Friday Trends and Indexes 6/19 ( MLB, WNBA, Misc.)

[Udog]

You guys are SPECIAL.

I know the room...
I've walked the floor...

You are the best............................

Thank you, Lucus! What a guy! I just saw your post in "Comment on Bettors Chat". That was just too nice! Good luck today!

[Udog]

A little late, but congrats on 15K posts. pm530. You do a great job along with Udog, to provide good info. Thanks, it is appreciated.

Hey, Mavs,

15,000 posts!! Wow! Kinda sounds like we need to find ol' PM a job, doesn't it?

[pm530]

I have my job! ....now back to work!

[pm530]

MLB
Dunkel Index


St. Louis at Kansas City
The Cards come in just 3-8 in their last 11 games against teams with a losing record and face a Kansas City club (29-36 SU) that is 7-3 in Kyle Davies' last 10 starts. The Royals are the pick (+120) according to Dunkel, which has Kansas City favored by 1 1/2. Dunkel Pick: Kansas City (+120). Here are all of today's picks.

FRIDAY, JUNE 19

Game 901-902: Pittsburgh at Colorado
Dunkel Ratings: Pittsburgh (Ohlendorf) 16.403; Colorado (Marquis) 15.826
Dunkel Line: Pittsburgh by 1/2; 9 1/2
Vegas Line: Colorado (-180); 10
Dunkel Pick: Pittsburgh (+170); Under

Game 903-904: Cleveland at Chicago Cubs
Dunkel Ratings: Cleveland (Lee) 15.794; Cubs (Harden) 15.174
Dunkel Line: Cleveland by 1 1/2; 6 1/2
Vegas Line: Chicago Cubs (-115); No Run Line
Dunkel Pick: Cleveland (+105); N/A

Game 905-906: Baltimore at Philadelphia
Dunkel Ratings: Baltimore (Hill) 14.910; Philadelphia (Bastardo) 16.319
Dunkel Line: Philadelphia by 1 1/2; 9 1/2
Vegas Line: Philadelphia (-155); 10 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Philadelphia (-155); Under

Game 907-908: Toronto at Washington
Dunkel Ratings: Toronto (Tallet) 14.431; Washington (Zimmerman) 16.107
Dunkel Line: Washington by 1 1/2; 7 1/2
Vegas Line: Toronto (-120); 9
Dunkel Pick: Washington (+110); Under

Game 909-910: Milwaukee at Detroit
Dunkel Ratings: Milwaukee (Looper) 15.610; Detroit (Galarraga) 14.480
Dunkel Line: Milwaukee by 1; 9 1/2
Vegas Line: Detroit (-135); 10 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Milwaukee (+125); Under

Game 911-912: NY Yankees at Florida
Dunkel Ratings: NY Yankees (Pettitte) 14.761; Florida (West) 15.887
Dunkel Line: Florida by 1; 10
Vegas Line: NY Yankees (-135); 9 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Florida (+125); Over

Game 913-914: Tampa Bay at NY Mets
Dunkel Ratings: Tampa Bay (Sonnanstine) 15.733; NY Mets (Nieve) 15.645
Dunkel Line: Tampa Bay by 1/2; 10
Vegas Line: NY Mets (-130); 9 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Tampa Bay (+120); Over

Game 915-916: Chicago White Sox at Cincinnati
Dunkel Ratings: White Sox (Contreras) 13.980; Cincinnati (Arroyo) 14.225
Dunkel Line: Cincinnati by 1/2; 8 1/2
Vegas Line: Chicago White Sox (-115); 9
Dunkel Pick: Cincinnati (+105); Under

Game 917-918: Atlanta at Boston
Dunkel Ratings: Atlanta (Kawakami) 14.889; Boston (Matsuzaka) 15.961
Dunkel Line: Boston by 1; 9
Vegas Line: Boston (-150); 10 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Boston (-150); Under

Game 919-920: Houston at Minnesota
Dunkel Ratings: Houston (Oswalt) 15.761; Minnesota (Slowey) 15.280
Dunkel Line: Houston by 1/2; 8
Vegas Line: Minnesota (-150); 8 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Houston (+140); Under

Game 921-922: St. Louis at Kansas City
Dunkel Ratings: St. Louis (Thompson) 13.413; Kansas City (Davies) 14.786
Dunkel Line: Kansas City by 1 1/2; 8 1/2
Vegas Line: St. Louis (-130); 9
Dunkel Pick: Kansas City (+120); Under

Game 923-924: Oakland at San Diego
Dunkel Ratings: Oakland (Outman) 13.893; San Diego (Leblanc) 14.624
Dunkel Line: San Diego by 1/2; 7 1/2
Vegas Line: Oakland (-145); 8
Dunkel Pick: San Diego (+135); Under

Game 925-926: LA Dodgers at LA Angels
Dunkel Ratings: LA Dodgers (Billingsley) 16.282; LA Angels (Saunders) 15.737
Dunkel Line: LA Dodgers by 1/2; 9
Vegas Line: LA Dodgers (-120); 8
Dunkel Pick: LA Dodges (-120); Over

Game 927-928: Arizona at Seattle
Dunkel Ratings: Arizona (Garland) 16.214; Seattle (Washburn) 14.977
Dunkel Line: Arizona by 1; 7 1/2
Vegas Line: Seattle (-155); 8
Dunkel Pick: Arizona (+145); Under

Game 929-930: Texas at San Francisco
Dunkel Ratings: Texas (Feldman) 15.773; San Francisco (Johnson) 14.509
Dunkel Line: Texas by 1 1/2; 9 1/2
Vegas Line: Texas (-120); 8 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Texas (-120); Over

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[pm530]

MLB
Long Sheet


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Friday, June 19
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PITTSBURGH (31 - 35) at COLORADO (33 - 33) - 9:10 PM
ROSS OHLENDORF (R) vs. JASON MARQUIS (R)
Top Trends for this game.
COLORADO is 13-4 (+11.2 Units) against the money line in June games this season.
COLORADO is 110-94 (+14.5 Units) against the money line after a win over the last 3 seasons.
MARQUIS is 52-70 (-38.8 Units) against the money line in night games since 1997. (Team's Record)
MARQUIS is 55-63 (-33.6 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record since 1997. (Team's Record)

Head-to-Head Series History
PITTSBURGH is 2-1 (+1.0 Units) against COLORADO this season
2 of 3 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+1.0 Units)

ROSS OHLENDORF vs. COLORADO since 1997
No recent starts.

