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

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Evening Pod's:


Houston - 7:05 PM ET Houston +233 500 ( POD )
Pittsburgh - Over 7.5 500

Arizona - 7:10 PM ET Arizona -160 500
Miami - Over 8 500

Boston - 7:10 PM ET Boston -128 500
Minnesota - Over 9 500

LA Dodgers - 7:10 PM ET Atlanta -160 500
Atlanta - Over 8 500

Milwaukee - 7:15 PM ET St. Louis -160 500
St. Louis - Over 8 500

Detroit - 8:05 PM ET Detroit -118 500
Texas - Over 9.5 500

Washington - 8:40 PM ET Washington -128 500
San Diego - Over 6.5 500

Kansas City - 9:05 PM ET Oakland -131 500
Oakland - Over 7.5 500

[StarDust Bum]

Preview: Blue Jays (17-26) at Yankees (27-16)

Game: 3
Venue: Yankee Stadium
Date: May 19, 2013 1:05 PM EDT


Yankee Stadium continues to be a source of disappointment for the Toronto Blue Jays.

The New York Yankees can claim their second home sweep of Toronto this season Sunday when CC Sabathia squares off against R.A. Dickey.

The Blue Jays came into the series winners of four in a row and seven of 10 after starting 10-21. But the Yankees have outscored Toronto 12-2 in winning the first two games of the series. New York has won eight of nine meetings this year, and 18 of 20 at Yankee Stadium.

"Yankee Stadium is always a tough place to play, regardless," Blue Jays manager John Gibbons said. "They've taken it to us pretty good here."

New York (27-16) won its ninth straight at home against Toronto (17-26) on Saturday with a 7-2 victory on the strength of Robinson Cano's two home runs. Travis Hafner also provided some pop, hitting a two-run homer after missing the last five games due to right shoulder inflammation.

Cano's second multihomer game this season saw him improve to 22 for 53 (.415) with seven doubles and 12 RBIs over his last 13 games against the Blue Jays. Hitting .295 with team highs of 12 homers and 31 RBIs, Cano has been the most consistent part of a Yankees club beset by injuries.

"I'm glad that's not a moving part," manager Joe Girardi said. "He's not someone you can replace."

Sabathia (4-3, 3.19 ERA) helped the Yankees earn a four-game sweep of Toronto when he gave up four runs and nine hits over eight innings in a 5-4 win on April 27. He improved to 14-4 in 19 starts versus the Blue Jays.

The left-hander struck out a season-high 10 but also gave up a season-high 10 hits and three runs over 6 1-3 innings in a 4-3 win over Seattle on Tuesday, but didn't receive a decision.

"I just wanted to try to minimize the damage and make sure I keep the game close enough where we can have a chance to win," Sabathia told the team's official website.

Dickey (3-5, 4.83) snapped a four-start winless streak with a 10-6 victory over San Francisco on Tuesday. He also fanned a season-high 10 while allowing two runs and six hits over six frames.

"Early on, that knuckleball was alive," Gibbons told the team's website. "He took advantage of the fact that we gave him some cushion there, and he got some big strikeouts late in the game."

Dickey, who owns a 3.25 ERA in 11 games against the Yankees, surrendered three runs and four hits over seven innings in a 3-2 loss in the Bronx on April 28.

The Yankees hope they improved the depth of their infield Saturday by acquiring Reid Brignac from Colorado for cash considerations. Brignac wasn't in New York in time for Saturday's game but could suit up Sunday.

"Gives us a little bit better of a platoon situation because all the left side of infield bats are right handed," general manager Brian Cashman said. "Simple as that."

Jose Bautista is just 2 for 23 off of Sabathia with eight strikeouts, though one of those hits was a home run last month.

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SERIES AT A GLANCE

GAME 1
Blue Jays at Yankees
Fri, May 17 Final 0 to 5
Boxscores • Recaps

GAME 2
Blue Jays at Yankees
Sat, May 18 Final 2 to 7
Boxscores • Recaps

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

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Preview: Mariners (20-23) at Indians (24-17)

Game: 3
Venue: Progressive Field
Date: May 19, 2013 1:05 PM EDT


The Cleveland Indians remain red hot after taking the first two of three against the Seattle Mariners.

They'll have to go through Seattle's ace if they want a 17th win in 21 games, but the Indians will also have their top pitcher on the mound.

Justin Masterson starts for Cleveland, which looks for a sweep against Felix Hernandez and the Mariners on Sunday at Progressive Field.

The Indians (24-17) have won 16 of 21 and 11 of 13 at home following two dramatic victories over the Mariners, 6-3 on Friday and 5-4 on Saturday. Jason Kipnis, who delivered the winning homer in the 10th inning Friday, crossed the plate with the winning run in the bottom of the ninth in the latest game as Mark Reynolds hit into a fielder's choice.

That thwarted Seattle's comeback attempt, as the Mariners got homers from Raul Ibanez and Justin Smoak off closer Chris Perez in the top of the inning.

Reynolds had been 3 for 23 over eight games before going 2 for 5 with his 12th homer and three RBIs on Saturday.

"We made it more exciting than it needed to be, but there is something to be said for being resilient," manager Terry Francona said. "Rather than feeling sorry for yourself when you get punched in the gut, we came back to win."

Masterson (6-2, 3.14 ERA) pitched his second shutout of the season and third of his career Monday, throwing a four-hitter with nine strikeouts in a 1-0 win over the New York Yankees. He's the first Indian with two shutouts in a season since Bud Black and Greg Swindell did it in 1989.

"It's really just being able to win the game, whether it's 1-0, 1,500 to zero, it doesn't matter," Masterson said. "Guys were making great plays, that's what pumps you up as the game goes on. We're all in it together."

The right-hander has gone 3-0 with a 3.67 ERA in nine career games - six starts - versus Seattle (20-23), but he's given up 13 runs over 12 innings in his last two starts against them.

Hernandez (5-2, 1.53) has also been rolling, though he suffered a scare his last time out when he left after six innings against the Yankees on Tuesday after appearing to hurt his back while fielding a ground ball and throwing to second.

