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

[StarDust Bum]

SEATTLE (19 - 21) at NY YANKEES (25 - 15) - 7:05 PM
AARON HARANG (R) vs. ANDY PETTITTE (L)
Top Trends for this game.
NY YANKEES are 25-15 (+10.0 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
NY YANKEES are 22-12 (+9.2 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
HARANG is 36-24 (+23.4 Units) against the money line in road games after a win since 1997. (Team's Record)
NY YANKEES are 117-104 (-62.7 Units) against the money line in home games in May games since 1997.

Head-to-Head Series History
SEATTLE is 1-1 (+0.2 Units) against NY YANKEES this season
1 of 1 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+1.0 Units)

AARON HARANG vs. NY YANKEES since 1997
No recent starts.

ANDY PETTITTE vs. SEATTLE since 1997
PETTITTE is 12-11 when starting against SEATTLE with an ERA of 3.96 and a WHIP of 1.370.
His team's record is 13-11 (-2.4 units) in these starts. The OVER is 12-12. (-1.6 units)

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

BOSTON (23 - 17) at TAMPA BAY (20 - 19) - 7:10 PM
FELIX DOUBRONT (L) vs. ALEX COBB (R)
Top Trends for this game.
BOSTON is 92-110 (-36.9 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
BOSTON is 38-54 (-22.9 Units) against the money line against division opponents over the last 2 seasons.
BOSTON is 60-79 (-33.3 Units) against the money line in night games over the last 2 seasons.
BOSTON is 58-77 (-32.4 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters over the last 2 seasons.
BOSTON is 45-68 (-27.9 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.
TAMPA BAY is 96-39 (+32.7 Units) against the money line as a home favorite of -150 to -175 since 1997.
TAMPA BAY is 483-573 (+20.0 Units) against the money line against division opponents since 1997.
BOSTON is 23-14 (+9.3 Units) against the money line on the road when the total is 8 to 8.5 over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
BOSTON is 4-1 (+3.2 Units) against TAMPA BAY this season
3 of 5 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+0.8 Units)

FELIX DOUBRONT vs. TAMPA BAY since 1997
DOUBRONT is 2-1 when starting against TAMPA BAY with an ERA of 4.03 and a WHIP of 1.567.
His team's record is 3-1 (+2.7 units) in these starts. The OVER is 2-2. (-0.1 units)

ALEX COBB vs. BOSTON since 1997
COBB is 2-2 when starting against BOSTON with an ERA of 3.18 and a WHIP of 1.191.
His team's record is 2-2 (-0.5 units) in these starts. The OVER is 1-3. (-2.0 units)

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

DETROIT (22 - 16) at TEXAS (26 - 14) - 8:05 PM
JUSTIN VERLANDER (R) vs. YU DARVISH (R)
Top Trends for this game.
DETROIT is 117-96 (-16.1 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
DETROIT is 123-188 (-51.1 Units) against the money line as a road underdog of +100 to +125 since 1997.
DETROIT is 50-56 (-17.2 Units) against the money line in road games over the last 2 seasons.
DETROIT is 20-22 (-15.2 Units) against the money line in May games over the last 2 seasons.
DETROIT is 113-93 (-16.6 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
DETROIT is 29-38 (-16.6 Units) against the money line in road games in night games over the last 2 seasons.
TEXAS is 62-56 (-17.6 Units) against the money line after a win over the last 2 seasons.

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

JUSTIN VERLANDER vs. TEXAS since 1997
VERLANDER is 8-3 when starting against TEXAS with an ERA of 2.50 and a WHIP of 1.137.
His team's record is 9-4 (+4.2 units) in these starts. The OVER is 4-8. (-4.5 units)

YU DARVISH vs. DETROIT since 1997
DARVISH is 3-0 when starting against DETROIT with an ERA of 3.60 and a WHIP of 1.150.
His team's record is 3-0 (+3.0 units) in these starts. The OVER is 3-0. (+3.0 units)

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

CHI WHITE SOX (17 - 21) at LA ANGELS (15 - 25) - 10:05 PM
JOSE QUINTANA (L) vs. JEROME WILLIAMS (R)
Top Trends for this game.
CHI WHITE SOX are 38-49 (-17.2 Units) against the money line when the total is 8 to 8.5 over the last 2 seasons.
CHI WHITE SOX are 16-9 (+10.0 Units) against the money line in road games in May games over the last 2 seasons.
CHI WHITE SOX are 483-486 (+47.6 Units) against the money line in road games against right-handed starters since 1997.
CHI WHITE SOX are 339-334 (+30.7 Units) against the money line in road games after a win since 1997.
LA ANGELS are 15-25 (-15.3 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
LA ANGELS are 7-14 (-11.8 Units) against the money line when playing on Thursday over the last 2 seasons.
LA ANGELS are 15-25 (-15.3 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
LA ANGELS are 9-20 (-15.7 Units) against the money line in night games this season.
LA ANGELS are 9-15 (-10.3 Units) against the money line after a loss this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
LA ANGELS is 2-1 (+1.1 Units) against CHI WHITE SOX this season
2 of 3 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+1.0 Units)

JOSE QUINTANA vs. LA ANGELS since 1997
QUINTANA is 0-2 when starting against LA ANGELS with an ERA of 2.45 and a WHIP of 1.545.
His team's record is 0-2 (-2.0 units) in these starts. The OVER is 0-2. (-2.2 units)

JEROME WILLIAMS vs. CHI WHITE SOX since 1997
WILLIAMS is 2-0 when starting against CHI WHITE SOX with an ERA of 2.75 and a WHIP of 1.322.
His team's record is 2-1 (+0.9 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 2-1. (+0.9 units)

[StarDust Bum]

MLB
Armadillo's Write-Up

Thursday, May 16

Hot pitchers
-- Wainwright is 5-1, 2.05 in his last seven starts.
-- Liriano won his first '13 start, allowing one run in 5.1 IP.
-- Latos is 4-0, 3.19 in his last five starts. Fernandez is 2-0, 2.07 in his last couple starts.
-- Cain is 2-0, 1.76 in his last two starts.
-- Volquez is 3-0, 2.49 in his last four starts. 2-5;

-- Harang is 1-1, 3.00 in his last two starts (0-3, 11.37 first three).
-- Verlander is 2-1, 2.42 in his last four starts. Darvish is 4-0, 2.73 in his last five starts.

