Sunday Trends and Indexes 6/28 ( MLB, WNBA, Misc.)

[pm530]

Trends and Indexes

Sunday, June 28

Good Luck on day #179 of 2009!

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

NOTE:
As information becomes available, we will attempt to post the trends and indexes as soon as possible.
Information is posted from what we believe are reliable sources.
Any opinions expressed are not necessarily those of the posting member or BettorsChat.
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[pm530]

Daily Sports Roundup

Sunday, June 28

Today in the Daily Sports Roundup: Baseball wraps up its interleague schedule, and the drivers of the Sprint Cup Series race in the Lenox Industrial Tools 301.

Meeting up on the diamond . . .

Francisco Liriano (3-8, 5.88 ERA) will be looking to pick up a second consecutive victory on Sunday when the Twins finish off their road series against the Cardinals and Joel Pineiro (6-8, 3.40 ERA). Lefthander Liriano grabbed his first win since early May last time out, holding the Brewers to three earned runs on seven hits over five innings of work. Righthander Pineiro snapped a five-game skid last time out, pitching a shutout and giving up just two hits against the Mets.

The Rays will try to get David Price (1-2, 4.45 ERA) back into the win column on Sunday when they host the Marlins and Andrew Miller (2-3, 4.17 ERA). Lefthander Price is 0-2 with two no-decisions over his last four starts, and he was knocked around for 10 runs (five earned) over just 4 1-3 innings versus the Phillies last time out. Lefthander Miller was stuck with a no-decision against the Orioles in his last start despite allowing just one earned run over seven innings.

Meanwhile, the ESPN primetime matchup on Sunday is Yankees/Mets, with Chien-Ming Wang (0-6, 11.20 ERA) taking on Livan Hernandez (5-2, 4.05 ERA). Righthander Wang was tagged with his third consecutive loss last time out against the Braves, surrendering three earned runs over his five innings of work. Righthander Hernandez also picked up a loss in his last trip to the mound, despite giving up just three runs (two earned) in seven innings against the Cards.

Rounding out the MLB interleague slate for Sunday: Cincinnati at Cleveland, Philadelphia at Toronto, Washington at Baltimore, Kansas City at Pittsburgh, Boston at Atlanta, Detroit at Houston, the Cubs at the White Sox, Colorado at Oakland, Seattle at the Dodgers, the Angels at Arizona, and San Diego at Texas. The Giants and Brewers will also finish off their three-game NL set in Milwaukee.

Roaring around the track . . .

The drivers of the Sprint Cup Series will be at New Hampshire Motor Speedway on Sunday for the Lenox Industrial Tools 301. Jimmie Johnson is pegged as the 6/1 Vegas favorite to take the checkered flag on Sunday; Johnson won twice at New Hampshire back in 2003. Kyle Busch and Jeff Gordon both sit at 7/1 odds to visit victory lane, with each of Denny Hamlin, Mark Martin, and Tony Stewart pegged at 10/1 odds. Greg Biffle, who won the Sylvania 300 on the track back in September, is tied with Carl Edwards at 12/1 odds to get the win again this week.

Rounding out the Roundup . . .

Finally, there are just a pair of games on the WNBA schedule for Sunday, with Detroit hosting Sacramento, and Seattle hitting the road to take on Los Angeles. The Sparks are expected to be without center Lisa Leslie for the next couple of weeks because of a sprained knee. Los Angeles forward Candace Parker also remains out of action on maternity leave; she is expected back sometime in July.

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[pm530]

MLB


Sunday, June 28

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Trend Report
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1:05 PM
CINCINNATI vs. CLEVELAND
Cincinnati is 2-5 SU in its last 7 games
Cincinnati is 2-7 SU in its last 9 games on the road
Cleveland is 3-9 SU in its last 12 games when playing Cincinnati
Cleveland is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games at home

1:07 PM
PHILADELPHIA vs. TORONTO
Philadelphia is 2-9 SU in its last 11 games
Philadelphia is 1-6 SU in its last 7 games when playing Toronto
Toronto is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games
Toronto is 6-1 SU in its last 7 games when playing Philadelphia

1:35 PM
BOSTON vs. ATLANTA
Boston is 7-1 SU in its last 8 games when playing on the road against Atlanta
Boston is 10-2 SU in its last 12 games on the road
Atlanta is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games
Atlanta is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games at home

1:35 PM
KANSAS CITY vs. PITTSBURGH
Kansas City is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games when playing Pittsburgh
Kansas City is 5-17 SU in its last 22 games on the road
Pittsburgh is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games when playing at home against Kansas City
Pittsburgh is 6-1 SU in its last 7 games at home

1:35 PM
WASHINGTON vs. BALTIMORE
Washington is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games when playing on the road against Baltimore
Washington is 1-5 SU in its last 6 games
Baltimore is 7-3 SU in its last 10 games
Baltimore is 6-1 SU in its last 7 games at home

1:38 PM
FLORIDA vs. TAMPA BAY
Florida is 5-2 SU in its last 7 games
Florida is 1-7 SU in its last 8 games when playing Tampa Bay
Tampa Bay is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games when playing at home against Florida
Tampa Bay is 7-1 SU in its last 8 games when playing Florida

2:00 PM
DETROIT vs. HOUSTON
Detroit is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games when playing on the road against Houston
Detroit is 1-6 SU in its last 7 games on the road
Houston is 5-2 SU in its last 7 games at home
Houston is 5-2 SU in its last 7 games

2:05 PM
CHI CUBS vs. CHI WHITE SOX
Chi Cubs are 1-5 SU in their last 6 games
Chi Cubs are 1-7 SU in their last 8 games on the road
Chi White Sox are 4-1 SU in their last 5 games when playing at home against Chi Cubs
Chi White Sox are 5-2 SU in their last 7 games when playing Chi Cubs

2:05 PM
SAN FRANCISCO vs. MILWAUKEE
San Francisco is 2-9 SU in its last 11 games when playing Milwaukee
San Francisco is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games on the road
Milwaukee is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing at home against San Francisco
Milwaukee is 9-2 SU in its last 11 games when playing San Francisco

2:15 PM
MINNESOTA vs. ST. LOUIS
Minnesota is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games when playing St. Louis
Minnesota is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games when playing on the road against St. Louis
St. Louis is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games when playing at home against Minnesota
St. Louis is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games

3:33 PM
SEATTLE vs. LA DODGERS
Seattle is 7-3 SU in their last 10 games when playing LA Dodgers
Seattle is 4-2 SU in their last 6 games when playing on the road against LA Dodgers
LA Dodgers are 3-7 SU in their last 10 games when playing Seattle
LA Dodgers are 2-4 SU in their last 6 games when playing at home against Seattle

4:05 PM
COLORADO vs. OAKLAND
Colorado is 2-6 SU in its last 8 games when playing on the road against Oakland
Colorado is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games when playing Oakland
Oakland is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games at home
Oakland is 1-5 SU in its last 6 games

4:10 PM
LA ANGELS vs. ARIZONA
LA Angels are 4-1 SU in their last 5 games
LA Angels are 5-0 SU in their last 5 games on the road
Arizona is 1-4 SU in their last 5 games when playing at home against LA Angels
Arizona is 1-4 SU in their last 5 games when playing LA Angels

8:05 PM
NY YANKEES vs. NY METS
NY Yankees are 4-1 SU in their last 5 games when playing NY Mets
NY Yankees are 4-1 SU in their last 5 games on the road
NY Mets are 1-5 SU in their last 6 games when playing at home against NY Yankees
NY Mets are 1-4 SU in their last 5 games when playing NY Yankees

8:05 PM
SAN DIEGO vs. TEXAS
San Diego is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games when playing on the road against Texas
San Diego is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games when playing Texas
Texas is 3-6 SU in its last 9 games
Texas is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games when playing San Diego

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[pm530]

MLB


Sunday, June 28

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Hot lines: Today’s best MLB bets
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Philadelphia Phillies at Toronto Blue Jays (-134, 10)

While injuries to the Blue Jays rotation has forced manager Cito Gaston to pull able-looking fans from the stands in place of starting pitchers, Toronto’s bats are making it easy for these unproven arms.

Before Saturday's 10-0 beating, the Jays averaged seven runs per game over their past five outings in which they were 4-1. Toronto was hitting .279 BA over the past week with the help of hot bats Adam Lind and Scott Rolen.

Even underachieving outfielder Vernon Wells is finding his stride. After batting under .260 BA on the season, Wells is hitting .320 BA with two home runs and six RBI during this stretch.

"It's part of baseball, it's part of life," Wells told reporters about his skid. "It makes you appreciate the good times."

Wells took a 10-game hit streak into Saturday after being mired in a near two-month batting slump. He failed to record a hit Saturday.

Pick: Toronto Blue Jays -134


New York Yankees at New York Mets (+118, 10)

Who needs Yankee Stadium to produce big scores?

The Bronx Bombers are bashing the cover of the ball during their current road swing. After starting the trip losing three of their first four games, the Yankees have won four straight games heading into Sunday behind an exploding offense.

New York has totaled 33 runs in those four victories including hanging nine runs on the rival Mets Friday night. Helping this scoring surge is third baseman Alex Rodriguez, who has totaled two home runs and nine RBI in the past four contests.

