Friday Trends and Indexes 07/04

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Trends and Indexes
Friday July 4

Good Luck on day #186 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.





Have a safe and happy Fourth, guys!!!





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Weekend Sports Preview

It’s another busy weekend for sports fans and bettors alike with a full slate of MLB, AFL, CFL, WNBA, NASCAR and Formula 1 on tap.

In the American League this weekend the game’s best rivalry heats up again when Boston and the Yankees continue a four-game set in New York. Also worth a look in the AL this weekend is Detroit at Seattle, Oakland at the White Sox and Toronto at Los Angeles. The rest of the AL schedule includes Texas at Baltimore, Kansas City at Tampa Bay and Cleveland at Minnesota.

In the National League this weekend there are two big divisional series on tap as the Mets take on the Phillies and the Cubs visit St. Louis. Other divisional matchups on the schedule include San Diego at Arizona, Los Angeles at San Francisco and Pittsburgh at Milwaukee. Rounding out the NL series are Washington at Cincinnati, Houston at Atlanta and Florida at Colorado.

The AFL playoffs reach the Divisional Round this weekend with a trip to the Conference Championships on the line. The Divisional Round gets started on Saturday with Colorado at San Jose (-11) and New York at Philadelphia (-9.5). Sunday’s lone playoff game pits Grand Rapids against Chicago (-9.5), while the Divisional Round concludes on Monday with Cleveland at Georgia (-7).

As the AFL season winds down, the CFL is just getting started with the conclusion of Week 2 on Friday night. Friday’s doubleheader starts with Winnipeg at Montreal (pick'em) and that game will be followed by Saskatchewan at B.C. (-6).

In the WNBA this weekend the ladies take Friday night off before returning with five games on Saturday. The slate includes Sacramento at Houston, Connecticut at Indiana, Chicago at Indiana, Minnesota at Seattle and New York at Phoenix.

On Sunday there are two more games with San Antonio at Washington and Phoenix at Los Angeles.

On the track this weekend NASCAR heads back to Daytona International Speedway for the Coke Zero 400 Powered By Coca-Cola. When the Sprint Cup Series began the season at Daytona, Ryan Newman was the surprise winner of the Daytona 500. Last week Kurt Busch won in the rain at New Hampshire, but points leader Kyle Busch is the favorite to take the checkered flag this weekend.

Formula 1 also returns to the track this weekend with the British Grand Prix at Silverstone. Kimi Räikkönen won last year’s running of the British Grand Prix, while his Ferrari teammate Felipe Massa topped the podium the last time F1 raced in France two weeks ago.

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Six-pack for Friday

-- Brewers were coasting with 5-0 lead in 9th inning, before three relievers combined to allow six runs, as Arizona rallied for 6-5 win that evened their record at 43-43. Hideous loss.

-- Florida led 5-4 in 11th inning at Colorado, but Spilborghs singled with bases loaded to hand Marlins a damaging loss, third straight win for the Rockies.

-- St Louis starter Mitchell Boggs took one for team, allowing 11 runs in six IP as Mets crushed the Cardinals 11-1.

-- Justin Duchscherer cemented his status as an All-Star as he beat handed the White Sox a rare home loss, 3-2.

-- Sad day Thursday, as dude that played Bozo the Clown on TV died at age 83. No word if pallbearers at his funeral will be wearing orange wigs or toting bottles of seltzer.

-- Our country is 232 years old Friday. We're lucky to live in a free country, one where we can pretty much do as we please.

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Friday's List of 13: My American 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.
Catcher-- Dioner Navarro is hitting .312 with a .366 OB%, plus handling the vastly improved Rays' pitching staff. Interesting to see how many Rays get to Bronx. Second choice: Joe Mauer

1st base-- Justin Morneau-- Has 130-111 RBI last two years, is on pace for 120+ this year, helping Twins to contend despite losing Santana-Hunter-Bartlett-Garza in offseason trades that didn;t turn out so well. Second choice: Kevin Youkilis.

2nd base-- Ian Kinsler-- Has already scored 74 runs, is hitting .323 with 13 HRs, 50 RBI. Texas might be the most fun team to watch, they have a great offense, and Kinsler is the catalyst of that offense. Second choice: Mark Ellis

Shortstop-- Michael Young is underrated player, has 639+ ABs the last five seasons with 387 RBI the last four years, is hitting .288 this year, with 45 RBI. ARod is best shortstop in AL, but since he's at 3B, Young is best. Second choice: Derek Jeter

3rd base-- Alex Rodriguez-- No one asked me, but personally, I prefer the stripper from Iowa better than Madonna-- choices in life are always good. How did the Texas owner ever agree to pay ARod this much money? Second choice: Evan Longoria.

Outfield-- Josh Hamilton has ten more RBI than anyone else in major leagues; this is a guy who missed three full years before he even made major leagues, due to substance abuse, yet has somehow become a big star. Second choice: Manny Ramirez

Outfield-- Carlos Quentin came from Arizona without a lot of immediate expectations, but is at .276 with 61 RBI and an OB% of .388, as White Sox unexpectedly lead AL Central. Arizona has had rich farm system of late. Second choice: Jose Guillen

Outfield-- Milton Bradley is a timebomb, but is undeniably on a roll this season, hitting .320 with an outrageous .437 OB%. he also has 17 RBI for explosive Rangers. Second choice: JD Drew

Think about the six AL outfielders we picked; five of the six are guys with baggage- Drew was hated by home fans in St Louis, Atlanta and other four had either substance/behavior issues. This has really been a strange baseball season.

Starting pitchers:
-- Buehrle, White Sox-- Red-hot lefty is leading Pale Hose into AL Central pennant race. Sox starters pitch more than any of the other teams' starters and Buehrle is Sox' ace.
-- Duchscherer, A's-- Was injury-prone set-up guy before this year, but necessity made him a starter, now he's an ace.
-- Lee, Indians-- Has 65-37 career record, so the 11-1 isn't fluke, but he is having career season while pitching for team thats in last place. Has 17 walks, 93 strikeouts so far this season.
-- Halladay, Blue Jays-- 9-6, 2.60 for last place Jays, finished six of his 17 starts.

Closer-- Francisco Rodriguez has 34 saves, tied for most ever before All-Star break. Has shot to break Bobby Thigpen's mark of 57 saves in one season.

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[pm530]

Canadian Football League – Long Sheet

CFL
Long Sheet

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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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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 Trend Sheet

CFL


Trend Sheet

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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]

Major League Baseball – Additional Trend Sheet

MLB


Friday, July 4

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Trend Sheet
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1:05 PM BOSTON vs. NY YANKEES
Boston is 1-5 SU in its last 6 games
Boston is 1-5 SU in its last 6 games on the road
NY Yankees are 1-4 SU in their last 5 games when playing Boston
NY Yankees are 5-2 SU in their last 7 games when playing at home against Boston


1:15 PM WASHINGTON vs. CINCINNATI
Washington is 4-9 SU in its last 13 games when playing on the road against Cincinnati
Washington is 6-1 SU in its last 7 games when playing
Cincinnati
Cincinnati is 2-7 SU in its last 9 games at home
Cincinnati is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games


2:05 PM PITTSBURGH vs. MILWAUKEE
Pittsburgh is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games when playing on the road against Milwaukee
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Pittsburgh's last 6 games when playing on the road against Milwaukee
Milwaukee is 6-1 SU in its last 7 games at home
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Milwaukee's last 5 games at home


4:05 PM LA DODGERS vs. SAN FRANCISCO
LA Dodgers are 5-2 SU in their last 7 games
LA Dodgers are 6-1 SU in their last 7 games on the road
San Francisco is 2-12 SU in their last 14 games when playing at home against LA Dodgers
The total has gone UNDER in 9 of San Francisco's last 13 games when playing at home against LA Dodgers


4:10 PM DETROIT vs. SEATTLE
Detroit is 7-2 SU in its last 9 games
Detroit is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games on the road
Seattle is 1-6 SU in its last 7 games when playing Detroit
Seattle is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games when playing at home against Detroit


