The Bum's June MLB POD'S and Stats,News !

[StarDust Bum]

Preview: Brewers (27-38) at Reds (40-26)
Game: 1
Venue: Great American Ball Park
Date: June 14, 2013 7:10 PM EDT


The Cincinnati Reds had the majors' best home record earlier this month.

They've hardly been playing their best at Great American Ball Park since then.

The Reds open a seven-game homestand Friday night against the improving Milwaukee Brewers, who could be without Ryan Braun again.

After being denied a four-game sweep over the Chicago Cubs with Thursday's 6-5, 14-inning defeat, Cincinnati (40-27) will face the Brewers (27-38) for the second time this season after sweeping them at Great American Ball Park from May 10-12.

The Reds were a MLB-best 21-7 at home three weeks later, but they've been outscored 39-18 while losing four of five to visiting teams.

Friday's starter Bronson Arroyo (6-5, 3.35 ERA) is 5-1 with a 2.68 ERA in eight home starts after throwing six innings of two-run ball in Sunday's 11-4, 10-inning loss to St. Louis. The right-hander was hit on the knee by a one-hopper in the fourth, but the injury doesn't seem like it will impact him moving forward.

"It's not serious," Arroyo told the Reds' official website. "It just got me in a good spot."

Arroyo wasn't in a good spot prior to his May 12 start against Milwaukee, bringing in a 2-4 record and 4.30 ERA in seven outings. However, he threw 6 2-3 scoreless innings in that 5-1 victory and is 4-1 with a 2.25 ERA in his past six starts.

Arroyo might not have to face Braun, who has missed the past three games with a right thumb injury and could go on the disabled list this weekend if it doesn't improve.

Even without the former MVP, the Brewers' lineup is delivering. Milwaukee is hitting .307 and averaging 6.3 runs during a 5-1 stretch, reaching double-digit runs for the first time in 40 games in Wednesday's 10-1 win at Miami.

"Give those guys some credit, they're swinging the bats good and that's a potent lineup right now that's got a lot of guys swinging the bat really well," Marlins manager Mike Redmond said.

Carlos Gomez has been swinging it as well as anyone, going 10 for 25 with a homer, four triples and eight RBIs over the last six games.

Milwaukee's rotation has also been solid over that span with a 2.11 ERA.

"The starting pitching has been awesome," Gomez said. "You're more pumped up when you see the starting pitching be more consistent."

A more consistent Kyle Lohse (2-6, 4.03) could really help. He picked up his first win in eight starts Sunday, allowing one run and four hits in a season-high eight innings to beat Philadelphia 9-1.

"I'm finally coming back around where I can snap (the slider) off," said Lohse, who's made three starts since his turn was skipped to rest a sore arm.

The right-hander will get his first look at the Reds in a Brewers uniform. He's 2-1 with a 1.80 ERA in his last seven starts against Cincinnati.

Jay Bruce, 8 for 24 with a homer, triple and three doubles off Lohse, is batting .407 (11 for 27) in the last six games after Thursday's four-hit effort. His four RBIs in last month's series against Milwaukee led Cincinnati.

Joey Votto went 3 for 12 in that series, and the former MVP is batting .268 at home compared to .370 outside Cincinnati.

[StarDust Bum]

Preview: Royals (30-33) at Rays (35-30)
Game: 2
Venue: Tropicana Field
Date: June 14, 2013 7:10 PM EDT


The start of June has not been kind to Tampa Bay's Matt Moore.

After dominating for the first two months of the season, the left-hander looks to avoid a third straight losing start when he tries to help the host Rays cool off the surging Kansas City Royals on Friday night.

Moore (8-2, 3.78 ERA) went 8-0 with a 2.18 ERA in his first 11 starts, which included a one-inning effort during a rain-marred 9-2 win at Cleveland on May 31.

However, since the calendar turned, Moore has allowed 15 runs, 19 hits and walked seven in seven innings to lose his last two. He lasted two innings in a 10-1 loss at Detroit on June 4, then gave up career highs of nine runs and 12 hits in five innings of a 10-7 loss to Baltimore on Sunday.

"The 8-0 start is obviously gone,' Moore said. "It's something that, maybe, was a bit misleading I guess you could say."

A lack of command continues to plague Moore, who has yielded half of his total runs this season in June.

"Not bad stuff, but the location was not good,' manager Joe Maddon said after Moore's last start. "This whole season, really, he has not been a command kind of a pitcher.

"Earlier in the season he might have been making mistakes that were not being hit. It's not like it's entirely different than early, it's just that the command right now is a little off with his off-speed stuff.'

In Moore's only previous start versus Kansas City (31-33), he gave up four runs in 7 1-3 innings while not factoring in the decision of a 5-4 loss last year.

While Tampa Bay (35-31) has dropped two straight and four of five, the Royals have outscored their opponents 42-16 while winning eight of nine.

Ex-Ray Elliot Johnson had three hits, including a three-run homer for one of his two hits during Kansas City's eight-run sixth-inning in Thursday's 10-1 series-opening victory. Ervin Santana threw 7 2-3 strong innings as the Royals set a franchise record by holding an opponent to three runs or fewer in a 12th straight game.

"Everything is going our way right now so we have to keep that up,' Santana said.

Traded by the Rays to Kansas City in February, Johnson is 6 for 11 with two homers and four RBIs in three victories versus Tampa Bay this year. He's batting .202 with three RBIs in his other 39 games played in 2013.

"It's good to get them anyway you can, but it feels good to get them against them, of course," Johnson said.

Teammate Luis Mendoza (1-3, 4.19) takes the mound looking to build on his best outing of the season. He allowed four hits in seven innings, but didn't factor in the decision of a 2-0 win over Houston on Sunday.

Though the right-hander last won May 13, he's posted a 2.25 ERA while going 0-1 in his last five starts. The Royals, however, have totaled 10 runs in those contests.

Mendoza is 0-1 with an 8.64 ERA in two starts versus Tampa Bay. He allowed six runs and three homers in four innings before leaving without a decision in a 9-8 home win over the Rays on May 1.

Tampa Bay's Matt Joyce is 3 for 5 with a double and a home run against Mendoza. He had two hits Thursday and is 8 for 20 (.400) in the last five games.


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SERIES AT A GLANCE

GAME 1
Royals at Rays
Thu, Jun 13 Final 10 to 1
Boxscores • Recaps

GAME 2
Royals at Rays
Fri, Jun 14 - 7:10PM EDT

GAME 3
Royals at Rays
Sat, Jun 15 - 4:10PM EDT

GAME 4
Royals at Rays
Sun, Jun 16 - 1:40PM EDT

[StarDust Bum]

Preview: Giants (33-31) at Braves (39-27)
Game: 1
Venue: Turner Field
Date: June 14, 2013 7:30 PM EDT


Perhaps no team in baseball looks forward to returning home more than the Atlanta Braves.

After a rough West Coast trip, Atlanta hopes to continue its excellent play at Turner Field on Friday night as it opens a three-game series against the San Francisco Giants.

The Braves (39-27) split four games with the Dodgers, then suffered a three-game sweep by San Diego, falling to 18-20 on the road. Atlanta didn't fare well in a four-game trip to San Francisco from May 9-12, losing the final three by a score of 23-4 after a 6-3 win in the opener. But the club's 21-7 record at home - where they've won 13 of 15 - is the best in the majors.

Meanwhile, the Giants (34-31) come in with a 13-20 road record - the worst of any team better than .500 overall. But they're likely feeling good after a 10-0 victory at Pittsburgh on Thursday as Matt Cain yielded two hits in 6 2-3 innings.

Buster Posey was one of three Giants with three hits as the team - without Pablo Sandoval, Marco Scutaro and Angel Pagan due to injuries - finished with 17 and has 67 over its last five games.

"It's a great sign,' manager Bruce Bochy said. "We're missing three big bats. You hope guys pick it up and they have the last couple of games."

Posey is 9 for 23 with eight RBIs over his last five contests and owns a 1.123 OPS and 14 RBIs during an 11-game hitting streak versus the Braves.

San Francisco will again try to get the best of Kris Medlen (3-6, 2.87 ERA), who gave up five runs - including three homers - over 5 1-3 innings in the Giants' 5-1 victory May 12. But after going winless in eight consecutive starts, Medlen has won his last two, throwing 13 2-3 shutout innings.

"I wouldn't say I feel like I did last year," Medlen told the team's official website. "But I feel more consistent than I did in my first five, six or seven starts this year."

