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

[StarDust Bum]

MLB
Dunkel

Cleveland at Oakland
The A's look to build on their 11-2 record in A.J. Griffin's last 13 home starts against teams with a winning record. Oakland is the pick (-130) according to Dunkel, which has the A's favored by 1 1/2. Dunkel Pick: Oakland (-130). Here are all of today's picks.

FRIDAY, AUGUST 16

Game 951-952: St. Louis at Chicago Cubs (4:05 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: St. Louis (Westbrook) 14.971; Cubs (Arrieta) 13.435
Dunkel Line: St. Louis by 1 1/2; 9
Vegas Line: St. Louis (-145); No Run Total
Dunkel Pick: St. Louis (-145); N/A

Game 953-954: Arizona at Pittsburgh (7:05 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Arizona (McCarthy) 16.088; Pittsburgh (Cole) 14.984
Dunkel Line: Arizona by 1; 7
Vegas Line: Pittsburgh (-145); 7 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Arizona (+125); Under

Game 955-956: LA Dodgers at Philadelphia (7:05 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: LA Dodgers (Greinke) 15.342; Philadelphia (Lee) 16.425
Dunkel Line: Philadelphia by 1; 6
Vegas Line: LA Dodgers (-120); 7
Dunkel Pick: Philadelphia (+100); Under

Game 957-958: San Francisco at Miami (7:10 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: San Francisco (Gaudin) 15.450; Miami (Eovaldi) 13.952
Dunkel Line: San Francisco by 1 1/2; 8
Vegas Line: San Francisco (-115); 7
Dunkel Pick: San Francisco (-115); Over

Game 959-960: Washington at Atlanta (7:30 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Washington (Jordan) 15.345; Atlanta (Wood) 16.781
Dunkel Line: Atlanta by 1 1/2; 7
Vegas Line: Atlanta (-160); 7 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Atlanta (-160); Under

Game 961-962: Cincinnati at Milwaukee (8:10 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Cincinnati (Leake) 15.807; Milwaukee (Gorzelanny) 16.674
Dunkel Line: Milwaukee by 1; 9
Vegas Line: Cincinnati (-135); 8
Dunkel Pick: Milwaukee (+115); Over

Game 963-964: NY Mets at San Diego (10:10 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: NY Mets (Niese) 15.941; San Diego (Kennedy) 13.982
Dunkel Line: NY Mets by 2; 6
Vegas Line: San Diego (-150); 7
Dunkel Pick: NY Mets (+130); Under

Game 965-966: Kansas City at Detroit (1:08 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Kansas City (Duffy) 15.399; Detroit (Verlander) 16.929
Dunkel Line: Detroit by 1 1/2; 9
Vegas Line: Detroit (-155); 7 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Detroit (-155); Over

Game 967-968: Kansas City at Detroit (7:08 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Kansas City (Shields) 16.807; Detroit (Alvarez) 15.762
Dunkel Line: Kansas City by 1; 7
Vegas Line: No Line
Dunkel Pick: N/A

Game 969-970: NY Yankees at Boston (7:10 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: NY Yankees (Pettitte) 14.954; Boston (Doubront) 16.249
Dunkel Line: Boston by 1 1/2; 10
Vegas Line: Boston (-175); 9
Dunkel Pick: Boston (-175); Over

Game 971-972: Toronto at Tampa Bay (7:10 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Toronto (Dickey) 15.354; Tampa Bay (Hellickson) 14.267
Dunkel Line: Toronto by 1; 9
Vegas Line: Tampa Bay (-140); 8
Dunkel Pick: Toronto (+120); Over

Game 973-974: Seattle at Texas (8:05 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Seattle (Iwakuma) 13.171; Texas (Holland) 16.077
Dunkel Line: Texas by 3; 7
Vegas Line: Texas (-165); 8 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Texas (-165); Under

Game 975-976: Chicago White Sox at Minnesota (8:10 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: White Sox (Quintana) 16.269; Minnesota (Correia) 15.173
Dunkel Line: Chicago White Sox by 1; 9
Vegas Line: Minnesota (-130); 8 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Chicago White Sox (+110); Over

Game 977-978: Cleveland at Oakland (10:05 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Cleveland (Masterson) 15.181; Oakland (Griffin) 16.602
Dunkel Line: Oakland by 1 1/2; 6
Vegas Line: Oakland (-130); 7
Dunkel Pick: Oakland (-130); Under

Game 979-980: Houston at LA Angels (10:05 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Houston (Peacock) 14.985; LA Angels (Williams) 13.898
Dunkel Line: Houston by 1; 8
Vegas Line: LA Angels (-170); 9
Dunkel Pick: Houston (+150); Under

Game 981-982: Colorado at Baltimore (7:05 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Colorado (Nicasio) 14.667; Baltimore (Chen) 16.167
Dunkel Line: Baltimore by 1 1/2; 10
Vegas Line: Baltimore (-180); 9
Dunkel Pick: Baltimore (-180); Over

[StarDust Bum]

MLB
Short Sheet

Friday, August 16

National League

St. Louis at Chicago Cubs, 4:05 ET
Westbrook: Over is 8-2 in Westbrook's 2013 road starts
Arrieta: Cubs have lost last six home day games

Arizona at Pittsburgh, 7:05 ET
McCarthy: Over is 8-2 when Diamondbacks start a road series in 2013 with a run total under 8
Cole: Pirates 1-4 SU in Cole's last five home starts

Los Angeles Dodgers at Philadelphia, 7:05 ET
Greinke: Dodgers 22-3 in last 25 road games
Lee: Over is 5-1 last six times Lee has started a home series opener

San Francisco at Miami, 7:10 ET
Gaudin: Under is 6-1 in Giants' last seven road series openers
Eovaldi: Marlins 2-6 in 2013 in first game of a homestand

Washington at Atlanta, 7:10 ET
Jordan: Under is 7-2 last nine times Nationals have faced a southpaw on the road
Wood: Braves 14-4 in 2013 in first game of a home series

Cincinnati at Milwaukee, 8:10 ET
Leake: Reds 8-2 in Leake's last 10 road starts
Gorzelanny: Under is 3-0 in Gorzelanny's Miller Park starts at night for Brewers

New York Mets at San Diego Padres, 10:10 ET
Niese: Mets have won each of Niese's last three road starts
Kennedy: Over is 5-2 last seven home games in which Padres have been favored


American League

Kansas City Royals at Detroit Tigers, 1:08 ET
Shields: Royals 6-1 ATS last seven times Shields has started on the road
Verlander: Over is 7-3-1 in Verlander's 2013 home starts

Kansas City Royals at Detroit Tigers, 7:08 ET
Duffy: Royals 3-17 SU last 20 night games at Comerica Park
Alvarez: Under is 6-1-1 in last eight Tiger home night games

New York Yankees at Boston Red Sox, 7:10 ET MLB
Pettitte: Yankees 1-5 SU in Pettitte's last six road starts
Doubront: Under is 6-0 in Doubront's last six starts

Toronto at Tampa Bay, 7:10 ET MLB
Dickey: Under is 6-1 in Dickey's last seven road starts
Hellickson: Under is 19-9-2 since start of 2012 when Hellickson starts at home

Seattle at Texas, 8:05 ET
Iwakuma: Mariners 2-4 in Iwakuma's last six starts after team lost in his previous effort
Holland: Under is 9-2 in Holland's last 11 home starts

Chicago White Sox at Minnesota, 8:10 ET
Quintana: Under is 4-2 when Quintana starts on the road in 2013
Correia: Twins 7-4 SU when Correia starts at home for Twins

Cleveland at Oakland, 10:05 ET
Masterson: Under is 8-3 when Masterson starts on road after team lost in his previous effort
Griffin: Athletics 16-4 SU when Griffin starts at home

Houston at Los Angeles Angels, 10:05 ET
Peacock: Under is 7-3 in Astros' last 10 road series openers
Williams: Angels 2-7 SU when Williams starts on road in 2013


Interleague

Colorado at Baltimore, 7:05 ET MLB
Nicasio: Over is 8-4 in 2013 when Nicasio starts on the road
Chen: Orioles 13-5 SU in first game of a home series in 2013

[StarDust Bum]

MLB

Friday, August 16

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Trend Report
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

1:05 PM
KANSAS CITY vs. DETROIT
Kansas City is 8-2 SU in its last 10 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 7 of Kansas City's last 10 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Detroit's last 6 games
Detroit is 19-5 SU in its last 24 games

