The Bum's MLB April's News-Notes-Trends & Best Bets !!

[StarDust Bum]

NY YANKEES (8 - 6) at TORONTO (7 - 9) - 1:05 PM
HIROKI KURODA (R) vs. MARK BUEHRLE (L)
Top Trends for this game.
KURODA is 2-9 (-9.7 Units) against the money line when playing on Saturday over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
BUEHRLE is 139-72 (+42.1 Units) against the money line in home games since 1997. (Team's Record)
BUEHRLE is 45-18 (+25.8 Units) against the money line when playing on Saturday since 1997. (Team's Record)
NY YANKEES are 80-40 (+26.6 Units) against the money line in day games over the last 3 seasons.

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

HIROKI KURODA vs. TORONTO since 1997
KURODA is 2-1 when starting against TORONTO with an ERA of 4.67 and a WHIP of 1.500.
His team's record is 2-1 (+0.7 units) in these starts. The OVER is 1-2. (-1.1 units)

MARK BUEHRLE vs. NY YANKEES since 1997
BUEHRLE is 1-8 when starting against NY YANKEES with an ERA of 6.38 and a WHIP of 1.685.
His team's record is 1-11 (-10.0 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 4-6. (-2.8 units)

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

KANSAS CITY (8 - 6) at BOSTON (11 - 4) - 1:10 PM
JAMES SHIELDS (R) vs. CLAY BUCHHOLZ (R)
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

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

JAMES SHIELDS vs. BOSTON since 1997
SHIELDS is 8-15 when starting against BOSTON with an ERA of 4.47 and a WHIP of 1.306.
His team's record is 8-17 (-10.2 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 15-9. (+4.4 units)

CLAY BUCHHOLZ vs. KANSAS CITY since 1997
BUCHHOLZ is 3-1 when starting against KANSAS CITY with an ERA of 2.19 and a WHIP of 1.297.
His team's record is 3-1 (+1.9 units) in these starts. The OVER is 2-2. (+0.0 units)

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

MINNESOTA (6 - 7) at CHI WHITE SOX (7 - 9) - 3:05 PM
VANCE WORLEY (R) vs. JAKE PEAVY (R)
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

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

VANCE WORLEY vs. CHI WHITE SOX since 1997
No recent starts.

JAKE PEAVY vs. MINNESOTA since 1997
PEAVY is 6-3 when starting against MINNESOTA with an ERA of 3.03 and a WHIP of 1.215.
His team's record is 6-5 (-1.2 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 6-4. (+1.4 units)

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

DETROIT (9 - 6) at LA ANGELS (4 - 10) - 3:05 PM
RICK PORCELLO (R) vs. GARRETT RICHARDS (R)
Top Trends for this game.
DETROIT is 123-186 (-49.1 Units) against the money line as a road underdog of +100 to +125 since 1997.
DETROIT is 46-51 (-15.6 Units) against the money line in road games over the last 2 seasons.
DETROIT is 48-98 (-39.6 Units) against the money line in road games when playing with a day off since 1997.
DETROIT is 42-48 (-16.1 Units) against the money line in road games in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
LA ANGELS are 4-10 (-8.7 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
LA ANGELS are 4-10 (-8.7 Units) against the money line in April games this season.
LA ANGELS are 4-10 (-8.7 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.

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

RICK PORCELLO vs. LA ANGELS since 1997
PORCELLO is 3-2 when starting against LA ANGELS with an ERA of 5.80 and a WHIP of 1.438.
His team's record is 5-2 (+3.0 units) in these starts. The OVER is 6-1. (+5.0 units)

GARRETT RICHARDS vs. DETROIT since 1997
RICHARDS is 1-0 when starting against DETROIT with an ERA of 0.00 and a WHIP of 1.000.
His team's record is 1-0 (+1.1 units) in these starts. The OVER is 1-0. (+1.0 units)

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

OAKLAND (12 - 4) at TAMPA BAY (5 - 10) - 7:10 PM
JARROD PARKER (R) vs. JEREMY HELLICKSON (R)
Top Trends for this game.
OAKLAND is 108-75 (+44.9 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
OAKLAND is 28-16 (+14.8 Units) against the money line when the total is 8 to 8.5 over the last 2 seasons.
OAKLAND is 50-39 (+22.7 Units) against the money line in road games over the last 2 seasons.
OAKLAND is 75-45 (+39.2 Units) against the money line in night games over the last 2 seasons.
OAKLAND is 72-46 (+34.8 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters over the last 2 seasons.
OAKLAND is 9-0 (+9.9 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record this season.
HELLICKSON is 0-6 (-7.9 Units) against the money line when playing on Saturday over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)

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

JARROD PARKER vs. TAMPA BAY since 1997
PARKER is 0-1 when starting against TAMPA BAY with an ERA of 4.50 and a WHIP of 1.667.
His team's record is 1-1 (+0.7 units) in these starts. The OVER is 1-1. (-0.1 units)

JEREMY HELLICKSON vs. OAKLAND since 1997
HELLICKSON is 0-1 when starting against OAKLAND with an ERA of 5.40 and a WHIP of 1.500.
His team's record is 0-4 (-5.6 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 1-2. (-1.3 units)

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

CLEVELAND (5 - 9) at HOUSTON (4 - 11) - 7:10 PM
SCOTT KAZMIR (L) vs. PHILIP HUMBER (R)
Top Trends for this game.
CLEVELAND is 73-103 (-23.3 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
CLEVELAND is 67-96 (-24.7 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
HOUSTON is 59-117 (-34.9 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
HOUSTON is 53-104 (-36.7 Units) against the money line when the total is 8 to 8.5 over the last 3 seasons.
HOUSTON is 197-230 (-57.7 Units) against the money line when playing on Saturday since 1997.
HOUSTON is 59-117 (-34.9 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
HUMBER is 0-8 (-8.4 Units) against the money line when the total is 8 to 8.5 over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
HUMBER is 6-16 (-12.4 Units) against the money line in home games over the last 3 seasons. (Team's Record)
HUMBER is 1-12 (-13.0 Units) against the money line at home when the total is 8 to 8.5 over the last 3 seasons. (Team's Record)
HUMBER is 6-16 (-12.4 Units) against the money line in home games in games played on a grass field 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.

