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**pm530** · 04-26-2009, 06:03 AM

Daily Sports Roundup

Sunday, April 26

Today in the Daily Sports Roundup: The Celtics look for another win in Chicago, the Devils try to bounce the Hurricanes, and Talladega hosts a Sprint Cup race.

Tipping off on the hardwood . . .

With a 2-1 series lead in hand the Celtics will try to take a stranglehold on their first-round set with the Bulls on Sunday afternoon when they meet in Game 4 in Chicago. Paul Pierce led the way with 23 points in Game 3 on Thursday night as Boston cruised to a 107-86 road win over Chicago. Ben Gordon tossed in 15 points in that contest for the Bulls, who opened as 2.5-point favorites for Sunday.

The NBA's Sunday schedule includes three other contests, with Cleveland at Detroit, Orlando at Philadelphia, and Portland at Houston. LeBron James tossed in 25 points on Friday night to lead the Cavs to a 79-68 road win over the Pistons; Cleveland now holds a 3-0 edge in that series. Philadelphia and Houston also pulled out victories Friday night, and they both hold 2-1 advantages.

Meeting up on the diamond . . .

Blue Jays righthander Roy Halladay (3-1, 3.72 ERA) will be looking to bounce back from his first loss of the season on Sunday when his team continues its series in Chicago against the White Sox and Jose Contreras (0-3, 8.04 ERA). Also on the AL slate for Sunday: Minnesota at Cleveland, Texas at Baltimore, Detroit at Kansas City, Seattle at the Angels, Tampa Bay at Oakland, and the Yankees at Boston, with that last game taking place under the lights at 8pm ET.

Meanwhile on Sunday the National League offers up Atlanta at Cincinnati, Washington at the Mets, Milwaukee at Houston, the Cubs at St. Louis, the Dodgers at Colorado, Pittsburgh at San Diego, San Francisco at Arizona, and Philadelphia at Florida. Phillies starter Jamie Moyer is 2-1 on the season, but his ERA sits at 6.35 after surrendering four earned runs in each of his three outings.

Taking a trip around the rink . . .

The Devils can finish off the Hurricanes on the road on Sunday as the teams meet in Carolina for Game 6 of their best-of-seven series. Martin Brodeur notched a 44-save shutout on Thursday night as the Devils picked up a 1-0 victory to take a 3-2 lead in the series. David Clarkson scored the lone goal in that contest, his second of the playoffs. Cam Ward made 41 saves in the defeat.

The other NHL matchup on tap for Sunday has Washington at the Rangers, with the Capitals down 3-2 in the series after cruising to a 4-0 victory on Friday night. Simeon Varlamov stopped all 20 New York shots in that win, while Matt Bradley scored twice. Alex Ovechkin and Alexander Semin had the other goals. Henrik Lundqvist had an off-night, allowing four goals on 14 shots before getting yanked.

Rounding out the Roundup . . .

The Sprint Cup Series is at Talladega on Sunday for the Aaron's 499, with Kyle Busch pegged as the 4/1 Vegas favorite to visit victory lane; Busch took the checkered flag in this event last season. Jimmie Johnson is next on the odds list for this weekend at 5/1, followed by standings leader Jeff Gordon at 6/1. Tony Stewart sits in fourth at 7/1, with Denny Hamlin completing the top tier at 10/1.

Finally, the drivers of the Formula 1 circuit will compete in the Bahrain Grand Prix on Sunday, with Jenson Button holding a 21-15 lead on Rubens Barrichello in the drivers championship heading into that event. Sebastien Vettel and Timo Glock are tied for third in those standings with 10 points after three races. Felipe Massa got the victory in Bahrain in 2008; he has yet to pick up a point so far this season.

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**pm530** · 04-26-2009, 06:04 AM

Six-pack for Sunday

-- Good Lord, the Washington Nationals are a terrible ballclub.

-- Phillies rallied again to tie game in the 9th inning, beating Florida in the 10th 6-4, handing Marlins their fifth straight loss.

-- Cardinals won their ninth straight home game, 8-2 over Chicago.

-- If you don't think Bronx Bombers miss Mr A. Rodriguez, keep in mind Mark Teixeira walked five times Saturday. When ARod is back in lineup batting 4th, Teixeira will get better pitches to hit.

-- Seattle has a 3.5-game lead over Texas, 5.5 over the Angels in the AL West-- not sure why, but the Mariners are vastly improved.

-- Carl Pavano is 0-3, 9.50 in four starts for Cleveland, so it looks as if all those incentive clauses in his contract are safe.

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Sunday's List of 13: Quick thoughts on first day of the draft

13) Interesting subplots in the Mark Sanchez story; first, USC coach Carroll, once canned by the Jets, didn't think Sanchez should have come out for the draft-- one-year starters have a high washout rate. But Sanchez came out, and soon will be a very rich young man.

12) Jets drafted Sanchez after a trade with Cleveland and old friend Eric Mangini, who got an extra 2nd-round pick and three players in the deal, just for dropping 12 spots in the first round. All in all, the Browns traded out of three first round picks.

11) QB Brett Ratliff, who played really well in preseason last year, was one of players Cleveland traded for, which makes a Brady Quinn trade all the more logical. Doesn't it?

10) Speaking of which, Miami drafted Pat White, who figures as the prototypical Wildcat/slash player; what does that mean for Ronnie Brown, who ignited the Wildcat from his running back position LY?

9) We were surprised Mr Parcells didn't draft Clay Matthews. as he has shown to prefer players with a solid pedigree in the past.

8) Ole Miss had its own half-hour recruiting infomercial, when with the 23rd/24th picks, linemen Oher/Jerry got drafted. Anyone who is a three-time all-SEC player like Michael Oher has to be a safe pick.

7) Pittsburgh drafted Ziggy Hood, who may have best sports name since Memphis State had a hooper named Baskerville Holmes back in the 80's. Mr Hood makes the Steelers younger on the defensive line.

6) Denver traded a 1st-round pick next year for a 2nd-round pick this year, which sounds like stuff I do in my fantasy baseball league, just that this is a billion dollar industry where stupidity rarely works.

5) No disrespect meant here, but weird seeing Cardinals draft 31st.

4) Michael Mitchell may turn into the next Ronnie Lott, but Oakland took a guy in the second round who was not listed on nfl.com, which has nothing better to do this time of year than list draft prospects.

3) Cleveland went heavy for offense, once they actually finished up their trading and starting selecting players. After trading out of the #5 slot, I'm guessing taking a center wasn't that warmly received by the shores of Lake Erie. Still think they're going to trade Brady Quinn. .

2) Shortening the time between draft picks pretty much eliminates all the coaches' interviews ESPN used to do, and it really shortens ones it does do. I wouldn't complain if they lengthened the second round to 7:00 un between picks, so we can learn a little more about second round selections. Some really good players get taken in 2nd round.

1) I'm totally convinced had Matt Millen still been running the Lions, they would have taken Michael Crabtree with the first selection.