JASON MARQUIS vs. PITTSBURGH since 1997
MARQUIS is 8-6 when starting against PITTSBURGH with an ERA of 3.99 and a WHIP of 1.287.
His team's record is 10-9 (-3.2 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 10-6. (+3.2 units)

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CLEVELAND (29 - 39) at CHICAGO CUBS (31 - 31) - 2:20 PM
CLIFF LEE (L) vs. RICH HARDEN (R)
Top Trends for this game.
CLEVELAND is 110-120 (-19.4 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
CLEVELAND is 9-18 (-12.8 Units) against the money line in an inter-league game over the last 2 seasons.
CLEVELAND is 29-44 (-18.6 Units) against the money line in day games over the last 2 seasons.
CLEVELAND is 22-33 (-13.0 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.
LEE is 52-36 (+19.6 Units) against the money line in road games since 1997. (Team's Record)
LEE is 22-8 (+14.4 Units) against the money line in June games since 1997. (Team's Record)
CHICAGO CUBS are 531-483 (-111.3 Units) against the money line in home games since 1997.
CHICAGO CUBS are 389-354 (-74.2 Units) against the money line in home games in day games since 1997.
CHICAGO CUBS are 931-956 (-171.0 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field since 1997.
CHICAGO CUBS are 479-507 (-119.9 Units) against the money line after a win since 1997.
CHICAGO CUBS are 489-466 (-105.4 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record since 1997.
CHICAGO CUBS are 988-1040 (-193.2 Units) against the money line in all games since 1997.

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

CLIFF LEE vs. CHICAGO CUBS since 1997
LEE is 1-0 when starting against CHICAGO CUBS with an ERA of 1.17 and a WHIP of 1.173.
His team's record is 1-0 (+1.0 units) in these starts. The OVER is 0-1. (-1.0 units)

RICH HARDEN vs. CLEVELAND since 1997
HARDEN is 1-0 when starting against CLEVELAND with an ERA of 3.43 and a WHIP of 1.286.
His team's record is 3-1 (+1.5 units) in these starts. The OVER is 2-1. (+0.8 units)

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BALTIMORE (29 - 37) at PHILADELPHIA (36 - 28) - 7:05 PM
RICH HILL (L) vs. ANTONIO BASTARDO (L)
Top Trends for this game.
BALTIMORE is 247-331 (-96.5 Units) against the money line against left-handed starters since 1997.
BALTIMORE is 71-127 (-39.6 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 3 seasons.
PHILADELPHIA is 139-101 (+14.3 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
BALTIMORE is 79-83 (+6.3 Units) against the money line in night games over the last 2 seasons.
PHILADELPHIA is 13-19 (-13.7 Units) against the money line in home games in games played on a grass field this season.
PHILADELPHIA is 8-14 (-11.5 Units) against the money line in home games in night games this season.
PHILADELPHIA is 13-19 (-13.7 Units) against the money line in home games this season.

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

RICH HILL vs. PHILADELPHIA since 1997
HILL is 0-2 when starting against PHILADELPHIA with an ERA of 5.74 and a WHIP of 1.659.
His team's record is 1-2 (-1.0 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 1-2. (-1.3 units)

ANTONIO BASTARDO vs. BALTIMORE since 1997
No recent starts.

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TORONTO (37 - 31) at WASHINGTON (18 - 46) - 7:05 PM
BRIAN TALLET (L) vs. JORDAN ZIMMERMANN (R)
Top Trends for this game.
TORONTO is 9-18 (-11.1 Units) against the money line on the road with a money line of -100 to -125 over the last 2 seasons.
TORONTO is 4-17 (-13.1 Units) against the money line in road games after 3 or more consecutive wins over the last 3 seasons.
WASHINGTON is 99-99 (+30.0 Units) against the money line when the total is 9 to 9.5 over the last 3 seasons.
WASHINGTON is 57-44 (+19.9 Units) against the money line at home when the total is 9 to 9.5 over the last 3 seasons.
WASHINGTON is 65-42 (+27.6 Units) against the money line in home games in an inter-league game since 1997.
WASHINGTON is 18-46 (-24.2 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
WASHINGTON is 10-22 (-12.5 Units) against the money line in home games this season.
WASHINGTON is 18-43 (-21.2 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
WASHINGTON is 12-33 (-19.2 Units) against the money line in night games this season.
WASHINGTON is 10-25 (-17.2 Units) against the money line in home games against left-handed starters over the last 2 seasons.
WASHINGTON is 10-30 (-16.1 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record this season.

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

BRIAN TALLET vs. WASHINGTON since 1997
No recent starts.

JORDAN ZIMMERMANN vs. TORONTO since 1997
No recent starts.

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MILWAUKEE (37 - 29) at DETROIT (35 - 31) - 7:05 PM
BRADEN LOOPER (R) vs. ARMANDO GALARRAGA (R)
Top Trends for this game.
MILWAUKEE is 37-26 (+10.0 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
MILWAUKEE is 18-5 (+13.3 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record this season.
DETROIT is 103-102 (-18.6 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
DETROIT is 68-79 (-22.0 Units) against the money line in night games over the last 2 seasons.
DETROIT is 69-91 (-36.6 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters over the last 2 seasons.
DETROIT is 109-119 (-28.9 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
GALARRAGA is 0-8 (-9.1 Units) against the money line in night games this season. (Team's Record)

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

BRADEN LOOPER vs. DETROIT since 1997
LOOPER is 1-1 when starting against DETROIT with an ERA of 9.90 and a WHIP of 1.900.
His team's record is 1-1 (+0.6 units) in these starts. The OVER is 2-0. (+2.0 units)

ARMANDO GALARRAGA vs. MILWAUKEE since 1997
No recent starts.

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NY YANKEES (37 - 29) at FLORIDA (33 - 35) - 7:10 PM
ANDY PETTITTE (L) vs. SEAN WEST (L)
Top Trends for this game.
NY YANKEES are 21-32 (-21.1 Units) against the money line in road games against left-handed starters over the last 3 seasons.
FLORIDA is 117-112 (+18.8 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
FLORIDA is 71-53 (+26.4 Units) against the money line when the total is 9 to 9.5 over the last 2 seasons.
FLORIDA is 123-100 (+30.3 Units) against the money line in an inter-league game since 1997.
FLORIDA is 113-110 (+15.2 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
FLORIDA is 16-7 (+9.8 Units) against the money line against left-handed starters this season.
FLORIDA is 59-55 (+17.6 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.
FLORIDA is 10-21 (-14.8 Units) against the money line in home games when playing on Friday over the last 3 seasons.

