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

[StarDust Bum]

MLB

Monday, August 5

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Monday's MLB betting notes and tips
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NATIONAL

Los Angeles Dodgers at St. Louis Cardinals (-150, 7)

Hot pitching stat: Pretty solid July numbers for scheduled Dodgers starter Zack Greinke. The righty went 3-1 with a 2.63 ERA in his six July outings. The Dodgers were 5-1 in the games he started.

Cold batting stat: Dodgers 1B Adrian Gonzalez is 3-for-14 (.214) with five strikeouts in his career versus Cards starter Adam Wainwright.

Weather: There is a 30 percent chance of thunderstorms in the forecast. Temperatures will be in the low-80s with wind blowing from right field to left field at 11 mph.

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

Atlanta Braves at Washington Nationals (-128, 7)

Cold pitching stat: Nats starter Stephen Strasburg is coming off a rough outing versus the Detroit Tigers on July 30. The Nats righty last seven innings but gave up five runs on six hits, including one homer, in a 5-1 loss.

Hot batting stat: Braves 2B Dan Uggla has fared well versus Strasburg. Uggla is 11-for-24 (.458) with two doubles, two homers and eight RBIs versus the Nats ace. The Braves roster hits a collective .313 versus Strasburg.

Weather: Temperatures will be in the high-70s with sunny skies. Wind will blow out to left field at 7 mph.

Key betting note: The Braves are 8-3 in starter Mike Minor's last 11 road starts.

Milwaukee Brewers at San Francisco Giants (-159, 7)

Hot pitching stat: Brewers pitcher Tyler Thornburg is coming off a strong outing in his first start of 2013. The young righty went six innings giving up four hits and no runs in a 3-2 win over the Cubs on July 30.

Cold batting stat: It hasn't been a productive August for Pablo Sandoval. The Giants 3B is 1-for-13 (.077) to start the month.

Weather: Temperatures will be in the low-50s with sunny skies. Wind will blow out to center field at 10 mph.

Key betting note: The Giants are 3-13 in their last 16 home games.


AMERICAN

Detroit Tigers at Cleveland Indians (+104, 7.5)

Hot pitching stat: Tigers starter Anibal Sanchez is 2-0 with a 0.69 ERA in his previous two outings.

Cold batting stat: Tigers slugger Prince Fielder is 2-for-12 (.167) in his career versus Indians starter Corey Kluber. One of Fielder's hits has been a home run, however.

Weather: There is a 30 percent chance of showers in the forecast for gametime. Temperatures will be in the high-60s and wind will blow out to left field at 4 mph.

Key betting note: The Indians are 6-0 in Kluber's last six home starts.

Boston Red Sox at Houston Astros (+174, 8.5)

Hot pitching stat: Astros lefty Brett Oberholtzer fared quite well in his debut start on July 31. The southpaw tossed seven innings of three-hit ball en route to an 11-0 victory over the Baltimore Orioles.

Cold batting stat: Sox 1B Dustin Pedroia had a rough time at the plate over the weekend. He went 2-for-12 in the three-game set versus the Arizona Diamondbacks.

Weather: Temperatures will be in the high-90s with sunny skies. Wind will blow out to right field at 13 mph.

Key betting note: The under is 5-0 in Lackey's last five road starts.

New York Yankees at Chicago White Sox (-104, 8)

Hot pitching stat: Sox starter Jose Quintana finished July with very respectable numbers. The lefty was 2-1 with a 2.79 ERA in his six July starts.

Hot batting stat: Sox slugger Paul Konerko is 13-for-35 (.371) with two doubles, two homers and 11 RBIs in his career versus Yankees starter Andy Pettitte.

Weather: There is a 30 percent chance of thunderstorms in the forecast. Temperatures will be in the low-70s with wind blowing in from right field at 12 mph.

Key betting note: The White Sox are 7-1 in their last eight home games versus a left-handed starter.

Minnesota Twins at Kansas City Royals (-166, 9)

Hot pitching stat: Royals starter Jeremy Guthrie is 3-0 with a 3.60 ERA in his last three outings.

Cold batting stat: Royals OF Alex Gordon is 2-for-9 (.222) in his career versus Twins starter Kevin Correia.

Weather: There is a 30 percent chance of thunderstorms in the forecast for gametime. Temperatures will be in the low-90s and wind will blow from right field to left field at 6 mph.

Key betting note: The Royals are 15-2 in Guthrie's last 17 home starts.

Texas Rangers at Los Angeles Angels (-104, 9)

Cold pitching stat: Angels starter Jerome Williams had an atrocious July. The righty finished the month 0-4 with a 9.12 ERA in his six July starts.

Hot batting stat: To say Nelson Cruz has Williams' number would be an understatement. The Rangers' slugger is 11-for-18 (.611) with four homers and 10 RBIs in his career versus the Angels hurler.

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

Key betting note: The Angels are 2-9 in Williams' last 11 home starts.

Toronto Blue Jays at Seattle Mariners (-125, 7)

Hot pitching stat: Mariners starter Hisashi Iwakuma went seven innings, giving up five hits and one earned run in an 8-1 victory over the Jays on May 4.

Cold batting stat: Jays 3B Brett Lawrie and OF Colby Rasmus are both 0-for-8 in their careers versus Iwakuma.

Weather: Temperatures will be in the high-70s with sunny skies. Wind will blow from left field to right field at 6 mph.

Key betting note: The Blue Jays are 2-7 in the last nine meetings.

[StarDust Bum]

MLB
Long Sheet

Monday, August 5

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ATLANTA (67 - 45) at WASHINGTON (54 - 57) - 7:05 PM
MIKE MINOR (L) vs. STEPHEN STRASBURG (R)
Top Trends for this game.
WASHINGTON is 109-98 (+19.0 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 3 seasons.
ATLANTA is 67-45 (+10.0 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
ATLANTA is 11-2 (+8.8 Units) against the money line when playing on Monday this season.
ATLANTA is 72-42 (+21.6 Units) against the money line against division opponents over the last 2 seasons.
ATLANTA is 66-44 (+10.0 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
ATLANTA is 113-71 (+26.6 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters over the last 2 seasons.
ATLANTA is 100-61 (+25.3 Units) against the money line after a win over the last 2 seasons.
ATLANTA is 22-6 (+14.2 Units) against the money line after 3 or more consecutive wins this season.
WASHINGTON is 54-57 (-14.4 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
WASHINGTON is 54-57 (-14.4 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
STRASBURG is 7-14 (-13.2 Units) against the money line in all games this season. (Team's Record)
STRASBURG is 7-14 (-13.2 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season. (Team's Record)
STRASBURG is 10-15 (-13.7 Units) against the money line in night games over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
STRASBURG is 2-8 (-8.1 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record this season. (Team's Record)