Cold pitchers
-- Niese is 0-4, 0-4, 8.49 in his last five starts.
-- Burgos allowed 12 runs in three IP last start, after going 1-0, 3.00 in his first three starts.
-- Chacin is 0-2, 6.00 since coming off the DL.
-- Strasburg is 0-5, 5.32 in his last seven starts.

-- Pettitte is 1-2, 6.35 in his last four starts.
-- Doubront has a 5.67 RA in five starts, but Red Sox won four of the five, scoring 30 runs. Cobb is 1-1, 5.29 in his last three starts.
-- White Sox lost last three Quintana starts (0-1, 5.63). Williams is 1-1, 5.73 in two 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........
-- Niese 3-8 (0 of last 4); Wainwright 2-8.
-- Burgos 1-4; Liriano 0-1
-- Latos 2-8; Fernandez 2-7
-- Cain 3-8; Chacin 2-6
-- Strasburg 4-8; Volquez 3-8 (0 of last 4)

-- Harang 3-5; Pettitte 2-7
-- Doubront 1-5; Cobb 2-7
-- Verlander 1-8; Darvish 4-8
-- Quintana 2-7; Williams 1-2

Totals
-- Eight of last twelve Met games went over the total.
-- Seven of last nine Pittsburgh games stayed under the total.
-- Eight of last eleven Cincinnati games went over the total.
-- Seven of last nine San Francisco games went over the total.
-- Six of last nine San Diego games stayed under the total.

-- Under is 9-3-1 in last thirteen Bronx games.
-- 16 of last 17 Tampa Bay games went over the total.
-- Seven of last ten Detroit games went over the total.
-- Four of last five Angel home games went over the total.

Hot teams
-- Cardinals won 12 of their last 14 games.
-- Pirates won five of their last six games.
-- Reds won their last five games, scoring 32 runs.
-- Padres won six of their last nine games.

-- Bronx won seven of its last nine games.
-- Rays won six of their last seven games.
-- Tigers won 12 of their last 18 games.
-- White Sox won three of their last four games.

Cold teams
-- Mets lost six in row, 14 of their last 18 games.
-- Brewers lost eleven of their last thirteen games.
-- Miami lost seven of its last eight games.
-- Colorado lost five of its last eight games. Giants lost their last two games, allowing 21 runs.
-- Nationals lost four of their last five games.

-- Mariners lost 10 of their last 15 road games.
-- Red Sox lost nine of their last twelve games.
-- Astros lost 12 of their last 15 games.
-- Angels lost six of their last eight home games.
Reply With Quote

[StarDust Bum]

MLB

Thursday, May 16

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

1:45 PM
NY METS vs. ST. LOUIS
The total has gone OVER in 5 of NY Mets's last 7 games when playing St. Louis
NY Mets are 1-5 SU in its last 6 games when playing on the road against St. Louis
St. Louis is 7-1 SU in its last 8 games at home
St. Louis is 6-1 SU in its last 7 games when playing NY Mets

7:05 PM
MILWAUKEE vs. PITTSBURGH
The total has gone UNDER in 7 of Milwaukee's last 8 games when playing on the road against Pittsburgh
Milwaukee is 5-2 SU in its last 7 games when playing on the road against Pittsburgh
The total has gone UNDER in 7 of Pittsburgh's last 8 games when playing at home against Milwaukee
Pittsburgh is 2-5 SU in its last 7 games when playing at home against Milwaukee

7:05 PM
SEATTLE vs. NY YANKEES
Seattle is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games
Seattle is 4-9 SU in their last 13 games when playing on the road against NY Yankees
NY Yankees are 11-5 SU in their last 16 games at home
NY Yankees are 4-2 SU in their last 6 games when playing Seattle

7:10 PM
BOSTON vs. TAMPA BAY
Boston is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games when playing Tampa Bay
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Boston's last 6 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Tampa Bay's last 5 games when playing at home against Boston
The total has gone OVER in 8 of Tampa Bay's last 9 games at home

7:10 PM
CINCINNATI vs. MIAMI
Cincinnati is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games
Cincinnati is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games on the road
Miami is 1-7 SU in its last 8 games
Miami is 5-14 SU in its last 19 games at home

8:05 PM
DETROIT vs. TEXAS
Detroit is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games on the road
Detroit is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games when playing on the road against Texas
Texas is 7-2 SU in its last 9 games at home
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Texas's last 5 games at home

8:40 PM
SAN FRANCISCO vs. COLORADO
San Francisco is 3-8 SU in its last 11 games on the road
San Francisco is 6-1 SU in its last 7 games when playing on the road against Colorado
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Colorado's last 6 games when playing San Francisco
Colorado is 1-6 SU in its last 7 games when playing at home against San Francisco

10:05 PM
CHI WHITE SOX vs. LA ANGELS
Chi White Sox are 1-5 SU in their last 6 games when playing LA Angels
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Chi White Sox's last 5 games when playing LA Angels
LA Angels are 5-1 SU in their last 6 games when playing Chi White Sox
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of LA Angels's last 5 games when playing Chi White Sox

10:10 PM
WASHINGTON vs. SAN DIEGO
Washington is 6-2 SU in its last 8 games when playing San Diego
Washington is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games when playing on the road against San Diego
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of San Diego's last 5 games at home
San Diego is 13-6 SU in its last 19 games

[StarDust Bum]

MLB

Thursday, May 16

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Three 'fade' candidates on the mound Thursday
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Another light schedule in the bigs but plenty of 'fade' material is on the mound Thursday. Stephen Strasburg gets the ball for the Washington Nationals and highlights three starting pitchers that might be worth a look as fade bets.

