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**pm530** · 08-20-2009, 06:06 AM

Daily Sports Roundup

Thursday, August 20

Today in the Daily Sports Roundup: The NFL stages games in New England and Indy, the Reds take on the Giants, and the PGA Tour hits the links in Greensboro.

Colliding on the gridiron . . .

The second week of the NFL's preseason schedule kicks off on Thursday night with Cincinnati at New England and Philadelphia at Indianapolis. The Patriots are pegged as 7-point home favorites over the Bengals, and they got 100 yards and two TDs from the returning Tom Brady in their 27-25 win over the Eagles in their exhibition opener. The Eagles are 3-point road favorites against the Colts this week. Michael Vick isn't eligible to play for Philadelphia until next week's contest.

Meeting up on the diamond . . .

Matt Cain (12-4, 2.49 ERA) will take on Aaron Harang (6-14, 4.35 ERA) on Thursday afternoon as the Giants finish off their three-game series in Cincinnati. Righthander Cain took a no-decision against the Mets last time out, giving up three earned runs over his 7 1-3 innings of work. Cain last won back on July 24. Righthander Harang took yet another loss last time out, despite giving up just two runs over seven innings vs. the Nats. Harang has one victory in his last 15 starts.

Elsewhere on the NL schedule for Thursday it'll be Arizona at Philadelphia, Colorado at Washington, Atlanta at the Mets, St. Louis at San Diego, the Cubs at the Dodgers, and Florida at Houston. Josh Johnson (12-2, 2.85 ERA) will get the ball for the Marlins; righthander Johnson beat the Rockies last time out (one earned run in 7 1-3 innings), and Florida is 5-1 in his last six starts. Wandy Rodriguez (11-7, 3.05 ERA) goes for Houston; the righthander is coming off an ugly outing vs. the Brewers in which he gave up 10 earned runs in four innings.

Meanwhile, there are just five games on the AL schedule for Thursday, with Seattle at Detroit, the Angels at Cleveland, Baltimore at Tampa Bay, Minnesota at Texas, and Boston at Toronto. Jon Lester (9-7, 3.71 ERA) will take on Brett Cecil (5-1, 4.35 ERA) in that last matchup. Lefthander Lester is on a streak of four straight no-decisions, and he was beaten by the Blue Jays back on July 19. Lefthander Cecil is 2-0 with a no-decision over his last three trips to the mound.

Tipping off on the hardwood . . .

The WNBA has two games on tap for Thursday, with San Antonio at Atlanta and Indiana at Sacramento. The Fever improved to a league best 19-5 straight-up and 16-8 against-the-spread on the season with an 82-59 drubbing of Detroit last Saturday. Katie Douglas had a team-high 19 points for Indiana in that win, while Briann January contributed 17 points off the bench. The Monarchs fell 78-61 to Los Angeles last time out, and they're at 7-18 SU and 8-16-1 ATS on the season.

Rounding out the Roundup . . .

Finally, the PGA Tour offers up the Wyndham Championship at Sedgefield Country Club in Greensboro, North Carolina starting on Thursday. Vegas oddsmakers have Sergio Garcia pegged as the 10/1 favorite to win this week's tournament, which is missing most of the Tour's top names. Lucas Glover is next at 12/1, with Tim Clark at 15/1, and both K.J. Choi and David Toms back at 20/1. Defending champion Carl Pettersson is well back at 50/1 odds to get the trophy.

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**pm530** · 08-20-2009, 06:07 AM

Six-pack for Thursday

Some knowledge to consider about NFL exhibition games......

-- Eagles lost six of their last nine exhibition games.

-- Redskins were outscored 94-6 in their last three exhibition games.

-- Steelers won seven of their last eight exhibition games.

-- Seven of last nine Houston exhibition games went over the total.

-- Eight of last nine Miami exhibition games stayed under the total.

-- Browns lost last five exhibition games, scoring total of 16 points in their last three summer games.

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Thursday's List of 13: Random stuff on a summer night......

13) Approximately 200,000 people bought Brett Favre's Jet jersey LY, at $100 a pop, so do the math there and you (and I) get to understand more why the Vikings were willing to let Favre show up whenever he damn well felt like it. They also sold 3,200 season tickets in the first 24 hours after he signed, so they've probably already recouped $4M or so of the $12.5M they're paying Favre this season.

12) Didn't realize interest in the Vikings has dropped off in Twin Cities, but their home playoff game against the Eagles LY almost didn't sell out; only an extension from the NFL prevented a home market blackout.

11) It takes a lot of onions to get up and sing karaoke. More than I have.

10) Padres' TV guys were pushing on-air for Ron Santo's induction into the Baseball Hall of Fame. Former Cub 3B could be helped by the fact it is going to be tough for some of the steroids guys to get voted in.

9) Roundabouts (traffic circles) are replacing traffic lights at some of the intersections around here-- guess they save money over long haul, being lower maintenance, but they have to cause more accidents, no?

8) Fun places I've never been to: San Diego, Miami, Toronto, Phoenix, Dallas and New Orleans.

7) Will be interesting to see if Mets get any prospects for Billy Wagner.

6) I don't belong to a political party, but if Sarah Palin ever gets elected president of this country, it'll be time to go condo hunting in Moose Jaw or Thunder Bay.

5) I'm guessing it would be a bad idea to arm wrestle a jockey.

4) Downtown Albany could use a casino, right by the Hudson River- it would bring people into the city after dark, make the town more lively.

3) MLB Network should show games from Arizona Fall League-- lot of good prospects play there. What else will they have to show in fall?

2) CSI: NY is my new favorite latenight TV show. Aspiring criminals would save themselves a lot of trouble by watching. Crime doesn't pay.

1) I've never had a corn dog, and I'm curious if they're any good.

From: Armadillo
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**pm530** · 08-20-2009, 06:08 AM

MLB
Baseball Today

SCOREBOARD

Thursday, August 20

Florida at Houston, (8:05 p.m. EDT). The Marlins' Josh Johnson (12-2, 2.85 ERA) takes on Wandy Rodriguez (11-7, 3.05) and the Astros.

STARS

Wednesday

- Cliff Lee, Phillies, pitched a two-hitter, struck out 11 and had two hits in Philadelphia's 8-1 victory over Arizona.

- Mark Teixeira, Yankees, had a two-run homer and a run-scoring grounder in New York's 3-2 victory at Oakland.

- Nate Schierholtz, Giants, had an RBI double in the eighth inning to give San Francisco a 1-0 victory at Cincinnati.

- Carlos Gonzalez and Clint Barmes, Rockies, both hit solo homers to help lead Colorado to a 5-4 victory at Washington.

- Matt Holliday, Cardinals, hit a sacrifice fly in the top of the ninth inning to give St. Louis a 3-2 victory over the Los Angeles Dodgers.

- Jered Weaver, Angels, gave up seven hits in his second career shutout in Los Angeles' 3-0 victory at Cleveland.

- Denard Span, Twins, hit a tying RBI double and then scored the go-ahead run to rally Minnesota to a 5-4 victory over Texas.

- Jason Bay, David Ortiz and Victor Martinez, Red Sox. Bay hit a two-run homer, and Ortiz and Martinez added solo shots in Boston's 6-1 victory at Toronto.

- Michael Bourn, Astros, had three hits, two stolen bases and scored two runs in Houston's 6-3 victory over Florida.

STELLAR LEE

Cliff Lee took a no-hitter into the sixth inning before finishing with a two-hitter in Philadelphia's 8-1 victory over Arizona on Wednesday night. Lee tied a career high with 11 strikeouts in his 12th career complete game and fifth this season. He is 4-0 with an 0.82 ERA and two complete games in four starts since being acquired from Cleveland last month.

10 FOR 15

The Marlins reached 10 hits for the 15th straight game in a 6-3 loss at Houston on Wednesday night, matching the longest streak since the St. Louis Browns had one that long in 1937, according to the Elias Sports Bureau.