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

ANDY PETTITTE vs. FLORIDA since 1997
PETTITTE is 4-3 when starting against FLORIDA with an ERA of 2.74 and a WHIP of 1.216.
His team's record is 4-3 (-1.4 units) in these starts. The OVER is 3-4. (-1.3 units)

SEAN WEST vs. NY YANKEES since 1997
No recent starts.

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TAMPA BAY (35 - 33) at NY METS (33 - 31) - 7:10 PM
ANDY SONNANSTINE (R) vs. FERNANDO NIEVE (R)
Top Trends for this game.
TAMPA BAY is 3-14 (-13.0 Units) against the money line on the road with a money line of -100 to -125 this season.
TAMPA BAY is 140-106 (+25.4 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
TAMPA BAY is 27-9 (+18.5 Units) against the money line when playing on Friday over the last 2 seasons.
TAMPA BAY is 102-64 (+31.7 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters over the last 2 seasons.
NY METS are 23-25 (-15.4 Units) against the money line at home when the total is 9 to 9.5 over the last 2 seasons.
NY METS are 44-53 (-24.4 Units) against the money line when the total is 9 to 9.5 over the last 2 seasons.

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

ANDY SONNANSTINE vs. NY METS since 1997
No recent starts.

FERNANDO NIEVE vs. TAMPA BAY since 1997
No recent starts.

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CHI WHITE SOX (31 - 35) at CINCINNATI (33 - 32) - 7:10 PM
JOSE CONTRERAS (R) vs. BRONSON ARROYO (R)
Top Trends for this game.
CHI WHITE SOX are 15-33 (-15.1 Units) against the money line in road games when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.
CINCINNATI is 19-12 (+8.2 Units) against the money line after a loss this season.
CHI WHITE SOX are 114-88 (+16.3 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
CINCINNATI is 76-99 (-31.1 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 3 seasons.
ARROYO is 10-26 (-18.6 Units) against the money line in June games since 1997. (Team's Record)

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

JOSE CONTRERAS vs. CINCINNATI since 1997
CONTRERAS is 1-0 when starting against CINCINNATI with an ERA of 4.85 and a WHIP of 1.308.
His team's record is 2-0 (+2.0 units) in these starts. The OVER is 2-0. (+2.0 units)

BRONSON ARROYO vs. CHI WHITE SOX since 1997
ARROYO is 1-2 when starting against CHI WHITE SOX with an ERA of 6.51 and a WHIP of 1.396.
His team's record is 1-2 (-1.6 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 2-1. (+0.8 units)

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ATLANTA (31 - 34) at BOSTON (40 - 26) - 7:10 PM
KENSHIN KAWAKAMI (R) vs. DAISUKE MATSUZAKA (R)
Top Trends for this game.
ATLANTA is 31-34 (-10.0 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
ATLANTA is 45-69 (-20.6 Units) against the money line in road games over the last 2 seasons.
ATLANTA is 17-25 (-13.0 Units) against the money line in June games over the last 2 seasons.
ATLANTA is 31-34 (-10.0 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
ATLANTA is 20-24 (-10.3 Units) against the money line in night games this season.
ATLANTA is 17-24 (-12.8 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.
ATLANTA is 87-99 (-24.6 Units) against the money line after a win over the last 3 seasons.
BOSTON is 81-37 (+23.6 Units) against the money line in home games over the last 2 seasons.
BOSTON is 36-19 (+10.2 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
BOSTON is 101-67 (+17.0 Units) against the money line in night games over the last 2 seasons.
BOSTON is 55-21 (+20.2 Units) against the money line in home games after a loss over the last 3 seasons.
BOSTON is 57-30 (+19.2 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 2 seasons.

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

KENSHIN KAWAKAMI vs. BOSTON since 1997
No recent starts.

DAISUKE MATSUZAKA vs. ATLANTA since 1997
MATSUZAKA is 1-0 when starting against ATLANTA with an ERA of 3.38 and a WHIP of 1.125.
His team's record is 1-0 (+1.0 units) in these starts. The OVER is 1-0. (+1.0 units)

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HOUSTON (30 - 34) at MINNESOTA (34 - 34) - 8:10 PM
ROY OSWALT (R) vs. KEVIN SLOWEY (R)
Top Trends for this game.
MINNESOTA is 76-41 (+25.1 Units) against the money line in home games over the last 2 seasons.
MINNESOTA is 26-9 (+18.8 Units) against the money line when playing on Friday over the last 2 seasons.
MINNESOTA is 21-6 (+17.0 Units) against the money line in an inter-league game over the last 2 seasons.
MINNESOTA is 79-45 (+25.1 Units) against the money line in games played in a dome over the last 2 seasons.
MINNESOTA is 86-67 (+17.3 Units) against the money line in night games over the last 2 seasons.
MINNESOTA is 79-48 (+22.0 Units) against the money line in games played on artificial turf over the last 2 seasons.
HOUSTON is 85-81 (+11.7 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters over the last 2 seasons.
HOUSTON is 62-52 (+14.6 Units) against the money line after a win over the last 2 seasons.
HOUSTON is 116-109 (+18.8 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.

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

ROY OSWALT vs. MINNESOTA since 1997
OSWALT is 1-0 when starting against MINNESOTA with an ERA of 4.50 and a WHIP of 1.357.
His team's record is 1-1 (-0.5 units) in these starts. The OVER is 2-0. (+2.0 units)

KEVIN SLOWEY vs. HOUSTON since 1997
No recent starts.

