The Bum's July's MLB POD'S-Stats-News

[StarDust Bum]

Preview: Tigers (56-44) at White Sox (39-59)
Game: 4
Venue: U.S. Cellular Field
Date: July 25, 2013 2:10 PM EDT


No matter how unfair Detroit Tigers manager Jim Leyland believes it may be, Justin Verlander isn't meeting expectations during an inconsistent season to date.

Verlander's stability, though, may be something Jake Peavy envies.

Detroit seeks its first four-game sweep on the South Side of Chicago in more than 33 years Thursday when Verlander opposes Peavy, who could be making his final start for the White Sox.

Verlander won the AL MVP and Cy Young Award in 2011 before helping the Tigers reach the World Series while winning 17 games last season, key reasons many believe his current numbers - a 10-7 record with a 3.69 ERA - aren't up to par.

The White Sox roughed up Verlander for five runs and a season-worst 12 hits in seven innings as he suffered an 11-4 loss July 9, allowing homers to Adam Dunn and Dayan Viciedo. He had gone 12-1 with a 2.33 ERA in his previous 13 starts against Chicago

Verlander bounced back from that outing by allowing one hit through seven innings - losing his no-hitter with two outs in the seventh - of a 5-0 win over Texas, but he then allowed six runs in 5 2-3 frames of a 6-5 loss to Kansas City on Saturday.

The right-hander hasn't been pleased with his performance this season given the expectations he's set for himself.

``It's been a see-saw battle,' Verlander said. ``I haven't been able to find it. I'm trying to find that consistency."

Leyland knows his ace is capable of getting back to that elite level.

``It's just not what you expect of him, which is a little unfair because of what you expect of him," Leyland said. "He just didn't have a Justin Verlander-type game. These things happen.'

Verlander of course won't have to worry about being dealt before the July 31 trade deadline, though, something Peavy cannot boast.

Peavy (7-4, 4.19) is garnering interest from multiple teams looking to acquire another piece for their rotation, but he pitched through the rumors Saturday and allowed four runs - two earned - in six innings of a 10-6 win over Atlanta.

It marked his first start since fracturing a rib while allowing six runs in 2 1-3 innings of a 7-4 loss to Seattle on June 4.

The most recent reports have the White Sox in discussions to trade the right-hander to Boston, though Peavy is focused on the task at hand.

"Honestly, come 1 p.m. (Thursday), that'll be the last thing that I'll be thinking of," Peavy said. "I'll be worried about getting Austin Jackson out at 1 (Thursday), not anything about (which scouts may be) watching."

He likely will need to worry about the rest of the Tigers' lineup, too, as he's 0-3 with a 7.13 ERA over his last four starts against Detroit. Peavy allowed three runs - a two-run homer to Jackson and solo shot to Miguel Cabrera - in 5 2-3 innings of a 5-3 loss the last time he faced the Tigers on Sept. 11.

He'll be looking to help prevent the Tigers' first four-game sweep in Chicago since June 20-22, 1980, after Detroit's 6-2 win Wednesday. Cabrera missed his second straight contest after leaving Monday's 7-3 victory with a left hip flexor injury.

Jackson, Torii Hunter and Prince Fielder all homered for the Tigers (56-44), who have won four straight overall.

Viciedo homered and Alejandro De Aza had three hits as the White Sox (39-59) lost for the sixth time in nine games.

Detroit has won 13 of the last 17 meetings.

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SERIES AT A GLANCE

GAME 1
Tigers at White Sox
Mon, Jul 22 Final 7 to 3
Boxscores • Recaps

GAME 2
Tigers at White Sox
Tue, Jul 23 Final 6 to 2
Boxscores • Recaps

GAME 3
Tigers at White Sox
Wed, Jul 24 Final 6 to 2
Boxscores • Recaps

GAME 4
Tigers at White Sox
Thu, Jul 25 - 2:10PM EDT

[StarDust Bum]

Preview: Padres (45-57) at Brewers (42-58)
Game: 4
Venue: Miller Park
Date: July 25, 2013 2:10 PM EDT


With the week the Milwaukee Brewers have been through, salvaging a series split with the San Diego Padres would mean a lot.

So would another strong outing from Yovani Gallardo.

Gallardo goes for a third straight winning decision Thursday in the finale of this four-game set.

After news broke Monday that 2011 NL MVP Ryan Braun would be suspended for the remainder of the season for violations of Major League Baseball's drug policy, the Brewers (42-58) dropped the first two games of this series, getting four hits in each.

Milwaukee, though, won 3-1 on Wednesday behind All-Star Carlos Gomez's career high-tying four hits and two RBIs.

"We really needed a little bit of good news after this week,' starter Kyle Lohse said. "We have to focus on the job we have to do. This season has not turned out the way I or anyone on this team thought it would. But we have to focus on the next two months and go out and win as many games as we can.'

The Brewers conclude their seven-game homestand with Gallardo (8-8, 4.58 ERA) looking to build on a much-needed quality start. The right-hander threw 6 1-3 innings of five-hit ball in Saturday's 6-0 win over Miami after going 1-2 with an 8.53 ERA in his previous four starts.

"I thought the rhythm was really good in his delivery," manager Ron Roenicke told the Brewers' official website. "That's the guy that we need to carry on with."

Despite his struggles and career-worst ERA, Gallardo could be on the move with Wednesday's trade deadline approaching.

Even if he sticks around, the Brewers may start shipping off more players after dealing closer Francisco Rodriguez to Baltimore on Tuesday for third base prospect Nick Delmonico.

San Diego (42-58) figures to be a seller as well, but it's hard to see anyone showing much interest in Edinson Volquez (7-8, 5.73).

Volquez has the highest ERA of any qualifying NL starter and has lasted six innings just twice in his last seven starts. He struggled to finish five in his last outing, giving up three runs in a 5-3 win at St. Louis on Saturday.

"It was tough,' said Volquez, who had a 10.45 ERA while losing his previous two starts. "... My pitching count (107) was a little bit high.'

The right-hander did have his best start of the season against Milwaukee on April 24, throwing seven shutout innings in a 2-1 home win that prevented a Brewers sweep.

Rickie Weeks is 2 for 23 against Padres pitching this season, but his .412 average (7 for 17) off Volquez is the second-highest among those with 15 at_bats. Two of those hits were homers.

San Diego's Nick Hundley has homered in the past two games in this series. He has three hits - including two doubles - in six-at bats versus Gallardo.


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SERIES AT A GLANCE

GAME 1
Padres at Brewers
Mon, Jul 22 Final 5 to 3
Boxscores • Recaps

GAME 2
Padres at Brewers
Tue, Jul 23 Final 6 to 2
Boxscores • Recaps

GAME 3
Padres at Brewers
Wed, Jul 24 Final 1 to 3
Boxscores • Recaps

GAME 4
Padres at Brewers
Thu, Jul 25 - 2:10PM EDT

[StarDust Bum]

Preview: Marlins (37-62) at Rockies (49-53)
Game: 4
Venue: Coors Field
Date: July 25, 2013 3:10 PM EDT


The best the Colorado Rockies can do is earn a series split with the Miami Marlins.

Considering the way they've struggled at the plate, the Rockies might need another stellar start from Juan Nicasio for that to happen Thursday.

After taking two of three from the Chicago Cubs to open their 10-game homestand, the Rockies (49-53) dropped the first two of this set, totaling three runs.

Colorado, five back of the NL West-leading Los Angeles Dodgers, won 2-1 on Wednesday, but its offensive woes continue as it's plated two or fewer runs in 13 of 21 games. Second baseman DJ LeMahieu, who is 9 for 20 while hitting safely in all five games he's played since the All-Star break, is the only Rockie hitting better than .300 as they've split their first six games of the second half.

"Two runs here, hopefully you get more spark than that,' said Todd Helton, who moved past Wade Boggs for 18th all-time with his 579th double.

Nicasio (6-4, 4.73 ERA), though, might not need much run support if he pitches the way he has so far in July. The right-hander is 2-0 with an 0.75 ERA in two starts following a brief demotion to Triple-A Colorado Springs.

"When I went down to Triple-A, I told a couple people I needed to clear my mind," Nicasio told the Rockies' official website Saturday after throwing five innings of one-run ball in a 9-3 victory over the Cubs. "Before, when I'd have a lead, I'd be careful. Now, I throw a fastball in the middle. Whatever, hit it. Just throw a fastball down."

Nicasio has faced the Marlins once before, a 7-6 loss at Miami on May 22, 2012, when he gave up six runs in five innings.

The NL-worst Marlins (37-62), who entered this series on a franchise-worst 37-inning scoreless stretch, have scored just 12 times in eight games, but their starters have allowed more than two runs only once during that span.

Surprisingly, it was Nathan Eovaldi (2-1, 4.15), Thursday's starter, who had the rough outing. The right-hander, going for a sixth consecutive quality start, was tagged for six runs and 10 hits in four innings of Saturday's 6-0 loss at Milwaukee.

"Most of the counts, I was behind and the ball was up in the zone. It's frustrating. It's tough to pitch like that,' Eovaldi said.

While he had no room for error his last time out, Eovaldi's 4.67 run-support average since his season debut June 18 leads the team.

His two starts in Denver came last season, one with the Los Angeles Dodgers and one with the Marlins. He went 1-1 with a 2.19 ERA.


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SERIES AT A GLANCE

GAME 1
Marlins at Rockies
Mon, Jul 22 Final 3 to 1
Boxscores • Recaps

GAME 2
Marlins at Rockies
Tue, Jul 23 Final 4 to 2
Boxscores • Recaps

GAME 3
Marlins at Rockies
Wed, Jul 24 Final 1 to 2
Boxscores • Recaps

GAME 4
Marlins at Rockies
Thu, Jul 25 - 3:10PM EDT

[StarDust Bum]

Preview: Astros (34-66) at Blue Jays (45-55)
Game: 1
Venue: Rogers Centre
Date: July 25, 2013 7:07 PM EDT


Erik Bedard likely is hoping a return to his native Canada will also be the end of his four-start losing streak as the Houston Astros begin a 10-game road trip.

