Tuesday Trends and Indexes 06/26

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Trends and Indexes
Tuesday, June 26

Good Luck on day #177 of 2007!

NOTE:
As information becomes available, we will attempt to post the trends and indexes as soon as possible.
Information is posted from what we believe are reliable sources.

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Six-pack for Tuesday

-- Tim Lincecum was gritty and gutty, throwing shutout ball for seven innings, then Giant bullpen undid all his work in three batters, as Cameron hit three-run tater for Padres, in a game that saw Giants go on to win in extra innings, 4-3.

-- John Thomson came off street and allowed Angels three runs in seven IP, as Royals beat the Angels 5-3.

-- Kameron Loe won his third start in row as Rangers upset the Tigers at Comerica, 8-3.

-- Jeff Weaver threw his second strong game in row, as the Mariners beat Boston, 9-4. Weaver had been terrible in his first eight starts of year, but has improved lately.

-- Brewers drew 28,786 on a Monday night with the dreadful Astros in town, as baseball fever overtakes Milwaukee.

-- Cubs led 8-3 in ninth, Colorado scored six to take the 9-8 lead but a Matsui error opened door for Cubs to rally for a weird 10-9 win Monday night at Wrigley. This was second brutal walk-off loss for Colorado in last four days.

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Tuesday's List of 13: Rambling on a variety of subjects.......

13) Some things constantly amaze me-- I swear if they played the Chicken Dance in Congress, half the representatives will get up and start dancing. It is a phenomena that escapes me, but you play that music in a crowd, and people are dancing, there's just no doubt about it.

12) I attended my first minor league baseball game of season Monday; 4,500 saw a NY-Penn League game between teams of Astros and Red Sox farmhands. Great night out for $6, plus what tastes better on a summer night than ballpark food?

11) How often do you see a guy throw out the first ball in his own stadium? The Tri-City Valleycats play in Bruno Stadium, named for Senator Joe Bruno, the 76-year old senator who is a powerful guy in New York politics. Senator Bruno threw out the first ball Monday: I hope I throw that well at age 76.

10) There aren't too many things better than sitting out on a hot summer, night, sipping a cold drink and eating peanuts, talking to a buddy. Throw in fact that it was Fireworks Night, and an early exit meant no traffic at all. Brilliant!!!!

9) By the way, the Lowell Spinners, the Red Sox' affiliate, had some guys who can both hit and run, some superior athletes.

8) Does every teenager in America now have a cellphone? It would seem so. There were ton of teenagers at the ballpark; guess it is place to hang out for not much money, visit with friends, and not watch the game. All in all, a fun night with an upbeat atmosphere, and best of all, very affordable.

7) There is a HORSE tournament going on at World Series of Poker, with a $50,000 buy-in, making it really more prestigious than the Main Event, since the huge buy-in keeps a lot of the dead money out. I am not totally sure what HORSE is, but I think it is a variety of different games, and poker pros think it is a huge feather in your cap to win this event, almost like a pentathlon of poker.

6) A total of 148 entrants ponied up $50,000 each; with a pool of $7,104,000 to be divided up. All the TV bigshots are in this one. As I type this, Eli Elezra has $510,000 in chips, for a lead of $110,000 over Daniel Negreanu. Hey, Gabe Kaplan is still alive, as are many of big names that are always on ESPN.

5) That is event #39 of 55 at World Series, as Main Event gets closer and closer. I believe I saw that they are capping field at 9,000 entrants this year, but not 100% sure on that.

On to the somber realities of everyday life.........
4) Rod Beck dies at age 38; wrestler Chris Benoit dies at 40, and maybe takes his wife and son with him. These tragedies aren't just stories on SportsCenter, they're real people dying in the prime of their lives. Unspeakably sad, real events.

3) I don't know why these men died, and it is is none of my business anyway, but someone needs to ask the wrestling honchos why so many of their performers die young. No way is it a coincidence. A full list of premature deaths would be a numbing thing to see.

2) I'm not a big WWE fan, but I'll watch now and then; when I heard Benoit had died, I flipped USA Network on to see what they were doing with their Monday night show. Showing on the air was a Wrestlemania match where Benoit won the title at Madison Square Garden. If it wasn't eerie enough to see a guy who died yesterday on TV, the guy hugging him after his win was Eddie Guerrero, who died too young just last year.

1) I find myself typing the following too often in this space, but life is indeed precious. Time is our most valuable asset. Use it wisely, get the most out of it. We are owed nothing. Dance while you can, even if it is the Chicken Dance.

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[pm530]

Baseball – Write up

MLB
Write-up


Tuesday, June 26

Hot Pitchers
-- Bailey is 2-0, 4.00 in his first three major league starts. Phillies won first two Kendrick starts, scoring 17 runs.
-- Carlyle is 0-1, 7.88 in his last three starts.
-- Cardinals are 5-0 in Wellemeyer starts, scoring 43 runs.
-- Colorado won last six Lopez starts, scoring 42 runs; he is 2-0, 2.89 in his last three outings.
-- Brewers won eleven of thirteen Vargas starts this season.
-- Arizona won last three Gonzalez starts, scoring 26 runs.

-- Guthrie is 3-0, 1.90 in his last nine starts.
-- Haren is 6-0, 2.13 in his last seven starts. Lee is 2-0, 3.00 in his last couple starts.
-- Marcum is 2-0, 1.83 in his last three starts.
-- Gabbard beat Atlanta in his only start, allowing two runs in five IP, throwing 100 pitches. Hernandez has 2.57 RA in his last couple of starts.
-- Santana is 4-1, 2.83 in seven home starts.

Cold Pitchers
-- Willis is 0-3, 5.57 in his last four starts. Maholm is 1-6, 5.75 in his last eight starts.
-- Perez is 1-3, 4.38 in his last four starts.
-- Washington lost last five Bacsik starts (0-4, 7.30).
-- Cubs lost five of Lilly's last six starts.
-- Rodriguez is 2-3, 5.82 in his last six starts.
-- Billingsley threw 70 pitches in first '07 start, allowing two runs in 3.2 IP, as he builds up arm strength.
-- Padres lost six of last eight Wells starts. Zito is 0-3, 11.53 in his last three starts.

-- Pettitte has 5.33 RA in his last four starts.
-- Robertson comes off DL to start here; Detroit lost eight of his last ten starts. Koronka is 0-2, 8.05 in two starts this season.
-- White Sox lost four of Garland's five road starts. Shields is 0-2 9.00 in his last two starts.
-- Baker has 10.38 RA in his three home starts.
-- Meche is 1-5, 5.32 in his last seven starts.


Totals
-- Over is 7-2-1 in last ten Florida home games.
-- Four of last five Philly home games went over the total.
-- Six of last nine Met games went over the total.
-- Seven of last ten Atlanta home games stayed under total.
-- Under is 10-3-1 in last fourteen Cub games.
-- Ten of last thirteen Houston games went over the total.
-- Six of last seven Arizona home games went over the total.
-- Over is 7-3-1 in last eleven San Francisco games.

-- Over is 10-1-1 in last dozen Baltimore games.
-- Over is 14-4-1 in last nineteen games at Comerica Park.
-- Last four Cleveland games stayed under the total.
-- Seven of last ten White Sox games stayed under the total.
-- Over is 6-1-1 in last eight Minnesota games.
-- Nine of last thirteen Boston road games stayed under total.
-- Under is 9-3 in last twelve Kansas City road games.


Hot Teams
-- Phillies are 7-2 in last nine home series openers.
-- Mets won their last four games, outscoring foes, 22-3.
-- Cubs won last four games, outscoring foes 20-11.
-- Milwaukee won ten of its last twelve games.
-- Arizona won seven of its last ten games.
-- Giants won last three games, scoring 17 runs, after losing eight games in a row before that.

-- Indians won four of their last five home games.
-- Detroit won seven its last eight games. Rangers won eight of their last eleven games.
-- Toronto is 8-3 in its last eleven games.
-- Red Sox won seven of their last eleven road games. Mariners are 5-1 in their last six games.
-- Angels won nine of their last twelve games.

Cold Teams
-- Marlins lost nine of their last twelve home games. Pirates lost last five games, outscored 30-9.
-- Reds lost eight of their last eleven road games.
-- Washington lost five of its last seven games. Braves lost five their last six games, outscored 28-5.
-- Cardinals lost three of their last four games.
-- Rockies lost last four games, twice blowing last inning leads.
-- Astros lost seventeen of their last twenty-two road games.
-- Dodgers are 6-9 in second game of series if they won opener.
-- Padres lost five of their last six games.

