Announcement

**Udog** · 08-30-2012, 08:34 AM

Armadillo: Thursday's six-pack

-- Loyola Md jumped from MAAC to Patriot League; bet they’ll miss those annual trips to Buffalo.

– Does this mean Greyhounds’ hoop coach Jimmy Patsos will be on the coaching market next spring? Patriot is like the Ivy League; not a place to springboard to bigger jobs.

– Minnesota Twins got the 2014 All-Star Game, as new stadiums continue to be rewarded by MLB.

– All of which reminds us that Dodger Stadium has hosted one All-Star Game, which seems impossible. How about the 2015 game for LA?

– Michael Vick is wearing a flak jacket to protect his injured ribs; interested to see if it effects his passing at all.

– Mariners scored exactly one run in six of Felix Hernandez’s 27 starts this season; they’re 4-2 in those six games, that’s how good he's been.

**********

Armadillo: Thursday's List of 13: Random stuff on a late summer day........

13) Even after last week’s salary dump, the Red Sox have a payroll of around $130M; Bronx Bombers’ payroll is around $210M, yet Tuesday night, the Sox had Ryan Lavarnway batting cleanup, the Bombers had Steve Pearce batting 4th. Huh? That’s the same Pearce let go by the Pirates and Orioles this season. Go figure.

12) Atlanta Braves have now won Kris Medlen’s last 17 starts, longest winning streak by a team in one pitcher’s starts since the Cardinals won 17 straight Chris Carpenter starts in 2005.

11) Tampa Bay Rays are first team since 1969 (Astros) to lose four 1-0 games in the same month.

10) Two college football games scheduled for Thursday night have been moved because of the stormy weather on the gulf coast; Texas A&M-Louisiana Tech will play October 13, and UTSA will play South Alabama Saturday instead of Thursday.

9) Toronto slugger Jose Bautista had surgery on his left wrist, is out for the season. Rough year medically for the Blue Jays.

8) Was watching the Red Sox game on NESN, and I learned that new 1B James Loney can jump rope really fast. He doesn’t hit anymore, but he skips rope well, so he has that going for him.

7) Seven different Angels have recorded a save this season, the most since 1982, when eight different Halos recorded a save. At least they made the playoffs that year; doesn’t look good for them this season.

6) Interesting story on ESPN.com on Coastal Carolina’s I-AA football program, which fired a coach who had a 63-39 record, in order to hire a guy with more of a business background.

Joe Moglia made a fortune as CEO of TD Ameritrade, but now he’s head coach of the Chanticleers. Its an interesting/controversial story about what it takes to be a successful head coach.

5) San Diego State has already sold out all its home basketball games for this winter. Hope Steve Fisher has an attendance clause in his contract.

4) Pitt Panthers are going to start this basketball season with an outdoor practice at night October 12. That’s if the weather cooperates.

3) Penn State is starting seven seniors on defense this year, and four 5th-year seniors on offense, so they should be OK.

They’re not deep, but if they can avoid the injury bug, their starters should carry them thru this season.

2) Was very surprised to see on HBO’s Hard Knocks that rookie QB Ryan Taneyhill knows very little about the NFL; he couldn’t even name which teams are in what division. “I can’t believe you don’t know this.” That’s what fellow QB Matt Moore told Taneyhill. Good TV.

1) There are kickers in NFL camps this summer from Missouri Western and Harding College, and both those guys are really good.

How does Boise State rarely have a quality kicker? That’s the only thing preventing them from having a truly amazing record the last five years.

**Udog** · 08-30-2012, 08:35 AM

What bettors need to know: Thursday's NFL preseason action

Atlanta Falcons at Jacksonville Jaguars (-3, 38.5)

The Falcons will be kicking the tires on new backup QB Luke McCown, who was signed after the team released second-stringer Chris Redman. Atlanta also has some tinkering to do on the offensive line heading into the final preseason game.

New York Jets at Philadelphia Eagles (-5, 36.5)

The Jets have dominated this Week 4 preseason matchup, going 9-2 SU and 8-3 ATS versus the Eagles in the preseason finale since 2001. New York will not play many of its starters and will also give No. 2 QB Tim Tebow the night off.

Minnesota Vikings at Houston Texans (-3.5, 38)

Two QBs are out to impress in the last preseason tilt of the summer. Rookie passer Case Keenum is trying to secure a spot as the Texans third stringer and will be battling John Beck for that position Thursday. Vikings veteran Sage Rosenfels is fighting off McLeod Bethel-Thompson for the third-string job in Minny.

Buffalo Bills at Detroit Lions (-3.5, 38.5)

Detroit is expected to let its healthy starters play in Week 4, according to head coach Jim Schwartz. “If guys are healthy they'll play,” he told reporters. “We may have some situations where we hold guys out that are just healing up to be at 100 percent, but if guys are 100 percent and they're healthy they're going to play.”

Kansas City Chiefs at Green Bay Packers (+1, 40.5)

Green Bay’s starters will get a few reps in during the final preseason tune-up. The Packers will give QB Aaron Rodgers a series or two before focusing on position battles. The Chiefs, on the other hand, could give their first teams significant time Thursday after a lackluster preseason.

New Orleans Saints at Tennessee Titans (-3.5, 40)

The Saints were forced to leave for Tennessee early due to Hurricane Isaac and won’t be focused on football with plenty of family members evacuating New Orleans this week. The Saints are 6-10 SU and ATS in Week 4 of the preseason since 1995.

Cincinnati Bengals at Indianapolis Colts (-2.5, 38.5)

First-overall draft pick Andrew Luck will see action in Week 4 but it hasn’t been decided just how much. The Colts offense needs the reps before the regular season begins but they’re cautious of potential injuries to their key players.

Carolina Panthers at Pittsburgh Steelers (-3.5, 38.5)

Pittsburgh has one of the best records during Week 4 of the preseason since 1995, going 10-6 SU and 11-5 ATS. Carolina will likely give backup QB Jimmy Clausen plenty of snaps as well as veteran Derek Anderson in an effort to sure up its second-string option.

Baltimore Ravens at St. Louis Rams (-4.5, 38.5)

St. Louis has a short week to prepare for the final preseason contests, having played Saturday. New head coach Jeff Fisher told reporters he plans to play his starters more than most teams in Week 4, as far as into the third quarter. Baltimore isn’t expected to return the favor and will likely sit QB Joe Flacco and the rest of the first teamers.

Chicago Bears at Cleveland Browns (-3.5, 37)

Cleveland will sit rookie QB Brandon Weeden for the preseason finale with the Bears and instead start Colt McCoy. Browns head coach Pat Shurmur says backups Seneca Wallace and Thad Lewis will also get reps while the majority of the starters will rest.

Oakland Raiders at Seattle Seahawks (-6.5, 40)

Seattle backup QB Matt Flynn was limited in practice this week due to a sore elbow. Seahawks coach Pete Carroll is optimistic about his status for Thursday’s game and will lean on third-stringer Josh Portis plenty if Flynn is unable to go. Running back Marshawn Lynch will not play in Week 4.

San Diego Chargers at San Francisco 49ers (-3, 38)

Chargers QB Philip Rivers will start Thursday’s preseason closer against the Niners. Rivers sat out Week 3 due to injuries on the offensive line and is expected to play more than most starting QBs in Week 4. Tight end Antonio Gates is also expected to play more than the usual Week 4 minutes.

Denver Broncos at Arizona Cardinals (-2.5, 36.5)

Denver will march backups Brock Osweiler and Caleb Hanie out under center in Week 4, sitting Peyton Manning for the preseason finale. Haine is expected to start but Osweiler has plenty of motivation in Arizona where he played his college ball at ASU. The Cardinals are still trying to tag a starting QB but will go with third-stringer Ryan Lindley as the starter Thursday

**Udog** · 08-30-2012, 08:35 AM

NFLX
Dunkel

Week 4

Atlanta at Jacksonville
The Falcons look to close out the preseason as they travel to Jacksonville tonight. Atlanta is the pick (+3) according to Dunkel, which has the Falcons favored by 1 1/2. Dunkel Pick: Atlanta (+3). Here are all of this week's picks.