4:05 PM
ST. LOUIS vs. CHI CUBS
St. Louis is 7-14 SU in its last 21 games
The total has gone OVER in 4 of St. Louis's last 5 games when playing Chi Cubs
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Chi Cubs's last 6 games at home
Chi Cubs are 0-5 SU in their last 5 games at home

7:05 PM
ARIZONA vs. PITTSBURGH
Arizona is 3-7 SU in its last 10 games when playing on the road against Pittsburgh
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Arizona's last 7 games on the road
Pittsburgh is 1-5 SU in its last 6 games
Pittsburgh is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games at home

7:05 PM
LA DODGERS vs. PHILADELPHIA
LA Dodgers are 5-1 SU in their last 6 games when playing on the road against Philadelphia
The total has gone UNDER in 13 of LA Dodgers's last 19 games
Philadelphia is 1-4 SU in their last 5 games when playing LA Dodgers
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Philadelphia's last 5 games when playing LA Dodgers

7:05 PM
COLORADO vs. BALTIMORE
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Colorado's last 5 games when playing on the road against Baltimore
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Colorado's last 6 games
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Baltimore's last 5 games when playing Colorado
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Baltimore's last 5 games when playing at home against Colorado

7:08 PM
KANSAS CITY vs. DETROIT
Kansas City is 1-9-1 SU in its last 11 games ,when playing on the road against Detroit
Kansas City8-2-1 SU in its last 11 games on the road
Detroit9-1-1 SU in its last 11 games when playing at home against Kansas City
Detroit is 2-3-1 SU in its last 6 games ,

7:10 PM
SAN FRANCISCO vs. MIAMI
San Francisco is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of San Francisco's last 7 games on the road
Miami is 3-8 SU in its last 11 games
Miami is 3-7 SU in its last 10 games when playing at home against San Francisco

7:10 PM
TORONTO vs. TAMPA BAY
The total has gone UNDER in 7 of Toronto's last 8 games when playing Tampa Bay
The total has gone OVER in 6 of Toronto's last 7 games on the road
Tampa Bay is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games when playing Toronto
The total has gone UNDER in 7 of Tampa Bay's last 8 games when playing Toronto

7:10 PM
NY YANKEES vs. BOSTON
NY Yankees are 1-5 SU in their last 6 games on the road
NY Yankees are 1-4 SU in their last 5 games when playing Boston
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Boston's last 5 games
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Boston's last 7 games when playing NY Yankees

7:30 PM
WASHINGTON vs. ATLANTA
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Washington's last 5 games when playing on the road against Atlanta
Washington is 3-7 SU in its last 10 games when playing on the road against Atlanta
Atlanta is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing Washington
Atlanta is 7-3 SU in its last 10 games when playing at home against Washington

8:05 PM
SEATTLE vs. TEXAS
Seattle is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games
The total has gone OVER in 6 of Seattle's last 8 games
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Texas's last 8 games at home
Texas is 6-3 SU in its last 9 games when playing Seattle

8:10 PM
CINCINNATI vs. MILWAUKEE
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Cincinnati's last 5 games when playing Milwaukee
Cincinnati is 8-3 SU in its last 11 games when playing Milwaukee
The total has gone UNDER in 13 of Milwaukee's last 15 games at home
Milwaukee is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games at home

8:10 PM
CHI WHITE SOX vs. MINNESOTA
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Chi White Sox's last 5 games on the road
Chi White Sox are 15-8 SU in their last 23 games when playing on the road against Minnesota
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Minnesota's last 5 games at home
Minnesota is 5-2 SU in its last 7 games at home

10:05 PM
CLEVELAND vs. OAKLAND
Cleveland is 3-7 SU in its last 10 games
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Cleveland's last 5 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Oakland's last 9 games when playing at home against Cleveland
Oakland is 8-4 SU in its last 12 games when playing Cleveland

10:05 PM
HOUSTON vs. LA ANGELS
Houston is 3-11 SU in its last 14 games
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Houston's last 6 games when playing LA Angels
LA Angels are 1-4 SU in their last 5 games when playing at home against Houston
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of LA Angels's last 6 games when playing Houston

10:10 PM
NY METS vs. SAN DIEGO
NY Mets are 3-6 SU in its last 9 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 11 of NY Mets's last 16 games
San Diego is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games
San Diego is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games at home

[StarDust Bum]

MLB

Friday, August 16

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Friday's MLB betting notes and tips
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

NATIONAL

St. Louis Cardinals at Chicago Cubs (+128, 8)

Cold pitching stat: Cardinals right-hander Jake Westbrook has been dreadful away from St. Louis, going 2-6 with a 5.14 ERA in 10 road starts.

Hot batting stat: Cardinals C Yadier Molina is hitting .429 in 10 games against the Cubs this season, while OF Matt Holiday is batting .412.

Weather: Temperatures will be in the low-70s with sunny skies. Wind will blow in from right field at 7 mph.

Key betting note: The over is 19-7 in Westbrook's last 26 starts on grass.

Arizona Diamondbacks at Pittsburgh Pirates (-145, 7.5)

Cold pitching stat: Pirates right-hander Gerrit Cole has surrendered a home run in four consecutive starts, going 1-2 with a no-decision in that span.

Cold batting stat: Pittsburgh slugger Pedro Alvarez is hitless with four strikeouts in eight at-bats against the Diamondbacks.

Weather: Temperatures will be in the low-70s with partly cloudy skies. Wind will blow in from left-center field at 3 mph.

Key betting note: The Pirates are 22-6 in their last 28 games as a home favorite.

Los Angeles Dodgers at Philadelphia Phillies (+100, 7)

Cold pitching stat: Dodgers right-hander Zack Greinke has surrendered more than two earned runs just once in his past seven starts.

Hot batting stat: Phillies OF Domonic Brown has four home runs and 11 RBIs in 13 games since the All-Star break.

Weather: Temperatures will be in the mid-70s with partly cloudy skies. Wind will blow out to center field at 4 mph.

Key betting note: The Dodgers have won eight consecutive games against the National League East.

San Francisco Giants at Miami Marlins (-101, 7)

Hot pitching stat: Giants right-hander Chad Gaudin limited Miami to two hits over 4 1/3 scoreless innings in their previous encounter June 20, and has allowed one run or fewer in seven of his last eight outings.

Cold batting stat: San Francisco C Buster Posey hasn't homered since July 20, and has just two RBIs since.

Weather: Temperatures will be in the low 80s, but with a 30 percent chance of thunderstorms at Marlins Park, the roof may be closed. Wind will blow out toward left field at 7 mph.

Key betting note: The over is 42-20-2 in the Giants' last 64 games as a road favorite.

Washington Nationals at Atlanta Braves (-165, 7.5)

Hot pitching stat: Braves left-hander Alex Wood is 2-0 with a 1.89 ERA over his last three starts, striking out 17 while walking just four.

Hot batting stat: Atlanta OF Jason Heyward has recorded multi-hit efforts in six of his past seven games.

Weather: Temperatures will be in the low-70s with a 60 percent chance of showers or thunderstorms. Wind will blow in from right field at 7 mph.

Key betting note: Atlanta is 41-13 in its last 54 games against a right-handed starter.

Cincinnati Reds at Milwaukee Brewers (+124, 8)

Hot pitching stat: Cincinnati right-hander Mike Leake dominated the Brewers in their last encounter, limiting them to a pair of runs on four hits over 8 1/3 innings en route to a 6-2 victory.

Hot batting stat: Reds OF Jay Bruce is batting .343 with three homers and nine RBIs in nine games against Milwaukee this season.

Weather: Temperatures will be in the low-70s with sunny skies. Wind will blow in from right field at 5 mph.

Key betting note: The under is 20-6-2 in Leake's last 28 appearances in the second game of a series.

New York Mets at San Diego Padres (-142, 7)

Hot pitching stat: Padres right-hander Ian Kennedy is 4-0 with a 3.45 ERA in five career starts versus the Mets.

Cold batting stat: Only one Mets player has more than one home run so far in August (Juan Lagares, 2).

Weather: Temperatures will be in the high-60s with partly cloudy skies. Wind will blow out to right field at 5 mph.

Key betting note: The over is 14-3 in the Padres' last 17 games against the National League East.


AMERICAN

Kansas City Royals at Detroit Tigers, Game 1 (-159, 7.5)

Cold pitching stat: Tigers right-hander Justin Verlander was tagged for six runs on eight hits over 5 2/3 innings in his previous encounter with the Royals, a 6-5 defeat back on July 20.