A-Rod’s current form is making up for the loss of Derek Jeter, who missed the past two games due to the flu. Jeter has been one of the best bats in the lineup all season and was riding a red-hot streak before falling ill on his 35th birthday. Johnny Damon has all got a touch of the flu and missed Saturday's contest.

"He was really sick," manager Joe Girardi told the New York Daily News about Jeter. "I watched him take BP and he just didn't have that normal Derek Jeter energy. That was a real concern of mine."

Pick: New York Yankees -126

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[pm530]

MLB


Sunday, June 28

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Sunday Night Baseball: Yankees at Mets
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New York Yankees at New York Mets (+118, 10)

The final game of interleague play this season wraps up at Citi Field when the Mets host the Yankees on ESPN Sunday night.

The Pinstripes send troubled Chien-Ming Wang (0-6 11.20 ERA) up against former Yankee Livan Hernandez (5-2 4.05 ERA) in a matchup of two right-handers, each in search of better results.

New digs

Both teams opened new stadiums in 2009, although, their new ball yards have not served either team particularly well.

Prior to the start of this series, each club was 21-14 at home this season. The Yankees have scored an average 5.7 RPG and surrendered an average 5.3 RPG at The New Yankee Stadium this season. Meanwhile, the Mets were averaging 4.7 RPG and allowing 3.9 RPG at Citi Field.

Totals players know the Yankees have been playing to run totals of 11.0 RPG in the Bronx while the Mets have played to an average 8.6 RPG in Flushing.

Footlongs

Prior to the start of this series there was no discernable edge between these two subway rivals.

When the Yankees won two out of three games from the Mets two weeks ago at Yankee Stadium, it evened the series at 10 wins and 10 losses apiece for both teams over the last twenty games.

The Mets had won nine of the last 11 games as a series host, but the Yanks had captured three of the last four games in Flushing.

After facing the Marlins and their young arms in sultry Florida last weekend, the Pinstripes are likely looking forward to the soft serves of Hernandez.

"All of them are seven feet, throwing hard. It's like we're playing the Knicks." said SS Derek Jeter after facing a set of physically imposing Marlins pitchers.

Under the weather

A flu bug is making its way through the Yankees clubhouse - first keeping Derek Jeter out for Friday's series opener than hitting Johnny Damon Saturday, sidelining both players.

Manager Joe Girardi told the media that at least nine players have come down with a cough and have felt ill recently. Jeter told Girardi he was ready to play Saturday, but the medical staff decided to rest the star shortstop. The news didn't sit well with Jeter, who was available to pinch hit Saturday.

"(The flu) just kind of went around," Girardi said to reporters. "That's what happens when you're in clubhouses and on airplanes together."

Please help me I’m falling

Wang lasted a season-high five innings in his last start at Atlanta Tuesday. He suffered the loss, falling to 0-6 after allowing three runs on six hits with one walk and four strikeouts.

It was arguably his best outing of the season. He has yet to post an ERA less than 5.40 in any start this season. In fact, Wang lies awake at night realizing he would need to pitch 45 and 2-3 consecutive shutout innings in order to lower his ERA under 5.00 this season.

The troubled starter enjoys hurling on Sundays, though, where he is 13-4 in his 17 career team starts, including 9-1 his last 10 and 7-1 away.

Hernandez pitched seven solid innings against the Cardinals Tuesday, but suffered a 3-0 loss after allowing eight hits and all three runs while walking three and striking out three batters.

He has gone six innings eight times this season and has allowed two or fewer earned runs in seven of his last 10 starts. Hernandez was rocked for six runs in 5 1-3 innings in a 9-8 loss at Yankees Stadium two weeks ago. He is 1-4 with a 6.44 ERA in his career team starts against the Yankees. He is also 1-5 on Sundays in his last six starts.

The envelope please

While Wang can’t fight his way out of a paper bag, his last start was his best this campaign.

Keep in mind that when Wang injured his foot running the bases in an Interleague game at Houston on June 15 last season, he had posted an 8-2 record after back-to-back 19-win seasons. He missed the rest of the season and hasn't been the same since. But Wang enter Sunday’s contest off his best effort, going five strong innings before exiting for a pinch hitter at Atlanta this week.

Meanwhile, Hernandez has dropped three straight games and is 1-4 with a 6.44 ERA in his career starts against his former mates.

It would be no surprise to see the Mets fall to 3-11 on Sundays.

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[pm530]

MLB
Dunkel Index


Florida at Tampa Bay
The Marlins look to rebound from yesterday's 3-2 loss and build on their 4-1 record in Andrew Miller's last 5 starts after scoring 2 runs or less in the previous game. Florida is the pick (+145) according to Dunkel, which has the Marlins favored by 1. Dunkel Pick: Florida (+145). Here are all of today's picks.

SUNDAY, JUNE 28

Game 951-952: San Francisco at Milwaukee
Dunkel Ratings: San Francisco (Sadowski) 14.929; Milwaukee (Suppan) 16.194
Dunkel Line: Milwaukee by 1 1/2; 10
Vegas Line: Milwaukee (-150); 9 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Milwaukee (-150); Over

Game 953-954: Cincinnati at Cleveland
Dunkel Ratings: Cincinnati (Owings) 13.454; Cleveland (Huff) 14.904
Dunkel Line: Cleveland by 1 1/2; 11 1/2
Vegas Line: Cleveland (-140); 10 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Cleveland (-140); Over

Game 955-956: Philadelphia at Toronto
Dunkel Ratings: Philadelphia (Moyer) 16.052; Toronto (Tallet) 14.849
Dunkel Line: Philadelphia by 1; 10 1/2
Vegas Line: Toronto (-145); 10
Dunkel Pick: Philadelphia (+135); Over

Game 957-958: NY Yankees at NY Mets
Dunkel Ratings: NY Yankees (Wang) 15.172; NY Mets (Hernandez) 15.654
Dunkel Line: NY Mets by 1/2; 9 1/2
Vegas Line: NY Yankees (-130); 10
Dunkel Pick: NY Mets (+120); Under

Game 959-960: Boston at Atlanta
Dunkel Ratings: Boston (Penny) 15.913; Atlanta (Hanson) 14.304
Dunkel Line: Boston by 1 1/2; 8
Vegas Line: Atlanta (-115); 9
Dunkel Pick: Boston (+105); Under

Game 961-962: Kansas City at Pittsburgh
Dunkel Ratings: Kansas City (Greinke) 14.648; Pittsburgh (Morton) 14.580
Dunkel Line: Kansas City by 1/2; 8 1/2
Vegas Line: Kansas City (-155); 7 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Kansas City (-155); Over

Game 963-964: Florida at Tampa Bay
Dunkel Ratings: Florida (Miller) 16.979; Tampa Bay (Price) 15.961
Dunkel Line: Florida by 1; 8 1/2
Vegas Line: Tampa Bay (-155); 9 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Florida (+145); Under

Game 965-966: Washington at Baltimore
Dunkel Ratings: Washington (Lannan) 14.052; Baltimore (Hernandez) 15.686
Dunkel Line: Baltimore by 1 1/2; 9
Vegas Line: Baltimore (-135); 10
Dunkel Pick: Baltimore (-135); Under

Game 967-968: Detroit at Houston
Dunkel Ratings: Detroit (Jackson) 14.751; Houston (Ortiz) 15.645
Dunkel Line: Houston by 1; 9 1/2
Vegas Line: Detroit (-145); 9
Dunkel Pick: Houston (+135); Over

Game 969-970: Chicago Cubs at Chicago White Sox
Dunkel Ratings: Cubs (Zambrano) 16.218; White Sox (Danks) 14.616
Dunkel Line: Chicago Cubs by 1 1/2; 8
Vegas Line: Chicago White Sox (-110); 8 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Chicago Cubs (+100); Under

Game 971-972: Minnesota at St. Louis
Dunkel Ratings: Minnesota (Liriano) 16.212; St. Louis (Pineiro) 15.005
Dunkel Line: Minnesota by 1; 9 1/2
Vegas Line: St. Louis (-140); 9
Dunkel Pick: Minnesota (+130); Over

Game 973-974: Colorado at Oakland
Dunkel Ratings: Colorado (Cook) 14.819; Oakland (Mazzaro) 15.390
Dunkel Line: Oakland by 1/2; 7
Vegas Line: Oakland (-130); 7 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Oakland (-130); Under

Game 975-976: Seattle at LA Dodgers
Dunkel Ratings: Seattle (Olson) 14.854; LA Dodgers (Kuroda) 16.303
Dunkel Line: LA Dodgers by 1 1/2; 9
Vegas Line: LA Dodgers (-200); 8 1/2
Dunkel Pick: LA Dodgers (-200); Over

Game 977-978: LA Angels at Arizona
Dunkel Ratings: LA Angels (Palmer) 15.112; Arizona (Scherzer) 15.424
Dunkel Line: Arizona by 1/2; 10
Vegas Line: Arizona (-130); 9 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Arizona (-130); Over

Game 979-980: San Diego at Texas
Dunkel Ratings: San Diego (Gaudin) 14.558; Texas (Hunter) 14.222
Dunkel Line: San Diego by 1/2; 11 1/2
Vegas Line: Texas (-175); 11
Dunkel Pick: San Diego (+165); Over

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[Udog]

