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**pm530** · 08-29-2009, 06:21 AM

Daily Sports Roundup

Saturday, August 29

Today in the Daily Sports Roundup: The Phillies host the Braves, the Rockies play in San Francisco, and the Jets and Giants take the field in preseason action.

Colliding on the gridiron . . .

The Jets and Giants battle for New York on Saturday night as the teams take the field in Week 3 preseason action. The Jets took the mystery out of their starting quarterback decision earlier in the week, giving the nod to rookie Mark Sanchez for their season opener. Sanchez, then, will be given plenty of work on Saturday against the Giants, who have been pegged as the 3.5-favorites for the matchup.

Also on the NFL's exhibition slate for Saturday: Indianapolis (-3) at Detroit, New Orleans (-2) at Oakland, Buffalo at Pittsburgh (-5.5), Tennessee at Cleveland, (-1) San Diego at Atlanta (-2.5), Baltimore at Carolina (-3), Seattle at Kansas City (-2.5), and San Francisco at Dallas (-7). The Cowboys got past Tennessee 30-10 in their last preseason game, but aren't expected to have Roy Williams in action Saturday night; the WR left practice this week with an undisclosed shoulder injury.

As well, the Canadian Football League offers up Hamilton at Edmonton on Saturday night. The Tiger-Cats and Eskimos have identical 4-3 straight-up records on the season, with Hamilton 5-2 against-the-spread and Edmonton just 3-4 ATS. Oddsmakers have the Eskimos set as 7.5-point favorites for the contest.

Meeting up on the diamond . . .

The Phillies send streaking starter Cliff Lee (5-0, 0.68 ERA in the NL) to the mound on Saturday night as they host the Braves and Derek Lowe (12-8, 4.48 ERA). Lefthander Lee continues to dazzle for Philadelphia, allowing just three earned runs over his 40 innings pitched since being dealt to the team in late July. Righthander Lowe is coming off back-to-back shaky outings against the Marlins and the Mets, surrendering 11 earned runs over his 8 2-3 innings in those games.

Also on the Senior Circuit's slate for Saturday: San Diego at Florida, the Dodgers at Cincinnati, the Mets at the Cubs, Pittsburgh at Milwaukee, Washington at St. Louis, Houston at Arizona, and Colorado at San Francisco. Jason Marquis (14-8, 3.47 ERA) gets the ball for the Rockies; righthander Marquis held the Giants to one run over eight innings last time out. Barry Zito (8-11, 4.09 ERA) counters for San Fran; the lefthander gave up one run in six innings to Colorado on Monday.

Over in the American League on Saturday it'll be Ricky Romero (11-5, 3.91 ERA) vs. Clay Buchholz (2-3, 5.02 ERA) as the Blue Jays take on the Red Sox at Fenway Park. Lefthander Romero got back into the win column last time out, holding the Angels to just two runs over six innings; Romero was knocked around by Boston on August 18 (six runs in 3 2-3 innings). Righthander Buchholz picked up a win over Toronto on August 19, giving up just one run over his six innings.

Rounding out the AL slate for Saturday: the White Sox at the Yankees, Tampa Bay at Detroit, Cleveland at Baltimore, Oakland at the Angels, Kansas City at Seattle, and Texas at Minnesota. The Rangers will go with Scott Feldman (13-4, 3.87 ERA) in that matchup; righthander Feldman held the Rays scoreless over seven innings last time out. Carl Pavano (11-9, 5.20 ERA) goes for the Twins; the righthander gave up five runs over four innings to the Rangers on August 18.

Tipping off on the hardwood . . .

Finally, the WNBA has four games on tap for Saturday, with Detroit at San Antonio, Sacramento at Indiana, Atlanta at Seattle, and Connecticut at Phoenix. The Sun (14-14 SU, 14-12-2 ATS) were beaten 86-74 on the road by Seattle last time out, with forward Asjha Jones continuing to miss games with an achilles injury. The Mercury (19-9 SU, 19-9 ATS) got past Los Angeles 98-90 last time out. Cappie Pondexter led the way for Phoenix, pouring in a team-high 26 points.

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**pm530** · 08-29-2009, 06:22 AM

Six-pack for Saturday

Notes about teams the year after they win the Super Bowl

-- Defending Super Bowl champs are 15-5 vs spread in non-conference games, since 2004.

-- They're 15-7 as a home favorite since 2006.

-- One year defending Super Bowl champs struggle in is against teams that are familiar with them-- they're 11-16 as a divisional home fave, but are 8-3 as a divisional road favorite.

-- Super Bowl champs are 33-18 as single digit favorite, 16-12 as single digit underdogs.

-- Defending champs are 19-11-1 as non-divisional home favorite since 2003.

-- Nothing succeeds like success; defending champs are 32-22-1 against the spread in the game following a win.

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Saturday's List of 13: Stuff for a soggy summer Saturday....

13) Tampa's dealing Scott Kazmir to Anaheim is a salary dump, but they have not thrown up the white flag on the season (they're only 4.5 out of the Wild Card in the AL). Wade Davis is a big prospect down at AAA, and Kazmir did have an ERA over 5.00 this year, and will earn $20M in next two seasons, so this makes sense for the Rays, businesswise, and it shouldn't kill them this season either. Supposedly, Davis is very good.

12) My friend Phil clued me in on the Livan Hernandez/Nationals thing; Nats have a couple of their younger pitchers approaching innings limits and will be shut down in September, so they need someone to pitch in these mostly meaningless late season games, so they signed Livan.

11) Phil is on a baseball adventure in the midwest by the way, spending this weekend at Mets-Cubs series, before also going to games on South Side of Chicago, up in Milwaukee, so a fun week for him and son Evan.

10) Speaking of young pitchers, A's have had 600+ innings thrown by a rookie pitcher this year, 140+ more innings than any other team. Their pitching coach Curt Young has done tremendous work this season.

9) Most remarkable thing to me about the Rick Pitino saga at Louisville: the basketball equipment manager makes $77,000 a year?!?!?! Where do I sign up for that freakin' job? You keep track of uniforms, practice gear, sneakers, socks and the basketballs and you make $77,000? Damn......

8) AFC teams won five of the last six Super Bowls.

7) Any person who thinks the Clippers signing Allen Iverson will end well probably thought Cubs signing Milton Bradley was a good idea.

6) Cub pitchers must love having Bradley and Alfonso Soriano playing behind them in the outfield-- Soriano is an especially horrendous fielder.

5) The agent for Met pitcher Pat Misch is former big league pitcher Scott Sanderson. Now I feel old-- I had Sanderson on my first fantasy team.

4) Only one running back has won the Heisman Trophy since 1999. It used to be, back when teams ran the option, that RBs won all the time.

3) Speaking of the Heisman, it has to be the most over-hyped thing in all of sports-- in what other sport does the Player of the Year get discussed more than who will win the championship in preseason TV shows?

2) Tom Brady hurt his shoulder Friday night when a very big lineman fell on him; he didn't play in the second half when he was scheduled to, but no one for New England was talking much about the injury.

1) The Armadillo is heading to Harvard next month; that's right, the halls of academia are hosting me (actually, I'm going to a football game). The school that gave us the lovely Mira Sorvino, seven US Presidents as well as Conan O'Brien, Al Gore and Ted Kaczynski (the Unabomber) is in for a rude awakening when the maroon Nissan pulls into Cambridge.

From: Armadillo
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**pm530** · 08-29-2009, 06:24 AM

MLB
Baseball Today

SCOREBOARD

Saturday, August 29

Tampa Bay at Detroit (4:10 p.m. EDT). Tampa Bay's David Price (6-6, 4.93 ERA) is scheduled to face fellow left-hander Nate Robertson (1-0, 7.71) in the second of four games between the AL playoff contenders.

Atlanta at Philadelphia (7:05 p.m. EDT). Cliff Lee is 5-0 with a 0.68 ERA in five starts with the Phillies. He takes the mound for the NL East leaders, who try to increase their cushion against Derek Lowe (12-8) and the Braves.

STARS

-Albert Pujols, Cardinals, hit his 41st homer leading off the bottom of the ninth inning in a 3-2 victory over Washington. It was the eighth game-ending homer of Pujols' career and first since July 2006.

-Robinson Cano, Yankees, hit a three-run homer with two outs in the 10th inning for a 5-2 win over the White Sox.

-Kendry Morales, Angels, went 5 for 5 with two homers and six RBIs, and Los Angeles rallied past the Oakland Athletics 11-7.

-Tim Lincecum, Giants, struck out eight in eight innings of four-hit ball, ending a four-start winless stretch with a 2-0 victory over Colorado that tightened the NL wild-card race.

-Ryan Howard, Phillies, went 3 for 3 with two homers and a double in a rainy 4-2 victory over Atlanta.

-Matt Wieters, Orioles, had three hits and a career-high four RBIs, and Baltimore cruised past the Indians 13-4.

-Alfonso Soriano, Cubs, made up for several miscues in the outfield with a tiebreaking, three-run homer in the eighth inning of a 5-2 win over the New York Mets.

BIG DEAL

Scott Kazmir was traded from Tampa Bay to Los Angeles, giving the AL West leaders a major boost to their unsteady rotation. The Angels acquired the two-time All-Star for two minor leaguers, left-hander Alex Torres and infielder Matt Sweeney, and a player to be named. Kazmir was 8-7 with a 5.92 ERA this season for the defending AL champion Rays.

GREAT START

John Hester hit a long homer in his first major league at-bat, helping Arizona beat Houston 14-7. Pinch-hitting in the sixth inning, the 25-year-old Hester hit a 2-2 delivery from Wilton Lopez, also making his first appearance in the majors, an estimated 420 feet off the batter's eye in center field. Hester became the 101st player to homer in his first big league at-bat - and the second Diamondbacks player this season. Gerardo Parra did it May 13 against Cincinnati.

WALKING TALL

The Twins acquired 6-foot-11 reliever Jon Rauch, the tallest player in baseball history, from Arizona to help their beleaguered bullpen. The 30-year-old Rauch went 2-2 with a 4.14 ERA in 58 games for the Diamondbacks. He walked 17 and struck out 35 in 54 1-3 innings. Minnesota agreed to send Arizona a player to be named.

