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

[StarDust Bum]

Preview: Pirates (91-67) at Cubs (65-93)
Game: 3
Venue: Wrigley Field
Date: September 25, 2013 2:20 PM EDT


The Pittsburgh Pirates regained the top spot in the NL wild-card race while continuing to frustrate the last-place Chicago Cubs.

Francisco Liriano will try to lead the Pirates to their first three-game sweep at Wrigley Field in 13 years Wednesday ahead of a pivotal season-ending series.

Pittsburgh (91-67) arrived in Chicago having lost five of seven and Sunday's 11-3 drubbing to Cincinnati cost the Pirates sole possession of the wild-card lead. They've bounced back with two victories over the Cubs (65-93) and an 8-2 rout Tuesday helped them move a game in front of the Reds.

Pittsburgh also stayed within two games of St. Louis in the NL Central with four contests remaining for both clubs. After wrapping up its stay in Chicago, Pittsburgh will head to Cincinnati for its final series.

"We're still trying to win our division. That's what we're shooting for, so we're trying to win out here and just keep going for the next four games," star outfielder Andrew McCutchen said.

Liriano (16-7, 2.88 ERA) will try to help his club with another impressive outing against Chicago. He's 3-0 with a 1.24 ERA in four matchups this season and 2-0 with a 1.13 ERA in his two at Wrigley Field.

Liriano gave up two runs in six-plus innings to the Cubs on Sept. 15, but did not get a decision in a 3-2 win. Five days later, he yielded two runs and three hits in eight innings of a 6-5, 10-inning loss to Cincinnati.

"(Liriano) was fantastic," manager Clint Hurdle said.

Liriano has been seeking to become the first Pirates pitcher with at least 17 wins since John Smiley went 20-8 in 1991. He'll also try to lead Pittsburgh, 12-6 in this season's series with the Cubs, to their first three-game sweep at Wrigley since May 5-7, 2000.

The Cubs' Jake Arrieta (3-2, 3.94), meanwhile, will likely head into his final start of the season with a more modest goal.

The right-hander is hoping to finish strong after a stellar outing in Milwaukee on Thursday. He yielded a solo homer and two other hits in seven innings of a 5-1 victory.

"I want to be one of those guys who some young guys look at and say, 'This guy knows how to do it the right way.' It's just a matter of keeping that hungry mindset and rolling that over into next year," he told the team's website. "We're out of it, but a lot of good things can happen next year. Guys can show they're hungry for a winning team. If we're all on board with that, we're going to be good going into next year."

Arrieta is 2-0 with a 3.71 ERA in three career starts against Pittsburgh but did not get a decision in a 5-4 win Sept. 13. He gave up four runs in five-plus innings, including three solo homers in the fourth, in his lone matchup this season.

McCutchen had two hits off Arrieta in that game and is 4 for 9 in his career against him.

Anthony Rizzo (0 for 11) and Darwin Barney (0 for 12) have struggled mightily against Liriano, and Starlin Castro is 2 for 14 in his career versus the left-hander.

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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 Final 8 to 2
Boxscores • Recaps

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

[StarDust Bum]

Preview: Athletics (94-64) at Angels (77-80)
Game: 3
Venue: Angel Stadium of Anaheim
Date: September 25, 2013 3:35 PM EDT


Recent losses to the Los Angeles Angels may eventually cost the Oakland Athletics home-field advantage throughout the playoffs.

Facing Jered Weaver isn't likely to help, either.

The A's attempt to beat Weaver for just the second time in three years Wednesday in the series finale in Anaheim.

Oakland (94-64) has already clinched back-to-back AL West titles, but is still in the running for home-field advantage in the postseason. The A's trail AL East champion Boston by one game with four to play.

Falling short of the league's best record could cause Oakland to lament its performances against Los Angeles in the final month of the regular season.

The A's have dropped three of the past five meetings, including Tuesday's 3-0 defeat in which they were held to four singles.

Offense may be at a premium again with the Angels (77-80) sending Weaver (10-8, 3.36 ERA) to the mound.

The right-hander is 7-1 with a 0.84 ERA over his last 10 starts against Oakland, throwing 22 2-3 scoreless innings while winning his past three meetings.

He was stellar again in the most recent matchup July 19, leaving with two outs in the seventh of a 4-1 home victory.

Weaver, though, was scratched from his latest scheduled start Friday due to tightness in his forearm, but he's planning to conclude the season in strong fashion.

"I didn't want people to think that I was just packing it in because it's the end of the season," Weaver told the team's official website. "We still have a job to do. If I was feeling healthy, I'd be out there.

"I'm excited to go out there and make that last start on Wednesday."

The A's surely don't share that sentiment since they've managed only 10 hits off him while striking out 26 times over the past three matchups.

That likely means Oakland will need another strong performance from Dan Straily (10-7, 4.08), who is 4-0 with a 2.15 ERA over his last five starts. That impressive stretch came after he went 0-5 with a 5.20 ERA in seven outings, starting with a 2-0 defeat at Angel Stadium on July 20.

The rookie right-hander, though, did his part by yielding two runs in seven innings while his offense was held to three hits.

Still, he's 0-2 with a 7.31 ERA in three starts versus Los Angeles this year.

Straily's recent success continued Thursday, when he allowed two earned runs in 5 2-3 innings of an 8-6 home win over Minnesota.

Oakland's Jed Lowrie had two hits Tuesday and is 12 for 31 (.387) with three homers, seven RBIs and eight runs over the past seven games.

He's 11 for 23 (.478) with two homers while driving in eight runs and scoring six in his past seven meetings with the Angels.

Los Angeles' Howie Kendrick is batting .353 with 12 RBIs in 16 games versus Oakland in 2013. He's homered in both games of this series after failing to go deep in his previous 30, and his five RBIs match his total from his previous 16 contests.

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SERIES AT A GLANCE

GAME 1
Athletics at Angels
Mon, Sep 23 Final 10 to 5
Boxscores • Recaps

GAME 2
Athletics at Angels
Tue, Sep 24 Final 0 to 3
Boxscores • Recaps

GAME 3
Athletics at Angels
Wed, Sep 25 - 3:35PM EDT

[StarDust Bum]

MLB
Dunkel

Kansas City at Seattle
The Mariners look to build on their 7-3 record in Hisashi Iwakuma's last 10 starts against AL Central opponents. Seattle is the pick (-120) according to Dunkel, which has the Mariners favored by 1 1/2. Dunkel Pick: Seattle (-120). Here are all of today's picks.

WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 25

Game 951-952: NY Mets at Cincinnati (12:35 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: NY Mets (Matsuzaka) 15.403; Cincinnati (Latos) 16.798
Dunkel Line: Cincinnati by 1 1/2; 9
Vegas Line: Cincinnati (-185); 8 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Cincinnati (-185); Over

Game 953-954: Washington at St. Louis (1:45 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Washington (Zimmermann) 15.634; St. Louis (Miller) 14.559
Dunkel Line: Washington by 1; 6
Vegas Line: St. Louis (-135); 7 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Washington (+115); Under

Game 955-956: Pittsburgh at Chicago Cubs (2:20 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Pittsburgh (Liriano) 15.680; Cubs (Arrieta) 13.817
Dunkel Line: Pittsburgh by 2; 6
Vegas Line: Pittsburgh (-175); No Run Total
Dunkel Pick: Pittsburgh (-175); N/A

Game 957-958: Milwaukee at Atlanta (7:10 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Milwaukee (Lohse) 15.440; Atlanta (Maholm) 14.851
Dunkel Line: Milwaukee by 1/2; 8
Vegas Line: Atlanta (-150); 7
Dunkel Pick: Milwaukee (+130); Over

Game 959-960: Philadelphia at Miami (7:10 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Philadelphia (Hamels) 16.059; Miami (Hand) 14.598
Dunkel Line: Philadelphia by 1 1/2; 6
Vegas Line: Philadelphia (-140); 7
Dunkel Pick: Philadelphia (-140); Under

Game 961-962: Arizona at San Diego (10:10 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Arizona (Delgado) 15.105; San Diego (Kennedy) 14.829
Dunkel Line: Arizona by 1/2; 8
Vegas Line: San Diego (-120); 7
Dunkel Pick: Arizona (+100); Over

Game 963-964: LA Dodgers at San Francisco (10:15 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: LA Dodgers (Nolasco) 15.412; San Francisco (Zito) 14.506
Dunkel Line: LA Dodgers by 1; 8
Vegas Line: San Francisco (-135); 6 1/2
Dunkel Pick: LA Dodgers (+115); Over

Game 965-966: Oakland at LA Angels (3:35 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Oakland (Straily) 14.727; LA Angels (Weaver) 16.224
Dunkel Line: LA Angels by 1 1/2; 6
Vegas Line: LA Angels (-140); 7 1/2
Dunkel Pick: LA Angels (-140); Under

Game 967-968: Toronto at Baltimore (7:05 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Toronto (Rogers) 15.302; Baltimore (Norris) 14.769
Dunkel Line: Toronto by 1/2; 9
Vegas Line: Baltimore (-155); 8
Dunkel Pick: Toronto (+135); Over

Game 969-970: Chicago White Sox at Cleveland (7:05 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: White Sox (Axelrod) 14.611; Cleveland (Salazar) 16.222
Dunkel Line: Cleveland by 1 1/2; 7
Vegas Line: Cleveland (-270); 7 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Cleveland (-270); Under

Game 971-972: Tampa Bay at NY Yankees (7:05 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Tampa Bay (Price) 15.998; NY Yankees (Hughes) 14.478
Dunkel Line: Tampa Bay by 1 1/2; 7
Vegas Line: No Line
Dunkel Pick: N/A

Game 973-974: Houston at Texas (8:05 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Houston (Keuchel) 15.403; Texas (Perez) 14.307
Dunkel Line: Houston by 1; 9
Vegas Line: Texas (-290); 8 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Houston (+250); Over

Game 975-976: Detroit at Minnesota (8:10 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Detroit (Scherzer) 13.530; Minnesota (Correia) 14.432
Dunkel Line: Minnesota by 1; 9
Vegas Line: No Line
Dunkel Pick: N/A

Game 977-978: Kansas City at Seattle (10:10 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Kansas City (Santana) 15.792; Seattle (Iwakuma) 17.278
Dunkel Line: Seattle by 1 1/2; 6
Vegas Line: Seattle (-120); 6 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Seattle (-120); Under

Game 979-980: Boston at Colorado (8:40 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Boston (Peavy) 15.914; Colorado (Chacin) 14.296
Dunkel Line: Boston by 1 1/2; 8
Vegas Line: Boston (-175); 10
Dunkel Pick: Boston (-175); Under

[StarDust Bum]

MLB
Armadillo's Write-Up

Wednesday, September 25

Hot pitchers
-- Miller is 2-0, 3.06 in his last three starts. Zimmerman is 4-0, 2.25 in his last four outings.
-- Liriano is 1-0, 2.25 in his last three starts. Arrieta is 2-1, 3.80 in his last four.
-- Hamels is 3-0, 2.86 in his last three road starts.

-- Straily is 4-0, 2.45 in his last five starts. Weaver is 3-1, 2.45 in his last five.
-- Rogers is 2-1, 2.02 in his last four starts.
-- Salazar has a 2.48 RA in his last six starts, but no wins.
-- Price is 0-1, 2.79 in his last three starts.
-- Scherzer is 1-0, 2.77 in his last couple starts.
-- Perez is 6-2, 3.19 in his last nine starts.
-- Iwakuma is 3-0, 1.89 in his last seven starts. Santana is 1-0, 0.64 in his last two starts.

Cold pitchers
-- Latos is 1-2, 4.67 in his last five starts. Matsuzaka is 1-4, 6.60 in six starts for the Mets.
-- Maholm is 1-1, 6.46 in his last six starts. Lohse is 1-2, 5.04 in his last five.
-- Hand allowed four runs in 5.2 IP in his first '13 start.
-- Delgado is 1-1, 5.23 in his last four starts. Kennedy is 0-1, 6.75 in his last three outings.
-- Zito is 0-4, 10.27 in his last six starts, last of which was August 26. Nolasco allowed 13 runs in 6.1 IP in his last two starts.

-- Chacin is 1-2, 4.88 in his last four starts. Peavy is 0-0, 4.74 in his last three.

-- Norris is 1-1, 5.49 in his last four starts.
-- Axelrod is 0-3, 17.10 in his last three starts.
-- Hughes is 0-6, 6.15 in his last twelve starts.
-- Keuchel is 1-2, 5.87 in his last four starts.
-- Correia is 0-2, 5.29 in his last three starts.

