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

[StarDust Bum]

MLB
Long Sheet

Thursday, June 27

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CHICAGO CUBS (32 - 44) at MILWAUKEE (32 - 44) - 2:10 PM
MATT GARZA (R) vs. WILY PERALTA (R)
Top Trends for this game.
CHICAGO CUBS are 62-101 (-32.4 Units) against the money line after a win over the last 3 seasons.
CHICAGO CUBS are 14-34 (-17.7 Units) against the money line in road games when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 2 seasons.
CHICAGO CUBS are 93-145 (-34.3 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
CHICAGO CUBS are 38-80 (-26.2 Units) against the money line in road games over the last 2 seasons.
CHICAGO CUBS are 22-54 (-26.3 Units) against the money line on the road when the total is 8 to 8.5 over the last 3 seasons.
CHICAGO CUBS are 10-25 (-12.0 Units) against the money line against division opponents this season.
CHICAGO CUBS are 18-47 (-22.5 Units) against the money line in road games in day games over the last 3 seasons.
CHICAGO CUBS are 93-145 (-34.3 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
CHICAGO CUBS are 64-106 (-28.8 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters over the last 2 seasons.
MILWAUKEE is 100-51 (+34.3 Units) against the money line in home games against right-handed starters over the last 3 seasons.
MILWAUKEE is 32-44 (-15.0 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
MILWAUKEE is 5-14 (-12.0 Units) against the money line when playing on Thursday over the last 2 seasons.
MILWAUKEE is 34-53 (-26.6 Units) against the money line in day games over the last 2 seasons.
MILWAUKEE is 32-44 (-15.0 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
MILWAUKEE is 54-56 (-16.9 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
MILWAUKEE is 5-2 (+2.7 Units) against CHICAGO CUBS this season
5 of 7 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+2.9 Units)

MATT GARZA vs. MILWAUKEE since 1997
GARZA is 3-1 when starting against MILWAUKEE with an ERA of 2.90 and a WHIP of 1.116.
His team's record is 3-3 (+0.1 units) in these starts. The OVER is 3-3. (-0.2 units)

WILY PERALTA vs. CHICAGO CUBS since 1997
PERALTA is 1-0 when starting against CHICAGO CUBS with an ERA of 2.70 and a WHIP of 1.199.
His team's record is 1-1 (-0.1 units) in these starts. The OVER is 1-1. (+0.0 units)

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ARIZONA (41 - 36) at WASHINGTON (39 - 38) - 4:05 PM
PAT CORBIN (L) vs. STEPHEN STRASBURG (R)
Top Trends for this game.
WASHINGTON is 219-187 (+26.6 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 3 seasons.
WASHINGTON is 22-7 (+14.3 Units) against the money line when playing on Thursday over the last 2 seasons.
WASHINGTON is 36-16 (+16.0 Units) against the money line in home games against left-handed starters over the last 3 seasons.
WASHINGTON is 108-90 (+27.5 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 3 seasons.
ARIZONA is 24-16 (+12.7 Units) against the money line when the total is 7 or less over the last 2 seasons.
ARIZONA is 149-120 (+26.0 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters over the last 3 seasons.
CORBIN is 14-1 (+12.8 Units) against the money line in all games this season. (Team's Record)
CORBIN is 7-0 (+7.3 Units) against the money line in road games this season. (Team's Record)
CORBIN is 14-1 (+12.8 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season. (Team's Record)
CORBIN is 8-0 (+8.7 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record this season. (Team's Record)

Head-to-Head Series History
WASHINGTON is 2-0 (+2.0 Units) against ARIZONA this season
1 of 2 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+0.0 Units)

PAT CORBIN vs. WASHINGTON since 1997
CORBIN is 1-0 when starting against WASHINGTON with an ERA of 2.57 and a WHIP of 0.571.
His team's record is 1-0 (+1.0 units) in these starts. The OVER is 1-0. (+1.0 units)

STEPHEN STRASBURG vs. ARIZONA since 1997
STRASBURG is 1-0 when starting against ARIZONA with an ERA of 1.64 and a WHIP of 0.909.
His team's record is 2-0 (+2.0 units) in these starts. The OVER is 2-0. (+2.1 units)

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PHILADELPHIA (38 - 41) at LA DODGERS (35 - 42) - 10:10 PM
JONATHAN PETTIBONE (R) vs. ZACK GREINKE (R)
Top Trends for this game.
PHILADELPHIA is 21-31 (-14.9 Units) against the money line in June games over the last 2 seasons.
PHILADELPHIA is 119-119 (-22.0 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
PHILADELPHIA is 16-20 (-8.9 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record this season.
PHILADELPHIA is 119-122 (-25.0 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
GREINKE is 51-24 (+20.9 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 3 seasons. (Team's Record)
GREINKE is 33-4 (+27.5 Units) against the money line in home games over the last 3 seasons. (Team's Record)
GREINKE is 51-24 (+20.9 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 3 seasons. (Team's Record)
GREINKE is 13-1 (+11.7 Units) against the money line in home games in night games over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
GREINKE is 20-1 (+19.0 Units) against the money line in home games after a win over the last 3 seasons. (Team's Record)
GREINKE is 20-0 (+20.1 Units) against the money line in home games when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 3 seasons. (Team's Record)
LA DODGERS are 35-42 (-15.8 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
LA DODGERS are 35-42 (-15.8 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
LA DODGERS are 24-32 (-17.0 Units) against the money line in night games this season.
LA DODGERS are 14-20 (-9.4 Units) against the money line after a win this season.

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

JONATHAN PETTIBONE vs. LA DODGERS since 1997
No recent starts.

ZACK GREINKE vs. PHILADELPHIA since 1997
GREINKE is 0-1 when starting against PHILADELPHIA with an ERA of 2.77 and a WHIP of 0.692.
His team's record is 0-2 (-2.0 units) in these starts. The OVER is 1-1. (-0.2 units)

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TEXAS (45 - 33) at NY YANKEES (42 - 35) - 1:05 PM
DEREK HOLLAND (L) vs. PHIL HUGHES (R)
Top Trends for this game.
TEXAS is 72-65 (-17.4 Units) against the money line after a win over the last 2 seasons.
NY YANKEES are 94-47 (+34.3 Units) against the money line in day games over the last 3 seasons.
HUGHES is 22-2 (+19.5 Units) against the money line in home games after a loss since 1997. (Team's Record)
HOLLAND is 30-11 (+19.2 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)

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

DEREK HOLLAND vs. NY YANKEES since 1997
HOLLAND is 0-5 when starting against NY YANKEES with an ERA of 8.69 and a WHIP of 1.852.
His team's record is 2-5 (-3.2 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 1-5. (-4.8 units)

PHIL HUGHES vs. TEXAS since 1997
HUGHES is 2-3 when starting against TEXAS with an ERA of 5.26 and a WHIP of 1.286.
His team's record is 2-3 (-1.3 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 1-1. (-0.1 units)

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LA ANGELS (35 - 43) at DETROIT (42 - 34) - 1:05 PM
JERED WEAVER (R) vs. DOUG FISTER (R)
Top Trends for this game.
LA ANGELS are 35-43 (-21.5 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
LA ANGELS are 25-32 (-17.7 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.
LA ANGELS are 14-22 (-11.2 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record this season.
LA ANGELS are 35-43 (-21.5 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
LA ANGELS are 128-102 (+39.4 Units) against the money line in road games in June games since 1997.
LA ANGELS are 407-334 (+53.8 Units) against the money line in day games since 1997.
LA ANGELS are 680-670 (+58.1 Units) against the money line in road games since 1997.
LA ANGELS are 164-147 (+28.9 Units) against the money line on the road when the total is 8 to 8.5 since 1997.
DETROIT is 133-111 (-21.4 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
DETROIT is 137-114 (-20.9 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
FISTER is 14-26 (-16.1 Units) against the money line when the total is 8 to 8.5 since 1997. (Team's Record)

Head-to-Head Series History
LA ANGELS is 5-0 (+5.7 Units) against DETROIT this season
4 of 5 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+2.9 Units)

