CnoThe Bum's MLB May's News-Notes-Trends & Best Bets !!

[StarDust Bum]

Preview: Rangers (22-13) at Astros (10-26)

Game: 2
Venue: Minute Maid Park
Date: May 11, 2013 7:10 PM EDT


After dominating the Houston Astros to open his second major league season, Yu Darvish continues to pitch well for the Texas Rangers.

The right-hander looks to maintain his strong start when the visiting Rangers face the lowly Astros on Saturday night.

An All-Star and 16-game winner in 2012 during his first season after leaving Japan, Darvish (5-1, 2.56 ERA) came one out away from a perfect game in a 7-0 win at Houston on April 2. Marwin Gonzalez grounded a clean single through the pitcher's legs and into center field to keep Darvish from making history. He struck out 14 and allowed only that hit in 8 2-3 innings.

"I think my teammates were more disappointed than I was," he said after improving to 2-0 with a 1.08 ERA against the Astros (10-26).

Darvish has not allowed a run in two other outings this season and no more than three in all but one start. He gave up three runs on two homers and two other hits Sunday, striking out 14 in seven innings while not factoring in the decision of a 4-3 win over Boston.

Darvish is the first AL pitcher since 2000 with multiple 14-strikeout games in a season. Pedro Martinez had three and Mike Mussina two that year.

"Unbelievable, unbelievable," teammate Adrian Beltre said. "He was incredible. He's been doing it all year."

With a major league-leading 72 strikeouts, Darvish is averaging 14.2 per nine innings. That likely does not bode well for the Astros, who lead the majors with 360 strikeouts and have fanned at least 14 times on six occasions in 2013.

"I'm sure their lineup has changed since I faced them," Darvish told MLB's official website. "So I will face them looking at it as a new challenge and a new team."

Houston struck out seven times and was held to five hits in Friday's 4-2 loss to the Rangers (22-13).

Jeff Baker hit a tiebreaking homer in the seventh to help Texas win for the fifth time in seven games.

"Any time you can contribute, it is awesome," said Baker, 12 for 36 with four homers this season. "Especially when you are in the utility role, and you are trying to make the most of your opportunities, getting a big hit. Getting the series started with a win is obviously huge for us."

Second baseman Ian Kinsler added two hits and is 5 for 10 in the last two games.

With a double Friday, ex-Astro Lance Berkman is batting .444 in 15 games against his former team - including 7 for 14 this season.

Houston welcomes Erik Bedard (0-2, 7.36) back to the rotation Saturday after he was relegated to the bullpen earlier this month. The veteran left-hander went 0-2 with a 9.98 ERA in five starts, then allowed one run and two hits in 3 1-3 innings of relief during a 9-0 loss to Detroit on Sunday.

"Bedard went down to the bullpen and did a tremendous job last time out and he's going into the rotation," manager Bo Porter told the Astros' official website.

In Bedard's only other relief appearance this year, he gave up one hit in 3 1-3 scoreless innings to earn his first career save in a season-opening 8-2 win over Texas on March 31.

He is 5-4 with a 3.49 ERA in 15 starts versus Texas.

Gonzalez had two hits Friday and is 4 for 7 in his last two games.

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SERIES AT A GLANCE

GAME 1
Rangers at Astros
Fri, May 10 Final 4 to 2
Boxscores • Recaps

GAME 2
Rangers at Astros
Sat, May 11 - 7:10PM EDT

GAME 3
Rangers at Astros
Sun, May 12 - 2:10PM EDT

[StarDust Bum]

Preview: Phillies (16-21) at Diamondbacks (21-15)

Game: 3
Venue: Chase Field
Date: May 11, 2013 8:10 PM EDT


The Arizona Diamondbacks are riding their longest winning streak of the season.

It's been nearly six years since they posted three consecutive victories against the Philadelphia Phillies.

They'll try to change that Saturday night against Cliff Lee, who will make his second career start in Phoenix.

Undefeated since a 1-5 skid, Arizona (21-15) is looking to notch its longest win streak since a run of seven in a row Aug. 9-16, 2011. Miguel Montero, dropped to the eighth spot, hit a go-ahead solo homer in the eighth inning to help the Diamondbacks complete a 3-2 come-from-behind victory Friday.

"It was huge for us," said manager Kirk Gibson, whose team is tied with San Francisco atop the NL West.

Arizona had lost six of eight to the Phillies (16-21) heading into this four-game set, but with back-to-back one-run wins, it can make it three straight in this matchup for the first time since a three-game sweep in Philadelphia from May 28-30, 2007.

A former Cy Young Award winner stands in the way of that happening. Lee's only start in Arizona came April 25, 2011, when he struck out 12 in seven innings of a 4-0 loss. That was one of the left-hander's five career losses in 24 starts versus West opponents.

Lee (3-2, 3.26 ERA) won his 12th game against a team from that division with eight strong innings in Monday's 6-2 victory in San Francisco.

"The normal Cliff Lee. He's good, man," Giants second baseman Marco Scutaro said. "He keeps throwing strikes, using the corners. You just try to get him out of his rhythm when he misses, and he doesn't miss that much. He has great command of all his pitches."

Arizona's Trevor Cahill (2-3, 2.80) might need that Saturday, as he has the lowest run-support average on the team at 3.20. The right-hander, though, had some room for error in a 9-2 win over the Los Angeles Dodgers on Monday when he threw seven innings of two-run ball.

"Not as good as last start (eight innings in a 2-1 loss to San Francisco on April 30)," Cahill said, "but I think the biggest thing was, I was able to make pitches when I had to."

The right-hander is 1-1 with a 3.60 ERA in three starts against Philadelphia.

Cahill will take on a Phillies team which has been held to six runs and 19 hits during a three-game skid. That comes after Philadelphia opened its seven-game trip with 22 combined hits in a pair of 6-2 wins over the Giants.

Ryan Howard and Michael Young are both hitless in nine at_bats over the last three games.

Howard is 0 for 5 off Cahill and Jimmy Rollins 0 for 4. Rollins, though, finished 2 for 5 on Friday with a leadoff homer - the Phillies' 14th straight solo shot - after going 0 for 19 in his previous seven games versus Arizona.

Diamondbacks first baseman Paul Goldschmidt is hitting .172 in 10 games versus Philadelphia, his lowest batting average against any team he's played more than three times. Goldschmidt's batting average at home has dipped to .231 with an 0-for-5 effort the last two nights after hitting four homers with nine RBIs in a three-game sweep at Los Angeles.

He has two hits - both homers - in six at_bats off Lee, who is 3-1 with a 3.50 ERA in five starts versus Arizona.

Cody Ross, Eric Chavez and Gerardo Parra are the other Diamondbacks to have gone deep against the left-hander, with one apiece.

Arizona can win a season-best third in a row at home.

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SERIES AT A GLANCE

GAME 1
Phillies at Diamondbacks
Thu, May 9 Final 1 to 2
Boxscores • Recaps

GAME 2
Phillies at Diamondbacks
Fri, May 10 Final 2 to 3
Boxscores • Recaps

GAME 3
Phillies at Diamondbacks
Sat, May 11 - 8:10PM EDT

GAME 4
Phillies at Diamondbacks
Sun, May 12 - 4:10PM EDT

[StarDust Bum]

Preview: Athletics (18-19) at Mariners (17-19)

Game: 2
Venue: Safeco Field
Date: May 11, 2013 9:10 PM EDT


While the Seattle Mariners have played well in any park of late, the Oakland Athletics continue to struggle on the road.

The Mariners look to add to their guests' rough road trip by extending the A's season-high losing streak to six games Saturday night.

Oakland (18-19) totaled 51 runs while sweeping Houston and the Los Angeles Angels to start 6-0 on the road, but has since scored 48 while losing 11 of 14 away from home. The A's opened their current 10-game trip by winning two of three at Yankee Stadium, then were held to eight runs while being swept in four games at Cleveland before managing five hits in a 6-3 loss at Seattle on Friday.

John Jaso had two of those hits and Jed Lowrie added two RBIs for Oakland, which had one hit in the first five innings against the Mariners' Hisashi Iwakuma.

"Everybody has to pick everybody up and we're not doing that right now," said Oakland manager Bob Melvin, whose team is below .500 for the first time since starting 1-2 against the Mariners.

Seattle (17-19) has won nine of 13, including six of eight at home.

Lowrie hit .467 with two homers and six RBIs in the first seven road games, but he's batted .204 with those two RBIs in the last 13.

The A's hope seeing scheduled Seattle starter Brandon Maurer (2-4, 6.07 ERA) will produce the same results as the first time they faced him. The rookie right-hander allowed six runs, including a pair of two-run homers, in six innings of an 8-2 loss at Oakland in his major league debut April 4.

The 22-year-old Maurer will be pitching on 10 days rest, looking to bounce back after he gave up four runs and six hits in four innings of a 7-2 home loss to Baltimore on April 30.

"We're trying to manage his innings - and when we have opportunities to do that, we are going to do that," manager Eric Wedge told the Mariners' official website.

Raul Ibanez had a three-run homer and Kendrys Morales added three hits Friday for Seattle. Ibanez, who turns 41 next month, has appeared in three games in May but has gone 3 for 7 with four RBIs.

"It's always nice to contribute and the last few games I've played I guess have been better," he said.

Morales is batting .346 with in his last seven games and is 6 for 15 against scheduled Oakland starter Jarrod Parker (1-5, 7.34).

The right-hander left Monday's 7-3 loss at Cleveland with neck pain after he allowed four solo homers in five innings - matching the number of home runs he gave up in his previous six starts. Parker yielded 11 home runs in 29 starts last season.

