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**pm530** · 09-30-2009, 05:48 AM

Daily Sports Roundup

Wednesday, September 30

Today in the Daily Sports Roundup: The Twins and Tigers continue their series in Detroit, the BoSox play host to the Blue Jays, and Hawaii meets Louisiana Tech.

Colliding on the gridiron . . .

There's one college football game on the schedule for Wednesday night, with Hawaii at Louisiana Tech. The Warriors picked up their first loss of the season last time out, falling 34-33 to UNLV. The Bulldogs, meanwhile, had no trouble with Nicholls State in their last contest, winning 48-13 to record their first victory of the season. The oddsmakers have set Louisiana Tech as the 3.5-point home favorite for Wednesday night. Hawaii won their last meeting 24-14 back in 2008.

Meeting up on the diamond . . .

The key Twins/Tigers series continues in Detroit on Wednesday night, with Carl Pavano (13-11, 4.86 ERA) set to match up against Eddie Bonine (0-1, 4.60 ERA). Righthander Pavano pitched his team to a win over the Tigers back on September 19, allowing just two runs over his seven innings of work. Righthander Bonine took a hard-luck loss against the White Sox in his most recent trip to the mound, giving up two unearned runs over 6 2-3 innings pitched.

Also on the American League schedule for Wednesday: the White Sox at Cleveland, Kansas City at the Yankees, Baltimore at Tampa Bay, Texas at the Angels, Oakland at Seattle, and Toronto at Boston. Ace Roy Halladay (16-10, 2.90 ERA) gets the start for Toronto; the righthander tossed a shutout against the Mariners last time out. Knuckleballer Tim Wakefield (11-4, 4.33 ERA) goes for the BoSox; the righthander has allowed 10 runs over his last 18 innings pitched.

Over in the National League it'll be Houston at Philadelphia on Wednesday night, as Brian Moehler (8-11, 5.21 ERA) faces Cliff Lee (7-3, 3.28 ERA). Righthander Moehler was pounded by the Reds in his last trip to the mound, surrendering seven earned runs on eight hits over his 2 1-3 innings pitched. Lee is also coming off a bad outing; the lefthander was knocked around for seven earned runs on nine hits over his six innings of work against the Brewers in his last start.

The Pirates and Cubs will play a doubleheader in Chicago on Wednesday, while St. Louis is in Cincinnati. Rounding out the NL slate: the Mets at Washington, Milwaukee at Colorado, the Dodgers at San Diego, Arizona at San Francisco, and Florida at Atlanta. Ricky Nolasco (12-9, 5.28 ERA) will take on Javier Vazquez (15-9, 2.83 ERA) in that last matchup. Righthander Vazquez will be gunning for his fifth straight win; Atlanta is 7-3 over his last 10 trips to the mound.

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**pm530** · 09-30-2009, 05:49 AM

Bettor's best friend: Today's helpful tips

Wednesday, September 30

Tiger's tale

In a crucial matchup with the Minnesota Twins, the Detroit Tigers are going with rookie righthander Eddie Bonine, who is making just his ninth major league start. Bonine is 0-1 in three starts this year, but the Tigers are 2-1 in those games, primarily because Bonine has a 3.06 ERA and a 1.25 WHIP in 17 2-3 innings. Detroit is +109 with a total of 9.5.

A long, strange trip

Here is Hawaii's itinerary leading up to its game at Louisiana Tech: On Monday, the Warriors flew into Dallas against the time zones and practiced there Monday night and Tuesday. After Tuesday's practice, they flew to Monroe, La., and spent the night there. On Wednesday, they will make a 30-minute drive from Monroe to Ruston, the site of Louisiana Tech's campus. Hawaii is getting 3.5 points and has covered its first two games on the mainland. The total is 56.

Right man for the Joba?

New York Yankees righthander Joba Chamberlain makes what likely will be his last start for some time when he faces the Kansas City Royals. Chamberlain will be used out of the bullpen in the AL Division Series before returning to the rotation if the Yankees advance.

Chamberlain pitched six innings in Friday's win over Boston, his first outing since Aug. 16 of more than four innings. The Yankees have been trying to limit his innings, which are at a career-high 152 2-3 entering his final start. Since going on the "Joba Rules" in mid-August, Chamberlain is 1-4 with a 7.64 ERA. The Yankees are -175 with a total of 9.5.

Dwight not right

Indianapolis Colts defensive end Dwight Freeney, the leader of the team's pass rush, reportedly will miss at least two weeks with a right quadriceps injury. Freeney is third in the NFL with four sacks - registering at least one in each game - and the Colts are tied for eighth with seven sacks.

Two of those belong to fellow defensive end Robert Mathis, who figures to see the double-teams normally reserved for Freeney. There is no line yet on the Seattle-Indianapolis matchup Sunday, likely because Seahawks quarterback Matt Hasselbeck remains questionable.

Lilly of the (Wrigley) Field

Chicago Cubs lefthander Ted Lilly has endured knee and shoulder injuries but has been the team's most consistent starter this season. When working at Wrigley Field, Lilly has been almost untouchable. He is 8-1 with a 1.60 ERA and a startling 0.91 WHIP in 12 home starts, and the Cubs are 11-1 in those games.

The Cubs haven't lost at home with Lilly on the mound since April 22, when they were shut out by Cincinnati. The Cubs are -270 against the Pittsburgh Pirates.

Go West, young man

Did you know NBA teams started practicing Tuesday? Neither did Cleveland Cavaliers guard Delonte West, who was absent without an excuse from the team's first day of practice.

West, who admitted to bouts of depression last year and was arrested on weapons charges recently, was at Media Day on Monday, saying he was taking his medication and everything was fine. West is Cleveland's starting shooting guard and averaged 11.7 points last season. The Cavaliers are 3-1 to win the NBA championship.

Vote for Pedro

Philadelphia Phillies righthander Pedro Martinez makes his first start in 11 days, finally recovered from a neck injury. The Phillies won the first seven starts made by Martinez before he lost his last start, working just three innings. This will be Martinez's last start until the playoffs, where he may get the nod over J.A. Happ or Jamie Moyer as the fourth starter. The Phillies are -300 against the visiting Houston Astros.

Notable quotable

"Anybody that was there would tell you that it was a beautiful event and it was real. I don’t need that (publicity). I get enough with the Lakers. I do well for myself."

-- Los Angeles Lakers forward Lamar Odom, responding to suggestions that his weekend wedding to reality show personality Khloe Kardashian was a publicity stunt.

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**pm530** · 09-30-2009, 05:50 AM

Six-pack for Wednesday

Odds to win the 2010 Stanley Cup playoffs

-- Detroit Red Wings, 7-2

-- San Jose Sharks, 7-1

-- Pittsburgh Penguins, 7-1

-- Washington Capitals, 10-1

-- Chicago Blackhawks, 10-1

-- Boston Bruins, 10-1

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Wednesday's List of 13: Random thoughts as September ends.....

13) Catcher Chris Lannetta hit a 2-run homer in the 11th inning, as the Colorado Rockies put a very large nail in the Atlanta Braves' coffin with a 7-5 win over the Brewers at Coors Field. 8th walkoff win of the year for Colorado, which now leads the Braves by 3 games in Wild Card race.

12) If Colorado makes the playoffs, it'll be tenth year in a row that the Rockies' Jason Marquis will be on a team that made the playoffs. He's a free agent this winter, so lot of teams will want him just for that.

11) Justin Verlander got Detroit a split of its twinbill with Minnesota, so the Tigers' lead in AL Central remains at two games.

10) In two home games this season, Arizona Cardinals haven't scored a TD in first half of either game, getting outscored 34-9 before halftime.

9) The last eight times they got inside opponents' 20-yard line, Patriots have scored one TD, kicked seven field goals. That's not good.

8) Was surprised to learn last week there are at least four artificial turf football fields at high schools in this area, which is not anything close to a high school football hotbed. Where's all that money coming from?

7) There was a high school football game last week between Lakeland and de la Salle. Lakeland is in Florida, de la Salle is in California. Where does a game like this come from? Who pays for the travel costs?

6) According to the analyst on Colorado Rockies games, 39% of leadoff walks in the major leagues wound up scoring this season.

5) If you look at the football teams in the Big 11 and their non-league schedules, you'll see that underdogs are 17-8 vs spread in those games.

4) Big weekend up in Minnesota/Wisconsin area-- not only does Favre go up against the Packers Monday night, but Gophers-Badgers go at it on Saturday in Minnesota's new outdoor stadium. Good weekend there.

3) Tough start for New Mexico football coach Mike Locksley, who has already been hit with sexual harassment and assault charges before he's even won a game with the 0-4 Lobos. Locksley got into a scuffle with an assistant coach, which seems to be happening more these days. Losing to in-state rival (and perennial loser) New Mexico State is even worse.

2) Looks like the NBA will start the season using replacement referees; as much as I dislike a lot of the way the league was run before this, there is no freakin' way I'll buy the NBA package this year. Basketball is my favorite sport, but the NBA caters to stars too much, at the expense of the game itself. Now they're busting the refs' balls. Terrific.

1) "Minicycles of opportunity" That's a phrase Cleveland Indian GM Mark Shapiro used to describe the plight of small market baseball teams in today's world. Makes me feel real optimistic about my A's. Ugh.

From: Armadillo
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**pm530** · 09-30-2009, 05:54 AM

NHL conference preview: Flyers new beasts of the East

The new hockey season starts Thursday, so we thought it'd be a good idea to get the help of a hockey expert. Dustin Nielson, who covers the Edmonton Oilers, says there is a new beast in the East this season.

Last year’s lowest scoring team

The New York Islanders were dead last in the goals for in the Eastern Conference last year averaging just 2.42 goals per game, slightly less than the Rangers. Despite not scoring often, the Islanders were still 45-34-3 on the over/under.

This year’s best under bet

The Florida Panthers will be a team to follow closely on the under this season. Last season, the Panthers finished under the total 43 times including a record of 14-24-2 over/under on home ice. In the offseason, the Panthers lost power-play quarterback Jay Bouwmeester to the Calgary Flame,s which is not good for a team that ranked 24th with the man advantage. They also added Scott Clemensen to back up Tomas Vokoun, which means there will fewer weak nights between the Panthers’ pipes. Honourable mention to the Devils with Jacques Lemaire back behind the bench and a healthy Martin Brodeur.