The Toronto Blue Jays, though, aren't finding home to be all that cozy as they'll look to end a six-game losing streak at Rogers Centre and a seven-game skid overall in Thursday night's series opener between last-place clubs.

Bedard (3-7, 4.41 ERA), who will be making his first start in Ontario since 2007, suggested a hockey-themed team flight to Toronto, where Houston (34-66) begins an extended trip that also has stops in Baltimore and Minnesota.

The left-hander, though, has walked 18 in 23 innings during his losing streak. He had 10 strikeouts and a no-hitter going when he exited with one out in the seventh inning against Seattle on Saturday, but his five walks led to three runs - one earned - and he ended up suffering a 4-2 defeat.

Despite not allowing a hit, Bedard had thrown 109 pitches, matching the same number he threw in his previous start - a 5-0 loss to Tampa Bay on July 14.

"I've had three shoulder surgeries,' Bedard said. ``I'm not going over 110 (pitches). I'd rather pitch a couple more years than face another batter.'

Bedard is 0-3 with a 5.40 ERA in his last seven starts against Toronto, but he hasn't faced the club since last pitching at Rogers Centre six years ago. He's had some success against current Blue Jays hitters, though, as Melky Cabrera is just 3 for 21 lifetime off Bedard.

He'll look to help get the Astros on track after they fell 4-3 to Oakland on Wednesday for their 17th defeat in 21 games.

"We're going to play a long road trip, but it's also against some good teams," first baseman Brett Wallace said. "We just need to go out there and stay focused and just try to win every series."

The Blue Jays (45-55) have been swept in both of their series since the All-Star break, each coming in Toronto as part of their 10-game homestand that ends Sunday.

They were one out away from victory Wednesday, but Colby Rasmus' error in center field allowed the tying run to score in the ninth before the Dodgers exploded for a five-run 10th to win 8-3.

The Blue Jays haven't lost eight straight overall since a nine-game skid from May 19-27, 2009, and they haven't suffered a seven-game home losing streak since dropping their first eight of 2004.

"I thought we were rock bottom last night,' manager John Gibbons said, referring to his club blowing a five-run lead in Tuesday's 10-9 loss. "I guess not.'

Starter Mark Buehrle will try to end some personal struggles, as his last two starts haven't gone very well.

Buehrle (5-7, 4.83) allowed eight runs - his most in four years - through six innings of an 8-5 loss at Baltimore on July 12, then gave up four runs and a season worst-tying 10 hits in seven frames of Saturday's 4-3 loss to Tampa Bay.

After going 3-1 with a 2.13 ERA from May 22-June 19, Buehrle is 1-3 with a 5.52 ERA over his last five outings.

"I can't pinpoint what's going on. It's frustrating," Buehrle said.

The left-hander hasn't faced the Astros since allowing one run in eight innings of a 6-3 win June 10, 2007, while pitching for the White Sox.

Houston has won five of six all-time meetings with Toronto.


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SERIES AT A GLANCE

GAME 1
Astros at Blue Jays
Thu, Jul 25 - 7:07PM EDT

GAME 2
Astros at Blue Jays
Fri, Jul 26 - 7:07PM EDT

GAME 3
Astros at Blue Jays
Sat, Jul 27 - 1:07PM EDT

GAME 4
Astros at Blue Jays
Sun, Jul 28 - 1:07PM EDT

[StarDust Bum]

Preview: Rays (60-42) at Red Sox (61-42)
Game: 4
Venue: Fenway Park
Date: July 25, 2013 7:10 PM EDT


Superb pitching has the Tampa Bay Rays on the brink of overtaking the Boston Red Sox for the AL East lead.

Giving the ball to Jeremy Hellickson may keep the Rays rolling.

Hellickson looks to match his career-best winning streak Thursday night at Fenway Park and help the Rays move into first place this late in a season for the first time in three years.

After losing 6-2 on Tuesday, Tampa Bay (60-42) pulled within a half-game of Boston (61-42) again as David Price tossed a five-hitter in Wednesday's 5-1 victory.

Since being seven games back on June 28, the Rays have reeled off 19 wins in 22 games behind the pitching staff's 2.17 ERA and five complete games.

"It's just like hitting," Price said. "You hear it all the time - hitting is contagious. So is pitching. We've been on a good groove, It's been fun. We feel like we have five guys that can go out there and win anytime. I don't think there are many teams in the majors that can say that."

It'll be Hellickson (9-3, 4.62 ERA) on the hill as the Rays try to take this four-game set and reclaim the East lead for the first time since they were 5-3 on April 6. Tampa Bay hasn't been atop the division this late in a season since winning it in 2010.

The Rays should feel quite confident handing the ball to the right-hander, who's 5-0 with a 2.19 ERA over his last six starts. He won a career-high six straight decisions over 13 starts bridging 2011 and '12.

His current streak started with a 6-2 win at Boston on June 19, when he allowed two runs in six innings. He's 3-0 with a 3.68 ERA in six career starts at Fenway.

Hellickson enters this one after overcoming an illness Saturday, yielding two runs in five innings of a 4-3 victory at Toronto.

While the pitching has been brilliant during Tampa Bay's surge, rookie Wil Myers has given the offense a big boost. The right fielder has had multiple hits in his last six games and eight of his last nine, driving in a pair Wednesday.

He's 6 for 14 with two doubles and five RBIs over his past four games at Boston.

The Red Sox, meanwhile, have dropped five of eight while averaging 2.9 runs and batting .225.

Dustin Pedroia, who inked a $110 million, eight-year contract extension Wednesday, has been partly responsible for the offense's slump, going 1 for 19 over the past five games.

The All-Star second baseman is 4 for 28 in nine home meetings with Tampa Bay this season, going 0 for 9 in this series. He's also 5 for 28 with a homer versus Hellickson - 0 for 6 this year.

John Lackey (7-7, 2.95) has struggled against the Rays as well, going 0-3 with a 7.78 ERA over his past four starts. The right-hander allowed four runs and 10 hits - two homers - in 5 2-3 innings of a 10-8 win in 14 innings on June 10.

He can't be blamed entirely for losing two of his last three starts, compiling a 3.54 ERA with 21 strikeouts in 20 1-3 innings while the offense failed to give him any support in those defeats.

That was the scenario Saturday, when Lackey allowed four runs while fanning seven in 6 1-3 innings in a 5-2 loss to the New York Yankees.


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SERIES AT A GLANCE

GAME 1
Rays at Red Sox
Mon, Jul 22 Final 3 to 0
Boxscores • Recaps

GAME 2
Rays at Red Sox
Tue, Jul 23 Final 2 to 6
Boxscores • Recaps

GAME 3
Rays at Red Sox
Wed, Jul 24 Final 5 to 1
Boxscores • Recaps

GAME 4
Rays at Red Sox
Thu, Jul 25 - 7:10PM EDT

[StarDust Bum]

Preview: Phillies (49-52) at Cardinals (61-37)
Game: 3
Venue: Busch Stadium
Date: July 25, 2013 7:15 PM EDT


The St. Louis Cardinals have the best record in baseball, though Lance Lynn's recent struggles have helped prevent that mark from being even more impressive.

He'll look to get back on track as St. Louis seeks to deal the visiting Philadelphia Phillies a fifth consecutive defeat in Thursday night's series finale.

St. Louis (61-37) leads Pittsburgh by 1 1/2 games atop the NL Central and has won six of eight after Wednesday's 11-3 victory. Yadier Molina homered and had three hits to improve his NL-best batting average to .339.

He narrowly leads teammate Allen Craig, who is hitting .337 after going 2 for 4 to extend his hitting streak to nine. Craig has hit safely in 26 of his last 28 games and is batting .429 over his last 19.

Matt Adams added two hits and three RBIs on Wednesday

"I try to see the ball as long as I can and just battle,' Adams said. ``I just dial in my focus more.'

Lynn (11-5, 4.13 ERA) may want to do the same, as the Cardinals' only defeats during their recent hot stretch have come when he's pitched.

The right-hander went 8-1 with a 2.76 ERA in 12 starts though June 3, but he's just 3-4 with a dismal 6.32 ERA over his last eight. He's lost four of his last five outings - all against sub-.500 clubs - after giving up four runs in five innings of a 5-3 loss to San Diego on Saturday.

``He's had a couple weird starts, and when those start to compound you've got to stop and regroup," manager Mike Matheny said. "It didn't look like he was able to do that."

While Lynn has acknowledged his struggles, he also believes some unlucky occurrences have contributed to his rough stretch.

``When you look at the runs I gave up (Saturday), they were tough runs to give up,' Lynn said. ``When you make a pitch and it's a broken-bat hit to the third baseman, it's tough. When you get a nubber back to you and he gets a hit, that's tough. That's kind of the stretch I'm in right now.'

Lynn was going just fine versus the Phillies on April 20 when he allowed one hit - a John Mayberry double in the fifth - while striking out eight in seven innings of a 5-0 win.

Philadelphia (49-52) has lost four of six meetings with St. Louis and is on the verge of a matching its worst losing streak of the season. Mayberry had two hits for the Phillies, who have scored only eight runs during their skid.

Kyle Kendrick will take the mound looking to end some struggles of his own.

Kendrick (9-6, 3.94) went 4-0 with a 1.84 ERA in seven starts from April 10-May 12, including giving up two runs in six innings of a 7-3 win over the Cardinals on April 21. He hasn't been nearly as good since that stretch, going 5-5 with a 5.00 ERA over his last 12 outings.

The right-hander gave up six runs in 5 2-3 innings Friday but got enough run support to be credited with a 13-8 win over the New York Mets.