He feels his neck problems might have something to do with his struggles in 2013.

"It's something that's been bothering me for a little bit," Parker said. "Obviously, those are pitches up in the zone. They're semi-uncharacteristic. I don't think, if I'm feeling 100 percent, they would be in that location."

Parker fell to 1-2 with a 5.94 ERA against the Mariners after he allowed four runs, including a three-run homer to Michael Morse, and three walks in five innings of a 7-1 home loss April 2.

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SERIES AT A GLANCE

GAME 1
Athletics at Mariners
Fri, May 10 Final 3 to 6
Boxscores • Recaps

GAME 2
Athletics at Mariners
Sat, May 11 - 9:10PM EDT

GAME 3
Athletics at Mariners
Sun, May 12 - 4:10PM EDT

[StarDust Bum]

Preview: Marlins (11-25) at Dodgers (13-21)

Game: 2
Venue: Dodger Stadium
Date: May 11, 2013 9:10 PM EDT


Times have become so tough for the Los Angeles Dodgers that even the offensively challenged Miami Marlins are finding ways to beat them.

Los Angeles, on the verge of its longest losing streak in nearly 21 years, looks to get back on track Saturday night in another matchup of last-place clubs.

The last-place Dodgers (13-21) have been one of baseball's biggest early season disappointments despite a roster filled with high-priced former All-Stars that raised expectations. They haven't lived up to the billing, though, dropping their eighth straight after squandering a three-run lead before falling 5-4 to NL-worst Miami on Friday.

Los Angeles, which got its only runs on a three-run homer from Adrian Gonzalez in the first inning, hasn't lost nine straight since a 10-game skid June 10-21, 1992.

Carl Crawford went 3 for 5 on Friday and is hitting .353 over his last nine and Matt Kemp has a nine-game hitting streak for the Dodgers, who are batting a solid .270 during the losing streak.

The pitching staff, though, has posted a 5.37 ERA during that stretch, and Hyun-Jin Ryu will try to improve that mark and help end the skid when he takes the mound Saturday.

Ryu (3-2, 3.71 ERA) suffered his first loss in six starts after allowing four runs and eight hits in six innings of Sunday's 4-3 defeat at San Francisco. The rookie left-hander has gone at least six frames in each of his outings and has 48 strikeouts in 43 2-3 innings.

He'll face a Marlins offense that ranks among the worst in numerous categories but mustered enough runs to end a three-game losing streak Friday.

Derek Dietrich's first major league homer - a three-run shot in the fourth - tied the game before Miami (11-25) added two more runs in the seventh. It had been outscored 11-1 during a three-game sweep at San Diego prior to beginning this series.

Juan Pierre, who played for the Dodgers from 2007-09, had the tie-breaking RBI single and is 7 for 15 over his last four games.

``We've been waiting on a big hit,' manager Mike Redmond said. ``Got a young kid up there (Dietrich) who's taking advantage of an opportunity.'

The Marlins still rank last in the majors in batting average (.224), runs (104) and home runs (20) and have an NL-worst .288 on-base percentage, though they had their best offensive performance the last time Kevin Slowey took the mound.

Slowey (1-2, 1.81) had his winless streak end at 22 appearances after he gave up two hits in seven scoreless innings of a 14-2 win at Philadelphia on Sunday. He hasn't allowed more than three runs in any start and he finally got some help from his offense, receiving 12 runs of support after being provided with only four over his previous six outings combined.

``I'm really thankful for the opportunity to get a win,' Slowey said. ``When you don't have a win since 2010, you're thankful to still get the ball every fifth day.'

The right-hander, who has never faced the Dodgers, has a 0.98 ERA in three road starts this season.

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SERIES AT A GLANCE

GAME 1
Marlins at Dodgers
Fri, May 10 Final 5 to 4
Boxscores • Recaps

GAME 2
Marlins at Dodgers
Sat, May 11 - 9:10PM EDT

GAME 3
Marlins at Dodgers
Sun, May 12 - 4:10PM EDT

[StarDust Bum]

MLB
Dunkel

Atlanta at San Francisco
The Braves look to take advantage of a San Francisco team that is 0-6 in Madison Bumgarner's last 6 starts as a home favorite of -110 to -150. Atlanta is the pick (+115) according to Dunkel, which has the Braves favored by 1. Dunkel Pick: Atlanta (+115). Here are all of today's picks.

SATURDAY, MAY 11

Game 901-902: Pittsburgh at NY Mets (1:10 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Pittsburgh (Liriano) 15.174; NY Mets (Niese) 13.697
Dunkel Line: Pittsburgh by 1 1/2; 8 1/2
Vegas Line: NY Mets (-125); 7 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Pittsburgh (+105); Over

Game 903-904: Colorado at St. Louis (2:15 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Colorado (Chacin) 14.673; St. Louis (Wainwright) 16.673
Dunkel Line: St. Louis by 2; 6
Vegas Line: St. Louis (-170); 7
Dunkel Pick: St. Louis (-170); Under

Game 905-906: Chicago Cubs at Washington (4:05 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Cubs (Jackson) 15.058; Washington (Strasburg) 16.938
Dunkel Line: Washington by 2; 6 1/2
Vegas Line: Washington (-210); 7
Dunkel Pick: Washington (-210); Under

Game 907-908: Atlanta at San Francisco (4:05 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Atlanta (Maholm) 16.275; San Francisco (Bumgarner) 15.252
Dunkel Line: Atlanta by 1; 7 1/2
Vegas Line: San Francisco (-135); 6 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Atlanta (+115); Over

Game 909-910: Milwaukee at Cincinnati (4:10 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Milwaukee (Burgos) 14.244; Cincinnati (Latos) 15.544
Dunkel Line: Cincinnati by 1 1/2; 7
Vegas Line: Cincinnati (-185); 8
Dunkel Pick: Cincinnati (-185); Under

Game 911-912: Philadelphia at Arizona (8:10 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Philadelphia (Lee) 16.225; Arizona (Cahill) 15.024
Dunkel Line: Philadelphia by 1; 8 1/2
Vegas Line: Arizona (-110); 8
Dunkel Pick: Philadelphia (-110); Over

Game 913-914: Miami at LA Dodgers (9:10 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Miami (Slowey) 15.582; LA Dodgers (Ryu) 14.339
Dunkel Line: Miami by 1; 7 1/2
Vegas Line: LA Dodgers (-185); 6 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Miami (+165); Over

Game 915-916: Toronto at Boston (1:35 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Toronto (Buehrle) 14.051; Boston (Buchholz) 15.645
Dunkel Line: Boston by 1 1/2; 8
Vegas Line: Boston (-210); 9 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Boston (-210); Under

Game 917-918: Cleveland at Detroit (7:08 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Cleveland (Jimenez) 16.029; Detroit (Verlander) 17.294
Dunkel Line: Detroit by 1 1/2; 7
Vegas Line: Detroit (-220); 7 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Detroit (-220); Under

Game 919-920: Baltimore at Minnesota (7:10 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Baltimore (Johnson) 15.624; Minnesota (Worley) 16.553
Dunkel Line: Minnesota by 1; 9 1/2
Vegas Line: Baltimore (-120); 8 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Minnesota (+100); Over

Game 921-922: NY Yankees at Kansas City (7:10 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: NY Yankees (Pettitte) 16.044; Kansas City (Shields) 14.981
Dunkel Line: NY Yankees by 1; 8 1/2
Vegas Line: Kansas City (-150); 7 1/2
Dunkel Pick: NY Yankees (+130); Over

Game 923-924: Texas at Houston (7:10 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Texas (Darvish) 15.015; Houston (Bedard) 12.959
Dunkel Line: Texas by 2; 6 1/2
Vegas Line: Texas (-260); 8
Dunkel Pick: Texas (-260); Under

Game 925-926: LA Angels at Chicago White Sox (7:10 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: LA Angels (Williams) 13.895; White Sox (Quintana) 14.432
Dunkel Line: Chicago White Sox by 1/2; 8
Vegas Line: Chicago White Sox (-120); 8 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Chicago White Sox (-120); Under

Game 927-928: Oakland at Seattle (9:10 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Oakland (Parker) 14.974; Seattle (Maurer) 14.221
Dunkel Line: Oakland by 1/2; 8 1/2
Vegas Line: Seattle (-115); 7 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Oakland (-105); Over

Game 929-930: San Diego at Tampa Bay (6:10 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: San Diego (Smith) 15.550; Tampa Bay (Hellickson) 17.248
Dunkel Line: Tampa Bay by 1 1/2; 8 1/2
Vegas Line: Tampa Bay (-165); 8
Dunkel Pick: Tampa Bay (-165); Over
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[StarDust Bum]

MLB

Saturday, May 11

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Trend Report
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1:10 PM
PITTSBURGH vs. NY METS
The total has gone OVER in 17 of Pittsburgh's last 24 games when playing on the road against NY Mets
Pittsburgh is 4-13 SU in its last 17 games when playing on the road against NY Mets
NY Mets are 6-2 SU in its last 8 games when playing Pittsburgh
NY Mets are 13-4 SU in its last 17 games when playing at home against Pittsburgh

1:35 PM
TORONTO vs. BOSTON
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Toronto's last 5 games on the road
Toronto is 4-11 SU in its last 15 games
Boston is 7-3 SU in its last 10 games at home
Boston is 1-6 SU in its last 7 games when playing at home against Toronto

2:15 PM
COLORADO vs. ST. LOUIS
Colorado is 1-5 SU in its last 6 games when playing St. Louis
The total has gone UNDER in 9 of Colorado's last 12 games when playing St. Louis
St. Louis is 8-1 SU in its last 9 games
St. Louis is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games when playing Colorado

