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[StarDust Bum]

Preview: Diamondbacks (64-58) at Reds (70-54)
Game: 1
Venue: Great American Ball Park
Date: August 19, 2013 7:10 PM EDT


The Arizona Diamondbacks' recently hot offense sputtered most of Sunday before pulling through for an extra-inning victory.

Perhaps facing Bronson Arroyo - against whom a couple Arizona hitters have enjoyed success - could help reignite the lineup again as the Diamondbacks begin a pivotal four-game road series versus the Cincinnati Reds on Monday night.

Arizona (64-58) has won five of six and 8 of 11, but time is running out on its postseason bid - the team trails Cincinnati (70-54) by five games for the NL's second wild-card spot.

The Diamondbacks are hitting .284 and averaging 5.7 runs with 40 extra-base hits over their last 11 games. However, they were 0 for 11 with runners in scoring position Sunday before Adam Eaton drove in two runs with a bloop double - one of his career-high four hits - in the top of the 16th at Pittsburgh, leading to a 4-2 victory, a franchise-record 13th in extra innings this season.

"As long as you want to go, we'll go with you and stay in a dogfight," Eaton said. "We'll play as long as we need to play."

Arroyo (11-9, 3.35 ERA) is 5-5 with a 4.52 ERA in 14 games versus Arizona. Aaron Hill and Martin Prado are a combined 13 for 31 (.419) off him with three doubles and three home runs.

But the right-hander been strong since allowing a season high-matching seven runs in 3 2-3 innings of a 13-3 loss to St. Louis on Aug. 2, limiting opponents to one run over 14 innings in back-to-back wins.

"It's unbelievable the way he pitches," teammate Todd Frazier said after Arroyo struck out seven during seven innings of two-hit ball in a 5-0 win over the Chicago Cubs on Wednesday. "I just can't understand how he does it and everybody's off balance and I know I'm going to get ground balls so I'm ready all the time and he starts striking guys out."

Arizona's 36th come-from-behind win - second-most in the majors - on Sunday let it keep pace with Cincinnati, which beat Milwaukee 9-1 behind 10 singles and a strong eight innings from Homer Bailey. The Reds have won nine of 12 and are hitting .326 (15 for 46) with runners in scoring position over the last six, getting 13 singles and two doubles.

"Main thing, we had a pretty good road trip, 5-2," manager Dusty Baker said. "We will be happy with what we got."

The Diamondbacks won two of three at home from Cincinnati in June, though Randall Delgado (4-3, 3.52) took the lone loss. He gave up four runs - three earned - and six hits over five innings in a 4-2 defeat in the finale. Shin-Soo Choo and Brandon Phillips both homered off the right-hander.

Delgado was again troubled by the long ball on Tuesday, with all three runs against him over seven innings versus Baltimore coming on two homers in Arizona's eventual 4-3, 11-inning win.

The teams have split the last 14 meetings in Cincinnati.

[StarDust Bum]

Astros (41-82) at Rangers (71-53)
Game: 1
Venue: Rangers Ballpark in Arlington
Date: August 19, 2013 8:05 PM EDT


Despite a string of sub-.500 opponents, the Texas Rangers have cooled off from a torrid stretch that culminated with a sweep of the Houston Astros.

The Rangers will try to get rolling again and protect their slim lead atop the AL West during another series against the Astros that begins Monday night.

Texas (71-53) is in the middle of a stretch of 24 consecutive games against teams with losing records but dropped to 2-3 on its current homestand with a 4-3 defeat to Seattle on Sunday. After his club rallied from three one-run deficits, Joe Nathan gave up the go-ahead double in the ninth.

The loss and Oakland's victory over Cleveland cut the Rangers' edge in the division to one-half game.

"I'm not going to sit here and second guess," Nathan told the team's website.

Texas will try to conclude its eight-game stay in Arlington on a more positive note by adding to its recent dominance of the last-place Astros (41-82). The Rangers have won 15 of 17 matchups dating back to last season and five of the last six at home.

Houston, though, heads into this series having won of four of six since being swept in four games by Texas at Minute Maid Park from Aug. 9-12. The Astros took two of three from the Los Angeles Angels this weekend, and Matt Dominguez provided a tiebreaking three-run homer during his four-hit performance in Sunday's 7-5 victory.

"At some point, we're going to start to get our breaks," manager Bo Porter said. "We're swinging the bats real well, and we're getting good starting pitching."

The Astros were slated to start Jordan Lyles in this game, but he made a surprise relief appearance in Sunday's win. Houston is expected to turn to Lucas Harrell (6-13, 5.16 ERA) in this game.

The major league's co-leader in losses has made one start since a miserable outing in Texas on July 5. He gave up a season-high nine runs over 3 2-3 innings in a 10-5 loss and is 0-2 with a 12.00 ERA in two career starts in Arlington.

Harrell is 1-3 with a 6.10 ERA in four overall starts against the Rangers.

Matt Garza (2-1, 3.86), meanwhile, will try for a better performance after going 1-1 with a 5.23 ERA in his three starts this month. That includes a 9-5 win over the Astros on Aug. 9.

Garza gave up four runs over seven innings in that game, struck out eight and got seven runs of support. He's received two runs or fewer in his four other outings since being acquired from the Chicago Cubs on July 22.

"He can give up four runs and we'll still win," manager Ron Washington told the team's website about Garza. "He just keeps us in ballgames."

Garza is having his start bumped up one day after Alexi Ogando developed inflammation in a nerve in his right shoulder. Garza has won three straight decisions against the Astros, also limiting them to a solo homer and three other hits in eight innings of a 3-1 win June 21 for the Cubs.

Adrian Beltre, batting .437 in his last 19 games, hit a two-run homer off Harrell in the win in July. Beltre is hitting .455 with five doubles, four homers and 10 RBIs in his last 11 matchups with the Astros.

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[StarDust Bum]

Preview: Nationals (60-63) at Cubs (53-70)
Game: 1
Venue: Wrigley Field
Date: August 19, 2013 8:05 PM EDT


Jordan Zimmermann appears to have picked up some momentum after a midseason lull.