MLB
Long Sheet


Sunday, June 28

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SAN FRANCISCO (39 - 34) at MILWAUKEE (40 - 34) - 2:05 PM
JONATHAN SANCHEZ (L) vs. JEFF SUPPAN (R)
Top Trends for this game.
MILWAUKEE is 20-8 (+12.3 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record this season.
SUPPAN is 19-10 (+10.6 Units) against the money line after a win over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
SAN FRANCISCO is 39-34 (+5.4 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
SAN FRANCISCO is 82-85 (+7.8 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters over the last 2 seasons.
SAN FRANCISCO is 39-34 (+5.4 Units) against the money line in all games this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
MILWAUKEE is 3-2 (+1.0 Units) against SAN FRANCISCO this season
3 of 5 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+0.9 Units)

JONATHAN SANCHEZ vs. MILWAUKEE since 1997
SANCHEZ is 0-1 when starting against MILWAUKEE with an ERA of 15.09 and a WHIP of 2.471.
His team's record is 0-3 (-3.0 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 0-3. (-3.2 units)

JEFF SUPPAN vs. SAN FRANCISCO since 1997
SUPPAN is 3-5 when starting against SAN FRANCISCO with an ERA of 5.64 and a WHIP of 1.576.
His team's record is 3-6 (-4.2 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 3-6. (-3.5 units)

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CINCINNATI (36 - 37) at CLEVELAND (31 - 45) - 1:05 PM
MICAH OWINGS (R) vs. DAVID HUFF (L)
Top Trends for this game.
CINCINNATI is 78-102 (-32.8 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 3 seasons.
CINCINNATI is 468-543 (+44.7 Units) against the money line in road games since 1997.
CINCINNATI is 228-245 (+39.7 Units) against the money line in road games after a win since 1997.
CLEVELAND is 31-45 (-16.3 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
CLEVELAND is 3-11 (-11.7 Units) against the money line as a home favorite of -125 to -150 this season.
CLEVELAND is 21-31 (-14.0 Units) against the money line in June games over the last 2 seasons.
CLEVELAND is 11-24 (-17.6 Units) against the money line in an inter-league game over the last 2 seasons.
CLEVELAND is 29-47 (-21.6 Units) against the money line in day games over the last 2 seasons.
CLEVELAND is 28-39 (-13.7 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
CLEVELAND is 24-37 (-15.9 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
CINCINNATI is 3-2 (+1.3 Units) against CLEVELAND this season
3 of 5 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+0.6 Units)

MICAH OWINGS vs. CLEVELAND since 1997
No recent starts.

DAVID HUFF vs. CINCINNATI since 1997
HUFF is 0-0 when starting against CINCINNATI with an ERA of 18.00 and a WHIP of 2.667.
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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PHILADELPHIA (38 - 34) at TORONTO (41 - 35) - 1:07 PM
JAMIE MOYER (L) vs. BRIAN TALLET (L)
Top Trends for this game.
PHILADELPHIA is 13-24 (-14.8 Units) against the money line in an inter-league game over the last 2 seasons.
TORONTO is 50-32 (+17.5 Units) against the money line in day games over the last 2 seasons.
PHILADELPHIA is 22-14 (+10.7 Units) against the money line as a road underdog of +100 to +125 over the last 2 seasons.
PHILADELPHIA is 25-12 (+15.5 Units) against the money line in road games this season.
PHILADELPHIA is 18-9 (+9.6 Units) against the money line on the road when the total is 10 to 10.5 over the last 2 seasons.
PHILADELPHIA is 44-23 (+18.2 Units) against the money line when playing on Sunday over the last 3 seasons.
PHILADELPHIA is 16-8 (+9.3 Units) against the money line in road games after a win this season.
PHILADELPHIA is 17-9 (+10.5 Units) against the money line in road games when playing against a team with a winning record this season.
MOYER is 241-167 (+42.6 Units) against the money line in all games since 1997. (Team's Record)
MOYER is 17-9 (+10.0 Units) against the money line in road games over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
MOYER is 44-20 (+18.6 Units) against the money line when playing on Sunday since 1997. (Team's Record)
MOYER is 54-42 (+19.5 Units) against the money line in road games when playing against a team with a winning record since 1997. (Team's Record)
TORONTO is 142-166 (-56.6 Units) against the money line at home when the total is 10 to 10.5 since 1997.

Head-to-Head Series History
TORONTO is 4-1 (+4.5 Units) against PHILADELPHIA this season
2 of 4 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+0.0 Units)

JAMIE MOYER vs. TORONTO since 1997
MOYER is 10-6 when starting against TORONTO with an ERA of 5.64 and a WHIP of 1.459.
His team's record is 17-10 (+5.8 units) in these starts. The OVER is 17-9. (+7.3 units)

BRIAN TALLET vs. PHILADELPHIA since 1997
No recent starts.

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NY YANKEES (42 - 32) at NY METS (37 - 36) - 8:05 PM
CHIEN-MING WANG (R) vs. LIVAN HERNANDEZ (R)
Top Trends for this game.
NY YANKEES are 4-14 (-12.6 Units) against the money line on the road when the total is 10 to 10.5 over the last 2 seasons.
HERNANDEZ is 25-20 (+10.1 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
HERNANDEZ is 15-7 (+10.2 Units) against the money line in home games over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)

Head-to-Head Series History
NY YANKEES is 4-1 (+1.9 Units) against NY METS this season
3 of 5 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+0.9 Units)

CHIEN-MING WANG vs. NY METS since 1997
WANG is 1-1 when starting against NY METS with an ERA of 4.96 and a WHIP of 0.979.
His team's record is 1-1 (-0.6 units) in these starts. The OVER is 2-0. (+2.0 units)

LIVAN HERNANDEZ vs. NY YANKEES since 1997
HERNANDEZ is 0-3 when starting against NY YANKEES with an ERA of 6.94 and a WHIP of 1.829.
His team's record is 2-4 (-1.6 units) in these starts. The OVER is 4-2. (+2.2 units)

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BOSTON (46 - 28) at ATLANTA (34 - 40) - 1:35 PM
BRAD PENNY (R) vs. TOMMY HANSON (R)
Top Trends for this game.
BOSTON is 46-28 (+10.4 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
BOSTON is 42-21 (+13.9 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
BOSTON is 63-32 (+22.9 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 2 seasons.
PENNY is 26-11 (+13.9 Units) against the money line after a win over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
ATLANTA is 34-40 (-13.3 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
ATLANTA is 17-21 (-11.1 Units) against the money line in home games this season.
ATLANTA is 9-15 (-9.9 Units) against the money line in June games this season.
ATLANTA is 49-56 (-29.5 Units) against the money line in home games in an inter-league game since 1997.
ATLANTA is 34-40 (-13.3 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
ATLANTA is 20-29 (-14.9 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.
ATLANTA is 16-23 (-11.9 Units) against the money line after a loss this season.
ATLANTA is 27-37 (-16.1 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
BOSTON is 4-1 (+2.9 Units) against ATLANTA this season
3 of 4 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+1.9 Units)

BRAD PENNY vs. ATLANTA since 1997
PENNY is 8-4 when starting against ATLANTA with an ERA of 5.13 and a WHIP of 1.637.
His team's record is 12-7 (+7.0 units) in these starts. The OVER is 11-7. (+3.3 units)

TOMMY HANSON vs. BOSTON since 1997
No recent starts.

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KANSAS CITY (31 - 42) at PITTSBURGH (35 - 39) - 1:35 PM
ZACK GREINKE (R) vs. CHARLIE MORTON (R)
Top Trends for this game.
KANSAS CITY is 59-90 (-27.6 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters over the last 2 seasons.
KANSAS CITY is 13-25 (-13.8 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record this season.
PITTSBURGH is 21-13 (+8.5 Units) against the money line in home games this season.
PITTSBURGH is 9-2 (+8.2 Units) against the money line in home games in June games this season.
PITTSBURGH is 21-13 (+8.5 Units) against the money line in home games in games played on a grass field this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
PITTSBURGH is 2-0 (+2.3 Units) against KANSAS CITY this season
2 of 2 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+2.0 Units)

ZACK GREINKE vs. PITTSBURGH since 1997
No recent starts.

CHARLIE MORTON vs. KANSAS CITY since 1997
No recent starts.

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FLORIDA (38 - 38) at TAMPA BAY (41 - 35) - 1:38 PM
ANDREW MILLER (L) vs. DAVID PRICE (L)
Top Trends for this game.
TAMPA BAY is 146-108 (+28.6 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
TAMPA BAY is 33-8 (+19.9 Units) against the money line as a home favorite of -150 to -175 over the last 2 seasons.
TAMPA BAY is 87-40 (+34.3 Units) against the money line in home games over the last 2 seasons.
TAMPA BAY is 20-5 (+12.1 Units) against the money line in home games in June games over the last 2 seasons.
TAMPA BAY is 32-9 (+18.8 Units) against the money line in home games in day games over the last 2 seasons.
TAMPA BAY is 88-43 (+31.7 Units) against the money line in games played in a dome over the last 2 seasons.
TAMPA BAY is 92-48 (+31.0 Units) against the money line in games played on artificial turf over the last 2 seasons.
TAMPA BAY is 55-28 (+16.8 Units) against the money line in home games after a win over the last 2 seasons.
FLORIDA is 122-115 (+21.4 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
FLORIDA is 57-59 (+13.9 Units) against the money line in road games over the last 2 seasons.
FLORIDA is 128-103 (+32.9 Units) against the money line in an inter-league game since 1997.
FLORIDA is 18-9 (+10.4 Units) against the money line against left-handed starters this season.
FLORIDA is 63-52 (+18.8 Units) against the money line after a loss over the last 2 seasons.
FLORIDA is 61-58 (+17.2 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
TAMPA BAY is 4-1 (+2.9 Units) against FLORIDA this season
4 of 5 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+3.1 Units)

ANDREW MILLER vs. TAMPA BAY since 1997
No recent starts.

