
Milwaukee is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 6 of Milwaukee's last 9 games on the road
Milwaukee is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games when playing Oakland
Milwaukee is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games when playing Oakland
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Milwaukee's last 5 games when playing Oakland
Milwaukee is 2-5 SU in its last 7 games when playing on the road against Oakland
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Milwaukee's last 5 games when playing on the road against Oakland
Oakland Athletics
Oakland is 0-5 ATS in its last 5 games
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Oakland's last 5 games
Oakland is 0-5 ATS in its last 5 games at home
Oakland is 9-3 SU in its last 12 games at home
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Oakland's last 5 games at home
Oakland is 1-4 ATS in its last 5 games when playing Milwaukee
Oakland is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games when playing Milwaukee
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Oakland's last 5 games when playing Milwaukee
Oakland is 5-2 SU in its last 7 games when playing at home against Milwaukee
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Oakland's last 5 games when playing at home against Milwaukee

Toronto Blue Jays
Toronto is 5-0 ATS in its last 5 games
Toronto is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Toronto's last 5 games
Toronto is 5-1 ATS in its last 6 games on the road
Toronto is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Toronto's last 6 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Toronto's last 8 games when playing Baltimore
Toronto is 4-2 ATS in its last 6 games when playing on the road against Baltimore
Toronto is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games when playing on the road against Baltimore
Baltimore Orioles
Baltimore is 5-1 ATS in its last 6 games
Baltimore is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Baltimore's last 6 games
Baltimore is 6-13 ATS in its last 19 games at home
Baltimore is 6-13 SU in its last 19 games at home
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Baltimore's last 6 games at home
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Baltimore's last 8 games when playing Toronto
Baltimore is 2-4 ATS in its last 6 games when playing at home against Toronto
Baltimore is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games when playing at home against Toronto

Houston Astros
Houston is 7-3 ATS in its last 10 games
Houston is 10-3 SU in its last 13 games
The total has gone UNDER in 9 of Houston's last 12 games
Houston is 5-2 ATS in its last 7 games on the road
Houston is 5-2 SU in its last 7 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Houston's last 6 games on the road
Houston is 2-4 ATS in its last 6 games when playing Cleveland
Houston is 6-3 SU in its last 9 games when playing Cleveland
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Houston's last 6 games when playing Cleveland
Houston is 10-4 ATS in its last 14 games when playing on the road against Cleveland
The total has gone OVER in 6 of Houston's last 7 games when playing on the road against Cleveland
Cleveland Indians
Cleveland is 13-4 SU in its last 17 games
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Cleveland's last 5 games
Cleveland is 6-3 ATS in its last 9 games at home
Cleveland is 8-2 SU in its last 10 games at home
Cleveland is 4-2 ATS in its last 6 games when playing Houston
Cleveland is 3-6 SU in its last 9 games when playing Houston
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Cleveland's last 6 games when playing Houston
Cleveland is 4-10 ATS in its last 14 games when playing at home against Houston
The total has gone OVER in 6 of Cleveland's last 7 games when playing at home against Houston

Tampa Bay Rays
Tampa Bay is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Tampa Bay's last 5 games
Tampa Bay is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Tampa Bay's last 5 games on the road
Tampa Bay is 8-3 ATS in its last 11 games when playing Boston
Tampa Bay is 8-3 SU in its last 11 games when playing Boston
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Tampa Bay's last 5 games when playing Boston
Tampa Bay is 8-1 ATS in its last 9 games when playing on the road against Boston
Tampa Bay is 8-1 SU in its last 9 games when playing on the road against Boston
The total has gone UNDER in 7 of Tampa Bay's last 10 games when playing on the road against Boston
Boston Red Sox
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Boston's last 5 games
Boston is 8-17 ATS in its last 25 games at home
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Boston's last 5 games at home
Boston is 3-8 ATS in its last 11 games when playing Tampa Bay
Boston is 3-8 SU in its last 11 games when playing Tampa Bay
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Boston's last 5 games when playing Tampa Bay
Boston is 1-8 ATS in its last 9 games when playing at home against Tampa Bay
Boston is 1-8 SU in its last 9 games when playing at home against Tampa Bay
The total has gone UNDER in 7 of Boston's last 10 games when playing at home against Tampa Bay

Chicago Cubs
Chi Cubs is 3-8 ATS in its last 11 games
Chi Cubs is 3-6 SU in its last 9 games
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Chi Cubs's last 6 games
Chi Cubs is 3-6 ATS in its last 9 games on the road
Chi Cubs is 8-17 SU in its last 25 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Chi Cubs's last 6 games on the road
Chi Cubs is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games when playing St. Louis
Chi Cubs is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games when playing St. Louis
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Chi Cubs's last 6 games when playing St. Louis
Chi Cubs is 3-6 ATS in its last 9 games when playing on the road against St. Louis
Chi Cubs is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games when playing on the road against St. Louis
The total has gone UNDER in 8 of Chi Cubs's last 9 games when playing on the road against St. Louis
St. Louis Cardinals
St. Louis is 9-4 ATS in its last 13 games
St. Louis is 13-5 SU in its last 18 games
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of St. Louis's last 5 games
St. Louis is 2-5 ATS in its last 7 games at home
The total has gone UNDER in 10 of St. Louis's last 12 games at home
St. Louis is 1-4 ATS in its last 5 games when playing Chi Cubs
St. Louis is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games when playing Chi Cubs
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of St. Louis's last 6 games when playing Chi Cubs
St. Louis is 6-3 ATS in its last 9 games when playing at home against Chi Cubs
St. Louis is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games when playing at home against Chi Cubs
The total has gone UNDER in 8 of St. Louis's last 9 games when playing at home against Chi Cubs