THURSDAY, AUGUST 30

Game 107-108: Atlanta at Jacksonville (6:30 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Atlanta 120.849; Jacksonville 119.303
Dunkel Line: Atlanta by 1 1/2; 41
Vegas Line: Jacksonville by 3; 38 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Atlanta (+3); Over

Game 109-110: Minnesota at Houston (7:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Minnesota 122.898; Houston 131.259
Dunkel Line: Houston by 8 1/2; 36
Vegas Line: Houston by 3 1/2; 39
Dunkel Pick: Houston (-3 1/2); Under

Game 111-112: Buffalo at Detroit (7:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Buffalo 117.255; Detroit 118.321
Dunkel Line: Detroit by 1; 35
Vegas Line: Detroit by 3 1/2; 38
Dunkel Pick: Buffalo (+3 1/2); Under

Game 113-114: Kansas City at Green Bay (7:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Kansas City 117.318; Green Bay 116.229
Dunkel Line: Kansas City by 1; 43
Vegas Line: Green Bay by 1; 40 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Kansas City (+1); Over

Game 115-116: New Orleans at Tennessee (7:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: New Orleans 122.093; Tennessee 131.102
Dunkel Line: Tennessee by 9; 36
Vegas Line: Tennessee by 3 1/2; 40 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Tennessee (-3 1/2); Under

Game 117-118: Cincinnati at Indianapolis (7:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Cincinnati 113.860; Indianapolis 120.398
Dunkel Line: Indianapolis by 6 1/2; 36
Vegas Line: Indianapolis by 2; 40
Dunkel Pick: Indianapolis (-2); Under

Game 119-120: NY Jets at Philadelphia (6:35 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: NY Jets 116.629; Philadelphia 120.104
Dunkel Line: Philadelphia by 3 1/2; 33
Vegas Line: Philadelphia by 6; 36
Dunkel Pick: NY Jets (+6); Under

Game 121-122: Chicago at Cleveland (7:30 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Chicago 117.493; Cleveland 118.954
Dunkel Line: Cleveland by 1 1/2; 34
Vegas Line: Cleveland by 3 1/2; 37
Dunkel Pick: Chicago (+3 1/2); Under

Game 123-124: Carolina at Pittsburgh (7:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Carolina 115.864; Pittsburgh 122.783
Dunkel Line: Pittsburgh by 7; 36
Vegas Line: Pittsburgh by 3 1/2; 39
Dunkel Pick: Pittsburgh (-3 1/2); Under

Game 125-126: Baltimore at St. Louis (7:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Baltimore 119.821; St. Louis 126.733
Dunkel Line: St. Louis by 7; 42
Vegas Line: St. Louis by 4 1/2; 38 1/2
Dunkel Pick: St. Louis (-4 1/2); Over

Game 127-128: Oakland at Seattle (10:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Oakland 120.603; Seattle 124.906
Dunkel Line: Seattle by 4 1/2; 38
Vegas Line: Seattle by 6 1/2; 40
Dunkel Pick: Oakland (+6 1/2); Under

Game 129-130: San Diego at San Francisco (10:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: San Diego 123.517; San Francisco 124.977
Dunkel Line: San Francisco by 1 1/2; 41
Vegas Line: San Francisco by 3 1/2; 38
Dunkel Pick: San Diego (+3 1/2); Over

Game 131-132: Denver at Arizona (11:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Denver 119.130; Arizona 123.757
Dunkel Line: Arizona by 4 1/2; 40
Vegas Line: Arizona by 2 1/2; 36 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Arizona (-2 1/2); Over

**Udog** · 08-30-2012, 08:35 AM

NFLX
Long Sheet

Week 4

Thursday, August 30

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ATLANTA (1 - 2) at JACKSONVILLE (2 - 1) - 8/30/2012, 6:30 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

Head-to-Head Series History
JACKSONVILLE is 1-1 against the spread versus ATLANTA over the last 3 seasons
JACKSONVILLE is 2-0 straight up against ATLANTA over the last 3 seasons
2 of 2 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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MINNESOTA (1 - 2) at HOUSTON (2 - 1) - 8/30/2012, 7:00 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

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

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BUFFALO (0 - 3) at DETROIT (1 - 2) - 8/30/2012, 7:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
DETROIT is 10-1 ATS (+8.9 Units) in a home game where the total is between 38.5 and 42 points since 1993.
DETROIT is 6-0 ATS (+6.0 Units) when playing with 6 or less days rest over the last 3 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
DETROIT is 2-0 against the spread versus BUFFALO over the last 3 seasons
DETROIT is 2-0 straight up against BUFFALO over the last 3 seasons
1 of 2 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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KANSAS CITY (1 - 2) at GREEN BAY (1 - 2) - 8/30/2012, 7:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
KANSAS CITY is 13-32 ATS (-22.2 Units) in games where the line is +3 to -3 since 1993.
KANSAS CITY is 28-51 ATS (-28.1 Units) in all games since 1993.
KANSAS CITY is 28-51 ATS (-28.1 Units) in all lined games since 1993.
KANSAS CITY is 14-29 ATS (-17.9 Units) as an underdog since 1993.
KANSAS CITY is 4-14 ATS (-11.4 Units) as a road underdog of 3 points or less since 1993.
KANSAS CITY is 19-36 ATS (-20.6 Units) in all games where the total is between 35.5 and 42 points since 1993.
KANSAS CITY is 14-31 ATS (-20.1 Units) when playing with 6 or less days rest since 1993.
KANSAS CITY is 21-37 ATS (-19.7 Units) in non-conference games since 1993.

Head-to-Head Series History
KANSAS CITY is 1-0 against the spread versus GREEN BAY over the last 3 seasons
GREEN BAY is 1-1 straight up against KANSAS CITY over the last 3 seasons
1 of 2 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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NEW ORLEANS (2 - 2) at TENNESSEE (2 - 1) - 8/30/2012, 7:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
NEW ORLEANS is 29-12 ATS (+15.8 Units) in road games since 1993.
NEW ORLEANS is 29-12 ATS (+15.8 Units) in road lined games since 1993.
NEW ORLEANS is 19-5 ATS (+13.5 Units) in road games when playing with 6 or less days rest since 1993.

Head-to-Head Series History
TENNESSEE is 1-1 against the spread versus NEW ORLEANS over the last 3 seasons
TENNESSEE is 2-0 straight up against NEW ORLEANS over the last 3 seasons
2 of 2 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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CINCINNATI (2 - 1) at INDIANAPOLIS (1 - 2) - 8/30/2012, 7:00 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

Head-to-Head Series History
INDIANAPOLIS is 2-0 against the spread versus CINCINNATI over the last 3 seasons
INDIANAPOLIS is 1-1 straight up against CINCINNATI over the last 3 seasons
1 of 2 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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NY JETS (0 - 3) at PHILADELPHIA (3 - 0) - 8/30/2012, 6:35 PM
Top Trends for this game.
NY JETS are 26-13 ATS (+11.7 Units) in road games since 1993.
NY JETS are 26-13 ATS (+11.7 Units) in road lined games since 1993.
NY JETS are 18-4 ATS (+13.6 Units) in road games against NFC East division opponents since 1993.
NY JETS are 23-10 ATS (+12.0 Units) in road games in non-conference games since 1993.
PHILADELPHIA is 2-12 ATS (-11.2 Units) in home games against AFC East division opponents since 1993.

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

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CHICAGO (2 - 1) at CLEVELAND (2 - 1) - 8/30/2012, 7:30 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

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

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CAROLINA (2 - 1) at PITTSBURGH (2 - 1) - 8/30/2012, 7:30 PM
Top Trends for this game.
CAROLINA is 16-32 ATS (-19.2 Units) in non-conference games since 1993.

