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

[WThotrod]

No worries, Bum. We'll win it all back tonight! I put $300 on all evening POD's. Let's get those dogs barking!! Good luck!

[StarDust Bum]

There will be days like this.......

[StarDust Bum]

Thursday Matinee Action

August 21, 2013


Diamondbacks at Reds - 12:35 PM EST

Probables: T. Cahill (4-10, 4.78 ERA) vs. M. Latos (12-4, 3.02 ERA)

Series recap: Cincinnati captured the series opener, 5-3 on Monday, but Arizona bounced back with a 5-2 victory on Tuesday. The Reds outlasted the D-Backs last night, 10-7, as Cincinnati built an 8-0 lead before Arizona closed the gap to one run headed to the bottom of the eighth.

Pitching notes: Trevor Cahill's return off the disabled list wasn't spectacular, but Arizona's offense provided the right-hander with 15 runs of support in a 15-5 blowout of Pittsburgh. Cahill lasted only five innings, while allowing four earned runs, as the veteran hasn't put together a quality start since May 27 against Texas. The D-backs are just 1-5 in Cahill's last six starts as a road underdog.

Mat Latos has turned in five consecutive quality outings, in spite of a loss in his last start at Milwaukee, a 2-0 defeat as $1.55 road favorite. The Reds have won seven of Latos' last eight home starts, while the righty struck out a season-high 13 batters in 4-2 road victory at Arizona in June.

Dodgers at Marlins - 12:40 PM EST

Probables: C. Kershaw (12-7, 1.80 ERA) vs. H. Alvarez (2-2, 3.41 ERA)

Series recap: The Marlins held off the Dodgers in Monday's series opener, but Los Angeles has won each of the last two nights. Zack Greinke picked up his 12th win of the season in a 4-1 road triumph as $1.80 'chalk,' whiel the 'under' cashed for the first time in the series.

Pitching notes: The Dodgers own a 15-11 record when Clayton Kershaw takes the mound this season, even though he is the front-runner to win the NL Cy Young Award. Kershaw has been magnificent in his last two outings, tossing eight innings in victories over the Rays and Phillies as heavy favorites. The Dodgers are riding an 8-2 'under' run in Kershaw's last 10 starts, while the southpaw beat the Marlins twice last season.

The Marlins have dropped six of Henderson Alvarez's last eight starts, including a home defeat to the Giants his past time out. Alvarez is just 1-3 as a home underdog, with the lone victory coming against the Pirates last month in a 2-0 shutout. Miami has compiled a 4-1 mark to the 'over' the last five games against left-handed starting pitchers, including three straight 'overs' in this role at home.

Blue Jays at Yankees - 1:05 PM EST

Probables: J.A. Happ (3-2, 4.93 ERA) vs. A. Pettitte (8-9, 4.39 ERA)

Series recap: New York continued it dominance of Toronto in the Bronx by winning each of the first three games of this series. The Yankees swept a doubleheader on Tuesday, while New York doubled up Toronto, 4-2 last night as $1.20 favorites. The Bombers improved to 9-0 at home against the Blue Jays this season.

Pitching notes: Following nearly a three-month stint away from the mound after getting drilled in the head by a line-drive, J.A. Happ picked up a victory over the Rays in his last trip to the hill. The Toronto southpaw scattered five hits and allowed two earned runs in 5.1 innings to cash as a $1.40 road underdog, just the second win by the Jays in Happ's last eight starts.

Andy Pettitte cashed as a hefty $1.65 road underdog in his last outing at Boston, a 10-3 blowout at Fenway Park as the veteran lefty allowed three runs (all unearned) in 6.2 innings. The Yankees have won each of his last three home starts, while New York owns a strong 4-1 mark in his five matinee starts this season.

Twins at Tigers - 1:08 PM EST

Probables: A. Albers (2-1, 1.85 ERA) vs. J. Verlander (12-9, 3.51 ERA)

Series recap: Minnesota snapped a four-game skid by shocking Detroit on Tuesday, 6-3 as $1.80 road underdogs. The Tigers rebounded last night with a 7-1 blowout of the Twins, as Detroit's offense scored all seven runs in its final two at-bats.

Pitching notes: Andrew Albers was handed his first loss in three career starts as the Twins' left-hander allowed five earned runs in an 8-5 home defeat to the White Sox. Albers dominated in his first two outings, tossing scoreless efforts against the Royals and Indians as an underdog. The Tigers have won just two of their last six games against southpaw starters, including three losses as a favorite of at least $1.60.

Justin Verlander has been hit-or-miss this season with the Tigers splitting his 26 starts. The former Cy Young Award winner dropped nearly 3.8 units in his last two outings in losses to the Royals and Yankees. Verlander has dominated the Twins in two starts this season, limiting Minnesota to one earned run in 12 innings, while Detroit won both games on the run-line.

Nationals at Cubs - 2:20 PM EST

Probables: S. Strasburg (6-9, 2.93 ERA) vs. T. Wood (7-10, 3.13 ERA)

Series recap: The Cubs dominated the Nationals in the series opener, 11-1 as home 'dogs. Washington came back strong to win each of the last two games, including Wednesday's 11-6 triumph as the Nats scored five late runs to break a 6-6 tie.

Pitching notes: Stephen Strasburg lasted only 26 pitches in his last start after getting ejected for throwing two pitches behind Atlanta's Andrelton Simmons. The Nationals ended up winning the game in 15 innings, while snapping a five-game 'under' streak in Strasburg's starts. Washington has been abysmal in Strasburg's road starts, losing seven of 11 outings on the highway, while last putting up a quality start on the road on May 21 at San Francisco.