"I was missing over the plate," Kendrick said. "I was up and I just couldn't really make a pitch. It was a grind."

Kendrick, though, is 5-1 with a 2.68 ERA in seven career starts versus St. Louis, and Matt Holliday is 2 for 18 (.111) lifetime against him.

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SERIES AT A GLANCE

GAME 1
Phillies at Cardinals
Tue, Jul 23 Final 1 to 4
Boxscores • Recaps

GAME 2
Phillies at Cardinals
Wed, Jul 24 Final 3 to 11
Boxscores • Recaps

GAME 3
Phillies at Cardinals
Thu, Jul 25 - 7:15PM EDT

[StarDust Bum]

Preview: Orioles (57-45) at Royals (47-51)
Game: 4
Venue: Ewing M. Kauffman Stadium
Date: July 25, 2013 8:10 PM EDT


The Baltimore Orioles have had a run of solid starting pitching performances, though their last two efforts were wasted in losses to the Kansas City Royals.

Red-hot Miguel Gonzalez figures to give them a good shot at getting back on track Thursday night when the Orioles seek a series split at Kauffman Stadium.

Wei-Yin Chen provided Baltimore with another effective outing Wednesday, allowing only a solo Eric Hosmer homer through seven innings before serving up a tying two-run shot to Hosmer in the eighth.

Shortstop Alcides Escobar later came through with a walk-off double off Darren O'Day to seal a 4-3 victory for the Royals (47-51).

While the Orioles have received seven straight quality starts, Baltimore (57-45) has plated just five runs while dropping the last two. The team had totaled 30 runs while hitting .319 during its preceding five-game winning streak.

Baltimore, though, may be able to bounce back offensively against a struggling Jeremy Guthrie (9-7, 4.41 ERA).

The right-hander, who won his first five decisions of the season, is 2-4 with a 6.05 ERA in his last seven starts. He was tagged for five runs and 10 hits over six innings in a 6-5 victory over Detroit on Saturday.

Guthrie has been hit particularly hard at home, going 1-1 with a 9.82 ERA in his last three starts.

The former Oriole faces his old club for the second time after yielding two runs - one earned - over six innings in a 6-2 win at Baltimore on May 9.

Slugger Chris Davis hit one of his major league-leading 37 home runs in that meeting for his only hit in 13 career at_bats when facing Guthrie. After going 2 for 4 with three RBIs in Monday's 9-2 win, Davis is 1 for 7 with three strikeouts in the past two games.

Catcher Matt Wieters, however, continued his recent tear, going 2 for 4 with his 14th homer in Wednesday's loss. He's 13 for 26 with three homers during a seven-game road hitting streak.

Gonzalez (8-3, 3.34), who has gone 6-1 with a 2.35 ERA in his last eight starts, has also excelled on the road. His 2.83 road ERA over the past two seasons ranks among the lowest in the major leagues.

The right-hander pitched into the sixth inning for the 23rd consecutive start - one of the longest active streaks in baseball - as he allowed one run over 6 2-3 innings in Saturday's 7-4 win at Texas.

"I've started off a little slow and building up throughout the whole year and I think that's what counts,' Gonzalez said. "Hopefully I can keep it going and keep our team in good ballgames and win some more.'

Gonzalez will try to put together another solid effort against a Kansas City team that has won four of six despite going 7 for 43 (.163) with runners in scoring position.

He pitched well in his only career start against the Royals, giving up one run over eight innings in a 7-1 victory Aug. 10.

Catcher Salvador Perez homered off Gonzalez that day, but enters this contest 5 for 44 (.114) in his last 13 games.

Fellow All-Star Alex Gordon, 5 for 41 (.122) over his last 11 games, is expected to return to the lineup after being given Wednesday off.

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SERIES AT A GLANCE

GAME 1
Orioles at Royals
Mon, Jul 22 Final 9 to 2
Boxscores • Recaps

GAME 2
Orioles at Royals
Tue, Jul 23 Final 2 to 3
Boxscores • Recaps

GAME 3
Orioles at Royals
Wed, Jul 24 Final 3 to 4
Boxscores • Recaps

GAME 4
Orioles at Royals
Thu, Jul 25 - 8:10PM EDT

[StarDust Bum]

Preview: Cubs (45-54) at Diamondbacks (52-49)
Game: 4
Venue: Chase Field
Date: July 25, 2013 9:40 PM EDT


Although they couldn't come through late in their last game, the Arizona Diamondbacks have shown the ability to score runs against the Chicago Cubs.

The Diamondbacks could be primed for another big day against struggling Carlos Villanueva on Thursday night when they try to gain a split of this four-game series in Arizona.

Paul Goldschmidt hit a three-run home run and Cody Ross added a game-tying sacrifice fly in the bottom of the ninth inning as Arizona (52-49) rallied from a six-run deficit to send Wednesday's game into extra innings.

Nate Schierholtz, however, capped a career-best, five-RBI performance with a go-ahead RBI double in the top of the 12th inning to lead the Cubs (45-54) to a 7-6 victory.

"It's good to win after they came back like that," Schierholtz said.

Arizona dropped 1 1/2 games behind surging Los Angeles in the NL West.

Despite stranding a season-high 16 runners on Wednesday, the Diamondbacks have totaled 16 runs and 26 hits in their last two games. They had nine and 36, respectively, over their previous five.

"We left a zillion guys on and not really swinging at good pitches in those situations," manager Kirk Gibson said. "We have no one to blame but ourselves."

Arizona, hitting .255 overall, has batted .301 and averaged 6.7 runs in splitting six games with Chicago. Goldschmidt has played a key role in that effort, going 9 for 18 with two homers and 10 RBIs in his last five games against the Cubs.

The Diamondbacks hope to continue that production against Villanueva (2-6, 4.16 ERA), who is winless in eight starts. The right-hander matched a season high by allowing seven runs over four-plus innings and issued a season-high four walks in a 9-3 loss at Colorado on Saturday.

"He got through the first few innings, but there was still no fastball command at all,' manager Dale Sveum said. "He's got to be able to start up his fastball a lot more than he is so his breaking stuff is going to be a lot more effective.'

Villanueva will make his first career start versus the Diamondbacks, though he's 1-1 with a 1.69 ERA in 11 relief appearances. He's allowed one hit in 1 1-3 innings against them this season.

Arizona starter Wade Miley (6-8, 4.03), meanwhile, hasn't allowed more than three earned runs in any of his last nine outings.

The left-hander has gone 3-3 with a 2.98 ERA over that stretch, though he lasted just four innings - his shortest stint since May 25 - and allowed two runs in a 4-3 loss at San Francisco on Saturday.

Miley pitched well in his only career home start against the Cubs, allowing one run and three hits over eight innings in a 5-1 win June 24, 2012. However, he was tagged for three home runs and seven runs over seven innings in a 7-2 loss at Wrigley Field on May 31.

Alfonso Soriano (2 for 5) and Cody Ransom (3 for 8) each have two homers off Miley, but Starlin Castro, David DeJesus and Anthony Rizzo are a combined 3 for 18.

Soriano, the subject of ongoing trade rumors, is expected back in the lineup after getting Wednesday off. He had gone 0 for 7 with four strikeouts in the previous two games.

Junior Lake went 2 for 5 with two doubles in his third straight multihit effort, and the third baseman is 14 for 27 (.519) while hitting safely in his first six major league games.

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SERIES AT A GLANCE

GAME 1
Cubs at Diamondbacks
Mon, Jul 22 Final 4 to 2
Boxscores • Recaps

GAME 2
Cubs at Diamondbacks
Tue, Jul 23 Final 4 to 10
Boxscores • Recaps

GAME 3
Cubs at Diamondbacks
Wed, Jul 24 Final 7 to 6
Boxscores • Recaps

GAME 4
Cubs at Diamondbacks
Thu, Jul 25 - 9:40PM EDT

[StarDust Bum]

Preview: Angels (47-52) at Athletics (59-42)
Game: 1
Venue: O.co Coliseum
Date: July 25, 2013 10:05 PM EDT


The Los Angeles Angels' C.J. Wilson continued his recent mastery on the mound over the weekend, outdueling the Oakland Athletics' Dan Straily.

The visiting Angels will be looking for another dominant display Thursday night as Wilson and Straily square off again in the opener of a four-game set.

After posting a 4-5 record and 4.02 ERA over his first 13 starts, Wilson has turned a corner in his last seven, going 6-1 with a 1.69 ERA.

"His past couple starts have been really good," catcher Hank Conger told MLB's official website. "He's throwing a lot of strikes, he's getting ahead of counts."

Wilson (10-6, 3.15 ERA) was at his best Saturday in a 2-0 win over the AL West-leading Athletics (59-42), striking out eight in a season-high 8 1-3 innings of three-hit ball.

"I've only faced him two or three times before that, but I think the difference in him was that he was throwing two or three different types of breaking pitches," A's first baseman Brandon Moss said. "He was throwing a little bit of a cutter, a slider and a curveball. He was mixing what he was throwing in different counts and he was throwing strikes."

Wilson is looking to win a career-high fourth consecutive road outing after compiling a 0.64 ERA in his last two. He is 4-1 with a 2.48 ERA and 34 strikeouts in 36 1-3 innings in his last six starts in Oakland.

Wilson, who has held Chris Young and Seth Smith hitless in a combined 17 at_bats, has also made things difficult on Derek Norris (1 for 14), Coco Crisp (4 for 28) and Josh Reddick (3 for 15).

Straily (6-3, 4.14) had gone 5-0 with a 2.83 ERA over a nine-start stretch before yielding both runs and eight hits in seven innings Saturday.

"I just needed to throw up two more zeros than I did," he said. "My job is to go out there and just make pitches and keep us in the ball game as long as possible."

The right-hander is 1-1 with a 6.26 ERA in four starts versus Los Angeles. Mike Trout is 6 for 13 against him, and Mark Trumbo is 4 for 8 with a homer and double.