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**pm530** · 04-26-2009, 06:05 AM

NBA
Long Sheet

When additional “Top Trends” are updated, we will re-post.

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Sunday, April 26
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BOSTON (64 - 21) at CHICAGO (42 - 43) - 4/26/2009, 1:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
CHICAGO is 14-4 ATS (+9.6 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record - 2nd half of the season this season.
CHICAGO is 20-11 ATS (+7.9 Units) versus good offensive teams - scoring 99+ points/game this season.
BOSTON is 111-81 ATS (+21.9 Units) in all games over the last 2 seasons.
BOSTON is 25-11 ATS (+12.9 Units) as an underdog over the last 2 seasons.
BOSTON is 56-39 ATS (+13.1 Units) in road games over the last 2 seasons.
BOSTON is 38-22 ATS (+13.8 Units) in road games second half of the season over the last 3 seasons.
BOSTON is 15-5 ATS (+9.5 Units) off an upset win as an underdog over the last 2 seasons.
BOSTON is 53-34 ATS (+15.6 Units) after a win by 10 points or more over the last 2 seasons.
BOSTON is 39-26 ATS (+10.4 Units) after scoring 105 points or more over the last 2 seasons.
BOSTON is 48-33 ATS (+11.7 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 2 seasons.
BOSTON is 57-37 ATS (+16.3 Units) versus poor defensive teams - allowing 99+ points/game over the last 2 seasons.
CHICAGO is 13-25 ATS (-14.5 Units) against Atlantic division opponents over the last 2 seasons.
CHICAGO is 37-52 ATS (-20.2 Units) revenging a loss vs opponent over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
BOSTON is 8-5 against the spread versus CHICAGO over the last 3 seasons
BOSTON is 8-5 straight up against CHICAGO over the last 3 seasons
6 of 12 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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CLEVELAND (69 - 16) at DETROIT (39 - 46) - 4/26/2009, 3:30 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

Head-to-Head Series History
CLEVELAND is 14-7 against the spread versus DETROIT over the last 3 seasons
CLEVELAND is 12-9 straight up against DETROIT over the last 3 seasons
16 of 21 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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ORLANDO (60 - 25) at PHILADELPHIA (43 - 42) - 4/26/2009, 6:35 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

Head-to-Head Series History
PHILADELPHIA is 7-6 against the spread versus ORLANDO over the last 3 seasons
ORLANDO is 9-4 straight up against PHILADELPHIA over the last 3 seasons
7 of 12 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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PORTLAND (55 - 30) at HOUSTON (55 - 30) - 4/26/2009, 9:05 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

Head-to-Head Series History
HOUSTON is 7-7 against the spread versus PORTLAND over the last 3 seasons
HOUSTON is 10-4 straight up against PORTLAND over the last 3 seasons
7 of 14 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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**pm530** · 04-26-2009, 06:06 AM

NBA
Short Sheet

Sunday, April 26th

Eastern Conference Playoffs - Round One
Game Four
Boston Leads, 2-1
Boston at Chicago, 1:00 ET

Boston:
25-11 ATS as an underdog
15-5 ATS off SU dog win

Chicago:
37-52 ATS playing with revenge
32-49 ATS off home game

Eastern Conference Playoffs - Round One
Game Four
Cleveland Leads, 3-0
Detroit at Cleveland, 3:30 ET

Cleveland:
15-1 ATS if led L3 games by 5+ at the half
29-12 ATS off road game

Detroit:
0-11 ATS off division loss
5-13 ATS off DD loss

Eastern Conference Playoffs - Round One
Game Four
Philadelphia Leads, 2-1
Orlando at Philadelphia, 6:35 ET

Orlando:
44-19 ATS playing with revenge
11-3 ATS off road loss

Philadelphia:
29-16 Under at home if total is between 190 and 199.5
26-15 Under off SU win

Western Conference Playoffs - Round One
Game Four
Houston Leads, 2-1
Portland at Houston, 9:05 ET

Portland:
1-9 ATS after a loss by 3 points or less
22-41 ATS off road ATS win/SU loss

Houston:
9-1 Under at home in April
23-7 Under at home if the total is between 180 and 189.5

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**pm530** · 04-26-2009, 06:07 AM

NBA

Sunday, April 26

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Trend Sheet
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1:00 PM
BOSTON vs. CHICAGO
Boston is 10-2 SU in its last 12 games
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Boston's last 5 games
Chicago is 3-8 ATS in its last 11 games when playing Boston
Chicago is 2-8 SU in its last 10 games when playing Boston

3:30 PM
CLEVELAND vs. DETROIT
Cleveland is 5-0 ATS in its last 5 games
Cleveland is 8-1 SU in its last 9 games
Detroit is 3-7 ATS in its last 10 games when playing at home against Cleveland
Detroit is 18-6 SU in its last 24 games when playing at home against Cleveland

6:30 PM
ORLANDO vs. PHILADELPHIA
Orlando is 1-8 ATS in its last 9 games
Orlando is 2-5 SU in its last 7 games
Philadelphia is 6-14 ATS in its last 20 games when playing at home against Orlando
Philadelphia is 2-6 SU in its last 8 games when playing at home against Orlando

9:00 PM
PORTLAND vs. HOUSTON
Portland is 3-6 ATS in its last 9 games when playing Houston
Portland is 2-9 SU in its last 11 games when playing Houston
Houston is 5-1 ATS in its last 6 games at home
Houston is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games at home

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**pm530** · 04-26-2009, 06:07 AM

NBA

Sunday, April 26

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Pick ‘n’ Roll: NBA best bets
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Boston Celtics at Chicago Bulls (-3, 200)

The criticism came in a steady flow, like some never-ending layup line, and all Rajon Rondo did was take the next shot.

''You got to pick on someone,'' he said.

It's hard to pick on Rondo at the moment.

All the point guard is doing is outplaying rookie of the year Derrick Rose, and the defending champion Boston Celtics lead the Chicago Bulls 2-1 heading into Game 4 of their first-round series on Sunday.

Rondo is averaging team highs in points (22.7), rebounds (10.7), assists (9.7) and steals (4.0) while shooting 50 percent. Not bad for a guy who supposedly couldn't shoot and only played well at home.

''Every city you go to, (the questions) are about what Rondo can't do and what he's not doing,'' coach Doc Rivers said. ''And I keep saying, 'He's won a world championship at the point guard spot. He's had an unbelievable year, and we continually want to keep picking at what's wrong.' I try to look at his brilliance while playing through those flaws.''

Rivers understood the criticism last season, Rondo's second. After all, he was unproven and hadn't won anything.

But this year? Rivers didn't get it.

Rondo's scoring average has gone from 6.4 as a rookie to 10.6 to 11.9 this season. His assists have climbed from 3.8 to 5.1 to 8.2, and his shooting percentage has jumped from 41.8 to 49.2 to 50.5, including 31.3 on 3-pointers.

Pick: Boston +3

Orlando Magic at Philadelphia 76ers (+4, 191)

Andre Iguodala saw Dwight Howard standing between him and the basket and went right at the NBA's best defender.