STREAKS

Jason Bay hit a two-run homer, and David Ortiz and Victor Martinez added solo shots in Boston's 6-1 win at Toronto on Wednesday night, giving the Red Sox at least two homers in five straight games. ... The Angels' 3-0 win over Cleveland was Los Angeles' fifth straight victory.

SNAPPED

Oakland's Jack Cust had a solo homer in the sixth inning of a 3-2 loss to the New York Yankees on Wednesday night, snapping his career-worst 23-game streak without an RBI. He also ended a 26-game, 80 at-bat homerless streak. ... Chicago's 7-1 victory at San Diego snapped the Cubs' six-game losing streak at Petco Park. ... Nate Schierholtz's RBI double in the eighth inning of San Francisco's 1-0 victory at Cincinnati snapped Reds pitcher Bronson Arroyo's scoreless innings streak at 17.

HEAVY HITTERS

Howie Kendrick was the only batter in Los Angeles' lineup who started its 3-0 win over Cleveland on Wednesday hitting under .300. In a 5-4 win Tuesday, all nine players in the Angels' order ended the game hitting .300 or better. According to the Elias Sports Bureau, that marked the first time it had happened at least 100 games into a season since the 1934 Detroit Tigers did it.

SPEAKING

"Usually he's pounding the zone but he was more erratic with his command tonight. We're a team that if you don't throw a lot of strikes, we'll make you throw a lot of pitches a lot of the time. For whatever reason he wasn't as crisp tonight.'' - Boston's Jason Bay, who hit a two-run homer off Toronto ace Roy Halladay in to help the Red Sox to a 6-1 victory.

SEASONS

Aug. 20

1912 - Washington's Jay Cashion pitched a six-inning no-hitter to give the Senators a 2-0 victory over the Cleveland Indians in the second game of a doubleheader.

1945 - Tommy Brown, 17 years, 8 months, 14 days, of the Brooklyn Dodgers became the youngest major league player to hit a home run when he connected in Ebbets Field against Preacher Roe of the Pittsburgh Pirates.

1961 - The Philadelphia Phillies beat the Milwaukee Braves 7-4 in the second game of a doubleheader to snap a 23-game losing streak, a modern record.

1974 - Nolan Ryan of the California Angels struck out 19 Tigers in a 1-0, 11-inning loss to Detroit. It was the third time this season that Ryan struck out 19 batters in a game.

1985 - Dwight Gooden of the New York Mets struck out 16 batters in a 3-0 victory over San Francisco. Gooden became the first National League pitcher to strike out 200 or more batters in each of his first two seasons.

1995 - Jose Mesa of the Cleveland Indians earned his 37th save in 37 opportunities, setting a major league record as the Indians beat the Milwaukee Brewers 8-5.

2004 - Adrian Beltre of the Los Angeles Dodgers hit two home runs, a game-tying shot in the ninth and the game-winner in the 11th, in a 3-2 victory over Atlanta.

2005 - The Kansas City Royals ended baseball's longest losing streak in 17 years, beating the Oakland Athletics 2-1 to snap a club-record, 19-game skid.

2007 - Bobby Jenks failed to break the major league record for consecutive batters retired before getting three outs to help the Chicago White Sox finish a 4-3 win over Kansas City. Jenks gave up a single to Joey Gathright to lead off the ninth that ended his streak at 41 straight outs, but responded by retiring the next three batters for his 34th save.

2008 - The A's 3-1 loss to Minnesota gave them an Oakland-record 11 straight series defeats. The last time the A's lost 11 series in a row was 1960, when they played in Kansas City.

Today's birthdays: Blake DeWitt 24; Todd Helton 36

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**pm530** · 08-20-2009, 06:08 AM

MLB
This Day in Baseball

On August 20 in Baseball History...

1910 - Washington's Carl Cashion pitched a six-inning no-hitter to give the Senators a 2-0 victory over the Cleveland Indians in the second game of a doubleheader.

1915 - The White Sox obtain Joe Jackson from Cleveland in exchange for outfielder Braggo Roth, outfielder Larry Chappell, pitcher Ed Klepfer, and $31,500.

1919 - Wichita outfielder Joe Wilhoit (Western League) fails to get a hit, ending a 69-game streak in which he collected 155 hits in 299 at bats for a .505 batting average. The previous record was 49 by Oakland's Jack Ness (Pacific Coast League) in 1915.

1938 - Lou Gehrig hits his last grand slam, the 23rd of his career, and still the record. It comes off Buck Ross in an 11-3 victory over the A's.

1945 - At the age of 17, shortstop Tommy Brown of the Brooklyn Dodgers is the youngest player to hit a major league home run. Brown homers off Pirates southpaw Preacher Roe at Ebbets Field. Seven Dodger errors make it easy for Pittsburgh to win, 11-1.

1947 - The Boston Braves hit a million attendance for the first time.

1948 - The Indians draw 78,382 at Municipal Stadium as Satchel Paige blanks the White Sox for the fourth consecutive shutout by Cleveland hurlers. Besides Paige, Gene Bearden, Sam Zoldak, and Bob Lemon had shutouts.

1958 - Out of catchers, the Cubs put left-handed first baseman Dale Long behind the plate in the opener against the Pirates. He is the first lefty backstop since 1906. The Cubs lose 4-2, then win the nightcap 5-1 with Long back at first base.

1961 - The Philadelphia Phillies beat the Milwaukee Braves 7-4 in the second game of a doubleheader to snap a 23-game losing streak, a modern record.

1964 - On the New York team bus following a 5-0 White Sox win, Phil Linz begins to play Mary Had a Little Lamb on his harmonica. Manager Yogi Berra orders Linz to stop, then slaps the instrument out of his hands when he continues playing. The incident is reported as indicating dissension on the club and Berra's lack of control, as well as the level of Linz's humor.

1965 - Eddie Mathews hits his 28th home run as the Braves win 4-3 at Pittsburgh. The duo of Mathews and Hank Aaron, 1954-1965, becomes the top home run tandem in major league history, passing the Babe Ruth-Lou Gehrig total of 772 home runs while playing together.

1974 - Nolan Ryan of the California Angels struck out 19 in a 1-0, 11-inning loss to the Detroit Tigers, marking the third time during the season Ryan struck out 19 in a game.

1980 - Pittsburgh's Omar Moreno steals his 70th base of the season, becoming the first player this century with three consecutive 70-steal seasons. The fleet outfielder swiped 71 in 1978, 77 in 1979, and will finish 1980 with a career-high 96.

1985 - Dwight Gooden fans 16 batters on the way to his 13th consecutive victory, 5-0 over the Giants, raising his season strikeout total to 208. Gooden (19-3) and Herb Score are the only pitchers this century to strike out 200 batters in each of their first two seasons.

1989 - Howard Johnson hits his 30th home run of the season in the Mets' 5-4 loss to the Dodgers. Ho Jo joins Bobby Bonds and Willie Mays as the only players to achieve 30 home runs and 30 stolen bases in two different seasons.

1995 - Jose Mesa of the Cleveland Indians picked up his 37th save in 37 opportunities, setting a major league record as the Indians beat the Milwaukee Brewers 8-5.

1998 - Mark McGwire becomes the first player in major league history to hit 50 home runs in three consecutive years. His home run off Willie Blair helps the Cardinals to a 2-0 win over the Mets. He adds No. 51 in the second game of the doubleheader at Shea Stadium, but the Mets prevail 5-4.