JERED WEAVER vs. DETROIT since 1997
WEAVER is 3-4 when starting against DETROIT with an ERA of 5.47 and a WHIP of 1.451.
His team's record is 4-5 (-2.4 units) in these starts. The OVER is 3-6. (-3.1 units)

DOUG FISTER vs. LA ANGELS since 1997
FISTER is 2-3 when starting against LA ANGELS with an ERA of 3.05 and a WHIP of 1.143.
His team's record is 3-5 (-1.7 units) in these starts. The OVER is 1-5. (-4.4 units)

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CLEVELAND (40 - 37) at BALTIMORE (43 - 36) - 7:05 PM
COREY KLUBER (R) vs. MIGUEL GONZALEZ (R)
Top Trends for this game.
CLEVELAND is 12-30 (-16.6 Units) against the money line as a road underdog of +100 to +125 over the last 2 seasons.
BALTIMORE is 43-36 (+6.9 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
BALTIMORE is 61-46 (+17.5 Units) against the money line when the total is 9 to 9.5 over the last 2 seasons.
BALTIMORE is 69-52 (+11.4 Units) against the money line in home games over the last 2 seasons.
BALTIMORE is 19-8 (+11.7 Units) against the money line when playing on Thursday over the last 2 seasons.
BALTIMORE is 38-28 (+8.9 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
BALTIMORE is 18-8 (+8.6 Units) against the money line in home games in night games this season.
BALTIMORE is 99-79 (+31.7 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters over the last 2 seasons.
BALTIMORE is 23-12 (+11.4 Units) against the money line after a loss this season.
BALTIMORE is 25-16 (+10.1 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record this season.
GONZALEZ is 19-10 (+13.1 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
GONZALEZ is 10-2 (+8.6 Units) against the money line in home games over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
GONZALEZ is 16-7 (+11.8 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
GONZALEZ is 15-6 (+12.1 Units) against the money line in night games over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
CLEVELAND is 27-23 (+8.8 Units) against the money line in night games this season.
CLEVELAND is 40-37 (+8.1 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
BALTIMORE is 137-133 (-45.8 Units) against the money line as a home favorite of -125 to -150 since 1997.

Head-to-Head Series History
CLEVELAND is 2-1 (+1.8 Units) against BALTIMORE this season
3 of 3 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+3.1 Units)

COREY KLUBER vs. BALTIMORE since 1997
No recent starts.

MIGUEL GONZALEZ vs. CLEVELAND since 1997
GONZALEZ is 1-0 when starting against CLEVELAND with an ERA of 2.70 and a WHIP of 1.349.
His team's record is 1-0 (+1.2 units) in these starts. The OVER is 1-0. (+1.1 units)

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TORONTO (39 - 38) at BOSTON (47 - 33) - 7:10 PM
CHIEN-MING WANG (R) vs. JON LESTER (L)
Top Trends for this game.
WANG is 3-10 (-13.6 Units) against the money line when playing on Thursday since 1997. (Team's Record)
TORONTO is 16-6 (+12.1 Units) against the money line in June games this season.
TORONTO is 31-25 (+9.6 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record this season.
BOSTON is 116-126 (-30.7 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
BOSTON is 11-16 (-14.8 Units) against the money line as a home favorite of -150 to -175 over the last 2 seasons.
BOSTON is 59-62 (-24.5 Units) against the money line in home games over the last 2 seasons.
BOSTON is 7-13 (-13.4 Units) against the money line in home games when playing on Thursday over the last 3 seasons.
BOSTON is 17-31 (-24.2 Units) against the money line in home games against division opponents over the last 2 seasons.
BOSTON is 98-114 (-39.5 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
BOSTON is 77-92 (-30.4 Units) against the money line in night games over the last 2 seasons.
BOSTON is 76-89 (-27.9 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters over the last 2 seasons.
BOSTON is 453-337 (-56.7 Units) against the money line in home games after a win since 1997.
BOSTON is 60-79 (-24.0 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.
LESTER is 40-41 (-18.8 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 3 seasons. (Team's Record)
LESTER is 17-20 (-15.8 Units) against the money line in home games over the last 3 seasons. (Team's Record)
LESTER is 17-20 (-15.8 Units) against the money line in home games in games played on a grass field over the last 3 seasons. (Team's Record)
LESTER is 23-29 (-20.8 Units) against the money line in night games over the last 3 seasons. (Team's Record)
LESTER is 14-18 (-14.4 Units) against the money line after a win over the last 3 seasons. (Team's Record)
LESTER is 10-18 (-11.9 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)

Head-to-Head Series History
TORONTO is 4-5 (+0.2 Units) against BOSTON this season
5 of 9 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+0.5 Units)

CHIEN-MING WANG vs. BOSTON since 1997
WANG is 6-6 when starting against BOSTON with an ERA of 5.16 and a WHIP of 1.610.
His team's record is 7-7 (-2.7 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 7-5. (+1.9 units)

JON LESTER vs. TORONTO since 1997
LESTER is 13-7 when starting against TORONTO with an ERA of 3.61 and a WHIP of 1.071.
His team's record is 15-10 (+1.9 units) in these starts. The OVER is 13-11. (+1.2 units)

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KANSAS CITY (36 - 39) at MINNESOTA (34 - 40) - 8:10 PM
JEREMY GUTHRIE (R) vs. SAM DEDUNO (R)
Top Trends for this game.
KANSAS CITY is 46-55 (-16.4 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 2 seasons.
MINNESOTA is 14-7 (+8.8 Units) against the money line at home when the total is 8 to 8.5 this season.
MINNESOTA is 42-33 (+16.4 Units) against the money line in June games over the last 3 seasons.
MINNESOTA is 19-12 (+9.7 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record this season.
DEDUNO is 7-0 (+8.1 Units) against the money line in home games in night games over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
GUTHRIE is 25-19 (+8.7 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
GUTHRIE is 16-3 (+15.9 Units) against the money line when the total is 8 to 8.5 over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
GUTHRIE is 14-5 (+9.7 Units) against the money line against division opponents over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
GUTHRIE is 25-18 (+9.7 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
MINNESOTA is 83-116 (-32.4 Units) against the money line in home games over the last 3 seasons.
MINNESOTA is 74-91 (-35.0 Units) against the money line in home games when playing on Thursday since 1997.
MINNESOTA is 83-116 (-32.4 Units) against the money line in home games in games played on a grass field over the last 3 seasons.
MINNESOTA is 54-83 (-29.6 Units) against the money line in home games against right-handed starters over the last 3 seasons.
MINNESOTA is 43-75 (-30.2 Units) against the money line in home games after a loss over the last 3 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
KANSAS CITY is 5-1 (+3.6 Units) against MINNESOTA this season
4 of 6 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+1.5 Units)

JEREMY GUTHRIE vs. MINNESOTA since 1997
GUTHRIE is 6-2 when starting against MINNESOTA with an ERA of 3.36 and a WHIP of 1.102.
His team's record is 6-3 (+4.2 units) in these starts. The OVER is 4-5. (-1.6 units)

SAM DEDUNO vs. KANSAS CITY since 1997
DEDUNO is 2-0 when starting against KANSAS CITY with an ERA of 0.73 and a WHIP of 1.217.
His team's record is 2-0 (+2.8 units) in these starts. The OVER is 1-1. (-0.2 units)

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NY METS (31 - 43) at COLORADO (39 - 40) - 6:10 PM
JEREMY HEFNER (R) vs. TYLER CHATWOOD (R)
Top Trends for this game.
NY METS are 12-19 (-11.0 Units) against the money line in day games this season.
NY METS are 101-129 (-28.5 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
NY METS are 16-31 (-18.8 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.
NY METS are 14-22 (-12.6 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record this season.
NY METS are 98-101 (+22.7 Units) against the money line in road games over the last 3 seasons.
NY METS are 17-8 (+12.3 Units) against the money line when playing on Thursday over the last 2 seasons.
COLORADO is 52-83 (-38.8 Units) against the money line in day games over the last 3 seasons.
COLORADO is 176-226 (-51.1 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 3 seasons.
COLORADO is 176-229 (-54.1 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 3 seasons.
COLORADO is 96-106 (-30.2 Units) against the money line in home games over the last 3 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
COLORADO is 3-0 (+3.0 Units) against NY METS this season
3 of 3 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+3.1 Units)

JEREMY HEFNER vs. COLORADO since 1997
No recent starts.