Head-to-Head Series History
PITTSBURGH is 2-0 against the spread versus CAROLINA over the last 3 seasons
PITTSBURGH is 2-0 straight up against CAROLINA over the last 3 seasons
1 of 2 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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BALTIMORE (2 - 1) at ST LOUIS (1 - 2) - 8/30/2012, 7:00 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

Head-to-Head Series History
ST LOUIS is 1-0 against the spread versus BALTIMORE over the last 3 seasons
ST LOUIS is 1-0 straight up against BALTIMORE over the last 3 seasons
1 of 1 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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OAKLAND (1 - 2) at SEATTLE (3 - 0) - 8/30/2012, 10:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
OAKLAND is 9-21 ATS (-14.1 Units) against NFC West division opponents since 1993.
SEATTLE is 18-6 ATS (+11.4 Units) against AFC West division opponents since 1993.
SEATTLE is 6-0 ATS (+6.0 Units) in non-conference games over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
SEATTLE is 1-0 against the spread versus OAKLAND over the last 3 seasons
SEATTLE is 1-1 straight up against OAKLAND over the last 3 seasons
1 of 2 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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SAN DIEGO (3 - 0) at SAN FRANCISCO (2 - 1) - 8/30/2012, 10:05 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

Head-to-Head Series History
SAN FRANCISCO is 1-0 against the spread versus SAN DIEGO over the last 3 seasons
SAN FRANCISCO is 2-0 straight up against SAN DIEGO over the last 3 seasons
2 of 2 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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DENVER (1 - 2) at ARIZONA (1 - 3) - 8/30/2012, 10:00 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

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

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**Udog** · 08-30-2012, 08:36 AM

NFLX
Short Sheet

Week 4

Thursday, August 30, 2012

Atlanta at Jacksonville, 6:30 ET
Atlanta: 18-6 Over after allowing 14 points or less
Jacksonville: 3-7 ATS off a loss by 10+ points

Minnesota at Houston, 7:00 ET
Minnesota: 9-2 ATS as a road underdog of 3.5 to 7 points
Houston: 11-2 Under at home off a loss

Buffalo at Detroit, 7:00 ET
Buffalo: 32-16 Under vs. non-conference opponents
Detroit: 6-0 ATS playing with 6 or less days rest

Kansas City at Green Bay, 7:00 ET NFL
Kansas City: 5-17 ATS off BB ATS losses
Green Bay: 31-13 Over as a favorite

New Orleans at Tennessee, 7:00 ET
New Orleans: 7-0 Over off a non-conference game
Tennessee: 10-2 ATS off a win by 6 points or less

Cincinnati at Indianapolis, 7:00 ET
Cincinnati: 1-4 ATS in road games
Indianapolis: 10-2 ATS at home off a loss by 10+ points

NY Jets at Philadelphia, 6:30 ET
NY Jets: 18-4 ATS away vs. NFC East opponents
Philadelphia: 2-12 ATS at home vs. AFC East opponents

Chicago at Cleveland, 7:30 ET
Chicago: 14-4 Over away off an Under
Cleveland: 10-5 ATS after scoring 14 points or less

Carolina at Pittsburgh, 7:30 ET
Carolina: 9-1 ATS off a win as an underdog
Pittsburgh: 2-10 ATS off a road win

(TC) Baltimore at St. Louis, 7:00 ET
Baltimore: 23-9 Under in road games
St. Louis: 5-1 ATS after allowing 300+ passing yards

Oakland at Seattle, 10:00 ET
Oakland: 9-21 ATS vs. NFC West opponents
Seattle: 6-0 ATS vs. non-conference opponents

San Diego at San Franicsco, 10:00 ET
San Diego: 10-3 ATS off a win by 6 points or less
San Francisco: 9-2 Under off a road win

Denver at Arizona, 11:00 ET NFL
Denver: 10-0 ATS off a loss as a home favorite
Arizona: 1-5 ATS off an Over

**Udog** · 08-30-2012, 08:40 AM

WNBA
Dunkel

Connecticut at San Antonio
The Sun look to build on their 4-1 ATS record in their last 5 games as a road underdog. Connecticut is the pick (+7) according to Dunkel, which has the Silver Stars favored by only 5. Dunkel Pick: Connecticut (+7). Here are all of today's picks

THURSDAY, AUGUST 30

Game 601-602: Indiana at New York (7:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Indiana 114.444; Washington 109.574
Dunkel Line & Total: Indiana by 5; 146
Vegas Line & Total: Indiana by 3; 150
Dunkel Pick: Indiana (-3); Under

Game 603-604: Washington at Atlanta (7:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Washington 103.829; Atlanta 115.416
Dunkel Line & Total: Atlanta by 11 1/2; 157
Vegas Line & Total: Atlanta by 9 1/2; 151 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Atlanta (-9 1/2); Over

Game 605-606: Connecticut at San Antonio (8:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Connecticut 111.484; San Antonio 116.562
Dunkel Line & Total: San Antonio by 5; 155
Vegas Line & Total: San Antonio by 7; 160
Dunkel Pick: Connecticut (+7); Under

Game 607-608: Los Angeles at Tulsa (8:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Los Angeles 120.867; Tulsa 107.806
Dunkel Line & Total: Los Angeles by 13; 160
Vegas Line & Total: Los Angeles by 9 1/2; 164
Dunkel Pick: Los Angeles (-9 1/2); Under

Game 609-610: Phoenix at Seattle (10:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Phoenix 96.841; Seattle 114.214
Dunkel Line & Total: Seattle by 17 1/2; 148
Vegas Line & Total: Seattle by 14; 152 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Seattle (-14); Under

WNBA

Thursday, August 30

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Trend Report
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7:00 PM
INDIANA vs. NEW YORK
Indiana is 2-5 ATS in its last 7 games when playing on the road against New York
Indiana is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 5 of New York's last 5 games when playing at home against Indiana
New York is 6-1 SU in its last 7 games when playing at home against Indiana

7:00 PM
WASHINGTON vs. ATLANTA
Washington is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games when playing Atlanta
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Washington's last 6 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Atlanta's last 8 games at home
Atlanta is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games at home

8:00 PM
CONNECTICUT vs. SAN ANTONIO
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Connecticut's last 6 games when playing on the road against San Antonio
The total has gone UNDER in 11 of Connecticut's last 15 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of San Antonio's last 7 games when playing Connecticut
San Antonio is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games at home

8:00 PM
LOS ANGELES vs. TULSA
Los Angeles is 1-5 ATS in its last 6 games when playing on the road against Tulsa
Los Angeles is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games when playing on the road against Tulsa
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Tulsa's last 6 games
Tulsa is 2-4 ATS in its last 6 games at home

10:00 PM
PHOENIX vs. SEATTLE
Phoenix is 3-10 ATS in its last 13 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 14 of Phoenix's last 19 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 14 of Seattle's last 20 games at home
Seattle is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games at home

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**Udog** · 08-30-2012, 08:41 AM

MLB
Dunkel

Detroit at Kansas City
The Royals look to build on their 7-0 record in their last 7 games as a home underdog. Kansas City is the pick (+100) according to Dunkel, which has the Royals favored by 1. Dunkel Pick: Kansas City (+100). Here are all of today's picks.

THURSDAY, AUGUST 30

Game 951-952: NY Mets at Philadelphia (1:05 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: NY Mets (Niese) 14.822; Philadelphia (Kendrick) 15.802
Dunkel Line: Philadelphia by 1; 7 1/2
Vegas Line: Philadelphia (-115); 8
Dunkel Pick: Philadelphia (-115); Under

Game 953-954: Milwaukee at Chicago Cubs (2:20 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Milwaukee (Marcum) 14.906; Cubs (Raley) 15.253
Dunkel Line: Chicago Cubs by 1/2; 9 1/2
Vegas Line: Milwaukee (-150); No Run Total
Dunkel Pick: Chicago Cubs (+130); N/A

Game 955-956: St. Louis at Washington (7:05 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: St. Louis (Garcia) 15.540; Washington (Jackson) 14.068
Dunkel Line: St. Louis by 1 1/2; 9
Vegas Line: Washington (-115); 8
Dunkel Pick: St. Louis (-105); Over

Game 957-958: San Francisco at Houston (8:05 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: San Francisco (Vogelsong) 15.568; Houston (Lyles) 13.118
Dunkel Line: San Francisco by 2 1/2; 7
Vegas Line: San Francisco (-180); 8
Dunkel Pick: San Francisco (-180); Under

Game 959-960: Arizona at LA Dodgers (10:10 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Arizona (Kennedy) 15.146; LA Dodgers (Kershaw) 14.018
Dunkel Line: Arizona by 1; 7
Vegas Line: LA Dodgers (-215); 6 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Arizona (+185); Over

Game 961-962: Oakland at Cleveland (12:05 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Oakland (Parker) 14.572; Cleveland (Masterson) 15.110
Dunkel Line: Cleveland by 1/2; 7 1/2
Vegas Line: Cleveland (-110); 8 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Cleveland (-110); Under

Game 963-964: Chicago White Sox at Baltimore (12:35 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: White Sox (Quintana) 15.387; Baltimore (Britton) 16.739
Dunkel Line: Baltimore by 1 1/2; 8
Vegas Line: Baltimore (-110); 9
Dunkel Pick: Baltimore (-110); Under

Game 965-966: Seattle at Minnesota (1:10 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Seattle (Beavan) 15.194; Minnesota (Duensing) 14.799
Dunkel Line: Seattle by 1/2; 9 1/2
Vegas Line: Minnesota (-130); 9
Dunkel Pick: Seattle (+110); Over