Head-to-Head Series History
ATLANTA is 7-3 (+4.3 Units) against WASHINGTON this season
6 of 10 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+1.4 Units)

MIKE MINOR vs. WASHINGTON since 1997
MINOR is 3-2 when starting against WASHINGTON with an ERA of 4.55 and a WHIP of 1.421.
His team's record is 3-3 (-0.6 units) in these starts. The OVER is 3-3. (-0.2 units)

STEPHEN STRASBURG vs. ATLANTA since 1997
STRASBURG is 3-4 when starting against ATLANTA with an ERA of 3.55 and a WHIP of 1.323.
His team's record is 4-6 (-3.7 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 6-4. (+1.4 units)

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LA DODGERS (61 - 49) at ST LOUIS (65 - 45) - 7:05 PM
ZACK GREINKE (R) vs. ADAM WAINWRIGHT (R)
Top Trends for this game.
GREINKE is 4-21 (-15.9 Units) against the money line as a road underdog of +125 to +150 since 1997. (Team's Record)
GREINKE is 46-76 (-33.0 Units) against the money line in road games since 1997. (Team's Record)
ST LOUIS is 54-29 (+17.0 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.
ST LOUIS is 198-128 (+49.5 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.
LA DODGERS are 30-24 (+6.6 Units) against the money line in road games this season.
LA DODGERS are 24-13 (+13.0 Units) against the money line in road games against right-handed starters this season.
LA DODGERS are 39-30 (+11.5 Units) against the money line in road games after a win over the last 2 seasons.
LA DODGERS are 19-10 (+11.9 Units) against the money line in road games when playing against a team with a winning record in the second half of the season over the last 2 seasons.
GREINKE is 13-4 (+9.0 Units) against the money line in all games this season. (Team's Record)
GREINKE is 15-3 (+11.6 Units) against the money line when the total is 7 or less over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
GREINKE is 13-4 (+9.0 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season. (Team's Record)
GREINKE is 11-2 (+9.0 Units) against the money line in night games this season. (Team's Record)
ST LOUIS is 55-64 (-22.4 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
ST LOUIS is 2-1 (+1.1 Units) against LA DODGERS this season
2 of 3 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+1.0 Units)

ZACK GREINKE vs. ST LOUIS since 1997
GREINKE is 7-4 when starting against ST LOUIS with an ERA of 3.62 and a WHIP of 1.249.
His team's record is 7-4 (+3.0 units) in these starts. The OVER is 5-6. (-1.5 units)

ADAM WAINWRIGHT vs. LA DODGERS since 1997
WAINWRIGHT is 4-3 when starting against LA DODGERS with an ERA of 2.96 and a WHIP of 1.149.
His team's record is 6-4 (+2.0 units) in these starts. The OVER is 4-6. (-2.6 units)

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MILWAUKEE (47 - 64) at SAN FRANCISCO (49 - 61) - 10:15 PM
TYLER THORNBURG (R) vs. CHAD GAUDIN (R)
Top Trends for this game.
MILWAUKEE is 47-64 (-18.6 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
MILWAUKEE is 10-29 (-15.4 Units) against the money line as a road underdog of +125 to +150 over the last 3 seasons.
MILWAUKEE is 54-80 (-26.9 Units) against the money line in road games over the last 2 seasons.
MILWAUKEE is 47-64 (-18.6 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
MILWAUKEE is 64-67 (-18.9 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 2 seasons.
SAN FRANCISCO is 190-96 (+36.2 Units) against the money line as a home favorite of -150 to -175 since 1997.
SAN FRANCISCO is 173-111 (+58.4 Units) against the money line when playing on Monday since 1997.
SAN FRANCISCO is 49-61 (-22.0 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
SAN FRANCISCO is 19-24 (-11.8 Units) against the money line when the total is 7 or less this season.
SAN FRANCISCO is 12-19 (-16.9 Units) against the money line in home games in August games over the last 3 seasons.
SAN FRANCISCO is 48-57 (-19.3 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
SAN FRANCISCO is 30-38 (-13.2 Units) against the money line in night games this season.
SAN FRANCISCO is 34-39 (-12.2 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.
SAN FRANCISCO is 22-37 (-21.8 Units) against the money line after a loss this season.
SAN FRANCISCO is 19-32 (-21.2 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record this season.
SAN FRANCISCO is 1-8 (-11.1 Units) against the money line in home games when playing against a team with a losing record in the second half of the season this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
MILWAUKEE is 3-0 (+3.0 Units) against SAN FRANCISCO this season
2 of 3 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+1.0 Units)

TYLER THORNBURG vs. SAN FRANCISCO since 1997
No recent starts.

CHAD GAUDIN vs. MILWAUKEE since 1997
GAUDIN is 0-0 when starting against MILWAUKEE with an ERA of 16.17 and a WHIP of 4.790.
His team's record is 1-0 (+1.0 units) in these starts. The OVER is 1-0. (+1.0 units)

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DETROIT (64 - 45) at CLEVELAND (62 - 49) - 7:05 PM
ANIBAL SANCHEZ (R) vs. COREY KLUBER (R)
Top Trends for this game.
DETROIT is 159-125 (-15.3 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
DETROIT is 13-27 (-19.1 Units) against the money line on the road with a money line of -100 to -125 over the last 2 seasons.
DETROIT is 68-73 (-20.3 Units) against the money line in road games over the last 2 seasons.
DETROIT is 151-119 (-16.4 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
DETROIT is 43-49 (-16.7 Units) against the money line in road games in night games over the last 2 seasons.
DETROIT is 86-73 (-21.4 Units) against the money line after a win over the last 2 seasons.
DETROIT is 33-42 (-14.4 Units) against the money line in road games when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.
SANCHEZ is 23-29 (-15.1 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
SANCHEZ is 10-18 (-11.3 Units) against the money line in road games over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
SANCHEZ is 22-28 (-15.0 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
SANCHEZ is 3-10 (-9.8 Units) against the money line in road games in night games over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
SANCHEZ is 8-17 (-11.6 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
SANCHEZ is 4-14 (-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. (Team's Record)
CLEVELAND is 62-49 (+17.8 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
CLEVELAND is 37-19 (+16.4 Units) against the money line in home games this season.
CLEVELAND is 27-20 (+8.3 Units) against the money line against division opponents this season.
CLEVELAND is 59-46 (+15.7 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
CLEVELAND is 38-33 (+8.7 Units) against the money line in night games this season.
CLEVELAND is 39-34 (+7.2 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.
CLEVELAND is 37-23 (+13.6 Units) against the money line after a win this season.
CLEVELAND is 8-25 (-15.6 Units) against the money line in August games over the last 2 seasons.
CLEVELAND is 30-40 (-22.5 Units) against the money line in home games after shutting out their opponent since 1997.