Cincinnati Reds
Cincinnati is 6-3 ATS in its last 9 games
Cincinnati is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games
Cincinnati is 8-1 ATS in its last 9 games on the road
Cincinnati is 4-9 SU in its last 13 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 15 of Cincinnati's last 22 games on the road
Cincinnati is 5-1 ATS in its last 6 games when playing Atlanta
Cincinnati is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games when playing Atlanta
Cincinnati is 5-1 ATS in its last 6 games when playing on the road against Atlanta
Cincinnati is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games when playing on the road against Atlanta
Atlanta Braves
Atlanta is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Atlanta's last 6 games
The total has gone UNDER in 14 of Atlanta's last 21 games
Atlanta is 2-7 ATS in its last 9 games at home
Atlanta is 16-8 SU in its last 24 games at home
Atlanta is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games at home
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Atlanta's last 5 games at home
Atlanta is 1-5 ATS in its last 6 games when playing Cincinnati
Atlanta is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games when playing Cincinnati
Atlanta is 1-5 ATS in its last 6 games when playing at home against Cincinnati
Atlanta is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games when playing at home against Cincinnati

San Diego Padres
San Diego is 5-12 SU in its last 17 games
The total has gone UNDER in 15 of San Diego's last 21 games
San Diego is 4-2 ATS in its last 6 games on the road
San Diego is 2-5 SU in its last 7 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 7 of San Diego's last 8 games on the road
San Diego is 6-3 ATS in its last 9 games when playing LA Dodgers
San Diego is 5-12 SU in its last 17 games when playing LA Dodgers
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of San Diego's last 5 games when playing LA Dodgers
San Diego is 6-14 ATS in its last 20 games when playing on the road against LA Dodgers
San Diego is 5-15 SU in its last 20 games when playing on the road against LA Dodgers
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of San Diego's last 5 games when playing on the road against LA Dodgers
Los Angeles Dodgers
LA Dodgers is 4-2 ATS in its last 6 games
LA Dodgers is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of LA Dodgers's last 8 games
LA Dodgers is 2-6 ATS in its last 8 games at home
LA Dodgers is 18-7 SU in its last 25 games at home
The total has gone UNDER in 7 of LA Dodgers's last 9 games at home
LA Dodgers is 3-6 ATS in its last 9 games when playing San Diego
LA Dodgers is 12-5 SU in its last 17 games when playing San Diego
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of LA Dodgers's last 5 games when playing San Diego
LA Dodgers is 14-6 ATS in its last 20 games when playing at home against San Diego
LA Dodgers is 15-5 SU in its last 20 games when playing at home against San Diego
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of LA Dodgers's last 5 games when playing at home against San Diego

[StarDust Bum]

Weekly Total Talk
Joe Williams

Thursday, Aug. 1

The Cubs and Cardinals wrap up their set in St. Louis on Thursday evening with LHP Jon Lester working for Chicago against RHP Jack Flaherty of St. Louis. The under connected in Wednesday's game with the Cubs taking it 2-0, and the under is now 5-1 in the past six road games for Chicago. The under is also 11-2-1 in their past 14 games overall, while going 7-1-1 in the past nine against a right-handed starting pitcher while going 7-1 in the past eight games inside the National League Central Division. In addition, the under is 5-1 in their past six games against winning teams. However, the over is 8-2 in Lester's past 10 on the road against winning teams, and 13-4 in his past 17 outings away from home.

For the Cardinals, the under is 22-6 in the past 28 games at Busch Stadium II, while cashing in eight of the past nine at home against teams with a winning overall mark. However, the over is 15-5-1 in the past 21 at home against a left-handed starting pitcher, while going 12-4 in Flaherty's past 16 against teams with a winning record. The over is also 5-1 in his past six outings when working on five days of rest. In this series, the under is 8-1 in the past nine meetings in St. Louis, and 5-1 in the past six battles overall. However, the over is 5-1 in Lester's past six against the Cards, while the over is 4-1 in Flaherty's past five against the Cubbies.

It's a lefty-on-lefty battle in Los Angeles when LHP Joey Lucchesi takes the ball for the Padres against LHP Clayton Kershaw of the Dodgers. The under has been the play for the Padres lately, going 7-1 in their past eight road outings, and 6-1 in the past seven games inside the National League West. In addition, the under is 15-6 in their past 21 games overall, while hitting in 14 of the past 17 against teams with a winning record. With Lucchesi, the under is 3-1-1 in his past five outings, and 4-0 in his past four inside the division while cashing in four of the past five against teams wit ha winning overall mark.

For the Dodgers, the under cashed in their afternoon matinee in Denver, and is now a perfect 7-0 in their past seven inside the NL West. The under has also connected in seven of their past nine games at home, while going 5-2-1 in the past eight at Dodger Stadium against teams with a losing road record. However, with Kershaw, the over is actually 6-2 across his past eight starts overall, and 10-3-1 in his past 14 against teams with a losing mark. The over is also 6-0 in his past six after posting a quality start in his previous appearance. In this series, the under is 5-0 in the past five, and 5-0 in the past five in Chavez Ravine, too. The over is 6-2 in Kershaw's past eight starts at home against the Padres, however, and 10-4 in his past 14 outings overall against San Diego.

Wind Report
The Mets and White Sox will face wins from 9-12 mph out of left field at Guaranteed Rate Field on the south side of Chicago in matinee action.

As far as precipitation, the Reds and Braves will face a 30 percent chance of preciptation in the later innings, so a rain-shortened game is possible. Be careful.


Friday, Aug. 2

Reds LHP Alex Wood will face his former and original organization when he meets the Braves and RHP Kevin Gausman. It will be just his second start of the season after spending the first few months on the 60-day injured list due to a back injury. He allowed two earned runs, seven hits and a walk with four strikeouts against Colorado at home on July 28, an under result. This will be his first road outing of 2019. For the Braves, the over is 5-1 in Gausman's past six outings, although the under is a perfect 5-0 in the past five at home overall, and 7-1-1 in the past nine at home.

The Royals use RHP Glenn Sparkman against Twins LHP Martin Perez in the Twin Cities in the series opener. The over and under has alternated in each of the past five outings with Sparkman, while the total pushed in his last start in Minnesota back on June 15 when he allowed five runs - four earned - and five hits over five innings, and the under cashed on June 20 in his most recent start against the Twins. The over has hit in three of the past four start by Perez, while going 8-2 across his past 10 outings, including 5-1 in his past six outings at Target Field.