4:35 PM TEXAS vs. BALTIMORE
Texas is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games when playing Baltimore
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Texas's last 7 games when playing Baltimore
Baltimore is 8-3 SU in its last 11 games at home
Baltimore is 3-6 SU in its last 9 games when playing at home against Texas


5:10 PM KANSAS CITY vs. TAMPA BAY
Kansas City is 2-11 SU in its last 13 games when playing on the road against Tampa Bay
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Kansas City's last 8 games when playing on the road against Tampa Bay
Tampa Bay is 12-5 SU in its last 17 games when playing Kansas City
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Tampa Bay's last 6 games when playing Kansas City


7:05 PM NY METS vs. PHILADELPHIA
NY Mets are 4-2 SU in its last 6 games on the road
NY Mets are 4-1 SU in its last 5 games when playing Philadelphia
Philadelphia is 6-2 SU in its last 8 games when playing at home against NY Mets
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Philadelphia's last 6 games when playing at home against NY Mets


7:05 PM OAKLAND vs. CHI WHITE SOX
Oakland is 6-1 SU in their last 7 games when playing Chi White Sox
Oakland is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games on the road
Chi White Sox are 7-1 SU in their last 8 games
Chi White Sox are 9-1 SU in their last 10 games at home


7:10 PM CLEVELAND vs. MINNESOTA
Cleveland is 5-2 SU in its last 7 games when playing on the road against Minnesota
The total has gone UNDER in 9 of Cleveland's last 10 games when playing on the road against Minnesota
Minnesota is 3-10 SU in its last 13 games when playing Cleveland
The total has gone UNDER in 13 of Minnesota's last 18 games when playing Cleveland


7:35 PM HOUSTON vs. ATLANTA
Houston is 3-9 SU in its last 12 games when playing on the road against Atlanta
The total has gone OVER in 9 of Houston's last 13 games when playing on the road against Atlanta
Atlanta is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games
Atlanta is 1-5 SU in its last 6 games at home


8:05 PM FLORIDA vs. COLORADO
Florida is 7-16 SU in its last 23 games on the road
Florida is 5-2 SU in its last 7 games when playing on the road against Colorado
Colorado is 3-8 SU in its last 11 games
Colorado is 7-3 SU in its last 10 games at home


8:15 PM CHI CUBS vs. ST. LOUIS
Chi Cubs are 2-7-1 SU in their last 10 games on the road
Chi Cubs are 11-5 SU in their last 16 games when playing St. Louis
St. Louis is 4-8 SU in their last 12 games when playing at home against Chi Cubs
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of St. Louis's last 6 games when playing at home against Chi Cubs


9:05 PM TORONTO vs. LA ANGELS
Toronto is 2-5 SU in their last 7 games when playing LA Angels
The total has gone UNDER in 14 of Toronto's last 16 games when playing LA Angels
LA Angels are 8-4 SU in their last 12 games
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of LA Angels's last 6 games


9:40 PM SAN DIEGO vs. ARIZONA
San Diego is 2-6 SU in its last 8 games when playing Arizona
The total has gone OVER in 7 of San Diego's last 10 games when playing Arizona
Arizona is 6-2 SU in its last 8 games when playing San Diego
The total has gone OVER in 7 of Arizona's last 10 games when playing San Diego

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[pm530]

Major League Baseball - Tips & Trends

MLB


Friday, July 4

We will update when projected scores are available.

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Tips and Trends
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Boston Red Sox at New York Yankees [YES | 1:05 PM ET]

Red Sox (-130, O/U 9.5): Boston ace Josh Beckett is looking to rebound from a tough stretch in which he has earned just one win in four starts despite pitching fairly well. Beckett has allowed just two runs in each of his last two starts but has gone 0-1 because his teammates have backed him with just three runs. Run support has not been a problem for him against the Yankees lately though, as the Sox have scored 21 runs in his last three starts vs. New York. That has helped Beckett go 6-3 lifetime against them despite an inflated 5.87 ERA.

Red Sox are 1-5 in their last 6 road games.
The OVER is 9-1 in Beckett's last 10 Friday starts.

Key Injuries - NONE

PROJECTED SCORE: TBD

Yankees: Darrell Rasner has suffered losses in six of his last seven trips to the mound, but he has earned three of his four wins at home. He is 3-1 in four starts at Yankee Stadium and has pitched there just twice in his last seven outings, splitting a pair of decisions after allowing four runs in 13 innings with five walks and eight strikeouts. Rasner has never pitched against the Red Sox.

Yankees are 1-6 in Rasner's last 7 starts.
The UNDER is 7-2 in New York's last 9 home games.

Key Injuries - OF Hideki Matsui (.323; knee) is on the 15-day DL.

PROJECTED SCORE: TBD



Los Angeles Dodgers at San Francisco Giants [4:05 PM ET]

Dodgers: Derek Lowe has struggled away from home this season, earning just one road victory in nine starts. He is 1-4 on the road with a 4.62 ERA, with the Dodgers scoring just one run combined in his last two outings overall. Lowe earned a win in his last road start at Cincinnati on June 18th though, allowing just one run and three hits in 5.1 innings. He is 3-5 lifetime vs. San Francisco with a 3.38 ERA.

Dodgers are 21-10 in the last 31 meetings.
The UNDER is 10-1 in LA's last 11 games overall.

Key Injuries - SS Nomar Garciaparra (.226; calf) is expected to return.
OF Andruw Jones (.165; knee) is expected to return.
OF Juan Pierre (.277; knee) is on the 15-day DL.
2B Jeff Kent (.266; back) is day-to-day.

PROJECTED SCORE: TBD

Giants (-115, O/U 7.5): Jonathan Sanchez has been outstanding for the most part over his last seven starts, winning six times while allowing two runs or less in five of those games. In fact, Sanchez has given up three runs or less in nine of his last 10 starts. He is 2-2 in eight home starts with a 2.90 ERA and has pitched there just twice since May 16th.

Giants are 6-1 in Sanchez's last 7 starts overall.
Giants are 6-17 in their last 23 home games.

Key Injuries - NONE

PROJECTED SCORE: TBD



Chicago Cubs at St. Louis Cardinals [WGN | 8:15 PM ET]

Cubs (-130, O/U 8.5): Chicago ace Carlos Zambrano will make his first start since a right shoulder strain put him on the DL. His last start came June 18th at Tampa Bay, when he surrendered five runs and seven hits in 6.2 innings of a 5-4 loss. That marked Zambrano's second straight road loss, and he is just 4-3 away from home with a 4.08 ERA.

Cubs are 8-0 in Zambrano's last 8 starts vs. St. Louis.
Cubs are 2-8 in their last 10 road games.

Key Injuries - OF Reed Johnson (.271; back) has returned.
OF Alfonso Soriano (.283; broken hand) is on the 15-day DL.

PROJECTED SCORE: TBD

Cardinals: Braden Looper will make his first home start since June 18th, when he allowed one run and five hits in seven innings of an eventual 3-2 loss to the Royals. The Cardinals have won each of his last two starts - both on the road - even though he lasted just 3.1 innings last time out at Kansas City. He is 4-3 at home with a 4.50 ERA.

The OVER is 4-0-1 in St. Louis' last 5 games overall.

Key Injuries - NONE

PROJECTED SCORE: TBD



Toronto Blue Jays at Los Angeles Angels [9:05 PM ET]

Blue Jays: Toronto's A.J. Burnett is coming off consecutive stellar starts in which he allowed only one run and eight hits in a combined 15 innings. The Blue Jays outscored Atlanta and Cincinnati 15-1 in those games, but they have lost his last three road starts. Burnett is 3-4 away from home with a 3.94 ERA , and he is 1-1 in three career starts against the Angels with a 3.43 ERA.

Blue Jays are 2-9 in their last 11 road games.
The UNDER is 7-3 in Burnett's last 10 starts overall.

Key Injuries - OF Shannon Stewart (.240; ankle) is on the 15-day DL.