Hot batting stat: Royals 1B/DH Billy Butler is hitting .345 in 29 at-bats against the Tigers this season.

Weather: Temperatures will be in the mid-70s with partly cloudy skies. Wind will be calm.

Key betting note: The over is 19-7-1 in the Royals' last 27 opening games of a doubleheader.

Kansas City Royals at Detroit Tigers, Game 2

Cold pitching stat: Royals starter James Shields is 0-1 with a 3.27 ERA in three starts versus the Tigers this season..

Cold batting stat: Tigers 3B Miguel Cabrera, who leads the American League in batting, is hitting just .259 in 27 at-bats versus Kansas City.

Weather: Temperatures will be in the low-70s under sunny skies. Wind will blow in from center field at 4 mph.

Key betting note: The under is 23-4 in the Tigers' last 27 closing games of a doubleheader.

New York Yankees at Boston Red Sox (-174, 9)

Cold pitching stat: Yankees left-hander Andy Pettitte is winless in his last five starts, a streak that kicked off with a 4-2 loss to Boston in which he surrendered a pair of home runs over 6 1/3 innings.

Cold batting stat: Yankees OFs Vernon Wells and Ichiro Suzuki are hitting just .219 apiece against Red Sox pitching, with only one homer between them.

Weather: Temperatures will be in the high-60s under sunny skies. Wind will blow toward left-center field at 7 mph.

Key betting note: The under is 17-4-1 in the Yankees' last 22 road games against a left-handed starter.

Toronto Blue Jays at Tampa Bay Rays (-137, 8)

Hot pitching stat: Despite his season-long struggles, Toronto knuckleballer R.A. Dickey has fared well against Tampa Bay - going 2-1 with a 2.48 ERA and 24 strikeouts over 29 innings.

Cold batting stat: Blue Jays 1B/DH Adam Lind has just four RBIs in 85 at-bats since the All-Star break, after driving in 37 runs in the first half.

Weather: Dome.

Key betting note: The Blue Jays are 5-0 in Dickey's previous five starts as an underdog.

Seattle Mariners at Texas Rangers (-164, 8.5)

Hot pitching stat: Seattle right-hander Hisashi Iwakuma is one of only six qualified major-league starters with a WHIP of 1.00 or below, joining Clayton Kershaw, Matt Harvey, Max Scherzer, Madison Bumgarner and Yu Darvish.

Hot batting stat: Rangers 3B Adrian Beltre is hitting .396 with two home runs and 12 RBIs in 13 games in August.

Weather: Temperatures will be in the high-80s under partly cloudy skies. Wind will blow in from left field at 6 mph.

Key betting note: The Rangers are 37-14 in their last 51 games against American League West opponents.

Chicago White Sox at Minnesota Twins (-125, 8.5)

Hot pitching stat: Minnesota right-hander Kevin Correia is 2-1 with a 2.61 ERA in 20 2/3 innings versus the White Sox in 2013, and threw seven shutout innings against them in their last encounter Sunday afternoon.

Hot batting stat: Twins C Joe Mauer has tormented Chicago this season, batting 17-for-44 and posting a .509 on-base percentage in 12 meetings prior to Thursday's game.

Weather: Temperatures will be in the high-70s under clear skies. Wind will blow toward left field at 5 mph.

Key betting note: The under is 33-15-3 the last 51 times Chicago has played the second game of a series.

Houston Astros at Los Angeles Angels (-164, 9)

Cold pitching stat: Astros right-hander Brad Peacock has surrendered 11 home runs in just 42 innings, including one to the Angels in a 1 1/3-inning stint back on June 2.

Cold batting stat: Angels OF J.B. Shuck has just five hits in 36 at-bats against the Astros this season.

Weather: Temperatures will be in the low-70s under sunny skies. Wind will blow out toward center field at 5 mph.

Key betting note: The Astros are 12-50 in their last 62 road games against a team with a losing home record.

Cleveland Indians at Oakland Athletics (-127, 7)

Cold pitching stat: Indians right-hander Justin Masterson has struggled mightily against Oakland in his career, going 2-5 with a 7.42 ERA and eight home runs against in 43 2/3 innings.

Hot batting stat: Cleveland OF Michael Brantley hit 6-for-14 and stole a pair of bases in a series against the Athletics earlier in the season.

Weather: Temperatures will be in the low-60s with clear skies. Wind will blow out toward center field at 7 mph.

Key betting note: Oakland is 23-9 in its last 32 Friday games.


INTERLEAGUE

Colorado Rockies at Baltimore Orioles (-180, 9)

Hot pitching stat: Orioles lefty Wei-Yin Chen hasn't allowed more than three earned runs in a start since May 1 against the Seattle Mariners.

Hot batting stat: Baltimore 1B/DH Chris Davis has eight home runs and 15 RBIs in 17 games against National League opponents in 2013.

Weather: Temperatures will be in the mid-70s under partly cloudy skies. Wind will blow out toward left field at 6 mph.

Key betting note: The over is 21-7-1 in Baltimore's last 29 interleague games against a team with a losing record.


** Odds, stats, probable starters and weather forecast as of 10:35 p.m. ET.

[StarDust Bum]

MLB

Friday, August 16

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Three Friday hitters who thrive against their weekend rivals
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Friday marks a busy night of divisional matchups in Major League Baseball. With pennant races starting to heat up, the focus will be on hitters who have thrived against their division rivals.

Here are three batters with terrific numbers against their weekend opponents.

David Ortiz, Boston Red Sox (.327, 23 HR, 75 RBI)

Ortiz has feasted on the Yankees so far in 2013, batting 8-for-22 with a homer and four walks in six games. The gargantuan slugger was even more dominant last season, posting an absurd .619 average and .714 on-base percentage in six meetings with the Bronx Bombers.

Boston hosts the rival Yankees in a pivotal three-game series beginning Friday.

Yadier Molina, St. Louis Cardinals (.330, 8 HR, 54 RBI)

Molina was activated from the disabled list earlier this week - just in time to face the Chicago Cubs, against whom he has had tremendous success. The 31-year-old catcher is hitting a sizzling .429 with two home runs and nine RBIs in 10 games against the Cubs this season.

The Cardinals visit the Cubs for a three-game set beginning Friday.

Kyle Seager, Seattle Mariners (.285, 17 HR, 54 RBI)

Seager's surprise breakout season has come largely at the expense of the rival Rangers. The 25-year-old third baseman is batting .418 in 55 at-bats against Texas, with 10 doubles, two home runs and eight RBIs.

The Mariners travel to Texas and face the Rangers in a three-game series beginning Friday.

[StarDust Bum]

MLB
Long Sheet

Friday, August 16

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

ST LOUIS (69 - 51) at CHICAGO CUBS (52 - 68) - 4:05 PM
JAKE WESTBROOK (R) vs. JAKE ARRIETA (R)
Top Trends for this game.
ST LOUIS is 34-33 (-11.1 Units) against the money line after a win this season.
WESTBROOK is 53-68 (-27.4 Units) against the money line against division opponents since 1997. (Team's Record)
ST LOUIS is 57-32 (+14.9 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.
CHICAGO CUBS are 113-169 (-31.6 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
CHICAGO CUBS are 23-36 (-14.1 Units) against the money line in home games this season.
CHICAGO CUBS are 11-31 (-16.1 Units) against the money line in August games over the last 2 seasons.
CHICAGO CUBS are 15-34 (-17.3 Units) against the money line when playing with a day off over the last 3 seasons.
CHICAGO CUBS are 18-35 (-12.3 Units) against the money line against division opponents this season.
CHICAGO CUBS are 12-23 (-11.5 Units) against the money line in home games in day games this season.
CHICAGO CUBS are 23-36 (-14.1 Units) against the money line in home games in games played on a grass field this season.
CHICAGO CUBS are 79-124 (-28.0 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters over the last 2 seasons.
CHICAGO CUBS are 7-19 (-11.8 Units) against the money line after getting shut out over the last 2 seasons.
CHICAGO CUBS are 23-45 (-13.8 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record this season.
CHICAGO CUBS are 137-182 (-61.4 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.

Head-to-Head Series History
CHICAGO CUBS is 6-7 (+2.2 Units) against ST LOUIS this season
8 of 13 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+2.3 Units)

JAKE WESTBROOK vs. CHICAGO CUBS since 1997
WESTBROOK is 6-3 when starting against CHICAGO CUBS with an ERA of 3.74 and a WHIP of 1.354.
His team's record is 7-4 (+1.6 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 3-7. (-4.6 units)

JAKE ARRIETA vs. ST LOUIS since 1997
No recent starts.