TYLER CHATWOOD vs. NY METS since 1997
CHATWOOD is 1-0 when starting against NY METS with an ERA of 0.00 and a WHIP of 1.400.
His team's record is 2-0 (+2.7 units) in these starts. The OVER is 1-1. (-0.2 units)

[StarDust Bum]

MLB
Armadillo's Write-Up

Thursday, June 27

Hot pitchers
-- Garza is 1-0, 0.60 in his last two starts.
-- Strasburg is 3-1, 1.70 in his last six starts. Arizona is 14-1 when Corbin starts (2.54 RA last four starts).
-- Greinke is 2-1, 2.67 in his last four starts.
-- Chatwood is 4-2, 1.63 in his last seven starts.

-- Kluber is 3-0, 1.66 in his last three starts. Gonzalez is 3-1, 2.57 in his last four starts.
-- Toironto is 3-0 when Wang starts (1-0, 2.61).
-- Deduno is 3-1, 2.90 in his last five starts.

Cold pitchers
-- Peralta is 1-2, 5.01 in his last four starts.
-- Pettibone is 0-3, 7.11 in his last five starts.
-- Hefner is 1-1, 6.35 in his last three starts.

-- Hughes is 1-3, 5.82 in his last four starts. Holland is 0-2, 6.23 in his last three starts.
-- Weaver is 0-3, 6.62 in his last three starts. Fister is 1-3, 4.61 in his last four.
-- Lester is 1-4, 7.40 in his last seven starts.
-- Guthrie is 0-2, 10.61 in his last couple starts.

Starting Pitchers/First Inning
You can wager on whether teams will score in the first inning. You're reading ***************.com. Below is how often a starting pitcher has allowed 1+ runs in first inning in one of his starts........
-- Garza 0-7; Peralta 4-16
-- Corbin 3-15; Strasburg 4-14
-- Pettibone 2-12; Greinke 3-10
-- Hefner 6-14; Chatwood 2-8

-- Holland 1-15; Hughes 5-14
-- Weaver 2-7; Fister 3-15
-- Kluber 2-11; Gonzalez 5-13
-- Wang 0-3; Lester 5-16
-- Guthrie 5-15 (4 of last 5); Deduno 1-6

Totals
-- Seven of Cubs' last ten games stayed under total.
-- Seven of last nine Arizona games stayed under total.
-- Five of last seven Dodger home games went over the total.
-- Under is 6-3-1 in Colorado's last ten games.

-- Three of last four Texas games stayed under total.
-- Six of last seven Detroit games went over the total.
-- Under is 9-3-1 in Cleveland's last thirteen games.
-- Ten of last thirteen Toronto games stayed under the total.
-- Under is 3-1-1 in last five Minnesota games

Hot teams
-- Brewers won six of their last eight home games.
-- Nationals won five of their last seven games.
-- Dodgers won their last five games, allowing ten runs. Phillies won their last two games, scoring 13 runs.
-- Mets won six of their last nine games.

-- Rangers won six of their last seven games.
-- Angels won their last three road games, scoring 30 runs.
-- Cleveland won six of its last eight games.
-- Blue Jays won 12 of their last 14 games. Boston won six of its last seven home games.

Cold teams
-- Cubs lost five of their last seven road games.
-- Arizona lost its last three games, scoring total of nine runs.
-- Colorado won seven of its last nine games.

-- Bronx is 5-9 in its last fourteen games.
-- Detroit is 3-5 in its last eight games.
-- Orioles lost five of their last six games.
-- Royals lost five of their last seven games. Minnesota lost four of last five.
Reply With Quote

[StarDust Bum]

MLB

Thursday, June 27

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Trend Report
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1:05 PM
TEXAS vs. NY YANKEES
Texas is 5-12 SU in their last 17 games when playing NY Yankees
Texas is 2-9 SU in their last 11 games when playing on the road against NY Yankees
NY Yankees are 12-5 SU in their last 17 games when playing Texas
NY Yankees are 9-2 SU in their last 11 games when playing at home against Texas

1:08 PM
LA ANGELS vs. DETROIT
The total has gone OVER in 4 of LA Angels's last 5 games when playing Detroit
The total has gone OVER in 4 of LA Angels's last 6 games
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Detroit's last 5 games at home
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Detroit's last 5 games

2:10 PM
CHI CUBS vs. MILWAUKEE
Chi Cubs are 3-13 SU in their last 16 games when playing Milwaukee
The total has gone UNDER in 7 of Chi Cubs's last 10 games
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Milwaukee's last 6 games
Milwaukee is 9-1 SU in their last 10 games when playing at home against Chi Cubs

4:05 PM
ARIZONA vs. WASHINGTON
Arizona is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games when playing on the road against Washington
The total has gone UNDER in 7 of Arizona's last 9 games
Washington is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games when playing at home against Arizona
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Washington's last 9 games when playing at home against Arizona

6:10 PM
NY METS vs. COLORADO
NY Mets are 4-2 SU in its last 6 games on the road
NY Mets are 4-2 SU in its last 6 games
Colorado is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing NY Mets
Colorado is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games when playing at home against NY Mets

7:05 PM
CLEVELAND vs. BALTIMORE
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Cleveland's last 5 games on the road
Cleveland is 4-13 SU in its last 17 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Baltimore's last 5 games
Baltimore is 1-5 SU in its last 6 games

7:10 PM
TORONTO vs. BOSTON
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Toronto's last 5 games on the road
Toronto is 6-2 SU in its last 8 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Boston's last 5 games
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Boston's last 5 games at home

8:10 PM
KANSAS CITY vs. MINNESOTA
Kansas City is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games when playing Minnesota
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Kansas City's last 7 games when playing Minnesota
Minnesota is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games at home
Minnesota is 1-5 SU in its last 6 games when playing Kansas City

10:10 PM
PHILADELPHIA vs. LA DODGERS
Philadelphia is 7-1 SU in their last 8 games when playing on the road against LA Dodgers
Philadelphia is 1-3-1 SU in its last 5 games ,on the road
LA Dodgers are 1-7 SU in their last 8 games when playing at home against Philadelphia
LA Dodgers are 4-1 SU in their last 5 games at home

[StarDust Bum]

MLB

Thursday, June 27

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MLB home dogs are red-hot for baseball bettors
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Home MLB underdogs have gone 17-9 over the past nine days and have been a profitable venture for baseball bettors.

A $100 bettor would be up $1,099.18 if they had wagered on the home dog in each of those 26 games. The American League clubs proved to be the more profitable of the two leagues during this stretch, posting a home dog mark of 12-4 in the past eight days and are up $942.18 per $100 wager.

The Houston Astros have gone 4-1 as home underdogs in this time span after beating the Cardinals 4-3 on Wednesday at +159.

There is only one home underdog on the board Thursday - the Yankees are +120 as of Thursday morning for a 1:05 p.m. ET start against the Texas Rangers.

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MLB
Short Sheet

Thursday, June 27

National League

Chicago Cubs at Milwaukee, 2:10 ET
Garza: 8-23 TSR off BB starts allowing 2 ER's or less
Peralta: Milwaukee 21-12 Over off BB home games

Arizona at Washington, 4:05 ET
Corbin: 7-0 TSR after allowing 1 or 0 ER's last start
Strasburg: 16-4 Over after allowing 1 or 0 ER's last start

Philadelphia at LA Dodgers, 10:10 ET
Pettibone: Philadelphia 9-21 SU after winning 2 of their last 3 games
Greinke: 20-1 TSR at home pitching off a team win


American League

Texas at NY Yankees, 1:05 ET MLB
Holland: 16-5 TSR away pitching on 5 or 6 days rest
Hughes: 16-4 Under with a total of 8 to 8.5 runs

LA Angels at Detroit, 1:05 ET MLB
Weaver: Angels 9-21 SU off 3+ Overs
Fister: Detroit 22-11 Over off a loss

Cleveland at Baltimore, 7:05 ET MLB
Kluber: Cleveland 20-9 SU after winning 4 or 5 of their last 6 games
Gonzalez: Baltimore 16-7 Under in June

Toronto at Boston, 7:10 ET
Wang: Toronto 14-5 SU off BB Unders
Lester: 6-12 TSR as a home favorite of -150 to -200

Kansas City at Minnesota, 8:10 ET
Guthrie: Kansas City 9-18 SU after losing 4 or 5 of their last 6 games
Deduno: 7-0 TSR at home in night games


Write-In Game

NY Mets at Colorado, 6:10 ET
Hefner: Mets 12-5 SU away after having 0 extra-base hits
Chatwood: 1-9 TSR as a home favorite


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MLB

Thursday, June 27

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Two young umps make MLB debut behind home Thursday
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Two young umpires are making their major league debuts calling the balls and strikes Thursday.