The Cubs have cashed the 'under' in each of Travis Wood's last five starts, as the southpaw has lost each of his past four home outings. Wood has won just one start at Wrigley Field since the start of June, a stretch of eight outings. The lefty is facing Washington for the first time in his career, while the Cubs enter Thursday's action 1-5 the last six finales of a home series.

[StarDust Bum]

Preview: Diamondbacks (65-60) at Reds (72-55)
Game: 4
Venue: Great American Ball Park
Date: August 22, 2013 12:35 PM EDT


Though the Cincinnati Reds appear to be in good position to reach the postseason, they still can't afford to see the injuries begin to pile up.

The Reds hope to go injury-free Thursday when they try to take their four-game home set from the Arizona Diamondbacks.

One night after starter Tony Cingrani left with a strained lower back in the fourth inning of a 5-2 loss, reliever Jonathan Broxton apparently re-aggravated a right elbow injury in the eighth of Wednesday's 10-7 victory.

While it appears Cingrani will make his next scheduled start Sunday, Broxton's status remains uncertain.

The veteran set-up man missed almost two months this season with an elbow injury.

"It was disheartening to go get Broxton,' manager Dusty Baker said. "I went out with (pitching coach) Bryan Price. BP said, `He's done.''

Third in the NL Central, Cincinnati (72-55) is 2 1/2 games behind first-place Pittsburgh, but has a six-game lead over Arizona (65-60) for the final wild-card spot. That still doesn't mean the Reds can afford injuries to key contributors down the stretch.

A healthy Shin-Soo Choo went 4 for 5 with a homer Wednesday as the Reds won for the 11th time in 15 games.

Choo was 1 for 7 in the first two games of the set, but broke out for his second four-hit game of the year as Cincinnati prevailed despite almost blowing an 8-0 lead.

"It was the epitome of a full moon,' Baker said. "We were riding easy 8-0, then all the sudden it was 8-4. A lot of stuff happened. Those guys (Diamondbacks) didn't give up."

Scheduled Cincinnati starter Mat Latos (12-4, 3.02 ERA) was a tough-luck 2-0 loser at Milwaukee on Saturday, allowing two runs in seven innings. The right-hander is 4-1 with a 1.54 ERA in his last six starts.

"That's just the way the game goes," said Latos, who allowed both runs in the fourth inning of his last start. "Two runs will beat you on any given day.'

He's given up three runs while winning two straight against the Diamondbacks. One of those runs came when he matched a career high with 13 strikeouts over 7 2-3 innings of a 4-2 win June 23 to improve to 3-1 with a 2.89 ERA in seven starts against them.

Arizona All-Star Paul Goldschmidt is 2 for 8 versus Latos, but 8 for 22 (.364) with two homers and seven RBIs in the last five games.

Teammate Gerardo Parra, who homered off Broxton on Wednesday, is 6 for 16 against Latos.

The Diamondbacks hand the ball to Trevor Cahill (4-10, 4.78), who hopes for a better performance than Saturday in his return from a 1 1/2-month stint on the disabled list with a hip injury.

Cahill allowed four runs on two homers in five innings, but Arizona won 15-5 at Pittsburgh.

"I didn't pitch great, but we won, so I'm just going to use that as positive and look at some video and work on some stuff," Cahill, who went 0-6 with a 7.91 ERA over his previous eight starts, told the Diamondbacks' official website.

This will be the right-hander's first appearance against the Reds, but Choo is 4 for 6 with three walks in their matchups.

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SERIES AT A GLANCE

GAME 1
Diamondbacks at Reds
Mon, Aug 19 Final 3 to 5
Boxscores • Recaps

GAME 2
Diamondbacks at Reds
Tue, Aug 20 Final 5 to 2
Boxscores • Recaps

GAME 3
Diamondbacks at Reds
Wed, Aug 21 Final 7 to 10
Boxscores • Recaps

GAME 4
Diamondbacks at Reds
Thu, Aug 22 - 12:35PM EDT

[StarDust Bum]

Preview: Dodgers (74-52) at Marlins (48-77)
Game: 4
Venue: Marlins Park
Date: August 22, 2013 12:40 PM EDT


With Clayton Kershaw leading the way, an outstanding stretch by Los Angeles Dodgers pitchers has been one of the keys to their historic turnaround.

Kershaw looks to continue his recent dominance and help the visiting Dodgers take three of four from the Miami Marlins in Thursday's series finale.

Zack Greinke was the latest Dodgers starter to shine as he allowed one run over eight innings in a 4-1 victory Wednesday. The rotation has a major league-best 2.58 ERA during its remarkable 44-10 run that has carried Los Angeles (74-52) to the top of the NL West.

Having bounced back after losing two in a row for the first time since June 20-21, Los Angeles has a chance to win its third straight to close out this set behind Kershaw (12-7, 1.80 ERA).

"Kersh is on such another level that if you try to do better than him, you're going to get your feelings hurt,' said Greinke, who matched Kershaw and rookie Hyun-Jin Ryu with his 12th victory.

Kershaw leads the major leagues in ERA and innings pitched (190 1-3), and is second in the NL with 182 strikeouts. He's also been a major contributor in the team's surge, going 7-2 with a 1.40 ERA while limiting opponents to a .159 batting average over his last 10 outings.

The All-Star left-hander fanned eight and gave up three hits over eight innings in a 5-0 win at Philadelphia on Saturday.

"One thing he does is he attacks the strike zone just pitch after pitch,' manager Don Mattingly said. "He's going to be around it and he's going to make you hit him, and it's not like he's going to waste a lot of pitches.'