That could mean bad news for the Chicago Cubs, who continue to struggle offensively at Wrigley Field.

Zimmermann again looks to re-assume his position as the NL's leader in victories Monday night as the Washington Nationals open a four-game set in Chicago.

The right-hander is 2-0 with a 1.59 ERA in his last three starts. Zimmermann (14-6, 3.02 ERA) had endured a rough July, going 1-3 with a 7.18 ERA after not posting an ERA higher than 2.78 in any other month this year. His six homers allowed last month were as many as he gave up in May and June combined.

He held San Francisco to a run and six hits over seven innings of a 6-5 victory on Wednesday, retiring eight of the last nine batters he faced.

"I had to battle the first four innings," Zimmermann, whose 14 wins were matched Sunday by St. Louis' Adam Wainwright, told the team's official website. "The last three was pretty easy. I kept the ball in the bottom of the zone."

Zimmermann hasn't seen the Cubs (53-70) this year but he was 1-1 with a 1.93 ERA in a pair of outings last season.

He'll encounter a Chicago club that has repeatedly failed to produce at home. The Cubs scuffled again in a 6-1 loss to St. Louis on Sunday, going 0 for 6 with runners in scoring position.

They've been shut out five times in the last eight home games while hitting .197, and their 2.21 runs per game at Wrigley Field since the All-Star break are the majors' fewest at home.

Anthony Rizzo is 2 for 24 over his last seven contests overall while David DeJesus is 4 for 31 in his last nine.

Starlin Castro recorded his first hit in six games Sunday, rejoining the lineup after a costly defensive blunder prompted manager Dale Sveum to pull him from Saturday's contest.

"The way I look at it is obviously he had enough punishment - whether or not punishment is the right word - to be embarrassed," Sveum said. "These kind of things happen from time to time."

Castro is 15 for 38 (.395) in his last nine games versus Washington (60-63), but 3 for 13 off Zimmermann.

Chicago took the final two games in Washington in mid-May after Monday's starter Jeff Samardzija (6-11, 4.29) allowed seven runs and eight hits over five innings in the opener. He had posted a 1.48 ERA in his previous nine games against the Nationals.

Samardzija has issued 16 walks over 28 innings during a five-start winless stretch. Ian Desmond is 8 for 13 off him with three doubles and a homer.

Jayson Werth extended his hitting streak to 10 games Sunday as the Nationals fell 2-1 at Atlanta. Werth, 3 for 13 versus Samardzija, is hitting .487 during his streak with 10 RBIs while Washington had scored at least six runs in five of eight prior to Sunday.

The franchises have split the last 36 meetings in Chicago.

[StarDust Bum]

Preview: Cardinals (71-52) at Brewers (54-70)
Game: 1
Venue: Miller Park
Date: August 19, 2013 8:10 PM EDT


Shelby Miller has baffled numerous opponents this year, but none more so than the Milwaukee Brewers.

He'll aim for his third straight win over Milwaukee on Monday night as the St. Louis Cardinals continue their NL Central road trip.

The Cardinals (71-52), one game back of Pittsburgh for first place, have had their way with the Brewers this year, winning all four meetings in Milwaukee and eight of 10 overall. Miller (11-8, 2.97 ERA) dominated them twice, striking out eight over seven innings of a 2-0 home win on April 12, then limiting them to one run over six innings in a 6-1 road victory on May 3.

Miller's 0.69 ERA versus Milwaukee is his lowest against any opponent the rookie has faced more than once this season. Jean Segura, Carlos Gomez and Jonathan Lucroy are a combined 1 for 16 with seven strikeouts, though Gomez hasn't played since Thursday due to a sprained right knee and is considered day-to-day.

Miller, however, has been mediocre of late, allowing 11 runs in his last 16 2-3 innings over four starts.

He gave up two solo homers and five runs in six innings of a 5-1 loss to Pittsburgh on Wednesday, one week after throwing two pitches in a loss to the Los Angeles Dodgers after taking a leadoff line drive on the elbow.

"Health-wise, he felt fine," manager Mike Matheny said. "He got a couple pitches more in the middle of the plate than he wanted to early. I think stuff-wise, it looked normal."

Conversely, Milwaukee starter Marco Estrada (5-4, 4.71) has struggled mightily versus St. Louis, going 0-1 with a 9.00 ERA in three outings this year, including his worst performance of the season. He gave up a career-high eight runs and six hits over a season-low 3 1-3 innings in a 10-1 home loss on May 5 and is 0-4 with a 6.55 ERA in 10 career games against the Cardinals.

Estrada has been solid since returning from a strained left hamstring, though, yielding one run over 11 innings in two starts.

"Overall, I can't complain about this," Estrada told the team's official website after limiting the Rangers to a solo homer and three other hits over six innings of a 5-1 victory on Tuesday. "I kept the team in the game and we pulled it off. It's a confidence booster."

Yadier Molina is 9 for 18 versus Estrada and 4 for 9 over his last two games after going hitless in five at_bats against Pittsburgh on Thursday - his first contest since missing two weeks with a sprained right knee.

Matt Carpenter drove in a pair of runs in a 6-1 win over the Chicago Cubs on Sunday and is hitting .377 over his last 14 games.

Milwaukee (54-70) had enjoyed a five-game run of strong pitching from Aug.10-15, with starters throwing at least six innings and allowing two or fewer runs in each outing. The Brewers won despite a five-run, 4 2-3 inning performance from Tom Gorzelanny in a 7-6 win over Cincinnati on Friday, but couldn't overcome the seven runs surrendered by Wily Peralta over 4 1-3 innings in a 9-1 defeat on Sunday.

Norichika Aoki is just 5 for 24 over his last six games but is one of the few Brewers to experience success against Miller, going 3 for 6.

[StarDust Bum]

Preview: Indians (66-58) at Angels (55-68)
Game: 1
Venue: Angel Stadium of Anaheim
Date: August 19, 2013 10:05 PM EDT


Mike Trout and Jered Weaver have been two of the few bright spots for the disappointing Los Angeles Angels, though neither gave the team anything to celebrate the last time they left the field.