4:05 PM
CHI CUBS vs. WASHINGTON
Chi Cubs are 0-5 SU in their last 5 games when playing on the road against Washington
The total has gone OVER in 6 of Chi Cubs's last 7 games when playing on the road against Washington
Washington is 5-0 SU in their last 5 games when playing at home against Chi Cubs
Washington is 5-0 SU in their last 5 games when playing Chi Cubs

4:05 PM
ATLANTA vs. SAN FRANCISCO
Atlanta is 7-3 SU in its last 10 games when playing on the road against San Francisco
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Atlanta's last 5 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 5 of San Francisco's last 5 games when playing Atlanta
San Francisco is 3-7 SU in its last 10 games when playing at home against Atlanta

4:10 PM
MILWAUKEE vs. CINCINNATI
Milwaukee is 1-7 SU in its last 8 games
Milwaukee is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 6 of Cincinnati's last 7 games
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Cincinnati's last 5 games when playing at home against Milwaukee

6:10 PM
SAN DIEGO vs. TAMPA BAY
San Diego is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of San Diego's last 5 games
Tampa Bay is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games when playing at home against San Diego
Tampa Bay is 8-3 SU in its last 11 games at home

7:08 PM
CLEVELAND vs. DETROIT
Cleveland is 10-2 SU in its last 12 games
Cleveland is 5-19 SU in its last 24 games when playing on the road against Detroit
Detroit is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games when playing Cleveland
Detroit is 10-3 SU in its last 13 games

7:10 PM
BALTIMORE vs. MINNESOTA
Baltimore is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games
The total has gone UNDER in 14 of Baltimore's last 21 games when playing on the road against Minnesota
Minnesota is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games at home
Minnesota is 2-7 SU in its last 9 games when playing at home against Baltimore

7:10 PM
NY YANKEES vs. KANSAS CITY
NY Yankees are 9-4 SU in their last 13 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of NY Yankees's last 5 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 16 of Kansas City's last 23 games when playing at home against NY Yankees
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Kansas City's last 6 games at home

7:10 PM
LA ANGELS vs. CHI WHITE SOX
LA Angels are 4-9 SU in their last 13 games
The total has gone OVER in 5 of LA Angels's last 6 games
The total has gone OVER in 10 of Chi White Sox's last 14 games when playing LA Angels
Chi White Sox are 1-5 SU in their last 6 games when playing LA Angels

7:10 PM
TEXAS vs. HOUSTON
Texas is 13-3 SU in its last 16 games when playing on the road against Houston
Texas is 5-2 SU in its last 7 games
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Houston's last 5 games when playing at home against Texas
The total has gone OVER in 8 of Houston's last 11 games

8:10 PM
PHILADELPHIA vs. ARIZONA
Philadelphia is 2-5 SU in its last 7 games
Philadelphia is 2-5 SU in its last 7 games on the road
Arizona is 6-3 SU in its last 9 games when playing at home against Philadelphia
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Arizona's last 7 games when playing at home against Philadelphia

9:10 PM
OAKLAND vs. SEATTLE
The total has gone OVER in 14 of Oakland's last 19 games
Oakland is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games
Seattle is 3-9 SU in its last 12 games when playing Oakland
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Seattle's last 5 games when playing Oakland

9:10 PM
MIAMI vs. LA DODGERS
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Miami's last 5 games when playing on the road against LA Dodgers
Miami is 3-6 SU in its last 9 games
LA Dodgers are 0-5 SU in their last 5 games at home
The total has gone OVER in 16 of LA Dodgers's last 22 games

[StarDust Bum]

MLB

Saturday, May 11

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Three starters with 'over' value on the hill Saturday
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Saturday's MLB schedule features three starters on the board that could be worth a look for over wagers. Why? Because their teams provide them with some of the best run support in the bigs.

Clay Buchholz, Boston Red Sox, (6-0, 1.60 ERA)

Buchholz is coming off the least impressive outing of his otherwise unblemished 2013 season. The Texan lasted six innings giving up four earned runs and seven hits versus the Minnesota Twins. His last two starts have gone over the number and the Sox supply the righty with an outstanding six runs of support per game.

Boston hosts the Toronto Blue Jays Saturday. The Red Sox defeated the Jays 10-1 with Buchholz on the mound on May 1.

Jonathon Niese, New York Mets (2-3, 4.66 ERA)

The Mets lefty has been a great over wager this season. He goes into Saturday's start with a 6-1 over/under record. Any $100 bettor would be up $539.02 if they had taken the over on each of Niese's starts this season. His 4.66 ERA, plus the fact that the Mets give him 6.29 runs per start, makes him a solid play on the over.

Niese and the Mets are home to face the Pittsburgh Pirates Saturday. He was excellent in his lone start versus the Bucs in 2012, notching the victory with one earned run in 7 2/3 innings of work.

Yu Darvish, Texas Rangers, (5-1, 2.56 ERA)

Darvish gets the second-most run support in the American League with 6.71 runs per game. Two of his previous three starts have gone over the number and he is coming off a deep, 127-pitch effort versus the Red Sox on May 5.

The Rangers continue their series versus the Houston Astros Saturday. Darvish opened the season with a 7-0 victory versus Houston on April 2. He pitched 8 2/3 innings of one-hit ball.

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MLB

Saturday, May 11

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Saturday's MLB weather watch: Winds blowing out at Fenway, Comerica
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Various parks across the big leagues will have winds blowing out Saturday. Fenway Park in Boston and Comerica Park in Detroit could see gusts greater than 20 mph.

Here's our weather report:

Pittsburgh Pirates vs. New York Mets (-122, 8)
Site: Citi Field

Forecasts are calling for a 50 percent chance of rain. Winds will blow out to center field at 16 mph.

Colorado Rockies vs. St. Louis Cardinals (-182, 7.5)
Site: Busch Stadium

Wind will blow out to right field at 15 mph.

Chicago Cubs vs. Washington Nationals (-210, 7)
Site: Nationals Park

Forecasts are calling for a 60 percent chance of rain. Winds will blow out to right field at 11 mph.

Milwaukee Brewers vs. Cincinnati Reds (n/a, n/a)
Site: Great American Ball Park

Partly cloudy skies and a 20 percent chance of rain. Winds will blow out to left field at 11 mph.

Toronto Blue Jays vs. Boston Red Sox (-190, 9)
Site: Fenway Park

Forecasts are calling for a 50 percent chance of rain. Winds will blow out to left field at 21 mph.

Cleveland Indians vs. Detroit Tigers (-230, 7.5)
Site: Comerica Park

Partly cloudy skies and a 20 percent chance of rain is in the forecast for Detroit Saturday. Winds will blow out to left field at 21 mph.

Baltimore Orioles vs. Minnesota Twins (-105, 8.5)
Site: Target Field

Strong winds will blow out to center field at 19 mph.

New York Yankees vs. Kansas City Royals (-142, 7)
Site: Kauffman Stadium

Winds will blow in from left field at 11 mph.

Los Angeles Angels vs. Chicago White Sox (n/a, n/a)
Site: U.S. Cellular Field

Winds will blow out to center field at 16 mph.

[StarDust Bum]

MLB
Armadillo's Write-Up

Saturday, May 11

Hot pitchers
-- Wainwright is 4-1, 2.47 in his last six starts. Chacin is 3-1, 2.84 in five starts this season.
-- Bumgarner is 3-1, 2.31 in seven starts this season.
-- Latos is 3-0, 1.44 in his last four starts. Burgos is 1-0, 3.00 in three starts this season.
-- Cahill is 2-0, 1.80 in his last three outings. Lee is 2-1, 2.79 in his four road starts.
-- Slowey is 2-1, 1.81 in seven starts this season.

-- Red Sox are 7-0 when Buchholz starts (6-0, 1.60).
-- Verlander is 3-1, 1.59 in his last five starts. Jimenez is 2-0, 1.42 in his last two outings.
-- Shields is 1-0, 1.86 in his last four starts.
-- Darvish is 3-0, 2.42 in his last four starts.
-- Quintana is 2-0, 2.83 in his last five starts.

Cold pitchers
-- Niese is 0-3, 6.63 in his last four starts. Liriano is making first NL start, first '13 start; he was 2-1, 4.15 in five minor league starts, as he recovered from a broken right arm.
-- EJackson is 0-5, 7.58 in seven starts this year. Strasburg is 0-4, 5.06 in his last five outings.
-- Maholm is 1-3, 5.79 in his last four starts.
-- Ryu is 1-1, 4.32 in his last four starts.

-- Smith has a 1.15 RA in AA Texas League, allowing 17 hits in 31.1 IP with 37 strikeouts- he pitched in A ball last year. Hellickson is 0-1, 6.75 in his last three starts.

-- Buehrle is 0-2, 7.20 in his last four starts.
-- SJohnson is 1-1, 4.41 in three minor league starts; he was 3-0, 2.86 in four major league starts LY. Worley is 0-4, 7.75 in seven starts this season.
-- Pettitte is 1-2, 6.65 in his last four starts.
-- Bedard is 0-2, 13.50 in his last four starts.
-- JWilliams is 0-7, 8.67 in his last seven starts.
-- Parker is 1-5, 7.13 in seven starts this season. Maurer is 2-2, 6.88 in four home starts this season.