Stephen Strasburg, Washington Nationals (1-5, 3.10 ERA)

Strasburg has not won a decision since opening day and Washington has just one victory in Strasburg's previous seven starts. The ERA is fine at 3.10, but the Nats supply Strasburg with a paltry 2.25 runs per game. That total ranks him second last in the NL.

Strasburg will try for his first win since April 1 as he takes the mound against the San Diego Padres Thursday. He lasted four innings and gave up four runs in his lone start versus the Pads in 2012.

Jose Quintana, Chicago White Sox (2-1, 3.72 ERA)

Quintana had a pretty good start to the season with two victories and a very good 2.78 ERA in his first four starts. Since then, the Sox have lost his last three starts and the righty is riding a 5.06 ERA over those previous three outings.

Quintana will take the hill against the Los Angeles Angels Thursday. His last start was coincidentally against the Angels. The Sox lost 3-2 with Quintana allowing three runs (two earned) in six innings.

Felix Doubront, Boston Red Sox (3-1, 6.40 ERA)

Doubront was torched for six earned runs in 3 2/3 innings in his last start on May 3 against the Texas Rangers. The lefty came out of the bullpen on May 8 and gave up another six runs in 5 1/3 innings of relief work versus the Minnesota Twins.

Doubront gets the start against the surging Tampa Bay Rays Thursday. He started three games versus the Rays in 2012 and surrendered eight runs in 16 2/3 innings in those starts.

[StarDust Bum]

MLB
Short Sheet

Thursday, May 16

National League

New York Mets at St. Louis, 1:45 ET
Niese: Mets 2-11 SU off an Under
Wainwright: St. Louis 9-1 SU off a win by 2 runs or less

Milwaukee at Pittsburgh, 7:05 ET
Burgos: Milwaukee 2-11 SU in May
Liriano: Pittsburgh 14-6 SU after winning 2 of their last 3 games

Cincinnati at Miami, 7:10 ET
Latos: 22-4 TSR as a favorite of -150 or higher
Fernandez: Miami 18-37 SU after losing 4 or 5 of their last 6 games

San Francisco at Colorado, 8:40 ET
Cain: San Francisco 20-8 Over as a road favorite of -125 or less
Chacin: Colorado 11-3 SU at home off 5+ road games

Washington at San Diego, 10:10 ET
Strasburg: 2-6 TSR with a total of 7 runs or less
Volquez: 13-6 TSR as a home underdog


American League

Seattle at NY Yankees, 7:05 ET
Harang: Seattle 6-1 Over vs. AL East opponents
Pettitte: 6-0 TSR at home with a total of 8.5 to 10 runs

Boston at Tampa Bay, 7:10 ET
Doubront: Boston 30-14 SU off BB Overs
Cobb: Tampa Bay 1-10 SU off a loss by 6+ runs

Detroit at Texas, 8:05 ET
Verlander: Detroit 3-11 SU away off 3+ home games
Darvish: Texas 33-19 Under vs. AL Central opponents

Chicago White Sox at LA Angels, 10:05 ET
Quintana: White Sox 20-8 SU after scoring 8+ runs
Williams: Angels 8-15 SU as a favorite of -150 or less
Reply With Quote

[StarDust Bum]

This month has been just the opposite of last months results....things should change to the positive hopefully and soon......

Date WLT Pct Net Units Record

05/15/13 9-*19-*2 32.14% -*7045 Detail
05/14/13 12-*17-*1 41.38% -*2870 Detail
05/13/13 10-*8-*0 55.56% +*680 Detail
05/12/13 12-*18-*0 40.00% -*3075 Detail
05/11/13 13-*17-*0 43.33% -*2165 Detail
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 181-*199-*5 47.63% -*15350


Thursday, May 16

Game Score Status Pick Amount

Milwaukee - 7:05 PM ET Pittsburgh -145 500
Pittsburgh - Over 8 500

Seattle - 7:05 PM ET NY Yankees -171 500
NY Yankees- Under 8.5 500

Boston - 7:10 PM ET Boston +125 500 POD # 3
Tampa Bay - Over 8 500

Cincinnati - 7:10 PM ET Cincinnati -154 500
Miami - Under 7 500

Detroit - 8:05 PM ET Detroit +100 500 POD # 2
Texas - Over 7.5 500

San Francisco - 8:40 PM ET San Francisco -103 500
Colorado - Over 9.5 500 POD # 4

Chi. White Sox - 10:05 PM ET LA Angels -138 500
LA Angels - Over 8 500

Washington - 10:10 PM ET San Diego +126 500 POD # 1
San Diego - Over 7 500

[StarDust Bum]

Diamond Trends - Friday

May 17, 2013

SU TREND OF THE DAY:

-- The Orioles are 11-0 since August 04, 2012 when they are off a loss in which they never led and it is not the last game of a series and they are not a -190+ favorite for a net profit of $1283.