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ST LOUIS (36 - 31) at KANSAS CITY (29 - 36) - 8:10 PM
BRAD THOMPSON (R) vs. KYLE DAVIES (R)
Top Trends for this game.
KANSAS CITY is 18-9 (+10.0 Units) against the money line in an inter-league game over the last 2 seasons.
ST LOUIS is 39-32 (+11.8 Units) against the money line in road games against right-handed starters over the last 2 seasons.
THOMPSON is 18-8 (+11.9 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
THOMPSON is 18-8 (+11.9 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
THOMPSON is 15-3 (+14.3 Units) against the money line in night games over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
KANSAS CITY is 60-107 (-34.8 Units) against the money line when the total is 9 to 9.5 over the last 3 seasons.
KANSAS CITY is 32-59 (-27.7 Units) against the money line at home when the total is 9 to 9.5 over the last 3 seasons.
KANSAS CITY is 57-85 (-24.7 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
ST LOUIS is 2-1 (+0.6 Units) against KANSAS CITY this season
3 of 3 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+3.0 Units)

BRAD THOMPSON vs. KANSAS CITY since 1997
THOMPSON is 1-2 when starting against KANSAS CITY with an ERA of 6.06 and a WHIP of 1.592.
His team's record is 1-2 (-1.1 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 3-0. (+3.0 units)

KYLE DAVIES vs. ST LOUIS since 1997
DAVIES is 1-2 when starting against ST LOUIS with an ERA of 2.79 and a WHIP of 1.138.
His team's record is 1-2 (-0.9 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 3-0. (+3.0 units)

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OAKLAND (28 - 37) at SAN DIEGO (29 - 36) - 10:05 PM
JOSH OUTMAN (L) vs. WADE LEBLANC (L)
Top Trends for this game.
SAN DIEGO is 9-2 (+7.8 Units) against the money line as a home underdog of +100 to +125 this season.
OAKLAND is 197-142 (+53.9 Units) against the money line in June games since 1997.
SAN DIEGO is 92-134 (-40.2 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
SAN DIEGO is 4-20 (-17.7 Units) against the money line in an inter-league game over the last 2 seasons.
SAN DIEGO is 92-134 (-40.2 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
SAN DIEGO is 64-99 (-32.6 Units) against the money line in night games over the last 2 seasons.
SAN DIEGO is 49-66 (-20.8 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 2 seasons.

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

JOSH OUTMAN vs. SAN DIEGO since 1997
No recent starts.

WADE LEBLANC vs. OAKLAND since 1997
No recent starts.

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LA DODGERS (44 - 23) at LA ANGELS (35 - 29) - 10:05 PM
CHAD BILLINGSLEY (R) vs. JOE SAUNDERS (L)
Top Trends for this game.
LA DODGERS are 10-20 (-12.4 Units) against the money line on the road with a money line of -100 to -125 over the last 2 seasons.
LA ANGELS are 136-94 (+28.3 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
LA ANGELS are 187-139 (+41.0 Units) against the money line when playing on Friday since 1997.
LA ANGELS are 32-13 (+16.5 Units) against the money line in an inter-league game over the last 3 seasons.
LA ANGELS are 32-23 (+10.6 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
LA ANGELS are 91-67 (+15.9 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters over the last 2 seasons.
LA ANGELS are 64-45 (+18.9 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.
SAUNDERS is 31-14 (+14.2 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
SAUNDERS is 30-12 (+15.2 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
SAUNDERS is 31-15 (+12.5 Units) against the money line in night games over the last 3 seasons. (Team's Record)
SAUNDERS is 27-14 (+12.8 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record since 1997. (Team's Record)
LA DODGERS are 44-23 (+17.4 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
LA DODGERS are 32-16 (+12.2 Units) against the money line in night games this season.
LA DODGERS are 44-23 (+17.4 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
LA ANGELS are 18-26 (-20.1 Units) against the money line at home when the total is 8 to 8.5 over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
LA ANGELS is 2-1 (+1.8 Units) against LA DODGERS this season
2 of 3 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+1.0 Units)

CHAD BILLINGSLEY vs. LA ANGELS since 1997
BILLINGSLEY is 1-2 when starting against LA ANGELS with an ERA of 2.84 and a WHIP of 1.263.
His team's record is 1-2 (-1.7 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 2-1. (+0.8 units)

JOE SAUNDERS vs. LA DODGERS since 1997
SAUNDERS is 1-1 when starting against LA DODGERS with an ERA of 2.92 and a WHIP of 1.298.
His team's record is 1-1 (-0.2 units) in these starts. The OVER is 0-2. (-2.2 units)

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ARIZONA (29 - 38) at SEATTLE (32 - 34) - 10:10 PM
JON GARLAND (R) vs. JARROD WASHBURN (L)
Top Trends for this game.
ARIZONA is 29-38 (-11.2 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
ARIZONA is 34-40 (-12.5 Units) against the money line when the total is 8 to 8.5 over the last 2 seasons.
ARIZONA is 10-24 (-12.9 Units) against the money line as a road underdog of +100 to +125 over the last 2 seasons.
ARIZONA is 14-28 (-16.1 Units) against the money line on the road when the total is 8 to 8.5 over the last 2 seasons.
ARIZONA is 29-38 (-11.2 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
ARIZONA is 77-79 (-14.5 Units) against the money line in night games over the last 2 seasons.
ARIZONA is 8-20 (-13.1 Units) against the money line after a win this season.
SEATTLE is 93-135 (-39.3 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
SEATTLE is 40-57 (-21.1 Units) against the money line when the total is 8 to 8.5 over the last 2 seasons.
SEATTLE is 85-124 (-38.2 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
SEATTLE is 60-93 (-32.1 Units) against the money line in night games over the last 2 seasons.
SEATTLE is 62-96 (-33.5 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters over the last 2 seasons.
SEATTLE is 55-80 (-23.6 Units) against the money line after a loss over the last 2 seasons.
WASHBURN is 11-27 (-15.4 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
WASHBURN is 26-36 (-24.5 Units) against the money line at home when the total is 8 to 8.5 since 1997. (Team's Record)
WASHBURN is 7-27 (-20.8 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
WASHBURN is 7-22 (-15.3 Units) against the money line in night games over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)

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

JON GARLAND vs. SEATTLE since 1997
GARLAND is 8-3 when starting against SEATTLE with an ERA of 3.71 and a WHIP of 1.428.
His team's record is 10-5 (+5.9 units) in these starts. The OVER is 8-6. (+1.6 units)

JARROD WASHBURN vs. ARIZONA since 1997
WASHBURN is 1-0 when starting against ARIZONA with an ERA of 4.00 and a WHIP of 1.111.
His team's record is 2-1 (+1.8 units) in these starts. The OVER is 3-0. (+3.1 units)

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TEXAS (37 - 28) at SAN FRANCISCO (34 - 31) - 10:15 PM
SCOTT FELDMAN (R) vs. RANDY JOHNSON (L)
Top Trends for this game.
SAN FRANCISCO is 680-575 (+81.6 Units) against the money line in night games since 1997.
TEXAS is 54-56 (+14.9 Units) against the money line in road games over the last 2 seasons.
TEXAS is 13-3 (+15.9 Units) against the money line on the road when the total is 8 to 8.5 over the last 2 seasons.
TEXAS is 36-26 (+10.3 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
TEXAS is 25-17 (+8.8 Units) against the money line in night games this season.
TEXAS is 61-50 (+17.5 Units) against the money line after a loss over the last 2 seasons.
TEXAS is 37-28 (+10.1 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
TEXAS is 14-3 (+17.0 Units) against the money line when the total is 8 to 8.5 over the last 2 seasons.