Starting Pitchers/First Inning
You can wager on whether teams will score in the first inning. Below is how often a starting pitcher has allowed 1+ runs in first inning in one of his starts........
-- Matsuzaka 2-6; Latos 12-31 (4 of last 5)
-- Zimmerman 5-31 (0 of last 6); Miller 8-29 (3 of last 6)
-- Liriano 6-25 (1 of last 5); Arrieta 2-13 (0 of 8 with Chi)
-- Lohse 9-31; Maholm 7-25 (1 of last 6)
-- Hamels 7-32 (3 of last 4); Hand 0-1
-- Delgado 6-18; Kennedy 10-30 (1 of 9 with SD)
-- Nolasco 7-31 (1 of last 9); Zito 8-23

-- Peavy 2-22 (0 of 9 with Bos); Chacin 4-30 (2 of last 2)

-- Straily 6-26 (1 of last 6); Weaver 3-23 (0 of last 6)
-- Rogers 7-20; Norris 10-29
-- Axelrod 7-19 (4 of last 7); Salazar 3-9
-- Price 6-25 (0 of last 7); Hughes 8-28 (0 of last 4)
-- Keuchel 4-21; Perez 8-18
-- Scherzer 7-31 (3 of last 5); Correia 7-34 (1 of last 16)
-- Santana 12-32 (0 of last 4); Iwakuma 6-26 (1 of last 16)

Totals
-- Under is 10-4 in last fourteen Hamels starts.
-- Under is 7-2-1 in last ten Latos starts.
-- Ten of last twelve Atlanta games stayed under total.
-- Nine of last eleven Cub games stayed under the total.
-- Nine of last 12 Zimmerman starts went over the total.
-- Under is 10-1-1 in last twelve San Diego games.
-- Last five San Francisco games stayed under total.

-- Five of last seven Boston games stayed under the total.

-- Over is 6-3-1 in last ten Tampa Bay games. Under is 6-0-1 in Bronx' last seven games.
-- Seven of last nine White Sox games went over the total.
-- Eight of last eleven Baltimore games stayed under the total.
-- Four of last five Texas games stayed under the total.
-- Five of last seven Detroit games went over the total.
-- Ten of last fourteen Oakland games went over the total.
-- Four of last five Kansas City games stayed under.

Hot teams
-- Reds won seven of their last ten games; Mets won four of last five.
-- Washington won 13 of its last 17 games. Cardinals won six of last eight.
-- Pirates won three of their last four games.
-- Atlanta won four of its last six games.
-- Diamondbacks won three of their last four games.
-- Dodgers won four of their last five games. San Francisco is 9-6 in its last 15 games, 6-4 in last nine at home.

-- Tampa Bay won 10 of its last 13 games.
-- Indians won six of their last seven games; they've won 13 in a row against the White Sox. .
-- Tigers won seven of their last ten games.
-- Royals are 5-3 in their last eight games.
-- Rangers won three of their last four games.
-- AL West champ A's won 11 of their last 14 games. Angels won ten of their last fourteen games.

Cold teams
-- Phillies lost four of their last five games. Marlins lost eight of last eleven.
-- Cubs lost 11 of their last 14 games.
-- Milwaukee lost four of its last six games.
-- Padres lost three of their last four games.

-- Rockies lost seven of their last ten games. Boston is 3-4 in its last seven.

-- Orioles are 5-11 in their last sixteen games. Blue Jays lost nine of their last fourteen games.
-- Bronx scored one run in last two games; they're 3-7 in their last ten.
-- White Sox lost 11 of their last 15 games.
-- Astros lost their last 11 games, outscored 62-16.
-- Twins lost 11 of their last 14 games.
-- Mariners lost 12 of their last 16 games.

Umpires
-- Phil-Mia-- Home side won seven of last eight Baker games.
-- Mil-Atl-- 10 of last 12 Nauert games stayed under total.
-- NY-Cin-- Favorites won 11 of last 14 Gibson games.
-- Pitt-Chi-- Five of last seven Marquez games went over.
-- Wsh-StL-- Underdogs are 8-7 in last fifteen Kellogg games.
-- Az-SD-- Visiting team won last four Ripperger games.
-- LA-SF-- Favorites won eight of last nine Bell games.

-- Bos-Col-- Six of last seven Fletcher games stayed under.

-- Chi-Cle-- Seven of last ten Everitt games stayed under.
-- TB-NY-- Seven of last ten Winters games stayed under.
-- Tor-Blt-- Under is 7-1-1 in last nine Guccione games.
-- Hst-Tex-- Under is 9-3-1 in last thirteen Conroy games.
-- Det-Minn-- Under is 6-1-1 in last eight Culbreth games.
-- A's-LA-- Six of last eight Hirschbeck games stayed under.
-- KC-Sea-- Underdogs won four of last six Cederstrom games.

[StarDust Bum]

MLB

Wednesday, September 25

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Trend Report
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12:35 PM
NY METS vs. CINCINNATI
NY Mets are 6-3 SU in its last 9 games when playing on the road against Cincinnati
NY Mets are 5-1 SU in its last 6 games on the road
Cincinnati is 9-2 SU in its last 11 games when playing NY Mets
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Cincinnati's last 5 games when playing NY Mets

1:45 PM
WASHINGTON vs. ST. LOUIS
The total has gone OVER in 12 of Washington's last 17 games on the road
Washington is 6-2 SU in its last 8 games on the road
St. Louis is 9-2 SU in its last 11 games at home
St. Louis is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing Washington

2:20 PM
PITTSBURGH vs. CHI CUBS
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Pittsburgh's last 6 games
Pittsburgh is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Chi Cubs's last 8 games when playing Pittsburgh
Chi Cubs are 1-6 SU in their last 7 games at home

3:35 PM
OAKLAND vs. LA ANGELS
Oakland is 6-1 SU in its last 7 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Oakland's last 6 games when playing LA Angels
The total has gone OVER in 4 of LA Angels's last 6 games when playing Oakland
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of LA Angels's last 5 games when playing at home against Oakland

7:05 PM
TAMPA BAY vs. NY YANKEES
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Tampa Bay's last 6 games when playing NY Yankees
Tampa Bay is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games on the road
NY Yankees are 3-7 SU in their last 10 games
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of NY Yankees's last 6 games when playing Tampa Bay

7:05 PM
CHI WHITE SOX vs. CLEVELAND
Chi White Sox are 0-5 SU in their last 5 games when playing on the road against Cleveland
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Chi White Sox's last 5 games when playing on the road against Cleveland
Cleveland is 5-0 SU in their last 5 games when playing at home against Chi White Sox
Cleveland is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games

7:05 PM
TORONTO vs. BALTIMORE
The total has gone OVER in 10 of Toronto's last 15 games when playing Baltimore
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Toronto's last 5 games when playing Baltimore
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Baltimore's last 5 games when playing Toronto
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Baltimore's last 5 games when playing at home against Toronto

7:10 PM
PHILADELPHIA vs. MIAMI
Philadelphia is 7-3 SU in its last 10 games when playing on the road against Miami
The total has gone UNDER in 8 of Philadelphia's last 9 games when playing on the road against Miami
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Miami's last 7 games
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Miami's last 5 games at home

7:10 PM
MILWAUKEE vs. ATLANTA
Milwaukee is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Milwaukee's last 7 games on the road
Atlanta is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games at home
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Atlanta's last 5 games at home

8:05 PM
HOUSTON vs. TEXAS
The total has gone OVER in 7 of Houston's last 10 games when playing on the road against Texas
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Houston's last 6 games
Texas is 2-7 SU in its last 9 games at home
Texas is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games

