Friday Trends and Indexes 9/26 (MLB, WNBA, CFL, Misc.)

[pm530]

Trends and Indexes
Friday September 26

Good Luck on day #270 of 2008!


For COLLEGE FOOTBALL and the NFL, see separate threads:

• “NCAAF Week 5 Trends and Indexes 9/25 through 9/27”
• “NFL Week 4 Trends and Indexes 9/28 and 9/29”


For now, the balance of the sports menu in this thread will consist of Major League Baseball, the Canadian Football League, and the WNBA until their seasons are played out. Also, general sports news and notes will still be posted here.

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.
Any opinions expressed are not necessarily those of the posting member or BettorsChat.
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[pm530]

Daily Sports Roundup

Friday, September 26

Baseball's pennant races and a Big East matchup on the gridiron highlight the Friday night schedule, with some WNBA playoffs as well. Here's your Daily Sports Roundup.

The Gridiron Spotlight

Connecticut has done nothing but win so far this season, rolling past Hofstra, Temple, Virginia, and Baylor to a 4-0 record. That doesn't mean the Huskies have been profitable, however, as they're just 1-2 ATS in games that have received lines. Louisville lost their opener 27-2 to Kentucky, then knocked off Tennessee Tech and Kansas State to get to 2-1 on the season. The Cardinals are 1-1 against-the-spread in those games.

The Huskies have the 4-0 record, but the oddsmakers are going with Louisville at home in this game. The Cardinals are listed as 3.5-point favorites, with the total at 50 points.

Other Notable Events

The Brewers will be looking to get a win out of Jeff Suppan (10-10, 5.06 ERA) when they host the Cubs and Ryan Dempster (17-6, 2.99 ERA) on Friday night. The Mets, Milwaukee's NL Wild Card rival, is expected to go with Mike Pelfrey (13-10, 3.70 ERA) in their home game against the Marlins and Chris Volstad (5-4, 3.10 ERA) on Friday.

Francisco Liriano (6-3, 3.39 ERA) will start for the Twins on Friday as they try to keep pace in the race for top spot in the AL Central; his opponent will be the Royals and Kyle Davies (8-7, 4.21 ERA). The White Sox are set to go with John Danks (11-8, 3.20 ERA) in their Friday night matchup against the Indians and Scott Lewis (3-0, 1.42 ERA).

As well, golf's THE TOUR Championship will continue at East Lake in Atlanta on Friday.

The Rest of the Schedule

The Red Sox will host the Yankees at Fenway Park on Friday, while Tampa Bay will be in Detroit, and the Angels will get a visit from Texas. The rest of the American League schedule: Toronto at Baltimore, and Oakland at Seattle.

Philadelphia is hoping the Mets continue to hit the skids this weekend as they try to lock down the NL East title; the Phillies host Washington on Friday. Making up the rest of the National League schedule: Atlanta at Houston, Cincinnati at St. Louis, Colorado at Arizona, Pittsburgh at San Diego, and the playoff-bound Dodgers at San Francisco.

In the WNBA the Eastern Conference Finals get underway on Friday night, with Detroit at New York. The Liberty opened as 1.5-point favorites to win Game 1, but the Shock opened as -250 favorites to win the three-game series (which continues on Sunday).

And finally, there's one game on the Canadian Football League's schedule for Friday, as the Winnipeg Blue Bombers get a visit from the Edmonton Eskimos. The oddsmakers have the Bombers as 1.5-point favorites, with the total at 54 points.

News from the Wire

The Brewers would like to use Ben Sheets to start a game at some point over the weekend, but his sore elbow makes him questionable . . . Key Eagles offensive players Donovan McNabb (chest) and Brian Westbrook (ankle) may both come down to game-time decisions this weekend . . . Steelers running back Willie Parker (knee) is now expected to miss two games . . . Derek Anderson will remain the Browns' starting QB.

A Peek at the Future

Early games on Saturday involving ranked college football teams include Minnesota at No. 14 Ohio State, Mississippi at No. 4 Florida, Arkansas at No. 7 Texas, No. 9 Wisconsin at Michigan, and Tennessee at No. 15 Auburn . . . the top matchups, though, are going to take place on Saturday night, with No. 24 TCU at No. 2 Oklahoma, No. 8 Alabama at No. 3 Georgia, and then finally No. 22 Illinois at No. 12 Penn State.

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[pm530]

Canadian Football League – Long Sheet

CFL
Long Sheet


Week 14

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Friday, September 26
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EDMONTON (7 - 5) at WINNIPEG (4 - 7) - 9/26/2008, 8:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
EDMONTON is 1-9 ATS (-8.9 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 2 seasons.
EDMONTON is 0-6 ATS (-6.6 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record after 9 or more games over the last 3 seasons.