Madison Bumgarner (5-4, 3.58) comes in looking to build off his last start as he yielded three runs and five hits over five innings in a 10-5 win at Arizona on Saturday. He had lost three of his last four outings while posting a 6.29 ERA.

The left-hander was 0-3 through his first four career starts against the Braves, but notched a victory with seven innings of one-run ball in a 10-1 win versus Atlanta on May 11.

Jason Heyward is 17 for 43 (.395) during a 10-game hitting streak, raising his season average from .142 to .215. He also homered in each of his last three games against the Giants.

Justin Upton, who connected for his 15th home run Wednesday after going 21 games without one, is 9 for 17 off of Bumgarner.

[StarDust Bum]

Preview: Blue Jays (28-36) at Rangers (38-27)
Game: 2
Venue: Rangers Ballpark in Arlington
Date: June 14, 2013 8:05 PM EDT


A lack of offense once again has the Texas Rangers mired in another rough stretch.

The Rangers hope to improve at the plate when they look to avoid extending their season-high home skid to four games Friday night against the Toronto Blue Jays.

Texas (38-28) has scored five runs, three on homers, while matching a season high with three straight losses overall. Losers in 11 of 17, the Rangers have batted .222 and struck out 61 times while losing six of eight to fall two games behind first-place Oakland in the AL West.

The Rangers wasted another strong outing Thursday from ace Yu Darvish, who allowed one run, three hits and struck out nine over seven innings of a series-opening 3-1 loss to Toronto (29-36).

"I'm not amazed,' said Darvish, who is 0-1 despite a 2.08 ERA in his last five starts. "This is baseball. Anything can happen.

"Some games you get a lot of run support. Others you don't. I'm not really surprised by it.'

Nelson Cruz homered and had two of the six hits Thursday for the Rangers, who managed little against the Blue Jays' Esmil Rogers in his third start of the season.

Cruz is batting .353 (6 for 17) with two doubles, two homers and four RBIs in five games. However, Adrian Beltre is 2 for 13 without an RBI in the last four games and David Murphy is 4 for 37 (.108) in his last 10.

Potentially making matters worse, the Rangers could be without center fielder Leonys Martin after he sprained his left wrist trying to make a diving catch on Edwin Encarnacion's tiebreaking two-run double in the eighth inning Thursday. He's considered day to day after X-rays came back negative.

"Just hurts a little bit, but I don't think it's too serious,' Martin said through a translator. "I had to run a lot and unfortunately, it was a great hit and I didn't get it.'

Texas could have a tough time getting back on track against scheduled starter Mark Buehrle (2-4, 5.06 ERA), who is 12-5 with a 3.16 ERA in 18 starts against the Rangers and 5-2 with a 3.35 ERA in seven at Arlington. The left-hander allowed a solo homer to Jeff Baker and three other hits through the first seven innings of Toronto's 4-3, 18-inning home victory over Texas on Saturday.

Though Buehrle is 2-1 with a 3.77 ERA in seven home starts, he's 0-3 with a 6.75 ERA in six on the road in 2013.

The Blue Jays have won two in a row and five of seven.

Encarnacion has batted .327 with 30 of his 55 RBIs in his last 27 games.

He went 1 for 3 on Sunday off scheduled Texas starter Justin Grimm (5-4, 5.25), who yielded four runs in the third inning and walked three over 5 2-3 frames while not factoring in the decision of a 6-4 win at Toronto.

After giving up 12 runs in 7 1-3 innings of his last two starts, both on the road, the right-hander should be glad to return home where he's 3-1 with a 2.84 ERA in 2013.


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SERIES AT A GLANCE

GAME 1
Blue Jays at Rangers
Thu, Jun 13 Final 3 to 1
Boxscores • Recaps

GAME 2
Blue Jays at Rangers
Fri, Jun 14 - 8:05PM EDT

GAME 3
Blue Jays at Rangers
Sat, Jun 15 - 4:05PM EDT

GAME 4
Blue Jays at Rangers
Sun, Jun 16 - 3:05PM EDT

[StarDust Bum]

Preview: Tigers (36-28) at Twins (29-33)
Game: 1
Venue: Target Field
Date: June 14, 2013 8:10 PM EDT


Rick Porcello has played a part in the Detroit Tigers' streak of solid starts but his next opponent has given him some trouble recently.

Porcello will try to earn his first win over the Minnesota Twins in nearly two years in Friday night's opener of a three-game series.

Detroit's starters have allowed three runs or fewer in 18 of the last 19 games with Porcello (3-3, 4.86 ERA) pitching in three of those contests. The right-hander has been effective in most of his last eight starts as well, going 3-1 with a 3.24 ERA, and gave up two runs and three hits over six innings in a 6-4 win over Cleveland on Saturday.

Porcello has allowed three runs in all but one of those starts but the lone exception was against the Twins. Porcello surrendered five runs and 10 hits in five innings to them May 23 but his teammates helped him avoid a loss by rallying for a 7-6 victory.

Porcello is 0-1 with a 6.30 ERA in his last four matchups with Minnesota (29-34), winners in 11 of 18 and six of eight at home. The Twins, though, had a season-high four-game win streak at Target Field snapped with a 3-2 loss to Philadelphia on Thursday.

After taking a lead on Justin Morneau's two-run double in the seventh inning, Minnesota gave up two runs in the next frame. Jared Burton took the loss in his return from a groin injury.

"You get that situation, you got Burton in the game, we feel pretty good about it," manager Ron Gardenhire said. "It didn't work out tonight, but we feel pretty good about that situation."

The Twins have dropped five of seven to the Tigers after winning two of three in the only meeting in Minnesota this season from April 1-4. Before its opening series in 2013, Detroit had won 15 of 19 road games against its AL Central rival.

The Tigers will try to register another win in Minnesota by adding to Scott Diamond's recent woes, and they might get some help if Austin Jackson can return from a hamstring injury that's kept him out since May 11.

Jackson has been rehabbing at Triple-A Toledo this week.

"We have to make sure he's ready to hit up here," manager Jim Leyland said Wednesday. "We'll have to see where his timing is. Hopefully he'll have no issues physically."

Diamond is 1-3 with a 7.26 ERA in his last six starts, and he gave up a career-high seven runs and 10 hits over 4 2-3 innings in a 7-0 defeat in Washington on Sunday.

"I'm really frustrated with the way it went and how it all played out in those last couple of innings for me," he said. "Nothing to really hang my head about. Just come back and continue to stay aggressive."

Diamond (4-5, 5.19) has been much better against Detroit lately, going 1-0 with a 3.86 ERA in two matchups this season and 2-0 with a 2.73 ERA in his last five.

Miguel Cabrera, though, has been very successful in their matchups. He's 10 for 19 (.526) with a homer and three doubles against the left-hander.

Josh Willingham is 7 for 13 (.538) with two home runs and seven RBIs versus Porcello.

[StarDust Bum]

Preview: White Sox (28-35) at Astros (23-44)
Game: 1
Venue: Minute Maid Park
Date: June 14, 2013 8:10 PM EDT


Having finally run into an outstanding stretch at the plate, Adam Dunn probably would have preferred playing the last couple of days.

The slugger hopes to keep swinging a hot bat and lead the well-rested Chicago White Sox to their fourth win in five games Friday night at Minute Maid Park when Chris Sale takes the mound against the Houston Astros.

Behind Dunn and a resurgent offense, the White Sox (28-35) have scored 26 runs while hitting nine homers over their last five games after totaling 26 runs and one home over their previous 10.

Dunn went 8 for 15 with four homers and seven RBIs to help Chicago win three of four before Wednesday's rainout and Thursday's scheduled day off.

Dunn, among the major league strikeout leaders with 79, has whiffed only three times in his last four contests while raising his batting average from .156 to .182.

He'll likely get a chance to continue that production despite facing left-hander Erik Bedard in the opener of this four-game series.

Though he's 5 for 50 against southpaws this season, Dunn has been in the lineup the last seven times the White Sox have faced a lefty starter in an AL park. He went 2 for 3 with a homer off Oakland's Tommy Milone on Saturday.

Dunn, however, is 0 for 3 with two strikeouts lifetime against Bedard (1-3, 5.34 ERA), who looks to regroup from one of his worst outings of the season.

After going 1-0 with a 2.79 ERA over his previous five starts, Bedard matched a season high by allowing six runs and eight hits over 4 2-3 innings in a 7-2 loss at Kansas City on Saturday.

Bedard has faced the White Sox just once since 2009.

