Tuesday Trends and Indexes 4/28 (NBA, MLB, NHL, Misc.)

[pm530]

Trends and Indexes

Tuesday, April 28

Good Luck on day #118 of 2009!

At this time the sports menu in this thread consists of the NBA, MLB, and the NHL until their seasons are played out. Also, general sports news and notes will 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

Tuesday, April 28

Today in the Daily Sports Roundup: The Bulls try to get ahead of the Celtics, the Capitals try to finish off the Rangers, and the Twins continue to take on the Rays.

Tipping off on the hardwood . . .

There are two NBA playoff games in each of the conferences on the Tuesday night schedule, with the East featuring Chicago at Boston and Philadelphia at Orlando, and the West giving us Dallas at San Antonio and Houston at Portland.

The two East series are knotted up at two games apiece. In Boston the Celtics will be looking to bounce back from a 121-118 road overtime loss on Sunday, as Derrick Rose led the Bulls' attack with 23 points and 11 boards. Oddsmakers like Boston in Game 5 on Tuesday, as they're pegged as 7-point home favorites. The Sixers got back into their series on Sunday as well, edging the Magic 84-81 in Philadelphia. Andre Miller led a balanced Sixers offense with 17 points in the win.

In the West both series could end on Tuesday night, as Dallas and Houston both hold 3-1 edges in the sets. The Mavericks rolled past the Spurs 99-90 at home in Game 4 on the weekend, as Josh Howard poured in 28 points in the victory. Still, San Antonio is favored by 5.5 points in Game 5. The Rockets got 21 points and 12 rebounds from Yao Ming in their 89-88 home win over the Trail Blazers in Game 4 Sunday. Brandon Roy tossed in 31 points in a losing cause for Portland.

Meeting up on the diamond . . .

Francisco Liriano will be looking to shake off his early-season struggles on Tuesday night when his Twins play host to the Rays in American League action. The lefthander has started the season 0-4 with an ugly 7.06 ERA, and he gave up seven earned runs over four innings vs. the Red Sox last time out. The Rays will counter with James Shields; the righthander is 2-2 with a 3.67 ERA this year.

Also on the Junior Circuit slate for Tuesday: the Angels at Baltimore, Boston at Cleveland, the Yankees at Detroit, Oakland at Texas, Toronto at Kansas City, and a doubleheader between Seattle and the White Sox in Chicago. Projected M's starter Felix Hernandez is undefeated at 3-0 so far this year, posting a 3.12 ERA over his 26 innings of work.

Meanwhile, the National League schedule for Tuesday includes Florida at the Mets, Houston at Cincinnati, St. Louis at Atlanta, Pittsburgh at Milwaukee, San Diego at Colorado, the Cubs at Arizona, the Dodgers at San Francisco, and Washington at Philadelphia. The Nats will have to contend with Phillies ace Cole Hamels in that one, although the lefthander is just 0-2 with a 9.69 ERA this year.

Taking a trip around the rink . . .

The National Hockey League offers up a pair of Game 7's on Tuesday night, with the Rangers and Washington and Carolina at New Jersey. The Capitals tied up their first-round series at three games apiece on Sunday, blowing past New York 5-3. Tom Poti had a goal and three assists in that win, and Simeon Varlamov made 29 saves. Rangers goalie Henrik Lundqvist allowed five goals on 20 shots.

Meanwhile, the Hurricanes forced a deciding game in their series with the Devils by blanking New Jersey 4-0 on Sunday. Cam Ward made 28 stops for the shutout in that contest, while Ray Whitney scored a goal and added three assists to pace Carolina's attack. Eric Staal had two markers for the Canes. Martin Brodeur took the loss in nets for the Devils, stopping just 33 of 37 Carolina shots.

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[pm530]

Six-pack for Tuesday

-- Nationals led 11-7 in 8th inning; Phillies never batted in 9th, as Ibanez hit grand slam in 8th, Phils' second grand slam of night, in a 13-11 win over Washington. Nationals' bullpen is like a pinata.

-- Cliff Lee blanked Boston for eight innings, but Bay homered in the 9th and Red Sox won 11th game in a row, 3-1 on Lake Erie.

-- Royals' Brian Bannister has allowed one run in 13 IP since he got recalled from minors. Kansas City is an improved team.

-- Two biggest payrolls in baseball both reside in New York City-- right now, both teams have 9-10 records.

-- Seven Oregon State players got drafted this weekend; six players got picked from Cincinnati-- both are school records.

-- If you're an NBA team and you lose a home playoff game by 58 points, the series should end right there, no matter what, like TKO in boxing. If you lose by 58 at home, the season's over, people.

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Late Night Update

-- Giants scored twice in bottom of the 8th to nip Dodgers 5-4.

-- Cubs continued their lackluster play, losing 7-2 in Arizona.

-- Ducks, Blackhawks both won their series in six games, with the Anaheim upset of San Jose a huge disappointment for top-seeded Sharks, who won President's Trophy, then flopped in playoffs.

-- Lakers eliminated overmatched Utah in five games, 107-96.

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Tuesday's List of 13: Emptying out a cluttered mind.......

13) Shouldn't college football teams play games in the spring against other schools, like NFL preseason games, to generate cash? Imagine the interest if games (whose results didn't count) like USC-Alabama, Ohio State-Notre Dame, Oklahoma-LSU. There are 120 D-I teams, so the math works-- who would be against this? TV folks would eat it up, on weekends in between the Final Four and NFL Draft.

12) 95,722 fans went to Ohio State's spring game, which is a glorified scrimmage; the players would prefer it, coaches would get more out of it, fans would love it-- injuries would be the only drawback, that, and the lesser D-I schools wouldn't necessarily make money on the deal. But couldn't something be worked out to subsidize all the teams so that no one loses money on the deal? I think it could work.

11) I really enjoy listening to Jeff Van Gundy on NBA games; he said Sunday how playoff games are almost a different sport than regular season contests, with less games, and more preparation for the same opponent in between games.

During regular season, a team might play four games in five nights in four different cities; in playoffs, you play seven games over a couple weeks, all against the same team-- everyone knows everyone's plays.

10) Van Gundy was funny after Ray Allen tied game with a trey late in regulation, getting open surprisingly easily-- first Mark Jackson said something, then there was a pause, then Mike Breen added little knowledge, until Van Gundy finally spoke- he was exasperated that a great shooter like Allen could get open so easily........

"All I want to know is.........WHO WAS GUARDING HIM?!?!?!"

9) Can't be easy being a Washington National pitcher, and knowing the best outfielder behind you is a converted catcher (Willingham)-- they might have the worst defensive outfield in baseball history,

8) On April 17, eight of 15 major league games saw lead changed after the sixth inning, which we noted to be highly unusual; if you take the games on Saturday/Sunday, 30 in all, only four leads changed hands.

7) Mets are 4-3 in series openers, 5-1 in second game of series, 0-6 in last game of a series, and I have no explanation for any of that.

6) Johan Santana is obiously one of baseball's best pitchers, but here are stats for the Mets' other four starting pitchers............
-- Oliver Perez 1-2, 9.31-- 38 baserunners allowed in 19.1 IP.
-- John Maine 1-2, 5.40-- Pitched his best game of season Monday.
-- Mike Pelfrey 2-0, 6.32-- Allowed 24 baserunners in 15.2 IP.
-- Livan Hernandez 1-1, 7.31-- four HRs, 13 runs allowed in 16 IP.

If my favorite team had a $150M payroll, I'd expect more than this.

5) Orioles, Royals have both shown improvement this month; one of big reasons is better pitching. Since Thursday, Baltimore hurlers have struck out 41 hitters, walked only five. During same time, Royals' Ps have walked only 12 hitters while striking out 33.

4) When Rams drafted Jason Smith with second pick, he became the first Baylor Bear selected in first round since 1996, when Miami took DT Daryl Gardener with the 20th pick in that draft.

3) USC PK David Buehler ran a better 40-yard dash than both Clay Matthews and Ray Maualuga, two of the Trojans' great LBs.

