Thursday Trends and Indexes 07/03

[pm530]

Trends and Indexes
Thursday July 3

Good Luck on day #185 of 2008!

NOTE:
As information becomes available, we will attempt to post the trends and indexes as soon as possible.
Information is posted from what we believe are reliable sources.
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[pm530]

Six-pack for Thursday

-- Rays scored six runs in 7th inning to erase 4-1 deficit and sweep the Red Sox 7-6, moving 3.5 games up in AL East.

-- Troy Glaus hit walkoff homer for Cardinals in 8-7 win; they won despite blowing a 4-0 lead against Pedro Martinez.

-- Texas scored seven runs in five innings against Sidney Ponson, but then Bronx exploded and won 18-7, salvaging the third game of disappointing three-game series.

-- Indians are in last place and could be sellers later in July, as teams jockey to acquire CC Sabathia, whose pitch count in Chicago Wednesday night was 123.

-- Seattle is playing better ball under Jim Riggelman; they've won seven of last nine games.

-- Bronx Bombers have worst radio team ever; John Sterling has to work all nine innings because Suzyn Waldman does not do play-by-play. No idea why she is in booth. Sterling is funny sometimes but horribly inaccurate-- watch a game on TV sometime when he is on radio- its two different games.

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Thursday's List of 13: My National League All-Star team

This team is mostly based just on this season, not reputation, not who gets on TV more, just who is having the best season. Tomorrow, we'll post our American League picks........

Catcher-- Russell Martin-- Hitting .312 with 40 RBI on a lousy offensive team. Second choice: Brian McCann, Atlanta.

1st base-- Adrian Gonzalez-- Trying to become first player in 77 years to lead NL in RBI while playing on lowest-scoring team. Second choice: Lance Berkman, Houston.

2nd base-- Dan Uggla-- 23 HR, 58 RBI, .288 batting average for a team that is very surprising contender in NL East. How did Arizona let this guy go? Close Second choice: Chase Utley

Shortstop-- Hanley Ramirez-- 20 HRs, 41 RBI, .298 BA. Trade to the Red Sox for Beckett/Lowell is an all-time classic, much like the Volquez/Hamilton deal. Second choice: Jose Reyes, Mets

3rd base-- Larry Wayne Jones is hitting .393, with 16 HRs, 46 RBI, so despite leg problems, he's our guy. He's only had one manager in his entire career. Second choice: Aramis Ramirez

Outfield-- Matt Holliday-- 57-87-114-137 RBI his first four yrs in majors; hitting .337 this year. Why would he ever leave the friendlist confines, Coors Field? Second choice: Albert Pujols-- We're taking one less OF to get the deserving Pujols on team.

Outfield-- Carlos Lee-- 18 HRs, 64 RBI batting with not a lot of protection in lineup. He also plays in small home park, but guy is closing in on 1,000 career RBI. Second choice: Pat Burrell

Outfield-- Ryan Braun-- Converted 3B still has lot of work to in outfield to become good; his power numbers (20 HR, 58 RBI) are up, but average is down. Second choice: Nate MacLouth

Starting pitchers--
Webb, Arizona-- Where would Snakes be without him?
Linceum, Giants-- Strikeout total belies his not being big.
Volquez, Reds-- Cincinnati finally has good young starters.
Zambrano, Cubs-- Hurt right now, but Cubs were rolling when he and Soriano were both healthy.

Closer-- Lidge, Phillies-- Hasn't blown a save yet, as working in Philly seems to appeal to him.

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[pm530]

Canadian Football League – Long Sheet

CFL
Long Sheet

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Thursday, July 3
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HAMILTON (0 - 1) at TORONTO (1 - 0) - 7/3/2008, 7:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
TORONTO is 15-5 ATS (+9.5 Units) in all games over the last 2 seasons.
TORONTO is 15-5 ATS (+9.5 Units) in all lined games over the last 2 seasons.
TORONTO is 9-2 ATS (+6.8 Units) as a favorite over the last 2 seasons.
TORONTO is 10-2 ATS (+7.8 Units) versus division opponents over the last 2 seasons.
TORONTO is 10-2 ATS (+7.8 Units) off a division game over the last 2 seasons.
TORONTO is 14-5 ATS (+8.5 Units) in games played on turf over the last 2 seasons.
TORONTO is 5-16 ATS (-12.6 Units) in home games in July games since 1996.

Head-to-Head Series History
TORONTO is 6-1 against the spread versus HAMILTON over the last 3 seasons
TORONTO is 7-0 straight up against HAMILTON over the last 3 seasons
4 of 7 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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CALGARY (1 - 0) at EDMONTON (0 - 1) - 7/3/2008, 10:00 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

Head-to-Head Series History
CALGARY is 6-1 against the spread versus EDMONTON over the last 3 seasons
CALGARY is 5-2 straight up against EDMONTON over the last 3 seasons
4 of 7 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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Friday, July 4
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WINNIPEG (0 - 1) at MONTREAL (1 - 0) - 7/4/2008, 7:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
WINNIPEG is 33-18 ATS (+13.2 Units) in games where the line is +3 to -3 since 1996.

