Sunday Trends and Indexes 04/27

[Udog]

MLB


Sunday, April 27

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Tips and Trends
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Chicago Cubs at Washington Nationals [WGN | 1:35 PM ET]

Cubs (-130, O/U 9): Ted Lilly will look to build off his first victory of the season, as he shut down the Mets at Wrigley Field last time out, allowing just 1 earned run over 6 innings in a 8-1 victory on April 22nd. The left-hander retired his first 10 batters and lowered his ERA from 9.16 to 7.30. Lilly holds a dominating 2.06 career ERA against the Nationals in 6 starts.

Cubs are 7-2 in their last 9 games overall.
Cubs are 7-2 in the last 9 meetings.

Key Injuries - NONE

PROJECTED SCORE: 4

Nationals: According to the numbers, John Lannan would much rather be pitching on the road. The left-hander holds a 1.37 ERA on the road compared to a lofty 13.50 ERA at Nationals Stadium. Lannan hasn't faced the Cubs in his career.

Nationals are 5-17 in their last 22 games overall.

Key Injuries - NONE

PROJECTED SCORE: 5 (Side Play of the Day)



Arizona Diamondbacks at San Diego Padres [FOX | 3:55 PM ET]

Diamondbacks: Brandon Webb is living up to the title of staff ace. The right-hander is 5-0 in his 5 starts this season with a 2.31 ERA and has almost tripled his strikeout-to-walk ratio (29 Ks, 10 walks). Webb has allowed 2 runs or less in 4 of his 5 starts and has suffered just 1 regular season loss dating back to last September. However, the last time he was at Petco, he was clubbed for 6 runs in just 5+ innings of a 6-4 loss.

Diamondbacks are 16-5 in their last 21 games overall.

Key Injuries - NONE

PROJECTED SCORE: 2 (UNDER - Total Play of the Day)

Padres (-120, O/U 6.5): After starting the year 3-0, staff ace Jake Peavy suddenly can't get a decision. The Padres have lost both of his 2 starts by a combined 5 runs, but only lost 3 in-a-row for Peavy once all last year. In 22 games the Alabama native has struggled against Arizona in his career: 10-9 5.11 ERA.

Padres are 7-1 in Peavy's last 8 home starts vs. Arizona.
Padres are 1-7 in their last 8 games following a win.

Key Injuries - NONE

PROJECTED SCORE: 3



Los Angeles Angels at Detroit Tigers [ESPN | 8:05 PM ET]

Angels: Jered Weaver doesn't know what he seems to be doing wrong. The lanky right-hander is just 1-3 with a 4.50 ERA this season, and the Angels have dropped 4 out of his 5 starts. Weaver has allowed a total of 20 hits and 7 runs in his last 2 starts alone. The Northridge native is just 1-1 with a 14.14 ERA in 2 career starts against the Tigers.

Angels are 38-14 in the last 52 meetings.
Angels are 6-2 in their last 8 road games.

Key Injuries - NONE

PROJECTED SCORE: 4

Tigers (-135, O/U 9.5): Justin Verlander finally broke through the season drought and got the win against Texas on April 22nd. The right-hander pitched 6 innings and allowed just 1 earned run and said afterward he finally "felt comfortable." Verlander is 0-1 in 2 career starts against the Angels, but he has allowed just 3 earned runs over 13 innings.

Tigers are 7-1 in Verlander's last 8 Sunday starts.
The OVER is 8-1-1 in the last 10 meetings.

Key Injuries - NONE

PROJECTED SCORE: 6

[Udog]

NBA
Dunkel


Detroit at Philadelphia
The Sixers have shocked the Pistons by taking two of the first three games in the series and look to build on their 5-2 mark ATS this season when a home underdog between 3 1/2 and 6 points. Philadelphia is the pick (+5 1/2) according to Dunkel, which has the Sixers favored straight up by 1. Dunkel Pick: Philadelphia (+5 1/2). Here are all of today's games.

SUNDAY, APRIL 27

Game 709-710: Cleveland at Washington
Dunkel Ratings: Cleveland 117.451; Washington 119.460
Dunkel Line & Total: Washington by 2; 186
Vegas Line & Total: Washington by 4; 190
Dunkel Pick: Cleveland (+4); Under

Game 711-712: San Antonio at Phoenix
Dunkel Ratings: San Antonio 126.148; Phoenix 126.167
Dunkel Line & Total: Even; 204
Vegas Line & Total: Phoenix by 4; 201
Dunkel Pick: San Antonio (+4); Over

Game 713-714: Detroit at Philadelphia
Dunkel Ratings: Detroit 120.369; Philadelphia 121.045
Dunkel Line & Total: Philadelphia by 1; 172 1/2
Vegas Line & Total: Detroit by 5 1/2; 179 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Philadelphia (+5 1/2); Under

Game 715-716: New Orleans at Dallas
Dunkel Ratings: New Orleans 123.544; Dallas 124.781
Dunkel Line & Total: Dallas by 1; 192
Vegas Line & Total: Dallas by 5 1/2; 195 1/2
Dunkel Pick: New Orleans (+5 1/2); Under

[Udog]

NHL
Dunkel


NY Rangers at Pittsburgh
The Penguins overcame a three-goal deficit to beat the Rangers in Game One and look to build on their 9-4 record at home against New York over the last three seasons. Pittsburgh is the pick (-145) according to Dunkel, which has the Penguins favored by 1 1/2. Dunkel Pick: Pittsburgh (-145). Here are all of today's games.

SUNDAY, APRIL 27

Game 55-56: NY Rangers at Pittsburgh
Dunkel Ratings: NY Rangers 11.162; Pittsburgh 12.700
Dunkel Line & Total: Pittsburgh by 1 1/2; 6
Vegas Line & Total: Pittsburgh (-145); 5 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Pittsburgh (-145); Over

Game 57-58: Dallas at San Jose
Dunkel Ratings: Dallas 11.915; San Jose 12.312
Dunkel Line & Total: San Jose by 1/2; 5 1/2
Vegas Line & Total: San Jose (-165); 5
Dunkel Pick: San Jose (-165); Over

[Udog]

MLB
Long Sheet


Sunday, April 27


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ATLANTA (12 - 12) at NY METS (12 - 11) - 1:10 PM
JOHN SMOLTZ (R) vs. NELSON FIGUEROA (R)
Top Trends for this game.
ATLANTA is 175-173 (-29.4 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 3 seasons.
NY METS are 48-44 (-21.6 Units) against the money line in home games over the last 2 seasons.
NY METS are 46-44 (-18.0 Units) against the money line against division opponents over the last 2 seasons.
NY METS are 48-44 (-21.6 Units) against the money line in home games in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
ATLANTA is 3-1 (+2.5 Units) against NY METS this season
3 of 4 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+1.9 Units)