He was visited by trainers, who didn't seem to be overly concerned.

"I felt a pinch in there - nothing bad. Nothing serious," he told the team's official website after allowing one run and striking out eight. "I'll be ready for the next one."

Hernandez has not allowed more than one earned run in his last six starts.

He's gone 6-4 with a 2.90 ERA in 13 starts versus Cleveland. The right-hander has limited Nick Swisher and Asdrubal Cabrera to a combined 13 of 65 (.200), though Swisher has four home runs in 48 at_bats.

Masterson has also given a number of Mariners trouble, with Ibanez, Kendrys Morales, Smoak and Dustin Ackley going a combined 6 for 35 (.171) against him.

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SERIES AT A GLANCE

GAME 1
Mariners at Indians
Fri, May 17 Final 3 to 6
Boxscores • Recaps

GAME 2
Mariners at Indians
Sat, May 18 Final 4 to 5
Boxscores • Recaps

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: Diamondbacks (24-18) at Marlins (11-31)

Game: 3
Venue: Marlins Park
Date: May 19, 2013 1:10 PM EDT


Facing an offensively challenged Miami Marlins team that's been particularly bad against left-handers lately, Wade Miley appears to be in a good spot to rebound from his worst outing of the season.

Miley will try to keep the Miami bats quiet and lead the Arizona Diamondbacks to their fifth straight win in the finale of a three-game series at Marlins Park on Sunday.

The Diamondbacks (25-18) moved into sole possession of first place in the NL West on Saturday after Brandon McCarthy pitched a three-hitter to beat the Marlins 1-0, Arizona's ninth win in 12 games.

"He just got on a roll and we left him in there,' manager Kirk Gibson said. "He did it quickly, that was the best sign of all.'

Arizona starters have keyed the team's success during the past 12 contests, posting a 2.32 ERA and pitching at least seven innings seven times.

Miley (3-2, 3.75 ERA) contributed one of those strong starts, but his next outing didn't go well. The left-hander allowed a season-high seven runs over five innings of a 10-1 loss to Atlanta on Monday.

"He didn't make the pitches he needed to make,' manager Kirk Gibson said.

Miley, though, may be able to bounce back Sunday. He's given up one run and five hits over 14 1-3 innings while winning his two career starts against the Marlins.

Miley faces a Miami team that ranks last in the major leagues with a .221 batting average and 2.67 runs per game. The NL-worst Marlins (11-32), losers of seven straight, are hitting .188 with five extra-base hits in their last five games against left-handed starters.

Greg Dobbs (.139), Juan Pierre (.152), Adeiny Hechavarria (.154) and Rob Brantly (.091) have endured the biggest struggles against lefties among the Marlins.

Miami has totaled three runs for Ricky Nolasco (2-5, 4.39) in his past three starts, though the right-hander allowed 10 runs over 11 innings in two of them. He lost all three games.

Nolasco gave up a season-high six runs in five innings of a 6-2 defeat to Cincinnati on Tuesday.

"It kind of stems from our offense, with him going out there he knows he can't give up much,' manager Mike Redmond said. "He's trying to be perfect.'

Nolasco has gone 5-2 with a 4.62 ERA in eight career starts against the Diamondbacks, but he's allowed 14 runs - 10 earned - and 14 hits over eight innings in the last two.

Arizona's Gerardo Parra, who hit a leadoff homer to account for the only run Saturday, is 13 for 28 during a seven-game hitting streak. Teammate Paul Goldschmidt has gone 11 for 20 with three homers and five doubles over his last five games.

Miami hasn't lost eight in a row since an 11-game skid June 11-20, 2011.

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SERIES AT A GLANCE

GAME 1
Diamondbacks at Marlins
Fri, May 17 Final 9 to 2
Boxscores • Recaps

GAME 2
Diamondbacks at Marlins
Sat, May 18 Final 1 to 0
Boxscores • Recaps

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

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Preview: Rays (21-20) at Orioles (23-18)

Game: 3
Venue: Oriole Park at Camden Yards
Date: May 19, 2013 1:35 PM EDT


Matt Moore continues to pile up wins for the Tampa Bay Rays. One more would put him in a class by himself.

Looking to become the first pitcher in team history to win nine straight decisions, Moore tries to lead the visiting Rays to a three-game sweep of the slumping Baltimore Orioles on Sunday.

After giving up a three-run homer in the first, Moore (7-0, 2.44 ERA) allowed one hit over the next five innings Tuesday in a 5-3 win over Boston. The 23-year-old left-hander struck out eight and walked two, becoming the first Rays starter to open 7-0.

"The first inning wasn't as heartbreaking as you would think," he said. "It's one of those things where you have faith in our team and what our offense is going to do, and as long as I put up zeroes and leave their lead at three, we're going to make it interesting down the road."

On the verge of becoming the AL's first eight-game winner, Moore is 8-0 with a 2.19 ERA over nine starts dating to September. While he's issued 4.69 walks per nine innings, Moore has limited opponents to a league-low .172 average.

"It's pretty incredible. ... Matt's been wonderful, and again he's going to keep getting better. There's more within Moore," manager Joe Maddon said. "We've talked a little bit about the command issue, but he doesn't give up a lot of hits. He might walk a couple of guys, but they're not beating him up with hits. So there's kind of a balance there."

Moore allowed two runs and five hits over 6 2-3 innings in a 6-2 win at Baltimore on April 17, improving to 3-1 with a 2.05 ERA over his last four starts in the series. While he's held Nate McLouth hitless in six at_bats, Moore will need to be wary of Matt Wieters, who is 6 for 11 with two homers against him.

The Rays could certainly use another impressive showing from Moore after Saturday's starter Roberto Hernandez was pulled after two-plus innings. Relievers Cesar Ramos, Alex Torres and Josh Lueke, though, combined to allow one run the rest of the way and Tampa Bay scored six times in the ninth during a 10-6 victory.

Matt Joyce homered and hit a go-ahead two-run double, leading the Rays to their season-high third straight road victory - all of them coming in come-from-behind fashion. Tampa Bay has scored 30 runs while going 18 for 36 with runners in scoring position over that stretch.