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**pm530** · 08-20-2009, 06:09 AM

MLB
Write-up

Thursday, August 20

Hot Pitchers
-- Arizona won last five Davis starts (3-0, 2.53). Blanton is 3-2, 2.26 in his last eight starts.
-- Mock is 2-0, 1.50 in his last two starts.
-- Kawakami has 2.79 RA in his last three starts. Santana has 2.30 RA in his last six home starts.
-- Johnson is 5-0, 2.81 in his last seven starts. Rodriguez is 3-0, 1.39 in his last three home starts-- he gave up 10 runs in four IP at Milwaukee in his last start.
-- Cardinals won Pineiro's last eight starts, outscoring foes 51-23.

-- Rowland-Smith is 2-0, 4.01 in his last four starts.
-- Lester has a 2.37 RA in his last three starts. Cecil is 3-1, 2.01 in his last five starts.
-- Lackey is 4-1, 2.41 in his last seven starts.
-- Holland is 3-1, 2.20 in his last four starts.

Cold Pitchers
-- Harang is 1-10, 4.16 in his last fifteen starts. Cain is 0-2, 4.84 in his last three outings.
-- Hammel is 2-3, 6.65 in his last five starts.
-- Stauffer is 0-3, 4.80 in his last three starts.
-- Gorzelanny has 5.27 RA in three starts for the Cubs. Weaver has a 3.76 RA in his last six starts, lasting total of just 26.1 IP.

-- Former Mariner Washburn is 0-1, 5.12 in three starts for Detroit.
-- Matusz is 1-2, 7.43 in his first three big league starts. Shields is 1-4, 5.22 in his last nine starts.
-- Masterson is 0-1, 9.82 in two starts for the Indians.
-- Swarzak is 0-3, 20.25 in his last three starts.

Hot Teams
-- Phillies won six of their last seven games.
-- Nationals won eight of their last nine home games. Rockies won six of their last nine games.
-- Giants won three of their last four games.
-- Braves won seven of their last ten games.
-- Marlins won nine of their last eleven games.
-- Padres won five of their last six home games.
-- Cardinals won nine of their last eleven games.

-- Detroit is 11-4 in its last 15 home games.
-- Tampa Bay won eight of its last ten home games.
-- Angels won 14 of their last 18 road games.
-- Texas is 12-4 in its last 16 home games.
-- Bronx Bombers are 24-8 since All-Star break. A's are 9-6 in their last 15 games.

Cold Teams
-- Diamondbacks lost their last five road games.
-- Mets lost 10 of their last 16 games.
-- Reds lost 12 of last 14 at Great American Ballpark.
-- Pirates lost eight of their last ten home games. Brewers lost four of their last five road games.
-- Astros lost six of their last eight games.
-- Cubs lost six of their last seven road games.
-- Dodgers are 9-14 in their last 23 games.

-- Mariners lost four of their last five games.
-- Orioles lost 14 of their last 18 games.
-- Red Sox lost eight of their last ten road games. Blue Jays lost five of their last six games.
-- Indians lost their last three home games. White Sox are 5-7 in their last twelve games.
-- Royals are 5-9 in their last fourteen road games.
-- Twins lost 12 of their last 17 games.

Totals
-- Under is 9-4-2 in Cincinnati's last 15 home games.
-- Five of last seven Arizona road games went over the total.
-- Over is 7-3-1 in Colorado's last eleven games.
-- Nine of last eleven Atlanta road games went over the total.
-- Six of last nine Florida road games went over the total.
-- Over is 7-2-1 in Cardinals' last ten road games.
-- Over is 10-5-1 in last 16 Los Angeles home games.

-- Under is 5-2-1 in last eight Seattle games.
-- Six of last eight Boston road games stayed under the total.
-- 10 of last 13 Tampa Bay home games stayed under the total.
-- Over is 13-4-1 in Angels' last eighteen road games.
-- Over is 11-1-2 in Minnesota's last fourteen road games.

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**pm530** · 08-20-2009, 06:10 AM

MLB

Thursday, August 20

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Trend Report
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12:35 PM
SAN FRANCISCO vs. CINCINNATI
San Francisco is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games when playing on the road against Cincinnati
The total has gone OVER in 4 of San Francisco's last 5 games when playing on the road against Cincinnati
Cincinnati is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games
Cincinnati is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games at home

1:05 PM
SEATTLE vs. DETROIT
Seattle is 4-8 SU in its last 12 games when playing on the road against Detroit
The total has gone OVER in 10 of Seattle's last 15 games when playing on the road against Detroit
Detroit is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Detroit's last 6 games

7:05 PM
ARIZONA vs. PHILADELPHIA
Arizona is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games
Arizona is 1-5 SU in its last 6 games when playing Philadelphia
Philadelphia is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games when playing at home against Arizona
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Philadelphia's last 5 games when playing at home against Arizona

7:05 PM
COLORADO vs. WASHINGTON
Colorado is 5-2 SU in its last 7 games
The total has gone OVER in 8 of Colorado's last 11 games
Washington is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games when playing at home against Colorado
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Washington's last 8 games when playing at home against Colorado

7:05 PM
LA ANGELS vs. CLEVELAND
LA Angels are 5-0 SU in their last 5 games
The total has gone OVER in 17 of LA Angels's last 25 games
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Cleveland's last 5 games when playing at home against LA Angels
Cleveland is 1-4 SU in their last 5 games when playing LA Angels

7:07 PM
BOSTON vs. TORONTO
Boston is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games when playing on the road against Toronto
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Boston's last 5 games when playing on the road against Toronto
Toronto is 1-6 SU in its last 7 games
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Toronto's last 6 games

7:08 PM
BALTIMORE vs. TAMPA BAY
Baltimore is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games
Baltimore is 1-6 SU in its last 7 games on the road
Tampa Bay is 10-1 SU in its last 11 games when playing at home against Baltimore
The total has gone OVER in 6 of Tampa Bay's last 9 games when playing at home against Baltimore

7:10 PM
ATLANTA vs. NY METS
Atlanta is 8-3 SU in its last 11 games
Atlanta is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games on the road
NY Mets are 2-5 SU in its last 7 games when playing Atlanta
NY Mets are 2-4 SU in its last 6 games when playing at home against Atlanta

8:00 PM
FLORIDA vs. HOUSTON
Florida is 9-3 SU in its last 12 games
The total has gone OVER in 9 of Florida's last 11 games
Houston is 2-7 SU in its last 9 games when playing Florida
The total has gone OVER in 6 of Houston's last 8 games when playing Florida

8:05 PM
MINNESOTA vs. TEXAS
Minnesota is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games when playing on the road against Texas
Minnesota is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games when playing Texas
Texas is 17-7 SU in its last 24 games at home
Texas is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games when playing Minnesota

10:05 PM
ST. LOUIS vs. SAN DIEGO
St. Louis is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing San Diego
The total has gone OVER in 5 of St. Louis's last 5 games when playing San Diego
San Diego is 2-5 SU in its last 7 games
The total has gone OVER in 8 of San Diego's last 9 games

10:10 PM
CHI CUBS vs. LA DODGERS
Chi Cubs are 3-7 SU in their last 10 games
Chi Cubs are 2-5 SU in their last 7 games when playing LA Dodgers
LA Dodgers are 5-2 SU in their last 7 games when playing Chi Cubs
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of LA Dodgers's last 5 games when playing Chi Cubs

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**pm530** · 08-20-2009, 06:11 AM

MLB

Thursday, August 20

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Hot lines: Today’s best MLB bets
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Florida Marlins at Houston Astros (+100, 7.5)

The Florida Marlins might be the best bad team in baseball. The Houston Astros might be the worst good team in baseball.

Not much seems to make sense between these clubs, but the bottom line is that the Marlins are in the hunt for the National League Wild Card berth as well as the NL East race despite having the league’s worst attendance and lowest payroll.

The Astros have long dropped out of playoff contention despite a starting staff that boasts two aces in Roy Oswalt and Thursday’s starter Wandy Rodriguez, and a potent lineup that includes Miguel Tejada, Lance Berkman and Carlos Lee.

Marlins manager Fredi Gonzalez says his young team remains in the race because of the way it copes with its inconsistency.