Trout's status is uncertain due to an injury, and Weaver will be looking to bounce back from one of the worst outings of his career as Los Angeles hosts the Cleveland Indians on Monday night.

After a terrific 2012 season that earned him AL Rookie of the Year, Trout has followed it up by hitting .333 and has reached base in 40 straight games after going 2 for 3 on Sunday.

Trout left the Angels' 7-5 loss to Houston, though, after experiencing tightness in his hamstring running out a double in the third. He exited after flying out in the fifth, and he's uncertain if he'll be ready to play in the series opener.

``It's all right. I'm just sore,' Trout said. ``It's not like it popped or anything. It was just a little grabbing, so it shouldn't be too serious. I didn't really feel anything until I got to second base. I'll see how it is (Monday).'

Mark Trumbo and Josh Hamilton homered Sunday, but Los Angeles (55-68) fell for the sixth time in eight games and has dropped 22 of 34.

Weaver (7-6, 3.49 ERA) had gone 4-0 with a 1.49 ERA over his previous five starts after yielding two runs in seven innings of a 5-2 win over Cleveland on Aug. 9. That hot stretch ended Wednesday, though, when he allowed a career worst-tying nine runs in five innings of an 11-3 loss to the New York Yankees.

He had given up 10 runs over his previous seven outings combined.

"You're going to have some rough games over the course of the season," Weaver said. 'Nothing I can do. Can't hang my head. Turn the page and concentrate on the next start coming in.'

The right-hander hasn't had much trouble with the Indians in recent seasons, going 6-1 with a 1.31 ERA in the last eight starts against them, with six of those outings being in Cleveland. Weaver, though, is 1-2 with a 5.23 ERA in six career home starts versus the Indians, who have dropped nine of 13 after falling 7-3 to Oakland on Sunday.

Ryan Raburn homered as Cleveland (66-58) fell seven games behind Detroit in the AL Central race.

``It's go time,' said second baseman Jason Kipnis, who extending his hitting streak to six. ``We don't have time to sit around and fell sorry for ourselves about losing two of three here. It's time to take care of business.'

The Indians will look to bounce back with help from Danny Salazar, who will be making his fourth career start.

Salazar (1-1, 4.08) allowed three runs - all scoring on two home runs - in four innings of a 3-0 loss to Minnesota in his most recent outing last Monday. The 23-year-old rookie struck out five, though, and has 22 in 17 2-3 innings.

"This kid's going to be pitching for a long time, and we just thought (we would) give him a little bit of a blow rather than let him grind through one more inning,' manager Terry Francona said. "His stuff is very good. He's willing to compete. This kid, he's the real deal, he just needs experience. We just need to monitor right now.'

The right-hander will be making his first start against Los Angeles, which had won four straight in the series prior to Cleveland's 6-5 win Aug. 11.

[StarDust Bum]

Preview: Mariners (57-66) at Athletics (70-53)
Game: 1
Venue: O.co Coliseum
Date: August 19, 2013 10:05 PM EDT


Kyle Seager's clutch hitting in the Seattle Mariners' last series actually did Oakland a favor, as they took two of three from the AL West leaders to help the Athletics pull within one-half game of the division's top spot.

He won't be receiving any thank-yous from the A's, though, if he stays hot through this three-game set that begins Monday night in Oakland.

Seager hit a go-ahead two-run homer in the eighth inning of Friday's 3-1 win at Texas and doubled home the eventual winning run with two outs in the ninth Sunday to give Seattle (57-66) a 4-3 victory.

He also homered Saturday after entering that series 0 for 17 over his previous five games.

"We have other hitters here, but when the game's on the line like that, it's Kyle Seager,' acting manager Robby Thompson said. "He's a great grinder and battler.'

The Mariners' wins helped Oakland (70-53) gain a game on the Rangers, as the A's also took two of three from Cleveland after winning 7-3 on Sunday.

Chris Young and Alberto Callaspo homered while Josh Donaldson drove in three runs for Oakland, which would regain the West lead with a win and a Texas loss to Houston on Monday.

"That's when we're at our best, when we have equal parts and we can trust everybody up and down the lineup,' said Jed Lowrie, who batted leadoff and was one of five A's with at least two hits. "That's been our key offensively. I don't think I'm a prototypical leadoff hitter but I get on base a lot.'

Lowrie is hitting .409 versus Seattle this season, but Oakland is just 5-8 in the series. Monday's starter Jarrod Parker hasn't helped much by going 1-1 with a 4.91 ERA in three starts against the Mariners, most recently allowing three runs in seven innings of Oakland's 6-3, 10-inning loss June 23.

Parker (8-6, 3.87 ERA), though, is coming off the longest outing of his career, as he allowed one run in 8 1-3 innings before the A's fell 2-1 to Houston in 11 on Wednesday. He has allowed two or fewer earned runs in 12 of his last 16 starts, going 6-1 with a 2.73 ERA in that stretch.

"You pitch like that and you get that deep into the game and only give up one run," manager Bob Melvin said, "you're going to win that game a lot more times than not."

Parker will be opposed by Aaron Harang, who had been struggling of late before a better outing his last time out.

After allowing seven runs in back-to-back starts, Harang (5-10, 5.77) gave up three in five innings as Seattle fell 5-4 at Tampa Bay on Wednesday.

He's 1-5 with a 6.75 ERA in eight road starts.

The right-hander made his only start in Oakland on June 19, 2012, allowing three runs and walking a career-worst eight in 3 2-3 innings of a 3-0 loss while pitching for the Los Angeles Dodgers. He gave up three runs in five innings before the Mariners rallied for a 7-5 win over the A's on June 22.

Seager went 2 for 14 in the last series with the A's as Seattle took two of three from June 21-23, and he's just 4 for 28 over the last eight meetings.

