Sunday Trends and Indexes 04/20

[pm530]

National Hockey League – Long Sheet

NHL
Long Sheet


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Sunday, April 20
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DETROIT (57-23-0-7, 121 pts.) at NASHVILLE (43-34-0-10, 96 pts.) - 4/20/2008, 3:00 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

Head-to-Head Series History
DETROIT is 18-11 (+1.8 Units) against the spread versus NASHVILLE over the last 3 seasons
DETROIT is 18-11-0 straight up against NASHVILLE over the last 3 seasons
15 of 27 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Under=+1.6 Units)

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ANAHEIM (49-30-0-8, 106 pts.) at DALLAS (48-32-0-7, 103 pts.) - 4/20/2008, 9:00 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

Head-to-Head Series History
DALLAS is 18-11 (+7.2 Units) against the spread versus ANAHEIM over the last 3 seasons
DALLAS is 18-11-0 straight up against ANAHEIM over the last 3 seasons
14 of 25 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Under=+1.7 Units)

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SAN JOSE (52-25-0-10, 114 pts.) at CALGARY (44-33-0-10, 98 pts.) - 4/20/2008, 8:00 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

Head-to-Head Series History
CALGARY is 9-8 (+2.2 Units) against the spread versus SAN JOSE over the last 3 seasons
CALGARY is 9-8-0 straight up against SAN JOSE over the last 3 seasons
7 of 11 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Over=+3.1 Units)

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[pm530]

National Hockey League - Short Sheet

NHL
Short Sheet


Sunday, April 20th

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First Round
Game Six
Detroit Leads, 3-2
Detroit at Nashville, 3:00 ET

Detroit:
41-15 SU off a win or tie
57-30 SU in all games

Nashville:
11-19 SU after playing a game where 4 or fewer goals were scored
18-24 SU revenging a loss

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First Round
Game Six
Dallas Leads, 3-2
Dallas at Anaheim, 9:00 ET

Dallas:
5-11 SU at home after allowing 2+ goals in the 3rd period
6-10 SU at home after playing a game where 7+ goals scored

Anaheim:
11-0 SU off a home win scoring 4+ goals
11-3 SU after a blowout win by 3+ goals

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First Round
Game Six
San Jose Leads, 3-2
San Jose at Calgary, 8:00 ET

San Jose:
18-7 SU as a road favorite of -200 or less
12-2 SU in road games after a close win by 1

Calgary:
6-12 SU after a close loss by 1
13-24 SU when playing only their 2nd game in 5 days

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[pm530]

National Hockey League – Write up

NHL
Write-up


Sunday, April 20

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2008 NHL playoffs
Opening Round

Red Wings are 4-7 in last 11 visits to Music City; home team is 5-0 in series, with Detroit winning Game 5 in OT after they had a 53-20 edge in shots in regulation. Switch to goalie Osgood paid off for Detroit, but Ellis was dynamite in goal for spunky Preds, stopping 52 shots. Wings' Draper won 20 of last 31 faceoffs.

Anaheim won Game 5, scoring two power play goals in just 3:57 with man advantage, while Dallas was 0-7 on power play-- they had man advantage for 13:01. Ducks lost seven of the last nine trips to Dallas; three of last four series games went over total. Underdog won six of last nine series games, but lost last two.

Seven of last eight Calgary-San Jose games were decided by a single goal, with teams teams splitting last six series games that were played in Saddledome. Flames outshot San Jose 36-26 in Game 5 at Shark Tank, still lost 4-3, after being outshot 32-10 in Game 4. Over is 6-1-4 in last eleven series games.

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[pm530]

National Hockey League – Additional

NHL


Sunday, April 20

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Trend Sheet
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3:00 PM DETROIT vs. NASHVILLE
Detroit is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games when playing on the road against Nashville
Detroit is 5-2 SU in its last 7 games when playing Nashville
Nashville is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games
The total has gone UNDER in 8 of Nashville's last 12 games


8:00 PM SAN JOSE vs. CALGARY
San Jose is 11-4 SU in its last 15 games on the road
San Jose is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games on the road
Calgary is 5-2 SU in its last 7 games at home
Calgary is 6-3 SU in its last 9 games when playing at home against San Jose


9:00 PM ANAHEIM vs. DALLAS
Anaheim is 2-7 SU in its last 9 games when playing on the road against Dallas
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Anaheim's last 7 games when playing on the road against Dallas
Dallas is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games
The total has gone OVER in 6 of Dallas's last 8 games

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[Udog]

MLB
Long Sheet


Sunday, April 20


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WASHINGTON (5 - 13) at FLORIDA (10 - 7) - 1:10 PM
ODALIS PEREZ (L) vs. SCOTT OLSEN (L)
Top Trends for this game.
WASHINGTON is 58-45 (+33.5 Units) against the money line when the total is 9 to 9.5 over the last 2 seasons.
WASHINGTON is 25-24 (+15.2 Units) against the money line on the road when the total is 9 to 9.5 over the last 2 seasons.
WASHINGTON is 30-24 (+13.3 Units) against the money line when playing on Sunday over the last 3 seasons.
WASHINGTON is 53-51 (+17.0 Units) against the money line in day games over the last 3 seasons.
WASHINGTON is 51-50 (+15.9 Units) against the money line against left-handed starters over the last 3 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
FLORIDA is 4-1 (+3.6 Units) against WASHINGTON this season
3 of 4 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+2.0 Units)

ODALIS PEREZ vs. FLORIDA since 1997
PEREZ is 2-1 when starting against FLORIDA with an ERA of 3.37 and a WHIP of 1.219.
His team's record is 5-2 (+2.8 units) in these starts. The OVER is 3-2. (+0.8 units)

SCOTT OLSEN vs. WASHINGTON since 1997
OLSEN is 4-3 when starting against WASHINGTON with an ERA of 4.24 and a WHIP of 1.765.
His team's record is 4-5 (-1.5 units) in these starts. The OVER is 5-3. (+1.9 units)