Starting Pitchers/First Inning
You can wager on whether teams will score in first inning. Below is how often a starting pitcher has allowed 1+ runs in first inning in one of his starts........
-- Liriano 0-0; Niese 3-7
-- Chacin 2-5; Wainwright 2-7
-- Jackson 3-7; Strasburg 4-7
-- Maholm 0-7; Bumgarner 0-7
-- Burgos 1-3; Latos 1-7
-- Lee 0-7; Cahill 2-7
-- Slowey 2-7; Ryu 3-7

-- Buehrle 3-7; Buchholz 1-7
-- Jimenez 2-6; Verlander 0-7
-- Johnson 0-0; Worley 5-7
-- Pettitte 2-6; Shields 3-7
-- Darvish 4-7; Bedard 3-5
-- JWilliams 1-6; Quintana 1-6
-- Parker 2-7; Maurer 3-6

-- Smith 0-0; Hellickson 4-7

Totals
-- Six of last seven Cub games went over the total.
-- Ten of last fourteen Pittsburgh games went over the total.
-- Six of last seven Cincinnati games went over the total.
-- Over is 3-1-1 in Chacin's starts this season.
-- 12 of last 16 Philly road games stayed under the total.
-- 12 of last 14 games at Dodger Stadium went over.
-- 12 of last 15 Atlanta games went over the total.

-- Last thirteen Tampa Bay games went over the total.

-- Over is 3-0-2 in last five Jimenez starts.
-- Seven of last nine Red Sox games stayed under total.
-- Over is 7-2-1 in Baltimore's last ten road games.
-- Five of last seven Kansas City games stayed under total.
-- Eight of Angels' last eleven games went over the total.
-- Over is 11-5-1 in Houston's last seventeen home games.
-- 15 of 20 Oakland road games went over the total.

Hot teams
-- Nationals won seven of their last eight games.
-- Reds are 10-4 in their last fourteen home games.
-- Cardinals won eight of their last nine games.
-- Arizona won six of its last seven games.
-- Atlanta won four of its last six games.

-- San Diego won six of its last eight games overall. Rays won ten of their last 14 home games.

-- Indians won ten of their last twelve games. Detroit won ten of its last thirteen games.
-- Twins won three of their last four games. Baltimore is 8-4 in its last twelve road games.
-- Royals won four of their last six home games. Bronx won nine of its last thirteen road games.
-- Mariners won six of their last eight home games.

Cold teams
-- Cubs lost six of their last eight games.
-- Mets lost nine of their last thirteen games. Pirates lost four of their last six.
-- Brewers lost seven of their last eight games.
-- Rockies lost eight of their last twelve games.
-- Phillies lost ten of their last fourteen games.
-- Miami is 6-14 on the road. Dodgers lost their last eight games.
-- Giants lost three of their last five games.

-- Blue Jays lost ten of their last thirteen road games. Red Sox lost three of their last four games.
-- Oakland lost 11 of its last 14 road games.
-- Angels lost nine of their last thirteen games, but won last two. White Sox are 3-6 in their last nine home games.
-- Houston lost eight of its last ten games. Rangers lost four of their last six away games.

Umpires
-- Pitt-NY-- Under is 6-1-1 in last eight West games.
-- Col-StL-- Seven of last ten Foster games stayed under.
-- Chi-Wsh-- Favorites won seven of last ten Eddings games.
-- Atl-SF-- Under is 20-5-1 in last 26 Baker games.
-- Mil-Cin-- Underdogs won five of last seven Knight games.
-- Phil-Az-- Over is 7-2-1 in last ten Cederstrom games.
-- Mia-LA-- Under is 17-2-1 in last twenty Kulpa games.

-- SD-TB-- Under is 14-3-1 in last eighteen O'Nora games.

-- Tor-Bos-- Over is 9-6 in last fifteen Gibson games.
-- Cle-Det-- Six of last eight Scott games stayed under the total.
-- Balt-Min-- Four of last five Darling games went over the total.
-- NY-KC-- Over is 14-5-1 in last twenty Wegner games.
-- Tex-Hst-- Under is 12-4-1 in last seventeen Kellogg games.
-- LA-Chi-- Underdogs won 12 of last 16 Nelson games.
-- A's-Sea-- Underdogs won eight of last ten Marquez games.

[StarDust Bum]

MLB
Long Sheet

Saturday, May 11

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PITTSBURGH (19 - 16) at NY METS (14 - 18) - 1:10 PM
FRANCISCO LIRIANO (L) vs. JON NIESE (L)
Top Trends for this game.
PITTSBURGH is 119-184 (-48.3 Units) against the money line as a road underdog of +100 to +125 since 1997.
NIESE is 12-2 (+11.9 Units) against the money line when playing on Saturday since 1997. (Team's Record)
PITTSBURGH is 21-10 (+13.7 Units) against the money line when playing on Saturday over the last 2 seasons.
PITTSBURGH is 37-29 (+20.6 Units) against the money line in road games in day games over the last 3 seasons.
NY METS are 23-32 (-15.8 Units) against the money line in home games after a loss over the last 2 seasons.
NY METS are 27-48 (-21.9 Units) against the money line in home games when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 3 seasons.
NY METS are 45-55 (-19.2 Units) against the money line in home games over the last 2 seasons.
NY METS are 45-55 (-19.2 Units) against the money line in home games in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
NY METS are 28-46 (-16.5 Units) against the money line against left-handed starters over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
NY METS is 1-1 (+0.0 Units) against PITTSBURGH this season
1 of 2 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=-0.2 Units, Under=-0.1 Units)

FRANCISCO LIRIANO vs. NY METS since 1997
No recent starts.

JON NIESE vs. PITTSBURGH since 1997
NIESE is 2-0 when starting against PITTSBURGH with an ERA of 1.93 and a WHIP of 1.071.
His team's record is 3-0 (+3.0 units) in these starts. The OVER is 1-2. (-1.2 units)

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COLORADO (19 - 16) at ST LOUIS (22 - 12) - 2:15 PM
JHOULYS CHACIN (R) vs. ADAM WAINWRIGHT (R)
Top Trends for this game.
COLORADO is 156-205 (-47.0 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 3 seasons.
COLORADO is 21-44 (-29.5 Units) against the money line in May games over the last 3 seasons.
COLORADO is 21-45 (-24.0 Units) against the money line in day games over the last 2 seasons.
COLORADO is 156-205 (-47.0 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 3 seasons.
COLORADO is 83-157 (-46.6 Units) against the money line in road games after 3 or more consecutive losses since 1997.

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

JHOULYS CHACIN vs. ST LOUIS since 1997
CHACIN is 0-1 when starting against ST LOUIS with an ERA of 6.00 and a WHIP of 1.333.
His team's record is 0-1 (-1.4 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 1-0. (+1.0 units)

ADAM WAINWRIGHT vs. COLORADO since 1997
WAINWRIGHT is 3-1 when starting against COLORADO with an ERA of 1.64 and a WHIP of 1.242.
His team's record is 3-2 (+0.5 units) in these starts. The OVER is 3-2. (+1.1 units)

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CHICAGO CUBS (13 - 22) at WASHINGTON (20 - 15) - 4:05 PM
EDWIN JACKSON (R) vs. STEPHEN STRASBURG (R)
Top Trends for this game.
CHICAGO CUBS are 18-47 (-21.5 Units) against the money line in road games after a loss over the last 2 seasons.
CHICAGO CUBS are 74-123 (-34.0 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
CHICAGO CUBS are 29-69 (-28.1 Units) against the money line in road games over the last 2 seasons.
CHICAGO CUBS are 7-25 (-17.5 Units) against the money line when playing on Saturday over the last 2 seasons.
CHICAGO CUBS are 9-27 (-14.6 Units) against the money line in road games in day games over the last 2 seasons.
CHICAGO CUBS are 74-123 (-34.0 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
CHICAGO CUBS are 53-90 (-25.4 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters over the last 2 seasons.
JACKSON is 13-26 (-15.9 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
JACKSON is 12-26 (-17.4 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
JACKSON is 3-14 (-12.1 Units) against the money line after a loss over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
WASHINGTON is 120-82 (+24.4 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
WASHINGTON is 117-82 (+20.5 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
WASHINGTON is 112-87 (+21.8 Units) against the money line after a win over the last 3 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
WASHINGTON is 1-0 (+1.0 Units) against CHICAGO CUBS this season
1 of 1 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+1.1 Units)

EDWIN JACKSON vs. WASHINGTON since 1997
JACKSON is 0-0 when starting against WASHINGTON with an ERA of 0.00 and a WHIP of 1.000.
His team's record is 0-1 (-1.1 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 0-1. (-1.2 units)

STEPHEN STRASBURG vs. CHICAGO CUBS since 1997
STRASBURG is 0-0 when starting against CHICAGO CUBS with an ERA of 1.29 and a WHIP of 0.857.
His team's record is 1-0 (+1.0 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 1-0. (+1.0 units)

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ATLANTA (21 - 14) at SAN FRANCISCO (21 - 15) - 4:05 PM
PAUL MAHOLM (L) vs. MADISON BUMGARNER (L)
Top Trends for this game.
SAN FRANCISCO is 126-88 (+30.1 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
SAN FRANCISCO is 47-23 (+24.6 Units) against the money line against left-handed starters over the last 2 seasons.
SAN FRANCISCO is 73-50 (+17.4 Units) against the money line after a win over the last 2 seasons.
SAN FRANCISCO is 50-39 (+12.7 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.
SAN FRANCISCO is 126-88 (+30.1 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
ATLANTA is 113-82 (+18.5 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
ATLANTA is 33-24 (+13.7 Units) against the money line in road games when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.
ATLANTA is 115-83 (+20.0 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
ATLANTA is 58-44 (+16.2 Units) against the money line in road games over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
ATLANTA is 1-1 (+0.2 Units) against SAN FRANCISCO this season
2 of 2 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+2.1 Units)

PAUL MAHOLM vs. SAN FRANCISCO since 1997
MAHOLM is 2-2 when starting against SAN FRANCISCO with an ERA of 3.43 and a WHIP of 1.231.
His team's record is 6-3 (+5.3 units) in these starts. The OVER is 5-3. (+1.8 units)

MADISON BUMGARNER vs. ATLANTA since 1997
BUMGARNER is 1-3 when starting against ATLANTA with an ERA of 4.03 and a WHIP of 1.276.
His team's record is 1-4 (-3.4 units) in these starts. The OVER is 2-3. (-1.2 units)

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MILWAUKEE (15 - 18) at CINCINNATI (20 - 16) - 4:10 PM
HIRAM BURGOS (R) vs. MAT LATOS (R)
Top Trends for this game.
MILWAUKEE is 13-23 (-13.5 Units) against the money line in May games over the last 2 seasons.
MILWAUKEE is 30-41 (-18.2 Units) against the money line in day games over the last 2 seasons.
CINCINNATI is 119-84 (+16.0 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
CINCINNATI is 119-84 (+16.0 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
CINCINNATI is 315-340 (-81.5 Units) against the money line in home games after a win since 1997.
CINCINNATI is 331-299 (-68.8 Units) against the money line in home games when playing against a team with a losing record since 1997.