[StarDust Bum]

Preview: Pirates (72-51) at Padres (56-68)
Game: 1
Venue: PETCO Park
Date: August 19, 2013 10:10 PM EDT


In danger of losing sole possession of first place in the NL Central and with a tired bullpen, the struggling Pittsburgh Pirates could sorely use another dominant outing from Francisco Liriano.

Liriano will try to deliver a much-needed victory Monday night as the Pirates open a seven-game West Coast trip with the first of three against the San Diego Padres.

The Pirates (72-51) had a four-game lead over St. Louis after winning their fifth in a row Aug. 8 but that advantage is down to one game after seven losses in the last nine contests. They blew an early two-run lead in a 4-2 loss in 16 innings to Arizona on Sunday after a 15-5 drubbing a day earlier.

It was the third extra-inning game in six days for Pittsburgh, which has played 69 innings over that stretch.

"We need to keep grinding it out and keep playing hard. We've played a lot of innings, so it's taxing us a little bit," second baseman Neil Walker said.

Liriano (13-5, 2.68 ERA) led Pittsburgh to one of its rare recent wins by tossing a four-hitter Wednesday. That 5-1 victory in St. Louis followed a dreadful outing at Colorado on Aug. 9 in which he gave up a career-high 10 runs and 12 hits in 2 1-3 innings.

"That was the mulligan," manager Clint Hurdle said. "What we've seen all year, he's just given us chances to win. He's pitched deep into games. He's mixed pitches. He's really been in command when runners get on base."

Liriano allowed three runs over seven innings in his only start against the Padres on June 19, 2011, with Minnesota. This time, he'll face a team that's seeking its third straight win since a 2-8 stretch.

San Diego nearly dropped another one Sunday as it trailed the Mets by a run after the seventh inning. Chris Denorfia, though, hit a tying infield single in the eighth and Will Venable homered to lead off the ninth.

Venable went 2 for 5 to extend his major league-best hit streak to 15 games. He's batting .377 during that career-best run and is hitting .469 in his last nine games against the Pirates.

"Will's amazing with the way he has been swinging," pitcher Eric Stults said. "It's not only swinging the bat but it's his defensive play and stealing bases. He's doing everything. He's playing like a five-tool player. When he comes to bat, we're expecting him to do something and (Sunday) he did."

He went 7 for 12 with three doubles and three RBIs during a three-game home sweep of Pittsburgh last Aug. 20-22. San Diego (56-68) has won 18 of 21 over the Pirates and seven of nine at home.

Andrew Cashner (8-7, 3.87) will try to deliver another victory in his first start against Pittsburgh. Cashner has given up three earned runs in each of his last two starts, including a 4-2 defeat in Colorado on Wednesday, but has received a combined three runs of support while losing both after getting 20 during a three-game win streak.

Cashner has a 2.50 ERA in eight home starts as opposed to a 4.97 mark away from Petco Park.

Clint Barmes is hitting .344 in his last eight games against San Diego while Andrew McCutchen is batting .158 in his last 15 matchups. McCutchen is a career .143 hitter with a .393 OPS in his nine games in San Diego, easily his worst performance in any NL ballpark.

[StarDust Bum]

Preview: Red Sox (73-53) at Giants (55-68)
Game: 1
Venue: AT&T Park
Date: August 19, 2013 10:15 PM EDT


The last time Boston and San Francisco met more than three years ago, Jon Lester gave the Red Sox a victory in a marquee pitching matchup with Tim Lincecum, who ended up helping the Giants win the 2010 World Series.

Neither San Francisco nor its former Cy Young Award winner are nearly as successful heading into this meeting.

Lester opposes Lincecum again as AL East-leading Boston visits the last-place Giants in the opener of a three-game set Monday night.

These teams haven't faced each other since June 27, 2010, when Lester struck out nine and gave up one run while tossing a five-hitter in a 5-1 Boston victory at AT&T Park. He would go on to win a career-best 19 games, though the Red Sox missed the postseason for the first time in four years.

Lincecum's performance in that contest was one to forget as he allowed four runs in three innings, but his season ended soaked in champagne as the Giants won their first of two World Series in three seasons.

San Francisco (55-68) sits at the bottom of the NL West in 2013, though, with Lincecum (6-12, 4.38 ERA) having an up-and-down season. He gave up six runs in six innings of a 6-5 loss at Washington on Wednesday after going 1-1 with a 1.23 ERA over his previous three outings.

The Giants had won three straight before falling 6-5 to Miami on Sunday despite Hunter Pence hitting his first homer in 111 at_bats.

"The focus is on each individual at-bat, so when you don't (hit a home run) for a long time that can be frustrating, but it doesn't change the constant of being ready for the next at-bat and the next at-bat after that and trusting that eventually it will happen,' Pence said. "At the end of the day, we didn't get the win."

Manager Bruce Bochy wasn't pleased that Madison Bumgarner and the bullpen couldn't make a lead from Pence's first-inning, two-run shot stick.

"We gave up too many runs and missed a couple of good opportunities," Bochy said. "We let this one get away, the way I look at it.'

Pence is hitting .467 during an eight-game hitting streak versus Boston (73-53), which also let a victory slip away Sunday.

The Red Sox blew a three-run lead in a 9-6 loss to the New York Yankees despite two hits each from Shane Victorino, David Ortiz, Jarrod Saltalamacchia and Will Middlebrooks.

Boston, which has lost four of five and leads Tampa Bay by only one game in the East, will look to bounce back with help from Lester, who has pitched well on the road since the All-Star break.

Lester (10-7, 4.31) has been solid in three of his last four starts, with the major blemish coming when he gave up six runs in 4 1-3 innings of a 7-6 loss to Arizona on Aug. 2. The other three outings came away from home as Lester went 1-1 with a 1.33 ERA.

The left-hander allowed three runs - two earned - in 6 1-3 innings of Boston's 4-3, 10-inning loss at Toronto on Wednesday.

Boston has lost five of its last seven on the road, though San Francisco has dropped 17 of 24 at home.