JOBA'S NEW RULES

The Yankees have scrapped their plan for Joba Chamberlain once again, opting to give him a regular spot in the rotation for the remainder of the season and shorten his outings to hold down his innings. Chamberlain had been getting extended rest between some starts since the All-Star break. He is 1-2 with an 8.55 ERA in his last four starts.

GLAD TO BE BACK

Five months after open-heart surgery, third baseman Aaron Boone rejoined the Astros. Boone completed a minor league rehab assignment and will be activated when major league rosters expand Sept. 1. Boone's role with the Astros is unclear; he may see only occasional at-bats.

BEANED

Toronto shortstop Marco Scutaro was hit in the head with a pitch from Red Sox right-hander Josh Beckett in the fourth inning of Boston's 6-5 victory. The Blue Jays said Scutaro had no symptoms other than a bruise, but he would be monitored closely.

PLAYER TO BE NAMED

Cleveland acquired right-hander Yohan Pino from Minnesota, completing the trade that sent pitcher Carl Pavano to the Twins on Aug. 7. The 25-year-old, who has split this season between Double-A New Britain and Triple-A Rochester, is a combined 7-3 with a 3.03 ERA in 40 games.

BACK IN THE SWING

Khalil Greene's first career pinch-hit homer was a tying shot for St. Louis in the eighth inning of a 3-2 victory over Washington. Greene's sixth homer this season came in his first at-bat since Aug. 20. It was his first long ball since he connected in three straight games at Kansas City from June 19-21.

FINDING A GROOVE

Homer Bailey delivered the best performance of his career, holding the NL's top team scoreless for eight innings, and Cincinnati beat the Dodgers 4-2 for its season-high fifth straight victory. Bailey (4-4) allowed seven singles and had a career-high seven strikeouts while going eight innings for the first time in his career.

STATS

Philadelphia slugger Ryan Howard has 11 home runs and 29 RBIs in his last 15 games, with a .339 batting average. ... The Brewers have won 19 consecutive games over Pittsburgh at Miller Park, last losing to the Pirates in Milwaukee on May 3, 2007.

WELCOME HOME

John Smoltz pitched six solid innings in his first home start for St. Louis, allowing one run while striking out six. He got a no-decision, but the Cardinals beat Washington 3-2 on Albert Pujols' ninth-inning homer.

SPEAKING

"There's a kid named Noah that I've visited a couple times in the hospital, and he's at home right now, and I spent a couple hours with him today. He asked me the dreaded question - could I hit a home run for him in the game, and I told him I'd do the best I could.'' - Detroit's Brandon Inge, who homered in the Tigers' 6-2 win over Tampa Bay to fulfill the wish of a sick child he visited earlier Friday.

SEASONS

Aug. 29

1918 - The Chicago Cubs, behind the pitching of Lefty Tyler, clinched the National League pennant with a 1-0 victory over the Cincinnati Reds.

1934 - The Philadelphia A's ended Schoolboy Rowe's 16-game winning streak with a 13-5 victory over the Detroit Tigers.

1965 - San Francisco's Willie Mays broke Ralph Kiner's National League record with his 17th home run of the month in an 8-3 triumph over the New York Mets. Kiner had 16 homers in September of 1949. Mays hi a tape measure shot off Jack Fisher.

1967 - Bert Campaneris of the Kansas City A's hit three triples in a 9-8, 10-inning loss to the Cleveland Indians.

1971 - Hank Aaron of the Atlanta Braves knocked in his 100th run of the season, giving him the National League record of 11 seasons with 100 or more RBIs.

1977 - Lou Brock stole base No. 893, breaking Ty Cobb's modern record for career stolen bases.

1985 - Don Baylor of the New York Yankees set an American League record when he was hit by a pitch for the 190th time in his career. Baylor was struck by California Angels pitcher Kirk McCaskill in the first inning, breaking the old mark of 189 set by Minnie Minoso.

1993 - George Brett recorded his 200th stolen base in Kansas City's 5-4, 12-inning victory over Boston to join Willie Mays and Hank Aaron as the only players with 3,000 hits, 300 homers and 200 steals.

1995 - Pittsburgh's Paul Wagner, the NL leader in losses, lost his no-hitter against Colorado on an infield single with two out in ninth.

2000 - Anaheim's Darin Erstad went 3-for-5 to reach 200 hits faster than any player in 65 years as the Angels defeated Toronto 9-4. Ducky Medwick of the St. Louis Cardinals did it in 131 games in 1935.

2002 - Mark Bellhorn became the first player in NL history to hit a home run in the same inning from both sides of the plate, in the fourth of the Chicago Cubs' 13-10 win over Milwaukee.

2004 - Albert Pujols hit his 40th home run and reached 100 RBIs for the fourth straight season to help St. Louis beat Pittsburgh 4-0. He's the fourth player to start his major league career with four straight seasons with at least 100 RBIs, joining Hall of Famers Al Simmons, Joe DiMaggio and Ted Williams.

Today's birthdays: Aaron Rowand 32; Roy Oswalt 32; Henry Blanco 38

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**pm530** · 08-29-2009, 06:25 AM

MLB
This Day in Baseball

On August 29 in Baseball History...

1887 - Denny Lyons of the Philadelphia Athletics is held hitless for the first time since May 23 to end a 52-game hitting streak. In two of those games, however, Lyons' only hits were actually bases on balls, scored as hits this year.

1918 - The Chicago Cubs won the National League pennant with a 1-0 victory over the Cincinnati Reds.

1925 - After a night on the town, Babe Ruth shows up late for batting practice. Miller Huggins suspends Ruth and slaps a $5,000 fine on him for disobeying orders on the field and team rules off the field. Ruth is forced to apologize before he's reinstated nine days later. The day after his return to the lineup, Ruth hits career home run number 300.

1934 - The Philadelphia Athletics ended Schoolboy Rowe's streak at 16 games with a 13-5 victory over the Detroit Tigers.

1954 - A disappointed crowd of 45,922 at Milwaukee's County Stadium sees the Dodgers take a pair from the Braves, 12-4, and 11-4. In game one, the Dodgers break a tie with a record eight runs in the eleventh inning. The Braves establish a new National League attendance mark of 1,841,666 on their way to a season total of 2,131,388.

1964 - On Elston Howard Night, the Yankees sweep a doubleheader from Boston, 10-2, and 6-1. Joe Pepitone's three home runs, including a grand slam, and Roger Maris' six singles lead the offense. Mickey Mantle hits home run No. 447 in the opener and ties Babe Ruth's career strikeout record (1,330) in the nightcap.

1965 - San Francisco's Willie Mays broke Ralph Kiner's National League record with his 17th home run of the month in an 8-3 victory over the New York Mets. Kinerhad 16 homers in September of 1949. Mays hit a long-distance shot off Jack Fisher.

1967 - Bert Campaneris of the Kansas City A's hit three triples in a 9-8, 10-inning loss to the Cleveland Indians.

1971 - Hank Aaron of the Atlanta Braves drove in his 100th run of the season, giving him the National League record of 11 seasons with 100 or more RBIs.

1972 - During a 3-0 win over St. Louis, San Francisco's Jim Barr retires the first 20 batters to face him. Six days earlier, Barr had gotten out the last 21 men to face him. This gives Barr a major league-record of 41 consecutive batsmen retired.

1977 - Cardinals outfielder Lou Brock steals second base in a 4-3 loss to the Padres. It is career steal 893 for Brock, breaking Ty Cobb's modern record.

1985 - In the Yankees' 4-0 win over the Angels, Don Baylor is hit by a pitch (by Kirk McCaskill) for the 190th time, breaking the American League record of 189 set by Minnie Minoso.

1987 - Nolan Ryan passes the 200-strikeout barrier for a major league-record 11th time, fanning seven Pirates in six innings of an 8-2 Astros loss.

1992 - Atlanta's Charlie Leibrandt records his 1,000th strikeout and decides to save the ball. He rolls the ball towards the dugout for safekeeping, but neglects to call time out so Ricky Jordan takes second base on the error.

1993 - George Brett got his 200th stolen base in Kansas City's 5-4, 12-inning victory over Boston to join Willie Mays and Hank Aaron as the only players with 3,000 hits, 300 homers and 200 steals.

1995 - Pittsburgh's Paul Wagner, the National League leader in losses, lost a no-hit bid against Colorado on an infield single with two out in ninth.

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**pm530** · 08-29-2009, 06:26 AM

MLB
Write-up

Saturday, August 29

Hot Pitchers
-- Gallardo is 2-2, 3.00 in his last four starts.
-- Lee is 5-0, 1.35 in five starts for the Phillies.
-- Haeger is 1-1, 1.93 in two starts for the Dodgers.
-- Marquis is 2-0, 2.14 in his last three starts. Zito has a 2.44 RA in his last eight starts.

-- Feldman is 4-0, 3.41 in his last five starts.
-- Snell is 2-0, 1.54 in his last couple starts.

Cold Pitchers
-- Garland has a 6.56 RA in his last four starts. Norris is 1-2, 12.34 in his last three starts.
-- Parnell is 1-3, 8.82 in four starts for the Mets. Dempster has 6.93 RA in his last four starts at Wrigley.
-- Nolasco is 1-1, 8.82 in his last three starts. LeBlanc is 0-1, 14.55 in his two starts for the Padres.
-- Hart is 1-2, 6.05 in four starts for the Pirates.
-- Lowe is 0-1, 13.50 in his last two starts.
-- Maloney is 0-2, 6.11 in three starts this season.
-- Boggs is 0-2, 6.60 in his last three starts. Stammen has an 8.00 RA in his last six starts.

-- Contreras is 1-4, 8.63 in his last seven starts. Mitre has 7.31 RA in his six starts this season.
-- Robertson was 1-1, 1.89 in five starts in AAA; he has career record of 50-66, 4.96 in 163 career big league starts, none this year. Price is 0-4 in his seven road starts, with an 8.91 RA.
-- Sowers is 1-2, 5.68 in his last three starts.
-- Tillman is 1-2, 4.84 in six starts this season.
-- Buchholz is 1-2, 6.18 in his last five starts. Romero is 1-1, 6.23 in his last four starts.
-- Pavano is 1-1, 6.00 in his last three starts.
-- Weaver is 1-2, 6.62 in his last three starts. Mazzaro has an 8.84 RA in his last eight starts.
-- Meche has an 8.71 RA in his last four starts.