Straily may not have to worry about facing Josh Hamilton, who has missed the last three games with an injured right ankle. Hamilton, 2 for his last 19, is hitting .186 with no homers in his last 14 games against Oakland.

The A's have gone a major league-best 20-5 at home since May 17, and they return to the Bay Area after concluding a 3-3 trip with Wednesday's 4-3 win over Houston. Crisp hit a go-ahead two-run homer in the seventh inning and John Jaso also went deep.

"I don't think we rely on home runs, we just go up there and battle," Crisp said. "We just go out there and battle and try to manufacture runs in any way that we can."

Home Run Derby champion Yoenis Cespedes, who didn't play against the Angels (47-52) over the weekend due to an injured left wrist, is 9 for 28 with a homer and seven RBIs during a six-game hitting streak in the series.

Los Angeles had dropped three straight by a 20-6 margin and six of eight overall before holding on to beat Minnesota 1-0 on Wednesday. Albert Pujols drove in the only run, and he's hitting .320 with four homers and 11 RBIs over a 13-game stretch.

Oakland has taken six of nine from the Angels this year.

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

SERIES AT A GLANCE

GAME 1
Angels at Athletics
Thu, Jul 25 - 10:05PM EDT

GAME 2
Angels at Athletics
Fri, Jul 26 - 10:05PM EDT

GAME 3
Angels at Athletics
Sat, Jul 27 - 3:05PM EDT

GAME 4
Angels at Athletics
Sun, Jul 28 - 4:05PM EDT

[StarDust Bum]

Preview: Twins (43-55) at Mariners (48-53)
Game: 1
Venue: Safeco Field
Date: July 25, 2013 10:10 PM EDT


After watching their longest winning streak of the season come to an end, the Seattle Mariners will try to bounce back against the Minnesota Twins.

Both teams could again be missing important pieces in Thursday night's series opener.

Mariners manager Eric Wedge remains out and Twins All-Star Joe Mauer is uncertain to be available when these clubs play the first of four at Safeco Field.

Seattle (48-53) had posted eight consecutive victories by a 50-24 margin before managing two singles in Wednesday's 10-1 loss to Cleveland.

"We just flat out got outplayed, outpitched, outhit," losing pitcher Joe Saunders said. "Just one of those days."

The Mariners will again have to get by without Wedge, who suffered what doctors believe was a very mild stroke Monday. He is expected to miss this series as well as an upcoming six-game road trip.

"What he needs to do is stay home for a short period of time. We expect him to be back sooner than later," general manager Jack Zduriencik said. "He's excited. He sounds normal. I talked to him and it sounds like everything is fine and he is ready to roll.

"We are going to err on the side of caution, and I think the common sense thing is to have Eric rest. It makes sense that he doesn't take this trip to the East Coast."

The Twins (43-55) could be without Mauer, who was placed on the paternity list Wednesday as his wife gave birth to twin girls earlier in the day. Mauer needs to return by Saturday in order to avoid being placed on the restricted list.

"I'm assuming Joe will want to join as soon as he can," assistant general manager Rob Antony said.

Minnesota had won six of seven, including a season-high four straight on the road, before failing to get anything going Wednesday in a 1-0 loss to the Los Angeles Angels. Doug Bernier and Aaron Hicks singled for the clubs' two hits.

The Twins could have a hard time regrouping against Hisashi Iwakuma (9-4, 2.99 ERA), who leads the AL with a 5.71 strikeout-to-walk ratio. The right-hander is looking to win a season high-tying third consecutive start after yielding two runs in seven innings Saturday in a 4-2 victory at Houston.

"I was able to stay within myself and made pitches when I needed to," he said through a translator.

Iwakuma has been sensational in winning each of his three career starts against Minnesota, allowing two unearned runs in 20 2-3 innings. He gave up seven hits in 7 2-3 innings in a 3-0 road win May 31. Ryan Doumit is 0 for 8 with five strikeouts in their matchups, and Justin Morneau is 1 for 8.

The Twins give the ball to Kevin Correia (7-6, 4.17), who yielded two runs and three hits in six innings Saturday in a 3-2 win over Cleveland.

"I feel like I've been 6-6 for two months," Correia said after earning his first victory since June 19.

Correia is 0-1 with a 3.92 ERA in three career starts against Seattle. He surrendered four runs and a season high-tying three homers - two to Jason Bay - in 6 2-3 innings of a 5-4 walkoff win for Minnesota on June 1.

Correia will also need to be careful against Raul Ibanez, who is 5 for 10 with a homer and two doubles in their matchups. Ibanez, mired in a 3-for-18 funk, could be back in the lineup after getting Wednesday off.

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

SERIES AT A GLANCE

GAME 1
Twins at Mariners
Thu, Jul 25 - 10:10PM EDT

GAME 2
Twins at Mariners
Fri, Jul 26 - 10:10PM EDT

GAME 3
Twins at Mariners
Sat, Jul 27 - 4:10PM EDT

GAME 4
Twins at Mariners
Sun, Jul 28 - 4:10PM EDT

[StarDust Bum]

Preview: Reds (58-44) at Dodgers (53-47)
Game: 1
Venue: Dodger Stadium
Date: July 25, 2013 10:10 PM EDT


The Los Angeles Dodgers' offensive struggles to end the first half are long forgotten.

An undefeated trip will do that.

The NL West-leading Dodgers open their second-half home schedule Thursday night when Zack Greinke tries to deliver Los Angeles its first seven-game winning streak in three years and No. 100 for his career in this opener against the Cincinnati Reds.

The Dodgers (53-47) plated two total runs against Colorado in their last three games before the All-Star break, finishing the first half 2 1/2 games off the West lead. Los Angeles, though, has moved 1 1/2 in front of second-place Arizona after capping off a 6-0 trip with Wednesday's 8-3, 10-inning victory over Toronto.

The Dodgers, winners of 23 of 28 since they were last in the West on June 21, tied it in the ninth and blew it open in the 10th with homers from Mark Ellis and Yasiel Puig. They've won 10 straight on the road for the first time since opening 11-0 in 1955, when they were based in Brooklyn.

"Lately we've been able to (come back)," Ellis said after the Dodgers' second comeback win in as many nights. "That's the sign of a good team.'

Los Angeles, which hit .326 and averaged 7.8 runs on its trip, last won seven straight during a nine-game run May 9-18, 2010.

Greinke (8-2, 3.36 ERA) won five consecutive starts before the Dodgers' 3-1, 10-inning victory at Washington on Saturday. The right-hander wiggled out of some rough spots - he retired the side in order just once - but he lasted six innings and allowed one run.

"Got into some jams and made some good pitches," the former AL Cy Young Award winner, 2-0 with an 0.41 ERA in his last three starts, told the Dodgers' official website. "That was a problem, getting in trouble early, but I got through it, so that was nice."

Greinke is 6-0 with a 2.09 ERA in eight career starts at Dodger Stadium, including a 5-0 mark with a 2.17 ERA this season, his first with the club.

He's 4-0 with a 2.14 ERA in six starts against the Reds after beating them twice last season while with Milwaukee.

Cincinnati (58-44), though, arrives in Los Angeles after hitting .350 and scoring 31 runs while taking three of four at San Francisco.

Todd Frazier and Devin Mesoraco each had eight hits in the series while combining for 13 RBIs. Frazier extended his hitting streak to seven in Wednesday's 8-3 victory, while Mesoraco drove in a pair.

The Reds continue their West Coast trip with Mat Latos (9-3, 3.53) on the hill.

The right-hander dealt with a 1-hour, 17-minute rain delay in the middle of the first inning Saturday against Pittsburgh, but wound up a 5-4 winner after yielding three runs and four hits - two homers - over five innings.

"It's not something I've had to do," Latos told the Reds' official website of the delay. "There's a first time for everything."

A win at Dodger Stadium would be a first for Latos, who has a 3.95 ERA there while losing all five starts.

Reds first baseman Joey Votto, who's batting .357 with two homers in a seven-game hitting streak at Dodger Stadium, has three homers in 16 at_bats off Greinke.

Puig, who hit his first homer in 17 games Wednesday, will get his first look at Latos. The star rookie is batting .458 at home.

Los Angeles won four of six from Cincinnati last season, including two of three at home.


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

SERIES AT A GLANCE

GAME 1
Reds at Dodgers
Thu, Jul 25 - 10:10PM EDT

GAME 2
Reds at Dodgers
Fri, Jul 26 - 10:10PM EDT

GAME 3
Reds at Dodgers
Sat, Jul 27 - 9:10PM EDT

GAME 4
Reds at Dodgers
Sun, Jul 28 - 4:10PM EDT

[StarDust Bum]

Thursday's Night Tips

July 25, 2013


Astros at Blue Jays - 7:05 PM EST

Probables: E. Bedard (3-7, 4.41 ERA) vs. M. Buehrle (5-7, 4.83 ERA)

Previous series recap: Houston played Oakland tough, but lost two of three at home, with all three games decided by one run each. Toronto threw away two late leads against a hot Dodgers' squad, as Los Angeles pulled off the three-game sweep at Rogers Center.

Current streaks: The Astros have lost seven of their past eight games, while winning just once since the All-Star break. Houston owns a 2-8 record on the road against AL East opponents this season, but both victories came in the series opener. Toronto is winless since the break with all six defeats coming at home. The Jays have drilled the 'over' in seven of their past nine contests, while allowing at least seven runs six times in this stretch.

Rays at Red Sox - 7:10 PM EST

Probables: J. Hellickson (9-3, 4.62 ERA) vs. J. Lackey (7-7, 2.95 ERA)

Series recap: Tampa Bay received another terrific pitching performance on Wednesday as David Price shut down the Red Sox in a 5-1 triumph. The Rays have taken two of three in the series so far, as all three contests have finished 'under' the total.

