The Bum's Aug. MLB Best Bets + Pod's !

[StarDust Bum]

Preview: Nationals (60-62) at Braves (75-48)
Game: 3
Venue: Turner Field
Date: August 18, 2013 1:35 PM EDT


The Atlanta Braves and Washington Nationals clearly don't like each other.

Bryce Harper seems to be a magnet for the Braves' angst.

After being hit twice in the series opener and being held out of the starting lineup Saturday, Harper figures to be back Sunday to face Julio Teheran for the first time since being plunked by him earlier this month.

Atlanta (75-48) owns the best record in baseball and is cruising to an NL East title, sitting 14 1/2 games ahead of Washington (60-62). Despite that gap in the standings, the Braves and Nationals continue to stoke their growing rivalry by throwing at each other.

The Braves have won 11 of 15 games in the season series and have hit the Nationals five times, with Washington returning the favor with five of its own.

Harper has been on the receiving end of three of those pitches this month, doubling his career total. The reigning NL Rookie of the Year was plunked twice in Friday's 3-2 loss and suffered a left triceps injury when he was hit by Luis Avilan, who exited the game to a standing ovation from the Turner Field crowd.

Prior to Saturday's game, Nationals manager Davey Johnson denied that he'd seek retribution for Harper being hit.

"I never ordered a pitcher to go after anybody, but we have a way of protecting our own," Johnson told the team's official website.

Johnson scratched Harper from the lineup Saturday before Washington went on to defeat the Braves 8-7 in 15 innings on Adam LaRoche's solo homer.

Johnson, however, wasn't in the dugout to see the end. He was ejected with starter Stephen Strasburg, who threw back-to-back pitches behind Andrelton Simmons' back. That came after Strasburg hit Justin Upton following Jason Heyward's homer.

Johnson denied that Strasburg was throwing at Simmons intentionally, but conceded that he may have been trying to hit Upton.

"It didn't look like he was trying to hit (Simmons). He couldn't find the strike zone," Johnson said. "Well after somebody goes deep and you hit him in the rear end, I don't think it's a big deal."

Harper wound up coming in to play left field in the ninth inning and went 0 for 2 in extras.

Assuming he's back in the starting lineup Sunday, he'll face Teheran (9-6, 3.08 ERA), who leads the NL with 12 hit batters. One of them was Harper on Aug. 6, two innings after Harper went deep in a 2-1 Atlanta victory. Harper jawed at Teheran after the incident, and the benches cleared but no punches were thrown.

The animosity even spilled over to the teams' Twitter accounts, which exchanged barbs.

Teheran has allowed Harper to go 3 for 7 with a double and two homers.

The right-hander was 2-0 with a 1.13 ERA in his first four starts after the All-Star break, but gave up four runs in six innings of Monday's 5-1 loss to Philadelphia.

The Nationals will again counter with Gio Gonzalez (7-5, 3.42).

The left-hander allowed two runs in seven innings Aug. 6, but also hit Freddie Freeman with a pitch an inning before Harper was plunked.

Gonzalez found himself embroiled in another incident Tuesday. That one, however, was with teammate Jayson Werth, and the two jawed after Gonzalez was late covering first in the opening inning.

Gonzalez's outing ended after a prolonged rain delay, limiting him to four scoreless innings in a 4-2 win over San Francisco. It was his fifth straight start without a win, and he has an 0-2 record and 5.19 ERA over that stretch.

The offense has backed him with just one run in four of those outings.

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SERIES AT A GLANCE

GAME 1
Nationals at Braves
Fri, Aug 16 Final 2 to 3
Boxscores • Recaps

GAME 2
Nationals at Braves
Sat, Aug 17 Final 8 to 7
Boxscores • Recaps

GAME 3
Nationals at Braves
Sun, Aug 18 - 1:35PM EDT

[StarDust Bum]

Preview: Dodgers (72-50) at Phillies (53-69)
Game: 3
Venue: Citizens Bank Park
Date: August 18, 2013 1:35 PM EDT


Thanks to the streaking Los Angeles Dodgers, the beginning of Ryne Sandberg's managerial career in Philadelphia is off to a poor start.

The Dodgers can complete the series sweep with an 11th straight victory Sunday when they face a Phillies team in danger of being shut out in three consecutive games.

Clayton Kershaw allowed three hits and struck out eight over eight innings and Juan Uribe hit a three-run homer to highlight Los Angeles' 5-0 victory Saturday.

The Dodgers have won a remarkable 42 of 50 overall - the best such stretch since the 1942 St. Louis Cardinals did the same. They last won 11 in a row July 28-Aug. 8, 2006.

Los Angeles' 19 wins in 20 road games is the best since the 1916 New York Giants made the same run.

The franchise also hasn't started a month 16-1 since June 1899 when it was the Brooklyn Superbas.

Los Angeles has won six straight road contests against the Phillies (53-69), who have dropped four straight and 21 of 25 overall.

"When you're facing the best you kind of get a gauge of where you are,' Sandberg said.

Kershaw and Zack Greinke have held the Phillies to three hits in each of the first two games since Sandberg replaced the fired Charlie Manuel as manager Friday.

"Their pitching showed what it can do, and they're on a hot streak right now,' Sandberg said.

Philadelphia was last shut out in three straight games by the New York Mets from May 25-27, 2010. The Dodgers blanked three consecutive opponents July 7-9, 2011.

Los Angeles, however, could face a tough task against scheduled Phillies starter Cole Hamels (5-13, 3.65 ERA), who is mired in his worst season but is 6-1 with a 2.39 ERA in 10 regular season and playoff starts versus Los Angeles.

Hamels also improved to 1-1 with a 1.45 ERA in his last four starts overall after he allowed a run and struck out nine to record his first complete game of the year in Monday's 5-1 victory at Atlanta.

"(It's) just being able to go out and not let the little things get to you," the left-hander told the Phillies' official website. "When you start a game, you have a plan, and (you have to be) able to stick with your routine."

The Dodgers hand the ball to Ricky Nolasco (9-9, 3.62), who tries to win four straight starts for the first time since 2010. The right-hander is 4-1 with a 2.97 ERA in seven starts since coming to Los Angeles from Miami, and 3-0 with a 2.76 ERA in August.

He allowed two runs in 6 1-3 innings of a 4-2 victory over the New York Mets on Monday.

"He never gives up and never gives in to hitters,' said Mets catcher John Buck, a former teammate of Nolsaco with the Marlins. "He executes pitches when he needs to, and keeps the team in the ballgame."

Though Nolasco is 0-1 with a 3.38 ERA against the Phillies this season, this will be his first start against them as a Dodger.

All-Star Domonic Brown, who had one of Philadelphia's hits Saturday, is 6 for 15 with a double, triple and home run versus Nolasco.

However, teammates Jimmy Rollins and Michael Young are each 1 for 9 against him this season. Rollins is 1 for 15 in the last four overall.

Uribe is 1 for 13 against Hamels, but 13 for 26 in the last eight games overall.

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SERIES AT A GLANCE

GAME 1
Dodgers at Phillies
Fri, Aug 16 Final 4 to 0
Boxscores • Recaps

GAME 2
Dodgers at Phillies
Sat, Aug 17 Final 5 to 0
Boxscores • Recaps

GAME 3
Dodgers at Phillies
Sun, Aug 18 - 1:35PM EDT

[StarDust Bum]

Preview: Diamondbacks (63-58) at Pirates (72-50)
Game: 3
Venue: PNC Park
Date: August 18, 2013 1:35 PM EDT


The NL Central-leading Pittsburgh Pirates are hoping their recent funk doesn't snowball.

While the Arizona Diamondbacks have long since surrendered the NL West lead, they are still very much alive in the playoff race.

Slumping Pittsburgh looks to get back on track Sunday in this series finale against visiting Arizona, which is coming off its biggest offensive outburst of the year.

The Pirates (72-50) looked like contenders in 2011 and 2012 before falling off, and they've suddenly lost six of eight - tied for their worst eight-game stretch of the season.

Pittsburgh is still two games ahead of second-place St. Louis in the division and 8 1/2 clear of the Diamondbacks (63-58) for a playoff spot.

Arizona sat atop its division for nearly two months before Los Angeles took over in late July. Though the Diamondbacks are also 8 1/2 behind the Dodgers, they are just five games back of Cincinnati - which they'll visit for four games starting Monday - for the second wild-card spot after winning seven of 10.

Arizona bounced back from Friday's 6-2 loss at PNC Park with Saturday's 15-5 rout.

Martin Prado went 4 for 5 with a three-run homer and Paul Goldschmidt collected three of the team's season high-tying 20 hits, including a three-run shot of his own. Wil Nieves had three RBIs while Didi Gregorius, pinch-hitter Jason Kubel and pitcher Trevor Cahill all drove in two.

"I feel like this is the beginning of what we should do from now on," said Prado, who scored a career-high four runs. "I feel like everybody contributed. We're hoping to keep having this offense all the way through the end of the season."

Goldschmidt's 30 homers are tied for the NL lead with Pirates third baseman Pedro Alvarez, who also connected on a three-run homer Saturday. Goldschmidt has nine home runs during a 21-game stretch, while Alvarez has three in his last six.

Alvarez will try to stay hot against Diamondbacks starter Wade Miley (9-8, 3.63 ERA), who is 5-1 with a 2.01 ERA in eight outings since the beginning of July. The left-hander had posted a 0.86 ERA during a season-high three-start winning streak before yielding four runs in seven innings of Monday's 7-6 walkoff win over Baltimore.

"I really didn't have good stuff, I was just pitching with my fastball," he told MLB's official website. "I just tried to battle and get through it."

Miley yielded two runs in 6 2-3 innings to beat Pittsburgh 10-2 on April 10, improving to 2-1 with a 2.04 ERA in the series.

Neil Walker, Garrett Jones, Jose Tabata and Russell Martin are a combined 0 for 13 versus Miley, but Starling Marte is 3 for 6 with a double.