SCOTT KAZMIR vs. HOUSTON since 1997
KAZMIR is 0-1 when starting against HOUSTON with an ERA of 4.76 and a WHIP of 1.058.
His team's record is 0-1 (-2.2 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 1-0. (+1.0 units)

PHILIP HUMBER vs. CLEVELAND since 1997
HUMBER is 0-2 when starting against CLEVELAND with an ERA of 8.31 and a WHIP of 1.893.
His team's record is 1-4 (-3.1 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 1-4. (-3.7 units)

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

SEATTLE (7 - 10) at TEXAS (9 - 6) - 8:05 PM
BRANDON MAURER (R) vs. NICK TEPESCH (R)
Top Trends for this game.
SEATTLE is 109-92 (+31.5 Units) against the money line in road games in April games since 1997.
TEXAS is 33-34 (-13.8 Units) against the money line against division opponents over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
SEATTLE is 2-2 (+0.1 Units) against TEXAS this season
3 of 3 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+3.0 Units)

BRANDON MAURER vs. TEXAS since 1997
MAURER is 1-0 when starting against TEXAS with an ERA of 3.00 and a WHIP of 1.000.
His team's record is 1-0 (+1.2 units) in these starts. The OVER is 0-1. (-1.0 units)

NICK TEPESCH vs. SEATTLE since 1997
TEPESCH is 0-1 when starting against SEATTLE with an ERA of 6.35 and a WHIP of 1.587.
His team's record is 0-1 (-1.3 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 1-0. (+1.0 units)

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

LA DODGERS (7 - 8) at BALTIMORE (8 - 7) - 7:05 PM
HYUN-JIN RYU (L) vs. JASON HAMMEL (R)
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

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

HYUN-JIN RYU vs. BALTIMORE since 1997
No recent starts.

JASON HAMMEL vs. LA DODGERS since 1997
HAMMEL is 2-4 when starting against LA DODGERS with an ERA of 5.59 and a WHIP of 1.655.
His team's record is 4-5 (-1.3 units) in these starts. The OVER is 6-3. (+2.8 units)

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

LA DODGERS (7 - 8) at BALTIMORE (8 - 7) - 1:05 PM
JOSH BECKETT (R) vs. WEI-YIN CHEN (L)
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

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

JOSH BECKETT vs. BALTIMORE since 1997
BECKETT is 7-7 when starting against BALTIMORE with an ERA of 4.36 and a WHIP of 1.189.
His team's record is 10-10 (-6.7 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 9-9. (-1.2 units)

WEI-YIN CHEN vs. LA DODGERS since 1997
No recent starts.

[StarDust Bum]

MLB
Armadillo's Write-Up

Saturday, April 20

Hot pitchers
-- Arroyo is 3-1, 3.00 in his last four starts.
-- Lee is 2-0, 1.90 in three starts this season. Lynn is 2-0, 4.09 in his last two starts.
-- Maholm is 3-0, 0.00 (20.1 IP) in three starts this year.
-- Cahill is 0-1, 2.92 in his last couple starts. de la Rosa is 0-1, 2.25 in his last two starts.
-- Richard is 0-0, 1.64 in his last couple starts.

-- Ryu is 2-0, 2.92 in his last couple starts. Beckett is 0-1, 2.70 in his last two starts. Hammel is 2-1, 4.34 in three starts this year.

-- Kuroda is 2-0, 1.88 in his last two starts.
-- Buchholz is 3-0, 0.41 in three starts (one run/22 IP).
-- Peavy is 2-1, 4.42 in three starts this year.
-- Humber has a 2.89 RA in three starts, but Astros lost all three games- they scored one run in the three games.

Cold pitchers
-- LeBlanc is 0-3, 7.36 so far this season.
-- GGonzalez is 0-1, 7.20 in his last two starts. Hefner is 0-2, 6.00 in two starts this season.
-- McDonald is 1-2, 8.56 in three starts this season.
-- Burgos is making MLB debut; he is 0-2, 2.70 in three minor league starts so far this year. Jackson is 0-2, 9.53 in three starts this season.
-- Lincecum has a 6.75 RA in three starts, but Giants won all three games, scoring 24 runs.

-- WChen is 0-2, 4.00 in three starts this season.

-- Buehrle has a 7.88 RA in three starts, but Toronto scored 30 runs and won all three games.
-- Shields is 1-2, 3.43 in three starts this season.
-- Worley is 0-2, 12.75 in his first three AL starts. Richards is 0-1, 6.88 in his last three starts.
-- Porcello is 0-1, 6.10 in two starts this season.
-- Parker is 0-2, 10.80 in three starts this season. Hellickson is 0-1, 4.91 in his three starts this season.
-- Kazmir is 1-5, 5.96 in his last ten starts, last of which was 4/3/11; this is his first MLB start in two years.
-- Maurer is 1-2, 10.66 in three starts this season. Tepesch is 1-1, 3.65 in two starts this season.

Totals
-- Six of last nine Pittsburgh games went over the total.
-- Under is 5-2-1 in last eight Philly games.
-- Six of last nine Arroyo starts stayed under the total.
-- Eight of last eleven Washington games went over total.
-- Four of last six Cub games stayed under the total.
-- Last five Arizona games stayed under the total.
-- Five of last seven San Diego games went over the total.

-- Four of last five Dodger games went over the total.

-- Six of last seven Bronx games stayed under the total.
-- Last three Boston games went over the total.
-- 14 of last 16 Oakland games went over the total.
-- Under is 8-0-1 in last nine Texas games.
-- Seven of last ten Cleveland games went over the total.
-- Last five White Sox games stayed under the total.
-- Nine of last eleven Angel games went over the total.

Hot teams
-- Braves won 13 of their first 16 games. Pirates won seven of last ten.
-- Cardinals won six of their last nine games.
-- Reds won four of their last five games.
-- Brewers won last five games, scoring 30 runs.
-- Colorado won its last seven games, scoring 49 runs.
-- Padres won three of their last four games.

-- Bronx won eight of its last ten games.
-- Red Sox won their last six games, allowing 11 runs. Kansas City won six of its last nine games (2-3 in last five).
-- Oakland won 12 of its last 15 games (6-0 vs Astros).
-- Rangers won four of their last five home games.
-- Twins won last two games, scoring eight runs in both, after losing previous five games.
-- Detroit won four of its last six games.

Cold teams
-- Phillies lost four of their last five games.
-- Marlins lost 13 of their first 17 games.
-- Nationals lost five of their last seven games. Mets lost three of their last four games.
-- Cubs lost eight of their last eleven games.
-- Arizona is 4-6 in its last ten games.
-- Giants lost three of their last four games.

-- Baltimore is 2-5 this season in game following a win. Dodgers lost last four games, outscored 23-7.

-- Blue Jays lost three of their last four games.
-- Mariners lost seven of their last ten games.
-- Rays lost five of their last seven games.
-- Astros lost five of their last six games. Cleveland lost its last five games, allowing 25 runs.
-- White Sox lost seven of their last ten games.
-- Angels lost seven of their last ten games.

Umpires
-- Mia-Cin-- Under is 13-2-1 in last sixteen O'Nora games.
-- Wsh-NY-- Favorites won ten of last twelve Davis games.
-- StL-Phil-- Seven of last nine Layne games went over total.
-- Atl-Pitt-- Underdogs won six of last eleven Conroy games.
-- Chi-Mil-- Favorites won six of last eight Hallion games.
-- Az-Col-- Underdogs won six of last eight Fairchild games.
-- SD-SF-- Three of first four Hirschbeck games this year went over total, but he has traditionally been a pitcher's up.