PROJECTED SCORE: TBD

Angels (-130, O/U 7.5): Jered Weaver will try to mind the most mind-boggling start of his career behind him when he toes the rubber for LA. Weaver did not allow a hit in six innings last time out on Saturday against the Dodgers but was pulled down 1-0 after an error he made eventually allowed the only run of the game to score. He has given up one run in three of his last four starts and is 3-4 at home with a 3.73 ERA.

The UNDER is 15-7-2 in LA's last 24 home games.
The UNDER is 13-3-2 in LA's last 18 Friday games.

Key Injuries - NONE

PROJECTED SCORE: TBD

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[pm530]

Major League Baseball – Streaking Pitchers

MLB

Friday, July 4

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Streaking Starting Pitchers
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Friday's streaking starting pitchers

Streaking

Dan Haren, Arizona Diamondbacks (8-4, 2.85)

Haren continues to intimidate his opponents, despite playing for his third team in five campaigns. The righty ranks ninth in MLB and fourth in the NL with a 3.04 ERA. He is also 2-0 with a solid 0.43 ERA and 20 strikeouts in his last three outings.

In his last two starts, Haren has pitched 14 scoreless innings, surrendering seven hits. He is 7-1 with a 2.41 ERA and 0.92 WHIP at Chase Field.

The Diamondbacks are 7-2 in Haren’s last nine home starts. They are also 6-2 in their last eight tilts against the Padres.


Mark Buehrle, Chicago White Sox (6-6, 3.79)

Buehrle has regained his form and it’s starting to pay off for the Sox. The left-hander lost six of his first 11 starts, but has since strung together three straight victories.

Buehrle, 3-0 with a 1.17 ERA in his last three starts, has 25 strikeouts in his last six contests and has not conceded more than three ER in that period. He is also 3-0 with a 1.17 ERA in his last three tilts and 3-2, including three straight victories, at U.S. Cellular Field.

Chicago is 4-1 in Buehrle’s last five starts, while the A’s are 2-5 in Joe Blanton’s last seven road starts.



Slumping

Paul Byrd, Cleveland Indians (3-9, 5.26)

Byrd is off to his worst start in eight seasons. The right-hander is 0-3 in his last three starts with a 5.26 ERA in 17 innings pitched. Byrd has also surrendered 18 ER and four home runs in his last six outings.

Byrd is 1-7 on the road with a lofty 6.89 ERA and 1.41 WHIP, including a 5-0 setback to the Reds last Saturday.

The Tribe is just 1-4 in its last five against the AL Central.


Darrell Rasner, New York Yankees (1-2, 6.60)

Rasner is a miserable 1-6 in his last seven starts. The third-year pitcher is fresh off a respectable start versus the Mets, but gave up 21 hits in his last three tilts, conceding 11 earned runs in just 15 innings.

The right-hander, 0-2 in his last two starts, is 3-1 with a 2.08 ERA in the Bronx, but has never faced the league-leading Boston Red Sox.

New York is 1-6 in Rasner’s last seven outings. They Yanks are also 2-5 in their last seven at Yankee Stadium.

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[pm530]

Major League Baseball - Baseball Today

MLB


Friday, July 4

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Baseball Today
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SCOREBOARD

Friday, July 4

Chicago Cubs at St. Louis (8:15 p.m.) The top teams in the NL Central square off, with the Cubs bringing ace Carlos Zambrano (8-3) off the disabled list to face Braden Looper (9-5) in the opener of a three-game series.


STARS

Thursday

-Chad Billingsley, Dodgers, gave up six hits with five strikeouts over eight innings, allowing only a pair of unearned runs in beating the Astros 5-2.

-Cole Hamels, Phillies, came within an out of a second complete-game shutout of the Braves, giving up just one run in the ninth inning of a 4-1 win.

-Mark Grudzielanek, Royals, was 4-for-5 and played a big part in a seven-run sixth inning that carried Kansas City to a 10-7 win over the Orioles.

-Jon Lester, Red Sox, gave up five hits and a pair of walks while striking out eight in a complete-game, 7-0 win over the Yankees.

-Mike Pelfrey, Mets, gave up a run on six hits over seven innings, and also went 1-for-3 with an RBI and scored a run in an 11-1 rout of the Cardinals.

-J.J. Hardy, Brewers, went 4-for-5 with two doubles and a solo home run, but it wasn't enough. The Diamondbacks scored all six of their runs in the ninth for a 6-5 victory.


NINTH-INNING MELTDOWN

Conor Jackson delivered the winning two-run single to cap a six-run ninth inning, lifting the Diamondbacks to a 6-5 victory over the Brewers. Three Milwaukee pitchers failed to record an out as seven straight D-backs reached base in the inning. Salomon Torres picked up the loss.


JUST ANOTHER SERIES

There wasn't quite as much luster in the Bronx for the Red Sox-Yankees series, seeing as both clubs are chasing Tampa Bay in the division. It's the first time since September 1997 that the two teams played after Memorial Day with neither in first place, according to the Elias Sports Bureau. The Rays, by the way, had a well-deserved day off.


HOLDING COURT

David DeJesus matched his career-best hitting streak of 15 games with a single during the Royals' seven-run sixth inning, which carried them to a 10-7 win over Baltimore. The last time Kansas City scored more than six runs in an inning was June 14, 2007 - an eight-run second frame against St. Louis.


WHAT JINX?

Razzed by teammates for making the cover of Sports Illustrated this week, Giants youngster Tim Lincecum responded by increasing his NL-leading strikeout total to 122 with eight Ks in six innings of an 8-3 win over the Cubs. Lincecum also singled in a run and scored.


COLE KO's BRAVES

Cole Hamels came within one out of his second shutout of the Braves this season, giving up his only run with two outs in the ninth inning of a 4-1 win. The Phillies have swept Atlanta twice at Turner Field and improved to 8-1 against the Braves this season. The last team to sweep two straight series in Atlanta was the Padres in August and September of 1989.


BOSS SENDS RSVP

Yankees owner George Steinbrenner said he'll be in attendance for the All-Star game on July 15, one of the featured events during the final season at the current Yankee Stadium. The Boss, who will celebrate his 78th birthday Friday with his family in Florida, has kept a low profile in recent years while sons Hank and Hal assume most of the club's daily operations.


SPEAKING

"For three years, Duchsherer preached down in the bullpen, 'I am a much better starter than a reliever. I'm a much better starter than a reliever.' To the point where it was ad nauseam, where you just wanted to tell him, 'Duke. You're not starting.''' - Oakland closer Huston Street, after watching Justin Duchscherer shut down the White Sox over seven innings of a 3-2 win. Duchscherer improved to 9-5 and leads the major leagues with a 1.96 ERA.

"We did not play a good game. We didn't do anything. We didn't hit, we didn't pitch. We didn't play a good game.'' -Yankees manager Joe Girardi, who closed the clubhouse for a 30-minute meeting after a 7-0 loss to Boston dropped them eight games back of division-leading Tampa Bay.


SEASONS

July 4

1905 - The Philadelphia Athletics scored two runs in the 20th inning, giving Rube Waddell a 4-2 victory over Cy Young of the Boston Red Sox. Both pitchers went the distance. Young did not allow a walk.

1908 - George Wiltse of the New York Giants pitched a 10-inning, 1-0 no-hitter against the Philadelphia Phillies.

1912 - George Mullin of the Detroit Tigers celebrated his 32nd birthday by pitching a no-hitter over the St. Louis Browns.

1925 - Two of the great left-handers of their time - Herb Pennock of the Yankees and Lefty Grove of the Athletics - hooked up in a pitchers' duel that New York won 1-0 in 15 innings. Pennock gave up four hits and walked none.

1939 - Jim Tabor of the Boston Red Sox hit three home runs, including two grand slams, in an 18-12 triumph over the Philadelphia Athletics in the second game of a doubleheader.

1976 - The Phillies' Tim McCarver lost a grand slam when he passed Garry Maddox on the basepaths. The Phillies still beat the Pirates 10-5 at Pittsburgh.

1983 - Dave Righetti of the New York Yankees pitched a 4-0 no-hitter against the Boston Red Sox at Yankee Stadium.