-- Baltimore lost its last eight home games. Bronx lost five of its last six games overall.
-- A's got outscored 25-5 in losing last four games.
-- Devil Rays lost eight of last twelve games. White Sox lost 22 of their last twenty-eight games.
-- Minnesota lost three of its last four home games.
-- Royals lost eight of their last twelve road games.


Umpires
-- Pitt-Fla. Don't know who the umpires are.
-- Cin-Phil. Don't know who the umpires are.
-- StL-NY-- Favorite won four of last five Barrett games.
-- Wsh-Atl-- Underdog is 7-6 in last thirteen Culbreth games.
-- Col-Chi-- Under is 8-3-1 in last dozen Scott games.
-- Hst-Mil-- Under is 7-2-1 in last ten BWelke games.
-- LA-Az-- Underdog won six of last nine Danley games.
-- SD-SF-- Favorite won five of last six Meriwether games.

-- NY-Balt-- Don't know who the umpires are.
-- Tex-Det-- Favorite won four of last five Meals games.
-- A's-Clev-- Over is 6-1-1 in last eight Nauert games.
-- Chi-TB-- Underdog is 5-2 in last seven Hoye games.
-- Tor-Min-- Four of last five Winters games went over total.
-- Bos-Sea-- Five of last six Cederstrom games went over total.
-- KC-LA-- Underdog is 6-3 in last nine Holbrook games.

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[pm530]

Baseball - Tips & Trends

MLB
Tips and Trends


Tuesday, June 26

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New York Yankees at Baltimore Orioles (7:05 PM ET)
New York starter Andy Pettitte is a remarkable 20-5 with a 3.77 ERA in 30 career appearances against Baltimore. BIG EDGE: YANKEES
Pettitte is a disappointing 1-4 on the road this season despite carrying a solid 3.36 ERA in 10 appearances. SLIGHT EDGE: ORIOLES & UNDER
Orioles right-hander Jeremy Guthrie has enjoyed a remarkable June, posting a 1-0 record and 1.45 ERA in four starts. He's allowed just five earned runs and 17 hits in 31 innings. BIG EDGE: ORIOLES & UNDER
Guthrie is a perfect 4-0 with a 2.58 ERA under the lights this season in 12 appearances. EDGE: ORIOLES
The Yankees are 8-0 in Pettitte's last eight starts versus the Orioles.



Oakland Athletics at Cleveland Indians (7:05 PM ET)
Oakland starter Dan Haren is 1-2 with a 6.45 ERA in four career starts against Cleveland. He's allowed 36 hits and 16 runs in just 22 1/3 innings against them. EDGE: INDIANS & OVER
The Athletics have won seven straight games with Haren on the mound. He hasn't surrendered more than three earned runs in any of those starts. BIG EDGE: ATHLETICS
Cleveland's Cliff Lee is 2-1 with a 3.00 ERA in five career starts against Oakland. He allowed four runs and seven hits in five innings against the Athletics in a 10-7 loss on May 13. SLIGHT EDGE: INDIANS
After picking up two losses in his first two starts of June, Lee has turned things around with consecutive victories against Florida and Philadelphia. SLIGHT EDGE: INDIANS
The OVER is 13-3-2 in Lee's last 18 home starts.



St. Louis Cardinals at New York Mets (7:10 PM ET)
Cardinals right-hander Todd Wellemeyer has appeared in three games against the Mets in his career, allowing five runs and five hits in 4 2/3 innings. SLIGHT EDGE: METS & OVER
St. Louis has won eight straight games in which Wellemeyer has either appeared or started. EDGE: CARDINALS
New York's Oliver Perez is 2-5 with a 4.83 ERA in 11 career starts against St. Louis. EDGE: CARDINALS
Perez has struggled to a 1-3 record and 4.38 ERA in four starts this month. He's struggled mightily with his control in June, issuing 16 walks in 24 2/3 innings. SLIGHT EDGE: CARDINALS
The UNDER is 6-2-1 in Perez's last nine starts as a home favorite.



Colorado Rockies at Chicago Cubs (8:05 PM ET)
Colorado's Rodrigo Lopez hasn't recorded a decision in two road starts this season, but he's allowed just three runs and 11 hits in 13 innings. SLIGHT EDGE: ROCKIES
The Rockies have won six straight games with Lopez on the mound, outscoring opponents 44-21 in the process. BIG EDGE: ROCKIES
Cubs left-hander Ted Lilly lasted just 1 2/3 innings in his lone career start against the Rockies, surrendering four earned runs and six hits. EDGE: ROCKIES
Lilly is an even 3-3 at Wrigley Field this season, but carries a very respectable 2.95 ERA. He shut down the Padres in his last home start, allowing just six hits and one run over eight innings. EDGE: CUBS
The OVER is 6-1 in the last seven meetings.



Toronto Blue Jays at Minnesota Twins (8:10 PM ET)
Toronto right-hander Shaun Marcum is a solid 3-1 with a 3.95 ERA in nine road appearances. EDGE: BLUE JAYS
Marcum has thrown five career innings against Minnesota, giving up four runs and eight hits over five innings. SLIGHT EDGE: TWINS
Twins starter Scott Baker threw 5 1/3 innings against the Blue Jays, allowing three runs and five hits in a 4-3 victory on May 25. SLIGHT EDGE: TWINS
Baker has pitched horribly at the Metrodome in three starts this season, allowing 15 earned runs and 22 hits in 13 innings. EDGE: BLUE JAYS & OVER
The UNDER is 8-3 in Baker's last 11 starts as a favorite.



Houston Astros at Milwaukee Brewers (8:10 PM ET)
Astros left-hander Wandy Rodriguez is a dismal 1-4 with a 6.08 ERA in seven road starts this season. EDGE: BREWERS
Rodriguez is 2-3 with a 4.95 ERA in eight career outings against Milwaukee. He was touched up for six runs and nine hits in his last start against them on April 21, a 6-4 road loss. EDGE: BREWERS
Milwaukee's Claudio Vargas is a perfect 4-0 with a 4.24 ERA in eight home outings this season. The Brewers have won seven of his eight starts at Miller Park. EDGE: BREWERS
Vargas has enjoyed success against the Astros in his career with a 3-2 record and 3.60 ERA in seven outings. He threw five shutout innings against the Astros on April 29, as the Brewers picked up a 3-1 victory. EDGE: BREWERS
The UNDER is 4-1 in Rodriguez's last five starts overall.



Los Angeles Dodgers at Arizona Diamondbacks (9:40 PM ET)
Los Angeles reliever-turned-starter Chad Billingsley has a perfect 3-0 record against the Diamondbacks in four career outings against them. He's allowed just two earned runs in 17 innings against them. BIG EDGE: DODGERS & UNDER
Billingsley is also a perfect 3-0 on the road this season, with 13 relief appearances and one start. He's fanned 28 batters in 24 innings away from Dodger Stadium. EDGE: DODGERS
Arizona's Edgar Gonzalez has a miserable 0-3 record and 9.92 ERA in four career appearances against the Dodgers. The Dodgers have scored 18 runs and banged out 28 hits in 16 1/3 innings against him. BIG EDGE: DODGERS & OVER
Gonzalez is an even 1-1 with a 6.16 ERA in eight home appearances this season. He's allowed eight long balls in 30 2/3 innings of action at Chase Field. EDGE: OVER
The Diamondbacks are 7-2 in Gonzalez's last nine starts.



San Diego Padres at San Francisco Giants (10:15 PM ET)
San Diego's David Wells has allowed double-digit hits in his last two starts, both ending up an losses against Baltimore and Chicago (NL). EDGE: GIANTS & OVER
Wells is an even 2-2 with a 4.40 ERA in seven career starts against the Giants. He's walked just five batters in 45 innings against them. SLIGHT EDGE: PADRES
Giants left-hander Barry Zito is 0-2 with a 3.86 ERA in three career starts against the Padres. He lasted just five innings against them in his first start of the season, as San Diego picked up a 7-0 shutout victory. EDGE: PADRES
Zito has pitched decently at AT&T Park on the year, posting an even 3-3 record and 4.04 ERA in seven starts. SLIGHT EDGE: GIANTS
The Padres are 2-8 in Wells' last 10 starts as an underdog.

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MLB
MLB Betting Notes


Tuesday, June 26

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Tuesday's MLB betting notes


DL Day

One of baseball’s toughest players could finally go down for the count. New York Yankees outfielder Johnny Damon could hit the 15-day disabled list this week for the first time in his 13-year major league career.

"Johnny seemed fine," manager Joe Torre optimistically told the New York Daily News after Damon pinch hit on Sunday. "It surprised me when he took off. It was good to see the base hit, too. It looked like he had a lot of life in his body. It gives you a little more hope that the DH spot, he can give us a little shot."

