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**pm530** · 08-06-2009, 04:49 AM

Daily Sports Roundup

Thursday, August 6

Today in the Daily Sports Roundup: The world's top golfers compete at the WGC-Bridgestone Invitational, and the rival Red Sox and Yankees start a series.

Colliding in the Junior Circuit . . .

John Smoltz (2-4, 7.12 ERA) will take on Joba Chamberlain (7-2, 3.58 ERA) on Thursday night as the Red Sox and Yankees begin their four-game series at Yankee Stadium. Righthander Smoltz was knocked around for five earned runs on eight hits over six innings by the Orioles last time out, but still managed to pick up a victory. Righthander Chamberlain has won each of his last three outings, holding the Rays scoreless on three hits in eight innings in his most recent start.

Elsewhere on the American League schedule for Thursday it'll be Baltimore at Detroit, Texas at Oakland, Seattle and Kansas City, the Angels at the White Sox, and Minnesota at Cleveland. Nick Blackburn (8-5, 3.83 ERA) will get the start for the Twins in that contest; righthander Blackburn has been in a tailspin, allowing 17 earned runs over his last 15 1-3 innings of work. The Indians will counter with Fausto Carmona (2-6, 7.13 ERA), who got a no-decision vs. the Tigers last start.

Clashing in the Senior Circuit . . .

Cliff Lee (1-0, 1.00 ERA in the National League) will be back on the mound for the Phillies at home on Thursday afternoon as they host the Rockies and Aaron Cook (10-3, 3.88 ERA). Lefthander Lee won his Phillies debut last time out, holding the Giants to a single earned run on four hits over his nine innings of work. Righthander Cook had to settle for a no-decision in his most recent start against the Reds, surrendering three earned runs on seven hits in 6 2-3 innings.

Also on tap around the NL on Thursday: Florida at Washington, Arizona at Pittsburgh, the Mets at San Diego, and Atlanta at the Dodgers. Derek Lowe (11-7, 4.21 ERA) will be trying to pitch the Braves to a victory in that matchup; righthander Lowe has won three straight starts, and Atlanta is 5-0 in his last five outings. The Dodgers will counter with lefthander Randy Wolf (5-6, 3.47 ERA), who was beaten by the Braves in his last start (three earned runs in six innings).

Rounding out the Roundup . . .

Tiger Woods is the 8/5 Vegas favorite to get the win this week in the WGC-Bridgestone Invitational at Firestone Country Club in Akron. Woods is coming off a victory in last week's Buick Open, and is well ahead of rival Phil Mickelson (12/1) on the Vegas odds list. Sergio Garcia, Steve Stricker, Jim Furyk, and Lee Westwood are all pegged at 25/1 to get the victory, with Geoff Ogilvy, Henrik Stenson, Hunter Mahan, Anthony Kim, Stewart Cink, and Retief Goosen at 30/1.

As well, the lesser-lights of the PGA Tour will be competing in the Legends Reno-Tahoe Open at Montreux this week. Charley Hoffman is pegged as the 15/1 Vegas favorite to get the win in that second-tier event, with Andres Romero at 18/1 odds. John Mallinger, Kevin Na, and Vaughn Taylor are all listed at 20/1.

Finally, there are two WNBA games on the schedule for Thursday, with Seattle at Los Angeles and Atlanta at San Antonio. The Dream have won three straight contests and now sit at 10-10 straight-up and a lucrative 13-5-2 against-the-spread on the season. The Silver Stars are 9-10 both SU and ATS after knocking off Los Angeles 63-59 on the road on Tuesday afternoon. Becky Hammon had 20 points in that matinee win for San Antonio, while Sophia Young had 12 points.

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**pm530** · 08-06-2009, 04:50 AM

Six-pack for Thursday

-- Rays swept couple games from Boston, creeping within three games of Wild Card lead, with Red Sox heading to the Bronx for the weekend. Rangers should be making inroads, but can't beat the A's this week.

-- Washington Nationals won their last four games- their bullpen is lot better. Too bad Manny Acta couldn't have started season with these pitchers-- he'd still have his job.

-- Arizona Diamondbacks are 18-10 in their last 28 games, good job by new manager AJ Hinch making the Snakes younger and more athletic.

-- June 20, 2006, Rays traded Gathright and Cortes to KC for reliever JP Howell, which was a tremendous ripoff by Tampa Bay.

-- Pete Carroll is 88-15 at USC, with zero losses in November. None.

-- In Nevada, more than 40 percent of the $2 billion annually bet on sports is wagered on football.

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Thursday's Den: Playing name association with AFC teams

-- Baltimore-- Ravens have been all about defense, and Ray Lewis leads that defense. My friend Big Dawg can't stand Lewis pre-game theatrics, but once the game starts, Lewis is a defensive coordinator on the field.

-- Buffalo-- Bills won four straight AFC titles and had a great offense, even in lousy weather. Jim Kelly ran the no-huddle brilliantly, but they never won the Super Bowl, so their greatness is largely overlooked.

-- Cincinnati-- Its hard to be positive about the Bengals, a hard-headed, tight organization that lives in the past. Their refusal to get rid of pain in the butt Chad85Johnson is typical of why this is a terrible franchise.

-- Cleveland-- Even in his 70's, Jim Brown looks like a tough guy-- what a great running back he was. He retired too soon but what a great athlete; not only one of the best football players, he was great at lacrosse, too.

-- Denver-- Not much thought here. John Elway led Broncos to a pair of Super Bowl titles just before he retired, making Mike Shanahan look like a genius. Shanahan won one playoff game after Elway retired.

-- Houston-- David Carr was the highly drafted QB who was supposed to lead the Texans into contention, but when opponents treated him like a pinata, Carr became this generation's Archie Manning, a beaten man. Irony is that Carr now collects check in Jersey, backing up Eli Manning.

-- Indianapolis-- Colts have ton of history, but move to Indy means the choice is Peyton Manning, the second-best QB in Colt history (Unitas would still be considered by most to be better, although I doubt he had a brother who made more money than he did).

-- Jacksonville-- Hardest choice of the 32 teams. Mark Brunell was the QB when Jaguars became contenders under Tom Coughlin-- you forget that the year Rams won the Super Bowl, Jags had home field in AFC title game, but lost to the Titans.

-- Kansas City-- Hank Stram made NFL Films must-see TV with his stellar performance while miked during Super Bowl IV, the last game an AFL team played before the merger. Stram was way ahead of his time.

-- Miami-- Dolphins are last team to go through an entire season without a loss-- Don Shula not only led Miami to pair of Super Bowl titles, he won more games than any NFL coach. he spoiled the South Florida fan, as Miami now struggles to draw fans unless they're serious contenders.

-- New England-- Three Super Bowl wins by three points each, making the hooded sweatshirt a fashion statement, and spying on opponents an art form. Bill Belichick also was part of Giants' championship clubs.

-- NY Jets-- They play in another team's stadium, their only Super Bowl title was when Richard Nixon was President, so Joe Namath remains the dominant figure in franchise history. You expected Ken O'Brien?

-- Oakland-- "In the first five minutes, the quarterback must go down, and he must go down hahhhhd...." One of my favorite NFL Films quotes from Al Davis, the guy who turned the Raiders into perennial winners.

-- Pittsburgh-- The most underrated coach in the history of American sports, Chuck Noll. The Steelers were terrible before he coached them.

-- San Diego-- Summer of 1986, I'm in Anaheim Stadium at a scrimmage with Rams and Chargers. Veterans played 7-on-7, no linemen, a passing drill and boy could Dan Fouts pass. It was like watching Picasso paint, watching him put every ball right on his receivers' fingertips. Amazing.

-- Tennessee-- Jeff Fisher has coached this team in Nashville, Memphis and Houston, when they were the Oilers. He has brought the Titans to within a yard of OT in the Super Bowl, and now this year, he has to help his team deal with the death of former teammate Steve McNair.

From: Armadillo
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**pm530** · 08-06-2009, 04:54 AM

....a look forward to this week's Canadian Football League
(more trends will be added later)

CFL
Dunkel Index

Toronto at Montreal
The Argonauts look to build on their 5-0 ATS record in their last 5 games in Week 6. Toronto is the pick (+13 1/2) according to Dunkel, which has the Alouettes favored by 10. Dunkel Pick: Toronto (+13 1/2). Here are all of this week's CFL picks.