JOHN SMOLTZ vs. NY METS since 1997
SMOLTZ is 10-7 when starting against NY METS with an ERA of 2.75 and a WHIP of 1.222.
His team's record is 12-12 (-2.2 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 17-6. (+10.6 units)

NELSON FIGUEROA vs. ATLANTA since 1997
FIGUEROA is 1-0 when starting against ATLANTA with an ERA of 2.57 and a WHIP of 1.214.
His team's record is 1-1 (+0.5 units) in these starts. The OVER is 0-2. (-2.0 units)

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PHILADELPHIA (14 - 11) at PITTSBURGH (9 - 15) - 1:35 PM
BRETT MYERS (R) vs. PAUL MAHOLM (L)
Top Trends for this game.
PITTSBURGH is 225-239 (+27.4 Units) against the money line in home games when playing against a team with a winning record since 1997.
PITTSBURGH is 56-43 (+14.3 Units) against the money line at home when the total is 9 to 9.5 over the last 3 seasons.
MAHOLM is 14-5 (+9.5 Units) against the money line at home when the total is 9 to 9.5 over the last 3 seasons. (Team's Record)
PHILADELPHIA is 37-18 (+16.5 Units) against the money line when playing on Sunday over the last 3 seasons.

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

BRETT MYERS vs. PITTSBURGH since 1997
MYERS is 2-3 when starting against PITTSBURGH with an ERA of 2.38 and a WHIP of 1.324.
His team's record is 2-3 (-2.3 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 4-1. (+2.9 units)

PAUL MAHOLM vs. PHILADELPHIA since 1997
MAHOLM is 2-1 when starting against PHILADELPHIA with an ERA of 6.50 and a WHIP of 1.722.
His team's record is 2-1 (+1.4 units) in these starts. The OVER is 1-2. (-1.0 units)

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CHICAGO CUBS (16 - 8) at WASHINGTON (8 - 17) - 1:35 PM
TED LILLY (L) vs. JOHN LANNAN (L)
Top Trends for this game.
CHICAGO CUBS are 34-51 (-28.3 Units) against the money line after shutting out their opponent since 1997.
CHICAGO CUBS are 415-459 (-119.2 Units) against the money line after a win since 1997.
CHICAGO CUBS are 438-428 (-103.2 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record since 1997.
CHICAGO CUBS are 876-950 (-190.7 Units) against the money line in all games since 1997.
CHICAGO CUBS are 253-299 (-84.1 Units) against the money line when the total is 9 to 9.5 since 1997.
CHICAGO CUBS are 131-186 (-56.6 Units) against the money line on the road when the total is 9 to 9.5 since 1997.
CHICAGO CUBS are 821-870 (-169.9 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field since 1997.
WASHINGTON is 81-106 (+8.7 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
WASHINGTON is 60-48 (+32.7 Units) against the money line when the total is 9 to 9.5 over the last 2 seasons.
WASHINGTON is 38-27 (+14.2 Units) against the money line as a home underdog of +100 to +125 over the last 3 seasons.
WASHINGTON is 35-22 (+19.5 Units) against the money line at home when the total is 9 to 9.5 over the last 2 seasons.
WASHINGTON is 19-9 (+13.7 Units) against the money line in home games when playing on Sunday over the last 3 seasons.
WASHINGTON is 53-52 (+16.0 Units) against the money line in day games over the last 3 seasons.
WASHINGTON is 52-52 (+15.1 Units) against the money line against left-handed starters over the last 3 seasons.
WASHINGTON is 8-24 (-15.2 Units) against the money line in home games in April games over the last 3 seasons.

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

TED LILLY vs. WASHINGTON since 1997
LILLY is 3-2 when starting against WASHINGTON with an ERA of 2.06 and a WHIP of 1.143.
His team's record is 3-3 (-1.1 units) in these starts. The OVER is 2-4. (-2.2 units)

JOHN LANNAN vs. CHICAGO CUBS since 1997
No recent starts.

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FLORIDA (14 - 10) at MILWAUKEE (14 - 10) - 2:05 PM
RICKY NOLASCO (R) vs. MANNY PARRA (L)
Top Trends for this game.
FLORIDA is 10-4 (+8.3 Units) against the money line when the total is 9 to 9.5 this season.
FLORIDA is 17-11 (+12.0 Units) against the money line as a road underdog of +125 to +150 over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
FLORIDA is 1-1 (+0.6 Units) against MILWAUKEE this season
2 of 2 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+2.0 Units)

RICKY NOLASCO vs. MILWAUKEE since 1997
NOLASCO is 0-0 when starting against MILWAUKEE with an ERA of 22.50 and a WHIP of 4.500.
His team's record is 1-0 (+1.0 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 0-1. (-1.0 units)

MANNY PARRA vs. FLORIDA since 1997
No recent starts.

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HOUSTON (12 - 13) at ST LOUIS (15 - 10) - 2:15 PM
BRANDON BACKE (R) vs. KYLE LOHSE (R)
Top Trends for this game.
HOUSTON is 296-298 (-64.9 Units) against the money line when the total is 9 to 9.5 since 1997.
HOUSTON is 9-25 (-14.8 Units) against the money line in road games in day games over the last 2 seasons.
LOHSE is 13-5 (+9.7 Units) against the money line against division opponents over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
BACKE is 33-23 (+15.4 Units) against the money line in all games since 1997. (Team's Record)
BACKE is 18-7 (+13.5 Units) against the money line against division opponents since 1997. (Team's Record)
BACKE is 33-23 (+15.4 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field since 1997. (Team's Record)

Head-to-Head Series History
ST LOUIS is 3-2 (+0.8 Units) against HOUSTON this season
4 of 5 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+2.9 Units)

BRANDON BACKE vs. ST LOUIS since 1997
BACKE is 2-1 when starting against ST LOUIS with an ERA of 4.85 and a WHIP of 1.406.
His team's record is 6-2 (+5.9 units) in these starts. The OVER is 4-3. (+0.8 units)

KYLE LOHSE vs. HOUSTON since 1997
LOHSE is 1-3 when starting against HOUSTON with an ERA of 3.29 and a WHIP of 1.354.
His team's record is 1-3 (-2.0 units) in these starts. The OVER is 2-1. (+0.8 units)

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ARIZONA (17 - 7) at SAN DIEGO (10 - 15) - 4:05 PM
BRANDON WEBB (R) vs. JAKE PEAVY (R)
Top Trends for this game.
ARIZONA is 110-83 (+26.8 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
ARIZONA is 74-63 (+9.5 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters over the last 2 seasons.
ARIZONA is 56-34 (+18.8 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 2 seasons.
ARIZONA is 110-83 (+26.8 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
ARIZONA is 32-18 (+12.3 Units) against the money line in April games over the last 2 seasons.
ARIZONA is 16-5 (+10.7 Units) against the money line against division opponents this season.
WEBB is 21-7 (+13.5 Units) against the money line in April games since 1997. (Team's Record)
SAN DIEGO is 15-24 (-16.8 Units) against the money line in home games in April games over the last 3 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
ARIZONA is 3-2 (+0.5 Units) against SAN DIEGO this season
3 of 4 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+1.8 Units)