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

SCOTT FELDMAN vs. SAN FRANCISCO since 1997
No recent starts.

RANDY JOHNSON vs. TEXAS since 1997
JOHNSON is 6-2 when starting against TEXAS with an ERA of 3.26 and a WHIP of 1.086.
His team's record is 6-5 (-3.4 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 5-5. (-0.2 units)

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[pm530]

MLB
Short Sheet


Friday, June 19

National League

PITTSBURGH at COLORADO, 9:10 PM ET
OHLENDORF: PIT 26-19 after scoring 1 run or less
MARQUIS: COL 13-18 as a favorite

Interleague

CLEVELAND at CHICAGO CUBS, 2:20 PM ET
LEE: 22-8 TSR in June
HARDEN: 18-6 UNDER against AL Central

BALTIMORE at PHILADELPHIA, 7:05 PM ET
HILL: BAL 14-7 AWAY after 6+ consecutive home games
BASTARDO: PHI 8-14 at home in night games

TORONTO at WASHINGTON, 7:05 PM ET
TALLET: TOR 9-18 AWAY with a money line of -100 to -125
ZIMMERMANN: WAS 13-2 UNDER in June

MILWAUKEE at DETROIT, 7:05 PM ET
LOOPER: MIL 13-5 OVER after a win by 2 runs or less
GALARRAGA: DET 52-32 OVER after having lost 3 of their last 4

NY YANKEES at FLORIDA, 7:10 PM ET
PETTITTE: 23-8 UNDER when the total is 8.5 to 10
WEST: FLA 16-7 against left-handed starters

TAMPA BAY at NY METS, 7:10 PM ET
SONNANSTINE: TB 27-9 when playing on Friday
NIEVE: NYM 25-36 after 4+ consecutive road games

CHI WHITE SOX at CINCINNATI, 7:10 PM ET
CONTRERAS: CHW 12-5 AWAY after having won 2 of their last 3
ARROYO: 10-26 TSR in June

ATLANTA at BOSTON, 7:10 PM ET
KAWAKAMI: ATL 0-13 AWAY after a win by 6+ runs
MATSUZAKA: BOS 16-4 when the total is 10+

HOUSTON at MINNESOTA, 8:10 PM ET
OSWALT: HOU 16-6 UNDER after BB road games
SLOWEY: MIN 21-6 in interleague play

ST LOUIS at KANSAS CITY, 8:10 PM ET
THOMPSON: 15-3 TSR in night games
DAVIES: KC 15-7 OVER at home against right-handed starters

OAKLAND at SAN DIEGO, 10:05 PM ET
OUTMAN: OAK 28-15 OVER after scoring and allowing 3 runs or less
LEBLANC: SD 1-8 at home against AL West

LA DODGERS at LA ANGELS, 10:05 PM ET
BILLINGSLEY: LAD 28-14 UNDER in June
SAUNDERS: 11-4 TSR as an underdog

ARIZONA at SEATTLE, 10:10 PM ET
GARLAND: ARI 12-4 OVER in June
WASHBURN: 1-8 TSR as a favorite

TEXAS at SAN FRANCISCO, 10:15 PM ET
FELDMAN: TEX 16-3 when the total is 7 to 8.5
JOHNSON: SF 16-5 UNDER when the money line is +125 to -125

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[pm530]

MLB


Friday, June 19

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Tips and Trends
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Chicago White Sox at Cincinnati Reds [7:10 PM ET]

White Sox (-$1.10, O/U 9): The White Sox have defeated the Reds nine straight times. The last time Chicago lost to Cincinnati was on June 25, 1998. The White Sox are 12-2 lifetime versus the Reds, outscoring them, 28-11. A rejuvenated Jose Conteras will look to continue the streak. After going 0-5 with an 8.19 ERA in his first six starts this season, Contreras was sent to Triple-A. Since his return 11 days ago, Conteras has pitched 16 scoreless innings. During this span, Conteras has allowed three hits and three walks. Contreras defeated the Brewers during his last start Saturday, 8-1. He allowed two hits and two walks with eight strikeouts over eight innings. Contreras is 1-0 with a 4.85 ERA in two career starts versus Cincinnati. The White Sox are just 2-8 in Conteras’ last 10 starts. The White Sox, though, are 8-2 in their last 10 games versus National League Central Division clubs.

The Under is 36-16-2 in the White Sox’s last 54 games as a favorite.

Key Injuries - Carlos Quentin (foot) is on the DL

PROJECTED SCORE: 5

Reds: The Reds are having trouble scoring runs. They are 2-5 in their last seven games. They’ve managed just eight runs in their defeats during this seven-game span. The Reds are batting only .195 during their last 14 games, including hitting .183 with runners in scoring position. Bronson Arroyo won his last two starts in May, posting a 1.06 ERA. However, Arroyo is 0-2 with a 6.23 ERA in three starts since then. The right-hander yielded a season-high 11 hits in five innings during his last start on Saturday. He gave up six runs in a 7-4 loss to Kansas City. Arroyo hasn’t faced the White Sox since 2005, when he pitched for the Red Sox. Arroyo is 1-2 with a 6.52 ERA in three lifetime starts versus the White Sox. The Reds have won 14 of their last 18 when Arroyo has been a home favorite.

