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**pm530** · 08-27-2009, 06:32 AM

Daily Sports Roundup

Thursday, August 27

Today in the Daily Sports Roundup: The PGA opens the FedExCup playoffs, the NFL continues its preseason, and the Rangers and Yankees close out their set.

Colliding on the gridiron . . .

The NFL launches its third week of preseason action on Thursday night with St. Louis at Cincinnati (-2.5), Miami at Tampa Bay (-2.5), and Jacksonville at Philadelphia (-7.5). The Jaguars and Eagles are both winless so far in the preseason, but Philly has been given the oddsmakers' edge as they debut Michael Vick. Starting Eagles QB Donovan McNabb is expected to play into the second half, but Vick should see some snaps and possibly be put in the Wildcat.

Meeting up on the diamond . . .

It'll be Dustin Nippert (4-2, 3.95 ERA) vs. A.J. Burnett (10-7, 4.08 ERA) on Thursday afternoon as the Rangers close out their series at Yankee Stadium. Righthander Nippert will be looking to bounce back from a loss to the Rays in his last start; he allowed four earned runs over just five innings of work. Righthander Burnett was pounded by the rival Red Sox in his most recent outing, surrendering nine earned runs on nine hits over his five innings of work in their lopsided loss.

Also on the abbreviated American League schedule for Thursday: Cleveland at Baltimore, Kansas City at Seattle, Oakland at the Angels, and the White Sox at Boston. Chicago will send John Danks (11-8, 3.85 ERA) to the mound in that contest; lefthander Danks beat the Orioles last time out, giving up just one earned run over 6 1-3 innings of work. The BoSox counter with Junichi Tazawa (2-2, 3.57 ERA); the righthander blanked the Yankees over six innings last week.

Over in the National League the top hurler on the hill on Thursday will be the Cardinals' Chris Carpenter (14-3, 2.16 ERA), with his team hosting the Astros and Brian Moehler (8-9, 5.29 ERA). Righthander Carpenter picked up his sixth straight win last time out, pitching seven shutout innings (and allowing just three hits) vs. the Padres. Righthander Moehler is also coming off a victory, as he held the Diamondbacks to two earned runs on six hits over 5 2-3 innings on Saturday.

Rounding out Thursday's NL slate: the Mets at Florida, Cincinnati at Milwaukee, Washington at the Cubs, the Dodgers at Colorado, San Diego at Atlanta, Arizona at San Francisco, and Philadelphia at Pittsburgh. J.A. Happ (10-2, 2.59 ERA) will get the ball for the Phillies in that matchup, with the Pirates sending Charlie Morton (3-6, 5.21 ERA) to the hill. Lefthander Happ has given up two or fewer earned runs in each of his last five starts, with Philadelphia 4-1 in those contests.

Tipping off on the hardwood . . .

The WNBA returns from its one-day break with four games on Thursday night: Atlanta at Detroit, Connecticut at Seattle, Phoenix at Los Angeles, and San Antonio at Indiana. The Silver Stars fell to 11-16 straight-up (and 11-16 against-the-spread) last time out with a 99-84 loss to Detroit. The Fever are also coming off a loss - they were beaten 74-60 by Seattle on Saturday. Indiana, though, still leads the Eastern Conference at 19-7 SU, and they're at 16-10 ATS on the year.

Rounding out the Roundup . . .

Finally, the PGA Tour begins its FedExCup playoffs on Thursday morning in The Barclays at Liberty National Golf Club in Jersey City. Tiger Woods is the big 9/5 Vegas favorite to grab the trophy this week, with Padraig Harrington and Phil Mickelson next on that list at 15/1 odds. Sergio Garcia, Steve Stricker, and Ernie Els are then pegged at 25/1 odds to win The Barclays, with Vijay Singh, Stewart Cink, Retief Goosen, and Hunter Mahan at 30/1. Singh is the defending champ.

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**pm530** · 08-27-2009, 06:33 AM

Sports news and notes....

Thursday, August 27

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Bettor's best friend: Today's wagering tips
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The price is right

Sure, it'd be great to catch Chris Carpenter at home at a price cheaper than -310 (only the second time the Cards have been priced higher than -300 this season). But the nice thing about backing St. Louis is that the club wins the games it's supposed to win. Tony La Russa's boys are 27-7 in its last 34 games as a favorite and 14-3 in the last 17 matches as home chalk.

Want one more?

The Cardinals are 52-17 in their last 69 games when priced at -201 or higher.

The Barclays start race for Fed Ex Cup

The FedEx Cup playoffs start this week with The Barclays at Jersey City, New Jersey, the first of a four-tournament stop that will eventually award the Tour Championship winner a cool $10 million.

The event basically exists to give fans more reasons to watch golf once the majors have ended, and gives players incentive to go out and take home part of the prize. The rules and point structures this year have been adjusted to give equal weight to regular-season and playoff performances.

There will be 125 players who enter the Barclays, with the top 100 moving on to next week’s Deutsche Bank Championship. Then, 70 will play for the BMW Championship, before the 30 are decided for the Tour Championship.

Far from a news flash, Tiger Woods at +165 is the odds-in favorite for this week’s tournament. Others of note include Phil Mickelson (+1400), Padraig Harrington (+1800) and PGA Championship winner Y. E. Yang (+5500).

Molina expected to catch Burnett

Even though A.J. Burnett was 4-3 with a 3.00 ERA in his last 10 starts with All-Star catcher Jorge Posada behind the plate, people have a hard time forgetting the awkwardness between the two in last weekend's 14-1 loss to the Red Sox.

Because Posada played Wednesday night and the Yanks have an afternoon game Thursday, backup catcher Jose Molina is expected to get the nob. The Yanks are -220 home faves against the Rangers with the total set at 9.5.

'Invisible Golfer' worth a look

Hunter Mahan might be the best golfer you’ve never heard of; or seen, for that matter. The world’s No. 14-ranked player, a self-described loner, is nicknamed the Invisible Golfer by his family because he rarely generates TV coverage during nor makes other headlines.

He’s not invisible to oddsmakers, though he is yet to show bettors any cash. Even so, the 27-year-old has 13 Top-25 finishes this year and six Top-10 runs, including near-misses in the U.S. Open and the Masters.

By comparison, the much higher-profile Sergio Garcia, who blew a three-shot lead last Sunday in the Wyndham Championship, has just two Top-10 finishes and five Top-25 finishes to his credit.

Mahan also is +2000 to win The Barclays. He came up just short of giving bettors huge bang for their buck when he missed a couple of late shots in the U.S. Open at +8000 and watched Lucas Glover take the title.

Jags look to spoil Vick’s debut

There are many reasons why Thursday’s game between the Jacksonville Jaguars and Philadelphia Eagles (-7.5, 37) is being billed as one of the most anticipated NFL exhibition games in recent memory.

There appear to be just as many reasons to like the underdog here. Forgetting for a moment that 7.5 points is a bunch for an NFL game under any circumstances, you have to like Jacksonville’s chances to come into Philly and cover this number.

Although the game’s hype is centered around Michael Vick’s debut for the Eagles, it’s unlikely he is going to play much. Moreover, you can bet coach Andy Reid does not intend to advertise to the NFL the various ways in which he plans to use the troubled quarterback.

The Eagles are battling injuries at many key positions; running back Brian Westbrook and defensive end Trent Cole are both expected to play but see limited action.

The Jaguars, who are 3-0 all-time against the Eagles, will be looking to shore up their first teams and integrating new weapons such as receiver Torry Holt, and newly signed tight end Ernest Wilford will attempt to make an impression in his second go-round with the club. The hype around Vick also will overshadow offensive lineman and former Eagle Tra Thomas’s return to Philadelphia.

Tampa looks to settle QB battle

When the Tampa Bay Buccaneers (-2.5, 36) take on the Miami Dolphins, it will be a battle of one team trying to showcase its offense against another that’s trying to hide it.

First-year coach Raheem Morris has said it’s a close battle between Josh McCown and Byron Leftwich for the starting job, and that Thursday’s game should go along way to deciding the starter.

Although Chad Pennington appears safe as Miami’s starter, the Dolphins have run few plays of the “wildcat” formation that helped them win 11 games last year. Last week, five Wildcats plays netted 53 yards, and none were run by rookie Pat White, who was drafted for his Wildcat-friendly skill set. Miami coach Tony Sparano said he did not want to tip his hand to opponents too much in the pre-season.

WNBA overs are cashing at the cage

If you like to bet overs, consider the case for each Thursday tilt in the WNBA. Coincidentally, each match-up is heavily trending toward a barrage of baskets.

San Antonio at Indiana (-6, 150): The over is 5-0 in Silver Stars last five against Eastern Conference teams and 8-2 against teams with a winning record. The over also is 7-1 in the Silver Stars’ last eight Thursday games.

Atlanta at Detroit (-4, 168): The over is 4-0 for Atlanta in its past four overall and 5-0 in road games.

Connecticut at Seattle (-4.5, 144): The over is 4-0-1 in the last five overall for Connecticut, and 6-0 following a loss against the spread.