BRANDON WEBB vs. SAN DIEGO since 1997
WEBB is 4-7 when starting against SAN DIEGO with an ERA of 3.78 and a WHIP of 1.342.
His team's record is 10-9 (-0.3 units) in these starts. The OVER is 8-11. (-4.5 units)

JAKE PEAVY vs. ARIZONA since 1997
PEAVY is 10-9 when starting against ARIZONA with an ERA of 5.11 and a WHIP of 1.337.
His team's record is 11-11 (-1.5 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 8-13. (-7.4 units)

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CINCINNATI (10 - 15) at SAN FRANCISCO (11 - 14) - 4:05 PM
EDINSON VOLQUEZ (R) vs. BARRY ZITO (L)
Top Trends for this game.
CINCINNATI is 33-52 (-23.6 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 2 seasons.
CINCINNATI is 422-480 (+53.0 Units) against the money line in road games since 1997.
CINCINNATI is 362-429 (+36.2 Units) against the money line in road games in games played on a grass field since 1997.
CINCINNATI is 208-215 (+44.8 Units) against the money line in road games after a win since 1997.
SAN FRANCISCO is 22-39 (-17.8 Units) against the money line in day games over the last 2 seasons.
SAN FRANCISCO is 61-74 (-23.8 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 3 seasons.
ZITO is 6-14 (-15.1 Units) against the money line in home games in April games since 1997. (Team's Record)

Head-to-Head Series History
SAN FRANCISCO is 1-1 (+0.2 Units) against CINCINNATI this season
1 of 2 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+0.0 Units)

EDINSON VOLQUEZ vs. SAN FRANCISCO since 1997
No recent starts.

BARRY ZITO vs. CINCINNATI since 1997
ZITO is 2-0 when starting against CINCINNATI with an ERA of 5.82 and a WHIP of 1.235.
His team's record is 2-1 (+1.0 units) in these starts. The OVER is 3-0. (+3.0 units)

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COLORADO (10 - 14) at LA DODGERS (11 - 13) - 4:10 PM
JEFF FRANCIS (L) vs. ESTEBAN LOAIZA (R)
Top Trends for this game.
LA DODGERS are 98-62 (+24.4 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 3 seasons.
LOAIZA is 38-16 (+18.0 Units) against the money line at home when the total is 9 to 9.5 since 1997. (Team's Record)
COLORADO is 106-91 (+21.9 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
COLORADO is 44-33 (+14.1 Units) against the money line when the total is 9 to 9.5 over the last 2 seasons.
COLORADO is 49-38 (+16.0 Units) against the money line against division opponents over the last 2 seasons.
COLORADO is 106-88 (+25.1 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
COLORADO is 80-65 (+23.6 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters over the last 2 seasons.
FRANCIS is 44-28 (+17.6 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
FRANCIS is 13-3 (+10.9 Units) against the money line when the total is 9 to 9.5 over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
FRANCIS is 9-1 (+8.8 Units) against the money line in day games over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
FRANCIS is 44-28 (+17.6 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
FRANCIS is 18-6 (+11.7 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
LA DODGERS are 3-9 (-7.7 Units) against the money line when the total is 9 to 9.5 this season.
LOAIZA is 62-65 (-26.3 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record since 1997. (Team's Record)

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

JEFF FRANCIS vs. LA DODGERS since 1997
FRANCIS is 4-1 when starting against LA DODGERS with an ERA of 2.65 and a WHIP of 1.353.
His team's record is 6-3 (+4.6 units) in these starts. The OVER is 2-7. (-5.3 units)

ESTEBAN LOAIZA vs. COLORADO since 1997
LOAIZA is 3-3 when starting against COLORADO with an ERA of 7.78 and a WHIP of 1.932.
His team's record is 4-4 (+0.9 units) in these starts. The OVER is 5-3. (+1.4 units)

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NY YANKEES (12 - 13) at CLEVELAND (12 - 12) - 1:05 PM
CHIEN-MING WANG (R) vs. C.C. SABATHIA (L)
Top Trends for this game.
NY YANKEES are 107-84 (-20.7 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
NY YANKEES are 49-50 (-15.9 Units) against the money line in road games over the last 2 seasons.
NY YANKEES are 21-27 (-17.7 Units) against the money line in April games over the last 2 seasons.
NY YANKEES are 31-31 (-18.4 Units) against the money line in day games over the last 2 seasons.
NY YANKEES are 93-75 (-22.1 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
NY YANKEES are 21-22 (-11.0 Units) against the money line against left-handed starters over the last 2 seasons.
NY YANKEES are 23-29 (-14.9 Units) against the money line in road games after a loss over the last 2 seasons.
CLEVELAND is 19-10 (+11.0 Units) against the money line as a home underdog of +100 to +125 over the last 3 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
CLEVELAND is 2-0 (+2.3 Units) against NY YANKEES this season
2 of 2 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+2.0 Units)

CHIEN-MING WANG vs. CLEVELAND since 1997
WANG is 2-3 when starting against CLEVELAND with an ERA of 7.20 and a WHIP of 1.880.
His team's record is 2-3 (-2.8 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 3-1. (+2.0 units)

C.C. SABATHIA vs. NY YANKEES since 1997
SABATHIA is 2-7 when starting against NY YANKEES with an ERA of 6.94 and a WHIP of 1.778.
His team's record is 2-7 (-4.9 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 2-7. (-5.6 units)

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BOSTON (15 - 11) at TAMPA BAY (13 - 11) - 1:40 PM
JOSH BECKETT (R) vs. JAMES SHIELDS (R)
Top Trends for this game.
BOSTON is 19-30 (-17.6 Units) against the money line in games played on artificial turf over the last 3 seasons.
TAMPA BAY is 49-47 (+14.2 Units) against the money line in home games when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 3 seasons.
BECKETT is 16-4 (+11.3 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)

Head-to-Head Series History
TAMPA BAY is 2-0 (+2.1 Units) against BOSTON this season
2 of 2 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+2.0 Units)

JOSH BECKETT vs. TAMPA BAY since 1997
BECKETT is 3-2 when starting against TAMPA BAY with an ERA of 4.26 and a WHIP of 1.263.
His team's record is 3-2 (-1.0 units) in these starts. The OVER is 3-2. (+0.9 units)