FRIDAY, AUGUST 7

Game 401-402: Toronto at Montreal
Dunkel Ratings: Toronto 110.391; Montreal 120.352
Dunkel Line: Montreal by 10; 54
Vegas Line: Montreal by 13 1/2; 51
Dunkel Pick: Toronto (+13 1/2); Over

Game 403-404: Saskatchewan at BC
Dunkel Ratings: Saskatchewan 105.965; BC 113.429
Dunkel Line: BC by 7 1/2; 53
Vegas Line: BC by 1; 59
Dunkel Pick: BC (-1); Under

SATURDAY, AUGUST 8

Game 405-406: Edmonton at Hamilton
Dunkel Ratings: Edmonton 111.722; Hamilton 107.713
Dunkel Line: Edmonton by 4; 43 1/2
Vegas Line: Edmonton by 1; 52
Dunkel Pick: Edmonton (-1); Under

Game 407-408: Winnipeg at Calgary
Dunkel Ratings: Winnipeg 107.123; Calgary 115.335
Dunkel Line: Calgary by 8; 57 1/2
Vegas Line: Calgary by 14 1/2; 51
Dunkel Pick: Winnipeg (+14 1/2); Over

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CFL
Long Sheet

Week 6

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Friday, August 7
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TORONTO (2 - 3) at MONTREAL (4 - 1) - 8/7/2009, 7:30 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

Head-to-Head Series History
MONTREAL is 4-3 against the spread versus TORONTO over the last 3 seasons
MONTREAL is 5-2 straight up against TORONTO 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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SASKATCHEWAN (3 - 2) at BRITISH COLUMBIA (1 - 4) - 8/7/2009, 10:30 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

Head-to-Head Series History
SASKATCHEWAN is 5-4 against the spread versus BRITISH COLUMBIA over the last 3 seasons
BRITISH COLUMBIA is 5-4 straight up against SASKATCHEWAN over the last 3 seasons
6 of 9 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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Saturday, August 8
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EDMONTON (3 - 2) at HAMILTON (3 - 2) - 8/8/2009, 6:30 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

Head-to-Head Series History
HAMILTON is 3-1 against the spread versus EDMONTON over the last 3 seasons
EDMONTON is 3-1 straight up against HAMILTON over the last 3 seasons
3 of 4 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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WINNIPEG (2 - 3) at CALGARY (2 - 3) - 8/8/2009, 9:30 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

Head-to-Head Series History
WINNIPEG is 3-2 against the spread versus CALGARY over the last 3 seasons
WINNIPEG is 3-2 straight up against CALGARY 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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CFL

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Trend Report
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Friday, August 7

7:30 PM
TORONTO vs. MONTREAL
Toronto is 2-12 SU in its last 14 games
Toronto is 2-5 ATS in its last 7 games on the road
Montreal is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games when playing at home against Toronto
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Montreal's last 7 games when playing at home against Toronto

10:30 PM
SASKATCHEWAN vs. BRITISH COLUMBIA
Saskatchewan is 11-4 SU in its last 15 games on the road
Saskatchewan is 16-6 ATS in its last 22 games when playing British Columbia
British Columbia is 3-10-1 ATS in its last 14 games at home
British Columbia is 17-8 SU in its last 25 games at home

Saturday, August 8

6:30 PM
EDMONTON vs. HAMILTON
Edmonton is 1-4 ATS in its last 5 games when playing on the road against Hamilton
Edmonton is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games when playing on the road against Hamilton
Hamilton is 8-1 ATS in its last 9 games when playing Edmonton
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Hamilton's last 5 games when playing Edmonton

9:30 PM
WINNIPEG vs. CALGARY
Winnipeg is 0-5 ATS in its last 5 games when playing on the road against Calgary
Winnipeg is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games when playing on the road against Calgary
Calgary is 12-4 SU in its last 16 games
Calgary is 2-4 ATS in its last 6 games when playing Winnipeg

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**pm530** · 08-06-2009, 04:56 AM

MLB
Long Sheet

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Thursday, August 6
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FLORIDA (55 - 51) at WASHINGTON (35 - 72) - 12:35 PM
CHRIS VOLSTAD (R) vs. CRAIG STAMMEN (R)
Top Trends for this game.
FLORIDA is 21-38 (-17.1 Units) against the money line in August games over the last 3 seasons.
FLORIDA is 55-51 (+4.5 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
FLORIDA is 402-370 (+44.3 Units) against the money line when the total is 8 to 8.5 since 1997.
FLORIDA is 65-66 (+14.2 Units) against the money line in road games over the last 2 seasons.
FLORIDA is 11-5 (+8.3 Units) against the money line in road games against division opponents this season.
FLORIDA is 43-33 (+17.5 Units) against the money line in day games over the last 2 seasons.
FLORIDA is 135-123 (+23.6 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
FLORIDA is 94-93 (+7.3 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters over the last 2 seasons.
VOLSTAD is 12-5 (+11.0 Units) against the money line in road games over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
VOLSTAD is 12-4 (+12.0 Units) against the money line in road games in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
WASHINGTON is 35-72 (-30.4 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
WASHINGTON is 26-58 (-23.5 Units) against the money line when the total is 8 to 8.5 over the last 2 seasons.
WASHINGTON is 21-33 (-11.8 Units) against the money line in home games this season.
WASHINGTON is 23-48 (-20.6 Units) against the money line at home when the total is 8 to 8.5 over the last 3 seasons.
WASHINGTON is 11-32 (-18.6 Units) against the money line against division opponents this season.
WASHINGTON is 35-69 (-27.4 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
WASHINGTON is 26-54 (-22.6 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.
WASHINGTON is 14-41 (-22.3 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record this season.
WASHINGTON is 9-33 (-19.1 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record in the second half of the season over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
FLORIDA is 9-1 (+7.3 Units) against WASHINGTON this season
7 of 9 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+5.0 Units)

CHRIS VOLSTAD vs. WASHINGTON since 1997
VOLSTAD is 1-0 when starting against WASHINGTON with an ERA of 3.86 and a WHIP of 1.822.
His team's record is 2-0 (+2.0 units) in these starts. The OVER is 2-0. (+2.0 units)

CRAIG STAMMEN vs. FLORIDA since 1997
STAMMEN is 0-0 when starting against FLORIDA with an ERA of 5.07 and a WHIP of 1.126.
His team's record is 0-1 (-1.0 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 0-1. (-1.3 units)

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COLORADO (59 - 47) at PHILADELPHIA (59 - 45) - 1:05 PM
AARON COOK (R) vs. CLIFF LEE (L)
Top Trends for this game.
PHILADELPHIA is 162-118 (+17.2 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
PHILADELPHIA is 27-7 (+15.4 Units) against the money line as a home favorite of -150 to -175 over the last 2 seasons.
PHILADELPHIA is 158-114 (+16.5 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
PHILADELPHIA is 83-64 (+10.4 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.
PHILADELPHIA is 41-25 (+12.2 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record in the second half of the season over the last 2 seasons.
LEE is 19-6 (+15.1 Units) against the money line when playing on Thursday since 1997. (Team's Record)
COLORADO is 59-47 (+11.2 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
COLORADO is 32-26 (+11.6 Units) against the money line in road games this season.
COLORADO is 13-5 (+9.6 Units) against the money line in road games in August games over the last 2 seasons.
COLORADO is 59-47 (+11.2 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
COLORADO is 15-9 (+10.9 Units) against the money line in road games when playing against a team with a winning record this season.
COLORADO is 57-38 (+25.7 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record in the second half of the season over the last 3 seasons.
PHILADELPHIA is 16-20 (-11.4 Units) against the money line in home games against right-handed starters this season.
LEE is 9-14 (-8.8 Units) against the money line in all games this season. (Team's Record)
LEE is 7-14 (-10.8 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season. (Team's Record)

Head-to-Head Series History
COLORADO is 2-2 (+0.1 Units) against PHILADELPHIA this season
4 of 4 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+4.0 Units)

AARON COOK vs. PHILADELPHIA since 1997
COOK is 1-4 when starting against PHILADELPHIA with an ERA of 6.10 and a WHIP of 1.621.
His team's record is 2-5 (-2.8 units) in these starts. The OVER is 4-2. (+2.0 units)

CLIFF LEE vs. COLORADO since 1997
No recent starts.

