The Bum's MLB News-Stats and POD'S Thru The World Series !

[StarDust Bum]

MLB

Monday, September 23

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MLB betting: Top 3 hot pitchers on the mound Monday
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Baseball's final week starts Monday and there are three pitchers that will take the mound that have been saving their best work for the September run.

If you're looking to get some final regular season bets in, here are three hurlers that could be worth a look Monday.

A.J. Griffin, Oakland A's (14-9, 3.78 ERA)

The big righthander has put together an excellent September going 3-0 with a 2.77 ERA, compared to 1-2 with a 4.13 ERA in August. He still leads all AL pitchers in homers allowed as he's given up a whopping 35. He's given up three taters in September, but has fanned 30 batters in 26 innings of work, which is easily his best K/9 rate this year.

The A's send Griffin to the mound Monday to face the Los Angeles Angels.


Adam Wainwright, St. Louis Cardinals (17-9, 2.98 ERA)

The Cards' righty has rebounded from a poor (by his standards) August with a 2-1 record and 3.14 ERA in four September starts. He's strung together three excellent starts in a row and is 2-0 over that stretch.

Wainwright will toe the rubber Monday as the Cards host the Washington Nationals.


Brandon McCarthy, Arizona Diamondbacks (5-9, 4.57 ERA)

McCarthy has saved his best for last. The righty is 2-1 with a 3.10 ERA in the month and has pitched the DBacks to victories over the Dodgers and Giants. He tossed nine innings of work on Sept. 2 versus the Jays but was a hard-luck loser in a 4-1 decision.

The Diamondbacks are in San Diego to face the Padres Monday night. McCarthy is 2-0 with a 0.64 ERA in two starts versus the Friars this season.

[StarDust Bum]

MLB
Long Sheet

Monday, September 23

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PHILADELPHIA (71 - 84) at MIAMI (57 - 99) - 7:10 PM
ROY HALLADAY (R) vs. NATHAN EOVALDI (R)
Top Trends for this game.
PHILADELPHIA is 71-84 (-19.0 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
PHILADELPHIA is 42-51 (-22.9 Units) against the money line when the total is 7 or less over the last 2 seasons.
PHILADELPHIA is 28-46 (-16.8 Units) against the money line in road games this season.
PHILADELPHIA is 71-84 (-19.0 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
PHILADELPHIA is 51-64 (-18.6 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.
PHILADELPHIA is 74-87 (-22.7 Units) against the money line after a loss over the last 2 seasons.
PHILADELPHIA is 33-42 (-17.6 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record this season.
MIAMI is 57-99 (-19.6 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
MIAMI is 26-48 (-19.4 Units) against the money line as a home underdog of +100 to +125 over the last 3 seasons.
MIAMI is 100-134 (-40.2 Units) against the money line in home games over the last 3 seasons.
MIAMI is 57-97 (-17.6 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
MIAMI is 37-69 (-18.8 Units) against the money line in night games this season.
MIAMI is 37-70 (-19.7 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.
MIAMI is 33-67 (-20.6 Units) against the money line after a loss this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
PHILADELPHIA is 11-5 (+2.7 Units) against MIAMI this season
9 of 16 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+0.9 Units)

ROY HALLADAY vs. MIAMI since 1997
HALLADAY is 9-5 when starting against MIAMI with an ERA of 3.53 and a WHIP of 1.113.
His team's record is 10-7 (-1.6 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 6-11. (-6.6 units)

NATHAN EOVALDI vs. PHILADELPHIA since 1997
EOVALDI is 0-4 when starting against PHILADELPHIA with an ERA of 5.40 and a WHIP of 1.760.
His team's record is 1-4 (-2.9 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 4-1. (+2.8 units)

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NY METS (71 - 84) at CINCINNATI (89 - 67) - 7:10 PM
AARON HARANG (R) vs. JOHNNY CUETO (R)
Top Trends for this game.
NY METS are 23-54 (-23.9 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record in the second half of the season over the last 2 seasons.
CINCINNATI is 188-135 (+17.9 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
CINCINNATI is 188-135 (+17.9 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
NY METS are 39-39 (+13.9 Units) against the money line in road games this season.
NY METS are 39-39 (+13.9 Units) against the money line in road games in games played on a grass field this season.
NY METS are 86-83 (+26.7 Units) against the money line in road games against right-handed starters over the last 3 seasons.
HARANG is 36-27 (+20.4 Units) against the money line in road games after a win since 1997. (Team's Record)
CINCINNATI is 46-42 (-10.7 Units) against the money line after a win this season.
CINCINNATI is 345-309 (-72.6 Units) against the money line in home games when playing against a team with a losing record since 1997.

Head-to-Head Series History
CINCINNATI is 3-0 (+3.1 Units) against NY METS this season
2 of 3 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+1.0 Units)

AARON HARANG vs. CINCINNATI since 1997
HARANG is 3-0 when starting against CINCINNATI with an ERA of 1.89 and a WHIP of 0.947.
His team's record is 3-0 (+4.3 units) in these starts. The OVER is 0-3. (-3.3 units)

JOHNNY CUETO vs. NY METS since 1997
CUETO is 2-3 when starting against NY METS with an ERA of 5.45 and a WHIP of 1.632.
His team's record is 3-4 (-1.4 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 3-4. (-1.5 units)

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MILWAUKEE (69 - 86) at ATLANTA (92 - 63) - 7:10 PM
MARCO ESTRADA (R) vs. MIKE MINOR (L)
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

Head-to-Head Series History
MILWAUKEE is 2-1 (+1.6 Units) against ATLANTA this season
2 of 3 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+0.8 Units)

MARCO ESTRADA vs. ATLANTA since 1997
ESTRADA is 2-1 when starting against ATLANTA with an ERA of 5.50 and a WHIP of 1.444.
His team's record is 2-1 (+1.1 units) in these starts. The OVER is 1-1. (-0.1 units)

MIKE MINOR vs. MILWAUKEE since 1997
MINOR is 1-1 when starting against MILWAUKEE with an ERA of 2.60 and a WHIP of 1.039.
His team's record is 1-2 (-1.4 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 2-0. (+2.0 units)

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PITTSBURGH (89 - 67) at CHICAGO CUBS (65 - 91) - 8:05 PM
CHARLIE MORTON (R) vs. JEFF SAMARDZIJA (R)
Top Trends for this game.
PITTSBURGH is 17-32 (-21.9 Units) against the money line in September games over the last 2 seasons.
PITTSBURGH is 44-50 (-22.3 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record in the second half of the season over the last 2 seasons.
PITTSBURGH is 89-67 (+19.9 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
PITTSBURGH is 39-36 (+9.0 Units) against the money line in road games this season.
PITTSBURGH is 40-30 (+9.8 Units) against the money line against division opponents this season.
PITTSBURGH is 89-67 (+19.9 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
PITTSBURGH is 60-40 (+15.7 Units) against the money line in night games this season.
PITTSBURGH is 72-54 (+17.8 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.
PITTSBURGH is 39-27 (+11.6 Units) against the money line after a loss this season.
PITTSBURGH is 54-31 (+16.8 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record this season.
CHICAGO CUBS are 65-91 (-11.5 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
CHICAGO CUBS are 30-48 (-19.5 Units) against the money line in home games this season.
CHICAGO CUBS are 24-46 (-14.7 Units) against the money line against division opponents this season.
CHICAGO CUBS are 65-91 (-11.5 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
CHICAGO CUBS are 33-53 (-20.4 Units) against the money line in home games in night games over the last 3 seasons.
CHICAGO CUBS are 44-69 (-18.1 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.
CHICAGO CUBS are 29-55 (-13.5 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record this season.
CHICAGO CUBS are 139-186 (-63.0 Units) against the money line in home games when playing against a team with a winning record in the second half of the season since 1997.