Houston (23-44) looks to get a winning streak started after rallying for six runs in the ninth inning Wednesday to stop a six-game losing streak - during which it had totaled seven runs - with a 6-1 victory over Seattle.

The Astros, who hadn't scored in their previous 17 innings, won for the first time in 38 chances when trailing after eight innings.

"It's never too late when you're able to put together a six-run inning, especially after the woes we've had the last two games,' manager Bo Porter said.

The White Sox will give the ball to Sale (5-4, 2.68) as they seek their sixth win in nine meetings in Houston, including two victories there in the 2005 World Series - their most recent visit.

Sale, who had his start pushed back following Wednesday's rainout, is the first of four consecutive southpaws they'll throw at the Astros in this series, with John Danks, Hector Santiago and Jose Quintana to follow.

Houston ranks among the majors' top 10 with a .274 batting average versus lefties, but has hit .224 against them since May 26.

Sale is 0-2 with a 3.38 ERA in two starts since missing time because of mild tendinitis in his left shoulder.

"It's nice to get back out there and just be a part of the rotation again," he told MLB's official website. "Obviously, there are going to be some things that are going to come up that we're going to have to handle."

Sale yielded four hits over eight shutout innings in a 10-1 win last June 9, his only career appearance against the Astros.

[StarDust Bum]

Preview: Phillies (31-35) at Rockies (35-32)
Game: 1
Venue: Coors Field
Date: June 14, 2013 8:40 PM EDT


The Colorado Rockies routinely have a difficult time with the Philadelphia Phillies, and being without at least Troy Tulowitzki isn't likely to help them change that.

With Tulowitzki out and the status of Carlos Gonzalez and Dexter Fowler uncertain, the Rockies go for a rare win over the Phillies in the opener of this three-game series at Coors Field on Friday night.

Colorado (35-32) has dropped 29 of its last 37 meetings - including playoffs - with Philadelphia, including 12 of 15 at home thanks in large part to a 6.31 ERA.

However, it's the offense that is a bigger concern heading into the teams' first matchup of 2013, specifically Tulowitzki.

The All-Star shortstop and cleanup hitter is out at least four weeks with a broken rib on his right side, suffered while diving for a grounder in Thursday's 5-4 loss to Washington.

"When he came off, it was very evident he was done," manager Walt Weiss told the team's official website of Tulowitzki, the team leader with a .347 average and second with 15 homers and 51 RBIs.

Weiss may also be without Gonzalez and Fowler, who also were hurt Thursday. Gonzalez was hit by a foul ball waiting on deck in the first inning and suffered a bruised left foot, while Fowler was hit by a pitch on the right hand after squaring to bunt in the third.

They're considered day-to-day.

Gonzalez is batting .299 with team highs of 18 homers and 52 RBIs, while Fowler is hitting .404 with 13 runs over the past 12 games.

The Rockies could be hard-pressed to snap a five-game skid against the Phillies without three of their best hitters.

Gonzalez is hitting .365 over his last 15 meetings, going 11 for 23 (.478) in five home matchups. Fowler is 9 for 20 over his past five games with Philadelphia (32-35).

The Phillies are hoping a series with the Rockies can get them rolling again after ending a season-high five-game slide with Thursday's 3-2 win at Minnesota. They had won five straight prior to that losing streak.

Michael Young and Ben Revere are providing an offensive spark of late. Young is 12 for 29 (.414) over the past seven games and Revere has seven hits with a triple and three runs in the last two.

Kyle Kendrick (6-4, 3.22 ERA) looks to continue his run of solid outings for Philadelphia. The right-hander is 2-1 with a 3.00 ERA in his last three starts, losing his last outing 4-3 at Milwaukee on Saturday after allowing three runs and eight hits in six innings.

Kendrick is 2-2 with a 2.63 ERA in six road starts, but the last two have been his worst of the season. He's yielded eight runs in 11 innings in those games.

His last start at Coors Field on Aug. 2, 2011, was by far the best of the four he's had there. Kendrick limited the Rockies to four hits in eight innings of a 5-0 victory.

Juan Nicasio (4-2, 4.61) is scheduled to counter for Colorado, seeking to end a four-start winless stretch.

The right-hander was superb through the first five innings Sunday against San Diego, retiring the first 16 batters before allowing two runs and leaving after the sixth of an 8-7 win in 10.

He is 1-4 with an 8.17 ERA in six career starts against NL East teams.

[StarDust Bum]

Preview: Yankees (37-28) at Angels (28-38)
Game: 1
Venue: Angel Stadium of Anaheim
Date: June 14, 2013 10:05 PM EDT


Andy Pettitte earned his 250th career victory his last time out.

He possibly could have reached the milestone a bit quicker if not for his struggles against the Los Angeles Angels.

Pettitte gets the nod Friday night as the New York Yankees visit the Angels in the opener between two teams trying to turn things around.

Pettitte (5-3, 3.82 ERA) became the 47th major league pitcher to reach 250 wins on Saturday, throwing 7 1-3 innings of one-run ball while allowing three hits in a 3-1 victory at Seattle.

"We tried to make adjustments and he adjusted right back," Mariners manager Eric Wedge said of Pettitte. "He's amazing."

The left-hander hasn't been as amazing against the Angels since 2008, going 2-5 with a 5.83 ERA in nine regular-season starts. He surrendered five runs and nine hits over seven innings in a 5-1 loss at Los Angeles on May 29 of last season.

Better results from Pettitte versus Los Angeles on Friday would be timely for New York (37-29), which was swept in three games at Oakland, capped by a 3-2 loss in 18 innings Thursday. Mariano Rivera allowed the game-winning single to Nate Freiman, and the Yankees were 1 for 13 with runners in scoring position and finished the series 5 for 26 in such situations.

"I think it's probably a little more frustrating because you can look at how you had an opportunity here and an opportunity there," Yankees manager Joe Girardi said. "A lot of guys probably look at that, but it doesn't change the result."

The Angels (28-38) are coming off a 9-5 comeback win at Baltimore on Wednesday, but have still dropped nine of 12. Opening a 10-game homestand, they'll look to build on a victory that saw a six-run seventh inning highlighted by a three-run homer from Albert Pujols. The three-time NL MVP hit .368 with two homers in nine games against the Yankees last season.

"Real good at_bats," manager Mike Scioscia said. "Drew some walks, got into some good hitting counts. It was good to see our offense ... with some clutch hits at the end."

Starter C.J. Wilson (4-5, 4.02) has been tagged with a loss in two of his last three starts while recording a 6.35 ERA, but he's 1-0 with a 2.14 ERA in his last three outings versus New York.

He needed 104 pitches to get through five innings in a 7-2 loss at Boston on Saturday, allowing four runs, eight hits and three walks.

"That's pretty garbage," the left-hander said. "It's disappointing"

Since 2010, Robinson Cano is slugging .723 with 10 home runs and 22 RBIs in 26 contests against Los Angeles, and is 6 for 14 against Wilson.

Mark Trumbo is hitting .359 with seven homers in 17 games against the Yankees, and Erick Aybar is 10 for 26 off Pettitte.

Entering his first contest against his former team, Vernon Wells is batting .095 over his last 12 games.

Mark Teixeira is hitting .118 with five RBIs in his last eight contests.

[StarDust Bum]

Preview: Mariners (29-38) at Athletics (40-27)
Game: 1
Venue: O.co Coliseum
Date: June 14, 2013 10:05 PM EDT


A big reason for the Oakland Athletics' month-long success has been their exceptional play at home.

Coming off a marathon victory, the A's look to extend their home winning streak to 12 games Friday night against the Seattle Mariners.

Nate Freiman singled home the winning run off Mariano Rivera in the 18th inning to help Oakland (41-27) complete a three-game home sweep of the Yankees with a 3-2 victory Thursday.

"It was very taxing even winning the game. To lose could have been demoralizing,' A's manager Bob Melvin said. "These are awful games to lose.'

The A's have won 21 of 26 to surpass Texas atop the AL West. They are 21-10 at home, and their 11-game winning streak at the Coliseum is the longest since posting 12 straight Aug. 13-Sept. 14, 2002.

Perhaps the only thing that's cast a shadow over Oakland's surge is the status of outfielder Yoenis Cespedes, who has missed the last two games with hamstring tightness.

Freiman, however, is hitting .381 (8 for 21) in his last seven home games.