Head-to-Head Series History
DETROIT is 9-3 (+3.9 Units) against CLEVELAND this season
7 of 12 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+1.5 Units)

ANIBAL SANCHEZ vs. CLEVELAND since 1997
SANCHEZ is 3-1 when starting against CLEVELAND with an ERA of 1.76 and a WHIP of 1.141.
His team's record is 3-2 (-0.4 units) in these starts. The OVER is 2-2. (-0.3 units)

COREY KLUBER vs. DETROIT since 1997
KLUBER is 1-3 when starting against DETROIT with an ERA of 6.04 and a WHIP of 1.624.
His team's record is 2-3 (+0.3 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 3-2. (+0.8 units)

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BOSTON (68 - 45) at HOUSTON (36 - 74) - 8:10 PM
JOHN LACKEY (R) vs. BRETT OBERHOLTZER (L)
Top Trends for this game.
BOSTON is 12-21 (-13.3 Units) against the money line in August games over the last 2 seasons.
BOSTON is 119-126 (-31.8 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
BOSTON is 93-101 (-23.9 Units) against the money line in night games over the last 2 seasons.
BOSTON is 68-45 (+14.7 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
BOSTON is 28-16 (+11.3 Units) against the money line when the total is 8 to 8.5 this season.
BOSTON is 34-16 (+12.9 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record this season.
HOUSTON is 91-180 (-43.2 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
HOUSTON is 67-136 (-47.0 Units) against the money line when the total is 8 to 8.5 over the last 3 seasons.
HOUSTON is 5-26 (-18.2 Units) against the money line in August games over the last 2 seasons.
HOUSTON is 89-175 (-43.0 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
HOUSTON is 66-135 (-34.9 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters over the last 2 seasons.
HOUSTON is 96-189 (-50.2 Units) against the money line after a loss over the last 3 seasons.
HOUSTON is 13-42 (-15.9 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
BOSTON is 4-0 (+4.0 Units) against HOUSTON this season
2 of 3 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+1.1 Units)

JOHN LACKEY vs. HOUSTON since 1997
LACKEY is 1-0 when starting against HOUSTON with an ERA of 5.90 and a WHIP of 1.781.
His team's record is 2-0 (+2.0 units) in these starts. The OVER is 1-1. (+0.0 units)

BRETT OBERHOLTZER vs. BOSTON since 1997
No recent starts.

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MINNESOTA (48 - 60) at KANSAS CITY (56 - 52) - 8:10 PM
KEVIN CORREIA (R) vs. JEREMY GUTHRIE (R)
Top Trends for this game.
MINNESOTA is 42-82 (-22.2 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.
KANSAS CITY is 56-52 (+5.2 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
KANSAS CITY is 20-12 (+13.7 Units) against the money line in August games over the last 2 seasons.
KANSAS CITY is 90-90 (+10.1 Units) against the money line in night games over the last 2 seasons.
KANSAS CITY is 42-35 (+8.3 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.
GUTHRIE is 14-8 (+7.6 Units) against the money line in all games this season. (Team's Record)
GUTHRIE is 12-2 (+12.0 Units) against the money line when the total is 8 to 8.5 this season. (Team's Record)
GUTHRIE is 13-1 (+13.5 Units) against the money line at home when the total is 8 to 8.5 over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
GUTHRIE is 17-7 (+11.4 Units) against the money line against division opponents over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
GUTHRIE is 14-7 (+8.6 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season. (Team's Record)
GUTHRIE is 12-6 (+7.7 Units) against the money line in night games this season. (Team's Record)
GUTHRIE is 6-0 (+7.2 Units) against the money line in home games after a win this season. (Team's Record)
MINNESOTA is 47-54 (+6.7 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
CORREIA is 96-83 (+32.4 Units) against the money line in all games since 1997. (Team's Record)
CORREIA is 45-26 (+26.2 Units) against the money line when the total is 8 to 8.5 since 1997. (Team's Record)
CORREIA is 19-12 (+12.8 Units) against the money line on the road when the total is 8 to 8.5 since 1997. (Team's Record)
CORREIA is 94-81 (+31.4 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field since 1997. (Team's Record)
CORREIA is 65-55 (+25.3 Units) against the money line in night games since 1997. (Team's Record)
KANSAS CITY is 4-16 (-13.2 Units) against the money line in home games when playing on Monday over the last 3 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
KANSAS CITY is 10-3 (+6.6 Units) against MINNESOTA this season
7 of 13 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+0.5 Units)

KEVIN CORREIA vs. KANSAS CITY since 1997
CORREIA is 0-2 when starting against KANSAS CITY with an ERA of 5.02 and a WHIP of 1.672.
His team's record is 0-4 (-4.0 units) in these starts. The OVER is 1-3. (-2.1 units)

JEREMY GUTHRIE vs. MINNESOTA since 1997
GUTHRIE is 7-3 when starting against MINNESOTA with an ERA of 3.28 and a WHIP of 1.135.
His team's record is 7-4 (+4.2 units) in these starts. The OVER is 4-7. (-4.0 units)

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NY YANKEES (57 - 53) at CHI WHITE SOX (40 - 69) - 8:10 PM
ANDY PETTITTE (L) vs. JOSE QUINTANA (L)
Top Trends for this game.
NY YANKEES are 154-141 (-27.7 Units) against the money line in night games over the last 3 seasons.
NY YANKEES are 92-55 (+25.5 Units) against the money line against left-handed starters over the last 3 seasons.
CHI WHITE SOX are 40-69 (-29.2 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
CHI WHITE SOX are 14-23 (-12.5 Units) against the money line at home with a money line of -100 to -125 over the last 2 seasons.
CHI WHITE SOX are 22-28 (-8.6 Units) against the money line in home games this season.
CHI WHITE SOX are 38-64 (-26.7 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
CHI WHITE SOX are 21-46 (-25.3 Units) against the money line in night games this season.
CHI WHITE SOX are 22-46 (-25.2 Units) against the money line after a loss this season.