The Pirates will try to get back on track behind Charlie Morton (4-3, 3.79). The right-hander allowed two runs in six innings of Tuesday's 4-3, 14-inning loss at St. Louis.

"He gave us a good start," manager Clint Hurdle said of Morton, who held Miami to two runs over seven innings in his previous outing. "He has good command of the fastball."

Morton limited the Diamondbacks to three hits over six innings in a 5-3 win in Phoenix on Sept. 20, 2011 - his most recent start versus Arizona.

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SERIES AT A GLANCE

GAME 1
Diamondbacks at Pirates
Fri, Aug 16 Final 2 to 6
Boxscores • Recaps

GAME 2
Diamondbacks at Pirates
Sat, Aug 17 Final 15 to 5
Boxscores • Recaps

GAME 3
Diamondbacks at Pirates
Sun, Aug 18 - 1:35PM EDT

[StarDust Bum]

Preview: Blue Jays (57-66) at Rays (69-52)
Game: 3
Venue: Tropicana Field
Date: August 18, 2013 1:40 PM EDT


The Toronto Blue Jays won't be playing in October and appear headed for a last-place finish in the AL East.

Still, they've done a nice job lately in the unwanted role of spoiler.

Toronto looks to record its first series win at Tropicana Field in over six years and a second straight against a playoff contender Sunday.

Sitting 15 games out of first place in mid-August wasn't where the Blue Jays (57-66) expected to be after adding Jose Reyes, Mark Buehrle, Josh Johnson and Melky Cabrera in a very busy offseason. None of those acquisitions have provided the desired results, though, and Toronto ranks among baseball's most disappointing teams.

The Blue Jays closed their homestand with consecutive wins over division-leading Boston and rebounded with a 6-2 victory Saturday after dropping Friday's series opener 5-4.

Adam Lind hit a pair of solo homers and Jose Bautista added his 28th of the season to put Toronto in position for an extremely rare road series win against the Rays (69-52).

The Blue Jays haven't won a series at Tropicana Field since taking two of three April 6-8, 2007, information that was written on a message board in the team's clubhouse. They had lost 17 consecutive series there before splitting a four-game set May 6-9.

"Roy Halladay couldn't beat Tampa,' Lind said. "Obviously we know how hard it is to come in here and not just winning a series, but winning a game.'

The homers by Lind and Bautista exceeded by two Toronto's entire output over the previous six games. Lind has three RBIs in this series after totaling one during a 16-game stretch.

Brett Lawrie went 2 for 4 and has hit safely in 18 of his last 19 contests, going 29 for 71 (.408).

Tampa Bay had its win streak snapped at three and dropped two games behind the Red Sox.

Evan Longoria is batting .370 with four homers and 13 RBIs in the season series after collecting two hits Saturday.

He'll try to continue that production Sunday in support of Chris Archer (6-5, 3.10 ERA), who hopes to recapture the form he displayed in July.

After going 4-0 with a 0.73 ERA in five July starts, the right-hander is 0-2 with 6.59 ERA in three outings this month. He had one of his worst starts of the season Tuesday in a 5-4 loss to Seattle, allowing five runs and a career-high nine hits over five-plus innings.

"Honestly, I'll take full responsibility for that loss, because if I execute a couple pitches in a couple of key situations, those are the games that we win,' Archer said. "We score four runs, we win because we have good pitching.'

Archer was excellent in his only start against the Blue Jays, yielding one run and five hits in seven innings of a 4-3 victory at Rogers Centre on July 21.

He won't have to face Reyes, who will sit out a second consecutive game with soreness in his right knee.

Todd Redmond (1-1, 3.62) looks to build on a very effective outing for Toronto. Recalled from Triple-A Buffalo to face Boston on Tuesday in his first appearance for the Blue Jays since Aug. 2, Redmond tossed 5 1-3 scoreless innings before the Red Sox won 4-2 in 11.

The right-hander has allowed three runs or fewer in each of his six starts, walking nine and striking out 36 over 29 2-3 innings.

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SERIES AT A GLANCE

GAME 1
Blue Jays at Rays
Fri, Aug 16 Final 4 to 5
Boxscores • Recaps

GAME 2
Blue Jays at Rays
Sat, Aug 17 Final 6 to 2
Boxscores • Recaps

GAME 3
Blue Jays at Rays
Sun, Aug 18 - 1:40PM EDT

[StarDust Bum]

Preview: Reds (69-54) at Brewers (54-69)
Game: 4
Venue: Miller Park
Date: August 18, 2013 2:10 PM EDT


The first start for Homer Bailey following his July no-hitter came at Miller Park, a rough outing that began a stretch in which the right-hander has rarely looked like a dominant force.

Another look at the Brewers probably isn't what will help him out of his funk.

Bailey tries to end his career-long struggles against Milwaukee on Sunday and help his Cincinnati Reds avoid a third straight loss.

Bailey (7-10, 3.81 ERA) has made it through at least eight innings without allowing an earned run four times this season, the most notable of which was his second no-hitter in nine months July 2 against San Francisco.

But even with some occasionally untouchable stuff and a strikeout-to-walk ratio (4.25) that's among the NL's best, Bailey has had plenty of bouts of inconsistency. He's 2-4 with a 4.40 ERA in seven starts since the no-hitter, serving up eight homers in 45 innings as opponents have posted an .852 OPS that's among the worst in the majors in that stretch.

All four of the runs Bailey allowed over 6 1-3 innings in the Reds' 6-4, 11-inning win Tuesday at Wrigley Field came courtesy of three homers.

"My command was just terrible,' Bailey said. "Just one of those nights, I just didn't have good stuff at all. Never really felt like I was in a groove.'

Bailey hasn't had good stuff often against the Brewers (54-69). He's 1-7 with a 6.03 in 13 starts versus Milwaukee, and allowed four runs and 10 hits over 5 2-3 innings of a 4-3 loss at Miller Park on July 8.

"It's weird - this team has kind of had my number," Bailey told MLB.com after that outing. "It's kind of one of those unexplainable things."

The Brewers have had the Reds' number in Milwaukee of late. They've beaten Cincinnati (69-54) in seven of the last nine at Miller Park after Saturday's 2-0 victory.

The last time Wily Peralta (8-12, 4.30) faced the Reds at home was perhaps the best start of his brief career. The rookie threw a three-hitter July 9 in Milwaukee's 2-0 win, and he went the distance again last Sunday at Seattle - albeit in a 2-0 loss while matched up with Felix Hernandez.

Peralta was 4-8 with a 6.08 ERA in his first 15 starts, but he's 4-4 with a 2.10 ERA in 10 starts since.

"I think it takes a lot of starts and a lot of innings to figure out things, and he's starting to get it, along with the confidence," manager Ron Roenicke told the Brewers' official website. "When you get in a tight spot, it's not always, 'throw it as hard as you can.' He's starting to figure those things out, and hopefully he continues to grow that way."

Joey Votto, Brandon Phillips and Jay Bruce are a combined 5 for 31 (.161) against Peralta.

Bruce, who's hitting .204 in August, is a .300 hitter on the road this season compared to .238 at Great American Ball Park.

Miller Park, though, has hardly brought out the best in the right fielder. Bruce has six singles in his last 35 at_bats (.171) in Milwaukee, a far cry from the seven extra-base hits and 1.287 OPS he has at home versus the Brewers in 2013.

Milwaukee center fielder Carlos Gomez missed his second straight game Saturday with a sprained right knee suffered when making a catch in Thursday's 2-1 loss. He's likely still a few days away from returning.

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SERIES AT A GLANCE

GAME 1
Reds at Brewers
Thu, Aug 15 Final 2 to 1
Boxscores • Recaps

GAME 2
Reds at Brewers
Fri, Aug 16 Final 6 to 7
Boxscores • Recaps

GAME 3
Reds at Brewers
Sat, Aug 17 Final 0 to 2
Boxscores • Recaps

GAME 4
Reds at Brewers
Sun, Aug 18 - 2:10PM EDT

[StarDust Bum]

Preview: White Sox (48-74) at Twins (54-67)
Game: 4
Venue: Target Field
Date: August 18, 2013 2:10 PM EDT


Despite a disappointing season, the Chicago White Sox have played well of late.

They'll try to record their first winning road series in more than a month with a third straight victory over the Minnesota Twins on Sunday.

Chicago (48-74) sits last in the AL Central with the third-worst record in baseball, but it's won eight of 13 following a season-high 10-game slide. Dayan Viciedo hit a three-run homer and Alejandro De Aza added a two-run shot as the White Sox overcame an early two-run deficit to win 8-5 at Minnesota on Saturday.

The White Sox have batted .288 and averaged 4.7 runs in the last 13 games after they hit .213 and scored 1.8 per contest during the previous 10.

For the fifth time in six games, Chicago recorded at least 10 hits to help All-Star ace Chris Sale win his third straight start Saturday.

"Even when it wasn't going great, I still had that confidence in them to come back and score those runs,' Sale said.

Viciedo is 3 for 7 with five RBIs the last two games after going hitless over 13 at_bats in his previous six contests. He's hit .345 with three homers and 10 RBIs in his last eight at Target Field.

With three hits Saturday, teammate Adam Dunn is batting .438 in his last nine contests overall.

After ending a 10-game road slide with Friday's 5-2 victory, Chicago tries to take the four-game set and its first series away from home since July 9-11 at Detroit.

It will hand the ball to Hector Santiago (3-7, 3.37 ERA), who is 0-2 with a 3.78 ERA in his last nine starts. Pitching one day after undergoing a root canal, the left-hander allowed two runs and walked four over 102 pitches through five innings of a 4-3, 11-inning win over Detroit on Tuesday.

Santiago is 0-2 with a 4.05 ERA against the Twins (54-67) this season. He started one of those outings, yielding six runs - three earned - and eight hits in 5 2-3 innings of a 10-3 loss at Target Field on May 13.

Minnesota's Ryan Doumit, who homered Saturday, is 2 for 3 versus Santiago and 10 for 20 in his last five against the White Sox.