Adam Hamari (30) will don the mask first in an afternoon affair when the Cubs visit the Brewers. The game is a pick 'em. Will Little (29), meanwhile, will be the home plate ump at 7:05 p.m. ET where the Orioles are -130 home favorites over the Indians.

Little made his first big league appearance in this series at third base Monday. Hamari did the same at second base in the Cubs-Brewers series Tuesday night.

[StarDust Bum]

Thursday, June 27

Game Score Status Pick Amount

Texas - 1:05 PM ET Texas -123 500
NY Yankees - Over 8.5 500 POD # 6

LA Angels - 1:08 PM ET LA Angels +135 500 POD # 1
Detroit - Under 8.5 500

Chi. Cubs - 2:10 PM ET Milwaukee -105 500
Milwaukee - Under 8 500

Arizona - 4:05 PM ET Arizona +126 500POD # 2
Washington - Under 6.5 500

NY Mets - 6:10 PM ET Colorado -166 500
Colorado - Over 10.5 500

Cleveland - 7:05 PM ET Cleveland +122 500 POD # 3
Baltimore - Over 9 500

Toronto - 7:10 PM ET Boston -173 500
Boston - Over 9.5 500 POD # 5

Kansas City - 8:10 PM ET Minnesota -131 500
Minnesota - Over 8.5 500

Philadelphia - 10:10 PM ET Philadelphia +167 500 POD # 4
LA Dodgers - Under 7.5 500

[StarDust Bum]

Around the Horn - Friday

June 27, 2013



NATIONAL LEAGUE


Milwaukee at Pittsburgh - 7:05 PM EST (Game 1/3)

Teams Pitcher Notes Team Record Betcha Didn't Know

Milwaukee Brewers Hellweg (NR) 32-45 2-5 L7 away vs. RHP

Pittsburgh Pirates Cole (3-0, 3.44 ERA) 48-30 6-2 L8 vs. MIL

-- Brewers lost to Cubs, 7-2 on Thursday
-- Pirates beat Mariners, 4-2 on Wednesday



Washington at N.Y. Mets - 7:05 PM EST (Game 1/3)

Teams Pitcher Notes Team Record Betcha Didn't Know

Washington Nationals Detwiler (2-6, 4.18 ERA) 39-39 2-7 L9 as away underdog

New York Mets Harvey (7-1, 2.05 ERA) 32-43 1-5 L6 home Game 1's

-- Nationals lost to Diamondbacks, 3-2 on Thursday
-- Mets beat Rockies, 3-2 on Thursday



San Diego at Miami - 7:10 PM EST (Game 1/3)

Teams Pitcher Notes Team Record Betcha Didn't Know

San Diego Padres Volquez (5-6, 5.67 ERAA) 39-40 OVER 12-7-1 L20 away

Miami Marlins Nolasco (4-7, 3.68 ERA) 27-50 8-3 L11 home

-- Padres lost to Phillies, 7-5 on Wednesday
-- Marlins beat Twins, 5-3 on Wednesday



Arizona at Atlanta - 7:30 PM EST (Game 1/3)

Teams Pitcher Notes Team Record Betcha Didn't Know

Arizona Diamondbacks Delgado (0-1, 4.50 ERA) 42-36 OVER 6-3 L9 away Game 1's

Atlanta Braves Teheran (5-4, 3.32 ERA) 45-34 9-4 L13 as home favorite

-- Diamondbacks beat Nationals, 3-2 on Thursday
-- Braves lost to Royals, 4-3 on Wednesday



San Francisco at Colorado - 8:40 PM EST (Game 1/3)

Teams Pitcher Notes Team Record Betcha Didn't Know

San Francisco Giants Zito (4-5, 4.40 ERA) 38-40 2-7 L9 away

Colorado Rockies Chacin (6-3, 3.92 ERA) 39-41 OVER 5-2-1 L8 home Game 1's

-- Giants lost to Dodgers, 4-2 on Wednesday
-- Rockies lost to Mets, 3-2 on Thursday



Philadelphia at Los Angeles - 10:10 PM EST (Game 2/4)

Teams Pitcher Notes Team Record Betcha Didn't Know

Philadelphia Phillies Lannan (0-2, 5.84 ERA) 38-42 OVER 10-3 L13 overall

Los Angeles Dodgers Capuano (2-4, 4.09 ERA) 36-42 8-0 L8 home Game 2's

-- Dodgers beat Phillies, 6-4 on Thursday




AMERICAN LEAGUE

Cleveland at Chicago - 5:10 PM EST (Game 1/4)
Teams Pitcher Notes Team Record Betcha Didn't Know

Cleveland Indians Bauer (1-2, 2.76 ERA) 33-37 UNDER 7-1 L8 away

Chicago White Sox Santiago (3-5, 3.03 ERA) 36-35 1-4 L5 home vs. division

-- Indians lost to Orioles, 7-3 on Thursday
-- White Sox lost to Mets, 3-0 on Wednesday



N.Y. Yankees at Baltimore - 7:05 PM EST (Game 1/3)

Teams Pitcher Notes Team Record Betcha Didn't Know

New York Yankees Phelps (5-4, 4.01 ERA) 42-36 1-5 L6 away

Baltimore Orioles Gausman (0-3, 7.66 ERA) 44-36 UNDER 9-2-1 L12 home

-- Yankees lost to Rangers, 2-0 on Thursday
-- Orioles beat Indians, 7-3 on Thursday



Toronto at Boston - 7:10 PM EST (Game 2/4)

Teams Pitcher Notes Team Record Betcha Didn't Know

Toronto Blue Jays Johnson (1-2, 4.60 ERA) 39-39 6-1 L7 Game 2's

Boston Red Sox Webster (0-2, 11.25 ERA) 48-33 7-2 L9 home vs. division

-- Red Sox beat Blue Jays, 7-4 on Thursday



Detroit at Tampa Bay - 7:10 PM EST (Game 1/3)

Teams Pitcher Notes Team Record Betcha Didn't Know

Detroit Tigers Scherzer (11-0, 3.05 ERA) 44-31 UNDER 6-1 L7 away

Tampa Bay Rays Colome (1-0, 0.00 ERA) 39-31 UNDER 8-2 L10 overall

-- Tigers lost to Angels, 3-1 on Thursday
-- Rays lost to Blue Jays, 3-0 on Wednesday



Cleveland at Chicago - 8:10 PM EST (Game 2/4)

Teams Pitcher Notes Team Record Betcha Didn't Know

Cleveland Indians Carrasco (0-3, 7.78 ERA) 33-37 4-7 L11 away vs. division

Chicago White Sox Quintana (3-2, 3.83 ERA) 36-35 UNDER 4-1-1 L6 home Game 2's

-- Indians lost to Orioles, 7-3 on Thursday
-- White Sox lost to Mets, 3-0 on Wednesday



Kansas City at Minnesota - 8:10 PM EST (Game 2/4)

Teams Pitcher Notes Team Record Betcha Didn't Know

Kansas City Royals Shields (2-6, 2.92 ERA) 36-40 5-9 L14 Game 2's

Minnesota Twins Walters (2-3, 4.88 ERA) 35-40 5-2 L7 home Game 2's

-- Twins beat Royals, 3-1 on Thursday



Los Angeles at Houston - 8:10 PM EST (Game 1/3)