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

ARIZONA (62 - 57) at PITTSBURGH (71 - 49) - 7:05 PM
BRANDON MCCARTHY (R) vs. GERRIT COLE (R)
Top Trends for this game.
PITTSBURGH is 71-49 (+25.3 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
PITTSBURGH is 41-20 (+18.0 Units) against the money line in home games this season.
PITTSBURGH is 71-49 (+25.3 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
PITTSBURGH is 46-29 (+16.6 Units) against the money line in night games this season.
PITTSBURGH is 59-38 (+25.5 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.
PITTSBURGH is 29-19 (+11.4 Units) against the money line after a loss this season.
PITTSBURGH is 332-345 (+47.0 Units) against the money line in home games when playing against a team with a winning record since 1997.
ARIZONA is 79-71 (+20.4 Units) against the money line in road games in night games over the last 3 seasons.
PITTSBURGH is 25-46 (-21.9 Units) against the money line in August games over the last 3 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
PITTSBURGH is 2-1 (+1.6 Units) against ARIZONA this season
2 of 3 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+1.0 Units)

BRANDON MCCARTHY vs. PITTSBURGH since 1997
MCCARTHY is 0-1 when starting against PITTSBURGH with an ERA of 5.40 and a WHIP of 1.799.
His team's record is 0-1 (-1.4 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 0-1. (-1.1 units)

GERRIT COLE vs. ARIZONA since 1997
No recent starts.

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

LA DODGERS (70 - 50) at PHILADELPHIA (53 - 67) - 7:05 PM
ZACK GREINKE (R) vs. CLIFF LEE (L)
Top Trends for this game.
GREINKE is 47-76 (-31.5 Units) against the money line in road games since 1997. (Team's Record)
PHILADELPHIA is 365-337 (+40.7 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 70-50 (+10.3 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
LA DODGERS are 9-1 (+7.8 Units) against the money line on the road with a money line of -100 to -125 this season.
LA DODGERS are 33-25 (+9.0 Units) against the money line in road games this season.
LA DODGERS are 13-1 (+12.8 Units) against the money line in August games this season.
LA DODGERS are 67-50 (+7.0 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
LA DODGERS are 90-63 (+17.6 Units) against the money line after a win over the last 2 seasons.
LA DODGERS are 34-14 (+13.4 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record this season.
LA DODGERS are 17-4 (+11.9 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record in the second half of the season this season.
GREINKE is 15-4 (+11.5 Units) against the money line in all games this season. (Team's Record)
GREINKE is 9-1 (+8.5 Units) against the money line when the total is 7 or less this season. (Team's Record)
GREINKE is 15-4 (+11.5 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season. (Team's Record)
GREINKE is 12-2 (+10.5 Units) against the money line in night games this season. (Team's Record)
PHILADELPHIA is 53-67 (-19.1 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
PHILADELPHIA is 35-47 (-25.2 Units) against the money line when the total is 7 or less over the last 2 seasons.
PHILADELPHIA is 69-68 (-19.3 Units) against the money line in home games over the last 2 seasons.
PHILADELPHIA is 13-23 (-21.3 Units) against the money line at home when the total is 7 or less over the last 2 seasons.
PHILADELPHIA is 53-67 (-19.1 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
PHILADELPHIA is 41-52 (-14.8 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.
PHILADELPHIA is 64-80 (-24.9 Units) against the money line after a loss over the last 2 seasons.
PHILADELPHIA is 64-82 (-25.4 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.
LEE is 23-29 (-15.8 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
LEE is 23-28 (-14.8 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
LEE is 15-21 (-13.4 Units) against the money line in night games over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
LEE is 12-18 (-11.4 Units) against the money line after a loss over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
LEE is 5-11 (-12.6 Units) against the money line in home games when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)

Head-to-Head Series History
LA DODGERS is 3-1 (+1.6 Units) against PHILADELPHIA this season
3 of 4 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+2.0 Units)

ZACK GREINKE vs. PHILADELPHIA since 1997
GREINKE is 1-1 when starting against PHILADELPHIA with an ERA of 3.60 and a WHIP of 1.100.
His team's record is 1-2 (-1.0 units) in these starts. The OVER is 2-1. (+0.8 units)

CLIFF LEE vs. LA DODGERS since 1997
LEE is 3-1 when starting against LA DODGERS with an ERA of 1.19 and a WHIP of 0.774.
His team's record is 4-3 (+0.2 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 3-4. (-1.7 units)

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

SAN FRANCISCO (53 - 67) at MIAMI (46 - 73) - 7:10 PM
CHAD GAUDIN (R) vs. NATHAN EOVALDI (R)
Top Trends for this game.
SAN FRANCISCO is 53-67 (-25.3 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
SAN FRANCISCO is 21-30 (-17.6 Units) against the money line when the total is 7 or less this season.
SAN FRANCISCO is 52-63 (-22.5 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
SAN FRANCISCO is 31-43 (-18.9 Units) against the money line in night games this season.
SAN FRANCISCO is 37-44 (-15.6 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.
SAN FRANCISCO is 22-36 (-23.5 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record this season.
MIAMI is 21-21 (+8.5 Units) against the money line when the total is 7 or less this season.
SAN FRANCISCO is 24-10 (+13.7 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.
GAUDIN is 28-19 (+15.8 Units) against the money line in road games since 1997. (Team's Record)
GAUDIN is 22-10 (+16.9 Units) against the money line in road games in night games since 1997. (Team's Record)
MIAMI is 115-166 (-33.2 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
MIAMI is 95-122 (-33.6 Units) against the money line in home games over the last 3 seasons.
MIAMI is 114-162 (-30.3 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
MIAMI is 66-95 (-35.4 Units) against the money line in home games in night games over the last 3 seasons.
MIAMI is 76-116 (-28.9 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
MIAMI is 3-1 (+3.7 Units) against SAN FRANCISCO this season
2 of 4 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+0.1 Units)

CHAD GAUDIN vs. MIAMI since 1997
GAUDIN is 0-2 when starting against MIAMI with an ERA of 5.28 and a WHIP of 1.696.
His team's record is 0-3 (-3.7 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 2-1. (+1.0 units)

NATHAN EOVALDI vs. SAN FRANCISCO since 1997
EOVALDI is 1-1 when starting against SAN FRANCISCO with an ERA of 8.18 and a WHIP of 1.545.
His team's record is 1-1 (+0.8 units) in these starts. The OVER is 2-0. (+2.1 units)

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

WASHINGTON (59 - 61) at ATLANTA (74 - 47) - 7:35 PM
TAYLOR JORDAN (R) vs. ALEX WOOD (L)
Top Trends for this game.
WASHINGTON is 59-61 (-14.6 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
WASHINGTON is 59-61 (-14.6 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
WASHINGTON is 22-31 (-11.0 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record this season.
WASHINGTON is 1-10 (-10.8 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 74-47 (+13.6 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
ATLANTA is 42-17 (+15.0 Units) against the money line in home games this season.
ATLANTA is 22-7 (+15.0 Units) against the money line when playing with a day off over the last 2 seasons.
ATLANTA is 79-44 (+25.2 Units) against the money line against division opponents over the last 2 seasons.
ATLANTA is 73-46 (+13.6 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
ATLANTA is 52-31 (+10.2 Units) against the money line in night games this season.
ATLANTA is 32-12 (+12.1 Units) against the money line in home games against right-handed starters this season.
ATLANTA is 105-63 (+26.9 Units) against the money line after a win over the last 2 seasons.
ATLANTA is 58-28 (+19.4 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.

Head-to-Head Series History
ATLANTA is 10-3 (+7.7 Units) against WASHINGTON this season
8 of 13 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+2.3 Units)

TAYLOR JORDAN vs. ATLANTA since 1997
No recent starts.

ALEX WOOD vs. WASHINGTON since 1997
No recent starts.