Head-to-Head Series History
PITTSBURGH is 10-6 (+1.8 Units) against CHICAGO CUBS this season
12 of 16 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+7.4 Units)

CHARLIE MORTON vs. CHICAGO CUBS since 1997
MORTON is 2-4 when starting against CHICAGO CUBS with an ERA of 5.76 and a WHIP of 1.599.
His team's record is 2-6 (-3.4 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 4-4. (-0.3 units)

JEFF SAMARDZIJA vs. PITTSBURGH since 1997
SAMARDZIJA is 3-3 when starting against PITTSBURGH with an ERA of 2.45 and a WHIP of 0.841.
His team's record is 3-3 (+0.8 units) in these starts. The OVER is 2-3. (-1.0 units)

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WASHINGTON (84 - 72) at ST LOUIS (91 - 65) - 8:15 PM
TANNER ROARK (R) vs. ADAM WAINWRIGHT (R)
Top Trends for this game.
WASHINGTON is 84-72 (-4.9 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
WASHINGTON is 84-72 (-4.9 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
WASHINGTON is 59-53 (-9.2 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.
ST LOUIS is 73-42 (+18.0 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.
ST LOUIS is 45-20 (+20.4 Units) against the money line after a loss this season.
ST LOUIS is 209-134 (+52.9 Units) against the money line in home games when playing against a team with a winning record in the second half of the season since 1997.
WASHINGTON is 24-10 (+18.1 Units) against the money line in road games in September games over the last 3 seasons.
WASHINGTON is 125-88 (+21.0 Units) against the money line in night games over the last 2 seasons.
ST LOUIS is 68-75 (-21.9 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
ST LOUIS is 3-0 (+3.5 Units) against WASHINGTON this season
3 of 3 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+3.0 Units)

TANNER ROARK vs. ST LOUIS since 1997
No recent starts.

ADAM WAINWRIGHT vs. WASHINGTON since 1997
WAINWRIGHT is 5-3 when starting against WASHINGTON with an ERA of 3.80 and a WHIP of 1.422.
His team's record is 6-5 (-0.7 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 6-4. (+1.4 units)

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ARIZONA (79 - 76) at SAN DIEGO (72 - 83) - 10:10 PM
BRANDON MCCARTHY (R) vs. ERIC STULTS (L)
Top Trends for this game.
SAN DIEGO is 72-83 (+1.9 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
SAN DIEGO is 42-35 (+7.7 Units) against the money line in home games this season.
SAN DIEGO is 72-80 (+4.9 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
SAN DIEGO is 51-56 (+4.5 Units) against the money line in night games this season.
STULTS is 25-20 (+10.8 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
STULTS is 18-11 (+11.7 Units) against the money line in night games over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
ARIZONA is 16-9 (+10.8 Units) against the money line when the total is 7 or less this season.
ARIZONA is 16-9 (+10.8 Units) against the money line on the road when the total is 7 or less this season.
ARIZONA is 85-79 (+18.9 Units) against the money line in road games in night games over the last 3 seasons.
MCCARTHY is 13-4 (+10.8 Units) against the money line as a road underdog of +100 to +125 since 1997. (Team's Record)

Head-to-Head Series History
SAN DIEGO is 9-6 (+5.0 Units) against ARIZONA this season
8 of 15 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+1.0 Units)

BRANDON MCCARTHY vs. SAN DIEGO since 1997
MCCARTHY is 2-0 when starting against SAN DIEGO with an ERA of 0.64 and a WHIP of 0.857.
His team's record is 2-0 (+2.0 units) in these starts. The OVER is 0-2. (-2.1 units)

ERIC STULTS vs. ARIZONA since 1997
STULTS is 4-4 when starting against ARIZONA with an ERA of 3.38 and a WHIP of 1.125.
His team's record is 4-4 (+0.8 units) in these starts. The OVER is 2-5. (-3.0 units)

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BALTIMORE (81 - 74) at TAMPA BAY (86 - 69) - 3:10 PM
WEI-YIN CHEN (L) vs. CHRIS ARCHER (R)
Top Trends for this game.
BALTIMORE is 181-303 (-100.5 Units) against the money line after 3 or more consecutive losses since 1997.
TAMPA BAY is 514-593 (+26.5 Units) against the money line against division opponents since 1997.
BALTIMORE is 177-146 (+38.0 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
BALTIMORE is 11-6 (+8.8 Units) against the money line as a road underdog of +125 to +150 this season.
BALTIMORE is 87-78 (+28.5 Units) against the money line in road games over the last 2 seasons.
BALTIMORE is 45-33 (+21.4 Units) against the money line in September games over the last 3 seasons.
BALTIMORE is 77-69 (+16.9 Units) against the money line against division opponents over the last 2 seasons.
BALTIMORE is 56-43 (+15.1 Units) against the money line in day games over the last 2 seasons.
BALTIMORE is 124-99 (+32.5 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters over the last 2 seasons.
BALTIMORE is 42-31 (+8.5 Units) against the money line after a loss this season.
BALTIMORE is 101-85 (+32.2 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.
CHEN is 22-11 (+13.5 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)

Head-to-Head Series History
TAMPA BAY is 12-6 (+4.6 Units) against BALTIMORE this season
9 of 16 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+1.5 Units)

WEI-YIN CHEN vs. TAMPA BAY since 1997
CHEN is 2-3 when starting against TAMPA BAY with an ERA of 2.93 and a WHIP of 1.174.
His team's record is 3-4 (-1.0 units) in these starts. The OVER is 2-5. (-3.7 units)

CHRIS ARCHER vs. BALTIMORE since 1997
ARCHER is 1-0 when starting against BALTIMORE with an ERA of 1.29 and a WHIP of 0.571.
His team's record is 1-0 (+1.0 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 1-0. (+1.0 units)