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ARIZONA (48 - 59) at PITTSBURGH (45 - 61) - 7:05 PM
MAX SCHERZER (R) vs. KEVIN HART (R)
Top Trends for this game.
ARIZONA is 48-59 (-12.8 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
ARIZONA is 48-59 (-12.8 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
ARIZONA is 92-93 (-12.7 Units) against the money line in night games over the last 2 seasons.
PITTSBURGH is 21-14 (+7.6 Units) against the money line in home games in night games this season.
ARIZONA is 21-16 (+9.5 Units) against the money line in road games against right-handed starters this season.
PITTSBURGH is 3-14 (-12.3 Units) against the money line in home games in August games over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
ARIZONA is 4-1 (+3.3 Units) against PITTSBURGH this season
2 of 4 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=-0.3 Units, Under=-0.3 Units)

MAX SCHERZER vs. PITTSBURGH since 1997
SCHERZER is 1-0 when starting against PITTSBURGH with an ERA of 0.00 and a WHIP of 0.714.
His team's record is 1-0 (+1.0 units) in these starts. The OVER is 0-0. (+0.0 units)

KEVIN HART vs. ARIZONA since 1997
No recent starts.

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NY METS (50 - 56) at SAN DIEGO (44 - 64) - 10:05 PM
LIVAN HERNANDEZ (R) vs. CLAYTON RICHARD (L)
Top Trends for this game.
NY METS are 139-129 (-13.4 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
NY METS are 139-129 (-13.4 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
SAN DIEGO is 44-64 (-15.3 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
SAN DIEGO is 12-21 (-12.4 Units) against the money line at home with a money line of -100 to -125 over the last 2 seasons.
SAN DIEGO is 44-64 (-15.3 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
SAN DIEGO is 75-119 (-40.0 Units) against the money line in night games over the last 2 seasons.
SAN DIEGO is 26-43 (-15.2 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.
SAN DIEGO is 56-79 (-25.9 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 2-1 (+2.1 Units) against NY METS this season
2 of 2 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+2.1 Units)

LIVAN HERNANDEZ vs. SAN DIEGO since 1997
HERNANDEZ is 12-5 when starting against SAN DIEGO with an ERA of 4.31 and a WHIP of 1.378.
His team's record is 14-10 (+3.9 units) in these starts. The OVER is 12-10. (+1.4 units)

CLAYTON RICHARD vs. NY METS since 1997
No recent starts.

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ATLANTA (54 - 53) at LA DODGERS (66 - 41) - 10:10 PM
DEREK LOWE (R) vs. RANDY WOLF (L)
Top Trends for this game.
ATLANTA is 54-53 (-8.1 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
ATLANTA is 26-31 (-12.8 Units) against the money line when the total is 8 to 8.5 this season.
ATLANTA is 55-80 (-21.4 Units) against the money line in road games over the last 2 seasons.
ATLANTA is 54-53 (-8.1 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
ATLANTA is 88-96 (-19.0 Units) against the money line in night games over the last 2 seasons.
LA DODGERS are 66-41 (+17.5 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
LA DODGERS are 66-41 (+17.5 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
LA DODGERS are 49-29 (+13.8 Units) against the money line in night games this season.
LA DODGERS are 48-29 (+15.7 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.
WOLF is 20-7 (+12.2 Units) against the money line in home games over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
WOLF is 20-7 (+12.2 Units) against the money line in home games in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
WOLF is 18-4 (+13.3 Units) against the money line in home games in night games over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
WOLF is 62-52 (+19.4 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record since 1997. (Team's Record)
ATLANTA is 18-11 (+8.6 Units) against the money line in road games when playing against a team with a winning record this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
LA DODGERS is 2-1 (+1.8 Units) against ATLANTA this season
2 of 3 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+0.7 Units)

DEREK LOWE vs. LA DODGERS since 1997
LOWE is 1-1 when starting against LA DODGERS with an ERA of 3.60 and a WHIP of 1.150.
His team's record is 2-1 (+0.3 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 2-1. (+1.0 units)

RANDY WOLF vs. ATLANTA since 1997
WOLF is 4-12 when starting against ATLANTA with an ERA of 5.35 and a WHIP of 1.546.
His team's record is 10-14 (-2.2 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 10-13. (-4.4 units)

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MINNESOTA (53 - 53) at CLEVELAND (44 - 62) - 12:05 PM
NICK BLACKBURN (R) vs. FAUSTO CARMONA (R)
Top Trends for this game.
BLACKBURN is 8-23 (-15.6 Units) against the money line in road games over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
BLACKBURN is 7-21 (-15.1 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
CLEVELAND is 22-4 (+18.2 Units) against the money line in home games when playing on Thursday over the last 3 seasons.
MINNESOTA is 22-7 (+15.6 Units) against the money line when playing with a day off over the last 2 seasons.
MINNESOTA is 64-42 (+17.0 Units) against the money line against division opponents over the last 2 seasons.
CLEVELAND is 44-62 (-20.3 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
CLEVELAND is 43-61 (-23.7 Units) against the money line when the total is 9 to 9.5 over the last 2 seasons.
CLEVELAND is 22-30 (-14.1 Units) against the money line in home games this season.
CLEVELAND is 34-52 (-21.6 Units) against the money line in day games over the last 2 seasons.
CLEVELAND is 39-55 (-19.2 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
CLEVELAND is 29-48 (-21.8 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
MINNESOTA is 5-2 (+3.4 Units) against CLEVELAND this season
4 of 7 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+0.5 Units)

NICK BLACKBURN vs. CLEVELAND since 1997
BLACKBURN is 4-0 when starting against CLEVELAND with an ERA of 1.30 and a WHIP of 0.981.
His team's record is 5-0 (+5.7 units) in these starts. The OVER is 1-4. (-3.5 units)

FAUSTO CARMONA vs. MINNESOTA since 1997
CARMONA is 3-4 when starting against MINNESOTA with an ERA of 5.24 and a WHIP of 1.489.
His team's record is 4-4 (+2.2 units) in these starts. The OVER is 3-4. (-1.0 units)

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BALTIMORE (45 - 61) at DETROIT (55 - 50) - 1:05 PM
DAVID HERNANDEZ (R) vs. RICK PORCELLO (R)
Top Trends for this game.
BALTIMORE is 23-53 (-27.6 Units) against the money line in day games over the last 2 seasons.
BALTIMORE is 81-145 (-44.0 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 3 seasons.
BALTIMORE is 19-48 (-22.2 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record in the second half of the season over the last 2 seasons.
DETROIT is 32-17 (+10.5 Units) against the money line in home games this season.
DETROIT is 15-4 (+10.1 Units) against the money line in home games in day games this season.
DETROIT is 32-17 (+10.5 Units) against the money line in home games in games played on a grass field this season.
DETROIT is 129-138 (-30.5 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
DETROIT is 61-68 (-17.5 Units) against the money line when the total is 9 to 9.5 over the last 2 seasons.
DETROIT is 13-19 (-13.6 Units) against the money line in August games over the last 2 seasons.
DETROIT is 83-102 (-34.4 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters over the last 2 seasons.
DETROIT is 50-53 (-20.0 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record in the second half of the season over the last 3 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
BALTIMORE is 3-3 (+0.8 Units) against DETROIT this season
3 of 6 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=-0.3 Units, Under=-0.4 Units)

DAVID HERNANDEZ vs. DETROIT since 1997
HERNANDEZ is 1-0 when starting against DETROIT with an ERA of 1.59 and a WHIP of 1.587.
His team's record is 1-0 (+1.0 units) in these starts. The OVER is 0-1. (-1.1 units)

RICK PORCELLO vs. BALTIMORE since 1997
No recent starts.