Red Sox first baseman Mike Napoli has missed the last two games with plantar fasciitis in his left foot and likely won't play in San Francisco. Boston plans to give Ortiz at least two starts at first against the Giants, a position he's played for only six innings this season.

[StarDust Bum]

MLB
Dunkel

Tampa Bay at Baltimore
The Rays look to follow up yesterday's 2-1 win over Toronto and build on their 9-3 record in their last 12 games after allowing 2 runs or less in their previous game. Tampa Bay is the pick (-130) according to Dunkel, which has the Rays favored by 1 1/2. Dunkel Pick: Tampa Bay (-130). Here are all of today's picks.

MONDAY, AUGUST 19

Game 901-902: Colorado at Philadelphia (7:05 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Colorado (Manship) 15.117; Philadelphia (Martin) 14.248
Dunkel Line: Colorado by 1; 10
Vegas Line: Philadelphia (-120); 9
Dunkel Pick: Colorado (+100); Over

Game 903-904: Arizona at Cincinnati (7:10 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Arizona (Delgado) 15.533; Cincinnati (Arroyo) 17.132
Dunkel Line: Cincinnati by 1 1/2; 7
Vegas Line: Cincinnati (-170); 8 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Cincinnati (-170); Under

Game 905-906: LA Dodgers at Miami (7:10 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: LA Dodgers (Ryu) 16.919; Miami (Fernandez) 15.124
Dunkel Line: LA Dodgers by 2; 6
Vegas Line: LA Dodgers (-130); 6 1/2
Dunkel Pick: LA Dodgers (-130); Under

Game 907-908: Washington at Chicago Cubs (8:05 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Washington (Zimmermann) 13.593; Cubs (Samardzija) 14.483
Dunkel Line: Chicago Cubs by 1; 9
Vegas Line: Washington (-145); No Run Total
Dunkel Pick: Chicago Cubs (+125); Over

Game 909-910: St. Louis at Milwaukee (8:10 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: St. Louis (Miller) 16.623; Milwaukee (Estrada) 15.169
Dunkel Line: St. Louis by 1 1/2; 7
Vegas Line: St. Louis (-150); 8
Dunkel Pick: St. Louis (-150); Under

Game 911-912: Pittsburgh at San Diego (10:10 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Pittsburgh (Liriano) 14.539; San Diego (Cashner) 15.489
Dunkel Line: San Diego by 1; 7
Vegas Line: Pittsburgh (-145); 6 1/2
Dunkel Pick: San Diego (+125); Over

Game 913-914: Tampa Bay at Baltimore (7:05 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Tampa Bay (Price) 16.069; Baltimore (Tillman) 14.716
Dunkel Line: Tampa Bay by 1 1/2; 7
Vegas Line: Tampa Bay (-130); 7 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Tampa Bay (-130); Under

Game 915-916: Houston at Texas (8:05 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Houston (Harrell) 15.155; Texas (Garza) 14.214
Dunkel Line: Houston by 1; 10
Vegas Line: Texas (-300); 8 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Houston (+260); Over

Game 917-918: Seattle at Oakland (10:05 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Seattle (Harang) 14.034; Oakland (Parker) 15.708
Dunkel Line: Oakland by 1 1/2; 7
Vegas Line: Oakland (-185); 8
Dunkel Pick: Oakland (-185); Under

Game 919-920: Cleveland at LA Angels (10:05 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Cleveland (Salazar) 15.276; LA Angels (Weaver) 14.028
Dunkel Line: Cleveland by 1; 9
Vegas Line: LA Angels (-145); 7 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Cleveland (+125); Over

Game 921-922: NY Mets at Minnesota (2:10 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: NY Mets (Gee) 15.434; Minnesota (Gibson) 14.483
Dunkel Line: NY Mets by 1; 9
Vegas Line: Minnesota (-120); 8 1/2
Dunkel Pick: NY Mets (+100); Over

Game 923-924: Boston at San Francisco (10:15 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Boston (Lester) 15.741; San Francisco (Lincecum) 14.278
Dunkel Line: Boston by 1 1/2; 6
Vegas Line: Boston (-130); 7
Dunkel Pick: Boston (-130); Under

[StarDust Bum]

MLB
Short Sheet

Monday, August 19

National League

Colorado at Philadelphia, 7:05 ET
Manship: Rockies 6-14 SU in 2013 road series openers
Martin: Over is 9-3 in last 12 home series openers for Phillies

Arizona at Cincinnati, 7:10 ET
Delgado: Diamondbacks 6-13 SU in first game of a 2013 road series
Arroyo: Reds 14-5 SU in home series openers in 2013

Los Angeles Dodgers at Miami, 7:10 ET
Ryu: Dodgers have won their last eight road series openers
Fernandez: Under is 9-3 in Fernandez's last 12 starts

Washington at Chicago Cubs, 8:05 ET
Zimmermann: Under is 4-1 in last five road openers for Nationals
Samardzija: Cubs 4-9 SU when Samardzija starts at home in 2013

St. Louis at Milwaukee, 8:10 ET
Miller: Cardinals 2-7 SU in last nine road series openers
Estrada: Under is 7-2 in last nine home series openers for Brewers

Pittsburgh at San Diego, 10:10 ET
Liriano: Over is 5-2 in last seven Pirates road series openers
Cashner: Padres 7-3 SU in first game of a 2013 home series that continues a homestand


American League

Houston at Texas, 8:05 ET
Lyles: Astros 6-23 SU when Lyles starts on the road
Garza: Last five home series openers for Rangers have gone Under

Seattle at Oakland, 10:05 ET
Harang: Mariners 1-7 SU when Harang starts on the road
Parker: Athletics' 7-3 SU in Parker's last 10 home starts

Cleveland at Los Angeles Angels, 10:05 ET
Salazar: Indians 3-9 SU in last 12 road series openers
Weaver: Under is 10-1 last 11 times Weaver has started a home series opener after team lost in previous outing


Interleague

New York Mets at Minnesota, 2:10 ET
Gee: Under is 4-1 in last five day starts for Gee
Gibson: Twins 1-6 SU in last home day games

Boston at San Francisco, 10:15 ET ESPN2
Lester: Under is 8-1 in last nine Red Sox road series openers
Lincecum: Giants 2-7 SU in last nine home series openers

[StarDust Bum]

MLB
Armadillo's Write-Up

Monday, August 19

Hot pitchers
-- Arroyo is 2-0, 0.64 in his last two starts. Arizona won last four Delgado starts (2-0, 4.33) scoring 30 runs.
-- Fernandez is 3-0, 1.54 in his last six starts. Dodgers won last nine Ryu starts (4-0, 1.73 in his last four).
-- Zimmerman is 2-0, 1.59 in his last three starts.
-- Estrada is 1-0, 0.82 in his last couple starts.
-- Liriano is 4-1, 3.27 in his last five starts.