JAMES SHIELDS vs. BOSTON since 1997
SHIELDS is 0-2 when starting against BOSTON with an ERA of 4.64 and a WHIP of 1.219.
His team's record is 0-4 (-4.0 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 2-2. (-0.4 units)

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BALTIMORE (14 - 10) at CHI WHITE SOX (13 - 10) - 2:05 PM
JEREMY GUTHRIE (R) vs. JOSE CONTRERAS (R)
Top Trends for this game.
BALTIMORE is 66-122 (-39.9 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 3 seasons.
CHI WHITE SOX are 8-1 (+8.3 Units) against the money line in day games this season.
CHI WHITE SOX are 719-612 (+74.4 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters since 1997.
CHI WHITE SOX are 416-421 (+37.5 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record since 1997.
BALTIMORE is 14-9 (+7.0 Units) against the money line in April games this season.
BALTIMORE is 303-349 (+29.6 Units) against the money line in road games against right-handed starters since 1997.
CONTRERAS is 13-22 (-14.2 Units) against the money line when the total is 9 to 9.5 over the last 3 seasons. (Team's Record)

Head-to-Head Series History
BALTIMORE is 2-2 (+0.3 Units) against CHI WHITE SOX this season
2 of 4 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=-0.2 Units, Under=-0.2 Units)

JEREMY GUTHRIE vs. CHI WHITE SOX since 1997
GUTHRIE is 0-1 when starting against CHI WHITE SOX with an ERA of 7.45 and a WHIP of 1.965.
His team's record is 1-1 (-0.4 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 0-2. (-2.2 units)

JOSE CONTRERAS vs. BALTIMORE since 1997
CONTRERAS is 4-4 when starting against BALTIMORE with an ERA of 5.18 and a WHIP of 1.395.
His team's record is 6-4 (+1.1 units) in these starts. The OVER is 4-4. (-0.4 units)

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TORONTO (10 - 15) at KANSAS CITY (11 - 13) - 2:10 PM
JESSE LITSCH (R) vs. GIL MECHE (R)
Top Trends for this game.
TORONTO is 3-10 (-9.5 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record this season.
KANSAS CITY is 107-139 (+24.9 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters over the last 3 seasons.
TORONTO is 98-69 (+26.1 Units) against the money line after a loss over the last 3 seasons.
KANSAS CITY is 14-31 (-16.3 Units) against the money line at home when the total is 9 to 9.5 over the last 2 seasons.
MECHE is 4-13 (-9.9 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)

Head-to-Head Series History
KANSAS CITY is 2-0 (+2.1 Units) against TORONTO this season
1 of 2 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+0.0 Units)

JESSE LITSCH vs. KANSAS CITY since 1997
LITSCH is 0-1 when starting against KANSAS CITY with an ERA of 2.70 and a WHIP of 1.199.
His team's record is 0-1 (-1.3 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 1-0. (+1.0 units)

GIL MECHE vs. TORONTO since 1997
MECHE is 4-4 when starting against TORONTO with an ERA of 5.33 and a WHIP of 1.599.
His team's record is 4-6 (-3.0 units) in these starts. The OVER is 3-7. (-4.9 units)

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MINNESOTA (11 - 13) at TEXAS (8 - 17) - 2:05 PM
LIVAN HERNANDEZ (R) vs. VICENTE PADILLA (R)
Top Trends for this game.
MINNESOTA is 8-21 (-12.5 Units) against the money line as a road underdog of +100 to +125 over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
TEXAS is 1-1 (+0.0 Units) against MINNESOTA this season
2 of 2 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+2.1 Units)

LIVAN HERNANDEZ vs. TEXAS since 1997
HERNANDEZ is 3-0 when starting against TEXAS with an ERA of 6.86 and a WHIP of 1.619.
His team's record is 3-0 (+3.0 units) in these starts. The OVER is 3-0. (+3.0 units)

VICENTE PADILLA vs. MINNESOTA since 1997
PADILLA is 1-2 when starting against MINNESOTA with an ERA of 4.32 and a WHIP of 1.260.
His team's record is 1-2 (-1.7 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 2-1. (+0.9 units)

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OAKLAND (15 - 10) at SEATTLE (12 - 13) - 4:10 PM
JOE BLANTON (R) vs. FELIX HERNANDEZ (R)
Top Trends for this game.
OAKLAND is 25-36 (-14.5 Units) against the money line against division opponents over the last 2 seasons.
SEATTLE is 100-87 (+15.6 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
SEATTLE is 22-5 (+15.4 Units) against the money line as a home favorite of -125 to -150 over the last 2 seasons.
SEATTLE is 93-79 (+15.9 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
SEATTLE is 57-40 (+18.9 Units) against the money line after a win over the last 2 seasons.
HERNANDEZ is 24-10 (+11.4 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
HERNANDEZ is 16-4 (+10.7 Units) against the money line after a win over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
OAKLAND is 34-25 (+16.1 Units) against the money line in road games in day games over the last 3 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
SEATTLE is 3-1 (+1.8 Units) against OAKLAND this season
2 of 3 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+0.8 Units)

JOE BLANTON vs. SEATTLE since 1997
BLANTON is 7-4 when starting against SEATTLE with an ERA of 3.20 and a WHIP of 1.144.
His team's record is 8-5 (+2.2 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 7-6. (+0.4 units)

FELIX HERNANDEZ vs. OAKLAND since 1997
HERNANDEZ is 6-2 when starting against OAKLAND with an ERA of 2.10 and a WHIP of 1.167.
His team's record is 6-3 (+2.0 units) in these starts. The OVER is 3-6. (-3.1 units)

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

LA ANGELS (15 - 10) at DETROIT (11 - 14) - 8:05 PM
JERED WEAVER (R) vs. JUSTIN VERLANDER (R)
Top Trends for this game.
LA ANGELS are 367-375 (+40.9 Units) against the money line in road games in games played on a grass field since 1997.
LA ANGELS are 79-64 (+26.8 Units) against the money line in road games when playing on Sunday since 1997.
DETROIT is 68-72 (-21.0 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
LA ANGELS is 1-1 (+0.0 Units) against DETROIT this season
1 of 1 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+1.0 Units)

JERED WEAVER vs. DETROIT since 1997
WEAVER is 1-1 when starting against DETROIT with an ERA of 14.14 and a WHIP of 3.000.
His team's record is 1-1 (-0.6 units) in these starts. The OVER is 2-0. (+2.0 units)

JUSTIN VERLANDER vs. LA ANGELS since 1997
VERLANDER is 0-1 when starting against LA ANGELS with an ERA of 2.08 and a WHIP of 1.385.
His team's record is 0-2 (-3.1 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 0-1. (-1.1 units)

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[Udog]

MLB


Sunday, April 27

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Hot Lines: Sunday's best MLB bets
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Arizona at San Diego (-120, 7)

Anytime you can get a starter who's leading the league in wins, and who also happens to throw for the best team in the league as an underdog, you'd better take a shot.