Teams Pitcher Notes Team Record Betcha Didn't Know

Los Angeles Angels Williams (5-3, 3.36 ERA) 36-43 3-8 L11 away vs. division

Houston Astros Keuchel (4-4, 4.34 ERA) 30-49 6-1 L7 vs. LAA

-- Angels beat Tigers, 3-1 on Thursday
-- Astros beat Cardinals, 4-3 on Wednesday




INTERLEAGUE

Cincinnati at Texas - 8:05 PM EST (Game 1/3)

Teams Pitcher Notes Team Record Betcha Didn't Know

Cincinnati Reds Cueto (4-1, 3.21 ERA) 45-34 1-5 L6 away

Texas Rangers Perez (1-1, 3.65 ERA) 46-33 5-2 L7 vs. NL

-- Reds lost to Athletics, 5-0 on Wednesday
-- Rangers beat Yankees, 2-0 on Thursday



St. Louis at Oakland - 10:05 PM EST (Game 1/3)

Teams Pitcher Notes Team Record Betcha Didn't Know

St. Louis Cardinals Miller (8-5, 2.35 ERA) 48-30 14-3 L17 off loss

Oakland Athletics Colon (10-2, 2.93 ERA) 46-34 7-2 L9 vs. NL

-- Cardinals lost to Astros, 4-3 on Wednesday
-- Athletics beat Reds, 5-0 on Wednesday



Chicago (N) at Seattle - 10:05 PM EST (Game 1/3)

Teams Pitcher Notes Team Record Betcha Didn't Know

Chicago Cubs Wood (5-6, 2.85 ERA) 33-44 1-6 L7 away Game 1's

Seattle Mariners Iwakuma (7-3, 2.26 ERA) 34-45 UNDER 5-3 L8 vs. NL

-- Cubs beat Brewers, 7-2 on Thursday
-- Mariners lost to Pirates, 4-2 on Wednesday

[StarDust Bum]

Preview: Indians (40-38) at White Sox (32-43)
Game: 1
Venue: U.S. Cellular Field
Date: June 28, 2013 8:40 PM EDT


Unless things don't turn around soon, the underachieving Chicago White Sox could be in for a shakeup.

Looking to bounce back from another frustrating defeat, the White Sox hope for something positive during Friday's doubleheader against the visiting Cleveland Indians.

Chicago (32-43) felt it was capable of challenging for the AL Central title this year, but it's last in the division, ranks near bottom of the majors with 277 runs and close to the top with 55 errors.

"Each night it's something different. It's definitely frustrating," pitcher John Danks told the White Sox's official website.

"We're way too talented to be where we are right now."

An Internet report surfaced Thursday stating the White Sox will make everybody other than ace Chris Sale and veteran Paul Konerko available for potential trades.

Chicago managed four hits and shortstop Alexei Ramirez committed his AL-leading 13th error to contribute to the New York Mets scoring all their runs in the fifth inning of Wednesday's 3-0 loss. The White Sox were shut out for the seventh time, and fourth during the stretch where they've dropped 19 of 27.

"Listless offense,' manager Robin Ventura said. "I don't know the reason for it, but it can't happen.

"It's just unacceptable. You've got to put something on the board.'

Outfielder Alex Rios could be a serious trade target, but he's batted .182 (8 for 44) with no homers in 12 games after hitting .356 in his previous 10. He's 3 for 19 against the Indians this season.

Chicago has dropped three of five this year to Cleveland (40-38), which is coming off a four-game split at Baltimore.

Lonnie Chisenhall homered for one of his three hits as the Indians lost a one-run lead when the Orioles scored five times in the sixth inning during Thursday's 7-3 loss.

"It happened so fast," said Chisenhall, who is batting .444 (8 for 18) in five games after he went 0 for 7 in his first two since being recalled from the minors last week.

Teammate and suburban Chicago native Jason Kipnis is batting .359 with 21 RBIs while reaching base safely in 29 straight games.

In the opener, the Indians hand the ball to Trevor Bauer (1-2, 2.76 ERA), who will be recalled to make his fourth spot start of the season. The third overall pick by Arizona in 2011, Bauer allowed three runs in 6 1-3 innings of a 7-0 loss to the New York Yankees in his most recent major league start May 13.

The right-hander, 3-2 with a 4.13 ERA in 12 starts at Triple-A, will be making his first appearance against the White Sox.

He'll be opposed by Hector Santiago (3-5, 3.03), who allowed a home run and two other hits over eight innings of a 9-1 win at Kansas City on Friday.

The left-hander has a 2.29 ERA while winning two of his last three starts, and is 1-0 with a 2.61 ERA in two against the Indians.

Teammate Jose Quintana (3-2, 3.83) takes the mound in the nightcap to make up the April 23 postponement between the clubs.

The left-hander has not factored in the decision of five straight starts, but is 2-0 with a 2.00 ERA in three versus Cleveland. He's allowed two runs and five hits while going 1-0 in two against the Indians in 2013.

Quintana gave up two runs in 5 1-3 innings of a 3-2 win at Kansas City on Saturday.

Cleveland will call up Carlos Carrasco (0-3, 7.78) as its 26th man to take the mound in the second game. The right-hander allowed three runs and walked four in 4 2-3 innings of a 5-3 loss to Minnesota on Sunday.

He's 0-3 with a 6.15 ERA in four starts against the White Sox.

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SERIES AT A GLANCE

GAME 1
Indians at White Sox
Fri, Jun 28 - 8:40PM EDT

GAME 2
Indians at White Sox
Sat, Jun 29 - 4:10PM EDT

GAME 3
Indians at White Sox
Sun, Jun 30 - 2:10PM EDT

GAME 4
Orioles at White Sox
Tue, Jul 2 - 8:10PM EDT

GAME 5
Orioles at White Sox
Wed, Jul 3 - 7:10PM EDT

GAME 6
Orioles at White Sox
Thu, Jul 4 - 2:10PM EDT

[StarDust Bum]

Preview: Yankees (42-36) at Orioles (44-36)
Game: 1
Venue: Oriole Park at Camden Yards
Date: June 28, 2013 7:05 PM EDT


T.J. McFarland's first big league start will come against the New York Yankees.

But with New York's recent lack of offense, the task of facing the Bronx Bombers could prove to be less intimidating than it sounds.

McFarland takes the mound for the Baltimore Orioles on Friday night as they host the Yankees.

Fellow rookie Kevin Gausman was originally slated to start in the series opener. However, manager Buck Showalter announced a change of plans after Thursday's 7-3 win over Cleveland - not entirely surprising given Gausman's 0-3 record and 7.66 ERA through his five starts.

McFarland (1-0, 4.14 ERA) has made 18 appearances for the Orioles (44-36), primarily in long relief. The left-hander threw two scoreless innings in a 3-0 loss at New York on April 14.

Acquired from Cleveland in December's Rule 5 Draft, McFarland is expected to throw around 80 pitches, Showalter told the team's official website. Gausman will be available for relief duty.

"Mac is throwing the ball well and deserves an opportunity while we have an opportunity to take a look at it," Showalter said of the 24-year-old. "We had a couple options, he was one of them and that's where we are going to go tomorrow."

McFarland runs into a cold lineup for New York (42-36), which just completed a 4-5 homestand. The Yankees' 56 runs since June 7 are the fewest in baseball as they've gone 7-11. Their .210 average over that span is also the worst, while their 10 home runs are tied for last.

New York was shut out for the seventh time this season - one more than all of 2012 - and the third time this month in a 2-0 loss to Texas on Thursday. Singles by Ichiro Suzuki and Austin Romine were the only hits off starter Derek Holland.

Vernon Wells is 7 for 48 (.146) in 15 games since June 7, while Travis Hafner is 7 for 51 (.137) in 13 contests, though he's hit safely in five straight.

Suzuki has been a recent bright spot, batting .364 over his last 14 contests with at least one hit in each of the last seven.

"If you don't score runs, that becomes an issue," manager Joe Girardi told the team's official website. "I believe we're capable of scoring runs. I think we can. But time will tell."

Baltimore had lost five of six prior to Thursday's victory. It was highlighted by a five-run fifth inning, which included Manny Machado's first career ejection after the third baseman argued that he foul-tipped the ball on a third strike. Chris Davis drove in the go-ahead run with a fielder's choice grounder later in the inning.