Joe Mauer added two RBIs as the Twins lost for the fourth time in five games. He's batting .452 during a 10-game home hitting streak versus Chicago.

Minnesota starter Samuel Deduno (7-6, 3.54) enjoyed a four-start stretch from July 13-Aug. 2 in which he went 3-0 and allowed five runs despite walking 16 over 27 innings. Since then, he's given up nine runs over 11 2-3 innings to lose his last two.

The right-hander allowed five runs in six innings of a 5-2 loss to Cleveland on Tuesday.

"He was misfiring a little bit. You could see his ball was moving all over the place and counts were going up,' manager Ron Gardenhire said.

Deduno went 0-2 with a 5.40 ERA against the White Sox last season.

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SERIES AT A GLANCE

GAME 1
White Sox at Twins
Thu, Aug 15 Final 3 to 4
Boxscores • Recaps

GAME 2
White Sox at Twins
Fri, Aug 16 Final 5 to 2
Boxscores • Recaps

GAME 3
White Sox at Twins
Sat, Aug 17 Final 8 to 5
Boxscores • Recaps

GAME 4
White Sox at Twins
Sun, Aug 18 - 2:10PM EDT

[StarDust Bum]

Preview: Cardinals (70-52) at Cubs (53-69)
Game: 3
Venue: Wrigley Field
Date: August 18, 2013 2:20 PM EDT


The St. Louis Cardinals' Adam Wainwright has earned his fair share of wins this season, but he hasn't tasted victory in almost a month.

It's been quite a bit longer since he's gotten the best of the Chicago Cubs.

Looking to stay unbeaten at Wrigley Field, Wainwright tries to defeat the Cubs for the first time in almost three years in Sunday's series finale.

While Wainwright (13-7, 2.71 ERA) beat San Diego 3-2 on July 21 to become the first NL pitcher to 13 wins, he has gone 0-2 with a 4.18 ERA in four starts since. The All-Star right-hander allowed three runs and five hits - including two homers - in seven innings Tuesday in a 4-3, 14-inning win over Pittsburgh.

Wainwright, who was pitching on three extra days of rest, set season highs with three walks and 122 pitches. Manager Mike Matheny called it the "gutsiest performance we've had all year."

Wainwright now turns his attention to the Cubs (53-69), who have given him trouble the last few years. Since beating Chicago 7-1 on Sept. 24, 2010, Wainwright has gone 0-2 with a 5.91 ERA during a six-start stretch in the series. He is 5-0 in 10 career starts at Wrigley despite a 4.04 ERA.

Wainwright likely isn't looking forward to facing David DeJesus and Darwin Barney, who are a combined 17 for 44 with nine extra-base hits - three homers - in their matchups.

After dropping Friday's opener 7-0, the Cardinals (70-52) bounced back Saturday with a 4-0 victory. Joe Kelly threw six sharp innings and Yadier Molina delivered a two-run homer.

Loser in five of six overall, Chicago dropped to 2-12 in its last 14 home games after going 0 for 7 with runners in scoring position. Starlin Castro was removed after making a costly mental error in the fifth inning.

Castro caught a popup in shallow left field with one out and the bases loaded, but allowed Jon Jay to score from third after putting his head down and hesitating to throw home.

"He's played in the big leagues long enough and we've had our discussions," manager Dale Sveum said of the 23-year-old shortstop. "There comes a point where you have to cross that bridge and get to the next level. He feels as bad as anybody, he knows what happened and he feels awful right now."

Besides Saturday's defensive blunder, Castro is hitless in his last 16 at_bats and hitting .244 on the season - more than 40 points lower than his .285 career mark.

"It's bad. It's an unbelievable year," he said. "I've never had a year like that. I feel really bad, especially with the mistake today and my struggling at home plate. But I don't put my head down. I know I can be good and finish strong."

The Cubs will try to bounce back behind Edwin Jackson (7-12, 5.05), who takes the mound for the first time since allowing four runs, six hits and three walks over five innings in an 8-4 loss at St. Louis last Sunday.

Jackson, who won a World Series ring with the Cardinals in 2011, is 2-4 with a 4.68 ERA in 10 starts - including playoffs - against his former team. Both those wins, though, have come at what was his home ballpark, including a 3-0 victory at Wrigley on July 11.

After going 0-5 with a 7.83 ERA in his first six home starts, Jackson has allowed three runs in 27 2-3 innings during a four-start winning streak on the North Side.

Molina is 9 for 18 with three homers off Jackson, and Allen Craig is 6 for 13.

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SERIES AT A GLANCE

GAME 1
Cardinals at Cubs
Fri, Aug 16 Final 0 to 7
Boxscores • Recaps

GAME 2
Cardinals at Cubs
Sat, Aug 17 Final 4 to 0
Boxscores • Recaps

GAME 3
Cardinals at Cubs
Sun, Aug 18 - 2:20PM EDT

[StarDust Bum]

Preview: Mariners (56-66) at Rangers (71-52)
Game: 3
Venue: Rangers Ballpark in Arlington
Date: August 18, 2013 3:05 PM EDT


Every time Yu Darvish takes the mound, the Texas Rangers realize they might be witnessing history.

Another victory, however, would simply be good enough against the Seattle Mariners.

Coming off another near no-hitter, Darvish looks to win his career-best fourth straight start and lead AL West-leading Texas to its 16th victory in 19 games Sunday in Arlington.

After totaling 13 runs and batting .224 while dropping four of their previous five against the Mariners (56-66), the Rangers scored five times in the second inning off Felix Hernandez and had an eight-run eighth en route to their highest total of the season in Saturday's 15-3 win.

Former Mariner Adrian Beltre had two more hits, raising his average to .444 during a nine-game hitting streak versus his old club. He's also batting .460 in his last 14 games overall.

Texas (71-52) likely won't need another big offensive performance with Darvish (12-5, 2.64 ERA) on the mound Sunday.

Darvish again neared perfection in his last start, striking out a career-high 15 and allowing one hit in eight innings of a 2-1 win at Houston on Monday. Carlos Corporan ended the no-hit bid with a home run with one out in the eighth.

"He moved it around, kept them off-balance," manager Ron Washington said. "When they were looking for breaking balls he was throwing fastballs and cutters and when they were looking for cutters he was throwing breaking balls.'

The All-Star right-hander also came close to a perfect game in his first start of the season before Houston's Marwin Gonzalez singled with two outs in the ninth inning. He joined Nolan Ryan as the only pitchers in team history to have more than one start of at least eight innings with one hit or less.

Now all eyes figure to be on Darvish as he looks to improve on his 4-1 record and 1.31 ERA in five starts since missing more than two weeks with an upper back strain. He leads the majors with 207 strikeouts and opponents are batting .186 against him - among the lowest marks in baseball.

Darvish is 2-1 with a 1.80 ERA in his last three starts against the Mariners after he allowed three hits over seven innings of a 7-0 home win April 19.

Kendrys Morales (2 for 18), Dustin Ackley (2 for 15) and Raul Ibanez (1 for 9) haven't fared well, but Kyle Seager is 6 for 16 with four doubles in this matchup. Seager is also 28 for 56 during a 13-game hitting streak in Arlington.

"That's a good pitching staff, so it's not like that's the case," Seager told the team's official website. "But a couple times we've come here before and I made a few adjustments and hopefully I've got into a little rhythm."

The Mariners counter with Erasmo Ramirez (4-0, 7.06) hoping to avoid their 14th loss in 21 games.

The right-hander was tagged for four runs and seven hits - two homers - over 5 1-3 innings in a 5-4 win at Tampa Bay on Tuesday. He fanned a season-high seven, giving him 27 strikeouts over 27 2-3 innings in five starts.

Ramirez gave up two runs and four hits over 4 1-3 innings in a pair of relief appearances at Texas last season.

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SERIES AT A GLANCE

GAME 1
Mariners at Rangers
Fri, Aug 16 Final 3 to 1
Boxscores • Recaps

GAME 2
Mariners at Rangers
Sat, Aug 17 Final 3 to 15
Boxscores • Recaps

GAME 3
Mariners at Rangers
Sun, Aug 18 - 3:05PM EDT

[StarDust Bum]

Preview: Astros (40-82) at Angels (55-67)
Game: 3
Venue: Angel Stadium of Anaheim
Date: August 18, 2013 3:35 PM EDT


Josh Hamilton and the Los Angeles Angels showed signs of improvement offensively at home while ending a franchise-worst losing streak against AL West opponents.

That's a trend Jason Vargas hopes continues Sunday when he tries to lead the Angels to their second win in seven home meetings with the Houston Astros.

Hamilton broke out of his lengthy slump at Angel Stadium with a walk-off home run in Saturday's 6-5, 10-inning victory. Los Angeles (55-67) hadn't won a division game since beating Oakland on July 25, snapping a team-record 10-game skid.

While Hamilton is batting .400 with 14 RBIs during a 10-game road hitting streak, he had been hitting .054 (2 for 37) in his previous 10 at home before Saturday's 2-for-5 performance.

"Everybody I've talked to says players go through seasons like this, and this is the first season I've ever gone through like this,' said Hamilton, hitting a career-low .227 but with five home runs in his last 14 games against the Astros.

Teammate Mark Trumbo added his 27th home run as the Angels ended a five-game home skid to major league-worst Houston (40-82) in which they averaged 2.0 runs and hit .211.

Los Angeles looks to build on Saturday's 12-hit performance with Vargas (6-5, 3.86 ERA) starting the series finale.

Vargas showed some rust in his first start since having surgery to remove a blood clot from near his left armpit on June 26, allowing four runs and eight hits - two homers - over 4 1-3 innings in Tuesday's 14-7 loss at Yankee Stadium.

"I think he threw the ball a little better than maybe some things are going to show," manager Mike Scioscia said. "He's building into a little bit of stamina and he'll be better next time.'

The left-hander hopes to make that progression and improve on his 5-1 record and 3.13 ERA in eight home starts.