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

HIRAM BURGOS vs. CINCINNATI since 1997
No recent starts.

MAT LATOS vs. MILWAUKEE since 1997
LATOS is 1-2 when starting against MILWAUKEE with an ERA of 2.34 and a WHIP of 0.923.
His team's record is 2-3 (-1.4 units) in these starts. The OVER is 0-4. (-4.2 units)

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PHILADELPHIA (16 - 21) at ARIZONA (21 - 15) - 8:10 PM
CLIFF LEE (L) vs. TREVOR CAHILL (R)
Top Trends for this game.
PHILADELPHIA is 97-102 (-26.2 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
PHILADELPHIA is 11-19 (-13.6 Units) against the money line when playing on Saturday over the last 2 seasons.
PHILADELPHIA is 26-34 (-15.2 Units) against the money line in day games over the last 2 seasons.
PHILADELPHIA is 97-99 (-23.2 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
PHILADELPHIA is 44-55 (-21.2 Units) against the money line after a loss over the last 2 seasons.
PHILADELPHIA is 46-60 (-23.7 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.
LEE is 15-22 (-15.7 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
LEE is 15-21 (-14.7 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
LEE is 7-14 (-11.9 Units) against the money line after a loss over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
CAHILL is 27-14 (+16.0 Units) against the money line when the total is 8 to 8.5 since 1997. (Team's Record)
ARIZONA is 8-17 (-13.0 Units) against the money line at home when the total is 8 to 8.5 over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
ARIZONA is 2-0 (+2.0 Units) against PHILADELPHIA this season
2 of 2 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+2.0 Units)

CLIFF LEE vs. ARIZONA since 1997
LEE is 3-1 when starting against ARIZONA with an ERA of 3.50 and a WHIP of 0.889.
His team's record is 4-1 (+2.6 units) in these starts. The OVER is 4-1. (+3.0 units)

TREVOR CAHILL vs. PHILADELPHIA since 1997
CAHILL is 1-1 when starting against PHILADELPHIA with an ERA of 3.60 and a WHIP of 1.100.
His team's record is 1-2 (-0.3 units) in these starts. The OVER is 2-1. (+1.0 units)

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MIAMI (11 - 25) at LA DODGERS (13 - 21) - 9:10 PM
KEVIN SLOWEY (R) vs. HYUN-JIN RYU (L)
Top Trends for this game.
MIAMI is 79-116 (-33.3 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
MIAMI is 80-118 (-34.2 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
MIAMI is 25-14 (+14.5 Units) against the money line in road games in May games over the last 3 seasons.
LA DODGERS are 13-21 (-14.6 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
LA DODGERS are 8-18 (-16.6 Units) against the money line in night games this season.
LA DODGERS are 8-14 (-10.0 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.
LA DODGERS are 7-13 (-10.7 Units) against the money line after a loss this season.
LA DODGERS are 1-8 (-9.8 Units) against the money line after 3 or more consecutive losses this season.
LA DODGERS are 46-48 (-16.4 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 2 seasons.
LA DODGERS are 13-21 (-14.6 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
LA DODGERS are 7-12 (-10.8 Units) against the money line in home games this season.
LA DODGERS are 0-8 (-10.2 Units) against the money line in May games this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
MIAMI is 1-0 (+1.3 Units) against LA DODGERS this season
1 of 1 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+1.0 Units)

KEVIN SLOWEY vs. LA DODGERS since 1997
No recent starts.

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

[StarDust Bum]

TORONTO (13 - 24) at BOSTON (22 - 14) - 1:35 PM
MARK BUEHRLE (L) vs. CLAY BUCHHOLZ (R)
Top Trends for this game.
TORONTO is 50-81 (-25.0 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.
TORONTO is 13-24 (-13.7 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
BUEHRLE is 44-23 (+19.8 Units) against the money line in May games since 1997. (Team's Record)
BUEHRLE is 45-19 (+24.8 Units) against the money line when playing on Saturday since 1997. (Team's Record)
BUEHRLE is 41-20 (+20.6 Units) against the money line after 3 or more consecutive losses since 1997. (Team's Record)
BOSTON is 91-107 (-33.0 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
BOSTON is 33-46 (-21.0 Units) against the money line when the total is 9 to 9.5 over the last 2 seasons.
BOSTON is 47-55 (-25.4 Units) against the money line in home games over the last 2 seasons.
BOSTON is 21-31 (-18.7 Units) against the money line at home when the total is 9 to 9.5 over the last 2 seasons.
BOSTON is 15-28 (-20.8 Units) against the money line in home games against division opponents over the last 2 seasons.
BOSTON is 77-97 (-38.8 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
BOSTON is 5-2 (+3.3 Units) against TORONTO this season
4 of 7 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+0.7 Units)

MARK BUEHRLE vs. BOSTON since 1997
BUEHRLE is 7-9 when starting against BOSTON with an ERA of 4.75 and a WHIP of 1.454.
His team's record is 8-12 (-3.3 units) in these starts. The OVER is 7-12. (-6.5 units)

CLAY BUCHHOLZ vs. TORONTO since 1997
BUCHHOLZ is 9-4 when starting against TORONTO with an ERA of 2.36 and a WHIP of 1.127.
His team's record is 10-5 (+2.3 units) in these starts. The OVER is 5-10. (-5.4 units)

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CLEVELAND (18 - 15) at DETROIT (20 - 13) - 7:05 PM
UBALDO JIMENEZ (R) vs. JUSTIN VERLANDER (R)
Top Trends for this game.
VERLANDER is 85-36 (+26.7 Units) against the money line in home games since 1997. (Team's Record)
VERLANDER is 85-36 (+26.7 Units) against the money line in home games in games played on a grass field since 1997. (Team's Record)
VERLANDER is 13-0 (+13.0 Units) against the money line in home games in night games over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)

Head-to-Head Series History
DETROIT is 1-0 (+1.0 Units) against CLEVELAND this season
1 of 1 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+1.0 Units)

UBALDO JIMENEZ vs. DETROIT since 1997
JIMENEZ is 4-7 when starting against DETROIT with an ERA of 5.40 and a WHIP of 1.526.
His team's record is 6-7 (-0.6 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 8-4. (+3.6 units)

JUSTIN VERLANDER vs. CLEVELAND since 1997
VERLANDER is 14-13 when starting against CLEVELAND with an ERA of 4.55 and a WHIP of 1.229.
His team's record is 15-15 (-4.5 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 13-16. (-5.6 units)

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BALTIMORE (22 - 14) at MINNESOTA (16 - 16) - 7:10 PM
STEVE JOHNSON (R) vs. VANCE WORLEY (R)
Top Trends for this game.
BALTIMORE is 13-6 (+9.8 Units) against the money line in road games in May games over the last 2 seasons.
BALTIMORE is 22-10 (+15.3 Units) against the money line when playing on Saturday over the last 2 seasons.
BALTIMORE is 108-75 (+44.3 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
BALTIMORE is 79-65 (+24.0 Units) against the money line in night games over the last 2 seasons.
BALTIMORE is 17-9 (+8.6 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.
BALTIMORE is 64-53 (+16.6 Units) against the money line after a win over the last 2 seasons.
BALTIMORE is 22-14 (+8.5 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
BALTIMORE is 49-31 (+23.1 Units) against the money line when the total is 8 to 8.5 over the last 2 seasons.
BALTIMORE is 61-45 (+34.7 Units) against the money line in road games over the last 2 seasons.
BALTIMORE is 20-14 (+11.4 Units) against the money line on the road when the total is 8 to 8.5 over the last 2 seasons.
MINNESOTA is 71-106 (-35.1 Units) against the money line in home games over the last 3 seasons.
MINNESOTA is 71-106 (-35.1 Units) against the money line in home games in games played on a grass field over the last 3 seasons.
MINNESOTA is 40-65 (-24.9 Units) against the money line in home games in night games over the last 3 seasons.
MINNESOTA is 46-75 (-30.0 Units) against the money line in home games against right-handed starters over the last 3 seasons.
MINNESOTA is 37-70 (-31.4 Units) against the money line in home games after a loss over the last 3 seasons.
MINNESOTA is 12-32 (-18.5 Units) against the money line in home games when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
MINNESOTA is 2-2 (+1.0 Units) against BALTIMORE this season
3 of 4 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+1.9 Units)

STEVE JOHNSON vs. MINNESOTA since 1997
No recent starts.