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

CINCINNATI (69 - 52) at MILWAUKEE (52 - 69) - 8:10 PM
MIKE LEAKE (R) vs. TOM GORZELANNY (L)
Top Trends for this game.
MILWAUKEE is 107-60 (+30.9 Units) against the money line in home games against right-handed starters over the last 3 seasons.
CINCINNATI is 168-120 (+18.8 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
CINCINNATI is 647-716 (+58.6 Units) against the money line in road games since 1997.
CINCINNATI is 113-114 (+21.4 Units) against the money line in road games in August games since 1997.
CINCINNATI is 111-107 (+27.5 Units) against the money line in road games when playing on Friday since 1997.
CINCINNATI is 309-329 (+35.3 Units) against the money line in road games against division opponents since 1997.
CINCINNATI is 168-120 (+18.8 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
CINCINNATI is 422-464 (+38.7 Units) against the money line in road games in night games since 1997.
CINCINNATI is 325-335 (+50.8 Units) against the money line in road games after a win since 1997.
CINCINNATI is 42-20 (+12.6 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record this season.
CINCINNATI is 33-15 (+14.2 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.
MILWAUKEE is 52-69 (-15.5 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
MILWAUKEE is 27-32 (-9.7 Units) against the money line in home games this season.
MILWAUKEE is 52-69 (-15.5 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
MILWAUKEE is 12-20 (-10.5 Units) against the money line in home games after a loss this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
CINCINNATI is 7-3 (+2.7 Units) against MILWAUKEE this season
9 of 10 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+7.8 Units)

MIKE LEAKE vs. MILWAUKEE since 1997
LEAKE is 1-0 when starting against MILWAUKEE with an ERA of 4.05 and a WHIP of 1.125.
His team's record is 2-2 (+0.0 units) in these starts. The OVER is 1-3. (-2.2 units)

TOM GORZELANNY vs. CINCINNATI since 1997
GORZELANNY is 3-5 when starting against CINCINNATI with an ERA of 5.30 and a WHIP of 1.472.
His team's record is 3-7 (-4.6 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 3-6. (-3.7 units)

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

NY METS (55 - 64) at SAN DIEGO (54 - 67) - 10:10 PM
JON NIESE (L) vs. IAN KENNEDY (R)
Top Trends for this game.
NY METS are 33-46 (-13.4 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.
SAN DIEGO is 130-150 (+3.7 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
NY METS are 68-75 (+10.7 Units) against the money line in road games over the last 2 seasons.
NY METS are 107-111 (+24.7 Units) against the money line in road games in games played on a grass field over the last 3 seasons.
NY METS are 56-46 (+16.1 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 31-20 (+15.5 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.
NIESE is 19-14 (+12.1 Units) against the money line in road games in games played on a grass field over the last 3 seasons. (Team's Record)
SAN DIEGO is 24-46 (-22.0 Units) against the money line when playing on Friday over the last 3 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
NY METS is 3-1 (+1.9 Units) against SAN DIEGO this season
2 of 4 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+0.0 Units)

JON NIESE vs. SAN DIEGO since 1997
NIESE is 2-2 when starting against SAN DIEGO with an ERA of 2.15 and a WHIP of 0.886.
His team's record is 2-2 (-0.2 units) in these starts. The OVER is 2-2. (-0.2 units)

IAN KENNEDY vs. NY METS since 1997
KENNEDY is 4-0 when starting against NY METS with an ERA of 3.45 and a WHIP of 1.213.
His team's record is 5-0 (+5.3 units) in these starts. The OVER is 3-1. (+2.0 units)

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

KANSAS CITY (62 - 57) at DETROIT (71 - 49) - 1:05 PM
JAMES SHIELDS (R) vs. JUSTIN VERLANDER (R)
Top Trends for this game.
VERLANDER is 66-30 (+24.5 Units) against the money line in day games since 1997. (Team's Record)
VERLANDER is 12-0 (+12.0 Units) against the money line in home games when playing against a team with a winning record in the second half of the season over the last 3 seasons. (Team's Record)
KANSAS CITY is 62-57 (+3.5 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
KANSAS CITY is 17-13 (+14.0 Units) against the money line as a road underdog of +150 to +175 over the last 2 seasons.
KANSAS CITY is 26-17 (+12.0 Units) against the money line in August games over the last 2 seasons.
KANSAS CITY is 47-38 (+8.5 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.
KANSAS CITY is 37-36 (+13.1 Units) against the money line in road games after a loss over the last 2 seasons.
KANSAS CITY is 70-74 (+16.1 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.
DETROIT is 166-129 (-14.0 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
DETROIT is 158-123 (-15.1 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
DETROIT is 48-44 (-17.7 Units) against the money line against left-handed starters over the last 2 seasons.
DETROIT is 91-75 (-19.0 Units) against the money line after a win over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
KANSAS CITY is 5-4 (+2.9 Units) against DETROIT this season
6 of 9 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+2.4 Units)

JAMES SHIELDS vs. DETROIT since 1997
SHIELDS is 5-2 when starting against DETROIT with an ERA of 3.56 and a WHIP of 1.247.
His team's record is 9-3 (+6.3 units) in these starts. The OVER is 5-7. (-2.3 units)

JUSTIN VERLANDER vs. KANSAS CITY since 1997
VERLANDER is 15-3 when starting against KANSAS CITY with an ERA of 2.74 and a WHIP of 1.141.
His team's record is 17-9 (+0.7 units) in these starts. The OVER is 11-13. (-2.6 units)

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

KANSAS CITY (62 - 57) at DETROIT (71 - 49) - 7:05 PM
DANNY DUFFY (L) vs. JOSE ALVAREZ (L)
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

Head-to-Head Series History
KANSAS CITY is 5-4 (+2.9 Units) against DETROIT this season
6 of 9 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+2.4 Units)

DANNY DUFFY vs. DETROIT since 1997
DUFFY is 0-3 when starting against DETROIT with an ERA of 5.16 and a WHIP of 1.323.
His team's record is 1-3 (-1.4 units) in these starts. The OVER is 1-3. (-2.2 units)

JOSE ALVAREZ vs. KANSAS CITY since 1997
No recent starts.

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

NY YANKEES (62 - 58) at BOSTON (72 - 51) - 7:10 PM
ANDY PETTITTE (L) vs. FELIX DOUBRONT (L)
Top Trends for this game.
NY YANKEES are 44-56 (-16.0 Units) against the money line in road games in night games over the last 2 seasons.
BOSTON is 72-51 (+10.9 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
BOSTON is 32-18 (+12.0 Units) against the money line after a loss this season.
NY YANKEES are 32-14 (+14.9 Units) against the money line when playing on Friday over the last 2 seasons.
BOSTON is 52-63 (-24.3 Units) against the money line when the total is 9 to 9.5 over the last 2 seasons.
BOSTON is 73-68 (-18.3 Units) against the money line in home games over the last 2 seasons.
BOSTON is 32-39 (-20.3 Units) against the money line at home when the total is 9 to 9.5 over the last 2 seasons.
BOSTON is 16-27 (-17.0 Units) against the money line in August games over the last 2 seasons.
BOSTON is 23-36 (-24.1 Units) against the money line in home games against division opponents over the last 2 seasons.
BOSTON is 122-130 (-33.9 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
BOSTON is 97-106 (-26.6 Units) against the money line in night games over the last 2 seasons.
BOSTON is 70-90 (-26.6 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.
BOSTON is 27-49 (-21.9 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 6-3 (+2.8 Units) against NY YANKEES this season
5 of 9 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+0.3 Units)

ANDY PETTITTE vs. BOSTON since 1997
PETTITTE is 20-11 when starting against BOSTON with an ERA of 4.15 and a WHIP of 1.483.
His team's record is 25-13 (+11.3 units) in these starts. The OVER is 18-19. (-1.7 units)

FELIX DOUBRONT vs. NY YANKEES since 1997
DOUBRONT is 3-1 when starting against NY YANKEES with an ERA of 2.17 and a WHIP of 1.206.
His team's record is 4-2 (+2.5 units) in these starts. The OVER is 3-3. (-0.2 units)

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

TORONTO (56 - 65) at TAMPA BAY (68 - 51) - 7:10 PM
R.A. DICKEY (R) vs. JEREMY HELLICKSON (R)
Top Trends for this game.
TORONTO is 56-65 (-8.5 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
TORONTO is 15-28 (-13.0 Units) against the money line when the total is 8 to 8.5 this season.
TORONTO is 31-43 (-11.2 Units) against the money line in night games this season.
TORONTO is 7-18 (-10.5 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 36-19 (+13.0 Units) against the money line when the total is 8 to 8.5 this season.
TAMPA BAY is 504-588 (+23.4 Units) against the money line against division opponents since 1997.
TAMPA BAY is 111-60 (+31.9 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 8-5 (+2.3 Units) against TORONTO this season
6 of 13 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=-1.1 Units, Under=-0.5 Units)