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

ANDY PETTITTE vs. CHI WHITE SOX since 1997
PETTITTE is 9-8 when starting against CHI WHITE SOX with an ERA of 4.75 and a WHIP of 1.457.
His team's record is 11-10 (-2.5 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 8-13. (-6.5 units)

JOSE QUINTANA vs. NY YANKEES since 1997
QUINTANA is 1-0 when starting against NY YANKEES with an ERA of 9.00 and a WHIP of 1.833.
His team's record is 1-0 (+1.1 units) in these starts. The OVER is 1-0. (+1.0 units)

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TEXAS (62 - 50) at LA ANGELS (51 - 59) - 10:05 PM
MARTIN PEREZ (L) vs. JEROME WILLIAMS (R)
Top Trends for this game.
TEXAS is 81-73 (-20.2 Units) against the money line after a win over the last 2 seasons.
TEXAS is 30-14 (+9.9 Units) against the money line against division opponents this season.
LA ANGELS are 51-59 (-23.5 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
LA ANGELS are 30-29 (-13.3 Units) against the money line in home games this season.
LA ANGELS are 2-9 (-9.7 Units) against the money line when playing on Monday this season.
LA ANGELS are 18-30 (-21.8 Units) against the money line against division opponents this season.
LA ANGELS are 51-59 (-23.5 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
LA ANGELS are 33-46 (-26.5 Units) against the money line in night games this season.
LA ANGELS are 10-18 (-12.2 Units) against the money line against left-handed starters this season.
LA ANGELS are 23-35 (-22.0 Units) against the money line after a loss this season.
LA ANGELS are 22-31 (-12.1 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
TEXAS is 7-2 (+4.7 Units) against LA ANGELS this season
6 of 9 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+2.5 Units)


MARTIN PEREZ vs. LA ANGELS since 1997
PEREZ is 0-0 when starting against LA ANGELS with an ERA of 1.23 and a WHIP of 0.819.
His team's record is 1-0 (+1.0 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 1-0. (+1.1 units)

JEROME WILLIAMS vs. TEXAS since 1997
WILLIAMS is 1-0 when starting against TEXAS with an ERA of 1.84 and a WHIP of 1.295.
His team's record is 1-1 (+0.2 units) in these starts. The OVER is 0-2. (-2.5 units)

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TORONTO (51 - 60) at SEATTLE (52 - 59) - 10:10 PM
R.A. DICKEY (R) vs. HISASHI IWAKUMA (R)
Top Trends for this game.
TORONTO is 51-60 (-9.3 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
TORONTO is 27-41 (-14.3 Units) against the money line in night games this season.
SEATTLE is 27-6 (+20.5 Units) against the money line at home with a money line of -100 to -125 over the last 2 seasons.
SEATTLE is 29-8 (+20.1 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record in the second half of the season over the last 2 seasons.
IWAKUMA is 24-15 (+12.8 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
IWAKUMA is 16-6 (+11.2 Units) against the money line in home games over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
IWAKUMA is 23-14 (+12.5 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
IWAKUMA is 16-8 (+10.2 Units) against the money line in night games over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
DICKEY is 12-4 (+9.5 Units) against the money line as a road underdog of +100 to +125 over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)

Head-to-Head Series History
SEATTLE is 2-1 (+1.3 Units) against TORONTO this season
2 of 3 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+0.9 Units)

R.A. DICKEY vs. SEATTLE since 1997
DICKEY is 1-1 when starting against SEATTLE with an ERA of 10.03 and a WHIP of 1.542.
His team's record is 1-1 (-0.4 units) in these starts. The OVER is 2-0. (+2.1 units)

HISASHI IWAKUMA vs. TORONTO since 1997
IWAKUMA is 2-0 when starting against TORONTO with an ERA of 1.20 and a WHIP of 1.000.
His team's record is 2-0 (+2.3 units) in these starts. The OVER is 1-1. (+0.1 units)

[StarDust Bum]

Armadillo: Monday's six-pack

-- Atlanta Braves have won 10 games in a row; they've got a 12.5-game lead in the NL East. The aging Phillies are sinking like a rock in the east.

-- AJ Burnett got 33 called strikes from umpire Kulpa in his 5-1 win over Colorado, tied for 3rd-most called strikes a pitcher has gotten this year.

-- Does Joe Girardi really write his lineup out in pencil? Do people still use pencils? Girardi is trying hard to keep the 2013 Bombers relevant, but he is the captain of a sinking ship. Not his fault, though- its a bad roster.

-- Cowboys are 17-15 at home in four years at Jerry World; with Monte Kiffin the new defensive coordinator, they'll do better there in 2013.

-- Dallas WR Jared Green is Hall of Famer Darrell Green's son; going to be weird for the ex-Redskin Green rooting for Dallas, no?

-- I know someone who bets the over on every nationally televised NFL exhibition game, so he had to be happy at the 2:00 warning last night.


*****

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

13) Cowboys opened as a 1-point favorite in the Hall of Fame Game when the lines were first posted, but Miami wound up as a 3-point favorite, due to Tony Romo sitting game out, and Miami's Matt Moore being one of the better backup QBs in the NFL. Whoops.

12) Dallas' 3rd-string QB is Nick Stephens, who played at Tarleton State in Stephenville, TX, but before that, he played two years at Tennessee, starting six games in 2008, so he's not a total stranger to the spotlight.

He was also a backup QB in the Arena League, so not like he's Dan Marino, which is why a lot of people wagered on Miami, moving the line four points.

11) Problem with wagering on the first preseason game is this: You're betting on or against guys who will be back driving UPS trucks or tending bar in a couple weeks. They're trying like hell, but winning is not the coach's first priority; seeing certain people in different scenarios is, so they can decide on who is going to make their team.

If I'm wagering, I want to know the team I'm with is trying hard to win.

10) Texas A&M has six QBs on its depth chart after Johnny Manziel, and they might need one of them pretty soon, since there is word that Manziel made some major money signing autographs in Miami at the BCS title game last January. Coaches can get rich, TV networks can make a fortune, but if a kid makes money for signing his name, he becomes ineligible.

9) That said, everyone knows the rules; where are Manziel's parents? Do they want their son playing for the Hamilton TigerCats this fall, because that could happen. Someone, somebody needs to step up and be an adult.

I'm so tired of hearing about Manziel, ARod and other guys who aren't on the field; lets get back to talking about people who are playing.......

8) Tampa Bay's David Price walked one batter out of the first 202 he has faced since coming off the DL; he's struck out 40.

7) When Bears fired Lovie Smith last winter, it was just 4th time since 1990 that an NFL coach won 10+ games and got fired; other three were Steve Mariucci, Marty Schottenheimer and Buddy Ryan.

6) If you're voting for Comeback Player of the Year, you going with Scott Kazmir or Francisco Liriano? Both are having excellent seasons, but Kazmir looked like his career was over, before the Indians rescued him. Both pitchers are helping their team make Cinderella runs towards the playoffs.

5) Oakland Raiders open their season at Indianapolis; since 2003, Raiders are 4-15 against spread in games played on artificial turf.

4) When you see an offensive line coach like Bill Callahan take over a team's play calling, its a safe bet that they will wind up running the ball more, if only to protect the QB. Good news for Tony Romo in Dallas.

3) Football coaches are nomads, even at the pro level: of 32 special teams coaches in the NFL this season, 14 of them are in their first year with their current team- there are only eight new head coaches.