Game 967-968: Tampa Bay at Toronto (7:07 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Tampa Bay (Moore) 16.934; Toronto (Villanueva) 14.512
Dunkel Line: Tampa Bay by 2 1/2; 7
Vegas Line: Tampa Bay (-155); 8
Dunkel Pick: Tampa Bay (-155); Under

Game 969-970: Detroit at Kansas City (8:10 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Detroit (Porcello) 15.184; Kansas City (Guthrie) 16.211
Dunkel Line: Kansas City by 1; 9 1/2
Vegas Line: Detroit (-120); 9
Dunkel Pick: Kansas City (+100); Over

Game 971-972: Boston at LA Angels (10:05 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Boston (Lester) 14.679; LA Angels (Greinke) 15.606
Dunkel Line: LA Angels by 1; 7
Vegas Line: LA Angels (-160); 8
Dunkel Pick: LA Angels (-160); Under

**Udog** · 08-30-2012, 08:41 AM

MLB
Long Sheet

Thursday, August 30

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NY METS (61 - 69) at PHILADELPHIA (61 - 69) - 1:05 PM
JON NIESE (L) vs. KYLE KENDRICK (R)
Top Trends for this game.
NY METS are 8-13 (-11.5 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record in the second half of the season this season.
NY METS are 12-2 (+11.1 Units) against the money line when playing on Thursday this season.
NY METS are 70-70 (+19.0 Units) against the money line in road games in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
NY METS are 102-103 (+5.0 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters over the last 2 seasons.
NY METS are 33-26 (+11.1 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 74-72 (+22.5 Units) against the money line in road games over the last 2 seasons.
PHILADELPHIA is 19-31 (-18.1 Units) against the money line against division opponents this season.
PHILADELPHIA is 16-25 (-13.2 Units) against the money line in day games this season.
PHILADELPHIA is 61-66 (-19.4 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
PHILADELPHIA is 16-23 (-11.8 Units) against the money line against left-handed starters this season.
PHILADELPHIA is 28-39 (-18.3 Units) against the money line after a loss this season.
PHILADELPHIA is 159-131 (-42.4 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.
PHILADELPHIA is 61-69 (-22.4 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
PHILADELPHIA is 31-37 (-19.3 Units) against the money line in home games this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
NY METS is 10-4 (+9.6 Units) against PHILADELPHIA this season
12 of 14 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+9.8 Units)

JON NIESE vs. PHILADELPHIA since 1997
NIESE is 5-4 when starting against PHILADELPHIA with an ERA of 3.56 and a WHIP of 1.282.
His team's record is 6-6 (+1.4 units) in these starts. The OVER is 8-4. (+3.7 units)

KYLE KENDRICK vs. NY METS since 1997
KENDRICK is 4-5 when starting against NY METS with an ERA of 3.08 and a WHIP of 1.467.
His team's record is 4-7 (-4.7 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 7-4. (+2.6 units)

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MILWAUKEE (62 - 67) at CHICAGO CUBS (49 - 80) - 2:20 PM
SHAUN MARCUM (R) vs. BROOKS RALEY (L)
Top Trends for this game.
MILWAUKEE is 62-67 (-15.0 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
MILWAUKEE is 24-39 (-18.8 Units) against the money line in road games this season.
MILWAUKEE is 8-18 (-13.2 Units) against the money line when playing on Thursday over the last 2 seasons.
MILWAUKEE is 21-27 (-10.8 Units) against the money line in day games this season.
MILWAUKEE is 62-67 (-15.0 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
MILWAUKEE is 33-34 (-8.9 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record this season.
MARCUM is 21-29 (-15.1 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
MARCUM is 21-29 (-15.1 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
MILWAUKEE is 55-23 (+26.1 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.
CHICAGO CUBS are 49-80 (-21.0 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
CHICAGO CUBS are 666-624 (-143.6 Units) against the money line in home games since 1997.
CHICAGO CUBS are 6-21 (-14.3 Units) against the money line in August games this season.
CHICAGO CUBS are 21-40 (-14.3 Units) against the money line against division opponents this season.
CHICAGO CUBS are 672-688 (-132.3 Units) against the money line in day games since 1997.
CHICAGO CUBS are 49-80 (-21.0 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
CHICAGO CUBS are 87-127 (-27.2 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters over the last 2 seasons.
CHICAGO CUBS are 23-41 (-16.8 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
MILWAUKEE is 13-3 (+9.2 Units) against CHICAGO CUBS this season
10 of 16 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+3.7 Units)

SHAUN MARCUM vs. CHICAGO CUBS since 1997
MARCUM is 4-0 when starting against CHICAGO CUBS with an ERA of 2.33 and a WHIP of 0.852.
His team's record is 4-0 (+4.0 units) in these starts. The OVER is 2-2. (-0.1 units)

BROOKS RALEY vs. MILWAUKEE since 1997
No recent starts.

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ST LOUIS (71 - 59) at WASHINGTON (78 - 51) - 7:05 PM
JAIME GARCIA (L) vs. EDWIN JACKSON (R)
Top Trends for this game.
ST LOUIS is 44-46 (-14.3 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.
ST LOUIS is 18-28 (-18.2 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record this season.
WASHINGTON is 48-29 (+14.0 Units) against the money line after a win this season.
WASHINGTON is 35-24 (+10.0 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record this season.
WASHINGTON is 27-19 (+13.5 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record in the second half of the season over the last 2 seasons.
WASHINGTON is 78-51 (+18.9 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
WASHINGTON is 26-13 (+11.7 Units) against the money line when the total is 8 to 8.5 this season.
WASHINGTON is 75-51 (+15.0 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
WASHINGTON is 53-33 (+15.3 Units) against the money line in night games this season.
WASHINGTON is 27-12 (+12.3 Units) against the money line in home games against left-handed starters over the last 2 seasons.
ST LOUIS is 123-88 (+16.7 Units) against the money line in night games over the last 2 seasons.
ST LOUIS is 41-29 (+12.0 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.
JACKSON is 8-15 (-8.9 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season. (Team's Record)
JACKSON is 13-21 (-13.1 Units) against the money line in home games in night games over the last 3 seasons. (Team's Record)

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

JAIME GARCIA vs. WASHINGTON since 1997
GARCIA is 2-0 when starting against WASHINGTON with an ERA of 1.65 and a WHIP of 1.653.
His team's record is 2-1 (+0.7 units) in these starts. The OVER is 2-1. (+0.9 units)

EDWIN JACKSON vs. ST LOUIS since 1997
JACKSON is 0-1 when starting against ST LOUIS with an ERA of 3.46 and a WHIP of 1.462.
His team's record is 1-3 (-2.2 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 1-2. (-1.3 units)

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SAN FRANCISCO (73 - 57) at HOUSTON (40 - 90) - 8:05 PM
RYAN VOGELSONG (R) vs. JORDAN LYLES (R)
Top Trends for this game.
SAN FRANCISCO is 35-14 (+19.5 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 3 seasons.
SAN FRANCISCO is 73-57 (+11.2 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
SAN FRANCISCO is 36-29 (+10.2 Units) against the money line in road games this season.
SAN FRANCISCO is 12-3 (+10.3 Units) against the money line in road games in August games this season.
SAN FRANCISCO is 73-57 (+11.2 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
SAN FRANCISCO is 46-30 (+13.9 Units) against the money line in night games this season.
SAN FRANCISCO is 476-470 (+45.4 Units) against the money line in road games against right-handed starters since 1997.
VOGELSONG is 16-8 (+8.6 Units) against the money line in all games this season. (Team's Record)
VOGELSONG is 16-8 (+8.6 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season. (Team's Record)
VOGELSONG is 11-2 (+10.3 Units) against the money line in night games this season. (Team's Record)
HOUSTON is 40-89 (-37.4 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
HOUSTON is 29-61 (-23.3 Units) against the money line in night games this season.
HOUSTON is 27-68 (-34.0 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.
HOUSTON is 25-63 (-30.0 Units) against the money line after a loss this season.
HOUSTON is 19-45 (-19.3 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record this season.
HOUSTON is 2-22 (-18.8 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record in the second half of the season this season.
HOUSTON is 40-89 (-37.4 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
HOUSTON is 41-84 (-36.1 Units) against the money line when the total is 8 to 8.5 over the last 2 seasons.
LYLES is 6-27 (-18.3 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
LYLES is 2-15 (-12.5 Units) against the money line when the total is 8 to 8.5 over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
LYLES is 6-27 (-18.3 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
LYLES is 4-19 (-13.4 Units) against the money line after a loss over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)