2) CC Sabathia is 1-3, 4.86 in his first five starts for Bronx Bombers, who didn't score until ninth inning Monday, getting blanked for seven innings by Verlander, who had allowed 24 runs in 21 IP coming in.

1) If you're Carl Edwards and your car went flying through the air on last lap at Talladega Sunday, what goes through your head while you are airborne, and for the love of Pete, how do you ever get in a racecar again? If you haven't seen the crash, go on YouTube and find it-- I've seen it ten times, and it is still frightening to look at.

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[pm530]

Len’s Top Five


Tuesday, April 28

Len's Top 5

Happy Tuesday everyone, here's my Top 5 for April 28, 2009 from len berman sports

1. Quick Hits

The sizzling Boston Red Sox win their 11th straight game, 3-1 over Cleveland.
What does having the best record in the NHL get you? Nothing. San Jose is ousted by Anaheim in 6 games.
To paraphrase my friend Warner Wolf, if you had New Orleans and 57 points, you lost! Denver crushes the Hornets 121-63 matching the most lopsided playoff result in NBA history.
Florida high school pitcher Patrick Schuster guns for his 5th consecutive no-hitter this afternoon.

2. My favorite Net

I loved Jayson Williams. The former New Jersey Net was born for television. Funny, honest a go-to-guy for the perfect sound bite. Then he shot and killed a limo driver at his home. He was convicted of trying to cover it up and a retrial is pending on manslaughter charges. His wife has divorced him and yesterday cops had to Taser him after he appeared suicidal. A person who had it all has lost it all.
Sad.

3. You can't Handle the Truth

Ya think those empty premium seats at Yankee Stadium are a touchy subject? First, team president Randy Levine said "we're not talking about that anymore." And then he went after Major League Soccer commissioner Don Garber. Garber had mentioned the empty seats and Levine lashed back saying: "That's a joke..we draw more people in a year than his entire league does in a year. If he ever gets Major League Soccer into the same time zone as the Yankees, we might take him seriously." Just wondering is that a baseball answer or dodgeball?

4. Weapon at Wide Receiver

The Jets were said to be checking out Plaxico Burress. Great scouting report. "Tall, good hands, might go to jail." Before you say that's a perfect match, I long ago felt the Oakland Raiders and Burress was a match made in wherever. Of course the absolutely perfect match would be if Burress had played baseball for the old Houston Colt .45s, or basketball for the old Washington Bullets.

5. Yer Outta Here

The Greensboro Grasshoppers have a "ball dog." Master Yogi Berra was doing one of his between innings bits which involved chasing down a ball in the outfield. On the way back to the infield, the dog did his "business" on the field. So the ump threw him out of the game. He's the first dog to be ejected from a ballgame since...... well any number of major leaguers come to mind.

Today's Birthday: Golfer John Daly. 43.
Bonus Birthday: Jay Leno. 59.

Today in Sports: Muhammad Ali refuses induction into army and is stripped of his boxing title. 1967.

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[pm530]

NBA
Dunkel Index


Philadelphia at Orlando
The Sixers head back to Orlando to face a Magic team that is 0-6 ATS in its last 6 games as a favorite between 5 and 10 1/2 points. Philadelphia is the underdog pick (+8 1/2) according to Dunkel, which has the Magic favored by only 5 1/2. Dunkel Pick: Philadelphia (+8 1/2). Here are all of today's playoff picks.

TUESDAY, APRIL 28

Game 541-542: Chicago at Boston
Dunkel Ratings: Chicago 117.321; Boston 123.501
Dunkel Line & Total: Boston by 6; 204 1/2
Vegas Line & Total: Boston by 7 1/2; 199 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Chicago (+7 1/2); Over

Game 543-544: Philadelphia at Orlando
Dunkel Ratings: Philadelphia 116.060; Orlando 121.505
Dunkel Line & Total: Orlando by 5 1/2; 184
Vegas Line & Total: Orlando by 8 1/2; 188 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Philadelphia (+8 1/2); Under

Game 545-546: Dallas at San Antonio
Dunkel Ratings: Dallas 119.772; San Antonio 126.108
Dunkel Line & Total: San Antonio by 6 1/2; 192
Vegas Line & Total: San Antonio by 5; 188 1/2
Dunkel Pick: San Antonio (-5); Over

Game 547-548: Houston at Portland
Dunkel Ratings: Houston 125.534; Portland 130.091
Dunkel Line & Total: Portland by 4 1/2; 188
Vegas Line & Total: Portland by 5 1/2; 182
Dunkel Pick: Houston (+5 1/2); Over

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[pm530]

NBA
Long Sheet


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Tuesday, April 28
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CHICAGO (43 - 43) at BOSTON (64 - 22) - 4/28/2009, 7:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
CHICAGO is 13-25 ATS (-14.5 Units) against Atlantic division opponents over the last 2 seasons.
BOSTON is 111-81 ATS (+21.9 Units) in all games over the last 2 seasons.
BOSTON is 85-69 ATS (+9.1 Units) as a favorite over the last 2 seasons.
BOSTON is 55-42 ATS (+8.8 Units) in home games 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 57-37 ATS (+16.3 Units) versus poor defensive teams - allowing 99+ points/game over the last 2 seasons.
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 5-13 ATS (-9.3 Units) in home games second half of the season this season.
BOSTON is 60-88 ATS (-36.8 Units) in home games after allowing 105 points or more since 1996.

Head-to-Head Series History
BOSTON is 8-5 against the spread versus CHICAGO over the last 3 seasons
BOSTON is 8-6 straight up against CHICAGO over the last 3 seasons
7 of 13 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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PHILADELPHIA (43 - 43) at ORLANDO (61 - 25) - 4/28/2009, 7:30 PM
Top Trends for this game.
PHILADELPHIA is 13-22 ATS (-11.2 Units) versus good offensive teams - scoring 99+ points/game this season.
ORLANDO is 50-36 ATS (+10.4 Units) in all games this season.
ORLANDO is 75-54 ATS (+15.6 Units) as a favorite over the last 2 seasons.
ORLANDO is 50-37 ATS (+9.3 Units) in home games over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
PHILADELPHIA is 8-6 against the spread versus ORLANDO over the last 3 seasons
ORLANDO is 10-4 straight up against PHILADELPHIA over the last 3 seasons
7 of 13 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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DALLAS (53 - 33) at SAN ANTONIO (55 - 31) - 4/28/2009, 9:30 PM
Top Trends for this game.
SAN ANTONIO is 106-72 ATS (+26.8 Units) on Tuesday nights since 1996.
SAN ANTONIO is 105-77 ATS (+20.3 Units) when playing with 2 days rest since 1996.
SAN ANTONIO is 112-83 ATS (+20.7 Units) in home games when playing against a team with a winning record - 2nd half of the season since 1996.
SAN ANTONIO is 27-18 ATS (+7.2 Units) versus poor defensive teams - allowing 99+ points/game this season.
DALLAS is 215-172 ATS (+25.8 Units) as an underdog since 1996.
DALLAS is 170-130 ATS (+27.0 Units) vs. division opponents since 1996.
SAN ANTONIO is 5-13 ATS (-9.3 Units) after a division game this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
DALLAS is 10-6 against the spread versus SAN ANTONIO over the last 3 seasons
DALLAS is 9-7 straight up against SAN ANTONIO over the last 3 seasons
8 of 16 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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HOUSTON (56 - 30) at PORTLAND (55 - 31) - 4/28/2009, 10:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
PORTLAND is 47-38 ATS (+5.2 Units) in all games this season.
PORTLAND is 33-23 ATS (+7.7 Units) as a favorite this season.
PORTLAND is 26-16 ATS (+8.4 Units) in home games this season.
PORTLAND is 27-15 ATS (+10.5 Units) in home games revenging a loss vs opponent over the last 2 seasons.
PORTLAND is 40-22 ATS (+15.8 Units) in home games when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 3 seasons.
HOUSTON is 286-235 ATS (+27.5 Units) in road games since 1996.
HOUSTON is 17-6 ATS (+10.4 Units) in a road game where where the total is between 180 and 184.5 points over the last 2 seasons.
HOUSTON is 47-29 ATS (+15.1 Units) second half of the season over the last 2 seasons.
HOUSTON is 50-37 ATS (+9.3 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.
PORTLAND is 40-65 ATS (-31.5 Units) as a home favorite of 3.5 to 6 points since 1996.