Kershaw has been sharp versus the Marlins (48-77), posting a 1.54 ERA with 25 strikeouts over 23 1-3 innings while winning his last three starts.

Giancarlo Stanton homered off Kershaw the last time they met on Aug. 25, 2012, and is hitting .385 with five home runs in his last six games against the Dodgers.

Stanton accounted for the only run Wednesday with a first-inning homer, but Miami's defense has also contributed to its series woes with five errors in the last two games. The Marlins committed a season-high three errors Wednesday, two coming in the Dodgers' three-run fourth.

"We can't make a lot of mistakes, especially against such a good team," manager Mike Redmond said.

Miami hopes to avoid its fifth loss in seven games by giving the ball to right-hander Henderson Alvarez (2-2, 3.41), who looks to earn his first victory since July 31.

Since going 2-0 with a 1.33 ERA in his last four July starts, Alvarez is 0-1 with a 4.95 ERA in three August outings - all Miami losses. He allowed four walks and four runs over seven innings in a 6-4 loss to San Francisco on Saturday.

Alvarez has never faced the Dodgers, though Adrian Gonzalez went 5 for 13 with a home run and five RBIs in this matchup when the two played in the AL.

Juan Uribe is expected to return to the lineup after being used as a pinch-hitter and late defensive replacement. The red-hot third baseman is 18 for 37 over his last 12 games overall and 10 for 15 in his last seven against the Marlins.

Yasiel Puig appeared to tweak his lower left leg Wednesday and limped slightly at times but stayed in the game. He's 4 for 30 over his last seven contests.

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SERIES AT A GLANCE

GAME 1
Dodgers at Marlins
Mon, Aug 19 Final 2 to 6
Boxscores • Recaps

GAME 2
Dodgers at Marlins
Tue, Aug 20 Final 6 to 4
Boxscores • Recaps

GAME 3
Dodgers at Marlins
Wed, Aug 21 Final 4 to 1
Boxscores • Recaps

GAME 4
Dodgers at Marlins
Thu, Aug 22 - 12:40PM EDT

[StarDust Bum]

Preview: Twins (55-70) at Tigers (74-52)
Game: 3
Venue: Comerica Park
Date: August 22, 2013 1:08 PM EDT


While Miguel Cabrera won't let a few nagging injuries slow him down, Justin Verlander should be more than ready to continue his recent dominance of the Minnesota Twins.

As Cabrera deals with his ailing body, Verlander looks to avoid a third straight winless outing Thursday against the visiting Twins.

Plagued by groin, abdominal and hip issues, Cabrera still delivered a three-run double in the eighth inning Wednesday to help Detroit (74-52) even this three-game set with a 7-1 victory.

"I was pleased with his health,' Tigers manager Jim Leyland said.

Cabrera leads the majors with a .358 average and has recorded eight of his major league-leading 123 RBIs in the last four games. However, with the Tigers boasting a 5 1/2-game lead in the AL Central, there's a chance he could be rested for this day game following a night contest.

"We may have to give him days here, days there, and then we have the comfort to give him three or four days - obviously we do and we have," head athletic trainer Kevin Rand told the Tigers' official website.

The Tigers aren't lacking for support.

Austin Jackson is 7 for 14 in three games since he endured a 1-for-24 stretch. He's 9 for 19 in his last four versus Minnesota.

Verlander (12-9, 3.51 ERA) is 0-1 in his last two starts, but he allowed two runs in eight innings of a 2-1 loss to Kansas City on Friday.

"I feel that my stuff has been better, specifically my breaking ball," he said. "I'm definitely happy where I'm heading going into the last month of the year and hopefully the postseason."

Facing Minnesota (55-70) could make Verlander feel even better about himself.

Since losing 2-0 to the Twins at Comerica Park on April 27, 2010, Verlander is 9-0 with a 1.67 ERA in his last 10 against them - his longest current winning streak against any club.

The Tigers have won each contest, and he's allowed one run and nine hits while striking out 15 in 12 innings to win both 2013 starts versus Minnesota.

Verlander won't face Twins star Joe Mauer - batting .371 with three homers against him - since he's on the 7-day disabled list with a concussion.

Ex-Tiger and current Minnesota outfielder Wilkin Ramirez is 2 for 3 with a double versus Verlander, and 7 for 17 in his last five games.

Justin Morneau is 6 for 9 in the series, but 3 for his last 22 against Verlander.

Losers in seven of nine, the Twins hope rookie Andrew Albers (2-1, 1.85) can bounce back from his first career loss.

The left-hander did not allow a run over 17 1-3 innings of his first two major league starts before he yielded five in seven innings of an 8-5 loss to the Chicago White Sox on Saturday.

"The streak was great while it was going on,' Albers said. "It was awesome to have those two nights. They're pretty special, and who knows if that will ever happen again.

"You see how quickly things can change, and it's one of those things where you've got to get some breaks for it to happen like that.'

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SERIES AT A GLANCE

GAME 1
Twins at Tigers
Tue, Aug 20 Final 6 to 3
Boxscores • Recaps

GAME 2
Twins at Tigers
Wed, Aug 21 Final 1 to 7
Boxscores • Recaps

GAME 3
Twins at Tigers
Thu, Aug 22 - 1:08PM EDT

[StarDust Bum]

Preview: Blue Jays (57-70) at Yankees (67-59)
Game: 3
Venue: Yankee Stadium
Date: August 22, 2013 1:05 PM EDT


Acquiring Alfonso Soriano has given life to the New York Yankees' playoff hopes.

Facing the Toronto Blue Jays at home has fit that description the last two years.