Brandon Webb is off to a 5-0 start with a 2.31 ERA to help Arizona open the season at 17-7. So why is he the underdog today? Well, Arizona has lost three of its last seven games, which is the closest thing this club has seen to a slump all year. Plus, Jake Peavy takes the ball and his 2.00 ERA to the hill for San Diego.

Pick: Diamondbacks



L.A. Angeles at Detroit (-130, 9 1/2)

It's amazing what five early-season wins can do for a team. After an embarrassing start, the Tigers have lost just once over their last six games heading into tonight's Sunday Night matchup in the Motor City. Detroit is scoring 7.6 runs per game over its recent hot stretch, but it hasn't all been about offense.

"The last few days, we've had very good starting pitching, and that's more of a key to us than anything," manager Jim Leyland said after Saturday's 6-4 win over the Angels. "You always look better when you get good starting pitching."

That task falls on Justin Verlander tonight as he squares off against Jered Weaver. Verlander altered his arm angle slightly before his last start, helping him notch his first win of the year by allowing just one run in a six-inning performance against the Rangers.

Pick: Tigers

[Udog]

NHL


Sunday, April 27

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Ice picks: Sunday's best NHL bets
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N.Y. Rangers at Pittsburgh (-145, 5 1/2)

Game 1 was a sloppy effort from both teams that ended up being an entertaining 5-4 win for Pittsburgh after New York jumped out to a big 3-0 lead. The Mellon Arena's soft ice had a lot to do with it as the puck was bouncing all over the place on Friday night - don't expect that to change much for the rest of the series whether the games are in Pittsburgh or MSG - and the officiated crew took some heat for a few questionable penalty calls.

Today's game should be much tighter all the way around and the Rangers have some nice value in the bounce-back spot.

Pick: Rangers



Dallas at San Jose (-165, 5)

San Jose coach Ron Wilson says his Sharks were too soft in Game 1's 3-2 loss, especially around Dallas' net. And that's where they need to be much more imposing if they're going to get anything past Marty Turco. Dallas’ netminder has been dominant in the crease stopping rubber and an asset out of it, moving the puck for his defensemen.

San Jose will come out banging tonight, but the Stars may also get a boost if the silky smooth Sergei Zubov is finally able to return to the lineup from a sports hernia.

Pick: Sharks

[Udog]

NHL
Long Sheet


Sunday, April 27th


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NY RANGERS (46-28-0-14, 106 pts.) at PITTSBURGH (52-27-0-8, 112 pts.) - 4/27/2008, 2:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
NY RANGERS are 46-42 ATS (-12.0 Units) in all games this season.
NY RANGERS are 20-26 ATS (-14.0 Units) after allowing 4 goals or more over the last 2 seasons.
NY RANGERS are 4-11 ATS (-10.7 Units) after 3 or more consecutive overs over the last 2 seasons.
PITTSBURGH is 52-35 ATS (+12.5 Units) in all games this season.
PITTSBURGH is 42-36 ATS (-3.4 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.
PITTSBURGH is 25-18 ATS (+51.4 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record in the second half of the season over the last 2 seasons.
PITTSBURGH is 32-17 ATS (+3.6 Units) second half of the season this season.
NY RANGERS are 11-5 ATS (+16.3 Units) in road games after scoring 4 goals or more in their previous game this season.
NY RANGERS are 16-6 ATS (+8.9 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record in the second half of the season this season.
PITTSBURGH is 73-95 ATS (-56.7 Units) in home games after allowing 4 goals or more since 1996.

Head-to-Head Series History
PITTSBURGH is 12-13 (+1.4 Units) against the spread versus NY RANGERS over the last 3 seasons
NY RANGERS is 13-12-0 straight up against PITTSBURGH over the last 3 seasons
15 of 24 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Under=+4.9 Units)

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DALLAS (50-32-0-7, 107 pts.) at SAN JOSE (53-26-0-11, 117 pts.) - 4/27/2008, 9:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
SAN JOSE is 74-45 ATS (+2.8 Units) in April games since 1996.
DALLAS is 23-16 ATS (+40.7 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record this season.
DALLAS is 15-8 ATS (+24.0 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record in the second half of the season this season.
DALLAS is 20-13 ATS (+35.3 Units) in a road game where where the total is 5 or less this season.
DALLAS is 7-1 ATS (+5.9 Units) on Sunday games this season.
DALLAS is 45-26 ATS (+8.6 Units) vs. division opponents over the last 2 seasons.
SAN JOSE is 2-6 ATS (-9.0 Units) in home games revenging a home loss versus opponent this season.
SAN JOSE is 7-10 ATS (-12.4 Units) in home games revenging a loss versus opponent this season.
SAN JOSE is 6-11 ATS (-21.2 Units) in home games vs. division opponents this season.
SAN JOSE is 15-17 ATS (-10.7 Units) after a division game this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
DALLAS is 14-11 (+4.1 Units) against the spread versus SAN JOSE over the last 3 seasons
DALLAS is 14-11-0 straight up against SAN JOSE over the last 3 seasons
11 of 21 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Over=+0.2 Units)

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[Udog]

NBA
Short Sheet


Sunday, April 27th

Eastern Conference
Opening Round
Game Four
Cleveland Leads, 2-1
Cleveland at Washington, 1:05 ET

Cleveland:
16-7 ATS Away off ATS loss
25-12 ATS as a road underdog of 6 points or less

Washington:
18-31 ATS off home win
9-0 Under at home on Sunday

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Western Conference
Opening Round
Game Four
San Antonio Leads, 3-0
San Antonio at Phoenix, 3:35 ET

San Antonio:
11-3 ATS off BB Overs
16-6 ATS as a #3 seed

Phoenix:
26-15 Over off ATS loss
14-5 Over playing with revenge

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Eastern Conference
Opening Round
Game Four
Philadelphia Leads, 2-1
Detroit at Philadelphia, 7:05 ET

Detroit:
4-17 ATS Away after scoring 85 points or less
4-12 ATS Away off ATS loss

Philadelphia:
27-16 ATS off an Under
40-17 Over off win by 20+ points

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Western Conference
Opening Round
Game Four
New Orleans Leads, 2-1
New Orleans at Dallas, 8:05 ET

New Orleans:
8-0 ATS off DD road loss
24-13 ATS playing with revenge

Dallas:
6-1 Under at home vs. New Orleans
17-7 Under on Sunday

[Udog]

NHL
Short Sheet


Sunday, April 27th

Second Round
Game Two
Pitsburgh leads, 1-0
NY Rangers at Pittsburgh, 2:05 ET

NY Rangers:
11-5 SU Away after scoring 4+ goals
11-2 SU off division loss

Pittsburgh:
2-8 SU off home division win
3-12 SU off division win

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Second Round
Game Two
Dallas Leads, 1-0
Dallas at San Jose, 9:05 ET