Making his first home start since May 18, Oakland's Tommy Milone (6-5. 3.69 ERA) is 3-0 with a 3.66 ERA in his last five starts. He gave up a solo homer and three other hits in seven innings of a 4-1 loss to the Chicago White Sox on Saturday.

Milone is 3-2 with a 2.43 ERA at home, and 1-1 with a 5.25 ERA against the Mariners (29-38) in 2013. That victory came April 3 when the left-hander allowed two solo home runs and two other hits in seven innings of a 6-2 victory.

Scheduled Seattle starter Joe Saunders (4-6, 5.12) gave up four runs and walked four in four innings in that contest to fall to 6-3 with a 3.14 ERA at Oakland.

The left-hander is 1-1 with a 4.35 ERA against the A's this season, and heads into the opener 0-4 with a 9.00 ERA in six road starts compared to 4-2 with a 2.53 ERA in seven at home. He's received an average 4.47 runs of support at home and 1.74 away from Safeco Field.

Saunders, however, is 1-1 with a 2.29 ERA in his last three outings overall. That included May 29 at San Diego, when he gave up a run and four hits in seven innings of a 3-2, 10-inning loss.

He allowed three runs in 6 1-3 innings of a 3-1 home loss to the Yankees on Saturday.

"He's starting to kind of lock it in and get into a groove," manager Eric Wedge told the Mariners' official website. "He has a much better feel for himself now in regard to what he wants to do. He's been pitching for a while, and you're seeing what we'd hoped we'd see."

Seattle is 4-3 against the A's in 2013 and split a season-opening four-game set at Oakland, but has lost two straight and nine of 11 on road the overall.

The Mariners concluded a 5-5 homestand with a 6-1 loss to Houston on Wednesday, giving up all six runs in the ninth.

Seattle hopes first baseman Kendrys Morales and outfielder Michael Morse can play through some nagging injuries and be in the lineup Friday.

Morales is batting .394 with two homers and seven RBIs in his last eight road games, but missed the last two contests with lower-back stiffness.

Morse is hitting .333 (9 for 27) with four home runs and seven RBIs against the A's this season but is dealing with a quad injury.

[StarDust Bum]

Preview: Diamondbacks (37-29) at Padres (32-34)
Game: 1
Venue: PETCO Park
Date: June 14, 2013 10:10 PM EDT


The Arizona Diamondbacks just won an emotional series against an NL West rival.

The division leaders can't let up with the surging San Diego Padres up next.

Trevor Cahill will try to rebound from his shortest outing of 2013 on Friday night and prevent the host Padres from matching their longest winning streak of the season.

After a 5-3 loss on Tuesday when pitcher Ian Kennedy and manager Kirk Gibson were ejected in a benches-clearing incident with the Los Angeles Dodgers, Arizona (37-29) took the decisive finale Wednesday, 8-6 in 12 innings.

The Diamondbacks had a season-high 20 hits - four apiece by Cody Ross and Miguel Montero.

"The guys weren't satisfied with one run, they went out and got a bunch of runs (four in the 12th)," closer Heath Bell told the Diamondbacks' official website.

Another good night at the plate could help Cahill (3-7, 4.02 ERA), who has a 13.50 ERA while losing his two June outings after being charged with eight runs in 3 2-3 innings in Saturday's 10-5 loss to San Francisco.

"I left a lot of balls up and when I got ahead and tried to put them away, I get it belt high and down the middle," Cahill said.

The right-hander lasted only 3 2-3 in one of his five outings against the Padres last season, but went 1-0 with a 0.60 ERA in two starts at Petco Park, including a six-hitter in a 6-0 victory June 3.

He'll face a Padres team going for a seventh win in nine games after a three-game sweep of NL East-leading Atlanta. San Diego (32-34) is 27-19 since its 5-15 start.

"We've been playing very good baseball," Jesus Guzman told the Padres' official website after Wednesday's 5-3 victory. "When you play like that, you're going to get the results you want. The first step is to get to .500."

The Padres scored 15 runs against the Braves despite hitting .227, but manager Bud Black had to be especially pleased with his rotation's 1.99 ERA in that series.

Eric Stults (5-5, 3.53) will try to keep that going as he makes his second start against the Diamondbacks in three weeks. The left-hander is 1-1 with a 1.64 ERA in three starts since a 5-2 loss at Arizona on May 24, when he surrendered four runs in 6 1-3 innings.

"The last few starts, I feel like I have a good tempo," said Stults, who went seven innings in Saturday's 4-2 win at Colorado, giving up two runs - one earned. "I've felt good about the way I've been throwing the ball."

He can't feel good about how he's fared against Martin Prado, who is 6 for 14 in that matchup.

Prado is 11 for 25 against Padres pitching this season as these West foes have split six games. Paul Goldschmidt went 6 for 16 with five RBIs in those contests, but he's batting .138 in Arizona's last seven games.

Padres shortstop Everth Cabrera is 8 for 24 with five extra-base hits - two homers - in the season series, but is 1 for 10 lifetime off Cahill.

San Diego, winner of 18 of 25 at Petco Park, have taken two of three in each of Arizona's last two visits.

[StarDust Bum]

Preview: Red Sox (41-27) at Orioles (38-29)
Game: 2
Venue: Oriole Park at Camden Yards
Date: June 14, 2013 7:05 PM EDT


Chris Davis is the Baltimore Orioles' most dangerous hitter, and that's been especially true at Camden Yards.

The Boston Red Sox are well aware of what he's capable of at the plate.

After coming through in the clutch in the opener of this four-game series, Davis looks to continue his torrid hitting versus the Red Sox on Friday night.

Davis leads the majors with 21 homers, and is second in the AL with 56 RBIs while hitting a team-high .338 - an increase of 68 points from last year. The first baseman has been particularly productive over the past 10 home games, hitting .474 with five homers, 11 RBIs and nine runs.

He came up big Thursday, connecting for a walkoff single to clinch a 5-4, 13-inning victory over Boston, as Baltimore (38-29) won for the ninth time in 11 games as host.

"I took a few swings late in the game where I was just swinging way too hard, trying to win it with one swing instead of just trying to put the ball in play," Davis said. "Good things happen when you simplify it."

The second-place Orioles are 2 1/2 games back of the AL East-leading Red Sox (41-27), and they're also the only division foe to own a winning record against them at 3-1.

Baltimore has won six of the last seven versus Boston, partly due to Davis.

He's batting .433 with five homers and nine RBIs and has a .564 on-base percentage over his last nine meetings with the Sox. That includes going 7 for 16 while hitting three homers with seven RBIs in the past four at Camden Yards.

The Orioles are expected to turn to Chris Tillman (6-2, 3.89 ERA), who has been backed by an average of 9.9 runs over his last four starts. The right-hander is 3-0 with a 4.76 ERA over that stretch, and has a 2.08 ERA in winning his two outings this month.

Tillman has a sterling 1.40 ERA over his last three starts against the Red Sox, but just a 1-0 record to show for it since he's received three total runs in the other two outings. His lone win in that stretch came at home Sept. 28, when he allowed an unearned run and one hit in eight innings of a 9-1 victory.

Boston will try to solve Tillman after hitting .200 while dropping two of its last three games. The team had a .327 average while winning four of the previous five.

David Ortiz is hitting .241 over his last 14 games, but has made up for it by hitting six homers with 15 RBIs. He connected for a solo shot Thursday before Mike Carp had one of his own in the next at-bat after replacing an ill Mike Napoli.

Carp is on a tear, going 13 for 28 (.464) with four homers and nine RBIs in eight games, and that may be enough to continue filling in for Napoli at first base.

Ryan Dempster (4-6, 4.40) is expected to get the ball at Camden Yards for the first time in his career, and he's 1-1 with a 5.17 ERA in three road starts.

The right-hander didn't get a decision against the Orioles on April 10, allowing three runs with seven strikeouts in five innings of an 8-5 defeat. He's also held Davis hitless in five at_bats, striking him out three times.

Dempster has won his last two starts, allowing six runs in 13 innings.

Dustin Pedroia has reached base in 22 straight games, and he's 5 for 14 (.357) against Tillman.

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

SERIES AT A GLANCE

GAME 1
Red Sox at Orioles
Thu, Jun 13 Final 4 to 5
Boxscores • Recaps

GAME 2
Red Sox at Orioles
Fri, Jun 14 - 7:05PM EDT

GAME 3
Red Sox at Orioles
Sat, Jun 15 - 4:05PM EDT

GAME 4
Red Sox at Orioles
Sun, Jun 16 - 1:35PM EDT

[StarDust Bum]

Armadillo: Friday's six-pack

Six most pitches thrown in a major league game this year.........