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


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Saturday, September 27
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CALGARY (8 - 4) at TORONTO (4 - 8) - 9/27/2008, 7:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
TORONTO is 14-4 ATS (+9.6 Units) in home games in September games since 1996.
TORONTO is 26-13 ATS (+11.7 Units) after 2 or more consecutive straight up losses since 1996.
TORONTO is 20-7 ATS (+12.3 Units) in home games in weeks 10 through 15 since 1996.

Head-to-Head Series History
CALGARY is 3-2 against the spread versus TORONTO over the last 3 seasons
CALGARY is 3-2 straight up against TORONTO 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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HAMILTON (2 - 10) at BRITISH COLUMBIA (7 - 5) - 9/27/2008, 10:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
BRITISH COLUMBIA is 3-18 ATS (-16.8 Units) as a favorite of 10 or more points since 1996.
BRITISH COLUMBIA is 14-29 ATS (-17.9 Units) in home games when playing against a team with a losing record since 1996.
BRITISH COLUMBIA is 15-29 ATS (-16.9 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record after 9 or more games since 1996.

Head-to-Head Series History
HAMILTON is 3-2 against the spread versus BRITISH COLUMBIA over the last 3 seasons
BRITISH COLUMBIA is 5-0 straight up against HAMILTON over the last 3 seasons
5 of 5 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons


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Sunday, September 28
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SASKATCHEWAN (7 - 4) at MONTREAL (8 - 4) - 9/28/2008, 1:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
SASKATCHEWAN is 53-31 ATS (+18.9 Units) as an underdog of 3.5 to 9.5 points since 1996.
SASKATCHEWAN is 124-93 ATS (+21.7 Units) in all games since 1996.
SASKATCHEWAN is 124-93 ATS (+21.7 Units) in all lined games since 1996.
SASKATCHEWAN is 83-50 ATS (+28.0 Units) as an underdog since 1996.
SASKATCHEWAN is 13-3 ATS (+9.7 Units) in road games over the last 2 seasons.
SASKATCHEWAN is 13-3 ATS (+9.7 Units) in road lined games over the last 2 seasons.
SASKATCHEWAN is 43-23 ATS (+17.7 Units) when playing on a Sunday since 1996.
SASKATCHEWAN is 9-2 ATS (+6.8 Units) in road games off a division game over the last 2 seasons.
SASKATCHEWAN is 8-2 ATS (+5.8 Units) in games played on turf this season.
MONTREAL is 3-12 ATS (-10.2 Units) in weeks 10 through 15 over the last 3 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
SASKATCHEWAN is 3-1 against the spread versus MONTREAL over the last 3 seasons
SASKATCHEWAN is 4-1 straight up against MONTREAL over the last 3 seasons
3 of 5 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 14 CFL games

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Friday, September 26

Edmonton (7-5) @ Winnipeg (4-8)-- Eskimos allowed 111 points last three games; they got crushed 40-4 in Montreal last week; Als passed for 31-38/408 stats, huge numbers. Bombers split the last eight games after an 0-4 start; they're 2-4 at home, but have been scoring more, as they've scored 31.7 ppg in last three games, after averaging 19.9 ppg in first nine. Three of last four Eskimo toad games stayed under total.


Saturday, September 27

Calgary (8-4) @ Toronto (4-8)-- Stampeders blasted Argos 34-4 last week, handing Argos third loss in row, fifth in last six contests. Argos allowed 31+ points in each of last six games, and held only one of five home opponents under 31. Calgary won three in a row, averaging 37.7 ppg- they also won last three road games, scoring 34.7 ppg. Stamps are +6 in turnovers the last three games, now have +10 turnover ratio.

Hamilton (2-10) @ BCLions (7-5)-- TiCats lost last five games (1-4 vs spread), but three of last four losses are by five or less pts. Over is 8-3 in last eleven Hamilton games. Lions just beat Saskatchewan twice in row to get back in hunt for West Division title; they scored 30 ppg in winning last three games. BC is 2-4 vs spread as home favorite, 4-2 SU, with wins by 9-2-5-6 points. Last four Lion games stayed under. TiCats are 3-2 vs spread as a road underdog.


Sunday, September 28

Saskatchewan (8-4) @ Montreal (8-4)-- Roughriders lost four of last six games after 6-0 start; they beat Alouettes 41-33 back in Week 4, running ball for 169 yards. Als crushed Edmonton 34-4 last week, are 6-1 in last seven games, with three of their last four wins by 18+ pts. Riders are 6-0 if they score 26+ points, but only one of Montreal's last six opponents scored that many points. Under is 6-2 in Riders' last eight games.