Head-to-Head Series History
SAN FRANCISCO is 7-1 (+5.9 Units) against HOUSTON this season
4 of 8 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=-0.4 Units, Under=-0.4 Units)

RYAN VOGELSONG vs. HOUSTON since 1997
VOGELSONG is 2-2 when starting against HOUSTON with an ERA of 2.39 and a WHIP of 1.177.
His team's record is 2-2 (-0.8 units) in these starts. The OVER is 0-4. (-4.3 units)

JORDAN LYLES vs. SAN FRANCISCO since 1997
LYLES is 1-0 when starting against SAN FRANCISCO with an ERA of 0.00 and a WHIP of 1.800.
His team's record is 1-0 (+1.7 units) in these starts. The OVER is 1-0. (+1.0 units)

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ARIZONA (64 - 67) at LA DODGERS (70 - 61) - 10:10 PM
IAN KENNEDY (R) vs. CLAYTON KERSHAW (L)
Top Trends for this game.
ARIZONA is 64-67 (-12.7 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
ARIZONA is 64-67 (-12.7 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
ARIZONA is 42-50 (-17.0 Units) against the money line in night games this season.
ARIZONA is 31-36 (-10.4 Units) against the money line after a loss this season.
ARIZONA is 21-32 (-12.1 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record this season.
LA DODGERS are 39-25 (+12.2 Units) against the money line when the total is 7 or less this season.
LA DODGERS are 60-37 (+17.0 Units) against the money line at home when the total is 7 or less over the last 2 seasons.
LA DODGERS are 41-28 (+12.3 Units) against the money line after a win this season.
KERSHAW is 41-19 (+15.2 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
KERSHAW is 38-13 (+19.2 Units) against the money line when the total is 7 or less over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
KERSHAW is 24-7 (+12.4 Units) against the money line in home games over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
KERSHAW is 29-12 (+14.5 Units) against the money line against division opponents over the last 3 seasons. (Team's Record)
KERSHAW is 41-19 (+15.2 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
ARIZONA is 74-74 (+9.9 Units) against the money line in road games over the last 2 seasons.
ARIZONA is 67-50 (+11.1 Units) against the money line against division opponents over the last 2 seasons.
KENNEDY is 19-4 (+15.1 Units) against the money line against division opponents over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
LA DODGERS are 33-36 (-10.6 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
ARIZONA is 8-4 (+2.9 Units) against LA DODGERS this season
7 of 12 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+1.5 Units)

IAN KENNEDY vs. LA DODGERS since 1997
KENNEDY is 3-2 when starting against LA DODGERS with an ERA of 4.46 and a WHIP of 1.239.
His team's record is 4-2 (+2.0 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 3-2. (+0.6 units)

CLAYTON KERSHAW vs. ARIZONA since 1997
KERSHAW is 7-3 when starting against ARIZONA with an ERA of 2.41 and a WHIP of 1.056.
His team's record is 8-4 (+3.5 units) in these starts. The OVER is 5-6. (-1.1 units)

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OAKLAND (72 - 57) at CLEVELAND (55 - 75) - 12:05 PM
JARROD PARKER (R) vs. JUSTIN MASTERSON (R)
Top Trends for this game.
CLEVELAND is 59-40 (+17.3 Units) against the money line in home games against right-handed starters over the last 2 seasons.
OAKLAND is 72-57 (+24.0 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
OAKLAND is 33-30 (+11.4 Units) against the money line in road games this season.
OAKLAND is 261-191 (+66.8 Units) against the money line in August games since 1997.
OAKLAND is 88-73 (+16.9 Units) against the money line in day games over the last 3 seasons.
OAKLAND is 66-54 (+18.7 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
OAKLAND is 49-33 (+22.7 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.
OAKLAND is 42-29 (+16.3 Units) against the money line after a win this season.
CLEVELAND is 55-75 (-18.7 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
CLEVELAND is 5-22 (-15.6 Units) against the money line in August games this season.
CLEVELAND is 16-30 (-15.2 Units) against the money line in day games this season.
CLEVELAND is 52-71 (-18.0 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
CLEVELAND is 20-43 (-19.5 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record in the second half of the season over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
OAKLAND is 7-2 (+4.7 Units) against CLEVELAND this season
6 of 9 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+2.8 Units)

JARROD PARKER vs. CLEVELAND since 1997
PARKER is 1-0 when starting against CLEVELAND with an ERA of 0.00 and a WHIP of 0.875.
His team's record is 1-0 (+1.0 units) in these starts. The OVER is 0-1. (-1.1 units)

JUSTIN MASTERSON vs. OAKLAND since 1997
MASTERSON is 1-4 when starting against OAKLAND with an ERA of 9.12 and a WHIP of 2.067.
His team's record is 1-4 (-3.0 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 4-1. (+3.0 units)

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CHI WHITE SOX (72 - 57) at BALTIMORE (71 - 58) - 12:35 PM
JOSE QUINTANA (L) vs. ZACH BRITTON (L)
Top Trends for this game.
BALTIMORE is 24-12 (+16.1 Units) against the money line in day games this season.
BALTIMORE is 66-51 (+23.8 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
BALTIMORE is 20-14 (+10.3 Units) against the money line against left-handed starters this season.
BALTIMORE is 43-34 (+20.7 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record this season.
BALTIMORE is 69-79 (+27.1 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record in the second half of the season over the last 3 seasons.
BALTIMORE is 71-58 (+24.8 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
BALTIMORE is 32-24 (+12.4 Units) against the money line when the total is 9 to 9.5 this season.
BALTIMORE is 16-9 (+9.4 Units) against the money line in August games this season.
CHI WHITE SOX are 42-29 (+10.2 Units) against the money line after a win this season.
CHI WHITE SOX are 33-26 (+9.9 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record this season.
CHI WHITE SOX are 72-57 (+11.2 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
CHI WHITE SOX are 25-8 (+16.8 Units) against the money line when the total is 9 to 9.5 this season.
CHI WHITE SOX are 78-70 (+15.6 Units) against the money line in road games over the last 2 seasons.
CHI WHITE SOX are 19-11 (+10.6 Units) against the money line on the road when the total is 9 to 9.5 over the last 2 seasons.
CHI WHITE SOX are 44-33 (+15.5 Units) against the money line in road games in day games over the last 3 seasons.
CHI WHITE SOX are 66-56 (+5.6 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
BALTIMORE is 292-366 (-97.2 Units) against the money line in home games after a loss since 1997.

Head-to-Head Series History
BALTIMORE is 5-2 (+3.5 Units) against CHI WHITE SOX this season
3 of 6 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=-0.2 Units, Under=-0.5 Units)

JOSE QUINTANA vs. BALTIMORE since 1997
No recent starts.

ZACH BRITTON vs. CHI WHITE SOX since 1997
BRITTON is 1-0 when starting against CHI WHITE SOX with an ERA of 1.50 and a WHIP of 1.333.
His team's record is 1-0 (+1.2 units) in these starts. The OVER is 1-0. (+1.0 units)

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SEATTLE (63 - 68) at MINNESOTA (53 - 77) - 1:10 PM
BLAKE BEAVAN (R) vs. BRIAN DUENSING (L)
Top Trends for this game.
SEATTLE is 15-35 (-18.5 Units) against the money line as a road underdog of +100 to +125 over the last 3 seasons.
SEATTLE is 12-30 (-19.8 Units) against the money line when playing on Thursday over the last 3 seasons.
SEATTLE is 46-88 (-34.9 Units) against the money line against left-handed starters over the last 3 seasons.
SEATTLE is 102-160 (-46.0 Units) against the money line after a loss over the last 3 seasons.
MINNESOTA is 40-16 (+18.6 Units) against the money line as a home favorite of -125 to -150 over the last 3 seasons.
SEATTLE is 63-68 (+7.1 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
SEATTLE is 60-61 (+9.1 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
SEATTLE is 16-4 (+12.4 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record in the second half of the season this season.
MINNESOTA is 116-177 (-35.8 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
MINNESOTA is 25-39 (-13.6 Units) against the money line in home games this season.
MINNESOTA is 16-39 (-18.7 Units) against the money line in August games over the last 2 seasons.
MINNESOTA is 7-18 (-15.7 Units) against the money line in home games when playing on Thursday over the last 3 seasons.
MINNESOTA is 25-39 (-13.6 Units) against the money line in home games in games played on a grass field this season.
MINNESOTA is 16-28 (-11.9 Units) against the money line in home games against right-handed starters this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
SEATTLE is 7-2 (+4.9 Units) against MINNESOTA this season
6 of 9 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+2.7 Units)