The Nationals and Diamondbacks square off in the desert with RHP Joe Ross and LHP Robbie Ray locking horns. This will be just the second start of the season for Ross, and the under cashed in that outing on July 21 in Atlanta when he allowed three earned runs, eight hits and two walks with six strikeouts over 5 1/3 innings. For the Snakes, Ray enters with a 9-7 record, 3.91 ERA and .310 opponent on-base percentage with 173 strikeouts over 129 innings. The under is 3-1-1 in the past five starts by Ray. Since July 5, the under is 11-8-2 across the past 21 outings. In the past six starts at home, the under is 4-1-1 for Ray and the D-Backs, too.

Wind Report
At Progressive Field in Cleveland, the winds will be blowing 9-12 mph in from the right-center field power alley to affect the Angels and Indians, particularly left-handed power hitters. The Tigers and Rangers will also be battling a stiff 11-14 mph wind blowing in from right field into the face of the batters. Other than that, winds will be rather light and variable at all of the other MLB venues.

[StarDust Bum]

MLB
Long Sheet

Thursday, August 1

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SAN FRANCISCO (55 - 53) at PHILADELPHIA (56 - 51) - 1:05 PM
DERECK RODRIGUEZ (R) vs. JAKE ARRIETA (R)
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

Head-to-Head Series History
SAN FRANCISCO is 1-1 (+0.3 Units) against PHILADELPHIA this season
2 of 2 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+2.1 Units)

DERECK RODRIGUEZ vs. PHILADELPHIA since 1997
RODRIGUEZ is 1-0 when starting against PHILADELPHIA with an ERA of 1.50 and a WHIP of 1.167.
His team's record is 1-0 (+1.0 units) in these starts. The OVER is 0-1. (-1.2 units)

JAKE ARRIETA vs. SAN FRANCISCO since 1997
ARRIETA is 5-3 when starting against SAN FRANCISCO with an ERA of 2.64 and a WHIP of 1.034.
His team's record is 5-4 (+1.1 units) in these starts. The OVER is 3-5. (-2.9 units)

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CHICAGO CUBS (57 - 50) at ST LOUIS (57 - 50) - 7:15 PM
JON LESTER (L) vs. JACK FLAHERTY (R)
Top Trends for this game.
CHICAGO CUBS are 1847-1882 (-272.4 Units) against the money line in all games since 1997.
CHICAGO CUBS are 15-24 (-10.3 Units) against the money line on the road when the money line is +125 to -125 this season.
CHICAGO CUBS are 21-32 (-13.2 Units) against the money line in road games this season.
CHICAGO CUBS are 6-15 (-10.0 Units) against the money line in road games against division opponents this season.
CHICAGO CUBS are 13-26 (-13.9 Units) against the money line in road games in night games this season.
CHICAGO CUBS are 1371-1402 (-206.3 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters since 1997.
CHICAGO CUBS are 81-72 (-18.5 Units) against the money line after a win over the last 2 seasons.
ST LOUIS is 15-6 (+9.4 Units) against the money line at home when the money line is +125 to -125 this season.
ST LOUIS is 22-6 (+17.0 Units) against the money line in August games over the last 2 seasons.
ST LOUIS is 521-372 (+60.1 Units) against the money line in home games when playing against a team with a winning record since 1997.
ST LOUIS is 273-180 (+65.6 Units) against the money line in home games when playing against a team with a winning record in the second half of the season since 1997.
CHICAGO CUBS are 18-5 (+12.9 Units) against the money line in road games when playing on Thursday over the last 3 seasons.
LESTER is 36-17 (+16.7 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
FLAHERTY is 20-29 (-17.5 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)

Head-to-Head Series History
CHICAGO CUBS is 7-4 (+2.8 Units) against ST LOUIS this season
7 of 11 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+2.5 Units)

JON LESTER vs. ST LOUIS since 1997
LESTER is 10-6 when starting against ST LOUIS with an ERA of 2.78 and a WHIP of 1.086.
His team's record is 13-9 (+3.2 units) in these starts. The OVER is 8-12. (-4.8 units)

JACK FLAHERTY vs. CHICAGO CUBS since 1997
FLAHERTY is 1-2 when starting against CHICAGO CUBS with an ERA of 4.66 and a WHIP of 1.407.
His team's record is 3-3 (+0.2 units) in these starts. The OVER is 4-2. (+2.0 units)

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CINCINNATI (50 - 56) at ATLANTA (64 - 45) - 7:20 PM
ANTHONY DESCLAFANI (R) vs. MAX FRIED (L)
Top Trends for this game.
ATLANTA is 64-45 (+11.1 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
ATLANTA is 48-34 (+8.4 Units) against the money line in night games this season.
ATLANTA is 119-82 (+34.9 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters over the last 2 seasons.
ATLANTA is 87-66 (+19.2 Units) against the money line after a win over the last 2 seasons.
ATLANTA is 74-44 (+16.1 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 2 seasons.
CINCINNATI is 35-26 (+11.6 Units) against the money line in night games this season.
CINCINNATI is 34-32 (+8.2 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
CINCINNATI is 2-1 (+1.1 Units) against ATLANTA this season
2 of 3 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+0.8 Units)

ANTHONY DESCLAFANI vs. ATLANTA since 1997
DESCLAFANI is 1-1 when starting against ATLANTA with an ERA of 4.15 and a WHIP of 1.661.
His team's record is 2-2 (-0.3 units) in these starts. The OVER is 1-1. (-0.2 units)

MAX FRIED vs. CINCINNATI since 1997
No recent starts.