1984 - Phil Niekro of the New York Yankees struck out five Texas Rangers to become the ninth player to pass the 3,000-strikeout plateau. No. 3,000 was Larry Parrish.

1984 - The New York Mets beat the Braves 16-13 in 19 innings at Atlanta. The game went until just before 4 a.m. on July 5, and was followed by a fireworks display for the 10,000 still left in the stands. The Braves tied the score 13-13 on a homer by pitcher Rick Camp in the 18th inning.

2000 - St. Louis' Keith McDonald homered in his first major league at-bat as the Cardinals defeated Cincinnati 14-3.

2006 - Victor Martinez went 5-for-6 and Jhonny Peralta and Travis Hafner each hit two of Cleveland's six home runs, powering the Indians to a 19-1 rout of New York. The win was Cleveland's largest at home in more than 56 years, since a 21-2 victory over the Philadelphia Athletics on June 18, 1950.

2006 - Jose Contreras tossed 6 2-3 scoreless innings to win his 17th straight decision and lead the White Sox to a 13-0 victory over Baltimore.

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[Udog]

MLB
Dunkel


Texas at Baltimore
The Rangers were pounded in New York on Wednesday (18-7), but look to take advantage of yesterday's day off as they come into the contest with an 8-4 record with the extra rest. Texas is the underdog pick (+120) according to Dunkel, which has the Rangers favored straight up by 1. Dunkel Pick: Texas (+120). Here are all of today's games.

FRIDAY, JULY 4

Game 951-952: Washington at Cincinnati
Dunkel Ratings: Washington (Bergmann) 13.846; Cincinnati (Arroyo) 14.339
Dunkel Line: Cincinnati by 1/2; 8 1/2
Vegas Line: Cincinnati (-150); 9 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Cincinnati (-150); Under

Game 953-954: Pittsburgh at Milwaukee
Dunkel Ratings: Pittsburgh (Gorzelanny) 14.212; Milwaukee (Sheets) 16.060
Dunkel Line: Milwaukee by 2; 8
Vegas Line: Milwaukee (-190); 8 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Milwaukee (-190); Under

Game 955-956: LA Dodgers at San Francisco
Dunkel Ratings: LA Dodgers (Lowe) 14.890; San Francisco (Sanchez) 16.589
Dunkel Line: San Francisco by 1 1/2; 8 1/2
Vegas Line: San Francisco (-105); 7 1/2
Dunkel Pick: San Francisco (-105); Over

Game 957-958: NY Mets at Philadelphia
Dunkel Ratings: NY Mets (Santana) 15.318; Philadelphia (Happ) 16.582
Dunkel Line: Philadelphia by 1; 8
Vegas Line: NY Mets (-140); 9
Dunkel Pick: Philadelphia (+130); Under

Game 959-960: Houston at Atlanta
Dunkel Ratings: Houston (Moehler) 13.578; Atlanta (Hudson) 14.669
Dunkel Line: Atlanta by 1; 9 1/2
Vegas Line: Atlanta (-175); 9
Dunkel Pick: Atlanta (-175); Over

Game 961-962: Florida at Colorado
Dunkel Ratings: Florida (Olsen) 13.947; Colorado (Reynolds) 14.618
Dunkel Line: Colorado by 1/2; 10 1/2
Vegas Line: Colorado (-120); 10
Dunkel Pick: Colorado (-120); Over

Game 963-964: Chicago Cubs at St. Louis
Dunkel Ratings: Cubs (Zambrano) 14.519; St. Louis (Looper) 15.136
Dunkel Line: St. Louis by 1/2; 8
Vegas Line: Chicago Cubs (-130); 8 1/2
Dunkel Pick: St. Louis (+120); Under

Game 965-966: San Diego at Arizona
Dunkel Ratings: San Diego (Baek) 14.543; Arizona (Haren) 13.783
Dunkel Line: San Diego by 1; 8
Vegas Line: Arizona (-205); 8 1/2
Dunkel Pick: San Diego (+187); Under

Game 967-968: Boston at NY Yankees
Dunkel Ratings: Boston (Beckett) 15.154; NY Yankees (Rasner) 15.494
Dunkel Line: NY Yankees by 1/2; 10
Vegas Line: Boston (-130); 9 1/2
Dunkel Pick: NY Yankees (+120); Over

Game 969-970: Detroit at Seattle
Dunkel Ratings: Detroit (Rogers) 15.337; Seattle (Bedard) 16.064
Dunkel Line: Seattle by 1; 8 1/2
Vegas Line: Seattle (-125); 8
Dunkel Pick: Seattle (-125); Over

Game 971-972: Texas at Baltimore
Dunkel Ratings: Texas (Padilla) 15.365; Baltimore (Guthrie) 14.363
Dunkel Line: Texas by 1; 9 1/2
Vegas Line: Baltimore (-130); 9
Dunkel Pick: Texas (+120); Over

Game 973-974: Kansas City at Tampa Bay
Dunkel Ratings: Kansas City (Bannister) 15.802; Tampa Bay (Jackson) 16.084
Dunkel Line: Tampa Bay by 1/2; 8
Vegas Line: Tampa Bay (-155); 9
Dunkel Pick: Tampa Bay (-155); Under

Game 975-976: Oakland at Chicago White Sox
Dunkel Ratings: Oakland (Blanton) 14.981; White Sox (Buehrle) 15.433
Dunkel Line: Chicago White Sox by 1/2; 7 1/2
Vegas Line: Chicago White Sox (-155); 8 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Chicago White Sox (-155); Under

Game 977-978: Cleveland at Minnesota
Dunkel Ratings: Cleveland (Byrd) 14.116; Minnesota (Hernandez) 16.998
Dunkel Line: Minnesota by 3; 10
Vegas Line: Minnesota (-115); 9 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Minnesota (-115); Over

Game 979-980: Toronto at LA Angels
Dunkel Ratings: Toronto (Burnett) 15.295; LA Angels (Weaver) 15.087
Dunkel Line: Toronto by 1/2; 7
Vegas Line: LA Angels (-125); 7 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Toronto (+115); Under

[Udog]

MLB
Long Sheet


Friday, July 4


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WASHINGTON (34 - 53) at CINCINNATI (40 - 47) - 1:15 PM
JASON BERGMANN (R) vs. BRONSON ARROYO (R)
Top Trends for this game.
CINCINNATI is 39-25 (+18.3 Units) against the money line when playing on Friday over the last 3 seasons.
WASHINGTON is 78-63 (+38.0 Units) against the money line when the total is 9 to 9.5 over the last 2 seasons.
WASHINGTON is 32-34 (+15.1 Units) against the money line on the road when the total is 9 to 9.5 over the last 2 seasons.
WASHINGTON is 35-35 (+11.8 Units) against the money line in day games over the last 2 seasons.
WASHINGTON is 52-46 (+19.3 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 2 seasons.
WASHINGTON is 20-10 (+11.5 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record in the second half of the season over the last 2 seasons.
CINCINNATI is 208-243 (-64.6 Units) against the money line in home games after a win since 1997.
CINCINNATI is 13-23 (-13.8 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record this season.
CINCINNATI is 112-137 (-26.6 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
CINCINNATI is 57-59 (-37.0 Units) against the money line as a home favorite of -150 to -175 since 1997.
ARROYO is 20-32 (-13.6 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
ARROYO is 20-31 (-12.6 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
ARROYO is 8-17 (-11.2 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
CINCINNATI is 1-0 (+1.0 Units) against WASHINGTON this season
1 of 1 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+1.0 Units)

JASON BERGMANN vs. CINCINNATI since 1997
No recent starts.