8:10 PM
DETROIT vs. MINNESOTA
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Detroit's last 7 games on the road
Detroit is 10-4 SU in its last 14 games
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Minnesota's last 5 games at home
The total has gone UNDER in 13 of Minnesota's last 19 games when playing Detroit

8:40 PM
BOSTON vs. COLORADO
Boston is 16-7 SU in its last 23 games
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Boston's last 7 games
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Colorado's last 5 games at home
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Colorado's last 6 games when playing at home against Boston

10:10 PM
KANSAS CITY vs. SEATTLE
The total has gone UNDER in 8 of Kansas City's last 12 games on the road
Kansas City is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games
Seattle is 4-12 SU in its last 16 games
Seattle is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games when playing at home against Kansas City

10:10 PM
ARIZONA vs. SAN DIEGO
Arizona is 1-5 SU in its last 6 games when playing on the road against San Diego
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Arizona's last 6 games when playing on the road against San Diego
San Diego is 8-4 SU in its last 12 games at home
San Diego is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games

10:15 PM
LA DODGERS vs. SAN FRANCISCO
LA Dodgers are 4-1 SU in their last 5 games
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of LA Dodgers's last 5 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of San Francisco's last 7 games when playing LA Dodgers
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of San Francisco's last 5 games

[StarDust Bum]

MLB

Wednesday, September 25

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Wednesday's MLB betting notes and tips
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NATIONAL

New York Mets at Cincinnati Reds (-190, 8.5)

Hot pitching stat: Reds right-hander Mat Latos is 9-1 with a 2.89 ERA and .228 opposition batting average in 13 home starts.

Hot batting stat: Cincinnati OF Shin-Soo Choo is a .286 career hitter with two home runs in 14 at-bats against Mets righty Daisuke Matsuzaka.

Weather: Temperatures will be in the low-70s with mostly cloudy skies. Wind will blow in from left field at 6 mph.

Key betting note: The Reds are 10-1 in their last 11 Wednesday games.


Washington Nationals at St. Louis Cardinals (-133, 7.5)

Cold pitching stat: Nationals right-hander Jordan Zimmermann has struggled against St. Louis in his career, going 0-2 with a 9.12 ERA and six home runs allowed over 25 2/3 innings.

Hot batting stat: Cardinals C Yadier Molina is a career .455 hitter in 11 at-bats versus Zimmermann.

Weather: Temperatures will be in the high-70s with mostly cloudy skies. Wind will blow in from center field at 6 mph.

Key betting note: St. Louis is 5-0 in rookie starter Shelby Miller's last five outings on four days' rest.


Pittsburgh Pirates at Chicago Cubs (+160, OFF)

Hot pitching stat: Pirates left-hander Francisco Liriano is 3-1 with a 2.08 ERA and 34 strkeouts in five career starts against the Cubs.

Cold batting stat: Cubs 1B Anthony Rizzo is batting just .184 in 185 at-bats against lefties this season.

Weather: Temperatures will be in the mid-60s under sunny skies. Wind will blow in from right-center field at 10 mph.

Key betting note: The over is 5-1 in Liriano's previous six starts as a road favorite.


Milwaukee Brewers at Atlanta Braves (-154, 7.5)

Cold pitching stat: Brewers right-hander Kyle Lohse is just 3-6 with a 4.15 ERA and 13 home runs against in 15 starts away from Milwaukee.

Hot batting stat: Milwaukee OF Carlos Gomez is 8-for-19 with a home run lifetime against Braves starter Paul Maholm.

Weather: Temperatures will be in the mid-60s with a 65 percent chance of rain. Wind will blow from right to left field at 6 mph.

Key betting note: The under is 14-3 in Lohse's last 17 starts against teams with winning records.


Philadelphia Phillies at Miami Marlins (+126, 7)

Hot pitching stat: Phillies left-hander Cole Hamels was sensational in his previous start against the Marlins, limiting them to a run on four hits while racking up 11 strikeouts in a 6-1 win.

Hot batting stat: Miami OF Chris Coghlan is a career .346 hitter with two home runs in 26 at-bats against Hamels.

Weather: Temperatures will be in the low-80s, but with a 55 percent chance of showers or thunderstorms, the roof at Marlins Park may be closed. Wind will blow from left to right field at 4 mph.

Key betting note: Philadelphia is 19-7 in Hamels' previous 26 Wednesday starts.


Arizona Diamondbacks at San Diego Padres (-125, 7)

Cold pitching stat: Padres right-hander Ian Kennedy struggled in his only career start against his former team, surrendering six runs on six hits over 4 1/3 innings of a 10-9 loss.

Cold batting stat: San Diego hitters are batting just 3-for-30 against Arizona starter Randall Delgado.

Weather: Temperatures will be in the low-60s with mostly cloudy skies. Wind will blow out to right-center field at 6 mph.

Key betting note: The over is 6-1 in Delgado's last seven starts on four days' rest.


Los Angeles Dodgers at San Francisco Giants (-130, 6.5)

Cold pitching stat: Dodgers righty Ricky Nolasco has surrendered 13 runs on 16 hits over his last two starts, spanning 6 1/3 innings.

Cold batting stat: Los Angeles 1B Adrian Gonzalez has struggled mightily against Gianst starter Madison Bumgarner, managing just two hits in 20 career at-bats.

Weather: Temperatures will be in the high-50s with sunny skies. Wind will blow out to right field at 13 mph.

Key betting note: The Dodgers have won seven of Nolasco's last eight road starts.


AMERICAN

Oakland Athletics at Los Angeles Angels (-137, 7.5)

Hot pitching stat: Angels right-hander Jered Weaver is 10-7 with a 2.27 ERA in 166 2/3 career innings versus the Athletics.

Cold batting stat: Athletics OF Coco Crisp is a career .146 hitter with zero home runs or RBIs and 10 strikeouts in 48 at-bats against Weaver.

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

Key betting note: Los Angeles is 8-0 in Weaver's last eight starts on 10 or more days of rest.


Toronto Blue Jays at Baltimore Orioles (-152, 8)

Cold pitching stat: Orioles right-hander Bud Norris is 4-4 with a 5.06 ERA in 10 starts and two relief appearances since the All-Star break.

Hot batting stat: Blue Jays SS Jose Reyes has five hits in 13 all-time at-bats against Norris.

Weather: Temperatures will be in the high-60s with partly cloudy skies. Wind will be calm.

Key betting note: The over is 7-0 in umpire Chris Guccione's last seven games behind home plate involving Baltimore.


Chicago White Sox at Cleveland Indians (-265, 7.5)

Cold pitching stat: White Sox righty Dylan Axelrod has been dreadful on the road, going 1-8 with a 7.36 ERA in 11 starts and four relief outings.

