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

[StarDust Bum]

Preview: Angels (48-54) at Athletics (61-43)
Game: 4
Venue: O.co Coliseum
Date: July 28, 2013 4:05 PM EDT


No AL pitcher has limited opponents to a lower average since May 28 than Jarrod Parker of the Oakland Athletics has over his last 10 starts.

While things went right for Oakland in the first half of that stretch, they haven't since.

The Athletics have dropped Parker's last five starts heading into Sunday's home matchup with a Los Angeles Angels club that will be without Albert Pujols.

Parker (6-6, 3.79 ERA) is 4-0 with a 2.17 ERA over his last 10 starts with an opponent batting average of .175 - the best in the league since May 28.

Oakland (61-43) won the first five starts of this stellar stretch by Parker, but has totaled 12 runs in losing the next five. The right-hander's ERA is 2.32 and opponent batting average is .180 during his winless run.

The Athletics have won both of his starts against Los Angeles this year, with Parker going 1-0 with a 4.82 ERA.

Erick Aybar is 8 for 13 in his career against Parker and Mike Trout is 6 for 17. Josh Hamilton is just 1 for 12 while Pujols' 3-for-16 mark won't be a factor.

That's because Pujols returned to Los Angeles on Saturday morning for further testing on his ailing left foot. The slugger has been dealing with plantar fasciitis all season, re-injuring his foot running to first base after singling in the ninth inning in Friday's 6-4 loss.

The Angels (48-54) opened this four-game set Thursday with an 8-3 victory before the Athletics responded with strong starts by Bartolo Colon and Tommy Milone to take the next two games.

Colon won his 14th game with six innings Friday before Milone gave up one run over seven in Saturday's 3-1 victory.

Los Angeles took the lead Saturday on Hamilton's second-inning homer. Oakland did all of its scoring in the seventh, with Derek Norris' two-run pinch-hit homer putting the home team up by one.

"That's just the way we play baseball,' Norris said. "There's no one guy like a (Miguel) Cabrera or a Chris Davis. We have a group of guys who can put together things."

Norris rudely greeted reliever Scott Downs, who allowed his first run in 30 appearances, one short of tying the Angels club record. The last homer allowed by Downs was Sept. 25 by Seattle's Justin Smoak.

"I can't remember the last time Downs gave up a home run," manager Mike Scioscia said. "You like the matchup with his sinker and hopefully he can get the double play ball."

Scioscia will give the ball to Tommy Hanson (4-2, 4.75), who yielded one run over 5 1-3 innings and did not get a decision in Tuesday's 10-3 defeat to Minnesota - his first start since June 20 after being on the disabled list with a strained right forearm.

The right-hander's lone career outing against Oakland was a 10-8, 19-inning loss April 29. He allowed two runs in six innings.

Trout is 5 for 12 in this series and has hit safely in nine straight games against the A's with a .342 average and 10 RBIs.

Jed Lowrie is 5 for 12 with five RBIs for Oakland in this series while slugger Yoenis Cespedes is 0 for 9 with five strikeouts.


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SERIES AT A GLANCE

GAME 1
Angels at Athletics
Thu, Jul 25 Final 8 to 3
Boxscores • Recaps

GAME 2
Angels at Athletics
Fri, Jul 26 Final 4 to 6
Boxscores • Recaps

GAME 3
Angels at Athletics
Sat, Jul 27 Final 1 to 3
Boxscores • Recaps

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

[StarDust Bum]

Preview: Cubs (47-55) at Giants (46-57)
Game: 3
Venue: AT&T Park
Date: July 28, 2013 4:05 PM EDT


The San Francisco Giants hoped a no-hitter would lead to big things for Tim Lincecum in the second half. Instead, he's looking to rebound from the worst start of his career.

The Chicago Cubs will try to complete their first road sweep over the Giants in 20 years Sunday when they face the former Cy Young Award winner.

Former Giant Nate Schierholtz homered off closer Sergio Romo with one out in the ninth inning to lift the Cubs (47-55) to a 1-0 win Saturday. That loss dropped the reigning World Series champs into a virtual last-place tie with San Diego.

San Francisco (46-57) has lost six of seven to fall a season-high nine games behind the NL West-leading Dodgers.

"We're in a tough rut now and we know it,' manager Bruce Bochy said. "We just have to keep working and trying."

The Giants have dropped 10 of 12 with Lincecum (5-10, 4.73 ERA) on the mound. The right-hander gave up a career-high eight earned runs and nine hits over a season-low 3 2-3 innings Monday in an 11-0 loss to Cincinnati.

Lincecum had posted a 3.16 ERA over an eight-start stretch capped by his no-hitter at San Diego on July 13. He insisted the 148 pitches he made in that 9-0 victory had no lingering effect against the Reds.

"It's something we've dealt with before so you just have to be prepared for it and know that you're going to get those days off to give yourself that rest and come back strong, but I didn't," Lincecum said.

Lincecum has gone 1-3 with a 4.84 ERA in his last six starts versus the Cubs. He allowed four runs - all in the first - over five innings before the Giants rallied late for a 10-7 win at Wrigley Field on April 14.

Starlin Castro went 3 for 3 with a home run off Lincecum in that meeting, giving him seven hits and five RBIs in 16 career at_bats in this matchup. He's also 12 for 28 (.429) with two homers against the Giants this season.

Schierholtz has put aside trade speculation to go 9 for 19 with three homers and eight RBIs in his last six contests overall.

The Cubs, winners in 18 of 31, go for their first sweep in San Francisco since Sept. 13-15, 1993, behind All-Star Travis Wood (6-7, 2.95).

Following an eight-day layoff, the left-hander allowed four runs and eight hits over 5 2-3 innings in a 10-4 loss at Arizona on Tuesday. Chicago has lost eight of his last nine starts despite Wood posting a 3.20 ERA during that stretch.

He's 0-2 with a 4.38 ERA in four career starts against the Giants, but has yielded only three runs in 15 innings in his last two starts at AT&T Park.

This time, Wood faces a slumping San Francisco team that's averaged 2.1 runs while hitting .188 with runners in scoring position over its last 10 games.

The Giants are also batting .168 against left-handers since July 3 after getting stymied by Chicago's Chris Rusin on Saturday.

Buster Posey has gone 3 for 19 versus southpaws during that span and 1 for 19 overall in his last seven games. The 2012 NL MVP has one hit in 17 at_bats against the Cubs this season.

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SERIES AT A GLANCE

GAME 1
Cubs at Giants
Fri, Jul 26 Final 3 to 2
Boxscores • Recaps

GAME 2
Cubs at Giants
Sat, Jul 27 Final 1 to 0
Boxscores • Recaps

GAME 3
Cubs at Giants
Sun, Jul 28 - 4:05PM EDT

[StarDust Bum]

Preview: Twins (45-56) at Mariners (49-55)
Game: 4
Venue: Safeco Field
Date: July 28, 2013 4:10 PM EDT


The Minnesota Twins' surge has been sparked by tremendous improvement from the pitching staff, particularly the bullpen.

With rookie Kyle Gibson scheduled to take the mound Sunday, the Twins will likely need the relievers again as they try to continue their hot stretch against the Seattle Mariners.

Minnesota (45-56) has won eight of 11 after compiling a 5.65 ERA during a 1-12 skid.

The pitchers have keyed the turnaround, posting a 2.74 ERA over the last 11 games. The bullpen has been even more impressive with a 1.60 ERA during that stretch.

The relievers were vital to Friday's 3-2, 13-inning win at Seattle, yielding one run over the final 6 1-3. Samuel Deduno made sure the bullpen wasn't needed nearly as long Saturday as he allowed three hits in seven innings of a 4-0 victory.

Although he's struggled to pitch deep into games, Gibson (2-2, 5.72 ERA) has been much better lately.

The rookie right-hander has failed to last beyond the sixth inning in each of his five starts since being promoted from Triple-A Rochester last month, but his last two outings have ended in Twins victories.