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[pm530]

Canadian Football League – Additional Trends

CFL

Trends Sheet


Week 14

Friday, September 26

8:00 PM EDMONTON vs. WINNIPEG
Edmonton is 2-3-1 ATS in its last 6 games
Edmonton is 2-3-2 ATS in its last 7 games on the road
Winnipeg is 7-2 SU in its last 9 games when playing at home against Edmonton
The total has gone UNDER in 7 of Winnipeg's last 9 games when playing at home against Edmonton



Saturday, September 27

7:00 PM CALGARY vs. TORONTO
Calgary is 5-1 ATS in its last 6 games
Calgary is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games
Toronto is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games when playing at home against Calgary
Toronto is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing at home against Calgary


10:00 PM HAMILTON vs. BRITISH COLUMBIA
Hamilton is 1-10 SU in its last 11 games when playing on the road against British Columbia
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Hamilton's last 9 games when playing on the road against British Columbia
British Columbia is 5-11-1 ATS in its last 17 games
British Columbia is 15-6 SU in its last 21 games



Sunday, September 28

1:00 PM SASKATCHEWAN vs. MONTREAL
Saskatchewan is 8-4 ATS in its last 12 games
Saskatchewan is 16-5 SU in its last 21 games
Montreal is 6-1 SU in its last 7 games when playing at home against Saskatchewan
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Montreal's last 5 games when playing at home against Saskatchewan

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[pm530]

Canadian Football League – Previews and Picks

CFL
Previews and Picks


CFL games – Week 14

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Previews and Picks
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Friday, September 26

Edmonton Eskimos (7-5) at Winnipeg Blue Bombers (4-8) (- 1)

The Eskimos got badly beat last week, 40-4 in Montreal and may still be shaken up entering this contest against a Winnipeg team that is on a two game winning streak.

Edmonton’s QB Ricky Ray completed only 14 of 17 passes against the Alouettes, with two lost fumbles. Kamau Peterson was one of the most reliable players on the offensive side of the ball, catching six passes for 70 yards.

But the Eskimos defence seems more vulnerable every week and, providing clear weather, the Bombers could take advantage of their skilled wide receivers to burn the secondary.

Pick: Winnipeg



Saturday, September 27

Calgary Stampeders (8-4) at Toronto Argonauts (4-8) (+10)

There are two burning questions in Toronto: does head coach Don Matthews still have the magic touch to turn things around and will the Argos win another game before the season’s end?

The coaching change obviously wasn’t enough, and the problems run much deeper on a team that lacks unity, motivation and work ethic.

It’s quite a different story in Calgary where Henry Burris is doing wonders and coach John Hufnagel is fully in control of his Stampeders.

Last week the Stampeders rolled over the Argos, with a 34-4 win. Burris had two touchdown passes with 21 passes completed in 34 attempts for 241 passing gains.

The Stampeders have not won at Rogers Centre in their last seven visits to Toronto. Their last victory in front of Argos fans goes back all the way to September 28th 2000.

Don’t count on the streak to continue. Expect Calgary to slaughter the Argos.

Pick: Calgary


Hamilton Tiger Cats (2-10) at British Columbia Lions (7-5) (-12)

Running back Kenton Keith is back in the CFL after a stint with the Indianapolis Colts in the NFL. Keith will likely be the new key in the Tiger Cats rushing offence since superstar Jesse Lumsden keeps falling to injuries.

Hamilton lost a close one last week, 25-23 to Winnipeg. A pair of quarterbacks guided the Tiger Cats offence: Quinton Porter had 183 yards passing with a TD while Casey Printers gained 110 yards with another touchdown.

The Lions are red hot and have won three-straight games including an upset win last week.

The Ti-Cats have been quite resilient in their last two visits to Vancouver and the eight last eight head-to-head matchups have gone under the total. The Lions will most likely win straight up…but I doubt they will cover the spread.

Pick: Hamilton



Sunday, September 28

Saskatchewan Roughriders (8-4) at Montreal Alouettes (8-4) (-6)

Will this be a preview of next November’s Grey Cup game at the Big O?

Last week’s 40-4 beat down of the Eskimos is no proof that Montreal can now play with the big boys of the West.

The Riders are 2-11 SU in Montreal since 1996, but the Alouettes haven’t beaten Saskatchewan since October of 2006. Montreal owes a potent offense with 30 plus points in 11 of its last 12 games.

Even if the Alouettes win this one, I doubt they’ll cover the number.