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SAN DIEGO (50 - 57) at LA DODGERS (71 - 39) - 10:10 PM
JOEY LUCCHESI (L) vs. CLAYTON KERSHAW (L)
Top Trends for this game.
SAN DIEGO is 50-57 (-11.2 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
SAN DIEGO is 26-51 (-20.7 Units) against the money line against left-handed starters over the last 2 seasons.
LA DODGERS are 40-14 (+15.7 Units) against the money line in home games this season.
SAN DIEGO is 40-36 (+19.6 Units) against the money line in road games after a loss over the last 2 seasons.
LA DODGERS are 58-48 (-14.9 Units) against the money line when the total is 8 to 8.5 over the last 2 seasons.
LA DODGERS are 121-91 (-19.1 Units) against the money line in night games over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
SAN DIEGO is 4-5 (+0.9 Units) against LA DODGERS this season
6 of 9 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+2.8 Units)

JOEY LUCCHESI vs. LA DODGERS since 1997
LUCCHESI is 1-3 when starting against LA DODGERS with an ERA of 6.75 and a WHIP of 1.542.
His team's record is 1-4 (-2.6 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 3-2. (+1.0 units)

CLAYTON KERSHAW vs. SAN DIEGO since 1997
KERSHAW is 19-6 when starting against SAN DIEGO with an ERA of 2.00 and a WHIP of 0.973.
His team's record is 28-9 (+10.1 units) in these starts. The OVER is 21-16. (+4.3 units)

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TORONTO (43 - 67) at BALTIMORE (36 - 71) - 7:05 PM
TRENT THORNTON (R) vs. ASHER WOJCIECHOWSKI (R)
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

Head-to-Head Series History
BALTIMORE is 5-4 (+3.0 Units) against TORONTO this season
6 of 9 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+2.8 Units)

TRENT THORNTON vs. BALTIMORE since 1997
THORNTON is 1-1 when starting against BALTIMORE with an ERA of 2.45 and a WHIP of 1.182.
His team's record is 1-1 (-0.2 units) in these starts. The OVER is 0-2. (-2.1 units)

ASHER WOJCIECHOWSKI vs. TORONTO since 1997
WOJCIECHOWSKI is 0-1 when starting against TORONTO with an ERA of 7.56 and a WHIP of 1.321.
His team's record is 0-2 (-2.0 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 1-0. (+1.0 units)

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TAMPA BAY (62 - 48) at BOSTON (59 - 50) - 7:10 PM
BRENDAN MCKAY (L) vs. ANDREW CASHNER (R)
Top Trends for this game.
CASHNER is 12-8 (+9.6 Units) against the money line in all games this season. (Team's Record)
CASHNER is 8-4 (+9.7 Units) against the money line after a loss this season. (Team's Record)
TAMPA BAY is 152-120 (+20.7 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
TAMPA BAY is 34-24 (+10.9 Units) against the money line on the road when the money line is +125 to -125 over the last 2 seasons.
TAMPA BAY is 73-64 (+7.6 Units) against the money line in road games over the last 2 seasons.
TAMPA BAY is 91-59 (+23.4 Units) against the money line after a win over the last 2 seasons.
TAMPA BAY is 65-66 (+11.6 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.
TAMPA BAY is 27-19 (+15.9 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record in the second half of the season over the last 2 seasons.
BOSTON is 59-50 (-19.0 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
BOSTON is 27-26 (-17.5 Units) against the money line in home games this season.
BOSTON is 28-26 (-12.3 Units) against the money line against division opponents this season.
BOSTON is 21-26 (-11.9 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record this season.
BOSTON is 247-246 (-65.8 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
TAMPA BAY is 8-6 (+2.4 Units) against BOSTON this season
7 of 14 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=-0.7 Units, Under=-0.4 Units)

BRENDAN MCKAY vs. BOSTON since 1997
No recent starts.

ANDREW CASHNER vs. TAMPA BAY since 1997
CASHNER is 2-1 when starting against TAMPA BAY with an ERA of 4.03 and a WHIP of 1.414.
His team's record is 4-1 (+6.0 units) in these starts. The OVER is 3-2. (+1.0 units)

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HOUSTON (69 - 40) at CLEVELAND (63 - 44) - 7:10 PM
GERRIT COLE (R) vs. DANNY SALAZAR (R)
Top Trends for this game.
HOUSTON is 25-29 (-22.2 Units) against the money line in August games over the last 3 seasons.
HOUSTON is 144-84 (+32.6 Units) against the money line in road games over the last 3 seasons.
CLEVELAND is 154-118 (-25.1 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
CLEVELAND is 91-74 (-25.5 Units) against the money line in night games over the last 2 seasons.
CLEVELAND is 109-85 (-24.0 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters over the last 2 seasons.
CLEVELAND is 84-69 (-22.8 Units) against the money line after a win over the last 2 seasons.
CLEVELAND is 45-52 (-20.1 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
CLEVELAND is 3-3 (+0.8 Units) against HOUSTON this season
4 of 6 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+2.0 Units)

GERRIT COLE vs. CLEVELAND since 1997
COLE is 2-1 when starting against CLEVELAND with an ERA of 2.79 and a WHIP of 0.724.
His team's record is 2-2 (-0.7 units) in these starts. The OVER is 2-2. (-0.2 units)

DANNY SALAZAR vs. HOUSTON since 1997
SALAZAR is 1-0 when starting against HOUSTON with an ERA of 2.25 and a WHIP of 1.167.
His team's record is 3-1 (+1.7 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 2-1. (+1.0 units)

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MINNESOTA (66 - 41) at MIAMI (41 - 65) - 12:10 PM
MICHAEL PINEDA (R) vs. JORDAN YAMAMOTO (R)
Top Trends for this game.
PINEDA is 18-27 (-18.2 Units) against the money line when the total is 8 to 8.5 since 1997. (Team's Record)
MIAMI is 17-13 (+11.3 Units) against the money line in home games when playing against a team with a winning record in the second half of the season over the last 2 seasons.
MINNESOTA is 66-41 (+16.3 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
MINNESOTA is 47-37 (+11.9 Units) against the money line when the total is 8 to 8.5 over the last 2 seasons.
MINNESOTA is 35-20 (+13.8 Units) against the money line in road games this season.
MINNESOTA is 53-29 (+18.7 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.
MINNESOTA is 22-8 (+10.2 Units) against the money line in road games when playing against a team with a losing record this season.
MIAMI is 4-23 (-17.0 Units) against the money line when playing on Thursday over the last 2 seasons.

