Saturday Trends and Indexes 5/23 (NBA, NHL, MLB, Misc.)

[pm530]

MLB


Saturday, May 23

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Trend Report
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1:10 PM
KANSAS CITY vs. ST. LOUIS
Kansas City is 3-10 SU in its last 13 games
Kansas City is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games on the road
St. Louis is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games at home
St. Louis is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games

4:10 PM
PHILADELPHIA vs. NY YANKEES
Philadelphia is 7-1 SU in its last 8 games
Philadelphia is 7-1 SU in its last 8 games on the road
NY Yankees are 7-1 SU in their last 8 games at home
NY Yankees are 9-1 SU in their last 10 games

4:10 PM
TEXAS vs. HOUSTON
Texas is 14-5 SU in its last 19 games
Texas is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games on the road
Houston is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games

7:05 PM
BALTIMORE vs. WASHINGTON
Baltimore is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games
Baltimore is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games on the road
Washington is 1-8 SU in its last 9 games at home
Washington is 1-8 SU in its last 9 games

7:05 PM
COLORADO vs. DETROIT
Colorado is 1-5 SU in its last 6 games when playing Detroit
Colorado is 2-5 SU in its last 7 games on the road
Detroit is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games when playing Colorado
Detroit is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games when playing at home against Colorado

7:10 PM
CLEVELAND vs. CINCINNATI
Cleveland is 1-7 SU in its last 8 games when playing Cincinnati
Cleveland is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games when playing on the road against Cincinnati
Cincinnati is 7-1 SU in its last 8 games when playing Cleveland
Cincinnati is 2-5 SU in its last 7 games

7:10 PM
MILWAUKEE vs. MINNESOTA
Milwaukee is 12-4 SU in its last 16 games on the road
Milwaukee is 2-6 SU in its last 8 games when playing Minnesota
Minnesota is 6-2 SU in its last 8 games when playing Milwaukee
Minnesota is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games when playing at home against Milwaukee

7:10 PM
NY METS vs. BOSTON
NY Mets are 12-6 SU in its last 18 games
NY Mets are 1-4 SU in its last 5 games
Boston is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games when playing at home against NY Mets
Boston is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games when playing NY Mets

7:10 PM
TAMPA BAY vs. FLORIDA
Tampa Bay is 7-1-1 SU in its last 9 games when playing Florida
Tampa Bay is 5-0-1 SU in its last 6 games when playing on the road against Florida
Florida is 1-7-1 SU in its last 9 games when playing Tampa Bay
Florida is 1-4-1 SU in its last 6 games at home

7:10 PM
TORONTO vs. ATLANTA
Toronto is 6-2 SU in its last 8 games when playing Atlanta
Toronto is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games when playing on the road against Atlanta
Atlanta is 8-4 SU in its last 12 games
Atlanta is 6-12 SU in its last 18 games at home

8:05 PM
PITTSBURGH vs. CHI WHITE SOX
Pittsburgh is 5-2 SU in its last 7 games
Pittsburgh is 8-16 SU in its last 24 games
Chi White Sox are 5-1 SU in their last 6 games when playing Pittsburgh
Chi White Sox are 5-0 SU in their last 5 games when playing at home against Pittsburgh

9:05 PM
ARIZONA vs. OAKLAND
Arizona is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games on the road
Arizona is 6-1 SU in its last 7 games when playing Oakland
Oakland is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games when playing at home against Arizona
Oakland is 1-6 SU in its last 7 games when playing Arizona

10:05 PM
CHI CUBS vs. SAN DIEGO
Chi Cubs are 0-5 SU in their last 5 games
Chi Cubs are 1-6 SU in their last 7 games on the road
San Diego is 8-3 SU in their last 11 games when playing at home against Chi Cubs
San Diego is 2-7 SU in their last 9 games when playing Chi Cubs

10:10 PM
LA ANGELS vs. LA DODGERS
LA Angels are 4-1 SU in their last 5 games on the road
LA Angels are 4-1 SU in their last 5 games
LA Dodgers are 2-4 SU in their last 6 games when playing at home against LA Angels
LA Dodgers are 17-4 SU in their last 21 games at home

10:10 PM
SAN FRANCISCO vs. SEATTLE
San Francisco is 1-8 SU in its last 9 games
San Francisco is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games when playing Seattle
Seattle is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing San Francisco
Seattle is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing at home against San Francisco

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[pm530]

MLB


Saturday, May 23

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Hot lines: Today’s best MLB bets
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Colorado Rockies at Detroit Tigers (-140, 10.5)

April showers were supposed to bring May flowers. But for Tigers pitcher Armando Galarraga, April showers grew nothing but watermelons – like the ones the right hander is serving up this month.

Galarraga is winless in four starts in May, watching his ERA balloon from 1.85 in April to 5.62. He has an ERA over 10.00 this month and has allowed 21 runs during this skid. In his most recent appearance, he lasted less than an inning, giving up five runs after walking three batters and putting a home run on a platter.

"Galarraga is pitching defensive a little bit," manager Jim Leyland told reporters. "And I think Galarraga is in a situation right now where he's giving hitters too much credit."

With righty Jeremy Bonderman close to returning from shoulder surgery and rookie Rick Porcello breathing down his neck, Galarraga’s spot in the order is in jeopardy heading into the weekend - piling the pressure on the youngster.

Pick: Over 10.5


Toronto Blue Jays at Atlanta Braves (-145, 9)

It seems a trip out of the Great White North has cooled off Toronto’s red-hot bats.

The top hitting team in the majors totaled just five runs during its three-game sweep at the hands of the Boston Red Sox this week. The Blue Jays were unable to cash in runners and left 65 men on base.

"We just didn't get any hits with guys on base," manager Cito Gaston told reporters. "We had almost 30 hits in three days and scored five runs. We just have to move on and hope that we can get a little bit more concentration with guys on base and drive in some runs."

Toronto has totaled just 30 runs in the past 10 games, in which it is just 4-6. The Jays picked up only four hits in Game 1 with Atlanta, getting shutout 1-0 as -164 road favorites.

Pick: Atlanta -145

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[pm530]

MLB


Saturday, May 23

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Weekend Cheat Sheet
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MLB begins its 13th year of interleague this weekend and with it we’ve dusted off the record books. It’s a time of the season teams from the American League look forward to as evidenced by the Junior Circuit’s dominating 702-571 record against the Senior Circuit the last five years.

In this week’s edition of the MLB Cheat Sheet, a guide designed to help you isolate a few key best bets, we focus on two rivalry series on this weekend’s Interleague card. In addition, we’ve dug up the records of the best and worst performers in the history of interleague play. Keep in mind that all pitcher records are team starts unless noted otherwise.

