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

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MLB
Armadillo's Write-Up

Saturday, May 25

Hot pitchers
-- Giants are 5-0 in Zito's home starts (3-0, 0.55).
-- Wood is 2-0, 1.74 in his last three starts. Bailey is 1-0, 2.57 in his last three.
-- Locke is 1-0, 1.89 in his last three starts.
-- Pettibone is 2-0, 2.81 in his last four starts.
-- Gast is 2-0, 4.77 in two starts; all six runs he gave up came in sixth inning.
-- Minor is 2-0, 1.83 in his last three starts.
-- Cashner is 2-0, 2.11 in his last three starts.

-- Peavy is 4-1, 2.68 in his last six starts.

-- Dickey is 2-0, 3.20 in his last two starts.
-- Red Sox are 3-0 in Lester home starts (2-0, 1.66).
-- Tampa Bay is 9-0 when Moore starts (8-0, 2.29). Nuno shut Indians out for five innings in his only MLB start.
-- Griffin is 2-1, 2.73 in his last four starts.
-- Hernandez is 1-0, 1.80 in his last two home starts. Rangers won Holland's last four starts (2-0, 3.20).

Cold pitchers
-- Nicasio is 1-1, 4.29 in his last four starts.
-- Fiers allowed six runs in five IP in losing his only '13 start.
-- Haren is 1-2, 6.50 in his last three starts.
-- Lilly is 0-1, 6.75 in two starts this season.
-- Gee is 1-2, 6.48 in his last five starts.
-- Miley is 1-3, 5.70 in his last four starts.

-- Nolasco is 1-3, 4.15 in his last four starts.

-- FGarcia is 0-2, 4.84 in four starts this season.
-- Kazmir is 0-1, 10.18 in his last two starts.
-- Guthrie is 0-2, 8.25 in his last couple starts. One-time Royal ('07) Buckner is making first start since 2010; he is 6-11, 6.25 in 21 career MLB starts. In 2013, he is 4-2, 4.56 in eight AAA starts (48 hits/47.1 IP).
-- Fister is 1-1, 6.53 in his last four starts. Walters was 2-5, 5.69 in 12 starts for Minnesota LY: he is 4-2, 3.31 in nine AAA starts (55 hits/54.1 IP).
-- Harrell is 0-3, 6.86 in his last four starts.

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........
-- Nicasio 5-9; Zito 2-9
-- Wood 1-9; Bailey 2-9
-- Locke 3-9; Fiers 1-1
-- Pettibone 0-6; Haren 1-9
-- Gast 0-2; Lilly 1-2
-- Minor 3-9; Gee 2-9
-- Cashner 2-6; Miley 1-9

-- Nolasco 4-10; Peavy 1-8

-- FGarcia 1-4; Dickey 3-10
-- Kazmir 2-6; Lester 2-10
-- Buckner 0-0; Guthrie 1-9
-- Walters 0-0; Fister 1-9
-- Nuno 0-1; Moore 3-9
-- Griffin 0-9; Harrell 1-10
-- Holland 0-9; Hernandez 2-10

Totals
-- Under is 7-1-1 in last nine Philly road games.
-- Over is 13-2-1 in Atlanta's last sixteen road games.
-- Five of last seven Cincinnati home games went over the total.
-- Five of last six Pirate games stayed under the total.
-- Last six Arizona games stayed under the total. .
-- Seven of last nine Dodger games stayed under the total.
-- Last five Colorado games stayed under the total.

-- Five of last six Miami games stayed under the total.

-- Over is 6-2-1 in Baltimore's last nine games.
-- Three of last four Minnesota games went over the total.
-- Nine of last eleven Tampa Bay home games went over the total.
-- Over is 5-2-2 in last nine Cleveland games.
-- Six of last eight Oakland games stayed under the total.
-- Six of last nine Angel games went over the total.
--

Hot teams
Atlanta-New York game was suspended at 5-5 after eight innings Friday; will pick up at 6:00 tonight, followed by the regularly scheduled game.
-- Phillies won seven of their last eleven games.
-- Atlanta won its last six games, scoring 34 runs.
-- Reds won eleven of their last thirteen games.
-- Pirates won eight of their last ten games.
-- Cardinals won 17 of their last 22 games.
-- Rockies won six of their last seven games. San Francisco won five of its last seven home games.

-- White Sox won seven of their last ten games.

-- Blue Jays won seven of their last eleven games.
-- Detroit won its last four games, scoring 29 runs.
-- Bronx won eight of its last eleven road games.
-- Indians won six of their last nine games.
-- A's won six of their last seven games. Houston is 4-4 in last eight games.
-- Angels won their last six games, scoring 47 runs.
-- Rangers won seven of their last ten games.

Cold teams
-- Nationals lost four of their last six games.
-- Mets lost four of their last five games.
-- Cubs lost seven of their last nine games.
-- Brewers lost seven of their last ten games.
-- Padres lost nine of their last thirteen road games. Arizona lost three of its last five games overall.
-- Dodgers lost five of their last seven games.

-- Marlins lost 13 of their last 16 games.

-- Orioles lost seven of their last ten games.
-- Minnesota lost its last ten games, allowing 64 runs.
-- Tampa Bay lost three of its last four games.
-- Red Sox lost three of their last five games.
-- Royals lost seven of their last eight games.
-- Mariners lost their last seven games, outscored 55-21.

Umpires
-- Col-SF-- Underdogs won six of last seven Marquez games.
-- Chi-Cin-- Four of last five Hudson games went over the total.
-- Pitt-Mil-- Over is 5-0-1 in Kellogg's last six games behind dish.
-- Phil-Wsh-- Nine of last ten Timmons games went over total.
-- StL-LA--Underdogs are 10-8 in last eighteen Cederstrom games.
-- Atl-NY-- Underdogs are 7-6 in last thirteen Scott games.
-- SD-Az-- 12 of last 17 Muchlinski games went over total, with home team winning his last six games behind dish.

-- Mia-Chi-- Nine of last eleven Hernandez games went over total.

-- Balt-Tor-- Under is 7-2-1 in last ten Bell games.
-- Clev-Bos-- Under is 19-3-1 in last 23 Kulpa games.
-- LA-KC-- Seven of ten Everitt games this season went over total.
-- Min-Det-- Favorites won five of last six Fletcher games.
-- NY-TB-- Home team won ten of last thirteen Tumpane games.
-- A's-Hst-- Last six BWelke games stayed under the total.
-- Tex-Sea-- Four of last five Nelson games stayed under total.
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MLB

Saturday, May 25

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Trend Report
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1:07 PM
BALTIMORE vs. TORONTO
Baltimore is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games when playing Toronto
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Baltimore's last 6 games when playing Toronto
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Toronto's last 5 games when playing at home against Baltimore
Toronto is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games when playing Baltimore

1:35 PM
CLEVELAND vs. BOSTON
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Cleveland's last 6 games when playing Boston
Cleveland is 1-5 SU in its last 6 games when playing Boston
Boston is 2-6 SU in its last 8 games at home
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Boston's last 7 games when playing at home against Cleveland

2:10 PM
LA ANGELS vs. KANSAS CITY
LA Angels are 4-1 SU in their last 5 games when playing on the road against Kansas City
LA Angels are 5-0 SU in their last 5 games
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Kansas City's last 6 games at home
Kansas City is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games at home

4:05 PM
COLORADO vs. SAN FRANCISCO
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Colorado's last 5 games
Colorado is 1-9 SU in its last 10 games when playing on the road against San Francisco
The total has gone OVER in 13 of San Francisco's last 17 games when playing Colorado
San Francisco is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games when playing Colorado

4:08 PM
MINNESOTA vs. DETROIT
Minnesota is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Minnesota's last 6 games when playing on the road against Detroit
Detroit is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games
The total has gone OVER in 16 of Detroit's last 23 games at home

4:10 PM
PITTSBURGH vs. MILWAUKEE
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Pittsburgh's last 5 games when playing Milwaukee
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Pittsburgh's last 6 games
Milwaukee is 7-1 SU in its last 8 games when playing at home against Pittsburgh
Milwaukee is 3-8 SU in its last 11 games at home

4:10 PM
CHI CUBS vs. CINCINNATI
The total has gone OVER in 13 of Chi Cubs's last 19 games
Chi Cubs are 1-4 SU in their last 5 games on the road
Cincinnati is 4-1 SU in their last 5 games when playing at home against Chi Cubs
The total has gone OVER in 6 of Cincinnati's last 8 games when playing at home against Chi Cubs

4:10 PM
NY YANKEES vs. TAMPA BAY
NY Yankees are 4-13 SU in their last 17 games when playing on the road against Tampa Bay
NY Yankees are 4-2 SU in their last 6 games when playing Tampa Bay
Tampa Bay is 6-3 SU in its last 9 games at home
The total has gone OVER in 9 of Tampa Bay's last 11 games at home

7:15 PM
ATLANTA vs. NY METS
Atlanta is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games when playing on the road against NY Mets
Atlanta is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games
NY Mets are 3-13 SU in its last 16 games when playing Atlanta
NY Mets are 1-4 SU in its last 5 games

7:15 PM
OAKLAND vs. HOUSTON
Oakland is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing Houston
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Oakland's last 6 games on the road
Houston is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games when playing at home against Oakland
The total has gone OVER in 10 of Houston's last 11 games when playing Oakland