OU TREND OF THE DAY:

-- The Diamondbacks are 0-9 OU since September 24, 2012 after a win in which they used 5+ pitchers, if they are not -200 favorites for a net profit of $900 when playing the under.

PITCHER TREND OF THE DAY:

-- When Jordan Lyles starts the Astros are 0-12 since June 05, 2011 as a 140+ dog vs a team that has won at least their last two games for a net profit of $1200 when playing against.

MLB BIBLE ACTIVE TREND:

-- The Nationals are 12-1 (+$1,234) in team history as a road favorite after a win in which they allowed 6 or fewer hits.

ACTIVE TRENDS:

-- When Jeremy Hellickson starts the Rays are 0-8 since August 15, 2012 on the road vs a team that has hit more grounders than fly balls season-to-date for a net profit of $810 when playing against.

-- When Paul Maholm starts the Braves are 0-7 OU since August 04, 2012 as a 140+ favorite for a net profit of $700 when playing the under.

[StarDust Bum]

Preview: Mets (15-23) at Cubs (17-23)

Game: 1
Venue: Wrigley Field
Date: May 17, 2013 2:20 PM EDT


Matt Harvey has continued to pitch splendidly for the New York Mets but hasn't earned a victory in nearly a month.

While hoping to get some better run support from his struggling club, Harvey will try to end his winless stretch Friday against the Chicago Cubs, who will seek their fifth victory in six games.

During his breakout campaign, Harvey (4-0, 1.44 ERA) has allowed two runs or fewer in seven of his eight starts and pitched at least seven innings in all but two outings. He gave up two runs over seven innings Sunday against Pittsburgh but the Mets were edged 3-2.

Harvey has received six runs of support in his four winless starts compared with 23 in his first four outings. The last of those four straight victories was April 19 versus Washington.

Since winning that series against the Nationals, the Mets (15-23) have lost 15 of 21, but they snapped a season high-tying six-game skid Thursday with a 5-2 victory in St. Louis. After batting .195 during the losing streak, New York had 11 hits with Daniel Murphy going 4 for 4.

"There were a lot of things we needed to have and we did," manager Terry Collins said. "Murphy had a good day. There were all positives, and hopefully that gets us going."

Harvey is hoping to get similar support in his attempt to become the 17th Mets starter to win his first five decisions in a season. Dillon Gee was the most recent to pull off that feat by beginning 7-0 in 2011, and Harvey will try again to join his teammate on that list in his first matchup with the resurgent Cubs (17-23).

Chicago has outscored opponents 29-16 in the last five games, and its once-beleaguered bullpen has a 1.62 ERA during the past six. Cubs relievers had a 4.57 ERA in the first 34 games.

David DeJesus has recorded three straight multihit games and has six of his 14 RBIs over his last six contests. DeJesus' leadoff homer Wednesday helped pave the way for a 6-3 win over visiting Colorado.

"We're playing great baseball and not shooting ourselves in the foot," winning pitcher Jeff Samardzija told the team's official website. "We're just looking to keep it going, keep the momentum going that we've built up in the last couple weeks."

Edwin Jackson (1-5, 6.02) will try to do his part while building on his first victory with the Cubs, 8-2 over his former team, Washington, on Saturday. The right-hander - signed to a four-year, $52 million deal before this season - allowed two runs over 5 1-3 innings and hit a two-run double.

"It was definitely nice to get that monkey off my back. ... It felt about the same size as me," he said.

Jackson went 1-1 with a 3.32 ERA in three starts against the Mets last season, taking the loss in his most recent matchup Aug. 18 despite allowing two runs and two hits while striking out 11 over seven innings.

Jackson will try to earn a win this time while leading the Cubs to their 11th victory in 16 games in the series. Chicago has won 10 of 14 against New York at Wrigley Field.

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

SERIES AT A GLANCE

GAME 1
Mets at Cubs
Fri, May 17 - 2:20PM EDT

GAME 2
Mets at Cubs
Sat, May 18 - 1:05PM EDT

GAME 3
Mets at Cubs
Sun, May 19 - 2:20PM EDT

[StarDust Bum]

Preview: Rays (20-20) at Orioles (23-17)

Game: 1
Venue: Oriole Park at Camden Yards
Date: May 17, 2013 7:05 PM EDT


Jason Hammel's emergence as the Baltimore Orioles' best starting pitcher played a big role in the team's surprising success last season.

This year, they've managed to stay near the top of their division despite a far less effective Hammel.

The Orioles hope their struggling right-hander can get back on track Friday night when they open a three-game set against the visiting Tampa Bay Rays.

Hammel (5-1, 4.93 ERA) was Baltimore's most consistent starter in 2012 despite winning only eight games. He missed nearly two months due to knee surgery but returned in time to pitch very well in two postseason starts.

The team leader in wins this season, Hammel's record is very deceiving. He's posted quality starts in only three of his eight outings and none in his last three. Hammel has won three straight decisions in a four-start span despite a 5.14 ERA, giving up 27 hits and 10 walks over 21 innings in those games.

He lasted a season-low four-plus innings at Minnesota on Friday after yielding six runs and eight hits. Hammel was taken off the hook for the loss when the Orioles overcame a six-run deficit for a 9-6 victory.

"Obviously it's frustrating," Hammel told the team's official website. "Sooner or later it'll become easy, I've just got to keep putting in the hard work and trusting, and being confident in what I do."

One of Hammel's better starts came against his former team on opening day, when he limited the Rays to three runs and three hits over six innings in a 7-4 victory.