Head-to-Head Series History
MONTREAL is 5-3 against the spread versus WINNIPEG over the last 3 seasons
WINNIPEG is 5-3 straight up against MONTREAL over the last 3 seasons
6 of 8 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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SASKATCHEWAN (1 - 0) at BRITISH COLUMBIA (0 - 1) - 7/4/2008, 10:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
SASKATCHEWAN is 49-30 ATS (+16.0 Units) as an underdog of 3.5 to 9.5 points since 1996.
SASKATCHEWAN is 79-49 ATS (+25.1 Units) as an underdog since 1996.
SASKATCHEWAN is 32-16 ATS (+14.4 Units) in July games since 1996.

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

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[pm530]

Canadian Football League – Write up

CFL
Write-up


Week 2 CFL games

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Thursday, July 3
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Hamilton (0-1) @ Toronto (1-0)-- TiCats got smoked at home by Montreal last week, 33-10, allowing 472 total yards (6.7 yds per play). Hamilton committed 14 penalties for 104 yards, so a lousy start to season. Argos won 23-16 at Winnipeg, picking off three passes (+3 TOs), winning despite being outgained 361-230. .

Calgary (1-0) @ Edmonton (0-1)-- Stampeders outgained Lions 457-295 in 28-18 win last week; Calgary ran ball 31 times for 147 yards, most rushing tries by any CFL team last week. Eskimos lost 34-13 in Regina, after trailing just 9-7 at half; their 59 yards rushing were least in CFL last week.

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Friday, July 4
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Winnipeg (0-1) @ Montreal (1-0)-- Alouettes were 26-38/284 in passing game in 33-10 win at Hamilton last week, as new coach Trestman bring his ideas from NFL/college to CFL. Als ran ball for 18 yards, had 32 first downs. Glenn threw three picks in loss to Toronto last wk; they held Argos to less than 50% passing

Saskatchewan (1-0) @ BC Lions (0-1)-- BC ran ball just 15 times for 65 yards in 28-18 loss at Calgary last week, least tries on the ground last week. Stamps outgained BC 457-295. Roughriders averaged 7.7 yards per play in beating Eskimos last week; they scored 25 points in second half after leading just 9-7 at the half.

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[pm530]

Canadian Football League – Additional

CFL


Trend Sheet

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Thursday, July 3
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7:00 PM HAMILTON vs. TORONTO
Hamilton is 3-19 SU in its last 22 games
The total has gone UNDER in 8 of Hamilton's last 9 games
Toronto is 8-1 ATS in its last 9 games when playing Hamilton
Toronto is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing Hamilton


10:00 PM CALGARY vs. EDMONTON
Calgary is 6-1 ATS in its last 7 games when playing Edmonton
Calgary is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games when playing Edmonton
Edmonton is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games
Edmonton is 2-10 ATS in its last 12 games at home


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Friday, July 4
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7:00 PM WINNIPEG vs. MONTREAL
Winnipeg is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games on the road
Winnipeg is 4-10 ATS in its last 14 games when playing Montreal
Montreal is 5-2 ATS in its last 7 games when playing at home against Winnipeg
Montreal is 13-3 SU in its last 16 games when playing at home against Winnipeg


10:00 PM SASKATCHEWAN vs. BRITISH COLUMBIA
Saskatchewan is 9-1 SU in its last 10 games
Saskatchewan is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games on the road
British Columbia is 0-5 ATS in its last 5 games
British Columbia is 8-2 SU in its last 10 games

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[pm530]

WNBA


Thursday, July 3

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Trend Sheet
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7:00 PM HOUSTON vs. ATLANTA
Houston is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games
Houston is 2-7 SU in its last 9 games on the road
Atlanta is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games
Atlanta is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games at home

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[pm530]

Major League Baseball – Write up

MLB
Write-up


Thursday, July 3

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Hot Pitchers
-- Billingsley is 3-0, 1.96 in his last three starts.
-- Parra is 7-0, 3.04 in his last eight starts.
-- Lincecum is 5-0, 2.94 in his last ten starts.
-- Cueto has a 1.47 RA in his last three starts.
-- Braves are 8-0 at home when Jurrjens starts. Hamels is 3-1 in his last five starts, with a 2.61 RA.
-- Mets won last four Pelfrey starts, scoring 32 runs. St Louis is 4-0 in Boggs starts, scoring 28 runs.

-- Lester is 3-0, 3.03 in his last five starts. Pettitte is 4-0, 1.00 in his last four starts, after giving up ten runs in previous start.
-- Orioles won four of last five Olson starts.
-- Duchscherer is 5-2, 1.40 in his last seven starts.
-- Verlander is 2-0, 2.77 in his last four starts.