2) The last Kansas City Royal to be selected as a starter in the All-Star /Game? Jermaine Dye in 2000; thats the longest drought in the major leagues.

1) 45 days ago, the Dodgers were 9.5 games out of first place; now they have a 5.5-game lead in the NL West- Don Mattingly got a lot smarter with Yasiel Puig inspiring an awesome six-week run. Now some of their guys are hurt again; will be interesting to see if LA can maintain their lead.

[StarDust Bum]

Monday, August 5


Game Score Status Pick Amount

Atlanta - 7:05 PM ET Atlanta +108 500 POD # 1 Washington - Over 7 500

Detroit - 7:05 PM ET Cleveland +107 500
Cleveland - Over 7.5 500

LA Dodgers - 7:05 PM ET St. Louis -147 500
St. Louis - Under 7 500

Boston - 8:10 PM ET Boston -205 500
Houston - Under 8.5 500

NY Yankees - 8:10 PM ET Chi. White Sox -108 500
Chi. White Sox - Over 7.5 500

Minnesota - 8:10 PM ET Kansas City -153 500
Kansas City - Over 8.5 500 POD # 3

Texas - 10:05 PM ET Texas +101 500 POD # 2
LA Angels - Under 8.5 500

Toronto - 10:10 PM ET Seattle -133 500
Seattle - Over 7.5 500 POD # 4

Milwaukee - 10:15 PM ET San Francisco -160 500
San Francisco - Over 7 500

[Kaptain]

get em BUM....thanks podna

[WThotrod]

Nice bounce back night going 3-1, StarDust.

[StarDust Bum]

Yep I needed to rebound......now lets get more of those days.

[StarDust Bum]

Hot & Not - NL Edition

August 5, 2013


The trade deadline is said and done with, but interestingly enough, not many of the teams on our list of the hottest and coldest National League teams did much to change their fortunes on the MLB betting lines.

Money-Makers

Los Angeles Dodgers (31-7, +$2,277 in L/38) – Then again, we wouldn't have changed anything if we were the Dodgers either. This team is flat out rolling, and there isn't a club out there that looks like it is going to get in the way of LA.

On Deck: Next up to try to derail the LA Express: There are four games with the Cardinals on the road and then three at home against the Rays. If there is a week for the Dodgers to slip, this is the one.

Atlanta Braves (10-0, +$1,022 in L/10) – Atlanta has been running away with the NL East for weeks, and it should have no problem finishing things off in August. The Braves have won 10 straight and they just delivered a deathblow to the season of the Phillies over the weekend, sweeping three games in the City of Brotherly Love.

On Deck: With the next 14 games all coming in the NL East, the Braves have a real chance to just continue to put their foot on the gas pedal. By the time they go to St. Louis on August 22nd, that series could be for the best record in the National League, if not all of baseball.

San Diego Padres (10-5, +$799 in L/15) – The Padres won't finish above .500 this year, but they did make a tremendous move at the deadline by picking up RHP Ian Kennedy from the Diamondbacks. This is a man that won 21 games just two years ago, and he has the goods (and the favorable contract) to help this team out quite a bit in the future.

On Deck: Winning 10 out of 15 is nice when you're a team mired in the middle of the garbage pit known as the NL West. Series this week against the Orioles and Reds should be troublesome though, especially knowing that the trip to Cincy is weirdly placed in the schedule and is paired with just three road games against Colorado.

Money-Burners

Philadelphia Phillies (1-13, -$1,295 in L/14) – GM Ruben Amaro Jr. should be fired for the way that he has handled the Phils this year. First he inked LHP Cliff Lee to that horrid contract that will likely cripple the franchise for years to come, and then he refused to trade Lee or the rest of the tradable chips that he had. Now, the farm system is lacking thanks to previous deals, and the team is 11-games under .500 after losing 13-of-14.

On Deck: The good news for the Phillies this week is that they have a series against another team that has tanked it for the year in the Cubs, but then it's back to playing series against the Nats, Braves, and Dodgers. Don't be shocked if the Phils are on this list again when we look at the NL again in two weeks.

San Francisco Giants (4-10, -$868 in L/14) – No one is getting fired from a team that has won two championships in the last three years, but the Giants acted poorly at the deadline. No one was moved, though the opportunities were there to do a lot. Losing 10-of-14 is no mistake for a clubhouse that probably needs a shakeup.

On Deck: The Giants don't play a particularly difficult series for quite some time. In fact, the next road series against a good team is in the middle of September in LA. Seven at home this week with the Brew Crew and the Orioles could yield decent results.

Chicago Cubs (1-7, -$679 in L/8) – Unlike the rest of the teams that should have sold at the deadline but didn't, the Cubs dealt away everything they could. RHP Matt Garza and OF Alfonso Soriano were at the middle of it all, and though the end result now is more losses (as demonstrated by this 1-7 run of games all played at Wrigley Field), the franchise is definitely headed the right direction.

On Deck: Going on the road is probably good for the Cubs this week. The bad news? After the three in Philly, the next nine games are all against the Cardinals and the Reds. Yikes

[StarDust Bum]

Diamond Trends - Tuesday

August 6, 2013

SU TREND OF THE DAY:

-- The Reds are 10-0 since April 03, 2013 at home when they are off a loss in which they never led for a net profit of $1000.


OU TREND OF THE DAY:

-- The Royals are 0-10-1 OU since 2007 when they scored at least 13 runs last game.

PITCHER TREND OF THE DAY:

-- When Mat Latos starts the Reds are 10-0 since July 13, 2012 after his team scored a total of fewer than three runs in his last start for a net profit of $1027.

MLB BIBLE ACTIVE TREND:

-- Edwin Jackson has produced a team record of 0-10 (+$1,068) since July 2009 when not a favorite of -185 or more, if he did not allow a walk last start.

ACTIVE TRENDS:

-- The Yankees are 0-13 since April 25, 2009 as a road dog after a loss in which they allowed 5+ walks and it is not the last game of a series for a net profit of $1300 when playing against.

-- The Yankees are 0-10 OU since May 08, 2013 on the road when they are off a loss in which they never led and it is not the first game of a series for a net profit of $1000 when playing the under.

[StarDust Bum]

Preview: Tigers (65-45) at Indians (62-50)
Game: 2
Venue: Progressive Field
Date: August 06, 2013 7:05 PM EDT


The Detroit Tigers suffered a significant loss before this series between the AL Central's top two clubs began.

The division leaders, though, continue to find a way to defeat the second-place Cleveland Indians.

Justin Verlander will try to guide the Tigers to a 10th consecutive victory Tuesday night at Progressive Field.