Damon hasn’t been able to play his position due to an abdominal strain and has either played first base or pinch hit over the past week. Damon also had some dental work done on the team’s day off.

Damon’s teammate Derek Jeter also used Monday’s off day to rest his strained hip, which he hurt during Saturday’s game against the San Francisco Giants.

Big Willy style

According to the Miami Herald, the Florida Marlins live and die through left fielder Josh Willingham.

Marlins media relations told the newspaper that the Fish are 9-0 in games in which Willingham hits a home run and 44 of his 47 RBI have come in Marlins victories. Willingham failed to drive in a run on Sunday during Florida’s 7-4 loss to the Minnesota Twins.

Willingham is batting .258 this season but hasn’t had success against the Marlins’ current opponents, the Pittsburgh Pirates. In 15 at-bats versus the Pirates this year, Willingham has one RBI on only two hits.

Tigers surplus boosts bullpen

Detroit Tigers manager Jim Leyland has a problem most major league teams would welcome – too many good pitchers.

Leyland was forced to move starting pitcher Chad Durbin to the bullpen after veteran hurler Kenny Rogers returned from injury this past week. Durbin made his first relief appearance of the year on Sunday, getting the save in the Tigers’ 5-0 win over the Atlanta Braves.

"It was the attitude (Durbin) took that has a lot to do with it," Leyland told the Detroit News. "Here's a kid who said, 'Whatever I can do for the team, that's what I'm gonna do.'”

Durbin, who held his own among Detroit’s talented rotation, was 6-3 as a starter this season with a 4.20 ERA.

Licking their wounds in La-la Land

Los Angeles Dodgers shortstop Rafael Furcal is trying to make it to the All-Star break on one good wheel. The Dodgers lead-off man has been playing on a sprained left ankle since March but is struggling through the pain.

Furcal told the Los Angeles Times he has trouble fielding balls up the middle as well as hitting right-handed. The injury has sucked some power out of his swing, leaving him with only one home run this season after belting 15 dingers last year.

Also, Los Angeles first baseman Nomar Garciaparra is still recovering from the flu this week after missing the last three games. The veteran was able to take batting practice this weekend after spending Saturday in bed.

"That probably helped because I feel a lot better," Garciaparra told reporters after his full day’s rest. "I think it was something that had to work its way through me."

Garciaparra is hitting .281 this season with only one home run and will likely return to the Dodgers lineup this week against the Arizona Diamondbacks.

Oakland’s bullpen isn’t A-okay

Pitching has kept the Oakland Athletics in the American League West hunt, but with another injury to their bullpen, the A’s could find it tough to make up the nine-game spread between them and the Los Angeles Angels.

Set-up man Kiko Calero could be joining fellow bullpen staples Huston Street and Justin Duchscherer on the disabled list after the right-hander told the San Francisco Chronicle that his shoulder was tired.

Oakland manager Bob Green said that if Calero doesn’t pitch on Monday he will likely be placed on the DL and would be out until July. There is a long list of Triple-A callups waiting to replace Calero’s spot on the roster.

Calero hasn’t pitched since June 16 and is 1-4 in 31 appearances with an ERA over 6.00.

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[pm530]

Baseball – Injury Report

MLB
Injury Report


Tuesday, June 26

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MLB Infirmary Report

Miguel Tejada landed on the disabled list with a wrist injury, which put an end to his consecutive games streak. Here are the latest injury notes from around the diamond:

Arizona - Randy Johnson P 15-Day Disabled List
The Big Unit might be able to return to the Diamondbacks' rotation on Thursday against the Dodgers. He did some long-toss Sunday and will test his back again early this week.

Baltimore - Erik Bedard P Day-to-Day (strained hamstring)
Baltimore - Miguel Tejada SS 15-Day Disabled List
The Orioles' ace is still listed as their probable pitcher for Wednesday's game against the Yankees despite a strained hamstring; he was forced out of his last start after six innings with the ailment, but it isn't considered serious. Tejada has a fractured wrist and was placed on the disabled list, creating yet another hole in Baltimore's shaky offense.

Boston - Curt Schilling P 15-Day Disabled List
Schilling was originally just listed as day-to-day with a sore shoulder, but the Red Sox eventually decided to place him on the disabled list. The best-case scenario for Boston is that he misses only two starts, but there's a possibility he could miss even more time.

Chi Cubs - Ryan Dempster P Day-to-Day (strained oblique)
Dempster sat out on the weekend with a strained oblique, and the Cubs also ruled him out for Monday's game against the Rockies. If Dempster is unable to pitch at all against Colorado in the first few days of this week the team might decide to put him on the DL.

Chi White Sox - Jermaine Dye OF Day-to-Day (sore quad)
Chi White Sox - Darin Erstad OF 15-Day Disabled List
Dye's quad injury could see him placed on the disabled list by Tuesday morning; he missed the team's games on both Saturday and Sunday. Erstad went right back on the DL Saturday with a sprained ankle - he had just been activated from the DL on Friday.

Florida - Dontrelle Willis P Day-to-Day (sore forearm)
Willis was removed from his start last Tuesday with tightness in his forearm, and he missed his scheduled interleague start against the Twins on Sunday. However, the team has instead slotted him into the rotation for this Tuesday night against the Pirates.

Houston - Brad Lidge P 15-Day Disabled List
Lidge went on the disabled list with a strained oblique back on June 16, and the Astros don't expect to have him back on the roster until after the All-Star Break. When he returns, though, he could take over as the team's closer once again - Dan Wheeler has been getting roughed up lately, and he blew the lead against the Rangers on Sunday night.

Kansas City - Mike Sweeney DH 15-Day Disabled List
The oft-injured Sweeney was put back on the disabled list with a sore knee on June 18. He should be able to return once his time is up and resume his duties as the team's DH.

LA Angels - Jered Weaver P Day-to-Day (sore shoulder)
Weaver missed his scheduled start last Friday against the Pirates with a bruised right shoulder, but he threw in the bullpen over the weekend and is expected to start against the Royals on Wednesday. Weaver is 6-3 with a 3.80 ERA and 51 strikeouts this season.

Milwaukee - J.J. Hardy SS Day-to-Day (sore hip)
Hardy has been in-and-out of the Brewers' lineup lately with both a sore hip and a sore lower back. He isn't expected to land on the disabled list unless the pain gets worse.

Minnesota - Justin Morneau 1B Out Indefinitely (bruised lung)
Morneau suffered a bruised lung on Friday after colliding with Miguel Olivo, and he spent the weekend in the hospital. The first baseman isn't likely to get back into the lineup early this week, but he could avoid the disabled list and return by the weekend.

Texas - Mark Teixeira 1B 15-Day Disabled List
Teixeira went on the disabled list with a strained quad back on June 9, and it doesn't look like he'll be able to return to the lineup for the Rangers prior to the All-Star Break.

Toronto - A.J. Burnett P 15-Day Disabled List
Burnett went on the disabled list last week (retroactive to June 12) with a sore right shoulder, but he was able to throw in the bullpen on Friday and should return this week.

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[pm530]

Pro Basketball (women) – Hot Lines

WNBA
Hot Lines


Tuesday, June 26

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Lady luck: Tuesday’s best WNBA bets


Washington Mystics at Connecticut Sun (-4, 163)

Just when you think the Sun have turned a corner to return to their winning ways (70-32 over the last three seasons) they put up a stinker at home against the San Antonio Silver Stars.

One night after upsetting the Indiana Fever – on the road no less – Connecticut lost by 13 to San Antonio.

“We are shooting the ball awful,” Sun coach Mike Thibault said. “Somewhere along the line someone on our bench has got to step up… That hasn’t happened yet.”

Meanwhile, the Mystics are playing much more competitive basketball. They started the season winless after the first eight games but are now 3-2 (both straight up and against the spread) over the last five contests.

Pick: Mystics



New York Liberty at Sacramento Monarchs (-9, 140 1/2)

The Monarchs had an up-and-down weekend. They lost to the Los Angeles Sparks despite leading by as many as 21 and nearly coughed up another big lead Saturday against the Detroit Shock.

Detroit, who trailed by as many as 16, clawed its way to within one (74-73) with just under five minutes left in the third quarter. Sacramento secured the win thanks in large part to the shooting of point guard Ticha Penicheiro. The veteran guard – who is considered a weak outside shooter – made some clutch shots en route to the 10-point victory.

It’s sometimes problematic backing the Monarchs because they play so many close games. With apologies to Kara Lawson, Sacramento doesn’t possess a scorer who can help maintain big leads.