Cold Pitchers
-- Backe is 1-3, 6.82 in his last six starts.
-- Webb is 1-2, 7.29 in his last four starts.
-- Cubs are 0-5 in Gallagher road starts; home team is 9-0 in his starts this season.
-- Washington lost Lannan's last seven starts, scoring total of eleven runs.
-- Miller is 0-2, 10.24 in his last couple starts. Redman returns from minors; he was 2-3, 8.90 in six starts for Colorado earlier this season.

-- Davies allowed 10 runs in 7.2 IP in his last two starts.
-- Vazquez has 7.81 RA in his last five starts, but White Sox are 4-0 in his last four home starts.
-- Mariners lost last five Silva home starts.

Hot Teams
-- Dodgers won five of their last six road games.
-- Phillies won three of their last four games.
-- Cardinals won four of their last five games.

-- Orioles won eight of their last ten games. Royals won six of their last eight road games.
-- White Sox are 23-4 in their last 27 home games.
-- Detroit won 18 of its last 24 games. Mariners are 7-2 in their last nine games.

Cold Teams
-- Astros are 6-11 in their last seventeen games.
-- Arizona lost six of its last eight games.
-- Cubs lost seven of their last nine road games. Giants lost eight of last eleven home games.
-- Reds lost seven of last eight home games. Nationals lost five of their last six road games.
-- Braves lost eight of last eleven home games.
-- Colorado lost eight of its last ten games. Florida is 6-12 in its last twelve road games.
-- Mets are 7-8 since they fired Willie Randolph.

-- Bronx lost five of last seven home games. Red Sox are 8-18 in their last 26 road games, lost last five games overall.

Totals
-- Nine of last ten Dodger games stayed under the total.
-- Over is 6-1 in Webb's home starts.
-- Five of last seven Gallagher starts stayed under total.
-- Six of last nine Cueto starts stayed under the total.
-- Under is 10-4-1 in last fifteen Jurrjens starts.
-- Last five Redman starts went over the total.
-- Three of last four Cardinal games went over the total.

-- Under is 7-3 in last ten Bronx home games, 7-2-1 in last ten Boston games.
-- Over is 10-4 in Orioles' last fourteen games.
-- Over is 7-2 in White Sox' last nine home games.
-- Under is 8-3-1 in last dozen Verlander starts.

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[pm530]

Major League Baseball – Additional

MLB


Thursday, July 3

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Trend Sheet
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2:05 PM LA DODGERS vs. HOUSTON
LA Dodgers are 2-4 SU in their last 6 games when playing Houston
LA Dodgers are 5-1 SU in their last 6 games on the road
Houston is 8-15 SU in its last 23 games
Houston is 8-4 SU in their last 12 games when playing at home against LA Dodgers


3:40 PM MILWAUKEE vs. ARIZONA
Milwaukee is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games when playing Arizona
Milwaukee is 11-5 SU in its last 16 games
Arizona is 2-6 SU in its last 8 games
Arizona is 1-5 SU in its last 6 games when playing Milwaukee


7:05 PM BOSTON vs. NY YANKEES
Boston is 1-5 SU in their last 6 games when playing on the road against NY Yankees
Boston is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games
NY Yankees are 8-4 SU in their last 12 games when playing Boston
NY Yankees are 1-5-1 SU in their last 7 games at home


7:05 PM CHI CUBS vs. SAN FRANCISCO
Chi Cubs are 4-2 SU in their last 6 games when playing on the road against San Francisco
Chi Cubs are 2-5 SU in their last 7 games
San Francisco is 2-4 SU in their last 6 games when playing at home against Chi Cubs
San Francisco is 2-6 SU in their last 8 games when playing Chi Cubs


7:05 PM KANSAS CITY vs. BALTIMORE
Kansas City is 2-14 SU in its last 16 games when playing Baltimore
Kansas City is 6-2 SU in its last 8 games on the road
Baltimore is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games at home
Baltimore is 14-2 SU in its last 16 games when playing Kansas City


7:10 PM PHILADELPHIA vs. ATLANTA
Philadelphia is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing Atlanta
Philadelphia is 4-9 SU in its last 13 games
Atlanta is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games when playing Philadelphia
Atlanta is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games


7:10 PM WASHINGTON vs. CINCINNATI
Washington is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing Cincinnati
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Washington's last 7 games when playing Cincinnati
Cincinnati is 1-7 SU in its last 8 games at home
Cincinnati is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games when playing Washington


8:05 PM FLORIDA vs. COLORADO
Florida is 6-3 SU in its last 9 games when playing Colorado
Florida is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games
Colorado is 1-8-1 SU in its last 10 games
Colorado is 2-3-1 SU in its last 6 games at home