DAVID PRICE vs. FLORIDA since 1997
No recent starts.

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WASHINGTON (21 - 51) at BALTIMORE (34 - 40) - 1:35 PM
JOHN LANNAN (L) vs. DAVID HERNANDEZ (R)
Top Trends for this game.
WASHINGTON is 21-51 (-26.0 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
WASHINGTON is 8-28 (-17.4 Units) against the money line as a road underdog of +125 to +150 over the last 2 seasons.
WASHINGTON is 33-82 (-29.2 Units) against the money line in road games over the last 2 seasons.
WASHINGTON is 21-48 (-23.0 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
WASHINGTON is 15-36 (-17.5 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.
WASHINGTON is 14-35 (-18.7 Units) against the money line after a loss this season.
LANNAN is 14-32 (-13.9 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
BALTIMORE is 12-3 (+8.7 Units) against the money line at home when the total is 10 to 10.5 this season.
WASHINGTON is 76-80 (+16.4 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 3 seasons.
BALTIMORE is 7-29 (-22.3 Units) against the money line when playing on Sunday over the last 2 seasons.
BALTIMORE is 18-47 (-27.4 Units) against the money line in day games over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
BALTIMORE is 4-1 (+3.0 Units) against WASHINGTON this season
3 of 5 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+0.7 Units)

JOHN LANNAN vs. BALTIMORE since 1997
LANNAN is 1-1 when starting against BALTIMORE with an ERA of 3.65 and a WHIP of 1.054.
His team's record is 1-1 (+0.4 units) in these starts. The OVER is 1-1. (+0.0 units)

DAVID HERNANDEZ vs. WASHINGTON since 1997
No recent starts.

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DETROIT (41 - 33) at HOUSTON (35 - 37) - 2:05 PM
EDWIN JACKSON (R) vs. RUSS ORTIZ (R)
Top Trends for this game.
DETROIT is 115-121 (-25.1 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
DETROIT is 74-92 (-32.6 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters over the last 2 seasons.
DETROIT is 53-65 (-21.8 Units) against the money line after a loss over the last 2 seasons.
HOUSTON is 121-112 (+21.2 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
HOUSTON is 25-12 (+18.7 Units) against the money line when playing on Sunday over the last 2 seasons.
HOUSTON is 36-29 (+14.5 Units) against the money line in day games over the last 2 seasons.
HOUSTON is 117-110 (+16.9 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
HOUSTON is 89-84 (+13.0 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters over the last 2 seasons.
HOUSTON is 65-54 (+15.7 Units) against the money line after a win over the last 2 seasons.
HOUSTON is 57-57 (+12.9 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.
DETROIT is 36-17 (+16.6 Units) against the money line in an inter-league game over the last 3 seasons.
DETROIT is 19-7 (+11.3 Units) against the money line in day games this season.
DETROIT is 40-27 (+10.5 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
HOUSTON is 2-0 (+2.1 Units) against DETROIT this season
1 of 2 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+0.0 Units)

EDWIN JACKSON vs. HOUSTON since 1997
JACKSON is 2-0 when starting against HOUSTON with an ERA of 3.78 and a WHIP of 1.261.
His team's record is 3-0 (+3.7 units) in these starts. The OVER is 2-1. (+0.8 units)

RUSS ORTIZ vs. DETROIT since 1997
ORTIZ is 0-0 when starting against DETROIT with an ERA of 4.50 and a WHIP of 1.333.
His team's record is 0-1 (-1.4 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 0-1. (-1.0 units)

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

CHICAGO CUBS (35 - 36) at CHI WHITE SOX (36 - 38) - 2:05 PM
CARLOS ZAMBRANO (R) vs. JOHN DANKS (L)
Top Trends for this game.
CHICAGO CUBS are 35-36 (-8.6 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
CHICAGO CUBS are 14-23 (-11.0 Units) against the money line in road games this season.
CHICAGO CUBS are 35-36 (-8.6 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
CHICAGO CUBS are 493-468 (-103.4 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record since 1997.
CHI WHITE SOX are 119-91 (+19.1 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
CHI WHITE SOX are 66-45 (+16.7 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 2 seasons.
ZAMBRANO is 67-45 (+20.5 Units) against the money line in road games since 1997. (Team's Record)
ZAMBRANO is 67-43 (+22.6 Units) against the money line in road games in games played on a grass field since 1997. (Team's Record)

Head-to-Head Series History
CHI WHITE SOX is 2-2 (+0.3 Units) against CHICAGO CUBS this season
2 of 4 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=-0.1 Units, Under=-0.3 Units)

CARLOS ZAMBRANO vs. CHI WHITE SOX since 1997
ZAMBRANO is 5-2 when starting against CHI WHITE SOX with an ERA of 4.24 and a WHIP of 1.250.
His team's record is 6-4 (+0.8 units) in these starts. The OVER is 6-3. (+2.9 units)

JOHN DANKS vs. CHICAGO CUBS since 1997
DANKS is 1-0 when starting against CHICAGO CUBS with an ERA of 1.38 and a WHIP of 0.769.
His team's record is 1-1 (+0.3 units) in these starts. The OVER is 0-2. (-2.1 units)

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

MINNESOTA (38 - 38) at ST LOUIS (41 - 35) - 2:15 PM
FRANCISCO LIRIANO (L) vs. JOEL PINEIRO (R)
Top Trends for this game.
ST LOUIS is 127-111 (+9.8 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
ST LOUIS is 127-111 (+9.8 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
MINNESOTA is 25-10 (+15.6 Units) against the money line in an inter-league game over the last 2 seasons.
PINEIRO is 6-16 (-11.3 Units) against the money line after a win over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)

Head-to-Head Series History
MINNESOTA is 1-1 (+0.1 Units) against ST LOUIS this season
2 of 2 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+2.0 Units)

FRANCISCO LIRIANO vs. ST LOUIS since 1997
No recent starts.

JOEL PINEIRO vs. MINNESOTA since 1997
PINEIRO is 2-5 when starting against MINNESOTA with an ERA of 4.45 and a WHIP of 1.542.
His team's record is 4-9 (-6.4 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 6-7. (-2.2 units)

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

COLORADO (39 - 35) at OAKLAND (31 - 42) - 4:05 PM
AARON COOK (R) vs. VIN MAZZARO (R)
Top Trends for this game.
OAKLAND is 200-147 (+50.8 Units) against the money line in June games since 1997.
COLORADO is 19-6 (+15.5 Units) against the money line in June games this season.
COLORADO is 115-95 (+18.5 Units) against the money line after a win over the last 3 seasons.
OAKLAND is 9-26 (-17.2 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
COLORADO is 2-0 (+2.5 Units) against OAKLAND this season
1 of 2 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+0.0 Units)

AARON COOK vs. OAKLAND since 1997
COOK is 0-0 when starting against OAKLAND with an ERA of 1.13 and a WHIP of 0.625.
His team's record is 0-1 (-1.0 units) in these starts. The OVER is 0-1. (-1.1 units)

VIN MAZZARO vs. COLORADO since 1997
No recent starts.

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SEATTLE (38 - 36) at LA DODGERS (48 - 27) - 4:10 PM
GARRETT OLSON (L) vs. HIROKI KURODA (R)
Top Trends for this game.
SEATTLE is 99-137 (-35.7 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
SEATTLE is 41-59 (-22.4 Units) against the money line when the total is 8 to 8.5 over the last 2 seasons.
SEATTLE is 43-76 (-24.8 Units) against the money line in road games over the last 2 seasons.
SEATTLE is 91-126 (-34.6 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
SEATTLE is 65-97 (-31.9 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters over the last 2 seasons.
LA DODGERS are 48-27 (+18.0 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
LA DODGERS are 48-27 (+18.0 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
LA DODGERS are 72-57 (-33.4 Units) against the money line as a home favorite of -175 to -200 since 1997.

Head-to-Head Series History
LA DODGERS is 1-1 (+0.0 Units) against SEATTLE this season
1 of 2 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=-0.2 Units, Under=-0.1 Units)

GARRETT OLSON vs. LA DODGERS since 1997
No recent starts.

HIROKI KURODA vs. SEATTLE since 1997
No recent starts.