Phoenix at Los Angeles (-4, 171): The over is 8-2 for the Mercury in their last 10 games following a loss.

A mile-high dose of solid pitching

Coors Field has long been known for its mile-high altitude that produced fan-friendly offense and unheard of over/under totals for bettors. While some calculated measures, such as the installation of a humidor in the park, have been taken to cut down on the sick offensive numbers, the Rockies have found another solution.

Their pitching. Colorado is a surprising 10th in the league with a team ERA of 4.22. Although the over is just 2-2-1 in the Rockies’ last five home games, two of those overs were decided with one late-inning burst.

In Thursday’s title against the Dodgers (-135, 10), there are a few signs pointing toward an under. For one, Colorado starter Jorge De La Rosa has given up just 15 earned runs in his last seven home starts. Also, the under is 5-0-1 for the Dodgers in their last six overall and against teams with winning records. They are 5-1-1 under against totals between 9-10.5.

Notable quotable

"All I'm saying is I pray the game is nine innings, so I can go out there the least amount of time possible and go home."

Chicago Cubs outfielder Milton Bradley told the Associated Press after feeling "hatred" from Cubs fans. Hopefully the $10 million he's getting paid this season for his services (.259 BA, 10 HRs and 32 RBIs) helps ease his pain.

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**pm530** · 08-27-2009, 06:36 AM

Six-pack for Thursday

-- David Ortiz hit two homers, including a walkoff shot down the right field line, as Red Sox beat the Pale Hose again, this time 3-2.

-- Ryan Howard homered in the 10th as Phillies won 4-1 in Pittsburgh.

-- The Nationals signed Livan Hernandez-- why?????

-- Astros only saw 96 pitches the whole game in their 3-2 loss to the Cardinals at Busch. Dave Duncan has worked wonders with Pineiro, just one more reason why someday he should be first pitching coach to be inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame.

-- Randy Wolf is quietly having an excellent year for the Dodgers-- he beat the Rockies 6-1 at Coors, getting LA's lead back to three games.

-- Oliver Perez is having knee surgery, is out for year, as rats continue to jump off the Mets' sinking ship. Meanwhile, Jeff Francoeur missed only one game with screwed up ligaments in his thumb. Hmmm.....

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Thursday's List of 13: Nobody asked me, but..........

13) Wednesday afternoon around 4:30, saw a guy in the shopping center wearing a #7 green Eagles' jersey, and it didn't say Jaworski on the back. Yes, there are Michael Vick Eagle jerseys out there already; at least one was sold.

12) Tom Brady is playing under a 5-year, $60M contract, significantly less than Eli Manning (six years, $97M) and Philip Rivers (six years for $93M). Brady needs a new agent.

11) Brady has a 101-27 won-loss record as an NFL starter; his coach, the noted cheater Bill Belichick, has a career record of 154-90, thats 101-27 with Brady, 53-63 without him. The coach should get Brady a big raise; actually, owner Robert Kraft should step up and do it himself. .

10) Since 2005, the Patriots are 18-5-3 against the spread in games where the pointspread was three or less; in other words, they've dominated in games that were more or less considered tossups before they started.

9) Three different umpires worked the plate at the Toronto-Tampa Bay game Wednesday night, due to two umpires getting hurt. One ump who was behind the plate finished the game at third base.

8) Phillies are 8-0 in games started by Pedro Martinez/Cliff Lee, so the GM in Philly, Ruben Amaro Jr, has done a great job for his ballclub with those two midseason acquisitions.

7) Last week, the Angels played a game that when it ended, all nine of the Angels had a batting average of .300+; it was the first time this had happened this late in the season since the 1934 Tigers.

6) St Louis Cardinals went 22-8 in first 30 games with Matt Holliday on their team; he knocked in 28 runs in those 30 games. Albert Pujols had been walked intentionally 34 times in his first 98 games, but only three times in the last 30 games with Holliday batting behind him.

5) Bobby Abreu turned down a 2-year, $16M offer from the Rays last winter, wound up signing a 1-year, $5M deal (whoops) with the Angels. Good news is he's having a great 2009 and figures to cash in this winter.

4) NHL owners must really hate this Balsillie guy who is trying to buy the Phoenix Coyotes and move them to Hamilton, Ontario. No matter how hard he tries to buy the team, they come up with other options. In these financial times, can't be that many deep-pocketed guys around.

3) Florida International thought they were opening the Isiah Thomas era with Ohio State in Coaches vs Cancer tournament, but organizers of the event switched opponents and gave FIU North Carolina in first round of the tourney, which isn't sitting well in Miami. FIU has threatened to pull out of the event. They'd lose to either team; whats the big deal?

2) The mark of a doormat college football program is when they sell off home games for cash; Wake Forest and Rice used to do it in their days as doormats, and now the Indiana Hoosiers have signed up, taking $3M to move a conference game against Penn State to Redskins' home stadium in suburban Maryland. They just spent a small fortune refurbishing all the facilities there, now they sell off a high profile home game??? Ugh.

1) Miami Hurricanes had two backup QBs transfer this week, so they're down to two scholarship QBs as the season approaches, and of them is a freshman. Better keep that starter healthy, or it'll be a long season. .

From: Armadillo
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**pm530** · 08-27-2009, 06:37 AM

MLB
Baseball Today

SCOREBOARD

Thursday, August 27

Texas at New York Yankees (1:05 p.m. EDT). The Rangers and Yankees finish off a three-game set with New York starter A.J. Burnett looking to bounce back from a poor outing in his last start in Boston.

STARS

Wednesday

-David Ortiz, Red Sox, hit his second homer of the game in the ninth inning to give Boston a 3-2 victory over the Chicago White Sox.

-Ryan Howard, Phillies, hit a three-run homer in the 10th inning to power Philadelphia to a 4-1 victory at Pittsburgh.

-Andy Pettitte, Yankees, pitched seven sharp innings to lead New York to a 9-2 win against Texas.

-Torii Hunter, Angels, hit a two-run homer to help Los Angeles to a 4-2 victory over Detroit.

-Andre Ethier, Dodgers, homered twice and drove in three runs in Los Angeles' 6-1 victory at Colorado.

-Joel Pineiro, Cardinals, worked eight strong innings to win his seventh straight decision and St. Louis beat Houston 3-2.

-Milton Bradley, Cubs, hit a two-run homer and drove in three runs to lead Chicago to a 9-4 win over Washington.

-Jeremy Guthrie, Orioles, allowed one run in seven innings and Baltimore beat Minnesota 5-1.

-Ronny Paulino, Marlins, hit a two-run homer in Florida's 5-3 win against the New York Mets.

-Kevin Kouzmanoff, Padres, hit a two-run homer and finished with three RBIs in San Diego's 12-5 victory at Atlanta.

FEELING MUCH BETTER

Red Sox knuckleballer Tim Wakefield and Angels left-hander Joe Saunders both had nice outings after coming off the disabled list. Wakefield allowed one run over seven innings in Boston's 3-2 victory against the Chicago White Sox and Saunders gave up two runs in five innings to help Los Angeles to a 4-2 victory over the Detroit Tigers. Wakefield had been sidelined with a several different injuries. Saunders had a sore shoulder.

UMPIRES INJURED

It was a tough night to be the home plate umpire in the Rays and Blue Jays game. Crew chief Jerry Crawford took a foul ball off his face mask and left after two innings with back spasms. His replacement, Tom Hallion, had to switch out after he was struck in the chest by a pitch from Tampa Bay lefty Scott Kazmir in the sixth. Brian O'Nora, the first base umpire, finished the game calling balls and strikes. Both umpires should be ready for their next game on Friday.

CAN'T CATCH

The Yankees could be without slugging catcher Jorge Posada for several games after he took a foul ball off his gloved hand during a 9-2 victory over Texas. Posada said he bruised the joint on the ring finger of his catching hand, the same finger he hurt earlier this season. X-rays were negative.

TYING LEFTY

Andy Pettitte earned his 189th win in pinstripes - 9-2 over Texas - tying Lefty Gomez for third on the franchise list and trailing only Hall of Famers Whitey Ford (236) and Red Ruffing (231).

TRIBUTE FOR TED

The Boston Red Sox honored the late U.S. Sen. Edward Kennedy before their win over the White Sox, paying tribute to a lifelong fan. The U.S. flag flew at half-staff at Fenway Park, where Kennedy threw out the ceremonial first pitch on opening day, 97 years after his grandfather, Boston mayor John "Honey Fitz'' Fitzgerald christened the ballpark that is now the oldest in the major leagues.

OLLIE OUT

The New York Mets have lost their third pitcher for the season in two days. Left-hander Oliver Perez will require season-ending surgery to repair patella tendon tendinosis in his right knee. The injury ends a dismal season for Perez, who is expected to fully recover and be ready for spring training. On Tuesday, the Mets announced ace Johan Santana and reliever J.J. Putz are out for the season. Perez, who signed a $36 million, three-year contract last offseason, finished 3-4 in 14 starts.