Hot Teams
-- Padres are 8-5 in their last 13 road games.
-- Reds won their last five games, scoring 28 runs.
-- Phillies won nine of their last twelve games. Braves won seven of last ten road games.
-- Pirates won seven of their last ten games.
-- Cardinals won 15 of their last 19 games.
-- Giants won three of their last four games.

-- Bronx won 11 of its last 16 games.
-- Tampa Bay won eight of its last twelve games. Detroit is 13-5 in its last 18 home games.
-- Twins won eight of their last ten games. Rangers won four of five.
-- Red Sox won eight of their last eleven games.
-- Indians won 13 of their last 20 road games.
-- Angels won their last nine Saturday games.
-- Mariners won five of their last six home games.

Cold Teams
-- Mets lost 18 of their last 26 games. Cubs are 1-6 in game after their last seven wins.
-- Marlins lost six of their last nine games.
-- Brewers lost eight of their last twelve games.
-- Astros lost four of their last five games. Arizona lost nine of its last twelve games.
-- Nationals lost eight of their last eleven games.
-- Dodgers are 3-5 in their last eight road games.
-- Rockies lost last three games, scoring total of three runs.

-- White Sox lost 16 of their last 23 road games.
-- Blue Jays lost five of their last six road games.
-- Orioles lost eight of their last eleven home games.
-- Royals lost nine of their last thirteen games.
-- Oakland lost seven of its last ten games.

Totals
-- Four of last five Arizona games went over the total.
-- Under is 5-2-2 in Mets' last nine games.
-- Over is 8-1-1 in last ten Florida home games.
-- Over is 13-2 in last fifteen games at Miller Park.
-- Over is 9-4 in Atlanta's last thirteen road games.
-- Under is 13-5-3 in last 21 Cincinnati home games.
-- Under is 8-0-1 in Cardinals' last nine games.
-- Under is 8-2-1 in Colorado's last eleven games.

-- Eight of last ten White Sox games stayed under the total.
-- Five of last seven Detroit games stayed under the total.
-- Over is 4-1-1 in last six games at Camden Yards.
-- Over is 13-3 in last six teen games at Fenway Park.
-- Three of last four Minnesota games stayed under the total.
-- Six of last seven Oakland road games stayed under the total.
-- Over is 5-1-1 in Royals' last seven games.

Umpires
-- Hst-Az-- Home side won five of last six Meals games.
-- NY-Cubs-- Under is 8-3-1 in last dozen Hoye games.
-- SD-Fla-- Five of last six Wendelstedt games stayed under the total.
-- Pitt-Mil-- Eight of last ten Randazzo games went over the total.
-- Atl-Phil-- Three of last four Marsh games stayed under the total.
-- LA-Cin-- Four of last five Diaz games went over the total.
-- Wsh-StL-- Underdog is 9-5 in last fourteen O'Nora games.
-- Col-SF-- Five of last six Bell games stayed under the total.

-- CWS-NY-- Under is 10-2-1 in last thirteen Kellogg games.
-- TB-Det-- Four of last five Bucknor games went over the total.
-- Clev-Blt-- Over is 6-0-1 in last seven Davidson games.
-- Tor-Bos-- Seven of last ten Culbreth games went over the total.
-- Tex-Min-- Underdog is 7-4 in last eleven Joyce games.
-- A's-LA-- Six of last seven Gibson games went over the total.
-- KC-Sea-- Under is 9-6-1 in last sixteen Darling games.

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**pm530** · 08-29-2009, 06:29 AM

MLB

Saturday, August 29

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Trend Report
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1:05 PM
CHI WHITE SOX vs. NY YANKEES
Chi White Sox are 2-9 SU in their last 11 games when playing on the road against NY Yankees
Chi White Sox are 1-5 SU in their last 6 games on the road
NY Yankees are 18-6 SU in their last 24 games
NY Yankees are 17-4 SU in their last 21 games at home

4:10 PM
LA DODGERS vs. CINCINNATI
LA Dodgers are 9-1 SU in their last 10 games when playing Cincinnati
LA Dodgers are 5-2 SU in their last 7 games when playing on the road against Cincinnati
Cincinnati is 4-13 SU in its last 17 games at home
Cincinnati is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games

4:10 PM
NY METS vs. CHI CUBS
NY Mets are 1-4 SU in their last 5 games when playing on the road against Chi Cubs
NY Mets are 3-8 SU in its last 11 games on the road
Chi Cubs are 6-12 SU in their last 18 games
Chi Cubs are 4-2 SU in their last 6 games at home

4:10 PM
TAMPA BAY vs. DETROIT
Tampa Bay is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games when playing on the road against Detroit
Tampa Bay is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games when playing Detroit
Detroit is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games when playing Tampa Bay
Detroit is 6-2 SU in its last 8 games at home

6:10 PM
SAN DIEGO vs. FLORIDA
San Diego is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games when playing on the road against Florida
San Diego is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games when playing Florida
Florida is 8-4 SU in its last 12 games at home
Florida is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games

7:05 PM
ATLANTA vs. PHILADELPHIA
Atlanta is 5-2 SU in its last 7 games on the road
Atlanta is 6-3 SU in its last 9 games when playing Philadelphia
Philadelphia is 3-6 SU in its last 9 games when playing at home against Atlanta
Philadelphia is 3-6 SU in its last 9 games when playing Atlanta

7:05 PM
CLEVELAND vs. BALTIMORE
Cleveland is 5-2 SU in its last 7 games
Cleveland is 5-2 SU in its last 7 games on the road
Baltimore is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games at home
Baltimore is 8-15 SU in its last 23 games

7:05 PM
PITTSBURGH vs. MILWAUKEE
Pittsburgh is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games when playing Milwaukee
Pittsburgh is 5-19 SU in its last 24 games when playing Milwaukee
Milwaukee is 19-5 SU in its last 24 games when playing Pittsburgh
Milwaukee is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games when playing Pittsburgh

7:10 PM
TEXAS vs. MINNESOTA
Texas is 3-8-1 SU in its last 12 games when playing on the road against Minnesota
Minnesota is 5-1-1 SU in its last 7 games
Minnesota is 4-8-1 SU in its last 13 games at home

7:10 PM
TORONTO vs. BOSTON
Toronto is 3-9 SU in its last 12 games
Toronto is 1-5 SU in its last 6 games on the road
Boston is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing at home against Toronto
Boston is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games when playing Toronto

7:15 PM
WASHINGTON vs. ST. LOUIS
Washington is 1-5 SU in its last 6 games when playing on the road against St. Louis
Washington is 5-2 SU in its last 7 games on the road
St. Louis is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games
St. Louis is 7-1 SU in its last 8 games at home

8:10 PM
HOUSTON vs. ARIZONA
Houston is 1-3-1 SU in its last 5 games
Houston is 2-5-1 SU in its last 8 games on the road
Arizona is 8-3-1 SU in its last 12 games when playing at home against Houston
Arizona is 2-3-1 SU in its last 6 games when playing at home against Houston

9:05 PM
COLORADO vs. SAN FRANCISCO
Colorado is 5-2 SU in its last 7 games when playing San Francisco
Colorado is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games on the road
San Francisco is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games at home
San Francisco is 2-5 SU in its last 7 games when playing Colorado

9:05 PM
OAKLAND vs. LA ANGELS
Oakland is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games on the road
Oakland is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games
LA Angels are 2-4 SU in their last 6 games when playing at home against Oakland
LA Angels are 14-7 SU in their last 21 games at home

10:10 PM
KANSAS CITY vs. SEATTLE
Kansas City is 4-14 SU in its last 18 games when playing on the road against Seattle
Kansas City is 2-7 SU in its last 9 games
Seattle is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games at home
Seattle is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games

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**pm530** · 08-29-2009, 06:31 AM

MLB

Saturday, August 29

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Hot lines: Today’s best MLB bets
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Texas Rangers at Minnesota Twins (+104, 9.5)

It never hurts for a team contending for a playoff spot to have some belief. A little relief doesn’t hurt, either.

The Texas Rangers have had both on their side lately as they make a run for their first playoff berth since 1999. Solid relief pitching helped Texas become the first road team since June to win a series in New York against the Yankees.

“We’re treading into territory we’ve never been in before,” Texas manager Ron Washington told reporters.

The manner in which they did it, with three relievers combining to shut down the best team in baseball, has fueled the Rangers’ confidence as they try to track down the Los Angeles Angels in the AL West and also stay alive for a possible Wild-Card berth.

“This sends a statement that we can play with anyone out there,” said reliever Jason Grilli, who got the win with two-plus shutout innings Thursday.

The Rangers’ surprising team ERA of 4.19, ninth in the majors, is bolstered by the bullpen’s 3.37 ERA mark. This bodes well against a struggling Minnesota lineup that had mustered just 10 runs over its past three games heading into Friday’s action.

Pick: Texas -114

Tampa Bay Rays at Detroit Tigers (+118, 9.5)

Windows of opportunity in the AL East don’t come along very often. The Tampa Bay Rays might see theirs closing soon and it’s in their best interest to make the most of it.

Last year’s surprising AL champion has been erratic in 2009, but recent speculation among local media and other baseball executives suggests it’s do-or-die for another run from the Rays.

The low-budget club is looking at the possibility of losing stars Carl Crawford and Carlos Pena to free agency after next year. If the Rays aren’t in contention at the All-Star break next year, there is a widespread belief that the club will trade one or both marquee players.

If that happens, another really long drought could ensue. In order for the Rays to make the most of this season, a strong series against the Detroit Tigers would help.

It’s a tall order, as a visiting club has not won a series in Detroit since June. But the Rays might be able to call on the memory of clinching the AL East title in Detroit last season.

They practically have no choice but to play well against the Tigers in order to stay in contention. Seven of Tampa Bay’s next 10 games are against the Tigers. The other three are against the Boston Red Sox.

If they are to return to last season’s form, the time is now.