This isn't the same Iguodala who flopped in his first playoff series as the man for the Philadelphia 76ers. He's playing with the same aggressiveness and fearlessness that another A.I. displayed every time he stepped on the court.

The surprising Sixers are two wins away from pulling off a stunning upset over the Orlando Magic in their Eastern Conference first-round series. The often-criticized Iguodala is a major reason Philadelphia is in this position after stumbling into the playoffs with a 41-41 record.

''Andre really wants it,'' Sixers coach Tony DiLeo said. ''He's really matured. You can see him out there. He's on a mission. He's taking it aggressive. We're seeing him grow before our eyes. I think the people in Philly know about him, but now I think the national audience will get to see what Andre's all about.''

Game 4 is Sunday night at the Wachovia Center. The Sixers don't even have to win another game on the road to advance to the second round for the first time since 2003. It's the same spot they were in last year against the Detroit Pistons, only to blow a 10-point halftime lead in Game 4 of their opening-round series and lose three straight.

That was a nightmarish series for Iguodala, who took over as the team leader after Allen Iverson was traded in December 2006. Iguodala averaged 13.2 points on just 33.3 percent shooting against the Pistons, a significant decline from his regular-season average of 19.9 points per game.

But he's stepped up his performance in a big way against the Magic. Iguodala has averaged 23.3 points, 7.7 rebounds and 6.3 assists in the first three games.

Pick: Philadelphia +4

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**pm530** · 04-26-2009, 06:09 AM

MLB
Long Sheet

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Sunday, April 26
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PHILADELPHIA (7 - 8) at FLORIDA (11 - 5) - 12:10 PM
JAMIE MOYER (L) vs. BURKE BADENHOP (R)
Top Trends for this game.
FLORIDA is 95-82 (+25.7 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
FLORIDA is 26-16 (+13.5 Units) against the money line in April games over the last 2 seasons.
FLORIDA is 25-14 (+13.3 Units) against the money line when playing with a day off over the last 3 seasons.
FLORIDA is 11-2 (+9.9 Units) against the money line against division opponents this season.
FLORIDA is 30-20 (+15.9 Units) against the money line in day games over the last 2 seasons.
FLORIDA is 94-80 (+26.3 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
PHILADELPHIA is 17-9 (+10.2 Units) against the money line as a road underdog of +100 to +125 over the last 2 seasons.
PHILADELPHIA is 46-29 (+17.2 Units) against the money line in road games against division opponents over the last 3 seasons.
MOYER is 236-161 (+43.6 Units) against the money line in all games since 1997. (Team's Record)
MOYER is 14-6 (+9.4 Units) against the money line in road games over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
MOYER is 18-9 (+11.7 Units) against the money line in road games in April games since 1997. (Team's Record)
MOYER is 10-1 (+9.7 Units) against the money line in road games against division opponents over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
MOYER is 14-6 (+9.4 Units) against the money line in road games in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
MOYER is 51-40 (+17.9 Units) against the money line in road games when playing against a team with a winning record since 1997. (Team's Record)

Head-to-Head Series History
PHILADELPHIA is 1-0 (+1.3 Units) against FLORIDA this season
1 of 1 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+1.0 Units)

JAMIE MOYER vs. FLORIDA since 1997
MOYER is 11-1 when starting against FLORIDA with an ERA of 2.95 and a WHIP of 1.048.
His team's record is 11-1 (+9.8 units) in these starts. The OVER is 7-5. (+2.0 units)

BURKE BADENHOP vs. PHILADELPHIA since 1997
No recent starts.

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WASHINGTON (3 - 12) at NY METS (7 - 9) - 1:10 PM
JORDAN ZIMMERMANN (R) vs. OLIVER PEREZ (L)
Top Trends for this game.
WASHINGTON is 25-63 (-22.5 Units) against the money line in road games over the last 2 seasons.
WASHINGTON is 62-111 (-29.8 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
WASHINGTON is 62-114 (-32.8 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
WASHINGTON is 70-71 (+19.7 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 3 seasons.
WASHINGTON is 92-85 (+36.3 Units) against the money line when the total is 9 to 9.5 over the last 3 seasons.
NY METS are 32-43 (-26.1 Units) against the money line when the total is 9 to 9.5 over the last 2 seasons.
NY METS are 18-27 (-25.1 Units) against the money line as a home favorite of -150 to -175 over the last 3 seasons.
NY METS are 16-21 (-17.0 Units) against the money line at home when the total is 9 to 9.5 over the last 2 seasons.
NY METS are 35-38 (-26.6 Units) against the money line in home games against division opponents over the last 3 seasons.
NY METS are 61-62 (-16.6 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
NY METS 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)

JORDAN ZIMMERMANN vs. NY METS since 1997
No recent starts.

OLIVER PEREZ vs. WASHINGTON since 1997
PEREZ is 3-3 when starting against WASHINGTON with an ERA of 6.53 and a WHIP of 1.645.
His team's record is 5-3 (+1.1 units) in these starts. The OVER is 5-3. (+2.0 units)

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ATLANTA (8 - 8) at CINCINNATI (9 - 7) - 1:10 PM
KENSHIN KAWAKAMI (R) vs. MICAH OWINGS (R)
Top Trends for this game.
ATLANTA is 34-57 (-19.7 Units) against the money line in road games over the last 2 seasons.
ATLANTA is 79-96 (-25.1 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
ATLANTA is 80-98 (-26.0 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
ATLANTA is 31-14 (+18.4 Units) against the money line when playing with a day off over the last 3 seasons.
CINCINNATI is 66-88 (-34.3 Units) against the money line in home games when playing on Sunday since 1997.

Head-to-Head Series History
ATLANTA is 1-0 (+1.1 Units) against CINCINNATI this season
1 of 1 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+1.0 Units)

KENSHIN KAWAKAMI vs. CINCINNATI since 1997
No recent starts.

MICAH OWINGS vs. ATLANTA since 1997
OWINGS is 2-0 when starting against ATLANTA with an ERA of 3.46 and a WHIP of 0.846.
His team's record is 2-0 (+2.3 units) in these starts. The OVER is 2-0. (+2.0 units)

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MILWAUKEE (7 - 9) at HOUSTON (6 - 11) - 2:05 PM
MANNY PARRA (L) vs. RUSS ORTIZ (R)
Top Trends for this game.
HOUSTON is 90-85 (+14.5 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
HOUSTON is 92-86 (+16.7 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
MILWAUKEE is 1-0 (+1.0 Units) against HOUSTON this season
1 of 1 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+1.0 Units)

MANNY PARRA vs. HOUSTON since 1997
PARRA is 3-2 when starting against HOUSTON with an ERA of 5.47 and a WHIP of 1.937.
His team's record is 3-2 (+0.3 units) in these starts. The OVER is 1-4. (-3.2 units)