Current streaks: The Rays are on fire with victories in 19 of their past 22 games, while hitting the 'under' in five straight. The Red Sox have alternated wins and losses in seven consecutive games, while posting an 8-1 mark to the 'under' in the last nine overall.

Phillies at Cardinals - 7:15 PM EST

Probables: K. Kendrick (9-6, 3.94 ERA) vs. L. Lynn (11-5, 4.13 ERA)

Series recap: St. Louis dominated Philadelphia for the second straight night, 11-3 to cash as $1.65 home favorites. The Cardinals have taken four of six meetings with the Phillies this season, while drilling the 'over' for the first time in four games.

Current streaks: The Phillies have dropped four straight games, while falling to 5-7 the last 12 opportunities as a road underdog. St. Louis has cleaned up against a weak schedule of late by winning 11 of 14 games, including nine of the last 10 at Busch Stadium.

Orioles at Royals - 8:10 PM EST

Probables: M. Gonzalez (8-3, 3.34 ERA) vs. J. Guthrie (9-7, 4.41 ERA)

Series recap: The Royals rallied from a late 3-1 deficit to score three runs in the final two innings to shock the Orioles, 4-3 on Wednesday. After dropping the series opener, Kansas City has taken two straight from Baltimore by one run each, while cashing the 'under' the last two nights.

Current streaks: Baltimore has lost three consecutive road games just twice this season, while dropping to 1-5 the last six contests decided by one run. The Royals have won four of six since the All-Star break, while going 7-4 the last 11 home games against four above .500 teams (Orioles, Tigers, Athletics, and Indians).

Cubs at Diamondbacks - 9:40 PM EST

Probables: C. Villanueva (2-6, 4.16 ERA) vs. W. Miley (6-8, 4.03 ERA)

Series recap: Chicago staved off Arizona in 12 innings, 7-6 on Wednesday to cash as $1.20 road underdogs. The Cubs have taken two of three so far in this series, while the season set is evened up at 3-3.

Current streaks: The Cubs are 0-5 the last five games off a win, while going for consecutive road victories for the first time since late June. The Diamondbacks are in the midst of a 2-5 slump, while posting a 4-6 mark the last 10 in the role of a home favorite.

Angels at Athletics - 10:05 PM EST

Probables: C.J. Wilson (10-6, 3.15 ERA) vs. D. Straily (6-3, 4.14 ERA)

Previous series recap: Los Angeles avoided a home sweep against Minnesota by squeezing past the Twins, 1-0 as heavy favorites on Wednesday. Oakland grabbed two of three from Houston on the highway, improving to 11-1 against the Astros this season.

Current streaks: Both of these teams are riding crazy 'under' runs (L.A. 7-1, Oakland 9-1), including three 'unders' in their previous series last weekend in Anaheim. The Angels have won just three of their past nine games, which includes a 1-4 record on the highway. Oakland has split six games since the break, but the A's are 9-2 the last 11 home series openers.

Reds at Dodgers - 10:10 PM EST

Probables: M. Latos (9-3, 3.53 ERA) vs. Z. Greinke (8-2, 3.36 ERA)

Previous series recap: Cincinnati grabbed three of four at San Francisco with all three victories coming by at least five runs. The Dodgers return home after a 6-0 road swing, including a three-game sweep at Toronto.

Current streaks: The Reds are picking up the pace recently with wins in seven of their past 10 contests. The Dodgers' offense put up at least eight runs in each of the last four victories on the East Coast, while owning a solid 6-1 record the last seven home series openers.

Twins at Mariners - 10:10 PM EST

Probables: K. Correia (7-6, 4.17 ERA) vs. H. Iwakuma (9-4, 2.99 ERA)

Previous series recap: Minnesota couldn't quite finish off the sweep at Los Angeles, but the Twins managed to take two of three from the Halos. The Mariners saw their eight-game winning streak snapped in a blowout loss to the Indians on Wednesday, but Seattle did grab its third straight series victory.

Current streaks: Seattle has won seven consecutive series openers, which includes four in a row at Safeco Field. Minnesota has rebounded from a six-game skid in mid-July to win six of its previous eight games, all in the underdog role.

[StarDust Bum]

Armadillo: Thursday's six-pack

Last six winners of the Davey O'Brien Award, given to the best college quarterback of the season........

2007-- Tim Tebow, Florida-- Whatever happened to this guy?

2008-- Sam Bradford, Oklahoma-- Headed for breakout year in St Louis?

2009-- Colt McCoy, Texas-- Longhorns haven't been same since he left.

2010-- Cam Newton, Auburn-- Tigers won national title, then hit skids.

2011-- Robert Griffin III, Baylor-- Made Baylor football relevant again.

2012-- Johnny Manziel, Texas A&M-- Had a horrendous offseason.


*****

Armadillo: Thursday's List of 13: Nobody asked me, but...........

13) Our thoughts are with Tim Hudson today; he broke his ankle last night, and at age 38, his career might be over. One of my all-time favorites from his Oakland days, he paved way for some shorter pitchers to make it in pro ball, when there had been a stigma against shorter hurlers.

12) Jered Weaver's last two starts against the Twins: 17 IP, no runs, two hits. didn't hurt that Joe Mauer is on paternity leave, but still......

11) Jordan Baker is a young umpire; he stands 6-8, and seems to call curve balls strikes more often that fastballs- thats my observation after seeing him work a couple games behind the plate. Since beginning of 2012, under is 26-9-1 when Baker works behind the plate.

10) Every time I watch Evan Gattis hit for the Braves, I'm reminded of the old wrestler Ivan Putski- their arms are about the same size.

9) Dodgers have now won 23 of their last 28 games- they scored 32 runs in their three-game conquest of Toronto this week.

8) David Price's stats since coming off the DL: 41 IP, 32 baserunners, 8 runs, a big reason why Rays are on fire, having won 18 of their last 21 games.

7) Marlins' OF Marcell Ozuna got married during the All-Star break; four days later, he gets sent down to AA;; if they thought he was doing so poorly, why didn't they give him a day or two off? It takes a big leap of faith to believe Marlin brass knows what they're doing.

6) Nationals look like a dead team; Stephen Strasburg is 5-8, 2.85; guess they won't have to worry about how many innings he throws this year.

5) CC Sabathia's last two starts: total of nine IP, with 15 of 19 runners he allowed scoring. He's logged a lot of innings; has it taken its inevitable toll?

4) If baseball playoffs started Thursday morning, they would look like this:
NL: Braves-Cardinals-Dodgers. Wild Card: Reds @ Pirates
AL: Red Sox-Tigers-A's. Wild Card: Orioles @ Rays.

3) Dallas Mavericks gave rookie Ricky Ledo a 4-year contract, with two years and $1.3M+ guaranteed; kid never played at Providence, but he did practice with the Friars- he looked good in summer league this month.

2) December 21 at MGM Grand Arena in Las Vegas, this doubleheader will be played and broadcast on ESPNU: Marquette-New Mexico, and Oklahoma St-Colorado. Lobo fans like coming to Las Vegas.

1) If you're visiting Las Vegas and are looking for a place to stay, Elara Tower (owned by Hilton) behind Planet Hollywood is an excellent option. There is a **** near the hotel, a short walk from Planet Hollywood casino.

Lot of good food places, lot of shopping options. I highly recommend it.

[StarDust Bum]

MLB

Dunkel

LA Angels at Oakland
The Angels look to follow up yesterday's 1-0 win over Minnesota and build on their 9-2 record in C.J. Wilson's last 11 starts after scoring 2 runs or less in the previous game. LA is the pick (-105) according to Dunkel, which has the Angels favored by 1. Dunkel Pick: LA Angels (-105). Here are all of today's picks.

THURSDAY, JULY 25

Game 951-952: Atlanta at NY Mets (12:10 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Atlanta (Wood) 14.713; NY Mets (Wheeler) 15.652
Dunkel Line: NY Mets by 1; 9
Vegas Line: Atlanta (-125); 8
Dunkel Pick: NY Mets (+125); Over

Game 953-954: Pittsburgh at Washington (12:35 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Pittsburgh (Burnett) 14.120; Washington (Gonzalez) 15.769
Dunkel Line: Washington by 1 1/2; 6
Vegas Line: Washington (-135); 7 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Washington (-135); Under

Game 955-956: San Diego at Milwaukee (2:10 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: San Diego (Volquez) 15.548; Milwaukee (Gallardo) 14.499
Dunkel Line: San Diego by 1; 9
Vegas Line: Milwaukee (-150); 8 1/2
Dunkel Pick: San Diego (+130); Over

Game 957-958: Miami at Colorado (3:10 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Miami (Eovaldi) 14.231; Colorado (Nicasio) 15.812
Dunkel Line: Colorado by 1 1/2; 9
Vegas Line: Colorado (-170); 10
Dunkel Pick: Colorado (-170); Under

Game 959-960: Philadelphia at St. Louis (7:15 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Philadelphia (Kendrick) 15.784; St. Louis (Lynn) 15.155
Dunkel Line: Philadelphia by 1/2; 9
Vegas Line: St. Louis (-170); 8
Dunkel Pick: Philadelphia (+150); Over

Game 961-962: Chicago Cubs at Arizona (9:40 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Cubs (Villanueva) 14.391; Arizona (Miley) 15.870
Dunkel Line: Arizona by 1 1/2; 8
Vegas Line: Arizona (-175); 8 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Arizona (-175); Under

Game 963-964: Cincinnati at LA Dodgers (10:10 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Cincinnati (Latos) 17.325; LA Dodgers (Greinke) 16.306
Dunkel Line: Cincinnati by 1; 8
Vegas Line: LA Dodgers (-135); 7
Dunkel Pick: Cincinnati (+115); Over