-- Gee is 1-0, 1.74 in his last three starts.
-- Lincecum is 1-2, 2.89 in his last four starts.

-- Tillman is 4-0, 3.12 in his last six starts. Price is 3-1, 2.33 in his last six.
-- Parker is 2-0, 2.66 in his last three starts.
-- Weaver is 5-0, 1.00 in his last five home starts.

Cold pitchers
-- Manship is 0-2, 7.20 in two starts this season. Martin is 1-2, 6.28 in three starts this season.
-- Samardzija is 0-2, 9.39 in his last three starts.
-- Miller is 1-2, 5.94 in his last four starts.
-- Cashner is 3-4, 5.92 in his last seven starts.

-- Gibson is 0-1, 7.11 in his last four starts.
-- Lester is 0-1, 6.00 in his last three starts.

-- Garza is 1-1, 5.23 in his last three starts. Lyles is 1-3, 9.57 in his last five.
-- Harang is 0-2, 9.53 in his last four starts.
-- Salazar is 1-1, 4.24 in three starts this season.

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........
-- Manship 1-2; Martin 0-3
-- Delgado 4-11; Arroyo 4-24
-- Ryu 7-22 (1 of last 5); Fernandez 4-23 (1 of last 10)
-- Zimmerman 4-24; Samardzija 7-25 (1 of last 6)
-- Miller 5-22 (0 of last 9); Estrada 3-14
-- Liriano 4-18; Cashner 8-20 (3 of last 5)

-- Gee 4-24 (0 of last 9); Gibson 2-9
-- Lester 8-25; Lincecum 9-24 (1 of last 7)

-- Price 6-18 (3 of last 7); Tillman 5-24 (1 of last 8)
-- Lyles 5-19 (1 of last 13); Garza 1-17
-- Harang 8-20; Parker 8-24
-- Salazar 1-3; Weaver 3-17 (1 of last 13)

Totals
-- Six of last seven Philly games stayed under total.
-- Ten of last thirteen Cincinnati road games stayed under the total; seven of last ten Arizona games went over total.
-- Under is 4-1-1 in last six Dodger games.
-- Five of last six Cub games stayed under the total.
-- Four of last five St Louis games stayed under the total.
-- Three of last four Pirate games went over the total.

-- Under is 9-3-1 in last thirteen Minnesota games.
-- Four of last five San Francisco games went over the total.

-- Six of last seven Baltimore games went over the total.
-- Five of last seven Texas games stayed under the total.
-- Under is 3-1-1 in last five Oakland games.
-- 14 of last 17 Angel games went over the total.

Hot teams
-- Rockies won six of last nine games, but lost last two.
-- Reds won six of their last eight games. Arizona won five of its last six.
-- Dodgers are 42-9 in their last 51 games.
-- Milwaukee is 5-1 in game following its last six losses. Cardinals won five of their last seven games.

-- San Francisco won three of its last four games.

-- Tampa Bay won four of its last five games. Orioles won their last two games, scoring 15 runs.
-- Texas won 10 of their last 13 games. Astros won four of last six.
-- A's won three of their last four games.

Cold teams
-- Phillies lost seven of their last nine games.
-- Miami lost four of its last five home games.
-- Cubs lost six of their last seven games. Washington lost three of its last four.
-- Pittsburgh lost seven of its last nine games. Padres are 4-6 in last ten home games, but won last two.

-- Mets lost five of their last seven games. Minnesota lost five of last six.
-- Red Sox lost four of their last five games.

-- Mariners are 2-7 in game following their last nine wins.
-- Angels lost six of their last eight games. Cleveland lost nine of last 13.

[StarDust Bum]

MLB

Monday, August 19

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Trend Report
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2:10 PM
NY METS vs. MINNESOTA
NY Mets are 4-1 SU in its last 5 games when playing Minnesota
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of NY Mets's last 5 games when playing on the road against Minnesota
Minnesota is 1-5 SU in its last 6 games at home
Minnesota is 1-5 SU in its last 6 games

7:05 PM
COLORADO vs. PHILADELPHIA
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Colorado's last 6 games
Colorado is 1-5 SU in its last 6 games when playing on the road against Philadelphia
Philadelphia is 3-8 SU in its last 11 games at home
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Philadelphia's last 7 games

7:05 PM
TAMPA BAY vs. BALTIMORE
Tampa Bay is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games when playing Baltimore
Tampa Bay is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games
Baltimore is 1-5 SU in its last 6 games when playing Tampa Bay
Baltimore is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games when playing at home against Tampa Bay

7:10 PM
ARIZONA vs. CINCINNATI
Arizona is 2-5 SU in its last 7 games when playing Cincinnati
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Arizona's last 6 games when playing Cincinnati
The total has gone UNDER in 15 of Cincinnati's last 23 games when playing at home against Arizona
Cincinnati is 6-2 SU in its last 8 games

7:10 PM
LA DODGERS vs. MIAMI
The total has gone UNDER in 9 of LA Dodgers's last 10 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 7 of LA Dodgers's last 10 games when playing on the road against Miami
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Miami's last 6 games at home
The total has gone OVER in 7 of Miami's last 10 games when playing at home against LA Dodgers