After breaking out of a slump with a clutch homer, Soriano looks to help the Yankees beat the Blue Jays for a 13th straight meeting in the Bronx on Thursday.

In an effort to find a big bat, New York (67-59) re-acquired Soriano in a trade with the Chicago Cubs last month. The left fielder has provided everything the team needed, batting .284 with nine homers, 28 RBIs and 20 runs in 24 games. Eight of those homers and 24 of the RBIs have come in 13 victories.

Soriano came up big again Wednesday, connecting for a go-ahead, two-run shot with two outs in the eighth inning of a 4-2 win over Toronto (57-70). He had been 0 for 13 over the previous three games.

"I said, 'This is the chance now to do something impressive,'" Soriano told the team's official website. "Every game is very important for us. I just wanted to see a good one and make a good swing, and that's what happened."

The Yankees are 6 1/2 games behind East-leading Boston and four games back of Oakland for the second wild-card spot.

Concluding this four-game series with the Blue Jays would seem to play in their favor.

New York has won 21 of the past 23 meetings with the AL East rival at Yankee Stadium, including 12 in a row for the longest such streak by either team in the all-time series.

Andy Pettitte (8-9, 4.39) will try to pitch the Yankees to a fifth straight win overall by building on Friday's 10-3 victory at Boston. The left-hander didn't allow an earned run for the first time this season, as all three he gave up over 6 2-3 innings came courtesy of two errors by Eduardo Nunez.

"It was one of those nights where I felt like everything was working," Pettitte said.

Pettitte is 3-1 with a 3.13 ERA in his last five starts against Toronto, winning both meetings at home while yielding three runs in 11 innings.

The Blue Jays, losers of four straight overall, are trying to win in the Bronx for the first time since Aug. 29.

They're expected to turn to J.A. Happ (3-2, 4.93), who has been very good in two starts since returning from a scary incident.

He pitched seven strong innings against Oakland on Aug. 12 in his first appearance after being hit in the head by a line drive May 7. The left-hander returned to the scene of that accident and limited Tampa Bay to two runs over 5 1-3 innings in a 6-2 victory Saturday.

"To me, that's over with," Happ told the team's official website. "I feel like I missed so much time. To me, it seemed like it took forever to get back."

Happ is 2-0 in four starts against the Yankees despite a 5.16 ERA. He didn't get a decision April 27, when he allowed three runs in six innings of a 5-4 loss in New York.

"He's got a good fastball that he can get good hitters out with," manager John Gibbons said. "It's hard to find good lefties, and he's definitely one of those guys. You never know what you're going to get coming off an injury like that and all the time he was out."

Happ has struggled versus Soriano, who is 3 for 9 with a homer and a double in their matchups.

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SERIES AT A GLANCE

GAME 1
Blue Jays at Yankees
Tue, Aug 20 Final 2 to 3
Boxscores • Recaps

GAME 2
Blue Jays at Yankees
Wed, Aug 21 Final 2 to 4
Boxscores • Recaps

GAME 3
Blue Jays at Yankees
Thu, Aug 22 - 1:05PM EDT

[StarDust Bum]

Preview: Braves (77-49) at Cardinals (73-53)
Game: 1
Venue: Busch Stadium
Date: August 22, 2013 8:15 PM EDT


A sweep of the St. Louis Cardinals last month was the launching point for the Atlanta Braves' lengthy winning streak.

Now, the Cardinals will look to take advantage of a depleted Braves lineup in the opener of a four-game set Thursday night in St. Louis.

The Braves (77-49) started their 14-game run - the majors' longest in 11 seasons - by taking three in a row at home over St. Louis from July 26-28, limiting the Cardinals to three runs and 14 hits. They've cooled off somewhat, winning six of their last 10, but will be without Jason Heyward and possibly Justin Upton on Thursday.

Heyward is expected to miss four to six weeks with a broken jaw after being hit by a pitch in a 4-1, 10-inning road victory over the Mets on Wednesday. He recorded a 1.005 OPS with 15 RBIs in 23 games since being moving to the leadoff spot July 27, and the Braves are 19-4 during that stretch.

Upton missed his second straight game since straining his upper back while taking swings prior to Tuesday's 5-3 loss, though he said he thinks he will be ready to face St. Louis (73-53). Upton is batting .377 with seven home runs and 15 RBIs in his last 17 games.

Atlanta remains the lone team to knock off the Cardinals with Thursday's scheduled starter Joe Kelly (4-3, 3.01 ERA) on the mound since St. Louis added him to the rotation over a month ago.

Kelly is 4-0 with a 2.23 ERA in seven starts since July 6. He threw 6 1-3 scoreless innings while allowing seven hits in a 2-0 loss at Atlanta on July 27.

The right-hander matched a season high with six strikeouts his last time out, yielding four hits over six innings of a 4-0 road win over the Cubs on Saturday.

"He's stepped up and really taken advantage of it," manager Mike Matheny said. "You can tell he can't wait to get the ball."

Atlanta will activate left-hander Paul Maholm (9-9, 4.41) from the disabled list for his first start since July 20 due to a bruised wrist. Maholm has been much worse on the road, going 4-7 with a 6.03 ERA in 13 outings compared to a 1.93 ERA in seven starts at Turner Field.

St. Louis might not be the ideal opponent for him to return against, as he's 0-3 with a 6.18 ERA in his last five matchups.

The series will feature the top two contenders for the NL batting title in Cardinals catcher Yadier Molina and Braves third baseman Chris Johnson, who are both hitting .332. Molina is 10 for 27 in six games since returning from a sprained knee, though he was 0 for 4 in an 8-6 win in Milwaukee on Wednesday.