RUSS ORTIZ vs. MILWAUKEE since 1997
ORTIZ is 4-3 when starting against MILWAUKEE with an ERA of 5.23 and a WHIP of 1.355.
His team's record is 5-4 (-1.1 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 5-4. (+0.3 units)

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CHICAGO CUBS (8 - 7) at ST LOUIS (12 - 5) - 2:15 PM
RICH HARDEN (R) vs. TODD WELLEMEYER (R)
Top Trends for this game.
CHICAGO CUBS are 965-1016 (-187.3 Units) against the money line in all games since 1997.
CHICAGO CUBS are 908-932 (-165.1 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field since 1997.
ST LOUIS is 20-7 (+12.3 Units) against the money line in home games when playing on Sunday over the last 3 seasons.
ST LOUIS is 37-18 (+15.1 Units) against the money line in home games in day games over the last 3 seasons.
ST LOUIS is 98-81 (+15.2 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
ST LOUIS is 66-50 (+16.5 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters over the last 2 seasons.
ST LOUIS is 98-81 (+15.2 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
ST LOUIS is 40-25 (+13.7 Units) against the money line when the total is 8 to 8.5 over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
ST LOUIS is 2-2 (+0.0 Units) against CHICAGO CUBS this season
3 of 4 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+2.0 Units)

RICH HARDEN vs. ST LOUIS since 1997
HARDEN is 1-1 when starting against ST LOUIS with an ERA of 3.65 and a WHIP of 1.135.
His team's record is 1-1 (+0.0 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 2-0. (+2.0 units)

TODD WELLEMEYER vs. CHICAGO CUBS since 1997
WELLEMEYER is 2-2 when starting against CHICAGO CUBS with an ERA of 3.32 and a WHIP of 1.384.
His team's record is 2-2 (+0.6 units) in these starts. The OVER is 1-3. (-2.2 units)

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LA DODGERS (12 - 5) at COLORADO (5 - 10) - 3:10 PM
CLAYTON KERSHAW (L) vs. JASON MARQUIS (R)
Top Trends for this game.
COLORADO is 87-81 (+20.1 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 3 seasons.
MARQUIS is 25-9 (+13.9 Units) against the money line in day games over the last 3 seasons. (Team's Record)
COLORADO is 78-99 (-27.5 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
COLORADO is 20-35 (-20.9 Units) against the money line in day games over the last 2 seasons.
COLORADO is 78-99 (-27.5 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
LA DODGERS is 4-0 (+4.1 Units) against COLORADO this season
2 of 3 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+0.9 Units)

CLAYTON KERSHAW vs. COLORADO since 1997
KERSHAW is 1-2 when starting against COLORADO with an ERA of 5.14 and a WHIP of 2.000.
His team's record is 1-2 (-1.4 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 2-1. (+0.8 units)

JASON MARQUIS vs. LA DODGERS since 1997
MARQUIS is 3-1 when starting against LA DODGERS with an ERA of 2.43 and a WHIP of 1.042.
His team's record is 5-4 (+0.4 units) in these starts. The OVER is 3-6. (-3.4 units)

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PITTSBURGH (9 - 7) at SAN DIEGO (10 - 6) - 4:05 PM
ROSS OHLENDORF (R) vs. JAKE PEAVY (R)
Top Trends for this game.
SAN DIEGO is 73-104 (-29.3 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
SAN DIEGO is 62-88 (-31.4 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 3 seasons.
SAN DIEGO is 73-104 (-29.3 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
SAN DIEGO is 1-0 (+1.0 Units) against PITTSBURGH this season
1 of 1 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+1.0 Units)

ROSS OHLENDORF vs. SAN DIEGO since 1997
OHLENDORF is 0-0 when starting against SAN DIEGO with an ERA of 1.93 and a WHIP of 1.927.
His team's record is 1-0 (+1.4 units) in these starts. The OVER is 0-1. (-1.3 units)

JAKE PEAVY vs. PITTSBURGH since 1997
PEAVY is 5-1 when starting against PITTSBURGH with an ERA of 1.85 and a WHIP of 0.945.
His team's record is 6-1 (+4.9 units) in these starts. The OVER is 3-3. (+0.0 units)

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SAN FRANCISCO (7 - 8) at ARIZONA (6 - 10) - 4:10 PM
MATT CAIN (R) vs. JON GARLAND (R)
Top Trends for this game.
CAIN is 25-44 (-21.9 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
CAIN is 9-22 (-14.8 Units) against the money line against division opponents over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
CAIN is 25-44 (-21.9 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
SAN FRANCISCO is 366-355 (+43.8 Units) against the money line in road games against right-handed starters since 1997.
ARIZONA is 89-90 (-20.1 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
ARIZONA is 10-18 (-11.2 Units) against the money line when playing on Sunday over the last 2 seasons.
ARIZONA is 89-87 (-16.5 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
ARIZONA is 60-65 (-19.5 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
SAN FRANCISCO is 3-1 (+1.8 Units) against ARIZONA this season
4 of 4 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+4.0 Units)

MATT CAIN vs. ARIZONA since 1997
CAIN is 3-3 when starting against ARIZONA with an ERA of 3.39 and a WHIP of 1.178.
His team's record is 4-6 (-2.9 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 4-6. (-2.6 units)

JON GARLAND vs. SAN FRANCISCO since 1997
GARLAND is 1-0 when starting against SAN FRANCISCO with an ERA of 2.57 and a WHIP of 0.857.
His team's record is 1-0 (+1.0 units) in these starts. The OVER is 0-1. (-1.0 units)

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MINNESOTA (8 - 9) at CLEVELAND (6 - 11) - 1:05 PM
GLEN PERKINS (L) vs. AARON LAFFEY (L)
Top Trends for this game.
MINNESOTA is 16-4 (+13.8 Units) against the money line when playing with a day off over the last 2 seasons.
CLEVELAND is 23-36 (-18.3 Units) against the money line when the total is 9 to 9.5 over the last 2 seasons.
CLEVELAND is 23-34 (-15.0 Units) against the money line in day games over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
MINNESOTA is 1-0 (+1.3 Units) against CLEVELAND this season
1 of 1 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+1.0 Units)

GLEN PERKINS vs. CLEVELAND since 1997
PERKINS is 1-0 when starting against CLEVELAND 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 0-1. (-1.1 units)

AARON LAFFEY vs. MINNESOTA since 1997
LAFFEY is 1-1 when starting against MINNESOTA with an ERA of 5.76 and a WHIP of 1.426.
His team's record is 2-2 (+0.0 units) in these starts. The OVER is 3-1. (+2.0 units)

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TEXAS (7 - 9) at BALTIMORE (8 - 9) - 1:35 PM
BRANDON MCCARTHY (R) vs. BRADLEY BERGESEN (R)
Top Trends for this game.
BALTIMORE is 16-8 (+9.8 Units) against the money line in home games in April games over the last 2 seasons.
TEXAS is 63-60 (+12.5 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters over the last 2 seasons.
BALTIMORE is 472-514 (-107.8 Units) against the money line in home games since 1997.
BALTIMORE is 4-23 (-19.6 Units) against the money line when playing on Sunday over the last 2 seasons.
BALTIMORE is 13-38 (-23.5 Units) against the money line in day games over the last 2 seasons.
BALTIMORE is 472-514 (-107.8 Units) against the money line in home games in games played on a grass field since 1997.