Cleveland Indians at Cincinnati Reds

Most Recent Series Result: Reds 6-1 last seven games vs. Indians

Most Recent Series Result: at the Site: Reds 4-0 last four home games vs. Indians

Key Day/Month Stat: Reds 1-6 on Saturdays

Best Arm in the Series: Reds’ Cueto 2-0 2.19 ERA lifetime vs. Indians

Worst Arm in the Series: Indians’ Pavano 0-2 13.10 ERA lifetime vs. Reds

Tampa Bay Rays at Florida Marlins

Most Recent Series Result: Rays 7-1 last eight games vs. Marlins

Most Recent Series Result at the Site: Rays 5-0 last five away games vs. Marlins

Key Day/Month Stat: Rays 1-5 away on Saturdays

Best Arm in the Series: Rays’ Sonnanstine 3-0 3.64 ERA lifetime vs. Marlins

Worst Arm in the Series: Rays’ Kazmir 0-1 10.80 ERA away lifetime vs. Marlins

Best All-Time Interleague teams

1. New York Yankees 123-87 .586

2. Oakland Athletics 123-89 .580

3. Minnesota Twins 120-90 .571

4. Boston Red Sox 116-95 .550

5. Chicago White Sox 116-95 .550

Worst All-Time Interleague teams

1. Pittsburgh Pirates 63-103 .380

2. Baltimore Orioles 90-121 .427

3. San Diego Padres 83-111 .428

4. Tampa Bay Rays 86-110 .439

5. Cincinnati Reds 77-95 .448

Best All-Time Hitters

1. Albert Pujols • Cardinals .350

2. Magglio Ordonez • White Sox .340

3. Derek Jeter • Yankees .335

4. Hideki Matsui • Yankees .333

5. Ichiro Suzuki • Mariners .331

Best All-Time Pitchers ERA’s

1. Johan Santana • Mets 2.49

2. John Lackey • Angels 2.52

3. Dan Haren • Diamondbacks 2.68

4. Roy Halladay • Blue Jays 3.12

5. Aaron Harang • Reds 3.12

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[pm530]

MLB
Baseball Today


SCOREBOARD

Saturday, May 23

L.A. Angels at L.A. Dodgers (10:10 p.m. EDT). The Angels' John Lackey, making his third start of the season, faces the freeway rival Dodgers, who have baseball's best record (29-13).

STARS

Friday

-Michael Cuddyer, Twins, hit for the cycle and matched his career high with five RBIs as Minnesota defeated Milwaukee 11-3.

-Kenshin Kawakami, Braves, outlasted Roy Halladay, allowing three hits in eight innings to lead Atlanta to a 1-0 win over Toronto.

-Nelson Cruz, Rangers, homered with one out in the 10th inning to lift Texas to a 6-5 win over Houston.

-Chris Young, Diamondbacks, homered for the first time in more than a month, and Arizona beat Oakland 2-1.

-Danys Baez, Orioles. The veteran reliever got his first major league hit in the 12th inning to spark a two-run rally, and Baltimore beat Washington 4-2 to end a four-game losing streak.

-Gavin Floyd, White Sox, allowed two hits over eight innings and Chicago beat Pittsburgh 2-0.

-Jake Peavy, Padres, struck out 10 a day after vetoing a trade to the White Sox, and San Diego beat the Chicago Cubs 4-0 to extend its winning streak to a season-high seven games.

-Chone Figgins, Angels, hit a tiebreaking two-run single in the eighth inning and saved two runs with a sparkling play at third base, leading Los Angeles to a 3-1 victory over the rival Dodgers in their first interleague meeting this season.

BACK IN SEATTLE

San Francisco's Randy Johnson made what was probably his last start in Seattle, where he played from 1989-98, and lost out on a chance for win No. 299 when he was lifted with one out in the sixth inning of the Giants' 2-1 loss. When he left one batter after giving up the tying run, Johnson stopped just before the foul line near third base, took off his cap and waved it as he turned to every corner of the stadium. As the crowd of 38,520 roared, Johnson pointed his cap specifically toward the sky box of longtime Mariners president Chuck Armstrong. Johnson walked three and threw 115 pitches, his most since a season-high 116 on Aug. 22 against Florida.

CYCLE

Michael Cuddyer hit for the cycle as Minnesota beat Milwaukee 11-3. Cuddyer hit a three-run homer in the first inning, doubled in the third and singled in the fourth before completing the cycle by tripling on a broken-bat liner into the left-field corner in the sixth. He became the 10th player in team history to hit for the cycle and needed only four plate appearances to do it. Cuddyer joined teammate Jason Kubel in hitting for the cycle this season. According to the Elias Sports Bureau, the Minnesota duo is only the second to accomplish it in the last decade.

HOMER HEAVEN

The seven homers in the Phillies' 7-3 win over New York raised the Yankee Stadium total to 82, a record for the first 21 games at a major league park, according to the Elias Sports Bureau and five more than were hit at Houston's Enron Field in 2000. There already have been nine games of five or more homers and three of seven or more. Fifty-one of the homers have gone to right field.

SLIPPERY FOR SANTANA

The Mets made three more errors behind Johan Santana in a 5-3 win over Boston, bringing their total to 12 in his nine starts. They've made 35 all season.

SENT DOWN

Marlins opening-day starter Ricky Nolasco (2-5) was optioned to Triple-A New Orleans after he gave up eight runs in the first two innings of a 15-2 loss to Tampa Bay. Nolasco has an ERA of 9.07.

TIMELY

The Yankees have played four straight games in 2 hours, 49 minutes or less for the first time since May 11-16, 2007.

PITCH CAN HIT

Andy Sonnanstine came into the Rays' 15-2 win over Florida with the highest lifetime average of any pitcher with at least 10 at-bats. He went 1 for 4 with a walk, scored twice and is now batting .333 (6 for 18).

SLUMPING

With a 5-0 loss to St. Louis, the Royals have lost 10 of 13 and dropped to .500 (21-21) for the first time since they were 10-10 on April 28.

SPEAKING

"I kind of said it would nice to do, first time at Yankee Stadium, my first swing, you know, be a home run. I prayed on it. Prayers get answered. It would have been nice had I did it at the old Yankee Stadium, but unfortunately I didn't have the opportunity to play there.'' - Phillies shortstop Jimmy Rollins on envisioning hitting his 29th leadoff homer, which he did in a 7-3 victory over New York.

SEASONS

May 23

1901 - The Cleveland Indians scored nine runs with two outs in the ninth inning to beat the Washington Senators 14-13.

1924 - Washington's Walter Johnson struck out 14 in a 4-0 one-hitter over the Chicago White Sox for his 103rd shutout.

1925 - Cincinnati pitcher Pete Donohue had five hits - four singles and a homer - in beating the Philadelphia Phillies 11-2.

1935 - The first major league night game, scheduled for Cincinnati, was postponed because of rain.

1962 - New York's Joe Pepitone hit two homers in the nine-run eighth inning of the Yankees' 13-7 triumph over Kansas City.

1970 - The San Diego Padres and San Francisco Giants battled for 15 innings, with the Padres winning 17-16. Nate Colbert led San Diego with five hits and four RBIs.

1984 - The Detroit Tigers won their 16th consecutive road game, 4-2 at California, tying an AL record.

1991 - Tommy Greene, making the 15th start of his major league career, pitched a no-hitter and the Philadelphia Phillies beat Montreal 2-0.