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HOUSTON (51 - 105) at TEXAS (84 - 71) - 8:05 PM
JORDAN LYLES (R) vs. DEREK HOLLAND (L)
Top Trends for this game.
HOUSTON is 51-105 (-20.5 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
HOUSTON is 21-57 (-24.8 Units) against the money line when the total is 8 to 8.5 this season.
HOUSTON is 72-169 (-46.3 Units) against the money line in road games over the last 3 seasons.
HOUSTON is 21-67 (-29.8 Units) against the money line on the road when the total is 8 to 8.5 over the last 3 seasons.
HOUSTON is 49-100 (-20.3 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
HOUSTON is 67-142 (-39.1 Units) against the money line after a loss over the last 2 seasons.
HOUSTON is 17-62 (-27.1 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record this season.
HOUSTON is 20-67 (-27.6 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record in the second half of the season over the last 2 seasons.
LYLES is 4-24 (-16.6 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
TEXAS is 46-23 (+13.0 Units) against the money line against division opponents this season.
HOLLAND is 49-24 (+16.8 Units) against the money line in night games over the last 3 seasons. (Team's Record)
HOLLAND is 30-13 (+13.9 Units) against the money line after a loss over the last 3 seasons. (Team's Record)
HOUSTON is 17-18 (+13.7 Units) against the money line in road games against division opponents this season.
TEXAS is 84-71 (-10.6 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
TEXAS is 39-35 (-17.5 Units) against the money line in home games this season.
TEXAS is 5-15 (-13.8 Units) against the money line in September games this season.
TEXAS is 81-67 (-9.5 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
TEXAS is 55-52 (-12.4 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
TEXAS is 14-2 (+9.2 Units) against HOUSTON this season
9 of 16 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+1.5 Units)

JORDAN LYLES vs. TEXAS since 1997
LYLES is 0-4 when starting against TEXAS with an ERA of 8.55 and a WHIP of 2.165.
His team's record is 0-5 (-5.0 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 2-2. (-0.4 units)

DEREK HOLLAND vs. HOUSTON since 1997
HOLLAND is 1-1 when starting against HOUSTON with an ERA of 4.80 and a WHIP of 1.200.
His team's record is 4-1 (+2.3 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 0-5. (-5.8 units)

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DETROIT (91 - 65) at MINNESOTA (65 - 90) - 8:10 PM
JUSTIN VERLANDER (R) vs. MIKE PELFREY (R)
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

Head-to-Head Series History
MINNESOTA is 7-9 (+3.5 Units) against DETROIT this season
10 of 14 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+5.4 Units)

JUSTIN VERLANDER vs. MINNESOTA since 1997
VERLANDER is 14-7 when starting against MINNESOTA with an ERA of 3.23 and a WHIP of 1.254.
His team's record is 16-10 (+2.2 units) in these starts. The OVER is 15-9. (+5.9 units)

MIKE PELFREY vs. DETROIT since 1997
PELFREY is 2-3 when starting against DETROIT with an ERA of 5.20 and a WHIP of 1.626.
His team's record is 2-3 (+0.2 units) in these starts. The OVER is 1-3. (-2.3 units)

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OAKLAND (93 - 63) at LA ANGELS (76 - 79) - 10:05 PM
TOM MILONE (L) vs. GARRETT RICHARDS (R)
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

Head-to-Head Series History
OAKLAND is 10-6 (+3.6 Units) against LA ANGELS this season
11 of 16 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+6.1 Units)

TOM MILONE vs. LA ANGELS since 1997
MILONE is 4-2 when starting against LA ANGELS with an ERA of 4.50 and a WHIP of 1.441.
His team's record is 4-2 (+3.0 units) in these starts. The OVER is 3-3. (-0.2 units)

GARRETT RICHARDS vs. OAKLAND since 1997
RICHARDS is 0-1 when starting against OAKLAND with an ERA of 4.07 and a WHIP of 1.358.
His team's record is 0-3 (-3.0 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 2-1. (+0.8 units)

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KANSAS CITY (82 - 73) at SEATTLE (68 - 88) - 10:10 PM
YORDANO VENTURA (R) vs. BRANDON MAURER (R)
Top Trends for this game.
KANSAS CITY is 82-73 (+5.6 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
KANSAS CITY is 8-0 (+8.0 Units) against the money line as a road favorite of -125 to -150 this season.
KANSAS CITY is 38-36 (+6.7 Units) against the money line in road games this season.
KANSAS CITY is 78-70 (+3.6 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
KANSAS CITY is 59-50 (+8.4 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.
KANSAS CITY is 12-3 (+9.2 Units) against the money line in road games when playing against a team with a losing record in the second half of the season this season.
SEATTLE is 68-88 (-16.3 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
SEATTLE is 33-42 (-16.7 Units) against the money line in home games this season.
SEATTLE is 65-85 (-17.3 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
SEATTLE is 22-30 (-14.4 Units) against the money line in home games in night games this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
KANSAS CITY is 3-1 (+1.4 Units) against SEATTLE this season
2 of 4 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=-0.2 Units, Under=-0.4 Units)

YORDANO VENTURA vs. SEATTLE since 1997
No recent starts.

BRANDON MAURER vs. KANSAS CITY since 1997
No recent starts.

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TORONTO (71 - 84) at CHI WHITE SOX (61 - 94) - 8:10 PM
J.A. HAPP (L) vs. JOSE QUINTANA (L)
Top Trends for this game.
TORONTO is 71-84 (-11.1 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
TORONTO is 41-55 (-12.4 Units) against the money line in night games this season.
CHI WHITE SOX are 61-94 (-29.2 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
CHI WHITE SOX are 22-48 (-25.2 Units) against the money line when the total is 8 to 8.5 this season.
CHI WHITE SOX are 35-41 (-8.9 Units) against the money line in home games this season.
CHI WHITE SOX are 8-22 (-16.3 Units) against the money line at home when the total is 8 to 8.5 this season.
CHI WHITE SOX are 16-33 (-18.2 Units) against the money line in September games over the last 2 seasons.
CHI WHITE SOX are 59-89 (-26.7 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
CHI WHITE SOX are 37-63 (-23.5 Units) against the money line in night games this season.
CHI WHITE SOX are 12-24 (-14.3 Units) against the money line against left-handed starters this season.
CHI WHITE SOX are 26-39 (-17.3 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record this season.
CHI WHITE SOX are 23-29 (-17.9 Units) against the money line in home games when playing against a team with a losing record in the second half of the season over the last 3 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
CHI WHITE SOX is 3-3 (+0.5 Units) against TORONTO this season
4 of 6 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+1.7 Units)

J.A. HAPP vs. CHI WHITE SOX since 1997
HAPP is 0-1 when starting against CHI WHITE SOX with an ERA of 7.94 and a WHIP of 1.235.
His team's record is 0-1 (-1.3 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 1-0. (+1.0 units)

JOSE QUINTANA vs. TORONTO since 1997
QUINTANA is 2-1 when starting against TORONTO with an ERA of 2.10 and a WHIP of 1.325.
His team's record is 2-2 (-0.1 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 3-1. (+1.9 units)

[StarDust Bum]

MLB
Short Sheet

Monday, September 23

National League

Philadelphia at Miami, 7:10 ET
Halladay: Philadelphia 2-9 SU after 6 consecutive games versus division rivals
Eovaldi: Miami 65-48 SU in home games after batting .225 or worse over a 10 game span

NY Mets at Cincinnati, 7:10 ET
Harang: NY Mets 9-4 SU in road games after a one run win
Cueto: Cincinnati 7-17 SU in home games off a win of 8 runs or more over a division rival

Milwaukee at Atlanta, 7:10 ET
Estrada: Milwaukee 3-15 SU after 3 or more consecutive overs
Minor: Atlanta 14-3 SU when playing on Monday