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

MICHAEL PINEDA vs. MIAMI since 1997
PINEDA is 1-0 when starting against MIAMI with an ERA of 1.35 and a WHIP of 0.450.
His team's record is 1-0 (+1.0 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 1-0. (+1.1 units)

JORDAN YAMAMOTO vs. MINNESOTA since 1997
No recent starts.

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

NY METS (52 - 55) at CHI WHITE SOX (46 - 59) - 2:10 PM
ZACK WHEELER (R) vs. DYLAN CEASE (R)
Top Trends for this game.
NY METS are 52-55 (-10.5 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
NY METS are 40-41 (-9.6 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.
CHI WHITE SOX are 17-12 (+10.3 Units) against the money line in August games over the last 2 seasons.
NY METS are 117-100 (+34.0 Units) against the money line in road games when playing on Thursday since 1997.
CHI WHITE SOX are 36-74 (-30.3 Units) against the money line in day games over the last 2 seasons.
CHI WHITE SOX are 1-9 (-8.7 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record in the second half of the season this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
NY METS is 2-0 (+2.0 Units) against CHI WHITE SOX this season
2 of 2 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+2.0 Units)

ZACK WHEELER vs. CHI WHITE SOX since 1997
WHEELER is 0-0 when starting against CHI WHITE SOX with an ERA of 6.75 and a WHIP of 1.313.
His team's record is 0-1 (-1.0 units) in these starts. The OVER is 1-0. (+1.0 units)

DYLAN CEASE vs. NY METS since 1997
No recent starts.

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

MILWAUKEE (57 - 52) at OAKLAND (61 - 48) - 3:37 PM
CHASE ANDERSON (R) vs. DANIEL MENGDEN (R)
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

Head-to-Head Series History
MILWAUKEE is 1-1 (+0.1 Units) against OAKLAND this season
2 of 2 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+2.0 Units)

CHASE ANDERSON vs. OAKLAND since 1997
ANDERSON is 1-0 when starting against OAKLAND with an ERA of 1.42 and a WHIP of 0.631.
His team's record is 2-0 (+2.0 units) in these starts. The OVER is 1-1. (+0.0 units)

DANIEL MENGDEN vs. MILWAUKEE since 1997
MENGDEN is 0-1 when starting against MILWAUKEE with an ERA of 4.50 and a WHIP of 1.333.
His team's record is 0-1 (-1.3 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 1-0. (+1.0 units)

[StarDust Bum]

MLB
Dunkel

Thursday, August 1


Minnesota @ Miami

Game 915-916
August 1, 2019 @ 12:10 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Minnesota
(Pineda) 16.263
Miami
(Yamamoto) 14.461
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Minnesota
by 2
10
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Minnesota
-175
8
Dunkel Pick:
Minnesota
(-175); Over

San Francisco @ Philadelphia

Game 901-902
August 1, 2019 @ 1:05 pm

Dunkel Rating:
San Francisco
(Rodriguez) 13.353
Philadelphia
(Arrieta) 16.850
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Philadelphia
by 3 1/2
12
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Philadelphia
No Line
N/A
Dunkel Pick:
Philadelphia
N/A

NY Mets @ Chicago White Sox

Game 917-918
August 1, 2019 @ 2:10 pm

Dunkel Rating:
NY Mets
(Wheeler) 16.661
Chicago White Sox
(Cease) 13.147
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
NY Mets
by 3 1/2
8
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
NY Mets
-170
9 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
NY Mets
(-170); Under

Milwaukee @ Oakland

Game 919-920
August 1, 2019 @ 3:37 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Milwaukee
(Anderson) 12.759
Oakland
(Bailey) 16.257
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Oakland
by 3 1/2
11
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Oakland
No Line
N/A
Dunkel Pick:
Oakland
N/A

Toronto @ Baltimore

Game 909-910
August 1, 2019 @ 7:05 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Toronto
(Thornton) 14.628
Baltimore
(TBD) 12.147
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Toronto
by 2 1/2
8
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Toronto
No Line
N/A
Dunkel Pick:
Toronto
N/A

Tampa Bay @ Boston

Game 911-912
August 1, 2019 @ 7:10 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Tampa Bay
(McKay) 14.343
Boston
(Cashner) 16.813
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Boston
by 2 1/2
13
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Boston
-125
10 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Boston
(-125); Over

Houston @ Cleveland

Game 913-914
August 1, 2019 @ 7:10 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Houston
(Cole) 18.180
Cleveland
(Salazar) 16.581
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Houston
by 1 1/2
7
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Houston
-190
8 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Houston
(-190); Under

Chicago Cubs @ St. Louis

Game 903-904
August 1, 2019 @ 7:15 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Chicago Cubs
(Lester) 17.503
St. Louis
(Flaherty) 15.011
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Chicago Cubs
by 2 1/2
6
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
St. Louis
-125
8 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Chicago Cubs
(+105); Under

Cincinnati @ Atlanta

Game 905-906
August 1, 2019 @ 7:20 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Cincinnati
(DeScflfni) 13.904
Atlanta
(Fried) 16.435
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Atlanta
by 2 1/2
12
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Atlanta
-155
9 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Atlanta
(-155); Over

San Diego @ LA Dodgers

Game 907-908
August 1, 2019 @ 10:10 pm

Dunkel Rating:
San Diego
(Lucchesi) 16.646
LA Dodgers
(Kershaw) 15.164
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
San Diego
by 1 1/2
7
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
LA Dodgers
-210
8
Dunkel Pick:
San Diego
(+180); Under

[StarDust Bum]

STAT PLAYS OF THE DAY

917 NY METS -170
Mets are 12-4 since Jul 13, 2019.
Mets are 20-7 since May 25, 2019 as a favorite.
White Sox are 1-7 since Jul 23, 2019 at home.
White Sox are 4-14 since Jun 29, 2019 as a dog.
White Sox are 5-17 since Jul 04, 2019.