Pick: Liberty

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[Udog]

Baseball Today - June 26


SCOREBOARD Tuesday, June 26

Texas at Detroit (7:05 p.m. EDT). Nate Robertson returns from the DL for the Tigers.

STARS Monday

-C.C. Sabathia, Indians, struck out eight, allowed nine hits and earned his 11th victory with his second complete game this month, a 5-2 victory over Oakland.

-Brian McCann, Braves, hit a three-run homer and an RBI single to lift Atlanta to a 4-1 win over Washington.

-Shawn Green, Mets, hit a leadoff homer in the 11th inning to help beat St. Louis 2-1.

-Vernon Wells, Blue Jays, had three hits and three RBIs, including a two-run homer, in an 8-5 victory over Minnesota.

BEATEN BONDERMAN

Jeremy Bonderman's unbeaten streak was snapped at 17 starts in Detroit's 8-3 loss to Texas on Monday night. Bonderman, trying to match Bobo Newsom's Tigers record of 18 starts without a loss, gave up four runs - two earned - and seven hits in six innings. His last loss came in Minnesota on Sept. 10.

UNFRIENDLY FAN

A fan charged at Bob Howry during the Cubs' 10-9 win over Colorado on Monday night, after the reliever helped blow an 8-3 lead in the ninth inning. Howry gave up back-to-back RBI singles to Garrett Atkins and Brad Hawpe and a three-run homer to Troy Tulowitzki. The fan then jumped onto the field from the roof of the Rockies' dugout and made it a few feet from the mound before security guards tackled him. Howry earned the victory when Alfonso Soriano hit a game-ending two-run single in the bottom of the inning.

MCCANN CAN

Atlanta ended a streak of 48 innings without holding a lead in its 4-1 win over Washington on Monday night. Brian McCann's fourth-inning single drove in Edgar Renteria for a 1-0 lead. McCann later hit a three-run homer for the Braves, who had not led a game since beating Boston 9-4 last Monday.

PITCHING PROS

Brad Penny earned his 10th win and lowered his NL-leading ERA to 2.04 in the Dodgers' 8-1 victory over Arizona on Monday night. The right-hander allowed one run and four hits in eight innings and improved to 7-2 against the Diamondbacks. His only loss this season came against the Angels on May 18. ... Ben Sheets won his fifth consecutive decision in Milwaukee's 6-1 win over Houston. Sheets (9-3) allowed five hits and three walks in six innings. He's allowed three runs or fewer in each of his last 13 starts and has won five straight decisions for the first time since 2001, his rookie year.

SPEAKING

''Oh, God, I got so many text messages. And they were all from A's fans saying, 'You're a good pitcher, but the A's are going to beat you.' That's the kind of texts I get from my friends.'' - Indians starter C.C. Sabathia, after pitching his second complete game this month Monday night, a 5-2 win over Oakland. The left-hander struck out eight, allowed nine hits and didn't walk a batter to join Boston's Josh Beckett as the majors' only other 11-game winner. He had been 0-4 vs. the A's since last beating them on July 30, 2003,

SEASONS June 26

1916 - In a game against the Chicago White Sox, the Cleveland Indians appeared on the field with numbers on their sleeves. It marked the first time players were identified by numbers corresponding to the scorecard.

1938 - Lonny Frey of the Cincinnati Reds had eight hits in a doubleheader split with the Philadelphia Phillies. Frey had three hits in a 10-3 opening-game loss and collected five in the nightcap, which the Reds won 8-5.

1944 - In an effort to raise funds for war bonds, the New York Giants, Brooklyn Dodgers and New York Yankees played against each other in a six-inning contest at the Polo Grounds. More than 50,000 fans turned out. Each team played successive innings against the other two teams then would sit out an inning. The final score was Dodgers 5, Yankees 1, Giants 0.

1962 - Earl Wilson of the Boston Red Sox pitched a 2-0 no-hitter against the Los Angeles Angels at Fenway Park. Wilson also homered in the game.

1970 - Frank Robinson hit two grand slams for the Orioles as Baltimore defeated the Washington Senators 12-2.

1976 - Shortstop Toby Harrah played an entire doubleheader for the Texas Rangers without handling a batted ball from the Chicago White Sox.

2000 - Minor league sensation Alex Cabrera hit a two-run homer in his first major league at-bat for Arizona as the Diamondbacks beat the Houston Astros 6-1.

2006 - Oregon State beats North Carolina 3-2 for its first College World Series title.

Today's birthdays: Elijah Dukes, 23; Derek Jeter, 33; Jason Kendall, 33; Mike Myers, 38; Jeff Conine, 41.

[Udog]

MLB
Streaking Pitchers

Tuesday, June 26


HOT

Danny Haren (Oakland Athletics) – Bettors have been cashing in on the Oakland ace all year. Haren hasn’t lost since his second start of the season and is 9-2 with a league-best 1.78 ERA. But there may be more value betting the under during his starts. In his 16 trips to the mound this season, the A’s have played over the total just four times, with oddsmakers setting the total no higher than 9 ½ runs. Oakland is a –116 favorite against the Cleveland Indians tonight and the total is set at 8 ½.

Rodrigo Lopez (Colorado Rockies) – After leading the league with 18 losses last year, who would have thought that Lopez would start this season a perfect 4-0? The right-hander hasn’t been spectacular this season but he’s getting the job done with a respectable 2.93 ERA. The Rockies are 7-1 when Lopez takes the hill this year and are +131 underdogs in Chicago tonight against the Cubs.

Jeremy Guthrie (Baltimore Orioles) – Guthrie has quietly been one of the most consistant pitchers in the entire league this year. The only problem is his team isn’t giving him any run support. He is 4-1 on the year but has allowed no more than three earned runs in any start this season and since being inserted into the starting rotation, he’s pitched into at least the seventh inning in all but one start (his first). The O’s are +141 underdogs against the Yankees tonight with the total set at nine.

COLD

Mike Bacsik (Washington Nationals) – The Nats southpaw returned the majors for the first time since 2004 and things were looking up after two quality outings and a 1-0 record. Then everything went downhill. In his last five outings he’s 0-4 while giving up a total of 20 earned runs over that stretch to implode his ERA to 4.70 on the year. Washington takes on the Atlanta Braves tonight with the Nationals set as +141 underdogs and the total at 10.

Barry Zito (San Francisco Giants) – Zito has been downright dreadful in his last three trips to the mound going 0-3 with an ugly 10.13 ERA. But then again, what does he care, he’s still getting $126 million over the next seven years? The Giants are priced as –114 favorites tonight against the San Diego Padres. Zito is 0-2 with a 3.86 ERA in three career starts against the Padres including his Giants debut when he gave up three earned runs in five innings of action in a 7-0 opening day loss.

[Udog]

WNBA
Long Sheet


Tuesday, June 26


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


WASHINGTON (3 - 10) at CONNECTICUT (5 - 8) - 6/26/2007, 7:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
WASHINGTON is 135-179 ATS (-61.9 Units) in all games since 1997.
WASHINGTON is 80-112 ATS (-43.2 Units) as an underdog since 1997.
WASHINGTON is 65-94 ATS (-38.4 Units) in road games since 1997.
WASHINGTON is 98-129 ATS (-43.9 Units) in May, June, or July games since 1997.
WASHINGTON is 86-116 ATS (-41.6 Units) vs. division opponents since 1997.
WASHINGTON is 32-53 ATS (-26.3 Units) in road games revenging a loss versus opponent since 1997.
WASHINGTON is 0-7 ATS (-7.7 Units) off an upset win as an underdog over the last 2 seasons.
CONNECTICUT is 11-3 ATS (+7.7 Units) on Tuesday over the last 3 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
CONNECTICUT is 6-4 against the spread versus WASHINGTON over the last 3 seasons
CONNECTICUT is 9-1 straight up against WASHINGTON over the last 3 seasons
5 of 10 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons




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SAN ANTONIO (8 - 4) at HOUSTON (2 - 11) - 6/26/2007, 8:30 PM
Top Trends for this game.
SAN ANTONIO is 44-66 ATS (-28.6 Units) in May, June, or July games since 1997.
HOUSTON is 197-155 ATS (+26.5 Units) in all games since 1997.
HOUSTON is 103-73 ATS (+22.7 Units) in home games since 1997.
HOUSTON is 65-44 ATS (+16.6 Units) in June games since 1997.
HOUSTON is 140-99 ATS (+31.1 Units) in May, June, or July games since 1997.
HOUSTON is 36-20 ATS (+14.0 Units) in home games after scoring 75 points or more since 1997.
HOUSTON is 6-17 ATS (-12.7 Units) as an underdog over the last 2 seasons.
HOUSTON is 6-16 ATS (-11.6 Units) revenging a loss versus opponent over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
SAN ANTONIO is 4-3 against the spread versus HOUSTON over the last 3 seasons
SAN ANTONIO is 5-3 straight up against HOUSTON over the last 3 seasons
4 of 8 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons




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


NEW YORK (7 - 6) at SACRAMENTO (9 - 4) - 6/26/2007, 10:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
SACRAMENTO is 55-39 ATS (+12.1 Units) in all games over the last 3 seasons.
SACRAMENTO is 35-21 ATS (+11.9 Units) as a favorite over the last 3 seasons.
SACRAMENTO is 12-4 ATS (+7.6 Units) after allowing 75 points or more over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
SACRAMENTO is 2-2 against the spread versus NEW YORK over the last 3 seasons
SACRAMENTO is 3-1 straight up against NEW YORK over the last 3 seasons
3 of 4 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons




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CHICAGO (6 - 7) at SEATTLE (6 - 6) - 6/26/2007, 10:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
SEATTLE is 12-25 ATS (-15.5 Units) off an upset win as an underdog since 1997.