7:15 PM
ST. LOUIS vs. LA DODGERS
St. Louis is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of St. Louis's last 5 games when playing LA Dodgers
LA Dodgers are 2-5 SU in their last 7 games
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of LA Dodgers's last 5 games when playing St. Louis

7:15 PM
PHILADELPHIA vs. WASHINGTON
Philadelphia is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games when playing on the road against Washington
Philadelphia is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games on the road
Washington is 7-3 SU in its last 10 games at home
Washington is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games when playing Philadelphia

7:15 PM
MIAMI vs. CHI WHITE SOX
Miami is 1-6 SU in its last 7 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Miami's last 6 games
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Chi White Sox's last 6 games at home
Chi White Sox are 7-3 SU in their last 10 games

10:10 PM
TEXAS vs. SEATTLE
Texas is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games when playing on the road against Seattle
Texas is 11-4 SU in its last 15 games
Seattle is 6-3 SU in its last 9 games at home
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Seattle's last 7 games when playing at home against Texas

10:10 PM
SAN DIEGO vs. ARIZONA
San Diego is 4-9 SU in its last 13 games on the road
San Diego is 11-5 SU in its last 16 games when playing Arizona
Arizona is 5-11 SU in its last 16 games when playing San Diego
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Arizona's last 8 games at home

[StarDust Bum]

Saturday, May 25

Game Score Status Pick Amount

Baltimore - 1:07 PM ET Baltimore +136 500 POD # 5
Toronto - Over 9 500

Cleveland - 1:35 PM ET Boston -175 500
Boston - Over 9 500

LA Angels - 2:10 PM ET Kansas City -121 500
Kansas City - Over 9 500

Colorado - 4:05 PM ET San Francisco -129 500
San Francisco -Over 8 500

Minnesota - 4:08 PM ET Minnesota +223 500 POD # 2
Detroit - Under 9 500

Chi. Cubs - 4:10 PM ET Chi. Cubs +155 500 POD # 3
Cincinnati - Over 7.5 500

Pittsburgh - 4:10 PM ET Milwaukee -123 500
Milwaukee - Over 9 500

NY Yankees - 4:10 PM ET Tampa Bay -172 500
Tampa Bay - Under 8 500

Atlanta - 7:15 PM ET Atlanta -154 500
NY Mets - Under 7 500

Miami - 7:15 PM ET Miami +188 500 POD # 4
Chi. White Sox - Under 7 500

Oakland - 7:15 PM ET Oakland -158 500
Houston - Over 8.5 500

St. Louis - 7:15 PM ET St. Louis -102 500
LA Dodgers - Under 7.5 500

Philadelphia - 7:15 PM ET Washington -145 500
Washington - Over 7.5 500

San Diego - 10:10 PM ET San Diego +114 500 POD # 1
Arizona - Under 8.5 500

Texas - 10:10 PM ET Seattle -118 500
Seattle - Under 6.5 500

[StarDust Bum]

MLB
Armadillo's Write-Up

Sunday, May 26

Hot pitchers
-- Cueto is 2-0, 3.22 in four starts this season. Garza threw five shutout innings in his first '13 start.
-- Strasburg is 1-0, 1.20 in his last two starts.
-- Rodriguez is 3-0, 2.37 in his last three starts.
-- Giants won Cain's last three home starts (2-0, 2.01).
-- Marquis is 5-0, 2.56 in his last five starts.
-- Kershaw is 3-0, 0.91 in his last five starts. Miller is 2-1, 1.37 in his last four outings.
-- Teheran is 2-1, 2.53 in his last three starts.

-- Scherzer is 5-0, 3.95 in his last six starts.
-- Cobb is 2-0, 2.96 in his last four starts.
-- JWilliams is 2-0, 1.74 in his last three starts.
-- Iwakuma is 4-0, 3.00 in his last five starts.

Cold pitchers
-- Hamels is 0-4, 3.96 in his last four starts.
-- Milwaukee lost last four Gallardo starts (0-3, 4.91).
-- Garland is 0-3, 6.19 in his last three starts.
-- Corbin is 5-0, 1.25 in his last five starts.
-- Marcum is 0-4, 6.66 in five starts this season.

-- Sanabia is 1-5, 5.50 in his last six starts. Axelrod has a 5.71 RA in his last three outings.

-- MGonzalez is 0-1, 4.34 in his last three starts. Jenkins allowed two runs in five IP (90 PT) in winning his first '13 start, at Boston.
-- Pelfrey is 1-3, 6.43 in his last six starts.
-- Kluber is 1-3, 6.75 in his last four starts. Doubront is 0-2, 6.14 in his last three starts.
-- Sabathia is 0-1, 3.97 in his last four starts; he allowed 21 hits in his last 12.2 innings pitched.
-- Colon is 1-2, 5.97 in his last five starts. Keuchel is 1-0, 5.40 in three starts this season.
-- Davis is 0-2, 8.22 in his last three starts.
-- Tepesch is 1-3, 5.82 in his last four starts.

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........
-- Garza 0-1; Cueto 0-4
-- Hamels 3-10; Strasburg 4-10
-- Rodriguez 2-9; Gallardo 2-10
-- Garland 4-9; Cain 3-10
-- Marquis 2-9; Corbin 1-9
-- Miller 2-9; Kershaw 0-10
-- Teheran 4-8 (1 of last 5); Marcum 1-5

-- Sanabia 4-9; Axelrod 3-9

-- Gonzalez 2-7; Jenkins 0-1
-- Pelfrey 4-9; Scherzer 3-9
-- Kluber 0-5; Doubront 1-7
-- Sabathia 4-10; Cobb 2-9
-- Colon 2-9; Keuchel 0-3
-- Williams 1-4; Davis 2-9
-- Tepesch 2-8; Iwakuma 3-10

Totals
-- Under is 7-1-2 in last ten Philly road games.
-- Over is 14-3-1 in Atlanta's last eighteen road games.
-- Three of last four Cub games stayed under the total.
-- Six of last seven Pirate games stayed under the total.
-- Six of last seven Arizona games stayed under the total. .
-- Seven of last ten Dodger games stayed under the total.
-- Five of last six Colorado games stayed under the total.

-- Six of last seven Miami games stayed under the total.

-- Over is 7-2-1 in Baltimore's last ten games.
-- Seven of nine Pelfrey starts went over the total.
-- Nine of last twelve Tampa Bay home games went over the total.
-- Over is 6-2-2 in last ten Cleveland games.
-- Six of last nine Oakland games stayed under the total.
-- Six of last nine Kansas City games stayed under the total.
-- Four of last five Seattle games went over the total.

Hot teams
-- Phillies won eight of their last twelve games.
-- Atlanta won its last eight games, scoring 47 runs.
-- Reds won 12 of their last 14 games.
-- Pirates won nine of their last eleven games.
-- Cardinals won 17 of their last 23 games.
-- Rockies won six of their last eight games. San Francisco won six of its last eight home games.

-- White Sox won eight of their last eleven games.

-- Orioles won four of their last five games.
-- Red Sox won three of their last four games.
-- Detroit won four of its last five games.
-- Bronx won nine of its last twelve road games.
-- A's won seven of their last eight games.
-- Angels won their last seven games, scoring 54 runs.
-- Rangers won eight of their last eleven games.

Cold teams
-- Nationals lost five of their last seven games.
-- Mets lost six of their last seven games.
-- Cubs lost eight of their last ten games.
-- Brewers lost eight of their last eleven games.
-- Padres lost three of their last four games. Arizona lost four of its last six games overall.
-- Dodgers lost five of their last eight games.

-- Marlins lost 14 of their last 17 games.

-- Blue Jays lost five of their last eight games.
-- Minnesota lost ten of its last eleven games.
-- Tampa Bay lost four of its last five games.
-- Indians lost four of their last five games.
-- Astros are 0-8 against Oakland this season.
-- Royals lost eight of their last nine games.
-- Mariners lost their last eight games, outscored 60-23.

Umpires
-- Col-SF-- Five of last six Conroy games stayed under total.
-- Chi-Cin-- Underdogs are 8-2 in last ten Davidson games, with five of his last six games going over the total.
-- Pitt-Mil-- Five of last seven Cooper games stayed under total.
-- You're reading ***************.com. Have a nice day.
-- Phil-Wsh-- Seven of last ten Winters games went over total.
-- StL-LA-- Home teams are 29-10 in last 39 Barksdale games.
-- Atl-NY-- Six of last eight Miller games stayed under the total.
-- SD-Az-- Four of last five Dreckman games went over the total.

-- Mia-Chi-- Four of last five Nauert games went over the total.

-- Balt-Tor-- Four of last five Gonzalez games went over the total.
-- Clev-Bos-- Five of last seven Guccione games went over total.
-- LA-KC-- Favorites won five of last six Foster games.
-- Min-Det-- Home team won five of last six Fagan games.
-- NY-TB-- Underdogs won ten of last thirteen Reynolds games.
-- A's-Hst-- Favorites won five of last six Johnson games.
-- Tex-Sea-- Six of last eight Hickox games went over the total.