VANCE WORLEY vs. BALTIMORE since 1997
WORLEY is 0-0 when starting against BALTIMORE with an ERA of 3.27 and a WHIP of 1.455.
His team's record is 1-1 (+0.2 units) in these starts. The OVER is 2-0. (+2.0 units)

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NY YANKEES (21 - 13) at KANSAS CITY (18 - 14) - 7:10 PM
ANDY PETTITTE (L) vs. JAMES SHIELDS (R)
Top Trends for this game.
KANSAS CITY is 49-52 (+14.0 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.
SHIELDS is 2-9 (-10.4 Units) against the money line when playing on Saturday over the last 3 seasons. (Team's Record)

Head-to-Head Series History
NY YANKEES is 1-0 (+1.1 Units) against KANSAS CITY this season
1 of 1 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+1.0 Units)

ANDY PETTITTE vs. KANSAS CITY since 1997
PETTITTE is 10-3 when starting against KANSAS CITY with an ERA of 3.78 and a WHIP of 1.294.
His team's record is 13-5 (+2.2 units) in these starts. The OVER is 9-9. (-0.3 units)

JAMES SHIELDS vs. NY YANKEES since 1997
SHIELDS is 7-14 when starting against NY YANKEES with an ERA of 4.56 and a WHIP of 1.336.
His team's record is 9-17 (-8.4 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 15-10. (+3.9 units)

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TEXAS (22 - 13) at HOUSTON (10 - 26) - 7:10 PM
YU DARVISH (R) vs. ERIK BEDARD (L)
Top Trends for this game.
TEXAS is 59-55 (-19.6 Units) against the money line after a win over the last 2 seasons.
HOUSTON is 208-253 (-62.2 Units) against the money line in May games since 1997.
HOUSTON is 197-233 (-60.7 Units) against the money line when playing on Saturday since 1997.
HOUSTON is 65-132 (-41.8 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
HOUSTON is 46-98 (-34.4 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters over the last 2 seasons.
HOUSTON is 40-90 (-33.2 Units) against the money line after a loss over the last 2 seasons.
HOUSTON is 1-16 (-13.9 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record this season.
HOUSTON is 65-132 (-41.8 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
HOUSTON is 55-111 (-41.6 Units) against the money line when the total is 8 to 8.5 over the last 3 seasons.
BEDARD is 33-57 (-25.8 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record since 1997. (Team's Record)

Head-to-Head Series History
TEXAS is 3-1 (+1.4 Units) against HOUSTON this season
3 of 4 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+1.8 Units)

YU DARVISH vs. HOUSTON since 1997
DARVISH is 2-0 when starting against HOUSTON with an ERA of 1.08 and a WHIP of 0.600.
His team's record is 2-0 (+2.0 units) in these starts. The OVER is 0-2. (-2.1 units)

ERIK BEDARD vs. TEXAS since 1997
BEDARD is 5-4 when starting against TEXAS with an ERA of 3.49 and a WHIP of 1.207.
His team's record is 8-7 (-0.3 units) in these starts. The OVER is 6-7. (-1.6 units)

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LA ANGELS (13 - 22) at CHI WHITE SOX (14 - 19) - 7:10 PM
JEROME WILLIAMS (R) vs. JOSE QUINTANA (L)
Top Trends for this game.
LA ANGELS are 13-22 (-13.9 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
LA ANGELS are 13-22 (-13.9 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
LA ANGELS are 7-17 (-14.3 Units) against the money line in night games this season.
LA ANGELS are 671-663 (+55.2 Units) against the money line in road games since 1997.
LA ANGELS are 161-145 (+27.8 Units) against the money line on the road when the total is 8 to 8.5 since 1997.
CHI WHITE SOX are 23-26 (-12.6 Units) against the money line in home games when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 2 seasons.
CHI WHITE SOX are 37-47 (-16.1 Units) against the money line when the total is 8 to 8.5 over the last 2 seasons.
CHI WHITE SOX are 0-6 (-7.8 Units) against the money line at home when the total is 8 to 8.5 this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
LA ANGELS is 1-0 (+1.1 Units) against CHI WHITE SOX this season
1 of 1 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+1.0 Units)

JEROME WILLIAMS vs. CHI WHITE SOX since 1997
WILLIAMS is 1-0 when starting against CHI WHITE SOX with an ERA of 2.77 and a WHIP of 1.385.
His team's record is 1-1 (-0.1 units) in these starts. The OVER is 1-1. (+0.0 units)

JOSE QUINTANA vs. LA ANGELS since 1997
QUINTANA is 0-1 when starting against LA ANGELS with an ERA of 1.80 and a WHIP of 2.200.
His team's record is 0-1 (-1.0 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 1-0. (+1.0 units)

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

OAKLAND (18 - 19) at SEATTLE (17 - 19) - 9:10 PM
JARROD PARKER (R) vs. BRANDON MAURER (R)
Top Trends for this game.
OAKLAND is 95-144 (-42.5 Units) against the money line in road games in May games since 1997.
SEATTLE is 20-4 (+15.8 Units) against the money line at home with a money line of -100 to -125 over the last 2 seasons.
SEATTLE is 19-12 (+11.0 Units) against the money line when playing on Saturday over the last 2 seasons.
OAKLAND is 114-90 (+35.0 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
OAKLAND is 53-50 (+15.0 Units) against the money line in road games over the last 2 seasons.
OAKLAND is 46-28 (+26.1 Units) against the money line against division opponents over the last 2 seasons.
OAKLAND is 108-84 (+32.8 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
OAKLAND is 79-54 (+34.0 Units) against the money line in night games over the last 2 seasons.
OAKLAND is 76-56 (+27.9 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters over the last 2 seasons.
OAKLAND is 51-29 (+23.3 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
SEATTLE is 3-2 (+1.3 Units) against OAKLAND this season
4 of 5 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+3.0 Units)

JARROD PARKER vs. SEATTLE since 1997
PARKER is 1-2 when starting against SEATTLE with an ERA of 5.94 and a WHIP of 1.380.
His team's record is 1-2 (-1.8 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 1-2. (-1.2 units)

BRANDON MAURER vs. OAKLAND since 1997
MAURER is 0-1 when starting against OAKLAND with an ERA of 9.00 and a WHIP of 1.333.
His team's record is 0-1 (-1.0 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 0-1. (-1.2 units)

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

SAN DIEGO (16 - 19) at TAMPA BAY (17 - 18) - 6:10 PM
BURCH SMITH (R) vs. JEREMY HELLICKSON (R)
Top Trends for this game.
SAN DIEGO is 22-51 (-21.5 Units) against the money line as a road underdog of +125 to +150 over the last 3 seasons.
TAMPA BAY is 95-39 (+31.7 Units) against the money line as a home favorite of -150 to -175 since 1997.
SAN DIEGO is 433-488 (+43.5 Units) against the money line in road games against right-handed starters since 1997.

Head-to-Head Series History
TAMPA BAY is 1-0 (+1.0 Units) against SAN DIEGO this season
1 of 1 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+1.0 Units)

BURCH SMITH vs. TAMPA BAY since 1997
No recent starts.

JEREMY HELLICKSON vs. SAN DIEGO since 1997
No recent starts.

[StarDust Bum]

Date WLT Pct Net Units Record

05/10/13 16-*14-*0 53.33% +*550 Detail
05/09/13 10-*10-*0 50.00% -*155 Detail
05/08/13 13-*13-*0 50.00% -*880 Detail
05/07/13 15-*12-*0 55.56% +*985 Detail
05/06/13 8-*10-*0 44.44% -*1870 Detail
05/05/13 15-*11-*1 57.69% +*1790 Detail
05/04/13 11-*16-*1 40.74% -*2375 Detail
05/03/13 12-*16-*0 42.86% -*2225 Detail
05/02/13 6-*7-*0 46.15% -*1090 Detail
05/01/13 19-*11-*0 63.33% +*4395 Detail

Totals 125-*120-*2 51.02% -*875




Saturday, May 11

Game Score Status Pick Amount

Pittsburgh - 1:10 PM ET NY Mets -119 500
NY Mets - Over 7.5 500

Toronto - 1:35 PM ET Boston -180 500
Boston - Under 9.5 500

Colorado - 2:15 PM ET St. Louis -163 500
St. Louis - Over 7.5 500

Atlanta - 4:05 PM ET San Francisco -122 500
San Francisco - Under 7 500

Chi. Cubs - 4:05 PM ET Chi. Cubs +182 500 POD # 5
Washington - Over 7 500

Milwaukee - 4:10 PM ET Milwaukee +170 500 POD # 4
Cincinnati - Under 8 500

San Diego - 6:10 PM ET San Diego +131 500
POD # 1
Tampa Bay - Under 8 500

Cleveland - 7:08 PM ET Cleveland +216 500 POD # 2
Detroit - Over 7.5 500

Baltimore - 7:10 PM ET Baltimore -113 500
Minnesota - Over 8.5 500

LA Angels - 7:10 PM ET Chi. White Sox +100 500
Chi. White Sox - Over 8.5 500

Texas - 7:10 PM ET Texas -248 500
Houston - Over 8 500

NY Yankees - 7:10 PM ET Kansas City -137 500
Kansas City - Under 7.5 500

Philadelphia - 8:10 PM ET Arizona -107 500
Arizona - Under 8 500

Miami - 9:10 PM ET Miami +182 500 POD # 3
LA Dodgers - Under 6.5 500

Oakland - 9:10 PM ET Seattle -105 500
Seattle - Over 7.5 500

[StarDust Bum]

Preview: Indians (19-15) at Tigers (20-14)

Game: 3
Venue: Comerica Park
Date: May 12, 2013 1:08 PM EDT


Having returned to the formula that has sparked their recent tear, the Cleveland Indians appear to have a decent chance to catch their rivals atop the AL Central.