Pick: Saskatchewan

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[pm530]

WNBA – Long Sheet

WNBA
Long Sheet


Conference Finals

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Friday, September 26
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DETROIT (24 - 13) at NEW YORK (21 - 16) - 9/26/2008, 7:30 PM
Top Trends for this game.
NEW YORK is 8-2 ATS (+5.8 Units) when playing with 3 or more days rest this season.
NEW YORK is 110-82 ATS (+19.8 Units) revenging a loss versus opponent since 1997.
NEW YORK is 14-5 ATS (+8.5 Units) versus good offensive teams - scoring 77+ points/game after 15+ games over the last 2 seasons.
NEW YORK is 19-10 ATS (+8.0 Units) versus good offensive teams - scoring 77+ points/game over the last 2 seasons.
DETROIT is 7-1 ATS (+5.9 Units) on Friday this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
NEW YORK is 10-4 against the spread versus DETROIT over the last 3 seasons
DETROIT is 9-5 straight up against NEW YORK over the last 3 seasons
9 of 14 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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[pm530]

WNBA – Trends Sheet

WNBA


Conference Finals

Friday, September 26

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Trends Sheet
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7:30 PM DETROIT vs. NEW YORK
Detroit is 6-2 ATS in its last 8 games
Detroit is 7-1 SU in its last 8 games
New York is 10-4 ATS in its last 14 games when playing Detroit
New York is 1-5 SU in its last 6 games when playing Detroit

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[pm530]

Six-pack for Friday

-- USC lost in Corvallis two years ago, and trailed 21-0 at the half Thursday,

-- Someone explain to me how Oregon State can be so spineless at Penn State, then play so well at home? Why does this happen?

-- Penn State's power rating has to jump after the way Oregon St. played last night, even if Coastal Carolina did lose to Colgate. .

-- White Sox led 6-1 in fourth inning at Minnesota, but Twins tied game 6-all, then won it in 10th on Casilla's single to center. After sweeping the Pale Hose, Minnesota leads division by half-game.

-- Ryan Braun hit two-out, walk-off grand slam in 10th inning, as Brewers kept pace with Mets by holding off Pittsburgh, 5-1.

-- With their win Thursday, Mets are now 6-15 when they're tied after six innings. Not a very good record.

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[pm530]

Friday's List of 13: Our last baseball List of 13 for 2008......

13) Toronto-- Strong finish likely saved JP Ricciardi's job, but in a year where Bronx Bombers missed playoffs, Jays still were fourth in a five-team division, with a payroll of $100M. Not good.

12) Houston-- Hurricane Ike sabotaged Astros' season when they had legit shot to win the Wild Card. Front office traded for Hawkins and Wolf when team seemed dead, but they turned things around.

11) Bronx-- Finished season strong; will be most interesting team in offseason, since lot of money comes off their payroll, and they have the new $1B (yes, billion with a B) stadium opening next spring.

10) Brewers-- Never have seen a team with such porous defense on infield contend for playoffs. They got Gallardo back from his knee injury Thursday-- he hadn't pitched since he got hurt back in May.

9) Mets-- My dad is 82 and loves the Mets; here's where his season is at; watching the Extra Innings package Thursday night, rooting as hard as hell for the Pittsburgh Pirates. Mets' payroll is $138M, so they have highest payroll in NL, but are wilting again down stretch.

8) White Sox-- Of the thirty big league teams, think I've seen less of the Pale Hose than any team, mainly because their two announcers are so annoying, so hideous that listening to them isn't an option.

7) Twins-- Would be odd if Minnesota made playoffs after giving Santana away (basically for Carlos Gomez) and made playoffs while Mets didn't. In any other year, Gardenhire wins Manager of Year

6) Phillies-- In his last two starts, Brett Myers allowed 16 runs in just 8.1 IP, an alarming stat for team fighting for a playoff spot, one that doesn't have a whole lot of pitching depth. .

5) Red Sox-- For team that won World Series last year, they've got a lot of new faces. They've beaten Angels fairly easily in playoffs last couple times-- would expect Halos to get some revenge this time.

4) Rays-- America's Team is way more than the sum of its parts; it will be interesting to see if they include young lefty David Price on their playoff roster. Also, will Carl Crawford be back for ALDS?

3) Dodgers-- Modern baseball is such that Hall of Fame players like Manny Ramirez get traded during a season, completely skewing the balance of power. Are much better now than they were in summer.

2) Cubs-- 100 years since they last won World Series, 63 since they won the Natonal League. If neither happens this season, will be huge disappointment for a fanbase used to being disappointed.

1) Angels-- Won division by 1,000 games, now things get serious for team that was swept out of playoffs by Boston LY. Teixeira wasn't an Angel then, neither was Hunter-- this is best team in baseball.

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[pm530]

Major League Baseball – Write up

MLB
Write-up


Friday, September 26

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Hot Pitchers
-- Blanton is 3-0, 4.14 in his last eleven starts.
-- Marlins won four of Volstad's five road starts. Mets won seven of last nine Pelfrey home starts.
-- Astros won seven of last eight Moehler home starts.
-- Dempster is 5-1, 3.15 in his last eight starts.
-- Arroyo is 5-1, 2.74 in his last seven starts.
-- Haren is 2-0, 1.80 in his last two starts.
-- Geer has a 2.25 RA in his last two starts.
-- Lowe is 5-1, 0.95 in his last eight starts.