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MILWAUKEE (11 - 6) at CINCINNATI (7 - 11) - 1:15 PM
YOVANI GALLARDO (R) vs. AARON HARANG (R)
Top Trends for this game.
MILWAUKEE is 22-47 (-22.8 Units) against the money line as a road underdog of +100 to +125 over the last 3 seasons.
MILWAUKEE is 66-107 (-35.1 Units) against the money line in road games over the last 3 seasons.
MILWAUKEE is 64-103 (-33.4 Units) against the money line in road games in games played on a grass field over the last 3 seasons.
MILWAUKEE is 48-80 (-26.8 Units) against the money line in road games against right-handed starters over the last 3 seasons.
MILWAUKEE is 26-50 (-21.7 Units) against the money line in road games after a win over the last 3 seasons.
MILWAUKEE is 85-96 (-26.6 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 3 seasons.
HARANG is 26-12 (+13.0 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
HARANG is 26-12 (+13.0 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
CINCINNATI is 218-238 (-54.7 Units) against the money line at home when the total is 9 to 9.5 since 1997.
CINCINNATI is 58-83 (-36.7 Units) against the money line in home games when playing on Sunday since 1997.
CINCINNATI is 17-25 (-14.3 Units) against the money line in home games against division opponents over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
MILWAUKEE is 3-2 (+1.0 Units) against CINCINNATI this season
4 of 5 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+2.9 Units)

YOVANI GALLARDO vs. CINCINNATI since 1997
GALLARDO is 1-0 when starting against CINCINNATI with an ERA of 1.35 and a WHIP of 1.349.
His team's record is 1-0 (+1.0 units) in these starts. The OVER is 0-1. (-1.0 units)

AARON HARANG vs. MILWAUKEE since 1997
HARANG is 5-3 when starting against MILWAUKEE with an ERA of 4.31 and a WHIP of 1.405.
His team's record is 9-6 (+1.9 units) in these starts. The OVER is 9-6. (+2.7 units)

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LA DODGERS (7 - 10) at ATLANTA (8 - 9) - 1:35 PM
HIROKI KURODA (R) vs. JAIR JURRJENS (R)
Top Trends for this game.
LA DODGERS are 1-7 (-7.5 Units) against the money line when the total is 9 to 9.5 this season.
LA DODGERS are 95-60 (+23.6 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 3 seasons.
ATLANTA is 171-170 (-28.9 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 3 seasons.
ATLANTA is 79-85 (-21.9 Units) against the money line when the total is 9 to 9.5 over the last 3 seasons.
ATLANTA is 80-87 (-24.6 Units) against the money line after a win over the last 3 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
ATLANTA is 2-0 (+2.2 Units) against LA DODGERS this season
2 of 2 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+2.0 Units)

HIROKI KURODA vs. ATLANTA since 1997
No recent starts.

JAIR JURRJENS vs. LA DODGERS since 1997
No recent starts.

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COLORADO (9 - 8) at HOUSTON (6 - 12) - 2:05 PM
UBALDO JIMENEZ (R) vs. SHAWN CHACON (R)
Top Trends for this game.
COLORADO is 105-85 (+27.3 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
COLORADO is 44-29 (+18.4 Units) against the money line when the total is 9 to 9.5 over the last 2 seasons.
COLORADO is 48-49 (+12.4 Units) against the money line in road games over the last 2 seasons.
COLORADO is 105-82 (+30.5 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
COLORADO is 79-60 (+28.0 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters over the last 2 seasons.
COLORADO is 59-45 (+19.2 Units) against the money line after a win over the last 2 seasons.
COLORADO is 23-13 (+11.3 Units) against the money line after 3 or more consecutive wins over the last 2 seasons.
HOUSTON is 79-101 (-25.3 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
HOUSTON is 291-298 (-70.9 Units) against the money line when the total is 9 to 9.5 since 1997.
HOUSTON is 79-101 (-25.3 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
HOUSTON is 55-76 (-23.7 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
COLORADO is 2-0 (+2.3 Units) against HOUSTON this season
1 of 2 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=-0.1 Units, Under=-0.2 Units)

UBALDO JIMENEZ vs. HOUSTON since 1997
No recent starts.

SHAWN CHACON vs. COLORADO since 1997
No recent starts.

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SAN FRANCISCO (7 - 11) at ST LOUIS (12 - 6) - 2:15 PM
JONATHAN SANCHEZ (R) vs. BRADEN LOOPER (R)
Top Trends for this game.
SAN FRANCISCO is 78-102 (-24.0 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
SAN FRANCISCO is 19-33 (-17.8 Units) against the money line when playing on Sunday over the last 3 seasons.
SAN FRANCISCO is 21-39 (-19.3 Units) against the money line in day games over the last 2 seasons.
SAN FRANCISCO is 78-102 (-24.0 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
ST LOUIS is 18-9 (+9.6 Units) against the money line when playing on Sunday over the last 2 seasons.
ST LOUIS is 40-17 (+16.8 Units) against the money line in home games in day games over the last 3 seasons.
ST LOUIS is 11-1 (+11.1 Units) against the money line after getting shut out over the last 2 seasons.
ST LOUIS is 28-15 (+12.8 Units) against the money line in home games after a loss over the last 2 seasons.
LOOPER is 9-1 (+8.6 Units) against the money line when the total is 8 to 8.5 over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
SAN FRANCISCO is 338-325 (+36.2 Units) against the money line in road games against right-handed starters since 1997.

Head-to-Head Series History
SAN FRANCISCO is 3-3 (+0.3 Units) against ST LOUIS this season
4 of 6 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+2.1 Units)

JONATHAN SANCHEZ vs. ST LOUIS since 1997
No recent starts.

BRADEN LOOPER vs. SAN FRANCISCO since 1997
LOOPER is 0-1 when starting against SAN FRANCISCO with an ERA of 5.69 and a WHIP of 1.580.
His team's record is 0-1 (-1.0 units) in these starts. The OVER is 1-0. (+1.2 units)

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PITTSBURGH (7 - 10) at CHICAGO CUBS (11 - 6) - 2:20 PM
ZACH DUKE (L) vs. RYAN DEMPSTER (R)
Top Trends for this game.
PITTSBURGH is 3-17 (-13.1 Units) against the money line in road games after allowing 10 runs or more over the last 3 seasons.
PITTSBURGH is 33-78 (-33.6 Units) against the money line in road games after a loss over the last 3 seasons.
PITTSBURGH is 25-64 (-28.9 Units) against the money line in road games when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 3 seasons.
DUKE is 6-23 (-14.8 Units) against the money line in road games over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
DUKE is 6-23 (-14.8 Units) against the money line in road games in games played on a grass field over the last 3 seasons. (Team's Record)
DUKE is 3-16 (-12.7 Units) against the money line in road games after a loss over the last 3 seasons. (Team's Record)
DEMPSTER is 83-82 (+18.4 Units) against the money line in all games since 1997. (Team's Record)
DEMPSTER is 46-30 (+21.3 Units) against the money line in home games since 1997. (Team's Record)
DEMPSTER is 38-31 (+15.9 Units) against the money line against division opponents since 1997. (Team's Record)
DEMPSTER is 46-30 (+21.3 Units) against the money line in home games in games played on a grass field since 1997. (Team's Record)
CHICAGO CUBS are 871-948 (-193.5 Units) against the money line in all games since 1997.
CHICAGO CUBS are 100-92 (-48.2 Units) against the money line as a home favorite of -150 to -175 since 1997.
CHICAGO CUBS are 465-446 (-118.4 Units) against the money line in home games since 1997.
CHICAGO CUBS are 491-508 (-104.7 Units) against the money line in day games since 1997.
CHICAGO CUBS are 816-868 (-172.7 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field since 1997.
CHICAGO CUBS are 411-458 (-122.2 Units) against the money line after a win since 1997.
CHICAGO CUBS are 435-426 (-104.0 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record since 1997.