[StarDust Bum]

MLB

Sunday, May 26

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Trend Report
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1:07 PM
BALTIMORE vs. TORONTO
Baltimore is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Baltimore's last 5 games when playing Toronto
Toronto is 6-3 SU in its last 9 games at home
The total has gone OVER in 14 of Toronto's last 19 games

1:08 PM
MINNESOTA vs. DETROIT
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Minnesota's last 6 games when playing Detroit
Minnesota is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games when playing Detroit
The total has gone OVER in 16 of Detroit's last 24 games at home
Detroit is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games at home

1:10 PM
CHI CUBS vs. CINCINNATI
The total has gone OVER in 6 of Chi Cubs's last 9 games when playing on the road against Cincinnati
Chi Cubs are 1-5 SU in their last 6 games when playing on the road against Cincinnati
Cincinnati is 5-1 SU in their last 6 games when playing at home against Chi Cubs
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Cincinnati's last 5 games when playing Chi Cubs

1:35 PM
CLEVELAND vs. BOSTON
Cleveland is 17-8 SU in its last 25 games
The total has gone OVER in 6 of Cleveland's last 7 games when playing Boston
Boston is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games when playing at home against Cleveland
The total has gone OVER in 6 of Boston's last 8 games when playing at home against Cleveland

1:35 PM
PHILADELPHIA vs. WASHINGTON
The total has gone UNDER in 7 of Philadelphia's last 10 games on the road
Philadelphia is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games when playing on the road against Washington
Washington is 5-2 SU in its last 7 games when playing Philadelphia
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Washington's last 6 games at home

1:40 PM
NY YANKEES vs. TAMPA BAY
NY Yankees are 9-3 SU in their last 12 games on the road
NY Yankees are 5-2 SU in their last 7 games when playing Tampa Bay
Tampa Bay is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games
The total has gone OVER in 19 of Tampa Bay's last 25 games

2:10 PM
PITTSBURGH vs. MILWAUKEE
Pittsburgh is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games when playing Milwaukee
Pittsburgh is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Milwaukee's last 6 games at home
Milwaukee is 7-2 SU in its last 9 games when playing at home against Pittsburgh

2:10 PM
OAKLAND vs. HOUSTON
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Oakland's last 5 games when playing on the road against Houston
The total has gone UNDER in 9 of Oakland's last 13 games
Houston is 2-7 SU in its last 9 games at home
Houston is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games when playing Oakland

2:10 PM
LA ANGELS vs. KANSAS CITY
LA Angels are 5-1 SU in their last 6 games when playing on the road against Kansas City
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of LA Angels's last 5 games when playing on the road against Kansas City
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Kansas City's last 5 games when playing at home against LA Angels
Kansas City is 1-5 SU in their last 6 games when playing at home against LA Angels

2:10 PM
MIAMI vs. CHI WHITE SOX
Miami is 1-4 SU in their last 5 games when playing on the road against Chi White Sox
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Miami's last 7 games
Chi White Sox are 4-1 SU in their last 5 games when playing at home against Miami
Chi White Sox are 5-1 SU in their last 6 games at home

4:05 PM
COLORADO vs. SAN FRANCISCO
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Colorado's last 6 games
Colorado is 6-2 SU in its last 8 games
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of San Francisco's last 6 games
San Francisco is 6-2 SU in its last 8 games at home

4:10 PM
TEXAS vs. SEATTLE
Texas4-0-1 SU in its last 5 games when playing Seattle
Texas7-1-1 SU in its last 9 games on the road
Seattle is 0-4-1 SU in its last 5 games ,when playing Texas
Seattle is 0-4-1 SU in its last 5 games ,

4:10 PM
ST. LOUIS vs. LA DODGERS
St. Louis is 6-3 SU in their last 9 games when playing LA Dodgers
St. Louis is 3-7 SU in their last 10 games when playing on the road against LA Dodgers
The total has gone OVER in 15 of LA Dodgers's last 21 games at home
LA Dodgers are 5-2 SU in their last 7 games at home

4:10 PM
SAN DIEGO vs. ARIZONA
San Diego is 12-5 SU in its last 17 games when playing Arizona
The total has gone OVER in 4 of San Diego's last 6 games when playing Arizona
Arizona is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games
Arizona is 5-12 SU in its last 17 games when playing San Diego

8:05 PM
ATLANTA vs. NY METS
Atlanta is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing on the road against NY Mets
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Atlanta's last 5 games when playing NY Mets
NY Mets are 1-5 SU in its last 6 games when playing Atlanta
The total has gone OVER in 4 of NY Mets's last 5 games when playing Atlanta

[StarDust Bum]

MLB

Sunday, May 26

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Sunday Night Baseball: Braves at Mets
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It's a NL East battle as the New York Mets host the Atlanta Braves on Sunday Night Baseball.

New York Mets at Atlanta Braves (-123, 8)

SHAUN STRUGGLES FOR THE METS

Shaun Marcum has not been what the Mets have hoped for so far. He is 0-5 with a 6.59 ERA in six starts for New York. The righty has allowed two runs or less just once this season, and that came in Miami when he only went an inning and two thirds. It doesn't matter whether he pitches at home (13 ER allowed in three starts) or on the road (8 ER allowed in three starts). Marcum picked up a no-decision against Atlanta back on May 3 after giving up three runs and six hits in just over four innings. The one good positive is that Marcum has had good control walking one batter or less in four of his six starts.

TEHERAN FITTING IN WELL IN ATLANTA

Julio Teheran is 3-1 with a 3.99 ERA for the Braves. He's coming off a win over the Twins on Monday after throwing a career-high 123 pitches. He has walked just two batters over his last five starts. The Braves’ hurler hasn't faced the Mets since 2011 when he saw them twice in a row over an eight-day span. The righty allowed five runs and nine hits in eight total innings pitched against New York. Teheran hasn't been fazed away from home lately, allowing just six total runs in Arizona, San Francisco, and Colorado.

INJURY REPORT

The Mets’ injury list is considerably shorter than the Braves' list and only features injuries to New York's pitching staff. First and foremost, the Mets don't have Johan Santana who is out with a shoulder injury and will not be available this season. Frank Francisco and Scott Atchison are dealing with elbow ailments as well. The Braves’ bullpen is also banged up as they lost Jonny Venters and Eric O'Flaherty to Tommy John surgery with those injuries coming within a week of each other. Jordan Walden, Brandon Beachy, and Luis Ayala are also out.

TRENDS

*Braves are 10-3 in their last 13 Sunday games
*Braves are 7-1 in Teheran's last eight starts
*The under is 11-2 in the Mets’ last 13 Sunday games.
*Mets are 1-4 in Marcum’s last five starts

HITTERS TO WATCH

B.J. Upton 8-for-23 vs. Marcum
Dan Uggla 1-for-10 vs. Marcum

Ruben Tejada 0-for-4 vs. Teheran
Lucas Duda 1-for-4 vs. Teheran

[StarDust Bum]

MLB
Dunkel

Atlanta at NY Mets
The Braves look to build on their 15-3 record in their last 18 games versus the Mets. Atlanta is the pick (-130) according to Dunkel, which has the Braves favored by 2 1/2. Dunkel Pick: Atlanta (-130). Here are all of today's picks.

SUNDAY, MAY 26

Game 951-952: Chicago Cubs at Cincinnati (1:10 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Cubs (Garza) 14.667; Cincinnati (Cueto) 16.627
Dunkel Line: Cincinnati by 2; 7
Vegas Line: Cincinnati (-175); 7 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Cincinnati (-175); Under

Game 953-954: Philadelphia at Washington (1:35 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Philadelphia (Hamels) 15.730; Washington (Strasburg) 14.811
Dunkel Line: Philadelphia by 1; 8
Vegas Line: Washington (-160); 6 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Philadelphia (+140); Over

Game 955-956: Pittsburgh at Milwaukee (2:10 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Pittsburgh (Rodriguez) 15.224; Milwaukee (Gallardo) 13.769
Dunkel Line: Pittsburgh by 1 1/2; 9
Vegas Line: Milwaukee (-130); 8
Dunkel Pick: Pittsburgh (+110); Over

Game 957-958: Colorado at San Francisco (4:05 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Colorado (Garland) 14.389; San Francisco (Cain) 15.762
Dunkel Line: San Francisco by 1 1/2; 7
Vegas Line: San Francisco (-170); 7 1/2
Dunkel Pick: San Francisco (-170); Under

Game 959-960: San Diego at Arizona (4:10 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: San Diego (Marquis) 15.736; Arizona (Corbin) 14.790
Dunkel Line: San Diego by 1; 9
Vegas Line: Arizona (-185); 8 1/2
Dunkel Pick: San Diego (+165); Over

Game 961-962: St. Louis at LA Dodgers (4:10 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: St. Louis (Miller) 14.973; LA Dodgers (Kershaw) 16.561
Dunkel Line: LA Dodgers by 1 1/2; 5
Vegas Line: LA Dodgers (-150); 6 1/2
Dunkel Pick: LA Dodgers (-150); Under

Game 963-964: Atlanta at NY Mets (8:05 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Atlanta (Teheran) 16.397; NY Mets (Marcum) 13.652
Dunkel Line: Atlanta by 2 1/2; 7
Vegas Line: Atlanta (-130); 8
Dunkel Pick: Atlanta (-130); Under

Game 965-966: Baltimore at Toronto (1:07 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Baltimore (Gonzalez) 15.063; Toronto (Jenkins) 15.354
Dunkel Line: Toronto by 1/2; 11
Vegas Line: Baltimore (-120); 10
Dunkel Pick: Toronto (+100); Over

Game 967-968: Minnesota at Detroit (1:08 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Minnesota (Pelfrey) 14.853; Detroit (Scherzer) 14.276
Dunkel Line: Minnesota by 1/2; 10
Vegas Line: Detroit (-250); 9
Dunkel Pick: Minnesota (+210); Over