That was the case again Tuesday, when Gibson allowed two solo homers in six innings of a 10-3 win in 10 over the Los Angeles Angels.

"I threw seven out of 23 first-pitch strikes, which is pretty bad," Gibson said. "I still need to work ahead in the count, which is something I'm working on."

Brian Dozier continued his hot hitting against the Mariners (49-55) with a solo homer Saturday. The second baseman is 8 for 25 (.320) with two home runs and four RBIs in six meetings this season.

Justin Morneau also homered for one of his two hits Saturday after entering 1 for 14 in his first three games this year against Seattle.

The Mariners are scheduled to send Erasmo Ramirez (1-0, 8.71) to the mound for his third start of the season.

The right-hander allowed three runs in 5 2-3 innings of a 4-3 win over Cleveland on Tuesday. That was a huge improvement over his season debut July 11, when he was tagged for a career-high seven runs and four walks over 4 2-3 innings of an 8-7, extra-inning loss to Boston.

Unlike the Twins, the Mariners' bullpen is struggling during a 1-3 stretch. The relievers have surrendered 11 runs with 11 walks and five homers in 15 1-3 innings over that span, and Yoervis Medina has been a major culprit.

The right-hander has allowed four runs and three homers - one to Dozier - in 1 2-3 innings over the past two games, getting charged with Friday's defeat. He had tossed 11 scoreless innings over his previous 10 appearances.

"He'll be OK," acting manager Robby Thompson said. "I'd rather look at it the other way and say he's only given up three. It just so happens it's been in the last couple days. He's done well and there are no red flags or concerns."

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SERIES AT A GLANCE

GAME 1
Twins at Mariners
Thu, Jul 25 Final 2 to 8
Boxscores • Recaps

GAME 2
Twins at Mariners
Fri, Jul 26 Final 3 to 2
Boxscores • Recaps

GAME 3
Twins at Mariners
Sat, Jul 27 Final 4 to 0
Boxscores • Recaps

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

[StarDust Bum]

Preview: Brewers (43-60) at Rockies (50-55)
Game: 3
Venue: Coors Field
Date: July 28, 2013 4:10 PM EDT


Corey Hart won't play this season, Ryan Braun's 2013 is over and now All-Star shortstop Jean Segura's status is in question just when he started to look comfortable in his new spot in the order.

It's been one of those years for the Milwaukee Brewers.

Still, they can win their first series in Denver in eight seasons Sunday in their finale against the Colorado Rockies.

With Hart (knee) sidelined the entire season and Braun suspended for the final 65 games, the Brewers (43-60) don't seem to have much to look forward to for the remainder of 2013.

While Braun's absence gives the NL Central's worst club a good chance to evaluate Logan Schafer and rookie Caleb Gindl in left field, Milwaukee now has a huge hole to fill in the No. 3 spot in the lineup.

Segura, the team leader with a .315 batting average, has taken over that position in the last seven games. The first six didn't go too well (3 for 26), but he had RBI singles in his first two at_bats in Saturday's 7-5 rain-delayed victory.

Segura, though, left in the sixth with right forearm tightness after getting hit by a pitch two innings earlier.

"He's fine. He may be sore tomorrow,' manager Ron Roenicke said after Milwaukee ended a five-game skid at Denver and dropped the Rockies (50-55) a season-high six games off the NL West lead.

Segura told MLB.com after the win that he expects to sit Sunday and would aim to return Monday in Chicago.

The Brewers are expected to go with Donovan Hand (0-2, 3.41 ERA) on Sunday. The rookie right-hander lasted just four innings in Tuesday's 6-2 loss to San Diego after getting hit by a pitch in the third and suffering a bruised right hand.

X-rays were negative.

"I went back out for the fourth and everything was still good - a little swelling on the pinky side, but nothing major,' said Hand, who allowed seven hits and two runs in his first start - and fourth appearance - since July 4. "Then after the fourth, I just really couldn't grip the ball anymore.'

Rockies starter Jhoulys Chacin (9-5, 3.53) also was hit by the ball in his last start. The right-hander took a line drive to his left thigh but remained in the game Tuesday against Miami, finishing seven innings with three runs allowed in a 4-2 loss.

"It didn't affect me or anything,' Chacin said. "Hopefully it's not going to be that bad.'

Chacin has been outstanding of late, going 6-2 with a 2.19 ERA in his last eight starts after going 0-3 with a 6.43 ERA in his previous seven.

He last faced Milwaukee in his season debut, a 5-4, 10-inning road loss April 1 when he threw 6 2-3 innings of one-run ball.

The Rockies, 4-5 on a homestand that ends Sunday, might not have NL home run co-leader Carlos Gonzalez available for a third straight game due to a sprained right middle finger, but fellow All-Star Troy Tulowitzki continues to torment Brewers pitching.

The shortstop is batting .400 with three homers and seven RBIs against Milwaukee this season after going 3 for 4 with a solo homer and an RBI single Saturday.

A victory would give the Brewers a six-game season split and their first series win at Colorado since taking two of three from Aug. 15-17, 2005.

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SERIES AT A GLANCE

GAME 1
Brewers at Rockies
Fri, Jul 26 Final 3 to 8
Boxscores • Recaps

GAME 2
Brewers at Rockies
Sat, Jul 27 Final 7 to 5
Boxscores • Recaps

GAME 3
Brewers at Rockies
Sun, Jul 28 - 4:10PM EDT

[StarDust Bum]

Preview: Reds (59-46) at Dodgers (55-48)
Game: 4
Venue: Dodger Stadium
Date: July 28, 2013 4:10 PM EDT


It was just a little more than a month ago when the Los Angeles Dodgers were facing their largest deficit of the season in the NL West.

The Dodgers can now build their largest division lead on Sunday with a little help and a third consecutive victory over the Cincinnati Reds.

Since they were a season-high 9 1/2 back of the West lead on June 21, Los Angeles (55-48) has gone a major league-best 25-6. Saturday's 4-1 victory, coupled with Arizona's 12-3 loss to San Diego, extended the Dodgers' division lead to a season high-tying 1 1/2 games.

Los Angeles, winner of six of eight over the Reds (59-46), closes out this four-game set with Chris Capuano (3-6, 5.03 ERA) on the mound.

The left-hander has been charged with five earned runs in three of his last four starts, including Tuesday's 10-9 win at Toronto. Capuano needed 90 pitches to get through 4 1-3 innings.

"It was a tough day personally," he told the Dodgers' official website.

Capuano has faced the Reds once as a Dodger, throwing six innings of one-run ball in a 3-1 win July 3, 2012.

The Reds, who had two hits Saturday, have plated one run in each of the last two contests after averaging 7.2 in the first five on their West Coast trip.

Cincinnati will try to provide a little more support for Tony Cingrani (4-1, 3.18) in his first start against the Dodgers.

The left-hander is back from the Arizona Rookie League after being added to the roster as the Reds' 26th player in Tuesday's doubleheader at San Francisco. Cingrani went 6 2-3 innings in the opener, giving up two runs in a 9-3 victory.

"I was battling myself a little bit," he told the Reds' official website after his career-high 118-pitch outing. "I couldn't get my offspeed pitches over too much, but it was enough to get through six, and then I struggled a little in the seventh."

Skip Schumaker is the only Dodger to have faced Cingrani, drawing a walk in their only matchup last season when Schumaker was with St. Louis. It's uncertain if Schumaker will get another start in left field after going 2 for 4 with a homer Saturday in place of Carl Crawford, who went to the emergency room earlier in the day with a high fever.

"I was going to play (Crawford) today, but he didn't look great when I saw him," manager Don Mattingly told the Dodgers' official website. "So we're going to shoot for (Sunday).

Crawford has hit safely in seven straight after going 3 for 4 in Friday's 2-1 victory.

Hanley Ramirez, who hit a two-run homer in that win, will try to extend his hitting streak to 10 after driving in Yasiel Puig with a double Saturday.