Last year’s highest-scoring team

The Boston Bruins averaged 3.52 goals per game last season which was good enough for tops in the Eastern Conference. Last week, they traded Phil Kessel, who scored 36 times last year, to the Leafs so they will have to find those goals elsewhere in the lineup.

This year’s best over bet

Nothing against the Washington Capitals but I have to go with the Thrashers being the best over bet simply because of their inability to keep the puck out of their own net. The Thrashers allowed 280 goals last season and have done nothing to address the problem during the past four months. Watch for the Thrashers to lose a lot of 4-2 and 5-3 games this season.

Most improved team

The Senators may have been forced to trade Dany Heatley but overall, they look a lot better than last year. In exchange for Heatley, the Senators picked up two top-six forwards in Milan Michalek and Jonathan Cheechoo. The free-agent signing of Alex Kovalev gives the Senators the best depth they’ve had offensively in a long time. After missing the majority of last season with an injury, Pascal Leclaire is healthy and ready to give the Senators the best goaltending they’ve had since Patrick Lalime.

Team that will take the biggest step back this season

The New Jersey Devils, unlike several other teams below them in the standings, did very little to improve over the offseason. The Devils lost key forwards Brian Gionta and John Madden to unrestricted free agency and simply did not replace them. The loss of Gionta will hurt because they have never been a team that scored a lot of goals in the first place. With the Sabres, Senators, Lightning, Canadiens and Leafs all improving, the Devils will be in a fight for one of the final two or three playoffs spots in the Eastern Conference.

Best offseason acquisition

The Philadelphia Flyers have had two major problems over the past couple of seasons: Crosby and Malkin. Philly found the best possible solution to the problem by acquiring Chris Pronger from the Anaheim Ducks. The addition of Pronger gives the Flyers one of the top five defences in the NHL, which should have the elite forwards in the Eastern Conference thinking twice about heading to the front of the net in Philly. The Flyers paid a pretty price to get their hands on Pronger but if he leads them to a Stanley Cup, it will be worth it.

Pick to win conference

There isn’t much not to like about a Flyers team that spent the summer addressing their weaknesses. On top of the addition of Pronger, the Flyers also revamped their goaltending by rescuing Ray Emery from Russia and giving Brian Boucher a chance to prove he still belongs in the NHL. Emery and Boucher will basically be charged with the task to not lose games rather than win them on their own.

Up front the Flyers have one of the best one-two punches in the league in Mike Richards and Jeff Carter. Youngsters Claude Giroux and James van Riemsdyk are both expected to be big time offensive forwards and should contribute this season. Grit and toughness shouldn’t be a problem up front either as players like Scott Hartnell, Daniel Carcillo and newly signed Ian Laperriere can look after their fellow forwards.

The Capitals and Penguins are both highly skilled, the Bruins are solid at both ends of the ice but the Flyers are the most complete team in the Eastern Conference and have a great shot finishing at the top.

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

NHL conference preview: Best bets in the West

The new hockey season starts Thursday, so we thought it'd be a good idea to get the help of a hockey expert. Dustin Nielson, who covers the Edmonton Oilers, breaks down how the West will be won this season.

Last year’s lowest scoring team:

The Colorado Avalanche were a league worst putting the puck in the back of the net last year averaging just 2.32 goals per game. The Avs finished with a 36-45-1 over/under record, including 16-25 away from the Pepsi Center in Denver.

This year’s best under bet:

Thanks to a coaching change and a new style of play the Minnesota Wild are no longer a lock to be the best looking under bet in the Western Conference. Instead that title should be passed on to the Nashville Predators. The Preds struggled scoring last season and were unable to pick up any offensive help during the summer.

Nashville has a solid blue line and Finnish goaltender Pekka Rinne turned a lot of heads last year, so opposition totals should be low. A combination of lack of offense and good goaltending will lead to a number of under games for Nashville this year.

Last year’s highest-scoring team:

The Red Wings were far and away the most offensive team in the West scoring at a clip of 3.52 goals per game. The Wings were tops in the Conference finishing above the total 46 times. Losing perennial 35-goal scorer Marian Hossa could hurt Detroit offense this year.

This year’s best over bet:

The Chicago Blackhawks’ young stars have another year of experience under their belt and the team added Hossa to the mix. Hossa will miss the first part of the season due to an injury but when he is healthy this team has the potential to put up four goals a game on a regular basis.

The Hawks let free agent goalie Nikolai Khabibulin walk away during the offseason. Cristobal Huet is good but he’s a steep down between the pipes. Huet has been known to allow soft goals which could mean a lot of 6-4 contests.

Most improved team:
Despite trading Chris Pronger, the Anaheim Ducks (+1700 to win the Cup) should be the most improved team in the Western Conference. Scott Niedermayer returns for another season on the backend and will be joined by Ryan Whitney for a full season along with youngster Luca Sbisa, who was a key part of the Pronger trade.

The Ducks offensive punch will pack a wallop in 2009-10. Second year forward Bobby Ryan will line up with Ryan Getzlaf and Corey Perry to form one of the best lines in the league. Former Canadiens captain Saku Koivu will provide some much-needed secondary playmaking centering a line with Joffrey Lupul and fellow Finn Teemu Selanne.

Jonas Hillier and Jean-Sebastien Giguere are both proven commodities in net. The club will be in good shape with whichever masked man wins the top job.

Team that will take the biggest step back this season:

Minnesota Wild new coach Todd Richards plans on changing the team’s style of play. The Wild have played a tight defensive game that involved little risk in the offensive zone for what seems like forever.

Richards plans on having his team play a more aggressive attacking style but it doesn’t have the personnel to be successful in the first year.

Best offseason acquisition:

The Calgary Flames have put together a fantastically talented trio of defensemen. The Flames managed to trade for and sign Jay Bouwmeester prior to the July 1 free agent frenzy, taking the most sought after commodity off the market. The Flames can now have an All-Star defenseman on the ice whenever they want with Bouwmeester joining Dion Phaneuf and Robyn Regehr.

Pick to win conference:

They may not be able to win anything when it really matters but the San Jose Sharks (+875 to win the Cup) are money in the regular season.

The Sharks went out and picked up disgruntled sniper Dany Heatley from the Ottawa Senators just prior to the beginning of training camp. Heatley has the ability to score 55 goals playing with elite set up man Joe Thornton. Devon Setoguchi will continue to develop into one of the games most consistent finishers while Patrick Marleau has something to prove after having the captaincy taken away by head coach Todd McLellan.

The Sharks should have no problem dismantling their division and this will be the year it finally translates into postseason success.
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**pm530** · 09-30-2009, 05:54 AM

MLB
Baseball Today

SCOREBOARD

Wednesday, September 30

Minnesota at Detroit (7:05 p.m. EDT). Twins scheduled starter Carl Pavano is 3-0 with a 1.61 ERA in three starts at Comerica Park this season.

STARS

Tuesday

-Adam Lind, Blue Jays, hit three homers to lead Toronto to an 8-7 victory over Boston.

-Heath Bell, Padres, celebrated his 32nd birthday with a perfect ninth inning for his NL-best 41st save in 47 chances, striking out Manny Ramirez, Matt Kemp and James Loney to preserve San Diego's 3-1 victory over the Los Angeles Dodgers.

-Pedro Feliz, Phillies, hit a grand slam to lead Philadelphia to a 7-4 win over Houston.

-Dan Uggla and Cameron Maybin, Marlins, each homered as Florida cooled off Atlanta with a 5-4 victory.

-Bengie Molina, Giants, homered twice and drove in four runs in San Francisco's 8-4 victory over Arizona.

-Jay Bruce, Reds, homered twice and had a career-high five RBIs to power Cincinnati to a 7-2 victory over St. Louis.

-Ryan Dempster, Cubs, pitched a five-hitter for his third career shutout, leading Chicago to a 6-0 win over Pittsburgh.

-Ken Griffey Jr., Mariners, hit homer No. 628, a three-run shot, to lead Seattle to a 6-4 win over Oakland.

BACKING IN

The Blue Jays hit six homers - three for Adam Lind - to beat the Red Sox 8-7 to send them to their fifth consecutive loss. But Boston backed into the AL wild-card berth when the Angels beat the Rangers 5-2 and eliminated Texas from the race. Boston celebrated its sixth playoff berth in seven years in the usual way: with spraying beer, commemorative hats and T-shirts, and the customary promises that they will play better once the postseason begins.

ONE BIG HIT

Pinch-hitter Chris Iannetta hit a two-run homer off David Weathers in the 11th inning to give Colorado a 7-5 victory over Milwaukee. Iannetta sent a 3-2 fastball into the Rockies' bullpen in right-center for his 16th homer and first career game-ending drive. The Rockies widened their NL wild-card lead to three games over Atlanta with five games remaining.

HOLD UP

Tony Gwynn Jr. homered as the San Diego Padres beat Los Angeles 3-1, keeping the Dodgers from clinching their second straight NL West title. The Dodgers have lost three straight since securing a playoff spot on Saturday night. Colorado didn't do the Dodgers any favors, beating Milwaukee 7-5 in 11 innings. Tuesday's results forced the Dodgers to keep on ice the champagne they'd lugged with them from Pittsburgh, where they lost three of four to the lowly Pirates.

ON A ROLL

Little-used Juan Miranda's base hit in the ninth inning gave the Yankees a 4-3 win over Kansas City. Following their major league-best 15th walk-off win, the Yankees (102-56) are 46 games over .500 for the first time since finishing 114-48 in 1998.

SAVE RECORD

Brian Fuentes worked the ninth of the Angels' 5-2 win over Texas for his major league-leading 46th save, a career high and a new AL record for the most saves by a pitcher in his first season with a team. Joe Borowski had 45 for Cleveland in 2007.

JUST MISSED IT

Cardinals slugger Albert Pujols, who began Tuesday with an NL record-tying five grand slams this season, just missed another one when he hit a sacrifice fly in the fifth inning that Reds center fielder Willy Taveras caught just short of the warning track. Pujols went 1 for 3 in St. Louis' 7-2 loss, leaving him with a .328 batting average.