8:11 PM OAKLAND vs. CHI WHITE SOX
Oakland is 5-1 SU in their last 6 games when playing Chi White Sox
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Oakland's last 6 games when playing Chi White Sox
Chi White Sox are 5-0 SU in their last 5 games
Chi White Sox are 5-0 SU in their last 5 games at home


8:15 PM NY METS vs. ST. LOUIS
NY Mets are 4-2 SU in its last 6 games when playing on the road against St. Louis
NY Mets are 7-17 SU in its last 24 games when playing on the road against St. Louis
St. Louis is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games when playing NY Mets
St. Louis is 17-7 SU in its last 24 games when playing at home against NY Mets


10:10 PM DETROIT vs. SEATTLE
Detroit is 9-4 SU in its last 13 games when playing on the road against Seattle
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Detroit's last 5 games when playing on the road against Seattle
Seattle is 1-5 SU in its last 6 games when playing Detroit
The total has gone OVER in 7 of Seattle's last 8 games when playing Detroit

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[pm530]

Major League Baseball - Tips & Trends

MLB


Thursday, July 3

We will update when all projected scores are available.

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Tips and Trends
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Boston Red Sox at New York Yankees [7:05 PM ET]

Red Sox: Jon Lester had been pitching marvelously until his last outing versus the Astros. Thanks to the Sox scoring 11 runs, Lester received a no-decision despite allowing six runs over five innings. Before that poor performance, Lester had allowed three runs or less in seven of his previous eight outings. Lester has been a different pitcher away from Fenway Park where he's 2-2 with an ERA of 4.66.

Red Sox are 3-10 in their last 13 games as an underdog.

Key Injuries - OF Coco Crisp (.270; suspension) is expected to return.

PROJECTED SCORE: 3

Yankees (-115, O/U 9.5): There aren't many pitchers in baseball hotter than Andy Pettitte at the moment. Pettitte has won four straight starts, allowing just three runs over 27 innings of work. As usual, control has been key to Pettitte's success. He has given out only 26 walks in 106.1 innings pitched this season. The veteran has actually been much better away from Yankee Stadium. He's just 3-3 with a 4.59 ERA at home this season.

The UNDER is 3-1 in Pettitte's last four starts.
The UNDER is 11-3 in Pettitte's last 14 home starts.

Key Injuries - NONE

PROJECTED SCORE: 5



Chicago Cubs at San Francisco Giants [7:05 PM ET]

Cubs: The Cubs have lost four straight games with Sean Gallagher on the mound. However, Gallagher has been a victim of poor run support in some of those outings. If you are backing the Cubs tonight, expect the bullpen to play a major role in the outcome. In his nine starts this year, Gallagher has only reached the seventh inning once. He's been awful on the road, going 0-3 with a 4.99 ERA in five starts.

The UNDER is 5-2 in Gallagher's last seven starts.
Cubs are 2-7 in their last 9 road games.
The OVER is 7-2 in Chicago's last 9 games overall.

Key Injuries - 3B Aramis Ramirez (.289; personal) is expected to return.
OF Reed Johnson (.271; back) is on the 15-day DL.
OF Alfonso Soriano (.283; broken hand) is on the 15-day DL.

PROJECTED SCORE: TBD

Giants (-135, O/U 7.5): After allowing nine runs in his prior two starts, Tim Lincecum was back to his dominant self in most recent outing against Oakland. Lincecum pitched seven scoreless innings while striking out 11. In seven starts at home this season, Lincecum has only factored in three decisions, going 2-1 with a 3.06 ERA. He's faced the Cubs twice in his short career, limiting them to a .146 batting average against him.

Giants are 5-17 in their last 22 home games.

Key Injuries - NONE

PROJECTED SCORE: TBD



New York Mets at St. Louis Cardinals [8:15 PM ET]

Mets: After getting hammered early in the year, Mike Pelfrey has rebounded to become one of the Mets most consistent pitchers. New York has won four straight games with Pelfrey on the hill and he's allowed two runs or less six times over his last 10 starts. Even though Pelfrey has a winning record on the road (3-2) his ERA is an unimpressive 6.38, with opposing teams hitting a whopping .353 against him.

Two of Pelfrey's last three starts have gone way OVER the total.
The OVER is 10-4-4 in New York's last 18 games as an underdog.

Key Injuries - NONE

PROJECTED SCORE: TBD

Cardinals (-120, O/U 9): Young Mitchell Boggs has added another strong arm to the Cardinals starting rotation. Boggs has won three of his four starts this season, allowing 10 runs over 20.1 innings of work. However, he was hit hard in his one start at home versus the Phillies, allowing four runs in just 4.1 innings. He took a no-decision in that game, as the Cards outscored Philly, 7-6.

The OVER is 3-1 in Boggs' starts this season.
The OVER is 10-4-1 in St. Louis' last 15 games as a favorite.

Key Injuries - SS Cesar Izturis (.241; hamstring) is on the 15-day DL.