“It’s a matter of the culture in the clubhouse,” Gonzalez told reporters. “We have a good group of guys. There are no curds in the buttermilk.”

The Marlins had won seven of their last eight games against the Astros and 10 of 12 overall heading into Wednesday’s action. Houston’s Rodriguez gave up 10 runs in his last start against the Milwaukee Brewers.

Pick: Marlins -112

Seattle Mariners at Detroit Tigers (-155, 8.5)

The Detroit Tigers continue to show that they are dedicated to making a run at the postseason. The Seattle Mariners continue to show ambivalence.

The predictable result: the Tigers are in the hunt for AL Central crown, while the improved Mariners have faded from view in the AL West.

The Tigers made another move by acquiring veteran left-handed slugger Aubrey Huff from the Baltimore Orioles to add another weapon to their lineup.

“We’re doing what we can to win,” Tigers general manager Dave Dombrowski said.

The Mariners, who are relegated to extreme long-shot status for the AL wild card, couldn’t seem to decide whether they were buyers or sellers at the All-Star break.
They settled on something in between. They dealt ace Jarrod Washburn to the Tigers, and will now face their former arm Thursday.

Seattle made no major moves to improve its club, although it did acquire slumping third baseman Bill Hall from the Brewers Wednesday. However, it’s unlikely Hall will make much of a difference to Seattle’s chances this year.

Pick: Tigers -155

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**pm530** · 08-20-2009, 06:11 AM

MLB

Thursday, August 20

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Streaking and Slumping Pitchers
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Streaking

Brett Cecil, Toronto Blue Jays

The 23-year-old lefty has been a welcome surprise for Toronto’s starting staff, posting a 3-0 record with two no-decisions in his past five starts.

Cecil (5-1, 4.35 ERA) has given up just seven total earned runs in this span, which included a 13-inning scoreless streak during consecutive wins over the Baltimore Orioles and Cleveland Indians.

Joel Pineiro, St. Louis Cardinals

On a staff noted for overachieving, Pineiro has gone from journeyman to overlooked ace in the St. Louis rotation.

Pineiro (11-9, 3.25 ERA) is 5-0 with a pair of no-decisions in his past seven outings. He has given up three runs or fewer six times in this streak, which includes back-to-back wins over the Pittsburgh Pirates and San Diego Padres.

The 30-year-old right-hander also has gone at least six innings in five of his previous seven trips to the hill.

Slumping

Aaron Harang, Cincinnati Reds

Although Harang’s future in the Reds’ starting rotation might be uncertain, his reservation in the “slumping” column appears to be in no immediate jeopardy.

We hate to consistently pick on one guy, but it’s hard to overlook everything that ails the hard-throwing righty.

Harang (6-14. 4.35 ERA) is 1-6 in his past seven starts. He has given up at least four earned runs in four of those contests and has yielded a minimum of six hits in all of them.

On the bright side, Harang had perhaps his best outing of the season when he held the Giants to just two runs during his lone win in this span. However, he followed it up with a loss to the Washington Nationals.

Anthony Swarzak, Minnesota Twins

The rookie impressed the Twins’ brass by winning his Major League Baseball debut. But it’s been pretty much downhill since.

The 23-year-old right-hander is 1-3 with a no-decision in his past five starts. Swarzak (3-6, 5.87 ERA) has lost his last three decisions, while giving up 16 earned runs and failing to get past the fourth inning in any of those contests.

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**pm530** · 08-20-2009, 10:22 AM

MLB
Dunkel Index

Florida at Houston
The Marlins look to build on their 7-2 record in Josh Johnson's last 9 starts as a road favorite. Florida is the pick (-115) according to Dunkel, which has the Marlins favored by 1/2 a run. Dunkel Pick: Florida (-115). Here are all of today's picks.

THURSDAY, AUGUST 20

Game 951-952: San Francisco at Cincinnati
Dunkel Ratings: San Francisco (Cain) 15.418; Cincinnati (Harang) 14.657
Dunkel Line: San Francisco by 1; 9
Vegas Line: San Francisco (-130); 7 1/2
Dunkel Pick: San Francisco (-130); Over

Game 953-954: Arizona at Philadelphia
Dunkel Ratings: Arizona (Davis) 13.828; Philadelphia (Blanton) 16.855
Dunkel Line: Philadelphia by 3; 10
Vegas Line: Philadelphia (-180); 9
Dunkel Pick: Philadelphia (-180); Over

Game 955-956: Colorado at Washington
Dunkel Ratings: Colorado (Hammel) 16.185; Washington (Mock) 15.619
Dunkel Line: Colorado by 1/2; 8 1/2
Vegas Line: Colorado (-145); 9 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Colorado (-145); Under

Game 957-958: Atlanta at NY Mets
Dunkel Ratings: Atlanta (Kawakami) 15.092; NY Mets (Santana) 15.290
Dunkel Line: NY Mets by 1/2; 6
Vegas Line: NY Mets (-130); 7
Dunkel Pick: NY Mets (-130); Under

Game 959-960: Florida at Houston
Dunkel Ratings: Florida (Johnson) 15.263; Houston (Rodriguez) 14.928
Dunkel Line: Florida by 1/2; 9
Vegas Line: Florida (-115); 7 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Florida (-115); Over

Game 961-962: St. Louis at San Diego
Dunkel Ratings: St. Louis (Pineiro) 15.823; San Diego (Stauffer) 13.638
Dunkel Line: St. Louis by 2; 7
Vegas Line: St. Louis (-160); 7 1/2
Dunkel Pick: St. Louis (-160); Under

Game 963-964: Chicago Cubs at LA Dodgers
Dunkel Ratings: Cubs (Gorzelanny) 15.226; LA Dodgers (Weaver) 14.993
Dunkel Line: Chicago Cubs by 1/2; 7 1/2
Vegas Line: No Line
Dunkel Pick: N/A

Game 965-966: Seattle at Detroit
Dunkel Ratings: Seattle (Rowland-Smith) 15.434; Detroit (Washburn) 14.884
Dunkel Line: Seattle by 1/2; 7 1/2
Vegas Line: Detroit (-160); 8 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Seattle (+150); Under

Game 967-968: Boston at Toronto
Dunkel Ratings: Boston (Lester) 15.169; Toronto (Cecil) 15.385
Dunkel Line: Toronto by 1/2; 10
Vegas Line: Boston (-170); 8 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Toronto (+160); Over

Game 969-970: Baltimore at Tampa Bay
Dunkel Ratings: Baltimore (Matusz) 15.030; Tampa Bay (Shields) 14.260
Dunkel Line: Baltimore by 1; 7 1/2
Vegas Line: Tampa Bay (-300); 9 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Baltimore (+270); Under

Game 971-972: LA Angels at Cleveland
Dunkel Ratings: LA Angels (Lackey) 16.543; Cleveland (Masterson) 15.797
Dunkel Line: LA Angels by 1; 7 1/2
Vegas Line: LA Angels (-150); 9 1/2
Dunkel Pick: LA Angels (-150); Under

Game 973-974: Minnesota at Texas
Dunkel Ratings: Minnesota (Swarzak) 16.793; Texas (Holland) 15.742
Dunkel Line: Minnesota by 1; 11
Vegas Line: Texas (-200); 10
Dunkel Pick: Minnesota (+180); Over

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**pm530** · 08-20-2009, 11:20 AM