"We believe in each other, and then you're able to do those things," Maddon said. "If you stop believing, if you don't think it can't happen, then it never will. If you think it can happen, then it shall. And that's pretty much what this group's been about."

Losers of a season-worst four straight, the Orioles' franchise-record streak of 109 straight wins when leading after seven innings was snapped. Baltimore has compiled an 8.00 ERA during its skid.

The Orioles will try to regroup behind Chris Tillman (3-1, 3.40). After winning three straight starts, the right-hander allowed one run, four hits and struck out seven over seven innings but didn't factor in the decision of Tuesday's 3-2 loss to San Diego.

Tillman is 1-4 with a 5.06 ERA over eight starts versus Tampa Bay and allowed four runs in five innings losing to Moore last month.

Tillman can't be excited about facing Evan Longoria, who's 7 for 15 with three homers against him. The slugging third baseman is batting .396 with three homers during a career best-tying 12-game hitting streak.

Baltimore's J.J. Hardy has hit safely in his last 13 games, going 18 for 50 (.360) with five homers.

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SERIES AT A GLANCE

GAME 1
Rays at Orioles
Fri, May 17 Final 12 to 10
Boxscores • Recaps

GAME 2
Rays at Orioles
Sat, May 18 Final 10 to 6
Boxscores • Recaps

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

[StarDust Bum]

Preview: Dodgers (17-23) at Braves (23-18)

Game: 3
Venue: Turner Field
Date: May 19, 2013 1:35 PM EDT


A pair of home run-induced comebacks have the Atlanta Braves on the brink of their first series sweep of the Los Angeles Dodgers in over five years.

They may be hoping that giving the ball to Mike Minor could make things a bit easier on themselves.

Minor looks to continue a dazzling stretch that dates to last season as he attempts to lead the Braves to a third straight win over the Dodgers on Sunday.

Atlanta (24-18) is among the best power-hitting teams in baseball with 55 homers, and the long ball has fueled the team's recent success.

Justin Upton's sixth-inning go-ahead grand slam helped the Braves win the series opener 8-5 on Friday, and back-to-back homers from rookies Evan Gattis and Andrelton Simmons in the eighth inning Saturday accounted for the offense in a 3-1 victory.

Gattis' two-run, pinch-hit shot was his eighth homer, and he ranks third in the majors with six game-winning RBIs.

"He likes these moments, it seems like," manager Fredi Gonzalez said of Gattis, a backup catcher, first baseman and outfielder. "It's almost better that you can put him in anywhere you want, but sooner or later we've got to get him three or four at_bats."

Thanks to the homers, Atlanta is in position to sweep its first series from Los Angeles since winning all three games at home from April 18-20, 2008.

Minor (5-2, 2.75 ERA) has been the Braves' best starter since September, going 9-2 with a 2.05 ERA while limiting opponents to .186 at the plate. He's 4-1 with a 1.36 ERA in six home starts over that stretch. The left-hander has yielded two runs in 13 2-3 innings while winning his last two starts.

Minor has a 2.37 ERA in three starts versus the Dodgers, but owns an 0-1 record since he's been backed by four total runs. He was the hard-luck loser in a 5-0 home defeat Aug. 19, allowing one run in seven innings.

That may change since Chris Johnson is 13 for 28 with three doubles, one triple, two homers and eight RBIs over his last eight meetings with Los Angeles. The third baseman had three hits Saturday and is 8 for 14 over the past four games to increase his season average 32 points to .339.

The Dodgers have lost five games in a row on the road for the first time since a six-game slide from Aug. 28-Sept. 9, 2010.

Their bullpen continues to be a problem, compiling a 6.75 ERA over the last five games as the visitors and losing four of those games. That includes the first two games of this series, as five relievers have surrendered eight runs in 3 2-3 innings.

Matt Magill (0-0, 6.92) may be hoping to spell the bullpen as he tries to make a case for a regular spot in the rotation since Ted Lilly (strained rib cage) is close to being activated from the disabled list.

"We'll see what happens," manager Don Mattingly told the team's official website. "We'll see how Magill looks."

Magill hasn't looked good in his last two outings, yielding eight runs with eight walks in 6 1-3 innings.

Matt Kemp is a .174 hitter in Atlanta and mired in an 0-for-21 slump over the past five visits. He had a .328 average during a 14-game hitting streak before going 0 for 9 in this series.

Kemp is 1 for 8 versus Minor.

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SERIES AT A GLANCE

GAME 1
Dodgers at Braves
Fri, May 17 Final 5 to 8
Boxscores • Recaps

GAME 2
Dodgers at Braves
Sat, May 18 Final 1 to 3
Boxscores • Recaps

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

[StarDust Bum]

Preview: Reds (25-17) at Phillies (20-22)

Game: 3
Venue: Citizens Bank Park
Date: May 19, 2013 1:35 PM EDT


The Cincinnati Reds' Homer Bailey snapped a six-start winless stretch with a superb performance his last time out.

He proved nearly unhittable against the Philadelphia Phillies about a month ago.

Bailey squares off against impressive rookie Jonathan Pettibone as the surging Reds conclude a three-game set in Philadelphia on Sunday.

After going 0-1 with a 6.97 ERA over his previous two starts, Bailey (2-3, 3.51 ERA) got back on track Tuesday in a 6-2 win at Miami. The right-hander scattered six hits and struck out a career high-tying 10 in his fourth career complete game.

"This guy never wants to come out," manager Dusty Baker told MLB's official website after leaving Bailey in to throw a career-high 125 pitches. "Complete games are hard to come by. Most guys don't care about them, but the competitors do."

Aside from one rough start versus St. Louis on April 10, Bailey has posted a 2.53 ERA in his other seven outings while striking out 50 over 46 1-3 innings.

"Homer to me has turned into one of those guys where you could maybe consider him the ace of your staff," first baseman Joey Votto said. "He has consistently gotten better over his career, and it's really impressive to see him improve and grow."