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LA ANGELS (63 - 41) at CHI WHITE SOX (55 - 52) - 2:05 PM
ERVIN SANTANA (R) vs. JOHN DANKS (L)
Top Trends for this game.
CHI WHITE SOX are 55-52 (+4.6 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
CHI WHITE SOX are 34-23 (+9.7 Units) against the money line when the total is 9 to 9.5 this season.
CHI WHITE SOX are 86-52 (+21.5 Units) against the money line in home games over the last 2 seasons.
CHI WHITE SOX are 49-28 (+14.4 Units) against the money line at home when the total is 9 to 9.5 over the last 2 seasons.
CHI WHITE SOX are 51-42 (+9.4 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
DANKS is 15-5 (+10.5 Units) against the money line in day games over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
LA ANGELS are 63-41 (+21.2 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
LA ANGELS are 71-38 (+27.3 Units) against the money line when the total is 9 to 9.5 over the last 2 seasons.
LA ANGELS are 31-21 (+14.6 Units) against the money line in road games this season.
LA ANGELS are 19-6 (+13.5 Units) against the money line when playing on Thursday over the last 2 seasons.
LA ANGELS are 22-8 (+17.4 Units) against the money line in day games this season.
LA ANGELS are 57-35 (+20.2 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
LA ANGELS are 23-10 (+13.2 Units) against the money line against left-handed starters this season.
LA ANGELS are 75-53 (+20.2 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.
SANTANA is 24-11 (+14.0 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record in the second half of the season since 1997. (Team's Record)

Head-to-Head Series History
CHI WHITE SOX is 3-1 (+3.4 Units) against LA ANGELS this season
2 of 3 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+0.8 Units)

ERVIN SANTANA vs. CHI WHITE SOX since 1997
SANTANA is 2-3 when starting against CHI WHITE SOX with an ERA of 6.08 and a WHIP of 1.350.
His team's record is 3-4 (-1.7 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 2-5. (-3.8 units)

JOHN DANKS vs. LA ANGELS since 1997
DANKS is 1-1 when starting against LA ANGELS with an ERA of 2.78 and a WHIP of 1.412.
His team's record is 1-3 (-2.0 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 3-1. (+1.8 units)

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TEXAS (59 - 46) at OAKLAND (46 - 60) - 3:35 PM
TOMMY HUNTER (R) vs. TREVOR CAHILL (R)
Top Trends for this game.
OAKLAND is 209-136 (+65.5 Units) against the money line in August games since 1997.
TEXAS is 59-46 (+15.4 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
TEXAS is 61-67 (+12.0 Units) against the money line in road games over the last 2 seasons.
TEXAS is 21-11 (+10.9 Units) against the money line against division opponents this season.
TEXAS is 58-44 (+15.6 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
TEXAS is 37-30 (+9.8 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.
OAKLAND is 61-81 (-25.3 Units) against the money line against division opponents over the last 3 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
OAKLAND is 5-5 (+0.3 Units) against TEXAS this season
8 of 10 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+5.7 Units)

TOMMY HUNTER vs. OAKLAND since 1997
HUNTER is 0-0 when starting against OAKLAND with an ERA of 5.07 and a WHIP of 1.876.
His team's record is 1-0 (+1.0 units) in these starts. The OVER is 0-1. (-1.2 units)

TREVOR CAHILL vs. TEXAS since 1997
CAHILL is 1-0 when starting against TEXAS with an ERA of 1.29 and a WHIP of 0.714.
His team's record is 1-0 (+1.0 units) in these starts. The OVER is 1-0. (+1.1 units)

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BOSTON (62 - 43) at NY YANKEES (64 - 42) - 7:05 PM
JOHN SMOLTZ (R) vs. JOBA CHAMBERLAIN (R)
Top Trends for this game.
BOSTON is 33-38 (-14.7 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record in the second half of the season over the last 2 seasons.
BOSTON is 11-2 (+9.3 Units) against the money line when playing with a day off this season.
BOSTON is 28-13 (+12.8 Units) against the money line against division opponents this season.
BOSTON is 150-87 (+32.0 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
NY YANKEES are 221-147 (-64.0 Units) against the money line at home when the total is 10 to 10.5 since 1997.

Head-to-Head Series History
BOSTON is 8-0 (+8.5 Units) against NY YANKEES this season
4 of 6 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+1.5 Units)

JOHN SMOLTZ vs. NY YANKEES since 1997
SMOLTZ is 0-1 when starting against NY YANKEES with an ERA of 4.24 and a WHIP of 1.471.
His team's record is 1-2 (-0.9 units) in these starts. The OVER is 1-2. (-1.3 units)

JOBA CHAMBERLAIN vs. BOSTON since 1997
CHAMBERLAIN is 1-1 when starting against BOSTON with an ERA of 3.00 and a WHIP of 1.375.
His team's record is 2-2 (+0.0 units) in these starts. The OVER is 2-2. (-0.1 units)

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SEATTLE (55 - 51) at KANSAS CITY (41 - 65) - 8:10 PM
JASON VARGAS (L) vs. BRUCE CHEN (L)
Top Trends for this game.
SEATTLE is 14-39 (-21.2 Units) against the money line on the road when the total is 9 to 9.5 over the last 2 seasons.
SEATTLE is 75-106 (-30.2 Units) against the money line in night games over the last 2 seasons.
SEATTLE is 244-229 (-74.0 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record in the second half of the season since 1997.
SEATTLE is 55-51 (+5.4 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
SEATTLE is 52-47 (+5.8 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
KANSAS CITY is 41-65 (-22.9 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
KANSAS CITY is 37-64 (-22.4 Units) against the money line when the total is 9 to 9.5 over the last 2 seasons.
KANSAS CITY is 23-33 (-13.9 Units) against the money line in home games this season.
KANSAS CITY is 35-65 (-30.5 Units) against the money line at home when the total is 9 to 9.5 over the last 3 seasons.
KANSAS CITY is 37-56 (-19.9 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
KANSAS CITY is 40-57 (-21.4 Units) against the money line in home games in night games over the last 2 seasons.
KANSAS CITY is 1-9 (-8.8 Units) against the money line in home games when playing against a team with a winning record in the second half of the season this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
KANSAS CITY is 2-1 (+1.0 Units) against SEATTLE this season
2 of 3 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+1.0 Units)

JASON VARGAS vs. KANSAS CITY since 1997
No recent starts.

BRUCE CHEN vs. SEATTLE since 1997
CHEN is 1-0 when starting against SEATTLE with an ERA of 2.42 and a WHIP of 1.192.
His team's record is 2-2 (+0.7 units) in these starts. The OVER is 2-2. (-0.2 units)

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**pm530** · 08-06-2009, 04:57 AM

MLB
Write-up

Thursday, August 6

Hot Pitchers
-- Volstad is 3-1, 2.91 in his last five starts.
-- Cook is 7-0, 3.10 in his last eleven starts. Lee is 4-0, 1.32 in his last four starts.
-- Hart was 3-0, 3.18 in his last three starts for the Cubs.
-- LHernandez is 2-0, 3.15 in his last three starts. Richard is 2-0, 1.25 in his last three starts.
-- Lowe is 4-0, 3.00 in his last five starts.

-- DHernandez has a 2.77 RA in his last four starts.
-- Hunter is 3-1, 2.45 in his last five starts.
-- Chamberlain is 3-0, 0.83 in his last three starts.

Cold Pitchers
-- Stammen is 0-1, 12.91 in his last couple starts.
-- Scherzer is 1-2, 6.40 in his last six starts.
-- Wolf is 1-3, 3.91 in his last four starts.

-- Carmona is 0-2, 12.27 in his last five starts. Blackburn has a 8.46 RA in his last four starts, allowing 40 hits in 22.1 IP.
-- Porcello is 1-3, 7.42 in his last five starts.
-- Danks has a 5.70 RA in his last four starts. Santana is 2-4, 8.20 in his last seven starts.
-- Cahill is 1-5, 9.18 in his last seven starts.
-- Smoltz is 1-2, 8.66 in his last three starts.
-- Chen is 0-6, 6.55 in seven starts for the Royals. Vargas is 0-3, 7.94 in his last five starts.

Hot Teams
-- Nationals won their last four games, scoring 24 runs.
-- Arizona is 18-10 in its last 28 games.
-- Colorado won five of its last six games.
-- Padres won six of their last nine games.
-- Dodgers won seven of their last eleven home games.

-- Tigers are 18-6 in their last 24 home games.
-- Bronx Bombers are 14-5 since the All-Star break. Red Sox are 8-0 against Bronx this season.
-- Angels won five of their last seven games. White Sox won 14 of their last 18 home games.
-- Mariners won three of their last four games.
-- A's are 6-3 in their last nine home games.

Cold Teams
-- Marlins lost three of their last four games.
-- Pirates lost their last five games, allowing 27 runs.
-- Phillies lost five of their last seven games.
-- Mets lost five of their last seven games.
-- Braves are 5-7 in their last twelve games.

-- Indians lost 14 of their last 21 home games. Twins lost seven of their last ten road contests.
-- Orioles lost five of their last six games.
-- Royals lost seven of their last eight games.
-- Rangers lost four of their last five games.

Totals
-- Four of last five Volstad starts stayed under the total.
-- Over is 7-4-1 in Cook's road starts this season.
-- Under is 16-5 in Arizona's last twenty-one road games.
-- Eight of last eleven games at Petco Park stayed under the total.
-- Three of Wolf's last four starts stayed under the total.

-- Over is 4-0-1 in last five Minnesota games.
-- Five of last seven Detroit games went over the total.
-- Over is 13-1-1 in Angels' last fifteen games.
-- Five of last seven Texas games stayed under the total.
-- Three of four Smoltz road starts went over the total.
-- Under is 8-4-1 in Mariners' last thirteen road games.