The Under has cashed in 12 of the Reds’ last 16 games.
Key Injuries - Joey Votto (head) is on the DL

PROJECTED SCORE: 4 (UNDER - Total of the Day)



Pittsburgh Pirates at Colorado Rockies [9:10 PM ET]

Pirates: Ross Ohlendorf faces Colorado for the first time. The right-hander allowed just one run and two hits in six innings in Pittsburgh’s 6-3 home victory against Detroit on Sunday. That was Ohlendorf’s first victory since May 18. Ohlendorf went 2-2 with a 5.56 ERA in his previous six starts. On the road this season, Ohlendorf is 2-3 with a 5.02 ERA. The Pirates rank second-to-last in home runs in the majors. They have been held to two runs or fewer 23 times this season. Pittsburgh has scored three or fewer runs in six of their past nine games. The Pirates have also dropped their previous four games in Colorado. They are 5-13 in their last 18 road contests when facing a right-handed starter. The Pirates have lost 46 of their past 67 games on Friday. They are 10-21 this season when meeting NL Central Division opponents.

The Under has cashed 7 of the last 10 times when Ohlendorf has been an underdog.

Key Injuries - Ryan Doumit (wrist) is on the DL

PROJECTED SCORE: 4

Rockies (-$1.70, O/U 10): Colorado is red-hot winning 13 of its last 14 games. The Rockies have posted a 2.62 ERA during these 13 victories. The Rockies are 8-1 the last nine times they’ve faced a right-handed starter. Jason Marquis is 4-1 with a 2.08 ERA in his last six starts. He has surrendered only two homers in 43 1/3 innings. He worked seven innings against Seattle on Saturday, giving up one run and seven hits in a Rockies’ 5-3 victory. Colorado is 5-1 in Marquis’ last six outings. The right-hander is 8-6 career-wise versus Pittsburgh with a 3.83 ERA. This will be his 20th career start against the Pirates. The Rockies have hit five homers in their last two games. Infielder Clint Barmes is batting .412 with four RBIs in his last four games. Colorado, though, is 3-7 in its last 10 meetings against teams with a losing record.

The Under is 5-1 in Marquis’ last six starts.

Key Injuries - None

PROJECTED SCORE: 6 (Side of the Day)

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[pm530]

WNBA
Dunkel Index


Chicago at Connecticut
The Sky look to take advantage of a Connecticut team that is 3-10 ATS in its last 13 games overall. Chicago is the pick (+5) according to Dunkel, which has Connecticut favored by 2. Dunkel Pick: Chicago (+5). Here are all of today's picks.

FRIDAY, JUNE 19

Game 601-602: Chicago at Connecticut
Dunkel Ratings: Chicago 109.061; Connecticut 111.253
Dunkel Line & Total: Connecticut by 2; 142
Vegas Line & Total: Connecticut by 5; 146 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Chicago (+5); Under

Game 603-604: San Antonio at New York
Dunkel Ratings: San Antonio 109.239; New York 112.380
Dunkel Line & Total: New York by 3; 132
Vegas Line & Total: New York by 5 1/2; 137
Dunkel Pick: San Antonio (+5 1/2); Under

Game 605-606: Indiana at Detroit
Dunkel Ratings: Indiana 111.338; Detroit 117.460
Dunkel Line & Total: Detroit by 6; 149
Vegas Line & Total: Detroit by 4; 143
Dunkel Pick: Detroit (-4); Over

Game 607-608: Washington at Atlanta
Dunkel Ratings: Washington 107.870; Atlanta 108.508
Dunkel Line & Total: Atlanta by 1; 148
Vegas Line & Total: Atlanta by 2; 151
Dunkel Pick: Washington (+2); Under

Game 609-610: Los Angeles at Phoenix
Dunkel Ratings: Los Angeles 110.145; Phoenix 118.599
Dunkel Line & Total: Phoenix by 8 1/2; 177
Vegas Line & Total: Phoenix by 4; 171 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Phoenix (-4); Over

Game 611-612: Minnesota at Seattle
Dunkel Ratings: Minnesota 108.673; Seattle 119.465
Dunkel Line & Total: Seattle by 11; 160
Vegas Line & Total: Seattle by 9; 153
Dunkel Pick: Seattle (-9); Over

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[pm530]

WNBA
Long Sheet


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Wednesday, June 17
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CHICAGO (3 - 1) at CONNECTICUT (1 - 3) - 6/19/2009, 7:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
CHICAGO is 11-3 ATS (+7.7 Units) on Friday over the last 3 seasons.
CHICAGO is 15-6 ATS (+8.4 Units) vs. division opponents over the last 2 seasons.
CONNECTICUT is 7-19 ATS (-13.9 Units) as a favorite over the last 2 seasons.
CONNECTICUT is 5-16 ATS (-12.6 Units) in home games over the last 2 seasons.
CONNECTICUT is 3-11 ATS (-9.1 Units) in home games in June games over the last 3 seasons.
CONNECTICUT is 9-20 ATS (-13.0 Units) in home games in May, June, or July games over the last 3 seasons.
CONNECTICUT is 8-18 ATS (-11.8 Units) vs. division opponents over the last 2 seasons.
CONNECTICUT is 2-11 ATS (-10.1 Units) in home games after a division game over the last 2 seasons.
CONNECTICUT is 4-14 ATS (-11.4 Units) in home games after scoring 75 points or more over the last 3 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
CHICAGO is 5-3 against the spread versus CONNECTICUT over the last 3 seasons
CONNECTICUT is 6-3 straight up against CHICAGO over the last 3 seasons
5 of 9 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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SAN ANTONIO (1 - 1) at NEW YORK (0 - 3) - 6/19/2009, 7:30 PM
Top Trends for this game.
NEW YORK is 9-2 ATS (+6.8 Units) when playing with 3 or more days rest over the last 2 seasons.
NEW YORK is 113-82 ATS (+22.8 Units) revenging a loss versus opponent since 1997.
SAN ANTONIO is 12-2 ATS (+9.8 Units) in road games against Eastern conference opponents over the last 3 seasons.
SAN ANTONIO is 12-2 ATS (+9.8 Units) in road games in non-conference games over the last 3 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
SAN ANTONIO is 3-2 against the spread versus NEW YORK over the last 3 seasons
SAN ANTONIO is 5-0 straight up against NEW YORK over the last 3 seasons
3 of 5 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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INDIANA (2 - 2) at DETROIT (1 - 2) - 6/19/2009, 7:30 PM
Top Trends for this game.
INDIANA is 62-92 ATS (-39.2 Units) as an underdog since 1997.
INDIANA is 18-42 ATS (-28.2 Units) as a road underdog of 3.5 to 6 points since 1997.
INDIANA is 64-94 ATS (-39.4 Units) in road games since 1997.