Pick: Tampa Bay -128

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**pm530** · 08-29-2009, 06:32 AM

MLB

Saturday, August 29

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Streaking and Slumping Pitchers
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Streaking

Cliff Lee, Philadelphia Phillies

It’s no secret that Lee has been more than the Phillies could have hoped for when they traded for him to bolster their rotation down the stretch. There’s also no way you can keep him off of this list.

Lee (12-9, 2.62 ERA overall), who has an American League Cy Young award to his credit, might make a strong case for earning the NL’s honor despite a limited body of work. But what he’s shown so far is a masterpiece.

The 31-year-old perennial All-Star is 5-0 with an ERA of 0.68 since joining the Phillies. In his last start, he gave up two runs – both unearned—against the New York Mets. The left-hander has given up just one run in each of his four other starts for Philadelphia.

He also has been a bettor’s friend. With the exception of his last start, in which bettors were charged -250 to fade the Mets, Lee has been available for less than $2 in each of his other starts. That’s a bargain when you consider the return on investment.

Barry Zito, San Francisco Giants

Lost amid the deserved attention that San Francisco’s young aces have garnered, is the fact that Zito has quietly made a nice comeback for the Giants.

Since he arrived in San Francisco, Zito (8-11, 4.09 ERA) was becoming known as the guy with a nine-figure contract and 90-cent curveball. But the 31-year-old lefty has turned things around, going 3-1 with two no-decisions in his past six starts.

His last two starts ended in no-decisions, but Zito gave up no earned runs in each of those outings. A sign of his improving consistency lies in the fact that the three earned runs he gave up to the New York Mets is his worst outing over his past six starts.

Slumping

Yovani Gallardo, Milwaukee Brewers

The 23-year-old right-hander has taken his share of lumps as the Milwaukee rotation has struggled. Gallardo is just 2-3 in his past five starts. But worse is the fact that he has put the Brewers’ bullpen in a tough spot by failing to give them quality innings.

Gallardo (12-10, 3.51 ERA) has made it past the sixth inning just once in his past five starts, during which he has yielded 16 walks. This included a five-inning outing against the Los Angeles Dodgers in which he was tagged for nine earned runs.

Ryan Dempster, Chicago Cubs

The hard-throwing right-hander appears to have revived his career as a starter in Chicago. Even so, Dempster has struggled at the worst possible time for a club desperately in need of a reliable ace.

Dempster (7-7, 4.07 ERA) is 2-2 with two no-decisions in his past six starts. This includes a two-loss stretch in which he gave up 10 total earned runs against the Philadelphia Phillies and San Diego Padres.

Dempster has given up at least four earned runs in three of his past six starts, a testament to his struggles.

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**pm530** · 08-29-2009, 06:34 AM

MLB

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Weekend MLB cheat sheet
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Originally published 8-28-09

The final weekend in August finds the MLB pennant races heating up. And with it comes the opportunity to cash in on some solid handicapping situations.

Take a look into the top four series on tap 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

Atlanta Braves at Philadelphia Phillies

Most Recent Series Result: Braves 6-2 last eight games (8-4 this season)

Most Recent Series Result at the Site: Braves 6-2 last eight games away (4-2 this season)

Key Day/Month Stat: Braves 7-0 away Fridays

Best Arm in the Series: Phillies’ Martinez 5-1, 2.42 ERA home career starts

Worst Arm in the Series: Phillies’ Blanton 1-2, 4.50 ERA last three starts

Colorado Rockies at San Francisco Giants

Most Recent Series Result: Rockies 5-1 last six games (7-5 this season)

Most Recent Series Result at the Site: Rockies 6-3 last nine games away (1-2 this season)

Key Day/Month Stat: Rockies 11-2 on Sundays

Best Arm in the Series: Rockies’ Marquis 7-2, 2.16 ERA career starts

Worst Arm in the Series: Giants’ Lincecum 3-6, 6.00 ERA career starts

AMERICAN LEAGUE

Tampa Bay Rays at Detroit Tigers

Most Recent Series Result: Rays 6-3 last nine games

Most Recent Series Result at the Site: Tigers 10-4 last 14 games home

Key Day/Month Stat: Rays 14-2 Saturdays

Best Arm in the Series: Tigers’ Verlander 4-0, 4.50 ERA career starts

Worst Arm in the Series: Rays’ Garza 1-4, 5.28 ERA career starts

Texas Rangers at Minnesota Twins

Most Recent Series Result: Twins 6-4 last 10 games (4-3 this season)

Most Recent Series Result at the Site: Twins 8-3 last 11 games home

Key Day/Month Stat: Twins 16-4 home Sundays

Best Arm in the Series: Twins’ Baker 3-0, 5.11 ERA career starts

Worst Arm in the Series: Rangers’ Millwood 1-5, 4.31 ERA away career starts

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**Udog** · 08-29-2009, 09:15 AM

MLB
Dunkel

LA Dodgers at Cincinnati
The Dodgers look to bounce back from yesterday's 4-2 loss and take advantage of a Cincinnati team that is just 3-8 in its last 11 games after allowing 2 runs or less in the previous game. LA is the pick (-150) according to Dunkel, which has the Dodgers favored by 1/2 a run. Dunkel Pick: LA Dodgers (-150). Here are all of today's picks.

SATURDAY, AUGUST 29

Game 901-902: Houston at Arizona
Dunkel Ratings: Houston (Norris) 15.592; Arizona (Garland) 14.627
Dunkel Line: Houston by 1; 10 1/2
Vegas Line: Arizona (-130); 9 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Houston (+120); Over

Game 903-904: NY Mets at Chicago Cubs
Dunkel Ratings: NY Mets (Parnell) 14.815; Cubs (Dempster) 15.840
Dunkel Line: Chicago Cubs by 1; 11
Vegas Line: Chicago Cubs (-240); No Run Line
Dunkel Pick: Chicago Cubs (-240); N/A

Game 905-906: San Diego at Florida
Dunkel Ratings: San Diego (LeBlanc) 13.920; Florida (Nolasco) 14.618
Dunkel Line: Florida by 1/2; 9 1/2
Vegas Line: Florida (-210); 9
Dunkel Pick: Florida (-210); Over

Game 907-908: Pittsburgh at Milwaukee
Dunkel Ratings: Pittsburgh (Hart) 13.817; Milwaukee (Gallardo) 15.525
Dunkel Line: Milwaukee by 1 1/2; 7
Vegas Line: Milwaukee (-230); 8
Dunkel Pick: Milwaukee (-230); Under

Game 909-910: Atlanta at Philadelphia
Dunkel Ratings: Atlanta (Lowe) 15.003; Philadelphia (Lee) 16.035
Dunkel Line: Philadelphia by 1; 9
Vegas Line: Philadelphia (-190); 8
Dunkel Pick: Philadelphia (-190); Over

Game 911-912: LA Dodgers at Cincinnati
Dunkel Ratings: LA Dodgers (Haeger) 15.979; Cincinnati (Maloney) 15.550
Dunkel Line: LA Dodgers by 1/2; 10
Vegas Line: LA Dodgers (-150); 9
Dunkel Pick: LA Dodgers (-150); Over

Game 913-914: Washington at St. Louis
Dunkel Ratings: Washington (Stammen) 14.506; St. Louis (Boggs) 15.468
Dunkel Line: St. Louis by 1; 8 1/2
Vegas Line: St. Louis (-170); 9 1/2
Dunkel Pick: St. Louis (-170); Under

Game 915-916: Colorado at San Francisco
Dunkel Ratings: Colorado (Marquis) 13.967; San Francisco (Zito) 15.870
Dunkel Line: San Francisco by 2; 7
Vegas Line: Colorado (-125); 7 1/2
Dunkel Pick: San Francisco (+115); Under

Game 917-918: Chicago White Sox at NY Yankees
Dunkel Ratings: White Sox (Contreras) 16.415; NY Yankees (Mitre) 15.238
Dunkel Line: Chicago White Sox by 1; 10 1/2
Vegas Line: No Line
Dunkel Pick: N/A

Game 919-920: Tampa Bay at Detroit
Dunkel Ratings: Tampa Bay (Price) 14.852; Detroit (Robertson) 15.426
Dunkel Line: Detroit by 1/2; 8 1/2
Vegas Line: Tampa Bay (-145); 9 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Detroit (+135); Under

Game 921-922: Cleveland at Baltimore
Dunkel Ratings: Cleveland (Sowers) 16.307; Baltimore (Tillman) 15.339
Dunkel Line: Cleveland by 1; 10
Vegas Line: Cleveland (-120); 9 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Cleveland (-120); Over

Game 923-924: Toronto at Boston
Dunkel Ratings: Toronto (Romero) 14.184; Boston (Buchholz) 15.258
Dunkel Line: Boston by 1; 9
Vegas Line: Boston (-170); 9 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Boston (-170); Under

Game 925-926: Texas at Minnesota
Dunkel Ratings: Texas (Feldman) 15.426; Minnesota (Pavano) 16.314
Dunkel Line: Minnesota by 1; 11
Vegas Line: Texas (-120); 9 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Minnesota (+110); Over

Game 927-928: Oakland at LA Angels
Dunkel Ratings: Oakland (Mazzaro) 14.550; LA Angels (Weaver) 16.035
Dunkel Line: LA Angels by 1 1/2; 8 1/2
Vegas Line: LA Angels (-250); 9 1/2
Dunkel Pick: LA Angels (-250); Under

Game 929-930: Kansas City at Seattle
Dunkel Ratings: Kansas City (Meche) 15.011; Seattle (Snell) 15.396
Dunkel Line: Seattle by 1/2; 9
Vegas Line: Seattle (-130); 8 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Seattle (-130); Over