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**pm530** · 08-06-2009, 04:58 AM

MLB

Thursday, August 6

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Trend Report
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12:05 PM
MINNESOTA vs. CLEVELAND
Minnesota is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games
Minnesota is 2-5 SU in its last 7 games on the road
Cleveland is 8-4 SU in its last 12 games
Cleveland is 7-14 SU in its last 21 games at home

12:35 PM
FLORIDA vs. WASHINGTON
Florida is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games
Florida is 6-3 SU in its last 9 games on the road
Washington is 2-10 SU in its last 12 games when playing Florida
Washington is 3-10 SU in its last 13 games when playing at home against Florida

1:05 PM
BALTIMORE vs. DETROIT
Baltimore is 3-6 SU in its last 9 games when playing on the road against Detroit
Baltimore is 2-7 SU in its last 9 games on the road
Detroit is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games when playing Baltimore
Detroit is 6-3 SU in its last 9 games when playing at home against Baltimore

1:05 PM
COLORADO vs. PHILADELPHIA
Colorado is 6-1 SU in its last 7 games
Colorado is 6-1 SU in its last 7 games on the road
Philadelphia is 8-2 SU in its last 10 games when playing Colorado
Philadelphia is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games when playing at home against Colorado

2:05 PM
LA ANGELS vs. CHI WHITE SOX
LA Angels are 8-2 SU in their last 10 games on the road
LA Angels are 17-5 SU in their last 22 games
Chi White Sox are 4-1 SU in their last 5 games when playing LA Angels
Chi White Sox are 5-1 SU in their last 6 games when playing at home against LA Angels

3:35 PM
TEXAS vs. OAKLAND
Texas is 1-3-1 SU in its last 5 games when playing Oakland
Texas is 1-3-1 SU in its last 5 games on the road
Oakland is 5-1-1 SU in its last 7 games when playing at home against Texas

7:05 PM
ARIZONA vs. PITTSBURGH
Arizona is 6-1 SU in its last 7 games
Arizona is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games on the road
Pittsburgh is 1-5 SU in its last 6 games when playing Arizona
Pittsburgh is 2-5 SU in its last 7 games when playing at home against Arizona

7:05 PM
BOSTON vs. NY YANKEES
Boston is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games
Boston is 3-7 SU in its last 10 games on the road
NY Yankees are 1-4 SU in their last 5 games when playing at home against Boston
NY Yankees are 0-5 SU in their last 5 games when playing Boston

8:10 PM
SEATTLE vs. KANSAS CITY
Seattle is 2-6 SU in its last 8 games when playing Kansas City
Seattle is 8-4 SU in its last 12 games on the road
Kansas City is 1-10 SU in its last 11 games at home
Kansas City is 1-7 SU in its last 8 games

10:05 PM
NY METS vs. SAN DIEGO
NY Mets are 2-6 SU in its last 8 games
NY Mets are 4-9 SU in its last 13 games on the road
San Diego is 9-3 SU in its last 12 games when playing NY Mets
The total has gone OVER in 5 of San Diego's last 7 games when playing NY Mets

10:10 PM
ATLANTA vs. LA DODGERS
Atlanta is 2-4 SU in their last 6 games when playing LA Dodgers
The total has gone UNDER in 7 of Atlanta's last 9 games when playing LA Dodgers
LA Dodgers are 4-2 SU in their last 6 games when playing Atlanta
The total has gone UNDER in 7 of LA Dodgers's last 9 games when playing Atlanta

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**pm530** · 08-06-2009, 04:59 AM

MLB

Thursday, August 6

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Hot lines: Today’s best MLB bets
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Florida Marlins at Washington Nationals (+122, 8.5)

The Marlins should petition the league to play their NL East foe more often next year.

Florida is 9-1 against the Disaster in the District, beating Washington by an average of nearly three runs per win. And those numbers don’t even begin to tell how lopsided it’s been.

The Marlins are hitting .292 with 16 home runs and 23 doubles in just 10 games against the Nationals. Over the same span, Washingtion is hitting a horrendous .239 against Marlin pitching. On the mound, Florida hurlers have a 3.90 ERA to go with 92 strikeouts. Conversley, Nationals pitchers have a 6.90 ERA against the Marlins, including just 67 strikeouts against 42 walks.

The Marlins have a long way to go to claim the NL Wild Card, but a few more wins against the hapless Nationals will help.

Pick: Marlins -130

Arizona Diamondbacks at Pittsburgh Pirates (+107, 8.5)

The Diamondbacks are … streaking? You got it.

The team’s 7-3 mark the past 10 games is tied for the best in the majors. The Snakes appear to finally be blending their pop-gun hitting with above-average pitching. Arizona also is a much stronger play on the road (24-26) than at home (24-33), and has won four of its past five on an opponent’s field.

The reason for the team’s strong play away from home has been its pitching. The staff is 15th in the league in overall ERA (4.23), but has the major’s top mark in road ERA (3.59).

Against the Pirates this season, the Diamodbacks have gone 4-1, allowing just 14 runs and shutting them out a staggering three times.

Pick: Diamondbacks -115

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**pm530** · 08-06-2009, 05:00 AM

MLB

Thursday, August 6

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Streaking and Slumping Pitchers
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Streaking

Cliff Lee (Philadelphia Phillies)

Welcome to the National League, Cliff.

The reigning AL Cy Young winner had his full arsenal on display in his first start on the senior circuit, throwing a four-hit complete game in a 5-1 win over the Giants. Lee also struck out six against only two walks.

In his past six starts overall, he’s averaging about eight innings and allowing slightly less than two earned runs per start. Lee also has picked up a win in each of his past four outings, going the distance in three of them.

The past two seasons after the All-Star break, he is 14-1 with a 2.44 ERA.

"He was obviously phenomenal," Phillies catcher Paul Bako told the Associated Press. "Just catching him you get a better sense of how good Cliff really is. You can't get that sense on TV."

Derek Lowe (Atlanta Braves)

The veteran right-hander is back in the saddle.

Lowe (11-7, 4.21 ERA) had one of the worst stretches of his career in June, finishing the month with a 6.54 ERA. But he has won four of his past five outings and recorded a quality start each time. He still has just 72 strikeouts against 43 walks, but has issued just seven free passes the past 30 innings.

The Braves also are doing a great job of tempering Lowe’s workload down the stretch. He has cracked the 100-pitch mark only once in his past six starts.

"He goes after you,” Dodgers manager Joe Torre said of Lowe. “I'm not saying that in a negative way. He's going to continue to be aggressive."

Slumping

Nick Blackburn (Minnesota Twins)

Opposing batters appear to have figured out the crafty right-hander.

A fly-ball pitcher, Blackburn (8-5, 3.83 ERA) has been getting hit all over the yard while he struggles to throw the ball past opposing hitters with his terrible, 58:30 strikeout-to-walk ratio. Last week, he gave up four runs on 12 hits in 6 2-3 innings. He's yielded 17 earned runs in his past 15 1-3 innings overall.

"I think I've been doing pretty good so far this year with mixing pitches up the second time [through the order],” Blackburn told reporters. “It's really frustrating. I'm kind of tired with what's going on."

John Smoltz (Boston Red Sox)

The 42-year-old quickly is reaching the end of his career.

Smoltz (2-4, 7.12 ERA) missed the beginning of the season due to arm surgery, but lacks the form that made him an elite starter and closer earlier in his career. In his most recent outing, a 6-5 win over the Orioles, he was hammered for five runs on eight hits over six innings, including two home runs. In his past 16 2-3 innings, he’s given up 17 earned runs.

"I was just grinding it out, just trying to find a way to get people out and keep us in the game," Smoltz said.

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**pm530** · 08-06-2009, 05:01 AM

MLB

Thursday, August 6

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What bettors need to know: Red Sox at Yankees
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Boston Red Sox at New York Yankees (-170, 10) – Game 1

Season series

It almost defies logic, considering how evenly matched these two AL East rivals are, but the Red Sox have won all eight meetings against the Yanks this season. That includes sweeping a brief two-game series at Yankee Stadium during the first week in May. The other six victories were at Fenway Park where the Red Sox outscored the Yankees, 42-24. The under is 4-2-2 in the eight matchups.