Head-to-Head Series History
CHICAGO CUBS is 5-0 (+5.0 Units) against PITTSBURGH this season
4 of 5 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+3.0 Units)

ZACH DUKE vs. CHICAGO CUBS since 1997
DUKE is 4-2 when starting against CHICAGO CUBS with an ERA of 2.01 and a WHIP of 1.245.
His team's record is 5-4 (+2.0 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 3-4. (-1.4 units)

RYAN DEMPSTER vs. PITTSBURGH since 1997
DEMPSTER is 3-4 when starting against PITTSBURGH with an ERA of 5.55 and a WHIP of 1.644.
His team's record is 6-7 (-2.2 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 2-9. (-7.5 units)

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SAN DIEGO (8 - 10) at ARIZONA (13 - 4) - 4:10 PM
RANDY WOLF (L) vs. RANDY JOHNSON (L)
Top Trends for this game.
SAN DIEGO is 38-44 (-15.3 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.
ARIZONA is 13-4 (+9.0 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
ARIZONA is 37-24 (+14.2 Units) against the money line when the total is 8 to 8.5 over the last 2 seasons.
ARIZONA is 59-34 (+18.8 Units) against the money line in home games over the last 2 seasons.
ARIZONA is 28-15 (+11.7 Units) against the money line in April games over the last 2 seasons.
ARIZONA is 12-2 (+10.1 Units) against the money line against division opponents this season.
ARIZONA is 13-4 (+9.0 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
ARIZONA is 34-19 (+16.7 Units) against the money line against left-handed starters over the last 2 seasons.
ARIZONA is 67-38 (+29.1 Units) against the money line after a win over the last 2 seasons.
ARIZONA is 28-15 (+13.1 Units) against the money line after 3 or more consecutive wins over the last 2 seasons.
ARIZONA is 52-31 (+18.2 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 2 seasons.
SAN DIEGO is 34-21 (+15.6 Units) against the money line in road games in day games over the last 3 seasons.
WOLF is 22-10 (+12.0 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)

Head-to-Head Series History
ARIZONA is 2-0 (+2.0 Units) against SAN DIEGO this season
1 of 1 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+1.0 Units)

RANDY WOLF vs. ARIZONA since 1997
WOLF is 5-2 when starting against ARIZONA with an ERA of 4.11 and a WHIP of 1.462.
His team's record is 7-3 (+5.9 units) in these starts. The OVER is 5-5. (-0.8 units)

RANDY JOHNSON vs. SAN DIEGO since 1997
JOHNSON is 13-6 when starting against SAN DIEGO with an ERA of 2.40 and a WHIP of 1.025.
His team's record is 15-9 (-3.6 units) in these starts. The OVER is 11-10. (-0.0 units)

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NY METS (10 - 6) at PHILADELPHIA (8 - 10) - 8:05 PM
MIKE PELFREY (R) vs. ADAM EATON (R)
Top Trends for this game.
PELFREY is 0-7 (-8.4 Units) against the money line after 3 or more consecutive wins over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
PHILADELPHIA is 93-56 (+28.1 Units) against the money line in home games when playing on Sunday since 1997.
EATON is 52-42 (+20.0 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record since 1997. (Team's Record)
NY METS are 100-73 (+20.5 Units) against the money line in road games over the last 3 seasons.
NY METS are 98-72 (+19.5 Units) against the money line in road games in games played on a grass field over the last 3 seasons.
NY METS are 72-51 (+18.4 Units) against the money line in road games against right-handed starters over the last 3 seasons.
NY METS are 59-38 (+18.6 Units) against the money line in road games after a win over the last 3 seasons.
PHILADELPHIA is 16-22 (-13.2 Units) against the money line in home games in April games over the last 3 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
NY METS is 4-1 (+2.5 Units) against PHILADELPHIA this season
3 of 5 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+0.7 Units)

MIKE PELFREY vs. PHILADELPHIA since 1997
PELFREY is 1-1 when starting against PHILADELPHIA with an ERA of 3.60 and a WHIP of 1.400.
His team's record is 1-1 (+0.0 units) in these starts. The OVER is 1-1. (-0.1 units)

ADAM EATON vs. NY METS since 1997
EATON is 5-0 when starting against NY METS with an ERA of 2.90 and a WHIP of 1.107.
His team's record is 7-1 (+7.8 units) in these starts. The OVER is 3-5. (-2.3 units)

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DETROIT (6 - 12) at TORONTO (9 - 9) - 1:07 PM
NATE ROBERTSON (L) vs. A.J. BURNETT (R)
Top Trends for this game.
DETROIT is 1-8 (-9.1 Units) against the money line when the total is 9 to 9.5 this season.
DETROIT is 0-9 (-12.7 Units) against the money line in day games this season.
DETROIT is 3-11 (-11.7 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.
ROBERTSON is 12-21 (-14.4 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
ROBERTSON is 14-23 (-13.5 Units) against the money line when the total is 9 to 9.5 over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
ROBERTSON is 7-17 (-12.6 Units) against the money line after a loss over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
TORONTO is 53-38 (+14.7 Units) against the money line when the total is 9 to 9.5 over the last 2 seasons.
TORONTO is 32-13 (+15.3 Units) against the money line at home when the total is 9 to 9.5 over the last 2 seasons.
DETROIT is 100-80 (+21.4 Units) against the money line in road games over the last 3 seasons.
TORONTO is 41-50 (-15.6 Units) against the money line after a win over the last 2 seasons.
BURNETT is 2-8 (-10.1 Units) against the money line in day games over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)

Head-to-Head Series History
TORONTO is 1-1 (-0.1 Units) against DETROIT this season
1 of 2 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+0.0 Units)

NATE ROBERTSON vs. TORONTO since 1997
ROBERTSON is 3-2 when starting against TORONTO with an ERA of 4.98 and a WHIP of 1.514.
His team's record is 3-3 (-0.8 units) in these starts. The OVER is 3-3. (-0.4 units)

A.J. BURNETT vs. DETROIT since 1997
BURNETT is 1-1 when starting against DETROIT with an ERA of 9.88 and a WHIP of 1.757.
His team's record is 1-2 (-1.5 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 0-3. (-3.2 units)

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TEXAS (7 - 11) at BOSTON (12 - 7) - 1:35 PM
KEVIN MILLWOOD (R) vs. TIM WAKEFIELD (R)
Top Trends for this game.
BOSTON is 22-5 (+13.3 Units) against the money line in home games in day games over the last 2 seasons.
TEXAS is 45-45 (+19.2 Units) against the money line in road games when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 3 seasons.
BOSTON is 303-236 (-54.9 Units) against the money line in home games after a win since 1997.