2002 - Los Angeles Dodgers slugger Shawn Green became the 14th man in major league history to homer four times in a game and set a big league record with 19 total bases. He went 6-for-6, scoring six times with seven RBIs in a 16-3 win at Milwaukee.

2003 - Jeremi Gonzalez earned his first major league victory in nearly five years as Tampa Bay beat Anaheim 3-1. Gonzalez won for the first time since June 28, 1998, while with the Chicago Cubs. He had elbow surgery in 1998 and '99 before the Cubs released him in 2001.

Today's birthdays: Mike Gonzalez 31; Chris Sampson 31.

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[Udog]

MLB


Saturday, May 23

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Top Interleague Trends
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The first matchups on the 2009 slate between the American & National Leagues in Major League Baseball are upon us. Yep, that’s right, its Interleague time, and whether you are a fan of commissioner Bud Selig’s baby or not, no one can argue that these games offer a change of pace for the game. This weekend’s slate offers several intriguing regional matchups that are sure to boil the blood of neighboring fans, including Boston and the Mets, Minnesota and Milwaukee, Houston and Texas, Kansas City visiting St. Louis, and last but not least, the battle for bragging rights in the city of Angels. Here’s a look at each of those series’ and more, plus a new twist on this week’s Top Trends feature, the head-to-head histories between the clubs.

The series between the Red Sox and Mets figures to be entertaining if for no other reason than its Boston vs. New York. While not quite on the level of the Red Sox-Yankees rivalry, rest assured that fans in Beantown will feel no love for the N.L. reps of the Big Apple. The series also offers up a pair of great pitching matchups on Friday and Saturday as these two second-place clubs look to climb back to the top of their divisions.

In Minnesota, the red-hot Brewers will come to town, winners of 22 of their last 28 games. That stretch has enabled Milwaukee to reach the top of the N.L. Central Division, two games in front of St. Louis. Surprisingly, they’ve been doing it with pitching, supposedly the team’s weak spot heading into the season. The Brewers are second in the National League in runs allowed, yielding just 4.1 RPG, and closer Trevor Hoffman has yet to allow a run in 12 innings in work. The Twins have been floundering a bit of late, but have played well at home this season at 14-9. They also come off a game in which they scored 20 runs on the White Sox.

Deep in the heart of Texas, the division leading Rangers will visit in-state rival Houston, who currently resides at the bottom of its division. Texas has lost three straight games heading into the weekend series however, and has seen its offensive production drop from 6.5 RPG and .301 Batting Average at home to 4.3 & .241 on the road. The Astros have been hitting the ball around well in the last week or so, but their bullpen continues to disappoint, having blown half of the 18 save opportunities they’ve been given.

In the Gateway City, Missouri natives St. Louis and Kansas City will square off, with both teams sitting in second in their respective divisions. The good news for the Cardinals is that they will avoid Royals’ pitching stalwart Zack Greinke, who is off to a phenomenal start. St. Louis is off a nice 3-game sweep of the hated Chicago Cubs, while Kansas City comes in struggling, just 3-9 since winning six straight at the opening of the month of May.

Finally, in Los Angeles, the Angels and Dodgers will get together for an intriguing 3-game set. The host Dodgers have been baseball’s best team in the early going, coming into this weekend’s play with a 29-13 record. They have been receiving a great effort from their pitching staff, as they currently lead the entire league in both runs per game allowed (3. and opponent batting average (.225). The Angels are starting to put it together after a slow start and have climbed over .500 at 21-19, just two games back of Texas in the A.L. West.

Now, here’s a look at how these Interleague teams have fared against one another heading into this weekend’s series:

NY METS at BOSTON

BOSTON and NEW YORK have met just once since 2001, in 2006 when the Red Sox disposed of the Mets in three straight games outscoring them 23-10 at Fenway Park. However, each team has won seven of the last 14 meetings going back to 1998.

PHILADELPHIA at NY YANKEES

PHILADELPHIA has not visited the YANKEES since prior to 2001. In five games since that year, the Yankees have won three, the Phillies two. Three of the games went UNDER the total.

BALTIMORE at WASHINGTON

WASHINGTON is 7-5 (+5.1 Units) against BALTIMORE over the L3 seasons, and 7 of 11 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL during that span (Under=+2.6 Units), including four of five in Washington.

COLORADO at DETROIT

DETROIT swept COLORADO in the Motor City last year, three games to none, with the Tigers favored by at least -125 in all three games. Going back to 2003, the HOME TEAM has only lost one of 10 matchups.

TAMPA BAY at FLORIDA

TAMPA BAY is 5-1 (+4.1 Units) at FLORIDA over the last 3 seasons, and 5 of 6 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over that same span. (Over=+4.1 Units)

CLEVELAND at CINCINNATI

CINCINNATI is 8-4 (+5.8 Units) against CLEVELAND over the L3 seasons, including 5-1 (+4.7 Units) when hosting the Indians. Seven of 12 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Under=+1.6 Units)

TORONTO at ATLANTA

TORONTO has taken six of the last seven games vs. ATLANTA dating back to 2001. The Braves have mustered only 24 runs during that span.

TEXAS at HOUSTON

TEXAS is 7-5 (+2.7 Units) against HOUSTON over the last 3 seasons, including 3-3 in Houston. Six of 11 total result games in this series have gone UNDER in that stretch. (Under=+0.4 Units)

PITTSBURGH at CHI WHITE SOX

CHI WHITE SOX are 4-2 (+1.3 Units) against PITTSBURGH over the last 3 seasons, including 3-0 (+3.0 Units) in the Steel City. Chicago has pounded Pirates’ pitching for 52 runs in those six games (8.7 RPG).

MILWAUKEE at MINNESOTA

MINNESOTA is 7-5 (+3.2 Units) against MILWAUKEE over the last 3 seasons, but just 3-3 (+0.2 Units) when hosting the Brewers. Seven of 12 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Over=+1.6 Units)

KANSAS CITY at ST LOUIS

KANSAS CITY is 4-2 (+2.6 Units) against ST LOUIS over the last 3 seasons, with 5 of 6 games having gone UNDER THE TOTAL. (Under=+3.8 Units). The Cardinals have mustered just 19 runs in those games (3.2 RPG)

ARIZONA at OAKLAND

Prior to wins by ARIZONA in the last two meetings between the Diamondbacks and A’s a year ago, the VISITING TEAM had won seven straight games in the series, all but one as the UNDERDOG.

SAN FRANCISCO at SEATTLE

The HOME TEAM has won five of the last six games between the Giants and Mariners, but the clubs haven’t met since 2006.

LA ANGELS at LA DODGERS

LA ANGELS are 8-4 (+3.2 Units) against LA DODGERS over the L3 seasons, with 9 of 12 games having gone UNDER THE TOTAL. (Under=+5.6 Units). In games at Dodger Stadium, the UNDER is 5-1 (+3.9 Units) in the L6 meetings.


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[Udog]

MLB
Dunkel


Pittsburgh at Chicago White Sox
The White Sox are 7-0 in their last 7 interleague games, while the Pirates are just 3-16 in their last 19 interleague road games versus a left-handed starter. Chicago is the pick (-130) according to Dunkel, which has the White Sox favored by 1. Dunkel Pick: Chicago White Sox (-130). Here are all of today's picks.