Dallas:
7-1 SU on Sunday
13-7 SU Away off an Under

San Jose:
2-6 SU at home revenging home loss
4-9 SU at home vs. Dallas

[Udog]

MLB
Short Sheet


Sunday, April 27th

National League

Atlanta at NY Mets, 1:10 ET
John Smoltz (R) vs. Nelson Figueroa (R)
Smoltz: 19-8 Under as favorite
Figueroa: Mets 6-14 at home off one run win

Philadelphia at Pittsburgh, 1:35 ET
Brett Myers (R) vs. Paul Maholm (L)
Myers: Phi 13-4 Over as a road favorite of -125 to -150
Maholm: Pit 11-3 Over as an underdog

Chicago Cubs at Washington, 1:35 ET
Ted Lilly (L) vs. John Lannan (L)
Lilly: Cubs 37-14 Under as road favorite
Lannan: Wash 8-24 at home in April

Florida at Milwaukee, 2:05 ET
Ricky Nolasco (R) vs. Manny Parra (L)
Nolasco: Fla 20-6 Over after scoring 4 runs or less 3 straight games
Parra: Mil 18-8 Over off one run win

Houston at St. Louis, 2:15 ET
Brandon Backe (R) vs. Kyle Lohse (R)
Backe: Hou 9-25 Away in day games
Lohse: 13-5 TSR vs. division

Arizona at San Diego, 4:05 ET
Brandon Webb (R) vs. Jake Peavy (R)
Webb: 12-2 TSR when the money line is +125 to -125
Peavy: 7-0 Under at home when the total is 7 or less

Cincinnati at San Francisco, 4:05 ET
Edinson Volquez (R) vs. Barry Zito (L)
Volquez: 3-0, 1.21 ERA this season
Zito: 6-14 TSR at home in April

Colorado at LA Dodgers, 4:10 ET
Jeff Francis (L) vs. Esteban Loaiza (R)
Francis: 9-1 TSR in day games
Loaiza: Dodgers 3-9 when the total is 9 to 9.5


American League

NY Yankees at Cleveland, 1:05 ET
Chien-Ming Wang (R) vs. C.C. Sabathia (L)
Wang: Yankees 15-3 Under as favorite
Sabathia: Cle 27-6 at home if won 5 or 6 of their last 7

Boston at Tampa Bay, 1:40 ET
Josh Beckett (R) vs. James Shields (R)
Beckett: 12-0 TSR as road favorite
Shields: 0-4 TSR, 4.64 ERA vs. Boston

Baltimore at Chicago White Sox, 2:05 ET
Jeremy Guthrie (R) vs. Jose Contreras (R)
Guthrie: Bal 7-0 Under in day games
Contreras: White Sox 8-1 in day games

Toronto at Kansas City, 2:10 ET
Jesse Litsch (R) vs. Gil Meche (R)
Litsch: Tor 8-0 Away off 6+ losses
Meche: KC 9-1 Under off a win

Minnesota at Texas, 2:05 ET
Livan Hernandez (R) vs. Vicente Padilla (R)
Hernandez: Min 17-5 Under Away after scoring 12+ runs
Padilla: Tex 3-16 off blown save

Oakland at Seattle, 4:10 ET
Joe Blanton (R) vs. Felix Hernandez (R)
Blanton: Oak 9-1 off an Over
Hernandez: 16-4 TSR off team win

LA Angels at Detroit, 8:05 ET
Jered Weaver (R) vs. Justin Verlander (R)
Weaver: 0-3 TSR, 6.48 ERA L3 starts
Verlander: 14-4 Over at home

** (TC) Denotes Time Change

[Udog]

MLB
Write-Up


Hot Pitchers
-- Smoltz is 3-1, 0.78 in four starts this season. Figueroa is 1-1, 3.50 in three starts this season.
-- Phillies won last three Myers starts, scoring 23 runs.
-- Lannan is 1-0, 0.69 in his last two starts.
-- Lohse is 2-0, 2.54 in five starts this season.
-- Webb is 5-0, 2.57 so far this season. Peavy is 3-0, 2.00 in five starts this season.
-- Volquez is 3-0, 1.19 in four starts this season.

-- Bronx is 5-0 in Wang starts, scoring 33 runs.
-- Minnesota is 5-0 in LHernandez starts.
-- FHernandez is 3-0, 2.15 in five starts this season.

Cold Pitchers
-- Maholm is 1-2, 5.06 in four starts this season.
-- Lilly is 1-3, 7.30 in five starts this season.
-- Nolasco is 1-2, 8.62 in three starts this season. Parra is 1-1 in his four starts, with a 5.40 RA.
-- Backe is 0-1, 8.10 in his last two starts.
-- Zito is 0-5, 7.71 so far this season.
-- Francis is 0-2, 6.83 in five starts this season. Loaiza gave up four runs in four IP in his only 2008 start.


-- Sabathia is 0-2, 16.34 in three home starts this season.
-- Beckett has 5.40 RA in three starts this season. Shields has a 7.00 RA in his last three starts.
-- Guthrie is 0-2, 5.01 in five starts this season. Contreras is 1-2, 5.04 in four starts this season.
-- Meche is 1-3, 9.00 in his last four starts. :Litsch is 0-1, 9.35 in his last couple starts.
-- Padilla is 2-2, 6.65 in his last four starts.
-- Blanton is 1-2, 5.56 in his last three starts.
-- Verlander is 1-3, 7.77 in his last four starts. Weaver is 0-2, 7.02 in his last three starts.


Hot Teams
-- Phillies won six of their last seven games.
-- Cubs won seven of their last nine games.
-- Astros won six of their last seven games. .
-- Florida is 13-8 in its last twenty-one games.
-- Arizona won seven of their last ten road games
-- Dodgers won five of their last six home games.


-- Indians won seven of last nine games.
-- Angels won nine of last thirteen road games. Detroit won six of its last seven home games.
-- Tampa Bay Rays won six of last seven games.
-- Orioles won six of their last nine games.
-- Oakland won six of its last eight games.


Cold Teams
-- Pirates lost nine of their last eleven games.
-- Mets lost five of their last seven games. Braves lost eight of their twelve road games.
-- Nationals lost seven of last ten home games.
-- Brewers are 3-5 in last eight home games.
-- Cardinals lost four of last six home games.
-- Reds lost eleven of their last fifteen games. Giants are 1-3 in their last four home games.
-- Padres lost nine of last eleven games.
-- Rockies lost six of last seven games.