-- 132 Kershaw W2-0 vs Mil-- Came one out from CG shutout.

-- 130 ASanchez W6-0 vs Minn-- Got 32 called strikes, struck out 12.

-- 127 Darvish W4-3 vs Bos-- Pitched seven, didn't get a decision.

-- 127 Dempster W12-5 vs Minn-- 4.2 IP; 59 balls, 68 strikes. Painful.

-- 126 Verlander L0-2 @ Sea-- Got 24 misses on 71 swings.

-- 125 Bailey W6-2 @ Mia-- Got 28 called strikes from CB Bucknor.


*****

Armadillo: Friday's List of 13: Happy Armadillo Day, everyone...........

13) Happy Armadillo Day to everyone!!!

12 years ago today we started this project and amazingly, we’re still going strong. Thanks to you guys for reading.

Also would like to wish a Happy Birthday to the Big Dawg, who turns 29 again today.

12) I’ve been really lucky and have done a lot of fun things, but #1 on my Bucket List is 2-3 baseball games at the Oakland Coliseum.

Will be great to be in a stadium with so much history in it, and to see a place where I’ve spent most of my life rooting for the home team, without ever having been there. I’m thinking next summer.

11) Patrick Ewing can whine all he wants about getting passed over for NBA head coaching jobs, but he turned down a chance to coach in D-League, where he could actually learn how to be a head coach.

Ewing was Dwight Howard's position coach in Orlando; how many post moves does Howard have? If Ewing was serious about becoming an NBA coach, he should go to the D-League, earn his stripes, instead of sitting on Charlotte’s bench and collecting a paycheck.

10) October 5 Rutgers visits SMU, in what will be the only series meeting in the AAC between these football lightweights. How they ever wound up in the same league, even for only a year, is quite baffling.

9) Former Duke hooper/Syracuse QB Greg Paulus is expected to be named a full-time assistant for Ohio State’s basketball team, replacing Chris Jent, who moved on to the NBA.

Paulus has done a lot of stuff for a guy who is only 26, and he’s paid his dues in coaching, working as Ohio State’s video guy this past winter.

8) Football players from U of Cincinnati are hurt by the school’s quarter system, since NFL draftees aren’t allowed to attend mini-camps until the school year is over, and the school year at Cincinnati runs later than most places. Cincy kids usually wind up missing one of the rookie mini-camps, which puts them behind the learning curve for training camp.

7) Legendary writer Dan Jenkins tweeted Thursday that he hasn’t missed a US Open since 1950; that’s amazing!!!!

6) Chiefs/Jaguars are latest NFL teams to go with IPad playbooks; must be nice to have money!!! IPads are a growing trend in the NFL.

5) Wonder if fact that Jason Kidd/Deron Williams have the same agent helped the Nets decide to hire Kidd as head coach; think it helped their chances of keeping Williams? I’m guessing yes.

4) Only nine baseball games Thursday, but three of them went 13-14-18 innings; A's are first team since '71 Washington Senators to play two 18+ inning games in same season, and they won them both.

3) Rockies SS Troy Tulowitzki broke a rib, is out 4-6 weeks.

2) Dwyane Wade shot 14-25 in Miami's 109-93 win; when Miami gets production like that from someone other than James, they ain't going to lose. Heat is 12-0 vs spread in game following their last 12 losses, but are 0-7 vs spread in game following their last seven wins.

1) I look forward to Year 13 of this site starting today, as we head into summer; football season is only 11 weeks away. Thanks again for reading!!!
Reply With Quote

[StarDust Bum]

MLB
Dunkel

NY Yankees at LA Angels
The Angels look to take advantage of a Yankees team that is 1-6 in Andy Pettitte's last 7 road starts against LA. Los Angeles is the pick (-135) according to Dunkel, which has the Angels favored by 2. Dunkel Pick: LA Angels (-135). Here are all of today's picks.

FRIDAY, JUNE 14

Game 901-902: LA Dodgers at Pittsburgh (7:05 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: LA Dodgers 14.295; Pittsburgh (Locke) 15.604
Dunkel Line: Pittsburgh by 1 1/2; 9
Vegas Line: Pittsburgh (-145); 7 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Pittsburgh (-145); Over

Game 903-904: Milwaukee at Cincinnati (7:10 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Milwaukee (Lohse) 16.400; Cincinnati (Arroyo) 15.216
Dunkel Line: Milwaukee by 1; 8
Vegas Line: Cincinnati (-155); 8 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Milwaukee (+135); Under

Game 905-906: Chicago Cubs at NY Mets (7:10 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Cubs (Jackson) 15.132; NY Mets (Marcum) 14.286
Dunkel Line: Chicago Cubs by 1; 9
Vegas Line: NY Mets (-130); 7 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Chicago Cubs (+110); Over

Game 907-908: St. Louis at Miami (7:10 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: St. Louis (Westbrook) 14.216; Miami (Fernandez) 14.722
Dunkel Line: Miami by 1/2; 7
Vegas Line: St. Louis (-155); 7 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Miami (+135); Under

Game 909-910: San Francisco at Atlanta (7:30 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: San Francisco (Bumgarner) 16.763; Atlanta (Medlen) 15.709
Dunkel Line: San Francisco by 1; 8
Vegas Line: Atlanta (-150); 7
Dunkel Pick: San Francisco (+130); Over

Game 911-912: Philadelphia at Colorado (8:40 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Philadelphia (Kendrick) 14.054; Colorado (Nicasio) 15.261
Dunkel Line: Colorado by 1; 9
Vegas Line: Colorado (-140); 10
Dunkel Pick: Colorado (-140); Under

Game 913-914: Arizona at San Diego (10:10 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Arizona (Cahill) 14.853; San Diego (Stults) 16.177
Dunkel Line: San Diego by 1 1/2; 6
Vegas Line: San Diego (-120); 7
Dunkel Pick: San Diego (-120); Under

Game 915-916: Boston at Baltimore (7:05 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Boston (Dempster) 16.466; Baltimore (Tillman) 15.375
Dunkel Line: Boston by 1; 10
Vegas Line: Baltimore (-120); 9
Dunkel Pick: Boston (+100); Over

Game 917-918: Kansas City at Tampa Bay (7:10 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Kansas City (Mendoza) 16.914; Tampa Bay (Moore) 16.624
Dunkel Line: Kansas City by 1/2; 9
Vegas Line: Tampa Bay (-180); 8
Dunkel Pick: Kansas City (+160); Over

Game 919-920: Toronto at Texas (8:10 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Toronto (Buehrle) 14.550; Texas (Grimm) 15.952
Dunkel Line: Texas by 1 1/2; 9
Vegas Line: Texas (-135); 10
Dunkel Pick: Texas (-135); Under

Game 921-922: Detroit at Minnesota (8:10 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Detroit (Porcello) 14.291; Minnesota (Diamond) 15.312
Dunkel Line: Minnesota by 1; 10
Vegas Line: Detroit (-140); 9
Dunkel Pick: Minnesota (+120); Over

Game 923-924: Chicago White Sox at Houston (8:10 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: White Sox (Sale) 16.152; Houston (Bedard) 14.811
Dunkel Line: Chicago White Sox by 1 1/2; 6
Vegas Line: Chicago White Sox (-180); 7 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Chicago White Sox (-180); Under

Game 925-926: NY Yankees at LA Angels (10:05 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: NY Yankees (Pettitte) 14.419; LA Angels (Wilson) 16.309
Dunkel Line: LA Angels by 2; 7
Vegas Line: LA Angels (-135); 8
Dunkel Pick: LA Angels (-135); Under

Game 927-928: Seattle at Oakland (10:05 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Seattle (Saunders) 14.999; Oakland (Milone) 13.978
Dunkel Line: Seattle by 1; 8
Vegas Line: Oakland (-200); 7
Dunkel Pick: Seattle (+170); Over

Game 929-930: Washington at Cleveland (7:05 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Washington (Gonzalez) 14.568; Cleveland (Masterson) 16.155
Dunkel Line: Cleveland by 1 1/2; 6
Vegas Line: Cleveland (-140); 7 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Cleveland (-140); Under

[StarDust Bum]

MLB
Long Sheet

Friday, June 14

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

LA DODGERS (28 - 37) at PITTSBURGH (39 - 27) - 7:05 PM
STEPHEN FIFE (R) vs. A.J. BURNETT (R)
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

Head-to-Head Series History
LA DODGERS is 3-0 (+3.0 Units) against PITTSBURGH this season
2 of 3 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+0.7 Units)

STEPHEN FIFE vs. PITTSBURGH since 1997
No recent starts.