Bailey was also at his best against Philadelphia (20-23) on April 16, striking out 10 over eight innings of two-hit ball in a 1-0 walkoff win. However, he's 0-3 with a 4.24 ERA in seven career matchups in the series.

Pettibone (3-0, 3.41) has given the Phillies' injury-plagued rotation a big lift. The 22-year-old right-hander has been especially good at home, posting a 2.45 ERA while striking out 12 and walking two over three outings spanning 18 1-3 innings.

"He does a tremendous job," manager Charlie Manuel said.

Pettibone allowed two runs and four hits in a season-high 6 2-3 innings Tuesday, earning the victory in a 6-2 win over Cleveland.

"My first start, I didn't get any sleep the night before," he said. "Now I can get a full night's sleep. You just build confidence and try to build off each start."

Pettibone would appear to have a difficult matchup against a Reds team averaging 6.3 runs and hitting .342 with runners in scoring position during a 7-1 stretch. After dropping Friday's series opener, Cincinnati (26-17) went 6 for 20 with runners in scoring position during a 10-0 victory Saturday.

Ryan Hanigan hit a three-run homer and Votto added a two-run shot. Votto had four hits and has gone 15 for 29 with two home runs, eight runs and seven RBIs during a seven-game hitting streak.

"I'm trying to see the ball as long as possible and direct it where I want it," said Votto, 11 for 22 in his last five games at Citizens Bank Park.

The Phillies will also need to be wary of Jay Bruce, batting .405 with three homers and 11 RBIs during a nine-game hit streak.

Philadelphia has gone 4-7 in its last 11 home games. The Phillies have been shut out six times on the season, matching their total from last year.

"They say the game builds character," Manuel said. "I don't know about building, but it definitely reveals it."

Ryan Howard, mired in a 4-for-34 slump, has gone 2 for 10 against Bailey since the start of 2011. Chase Utley is hitless in 11 at_bats over the last three games.

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SERIES AT A GLANCE

GAME 1
Reds at Phillies
Fri, May 17 Final 3 to 5
Boxscores • Recaps

GAME 2
Reds at Phillies
Sat, May 18 Final 10 to 0
Boxscores • Recaps

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

[StarDust Bum]

Preview: Red Sox (25-17) at Twins (18-20)

Game: 3
Venue: Target Field
Date: May 19, 2013 2:10 PM EDT


Now that the Boston Red Sox have bounced back from their recent slide, they hope John Lackey can end his losing streak.

The right-hander hopes to avoid dropping a fourth straight start while trying to help the visiting Red Sox to their fifth win in a row Sunday against the slumping Minnesota Twins.

David Ortiz homered twice and drove in six runs as Boston (26-17) rolled to a 12-5 victory over Minnesota on Saturday. The Red Sox have scored 28 runs during a four-game winning streak that's followed a 2-9 stretch.

Ortiz hit .143 (4 for 28) in his previous seven games before going 6 for 8 in the first two of this set. He's batting .332 with 15 home runs and 43 RBIs in 53 games against his former club, which released him in 2002.

He's 19 for 38 with five home runs and 16 RBIs in 10 games at Target Field, where Boston has won five straight and eight of 11.

"The one guy we say don't let beat us is David Ortiz,' Twins manager Ron Gardenhire said. "They've got a lot of really good hitters over there, but we told them to stay away from this guy, don't give in to him. And he keeps sending souvenirs.'

Boston second baseman Dustin Pedroia is batting .475 during a 10-game hitting streak.

Lackey (1-4, 4.05 ERA) has mostly pitched well but lost for the third consecutive outing Tuesday, 5-3 to Tampa Bay. He gave up five runs in the fourth inning and departed after getting one out in the fifth.

"I really thought I pitched better than what's going to show,' said Lackey, who posted a 2.82 ERA in his first four starts.

The right-hander has gone 3-1 with a 1.93 ERA in his last five starts versus the Twins, the most recent a 5-3 loss in which he allowed five runs - one earned - in seven innings May 9.

Minnesota (18-21) could have a tough time avoiding a season-high fifth consecutive defeat if Pedro Hernandez (2-0, 5.79) can't find a way to end his struggles against the Red Sox.

The left-hander has given up 14 runs and 19 hits - five homers - in six innings while going 0-1 in two starts versus Boston. He allowed a grand slam to Jonny Gomes and six runs in two innings of a 15-8 win at Fenway Park on May 8.

In his next start, Hernandez gave up three runs in 5 1-3 innings of a 10-3 victory over the Chicago White Sox on Monday.

Five Twins had two hits Saturday, but they stranded 13 runners.

"We've been able to score some runs," Gardenhire told the team's official website. "We've seen that, but we've been inconsistent. Hopefully we can get everyone clicking."

Joe Mauer had two hits in his return after missing Friday's game with a stiff back. The star catcher is batting .443 during a 15-game hitting streak but has also struck out 20 times in 61 at_bats in that span.

He's hitting .407 (11 for 27) with two home runs against Lackey.

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SERIES AT A GLANCE

GAME 1
Red Sox at Twins
Fri, May 17 Final 3 to 2
Boxscores • Recaps

GAME 2
Red Sox at Twins
Sat, May 18 Final 12 to 5
Boxscores • Recaps

GAME 3
Red Sox at Twins
Sun, May 19 - 2:10PM EDT

[StarDust Bum]

Preview: Brewers (16-24) at Cardinals (27-14)

Game: 3
Venue: Busch Stadium
Date: May 19, 2013 2:15 PM EDT


The St. Louis Cardinals routinely pound on the Milwaukee Brewers' pitchers, and Yadier Molina is one of the main culprits.

Kyle Lohse now has first-hand experience.

Molina looks to give his former teammate another rough time on the mound and help the NL-leading Cardinals take this three-game series with the Brewers on Sunday.

St. Louis (27-15) has won 11 of the past 15 meetings with Milwaukee, hitting .327 with runners in scoring position and .297 overall with 14 homers while averaging 6.3 runs in those victories.

Molina has been a big part of that success, hitting .378 over his past 20 meetings. He's been even better at home over that stretch, compiling a .415 average with 10 RBIs in 13 meetings.