METS BEATER

Florida's Josh Johnson gave up three runs and nine hits in six innings but improved to 7-0 with an ERA of 2.30 in nine career starts against New York with a 5-3 victory.

SEND HIM OUT THERE

The Cardinals have won Joel Pineiro's last 10 starts and 11 of the last 12. The right-hander is 7-0 with a 2.65 ERA in 10 outings since July 3, and walked none for the 13th start, a 3-2 win over Houston.

SPEAKING

"I feel love for me. I love me. I look in the mirror and I go out there and play. I feel the love from my teammates. I feel the love from the coaching staff and from myself. I go out there and try to do things. That's all I do.'' - Cubs outfielder Milton Bradley after homering and driving in three runs in a 9-4 win over Washington a day after saying he had felt hatred on a daily basis during his first disappointing season in Chicago.

SEASONS

Aug. 27

1897 - Roger Bresnahan, later a Hall of Fame catcher, made his major-league debut as a pitcher for the Washington Senators by shutting out the St. Louis Browns 3-0.

1937 - Brooklyn's Fred Frankhouse pitched a rain-shortened no-hitter against the Cincinnati Reds. The game was stopped with two out in the eighth inning with the Dodgers leading 5-0.

1974 - Benny Ayala of the Mets became the first National League player in 13 years to hit a home run in his first major league at-bat, connecting against Houston's Tom Griffin in New York's 4-2 victory at Shea Stadium.

1977 - Toby Harrah and Bump Wills of the Texas Rangers hit back-to-back inside-the-park home runs on consecutive pitches in the seventh inning as the Rangers beat the Yankees 8-2 at Yankee Stadium.

1978 - Joe Morgan of the Cincinnati Reds hit his 200th career home run to become the first player in major league history to have 200 homers and 500 stolen bases.

1982 - Rickey Henderson of Oakland broke Lou Brock's 1974 record of 118 stolen bases in a season and stole three more bases in the Athletics' 5-4 loss to the Milwaukee Brewers. It gave Henderson 122 thefts in 127 games.

1999 - Vladimir Guerrero's hitting streak was halted at 31 games by Cincinnati's Ron Villone, as the Reds posted a 4-1 win over Montreal. Guerrero went 0-for-2 with an intentional walk against Villone, ending the majors' longest hitting streak since 1987.

2005 - Jeff Kent became the first player to hit 300 home runs as a second baseman in the Los Angeles Dodgers' 8-3 win over Houston. The homer was the 325th of his career.

Today's birthdays: Justin Miller 32; Jim Thome 39

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**pm530** · 08-27-2009, 06:37 AM

MLB
This Day in Baseball

On August 27 in Baseball History...

1897 - Roger Bresnahan, later a Hall of Fame catcher, made his major-league debut as a pitcher for the Washington Senators by beating the St. Louis Browns, 3-0.

1910 - Using twenty 137,000 candlepower arc lights, two amateur teams play a night game in White Sox Park before 20,000. The first American League night game in the park will be in 1939.

1918 - Christy Mathewson resigns as Reds manager to accept a commission as a captain in the chemical warfare branch of the Army.

1937 - Brooklyn's Fred Frankhouse pitched a rain-shortened no-hitter against the Cincinnati Reds. The game was stopped with two out in the eighth inning and the Dodgers leading, 5-0.

1955 - Dodgers bonus baby Sandy Koufax fans 14 Redlegs in a 7-0 win, as the two teams total 23 strikeouts.

1974 - Benny Ayala of the Mets became the first National League player in 13 years to hit a home run in his first major league at-bat, connecting against Houston's Tom Griffin in New York's 4-2 victory at Shea Stadium.

1977 - Toby Harrah and Bump Wills of the Texas Rangers hit back-to-back inside-the-park home runs on consecutive pitches in the seventh inning as the Rangers beat New York, 8-2, at Yankee Stadium.

1978 - Joe Morgan of the Cincinnati Reds hit his 200th career home run to become the first major leaguer to have 200 homers and 500 stolen bases.

1982 - Rickey Henderson steals four bases in Oakland's 5-4 loss to Milwaukee to raise his total to 122 and break Lou Brock's single-season record of 118. The record-breaking 119th steal comes off pitcher Doc Medich and catcher Ted Simmons on a third-inning pitchout.

1988 - Tommy Lasorda wins his 1,000th game as a manager as Los Angeles tops Philadelphia 4-2.

1990 - The Brewers-Blue Jays game is delayed thirty-five minutes when a huge swarm of gnats descends onto the field through the open SkyDome roof. Milwaukee scratches out a 4-2 win.

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**pm530** · 08-27-2009, 06:38 AM

MLB
Write-up

Thursday, August 27

Hot Pitchers
-- Sanchez allowed one run in six IP in his first start in 80 days after a stint on the DL.
-- Carpenter is 9-0, 1.92 in his last ten starts.
-- Martin is 2-1, 3.06 in his last three starts. Wells is 3-0, 2.25 in his last three starts at Wrigley Field.
-- Rockies won 12 of last 14 de la Rosa starts.
-- Phillies won Happ's last four starts (3-0, 1.21).
-- Richard is 3-0, 3.67 in five starts for the Padres.

-- Indians won last four Laffey starts (3-0, 2.39).
-- Danks is 2-0, 1.66 in his last three starts. Tazawa is 2-1, 3.94 in three starts for Boston.
-- Fister is 1-0, 2.79 in three starts for Seattle.
-- Angels won Santana's last five starts, scoring 41 runs (3-0, 2.57 in last three starts). Cahill is 0-0, 2.77 in his last couple starts.

Cold Pitchers
-- Redding is 0-1, 7.11 in his last three starts.
-- Lehr is 0-1, 7.36 in his last couple starts. Bush was 0-4, 9.32 in his last six starts before going on the DL.
-- Astros lost last three Moehler road starts (0-2, 4.86).
-- Padilla makes Dodger debut; he was
-- Morton is 1-4, 7.14 in his last six starts.
-- Vazquez is 0-2, 5.93 in his last couple starts.
-- Petit is 0-3, 7.71 in his last three starts. Martinez has 6.52 RA in his four starts for the Giants.

-- Burnett is 0-3, 6.32 in his last five starts. Nippert is 1-2, 6.35 in his last three starts.
-- DHernandez is 1-4, 6.58 in his last five starts.
-- Davies is 1-3, 9.78 in his last five starts.

Hot Teams
-- Marlins won eight of last ten home games.
-- Reds won their last three games, the last two in extra innings.
-- Phillies won eight of their last ten games. Pirates won six of their last eight games.
-- Cardinals won 14 of their last 17 games.
-- Colorado won 29 of its last 40 home games.
-- Padres are 7-4 in their last eleven road games.
-- Giants won their last three games, allowing nine runs.

-- Bronx won ten of its last fourteen games. Texas is 7-5 in its last dozen road games.
-- Red Sox won seven of their last nine games.
-- Indians won 12 of their last 18 road games.
-- Mariners won their last four home games.

Cold Teams
-- Mets lost 17 of their last 24 games.
-- Brewers lost seven of their last ten games.
-- Astros lost last three games, scoring total of seven runs.
-- Nationals lost seven of their last nine games. Cubs lost six of their last nine contests.
-- Dodgers are 7-8 in their last fifteen road games.
-- Braves are 4-5 in their last nine home games, losing last two.
-- Arizona lost nine of its last ten games.

-- White Sox lost 15 of their last 21 road games.
-- Orioles lost eight of their last twelve games.
-- Royals lost eight of their last eleven games.
-- Angels lost three of their last four games. Oakland lost six of its last eight games.

Totals
-- Over is 7-1-1 in Florida's last nine home games.
-- Under is 6-2-2 in Cincinnati's last ten road games.
-- Seven of last eight Houston games stayed under the total.
-- Seven of last ten games at Wrigley Field went over the total.
-- Under is 6-2-1 in last nine Colorado games.
-- Under is 14-4-2 in last twenty Philadelphia road games.
-- Eight of last nine San Diego games went over the total.
-- Under is 9-4-2 in last fifteen games at San Francisco.

-- Last five Bronx games all went over the total.
-- Seven of last nine Baltimore games stayed under the total.
-- Over is 11-3 in last fourteen games at Fenway Park.
-- Under is 5-2-1 in Kansas City's last eight road games.
-- Over is 11-5 in last sixteen games at Anaheim Stadium.