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

LA ANGELS (40 - 32) at ARIZONA (30 - 45) - 4:10 PM
MATT PALMER (R) vs. MAX SCHERZER (R)
Top Trends for this game.
LA ANGELS are 40-32 (+8.6 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
LA ANGELS are 64-34 (+25.3 Units) against the money line when the total is 9 to 9.5 over the last 2 seasons.
LA ANGELS are 71-49 (+27.1 Units) against the money line in road games over the last 2 seasons.
LA ANGELS are 20-9 (+13.0 Units) against the money line in road games in June games over the last 2 seasons.
LA ANGELS are 87-73 (+27.1 Units) against the money line in road games when playing on Sunday since 1997.
LA ANGELS are 13-4 (+10.6 Units) against the money line in road games in an inter-league game over the last 2 seasons.
LA ANGELS are 43-18 (+27.0 Units) against the money line in day games over the last 2 seasons.
LA ANGELS are 37-26 (+11.4 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
LA ANGELS are 95-69 (+17.2 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters over the last 2 seasons.
LA ANGELS are 46-26 (+23.7 Units) against the money line in road games after a win over the last 2 seasons.
LA ANGELS are 36-21 (+15.0 Units) against the money line in road games when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 2 seasons.
PALMER is 8-2 (+9.1 Units) against the money line in all games this season. (Team's Record)
PALMER is 8-2 (+9.1 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season. (Team's Record)
ARIZONA is 30-45 (-18.0 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
ARIZONA is 14-22 (-9.4 Units) against the money line when the total is 9 to 9.5 this season.
ARIZONA is 15-27 (-17.8 Units) against the money line in home games this season.
ARIZONA is 9-17 (-10.8 Units) against the money line at home when the total is 9 to 9.5 this season.
ARIZONA is 19-32 (-15.6 Units) against the money line in June games over the last 2 seasons.
ARIZONA is 13-23 (-14.0 Units) against the money line when playing on Sunday over the last 2 seasons.
ARIZONA is 43-52 (-26.9 Units) against the money line in home games in an inter-league game since 1997.
ARIZONA is 30-45 (-18.0 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
ARIZONA is 9-20 (-14.5 Units) against the money line in home games against right-handed starters this season.
ARIZONA is 33-53 (-25.2 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
LA ANGELS is 2-0 (+2.0 Units) against ARIZONA this season
1 of 2 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+0.1 Units)

MATT PALMER vs. ARIZONA since 1997
No recent starts.

MAX SCHERZER vs. LA ANGELS since 1997
No recent starts.

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

SAN DIEGO (32 - 41) at TEXAS (40 - 33) - 8:05 PM
CHAD GAUDIN (R) vs. TOMMY HUNTER (R)
Top Trends for this game.
SAN DIEGO is 95-139 (-41.3 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
SAN DIEGO is 8-27 (-16.3 Units) against the money line as a road underdog of +125 to +150 over the last 2 seasons.
SAN DIEGO is 39-79 (-30.5 Units) against the money line in road games over the last 2 seasons.
SAN DIEGO is 7-25 (-18.8 Units) against the money line in an inter-league game over the last 2 seasons.
SAN DIEGO is 95-139 (-41.3 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
SAN DIEGO is 66-103 (-33.9 Units) against the money line in night games over the last 2 seasons.
SAN DIEGO is 4-18 (-12.5 Units) against the money line in road games against right-handed starters this season.
SAN DIEGO is 35-65 (-25.9 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.
TEXAS is 40-33 (+7.7 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
TEXAS is 39-31 (+7.9 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
TEXAS is 88-80 (+16.7 Units) against the money line in night games over the last 2 seasons.
TEXAS is 83-74 (+19.5 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters over the last 2 seasons.
TEXAS is 62-54 (+14.6 Units) against the money line after a loss over the last 2 seasons.
TEXAS is 56-45 (+12.0 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
SAN DIEGO is 1-1 (+0.5 Units) against TEXAS this season
1 of 2 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+0.0 Units)

CHAD GAUDIN vs. TEXAS since 1997
GAUDIN is 2-4 when starting against TEXAS with an ERA of 6.18 and a WHIP of 1.779.
His team's record is 2-5 (-4.2 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 2-3. (-1.5 units)

TOMMY HUNTER vs. SAN DIEGO since 1997
No recent starts.

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

[Udog]

MLB


Sunday, June 28

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Streaking and Slumping Pitchers
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Streakers

Carlos Zambrano (Chicago Cubs)

The big right-hander owns a 2.06 ERA in his last five starts, but has only a 1-0 record to show for it.

Zambrano didn't factor in the decision again Tuesday, allowing three runs and five hits in seven innings of a 5-4 loss at Detroit.

Zambrano, however, appeared more concerned with not being included in the lineup due to the AL's use of the designated hitter. He owns a .237 career batting average with 18 homers and 50 RBIs.

"A lot," Zambrano told the Cubs' official Web site of how much it bothered him to not hit. "Not only to be able to hit, but to be able to get going and keep my routine. That's why I took (batting practice). Coming to the American League is boring for me. You feel like you're the DH. You go out there for an inning and come back to the dugout and do nothing."

Zambrano is 5-2 with a 4.39 ERA in 12 games - 10 starts - versus the White Sox. The three-time All-Star didn't get the decision in his last start against them on June 18, allowing three runs and six hits in seven innings of a 6-5 win.

Tommy Hanson (Atlanta Braves)

Hanson pitched 5 1-3 innings in a 4-0 win over the New York Yankees on Tuesday, extending his scoreless innings streak to 14. Despite delivering another strong performance, the 22-year-old right-hander was disappointed that he walked five Yankees.

"I was pumped up to throw against those guys and stuff like that, but really with the walks, it's something I've never experienced before," Hanson said. "I know what I'm doing wrong, and I've just got to correct it and slow myself down."

While Hanson was hard on himself, Braves catcher Brian McCann had nothing but good things to say about the rookie.

"If he walks a couple of guys here and there, he's got the stuff to get out of it. He never lost his composure. He never does. I haven't seen it in the four or five starts he's had. Hasn't lost his composure once. He's a special, special player."

The Braves have dropped four straight since Hanson's last start, and have totaled one run and 12 hits in the first two games of this series. They didn't get a runner past second base until the eighth inning Saturday.

John Lannan (Washington Nationals)

Washington will counter with John Lannan, the lone non-rookie in its rotation - and a major bright spot lately. The 24-year-old left-hander is 2-0 with a 1.82 ERA in his last four starts, although he did not get a victory after allowing three runs in 6 1-3 innings of the Nationals' 11-3 loss to Boston on Tuesday.

"He threw 109 pitches," Nationals manager Manny Acta told his team's official Web site. "We have to take care of this kid."

This will be the first start for Lannan (4-5, 3.44) against Baltimore this year after he went 1-1 in the Beltway Series last season. He pitched 7 1-3 strong innings in the Nationals' 2-1 win at Camden Yards on May 18, 2008.



Slumping

David Price (Tampa Bay Rays)

Possibly the only thing keeping the Tampa Bay Rays from a fifth straight victory is another rough outing from David Price.

The prized rookie looks to avoid a third straight loss while trying to help the Rays conclude an already successful homestand with a sweep of the Florida Marlins on Sunday.

The lone setback on the homestand came when Price (1-2, 4.45 ERA) allowed six first-inning runs in a 10-1 loss to the Phillies on Tuesday in the worst of his seven career starts.

The No. 1 overall pick by the Rays in 2007, Price allowed 10 runs - five earned - and seven hits in 4 1-3 innings.

"That's the best I've felt all year," Price told the Rays' official Web site. "I thought my stuff was the best, and I got hit around. It's a tough way to go out, putting up six in the first. That's ridiculous."

Price, who earned the save in Game 7 of the AL championship series last season, might be giving Tampa Bay's coaching staff a reason to be concerned. He's allowed 15 runs - 10 earned - and 17 hits in 11 1-3 innings over his last two starts.

The left-hander, who turns 24 in August, will face the Marlins for the first time.

Garrett Olson (Seattle Mariners)

Left-hander Garrett Olson (2-2, 4.95 ERA) will make consecutive starts for the third time this season but will try to bounce back from his worst outing of the season. Olson, who has never faced the Dodgers, gave up six runs over 5 1-3 innings and took the loss in Tuesday night's 9-7 loss to visiting San Diego.

He is 2-2 with a 5.61 ERA in six starts this season, and has no record and a 2.70 ERA in seven relief appearances.


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

[Udog]

MLB


Sunday, June 28

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Baseball Today
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

SCOREBOARD

Sunday, June 28

N.Y. Yankees at N.Y. Mets (8:05 EDT). The Subway Series rivals face each other for the last time in the regular season, with Chien-Ming Wang (0-6) going for the Yankees against the Mets' Livan Hernandez (5-2).

STARS

Saturday

-J.A. Happ, Phillies, threw a five-hit shutout, leading Philadelphia past the Blue Jays 10-0 in his first career complete game.

-Albert Pujols, Cardinals, lined two-run homers in his first two at-bats in a 5-3 win over Minnesota.

-Tim Wakefield, Red Sox, pitched six scoreless innings to beat Atlanta 1-0. He tied Roger Clemens for the most career starts by a Boston pitcher.

-A.J. Burnett, Yankees, struck out a season-high 10 in seven innings and combined with two relievers on a one-hitter, beating the Mets 5-0.

-Mike Napoli, Angels, hit a tiebreaking 428-foot home run off the batter's eye in center field in the ninth inning, lifting Los Angeles over Arizona 2-1.

-Felipe Paulino, Astros, struck out a career-high nine and allowed three hits and one run in an 8-1 win over Detroit.

-Delwyn Young, Pirates, homered and drove in a career-high four runs to lead Pittsburgh to its fourth straight win, 6-2 over Kansas City.