Johnson, who was 7 for 10 in these teams' first series, hit a three-run homer in the top of the 10th on Wednesday.

Carlos Beltran and Allen Craig homered in a six-run second inning for the Cardinals on Wednesday. Beltran, Craig, Matt Holliday, David Freese and Matt Carpenter combined to go 5 for 50 against Atlanta last month.

Beltran is 9 for 24 with two homers and two doubles off Maholm, while Craig is 6 for 14 with three doubles.

The Cardinals have lost eight of nine regular-season meetings with the Braves.

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SERIES AT A GLANCE

GAME 1
Braves at Cardinals
Thu, Aug 22 - 8:15PM EDT

GAME 2
Braves at Cardinals
Fri, Aug 23 - 8:15PM EDT

GAME 3
Braves at Cardinals
Sat, Aug 24 - 7:15PM EDT

GAME 4
Braves at Cardinals
Sun, Aug 25 - 2:15PM EDT

[StarDust Bum]

Preview: Pirates (74-52) at Giants (56-70)
Game: 1
Venue: AT&T Park
Date: August 22, 2013 10:15 PM EDT


While Jeff Locke insists his back is fine, the results haven't been for the Pittsburgh Pirates' left-hander since the All-Star break.

Facing the slumping San Francisco Giants may be just what he needs to get back on track.

Locke hopes to end a season-worst five-start winless drought and help the visiting Pirates maintain their slim lead in the NL Central on Thursday night in the opener of this four-game series.

The Pirates (74-52) received another strong performance on the mound, but couldn't generate enough offense with only four hits in Wednesday's 2-1 loss in San Diego. The defeat cut their division lead to one game over St. Louis, which beat Milwaukee.

Pittsburgh's starters have a 1.67 ERA in four games since allowing a season-high run total in a 15-5 loss to Arizona on Saturday.

Locke (9-4, 2.90 ERA) had the worst start of his career in that contest, allowing eight runs and 10 hits over 2 2-3 innings.

"Any start like that is a reality check," Locke said following the shortest of his 36 career starts. "You set your standards high, you set your goals high and you're disappointed when you don't reach them."

Locke missed his final turn in the rotation before the All-Star break because of stiffness in his lower back, but has downplayed the idea that he may still be feeling the effects of the injury.

The All-Star, however, hasn't won since July 21 - his first outing following the break. He's 0-2 with a 6.57 ERA with 17 walks in 24 2-3 innings over his last five starts.

While he's 4-2 with a 4.15 ERA in 12 home starts, Locke has pitched much better with a 5-2 record and 1.81 ERA in 12 on the road.

He may be able to continue that success against a San Francisco team that has totaled nine runs and gone 1 for 26 with runners in scoring position while dropping three of four. The Giants (56-70) fell into last place in the NL West following a 12-1 loss to Boston and the Padres' win over the Pirates on Wednesday.

"We're having a hard time with the bats here," manager Bruce Bochy said. "It's got to get better with the pitching side and the hitting side.'

Joaquin Arias was a bright spot in the loss with two hits, including his first home run of the season. Arias went 7 for 14 as San Francisco dropped two of three in Pittsburgh from June 11-13.

Resurgent Matt Cain (8-8, 4.35) takes the mound looking to pitch at least seven innings for a sixth straight start.

Since giving up 11 runs over three innings in consecutive July starts, Cain has gone 3-2 with a 2.41 ERA while limiting opponents to a .193 batting average in his last six.

He's been very successful against the Pirates, going 3-0 with a 1.24 ERA in his last six meetings. He hasn't allowed a run in 15 2-3 innings against them after giving up two hits over 6 2-3 in a 10-0 win at Pittsburgh on June 13.

Andrew McCutchen is batting .441 during an eight-game hitting streak against the Giants and .444 over his last 18 games overall, but is 2 for 16 when facing Cain.

Fellow All-Star Pedro Alvarez (0 for 6), Clint Barmes (1 for 18), Gaby Sanchez (2 for 14) and Neil Walker (1 for 8) also haven't fared well in this matchup.

The Giants have won 10 of 14 home meetings against the Pirates.

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SERIES AT A GLANCE

GAME 1
Pirates at Giants
Thu, Aug 22 - 10:15PM EDT

GAME 2
Pirates at Giants
Fri, Aug 23 - 10:15PM EDT

GAME 3
Pirates at Giants
Sat, Aug 24 - 9:05PM EDT

GAME 4
Pirates at Giants
Sun, Aug 25 - 4:05PM EDT

[StarDust Bum]

Preview: White Sox (50-74) at Royals (64-60)
Game: 3
Venue: Ewing M. Kauffman Stadium
Date: August 22, 2013 8:10 PM EDT


Despite a disappointing season, the Chicago White Sox are in the midst of their longest winning stretch of the year.

The Kansas City Royals, meanwhile, must find a way to get back on track to remain a serious playoff contender.

Looking for a sixth consecutive victory, the White Sox try to end James Shields' recent run of success and complete their first road sweep of the Royals in four seasons Thursday night.

Chicago (51-74) is well out of postseason contention, but it's won 11 of 16 since a season-high 10-game slide. It's been almost a year - Aug. 20-26 - since the White Sox won six straight overall.

They haven't swept a series at Kansas City since May 29-31, 2009.

The Royals (64-61), meanwhile, have totaled 18 runs while losing four straight and seven of nine. They are 6 1/2 back of the final AL wild-card spot and 9 1/2 behind Detroit in the Central.