Pittsburgh at Chicago Cubs, 8:05 ET
Morton: Pittsburgh 51-33 SU vs. an average bullpen whose ERA is 3.75 to 4.50
Samardzija: Chicago Cubs 19-35 SU vs. an NL team with a team batting average of .250 or worse

Washington at St Louis, 8:15 ET
Roark: Washington 9-26 SU as a road underdog of +100 or higher
Wainwright: St Louis is 23-9 SU after a loss by 2 runs or less

Arizona at San Diego, 10:10 ET
Mccarthy: Arizona 35-42 SU after 2 or more consecutive wins
Stults: San Diego 16-7 SU after allowing 1 run or less


American League

Baltimore at Tampa Bay, 3:10 ET
Chen: Baltimore 11-6 SU as a road underdog of +125 to +150
Archer: Tampa Bay 5-13 SU after allowing 2 runs or less 2 straight games

Houston at Texas, 8:05 ET
Lyles: 5-0 TSR after 6 or more consecutive losses
Holland: Texas 5-15 SU in September games

Detroit at Minnesota, 8:10 ET
Verlander: Detroit 11-1 SU off a loss to a division rival as a home favorite
Pelfrey: Minnesota 1-7 SU after 3 or more sonsecutive overs

Oakland at LA Angels, 10:05 ET
Milone: Oakland 9-2 SU after 2 straight wins by 4 runs or more
Richards: LA Angels 4-13 SU when playing on Monday

Kansas City at Seattle, 10:10 ET
Ventura: Kansas City 8-0 SU as a road favorite of -125 to -150
Maurer: Seattle 12-20 SU in home games in the second half of the season


Interleague

Toronto at Chicago White Sox, 8:10 ET
Ventura: Toronto24-17 (+8.9 Units) against the money line after 2 or more consecutive unders
Maurer: White Sox 31-44 SU when the money line is +125 to -125
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[StarDust Bum]

See spot. See spot bet: This week's best spot bet opportunities

Spot bets are a classic handicapping practice that has proven profitable no matter what sport you’re betting. Whether it’s a team looking past this week’s opponent, one coming off a hard-fought victory, or a rough patch of schedule, bettors can find value picking their spots.

Lookahead spot

There’s a mutiny brewing on the Buccaneers’ pirate ship. Players are feuding with the head coach, the franchise is trying to give the No. 1 QB the bum’s rush, and the offense ranks 31st in the NFL averaging 11.3 points a game.

All of that has led to a 0-3 start for Tampa Bay, which takes on the Arizona Cardinals as a 2.5-point home favorite Sunday – one week away from a much-needed bye in Week 5. Bettors should beware the Bucs, who will undoubtedly be looking past Arizona and to a week away from football and the drama of the locker room.

Letdown spot

What better way to celebrate snapping a seven-game losing skid to your bitter rivals than a trip to Hawaii. The Fresno State Bulldogs, coming off a thrilling 41-40 victory over Boise State last Friday, are heading to paradise in Week 5, taking on the Warriors as 20-point suggested road favorites.

Playing in Hawaii is hard enough for visiting teams, with guys more concerned with soaking up the tropical surroundings than getting the job done on the field. Fresno State has been able to avoid that in the past, but never after a win as big as last week. A letdown looms on the islands.

Schedule spot

The MLB schedule makers have all but gift wrapped an American League Wild Card spot for the Cleveland Indians. All the Tribe has to do it tie the bow on a successful turnaround season. Cleveland, which is a half game back on Tampa Bay and gripping to one of the AL’s two wild card tickets heading into Monday, is coming off a four-game sweep of the hapless Houston Astros.

The Indians close the year with two home games versus the Chicago White Sox and a four-game road trip to play the Minnesota Twins. Both of those AL Central rivals have checked out on the season and are a combined 8-24 against the Tribe this year. Chicago is a mere 2-15 versus Cleveland, allowing an ERA north of 6.00 in those contests. A motivated Indians club is primed to finish 2013 strong and roll into the postseason.

[StarDust Bum]

Date WLT Pct Net Units Record

09/22/13 18-*11-*1 62.07% +*2995 Detail
09/21/13 15-*12-*0 55.56% +*800 Detail
09/20/13 12-*15-*0 44.44% -*2420 Detail
09/19/13 9-*15-*0 37.50% -*3990 Detail
09/18/13 11-*17-*2 39.29% -*4130 Detail
09/17/13 14-*13-*3 51.85% +*445 Detail
09/16/13 13-*9-*0 59.09% +*1900 Detail
09/15/13 16-*14-*0 53.33% +*565 Detail
09/14/13 18-*13-*1 58.06% +*2395 Detail
09/13/13 18-*9-*1 66.67% +*4900 Detail
09/12/13 7-*8-*1 46.67% -*1300 Detail
09/11/13 18-*11-*1 62.07% +*3520 Detail
09/10/13 16-*14-*0 53.33% +*890 Detail
09/09/13 12-*9-*1 57.14% +*875 Detail
09/08/13 18-*11-*0 62.07% +*2015 Detail
09/07/13 13-*15-*1 46.43% -*2350 Detail
09/06/13 20-*8-*0 71.43% +*5945 Detail
09/05/13 10-*3-*1 76.92% +*4390 Detail
09/04/13 15-*15-*0 50.00% -*760 Detail
09/03/13 11-*18-*1 37.93% -*4115 Detail
09/02/13 13-*16-*1 44.83% -*1875 Detail
09/01/13 16-*11-*1 59.26% +*1985 Detail

Totals 313-*267-*16 53.97% +12680


Monday, September 23

Game Score Status Pick Amount

Milwaukee - 7:10 PM ET Atlanta -121 500
Atlanta - Over 7 500

NY Mets - 7:10 PM ET Cincinnati -250 500
Cincinnati - Over 7.5 500

Philadelphia - 7:10 PM ET Miami -109 500
Miami - Over 7 500

Pittsburgh - 8:05 PM ET Chi. Cubs +121 500 POD # 3
Chi. Cubs - Over 7.5 500

Houston - 8:05 PM ET Houston +236 500 POD # 1
Texas - Over 8.5 500

Detroit - 8:10 PM ET Minnesota +174 500 POD # 2
Minnesota - Under 8 500

Toronto - 8:10 PM ET Chi. White Sox -132 500
Chi. White Sox - Over 7.5 500

Washington - 8:15 PM ET Washington +139 500 POD # 4
St. Louis - Under 7.5 500

Oakland - 10:05 PM ET LA Angels -141 500
LA Angels - Under 8 500

Arizona - 10:10 PM ET San Diego -104 500
San Diego - Under 7 500

Kansas City - 10:10 PM ET Kansas City -135 500
Seattle - Under 7.5 500

[StarDust Bum]

Diamond Trends - Tuesday

September 24, 2013


SU TREND OF THE DAY:

-- The Rays are 17-0 since May 11, 2010 as a road favorite when they are off a game in which they scored more runs off the bullpen than they did off their opponents starter for a net profit of $1700.

PITCHER TREND OF THE DAY:

-- When Chris Tillman starts the Orioles are 10-0 since September 16, 2009 as a home favorite after throwing more than 100 pitches on the road last start for a net profit of $1000.