Head-to-Head Series History
PORTLAND is 8-7 against the spread versus HOUSTON over the last 3 seasons
HOUSTON is 11-4 straight up against PORTLAND over the last 3 seasons
8 of 15 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons


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Wednesday, April 29
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MIAMI (45 - 41) at ATLANTA (49 - 37) - 4/29/2009, 8:05 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

Head-to-Head Series History
MIAMI is 10-6 against the spread versus ATLANTA over the last 3 seasons
ATLANTA is 8-8 straight up against MIAMI over the last 3 seasons
12 of 16 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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NEW ORLEANS (50 - 36) at DENVER (57 - 29) - 4/29/2009, 10:35 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

Head-to-Head Series History
DENVER is 8-7 against the spread versus NEW ORLEANS over the last 3 seasons
DENVER is 8-7 straight up against NEW ORLEANS over the last 3 seasons
8 of 15 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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[pm530]

NBA
Short Sheet


Tuesday, April 28th

Eastern Conference Playoffs - Round One
Game Five
Series Tied, 2-2
Chicago at Boston, 7:05 ET

Chicago:
11-3 ATS after allowing 105+ points BB games
40-24 Over as road underdog

Boston:
0-8 ATS at home revenging loss where opp scored 100+ pts
7-0 Over at home in April
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Eastern Conference Playoffs - Round One
Game Five
Series Tied, 2-2
Philadelphia at Orlando, 7:35 ET

Philadelphia:
21-9 Over Away off BB Unders
25-13 Over off SU loss

Orlando:
3-10 ATS in April 20-7 Over after allowing 85 points or less

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Western Conference Playoffs - Round One
Game Five
Dallas Leads, 3-1
Dallas at San Antonio, 9:35 ET

Dallas:
26-14 Under off an Over
39-21 Under off BB home games

San Antonio:
5-13 ATS off a division game
3-11 ATS revenging a road loss
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Western Conference Playoffs - Round One
Game Five
Houston Leads, 3-1
Houston at Portland, 10:05 ET

Houston:
82-40 ATS off BB ATS losses
19-10 ATS if the total is between 180 and 189.5

Portland:
8-0 Over as a home favorite of 3.5 to 6 points
40-65 ATS as a home favorite of 3.5 to 6 points

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[pm530]

NBA
Write-up


Tuesday, April 28

First round, NBA playoffs

Three of four Boston-Chicago games were decided by three or less pts, with both Chicago wins coming in OT; Celtics were up five in first OT in Game 4, but Gordon (hamstring strain, questionable) hit a huge trey to get game to second OT. Bulls blocked 9+ shots in three of four in series, they got thumped in game they only blocked four shots. Road team has led at halftime in all four series games.

Turkoglu hit huge trey to give Orlando Game 4 win; three of four series games were decided by three or less points. 76ers shot 52.1% from floor in Game 3 win, 51.2% in a Game 1 win, 46.7%/38.8% in their two series losses, so that seems like a key indicator. By this point in these series, the teams know each other so well, its up to individuals to make plays. 76ers are 24-57 from arc for series, Orlando is 15-81.

Dallas won ten of its last thirteen games, can wipe Spurs out here; they won last two games 88-67/99-90, winning Game 4 despite shooting just 38.4% from floor. Spurs, who are 15-58 from the arc in last three games (11-14 in Game 1), are relying heavily on Parker's scoring (had 41 pts in Game 4 loss). There were 73 foul shots in Game 4, after 40 foul shots was the most in first three contests.

Rockets won seven of last eight games; last three series games were won by total of eight points, with Blazers losing by 1-3 points in Houston. Blazers took 52 foul shots in Games 1-2 at home- they were 9-10 from line on road in Game 3, 17-17 in Game 4. Rockets were 14-22 from the charity stripe, 9-16 from arc in last game. Team that led at the half won all four series games.

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[pm530]

NBA


Tuesday, April 28

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Trend Sheet
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7:00 PM
CHICAGO vs. BOSTON
Chicago is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games on the road
Chicago is 4-10 SU in its last 14 games on the road
Boston is 14-4 SU in its last 18 games
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Boston's last 6 games

7:00 PM
PHILADELPHIA vs. ORLANDO
Philadelphia is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games when playing Orlando
Philadelphia is 3-10 SU in its last 13 games when playing Orlando
Orlando is 3-7 ATS in its last 10 games when playing at home against Philadelphia
Orlando is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games when playing at home against Philadelphia

9:30 PM
DALLAS vs. SAN ANTONIO
Dallas is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games
Dallas is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games
San Antonio is 3-9 ATS in its last 12 games at home
San Antonio is 15-7 SU in its last 22 games at home

10:00 PM
HOUSTON vs. PORTLAND
Houston is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games when playing on the road against Portland
Houston is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games when playing on the road against Portland
Portland is 7-2 ATS in its last 9 games
Portland is 11-4 SU in its last 15 games

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[pm530]

NBA


Tuesday, April 28

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Tips and Trends
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Dallas Mavericks at San Antonio Spurs [TNT | 9:35 PM ET]

Mavericks: "We should know the importance of closing a team out when you get the chance," Mavs forward Dirk Nowitizki said. "But they're a great team with a lot of pride that plays well at home." The Mavs have been here before: Up 3-1 against the Spurs in the 2006 conference semifinals, San Antonio rallied to even the series and forced Dallas to wrest the series in overtime of Game 7. "They're missing a big part of what has been the nucleus of their team," Mavericks guard Jason Terry said. "Manu Ginobili is 35-40 percent of their offense. When you're missing that, it's a big hole."

The Mavericks are 16-5 ATS in their last 21 playoff games as an underdog.
The Mavericks are 10-3 ATS in the last 13 meetings in San Antonio.

Key Injuries - NONE

PROJECTED SCORE: 94 (Side Play of the Day)

Spurs (-5, O/U 189.5): Tony Parker said, "Right now, Dallas is just playing better than us... So that's the motivation right now, to take care of Game 5." Role players, always essential to San Antonio, have fizzled this series. Duncan and Parker combined for 25 of 42 from the field in Game 4, and it still wasn't enough. Everyone else was 6 of 28. Tim Duncan said, "Losing Manu ... obviously takes a lot from our team. We came into this series not saying 'poor us' or whatever, we came into this series thinking we have a chance and we can win it. We're still of that mindset. We'll see what happens."

The Over is 7-0 in the Spurs' last 7 games following a SU loss.
The Spurs are 3-9 ATS in their last 12 home games.

Key Injuries - G Manu Ginobili (ankle) is OUT for the season.

PROJECTED SCORE: 95

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[pm530]

NBA


Tuesday, April 28

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Pick ‘n’ Roll: NBA best bets
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Dallas Mavericks at San Antonio Spurs (-5, 189.5)

Tim Duncan has never lost a first-round playoff series, and only once since the Spurs won their first championship in 1999 has San Antonio not advanced in the postseason. But down 3-1 to the Dallas Mavericks, the third-seeded Spurs must win at home Tuesday night in Game 5 or their season is done.

"We haven't been in that position very often,'' Spurs coach Gregg Popovich said Monday. "It is what it is. You just play the games and deal with it.''

It was a typical, non-alarmist Popovich response. But it's been anything but a typical postseason for the Spurs, who are saddled with trying to become just the ninth team in NBA history to storm back from a 3-1 deficit and win a series.

Unmoved by the daunting task facing San Antonio are the Mavericks, who want to seal their first playoff series victory in three years and not be lulled into a Game 6 back in Dallas.

The Mavs have been here before: Up 3-1 against the Spurs in the 2006 conference semifinals, San Antonio rallied to even the series and forced Dallas to wrest the series in overtime of Game 7.