The red-hot Indians will try for their 12th win in 14 games and draw even with the first-place Detroit Tigers in the series finale at Comerica Park on Sunday.

After having their four-game winning streak snapped in the opener, Cleveland (19-15) bounced back with solid starting pitching and timely hitting in a 7-6 victory at Detroit on Saturday.

Ubaldo Jimenez struck out eight and allowed one run over six innings to outpitch Justin Verlander before closer Chris Perez got Detroit slugger Miguel Cabrera to ground out with runners on first and second in the bottom of the ninth.

"He chopped it,' said Perez, who got his sixth save to move the Indians within one game of the Tigers for the lead in the division. "I wanted him to put something in play, but down. Luckily he did.'

Cleveland starters have limited opponents to four or fewer runs in 11 of 13 games, posting a 3.21 ERA during that span. Right-hander Zach McAllister (3-3, 2.63 ERA) will try to add to that impressive stretch while pitching Cleveland into a first-place tie.

After a 1-3 start with 3.52 ERA over his first four starts, McAllister has allowed just two runs over 14 2-3 innings in back-to-back victories.

He struck out four and yielded five hits over 7 2-3 innings in a 1-0 victory over Oakland on Tuesday and has allowed three earned runs or less in all six starts.

"He's learning so fast," manager Terry Francona said. "When you tell him something, even in passing, he takes it into the game. The game's not speeding up at all. He's executing pitches.'

While he's yet to earn a decision, McAllister has a 2.04 ERA in three career starts against the Tigers. He gave up six hits and no earned runs over five innings in a 5-4 loss in his only career outing at Detroit on Sept. 28, 2011.

The Tigers (20-14) counter with Rick Porcello, who makes his first start since May 2 after having his turn skipped in the rotation.

Porcello (1-2, 7.52) had a disastrous start with a 13.09 ERA over his first three outings, but has allowed six runs and 10 hits over 13 1-3 innings in his last two outings - both Detroit victories.

The right-hander is 1-3 with a 6.62 ERA over his last seven starts against the Indians and hasn't beaten them since Sept. 6, 2011.

This time, he'll have to contend with a Cleveland team that went 5 for 15 with runners in scoring position on Saturday and has hit .341 in those situations over its last 14 games.

Carlos Santana is 11 for 26 with two homers and 11 RBIs in those spots and 9 for 24 with three homers lifetime against Porcello.

Asdrubal Cabrera, who went 3 for 5 with two RBIs on Saturday, is 13 for 34 in this matchup.

Detroit, which hopes to avoid its fourth loss in five games, has gotten big production from its middle infielders.

Shortstop Jhonny Peralta extended his hitting streak to 10 games with a home run on Saturday and is batting .444 over his last seven, while second baseman Omar Infante is 8 for 12 in his last three.

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

SERIES AT A GLANCE

GAME 1
Indians at Tigers
Fri, May 10 Final 4 to 10
Boxscores • Recaps

GAME 2
Indians at Tigers
Sat, May 11 Final 7 to 6
Boxscores • Recaps

GAME 3
Indians at Tigers
Sun, May 12 - 1:08PM EDT

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

MLB HEAD TO HEAD

May 11, 2013 Score ATS Results
CLE « 7 Cover: +220
DET 6 Over: 13
Tools: Boxscores • Recaps

May 10, 2013 Score ATS Results
CLE 4 Over: 14
DET « 10 Cover: +100
Tools: Boxscores • Recaps

Sep 16, 2012 Score ATS Results
DET 6 Over: 13
CLE « 7 Cover: +113
Tools: Boxscores • Recaps

Sep 15, 2012 Score ATS Results
DET « 6 Cover: +100
CLE 3 Over: 9
Tools: Boxscores • Recaps

Sep 14, 2012 Score ATS Results
DET « 4 Cover: +100
CLE 0 Under: 4
Tools: Boxscores • Recaps

Sep 5, 2012 Score ATS Results
CLE 1 Under: 8
DET « 7 Cover: +100
Tools: Boxscores • Recaps

Sep 4, 2012 Score ATS Results
CLE « 3 Cover: +167
DET 2 Under: 5
Tools: Boxscores • Recaps

Sep 3, 2012 Score ATS Results
CLE « 3 Cover: +205
DET 2 Under: 5
Tools: Boxscores • Recaps

Aug 5, 2012 Score ATS Results
CLE 8 Over: 18
DET « 10 Cover: +100
Tools: Boxscores • Recaps

Aug 4, 2012 Score ATS Results
CLE 1 Under: 7
DET « 6 Cover: +100
Tools: Boxscores • Recaps

[StarDust Bum]

Preview: Pirates (20-16) at Mets (14-19)

Game: 4
Venue: Citi Field
Date: May 12, 2013 1:10 PM EDT


Facing the New York Mets has seemingly served as a wake-up call for the Pittsburgh Pirates' feeble offense over the last two days.

Matt Harvey will look to play stopper Sunday - a role that's suited him well of late - against Pittsburgh, which looks to win its first road series versus the Mets in over nine years.

Each of the last four starts for Harvey (4-0, 1.28 ERA) have followed losses by the Mets (14-19), with the right-hander holding opponents to a total of five runs over 27 1-3 innings while helping New York bounce back to victories three times.

Harvey also comes off his best outing yet, narrowly missing out on a perfect game as he limited the White Sox to one hit over nine innings in a 1-0 win in 10 innings Tuesday.

The lone hit was an infield single barely beaten out by Alex Rios.

"The best thing he had going is that he had everything going," catcher John Buck told the Mets' official website after Harvey struck out a career-high 12. "I think what really set (the tone) was the location of his fastball right off the bat ... He was locating his heater wherever and whenever I wanted."

Harvey is now called upon to quiet the suddenly-hot bats of the Pirates in his first start against them. In 12 games prior to Friday - including Thursday's 3-2 loss in the series opener - Pittsburgh went 11 for 81 (.136) with runners in scoring position, collecting one or fewer hits in such situations in all but two of those contests.

The Pirates (20-16) were 5 for 11 with runners in scoring position in Friday's 7-3 victory, then followed with a season-high six hits in 12 chances during Saturday's 11-2 win.

They tagged Mets starter Jonathon Niese, who matched a career worst by allowing eight runs. Jose Tabata was 4 for 5 with a home run and Jordy Mercer homered twice, backing Francisco Liriano, who struck out nine over 5 1-3 innings in his Pirates debut.

"For our guys to swing the bats today the way they did in a big ballpark, I think that was a feel good for the offensive side of our game," manager Clint Hurdle said.

While Pittsburgh's offense tries to get to Harvey, it will give the ball to Jeanmar Gomez (2-0, 2.38) for his third start. Gomez pitched five shutout innings in a 4-1 win over Seattle on Tuesday despite learning he would start roughly three hours beforehand. He filled in for originally scheduled starter James McDonald, who was placed on the disabled list earlier in the afternoon.

But the short notice didn't seem to bother Gomez, who gave up two hits and two walks.

"A guy comes in here at 4 o'clock and you tell him he's going to start, to get that effort we were real happy," Hurdle said. "He continues to show up and do a very professional job in whatever we tell him to do."

Russell Martin, tied for the team lead with six homers, sat out Saturday for the fourth time in five games with stiffness in his neck.

John Buck is the only Met to face Gomez, going 0 for 3, while no Pirates have seen Harvey.

New York had been 13-3 against the Pirates at Citi Field prior to the last two losses. Pittsburgh hasn't won a road series versus the Mets since a three-game sweep April 16-18, 2004.


SERIES AT A GLANCE

GAME 1
Pirates at Mets
Thu, May 9 Final 2 to 3
Boxscores • Recaps

GAME 2
Pirates at Mets
Fri, May 10 Final 7 to 3
Boxscores • Recaps

GAME 3
Pirates at Mets
Sat, May 11 Final 11 to 2
Boxscores • Recaps

GAME 4
Pirates at Mets
Sun, May 12 - 1:10PM EDT



MLB HEAD TO HEAD

May 11, 2013 Score ATS Results
PIT « 11 Cover: +100
NYM 2 Over: 13
Tools: Boxscores • Recaps

May 10, 2013 Score ATS Results
PIT « 7 Cover: +100
NYM 3 Over: 10
Tools: Boxscores • Recaps

May 9, 2013 Score ATS Results
PIT 2 Under: 5
NYM « 3 Cover: +100
Tools: Boxscores • Recaps

Sep 27, 2012 Score ATS Results
PIT 5 Over: 11
NYM « 6 Cover: +100
Tools: Boxscores • Recaps

Sep 26, 2012 Score ATS Results
PIT 0 Under: 6
NYM « 6 Cover: +100
Tools: Boxscores • Recaps

Sep 25, 2012 Score ATS Results
PIT « 10 Cover: +100
NYM 6 Over: 16
Tools: Boxscores • Recaps

Sep 24, 2012 Score ATS Results
PIT 2 Push: 8
NYM « 6 Cover: +100
Tools: Boxscores • Recaps

May 23, 2012 Score ATS Results
NYM « 3 Cover: +100
PIT 1 Under: 4
Tools: Boxscores • Recaps

May 22, 2012 Score ATS Results
NYM « 3 Cover: +115
PIT 2 Under: 5
Tools: Boxscores • Recaps

May 21, 2012 Score ATS Results
NYM 4 Over: 9
PIT « 5 Cover: +100
Tools: Boxscores • Recaps

[StarDust Bum]

Preview: Brewers (15-19) at Reds (21-16)

Game: 3
Venue: Great American Ball Park
Date: May 12, 2013 1:10 PM EDT


The starters have been abysmal in this series between the Cincinnati Reds and Milwaukee Brewers, and two more with less than imposing ERAs are up next.