Head-to-Head Series History
BOSTON is 2-0 (+2.0 Units) against TEXAS this season
1 of 2 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+0.0 Units)

KEVIN MILLWOOD vs. BOSTON since 1997
MILLWOOD is 4-3 when starting against BOSTON with an ERA of 4.15 and a WHIP of 1.253.
His team's record is 6-4 (+3.1 units) in these starts. The OVER is 3-6. (-3.8 units)

TIM WAKEFIELD vs. TEXAS since 1997
WAKEFIELD is 6-9 when starting against TEXAS with an ERA of 5.53 and a WHIP of 1.382.
His team's record is 8-10 (-5.0 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 9-9. (-1.2 units)

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NY YANKEES (9 - 10) at BALTIMORE (11 - 7) - 1:35 PM
ANDY PETTITTE (L) vs. STEVE TRACHSEL (R)
Top Trends for this game.
NY YANKEES are 104-81 (-20.5 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
NY YANKEES are 9-16 (-16.4 Units) against the money line as a road favorite of -150 to -175 over the last 2 seasons.
NY YANKEES are 127-85 (-51.5 Units) against the money line as a road favorite of -175 or more since 1997.
NY YANKEES are 46-47 (-15.8 Units) against the money line in road games over the last 2 seasons.
NY YANKEES are 18-24 (-17.5 Units) against the money line in April games over the last 2 seasons.
NY YANKEES are 30-30 (-18.2 Units) against the money line in day games over the last 2 seasons.
NY YANKEES are 90-72 (-22.0 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
PETTITTE is 4-10 (-11.9 Units) against the money line in April games over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
BALTIMORE is 9-2 (+7.9 Units) against the money line in home games in April games this season.
BALTIMORE is 55-88 (-52.8 Units) against the money line in home games when playing on Sunday since 1997.
BALTIMORE is 37-61 (-27.4 Units) against the money line against left-handed starters over the last 3 seasons.
TRACHSEL is 16-39 (-23.7 Units) against the money line when playing on Sunday since 1997. (Team's Record)
TRACHSEL is 54-82 (-28.0 Units) against the money line in day games since 1997. (Team's Record)

Head-to-Head Series History
BALTIMORE is 2-0 (+2.8 Units) against NY YANKEES this season
2 of 2 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+2.0 Units)

ANDY PETTITTE vs. BALTIMORE since 1997
PETTITTE is 17-6 when starting against BALTIMORE with an ERA of 4.01 and a WHIP of 1.546.
His team's record is 17-9 (+4.8 units) in these starts. The OVER is 13-13. (-0.8 units)

STEVE TRACHSEL vs. NY YANKEES since 1997
TRACHSEL is 4-4 when starting against NY YANKEES with an ERA of 3.63 and a WHIP of 1.290.
His team's record is 4-6 (+0.5 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 6-4. (+1.5 units)

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CHI WHITE SOX (10 - 7) at TAMPA BAY (8 - 10) - 1:40 PM
JOHN DANKS (L) vs. EDWIN JACKSON (R)
Top Trends for this game.
TAMPA BAY is 17-11 (+11.3 Units) against the money line when playing on Sunday over the last 2 seasons.
CHI WHITE SOX are 136-120 (+31.7 Units) against the money line as a road underdog of +100 to +125 since 1997.
CHI WHITE SOX are 716-610 (+73.8 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters since 1997.
CHI WHITE SOX are 49-29 (+25.1 Units) against the money line after getting shut out since 1997.

Head-to-Head Series History
TAMPA BAY is 1-1 (+0.0 Units) against CHI WHITE SOX this season
1 of 2 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+0.1 Units)

JOHN DANKS vs. TAMPA BAY since 1997
DANKS is 1-0 when starting against TAMPA BAY with an ERA of 7.20 and a WHIP of 1.600.
His team's record is 1-0 (+1.2 units) in these starts. The OVER is 0-1. (-1.2 units)

EDWIN JACKSON vs. CHI WHITE SOX since 1997
JACKSON is 0-0 when starting against CHI WHITE SOX with an ERA of 6.00 and a WHIP of 1.667.
His team's record is 0-1 (-1.0 units) in these starts. The OVER is 0-1. (-1.1 units)

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CLEVELAND (7 - 11) at MINNESOTA (8 - 10) - 2:10 PM
PAUL BYRD (R) vs. SCOTT BAKER (R)
Top Trends for this game.
BAKER is 9-2 (+8.8 Units) against the money line after a win over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
CLEVELAND is 52-27 (+16.4 Units) against the money line against division opponents over the last 2 seasons.
BYRD is 12-1 (+10.3 Units) against the money line against division opponents over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
MINNESOTA is 34-50 (-23.8 Units) against the money line against division opponents over the last 2 seasons.
MINNESOTA is 47-51 (-21.2 Units) against the money line in games played on artificial turf over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
MINNESOTA is 1-1 (+0.1 Units) against CLEVELAND this season
2 of 2 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+2.1 Units)

PAUL BYRD vs. MINNESOTA since 1997
BYRD is 10-3 when starting against MINNESOTA with an ERA of 3.81 and a WHIP of 1.224.
His team's record is 11-5 (+7.4 units) in these starts. The OVER is 9-7. (+1.5 units)

SCOTT BAKER vs. CLEVELAND since 1997
BAKER is 2-4 when starting against CLEVELAND with an ERA of 4.12 and a WHIP of 1.628.
His team's record is 3-4 (-0.8 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 4-3. (+0.7 units)