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**pm530** · 08-27-2009, 06:39 AM

MLB

Thursday, August 27

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Trend Report
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1:05 PM
TEXAS vs. NY YANKEES
Texas is 3-7 SU in their last 10 games when playing NY Yankees
Texas is 2-4 SU in their last 6 games when playing on the road against NY Yankees
NY Yankees are 16-3 SU in their last 19 games at home
NY Yankees are 17-5 SU in their last 22 games

1:10 PM
NY METS vs. FLORIDA
NY Mets are 1-4 SU in its last 5 games when playing on the road against Florida
NY Mets are 0-5 SU in its last 5 games
Florida is 5-2 SU in its last 7 games when playing NY Mets
Florida is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games at home

2:05 PM
CINCINNATI vs. MILWAUKEE
Cincinnati is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games when playing Milwaukee
Cincinnati is 6-13 SU in its last 19 games on the road
Milwaukee is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games when playing at home against Cincinnati
Milwaukee is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games when playing Cincinnati

2:15 PM
HOUSTON vs. ST. LOUIS
Houston is 1-5 SU in its last 6 games on the road
Houston is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games when playing St. Louis
St. Louis is 9-1 SU in its last 10 games when playing at home against Houston
St. Louis is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games when playing Houston

2:20 PM
WASHINGTON vs. CHI CUBS
Washington is 2-6 SU in their last 8 games when playing on the road against Chi Cubs
Washington is 2-7 SU in its last 9 games
Chi Cubs are 7-1 SU in their last 8 games when playing Washington
Chi Cubs are 5-11 SU in their last 16 games

3:10 PM
LA DODGERS vs. COLORADO
LA Dodgers are 4-1 SU in their last 5 games when playing on the road against Colorado
LA Dodgers are 11-3 SU in their last 14 games when playing Colorado
Colorado is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games
Colorado is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games at home

7:05 PM
CLEVELAND vs. BALTIMORE
Cleveland is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games
Cleveland is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games when playing Baltimore
Baltimore is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games when playing at home against Cleveland
The total has gone OVER in 8 of Baltimore's last 12 games when playing at home against Cleveland

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

7:10 PM
CHI WHITE SOX vs. BOSTON
Chi White Sox are 1-5 SU in their last 6 games
Chi White Sox are 1-6 SU in their last 7 games when playing Boston
Boston is 8-1 SU in their last 9 games when playing at home against Chi White Sox
Boston is 6-1 SU in their last 7 games when playing Chi White Sox

7:10 PM
SAN DIEGO vs. ATLANTA
San Diego is 2-6 SU in its last 8 games when playing on the road against Atlanta
San Diego is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games on the road
Atlanta is 16-6 SU in its last 22 games when playing San Diego
Atlanta is 6-2 SU in its last 8 games when playing at home against San Diego

10:10 PM
KANSAS CITY vs. SEATTLE
Kansas City is 3-13 SU in its last 16 games when playing on the road against Seattle
Kansas City is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games on the road
Seattle is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games
Seattle is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games at home

10:15 PM
ARIZONA vs. SAN FRANCISCO
Arizona is 1-9 SU in its last 10 games
Arizona is 1-11 SU in its last 12 games on the road
San Francisco is 7-1 SU in its last 8 games when playing at home against Arizona
San Francisco is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games when playing Arizona

10:25 PM
OAKLAND vs. LA ANGELS
Oakland is 1-5 SU in their last 6 games when playing LA Angels
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Oakland's last 6 games when playing LA Angels
LA Angels are 2-4 SU in their last 6 games when playing at home against Oakland
LA Angels are 13-6 SU in their last 19 games at home

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**pm530** · 08-27-2009, 06:40 AM

MLB

Thursday, August 27

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Hot lines: Today’s best MLB bets
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Philadelphia Phillies at Pittsburgh Pirates (+180, 8.5)

When you’re 6-foot-4 and 255 pounds of pure baseball-crushing power, it’s hard to stop rolling once you pick up momentum.

Phillies slugger Ryan Howard is on a huge tear in recent games. Heading into Wednesday, the first baseman has a .290 average in the past week and has totaled four home runs and 13 RBIs – including a two home-run, five-RBI performance against the rival New York Mets Monday.

"That's why I call him the 'Big Piece,'" Phillies manager Charlie Manuel told reporters. "He was the game. ... I told him one of these days if he ever gets strong, he's going to be a pretty good hitter."

In the series opener with the Pirates, Howard registered his 65th extra-base hit of the season with a double in the team’s 6-4 loss to Pittsburgh. That loss was just Philadelphia’s third defeat the last 14 contests.

Howard and the Phillies will be out to erase that blip in Thursday’s series finale. As of Wednesday, Howard has a .364 BA versus the state rivals and has eight total bases and four RBI in four games with Pittsburgh this year.

Pick: Philadelphia

Kansas City Royals at Seattle Mariners (-145, 8.5)

Seattle Mariners third baseman Adrian Beltre is the frontrunner for Most Painful Injury Description of the Year.

Beltre took a line drive in the pills back in the middle of August and has been on the DL ever since with what the team calls, “a severely bruised testicle”.

"When I got it, I thought it exploded," Beltre told MLB.com.

"It was a direct hit and was really painful. I felt like going down, but I saw the ball right next to me and I wanted to finish the play."

Anyone feeling sorry for Beltre should also note that the infielder plays without a cup and has done so for most of his career. Beltre says the protective device is too uncomfortable and he gets hit in the junk every 11 seasons, so he isn’t worried about it happening again.

Seattle is also without outfielder Ichiro Suzuki, who has been held out this week with a sore calf muscle – which seems like a hangnail when compared to Beltre’s right nut.

The hitting machine was supposed to be back in the lineup against Oakland Tuesday night, but didn’t feel like he could compete. His return is uncertain according to manager Don Wakamatsu, who told the media the Mariners don’t want to rush the nine-time All-Star back and would like to keep him on the field when he does return.

Seattle’s offense has missed those two bats. The Mariners are averaging under three runs per game in their last four contests – all of which have played under the run total. The M’s have a 4-9-1 over/under record in the past 15 games after starting August with eight over paydays in their first nine outings.

Pick: Under

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**pm530** · 08-27-2009, 06:41 AM

MLB

Thursday, August 27

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Streaking and Slumping Pitchers
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Streaking

Chris Carpenter, St. Louis Cardinals

An overachieving starting staff is a big reason why the Cardinals have emerged as one of the best teams in baseball. But they wouldn't be running away with the National League Central without a bona fide ace.

They found it from a familiar face. The oft-injured Carpenter missed most of two seasons because of a career-threatening arm injury – and even missed part of this year on the disabled list – but he's returned to his Cy Young form of 2005.

Carpenter (14-3, 2.13 ERA) is 9-0 with one no-decision in his past 10 starts and has won his past six decisions. The 34-year-old righty has yielded just 16 earned runs over a 10-start span and just four over his past three outings.

Carpenter kept the San Diego Padres scoreless over seven innings in last outing, allowing just three hits in another St. Louis win.

Jorge De La Rosa, Colorado Rockies

De La Rosa has given the Rockies something they sorely need if they are to stay in contention; a starter who can keep the ball in the yard at Coors Field.

Ironically, De La Rosa (12-8, 4.76 ERA) has had his worst outings on the road, leading to his pedestrian earned-run average.

But along with ace Jason Marquis, he has given Colorado another dependable starter at home. The 27-year-old lefty has given up just 15 earned runs in his last seven home starts for the current NL wild-card leaders.

He is 6-1 in his past seven starts and has given up two or fewer earned runs in five of those outings.

Slumping

Kyle Davies, Kansas City Royals

In order to build toward respectability, the Royals need to find another solid starter to complement Zack Greinke. They haven’t found one in Davies.

The 25-year-old righty is 2-5 with one no-decision in his past eight starts. During that span, he has given up at least six earned runs three times.

Davies (4-6. 6.12 ERA) has also yielded 10 walks and five home runs in his past five trips to the hill. He was tagged for six earned runs in five-plus innings against the Minnesota Twins in his last start.

Trevor Cahill, Oakland A’s

Part of Oakland’s annual youth movement, the 21-year-old Cahill (6-12, 4.86) has taken plenty of lumps in his on-the-job training.

The right-hander is 1-4 with two no-decisions in his past seven starts, and has yielded five or more earned runs in three of those.

The good news for Oakland fans is that he appears to be making progress; in his past two starts, both no-decisions, he has give up just four earned runs over 13 innings.

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**pm530** · 08-27-2009, 10:29 AM

MLB
Dunkel Index

Cincinnati at Milwaukee
The Reds look to take advantage of a Milwaukee team that is 2-6 in its last 8 games as a favorite. Cincinnati is the pick (+145) according to Dunkel, which has the Reds favored by 1/2 a run. Dunkel Pick: Cincinnati (+145). Here are all of today's picks.