SHORTSTOP SIGNED

The agent for Dominican shortstop Miguel Sano says the Minnesota Twins have agreed to sign his client for a bonus of $3.15 million. Sano is 6-foot-3 and 210 pounds. His favorite player is Florida's Hanley Ramirez.

SEASON OVER

The Texas Rangers shut down outfielder Josh Hamilton for the remainder of the season to rest the pinched nerve in his back. Hamilton has missed 21 of the Rangers' past 23 games with a back problem related to injuries from a crash into an outfield fence. Hamilton hit .268 with 10 homers and 54 RBIs this season while missing long stretches with injuries.

LONG SKID

The Orioles lost 3-1 to Tampa Bay for their 12th straight loss. The slide is the longest in the majors this season. Tampa Bay (Sept. 3-13) and Cleveland (Sept. 13-24) both had 11-game skids. It is Baltimore's longest slump since dropping 12 in a row Aug. 16-28, 2004. The Orioles (60-97) are a season-worst 37 games under .500.

SPEAKING

"I basically told him, 'I don't have anybody better than you.' That's the line I usually use and with him, I mean it.'' - Tigers manager Jim Leyland on what he said to Justin Verlander when he visited the mound during the Twins' two-run eighth inning. Verlander finished the eighth and Detroit went on to win 6-5.

SEASONS

Sept. 30

1927 - Babe Ruth hit his 60th home run of the season in the eighth inning off Tom Zachary to lead the New York Yankees to a 4-2 victory over the Washington Senators.

1934 - Dizzy Dean beat the Cincinnati Reds, 9-0, for his 30th victory of the year as the St. Louis Cardinals clinched the NL pennant.

1947 - In the first televised World Series, the New York Yankees beat the Brooklyn Dodgers, 5-3, in the opening game.

1951 - Jackie Robinson homered in the 14th inning to give the Brooklyn Dodgers a 9-8 victory over the Philadelphia Phillies, tying the New York Giants for first place in the National League and forcing a playoff.

1962 - Willie Mays homered to give the San Francisco Giants a 2-1 victory over the Houston Colt 45s in the season's final day. That, coupled with the Los Angeles Dodgers' 1-0 loss to the St. Louis Cardinals, forced a playoff for the NL pennant. The Giants won in three games.

1972 - Roberto Clemente doubled off Jon Matlack during Pittsburgh's 5-0 victory over the New York Mets. The hit was the 3,000th and last for the Pirates star, who was killed in a plane crash during the offseason.

1984 - California's Mike Witt tossed 97 pitches in a perfect game against the Texas Rangers, winning 1-0.

1988 - Orel Hershiser of the Los Angeles Dodgers broke Don Drysdale's record of 58 consecutive scoreless innings by shutting out San Diego for 10 innings. The Padres won in the 16th inning, 2-1. Hershiser, who extended his streak to 59 innings, had five consecutive shutout victories in September.

1988 - Dave Stieb of the Toronto Blue Jays lost a no-hit bid with two outs in the ninth for the second consecutive start and finished with a 4-0 one-hitter over the Baltimore Orioles. Stieb faced the minimum 26 batters until Jim Trabor lined a single down the right-field line about 3 feet from the glove of first baseman Fred McGriff.

1992 - George Brett became the 18th player to get 3,000 hits in the Kansas City Royals' 4-0 win over the California Angels.

1995 - Albert Belle of the Cleveland Indians hit his 50th home run of the season and became the only player in history to hit 50 homers and 50 doubles in the same season.

1997 - Tim Raines, Derek Jeter and Paul O'Neill hit consecutive homers in the sixth inning against Cleveland, making the New York Yankees the first team to hit three straight homers in a postseason game. O'Neill's homer made it 8-6, the final score of the Yankees' Game 1 victory in the AL division series.

1998 - John Smoltz became the winningest pitcher in postseason history, allowing five hits in 7 2-3 innings as the Atlanta Braves cruised to a 7-1 victory over the Chicago Cubs in Game 1 of their NL Divisional Playoff series.

2004 - Cincinnati Reds slugger Adam Dunn set the major league record for strikeouts in one season with 190 when he fanned in his first two at-bats against the Chicago Cubs. Dunn struck out against Chicago starter Mark Prior in the second and fourth innings, breaking the previous mark for whiffs of 189 set by Bobby Bonds in 1970.

2004 - The New York Yankees clinched their seventh straight AL East title, beating the playoff-bound Minnesota Twins 6-4 for their 100th victory of the season.

2005 - Ichiro Suzuki became the sixth player in major league history to collect 200 hits in five straight seasons in Seattle's 4-1 win over Oakland.

2007 - The New York Mets missed the playoffs when Tom Glavine was tagged for seven runs during the first inning of a season-ending 8-1 loss to Florida. No major league team had owned a lead of seven games or more with 17 to play and failed to finish in first place. New York, which had that margin on Sept. 12, matched the largest lead blown in September. The 1938 Pittsburgh Pirates (Sept. 1) and 1934 New York Giants (Sept. 6) also led by seven games in the final month only to tailspin. New York's loss coupled with Philadelphia's 6-1 win over Washington gave the division title to the Phillies.

2008 - John Danks pitched eight innings of two-hit ball to help the Chicago White Sox beat the Minnesota Twins 1-0 in a 163rd-game tiebreaker for the division title. Jim Thome homered and Ken Griffey Jr. threw out a runner at the plate with a tough tag by A.J. Pierzynski. The White Sox joined the Cubs in the postseason, the first time since 1906 that both Chicago teams are in.

Today's birthdays: Seth Smith 27; Carlos Guillen 34

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**pm530** · 09-30-2009, 05:55 AM

MLB
This Day in Baseball

On September 30 in Baseball History...

1927 - Babe Ruth hit his 60th home run of the season in the eighth inning off Tom Zachary to lead the New York Yankees to a 4-2 victory over the Washington Senators.

1928 - In Washington's 9-1 win over the Browns, Goose Goslin gets two hits for the third day in a row to edge Browns outfielder Heinie Manush .379 to .378 for his only batting title in an 18-year career.

1934 - Dizzy Dean beat the Cincinnati Reds 9-0, for his 30th victory of the year as the St. Louis Cardinals clinched the National League pennant.

1936 - In the World Series opener, Carl Hubbell scatters seven hits and limits the Yankees to a solo home run by George Selkirk. The Giants take a decisive 6-1 win.

1945 - Hank Greenberg's grand-slam home run in the ninth inning on the final day of the season beats the St. Louis Browns 6-3 and clinches the American League pennant for the Detroit Tigers. Virgil Trucks, discharged three days earlier from the Navy, is the starter, with Hal Newhouser relieving in the fifth.

1947 - In the first televised World Series, the New York Yankees beat the Brooklyn Dodgers 5-3 in the opening game.

1949 - Ralph Kiner hits his 54th homer and 16th in September, as the Pirates beat Herm Wehmeier and the Reds 3-2. The monthly total eclipses Cy Williams' 1923 National League mark.

1951 - Jackie Robinson homered in the 14th inning to give the Brooklyn Dodgers a 9-8 victory over the Philadelphia Phillies, tying the New York Giants for first place in the National League and forcing a playoff.

1954 - With lefty Johnny Antonelli going the distance, the Giants defeat Early Wynn and the Indians 3-1 in Game two of the World Series. Dusty Rhodes drives in all the Giants' runs with a pinch-hit single and a solo home run. Cleveland's only score is a first-pitch home run by leadoff hitter Al Smith.

1955 - Johnny Podres defeats Bob Turley, who fails to last two innings as the Dodgers win Game three of the World Series over the Yankees 8-3.

1956 - White Sox hurler Jim Derrington becomes the youngest pitcher in modern history to start a game. He loses to Kansas City 7-6 at the age of 16 years and 10 months.

1962 - Willie Mays homered to give the San Francisco Giants a 2-1 victory over the Houston Colt. 45s in the season's final day. That, coupled with the Los Angeles Dodgers' 1-0 loss to the St. Louis Cardinals, forced a playoff for the National League pennant. The Giants won in three games.

1971 - The Senators, in their final game in Washington, hold a 7-5 lead over the Yankees with two outs in the ninth. Fans then swarm onto the field, causing the game to be forfeited to the Yanks.

1972 - Roberto Clemente doubled off Jon Matlack during Pittsburgh's 5-0 victory over the New York Mets. The hit was the 3,000th and last for the Pirates star right fielder, who was killed in a plane crash during the offseason.

1978 - The Phillies overcome a first-inning grand slam by Willie Stargell to beat the Pirates 10-8 and finally clinch the National League East title. Winning pitcher Randy Lerch contributes two home runs to his cause. The loss snaps the Pirates' streak of 24 straight wins at Three Rivers Stadium.

1980 - A's outfielder Rickey Henderson sets the American League single-season stolen base record with his 98th in a 5-1 win over the White Sox, breaking Ty Cobb's record of 96 set in 1915. Henderson will finish the season with one-hundred stolen bases.

1981 - In the last major-league game at Minnesota's Metropolitan Stadium, Kansas City clinches at least a tie for the American League West second-half title with a 5-2 win over the Twins. Next season, the Twins will play in the brand-new Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome in downtown Minneapolis.

1984 - California's Mike Witt pitched a 1-0 perfect game against the Texas Rangers.

1988 - Orel Hershiser of the Los Angeles Dodgers broke Don Drysdale's record of 58 consecutive scoreless innings by shutting out San Diego for 10 innings. The Padres won in the 16th inning, 2-1.

1988 - Dave Stieb of the Toronto Blue Jays lost a no-hit bid with two outs in the ninth for the second consecutive start, and finished with a 4-0 one-hitter over the Baltimore Orioles. Stieb faced the minimum 26 batters until Jim Trabor lined a single down the right-field line about 3 feet from the glove of first baseman Fred McGriff.

1989 - Nolan Ryan strikes out 13 Angels in a 2-0 three-hitter to raise his season total to 301. It is his sixth 300-strikeout season but his first since 1977.