How they enter: Boston began this nine-game road trip through Baltimore, Tampa Bay and New York by sweeping a three-game set against the Orioles and scoring a whopping 28 runs in the process. But Tampa Bay’s pitching stopped Boston’s bats during a 4-2 victory in Tuesday’s opener of the brief two-game set. Despite the setback, Boston is still 27-26 away from Fenway.

The Yankees return home after a grueling nine-game road trip that saw them take two of three from Tampa Bay before dropping three of four to the White Sox. New York captured Tuesday’s first game of a two-game set against Toronto, 5-3. The Bronx Bombers are 35-17 at Yankee Stadium, tied with Boston for the best home record in the AL.

Probable pitchers

Thursday

John Smoltz (2-4, 7.12 ERA) at Joba Chamberlain (7-2, 3.58 ERA)

Smoltz is coming off a 6-5 win at Baltimore despite getting tagged for five runs on eight hits in six innings. The veteran right-hander has now allowed six homers in his last three starts spanning 16 2-3 innings. This is his first start against the Yanks this season.

Chamberlain enjoyed one of his best performances of the season in the Yankees’ 6-2 win over Tampa Bay last week. The generously portioned righty is 3-0 with a 0.83 ERA since the All-Star break. He received a no-decision in his lone start against Boston this season (April 24) after yielding two runs on nine hits in 5 1-3 innings of a 5-4 road loss.

Friday

Josh Beckett (13-4, 3.27 ERA) at A.J. Burnett (10-5, 3.89 ERA)

Beckett, holding the opposition to a paltry .234 batting average this season, has 132 strikeouts in 143 innings. Beckett has faced the Yankees three times this season, going 2-0 with a 5.82 ERA.

In 11 road starts this season, Beckett is 6-4 with a 3.93 ERA. He has allowed three earned runs or less in 13 of his last 16 starts.

Burnett has faced the Red Sox twice this season, recording one loss and one no-decision. The Yankees lost both times, but are still a nifty 14-7 in Burnett’s first 21 starts. The former Blue Jay is 5-1 with a 3.80 ERA in 10 lifetime starts against Boston.

Saturday

Clay Buchholz (1-1, 6.05 ERA) at CC Sabathia (11-7, 3.95 ERA)

Despite being staked to a 7-0 lead in his last start, Buchholz didn’t last long enough to get the win. The O’s shelled him for seven runs on nine hits in just four innings.

The young righty hasn't pitched past the sixth inning in any of his four starts. This will be Buchholz's first start against the Yankees this season. In two career starts against New York, Buchholz has two no-decisions and a 7.45 ERA.

Sabathia’s lone start against the Red Sox in a Yankees uniform occurred on June 11 when he suffered a 4-3 loss. He allowed all four runs on six hits in seven innings, walking two and striking out six. Lifetime, he is 2-5 with a 4.07 ERA in eight starts vs. Boston.

Sunday

Red Sox (TBA) at Andy Pettitte (9-6, 4.35 ERA)

Pettitte was able to hold the Blue Jays to just one run in 6 2-3 innings during his last start en route to a 5-3 win that snapped a personal three-game losing streak.

The veteran southpaw suffered a 4-2 loss on April 26 in his only start against Boston this season as a +110 road dog. He allowed four runs on six hits, walked four and fanned six in six innings.

This and that

The Red Sox will need to add a pitcher to their depleted bullpen after all six relievers pitched in Tuesday’s 13-inning loss to the Rays. The relief staff was worn so thin that Clay Bucholz, Saturday’s scheduled starter, began warming up during the late innings.

The Yankees have been perched atop the AL East since July 20 thanks to a 9-1 homestand coming out of the All-Star break. They shuffled their pitching rotation over the weekend in order to scale back Joba Chamberlain's inning count to approximately 160. He's up to 110 2-3 heading into Thursday's start.

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**pm530** · 08-06-2009, 06:14 AM

MLB
Baseball Today

SCOREBOARD

Thursday, August 6

Boston at New York Yankees (7:05 p.m. EDT). The Yankees lead the Red Sox by 1 1/2 games in the AL East despite an 0-8 record against them this season. New York's Joba Chamberlain (7-2, 3.58 ERA) faces Boston's John Smoltz (2-4, 7.12 ERA) in the opener of a four-game series.

STARS

Wednesday

-Jim Thome, White Sox, homered twice, giving him 561 for his career, as Chicago beat the Angels 6-2 for their fifth win in six games.

-J.A. Happ, Phillies, struck out a career-high 10 in his second shutout of the season, leading Philadelphia to a 7-0 win over the Rockies.

-Johnny Damon, Yankees, hit a solo home run and had three RBIs, and New York completed a two-game sweep of the Blue Jays with an 8-4 victory.

-Nelson Figueroa, Mets, pitched 4 1-3 scoreless innings of relief and boosted the offense with a two-run triple, leading New York over the St. Louis Cardinals 9-0

-Eli Whiteside, Giants, hit a grand slam for his first career home run to help San Francisco rally for a 10-6 win over the Astros.

-Cristian Guzman, Nationals, fell a home run shy of the cycle and Washington tied a season high with its fourth straight win, 5-4 over the Marlins.

PRINCE CALM

Milwaukee's Prince Fielder was booed by the Dodger Stadium crowd of 50,276 each time he came to bat a night after he tried to enter the Los Angeles clubhouse to confront reliever Guillermo Mota, who hit him with a pitch. Fielder's tirade Tuesday night was caught on camera by a news crew. In Wednesday's 4-1 win, he went 0 for 5, driving in the tying run with a fielder's choice grounder in the third, and stole a base.

MILESTONE

The White Sox's Jim Thome hit a three-run shot to greet Angels reliever Darren Oliver in the sixth - his second of the game and 20th of the season. With 561 homers, the 38-year-old slugger is two homers behind Reggie Jackson, who is 12th on the career list. Thome now has 44 multihomer games, including three this season.

PEDRO WATCH

Pedro Martinez recorded nine of his first 12 outs by strikeout and worked six innings for the Double-A Reading, in what could have been his final rehab start before joining the Philadelphia Phillies. In his best start since signing a one-year deal on July 15, the 37-year-old Martinez allowed three runs and five hits without walking a batter against the New York Yankees' Trenton affiliate. He finished with 11 strikeouts.

ROOKIE HURLERS

Chad Reineke, starting for Dallas Braden, became the 11th starter used by the A's and the sixth consecutive rookie starter, matching an Oakland record. Recalled from Triple-A Sacramento earlier in the day, he gave up four runs and seven hits in five innings of a 7-5 win over Texas.

TOP HEAVY

The first three batters in Cleveland's lineup - Grady Sizemore, Asdrubal Cabrera and Shin-Soo Choo - along with No. 9 hitter Trevor Crowe combined to go 10 for 16 with five runs and seven RBIs. The Indians beat the Twins 8-1 for their eighth win in 12 games.

FINED

Astros reliever LaTroy Hawkins was fined by Major League Baseball for comments he made about an umpire after he was ejected from a July 27 game in Chicago. Hawkins, on the disabled list since July 28 with shingles, told KRIV-TV and MLB.com before Wednesday's game against San Francisco that he wants to appeal the fine. "Maybe he was having a bad day. I thought he had determined who he wanted to win the game anyway,'' Hawkins said.

INJURED

Mets rookie Jonathon Niese tore his right hamstring while covering first base against the Cardinals and then collapsed during a practice pitch. Niese was hurt in the second inning when Joe Thurston hit a one-out grounder to Daniel Murphy with runners at the corners. When Niese tried to throw a warmup pitch from the stretch, he grimaced at the end of his follow-through, fell and held the back of his right leg. He needed assistance to leave the field, putting his arms around two trainers. He will have season-ending surgery.

RE-INJURED

Red Sox left fielder Jason Bay re-injured his right hamstring in a 6-4 loss to Tampa Bay and expects to miss at least the first two games of Boston's upcoming series against the New York Yankees. Bay returned to the lineup after missing two games with a mildly strained hamstring. But he left the game after aggravating the injury running out a grounder in the eighth inning.

STATS

Minnesota's 3-4-5 hitters - Joe Mauer, Justin Morneau and Jason Kubel - came in hitting a collective .423 (11 for 26) with six RBIs against the Indians Aaron Laffey, but went 1 for 10 off the lefty in an 8-1 loss. ... Tampa Bay's David Price allowed two runs and six hits in six innings to improve to 5-1 at home compared to 0-3 with an 8.20 ERA on the road. ... The Royals' 11-6 loss to Seattle dropped them to 1-10 since the All-Star break. ... Atlanta's 14 hits in a 6-2 victory over the Padres were all singles.