SATURDAY, MAY 23

Game 951-952: Chicago Cubs at San Diego
Dunkel Ratings: Cubs (Wells) 15.180; San Diego (Geer) 14.200
Dunkel Line: Chicago Cubs by 1; 9
Vegas Line: No Line
Dunkel Pick: N/A

Game 953-954: Kansas City at St. Louis
Dunkel Ratings: Kansas City (Hochevar) 14.850; St. Louis (Lohse) 14.450
Dunkel Line: Kansas City by 1/2; 9
Vegas Line: St. Louis (-165); 9 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Kansas City (+155); Under

Game 955-956: Texas at Houston
Dunkel Ratings: Texas (Feldman) 17.364; Houston (Moehler) 15.638
Dunkel Line: Texas by 1 1/2; 8 1/2
Vegas Line: Texas (-130); 10
Dunkel Pick: Texas (-130); Under

Game 957-958: Philadelphia at NY Yankees
Dunkel Ratings: Philadelphia (Happ) 15.695; NY Yankees (Pettitte) 17.067
Dunkel Line: NY Yankees by 1 1/2; 11 1/2
Vegas Line: NY Yankees (-160); 11
Dunkel Pick: NY Yankees (-160); Over

Game 959-960: Pittsburgh at Chicago White Sox
Dunkel Ratings: Pittsburgh (Ohlendorf) 14.193; White Sox (Richard) 15.263
Dunkel Line: Chicago White Sox by 1; 10 1/2
Vegas Line: Chicago White Sox (-130); 9 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Chicago White Sox (-130); Over

Game 961-962: NY Mets at Boston
Dunkel Ratings: NY Mets (Pelfrey) 15.822; Boston (Beckett) 16.976
Dunkel Line: Boston by 1; 7
Vegas Line: Boston (-165); 10
Dunkel Pick: Boston (-165); Under

Game 963-964: Baltimore at Washington
Dunkel Ratings: Baltimore (Uehara) 15.122; Washington (Detwiler) 13.897
Dunkel Line: Baltimore by 1; 10
Vegas Line: Baltimore (-115); 9 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Baltimore (-115); Over

Game 965-966: Colorado at Detroit
Dunkel Ratings: Colorado (Marquis) 15.142; Detroit (Galarraga) 16.017
Dunkel Line: Detroit by 1; 10
Vegas Line: Detroit (-150); 10 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Detroit (-150); Under

Game 967-968: Milwaukee at Minnesota
Dunkel Ratings: Milwaukee (Looper) 16.636; Minnesota (Swarzak) 14.906
Dunkel Line: Milwaukee by 1 1/2; 9 1/2
Vegas Line: Milwaukee (-120); 10
Dunkel Pick: Milwaukee (-120); Under

Game 969-970: Tampa Bay at Florida
Dunkel Ratings: Tampa Bay (Niemann) 14.745; Florida (West) 14.923
Dunkel Line: Florida by 1/2; 12 1/2
Vegas Line: No Line
Dunkel Pick: N/A

Game 971-972: Toronto at Atlanta
Dunkel Ratings: Toronto (Janssen) 15.531; Atlanta (Lowe) 14.435
Dunkel Line: Toronto by 1; 8 1/2
Vegas Line: Atlanta (-160); 9
Dunkel Pick: Toronto (+150); Under

Game 973-974: Cleveland at Cincinnati
Dunkel Ratings: Cleveland (Huff) 14.464; Cincinnati (Bailey) 15.950
Dunkel Line: Cincinnati by 1 1/2; 9 1/2
Vegas Line: Cincinnati (-125); 11
Dunkel Pick: Cincinnati (-125); Under

Game 975-976: Arizona at Oakland
Dunkel Ratings: Arizona (Haren) 16.105; Oakland (Gonzalez) 14.786
Dunkel Line: Arizona by 1 1/2; 9 1/2
Vegas Line: Arizona (-160); 8
Dunkel Pick: Arizona (-160); Over

Game 977-978: LA Angels at LA Dodgers
Dunkel Ratings: LA Angels (Lackey) 15.371; LA Dodgers (Wolf) 16.802
Dunkel Line: LA Dodgers by 1 1/2; 6 1/2
Vegas Line: LA Dodgers (-135); 8 1/2
Dunkel Pick: LA Dodgers (-135); Under

Game 979-980: San Francisco at Seattle
Dunkel Ratings: San Francisco (Cain) 15.445; Seattle (Olson) 13.904
Dunkel Line: San Francisco by 1 1/2; 6 1/2
Vegas Line: No Line
Dunkel Pick: N/A

[Udog]

NBA
Dunkel


LA Lakers at Denver
The Nuggets travel home after an upset win in Game Two and look to build on their 7-0 ATS record in their last 7 games as a home favorite. Denver is the pick (-3 1/2) according to Dunkel, which has Denver favored by 5 1/2. Dunkel Pick: Denver (-3 1/2). Here are all of today's playoff picks.

SATURDAY, MAY 23

Game 509-510: LA Lakers at Denver
Dunkel Ratings: LA Lakers 126.024; Denver 131.678
Dunkel Line & Total: Denver by 5 1/2; 213 1/2
Vegas Line & Total: Denver by 3 1/2; 211 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Denver (-3 1/2); Over

[Udog]

NHL
Dunkel


Pittsburgh at Carolina
The Penguins come off a 7-4 win in Game Two and look to take advantage of a Carolina team that is just 3-10 in its last 13 games after allowing 5 or more goals in the previous game. Pittsburgh is the pick (+105) according to Dunkel, which has the Penguins favored by 1/2 a goal. Dunkel Pick: Pittsburgh (+105). Here are all of today's playoff picks.

SATURDAY, MAY 23

Game 11-12: Pittsburgh at Carolina
Dunkel Ratings: Pittsburgh 13.630; Carolina 13.131
Dunkel Line & Total: Pittsburgh by 1/2; 4 1/2
Vegas Line & Total: Carolina (-125); 5 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Pittsburgh (+105); Under

[Udog]

MLB


Saturday, May 23

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Streaking and Slumping Pitchers
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Streaking

Scott Feldman (Texas Rangers)

Vicente Padilla is the latest starting pitcher from the Texas Rangers to go on the disabled list. Overcoming those injuries has been made easier with Scott Feldman leaving the bullpen and Frank Francisco leading it.

With Francisco back closing games, Feldman looks to continue his success since joining the rotation as the Rangers play the middle game of their interleague series with the Houston Astros on Saturday.

Former No. 1 overall draft pick Kris Benson (elbow) was placed on the DL on April 22 and activated May 6, only to be relegated to the bullpen with Feldman (2-0, 4.04 ERA) pitching so well in his place. Feldman is 2-0 with a 2.17 ERA in five outings after beginning the season as a reliever.

The right-hander gave up four hits in six innings Sunday in a 3-0 win over the Los Angeles Angels.

Feldman has no record in five appearances - one start - against the Astros, posting a 5.79 ERA.

Michael Pelfrey (New York Mets)

The Mets will turn to Mike Pelfrey (4-1, 4.61), who is looking to rebound from his first loss of the season.