1990 - The White Sox beat Seattle 2-1 in the last game played at historic Comiskey Park, which is to be torn down after eighty seasons of major-league ball. Chicago will play next season at the new Comiskey Park located across the street.

1992 - George Brett became the 18th player to get 3,000 hits in the Kansas City Royals' 4-0 win over the California Angels.

1995 - Albert Belle of the Cleveland Indians hit his 50th home run of the season and became the first to hit 50 homers and 50 doubles in the same season.

1997 - Tim Raines, Derek Jeter and Paul O'Neill hit consecutive homers in the sixth inning against Cleveland, making the New York Yankees the first team to hit three straight homers in a postseason game. O'Neill's homer made it 8-6, the final score of the Yankees' Game 1 victory in the American League division series.

1998 - John Smoltz became the winningest pitcher in postseason history, allowing only five hits in 7 2/3 innings as the Atlanta Braves cruised to a 7-1 victory over the Chicago Cubs in Game 1 of their National League divisional playoff series.

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**pm530** · 09-30-2009, 05:56 AM

MLB
Write-up

Wednesday, September 30

Hot Pitchers
-- Redding has a 3.32 RA in his last three starts. Lannan has 2.84 RA in his last three starts.
-- Martinez is 3-1, 2.36 in his last five starts.
-- Vazquez is 5-0, 1.62 in his last six starts.
-- Arroyo is 4-2, 1.58 in his last nine starts. Smoltz has 3.18 RA in his six starts for St Louis.
-- Zambrano is 2-0, 2.81 in his last five starts. Lilly is 3-0, 1.54 in his last five starts.
-- Padres won eight of eleven Richard starts. Garland is 2-1, 2.70 in his last three starts.
-- Penny is 2-0, 2.05 in three home starts for the Giants.

-- Halladay is 3-2, 1.80 in his last five starts.
-- Tejeda is 3-1, 2.70 in five starts this season.
-- Twins won last four Pavano starts (2-0, 3.42).

Cold Pitchers
-- Nolasco has a 5.53 RA in his last seven starts. Morton is 1-3, 5.04 in his last four starts.
-- Karstens is 1-2, 5.18 in his last six starts.
-- Hammel is 1-1, 4.13 in his last five starts. Suppan is 1-3, 5.79 in his last four starts.
-- Mulvey is 0-2, 8.36 in three starts this season.

-- Masterson is 0-5, 7.11 in his last six starts. Torres is 1-1, 6.35 in four starts this season. Buehrle is 0-3, 6.75 in his last three starts. Carmona is 1-4, 9.42 in his last six starts.
-- Bonine is 0-1, 4.09 in three starts this season.
-- Chamberlain is 1-4, 8.03 in his last nine starts.
-- DHernandez is 0-5, 7.58 in his last eight starts. Shields is 1-2, 6.40 in his last four starts.
-- Wakefield is 0-1, 5.00 in his last three starts.
-- Bell is 1-1, 10.80 in four starts for the Angels. Holland is 1-5, 11.05 in his last six starts.
-- Mortensen is 2-3, 7.42 in five starts for Oakland. Morrow has a 5.35 RA in his last seven starts.

Hot Teams
-- Reds won seven of their last eight games.
-- Braves won 15 of their last 18 games.
-- Cubs won seven of their last nine games.
-- Colorado won 13 of its last 17 home games. Brewers won six of last nine road games.
-- Padres won seven of their last ten games.
-- Giants are 5-7 in their last twelve home games.

-- Indians, White Sox both won three of their last four games.
-- Bronx is 15-3 in its last eighteen home games.
-- Tigers won six of their last nine games. Twins won 12 of their last 15 games.
-- Rays won six of their last seven home games.
-- Toronto won eight of its last nine games.
-- Oakland won 16 of its last 22 games, but lost last two.
-- Angels won their last three games, scoring 23 runs.

Cold Teams
-- Nationals lost 10 of their last 14 games, but won last two. Mets lost 21 of their last 28 road games.
-- Marlins lost three of their last five games.
-- Cardinals lost four of their last five games.
-- Pirates lost 17 of their last 18 road games.
-- Astros lost 12 of their last 15 games. Phillies lost five of their last eight games.
-- Dodgers lost four of their last five games.
-- Arizona lost six of their last eight games.

-- Royals lost six of their last seven games.
-- Orioles lost their last twelve games in a row.
-- Red Sox lost seven of their last nine games.
-- Rangers lost 11 of their last 16 games.
-- Mariners lost four of their last six games.

Totals
-- Four of last five Redding starts stayed under the total.
-- Seven of last eight Moehler starts stayed under the total.
-- Over is 8-3-1 in last twelve Vazquez starts.
-- Nine of last ten Arroyo starts stayed under the total.
-- Three of last four Zambrano starts went over the total. Last seven Lilly starts all stayed under the total.
-- Over is 6-3-2 in Hammel's last eleven starts.
-- Over is 8-2-1 in Dodgers' last eleven games.

-- Four of last five Masterson starts stayed under the total. 10 of last 14 Buehrle starts stayed under the total.
-- Four of last five Chamberlain starts stayed under the total.
-- Under is 4-1-1 in last six Pavano starts.
-- Over is 10-4-1 in last fifteen Baltimore road games.
-- Three of last four Wakefield starts stayed under the total.
-- Eight of last nine Texas games went over the total.
-- Five of last six Morrow starts went over the total.

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**pm530** · 09-30-2009, 05:57 AM

MLB

Wednesday, September 30

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Trend Report
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2:05 PM
PITTSBURGH vs. CHI CUBS
Pittsburgh is 0-5 SU in their last 5 games when playing Chi Cubs
Pittsburgh is 1-17 SU in its last 18 games on the road
Chi Cubs are 5-0 SU in their last 5 games when playing at home against Pittsburgh
Chi Cubs are 4-2 SU in their last 6 games at home

4:35 PM
NY METS vs. WASHINGTON
NY Mets are 1-4 SU in its last 5 games when playing on the road against Washington
NY Mets are 5-16 SU in its last 21 games
Washington is 5-2 SU in its last 7 games when playing NY Mets
Washington is 6-15 SU in its last 21 games at home

7:05 PM
CHI WHITE SOX vs. CLEVELAND
Chi White Sox are 6-13-1 SU in their last 20 games on the road
Chi White Sox are 4-8-1 SU in their last 13 games
Cleveland is 0-4-1 SU in their last 5 games when playing at home against Chi White Sox
Cleveland is 3-7-1 SU in their last 11 games when playing Chi White Sox

7:05 PM
HOUSTON vs. PHILADELPHIA
Houston is 1-9 SU in its last 10 games on the road
Houston is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games when playing Philadelphia
Philadelphia is 5-2 SU in its last 7 games when playing at home against Houston
Philadelphia is 6-12 SU in its last 18 games when playing at home against Houston

7:05 PM
KANSAS CITY vs. NY YANKEES
Kansas City is 1-6 SU in its last 7 games
Kansas City is 1-6 SU in their last 7 games when playing NY Yankees
NY Yankees are 21-4 SU in their last 25 games when playing at home against Kansas City
NY Yankees are 6-1 SU in their last 7 games when playing Kansas City

7:05 PM
MINNESOTA vs. DETROIT
Minnesota is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games when playing on the road against Detroit
Minnesota is 12-3 SU in its last 15 games
Detroit is 6-3 SU in its last 9 games
Detroit is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games when playing at home against Minnesota

7:08 PM
BALTIMORE vs. TAMPA BAY
Baltimore is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games
Baltimore is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games on the road
Tampa Bay is 12-2 SU in its last 14 games when playing at home against Baltimore
Tampa Bay is 18-7 SU in its last 25 games when playing Baltimore

7:10 PM
FLORIDA vs. ATLANTA
Florida is 8-4 SU in its last 12 games on the road
Atlanta is 7-1 SU in its last 8 games

7:10 PM
ST. LOUIS vs. CINCINNATI
St. Louis is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games
St. Louis is 16-7 SU in its last 23 games on the road
Cincinnati is 10-2 SU in its last 12 games at home
Cincinnati is 7-1 SU in its last 8 games

7:10 PM
TORONTO vs. BOSTON
Toronto is 2-6 SU in its last 8 games when playing Boston
Toronto is 2-8 SU in its last 10 games when playing on the road against Boston
Boston is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games
Boston is 10-3 SU in its last 13 games at home

8:05 PM
PITTSBURGH vs. CHI CUBS
Pittsburgh is 0-4-1 SU in their last 5 games when playing on the road against Chi Cubs
Pittsburgh is 5-16-1 SU in its last 22 games
Chi Cubs are 7-0-1 SU in their last 8 games when playing Pittsburgh
Chi Cubs are 7-2-1 SU in their last 10 games

8:40 PM
MILWAUKEE vs. COLORADO
Milwaukee is 1-7 SU in its last 8 games when playing on the road against Colorado
Milwaukee is 1-5 SU in its last 6 games when playing Colorado
Colorado is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games when playing Milwaukee
Colorado is 6-3 SU in its last 9 games

10:05 PM
LA DODGERS vs. SAN DIEGO
LA Dodgers are 1-4 SU in their last 5 games on the road
LA Dodgers are 2-4 SU in their last 6 games when playing San Diego
San Diego is 7-3 SU in its last 10 games
San Diego is 7-3 SU in its last 10 games at home

10:05 PM
TEXAS vs. LA ANGELS
Texas is 5-11 SU in its last 16 games
Texas is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games on the road
LA Angels are 4-1 SU in their last 5 games when playing Texas
LA Angels are 10-5 SU in their last 15 games at home

10:10 PM
OAKLAND vs. SEATTLE
Oakland is 2-7 SU in its last 9 games when playing Seattle
Oakland is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games when playing on the road against Seattle
Seattle is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games
Seattle is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games at home

10:15 PM
ARIZONA vs. SAN FRANCISCO
Arizona is 2-6 SU in its last 8 games on the road
Arizona is 2-5 SU in its last 7 games when playing San Francisco
San Francisco is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games when playing at home against Arizona
San Francisco is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games at home

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**pm530** · 09-30-2009, 05:58 AM

MLB

Wednesday, September 30

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Hot lines: Today’s best MLB bets
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Philadelphia Phillies at Houston Astros

The Phillies have had front-row seats to baseball’s most recent late-season collapses, having benefited from the New York Mets’ lack of focus down the stretch the past two years. But could Philadelphia be in the midst of its own monumental choke job?