Head-to-Head Series History
BALTIMORE is 2-2 (+0.2 Units) against TEXAS this season
3 of 4 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+2.1 Units)

BRANDON MCCARTHY vs. BALTIMORE since 1997
MCCARTHY is 0-1 when starting against BALTIMORE with an ERA of 2.25 and a WHIP of 1.313.
His team's record is 0-3 (-4.0 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 2-1. (+0.9 units)

BRADLEY BERGESEN vs. TEXAS since 1997
No recent starts.

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TORONTO (13 - 5) at CHI WHITE SOX (8 - 8) - 2:05 PM
ROY HALLADAY (R) vs. JOSE CONTRERAS (R)
Top Trends for this game.
CHI WHITE SOX are 58-32 (+16.2 Units) against the money line in home games over the last 2 seasons.
CHI WHITE SOX are 37-23 (+13.6 Units) against the money line in day games over the last 2 seasons.
CHI WHITE SOX are 91-65 (+17.3 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
TORONTO is 37-22 (+15.5 Units) against the money line in day games over the last 2 seasons.
TORONTO is 74-56 (+13.2 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
TORONTO is 1-0 (+1.2 Units) against CHI WHITE SOX this season
1 of 1 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+1.0 Units)

ROY HALLADAY vs. CHI WHITE SOX since 1997
HALLADAY is 3-4 when starting against CHI WHITE SOX with an ERA of 3.17 and a WHIP of 1.225.
His team's record is 3-7 (-6.3 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 6-4. (+1.7 units)

JOSE CONTRERAS vs. TORONTO since 1997
CONTRERAS is 1-2 when starting against TORONTO with an ERA of 3.15 and a WHIP of 1.175.
His team's record is 2-4 (-2.6 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 4-2. (+1.8 units)

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DETROIT (8 - 8) at KANSAS CITY (9 - 7) - 2:10 PM
ARMANDO GALARRAGA (R) vs. SIDNEY PONSON (R)
Top Trends for this game.
DETROIT is 38-48 (-19.2 Units) against the money line when the total is 9 to 9.5 over the last 2 seasons.
DETROIT is 14-26 (-13.0 Units) against the money line on the road when the total is 9 to 9.5 over the last 2 seasons.
DETROIT is 28-47 (-30.2 Units) against the money line against division opponents over the last 2 seasons.
DETROIT is 76-82 (-23.6 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
DETROIT is 53-72 (-31.0 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters over the last 2 seasons.
DETROIT is 29-42 (-15.8 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.
DETROIT is 82-96 (-30.9 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
KANSAS CITY is 53-54 (+16.5 Units) against the money line in day games over the last 3 seasons.
KANSAS CITY is 79-82 (+9.4 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
KANSAS CITY is 27-53 (-26.3 Units) against the money line at home when the total is 9 to 9.5 over the last 3 seasons.
PONSON is 18-37 (-21.9 Units) against the money line in home games against division opponents since 1997. (Team's Record)

Head-to-Head Series History
KANSAS CITY is 1-0 (+1.0 Units) against DETROIT this season
1 of 1 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+1.0 Units)

ARMANDO GALARRAGA vs. KANSAS CITY since 1997
GALARRAGA is 1-0 when starting against KANSAS CITY with an ERA of 1.93 and a WHIP of 0.929.
His team's record is 2-0 (+2.0 units) in these starts. The OVER is 0-2. (-2.1 units)

SIDNEY PONSON vs. DETROIT since 1997
PONSON is 4-4 when starting against DETROIT with an ERA of 6.62 and a WHIP of 1.645.
His team's record is 5-4 (+0.7 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 4-5. (-1.4 units)

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SEATTLE (11 - 6) at LA ANGELS (6 - 10) - 3:35 PM
JARROD WASHBURN (L) vs. JERED WEAVER (R)
Top Trends for this game.
SEATTLE is 72-107 (-31.5 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
SEATTLE is 30-47 (-20.4 Units) against the money line when the total is 8 to 8.5 over the last 2 seasons.
SEATTLE is 65-98 (-31.4 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
SEATTLE is 47-75 (-27.2 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters over the last 2 seasons.
WASHBURN is 6-19 (-13.3 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
LA ANGELS are 107-75 (+16.6 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
LA ANGELS are 32-15 (+16.1 Units) against the money line in day games over the last 2 seasons.
LA ANGELS are 101-65 (+20.9 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
LA ANGELS are 88-62 (+21.6 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 3 seasons.
SEATTLE is 85-63 (+30.0 Units) against the money line in road games in April games since 1997.
WASHBURN is 80-66 (+18.4 Units) against the money line in road games since 1997. (Team's Record)

Head-to-Head Series History
SEATTLE is 3-1 (+2.3 Units) against LA ANGELS this season
2 of 4 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=-0.1 Units, Under=-0.4 Units)

JARROD WASHBURN vs. LA ANGELS since 1997
WASHBURN is 5-5 when starting against LA ANGELS with an ERA of 4.19 and a WHIP of 1.281.
His team's record is 6-5 (+2.6 units) in these starts. The OVER is 7-4. (+2.8 units)

JERED WEAVER vs. SEATTLE since 1997
WEAVER is 6-3 when starting against SEATTLE with an ERA of 5.22 and a WHIP of 1.528.
His team's record is 7-5 (+1.2 units) in these starts. The OVER is 10-1. (+9.0 units)

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TAMPA BAY (7 - 10) at OAKLAND (5 - 10) - 4:05 PM
ANDY SONNANSTINE (R) vs. DANA EVELAND (L)
Top Trends for this game.
TAMPA BAY is 112-83 (+23.6 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.

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

ANDY SONNANSTINE vs. OAKLAND since 1997
SONNANSTINE is 2-2 when starting against OAKLAND with an ERA of 5.25 and a WHIP of 1.250.
His team's record is 2-2 (+0.3 units) in these starts. The OVER is 3-1. (+2.0 units)

DANA EVELAND vs. TAMPA BAY since 1997
EVELAND is 1-1 when starting against TAMPA BAY with an ERA of 3.21 and a WHIP of 1.071.
His team's record is 1-1 (+0.0 units) in these starts. The OVER is 1-1. (-0.2 units)

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NY YANKEES (9 - 7) at BOSTON (10 - 6) - 8:00 PM
ANDY PETTITTE (L) vs. JUSTIN MASTERSON (R)
Top Trends for this game.
NY YANKEES are 3-12 (-10.9 Units) against the money line on the road when the total is 10 to 10.5 over the last 2 seasons.
NY YANKEES are 32-36 (-19.3 Units) against the money line in April games over the last 3 seasons.
BOSTON is 66-30 (+19.5 Units) against the money line in home games over the last 2 seasons.
BOSTON is 103-60 (+23.9 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
BOSTON is 1-0 (+1.0 Units) against NY YANKEES this season
1 of 1 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+1.0 Units)