-- Red Sox are 12-2 in last fourteen Matsuzaka starts. Aceves is 2-0, 1.35 in three starts this season.
-- Danks is 2-0, 0.98 in his last three starts. Lewis is 3-0, 1.42 in his three starts this season.
-- Davies is 3-1, 2.45 in his last four starts. Liriano is 4-2, 3.26 in his last eight starts.
-- Lackey has 2.45 RA in his last three home starts.
-- Gallagher is 1-0, 2.04 in his last three starts

Cold Pitchers
-- Balestar has 5.11 RA in his last four starts.
-- Campillo has 6.61 RA in his last nine starts.
-- Suppan is 0-3, 10.80 in his last four starts.
-- Looper is 0-4, 6.14 in his last five starts.
-- Hirsh is 8-11, 5.30 in 28 career starts; this is his first '08 start.
-- Snell is 0-2, 6.19 in his last three starts.
-- Hennessey is 0-1, 4.76 in three starts for the Giants.

-- Waters is 1-4, 5.45 in his last six starts. Richmond is 0-3, 5.14 in his four starts this season.
-- Verlander is 0-4, 9.00 in his last five starts. Sonnanstine is 0-2, 5.09 in his last six starts.
-- Padilla has 6.04 RA in his last nine starts.
-- Morrow is 0-2, 6.46 in his last three starts.

Hot Teams
-- Phillies won ten of last thirteen games.
-- Braves won four of their last five games.
-- Reds won thirteen of their last twenty games.
-- Cubs won ten of their last fourteen games
-- Brewers won their last four games, scoring 24 runs.
-- Cardinals won last three games, scoring 23 runs.
-- Padres won four of their last five games.
-- Dodgers won nine of their last fourteen games.

-- Red Sox are 11-4 in their last fifteen home games. Bronx won seven of its last eight games.
-- Rays are 14-6 in their last twenty games- they clinch AL East with a win tonight.
-- Indians won seven of their last ten games.
-- Royals won ten of their last twelve games. Minnesota won its last four games, now leads AL Central by half a game.
-- Angels won twelve of their last fifteen games.
-- A's won eight of their last eleven games.

Cold Teams
-- Nationals lost six of their last seven games.
-- Marlins lost four of last five games. Mets lost four of their last six.
-- Astros lost seven of their last ten games.
-- Cardinals lost ten of their last fourteen games.
-- Arizona lost last three games, allowing 23 runs.
-- Pirates lost eight of their last ten games.
-- Giants are 2-8 in their last ten games.

-- Tigers lost ten of their last twelve games.
-- Toronto lost three of their last four games.
-- Orioles are 6-28 in their last 34 games.
-- White Sox lost four of their last five games.
-- Rangers lost five of their last seven games.
-- Mariners lost 14 of their last 15 games.

Totals
-- Last four Balestar starts all went over the total.
-- Florida's last six road games all went over the total.
-- Three of last four Campillo starts stayed under the total.
-- Three of last four Dempster starts stayed under the total.
-- Under is 18-4 in Cincinnati's last 22 road games.
-- Five of last seven Arizona games stayed under the total.
-- Under is 6-2 in Snell's last eight starts.
-- Under is 5-2-1 in Lowe's last seven starts.

-- Under is 6-3 in last nine Bronx road games.
-- All four Richmond starts stayed under the total.
-- Last three Sonnanstine starts stayed under the total.
-- Under is 8-1-1 in last ten Cleveland road games.
-- Five of last six Davies starts stayed under the total.
-- Under is 5-2 in Lackey's last seven starts.
-- Over is 4-1 in Seattle's last five home games.

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[pm530]

Major League Baseball - Tips & Trends

MLB


Friday, September 26

We will update when lines and projected scores are available.

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

Yankees: Andy Pettitte closed historic Yankee Stadium with a win over the Orioles. In that game Pettitte only went five innings but got the win after allowing three runs. The victory stopped a personal five-game losing streak for Pettitte and overall the Yankees are just 1-8 in his last 10 starts.

Yankees are 4-0 in their last 4 games vs. a right-handed starter.
Yankees are 7-0 in their last 7 vs. AL East.

Key Injuries - SS Derek Jeter (hand) is day-to-day.
LF Hideki Matsui (knee) is OUT.

PROJECTED SCORE: TBD

Red Sox (NA): When Daisuke Matsuzaka pitches, the Red Sox win. It’s that simple. Boston is 9-1 in Dice-K’s last 10 and he’s allowed two runs or less seven times over that span. Matsuzaka is 9-2 at Fenway Park this season with a 3.18 ERA. Red Sox are 6-1 in Matsuzaka’s last seven starts versus the American League East.