-- Bronx lost last three games, allowing 15 runs.
-- Red Sox lost their last four games.
-- Rangers lost five of their last six home games. Twins lost six of their last eight road games.
-- Royals lost seven of last nine games. Toronto lost last six games, scoring total of sixteen runs.
-- White Sox are 1-5 in game after their last six wins.
-- Mariners are 3-5 in their last eight home games.

Totals
-- Ten of last thirteen Pirate games went over the total.
-- Nine of last twelve Met games stayed under the total.
-- Five of Cubs' last six games stayed under the total.
-- Under is 9-2-1 in last twelve Milwaukee games.
-- Under is 3-0 in Lohse home starts this season.
-- Over is 11-3-1 in last fifteen Arizona games.
-- Five of last six Cincinnati road games went over the total.
-- Over is 12-4 in last sixteen Colorado games.

-- Over is 6-3 in last nine Cleveland home games.
-- Over is 4-1 in Guthrie's last five road starts.
-- Last three Shields starts all went over the total.
-- Over is 11-2 in last thirteen Texas games.
-- Eight of Royals' last eleven games stayed under the total.
-- Under is 7-3 in Baltimore road games.
-- Under is 5-1-1 in last seven Seattle games.

Umpires
-- Atl-NY-- Three of four Everitt games went over the total.
-- Phil-Pitt-- Over is 4-0-2 in Crawford games this season.
-- Chi-Wsh-- Under won last four Montague games.
-- Fla-Mil-- Three of last four Knight games stayed under total.
-- Hst-StL-- Four of five Joyce games stayed under the total.
-- Az-SD-- All four Meriwether games stayed under total.
-- Cin-SF-- Last four Rapuano games went over the total.
-- Col-LA-- Four of five Campos games stayed under last year.

-- NY-Clev-- Three of four Foster games stayed under total.
-- Bos-TB-- Over is 8-3 in last eleven Scott games.
-- Blt- Chi-- Underdog won four of last five Reed games.
-- Tor-KC-- Three of last four Miller games stayed under total.
-- Min-Tex-- Favorite won last four Reilly games.
-- A's-Sea-- Underdog is 4-0 in Eddings games this season.
-- LA-Det-- Home side won six of seven Winters games.

[pm530]

MLB


Sunday, April 27

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sunday Night Baseball
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Los Angeles Angels at Detroit Tigers
Odds: -130, 9 ½
Starting Pitchers: Jered Weaver vs. Justin Verlander

ESPN’s Sunday Night Baseball showcase features two teams expected to be among the American League’s best this year. Both the Angels and Tigers were favorites to win their respective divisions and right now the Angels are atop the AL West.

Neither team has had things go the way they wanted so far this year, however, so this game could serve as a turning point for both squads.

The Angels have been bitten hard by the injury bug, especially in the pitching staff. Starters John Lackey and Kelvin Escobar, who combined for 37 wins last year, both suffered major injuries. Their absence has put added pressure on L.A.’s young hurlers, namely Jered Weaver.

Weaver had a standout rookie campaign, going 11-2 with a 2.56 ERA, and followed that with an up-and-down sophomore season. An opportunity knocked on Weaver’s door this season with Lackey and Escobar shelved but he hasn’t answered the call.

He is just 1-3 with a 4.50 ERA and .289 batting average against this year. The road has been especially unkind to Weaver, where he is 0-2 with a 6.88 ERA.

That doesn’t bode well when going up against a Tigers lineup that has awoken from its early-season slumber. Detroit was predicted to score 1,000 runs this season but the opening weeks made that forecast look unrealistic.

A slow start from the batter’s box left the Tigers 2-10 through the first 10 games of the season, but a quick turnaround at the plate has propelled Detroit on an 8-3 run. The Tigers averaged 7.8 runs per game during that run.

Detroit will have “ace” Justin Verlander on the mound, even though he hasn’t quite lived up that title this season. The young right-handed flamethrower is just 1-3 with a 5.93 ERA. Verlander has boasted a great strikeout-to-walk ratio in past years but that has not been the case this year as he has walked 14 and struck out just 17 in 30 innings.

Verlander didn’t pitch against the Angels last year but had two strong showings against them in his breakout 2006 season. He allowed just three earned runs in 13 innings of work that season but he could have his work cut out for him this year. Los Angeles is among the league’s best in numerous offensive categories, including second in team batting average and stolen bases, fourth in OPS, seventh in scoring and ninth in home runs.

Two trends stand out from 2007’s series between Los Angeles and Detroit. Big run production was the most glaring trend as the teams combined to average 14.3 runs per game en route to pushing all eight contests over the total.

Additionally, the series was dominated by the home-field advantage with the home team going 6-2 and winning by 5.8 runs per game.

The “worldwide leader” made a wise decision in making this contest its featured game. Two promising young hurlers going up against two explosive offenses will no doubt produce an entertaining game.

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

[pm530]

MLB


Sunday, April 27

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Baseball Today
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SCOREBOARD

Sunday, April 27
Cincinnati at San Francisco (4:05 p.m.) Former Cy Young winner Barry Zito (0-5, 5.61 ERA) goes against the Reds’ Edinson Volquez (3-0, 1.21), who is trying to win his third straight decision.


STARS
Saturday

— Adam Wainwright, Cardinals, gave up five hits and a pair of walks in a complete-game, 4-3 victory over the Astros. Wainwright struck out six to improve to 3-1.

— Brian Burres, Orioles, pitched eight shutout innings, giving up three hits while striking out four in a 5-1 victory over the White Sox.

— Prince Fielder, Brewers, homered, drove in a pair of runs and scored three times in a 4-3 victory over the Marlins.

— Carlos Zambrano, Cubs, went seven innings and scattered five hits and four walks in a 7-0 blanking of the Nationals. Zambrano struck out five in improving to 4-1.

— Luke Hochevar, Royals, gave up a run on six hits and two walks in six innings to win his first big league game, 2-1 over the Blue Jays. Hochevar struck out three.

— Erik Bedard, Mariners, pitched shutout ball into the seventh inning in his return to the rotation, a 5-3 win over the A’s. Bedard gave up two hits and four walks with six strikeouts.

AILING

Dodgers 3B Nomar Garciaparra was placed on the 15-day DL with a strained left calf. … Chipper Jones sat out the Braves’ 4-3 loss to the Mets with back spasms. … D-backs starter Micah Owings left in the sixth inning against the Padres with a sprained ankle. … Red Sox DH David Ortiz was scratched from the lineup against Tampa Bay with a bruised right knee. … Twins RHP Scott Baker left in the fifth inning against Texas with a mild groin strain.

UMPIRE INJURED

Plate umpire Kerwin Danley was taken off the field in an ambulance after he was struck on the jaw by Brad Penny’s fastball that Dodgers catcher Russell Martin missed in the fourth inning against the Rockies. The game was delayed for 18 minutes, with Danley laying nearly motionless behind home plate. A Dodgers spokesman said the umpire lost consciousness briefly, but was conscious and coherent when he was placed into the ambulance and taken to the hospital.