R.A. DICKEY vs. TAMPA BAY since 1997
DICKEY is 3-3 when starting against TAMPA BAY with an ERA of 3.91 and a WHIP of 1.117.
His team's record is 3-4 (-1.0 units) in these starts. The OVER is 4-2. (+2.0 units)

JEREMY HELLICKSON vs. TORONTO since 1997
HELLICKSON is 5-2 when starting against TORONTO with an ERA of 2.74 and a WHIP of 1.187.
His team's record is 5-5 (-0.9 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 5-4. (+0.4 units)

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

SEATTLE (55 - 65) at TEXAS (70 - 51) - 8:05 PM
HISASHI IWAKUMA (R) vs. DEREK HOLLAND (L)
Top Trends for this game.
SEATTLE is 300-429 (-100.2 Units) against the money line in road games after a loss since 1997.
TEXAS is 86-50 (+26.0 Units) against the money line when the total is 8 to 8.5 over the last 3 seasons.
TEXAS is 37-14 (+16.9 Units) against the money line against division opponents this season.
HOLLAND is 57-31 (+16.1 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 3 seasons. (Team's Record)
HOLLAND is 55-29 (+16.1 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 3 seasons. (Team's Record)
HOLLAND is 13-4 (+8.3 Units) against the money line in night games this season. (Team's Record)
IWAKUMA is 24-17 (+9.8 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
TEXAS is 42-38 (-18.9 Units) against the money line in home games after a win over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
TEXAS is 8-5 (+1.8 Units) against SEATTLE this season
5 of 11 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=-0.9 Units, Under=-0.1 Units)

HISASHI IWAKUMA vs. TEXAS since 1997
IWAKUMA is 2-3 when starting against TEXAS with an ERA of 3.79 and a WHIP of 1.079.
His team's record is 3-3 (+0.5 units) in these starts. The OVER is 3-2. (+1.0 units)

DEREK HOLLAND vs. SEATTLE since 1997
HOLLAND is 7-2 when starting against SEATTLE with an ERA of 3.34 and a WHIP of 1.171.
His team's record is 7-4 (+0.4 units) in these starts. The OVER is 4-7. (-3.2 units)

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

CHI WHITE SOX (46 - 74) at MINNESOTA (54 - 65) - 8:10 PM
JOSE QUINTANA (L) vs. KEVIN CORREIA (R)
Top Trends for this game.
CHI WHITE SOX are 46-74 (-28.4 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
CHI WHITE SOX are 17-37 (-20.0 Units) against the money line when the total is 8 to 8.5 this season.
CHI WHITE SOX are 18-42 (-21.6 Units) against the money line in road games this season.
CHI WHITE SOX are 4-14 (-12.5 Units) against the money line when playing on Friday this season.
CHI WHITE SOX are 15-36 (-21.8 Units) against the money line against division opponents this season.
CHI WHITE SOX are 44-69 (-26.0 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
CHI WHITE SOX are 26-48 (-21.8 Units) against the money line in night games this season.
CHI WHITE SOX are 35-56 (-20.3 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.
CHI WHITE SOX are 25-47 (-23.1 Units) against the money line after a loss this season.
CHI WHITE SOX are 19-37 (-21.7 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record this season.
CHI WHITE SOX are 1-10 (-11.1 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 54-65 (+4.9 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
MINNESOTA is 53-59 (+9.1 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
MINNESOTA is 33-20 (+20.0 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record this season.
MINNESOTA is 12-6 (+10.3 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record in the second half of the season this season.
CORREIA is 97-84 (+32.7 Units) against the money line in all games since 1997. (Team's Record)
CORREIA is 46-27 (+26.5 Units) against the money line when the total is 8 to 8.5 since 1997. (Team's Record)
CORREIA is 16-8 (+9.6 Units) against the money line in home games over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
CORREIA is 16-8 (+9.6 Units) against the money line in home games in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
CORREIA is 65-56 (+24.3 Units) against the money line in night games since 1997. (Team's Record)
MINNESOTA is 92-128 (-35.6 Units) against the money line in home games over the last 3 seasons.
MINNESOTA is 10-26 (-17.8 Units) against the money line in home games in August games over the last 3 seasons.
MINNESOTA is 9-25 (-17.1 Units) against the money line in home games when playing on Friday over the last 3 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
MINNESOTA is 10-3 (+8.8 Units) against CHI WHITE SOX this season
6 of 11 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+0.3 Units)

JOSE QUINTANA vs. MINNESOTA since 1997
QUINTANA is 0-2 when starting against MINNESOTA with an ERA of 9.16 and a WHIP of 1.780.
His team's record is 1-3 (-3.1 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 1-3. (-2.5 units)

KEVIN CORREIA vs. CHI WHITE SOX since 1997
CORREIA is 2-1 when starting against CHI WHITE SOX with an ERA of 2.61 and a WHIP of 1.016.
His team's record is 2-1 (+1.6 units) in these starts. The OVER is 1-2. (-1.4 units)

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

CLEVELAND (65 - 56) at OAKLAND (68 - 52) - 10:05 PM
JUSTIN MASTERSON (R) vs. A.J. GRIFFIN (R)
Top Trends for this game.
CLEVELAND is 17-35 (-16.0 Units) against the money line as a road underdog of +100 to +125 over the last 2 seasons.
CLEVELAND is 11-32 (-19.9 Units) against the money line in August games over the last 2 seasons.
OAKLAND is 68-52 (+8.3 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
OAKLAND is 42-30 (+14.6 Units) against the money line when the total is 7 or less over the last 2 seasons.
OAKLAND is 43-19 (+16.9 Units) against the money line as a home favorite of -125 to -150 over the last 3 seasons.
OAKLAND is 87-53 (+26.2 Units) against the money line in home games over the last 2 seasons.
OAKLAND is 268-198 (+63.2 Units) against the money line in August games since 1997.
OAKLAND is 65-48 (+9.3 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
OAKLAND is 108-72 (+40.1 Units) against the money line in night games over the last 2 seasons.
OAKLAND is 110-77 (+35.8 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters over the last 2 seasons.
OAKLAND is 107-65 (+35.4 Units) against the money line after shutting out their opponent since 1997.
OAKLAND is 99-64 (+35.6 Units) against the money line after a win over the last 2 seasons.
OAKLAND is 79-65 (+24.4 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.
OAKLAND is 34-28 (+10.8 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record in the second half of the season over the last 2 seasons.
GRIFFIN is 27-13 (+14.3 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
GRIFFIN is 16-4 (+11.0 Units) against the money line in home games over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
GRIFFIN is 25-13 (+12.1 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
GRIFFIN is 17-6 (+12.5 Units) against the money line in night games over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
GRIFFIN is 16-5 (+10.8 Units) against the money line after a win over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
GRIFFIN is 11-2 (+8.9 Units) against the money line in home games when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
CLEVELAND is 65-56 (+13.5 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
CLEVELAND is 62-53 (+11.4 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
CLEVELAND is 38-25 (+12.4 Units) against the money line after a win this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
CLEVELAND is 4-0 (+4.1 Units) against OAKLAND this season
2 of 4 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+0.0 Units)

JUSTIN MASTERSON vs. OAKLAND since 1997
MASTERSON is 2-5 when starting against OAKLAND with an ERA of 9.08 and a WHIP of 1.878.
His team's record is 2-5 (-3.0 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 5-2. (+3.0 units)

A.J. GRIFFIN vs. CLEVELAND since 1997
GRIFFIN is 0-1 when starting against CLEVELAND with an ERA of 4.05 and a WHIP of 1.199.
His team's record is 0-1 (-1.0 units) in these starts. The OVER is 0-1. (-1.0 units)

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

HOUSTON (39 - 81) at LA ANGELS (54 - 66) - 10:05 PM
BRAD PEACOCK (R) vs. JEROME WILLIAMS (R)
Top Trends for this game.
HOUSTON is 94-187 (-43.8 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
HOUSTON is 3-22 (-17.3 Units) against the money line as a road underdog of +150 to +175 over the last 2 seasons.
HOUSTON is 65-156 (-44.8 Units) against the money line in road games over the last 3 seasons.
HOUSTON is 8-33 (-18.8 Units) against the money line in August games over the last 2 seasons.
HOUSTON is 92-182 (-43.6 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
HOUSTON is 69-140 (-33.5 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters over the last 2 seasons.
HOUSTON is 24-54 (-26.5 Units) against the money line in road games after getting shut out since 1997.
HOUSTON is 60-125 (-31.8 Units) against the money line after a loss over the last 2 seasons.
HOUSTON is 17-47 (-20.1 Units) against the money line in road games when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 2 seasons.
HOUSTON is 10-41 (-26.6 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 252-188 (+44.7 Units) against the money line when playing on Friday since 1997.
LA ANGELS are 54-66 (-27.5 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
LA ANGELS are 134-125 (-67.0 Units) against the money line as a home favorite of -150 to -175 since 1997.
LA ANGELS are 30-32 (-16.3 Units) against the money line in home games this season.
LA ANGELS are 18-33 (-24.8 Units) against the money line against division opponents this season.
LA ANGELS are 54-66 (-27.5 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
LA ANGELS are 35-52 (-30.5 Units) against the money line in night games this season.
LA ANGELS are 43-46 (-14.4 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
HOUSTON is 7-6 (+7.0 Units) against LA ANGELS this season
7 of 12 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+1.3 Units)

BRAD PEACOCK vs. LA ANGELS since 1997
No recent starts.