-- NY-Tor-- Over is 8-4-1 in last thirteen Diaz games.
-- Det-LA-- Over is 21-5-2 in last 28 Emmel games.
-- A's-TB-- 19 of last 26 Joyce games went over the total.
-- Cle-Hst-- Home side won five of the last six Dimuro games.
-- Sea-Tex-- Over is 7-4 in last eleven Cooper games.
Reply With Quote

[StarDust Bum]

MLB

Saturday, April 20

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Trend Report
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

1:07 PM
NY YANKEES vs. TORONTO
NY Yankees are 4-1 SU in their last 5 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 4 of NY Yankees's last 6 games when playing on the road against Toronto
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Toronto's last 5 games at home
Toronto is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games at home

1:10 PM
KANSAS CITY vs. BOSTON
The total has gone UNDER in 11 of Kansas City's last 16 games
Kansas City is 2-5 SU in its last 7 games when playing on the road against Boston
The total has gone UNDER in 8 of Boston's last 9 games at home
Boston is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games at home

1:10 PM
MIAMI vs. CINCINNATI
The total has gone UNDER in 8 of Miami's last 12 games
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Miami's last 7 games when playing Cincinnati
Cincinnati is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games
The total has gone OVER in 11 of Cincinnati's last 16 games

3:05 PM
MINNESOTA vs. CHI WHITE SOX
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Minnesota's last 8 games when playing Chi White Sox
Minnesota is 1-7 SU in their last 8 games when playing Chi White Sox
Chi White Sox are 4-2 SU in their last 6 games at home
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Chi White Sox's last 6 games at home

3:05 PM
DETROIT vs. LA ANGELS
The total has gone OVER in 10 of Detroit's last 14 games
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Detroit's last 8 games when playing LA Angels
LA Angels are 6-1 SU in their last 7 games when playing at home against Detroit
The total has gone OVER in 9 of LA Angels's last 11 games

3:05 PM
WASHINGTON vs. NY METS
Washington is 8-1 SU in its last 9 games when playing on the road against NY Mets
Washington is 2-5 SU in its last 7 games
NY Mets are 1-8 SU in its last 9 games when playing at home against Washington
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of NY Mets's last 6 games when playing Washington

7:05 PM
ST. LOUIS vs. PHILADELPHIA
The total has gone OVER in 4 of St. Louis's last 6 games on the road
St. Louis is 3-6 SU in its last 9 games when playing Philadelphia
Philadelphia is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Philadelphia's last 6 games at home

7:05 PM
LA DODGERS vs. BALTIMORE
LA Dodgers are 0-4-1 SU in their last 5 games ,
LA Dodgers5-0-1 SU in their last 6 games when playing Baltimore
Baltimore is 2-3-1 SU in its last 6 games ,at home
Baltimore is 0-4-1 SU in their last 5 games ,when playing LA Dodgers

7:05 PM
ATLANTA vs. PITTSBURGH
Atlanta is 8-1 SU in its last 9 games on the road
Atlanta is 11-2 SU in its last 13 games
The total has gone UNDER in 15 of Pittsburgh's last 22 games
The total has gone OVER in 6 of Pittsburgh's last 9 games

7:10 PM
OAKLAND vs. TAMPA BAY
Oakland is 12-3 SU in its last 15 games
The total has gone OVER in 12 of Oakland's last 17 games when playing Tampa Bay
The total has gone OVER in 10 of Tampa Bay's last 14 games when playing at home against Oakland
Tampa Bay is 3-8 SU in its last 11 games

7:10 PM
CHI CUBS vs. MILWAUKEE
The total has gone OVER in 7 of Chi Cubs's last 10 games when playing on the road against Milwaukee
Chi Cubs are 0-5 SU in their last 5 games when playing on the road against Milwaukee
Milwaukee is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games
The total has gone OVER in 7 of Milwaukee's last 10 games when playing at home against Chi Cubs

7:10 PM
CLEVELAND vs. HOUSTON
Cleveland is 2-5 SU in its last 7 games when playing Houston
Cleveland is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games
Houston is 5-2 SU in its last 7 games when playing at home against Cleveland
Houston is 1-5 SU in its last 6 games at home

8:05 PM
SEATTLE vs. TEXAS
Seattle is 1-5 SU in its last 6 games on the road
Seattle is 5-16 SU in its last 21 games when playing on the road against Texas
Texas is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games when playing Seattle
Texas is 10-5 SU in its last 15 games

8:10 PM
ARIZONA vs. COLORADO
Arizona is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games
Arizona is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games when playing on the road against Colorado
The total has gone OVER in 12 of Colorado's last 18 games at home
Colorado is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games at home

9:05 PM
SAN DIEGO vs. SAN FRANCISCO
The total has gone OVER in 12 of San Diego's last 16 games when playing San Francisco
San Diego is 4-11 SU in its last 15 games when playing San Francisco
San Francisco is 11-3 SU in its last 14 games when playing at home against San Diego
San Francisco is 10-2 SU in its last 12 games at home

[StarDust Bum]

MLB

Saturday, April 20

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Saturday's streaking and slumping MLB starting pitchers
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Streaking

Paul Maholm, Atlanta Braves (3-0, 0.00 ERA)

Maholm hasn’t allowed a run through three starts and has racked up 20 strikeouts in 20 1/3 innings. The Braves have been providing plenty of run support for the southpaw, outscoring the opposition 20-2 in his starts to date.

Ervin Santana, Kansas City Royals (1-1, 2.45 ERA)

The hard-throwing righty has gone eight innings in each of his last two starts, while only being touched up for two earned runs in the process. The Royals have played under the total in each of this three outings.


Slumping

Mark Buehrle, Toronto Blue Jays (1-0, 7.31 ERA)

The soft-tossing lefty earned his first win as a Blue Jay last time out but surrendered two earned runs on nine hits. The veteran southpaw carries a hefty 7.31 ERA and 1.75 WHIP into his next start against the Yankees.

Jarrod Parker, Oakland Athletics (0-2, 10.80)

Parker was lit up for eight earned runs in 3 1/3 innings last time out against the Tigers. The right-hander hasn't survived more than five innings in each of his three starts and has been touched up for 19 hits in just 11 2/3 innings pitched.

[StarDust Bum]

MLB

Saturday, April 20

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
MLB weather watch: Favorable conditions across the bigs
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Here's a look at Saturday’s notable weather in the big leagues:

Miami Marlins at Cincinnati Red (+210, -230, 8.5)
Site: Great American Ball Park

Forecasts are calling for temperatures in the high-40s and partly cloudy skies. Winds will blow out towards left field at 14 mph.