The right-hander allowed two runs and six hits in six innings, but committed three balks that led to both scores while the offense managed just five hits in a 2-0 loss at San Francisco on Sunday. The defeat halted his winning streak at four consecutive decisions over six starts, during which he posted a 4.89 ERA.

"It seemed like I almost had the yips," Pelfrey said of his balks. "It was like I was fighting myself to come set because my mind kept telling me to pick the guy off. I went back and watched replays and I balked."

Pelfrey, who has never faced Boston, has won his only two interleague starts with both coming on the road, but he's given up 10 runs and 16 hits in 11 innings in those contests.


Slumping

Kyle Lohse (St. Louis Cardinals)

Dominant pitching over the last four games has resulted in wins each time for the St. Louis Cardinals. Kyle Lohse would like to rediscover his early season dominance.

Lohse will try again to record his first May win as the Cardinals and Kansas City Royals continue their I-70 interleague series Saturday.

Todd Wellemeyer and three relievers combined on a five-hitter as St. Louis won 5-0 on Friday. Including a three-game sweep of the Chicago Cubs earlier this week, Cardinals hurlers have a 0.50 ERA, allowing two runs and 19 hits with 27 strikeouts and seven walks.

"I want to get on that thing and keep riding it as long as we can," Wellemeyer said. "I don't think it's contagious. Maybe it is, I don't know. We'll keep the ball rolling, though."

Lohse certainly would like to. A surprise 15-game winner last year, he was 3-0 with a 1.97 ERA in five April starts, but three consecutive losses this month have contributed to his ERA going up by nearly three runs. Facing Milwaukee on Sunday on two days' rest after briefly pitching in a game that was rained out, the right-hander gave up four runs and walked three in three innings of an 8-4 loss.

"Everything was up," said Lohse (3-3, 4.66 ERA), who labored through 89 pitches. "About eight at-bats went six pitches or more and anytime you have that, you're working really hard and they're seeing everything you've got."

Lohse, who played the first six years of his career with Minnesota, is 0-3 with a 4.17 ERA in seven starts against the Royals since beating them July 7, 2004.

Armando Galarraga (Detroit Tigers)

The Detroit Tigers have managed just fine with Magglio Ordonez away from the team to deal with a family matter. With Armando Galarraga set to take the mound, though, they might want to have one of their best hitters penciled in.

Galarraga is 0-3 with a 10.90 ERA in his last four starts. On Sunday, the right-hander retired only two batters, allowing five runs and four hits while walking three before Detroit came back to beat Oakland 11-7.

"I won't say that it isn't a concern, but Armando is a fine major league pitcher," Tigers manager Jim Leyland said. "I wish I knew what was wrong, but he'll be fine."

This will be Galarraga's first appearance against the Rockies (16-25).


Debuting

Casey Janssen (Toronto Blue Jays)

Losers of a season-high four straight, the Blue Jays will start Casey Janssen in his first major league appearance since 2007 on Saturday night when they continue a three-game series against the Atlanta Braves.

The Blue Jays hope for better luck in Janssen's season debut. After missing all of last season while recovering from right shoulder surgery, the right-hander compiled a 0.76 ERA in five minor league starts between Class-A Dunedin and Double-A New Hampshire before he was recalled Friday.

Janssen last appeared for the Blue Jays in 2007, going 2-3 with a 2.35 ERA in 70 appearances while serving as the team's setup man. He was 6-10 with a 5.22 ERA in 17 starts as a rookie in 2006.

Janssen, who has never faced the Braves, is 1-2 with a 7.20 ERA in three interleague starts.


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[Udog]

MLB
Long Sheet


Saturday, May 23

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CHICAGO CUBS (21 - 19) at SAN DIEGO (20 - 22) - 10:05 PM
RANDY WELLS (R) vs. JOSH GEER (R)
Top Trends for this game.
CHICAGO CUBS are 978-1028 (-188.0 Units) against the money line in all games since 1997.
CHICAGO CUBS are 921-944 (-165.8 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field since 1997.
CHICAGO CUBS are 485-458 (-99.0 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record since 1997.
SAN DIEGO is 83-120 (-36.2 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
SAN DIEGO is 83-120 (-36.2 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
SAN DIEGO is 59-87 (-26.0 Units) against the money line in night games over the last 2 seasons.
SAN DIEGO is 30-57 (-24.1 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
CHICAGO CUBS is 3-1 (+2.0 Units) against SAN DIEGO this season
3 of 4 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+1.7 Units)

RANDY WELLS vs. SAN DIEGO since 1997
No recent starts.

JOSH GEER vs. CHICAGO CUBS since 1997
No recent starts.

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KANSAS CITY (21 - 21) at ST LOUIS (25 - 17) - 1:10 PM
LUKE HOCHEVAR (R) vs. KYLE LOHSE (R)
Top Trends for this game.
KANSAS CITY is 58-102 (-32.1 Units) against the money line when the total is 9 to 9.5 over the last 3 seasons.
ST LOUIS is 111-93 (+14.7 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
ST LOUIS is 111-93 (+14.7 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
ST LOUIS is 75-59 (+15.1 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters over the last 2 seasons.
KANSAS CITY is 36-34 (+10.9 Units) against the money line in day games over the last 2 seasons.

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

LUKE HOCHEVAR vs. ST LOUIS since 1997
No recent starts.

KYLE LOHSE vs. KANSAS CITY since 1997
LOHSE is 5-5 when starting against KANSAS CITY with an ERA of 4.43 and a WHIP of 1.543.
His team's record is 11-7 (+0.1 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 6-10. (-5.5 units)

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TEXAS (24 - 17) at HOUSTON (18 - 22) - 4:10 PM
SCOTT FELDMAN (R) vs. BRIAN MOEHLER (R)
Top Trends for this game.
HOUSTON is 104-97 (+18.5 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
HOUSTON is 102-96 (+16.3 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
HOUSTON is 51-49 (+13.2 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.
MOEHLER is 58-55 (+20.5 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record since 1997. (Team's Record)
TEXAS is 24-17 (+8.4 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
TEXAS is 14-6 (+9.1 Units) against the money line in May games this season.
TEXAS is 23-15 (+8.6 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
TEXAS is 73-64 (+19.5 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters over the last 2 seasons.
TEXAS is 15-8 (+8.6 Units) against the money line after a win this season.