PROJECTED SCORE: TBD



Detroit Tigers at Seattle Mariners [10:10 PM ET]

Tigers (-140, O/U 8.5): Justin Verlander continues to pitch well of late. In his last 10 outings, Verlander has allowed three runs or less eight times. He's pitching much better than his 4-9 record would indicate. While he's righted the ship recently, Verlander has been miserable on the road this season, going 1-5 with a 5.11 ERA in seven starts.

The UNDER is 6-3-1 in Verlander's last 10 starts.
Tigers are 23-5 in their last 28 games as a favorite.
Tigers are 9-4 in the last 13 meetings at Seattle.

Key Injuries - 3B Miguel Cabrera (.280; hip) is day-to-day.
OF Magglio Ordonez (.307; oblique) is on the 15-day DL.

PROJECTED SCORE: TBD

Mariners: The good news for Carlos Silva is that he finally got a win his last time out. The bad news is he lost seven consecutive starts prior to that win. Talk about ugly. Silva has allowed four runs or more six times in his last 10 starts. Three times over that span he gave up a ridiculous seven runs. He's 2-4 at home this season with an ERA of 5.44. Silva hasn't gone past the fourth inning four times in his last 10 appearances.

Mariners are 3-10 in their last 13 home games.
Mariners are 1-7 in Silva's last 8 starts.

Key Injuries - RP J.J. Putz (7 saves; elbow) is on the 15-day DL.

PROJECTED SCORE: TBD

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[pm530]

MLB


Thursday, July 3

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Baseball Today
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SCOREBOARD

Thursday, July 3

Oakland at Chicago White Sox (8:10 p.m.) Surprise AL ERA leader Justin Duchscherer (8-5, 1.91 ERA), who has allowed two runs or fewer in each of his last seven starts, pitches against Chicago's Javier Vazquez (7-6, 4.49).


STARS

Wednesday

- Nick Blackburn, Twins, allowed three hits in seven innings, struck out four and walked one to lead Minnesota to a 7-0 win over the Tigers.

- Jason Giambi, Yankees, hit a grand slam and drove in a season-best six runs as New York pounded the Texas Rangers 18-7.

- Evan Longoria, Rays, went 3-for-4 and drove in three runs in a 7-6 win over the Red Sox.

- A.J. Pierzynski, White Sox, led off the 10th inning with his second homer of the game and Chicago beat Cleveland 6-5 for its seventh straight win.

- Miguel Cairo, Mariners, drove in three runs with two doubles to help Seattle beat Toronto 4-2.

- Xavier Nady, Pirates, homered twice and drove in four runs, setting up a 9-5 victory over the Reds.

- Garrett Atkins, Rockies, homered and drove in four runs to lead Colorado over San Diego 8-1.

- Troy Glaus, Cardinals, hit his second homer of the game with two outs in the ninth to give St. Louis an 8-7 victory over the Mets.

- Mike Fontenot, Cubs, homered for the third time in eight games, including a tiebreaking shot in the eighth inning to lift Chicago to a 6-5 win over San Francisco.


GOOD TIMING

Alfredo Amezaga hit a go-ahead, two-run home run in seventh inning after a 1-hour, 35-minute rain delay, and the Marlins beat Washington 4-2 on Wednesday. Amezaga's other homer this year was May 28, a 12th-inning drive against the New York Mets' Duaner Sanchez in a game Florida went on to lose.


HANK DEMANDS, YANKS OBLIGE

The Yankees had been struggling at the plate, scoring just seven runs and batting .172 in losing three of their last four games, but they romped the Rangers 18-7 Wednesday night after club co-chairman Hank Steinbrenner said things were "getting ridiculous'' earlier in the day. "We've got to start hitting,'' Steinbrenner said in Tampa, Fla. "They've got to start waking up.''


SIZZLING SAUNDERS

Angels starter Joe Saunders (12-4) allowed four runs - two earned - and six hits in 6 1-3 innings to match Brandon Webb for the major league lead with his 12th win, a 7-4 victory over Oakland on Wednesday.


FACIAL

San Diego catcher Michael Barrett left Wednesday night's game against Colorado in the third inning after fouling a ball off his face. He was taken to a hospital for further evaluation for what was believed to be a broken nose. Padres manager Bud Black said that a trip to the disabled list for Barrett seemed likely.


OUCH

Oakland placed six-time Gold Glove third baseman Eric Chavez on the 15-day disabled list on Wednesday because of a sore right shoulder. It was the second trip to the DL this season for the 30-year-old Chavez, who didn't make his season debut until May 29 after back and shoulder surgery during the offseason. He had been limited to designated hitter duty since June 22. ... An MRI on Twins RF Michael Cuddyer's right index finger revealed a sprain at the knuckle; the original diagnosis was a strained tendon. He's eligible to come off the DL on July 12. ... Pirates closer Matt Capps will be sidelined for approximately eight weeks with a shoulder injury. An MRI indicated he has bursitis and tightness that prevents him from getting full extension during his delivery. ... Rockies starter Jeff Francis went on the 15-day disabled list Wednesday with left shoulder inflammation.