Davis, who went 9 for 22 (.409) with two home runs as Baltimore split its first six meetings with New York, is 0 for 7 with four strikeouts against scheduled starter David Phelps (5-4, 4.01).

Phelps threw four innings of scoreless relief while allowing only one hit in New York's 5-3 loss to Baltimore on April 13. He also recorded three scoreless relief appearances against the Orioles last year, but posted an 8.31 ERA without a decision in two starts.

The right-hander is 4-3 with a 3.63 ERA over 10 starts this season.

Matt Wieters is 3 for 7 against Phelps with two homers.

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

SERIES AT A GLANCE

GAME 1
Yankees at Orioles
Fri, Jun 28 - 7:05PM EDT

GAME 2
Yankees at Orioles
Sat, Jun 29 - 7:15PM EDT

GAME 3
Yankees at Orioles
Sun, Jun 30 - 8:05PM EDT

[StarDust Bum]

Preview: Brewers (32-45) at Pirates (48-30)
Game: 1
Venue: PNC Park
Date: June 28, 2013 7:05 PM EDT


The Pittsburgh Pirates will begin a six-game homestand Friday night with a share of the best record in baseball.

The Pirates can extend their longest win streak in nine years to seven games when they send Gerrit Cole to the mound to face the last-place Milwaukee Brewers.

Pittsburgh (48-30), tied with St. Louis atop the NL Central, went 7-2 on a trip against Cincinnati, the Los Angeles Angels and Seattle. The Pirates hit 13 homers and scored 39 runs during the club's longest win streak since a 10-game run June 26-July 5, 2004.

"It was a good trip. Very good trip,' manager Clint Hurdle said.

This three-game set will begin with Hurdle handing the ball to Cole (3-0, 3.44 ERA), the first Pittsburgh pitcher to win his first three starts since Jim Nelson in 1970. The 22-year-old right-hander, who allowed two runs over 6 1-3 innings Friday in a 5-2 win over the Angels, has been quick to credit his teammates for his success.

"Good defense and good offense, I think," Cole said. "Those guys have been picking me up and it simplifies the game a little bit."

Cole beat Jered Weaver in his last outing after outdueling former Cy Young Award winners Tim Lincecum and Zack Greinke in his first two.

The mound opponent Friday will be less formidable in Johnny Hellweg, who will make his major league debut. Hellweg is getting the start since Alfredo Figaro went on the disabled list Wednesday with a strained right oblique.

The 6-foot-9 right-hander got the news of his callup in front of his entire team after Triple-A Nashville returned home from a series in New Orleans that ended Tuesday.

"I guess that was a feeling I've never had," Hellweg told the Brewers' official website. "It was kind of surreal. I guess the closest I've ever been to floating."

Hellweg was 7-4 with a 2.82 ERA for the Sounds, and posted a 4.15 ERA in five spring appearances for Milwaukee (32-45).

"The looks we got in spring training was he works quick," manager Ron Roenicke said. "Good stuff with the curveball and the fastball down in the zone, good movement on the fastball. He's got velocity on it."

Pittsburgh is 6-4 against Milwaukee this season, with Pedro Alvarez posting team highs of three homers and eight RBIs despite going 5 for 29 with 10 strikeouts overall. Alvarez is hitting .390 with five homers and 13 RBIs during a 10-game streak.

Andrew McCutchen is tied with Alvarez with three homers against Milwaukee.

Carlos Gomez leads the Brewers in the season series with a .361 average, four homers and eight RBIs. Gomez is expected back in the lineup Friday after missing three games due to a sprained left shoulder suffered in Sunday's loss to Atlanta.

Milwaukee split six games on a homestand that ended Thursday, losing the final two against the Cubs by committing four errors that led to six unearned runs.

"We're getting more consistent offensively, but then we have some miscues like this, we don't bounce out of it and they really hurt us," Roenicke said.

The Pirates are 8-0 after scheduled off days.

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

SERIES AT A GLANCE

GAME 1
Brewers at Pirates
Fri, Jun 28 - 7:05PM EDT

GAME 2
Brewers at Pirates
Sat, Jun 29 - 7:15PM EDT

GAME 3
Brewers at Pirates
Sun, Jun 30 - 1:35PM EDT

[StarDust Bum]

Preview: Blue Jays (39-39) at Red Sox (48-33)
Game: 2
Venue: Fenway Park
Date: June 28, 2013 7:10 PM EDT


The Toronto Blue Jays began their current seven-game trip riding a franchise-tying winning streak, but have struggled to simply win a game this week.

Looking to get back on track, the Blue Jays try to keep the AL East-leading Boston Red Sox from a fourth consecutive win Friday night.

Toronto (39-39) won 11 in a row before losing two of three at Tampa Bay, then was unable to recover after Boston (48-33) scored all its runs in the second inning of a 7-4 victory Thursday.

"You assume you're going to cool off a little bit. That's the way the game works," manager John Gibbons told the Blue Jays' official website. "But you can't have any reversed fortunes."

Dustin Pedroia's two-run homer off Chien-Ming Wang highlighted the big inning for the Red Sox, who have opened a nine-game homestand outscoring opponents 23-11 in three straight wins. They've won 13 of 17 at Fenway Park.

However, the Red Sox received a scare when Jon Lester left in the eighth inning with an apparent injury.

"I slipped a little bit. I guess the doctors were kind of calling it a little jammed hip, a type of zinging sensation down my leg.' Lester said.

"I'm not too worried about it. The doctors didn't seem worried about it."

The Red Sox are already minus nine-game winner Clay Buchholz, who continues to recover from a neck injury.

That means Allen Webster (0-2, 11.25 ERA) gets a second straight start, and third career, since he was recalled from the minors over the weekend. The right-hander needs to be better than Saturday when he gave up a first-inning grand slam to Victor Martinez and one other run in 4 1-3 innings of a 10-3 loss at Detroit.

"The four runs given back in the first set the tone for the entire evening,' Boston manager John Farrell said. "I think he settled down after the first inning and pitched OK.'

Toronto counters with Josh Johnson (1-2, 4.60), who pitched well for five innings then allowed four runs and couldn't get out of the seventh inning, but earned his first win as a Blue Jay in Sunday's 13-5 victory over Baltimore.

"Another good outing for him. That's one win," Gibbons said. "Getting on the board so you've got something to show for it always makes you feel good.'

The right-hander is making his first appearance at Fenway, but is 1-0 with a 3.15 ERA in three starts versus Boston. He gave up four runs and nine hits in six innings of a 6-4 loss to the Red Sox on April 5.

Pedroia, 2 for 5 with a double against Johnson, is 9 for 16 with six RBIs in four games since he batted .146 with four RBIs in the previous 11.

Teammate Jacoby Ellsbury has hit safely in eight straight games and .382 with 11 RBIs his last 25. He's in the midst of an 11-game hitting streak versus Toronto.

The Blue Jays' Edwin Encarnacion hit .350 with four homers and 12 RBIs during the 11-game winning streak, but since then is 2 for 15 with a solo homer in four contests.

Toronto put outfielder Melky Cabrera on the 15-day disabled list with left knee tendinitis after Thursday's loss and recalled infielder Munenori Kawasaki from Triple-A Buffalo. Kawasaki was sent down after Tuesday's game to make room on the roster for shortstop Jose Reyes.

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

SERIES AT A GLANCE

GAME 1
Blue Jays at Red Sox
Thu, Jun 27 Final 4 to 7
Boxscores • Recaps

GAME 2
Blue Jays at Red Sox
Fri, Jun 28 - 7:10PM EDT

GAME 3
Blue Jays at Red Sox
Sat, Jun 29 - 4:05PM EDT

GAME 4
Blue Jays at Red Sox
Sun, Jun 30 - 1:35PM EDT

[StarDust Bum]

Preview: Padres (39-40) at Marlins (27-50)
Game: 1
Venue: Marlins Park
Date: June 28, 2013 7:10 PM EDT


Whether it's next season or before the trade deadline next month, Ricky Nolasco realizes his time with the Miami Marlins is likely coming to an end.