"I've never lost in the first round,'' Spurs guard Tony Parker said. "It's just a different situation. Right now, Dallas is just playing better than us. We've been down 3-1 before, and we came back and gave us a chance in Game 7. So that's the motivation right now, to take care of Game 5.''

Role players, always essential to San Antonio, have fizzled this series. Duncan and Parker combined for 75 percent of San Antonio's points in a 99-90 loss in Game 4, and it still wasn't enough. The duo made 25 of 42 from the field, and everyone else had 6 of 28.

It appeared to underscore how much the Spurs are missing Manu Ginobili, who is out for the playoffs with a stress fracture in his ankle. The Mavericks have taken notice, too, that his absence alone makes this hardly the same Spurs who stormed through the playoffs in previous seasons.

Pick: Mavs



Houston Rockets at Portland Trail Blazers (-5.5, 182)

Youth and inexperience are catching up with the Portland Trail Blazers.

The youngest team in the postseason has struggled with Houston's Yao Ming to fall behind 3-1 in the playoff series with the Rockets and faces elimination Tuesday night in Portland.

Yao had 21 points and 12 rebounds in an 89-88 victory over the Blazers on Sunday night. Once his teammates were able to get him the ball inside, Yao was nearly unstoppable. When Portland tried to double him, that left someone else open.

While focused on Yao, the Blazers also made some crucial mistakes that cost them after leading 70-64 going into the fourth quarter.

Two obvious errors came with less than a minute to play. First, when a falling Joel Przybilla badly overthrew Steve Blake after rebounding Blake's missed 3-point attempt, the ball sailed into the backcourt. Then, with Houston leading 87-85, Portland's Brandon Roy drove to the basket and was called for an offensive foul when he ran into Chuck Hayes.

The victory moves Houston closer to advancing to the second round of the playoffs for the first time since 1997.

Portland has had trouble matching up with Yao the whole series. In Game 1, the Blazers had Przybilla play behind the 7-foot-6 center from China - which didn't work.

Portland seemed to find more success when Przybilla fronted him. A rarely used combination of Przybilla and rookie Greg Oden - both 7-footers - playing at the same time also tricked the Rockets in Game 2, Portland's lone win thus far.

Home court could help Portland on Tuesday. The Blazers were 34-7 at the Rose Garden during the regular season.

Two-time All-Star Roy, a third-year player with no playoff experience, has the job of rallying his team for Game 5.

"I don't want anybody in our locker room to get down,'' said Roy, who had 31 points in Game 4 and is averaging 28.3 in the series. "I think this is a great experience. We're fighting extremely hard. There's just some minor things we have to improve on. And just going through this experience I think will help us in the long run.''

Roy did not practice Monday afternoon because of flu-like symptoms, but he was listed as probable for Tuesday's game. A call to the Blazers to provide more details about his symptoms was not immediately returned.

LaMarcus Aldridge, who was averaging 16.5 points and 8.3 rebounds for Portland during the playoffs, also didn't practice Monday because of a right elbow strain. He was also expected to play in Game 5.

Pick: Rockets

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[pm530]

MLB
Dunkel Index


Boston at Cleveland
The Indians look to bounce back after yesterday's loss and build on their 5-2 record in Anthony Reyes' last 7 starts. Cleveland is the underdog pick (+110) according to Dunkel, which has the Indians favored by 1/2 a run. Dunkel Pick: Cleveland (+110). Here are all of today's games

TUESDAY, APRIL 28

Game 901-902: Washington at Philadelphia
Dunkel Ratings: Washington (Lannan) 15.614; Philadelphia (Hamels) 14.615
Dunkel Line: Washington by 1; 8 1/2
Vegas Line: Philadelphia (-200); 9 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Washington (+170); Under

Game 903-904: St. Louis at Atlanta
Dunkel Ratings: St. Louis (Lohse) 14.665; Atlanta (Reyes) 16.169
Dunkel Line: Atlanta by 1 1/2; 9
Vegas Line: St. Louis (-120); 9 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Atlanta (+110); Under

Game 905-906: Houston at Cincinnati
Dunkel Ratings: Houston (Rodriguez) 14.654; Cincinnati (Harang) 15.800
Dunkel Line: Cincinnati by 1; 7 1/2
Vegas Line: Cincinnati (-130); 8
Dunkel Pick: Cincinnati (-130); Under

Game 907-908: Florida at NY Mets
Dunkel Ratings: Florida (Nolasco) 14.373; NY Mets (Hernandez) 13.610
Dunkel Line: Florida by 1; 8 1/2
Vegas Line: NY Mets (-135); 9 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Florida (+125); Under

Game 909-910: Pittsburgh at Milwaukee
Dunkel Ratings: Pittsburgh (Maholm) 16.449; Milwaukee (Bush) 15.404
Dunkel Line: Pittsburgh by 1; 8
Vegas Line: Milwaukee (-160); 9
Dunkel Pick: Pittsburgh (+150); Under

Game 911-912: San Diego at Colorado
Dunkel Ratings: San Diego (Gaudin) 14.376; Colorado (De La Rosa) 14.227
Dunkel Line: San Diego by 1/2; 11 1/2
Vegas Line: Colorado (-150); 10 1/2
Dunkel Pick: San Diego (+140); Over

Game 913-914: Chicago Cubs at Arizona
Dunkel Ratings: Cubs (Zambrano) 14.339; Arizona (Petit) 15.507
Dunkel Line: Arizona by 1; 9 1/2
Vegas Line: Chicago Cubs (-135); 9
Dunkel Pick: Arizona (+125); Over

Game 915-916: LA Dodgers at San Francisco
Dunkel Ratings: LA Dodgers (Billingsley) 14.667; San Francisco (Sanchez) 15.792
Dunkel Line: San Francisco by 1; 8
Vegas Line: LA Dodgers (-165); 8 1/2
Dunkel Pick: San Francisco (+155); Under

Game 917-918: NY Yankees at Detroit
Dunkel Ratings: NY Yankees (Hughes) 15.213; Detroit (Jackson) 16.008
Dunkel Line: Detroit by 1; 10 1/2
Vegas Line: NY Yankees (-125); 10
Dunkel Pick: Detroit (+115); Over

Game 919-920: Boston at Cleveland
Dunkel Ratings: Boston (Penny) 16.135; Cleveland (Reyes) 16.212
Dunkel Line: Cleveland by 1/2; 11
Vegas Line: Boston (-120); 10
Dunkel Pick: Cleveland (+110); Over

Game 921-922: LA Angels at Baltimore
Dunkel Ratings: LA Angels (Saunders) 16.026; Baltimore (Eaton) 14.965
Dunkel Line: LA Angels by 1; 11
Vegas Line: LA Angels (-120); 10
Dunkel Pick: LA Angels (-120); Over

Game 923-924: Oakland at Texas
Dunkel Ratings: Oakland (Anderson) 14.664; Texas (Millwood) 16.296
Dunkel Line: Texas by 1 1/2; 9 1/2
Vegas Line: Texas (-145); 10
Dunkel Pick: Texas (-145); Under

Game 925-926: Toronto at Kansas City
Dunkel Ratings: Toronto (Richmond) 16.236; Kansas City (Meche) 15.112
Dunkel Line: Toronto by 1; 9
Vegas Line: Kansas City (-155); 8 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Toronto (+145); Over

Game 927-928: Tampa Bay at Minnesota
Dunkel Ratings: Tampa Bay (Shields) 14.287; Minnesota (Liriano) 15.762
Dunkel Line: Minnesota by 1 1/2; 9
Vegas Line: Minnesota (-120); 8
Dunkel Pick: Minnesota (-120); Over

Game 929-930: Seattle at Chicago White Sox
Dunkel Ratings: Seattle (Hernandez) 15.231; White Sox (Danks) 16.392
Dunkel Line: Chicago White Sox by 1; 9
Vegas Line: No Line
Dunkel Pick: N/A

Game 931-932: Seattle at Chicago White Sox
Dunkel Ratings: Seattle (Jakubaus) 15.692; White Sox (Colon) 14.723
Dunkel Line: Seattle by 1; 10
Vegas Line: No Line
Dunkel Pick: N/A

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

[pm530]