Game 969-970: Cleveland at Boston (1:35 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Cleveland (Kluber) 15.148; Boston (Doubront) 16.524
Dunkel Line: Boston by 1 1/2; 9
Vegas Line: Boston (-130); 10
Dunkel Pick: Boston (-130); Under

Game 971-972: NY Yankees at Tampa Bay (1:40 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: NY Yankees (Sabathia) 16.466; Tampa Bay (Cobb) 15.186
Dunkel Line: NY Yankees by 1 1/2; 8
Vegas Line: Tampa Bay (-130); 7 1/2
Dunkel Pick: NY Yankees (+110); Over

Game 973-974: Oakland at Houston (4:10 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Oakland (Colon) 14.218; Houston (Keuchel) 14.583
Dunkel Line: Houston by 1/2; 8
Vegas Line: Oakland (-175); 9
Dunkel Pick: Houston (+155); Under

Game 975-976: LA Angels at Kansas City (2:10 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: LA Angels (Williams) 14.697; Kansas City (Davis) 14.850
Dunkel Line: Kansas City by 1/2; 8
Vegas Line: LA Angels (-120); 9 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Kansas City (+100); Under

Game 977-978: Texas at Seattle (4:10 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Texas (Tepesch) 15.997; Seattle (Iwakuma) 13.793
Dunkel Line: Texas by 2; 8
Vegas Line: Seattle (-120); 7
Dunkel Pick: Texas (+100); Over

Game 979-980: Miami at Chicago White Sox (2:10 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Miami (Sanabia) 13.503; White Sox (Axelrod) 14.965
Dunkel Line: Chicago White Sox by 1 1/2; 7
Vegas Line: Chicago White Sox (-200); 8
Dunkel Pick: Chicago White Sox (-200); Under

[StarDust Bum]

MLB
Long Sheet

Sunday, May 26

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CHICAGO CUBS (18 - 30) at CINCINNATI (31 - 18) - 1:10 PM
MATT GARZA (R) vs. JOHNNY CUETO (R)
Top Trends for this game.
CHICAGO CUBS are 19-52 (-24.6 Units) against the money line in road games after a loss over the last 2 seasons.
CHICAGO CUBS are 6-29 (-19.9 Units) against the money line in road games after 3 or more consecutive losses over the last 2 seasons.
CHICAGO CUBS are 79-131 (-36.3 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
CHICAGO CUBS are 31-74 (-29.7 Units) against the money line in road games over the last 2 seasons.
CHICAGO CUBS are 5-16 (-10.0 Units) against the money line against division opponents this season.
CHICAGO CUBS are 16-46 (-24.3 Units) against the money line in road games in day games over the last 3 seasons.
CHICAGO CUBS are 79-131 (-36.3 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
CHICAGO CUBS are 57-95 (-26.2 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters over the last 2 seasons.
GARZA is 35-54 (-23.1 Units) against the money line in road games since 1997. (Team's Record)
GARZA is 2-12 (-11.9 Units) against the money line in road games in May games since 1997. (Team's Record)
GARZA is 1-10 (-9.3 Units) against the money line in road games against division opponents over the last 3 seasons. (Team's Record)
GARZA is 32-50 (-22.0 Units) against the money line in road games in games played on a grass field since 1997. (Team's Record)
GARZA is 14-30 (-19.4 Units) against the money line in road games after a loss since 1997. (Team's Record)
CINCINNATI is 78-43 (+18.7 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 2 seasons.
CINCINNATI is 130-86 (+24.6 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
CINCINNATI is 16-5 (+10.3 Units) against the money line in May games this season.
CINCINNATI is 53-29 (+17.3 Units) against the money line in day games over the last 2 seasons.
CINCINNATI is 130-86 (+24.6 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
CUETO is 16-3 (+10.6 Units) against the money line in day games over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
CUETO is 41-20 (+15.8 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 3 seasons. (Team's Record)
CINCINNATI is 319-340 (-77.5 Units) against the money line in home games after a win since 1997.

Head-to-Head Series History
CINCINNATI is 7-1 (+5.3 Units) against CHICAGO CUBS this season
5 of 8 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+1.8 Units)

MATT GARZA vs. CINCINNATI since 1997
GARZA is 1-2 when starting against CINCINNATI with an ERA of 3.80 and a WHIP of 1.479.
His team's record is 1-3 (-2.2 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 0-3. (-3.1 units)

JOHNNY CUETO vs. CHICAGO CUBS since 1997
CUETO is 8-6 when starting against CHICAGO CUBS with an ERA of 3.01 and a WHIP of 1.211.
His team's record is 10-8 (+2.4 units) in these starts. The OVER is 7-10. (-3.6 units)

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PHILADELPHIA (24 - 25) at WASHINGTON (25 - 24) - 1:35 PM
COLE HAMELS (L) vs. STEPHEN STRASBURG (R)
Top Trends for this game.
PHILADELPHIA is 105-106 (-22.4 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
PHILADELPHIA is 32-42 (-23.1 Units) against the money line when the total is 7 or less over the last 2 seasons.
PHILADELPHIA is 29-36 (-14.3 Units) against the money line in day games over the last 2 seasons.
PHILADELPHIA is 105-103 (-19.4 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
PHILADELPHIA is 52-63 (-20.2 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.
HAMELS is 1-9 (-11.8 Units) against the money line in all games this season. (Team's Record)
HAMELS is 52-49 (-23.3 Units) against the money line against division opponents since 1997. (Team's Record)
HAMELS is 1-9 (-11.8 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season. (Team's Record)
HAMELS is 1-6 (-8.7 Units) against the money line after a win this season. (Team's Record)
WASHINGTON is 125-91 (+18.2 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
WASHINGTON is 33-15 (+14.3 Units) against the money line in home games against left-handed starters over the last 3 seasons.
WASHINGTON is 12-21 (-12.3 Units) against the money line when playing on Sunday over the last 2 seasons.
STRASBURG is 5-10 (-14.5 Units) against the money line in home games when playing against a team with a losing record since 1997. (Team's Record)

Head-to-Head Series History
PHILADELPHIA is 1-1 (+0.5 Units) against WASHINGTON this season
2 of 2 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+2.0 Units)

COLE HAMELS vs. WASHINGTON since 1997
HAMELS is 13-5 when starting against WASHINGTON with an ERA of 2.57 and a WHIP of 1.093.
His team's record is 18-6 (+6.6 units) in these starts. The OVER is 9-15. (-6.9 units)

STEPHEN STRASBURG vs. PHILADELPHIA since 1997
STRASBURG is 0-1 when starting against PHILADELPHIA with an ERA of 6.28 and a WHIP of 1.047.
His team's record is 2-1 (+0.7 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 0-3. (-3.3 units)

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PITTSBURGH (30 - 19) at MILWAUKEE (19 - 28) - 2:10 PM
WANDY RODRIGUEZ (L) vs. YOVANI GALLARDO (R)
Top Trends for this game.
PITTSBURGH is 121-185 (-47.1 Units) against the money line as a road underdog of +100 to +125 since 1997.
MILWAUKEE is 123-72 (+30.7 Units) against the money line in home games over the last 3 seasons.
PITTSBURGH is 17-7 (+10.6 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record this season.
PITTSBURGH is 30-19 (+13.8 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
PITTSBURGH is 30-20 (+11.0 Units) against the money line in May games over the last 2 seasons.
PITTSBURGH is 15-8 (+8.1 Units) against the money line against division opponents this season.
PITTSBURGH is 7-2 (+8.0 Units) against the money line in road games in day games this season.
PITTSBURGH is 30-19 (+13.8 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
PITTSBURGH is 25-13 (+15.4 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.
MILWAUKEE is 10-20 (-10.5 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record this season.
MILWAUKEE is 102-107 (-20.5 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
MILWAUKEE is 5-17 (-12.5 Units) against the money line in May games this season.
MILWAUKEE is 30-46 (-23.6 Units) against the money line in day games over the last 2 seasons.
MILWAUKEE is 102-107 (-20.5 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
MILWAUKEE is 4-16 (-13.5 Units) against the money line against left-handed starters this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
PITTSBURGH is 5-4 (+1.1 Units) against MILWAUKEE this season
5 of 8 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+1.6 Units)

WANDY RODRIGUEZ vs. MILWAUKEE since 1997
RODRIGUEZ is 9-10 when starting against MILWAUKEE with an ERA of 4.04 and a WHIP of 1.426.
His team's record is 10-15 (-3.2 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 13-12. (-0.0 units)

YOVANI GALLARDO vs. PITTSBURGH since 1997
GALLARDO is 10-2 when starting against PITTSBURGH with an ERA of 2.31 and a WHIP of 1.161.
His team's record is 14-2 (+11.4 units) in these starts. The OVER is 5-11. (-7.2 units)