Cold batting stat: Indians OF Nick Swisher is hitless in 11 career at-bats against Axelrod, though he has walked twice.

Weather: Temperatures will be in the low-60s with partly cloudy skies. Wind will blow in from right field at 9 mph.

Key betting note: The over is 6-0 in Axelrod's last six starts as a road underdog.


Tampa Bay Rays at New York Yankees (OFF, OFF)

Hot pitching stat: Rays left-hander David Price is 5-3 with a 2.98 ERA and just six home runs allowed in 13 second-half starts.

Hot batting stat: Tampa Bay OF Matt Joyce and DH Luke Scott are a combined 14-for-33 against Yankees starter Phil Hughes.

Weather: Temperatures will be in the mid-60s with clear skies. Wind will blow in from center field at 4 mph.

Key betting note: New York is 2-11 in Hughes' last 13 Wednesday starts.


Houston Astros at Texas Rangers (-280, 8.5)

Cold pitching stat: Rangers left-hander Martin Perez is 0-2 in three starts since reeling off a six-game winning streak.

Cold batting stat: Astros OF Chris Carter is batting .225 with 63 strikeouts in 142 at-bats against lefties so far this season.

Weather: Temperatures will be in the low-90s with sunny skies. Wind will blow in from right field at 5 mph.

Key betting note: Houston is 1-11 in starter Dallas Keuchel's last 12 appearances on five days' rest.


Detroit Tigers at Minnesota Twins (OFF, OFF)

Hot pitching stat: Tigers right-hander Max Scherzer is 8-2 with a 2.44 ERA and 119 strikeouts in 103 1/3 innings away from Detroit.

Hot batting stat: Detroit 3B Miguel Cabrera is batting a sizzling .440 with a homer and eight RBIs in 25 at-bats against Twins starter Kevin Correia.

Weather: Temperatures will be in the high-60s with sunny skies. Wind will blow in from right field at 7 mph.

Key betting note: The Twins are 3-13 in Correia's last 16 starts.


Kansas City Royals at Seattle Mariners (-109, 6.5)

Hot pitching stat: Mariners right-hander Hisashi Iwakuma has held opponents scoreless in three of his last four starts.

Hot batting stat: Seattle 2B Kyle Seager is hitting .277 with 14 homers in 310 at-bats against right-handers in 2013.

Weather: Temperatures will be in the low-50s under partly cloudy skies. Wind will blow in from right field at 4 mph.

Key betting note: The over is 9-1 in Seattle's last 10 Wednesday games.


INTERLEAGUE

Boston Red Sox at Colorado Rockies (+160, 10)

Hot pitching stat: Rockies right-hander Jhoulys Chacin is 9-4 with a 3.77 ERA in 17 home starts this season.

Hot/Cold batting stat: Colorado 1B Todd Helton is a career .348 hitter with three homers in 46 at-bats versus Red Sox starter Jake Peavy.

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

Key betting note: The under is 4-1-2 in Colorado's last seven Wednesday games.


** Odds, stats, weather forecast and probable pitchers as of 8:55 p.m. ET Tuesday.

[StarDust Bum]

MLB

Wednesday, September 25

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Rays at Yankees: What bettors need to know
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Tampa Bay Rays at New York Yankees (N/A)

The New York Yankees have absolutely no margin for error left. The Yankees are one loss - or one win by the Cleveland Indians - away from mathematical elimination and will try to stay alive when they host the Tampa Bay Rays on Wednesday. The Rays are winners of five straight games and are leading the wild-card race, a game ahead of Cleveland and two clear of third-place Texas.

Tampa Bay’s pitching staff is allowing an average of two runs during its five-game winning streak and shut out New York 7-0 in the series opener on Tuesday. The Rays are closing out the season on the road and will finish up at last-place Toronto after wrapping up with the Yankees. New York pushed itself out of contention by dropping seven of its last 10 games.

TV: 7:05 p.m. ET, ESPN, Sun Sports (Tampa Bay), YES (New York)

WEATHER: Temperatures in the high 60s, partly cloudy skies and winds blowing north at 5 mph.

PITCHING MATCHUP: Rays LH David Price (8-8, 3.43 ERA) vs. Yankees RH Phil Hughes (4-13, 5.07)

Price is winless in his last five starts and failed to get through seven innings in the last two. The reigning Cy Young Award winner scattered two runs and nine hits over five innings in a no decision against Baltimore on Friday. Price’s last win came against New York on Aug. 24, when he surrendered two runs on five hits over six innings.

Hughes was pushed back into the rotation when CC Sabathia was shut down with a hamstring injury. The 27-year-old has been working on a time-share in the fifth spot of the rotation with David Huff and will be looking to complete five innings for the first time since Aug. 20. Hughes was knocked around by Tampa Bay on July 28, allowing five runs on nine hits in four innings.

TRENDS:

* Over is 6-1 in Prices last seven road starts vs. Yankees.
* Yankees are 4-1 in Hughes' last five starts vs. Rays.
* Over is 3-1-1 in Hughes' last five starts vs. Rays.
* Rays are 5-2 in the last seven meetings.
* Over is 5-2-1 in Prices last eight starts vs. Yankees.

UMP TRENDS - Mike Winters:

* Under is 7-3 in Winters' last 10 games behind home plate.
* Under is 13-6-1 in Winters' last 20 games behind home plate vs. New York.
* Road team is 4-0 in Winters' last four games behind home plate vs. Tampa Bay.

WALK-OFFS:

1. Rays CF Desmond Jennings (hamstring) missed the last two games and remains day-to-day.

2. New York has missed the playoffs once in the last 18 seasons (2008).

3. Tampa Bay SS Yunel Escobar (left ankle) and C Jose Lobaton (bruised right elbow) both left Tuesday’s series opener and are day-to-day.

[StarDust Bum]

MLB
Long Sheet

Wednesday, September 25

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NY METS (72 - 85) at CINCINNATI (90 - 68) - 12:35 PM
DAISUKE MATSUZAKA (R) vs. MAT LATOS (R)
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

Head-to-Head Series History
CINCINNATI is 4-1 (+2.3 Units) against NY METS this season
4 of 5 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+3.0 Units)

DAISUKE MATSUZAKA vs. CINCINNATI since 1997
No recent starts.