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

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WASHINGTON (3 - 0) at ATLANTA (2 - 2) - 6/19/2009, 7:30 PM
Top Trends for this game.
WASHINGTON is 161-209 ATS (-68.9 Units) in all games since 1997.
WASHINGTON is 98-133 ATS (-48.3 Units) as an underdog since 1997.
WASHINGTON is 23-46 ATS (-27.6 Units) when playing with 3 or more days rest since 1997.
WASHINGTON is 102-133 ATS (-44.3 Units) vs. division opponents since 1997.
WASHINGTON is 100-132 ATS (-45.2 Units) after a division game since 1997.
WASHINGTON is 13-28 ATS (-17.8 Units) after 3 or more consecutive unders since 1997.
WASHINGTON is 26-44 ATS (-22.4 Units) off an upset win as an underdog since 1997.
ATLANTA is 5-13 ATS (-9.3 Units) in home games over the last 2 seasons.
ATLANTA is 1-9 ATS (-8.9 Units) in home games when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
WASHINGTON is 2-1 against the spread versus ATLANTA over the last 3 seasons
WASHINGTON is 4-0 straight up against ATLANTA over the last 3 seasons
2 of 4 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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LOS ANGELES (1 - 3) at PHOENIX (4 - 1) - 6/19/2009, 10:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
LOS ANGELES is 7-17 ATS (-11.7 Units) in road games vs. division opponents over the last 3 seasons.
LOS ANGELES is 8-20 ATS (-14.0 Units) after a non-conference game over the last 3 seasons.
LOS ANGELES is 7-17 ATS (-11.7 Units) versus poor defensive teams - allowing 77+ points/game over the last 3 seasons.
PHOENIX is 110-81 ATS (+20.9 Units) as a favorite since 1997.
PHOENIX is 118-83 ATS (+26.7 Units) in home games since 1997.
PHOENIX is 76-50 ATS (+21.0 Units) in home games vs. division opponents since 1997.
PHOENIX is 48-29 ATS (+16.1 Units) in home games when playing against a team with a losing record since 1997.

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

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MINNESOTA (4 - 2) at SEATTLE (3 - 2) - 6/19/2009, 10:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
MINNESOTA is 42-67 ATS (-31.7 Units) in road games vs. division opponents since 1997.
SEATTLE is 29-17 ATS (+10.3 Units) as a favorite over the last 3 seasons.
SEATTLE is 10-2 ATS (+7.8 Units) as a home favorite of 6.5 to 9 points over the last 3 seasons.
SEATTLE is 15-5 ATS (+9.5 Units) in home games over the last 2 seasons.
SEATTLE is 12-3 ATS (+8.7 Units) in home games in May, June, or July games over the last 2 seasons.
SEATTLE is 6-0 ATS (+6.0 Units) in home games when playing with 3 or more days rest over the last 2 seasons.
SEATTLE is 11-2 ATS (+8.8 Units) in home games vs. division opponents over the last 2 seasons.
SEATTLE is 7-0 ATS (+7.0 Units) in home games after a non-conference game over the last 2 seasons.
SEATTLE is 10-2 ATS (+7.8 Units) in home games when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
SEATTLE is 6-2 against the spread versus MINNESOTA over the last 3 seasons
SEATTLE is 6-2 straight up against MINNESOTA over the last 3 seasons
6 of 8 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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[pm530]

WNBA


Wednesday, June 17

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Lady Luck: Today’s WNBA best bets
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Washington Mystics at Atlanta Dream

The WNBA’s only perfect team – in the standings and against the spread – is the Washington Mystics, who visit the Atlanta Dream on Friday night.

The surprising Mystics are 3-0 straight up and ATS, with two of the wins in road games at Connecticut and defending champion Detroit. New coach. Under bettors are loving that new coach Julie plank has the Mystics ranked third in the Dub in points against. They’ve cashed their wagers in all three Washington games this season.

The Mystics also lead the league in scoring margin at 8.0 but with scoring rookie Marissa Coleman out at least four weeks with an ankle injury, Washington may be leaning on its defense even more.

The Dream also have been a bit of a surprise, getting off to a 2-2 start (2-2 ATS). In its inaugural season a year ago, Atlanta lost its first 17 games before winning two in a row.

The Dream are next-to-last in 3-point shooting at under 23 percent.

Pick: Under



Chicago Sky at Connecticut Sun

Sylvia Fowles goes for her third straight double-double Friday as the Chicago Sky visit the Connecticut Sun in the back end of a home-and-home series.

Chicago (3-1) improved to 3-0 at home (2-1 ATS) with Tuesday’s 78-75 win over Connecticut as Fowles had 17 points and 10 rebounds. She had 12 points and 15 boards in Sunday’s win over Seattle.

But Fowles had a season-low four rebounds in a season-opening 102-85 loss at Minnesota. This is Chicago’s first trip since.

The Sun (1-3) are 0-2 at home, averaging just 65 points at Mohegan Sun Arena. They were under the total in their first three games before Tuesday’s season-high output.

Pick: Chicago

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[pm530]

Len’s Top Five


Friday, June 19

Len's Top 5

TGIF everyone, here's my Top 5 for June 19, 2009 from Len Berman Sports.

1. Quick Hits

The waterlogged U.S. Open resumed this morning. Hardly anything got done yesterday at Bethpage, yet fans didn't get a raincheck. What, it's an official round after 4 1/2 holes?

Donte' Stallworth got a slap on the wrist, 30 days in jail, for DUI manslaughter. But the NFL meted out some real justice. An indefinite suspension.

Alex Ovechkin of Washington wins the NHL MVP award for the 2nd straight year.

For the first time this season, nobody hits a homer at Yankee Stadium as the lowly Nationals shutout the Yankees 3-0.

Scouts from the Angels, Yankees, Cubs and Rays will watch former Met Pedro Martinez pitch in the Dominican Republic today, according to FOX Sports. Nobody has hired Pedro because he's too pricey.

2. No Way Jose

Jose Canseco has emerged as a beacon of truth. Many of his steroid accusations have come true. But now he wants to sue baseball, because among other things, he says his honesty has cost him a place in the Hall of Fame. To me, Canseco falls into the category of the "very very goods," not the "greatest of all time." Then again, there are some "very very goods" in Cooperstown, so maybe he might have made it down the road. But with all the steroid stuff swirling, at this point, he stands a better chance of winning a Pulitzer.