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COLORADO (27 - 22) at SAN FRANCISCO (27 - 22) - 4:05 PM
JON GARLAND (R) vs. MATT CAIN (R)
Top Trends for this game.
COLORADO is 29-50 (-26.7 Units) against the money line in May games over the last 3 seasons.
COLORADO is 9-25 (-16.1 Units) against the money line when playing on Sunday over the last 2 seasons.
COLORADO is 24-47 (-22.5 Units) against the money line in day games over the last 2 seasons.
SAN FRANCISCO is 132-95 (+27.7 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
SAN FRANCISCO is 188-93 (+39.1 Units) against the money line as a home favorite of -150 to -175 since 1997.
SAN FRANCISCO is 62-37 (+20.5 Units) against the money line against division opponents over the last 2 seasons.
SAN FRANCISCO is 132-93 (+29.9 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
SAN FRANCISCO is 76-53 (+16.7 Units) against the money line after a win over the last 2 seasons.
SAN FRANCISCO is 56-43 (+14.0 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.
COLORADO is 19-11 (+9.0 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
SAN FRANCISCO is 5-4 (+0.4 Units) against COLORADO this season
6 of 9 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+3.0 Units)

JON GARLAND vs. SAN FRANCISCO since 1997
GARLAND is 3-1 when starting against SAN FRANCISCO with an ERA of 3.41 and a WHIP of 1.282.
His team's record is 4-1 (+3.0 units) in these starts. The OVER is 2-2. (-0.1 units)

MATT CAIN vs. COLORADO since 1997
CAIN is 16-7 when starting against COLORADO with an ERA of 3.29 and a WHIP of 1.199.
His team's record is 19-10 (+7.6 units) in these starts. The OVER is 11-18. (-8.4 units)

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SAN DIEGO (22 - 26) at ARIZONA (27 - 22) - 4:10 PM
JASON MARQUIS (R) vs. PAT CORBIN (L)
Top Trends for this game.
ARIZONA is 138-110 (+24.9 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters over the last 3 seasons.
CORBIN is 9-0 (+9.7 Units) against the money line in all games this season. (Team's Record)
CORBIN is 9-0 (+9.7 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season. (Team's Record)
SAN DIEGO is 67-57 (+23.4 Units) against the money line in day games over the last 3 seasons.
SAN DIEGO is 98-109 (+8.2 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
SAN DIEGO is 51-45 (+15.1 Units) against the money line after a win over the last 2 seasons.
MARQUIS is 31-23 (+17.2 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
MARQUIS is 36-17 (+19.6 Units) against the money line when playing on Sunday since 1997. (Team's Record)
MARQUIS is 76-50 (+19.2 Units) against the money line in day games since 1997. (Team's Record)
MARQUIS is 31-23 (+17.2 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
MARQUIS is 12-7 (+9.1 Units) against the money line after a win over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
ARIZONA is 22-32 (-14.1 Units) against the money line when the total is 8 to 8.5 over the last 2 seasons.
ARIZONA is 54-52 (-14.9 Units) against the money line in home games over the last 2 seasons.
ARIZONA is 9-20 (-15.3 Units) against the money line at home when the total is 8 to 8.5 over the last 2 seasons.
ARIZONA is 54-52 (-14.9 Units) against the money line in home games in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
ARIZONA is 43-63 (-37.6 Units) against the money line in home games after allowing 10 runs or more since 1997.
ARIZONA is 23-29 (-15.3 Units) against the money line in home games after a loss over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
SAN DIEGO is 3-2 (+1.3 Units) against ARIZONA this season
3 of 5 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+1.1 Units)

JASON MARQUIS vs. ARIZONA since 1997
MARQUIS is 3-7 when starting against ARIZONA with an ERA of 4.34 and a WHIP of 1.371.
His team's record is 6-9 (-3.1 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 5-9. (-5.3 units)

PAT CORBIN vs. SAN DIEGO since 1997
CORBIN is 1-2 when starting against SAN DIEGO with an ERA of 4.41 and a WHIP of 1.592.
His team's record is 1-2 (-1.9 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 1-2. (-1.3 units)

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ST LOUIS (31 - 17) at LA DODGERS (20 - 27) - 4:10 PM
SHELBY MILLER (R) vs. CLAYTON KERSHAW (L)
Top Trends for this game.
KERSHAW is 45-18 (+16.4 Units) against the money line when the total is 7 or less over the last 3 seasons. (Team's Record)
KERSHAW is 17-4 (+11.6 Units) against the money line in day games over the last 3 seasons. (Team's Record)
ST LOUIS is 13-3 (+9.2 Units) against the money line after a loss this season.
LA DODGERS are 20-27 (-13.8 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
LA DODGERS are 7-14 (-9.4 Units) against the money line in May games this season.
LA DODGERS are 20-27 (-13.8 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
LA DODGERS are 13-18 (-9.2 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.
LA DODGERS are 10-18 (-10.5 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
LA DODGERS is 1-1 (+0.1 Units) against ST LOUIS this season
1 of 2 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+0.0 Units)

SHELBY MILLER vs. LA DODGERS since 1997
No recent starts.

CLAYTON KERSHAW vs. ST LOUIS since 1997
KERSHAW is 4-3 when starting against ST LOUIS with an ERA of 3.57 and a WHIP of 1.323.
His team's record is 6-5 (+0.3 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 5-5. (-0.5 units)

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ATLANTA (30 - 18) at NY METS (17 - 29) - 8:05 PM
JULIO TEHERAN (R) vs. SHAUN MARCUM (R)
Top Trends for this game.
ATLANTA is 124-87 (+24.8 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
ATLANTA is 61-48 (+15.1 Units) against the money line in road games over the last 2 seasons.
ATLANTA is 8-0 (+9.1 Units) against the money line in road games against division opponents this season.
ATLANTA is 122-86 (+23.3 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
ATLANTA is 83-51 (+24.7 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters over the last 2 seasons.
ATLANTA is 20-8 (+11.6 Units) against the money line after a win this season.
ATLANTA is 12-1 (+11.4 Units) against the money line after 3 or more consecutive wins this season.
NY METS are 47-67 (-23.1 Units) against the money line after a loss over the last 2 seasons.
NY METS are 7-15 (-10.7 Units) against the money line in home games after 3 or more consecutive losses over the last 2 seasons.
NY METS are 39-67 (-22.7 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.
NY METS are 17-29 (-12.8 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
NY METS are 9-17 (-10.8 Units) against the money line in home games this season.
NY METS are 2-9 (-8.5 Units) against the money line in home games in May games this season.
NY METS are 271-284 (-82.1 Units) against the money line in home games against division opponents since 1997.
NY METS are 17-29 (-12.8 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
NY METS are 48-77 (-28.8 Units) against the money line in night games over the last 2 seasons.
MARCUM is 11-19 (-14.0 Units) against the money line in home games over the last 3 seasons. (Team's Record)
MARCUM is 11-19 (-14.0 Units) against the money line in home games in games played on a grass field over the last 3 seasons. (Team's Record)
MARCUM is 6-15 (-13.6 Units) against the money line in home games in night games over the last 3 seasons. (Team's Record)
MARCUM is 3-11 (-9.5 Units) against the money line in home games when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 3 seasons. (Team's Record)

Head-to-Head Series History
ATLANTA is 3-1 (+1.1 Units) against NY METS this season
3 of 4 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+2.0 Units)

JULIO TEHERAN vs. NY METS since 1997
TEHERAN is 1-0 when starting against NY METS with an ERA of 1.69 and a WHIP of 1.313.
His team's record is 1-0 (+1.0 units) in these starts. The OVER is 0-1. (-1.0 units)

SHAUN MARCUM vs. ATLANTA since 1997
MARCUM is 1-1 when starting against ATLANTA with an ERA of 2.96 and a WHIP of 1.110.
His team's record is 2-2 (+0.8 units) in these starts. The OVER is 1-3. (-2.1 units)

[StarDust Bum]

BALTIMORE (27 - 22) at TORONTO (20 - 29) - 1:05 PM
MIGUEL GONZALEZ (R) vs. CHAD JENKINS (R)
Top Trends for this game.
BALTIMORE is 169-252 (-81.0 Units) against the money line when playing on Sunday since 1997.
BALTIMORE is 123-94 (+43.2 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
BALTIMORE is 16-10 (+8.3 Units) against the money line in road games this season.
BALTIMORE is 16-8 (+11.2 Units) against the money line in road games in May games over the last 2 seasons.
BALTIMORE is 58-43 (+25.2 Units) against the money line against division opponents over the last 2 seasons.
BALTIMORE is 8-2 (+7.8 Units) against the money line in road games in day games this season.
BALTIMORE is 88-67 (+32.2 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters over the last 2 seasons.
BALTIMORE is 66-56 (+15.6 Units) against the money line after a win over the last 2 seasons.
BALTIMORE is 46-30 (+14.5 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 2 seasons.
GONZALEZ is 15-8 (+11.2 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
GONZALEZ is 12-4 (+11.2 Units) against the money line against division opponents over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
TORONTO is 20-29 (-10.4 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
TORONTO is 153-174 (-53.6 Units) against the money line at home when the total is 10 to 10.5 since 1997.

Head-to-Head Series History
BALTIMORE is 4-2 (+2.5 Units) against TORONTO this season
4 of 6 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+2.0 Units)

MIGUEL GONZALEZ vs. TORONTO since 1997
GONZALEZ is 2-1 when starting against TORONTO with an ERA of 4.66 and a WHIP of 1.086.
His team's record is 2-1 (+1.1 units) in these starts. The OVER is 2-1. (+1.0 units)

CHAD JENKINS vs. BALTIMORE since 1997
No recent starts.