Washington Nationals at New York Mets (-155, +143, 7.5)
Site: Citi Field

Forecasts are calling for temperatures in the high-50s and cloudy conditions. Winds will blow out right field at 17 mph. The Mets were 6-1 when the wind blew out to right in 2012.

San Diego Padres at San Francisco Giants (+165, -180, 7.5)
Site: AT&T Park

Winds will blow out to right field at 11 mph. Skies will be sunny and clear with temperatures in the low-60s.

Kansas City Royals at Boston Red Sox (n/a, n/a, n/a)
Site: Fenway Park

Forecasts are calling for temperatures in the mid-50s and cloudy conditions. Winds will blow out towards Pesky’s Pole at 16 mph. Teams combined for an average of 2.7 home runs per game in 15 contests when the wind blew out to right at Fenway in 2012.

Seattle Mariners at Texas Rangers (+170, -185, 9.5)
Site: Rangers Ballpark

Forecasts are calling for sunny skies with temperatures in the mid-60s. Winds will blow in from right field at 12 mph.

Los Angeles Dodgers at Baltimore Orioles (+112, -121, n/a)
Site: Camden Yards

Winds will blow from left field to right field at 11 mph. Skies will be sunny and clear with temperatures in the high-50s.

[StarDust Bum]

Date WLT Pct Net Units Record

04/19/13 9-*3-*0 75.00% +*3030 Detail
04/18/13 11-*6-*1 64.71% +*2720 Detail
04/17/13 10-*13-*1 43.48% -*1265 Detail
04/16/13 14-*11-*1 56.00% +*1560 Detail
04/15/13 12-*4-*0 75.00% +*3650 Detail
04/14/13 15-*13-*0 53.57% +*530 Detail
04/13/13 14-*16-*0 46.67% -*1510 Detail
04/12/13 10-*6-*0 62.50% +*2555 Detail
04/11/13 5-*6-*1 45.45% -*460 Detail
04/10/13 15-*10-*1 60.00% +*2240 Detail
04/09/13 14-*14-*0 50.00% -*440 Detail
04/08/13 12-*7-*1 63.16% +*2080 Detail
04/07/13 15-*13-*2 53.57% +*840 Detail
04/06/13 11-*18-*0 37.93% -*4805 Detail
04/05/13 17-*12-*0 58.62% +*2035 Detail
04/04/13 15-*7-*0 68.18% +*4160 Detail
04/03/13 15-*15-*0 50.00% -*350 Detail
04/02/13 8-*6-*0 57.14% +*1305 Detail
04/01/13 10-*13-*0 43.48% -*1935 Detail

Totals 232-*193-*8 54.59% +15940


Saturday, April 20

Game Score Status Pick Amount

LA Dodgers - 1:05 PM ET Baltimore -111 500
Baltimore - Over 8.5 500

NY Yankees - 1:07 PM ET Toronto +101 500 POD # 3
Toronto - Over 8.5 500

Kansas City - 1:10 PM ET Kansas City +127 500 POD # 1
Boston - Under 8 500

Miami - 1:10 PM ET Miami +207 500 POD # 2
Cincinnati - Under 8.5 500

Minnesota - 3:05 PM ET Chi. White Sox -160 500
Chi. White Sox - Under 8.5 500 POD # 4

Detroit - 3:05 PM ET LA Angels -111 500
LA Angels - Over 9 500

Washington - 3:05 PM ET Washington -141 500
NY Mets - Under 7.5 500 POD # 5


Be back later with those evening POD's......GOOD LUCK !!

Check out the NBA thread.....Big POD in GAME # 1

[StarDust Bum]

MLB
Short Sheet

Saturday, April 20

Early Games

National League

Miami at Cincinnati, 1:10 ET
LeBlanc: Miami 4-17 SU off a combined score of 3 runs or less
Arroyo: Cincinnati 20-5 SU revenging a loss as a home favorite

Washington at NY Mets, 3:05 ET FOX
Gonzalez: 15-4 TSR in road games
Hefner: Mets 23-41 SU vs. left-handed starters


American League

NY Yankees at Toronto, 1:05 ET
Kuroda: 2-9 TSR on Saturdays
Buehrle: 45-18 TSR on Saturdays

Kansas City at Boston, 1:10 ET MLB
Shields: 2-8 TSR on Saturdays
Buchholz: 14-3 TSR as a favorite

Minnesota at Chicago White Sox, 3:05 ET FOX
Worley: Minnesota 4-0 Over off BB home games
Peavy: 11-5 TSR in day games

Detroit at LA Angels, 3:05 ET FOX
Porcello: 20-6 Over vs. AL West opponents
Richards: Angels 0-6 SU as a favorite of -150 or less


InterLeague

LA Dodgers at Baltimore, 7:05 ET Game Two
Beckett: 4-12 TSR in road games
Chen: 17-9 TSR with a total of 7 to 8.5 runs


Write-In Game

LA Dodgers at Baltimore, 1:05 ET Game One | MLB
Ryu: Dodgers 7-16 SU off BB games scoring 2 runs or less
Hammel: 13-5 TSR in the first half of the season
Reply With Quote

[StarDust Bum]

Evening POD'S

LA Dodgers - 7:05 PM ET Baltimore -125 500
Baltimore - Over 8 500

Atlanta - 7:05 PM ET Pittsburgh +115 500 POD # 5
Pittsburgh - Over 7.5 500

St. Louis - 7:05 PM ET St. Louis +126 500 POD # 3
Philadelphia - Under 7.5 500

Chi. Cubs - 7:10 PM ET Milwaukee -110 500
Milwaukee - Under 8.5 500

Cleveland - 7:10 PM ET Houston +101 500
Houston - Over 8.5 500

Oakland - 7:10 PM ET Oakland +123 500 POD # 2
Tampa Bay - Over 8 500

Seattle - 8:05 PM ET Seattle +151 500 POD # 4
Texas - Under 9.5 500

Arizona - 8:10 PM ET Colorado -117 500
Colorado - Over 9.5 500

San Diego - 9:05 PM ET San Diego + 141 500 POD # 1
San Francisco - Over 7.5 500

[StarDust Bum]