BRONSON ARROYO vs. WASHINGTON since 1997
ARROYO is 1-1 when starting against WASHINGTON with an ERA of 5.95 and a WHIP of 1.423.
His team's record is 3-1 (+1.8 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 2-1. (+0.7 units)

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PITTSBURGH (40 - 44) at MILWAUKEE (46 - 39) - 2:05 PM
TOM GORZELANNY (L) vs. BEN SHEETS (R)
Top Trends for this game.
PITTSBURGH is 2-14 (-11.2 Units) against the money line in road games after a win this season.
PITTSBURGH is 32-74 (-28.4 Units) against the money line in road games when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 3 seasons.
MILWAUKEE is 76-43 (+19.5 Units) against the money line in home games over the last 2 seasons.
MILWAUKEE is 30-12 (+15.5 Units) against the money line at home when the total is 8 to 8.5 over the last 2 seasons.
MILWAUKEE is 76-43 (+19.5 Units) against the money line in home games in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
MILWAUKEE is 24-39 (-20.6 Units) against the money line when playing on Friday over the last 3 seasons.
MILWAUKEE is 96-109 (-30.1 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 3 seasons.
MILWAUKEE is 22-30 (-14.6 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record in the second half of the season over the last 2 seasons.
SHEETS is 5-11 (-11.8 Units) against the money line in home games against division opponents over the last 3 seasons. (Team's Record)

Head-to-Head Series History
MILWAUKEE is 2-1 (+0.9 Units) against PITTSBURGH this season
1 of 2 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=-0.1 Units, Under=-0.1 Units)

TOM GORZELANNY vs. MILWAUKEE since 1997
GORZELANNY is 3-0 when starting against MILWAUKEE with an ERA of 3.19 and a WHIP of 1.391.
His team's record is 4-2 (+2.4 units) in these starts. The OVER is 5-1. (+4.0 units)

BEN SHEETS vs. PITTSBURGH since 1997
SHEETS is 7-8 when starting against PITTSBURGH with an ERA of 2.97 and a WHIP of 1.194.
His team's record is 10-11 (-3.7 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 14-6. (+7.0 units)

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LA DODGERS (41 - 44) at SAN FRANCISCO (38 - 48) - 4:05 PM
DEREK LOWE (R) vs. JONATHAN SANCHEZ (L)
Top Trends for this game.
LOWE is 35-43 (-20.3 Units) against the money line in day games since 1997. (Team's Record)
SANCHEZ is 13-4 (+12.2 Units) against the money line in all games this season. (Team's Record)
SANCHEZ is 6-0 (+7.5 Units) against the money line against division opponents this season. (Team's Record)
SANCHEZ is 13-4 (+12.2 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season. (Team's Record)
SANCHEZ is 10-2 (+10.5 Units) against the money line after a win this season. (Team's Record)
LA DODGERS are 113-75 (+26.5 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 3 seasons.
SAN FRANCISCO is 109-139 (-25.3 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
SAN FRANCISCO is 55-68 (-21.4 Units) against the money line in home games over the last 2 seasons.
SAN FRANCISCO is 29-51 (-23.0 Units) against the money line in day games over the last 2 seasons.
SAN FRANCISCO is 109-139 (-25.3 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
SAN FRANCISCO is 39-50 (-17.5 Units) against the money line in home games against right-handed starters over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
LA DODGERS is 2-1 (+0.5 Units) against SAN FRANCISCO this season
3 of 3 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+3.0 Units)

DEREK LOWE vs. SAN FRANCISCO since 1997
LOWE is 3-5 when starting against SAN FRANCISCO with an ERA of 3.37 and a WHIP of 1.292.
His team's record is 5-6 (-3.0 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 7-2. (+4.8 units)

JONATHAN SANCHEZ vs. LA DODGERS since 1997
SANCHEZ is 0-0 when starting against LA DODGERS with an ERA of 3.86 and a WHIP of 1.143.
His team's record is 1-0 (+1.2 units) in these starts. The OVER is 1-0. (+1.0 units)

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NY METS (42 - 43) at PHILADELPHIA (47 - 39) - 7:05 PM
JOHAN SANTANA (L) vs. CHAD DURBIN (R)
Top Trends for this game.
NY METS are 42-43 (-10.7 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
NY METS are 50-52 (-24.6 Units) against the money line against division opponents over the last 2 seasons.
NY METS are 42-43 (-10.7 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
NY METS are 86-81 (-20.4 Units) against the money line in night games over the last 2 seasons.
NY METS are 27-33 (-12.3 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.
NY METS are 18-25 (-12.4 Units) against the money line after a win this season.
SANTANA is 8-16 (-15.3 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
SANTANA is 1-7 (-9.1 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record in the second half of the season over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
PHILADELPHIA is 99-74 (+16.6 Units) against the money line in night games over the last 2 seasons.
NY METS are 52-28 (+21.9 Units) against the money line on the road when the total is 9 to 9.5 over the last 3 seasons.
NY METS are 16-4 (+12.9 Units) against the money line in road games when playing on Friday over the last 2 seasons.
SANTANA is 87-37 (+29.9 Units) against the money line in night games since 1997. (Team's Record)
SANTANA is 73-24 (+37.6 Units) against the money line after a win since 1997. (Team's Record)
PHILADELPHIA is 26-30 (-14.2 Units) against the money line at home when the total is 9 to 9.5 over the last 2 seasons.
PHILADELPHIA is 14-21 (-14.7 Units) against the money line after 3 or more consecutive wins over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
NY METS is 4-2 (+1.4 Units) against PHILADELPHIA this season
4 of 6 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+1.7 Units)

JOHAN SANTANA vs. PHILADELPHIA since 1997
SANTANA is 1-0 when starting against PHILADELPHIA with an ERA of 3.08 and a WHIP of 1.028.
His team's record is 2-0 (+2.1 units) in these starts. The OVER is 1-1. (-0.1 units)

CHAD DURBIN vs. NY METS since 1997
DURBIN is 0-1 when starting against NY METS with an ERA of 3.38 and a WHIP of 0.875.
His team's record is 0-1 (-1.3 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 1-0. (+1.0 units)

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HOUSTON (40 - 46) at ATLANTA (40 - 46) - 7:35 PM
BRIAN MOEHLER (R) vs. TIM HUDSON (R)
Top Trends for this game.
HOUSTON is 308-319 (-73.3 Units) against the money line when the total is 9 to 9.5 since 1997.
ATLANTA is 77-39 (+30.6 Units) against the money line after 3 or more consecutive losses since 1997.
HUDSON is 109-45 (+34.5 Units) against the money line in home games since 1997. (Team's Record)
HUDSON is 182-103 (+39.6 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field since 1997. (Team's Record)
HUDSON is 58-17 (+22.5 Units) against the money line in home games when playing against a team with a losing record since 1997. (Team's Record)
ATLANTA is 40-46 (-12.9 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
ATLANTA is 97-103 (-24.5 Units) against the money line when the total is 9 to 9.5 over the last 3 seasons.
ATLANTA is 6-13 (-10.9 Units) against the money line in home games when playing on Friday over the last 2 seasons.
ATLANTA is 39-44 (-12.0 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
ATLANTA is 25-32 (-12.1 Units) against the money line in night games this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
There were no past matchups in this series during this time period.

BRIAN MOEHLER vs. ATLANTA since 1997
MOEHLER is 1-4 when starting against ATLANTA with an ERA of 7.18 and a WHIP of 1.557.
His team's record is 1-4 (-2.1 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 3-1. (+2.1 units)

TIM HUDSON vs. HOUSTON since 1997
HUDSON is 1-1 when starting against HOUSTON with an ERA of 2.63 and a WHIP of 1.009.
His team's record is 3-2 (+0.5 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 2-3. (-1.2 units)

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FLORIDA (44 - 41) at COLORADO (35 - 51) - 8:05 PM
SCOTT OLSEN (L) vs. GREG REYNOLDS (R)
Top Trends for this game.
COLORADO is 77-53 (+14.3 Units) against the money line in home games over the last 2 seasons.
COLORADO is 95-89 (+10.3 Units) against the money line in night games over the last 2 seasons.
COLORADO is 72-58 (+18.0 Units) against the money line after a win over the last 2 seasons.
COLORADO is 75-60 (+27.3 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.
COLORADO is 43-21 (+27.6 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record in the second half of the season over the last 2 seasons.
FLORIDA is 44-41 (+10.0 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
FLORIDA is 43-39 (+10.7 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
FLORIDA is 33-32 (+6.6 Units) against the money line in night games this season.
FLORIDA is 33-29 (+8.8 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.
FLORIDA is 24-17 (+11.1 Units) against the money line after a loss this season.
COLORADO is 34-51 (-19.4 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
COLORADO is 34-51 (-19.4 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.