MLB
Long Sheet

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Thursday, August 20
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SAN FRANCISCO (66 - 54) at CINCINNATI (50 - 69) - 12:35 PM
MATT CAIN (R) vs. AARON HARANG (R)
Top Trends for this game.
SAN FRANCISCO is 66-54 (+12.0 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
SAN FRANCISCO is 48-41 (+6.8 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.
SAN FRANCISCO is 36-24 (+8.7 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record this season.
SAN FRANCISCO is 66-54 (+12.0 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
CAIN is 17-7 (+9.5 Units) against the money line in all games this season. (Team's Record)
CAIN is 17-7 (+9.5 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season. (Team's Record)
CINCINNATI is 49-67 (-14.9 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
CINCINNATI is 81-111 (-31.0 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters over the last 2 seasons.
CINCINNATI is 50-69 (-15.8 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
CINCINNATI is 25-35 (-13.0 Units) against the money line in home games this season.
CINCINNATI is 7-17 (-12.1 Units) against the money line in home games in August games over the last 2 seasons.
HARANG is 21-32 (-14.6 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)

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

MATT CAIN vs. CINCINNATI since 1997
CAIN is 2-3 when starting against CINCINNATI with an ERA of 4.70 and a WHIP of 1.565.
His team's record is 2-3 (-2.5 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 3-2. (+0.5 units)

AARON HARANG vs. SAN FRANCISCO since 1997
HARANG is 4-6 when starting against SAN FRANCISCO with an ERA of 3.86 and a WHIP of 1.343.
His team's record is 4-7 (-4.1 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 6-4. (+1.9 units)

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ARIZONA (54 - 67) at PHILADELPHIA (68 - 49) - 7:05 PM
DOUG DAVIS (L) vs. JOE BLANTON (R)
Top Trends for this game.
ARIZONA is 54-67 (-16.1 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
ARIZONA is 97-104 (-21.7 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters over the last 2 seasons.
ARIZONA is 42-67 (-28.6 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.
ARIZONA is 54-67 (-16.1 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
ARIZONA is 22-34 (-13.9 Units) against the money line when the total is 9 to 9.5 this season.
ARIZONA is 60-79 (-19.7 Units) against the money line in road games over the last 2 seasons.
PHILADELPHIA is 65-46 (+8.3 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
PHILADELPHIA is 43-24 (+15.7 Units) against the money line after a win this season.
PHILADELPHIA is 68-49 (+9.1 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
PHILADELPHIA is 30-7 (+18.4 Units) against the money line as a home favorite of -150 to -175 over the last 2 seasons.
PHILADELPHIA is 20-21 (-9.9 Units) against the money line in home games in night games this season.
PHILADELPHIA is 31-29 (-9.7 Units) against the money line in home games this season.
PHILADELPHIA is 58-54 (-20.6 Units) against the money line at home when the total is 9 to 9.5 over the last 3 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
PHILADELPHIA is 4-1 (+2.4 Units) against ARIZONA this season
4 of 5 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+2.9 Units)

DOUG DAVIS vs. PHILADELPHIA since 1997
DAVIS is 2-1 when starting against PHILADELPHIA with an ERA of 3.13 and a WHIP of 1.283.
His team's record is 4-3 (+2.0 units) in these starts. The OVER is 2-5. (-3.6 units)

JOE BLANTON vs. ARIZONA since 1997
BLANTON is 0-1 when starting against ARIZONA with an ERA of 24.00 and a WHIP of 3.333.
His team's record is 0-1 (-1.0 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 0-1. (-1.2 units)

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COLORADO (67 - 53) at WASHINGTON (43 - 77) - 7:05 PM
JASON HAMMEL (R) vs. GARRETT MOCK (R)
Top Trends for this game.
WASHINGTON is 117-115 (+35.4 Units) against the money line when the total is 9 to 9.5 over the last 3 seasons.
WASHINGTON is 16-10 (+12.1 Units) against the money line as a home underdog of +125 to +150 over the last 2 seasons.
WASHINGTON is 69-54 (+23.3 Units) against the money line at home when the total is 9 to 9.5 over the last 3 seasons.
WASHINGTON is 11-6 (+8.4 Units) against the money line in August games this season.
COLORADO is 130-107 (+17.2 Units) against the money line after a win over the last 3 seasons.
COLORADO is 26-18 (+13.6 Units) against the money line in road games after 3 or more consecutive wins over the last 3 seasons.
COLORADO is 67-53 (+11.7 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
COLORADO is 35-30 (+10.5 Units) against the money line in road games this season.
COLORADO is 67-53 (+11.7 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
COLORADO is 168-150 (+19.0 Units) against the money line in night games over the last 3 seasons.
COLORADO is 47-35 (+10.3 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.
WASHINGTON is 22-54 (-29.0 Units) against the money line after a loss this season.
WASHINGTON is 16-45 (-23.8 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record this season.
WASHINGTON is 11-37 (-20.5 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.
WASHINGTON is 43-77 (-25.2 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
WASHINGTON is 43-74 (-22.2 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
WASHINGTON is 28-58 (-24.4 Units) against the money line in night games this season.
WASHINGTON is 34-59 (-17.4 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
COLORADO is 5-0 (+5.0 Units) against WASHINGTON this season
4 of 5 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+3.0 Units)

JASON HAMMEL vs. WASHINGTON since 1997
HAMMEL is 0-0 when starting against WASHINGTON with an ERA of 6.35 and a WHIP of 2.116.
His team's record is 1-0 (+1.0 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 1-0. (+1.0 units)

GARRETT MOCK vs. COLORADO since 1997
No recent starts.

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ATLANTA (63 - 57) at NY METS (56 - 64) - 7:10 PM
KENSHIN KAWAKAMI (R) vs. JOHAN SANTANA (L)
Top Trends for this game.
ATLANTA is 104-114 (-24.4 Units) against the money line after a win over the last 3 seasons.
ATLANTA is 23-24 (-7.3 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record this season.
ATLANTA is 135-147 (-26.9 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
ATLANTA is 134-145 (-26.0 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
ATLANTA is 93-100 (-18.1 Units) against the money line in night games over the last 2 seasons.
SANTANA is 101-45 (+32.7 Units) against the money line in night games since 1997. (Team's Record)
NY METS are 145-137 (-14.3 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
NY METS are 145-137 (-14.3 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
NY METS are 47-47 (-25.9 Units) against the money line in home games against division opponents over the last 3 seasons.
SANTANA is 21-27 (-16.5 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 3 seasons. (Team's Record)

Head-to-Head Series History
ATLANTA is 6-5 (+0.9 Units) against NY METS this season
6 of 10 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+1.9 Units)

KENSHIN KAWAKAMI vs. NY METS since 1997
KAWAKAMI is 0-2 when starting against NY METS with an ERA of 3.08 and a WHIP of 1.714.
His team's record is 0-2 (-2.3 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 2-0. (+2.0 units)

JOHAN SANTANA vs. ATLANTA since 1997
SANTANA is 1-4 when starting against ATLANTA with an ERA of 1.96 and a WHIP of 1.370.
His team's record is 2-5 (-6.5 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 6-1. (+5.0 units)

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FLORIDA (64 - 56) at HOUSTON (58 - 62) - 8:05 PM
JOSH JOHNSON (R) vs. WANDY RODRIGUEZ (L)
Top Trends for this game.
HOUSTON is 75-68 (+11.7 Units) against the money line after a win over the last 2 seasons.
HOUSTON is 68-73 (+10.6 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.
HOUSTON is 29-28 (+11.1 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.
HOUSTON is 144-137 (+20.4 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
HOUSTON is 79-60 (+13.3 Units) against the money line in home games over the last 2 seasons.
HOUSTON is 28-19 (+15.2 Units) against the money line in August games over the last 2 seasons.
HOUSTON is 140-135 (+16.2 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
HOUSTON is 106-102 (+13.4 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters over the last 2 seasons.
RODRIGUEZ is 16-5 (+11.2 Units) against the money line in home games when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 3 seasons. (Team's Record)
FLORIDA is 61-53 (+7.1 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
FLORIDA is 103-98 (+11.1 Units) against the money line in night games over the last 2 seasons.
FLORIDA is 25-16 (+11.1 Units) against the money line against left-handed starters this season.
FLORIDA is 74-59 (+22.4 Units) against the money line after a loss over the last 2 seasons.
FLORIDA is 64-56 (+8.3 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
FLORIDA is 69-69 (+15.8 Units) against the money line in road games over the last 2 seasons.
JOHNSON is 18-6 (+11.2 Units) against the money line in all games this season. (Team's Record)
JOHNSON is 17-5 (+11.1 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season. (Team's Record)