Detroit (65-45) entered this four-game series with plenty of momentum after capping off a perfect eight-game homestand with Sunday's 3-2, 12-inning victory over the Chicago White Sox. However, the Tigers found out Monday afternoon that All-Star shortstop Jhonny Peralta wouldn't appeal a 50-game suspension from Major League Baseball for his involvement in the Biogenesis PED scandal.

"It will change the look of our ballclub a little bit, but we'll move on," Tigers general manager Dave Dombrowski said before Monday's opener.

It didn't appear the Tigers were ready to do that Monday night before rallying in the ninth for a 4-2 victory on former Indian Victor Martinez's RBI single and three-run homer by Alex Avila off closer Chris Perez, who had converted his previous 11 save chances.

Detroit extended its division lead to four games and ended Cleveland's 11-game home winning streak.

"It feels good after all the stuff that happened before the game,' right fielder Torii Hunter said.

The Tigers, winners of six of seven at Progressive Field and 10 of 13 overall versus the Indians - now give the ball to Verlander (11-8, 3.88) as they try to extend their longest winning streak since a 12-game run Sept. 2-14, 2011.

It's been a rocky season for the 2011 MVP and AL Cy Young Award winner and six-time All-Star. The right-hander has already matched his 2012 loss total and has walked four fewer batters in 23 starts (56) than he did in 33 last year after issuing a season high-tying five free passes in Wednesday's 11-1 victory over Washington.

"My stuff was pretty good, but I was obviously erratic,' Verlander said after throwing six innings of one-run ball.

That's a good way to describe his season, as he's allowed five or more runs in six of 23 starts - including five in five innings of a 11-7 victory at Cleveland on May 22 - and one or none nine times.

"I don't think there's been any pitcher in baseball, probably, that's worked as hard as I have this season to try to get things right," Verlander, 2-1 with a 5.82 ERA against the Indians this season, told the Tigers' official website. "... I've given everything I possibly have to try to get things on the right path, and slowly but surely working in the right direction."

The Indians are hoping for more of the same from fellow All-Star Justin Masterson (13-7, 3.33), who will try to extend the club's brilliant run of starting pitching. With Corey Kluber throwing 7 1-3 scoreless innings Monday, the Indians' rotation has a 2.12 ERA over the last 25 games.

Masterson (13-7, 3.33) is 3-0 with a 1.29 ERA during that span after giving up one run in 6 2-3 innings of Thursday's 6-1 victory over the White Sox.

"I was pitching and battling and trying to make things work," he said after his third straight winning start. "The overall sense is we played well as a team.'

Masterson, though, has a 7.71 ERA in losing both his starts to Detroit this year.

Martinez is 3 for 4 versus Masterson in those contests and 9 for 19 lifetime. The Tigers designated hitter is batting .400 against Indians pitching this season following Monday's three-hit effort.

MLB batting leader Miguel Cabrera, 12 for 34 with two homers off Masterson, finished with one hit in four at_bats Monday while making his first start in five games due to an abdominal strain.

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

SERIES AT A GLANCE

GAME 1
Tigers at Indians
Mon, Aug 5 Final 4 to 2
Boxscores • Recaps

GAME 2
Tigers at Indians
Tue, Aug 6 - 7:05PM EDT

GAME 3
Tigers at Indians
Wed, Aug 7 - 7:05PM EDT

GAME 4
Tigers at Indians
Thu, Aug 8 - 7:05PM EDT

[StarDust Bum]

Preview: Braves (68-45) at Nationals (54-58)
Game: 2
Venue: Nationals Park
Date: August 06, 2013 7:05 PM EDT


Major League Baseball on Monday released its list of suspended players who were found in an ongoing investigation to have used performance-enhancing drugs, and Gio Gonzalez's name, just as he anticipated, wasn't among them.

Now he can get back to focusing on his pitching, which must improve if he plans to help the host Washington Nationals end the Atlanta Braves' 11-game winning streak Tuesday night.

Gonzalez (7-4, 3.57 ERA) had been linked to the Biogenesis scandal since rumors began circulating before spring training that he may have been involved with the now-closed Florida anti-aging clinic that supplied PEDs to major and minor leaguers.

Though some former All-Stars were issued suspensions Monday, Gonzalez wasn't one of them.

"I am very pleased that Major League Baseball has cleared my name," Gonzalez said in a statement. "I have no lingering sense of animosity, as I quickly realized that the objective of this investigation was to clean up our game."

He wasn't exactly pleased with his last performance, though.

Gonzalez gave up 10 runs - his most since allowing a career-high 11 against Minnesota while with Oakland on July 20, 2009 - and a personal-worst 11 hits in 3 1-3 innings of Wednesday's 11-1 loss at Detroit.

He had gone 4-0 with a 2.06 ERA in his previous 10 starts.

"In three months, you're going to run into a hiccup," Gonzalez said.

The left-hander, though, is 5-0 with a 1.92 ERA in his last 12 starts versus the NL, including allowing one run and striking out seven over seven innings before Atlanta rallied for a 2-1, 10-inning victory June 1.

Gonzalez's first two starts against the Braves didn't go as well. He gave up seven runs in five innings of a 9-0 loss April 14 before allowing five in four frames of an 8-1 defeat April 30 despite nine strikeouts.

He's 2-4 with a 5.73 ERA in seven career starts versus Atlanta (68-45), which beat Washington 3-2 on Monday to extend its NL East lead to 13 1/2 games.

Justin Upton, who is hitting .405 with four homers during a 10-game hitting streak, led off the eighth with a tiebreaking homer to help the Braves earn their longest winning streak since a 15-game run in 2000.

Freddie Freeman had RBI singles in the third and fifth.

``You want to step on their necks, especially when we've got this big of a lead,' Freeman said. "I think we set the tone.'

The Nationals (54-58) have dropped four of six and are 3-8 versus Atlanta this season. Former Brave Adam LaRoche drove in a run for Washington, which has been outscored 26-8 during a five-game home losing streak against the Braves.

``We've got to turn this thing around," said reliever Tyler Clippard, who gave up Upton's homer. "Two months left, and we're (13 1/2) games back. We've got to get moving.'

The Nationals have dropped 16 of 24 and have scored two or fewer runs 14 times in that stretch. Runs may be difficult to come by again Tuesday, when Julio Teheran takes the mound for Atlanta.

Teheran (8-5, 3.02) has a 1.00 ERA over his last three starts, earning his only victory in that stretch Thursday by allowing one run and striking out a career high-tying 11 in an 11-2 win over Colorado.

The right-hander has made three starts versus the Nationals this season, going 0-1 with a 4.50 ERA. Denard Span is 6 for 9 with two triples off Teheran.