MLB BIBLE ACTIVE TREND:

-- The Athletics are 13-0 (+$1,300) in database history as a favorite when they’ve won each of the past three games by at least four runs.

CHOICE TREND:

-- The Twins are 0-12 since August 04, 2005 as a home 140+ dog after a one run win for a net profit of $1200 when playing against.

ACTIVE TRENDS:

-- The Dodgers are 10-0 since June 24, 2013 when they are off a win in which they never trailed and it is the first game of a series for a net profit of $1073.

-- When John Lackey starts the Red Sox are 0-7 since April 30, 2010 after facing 30 or more hitters at home in a win last start for a net profit of $1035 when playing against.

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Hot & Not - NL Edition

September 24, 2013


Over 150 games are now in the books, and we're heading down the stretch of the season with just a handful of teams that are still vying for postseason positioning. Check out the last edition of "Show Me the Money" for the National League before we head into the playoffs next week.

Money-Makers

Washington Nationals (24-8, +$1,207 in L/32) - The Nats did a great job of getting back into the thick of the fight, but even finishing up 31-8 over the course of their last 39 games won't be enough to get into the playoffs.

On Deck: It will become at least a little bit interesting though, to see how things pan out if the team does happen to sweep the Cards this week at Busch Stadium, though it is highly unlikely that happens.

New York Mets (6-2, +$618 in L/8) - Mr. Met is at least going to go feel good this year about punking the Philly Phantic at the end of the season for three games. As a result, New York could finish third in the NL East.

On Deck: Three games on the road with the Reds could help shape the rest of the season, as wins in those games could put Cincy on the fence with just that series left to play against Pittsburgh.

San Diego Padres (6-4, +$484 in L/10) - The Padres aren't exactly playing the best baseball in the world right now, but they have shut out three of their last 10 foes and have been tremendous underdogs in a lot of those games to turn a big time profit.

On Deck: These last two series against the Diamondbacks and the Giants are really completely irrelevant for everything, save for which team finishes third in the NL West.

Money-Burners

Philadelphia Phillies (0-4, -$628 in L/4) - The Phillies have tabbed Ryne Sandberg as their new full-time manager. Obviously when that decision was made, the team wasn't paying attention to that lousy series at home against the Mets.

On Deck: The Phils have the Marlins and the Braves left to end the season, but there is really no bearing here on the teams that are fighting for playoff spots.

Pittsburgh Pirates (2-5, -$551 in L/7) - The Bucs are going to rue the day that they lost five of their last seven at home. Now, they have to go on the road for their last two series of the year, and if they aren't careful, they'll have played their last game of the season at PNC Park.

On Deck: All eyes are on that series in Cincinnati at the end of the season, but the truth of the matter is if the Cards play well against Washington, all that that three-game set will determine is where the one-game playoff between these two will be played next week.

Chicago Cubs (2-7, -$453 in L/9) - If you think your team has it bad, check out the Cubs. They have exactly one series that they have won since July 5th-7th, and that came against the Phillies.

On Deck: Of course, that team that we mentioned that the Cubs beat in two out of three back in July was none other than the Pirates, the team that is coming to town to start off this week.

[StarDust Bum]

Preview: Blue Jays (71-85) at Orioles (81-75)
Game: 1
Venue: Oriole Park at Camden Yards
Date: September 24, 2013 7:05 PM EDT


With their playoff hopes all but gone, the Baltimore Orioles can turn their attention toward finishing above .500 for the second consecutive season.

That goal will have to be obtained without the help of All-Star third baseman Manny Machado.

Baltimore begins what could potentially be a very long stretch without Machado on Tuesday night when it opens a three-game set against the Toronto Blue Jays.

Machado suffered a serious injury when his left leg buckled as he reached the first-base bag in the seventh inning of Monday's 5-4 loss at Tampa Bay. He was in obvious pain while being treated on the infield dirt before he was taken off the field on a stretcher.

``I'm sure we won't get a full diagnosis until we get an MRI back in Baltimore (on Tuesday),' Orioles manager Buck Showalter said while acknowledging that ``it certainly doesn't look very promising right now.'

Tampa Bay manager Joe Maddon, who had a better view of Machado's collapse, had a more stark analysis.

``It's horrible,' Maddon said. ``Hate to see that. This young man blows out his knee, possibly.'

The injury overshadowed a fifth straight loss for the Orioles (81-75), who have fallen five games behind the final wild-card spot with six to play.

Baltimore has batted .171 and totaled 11 runs during the skid, its longest since a season-high six-game slide May 14-20. Those offensive woes extend back further with the team hitting .223 and averaging 3.4 runs over the last 20 games.

One bright spot for the Orioles was Chris Davis hitting his 52nd home run Monday to extend his franchise record. Davis, though, is batting .207 with 33 strikeouts in 87 at_bats this month.

He should be happy to see the Blue Jays again.

Davis is 18 for 58 (.310) with seven homers and 18 RBIs in 16 games this season versus Toronto. One of those home runs came off Blue Jays starter Todd Redmond.

Baltimore needs one win in its final six games to finish above .500 for the second year in a row following 14 consecutive losing seasons.

There's no pitcher the Orioles would rather have on the mound than Chris Tillman (16-7, 3.70 ERA), their most reliable starter. He ranks among the AL leaders in wins and opponent batting average (.239), needing 5 2-3 innings to reach 200 for the first time.

"I think the statistics snuck up on some people, but how well he's pitching didn't and how well he's capable of it in our circles," Showalter told the team's official website.

The right-hander, though, has lost three of four decisions this month, posting a 4.28 ERA. He gave up three runs - all in the second inning - and seven hits over seven frames Thursday in a 3-1 loss at Boston.

Tillman is 2-1 with a 3.86 ERA in four starts against the Blue Jays this season.

Toronto continued its seven-game road trip Monday with a 3-2 loss to the Chicago White Sox. J.P. Arencibia homered for the Blue Jays, losers in nine of 13.

Adam Lind is batting .421 with four homers and 10 RBIs against the Orioles this season. His seven homers in September tie him for most in the AL.

Redmond (4-2, 3.82) looks to continue his strong finish. The right-hander is 3-0 with a 2.63 ERA in his last four starts. Included in that stretch was a 6 1-3-inning outing against the Orioles on Sept. 13 during which he allowed one run and three hits before Baltimore rallied for a 5-3 victory.

He was even better against the Yankees on Thursday, yielding one run and four hits over a career-best seven innings in a 6-2 win.

[StarDust Bum]

Preview: Rays (87-69) at Yankees (82-74)
Game: 1
Venue: Yankee Stadium
Date: September 24, 2013 7:05 PM EDT


The Tampa Bay Rays are in good position to ensure they will play one more game at home.

In order for the New York Yankees to finish ahead of Tampa Bay, they must sweep this week's three-game series in the Bronx.

The Rays can guarantee themselves a second-place AL East finish and take another step toward the playoffs when they send Matt Moore to the mound in Tuesday night's opener.

Tampa Bay (87-69) owns the AL's top wild-card, with a one-game lead over Cleveland. The Rays have a magic number of five to reach the playoffs.