Vargas, though, did not pitch well against the Astros on May 9, allowing a season high-tying five runs and 10 hits over 5 2-3 innings before the Angels rallied late for a 6-5 road win May 9.

Jose Altuve went 3 for 3 when facing Vargas in that contest, while Matt Dominguez was 2 for 2 with three RBIs. Vargas has done a nice job against Chris Carter, who is 1 for 12 with six strikeouts in this matchup.

Carter, however, is 8 for 20 with three homers and 10 RBIs over a six-game hitting streak in Anaheim. Robbie Grossman has also been on a road tear, batting .438 during a 12-game run there.

The Astros will attempt to regroup with their fourth win in six games by giving the ball to rookie Brett Oberholtzer (2-1, 2.57).

After posting a 7.36 ERA in three relief appearances, the left-hander has been superb since joining the rotation. He's 2-1 with a 0.87 ERA in three starts and is holding opponents to a .187 batting average during that span.

Oberholtzer pitched well enough to win Monday, allowing two runs and seven hits over 6 2-3 innings in a 2-1 loss to Yu Darvish and Texas.

He might have to figure out a way to retire Mike Trout, who looks to extend his on-base streak to 40 consecutive games. The All-Star is batting .400 in an eight-game home hitting streak against the Astros.

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SERIES AT A GLANCE

GAME 1
Astros at Angels
Fri, Aug 16 Final 8 to 2
Boxscores • Recaps

GAME 2
Astros at Angels
Sat, Aug 17 Final 5 to 6
Boxscores • Recaps

GAME 3
Astros at Angels
Sun, Aug 18 - 3:35PM EDT

[StarDust Bum]

Preview: Indians (66-57) at Athletics (69-53)
Game: 3
Venue: O.co Coliseum
Date: August 18, 2013 4:05 PM EDT


If the Oakland Athletics are to avoid losing a fourth straight home series, they must overcome the loss of one of their top pitchers.

With Bartolo Colon headed to the disabled list instead of the mound, the A's look to bounce back from their latest home defeat in Sunday's decisive finale against the Cleveland Indians.

After allowing 10 runs over 6 2-3 innings to lose his last two starts, Colon was scratched from this outing and placed on the DL with a left groin strain. The 40-year-old, 14-5 with a rotation-best 2.97 ERA even after his two rough outings, apparently suffered the injury during a throwing session Friday.

"You always want him to be able to pitch, but maybe with his age and so forth, a little break at this point might be good for him," manager Bob Melvin told the Athletics' official website.

Oakland (69-53) has recalled Tommy Milone (9-9, 4.39 ERA) from Triple-A Sacramento to start Sunday. The left-hander was sent down after he allowed six runs and nine hits in 3 2-3 innings of an 8-3 loss to Texas on Aug. 2.

Milone hopes to pitch better after he yielded two earned runs and struck out 15 over 10 2-3 innings for Sacramento.

"He feels pretty good about where he is right now," Melvin said.

Milone has allowed one unearned run in 13 innings to split his last two starts versus Cleveland. He gave up that run and five hits without a walk over seven innings of a 1-0 loss at Progressive Field on May 7.

The owners of the AL's final wild-card spot and trailing first-place Texas by 1 1/2 games in the West, the A's have dropped seven of 10 at the Coliseum following a remarkable home stretch in which they won 24 of 30.

Ubaldo Jimenez took a no-hitter into the sixth inning and combined with four relievers to help Cleveland (66-57) snap a five-game road skid to the A's with Saturday's 7-1 victory.

Nick Swisher and Asdrubal Cabrera each had two hits with two RBIs as the Indians won for the fourth time in six games.

Swisher is batting .394 with four homers in his last nine overall against his former team. He's hit .405 with five home runs and 11 RBIs in his last 11 at the Coliseum.

Cleveland starter Scott Kazmir (7-5, 4.18) went 4-0 with a 1.93 ERA in nine starts before he gave up five runs in three innings of a 5-2 loss to the Los Angeles Angels on Aug. 9.

The left-hander has thrown 114 innings after recording just 64 for the Sugar Land Skeeters of the Atlantic League in 2012, so Cleveland is giving him eight days of rest before this start.

"It feels like I'm going through a little bit of dead-arm fatigue,' he said. "I thought I could go out there (against the Angels) and gut it out, but it just didn't work out. It's something I tried to battle through.'

Kazmir allowed a run and struck out a season-high 10 over six innings of a 9-2 win over the A's on May 9.

Josh Donaldson, who had two of Oakland's three hits and the lone RBI on Saturday, is 2 for 3 with a homer versus Kazmir.

Donaldson is batting .353 in his last 10 games overall.

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SERIES AT A GLANCE

GAME 1
Indians at Athletics
Fri, Aug 16 Final 2 to 3
Boxscores • Recaps

GAME 2
Indians at Athletics
Sat, Aug 17 Final 7 to 1
Boxscores • Recaps

GAME 3
Indians at Athletics
Sun, Aug 18 - 4:05PM EDT

[StarDust Bum]

Preview: Mets (56-65) at Padres (55-68)
Game: 4
Venue: PETCO Park
Date: August 18, 2013 4:10 PM EDT


Matt Harvey's emergence as the New York Mets' ace started with a dominant performance against the San Diego Padres.

Another one could mean his first road victory in almost two months.

Harvey could use some help from his offense as he attempts to rebound from another road defeat in his first visit to pitcher-friendly Petco Park on Sunday.

It took little time for Harvey (9-4, 2.23 ERA) to establish himself as a bona fide ace for New York (56-65), giving the club hope for the future in what appears to be a fifth straight losing season.

The 24-year-old right-hander's rise began with an outstanding effort in an 8-4 win over San Diego (55-68) on April 3. He struck out 10 and limited the Padres to one hit in seven innings, only adding to the hype and hope for a franchise looking to forge an identity beyond injured third baseman David Wright.

Harvey has a 1.77 ERA in five starts since starting the All-Star game last month. However, he has just a 2-2 record to show for it since he's been backed by one or no runs in three of those outings.

He's also 0-2 with a 3.38 ERA over his last four road games. That stretch continued with Tuesday's 4-2 defeat to the red-hot Dodgers, during which Harvey gave up four runs and eight hits in six innings.

"I was pretty inconsistent. I just couldn't locate anything," Harvey said. "When I tried to go in, it was over the middle. When I tried to go away, I was yanking it a bit. And when you're not hitting your spots and making quality pitches against a team like that, they're going to put the ball in play."

The Mets hope for an improved effort from Harvey after falling 8-2 to the Padres on Saturday following victories in the first two of this four-game set.

He'll have to contend with the hot-hitting Will Venable, who is batting .375 during a career-high 14-game hitting streak - the longest active run in the majors.

The outfielder kept the streak going Saturday, matching his personal best with four hits and scoring three runs. His only hit in five at_bats versus Harvey was a triple, but he's also fanned three times.

Nick Hundley, who has struck out in both appearances against Harvey, had a two-run homer and a single Saturday after missing three games while on the paternity list, as his wife gave birth to their first child Thursday.

"That's the best moment of my career by far," Hundley said of his career-high 10th homer. "I couldn't stop smiling. I thought about my daughter and got a little emotional on the bench."

The Padres are scheduled to counter Harvey with Eric Stults (8-10, 3.68), who is 3-1 with a 2.08 ERA in five career starts versus the Mets. He's won the last two, allowing one unearned run in 10 innings.

The left-hander beat them April 4, striking out seven in five scoreless innings of a 2-1 win at New York.

Stults, though, hasn't come close to being that effective of late, going 0-3 with a 4.91 ERA over his last five starts after winning his previous two while allowing two runs in 15 innings.

He gave up five runs and a career high-tying 11 hits with three walks in 4 2-3 innings of a 7-5 win at Colorado on Tuesday.

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SERIES AT A GLANCE

GAME 1
Mets at Padres
Thu, Aug 15 Final 4 to 1
Boxscores • Recaps

GAME 2
Mets at Padres
Fri, Aug 16 Final 5 to 2
Boxscores • Recaps

GAME 3
Mets at Padres
Sat, Aug 17 Final 2 to 8
Boxscores • Recaps

GAME 4
Mets at Padres
Sun, Aug 18 - 4:10PM EDT

[StarDust Bum]

Preview: Yankees (63-59) at Red Sox (73-52)
Game: 3
Venue: Fenway Park
Date: August 18, 2013 8:05 PM EDT


After enduring a few frustrating seasons together in the NL Central, the red-hot Alfonso Soriano and former teammate Ryan Dempster find themselves back in the playoff hunt with their respective AL East clubs.

Soriano looks to continue his recent tear at the plate Sunday night as the visiting New York Yankees conclude a three-game set against the division-leading Boston Red Sox.

Soriano and Dempster helped lead the Chicago Cubs to the postseason in 2007 and 2008 before being part of three consecutive losing seasons from 2010-12. Dempster was traded to Texas on July 31 of last year before signing with Boston this offseason, and New York (63-59) acquired Soriano for minor league pitcher Corey Black and cash July 26.

Soriano, who spent the first five years of his career with the Yankees, has already made a big impact during his second stint with the club. The seven-time All-Star is 15 for 22 with five homers and 18 RBIs in his last five games for New York, which still has three teams between it and the second wild-card spot.

"It's fun to watch the way he's adjusted right away," second baseman Robinson Cano said. "He was in the National League for six years and to come back to the American League and swing the bat the way he is, is unbelievable, especially right when we need him."

Soriano collected two more hits and a stolen base Saturday, but New York went 1 for 9 with runners in scoring position in a 6-1 defeat. The Yankees have dropped five of seven to Boston (73-52), which snapped a three-game skid behind Jacoby Ellsbury's two RBIs and David Ortiz's team-leading 24th homer.

The Red Sox now give the ball to Dempster (6-8, 4.50 ERA), who is 1-0 despite a 6.00 ERA in his last six starts - all Boston wins.