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MINNESOTA (19 - 27) at DETROIT (27 - 20) - 1:05 PM
MIKE PELFREY (R) vs. MAX SCHERZER (R)
Top Trends for this game.
MINNESOTA is 102-165 (-37.9 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters over the last 3 seasons.
PELFREY is 27-50 (-27.6 Units) against the money line against division opponents since 1997. (Team's Record)
PELFREY is 30-50 (-24.0 Units) against the money line after a win since 1997. (Team's Record)
DETROIT is 122-100 (-16.5 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
DETROIT is 25-26 (-15.6 Units) against the money line in May games over the last 2 seasons.
DETROIT is 9-13 (-13.2 Units) against the money line in day games this season.
DETROIT is 118-97 (-17.0 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
MINNESOTA is 4-5 (+1.9 Units) against DETROIT this season
7 of 9 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+4.6 Units)

MIKE PELFREY vs. DETROIT since 1997
PELFREY is 1-2 when starting against DETROIT with an ERA of 4.70 and a WHIP of 1.892.
His team's record is 1-2 (-0.7 units) in these starts. The OVER is 1-2. (-1.3 units)

MAX SCHERZER vs. MINNESOTA since 1997
SCHERZER is 4-2 when starting against MINNESOTA with an ERA of 5.20 and a WHIP of 1.203.
His team's record is 7-3 (+3.0 units) in these starts. The OVER is 6-4. (+1.6 units)

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CLEVELAND (27 - 21) at BOSTON (30 - 20) - 1:35 PM
COREY KLUBER (R) vs. FELIX DOUBRONT (L)
Top Trends for this game.
CLEVELAND is 27-21 (+10.0 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
CLEVELAND is 16-8 (+9.8 Units) against the money line in May games this season.
CLEVELAND is 24-18 (+8.0 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
BOSTON is 99-113 (-33.6 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
BOSTON is 49-58 (-29.0 Units) against the money line in home games over the last 2 seasons.
BOSTON is 16-21 (-15.8 Units) against the money line at home when the total is 10 to 10.5 over the last 3 seasons.
BOSTON is 83-102 (-40.9 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
BOSTON is 61-79 (-32.1 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters over the last 2 seasons.
BOSTON is 448-333 (-56.2 Units) against the money line in home games after a win since 1997.
BOSTON is 48-69 (-26.1 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
BOSTON is 5-1 (+3.7 Units) against CLEVELAND this season
5 of 5 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+5.1 Units)

COREY KLUBER vs. BOSTON since 1997
KLUBER is 0-1 when starting against BOSTON with an ERA of 16.22 and a WHIP of 2.102.
His team's record is 0-1 (-1.0 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 0-1. (-1.2 units)

FELIX DOUBRONT vs. CLEVELAND since 1997
DOUBRONT is 2-1 when starting against CLEVELAND with an ERA of 4.11 and a WHIP of 1.435.
His team's record is 2-1 (+0.6 units) in these starts. The OVER is 1-2. (-1.1 units)

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NY YANKEES (30 - 18) at TAMPA BAY (24 - 24) - 1:40 PM
C.C. SABATHIA (L) vs. ALEX COBB (R)
Top Trends for this game.
TAMPA BAY is 39-19 (+15.9 Units) against the money line when playing on Sunday over the last 3 seasons.
TAMPA BAY is 487-578 (+17.8 Units) against the money line against division opponents since 1997.
NY YANKEES are 30-18 (+11.7 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
NY YANKEES are 15-9 (+9.2 Units) against the money line in road games this season.
NY YANKEES are 24-11 (+13.3 Units) against the money line in road games in day games over the last 2 seasons.
SABATHIA is 64-33 (+23.1 Units) against the money line in road games after a win since 1997. (Team's Record)

Head-to-Head Series History
NY YANKEES is 3-2 (+2.4 Units) against TAMPA BAY this season
3 of 4 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+1.8 Units)

C.C. SABATHIA vs. TAMPA BAY since 1997
SABATHIA is 10-10 when starting against TAMPA BAY with an ERA of 3.30 and a WHIP of 1.188.
His team's record is 14-16 (-8.0 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 15-14. (-0.6 units)

ALEX COBB vs. NY YANKEES since 1997
COBB is 2-1 when starting against NY YANKEES with an ERA of 2.22 and a WHIP of 0.777.
His team's record is 2-2 (+0.0 units) in these starts. The OVER is 1-3. (-2.2 units)

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

OAKLAND (27 - 23) at HOUSTON (14 - 35) - 2:10 PM
BARTOLO COLON (R) vs. DALLAS KEUCHEL (L)
Top Trends for this game.
OAKLAND is 76-46 (+36.0 Units) against the money line after a win over the last 2 seasons.
OAKLAND is 54-30 (+25.1 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 2 seasons.
OAKLAND is 123-94 (+40.7 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
OAKLAND is 58-52 (+18.9 Units) against the money line in road games over the last 2 seasons.
OAKLAND is 19-8 (+12.0 Units) against the money line against division opponents this season.
OAKLAND is 117-88 (+38.5 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
HOUSTON is 44-95 (-29.8 Units) against the money line after a loss over the last 2 seasons.
HOUSTON is 3-24 (-16.9 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record this season.
HOUSTON is 69-141 (-42.4 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
HOUSTON is 15-45 (-23.1 Units) against the money line when playing on Sunday over the last 3 seasons.
HOUSTON is 30-78 (-36.9 Units) against the money line in day games over the last 3 seasons.
HOUSTON is 69-141 (-42.4 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
HOUSTON is 50-105 (-33.0 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
OAKLAND is 8-0 (+8.0 Units) against HOUSTON this season
7 of 8 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+6.1 Units)

BARTOLO COLON vs. HOUSTON since 1997
COLON is 5-2 when starting against HOUSTON with an ERA of 3.42 and a WHIP of 1.120.
His team's record is 5-3 (+0.4 units) in these starts. The OVER is 5-3. (+1.4 units)

DALLAS KEUCHEL vs. OAKLAND since 1997
No recent starts.

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

LA ANGELS (22 - 27) at KANSAS CITY (21 - 25) - 2:10 PM
JEROME WILLIAMS (R) vs. WADE DAVIS (R)
Top Trends for this game.
LA ANGELS are 22-27 (-10.8 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
LA ANGELS are 22-27 (-10.8 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
DAVIS is 17-5 (+11.0 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 3 seasons. (Team's Record)
LA ANGELS are 675-664 (+58.4 Units) against the money line in road games since 1997.
LA ANGELS are 403-331 (+54.3 Units) against the money line in day games since 1997.
KANSAS CITY is 248-362 (-102.5 Units) against the money line at home when the total is 9 to 9.5 since 1997.
KANSAS CITY is 7-15 (-11.2 Units) against the money line in May games this season.
KANSAS CITY is 9-19 (-12.0 Units) against the money line in home games in day games over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
LA ANGELS is 4-2 (+1.8 Units) against KANSAS CITY this season
3 of 6 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=-0.2 Units, Under=-0.6 Units)

JEROME WILLIAMS vs. KANSAS CITY since 1997
WILLIAMS is 0-0 when starting against KANSAS CITY with an ERA of 3.00 and a WHIP of 1.667.
His team's record is 0-1 (-1.5 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 1-0. (+1.0 units)

WADE DAVIS vs. LA ANGELS since 1997
DAVIS is 2-0 when starting against LA ANGELS with an ERA of 4.32 and a WHIP of 1.741.
His team's record is 2-1 (+0.5 units) in these starts. The OVER is 2-1. (+1.0 units)

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TEXAS (32 - 17) at SEATTLE (20 - 29) - 4:10 PM
NICK TEPESCH (R) vs. HISASHI IWAKUMA (R)
Top Trends for this game.
TEXAS is 66-58 (-16.0 Units) against the money line after a win over the last 2 seasons.
SEATTLE is 20-4 (+15.8 Units) against the money line at home with a money line of -100 to -125 over the last 2 seasons.
IWAKUMA is 17-9 (+12.8 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
IWAKUMA is 9-2 (+9.3 Units) against the money line when the total is 7 or less over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
IWAKUMA is 11-3 (+10.2 Units) against the money line in home games over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
IWAKUMA is 8-1 (+9.1 Units) against the money line at home when the total is 7 or less over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
IWAKUMA is 16-8 (+12.5 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
IWAKUMA is 9-4 (+9.2 Units) against the money line after a loss over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)

Head-to-Head Series History
TEXAS is 7-2 (+4.8 Units) against SEATTLE this season
5 of 8 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+1.2 Units)

NICK TEPESCH vs. SEATTLE since 1997
TEPESCH is 0-1 when starting against SEATTLE with an ERA of 4.90 and a WHIP of 1.499.
His team's record is 1-1 (-0.3 units) in these starts. The OVER is 0-2. (-2.0 units)

HISASHI IWAKUMA vs. TEXAS since 1997
IWAKUMA is 2-2 when starting against TEXAS with an ERA of 3.75 and a WHIP of 1.250.
His team's record is 2-2 (+0.5 units) in these starts. The OVER is 2-2. (-0.1 units)

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MIAMI (13 - 36) at CHI WHITE SOX (23 - 24) - 2:10 PM
ALEX SANABIA (R) vs. DYLAN AXELROD (R)
Top Trends for this game.
MIAMI is 47-79 (-27.2 Units) against the money line after a loss over the last 2 seasons.
MIAMI is 13-36 (-16.8 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
MIAMI is 25-44 (-19.3 Units) against the money line in day games over the last 2 seasons.
MIAMI is 13-36 (-16.8 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
MIAMI is 54-86 (-28.7 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters over the last 2 seasons.
CHI WHITE SOX are 31-20 (+13.3 Units) against the money line in May games over the last 2 seasons.
CHI WHITE SOX are 170-124 (+40.4 Units) against the money line in an inter-league game since 1997.
CHI WHITE SOX are 43-50 (-25.4 Units) against the money line in home games when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 3 seasons.
CHI WHITE SOX are 39-51 (-17.9 Units) against the money line when the total is 8 to 8.5 over the last 2 seasons.
CHI WHITE SOX are 0-8 (-9.8 Units) against the money line at home when the total is 8 to 8.5 this season.