Head-to-Head Series History
SEATTLE is 2-0 against the spread versus CHICAGO over the last 3 seasons
SEATTLE is 3-0 straight up against CHICAGO over the last 3 seasons
2 of 3 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons




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

[Udog]

MLB
Long Sheet


Tuesday, June 26


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PITTSBURGH (31 - 44) at FLORIDA (36 - 40) - 7:05 PM
PAUL MAHOLM (L) vs. DONTRELLE WILLIS (L)
Top Trends for this game.
PITTSBURGH is 13-38 (-20.0 Units) against the money line on the road when the total is 9 to 9.5 over the last 2 seasons.
PITTSBURGH is 25-46 (-18.6 Units) against the money line against left-handed starters over the last 2 seasons.
PITTSBURGH is 24-56 (-23.2 Units) against the money line in road games after a loss over the last 2 seasons.
FLORIDA is 28-19 (+16.2 Units) against the money line in June games over the last 2 seasons.
WILLIS is 0-5 (-10.2 Units) against the money line in home games when playing on Tuesday over the last 3 seasons. (Team's Record)

Head-to-Head Series History
FLORIDA is 2-2 (-0.1 Units) against PITTSBURGH this season
2 of 3 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+0.9 Units)

PAUL MAHOLM vs. FLORIDA since 1997
MAHOLM is 0-2 when starting against FLORIDA with an ERA of 6.00 and a WHIP of 1.083.
His team's record is 0-2 (-2.1 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 1-1. (-0.2 units)

DONTRELLE WILLIS vs. PITTSBURGH since 1997
WILLIS is 2-3 when starting against PITTSBURGH with an ERA of 2.82 and a WHIP of 1.388.
His team's record is 4-3 (-0.2 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 4-3. (+0.6 units)




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CINCINNATI (29 - 47) at PHILADELPHIA (39 - 36) - 7:05 PM
HOMER BAILEY (R) vs. KYLE KENDRICK (R)
Top Trends for this game.
CINCINNATI is 29-47 (-18.6 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
CINCINNATI is 29-47 (-18.6 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
CINCINNATI is 19-35 (-17.2 Units) against the money line in night games this season.
CINCINNATI is 400-449 (+57.2 Units) against the money line in road games since 1997.
CINCINNATI is 300-337 (+42.7 Units) against the money line in road games against right-handed starters since 1997.
PHILADELPHIA is 15-23 (-11.2 Units) against the money line after a win this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
PHILADELPHIA is 2-1 (+1.0 Units) against CINCINNATI this season
2 of 3 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+0.9 Units)

HOMER BAILEY vs. PHILADELPHIA since 1997
No recent starts.

KYLE KENDRICK vs. CINCINNATI since 1997
No recent starts.




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ST LOUIS (33 - 40) at NY METS (42 - 32) - 7:10 PM
TODD WELLEMEYER (R) vs. OLIVER PEREZ (L)
Top Trends for this game.
ST LOUIS is 127-123 (-21.0 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
ST LOUIS is 127-123 (-21.0 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
ST LOUIS is 73-91 (-35.6 Units) against the money line in night games over the last 2 seasons.
ST LOUIS is 36-50 (-28.5 Units) against the money line against left-handed starters over the last 2 seasons.
ST LOUIS is 16-35 (-18.5 Units) against the money line in road games when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.
NY METS are 145-101 (+19.4 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
NY METS are 79-43 (+23.6 Units) against the money line when the total is 9 to 9.5 over the last 2 seasons.
NY METS are 143-100 (+18.4 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
NY METS are 106-69 (+21.4 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
NY METS is 4-0 (+4.4 Units) against ST LOUIS this season
3 of 4 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+2.0 Units)

TODD WELLEMEYER vs. NY METS since 1997
No recent starts.

OLIVER PEREZ vs. ST LOUIS since 1997
PEREZ is 3-5 when starting against ST LOUIS with an ERA of 4.80 and a WHIP of 1.426.
His team's record is 6-7 (+0.8 units) in these starts. The OVER is 5-7. (-2.6 units)




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WASHINGTON (32 - 44) at ATLANTA (39 - 38) - 7:35 PM
MIKE BACSIK (L) vs. BUDDY CARLYLE (R)
Top Trends for this game.
WASHINGTON is 35-33 (+16.4 Units) against the money line as a road underdog of +125 to +150 over the last 3 seasons.
WASHINGTON is 41-34 (+18.7 Units) against the money line in June games over the last 3 seasons.
ATLANTA is 118-121 (-22.6 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
ATLANTA is 60-62 (-20.9 Units) against the money line in home games over the last 2 seasons.
ATLANTA is 15-36 (-26.9 Units) against the money line in June games over the last 2 seasons.
ATLANTA is 116-117 (-20.7 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
ATLANTA is 80-86 (-23.9 Units) against the money line in night games over the last 2 seasons.
ATLANTA is 32-43 (-15.6 Units) against the money line against left-handed starters over the last 2 seasons.
ATLANTA is 52-62 (-22.3 Units) against the money line after a win over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
WASHINGTON is 5-5 (+3.6 Units) against ATLANTA this season
6 of 10 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+1.8 Units)

MIKE BACSIK vs. ATLANTA since 1997
No recent starts.

BUDDY CARLYLE vs. WASHINGTON since 1997
CARLYLE is 1-0 when starting against WASHINGTON with an ERA of 4.50 and a WHIP of 1.333.
His team's record is 1-0 (+1.0 units) in these starts. The OVER is 1-0. (+1.0 units)




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COLORADO (38 - 38) at CHICAGO CUBS (36 - 39) - 8:05 PM
RODRIGO LOPEZ (R) vs. TED LILLY (L)
Top Trends for this game.
COLORADO is 52-107 (-34.9 Units) against the money line in road games after 3 or more consecutive losses since 1997.
COLORADO is 38-35 (+8.3 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
LOPEZ is 7-1 (+7.4 Units) against the money line in all games this season. (Team's Record)
LOPEZ is 7-1 (+7.4 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season. (Team's Record)
CHICAGO CUBS are 36-39 (-13.5 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
CHICAGO CUBS are 16-20 (-14.2 Units) against the money line in home games this season.
CHICAGO CUBS are 7-15 (-11.9 Units) against the money line in home games in June games over the last 2 seasons.
CHICAGO CUBS are 0-6 (-8.4 Units) against the money line in home games when playing on Tuesday this season.
CHICAGO CUBS are 36-39 (-13.5 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
CHICAGO CUBS are 12-16 (-11.9 Units) against the money line in home games against right-handed starters this season.
CHICAGO CUBS are 42-59 (-20.2 Units) against the money line after a win over the last 2 seasons.
CHICAGO CUBS are 12-23 (-13.8 Units) against the money line after 3 or more consecutive wins over the last 3 seasons.
LILLY is 41-55 (-20.5 Units) against the money line after a win since 1997. (Team's Record)

Head-to-Head Series History
CHICAGO CUBS is 1-0 (+1.0 Units) against COLORADO this season
1 of 1 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+1.0 Units)

RODRIGO LOPEZ vs. CHICAGO CUBS since 1997
No recent starts.