Reds right fielder Jay Bruce can push his team-best hitting streak to eight after hitting a solo shot Saturday.

Bruce is 3 for 10 with two homers against Capuano. All-Stars Brandon Phillips (14 for 32) and Joey Votto (5 for 16) have gone deep once off Los Angeles' starter.

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SERIES AT A GLANCE

GAME 1
Reds at Dodgers
Thu, Jul 25 Final 5 to 2
Boxscores • Recaps

GAME 2
Reds at Dodgers
Fri, Jul 26 Final 1 to 2
Boxscores • Recaps

GAME 3
Reds at Dodgers
Sat, Jul 27 Final 1 to 4
Boxscores • Recaps

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

[StarDust Bum]

Preview: Padres (47-58) at Diamondbacks (54-50)
Game: 3
Venue: Chase Field
Date: July 28, 2013 4:10 PM EDT


The San Diego Padres' offense has been feast or famine of late.

The Arizona Diamondbacks are hoping Patrick Corbin can make it more of the latter.

Corbin looks to continue his recent dominance and beat the Padres for the third time in as many meetings this season Sunday.

San Diego (47-58) has alternated wins and losses over the past five games, batting .345 with 28 runs in those three victories compared to .131 with one run in the defeats.

That disparity has been on display in this series at Chase Field, as the Padres had three homers in Saturday's 12-3 win after being held to three hits in a 10-0 loss in the series opener.

Corbin (12-1, 2.31 ERA) will try to quiet the Padres' bats again.

The left-hander has won both starts against them this season, yielding five runs - four earned - in 13 innings.

He enters this matchup in impressive form, winning three straight starts - all at home - behind a 1.31 ERA with 26 strikeouts in 20 2-3 innings.

Corbin battled through his latest outing Tuesday, throwing 96 pitches in six innings while yielding one run and four hits with six strikeouts and three walks in a 10-4 win over the Chicago Cubs.

"Patrick wasn't very sharp early, but he's just really good at battling through things," manager Kirk Gibson said. "It's only fitting he got the win."

Arizona has won 18 of Corbin's 20 starts, and he's 8-0 with a 1.54 ERA in 11 at home.

Corbin, though, has struggled greatly versus Chris Denorfia, who is 7 for 13 with two doubles and three homers in their matchups.

Denorfia is a .353 hitter with 19 runs in 21 games at Arizona. He has two hits in this series, including a two-run homer Saturday.

Yonder Alonso had three hits and four RBIs on Saturday, raising his career average at Chase Field to .404 with 17 RBIs in 14 games. The first baseman - 3 for 7 against Corbin - is batting .382 with nine RBIs in nine games since the All-Star break.

Tyson Ross (1-4, 3.35) starts for the Padres looking to build on an impressive return to the rotation.

The right-hander allowed one run and two hits with six strikeouts in six innings of a 6-2 victory over Milwaukee on Tuesday. He won for the first time since May 14, 2012, snapping a 12-game losing streak in his first start since injuring his left shoulder against the Dodgers on April 17.

Ross' only appearance against the Diamondbacks came in relief May 25, when he tossed a scoreless ninth in a 10-4 win.

He's expected to face Paul Goldschmidt for the first time. The All-Star first baseman's only two hits in 16 at_bats over his last four games are homers, driving in five runs. He connected for his team-leading 23rd on Saturday.

"I think Goldy is dragging a bit right now," Gibson told the team's official site. "He's been carrying a lot of people around for a long time."

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SERIES AT A GLANCE

GAME 1
Padres at Diamondbacks
Fri, Jul 26 Final 0 to 10
Boxscores • Recaps

GAME 2
Padres at Diamondbacks
Sat, Jul 27 Final 12 to 3
Boxscores • Recaps

GAME 3
Padres at Diamondbacks
Sun, Jul 28 - 4:10PM EDT

[StarDust Bum]

Preview: Cardinals (62-39) at Braves (59-45)
Game: 3
Venue: Turner Field
Date: July 28, 2013 8:05 PM EDT


The St. Louis Cardinals haven't been swept on the road all season and haven't been swept in Atlanta in more than 10 years.

The NL's best offense hasn't gotten untracked this weekend, but could enjoy a favorable matchup against the Atlanta Braves' struggling Kris Medlen in Sunday night's series finale.

St. Louis (62-39) leads the league with 496 runs but has scored one through the first two games of this set. The Cardinals' six hits over consecutive games are their lowest total for an offense batting an NL-best .275.

Yadier Molina's second-inning homer in Friday's 4-1 defeat has been followed by 16 scoreless innings at the plate. Julio Teheran and two relievers combined on a two-hitter in Atlanta's 2-0 victory on Saturday.

The Cardinals have dropped four straight in the regular season at Turner Field, where they won 6-3 in last year's NL wild-card playoff - a loss that still stings for the Braves.

"They're a great team," shortstop Andrelton Simmons said. "They got us last year in a pretty big game. We owe them some. It's good to see this team beating them."

Medlen (6-10, 3.78 ERA) was the starter for Atlanta (59-45) in the wild-card defeat, allowing five runs - two earned - over 6 1-3 innings. He gave up a homer to Matt Holliday - activated off the disabled list Saturday - in his first start of any kind versus St. Louis.

The right-hander has posted an 8.59 ERA in dropping three straight starts for the first time in his career.

Medlen has received two total runs of support during his slide. His average of 3.40 is one of baseball's lowest marks.

He will be opposed by Shelby Miller (10-6, 2.77), who has never faced the Braves. The Cardinals were happy with Miller after the 22-year-old returned from a 12-day break with six scoreless innings in Tuesday's 4-1 home win over Philadelphia.

Miller had given up 10 earned runs in 12 2-3 innings over his previous three starts.

"The biggest thing for me was to clear my head and get back to where I need to be," Miller said. "I just relaxed and threw out there. I got some time away, got time to work on some mechanics and get things straightened away."

Now the right-hander will try to improve on the road, where he has a 4.07 ERA compared to a 1.74 mark at home.

Atlanta is in position for its first three-game home sweep of St. Louis since April 22-24, 2003, but the Braves' offense has actually produced fewer extra-base hits in this series. The Cardinals have five and Atlanta four.

One of those hits for the Braves was Simmons' two-run double in the eighth inning Saturday. Chris Johnson is 4 for 6 in this series for Atlanta.

The Cardinals' Carlos Beltran is hitless in his last 11 at_bats and 1 for 9 overall against Medlen. Molina's homer Friday is his only hit in his last 10 at_bats, while fellow MVP candidate Allen Craig has gone hitless in three straight games for the first time in 2013 with nine empty at_bats.

This series features four of the league's top hitters in Molina (.332), Johnson (.332), Craig (.329) and Matt Carpenter (.321).

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SERIES AT A GLANCE

GAME 1
Cardinals at Braves
Fri, Jul 26 Final 1 to 4
Boxscores • Recaps

GAME 2
Cardinals at Braves
Sat, Jul 27 Final 0 to 2
Boxscores • Recaps

GAME 3
Cardinals at Braves
Sun, Jul 28 - 8:05PM EDT

[StarDust Bum]

Around the Horn - Sunday

July 28, 2013


NATIONAL LEAGUE

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

Teams Pitcher Notes Team Record Betcha Didn't Know

Pittsburgh Pirates Cole (5-3, 3.51 ERA) 61-41 5-2 L7 away

Miami Marlins Fernandez (6-5, 2.74 ERA) 39-63 UNDER 10-1 L11 overall

-- Marlins beat Pirates, 2-0 on Friday
-- Pirates beat Marlins, 7-4 on Saturday



N.Y. Mets at Washington - 1:35 PM EST (Game 3/4)

Teams Pitcher Notes Team Record Betcha Didn't Know

New York Mets Torres (1-1, 0.94 ERA) 46-55 UNDER 5-1 L6 away

Washington Nationals Jordan (0-3, 3.68 ERA) 51-54 2-6 L8 as home favorite

-- Mets beat Nationals, 11-0 on Friday (G1/DH)
-- Nationals beat Mets, 2-1 on Friday (G2/DH)
-- Nationals beat Mets, 4-1 on Saturday