"You can feel it, you can't necessarily describe it, but it's there,' manager Joe Maddon said "You know that your guys have that vibe going on. It's a good feeling.'

Maddon's club helped put some distance between itself and one of its pursuers by sweeping a four-game set with Baltimore capped by Monday's 5-4 victory in which pinch-hitter James Loney led off the ninth with a walk-off homer.

"It feels pretty good, obviously, to win the game like that in the last game of the regular season at home ... it's a special feeling,' Loney said.

New York (82-74) is five games behind Tampa Bay and four behind Cleveland with six games left. The Yankees have dropped six of nine, falling 2-1 at home to San Francisco on Sunday.

"We're still alive obviously, but this one really hurt,' manager Joe Girardi said. "It's tough."

It should to be tough to defeat Moore (15-4, 3.34 ERA), who is 8-1 with a 2.76 ERA in 14 road starts, with Tampa Bay winning 12 of them.

One of those defeats was a 6-5 loss at New York on July 28 in which Moore gave up five runs over five innings and did not receive a decision. The left-hander went 2-0 with a 2.21 ERA in his first three starts this year against the Yankees.

Moore wasn't happy about his effort Thursday as he gave up six runs in four innings in an 8-2 home loss to Texas.

"There's someone responsible for the damage and I'm that person," Moore said.

New York is 30-21 against left-handed starters. Moore's first big league start was a 15-8 victory in the Bronx in which he earned the win with five scoreless innings Sept. 22, 2011.

Yankees starter Hiroki Kuroda (11-12, 3.17) will try to avoid his first eight-start winless stretch since his 2008 rookie season. He fell to 0-5 with a 6.37 ERA in his last seven after allowing three runs in six innings in Thursday's 6-2 loss at Toronto.

The right-hander is 2-2 in four career starts against Tampa Bay with a 7.23 ERA - his highest against any foe. He has faced the Rays once this year, allowing seven runs and a career high-tying four homers over six innings in a 7-2 loss Aug. 23.

Ben Zobrist is 5 for 10 with two home runs off Kuroda and Matt Joyce is 4 for 11 and has gone deep twice.

Evan Longoria has homered seven times in the season series, with the Rays winning nine of 16.

Vernon Wells is 3 for 35 in those games for New York, including 11 hitless at_bats versus Moore.

[StarDust Bum]

Preview: White Sox (62-94) at Indians (86-70)
Game: 1
Venue: Progressive Field
Date: September 24, 2013 7:05 PM EDT


Unfortunately for Cleveland, Texas gets to play Houston too.

With the Indians' lead in the AL wild-card race down to a single game after the Rangers' 12-0 rout of the Astros Monday, Cleveland is still under pressure entering a two-game series against the visiting Chicago White Sox on Tuesday night.

Fortunately for the Indians, who swept the Astros in four games this weekend, they've been just as good against the White Sox. Cleveland's 15 wins in 17 games against Chicago is five more than it has against any other team.

The Indians (86-70) have averaged 7.5 runs and batted .318 during 12 straight wins over the White Sox. That's the franchise's longest win streak in the history of the series dating to 1901.

Chicago's 12 consecutive losses against Cleveland ties the White Sox (62-94) record for most against one opponent, set against the Boston Red Sox from Aug. 5, 1921-May 15, 1922.

The Indians stand a good shot at another win behind Ubaldo Jimenez (12-9, 3.39 ERA), who has a 1.65 ERA over his last 10 starts.

Though he was unable to win his fourth straight start Thursday against Houston, he held the Astros to one run over seven innings with nine strikeouts.

With an 0-3 record and a 7.84 ERA in his previous four starts against Chicago, Jimenez bounced back with 8 1-3 innings of one-run ball in an 8-1 victory Sept. 14.

Alexei Ramirez (.304), Gordon Beckham (.316) and Dayan Viciedo (.400) have hit Jimenez well, but the right-hander has handled Adam Dunn, striking him out 16 times in 29 at_bats.

Dunn, 7 for 54 in September, is expected to return to Chicago's lineup after he was held out of the starting lineup in three straight games.

"He had a stretch from early June until the start of this past month where he was really one of the better hitters in the American League," general manager Rick Hahn told MLB.com. "A player with his track record historically tends not to lose that overnight."

The White Sox hope that Hector Santiago (4-9, 3.53) is fully recovered from his last start Sept. 13, when he allowed three runs in four-plus innings of a 3-1 loss to the Indians.

They elected to skip his last start, with the left-hander having thrown a career-high 142 2-3 innings this year.

"The last few starts he's had, he just looks tired," manager Robin Ventura told the team's official website.

Several of Cleveland's hitters have been anything but tired when facing the White Sox.

Ryan Raburn is batting .381 with four homers and 18 RBIs in the season series, while Nick Swisher has a team-high five home runs and 12 RBIs. Asdrubal Cabrera and Jason Kipnis have each driven in 11 runs, Carlos Santana is batting .362 and Yan Gomes .378.

Chicago will attempt to win three in a row for the first time since a six-game run Aug. 16-22 after Monday's 3-2 victory over Toronto. Rookie Marcus Semien hit his first career home run, a two-run shot.

"I feel good about the way I've been playing," said Semien, batting .306. "I try not to worry about making a case or anything like that. I try to focus on helping the team win."

[StarDust Bum]

Preview: Brewers (70-86) at Braves (92-64)
Game: 2
Venue: Turner Field
Date: September 24, 2013 7:10 PM EDT


Freddy Garcia seems to like life in the NL East.

The veteran right-hander will try to apply his success against the slumping Atlanta Braves' own division to the visiting Milwaukee Brewers on Tuesday night.

He'll also look to keep the Braves (92-64) ahead in the fight for home-field advantage in the postseason. Atlanta leads St. Louis by a one-half game for the NL's best record.

Garcia (4-7, 4.52 ERA) has a 0.94 ERA against the NL East this season and a 6.80 ERA against all other opponents.

Garcia struggled during his tenure with Baltimore, posting a 5.77 ERA in 11 appearances. A mid-August trade has seemingly sparked Garcia, who is 1-2 with a 1.31 ERA in five games for the Braves, all coming against NL East foes.

He held Washington to a run over seven innings in a 4-0 loss Tuesday.

"He threw the ball real well," catcher Gerald Laird said. "I remember facing him a lot with Detroit, when he was with the White Sox, and he's one of those guys who keeps you off balance and doesn't make mistakes in the middle of the plate."

On Sept. 3, Atlanta was a 15-9 finish away from its first 100-win season since 2003. Since then, the Braves have gone 7-11 behind an offense that has batted .204 and averaged 3.2 runs per game over that span.

Atlanta was shut out for the third time in eight games Monday, notching three hits in a 5-0 loss to Milwaukee.

The Braves had won eight in a row at home against the Brewers.

Chris Johnson is hitless in his last 10 at_bats with four strikeouts. His average dropped to .327, seven points behind league leader Michael Cuddyer of Colorado.

Jason Heyward is 1 for 11 since returning from a fractured right jaw.

Monday marked the fourth time in six games that the Brewers (70-86) shut out the Braves. Milwaukee has held Atlanta to 10 runs while winning six of seven meetings, dating back to last year.