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

SCOTT OLSEN vs. COLORADO since 1997
OLSEN is 1-2 when starting against COLORADO with an ERA of 9.88 and a WHIP of 2.048.
His team's record is 1-2 (-0.7 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 1-1. (+0.0 units)

GREG REYNOLDS vs. FLORIDA since 1997
No recent starts.

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CHICAGO CUBS (51 - 35) at ST LOUIS (49 - 38) - 8:15 PM
CARLOS ZAMBRANO (R) vs. BRADEN LOOPER (R)
Top Trends for this game.
CHICAGO CUBS are 22-31 (-13.4 Units) against the money line on the road with a money line of -100 to -125 over the last 2 seasons.
CHICAGO CUBS are 45-53 (-17.9 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.
CHICAGO CUBS are 8-16 (-11.6 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record in the second half of the season over the last 2 seasons.
ZAMBRANO is 5-11 (-10.3 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
ST LOUIS is 23-14 (+9.5 Units) against the money line after a loss this season.
ST LOUIS is 19-9 (+12.4 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record this season.
ST LOUIS is 137-86 (+40.0 Units) against the money line in home games when playing against a team with a winning record in the second half of the season since 1997.
ST LOUIS is 49-38 (+11.2 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
ST LOUIS is 49-38 (+11.2 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
ST LOUIS is 34-24 (+11.8 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.
CHICAGO CUBS are 51-35 (+10.1 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
CHICAGO CUBS are 49-31 (+11.5 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
ZAMBRANO is 16-4 (+13.0 Units) against the money line on the road when the total is 8 to 8.5 over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
ZAMBRANO is 11-1 (+9.6 Units) against the money line in July games over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
ZAMBRANO is 17-5 (+10.6 Units) against the money line in road games against division opponents over the last 3 seasons. (Team's Record)
ZAMBRANO is 27-12 (+14.2 Units) against the money line in road games in games played on a grass field over the last 3 seasons. (Team's Record)

Head-to-Head Series History
ST LOUIS is 2-1 (+1.0 Units) against CHICAGO CUBS this season
1 of 2 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=-0.0 Units, Under=-0.3 Units)

CARLOS ZAMBRANO vs. ST LOUIS since 1997
ZAMBRANO is 8-4 when starting against ST LOUIS with an ERA of 2.37 and a WHIP of 1.109.
His team's record is 11-7 (+4.0 units) in these starts. The OVER is 6-10. (-5.2 units)

BRADEN LOOPER vs. CHICAGO CUBS since 1997
LOOPER is 2-1 when starting against CHICAGO CUBS with an ERA of 1.67 and a WHIP of 0.963.
His team's record is 2-2 (+0.3 units) in these starts. The OVER is 1-3. (-2.4 units)

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SAN DIEGO (33 - 53) at ARIZONA (43 - 43) - 9:40 PM
CHA SEUNG BAEK (R) vs. DAN HAREN (R)
Top Trends for this game.
SAN DIEGO is 33-52 (-22.3 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
SAN DIEGO is 12-27 (-13.9 Units) against the money line in road games this season.
SAN DIEGO is 33-52 (-22.3 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
SAN DIEGO is 21-39 (-20.8 Units) against the money line in night games this season.
SAN DIEGO is 24-34 (-12.6 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.
ARIZONA is 77-58 (+15.5 Units) against the money line after a win over the last 2 seasons.
ARIZONA is 71-45 (+18.2 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 2 seasons.
ARIZONA is 78-50 (+14.8 Units) against the money line in home games over the last 2 seasons.
ARIZONA is 20-8 (+9.8 Units) against the money line against division opponents this season.
ARIZONA is 136-116 (+12.6 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
BAEK is 16-8 (+11.2 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
BAEK is 8-2 (+9.0 Units) against the money line in road games over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
BAEK is 8-2 (+10.2 Units) against the money line in road games in games played on a grass field since 1997. (Team's Record)
BAEK is 14-5 (+12.6 Units) against the money line in night games over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
ARIZONA is 43-43 (-8.3 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
ARIZONA is 67-70 (-31.9 Units) against the money line in home games when playing on Friday since 1997.
ARIZONA is 25-31 (-11.8 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.
HAREN is 9-16 (-11.1 Units) against the money line against division opponents over the last 3 seasons. (Team's Record)

Head-to-Head Series History
ARIZONA is 4-2 (+1.6 Units) against SAN DIEGO this season
3 of 5 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+0.7 Units)

CHA SEUNG BAEK vs. ARIZONA since 1997
No recent starts.

DAN HAREN vs. SAN DIEGO since 1997
HAREN is 1-0 when starting against SAN DIEGO with an ERA of 1.42 and a WHIP of 1.000.
His team's record is 3-0 (+3.2 units) in these starts. The OVER is 1-1. (-0.1 units)

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BOSTON (51 - 37) at NY YANKEES (45 - 41) - 1:05 PM
JOSH BECKETT (R) vs. DARRELL RASNER (R)
Top Trends for this game.
BOSTON is 5-15 (-11.0 Units) against the money line in road games when playing against a team with a winning record this season.
BOSTON is 5-13 (-9.3 Units) against the money line in road games against division opponents this season.
BOSTON is 14-24 (-13.1 Units) against the money line in road games against right-handed starters this season.
BOSTON is 50-24 (+18.3 Units) against the money line in day games over the last 2 seasons.
BOSTON is 50-25 (+18.8 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
NY YANKEES are 59-53 (-16.3 Units) against the money line after a loss over the last 2 seasons.
NY YANKEES are 45-41 (-11.0 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
NY YANKEES are 17-24 (-20.4 Units) against the money line when playing on Friday over the last 2 seasons.
NY YANKEES are 54-49 (-21.8 Units) against the money line against division opponents over the last 2 seasons.
NY YANKEES are 44-38 (-15.2 Units) against the money line in day games over the last 2 seasons.
NY YANKEES are 123-98 (-25.0 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
NY YANKEES are 89-66 (-36.1 Units) against the money line in home games against right-handed starters over the last 3 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
BOSTON is 4-2 (+2.1 Units) against NY YANKEES this season
3 of 6 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=-0.2 Units, Under=-0.5 Units)

JOSH BECKETT vs. NY YANKEES since 1997
BECKETT is 7-4 when starting against NY YANKEES with an ERA of 4.87 and a WHIP of 1.378.
His team's record is 7-5 (+3.4 units) in these starts. The OVER is 7-5. (+1.7 units)

DARRELL RASNER vs. BOSTON since 1997
No recent starts.

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DETROIT (43 - 42) at SEATTLE (33 - 52) - 4:10 PM
KENNY ROGERS (L) vs. ERIK BEDARD (L)
Top Trends for this game.
BEDARD is 10-1 (+9.9 Units) against the money line in July games over the last 3 seasons. (Team's Record)
DETROIT is 16-5 (+9.9 Units) against the money line against left-handed starters this season.
ROGERS is 43-22 (+16.8 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
ROGERS is 34-16 (+19.4 Units) against the money line when playing on Friday since 1997. (Team's Record)
ROGERS is 41-20 (+17.4 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
SEATTLE is 33-52 (-20.9 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
SEATTLE is 17-26 (-14.7 Units) against the money line in home games this season.
SEATTLE is 29-50 (-23.9 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
DETROIT is 6-1 (+4.9 Units) against SEATTLE this season
6 of 7 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+5.1 Units)

KENNY ROGERS vs. SEATTLE since 1997
ROGERS is 8-6 when starting against SEATTLE with an ERA of 4.39 and a WHIP of 1.496.
His team's record is 12-9 (+3.9 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 9-12. (-4.4 units)

ERIK BEDARD vs. DETROIT since 1997
BEDARD is 0-1 when starting against DETROIT with an ERA of 8.43 and a WHIP of 1.781.
His team's record is 1-1 (-0.6 units) in these starts. The OVER is 2-0. (+2.0 units)