Chicago at San Francisco - 4:05 PM EST (Game 3/3)

Teams Pitcher Notes Team Record Betcha Didn't Know

Chicago Cubs Wood (6-7, 2.95 ERA) 47-55 1-6 L7 off win

San Francisco Giants Lincecum (5-10, 4.73 ERA) 46-57 3-10 L13 home

-- Cubs beat Giants, 3-2 on Friday
-- Cubs beat Giants, 1-0 on Saturday



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

Teams Pitcher Notes Team Record Betcha Didn't Know

Cincinnati Reds Cingrani (4-1, 3.18 ERA) 59-46 8-3 L11 vs. NL West

Los Angeles Dodgers Capuano (3-6, 5.03 ERA) 55-48 UNDER 7-0-1 L8 home

-- Reds beat Dodgers, 5-2 on Thursday
-- Dodgers beat Reds, 2-1 on Friday
-- Dodgers beat Reds, 4-1 on Saturday



Milwaukee at Colorado - 4:10 PM EST (Game 3/3)

Teams Pitcher Notes Team Record Betcha Didn't Know

Milwaukee Brewers Hand (0-2, 3.41 ERA) 43-60 2-10 L12 away Game 3's

Colorado Rockies Chacin (5-4, 2.88 ERA) 50-55 UNDER 7-2 L9 home

-- Rockies beat Brewers, 8-3 on Thursday
-- Brewers beat Rockies, 7-5 on Friday



San Diego at Arizona - 4:10 PM EST (Game 3/3)

Teams Pitcher Notes Team Record Betcha Didn't Know

San Diego Padres Ross (1-4, 3.35 ERA) 47-58 0-6 L6 away Game 3's

Arizona Diamondbacks Corbin (12-1, 2.31 ERA) 54-50 OVER 4-1 L5 home

-- Diamondbacks beat Padres, 10-0 on Friday
-- Padres beat Diamondbacks, 12-3 on Saturday



St. Louis at Atlanta - 8:05 PM EST (Game 3/3)

Teams Pitcher Notes Team Record Betcha Didn't Know

St. Louis Cardinals Miller (10-6, 2.77 ERA) 62-39 5-1 L6 off loss

Atlanta Braves Medlen (6-10, 3.78 ERA) 59-45 6-2 L8 vs. STL

-- Braves beat Cardinals, 4-1 on Friday
-- Braves beat Cardinals, 2-0 on Saturday



AMERICAN LEAGUE

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

Teams Pitcher Notes Team Record Betcha Didn't Know

Texas Rangers Ogando (4-2, 3.13 ERA) 56-48 3-11 L14 overall

Cleveland Indians Jimenez (7-5, 4.49 ERA) 55-48 8-2 L10 home

-- Indians beat Rangers, 11-8 on Friday
-- Indians beat Rangers, 1-0 on Saturday



Tampa Bay at N.Y. Yankees - 1:10 PM EST (Game 3/3)

Teams Pitcher Notes Team Record Betcha Didn't Know

Tampa Bay Rays Moore (14-3, 3.17 ERA) 62-42 UNDER 6-1 L7 away

New York Yankees Hughes (4-9, 4.33 ERA) 54-450 1-5 L6 vs. division

-- Rays beat Yankees, 10-6 on Friday
-- Rays beat Yankees, 1-0 on Saturday



Houston at Toronto - 1:05 PM EST (Game 3/4)

Teams Pitcher Notes Team Record Betcha Didn't Know

Houston Astros Cosart (1-0, 0.60 ERA) 35-68 0-9 L9 off win

Toronto Blue Jays Redmond (1-1, 4.43 ERA) 47-56 2-7 L9 home

-- Blue Jays beat Astros, 4-0 Thursday
-- Blue Jays beat Astros, 12-6 on Friday
-- Astros beat Blue Jays, 8-6 on Saturday



Boston at Baltimore - 1:35 PM EST (Game 3/3)

Teams Pitcher Notes Team Record Betcha Didn't Know

Boston Red Sox Lester (9-6, 4.50 ERA) 62-43 UNDER 4-1 L5 away

Baltimore Orioles Hammel (7-7, 5.20 ERA) 58-47 OVER 4-1 L5 home

-- Orioles beat Red Sox, 6-0 on Friday
-- Red Sox beat Orioles, 7-3 on Saturday



Kansas City at Chicago - 2:10 PM EST (Game 3/3)

Teams Pitcher Notes Team Record Betcha Didn't Know

Kansas City Royals Chen (4-0, 1.97 ERA) 50-51 0-8 L8 away Game 3's

Chicago White Sox Santiago (3-6, 3.38 ERA) 40-61 1-9 L10 home vs. division

-- Royals beat White Sox, 5-1 on Friday
-- Royals beat White Sox, 1-0 on Saturday



Los Angeles at Oakland - 4:05 PM EST (Game 1/4)

Teams Pitcher Notes Team Record Betcha Didn't Know

Los Angeles Angels Hanson (4-2, 4.75 ERA) 48-54 1-5 L6 away vs. division

Oakland Athletics Parker (6-6, 3.79 ERA) 61-43 11-4 L15 home

-- Angels beat Athletics, 8-3 on Thursday
-- Athletics beat Angels, 6-4 on Friday
-- Athletics beat Angels, 3-1 on Saturday



Minnesota at Seattle - 4:10 PM EST (Game 3/4)

Teams Pitcher Notes Team Record Betcha Didn't Know

Minnesota Twins Gibson (2-2, 5.72 ERA) 45-56 8-3 L11 overall

Seattle Mariners Ramirez (1-0, 8.71 ERA) 49-55 0-4 L4 Game 4's

-- Mariners beat Twins, 8-2 on Thursday
-- Twins beat Mariners, 3-2 on Friday
-- Twins beat Mariners, 4-0 on Saturday



INTERLEAGUE

Philadelphia at Detroit - 1:05 PM EST (Game 3/3)

Teams Pitcher Notes Team Record Betcha Didn't Know

Philadelphia Phillies Pettibone (5-4, 3.97 ERA) 54-42 3-6 L9 vs. AL

Detroit Tigers Porcello (7-6, 4.49 ERA) 58-45 1-4 L5 off shutout win

-- Tigers beat Phillies, 2-1 on Friday
-- Tigers beat Phillies, 10-0 on Saturday

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MLB
Dunkel

Kansas City at Chicago White Sox
The Royals look to follow up yesterday's 1-0 win and take advantage of a White Sox team that is 4-11 in its last 15 games after scoring 2 runs or less in their previous game. Kansas City is the pick (-110) according to Dunkel, which has the Royals favored by 1. Dunkel Pick: Kansas City (-110). Here are all of today's picks.