Heading into Tuesday, the defending champs have lost three of their last four games and boast a ho-hum 15-13 record in September. Philadelphia has yet to clinch the National League East, with its magic number at three, and is desperately trying to stay ahead of the Atlanta Braves, who have climbed to within four games of the leaders.

"I'd like to win [the division] as soon as possible," manager Charlie Manuel told reporters. "The longer something plays out, that's the more chances you have of not winning."

Playing the role of favorite is something the team is having troubles dealing with. The pressure to clinch a postseason spot is mounting in the final week of the schedule and undoubtedly getting to the pitching staff, which has posted a 5.50 ERA in the past week (Phillies were 3-5 in that span).

As of Tuesday’s contest, the Phillies have yet to beat the Astros this season, going 0-5. The pitching woes are likely to continue in Houston this week. As a staff, Philadelphia has an ERA over 6.00 and has allowed Houston’s bats to hit .298 with four home runs in 2009.

As for the Phillies lineup, it is batting just .226 versus the Astros arms and has averaged under three runs per game in their five meeting, including Monday’s 8-2 series-opening loss.

Pick: Houston

Texas Rangers at Los Angeles Angels (-162, 9.5)

Having won the American League West the last three seasons, the Angels are used to having things written in stone in the final week of the schedule. That could be why over the last two seasons, they have posted a 6-7 record to close out the year.

The team partied hard Monday night after clinching the division title with an 11-0 beating of the Texas Rangers. That sense of accomplishment will carry over to the remaining game of this series before the Halos begin to really focus on the Boston Red Sox in the ALDS.

Many local baseball columnists are questioning the team’s mindset heading into October. They’ve seen great Angels teams fail to come through in the postseason, like the past two years when L.A. was trounced by the Red Sox in the opening round.

However, the Angels continue to live in the moment and will do so for the remainder of the regular season.

"We worked too hard to be quiet," General Manager Tony Reagins told the L.A. Times while mopping beer and champagne off his face. "This team has gone through a lot and worked hard to get here."

Pick: Texas +154

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**pm530** · 09-30-2009, 05:59 AM

MLB

Monday, September 28

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Streaking and Slumping Pitchers
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Streaking

Ted Lilly (12-8, 3.02 ERA), Chicago Cubs

Word on the street says this will be Lilly’s last start of the season. And while the Cubs’ year has to be considered a giant disappointment, you can’t point the finger at this reliable lefty.

His WHIP (walks + hits per inning) has been fantastically low all year and even better in September (0.80). He’s 3-0 with a 1.30 ERA and a 5-1 strikeout to walk ratio this month.

The Cubs have won four of his last five games and the under is 6-0-1 over his last seven appearances.

Javier Vazquez (15-9, 2.83), Atlanta Braves

This righty is enjoying the finest season of his 12-year career and he’s been particularly dominant recently. Vazquez is 4-0 with a 0.84 ERA over his last four starts.

He’s been especially proud of his ability to go deep into games.

“Nowadays, there are not a lot of complete games,” he told reporters following a nine-inning, one-run outing against the Nats. “When I’m on the mound, I want to throw eight, nine innings.”

He’s 10-2 since July 7 and the Braves are 12-3 over his last 15 starts.

Slumping

James Shields (10-12, 4.17), Tampa Bay Rays

It’s been a September to forget for Shields and the Rays. The righty is one of many Tampa Bay players that performed far below par during the stretch run. The Rays have lost three of his last four starts with Shields carrying a 6.39 ERA this month.

“It’s been a frustrating year for sure,” Shields told the Associated Press following his latest setback. “You just tell yourself to move on. I hope to end the season on a good note.”

The over is 6-2 in his last eight trips to the bump.

Tim Wakefield (11-4, 4.33), Boston Red Sox

This will only be Wakefield’s second start since coming off the disabled list, but the early signs aren’t too promising. The knuckleballer walked seven over five innings last week in a 12-9 loss to the Royals.

He got some extra time off from his last start in an attempt to let him rest his back. This will probably be Wakefield’s last chance to earn a spot in the starting rotation heading into the playoffs.

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**Udog** · 09-30-2009, 09:52 AM

MLB
Dunkel

Baltimore at Tampa Bay
The Rays look to take advantage of a Baltimore team that is 1-11 in David Hernandez' last 12 starts as an underdog. Tampa Bay is the pick (-235) according to Dunkel, which has the Rays favored by 2. Dunkel Pick: Tampa Bay (-235). Here are all of today's picks.

WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 30

Game 901-902: NY Mets at Washington
Dunkel Ratings: NY Mets (Redding) 15.220; Washington (Lannan) 14.168
Dunkel Line: NY Mets by 1; 8
Vegas Line: Washington (-135); 8 1/2
Dunkel Pick: NY Mets (+125); Under

Game 903-904: Houston at Philadelphia
Dunkel Ratings: Houston (Moehler) 14.304; Philadelphia (Martinez) 14.958
Dunkel Line: Philadelphia by 1/2; 9
Vegas Line: No Line
Dunkel Pick: N/A

Game 905-906: Florida at Atlanta
Dunkel Ratings: Florida (Nolasco) 15.489; Atlanta (Vazquez) 14.850
Dunkel Line: Florida by 1/2; 7 1/2
Vegas Line: Atlanta (-215); 8
Dunkel Pick: Florida (+195); Under

Game 907-908: St. Louis at Cincinnati
Dunkel Ratings: St. Louis (Smoltz) 15.621; Cincinnati (Arroyo) 15.491
Dunkel Line: St. Louis by 1/2; 7 1/2
Vegas Line: Cincinnati (-110); 8 1/2
Dunkel Pick: St. Louis (+100); Under

Game 909-910: Pittsburgh at Chicago Cubs
Dunkel Ratings: Pittsburgh (Karstens) 14.510; Cubs (Zambrano) 15.433
Dunkel Line: Chicago Cubs by 1; 8
Vegas Line: No Line
Dunkel Pick: N/A

Game 911-912: Milwaukee at Colorado
Dunkel Ratings: Milwaukee (Suppan) 16.271; Colorado (Hammel) 15.109
Dunkel Line: Milwaukee by 1; 11
Vegas Line: Colorado (-215); 10
Dunkel Pick: Milwaukee (+195); Over

Game 913-914: LA Dodgers at San Diego
Dunkel Ratings: LA Dodgers (Garland) 14.258; San Diego (Richard) 15.000
Dunkel Line: San Diego by 1/2; 6
Vegas Line: No Line
Dunkel Pick: N/A

Game 915-916: Arizona at San Francisco
Dunkel Ratings: Arizona (Mulvey) 15.728; San Francisco (Penny) 14.758
Dunkel Line: Arizona by 1; 8
Vegas Line: San Francisco (-185); 8 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Arizona (+175); Under

Game 917-918: Chicago White Sox at Cleveland
Dunkel Ratings: White Sox (Buehrle) 15.095; Cleveland (Masterson) 13.968
Dunkel Line: Chicago White Sox by 1; 9 1/2
Vegas Line: No Line
Dunkel Pick: N/A

Game 919-920: Kansas City at NY Yankees
Dunkel Ratings: Kansas City (Tejeda) 15.222; NY Yankees (Chamberlain) 17.295
Dunkel Line: NY Yankees by 2; 9
Vegas Line: NY Yankees (-185); 9 1/2
Dunkel Pick: NY Yankees (-185); Under

Game 921-922: Minnesota at Detroit
Dunkel Ratings: Minnesota (Pavano) 16.005; Detroit (Bonine) 15.373
Dunkel Line: Minnesota by 1/2; 8 1/2
Vegas Line: Minnesota (-130); 9 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Minnesota (-130); Under

Game 923-924: Baltimore at Tampa Bay
Dunkel Ratings: Baltimore (Hernandez) 12.823; Tampa Bay (Shields) 14.880
Dunkel Line: Tampa Bay by 2; 8 1/2
Vegas Line: Tampa Bay (-235); 9
Dunkel Pick: Tampa Bay (-235); Under

Game 925-926: Toronto at Boston
Dunkel Ratings: Toronto (Halladay) 15.680; Boston (Wakefield) 16.322
Dunkel Line: Boston by 1/2; 9 1/2
Vegas Line: No Line
Dunkel Pick: N/A

Game 927-928: Texas at LA Angels
Dunkel Ratings: Texas (Holland) 15.788; LA Angels (Palmer) 15.366
Dunkel Line: Texas by 1/2; 8
Vegas Line: No Line
Dunkel Pick: N/A

Game 929-930: Oakland at Seattle
Dunkel Ratings: Oakland (Mortensen) 15.996; Seattle (Morrow) 15.405
Dunkel Line: Oakland by 1/2; 7 1/2
Vegas Line: Seattle (-150); 8 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Oakland (+140); Under

Game 931-932: Pittsburgh at Chicago Cubs
Dunkel Ratings: Pittsburgh (Morton) 15.215; Cubs (Lilly) 15.153
Dunkel Line: Pittsburgh by 1/2; 8
Vegas Line: Chicago Cubs (-290); No Run Line
Dunkel Pick: Pittsburgh (+265); N/A

Game 933-934: Chicago White Sox at Cleveland
Dunkel Ratings: White Sox (Torres) 14.416; Cleveland (Carmona) 14.523
Dunkel Line: Cleveland by 1/2; 9 1/2
Vegas Line: No Line
Dunkel Pick: N/A

**Dennis14072** · 09-30-2009, 10:20 AM

Thanks as always guys, good luck today!

**Udog** · 09-30-2009, 11:02 AM

Originally posted by Dennis14072 View Post

Thanks as always guys, good luck today!

Good morning, Dennis! Good luck right back at you, buddy!