TED LILLY vs. COLORADO since 1997
LILLY is 0-1 when starting against COLORADO with an ERA of 21.56 and a WHIP of 4.790.
His team's record is 0-1 (-1.2 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 1-0. (+1.0 units)




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HOUSTON (32 - 44) at MILWAUKEE (44 - 32) - 8:05 PM
WANDY RODRIGUEZ (L) vs. CLAUDIO VARGAS (R)
Top Trends for this game.
HOUSTON is 32-44 (-15.9 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
HOUSTON is 265-259 (-57.2 Units) against the money line when the total is 9 to 9.5 since 1997.
HOUSTON is 32-44 (-15.9 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
HOUSTON is 23-34 (-13.2 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.
HOUSTON is 17-26 (-11.9 Units) against the money line after a loss this season.
MILWAUKEE is 76-46 (+18.6 Units) against the money line in home games over the last 2 seasons.
MILWAUKEE is 76-46 (+18.6 Units) against the money line in home games in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
MILWAUKEE is 42-20 (+17.0 Units) against the money line in home games against left-handed starters over the last 3 seasons.
VARGAS is 11-2 (+9.8 Units) against the money line in all games this season. (Team's Record)
VARGAS is 15-7 (+9.8 Units) against the money line when the total is 9 to 9.5 over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
VARGAS is 18-9 (+12.4 Units) against the money line against division opponents over the last 3 seasons. (Team's Record)
VARGAS is 10-2 (+8.7 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season. (Team's Record)
VARGAS is 16-7 (+10.4 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
MILWAUKEE is 56-65 (-18.4 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
MILWAUKEE is 5-2 (+2.8 Units) against HOUSTON this season
4 of 7 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+0.5 Units)

WANDY RODRIGUEZ vs. MILWAUKEE since 1997
RODRIGUEZ is 2-3 when starting against MILWAUKEE with an ERA of 5.08 and a WHIP of 1.513.
His team's record is 2-5 (-2.1 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 4-3. (+0.7 units)

CLAUDIO VARGAS vs. HOUSTON since 1997
VARGAS is 2-2 when starting against HOUSTON with an ERA of 3.58 and a WHIP of 1.518.
His team's record is 3-2 (+1.0 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 4-1. (+3.0 units)




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LA DODGERS (43 - 33) at ARIZONA (44 - 33) - 9:40 PM
CHAD BILLINGSLEY (R) vs. EDGAR GONZALEZ (R)
Top Trends for this game.
LA DODGERS are 124-140 (-45.4 Units) against the money line when playing on Tuesday since 1997.
ARIZONA is 44-33 (+10.3 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
ARIZONA is 44-33 (+10.3 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
ARIZONA is 32-23 (+7.6 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.
LA DODGERS are 35-22 (+10.9 Units) against the money line in night games this season.
ARIZONA is 418-366 (-63.9 Units) against the money line in home games since 1997.
ARIZONA is 9-20 (-14.1 Units) against the money line in home games in June games over the last 2 seasons.
ARIZONA is 109-128 (-38.4 Units) against the money line when playing on Tuesday since 1997.

Head-to-Head Series History
LA DODGERS is 5-1 (+4.2 Units) against ARIZONA this season
3 of 6 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=-0.4 Units, Under=-0.4 Units)

CHAD BILLINGSLEY vs. ARIZONA since 1997
BILLINGSLEY is 2-0 when starting against ARIZONA with an ERA of 1.29 and a WHIP of 1.286.
His team's record is 2-0 (+2.2 units) in these starts. The OVER is 0-1. (-1.2 units)

EDGAR GONZALEZ vs. LA DODGERS since 1997
GONZALEZ is 0-3 when starting against LA DODGERS with an ERA of 8.59 and a WHIP of 1.978.
His team's record is 0-3 (-3.0 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 2-1. (+0.9 units)




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


SAN DIEGO (42 - 33) at SAN FRANCISCO (33 - 42) - 10:15 PM
DAVID WELLS (L) vs. BARRY ZITO (L)
Top Trends for this game.
SAN FRANCISCO is 584-466 (+86.2 Units) against the money line in night games since 1997.
SAN FRANCISCO is 136-69 (+47.4 Units) against the money line in home games against left-handed starters since 1997.
SAN DIEGO is 66-54 (+15.9 Units) against the money line in road games over the last 2 seasons.
SAN DIEGO is 64-53 (+14.9 Units) against the money line in road games in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
SAN DIEGO is 42-31 (+12.0 Units) against the money line in road games when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 2 seasons.
WELLS is 194-114 (+44.8 Units) against the money line in all games since 1997. (Team's Record)
WELLS is 96-59 (+31.7 Units) against the money line in road games since 1997. (Team's Record)
WELLS is 74-47 (+24.6 Units) against the money line in road games in games played on a grass field since 1997. (Team's Record)
SAN FRANCISCO is 109-127 (-23.7 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
SAN FRANCISCO is 109-127 (-23.7 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
SAN DIEGO is 4-3 (+0.7 Units) against SAN FRANCISCO this season
5 of 6 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+3.9 Units)

DAVID WELLS vs. SAN FRANCISCO since 1997
WELLS is 2-2 when starting against SAN FRANCISCO with an ERA of 4.40 and a WHIP of 1.222.
His team's record is 4-3 (+2.3 units) in these starts. The OVER is 3-4. (-1.3 units)

BARRY ZITO vs. SAN DIEGO since 1997
ZITO is 0-2 when starting against SAN DIEGO with an ERA of 3.86 and a WHIP of 1.653.
His team's record is 1-2 (-1.3 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 2-0. (+2.0 units)




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NY YANKEES (36 - 37) at BALTIMORE (32 - 43) - 7:05 PM
ANDY PETTITTE (L) vs. JEREMY GUTHRIE (R)
Top Trends for this game.
NY YANKEES are 36-37 (-20.1 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
NY YANKEES are 13-17 (-11.3 Units) against the money line when the total is 9 to 9.5 this season.
NY YANKEES are 3-9 (-11.3 Units) against the money line as a road favorite of -150 to -175 this season.
NY YANKEES are 16-23 (-14.3 Units) against the money line in road games this season.
NY YANKEES are 17-26 (-15.8 Units) against the money line on the road when the total is 9 to 9.5 over the last 2 seasons.
NY YANKEES are 11-18 (-16.5 Units) against the money line in road games when playing on Tuesday over the last 3 seasons.
NY YANKEES are 8-15 (-15.4 Units) against the money line against division opponents this season.
NY YANKEES are 33-32 (-15.6 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
NY YANKEES are 95-75 (-22.9 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters over the last 2 seasons.
NY YANKEES are 17-20 (-10.7 Units) against the money line after a loss this season.
BALTIMORE is 176-224 (-47.1 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 3 seasons.
BALTIMORE is 93-106 (-30.5 Units) against the money line in home games over the last 3 seasons.
BALTIMORE is 5-16 (-14.7 Units) against the money line in June games this season.
BALTIMORE is 2-10 (-9.2 Units) against the money line when playing on Tuesday this season.
BALTIMORE is 141-192 (-66.9 Units) against the money line in home games against division opponents since 1997.
BALTIMORE is 93-106 (-30.5 Units) against the money line in home games in games played on a grass field over the last 3 seasons.
BALTIMORE is 59-70 (-23.7 Units) against the money line in home games in night games over the last 3 seasons.
BALTIMORE is 12-30 (-20.5 Units) against the money line after a loss this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
BALTIMORE is 2-1 (+2.5 Units) against NY YANKEES this season
2 of 3 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+1.0 Units)

ANDY PETTITTE vs. BALTIMORE since 1997
PETTITTE is 15-5 when starting against BALTIMORE with an ERA of 3.87 and a WHIP of 1.526.
His team's record is 15-7 (+5.6 units) in these starts. The OVER is 12-10. (+1.3 units)

JEREMY GUTHRIE vs. NY YANKEES since 1997
No recent starts.




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TEXAS (31 - 45) at DETROIT (45 - 30) - 7:05 PM
WILLIE EYRE (R) vs. NATE ROBERTSON (L)
Top Trends for this game.
DETROIT is 45-30 (+10.2 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
DETROIT is 35-14 (+18.4 Units) against the money line in June games over the last 2 seasons.
DETROIT is 136-88 (+28.7 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
DETROIT is 100-63 (+25.2 Units) against the money line in night games over the last 2 seasons.
DETROIT is 76-34 (+27.4 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 2 seasons.
ROBERTSON is 20-27 (-12.4 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)

Head-to-Head Series History
TEXAS is 2-2 (+1.3 Units) against DETROIT this season
2 of 2 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+2.0 Units)

WILLIE EYRE vs. DETROIT since 1997
No recent starts.