A.J. BURNETT vs. LA DODGERS since 1997
BURNETT is 4-4 when starting against LA DODGERS with an ERA of 3.73 and a WHIP of 1.324.
His team's record is 5-5 (+0.3 units) in these starts. The OVER is 4-5. (-1.7 units)

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

MILWAUKEE (27 - 38) at CINCINNATI (40 - 27) - 7:10 PM
KYLE LOHSE (R) vs. BRONSON ARROYO (R)
Top Trends for this game.
MILWAUKEE is 27-38 (-14.3 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
MILWAUKEE is 45-65 (-23.5 Units) against the money line in road games over the last 2 seasons.
MILWAUKEE is 27-38 (-14.3 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
MILWAUKEE is 12-23 (-11.8 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record this season.
CINCINNATI is 139-95 (+22.3 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
CINCINNATI is 139-95 (+22.3 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
CINCINNATI is 59-34 (+19.5 Units) against the money line after a loss over the last 2 seasons.
CINCINNATI is 81-45 (+18.6 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 2 seasons.
ARROYO is 21-9 (+11.7 Units) against the money line after a loss over the last 3 seasons. (Team's Record)
CINCINNATI is 95-116 (-36.9 Units) against the money line in home games in June games since 1997.
ARROYO is 21-35 (-18.2 Units) against the money line in June games since 1997. (Team's Record)

Head-to-Head Series History
CINCINNATI is 3-0 (+3.0 Units) against MILWAUKEE this season
2 of 3 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+0.8 Units)

KYLE LOHSE vs. CINCINNATI since 1997
LOHSE is 3-3 when starting against CINCINNATI with an ERA of 3.34 and a WHIP of 1.222.
His team's record is 6-5 (+0.8 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 4-6. (-2.9 units)

BRONSON ARROYO vs. MILWAUKEE since 1997
ARROYO is 14-9 when starting against MILWAUKEE with an ERA of 3.74 and a WHIP of 1.216.
His team's record is 17-10 (+6.8 units) in these starts. The OVER is 11-12. (-2.0 units)

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

CHICAGO CUBS (26 - 38) at NY METS (24 - 37) - 7:10 PM
EDWIN JACKSON (R) vs. SHAUN MARCUM (R)
Top Trends for this game.
CHICAGO CUBS are 87-139 (-35.2 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
CHICAGO CUBS are 6-23 (-16.7 Units) against the money line as a road underdog of +100 to +125 over the last 2 seasons.
CHICAGO CUBS are 34-75 (-26.5 Units) against the money line in road games over the last 2 seasons.
CHICAGO CUBS are 87-139 (-35.2 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
CHICAGO CUBS are 39-71 (-23.6 Units) against the money line in night games over the last 2 seasons.
CHICAGO CUBS are 60-100 (-27.7 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters over the last 2 seasons.
CHICAGO CUBS are 60-97 (-30.2 Units) against the money line after a win over the last 3 seasons.
CHICAGO CUBS are 37-56 (-18.6 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 2 seasons.
JACKSON is 15-29 (-15.9 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
JACKSON is 14-29 (-17.4 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
JACKSON is 5-14 (-11.7 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
NY METS are 24-37 (-14.8 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
NY METS are 13-21 (-12.0 Units) against the money line in home games this season.
NY METS are 9-20 (-15.1 Units) against the money line in home games when playing on Friday over the last 3 seasons.
NY METS are 24-37 (-14.8 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
NY METS are 55-80 (-22.4 Units) against the money line in night games over the last 2 seasons.
NY METS are 15-26 (-14.4 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.
NY METS are 50-72 (-26.0 Units) against the money line after a loss over the last 2 seasons.
NY METS are 10-18 (-13.0 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record this season.
MARCUM is 3-13 (-12.0 Units) against the money line at home with a money line of -100 to -125 since 1997. (Team's Record)
MARCUM is 12-19 (-12.8 Units) against the money line in home games over the last 3 seasons. (Team's Record)
MARCUM is 12-19 (-12.8 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 7-15 (-12.4 Units) against the money line in home games in night games over the last 3 seasons. (Team's Record)

Head-to-Head Series History
NY METS is 2-1 (+1.5 Units) against CHICAGO CUBS this season
2 of 3 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+0.8 Units)

EDWIN JACKSON vs. NY METS since 1997
JACKSON is 1-2 when starting against NY METS with an ERA of 4.40 and a WHIP of 1.206.
His team's record is 2-3 (-1.5 units) in these starts. The OVER is 1-3. (-2.3 units)

SHAUN MARCUM vs. CHICAGO CUBS since 1997
MARCUM is 4-0 when starting against CHICAGO CUBS with an ERA of 2.90 and a WHIP of 1.032.
His team's record is 4-1 (+2.5 units) in these starts. The OVER is 3-2. (+1.0 units)

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ST LOUIS (43 - 23) at MIAMI (19 - 46) - 7:10 PM
JAKE WESTBROOK (R) vs. JOSE FERNANDEZ (R)
Top Trends for this game.
ST LOUIS is 43-23 (+12.8 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
ST LOUIS is 24-11 (+12.5 Units) against the money line in road games this season.
ST LOUIS is 43-23 (+12.8 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
ST LOUIS is 36-15 (+17.5 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.
MIAMI is 19-46 (-17.6 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
MIAMI is 49-65 (-18.5 Units) against the money line in home games over the last 2 seasons.
MIAMI is 18-46 (-27.4 Units) against the money line in June games over the last 3 seasons.
MIAMI is 19-44 (-15.6 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
MIAMI is 12-32 (-14.5 Units) against the money line in night games this season.
MIAMI is 59-95 (-30.4 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters over the last 2 seasons.
MIAMI is 12-33 (-15.1 Units) against the money line after a loss this season.
MIAMI is 38-71 (-26.7 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.

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

JAKE WESTBROOK vs. MIAMI since 1997
WESTBROOK is 1-1 when starting against MIAMI with an ERA of 2.70 and a WHIP of 1.075.
His team's record is 4-2 (+2.0 units) in these starts. The OVER is 3-3. (-0.5 units)

JOSE FERNANDEZ vs. ST LOUIS since 1997
No recent starts.

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SAN FRANCISCO (34 - 31) at ATLANTA (39 - 27) - 7:35 PM
MADISON BUMGARNER (L) vs. KRIS MEDLEN (R)
Top Trends for this game.
ATLANTA is 133-96 (+22.4 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
ATLANTA is 18-6 (+12.4 Units) against the money line when playing with a day off over the last 2 seasons.
ATLANTA is 130-94 (+20.9 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
MEDLEN is 33-12 (+18.8 Units) against the money line in all games since 1997. (Team's Record)
MEDLEN is 33-12 (+18.8 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field since 1997. (Team's Record)
MEDLEN is 26-6 (+18.4 Units) against the money line in night games since 1997. (Team's Record)
SAN FRANCISCO is 139-104 (+26.2 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
SAN FRANCISCO is 65-57 (+12.4 Units) against the money line in road games over the last 2 seasons.
SAN FRANCISCO is 139-102 (+28.3 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
SAN FRANCISCO is 87-60 (+22.9 Units) against the money line in night games over the last 2 seasons.
SAN FRANCISCO is 496-490 (+45.2 Units) against the money line in road games against right-handed starters since 1997.
SAN FRANCISCO is 79-58 (+14.8 Units) against the money line after a win over the last 2 seasons.
SAN FRANCISCO is 62-51 (+12.6 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
SAN FRANCISCO is 3-1 (+1.8 Units) against ATLANTA this season
3 of 4 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+2.1 Units)

MADISON BUMGARNER vs. ATLANTA since 1997
BUMGARNER is 2-3 when starting against ATLANTA with an ERA of 3.50 and a WHIP of 1.194.
His team's record is 2-4 (-2.4 units) in these starts. The OVER is 3-3. (-0.2 units)

KRIS MEDLEN vs. SAN FRANCISCO since 1997
MEDLEN is 0-2 when starting against SAN FRANCISCO with an ERA of 5.91 and a WHIP of 1.782.
His team's record is 0-2 (-2.0 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 2-0. (+2.0 units)

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PHILADELPHIA (32 - 35) at COLORADO (35 - 32) - 8:40 PM
KYLE KENDRICK (R) vs. JUAN NICASIO (R)
Top Trends for this game.
PHILADELPHIA is 113-116 (-24.2 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
PHILADELPHIA is 15-25 (-14.1 Units) against the money line in June games over the last 2 seasons.
PHILADELPHIA is 113-113 (-21.2 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
PHILADELPHIA is 54-66 (-20.8 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.
COLORADO is 26-17 (+8.0 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.
PHILADELPHIA is 112-96 (+24.2 Units) against the money line in road games when playing on Friday since 1997.
KENDRICK is 60-40 (+21.0 Units) against the money line in night games since 1997. (Team's Record)
COLORADO is 172-221 (-50.1 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 3 seasons.
COLORADO is 94-105 (-30.9 Units) against the money line in home games over the last 3 seasons.
COLORADO is 172-221 (-50.1 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 3 seasons.