Head-to-Head Series History
FLORIDA is 4-2 (+1.2 Units) against HOUSTON this season
4 of 6 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+1.9 Units)

JOSH JOHNSON vs. HOUSTON since 1997
JOHNSON is 0-1 when starting against HOUSTON with an ERA of 7.20 and a WHIP of 2.000.
His team's record is 0-1 (-1.1 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 0-1. (-1.2 units)

WANDY RODRIGUEZ vs. FLORIDA since 1997
RODRIGUEZ is 2-1 when starting against FLORIDA with an ERA of 2.96 and a WHIP of 1.315.
His team's record is 3-1 (+2.0 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 3-1. (+2.0 units)

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ST LOUIS (69 - 53) at SAN DIEGO (51 - 71) - 10:05 PM
JOEL PINEIRO (R) vs. TIM STAUFFER (R)
Top Trends for this game.
ST LOUIS is 155-129 (+16.1 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
ST LOUIS is 105-82 (+16.2 Units) against the money line in night games over the last 2 seasons.
ST LOUIS is 105-84 (+15.9 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters over the last 2 seasons.
ST LOUIS is 155-129 (+16.1 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
SAN DIEGO is 82-122 (-34.5 Units) against the money line in night games over the last 2 seasons.
SAN DIEGO is 74-111 (-31.7 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters over the last 2 seasons.
SAN DIEGO is 66-101 (-31.6 Units) against the money line after a loss over the last 2 seasons.
SAN DIEGO is 42-80 (-32.2 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.
SAN DIEGO is 114-169 (-49.2 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
SAN DIEGO is 114-169 (-49.2 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
ST LOUIS is 3-0 (+3.0 Units) against SAN DIEGO this season
3 of 3 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+3.0 Units)

JOEL PINEIRO vs. SAN DIEGO since 1997
PINEIRO is 4-1 when starting against SAN DIEGO with an ERA of 3.52 and a WHIP of 1.000.
His team's record is 5-2 (+3.4 units) in these starts. The OVER is 4-3. (+0.9 units)

TIM STAUFFER vs. ST LOUIS since 1997
STAUFFER is 0-2 when starting against ST LOUIS with an ERA of 11.88 and a WHIP of 2.521.
His team's record is 0-2 (-2.0 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 0-2. (-2.4 units)

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CHICAGO CUBS (61 - 57) at LA DODGERS (71 - 50) - 10:10 PM
TOM GORZELANNY (L) vs. JEFF WEAVER (R)
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

Head-to-Head Series History
LA DODGERS is 2-2 (+0.5 Units) against CHICAGO CUBS this season
3 of 4 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+1.8 Units)

TOM GORZELANNY vs. LA DODGERS since 1997
GORZELANNY is 1-0 when starting against LA DODGERS with an ERA of 4.26 and a WHIP of 1.263.
His team's record is 1-1 (+0.2 units) in these starts. The OVER is 2-0. (+2.0 units)

JEFF WEAVER vs. CHICAGO CUBS since 1997
WEAVER is 2-0 when starting against CHICAGO CUBS with an ERA of 4.05 and a WHIP of 1.380.
His team's record is 3-2 (+1.2 units) in these starts. The OVER is 2-3. (-1.4 units)

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SEATTLE (62 - 58) at DETROIT (63 - 56) - 1:05 PM
RYAN ROWLAND-SMITH (L) vs. JARROD WASHBURN (L)
Top Trends for this game.
DETROIT is 17-5 (+10.3 Units) against the money line in home games in day games this season.
DETROIT is 39-20 (+11.4 Units) against the money line in home games in games played on a grass field this season.
DETROIT is 39-20 (+11.4 Units) against the money line in home games this season.
SEATTLE is 62-58 (+7.4 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
SEATTLE is 30-23 (+7.6 Units) against the money line when the total is 8 to 8.5 this season.
SEATTLE is 17-7 (+12.8 Units) against the money line on the road when the total is 8 to 8.5 this season.
SEATTLE is 22-14 (+10.2 Units) against the money line in day games this season.
SEATTLE is 59-54 (+7.9 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
DETROIT is 18-34 (-19.5 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 137-144 (-31.6 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
DETROIT is 32-43 (-24.1 Units) against the money line in August games over the last 3 seasons.
WASHBURN is 29-45 (-19.7 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 3 seasons. (Team's Record)

Head-to-Head Series History
SEATTLE is 4-4 (+0.8 Units) against DETROIT this season
4 of 7 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+0.6 Units)

RYAN ROWLAND-SMITH vs. DETROIT since 1997
ROWLAND-SMITH is 0-0 when starting against DETROIT with an ERA of 1.80 and a WHIP of 1.600.
His team's record is 0-1 (-1.0 units) in these starts. The OVER is 0-1. (-1.2 units)

JARROD WASHBURN vs. SEATTLE since 1997
WASHBURN is 8-8 when starting against SEATTLE with an ERA of 4.38 and a WHIP of 1.400.
His team's record is 10-11 (-3.3 units) in these starts. The OVER is 10-8. (+1.3 units)

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BOSTON (68 - 51) at TORONTO (55 - 63) - 7:07 PM
JON LESTER (L) vs. BRETT CECIL (L)
Top Trends for this game.
BOSTON is 15-29 (-15.9 Units) against the money line in games played on artificial turf over the last 2 seasons.
TORONTO is 49-43 (+23.7 Units) against the money line as a home underdog of +125 to +150 since 1997.
BOSTON is 80-41 (+26.4 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 2 seasons.
LESTER is 38-15 (+20.3 Units) against the money line in night games over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
TORONTO is 29-41 (-15.5 Units) against the money line in night games this season.
TORONTO is 16-24 (-10.6 Units) against the money line against left-handed starters this season.
TORONTO is 27-35 (-12.6 Units) against the money line after a loss this season.
TORONTO is 55-63 (-13.9 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
TORONTO is 18-25 (-10.7 Units) against the money line when the total is 8 to 8.5 this season.
TORONTO is 16-31 (-18.0 Units) against the money line against division opponents this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
BOSTON is 7-4 (+3.1 Units) against TORONTO this season
8 of 11 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+4.6 Units)

JON LESTER vs. TORONTO since 1997
LESTER is 3-3 when starting against TORONTO with an ERA of 3.33 and a WHIP of 1.247.
His team's record is 4-4 (-0.6 units) in these starts. The OVER is 3-5. (-2.2 units)

BRETT CECIL vs. BOSTON since 1997
CECIL is 0-1 when starting against BOSTON with an ERA of 15.42 and a WHIP of 2.784.
His team's record is 0-1 (-1.0 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 0-1. (-1.2 units)