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SEATTLE (9 - 10) at LA ANGELS (12 - 7) - 3:35 PM
MIGUEL BATISTA (R) vs. DUSTIN MOSELEY (R)
Top Trends for this game.
LA ANGELS are 87-56 (+17.8 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters over the last 2 seasons.
SEATTLE is 97-84 (+16.0 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
SEATTLE is 90-76 (+16.3 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
BATISTA is 39-29 (+15.3 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
BATISTA is 63-43 (+23.6 Units) against the money line when the total is 9 to 9.5 since 1997. (Team's Record)
BATISTA is 37-25 (+17.2 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
LA ANGELS are 83-88 (-35.9 Units) against the money line in home games in day games since 1997.
LA ANGELS are 12-18 (-13.9 Units) against the money line after 3 or more consecutive wins over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
LA ANGELS is 3-2 (+0.9 Units) against SEATTLE this season
3 of 4 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+2.2 Units)

MIGUEL BATISTA vs. LA ANGELS since 1997
BATISTA is 4-4 when starting against LA ANGELS with an ERA of 6.32 and a WHIP of 1.681.
His team's record is 4-4 (+0.7 units) in these starts. The OVER is 4-4. (-0.2 units)

DUSTIN MOSELEY vs. SEATTLE since 1997
No recent starts.

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KANSAS CITY (9 - 9) at OAKLAND (11 - 8) - 4:05 PM
LUKE HOCHEVAR (R) vs. DANA EVELAND (L)
Top Trends for this game.
KANSAS CITY is 21-16 (+11.6 Units) against the money line when the total is 8 to 8.5 over the last 2 seasons.
KANSAS CITY is 84-114 (+25.3 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 3 seasons.
OAKLAND is 31-36 (-14.1 Units) against the money line in home games against right-handed starters over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
OAKLAND is 2-0 (+2.1 Units) against KANSAS CITY this season
2 of 2 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+2.0 Units)

LUKE HOCHEVAR vs. OAKLAND since 1997
No recent starts.

DANA EVELAND vs. KANSAS CITY since 1997
No recent starts.

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[Udog]

MLB
Dunkel


Washington at Florida
The Nats blew a three-run lead yesterday for their eighth loss in 10 games and have to face Florida starter Scott Olsen, who is 2-0 with a 3.05 ERA in his three starts this season. Florida is the pick (-130) according to Dunkel, which has the Marlins favored by 2. Dunkel Pick: Florida (-130). Here are all of today's games.

SUNDAY, APRIL 20

Game 901-902: Washington at Florida
Dunkel Ratings: Washington (Perez) 13.120; Florida (Olsen) 14.847
Dunkel Line: Florida by 2; 8 1/2
Vegas Line: Florida (-130); 9
Dunkel Pick: Florida (-130); Under

Game 903-904: Milwaukee at Cincinnati
Dunkel Ratings: Milwaukee (Gallardo) 14.987; Cincinnati (Harang) 14.461
Dunkel Line: Milwaukee by 1/2; 8
Vegas Line: Cincinnati (-140); 9
Dunkel Pick: Milwaukee (+130); Under

Game 905-906: LA Dodgers at Atlanta
Dunkel Ratings: LA Dodgers (Kuroda) 15.105; Atlanta (Jurrjens) 16.038
Dunkel Line: Atlanta by 1; 8 1/2
Vegas Line: LA Dodgers (-110); 9 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Atlanta (+100); Under

Game 907-908: Colorado at Houston
Dunkel Ratings: Colorado (Jimenez) 15.770; Houston (Chacon) 14.896
Dunkel Line: Colorado by 1; 8
Vegas Line: Houston (-125); 9
Dunkel Pick: Colorado (+115); Under

Game 909-910: San Francisco at St. Louis
Dunkel Ratings: San Francisco (Sanchez) 14.677; St. Louis (Looper) 15.505
Dunkel Line: St. Louis by 1; 7 1/2
Vegas Line: St. Louis (-155); 8
Dunkel Pick: St. Louis (-155); Under

Game 911-912: Pittsburgh at Chicago Cubs
Dunkel Ratings: Pittsburgh (Duke) 13.901; Chicago Cubs (Dempster) 15.083
Dunkel Line: Chicago Cubs by 1; 10 1/2
Vegas Line: Chicago Cubs (-175); No Run Line
Dunkel Pick: Chicago Cubs (-175); N/A

Game 913-914: San Diego at Arizona
Dunkel Ratings: San Diego (Wolf) 14.338; Arizona (Johnson) 16.190
Dunkel Line: Arizona by 1 1/2; 10
Vegas Line: Arizona (-145); 9
Dunkel Pick: Arizona (-145); Over

Game 915-916: NY Mets at Philadelphia
Dunkel Ratings: NY Mets (Pelfrey) 15.764; Philadelphia (Eaton) 15.202
Dunkel Line: NY Mets by 1/2; 9
Vegas Line: NY Mets (-110); 10
Dunkel Pick: NY Mets (-110); Under

Game 917-918: Detroit at Toronto
Dunkel Ratings: Detroit (Robertson) 14.935; Toronto (Burnett) 14.699
Dunkel Line: Detroit by 1/2; 10
Vegas Line: Toronto (-130); 9 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Detroit (+120); Over

Game 919-920: Texas at Boston
Dunkel Ratings: Texas (Millwood) 15.073; Boston (Wakefield) 16.470
Dunkel Line: Boston by 1 1/2; 9 1/2
Vegas Line: Boston (-160); 10 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Boston (-160); Under

Game 921-922: NY Yankees at Baltimore
Dunkel Ratings: NY Yankees (Pettitte) 16.408; Baltimore (Trachsel) 14.738
Dunkel Line: NY Yankees by 1 1/2; 9
Vegas Line: NY Yankees (-160); 10
Dunkel Pick: NY Yankees (-160); Under

Game 923-924: Chicago White Sox at Tampa Bay
Dunkel Ratings: White Sox (Danks) 15.447; Tampa Bay (Jackson) 15.463
Dunkel Line: Tampa Bay by 1/2; 9
Vegas Line: Tampa Bay (-125); 9 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Tampa Bay (-125); Under

Game 925-926: Cleveland at Minnesota
Dunkel Ratings: Cleveland (Byrd) 14.508; Minnesota (Baker) 14.922
Dunkel Line: Minnesota by 1/2; 7 1/2
Vegas Line: Cleveland (-110); 9
Dunkel Pick: Minnesota (+100); Under

Game 927-928: Seattle at LA Angels
Dunkel Ratings: Seattle (Batista) 15.847; LA Angels (Moseley) 15.873
Dunkel Line: Seattle by 1/2; 8
Vegas Line: LA Angels (-145); 9 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Seattle (+135); Under

Game 929-930: Kansas City at Oakland
Dunkel Ratings: Kansas City (Hochevar) 14.287; Oakland (Eveland) 15.226
Dunkel Line: Oakland by 1; 10
Vegas Line: No Line
Dunkel Pick: N/A

[Udog]

NBA
Dunkel


Toronto at Orlando
The Raptors, who were just 4-11 ATS when playing against winning teams in the second half of the season, open up against an Orlando team that went 7-2 ATS down the stretch of the regular season. The Magic are the pick (-6 1/2) according to Dunkel, which has Orlando favored by 11 1/2. Dunkel Pick: Orlando (-6 1/2). Here are all of today's games.