-Kevin Correia, Padres, struck out a career-high nine in seven innings, leading San Diego past Texas 7-3.

-Felix Hernandez, Mariners, scattered four hits over eight innings and struck out nine in Seattle's 5-1 win over the Dodgers.

STATS

Atlanta's Javier Vazquez (5-7) struck out eight to claim the NL strikeouts lead from San Francisco's Tim Lincecum (125-124), but lost to Boston 1-0 on Saturday night. ... The Angels improved their major league-best record in interleague play to 13-4 with a 2-1 victory at Arizona. ... The Tigers have hit at least one home run in 11 straight games, their longest streak since August 2000. ... Baltimore rookie Nolan Reimold hit a three-run homer in the Orioles' 6-3 win, giving him nine homers in 39 games. ... The Yankees outscored the Mets 14-1 and outhit them 22-4 in the first two games of their weekend series.

MILESTONE

Tim Wakefield (10-3) made his 382nd start for Boston on Saturday, tying him with Roger Clemens for the most by a Red Sox pitcher. The 42-year-old knuckleballer pitched six scoreless innings to beat the Braves and become the AL's third 10-game winner.

SINGLE BLEMISH

Alex Cora got the Mets' only hit in a 5-0 loss to the Yankees on Saturday night, lining a clean single to center on an 0-1 pitch from A.J. Burnett leading off the sixth. He had been 0 for 21 with eight strikeouts against Burnett.

DEALING INDIANS

The Indians traded infielder Mark DeRosa to St. Louis on Saturday night for reliever Chris Perez and a player to be named later. DeRosa, who the Indians acquired from the Cubs in a trade last offseason, was hitting .270 with 13 homers and 50 RBIs.

BIG BLAST

Jayson Werth homered twice in the Phillies' 10-0 win at Toronto on Saturday, including the 14th upper-deck shot in the 20-year history of Rogers Centre, formerly SkyDome. Toronto's Vernon Wells was the last player to reach the upper tier, on Sept. 16, 2004.

STORMING BACK

Prince Fielder hit a three-run homer in the sixth and then knocked in the winning run as the Brewers rallied with three runs in the ninth for a wild 7-6 win over the Giants on Saturday night. The Giants had snapped a 4-4 tie in the top of the inning on sacrifice flies by Bengie Molina and Edgar Renteria off Trevor Hoffman (1-1).

ROLLING ROCKIES

Colorado is 19-3 since June 4, and also improved to 21-7 since Jim Tracy replaced Clint Hurdle as manager. The Rockies hit four homers, including the 100th of Brad Hawpe's career, in an 11-9 win at Oakland on Saturday night.

BACK IN BUSINESS

Bruce Chen made his first major league appearance in more than two years, allowing four runs and seven hits in Kansas City's 6-2 loss at Pittsburgh on Saturday night. It was Chen's first game since April 20, 2007, and first start since Aug. 4, 2006, after having Tommy John surgery on his elbow two years ago. ... Felipe Paulino (2-4) came off the disabled list for Houston and struck out a career-high nine to lead the Astros past Detroit 8-1. ... Tampa Bay's Scott Kazmir, an All-Star last season, allowed two runs and four hits in five innings in his first start in over a month while working on pitching mechanics. He had a no-decision in the Rays' 3-2 win over Florida.

COMING UP SHORT

Brett Carroll homered in Florida's 3-2 loss at Tampa Bay on Saturday night, but the Marlins went 0 for 6 with runners in scoring position. The Rays are 1 for 16 in those situations while dropping the first two games of the weekend Citrus Series.

BELTRE'S BAD NEWS

Seattle third baseman Adrian Beltre informed the Mariners that he'll undergo surgery Tuesday in Los Angeles to have bone spurs removed from his troublesome left shoulder, which was operated on in September for the same reason. He's expected to be sidelined for six to eight weeks.

SPEAKING

"I got a little nervous when I saw A.J. and Thome in full sprint. Thome in full sprint doesn't happen much, and he was moving pretty fast.'' - White Sox rookie Gordon Beckham, who was mobbed by teammates, including A.J. Pierzynski and Jim Thome, after he singled in the winning run with two outs in the ninth to beat the Cubs 8-7 on Saturday.

SEASONS

June 28

1907 - Twelve Washington baserunners stole against catcher Branch Rickey as the Senators defeated the New York Yankees 16-5.

1910 - Joe Tinker of the Chicago Cubs became the first major leaguer to steal home twice in the same game, an 11-1 win over Cincinnati.

1919 - Carl Mays of Boston pitched two complete games against the New York Yankees. The Red Sox won the first game 2-0 and lost the nightcap 4-1.

1949 - Joe DiMaggio played his first series of the year after a bone spur operation and hit .455, with four home runs and nine RBIs, as the New York Yankees swept Boston at Fenway Park.

1970 - Pittsburgh swept the Chicago Cubs 3-2 and 4-1 in the Pirates' final games at Forbes Field.

1984 - Dwight Evans of the Boston Red Sox completed the cycle with a three-run 11th-inning homer to beat the Seattle Mariners 9-6.

1986 - Phil Niekro of the Cleveland Indians and Don Sutton of the California Angels became the first 300-game winners to start against each other in this century. Neither Niekro nor Sutton got a decision as the Angels scored six runs in the bottom of the eighth to win 9-3.

1987 - Mark McGwire homered twice to tie a major league record with five homers over two games, and Steve Ontiveros pitched a two-hitter as the Oakland Athletics beat the Cleveland Indians 10-0.

1994 - Matt Williams tied Willie Stargell's 1971 NL record for home runs before July with his 28th in San Francisco's 7-4 loss to Los Angeles.

2004 - David Bell became the first Philadelphia Phillies player in almost nine years to hit for the cycle as the Phillies beat Montreal 14-6.

2007 - Frank Thomas hit his 500th home run to become the 21st major leaguer to reach the career mark. Thomas hit a three-run shot in the first inning, connecting against Minnesota's Carlos Silva.

2007 - Craig Biggio became the 27th player in major league history to get 3,000 hits in Houston's 8-5 11-inning victory over Colorado. Biggio singled to center field in the seventh inning for the milestone hit and was thrown out trying to stretch the play into a double. The 41-year-old finished 5-for-6 with an RBI and a run scored.

2008 - Jered Weaver and Jose Arredondo combined to no-hit the Los Angeles Dodgers, but the Angels lost 1-0. It was the fifth game in the majors since 1900 in which the winning team didn't get a hit, and first since Boston's Matt Young lost one in 1992.

Today's birthdays: Brandon Phillips 28; Ron Mahay 38.


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[Udog]

MLB
Short Sheet


Sunday, 6/28/2009

National League

SAN FRANCISCO at MILWAUKEE, 2:05 PM ET
SANCHEZ: SF 18-10 off blown save
SUPPAN: MIL 14-5 Over vs. SF

Interleague

CINCINNATI at CLEVELAND, 1:05 PM ET
OWINGS: CIN 7-0 Under Away in day games
HUFF: CLE 5-14 as a favorite of -125 to -175

PHILADELPHIA at TORONTO, 1:07 PM ET
MOYER: 17-9 TSR in road games
TALLET: TOR 2-9 after scoring one run or less

(TC) NY YANKEES at NY METS, 8:05 PM ET ESPN
WANG: Yankees 4-14 Away when the total is 10 to 10.5
HERNANDEZ: Mets 25-6 after a game where they had 2 or less hits

BOSTON at ATLANTA, 1:35 PM ET
PENNY: BOS 10-4 as an underdog
HANSON: ATL 9-15 in June

KANSAS CITY at PITTSBURGH, 1:35 PM ET
GREINKE: KC 5-15 off BB Unders
MORTON: PIT 9-2 at home in June

FLORIDA at TAMPA BAY, 1:38 PM ET
MILLER: FLA 20-9 Over in Interleague Play
PRICE: TB 46-11 as a home favorite of -150 or more

WASHINGTON at BALTIMORE, 1:35 PM ET
LANNAN: 19-7 Under off team loss
HERNANDEZ: BAL 7-29 on Sundays

DETROIT at HOUSTON, 2:05 PM ET
JACKSON: DET 19-7 in day games
ORTIZ: HOU 21-9 Under in Interleague Play

CHICAGO CUBS at CHI WHITE SOX, 2:05 PM ET
ZAMBRANO: Cubs 2-12 as an underdog
DANKS: White Sox 20-5 at home after scoring 8+ runs

MINNESOTA at ST LOUIS, 2:15 PM ET
LIRIANO: MIN 10-1 Under on Sundays
PINEIRO: STL 22-10 Under when the total is 9 to 9.5

COLORADO at OAKLAND, 4:05 PM ET
COOK: 7-0 TSR Away off BB team wins
MAZZARO: Oak 62-33 Under off an Over

SEATTLE at LA DODGERS, 4:10 PM ET
OLSON: SEA 43-76 in road games
KURODA: Dodgers 26-8 as home favorite

LA ANGELS at ARIZONA, 4:10 PM ET
PALMER: 7-1 TSR as an underdog
SCHERZER: ARI 9-20 at home vs. righties

SAN DIEGO at TEXAS, 8:05 PM ET
GAUDIN: SD 7-25 in Interleague Play
HUNTER: TEX 11-0 Under off loss by 4+ runs

** (TC) Denotes Time Change

[Udog]

MLB


Sunday, June 28

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Tips and Trends
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New York Yankees at New York Mets [8:05 PM ET]

Yankees (-$1.30, O/U 10 under -$1.15): Chien-Ming Wang goes for his long awaited first victory of the season. The Yankees have destroyed the Mets in the first two games of this series. The Yankees have outscored the Mets, 14-1, and out-hit them, 22-4. The Yankees are 62-30 in their last 92 games during Game 3 of a series. However, Wang has been dreadful this season with a 0-6 mark and 11.20 ERA. The right-hander has yet to reach the sixth inning in a start this season. The Yankees are 1-4 in Wang’s past five interleague starts and 0-4 in his last four road outings. Wang is 1-1 with a 4.96 ERA in two career starts versus the Mets. The over is 9-3-1 in Wang’s last 13 starts. The Yankees have won six of the last eight meetings between the two teams. Derek Jeter has missed the past two games because of illness.