DONE

Reds shortstop Alex Gonzalez is scheduled for surgery Monday on his troublesome left knee, which has sidelined him all season. Gonzalez sustained a compression fracture in the knee at the start of spring training, and it hasn't fully healed. The surgery will end his chances of returning this season.


STRONG START

The Orioles' Daniel Cabrera pitched a seven-hitter to earn his first victory since May 20, a 5-2 win over Baltimore. Cabrera (6-4) retired 13 straight batters before David DeJesus singled with two outs in the eighth inning. The right-hander struck out two and walked none in his second complete game of the season. ... The Dodgers' Hiroki Kuroda (4-6) allowed five hits in seven innings with one strikeout, looking strong in his first start since going on the DL on June 18 with tendinitis in his right shoulder. The Dodgers beat the Astros 4-1.


PRIZED PROSPECT

The Athletics and prized 16-year-old pitching prospect Michael Inoa of the Dominican Republic agreed Wednesday to a minor league contract with a $4.25 million signing bonus. The 6-foot-7, 205-pound right-hander is widely considered the top prospect in his country and much of Latin America and is scheduled to play in the Dominican Summer League. Oakland likes Inoa's athleticism and he already has a fastball clocked in the mid 90s.


STATS

Angels closer Francisco Rodriguez pitched a scoreless ninth for his major league-leading 34th save in 36 attempts, tying John Smoltz's 2003 record for the most before the All-Star break. ... Alex Rodriguez hit his 535th homer, moving him past Jimmie Foxx for 14th on the career list and within one of Yankees Hall of Famer Mickey Mantle. ... With a 7-3 loss to Philadelphia, the Braves (40-45) fell a season-worst five games under .500.


SPEAKING

"It's a really good feeling. I can't tell you that I expected it - I'd be lying - but right now ... we do expect to win on a nightly basis,'' manager Joe Maddon said after the Rays completed a sweep of the Red Sox on Wednesday night and improved the best record in baseball to 52-32.


SEASONS

July 3

1912 - Rube Marquard of the New York Giants raised his season record to 19-0 with a 2-1 victory over the Brooklyn Dodgers. His winning streak ended five days later against the Chicago Cubs.

1939 - Johnny Mize of St. Louis hit two home runs, a triple and a double, leading the Cardinals to a 5-3 victory over the Chicago Cubs.

1947 - The Cleveland Indians purchased Larry Doby from the Newark Eagles of the Negro National League, making him the first black player in the American League.

1966 - Atlanta pitcher Tony Cloninger became the first National League player to hit two grand slams in one game. He added a single for nine RBIs in a 17-3 triumph over San Francisco.

1968 - Cleveland's Luis Tiant struck out 19, walked none in a six-hit 1-0, 10-inning triumph over Minnesota.

1970 - California's Clyde Wright used only 98 pitches to no-hit the Oakland A's 4-0 at Anaheim Stadium.

1973 - Jim Perry of the Detroit Tigers and brother Gaylord of the Cleveland Indians faced each other for the only time as opposing pitchers. Neither finished the game. Gaylord took the loss, 5-4.

2001 - D'Angelo Jimenez hit San Diego's fourth sacrifice fly of the game - tying the NL record - to lift the Padres over Colorado 6-5. Ryan Klesko, Wiki Gonzalez and Woody Williams also had sacrifice flies.

2002 - Cleveland Indians slugger Jim Thome homered in his seventh straight game, leaving him one shy of the major league record. Thome hit a solo shot off David Wells of the New York Yankees.

2006 - Manager Felipe Alou picked up his 1,000th career victory in San Francisco's 9-6 win over Colorado.

2007 - Brad Wilkerson hit three homers and had six RBIs to help Texas beat the Los Angeles Angels 8-3.

Today's birthdays: Edinson Volquez 25; Logan Kensing 26; Juan Rivera 30; Moises Alou 42.

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[pm530]

WNBA – Additional

WNBA


Updated

Thursday, July 3

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Trend Sheet
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7:00 PM HOUSTON vs. ATLANTA
Houston is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games
Houston is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games
Atlanta is 1-5 ATS in its last 6 games at home
Atlanta is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games at home


8:00 PM SACRAMENTO vs. SAN ANTONIO
Sacramento is 5-0 ATS in its last 5 games
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Sacramento's last 5 games
San Antonio is 1-4 ATS in its last 5 games when playing Sacramento
San Antonio is 6-15 SU in its last 21 games when playing Sacramento


10:00 PM NEW YORK vs. SEATTLE
New York is 3-6 ATS in its last 9 games
The total has gone OVER in 5 of New York's last 5 games
Seattle is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games when playing at home against New York
Seattle is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games when playing at home against New York