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TEXAS (44 - 42) at BALTIMORE (43 - 41) - 4:35 PM
VICENTE PADILLA (R) vs. JEREMY GUTHRIE (R)
Top Trends for this game.
BALTIMORE is 43-41 (+7.2 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
BALTIMORE is 24-14 (+10.3 Units) against the money line in home games this season.
BALTIMORE is 24-15 (+14.6 Units) against the money line when playing on Friday over the last 2 seasons.
BALTIMORE is 38-34 (+7.7 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
BALTIMORE is 34-27 (+12.3 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.
TEXAS is 44-42 (+10.7 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
TEXAS is 39-38 (+8.2 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
TEXAS is 35-25 (+17.2 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.
TEXAS is 25-17 (+12.8 Units) against the money line after a loss this season.
TEXAS is 54-54 (+16.1 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.
TEXAS is 22-18 (+12.8 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record in the second half of the season over the last 2 seasons.
PADILLA is 13-4 (+11.8 Units) against the money line in all games this season. (Team's Record)
PADILLA is 9-1 (+10.9 Units) against the money line in road games this season. (Team's Record)
PADILLA is 10-4 (+7.9 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season. (Team's Record)
PADILLA is 23-16 (+13.3 Units) against the money line in road games when playing against a team with a winning record since 1997. (Team's Record)
BALTIMORE is 23-45 (-21.8 Units) against the money line in day games over the last 2 seasons.
BALTIMORE is 208-263 (-85.1 Units) against the money line in home games after a loss since 1997.
BALTIMORE is 45-79 (-22.3 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
TEXAS is 2-1 (+0.5 Units) against BALTIMORE this season
3 of 3 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+3.0 Units)

VICENTE PADILLA vs. BALTIMORE since 1997
PADILLA is 1-3 when starting against BALTIMORE with an ERA of 6.23 and a WHIP of 1.801.
His team's record is 1-3 (-2.3 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 1-2. (-1.2 units)

JEREMY GUTHRIE vs. TEXAS since 1997
GUTHRIE is 0-0 when starting against TEXAS with an ERA of 4.50 and a WHIP of 1.333.
His team's record is 0-1 (-1.2 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 1-0. (+1.0 units)

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KANSAS CITY (39 - 47) at TAMPA BAY (52 - 32) - 5:10 PM
BRIAN BANNISTER (R) vs. EDWIN JACKSON (R)
Top Trends for this game.
TAMPA BAY is 52-32 (+18.2 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
TAMPA BAY is 13-0 (+13.0 Units) against the money line as a home favorite of -150 to -175 this season.
TAMPA BAY is 33-13 (+17.0 Units) against the money line in home games this season.
TAMPA BAY is 33-20 (+15.9 Units) against the money line in home games in day games over the last 3 seasons.
TAMPA BAY is 33-14 (+15.8 Units) against the money line in games played in a dome this season.
TAMPA BAY is 35-15 (+17.0 Units) against the money line in games played on artificial turf this season.
TAMPA BAY is 37-23 (+11.6 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.
KANSAS CITY is 98-134 (+21.0 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 3 seasons.
KANSAS CITY is 37-36 (+12.8 Units) against the money line in day games over the last 2 seasons.
BANNISTER is 11-4 (+8.8 Units) against the money line in day games over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
TAMPA BAY is 32-50 (-21.1 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
There were no past matchups in this series during this time period.

BRIAN BANNISTER vs. TAMPA BAY since 1997
BANNISTER is 1-0 when starting against TAMPA BAY with an ERA of 1.13 and a WHIP of 0.250.
His team's record is 1-0 (+1.9 units) in these starts. The OVER is 0-1. (-1.1 units)

EDWIN JACKSON vs. KANSAS CITY since 1997
JACKSON is 0-1 when starting against KANSAS CITY with an ERA of 16.22 and a WHIP of 3.003.
His team's record is 0-1 (-1.3 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 0-1. (-1.3 units)

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OAKLAND (46 - 39) at CHI WHITE SOX (49 - 36) - 7:05 PM
JOE BLANTON (R) vs. MARK BUEHRLE (L)
Top Trends for this game.
OAKLAND is 10-20 (-13.0 Units) against the money line in July games over the last 2 seasons.
BLANTON is 5-13 (-8.7 Units) against the money line in all games this season. (Team's Record)
BLANTON is 5-13 (-8.7 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season. (Team's Record)
BLANTON is 2-10 (-8.6 Units) against the money line in night games this season. (Team's Record)
CHI WHITE SOX are 46-26 (+18.7 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
CHI WHITE SOX are 741-630 (+77.8 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters since 1997.
CHI WHITE SOX are 49-36 (+11.7 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
CHI WHITE SOX are 20-12 (+8.4 Units) against the money line when the total is 8 to 8.5 this season.
CHI WHITE SOX are 30-12 (+14.8 Units) against the money line in home games this season.
CHI WHITE SOX are 11-2 (+9.0 Units) against the money line at home when the total is 8 to 8.5 this season.
BUEHRLE is 34-12 (+20.3 Units) against the money line at home when the total is 8 to 8.5 since 1997. (Team's Record)
OAKLAND is 119-122 (+27.7 Units) against the money line in road games when playing against a team with a winning record in the second half of the season since 1997.

Head-to-Head Series History
OAKLAND is 2-1 (+1.3 Units) against CHI WHITE SOX this season
3 of 3 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+3.0 Units)

JOE BLANTON vs. CHI WHITE SOX since 1997
BLANTON is 2-1 when starting against CHI WHITE SOX with an ERA of 3.12 and a WHIP of 1.500.
His team's record is 2-1 (+1.1 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 1-1. (-0.3 units)

MARK BUEHRLE vs. OAKLAND since 1997
BUEHRLE is 3-10 when starting against OAKLAND with an ERA of 3.98 and a WHIP of 1.360.
His team's record is 4-14 (-11.6 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 12-5. (+6.6 units)

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CLEVELAND (37 - 48) at MINNESOTA (47 - 38) - 7:10 PM
PAUL BYRD (R) vs. LIVAN HERNANDEZ (R)
Top Trends for this game.
CLEVELAND is 20-27 (-13.4 Units) against the money line after a loss this season.
CLEVELAND is 37-48 (-23.7 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
CLEVELAND is 7-19 (-17.9 Units) against the money line when the total is 9 to 9.5 this season.
CLEVELAND is 4-13 (-8.6 Units) against the money line as a road underdog of +100 to +125 this season.
CLEVELAND is 15-26 (-12.1 Units) against the money line in road games this season.
CLEVELAND is 22-32 (-17.0 Units) against the money line in July games over the last 3 seasons.
CLEVELAND is 13-19 (-10.7 Units) against the money line against division opponents this season.
CLEVELAND is 29-31 (-10.7 Units) against the money line in night games this season.
CLEVELAND is 28-34 (-14.6 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.
MINNESOTA is 29-18 (+11.3 Units) against the money line in home games this season.
MINNESOTA is 8-1 (+8.5 Units) against the money line when playing with a day off this season.
MINNESOTA is 21-16 (+7.6 Units) against the money line against division opponents this season.
MINNESOTA is 29-18 (+11.3 Units) against the money line in games played in a dome this season.
MINNESOTA is 35-24 (+15.3 Units) against the money line in night games this season.
MINNESOTA is 29-18 (+11.3 Units) against the money line in games played on artificial turf this season.
MINNESOTA is 38-25 (+17.3 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.
MINNESOTA is 26-20 (+7.9 Units) against the money line after a win this season.
MINNESOTA is 47-38 (+14.2 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
HERNANDEZ is 12-6 (+9.6 Units) against the money line in all games this season. (Team's Record)
HERNANDEZ is 8-2 (+8.1 Units) against the money line in home games this season. (Team's Record)
HERNANDEZ is 36-23 (+15.7 Units) against the money line in July games since 1997. (Team's Record)
HERNANDEZ is 8-2 (+8.1 Units) against the money line in games played in a dome this season. (Team's Record)
HERNANDEZ is 10-4 (+9.1 Units) against the money line in night games this season. (Team's Record)
HERNANDEZ is 8-2 (+8.1 Units) against the money line in games played on artificial turf this season. (Team's Record)