ANDY PETTITTE vs. BOSTON since 1997
PETTITTE is 17-8 when starting against BOSTON with an ERA of 4.09 and a WHIP of 1.453.
His team's record is 19-10 (+8.8 units) in these starts. The OVER is 15-13. (+1.7 units)

JUSTIN MASTERSON vs. NY YANKEES since 1997
MASTERSON is 0-1 when starting against NY YANKEES with an ERA of 3.00 and a WHIP of 1.333.
His team's record is 0-1 (-1.0 units) in these starts. The OVER is 0-1. (-1.1 units)

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**pm530** · 04-26-2009, 06:10 AM

MLB

Sunday, April 26

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Trend Sheet
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12:10 PM
PHILADELPHIA vs. FLORIDA
Philadelphia is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games when playing on the road against Florida
Philadelphia is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games when playing Florida
Florida is 12-6 SU in its last 18 games
Florida is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games

1:10 PM
ATLANTA vs. CINCINNATI
Atlanta is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games
Atlanta is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games on the road
Cincinnati is 6-2 SU in its last 8 games when playing at home against Atlanta
Cincinnati is 2-5 SU in its last 7 games at home

1:10 PM
WASHINGTON vs. NY METS
Washington is 3-17 SU in its last 20 games
Washington is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games on the road
NY Mets are 4-1 SU in its last 5 games when playing at home against Washington
NY Mets are 9-2 SU in its last 11 games when playing Washington

1:35 PM
TEXAS vs. BALTIMORE
Texas is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games when playing Baltimore
Texas is 5-2 SU in its last 7 games when playing on the road against Baltimore
Baltimore is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games at home
Baltimore is 2-8 SU in its last 10 games

2:00 PM
MILWAUKEE vs. HOUSTON
Milwaukee is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games when playing on the road against Houston
Milwaukee is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games when playing Houston
Houston is 2-5 SU in its last 7 games
Houston is 2-5 SU in its last 7 games at home

2:05 PM
MINNESOTA vs. CLEVELAND
Minnesota is 5-2 SU in its last 7 games
Minnesota is 5-11 SU in its last 16 games on the road
Cleveland is 6-13 SU in its last 19 games

2:05 PM
TORONTO vs. CHI WHITE SOX
Toronto is 9-2 SU in their last 11 games when playing Chi White Sox
Toronto is 5-2 SU in their last 7 games when playing on the road against Chi White Sox
Chi White Sox are 2-9 SU in their last 11 games when playing Toronto
Chi White Sox are 2-5 SU in their last 7 games when playing at home against Toronto

2:10 PM
DETROIT vs. KANSAS CITY
Detroit is 6-15 SU in its last 21 games on the road
Detroit is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games when playing Kansas City
Kansas City is 2-6 SU in its last 8 games when playing at home against Detroit
Kansas City is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games when playing Detroit

2:15 PM
CHI CUBS vs. ST. LOUIS
Chi Cubs are 1-4 SU in their last 5 games
St. Louis is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games
St. Louis is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games at home

3:10 PM
LA DODGERS vs. COLORADO
LA Dodgers are 4-0-1 SU in their last 5 games when playing Colorado
LA Dodgers are 10-2-1 SU in their last 13 games
Colorado is 1-5-1 SU in its last 7 games at home
Colorado is 1-6-1 SU in its last 8 games

3:35 PM
SEATTLE vs. LA ANGELS
Seattle is 6-15-1 SU in their last 22 games when playing LA Angels
Seattle is 1-4-1 SU in their last 6 games when playing on the road against LA Angels
LA Angels are 2-5-1 SU in their last 8 games
LA Angels are 15-6-1 SU in their last 22 games when playing Seattle

4:05 PM
PITTSBURGH vs. SAN DIEGO
Pittsburgh is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games
Pittsburgh is 5-15 SU in its last 20 games when playing San Diego
San Diego is 9-3 SU in its last 12 games when playing at home against Pittsburgh
San Diego is 15-5 SU in its last 20 games when playing Pittsburgh

4:05 PM
TAMPA BAY vs. OAKLAND
Tampa Bay is 10-4 SU in its last 14 games when playing Oakland
Tampa Bay is 6-3 SU in its last 9 games when playing on the road against Oakland
Oakland is 1-5 SU in its last 6 games
Oakland is 3-6 SU in its last 9 games when playing at home against Tampa Bay

4:10 PM
SAN FRANCISCO vs. ARIZONA
San Francisco is 7-15 SU in its last 22 games when playing on the road against Arizona
San Francisco is 2-6 SU in its last 8 games on the road
Arizona is 4-9 SU in its last 13 games
Arizona is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games when playing San Francisco

8:05 PM
NY YANKEES vs. BOSTON
NY Yankees are 3-6 SU in their last 9 games when playing Boston
NY Yankees are 2-4 SU in their last 6 games when playing on the road against Boston
Boston is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games
Boston is 6-3 SU in their last 9 games when playing NY Yankees

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**pm530** · 04-26-2009, 06:10 AM

MLB

Sunday, April 26

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Hot lines: Today’s best MLB bets
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Tampa Bay Rays at Oakland Athletics (+101, 9)

The Oakland Athletics are coming off a much-needed productive game at the plate. An even better effort from their lineup may be required with Dana Eveland set to take the mound.

After winning for the first time in six games, the Athletics hope Eveland can avoid another poor start as they face the Tampa Bay Rays on Sunday in the decisive contest of a three-game set.

Oakland (6-10) had lost five straight and nine of 12 before a 5-2 win over Tampa Bay (7-11) on Saturday.

In the series opener Friday night, the Athletics went 1-for-10 with runners in scoring position as they lost 8-2. On Saturday, they bounced back with two home runs, including Jason Giambi's first in his second stint with Oakland.

Giambi, who signed a $5.25 million, one-year contract with the A's after seven seasons with the New York Yankees, hit a solo homer in the seventh inning to give Oakland a 5-1 lead.

"Hopefully I can keep working and relax up there now," said Giambi, who has 396 career home runs.

Travis Buck also homered for Oakland, which went into the game last in the majors in several categories, including runs, home runs, hits, RBIs and batting average.

With seven home runs, the A's are the only team in the American League that has yet to reach 10. San Francisco has nine homers in the NL.

Oakland could certainly use another strong game at the plate, especially with Eveland (0-1, 7.36 ERA) starting. He has been terrible in three outings, surrendering 12 runs over 14 2-3 innings.

Pick: Over 9

New York Yankees at Boston Red Sox (-138, 10)

When Andy Pettitte takes the mound Sunday night at Fenway Park, he'll be looking to help the New York Yankees rebound from a pair of devastating losses to the rival Boston Red Sox.

He'll also be attempting to become a part of major league history.