**Udog** · 08-29-2009, 11:53 AM

MLB
Long Sheet

Saturday, August 29

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HOUSTON (62 - 66) at ARIZONA (57 - 72) - 8:10 PM
BUD NORRIS (R) vs. JON GARLAND (R)
Top Trends for this game.
HOUSTON is 32-23 (+16.2 Units) against the money line in August games over the last 2 seasons.
HOUSTON is 144-139 (+17.2 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
HOUSTON is 104-102 (+7.9 Units) against the money line in night games over the last 2 seasons.
HOUSTON is 50-51 (+2.3 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.
HOUSTON is 33-31 (+7.5 Units) against the money line after a loss this season.
HOUSTON is 148-141 (+21.4 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
HOUSTON is 69-63 (+12.4 Units) against the money line when the total is 9 to 9.5 over the last 2 seasons.
ARIZONA is 57-72 (-17.7 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
ARIZONA is 100-102 (-14.5 Units) against the money line in night games over the last 2 seasons.
ARIZONA is 100-108 (-22.4 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters over the last 2 seasons.
ARIZONA is 22-34 (-14.5 Units) against the money line after a win this season.
ARIZONA is 57-72 (-17.7 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
ARIZONA is 23-35 (-13.9 Units) against the money line when the total is 9 to 9.5 this season.
ARIZONA is 29-35 (-12.2 Units) against the money line in home games this season.
ARIZONA is 16-22 (-9.7 Units) against the money line at home when the total is 9 to 9.5 this season.
GARLAND is 14-23 (-17.1 Units) against the money line as a home favorite of -125 to -150 since 1997. (Team's Record)
GARLAND is 3-12 (-9.4 Units) against the money line after a win this season. (Team's Record)

Head-to-Head Series History
HOUSTON is 4-3 (+0.9 Units) against ARIZONA this season
5 of 7 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+2.9 Units)

BUD NORRIS vs. ARIZONA since 1997
NORRIS is 0-1 when starting against ARIZONA with an ERA of 54.00 and a WHIP of 9.000.
His team's record is 0-1 (-1.6 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 0-1. (-1.0 units)

JON GARLAND vs. HOUSTON since 1997
GARLAND is 1-1 when starting against HOUSTON with an ERA of 4.22 and a WHIP of 1.531.
His team's record is 3-2 (+1.7 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 1-4. (-3.4 units)

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NY METS (58 - 71) at CHICAGO CUBS (64 - 62) - 4:10 PM
BOBBY PARNELL (R) vs. RYAN DEMPSTER (R)
Top Trends for this game.
NY METS are 147-144 (-17.7 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
NY METS are 147-144 (-17.7 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
DEMPSTER is 65-39 (+27.0 Units) against the money line in home games since 1997. (Team's Record)
DEMPSTER is 24-11 (+17.9 Units) against the money line when playing on Saturday since 1997. (Team's Record)
CHICAGO CUBS are 64-62 (-11.2 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
CHICAGO CUBS are 550-494 (-107.1 Units) against the money line in home games since 1997.
CHICAGO CUBS are 10-15 (-8.8 Units) against the money line in August games this season.
CHICAGO CUBS are 64-62 (-11.2 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
CHICAGO CUBS are 50-48 (-8.5 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.
CHICAGO CUBS are 497-523 (-122.6 Units) against the money line after a win since 1997.
CHICAGO CUBS are 510-477 (-100.1 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record since 1997.
DEMPSTER is 8-15 (-9.1 Units) against the money line in all games this season. (Team's Record)
DEMPSTER is 8-15 (-9.1 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season. (Team's Record)

Head-to-Head Series History
CHICAGO CUBS is 1-0 (+1.0 Units) against NY METS this season
1 of 1 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+1.0 Units)

BOBBY PARNELL vs. CHICAGO CUBS since 1997
No recent starts.

RYAN DEMPSTER vs. NY METS since 1997
DEMPSTER is 7-2 when starting against NY METS with an ERA of 3.97 and a WHIP of 1.636.
His team's record is 9-3 (+8.1 units) in these starts. The OVER is 7-5. (+1.5 units)

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SAN DIEGO (55 - 75) at FLORIDA (67 - 61) - 6:10 PM
WADE LEBLANC (L) vs. RICKY NOLASCO (R)
Top Trends for this game.
SAN DIEGO is 46-84 (-29.6 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.
SAN DIEGO is 118-173 (-46.7 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
SAN DIEGO is 50-94 (-30.0 Units) against the money line in road games over the last 2 seasons.
SAN DIEGO is 118-173 (-46.7 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
SAN DIEGO is 86-125 (-31.0 Units) against the money line in night games over the last 2 seasons.
SAN DIEGO is 78-115 (-29.1 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters over the last 2 seasons.
FLORIDA is 147-133 (+24.3 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
FLORIDA is 106-101 (+11.2 Units) against the money line in night games over the last 2 seasons.
FLORIDA is 25-17 (+9.8 Units) against the money line against left-handed starters this season.
FLORIDA is 76-62 (+21.5 Units) against the money line after a loss over the last 2 seasons.
FLORIDA is 67-61 (+5.3 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
FLORIDA is 83-64 (+25.7 Units) against the money line when the total is 9 to 9.5 over the last 2 seasons.
NOLASCO is 35-21 (+18.7 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
NOLASCO is 19-9 (+13.7 Units) against the money line when the total is 9 to 9.5 over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
NOLASCO is 33-21 (+15.4 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
NOLASCO is 26-15 (+15.1 Units) against the money line in night games over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
NOLASCO is 20-9 (+15.0 Units) against the money line after a loss over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)

Head-to-Head Series History
FLORIDA is 3-1 (+1.6 Units) against SAN DIEGO this season
3 of 4 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+1.9 Units)

WADE LEBLANC vs. FLORIDA since 1997
No recent starts.

RICKY NOLASCO vs. SAN DIEGO since 1997
NOLASCO is 2-2 when starting against SAN DIEGO with an ERA of 3.60 and a WHIP of 1.160.
His team's record is 2-2 (+0.0 units) in these starts. The OVER is 1-3. (-2.1 units)

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PITTSBURGH (53 - 73) at MILWAUKEE (62 - 66) - 7:05 PM
KEVIN HART (R) vs. YOVANI GALLARDO (R)
Top Trends for this game.
PITTSBURGH is 18-44 (-17.8 Units) against the money line in road games this season.
PITTSBURGH is 17-42 (-17.6 Units) against the money line in road games in games played on a grass field this season.
MILWAUKEE is 31-17 (+14.0 Units) against the money line when playing on Saturday over the last 2 seasons.
PITTSBURGH is 41-45 (+3.9 Units) against the money line in night games this season.
MILWAUKEE is 29-43 (-21.8 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record this season.
MILWAUKEE is 14-20 (-11.3 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 62-66 (-10.9 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
MILWAUKEE is 31-32 (-11.2 Units) against the money line in home games this season.
MILWAUKEE is 62-63 (-7.9 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
MILWAUKEE is 44-51 (-13.9 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
MILWAUKEE is 7-5 (+0.9 Units) against PITTSBURGH this season
8 of 12 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+3.7 Units)

KEVIN HART vs. MILWAUKEE since 1997
HART is 1-0 when starting against MILWAUKEE with an ERA of 6.00 and a WHIP of 1.833.
His team's record is 1-0 (+1.1 units) in these starts. The OVER is 1-0. (+1.0 units)

YOVANI GALLARDO vs. PITTSBURGH since 1997
GALLARDO is 3-1 when starting against PITTSBURGH with an ERA of 2.13 and a WHIP of 1.053.
His team's record is 5-1 (+3.5 units) in these starts. The OVER is 1-5. (-4.4 units)

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ATLANTA (67 - 61) at PHILADELPHIA (74 - 52) - 7:05 PM
DEREK LOWE (R) vs. CLIFF LEE (L)
Top Trends for this game.
ATLANTA is 96-104 (-22.7 Units) against the money line in night games over the last 2 seasons.
ATLANTA is 67-61 (-6.8 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 67-61 (-6.8 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
PHILADELPHIA is 46-27 (+13.3 Units) against the money line after a win this season.
PHILADELPHIA is 49-29 (+15.0 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.
PHILADELPHIA is 74-52 (+9.7 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
PHILADELPHIA is 71-49 (+8.9 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
PHILADELPHIA is 126-88 (+15.6 Units) against the money line in night games over the last 2 seasons.
LEE is 24-9 (+13.7 Units) against the money line when the total is 8 to 8.5 over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
ATLANTA is 21-13 (+10.5 Units) against the money line in road games when playing against a team with a winning record this season.
PHILADELPHIA is 10-15 (-11.1 Units) against the money line in home games when playing against a team with a winning record this season.
PHILADELPHIA is 20-22 (-9.8 Units) against the money line in home games against right-handed starters this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
ATLANTA is 8-5 (+2.9 Units) against PHILADELPHIA this season
9 of 12 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+5.5 Units)

DEREK LOWE vs. PHILADELPHIA since 1997
LOWE is 5-2 when starting against PHILADELPHIA with an ERA of 2.62 and a WHIP of 1.107.
His team's record is 6-5 (+0.1 units) in these starts. The OVER is 6-4. (+2.0 units)

CLIFF LEE vs. ATLANTA since 1997
LEE is 1-0 when starting against ATLANTA with an ERA of 2.57 and a WHIP of 0.857.
His team's record is 1-0 (+1.1 units) in these starts. The OVER is 0-1. (-1.0 units)

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LA DODGERS (76 - 53) at CINCINNATI (56 - 71) - 4:10 PM
CHARLIE HAEGER (R) vs. MATT MALONEY (L)
Top Trends for this game.
LA DODGERS are 36-28 (+8.4 Units) against the money line in road games this season.
LA DODGERS are 76-53 (+11.8 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
LA DODGERS are 34-18 (+12.6 Units) against the money line after a loss this season.
LA DODGERS are 76-53 (+11.8 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
LA DODGERS are 29-11 (+17.1 Units) against the money line when the total is 9 to 9.5 this season.
CINCINNATI is 227-267 (-71.6 Units) against the money line in home games after a win since 1997.
CINCINNATI is 253-273 (-62.5 Units) against the money line at home when the total is 9 to 9.5 since 1997.
CINCINNATI is 4-16 (-13.8 Units) against the money line when playing on Saturday this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
LA DODGERS is 3-1 (+1.2 Units) against CINCINNATI this season
2 of 3 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+1.0 Units)

CHARLIE HAEGER vs. CINCINNATI since 1997
No recent starts.

MATT MALONEY vs. LA DODGERS since 1997
No recent starts.