MLB
Long Sheet


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Tuesday, April 28
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WASHINGTON (4 - 14) at PHILADELPHIA (10 - 8) - 7:05 PM
JOHN LANNAN (L) vs. COLE HAMELS (L)
Top Trends for this game.
WASHINGTON is 36-79 (-33.0 Units) against the money line after a loss over the last 2 seasons.
WASHINGTON is 25-61 (-27.9 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.
WASHINGTON is 63-116 (-33.3 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
WASHINGTON is 26-65 (-23.0 Units) against the money line in road games over the last 2 seasons.
WASHINGTON is 63-113 (-30.3 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
WASHINGTON is 43-81 (-25.3 Units) against the money line in night games over the last 2 seasons.
WASHINGTON is 4-22 (-19.0 Units) against the money line after allowing 10 runs or more over the last 3 seasons.
LANNAN is 9-26 (-13.4 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
LANNAN is 9-25 (-12.4 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
WASHINGTON is 93-85 (+37.8 Units) against the money line when the total is 9 to 9.5 over the last 3 seasons.
PHILADELPHIA is 25-32 (-18.5 Units) against the money line after 3 or more consecutive wins over the last 3 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
PHILADELPHIA is 2-1 (+0.7 Units) against WASHINGTON this season
2 of 2 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+2.0 Units)

JOHN LANNAN vs. PHILADELPHIA since 1997
LANNAN is 0-3 when starting against PHILADELPHIA with an ERA of 6.43 and a WHIP of 1.762.
His team's record is 1-3 (-1.4 units) in these starts. The OVER is 2-2. (-0.2 units)

COLE HAMELS vs. WASHINGTON since 1997
HAMELS is 5-3 when starting against WASHINGTON with an ERA of 2.04 and a WHIP of 1.059.
His team's record is 8-4 (+0.2 units) in these starts. The OVER is 3-9. (-6.8 units)

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ST LOUIS (14 - 6) at ATLANTA (9 - 10) - 7:10 PM
KYLE LOHSE (R) vs. JO-JO REYES (L)
Top Trends for this game.
ST LOUIS is 100-82 (+16.5 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
ST LOUIS is 32-17 (+11.8 Units) against the money line in April games over the last 2 seasons.
ST LOUIS is 100-82 (+16.5 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
ST LOUIS is 33-25 (+11.5 Units) against the money line in road games in night games over the last 2 seasons.
ATLANTA is 81-100 (-27.4 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
ATLANTA is 80-98 (-26.5 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
ATLANTA is 55-67 (-18.7 Units) against the money line in night games over the last 2 seasons.
ATLANTA is 19-30 (-16.0 Units) against the money line in home games when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.
REYES is 10-23 (-15.3 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 3 seasons. (Team's Record)
REYES is 10-22 (-14.3 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 3 seasons. (Team's Record)

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

KYLE LOHSE vs. ATLANTA since 1997
LOHSE is 2-1 when starting against ATLANTA with an ERA of 5.02 and a WHIP of 1.395.
His team's record is 2-3 (-1.2 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 2-3. (-1.7 units)

JO-JO REYES vs. ST LOUIS since 1997
REYES is 0-2 when starting against ST LOUIS with an ERA of 4.24 and a WHIP of 1.588.
His team's record is 0-3 (-3.4 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 3-0. (+3.0 units)

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HOUSTON (8 - 12) at CINCINNATI (10 - 9) - 7:10 PM
WANDY RODRIGUEZ (L) vs. AARON HARANG (R)
Top Trends for this game.
HOUSTON is 94-87 (+17.6 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
HOUSTON is 92-86 (+15.4 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
HOUSTON is 69-62 (+12.1 Units) against the money line in night games over the last 2 seasons.
HOUSTON is 52-40 (+17.7 Units) against the money line after a win over the last 2 seasons.
HOUSTON is 48-43 (+15.8 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.
CINCINNATI is 17-25 (-15.0 Units) against the money line in home games against division opponents over the last 2 seasons.
CINCINNATI is 33-46 (-18.7 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
CINCINNATI is 3-2 (+1.5 Units) against HOUSTON this season
5 of 5 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+5.0 Units)

WANDY RODRIGUEZ vs. CINCINNATI since 1997
RODRIGUEZ is 4-4 when starting against CINCINNATI with an ERA of 4.28 and a WHIP of 1.337.
His team's record is 7-5 (+1.7 units) in these starts. The OVER is 5-7. (-2.6 units)

AARON HARANG vs. HOUSTON since 1997
HARANG is 8-8 when starting against HOUSTON with an ERA of 4.60 and a WHIP of 1.292.
His team's record is 11-9 (+1.9 units) in these starts. The OVER is 9-9. (-0.5 units)

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FLORIDA (11 - 8) at NY METS (9 - 10) - 7:10 PM
RICKY NOLASCO (R) vs. LIVAN HERNANDEZ (R)
Top Trends for this game.
NY METS are 21-8 (+12.0 Units) against the money line at home with a money line of -100 to -125 over the last 3 seasons.
HERNANDEZ is 20-14 (+10.5 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
HERNANDEZ is 20-13 (+11.1 Units) against the money line when the total is 9 to 9.5 over the last 3 seasons. (Team's Record)
HERNANDEZ is 13-5 (+10.4 Units) against the money line in home games over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
HERNANDEZ is 17-9 (+12.0 Units) against the money line in night games over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
HERNANDEZ is 14-6 (+11.4 Units) against the money line after a win over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
FLORIDA is 48-37 (+17.6 Units) against the money line after a loss over the last 2 seasons.
FLORIDA is 95-85 (+22.3 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
FLORIDA is 63-41 (+29.8 Units) against the money line when the total is 9 to 9.5 over the last 2 seasons.
FLORIDA is 45-45 (+12.1 Units) against the money line in road games over the last 2 seasons.
FLORIDA is 28-16 (+20.4 Units) against the money line on the road when the total is 9 to 9.5 over the last 2 seasons.
FLORIDA is 82-76 (+28.2 Units) against the money line in road games when playing on Tuesday since 1997.
FLORIDA is 51-36 (+23.4 Units) against the money line against division opponents over the last 2 seasons.
FLORIDA is 94-83 (+23.0 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
FLORIDA is 67-62 (+11.6 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters over the last 2 seasons.
NOLASCO is 23-13 (+13.4 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
NOLASCO is 13-6 (+9.5 Units) against the money line when the total is 9 to 9.5 over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
NOLASCO is 14-7 (+10.4 Units) against the money line in road games over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
NOLASCO is 22-13 (+12.0 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
NOLASCO is 12-4 (+10.0 Units) against the money line after a loss over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
NY METS are 33-44 (-26.7 Units) against the money line when the total is 9 to 9.5 over the last 2 seasons.
NY METS are 17-22 (-17.7 Units) against the money line at home when the total is 9 to 9.5 over the last 2 seasons.
NY METS are 37-39 (-26.2 Units) against the money line in home games against division opponents over the last 3 seasons.
NY METS are 63-63 (-16.2 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters over the last 2 seasons.
NY METS are 50-48 (-24.5 Units) against the money line in home games after a win over the last 3 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
FLORIDA is 2-2 (+0.0 Units) against NY METS this season
3 of 4 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+1.9 Units)

RICKY NOLASCO vs. NY METS since 1997
NOLASCO is 2-6 when starting against NY METS with an ERA of 6.70 and a WHIP of 1.717.
His team's record is 4-6 (-1.8 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 4-6. (-2.7 units)

LIVAN HERNANDEZ vs. FLORIDA since 1997
HERNANDEZ is 13-7 when starting against FLORIDA with an ERA of 3.36 and a WHIP of 1.265.
His team's record is 17-9 (+6.9 units) in these starts. The OVER is 11-13. (-2.9 units)

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PITTSBURGH (11 - 8) at MILWAUKEE (9 - 10) - 8:05 PM
PAUL MAHOLM (L) vs. DAVE BUSH (R)
Top Trends for this game.
PITTSBURGH is 2-18 (-15.3 Units) against the money line in road games after allowing 10 runs or more over the last 3 seasons.
BUSH is 25-43 (-20.2 Units) against the money line against division opponents since 1997. (Team's Record)