His latest was by far the best of that rough stretch. Dempster held Toronto to a run and four hits over seven innings Tuesday in a 4-2, 11-inning victory.

"I felt like I was able to make pitches when I was behind in the count, which is huge," Dempster said. "I had a real good split."

Dempster hasn't had any success against the Yankees over the course of his career, going 0-5 with a 6.98 ERA and 26 walks in seven starts spanning 38 2-3 innings.

The Yankees counter with CC Sabathia (10-10, 4.66), who won for the first time since July 3 with Tuesday's 14-7 victory over the Los Angeles Angels. The left-hander walked a career high-tying six but managed to limit the damage, yielding three runs - two earned - and three hits in six innings.

"I felt like I had pretty good stuff ... but it was just a battle," said Sabathia, who had an 8.33 ERA over his previous five starts.

Sabathia is 3-4 with a 6.51 ERA over his last nine starts against the Red Sox. He's given up at least six earned runs in five of those outings, and was tagged for a season worst-tying seven earned in five innings in an 8-7, 11-inning loss at Fenway Park on July 21.

Dustin Pedroia is 13 for 24 with three doubles versus Sabathia since 2011, and Ellsbury is 8 for 20 with a homer. Ortiz, though, is 5 for his last 29 with 10 strikeouts in their matchups.

Red Sox first baseman Mike Napoli is uncertain to be available after sitting out Saturday with a sore left foot. Napoli is 9 for 24 with three homers and 10 RBIs in his last six games against the Yankees.

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

SERIES AT A GLANCE

GAME 1
Yankees at Red Sox
Fri, Aug 16 Final 10 to 3
Boxscores • Recaps

GAME 2
Yankees at Red Sox
Sat, Aug 17 Final 1 to 6
Boxscores • Recaps

GAME 3
Yankees at Red Sox
Sun, Aug 18 - 8:05PM EDT

[StarDust Bum]

MLB
Dunkel

NY Yankees at Boston
The Yankees look to build on their 4-0 record in C.C. Sabathia's last 4 road starts when the total is set from 9 to 10 1/2. New York is the pick (+115) according to Dunkel, which has the Yankees favored by 1. Dunkel Pick: NY Yankees (+115). Here are all of today's picks.

SUNDAY, AUGUST 18

Game 951-952: San Francisco at Miami (1:10 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: San Francisco (Bumgarner) 15.488; Miami (Koehler) 13.914
Dunkel Line: San Francisco by 1 1/2; 6
Vegas Line: San Francisco (-165); 7
Dunkel Pick: San Francisco (-165); Under

Game 953-954: LA Dodgers at Philadelphia (1:35 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: LA Dodgers (Nolasco) 14.568; Philadelphia (Hamels) 15.403
Dunkel Line: Philadelphia by 1; 9
Vegas Line: LA Dodgers (-120); 8
Dunkel Pick: Philadelphia (+100); Over

Game 955-956: Arizona at Pittsburgh (1:35 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Arizona (Miley) 15.389; Pittsburgh (Morton) 14.383
Dunkel Line: Arizona by 1; 9
Vegas Line: Pittsburgh (-130); 7 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Arizona (+110); Over

Game 957-958: Washington at Atlanta (1:35 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Washington (Gonzalez) 15.663; Atlanta (Teheran) 16.962
Dunkel Line: Atlanta by 1 1/2; 6
Vegas Line: Atlanta (-140); 7 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Atlanta (-140); Under

Game 959-960: Cincinnati at Milwaukee (2:10 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Cincinnati (Bailey) 15.473; Milwaukee (Peralta) 16.338
Dunkel Line: Milwaukee by 1; 9
Vegas Line: Cincinnati (-145); 8
Dunkel Pick: Milwaukee (+125); Over

Game 961-962: St. Louis at Chicago Cubs (2:20 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: St. Louis (Wainwright) 14.801; Cubs (Jackson) 13.406
Dunkel Line: St. Louis by 1 1/2; 7
Vegas Line: St. Louis (-170); No Run Total
Dunkel Pick: St. Louis (-170); N/A

Game 963-964: NY Mets at San Diego (4:10 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: NY Mets (Harvey) 14.478; San Diego (Stults) 15.545
Dunkel Line: San Diego by 1; 7
Vegas Line: NY Mets (-135); 6
Dunkel Pick: San Diego (+115); Over

Game 965-966: Kansas City at Detroit (1:08 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Kansas City (Chen) 16.229; Detroit (Scherzer) 17.698
Dunkel Line: Detroit by 1 1/2; 7
Vegas Line: Detroit (-180); 7 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Detroit (-180); Under

Game 967-968: Toronto at Tampa Bay (1:40 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Toronto (Redmond) 15.059; Tampa Bay (Archer) 13.672
Dunkel Line: Toronto by 1 1/2; 9
Vegas Line: Tampa Bay (-160); 8
Dunkel Pick: Toronto (+140); Over

Game 969-970: Chicago White Sox at Minnesota (2:10 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: White Sox (Santiago) 14.083; Minnesota (Deduno) 15.658
Dunkel Line: Minnesota by 1 1/2; 7
Vegas Line: Minnesota (-130); 8
Dunkel Pick: Minnesota (-130); Under

Game 971-972: Seattle at Texas (3:05 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Seattle (Ramirez) 13.489; Texas (Darvish) 15.759
Dunkel Line: Texas by 2 1/2; 7
Vegas Line: Texas (-280); 8 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Texas (-280); Under

Game 973-974: Houston at LA Angels (3:35 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Houston (Oberholtzer) 15.373; LA Angels (Vargas) 14.210
Dunkel Line: Houston by 1; 9
Vegas Line: LA Angels (-170); 8
Dunkel Pick: Houston (+150); Over

Game 975-976: Cleveland at Oakland (4:05 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Cleveland (Kazmir) 13.943; Oakland (Milone) 15.541
Dunkel Line: Oakland by 1 1/2; 7
Vegas Line: Oakland (-150); 7 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Oakland (-150); Under

Game 977-978: NY Yankees at Boston (8:05 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: NY Yankees (Sabathia) 16.136; Boston (Dempster) 15.067
Dunkel Line: NY Yankees by 1; 11
Vegas Line: Boston (-135); 9 1/2
Dunkel Pick: NY Yankees (+115); Over

Game 979-980: Colorado at Baltimore (1:35 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Colorado (Chacin) 14.542; Baltimore (Feldman) 16.291
Dunkel Line: Baltimore by 1 1/2; 8
Vegas Line: Baltimore (-150); 8 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Baltimore (-150); Under

[StarDust Bum]

MLB
Long Sheet

Sunday, August 18

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SAN FRANCISCO (55 - 67) at MIAMI (46 - 75) - 1:10 PM
MADISON BUMGARNER (L) vs. TOM KOEHLER (R)
Top Trends for this game.
SAN FRANCISCO is 55-67 (-23.3 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
SAN FRANCISCO is 23-30 (-15.6 Units) against the money line when the total is 7 or less this season.
SAN FRANCISCO is 54-63 (-20.5 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
SAN FRANCISCO is 39-44 (-13.6 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.
SAN FRANCISCO is 24-36 (-21.5 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record this season.
SAN FRANCISCO is 18-8 (+11.4 Units) against the money line in road games in August games over the last 2 seasons.
SAN FRANCISCO is 26-10 (+15.7 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 2 seasons.
MIAMI is 115-168 (-35.2 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
MIAMI is 10-29 (-15.2 Units) against the money line as a home underdog of +125 to +150 over the last 3 seasons.
MIAMI is 95-124 (-35.6 Units) against the money line in home games over the last 3 seasons.
MIAMI is 7-21 (-13.2 Units) against the money line in home games in August games over the last 3 seasons.
MIAMI is 114-164 (-32.3 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
MIAMI is 63-102 (-27.9 Units) against the money line after a loss over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
MIAMI is 3-3 (+1.7 Units) against SAN FRANCISCO this season
4 of 6 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+2.1 Units)

MADISON BUMGARNER vs. MIAMI since 1997
BUMGARNER is 0-2 when starting against MIAMI with an ERA of 5.00 and a WHIP of 1.500.
His team's record is 0-3 (-3.8 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 1-2. (-1.4 units)

TOM KOEHLER vs. SAN FRANCISCO since 1997
KOEHLER is 1-0 when starting against SAN FRANCISCO with an ERA of 1.29 and a WHIP of 0.857.
His team's record is 1-0 (+1.6 units) in these starts. The OVER is 0-1. (-1.0 units)

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LA DODGERS (72 - 50) at PHILADELPHIA (53 - 69) - 1:35 PM
RICKY NOLASCO (R) vs. COLE HAMELS (L)
Top Trends for this game.
PHILADELPHIA is 365-339 (+38.7 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record in the second half of the season since 1997.
LA DODGERS are 72-50 (+12.3 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
LA DODGERS are 10-1 (+8.8 Units) against the money line on the road with a money line of -100 to -125 this season.
LA DODGERS are 35-25 (+11.0 Units) against the money line in road games this season.
LA DODGERS are 15-1 (+14.8 Units) against the money line in August games this season.
LA DODGERS are 21-12 (+8.9 Units) against the money line in day games this season.
LA DODGERS are 69-50 (+9.0 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
LA DODGERS are 43-28 (+9.5 Units) against the money line after a win this season.
LA DODGERS are 36-14 (+15.4 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record this season.
LA DODGERS are 19-4 (+13.9 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record in the second half of the season this season.
NOLASCO is 63-47 (+30.2 Units) against the money line in road games since 1997. (Team's Record)
NOLASCO is 60-46 (+26.9 Units) against the money line in road games in games played on a grass field since 1997. (Team's Record)
NOLASCO is 29-20 (+14.7 Units) against the money line in road games after a win since 1997. (Team's Record)
PHILADELPHIA is 53-69 (-21.1 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
PHILADELPHIA is 69-70 (-21.3 Units) against the money line in home games over the last 2 seasons.
PHILADELPHIA is 32-40 (-18.8 Units) against the money line when playing on Sunday over the last 3 seasons.
PHILADELPHIA is 36-48 (-19.2 Units) against the money line in day games over the last 2 seasons.
PHILADELPHIA is 53-69 (-21.1 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
PHILADELPHIA is 41-53 (-15.8 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.
PHILADELPHIA is 64-82 (-26.9 Units) against the money line after a loss over the last 2 seasons.
PHILADELPHIA is 64-84 (-27.4 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.
HAMELS is 7-18 (-16.4 Units) against the money line in all games this season. (Team's Record)
HAMELS is 3-9 (-10.4 Units) against the money line in home games this season. (Team's Record)
HAMELS is 7-18 (-16.4 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season. (Team's Record)
HAMELS is 29-32 (-21.6 Units) against the money line in home games when playing against a team with a winning record since 1997. (Team's Record)