THURSDAY, AUGUST 27

Game 901-902: NY Mets at Florida
Dunkel Ratings: NY Mets (Redding) 14.372; Florida (Sanchez) 15.277
Dunkel Line: Florida by 1; 8 1/2
Vegas Line: Florida (-220); 9 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Florida (-220); Under

Game 903-904: Cincinnati at Milwaukee
Dunkel Ratings: Cincinnati (Lehr) 14.822; Milwaukee (Bush) 14.394
Dunkel Line: Cincinnati by 1/2; 9 1/2
Vegas Line: Milwaukee (-155); 9
Dunkel Pick: Cincinnati (+145); Over

Game 905-906: Houston at St. Louis
Dunkel Ratings: Houston (Moehler) 14.743; St. Louis (Carpenter) 16.807
Dunkel Line: St. Louis by 2; 6 1/2
Vegas Line: St. Louis (-320); 7 1/2
Dunkel Pick: St. Louis (-320); Under

Game 907-908: Washington at Chicago Cubs
Dunkel Ratings: Washington (Martin) 14.313; Cubs (Wells) 15.496
Dunkel Line: Chicago Cubs by 1; 8
Vegas Line: Chicago Cubs (-220); No Run Line
Dunkel Pick: Chicago Cubs (-220); N/A

Game 909-910: LA Dodgers at Colorado
Dunkel Ratings: LA Dodgers (Padilla) 15.430; Colorado (De La Rosa) 16.339
Dunkel Line: Colorado by 1; 11
Vegas Line: Colorado (-145); 10
Dunkel Pick: Colorado (-145); Over

Game 911-912: Philadelphia at Pittsburgh
Dunkel Ratings: Philadelphia (Happ) 15.219; Pittsburgh (Morton) 15.928
Dunkel Line: Pittsburgh by 1/2; 7 1/2
Vegas Line: Philadelphia (-195); 8 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Pittsburgh (+185); Under

Game 913-914: San Diego at Atlanta
Dunkel Ratings: San Diego (Richard) 14.995; Atlanta (Vazquez) 14.374
Dunkel Line: San Diego by 1/2; 9 1/2
Vegas Line: Atlanta (-250); 8
Dunkel Pick: San Diego (+230); Over

Game 915-916: Arizona at San Francisco
Dunkel Ratings: Arizona (Petit) 14.293; San Francisco (Martinez) 15.327
Dunkel Line: San Francisco by 1; 7 1/2
Vegas Line: San Francisco (-135); 8 1/2
Dunkel Pick: San Francisco (-135); Under

Game 917-918: Texas at NY Yankees
Dunkel Ratings: Texas (Nippert) 16.958; NY Yankees (Burnett) 16.068
Dunkel Line: Texas by 1; 9 1/2
Vegas Line: NY Yankees (-230); 10
Dunkel Pick: Texas (+220); Under

Game 919-920: Cleveland at Baltimore
Dunkel Ratings: Cleveland (Laffey) 16.944; Baltimore (Hernandez) 15.702
Dunkel Line: Cleveland by 1; 8 1/2
Vegas Line: Baltimore (-125); 9 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Cleveland (+115); Under

Game 921-922: Chicago White Sox at Boston
Dunkel Ratings: White Sox (Danks) 15.479; Boston (Tazawa) 15.227
Dunkel Line: Chicago White Sox by 1/2; 9
Vegas Line: Boston (-120); 9 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Chicago White Sox (+110); Under

Game 923-924: Kansas City at Seattle
Dunkel Ratings: Kansas City (Davies) 14.629; Seattle (Fister) 15.779
Dunkel Line: Seattle by 1; 7 1/2
Vegas Line: Seattle (-145); 8 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Seattle (-145); Under

Game 925-926: Oakland at LA Angels
Dunkel Ratings: Oakland (Cahill) 14.016; LA Angels (Santana) 15.569
Dunkel Line: LA Angels by 1 1/2; 9
Vegas Line: LA Angels (-175); 9 1/2
Dunkel Pick: LA Angels (-175); Under

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**pm530** · 08-27-2009, 11:42 AM

MLB
Long Sheet

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Thursday, August 27
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NY METS (57 - 70) at FLORIDA (67 - 59) - 1:10 PM
TIM REDDING (R) vs. ANIBAL SANCHEZ (R)
Top Trends for this game.
NY METS are 57-70 (-11.9 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
NY METS are 57-70 (-11.9 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
NY METS are 52-69 (-30.9 Units) against the money line when the total is 9 to 9.5 over the last 2 seasons.
NY METS are 97-96 (-30.7 Units) against the money line against division opponents over the last 3 seasons.
FLORIDA is 45-36 (+15.9 Units) against the money line in day games over the last 2 seasons.
FLORIDA is 64-56 (+7.7 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 against right-handed starters over the last 2 seasons.
FLORIDA is 37-29 (+8.6 Units) against the money line after a win this season.
FLORIDA is 67-59 (+8.9 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
FLORIDA is 83-62 (+29.3 Units) against the money line when the total is 9 to 9.5 over the last 2 seasons.
FLORIDA is 27-19 (+11.0 Units) against the money line against division opponents this season.
REDDING is 23-20 (+9.9 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
REDDING is 15-10 (+10.0 Units) against the money line when the total is 9 to 9.5 over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
REDDING is 23-20 (+9.9 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
FLORIDA is 7-4 (+3.8 Units) against NY METS this season
7 of 11 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+2.5 Units)

TIM REDDING vs. FLORIDA since 1997
REDDING is 4-5 when starting against FLORIDA with an ERA of 5.70 and a WHIP of 1.533.
His team's record is 5-7 (-2.6 units) in these starts. The OVER is 7-4. (+2.7 units)

ANIBAL SANCHEZ vs. NY METS since 1997
SANCHEZ is 2-2 when starting against NY METS with an ERA of 4.13 and a WHIP of 1.447.
His team's record is 3-2 (+1.5 units) in these starts. The OVER is 1-4. (-3.2 units)

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CINCINNATI (54 - 71) at MILWAUKEE (61 - 65) - 2:05 PM
JUSTIN LEHR (R) vs. DAVE BUSH (R)
Top Trends for this game.
CINCINNATI is 85-112 (-26.6 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters over the last 2 seasons.
CINCINNATI is 19-34 (-12.2 Units) against the money line after a win this season.
CINCINNATI is 2-16 (-13.1 Units) against the money line in road games after 3 or more consecutive wins over the last 3 seasons.
CINCINNATI is 57-70 (-19.7 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 2 seasons.
BUSH is 37-17 (+17.7 Units) against the money line in home games in games played on a grass field since 1997. (Team's Record)
CINCINNATI is 477-559 (+42.3 Units) against the money line in road games since 1997.
MILWAUKEE is 15-25 (-13.0 Units) against the money line in day games this season.
MILWAUKEE is 61-62 (-7.3 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
MILWAUKEE is 44-50 (-12.3 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.
MILWAUKEE is 28-42 (-21.2 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record this season.
MILWAUKEE is 13-19 (-10.7 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record in the second half of the season this season.
MILWAUKEE is 61-65 (-10.3 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
MILWAUKEE is 30-31 (-10.6 Units) against the money line in home games this season.
MILWAUKEE is 11-17 (-10.6 Units) against the money line at home when the total is 9 to 9.5 this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
CINCINNATI is 7-7 (+1.4 Units) against MILWAUKEE this season
7 of 13 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+0.7 Units)

JUSTIN LEHR vs. MILWAUKEE since 1997
No recent starts.

DAVE BUSH vs. CINCINNATI since 1997
BUSH is 2-3 when starting against CINCINNATI with an ERA of 6.87 and a WHIP of 1.665.
His team's record is 4-7 (-3.9 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 0-10. (-11.4 units)

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HOUSTON (61 - 65) at ST LOUIS (74 - 54) - 2:15 PM
BRIAN MOEHLER (R) vs. CHRIS CARPENTER (R)
Top Trends for this game.
ST LOUIS is 74-54 (+10.1 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
ST LOUIS is 109-84 (+19.9 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters over the last 2 seasons.
ST LOUIS is 74-54 (+10.1 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
CARPENTER is 114-67 (+36.6 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field since 1997. (Team's Record)
HOUSTON is 31-22 (+14.9 Units) against the money line in August games over the last 2 seasons.
HOUSTON is 43-39 (+11.2 Units) against the money line in day games over the last 2 seasons.
HOUSTON is 143-138 (+15.9 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
HOUSTON is 109-105 (+13.1 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters over the last 2 seasons.
HOUSTON is 69-75 (+9.8 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.
HOUSTON is 147-140 (+20.1 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
MOEHLER is 27-21 (+10.8 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
MOEHLER is 60-60 (+18.1 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record since 1997. (Team's Record)

Head-to-Head Series History
ST LOUIS is 7-4 (+1.0 Units) against HOUSTON this season
9 of 11 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+6.8 Units)

BRIAN MOEHLER vs. ST LOUIS since 1997
MOEHLER is 5-0 when starting against ST LOUIS with an ERA of 3.29 and a WHIP of 1.250.
His team's record is 8-1 (+7.8 units) in these starts. The OVER is 3-6. (-3.7 units)

CHRIS CARPENTER vs. HOUSTON since 1997
CARPENTER is 7-3 when starting against HOUSTON with an ERA of 2.74 and a WHIP of 1.061.
His team's record is 10-5 (+4.0 units) in these starts. The OVER is 7-8. (-1.7 units)

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WASHINGTON (45 - 82) at CHICAGO CUBS (63 - 61) - 2:20 PM
J.D. MARTIN (R) vs. RANDY WELLS (R)
Top Trends for this game.
WASHINGTON is 24-57 (-29.2 Units) against the money line after a loss this season.
WASHINGTON is 17-47 (-23.7 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record this season.
WASHINGTON is 12-39 (-20.4 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 45-82 (-27.4 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
WASHINGTON is 43-99 (-32.1 Units) against the money line in road games over the last 2 seasons.
WASHINGTON is 45-79 (-24.4 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
WASHINGTON is 35-64 (-20.6 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.
WASHINGTON is 27-26 (+12.8 Units) against the money line in August games over the last 2 seasons.
CHICAGO CUBS are 497-522 (-120.7 Units) against the money line after a win since 1997.
CHICAGO CUBS are 509-476 (-99.2 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record since 1997.
CHICAGO CUBS are 63-61 (-10.3 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
CHICAGO CUBS are 549-493 (-106.2 Units) against the money line in home games since 1997.
CHICAGO CUBS are 159-205 (-65.7 Units) against the money line in August games since 1997.
CHICAGO CUBS are 63-61 (-10.3 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
CHICAGO CUBS are 755-790 (-133.4 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters since 1997.