SUNDAY, JULY 28

Game 901-902: Pittsburgh at Miami (1:10 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Pittsburgh (Cole) 14.820; Miami (Fernandez) 15.941
Dunkel Line: Miami by 1; 6
Vegas Line: Pittsburgh (-115); 7
Dunkel Pick: Miami (-105); Under

Game 903-904: NY Mets at Washington (1:35 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: NY Mets (Torres) 15.253; Washington (Jordan) 16.743
Dunkel Line: Washington by 1 1/2; 9
Vegas Line: Washington (-130); 8
Dunkel Pick: Washington (-130); Over

Game 905-906: St. Louis at Atlanta (8:05 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: St. Louis (Miller) 15.472; Atlanta (Medlen) 16.355
Dunkel Line: Atlanta by 1; 6
Vegas Line: St. Louis (-120); 7 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Atlanta (+100); Under

Game 907-908: Chicago Cubs at San Francisco (4:05 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Cubs (Wood) 13.128; San Francisco (Lincecum) 14.788
Dunkel Line: San Francisco by 1 1/2; 8
Vegas Line: San Francisco (-150); 7
Dunkel Pick: San Francisco (-150); Over

Game 909-910: Milwaukee at Colorado (4:10 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Milwaukee (Hand) 15.357; Colorado (Chacin) 14.228
Dunkel Line: Milwaukee by 1; 10
Vegas Line: Colorado (-175); 9 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Milwaukee (+155); Over

Game 911-912: San Diego at Arizona (1:10 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: San Diego (Ross) 13.934; Arizona (Corbin) 15.384
Dunkel Line: Arizona by 1 1/2; 8
Vegas Line: Arizona (-185); 8 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Arizona (-185); Under

Game 913-914: Cincinnati at LA Dodgers (4:10 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Cincinnati (Cingrani) 17.614; LA Dodgers (Capuano) 16.106
Dunkel Line: Cincinnati by 1 1/2; 8
Vegas Line: Cincinnati (-115); 7 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Cincinnati (-115); Over

Game 915-916: Texas at Cleveland (1:05 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Texas (Ogando) 15.765; Cleveland (Jimenez) 14.875
Dunkel Line: Texas by 1; 8
Vegas Line: Cleveland (-115); 8 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Texas (-105); Under

Game 917-918: Houston at Toronto (1:07 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Houston (Cosart) 13.858; Toronto (Redmond) 15.463
Dunkel Line: Toronto by 1 1/2; 11
Vegas Line: Toronto (-170); 9 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Toronto (-170); Over

Game 919-920: Tampa Bay at NY Yankees (1:05 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Tampa Bay (Moore) 15.269; NY Yankees (Hughes) 16.403
Dunkel Line: NY Yankees by 1; 7
Vegas Line: Tampa Bay (-160); 8
Dunkel Pick: NY Yankees (+140); Under

Game 921-922: Boston at Baltimore (1:35 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Boston (Lester) 14.279; Baltimore (Hammel) 15.350
Dunkel Line: Baltimore by 1; 8
Vegas Line: Baltimore (-110); 9 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Baltimore (-110); Under

Game 923-924: Kansas City at Chicago White Sox (2:10 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Kansas City (Chen) 15.330; White Sox (Santiago) 14.458
Dunkel Line: Kansas City by 1; 9
Vegas Line: Chicago White Sox (-110); 8
Dunkel Pick: Kansas City (-110); Over

Game 925-926: LA Angels at Oakland (4:05 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: LA Angels (Hanson) 15.736; Oakland (Parker) 14.646
Dunkel Line: LA Angels by 1; 7
Vegas Line: Oakland (-150); 8
Dunkel Pick: LA Angels (+130); Under

Game 927-928: Minnesota at Seattle (4:10 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Minnesota (Gibson) 15.073; Seattle (Ramirez) 16.732
Dunkel Line: Seattle by 1 1/2; 9
Vegas Line: Seattle (-160); 8 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Seattle (-160); Over

Game 929-930: Philadelphia at Detroit (1:08 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Philadelphia (Pettibone) 14.021; Detroit (Porcello) 16.510
Dunkel Line: Detroit by 2 1/2; 10
Vegas Line: Detroit (-210); 9
Dunkel Pick: Detroit (-210); Over

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MLB
Short Sheet

Sunday, July 28

National League

Pittsburgh at Miami, 1:10 ET
Cole: Under is 6-3-1 last 10 times Pirates have played a road series finale during the day
Fernandez: Marlins 7-2 SU last nine home day games

New York Mets at Washington, 1:35 ET
Torres: Mets 8-3 SU last 10 road games when total is 8 or higher
Jordan: Over is 10-2 SU in 2013 when Nationals play at home with total 8 or higher

St. Louis at Atlanta, 8:05 ET ESPN
Miller: Under is 6-1 when Miller starts a road night game
Medlen: Braves 14-7 SU at home in 2013when team lost in starter's last effort

Chicago Cubs at San Francisco, 4:05 ET WGN
Wood: Under is 7-2-1 in last 10 Cubs day games in San Francisco
Lincecum: Giants 4-10 since start of 2012 in Lincecum home starts after team lost in his last start

Milwaukee at Colorado, 4:10 ET
Hand: Brewers 3-12 SU in road series finales in 2013
Chacin:Rockies 10-3 SU last 13 starts for Chacin as a home favorite

San Diego at Arizona, 4:10 ET
Ross: Padres 1-6 SU last seven games in a road series finale
Corbin: Under is 14-4 when Corbin starts at Chase Field

Cincinnati at Los Angeles Dodgers, 4:10 ET
Cingrani: Under is 4-1 in last five Reds' road series finales played during the day
Capuano: Dodgers 5-1 SU when Capuano starts a home day game


American League

Texas at Cleveland, 1:05 ET
Ogando: Under is 13-6 when Ogando starts on the road
Jimenez: Indians 6-1 SU in Jimenez's last seven starts at home

Houston at Toronto, 1:07 ET
Cosart: Astros 1-8 SU in 2013 when playing a day game to conclude a road series
Redmond: Over is 7-2 in 2013 when Toronto ends a home series during the day

Tampa Bay at New York Yankees, 1:05 ET
Moore: Rays 10-1 SU last 11 road starts for Moore
Hughes: Last five home starts during the day for Hughes have gone Under

Boston at Baltimore, 1:35 ET TBS
Lester: Over is 7-1 in 2013 when Lester starts on the road after Red Sox won in his previous start
Hammel: Orioles 11-5 SU when Hammel starts in a day game

Kansas City at Chicago White Sox, 2:10 ET
Chen:Royals 6-16 SU when Chen starts in a road day game
Santiago: Under is 10-4-2 in final game of a White Sox home series in 2013

Los Angeles Angels at Oakland, 4:05 ET
Hanson: Under is 6-2 in last eight Angel series finales
Parker: Athletics 2-5 SU when Parker starts a day game in 2013

Minnesota at Seattle, 4:10 ET
Gibson: Under is 15-5 in last 20 road series finales for Twins played during the day over last year
Ramirez: Mariners 3-6 SU since start of 2010 when HF of more than -140 for a day game


Interleague

Philadelphia at Detroit, 1:08 ET
Pettibone: Over is 6-2 when Pettibone starts in a day game
Porcello: Tigers 2-9 last 11 times Porcello has started a day game

[StarDust Bum]

MLB
Armadillo's Write-Up

Sunday, July 28

Hot pitchers
-- Fernandez is 2-1, 1.69 in his last five starts. Cole has a 2.84 RA in his last three outings.
-- Torres is 1-0, 1.64 in two starts this season.
-- Chacin is 6-2, 2.19 in his last eight starts.
-- Arizona is 18-2 when Corbin starts (3-0, 1.31 last three starts).
-- Cingrani is 2-1, 2.97 in his last five starts.
-- Miller is 2-0, 2.65 in his last three starts.

-- Porcello is 3-0, 1.35 in his last three starts. Pettibone is 2-1, 3.27 in his last four starts.

-- Astros won Cosart's first two MLB starts (1-0, 1.20).
-- Ogando is 2-0, 2.86 in his last five starts. Jimenez is 3-1, 3.89 in his last eight starts, but he finished sixth inning in only one of those eight games.
-- Moore is 6-0, 1.50 in his last six starts.
-- BChen is 1-0, 0.75 in two starts this season.
-- Parker is 0-0, 2.90 in his last five starts; normally reliable A's bullpen lost all five of those games.

Cold pitchers
-- Jordan is 0-3, 4.91 in five starts this season.
-- Milwaukee lost last three Hand starts (0-2, 4.50).
-- Ross is 1-1, 3.60 in his four starts this season.
-- Lincecum is 1-5, 5.25 in his last eight starts; the win was a no-hitter. Cubs lost Wood's last five road starts (0-3, 4.40).
-- Capuano is 1-1, 7.54 in his last three starts.
-- Medlen is 0-3, 9.20 in his last three starts.