**Udog** · 09-30-2009, 11:03 AM

MLB
Long Sheet

Wednesday, September 30

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NY METS (67 - 91) at WASHINGTON (54 - 103) - 4:35 PM
TIM REDDING (R) vs. JOHN LANNAN (L)
Top Trends for this game.
NY METS are 29-40 (-14.7 Units) against the money line in road games when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 2 seasons.
NY METS are 67-91 (-17.2 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
NY METS are 68-75 (-18.5 Units) against the money line against division opponents over the last 2 seasons.
NY METS are 67-91 (-17.2 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
WASHINGTON is 96-100 (+19.2 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 3 seasons.
WASHINGTON is 33-17 (+18.0 Units) against the money line in home games when playing against a team with a losing record in the second half of the season over the last 3 seasons.
NY METS are 29-22 (+13.3 Units) against the money line in road games in day games over the last 2 seasons.
REDDING is 26-23 (+11.4 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
REDDING is 10-3 (+9.4 Units) against the money line in day games over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
REDDING is 26-23 (+11.4 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
REDDING is 17-13 (+9.2 Units) against the money line after a loss over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
REDDING is 13-6 (+10.2 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
WASHINGTON is 54-103 (-35.1 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
WASHINGTON is 8-28 (-17.7 Units) against the money line when the total is 8 to 8.5 this season.
WASHINGTON is 32-48 (-13.3 Units) against the money line in home games this season.
WASHINGTON is 23-51 (-23.6 Units) against the money line at home when the total is 8 to 8.5 over the last 3 seasons.
WASHINGTON is 20-47 (-21.2 Units) against the money line against division opponents this season.
WASHINGTON is 54-100 (-32.1 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
WASHINGTON is 44-80 (-23.4 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.
LANNAN is 21-42 (-16.8 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
LANNAN is 21-41 (-15.8 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
NY METS is 10-7 (+2.0 Units) against WASHINGTON this season
14 of 16 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+11.6 Units)

TIM REDDING vs. WASHINGTON since 1997
REDDING is 3-0 when starting against WASHINGTON with an ERA of 2.16 and a WHIP of 1.080.
His team's record is 4-0 (+4.1 units) in these starts. The OVER is 1-3. (-2.2 units)

JOHN LANNAN vs. NY METS since 1997
LANNAN is 3-4 when starting against NY METS with an ERA of 3.75 and a WHIP of 1.214.
His team's record is 3-6 (-2.7 units) in these starts. The OVER is 3-5. (-2.5 units)

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HOUSTON (73 - 84) at PHILADELPHIA (91 - 66) - 7:05 PM
BRIAN MOEHLER (R) vs. PEDRO MARTINEZ (R)
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

Head-to-Head Series History
HOUSTON is 5-1 (+6.9 Units) against PHILADELPHIA this season
3 of 6 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+0.0 Units)

BRIAN MOEHLER vs. PHILADELPHIA since 1997
MOEHLER is 2-3 when starting against PHILADELPHIA with an ERA of 6.52 and a WHIP of 1.578.
His team's record is 4-4 (+1.2 units) in these starts. The OVER is 4-3. (+0.7 units)

PEDRO MARTINEZ vs. HOUSTON since 1997
MARTINEZ is 4-1 when starting against HOUSTON with an ERA of 2.29 and a WHIP of 0.909.
His team's record is 4-4 (-2.1 units) in these starts. The OVER is 3-5. (-2.5 units)

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FLORIDA (84 - 74) at ATLANTA (86 - 71) - 7:10 PM
RICKY NOLASCO (R) vs. JAVIER VAZQUEZ (R)
Top Trends for this game.
ATLANTA is 48-36 (+9.3 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record this season.
FLORIDA is 84-74 (+4.7 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
FLORIDA is 32-21 (+10.3 Units) against the money line when the total is 8 to 8.5 this season.
FLORIDA is 7-1 (+12.1 Units) against the money line as a road underdog of +175 to +200 over the last 2 seasons.
FLORIDA is 41-35 (+11.7 Units) against the money line in road games this season.
FLORIDA is 31-19 (+16.0 Units) against the money line when playing on Wednesday over the last 2 seasons.
FLORIDA is 21-11 (+13.8 Units) against the money line in road games against division opponents this season.
FLORIDA is 81-71 (+3.5 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
FLORIDA is 61-51 (+6.7 Units) against the money line in night games this season.
FLORIDA is 117-109 (+10.7 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters over the last 2 seasons.
FLORIDA is 24-17 (+9.3 Units) against the money line in road games after a win this season.
FLORIDA is 43-39 (+10.9 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record this season.
FLORIDA is 43-37 (+15.8 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.
NOLASCO is 38-24 (+16.5 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
NOLASCO is 23-12 (+16.5 Units) against the money line in road games over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
NOLASCO is 36-24 (+13.2 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
NOLASCO is 9-3 (+8.1 Units) against the money line in road games in night games this season. (Team's Record)
NOLASCO is 19-12 (+11.9 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
ATLANTA is 15-25 (-13.9 Units) against the money line in home games when playing against a team with a winning record in the second half of the season over the last 2 seasons.
ATLANTA is 158-161 (-24.2 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
ATLANTA is 46-43 (-9.6 Units) against the money line when the total is 8 to 8.5 this season.
ATLANTA is 40-36 (-12.7 Units) against the money line in home games this season.
ATLANTA is 24-26 (-13.8 Units) against the money line at home when the total is 8 to 8.5 this season.
ATLANTA is 21-29 (-12.8 Units) against the money line when playing on Wednesday over the last 2 seasons.
ATLANTA is 40-36 (-12.7 Units) against the money line in home games in games played on a grass field this season.
ATLANTA is 111-112 (-18.2 Units) against the money line in night games over the last 2 seasons.
ATLANTA is 24-26 (-15.9 Units) against the money line in home games against right-handed starters this season.
VAZQUEZ is 5-11 (-11.0 Units) against the money line in home games when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)

Head-to-Head Series History
FLORIDA is 9-8 (+3.3 Units) against ATLANTA this season
8 of 16 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=-0.3 Units, Under=-1.3 Units)

RICKY NOLASCO vs. ATLANTA since 1997
NOLASCO is 2-4 when starting against ATLANTA with an ERA of 5.20 and a WHIP of 1.681.
His team's record is 3-7 (-3.8 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 4-6. (-2.7 units)

JAVIER VAZQUEZ vs. FLORIDA since 1997
VAZQUEZ is 6-6 when starting against FLORIDA with an ERA of 4.57 and a WHIP of 1.333.
His team's record is 8-11 (-6.3 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 7-10. (-3.9 units)

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ST LOUIS (90 - 67) at CINCINNATI (75 - 82) - 7:10 PM
JOHN SMOLTZ (R) vs. BRONSON ARROYO (R)
Top Trends for this game.
CINCINNATI is 75-82 (+3.9 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
CINCINNATI is 17-9 (+13.0 Units) against the money line in September games this season.
CINCINNATI is 43-32 (+17.7 Units) against the money line against division opponents this season.
CINCINNATI is 74-80 (+4.8 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
CINCINNATI is 53-54 (+7.0 Units) against the money line in night games this season.
CINCINNATI is 57-57 (+10.7 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.
ST LOUIS is 176-143 (+16.3 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
ST LOUIS is 84-76 (+12.2 Units) against the money line in road games over the last 2 seasons.
ST LOUIS is 32-18 (+14.5 Units) against the money line on the road when the total is 8 to 8.5 over the last 2 seasons.
ST LOUIS is 45-28 (+18.0 Units) against the money line when playing on Wednesday over the last 3 seasons.
ST LOUIS is 176-143 (+16.3 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
ST LOUIS is 62-39 (+14.8 Units) against the money line in night games this season.
ST LOUIS is 121-93 (+18.9 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters over the last 2 seasons.
ST LOUIS is 23-12 (+10.9 Units) against the money line in road games after a loss this season.
ST LOUIS is 48-24 (+15.1 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record this season.
ST LOUIS is 51-24 (+17.9 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record in the second half of the season over the last 2 seasons.
CINCINNATI is 232-269 (-68.2 Units) against the money line in home games after a win since 1997.

Head-to-Head Series History
CINCINNATI is 7-7 (+0.9 Units) against ST LOUIS this season
7 of 13 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+0.8 Units)

JOHN SMOLTZ vs. CINCINNATI since 1997
SMOLTZ is 9-0 when starting against CINCINNATI with an ERA of 1.84 and a WHIP of 0.847.
His team's record is 11-2 (+6.7 units) in these starts. The OVER is 6-7. (-1.9 units)

BRONSON ARROYO vs. ST LOUIS since 1997
ARROYO is 5-8 when starting against ST LOUIS with an ERA of 4.68 and a WHIP of 1.413.
His team's record is 6-13 (-7.1 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 11-6. (+4.0 units)

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PITTSBURGH (59 - 97) at CHICAGO CUBS (82 - 74) - 8:05 PM
JEFF KARSTENS (R) vs. CARLOS ZAMBRANO (R)
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

Head-to-Head Series History
CHICAGO CUBS is 10-2 (+7.3 Units) against PITTSBURGH this season
8 of 12 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+3.7 Units)

JEFF KARSTENS vs. CHICAGO CUBS since 1997
KARSTENS is 1-1 when starting against CHICAGO CUBS with an ERA of 5.00 and a WHIP of 1.778.
His team's record is 1-1 (+1.0 units) in these starts. The OVER is 1-1. (-0.2 units)

CARLOS ZAMBRANO vs. PITTSBURGH since 1997
ZAMBRANO is 11-5 when starting against PITTSBURGH with an ERA of 3.63 and a WHIP of 1.394.
His team's record is 15-9 (-0.8 units) in these starts. The OVER is 15-8. (+6.0 units)

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MILWAUKEE (77 - 80) at COLORADO (89 - 68) - 8:40 PM
JEFF SUPPAN (R) vs. JASON HAMMEL (R)
Top Trends for this game.
MILWAUKEE is 77-80 (-7.4 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
MILWAUKEE is 56-62 (-10.7 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.
MILWAUKEE is 25-42 (-17.9 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.
COLORADO is 89-68 (+13.7 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
COLORADO is 45-29 (+19.0 Units) against the money line when playing on Wednesday over the last 3 seasons.
COLORADO is 89-68 (+13.7 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
COLORADO is 64-43 (+17.8 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.
COLORADO is 145-114 (+21.8 Units) against the money line after a win over the last 3 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
COLORADO is 4-0 (+5.1 Units) against MILWAUKEE this season
2 of 4 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=-0.1 Units, Under=-0.4 Units)