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WASHINGTON (46 - 83) at ST LOUIS (75 - 55) - 7:15 PM
CRAIG STAMMEN (R) vs. MITCHELL BOGGS (R)
Top Trends for this game.
WASHINGTON is 36-65 (-19.8 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.
WASHINGTON is 25-57 (-27.4 Units) against the money line after a loss this season.
WASHINGTON is 18-48 (-22.8 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record this season.
WASHINGTON is 46-83 (-26.5 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
WASHINGTON is 44-100 (-31.3 Units) against the money line in road games over the last 2 seasons.
WASHINGTON is 46-80 (-23.5 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
WASHINGTON is 29-63 (-27.6 Units) against the money line in night games this season.
ST LOUIS is 75-55 (+8.5 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
ST LOUIS is 51-33 (+12.3 Units) against the money line in night games this season.
ST LOUIS is 109-85 (+17.3 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters over the last 2 seasons.
ST LOUIS is 75-55 (+8.5 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
WASHINGTON is 118-120 (+31.8 Units) against the money line when the total is 9 to 9.5 over the last 3 seasons.
WASHINGTON is 28-27 (+13.6 Units) against the money line in August games over the last 2 seasons.

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

CRAIG STAMMEN vs. ST LOUIS since 1997
No recent starts.

MITCHELL BOGGS vs. WASHINGTON since 1997
BOGGS is 0-0 when starting against WASHINGTON with an ERA of 6.00 and a WHIP of 1.333.
His team's record is 1-0 (+1.0 units) in these starts. The OVER is 1-0. (+1.0 units)

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COLORADO (72 - 57) at SAN FRANCISCO (70 - 59) - 9:05 PM
JASON MARQUIS (R) vs. BARRY ZITO (L)
Top Trends for this game.
COLORADO is 8-18 (-12.0 Units) against the money line on the road with a money line of -100 to -125 over the last 2 seasons.
COLORADO is 54-70 (-23.8 Units) against the money line against division opponents over the last 2 seasons.
COLORADO is 6-22 (-14.5 Units) against the money line in road games after 3 or more consecutive losses over the last 3 seasons.
MARQUIS is 57-74 (-38.1 Units) against the money line in night games since 1997. (Team's Record)
SAN FRANCISCO is 51-45 (+5.8 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.
SAN FRANCISCO is 20-12 (+8.5 Units) against the money line in home games when playing against a team with a winning record this season.
SAN FRANCISCO is 70-59 (+11.0 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
SAN FRANCISCO is 42-21 (+17.4 Units) against the money line in home games this season.
SAN FRANCISCO is 70-59 (+11.0 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
SAN FRANCISCO is 46-40 (+6.1 Units) against the money line in night games this season.
COLORADO is 72-57 (+11.6 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
COLORADO is 36-31 (+10.5 Units) against the money line in road games this season.
COLORADO is 72-57 (+11.6 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
COLORADO is 172-153 (+19.4 Units) against the money line in night games over the last 3 seasons.
COLORADO is 119-104 (+29.3 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 3 seasons.
COLORADO is 65-47 (+23.2 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record in the second half of the season over the last 3 seasons.
MARQUIS is 17-8 (+10.0 Units) against the money line in all games this season. (Team's Record)
MARQUIS is 17-9 (+11.1 Units) against the money line in road games over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
MARQUIS is 17-8 (+10.0 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season. (Team's Record)
MARQUIS is 17-8 (+11.7 Units) against the money line after a loss over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
MARQUIS is 8-2 (+7.6 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record this season. (Team's Record)

Head-to-Head Series History
SAN FRANCISCO is 6-7 (-0.2 Units) against COLORADO this season
7 of 12 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+1.1 Units)

JASON MARQUIS vs. SAN FRANCISCO since 1997
MARQUIS is 4-2 when starting against SAN FRANCISCO with an ERA of 2.16 and a WHIP of 0.945.
His team's record is 7-2 (+5.4 units) in these starts. The OVER is 4-5. (-1.6 units)

BARRY ZITO vs. COLORADO since 1997
ZITO is 2-2 when starting against COLORADO with an ERA of 2.03 and a WHIP of 1.081.
His team's record is 6-3 (+4.4 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 6-2. (+3.5 units)

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CHI WHITE SOX (64 - 65) at NY YANKEES (80 - 48) - 1:05 PM
CAROLS TORRES (R) vs. SERGIO MITRE (R)
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

Head-to-Head Series History
CHI WHITE SOX is 3-2 (+1.7 Units) against NY YANKEES this season
3 of 5 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+0.8 Units)

CAROLS TORRES vs. NY YANKEES since 1997
No recent starts.

SERGIO MITRE vs. CHI WHITE SOX since 1997
MITRE is 0-1 when starting against CHI WHITE SOX with an ERA of 9.00 and a WHIP of 2.143.
His team's record is 1-2 (-1.3 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 1-2. (-1.2 units)

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TAMPA BAY (69 - 58) at DETROIT (68 - 59) - 4:05 PM
DAVID PRICE (L) vs. NATE ROBERTSON (L)
Top Trends for this game.
TAMPA BAY is 27-37 (-11.3 Units) against the money line in road games this season.
TAMPA BAY is 20-32 (-13.4 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
TAMPA BAY is 13-20 (-9.2 Units) against the money line in road games after a loss this season.
TAMPA BAY is 10-22 (-14.2 Units) against the money line in road games when playing against a team with a winning record this season.
TAMPA BAY is 2-9 (-9.0 Units) against the money line in road games when playing against a team with a winning record in the second half of the season this season.
DETROIT is 41-20 (+13.5 Units) against the money line in home games this season.
DETROIT is 18-5 (+11.3 Units) against the money line in home games in day games this season.
DETROIT is 66-51 (+7.0 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
DETROIT is 21-8 (+10.4 Units) against the money line in home games when playing against a team with a winning record this season.
TAMPA BAY is 174-131 (+25.5 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
TAMPA BAY is 33-17 (+15.5 Units) against the money line when playing on Saturday over the last 2 seasons.
DETROIT is 142-147 (-29.0 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
DETROIT is 37-46 (-21.5 Units) against the money line in August games over the last 3 seasons.
ROBERTSON is 22-36 (-20.6 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 3 seasons. (Team's Record)
ROBERTSON is 20-32 (-18.4 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 3 seasons. (Team's Record)
ROBERTSON is 5-18 (-14.5 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
DETROIT is 1-0 (+1.1 Units) against TAMPA BAY this season
1 of 1 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+1.0 Units)

DAVID PRICE vs. DETROIT since 1997
No recent starts.

NATE ROBERTSON vs. TAMPA BAY since 1997
ROBERTSON is 0-3 when starting against TAMPA BAY with an ERA of 5.18 and a WHIP of 1.603.
His team's record is 2-3 (-2.3 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 2-3. (-1.3 units)

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CLEVELAND (57 - 71) at BALTIMORE (53 - 76) - 7:05 PM
JEREMY SOWERS (L) vs. CHRIS TILLMAN (R)
Top Trends for this game.
CLEVELAND is 57-71 (-13.9 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
CLEVELAND is 50-63 (-14.3 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
CLEVELAND is 35-46 (-13.5 Units) against the money line in night games this season.
CLEVELAND is 40-56 (-16.9 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.
CLEVELAND is 19-8 (+13.7 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 32-21 (+16.4 Units) against the money line in August games over the last 2 seasons.
BALTIMORE is 497-542 (-113.4 Units) against the money line in home games since 1997.
BALTIMORE is 10-29 (-22.2 Units) against the money line in home games in August games over the last 3 seasons.
BALTIMORE is 497-542 (-113.4 Units) against the money line in home games in games played on a grass field since 1997.
BALTIMORE is 258-348 (-100.0 Units) against the money line against left-handed starters since 1997.
BALTIMORE is 19-33 (-13.5 Units) against the money line after a win this season.
BALTIMORE is 20-35 (-16.3 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record this season.
BALTIMORE is 99-98 (-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.

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

JEREMY SOWERS vs. BALTIMORE since 1997
SOWERS is 1-2 when starting against BALTIMORE with an ERA of 6.92 and a WHIP of 1.500.
His team's record is 2-3 (-1.5 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 1-4. (-3.7 units)

CHRIS TILLMAN vs. CLEVELAND since 1997
No recent starts.

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TORONTO (58 - 68) at BOSTON (74 - 54) - 7:10 PM
RICKY ROMERO (L) vs. CLAY BUCHHOLZ (R)
Top Trends for this game.
TORONTO is 58-68 (-16.1 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
TORONTO is 20-32 (-15.2 Units) against the money line when the total is 9 to 9.5 this season.
TORONTO is 17-35 (-21.2 Units) against the money line against division opponents this season.
TORONTO is 31-45 (-17.8 Units) against the money line in night games this season.
BOSTON is 82-42 (+27.2 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 2 seasons.
BOSTON is 101-49 (+25.1 Units) against the money line in home games over the last 2 seasons.
BOSTON is 20-6 (+12.3 Units) against the money line in home games against division opponents this season.
BOSTON is 159-97 (+30.7 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
BOSTON is 73-34 (+20.3 Units) against the money line in home games in night games over the last 2 seasons.
BOSTON is 358-268 (-48.4 Units) against the money line in home games after a win since 1997.
BUCHHOLZ is 7-16 (-13.3 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
BUCHHOLZ is 3-10 (-9.7 Units) against the money line when the total is 9 to 9.5 over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
BUCHHOLZ is 5-13 (-11.7 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
BUCHHOLZ is 4-12 (-12.2 Units) against the money line in night games over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)

Head-to-Head Series History
BOSTON is 9-4 (+5.1 Units) against TORONTO this season
8 of 13 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+2.2 Units)

RICKY ROMERO vs. BOSTON since 1997
ROMERO is 0-2 when starting against BOSTON with an ERA of 10.50 and a WHIP of 2.667.
His team's record is 0-3 (-3.1 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 1-2. (-1.3 units)

CLAY BUCHHOLZ vs. TORONTO since 1997
BUCHHOLZ is 2-2 when starting against TORONTO with an ERA of 2.53 and a WHIP of 1.359.
His team's record is 2-2 (-0.5 units) in these starts. The OVER is 1-3. (-2.2 units)