Washington Nationals @ New York Mets

1:10 PM Game Time Record Open Line Current Line Betting Trend

Teams Pitchers Win-Loss Streak ML O/U ML O/U Run Money O/U

901 Washington (R) Zimmermann, J (3-0) (10-7) (4-4 A) W-1 -143 7.5 -140 7.5 n/a n/a n/a

902 N.Y. Mets (R) Gee, D (0-3) (8-8) (5-3 H) L-1 +133 +130 n/a n/a n/a

Line Movements · Preview · BT Movements · Weather · Injuries · Scoreboards


Miami Marlins @ Cincinnati Reds

1:10 PM Game Time Record Open Line Current Line Betting Trend

Teams Pitchers Win-Loss Streak ML O/U ML O/U Run Money O/U

903 Miami (R) Sanabia, A (2-1) (4-14) (2-7 A) L-1 +210 8.5 +210 8.5 n/a n/a n/a

904 Cincinnati (R) Bailey, H (1-1) (10-8) (9-3 H) W-1 -225 -240 n/a n/a n/a

Line Movements · Preview · BT Movements · Weather · Injuries · Scoreboards


Atlanta Braves @ Pittsburgh Pirates

1:35 PM Game Time Record Open Line Current Line Betting Trend

Teams Pitchers Win-Loss Streak ML O/U ML O/U Run Money O/U

905 Atlanta (R) Medlen, K (1-1) (13-4) (7-2 A) L-2 -185 7.5 -185 7.5 n/a n/a n/a

906 Pittsburgh (L) Sanchez, J (0-2) (9-8) (7-4 H) W-2 +175 +165 n/a n/a n/a

Line Movements · Preview · BT Movements · Weather · Injuries · Scoreboards


Chicago Cubs @ Milwaukee Brewers

2:10 PM Game Time Record Open Line Current Line Betting Trend

Teams Pitchers Win-Loss Streak ML O/U ML O/U Run Money O/U

907 Chi. Cubs (R) Feldman, S (0-2) (5-11) (2-6 A) L-2 +135 8.5 +135 8.5 n/a n/a n/a

908 Milwaukee (R) Peralta, W (0-1) (8-8) (6-5 H) W-6 -145 -145 n/a n/a n/a

Line Movements · Preview · BT Movements · Weather · Injuries · Scoreboards


San Diego Padres @ San Francisco Giants

4:05 PM Game Time Record Open Line Current Line Betting Trend

Teams Pitchers Win-Loss Streak ML O/U ML O/U Run Money O/U

909 San Diego (L) Stults, E (2-1) (5-12) (4-7 A) L-2 +157 8.0 +135 8 n/a n/a n/a

910 San Francisco (L) Zito, B (2-1) (11-7) (6-2 H) W-2 -167 -155 n/a n/a n/a

Line Movements · Preview · BT Movements · Weather · Injuries · Scoreboards


Arizona Diamondbacks @ Colorado Rockies

4:10 PM Game Time Record Open Line Current Line Betting Trend

Teams Pitchers Win-Loss Streak ML O/U ML O/U Run Money O/U

911 Arizona (R) McCarthy, B (0-2) (9-8) (4-4 A) L-2 +121 10.0 +125 10.5 n/a n/a n/a

912 Colorado (R) Nicasio, J (2-0) (13-4) (8-0 H) W-8 -131 -145 n/a n/a n/a

Line Movements · Preview · BT Movements · Weather · Injuries · Scoreboards · Picks


St. Louis Cardinals @ Philadelphia Phillies

8:05 PM Game Time Record Open Line Current Line Betting Trend

Teams Pitchers Win-Loss Streak ML O/U ML O/U Run Money O/U

913 St. Louis (R) Westbrook, J (1-1) (10-7) (6-5 A) W-1 -105 8.5 -115 8.5 n/a n/a n/a

914 Philadelphia (R) Kendrick, K (1-1) (7-11) (4-5 H) L-1 -105 +105 n/a n/a n/a

Line Movements · BT Movements · Weather · Injuries · Scoreboards · Picks


New York Yankees @ Toronto Blue Jays

1:07 PM Game Time Record Open Line Current Line Betting Trend

Teams Pitchers Win-Loss Streak ML O/U ML O/U Run Money O/U

915 N.Y. Yankees (R) Nova, I (1-1) (10-6) (5-2 A) W-2 +128 8.5 +120 8.5 n/a n/a n/a

916 Toronto (R) Johnson, J (0-1) (7-11) (4-8 H) L-2 -138 -140 n/a n/a n/a

Line Movements · Preview · BT Movements · Weather · Injuries · Scoreboards · Picks


Kansas City Royals @ Boston Red Sox

1:35 PM Game Time Record Open Line Current Line Betting Trend

Teams Pitchers Win-Loss Streak ML O/U ML O/U Run Money O/U

917 Kansas City (R) Santana, E (1-1) (8-7) (4-5 A) L-1 +134 8.5 +130 8.5 n/a n/a n/a

918 Boston (R) Dempster, R (0-1) (12-4) (5-2 H) W-7 -144 -150 n/a n/a n/a

Line Movements · Preview · BT Movements · Weather · Injuries · Scoreboards · Picks


Oakland Athletics @ Tampa Bay Rays

1:40 PM Game Time Record Open Line Current Line Betting Trend

Teams Pitchers Win-Loss Streak ML O/U ML O/U Run Money O/U

919 Oakland (L) Milone, T (3-0) (12-6) (6-2 A) L-2 +102 8.5 +100 8.5 n/a n/a n/a

920 Tampa Bay (R) Carmona, F (0-3) (7-10) (5-3 H) W-2 -112 -110 n/a n/a n/a

Line Movements · Preview · BT Movements · Weather · Injuries · Scoreboards

Cleveland Indians @ Houston Astros

2:10 PM Game Time Record Open Line Current Line Betting Trend

Teams Pitchers Win-Loss Streak ML O/U ML O/U Run Money O/U

921 Cleveland (R) Jimenez, U (0-2) (6-10) (4-4 A) W-1 -110 8.5 -110 9 n/a n/a n/a

922 Houston (L) Bedard, E (0-1) (5-12) (2-6 H) L-1 +100 +100 n/a n/a n/a

Line Movements · BT Movements · Weather · Injuries · Scoreboards

Minnesota Twins @ Chicago White Sox

2:10 PM Game Time Record Open Line Current Line Betting Trend

Teams Pitchers Win-Loss Streak ML O/U ML O/U Run Money O/U

923 Minnesota (L) Diamond, S (0-1) (7-7) (3-4 A) W-3 +136 8.5 +130 8.5 n/a n/a n/a

924 Chi. White Sox (R) Floyd, G (0-3) (7-10) (4-3 H) L-2 -146 -150 n/a n/a n/a

Line Movements · Preview · BT Movements · Weather · Injuries · Scoreboards

Seattle Mariners @ Texas Rangers

3:05 PM Game Time Record Open Line Current Line Betting Trend

Teams Pitchers Win-Loss Streak ML O/U ML O/U Run Money O/U

925 Seattle (R) Harang, A (0-1) (7-12) (3-6 A) L-2 +158 10.0 +155 9.5 n/a n/a n/a

926 Texas (R) Grimm, J (0-0) (11-6) (6-2 H) W-2 -168 -175 n/a n/a n/a

Line Movements · Preview · BT Movements · Weather · Injuries · Scoreboards

Detroit Tigers @ Los Angeles Angels

3:35 PM Game Time Record Open Line Current Line Betting Trend

Teams Pitchers Win-Loss Streak ML O/U ML O/U Run Money O/U

927 Detroit (R) Fister, D (3-0) (9-8) (5-6 A) L-3 +113 8.5 +105 8 n/a n/a n/a

928 L.A. Angels (L) Wilson, C (1-0) (6-10) (4-4 H) W-2 -123 -115 n/a n/a n/a

Line Movements · Preview · BT Movements · Weather · Injuries · Scoreboards · Picks