Head-to-Head Series History
LA DODGERS is 5-1 (+3.6 Units) against PHILADELPHIA this season
3 of 6 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=-0.4 Units, Under=-0.6 Units)

RICKY NOLASCO vs. PHILADELPHIA since 1997
NOLASCO is 8-5 when starting against PHILADELPHIA with an ERA of 3.37 and a WHIP of 1.168.
His team's record is 9-9 (+3.5 units) in these starts. The OVER is 8-10. (-2.9 units)

COLE HAMELS vs. LA DODGERS since 1997
HAMELS is 6-1 when starting against LA DODGERS with an ERA of 2.39 and a WHIP of 1.020.
His team's record is 7-3 (+3.0 units) in these starts. The OVER is 4-4. (-0.1 units)

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ARIZONA (63 - 58) at PITTSBURGH (72 - 50) - 1:35 PM
WADE MILEY (L) vs. CHARLIE MORTON (R)
Top Trends for this game.
PITTSBURGH is 72-50 (+24.7 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
PITTSBURGH is 42-21 (+17.4 Units) against the money line in home games this season.
PITTSBURGH is 72-50 (+24.7 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
PITTSBURGH is 30-19 (+12.4 Units) against the money line after a loss this season.
PITTSBURGH is 333-346 (+46.4 Units) against the money line in home games when playing against a team with a winning record since 1997.
PITTSBURGH is 26-47 (-22.5 Units) against the money line in August games over the last 3 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
PITTSBURGH is 3-2 (+1.0 Units) against ARIZONA this season
4 of 5 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+3.0 Units)

WADE MILEY vs. PITTSBURGH since 1997
MILEY is 2-1 when starting against PITTSBURGH with an ERA of 2.04 and a WHIP of 1.188.
His team's record is 2-1 (+0.9 units) in these starts. The OVER is 2-1. (+1.0 units)

CHARLIE MORTON vs. ARIZONA since 1997
MORTON is 2-1 when starting against ARIZONA with an ERA of 5.14 and a WHIP of 1.476.
His team's record is 2-2 (+1.3 units) in these starts. The OVER is 3-1. (+1.9 units)

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WASHINGTON (60 - 62) at ATLANTA (75 - 48) - 1:35 PM
GIO GONZALEZ (L) vs. JULIO TEHERAN (R)
Top Trends for this game.
WASHINGTON is 60-62 (-14.5 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
WASHINGTON is 4-14 (-9.3 Units) against the money line as a road underdog of +100 to +125 this season.
WASHINGTON is 20-23 (-10.0 Units) against the money line in day games this season.
WASHINGTON is 60-62 (-14.5 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
WASHINGTON is 41-46 (-16.7 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.
WASHINGTON is 29-30 (-9.3 Units) against the money line after a win this season.
WASHINGTON is 23-32 (-10.9 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record this season.
WASHINGTON is 2-11 (-10.7 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record in the second half of the season this season.
ATLANTA is 75-48 (+13.4 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
ATLANTA is 40-17 (+16.6 Units) against the money line as a home favorite of -125 to -150 over the last 3 seasons.
ATLANTA is 43-18 (+14.8 Units) against the money line in home games this season.
ATLANTA is 80-45 (+25.0 Units) against the money line against division opponents over the last 2 seasons.
ATLANTA is 74-47 (+13.4 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
ATLANTA is 59-29 (+19.2 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.
GONZALEZ is 39-19 (+16.2 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
GONZALEZ is 22-8 (+14.4 Units) against the money line in road games over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
GONZALEZ is 39-19 (+16.2 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
GONZALEZ is 22-9 (+11.4 Units) against the money line after a win over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)

Head-to-Head Series History
ATLANTA is 11-4 (+7.5 Units) against WASHINGTON this season
9 of 15 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+2.1 Units)

GIO GONZALEZ vs. ATLANTA since 1997
GONZALEZ is 2-5 when starting against ATLANTA with an ERA of 5.24 and a WHIP of 1.433.
His team's record is 2-6 (-4.9 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 4-4. (-0.7 units)

JULIO TEHERAN vs. WASHINGTON since 1997
TEHERAN is 1-1 when starting against WASHINGTON with an ERA of 3.75 and a WHIP of 1.417.
His team's record is 3-1 (+2.4 units) in these starts. The OVER is 1-3. (-2.6 units)

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CINCINNATI (69 - 54) at MILWAUKEE (54 - 69) - 2:10 PM
HOMER BAILEY (R) vs. WILY PERALTA (R)
Top Trends for this game.
BAILEY is 8-15 (-10.3 Units) against the money line in day games over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
MILWAUKEE is 85-45 (+26.8 Units) against the money line at home when the total is 8 to 8.5 over the last 3 seasons.
MILWAUKEE is 45-26 (+19.2 Units) against the money line in August games over the last 3 seasons.
MILWAUKEE is 109-60 (+33.6 Units) against the money line in home games against right-handed starters over the last 3 seasons.
MILWAUKEE is 31-23 (+12.6 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.
CINCINNATI is 168-122 (+15.9 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
CINCINNATI is 647-718 (+55.7 Units) against the money line in road games since 1997.
CINCINNATI is 309-331 (+32.4 Units) against the money line in road games against division opponents since 1997.
CINCINNATI is 168-122 (+15.9 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
CINCINNATI is 466-516 (+45.3 Units) against the money line in road games against right-handed starters since 1997.
CINCINNATI is 75-45 (+22.5 Units) against the money line after a loss over the last 2 seasons.
CINCINNATI is 98-56 (+19.0 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 2 seasons.
CINCINNATI is 207-167 (+45.8 Units) against the money line in road games when playing against a team with a losing record in the second half of the season since 1997.
BAILEY is 22-8 (+13.9 Units) against the money line in road games when playing against a team with a losing record since 1997. (Team's Record)
BAILEY is 30-10 (+17.8 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)
MILWAUKEE is 54-69 (-12.8 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
MILWAUKEE is 17-28 (-14.0 Units) against the money line when playing on Sunday over the last 2 seasons.
MILWAUKEE is 13-27 (-15.0 Units) against the money line in day games this season.
MILWAUKEE is 54-69 (-12.8 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
MILWAUKEE is 5-7 (-0.3 Units) against CINCINNATI this season
10 of 12 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+7.5 Units)

HOMER BAILEY vs. MILWAUKEE since 1997
BAILEY is 1-7 when starting against MILWAUKEE with an ERA of 6.03 and a WHIP of 1.540.
His team's record is 5-8 (-4.3 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 8-5. (+2.3 units)

WILY PERALTA vs. CINCINNATI since 1997
PERALTA is 1-2 when starting against CINCINNATI with an ERA of 2.46 and a WHIP of 1.013.
His team's record is 1-3 (-1.8 units) in these starts. The OVER is 0-4. (-4.2 units)

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

ST LOUIS (70 - 52) at CHICAGO CUBS (53 - 69) - 2:20 PM
ADAM WAINWRIGHT (R) vs. EDWIN JACKSON (R)
Top Trends for this game.
ST LOUIS is 34-34 (-12.4 Units) against the money line after a win this season.
ST LOUIS is 57-33 (+13.7 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.
WAINWRIGHT is 31-12 (+17.1 Units) against the money line in road games against division opponents since 1997. (Team's Record)
WAINWRIGHT is 23-8 (+13.9 Units) against the money line in road games in day games since 1997. (Team's Record)
CHICAGO CUBS are 114-170 (-31.4 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
CHICAGO CUBS are 24-37 (-13.9 Units) against the money line in home games this season.
CHICAGO CUBS are 12-32 (-15.9 Units) against the money line in August games over the last 2 seasons.
CHICAGO CUBS are 19-36 (-12.1 Units) against the money line against division opponents this season.
CHICAGO CUBS are 13-24 (-11.4 Units) against the money line in home games in day games this season.
CHICAGO CUBS are 24-37 (-13.9 Units) against the money line in home games in games played on a grass field this season.
CHICAGO CUBS are 80-125 (-27.9 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters over the last 2 seasons.
CHICAGO CUBS are 24-46 (-13.7 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record this season.
CHICAGO CUBS are 138-183 (-61.2 Units) against the money line in home games when playing against a team with a winning record in the second half of the season since 1997.
JACKSON is 21-34 (-14.0 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
JACKSON is 6-18 (-13.5 Units) against the money line against division opponents over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
JACKSON is 20-34 (-15.5 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)

Head-to-Head Series History
CHICAGO CUBS is 7-8 (+2.3 Units) against ST LOUIS this season
10 of 15 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+4.3 Units)

ADAM WAINWRIGHT vs. CHICAGO CUBS since 1997
WAINWRIGHT is 6-6 when starting against CHICAGO CUBS with an ERA of 4.58 and a WHIP of 1.361.
His team's record is 11-9 (-2.0 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 9-9. (-1.2 units)

EDWIN JACKSON vs. ST LOUIS since 1997
JACKSON is 2-4 when starting against ST LOUIS with an ERA of 4.68 and a WHIP of 1.439.
His team's record is 3-7 (-4.1 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 3-6. (-3.8 units)