Head-to-Head Series History
MILWAUKEE is 1-0 (+1.0 Units) against PITTSBURGH this season
1 of 1 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+1.1 Units)

PAUL MAHOLM vs. MILWAUKEE since 1997
MAHOLM is 2-5 when starting against MILWAUKEE with an ERA of 4.26 and a WHIP of 1.421.
His team's record is 3-7 (-2.8 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 5-4. (+0.6 units)

DAVE BUSH vs. PITTSBURGH since 1997
BUSH is 3-3 when starting against PITTSBURGH with an ERA of 4.15 and a WHIP of 1.121.
His team's record is 5-5 (-0.8 units) in these starts. The OVER is 5-5. (-0.4 units)

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SAN DIEGO (10 - 9) at COLORADO (7 - 11) - 8:40 PM
CHAD GAUDIN (R) vs. JORGE DE LA ROSA (L)
Top Trends for this game.
SAN DIEGO is 73-107 (-33.4 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
SAN DIEGO is 4-18 (-12.6 Units) against the money line as a road underdog of +125 to +150 over the last 2 seasons.
SAN DIEGO is 1-13 (-12.4 Units) against the money line in road games when playing on Tuesday over the last 2 seasons.
SAN DIEGO is 73-107 (-33.4 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
SAN DIEGO is 51-78 (-25.1 Units) against the money line in night games over the last 2 seasons.
COLORADO is 89-82 (+20.8 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 3 seasons.
COLORADO is 80-100 (-26.8 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
COLORADO is 80-100 (-26.8 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
COLORADO is 50-76 (-27.6 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters over the last 2 seasons.

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

CHAD GAUDIN vs. COLORADO since 1997
GAUDIN is 0-0 when starting against COLORADO with an ERA of 5.78 and a WHIP of 1.499.
His team's record is 1-0 (+1.0 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 0-1. (-1.0 units)

JORGE DE LA ROSA vs. SAN DIEGO since 1997
DE LA ROSA is 0-0 when starting against SAN DIEGO with an ERA of 10.80 and a WHIP of 2.200.
His team's record is 0-1 (-1.3 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 0-1. (-1.1 units)

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CHICAGO CUBS (9 - 9) at ARIZONA (8 - 11) - 9:40 PM
CARLOS ZAMBRANO (R) vs. YUSMEIRO PETIT (R)
Top Trends for this game.
CHICAGO CUBS are 966-1018 (-188.4 Units) against the money line in all games since 1997.
CHICAGO CUBS are 281-324 (-90.1 Units) against the money line when the total is 9 to 9.5 since 1997.
CHICAGO CUBS are 143-201 (-60.7 Units) against the money line on the road when the total is 9 to 9.5 since 1997.
CHICAGO CUBS are 132-161 (-55.5 Units) against the money line when playing on Tuesday since 1997.
CHICAGO CUBS are 909-934 (-166.1 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field since 1997.
CHICAGO CUBS are 478-455 (-101.6 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record since 1997.
ZAMBRANO is 65-42 (+21.6 Units) against the money line in road games since 1997. (Team's Record)
ZAMBRANO is 24-9 (+14.1 Units) against the money line in road games in games played on a grass field over the last 3 seasons. (Team's Record)
ZAMBRANO is 18-5 (+11.2 Units) against the money line in night games over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
ARIZONA is 91-91 (-19.5 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
ARIZONA is 128-149 (-44.6 Units) against the money line when playing on Tuesday since 1997.
ARIZONA is 91-88 (-15.9 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
ARIZONA is 61-65 (-18.5 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters over the last 2 seasons.
ARIZONA is 41-47 (-15.3 Units) against the money line after a win over the last 2 seasons.

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

CARLOS ZAMBRANO vs. ARIZONA since 1997
ZAMBRANO is 1-2 when starting against ARIZONA with an ERA of 4.20 and a WHIP of 1.433.
His team's record is 2-3 (-0.4 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 3-2. (+0.7 units)

YUSMEIRO PETIT vs. CHICAGO CUBS since 1997
PETIT is 2-0 when starting against CHICAGO CUBS with an ERA of 3.00 and a WHIP of 1.133.
His team's record is 3-0 (+3.4 units) in these starts. The OVER is 1-2. (-1.1 units)

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LA DODGERS (13 - 7) at SAN FRANCISCO (9 - 9) - 10:15 PM
CHAD BILLINGSLEY (R) vs. JONATHAN SANCHEZ (L)
Top Trends for this game.
LA DODGERS are 142-163 (-55.2 Units) against the money line when playing on Tuesday since 1997.
SAN FRANCISCO is 664-560 (+80.8 Units) against the money line in night games since 1997.

Head-to-Head Series History
LA DODGERS is 3-1 (+1.5 Units) against SAN FRANCISCO this season
2 of 2 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+2.1 Units)

CHAD BILLINGSLEY vs. SAN FRANCISCO since 1997
BILLINGSLEY is 3-0 when starting against SAN FRANCISCO with an ERA of 2.88 and a WHIP of 1.303.
His team's record is 5-2 (+2.7 units) in these starts. The OVER is 6-1. (+5.1 units)

JONATHAN SANCHEZ vs. LA DODGERS since 1997
SANCHEZ is 0-1 when starting against LA DODGERS with an ERA of 5.63 and a WHIP of 1.563.
His team's record is 1-2 (-1.0 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 1-2. (-1.3 units)

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NY YANKEES (9 - 10) at DETROIT (11 - 8) - 7:05 PM
PHIL HUGHES (R) vs. EDWIN JACKSON (R)
Top Trends for this game.
NY YANKEES are 32-39 (-22.5 Units) against the money line in April games over the last 3 seasons.
DETROIT is 85-96 (-27.8 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
DETROIT is 41-48 (-16.1 Units) against the money line when the total is 9 to 9.5 over the last 2 seasons.
DETROIT is 79-82 (-20.5 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
DETROIT is 54-61 (-16.4 Units) against the money line in night games over the last 2 seasons.
DETROIT is 55-72 (-29.0 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters over the last 2 seasons.
DETROIT is 45-62 (-30.2 Units) against the money line in home games after 3 or more consecutive wins since 1997.

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

PHIL HUGHES vs. DETROIT since 1997
HUGHES is 0-2 when starting against DETROIT with an ERA of 10.24 and a WHIP of 1.655.
His team's record is 0-2 (-2.8 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 1-0. (+1.0 units)

EDWIN JACKSON vs. NY YANKEES since 1997
JACKSON is 2-4 when starting against NY YANKEES with an ERA of 5.80 and a WHIP of 1.623.
His team's record is 3-6 (-0.5 units) in these starts. The OVER is 5-4. (+1.0 units)

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BOSTON (13 - 6) at CLEVELAND (7 - 13) - 7:05 PM
BRAD PENNY (R) vs. ANTHONY REYES (R)
Top Trends for this game.
BOSTON is 48-19 (+24.4 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 2 seasons.
BOSTON is 106-60 (+27.1 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
PENNY is 20-8 (+12.6 Units) against the money line after 3 or more consecutive wins since 1997. (Team's Record)
CLEVELAND is 24-37 (-18.6 Units) against the money line when the total is 9 to 9.5 over the last 2 seasons.
CLEVELAND is 19-28 (-15.2 Units) against the money line in April games over the last 2 seasons.
CLEVELAND is 1-7 (-8.0 Units) against the money line in night games this season.
CLEVELAND is 4-13 (-11.3 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
BOSTON is 1-0 (+1.2 Units) against CLEVELAND this season
1 of 1 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+1.0 Units)

BRAD PENNY vs. CLEVELAND since 1997
No recent starts.

ANTHONY REYES vs. BOSTON since 1997
No recent starts.