SPEAKING

"You want to get that zero, that goose egg out of there. We're going to be asked about that goose egg as long as it's there, so you want to get that out of the way as soon as possible.'' - Yankees manager Joe Girardi said about facing the Red Sox after going 0-8 this season so far against their AL East rival this season.

SEASONS

August 6

1908 - John Lush threw a six-inning no-hitter as the St. Louis Cardinals beat the Brooklyn Dodgers 2-0. It was Lush's second no-hitter against the Dodgers.

1952 - Satchel Paige, 46, became the oldest pitcher in major league history to pitch a complete game or shutout when he beat Virgil Trucks and the Detroit Tigers 1-0 in 12 innings.

1972 - Atlanta's Hank Aaron hit his 660th and 661st career home runs to break Babe Ruth's record for most home runs with one club. The 661st came in the 10th inning to give the Braves a 4-3 triumph over the Cincinnati Reds.

1981 - As a result of a seven-week strike, major league baseball players approved a split-season format. The New York Yankees, Oakland A's, Philadelphia Phillies and Los Angeles Dodgers were declared the first-half champions and automatically qualified for the divisional series.

1985 - The Major League Baseball Players' Association went on strike.

1986 - The Texas Rangers beat the Baltimore Orioles 13-11 in a record-setting battle of grand slams. Texas' Toby Harrah hit a grand slam in the second inning before Larry Sheets and Jim Dwyer connected for grand slams in Baltimore's nine-run fourth.

1988 - Oakland Athletics outfielder Jose Canseco became the 11th player in major league history to hit 30 homers and steal 30 bases in a season. Canseco, with 31 homers, stole second base with one out in the ninth inning for his 30th as the A's edged the Seattle Mariners 5-4.

1988 - Goose Gossage registered his 300th career save in the Chicago Cubs' 7-4 win over the Philadelphia Phillies.

1999 - Tony Gwynn went 4-for-5, singling in his first at-bat to become the 22nd major leaguer to reach 3,000 hits, as the San Diego Padres beat the Montreal Expos 12-10.

2001 - Boston's Scott Hatteberg performed the ultimate baseball opposite. Hatteberg hit a grand slam one at-bat after lining into a triple play as the Red Sox defeated the Texas Rangers 10-7. Hatteberg lined into a triple play in the fourth inning and in the sixth he hit his second career grand slam to move Boston ahead for good.

2002 - At 32, Robb Nen became the youngest player with 300 saves, as San Francisco beat the Chicago Cubs 11-10. Nen became the 16th member of the 300-save club.

2007 - St. Louis tied a major league record with 10 straight hits in a 10-run fifth inning, with pitcher Braden Looper and Aaron Miles getting two apiece in a 10-5 victory over San Diego.

Today's birthday: Luis Vizcaino 35

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**pm530** · 08-06-2009, 06:15 AM

MLB
This Day in Baseball

On August 6 in Baseball History...

1877 - The National League rule calls for the home team to submit three names of approved local men for each game, with the visiting team choosing one at random to be umpire. Today in Louisville, Chicago's Cal McVey reaches into the hat and picks out a slip bearing the name of Dan Devinney, who accused St. Louis of trying to bribe him five days earlier. Disgusted, McVey then grabs the hat and finds that all three slips have Devinney's name on them. The incensed White Stockings demand a new umpire and then snap the Grays' six-game winning streak 7-2.

1894 - Sparks from a plumber's torch start a blaze that destroys the grandstand at Philadelphia's Huntingdon Grounds, better known as Baker Bowl. The grandstand will be rebuilt with concrete and steel.

1901 - The National Association of Professional Baseball Leagues is formed to help the minor leagues protect their interests.

1904 - Lefthander Nick Altrock of the White Sox (their new nickname) handles thirteen fielding chances, the modern major league record for pitchers. He will finish the year with 49 putouts, an American League record for pitchers.

1908 - Johnny Lush pitched a six-inning no-hitter as the St. Louis Cardinals beat the Brooklyn Dodgers, 2-0. It was Lush's second no-hitter against the Dodgers.

1936 - For the first time in the 20th century, the first two batters in a game — Roy Johnson and Rabbit Warstler of the Boston Bees — lead off with home runs. They do it off Cubs pitcher Tex Carleton.

1941 - Detroit pitcher Al Benton collects two sacrifices in one inning, a major league record.

1949 - Luke Appling appears as shortstop in his 2,154th game, surpassing Rabbit Maranville's major league mark. Appling will play in 2,218 games at shortstop.

1952 - Satchel Paige, at 47, became the oldest player in major league history to pitch a complete game or a shutout when he beat Virgil Trucks and the Detroit Tigers, 1-0, in 12 innings.

1953 - Ted Williams is back in a Red Sox uniform after military duty in Korea. He will finish with 13 home runs and a .407 mark.

1967 - Against Chicago, Brooks Robinson of the Orioles hits into the fourth triple play of his career for a major league mark.

1972 - Atlanta's Hank Aaron hit his 660th and 661st career home runs to break Babe Ruth's record for most home runs with one club. The 661st came in the 10th inning to give the Braves a 4-3 triumph over the Cincinnati Reds.

1973 - Roberto Clemente and Warren Spahn head the list of new inductees at Cooperstown. Clemente is the first Latin-born player to achieve membership at Cooperstown.

1981 - After a seven-week strike, major league baseball players approved a split-season format. The New York Yankees, Oakland A's, Philadelphia Phillies and Los Angeles Dodgers were declared the first-half champions and automatically qualified for the divisional series.

1982 - Just five days after hitting three home runs in a 5-4 loss to the Twins, Doug DeCinces hits three more home runs in a 9-5 win at Seattle. DeCinces is the first player other than Ted Williams to hit three home runs in a game twice in the same season.

1985 - For the second time in five years the Players' Association stages a midseason strike. But unlike the 50-day strike that interrupted the 1981 season, this one will be settled by the following day and all 25 canceled games will be made up.

1986 - The Texas Rangers beat the Baltimore Orioles, 13-11, in a record-setting battle of grand slams. Texas' Toby Harrah hit a grand slam in the second inning before Larry Sheets and Jim Dwyer connected for grand slams in Baltimore's nine-run fourth.

1988 - Oakland Athletics outfielder Jose Canseco became the 11th player in major league history to hit 30 homers and steal 30 bases in a season. Canseco, with 31 homers, stole second base with one out in the ninth inning for his 30th as the A's edged the Seattle Mariners, 5-4.

1988 - Rich Gossage got his 300th save as the Chicago Cubs beat the Philadelphia Phillies, 7-4.

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**pm530** · 08-06-2009, 09:20 AM

MLB
Dunkel Index

Florida at Washington
The Marlins look to salvage a game in the series and build on their 13-3 record in their last 16 games as a favorite between -110 and -150. Florida is the pick (-135) according to Dunkel, which has the Marlins favored by 1/2 a run. Dunkel Pick: Florida (-135). Here are all of today's picks.

THURSDAY, AUGUST 6

Game 951-952: Florida at Washington
Dunkel Ratings: Florida (Volstad) 15.513; Washington (Stammen) 15.131
Dunkel Line: Florida by 1/2; 9 1/2
Vegas Line: Florida (-135); 8 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Florida (-135); Over

Game 953-954: Colorado at Philadelphia
Dunkel Ratings: Colorado (Cook) 15.118; Philadelphia (Lee) 16.265
Dunkel Line: Philadelphia by 1; 8
Vegas Line: Philadelphia (-185); 8 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Philadelphia (-185); Under

Game 955-956: Arizona at Pittsburgh
Dunkel Ratings: Arizona (Scherzer) 16.480; Pittsburgh (Hart) 13.231
Dunkel Line: Arizona by 3; 8 1/2
Vegas Line: Arizona (-120); 8
Dunkel Pick: Arizona (-120); Over

Game 957-958: NY Mets at San Diego
Dunkel Ratings: NY Mets (Hernandez) 16.051; San Diego (Richard) 13.132
Dunkel Line: NY Mets by 3; 8
Vegas Line: San Diego (-135); 7 1/2
Dunkel Pick: NY Mets (+125); Over

Game 959-960: Atlanta at LA Dodgers
Dunkel Ratings: Atlanta (Lowe) 16.249; LA Dodgers (Wolf) 15.246
Dunkel Line: Atlanta by 1; 7 1/2
Vegas Line: LA Dodgers (-140); 8 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Atlanta (+130); Under