SUNDAY, APRIL 20

Game 709-710: Toronto at Orlando
Dunkel Ratings: Toronto 116.044; Orlando 127.723
Dunkel Line & Total: Orlando by 11 1/2; 194
Vegas Line & Total: Orlando by 6 1/2; 196 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Orlando (-6 1/2); Under

Game 711-712: Denver at LA Lakers
Dunkel Ratings: Denver 118.906; LA Lakers 130.074
Dunkel Line & Total: LA Lakers by 11; 227
Vegas Line & Total: LA Lakers by 8 1/2; 224
Dunkel Pick: LA Lakers (-8 1/2); Over

Game 713-714: Philadelphia at Detroit
Dunkel Ratings: Philadelphia 114.987; Detroit 126.201
Dunkel Line & Total: Detroit by 11 1/2; 177
Vegas Line & Total: Detroit by 9 1/2; 179 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Detroit (-9 1/2); Under

Game 715-716: Atlanta at Boston
Dunkel Ratings: Atlanta 113.588; Boston 131.214
Dunkel Line & Total: Boston by 18; 180
Vegas Line & Total: Boston by 15; 189
Dunkel Pick: Boston (-15); Under

[Udog]

NHL
Dunkel


Detroit at Nashville
The Predators will try to stave off elimination tonight, but don't look to be empty-handed after taking the previous two contests at home and coming in with a hot goaltender in Dan Ellis, who had 52 saves in Game Five. Nashville is the underdog pick (+135) according to Dunkel, which has the Predators favored straight up by 1/2 a goal. Dunkel Pick: Nashville (+135). Here are all of today's games.

SUNDAY, APRIL 20

Game 31-32: Detroit at Nashville
Dunkel Ratings: Detroit 11.474; Nashville 11.704
Dunkel Line & Total: Nashville by 1/2; 5 1/2
Vegas Line & Total: Detroit (-155); 5
Dunkel Pick: Nashville (+135); Over

Game 37-38: Anaheim at Dallas
Dunkel Ratings: Anaheim 11.952; Dallas 11.519
Dunkel Line & Total: Anaheim by 1/2; 5 1/2
Vegas Line & Total: Dallas (-140); 5
Dunkel Pick: Anaheim (+120); Over

Game 39-40: San Jose at Calgary
Dunkel Ratings: San Jose 11.635; Calgary 11.790
Dunkel Line & Total: Calgary by 1/2; 5 1/2
Vegas Line & Total: San Jose (-130); 5
Dunkel Pick: Calgary (+110); Over

[Udog]

MLB


Sunday, April 20

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Hot lines: Sunday’s best MLB bets
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Milwaukee at Cincinnati (-135, 9)

Milwaukee’s really going to be a handful if it ever gets its bats going. The Brewers are off to an 11-6 start to the year and have won three straight on their current road swing while hitting just .244 on the year. Meanwhile, Brewers bettors have already cashed in more than six units with the second best money team in the bigs.

Today Milwaukee will want to get some run support for Yovani Gallardo, who’s making his first start of the year after recovering from offseason knee surgery against Aaron Harang.

Pick: Brewers



N.Y. Mets at Philadelphia (-115, 10)
Last year Mets starter Mike Pelfrey fell in love with his offspeed stuff, this year the 6-foot-7 monster on the mound has learned his lesson.

"I'll admit it, at times last year, I probably tried to aim the ball more than just rearing back and letting it go,” Pelfrey told MLB.com. “I tried to be a command guy. I'm someone who has to let the ball go. I feel good when I do that and I think I'm more effective. My bullpens have been good and I think it's just a matter of executing my pitches better."

So far that hasn’t been a problem as he works on a 2-0 record with a 1.50 ERA through three starts, two of which have come against the Phillies. Philadelphia is hitting just .225 off the big righty.

Pick: Mets

[Udog]

NBA


Sunday, April 20

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Pick ‘n’ roll: Sunday’s best NBA bets
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Toronto at Orlando (-6 1/2, 196 1/2)

Contrary to what Stephen A. Smith thinks, Chris Bosh isn’t the problem in Toronto – he’s averaging 33 points in two games against the Magic this year. The problem for the Raptors in this series will be matching up with an Orlando team that features Dwight Howard, Hedo Turkoglu, and Rashard Lewis. It’s a Magic team that is looking to make a statement, too.

"Nobody's ever given us a shot to do anything. Everybody overlooks our team," Howard told reporters. "Nobody believes in Magic just yet, so we have to come up with some new tricks."

Pick: Magic



Philadelphia at Detroit (-9 1/2, 179 1/2)
Pistons coach Flip Saunders let up on the gas down the stretch, resting his starters with the club locked in second place in the East. Now it’s go time.

Philadelphia, which dropped four straight to close out the regular season, knows Detroit is a team built for the playoffs and is game planning accordingly.

We have to take away their ability to walk the ball up the court and play in the half-court offense,” 76ers coach Maurice Cheeks told reporters. “We can't let them be methodical because they can be very efficient if we do."

"We've got to try and run as much as we can. We had games where we were able to run against them, but then we had a game against them here in January when we scored three fastbreak points."

Pick: Pistons

[Udog]

NHL


Sunday, April 20

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Ice picks: Sunday's best NHL bets
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San Jose at Calgary (+110, 5)

If the San Jose Sharks are going to send the Flames packing tonight, they’re going to have to earn the victory. Calgary has always been a tough team with its back against the wall – especially at home - and it’s hard not to jump at this price.

So far we’ve seen more goals than expected in this series, with only one under cashing through the first five games. We might see a second tonight in a tight-checking contest, but Calgary is going to need some secondary scoring to help out Jarome Iginla if the club wants to keep playing. Right now Iggy has eight points, double the total of Calgary’s next most productive forward.