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

ALEX SANABIA vs. CHI WHITE SOX since 1997
No recent starts.

DYLAN AXELROD vs. MIAMI since 1997
No recent starts.

[StarDust Bum]

SERIES AT A GLANCE
GAME 1
Twins at Tigers
Thu, May 23 Final 6 to 7
Boxscores • Recaps
GAME 2
Twins at Tigers
Fri, May 24 Final 0 to 6
Boxscores • Recaps
GAME 3
Twins at Tigers
Sat, May 25 Final 3 to 2
Boxscores • Recaps
GAME 4
Twins at Tigers
Sun, May 26 - 1:08PM EDT

[StarDust Bum]

Preview: Orioles (27-22) at Blue Jays (20-29)

Game: 4
Venue: Rogers Centre
Date: May 26, 2013 1:07 PM EDT


The Baltimore Orioles continue to showcase their potent offense against the Toronto Blue Jays. Hoping to slow them down and salvage a series split for Toronto - which has also swung the bats well - will be a pitcher who hasn't thrown in two weeks.

Baltimore looks to tee off on little-used Chad Jenkins as its four-game set in Toronto ends Sunday.

After a season-worst six-game losing streak, the Orioles (27-22) picked up their fourth victory in five games Saturday with a 6-5 win. A day earlier, they matched a season high for runs and posted 16 hits in a 10-6 victory.

Baltimore is averaging 5.6 runs and 11.3 hits over its last 14 games, and has received contributions up and down the lineup in the first three games against the Blue Jays.

Seven players have recorded at least three hits, as Manny Machado leads the way with six despite an 0-for-5 performance Saturday while Nick Markakis ran his hitting streak to 10 games. Five have combined for nine home runs, including Adam Jones homering for the third time in three games Saturday and Danny Valencia for the second straight contest.

Jones has an OPS of 1.437 and eight home runs in 12 games at Rogers Centre since the start of 2012.

"I just see the ball good here," Jones said. "I don't think it's anything in particular. It's just baseball. Crazy things happen."

The Blue Jays (20-29) haven't slouched offensively during the series, either, recording six homers among their 41 hits while totaling 23 runs. It's the starting pitching that has let them down, allowing 18 runs across 15 innings. R.A Dickey was tagged for six runs and nine hits in 6 2-3 frames Saturday.

Hoping to pick up Toronto's staff will be the 25-year-old Jenkins (1-0, 3.60 ERA) in his second game of the season and first since a 12-4 win at Boston on May 12. Toronto backed him with 10 runs of support as he limited the Red Sox to two runs over five innings in his fourth big-league start.

After missing most of spring training and the beginning of the season due to shoulder inflammation, Jenkins has used the time between starts to get closer to full strength. The right-hander said he isn't worried about command issues due to the layoff. He'll likely be limited to 80-90 pitches, according to the team's official website.

"My sinker, I just try to throw it around the dish and let it do the work," said Jenkins, who gave up four runs and six hits over 3 1-3 innings of relief in Baltimore on Aug. 25, 2012. Machado was 2 for 2 against him.

Baltimore counters with Miguel Gonzalez (2-2, 4.25), who improved to 2-1 versus Toronto as he allowed three runs across six innings in a 4-3 victory April 23.

Like Jenkins, Gonzalez's last start came after a layoff. He threw seven innings while being charged with two runs in a 3-2, 10-inning win over the Yankees on Tuesday, his first start in 18 days after a stint on the disabled list due to a thumb blister.

Adam Lind, 8 for 14 while slugging .929 in the series' first three games, is 4 for 8 off Gonzalez.

Baltimore had lost 29 of its previous 37 games at Toronto before wins in the last two games.

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

SERIES AT A GLANCE

GAME 1
Orioles at Blue Jays
Thu, May 23 Final 6 to 12
Boxscores • Recaps

GAME 2
Orioles at Blue Jays
Fri, May 24 Final 10 to 6
Boxscores • Recaps

GAME 3
Orioles at Blue Jays
Sat, May 25 Final 6 to 5
Boxscores • Recaps

GAME 4
Orioles at Blue Jays
Sun, May 26 - 1:07PM EDT

[StarDust Bum]

Preview: Cubs (18-30) at Reds (31-18)

Game: 3
Venue: Great American Ball Park
Date: May 26, 2013 1:10 PM EDT


Off to their best start in 18 years, the Cincinnati Reds aren't showing any signs of slowing down against a Chicago Cubs team they've dominated in recent years.

The Reds look to match their longest win streak of the season and beat their NL Central rivals for the 17th time in 19 games Sunday at Great American Ball Park.

Behind a four-run sixth and Homer Bailey's six solid innings, Cincinnati (31-18) won its fifth straight with a 5-2 victory over sinking Chicago (18-30) on Saturday.

The Reds have won 12 of 14 for their best start since winning the Central in 1995.

"This team has some big boys, veterans out on the field, and their pitching is some of the best in baseball,' Cubs manager Dale Sveum said of the Reds. "It's tough to score on them. We're in all the games, but you can't add on or score on their bullpen.'

With Johnny Cueto (2-0, 3.22 ERA) taking the ball in the series finale, Cincinnati appears to have a good chance to win its seventh in a row versus Chicago.

The right-hander, who had missed a little over a month because of a strained muscle in his upper back, overcame a season-high four walks and allowed three runs over five innings to beat the New York Mets 4-3 on Monday.

He fanned eight, including six of the last seven batters he faced.

"I told myself I have to start pitching the way I am," said Cueto of his strong finish. "Then after that, I said, `That is me.''

Cueto has had his own run of success against the Cubs, winning four straight starts and going 6-1 with a 1.75 ERA over his last 10 outings.

This time, he faces a Chicago team that has managed just 15 runs and a .200 batting average with runners in scoring position during its season-worst six-game losing streak.

Anthony Rizzo ended an 0-for-22 stretch by going 3 for 3 with two doubles Saturday, but he's 1 for 9 lifetime against Cueto.

Starlin Castro, who is 4 for 30 over his last seven contests, has also struggled with six hits in 27 at_bats in this matchup.

Chicago counters with right-hander Matt Garza (0-0, 0.00), who pitched well in his season debut following a 10-month layoff.

After being sidelined since July 21 because of a stress reaction in his right elbow and, later, a strained upper back, Garza struck out five and allowed one hit over five shutout innings before Pittsburgh rallied late for a 5-4 win Tuesday.

"He was really good,' Sveum said. "He had a really good slider. His command, for it being his first time back, was outstanding. Even when he missed, he didn't miss by much. His velocity was good, too, consistently at 93-94."

Garza is 1-2 with a 3.80 ERA in four career starts against the Reds, though he hasn't faced them since 2011. He's allowed four earned runs over 10 innings in two Chicago losses at Great American Ball Park.

Shin-Soo Choo may have a tough time breaking out of his 1-for-19 funk since he's 1 for 8 with four strikeouts all-time against Garza.

Ryan Hanigan went 2 for 4 with an RBI double Saturday, raising his average to .381 with two doubles and nine RBIs in his last six games against the Cubs.




SERIES AT A GLANCE

GAME 1
Cubs at Reds
Fri, May 24 Final 4 to 7
Boxscores • Recaps

GAME 2
Cubs at Reds
Sat, May 25 Final 2 to 5
Boxscores • Recaps

GAME 3
Cubs at Reds
Sun, May 26 - 1:10PM EDT

[StarDust Bum]

Preview: Indians (27-21) at Red Sox (30-20)

Game: 4
Venue: Fenway Park
Date: May 26, 2013 1:35 PM EDT


With the Boston Red Sox lineup suddenly having injury problems, Dustin Pedroia is doing his part to keep the offense going strong.

The red-hot former MVP has been particularly impressive at Fenway Park and against the Cleveland Indians lately, trends he'll look to continue Sunday when the AL's wild-card leaders conclude their season series.

This four-game set marked Cleveland manager Terry Francona's return to Boston, and Pedroia helped it take a turn for the worse over the last two days with four hits and three RBIs in Red Sox victories. He had the go-ahead RBI double in a decisive four-run eighth inning of Saturday's 7-4 win.

The veteran second baseman is batting .406 in his last 17 games, recording at least a hit in all but one. He's driven in eight runs and scored eight over the past eight contests.

"He's a career hitter of over .300, so it's not like he's going to lack that consistency," manager John Farrell told the team's official website.

Pedroia has reached base more than half the time in his past 13 home games, batting .500 with seven walks. He has hit safely in all 14 games against the Indians since the start of last season, batting .411 with 14 RBIs.

He's a big reason Boston (30-20) has won 10 of 13 versus Cleveland (27-21), which has now failed to win eight straight series at Fenway.

``There were a couple of balls that were Fenway fly balls. I think the wind plays a factor, and The Wall. There's a lot of things going on out there," Francona said. "That's just a part of this ballpark.'