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

NY METS (56 - 65) at SAN DIEGO (55 - 68) - 4:10 PM
MATT HARVEY (R) vs. ERIC STULTS (L)
Top Trends for this game.
SAN DIEGO is 131-151 (+3.2 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
SAN DIEGO is 65-64 (+12.2 Units) against the money line after a win over the last 2 seasons.
STULTS is 23-17 (+11.1 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
STULTS is 23-16 (+12.1 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
NY METS are 69-76 (+11.0 Units) against the money line in road games over the last 2 seasons.
NY METS are 41-36 (+15.6 Units) against the money line in road games in day games over the last 3 seasons.
NY METS are 108-112 (+25.0 Units) against the money line in road games in games played on a grass field over the last 3 seasons.
NY METS are 22-18 (+8.4 Units) against the money line against left-handed starters this season.
NY METS are 57-55 (+17.1 Units) against the money line in road games after a loss over the last 3 seasons.
NY METS are 57-47 (+16.4 Units) against the money line in road games when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 3 seasons.
NY METS are 13-7 (+8.9 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record in the second half of the season this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
NY METS is 4-2 (+2.2 Units) against SAN DIEGO this season
3 of 5 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+1.0 Units)

MATT HARVEY vs. SAN DIEGO since 1997
HARVEY is 1-1 when starting against SAN DIEGO with an ERA of 3.75 and a WHIP of 1.000.
His team's record is 1-1 (-0.3 units) in these starts. The OVER is 2-0. (+2.0 units)

ERIC STULTS vs. NY METS since 1997
STULTS is 3-1 when starting against NY METS with an ERA of 2.08 and a WHIP of 1.115.
His team's record is 3-2 (+2.1 units) in these starts. The OVER is 2-3. (-1.2 units)

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KANSAS CITY (64 - 58) at DETROIT (72 - 51) - 1:05 PM
BRUCE CHEN (L) vs. MAX SCHERZER (R)
Top Trends for this game.
DETROIT is 26-5 (+16.9 Units) against the money line as a home favorite of -175 to -200 over the last 2 seasons.
SCHERZER is 41-18 (+14.9 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
SCHERZER is 20-5 (+12.3 Units) against the money line against division opponents over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
KANSAS CITY is 64-58 (+5.5 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
KANSAS CITY is 17-14 (+13.0 Units) against the money line as a road underdog of +150 to +175 over the last 2 seasons.
KANSAS CITY is 28-18 (+14.0 Units) against the money line in August games over the last 2 seasons.
KANSAS CITY is 31-22 (+9.2 Units) against the money line against division opponents this season.
KANSAS CITY is 48-39 (+9.5 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.
KANSAS CITY is 19-13 (+10.3 Units) against the money line in road games after a loss this season.
KANSAS CITY is 30-28 (+8.0 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record this season.
CHEN is 11-4 (+9.6 Units) against the money line in August games over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
CHEN is 55-40 (+21.5 Units) against the money line against division opponents since 1997. (Team's Record)
DETROIT is 167-131 (-16.2 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
DETROIT is 159-125 (-17.3 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
DETROIT is 48-45 (-19.9 Units) against the money line against left-handed starters over the last 2 seasons.
DETROIT is 40-32 (-12.3 Units) against the money line after a win this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
KANSAS CITY is 7-5 (+4.9 Units) against DETROIT this season
8 of 12 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+3.2 Units)

BRUCE CHEN vs. DETROIT since 1997
CHEN is 5-7 when starting against DETROIT with an ERA of 5.16 and a WHIP of 1.416.
His team's record is 7-9 (-1.1 units) in these starts. The OVER is 9-6. (+2.7 units)

MAX SCHERZER vs. KANSAS CITY since 1997
SCHERZER is 8-4 when starting against KANSAS CITY with an ERA of 3.73 and a WHIP of 1.352.
His team's record is 10-5 (+3.2 units) in these starts. The OVER is 6-9. (-3.6 units)

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

TORONTO (57 - 66) at TAMPA BAY (69 - 52) - 1:40 PM
TODD REDMOND (R) vs. CHRIS ARCHER (R)
Top Trends for this game.
TORONTO is 57-66 (-8.1 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
TORONTO is 16-28 (-11.5 Units) against the money line when the total is 8 to 8.5 this season.
TORONTO is 8-19 (-10.1 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record in the second half of the season this season.
TAMPA BAY is 74-47 (+19.9 Units) against the money line when the total is 8 to 8.5 over the last 2 seasons.
TAMPA BAY is 100-43 (+30.3 Units) against the money line as a home favorite of -150 to -175 since 1997.
TAMPA BAY is 31-14 (+13.0 Units) against the money line when playing on Sunday over the last 2 seasons.
TAMPA BAY is 505-589 (+22.8 Units) against the money line against division opponents since 1997.
TAMPA BAY is 112-61 (+31.3 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 3 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
TAMPA BAY is 9-6 (+1.8 Units) against TORONTO this season
7 of 15 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=-1.1 Units, Under=-0.6 Units)

TODD REDMOND vs. TAMPA BAY since 1997
No recent starts.

CHRIS ARCHER vs. TORONTO since 1997
ARCHER is 1-0 when starting against TORONTO with an ERA of 1.29 and a WHIP of 1.286.
His team's record is 1-0 (+1.2 units) in these starts. The OVER is 0-1. (-1.3 units)

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

CHI WHITE SOX (48 - 74) at MINNESOTA (54 - 67) - 2:10 PM
HECTOR SANTIAGO (L) vs. SAM DEDUNO (R)
Top Trends for this game.
CHI WHITE SOX are 48-74 (-26.4 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
CHI WHITE SOX are 18-37 (-18.9 Units) against the money line when the total is 8 to 8.5 this season.
CHI WHITE SOX are 20-42 (-19.5 Units) against the money line in road games this season.
CHI WHITE SOX are 17-36 (-19.7 Units) against the money line against division opponents this season.
CHI WHITE SOX are 46-69 (-23.9 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
CHI WHITE SOX are 36-56 (-19.2 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.
CHI WHITE SOX are 21-37 (-19.6 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record this season.
CHI WHITE SOX are 3-10 (-9.0 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record in the second half of the season this season.
MINNESOTA is 25-23 (+10.7 Units) against the money line in day games this season.
MINNESOTA is 53-61 (+6.9 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
MINNESOTA is 33-22 (+17.8 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record this season.
DEDUNO is 10-2 (+9.8 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
CHI WHITE SOX are 344-340 (+30.3 Units) against the money line in road games after a win since 1997.
MINNESOTA is 92-130 (-37.8 Units) against the money line in home games over the last 3 seasons.
MINNESOTA is 10-28 (-19.9 Units) against the money line in home games in August games over the last 3 seasons.
MINNESOTA is 31-51 (-17.9 Units) against the money line in home games after a loss over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
MINNESOTA is 10-5 (+6.6 Units) against CHI WHITE SOX this season
7 of 13 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+0.2 Units)

HECTOR SANTIAGO vs. MINNESOTA since 1997
SANTIAGO is 1-1 when starting against MINNESOTA with an ERA of 3.37 and a WHIP of 1.406.
His team's record is 1-1 (-0.1 units) in these starts. The OVER is 1-1. (+0.0 units)

SAM DEDUNO vs. CHI WHITE SOX since 1997
DEDUNO is 0-2 when starting against CHI WHITE SOX with an ERA of 5.40 and a WHIP of 1.700.
His team's record is 0-2 (-2.0 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 2-0. (+2.0 units)

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

SEATTLE (56 - 66) at TEXAS (71 - 52) - 3:05 PM
ERASMO RAMIREZ (L) vs. YU DARVISH (R)
Top Trends for this game.
SEATTLE is 301-429 (-98.5 Units) against the money line in road games after a loss since 1997.
TEXAS is 87-51 (+25.3 Units) against the money line when the total is 8 to 8.5 over the last 3 seasons.
TEXAS is 38-15 (+16.1 Units) against the money line against division opponents this season.
TEXAS is 88-75 (-16.9 Units) against the money line after a win over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
TEXAS is 9-6 (+1.1 Units) against SEATTLE this season
6 of 13 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=-0.9 Units, Under=-0.3 Units)

ERASMO RAMIREZ vs. TEXAS since 1997
No recent starts.

YU DARVISH vs. SEATTLE since 1997
DARVISH is 3-3 when starting against SEATTLE with an ERA of 5.00 and a WHIP of 1.333.
His team's record is 3-3 (-1.0 units) in these starts. The OVER is 4-2. (+2.0 units)

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

HOUSTON (40 - 82) at LA ANGELS (55 - 67) - 3:35 PM
BRETT OBERHOLTZER (L) vs. JASON VARGAS (L)
Top Trends for this game.
HOUSTON is 95-188 (-43.2 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
HOUSTON is 17-44 (-17.2 Units) against the money line when the total is 8 to 8.5 this season.
HOUSTON is 4-22 (-15.7 Units) against the money line as a road underdog of +150 to +175 over the last 2 seasons.
HOUSTON is 66-157 (-44.2 Units) against the money line in road games over the last 3 seasons.
HOUSTON is 19-60 (-26.0 Units) against the money line on the road when the total is 8 to 8.5 over the last 3 seasons.
HOUSTON is 9-34 (-18.2 Units) against the money line in August games over the last 2 seasons.
HOUSTON is 3-17 (-12.2 Units) against the money line when playing on Sunday this season.
HOUSTON is 8-28 (-14.9 Units) against the money line in day games this season.
HOUSTON is 93-183 (-43.0 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
HOUSTON is 99-194 (-49.4 Units) against the money line after a loss over the last 3 seasons.
HOUSTON is 18-48 (-19.5 Units) against the money line in road games when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 2 seasons.
HOUSTON is 11-42 (-26.0 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.
LA ANGELS are 412-340 (+52.8 Units) against the money line in day games since 1997.
LA ANGELS are 55-67 (-28.3 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
LA ANGELS are 33-36 (-12.9 Units) against the money line when the total is 8 to 8.5 this season.
LA ANGELS are 134-126 (-68.8 Units) against the money line as a home favorite of -150 to -175 since 1997.
LA ANGELS are 31-33 (-17.1 Units) against the money line in home games this season.
LA ANGELS are 6-13 (-10.1 Units) against the money line when playing on Sunday this season.
LA ANGELS are 19-34 (-25.6 Units) against the money line against division opponents this season.
LA ANGELS are 55-67 (-28.3 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
LA ANGELS are 12-20 (-12.2 Units) against the money line against left-handed starters this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
HOUSTON is 8-7 (+7.6 Units) against LA ANGELS this season
7 of 14 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=-0.2 Units, Under=-1.0 Units)

BRETT OBERHOLTZER vs. LA ANGELS since 1997
No recent starts.