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TEXAS (71 - 56) at MINNESOTA (64 - 64) - 7:10 PM
SCOTT FELDMAN (R) vs. CARL PAVANO (R)
Top Trends for this game.
MINNESOTA is 108-86 (+16.6 Units) against the money line in night games over the last 2 seasons.
MINNESOTA is 89-56 (+16.7 Units) against the money line in home games in games played on artificial turf over the last 2 seasons.
MINNESOTA is 44-23 (+17.4 Units) against the money line in home games when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.
MINNESOTA is 89-56 (+16.7 Units) against the money line in home games over the last 2 seasons.
MINNESOTA is 92-60 (+16.6 Units) against the money line in games played in a dome over the last 2 seasons.
PAVANO is 112-90 (+24.7 Units) against the money line in all games since 1997. (Team's Record)
PAVANO is 9-2 (+10.7 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record this season. (Team's Record)
PAVANO is 8-2 (+7.9 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. (Team's Record)
TEXAS is 71-56 (+19.1 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
TEXAS is 23-17 (+9.2 Units) against the money line when the total is 9 to 9.5 this season.
TEXAS is 69-74 (+15.6 Units) against the money line in road games over the last 2 seasons.
TEXAS is 52-42 (+12.2 Units) against the money line in night games this season.
TEXAS is 45-35 (+14.1 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.
TEXAS is 76-63 (+20.5 Units) against the money line after a loss over the last 2 seasons.
FELDMAN is 16-7 (+9.4 Units) against the money line in all games this season. (Team's Record)
FELDMAN is 10-1 (+10.6 Units) against the money line in road games this season. (Team's Record)
FELDMAN is 7-1 (+7.2 Units) against the money line in road games in night games this season. (Team's Record)

Head-to-Head Series History
MINNESOTA is 5-3 (+2.9 Units) against TEXAS this season
4 of 7 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+0.5 Units)

SCOTT FELDMAN vs. MINNESOTA since 1997
FELDMAN is 0-1 when starting against MINNESOTA with an ERA of 6.62 and a WHIP of 1.358.
His team's record is 0-3 (-3.8 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 1-2. (-1.5 units)

CARL PAVANO vs. TEXAS since 1997
PAVANO is 0-1 when starting against TEXAS with an ERA of 25.20 and a WHIP of 3.800.
His team's record is 1-1 (+0.5 units) in these starts. The OVER is 2-0. (+2.0 units)

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OAKLAND (56 - 72) at LA ANGELS (76 - 51) - 9:05 PM
VIN MAZZARO (R) vs. JERED WEAVER (R)
Top Trends for this game.
OAKLAND is 63-86 (-27.4 Units) against the money line against division opponents over the last 3 seasons.
OAKLAND is 28-50 (-15.5 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record this season.
LA ANGELS are 49-37 (+9.1 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.
LA ANGELS are 45-30 (+11.4 Units) against the money line after a win this season.
LA ANGELS are 37-20 (+13.8 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record this season.
LA ANGELS are 76-51 (+21.2 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
LA ANGELS are 75-44 (+22.6 Units) against the money line when the total is 9 to 9.5 over the last 2 seasons.
LA ANGELS are 46-22 (+15.4 Units) against the money line at home when the total is 9 to 9.5 over the last 2 seasons.
LA ANGELS are 69-43 (+21.2 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
WEAVER is 16-4 (+12.0 Units) against the money line when the total is 9 to 9.5 over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
OAKLAND is 219-148 (+65.9 Units) against the money line in August games since 1997.
LA ANGELS are 6-11 (-9.5 Units) against the money line in home games against division opponents this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
LA ANGELS is 7-4 (+2.2 Units) against OAKLAND this season
6 of 11 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+0.2 Units)

VIN MAZZARO vs. LA ANGELS since 1997
MAZZARO is 0-1 when starting against LA ANGELS with an ERA of 12.00 and a WHIP of 4.000.
His team's record is 0-1 (-1.0 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 0-1. (-1.3 units)

JERED WEAVER vs. OAKLAND since 1997
WEAVER is 2-2 when starting against OAKLAND with an ERA of 3.28 and a WHIP of 1.135.
His team's record is 3-5 (-3.6 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 5-3. (+1.3 units)

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KANSAS CITY (49 - 79) at SEATTLE (67 - 62) - 10:10 PM
GIL MECHE (R) vs. IAN SNELL (R)
Top Trends for this game.
KANSAS CITY is 30-48 (-14.7 Units) against the money line after a loss this season.
KANSAS CITY is 49-79 (-27.0 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
KANSAS CITY is 43-69 (-26.5 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
KANSAS CITY is 34-51 (-16.1 Units) against the money line in night games this season.
KANSAS CITY is 73-109 (-28.2 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters over the last 2 seasons.
SEATTLE is 64-58 (+7.9 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
SEATTLE is 44-39 (+6.8 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.
SEATTLE is 67-62 (+7.5 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
KANSAS CITY is 77-74 (+18.1 Units) against the money line when the total is 8 to 8.5 over the last 3 seasons.
MECHE is 55-38 (+25.4 Units) against the money line when the total is 8 to 8.5 since 1997. (Team's Record)
MECHE is 14-8 (+13.2 Units) against the money line in road games when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 3 seasons. (Team's Record)
MECHE is 10-2 (+10.8 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. (Team's Record)
SEATTLE is 85-115 (-28.6 Units) against the money line in night games over the last 2 seasons.
SEATTLE is 25-40 (-19.1 Units) against the money line in home games after a win over the last 2 seasons.
SEATTLE is 250-233 (-73.0 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record in the second half of the season since 1997.
SNELL is 1-10 (-9.0 Units) against the money line after a win this season. (Team's Record)

Head-to-Head Series History
KANSAS CITY is 4-3 (+1.4 Units) against SEATTLE this season
5 of 7 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+2.9 Units)

GIL MECHE vs. SEATTLE since 1997
MECHE is 2-1 when starting against SEATTLE with an ERA of 4.45 and a WHIP of 1.747.
His team's record is 4-1 (+3.1 units) in these starts. The OVER is 3-2. (+1.3 units)

IAN SNELL vs. KANSAS CITY since 1997
SNELL is 0-0 when starting against KANSAS CITY with an ERA of 6.75 and a WHIP of 1.689.
His team's record is 0-1 (-1.3 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 0-1. (-1.0 units)

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**Udog** · 08-29-2009, 12:06 PM

MLB
Short Sheet

Saturday, 8/29/2009

National League

(TC) HOUSTON at ARIZONA, 8:10 PM ET
NORRIS: HOU 9-2 Over at Arizona
GARLAND: 3-12 TSR off team win

NY METS at CHICAGO CUBS, 4:10 PM ET FOX
PARNELL: NYM 10-3 Over vs. Cubs
DEMPSTER: 65-29 TSR in home games

SAN DIEGO at FLORIDA, 6:10 PM ET
LEBLANC: SD 16-36 off BB road games
NOLASCO: 15-5 TSR working on 5 or 6 days rest

PITTSBURGH at MILWAUKEE, 7:05 PM ET
HART: PIT 18-44 as road underdog
GALLARDO: MIL 21-1 at home vs. Pittsburgh

ATLANTA at PHILADELPHIA, 7:05 PM ET
LOWE: ATL 13-23 off division loss as favorite
LEE: PHI 36-12 as a home favorite of -150 to -200

(TC) LA DODGERS at CINCINNATI, 4:10 PM ET FOX
HAEGER: LAD 22-11 Under after scoring 2 runs or less
MALONEY: CIN 4-16 on Saturday

WASHINGTON at ST LOUIS, 7:15 PM ET
STAMMEN: WAS 13-35 off one run loss
BOGGS: STL 28-7 as a favorite of -150 or more

COLORADO at SAN FRANCISCO, 9:05 PM ET
MARQUIS: COL 8-1 off shutout loss to division rival
ZITO: SF 11-22 after a win by 2 runs or less

American League

CHI WHITE SOX at NY YANKEES, 1:05 PM ET WGN
TORRES: CWS 2-6 at Yankees
MITRE: 5-1 TSR in day games

TAMPA BAY at DETROIT, 4:05 PM ET FOX
PRICE: TB 13-27 as road favorite
ROBERTSON: Det 18-5 in home day games

CLEVELAND at BALTIMORE, 7:05 PM ET
SOWERS: CLE 26-11 revenging loss as road favorite
TILLMAN: BAL 4-16 at home after scoring 10+ runs

TORONTO at BOSTON, 7:10 PM ET
ROMERO: TOR 0-4 at Boston
BUCHHOLZ: 4-11 TSR as a favorite

TEXAS at MINNESOTA, 7:10 PM ET
FELDMAN: 7-1 TSR in road night games
PAVANO: MIN 13-23 after allowing 2 runs or less

OAKLAND at LA ANGELS, 9:05 PM ET
MAZZARO: OAK 20-10 Over Away off an Over
WEAVER: LAA 6-11 at home vs. division

KANSAS CITY at SEATTLE, 10:10 PM ET
MECHE: 16-10 TSR as road underdog
SNELL: 1-10 TSR off team win

** (TC) Denotes Time Change

**pm530** · 08-29-2009, 12:24 PM

Sports news and notes....

Saturday, August 29

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Bettor's best friend : Today's wagering tips
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How’s it hangin’?

After shelling out $1.15 billion to build the new Cowboys Stadium, Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones won't have to fork over the estimated $2 million to raise the stadium's giant video screens. The NFL ruled Friday that the height of the screens, which were interfering with punts, fall within the league’s 85-foot rule and can remain in their current spot.

Any ball that hits the screens will be a ruled dead and the down will be replayed. You can bet your bankroll that the Cowboys’ special teams coaches are currently working on fielding line-drive punts. The Cowboys could have some big returns against the San Francisco 49ers tonight. The total is set at 38. But with good return yardage, the offenses could have a head start on scoring drives.

Kazmir gets his wings

The Los Angeles Angels added some insurance to their iffy pitching rotation when they acquired lefty Scott Kazmir from the Tampa Bay Rays Friday. Kazmir cleared waivers earlier this month and now brings his 8-7 record and 5.92 ERA to the best hitting team in baseball.