920 OAKLAND Line ?
Brewers are 21-28 since Apr 08, 2019 on the road.
Athletics are 15-6 since Jun 17, 2019 at home.

[StarDust Bum]

LEADING OFF: Traded players join new teams, Salazar returns
August 1, 2019
By The Associated Press

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

NEW FACES AND PLACES

Following a flurry of deals just before Wednesday's trade deadline, players all over the majors will be joining their new teams. Zack Greinke (Astros), Shane Greene (Braves) and Nicholas Castellanos (Cubs) were among the notable names who got moved on a dizzying day that featured two dozen trades. But perhaps most surprising was the fact the AL East-leading Yankees - and World Series champion Red Sox - didn't make any additions to their major league rosters.

LONG WAIT

Cleveland starter Danny Salazar makes his first big league appearance since the 2017 playoffs when the Indians host Houston in the rubber match of a three-game series between AL pennant contenders. Salazar, an All-Star in 2016, missed last season because of arm trouble and had shoulder surgery. All-Star Gerrit Cole (12-5, 2.94 ERA) looks to continue his dominant stretch for the Astros. He's 7-0 with a 1.88 ERA in 11 starts since June 1, piling up 100 strikeouts in 72 innings.

CENTRAL SHOWDOWN

After combining for all of five runs over the past two days, the Cubs and Cardinals decide their three-game set in St. Louis. The longtime rivals are tied for first place in the NL Central at 57-50 after Kyle Hendricks pitched Chicago to a 2-0 victory Wednesday night. Jon Lester (9-6, 3.63 ERA) starts the series finale for the Cubs against Jack Flaherty (4-6, 4.17), who has permitted two runs or less in each of his last four outings.

STAYING PUT

Still with the Mets, right-hander Zack Wheeler (7-6, 4.71 ERA) starts in Chicago as they try to extend their longest winning streak since April 2018 to seven games. Hoping this recent surge leads to a legitimate playoff push, New York held onto Wheeler and several other trade candidates at Wednesday's deadline. Wheeler, who can become a free agent after the season, beat Pittsburgh last time out after returning from the injured list. Rookie right-hander Dylan Cease (1-3, 6.86) pitches for the White Sox in the series finale.

PUNISHMENT

The Pirates and Reds are waiting to hear about probable suspensions from Major League Baseball following Tuesday's brawl between the teams. Cincinnati manager David Bell certainly faces discipline for coming back onto the field an inning after being ejected for arguing balls and strikes, and seven other players and coaches were thrown out of the game.

[StarDust Bum]

THURSDAY, AUGUST 1
GAME TIME(ET) PICK UNITS

MIN at MIA 12:10 PM
MIA +149
O 8.0

SF at PHI 01:05 PM
SF +132
U 10.0

NYM at CHW 02:10 PM
U 9.5

MIL at OAK 03:37 PM
MIL +105
U 9.0

TOR at BAL 07:05 PM
O 10.5

HOU at CLE 07:10 PM
CLE +177
U 8.5

TB at BOS 07:10 PM
TB +114
U 10.5

CHC at STL 07:15 PM
O 8.5

CIN at ATL 07:20 PM
U 9.5

SD at LAD 10:10 PM
SD +189
U 8.0

[Udog]

Thursday's Tip Sheet
Kevin Rogers

Rays at Red Sox (-125, 10 ½) – 7:10 PM EST

The top spot in the American League East race is safely held down by the Yankees, who enter Thursday’s action at 68-39. The next closest team is Tampa Bay (62-48), who sits seven games back of first place in the division, but the Rays are currently holding down the second Wild Card spot in the AL after topping Boston (59-50) in consecutive games at Fenway Park the last two nights.

After the Rays held off the Red Sox, 6-5 on Tuesday, Tampa Bay jumped out to a 5-0 lead in last night’s 8-5 victory as a +120 underdog. The Rays knocked around Red Sox right-hander Rick Porcello for six runs in less than six innings, including hitting three home runs off the former Cy Young winner. Tampa Bay has won five of its past six games overall, while improving to an impressive 7-1 at Fenway Park in eight tries this season.

The Red Sox look to avoid their home sweep of a three-game series or longer in 2019 as Andrew Cashner (10-5, 4.18 ERA) takes the mound tonight. Cashner finally broke through for his first victory in a Red Sox uniform by topping the Yankees as a short home underdog last Friday, 10-5. The right-hander put together his best start in three appearances with Boston since getting dealt from Baltimore in mid-July as he lasted 6.2 innings and allowed three runs, while not giving up a home run for the first time in three starts.

Rookie Brendan McKay (1-1, 3.72 ERA) dominated the Rangers in his Major League debut on June 29 by yielding a single hit in six innings of a 5-2 win. However, the Rays are 0-3 in McKay’s last three starts, including back-to-back defeats as a favorite of -220 or higher. The most recent defeat was the worst outing of McKay’s short career by allowing five runs and nine hits in less than four innings of work in a 9-2 drubbing at the hands of the White Sox on July 19.

Astros (-190, 8 ½) at Indians – 7:15 PM EST

Houston (69-40) made the biggest splash at the trade deadline by acquiring ace Zack Greinke from Arizona to bolster its already loaded starting rotation. The Astros were blown out by the Indians (63-44) on Wednesday, 10-4 to have their three-game winning streak snapped, but Houston will turn to another one of its big horses on the mound tonight.

Gerrit Cole (12-5, 2.94 ERA) is in the mix for the Cy Young conversation in the American League after winning his past three starts, while Houston owns a 6-1 record in his previous seven trips to the mound. Cole has tossed seven innings in each of his last three appearances, while allowing one run apiece, including shutting down the Cardinals in an 8-2 blowout last Saturday as a -200 road favorite. Cole pitched well in his last outing against Cleveland on April 25 by striking out 10 batters in seven innings, but he allowed two home runs in a 2-1 defeat as a -155 favorite.