BLAKE BEAVAN vs. MINNESOTA since 1997
BEAVAN is 1-0 when starting against MINNESOTA with an ERA of 2.19 and a WHIP of 1.135.
His team's record is 1-1 (-0.2 units) in these starts. The OVER is 0-2. (-2.1 units)

BRIAN DUENSING vs. SEATTLE since 1997
DUENSING is 0-1 when starting against SEATTLE with an ERA of 3.86 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)

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TAMPA BAY (71 - 59) at TORONTO (58 - 71) - 7:05 PM
MATT MOORE (L) vs. CARLOS VILLANUEVA (R)
Top Trends for this game.
TAMPA BAY is 36-29 (+10.7 Units) against the money line in road games this season.
TAMPA BAY is 36-26 (+12.3 Units) against the money line on the road when the total is 8 to 8.5 over the last 2 seasons.
TAMPA BAY is 17-8 (+10.7 Units) against the money line in road games in August games over the last 2 seasons.
TAMPA BAY is 462-551 (+27.0 Units) against the money line against division opponents since 1997.
TAMPA BAY is 43-33 (+13.6 Units) against the money line in road games after a win over the last 2 seasons.
TAMPA BAY is 70-42 (+18.0 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 2 seasons.
TAMPA BAY is 79-53 (+20.6 Units) against the money line when the total is 8 to 8.5 over the last 2 seasons.
TORONTO is 58-71 (-12.4 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
TORONTO is 32-48 (-18.3 Units) against the money line in night games this season.
TORONTO is 36-53 (-13.1 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
TAMPA BAY is 9-2 (+7.1 Units) against TORONTO this season
6 of 9 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+2.9 Units)

MATT MOORE vs. TORONTO since 1997
MOORE is 1-0 when starting against TORONTO with an ERA of 2.53 and a WHIP of 1.031.
His team's record is 2-0 (+2.0 units) in these starts. The OVER is 2-0. (+2.1 units)

CARLOS VILLANUEVA vs. TAMPA BAY since 1997
VILLANUEVA is 0-2 when starting against TAMPA BAY with an ERA of 11.42 and a WHIP of 2.076.
His team's record is 0-2 (-2.0 units) in these starts. The OVER is 1-1. (-0.1 units)

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DETROIT (69 - 60) at KANSAS CITY (58 - 71) - 8:10 PM
RICK PORCELLO (R) vs. JEREMY GUTHRIE (R)
Top Trends for this game.
DETROIT is 69-60 (-10.4 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
DETROIT is 6-14 (-12.7 Units) against the money line as a road favorite of -125 to -150 this season.
DETROIT is 30-34 (-10.8 Units) against the money line in road games this season.
DETROIT is 65-57 (-10.9 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
DETROIT is 36-40 (-14.8 Units) against the money line in night games this season.
KANSAS CITY is 44-43 (+10.1 Units) against the money line in night games this season.
KANSAS CITY is 34-34 (+13.5 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record this season.
KANSAS CITY is 16-11 (+10.6 Units) against the money line in August games this season.
GUTHRIE is 16-11 (+12.1 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record in the second half of the season over the last 3 seasons. (Team's Record)
DETROIT is 77-41 (+22.0 Units) against the money line against division opponents over the last 2 seasons.
PORCELLO is 9-1 (+7.8 Units) against the money line on the road with a money line of -100 to -125 over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
PORCELLO is 18-10 (+8.6 Units) against the money line in road games over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
PORCELLO is 17-6 (+9.5 Units) against the money line against division opponents over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
PORCELLO is 17-9 (+8.5 Units) against the money line in road games in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
PORCELLO is 19-5 (+12.2 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
KANSAS CITY is 243-354 (-98.7 Units) against the money line at home when the total is 9 to 9.5 since 1997.

Head-to-Head Series History
DETROIT is 7-3 (+1.1 Units) against KANSAS CITY this season
7 of 10 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+3.6 Units)

RICK PORCELLO vs. KANSAS CITY since 1997
PORCELLO is 5-2 when starting against KANSAS CITY with an ERA of 4.56 and a WHIP of 1.254.
His team's record is 8-4 (+2.2 units) in these starts. The OVER is 9-2. (+7.1 units)

JEREMY GUTHRIE vs. DETROIT since 1997
GUTHRIE is 3-3 when starting against DETROIT with an ERA of 4.22 and a WHIP of 1.388.
His team's record is 4-4 (+1.9 units) in these starts. The OVER is 5-3. (+1.9 units)

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BOSTON (62 - 69) at LA ANGELS (68 - 62) - 10:05 PM
JON LESTER (L) vs. ZACK GREINKE (R)
Top Trends for this game.
BOSTON is 32-37 (-14.9 Units) against the money line after a loss this season.
BOSTON is 37-43 (-11.6 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record this season.
BOSTON is 62-69 (-21.7 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
BOSTON is 9-18 (-12.4 Units) against the money line in August games this season.
BOSTON is 56-64 (-22.6 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
BOSTON is 41-50 (-21.6 Units) against the money line in night games this season.
BOSTON is 37-51 (-25.5 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.
LESTER is 11-15 (-11.4 Units) against the money line in all games this season. (Team's Record)
LESTER is 26-27 (-17.8 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
LESTER is 7-11 (-10.2 Units) against the money line in night games this season. (Team's Record)
LESTER is 4-10 (-10.4 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record this season. (Team's Record)
GREINKE is 25-3 (+20.8 Units) against the money line in home games over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
GREINKE is 25-3 (+20.8 Units) against the money line in home games in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
GREINKE is 27-10 (+15.2 Units) against the money line in night games over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
GREINKE is 16-1 (+15.0 Units) against the money line in home games after a win over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
GREINKE is 16-0 (+16.0 Units) against the money line in home games when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
LA ANGELS are 33-34 (-12.6 Units) against the money line after a win this season.
LA ANGELS are 68-62 (-15.3 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
LA ANGELS are 127-118 (-63.0 Units) against the money line as a home favorite of -150 to -175 since 1997.
LA ANGELS are 36-45 (-18.6 Units) against the money line in August games over the last 3 seasons.
LA ANGELS are 66-57 (-11.8 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
LA ANGELS is 5-0 (+5.0 Units) against BOSTON this season
4 of 5 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+2.9 Units)

JON LESTER vs. LA ANGELS since 1997
LESTER is 5-2 when starting against LA ANGELS with an ERA of 3.26 and a WHIP of 1.368.
His team's record is 7-3 (+3.9 units) in these starts. The OVER is 3-5. (-2.2 units)

ZACK GREINKE vs. BOSTON since 1997
GREINKE is 1-4 when starting against BOSTON with an ERA of 3.03 and a WHIP of 1.255.
His team's record is 1-4 (-3.0 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 4-1. (+3.0 units)

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**Udog** · 08-30-2012, 08:41 AM

MLB
Armadillo's Write-Up

Thursday, August 30

Series won-lost records are now below the daily writeup.......

Hot pitchers
-- Kendrick is 3-0, 0.83 in his last three starts. Niese is 2-1, 1.61 in his last three starts.
-- Kershaw is 5-1, 1.94 in his last six starts.

-- Parker is 1-0, 1.93 in his last couple starts. Masterson is 3-1, 4.26 in his last four starts.
-- Quintana is 1-1, 3.08 in his last four starts.
-- Moore is 4-0, 1.69 in his last six starts.
-- Lester is 3-0, 2.25 in his last three starts.

Cold pitchers
-- Marcum allowed four runs in five IP in his first start since June 14. Raley is 1-2, 7.08 in four starts for the Cubs.
-- JGarcia is 0-3, 6.55 in his last four starts. Jackson is 1-3, 4.55 in his last five outings.
-- Vogelsong is 1-2, 10.50 in his last three starts. Lyles is 1-5, 7.72 in his last eight starts.
-- Kennedy is 1-3, 7.59 in his last four starts.

-- Britton is 1-1, 9.90 in his last four starts.
-- Duensing is 1-3, 8.89 in his last five starts. Beavan is 1-2, 5.24 in his last four starts.
-- Villanueva is 0-4, 4.06 in his last five starts.
-- Porcello is 0-3, 5.50 in his last three starts. Guthrie is 0-0, 7.84 in his last couple starts.
-- Greinke is 1-2, 5.40 in three home starts for the Angels.

Hot Teams
-- Mets won their last four games, allowing nine runs.
-- Brewers won nine of their last thirteen games.
-- Giants won nine of their last twelve games.