Red Sox are 10-1 in their last 11 during game 1 of a series.
Red Sox are 6-0 in Matsuzaka’s last 6 starts with 4 days of rest.

Key Injuries - 3B Mike Lowell (hip) is OUT.

PROJECTED SCORE: TBD



Chicago Cubs at Milwaukee Brewers [ESPN | 8:05 PM ET]

Cubs: Ryan Dempster hasn’t gone past the sixth inning in his two most recent starts but he’s pitched well in both, giving up just three runs over 11 innings, while striking out 10. In his last 10 starts, Dempster has allowed two runs or less seven times. He’s 3-3 on the road this season to go along with a solid 3.22 ERA. The UNDER is 3-1 in Dempster’s last four starts.

Cubs are 4-1 in Dempster’s last 5 road starts.
Cubs are 8-2 in their last 10 vs. NL Central.

Key Injuries - NONE

PROJECTED SCORE: TBD

Brewers (NA): Jeff Suppan has lost three of his last four starts in ugly fashion. In his last 16.1 innings of work, Suppan has given up 20 runs, while walking 10. He’s been average at home this season, going 3-3 with a 4.54 ERA. Suppan is making the start for Ben Sheets tonight, who is still bothered by tendinitis in his right elbow.

Brewers are 1-6 in their last 7 during game 1 of a series.
Brewers are 0-4 in Suppan’s last 4 starts.

Key Injuries - OF Gabe Kapler (shoulder) is OUT.

PROJECTED SCORE: TBD

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[pm530]

Major League Baseball – Streaking Pitchers

MLB

Friday, September 26

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Streaking Starting Pitchers
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Friday’s streaking and slumping pitchers

Streaking

Rich Harden, Chicago Cubs (10-2, 2.03 ERA)

Harden was scheduled to pitch Tuesday, but had his start pushed to Thursday. The right-handed hurler is 5-1 in his previous 10 appearances and has allowed just five earned runs over the past six games.

The Cubs have locked up the NL Central, however, they can play spoiler to the Mets’ playoff hopes. Harden has never faced New York.

Roy Oswalt, Houston Astros (16-10, 3.51 ERA)

Oswalt is back on track after suffering just his second loss in 10 games last week. Houston’s ace rebounded with a six-inning, one-run effort in a 6-2 win over the Pirates Sunday.

Oswalt has an ERA of 1.67 over his last 10 with a 56/12 strikeout-to-walk count.

The righty has dominated Cincinnati with a 22-1 record and 2.51 ERA over 27 games. Oswalt added to that total with three wins over the Reds this year. He did, however, leave his last start with a sore neck and is throwing on short rest.


Slumping

Jake Peavy, San Diego Padres (9-11, 2.77 ERA)

Peavy has watched his record go south after losing five of his last eight starts. His most recent showing was a 5-2 loss to the Giants in which Peavy allowed five runs on 11 hits in eight innings.

In Peavy’s defense, he hasn’t had the bats to back him up during this skid. He has a solid ERA, just under three in his last 10, but an average of just 2.6 runs of support.

Pedro Martinez, New York Mets (5-6, 5.50 ERA)

Pedro’s place on the team has been in question ever since the Mets brought in Johan Santana during the offseason. Martinez’s sub-par performances have sparked talk about where the veteran right-hander will end up next season.

He has dropped his last three starts and has allowed just as many earned runs as innings pitched (16) during that span. His breaking balls just aren’t breaking and his fastball doesn’t have the command it once did.

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[pm530]

Baseball Today

MLB


Friday, September 26

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Baseball Today
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SCOREBOARD
Friday, September 26

Chicago Cubs at Milwaukee Brewers (8:05 p.m. EDT). The Cubs and Ryan Dempster (17-6) try to keep their momentum going when they close their series with three games against the Brewers. Ben Sheets will take the mound for Milwaukee if his sore elbow feels better.


STARS

Thursday

— Carlos Gomez, Twins, went 4-for-5 with a pair of RBIs in a 7-6, 10-inning victory over the White Sox that moved Minnesota into first in the AL Central by a half-game.

— Ryan Braun, Brewers, hit a grand slam in the 10th inning for a 5-1 victory over the Pirates that kept Milwaukee tied with the New York Mets for the NL wild card.

— Carlos Beltran, Mets, went 2-for-4 and drove in the winning run in the ninth inning for a rain-soaked, 7-6 victory over the Chicago Cubs.

— Vladimir Guerrero, Angels, hit two home runs—including a two-run shot in the ninth inning—to lead Los Angeles to a 6-4 victory over the Seattle Mariners.

— Micah Hoffpauir, Cubs, went 5-for-5 with his first two big league homers, a double and five RBIs in a 7-6 loss to the Mets.

— Roy Halladay, Blue Jays, gave up two runs and six hits in a complete-game, 8-2 victory over the Yankees for his 20th win of the season.