Pettitte and the Yankees try to avoid a three-game sweep at the hands of the Red Sox, who will be looking to win their 10th straight when the teams complete their first series of the season.

New York (9-8) lost 5-4 in 11 innings in the series opener Friday night after Mariano Rivera allowed Jason Bay's tying two-run homer with two outs in the ninth.

On Saturday, the Yankees gave A.J. Burnett a 6-0 lead heading into the bottom of the fourth before the Red Sox (11-6) rallied for a 16-11 victory behind a career high-tying six RBIs from Mike Lowell.

It was Boston's biggest comeback win against New York since 1968 as the teams swapped leads four times in the fifth, sixth and seventh innings.

"Lot of pitching changes. Lot of runs. Lot of commercials,'' Red Sox manager Terry Francona said. "There's that many pitches thrown, and it seems like every one is of consequence. It can drain you.''

The Yankees will now turn to Pettitte (2-0, 2.53 ERA), who has been the team's best starter this season. The left-hander has plenty of experience against Boston in his career, going 16-8 with a 3.74 ERA in 32 appearances. He's 6-2 with a 3.53 ERA in 15 games at Fenway.

Pick: Under 10

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**pm530** · 04-26-2009, 06:11 AM

MLB

Sunday, April 26

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Sunday Night Baseball: Yankees at Red Sox
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New York Yankees at Boston Red Sox (-138, 10)

Big swingers

The Yankees and Red Sox have combined for 36 runs in the first two games of this series with the majority of those coming in Boston's 16-11 Game 2 win Saturday. The Red Sox tallied those 16 runs between the four and eighth innings of the game after being held scoreless through three. The slug fest forced New York to dig six pitchers deep into its bullpen while Boston burned through just three relievers.

Mashed potatoes

MLB’s most anticipated series showdown comes dressed with a sling when the Yankees battle the Red Sox at Fenway Park this weekend with both rosters resembling a MASH unit.

Boston lists no less than eight players on the DL, including the likes of Mark Kotsay, Rocco Baldelli, Julio Lugo and Daisuke Matsuzaka.

Meanwhile, the Yankees are without the services of Alex Rodriguez and Xavier Nady. Rodriguez, out after undergoing arthroscopic right hip surgery, resumed baseball activities April 13 and could be back as soon as May 8.

Also missing is DH Hideki Matsui, who had knee surgery last September and won't play in the field before June.

Spring fever

Sunday’s starting pitchers compiled outstanding efforts in spring training and the work has paid dividends.

Yankees southpaw Andy Pettite was 3-0 with a 1.17 ERA in camp. That translated into a 2-0 start with a 2.53 ERA to begin the 2009 campaign.

In his most recent appearance, the veteran gave up just two runs on nine hits through seven innings in a 5-3 win over Oakland. Pettite has gone at least seven innings in his past three starts. He is 6-2 with a 3.53 ERA in 15 career starts at Fenway Park.

After a sterling effort in Fort Meyers this spring (2-0 2.30 ERA), Boston’s Justin Masterson appeared to have earned a spot on the Red Sox deep pitching staff. But with as many as eight starters dotting the roster, Masterson was instead sent to Pawtuckett before receiving a call up to the parent club.

He has responded with aplomb, going 1-0 with a 3.18 ERA in over 11 innings of work. In his first start of the season, Masterson gave up just one earned run on four hits in just over five innings for a 12-1 win over Baltimore. The 6-foot-6 right hander made five appearances against New York last season, posting a 0-2 record and 4.82 ERA.

By the book

This bitter rivalry had seen the Yankees win seven of the previous 11 games prior to this three-game set. They were also victors in four of their previous six games at Fenway before losing 5-4 in extra innings Friday night.

Boston took Game 1 when Jason Bay tied the score in the ninth inning with a two-run bomb over the Green Monster in left field off Yankees closer Mariano Rivera, setting up the 11th-inning theatrics from Kevin Youkilis. The Red Sox first baseman launched a solo shot in extra innings to draw first blood in this year’s AL East rivalry.

Life on the road on Sundays has been a house of horrors for the Pinstripes. They are just 2-7 in the past nine Sunday affairs. The BoSox are 13-3 in their home digs the past 16 Sundays.

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**pm530** · 04-26-2009, 06:12 AM

MLB
Baseball Today

SCOREBOARD

Sunday, April 26

Seattle at Los Angeles Angels (3:35 p.m. EDT) Jarrod Washburn tries to improve to 4-0 when the surprising Mariners take on Jered Weaver and the Angels.

STARS

Saturday

— Albert Pujols, Cardinals, hit his second grand slam of the season and surpassed 1,000 career RBIs in St. Louis’ 8-2 victory over the Chicago Cubs.

— Jason Varitek and Mike Lowell, Red Sox. Varitek hit a grand slam and Lowell drove in six runs as Boston earned its biggest comeback victory against the Yankees since 1968, beating New York 16-11 for its ninth straight win.

— Ian Kinsler, Rangers, homered twice in Texas’ 6-5 victory over Baltimore.

— Chipper Jones and Yunel Escobar, Braves, each drove in four runs to lead Atlanta to a 10-2 victory at the Cincinnati Reds.

— Russell Martin, Dodgers, matched a career high with four RBIs to help Los Angeles beat the Colorado Rockies 6-5.

— Prince Fielder, Brewers, homered twice and drove in three runs to lift Milwaukee to a 9-8 victory over the Houston Astros in 11 innings.

— Zach Duke, Pirates, allowed one run and six hits over 8 1-3 innings, leading Pittsburgh to a 10-1 win against the San Diego Padres.

— Alexei Ramirez, White Sox, hit his fifth grand slam and drove in a career-high five RBIs for Chicago in a 10-2 victory over the Blue Jays.

— Russell Branyan, Mariners, hit a three-run homer to lead Seattle to a 9-8 victory over the Los Angeles Angels.

— Jason Kubel, Twins, hit two solo homers in Minnesota’s 7-1 win over the Cleveland Indians.

— Curtis Granderson and Gerald Laird, Tigers, hit two-run homers to lift Detroit to a 9-1 victory at the Kansas City Royals.

— Ryan Church, Mets, drove in three runs in New York’s 8-2 victory over the Washington Nationals.

WELCOME BACK

Randy Johnson lasted just 3 1-3 innings in his first appearance in Arizona with a visiting team but the San Francisco Giants beat the Diamondbacks 5-3. As Johnson warmed up in the bullpen before the game, fans leaned over and snapped pictures. Bruce Springsteen’s “Glory Days” played as Johnson took the mound to warm up in the first, and he drew a mix of cheers and boos from the Chase Field crowd of 37,253. Johnson won four of his five Cy Young Awards with Arizona.

STREAKING

Ryan Braun delivered a tiebreaking RBI single in the 11th for his fourth hit, leading the Milwaukee Brewers to a 9-8 victory over the Houston Astros. Braun is batting .474 with four homers and 11 RBIs in his last 10 games.