The Red Sox have 15 runs and 20 hits in two games since placing Shane Victorino (hamstring) and Will Middlebrooks (back) on the disabled list. No other Boston lineup regular had been on the 15-day DL since David Ortiz returned April 20. Additionally, Stephen Drew may sit out Sunday due to back soreness.

Jose Iglesias has done a solid job filling in since being called up from the minors Friday. He singled and scored that night as he played third base, then had three hits and scored twice Saturday starting at shortstop.

The Indians' hottest hitters are Asdrubal Cabrera, 8 for 16 in the past four games, and Michael Brantley, batting .429 in his last seven.

Brantley was the only left-handed bat in Cleveland's lineup Saturday - Michael Bourn and Jason Kipnis were used as pinch hitters - with Boston starting lefty Jon Lester. The Red Sox start another left-hander Sunday in Felix Doubront (3-2, 5.61 ERA).

He went 3-0 with a 4.24 ERA in four outings last month but has gone winless in four during May. However, since getting ripped for 12 runs and 23 hits over nine innings in the first two, he has given up four runs and eight hits in 11 innings.

"I think he's on to something with the adjustments he's made," Farrell said.

Doubront is 2-1 with a 4.11 ERA in three starts against the Indians, including a 7-2 victory April 16 when he gave up two runs in five innings.

He'll be opposed by Corey Kluber (3-3, 5.19). The right-hander is coming off back-to-back quality starts but has gone 1-3 with a 6.75 ERA this month.

Kluber struggled in one inning of relief against Boston this year, giving up a run and three hits in a 6-3 loss April 17. His only start versus the Red Sox remains the shortest of his career, going 3 1-3 innings and yielding six runs in a 14-1 defeat Aug. 12.

It seems unlikely he'll provide much of a break for a Cleveland bullpen which has worked 23 2-3 innings in six games this week. The Indians have lost four of five as their relievers have compiled an 8.10 ERA.

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

SERIES AT A GLANCE

GAME 1
Indians at Red Sox
Thu, May 23 Final 12 to 3
Boxscores • Recaps

GAME 2
Indians at Red Sox
Fri, May 24 Final 1 to 8
Boxscores • Recaps

GAME 3
Indians at Red Sox
Sat, May 25 Final 4 to 7
Boxscores • Recaps

GAME 4
Indians at Red Sox
Sun, May 26 - 1:35PM EDT

[StarDust Bum]

Preview: Phillies (24-25) at Nationals (25-24)

Game: 3
Venue: Nationals Park
Date: May 26, 2013 1:35 PM EDT


The Washington Nationals' extended slump has left them on the verge of being caught for second place in the NL East by the Philadelphia Phillies.

Washington will try to keep that from happening by sending a red-hot Stephen Strasburg to the mound to face the hard-luck Cole Hamels when the Nationals and Phillies close out their series Sunday.

Philadelphia (24-25) bounced back from falling 5-2 in the opener Friday by winning 5-3 on Saturday. Domonic Brown had a home run and an RBI double as the Phillies won for the eighth time in 12 games.

Since Philadelphia's surge started May 11, Washington (25-24) has dropped nine of 14, allowing the Phillies to pull within one game of the Nationals.

"It's a big series, considering the time of year, for sure,' Philadelphia third baseman Michael Young said. "I don't think anyone's under any illusions that this is going to decide who wins the division, but we're playing a very good club in their ballpark.'

Young and his teammates could face a major challenge against Strasburg (2-5, 2.66 ERA), who's gone 1-1 with a 0.90 ERA in his past three starts. The right-hander pitched seven innings and allowed one run with seven strikeouts in a 4-2 loss to San Francisco on Tuesday, though he didn't get the decision.

While Strasburg has been dominant of late, he's had no success against the Phillies in his career, going 0-1 with a 6.28 ERA in three starts. He failed to pitch five innings of two of them, most recently giving up a career high-tying six runs in 4 1-3 innings of an 8-0 home loss July 31.

Hamels (1-7, 4.45 ERA) has also been very good recently, giving up two or fewer earned runs in five of his last six starts, but going 1-5 in that span. He's lost his past four starts.

The left-hander has received nine runs of support in the previous six outings and his 2.87 runs of support per game ranks among the worst in the major leagues.

"You know it's tough on him ... it's got to be,' said Brown, batting .400 with seven RBIs in his last five games.

Hamels gave up two runs in six innings with 10 strikeouts in a 5-1 defeat to Miami on Monday.

He might have a good shot to end his losing streak Sunday as he's 5-2 with a 2.25 ERA in 11 career starts in Washington. He's also gone 11-3 with a 2.18 ERA and 132 strikeouts in 120 innings in his past 18 overall starts against the Nationals.

Jimmy Rollins, 8 for 24 during a five-game hitting streak, is 1 for 8 with a homer and four strikeouts against Strasburg.

Ryan Howard's home run drought reached 13 games Saturday and he struck out in four consecutive at_bats as his five-game hit streak came to an end.

Lack of offense has been the biggest culprit in Washington's slump, as the Nationals have averaged 2.8 runs during their 5-9 stretch. On Saturday, they collected 11 hits but went 2 for 12 with runners in scoring position and left 11 men on.

``It's baby steps,' shortstop Ian Desmond said. ``We haven't been swinging the bats really at all. To put up 11 hits is good. Now the next thing we tackle is hitting with runners in scoring position.'

Leadoff man Denard Span has one of the few bright spots, as he went 3 for 5 on Saturday and is batting .345 over his last six games.

Adam LaRoche is 3 for 7 with a homer and three RBIs in the first two games of this series. He's batting .320 with four homers versus Hamels.

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

SERIES AT A GLANCE

GAME 1
Phillies at Nationals
Fri, May 24 Final 2 to 5
Boxscores • Recaps

GAME 2
Phillies at Nationals
Sat, May 25 Final 5 to 3
Boxscores • Recaps

GAME 3
Phillies at Nationals
Sun, May 26 - 1:35PM EDT

[StarDust Bum]

Preview: Yankees (30-18) at Rays (24-24)

Game: 3
Venue: Tropicana Field
Date: May 26, 2013 1:40 PM EDT


Though it's only May, the Tampa Bay Rays don't feel it's too early to shuffle their rotation to get a more favorable matchup against the New York Yankees.

The Rays will send Alex Cobb to the mound in Sunday's series finale hoping the right-hander can continue his stellar pitching at home and help avoid a sweep.

This would have been David Price's turn in the rotation but he went on the disabled list May 16. Rookie Jake Odorizzi took his spot Monday at Toronto and his next turn would've come in this game.

Thursday's off day, however, allowed Tampa Bay to push him to Monday versus Miami and start Cobb against the far more formidable Yankees (30-18).

Given Cobb's recent performances and history against New York, the decision seems like an easy one.

Cobb (5-2, 2.73 ERA) is 3-0 with a 1.85 ERA in five home starts this season, including a 3-0 win over the Yankees on April 24. He allowed three hits in 8 1-3 innings with one walk and seven strikeouts, giving him a 2-1 mark and 2.22 ERA in four starts against them.

"It's nice to be given the opportunity for sure," Cobb told the team's official website. "And they're so big on matchups, that I'm sure their computer spit out something that they like to see. So I'll take it."

He turned in his seventh quality start this season Tuesday at Toronto, yielding one run and three hits over 6 1-3 innings in a 4-3 win.

Robinson Cano is 2 for 12 against Cobb, but both hits are home runs.

The Rays (24-24) appeared headed for a win Saturday before struggling closer Fernando Rodney allowed two runs in the ninth for his third consecutive blown save. Lyle Overbay then connected for a solo homer in the 11th inning, sending Tampa Bay to its third straight loss and fourth in a row at home.

``This has been really awkward to watch,' manager Joe Maddon said of Rodney. ``He's been within one pitch of almost being perfect this season. Three of the blown saves have come down to the last pitch. I've not lost any patience with it. As long as he doesn't lose confidence in himself, I will not lose confidence in him.'

Rodney isn't the only member of the Tampa Bay bullpen that's slumping. That group has posted a 6.94 ERA during the three-game skid, allowing 12 hits and seven walks in 11 2-3 innings.

The AL East-leading Yankees have taken the first two games of this series after losing 13 of 16 at Tropicana Field. CC Sabathia (4-3, 3.43) will try to pitch New York to its first three-game sweep there since Sept. 13-15, 2005.

The left-hander, however, has gone 0-1 with a 3.57 ERA in his last four starts. Although he's been able to minimize the damage, Sabathia has allowed 21 hits over 12 2-3 innings in his past two outings.

He gave up four runs and 11 hits in 6 1-3 innings at Baltimore on Monday and was in line for the loss before the Yankees rallied for a 6-4, 10-inning victory.

Sabathia's recent struggles against the Rays continued with a 5-1 road defeat April 22, when he was reached for five runs and a season-high three homers over seven innings. He is 0-3 with a 4.55 ERA in his past four matchups with Tampa Bay.

Evan Longoria has been a particularly difficult matchup, with the slugger batting .366 with five homers, three doubles and 11 walks against Sabathia.

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

SERIES AT A GLANCE

GAME 1
Yankees at Rays
Fri, May 24 Final 9 to 4
Boxscores • Recaps

GAME 2
Yankees at Rays
Sat, May 25 Final 4 to 3
Boxscores • Recaps

GAME 3
Yankees at Rays
Sun, May 26 - 1:40PM EDT