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

KYLE KENDRICK vs. COLORADO since 1997
KENDRICK is 3-3 when starting against COLORADO with an ERA of 5.33 and a WHIP of 1.531.
His team's record is 5-4 (+0.4 units) in these starts. The OVER is 8-1. (+6.9 units)

JUAN NICASIO vs. PHILADELPHIA since 1997
No recent starts.

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ARIZONA (37 - 29) at SAN DIEGO (32 - 34) - 10:10 PM
TREVOR CAHILL (R) vs. ERIC STULTS (L)
Top Trends for this game.
SAN DIEGO is 108-120 (+9.0 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
SAN DIEGO is 61-53 (+11.2 Units) against the money line in home games over the last 2 seasons.
SAN DIEGO is 108-117 (+12.0 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
SAN DIEGO is 56-50 (+15.6 Units) against the money line after a win over the last 2 seasons.
STULTS is 18-10 (+13.0 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
STULTS is 18-9 (+14.0 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
STULTS is 13-6 (+11.2 Units) against the money line in night games over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
STULTS is 12-5 (+10.9 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
ARIZONA is 37-29 (+8.5 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
ARIZONA is 8-2 (+8.1 Units) against the money line when the total is 7 or less this season.
ARIZONA is 103-97 (+19.3 Units) against the money line in road games over the last 3 seasons.
ARIZONA is 8-2 (+8.1 Units) against the money line on the road when the total is 7 or less this season.
ARIZONA is 50-40 (+16.5 Units) against the money line in road games against division opponents over the last 3 seasons.
ARIZONA is 37-29 (+8.5 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
ARIZONA is 44-36 (+12.8 Units) against the money line in road games in night games over the last 2 seasons.
ARIZONA is 13-5 (+9.1 Units) against the money line in road games when playing against a team with a losing record this season.
CAHILL is 19-9 (+12.7 Units) against the money line in road games against division opponents since 1997. (Team's Record)
SAN DIEGO is 20-41 (-21.6 Units) against the money line when playing on Friday over the last 3 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
SAN DIEGO is 3-3 (+0.3 Units) against ARIZONA this season
4 of 6 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+2.1 Units)

TREVOR CAHILL vs. SAN DIEGO since 1997
CAHILL is 2-2 when starting against SAN DIEGO with an ERA of 2.64 and a WHIP of 1.532.
His team's record is 3-2 (-0.2 units) in these starts. The OVER is 0-4. (-4.3 units)

ERIC STULTS vs. ARIZONA since 1997
STULTS is 3-3 when starting against ARIZONA with an ERA of 3.19 and a WHIP of 1.146.
His team's record is 3-3 (+0.8 units) in these starts. The OVER is 1-4. (-3.0 units)

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BOSTON (41 - 27) at BALTIMORE (38 - 29) - 7:05 PM
RYAN DEMPSTER (R) vs. CHRIS TILLMAN (R)
Top Trends for this game.
BOSTON is 110-120 (-30.7 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
BOSTON is 42-53 (-22.2 Units) against the money line when the total is 9 to 9.5 over the last 2 seasons.
BOSTON is 92-108 (-39.4 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
BOSTON is 74-88 (-29.4 Units) against the money line in night games over the last 2 seasons.
BOSTON is 70-84 (-28.9 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters over the last 2 seasons.
BOSTON is 53-65 (-23.8 Units) against the money line after a loss over the last 2 seasons.
BALTIMORE is 38-29 (+8.9 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
BALTIMORE is 57-41 (+19.4 Units) against the money line when the total is 9 to 9.5 over the last 2 seasons.
BALTIMORE is 66-49 (+12.4 Units) against the money line in home games over the last 2 seasons.
BALTIMORE is 60-46 (+24.5 Units) against the money line against division opponents over the last 2 seasons.
BALTIMORE is 33-24 (+7.8 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
BALTIMORE is 16-6 (+9.6 Units) against the money line in home games in night games this season.
BALTIMORE is 95-73 (+33.3 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters over the last 2 seasons.
BALTIMORE is 71-62 (+14.1 Units) against the money line after a win over the last 2 seasons.
BALTIMORE is 20-11 (+10.0 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record this season.
TILLMAN is 19-9 (+11.7 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
TILLMAN is 10-2 (+9.7 Units) against the money line when the total is 9 to 9.5 over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
TILLMAN is 17-8 (+10.5 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
TILLMAN is 11-2 (+12.2 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
DEMPSTER is 35-23 (+17.0 Units) against the money line in June games since 1997. (Team's Record)
DEMPSTER is 24-13 (+11.7 Units) against the money line after a loss over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)

Head-to-Head Series History
BALTIMORE is 3-1 (+2.5 Units) against BOSTON this season
3 of 4 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+1.8 Units)

RYAN DEMPSTER vs. BALTIMORE since 1997
DEMPSTER is 1-0 when starting against BALTIMORE with an ERA of 1.47 and a WHIP of 0.818.
His team's record is 2-1 (+1.1 units) in these starts. The OVER is 1-2. (-1.3 units)

CHRIS TILLMAN vs. BOSTON since 1997
TILLMAN is 1-1 when starting against BOSTON with an ERA of 2.97 and a WHIP of 1.352.
His team's record is 2-4 (-2.2 units) in these starts. The OVER is 4-2. (+2.1 units)

[StarDust Bum]

KANSAS CITY (31 - 33) at TAMPA BAY (35 - 31) - 7:10 PM
LUIS MENDOZA (R) vs. MATT MOORE (L)
Top Trends for this game.
KANSAS CITY is 9-23 (-13.5 Units) against the money line when playing on Friday over the last 2 seasons.
TAMPA BAY is 96-40 (+31.0 Units) against the money line as a home favorite of -150 to -175 since 1997.
KANSAS CITY is 15-11 (+13.0 Units) against the money line as a road underdog of +150 to +175 over the last 2 seasons.
KANSAS CITY is 30-29 (+15.8 Units) against the money line in road games when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
KANSAS CITY is 3-0 (+3.4 Units) against TAMPA BAY this season
3 of 3 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+3.1 Units)

LUIS MENDOZA vs. TAMPA BAY since 1997
MENDOZA is 0-1 when starting against TAMPA BAY with an ERA of 8.64 and a WHIP of 2.041.
His team's record is 1-1 (+0.1 units) in these starts. The OVER is 2-0. (+2.0 units)

MATT MOORE vs. KANSAS CITY since 1997
MOORE is 0-0 when starting against KANSAS CITY with an ERA of 4.91 and a WHIP of 1.637.
His team's record is 0-1 (-1.4 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 1-0. (+1.0 units)

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TORONTO (29 - 36) at TEXAS (38 - 28) - 8:05 PM
MARK BUEHRLE (L) vs. JUSTIN GRIMM (R)
Top Trends for this game.
TEXAS is 107-60 (+31.4 Units) against the money line after a loss over the last 3 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
TORONTO is 3-1 (+3.1 Units) against TEXAS this season
3 of 4 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+1.7 Units)

MARK BUEHRLE vs. TEXAS since 1997
BUEHRLE is 12-5 when starting against TEXAS with an ERA of 3.16 and a WHIP of 1.070.
His team's record is 13-5 (+7.1 units) in these starts. The OVER is 8-9. (-1.4 units)

JUSTIN GRIMM vs. TORONTO since 1997
GRIMM is 0-0 when starting against TORONTO with an ERA of 6.35 and a WHIP of 1.411.
His team's record is 1-0 (+1.3 units) in these starts. The OVER is 1-0. (+1.1 units)