-- Redmond has a 4.91 RA in his three starts this season.
-- Lester is 1-6, 8.22 in his last seven road starts. Hammel is 0-3, 5.63 in his last four starts overall.
-- Hughes is 1-5, 4.25 in his last seven starts.
-- White Sox lost last five Santiago starts (0-1, 5.14).
-- Hanson is 1-2, 6.84 in his last five starts.
-- Ramirez allowed 10 runs in 9.2 IP in his first two '13 starts. Gibson is 1-2, 6.85 in his last four 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........
-- Miller 5-19; Medlen 8-20
-- Cole 2-8; Fernandez 4-19
-- Torres 1-2; Jordan 1-5
-- Wood 2-20; Lincecum 9-20
-- Hand 2-4; Chacin 2-19
-- Ross 2-4; Corbin 4-20
-- Cingrani 2-11; Capuano 2-11

-- Pettibone 4-17; Porcello 2-18

-- Ogando 1-11; Jimenez 5-20
-- Cosart 1-2; Redmond 0-3
-- Moore 6-20; Hughes 5-19
-- Lester 6-21; Hammel 7-20
-- Chen 0-2; Santiago 2-13
-- Hanson 4-10; Parker 7-20
-- Gibson 1-5; Ramirez 2-2

Totals
-- Eight of last twelve Washington games stayed under total.
-- 10 of last 11 Miami games stayed under the total.
-- Six of last seven St Louis games stayed under total.
-- 13 of last 17 Colorado games stayed under total.
-- Four of last five Arizona games went over the total.
-- Over is 6-3-2 in last eleven Cincinnati games.
-- Five of last seven Cub games stayed under the total.

-- Ten of last fifteen Philly games stayed under the total.

-- Five of last six Toronto games went over the total.
-- Under is 11-2-1 in last fourteen Texas games.
-- 12 of last 14 Tampa Bay games stayed under the total.
-- Nine of last eleven Boston games stayed under the total.
-- Under is 5-1-1 in last seven Kansas City games.
-- 12 of last 15 Oakland games stayed under the total.
-- Seven of last nine Minnesota games stayed under the total.

Hot teams
-- Nationals won three of their last four games.
-- Pirates won 12 of their last 18 road games. Miami won four of its last six games overall.
-- Braves won three of their last four games.
-- Dodgers won 14 of their last 17 games.
-- Cubs are 11-7 in their last eighteen games.

-- Tigers won six of their last seven games.

-- Rays won 21 of their last 24 games.
-- Indians won their last three games, scoring 22 runs.
-- Royals won their last five games, allowing seven runs.
-- Minnesota won eight of its last 11 games.
-- A's won 11 of their last 15 home games.

Cold teams
-- Mets lost four of their last six away games.
-- Cardinals lost their last two games, scoring one run.
-- Brewers/Rockies both lost four of their last six games.
-- Padres lost 13 of their last 18 on road. Arizona is 4-6 in its last ten overall.
-- Reds lost their last two games, scoring one run in each game.
-- Giants lost six of their last seven games.

-- Phillies lost their last seven games, outscored 40-10.

-- Red Sox are 7-9 in their last sixteen games; Baltimore lost four of its last five.
-- Bronx is 5-11 in its last sixteen games.
-- Rangers lost 11 of their last 14 games.
-- Astros lost 14 of their last 17 games. Toronto lost 15 of last 21 games.
-- White Sox lost five of their last six games.
-- Mariners lost three of their last four games.
-- Angels are 18-37 in games not started by Weaver-Wilson-Vargas.

Umpires
-- StL-Atl-- Four of last five Emmel games went over the total.
-- NY-Wsh-- Six of last seven Carapazza games stayed under.
-- Pitt-Mia-- Seven of last ten Everitt games went over total.
-- Mil-Col-- Underdogs are 6-1, over 5-2 in last seven Blaser games.
-- SD-Az-- Six of last nine Tichenor games went over the total.
-- Chi-SF-- Under is 6-0-1 in last seven Iassogna games.
-- Cin-LA-- Under is 6-1-1 in last eight Muchinski games.

-- Phil-Det-- Underdogs won seven of last nine Fairchild games.

-- Hst-Tor-- Last four Holbrook games went over the total.
-- TB-NY-- Three of last four Hirschbeck games went over total.
-- LA-A's-- Eight of last nine LBarrett games stayed under total.
-- Min-Sea-- 11 of last 14 Guccione games went over the total.
-- Bos-Balt-- Last four Estabrook games stayed under the total.
-- Tex-Clev-- Favorites won eight of last ten Hudson games.
-- KC-Chi-- Nine of last ten Randazzo games stayed under total.
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MLB

Sunday, July 287

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Trend Report
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1:05 PM
TAMPA BAY vs. NY YANKEES
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Tampa Bay's last 7 games on the road
Tampa Bay is 4-2 SU in their last 6 games when playing on the road against NY Yankees
NY Yankees are 2-5 SU in their last 7 games when playing Tampa Bay
NY Yankees are 2-4 SU in their last 6 games when playing at home against Tampa Bay

1:05 PM
TEXAS vs. CLEVELAND
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Texas's last 7 games on the road
Texas is 1-6 SU in its last 7 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Cleveland's last 8 games
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Cleveland's last 7 games when playing at home against Texas

1:07 PM
HOUSTON vs. TORONTO
Houston is 2-9 SU in its last 11 games
Houston is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Toronto's last 6 games at home
Toronto is 2-7 SU in its last 9 games at home

1:08 PM
PHILADELPHIA vs. DETROIT
Philadelphia is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Philadelphia's last 6 games
Detroit is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games when playing Philadelphia
Detroit is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games at home

1:10 PM
PITTSBURGH vs. MIAMI
The total has gone UNDER in 7 of Pittsburgh's last 10 games when playing on the road against Miami
Pittsburgh is 2-7 SU in its last 9 games when playing on the road against Miami
The total has gone UNDER in 7 of Miami's last 10 games when playing at home against Pittsburgh
Miami is 7-2 SU in its last 9 games when playing at home against Pittsburgh

1:35 PM
NY METS vs. WASHINGTON
NY Mets are 6-14 SU in its last 20 games when playing Washington
NY Mets are 2-4 SU in its last 6 games when playing on the road against Washington
Washington is 4-10 SU in its last 14 games
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Washington's last 7 games when playing at home against NY Mets

1:35 PM
BOSTON vs. BALTIMORE
The total has gone UNDER in 9 of Boston's last 11 games
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Boston's last 6 games when playing on the road against Baltimore
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Baltimore's last 7 games when playing Boston
Baltimore is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games

2:10 PM
KANSAS CITY vs. CHI WHITE SOX
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Kansas City's last 5 games on the road
Kansas City is 15-7 SU in their last 22 games when playing Chi White Sox
Chi White Sox are 7-15 SU in their last 22 games when playing Kansas City
Chi White Sox are 1-5 SU in their last 6 games at home

4:05 PM
CHI CUBS vs. SAN FRANCISCO
Chi Cubs are 4-2 SU in their last 6 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Chi Cubs's last 7 games
San Francisco is 5-2 SU in their last 7 games when playing at home against Chi Cubs
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of San Francisco's last 5 games when playing Chi Cubs

4:05 PM
LA ANGELS vs. OAKLAND
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of LA Angels's last 6 games when playing Oakland
The total has gone OVER in 5 of LA Angels's last 6 games when playing on the road against Oakland
Oakland is 11-5 SU in their last 16 games when playing LA Angels
Oakland is 5-2 SU in its last 7 games

4:10 PM
MINNESOTA vs. SEATTLE
The total has gone UNDER in 8 of Minnesota's last 12 games when playing Seattle
Minnesota is 5-10 SU in its last 15 games when playing Seattle
Seattle is 6-2 SU in its last 8 games when playing at home against Minnesota
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Seattle's last 5 games when playing at home against Minnesota

4:10 PM
CINCINNATI vs. LA DODGERS
Cincinnati is 5-2 SU in its last 7 games on the road
Cincinnati is 2-6 SU in their last 8 games when playing LA Dodgers
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of LA Dodgers's last 5 games when playing at home against Cincinnati
The total has gone UNDER in 12 of LA Dodgers's last 18 games