8:05 PM
WASHINGTON vs. CHI CUBS
Washington is 4-8 SU in its last 12 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 9 of Washington's last 10 games when playing on the road against Chi Cubs
The total has gone UNDER in 9 of Chi Cubs's last 10 games when playing at home against Washington
Chi Cubs are 2-5 SU in their last 7 games when playing Washington

8:05 PM
HOUSTON vs. TEXAS
Houston is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Houston's last 6 games on the road
Texas is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing Houston
The total has gone OVER in 6 of Texas's last 9 games when playing Houston

8:10 PM
ST. LOUIS vs. MILWAUKEE
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of St. Louis's last 5 games
St. Louis is 5-2 SU in its last 7 games
Milwaukee is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games when playing at home against St. Louis
Milwaukee is 1-6 SU in its last 7 games when playing St. Louis

10:05 PM
CLEVELAND vs. LA ANGELS
Cleveland is 2-6 SU in their last 8 games when playing on the road against LA Angels
Cleveland is 4-9 SU in its last 13 games
LA Angels are 1-6 SU in their last 7 games at home
The total has gone OVER in 5 of LA Angels's last 5 games at home

10:05 PM
SEATTLE vs. OAKLAND
Seattle is 5-2 SU in its last 7 games when playing Oakland
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Seattle's last 6 games when playing on the road against Oakland
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Oakland's last 6 games when playing at home against Seattle
Oakland is 2-5 SU in its last 7 games when playing Seattle

10:10 PM
PITTSBURGH vs. SAN DIEGO
Pittsburgh is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games when playing on the road against San Diego
Pittsburgh is 1-8 SU in its last 9 games when playing San Diego
San Diego is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games at home
San Diego is 8-1 SU in its last 9 games when playing Pittsburgh

10:15 PM
BOSTON vs. SAN FRANCISCO
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Boston's last 8 games
Boston is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games
San Francisco is 1-5 SU in its last 6 games when playing Boston
The total has gone UNDER in 7 of San Francisco's last 10 games at home

[StarDust Bum]

MLB

Monday, August 19

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Monday's MLB betting notes and tips
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NATIONAL

Colorado Rockies at Philadelphia Phillies (-117, 9)

Cold pitching stat: Phillies right-hander Ethan Martin has surrendered at least one home run in each of his three major-league starts.

Hot batting stat: Rockies 3B Nolan Arenado hit 5-for-12 with four RBIs in a three-game series against Philadelphia back in mid-June.

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

Key betting note: The Phillies are 3-18 in their last 21 games against a right-handed starter.

Arizona Diamondbacks at Cincinnati Reds (-166, 8.5)

Hot pitching stat: Reds right-hander Bronson Arroyo has allowed just one run on six hits over his past two starts, striking out 14 without walking a batter.

Hot batting stat: Diamondbacks 2B Aaron Hill is enjoying his hottest stretch of the season, recording eight multi-hit efforts over his last 10 games.

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

Key betting note: The under is 32-8-5 in the last 45 meetings in Cincinnati.

Los Angeles Dodgers at Miami Marlins (+108, 6.5)

Hot pitching stat: Dodgers left-hander Hyun-Jin Ryu has won each of his last five starts, posting a 2.56 ERA and 28 strikeouts in 31 2/3 innings over that stretch.

Cold batting stat: The Marlins rank last in the majors in runs scored, hits, home runs, batting average, slugging and OPS.

Weather: Temperatures will be in the low-80s with a 20 percent chance of a shower or thunderstorm. Wind will blow out to left field at 12 mph.

Key betting note: The Dodgers have won each of Ryu's last nine starts against a team with a losing record.

Washington Nationals at Chicago Cubs (+123, 7.5)

Cold pitching stat: Cubs right-hander Jeff Samardzija is 1-2 with a 5.09 ERA in six starts since the All-Star break.

Hot batting stat: Chicago 1B Anthony Rizzo batted 5-for-13 with three RBIs in a three-game series against the Nationals back in mid-May.

Weather: Temperatures will be in the low-80s with clear skies. Wind will blow out to right-center field at 6 mph.

Key betting note: The under is 9-1 in the last 10 meetings in Chicago.

St. Louis Cardinals at Milwaukee Brewers (+126, 8)

Hot pitching stat: Cardinals rookie right-hander Shelby Miller has dominated the Brewers in 2013, allowing one run on eight hits over two starts - both victories.

Hot batting stat: St. Louis 1B Allen Craig is batting .410 with a home run and eight RBIs in 10 games against Milwaukee in 2013.

Weather: Temperatures will be in the high-70s with sunny skies. Wind will blow out to left field at 5 mph.

Key betting note: The over is 5-1 in Brewers' SP Marco Estrada's last six Monday starts.

Pittsburgh Pirates at San Diego Padres (+126, 6.5)

Hot pitching stat: Pirates left-hander Francisco Liriano has allowed one earned run or fewer in seven of his last 10 starts - including a complete-game four-hitter in his previous outing against the St. Louis Cardinals.

Cold batting stat: OF Will Venable leads the club with 26 RBIs at home - the lowest team-leading total in the majors.

Weather: Temperatures will be in the high-60s with sunny skies. Wind will blow from left to right field at 6 mph.

Key betting note: The over is 5-0 in San Diego right-hander Andrew Cashner's last five outings following a quality start in his previous appearance.


AMERICAN

Tampa Bay Rays at Baltimore Orioles (+112, 7.5)

Hot pitching stat: Rays left-hander David Price is 6-2 with a 2.60 ERA in 14 career starts against the Orioles, and is 30-13 lifetime after the All-Star break.

Hot batting stat: Orioles 1B Chris Davis is hitting .311 with four home runs and 15 RBIs in 12 games against the Rays this season.

Weather: Temperatures will be in the mid-70s with a 30 percent chance of showers or thunderstorms. Wind will blow out to left field at 4 mph.

Key betting note: Baltimore has won eight of its last 10 series openers.

Houston Astros at Texas Rangers (-280, 9)

Cold pitching stat: Rangers righty Matt Garza has surrendered 12 earned runs and 23 hits over 20 2/3 innings of work in his three August starts.