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BALTIMORE (48 - 72) at TAMPA BAY (65 - 54) - 7:08 PM
BRIAN MATUSZ (L) vs. JAMES SHIELDS (R)
Top Trends for this game.
BALTIMORE is 8-26 (-16.3 Units) against the money line in road games against right-handed starters this season.
BALTIMORE is 133-242 (-101.9 Units) against the money line after 3 or more consecutive losses since 1997.
BALTIMORE is 55-96 (-27.8 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.
BALTIMORE is 20-55 (-28.0 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.
BALTIMORE is 48-72 (-20.1 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
BALTIMORE is 18-41 (-17.3 Units) against the money line in road games this season.
BALTIMORE is 24-50 (-23.4 Units) against the money line in August games over the last 3 seasons.
BALTIMORE is 3-20 (-14.6 Units) against the money line in road games against division opponents this season.
TAMPA BAY is 103-49 (+37.2 Units) against the money line in games played in a dome over the last 2 seasons.
TAMPA BAY is 66-35 (+21.5 Units) against the money line in home games in night games over the last 2 seasons.
TAMPA BAY is 111-56 (+38.8 Units) against the money line in games played on artificial turf over the last 2 seasons.
TAMPA BAY is 100-69 (+20.2 Units) against the money line after a win over the last 2 seasons.
TAMPA BAY is 170-127 (+27.9 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
TAMPA BAY is 102-46 (+39.8 Units) against the money line in home games over the last 2 seasons.
TAMPA BAY is 41-18 (+17.2 Units) against the money line at home when the total is 9 to 9.5 over the last 2 seasons.
TAMPA BAY is 74-49 (+29.2 Units) against the money line against division opponents over the last 2 seasons.
SHIELDS is 11-14 (-8.7 Units) against the money line in all games this season. (Team's Record)
SHIELDS is 3-9 (-10.2 Units) against the money line after a win this season. (Team's Record)

Head-to-Head Series History
BALTIMORE is 4-5 (+0.1 Units) against TAMPA BAY this season
4 of 8 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=-0.1 Units, Under=-0.8 Units)

BRIAN MATUSZ vs. TAMPA BAY since 1997
No recent starts.

JAMES SHIELDS vs. BALTIMORE since 1997
SHIELDS is 5-1 when starting against BALTIMORE with an ERA of 2.97 and a WHIP of 1.187.
His team's record is 8-5 (+2.5 units) in these starts. The OVER is 7-5. (+1.4 units)

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LA ANGELS (73 - 45) at CLEVELAND (51 - 68) - 7:05 PM
JOHN LACKEY (R) vs. JUSTIN MASTERSON (R)
Top Trends for this game.
CLEVELAND is 26-18 (+12.9 Units) against the money line in August games over the last 2 seasons.
CLEVELAND is 23-5 (+18.6 Units) against the money line in home games when playing on Thursday over the last 3 seasons.
LA ANGELS are 67-39 (+25.6 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
LA ANGELS are 24-17 (+8.2 Units) against the money line in road games in night games this season.
LA ANGELS are 46-34 (+10.9 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.
LA ANGELS are 70-35 (+34.0 Units) against the money line after shutting out their opponent since 1997.
LA ANGELS are 45-27 (+15.9 Units) against the money line after a win this season.
LA ANGELS are 35-16 (+17.2 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record this season.
LA ANGELS are 14-4 (+8.9 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record in the second half of the season this season.
LA ANGELS are 73-45 (+26.6 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
LA ANGELS are 74-41 (+26.7 Units) against the money line when the total is 9 to 9.5 over the last 2 seasons.
LA ANGELS are 37-23 (+18.5 Units) against the money line in road games this season.
LA ANGELS are 10-2 (+8.8 Units) against the money line when playing on Thursday this season.
LACKEY is 16-3 (+11.8 Units) against the money line in road games when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 3 seasons. (Team's Record)
CLEVELAND is 11-24 (-15.7 Units) against the money line in home games when playing against a team with a winning record this season.
CLEVELAND is 51-68 (-17.4 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
CLEVELAND is 48-65 (-21.3 Units) against the money line when the total is 9 to 9.5 over the last 2 seasons.
CLEVELAND is 25-34 (-14.8 Units) against the money line in home games this season.
CLEVELAND is 44-60 (-17.8 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
CLEVELAND is 31-43 (-14.6 Units) against the money line in night games this season.
CLEVELAND is 34-54 (-21.6 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
LA ANGELS is 4-1 (+2.6 Units) against CLEVELAND this season
3 of 5 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+0.8 Units)

JOHN LACKEY vs. CLEVELAND since 1997
LACKEY is 6-5 when starting against CLEVELAND with an ERA of 3.31 and a WHIP of 1.364.
His team's record is 8-5 (+1.8 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 7-5. (+1.1 units)

JUSTIN MASTERSON vs. LA ANGELS since 1997
MASTERSON is 0-0 when starting against LA ANGELS with an ERA of 2.25 and a WHIP of 1.250.
His team's record is 1-1 (+0.1 units) in these starts. The OVER is 1-1. (+0.0 units)

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MINNESOTA (58 - 62) at TEXAS (67 - 52) - 8:05 PM
ANTHONY SWARZAK (R) vs. DEREK HOLLAND (L)
Top Trends for this game.
MINNESOTA is 4-15 (-11.4 Units) against the money line in road games against left-handed starters this season.
MINNESOTA is 58-62 (-11.0 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
TEXAS is 73-62 (+17.2 Units) against the money line after a loss over the last 2 seasons.
TEXAS is 67-52 (+17.1 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
TEXAS is 40-24 (+12.4 Units) against the money line in home games this season.
TEXAS is 25-9 (+14.4 Units) against the money line at home when the total is 10 to 10.5 this season.
TEXAS is 66-50 (+17.3 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
TEXAS is 50-38 (+13.4 Units) against the money line in night games this season.
TEXAS is 42-34 (+10.4 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.
MINNESOTA is 103-84 (+14.2 Units) against the money line in night games over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
MINNESOTA is 4-2 (+2.9 Units) against TEXAS this season
3 of 5 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+0.6 Units)

ANTHONY SWARZAK vs. TEXAS since 1997
No recent starts.

DEREK HOLLAND vs. MINNESOTA since 1997
HOLLAND is 0-0 when starting against MINNESOTA with an ERA of 6.75 and a WHIP of 2.250.
His team's record is 1-0 (+1.0 units) in these starts. The OVER is 0-1. (-1.2 units)

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**pm530** · 08-20-2009, 11:34 AM

MLB

Thursday, August 20

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Weekend MLB cheat sheet
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The hot summer days are warming up the MLB pennant races. The Boston Red Sox should have fire in their eyes at Fenway Park when they look to avenge a four-game series sweep suffered two weeks in the Big Apple.

Along with that series, let’s take a look into the top four series on the base paths this weekend. Remember, all results are within the series and all pitcher records are “team starts” (the team’s record in games in which the pitcher starts) versus this opponent.

NATIONAL LEAGUE

Florida Marlins at Atlanta Braves

Most Recent Series Result: Marlins 6-3 last nine games (5-3 this season)

Most Recent Series Result at the Site: Marlins 3-0 away (3-0 this season)

Key Day/Month Stat: Marlins 4-0 Fridays; Braves 1-4 home Fridays

Best Arm in the Series: Braves’ Jurrjens 2-0, 11.00 ERA home career team starts

Worst Arm in the Series: Braves’ Vazquez 0-4, 5.62 ERA last four home team starts

Chicago Cubs at Los Angeles Dodgers

Most Recent Series Result: Dodgers 7-3 last 10 games (2-2 this season)

Most Recent Series Result at the Site: Dodgers 9-5 home

Key Day/Month Stat: Cubs 6-0 Saturdays; Dodgers 2-6 Saturdays

Best Arm in the Series: Cubs’ Dempster 6-1 3.03 ERA career team starts

Worst Arm in the Series: Dodgers’ Billingsley 1-3 3.33 ERA career team starts

AMERICAN LEAGUE

New York Yankees at Boston Red Sox

Most Recent Series Result: Yankees 4-0 last four games (4-7 this season)

Most Recent Series Result at the Site: Red Sox 7-0 last seven home (6-0 this season)

Key Day/Month Stat: Yankees 16-4 Fridays; Red Sox 2-4 home Fridays

Best Arm in the Series: Red Sox’ Penny 4-0, 2.28 ERA career team starts

Worst Arm in the Series: Yankees’ Sabathia 2-8, 4.74 ERA last 10 team starts

Texas Rangers at Tampa Bay Rays

Most Recent Series Result: Rays 3-0 last three games (3-0 this season)

Most Recent Series Result at the Site: Rays 12-4 last 16 home

Key Day/Month Stat: Rays 13-2 Saturdays; Rangers 2-9 Saturdays

Best Arm in the Series: Kazmir 4-0, 1.89 home career teams starts; Garza 2-0, 1.89 ERA home career team starts

Worst Arm in the Series: None

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**pm530** · 08-20-2009, 12:16 PM

MLB

Thursday, August 20

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Tips and Trends
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No selections in baseball today for the "Tips and Trends" section.