4:10 PM
MILWAUKEE vs. COLORADO
The total has gone UNDER in 13 of Milwaukee's last 17 games
Milwaukee is 2-5 SU in its last 7 games on the road
Colorado is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games
The total has gone UNDER in 10 of Colorado's last 13 games

4:10 PM
SAN DIEGO vs. ARIZONA
The total has gone OVER in 5 of San Diego's last 6 games when playing on the road against Arizona
San Diego is 10-5 SU in its last 15 games when playing on the road against Arizona
Arizona is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games when playing San Diego
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Arizona's last 7 games when playing San Diego

8:05 PM
ST. LOUIS vs. ATLANTA
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of St. Louis's last 7 games
The total has gone OVER in 8 of St. Louis's last 10 games when playing Atlanta
The total has gone OVER in 10 of Atlanta's last 13 games when playing at home against St. Louis
Atlanta is 17-8 SU in its last 25 games at home

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MLB

Sunday, July 28

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Sunday's MLB betting notes and tips
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NATIONAL

Pittsburgh Pirates at Miami Marlins (-105, 7)

Hot pitching stat: Marlins starter Jose Fernandez is 2-1 with a 2.00 ERA in four July starts.

Hot batting stat: Marlins slugger Giancarlo Stanton snapped his recent July funk by going a combined 4-for-6 with one homer and two doubles over Thursday's win against the Rockies and Friday's win versus the Pirates.

Weather: The roof could be closed in Miami due to a 30 percent chance of thunderstorms. Temperatures will be in the mid-90s and wind will blow in from right field at 5 mph.

Key betting note: The Marlins are 5-0 in Fernandez's last five home starts.


New York Mets at Washington Nationals (-130, 8)

Hot pitching stat: Mets starter Carlos Torres will be making his third straight start since coming out of the bullpen to join the rotation. He is 1-0 with a 1.64 ERA through his first two starts.

Cold batting stat: Mets star 3B David Wright is 2-for-10 through the first three games of the series with the Nats.

Weather: There is a 40 percent chance of thunderstorms in the forecast. Temperatures will be in the mid-80s and wind will blow out to left field at 9 mph.

Key betting note: The under is 4-1 in Nats SP Taylor Jordan's last five starts overall.


Chicago Cubs at San Francisco Giants (-149, 7)

Cold pitching stat: Giants starter Tim Lincecum was shelled in his first start following his July 13 no-hitter. The Reds touched him up for eight ER on nine hits in just 3 2/3 innings of work in an 11-0 loss on July 22.

Hot batting stat: Cubs SS Starlin Castro is 7-for-16 (.438), including one homer and five RBIs, in his career versus Lincecum.

Weather: Temperatures will be in the high-50s with sunny skies. Wind will blow out to center field at 12 mph.

Key betting note: The Cubs are 1-6 in SP Travis Wood's last seven starts versus the National League West.


San Diego Padres at Arizona Diamondbacks (-192, 8.5)

Hot pitching stat: DBacks starter Patrick Corbin is 2-0 with a 2.77 ERA in two starts versus the Padres this season.

Hot batting stat: Padres OF Chris Denorfia is 7-for-13 with two doubles and three solo homers in his career against Corbin.

Weather: Temperatures will be in the low-100s with sunny skies. Wind will blow from left field to right field at 6 mph.

Key betting note: The Padres are 1-10 in their last 11 during Game 3 of a series.


Milwaukee Brewers at Colorado Rockies (-168, 9.5)

Hot pitching stat: Rockies starter Jhoulys Chacin is 6-2 with a 2.19 ERA over his last eight starts.

Hot batting stat: Two of Brewers OF Norichika Aoki 15 career home runs have come against Chacin. He is 3-for-5 with a BB in his career against the righty.

Weather: There is a 30 percent chance of thunderstorms in the forecast. Temperatures will be in the low-70s and wind will blow from right field to left field at 7 mph.

Key betting note: The Brewers are 6-20 in their last 26 during Game 3 of a series.


Cincinnati Reds at Los Angeles Dodgers (-102, 7.5)

Cold pitching stat: Dodgers starter Chris Capuano has surrendered exactly five earned runs in three of his previous four outings.

Hot batting stat: Prior to Saturday's game, Dodgers SS Hanley Ramirez is batting .386 with five homers and 15 RBIs in July.

Weather: Temperatures in the low-70s and sunny skies. Wind will blow out to right field at 7 mph.

Key betting note: The over is 5-1-1 in Reds SP Tony Cingrani's last seven road starts.


St. Louis Cardinals at Atlanta Braves (-102, 7.5)

Cold pitching stat: Braves starter Kris Medlen is 1-3 with an ERA of 7.40 in four July starts.

Cold batting stat: The Cards are hitting a dismal .102 (6-for-59) after the first two games of the series.

Weather: Temperatures will be in the low-80s with partly cloudy skies. Wind will blow from left field to right field at 4 mph.

Key betting note: The home team is 6-0 in umpire Paul Emmel's last six games behind home plate.


AMERICAN

Texas Rangers at Cleveland Indians (-106, 8.5)

Cold pitching stat: Indians starter Ubaldo Jimenez has a 6.09 ERA and 3-3 record in nine home starts this season.

Cold batting stat: The Indians roster owns a collective .143 batting average (6-for-42) against Rangers starter Alexi Ogando.

Weather: Sunny skies and temperatures in the high-60s. Wind will blow out to right field at 13 mph.

Key betting note: The under is 13-3 in Ogando's last 16 road starts.


Tampa Bay Rays at New York Yankees (+138, 8)

Hot pitching stat: Rays starter Matt Moore is 2-0 with a 2.21 ERA in three starts versus the Yankees this season. He is 1-0 at Yankee Stadium in 2013.

Hot batting stat: Rays OF Matt Joyce is 5-for-13 (.385) with two homers, one double and one triple in his career versus Yankees starter Phil Hughes.

Weather: There is a 50 percent chance of thunderstorms in the forecast for gametime Sunday afternoon. Temperatures will be in the high-70s and wind will blow from right field to left field at 9 mph.

Key betting note: The Rays are 10-1 in Moore's last 11 road starts.


Houston Astros at Toronto Blue Jays (-171, 9.5)

Hot pitching stat: Astros rookie starter Jarred Cosart is 1-0 with a 0.60 ERA in 15 innings of work in his first two career starts. Houston has won both games.

Hot batting stat: Jays 1B Edwin Encarnacion was 4-for-4 in Saturday's 8-6 loss. He is 8-for-10 through the first three games of the series.

Weather: Temperatures will be in the high-60s with sunny skies. Wind will blow out to right field at 14 mph.

Key betting note: The over is 4-1 in umpire Will Little's last 5 games behind home plate.


Boston Red Sox at Baltimore Orioles (-106, 9.5)

Cold pitching stat: O's starter Jason Hammel is 0-3 with a 5.63 ERA in his four July starts.

Cold batting stat: Baltimore slugger Chris Davis is just 2-for-16 (.125) in his career versus Sox starter Jon Lester.

Weather: There is a 40 percent chance of thunderstorms in the forecast for gametime. Temperatures will be in the high-80s and wind will blow out to left field at 10 mph.

Key betting note: The Red Sox are 2-7 in Lester's last nine Sunday starts.


Kansas City Royals at Chicago White Sox (-111, 8)

Cold pitching stat: The Sox belted two homers while chasing Royals starter Bruce Chen from the game after 4 2/3 innings in a 9-1 win on June 21.

Cold batting stat: The Royals roster bats a collective .115 (6-for-52) against Sox starter Hector Santiago.

Weather: Temperatures will be in the mid-60s with partly cloudy skies. Wind will blow out to center field at 16 mph. There is also a 20 percent chance of rain in the forecast.

Key betting note: The White Sox are 7-0 in their last 7 home games vs. a left-handed starter.