HARD-EARNED W

Tadahito Iguchi’s home run off Yusmeiro Petit in the 13th inning lifted the Padres to an 8-7 win over Arizona, snapping a three-game skid in extra-inning games. San Diego played extra innings for the third time in five home games, including a 22-inning loss to Colorado on April 17 that lasted 6 hours, 16 minutes. This one went 4:02.

10 SPOT

The Dodgers scored 10 runs in the first inning of an 11-3 win over the Rockies. Mark Redman needed 45 pitches to get out of the first inning in his Dodger Stadium debut. Brad Penny was the beneficiary, and was also the starting pitcher the last time the Dodgers reached double digits in runs during one inning. That was on May 6, 2005, when they got 10 in a win at Cincinnati.

STRONG RETURN

Making his first start in nearly three weeks, Erik Bedard was dominant in Seattle’s 5-3 win over Oakland. Bedard returned from the disabled list to give up just two hits in 6 2-3 scoreless innings. He walked four and struck out four.

LOOK OUT!

Call it a purpose pitch or one that just got away, but Astros manager Cecil Cooper was none too happy about a pitch from Cardinals starter Adam Wainwright that went behind Brad Ausmus. The pitch came after Houston starter Roy Oswalt hit Jason LaRue with a pitch. “That guy (Wainwright) is one of the best pitchers in the league,” Cooper said. “He doesn’t have control problems.”

SPEAKING

“I saw Prince coming out of the corner of my eye. I just bunted the ball and got out of the way. He was probably going to run me and the catcher over.” — Brewers pitcher Carlos Villanueva, who was at the plate when a suicide squeeze was called with 270-lb Prince Fielder at third.


SEASONS
April 27

1909—The Chicago White Sox won their third straight 1-0 game over St. Louis in three days.

1918—The Brooklyn Dodgers got into the win column after a major league record 0-9 start, with a 5-3 victory over the New York Giants in the opening game of a doubleheader.

1929—Brooklyn relief pitcher Clise Dudley homered on the first major league pitch he saw at Philadelphia’s Baker Bowl.

1930—Chicago White Sox first baseman Bud Clancy had no chances in a nine-inning game against St. Louis.

1944—Jim Tobin of the Braves pitched a no-hitter against the Dodgers in Boston, winning 2-0. He also hit a homer.

1947—Babe Ruth Day at Yankee Stadium drew a crowd of more than 58,000 to honor the ailing star. In the game, Sid Hudson of the Washington Senators beat Spud Chandler 1-0.

1968—Tom Phoebus of the Orioles no-hit the Boston Red Sox 6-0 at Baltimore.

1973—Kansas City’s Steve Busby pitched his first of two career no-hitters with a 3-0 victory over the Tigers at Detroit.

1983—Walter Johnson’s record of 3,508 career strikeouts was eclipsed by Houston’s Nolan Ryan—a record that had stood for 56 years. Ryan fanned Montreal pinch-hitter Brad Mills in the eighth inning as the Astros beat the Expos 4-2.

1994—Scott Erickson, who allowed the most hits in the majors the previous season, pitched Minnesota’s first no-hitter in 27 years as the Twins beat Milwaukee 6-0.

1996—Barry Bonds became the fourth major leaguer to amass 300 homers and 300 steals when he homered in the third inning of the San Francisco Giants’ 6-3 victory over the Florida Marlins. His father, Bobby Bonds, godfather Willie Mays and Andre Dawson are the only other players to reach 300-300.

2000—Chicago White Sox shortstop Jose Valentin hit for the cycle and drove in five runs in a 13-4 victory over the Baltimore Orioles. Valentin hit the cycle in single, double, triple and home run order.

2002—Derek Lowe, who struggled to keep his job as a closer last season, pitched a no-hitter against Tampa Bay. Brent Abernathy was the only baserunner Lowe allowed in Boston’s 10-0 victory.

2003—Kevin Millwood pitched a no-hitter to lead the Philadelphia Phillies over the San Francisco Giants 1-0. Millwood struck out 10 and walked three.

2005—Mark Grudzielanek hit for the cycle in his first four at-bats in St. Louis’ 6-3 victory over Milwaukee.

2005—Jose Mesa earned his 300th career save in Pittsburgh’s 2-0 victory over Houston. Mesa became the 19th pitcher in major league history with 300.

2007—Kirk Radomski, a former New York Mets clubhouse employee, pleaded guilty to distributing steroids to major league players for a decade and agreed to help baseball’s steroids investigators.

Today’s birthdays: Joey Gathright 27; Pedro Feliz 33; Chris Carpenter 33; Frank Catalanotto 34.

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[Udog]

NBA
Write-Up


NBA Games
Cavaliers won Game 2 by 30, lost Game 3 by 36, so your guess is as good as mine here; other than Lebron, Cavalier starters in Game 3 made just 19-54 shots. Arenas left Game 3 with injured knee, not sure if he plays here. Washington is totally different team without Arenas, a lot less explosvie.

Spurs have 3-0 lead over Suns, who have to be stunned after beating San Antonio easily twice after acquiring Shaq. They're getting almost nothing out of Grant Hill and they can't stop the Spurs, who shot 56% from floor in Game 3. Suns were just 2-6 from arc in Game 3. Matter of pride here for the Suns.

Billups was 2-11 from the floor in Detroit's dismal 95-75 defeat in Game 3 at Philly- they also turned ball 25 times- during year, they turned ball over less than 12 times a game. 76ers made 26 of 31 from charity stripe in Game 3, got 11 offensive boards as they grabbed 2-1 series lead. Lot of pressure on Detroit here.

Paul was just 4-18 from floor, West 6-20 in Game 3 loss, as the Mavericks chopped Hornets' lead to 2-1; Terry had 22 points to support Nowitzki's big night. Dallas was +9 on boards and held New Orleans to 38% from floor, after Hornets had shot 47 and 61% in first two tilts. Home team won all three in series.

[Udog]

NHL
Write-Up


2008 NHL playoffs
Rangers blew 3-0 second period lead in Game 1 at Pittsburgh in 5-4 loss, Penguins' fifth straight win in these playoffs. Rangers have now lost three in row, five of last six games in this arena. Under is 7-2 in last nine series games in Pittsburgh. New York's loss Friday was their first in four playoff road games.

Stars won 3-2 in OT Friday night, their seventh win in last eight games in Shark Tank- underdog is 12-3 in last fifteen games in this series. Over is 6-1-3 in last ten series games. San Jose split its first eight playoff games, is 3-2 at home. Dallas won four of last five series games, with last two at San Jose going into OT.