— Jon Lester, Red Sox, carried a no-hitter into the sixth inning and wound up allowing a run and two hits in a 6-1 rout of the Indians.

— Albert Pujols, Cardinals, went 3-for-3 with a homer and four RBIs in a 12-3 win over Arizona, which eliminated the Diamondbacks from playoff contention.

— Ramon Santiago, Tigers, had a pair of home runs—he only has nine homers in seven big league seasons—in a 7-5 win over the Rays, keeping Tampa Bay from clinching the AL East.


CLINCHED

The Los Angeles Dodgers clinched their first NL West title since 2004 before taking the field, thanks to three straight disappointing losses by the Arizona Diamondbacks. Arizona was only two games out with six games to play, but the defending division champions bowed out quietly in a 12-3 rout by the St. Louis Cardinals well before the Dodgers played San Diego.


GETTING CLOSER

Vladimir Guerrero hit two home runs to lead the Los Angeles Angels to a 6-4 victory over the Seattle Mariners. With the win, Los Angeles (99-60) closed in on the best record in the American League and home-field advantage. Tampa Bay (96-63), which lost to Detroit 7-5 on Thursday, is three games back with three to play.


POWER PLAY

Ramon Santiago hit a pair of home runs off Rays ace Scott Kazmir, giving him a whopping nine in seven big league seasons. The home runs helped Detroit to a 7-5 victory and delayed Tampa Bay’s winning the AL East title at least for one more day.


NO LOVE

Boston manager Terry Francona said he wasn’t exactly rooting for Jon Lester, who carried a no-hitter into the sixth inning for the Red Sox. Francona said he would have taken him out of the game against the Indians and left it to the bullpen to complete. Lester wound up allowing a pair of hits in six innings in his final tuneup before the playoffs.


M-V-P?

Albert Pujols hit a three-run homer and finished with four RBIs to lead the St. Louis Cardinals to a 12-3 victory over the Arizona Diamondbacks. Pujols is batting .353 with 35 homers and 112 RBIs this year. His manager, Tony La Russa, endorsed him for the NL MVP earlier this week, adding he didn’t think anyone else was close.


OSWALT AND THE REDS

Roy Oswalt tossed six sharp innings for the Houston Astros in an 8-6 win over the Cincinnati Reds. The Astros ace has won 23 of 24 decisions, including his last eight, against Cincinnati. He allowed one run and two hits to help keep Houston’s slim playoff hopes alive.


SPEAKING

“It’s fine with me we don’t have to do it on the field. I’m just happy we did it. I’m very proud of this team. Going to the playoffs never gets old.”— First-year Dodgers manager Joe Torre, whose team learned it won the NL West when St. Louis beat Arizona.


SEASONS

Sept. 26

1908-Ed Reulbach of the Chicago Cubs became the only pitcher to throw two shutouts in a doubleheader, beating the Dodgers 5-0 and 3-0.

1926-The St. Louis Browns beat the New York Yankees 6-1 and 6-2 in 2 hours, 7 minutes. The first game took 55 minutes.

1952-The New York Yankees clinched their fourth straight AL pennant with a 5-1, 11-inning win over the Philadelphia A's.

1961-Roger Maris tied Babe Ruth's 34-year-old record, hitting his 60th homer off Baltimore's Jack Fisher.

1981-Nolan Ryan of the Houston Astros became the first player to pitch five no-hitters, hurling a 5-0 victory over Los Angeles at the Astrodome.

1983-Bob Forsch of the St. Louis Cardinals pitched the second no-hitter of his career by defeating Montreal 3-0.

1993-Randy Johnson of the Seattle Mariners became the eighth pitcher to strike out 300 batters in a season with 13 strikeouts in 10 innings of a 3-2, 12-inning loss to Oakland.

1998-Curt Schilling became the fifth pitcher to strike out 300 batters in consecutive seasons when he fanned Kevin Orie in the seventh inning of Philadelphia's 4-3 loss to Florida in the first game of a doubleheader.

2000-The Atlanta Braves beat the New York Mets 7-1 to clinch the NL East and win their record ninth straight division title.

2007-The New York Yankees clinched their 13th straight postseason appearance, beating Tampa Bay 12-4.

2007-Michael Young reached 200 hits for the fifth consecutive season with a pair of RBI singles among his three hits and Texas pounded the Los Angeles Angels 16-2. Young joined Wade Boggs and Ichiro Suzuki as the only players since 1940 with five consecutive 200-hit seasons.

2007-Brandon Phillips hit his 30th homer of the season in Cincinnati's 7-6 loss to Houston to join Alfonso Soriano as the only second basemen in major league history to hit 30 homers and steal 30 bases in a season.

Today's birthday: Brian Shouse 40.