JEROME WILLIAMS vs. HOUSTON since 1997
WILLIAMS is 1-3 when starting against HOUSTON with an ERA of 3.66 and a WHIP of 1.297.
His team's record is 3-3 (-0.9 units) in these starts. The OVER is 1-4. (-3.2 units)

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

COLORADO (57 - 65) at BALTIMORE (65 - 55) - 7:05 PM
JUAN NICASIO (R) vs. WEI-YIN CHEN (L)
Top Trends for this game.
COLORADO is 121-163 (-30.3 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
COLORADO is 3-12 (-12.2 Units) against the money line in an inter-league game this season.
COLORADO is 194-251 (-58.8 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 3 seasons.
COLORADO is 31-63 (-30.2 Units) against the money line against left-handed starters over the last 2 seasons.
COLORADO is 14-37 (-18.5 Units) against the money line in road games after a win over the last 2 seasons.
BALTIMORE is 65-55 (+5.3 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
BALTIMORE is 75-55 (+20.5 Units) against the money line when the total is 9 to 9.5 over the last 2 seasons.
BALTIMORE is 81-60 (+11.4 Units) against the money line in home games over the last 2 seasons.
BALTIMORE is 28-18 (+13.9 Units) against the money line when playing on Friday over the last 2 seasons.
BALTIMORE is 24-10 (+16.8 Units) against the money line when playing with a day off over the last 2 seasons.
BALTIMORE is 60-47 (+7.3 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
BALTIMORE is 46-33 (+9.4 Units) against the money line in night games this season.
BALTIMORE is 47-34 (+11.9 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.
BALTIMORE is 33-21 (+10.8 Units) against the money line after a loss this season.
BALTIMORE is 179-301 (-99.6 Units) against the money line after 3 or more consecutive losses since 1997.

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

JUAN NICASIO vs. BALTIMORE since 1997
No recent starts.

WEI-YIN CHEN vs. COLORADO since 1997
No recent starts.

[StarDust Bum]

Friday, August 16

Game Score Status Pick Amount

Kansas City - 1:08 PM ET Detroit -216 500
Detroit - Over 8.5 500


St. Louis - 4:05 PM ET St. Louis -135 500
Chi. Cubs - Under 8.5 500

[StarDust Bum]

MLB
Armadillo's Write-Up

Friday, August 16

Hot pitchers
-- Arrieta allowed one run in six IP in his first start for the Cubs.
-- Greinke is 2-0, 1.77 in his last three starts.
-- Eovaldi is 0-1, 1.04 in his last four starts. Giants won Gaudin's last three starts (1-0, 1.47).
-- Wood is 2-0, 1.89 in his last three starts.
-- Gorzelanny is 2-0, 2.70 in his last three starts. Leake is 2-0, 1.27 in his last three road starts.
-- Kennedy is 1-0, 2.63 in two starts for San Diego.

-- WChen is 3-2, 2.83 in his last six starts.

-- Shields is 4-0, 2.44 in his last seven road starts. Verlander is 2-0, 2.57 in his last three starts.
-- Doubront is 4-2, 2.74 in his last seven starts.
-- Dickey is 1-0, 2.61 in his last three starts.
-- Rangers won last three Holland starts (1-0, 3.15).

Cold pitchers
-- Westbrook is 0-3, 11.05 in his last three outings.
-- McCarthy is 0-3, 6.43 in his last three starts. Cole is 0-2, 5.19 in his last three outings.
-- Lee is 0-3, 6.00 in his last four starts.
-- Jordan is 1-3, 4.93 in eight starts this season.
-- Niese is 1-1, 4.98 in his last four starts.

-- Nicasio is 0-2, 9.64 in his last three starts.

-- Alvarez is 0-2, 7.24 in his last three starts. Duffy allowed two runs in 3.2 IP (93 PT) in his first '13 start.
-- Pettitte is 0-3, 7.52 in his last five starts.
-- Hellickson is 0-3, 9.75 in his last three starts.
-- Quintana is 1-2, 4.18 in his last four starts. Correia is 1-2, 7.56 in his last four starts.
-- Iwakuma is 0-2, 4.58 in his last three starts.
-- Masterson is 0-1, 7.71 in his last couple starts. Griffin is 2-2, 4.99 in his last five starts.
-- Peacock is 0-3, 7.71 in his last five starts. Williams is 0-5, 9.33 in his last eight starts.

Starting Pitchers/First Inning
You can wager on whether teams will score in the first inning. Below is how often a starting pitcher has allowed 1+ runs in first inning in one of his starts........
-- Westbrook 6-16 (4 of last 7); Arrieta 3-11 (0 of last 7)
-- McCarthy 4-13 (0 of last 6); Cole 3-11
-- Greinke 6-19; Lee 4-22
-- Gaudin 3-11; Eovaldi 2-10 (0 of last 4)
-- Jordan 1-8; Wood 1-5
-- Leake 5-23; Gorzelanny 1-7
-- Niese 6-15; Kennedy 9-23

-- Nicasio 8-22 (1 of last 6); Chen 3-14 (1 of last 8)

-- Duffy 1-1 Shields 11-24 (6 of last 8); Verlander 7-25 Alvarez 0-0
-- Pettitte 10-21 (8 of last 8); Doubront 4-21 (0 of last 7)
-- Dickey 6-25 (1 of last 13); Hellickson 8-24 (1 of last 14)
-- Iwakuma 5-25 (0 of last 9); Holland 3-24
-- Quintana 8-24; Correia 6-23 (0 of last 9)
-- Masterson 4-25 (1 of last 13); Griffin 3-24
-- Peacock 3-7; Willliams 5-17

Totals
-- Over is 3-1-1 in last five St Louis games.
-- Five of last seven Arizona games went over total.
-- Three of last four Philly games stayed under total.
-- Under is 9-3-1 in San Francisco's last thirteen games.
-- Seven of last ten Atlanta games stayed under total.
-- Nine of last ten Cincinnati road games stayed under the total.
-- Under is 11-4-1 in last sixteen Met games.

-- Under is 5-0-1 in Colorado's last six road games.

-- Six of last nine Detroit games went over the total.
-- Last five Boston games stayed under the total.
-- Over is 5-1-1 in last seven Tampa Bay games.
-- Six of last eight Seattle games went over the total.
-- Under is 7-2-1 in last ten Minnesota games.
-- Three of last four Oakland games stayed under total.
-- 11 of last 14 Angel games went over the total.

Hot teams
-- Arizona won six of its last eight games.
-- Dodgers are 40-8 in their last 48 games.
-- Marlins won three of their last five games.
-- Atlanta won 17 of its last 19 games. Washington won five of its last six.
-- Cincinnati won eight of its last nine games.

-- Rockies won five of their last six games.

-- Bronx Bombers won five of their last seven games.
-- Minnesota is 9-5 in its last fourteen games.
-- Rangers won 14 of their last 16 games.
-- Indians won three of their last four games.

Cold teams
-- Cubs lost their last four games, allowing 21 runs. Cardinals lost five of their last eight games.
-- Pirates lost five of their last six games.
-- Phillies lost five of their last six games.
-- Giants lost eight of their last twelve games.
-- Brewers lost three of their last four games.
-- Padres lost eight of their last eleven games. Mets are 5-9 in last 14 on road.

-- Orioles lost four of their last five games.