Game 965-966: NY Yankees at Texas (2:05 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: NY Yankees (Kuroda) 14.171; Texas (Holland) 15.554
Dunkel Line: Texas by 1 1/2; 8
Vegas Line: Texas (-155); 8 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Texas (-155); Under

Game 967-968: Detroit at Chicago White Sox (2:10 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Detroit (Verlander) 14.755; White Sox (Peavy) 15.690
Dunkel Line: Chicago White Sox by 1; 9
Vegas Line: Detroit (-145); 8
Dunkel Pick: Chicago White Sox (+125); Over

Game 969-970: Houston at Toronto (7:07 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Houston (Bedard) 14.269; Toronto (Buehrle) 15.752
Dunkel Line: Toronto by 1 1/2; 8
Vegas Line: Toronto (-200); 9 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Toronto (-200); Under

Game 971-972: Tampa Bay at Boston (7:10 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Tampa Bay (Hellickson) 16.103; Boston (Lackey) 15.132
Dunkel Line: Tampa Bay by 1; 8
Vegas Line: Boston (-135); 9
Dunkel Pick: Tampa Bay (+115); Under

Game 973-974: Baltimore at Kansas City (8:10 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Baltimore (Gonzalez) 16.365; Kansas City (Guthrie) 14.756
Dunkel Line: Baltimore by 1 1/2; 9
Vegas Line: Baltimore (-135); 8 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Baltimore (-135); Over

Game 975-976: LA Angels at Oakland (10:05 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: LA Angels (Wilson) 15.384; Oakland (Straily) 14.298
Dunkel Line: LA Angels by 1; 7
Vegas Line: Oakland (-115); 7 1/2
Dunkel Pick: LA Angels (-105); Under

Game 977-978: Minnesota at Seattle (10:10 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Minnesota (Correia) 15.349; Seattle (Iwakuma) 16.956
Dunkel Line: Seattle by 1 1/2; 8
Vegas Line: Seattle (-170); 7 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Seattle (-170); Over

[StarDust Bum]

MLB
Long Sheet

Thursday, July 25

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

ATLANTA (57 - 44) at NY METS (44 - 53) - 12:10 PM
ALEX WOOD (L) vs. ZACK WHEELER (R)
Top Trends for this game.
NY METS are 18-9 (+13.0 Units) against the money line when playing on Thursday over the last 2 seasons.
NY METS are 21-14 (+11.3 Units) against the money line against left-handed starters this season.
ATLANTA is 106-70 (+20.8 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters over the last 2 seasons.
ATLANTA is 69-41 (+19.6 Units) against the money line against division opponents over the last 2 seasons.
NY METS are 276-291 (-86.4 Units) against the money line in home games against division opponents since 1997.
NY METS are 20-30 (-15.2 Units) against the money line in home games in games played on a grass field this season.
NY METS are 30-43 (-21.2 Units) against the money line in home games after a loss over the last 2 seasons.
NY METS are 25-40 (-16.8 Units) against the money line in home games when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.
NY METS are 14-35 (-18.3 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record in the second half of the season over the last 2 seasons.
NY METS are 20-30 (-15.2 Units) against the money line in home games this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
NY METS is 6-7 (+1.8 Units) against ATLANTA this season
6 of 11 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+0.3 Units)

ALEX WOOD vs. NY METS since 1997
WOOD is 0-1 when starting against NY METS with an ERA of 3.00 and a WHIP of 1.667.
His team's record is 0-1 (-1.1 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 0-0. (+0.0 units)

ZACK WHEELER vs. ATLANTA since 1997
WHEELER is 1-0 when starting against ATLANTA with an ERA of 0.00 and a WHIP of 1.500.
His team's record is 1-0 (+1.8 units) in these starts. The OVER is 0-0. (+0.0 units)

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

PITTSBURGH (60 - 39) at WASHINGTON (48 - 53) - 12:35 PM
A.J. BURNETT (R) vs. GIO GONZALEZ (L)
Top Trends for this game.
PITTSBURGH is 27-33 (-15.2 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record in the second half of the season over the last 2 seasons.
BURNETT is 7-26 (-16.6 Units) against the money line as a road underdog of +125 to +150 since 1997. (Team's Record)
BURNETT is 78-108 (-37.3 Units) against the money line in road games since 1997. (Team's Record)
BURNETT is 63-89 (-32.0 Units) against the money line in road games in games played on a grass field since 1997. (Team's Record)
BURNETT is 33-54 (-27.2 Units) against the money line in road games after a win since 1997. (Team's Record)
WASHINGTON is 108-96 (+20.0 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 3 seasons.
WASHINGTON is 23-9 (+12.6 Units) against the money line when playing on Thursday over the last 2 seasons.
GONZALEZ is 37-17 (+16.4 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
GONZALEZ is 37-17 (+16.4 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
PITTSBURGH is 60-39 (+26.3 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
PITTSBURGH is 10-4 (+9.6 Units) against the money line as a road underdog of +125 to +150 this season.
PITTSBURGH is 28-21 (+14.8 Units) against the money line in road games this season.
PITTSBURGH is 22-16 (+10.0 Units) against the money line in day games this season.
PITTSBURGH is 60-39 (+26.3 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
PITTSBURGH is 35-24 (+13.6 Units) against the money line after a win this season.
PITTSBURGH is 37-14 (+24.0 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record this season.
WASHINGTON is 48-53 (-15.1 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
WASHINGTON is 7-13 (-10.6 Units) against the money line in July games this season.
WASHINGTON is 48-53 (-15.1 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
WASHINGTON is 34-39 (-14.4 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.
WASHINGTON is 9-14 (-9.9 Units) against the money line in home games after a loss this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
PITTSBURGH is 4-2 (+2.5 Units) against WASHINGTON this season
3 of 6 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=-0.3 Units, Under=-0.4 Units)

A.J. BURNETT vs. WASHINGTON since 1997
BURNETT is 8-3 when starting against WASHINGTON with an ERA of 3.08 and a WHIP of 1.130.
His team's record is 9-6 (+1.3 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 7-8. (-1.8 units)

GIO GONZALEZ vs. PITTSBURGH since 1997
GONZALEZ is 2-0 when starting against PITTSBURGH with an ERA of 2.84 and a WHIP of 1.105.
His team's record is 3-0 (+3.0 units) in these starts. The OVER is 2-1. (+1.0 units)

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

SAN DIEGO (45 - 57) at MILWAUKEE (42 - 58) - 2:10 PM
EDINSON VOLQUEZ (R) vs. YOVANI GALLARDO (R)
Top Trends for this game.
SAN DIEGO is 4-17 (-11.5 Units) against the money line as a road underdog of +125 to +150 this season.
MILWAUKEE is 82-43 (+25.6 Units) against the money line at home when the total is 8 to 8.5 over the last 3 seasons.
MILWAUKEE is 106-57 (+33.4 Units) against the money line in home games against right-handed starters over the last 3 seasons.
GALLARDO is 28-10 (+15.9 Units) against the money line after a win over the last 3 seasons. (Team's Record)
GALLARDO is 32-8 (+20.4 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record in the second half of the season since 1997. (Team's Record)
SAN DIEGO is 440-505 (+35.6 Units) against the money line in road games against right-handed starters since 1997.
VOLQUEZ is 37-24 (+16.6 Units) against the money line after a loss since 1997. (Team's Record)
MILWAUKEE is 59-61 (-18.0 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 2 seasons.
MILWAUKEE is 42-58 (-17.6 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
MILWAUKEE is 5-17 (-15.1 Units) against the money line when playing on Thursday over the last 2 seasons.
MILWAUKEE is 11-23 (-12.6 Units) against the money line in day games this season.
MILWAUKEE is 42-58 (-17.6 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
GALLARDO is 1-8 (-9.5 Units) against the money line when playing on Thursday over the last 3 seasons. (Team's Record)
GALLARDO is 32-39 (-17.1 Units) against the money line in day games since 1997. (Team's Record)

Head-to-Head Series History
SAN DIEGO is 3-3 (+0.3 Units) against MILWAUKEE this season
4 of 6 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+1.7 Units)

EDINSON VOLQUEZ vs. MILWAUKEE since 1997
VOLQUEZ is 4-3 when starting against MILWAUKEE with an ERA of 5.04 and a WHIP of 1.394.
His team's record is 8-3 (+5.8 units) in these starts. The OVER is 7-3. (+4.0 units)

YOVANI GALLARDO vs. SAN DIEGO since 1997
GALLARDO is 4-2 when starting against SAN DIEGO with an ERA of 4.17 and a WHIP of 1.537.
His team's record is 5-2 (+1.7 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 2-5. (-3.5 units)

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MIAMI (37 - 62) at COLORADO (49 - 53) - 3:10 PM
NATHAN EOVALDI (R) vs. JUAN NICASIO (R)
Top Trends for this game.
MIAMI is 58-94 (-26.3 Units) against the money line after a loss over the last 2 seasons.
MIAMI is 106-155 (-34.5 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
MIAMI is 14-37 (-18.7 Units) against the money line in road games in day games over the last 2 seasons.
MIAMI is 105-151 (-31.6 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
MIAMI is 70-108 (-28.5 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters over the last 2 seasons.
COLORADO is 78-104 (-35.1 Units) against the money line after a win over the last 3 seasons.
COLORADO is 186-242 (-57.8 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 3 seasons.
COLORADO is 102-113 (-33.7 Units) against the money line in home games over the last 3 seasons.
COLORADO is 2-9 (-9.9 Units) against the money line when playing on Thursday this season.
COLORADO is 55-87 (-40.4 Units) against the money line in day games over the last 3 seasons.
COLORADO is 186-239 (-54.8 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 3 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
MIAMI is 2-1 (+2.0 Units) against COLORADO this season
3 of 3 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+3.0 Units)

NATHAN EOVALDI vs. COLORADO since 1997
EOVALDI is 1-2 when starting against COLORADO with an ERA of 4.41 and a WHIP of 1.652.
His team's record is 1-2 (-1.0 units) in these starts. The OVER is 2-1. (+1.0 units)