Los Angeles Dodgers @ Baltimore Orioles

1:35 PM Game Time Record Open Line Current Line Betting Trend

Teams Pitchers Win-Loss Streak ML O/U ML O/U Run Money O/U

929 L.A. Dodgers (R) Billingsley, C (1-0) (7-10) (3-5 A) L-6 +102 9.0 -115 8.5 n/a n/a n/a

930 Baltimore (R) Arrieta, J (1-0) (10-7) (5-3 H) W-3 -112 -105 n/a n/a n/a

Line Movements · Preview · BT Movements · Weather · Injuries · Scoreboards

Kansas City Royals @ Boston Red Sox
7:05 PM Game Time Record Open Line Current Line Betting Trend

Teams Pitchers Win-Loss Streak ML O/U ML O/U Run Money O/U

931 Kansas City (R) Guthrie, J (2-0) (8-7) (4-5 A) L-1 +124 9.0 +125 9 n/a n/a n/a

932 Boston (R) Webster, A (0-0) (12-4) (5-2 H) W-7 -134 -145 n/a n/a n/a

Line Movements · BT Movements · Weather · Injuries · Scoreboards

[StarDust Bum]

Preview: Yankees (10-6) at Blue Jays (7-11)

Game: 3
Venue: Rogers Centre
Date: April 21, 2013 1:07 PM EDT


It's been a happy homecoming for Vernon Wells, who will try to power the New York Yankees to a three-game sweep of the Toronto Blue Jays on Sunday at Rogers Centre.

A fixture in the outfield for more than a decade with Toronto (7-11), Wells has spent the past two-plus seasons tormenting the Blue Jays - first with the Los Angeles Angels the last two years before joining the Yankees (10-6) in late March. He is hitting .242 in 15 lifetime games versus Toronto, but all five of his home runs and seven of his nine extra-base hits in those contests have come in nine games north of the border.

Wells was at the center of New York's 5-3, 11-inning victory Saturday, scoring the go-ahead run on a two-run throwing error by losing pitcher Aaron Loup after leading off the inning with a single. He also homered for the second time in this series and is 5 for 10 with four runs scored in the two wins.

"You know what, you get in the moment and you make an aggressive play like that and sometimes it works out,' Wells said. "You look great when it works out and bad when it doesn't.'

Wells' limited track record versus Blue Jays scheduled starter Josh Johnson (0-1, 6.91 ERA) isn't much, going 1 for 6 with two walks as the Yankees try to complete their first series sweep at Toronto of at least three games since Aug. 26-28, 2004. Johnson is still seeking his first win with Toronto since being acquired from Miami in the offseason, but the right-hander appears to be on the right track. He did not get a decision Tuesday versus Chicago after limiting the White Sox to two runs and four hits in seven innings before the Blue Jays eventually lost 4-3.

"I was just more aggressive overall," Johnson told MLB's official website. "Fastball, curveball, slider, everything was going - not just to the catcher but through the catcher and through the zone. That was the main focus for this start, and it worked out."

Johnson, who has allowed homers in each of his two outings at home, won his only start against the Yankees back in 2009.

The Yankees go for the sweep behind Ivan Nova (1-1, 5.59), who will try to build on his last outing and win consecutive starts. He worked in and out of trouble Tuesday to get a win versus Arizona, allowing two runs and seven hits with two walks in five innings.

"It feels really good," Nova said of notching the victory. "I was joking with the guys - I don't remember when the last time was that I won a ballgame. I know that I didn't go far enough in the game. It's something we will keep working on. Hopefully, this is a good sign for me."

While Nova has a 17-8 lifetime road record, he has lost his last away from the Bronx dating back to last year, giving up 14 runs and 18 hits over 15 1-3 innings. One of those defeats came at Toronto on Sept. 27 after yielding four runs and six hits in 4 2-3 innings of a 6-0 defeat.

Nova's last road win, though, also came at Rogers Centre, where he struck out 10 in 7 1-3 innings of a 5-2 win Aug. 11. He is 3-2 with a 4.00 ERA in six starts and seven lifetime appearances versus Toronto.

Edwin Encarnacion is 6 for 15 lifetime against Nova, while ex-Yankee Melky Cabrera is 3 for 5 with two homers and a double.

[StarDust Bum]

Preview: Nationals (10-7) at Mets (8-8)

Game: 3
Venue: Citi Field
Date: April 21, 2013 1:10 PM EDT


The last time the Washington Nationals had a pitcher win his first four starts of a season, it was 16 years ago and they were the Montreal Expos.

Bryce Harper may have a big role in Jordan Zimmermann accomplishing that feat.

Coming off his second two-homer game of the season, Harper will try give Zimmermann some help at the plate, as the Nationals go for a second straight win over the New York Mets in Sunday's finale.

Zimmermann (3-0, 2.45 ERA) is off to the best start of his career, and his win total is just one shy of the rest of the rotation.

Matching that total Sunday would make the right-hander the first member of the Nationals franchise to win his first four starts of a season since Pedro Martinez won his first eight of 1997, en route to the NL Cy Young Award.

Zimmermann was impressive again Monday, tossing 103 pitches to complete a six-hitter in a 10-3 win at Miami.

"It means a lot," Zimmermann said of his second career complete game and first since 2011. "It means I'm doing my job staying in the game and putting up zeros. It's the kind of pitcher I want to be. I want to be a workhorse and someone who can eat up innings."

He's also been helped by the lineup, which has backed him with 18 total runs through three games, scoring six in the first inning.

"It's a lot easier to pitch when you get runs early in the game," Zimmermann said.

Harper and the offense may be primed for another big performance after all seven of Washington's hits during Saturday's 7-6 win went for extra bases, including four homers.

Harper doubled and had two homers with three RBIs on Saturday after going 0 for 4 in Friday's 7-1 loss to open this series. He also went deep twice in a 2-0 season-opening win over Miami on April 1.

"He beats you in many ways, not just home runs," Mets manager Terry Collins said. "If he gets on base he can steal a base or two as well. He's a dangerous player."

Last year's NL Rookie of the Year, Harper is hitting .371 with seven homers and 14 RBIs this season, and he owns a .333 average with three homers and seven RBIs in eight visits to Citi Field.

The Nationals (10-7) have also enjoyed visiting Flushing, winning 13 of the last 15 there thanks in large part to a 2.01 ERA while limiting New York to .194 at the plate.

Each of Zimmermann's last five starts against the Mets have ended in wins for Washington, while he's 1-0 with a 1.55 ERA.