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

SCOTT FELDMAN vs. HOUSTON since 1997
FELDMAN is 0-0 when starting against HOUSTON with an ERA of 4.50 and a WHIP of 2.000.
His team's record is 1-0 (+1.5 units) in these starts. The OVER is 0-1. (-1.1 units)

BRIAN MOEHLER vs. TEXAS since 1997
MOEHLER is 6-4 when starting against TEXAS with an ERA of 4.02 and a WHIP of 1.246.
His team's record is 6-4 (+3.3 units) in these starts. The OVER is 3-6. (-3.4 units)

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PHILADELPHIA (23 - 17) at NY YANKEES (24 - 18) - 4:10 PM
J.A. HAPP (L) vs. ANDY PETTITTE (L)
Top Trends for this game.
PHILADELPHIA is 126-90 (+14.5 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
PHILADELPHIA is 15-5 (+11.2 Units) against the money line in road games this season.
PHILADELPHIA is 15-5 (+11.2 Units) against the money line in road games in games played on a grass field this season.
PHILADELPHIA is 11-4 (+7.9 Units) against the money line in road games after a win this season.
PHILADELPHIA is 10-2 (+9.5 Units) against the money line in road games when playing against a team with a winning record this season.
NY YANKEES are 90-80 (-50.4 Units) against the money line in home games in May games since 1997.
NY YANKEES are 92-74 (-43.6 Units) against the money line in home games when playing on Saturday since 1997.
NY YANKEES are 19-23 (-14.6 Units) against the money line in home games after a loss over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
PHILADELPHIA is 1-0 (+1.5 Units) against NY YANKEES this season
1 of 1 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+1.0 Units)

J.A. HAPP vs. NY YANKEES since 1997
No recent starts.

ANDY PETTITTE vs. PHILADELPHIA since 1997
PETTITTE is 2-2 when starting against PHILADELPHIA with an ERA of 3.37 and a WHIP of 1.442.
His team's record is 4-2 (+1.4 units) in these starts. The OVER is 3-2. (+0.8 units)

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PITTSBURGH (19 - 23) at CHI WHITE SOX (18 - 23) - 7:05 PM
ROSS OHLENDORF (R) vs. CLAYTON RICHARD (L)
Top Trends for this game.
PITTSBURGH is 21-60 (-34.7 Units) against the money line in road games in an inter-league game since 1997.
CHI WHITE SOX are 66-37 (+18.9 Units) against the money line in home games over the last 2 seasons.
CHI WHITE SOX are 101-76 (+16.1 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
CHI WHITE SOX are 60-37 (+20.6 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
CHI WHITE SOX 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. CHI WHITE SOX since 1997
No recent starts.

CLAYTON RICHARD vs. PITTSBURGH since 1997
No recent starts.

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NY METS (22 - 19) at BOSTON (25 - 17) - 7:10 PM
MIKE PELFREY (R) vs. JOSH BECKETT (R)
Top Trends for this game.
BOSTON is 74-33 (+23.3 Units) against the money line in home games over the last 2 seasons.
BOSTON is 117-68 (+28.1 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
BOSTON is 52-23 (+17.0 Units) against the money line in home games in night games over the last 2 seasons.
BOSTON is 51-20 (+18.2 Units) against the money line in home games after a loss over the last 3 seasons.

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

MIKE PELFREY vs. BOSTON since 1997
No recent starts.

JOSH BECKETT vs. NY METS since 1997
BECKETT is 6-2 when starting against NY METS with an ERA of 2.50 and a WHIP of 1.071.
His team's record is 9-4 (+4.3 units) in these starts. The OVER is 8-5. (+2.5 units)

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BALTIMORE (17 - 25) at WASHINGTON (12 - 29) - 7:05 PM
KOJI UEHARA (R) vs. ROSS DETWILER (L)
Top Trends for this game.
BALTIMORE is 19-38 (-17.6 Units) against the money line against left-handed starters over the last 2 seasons.
WASHINGTON is 97-90 (+37.0 Units) against the money line when the total is 9 to 9.5 over the last 3 seasons.
WASHINGTON is 55-41 (+20.9 Units) against the money line at home when the total is 9 to 9.5 over the last 3 seasons.
WASHINGTON is 64-41 (+27.6 Units) against the money line in home games in an inter-league game since 1997.
WASHINGTON is 75-77 (+18.4 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 3 seasons.
BALTIMORE is 70-74 (+7.0 Units) against the money line in night games over the last 2 seasons.
WASHINGTON is 12-29 (-15.6 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
WASHINGTON is 6-15 (-9.6 Units) against the money line in home games this season.
WASHINGTON is 8-25 (-15.6 Units) against the money line when playing on Saturday over the last 2 seasons.
WASHINGTON is 12-29 (-15.6 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
WASHINGTON is 49-94 (-32.3 Units) against the money line in night games over the last 2 seasons.
WASHINGTON is 8-22 (-13.4 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.
WASHINGTON is 41-89 (-37.9 Units) against the money line after a loss over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
BALTIMORE 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)

KOJI UEHARA vs. WASHINGTON since 1997
No recent starts.

ROSS DETWILER vs. BALTIMORE since 1997
No recent starts.

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COLORADO (16 - 25) at DETROIT (24 - 16) - 7:05 PM
JASON MARQUIS (R) vs. ARMANDO GALARRAGA (R)
Top Trends for this game.
COLORADO is 89-114 (-32.2 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
COLORADO is 17-32 (-16.8 Units) against the money line in May games over the last 2 seasons.
COLORADO is 25-64 (-28.6 Units) against the money line in road games in an inter-league game since 1997.
COLORADO is 89-114 (-32.2 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
COLORADO is 57-85 (-29.4 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters over the last 2 seasons.
COLORADO is 46-64 (-17.2 Units) against the money line after a loss over the last 2 seasons.
MARQUIS is 49-69 (-41.0 Units) against the money line in night games since 1997. (Team's Record)
DETROIT is 15-5 (+9.1 Units) against the money line in home games this season.
DETROIT is 28-9 (+18.2 Units) against the money line in an inter-league game over the last 3 seasons.
DETROIT is 23-10 (+12.5 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
COLORADO is 94-86 (+21.9 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 3 seasons.
MARQUIS is 12-4 (+10.4 Units) against the money line after a loss over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
DETROIT is 98-104 (-23.1 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
DETROIT is 62-77 (-27.2 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters over the last 2 seasons.
DETROIT is 49-63 (-27.1 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 (+1.0 Units) against COLORADO this season
1 of 1 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+1.0 Units)

JASON MARQUIS vs. DETROIT since 1997
MARQUIS is 0-1 when starting against DETROIT with an ERA of 11.25 and a WHIP of 2.250.
His team's record is 0-1 (-1.6 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 1-0. (+1.0 units)

ARMANDO GALARRAGA vs. COLORADO since 1997
No recent starts.

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MILWAUKEE (26 - 16) at MINNESOTA (20 - 23) - 7:10 PM
BRADEN LOOPER (R) vs. ANTHONY SWARZAK (R)
Top Trends for this game.
MINNESOTA is 21-8 (+12.0 Units) against the money line at home with a money line of -100 to -125 over the last 2 seasons.
MINNESOTA is 68-37 (+22.2 Units) against the money line in home games over the last 2 seasons.
MINNESOTA is 15-4 (+13.3 Units) against the money line in an inter-league game over the last 2 seasons.
MINNESOTA is 70-39 (+22.7 Units) against the money line in games played in a dome over the last 2 seasons.
MINNESOTA is 77-63 (+12.7 Units) against the money line in night games over the last 2 seasons.
MINNESOTA is 70-42 (+19.6 Units) against the money line in games played on artificial turf over the last 2 seasons.
MINNESOTA is 32-13 (+17.6 Units) against the money line in home games when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.
MILWAUKEE is 26-16 (+10.4 Units) against the money line in all games this season.