NATE ROBERTSON vs. TEXAS since 1997
ROBERTSON is 3-4 when starting against TEXAS with an ERA of 3.86 and a WHIP of 1.143.
His team's record is 4-5 (-0.8 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 5-3. (+1.7 units)




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


OAKLAND (39 - 36) at CLEVELAND (44 - 31) - 7:05 PM
DAN HAREN (R) vs. CLIFF LEE (L)
Top Trends for this game.
OAKLAND is 135-109 (+18.0 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
OAKLAND is 64-57 (+15.7 Units) against the money line in road games over the last 2 seasons.
OAKLAND is 31-18 (+14.7 Units) against the money line in June games over the last 2 seasons.
OAKLAND is 125-99 (+17.2 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
OAKLAND is 60-50 (+18.9 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.
HAREN is 14-2 (+12.5 Units) against the money line in June games over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
CLEVELAND is 45-67 (-33.7 Units) against the money line at home when the total is 8 to 8.5 since 1997.
CLEVELAND is 20-29 (-17.5 Units) against the money line in June games over the last 2 seasons.
CLEVELAND is 80-85 (-18.3 Units) against the money line in night games over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
OAKLAND is 2-2 (+0.4 Units) against CLEVELAND this season
2 of 3 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+1.1 Units)

DAN HAREN vs. CLEVELAND since 1997
HAREN is 1-2 when starting against CLEVELAND with an ERA of 6.45 and a WHIP of 1.925.
His team's record is 2-2 (-0.5 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 1-1. (+0.0 units)

CLIFF LEE vs. OAKLAND since 1997
LEE is 2-1 when starting against OAKLAND with an ERA of 3.00 and a WHIP of 1.400.
His team's record is 3-2 (+1.0 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 3-2. (+1.0 units)




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CHI WHITE SOX (30 - 42) at TAMPA BAY (33 - 41) - 7:10 PM
JON GARLAND (R) vs. JAMES SHIELDS (R)
Top Trends for this game.
CHI WHITE SOX are 30-42 (-13.2 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
CHI WHITE SOX are 15-23 (-10.5 Units) against the money line when the total is 9 to 9.5 this season.
CHI WHITE SOX are 6-17 (-13.1 Units) against the money line in June games this season.
GARLAND is 1-8 (-9.0 Units) against the money line when the total is 9 to 9.5 this season. (Team's Record)
TAMPA BAY is 100-102 (+17.1 Units) against the money line in home games over the last 3 seasons.
TAMPA BAY is 55-49 (+16.9 Units) against the money line at home when the total is 9 to 9.5 over the last 3 seasons.
TAMPA BAY is 71-70 (+14.7 Units) against the money line in home games in night games over the last 3 seasons.
TAMPA BAY is 33-25 (+15.5 Units) against the money line in home games after a loss over the last 2 seasons.
CHI WHITE SOX are 38-27 (+15.3 Units) against the money line as a road underdog of +100 to +125 over the last 3 seasons.
CHI WHITE SOX are 114-89 (+22.5 Units) against the money line in road games over the last 3 seasons.
CHI WHITE SOX are 169-109 (+41.1 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters over the last 3 seasons.
CHI WHITE SOX are 141-90 (+29.9 Units) against the money line after a win over the last 3 seasons.
GARLAND is 8-1 (+7.9 Units) against the money line as a road underdog of +100 to +125 over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
GARLAND is 17-6 (+13.9 Units) against the money line in road games after a win over the last 3 seasons. (Team's Record)
TAMPA BAY is 32-58 (-25.0 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
CHI WHITE SOX is 2-1 (+0.9 Units) against TAMPA BAY this season
2 of 3 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+0.9 Units)

JON GARLAND vs. TAMPA BAY since 1997
GARLAND is 4-1 when starting against TAMPA BAY with an ERA of 3.71 and a WHIP of 1.238.
His team's record is 5-3 (+0.6 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 6-1. (+4.8 units)

JAMES SHIELDS vs. CHI WHITE SOX since 1997
SHIELDS is 0-0 when starting against CHI WHITE SOX with an ERA of 5.14 and a WHIP of 1.857.
His team's record is 0-1 (-1.0 units) in these starts. The OVER is 1-0. (+1.0 units)




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TORONTO (38 - 37) at MINNESOTA (38 - 36) - 8:10 PM
SHAUN MARCUM (R) vs. SCOTT BAKER (R)
Top Trends for this game.
TORONTO is 57-67 (-20.8 Units) against the money line after a win over the last 2 seasons.
TORONTO is 5-14 (-12.5 Units) against the money line after 3 or more consecutive wins over the last 2 seasons.
TORONTO is 39-23 (+22.2 Units) against the money line when playing on Tuesday over the last 3 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
MINNESOTA is 2-2 (+0.0 Units) against TORONTO this season
2 of 4 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=-0.1 Units, Under=-0.2 Units)

SHAUN MARCUM vs. MINNESOTA since 1997
MARCUM is 0-1 when starting against MINNESOTA with an ERA of 7.20 and a WHIP of 2.000.
His team's record is 0-1 (-1.0 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 1-0. (+1.0 units)

SCOTT BAKER vs. TORONTO since 1997
BAKER is 0-0 when starting against TORONTO with an ERA of 5.07 and a WHIP of 1.689.
His team's record is 1-0 (+1.0 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 1-0. (+1.0 units)




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BOSTON (48 - 27) at SEATTLE (40 - 33) - 10:05 PM
KASON GABBARD (L) vs. FELIX HERNANDEZ (R)
Top Trends for this game.
SEATTLE is 40-33 (+9.5 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
SEATTLE is 32-17 (+15.3 Units) against the money line in June games over the last 2 seasons.
SEATTLE is 38-32 (+8.6 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
SEATTLE is 30-22 (+9.9 Units) against the money line in night games this season.
SEATTLE is 14-6 (+10.3 Units) against the money line against left-handed starters this season.
SEATTLE is 65-51 (+14.5 Units) against the money line after a win over the last 2 seasons.
BOSTON is 48-27 (+13.7 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
BOSTON is 37-17 (+16.9 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.
BOSTON is 19-7 (+11.6 Units) against the money line after a loss this season.
BOSTON is 26-12 (+11.5 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record this season.
SEATTLE is 71-67 (-32.4 Units) against the money line in home games after 3 or more consecutive wins since 1997.

Head-to-Head Series History
SEATTLE is 2-2 (+0.9 Units) against BOSTON this season
3 of 4 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+2.0 Units)

KASON GABBARD vs. SEATTLE since 1997
GABBARD is 0-1 when starting against SEATTLE with an ERA of 3.38 and a WHIP of 1.876.
His team's record is 0-1 (-1.0 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 1-0. (+1.0 units)

FELIX HERNANDEZ vs. BOSTON since 1997
HERNANDEZ is 2-0 when starting against BOSTON with an ERA of 1.13 and a WHIP of 0.563.
His team's record is 2-0 (+2.6 units) in these starts. The OVER is 0-2. (-2.2 units)




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KANSAS CITY (31 - 46) at LA ANGELS (49 - 28) - 10:05 PM
GIL MECHE (R) vs. ERVIN SANTANA (R)
Top Trends for this game.
LA ANGELS are 49-28 (+12.7 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
LA ANGELS are 49-28 (+12.7 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
LA ANGELS are 34-16 (+12.4 Units) against the money line in night games this season.
LA ANGELS are 37-21 (+10.5 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.
SANTANA is 19-5 (+13.1 Units) against the money line in home games over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
SANTANA is 19-5 (+13.1 Units) against the money line in home games in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
SANTANA is 22-6 (+15.0 Units) against the money line in home games in night games over the last 3 seasons. (Team's Record)
KANSAS CITY is 25-25 (+13.1 Units) against the money line in June games over the last 2 seasons.
KANSAS CITY is 72-99 (+21.3 Units) against the money line in night games over the last 2 seasons.
KANSAS CITY is 74-95 (+28.8 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters over the last 2 seasons.
KANSAS CITY is 58-81 (+22.4 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.
MECHE is 13-5 (+10.0 Units) against the money line when the total is 8 to 8.5 over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
MECHE is 14-7 (+9.4 Units) against the money line after a win over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
MECHE is 47-35 (+22.1 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record since 1997. (Team's Record)
LA ANGELS are 72-74 (-46.7 Units) against the money line as a home favorite of -150 to -175 since 1997.