Head-to-Head Series History
MINNESOTA is 3-3 (+0.4 Units) against CLEVELAND this season
4 of 6 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+1.7 Units)

PAUL BYRD vs. MINNESOTA since 1997
BYRD is 10-4 when starting against MINNESOTA with an ERA of 3.94 and a WHIP of 1.230.
His team's record is 11-7 (+5.0 units) in these starts. The OVER is 10-8. (+1.4 units)

LIVAN HERNANDEZ vs. CLEVELAND since 1997
HERNANDEZ is 2-1 when starting against CLEVELAND with an ERA of 8.10 and a WHIP of 2.220.
His team's record is 2-1 (+1.4 units) in these starts. The OVER is 3-0. (+3.0 units)

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TORONTO (41 - 45) at LA ANGELS (51 - 34) - 9:05 PM
A.J. BURNETT (R) vs. JERED WEAVER (R)
Top Trends for this game.
TORONTO is 41-45 (-12.2 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
TORONTO is 23-36 (-19.6 Units) against the money line in night games this season.
BURNETT is 39-64 (-26.6 Units) against the money line in road games since 1997. (Team's Record)
BURNETT is 30-51 (-21.9 Units) against the money line in road games in games played on a grass field since 1997. (Team's Record)
LA ANGELS are 51-34 (+10.8 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
LA ANGELS are 174-128 (+40.7 Units) against the money line when playing on Friday since 1997.
LA ANGELS are 46-29 (+11.0 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
LA ANGELS are 111-79 (+14.4 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters over the last 2 seasons.
TORONTO is 27-20 (+12.3 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record in the second half of the season over the last 2 seasons.
LA ANGELS are 9-14 (-10.1 Units) against the money line in home games after a win this season.
LA ANGELS are 5-11 (-9.9 Units) against the money line in home games when playing against a team with a losing record this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
LA ANGELS is 4-2 (+2.0 Units) against TORONTO this season
5 of 6 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+3.8 Units)

A.J. BURNETT vs. LA ANGELS since 1997
BURNETT is 1-1 when starting against LA ANGELS with an ERA of 3.43 and a WHIP of 1.095.
His team's record is 1-2 (-1.3 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 3-0. (+3.0 units)

JERED WEAVER vs. TORONTO since 1997
WEAVER is 2-1 when starting against TORONTO with an ERA of 5.17 and a WHIP of 1.595.
His team's record is 2-1 (+0.7 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 2-1. (+0.8 units)

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[Udog]

MLB


Friday, July 4

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Hot Lines: Friday's best MLB bets
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Kansas City vs. Tampa Bay (-160, 9)

After enjoying a day off Thursday, major league leading Tampa Bay (52-32) enters its first meeting of 2008 with Kansas City looking for a fifth consecutive victory. The Rays, who have also won eight of nine and 14 of their last 18, rallied for a 7-6 victory over Boston on Wednesday.

On Wednesday, Evan Longoria had three hits and drove in three runs for Tampa Bay, which benefited from a six-run seventh inning to help improve to an AL-best 33-13 at home.

Edwin Jackson (4-6, 4.33 ERA) takes the ball for the Rays on Friday after allowing three runs and six hits in 6 2/3 innings of a 4-3, 13-inning loss at Pittsburgh on Saturday. The Rays have won nine of their last 11 at home against the Royals and their 24-18 all-time mark against them at Tropicana Field is their best versus any AL opponent.

Brian Bannister (7-7, 4.88) looks to avoid a second straight loss when he pitches Friday for Kansas City. He gave up seven runs and nine hits in 4 2/3 innings of a 9-6 defeat to St. Louis on Sunday. The Royals are 2-4 since winning six in a row.

Pick: Tampa Bay



Chicago Cubs vs. St. Louis (+110, 8 1/2)

Jim Edmonds isn't the only member of the Chicago Cubs making a much-anticipated appearance in St. Louis on Friday night. Staff ace Carlos Zambrano is expected to return to the mound after a stint on the disabled list to open a three-game set at Busch Stadium between the top two teams in the NL Central.

The Cardinals' faithful get their first chance to welcome back Edmonds since St. Louis traded the fan favorite to San Diego last winter. Zambrano (8-3, 3.13 ERA), meanwhile, hasn't pitched since losing June 18 at Tampa Bay, when he left in the seventh inning due to shoulder discomfort.Manager Lou Piniella hopes for 85 to 90 pitches from the right-hander, who is 0-2 with a 5.75 ERA over his last three starts.

The bad news for the Cubs is that their bullpen has produced a sloppy 7.01 ERA over its last three games. The club is also 2-5 on its current road trip.

Pick: Cards

[Udog]

MLB


Friday, July 4

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Database Trends
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Today's Baseball Pick

Toronto PK +105 vs. Los Angeles Angels

Key to selection: When TORONTO Played as road team as a Underdog - During Last 3 Years ? Coming off 1 Under or More - Lost Last Game by 2 Runs or More - With SU Record of 3 Wins 2 Lost in L5G; The Jays are 7-3 SU in this spot L3Y as a road dog.
Baseball Streakers


Who's hot: Tampa Bay 4 SU Wins, Philadelphia 3 SU Wins, Los Angeles, Dodgers 3 SU Wins, and Colorado 3 SU Wins

Who's not: Cleveland 5 SU Losses, Atlanta 5 SU Losses, Houston 3 SU Losses

O/U Streaks: NY Mets 3 Over, St Louis 3 Over


Today's Stats and Trends

When LOS ANGELES ANGELS team Played as Home team as a Favorite - Before a non division game - 1st game of a series - Coming off a day game - Coming off a 3 run win.
SU Record: 4-6
O/U Record: 0-10-0


When LOS ANGELES ANGELS team Played as Home team as a Favorite - Vs Conference Opponent - 1st game of a series - Coming off a 2 game winning streak - Coming off a day game.
SU Record: 8-2
O/U Record: 4-6-0


When LOS ANGELES ANGELS team Played as Home team as a Favorite - Before a non division game - Vs. Right handed pitchers - Coming off a Win vs. AL WEST opponent - Coming off a day game.
SU Record: 6-4
O/U Record: 2-8-0


When LOS ANGELES ANGELS team played as a -120 to -140 Home Favorite - Before a non division game - During a night game - Coming off a 2 game over - Allowed 4 runs or more AGAINST in their last game.
SU Record: 11-2
O/U Record: 3-10-0


When SEATTLE team played as a Home team - During a day game - Vs AL CENTRAL opponent - Coming off a 1 game loss - Coming off a night game.
SU Record: 6-5
O/U Record: 1-10-0


When BOSTON team played as a -120 to -140 Road Favorite - Vs AL Conference - Vs Division Opponent - Coming off a Win vs. AL EAST opponent - Coming off a Road win as a Underdog.
SU Record: 4-7
O/U Record: 2-9-0


When MINNESOTA team played as a -120 to -140 home Favorite - Playing on Friday - Vs AL CENTRAL opponent.
SU Record: 5-5
O/U Record: 2-8-0


When OAKLAND team played as a road team - Vs. Left handed pitchers - During the 2008 season.
SU Record: 3-9
O/U Record: 2-9-1


When TAMPA BAY team played as a -140 to -160 home Favorite - During the 2008 season - During a night game.
SU Record: 10-2
O/U Record: 6-6-0


When TAMPA BAY team played as a -140 to -160 home Favorite - Last 5 years - Playing on Friday.
SU Record: 9-2
O/U Record: 4-6-1


When SEATTLE team Played as home team as a Favorite - During the 2008 season - Before a conference game.
SU Record: 7-3
O/U Record: 2-8-0


ST LOUIS When ANY MLB Team played as a Home team - During a night game - After a non division game - Vs Division Opponent - Coming off a Loss vs. NL EAST opponent - Coming off a lost in game 4 of a series.
SU Record: 14-3
O/U Record: 9-8-0