Chris Davis hit a three-run homer in that game, the first of his 10 hits in 21 at_bats this season against Tampa Bay (20-20). Baltimore's first baseman has three homers and 12 of his 37 RBIs in six games versus the Rays, and is 8 for 18 with a home run and two doubles off scheduled starter Jeremy Hellickson (1-2, 5.25).

Davis, though, was held without an RBI as the Orioles (23-17) were swept by San Diego in a two-game series, falling 8-4 Wednesday. They went 3 for 12 with runners in scoring position, stranded 10 and twice grounded into inning-ending double plays.

Manny Machado was again a bright spot, matching a career high with four hits. Machado, tied for the major league lead with 59 hits, has at least three in four of his last five games and is batting .560 (14 of 25) in that span.

The Rays dropped their second straight following a season-best six-game win streak, losing 4-3 to Boston on Thursday after closer Fernando Rodney gave up three runs in the ninth.

``We had a good chance to take that series and that's a series you definitely want to win,' starting pitcher Alex Cobb said. ``New York lost again tonight so it would have been really nice to gain some ground there.'

James Loney grounded out with two on for the final out to complete an 0-for-4 night. Loney, who leads the majors with a .367 average, is 8 for 16 with a homer and six RBIs against the Orioles this year.

Hellickson, meanwhile, is out to earn his first win in nearly a month.

The right-hander allowed a season-high six runs over 6 2-3 innings against the Padres on Saturday but escaped without a decision in an 8-7 win. Hellickson gave up a two-run homer in the first inning and retired 16 straight at one point before surrendering Jesus Guzman's pinch-hit grand slam in the seventh.

He's pitched with a lead in four consecutive starts and has not won any of them.

Hellickson is 6-3 with a 2.52 ERA in 12 starts against the Orioles.

Tampa Bay has lost six of seven at Camden Yards.

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

SERIES AT A GLANCE

GAME 1
Rays at Orioles
Fri, May 17 - 7:05PM EDT

GAME 2
Rays at Orioles
Sat, May 18 - 4:05PM EDT

GAME 3
Rays at Orioles
Sun, May 19 - 1:35PM EDT

[StarDust Bum]

Preview: Blue Jays (17-24) at Yankees (25-16)

Game: 1
Venue: Yankee Stadium
Date: May 17, 2013 7:05 PM EDT


The Toronto Blue Jays were expected to be a serious contender in the AL East, and now they're finally playing like one.

The next 10 games could actually make them one.

As they open a potentially vital stretch, the Blue Jays look to extend their longest winning streak of the season and end a seven-game skid to the New York Yankees in the Bronx on Friday night.

A series of offseason transactions made Toronto (17-24) a popular pick to contend for its first division title since winning back-to-back World Series in 1992 and '93.

Instead, the team has floundered at the bottom of the East, eight games back of the first-place Yankees (25-16) while batting .245 with a 5.26 ERA from the rotation that is among the highest in baseball.

Those new acquisitions - Jose Reyes, Melky Cabrera, R.A. Dickey, Josh Johnson and Mark Buehrle - have either struggled, been hurt or both.

"All we can do from here on out is play good consistent baseball," manager John Gibbons told the team's official website. "We've dug a pretty big hole, and there's a lot of good teams in our division ... so it won't be easy. There still is a lot of time, but you got to play better baseball from here on out.

"Let's face it, we've got to have some pretty good streaks in there, too."

The Blue Jays have won four straight, hitting .340 with eight homers and 36 runs. They beat San Francisco 11-3 on Wednesday, sweeping the two-game set.

Cabrera and Jose Bautista have keyed the winning streak. Cabrera is 7 for 16 with four RBIs and five runs after being moved into the leadoff spot, while Bautista is 8 for 15 with two homers and five RBIs.

Toronto would like to see that production continue with its next 10 games against the Yankees, Tampa Bay and Baltimore.

The Blue Jays, though, have dropped 16 of 18 in New York, and were swept in a four-game set there April 25-28.

Snapping that skid is made even more daunting with Hiroki Kuroda (5-2, 2.31 ERA) scheduled to take the mound.

The right-hander, who ranks among the league leaders in ERA, has won three straight home starts, yielding three runs in 22 innings.

Kuroda allowed two runs in 7 2-3 innings of Sunday's 4-2 win at Kansas City.

He's likely looking forward to facing the Jays again since he's 3-0 with a 2.10 ERA in his last four meetings, including two this season opposite Buehrle, who will oppose him again.

Kuroda has allowed four runs in 13 1-3 innings in those games, including a 5-3 home win April 25.

He's held Bautista hitless with three strikeouts in five at_bats this season, while Cabrera is 2 for 6 against him.

Buehrle (1-2, 6.19) is 1-9 with a 6.19 ERA in 14 career starts against the Yankees, and he hasn't beaten them since April 10, 2004.

The left-hander is 0-7 with an 8.06 ERA in 10 meetings since, going 0-4 in seven road games.

Buehrle has given up eight runs and four homers in 12 1-3 innings over two starts against New York this year.

He did, however, have his best outing of the season Saturday, limiting Boston to one run in seven innings before leaving without a decision in a 3-2 win.

New York is coming off Thursday's 3-2 defeat to Seattle, dropping back-to-back games after winning seven of eight.

Vernon Wells is batting .379 with three homers and six RBIs in seven meetings this season with Toronto. He's a .480 hitter versus Buehrle, going 3 for 6 with two solo homers this year.

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

SERIES AT A GLANCE

GAME 1
Blue Jays at Yankees
Fri, May 17 - 7:05PM EDT

GAME 2
Blue Jays at Yankees
Sat, May 18 - 1:05PM EDT

GAME 3
Blue Jays at Yankees
Sun, May 19 - 1:05PM EDT

[StarDust Bum]

Preview: Mariners (20-21) at Indians (22-17)

Game: 1
Venue: Progressive Field
Date: May 17, 2013 7:05 PM EDT


Ubaldo Jimenez is finally enjoying some success with the Cleveland Indians.