Pick: Flames



Anaheim at Dallas (-140, 5)

Anaheim’s dominating desperation win in Game 5 makes you think that this club finally has its ducks in a row in this series, but this is a tricky game. Anaheim’s always a better bet in tough, nasty games, and that’s exactly what happened last game with eight roughing minors called.

Dallas doesn’t want to get into this kind of series against the Ducks, but it might be too late already.

Pick: Ducks

[Udog]

MLB
Short Sheet


Sunday, April 20th

National League

Washington at Florida, 1:10 ET
Odalis Perez (L) vs. Scott Olsen (L)
Perez: WAS 3-13 in April
Olsen: 22-12 TSR in the first half of the season

Milwaukee at Cincinnati, 1:15 ET
Yovani Gallardo (R) vs. Aaron Harang (R)
Gallardo: MIL 26-50 in road games after a win
Harang: 13-4 TSR when the money line is +125 to -125

LA Dodgers at Atlanta, 1:35 ET
Hiroki Kuroda (R) vs. Jair Jurrjens (R) TBS
Kuroda: LAD 19-9 in road games after having lost 2 of their last 3
Jurrjens: ATL 31-40 after a game where the bullpen gave up no runs

Colorado at Houston, 2:05 ET
Ubaldo Jimenez (R) vs. Shawn Chacon (R)
Jimenez: COL 18-7 after a one run win
Chacon: HOU 55-76 against right-handed starters

San Francisco at St. Louis, 2:15 ET
Jonathan Sanchez (R) vs. Braden Looper (R)
Sanchez: SF 21-39 in day games
Looper: 9-1 TSR when the total is 8 to 8.5

Pittsburgh at Chicago Cubs, 2:20 ET
Zach Duke (L) vs. Ryan Dempster (R) WGN
Duke: 4-21 TSR as a road underdog of +100 or higher
Dempster: 29-13 TSR in home games in the first half

San Diego at Arizona, 4:10 ET
Randy Wolf (L) vs. Randy Johnson (L)
Wolf: SD 85-125 after a game where their bullpen blew a save
Johnson: ARI 9-1 after a game where the bullpen gave up no runs

NY Mets at Philadelphia, 8:05 ET
Mike Pelfrey (R) vs. Adam Eaton (R) ESPN
Pelfrey: NYM 19-8 in road games after a win by 2 runs or less
Eaton: PHI 16-22 in home games in April


American League

Detroit at Toronto, 1:07 ET
Nate Robertson (L) vs. A.J. Burnett (R)
Robertson: DET 19-5 after scoring and allowing 3 runs or less
Burnett: 2-8 TSR in day games

Texas at Boston, 1:35 ET
Kevin Millwood (R) vs. Tim Wakefield (R)
Millwood: TEX 10-26 after a game where their bullpen blew a save
Wakefield: BOS 22-5 in home day games

NY Yankees at Baltimore, 1:35 ET
Andy Pettitte (L) vs. Steve Trachsel (R)
Pettitte: 4-10 TSR in April
Burres: BAL 7-0 after 3 or more consecutive home games

Chicago White Sox at Tampa Bay, 1:40 ET
John Danks (L) vs. Edwin Jackson (R)
Danks: CHI 7-1 in day games
Jackson: TB 14-27 at home when the money line is +125 to -125

Cleveland at Minnesota, 2:10 ET
Paul Byrd (R) vs. Scott Baker (R)
Byrd: 12-1 TSR against division opponents
Baker: MIN 34-50 against division opponents

Seattle at LA Angels, 3:35 ET
Miguel Batista (R) vs. Dustin Moseley (R)
Batista: SEA 7-24 after 3 consecutive games against a division foe
Moseley: LAA 30-8 after a game where the bullpen gave up no runs

Kansas City at Oakland, 4:05 ET
Luke Hochevar (R) vs. Dana Eveland (L)
Hochevar: KC 21-16 when the total is 8 to 8.5
Eveland: OAK 12-17 as a home favorite of -125 to -175

** (TC) Denotes Time Change

[pm530]

MLB


Sunday, April 20

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Baseball Today
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SCOREBOARD

Sunday, April 20
San Diego Padres at Arizona (4.10 p.m.) Randy Johnson, who struck out seven in five innings and got a no decision in his season debut against the Giants on Monday, takes on San Diego. The Padres counter with Randy Wolf, who carried a no-hitter into the seventh against the Rockies on Tuesday.

STARS

Saturday

— Manny Ramirez, Red Sox, hit a two-run homer, his sixth of the year, in the eighth inning and Boston beat Texas 5-3.

— Ervin Santana, Angels, allowed three hits over eight innings and retired 20 of his first 21 batters, leading Los Angeles past Seattle, 4-1.

— Nick Blackburn, Twins, pitched 7 2-3 scoreless innings for his first major league win in Minnesota’s 3-0 victory over Cleveland.

— Andy Sonnanstine, Rays, threw a three-hitter for his first career complete game and Tampa Bay beat Chicago 5-0.

— Tim Lincecum, Giants, gave up six hits and struck out five in seven innings for his 10th major league victory, a 3-0 win over St. Louis.

AILING

Astros left-hander Wandy Rodriguez left Houston’s game against Colorado because of a sore left groin after four innings. Rodriguez allowed two runs— one earned—and five hits. He struck out five and walked three. He is day-to-day.

PASSING

Former major leaguer John Marzano died after falling down a flight of stairs at his home. He was 45. The cause of his death was not immediately clear, police said. Marzano, a catcher who played 10 seasons with Boston, Texas and Seattle, was from Philadelphia and had been working for Major League Baseball’s Web site, where he co-hosted a show on weekday mornings.

TWICE AS GOOD

Arizona has doubled up its opponents, outscoring them by a combined 112-56. After the Diamondbacks’ 10-3 win over the Padres, they have outscored San Diego by 19-3 in the first two games of the series.

EJECTED

Astros manager Cecil Cooper was ejected from Houston’s 3-2 loss to Colorado in the seventh inning after arguing with umpires who ruled Ryan Spilborghs had caught Geoff Blum’s fly ball. Replays appeared to show Spilborghs bobbling the ball on the ground before rolling over and holding it in the air.

BACK TO NORMAL

Manny Ramirez hit a two-run homer after David Ortiz tied the game with an RBI single in the eighth inning to lift the Red Sox to a 5-3 victory over Texas. Since Ortiz joined the Red Sox in 2003, the pair have been the heart of Boston’s order, combining for 396 homers. But Ortiz has been in a slump to start the season, entering the game hitting just .134.