-- Royals lost their last three games, outscored 10-3. Detroit lost four of its last seven games, but won last two.
-- Red Sox lost five of their last seven games.
-- Toronto lost five of its last eight games. Tampa Bay lost six of last eight.
-- White Sox lost 15 of their last 21 games.
-- Mariners lost six of their last nine games.
-- Oakland is 4-6 in its last ten games.
-- Astros lost 25 of their last 32 games. Angels lost 14 of their last 20 games.
Reply With Quote

[StarDust Bum]

Evening Pod's


Colorado - 7:05 PM ET Colorado +162 500 POD # 1
Baltimore - Over 8.5 500

Arizona - 7:05 PM ET Pittsburgh -146 500
Pittsburgh - Over 7.5 500

LA Dodgers - 7:05 PM ET Philadelphia -101 500
Philadelphia - Under 7 500

Kansas City - 7:08 PM ET Kansas City -106 500
Detroit - Under 8.5 500

NY Yankees - 7:10 PM ET Boston -183 500
Boston - Over 9 500

San Francisco - 7:10 PM ET San Francisco -104 500
Miami - Under 7 500

Toronto - 7:10 PM ET Toronto +133 500 POD # 7
Tampa Bay - Under 7.5 500

Washington - 7:30 PM ET Atlanta -180 500
Atlanta - Over 7.5 500

Seattle - 8:05 PM ET Seattle +158 500 POD # 5
Texas - Over 8 500

Chi. White Sox - 8:10 PM ET Minnesota -116 500
Minnesota - Over 8 500

Cincinnati - 8:10 PM ET Milwaukee +125 500 POD # 6
Milwaukee - Under 8 500

Cleveland - 10:05 PM ET Cleveland +118 500 POD # 4
Oakland -Under 7 500

Houston - 10:05 PM ET Houston +147 500 POD # 2
LA Angels - Over 9 500

NY Mets - 10:10 PM ET NY Mets +126 500 POD # 3
San Diego - Under 7 500

[WThotrod]

Good luck, sir! Earlier I hit on the Royals, so I am laying $500 on all POD's. Let's win some money!!!

[WThotrod]

So far, so good! Come on, Astros and Indians!

[WThotrod]

Can you hear the dogs HOWLING?! Nice work, BUM!!!! Great night!

[StarDust Bum]

If those Indians came thru it would have been a hell of a night.

[StarDust Bum]

Preview: Yankees (63-58) at Red Sox (72-52)
Game: 2
Venue: Fenway Park
Date: August 17, 2013 4:05 PM EDT


The New York Yankees have a ways to go to catch the AL East-leading Boston Red Sox, but Alfonso Soriano is doing all he can to help them make a legitimate run.

Soriano looks to continue his torrid pace at the plate in support of red-hot Hiroki Kuroda as the visiting Yankees try to hand the Red Sox a season-high fourth consecutive defeat Saturday.

New York (63-58) had dropped six of the first nine with Boston this season before Soriano hit a three-run homer for one of his three hits and Mark Reynolds delivered a two-run shot in his Yankee debut during Friday's 10-3 win at Fenway Park.

"It was a big win for us," winning pitcher Andy Pettitte said. "We've got to win this series. We've got to win a lot of series.'

Fourth in the East and still contending in the wild-card race, the Yankees have won six of eight and sit 7 1/2 games back of a Red Sox (72-52) team that's dropped six of eight.

"Two swings cost us five runs,' said Boston manager John Farrell, whose club also committed three errors for the second time in three games. "This wasn't one of our more sharp efforts.'

Soriano has carried the Yankees' offense of late, going 13 for 18 with five homers and 18 RBIs in four games.

"I think the motivation (is) going back to the Yankees, trying to help the team win," said Soriano, hitting .320 with eight home runs and 26 RBIs in 19 games since coming over from the Cubs.

Reynolds, who signed with New York on Thursday after he was released by Cleveland, had two hits and three RBIs. He hit .125 with no homers, two RBIs and struck out 28 times in his final 21 games for the Indians, but is batting .321 with six RBIs versus Boston in 2013.

Kuroda (11-7, 2.33 ERA) is 4-1 with a 0.94 ERA in his last seven starts and ranks second in the AL in ERA. For the fifth time during that stretch, he did not allow a run while giving up three hits and striking out seven in eight innings of a 2-1 victory over the Los Angeles Angels on Monday.

"I don't know if you can expect anyone to be that dominant in this day and age when there's a lot of ways teams can score runs, but he's just been brilliant,' manager Joe Girardi said.

The right-hander allowed two runs in seven innings of a 5-2 win at Boston on July 20 to improve to 1-2 with a 4.61 ERA against the Red Sox this season.

Scheduled Boston starter John Lackey (7-10, 3.32) struck out seven in that contest opposite Kuroda, but also allowed four runs and 10 hits in 6 1-3 innings. That defeat began a stretch where he's 0-4 with a 4.96 ERA in his last four starts.

The right-hander dropped his second straight after he yielded four runs and seven hits in seven innings o f a 4-3 loss at Kansas City on Sunday.

Boston has totaled 14 runs and stranded 47 runners while losing four of five.

Slugger David Ortiz is 4 for 24 in the last six, but 6 for 9 with a homer versus Kuroda.

New York's Robinson Cano is batting .425 during an 11-game hitting streak, and .350 with three doubles in his last 20 at_bats against Lackey.

Amidst frequent booing and taunts from the Fenway crowd, Alex Rodriguez went 2 for 4 with a walk Friday. He has hit safely in nine of 10 games this season.

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

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 - 4:05PM EDT

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

[StarDust Bum]

Preview: Cardinals (69-52) at Cubs (53-68)
Game: 2
Venue: Wrigley Field
Date: August 17, 2013 4:05 PM EDT


The St. Louis Cardinals are slumping, and the lowly Chicago Cubs are contributing to their struggles.

The Cardinals try to bounce back from an anemic offensive showing Saturday against Travis Wood.

St. Louis (69-52) lost Friday's opener 7-0 after dropping two of three at home to the Cubs last weekend.

"We've played some of our best baseball against them," Chicago manager Dale Sveum said. "Even in some of the ballgames we've lost, we've played good ball and come up on the short end. We've played these guys really well."

The Cubs are 7-7 against the Cardinals but 12-28 against the rest of the NL Central.

Chicago (53-68), however, isn't the only team giving St. Louis problems. The Cardinals have lost six of nine and own the NL's second-worst record since July 26 at 7-15.

Carlos Beltran doubled and accounted for St. Louis' only two hits Friday, as Jake Arrieta dominated in his second start for the Cubs.

Highly touted prospect Kolten Wong made his major league debut for the Cardinals, going 0 for 3 with a strikeout. Manager Mike Matheny had the 22-year-old playing second base and moved regular second baseman Matt Carpenter to third. Struggling David Freese was relegated to the bench but is expected to be back in the lineup against Wood (7-9, 3.00 ERA).

Yadier Molina also will likely return after a day off following an 0-for-5 return from the disabled list. The NL MVP candidate is batting .429 with nine RBIs against the Cubs this season and is 5 for 9 in 2013 matchups with Wood.

Beltran is also excelling in those matchups, batting .392 with six doubles against Chicago and going 3 for 10 versus the left-hander.

Wood yielded two runs and four hits in a season-high eight innings against Cincinnati on Monday but was saddled with a 2-0 loss. It was his 20th quality start - tying him for second in the majors - and the third time in four outings he allowed two runs or fewer.

Although Wood is enjoying a solid season, it hasn't led to many wins, with the Cubs losing 10 of his last 13 starts.

Friday's victory snapped a four-game losing streak for Chicago and seven-game skid at Wrigley Field. Nate Schierholtz drove in three runs while Junior Lake and Anthony Rizzo each scored twice for the Cubs, who had been shut out in two of their previous three games.

Rizzo is partly to blame for Chicago's offensive woes, batting .140 in his last 13 contests. He is 3 for 23 in his last six games against St. Louis and 1 for 9 lifetime versus Joe Kelly (3-3, 3.14).

Kelly was a little shaky against Chicago on Sunday, giving up four runs and six hits in 5 1-3 innings and not earning a decision in an 8-4 victory. He walked two, and is averaging 4.1 walks per nine innings over his last seven outings.

"I would like to go a little deeper, I can't do that when I start walking guys like that," the right-hander told the Cardinals' official website.

Kelly was 3-0 with a 0.78 ERA over his previous four starts. That stretch began at Wrigley on July 12, when he allowed a run and three hits over 5 1-3 innings of a 3-2 victory.

Wood is 1-1 with a 3.26 ERA in three starts against the Cardinals this season.

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

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 - 4:05PM EDT

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