The right-hander looks to win a fourth straight start for the first time in almost three years when the Indians host the surging Seattle Mariners on Friday night.

Jimenez (3-2, 5.55 ERA), who won 46 games and tossed a no-hitter for Colorado from 2008-10, is 16-23 with a 5.35 ERA in 49 starts since he was traded to Cleveland (22-17) at the 2011 deadline. However, he's allowed three runs, 10 hits and struck out 20 over 18 2-3 innings while winning three straight starts since he went 0-8 with a 7.05 ERA in 12 starts dating to last season.

"I think it's all about my mechanics,' said Jimenez, who last won four consecutive starts during a seven-game run for the Rockies from May 15-June 17, 2010. "I think the last three games I've been able to repeat my mechanics with every pitch.'

He gave up a solo homer and two other hits while fanning eight in six innings of a 7-6 win at Detroit on Saturday.

"I've been able to go out there for the last three or four games and compete and give the team a chance to be close on the scoreboard," Jimenez said.

He is 2-0 with a 4.35 ERA in three starts versus Seattle.

The Indians return home for six games after they won 10-4 at Philadelphia on Wednesday to split a two-game interleague set. Cleveland has won 14 of 18 overall and nine of 11 at home.

Second baseman Jason Kipnis had three hits, including a three-run homer, Wednesday. He's batted .357 with a home run in his last three games against the Mariners (20-21).

Indians catcher Carlos Santana is 5 for 32 (.156) in his last 10 games, but batting .364 with two home runs and six RBIs while hitting safely in nine straight versus Seattle.

The Mariners have a chance to reach .500 for the first time since they were 4-4 on April 8 after winning the final two of a three-game set at Yankee Stadium. Michael Morse homered for one of his two hits and emergency starter Hector Noesi and five relievers held New York in check for a 3-2 win Thursday.

Seattle has won 12 of 18, including five of eight on the road.

Morse is 9 for 15 in four games since he went 1 for 18 in his previous five. He's batted .343 with a home run and four RBIs in 11 career games versus Cleveland.

Seattle rookie Brandon Maurer (2-5, 5.97) makes his first appearance against the Indians looking to avoid a third straight losing start. Maurer has given up seven runs and three homers in nine innings of the last two starts after he yielded four earned and two home runs while going 2-1 in the previous three.

The right-hander allowed three runs in five innings of a 4-3 loss to Oakland on Saturday.

"We've seen it at times this year when he's been what we thought he could be," catcher Kelly Shoppach told the Mariners' official website. "Every start out there he just competes."

The Indians and Mariners split eight games last season.

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

SERIES AT A GLANCE

GAME 1
Mariners at Indians
Fri, May 17 - 7:05PM EDT

GAME 2
Mariners at Indians
Sat, May 18 - 1:05PM EDT

GAME 3
Mariners at Indians
Sun, May 19 - 1:05PM EDT

GAME 4
Mariners at Indians
Mon, May 20 - 12:05PM EDT

[StarDust Bum]

Preview: Reds (25-16) at Phillies (19-22)

Game: 1
Venue: Citizens Bank Park
Date: May 17, 2013 7:05 PM EDT


Though the Cincinnati Reds swept a three-game home set from the Philadelphia Phillies last month, they didn't do much against Cliff Lee.

Looking for a seventh consecutive victory overall and on the road, the Reds hope to get the best of Lee on Friday night.

Cincinnati (25-16) outscored Philadelphia 16-4 during the April 15-17 series, but was held scoreless by Lee (4-2, 2.86 ERA) for six innings until it managed two runs in the seventh of a 4-2 series-opening victory.

The left-hander, who lasted seven and did not factor in that decision, is 3-0 with a 1.83 ERA in his last five starts versus Cincinnati.

Lee has allowed two runs and 11 hits in 15 innings of his last two outings overall. Six of those hits came over seven scoreless innings of a 3-1 win at Arizona on Saturday.

"I just need to keep grinding and give the team a chance to win every time,' Lee said.

That could be a challenge against the Reds, who are 10-3 in May and enjoying their overall longest winning streak since a 10-game run July 19-29. They won nine straight on road that same month.

Cincinnati outscored Milwaukee and Miami 37-18 while sweeping a pair of three-game sets.

Brandon Phillips homered in the sixth inning and drove in the go-ahead run with a sacrifice fly in the 10th of Thursday's 5-3 win over the Marlins. Aroldis Chapman blew the save in the ninth, but the Reds scored three in the 10th.

"We wanted to win the game in nine,' Phillips said. "We could have just put our heads down, but we went with the flow.'

Phillips has batted .328 with three home runs and 15 RBIs in his last 16 games. He's hitting .310 (9 for 29) with four doubles and a home run against Lee.

Teammate Jay Bruce has batted .379 with eight RBIs the last seven games overall. He's hit .484 (15 for 31) with four homers and 10 RBIs in his last eight versus Philadelphia, and 4 for his last 12 with a home run versus Lee.

Scheduled Cincinnati starter Tony Cingrani (2-0, 2.89) has not factored in the decision of his last two starts. The rookie left-hander gave up two solo homers and lasted just four innings after he threw 85 pitches in a 4-3 win over Milwaukee last Friday.

This will be his first appearance against the Phillies (19-22), whose three-game winning streak ended with a 10-4 loss to Cleveland on Wednesday.