10:30 PM MINNESOTA vs. LOS ANGELES
Minnesota is 1-4 ATS in its last 5 games when playing on the road against Los Angeles
Minnesota is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games when playing on the road against Los Angeles
Los Angeles is 6-3 SU in its last 9 games
The total has gone OVER in 16 of Los Angeles's last 23 games

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[pm530]

WNBA – Long Sheet

WNBA
Long Sheet

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Thursday, July 3
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HOUSTON (7 - 9) at ATLANTA (0 - 16) - 7/3/2008, 7:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
HOUSTON is 221-168 ATS (+36.2 Units) in all games since 1997.
HOUSTON is 147-98 ATS (+39.2 Units) as a favorite since 1997.
HOUSTON is 71-47 ATS (+19.3 Units) in July games since 1997.
HOUSTON is 158-110 ATS (+37.0 Units) in May, June, or July games since 1997.
HOUSTON is 34-18 ATS (+14.2 Units) on Thursday since 1997.
HOUSTON is 22-10 ATS (+11.0 Units) in road games after a loss by 10 points or more since 1997.
HOUSTON is 86-60 ATS (+20.0 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record since 1997.

Head-to-Head Series History
ATLANTA is 1-0 against the spread versus HOUSTON over the last 3 seasons
HOUSTON is 1-0 straight up against ATLANTA over the last 3 seasons
1 of 1 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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SACRAMENTO (8 - 8) at SAN ANTONIO (10 - 6) - 7/3/2008, 8:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
SACRAMENTO is 27-45 ATS (-22.5 Units) as a road underdog of 3.5 to 6 points since 1997.
SACRAMENTO is 21-40 ATS (-23.0 Units) in road games after scoring 75 points or more since 1997.
SAN ANTONIO is 8-1 ATS (+6.9 Units) in home games this season.
SAN ANTONIO is 8-1 ATS (+6.9 Units) in home games in May, June, or July games this season.
SACRAMENTO is 8-1 ATS (+6.9 Units) after a non-conference game this season.
SACRAMENTO is 18-7 ATS (+10.3 Units) after allowing 75 points or more over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
SACRAMENTO is 6-4 against the spread versus SAN ANTONIO over the last 3 seasons
SACRAMENTO is 6-5 straight up against SAN ANTONIO over the last 3 seasons
6 of 11 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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NEW YORK (8 - 7) at SEATTLE (9 - 7) - 7/3/2008, 10:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
SEATTLE is 9-1 ATS (+7.9 Units) in home games after a non-conference game over the last 2 seasons.
NEW YORK is 25-12 ATS (+11.8 Units) in road games off an upset win as an underdog since 1997.
NEW YORK is 17-6 ATS (+10.4 Units) after allowing 75 points or more over the last 2 seasons.
NEW YORK is 54-35 ATS (+15.5 Units) in road games when playing against a team with a winning record since 1997.

Head-to-Head Series History
SEATTLE is 3-1 against the spread versus NEW YORK over the last 3 seasons
SEATTLE is 4-1 straight up against NEW YORK over the last 3 seasons
3 of 5 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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MINNESOTA (8 - 8) at LOS ANGELES (10 - 5) - 7/3/2008, 10:30 PM
Top Trends for this game.
MINNESOTA is 6-18 ATS (-13.8 Units) in July games over the last 3 seasons.
MINNESOTA is 39-60 ATS (-27.0 Units) in road games vs. division opponents since 1997.
LOS ANGELES is 2-9 ATS (-7.9 Units) in a home game where where the total is greater than or equal to 150 over the last 2 seasons.
LOS ANGELES is 5-16 ATS (-12.6 Units) after a non-conference game over the last 2 seasons.
LOS ANGELES is 30-49 ATS (-23.9 Units) in home games after allowing 75 points or more since 1997.
LOS ANGELES is 4-14 ATS (-11.4 Units) versus poor defensive teams - allowing 77+ points/game over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
MINNESOTA is 4-3 against the spread versus LOS ANGELES over the last 3 seasons
LOS ANGELES is 4-3 straight up against MINNESOTA over the last 3 seasons
5 of 7 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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[pm530]

Major League Baseball - Dunkel Index

MLB
Dunkel Index

LA Dodgers at Houston
The Astros look to earn a split in the series and build on their 6-4 record as a home underdog listed between +100 and +125. Houston is the underdog pick according to Dunkel, which has the Astros favored straight up by 1. Dunkel Pick: Houston (+115). Here are all of today's games.