The Yankees are 4-7 in their last 11 road games against a right-handed starter.

Key Injuries - Derek Jeter (illness) is questionable.

PROJECTED SCORE: 6 (Side of the Day)

Mets: Playing without injured outfielder Carlos Beltran, first baseman Carlos Delgado and shortstop Jose Reyes, the Mets have not been competitive with the Yankees. Veteran right-hander Livan Hernandez will try to get the Mets on the right track, although he is 0-3 with a 6.94 ERA in six lifetime starts versus the Yankees. Hernandez is 5-2 on the season with a 4.05 ERA. His only two losses have come to the Cardinals. Hernandez faced the Yankees on June 12 and didn’t get a decision in a 9-8 Yankees win. The Yankees scored six runs on seven hits against Hernandez in 5 1/3 innings. Robinson Cano, Mark Teixeira and Jeter all smacked home runs off Hernandez. The over has cashed in five of Hernandez’s last seven starts when he’s faced teams with a winning record. The Mets are 3-10 in their last 13 Sunday games.

The Mets are 11-6 in their last 17 home games when going against a right-handed starter.

Key Injuries - Carlos Delgado (hip), Carlos Beltran (knee) and Jose Reyes (calf) are all on the DL.

PROJECTED SCORE: 4



San Diego Padres at Texas Rangers [8:05 PM ET]

Padres: There are multiple reasons why the Padres are such big underdogs. Not only has San Diego scored the fewest runs, but the Padres are 18-41 in their last 59 away matchups. The Padres also have lost 37 of their past 52 interleague games, including going 4-10 this season. Erratic Chad Gaudin gets the start. He’s 3-6 with a 5.60 ERA on the season. He has been worse on the road away from pitcher-friendly Petco Park going 2-4 with a 6.18 ERA. Gaudin, though, tied his career-high with 11 strikeouts in his last start at Seattle. He was the winning pitcher in a 9-7 victory against Seattle on Tuesday. Gaudin yielded two runs on four hits, while going seven innings. Gaudin has an 11-to-three strikeout-to-walk ratio in his last two starts, both against the Mariners. The Padres are 7-20 in their last 27 games versus AL West clubs.

The Padres are 5-17 in their last 22 interleague games against a team with a winning record.

Key Injuries - Brian Giles (knee), Nick Hundley (wrist) and Jake Peavy (ankle) are all on the DL.

PROJECTED SCORE: 5

Rangers (-$1.55, O/U 11 over -$1.25): Texas is 17-6 (74 percent) in its last 23 home games versus an opponent with a losing mark. The Rangers are 11-5 in their last 16 interleague games as chalk. Texas also has won 17 of its past 26 home contests. The Rangers have improved their defense and pitching, while missing the bat of injured slugger Josh Hamilton. This has contributed to the under being 42-17-1 in the Rangers’ last 60 games. Tommy Hunter was called up from Triple-A Oklahoma City to replace Matt Harrison, who was put on the disabled list with a sore left shoulder. Hunter was 3-2 with a 3.83 ERA for Oklahoma City. Hunter also stepped in for Harrison on May 29. The right-hander didn’t get a decision in Texas’ 6-3 victory against the Athletics. Hunter allowed three earned runs in 5 1/3 innings, giving up seven hits and three walks to go with one strikeout.

The Under is 22-6-1 in the Rangers’ last 29 home games.
The Under is 9-1 in Fieldin Culbreth’s lasts 11 games behind home plate.

Key Injuries - Josh Hamilton (abdominal) is on the DL.

PROJECTED SCORE: 6 (UNDER - Total of the Day)


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[Udog]

MLB
Write-Up


Sunday, June 28

With interleague play here, remember there are DHs in games played in the American League parks, no DHs in National League parks. Under is 66-46-3 in NL parks, 56-55-5 in AL. As far as wins/losses go, the AL leads the NL, 131-106. Under was 7-0 in NL parks Saturday.

Hot Pitchers
-- Huff is 3-0, 3.20 in his last four starts.
-- Tallet is 1-0, 0.82 in his last couple starts.
-- Hanson is 3-0, 1.06 in his last three starts. Penny is 1-0, 2.16 in his last three starts.
-- Greinke is 3-2, 2.49 on the road this season.
-- Lannan is 2-0, 2.43 in his last four starts.
-- Zambrano is 2-0, 2.31 in his last five starts. Danks has 2.53 RA in his last three starts.
-- Jackson is 2-1, 2.06 in his last five starts. Ortiz has a 2.95 RA in his last three starts.
-- Pineiro has a 2.82 RA in his last three starts.
-- Cook is 4-0, 1.93 in his last four starts.
-- Scherzer is 3-0, 1.46 in his last four starts.
-- Hernandez is 2-1, 2.45 in his last three home starts.

Cold Pitchers
-- Sadowski was 5-2, 4.11 in 13 starts at AAA Fresno this year.
-- Cincinnati is 1-7 on road when Owings starts.
-- Moyer is 0-0, 13.03 in three daytime starts (Phils 3-0 in the games).
-- Miller is 0-3, 6.75 in his last three road starts. Price is 0-2, 8.02 in his last four starts.
-- Morton is 0-0, 3.00 in two starts (only six IP).
-- Hernandez is 1-1, 4.91 in two starts this season.
-- Suppan is 0-1, 8.18 in his last two starts.
-- Liriano is 1-2, 7.11 in his last four road starts.
-- Kuroda is 1-2, 5.40 in his last three starts.
-- Palmer has a 5.86 RA in his last five starts.
-- Massaro is 0-2, 4.50 in his last three starts.
-- Olson has a 6.65 RA in his last four starts.
-- Gaudin is 1-3, 8.14 in his last four starts. Harrison is 0-3, 10.61 in his last four starts.
-- Wang is 0-6, 14.66 in seven starts this season.

Hot Teams
-- White Sox won five of their last seven games.
-- Pirates won six of their last seven home games.
-- Bronx won their last four games, scoring 32 runs.
-- Orioles won their last four home games.
-- Red Sox won ten of their last twelve road games.
-- Tampa Bay won 12 of its last 16 games. Marlins won six of nine. .
-- Tigers won seven of their last nine games. Astros are 12-6 in their last eighteen games.
-- Rangers won three of their last four games.
-- Angels won eleven of their last fourteen games.
-- Rockies won 19 of their last 22 games.
-- Mariners won eight of their last eleven games.

Cold Teams
-- Giants are 0-5 in third game of series if they lost first two.
-- Phillies lost nine of their last eleven games. Toronto is 6-9 in its last fifteen home games.
-- Cardinals are 6-8 in last 14 home games. Minnesota is 3-8 on Sunday.
-- Brewers lost seven of their last eleven home games.
-- Cubs lost six of their last seven road games.
-- Mets are 6-11 in their last seventeen games, were outscored 29-1 in last three games against Bronx Bombers.
-- Indians lost nine of their last eleven games. Reds are 6-15 in their last twenty-one road games.
-- Nationals lost five of their last six games.
-- Royals lost eight of their last ten games.
-- Braves lost 12 of their last 17 games.
-- Padres lost ten of their last fourteen games.
-- Dodgers lost three of their last four games.
-- Arizona lost 18 of its last 24 home games.
-- Oakland lost five of its last six games.

Totals
-- Seven of last eight Toronto home games went over total.
-- Five of last seven St Louis home games stayed under total.
-- Nine of last twelve Milwaukee games went over the total.
-- Under is 8-4-1 in Cubs' last thirteen road games.
-- Over is 7-3-1 in Cleveland's last eleven games.
-- Five of last six Washington games went over the total.
-- Under is 5-1-1 in Royals' last seven road games.
-- Four of last six Bronx Bomber games went over the total.
-- Five of last seven Boston road games went over the total.
-- Ten of last fifteen Florida games went over the total.
-- Under is 8-2-1 in last eleven Houston games.
-- Eleven of last twelve Texas home games stayed under the total.
-- Eight of last eleven Arizona home games went over the total.
-- Under is 6-3-1 in last ten games at Oakland.
-- Under is 7-4 in Dodgers' last eleven home games.