"For some reason we seem to win a couple, get within one or two games of .500, then all of the sudden we fall back three, four, five," manager Charlie Manuel told the Phillies' official website. "Then we win a couple more, and we're yo-yoing back and forth. We definitely need to put a streak together, play sound baseball and run off a six-to-10 game winning streak."

Shortstop Jimmy Rollins, who drove in three runs Wednesday, is batting .381 with six RBIs in the last five contests. However, he's 4 for 28 (.143) in his last eight versus Cincinnati.

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

SERIES AT A GLANCE

GAME 1
Reds at Phillies
Fri, May 17 - 7:05PM EDT

GAME 2
Reds at Phillies
Sat, May 18 - 4:05PM EDT

GAME 3
Reds at Phillies
Sun, May 19 - 1:35PM EDT

[StarDust Bum]

Preview: Astros (11-30) at Pirates (24-17)

Game: 1
Venue: PNC Park
Date: May 17, 2013 7:05 PM EDT


The Houston Astros' transition to the AL hasn't gone very smoothly, but their first trip to an NL park may be able to give them a jolt.

Houston opens a three-game set against the Pittsburgh Pirates on Friday night looking to prevent its former NL Central rivals from winning for a seventh time in eight tries.

After 51 seasons in the NL, the Astros were shifted to the AL West to balance out the divisions. The results have been similar, though, since they moved, getting off to an 11-30 start - tied with Miami for baseball's worst record - after finishing 56-106 in 2011 and 55-107 last season.

Houston has yet to play an interleague series, and manager Bo Porter doesn't discount that playing in an NL park could help his club.

"We're looking forward to going to Pittsburgh and playing the National League style of baseball again," Porter told the team's official website.

Houston snapped a six-game losing streak with a 7-5 win over Detroit on Wednesday, as J.D. Martinez hit a three-run homer.

Martinez went 5 for 10 with four extra-base hits in the three-game series with Detroit after going hitless with six strikeouts in his previous 10 at_bats.

"When he gets going ... he's a run producer," Porter said, "That's led to the decision of giving him an opportunity to play every day. We believe he's a guy that can be a middle-of-the-order run producer."

Jordan Lyles has gotten the opportunity to be a part of Houston's starting rotation after a rough spring had him beginning the season in the minors, but he's been largely unimpressive in three big league outings.

Lyles (1-1, 8.36 ERA) gave up a career-worst eight runs and 11 hits and also balked in a run in four innings of a 12-7 loss to Texas on Sunday.

He hasn't been very good against the Pirates, either, going 0-4 with a 7.77 ERA in five starts.

"Faced them a couple times, hadn't had my way with them," Lyles told the team's official website. "Their heart of the lineup is pretty good with (Andrew) McCutchen, so I've got to make pitches."

McCutchen is hitting just .265 this season after setting career highs in average (.327), homers (31) and RBIs (96) in 2012, but he went 2 for 5 with an RBI single in Thursday's 7-1 win over Milwaukee.

The Pirates (24-17) have won six of seven, outscoring opponents 36-17 in that stretch.

``We're in a good place right now,' manager Clint Hurdle said.

McCutchen hit .381 with two homers and six doubles as Pittsburgh went 12-5 versus the Astros last season, winning eight of 10 at home.

The Pirates look to get this series started on a positive note with help from starting pitcher Jeanmar Gomez, who has shined since entering the rotation.

Gomez (2-0, 2.28) is 1-0 with a 1.93 ERA in three starts after giving up one run and two hits in five innings of Sunday's 3-2 win over the New York Mets.

The right-hander has taken advantage of his opportunity with the Pirates after going 2-6 with an 8.74 ERA in his last 10 starts of 2012 with Cleveland. One of those outings came against Houston on June 23, when he allowed five runs - including a two-run homer to Martinez - in 5 2-3 innings of an 8-1 defeat.

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

SERIES AT A GLANCE

GAME 1
Astros at Pirates
Fri, May 17 - 7:05PM EDT

GAME 2
Astros at Pirates
Sat, May 18 - 7:05PM EDT

GAME 3
Astros at Pirates
Sun, May 19 - 1:35PM EDT

[StarDust Bum]

Preview: Diamondbacks (23-18) at Marlins (11-30)

Game: 1
Venue: Marlins Park
Date: May 17, 2013 7:10 PM EDT


Based on the way the Arizona Diamondbacks have played in Miami of late, it would appear they have a strong chance to continue their overall road success this season.

The Diamondbacks look for a season-high fourth consecutive victory away from home Friday night against the Marlins, who hope to avoid a sixth straight defeat.

With an 11-7 mark away from home, Arizona (23-18) has been among the top road teams in the majors. On the heels of a 4-3 homestand, the Diamondbacks open a six-game trip looking to win for seventh time in eight road contests against Miami (11-30).

First baseman Paul Goldschmidt went 6 for 11 with four doubles as Arizona won the final two of a three-game home set with Atlanta this week. Goldschmidt is batting .272 with three homers and nine RBIs in 23 home games, but .385 with seven home runs and 22 RBIs in 18 road contests.

Rookie shortstop Didi Gregorius has hit .400 (16 for 40) in 10 road games.

Arizona was 5 for 56 in its previous eight games with runners in scoring position, but went 5 for 8 in Wednesday's 5-3 win over the Braves.

"We hope it gets much better,' manager Kirk Gibson said. "I saw better approaches as well.'

The Diamondbacks hand the ball to Trevor Cahill (2-4, 2.70 ERA), who is 2-1 with a 1.80 ERA in his last four starts. He gave up a run, three hits and walked four in five innings of a 3-1 loss to Philadelphia on Saturday.