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LA ANGELS (7 - 11) at BALTIMORE (9 - 11) - 7:05 PM
JOE SAUNDERS (L) vs. ADAM EATON (R)
Top Trends for this game.
LA ANGELS are 33-19 (+15.5 Units) against the money line in road games after a win over the last 2 seasons.
LA ANGELS are 108-76 (+16.4 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
LA ANGELS are 52-37 (+15.8 Units) against the money line in road games over the last 2 seasons.
LA ANGELS are 102-66 (+20.7 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
LA ANGELS are 39-27 (+12.5 Units) against the money line in road games in night games over the last 2 seasons.
LA ANGELS are 63-35 (+26.6 Units) against the money line after shutting out their opponent since 1997.
SAUNDERS is 26-10 (+13.9 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
SAUNDERS is 13-4 (+9.7 Units) against the money line in road games over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
SAUNDERS is 25-9 (+13.9 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
SAUNDERS is 13-4 (+10.2 Units) against the money line in road games in night games over the last 3 seasons. (Team's Record)
BALTIMORE is 473-516 (-109.5 Units) against the money line in home games since 1997.
BALTIMORE is 473-516 (-109.5 Units) against the money line in home games in games played on a grass field since 1997.
BALTIMORE is 17-35 (-17.5 Units) against the money line against left-handed starters over the last 2 seasons.
BALTIMORE is 223-283 (-89.3 Units) against the money line in home games after a loss since 1997.

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

JOE SAUNDERS vs. BALTIMORE since 1997
SAUNDERS is 4-0 when starting against BALTIMORE with an ERA of 4.39 and a WHIP of 1.604.
His team's record is 5-0 (+5.0 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 0-5. (-5.4 units)

ADAM EATON vs. LA ANGELS since 1997
EATON is 2-2 when starting against LA ANGELS with an ERA of 6.16 and a WHIP of 1.793.
His team's record is 3-3 (+0.2 units) in these starts. The OVER is 5-1. (+4.0 units)

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OAKLAND (7 - 10) at TEXAS (9 - 10) - 8:05 PM
BRETT ANDERSON (L) vs. KEVIN MILLWOOD (R)
Top Trends for this game.
TEXAS is 47-33 (+14.1 Units) against the money line at home when the total is 10 to 10.5 over the last 3 seasons.
TEXAS is 33-20 (+20.1 Units) against the money line when playing on Tuesday over the last 3 seasons.
TEXAS is 153-162 (+13.8 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 3 seasons.
TEXAS is 66-65 (+9.5 Units) against the money line in night games over the last 2 seasons.
MILLWOOD is 27-34 (-17.2 Units) against the money line in April games since 1997. (Team's Record)

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

BRETT ANDERSON vs. TEXAS since 1997
No recent starts.

KEVIN MILLWOOD vs. OAKLAND since 1997
MILLWOOD is 4-3 when starting against OAKLAND with an ERA of 3.88 and a WHIP of 1.364.
His team's record is 7-6 (+0.3 units) in these starts. The OVER is 6-6. (-0.5 units)

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TORONTO (14 - 7) at KANSAS CITY (10 - 9) - 8:10 PM
SCOTT RICHMOND (R) vs. GIL MECHE (R)
Top Trends for this game.
KANSAS CITY is 45-33 (+22.9 Units) against the money line when the total is 8 to 8.5 over the last 2 seasons.
KANSAS CITY is 44-39 (+11.7 Units) against the money line after a win over the last 2 seasons.
MECHE is 22-13 (+14.8 Units) against the money line when the total is 8 to 8.5 over the last 3 seasons. (Team's Record)
MECHE is 31-14 (+16.4 Units) against the money line at home when the total is 8 to 8.5 since 1997. (Team's Record)
MECHE is 12-4 (+11.2 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
TORONTO is 75-57 (+13.2 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters over the last 2 seasons.

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

SCOTT RICHMOND vs. KANSAS CITY since 1997
No recent starts.

GIL MECHE vs. TORONTO since 1997
MECHE is 4-6 when starting against TORONTO with an ERA of 4.97 and a WHIP of 1.547.
His team's record is 4-8 (-5.0 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 9-3. (+5.9 units)

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TAMPA BAY (8 - 12) at MINNESOTA (9 - 11) - 8:10 PM
JAMES SHIELDS (R) vs. FRANCISCO LIRIANO (L)
Top Trends for this game.
MINNESOTA is 59-34 (+16.9 Units) against the money line in home games over the last 2 seasons.
MINNESOTA is 61-36 (+17.4 Units) against the money line in games played in a dome over the last 2 seasons.
MINNESOTA is 68-55 (+12.2 Units) against the money line in night games over the last 2 seasons.
MINNESOTA is 59-34 (+16.9 Units) against the money line in home games in games played on artificial turf over the last 2 seasons.
TAMPA BAY is 113-85 (+22.4 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
TAMPA BAY is 65-33 (+23.8 Units) against the money line in games played in a dome over the last 2 seasons.
TAMPA BAY is 69-38 (+23.1 Units) against the money line in games played on artificial turf over the last 2 seasons.
LIRIANO is 6-12 (-12.4 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)

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

JAMES SHIELDS vs. MINNESOTA since 1997
SHIELDS is 1-1 when starting against MINNESOTA with an ERA of 6.26 and a WHIP of 1.740.
His team's record is 1-3 (-3.0 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 0-4. (-4.6 units)

FRANCISCO LIRIANO vs. TAMPA BAY since 1997
LIRIANO is 2-0 when starting against TAMPA BAY with an ERA of 0.57 and a WHIP of 0.766.
His team's record is 2-0 (+2.0 units) in these starts. The OVER is 1-1. (-0.1 units)
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SEATTLE (12 - 7) at CHI WHITE SOX (9 - 9) - 8:11 PM
FELIX HERNANDEZ (R) vs. JOHN DANKS (L)
Top Trends for this game.
SEATTLE is 41-66 (-23.1 Units) against the money line after a loss over the last 2 seasons.
SEATTLE is 73-108 (-31.4 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
SEATTLE is 66-99 (-31.3 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
SEATTLE is 47-74 (-25.8 Units) against the money line in night games over the last 2 seasons.
CHI WHITE SOX are 59-33 (+16.2 Units) against the money line in home games over the last 2 seasons.
CHI WHITE SOX are 92-66 (+17.3 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
SEATTLE is 86-64 (+30.1 Units) against the money line in road games in April games since 1997.

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

FELIX HERNANDEZ vs. CHI WHITE SOX since 1997
HERNANDEZ is 1-2 when starting against CHI WHITE SOX with an ERA of 5.72 and a WHIP of 1.659.
His team's record is 1-4 (-3.8 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 2-3. (-1.4 units)

JOHN DANKS vs. SEATTLE since 1997
DANKS is 0-3 when starting against SEATTLE with an ERA of 7.31 and a WHIP of 1.688.
His team's record is 0-3 (-3.1 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 2-1. (+1.0 units)

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SEATTLE (12 - 7) at CHI WHITE SOX (9 - 9) - 5:05 PM
CHRIS JAKUBAUSKAS (R) vs. BARTOLO COLON (R)
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

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

CHRIS JAKUBAUSKAS vs. CHI WHITE SOX since 1997
No recent starts.