Los Angeles Angels at Oakland A's (-142, 8)

Cold pitching stat: The A's have lost SP Jarrod Parker's previous five outings despite a great 2.32 ERA in those starts. Parker gets just 3.35 runs of support per start.

Hot batting stat: Angels slugger Mike Trout is 6-for-17 (.353) with five RBI in his young career versus Parker.

Weather: Temperatures in the mid-60s with sunny skies. Wind will blow out to right field at 13 mph.

Key betting note: The over is 7-0-1 in Angels SP Tommy Hanson's last eight starts overall.


Minnesota Twins at Seattle Mariners (-142, 8.5)

Hot pitching stat: Twins starter Kyle Gibson is coming off his best start this season going six strong innings, surrendering five hits and two earned runs in a 10-3 victory over the Angels on July 23.

Cold batting stat: At .243, the Twins own the second-worst batting average in the American League, only ahead of Houston's .235.

Weather: Temperatures in the mid-70s with sunny skies. Wind will blow out to right field at 6 mph.

Key betting note: The home team is 12-2 in umpire Chris Guccione's last 14 Sunday games behind home plate.


INTERLEAGUE

Philadelphia Phillies at Detroit Tigers (-190, 9)

Hot pitching stat: Tigers starter Rick Porcello is 3-0 with a 1.35 ERA in three July starts.

Hot batting stat: Phillies OF Delmon Young is 8-for-22 (.364) with one homer, two doubles and four RBIs in his career versus Porcello.

Weather: Temperatures in the mid-60s with partly cloudy skies. Wind will blow in from right field at 15 mph.

Key betting note: The Phillies are 1-4 in SP Jonathan Pettibone's last five road starts.


**Odds, probable starters, stats and weather forecast as of 8:37 p.m. ET Saturday.

[StarDust Bum]

MLB

Sunday, July 28

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Sunday Night Baseball: Cardinals at Braves
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St. Louis Cardinals at Atlanta Braves

MILLER MAKES A CASE

Shelby Miller is 10-6 with a 2.77 ERA and 1.09 WHIP this season for the Cardinals. The righty is making his first career start against the Braves. He has had some problems on the road giving up 2 runs or more in five straight starts away from St. Louis. Miller has exhibited awesome control for the most part outside of a 5-walk game back on July 10th against the Astros. The Cardinals’ starter has won five of his last eight starts.

WHERE IS LAST YEAR'S KRIS MEDLEN

Kris Medlen is 6-10 with a 3.78 ERA and 1.38 WHIP for the Braves. The righty lost only one game in 12 starts last season, but he just hasn’t had the same success this season. He has allowed 12 home runs in 119 innings of work after giving up only 6 home runs all of last year. The righty has allowed 3 runs or more in seven straight starts, including 15 runs in his last three outings. Medlen has not been able to go too deep for the Braves; he has pitched into the 6th inning just four times in his last ten outings overall. The Cardinals beat Medlen last October when he allowed 5 runs and three hits in just over six innings of work.

INJURY REPORT

The Cardinals’ injury list is short, but they have a few important names on there. Matt Holliday is returned to play on Saturday which reduces the list by one. Jason Motte, Rafael Furcal, Jaime Garcia and Chris Carpenter are all out with shoulder or elbow ailments. Motte and Furcal underwent Tommy John surgery.

The Braves are dealing with the gruesome season-ending injury to Tim Hudson who recently broke his ankle against the Mets. Atlanta is hoping to get Brandon Beachy back soon. The Braves are also expecting the return of BJ Upton who is out with a groin injury. Atlanta is also without Eric O'Flaherty and Jonny Venters because of Tommy John surgery.

TRENDS

Cardinals are 10-4 in Miller’s last 14 starts
Cardinals are 6-2 Under in Miller’s last 8 road starts

Braves are 18-6 in Medlen’s last 24 home starts
Braves are 3-1-1 Over in their last 5 Sunday games

HITTERS TO WATCH

No Braves have faced Shelby Miller

Carlos Beltran 0-for-6 vs. Medlen
Yadier Molina 1-for-4 vs. Medlen

[StarDust Bum]

Armadillo: Sunday's six-pack

How last ten defending Super Bowl champs did in their first game the next season; notice the last nine all played their opener at home.........

2003-- Buccaneers W17-0 at Philadelphia, +3

2004-- Patriots W27-24 vs Indianapolis, -3

2005-- Patriots W30-20 vs Oakland -7.5

2006-- Steelers W28-17 vs Miami -1

2007-- Colts W41-10 vs New Orleans -5.5

2008-- Giants W16-7 vs Washington -4.5

2009-- Steelers W13-10 vs Tennessee -6.5

2010-- Saints W14-9 vs Minnesota -5

2011-- Packers W42-34 vs New Orleans -5

2012-- Giants L17-24 vs Dallas -5

2013-- Ravens, +8.5, 49.5 at Denver.


*****

Armadillo: Sunday's List of 13: Wrapping up a sports Saturday........

13) OK, I go on vacation for 12 days and most of the Papa John's pizza places in Albany go out of business; whats up with that? This is bad news; Papa John's is the best pizza I've ever had. Seriously, I'm not happy.

12) Hunter Mahan led the Canadian Open by two shots after the second round, but when his wife went into labor Saturday (three weeks early) with the couple's first child, Mahan bolted Canada and headed home to Texas.

When you've already made $24,062,590 in your career, its easier to put first things first and skip out on a potentially big paycheck. Hope the baby and mom are both very healthy.

11) Ravens' QB Joe Flacco completed 56 third down passes LY; 27 of the 56 went to either Anquan Boldin or Dennis Pitta. Boldin plays for the 49ers now; Pitta dislocated his hip Saturday and is out for the year.

10) Bad news for the Eagles; Jeremy Maclin tore his right ACL, is also out for the year. I said this last year, before I knew who the new coach was going to be: Eagle fans are going to miss Andy Reid. A lot.

9) Ohio State lost its entire front seven from LY's team, so I'll be curious to see how they stop the run and rush the passer early this season. Now you know the Buckeyes will have talented players, but such a young defense is going to have issues, if they're playing quality opponents.

8) Minnesota Twins have a big-time prospect in 3B Miguel Sano, but he's been benched for four straight games, after it took him 29 seconds to get around the bases after hitting a home run Tuesday; when the team's skipper confronted him about hot dogging on his HR trot, Sano apparently told him he'd do whatever he wanted after hitting a home run.

Hard to hit a homer when you're sitting on the bench.

7) Only eight states have a shot clock in high school basketball; thank the Lord, New York is one of them. Basketball without a shot clock has the potential to be tedious, if the coaches are control freaks.

6) Good news in Indiana: Butler-Purdue-Indiana-Notre Dame will keep playing a doubleheader every December in the Hoosier State. We need more of these quality games in the pre-conference period. Now that Butler is in the Big East, they're on a par status-wise with these other schools.

5) Albert Pujols went home to get his foot checked after he re-injured the foot this weekend in Oakland; it was fairly obvious that Pujols is probably headed for a stint on the DL.

4) Chris Sale pitched in the All-Star Game, but has only one win in his last 10 starts; White Sox scored 22 runs in those ten games, getting shut out in three of Sale's last five starts.

3) When teams fail, there is usually a scapegoat who gets fired, even though the failure isn't (all) their fault. Washington Nationals fired hitting coach Rick Eckstein this week; seeing as they scored six runs in their last three games with Eckstein gone, guess it wasn't all his fault.

2) Only 34 of 62 living Hall of Famers are in Cooperstown this weekend for the induction ceremony of.........no one. How about righting a wrong and put Pete Rose where he belongs, in the Hall of Fame?

Write what you want about him on his plaque, but dammit, he deserves to be inducted. A great player, he never cheated the game, not for one second.

1) There were four 1-0 baseball games Saturday, the first that happened since September 2, 2001. Lack of power, lack of speed makes for less offense in the game. There was a 2-0 game in Atlanta, too.