Tyler Thornburg (3-1, 1.96) would seem to stand a good chance to extend Milwaukee's streak.

The rookie right-hander has a 1.25 ERA in six starts this season and has yet to allow a home run over 36 innings in those games.

"He has been good in relief; he's been really good as a starter," Brewers manager Ron Roenicke said.

Thornburg was sharp again Wednesday, yielding two hits over six innings in a 7-0 win over the Cubs.

"He's confident," Roenicke said. "He gets a little wild at times and then comes back and makes great pitches. He has three really good pitches: a really good fastball, a good curveball and a great change-up. He can mix in the two off-speed pitches, depending on which is going well that day, and when you can do that and you have a lot of life on your fastball, you'll pitch like he did today."

Despite 356 career starts over 15 years in the majors, Garcia has faced the Brewers just three times, most recently in 2011. He has a 3.26 ERA.

Milwaukee's Aramis Ramirez is 7 for 12 with two homers and seven RBIs in his last three games. He's 8 for 18 lifetime against Garcia with a home run.

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SERIES AT A GLANCE

GAME 1
Brewers at Braves
Mon, Sep 23 Final 5 to 0
Boxscores • Recaps

GAME 2
Brewers at Braves
Tue, Sep 24 - 7:10PM EDT

GAME 3
Brewers at Braves
Wed, Sep 25 - 7:10PM EDT

[StarDust Bum]

Preview: Phillies (71-85) at Marlins (58-99)
Game: 2
Venue: Marlins Park
Date: September 24, 2013 7:10 PM EDT


Ryne Sandberg is still seeking his first win since being named the Philadelphia Phillies' permanent manager this weekend. Zach Miner is searching for his first in the majors in four years.

The Phillies right-hander will try to help snap his club's five-game skid Tuesday night while sending the Miami Marlins to a 100th loss for the first time in 15 years.

Philadelphia (71-85) has gone 0-2 since taking the interim tag away from Sandberg on Sunday and managed just four hits in a 4-0 defeat in Monday's series opener at Marlins Park. The Phillies are 18-18 overall since the Hall of Fame second baseman took over for the fired Charlie Manuel on Aug. 16

During Sandberg's tenure, Philadelphia earned a seventh straight win against Miami (58-99), tying a series record, but has dropped the past two. After Roy Halladay was forced to leave Monday's game with an undisclosed injury, the Phillies used six relievers, and the seven pitchers combined to issue nine walks.

"We patched it up and the bullpen actually did a fine job keeping it a 1-0 game into the eighth," Sandberg said.

The Marlins' Ed Lucas, batting .375 in the last 14 games, hit an RBI single in a three-run eighth inning.

"We've had a long couple of days," manager Mike Redmond said. "With the double-header (Sunday) and getting back at 4 in the morning, that's exactly what we needed."

Miner (0-1, 3.22) will try to limit Lucas and Miami in his second major league start since he was with Detroit in 2009. The right-hander pitched three scoreless frames Wednesday against the Marlins in the Phillies' 4-3 defeat in 10 innings.

While Miner will seek his first major league victory since September 2009, Henderson Alvarez (4-5, 4.05) will try for his third in five starts this month. The right-hander has allowed three runs or fewer in four of his last five outings but took the loss in a 3-2 defeat at Washington on Thursday.

Alvarez allowed a three-run homer to Nationals slugger Bryce Harper in the first of his five innings in that loss.

"That ended up being the game. Three-run home run, that was it," Redmond told the team's website. "Unfortunately for us, we've had that scenario happen several times. The good news is that we're in this game. The bad news is we can't get on the other side of them, and get that big hit to take us over the hump and get a big win."

Alvarez is facing the Phillies for the first time.

In that initial matchup, he'll try to help the Marlins avoid reaching triple-digit losses for the first time since they were 54-108 in 1998 and second time in franchise history. Miami has lost 13 of 18 but split its last six games.

Philadelphia hasn't dropped six in a row since a season-high, eight-game skid July 20-28. Miami hasn't earned back-to-back wins since a three-game streak to open this month.

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SERIES AT A GLANCE

GAME 1
Phillies at Marlins
Mon, Sep 23 Final 0 to 4
Boxscores • Recaps

GAME 2
Phillies at Marlins
Tue, Sep 24 - 7:10PM EDT

GAME 3
Phillies at Marlins
Wed, Sep 25 - 7:10PM EDT

[StarDust Bum]

Preview: Mets (71-85) at Reds (90-67)
Game: 2
Venue: Great American Ball Park
Date: September 24, 2013 7:10 PM EDT


The Cincinnati Reds are headed back to the postseason, but that's not enough.

Mike Leake will try to continue his dazzling stretch and help pull the Reds closer to the top of the NL Central on Tuesday night against the New York Mets.

Cincinnati (90-67) has qualified for the playoffs in back-to-back seasons for the first time since the "The Big Red Machine" won World Series titles in 1975 and 1976.

Shin-Soo Choo booked the latest trip Monday, when he hit a long drive off the top of the wall in left-center to drive in Devin Mesoraco and clinch a 3-2, 10-inning win over New York.

"We're excited, obviously," shortstop Zack Cozart said. "That's not our goal. We're in the division hunt. We're not happy with a wild card."

The Reds and Pittsburgh have at least a wild-card berth, but both trail division-leading St. Louis by two games with five to play.

Giving the ball to Leake (14-6, 3.21 ERA) should give Cincinnati a strong chance to potentially close that gap, while the Cardinals host Washington.

Leake has been utterly dominant of late, winning three straight starts behind a 0.84 ERA.

He's thrown a career-high 20 1-3 scoreless innings over that stretch, becoming the ninth Reds starter to reach at least 20 since 1974 and first since Mat Latos went 21 innings from April 19-May 5.

Leake is also trying to win a career-high fourth straight start, and he hasn't put together a longer single-season winning streak since beginning his career 5-0 over his first 11 starts of 2010.

He was superb again last Tuesday, scattering five hits in eight innings of a 10-0 win at Houston. Despite that dominance, manager Dusty Baker didn't want to overextend Leake, who threw 105 pitches.

"He possibly could have gone the distance, but we thought about it," Baker told the team's official website. "It's not often you get to throw a complete-game shutout, but we had to look at the big picture."

Leake's most recent complete game came at home against the Mets (71-85) on Aug. 15, 2012, when he pitched a four-hitter in a 6-1 win.

He beat them again May 21, yielding three hits in seven innings of a 4-0 road victory.

Leake's success against New York is partly why the Reds have a 1.88 ERA while winning nine of the past 10 meetings.

Joey Votto is a career .359 hitter versus the Mets, collecting 13 homers, 28 RBIs and 28 runs in 36 games.

New York wanted no part of the four-time All-Star, walking Votto a career-high five times - including once with the bases loaded.

The Mets will turn to Jonathon Niese (7-8, 3.81), who is 4-2 with a 3.06 ERA over eight starts since returning from a partially torn rotator cuff. The left-hander has yielded two runs or fewer in five of them.

He allowed two runs over seven innings Thursday, but the offense mustered four hits in a 2-1 loss to San Francisco.