Umpires
-- SF-Mil-- Five of last six Rapuano games went over the total.
-- Phil-Tor-- Five of last six Davidson games went over the total.
-- Min-StL-- Under is 11-1-1 in last thirteen Gorman games.
-- Chi-Chi-- Six of last eight Runge games stayed under the total.
-- Bos-Atl-- Under is 9-4 in last thirteen Fairchild games.
-- LAA-Az-- Three of last four Marsh games went over the total.
-- Wsh-Balt-- Underdog won 10 of last 12 Joyce games.
-- Fla-TB-- Home team won seven of last eight Dimuro games.
-- Cin-Clev-- Nine of last ten Fletcher games stayed under the total.
-- Det-Hst-- Under is 11-5-1 in last seventeen Hoye games.
-- KC-Pitt-- Three of last four Hallion games went over the total.
-- NY-NY-- Home team won four of last five Winters games.
-- SD-Tex-- Under is 8-1-1 in last nine Culbreth games.
-- Colo-A's-- Six of last seven Wegner games stayed under the total.
-- Sea-LA-- Over is 8-5-1 in Diaz games this season.

[Udog]

WNBA
Dunkel


Seattle at Los Angeles
The Sparks look to build on their 11-1 ATS record in their last 12 home games. Los Angeles is the pick (+2 1/2) according to Dunkel, which has the game even. Dunkel Pick: Los Angeles (+2 1/2). Here are all of today's picks.

SUNDAY, JUNE 28

Game 651-652: Sacramento at Detroit
Dunkel Ratings: Sacramento 106.431; Detroit 117.809
Dunkel Line & Total: Detroit by 11 1/2; 152 1/2
Vegas Line & Total: Detroit by 6; 143
Dunkel Pick: Detroit (-6); Over

Game 653-654: Seattle at Los Angeles
Dunkel Ratings: Seattle 115.553; Los Angeles 115.717
Dunkel Line & Total: Even; 138
Vegas Line & Total: Seattle by 2 1/2; 137
Dunkel Pick: Los Angeles (+2 1/2); Over

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




WNBA
Long Sheet

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sunday, June 28
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SACRAMENTO (1 - 6) at DETROIT (1 - 5) - 6/28/2009, 6:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
SACRAMENTO is 1-8 ATS (-7.8 Units) as a road underdog of 3.5 to 6 points over the last 2 seasons.
SACRAMENTO is 9-19 ATS (-11.9 Units) after a division game over the last 2 seasons.
DETROIT is 9-19 ATS (-11.9 Units) in home games after scoring 75 points or more over the last 3 seasons.

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

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SEATTLE (6 - 2) at LOS ANGELES (2 - 5) - 6/28/2009, 9:30 PM
Top Trends for this game.
LOS ANGELES is 15-6 ATS (+8.4 Units) in home games over the last 2 seasons.
LOS ANGELES is 11-2 ATS (+8.8 Units) in home games vs. division opponents over the last 2 seasons.
LOS ANGELES is 18-9 ATS (+8.1 Units) after a division game over the last 2 seasons.
LOS ANGELES is 16-5 ATS (+10.5 Units) revenging a loss versus opponent over the last 2 seasons.
LOS ANGELES is 10-1 ATS (+8.9 Units) in home games when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.
SEATTLE is 19-10 ATS (+8.0 Units) vs. division opponents over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
SEATTLE is 6-5 against the spread versus LOS ANGELES over the last 3 seasons
SEATTLE is 7-4 straight up against LOS ANGELES over the last 3 seasons
7 of 10 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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WNBA

Sunday, June 28

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Lady Luck: Today's WNBA best bets
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Sacramento Monarchs at Detroit Shock (-5.5, 143)

This season could not have started much worse for the defending champion Detroit Shock. However, they have reason to believe it can get turned around.

After completing a season-opening suspension, center Kara Braxton is expected to make her 2009 debut Sunday when the Shock host the only team with a record worse than theirs - the Sacramento Monarchs.

Detroit (1-5) won its third WNBA title in a six-year span in 2008, but finds itself in an unfamiliar position - at the bottom of the Eastern Conference. The Shock have lost four in a row, the last three coming after Rick Mahorn took over as coach when Bill Laimbeer resigned to pursue an NBA job.

Making matters worse, Detroit announced Wednesday that top bench player Plenette Pierson will miss the rest of the season following shoulder surgery. She was the WNBA's Sixth Woman of the Year in 2007 and averaged career bests of 11.9 points and 1.2 blocks last season.

While Pierson's injury weakens Detroit's frontcourt, the team hopes to fill that void with Braxton's return.

One day before the Shock's season-opening 78-58 defeat to Los Angeles, the WNBA suspended Braxton for six games after she pleaded guilty to a drunk-driving charge during the offseason.

The 6-foot-6 center, an All-Star in 2007, was instrumental to Detroit's title run last season, averaging a career-high 8.9 points and 5.1 rebounds.

A year after winning seven of its first eight games en route to a third consecutive conference title, Detroit is off to its worst start since opening 2002 with 13 consecutive losses.

The Shock are coming off a 96-86 loss at Atlanta. Rookie Shavonte Zellous scored a career-high 25 points for Detroit, which shot 31.1 percent from the field and was outscored 34-18 in the paint.

Pick: Sacramento +5.5



Seattle Storm at Los Angeles Sparks (+2, 137)

The Los Angeles Sparks had no answer for stopping Storm power forward Lauren Jackson in Seattle on Friday. They don't have much time to figure out a way to contain the league's scoring leader.

Jackson looks to build on her best game of the season and lead the Storm to their fourth straight victory Sunday at Staples Center when they wrap up a home-and-home series with the Sparks.

Jackson led Seattle (6-2) to a 69-67 home win over the Sparks on Friday with a season-high 32 points and eight rebounds. The two-time league MVP made 12 of 15 shots - including 3 of 4 from beyond the arc - for Seattle, which lost to Los Angeles (2-5) in three games in last season's Western Conference semifinals.

"I have a supportive team and my teammates are definitely helping me," said Jackson, who is averaging 24.5 points and shooting 60.0 percent (21 of 35) from 3-point range. "I have great people around me. They can't just stop one player."

Jackson has scored at least 20 in each of the first eight games of the season. If she does it again Sunday, she'll match Cynthia Cooper's WNBA record of nine consecutive 20-point games to open a season, set in 1999.

"I haven't been here for but a year in a half, but from what I remember coaching her, I don't know if she's played any better than she's playing right now," Seattle coach Brian Agler said of Jackson.

Pick: Seattle -2


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

[Dennis14072]

Thanks Guys, always great info!

[Udog]

Sunday six-pack

-- If interleague play goes on much longer, the entire NL East will be under .500; hard to believe the pitching-poor Phillies are still in first.

-- Andre Ethier has 14 HRs; 13 of them are at Dodger Stadium.

-- Texas Rangers are out of first place for first time in fifty days.

-- Ichiro Suzuki has seven consecutive multi-hit games.

-- Cardinals landed Mark DeRosa from the Indians-- he is expected to be their third baseman the rest of the season.

-- AL leads the NL 131-106 with one day left in interleague play.

=================================================

Sunday's List of 13: Our weekly baseball List of 13........

13) Mariners 38-36-- Felix Hernandez looked like Bob Gibson against the Dodgers Saturday night; this team plays with enthusiasm, which in the last couple years, you couldn't say about the Mariners.

12) Marlins 38-38-- NL East is combined 32-47 in interleague play, so when they get back to playing each other this week, someone will have to step up. Marlins have the best starting pitching of top three teams.

11) Brewers 40-34-- Surprise team of NL is 20-18 on road, but is just 20-16 at Miller Park; big comeback got Hoffman off hook Saturday.

10) Cardinals 41-35-- Traded for Mark DeRosa Saturday, which fills a hole at 3B, but what to do with Khalil Greene? Their starting pitching is still sub-standard, but they'd be in playoffs if they started today.

9) Giants 39-34-- Blew game they should have had Saturday, now only 8-11 in one-run games, but 24-12 at home. Next question is which of its minor league pitching prospects gets to fill the #5 starter role?

8) Rays 41-35-- Its freakin' June 28 and they haven't played Blue Jays yet, which means 18 of their last 85 games are against Toronto. Who is the genius who thought this was good scheduling?

7) Toronto 41-35-- Luckily for Jays, Roy Halladay comes off DL to start the first of those 18 against the Rays. Marco Scutaro deserves to be on the All-Star team. Gaston has done good job with this group.

6) Rockies 39-35-- They've won 19 of last 22 games, are only 1.5 games out of Wild Card, and have all the momentum- they're 22-20 on the road, which has often been a weak point in past.

5) Rangers 40-35-- Fell out of first place last night for first time in seven weeks; looks like two eastern teams will make playoffs, so that makes a series against Angels this coming week pretty darned important.

4) Angels 40-32-- Getting Lackey back was huge-- their bullpen has been weak, so they needed an innings-eater to protect the pen. 13-4 vs the NL they made up four games on Texas during interleague play.

3) Bronx 42-32-- Bully team-- just 10-9 in one-run games. They get an upgrade on defense when Jeter sits out- the Pena kid can pick it. Have outscored Mets 29-1 in last three meetings. 4-1 against Mets, just 5-7 against rest of the National League.

2) Red Sox 46-28-- Francona just seems happier this year-- this team is rolling, and he doesn't have a certain leftfielder giving him ulcers. Now in October, he'll probably meet up with the leftfielder, which bring us to...

1) Dodgers 48-27-- Tremendous job by Torre having team thrive in the no-Manny era, but their feeble effort against Felix Hernandez Saturday shows just how much they'll need him when October rolls around.