3. $port$ $tar$

Here's what we all have in common with all but 20 sports stars. We made less than $30-million last year. That was the cutoff to make the Forbes list of highest paid athletes. Don't feel bad, there are no NFL or NHL players on the list either. But there is a motorcycle racer and two Formula 1 drivers. Tiger Woods dwarfs the list at $110-million. A-Rod and Derek Jeter are at $32-million and $30-million respectively. Remember when a baseball player making 100-grand was a big deal?

4. Friday Mailbag

When I wrote about the Mets not showing replays to their paying customers when the play isn't positive for the Mets, many of you chimed in.

K.F. writes: "Absolutely ridiculous. It's like they're afraid the stadium fans will stop coming to games if they find out their team is less than perfect."
E.H. wrote: "Silly you!! The new technology is not to inform the spectator about the game. It's to inundate the spectator with advertising."
M.H. has had it with the Mets. "When the Mets finish a game or two (or twelve) off the wild card (again), they can point to the fact that the organization and their overpriced players are too lazy to do the basic things to win. They do not deserve any type of post-season, other than the firing of Omar and Jerry."
Editor's Note: It's not easy being a Mets fan, is it?

And in regards to the Subway Series, from R.N. "Sometimes its tough to tell Wright from Wang."
Editor's Note: Ouch.

As for Mike Tyson getting married for the third time, Gary writes: "Regarding Tyson's girlfriend...she's truly a knockout."
Editor's Note: He hasn't had too many of those lately.

In regards to ESPN The Magazine planning a nude athlete edition, @YankeesUpdate on twitter writes: "Isn't ESPN owned by ABC which is owned by Disney? That means that DISNEY is putting out a nudie mag? Walt is rolling over!"
Editor's Note: Can't wait for the remake of Snow White and the 7 Dwarfs.
Incidentally: I'm also at twitter: (LenBermanSports)

5. Genius of the Week

According to the British news service Ananova, a driver in Romania was pissed that a guy was taking too long crossing the road in front of him, so he jumped out of his car and bit the dawdler in the stomach. The driver has been charged with assault. As for the lazy pedestrian, he vows to hurry up crossing the street in the future. He said, "drivers often beep their horns at me and I just thought they were being friendly." So who's the genius of the week, the driver or the pedestrian? Tough Call.

Today's Birthday: Dallas Mavericks star Dirk Nowitzki. 31.
Bonus Birthday: Kathleen "Body Heat" Turner. 55.

Today in Sports: The first organized baseball game was played in Hoboken New Jersey. The New York Baseball Club defeated the Knickerbocker Club, 23 to 1. 1846.
Bonus Event: Ben and Jerry's Ice Cream and Jerry Garcia of the Grateful Dead come up with a new flavor. Cherry Garcia. 1987.

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[pm530]

MLB


Friday, June 19

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MLB Weekend Preview: Rays vs. Mets
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MLB Betting: Weekend Series Preview

A couple of baseball's postseason hopefuls hook up for an interesting interleague series when the defending American League champion Tampa Bay Rays hit the Big Apple for three games with the New York Mets beginning Friday night at Citi Field.

Andy Sonnanstine (5-6, 6.65, 1.55 WHIP) gets the start for Tampa in Friday's series opener (7:10 pm Eastern), against Fernando Nieve (1-0, 2.08, 0.81 WHIP) for New York. As of early Friday morning, BetJamaica.com is listing the Rays and Sonnanstine as -106 favorites for Friday, with the Mets and Nieve “getting” -104 as home underdogs. The game has been tagged with an over/under of 9.5.

James Shields (5-5, 3.52, 1.32) will take the hill for Tampa Saturday vs. Johan Santana (8-4, 3.29, 1.22) for the Mets (4:10 pm E, Fox). And Jeff Niemann (6-4, 4.21, 1.45) will go on Sunday for the Rays against Mike Pelfrey (5-2, 4.56, 1.46) for NY (1:10 pm E).

Tampa just dropped two of three games to the Rockies in Denver this week, but has won six of its last eight. Going into Friday's play, the Rays sit in fourth place in the AL East, six games back of the division-leading Boston Red Sox.

The Mets just lost two of three games to the Orioles in Baltimore, capped by a 5-4 loss Thursday in which closer Francisco Rodriguez coughed up a 4-3 lead in the bottom of the ninth. In losing their last three series, New York has gone 3-6, and dropped to three games behind the first-place Philadelphia Phillies in the National League East.

TB is two games over .500 on the season, but just 14-21 on the road. The Mets, meanwhile, are also two games above .500, and are 18-11 at home this year.

Tampa is a collective 21-19 when Sonnanstine, Shields and Niemann start this season, with the totals going 17-21. On the other side of this matchup, the Mets are 16-9 when Pelfrey and Santana start this season (Nieve has started just once), with the totals going 11-12.

These two teams have not met on the diamond since 2001.

Games played at Citi Field have averaged 8.6 total runs this season, which ranks 19th among all ML ballparks, as the totals have gone 13-14-2 in Mets home games. And only 48 home runs have been hit at Citi Field, the fourth-fewest total this year among all ballparks.

On the injury front, New York is still without 1B Carlos Delgado, SS Jose Reyes and RP JJ Putz, who are all sidelined with various ailments.

The totals are 33-32 in Rays games this season, as the majors' highest-scoring offense has helped Tampa games average 10.3 runs. The O/Us are 29-30 in Mets games this year, which are averaging 9.3 total runs.

The Rays rank 5th in the majors in team BA at .275, 4th in team OBP at .356, and 4th in home runs with 92.

New York ranks 3rd in the majors this season in team BA at .279, 28th in home runs with just 41, but 1st in team OBP at .359.

Just before this season started, the Mets were at +115 to win the NL East this year, +275 to win the NL pennant and +600 to win the World Series, with a regular-season wins over/under of 89.5. As of Friday morning the Mets were at +1,200 to win the Series, and were on a pace to win 84 games.

Tampa began this season getting +275 to win the AL East, +500 to win the pennant and +1,200 to win the World Series, with a season wins O/U of 89.5. As of Friday morning, the Rays were getting +2,000 to win the Series, and were on a pace to win 83 games.

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