JUAN NICASIO vs. MIAMI since 1997
NICASIO is 0-1 when starting against MIAMI with an ERA of 9.00 and a WHIP of 2.400.
His team's record is 0-1 (-1.0 units) in these starts. The OVER is 1-0. (+1.0 units)

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PHILADELPHIA (49 - 52) at ST LOUIS (61 - 37) - 7:15 PM
KYLE KENDRICK (R) vs. LANCE LYNN (R)
Top Trends for this game.
PHILADELPHIA is 130-133 (-24.2 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
PHILADELPHIA is 130-130 (-21.2 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
PHILADELPHIA is 60-69 (-17.9 Units) against the money line after a loss over the last 2 seasons.
ST LOUIS is 21-4 (+14.5 Units) against the money line in home games in July games over the last 2 seasons.
ST LOUIS is 61-37 (+10.9 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
ST LOUIS is 50-25 (+17.1 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.
ST LOUIS is 53-20 (+21.4 Units) against the money line in home games when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 2 seasons.
ST LOUIS is 27-6 (+18.6 Units) against the money line in home games when playing against a team with a losing record in the second half of the season over the last 2 seasons.
ST LOUIS is 61-37 (+10.9 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
LYNN is 35-16 (+13.0 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
LYNN is 35-16 (+13.0 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
PHILADELPHIA is 327-338 (+48.2 Units) against the money line in road games when playing against a team with a winning record since 1997.
PHILADELPHIA is 364-328 (+48.4 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record in the second half of the season since 1997.
KENDRICK is 64-42 (+23.5 Units) against the money line in night games since 1997. (Team's Record)

Head-to-Head Series History
ST LOUIS is 4-2 (+2.1 Units) against PHILADELPHIA this season
3 of 5 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+1.0 Units)

KYLE KENDRICK vs. ST LOUIS since 1997
KENDRICK is 5-1 when starting against ST LOUIS with an ERA of 2.68 and a WHIP of 1.234.
His team's record is 6-1 (+5.7 units) in these starts. The OVER is 5-2. (+2.9 units)

LANCE LYNN vs. PHILADELPHIA since 1997
LYNN is 1-0 when starting against PHILADELPHIA with an ERA of 3.00 and a WHIP of 0.833.
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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CHICAGO CUBS (45 - 54) at ARIZONA (52 - 49) - 9:40 PM
CARLOS VILLANUEVA (R) vs. WADE MILEY (L)
Top Trends for this game.
CHICAGO CUBS are 106-155 (-28.1 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
CHICAGO CUBS are 67-109 (-34.6 Units) against the money line after a win over the last 3 seasons.
CHICAGO CUBS are 106-155 (-28.1 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
CHICAGO CUBS are 25-19 (+13.4 Units) against the money line in July games over the last 2 seasons.
ARIZONA is 19-27 (-13.9 Units) against the money line at home when the total is 8 to 8.5 over the last 2 seasons.
ARIZONA is 47-49 (-18.2 Units) against the money line in home games in night games over the last 2 seasons.
ARIZONA is 28-33 (-15.9 Units) against the money line in home games after a loss over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
CHICAGO CUBS is 3-3 (+0.6 Units) against ARIZONA this season
4 of 6 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+2.0 Units)

CARLOS VILLANUEVA vs. ARIZONA since 1997
No recent starts.

WADE MILEY vs. CHICAGO CUBS since 1997
MILEY is 1-1 when starting against CHICAGO CUBS with an ERA of 4.80 and a WHIP of 0.867.
His team's record is 1-1 (+0.0 units) in these starts. The OVER is 0-2. (-2.0 units)

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CINCINNATI (58 - 44) at LA DODGERS (53 - 47) - 10:10 PM
MAT LATOS (R) vs. ZACK GREINKE (R)
Top Trends for this game.
LA DODGERS are 15-4 (+10.7 Units) against the money line in July games this season.
GREINKE is 12-3 (+9.1 Units) against the money line in all games this season. (Team's Record)
GREINKE is 14-2 (+11.7 Units) against the money line when the total is 7 or less over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
GREINKE is 18-4 (+12.5 Units) against the money line in home games over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
GREINKE is 12-3 (+9.1 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season. (Team's Record)
GREINKE is 10-1 (+9.1 Units) against the money line in night games this season. (Team's Record)
GREINKE is 21-1 (+20.0 Units) against the money line in home games after a win over the last 3 seasons. (Team's Record)
CINCINNATI is 320-334 (+46.8 Units) against the money line in road games after a win since 1997.
CINCINNATI is 157-112 (+18.0 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
CINCINNATI is 641-711 (+58.6 Units) against the money line in road games since 1997.
CINCINNATI is 157-112 (+18.0 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
CINCINNATI is 418-460 (+39.6 Units) against the money line in road games in night games since 1997.
CINCINNATI is 463-513 (+46.8 Units) against the money line in road games against right-handed starters since 1997.
LA DODGERS are 53-51 (-17.7 Units) against the money line in home games in night games over the last 2 seasons.

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

MAT LATOS vs. LA DODGERS since 1997
LATOS is 2-6 when starting against LA DODGERS with an ERA of 2.48 and a WHIP of 1.068.
His team's record is 3-6 (-3.4 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 8-1. (+6.8 units)

ZACK GREINKE vs. CINCINNATI since 1997
GREINKE is 4-0 when starting against CINCINNATI with an ERA of 2.57 and a WHIP of 0.857.
His team's record is 5-1 (+4.0 units) in these starts. The OVER is 3-1. (+2.0 units)

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NY YANKEES (53 - 48) at TEXAS (56 - 45) - 2:05 PM
HIROKI KURODA (R) vs. DEREK HOLLAND (L)
Top Trends for this game.
HOLLAND is 33-12 (+21.3 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 3 seasons. (Team's Record)
HOLLAND is 19-6 (+13.7 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record in the second half of the season over the last 3 seasons. (Team's Record)
NY YANKEES are 28-14 (+15.2 Units) against the money line in road games in day games over the last 2 seasons.
TEXAS is 17-25 (-16.5 Units) against the money line in July games over the last 2 seasons.
TEXAS is 77-71 (-21.8 Units) against the money line after a win over the last 2 seasons.
TEXAS is 24-33 (-15.8 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record in the second half of the season over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
TEXAS is 4-2 (+1.4 Units) against NY YANKEES this season
4 of 5 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+2.8 Units)

HIROKI KURODA vs. TEXAS since 1997
KURODA is 1-2 when starting against TEXAS with an ERA of 2.60 and a WHIP of 0.904.
His team's record is 2-2 (+0.1 units) in these starts. The OVER is 0-4. (-4.5 units)

DEREK HOLLAND vs. NY YANKEES since 1997
HOLLAND is 1-5 when starting against NY YANKEES with an ERA of 7.03 and a WHIP of 1.584.
His team's record is 3-5 (-2.2 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 2-5. (-3.8 units)

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DETROIT (56 - 44) at CHI WHITE SOX (39 - 59) - 2:10 PM
JUSTIN VERLANDER (R) vs. JAKE PEAVY (R)
Top Trends for this game.
DETROIT is 56-44 (-9.8 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
DETROIT is 68-72 (-18.9 Units) against the money line in road games over the last 2 seasons.
DETROIT is 20-21 (-12.2 Units) against the money line in day games this season.
DETROIT is 52-41 (-10.4 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
DETROIT is 28-27 (-17.0 Units) against the money line after a win this season.
VERLANDER is 65-29 (+24.9 Units) against the money line in day games since 1997. (Team's Record)
CHI WHITE SOX are 39-59 (-19.8 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
CHI WHITE SOX are 50-66 (-20.1 Units) against the money line when the total is 8 to 8.5 over the last 2 seasons.
CHI WHITE SOX are 102-106 (-27.2 Units) against the money line in home games over the last 3 seasons.
CHI WHITE SOX are 6-14 (-9.4 Units) against the money line at home when the total is 8 to 8.5 this season.
CHI WHITE SOX are 3-11 (-10.1 Units) against the money line in home games against division opponents this season.
CHI WHITE SOX are 37-54 (-17.3 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
CHI WHITE SOX are 30-43 (-11.7 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.
CHI WHITE SOX are 21-37 (-16.8 Units) against the money line after a loss this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
CHI WHITE SOX is 2-4 (-0.2 Units) against DETROIT this season
4 of 5 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+3.1 Units)

JUSTIN VERLANDER vs. CHI WHITE SOX since 1997
VERLANDER is 14-11 when starting against CHI WHITE SOX with an ERA of 4.01 and a WHIP of 1.164.
His team's record is 15-13 (-3.6 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 16-12. (+2.2 units)

JAKE PEAVY vs. DETROIT since 1997
PEAVY is 3-5 when starting against DETROIT with an ERA of 4.80 and a WHIP of 1.240.
His team's record is 3-8 (-5.8 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 3-6. (-3.9 units)

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HOUSTON (34 - 66) at TORONTO (45 - 55) - 7:05 PM
ERIK BEDARD (L) vs. MARK BUEHRLE (L)
Top Trends for this game.
HOUSTON is 89-172 (-39.7 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
HOUSTON is 11-44 (-23.8 Units) against the money line as a road underdog of +175 to +200 over the last 3 seasons.
HOUSTON is 61-147 (-44.9 Units) against the money line in road games over the last 3 seasons.
HOUSTON is 7-37 (-25.1 Units) against the money line in July games over the last 2 seasons.
HOUSTON is 94-183 (-48.6 Units) against the money line after a loss over the last 3 seasons.
HOUSTON is 29-70 (-28.2 Units) against the money line in road games when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 3 seasons.
HOUSTON is 9-35 (-22.8 Units) against the money line in road games when playing against a team with a losing record in the second half of the season over the last 3 seasons.
BUEHRLE is 144-75 (+44.4 Units) against the money line in home games since 1997. (Team's Record)
BUEHRLE is 43-20 (+23.4 Units) against the money line after 3 or more consecutive losses since 1997. (Team's Record)
BUEHRLE is 68-27 (+24.9 Units) against the money line in home games when playing against a team with a losing record since 1997. (Team's Record)
BUEHRLE is 35-10 (+17.1 Units) against the money line in home games when playing against a team with a losing record in the second half of the season since 1997. (Team's Record)
TORONTO is 45-55 (-9.8 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
TORONTO is 5-14 (-10.5 Units) against the money line in July games this season.
TORONTO is 24-37 (-13.6 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.