Head-to-Head Series History
CHICAGO CUBS is 5-1 (+2.7 Units) against WASHINGTON this season
4 of 6 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+1.9 Units)

J.D. MARTIN vs. CHICAGO CUBS since 1997
No recent starts.

RANDY WELLS vs. WASHINGTON since 1997
WELLS is 1-0 when starting against WASHINGTON with an ERA of 7.20 and a WHIP of 1.600.
His team's record is 1-0 (+1.0 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 0-1. (-1.2 units)

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LA DODGERS (75 - 52) at COLORADO (72 - 55) - 3:10 PM
VICENTE PADILLA (R) vs. JORGE DE LA ROSA (L)
Top Trends for this game.
COLORADO is 50-35 (+13.3 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.
COLORADO is 119-102 (+31.7 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 3 seasons.
COLORADO is 65-45 (+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.
COLORADO is 72-55 (+14.1 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
COLORADO is 72-55 (+14.1 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
LA DODGERS are 34-16 (+14.4 Units) against the money line against division opponents this season.
LA DODGERS are 75-52 (+12.3 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
LA DODGERS are 75-52 (+12.3 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
LA DODGERS are 9-3 (+8.9 Units) against the money line as a road underdog of +125 to +150 this season.
LA DODGERS are 35-27 (+8.9 Units) against the money line in road games this season.
PADILLA is 30-17 (+17.0 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
PADILLA is 7-1 (+8.6 Units) against the money line as a road underdog of +125 to +150 over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
PADILLA is 19-6 (+18.9 Units) against the money line in road games over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
PADILLA is 13-5 (+10.4 Units) against the money line against division opponents over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
PADILLA is 13-5 (+10.3 Units) against the money line in day games over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
PADILLA is 26-17 (+11.7 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
PADILLA is 17-5 (+14.2 Units) against the money line after a win over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
PADILLA is 16-8 (+11.2 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
COLORADO is 54-68 (-21.4 Units) against the money line against division opponents over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
LA DODGERS is 11-3 (+8.5 Units) against COLORADO this season
7 of 13 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+0.2 Units)

VICENTE PADILLA vs. COLORADO since 1997
PADILLA is 1-1 when starting against COLORADO with an ERA of 4.24 and a WHIP of 1.118.
His team's record is 1-2 (-1.8 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 2-1. (+0.9 units)

JORGE DE LA ROSA vs. LA DODGERS since 1997
DE LA ROSA is 0-4 when starting against LA DODGERS with an ERA of 7.99 and a WHIP of 1.944.
His team's record is 0-5 (-5.6 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 3-2. (+0.8 units)

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PHILADELPHIA (73 - 51) at PITTSBURGH (52 - 72) - 7:05 PM
J.A. HAPP (L) vs. CHARLIE MORTON (R)
Top Trends for this game.
PITTSBURGH is 27-19 (+9.8 Units) against the money line in home games in night games this season.
PITTSBURGH is 262-275 (+32.4 Units) against the money line in home games when playing against a team with a winning record since 1997.
PHILADELPHIA is 70-48 (+9.7 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
PHILADELPHIA is 28-17 (+11.1 Units) against the money line in road games in night games this season.
PHILADELPHIA is 28-15 (+12.6 Units) against the money line in road games against right-handed starters this season.
PHILADELPHIA is 46-26 (+15.1 Units) against the money line after a win this season.
PHILADELPHIA is 73-51 (+10.4 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
PHILADELPHIA is 41-22 (+19.1 Units) against the money line in road games this season.
PITTSBURGH is 19-53 (-26.6 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
PHILADELPHIA is 4-1 (+2.4 Units) against PITTSBURGH this season
3 of 5 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+0.6 Units)

J.A. HAPP vs. PITTSBURGH since 1997
HAPP is 1-0 when starting against PITTSBURGH with an ERA of 1.29 and a WHIP of 0.857.
His team's record is 1-0 (+1.0 units) in these starts. The OVER is 0-1. (-1.0 units)

CHARLIE MORTON vs. PHILADELPHIA since 1997
MORTON is 0-1 when starting against PHILADELPHIA with an ERA of 22.50 and a WHIP of 4.500.
His team's record is 0-1 (-1.2 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 0-1. (-1.2 units)

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SAN DIEGO (54 - 74) at ATLANTA (66 - 60) - 7:10 PM
CLAYTON RICHARD (L) vs. JAVIER VAZQUEZ (R)
Top Trends for this game.
SAN DIEGO is 117-172 (-47.0 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
SAN DIEGO is 85-124 (-31.3 Units) against the money line in night games over the last 2 seasons.
SAN DIEGO is 77-114 (-29.5 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters over the last 2 seasons.
SAN DIEGO is 45-83 (-30.0 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.
SAN DIEGO is 117-172 (-47.0 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
SAN DIEGO is 49-93 (-30.4 Units) against the money line in road games over the last 2 seasons.
RICHARD is 10-3 (+9.0 Units) against the money line in night games this season. (Team's Record)
ATLANTA is 24-26 (-10.6 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record this season.
ATLANTA is 66-60 (-6.6 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
ATLANTA is 33-37 (-15.3 Units) against the money line when the total is 8 to 8.5 this season.
ATLANTA is 21-22 (-10.8 Units) against the money line at home when the total is 8 to 8.5 this season.
ATLANTA is 66-60 (-6.6 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
ATLANTA is 95-103 (-22.5 Units) against the money line in night games over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
SAN DIEGO is 3-2 (+3.0 Units) against ATLANTA this season
3 of 5 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+0.8 Units)

CLAYTON RICHARD vs. ATLANTA since 1997
No recent starts.

JAVIER VAZQUEZ vs. SAN DIEGO since 1997
VAZQUEZ is 4-4 when starting against SAN DIEGO with an ERA of 3.19 and a WHIP of 1.062.
His team's record is 7-9 (-2.4 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 10-5. (+4.5 units)

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ARIZONA (55 - 72) at SAN FRANCISCO (69 - 58) - 10:15 PM
YUSMEIRO PETIT (R) vs. JOE MARTINEZ (R)
Top Trends for this game.
ARIZONA is 55-72 (-19.8 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
ARIZONA is 41-51 (-10.6 Units) against the money line in night games this season.
ARIZONA is 98-108 (-24.4 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters over the last 2 seasons.
ARIZONA is 19-33 (-13.3 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record this season.
ARIZONA is 55-72 (-19.8 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
ARIZONA is 13-28 (-13.8 Units) against the money line as a road underdog of +100 to +125 over the last 2 seasons.
ARIZONA is 61-84 (-23.4 Units) against the money line in road games over the last 2 seasons.
SAN FRANCISCO is 69-58 (+11.2 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
SAN FRANCISCO is 45-39 (+6.2 Units) against the money line in night games this season.
SAN FRANCISCO is 50-44 (+6.0 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.
SAN FRANCISCO is 38-25 (+9.4 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record this season.
SAN FRANCISCO is 69-58 (+11.2 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
SAN FRANCISCO is 22-7 (+13.0 Units) against the money line as a home favorite of -125 to -150 over the last 2 seasons.
SAN FRANCISCO is 41-20 (+17.6 Units) against the money line in home games this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
SAN FRANCISCO is 8-3 (+5.4 Units) against ARIZONA this season
7 of 10 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+3.3 Units)

YUSMEIRO PETIT vs. SAN FRANCISCO since 1997
PETIT is 0-2 when starting against SAN FRANCISCO with an ERA of 6.51 and a WHIP of 1.551.
His team's record is 0-2 (-2.0 units) in these starts. The OVER is 1-1. (+0.1 units)

JOE MARTINEZ vs. ARIZONA since 1997
No recent starts.