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

BRADEN LOOPER vs. MINNESOTA since 1997
No recent starts.

ANTHONY SWARZAK vs. MILWAUKEE since 1997
No recent starts.

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TAMPA BAY (22 - 22) at FLORIDA (19 - 24) - 7:10 PM
JEFF NIEMANN (R) vs. SEAN WEST (L)
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

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

JEFF NIEMANN vs. FLORIDA since 1997
No recent starts.

SEAN WEST vs. TAMPA BAY since 1997
No recent starts.

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TORONTO (27 - 18) at ATLANTA (21 - 20) - 7:10 PM
CASEY JANSSEN (R) vs. DEREK LOWE (R)
Top Trends for this game.
TORONTO is 84-64 (+14.6 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters over the last 2 seasons.
ATLANTA is 93-110 (-25.7 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
ATLANTA is 46-52 (-27.9 Units) against the money line in home games in an inter-league game since 1997.
ATLANTA is 92-108 (-24.8 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
ATLANTA is 63-75 (-19.6 Units) against the money line in night games over the last 2 seasons.
ATLANTA is 10-16 (-9.3 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.
ATLANTA is 82-94 (-22.7 Units) against the money line after a win over the last 3 seasons.
ATLANTA is 21-31 (-14.6 Units) against the money line in home games when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
ATLANTA is 1-0 (+1.6 Units) against TORONTO this season
1 of 1 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+1.0 Units)

CASEY JANSSEN vs. ATLANTA since 1997
No recent starts.

DEREK LOWE vs. TORONTO since 1997
LOWE is 3-4 when starting against TORONTO with an ERA of 4.94 and a WHIP of 1.463.
His team's record is 5-4 (-0.5 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 3-5. (-2.8 units)

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CLEVELAND (16 - 27) at CINCINNATI (22 - 19) - 7:10 PM
DAVID HUFF (L) vs. HOMER BAILEY (R)
Top Trends for this game.
CLEVELAND is 16-27 (-11.9 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
CLEVELAND is 15-22 (-14.9 Units) against the money line in an inter-league game over the last 3 seasons.
CLEVELAND is 14-23 (-10.3 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
CLEVELAND is 11-23 (-13.4 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.
CINCINNATI is 17-6 (+10.7 Units) against the money line in home games in May games over the last 2 seasons.
CINCINNATI is 221-257 (-67.2 Units) against the money line in home games after a win since 1997.
CINCINNATI is 38-50 (-17.7 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 1-0 (+1.0 Units) against CLEVELAND this season
1 of 1 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+1.0 Units)

DAVID HUFF vs. CINCINNATI since 1997
No recent starts.

HOMER BAILEY vs. CLEVELAND since 1997
BAILEY is 1-0 when starting against CLEVELAND with an ERA of 3.60 and a WHIP of 1.800.
His team's record is 1-0 (+1.3 units) in these starts. The OVER is 0-1. (-1.1 units)

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ARIZONA (18 - 24) at OAKLAND (15 - 24) - 9:05 PM
DAN HAREN (R) vs. EDGAR GONZALEZ (R)
Top Trends for this game.
ARIZONA is 101-104 (-21.7 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
ARIZONA is 101-101 (-18.1 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
ARIZONA is 68-76 (-21.9 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters over the last 2 seasons.
ARIZONA is 45-53 (-16.6 Units) against the money line after a win over the last 2 seasons.
OAKLAND is 72-35 (+29.6 Units) against the money line in home games in an inter-league game since 1997.
OAKLAND is 160-189 (-53.9 Units) against the money line in May games since 1997.

Head-to-Head Series History
ARIZONA is 1-0 (+1.4 Units) against OAKLAND this season
1 of 1 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+1.0 Units)

DAN HAREN vs. OAKLAND since 1997
HAREN is 1-0 when starting against OAKLAND with an ERA of 1.29 and a WHIP of 0.714.
His team's record is 1-0 (+1.0 units) in these starts. The OVER is 1-0. (+1.0 units)

EDGAR GONZALEZ vs. ARIZONA since 1997
No recent starts.

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LA ANGELS (22 - 19) at LA DODGERS (29 - 14) - 10:10 PM
JOHN LACKEY (R) vs. RANDY WOLF (L)
Top Trends for this game.
LA DODGERS are 29-14 (+13.1 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
LA DODGERS are 17-4 (+11.4 Units) against the money line in home games this season.
LA DODGERS are 34-13 (+15.9 Units) against the money line at home when the total is 8 to 8.5 over the last 2 seasons.
LA DODGERS are 29-14 (+13.1 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
WOLF is 23-8 (+14.6 Units) against the money line in home games over the last 3 seasons. (Team's Record)
WOLF is 18-4 (+12.0 Units) against the money line in home games in May games since 1997. (Team's Record)
WOLF is 23-8 (+14.6 Units) against the money line in home games in games played on a grass field over the last 3 seasons. (Team's Record)
WOLF is 13-3 (+9.8 Units) against the money line in home games in night games over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
WOLF is 58-49 (+18.3 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record since 1997. (Team's Record)
LA ANGELS are 123-84 (+25.3 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
LA ANGELS are 61-43 (+21.1 Units) against the money line in road games over the last 2 seasons.
LA ANGELS are 117-74 (+29.7 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
LA ANGELS are 46-31 (+16.1 Units) against the money line in road games in night games over the last 2 seasons.
LA ANGELS are 41-23 (+13.6 Units) against the money line against left-handed starters over the last 2 seasons.
LA ANGELS are 39-22 (+19.4 Units) against the money line in road games after a win over the last 2 seasons.
LA ANGELS are 57-41 (+14.0 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.
LACKEY is 17-5 (+13.4 Units) against the money line in an inter-league game since 1997. (Team's Record)

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

JOHN LACKEY vs. LA DODGERS since 1997
LACKEY is 5-1 when starting against LA DODGERS with an ERA of 1.17 and a WHIP of 0.891.
His team's record is 6-1 (+5.7 units) in these starts. The OVER is 0-7. (-7.5 units)

RANDY WOLF vs. LA ANGELS since 1997
WOLF is 0-1 when starting against LA ANGELS with an ERA of 7.20 and a WHIP of 2.000.
His team's record is 0-1 (-1.0 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 0-1. (-1.1 units)

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SAN FRANCISCO (19 - 22) at SEATTLE (20 - 23) - 10:10 PM
MATT CAIN (R) vs. GARRETT OLSON (L)
Top Trends for this game.
CAIN is 28-46 (-20.9 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
CAIN is 28-46 (-20.9 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
CAIN is 18-30 (-15.0 Units) against the money line in night games over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
SAN FRANCISCO is 670-569 (+77.5 Units) against the money line in night games since 1997.
SEATTLE is 81-124 (-40.8 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
SEATTLE is 15-34 (-21.9 Units) against the money line in May games over the last 2 seasons.
SEATTLE is 73-113 (-39.7 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
SEATTLE is 52-86 (-33.5 Units) against the money line in night games over the last 2 seasons.
SEATTLE is 51-89 (-38.6 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters over the last 2 seasons.
SEATTLE is 15-30 (-17.8 Units) against the money line in home games after a win over the last 2 seasons.