Niese is on schedule to start the Mets' season finale versus Milwaukee on Sunday, and he'd like to finish strong and healthy.

"If I finish the season healthy, coming into spring training next year will be a good feeling," Niese told the team's official website. "I had a rough patch there where I had some rotator cuff problems, but rehabbing got that behind me and it feels fresh now."

Niese is 1-3 with a 4.55 ERA in five lifetime starts versus the Reds, going 1-0 while allowing nine runs in 11 innings over two road meetings.

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SERIES AT A GLANCE

GAME 1
Mets at Reds
Mon, Sep 23 Final 2 to 3
Boxscores • Recaps

GAME 2
Mets at Reds
Tue, Sep 24 - 7:10PM EDT

GAME 3
Mets at Reds
Wed, Sep 25 - 12:35PM EDT

[StarDust Bum]

Preview: Astros (51-106) at Rangers (85-71)
Game: 2
Venue: Rangers Ballpark in Arlington
Date: September 24, 2013 8:05 PM EDT


Yu Darvish nearly pitched a perfect game against the Houston Astros this year, then nearly no-hit baseball's worst team.

What's less memorable is that the Texas Rangers ace lost in his lone home start of the year against Houston.

The Rangers are winless in Darvish's last four home starts, but he will be heavily favored in this one with his club on a nine-game win streak versus the Astros heading into Tuesday night's matchup.

Texas (85-71) is one game behind Cleveland for the AL's second wild card and two behind Tampa Bay. The Rangers improved to 15-2 against Houston with a 12-0 rout Monday to open this three-game set.

"We've had some rough games,' Astros manager Bo Porter said. "They took it to us.'

It could get rougher for the Astros (51-106) as they face Darvish (13-9, 2.81 ERA) next after Derek Holland pitched a six-hitter with nine strikeouts Monday.

It's understatement to say that matchups against Darvish - who leads the AL with a .193 opponent batting average - haven't gone well for Houston.

He came within one out of a perfect game April 2 in a 7-0 victory before Marwin Gonzalez's single broke it up and chased Darvish, who finished with 14 strikeouts.

In his most recent start against the Astros on Aug. 12, Darvish took a no-hitter into the eighth inning before Carlos Corporan's one-out homer ended that bid although Darvish finished with a career-high 15 strikeouts over eight frames in a 2-1 victory.

The right-hander is 4-1 with a 2.63 ERA with 54 strikeouts in five career starts against the Astros, but that defeat came July 6. He yielded five runs in six-plus innings to suffer a 9-5 home loss.

Texas had dropped six straight starts by Darvish before he surrendered two runs in five innings to beat 15-game winner Matt Moore in Thursday's 8-2 victory at Tampa Bay.

Darvish is still 0-3 with a 2.57 ERA in his last four starts in Arlington, with the Rangers giving him four total runs of support including none in the last two.

Support wasn't an issue Monday for Holland as Alex Rios hit for the cycle for the first time, becoming the seventh Ranger in history to accomplish the feat. Rios drove in four runs and his effort was part of a 14-hit attack for a Texas offense that totaled four runs over the weekend while losing two of three in Kansas City.

"We have to focus on the things that we have to do to win a game at a time," Rios said. "It doesn't do any good for us to look at what's happening around us."

Astros rookie starter Brad Peacock (5-5, 5.24) is 3-0 with a 1.40 ERA in his last three road outings. He gave up four runs in 5 2-3 innings in a 6-5, 13-inning loss to Cincinnati on Wednesday.

The right-hander will face the Rangers for the second time after yielding one run over six innings and not receiving a decision in a 5-4 loss Aug. 10.

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SERIES AT A GLANCE

GAME 1
Astros at Rangers
Mon, Sep 23 Final 0 to 12
Boxscores • Recaps

GAME 2
Astros at Rangers
Tue, Sep 24 - 8:05PM EDT

GAME 3
Astros at Rangers
Wed, Sep 25 - 8:05PM EDT

[StarDust Bum]

Preview: Pirates (90-67) at Cubs (65-92)
Game: 2
Venue: Wrigley Field
Date: September 24, 2013 8:05 PM EDT


Gerrit Cole has kicked it into another gear.

The blossoming rookie will look to win his fourth straight start Tuesday night as the Pittsburgh Pirates visit the Chicago Cubs seeking the top spot in the NL wild-card race.

Pittsburgh rode a pair of solo home runs to a 2-1 victory over Chicago Monday and clinched its first postseason berth since 1992.

"The people of Pittsburgh have been waiting a long time," second baseman Neil Walker said.

Walker put the Pirates (90-67) on top with a first-inning homer, his fourth in five games, and after the Cubs (65-92) tied it in the bottom of the eighth, Starling Marte provided the go-ahead run with his shot.

Closer Jason Grilli, with a .357 average against since his return from a strained right forearm, struggled, allowing a walk and a single, but Nate Schierholtz was thrown out trying to score from first on Ryan Sweeney's single.

"Even though I didn't lose for the last 20 years, they make you feel like you are," said Andrew McCutchen, whose throw from center led to Schierholtz getting nailed at the plate. "You get sick and tired of hearing that. It's awesome that there won't be any questions anymore. The question is are we going to be able to go farther."

Cincinnati also won in dramatic fashion, walking off against the Mets in 10 innings to remain in a tie with Pittsburgh.

The Reds and Pirates are both two games behind Central-leading St. Louis.

Cole (9-7, 3.23 ERA) has been a solid addition to Pittsburgh's rotation since his major league debut in June, but he's been particularly good lately. He's won each of his last three starts, allowing two runs in 20 innings with 28 strikeouts.

"He continues to grow right in front of our eyes," manager Clint Hurdle said.

The right-hander gave up a run and four hits, striking out a career-high 12 in a 10-1 victory over San Diego on Thursday.

"We just couldn't get to the fastball," San Diego manager Bud Black said. "I think we knew it was coming but he located some pitches, threw down and away well. He pitched in. He pitched up (and) mixed it up a little bit with the slider and the changeup."

Cole, who will face the Cubs for the second time in 11 days Tuesday, pitched seven one-run innings against them in a 2-1 victory Sept. 14.

Chicago's Chris Rusin (2-5, 3.52) was faring similarly well in his rookie season, as he allowed two earned runs or fewer in seven straight starts before Milwaukee roughed him up for six runs in four innings of a 7-0 loss Wednesday.

Rusin, who had yielded three home runs in his prior 58 innings, surrendered two Wednesday, including Sean Halton's first-inning grand slam.

"When I needed to make a pitch, I left it up and they hit it out of the yard,' Rusin said. "Those are the games you've just got to learn from. Just keep the ball down is what I keep telling myself. But that first inning really hurt the team. Just took the life out of us.'

The Cubs have scored 29 runs and batted .216 while losing 10 of 13.

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SERIES AT A GLANCE

GAME 1
Pirates at Cubs
Mon, Sep 23 Final 2 to 1
Boxscores • Recaps

GAME 2
Pirates at Cubs
Tue, Sep 24 - 8:05PM EDT

GAME 3
Pirates at Cubs
Wed, Sep 25 - 2:20PM EDT