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TEXAS (70 - 55) at NY YANKEES (79 - 47) - 1:05 PM
DUSTIN NIPPERT (R) vs. A.J. BURNETT (R)
Top Trends for this game.
NY YANKEES are 92-51 (+23.7 Units) against the money line when the total is 9 to 9.5 over the last 2 seasons.
NY YANKEES are 47-18 (+17.1 Units) against the money line at home when the total is 9 to 9.5 over the last 2 seasons.
TEXAS is 75-63 (+18.6 Units) against the money line after a loss over the last 2 seasons.
TEXAS is 39-36 (+8.2 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record this season.
TEXAS is 18-12 (+9.8 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record in the second half of the season this season.
TEXAS is 70-55 (+18.4 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
TEXAS is 68-73 (+14.9 Units) against the money line in road games over the last 2 seasons.
TEXAS is 68-51 (+19.1 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
TEXAS is 44-35 (+12.2 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
NY YANKEES is 5-3 (-0.0 Units) against TEXAS this season
5 of 7 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+2.9 Units)

DUSTIN NIPPERT vs. NY YANKEES since 1997
No recent starts.

A.J. BURNETT vs. TEXAS since 1997
BURNETT is 3-1 when starting against TEXAS with an ERA of 3.69 and a WHIP of 1.187.
His team's record is 5-2 (+2.6 units) in these starts. The OVER is 2-4. (-2.4 units)

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CLEVELAND (56 - 70) at BALTIMORE (52 - 75) - 7:05 PM
AARON LAFFEY (L) vs. DAVID HERNANDEZ (R)
Top Trends for this game.
CLEVELAND is 19-36 (-16.7 Units) against the money line after a win this season.
CLEVELAND is 56-70 (-13.8 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
CLEVELAND is 49-62 (-14.2 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
CLEVELAND is 34-45 (-13.4 Units) against the money line in night games this season.
CLEVELAND is 39-55 (-16.8 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.
CLEVELAND is 18-7 (+13.8 Units) against the money line in road games when playing against a team with a losing record in the second half of the season over the last 2 seasons.
CLEVELAND is 31-20 (+16.5 Units) against the money line in August games over the last 2 seasons.
CLEVELAND is 11-5 (+9.2 Units) against the money line when playing on Thursday this season.
BALTIMORE is 19-34 (-16.3 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record this season.
BALTIMORE is 98-97 (-38.3 Units) against the money line in home games when playing against a team with a losing record in the second half of the season since 1997.
BALTIMORE is 496-541 (-113.4 Units) against the money line in home games since 1997.
BALTIMORE is 9-28 (-22.2 Units) against the money line in home games in August games over the last 3 seasons.
BALTIMORE is 496-541 (-113.4 Units) against the money line in home games in games played on a grass field since 1997.

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

AARON LAFFEY vs. BALTIMORE since 1997
No recent starts.

DAVID HERNANDEZ vs. CLEVELAND since 1997
No recent starts.

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CHI WHITE SOX (63 - 64) at BOSTON (73 - 53) - 7:10 PM
JOHN DANKS (L) vs. JUNICHI TAZAWA (R)
Top Trends for this game.
CHI WHITE SOX are 20-43 (-19.5 Units) against the money line in road games when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.
CHI WHITE SOX are 9-25 (-15.1 Units) against the money line in road games when playing against a team with a winning record in the second half of the season over the last 2 seasons.
CHI WHITE SOX are 38-63 (-21.7 Units) against the money line in road games against right-handed starters over the last 2 seasons.
BOSTON is 81-41 (+27.4 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 2 seasons.
BOSTON is 100-48 (+25.4 Units) against the money line in home games over the last 2 seasons.
BOSTON is 158-96 (+31.0 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
BOSTON is 72-33 (+20.6 Units) against the money line in home games in night games over the last 2 seasons.
CHI WHITE SOX are 145-112 (+22.2 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
BOSTON is 3-0 (+3.0 Units) against CHI WHITE SOX this season
2 of 3 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+0.8 Units)

JOHN DANKS vs. BOSTON since 1997
DANKS is 0-3 when starting against BOSTON with an ERA of 6.06 and a WHIP of 1.286.
His team's record is 0-3 (-3.0 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 1-2. (-1.1 units)

JUNICHI TAZAWA vs. CHI WHITE SOX since 1997
No recent starts.

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KANSAS CITY (48 - 78) at SEATTLE (66 - 61) - 10:10 PM
KYLE DAVIES (R) vs. DOUG FISTER (R)
Top Trends for this game.
KANSAS CITY is 42-68 (-27.0 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
KANSAS CITY is 33-50 (-16.6 Units) against the money line in night games this season.
KANSAS CITY is 72-108 (-28.7 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters over the last 2 seasons.
KANSAS CITY is 29-48 (-16.2 Units) against the money line after a loss this season.
KANSAS CITY is 48-78 (-27.5 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
KANSAS CITY is 20-33 (-13.1 Units) against the money line when the total is 8 to 8.5 this season.
KANSAS CITY is 15-36 (-16.6 Units) against the money line in August games over the last 2 seasons.
SEATTLE is 63-57 (+8.5 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
SEATTLE is 43-38 (+7.4 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.
SEATTLE is 36-27 (+6.4 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record this season.
SEATTLE is 66-61 (+8.1 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
DAVIES is 8-2 (+9.7 Units) against the money line when the total is 8 to 8.5 over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
SEATTLE is 84-114 (-28.0 Units) against the money line in night games over the last 2 seasons.
SEATTLE is 25-39 (-17.5 Units) against the money line in home games after a win over the last 2 seasons.
SEATTLE is 249-232 (-72.4 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record in the second half of the season since 1997.

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

KYLE DAVIES vs. SEATTLE since 1997
DAVIES is 1-1 when starting against SEATTLE with an ERA of 5.30 and a WHIP of 1.071.
His team's record is 1-2 (-1.2 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 2-1. (+0.9 units)

DOUG FISTER vs. KANSAS CITY since 1997
No recent starts.

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OAKLAND (55 - 71) at LA ANGELS (75 - 50) - 10:25 PM
TREVOR CAHILL (R) vs. ERVIN SANTANA (R)
Top Trends for this game.
OAKLAND is 27-49 (-16.3 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record this season.
OAKLAND is 38-52 (-15.8 Units) against the money line against division opponents over the last 2 seasons.
LA ANGELS are 48-36 (+10.1 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.
LA ANGELS are 45-29 (+13.4 Units) against the money line after a win this season.
LA ANGELS are 36-19 (+14.7 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record this season.
LA ANGELS are 75-50 (+22.1 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
LA ANGELS are 75-43 (+24.5 Units) against the money line when the total is 9 to 9.5 over the last 2 seasons.
LA ANGELS are 46-21 (+17.4 Units) against the money line at home when the total is 9 to 9.5 over the last 2 seasons.
LA ANGELS are 20-7 (+13.3 Units) against the money line when playing on Thursday over the last 2 seasons.
LA ANGELS are 68-42 (+22.1 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
OAKLAND is 8-4 (+9.3 Units) against the money line as a road underdog of +150 to +175 this season.
OAKLAND is 24-22 (+21.9 Units) against the money line as a road underdog of +175 to +200 since 1997.
OAKLAND is 218-147 (+65.1 Units) against the money line in August games since 1997.

Head-to-Head Series History
LA ANGELS is 6-3 (+3.1 Units) against OAKLAND this season
5 of 9 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+0.3 Units)

TREVOR CAHILL vs. LA ANGELS since 1997
CAHILL is 0-0 when starting against LA ANGELS with an ERA of 4.65 and a WHIP of 2.068.
His team's record is 2-0 (+2.0 units) in these starts. The OVER is 2-0. (+2.0 units)

ERVIN SANTANA vs. OAKLAND since 1997
SANTANA is 10-1 when starting against OAKLAND with an ERA of 1.36 and a WHIP of 0.987.
His team's record is 11-3 (+8.3 units) in these starts. The OVER is 3-11. (-8.8 units)

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**pm530** · 08-27-2009, 11:48 AM

MLB
Short Sheet

Thursday, August 27

National League

NY METS at FLORIDA, 1:10 PM ET
REDDING: NYM 7-0 after 5+ consecutive losses
SANCHEZ: FLA 9-2 OVER at home in August

CINCINNATI at MILWAUKEE, 2:05 PM ET
LEHR: CIN 2-16 AWAY after 3+ consecutive wins
BUSH: MIL 21-7 UNDER with double revenge

HOUSTON at ST LOUIS, 2:15 PM ET
MOEHLER: HOU 24-10 UNDER after a one run loss
CARPENTER: STL 27-6 as a favorite of -150 or more

WASHINGTON at CHICAGO CUBS, 2:20 PM ET
MARTIN: WAS 14-40 after having lost 2 of their last 3
WELLS: CHC 12-0 after scoring 8+ runs

LA DODGERS at COLORADO, 3:10 PM ET
PADILLA: 7-1 TSR as an underdog
DE LA ROSA: COL 11-3 OVER after 2+ consecutive unders

PHILADELPHIA at PITTSBURGH, 7:05 PM ET
HAPP: PHI 41-22 in road games
MORTON: PIT 3-19 as a home underdog of +150 to +200