MAT LATOS vs. NY METS since 1997
LATOS is 2-1 when starting against NY METS with an ERA of 3.19 and a WHIP of 1.145.
His team's record is 4-2 (+1.7 units) in these starts. The OVER is 3-3. (-0.1 units)

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WASHINGTON (84 - 74) at ST LOUIS (93 - 65) - 1:45 PM
JORDAN ZIMMERMANN (R) vs. SHELBY MILLER (R)
Top Trends for this game.
WASHINGTON is 84-74 (-6.9 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
WASHINGTON is 4-18 (-13.3 Units) against the money line as a road underdog of +100 to +125 this season.
WASHINGTON is 84-74 (-6.9 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
WASHINGTON is 59-55 (-11.2 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.
WASHINGTON is 27-36 (-11.0 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record this season.
WASHINGTON is 6-15 (-10.8 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record in the second half of the season this season.
ST LOUIS is 93-65 (+7.1 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
ST LOUIS is 93-65 (+7.1 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
ST LOUIS is 74-42 (+19.0 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.
ST LOUIS is 211-134 (+54.9 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 24-12 (+16.1 Units) against the money line in road games in September games over the last 3 seasons.
WASHINGTON is 35-16 (+18.2 Units) against the money line when playing on Wednesday over the last 2 seasons.
ZIMMERMANN is 43-21 (+17.2 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
ZIMMERMANN is 43-21 (+17.2 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
ST LOUIS is 47-44 (-13.3 Units) against the money line after a win this season.
ST LOUIS is 70-75 (-19.9 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 5-0 (+5.5 Units) against WASHINGTON this season
4 of 4 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+4.0 Units)

JORDAN ZIMMERMANN vs. ST LOUIS since 1997
ZIMMERMANN is 0-3 when starting against ST LOUIS with an ERA of 9.73 and a WHIP of 1.779.
His team's record is 2-4 (-1.7 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 1-5. (-5.0 units)

SHELBY MILLER vs. WASHINGTON since 1997
MILLER is 1-0 when starting against WASHINGTON with an ERA of 0.00 and a WHIP of 0.750.
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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PITTSBURGH (91 - 67) at CHICAGO CUBS (65 - 93) - 2:20 PM
FRANCISCO LIRIANO (L) vs. JAKE ARRIETA (R)
Top Trends for this game.
PITTSBURGH is 19-32 (-19.9 Units) against the money line in September games over the last 2 seasons.
PITTSBURGH is 46-50 (-20.3 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.
LIRIANO is 9-17 (-16.4 Units) against the money line in September games since 1997. (Team's Record)
PITTSBURGH is 91-67 (+21.9 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
PITTSBURGH is 41-36 (+11.0 Units) against the money line in road games this season.
PITTSBURGH is 17-7 (+10.2 Units) against the money line when playing on Wednesday this season.
PITTSBURGH is 42-30 (+11.8 Units) against the money line against division opponents this season.
PITTSBURGH is 50-42 (+22.7 Units) against the money line in road games in day games over the last 3 seasons.
PITTSBURGH is 91-67 (+21.9 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
PITTSBURGH is 73-54 (+18.8 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.
PITTSBURGH is 51-39 (+10.6 Units) against the money line after a win this season.
PITTSBURGH is 56-31 (+18.8 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record this season.
CHICAGO CUBS are 65-93 (-13.5 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
CHICAGO CUBS are 30-50 (-21.5 Units) against the money line in home games this season.
CHICAGO CUBS are 24-48 (-16.7 Units) against the money line against division opponents this season.
CHICAGO CUBS are 29-47 (-15.7 Units) against the money line in day games this season.
CHICAGO CUBS are 65-93 (-13.5 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
CHICAGO CUBS are 29-57 (-15.5 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record this season.
CHICAGO CUBS are 139-188 (-65.0 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 12-6 (+3.8 Units) against CHICAGO CUBS this season
13 of 18 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+7.3 Units)

FRANCISCO LIRIANO vs. CHICAGO CUBS since 1997
LIRIANO is 3-1 when starting against CHICAGO CUBS with an ERA of 2.08 and a WHIP of 0.923.
His team's record is 4-1 (+2.6 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 3-2. (+0.7 units)

JAKE ARRIETA vs. PITTSBURGH since 1997
ARRIETA is 2-0 when starting against PITTSBURGH with an ERA of 3.71 and a WHIP of 1.176.
His team's record is 3-0 (+3.6 units) in these starts. The OVER is 2-1. (+1.0 units)

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MILWAUKEE (70 - 87) at ATLANTA (93 - 64) - 7:10 PM
KYLE LOHSE (R) vs. PAUL MAHOLM (L)
Top Trends for this game.
MILWAUKEE is 153-166 (-21.3 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
MILWAUKEE is 153-166 (-21.3 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
MILWAUKEE is 15-27 (-12.2 Units) against the money line against left-handed starters this season.
ATLANTA is 93-64 (+10.8 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
ATLANTA is 44-20 (+16.6 Units) against the money line as a home favorite of -125 to -150 over the last 3 seasons.
ATLANTA is 53-23 (+16.7 Units) against the money line in home games this season.
ATLANTA is 92-63 (+10.8 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
ATLANTA is 41-18 (+11.8 Units) against the money line in home games against right-handed starters this season.
ATLANTA is 114-73 (+21.8 Units) against the money line after a win over the last 2 seasons.
MAHOLM is 18-6 (+11.1 Units) against the money line in home games over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
MAHOLM is 18-6 (+11.1 Units) against the money line in home games in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
MILWAUKEE is 53-53 (+6.5 Units) against the money line in night games this season.
MILWAUKEE is 42-36 (+14.7 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record in the second half of the season over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
MILWAUKEE is 3-2 (+1.7 Units) against ATLANTA this season
4 of 5 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+2.8 Units)

KYLE LOHSE vs. ATLANTA since 1997
LOHSE is 4-1 when starting against ATLANTA with an ERA of 4.80 and a WHIP of 1.550.
His team's record is 5-6 (+0.2 units) in these starts. The OVER is 7-4. (+2.9 units)

PAUL MAHOLM vs. MILWAUKEE since 1997
MAHOLM is 4-11 when starting against MILWAUKEE with an ERA of 5.19 and a WHIP of 1.457.
His team's record is 7-16 (-7.0 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 8-13. (-7.0 units)

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PHILADELPHIA (72 - 85) at MIAMI (58 - 100) - 7:10 PM
COLE HAMELS (L) vs. BRAD HAND (L)
Top Trends for this game.
PHILADELPHIA is 72-85 (-18.8 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
PHILADELPHIA is 42-52 (-23.9 Units) against the money line when the total is 7 or less over the last 2 seasons.
PHILADELPHIA is 29-47 (-16.6 Units) against the money line in road games this season.
PHILADELPHIA is 8-17 (-11.0 Units) against the money line when playing on Wednesday this season.
PHILADELPHIA is 72-85 (-18.8 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
PHILADELPHIA is 13-26 (-14.0 Units) against the money line in road games against left-handed starters over the last 2 seasons.
PHILADELPHIA is 32-40 (-12.9 Units) against the money line after a win this season.
PHILADELPHIA is 34-43 (-17.4 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record this season.
HAMELS is 13-19 (-11.9 Units) against the money line in all games this season. (Team's Record)
HAMELS is 13-19 (-11.9 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season. (Team's Record)
HAMELS is 7-14 (-11.9 Units) against the money line in night games this season. (Team's Record)
HAMELS is 4-11 (-13.0 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record this season. (Team's Record)
MIAMI is 58-100 (-19.9 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
MIAMI is 101-135 (-40.5 Units) against the money line in home games over the last 3 seasons.
MIAMI is 13-27 (-16.9 Units) against the money line in home games when playing on Wednesday over the last 3 seasons.
MIAMI is 58-98 (-17.9 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
MIAMI is 38-70 (-19.1 Units) against the money line in night games 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 12-6 (+2.9 Units) against MIAMI this season
11 of 18 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+2.9 Units)