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

MATT CAIN vs. SEATTLE since 1997
No recent starts.

GARRETT OLSON vs. SAN FRANCISCO since 1997
No recent starts.

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[Udog]

MLB


Saturday, May 23

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Tips and Trends
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Philadelphia Phillies at New York Yankees [FOX | 4:10 PM ET]

Phillies: The Phillies improved to 7-1 on their season high-tying 10-game road trip with last night's 7-3 win at Yankee Stadium. Philly is tops in the majors with a 15-5 road record. Philadelphia now turns to J.A. Happ (2-0, 2.49 ERA), making his first start of the season in place of Chan Ho Park, who was demoted to the bullpen Tuesday. The left-hander, who has never faced the Yankees, is 1-1 with a 3.58 ERA in five career starts. Happ, who last pitched May 15 at Washington, hasn't given up a run in six straight appearances, allowing five hits and four walks while striking out seven over 10 1-3 innings.

The Phillies are 6-1 in their last 7 road games vs. a left-handed starter.
The Under is 10-2-1 in Phillies' last 13 interleague games vs. a team with a winning record.

Key Injuries - NONE

PROJECTED SCORE: 4

Yankees (-165, O/U 11.5): New York had their nine-game winning streak end last night. New York had averaged 6.6 runs (6.9 at home) during its nine-game run, with seven wins coming at home. Andy Pettitte (4-1, 4.18) looks to win his third straight start for New York. The left-hander allowed a season-high 12 hits and four runs in 6 2-3 innings Monday in a 7-6 victory over Minnesota. Pettitte is 2-2 with a 3.38 ERA in six starts against Philadelphia. He hasn't faced the Phillies since Sept. 6, 2006. Jimmy Rollins, Raul Ibanez, Chase Utley and Ryan Howard are a combined 10 for 43 (.233) with a homer and nine strikeouts against Pettitte.

The Under is 9-1-1 in Pettitte's last 11 interleague starts.
The Yankees are 24-7 in their last 31 interleague home games vs. a left-handed starter.

Key Injuries - OF Xavier Nady (elbow) is on the 15-day DL.
C Jorge Posada (hamstring) is on the 15-day DL.
C Jose Molina (quadriceps) is on the 15-day DL.

PROJECTED SCORE: 5 (UNDER - Total Play of the Day)


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[Udog]

NBA


Saturday, May 23

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Tips and Trends
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Los Angeles Lakers at Denver Nuggets [ABC | 8:35 PM ET]

Lakers: The Lakers feel they should be heading to Denver halfway to winning the best-of-7 series. "A bounce of the ball here and we're up 2-0," Kobe Bryant said. "A bounce of the ball here and they win Game 1." That's how close this series is: both times each team has done enough things right to have a shot at the end and enough things wrong to have plenty of regrets. The Lakers were an NBA-best 29-12 on the road in the regular season, although they're just 2-3 away from Staples Center in the playoffs. "They'll be playing looser, with more confidence, more energy, more aggression," Bryant said.

The Under is 15-2 in the Lakers' last 17 games following a SU loss.
The Lakers are 6-2 SU and 7-1 ATS as an underdog this season.

Key Injuries - NONE

PROJECTED SCORE: 106 (Side Play of the Day)

Nuggets (-3.5, O/U 211): The Nuggets haven't lost at home in 11 weeks. Denver is 6-0 at home in the playoffs. Denver is calling for more consistency and production from their bench. J.R. Smith's shot isn't falling, Anthony Carter has been in a funk and Chris "Birdman" Andersen has his hands full guarding Pau Gasol. Linas Kleiza came to the rescue in Game 2 with 16 points and eight rebounds while opening up the floor for Carmelo Anthony and Chauncey Billups. Billups said, "Game 2, we learned from our mistakes and closed out...we just want to try to be aggressive and play like we have been playing on our home floor."

The Nuggets are 10-1 ATS in their last 11 games as a favorite.
The Under is 8-1 in the last 9 meetings.

Key Injuries - NONE

PROJECTED SCORE: 105


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[Udog]

MLB
Short Sheet


Saturday, 5/23/2009

National League

CHICAGO CUBS at SAN DIEGO, 10:05 PM ET
WELLS: CHC 22-7 after a loss by 4+ runs
GEER: SD 56-80 when the total is 7 to 8.5

Inter League

KANSAS CITY at ST LOUIS, 1:10 PM ET
HOCHEVAR: KC 58-102 when the total is 9 to 9.5
LOHSE: STL 13-2 after 3+ consecutive home games

TEXAS at HOUSTON, 4:10 PM ET
FELDMAN: TEX 14-6 in May
MOEHLER: HOU 15-4 UNDER at home when the total is 10 to 10.5

PHILADELPHIA at NY YANKEES, 4:10 PM ET
HAPP: PHI 8-2 as an underdog of +100 to +150
PETTITTE: 7-13 TSR as a favorite of -125 to -175

PITTSBURGH at CHI WHITE SOX, 7:05 PM ET
OHLENDORF: PIT 21-9 OVER when playing on Saturday
RICHARD: CHW 16-32 after having won 3 of their last 4

NY METS at BOSTON, 7:10 PM ET
PELFREY: NYM 19-13 as a road underdog of +125 to +175
BECKETT: BOS 40-23 OVER when playing on Saturday

BALTIMORE at WASHINGTON, 7:05 PM ET
UEHARA: BAL 14-5 OVER in road games
DETWILER: WAS 9-24 when the total is 8.5 to 10

COLORADO at DETROIT, 7:05 PM ET
MARQUIS: 15-8 TSR as an underdog
GALARRAGA: DET 20-7 UNDER at home after 5+ consecutive home games

MILWAUKEE at MINNESOTA, 7:10 PM ET
LOOPER: MIL 11-4 AWAY when the total is 8.5 to 10
SWARZAK: MIN 14-6 OVER as a home favorite

TAMPA BAY at FLORIDA, 7:10 PM ET
NIEMANN: TB 4-11 AWAY when the money line is +125 to -125
WEST: FLA 13-6 revenging a home loss by 6+

TORONTO at ATLANTA, 7:10 PM ET
JANSSEN: TOR 7-0 OVER after a loss by 2 runs or less
LOWE: ATL 1-8 at home with a money line of -100 to -150

CLEVELAND at CINCINNATI, 7:10 PM ET
HUFF: CLE 4-14 when the total is 10+
BAILEY: CIN 17-6 at home in May

ARIZONA at OAKLAND, 9:05 PM ET
HAREN: ARI 8-14 as a favorite
GONZALEZ: OAK 12-5 as a home underdog of +125 or more

LA ANGELS at LA DODGERS, 10:10 PM ET
LACKEY: 17-5 TSR in interleague play
WOLF: 22-9 UNDER in night games

SAN FRANCISCO at SEATTLE, 10:10 PM ET
CAIN: SF 32-15 UNDER in night games
OLSON: SEA 20-40 as a favorite

** (TC) Denotes Time Change