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The four-time All-Star catcher is 3 for 8 in this series as the Cardinals continue to get to Milwaukee's pitchers.

They had 13 hits in Friday's 7-6 victory, and reached double digits for a sixth straight meeting Saturday. However, their 10 hits weren't enough in a 6-4, 10-inning loss, which snapped their five-game winning streak over Milwaukee.

St. Louis has a chance to get untracked against Lohse (1-4, 3.49 ERA), who has lost both of his starts against his former team this year, giving up six runs in 12 innings.

The latest effort May 3 ended after five innings, as the right-hander gave up four runs and 11 hits in a 6-1 loss.

That's part of a four-start stretch in which Lohse has gone 0-3 with a 4.50 ERA since getting his only win with the Brewers on April 22.

Lohse led the Cardinals with 30 wins and a 3.11 ERA over the past two regular seasons, bus he's struggled greatly versus Molina and Matt Holliday.

Molina is 4 for 6 with two doubles and a solo homer off him, while Holliday is 3 for 6 with a shot of his own.

The Cardinals are scheduled to give John Gast (1-0, 6.00) another turn in the rotation in place of Jake Westbrook, who is on the disabled list with elbow inflammation.

Gast, a 2010 sixth-round pick out of Florida State, impressed early in his major league debut Tuesday, throwing five scoreless innings before giving up four runs and leaving after the sixth of a 10-4 win over the New York Mets.

The left-hander is the latest rookie to get the ball for St. Louis. Shelby Miller is 5-2 and is tied with 2011 NL Cy Young Award winner Clayton Kershaw of Los Angeles for the lowest ERA in baseball at 1.40.

Miller is scheduled to start Monday's three-game series opener in San Diego.

"It's incredible," infielder Matt Carpenter told the team's official website. "The talent we have is a testament to our minor league system and the product that they continue to develop. ... They seem like they can always find the guys who can come up here and compete and give us a chance to win games."

Carpenter has been impressive in his own right, batting .367 over the past 15 games while going 4 for 9 with a double and two RBIs in this series.

The Brewers are also getting some strong offensive contributions from Norichika Aoki and Ryan Braun.

Aoki is hitting .443 with 11 multihit games in his last 15, including five of six versus the Cardinals. He's 11 for 23 in those meetings with the NL Central rival.

Braun is 11 for 24 over that same stretch versus St. Louis, which is part of an 18-game stretch during which he's batting .394.

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SERIES AT A GLANCE

GAME 1
Brewers at Cardinals
Fri, May 17 Final 6 to 7
Boxscores • Recaps

GAME 2
Brewers at Cardinals
Sat, May 18 Final 6 to 4
Boxscores • Recaps

GAME 3
Brewers at Cardinals
Sun, May 19 - 2:15PM EDT

[StarDust Bum]

Preview: Mets (16-24) at Cubs (18-24)

Game: 3
Venue: Wrigley Field
Date: May 19, 2013 2:20 PM EDT


Enjoying plenty of early season success, Travis Wood has been as reliable as could be for the Chicago Cubs.

The same can't be said for the New York Mets' Dillon Gee, who hasn't been able to get it together.

Looking to win a third consecutive start, Wood takes the mound opposite Gee as the Cubs and Mets conclude a three-game set Sunday at Wrigley Field.

Among the major league leaders with a .175 opponent batting average, Wood (4-2, 2.03 ERA) has allowed three or fewer runs and gone at least six innings in all eight of his outings. He's already two victories away from matching his total from all of last season.

"He's doing a lot of this without secondary pitches," manager Dale Sveum told MLB's official website. "It's not like he's throwing a lot of curveballs or changeups. He's mixing in those pitches and using them when he has to against people who are vulnerable, and able to use both sides of the plate and be aggressive."

After allowing one run and six hits over 6 2-3 innings during a 2-1 win over St. Louis on May 7, Wood scattered two hits over seven scoreless frames in Monday's 9-1 victory over Colorado.

"Tomorrow's a new day. You've got to get after it and put my work in," said Wood, who went 2-0 with a 1.38 ERA against the Mets last season. "If I feel like I need to work on something, work on it and take the ball that fifth day and hopefully be able to keep it going."

Having recorded one quality start in eight tries, Gee (2-5, 6.13) is just hoping to get on track. The right-hander's woes continued Tuesday in a 10-4 loss at St. Louis, surrendering six runs, nine hits and three walks over four innings.

"I don't know what's going on," said Gee, who induced 12 ground balls. "I don't even know what to say, really. I didn't feel all that bad tonight. I'm a ground-ball guy, and I think seven ground-ball hits got through. I don't know what else to do."

Gee's 11.34 road ERA is by far the highest mark among NL pitchers with at least four road starts. He had gone 1-1 with a 6.55 ERA versus Chicago (18-24) before allowing one run over eight innings in a 3-1 victory July 7.

Gee will try to slow down a Cubs team that's won five of seven while hitting .368 with runners in scoring position. Chicago went 4 for 9 in such situations Saturday, and Nate Schierholtz and Anthony Rizzo both went deep in the 8-2 victory.

"Whenever you get an opportunity to get runs, you gotta seize those opportunities," said Rizzo, batting .390 with four homers and 16 RBIs in the last 21 games.

Rizzo is 12 for 29 with two long balls in seven games against the Mets (16-24).

After taking Friday's series opener, New York lost for the seventh time in nine games. The Mets are hitting .223 and have posted a 5.96 ERA during that stretch.

"If you get down and you let this get to you, you're going to lose 10 in a row," manager Terry Collins said. "You've got to stay upbeat."

Ike Davis is mired in a 1-for-30 slump and Ruben Tejada is one for his last 25. Lucas Duda has also struggled, going 7 for 50 this month.

While some of his teammates look lost at he plate, second baseman Daniel Murphy has gone 14 for 28 with one homer and five doubles during a seven-game hitting streak.