The Mets (8-8) are looking to take a three-game series from the Nationals for the first time since winning two of three in the nation's capital from Sept. 2-4, 2011.

They're scheduled to give the ball to Dillon Gee (0-3, 8.36), who is 0-1 with a 6.19 ERA in his last three starts against Washington after winning the first three of his career with a 1.27 ERA.

The right-hander, who will be facing Harper for the first time, is also on the verge of becoming the first Met to lose his first four starts in April since Steve Trachsel in 2001.

Gee's struggles continued Tuesday, when he was tagged for five runs and seven hits in 4 2-3 innings of an 8-4 loss at Colorado.

Daniel Murphy is batting .355 with 12 RBIs and 17 runs after getting three hits in this series. The second baseman is 7 for 21 with two doubles and a homer off Zimmermann.

[StarDust Bum]

Preview: Marlins (4-14) at Reds (10-8)

Game: 4
Venue: Great American Ball Park
Date: April 21, 2013 1:10 PM EDT


It's been an up-and-down start thus far for the Cincinnati Reds, who will try to stay on the "up" end Sunday by taking a third of four games from the Miami Marlins in Sunday's finale

The reigning NL Central champions raced to a 5-2 start, averaging 7.3 runs, and promptly dropped five in a row. Cincinnati (10-8) has since regrouped to win five of six, this time on the strength of strong pitching as it has posted a 1.40 ERA with 58 strikeouts in 58 innings.

Manager Dusty Baker's bullpen provided five shutout innings in Saturday's 3-2, 13-inning victory, helping the Reds overcome stranding 17 runners and going 1 for 12 with runners in scoring position. Baker credited starter Bronson Arroyo for giving his relievers a chance to be effective after throwing eight innings.

"Bronson pitched a heck of a game,' said Baker, whose pitchers have allowed two runs or fewer in six consecutive games, the longest stretch since a six-game streak from July 10 through July 19, 2010. "He kept some pretty good hitters off balance.'

Homer Bailey (1-1, 3.32 ERA) has contributed a solid outing as well during this run, scattering two singles around a season-high 10 strikeouts in 89 pitches over eight innings Tuesday against Philadelphia. The right-hander, though, had nothing to show for it as the game was suspended in the middle of the ninth tied at zero and eventually won by the Reds the following night.

"When you're on the same page as your catcher, I can kind of sit back and almost go into cruise control, where all I have to think about is executing pitches," Bailey told the Reds' official website. "Being able to go out there and just execute pitches if that's your only mindset makes something very hard a little bit easier. Trying to make pitches is extremely hard."

Bailey, who did not face the Marlins last year, is 1-1 with a 2.84 ERA in four lifetime starts against them.

Marlins counterpart Alex Sanabia (2-1, 4.24) has a similar track record to Bailey in the early part of the season with two strong starts around a terrible one. The right-hander limited Washington to two runs and six hits in six innings of an 8-2 victory on Tuesday and has half of Miami's four wins.

Sanabia has essentially had one bad inning thus far, yielding six of his eight runs in an 8-0 loss to Atlanta on April 10. He has struggled getting the first out of the inning, allowing leadoff hitters to go 8 for 17 thus far.

The Marlins (4-14) have been held to three or fewer runs in 15 of 18 games, partly due to the on-going struggles of slugger Giancarlo Stanton. He had an infield single in six at_bats Saturday, raising his average by a point to .163, and has no RBIs and 17 strikeouts in 12 games.

"He is an unbelievable player. He is going to hit,' manager Mike Redmond said. "He's our big bat. He's just in a funk and we've got to get him out of it.'

Stanton, who has gone eight games without an extra-base hit, is 1 for 5 lifetime versus Bailey.

[StarDust Bum]

Preview: Dodgers (7-10) at Orioles (10-7)

Game: 3
Venue: Oriole Park at Camden Yards
Date: April 21, 2013 1:35 PM EDT


Playing in AL ballparks has presented plenty of problems for the Los Angeles Dodgers in recent years, and Camden Yards has been no exception this weekend.

Los Angeles tries to avoid matching its longest losing streak from last season and notch a rare road interleague win Sunday against the Baltimore Orioles.

Favored by many to win their first NL West title since 2009, the high-priced Dodgers have fallen short of expectations early on.

They won seven of their first 11 games but have been unable to maintain that success, losing six straight by a combined 36-13 score.

The skid continued with a pair of losses Saturday, as Los Angeles (7-10) squandered a four-run lead in a 7-5 loss in the opener of a split doubleheader before falling 6-1 in the nightcap.

Those defeats dropped the Dodgers to 7-19 in road interleague games since the start of 2010. They've lost seven of eight overall against the opposite league.

"There is a time when you feel like you just need a win,' manager Don Mattingly said. "Really, this feels like one of those times. We just need to put a win on the board and get out of this.'

Los Angeles, which lost seven in a row June 24-30, went 2 for 10 with runners in scoring position in the doubleheader and is 7 for 43 (.163) during the losing streak.

Manny Machado matched career highs with three hits and four RBIs Saturday night, falling a triple shy of the cycle for the Orioles (10-7), winners of a season-high three straight and seven of 10.

Baltimore has won 11 of 16 in interleague play.

"We've got to come out and be greedy and get the sweep,' center fielder Adam Jones said.

Chris Davis hit his seventh homer - a 448-foot shot - in the nightcap and is 7 for 15 in his last four games. He leads the AL with seven homers and 21 RBIs.

Davis will get his first look at Chad Billingsley (1-0, 3.00 ERA), who was effective in two starts against San Diego since he was activated from the disabled list April 10 due to a bruised right index finger. He gave up a three-run homer to pitcher Eric Stults and six other hits over six innings Monday before leaving without a decision in a 6-3 loss.

The righty is 7-7 with a 4.24 ERA in 20 interleague starts, yielding 11 runs and 18 hits over 11 innings in losing the last two.

This will be his first appearance against the Orioles.

Baltimore's Jake Arrieta (1-0, 5.40) will try to build on his first win of the season, though he hopes to be far more efficient. The right-hander surrendered a home run on the first pitch he threw, walked five and needed 112 pitches to complete five innings but still beat Tampa Bay 5-4 on Tuesday. He allowed just the one run and struck out seven to earn his first victory since June 13.

"The win is the biggest part of the night,' said Arrieta, who has pitched five innings in each of his three starts - all Baltimore victories. "I would have liked to be out there a little bit longer but the pitch count got up."

He went 1-2 with a 4.65 ERA in five starts against the NL last season, but allowed one run in three of those outings.

Adrian Gonzalez and Carl Crawford have fared very well against Arrieta. Gonzalez is 5 for 11 and Crawford is 4 for 7, with both hitting a home run.