BARTOLO COLON vs. SEATTLE since 1997
COLON is 14-12 when starting against SEATTLE with an ERA of 4.06 and a WHIP of 1.274.
His team's record is 17-13 (+0.6 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 15-13. (+0.9 units)

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[pm530]

MLB
Short Sheet


Tuesday, April 28

National League

WASHINGTON at PHILADELPHIA, 7:05 PM ET
LANNAN: WAS 8-40 after 4+ consecutive road games
HAMELS: PHI 18-7 OVER after 4+ consecutive wins

ST LOUIS at ATLANTA, 7:10 PM ET
LOHSE: STL 9-2 when the money line is +125 to -125
REYES: 8-21 TSR when the total is 8.5 to 10

HOUSTON at CINCINNATI, 7:10 PM ET
RODRIGUEZ: HOU 32-19 after BB wins
HARANG: CIN 1-15 at home vs. Houston

FLORIDA at NY METS, 7:10 PM ET
NOLASCO: 13-7 TSR as an underdog
HERNANDEZ: NYM 17-22 at home when the total is 9 to 9.5

PITTSBURGH at MILWAUKEE, 8:05 PM ET
MAHOLM: PIT 6-28 in road games after allowing 9+ runs
BUSH: MIL 60-32 after having won 3 of their last 4

SAN DIEGO at COLORADO, 8:40 PM ET
GAUDIN: 11-4 TSR as an underdog of +100 to +150
DE LA ROSA: COL 36-53 after one or more consecutive overs

CHICAGO CUBS at ARIZONA, 9:40 PM ET WGN
ZAMBRANO: 18-5 TSR at night
PETIT: ARI 32-50 when the money line is +125 to -125

LA DODGERS at SAN FRANCISCO, 10:15 PM ET
BILLINGSLEY: LAD 16-22 as a road favorite
SANCHEZ: 14-5 TSR in the first half of the season


American League

NY YANKEES at DETROIT, 7:05 PM ET
HUGHES: NYY 101-90 as a road underdog of +100 to +150
JACKSON: DET 11-2 OVER at home after 2+ consecutive unders

BOSTON at CLEVELAND, 7:05 PM ET
PENNY: 20-8 TSR after 3+ consecutive wins
REYES: CLE 1-7 at night

LA ANGELS at BALTIMORE, 7:05 PM ET
SAUNDERS: 10-2 TSR AWAY when the total is 8.5 to 10
EATON: BAL 6-21 at home after 6+ consecutive home games

OAKLAND at TEXAS, 8:05 PM ET
ANDERSON: OAK 55-35 UNDER when the total is 8.5 to 10
MILLWOOD: 50-24 UNDER as a home favorite of -125 to -175

TORONTO at KANSAS CITY, 8:10 PM ET
RICHMOND: TOR 20-9 after a loss by 4+ runs
MECHE: KC 7-0 UNDER when the total is 8 to 8.5

TAMPA BAY at MINNESOTA, 8:10 PM ET
SHIELDS: TB 2-9 when the money line is +125 to -125
LIRIANO: MIN 31-16 at home when the money line is +125 to -125

SEATTLE at CHI WHITE SOX, 8:11 PM ET - * Note - Doubleheader Game #2
HERNANDEZ: 14-4 TSR as an underdog
DANKS: CHW 21-8 OVER as a home favorite of -150 to -200

SEATTLE at CHI WHITE SOX, 5:05 PM ET - * Note - Doubleheader Game #1
JAKUBAUSKAS: SEA 5-1 AWAY when the money line is +125 to -125
COLON: 95-71 TSR at home

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[pm530]

MLB
Write-up


Tuesday, April 28

Hot Pitchers
-- Harang is 2-2, 2.33 so far this season. Rodriguez is 1-2, 1.80 in four starts for the Astros.
-- Lohse is 3-0, 3.12 in four starts this season.
-- Bush is 1-0, 2.63 in his last couple starts. Pirates are 4-0 in Maholm's starts (3-0, 2.36).
-- de la Rosa has 1.50 RA in his last two starts, but Colorado is 0-3 in his starts this season, scoring total of seven runs.
-- Billingsley is 4-0, 2.05 so far this season. Sanchez is 1-1, 3.97.

-- Saunders is 2-1, 3.51 in four starts this season.
-- Meche is 1-1, 2.96 in four starts this season. Toronto won both of Richmond's starts this season (1-0, 4.36), scoring 25 runs.
-- Shields is 2-1, 2.49 in his last three starts.
-- Millwood is 1-2, 2.10 in four starts this year- Rangers scored total of eight runs in his last three outings.
-- Hernandez is 3-0, 3.12 in four starts this season. Danks is 2-0, 0.95 in three starts this season.

Cold Pitchers
-- Hamels is 0-2, 9.69 in three starts this season. Lannan is 0-2, 9.00 on the road (0-0, 0.68 at home).
-- Reyes lost 10-0 in first 2009 start, allowing five runs in 5.2 IP.
-- Nolasco is 0-2, 7.20 in his last three starts. Hernandez is 0-1, 10.61 in his last two starts.
-- Gaudin is 28-25, 4.45 in major leagues; he's made 50 career starts, but this is his first one for the Padres.
-- Zambrano is 0-1, 6.30 in his last three starts. Petit is 0-1, 5.40 in two starts this season.

-- Red Sox are 3-0 in Penny starts (2-0, 8.40) scoring 22 runs. Reyes has a 4.76 RA in three starts this season.
-- Jackson is 1-1, 4.82 in his last three starts. Hughes is 5-7, 5.15 in his 21 career starts; he is 3-0, 1.86 in three AAA starts this season.
-- Eaton is 1-2, 7.05 so far this season.
-- Twins were outscored 30-6 in Liriano's four starts (0-4, 7.48).
-- Anderson is 0-2, 5.89 in three starts this season.

Hot Teams
-- Phillies won last four games, scoring 39 runs.
-- Cardinals won eight of their last eleven games. .
-- Pirates won seven of their last ten games. Brewers won six of their last eight games.
-- Giants won seven of their last nine games.

-- Tigers won five of their first six home games.
-- Blue Jays are 7-4 on the road this season.
-- Red Sox won their last eleven games, scoring 84 runs.
-- Twins won three of their last four home games.
-- Mariners are 11-5 in their last sixteen games.
-- Rangers won three of their last four games.

Cold Teams
-- Nationals are 1-9 on the road, outscored 72-50.
-- Marlins lost their last seven games, outscored 51-16. Mets lost five of their last eight games.
-- Reds are 4-5 in their eight home games this season.
-- Padres lost six of their last seven games. Rockies lost ten of their last fourteen games, but won last two.
-- Cubs lost five of their last six games. Arizona are 6-9 in their last 15 games, winning last two.
-- Dodgers are 6-7 in their last thirteen road games.

-- Orioles lost nine of their last twelve games. Angels are 1-5 on road.
-- Bronx Bombers lost last four games, allowing 29 runs.
-- Indians are 4-6 at home so far this season.
-- Royals lost five of their last eight games.
-- Rays lost nine of their last thirteen games.
-- White Sox lost three of their last four games.
-- Oakland lost its last four road games.

Totals
-- Seven of last ten Washington road games went over the total.
-- Five of last six St Louis road games went over the total.
-- Under is 8-3 in last eleven Cincinnati games.
-- Four of last five Florida games went over the total.
-- Under is 9-5 in Pirates' last fourteen games.
-- All seven Colorado home games went over the total.
-- Under is 7-2-1 in last ten Arizona games; six of last eight Chicago games went over.
-- Eleven of last thirteen Dodger games went over the total.

-- Over is 10-5 in Orioles' last fifteen games.
-- Four of last five Bronx road games stayed under the total.
-- Last six Cleveland games stayed under the total. Ten of last thirteen Boston games went over the total.
-- Under is 7-3 in Kansas City home games.
-- Last four Minnesota games stayed under the total.
-- Seven of last nine White Sox games went over the total.
-- Eight of nine Texa shome games went over the total.

Umpire stats
-- Wsh-Phil-- Favorites won four of five Demuth games.
-- StL-Atl-- Over is 2-0-1 in last three Guccione games.
-- Hst-Cin-- No trends have emerged yet for umpire Culbreth
-- Fla-NY-- Underdog won two of three Meals games, with 37 walks, 45 striekouts in the three games- thats a lot of walks.
-- Pitt-Mil-- Lefty pitchers are 3-0 vs righties in Bell games in '09/
-- SD-Colo-- Three of four Cuzzi games went over the total.
-- Chi-Ariz-- Over is 3-1-1 in Timmons games behind plate.
-- LA-SF-- Three of four Fletcher games stayed under total.

-- NY-Det-- All three Cousins games stayed under the total.
-- Bos-Clev-- Three of four Everitt games went over the total.
-- LAA-Balt-- No idea who umpires are for this game.
-- A's-Tex-- No idea who umpires are for this game.
-- Tor-KC-- No trends have emerged yet for umpire Johnson
-- TB-Minn-- Under is 2-0-1 when umpire Hohn is behind the plate.
-- Sea-CWS-- No idea who umpires are for this game.

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