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SERIES AT A GLANCE

GAME 1
Mets at Cubs
Fri, May 17 Final 3 to 2
Boxscores • Recaps

GAME 2
Mets at Cubs
Sat, May 18 Final 2 to 8
Boxscores • Recaps

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

[StarDust Bum]

Preview: White Sox (19-21) at Angels (15-27)

Game: 4
Venue: Angel Stadium of Anaheim
Date: May 19, 2013 3:35 PM EDT


The Los Angeles Angels ended yet another losing streak Saturday, using a big offensive performance against the Chicago White Sox. They'll try to salvage a four-game split with Chicago on Sunday at Angel Stadium, though they've struggled to string together victories all year.

The Angels (16-27) set a season high for runs in a 12-9 win on Saturday, ending their three-game skid - already their fifth this season of three or more games - while also ending the White Sox's four-game winning streak.

Los Angeles, which is just 5-10 following victories, blew open the game with a five-run seventh inning, sparked by Alberto Callaspo's three-run homer. Though the White Sox (19-22) followed with a five-run eighth of their own, Los Angeles responded with two more runs in the bottom of the inning, including an of Callaspo's five RBIs on the day.

Howie Kendrick was also 2 for 5 with a double and is 10 for 20 over his last five games.

"I mean, you look at their ballclub and there's no easy out on their side, either. But when we get it going, we're a pretty good ballclub and we can score runs at any time in the game," Albert Pujols said.

After Hector Santiago lasted just 3 1-3 innings Saturday, the White Sox hope Jake Peavy (5-1, 2.96 ERA) can win his fourth consecutive start. Peavy, who was 18-19 with a 3.89 ERA over the last two seasons, looks more like the dominant pitcher he was prior to a 2010 operation on his right shoulder.

He's currently striking out a career-best 10.1 batters per nine innings and fanned six on Tuesday while yielding two runs and five hits over seven innings in a 4-2 win at Minnesota.

"He's further removed from surgery. He's just stronger," manager Robin Ventura said. "He has more belief as far as in his mind he doesn't have any hesitation of letting it go. I think last year he might have held back a little bit. But this year he's pitching free.'

Peavy will have to turn around his struggles against the Angels, against whom he's 0-3 with a 6.08 ERA over five starts.

Los Angeles starter Jason Vargas (2-3, 4.03 ERA) would also like to change course from his history versus the White Sox, whom he's 0-1 with an 8.04 ERA against across five starts. The left-hander is coming off one of his better performances this season, a seven-inning effort in which he gave up two runs and five hits in a 6-2 win over the Royals on Tuesday.

Josh Hamilton was a late scratch for the Angels on Saturday due to what a team spokesman called a "day off, to recharge" after initially being scheduled to bat fifth. Hamilton, who had gone 10 for 51 over his previous 14 games, was slotted into right field as a defensive substitute in the seventh inning and singled.

He's 7 for 15 against with two homers lifetime against Peavy.

Adam Dunn's status is unclear as he left in the fifth Saturday with back spasms.

Alex Rios extended his hitting streak to 13 games, going 2 for 4 with two RBIs. He's driven in 11 runs with a .755 slugging percentage during the streak.

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SERIES AT A GLANCE

GAME 1
White Sox at Angels
Thu, May 16 Final 5 to 4
Boxscores • Recaps

GAME 2
White Sox at Angels
Fri, May 17 Final 3 to 0
Boxscores • Recaps

GAME 3
White Sox at Angels
Sat, May 18 Final 9 to 12
Boxscores • Recaps

GAME 4
White Sox at Angels
Sun, May 19 - 3:35PM EDT

[StarDust Bum]

Preview: Nationals (23-19) at Padres (18-23)

Game: 4
Venue: PETCO Park
Date: May 19, 2013 4:10 PM EDT


Bryce Harper is still feeling the effects of running into an outfield wall earlier this week.

The Washington Nationals are hoping he's healthy enough to return to the lineup Sunday, when they attempt to re-establish their success against the San Diego Padres at Petco Park.

Harper ran full-speed into the outfield wall while chasing a fly ball in Monday's 6-2 road win over the Los Angeles Dodgers. A number of injuries forced the 20-year-old superstar to sit out one game while being used a pinch-hitter for the next.

He seemed to be just fine homering on one of his two hits while Washington (23-20) won the first two of this four-game series in San Diego (19-23).

The collision with the wall, however, is still being felt. Knee soreness put Harper back on the bench Saturday, and the Nationals managed just four singles in a 2-1 loss to the Padres.

"Everything else feels pretty good," Harper told the team's official website. "The knee was barking. It's pretty swollen. I'm not going to take a chance on it. I'll get some treatment on it and see if I can go (Sunday)."

Harper leads the Nationals with 11 homers and 22 RBIs, so it may not be surprising they're 1-5 without him.

Getting him back Sunday could provide a spark since he's three of his four hits in four career meetings with the Padres are homers.

Dan Haren (4-4, 4.76) may not mind seeing Harper back after he sat out the right-hander's most recent start after slamming into the wall. Haren could've used some offensive help as he allowed two runs and four hits in seven innings of a 2-0 defeat at Los Angeles.

He had won each of his three previous starts behind a 3.15 ERA.

Haren hasn't benefited much over his last two games at pitcher-friendly Petco Park, losing both as a member of the Los Angeles Angels while surrendering nine runs despite 13 strikeouts in 11 2-3 innings.

Despite Friday's loss, the Nationals have won eight of the past 11 meetings with the Padres, including seven of nine at Petco.

Adam LaRoche also thrives there, hitting .328 with 10 homers and 28 RBIs in 35 visits. He's 4 for 10 with three homers and six RBIs in this series, while extending his overall hitting streak to 15 games, during which he's batting .392.

San Diego is looking for back-to-back wins over Washington for the first time since a three-game winning streak from May 28-June 9, 2011.

Giving the ball to Andrew Cashner (2-2, 2.84) could help.

The right-hander tossed a gem May 6, yielding four hits in a career-high 7 1-3 innings of a 5-0 win over Miami. He followed that up by going 7 1-3 innings again Tuesday, giving up two runs - one earned - while not getting a decision in a 3-2 win at Baltimore.