Head-to-Head Series History
KANSAS CITY is 3-2 (+2.7 Units) against LA ANGELS this season
4 of 5 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+2.7 Units)

GIL MECHE vs. LA ANGELS since 1997
MECHE is 6-2 when starting against LA ANGELS with an ERA of 5.07 and a WHIP of 1.351.
His team's record is 9-7 (+3.6 units) in these starts. The OVER is 9-7. (+1.5 units)

ERVIN SANTANA vs. KANSAS CITY since 1997
SANTANA is 1-1 when starting against KANSAS CITY with an ERA of 5.19 and a WHIP of 1.847.
His team's record is 1-2 (-2.1 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 2-1. (+0.9 units)




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[Udog]

MLB
Hot Lines


Tuesday, June 26


Boston Red Sox at Seattle Mariners (-133, 9)

The Red Sox are being overprotective with Jon Lester. The southpaw has been impressive in the minors while recovering from lymphoma, and with Curt Schilling on the shelf, many expected Lester to fill in.

Boston management elected to go in a different direction, calling up Kason Gabbard to pitch today instead. Red Sox manager Terry Francona hinted Gabbard would probably stay in the rotation until Schilling is able to return.

“We’ve got no problem pitching Gabbard,” Francona told the Boston Herald.

Boston’s offense has been inconsistent in June. The team has a bad habit of going boom or bust in terms of its run production.

Pick: Mariners –133



New York Yankees at Baltimore Orioles (+141, 9)

It’s a simple formula: when the Yankees hit they win and when they don’t hit, they lose. Some may point to Jason Giambi’s absence and Johnny Damon’s calf injury as a source of the recent offensive slump (19 runs in their last six games), but the key to New York’s attack is Bobby Abreu.

Abreu started the season in a tailspin, then kicked off a 13-game hitting streak in June. He batted .440 and drove in 14 runs in leading the Yankees to an 11-2 spurt. He’s cooled off again and not surprisingly the Yankees have too.

The right fielder is batting .152 (including 0-for-10 with runners in scoring position in his last nine games) and the Yankees have gone 3-6 during that period.

“He is off the ball again,” Torre told the New York Post after resting Abreu on Sunday. “When he gets cold he gets cold. It’s all based on mechanics.”

When Abreu is at his best he is patient at the plate, draws walks, drives the ball to the gaps and steals bases. When he’s not at his best, Alex Rodriguez is just about all the offense the Yankees can depend on in the middle of the order.

Pick: Orioles +141



Los Angeles Dodgers at Arizona Diamondbacks (-102, 10)

Nomar Garciaparra will move to third base at the request of manager Grady Little even though Garciaparra has made only 34 major league starts at the position.

“Whatever’s best for the team to help us win, that’s really what it’s all about,” Garciaparra told the Los Angeles Times. “Everyone out there with this uniform on feels the exact same way I do, and that’s what I love about this team.”

The move will allow Little to put hot-hitting James Loney at first base and dispels him of the headache Wilson Betemit and Tony Abreu were causing at third base.

“Nothing is a last resort,” Little said. “We still have hopes that Wilson will get it going. We still have hopes that this kid will have that rhythm that he was in the last half of the season for us last year, but it hasn’t happened yet, so we have to look for some other options right now.”

Los Angeles backers should be concerned about how the injury-prone Garciaparra will deal with the strain of playing third every day.

Pick: Dodgers -106

[Udog]

MLB
Dunkel


NY Yankees at Baltimore
Interim manager Dave Trembley guided the Orioles to a respectable 3-3 road trip in San Diego and Arizona after taking over for the fired Sam Perlozzo. Today the Birds will open a home series with the emerging ace of the staff, Jeremy Guthrie. The surprising rookie owns the second best ERA in the A.L. and went at least seven innings for the eighth straight start in a 7-1 win over the Padres last Wednesday. With the Yanks stumbling through a 1-5 road trip, the O's look like a good home underdog pick (+150) in this one according to Dunkel, which has Baltimore favored straight up by 1. Dunkel Pick: Baltimore (+150). Here are all of today's games.

TUESDAY, JUNE 26

Game 901-902: Pittsburgh at Florida
Dunkel Ratings: Pittsburgh (Maholm) 13.995; Florida (Willis) 13.680
Dunkel Line: Pittsburgh by 1/2; 8 1/2
Vegas Line: Florida (-175); 9 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Pittsburgh (+175); Under

Game 903-904: Cincinnati at Philadelphia
Dunkel Ratings: Cincinnati (Bailey) 16.110; Philadelphia (Kendrick) 16.819
Dunkel Line: Philadelphia by 1; 11
Vegas Line: Philadelphia (-165); 10
Dunkel Pick: Philadelphia (-165); Over

Game 905-906: St. Louis at NY Mets
Dunkel Ratings: St. Louis (Wellemeyer) 15.569; NY Mets (Perez) 16.164
Dunkel Line: NY Mets by 1/2; 10
Vegas Line: NY Mets (-200); 9
Dunkel Pick: NY Mets (-200); Over

Game 907-908: Washington at Atlanta
Dunkel Ratings: Washington (Bacsik) 14.694; Atlanta (Carlyle) 14.384
Dunkel Line: Washington by 1/2; 8 1/2
Vegas Line: Atlanta (-150); 10
Dunkel Pick: Washington (+150); Under

Game 909-910: Colorado at Chicago Cubs
Dunkel Ratings: Colorado (Lopez) 17.586; Cubs (Lilly) 16.330
Dunkel Line: Colorado by 1; 11
Vegas Line: Chicago Cubs (-145); No Run Line
Dunkel Pick: Colorado (+145); N/A

Game 911-912: Houston at Milwaukee
Dunkel Ratings: Houston (Rodriguez) 15.569; Milwaukee (Vargas) 18.900
Dunkel Line: Milwaukee by 3 1/2; 10
Vegas Line: Milwaukee (-160); 9
Dunkel Pick: Milwaukee (-160); Over

Game 913-914: LA Dodgers at Arizona
Dunkel Ratings: LA Dodgers (Billingsley) 16.157; Arizona (Gonzalez) 17.412
Dunkel Line: Arizona by 1 1/2; 9 1/2
Vegas Line: LA Dodgers (-110); 10
Dunkel Pick: Arizona (+110); Under

Game 915-916: San Diego at San Francisco
Dunkel Ratings: San Diego (Wells) 15.852; San Francisco (Zito) 13.934
Dunkel Line: San Diego by 2; 7 1/2
Vegas Line: San Francisco (-115); 8 1/2
Dunkel Pick: San Diego (+115); Under

Game 917-918: NY Yankees at Baltimore
Dunkel Ratings: NY Yankees (Pettitte) 15.849; Baltimore (Guthrie) 16.962
Dunkel Line: Baltimore by 1; 9
Vegas Line: NY Yankees (-150); 8 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Baltimore (+150); Over

Game 919-920: Texas at Detroit
Dunkel Ratings: Texas (Eyre) 15.966; Detroit (Robertson) 17.737
Dunkel Line: Detroit by 2; 10 1/2
Vegas Line: No Line
Dunkel Pick: N/A

Game 921-922: Oakland at Cleveland
Dunkel Ratings: Oakland (Haren) 15.750; Cleveland (Lee) 16.433
Dunkel Line: Cleveland by 1/2; 9
Vegas Line: Oakland (-140); 8 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Cleveland (+140); Over

Game 923-924: Chicago White Sox at Tampa Bay
Dunkel Ratings: White Sox (Garland) 13.192; Tampa Bay (Shields) 16.028
Dunkel Line: Tampa Bay by 3; 9
Vegas Line: Tampa Bay (-150); 8 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Tampa Bay (-150); Over

Game 925-926: Toronto at Minnesota
Dunkel Ratings: Toronto (Marcum) 18.920; Minnesota (Baker) 15.597
Dunkel Line: Toronto by 3 1/2; 10
Vegas Line: Toronto (-120); 9
Dunkel Pick: Toronto (-120); Over

Game 927-928: Boston at Seattle
Dunkel Ratings: Boston (Gabbard) 16.575; Seattle (Hernandez) 16.215
Dunkel Line: Boston by 1/2; 10
Vegas Line: Seattle (-150); 9
Dunkel Pick: Boston (+150); Over

Game 929-930: Kansas City at LA Angels
Dunkel Ratings: Kansas City (Meche) 15.496; LA Angels (Santana) 17.332
Dunkel Line: LA Angels by 2; 9
Vegas Line: LA Angels (-175); 8 1/2
Dunkel Pick: LA Angels (-175); Over

[Udog]

MLB
70% Situation


MLB (Tuesday): Play Under MLB (NL) teams when the total is 10 or higher with a team batting average of .255 to .269 versus a starting pitcher whose ERA is 4.20 to 5.20 during the first half of the season.
(35-11 last 5 seasons.) (76.1%) PLAY: Washington / Atlanta UNDER 10 (-120)