These NL Central bullpens have combined for 17 innings in the first two games, but relief may not be in sight with the Brewers' Wily Peralta set to face the Reds' Bronson Arroyo in Sunday's finale in Cincinnati.

The only starter in this series to last past the fourth inning was the Reds' Mat Latos, but he gave up seven runs over six frames in Saturday's 13-7 win. Opposing pitcher Hiram Burgos became the fourth starter in Brewers' history to allow 12 runs.

Manager Ron Roenicke left Burgos in for three innings to try to preserve his relievers.

"I don't ever want to do that to somebody again,' he said. "We're hurting in the bullpen."

Cincinnati (21-16) opened this series with a 4-3 victory Friday. Starters Yovani Gallardo for Milwaukee (15-19) and Tony Cingrani of the Reds each lasted four innings.

Milwaukee's bullpen has yielded two runs over nine innings while Cincinnati's has allowed one over eight. Only one reliever for either team has appeared in both games - Brewers left-hander Michael Gonzalez.

The Brewers added a reliever Saturday when they recalled right-hander Mike Fiers from Single-A Brevard County to replace Tom Gorzelanny, who was placed on the 15-day disabled list.

The Reds may be able to count on some length Sunday from Arroyo (2-4, 4.30 ERA), who is second on the team with 44 1-3 innings although it's uncertain what the quality of them will be Sunday. He's winless over four outings, going 0-3 with a 4.50 ERA and three straight defeats.

The veteran right-hander went 2-2 with a 4.26 ERA in five starts last season against the Brewers.

Milwaukee's lone victory in its last nine games was by Peralta (3-2, 5.54), who allowed three runs over six innings Tuesday in a 6-3 win over Texas.

The rookie right-hander has allowed left-handers to hit .347 against him. His lone previous start against the Reds came Sept. 27 when he pitched 5 1-3 scoreless innings in a 2-1 loss.

Jay Bruce went 0 for 2 in that contest, but the left-handed slugger is showing signs of life. Bruce has homered in two of his last three games after going deep once in his first 34 contests, and went 3 for 5 with a solo homer Saturday.

"It's a long season," said Bruce, who led the Reds with 34 homers in 2012. "I'm trying to get pitches to hit. Lately, I've been missing them less."

Manager Dusty Baker's club has won nine of its last 11 at home against the Brewers, but he's never comfortable facing them.

"You've got to get a lot of run support,' Baker said. "Those guys can hit. You've got to keep scoring and scoring and scoring."

Baker has come away impressed with shortstop Jean Segura, who is 6 for 9 with two solo homers in this series.

"With Segura, you've got to score even more,' Baker said. "He's a heck of a player."

Brewers leadoff hitter Norichika Aoki has 14 hits in his last 31 at_bats, going 4 for 8 in this series.


SERIES AT A GLANCE

GAME 1
Brewers at Reds
Fri, May 10 Final 3 to 4
Boxscores • Recaps

GAME 2
Brewers at Reds
Sat, May 11 Final 7 to 13
Boxscores • Recaps

GAME 3
Brewers at Reds
Sun, May 12 - 1:10PM EDT


MLB HEAD TO HEAD

May 11, 2013 Score ATS Results
MIL 7 Over: 20
CIN « 13 Cover: +100
Tools: Boxscores • Recaps

May 10, 2013 Score ATS Results
MIL 3 Under: 7
CIN « 4 Cover: +100
Tools: Boxscores • Recaps

Mar 9, 2013 Score ATS Results
MIL 5 Over: 11
CIN « 6 Cover: +100
Tools: Recaps

Sep 27, 2012 Score ATS Results
MIL 1 Under: 3
CIN « 2 Cover: +100
Tools: Boxscores • Recaps

Sep 26, 2012 Score ATS Results
MIL « 8 Cover: +120
CIN 1 Over: 9
Tools: Boxscores • Recaps

Sep 25, 2012 Score ATS Results
MIL 2 Under: 6
CIN « 4 Cover: +100
Tools: Boxscores • Recaps

Aug 8, 2012 Score ATS Results
CIN 2 Under: 5
MIL « 3 Cover: +130
Tools: Boxscores • Recaps

Aug 7, 2012 Score ATS Results
CIN 1 Under: 4
MIL « 3 Cover: +103
Tools: Boxscores • Recaps

Aug 6, 2012 Score ATS Results
CIN 3 Over: 9
MIL « 6 Cover: +100
Tools: Boxscores • Recaps

Jul 22, 2012 Score ATS Results
MIL 1 Under: 3
CIN « 2 Cover: +100
Tools: Boxscores • Recaps

[StarDust Bum]

Preview: Blue Jays (14-24) at Red Sox (22-15)

Game: 3
Venue: Fenway Park
Date: May 12, 2013 1:35 PM EDT


With an offense that remains in a lull, the Boston Red Sox hope they can count on Ryan Dempster to beat the Toronto Blue Jays for the second time in 10 days.

Meanwhile, Toronto can claim just its second series win with a victory Sunday at Fenway Park.

The Red Sox (22-15) have lost seven of nine after Saturday's 3-2 defeat as Clay Buchholz was denied in his second bid for a seventh win. Buchholz gave up two runs with six hits over eight innings, but Mark Buehrle countered with his best outing of the year, going seven innings while limiting Boston to one run and five hits.

Adam Lind provided the go-ahead home run in the top of the ninth after Toronto squandered a 2-0 lead. The Blue Jays, though, also took much better advantage of their chances, going 2 for 4 with runners in scoring position compared to Boston going 0 for 11.

"Both guys settled in and pitched extremely well on both sides," Boston manager John Farrell said. "Seemingly, after the second inning, Buehrle really settled into a very good rhythm. As we know he works extremely fast. Lived on the edge the whole game."

The Red Sox are homerless in three straight games and averaging 3.2 runs over the last 10 compared to 5.4 in the first 27 contests. David Ortiz is 1 for 17 in four games after hitting safely in each of his first 15 with four home runs.

While Dempster (2-3, 2.93 ERA), a native Canadian, held the Blue Jays to one run and four hits over six innings in a 3-1 win at Toronto on May 2, Boston's defense failed him his last time out. He was charged with four runs - two earned - five hits and one walk over seven innings as Pedro Ciriaco committed consecutive errors in the eighth in a 6-1 loss to Minnesota on Tuesday.

"I mean, that's your job as the starting pitcher," Dempster told the team's website. "You go out there and try to do that. So I was happy with that -- I just wish I could have pitched a little better and given us a chance to win the ballgame."

After Buehrle's strong performance Saturday, the Blue Jays (14-24) must rely on a spot starter Sunday.

Right-hander Chad Jenkins was recalled Saturday from Double-A as outfielder Rajai Davis was placed on the 15-day disabled list. Brandon Morrow was scratched from this start due to soreness in his back and neck.

Jenkins has made just one minor league start this year after a shoulder injury delayed the start of his season. The right-hander went 1-3 with a 4.50 ERA in 13 games last season for Toronto, starting three.

"The manager called me in the office last night and was like, 'Hey, you're going back up,'" Jenkins told the team's official website. "To be honest, I was pretty surprised."

Boston received bad news Saturday as closer Joel Hanrahan will require season-ending surgery on his right forearm, with the procedure likely taking place next week. Toronto closer Casey Janssen converted his 10th save in as many opportunities Saturday despite giving up a leadoff double.

Edwin Encarnacion has been baffled by Dempster, going 1 for 14 (.071) against him.


SERIES AT A GLANCE

GAME 1
Blue Jays at Red Sox
Fri, May 10 Final 0 to 5
Boxscores • Recaps

GAME 2
Blue Jays at Red Sox
Sat, May 11 Final 3 to 2
Boxscores • Recaps

GAME 3
Blue Jays at Red Sox
Sun, May 12 - 1:35PM EDT


MLB HEAD TO HEAD

May 11, 2013 Score ATS Results
TOR « 3 Cover: +170
BOS 2 Under: 5
Tools: Boxscores • Recaps

May 10, 2013 Score ATS Results
TOR 0 Under: 5
BOS « 5 Cover: +100
Tools: Boxscores • Recaps

May 2, 2013 Score ATS Results
BOS « 3 Cover: +100
TOR 1 Under: 4
Tools: Boxscores • Recaps

May 1, 2013 Score ATS Results
BOS « 10 Cover: +100
TOR 1 Over: 11
Tools: Boxscores • Recaps

Apr 30, 2013 Score ATS Results
BOS 7 Over: 16
TOR « 9 Cover: +105
Tools: Boxscores • Recaps

Apr 7, 2013 Score ATS Results
BOS « 13 Cover: +112
TOR 0 Over: 13
Tools: Boxscores • Recaps

Apr 6, 2013 Score ATS Results
BOS 0 Under: 5
TOR « 5 Cover: +100
Tools: Boxscores • Recaps

Apr 5, 2013 Score ATS Results
BOS « 6 Cover: +133
TOR 4 Over: 10
Tools: Boxscores • Recaps

Mar 22, 2013 Score ATS Results
BOS 0 Over: 1
TOR « 1 Cover: +100
Tools: Recaps

Mar 12, 2013 Score ATS Results
TOR 3 Over: 8
BOS « 5 Cover: +100
Tools: Recaps