There are selections for the NFL Preseason, see the thread: “NFL Trends and Indexes - Preseason Week 2 (8/20 – 8/24)”

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**pm530** · 08-20-2009, 12:35 PM

MLB
Short Sheet

Thursday, August 20

National League

SAN FRANCISCO at CINCINNATI, 12:35 PM ET
CAIN: SF 13-6 after 6+ consecutive road games
HARANG: CIN 3-12 at home after allowing 2 runs or less

ARIZONA at PHILADELPHIA, 7:05 PM ET
DAVIS: 3-14 TSR AWAY when the total is 8.5 to 10
BLANTON: PHI 30-7 as a home favorite of -150 to -175

COLORADO at WASHINGTON, 7:05 PM ET
HAMMEL: COL 51-32 when the total is 8.5 to 10
MOCK: WAS 11-29 with triple revenge

ATLANTA at NY METS, 7:10 PM ET
KAWAKAMI: ATL 2-15 AWAY after a win by 6+ runs
SANTANA: NYM 22-8 after allowing 9+ runs

FLORIDA at HOUSTON, 8:05 PM ET
JOHNSON: 8-1 TSR when the money line is +125 to -125
RODRIGUEZ: HOU 14-4 OVER against NL East

ST LOUIS at SAN DIEGO, 10:05 PM ET
PINEIRO: 8-0 TSR in the second half of the season
STAUFFER: SD 9-24 after a loss by 4+ runs

CHICAGO CUBS at LA DODGERS, 10:10 PM ET
GORZELANNY: CHC 25-11 UNDER after allowing 2 runs or less
WEAVER: LAD 12-3 after a one run loss

American League

SEATTLE at DETROIT, 1:05 PM ET
ROWLAND-SMITH: SEA 8-1 AWAY after allowing 1 run or less
WASHBURN: 3-10 TSR at home when the total is 8.5 to 10

BOSTON at TORONTO, 7:07 PM ET
LESTER: 40-15 TSR as a favorite
CECIL: TOR 5-12 after scoring 1 run or less

BALTIMORE at TAMPA BAY, 7:08 PM ET
MATUSZ: BAL 5-21 AWAY with double revenge
SHIELDS: 23-5 TSR as a favorite of -150 or more

LA ANGELS at CLEVELAND, 7:05 PM ET
LACKEY: LAA 16-4 OVER after 5+ consecutive wins
MASTERSON: CLE 23-5 at home when playing on Thursday

MINNESOTA at TEXAS, 8:05 PM ET
SWARZAK: MIN 6-11 in August games
HOLLAND: TEX 40-24 in home games

TSR = Team Start Record
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**pm530** · 08-20-2009, 12:39 PM

WNBA
Dunkel Index

San Antonio at Atlanta
The Dream look to build on their 5-1 ATS record in their last 6 home games. Atlanta is the pick (-2 1/2) according to Dunkel, which has the Dream favored by 8. Dunkel Pick: Atlanta (-2 1/2). Here are all of today's picks.

THURSDAY, AUGUST 20

Game 651-652: San Antonio at Atlanta
Dunkel Ratings: San Antonio 109.233; Atlanta 117.197
Dunkel Line & Total: Atlanta by 8; 164
Vegas Line & Total: Atlanta by 2 1/2; 166
Dunkel Pick: Atlanta (-2 1/2); Under

Game 653-654: Indiana at Sacramento
Dunkel Ratings: Indiana 115.454; Sacramento 108.962
Dunkel Line & Total: Indiana by 6 1/2; 144 1/2
Vegas Line & Total: Indiana by 6; 149
Dunkel Pick: Indiana (-6); Under

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WNBA
Long Sheet

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Thursday, August 20
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SAN ANTONIO (11 - 13) at ATLANTA (13 - 11) - 8/20/2009, 7:30 PM
Top Trends for this game.
SAN ANTONIO is 10-22 ATS (-14.2 Units) versus poor defensive teams - allowing 77+ points/game after 15+ games since 1997.
ATLANTA is 16-6 ATS (+9.4 Units) in all games this season.
ATLANTA is 9-1 ATS (+7.9 Units) off an upset win as an underdog over the last 2 seasons.

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

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INDIANA (19 - 5) at SACRAMENTO (7 - 18) - 8/20/2009, 10:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
INDIANA is 71-97 ATS (-35.7 Units) in road games since 1997.
INDIANA is 46-72 ATS (-33.2 Units) against Western conference opponents since 1997.
INDIANA is 39-62 ATS (-29.2 Units) in road games after a division game since 1997.
INDIANA is 46-72 ATS (-33.2 Units) in non-conference games since 1997.
SACRAMENTO is 48-29 ATS (+16.1 Units) on Thursday since 1997.
SACRAMENTO is 29-17 ATS (+10.3 Units) after allowing 75 points or more over the last 3 seasons.
INDIANA is 16-8 ATS (+7.2 Units) in all games this season.
SACRAMENTO is 8-16 ATS (-9.6 Units) in all games this season.
SACRAMENTO is 3-13 ATS (-11.3 Units) after a division game this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
SACRAMENTO is 3-1 against the spread versus INDIANA over the last 3 seasons
SACRAMENTO is 2-2 straight up against INDIANA 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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WNBA

Thursday, August 20

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Lady Luck: Today's WNBA best bet
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San Antonio Silver Stars at Atlanta Dream (-4, 165)

The only thing missing in the Atlanta Dream’s recent run toward a berth in the playoffs is a lock-down defensive effort.

If they can get one against the San Antonio Silver Spurs (11-13), they should be headed toward the postseason in the franchise’s second year of existence.

There has been a major steam on the total in this game, which opened at 160 but is now at 165 at most sportsbooks. This seems to make sense considering the teams have combined to average 172 points over their past five contests.

However, despite averaging 87 points per game in their last five outings, the Silver Stars are still just seventh in the league in offense at 76.5 points per game.

Atlanta (13-11), which has won and covered in six of its past seven games, has the league’s 11th-ranked defense at 81 points per game.

Dream coach Marynell Meadors recently told the media she was pleased with the team’s balanced scoring but was looking for her club to get tougher on the other end of the floor.

Such an effort against a struggling San Antonio club, which is just 4-5 since the All-Star break, seems a good place to start.

Pick: Under 165

Indiana Fever at Sacramento Monarchs (+5.5, 149)

Sacramento’s recent road play has given Monarchs fans hope. The team's play at home has left their faithful feeling hopeless.

The good news for potential Monarchs backers is that Thursday’s opponent is the Indiana Fever, who they have thrived against in recent seasons.

The Monarchs (7-18) need a home win and they know it. They have lost three straight in front of the home fans, including a 78-61 loss to the Los Angeles Sparks in their last outing.

“I was proud of my team because we never quit, we played to the end and we were trying to get better,” coach John Whisenant told the media after the game. “We still have nine games left. Six of them are at home. For our fans, we need to turn things around here and win.”

Although the Fever (19-5) boast the WNBA’s best record, they are 2-7 ATS in their last nine against Sacramento. They have not won on the Monarchs’ home floor since June 2003.

Pick: Monarchs

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Announcement

Thursday Trends and Indexes 8/20 (MLB, WNBA, CFL, Misc.)

Thursday Trends and Indexes 8/20 (MLB, WNBA, CFL, Misc.)

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