The right-hander could be facing his future employer Friday night when the struggling San Diego Padres try to prevent the Marlins from a season-best fourth straight victory.

Nolasco (4-7, 3.68 ERA), in the final season of a three-year, $26.5 million deal, is expected to be moved before the July 31 deadline.

"I'm just blocking all that other stuff out," he told the Marlins' official website after giving up three runs in 5 2-3 innings of a 6-3 win at San Francisco last Friday.

Nolasco has posted a 2.87 ERA in his past seven starts and is coveted by several clubs in a pitching-thin market.

San Diego (39-40) has been rumored to be one of the teams trying to acquire the 30-year-old Southern California native. Padres starters have a 2.92 ERA over the last 16 games, but general manager Josh Byrnes says San Diego is looking to add an arm.

"I think we're spending our time and energy talking about it," he told the Padres' official website. "This is a good team, but there's areas we'll try to improve on."

Teams usually head to Miami to improve their record, but the Marlins (27-50) are playing far better than their major league-worst mark indicates. They've won 11 of 17 after opening a six-game homestand with a pair of victories over Minnesota.

"Right now, guys are playing with a lot of confidence and having fun,' starter Tom Koehler said following a 5-3 victory Wednesday.

Miami has posted a 2.22 ERA in the past 10 games.

Edinson Volquez (5-6, 5.67) has gone 4-0 with a 1.74 ERA in five career starts against Miami, but the right-hander is coming off a shaky outing. He walked a career high-tying seven and allowed five runs - two earned - in 5 2-3 innings of a 6-1 loss to the Los Angeles Dodgers on Saturday.

Volquez didn't allow a hit until the sixth inning.

Poor defense has been a major factor in the Padres' 1-4 stretch. Three of their eight errors in those games came in a 7-5, 13-inning loss to Philadelphia on Wednesday, and the team has allowed six unearned runs in the past five contests.

"We place great pride in our defense," said Black, whose team is among NL leaders in fielding percentage at .987. "But this is a human game and guys are not invincible to errors and that happens.'

The Padres, averaging 3.3 runs during a 3-6 slide, could get a lift if second baseman Jedd Gyorko returns from injury Friday. Gyorko, leading all rookies with 66 hits, went 2 for 9 with a homer as San Diego outscored the visiting Marlins 11-1 in a sweep May 6-8.

Chase Headley and Will Venable were a combined 10 for 20 in that series after each got two hits off Nolasco - the only hits he allowed - in the finale. Nolasco struck out nine and gave up one run and four hits in seven innings but suffered a 1-0 loss.

He's used to pitching with little room for error, as his 2.78 run-support average is among the lowest in baseball.

The Marlins' last four-game win streak was June 27-July 1, 2012.

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

SERIES AT A GLANCE

GAME 1
Padres at Marlins
Fri, Jun 28 - 7:10PM EDT

GAME 2
Padres at Marlins
Sat, Jun 29 - 7:10PM EDT

GAME 3
Padres at Marlins
Sun, Jun 30 - 1:10PM EDT

GAME 4
Padres at Marlins
Mon, Jul 1 - 7:10PM EDT

[StarDust Bum]

Preview: Nationals (39-39) at Mets (32-43)
Game: 1
Venue: Citi Field
Date: June 28, 2013 7:10 PM EDT


The New York Mets will be putting their best on display in Friday night's opener of a three-game home set against the Washington Nationals.

Matt Harvey will be on the mound and David Wright will be back in the lineup for New York while the Nationals will hope to continue their winning ways when Ross Detwiler starts against the Mets.

The sensational Harvey (7-1, 2.05 ERA) will be the main attraction as he pitches in front of his home fans for the first time since his lone defeat June 13 against St. Louis. He has bounced back with consecutive victories, allowing two hits in six innings Sunday in an 8-0 win at Philadelphia in a 72-pitch outing cut short by rain.

Harvey leads the NL with 121 strikeouts and his 191 through 26 starts are the sixth-most since 1916 by any pitcher in that span to start a career. He also leads the majors in opponent batting average (.188) and WHIP (0.88).

The right-hander is 1-1 with a 1.50 ERA in two career starts against the Nationals, yielding one run over seven innings with seven strikeouts to beat Stephen Strasburg in a 7-1 victory April 19.

New York (32-43) will also have Wright back in the lineup after the third baseman was rested in Thursday's 3-2 victory at Colorado in a makeup game. It's the first game he missed.

"In a perfect world, I like to play at home and against our division rivals," Wright told the Mets' official website. "So that leaves very few choices as to when (to rest)."

Wright is hitting .371 over his last eight games, and he's 6 for 15 against Detwiler (2-6, 4.18).

The Nationals are winners of four straight and five of six in Detwiler's starts against New York. He's 3-1 with a 3.31 ERA in those six outings - none this year.

The left-hander, however, is 0-2 with an 8.59 ERA in three starts since being activated off the disabled list June 13 after being out due to a right back muscle strain. He matched a career high by yielding seven runs over 3 2-3 innings in Sunday's 7-6 defeat to the Rockies.

Manager Davey Johnson believes the 27-year-old is still learning how to be effective.

"Basically he's a sinkerball pitcher," Johnson said. "He's still very young, learning how to use all the weapons in his arsenal.'

New York has outscored Washington 27-12 in winning three of five meetings.

Thursday's victory capped a 7-4 trip for the Mets, who own baseball's worst home mark at 14-23. They are a respectable 15-12 against left-handed starters.

The Nationals (39-39) missed a chance to improve to two games over .500 for the first time since May 28 with Thursday's 3-2, 11-inning defeat to Arizona. Ian Desmond's two-run homer offset one by the Diamondbacks, who used a bunt single in extra innings to prevail.

"It was that kind of ballgame," Johnson said. "A couple home runs, and then a safety squeeze beats us.'

This is expected to be the final series Washington plays without Bryce Harper, slated to return Monday against Milwaukee.

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SERIES AT A GLANCE

GAME 1
Nationals at Mets
Fri, Jun 28 - 7:10PM EDT

GAME 2
Nationals at Mets
Sat, Jun 29 - 1:10PM EDT

GAME 3
Nationals at Mets
Sun, Jun 30 - 1:10PM EDT

[StarDust Bum]

Preview: Tigers (42-35) at Rays (41-38)
Game: 1
Venue: Tropicana Field
Date: June 28, 2013 7:10 PM EDT


Looking to avoid matching their longest losing streak of the season, the Detroit Tigers appear to be sending the right pitcher to the mound.

Max Scherzer will try to become the majors' first 12-game winner and snap Detroit's three-game skid Friday night in the opener of a three-game road series against the Tampa Bay Rays.

With a 3-1, 10-inning loss to the Angels on Thursday, the Tigers (42-35) were swept at home for the first time since April 24-26, 2012, versus Seattle.

Detroit, however, should feel confident about getting an 11-game road trip off to a strong start with Scherzer (11-0, 3.05 ERA) going in the opener.

Scherzer, tied with Washington's Jordan Zimmermann for the major league lead with 11 victories, has been particularly outstanding with 31 strikeouts and a 2.00 ERA during a four-start winning streak.

Scherzer allowed two runs - both in the first inning - over seven innings in a 10-3 victory over Boston on Saturday.

Now, he has a chance to become the first to win his first 12 decisions since Roger Clemens did it during a 14-0 stretch to begin his AL MVP season with Boston in 1986.

"It just means we're playing great team baseball and I'm going out there and doing my job,' Scherzer said. "I'm credited a ton of run support. That's when you've got to give all the credit to your teammates. Every time I feel like I go deep into a game, they're going to pick me up. They have the whole entire season."

While Scherzer has benefited from the best run-support average in baseball at 7.84, the Tigers will have to regroup after being held to fewer than two runs for the first time in 20 games Thursday.

Scherzer is 2-2 with a 2.64 ERA in five career starts versus the Rays after fanning nine and giving up one run over seven innings in a 5-2 home win June 6. He's done a solid job holding down key hitters Desmond Jennings (1 for 9), Evan Longoria (2 for 11), Ben Zobrist (1 for 12) and Matt Joyce (2 for 13).