COLE HAMELS vs. MIAMI since 1997
HAMELS is 9-12 when starting against MIAMI with an ERA of 3.16 and a WHIP of 1.086.
His team's record is 11-17 (-17.9 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 17-11. (+3.9 units)

BRAD HAND vs. PHILADELPHIA since 1997
HAND is 0-1 when starting against PHILADELPHIA with an ERA of 5.40 and a WHIP of 1.400.
His team's record is 0-1 (-1.0 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 0-0. (+0.0 units)

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ARIZONA (80 - 77) at SAN DIEGO (73 - 84) - 10:10 PM
RANDALL DELGADO (R) vs. IAN KENNEDY (R)
Top Trends for this game.
SAN DIEGO is 73-84 (+1.7 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
SAN DIEGO is 43-36 (+7.5 Units) against the money line in home games this season.
SAN DIEGO is 73-81 (+4.7 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
SAN DIEGO is 52-57 (+4.2 Units) against the money line in night games this season.
KENNEDY is 13-1 (+13.0 Units) against the money line in September games over the last 3 seasons. (Team's Record)
ARIZONA is 17-10 (+11.0 Units) against the money line when the total is 7 or less this season.
ARIZONA is 17-10 (+11.0 Units) against the money line on the road when the total is 7 or less this season.
ARIZONA is 15-8 (+8.8 Units) against the money line when playing on Wednesday this season.
ARIZONA is 86-80 (+19.0 Units) against the money line in road games in night games over the last 3 seasons.
KENNEDY is 3-10 (-7.4 Units) against the money line against division opponents this season. (Team's Record)
KENNEDY is 4-12 (-8.8 Units) against the money line in night games this season. (Team's Record)

Head-to-Head Series History
SAN DIEGO is 10-7 (+4.7 Units) against ARIZONA this season
8 of 17 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=-1.1 Units, Under=-0.4 Units)

RANDALL DELGADO vs. SAN DIEGO since 1997
DELGADO is 1-0 when starting against SAN DIEGO with an ERA of 0.00 and a WHIP of 0.444.
His team's record is 1-0 (+1.0 units) in these starts. The OVER is 1-0. (+1.0 units)

IAN KENNEDY vs. ARIZONA since 1997
KENNEDY is 0-0 when starting against ARIZONA with an ERA of 12.47 and a WHIP of 2.540.
His team's record is 0-1 (-1.0 units) in these starts. The OVER is 1-0. (+1.2 units)

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LA DODGERS (91 - 66) at SAN FRANCISCO (72 - 85) - 10:15 PM
RICKY NOLASCO (R) vs. BARRY ZITO (L)
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

Head-to-Head Series History
SAN FRANCISCO is 9-8 (+2.0 Units) against LA DODGERS this season
10 of 15 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+4.9 Units)

RICKY NOLASCO vs. SAN FRANCISCO since 1997
NOLASCO is 5-4 when starting against SAN FRANCISCO with an ERA of 2.73 and a WHIP of 1.182.
His team's record is 6-4 (+2.3 units) in these starts. The OVER is 3-6. (-3.3 units)

BARRY ZITO vs. LA DODGERS since 1997
ZITO is 9-10 when starting against LA DODGERS with an ERA of 3.56 and a WHIP of 1.225.
His team's record is 12-14 (-0.1 units) in these starts. The OVER is 7-16. (-10.2 units)

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OAKLAND (94 - 64) at LA ANGELS (77 - 80) - 3:35 PM
DANIEL STRAILY (R) vs. JERED WEAVER (R)
Top Trends for this game.
LA ANGELS are 33-17 (+12.9 Units) against the money line in September games over the last 2 seasons.
WEAVER is 58-28 (+19.7 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 3 seasons. (Team's Record)
WEAVER is 15-4 (+10.4 Units) against the money line at home with a money line of -100 to -125 since 1997. (Team's Record)
WEAVER is 32-9 (+17.5 Units) against the money line in home games over the last 3 seasons. (Team's Record)
WEAVER is 30-7 (+16.1 Units) against the money line in home games against division opponents since 1997. (Team's Record)
WEAVER is 57-27 (+20.0 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 3 seasons. (Team's Record)
WEAVER is 73-36 (+25.6 Units) against the money line after a win since 1997. (Team's Record)
OAKLAND is 94-64 (+19.3 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
OAKLAND is 42-35 (+9.5 Units) against the money line in road games this season.
OAKLAND is 34-17 (+16.2 Units) against the money line in September games over the last 2 seasons.
OAKLAND is 21-12 (+10.8 Units) against the money line in road games against division opponents this season.
OAKLAND is 91-60 (+20.4 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
OAKLAND is 62-42 (+12.9 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.
OAKLAND is 74-59 (+18.5 Units) against the money line after a loss over the last 2 seasons.
OAKLAND is 91-55 (+24.4 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 2 seasons.
LA ANGELS are 77-80 (-18.0 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
LA ANGELS are 38-42 (-19.6 Units) against the money line in home games this season.
LA ANGELS are 31-40 (-19.3 Units) against the money line against division opponents this season.
LA ANGELS are 17-21 (-15.1 Units) against the money line in home games in day games over the last 2 seasons.
LA ANGELS are 72-79 (-23.1 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
LA ANGELS are 34-47 (-14.0 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
OAKLAND is 11-7 (+3.7 Units) against LA ANGELS this season
12 of 18 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+6.1 Units)

DANIEL STRAILY vs. LA ANGELS since 1997
STRAILY is 1-2 when starting against LA ANGELS with an ERA of 6.91 and a WHIP of 1.536.
His team's record is 3-2 (+1.5 units) in these starts. The OVER is 4-1. (+3.1 units)

JERED WEAVER vs. OAKLAND since 1997
WEAVER is 10-7 when starting against OAKLAND with an ERA of 2.27 and a WHIP of 1.050.
His team's record is 14-11 (-2.4 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 19-4. (+14.2 units)