THURSDAY, JULY 3

Game 901-902: LA Dodgers at Houston
Dunkel Ratings: LA Dodgers (Billingsley) 14.679; Houston (Backe) 14.789
Dunkel Line: Houston by 1; 8
Vegas Line: LA Dodgers (-125); 8 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Houston (+115); Under

Game 903-904: Milwaukee at Arizona
Dunkel Ratings: Milwaukee (Parra) 15.273; Arizona (Webb) 15.570
Dunkel Line: Arizona by 1/2; 7
Vegas Line: Arizona (-155); 8
Dunkel Pick: Arizona (-155); Under

Game 905-906: Chicago Cubs at San Francisco
Dunkel Ratings: Cubs (Gallagher) 14.174; San Francisco (Lincecum) 15.934
Dunkel Line: San Francisco by 2; 8
Vegas Line: San Francisco (-130); 7 1/2
Dunkel Pick: San Francisco (-130); Over

Game 907-908: Washington at Cincinnati
Dunkel Ratings: Washington (Lannan) 13.097; Cincinnati (Cueto) 15.088
Dunkel Line: Cincinnati by 2; 8
Vegas Line: Cincinnati (-145); 9
Dunkel Pick: Cincinnati (-145); Under

Game 909-910: Philadelphia at Atlanta
Dunkel Ratings: Philadelphia (Hamels) 14.446; Atlanta (Jurrjens) 14.805
Dunkel Line: Atlanta by 1/2; 7 1/2
Vegas Line: Philadelphia (-115); 8
Dunkel Pick: Atlanta (+105); Under

Game 911-912: Florida at Colorado
Dunkel Ratings: Florida (Redman) 14.988; Colorado (Redman) 13.577
Dunkel Line: Florida by 1 1/2; 10
Vegas Line: Colorado (-130); 9 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Florida (+120); Over

Game 913-914: NY Mets at St. Louis
Dunkel Ratings: NY Mets (Pelfrey) 16.364; St. Louis (Boggs) 15.090
Dunkel Line: NY Mets by 1; 8 1/2
Vegas Line: St. Louis (-115); 9
Dunkel Pick: NY Mets (+105); Under


Game 915-916: Boston at NY Yankees
Dunkel Ratings: Boston (Lester) 15.819; NY Yankees (Pettitte) 14.829
Dunkel Line: Boston by 1; 8 1/2
Vegas Line: NY Yankees (-125); 9 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Boston (+115); Under

Game 917-918: Kansas City at Baltimore
Dunkel Ratings: Kansas City (Davies) 16.162; Baltimore (Olson) 15.003
Dunkel Line: Kansas City by 1; 10
Vegas Line: Baltimore (-135); 9 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Kansas City (+125); Over

Game 919-920: Oakland at Chicago White Sox
Dunkel Ratings: Oakland (Duchscherer) 15.740; White Sox (Vazquez) 14.674
Dunkel Line: Oakland by 1; 8 1/2
Vegas Line: Chicago White Sox (-115); 8
Dunkel Pick: Oakland (+105); Over

Game 921-922: Detroit at Seattle
Dunkel Ratings: Detroit (Verlander) 15.655; Seattle (Silva) 15.746
Dunkel Line: Seattle by 1/2; 8
Vegas Line: Detroit (-135); 8 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Seattle (+125); Under

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[pm530]

Major League Baseball – Hot lines

MLB


Thursday, July 3

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Hot lines: Today’s MLB bets
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Hot lines: Thursday's best MLB bets

Boston vs. Yankees (-130, 9 ½)

The Red Sox and Yankees meet for the first time since April and – surprise! – neither team is leading the American League East. That honor belongs to the Rays, whom Boston trails by 3 ½ games and the Yankees trail by 7 ½.

If there was ever a time New York was going to hack into the deficit it trails the Sox for the Wild Card spot in the AL, it looks like tonight. Boston enters the series on a five-game losing streak and New York sends its hottest pitcher to the mound, Andy Pettitte.

However, the Red Sox hit lefties better than righties (.287) and Pettitte takes the mound with the distraction of the Roger Clemens-Brian McNamee defamation lawsuit hanging over his head. Pettitte could be called to testify any day in the trial following a motion to dismiss by McNamee’s lawyers on Wednesday.

The Yankees have another soap opera on their hands following a report in the Daily News that says cleanup hitter Alex Rodriguez is splitting up with his wife Cynthia.

Pick: Boston +115



Washington vs. Cincinnati (-150, 9)

If motivation is the biggest worry for last-place teams, Cincy shouldn’t have much trouble finding any tonight in this battle of National League divisional basement dwellers. Even though it was last year when these teams last bumped heads, the Nationals have won the last seven meetings against the Reds.

A year later or not, that has to leave a mark.

Throw in the fact that the Nats are sending one of the hardest luck pitchers in the majors to the mound tonight, and Cincy starts to look worth the chalk even more. Washington lefty John Lannan climbs the hill on a string of seven straight team losses in his last seven starts.

Lannan is 0-5 during that stretch but it’s not because of poor pitching. He gave up just two earned runs in at least six innings in five of his last six starts. That quality pitching, and the lack of run support, has led to seven unders in his last eight outings.

Pick: Reds

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