Kazmir may not jump directly into the Halos rotation but his impressive numbers against the rival Rangers (5-1, 2.28 ERA lifetime) and his postseason performances against the Yankees and Red Sox (4-0, 2.92 ERA vs. both) could come in handy if Los Angeles makes a deep playoff run.

The Angels are +350 to win the American League Pennant and +650 to win the World Series at betED.com.

Soggy Saturday

Mark Sanchez isn’t used to cold, wet weather. But that’s what the California kid will get when the Jets and Giants battle for Big Apple bragging rights. The forecast for Giants Stadium is calling for steady rain and thunder showers to continue through tonight’s preseason game. Sanchez and the Jets are priced as 3-point underdogs while the total has dropped to 36.

East Rutherford isn’t the only spot getting wet this weekend. The New York Yankees are hosting the Chicago White Sox, Toronto is at Boston and Atlanta is visiting Philadelphia. All those games are expected to get rained on Saturday. Down south, the Padres will be out of their element when they face the Marlins at LandShark Stadium. The area is expected to get thunder showers right around the first pitch.

The Barclays

Liberty National is also getting a ton of rain this weekend. Golfers complained about the weather Friday and will continue to grumble Saturday with more rain expected for The Barclays. The rain has made the greens hard and tough to read. It has also made the already-long 7,419-yard course play even longer.

Heading into Round 3, tour rookie Webb Simpson sits atop the leaderboard at 8-under par after firing a second-round 68. Betting favorite Tiger Woods starts Saturday tied for 17th at 1-over par. Woods has continued to struggle after his collapse at the PGA Championship last week. He shot a second-round 72 Friday after over-shooting greens and poor putting. He continues to snub reporters following his round.

No star power

WNBA fans (all five of them) should ask for a refund if they picked up tickets to tonight’s showdown between the Atlanta Dream and Seattle Storm. Two of the sports’ biggest stars could be sidelined with injuries.

Dream forward Chamique Holdsclaw is expect to miss Saturday’s game after having her knee scoped earlier this week. She sat out Thursday game against Detroit and according to Dream coach Marynell Meadors, “will miss a few games”.

Seattle could also be without their premier player Saturday. Forward Lauren Jackson is fighting through a sore back and is day-to-day. Jackson played against Connecticut Thursday, scoring 17 points. She underwent a bone scan Friday. The Storm have clinched a playoff spot in the West but still have a chance to win the conference.

Seattle is listed as a 5-point home favorite tonight.

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**Udog** · 08-29-2009, 12:26 PM

WNBA
Dunkel

Atlanta at Seattle
The Dream look to build on their 6-1-1 ATS record in their last 8 road games. Atlanta is the pick (+5) according to Dunkel, which has Seattle favored by 3 1/2. Dunkel Pick: Atlanta (+5). Here are all of today's picks.

SATURDAY, AUGUST 29

Game 601-602: Detroit at San Antonio
Dunkel Ratings: Detroit 107.119; San Antonio 112.899
Dunkel Line & Total: San Antonio by 6; 149 1/2
Vegas Line & Total: San Antonio by 3; 154
Dunkel Pick: San Antonio (-3); Under

Game 603-604: Sacramento at Indiana
Dunkel Ratings: Sacramento 106.851; Indiana 119.454
Dunkel Line & Total: Indiana by 12 1/2; 148 1/2
Vegas Line & Total: Indiana by 8; 147
Dunkel Pick: Indiana (-8); Over

Game 605-606: Connecticut at Phoenix
Dunkel Ratings: Connecticut 112.855; Phoenix 113.363
Dunkel Line & Total: Phoenix by 1; 183
Vegas Line & Total: Phoenix by 4 1/2; 180
Dunkel Pick: Connecticut (+4 1/2); Over

Game 607-608: Atlanta at Seattle
Dunkel Ratings: Atlanta 112.980; Seattle 116.596
Dunkel Line & Total: Seattle by 3 1/2; 153
Vegas Line & Total: Seattle by 5; 160
Dunkel Pick: Atlanta (+5); Under

WNBA
Long Sheet

Saturday, August 29

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

DETROIT (13 - 14) at SAN ANTONIO (11 - 17) - 8/29/2009, 3:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
SAN ANTONIO is 8-1 ATS (+6.9 Units) as a home favorite of 3 points or less over the last 2 seasons.
SAN ANTONIO is 3-10 ATS (-8.0 Units) against Eastern conference opponents this season.
SAN ANTONIO is 3-10 ATS (-8.0 Units) in non-conference games this season.
SAN ANTONIO is 2-8 ATS (-6.8 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
DETROIT is 5-3 against the spread versus SAN ANTONIO over the last 3 seasons
DETROIT is 5-3 straight up against SAN ANTONIO over the last 3 seasons
4 of 8 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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SACRAMENTO (9 - 20) at INDIANA (20 - 7) - 8/29/2009, 7:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
SACRAMENTO is 10-18 ATS (-9.8 Units) in all games this season.
SACRAMENTO is 4-13 ATS (-10.3 Units) after a division game this season.
SACRAMENTO is 2-11 ATS (-10.1 Units) after scoring 75 points or more this season.
INDIANA is 11-3 ATS (+7.7 Units) in home games in August or September games over the last 3 seasons.
INDIANA is 47-74 ATS (-34.4 Units) against Western conference opponents since 1997.
INDIANA is 47-74 ATS (-34.4 Units) in non-conference games since 1997.

Head-to-Head Series History
SACRAMENTO is 4-1 against the spread versus INDIANA over the last 3 seasons
SACRAMENTO is 3-2 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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CONNECTICUT (14 - 14) at PHOENIX (19 - 9) - 8/29/2009, 10:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
PHOENIX is 18-9 ATS (+8.1 Units) in all games this season.
PHOENIX is 23-13 ATS (+8.7 Units) as a favorite over the last 2 seasons.
PHOENIX is 124-87 ATS (+28.3 Units) in home games since 1997.
PHOENIX is 44-22 ATS (+19.8 Units) in home games in August or September games since 1997.
PHOENIX is 12-4 ATS (+7.6 Units) after a division game this season.
CONNECTICUT is 77-51 ATS (+20.9 Units) in road games since 1997.
CONNECTICUT is 37-17 ATS (+18.3 Units) in road games after a non-conference game since 1997.
CONNECTICUT is 8-1 ATS (+6.9 Units) revenging a loss versus opponent this season.
CONNECTICUT is 39-23 ATS (+13.7 Units) in road games when playing against a team with a winning record since 1997.
CONNECTICUT is 24-11 ATS (+11.9 Units) in road games when playing against a team with a winning record after 15+ games since 1997.

Head-to-Head Series History
PHOENIX is 3-2 against the spread versus CONNECTICUT over the last 3 seasons
PHOENIX is 4-1 straight up against CONNECTICUT over the last 3 seasons
3 of 5 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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ATLANTA (15 - 13) at SEATTLE (17 - 11) - 8/29/2009, 10:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
SEATTLE is 9-2 ATS (+6.8 Units) as a home favorite of 3.5 to 6 points over the last 2 seasons.
SEATTLE is 22-12 ATS (+8.8 Units) in home games over the last 2 seasons.
SEATTLE is 16-7 ATS (+8.3 Units) after a non-conference game over the last 2 seasons.
SEATTLE is 13-4 ATS (+8.6 Units) in home games when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.
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 8-1 ATS (+6.9 Units) in road games against Western conference opponents over the last 2 seasons.
ATLANTA is 12-5 ATS (+6.5 Units) after a division game this season.
ATLANTA is 8-1 ATS (+6.9 Units) in road games in non-conference games over the last 2 seasons.
ATLANTA is 9-1 ATS (+7.9 Units) in road games after scoring 75 points or more over the last 2 seasons.
ATLANTA is 8-1 ATS (+6.9 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record this season.

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

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WNBA

Saturday, August 29

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Lady Luck: Today's WNBA best bets
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Detroit Shock at San Antonio Silver Stars (-2.5, 154)

The defending-champion Detroit Shock have gone from a team on the brink of a lost season amid a slew of injuries and a coaching change, to one on the brink of salvaging its season with a late surge.

The San Antonio Silver Spurs have watched a once-promising season fade away due to a prolonged and ill-timed losing streak.

Detroit heads into San Antonio with a four-game winning streak while playing its best basketball of the season. The reeling Silver Spurs have lost six of seven to fall out of the playoff picture.

Deanna Nolan scored 29 points as the Shock beat the Atlanta Dream 87-83 Thursday night to take possession of the final playoff spot in the Eastern Conference. Detroit (13-14) leads Chicago and Washington by a half game.

“We’ve got our mojo back,” Nolan said. “It’s great to have gotten to fourth, and we’re still in reach of second and third.”

The Silver Spurs (11-17) appear to have lost their mojo during a disastrous stretch in which they have dropped four of their past five home games. A win against Detroit might help them salvage some of it, but don’t bet on it.

Pick: Detroit +2.5

Atlanta Dream at Seattle Storm (-5, 160)

In just the franchise’s second year of existence, the Atlanta Dream already have exceeded expectations by producing a winning season and taking a comfortable hold on the second spot in the Eastern Conference playoff race.

The battle-tested Seattle Storm have battled inconsistency, but are playing their playoff-caliber basketball at the right time.

The Storm (17-11) secured a playoff berth with Thursday’s win over the Connecticut Sun, and are looking to improve their playoff position with a strong finish.

“We’re starting to play the type of basketball we need to play going into the playoffs,” said Storm forward Swin Cash, who finished with 17 points and nine rebounds. “You look at the West and Seattle has been that consistent team that’s been in the playoffs. Now, it’s just time to get over that hump.”

The Dream (15-13) went on a tear after the All-Star break, winning seven of eight games to surge into the playoff picture. But Atlanta has lost two of three during a brutal stretch run in which it plays six of its last seven on the road.

The Dream lost a double-digit lead to the Detroit Shock Thursday before succumbing 87-83. They head to Seattle banged up after a physical affair in Detroit that had coach Marynell Meadors fuming afterward.

She criticized the officiating, and referred to the Shock players as “bullies.”

Pick: Seattle -5

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Announcement

Saturday Trends and Indexes 8/29 (MLB, WNBA, CFL, Misc.)

Saturday Trends and Indexes 8/29 (MLB, WNBA, CFL, Misc.)

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