JASON VARGAS vs. HOUSTON since 1997
VARGAS is 0-1 when starting against HOUSTON with an ERA of 6.75 and a WHIP of 1.687.
His team's record is 1-1 (+0.0 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 1-1. (-0.3 units)

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

CLEVELAND (66 - 57) at OAKLAND (69 - 53) - 4:05 PM
SCOTT KAZMIR (L) vs. BARTOLO COLON (R)
Top Trends for this game.
CLEVELAND is 12-33 (-19.5 Units) against the money line in August games over the last 2 seasons.
OAKLAND is 165-124 (+44.2 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
OAKLAND is 44-20 (+16.4 Units) against the money line as a home favorite of -125 to -150 over the last 3 seasons.
OAKLAND is 88-54 (+25.7 Units) against the money line in home games over the last 2 seasons.
OAKLAND is 269-199 (+62.7 Units) against the money line in August games since 1997.
OAKLAND is 66-49 (+8.8 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
OAKLAND is 80-66 (+23.9 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.
OAKLAND is 35-29 (+10.3 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.
COLON is 31-17 (+14.0 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
COLON is 30-17 (+12.7 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
CLEVELAND is 66-57 (+13.9 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
CLEVELAND is 26-16 (+11.1 Units) against the money line in day games this season.
CLEVELAND is 63-54 (+11.8 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
CLEVELAND is 43-40 (+5.5 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.
CLEVELAND is 38-26 (+11.4 Units) against the money line after a win this season.
KAZMIR is 58-51 (+21.5 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record since 1997. (Team's Record)
COLON is 18-25 (-16.4 Units) against the money line as a home favorite of -125 to -150 since 1997. (Team's Record)

Head-to-Head Series History
CLEVELAND is 5-1 (+4.5 Units) against OAKLAND this season
3 of 5 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+0.9 Units)

SCOTT KAZMIR vs. OAKLAND since 1997
KAZMIR is 10-5 when starting against OAKLAND with an ERA of 3.77 and a WHIP of 1.276.
His team's record is 11-7 (+3.4 units) in these starts. The OVER is 8-8. (-0.8 units)

BARTOLO COLON vs. CLEVELAND since 1997
COLON is 6-4 when starting against CLEVELAND with an ERA of 3.84 and a WHIP of 1.183.
His team's record is 7-4 (+1.8 units) in these starts. The OVER is 3-7. (-4.6 units)

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

NY YANKEES (63 - 59) at BOSTON (73 - 52) - 8:05 PM
C.C. SABATHIA (L) vs. RYAN DEMPSTER (R)
Top Trends for this game.
BOSTON is 73-52 (+10.1 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
DEMPSTER is 28-10 (+16.5 Units) against the money line at home with a money line of -100 to -125 since 1997. (Team's Record)
BOSTON is 25-26 (-9.8 Units) against the money line when the total is 9 to 9.5 this season.
BOSTON is 74-69 (-19.1 Units) against the money line in home games over the last 2 seasons.
BOSTON is 32-40 (-22.1 Units) against the money line at home when the total is 9 to 9.5 over the last 2 seasons.
BOSTON is 17-28 (-17.8 Units) against the money line in August games over the last 2 seasons.
BOSTON is 24-37 (-24.9 Units) against the money line in home games against division opponents over the last 2 seasons.
BOSTON is 123-131 (-34.7 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
BOSTON is 97-107 (-28.4 Units) against the money line in night games over the last 2 seasons.
BOSTON is 461-343 (-56.5 Units) against the money line in home games after a win since 1997.
BOSTON is 71-91 (-27.4 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.
BOSTON is 28-50 (-22.7 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record in the second half of the season over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
BOSTON is 7-4 (+2.0 Units) against NY YANKEES this season
6 of 11 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+0.2 Units)

C.C. SABATHIA vs. BOSTON since 1997
SABATHIA is 9-12 when starting against BOSTON with an ERA of 4.80 and a WHIP of 1.336.
His team's record is 10-17 (-10.7 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 14-12. (+0.7 units)

RYAN DEMPSTER vs. NY YANKEES since 1997
DEMPSTER is 0-5 when starting against NY YANKEES with an ERA of 6.98 and a WHIP of 1.992.
His team's record is 1-6 (-5.0 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 4-3. (+0.7 units)

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

COLORADO (58 - 66) at BALTIMORE (66 - 56) - 1:35 PM
JHOULYS CHACIN (R) vs. SCOTT FELDMAN (R)
Top Trends for this game.
COLORADO is 122-164 (-29.7 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
COLORADO is 139-248 (-57.8 Units) against the money line as a road underdog of +125 to +150 since 1997.
COLORADO is 23-48 (-29.2 Units) against the money line when playing on Sunday over the last 3 seasons.
COLORADO is 4-13 (-11.6 Units) against the money line in an inter-league game this season.
COLORADO is 58-90 (-40.9 Units) against the money line in day games over the last 3 seasons.
COLORADO is 195-252 (-58.1 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 3 seasons.
BALTIMORE is 66-56 (+4.6 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
BALTIMORE is 57-48 (+11.5 Units) against the money line when the total is 8 to 8.5 over the last 2 seasons.
BALTIMORE is 61-48 (+6.6 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
BALTIMORE is 48-35 (+11.1 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.
BALTIMORE is 85-76 (+10.9 Units) against the money line after a win over the last 2 seasons.
FELDMAN is 9-2 (+6.7 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record this season. (Team's Record)
BALTIMORE is 177-256 (-77.2 Units) against the money line when playing on Sunday since 1997.
BALTIMORE is 4-12 (-11.1 Units) against the money line in home games in day games this season.
FELDMAN is 18-25 (-13.6 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
FELDMAN is 24-37 (-24.7 Units) against the money line in home games since 1997. (Team's Record)
FELDMAN is 18-25 (-13.6 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
FELDMAN is 10-19 (-15.9 Units) against the money line after a win over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
FELDMAN is 1-10 (-14.2 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)

Head-to-Head Series History
COLORADO is 1-1 (+0.7 Units) against BALTIMORE this season
2 of 2 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+2.1 Units)

JHOULYS CHACIN vs. BALTIMORE since 1997
No recent starts.

SCOTT FELDMAN vs. COLORADO since 1997
No recent starts.

[StarDust Bum]

MLB
Short Sheet

Sunday, August 18

National League

San Francisco at Miami, 1:10 ET
Bumgarner: Under is 5-1 last six times Bumgarner has started a road day game
Koehler: Marlins 5-11 SU when Koehler starts a game

Los Angeles Dodgers at Philadelphia, 1:35 ET TBS
Nolasco: Dodgers 6-1 SU when Nolasco has started for them
Hamels: Under is 6-0 in Hamels' last six home starts

Arizona at Pittsburgh, 1:35 ET
Miley: Diamondbacks 0-3 SU in Miley's last three road starts during the day
Morton: Pirates 7-4 in Morton's 2013 home starts

Washington at Atlanta, 1:35 ET TBS
Gonzalez: Nationals 9-2 SU when Gonzalez starts a road day game
Teheran: Under is 9-3 in 2013 when Teheran starts at home

Cincinnati at Milwaukee, 2:10 ET
Bailey: Under is 4-0-1 in Bailey's last five road starts during the day
Peralta: Brewers 3-11 SU in last 14 home series finales

St. Louis at Chicago Cubs, 2:20 ET
Wainwright: Cardinals 8-0 SU last eight times Wainwright has started a road day game
Jackson: Under is 5-1 last six times Jackson has started at Wrigley

New York Mets at San Diego Padres, 4:10 ET
Harvey: Mets 8-3 SU in last 11 road series finales
Stults: Over is 6-3 in last nine home day games for Padres


American League

Kansas City Royals at Detroit Tigers, 1:08 ET
Chen: Royals 8-16 SU when Chen starts a road day game
Scherzer: Tigers 8-3 SU when Scherzer starts a home day game

Toronto at Tampa Bay, 1:40 ET
Redmond: Blue Jays 2-4 SU in last road series finales
Archer: Under is 7-2 when Archer starts at home

Chicago White Sox at Minnesota, 2:10 ET
Santiago: White Sox 1-6 SU in Santiago's last seven road starts
Deduno: Twins 9-4 SU when Deduno starts at home

Seattle at Texas, 3:05 ET
Ramirez: Over is 7-2 in last nine road day games for Mariners
Darvish: Rangers 5-1 SU when Darvish starts a home day game

Houston at Los Angeles Angels, 3:35 ET
Oberholtzer: Astros 4-13 SU in 2013 when playing a road day game
Vargas: Over is 7-2 in last nine home series finales during the day for Angels

Cleveland at Oakland, 4:05 ET
Kazmir: Indians -4 SU as road dog when Kazmir starts
Colon: Athletics 6-1 in Colon's last seven home starts during the day

New York Yankees at Boston Red Sox, 8:05 ET ESPN
Sabathia: Over is 7-2 in Sabathia's last nine road starts
Dempster: Red Sox 9-2 SU in last 11 Sunday night games vs. Yankees at Fenway


Interleague

Colorado at Baltimore, 1:35 ET
Chacin: Under is 6-1 in Chacin's last seven road starts
Feldman: Orioles 9-3 SU in last 12 home series finales