Hot batting stat: Rangers 3B Adrian Beltre is hitting .377 with four home runs and 10 RBIs in 13 games against the Astros, and went 3-for-3 versus Lyles in their last meeting.

Weather: Temperatures will be in the low-90s with sunny skies. Wind will blow in from left field at 6 mph.

Key betting note: Houston is 0-4 in starter Lucas Harrell's last four starts.

Seattle Mariners at Oakland Athletics (-180, 8)

Cold pitching stat: Mariners right-hander Aaron Harang is winless in his last four decisions, charged with 18 runs - including five homers - over 17 innings in that span.

Cold batting stat: Seattle 1B Justin Smoak is hitting .242 with zero homers in 33 at-bats against Oakland this season, and is a .224 batter versus the A's in his career.

Weather: Temperatures will be in the mid-60s with a 20 percent chance of a shower or thunderstorm. Wind will blow out to right field at 6 mph.

Key betting note: The over is 5-1 in Harang's last six road starts.

Cleveland Indians at Los Angeles Angels (-135, 7.5)

Cold pitching stat: Angels right-hander Jered Weaver coughed up nine runs on nine hits over five innings in his previous start, his worst performance since a nine-run shellacking last Aug. 17 against Tampa Bay.

Cold batting stat: Indians 2B Jason Kipnis is just 1-for-10 against the Angels on the season, and is homerless in 52 at-bats versus Los Angeles in his career.

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

Key betting note: The under is 11-1-2 in Weaver's last 14 starts against Cleveland.


INTERLEAGUE

Boston Red Sox at San Francisco Giants (+111, 7)

Cold pitching stat: Red Sox left-hander Jon Lester is 6-7 with a 4.72 ERA in 16 starts away from Fenway Park.

Cold batting stat: Giants SS Brandon Crawford is hitting just .202 with one home run in 124 at-bats against left-handed pitching in 2013.

Weather: Temperatures will be in the mid-60s with a 20 percent chance of a shower or thunderstorm. Wind will blow out to right field at 6 mph.

Key betting note: San Francisco is 4-17 in right-hander Tim Lincecum's last 21 series-opening starts.

New York Mets at Minnesota Twins (-115, 8.5)

Hot pitching stat: Mets right-hander Dillon Gee has been on fire of late, surrendering just four runs over his previous three starts - a span of 20 2/3 innings.

Cold batting stat: Twins 2B/SS Brian Dozier is hitting just .213 in 19 games against interleague foes this season, including a 1-for-7 mark against the Mets.

Weather: Temperatures will be in the mid-80s under partly cloudy skies. Wind will blow out to left field at 7 mph.

Key betting note: New York is 9-1 in its last 10 interleague road games against an opponent with a losing record.


** Odds, stats, probable starters and weather forecast as of 10:23 p.m. ET Sunday

[StarDust Bum]

MLB

Monday, August 19

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MLB Top 3: Monday starters who excel at night
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With all of Monday's action taking place under the lights, the focus is on starters who turn it up when the sun goes down.

Here is a look at three pitchers to consider if you're looking for strong evening performances:

Jose Fernandez, Miami Marlins (8-5, 2.45 ERA)

Considered by many to be the top National League rookie of the year candidate, Fernandez has been most dominant in the evening. The 21-year-old is 6-1 with a 1.97 ERA and 91 strikeouts in 87 night innings, compared to a 2-4, 3.25 mark during the day.

The Marlins host the Los Angeles Dodgers for a four-game series beginning Monday.

Chris Tillman, Baltimore Orioles (14-3, 3.70 ERA)

As his record may suggest, Tillman has been strong no matter what time of day he takes the hill. His night starts, however, have been especially impressive: he's 11-1 with a 3.47 ERA in the evening, while posting a 3-2 record with a 4.46 ERA in the afternoon.

The Orioles entertain the AL East-rival Tampa Bay Rays for a three-game set starting Monday.

Jordan Zimmermann, Washington Nationals (14-6, 3.02 ERA)

Zimmermann's performances have been night and day (pardon the pun), depending on what time it is. The 27-year-old is 12-2 with a 2.59 night ERA, and just 2-4 with a pedestrian 4.28 ERA in afternoon starts.

The Nationals visit the Chicago Cubs for a four-game series opening Monday.

[StarDust Bum]

MLB

Monday, August 19

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Texas hot, San Diego not, after MLB suspensions
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It's been a couple of weeks since the biogenesis suspensions were handed out and with the list of suspended players featuring only a few "everyday" players, we thought we'd take a look to see how those teams have performed post suspensions.

We'll look at how the Texas Rangers, Detroit Tigers and San Diego Padres have fared without Nelson Cruz, Jhonny Peralta and Everth Cabrera respectively.

Texas Rangers (9-3)

The Rangers have been hot without Cruz in the lineup and rattled off seven-straight victories in their first seven games after he accepted the suspension. They've added RF Alex Rios to the lineup and he's hitting .310 since joining the club.

Any $100 bettor would be up $288.60 if they had wagered the Rangers in each of the 12 ball games.

Detroit Tigers (9-6)

Peralta was batting .305 with 11 homers and 54 RBIs prior to accepting the terms of the suspension and has been replaced by Jose Iglesias, who gives the Tigers a much better defensive option. Heading into Sunday's ball game, the Tigers were 8-6 since the Peralta suspension but the Tigers still had the AL Central lead by six games over the Cleveland Indians.

Any $100 bettor would be up $33.07 if they had wagered Detroit in each of its previous 15 games.

San Diego Padres (4-8)

The Padres have continued their downward spiral in life post-Everth Cabrera. The Friars were 52-60 before he was suspended and are 3-8 without the shortstop. Ronny Cedeno has filled in at SS but is hitting just .200 in eight games since coming over from the Houston Astros.

The poor performance makes the Pads decent fade material, however. Any $100 bettor would be up $269.74 if they had wagered Padres' opposition in each of their previous 12 ball games.