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[pm530]

Major League Baseball - Dunkel Index

MLB
Dunkel Index

Chicago Cubs at Milwaukee
Needing a win to stay in the playoff hunt, the Brewers look to build on their current four-game winning streak. Milwaukee is the pick (-115) according to Dunkel, which has the Brewers favored by 1. Dunkel Pick: Milwaukee (-115). Here are all of today's games

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 26

Game 901-902: Washington at Philadelphia
Dunkel Ratings: Washington (Balester) 13.899; Philadelphia (Blanton) 16.766
Dunkel Line: Philadelphia by 3; 10
Vegas Line: No Line
Dunkel Pick: N/A

Game 903-904: Florida at NY Mets
Dunkel Ratings: Florida (Volstad) 16.323; NY Mets (Pelfrey) 15.109
Dunkel Line: Florida by 1; 8 1/2
Vegas Line: NY Mets (-165); 9
Dunkel Pick: Florida (+155); Under

Game 905-906: Atlanta at Houston
Dunkel Ratings: Atlanta (Campillo) 17.773; Houston (Moehler) 15.528
Dunkel Line: Atlanta by 2; 8 1/2
Vegas Line: Houston (-115); 9 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Atlanta (+105); Under

Game 907-908: Chicago Cubs at Milwaukee
Dunkel Ratings: Cubs (Dempster) 14.856; Milwaukee (Suppan) 16.055
Dunkel Line: Milwaukee by 1; 9 1/2
Vegas Line: Milwaukee (-115); 9
Dunkel Pick: Milwaukee (-115); Over

Game 909-910: Cincinnati at St. Louis
Dunkel Ratings: Cincinnati (Arroyo) 15.177; St. Louis (Looper) 13.928
Dunkel Line: Cincinnati by 1; 7 1/2
Vegas Line: St. Louis (-115); 8
Dunkel Pick: Cincinnati (+105); Under

Game 911-912: Colorado at Arizona
Dunkel Ratings: Colorado (Hirsh) 14.271; Arizona (Haren) 14.825
Dunkel Line: Arizona by 1/2; 10 1/2
Vegas Line: No Line
Dunkel Pick: N/A

Game 913-914: Pittsburgh at San Diego
Dunkel Ratings: Pittsburgh (Snell) 15.059; San Diego (Geer) 13.704
Dunkel Line: Pittsburgh by 1 1/2; 8
Vegas Line: San Diego (-135); 8 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Pittsburgh (+125); Under

Game 915-916: LA Dodgers at San Francisco
Dunkel Ratings: LA Dodgers (Lowe) 14.361; San Francisco (Hennessey) 14.611
Dunkel Line: San Francisco by 1/2; 7
Vegas Line: No Line
Dunkel Pick: N/A


Game 917-918: NY Yankees at Boston
Dunkel Ratings: NY Yankees (Aceves) 16.224; Boston (Matsuzaka) 17.655
Dunkel Line: Boston by 1 1/2; 7
Vegas Line: No Line
Dunkel Pick: N/A

Game 919-920: Toronto at Baltimore
Dunkel Ratings: Toronto (Richmond) 15.604; Baltimore (Waters) 15.362
Dunkel Line: Toronto by 1/2; 9 1/2
Vegas Line: Baltimore (-110); 10 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Toronto (+100); Under

Game 921-922: Tampa Bay at Detroit
Dunkel Ratings: Tampa Bay (Sonnanstine) 16.670; Detroit (Verlander) 13.792
Dunkel Line: Tampa Bay by 3; 11
Vegas Line: No Line
Dunkel Pick: N/A

Game 923-924: Cleveland at Chicago White Sox
Dunkel Ratings: Cleveland (Lewis) 15.220; White Sox (Danks) 16.475
Dunkel Line: Chicago White Sox by 1; 9 1/2
Vegas Line: Chicago White Sox (-185); 8 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Chicago White Sox (-185); Over

Game 925-926: Kansas City at Minnesota
Dunkel Ratings: Kansas City (Davies) 15.224; Minnesota (Liriano) 17.027
Dunkel Line: Minnesota by 2; 9 1/2
Vegas Line: Minnesota (-230); 8 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Minnesota (-230); Over

Game 927-928: Texas at LA Angels
Dunkel Ratings: Texas (Padilla) 15.226; LA Angels (Lackey) 16.887
Dunkel Line: LA Angels by 1 1/2; 8
Vegas Line: LA Angels (-160); 8 1/2
Dunkel Pick: LA Angels (-160); Under

Game 929-930: Oakland at Seattle
Dunkel Ratings: Oakland (Gallagher) 14.593; Seattle (Morrow) 15.663
Dunkel Line: Seattle by 1; 9
Vegas Line: Seattle (-115); 8
Dunkel Pick: Seattle (-115); Over

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