JEFF SUPPAN vs. COLORADO since 1997
SUPPAN is 6-1 when starting against COLORADO with an ERA of 3.40 and a WHIP of 1.275.
His team's record is 7-2 (+3.6 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 5-4. (+0.7 units)

JASON HAMMEL vs. MILWAUKEE since 1997
HAMMEL is 1-0 when starting against MILWAUKEE with an ERA of 3.00 and a WHIP of 1.000.
His team's record is 1-0 (+1.3 units) in these starts. The OVER is 0-1. (-1.1 units)

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LA DODGERS (93 - 65) at SAN DIEGO (73 - 85) - 10:05 PM
JON GARLAND (R) vs. CLAYTON RICHARD (L)
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

Head-to-Head Series History
SAN DIEGO is 7-10 (+1.5 Units) against LA DODGERS this season
10 of 17 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+1.5 Units)

JON GARLAND vs. SAN DIEGO since 1997
GARLAND is 2-2 when starting against SAN DIEGO with an ERA of 2.86 and a WHIP of 1.211.
His team's record is 3-2 (+1.1 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 3-2. (+0.7 units)

CLAYTON RICHARD vs. LA DODGERS since 1997
RICHARD is 0-0 when starting against LA DODGERS with an ERA of 8.31 and a WHIP of 1.617.
His team's record is 1-0 (+1.4 units) in these starts. The OVER is 1-0. (+1.0 units)

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ARIZONA (68 - 89) at SAN FRANCISCO (84 - 73) - 10:15 PM
KEVIN MULVEY (R) vs. BRAD PENNY (R)
Top Trends for this game.
ARIZONA is 68-89 (-23.8 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
ARIZONA is 66-91 (-23.8 Units) against the money line in road games over the last 2 seasons.
ARIZONA is 6-18 (-11.9 Units) against the money line in road games in September games over the last 2 seasons.
ARIZONA is 19-31 (-16.7 Units) against the money line when playing on Wednesday over the last 2 seasons.
ARIZONA is 68-89 (-23.8 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
ARIZONA is 52-63 (-10.6 Units) against the money line in night games this season.
ARIZONA is 107-120 (-27.3 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters over the last 2 seasons.
ARIZONA is 25-45 (-18.0 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record this season.
SAN FRANCISCO is 84-73 (+9.9 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
SAN FRANCISCO is 50-29 (+15.4 Units) against the money line in home games this season.
SAN FRANCISCO is 84-73 (+9.9 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
SAN FRANCISCO is 55-49 (+5.8 Units) against the money line in night games this season.
SAN FRANCISCO is 62-53 (+8.3 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.
SAN FRANCISCO is 44-30 (+9.0 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record this season.
ARIZONA is 23-16 (+7.9 Units) against the money line when the total is 8 to 8.5 this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
SAN FRANCISCO is 11-5 (+6.1 Units) against ARIZONA this season
8 of 14 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+0.9 Units)

KEVIN MULVEY vs. SAN FRANCISCO since 1997
MULVEY is 0-1 when starting against SAN FRANCISCO with an ERA of 4.50 and a WHIP of 1.000.
His team's record is 0-1 (-1.0 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 1-0. (+1.0 units)

BRAD PENNY vs. ARIZONA since 1997
PENNY is 8-3 when starting against ARIZONA with an ERA of 2.13 and a WHIP of 1.056.
His team's record is 10-6 (+2.8 units) in these starts. The OVER is 6-9. (-3.9 units)

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CHI WHITE SOX (76 - 81) at CLEVELAND (64 - 92) - 7:05 PM
MARK BUEHRLE (L) vs. JUSTIN MASTERSON (R)
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

Head-to-Head Series History
CHI WHITE SOX is 9-7 (+1.4 Units) against CLEVELAND this season
8 of 16 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=-0.4 Units, Under=-1.1 Units)

MARK BUEHRLE vs. CLEVELAND since 1997
BUEHRLE is 9-14 when starting against CLEVELAND with an ERA of 4.86 and a WHIP of 1.384.
His team's record is 16-19 (-8.4 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 16-17. (-2.9 units)

JUSTIN MASTERSON vs. CHI WHITE SOX since 1997
MASTERSON is 0-0 when starting against CHI WHITE SOX with an ERA of 2.25 and a WHIP of 1.250.
His team's record is 0-1 (-1.0 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 0-1. (-1.0 units)

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KANSAS CITY (64 - 94) at NY YANKEES (102 - 56) - 7:05 PM
ROBINSON TEJEDA (R) vs. JOBA CHAMBERLAIN (R)
Top Trends for this game.
KANSAS CITY is 64-94 (-22.6 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
KANSAS CITY is 77-131 (-35.7 Units) against the money line when the total is 9 to 9.5 over the last 3 seasons.
KANSAS CITY is 58-84 (-22.1 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
KANSAS CITY is 42-64 (-17.9 Units) against the money line in night games this season.
KANSAS CITY is 83-121 (-27.8 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters over the last 2 seasons.
KANSAS CITY is 37-56 (-14.9 Units) against the money line after a loss this season.
NY YANKEES are 102-56 (+14.9 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
NY YANKEES are 50-24 (+14.0 Units) against the money line when the total is 9 to 9.5 this season.
NY YANKEES are 53-21 (+17.4 Units) against the money line at home when the total is 9 to 9.5 over the last 2 seasons.
NY YANKEES are 19-5 (+11.3 Units) against the money line when playing on Wednesday this season.
NY YANKEES are 67-33 (+20.9 Units) against the money line in night games this season.
CHAMBERLAIN is 15-1 (+13.1 Units) against the money line in home games after a win over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
KANSAS CITY is 32-21 (+19.9 Units) against the money line in September games over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
NY YANKEES is 4-1 (+2.8 Units) against KANSAS CITY this season
3 of 4 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+1.8 Units)

ROBINSON TEJEDA vs. NY YANKEES since 1997
TEJEDA is 0-3 when starting against NY YANKEES with an ERA of 10.38 and a WHIP of 1.846.
His team's record is 0-3 (-3.0 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 2-1. (+0.8 units)

JOBA CHAMBERLAIN vs. KANSAS CITY since 1997
CHAMBERLAIN is 0-0 when starting against KANSAS CITY with an ERA of 2.61 and a WHIP of 1.065.
His team's record is 1-1 (-0.3 units) in these starts. The OVER is 1-0. (+1.0 units)

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MINNESOTA (82 - 75) at DETROIT (84 - 73) - 7:05 PM
CARL PAVANO (R) vs. EDDIE BONINE (R)
Top Trends for this game.
DETROIT is 49-27 (+12.1 Units) against the money line in home games this season.
DETROIT is 49-27 (+12.1 Units) against the money line in home games in games played on a grass field this season.
DETROIT is 37-29 (+7.6 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record this season.
MINNESOTA is 72-65 (+8.2 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.
MINNESOTA is 170-150 (+7.2 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
MINNESOTA is 41-26 (+11.1 Units) against the money line against division opponents this season.
MINNESOTA is 58-43 (+10.0 Units) against the money line in night games this season.
MINNESOTA is 56-43 (+7.9 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.
PAVANO is 18-13 (+8.3 Units) against the money line in all games this season. (Team's Record)
PAVANO is 11-7 (+8.1 Units) against the money line in road games this season. (Team's Record)
PAVANO is 16-7 (+10.7 Units) against the money line against division opponents over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
PAVANO is 15-9 (+9.2 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season. (Team's Record)
PAVANO is 9-4 (+8.3 Units) against the money line in road games in night games this season. (Team's Record)
PAVANO is 10-3 (+10.8 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record this season. (Team's Record)
PAVANO is 28-21 (+13.7 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record in the second half of the season since 1997. (Team's Record)
DETROIT is 158-161 (-30.4 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
DETROIT is 64-75 (-27.4 Units) against the money line against division opponents over the last 2 seasons.
DETROIT is 101-104 (-19.9 Units) against the money line in night games over the last 2 seasons.
DETROIT is 104-119 (-34.5 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
MINNESOTA is 10-6 (+3.6 Units) against DETROIT this season
7 of 14 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=-0.6 Units, Under=-1.3 Units)

CARL PAVANO vs. DETROIT since 1997
PAVANO is 4-0 when starting against DETROIT with an ERA of 1.69 and a WHIP of 0.938.
His team's record is 5-0 (+6.7 units) in these starts. The OVER is 3-1. (+1.9 units)

EDDIE BONINE vs. MINNESOTA since 1997
BONINE is 0-1 when starting against MINNESOTA with an ERA of 6.74 and a WHIP of 3.371.
His team's record is 0-1 (-1.0 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 1-0. (+1.0 units)

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BALTIMORE (60 - 97) at TAMPA BAY (81 - 76) - 7:08 PM
DAVID HERNANDEZ (R) vs. JAMES SHIELDS (R)
Top Trends for this game.
BALTIMORE is 31-68 (-23.6 Units) against the money line in road games after a loss over the last 2 seasons.
BALTIMORE is 135-252 (-108.4 Units) against the money line after 3 or more consecutive losses since 1997.
BALTIMORE is 91-166 (-48.3 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 3 seasons.
BALTIMORE is 29-69 (-26.4 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.
BALTIMORE is 60-97 (-26.2 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
BALTIMORE is 24-55 (-18.8 Units) against the money line in road games this season.
BALTIMORE is 11-39 (-23.5 Units) against the money line in September games over the last 2 seasons.
BALTIMORE is 6-28 (-15.4 Units) against the money line in road games against division opponents this season.
BALTIMORE is 12-34 (-16.2 Units) against the money line in road games against right-handed starters this season.
TAMPA BAY is 111-54 (+36.4 Units) against the money line in home games over the last 2 seasons.
TAMPA BAY is 84-62 (+23.7 Units) against the money line against division opponents over the last 2 seasons.
TAMPA BAY is 112-57 (+33.8 Units) against the money line in games played in a dome over the last 2 seasons.
TAMPA BAY is 122-65 (+36.5 Units) against the money line in games played on artificial turf over the last 2 seasons.
TAMPA BAY is 130-92 (+25.4 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters over the last 2 seasons.
TAMPA BAY is 71-36 (+19.1 Units) against the money line in home games after a win over the last 2 seasons.
TAMPA BAY is 81-76 (-11.2 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
TAMPA BAY is 10-17 (-10.0 Units) against the money line in September games this season.
TAMPA BAY is 57-53 (-8.0 Units) against the money line in night games this season.
SHIELDS is 14-18 (-12.5 Units) against the money line in all games this season. (Team's Record)
SHIELDS is 8-12 (-9.6 Units) against the money line in night games this season. (Team's Record)
SHIELDS is 5-11 (-12.1 Units) against the money line after a win this season. (Team's Record)