-- Oakland won 11 of its last 13 games.
-- White Sox won seven of their last nine games. Orioles won 12 of their last 16 home games.
-- Royals won eight of their last nine home games.
-- Mariners won ten of their last fourteen games.

Cold Teams
-- Phillies lost their last five home games with the Mets.
-- Cardinals didn't score a run in losing last two games. Washington lost five of its last six games.
-- Cubs lost nine of their last thirteen games.
-- Astros lost 11 of their last 12 games.
-- Arizona lost its last six games, outscored 33-13. Dodgers lost eight of their last thirteen games.

-- Indians lost 13 of their last 14 games.
-- Toronto lost 11 of its last 14 games. Tampa Bay lost four of its last five games.
-- Twins lost 15 of their last 19 games.
-- Detroit lost five of its last seven home games.
-- Boston lost six of its last eight road games. Angels lost four of their last six home games.

Totals
-- Under is 5-1-1 in Philly's last seven games.
-- Nine of last twelve Milwaukee games stayed under the total.
-- Seven of last ten Washington games stayed under total.
-- Five of last seven Houston games stayed under the total.
-- Under is 6-1-1 in Arizona's last eight games.

-- Six of last eight Oakland games stayed under the total.
-- Under is 4-1-2 in last seven White Sox games.
-- Under is 11-4-1 in last sixteen Seattle games.
-- 11 of last 16 Kansas City games stayed under the total.
-- Five of last six Tampa Bay road game went over the total.
-- 18 of last 26 Angel games went over the total.

Umpires
-- NY-Phil-- Four of last five Bell games went over total.
-- Mil-Chi-- Under is 15-8-1 in last 24 Nelson games.
-- SF-Hst-- Under is 12-7 in last nineteen Everitt games.

-- A's-Clev-- 22 of last 25 Emmel games (0 of last 2) went over.
-- Chi-Blt-- Favorites won seven of last eight Runge games.
-- Sea-Min-- Favorites won 11 of last 14 Danley games.
-- Det-KC-- Over is 4-1-1 in last six Gonzalez games.
-- Bos-LA-- West's last four games behind plate all went over.

2012 baseball series records

thru 8/30
Home Away Total
Arizona 9-9-3 6-11-4 15-20-7
Atlanta 10-7-4 12-6-3 22-13-7
Cubs 11-10 3-14-4 14-24-4
Cincinnati 13-6-2 11-6-4 24-12-6
Colorado 8-11-3 4-15-1 12-26-4
Houston 7-13-1 1-20 8-33-1
Dodgers 11-9-1 10-10-1 21-20-2
Miami 7-9-4 6-12-4 13-21-8
Milwaukee 12-7-2 5-14-1 17-21-3
Mets 8-12-1 8-12-1 16-24-2
Philadelphia 8-11-3 10-8-2 18-19-5
Pittsburgh 13-7-1 9-8-4 22-15-5
St Louis 12-7-2 9-11-1 21-18-3
San Diego 10-9-2 6-13-2 16-22-4
San Francisco 12-5-4 12-7-2 24-12-6
Washington 11-5-4 14-5-3 25-10-7
Baltimore 10-9-2 13-6-1 23-15-3
Boston 10-12 9-8-3 19-20-3
White Sox 12-8-1 9-8-3 21-16-4
Cleveland 7-11-3 8-12-1 15-23-4
Detroit 12-6-3 7-12-2 19-18-5
Kansas City 8-11-1 9-9-4 17-20-5
Angels 12-6-3 7-12-2 19-18-5
Minnesota 5-12-3 8-11-2 13-23-5
Bronx 13-6-2 11-7-3 24-13-5
A's 11-6-4 10-9-3 21-15-7
Seattle 10-9-1 8-13-1 18-22-2
Tampa Bay 9-9-3 11-9-1 20-18-4
Texas 16-4-2 11-8-1 27-12-3
Toronto 9-9-2 6-12-4 15-21-6

**Udog** · 08-30-2012, 08:42 AM

MLB

Thursday, August 30

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Trend Report
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12:05 PM
OAKLAND vs. CLEVELAND
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Oakland's last 8 games
Oakland is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing Cleveland
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Cleveland's last 6 games at home
Cleveland is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games when playing at home against Oakland

12:35 PM
CHI WHITE SOX vs. BALTIMORE
Chi White Sox are 7-2 SU in their last 9 games
Chi White Sox are 2-5 SU in their last 7 games when playing Baltimore
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Baltimore's last 6 games
Baltimore is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games

1:05 PM
NY METS vs. PHILADELPHIA
NY Mets are 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing on the road against Philadelphia
NY Mets are 4-2 SU in its last 6 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Philadelphia's last 5 games at home
Philadelphia is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games at home

1:10 PM
SEATTLE vs. MINNESOTA
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Seattle's last 5 games when playing Minnesota
Seattle is 7-1 SU in its last 8 games when playing Minnesota
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Minnesota's last 5 games when playing Seattle
Minnesota is 2-5 SU in its last 7 games when playing at home against Seattle

2:20 PM
MILWAUKEE vs. CHI CUBS
Milwaukee is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 15 of Milwaukee's last 23 games when playing on the road against Chi Cubs
The total has gone OVER in 15 of Chi Cubs's last 23 games when playing at home against Milwaukee
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Chi Cubs's last 6 games at home

7:05 PM
ST. LOUIS vs. WASHINGTON
The total has gone OVER in 5 of St. Louis's last 7 games on the road
St. Louis is 6-3 SU in its last 9 games
Washington is 1-5 SU in its last 6 games
Washington is 6-2 SU in its last 8 games when playing St. Louis

7:07 PM
TAMPA BAY vs. TORONTO
Tampa Bay is 11-4 SU in its last 15 games on the road
Tampa Bay is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing Toronto
The total has gone OVER in 7 of Toronto's last 8 games when playing at home against Tampa Bay
Toronto is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games when playing Tampa Bay

8:05 PM
SAN FRANCISCO vs. HOUSTON
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of San Francisco's last 5 games when playing Houston
The total has gone OVER in 4 of San Francisco's last 5 games
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Houston's last 5 games when playing San Francisco
Houston is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games when playing San Francisco

8:10 PM
DETROIT vs. KANSAS CITY
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Detroit's last 6 games on the road
Detroit is 2-5 SU in its last 7 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 7 of Kansas City's last 10 games when playing Detroit
Kansas City is 3-8 SU in its last 11 games when playing Detroit

10:05 PM
BOSTON vs. LA ANGELS
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Boston's last 6 games when playing LA Angels
Boston is 0-5 SU in their last 5 games when playing LA Angels
LA Angels are 8-15 SU in their last 23 games when playing Boston
LA Angels are 5-0 SU in their last 5 games when playing Boston

10:10 PM
ARIZONA vs. LA DODGERS
Arizona is 5-0 SU in their last 5 games when playing LA Dodgers
Arizona is 4-1 SU in their last 5 games when playing on the road against LA Dodgers
LA Dodgers are 1-4 SU in their last 5 games when playing at home against Arizona
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of LA Dodgers's last 6 games when playing at home against Arizona

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**Udog** · 08-30-2012, 08:43 AM

MLB

Thursday, August 30

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Thursday's streaking and slumping starting pitchers
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Streaking

Kyle Kendrick, Philadelphia Phillies (7-9, 4.12 ERA)

Kendrick makes his first start against the Mets. In two relief appearances against New York this season, he has allowed five earned runs with four walks in 2 1/3 innings. He has blossomed in his return to the rotation, going 3-1 with a 3.10 ERA in five starts this month.

Matt Moore, Tampa Bay Rays (10-7, 3.60 ERA)

Moore has won four consecutive decisions and last lost on July 22 to the Seattle Mariners. He is 5-1 with a 1.97 ERA in eight starts since the All-Star break. Moore is 1-0 with a 2.53 ERA in two starts against Toronto. He took a no-decision against the Oakland Athletics in his last outing, allowing three runs and seven hits in 6 1/3 innings.

Slumping

Rick Porcello, Detroit Tigers (9-9, 4.60 ERA)

Porcello's next win will give him double-digit victories in each of his first four seasons in the majors, but he has been denied that milestone with three straight losses. His last two outings have been quality starts, but he got little run support. Porcello held Kansas City to three runs over eight innings in a win May 1 in Detroit, improving to 5-2 with a 4.56 ERA in 12 starts against the Royals.