"We have just not played well," said slugger Billy Butler, one of the few Royals to hit with a .379 average his last 15 games. "We're in a tough stretch and we're just not hitting."

After being held to two runs in the first two games of the set, Kansas City hopes to provide Shields (8-8, 3.19 ERA) some support.

Though the right-hander ranks near the bottom of the majors receiving an average 3.61 runs of support, he's 4-1 with a 3.00 ERA in his last five starts. He allowed three hits and overcame four walks in seven innings of a 3-0 victory at Detroit on Friday.

"I've been pitching well all season," said Shields, who has recorded quality starts 20 of the 26 times he's taken the mound. "I've got a lot of quality starts. That's what I care about, not wins and losses.'

Shields' current run of a success began July 26, when he allowed eight hits over seven scoreless innings of a 5-1 victory at Chicago. He's yielded five runs in 26 innings while going 1-1 in four starts against the White Sox in 2013.

Chicago starter Jose Quintana (7-4, 3.66) gave up two runs in seven innings of that loss to Shields last month. Though the left-hander is 0-2 in his last five starts versus Kansas City, he's posted a 3.16 ERA during those outings.

He helped the White Sox snap their season-high 10-game road slide Friday while yielding two runs and striking out seven in 6 2-3 innings of a 5-2 victory at Minnesota.

"(I) tried to come in and attack earlier, throw strikes to every single one of the batters, and thankfully everything worked out," said Quintana, who gave up five runs in five innings against the Twins in his previous start.

Batting .462 (6 for 13) against Shields, Chicago's Dayan Viciedo clubbed his second career grand slam and had three hits in Wednesday's 5-2 victory.

Viciedo is hitting .184 in August, but .350 (7 for 20) with two homers and seven RBIs in five games at Kauffman Stadium this season.

Kansas City's Mike Moustakas is 7 for 16 with two homers against Quintana, and had an RBI on Wednesday. However, he's 0 for 8 with four strikeouts in his last three versus Chicago.

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SERIES AT A GLANCE

GAME 1
White Sox at Royals
Tue, Aug 20 Final 2 to 0
Boxscores • Recaps

GAME 2
White Sox at Royals
Wed, Aug 21 Final 5 to 2
Boxscores • Recaps

GAME 3
White Sox at Royals
Thu, Aug 22 - 8:10PM EDT

[StarDust Bum]

Thursday's National League betting cheat sheet

Check out our quick-hitting betting notes on Thursday's National League games:

Arizona Diamondbacks at Cincinnati Reds (-173, 8)

Cold pitching stat: The road hasn't been kind to Diamondbacks right-hander Trevor Cahill, who is 3-6 with a 5.60 ERA in nine starts away from Arizona.

Hot batting stat: Arizona OF Jason Kubel has just two hits in eight at-bats against Cincinnati starter Mat Latos, but both are home runs.

Weather: Temperatures will be in the mid-80s with a 55 percent chance of a shower or thunderstorm. Wind will blow out to left field at 7 mph.

Key betting note: The under is 6-1-3 in Latos' last 10 starts against a National League West opponent.


Los Angeles Dodgers at Miami Marlins (+215, 6)

Hot pitching stat: Dodgers left-hander Clayton Kershaw has surrendered just one earned run on six hits over his previous two starts, striking out 16 while walking just three in that span.

Cold batting stat: Marlins rookie OF Jake Marisnick is just 4-for-25 with eight strikeouts against left-handed pitching.

Weather: Temperatures will be in the high-80s, but with a 40 percent chance of showers or thunderstorms, the roof at Marlins Park may be closed. Wind will blow from right to left field at 11 mph.

Key betting note: The Dodgers have won 17 of Kershaw's last 22 starts against the NL East.


Washington Nationals at Chicago Cubs (+150, OFF)

Hot pitching stat: Nationals right-hander Stephen Strasburg has surrendered one earned run in 12 career innings against the Cubs.

Cold batting stat: The three Washington hitters who have faced Chicago starter Travis Wood (Scott Hairston, Jayson Werth, Adam LaRoche) are a combined 1-for-15 against him.

Weather: Temperatures will be in the high-70s with partly cloudy skies. Wind will blow in from left field at 13 mph.

Key betting note: Road teams are 6-0 in umpire Tim Timmons' last six games behind home plate.


Colorado Rockies at Philadelphia Phillies (-130, 9)

Cold pitching stat: Philadelphia right-hander Kyle Kendrick was shelled in his last appearance against the Rockies, charged with seven runs on 10 hits over 4 1/3 innings in a game the Phillies won 8-7.

Hot batting stat: Colorado SS Troy Tulowitzki is hitting .320 with 18 home runs in 244 at-bats against right-handers.

Weather: Temperatures will be in the high-70s with a 45 percent chance of showers or thunderstorms. Wind will blow out toward right field at 4 mph.

Key betting note: Colorado has won just three of its last 17 Thursday games.


Atlanta Braves at St. Louis Cardinals (-136, 8)

Cold pitching stat: Braves right-hander Paul Maholm struggled prior to going on the DL with a wrist injury, losing three straight starts while allowing 16 runs over 13 1/3 innings in that span.

Hot hitting stat: Cardinals OF Carlos Beltran is 9-for-24 with two home runs and six RBIs in his career against Maholm.

Weather: Temperatures will be in the high-80s with a 20 percent chance of showers or thunderstorms. Wind will blow from left to right field at 2 mph.

Key betting note: The over is 12-2-2 in Maholm's last 16 starts.


Pittsburgh Pirates at San Francisco Giants (-124, 7)

Cold pitching stat: Giants right-hander Matt Cain has allowed 19 home runs over his first 25 starts; he surrendered 21 all of last season, and just nine in 2011.