[StarDust Bum]

Preview: Royals (8-7) at Red Sox (12-4)

Game: 3
Venue: Fenway Park
Date: April 21, 2013 7:05 PM EDT


The Boston Red Sox not only made their emotional return to Fenway Park on Saturday, they did so in winning fashion against the Kansas City Royals.

Boston can match its longest winning streak in two years by sweeping Sunday's split doubleheader from Kansas City.

The twin bill was scheduled to make up for Friday's game, which was postponed as authorities continued to search for and eventually found the second suspect from Monday's bombings at the Boston Marathon.

Saturday marked the first home game for the Red Sox (12-4) since Monday's events, with Fenway playing host to pregame ceremonies to honor the victims. Those ceremonies included a passionate speech from David Ortiz, who then went 2 for 4 in his season debut as he helped Boston to a 4-3 victory.

The win was the Red Sox's seventh straight, their longest streak since they won nine in a row June 3-12, 2011.

Ortiz's RBI single tied the game at one in the sixth before Daniel Nava's three-run homer in the eighth off Kelvin Herrera eventually paved the way for the victory.

"Driving around and looking around at people's faces, it was a very emotional day here just looking at those guys that were injured by those bombs going off and watching the news nearly every day, it was painful, very painful," said Ortiz, who played in his first major league game since Aug. 24 as he dealt with a right Achilles tendon injury. "Today I could see people opening their chest and letting it go."

While the Royals (8-7) have lost four of six, being a part of Saturday's emotional festivities seemed to take precedent over defeat.

"To go through and see everybody getting into it and what this city went through, just to be a part of it was amazing," said Lorenzo Cain, who went 4 for 4 with a solo homer off of closer Andrew Bailey in the ninth.

The Red Sox will send Ryan Dempster to the mound in Sunday's opener while the Royals will answer with Ervin Santana, with both teams seeking a continuation of strong pitching after solid outings Saturday. James Shields gave up one run on four hits over six innings for Kansas City while Clay Buchholz held the Royals to two runs on eight hits in eight innings.

Dempster (0-1, 2.65 ERA) will also look to continue Boston's streak of starters giving up three or fewer runs in all 16 contests so far. Though he's yet to record a victory with his new team, Dempster is coming off his best outing of the season as he limited Tampa Bay to a run on two hits in seven innings while striking out 10 in a 3-2 victory Monday. A blown save by Bailey squandered Dempster's bid for his first win with Boston, though he wasn't deterred.

"Anytime I can start a ballgame and we win that ballgame, that's all that matters," Dempster, 2-0 with a 4.00 ERA in three starts against the Royals, told the team's official website.

Santana (1-1, 2.45) is also fresh off a good showing, throwing eight innings against Toronto while giving up two runs on seven hits in a 3-2 victory last Sunday. He is 3-3 with a 4.13 ERA in 11 starts against the Red Sox.

Boston will send 23-year-old Allen Webster to the mound in the nightcap in his major league debut. Webster, who will be recalled from Triple-A Pawtucket, was acquired from the Dodgers in last year's trade that sent Adrian Gonzalez, Josh Beckett and Carl Crawford to Los Angeles. The right-hander owns a 0.90 ERA with 12 strikeouts in 10 innings over two outings for Pawtucket.

Webster will be opposed by the much more experienced Jeremy Guthrie (2-0, 3.20), who is 3-7 with a 4.96 ERA in 18 starts against the Red Sox, though two of those victories have come in the last three.

Ortiz will likely feel comfortable facing Guthrie, as he's 13 for 38 (.342) with five doubles and three homers against him. Meanwhile, Kansas City's Chris Getz has 10 hits in 23 career at_bats against Santana.

Outfielder Shane Victorino left Saturday's game with tightness in his lower back after trying to lay down a bunt, and he'll be reevaluated prior to the doubleheader, Boston manager John Farrell said.

[StarDust Bum]

Preview: Braves (13-4) at Pirates (9-8)

Game: 4
Venue: PNC Park
Date: April 21, 2013 1:35 PM EDT


The Atlanta Braves are still tied for baseball's best record, but they find themselves in an unfamiliar spot thanks to the Pittsburgh Pirates.

Pittsburgh handed Atlanta its first consecutive losses of the season and will look to extend the Braves' slide to three straight games Sunday at PNC Park in the finale of a four-game set.

The Pirates (9-8) have won six of eight and inched above the .500 mark for the first time this season with Saturday's 3-1 victory. Starters James McDonald and Paul Maholm were locked in a pitchers' duel until the Pirates broke through in the sixth. Maholm had surrendered two hits while throwing five shutout innings before allowing three runs, including a two-run homer to Gaby Sanchez - his first of the season. Sanchez had come in struggling, batting .174 with four hits in 12 games.

"It was a matter of our hitters sticking with the game plan," Pittsburgh manager Clint Hurdle said.

The Braves' 13-4 mark is tied with Colorado for the best in the majors, but their powerful offense has been somewhat halted of late. They were shut out in two of three prior to Saturday and the club produced just six hits in two losses to the Pirates.

Atlanta was 0 for 6 with runners in scoring position Saturday, didn't have an at-bat in such a situation in Friday's 6-0 loss and was 1 for 7 in a 6-4 win on Thursday.

The Braves only came away with one run in Friday's second inning in which they drew three walks against McDonald, who fanned two in a row to end the threat.

"It's been a couple of days where we can't get the big hit," said Chris Johnson, who is 21 for 45 (.467) over his last 11 games after starting the season 2 for 10. "We just have to focus in and get some hits with some guys on base. We'll be fine. We've proven we can score runs."

Pittsburgh starter Jonathan Sanchez (0-2, 12.96 ERA) will hope to pick up some good mojo from the rest of the starting staff, which has been dealing of late. McDonald struck out nine over six innings and Wandy Rodriguez allowed one hit in seven scoreless innings Friday. A.J. Burnett shut out St. Louis over seven innings of one-hit ball in a 5-0 win Wednesday.

Sanchez, however, was tagged for nine runs, eight hits and four walks in 3 1-3 innings in a 10-2 loss at Arizona on April 10. The left-hander's first chance for redemption was thwarted as Tuesday's game against the Cardinals was rained out after two innings.

He'll be opposed by Kris Medlen (1-1, 1.42), who has only received five runs of support in three starts. Though Atlanta won each of his last two, he wasn't credited with a victory in the Braves' 6-3 win over Kansas City on Tuesday. Medlen yielded two runs and six hits with no walks in seven frames.

Medlen is 1-0 with a 3.86 ERA in two starts against Pittsburgh, while Sanchez is 1-2 with a 5.06 ERA over seven starts versus Atlanta. Sanchez's only victory over the Braves came on May 25, 2009, with San Francisco.

Atlanta second baseman Dan Uggla told the team's official website he hopes to return Monday against the Rockies after leaving Saturday's game in the fourth inning with tightness in his left calf.