The Indians avoided their first three-game skid since late May by scoring three runs or more in three separate innings last night. Danny Salazar is making his first start since 2017 for Cleveland following right shoulder surgery nearly two years ago. The return of Salazar to the Indians’ rotation will help Cleveland moving forward although he struggled in his last full season of 2017 by compiling a 5-6 record with a 4.28 ERA.

The Astros have done a solid job of closing out series on the road recently by going 7-1 in the last eight away series finales since early June. The Indians have won five consecutive home series finales since late June, but lost in their only opportunity as a home underdog in this situation back on May 22 against Oakland.

Cubs at Cardinals (-115, 8 ½) – 7:20 PM EST

For the first time in 11 tries this season, the road team finally won a game between Chicago and St. Louis. The Cubs (57-50) pulled back into a tie for first place in the NL Central race by blanking the Cardinals (57-50) on Wednesday, 2-0, highlighted by a terrific pitching performance from Kyle Hendricks, who tossed seven scoreless innings for his third win against St. Louis this season.

The UNDER has hit in five of the past six matchups between these NL Central rivals, while the losing team has been held to one run or fewer five times. Chicago owns a dreadful 1-10 record in its last 11 games off a road win since mid-May as the Cubs try to turn around that skid with Jon Lester on the mound tonight.

Lester (9-6, 3.63 ERA) needed two extra days of rest prior to his last start due to a case of bronchitis, but the southpaw was terrific against Milwaukee last Saturday. The veteran tossed seven scoreless innings, but the Brewers rallied past the Cubs’ bullpen in a 5-3 win in 10 innings. The loss ended a three-game winning streak with Lester on the mound, while the Cubs slipped to 3-6 in his nine starts away from Wrigley Field.

The Cardinals have lost 10 of their last 11 games when scoring two runs or less, while winning 12 straight contests when plating at least three runs since the All-Star break. Jack Flaherty (4-6, 4.17 ERA) has pitched well lately even though he has no wins to show for it as the right-hander has given up four runs in his last four starts. St. Louis is 2-0 in his past two outings against Cincinnati and Houston (both no-decisions for Flaherty), while the UNDER is on a 4-0 run with Flaherty on the mound.

The Cubs have seen plenty of Flaherty this season as the Cardinals are 1-2 his three starts against Chicago. Both the losses came at Wrigley Field, while the lone win came at home on June 1 as the righty yielded two runs in five innings of a 7-4 win in a game that was delayed several hours due to rain after the fifth. Chicago owns a 2-3 record in Lester’s past five starts at Busch Stadium since 2017, but the left-hander beat the Cardinals at Wrigley back on June 8 in a 9-4 victory.




Diamond Trends - Thursday
Vince Akins

SU Play ON Trend of the Day:

-- The Twins are 16-0 SU in the history of the database as a road favorite off a game as a favorite in which they did not give up a walk and struck out at least five. Each of their last thirteen wins have been by multiple runs.

SU Play AGAINST Trend of the Day:

-- The Padres are 0-18 SU as a road 140+ dog off a home game in which they allowed six-plus runs and used at least four pitchers.

OU Trend of the Day:

-- The Astros are 11-0 OU on the road off a road game in which they scored in fewer innings than their opponent, going over by an average of 4.55 runs.

Starter-Based Trend of the Day:

-- The Dodgers are 14-0 SU since the start of the 2017 season when Clayton Kershaw starts when they suffered a regulation loss in his last start against their opponent when they won in his last start. In his four starts in this spot this season, Kershaw has went an average of 6.5 innings, allowed an average of 0.75 runs with a WHIP of 0.77.

[Udog]

By: Andrew Caley



STREAKING AND SLUMPING STARTERS

STREAKING

Gerrit Cole, Houston Astros (12-5, 2.94 ERA, $94): Cole has basically been streaking for most of the season, but he’s in a particularly nice groove right now. Cole is 3-0 with a 1.29 ERA and a 0.86 WHIP with 29 punchouts compared to just five walks over his last three starts. It’s no surprise Cole and the Astros are big -195 road faves tonight in Cleveland.

SLUMPING

Trent Thornton, Toronto Blue Jays (3-7, 5.45 ERA, $-356): The Blue Jays rookie has shown some flashes of being a consistent Big League starter, but he may be hitting his rookie wall right now. Thornton has been lit up for a 11.57 ERA and a 2.20 WHIP while letting opponents get on base at a .420 clip over his last five starts.

Luckily for Thornton, he gets to face the Orioles tonight. Smacked in the middle of those five starts he shut out the Orioles over six innings allowing just three hits. The Jays have nice value tonight, currently listed around a Pick’em.



TEXAS-SIZED MOVES

The Astros made the biggest waves at the trade deadline by acquiring another ace for their staff in Zack Greinke. They also made some important smaller moves trading for Aaron Sanchez, Joe Biagini and Martin Maldonado. The impact was felt in World Series futures as the Astros have been moved to the 2/1 favorite to win it all. Their closest competition is the Dodgers at 3/1 and the Yankees at 6/1.

[StarDust Bum]

Realmuto, Arrieta lead Phillies to 10-2 win over Giants
August 1, 2019
By The Associated Press

ST. LOUIS (AP) Jack Flaherty struck out nine in seven strong innings and Matt Wieters hit a three-run homer as the St. Louis Cardinals beat the Chicago Cubs 8-0 Thursday in a matchup of NL Central leaders.

The Cardinals won two games in the three-game set and claimed first in the division, a game ahead of Chicago. The Cubs have lost four of six overall and 11 of their last 16 on the road.

Flaherty (5-6) allowed just one hit and walked two in recording his first win since May 14, a span of 79 days and 12 starts. The right-hander held the Cubs without a hit until newcomer Nicholas Castellanos singled to right with two out in the sixth.

Wieters capped off a four-run, sixth-inning outburst with a three-run homer off Derek Holland.

Jose Martinez, Kolten Wong and Yairo Muniz had RBI singles for the Cardinals.

Jon Lester (9-7) gave up five earned runs on nine hits over five-plus innings. He struck out six and did not walk a batter.