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

SERIES AT A GLANCE

GAME 1
Braves at Nationals
Mon, Aug 5 Final 3 to 2
Boxscores • Recaps
GAME 2
Braves at Nationals
Tue, Aug 6 - 7:05PM EDT

GAME 3
Braves at Nationals
Wed, Aug 7 - 7:05PM EDT

[StarDust Bum]

Preview: Cubs (49-62) at Phillies (50-61)
Game: 1
Venue: Citizens Bank Park
Date: August 06, 2013 7:05 PM EDT


The Chicago Cubs and Philadelphia Phillies are scuffling, but the Cubs have experienced some success on the road recently.

Chicago will seek a season-high fourth straight win away from home Tuesday night, and Edwin Jackson will try to help with another strong outing.

The Cubs (49-62) have lost seven of eight and were held scoreless in their final 23 innings of a four-game set against the Los Angeles Dodgers over the weekend. They limited the Dodgers to two hits Sunday in a 1-0 loss.

Chicago totaled 19 runs during its eight-game homestand and went 5 for 27 (.185) with runners in scoring position during the sweep to the Dodgers.

"We got shut out three times in (these) games at home, scored two in another (two)," manager Dale Sveum said. "It's very difficult to win, obviously, unless you're scoring runs."

Sveum's club, however, has won 12 of 19 on the road and registered a three-game sweep of San Francisco from July 26-28 to end its most recent trip. The Cubs' next road opponent has dropped 13 of 14 overall and five straight at home.

Philadelphia (50-61) has been outscored 81-33 in its last 14 games, batting .198 and posting a 5.13 ERA. The Phillies were booed by their home fans while producing four hits in a 4-1 loss to Atlanta on Sunday night.

"We're getting outplayed all the way around," pitcher Cliff Lee said. "We've got to have more pride, more fire and play better fundamental baseball. Period. If we do that, we'll turn it around."

Jackson (7-11, 4.65 ERA) will try to add to the Phillies' woes by improving on his 4-1 record and 2.23 ERA in his last six starts. The right-hander gave up one run over a season-high eight innings in Wednesday's 6-1 victory over Milwaukee.

Jackson lost his first four starts against Philadelphia before giving up one run over 6 2-3 innings in his most recent matchup, a 5-1 victory for Washington on Oct. 3. He has a 3.55 ERA in his last four meetings with the Phillies.

Jackson will pitch opposite a struggling Kyle Kendrick (9-8, 4.29), who has a 10.13 ERA in losing his last two outings. The right-hander didn't make it out of the third inning in a 9-2 loss to San Francisco on Wednesday, giving up seven runs and eight hits.

Kendrick is 0-1 in three starts against the Cubs despite a 1.80 ERA. He gave up two runs and three hits over six innings in his most recent matchup, a 9-2 win at Wrigley Field on May 16, 2012.

Kendrick will try to hand Chicago a third straight shutout for the first time since a string of four in a row April 27-May 1, 1992. The Cubs had a 28-inning scoreless streak July 20-23, 2012.

The Phillies' home skid is their longest since dropping seven straight June 27-July 21, 2012.

Darin Ruf will try to help end that by reaching base for a 33rd consecutive game. That streak is the longest by a Phillie since Chase Utley's 33-game run Sept. 7, 2008-April 22, 2009.

Ruf has struck out and walked in his two plate appearances against Jackson, while Carlos Ruiz is 6 for 9 with three doubles and Jimmy Rollins is 4 for 6 with two homers.

Philadelphia reliever Antonio Bastardo is among 12 players set to serve 50-game suspensions from the Biogenesis drug investigation. Bastardo's 2.32 ERA was the best among Phillies with at least 11 appearances.

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

SERIES AT A GLANCE

GAME 1
Cubs at Phillies
Tue, Aug 6 - 7:05PM EDT

GAME 2
Cubs at Phillies
Wed, Aug 7 - 7:05PM EDT

GAME 3
Cubs at Phillies
Thu, Aug 8 - 1:05PM EDT

[StarDust Bum]

Preview: Marlins (43-67) at Pirates (67-44)
Game: 1
Venue: PNC Park
Date: August 06, 2013 7:05 PM EDT


The best and worst teams in the NL are matching up this week, but it figures to be competitive.

The Pittsburgh Pirates dropped a series to the Miami Marlins last month and expect to be challenged in a three-game home set that starts Tuesday night.

Pittsburgh (67-44) owns the best ERA in the major leagues at 3.07, but Miami (43-67) has a lower ERA since the All-Star break at 2.51 compared to 3.10 for the Pirates.

The Marlins took two of three at home from Pittsburgh from July 26-28, and the Pirates know they can't afford to overlook their opponents.

"We'll get ready for business as usual against the Marlins," manager Clint Hurdle told the Pirates' official website. "And we're going to face three good young pitchers again."

The first of those, Henderson Alvarez (2-1, 2.61 ERA), will start opposite Pittsburgh's Jeff Locke (9-3, 2.36) on Tuesday.

Those starters met July 26 with Alvarez earning his first win with Miami, yielding two hits in six innings of a 2-0 victory. Locke suffered a rare defeat after giving up two runs over 6 2-3 innings with a career-high nine strikeouts and six walks.

Giancarlo Stanton went 2 for 2 with a homer and two walks against Locke in a series in which he was 7 for 9 with two home runs.

The Marlins slugger hasn't gone deep since, with two hits in his last 23 at_bats to go with eight strikeouts.

"It's something you just go through, and it always works itself out eventually,' Stanton said. "You have your ups and downs, and you just have to overcome somehow."

Locke will try to contain Stanton this time and pitch better than he did Wednesday, when he gave up four runs over a season-low four innings of a 5-4 victory over St. Louis.

The left-hander had not yielded more than three earned runs in his previous 17 outings. His other start against the Marlins came in his major league debut Sept. 10, 2011, when he gave up three runs over five innings of a 3-0 defeat.

Alvarez won his second straight outing by limiting the Mets to two runs over 7 1-3 innings of a 3-2 victory Wednesday.

"I felt I prepared well, and all of my pitches were working good," said the right-hander, who also singled twice last week after doubling off Locke on July 26. Alvarez has gone 4 for 7 in his last three starts.

Pittsburgh is 6-2 on its 11-game homestand, taking the final two games of a weekend series with Colorado. Andrew McCutchen went 6 for 10 against the Rockies and is seeking four straight multihit efforts for the first time since June 29-July 3, 2012.

Leadoff hitter Starling Marte is 9 for 27 and has scored seven runs during an eight-game hitting streak.

Logan Morrison was 7 for 13 with four RBIs over the weekend as the Marlins dropped two of three at home to Cleveland.

Miami was swept in three games at Pittsburgh from July 20-22, 2012, after winning its previous six contests there.