Cold batting stat: Members of the Pittsburgh roster are hitting a collective .162 with one home run in 130 at-bats against Cain.

Weather: Temperatures will be in the high-50s with partly cloudy skies. Wind will blow out to left field at 9 mph.

Key betting note: The under is 14-3-1 in Pirates left-hander Jeff Locke's last 18 starts against a team with a losing record.


** Odds, probable starters and weather forecast as of 7:42 p.m. ET Wednesday.


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Thursday's American League betting cheat sheet

Check out our quick-hitting betting notes on Thursday's American League games:

Toronto Blue Jays at New York Yankees (-159, 9)

Cold pitching stat: Blue Jays left-hander J.A. Happ is 2-0 but has an unsightly 5.16 ERA and has surrendered four home runs in 22 2/3 career innings against New York.

Cold batting stat: Recent Yankees acquisition Mark Reynolds is 0-for-9 with six strikeouts in his career against Happ.

Weather: Temperatures will be in the mid-80s with a 30 percent chance of showers or thunderstorms. Wind will blow out to left field at 9 mph.

Key betting stat: The Blue Jays have won eight of their last 10 games with umpire Mike DiMuro behind home plate.


Minnesota Twins at Detroit Tigers (-240, 8)

Hot pitching stat: Twins rookie right-hander Andrew Albers has a 0.66 WHIP while limiting opposing hitters to a .169 average over his first three major-league starts.

Cold batting stat: Minnesota C Ryan Doumit is hitless with three strikeouts in 11 career at-bats against Detroit starter Justin Verlander.

Weather: Temperatures will be in the mid-80s with a 70 percent chance of showers or thunderstorms. Wind will blow from right to left field at 11 mph.

Key betting note: The under is 12-2-2 in Verlander's last 16 starts during the third game of a series.


Chicago White Sox at Kansas City Royals (-168, 7.5)

Hot pitching stat: Royals right-hander James Shields had one of his strongest outings of the season in his last encounter with the White Sox, tossing seven shutout innings in a 5-1 win on July 26.

Hot batting stat: Kansas City 3B Mike Moustakas has dominated Chicago starter Jose Quintana in his career, going 7-for-16 with a pair of homers.

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

Key betting note: Chicago is 1-7 in Quintana's last eight road starts against teams with winning records.


** Odds, probable starters and weather forecast as of 7:33 p.m. ET Wednesday.

[StarDust Bum]

Top 5 MLB Trends

CHW
KC Under is 8-0 in White Sox last 8 road games vs. a right-handed starter.

CHW
KC Under is 5-0-2 in Royals last 7 vs. a team with a losing record.

CHW
KC Under is 5-0-2 in Royals last 7 home games vs. a team with a losing record.

COL
PHI Under is 6-0-1 in Phillies last 7 vs. National League West.

ATL
STL Under is 7-0 in Braves last 7 when their opponent allows 5 runs or more in their previous game.

[StarDust Bum]

Preview: Nationals (61-64) at Cubs (54-71)
Game: 4
Venue: Wrigley Field
Date: August 22, 2013 2:20 PM EDT


It's been more than three months since Stephen Strasburg won a road game.

He'll need to last a lot longer than his most recent attempt.

After being tossed from his most recent outing, Strasburg will try to help the Washington Nationals cap this four-game series with a third straight win over the Chicago Cubs on Thursday.

Strasburg (6-9, 2.93 ERA) is 1-5 with a 5.11 ERA in 11 road starts on the season, going 0-3 with a 6.38 ERA over his last six since winning at San Diego on May 16.

The right-hander's latest effort to end that slide ended with no outs in the second inning of Saturday's 8-7 win over Atlanta. He was ejected for throwing consecutive pitches behind Andrelton Simmons' back, and manager Davey Johnson joined him in the clubhouse after arguing the call.

Strasburg's exit came after he allowed two runs with two walks while hitting a batter, and Johnson insisted his ace wasn't intentionally trying to make it two.

"When he went back out in the second inning, I've never seen his command so bad," Johnson said. "He couldn't come close to the first hitter he faced. Then he threw a curve ball that was eight feet outside and then a couple balls that were behind the hitter. It didn't look like he was trying to hit (Simmons).

"He couldn't find the strike zone."

That hasn't been the case in two meetings with the Cubs (54-72). He's limited them to one earned run with 12 strikeouts and three walks in 12 innings but lost his only decision after being backed with two total runs.

Ryan Zimmerman specifically let Strasburg down in his last meeting versus Chicago on May 11, when one of the third baseman's two errors resulted in a four-run fifth inning in an 8-2 loss.

Zimmerman, though, is 7 for 16 with three doubles and three RBIs in four meetings since. He had two hits with an RBI in Wednesday's 11-6 win over the Cubs.

"Eleven runs, I think it's Christmas," Johnson said.

Jayson Werth has been on a month-long tear for the Nationals (62-64), hitting .452 in 18 games after connecting for a three-run homer Wednesday.

The Cubs have dropped 15 of their last 18 games at Wrigley Field, and Travis Wood (7-10, 3.13) is 0-3 with a 5.64 ERA in four starts during that stretch.

The left-hander was the Cubs' only representative at last month's All-Star game, and he's 1-4 with a 4.29 ERA in six games since. He struggled again Saturday, surrendering four runs in 5 1-3 innings of a 4-0 home loss to St. Louis.

This will be Wood's first start against the Nationals, but he did make a pinch-running appearance in a 2-1 win in Washington on May 12.