Head-to-Head Series History
BALTIMORE is 7-9 (+0.8 Units) against TAMPA BAY this season
8 of 15 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+0.9 Units)

DAVID HERNANDEZ vs. TAMPA BAY since 1997
HERNANDEZ is 0-1 when starting against TAMPA BAY with an ERA of 15.00 and a WHIP of 3.000.
His team's record is 0-1 (-1.0 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 0-1. (-1.2 units)

JAMES SHIELDS vs. BALTIMORE since 1997
SHIELDS is 5-2 when starting against BALTIMORE with an ERA of 2.89 and a WHIP of 1.210.
His team's record is 8-6 (-0.2 units) in these starts. The OVER is 8-5. (+2.4 units)

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TORONTO (74 - 84) at BOSTON (91 - 66) - 7:10 PM
ROY HALLADAY (R) vs. TIM WAKEFIELD (R)
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

Head-to-Head Series History
BOSTON is 11-6 (+3.0 Units) against TORONTO this season
10 of 17 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+2.0 Units)

ROY HALLADAY vs. BOSTON since 1997
HALLADAY is 13-13 when starting against BOSTON with an ERA of 4.13 and a WHIP of 1.255.
His team's record is 16-21 (-8.6 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 21-15. (+5.0 units)

TIM WAKEFIELD vs. TORONTO since 1997
WAKEFIELD is 15-9 when starting against TORONTO with an ERA of 3.68 and a WHIP of 1.249.
His team's record is 21-14 (+5.3 units) in these starts. The OVER is 12-21. (-10.7 units)

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TEXAS (85 - 72) at LA ANGELS (93 - 64) - 10:05 PM
DEREK HOLLAND (L) vs. JERED WEAVER (R)
Top Trends for this game.
LA ANGELS are 93-64 (+20.0 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
LA ANGELS are 87-54 (+19.7 Units) against the money line when the total is 9 to 9.5 over the last 2 seasons.
LA ANGELS are 86-56 (+20.0 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
LA ANGELS are 33-17 (+12.2 Units) against the money line against left-handed starters this season.
LA ANGELS are 55-37 (+12.0 Units) against the money line after a win this season.
LA ANGELS are 46-37 (+8.0 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record this season.
TEXAS is 44-43 (+6.0 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record this season.
TEXAS is 62-62 (+16.7 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.
TEXAS is 85-72 (+13.0 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
TEXAS is 76-81 (+15.1 Units) against the money line in road games over the last 2 seasons.
TEXAS is 168-146 (+30.5 Units) against the money line when playing on Wednesday since 1997.
TEXAS is 82-66 (+14.9 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
TEXAS is 63-53 (+8.1 Units) against the money line in night games this season.
TEXAS is 56-45 (+12.2 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.
TEXAS is 41-33 (+8.3 Units) against the money line after a loss this season.
LA ANGELS are 101-94 (-50.3 Units) against the money line as a home favorite of -150 to -175 since 1997.

Head-to-Head Series History
TEXAS is 10-7 (+4.4 Units) against LA ANGELS this season
8 of 17 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=-1.5 Units, Under=-0.5 Units)

DEREK HOLLAND vs. LA ANGELS since 1997
HOLLAND is 1-1 when starting against LA ANGELS with an ERA of 3.68 and a WHIP of 0.886.
His team's record is 1-1 (+0.8 units) in these starts. The OVER is 1-1. (+0.1 units)

JERED WEAVER vs. TEXAS since 1997
WEAVER is 4-3 when starting against TEXAS with an ERA of 3.39 and a WHIP of 1.173.
His team's record is 7-7 (-2.8 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 9-4. (+4.2 units)

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OAKLAND (75 - 82) at SEATTLE (81 - 76) - 10:10 PM
CLAYTON MORTENSEN (R) vs. BRANDON MORROW (R)
Top Trends for this game.
SEATTLE is 81-76 (+9.4 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
SEATTLE is 38-33 (+5.0 Units) against the money line when the total is 8 to 8.5 this season.
SEATTLE is 44-32 (+9.5 Units) against the money line in home games this season.
SEATTLE is 15-9 (+8.2 Units) against the money line when playing on Wednesday this season.
SEATTLE is 76-68 (+11.6 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
SEATTLE is 56-55 (+3.4 Units) against the money line in night games this season.
SEATTLE is 54-46 (+11.9 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.
SEATTLE is 44-35 (+5.7 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record this season.
OAKLAND is 41-40 (+9.8 Units) against the money line after a loss this season.
OAKLAND is 75-82 (+8.2 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
OAKLAND is 17-9 (+12.6 Units) against the money line in September games this season.
OAKLAND is 68-76 (+2.9 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
OAKLAND is 51-56 (+6.3 Units) against the money line in night games this season.
OAKLAND is 56-53 (+14.8 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.
SEATTLE is 29-42 (-17.0 Units) against the money line in home games after a win over the last 2 seasons.
SEATTLE is 257-240 (-73.1 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
SEATTLE is 12-5 (+7.1 Units) against OAKLAND this season
8 of 17 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=-1.2 Units, Under=-0.3 Units)

CLAYTON MORTENSEN vs. SEATTLE since 1997
MORTENSEN is 0-1 when starting against SEATTLE with an ERA of 5.14 and a WHIP of 1.286.
His team's record is 0-1 (-1.0 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 0-1. (-1.2 units)

BRANDON MORROW vs. OAKLAND since 1997
MORROW is 1-0 when starting against OAKLAND with an ERA of 7.15 and a WHIP of 1.589.
His team's record is 1-1 (+0.0 units) in these starts. The OVER is 1-0. (+1.0 units)

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PITTSBURGH (59 - 97) at CHICAGO CUBS (82 - 74) - 2:05 PM
CHARLIE MORTON (R) vs. TED LILLY (L)
Top Trends for this game.
PITTSBURGH is 1-15 (-13.1 Units) against the money line in road games when playing against a team with a winning record in the second half of the season this season.
PITTSBURGH is 59-97 (-26.4 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
PITTSBURGH is 19-56 (-28.5 Units) against the money line in road games this season.
PITTSBURGH is 6-20 (-11.6 Units) against the money line in September games this season.
PITTSBURGH is 21-50 (-26.6 Units) against the money line against division opponents this season.
PITTSBURGH is 16-37 (-18.1 Units) against the money line in day games this season.
PITTSBURGH is 58-95 (-26.2 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
PITTSBURGH is 9-33 (-19.7 Units) against the money line in road games against left-handed starters over the last 2 seasons.
PITTSBURGH is 34-62 (-20.1 Units) against the money line after a loss this season.
PITTSBURGH is 5-24 (-15.8 Units) against the money line in road games when playing against a team with a winning record this season.
LILLY is 11-1 (+9.5 Units) against the money line in home games this season. (Team's Record)
LILLY is 10-0 (+10.0 Units) against the money line in home games in day games this season. (Team's Record)
LILLY is 11-1 (+9.5 Units) against the money line in home games in games played on a grass field this season. (Team's Record)
CHICAGO CUBS are 524-486 (-100.7 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record since 1997.
CHICAGO CUBS are 82-74 (-9.6 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
CHICAGO CUBS are 558-500 (-110.1 Units) against the money line in home games since 1997.
CHICAGO CUBS are 82-74 (-9.6 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
CHICAGO CUBS are 66-59 (-8.0 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.
CHICAGO CUBS are 40-58 (-33.3 Units) against the money line after shutting out their opponent since 1997.
CHICAGO CUBS are 508-530 (-122.0 Units) against the money line after a win since 1997.

Head-to-Head Series History
CHICAGO CUBS is 10-2 (+7.3 Units) against PITTSBURGH this season
8 of 12 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+3.7 Units)

CHARLIE MORTON vs. CHICAGO CUBS since 1997
MORTON is 0-2 when starting against CHICAGO CUBS with an ERA of 37.84 and a WHIP of 5.405.
His team's record is 0-2 (-2.1 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 0-2. (-2.0 units)

TED LILLY vs. PITTSBURGH since 1997
LILLY is 4-1 when starting against PITTSBURGH with an ERA of 3.88 and a WHIP of 1.437.
His team's record is 6-3 (+1.8 units) in these starts. The OVER is 4-5. (-1.2 units)

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CHI WHITE SOX (76 - 81) at CLEVELAND (64 - 92) - 4:05 PM
CAROLS TORRES (R) vs. FAUSTO CARMONA (R)
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

Head-to-Head Series History
CHI WHITE SOX is 9-7 (+1.4 Units) against CLEVELAND this season
8 of 16 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=-0.4 Units, Under=-1.1 Units)

CAROLS TORRES vs. CLEVELAND since 1997
TORRES is 0-0 when starting against CLEVELAND with an ERA of 10.81 and a WHIP of 2.703.
His team's record is 1-0 (+1.0 units) in these starts. The OVER is 1-0. (+1.0 units)

FAUSTO CARMONA vs. CHI WHITE SOX since 1997
CARMONA is 3-3 when starting against CHI WHITE SOX with an ERA of 5.31 and a WHIP of 1.538.
His team's record is 4-3 (+0.8 units) in these starts. The OVER is 5-2. (+3.0 units)

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Announcement

Wednesday Trends and Indexes 9/30 (MLB, NHL, Misc.)

Wednesday Trends and Indexes 9/30 (MLB, NHL, Misc.)

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