ERIK BEDARD vs. TORONTO since 1997
BEDARD is 2-4 when starting against TORONTO with an ERA of 5.00 and a WHIP of 1.476.
His team's record is 2-9 (-9.4 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 6-5. (+0.8 units)

MARK BUEHRLE vs. HOUSTON since 1997
BUEHRLE is 1-0 when starting against HOUSTON with an ERA of 3.00 and a WHIP of 0.933.
His team's record is 2-0 (+2.0 units) in these starts. The OVER is 1-0. (+1.0 units)

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TAMPA BAY (60 - 42) at BOSTON (61 - 42) - 7:10 PM
JEREMY HELLICKSON (R) vs. JOHN LACKEY (R)
Top Trends for this game.
BOSTON is 61-42 (+11.5 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
TAMPA BAY is 70-60 (+12.0 Units) against the money line in road games over the last 2 seasons.
TAMPA BAY is 17-3 (+11.4 Units) against the money line in July games this season.
TAMPA BAY is 501-587 (+21.8 Units) against the money line against division opponents since 1997.
BOSTON is 112-123 (-35.0 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
BOSTON is 88-98 (-25.0 Units) against the money line in night games over the last 2 seasons.
BOSTON is 83-96 (-28.7 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters over the last 2 seasons.
BOSTON is 30-36 (-18.6 Units) against the money line in home games after a loss over the last 2 seasons.
BOSTON is 65-84 (-24.5 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.
BOSTON is 22-43 (-19.8 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record in the second half of the season over the last 2 seasons.
BOSTON is 48-60 (-24.0 Units) against the money line when the total is 9 to 9.5 over the last 2 seasons.
BOSTON is 68-66 (-20.4 Units) against the money line in home games over the last 2 seasons.
BOSTON is 31-38 (-19.4 Units) against the money line at home when the total is 9 to 9.5 over the last 2 seasons.
BOSTON is 23-35 (-23.1 Units) against the money line in home games against division opponents over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
BOSTON is 10-5 (+5.6 Units) against TAMPA BAY this season
11 of 15 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+6.6 Units)

JEREMY HELLICKSON vs. BOSTON since 1997
HELLICKSON is 4-2 when starting against BOSTON with an ERA of 3.84 and a WHIP of 1.279.
His team's record is 6-5 (+1.1 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 6-5. (+0.2 units)

JOHN LACKEY vs. TAMPA BAY since 1997
LACKEY is 12-7 when starting against TAMPA BAY with an ERA of 4.39 and a WHIP of 1.403.
His team's record is 14-7 (+6.5 units) in these starts. The OVER is 12-9. (+2.2 units)

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BALTIMORE (57 - 45) at KANSAS CITY (47 - 51) - 8:10 PM
MIGUEL GONZALEZ (R) vs. JEREMY GUTHRIE (R)
Top Trends for this game.
KANSAS CITY is 66-72 (+13.9 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.
GUTHRIE is 28-21 (+10.8 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
GUTHRIE is 10-2 (+9.7 Units) against the money line when the total is 8 to 8.5 this season. (Team's Record)
GUTHRIE is 12-1 (+12.3 Units) against the money line at home when the total is 8 to 8.5 over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
GUTHRIE is 28-20 (+11.8 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
GUTHRIE is 22-15 (+10.5 Units) against the money line in night games over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
GUTHRIE is 8-3 (+7.4 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record this season. (Team's Record)
GUTHRIE is 12-4 (+11.6 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record in the second half of the season over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
BALTIMORE is 57-45 (+11.3 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
BALTIMORE is 56-43 (+18.2 Units) against the money line when the total is 8 to 8.5 over the last 2 seasons.
BALTIMORE is 76-62 (+34.0 Units) against the money line in road games over the last 2 seasons.
BALTIMORE is 21-9 (+12.6 Units) against the money line when playing on Thursday over the last 2 seasons.
BALTIMORE is 52-37 (+13.3 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
BALTIMORE is 40-27 (+12.3 Units) against the money line in night games this season.
BALTIMORE is 40-30 (+9.8 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.
BALTIMORE is 28-16 (+12.1 Units) against the money line after a loss this season.
BALTIMORE is 54-39 (+12.1 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 2 seasons.
GONZALEZ is 22-11 (+15.0 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
GONZALEZ is 19-8 (+13.7 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
GONZALEZ is 18-7 (+14.0 Units) against the money line in night games over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)

Head-to-Head Series History
KANSAS CITY is 3-3 (+0.0 Units) against BALTIMORE this season
5 of 6 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+3.8 Units)

MIGUEL GONZALEZ vs. KANSAS CITY since 1997
GONZALEZ is 1-0 when starting against KANSAS CITY with an ERA of 1.13 and a WHIP of 0.875.
His team's record is 1-0 (+1.0 units) in these starts. The OVER is 0-1. (-1.0 units)

JEREMY GUTHRIE vs. BALTIMORE since 1997
GUTHRIE is 1-0 when starting against BALTIMORE with an ERA of 1.50 and a WHIP of 1.667.
His team's record is 1-0 (+1.1 units) in these starts. The OVER is 0-1. (-1.1 units)

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LA ANGELS (47 - 52) at OAKLAND (59 - 42) - 10:05 PM
C.J. WILSON (L) vs. DANIEL STRAILY (R)
Top Trends for this game.
LA ANGELS are 47-52 (-20.2 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
LA ANGELS are 17-24 (-16.8 Units) against the money line against division opponents this season.
LA ANGELS are 47-52 (-20.2 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
LA ANGELS are 29-42 (-26.5 Units) against the money line in night games this season.
LA ANGELS are 37-38 (-12.4 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.
OAKLAND is 30-15 (+11.3 Units) against the money line in home games this season.
OAKLAND is 30-12 (+19.0 Units) against the money line in July games over the last 2 seasons.
OAKLAND is 59-42 (+24.0 Units) against the money line against division opponents over the last 2 seasons.
OAKLAND is 59-39 (+17.0 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
OAKLAND is 39-23 (+15.3 Units) against the money line in night games this season.
OAKLAND is 36-22 (+12.7 Units) against the money line after a win this season.
OAKLAND is 71-42 (+26.4 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 2 seasons.
OAKLAND is 32-12 (+16.2 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record in the second half of the season over the last 2 seasons.
OAKLAND is 59-42 (+13.9 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
LA ANGELS are 685-674 (+58.8 Units) against the money line in road games since 1997.

Head-to-Head Series History
OAKLAND is 6-3 (+3.7 Units) against LA ANGELS this season
6 of 9 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+2.7 Units)

C.J. WILSON vs. OAKLAND since 1997
WILSON is 8-4 when starting against OAKLAND with an ERA of 2.84 and a WHIP of 1.190.
His team's record is 10-5 (+3.1 units) in these starts. The OVER is 8-7. (+0.6 units)

DANIEL STRAILY vs. LA ANGELS since 1997
STRAILY is 1-1 when starting against LA ANGELS with an ERA of 6.26 and a WHIP of 1.434.
His team's record is 3-1 (+2.5 units) in these starts. The OVER is 3-1. (+2.0 units)

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MINNESOTA (43 - 55) at SEATTLE (48 - 53) - 10:10 PM
KEVIN CORREIA (R) vs. HISASHI IWAKUMA (R)
Top Trends for this game.
SEATTLE is 13-6 (+9.2 Units) against the money line in July games this season.
SEATTLE is 27-6 (+22.0 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record in the second half of the season over the last 2 seasons.
IWAKUMA is 23-14 (+12.8 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
IWAKUMA is 15-6 (+10.2 Units) against the money line in home games over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
IWAKUMA is 22-13 (+12.5 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
IWAKUMA is 15-7 (+10.2 Units) against the money line in night games over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
IWAKUMA is 12-5 (+11.2 Units) against the money line after a loss over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
MINNESOTA is 24-17 (+11.5 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record this season.
MINNESOTA is 53-66 (+13.6 Units) against the money line in road games in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
MINNESOTA is 12-7 (+11.0 Units) against the money line after getting shut out over the last 2 seasons.
CORREIA is 39-34 (+14.0 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
CORREIA is 43-43 (+17.4 Units) against the money line in road games since 1997. (Team's Record)
CORREIA is 25-20 (+10.2 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
CORREIA is 65-53 (+27.3 Units) against the money line in night games since 1997. (Team's Record)
CORREIA is 54-38 (+29.5 Units) against the money line after a loss since 1997. (Team's Record)

Head-to-Head Series History
MINNESOTA is 2-1 (+1.0 Units) against SEATTLE this season
2 of 3 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+0.7 Units)

KEVIN CORREIA vs. SEATTLE since 1997
CORREIA is 0-1 when starting against SEATTLE with an ERA of 3.92 and a WHIP of 0.968.
His team's record is 2-1 (+1.0 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 1-2. (-1.1 units)

HISASHI IWAKUMA vs. MINNESOTA since 1997
IWAKUMA is 3-0 when starting against MINNESOTA with an ERA of 0.00 and a WHIP of 0.919.
His team's record is 3-0 (+3.3 units) in these starts. The OVER is 1-2. (-1.5 units)