Game 961-962: Minnesota at Cleveland
Dunkel Ratings: Minnesota (Blackburn) 15.603; Cleveland (Carmona) 16.818
Dunkel Line: Cleveland by 1; 9
Vegas Line: Minnesota (-135); 9 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Cleveland (+125); Under

Game 963-964: Baltimore at Detroit
Dunkel Ratings: Baltimore (Hernandez) 14.835; Detroit (Porcello) 14.519
Dunkel Line: Baltimore by 1/2; 8 1/2
Vegas Line: Detroit (-145); 9 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Baltimore (+135); Under

Game 965-966: LA Angels at Chicago White Sox
Dunkel Ratings: LA Angels (Santana) 16.751; White Sox (Danks) 17.006
Dunkel Line: Chicago White Sox by 1/2; 12
Vegas Line: Chicago White Sox (-150); 9 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Chicago White Sox (-150); Over

Game 967-968: Texas at Oakland
Dunkel Ratings: Texas (Hunter) 14.926; Oakland (Cahill) 14.284
Dunkel Line: Texas by 1/2; 8
Vegas Line: Texas (-130); 9
Dunkel Pick: Texas (-130); Under

Game 969-970: Boston at NY Yankees
Dunkel Ratings: Boston (Smoltz) 15.683; NY Yankees (Chamberlain) 16.516
Dunkel Line: NY Yankees by 1; 10 1/2
Vegas Line: NY Yankees (-170); 10
Dunkel Pick: NY Yankees (-170); Over

Game 971-972: Seattle at Kansas City
Dunkel Ratings: Seattle (Vargas) 14.027; Kansas City (Chen) 14.125
Dunkel Line: Kansas City by 1/2; 11 1/2
Vegas Line: Seattle (-110); 9
Dunkel Pick: Kansas City (+100); Over

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**pm530** · 08-06-2009, 10:27 AM

MLB
Short Sheet

Thursday, August 6

National League

FLORIDA at WASHINGTON, 12:35 PM ET
VOLSTAD: 8-1 TSR AWAY in the second half
STAMMEN: WAS 14-26 at home when the money line is +125 to -125

COLORADO at PHILADELPHIA, 1:05 PM ET
COOK: COL 18-9 after 5+ consecutive road games
LEE: 4-12 TSR when the total is 8.5 to 10

ARIZONA at PITTSBURGH, 7:05 PM ET
SCHERZER: 2-10 TSR when the money line is -100 to -150
HART: PIT 27-14 revenging BB home losses

NY METS at SAN DIEGO, 10:05 PM ET
HERNANDEZ: NYM 11-2 OVER AWAY after 6+ consecutive home games
RICHARD: SD 7-23 after a loss by 4+ runs

ATLANTA at LA DODGERS, 10:10 PM ET
LOWE: ATL 4-10 after 2+ consecutive overs
WOLF: 18-4 TSR at home in night games

American League

MINNESOTA at CLEVELAND, 12:05 PM ET
BLACKBURN: MIN 64-43 against division opponents
CARMONA: CLE 4-14 after allowing 2 runs or less

BALTIMORE at DETROIT, 1:05 PM ET
HERNANDEZ: BAL 6-23 AWAY after 3+ consecutive road games
PORCELLO: DET 15-4 at home in day games

LA ANGELS at CHI WHITE SOX, 2:05 PM ET
SANTANA: LAA 14-3 after 2+ consecutive losses
DANKS: CHW 13-4 UNDER against AL West

TEXAS at OAKLAND, 3:35 PM ET
HUNTER: TEX 21-12 against division opponents
CAHILL: OAK 2-10 after having won 3 of their last 4

BOSTON at NY YANKEES, 7:05 PM ET
SMOLTZ: BOS 12-2 UNDER AWAY after BB losses by 2 runs or less
CHAMBERLAIN: NYY 14-2 after 6+ consecutive road games

SEATTLE at KANSAS CITY, 8:10 PM ET
VARGAS: SEA 19-11 AWAY when the money line is +125 to -125
CHEN: KC 3-10 after allowing 8+ runs

TSR = Team Start Record
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**pm530** · 08-06-2009, 11:08 AM

MLB

Thursday, August 6

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Tips and Trends
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Boston Red Sox at New York Yankees [7:05 PM ET]

Red Sox: John Smoltz (2-4, 7.12 ERA) has not done the job for Boston in seven starts since coming off the DL. He has yet to turn in a quality start. Boston is 2-5 in the seven games Smoltz has started. Smoltz has walked only five in 30 innings, but his rhythm and lack of command have been evident. The 42-year-old right-hander has surrendered six homers in his last three outings, spanning 16 2/3 innings. Smoltz was tagged for five runs on eight hits in his last start, a 6-5 win at Baltimore last Friday. Smoltz has only pitched in two regular-season games against the Yankees, posting a 4.50 ERA in two non-decisions. The Red Sox enter Yankee Stadium having defeated New York in all eight meetings this season, including two road games during the first week in May. The under is 4-2-2 in the first eight games.

Boston is 27-12 in its last 39 games versus American League East foes.
Boston is 8-3 under in its last 11 road contests.

PROJECTED SCORE: 4

Key Injuries - Tim Wakefield (back) is on the DL.
Jason Bay (hamstring) is doubtful.

Yankees (-$1.70 O/U 10 over -$1.15): The Yankees are anxious to get the Red Sox at home having been outscored, 42-24, in six losses in six games at Fenway Park. New York is 35-17 at Yankee Stadium, tied with Boston for the top home mark in the American League. The Yankees have won 27 of their last 37 games overall. They are 17-4 in their last 21 when facing a right-handed starter. Joba Chamberlain (7-2, 3.58 ERA) turned in his best performance in his last start throwing eight innings of shutout ball in a 6-2 road win against Tampa Bay eight days ago. The 23-year-old righty is 3-0 with a 0.83 ERA since the All-Star break. New York has won 14 of Chamberlain last 17 home starts. Chamberlain didn’t get a decision in his lone start versus Boston after allowing two runs in 5 1/3 innings on April 24.

New York is 43-18 (70 percent) in its last 61 home games.

Key Injuries - Brett Gardner (finger) is on the DL.

PROJECTED SCORE: 6 (Side of the Day)

Atlanta Braves at Los Angeles Dodgers [10:10 PM ET]

Braves: Derek Lowe (11-7, 4.21 ERA) is quite familiar with Dodger Stadium having been a member of the Dodgers for four seasons before coming to Atlanta. The 36-year-old righty is 33-23 with a 3.21 ERA in 66 career starts at Dodger Stadium. He last pitched there on Sept. 21 of last season, shutting out the Giants for seven innings as a member of the Dodgers. The Braves are 5-0 in Lowe’s past five starts, including beating the Dodgers on Saturday in Atlanta. Lowe allowed three runs on five hits in six innings. The under is 10-4-1 in Lowe’s last 15 starts. The Braves have scored a combined 15 runs and knocked out 31 hits in their last two games, in road victories against the Padres Tuesday and Wednesday. First baseman Adam LaRoche is 9-for-18 in five games with the Braves since being acquired from the Red Sox.

The Over has cashed in 7 of the past 10 meetings between the Braves and Dodgers in Los Angeles.

Key Injuries - Omar Infante (broken hand) is on the DL.

PROJECTED SCORE: 4

Dodgers (-$1.35, O/U 8 over -$1.20): Randy Wolf doesn’t have fancy numbers at 5-6 with a 3.54 ERA. But the Dodgers have won 14 of his last 18 home starts. Los Angeles is 12-3 in Wolf’s past 15 starts as a home favorite. The lefty faced the Braves in his last start on Saturday and lost, 4-3. Wolf yielded four earned and nine hits in six innings, while fanning seven. It was his first non-quality start since June 24, a span of seven starts. Wolf is 4-12 lifetime versus Atlanta. He is 0-5 against the Braves during the past six seasons. The Dodgers are 59-25 (70 percent) in their last 84 games when favored at Dodger Stadium. The Dodgers also are 38-18 (67 percent) in their last 56 home contests when going up against a right-handed starter. Slugger Manny Ramirez is 9-for-47 (.191) with three RBI’s in his last 12 games.

The Over is 6-2-1 in the Dodgers’ last nine home games.

Key Injuries - Ronald Belisario (elbow) is on the DL.

PROJECTED SCORE: 5 (OVER - Total of the Day)

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Announcement

Thursday Trends and Indexes 8/6 (MLB, WNBA, CFL, Misc.)

Thursday Trends and Indexes 8/6 (MLB, WNBA, CFL, Misc.)

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