SAN DIEGO at ATLANTA, 7:10 PM ET
RICHARD: SD 10-3 after a win by 4+ runs
VAZQUEZ: ATL 9-15 after a loss by 4+ runs

ARIZONA at SAN FRANCISCO, 10:15 PM ET
PETIT: ARI 22-8 when the total is 8 to 8.5
MARTINEZ: SF 11-21 after a win by 2 runs or less

American League

TEXAS at NY YANKEES, 1:05 PM ET
NIPPERT: TEX 13-5 after a loss by 4+ runs
BURNETT: NYY 2-12 after 5+ consecutive overs

CLEVELAND at BALTIMORE, 7:05 PM ET
LAFFEY: CLE 11-5 when playing on Thursday
HERNANDEZ: BAL 20-36 after having lost 2 of their last 3

CHI WHITE SOX at BOSTON, 7:10 PM ET
DANKS: CHW 21-7 UNDER after 4+ consecutive losses
TAZAWA: BOS 13-1 after 6+ consecutive home games

KANSAS CITY at SEATTLE, 10:10 PM ET
DAVIES: 8-2 TSR when the total is 7 to 8.5
FISTER: SEA 20-10 UNDER at home with a money line of -100 to -150

OAKLAND at LA ANGELS, 10:25 PM ET
CAHILL: OAK 8-4 as a road underdog of +150 to +175
SANTANA: 5-10 TSR as a home favorite of -125 to -175

TSR = Team Start Record
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**pm530** · 08-27-2009, 12:17 PM

MLB

Thursday, August 27

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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 3 (8/27 – 8/31)”

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**pm530** · 08-27-2009, 12:21 PM

WNBA
Dunkel Index

Phoenix at Los Angeles
The Mercury look to build on their 9-2 ATS record in their last 11 games when playing with 3 or more days of rest. Phoenix is the pick (+4) according to Dunkel, which has the Sparks favored by only 2. Dunkel Pick: Phoenix (+4). Here are all of today's picks.

THURSDAY, AUGUST 27

Game 601-602: San Antonio at Indiana
Dunkel Ratings: San Antonio 108.899; Indiana 115.102
Dunkel Line & Total: Indiana by 6; 147
Vegas Line & Total: Indiana by 7; 150
Dunkel Pick: San Antonio (+7); Under

Game 603-604: Atlanta at Detroit
Dunkel Ratings: Atlanta 112.980; Detroit 118.186
Dunkel Line & Total: Detroit by 5; 172
Vegas Line & Total: Detroit by 3 1/2; 167 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Detroit (-3 1/2); Over

Game 605-606: Connecticut at Seattle
Dunkel Ratings: Connecticut 108.306; Seattle 115.739
Dunkel Line & Total: Seattle by 7 1/2; 140
Vegas Line & Total: Seattle by 4; 144
Dunkel Pick: Seattle (-4); Under

Game 607-608: Phoenix at Los Angeles
Dunkel Ratings: Phoenix 113.734; Los Angeles 115.867
Dunkel Line & Total: Los Angeles by 2; 182
Vegas Line & Total: Los Angeles by 4; 171
Dunkel Pick: Phoenix (+4); Over

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WNBA
Long Sheet

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Thursday, August 27
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SAN ANTONIO (11 - 16) at INDIANA (19 - 7) - 8/27/2009, 7:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
INDIANA is 7-16 ATS (-10.6 Units) against Western conference opponents over the last 2 seasons.
INDIANA is 7-16 ATS (-10.6 Units) in non-conference games over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
SAN ANTONIO is 4-1 against the spread versus INDIANA over the last 3 seasons
SAN ANTONIO is 4-1 straight up against INDIANA over the last 3 seasons
4 of 5 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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ATLANTA (15 - 12) at DETROIT (12 - 14) - 8/27/2009, 7:30 PM
Top Trends for this game.
ATLANTA is 18-7 ATS (+10.3 Units) in all games this season.
ATLANTA is 11-2 ATS (+8.8 Units) as an underdog this season.
ATLANTA is 18-8 ATS (+9.2 Units) in road games over the last 2 seasons.
ATLANTA is 7-1 ATS (+5.9 Units) in a road game where where the total is greater than or equal to 150 this season.
ATLANTA is 12-5 ATS (+6.5 Units) vs. division opponents this season.
ATLANTA is 9-1 ATS (+7.9 Units) in road games after scoring 75 points or more over the last 2 seasons.
DETROIT is 5-12 ATS (-8.2 Units) vs. division opponents this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
ATLANTA is 4-2 against the spread versus DETROIT over the last 3 seasons
DETROIT is 3-3 straight up against ATLANTA over the last 3 seasons
5 of 6 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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

CONNECTICUT (14 - 13) at SEATTLE (16 - 11) - 8/27/2009, 10:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
SEATTLE is 32-18 ATS (+12.2 Units) in home games over the last 3 seasons.
SEATTLE is 10-1 ATS (+8.9 Units) in home games after a non-conference game over the last 2 seasons.
SEATTLE is 12-4 ATS (+7.6 Units) in home games when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.
CONNECTICUT is 77-50 ATS (+22.0 Units) in road games since 1997.
CONNECTICUT is 27-13 ATS (+12.7 Units) in road games in August or September games since 1997.
CONNECTICUT is 30-16 ATS (+12.4 Units) in road games against Western conference opponents since 1997.
CONNECTICUT is 30-16 ATS (+12.4 Units) in road games in non-conference games since 1997.
CONNECTICUT is 39-22 ATS (+14.8 Units) in road games when playing against a team with a winning record since 1997.
CONNECTICUT is 24-10 ATS (+13.0 Units) in road games when playing against a team with a winning record after 15+ games since 1997.

Head-to-Head Series History
CONNECTICUT is 4-1 against the spread versus SEATTLE over the last 3 seasons
CONNECTICUT is 5-0 straight up against SEATTLE over the last 3 seasons
4 of 5 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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PHOENIX (18 - 9) at LOS ANGELES (14 - 13) - 8/27/2009, 10:30 PM
Top Trends for this game.
LOS ANGELES is 17-7 ATS (+9.3 Units) in August or September games over the last 2 seasons.
LOS ANGELES is 25-15 ATS (+8.5 Units) vs. division opponents over the last 2 seasons.
LOS ANGELES is 25-10 ATS (+14.0 Units) revenging a loss versus opponent over the last 2 seasons.
LOS ANGELES is 22-11 ATS (+9.9 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.
LOS ANGELES is 15-4 ATS (+10.6 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record after 15+ games over the last 2 seasons.
PHOENIX is 17-9 ATS (+7.1 Units) in all games this season.
LOS ANGELES is 11-26 ATS (-17.6 Units) after a non-conference game over the last 3 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
PHOENIX is 5-4 against the spread versus LOS ANGELES over the last 3 seasons
PHOENIX is 6-3 straight up against LOS ANGELES over the last 3 seasons
5 of 9 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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WNBA

Thursday, August 27

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Lady Luck: Today's WNBA best bet
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Phoenix Mercury at Los Angeles Sparks (-4, 171)

The Western Conference's top team meets its hottest team when the Mercury visit the Sparks Thursday night.

Los Angeles is rolling, winning six straight games while posting a 5-1 ATS record in that span.

The return of veteran forward Lisa Leslie has supplied the Sparks with some needed energy. And now that MVP Candace Parker appears to have her groove back, L.A.’s dominance in the paint is the backbone of a late-season push.

The Sparks have out-rebounded every opponent during this streak by an average of over 10 boards per game. In their most recent win, Los Angeles pulled down 35 rebounds with 20 of those coming from Leslie and Parker.

"I was just like, 'These girls, they can't stop us inside,"' Leslie told reporters after Tuesday’s win over Chicago. "I got a chance to really look and see where those open spots were and I was able to get back in. They weren't doing a very good job of boxing out, so I knew just keep crashing the boards."

Pick: Los Angeles

Connecticut Sun at Seattle Storm (-4.5, 144.5)

Injured Connecticut forward Asjha Jones is close to returning but will not make it back from an Achilles’ injury in time to shut down Storm forward Lauren Jackson.

The 6-foot-5 Aussie, along with reserve center Janell Burse, is a handful down low. Seattle is one of the best inside shooting teams in the WNBA, posting a field goal percentage of over 43 percent. Jackson is averaging almost 20 points and over seven rebounds per game this season.

In their most recent contest, the Sun were able to slow down the Storm’s frontcourt and held Jackson to just 12 points on 3-of-16 shooting. However, a lot of that defense came from Jones, who had two blocks and four fouls in the 64-53 Connecticut win on August 13.

Without her, the Sun face a towering Storm team that has extra motivation outside of avenging that loss two weeks ago. Seattle can clinch a playoff spot with a win Thursday and trail the Western-leading Phoenix Mercury by two games.

Pick: Seattle

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Announcement

Thursday Trends and Indexes 8/27 (MLB, WNBA, CFL, Misc.)

Thursday Trends and Indexes 8/27 (MLB, WNBA, CFL, Misc.)

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