----------------------------------------------------------
SERIES AT A GLANCE

GAME 1
Marlins at Pirates
Tue, Aug 6 - 7:05PM EDT


GAME 2
Marlins at Pirates
Wed, Aug 7 - 7:05PM EDT


GAME 3
Marlins at Pirates
Thu, Aug 8 - 12:35PM EDT

[StarDust Bum]

Preview: Rockies (52-61) at Mets (49-60)
Game: 1
Venue: Citi Field
Date: August 06, 2013 7:10 PM EDT


The New York Mets have struggled to score as their slump has deepened over the past two weeks. The Colorado Rockies have had even bigger problems of late, pairing a similar lack of hitting with ineffective pitching.

These teams open a three-game series at Citi Field on Tuesday night in a matchup of scuffling clubs that have fallen toward the bottom of their respective divisions.

New York (49-60) has totaled 11 runs while losing four of five and has scored 13 times in its past nine defeats. The Mets have dropped seven of 10 after a 6-2 loss to red-hot Kansas City on Sunday.

Center fielder Marlon Byrd misplayed two flyballs and New York committed two errors, while Zack Wheeler wasn't at his best in allowing four runs - three earned - in five innings. The Mets - missing recently injured slugger David Wright - managed eight hits, the eighth time in 10 contests they were held to single digits.

New York could move second baseman Daniel Murphy back to third to fill Wright's spot. Murphy, though, struggled in the field when he was being moved from position to position before settling in at second.

"He's played over there enough in the past that I don't think that's going to be a huge transition," manager Terry Collins told the team's official website Sunday. "It's just that that ball gets to you a lot faster, too."

Jenrry Mejia (1-1, 2.08 ERA) will look for his third strong outing in as many starts this season. The right-hander gave up three runs in six innings of 3-2 loss at Miami on Wednesday after a seven-inning effort in an 11-0 win over Washington on July 26.

Mejia will be making his first career start against Colorado after facing it twice in 2010.

While New York has had trouble generating offense, the Rockies (52-61) haven't hit much or pitched well during their rough stretch. Colorado has scored 12 runs in a 1-5 stretch - it's 1-6 in the previous seven - and has posted a 6.51 ERA in the past 11 games, going 3-8.

Even one of the Rockies' top hurlers struggled his last time out, as Tyler Chatwood (7-4, 3.15) allowed a career-high seven earned runs along with 10 hits in 2 1-3 innings of a 9-0 loss to Atlanta on Wednesday. The right-hander gave up more than two runs for just the second time in his past 14 starts.

"I felt good about having Chatty out there (Wednesday), the way he competes," manager Walt Weiss said. "He's throwing the ball good."

That may not matter if the Rockies, who lost 5-1 to Pittsburgh on Sunday, don't start getting more from their two key hitters. Troy Tulowitzki has gone 3 for 21 in the last seven games while Carlos Gonzalez, among the NL leaders with 26 home runs, is in a 1-for-9 slump as he struggles with a chronically sprained right middle finger.

Gonzalez hasn't homered in 10 games.

"It's still real sore," he told the team's website following his return to the lineup Sunday after not starting for four straight contests. "But as players, we prepare the entire winter to play the whole season. I know I might not be 100 percent, but I can't stand sitting in the clubhouse or in the dugout when my team is playing. I want to be out there."

Chatwood gave up one run in six innings of 3-2 loss to the Mets on June 27. He's 1-0 with 0.56 ERA in three career starts against them.


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

SERIES AT A GLANCE


GAME 1
Rockies at Mets
Tue, Aug 6 - 7:10PM EDT

GAME 2
Rockies at Mets
Wed, Aug 7 - 7:10PM EDT

GAME 3
Rockies at Mets
Thu, Aug 8 - 12:10PM EDT

[StarDust Bum]

Preview: Athletics (64-47) at Reds (61-51)
Game: 1
Venue: Great American Ball Park
Date: August 06, 2013 7:10 PM EDT


While they remain in prime position to make the playoffs, the Oakland Athletics and Cincinnati Reds haven't played well lately.

Considering their success against the NL this season, back-to-back interleague games could be what the A's need to get on track, while the Reds look to end their struggles versus the AL.

Cincinnati hosts Oakland for a two-game set beginning Tuesday night.

The Athletics (64-47) sit atop the AL West but have lost four of five, allowing second-place Texas to creep closer. Oakland has totaled five runs in the last four defeats and is coming off a 4-0 loss to the Rangers on Sunday in which it committed two errors.

"We're having a tough time putting two games together in a row," manager Bob Melvin said. "We've been in a little bit of a rut, whether it's our defense, whether it's our pitching at times, or we haven't been timely as far as that goes."

The A's, though, have been at their best against the NL, posting a 13-5 record that includes two home wins over Cincinnati on June 25 and 26.

Strong pitching has keyed that success, with Oakland starters going 11-3 with a 2.90 ERA in interleague play. A.J. Griffin pitched a two-hitter in a 5-0 victory over the Reds on June 26.

Dan Straily (6-5, 4.41 ERA) has lost his last three starts with a 5.06 ERA, lasting fewer than five innings in the past two. The right-hander, however, has won all three outings against NL opponents with a 0.93 ERA.

Straily yielded five runs - two earned - while needing 96 pitches to throw 4 2-3 innings in a 5-0 loss to Toronto last Tuesday.

The Reds (61-51), losers of seven of nine, are 6-9 against the AL this season and 2-8 in the last 10 such matchups.

A 15-2 home loss to St. Louis on Sunday was their worst defeat of the season, coming two days after a 13-3 rout by the Cardinals.

Cincinnati trails Pittsburgh by 6 1/2 games for the NL Central lead, but is 4 1/2 ahead of Arizona for the league's second wild-card spot.

"We're running out of tomorrows and we need a sense of urgency," reliever Sam LeCure said. "We'll see what we're made of here coming down the stretch. Thankfully we do have some time to get it right."

Todd Frazier is 0 for 28 with 10 strikeouts in his last nine games while Shin-Soo Choo is 2 for 20 over his past seven.

Matt Latos (10-3, 3.38) has gone 2-0 with a 2.41 ERA in his last three starts. He didn't get a decision his last time out, giving up two runs in six innings of a 4-2 loss at San Diego on Tuesday.

Jed Lowrie is 4 for 5 with two home runs off Latos.

Josh Donaldson, homerless in 16 games since the All-Star break after hitting 16 in the first half, went 3 for 7 with two home runs and five RBIs in the first two meetings with the Reds.

Oakland owns a 10-4 advantage in the all-time series, outscoring Cincinnati 91-48.

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

SERIES AT A GLANCE


GAME 1
Athletics at Reds
Tue, Aug 6 - 7:10PM EDT

GAME 2
Athletics at Reds
Wed, Aug 7 - 12:35PM EDT