ANOTHER RALLY

Chase Utley hit a go-ahead RBI single in the 10th inning and the Phillies beat Florida 6-4, handing the Marlins their fifth straight loss. Philadelphia trailed 3-0 before it scored seven times in the ninth inning to beat Florida 7-3 on Friday night. Florida led 4-3 on Saturday night before Philadelphia tied it in the ninth on pinch-hitter Eric Bruntlett’s run-scoring groundout. All eight of the Phillies’ wins have been come-from-behind victories.

WELCOME HOME GIAMBI

Jason Giambi hit the first homer of his second stint with Oakland in the Athletics’ 5-2 win over Tampa Bay. He hit 187 home runs in seven seasons with the A’s before leaving for the Yankees for seven more. He returned on a $5.25 million, one-year deal after hitting 32 homers last season for New York.

I REMEMBER WHEN

The Red Sox now have “Big Pappy” to go along with Big Papi. Arthur Giddon, who once shagged bats and balls for the Boston Braves, was the honorary batboy for the Red Sox—the day before his 100th birthday. Wearing a Red Sox jersey with No. 100 and “Big Pappy” written on the back, he sat with Boston slugger David Ortiz, who’s known as Big Papi.

COMFORT STADIUM

Magglio Ordonez homered in the Tigers’ 9-1 win at Kansas City and now has 14 home runs and 62 RBIs in 78 games at Kauffman Stadium. Zach Miner picked up the victory, going five-plus innings and allowing one run on three hits for Detroit. Miner is 3-0 with a 0.39 ERA in six games, including three starts, at the ballpark known for its fountains beyond the outfield walls. … Minnesota’s Justin Morneau continued his strong run at Progressive Field with two hits, including an RBI single in the first inning of the Twins’ 7-1 victory over the Indians. The first baseman is batting .364 (16-for-44) with two homers and 13 RBIs in his last 11 games at Cleveland’s home.

FREE PASS

New York’s Mark Teixeira walked five times, once intentionally, in the Yankees’ 16-11 loss to Boston.

SPEAKING

“Getting hit by a pitch motivated me somewhat, but not necessarily. I thought (Edinson Volquez) threw at me yesterday, but that was yesterday. I just happened to have a good day today.”—Atlanta shortstop Yunel Escobar through an interpreter after driving in four runs in the Braves’ 10-2 victory at Cincinnati.

SEASONS

April 26

1902 - Cleveland's Addie Joss pitched a one-hitter in his major league debut. Joss allowed a scratch single to Jessie Burkett as the Indians beat the St. Louis Browns 3-0.

1905 - Jack McCarthy of the Cubs threw out three runners at the plate, each of whom was the second out of a double play. McCarthy's defense preserved a 2-1 win over the Pirates.

1941 - The Chicago Cubs became the first major league team to install an organ at their ballpark. Roy Nelson took to the keyboard and played a **** program.

1955 - New York's Bob Turley pitched a one-hitter and struck out 10 to lead the Yankees to a 5-0 win over the Chicago White Sox.

1961 - Roger Maris of the New York Yankees began his successful run at Babe Ruth's single-season home run record with the first of his 61 homers, connecting in the fifth inning against Detroit right-hander Paul Foytack.

1980 - Steve Carlton of Philadelphia pitched the sixth one-hitter of his career against St. Louis for a National League record. The Phillies beat the Cardinals 2-0. Ted Simmons singled to lead off the second inning.

1990 - Nolan Ryan tied Bob Feller's major league record of 12 one-hitters as the Texas Rangers beat the Chicago White Sox 1-0. Ryan struck out 16 as he allowed only Ron Kittle's check-swing single in the second inning.

1995 - The Colorado Rockies posted an 11-9 victory over the New York Mets in 14 innings, tying the NL record for innings played in a season opener.

2002 - Odalis Perez was perfect for six innings as Los Angeles beat the Cubs 10-0 at Wrigley Field, but he wound up with a one-hitter after speedy Corey Patterson beat out a bad-hop infield single leading off the seventh. Perez faced the minimum 27 batters in his first career shutout.

2005 - Alex Rodriguez hit three home runs and had a career-high 10 RBIs to lead the New York Yankees over the Los Angeles Angels 12-4. Rodriguez homered in his first three at-bats, including his 11th career grand slam in the fourth.

Today's birthdays: Shawn Kelley 25; Joe Crede 31; Kosuke Fukudome 32; Geoff Blum 36.

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**pm530** · 04-26-2009, 06:16 AM

NHL
Long Sheet

When additional trends are available, we will update.

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Sunday, April 26
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NEW JERSEY (54-28-0-5, 113 pts.) at CAROLINA (47-32-0-8, 102 pts.) - 4/26/2009, 7:35 PM
Top Trends for this game.
CAROLINA is 29-20 ATS (+2.4 Units) second half of the season this season.
CAROLINA is 45-31 ATS (+12.5 Units) revenging a loss versus opponent over the last 2 seasons.
CAROLINA is 13-8 ATS (+22.2 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record in the second half of the season this season.
NEW JERSEY is 54-33 ATS (+8.4 Units) in all games this season.
NEW JERSEY is 13-4 ATS (+7.5 Units) on Sunday games over the last 2 seasons.
NEW JERSEY is 16-8 ATS (+8.0 Units) in road games after scoring 1 goal or less in their previous game over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
NEW JERSEY is 10-7 (+1.6 Units) against the spread versus CAROLINA over the last 3 seasons
NEW JERSEY is 10-7-0 straight up against CAROLINA over the last 3 seasons
9 of 14 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Under=+3.5 Units)

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**pm530** · 04-26-2009, 06:17 AM

NHL
Short Sheet

When additional trends are available, we will update.

Sunday, April 26th

Eastern Conference Playoffs - 1st Round
Game Six
NY Rangers lead, 3-2
Washington at NY Rangers, 2:05 ET

Washington:

NY Rangers:

Eastern Conference Playoffs - 1st Round
Game Six
New Jersey Leads, 3-2
New Jersey at Carolina, 7:35 ET

New Jersey:
31-15 SU after allowing 1 goal or less last game
36-30 SU as road dog of +150 or less

Carolina:
6-13 SU at home if both teams scored 1 goal or less last game
29-13 SU if playing with 2 days rest

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**pm530** · 04-26-2009, 06:18 AM

NHL

Sunday, April 26

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Trend Sheet
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2:00 PM
WASHINGTON vs. NY RANGERS
Washington is 10-5 SU in its last 15 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 9 of Washington's last 12 games on the road
NY Rangers are 6-2 SU in their last 8 games
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of the NY Rangers last 5 games

7:30 PM
NEW JERSEY vs. CAROLINA
New Jersey is 3-7 SU in its last 10 games on the road
New Jersey is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games when playing on the road against Carolina
Carolina is 11-5 SU in its last 16 games
Carolina is 2-5 SU in its last 7 games

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Announcement

Sunday Trends and Indexes 4/26 (NBA, MLB, NHL, Misc.)

Sunday Trends and Indexes 4/26 (NBA, MLB, NHL, Misc.)

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