HOME SCHOOLING

Ervin Santana allowed three hits over eight innings and retired 20 of his first 21 batters in the Angels’ 4-1 victory over Seattle. He improved to 3-0 while striking out eight without a walk, and is 26-9 in his career pitching at home.

SEEKING CONTROL

Yankees pitcher Ian Kennedy gave up four runs and five hits with five walks in 2 2-3 innings in New York’s 6-0 loss to Baltimore. Kennedy was behind in the count against 13 of the 17 batters he faced. He gave up four runs and five hits with five walks in 2 2-3 innings to raise his ERA to 9.64. He’s failed to get through the third inning in two of his three starts, and has walked 13 batters in 14 innings.

STREAKING

Nate McLouth extended his hitting streak to 17 games with a fifth-inning double in Pittsburgh’s 13-1 loss to Chicago. He has gotten a hit in every Pirates game this season.

SPEAKING

“That was probably my favorite at bat of my entire life. I’ve never been booed like that before.”—Rockies outfielder Ryan Spilborghs after hearing jeers from Houston fans when he came to the plate in the eighth inning during Colorado’s 3-2 win. In the seventh, he made what was ruled a catch on a fly ball hit by Geoff Blum. Replays appeared to show Spilborghs bobbling the ball on the ground before rolling over and holding it in the air.

SEASONS
April 21

1910—The Cleveland Indians played their first game at League Park and lost to the Detroit Tigers 5-0, in front of 19,867.

1955—The Brooklyn Dodgers beat the Philadelphia Phillies 14-4 at Ebbets Field for their 10th consecutive victory from the start of the season—a major league record that lasted until 1981.

1967—After 737 consecutive games, the Dodgers were rained out for the first time since moving to Los Angeles. The St. Louis Cardinals were scheduled.

1982—The Atlanta Braves beat the Cincinnati Reds 4-3 for their 13th straight victory.

1984—In his second start since August 1982, Montreal pitcher David Palmer threw five perfect innings against the St. Louis Cardinals in a 4-0 victory stopped by rain.

1987—The Milwaukee Brewers’ 13-game winning streak to start the season ended with a 7-1 loss to the Chicago White Sox. Milwaukee’s streak tied the record set by the Atlanta Braves in 1982.

1994—Eddie Murray set a major league record with his 11th switch-hit home run game as the Cleveland Indians beat the Minnesota Twins 10-6.

1996—Brady Anderson led off the first inning with a home run for the fourth straight game for Baltimore. The Texas Rangers overcame that homer, beating the Orioles 9-6.

2002—Randy Johnson struck out 17 batters while giving up two hits in Arizona’s 7-1 win over Colorado.

2002—Atlanta’s Rafael Furcal tied a modern major league record and became the first Braves player in 46 years to hit three triples in a game, as Atlanta beat Florida 4-2.

2006—Alfonso Soriano hit three home runs and drove in a career-high five RBIs as Washington beat Atlanta 7-3.

2006—Albert Pujols hit his major league leading 11th homer of the season and drove in four RBIs in St. Louis’ 9-3 win over Chicago. Pujols’ first inning two-run blast was his 1,000th career hit. He became the fastest player in major league history to reach that milestone and have 200 homers. Pujols needed 806 games to reach the milestones, topping the previous record of 825 games by Willie Mays.

Today’s birthdays: Ronny Paulino 27; Jeff Keppinger 28; Jack Taschner 30; Kip Wells 31; Aquilino Lopez 33.

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[pm530]

MLB


Sunday, April 20

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Sunday Night Baseball
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Sunday Night Baseball primer: Mets-Phillies

There were many factors that led to the New York Mets' monumental late-season collapse in 2007, and among the biggest was their poor play against the Philadelphia Phillies.

Those problems appear to have been corrected.

The visiting Mets will look for their second consecutive sweep on Sunday while trying for their fifth win in a row against the rival Phillies. Oddsmakers have the Phillies set as a -105 favorite with the total at 10.

New York (10-6) led the NL East by seven games on Sept 14, but a three-game sweep at the hands of Philadelphia began a stretch run where it lost 12 of its final 17, allowing the Phillies to win the division by one game.

The Mets lost 12 of 18 overall - including their last eight games - to Philadelphia in 2007, and went just 35-37 against the NL East. Meanwhile, the Phillies went 42-30 within the division en route to their first postseason appearance since 1993.

New York dropped four of its first six to open 2008, but has been baseball's hottest team since. The Mets have won eight of their last 10, including four in a row against the Phillies (8-10) and seven straight against the NL East.

"Last year is last year," third baseman David Wright told the Mets' official Web site. "They won the division and they deserved to win the division. We need to prove that we can beat these guys at our place and then come here and beat them. So far, go good."

Wright has carried New York's offense - his 19 RBIs lead the National League - and he's hitting .444 with three homers and 12 RBIs in his last seven games. He drove in the Mets' first two runs on Saturday in their 4-2 win over Philadelphia.

But as impressive as Wright has been, New York has been carried by its pitching. The Mets have allowed only 57 runs through 16 games, second-fewest in the majors, and they've given up just 10 runs in their current five-game winning streak.

Mike Pelfrey (2-0, 1.50 ERA) will take the mound Sunday, and a year after the young right-hander was unable to fulfill his high expectations, he appears well on his way in 2008. He beat the Phillies in his first outing, then pitched seven shutout innings on Tuesday against the Nationals.

"I think everybody in here knows Pelfrey has it in him," Wright said. "He's beginning to get that swagger."

Philadelphia's confidence has taken a blow since reigning NL MVP Jimmy Rollins sprained his ankle on April 8. He hasn't started in the last 10 games, and the Phillies have gone 4-6.

Rollins has appeared as a pinch hitter four times, going 1-for-4, and manager Charlie Manuel said he may return to the lineup for this game.

Rollins had a .346 average with six homers, 15 RBIs and eight stolen bases last season against the Mets.

But he's not the only MVP the Phillies need more production from. First baseman Ryan Howard, who won the award in 2006, is hitting just .182 with 26 strikeouts in his first 66 at-bats.

"Obviously, I'm not comfortable and I'm not seeing the ball well,'' Howard said after going 0-for-5 with three strikeouts on Saturday. "Once I get comfortable, I'll be all right.''

The Phillies will send Adam Eaton (0-0, 4.12) to the mound to try to salvage Sunday's series finale. The right-hander has lasted at least six innings in each of his three starts, but also has given up three runs in each of them.

Eaton was miserable in 2007, when he went 10-10 with a 6.29 ERA, but went 2-0 with a 3.86 ERA in four starts versus the Mets.

Wright is just 1-for-13 in his career against Eaton.

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