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DETROIT (36 - 28) at MINNESOTA (29 - 34) - 8:10 PM
RICK PORCELLO (R) vs. SCOTT DIAMOND (L)
Top Trends for this game.
DETROIT is 131-108 (-17.8 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
DETROIT is 1-9 (-9.7 Units) against the money line on the road with a money line of -100 to -125 this season.
DETROIT is 15-23 (-15.4 Units) against the money line as a road favorite of -125 to -150 over the last 2 seasons.
DETROIT is 14-18 (-7.8 Units) against the money line in road games this season.
DETROIT is 49-98 (-38.6 Units) against the money line in road games when playing with a day off since 1997.
DETROIT is 14-18 (-7.8 Units) against the money line in road games in games played on a grass field this season.
DETROIT is 76-67 (-10.9 Units) against the money line in night games over the last 2 seasons.
DETROIT is 10-21 (-15.3 Units) against the money line in road games against left-handed starters over the last 2 seasons.
MINNESOTA is 37-27 (+16.2 Units) against the money line in June games over the last 3 seasons.
MINNESOTA is 79-114 (-35.2 Units) against the money line in home games over the last 3 seasons.
MINNESOTA is 4-14 (-10.7 Units) against the money line in home games when playing on Friday over the last 2 seasons.
MINNESOTA is 79-114 (-35.2 Units) against the money line in home games in games played on a grass field over the last 3 seasons.
MINNESOTA is 52-81 (-30.1 Units) against the money line in home games against right-handed starters over the last 3 seasons.
MINNESOTA is 41-74 (-31.7 Units) against the money line in home games after a loss over the last 3 seasons.
MINNESOTA is 13-36 (-21.5 Units) against the money line in home games when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
MINNESOTA is 4-6 (+0.9 Units) against DETROIT this season
8 of 10 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+5.6 Units)

RICK PORCELLO vs. MINNESOTA since 1997
PORCELLO is 6-5 when starting against MINNESOTA with an ERA of 3.64 and a WHIP of 1.495.
His team's record is 9-8 (-0.8 units) in these starts. The OVER is 7-10. (-3.8 units)

SCOTT DIAMOND vs. DETROIT since 1997
DIAMOND is 2-2 when starting against DETROIT with an ERA of 3.18 and a WHIP of 1.257.
His team's record is 3-4 (+1.1 units) in these starts. The OVER is 3-4. (-1.2 units)

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CHI WHITE SOX (28 - 35) at HOUSTON (23 - 44) - 8:10 PM
CHRIS SALE (L) vs. ERIK BEDARD (L)
Top Trends for this game.
CHI WHITE SOX are 109-93 (+27.1 Units) against the money line in road games in June games since 1997.
HOUSTON is 78-150 (-35.0 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
HOUSTON is 6-24 (-17.5 Units) against the money line in home games when playing on Friday over the last 3 seasons.
HOUSTON is 78-150 (-35.0 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
BEDARD is 48-54 (-23.0 Units) against the money line in home games since 1997. (Team's Record)
BEDARD is 48-54 (-23.0 Units) against the money line in home games in games played on a grass field since 1997. (Team's Record)

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

CHRIS SALE vs. HOUSTON since 1997
SALE is 1-0 when starting against HOUSTON with an ERA of 0.00 and a WHIP of 0.500.
His team's record is 1-0 (+1.0 units) in these starts. The OVER is 1-0. (+1.1 units)

ERIK BEDARD vs. CHI WHITE SOX since 1997
BEDARD is 3-2 when starting against CHI WHITE SOX with an ERA of 3.90 and a WHIP of 1.229.
His team's record is 4-5 (-1.9 units) in these starts. The OVER is 5-3. (+1.7 units)

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NY YANKEES (37 - 29) at LA ANGELS (28 - 38) - 10:05 PM
ANDY PETTITTE (L) vs. C.J. WILSON (L)
Top Trends for this game.
LA ANGELS are 247-184 (+44.9 Units) against the money line when playing on Friday since 1997.
NY YANKEES are 20-9 (+9.9 Units) against the money line when the total is 8 to 8.5 this season.
NY YANKEES are 44-21 (+17.9 Units) against the money line in June games over the last 3 seasons.
NY YANKEES are 28-9 (+16.1 Units) against the money line when playing on Friday over the last 2 seasons.
NY YANKEES are 86-48 (+25.5 Units) against the money line against left-handed starters over the last 3 seasons.
LA ANGELS are 28-38 (-21.2 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
LA ANGELS are 15-18 (-12.7 Units) against the money line in home games this season.
LA ANGELS are 28-38 (-21.2 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
LA ANGELS are 15-31 (-25.7 Units) against the money line in night games this season.

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

ANDY PETTITTE vs. LA ANGELS since 1997
PETTITTE is 11-10 when starting against LA ANGELS with an ERA of 4.79 and a WHIP of 1.489.
His team's record is 15-14 (-6.0 units) in these starts. The OVER is 10-17. (-8.2 units)

C.J. WILSON vs. NY YANKEES since 1997
WILSON is 1-2 when starting against NY YANKEES with an ERA of 4.18 and a WHIP of 1.479.
His team's record is 3-5 (-2.0 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 4-4. (-0.8 units)

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SEATTLE (29 - 38) at OAKLAND (41 - 27) - 10:05 PM
JOE SAUNDERS (L) vs. TOM MILONE (L)
Top Trends for this game.
SEATTLE is 294-423 (-104.2 Units) against the money line in road games after a loss since 1997.
OAKLAND is 41-27 (+13.7 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
OAKLAND is 72-41 (+29.8 Units) against the money line in home games over the last 2 seasons.
OAKLAND is 14-4 (+11.3 Units) against the money line in home games in June games over the last 2 seasons.
OAKLAND is 20-8 (+13.0 Units) against the money line against division opponents this season.
OAKLAND is 41-24 (+16.8 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
OAKLAND is 29-13 (+17.5 Units) against the money line in night games this season.
OAKLAND is 28-12 (+17.4 Units) against the money line after a win this season.
OAKLAND is 34-19 (+17.0 Units) against the money line after 3 or more consecutive wins over the last 2 seasons.
OAKLAND is 22-9 (+12.9 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record this season.
MILONE is 32-18 (+16.0 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 3 seasons. (Team's Record)
MILONE is 15-6 (+11.1 Units) against the money line against division opponents over the last 3 seasons. (Team's Record)
MILONE is 26-16 (+10.5 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
MILONE is 22-8 (+15.6 Units) against the money line in night games over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
MILONE is 21-9 (+14.1 Units) against the money line after a win over the last 3 seasons. (Team's Record)

Head-to-Head Series History
SEATTLE is 4-3 (+1.4 Units) against OAKLAND this season
4 of 7 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+0.7 Units)

JOE SAUNDERS vs. OAKLAND since 1997
SAUNDERS is 14-6 when starting against OAKLAND with an ERA of 3.47 and a WHIP of 1.337.
His team's record is 15-7 (+5.7 units) in these starts. The OVER is 9-13. (-5.0 units)

TOM MILONE vs. SEATTLE since 1997
MILONE is 3-2 when starting against SEATTLE with an ERA of 3.37 and a WHIP of 1.195.
His team's record is 5-2 (+2.7 units) in these starts. The OVER is 1-6. (-5.6 units)

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WASHINGTON (33 - 32) at CLEVELAND (32 - 33) - 7:05 PM
GIO GONZALEZ (L) vs. JUSTIN MASTERSON (R)
Top Trends for this game.
MASTERSON is 34-21 (+14.6 Units) against the money line in night games over the last 3 seasons. (Team's Record)
WASHINGTON is 133-99 (+17.6 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
WASHINGTON is 87-61 (+17.7 Units) against the money line in night games over the last 2 seasons.
GONZALEZ is 32-15 (+13.6 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
GONZALEZ is 19-6 (+13.2 Units) against the money line in road games over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
GONZALEZ is 32-15 (+13.6 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
GONZALEZ is 13-2 (+11.1 Units) against the money line in road games after a win over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
CLEVELAND is 207-237 (-63.4 Units) against the money line in June games since 1997.
CLEVELAND is 196-203 (-52.1 Units) against the money line in home games against left-handed starters since 1997.

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

GIO GONZALEZ vs. CLEVELAND since 1997
GONZALEZ is 5-0 when starting against CLEVELAND with an ERA of 0.72 and a WHIP of 1.178.
His team's record is 6-0 (+6.8 units) in these starts. The OVER is 2-4. (-2.3 units)

JUSTIN MASTERSON vs. WASHINGTON since 1997
No recent starts.