Arizona has scored more than three runs once in Cahill's eight starts this season, but the right-hander's main concern appears to be the inconsistency of his trademark sinker.

"I don't know if it's a mechanical thing or a mental thing,' Cahill said. "Some games I can throw it consistently and some games I can't.'

He is 0-1 with a 7.20 ERA in two starts against the Marlins, who have been outscored 42-15 while losing eight of nine.

Shortstop Adeiny Hechavarria had half of Miami's six hits, including his major league-leading fifth triple, and scored the tying run in the ninth Thursday, but the Marlins allowed three in the 10th inning of a 5-3 home loss to Cincinnati.

"We showed a lot of fight,' left fielder Juan Pierre said. "I know it's tough, it looks ugly, but it's the type of stuff that makes you stronger.'

While his team ranks last in the majors in runs (113) and average (.223), Hechavarria is 7 for 18 in five games to raise his average from .169 to .211.

Scheduled Miami starter Kevin Slowey (1-3, 2.55) looks to bounce back from his worst outing of the season Saturday when he allowed five runs and 11 hits in 4 2-3 innings of a 7-1 loss at Dodger Stadium. The right-hander had yielded more than one run twice in his previous seven starts.

"Slowey has been great," manager Mike Redmond told the Marlins' official website. "(Saturday), you could tell he was battling from the start. But he went out there and continued to compete and tried to keep us in the game.

"That's what he's done. He's done a great job for us."

Slowey is making his first start against the Diamondbacks, but he allowed two runs and three hits in 2-3 innings of relief against them while with Minnesota in 2011.

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

SERIES AT A GLANCE

GAME 1
Diamondbacks at Marlins
Fri, May 17 - 7:10PM EDT

GAME 2
Diamondbacks at Marlins
Sat, May 18 - 7:10PM EDT

GAME 3
Diamondbacks at Marlins
Sun, May 19 - 1:10PM EDT

[StarDust Bum]

Preview: Dodgers (17-22) at Braves (22-18)

Game: 1
Venue: Turner Field
Date: May 17, 2013 7:30 PM EDT


The Atlanta Braves still sit atop the NL East, but haven't looked much like a first-place team lately.

The last-place Los Angeles Dodgers, meanwhile, are starting to pick up the pace.

Slumping Atlanta hopes to get a boost from Jason Heyward, who could return in the opener of a three-game set against the visiting Dodgers on Friday night.

After belting 25 homers in opening 12-1, the Braves (22-18) have hit .234 with 27 long balls during a 10-17 stretch. Atlanta concluded a 4-6 road trip with Wednesday's 5-3 defeat to Arizona, its fifth loss in six games.

Freddie Freeman went 3 for 4 with three RBIs for the Braves, who collected 11 hits but left a season-high 12 runners on base.

"For losing two of three (to the Diamondbacks), you feel like we won a couple of those games the way we hit the ball," manager Fredi Gonzalez said. "It's just the way it goes sometimes. I don't know how many times I felt like the ball was going to go through the infield and it was a line drive at somebody."

While things haven't gone its way of late, Atlanta could get a lift from Heyward, who underwent an emergency appendectomy and was placed on the disabled list April 23. The slugging right fielder, who led the team with 27 homers last season, was batting .121 with two long balls in his first 17 games.

Heyward is a career .111 hitter versus Los Angeles - his lowest against any NL team - without a home run in 20 matchups.

The Dodgers (17-22), who have hit .303 while winning four of five following an eight-game skid, pulled out a 3-1 victory over Washington on Wednesday.

Starter Zack Greinke impressed in his return from the DL and Matt Kemp stayed hot with two hits and two runs scored.

"I'm feeling a lot better at the plate," Kemp, batting .328 during a 14-game hitting streak, told MLB's official website.

Kemp, though, is a career .200 hitter at Turner Field - his lowest mark at any NL ballpark. He's collected just three hits over his last 32 at_bats there.

Kemp will try to break out of that slump against Paul Maholm (4-4, 3.94 ERA), who labored through 4 1-3 innings during Saturday's 10-1 loss at San Francisco. The left-hander allowed six runs and eight hits, dropping to 1-4 with a 6.83 ERA over his last five outings.

"Pauly usually goes through the lineup rather quickly with a limited amount of pitches," bench coach Carlos Tosca said. "His pitch count was up a little bit with that amount of innings. He always competes. But he wasn't the Maholm we're used to knowing."

Maholm could benefit from getting back home, where he's posted a 1.32 ERA over two starts - significantly lower than his road mark of 4.98.

Maholm had gone 0-5 with a 5.33 ERA over his first eight starts versus Los Angeles before throwing six innings of one-run ball and earning the win during a 5-4 victory May 4, 2012, while with the Chicago Cubs.

The Dodgers counter with rookie Hyun-Jin Ryu (4-2, 3.40). The South Korea native gave up one run and five hits over 6 2-3 innings during Saturday's 7-1 win over Miami.

"He's a master craftsman, the way he changes speeds," manager Don Mattingly said. "He's fun to watch."

Like Maholm, Ryu has struggled on the road, going 1-1 with a 4.68 ERA. He'll need to be wary of Chris Johnson, who's hitting .410 against lefties.

Justin Upton, though, is batting .156 with 15 strikeouts over his last nine home games. Brother B.J. Upton is last in the NL with a .145 average.

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

SERIES AT A GLANCE

GAME 1
Dodgers at Braves
Fri, May 17 - 7:30PM EDT

GAME 2
Dodgers at Braves
Sat, May 18 - 7:10PM EDT

GAME 3
Dodgers at Braves
Sun, May 19 - 1:35PM EDT