Cashner is becoming a reliable starter after being used almost exclusively out of the bullpen for three-plus seasons. He thinks taking a little off his fastball is helping him with the adjustment and leading to longer outings.

"I think a big thing for me this year is not trying to air it out," he told the team's official website. "I'm not trying to throw 100 mph."

Cashner is 1-0 while yielding two hits with six strikeouts in 5 2-3 innings over five relief appearances versus Washington. He also fanned Harper in their only matchup, while LaRoche is 1 for 2 and the only current National to get a hit off him.

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SERIES AT A GLANCE

GAME 1
Nationals at Padres
Thu, May 16 Final 6 to 2
Boxscores • Recaps

GAME 2
Nationals at Padres
Fri, May 17 Final 6 to 5
Boxscores • Recaps

GAME 3
Nationals at Padres
Sat, May 18 Final 1 to 2
Boxscores • Recaps

GAME 4
Nationals at Padres
Sun, May 19 - 4:10PM EDT

[StarDust Bum]

Preview: Tigers (23-17) at Rangers (27-15)

Game: 4
Venue: Rangers Ballpark in Arlington
Date: May 19, 2013 8:05 PM EDT


Based on Doug Fister's short, but telling, road history in Texas, the Rangers should feel confident they can get the best of another Detroit Tigers starting pitcher.

The surging Rangers look to build on another strong offensive performance against Fister and the struggling Tigers on Sunday night.

Elvis Andrus had a career-high five hits, Mitch Moreland homered and Texas (28-15) tagged Detroit's Anibal Sanchez for six runs and nine hits in 2 2-3 innings of Saturday's 7-2 victory. The Rangers have won 11 of 15 and totaled 17 runs and 23 hits in their two victories in the first three games of this set.

The Tigers (23-18), who won 2-1 on Friday, have dropped seven of 11 since winning nine of 10. Detroit also has lost 10 of 13, including the playoffs, at Texas.

Fister (5-1, 3.06 ERA) has made only two starts at Texas, but he's lost both while allowing 14 runs and 19 hits - including five homers - in nine combined innings.

The right-hander, however, has enjoyed a strong start this season and allowed two runs in seven innings of a 6-2 win over Houston on Tuesday. That outing also marked the second time in 2013 that Fister did not record one of his major league-leading 10 hit batsmen.

Texas counters with Derek Holland (3-2, 2.93), who looks for a third consecutive victory but hopes for a better performance than his last outing. Holland allowed four runs and eight hits in 5 2-3 innings of a 6-5, 10-inning win at Oakland on Tuesday.

"He wasn't putting the ball in the same spots he had been," manager Ron Washington told the Rangers' official website. "I don't know if he lost his focus, but he just wasn't in tune with the game anymore. It looked like it almost got out of control for him."

The left-hander is 1-1 with a 1.57 ERA in three home starts this season. He's posted a 4.26 ERA without a decision in four starts, including the playoffs, versus Detroit.

Andrus was 1 for 11 in the previous three games before he broke out Saturday. He hit in the leadoff spot for a second straight game as second baseman Ian Kinsler sat again with sore ribs.

"The only thing I'm concerned about is Elvis leading the team and he's taking advantage of it,' Washington said. "Ian Kinsler has not been Wally Pipped.'

Washington is uncertain if Kinsler will be ready to go in the finale.

"He's still a little tender," Washington said. "We'll give him another day and reassess Sunday."

Moreland is batting .364 in his last six games versus Detroit.

Though the Tigers have batted .215 and totaled 13 runs while losing three of four, star Miguel Cabrera leads the majors with a .373 average and is batting .412 during a 16-game road hitting streak.

Teammate Prince Fielder, however, is 3 for 24 (.125) with one RBI in his last seven contests. He's 2 for 15 in his last five road games against the Rangers.

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SERIES AT A GLANCE

GAME 1
Tigers at Rangers
Thu, May 16 Final 4 to 10
Boxscores • Recaps

GAME 2
Tigers at Rangers
Fri, May 17 Final 2 to 1
Boxscores • Recaps

GAME 3
Tigers at Rangers
Sat, May 18 Final 2 to 7
Boxscores • Recaps

GAME 4
Tigers at Rangers
Sun, May 19 - 8:05PM EDT

[StarDust Bum]

Preview: Royals (20-18) at Athletics (21-22)

Game: 3
Venue: O.co Coliseum
Date: May 19, 2013 4:05 PM EDT


After struggling during the first half of May, the Oakland Athletics might be ready to make a run in the positive direction.

Coming off consecutive one-run victories, the A's try to complete their first three-game home sweep of the struggling Kansas City Royals in five years Sunday.

One night after Oakland (22-22) rallied to score a run in both the seventh and eighth innings, Brandon Moss delivered a tiebreaking triple to highlight a two-run sixth Saturday and help his team to a second straight 2-1 victory over Kansas City.

The A's lost 10 of 14 to open May, and though they've managed 11 hits in this series, they recorded back-to-back victories for the first time since a three-game run to conclude April. Oakland's last three-game home sweep of Kansas City (20-19) was April 18-20, 2008.

Paced by starters Jarrod Parker and Tommy Milone, Oakland pitchers have allowed 10 hits in the first two against the Royals, who have dropped nine of 12.

"That was Houdini,' said Oakland manager Bob Melvin after Milone labored through the first two innings Saturday to last six and help the A's build more momentum.

A.J. Griffin (4-3, 3.48 ERA) looks to maintain his success this month when he takes the mound for Oakland. The right-hander posted a 9.00 ERA while losing his last two starts of April, but improved to 2-1 with a 1.74 ERA in May when he allowed a homer and struck out eight in seven innings of a 5-1 win over Texas on Monday.

"Command-wise, I'd say it's my best start in the major leagues," Griffin told the Athletics' official website.

This will be his first appearance against the Royals, who counter with Luis Mendoza (1-2, 6.00).

The right-hander looks to build on his first win of the year after he yielded three runs in six innings of an 11-4 win over the Los Angeles Angels on Monday. Mendoza is 1-1 with a 3.50 ERA in three road starts this season.