Anthony Rizzo is hoping that he's snapped out of a recent funk after homering twice among his three hits Wednesday. The first baseman, hitting second for the first time in his career as part of an altered Cubs lineup, was batting .115 with one homer and three RBIs over the previous 16 games.

Rizzo is 18 for 46 (.391) with five home runs in 13 career games against the Nationals. He's 2 for 3 off Strasburg.

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SERIES AT A GLANCE

GAME 1
Nationals at Cubs
Mon, Aug 19 Final 1 to 11
Boxscores • Recaps

GAME 2
Nationals at Cubs
Tue, Aug 20 Final 4 to 2
Boxscores • Recaps

GAME 3
Nationals at Cubs
Wed, Aug 21 Final 11 to 6
Boxscores • Recaps

GAME 4
Nationals at Cubs
Thu, Aug 22 - 2:20PM EDT

[StarDust Bum]

Diamond Trends - Thursday

August 22, 2013

SU TREND OF THE DAY:

-- The Yankees are 13-0 since April 30, 2005 as a home 140+ favorite when they are off a game that was tied at the end of at least six separate innings and it is not the first game of a series for a net profit of $1300.

OU TREND OF THE DAY:

-- When Travis Wood starts the Cubs are 0-19 OU since July 22, 2012 when the bullpen allowed at least three runs yesterday for a net profit of $900 when playing the under.

PITCHER TREND OF THE DAY:

-- When Travis Wood starts the Cubs are 0-10 since June 14, 2012 when the bullpen allowed at least three runs yesterday for a net profit of $1000 when playing against.

MLB BIBLE ACTIVE TREND:

-- The White Sox are 10-0 ($1,260) since 2004 as a dog when their opponent lost at least their last four games and is seeking immediate revenge for a multiple-run loss.

ACTIVE TRENDS:

-- The Dodgers are 10-0 since June 25, 2013 as a favorite vs a team that has lost at least their last two games for a net profit of $1000.

-- The Nationals are 0-12 since September 14, 2012 on the road after a win in which they used 5+ pitchers for a net profit of $1245 when playing against.

[StarDust Bum]

Preview: Rockies (59-69) at Phillies (56-70)
Game: 4
Venue: Citizens Bank Park
Date: August 22, 2013 7:05 PM EDT


Although Carlos Ruiz has endured his share of adversity this season, he's hoping his late-game heroics can spark the Philadelphia Phillies to a strong finish.

Another date with the Colorado Rockies is likely to help his cause.

Ruiz and the Phillies hope to build on their dramatic victory and beat the Rockies for the 19th time in 23 home games Thursday night when they wrap up a four-game series.

Trailing by one in the ninth inning, Ruiz delivered a game-tying, pinch-hit RBI double off Rockies closer Rafael Betancourt, and Michael Young followed with a walk-off single to give the Phillies (56-70) a 4-3 victory Wednesday.

After serving a 25-game suspension for using a banned stimulant to open the season and missing nearly a month with a strained hamstring, Ruiz finally has found his groove at the plate. The veteran catcher has gone 7 for 12 in his last four games and is hitting .340 since Aug. 3. He's also 10 for 22 with two home runs and seven RBIs in his last seven games against the Rockies.

"Definitely with everything that happened, it was tough for me," Ruiz told the team's official website. "I came back from the suspension, then I got hurt. It's not an excuse, but it was hard to pick it up. There's nothing I can do about that; it's in the past, so I'm going to do my best right now, and hopefully I'll do well."

The Phillies haven't done well offensively, averaging 2.6 runs while batting .191 over their last 12 games. However, they have outscored the Rockies 126-72 while going 18-4 at home against them since Sept. 13, 2007.

Colorado rookie Chad Bettis (0-2, 5.30 ERA) will have to bounce back after getting tagged for eight runs - though only two earned thanks to an error by Troy Tulowitzki - over 2 2-3 innings in an 8-4 loss at Baltimore on Saturday.

The right-hander walked four, giving him 12 over 18 2-3 innings in his four starts.

"Chad battled," manager Walt Weiss said. "He just struggled, threw a lot of pitches, got some bad counts and really had to work hard."

Bettis could have his hands full with Chase Utley, who is hitting .375 in his last 14 games versus the Rockies (59-69). Teammate John Mayberry is batting .367 in his last nine at home against them.

The Phillies hope to deal Colorado its fifth loss in six games by giving the ball to right-hander Kyle Kendrick (10-10, 4.36).

While Kendrick is 3-6 with a 6.38 ERA over his last nine starts, he showed improvement Saturday when he allowed two runs over six innings in a 5-0 loss to the Dodgers.

Kendrick wasn't as effective in his last start versus the Rockies, matching a season high by allowing seven runs and 10 hits over 4 1-3 innings before the Phillies rallied for an 8-7 victory on June 14. He's 3-2 with a 5.62 ERA in nine career starts against them.

He'll attempt to cool off Wilin Rosario, who is batting .353 with four home runs and 15 RBIs during a 12-game hitting streak.

Teammate Michael Cuddyer has gone 8 for 19 over his last five games, while Dexter Fowler - 3 for 8 against Kendrick - is hitting .400 in his last 10 against the Phillies.

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SERIES AT A GLANCE

GAME 1
Rockies at Phillies
Mon, Aug 19 Final 4 to 5
Boxscores • Recaps

GAME 2
Rockies at Phillies
Tue, Aug 20 Final 5 to 3
Boxscores • Recaps

GAME 3
Rockies at Phillies
Wed, Aug 21 Final 3 to 4
Boxscores • Recaps

GAME 4
Rockies at Phillies
Thu, Aug 22 - 7:05PM EDT