The Rays (41-38) have struggled offensively at home of late, averaging 2.6 runs and hitting .167 with runners in scoring position while dropping five of eight there.

James Loney has been one of the team's bright spots, batting .406 over an eight-game hit streak overall.

He had one of the team's two hits off Toronto's R.A. Dickey as Tampa Bay had its three-game win streak stopped in a 3-0 loss Wednesday.

"We didn't hit, I think, even one ball hard,' manager Joe Maddon said.

Tampa Bay starter Alex Colome (1-0, 0.00) has yet to allow an earned run in two starts, giving up four unearned and 10 hits in 10 innings over that span.

The rookie right-hander lasted 4 1-3 innings, yielding three runs, five walks and five hits before leaving without a decision in a 7-5 loss to the Yankees on Saturday.

Colome will get his first look at slugger Miguel Cabrera, who is batting .447 with four homers during an 12-game hitting streak.

Cabrera and Prince Fielder went a combined 11 for 21 to help the Tigers take two of three from Tampa Bay in Detroit earlier this month.

Cabrera is 13 for 25 in his last seven games versus the Rays, while Fielder is 8 for 15 in his last four.

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SERIES AT A GLANCE

GAME 1
Tigers at Rays
Fri, Jun 28 - 7:10PM EDT

GAME 2
Tigers at Rays
Sat, Jun 29 - 7:15PM EDT

GAME 3
Tigers at Rays
Sun, Jun 30 - 1:40PM EDT

[StarDust Bum]

Preview: Diamondbacks (42-36) at Braves (45-34)
Game: 1
Venue: Turner Field
Date: June 28, 2013 7:30 PM EDT


There figures to be a palpable level of excitement at Turner Field when the Atlanta Braves retire Chipper Jones' No. 10 jersey Friday night.

He won't be the only familiar face returning to Atlanta.

The Braves open a three-game set against the Diamondbacks as former teammates Martin Prado and Randall Delgado return to Atlanta for the first time.

Acquired by Arizona in January's blockbuster Justin Upton trade, Prado and Delgado are both looking forward to this weekend's homecoming. A career .290 hitter, Prado is batting .241 with six homers and 26 RBIs in 75 games.

"It's going to be good," Prado, who spent his first seven big league seasons with the Braves, told MLB's official website. "There's a lot of people that I know that helped me along the way in my career. I know that it's going to be good to see them and show them my respect. It's emotional, but I think this is something different in my career, and I'm looking forward to playing against my ex-teammates and having a good series."

Delgado (0-1, 4.50 ERA), meanwhile, is scheduled to take the mound in Friday's opener.

"A little excited, because I'm going to the city where I pitched," he said. "But Martin and I, we want to just go there and play a normal game."

Delgado allowed four runs and six hits in five innings Sunday in a 4-2 loss to Cincinnati, dropping to 0-1 with a 3.75 ERA in two starts this year. He served up two homers in the first before settling down.

"I had two bad pitches, two mistakes, so after that I just tried to concentrate and keep the game close," Delgado said. "That's what I was trying to focus on. That's important for me to do. ... You can't think about the first inning after it; you have to keep going."

The Diamondbacks (42-36) had dropped a season-worst five straight on the road before beating Washington 3-2 in 11 innings Thursday. Aaron Hill, playing in his third game back since missing over two months with a broken left hand, hit a two-run homer and Didi Gregorius drove in the go-ahead run with a bunt single.

"That's one of the better games we've played in a while," manager Kirk Gibson said.

The Braves (45-34) are coming off their sixth loss in nine games, 4-3 in 10 innings at Kansas City on Wednesday. Upton singled home two runs but Atlanta went 2 for 9 with runners in scoring position.

The Braves will try to bounce back behind Julio Teheran (5-4, 3.32), who yielded two runs and eight hits in 6 1-3 innings last Friday in a 2-0 loss at Milwaukee.

"The first inning, he minimized the damage there," manager Fredi Gonzalez said. "He had bases loaded, there was the sac fly, and he was able to get the next couple guys out. There was another inning similar. That's good to see a young pitcher do that and not panic."

The 22-year-old right-hander, who's compiled a 2.45 ERA in his last nine starts, surrendered two runs in six innings May 14 in 2-0 loss at Arizona. The Braves dropped two of three in that series, but they've taken six of seven from the Diamondbacks at home by a 42-12 margin.

Upton, who went 5 for 10 with a homer, a double and four walks in those three games against his former club, is hitting .158 with one extra-base hit in his last 11 contests.

-=-------------------------------------------------------

SERIES AT A GLANCE

GAME 1
Diamondbacks at Braves
Fri, Jun 28 - 7:30PM EDT

GAME 2
Diamondbacks at Braves
Sat, Jun 29 - 4:05PM EDT

GAME 3
Diamondbacks at Braves
Sun, Jun 30 - 1:35PM EDT

[StarDust Bum]

Preview: Reds (45-34) at Rangers (46-33)
Game: 1
Venue: Rangers Ballpark in Arlington
Date: June 28, 2013 8:05 PM EDT


The Cincinnati Reds' offense is scuffling and their staff ace is coming off a disastrous outing.

Dusty Baker hopes the return of his All-Star second baseman can help ignite the offense, but he hasn't exactly been swinging a hot bat lately.

Brandon Phillips is scheduled to come back from the paternity list Friday night when the visiting Reds open a series with the surging Texas Rangers.

Cincinnati (45-34) is averaging 2.5 runs and batting .204 in dropping six of eight. Joey Votto is in the middle of the mess, going 2 for 13 in his last four games, while leadoff hitter Shin-Soo Choo is 1 for 15 with seven strikeouts in his last five.

"Everybody is going to have a streak like this. It didn't matter because we didn't score any runs,' Baker said after the Reds managed two hits in Wednesday's 5-0 loss to Oakland. "Not only are we not scoring runs but we're not getting any hits either. It's not anything you want to do.

"At least we'll have Brandon back and he adds to the lineup.'

Phillips has missed the last two games, but his return doesn't necessarily mean the offense will suddenly break out considering he's 4 for 36 in his last nine contests.

Baker wasn't concerned after scheduled starter Johnny Cueto (4-1, 3.21 ERA) was knocked around by Arizona last Friday, chalking it up to simply an aberration. Cueto was tagged for seven runs and a career high-tying 11 hits over 4 1-3 innings in an 11-5 loss. He had allowed two runs and 10 hits over 21 innings in his previous three starts.

"Things did not go well,' Cueto said through a translator. "It is just one outing but a bad outing. I have a lot more outings, so I have to keep my head up and continue.'

He'll be facing a Texas offense that is averaging 4.8 runs and batting .310 with runners in scoring position over a 7-1 stretch. Ian Kinsler is hitting .351 with seven RBIs over his last 10 games, and Nelson Cruz is batting .325 with four home runs and 13 RBIs in that same stretch for the Rangers (46-33), who open a nine-game homestand.

"We're playing good baseball now, and we tend to play better at home," David Murphy told the Rangers' official website after Thursday's 2-0 win over the New York Yankees. "I know our offense tends to perform better at home. It's always good to be at home for 10 or 11 days. Hopefully, we can take advantage of that and win some games and win some series."

Although this will be Cueto's first outing against Texas, the right-hander has historically fared well against the American League, going 5-0 with a 1.39 ERA in seven interleague starts since losing to Seattle on June 18, 2010.

Texas counters with rookie Martin Perez (1-1, 3.65).

Making his second start of the season Saturday in St. Louis, Perez gave up two runs and five hits in seven innings of a 4-2 win.

"I've always seen the stuff, but tonight was the first time I think he showed he's a big-league pitcher,' manager Ron Washington said of the left-hander, who had a 1.75 ERA in six starts for Triple-A Round Rock. "It can be a huge step, he just beat a pretty good team."

This will be the teams' first meeting since 2007, and the Reds' first trip to Rangers Ballpark since 2002.

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SERIES AT A GLANCE

GAME 1
Reds at Rangers
Fri, Jun 28 - 8:05PM EDT

GAME 2
Reds at Rangers
Sat, Jun 29 - 7:15PM EDT

GAME 3
Reds at Rangers
Sun, Jun 30 - 3:05PM EDT