ASTROS 7, INDIANS 1

CLEVELAND (AP) - Gerrit Cole pitched one-run ball over seven innings and extended his winning streak to a career-best nine games as Houston beat Cleveland, spoiling the home debut of Yasiel Puig and the return of Danny Salazar.

Cole (13-5) gave up four hits, all in the first four innings, and struck out four for Houston.

Alex Bregman, Michael Brantley and Yordan Alvarez drove in two runs apiece, while George Springer hit his MLB-leading eighth leadoff home run and scored three times. Bregman went 3 for 3 with a solo homer.

Puig doubled off the wall in the fourth and went 1 for 3 with a stolen base in his first game since being acquired from Cincinnati. Franmil Reyes, who came over from San Diego in the same three-team trade, had a single in four at-bats.

Salazar (0-1) allowed two runs in four innings in his first appearance in the majors since the 2017 AL Division Series. He struck out two and topped out at 88.3 MPH in 66 pitches in his comeback from surgery on his throwing shoulder last July.

RAYS 9, RED SOX 4

BOSTON (AP) - Rookie left-hander Brendan McKay struck out seven, Mike Zunino and Austin Meadows homered, and Tampa Bay completed a three-game sweep over Boston.

The Rays have won four straight and hold the AL's final wild card by a half-game over Oakland. Boston fell 3 1/2 games behind Tampa Bay.

The Red Sox lost their fourth straight and fell 10 1/2 games behind the AL East-leading Yankees.

Tommy Pham had two RBI singles and Jesus Aguilar singled and scored twice in his debut for the Rays. Eric Sogard also had two hits for the Rays.

McKay (2-1) got his second win in the majors, holding Boston to three runs and seven hits in 5 1/3 innings.

Xander Bogaerts went 4 for 4 with two homers, and Mookie Betts also homered for the Red Sox.

PHILLIES 10, GIANTS 2

PHILADELPHIA (AP) - J.T. Realmuto hit a three-run homer and fell a triple shy of the cycle, Cesar Hernandez and Roman Quinn also went deep, and Philadelphia beat San Francisco.

Jake Arrieta pitched two-hit ball into the fifth but was pulled after 71 pitches because of a bone spur in his right elbow. He allowed two runs - one earned - and four hits, striking out five in four-plus innings. Jose Alvarez (2-2) and three relievers tossed five scoreless innings.

Giants starter Dereck Rodriguez (4-6) gave up seven runs - four earned - and eight hits in three innings.

Brandon Belt and Mike Yastrzemski had RBI singles for the Giants, who climbed into the wild-card race with a 19-6 record in July.

MARLINS 5, TWINS 4, 12 INNINGS

MIAMI (AP) - Newly acquired Minnesota reliever Sam Dyson blew a three-run lead in the ninth inning, then Harold Ramirez hit a leadoff homer in the 12th to make Miami a winner.

Dyson, acquired from San Francisco on Wednesday, faced four batters and didn't retire any of them, allowing two walks and two hits before being pulled.

The Marlins tied it with three runs, and Ramirez homered in the 12th, connecting off Cody Stashak (0-1) to avert a three-game sweep. Ramirez also doubled home a run in the second.

Max Kepler led off the game with his 30th homer and Byron Buxton drove in two runs with his 30th double for the Twins.

Jeff Brigham (1-0) earned his first career victory with two perfect innings.

METS 4, WHITE SOX 0

CHICAGO (AP) - Zack Wheeler tossed seven innings of four-hit ball, Robinson Cano drove in two runs with a homer and double and New York beat Chicago for its seventh straight win.

Wilson Ramos also drove in a run as the Mets completed a three-game sweep of the White Sox and won their 13th of 17 overall.

Chicago has dropped eight of nine and is 4-16 since the All-Star break.

Wheeler (8-6) struck out seven and walked none in his second start after a 2+-week stint on injured list with shoulder fatigue. Luis Avilan and Jeurys Familia completed the four-hitter.

Rookie Dylan Cease (1-4) allowed four runs, three earned, in seven innings in his fifth and longest start since joining Chicago's rotation.

ATHLETICS 5, BREWERS 3

OAKLAND, Calif. (AP) - Matt Chapman hit a two-run home run off struggling closer Josh Hader (1-5) in the eighth and Oakland beat Milwaukee.

Chad Pinder also went deep and Mark Canha added three hits to help the A's win their fourth in five games.

Christian Yelich doubled to extend his hitting streak to a career-high 19 games for Milwaukee. Mike Moustakas added two hits, and Trent Grisham had a sacrifice fly in his major league debut with the Brewers.

Blake Treinen (6-3) retired three batters to win, and Liam Hendriks pitched the ninth for his 10th save.

BLUE JAYS 11, ORIOLES 2

BALTIMORE (AP) - Vladimir Guerrero Jr. hit two of Toronto's five home runs to back a solid performance by fellow rookie Trent Thornton in a win over Baltimore.

Randal Grichuk, Danny Jansen and Billy McKinney also homered for the Blue Jays, who tied a season high with their fourth straight win. Guerrero's homers included an impressive 450-foot shot off Dylan Tate in the eighth inning.

Toronto reinstated Thornton (4-7) from the 10-day injured list for elbow inflammation, and he allowed one run and five hits without a walk over six innings.

Trey Mancini hit his 25th home run, a solo shot in the eighth for Baltimore.

BRAVES 4, REDS 1, 6 INNINGS

ATLANTA (AP) - Freddie Freeman hit a three-run homer, Adam Duvall went deep and Max Fried pitched six strong innings to lead Atlanta past Cincinnati in a game that was cut short by heavy rain.

Fried threw one pitch in the top of the seventh before a line of strong thunderstorms swept across SunTrust Park. Nearly two hours after play was halted, lightning continued to crackle across the sky and sheets of rain turned the warning track into a muddy mess. With no sign of the storm letting up, the game was finally called.

Fried (12-4) breezed to this third straight win, surrendering just four hits.

Reds starter Anthony DeSclafini (6-6) trailed 3-0 before he got his first out.

DODGERS 8, PADRES 2