Jamie Garcia, St. Louis Cardinals (3-5, 4.15 ERA)

Garcia is making his third start since returning from a shoulder injury that sidelined him two-plus months. He had a sharp first outing against the Pittsburgh Pirates – striking out 10 and allowing just two unearned runs in eight innings in a no-decision – before losing to Cincinnati in his last start. Garcia gave up four runs and seven hits in six innings against the Reds. He is 2-0 with a 1.65 ERA in three career starts against Washington.

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**Udog** · 08-30-2012, 08:45 AM

MLB

Thursday, August 30

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Four pitchers hitting the wall down the home stretch
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Seattle Mariners ace Felix Hernandez has pitched almost 197 innings of baseball and isn’t showing any signs of slowing down.

The former American League Cy Young winner has a 0.35 ERA in his last three starts, including the 23rd perfect game in major league history on August 15. Hernandez is known for eating up the innings and finishing the season strong.

But, as baseball bettors know, arms like King Felix are few and far between. There are many pitchers climbing the pitch count as the calendar flips to September and appear to be running on fumes.

Here are four pitchers who could hit the wall down the home stretch of the schedule:

Jason Vargas, Seattle Mariners (13-9, 3.90 ERA, 184.2 IP)

Vargas was just placed on waivers by the Mariners (they saw this one coming) and is expected to get gobbled up by a contender for the home stretch. He’s one of the best moneymaking arms in the American League (+6.82 units), but the southpaw was way off in his most recent offerings. Vargas was dinged for six earned runs on seven hits – three home runs – and lasted only four innings against the White Sox, then allowed five runs - two home runs - in 4 2-3 innings against the Twins. It will be interesting to see where the 37 year old ends up and if he has anything left in the tank.

Justin Masterson, Cleveland Indians (10-11, 4.60 ERA, 168.1 IP)

Pitching in Cleveland would leave anyone sick and tired come the final month of the slate. Masterson, however, has been solid for the Tribe this year. The up-and-down season is beginning to wear on the right-hander, who has gone seven or more innings just once in his last six starts. Masterson looked good versus the Yankees in his last outing but was touched for seven earned runs in the previous start.

C.J. Wilson, Los Angeles Angels (10-9, 3.86 ERA, 170.1 IP)

Wilson hasn’t been able to stand the summer heat, posting a 1-3 record and an ERA just south of 8.00 in five August starts. Before Wednesday's win over the Red Sox, the Halos' hurler hadn't earned a “W” since late June and hemorrhaged 13 runs in the two starts before that. Wilson was hit in the hand by a come-backer earlier this month, so he may have an excuse.

Chris Capuano, Los Angeles Dodgers (11-10, 3.58 ERA, 168.2 IP)

Capuano could learn a thing or two from teammate Clayton Kershaw. While Kershaw is one of the best innings eaters in all of baseball, Capuano looks like he may be scraping the bottom of the barrel after a rough outing versus the Giants. The lefty has allowed 12 earned runs in his last 11 innings of work and fell to 2-6 since the All-Star break after an 8-4 loss to the Rockies Tuesday.

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**Udog** · 08-30-2012, 12:19 PM

MLB
Short Sheet

Thursday, August 30

National League

NY Mets at Philadelphia, 1:05 ET
Niese: Mets 12-2 SU on Thursdays
Kendrick: Philadelphia 0-7 SU off a division loss by 1 run

Milwaukee at Chicago Cubs, 2:20 ET
Marcum: Milwaukee 10-1 Over off 6+ road games
Raley: Cubs 6-21 SU in August

St. Louis at Washington, 7:05 ET MLB
Garcia: St. Louis 30-14 SU off a loss by 4+ runs
Jackson: 8-17 TSR pitching on 5 or 6 days rest

San Francisco at Houston, 8:05 ET
Vogelsong: 11-2 TSR in night games
Lyles: 4-19 TSR pitching off a team loss

Arizona at LA Dodgers, 10:10 ET
Kennedy: 19-4 TSR vs. division opponents
Kershaw: Dodgers 6-13 SU revenging a loss as a home favorite

American League

Oakland at Cleveland, 12:05 ET
Parker: Oakland 14-6 SU after winning 8+ of their last 10 games
Masterson: Cleveland 4-17 SU after losing 15+ of their last 20 games

(TC) Chicago White Sox at Baltimore, 12:35 ET
Quintana: White Sox 25-8 SU with a total of 9 to 9.5 runs
Britton: Baltimore 13-3 Under after scoring 1 or 0 runs

Seattle at Minnesota, 1:10 ET
Beavan: Seattle 15-35 SU as a road underdog of +125 or less
Duensing: 18-4 TSR as a favorite

Tampa Bay at Toronto, 7:05 ET MLB
Moore: Tampa Bay 17-8 SU away in August
Villanueva: Toronto 2-11 SU off 7+ road games

Detroit at Kansas City, 8:10 ET
Porcello: 11-1 TSR as a road favorite of -150 or less
Guthrie: 11-1 Over as a home underdog of +125 or less

Boston at LA Angels, 10:05 ET
Lester: Boston 6-14 SU off a loss by 4+ runs
Greinke: 16-1 TSR at home pitching off a team win

(TC) = Time Change

**Udog** · 08-30-2012, 12:22 PM

Thursday's betting tips: Phoenix Mercury the worst bet in sports

Weather watch

Thunderstorms are in the forecast for tonight’s season-opening SEC showdown between South Carolina and Vanderbilt. There is a 30 percent chance of showers and winds blowing 7 mph at Vanderbilt Stadium.

Who’s hot?

Oakland Athletics – The A’s have won five straight heading into Thursday’s matinee with Cleveland. Oakland has outscored opponents 27-10 during this streak and is priced at -102 for Thursday.

Who’s not?

Phoenix Mercury – The Mercury have dropped 10 in a row going back before the WNBA Olympic break. Since returning to action earlier this month, Phoenix has lost four straight outings and has posted a 0-4 mark against the spread. The Mercury have covered just once during this 10-game slide.

Key stat

.217 – Angels rookie sensation Mike Trout is hitting the wall, going just 5-for-23 (.217) with eight strikeouts in his last five games.

Game of the day

South Carolina Gamecocks at Vanderbilt Commodores (+6.5, 45)

Injury that shouldn’t be overlooked

Angel McCoughtry, Atlanta Dream – While it’s not an injury, the suspension of McCoughtry for violating team rules hurt the Dream Tuesday night, losing 84-80 to Tulsa – one of the worst teams in the WNBA. McCoughtry, who leads Atlanta in scoring, steals, blocks and 3-point shooting, was rumored to be feuding with coach-GM Marynell Meadors, who was fired earlier this week. The Dream are 9.5-point home favorites versus Washington Thursday.

Notable quotable

"It's just a matter of time before they get you, basically. And that's unfortunate. I think (Jon) Lester knows that. I think Clay Buchholz knows that. Your time will come." – former Red Sox pitcher Josh Beckett bashing the Boston media and sports culture in Beantown.

Betting news and notes

-- The St. Louis Rams and San Diego Chargers are two teams planning on playing their starters in Week 4 of the preseason. Most teams rest their starters in the final preseason tilt. St. Louis is a 5-point favorite hosting Baltimore while San Diego is 3-point underdog versus San Francisco Thursday.

-- UCLA went 1-4 against non-conference foes last year and 1-6 on the road. The Bruins take on the Rice Owls in their season opener as 16.5-point road favorites.

-- UNLV and Minnesota have never previously met. The Rebels are 2-10 against Big Ten schools and the Golden Gophers are 5-2 against schools currently in the Mountain West.

-- The Dodgers are 50-4 when scoring five or more runs this season. Los Angeles scored 10 runs in a 10-8 win over Colorado Wednesday and is a -200 fave hosting Arizona Thursday.

-- The first two games of the Tigers-Royals series have been one-run affairs in favor of the Royals, who are 22-16 in one-run games. Detroit is 17-19 in one-run contests. Kansas City is a +117 home underdog Thursday.

-- The Deutsche Bank Championship takes center stage from TPC Boston in Norton, Massachusetts on this holiday weekend event that runs from Friday to Monday. TPC Boston has been one of the easier stops in recent years and there is no reason to think it will be any different this week. The 7,214-yard, par 71 layout is fairly wide open but it is the large greens that are pretty straight forward that contribute to the low scores.

Announcement

Thursday's Trends and Indexes - 8/30 (MLB, WNBA, CFL, Misc.)

Thursday's Trends and Indexes - 8/30 (MLB, WNBA, CFL, Misc.)

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