"Every start I'm going to feel better and better and (Monday) I just felt great," Mendoza told the Royals' official website.

Mendoza is 0-1 with a 1.17 ERA in two starts against the A's, but he allowed a run in 5 2-3 innings of a 1-0 loss at Oakland on April 9, 2012.

A's third baseman Josh Donaldson is batting .462 (12 for 26) in his last seven games, and .368 (7 for 19) in his last six against the Royals.

Kansas City's Billy Butler delivered a bloop single with two outs in the first inning Saturday, but the Royals went 1 for 7 with runners in scoring position. They had the bases loaded with no outs in the second inning but failed to score.

"That was the turning point in the game,' said Butler, who had two of Kansas City's five hits. "We had chances. Bases loaded, no outs ... you're supposed to capitalize on that.'

Butler is 10 for 21 (.476) with 10 RBIs in five games after hitting .114 (4 for 35) in the previous nine.

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SERIES AT A GLANCE

GAME 1
Royals at Athletics
Fri, May 17 Final 1 to 2
Boxscores • Recaps

GAME 2
Royals at Athletics
Sat, May 18 Final 1 to 2
Boxscores • Recaps

GAME 3
Royals at Athletics
Sun, May 19 - 4:05PM EDT

[StarDust Bum]

MLB
Dunkel

Detroit at Texas
The Tigers look to bounce back from yesterday's 7-2 loss and take advantage of a Texas team that is 3-7 in Derek Holland's last 10 starts after allowing 2 runs or less in the previous game. Detroit is the pick (+100) according to Dunkel, which has the Tigers favored by 1. Dunkel Pick: Detroit (+100). Here are all of today's picks.

SUNDAY, MAY 19

Game 901-902: Arizona at Miami (1:10 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Arizona (Miley) 15.439; Miami (Nolasco) 12.998
Dunkel Line: Arizona by 2 1/2; 7
Vegas Line: Arizona (-155); 7 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Arizona (-155); Under

Game 903-904: Cincinnati at Philadelphia (1:35 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Cincinnati (Bailey) 15.289; Philadelphia (Pettibone) 16.130
Dunkel Line: Philadelphia by 1; 9
Vegas Line: Cincinnati (-135); 8 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Philadelphia (+115); Over

Game 905-906: LA Dodgers at Atlanta (1:35 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: LA Dodgers (Magill) 14.842; Atlanta (Minor) 16.336
Dunkel Line: Atlanta by 1 1/2; 7
Vegas Line: Atlanta (-200); 8
Dunkel Pick: Atlanta (-200); Under

Game 907-908: Milwaukee at St. Louis (2:15 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Milwaukee (Lohse) 15.582; St. Louis (Gast) 14.642
Dunkel Line: Milwaukee by 1; 9
Vegas Line: St. Louis (-140); 8 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Milwaukee (+120); Over

Game 909-910: NY Mets at Chicago Cubs (2:20 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: NY Mets (Gee) 14.983; Cubs (Wood) 14.502
Dunkel Line: NY Mets by 1/2; 10
Vegas Line: Chicago Cubs (-155); No Run Total
Dunkel Pick: NY Mets (+135); N/A

Game 911-912: Washington at San Diego (4:10 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Washington (Haren) 16.764; San Diego (Cashner) 15.771
Dunkel Line: Washington by 1; 6
Vegas Line: San Diego (-125); 7
Dunkel Pick: Washington (+105); Under

Game 913-914: San Francisco at Colorado (4:10 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: San Francisco (Zito) 14.547; Colorado (Nicasio) 15.835
Dunkel Line: Colorado by 1 1/2; 12
Vegas Line: Colorado (-120); 11
Dunkel Pick: Colorado (-120); Over

Game 915-916: Seattle at Cleveland (1:05 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Seattle (Hernandez) 15.893; Cleveland (Masterson) 14.934
Dunkel Line: Seattle by 1; 6
Vegas Line: Cleveland (-115); 7
Dunkel Pick: Seattle (+105); Under

Game 917-918: Toronto at NY Yankees (1:05 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Toronto (Dickey) 15.298; NY Yankees (Sabathia) 17.087
Dunkel Line: NY Yankees by 2; 7 1/2
Vegas Line: NY Yankees (-140); 8
Dunkel Pick: NY Yankees (-140); Under

Game 919-920: Tampa Bay at Baltimore (1:35 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Tampa Bay (Moore) 15.547; Baltimore (Tillman) 16.636
Dunkel Line: Baltimore by 1; 9 1/2
Vegas Line: Tampa Bay (-120); 8 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Baltimore (+100); Over

Game 921-922: Boston at Minnesota (2:10 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Boston (Lackey) 13.638; Minnesota (Hernandez) 14.194
Dunkel Line: Minnesota by 1/2; 9
Vegas Line: Boston (-120); 10
Dunkel Pick: Minnesota (+100); Under

Game 923-924: Chicago White Sox at LA Angels (3:35 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: White Sox (Peavy) 15.368; LA Angels (Vargas) 14.217
Dunkel Line: Chicago White Sox by 1; 9
Vegas Line: LA Angels (-115); 8
Dunkel Pick: Chicago White Sox (-105); Over

Game 925-926: Kansas City at Oakland (4:05 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Kansas City (Mendoza) 14.641; Oakland (Griffin) 14.125
Dunkel Line: Kansas City by 1/2; 8 1/2
Vegas Line: Oakland (-160); 8
Dunkel Pick: Kansas City (+140); Over

Game 927-928: Detroit at Texas (8:05 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Detroit (Fister) 16.005; Texas (Holland) 15.023
Dunkel Line: Detroit by 1; 8
Vegas Line: Texas (-120); 9
Dunkel Pick: Detroit (+100); Under

Game 929-930: Houston at Pittsburgh (1:35 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Houston (Harrell) 14.197; Pittsburgh (Locke) 15.697
Dunkel Line: Pittsburgh by 1 1/2; 8
Vegas Line: Pittsburgh (-200); 8 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Pittsburgh (-200); Under
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