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TORONTO (72 - 85) at BALTIMORE (81 - 76) - 7:05 PM
ESMIL ROGERS (R) vs. BUD NORRIS (R)
Top Trends for this game.
TORONTO is 72-85 (-10.5 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
TORONTO is 28-43 (-11.4 Units) against the money line against division opponents this season.
TORONTO is 42-56 (-11.8 Units) against the money line in night games this season.
BALTIMORE is 177-148 (+35.3 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
BALTIMORE is 69-56 (+15.1 Units) against the money line when the total is 8 to 8.5 over the last 2 seasons.
BALTIMORE is 45-35 (+18.7 Units) against the money line in September games over the last 3 seasons.
BALTIMORE is 77-71 (+14.2 Units) against the money line against division opponents over the last 2 seasons.
BALTIMORE is 162-125 (+39.6 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
BALTIMORE is 36-20 (+9.5 Units) against the money line in home games in night games this season.
BALTIMORE is 124-101 (+29.8 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters over the last 2 seasons.
BALTIMORE is 83-63 (+25.2 Units) against the money line after a loss over the last 2 seasons.
NORRIS is 10-3 (+9.2 Units) against the money line in home games after 3 or more consecutive losses over the last 3 seasons. (Team's Record)
BALTIMORE is 81-72 (-34.4 Units) against the money line as a home favorite of -150 to -175 since 1997.
BALTIMORE is 181-305 (-103.2 Units) against the money line after 3 or more consecutive losses since 1997.

Head-to-Head Series History
TORONTO is 9-8 (+1.6 Units) against BALTIMORE this season
10 of 17 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+3.2 Units)

ESMIL ROGERS vs. BALTIMORE since 1997
ROGERS is 0-0 when starting against BALTIMORE with an ERA of 4.50 and a WHIP of 1.167.
His team's record is 1-0 (+1.2 units) in these starts. The OVER is 0-1. (-1.0 units)

BUD NORRIS vs. TORONTO since 1997
No recent starts.

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CHI WHITE SOX (62 - 95) at CLEVELAND (87 - 70) - 7:05 PM
DYLAN AXELROD (R) vs. DANNY SALAZAR (R)
Top Trends for this game.
CHI WHITE SOX are 62-95 (-29.2 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
CHI WHITE SOX are 26-54 (-21.3 Units) against the money line in road games this season.
CHI WHITE SOX are 17-34 (-18.2 Units) against the money line in September games over the last 2 seasons.
CHI WHITE SOX are 25-46 (-18.8 Units) against the money line against division opponents this season.
CHI WHITE SOX are 60-90 (-26.7 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
CHI WHITE SOX are 38-64 (-23.5 Units) against the money line in night games this season.
CHI WHITE SOX are 49-71 (-15.9 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.
CHI WHITE SOX are 31-62 (-29.4 Units) against the money line after a loss this season.
CHI WHITE SOX are 11-32 (-14.3 Units) against the money line in road games when playing against a team with a winning record this season.
CHI WHITE SOX are 11-39 (-20.9 Units) against the money line in road games when playing against a team with a winning record in the second half of the season over the last 2 seasons.
CLEVELAND is 87-70 (+20.2 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
CLEVELAND is 50-30 (+15.8 Units) against the money line in home games this season.
CLEVELAND is 39-32 (+8.0 Units) against the money line against division opponents this season.
CLEVELAND is 84-67 (+18.1 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
CLEVELAND is 55-50 (+8.2 Units) against the money line in night games this season.
CLEVELAND is 54-49 (+5.8 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.
CLEVELAND is 51-34 (+14.0 Units) against the money line after a win this season.
CLEVELAND is 53-23 (+26.8 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record this season.
CLEVELAND is 32-12 (+17.1 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record in the second half of the season this season.
CLEVELAND is 105-111 (-35.5 Units) against the money line in home games when playing on Wednesday since 1997.

Head-to-Head Series History
CLEVELAND is 16-2 (+14.8 Units) against CHI WHITE SOX this season
10 of 18 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+1.9 Units)

DYLAN AXELROD vs. CLEVELAND since 1997
AXELROD is 0-0 when starting against CLEVELAND with an ERA of 4.32 and a WHIP of 1.440.
His team's record is 1-2 (-1.0 units) in these starts. The OVER is 0-2. (-2.1 units)

DANNY SALAZAR vs. CHI WHITE SOX since 1997
SALAZAR is 0-0 when starting against CHI WHITE SOX with an ERA of 0.00 and a WHIP of 1.635.
His team's record is 1-0 (+1.0 units) in these starts. The OVER is 0-1. (-1.1 units)

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TAMPA BAY (88 - 69) at NY YANKEES (82 - 75) - 7:05 PM
DAVID PRICE (L) vs. PHIL HUGHES (R)
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

Head-to-Head Series History
TAMPA BAY is 10-7 (+0.4 Units) against NY YANKEES this season
9 of 16 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+0.7 Units)

DAVID PRICE vs. NY YANKEES since 1997
PRICE is 8-4 when starting against NY YANKEES with an ERA of 3.72 and a WHIP of 1.264.
His team's record is 12-7 (+5.7 units) in these starts. The OVER is 12-6. (+5.8 units)

PHIL HUGHES vs. TAMPA BAY since 1997
HUGHES is 3-4 when starting against TAMPA BAY with an ERA of 4.50 and a WHIP of 1.327.
His team's record is 5-4 (+0.3 units) in these starts. The OVER is 3-5. (-2.3 units)

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


HOUSTON (51 - 107) at TEXAS (86 - 71) - 8:05 PM
DALLAS KEUCHEL (L) vs. MARTIN PEREZ (L)
Top Trends for this game.
HOUSTON is 51-107 (-22.5 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
HOUSTON is 72-171 (-48.3 Units) against the money line in road games over the last 3 seasons.
HOUSTON is 49-102 (-22.3 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
HOUSTON is 67-144 (-41.1 Units) against the money line after a loss over the last 2 seasons.
HOUSTON is 17-64 (-29.1 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record this season.
HOUSTON is 20-69 (-29.6 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.
TEXAS is 48-23 (+15.0 Units) against the money line against division opponents this season.
PEREZ is 7-0 (+7.2 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record this season. (Team's Record)
PEREZ is 7-0 (+7.2 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record in the second half of the season this season. (Team's Record)
HOUSTON is 14-10 (+13.3 Units) against the money line when playing on Wednesday this season.
HOUSTON is 17-20 (+11.7 Units) against the money line in road games against division opponents this season.
TEXAS is 86-71 (-8.6 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
TEXAS is 41-35 (-15.5 Units) against the money line in home games this season.
TEXAS is 39-36 (-18.8 Units) against the money line at home when the total is 9 to 9.5 over the last 2 seasons.
TEXAS is 7-15 (-11.8 Units) against the money line in September games this season.
TEXAS is 83-67 (-7.5 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
TEXAS is 94-84 (-26.3 Units) against the money line after a win over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
TEXAS is 16-2 (+11.2 Units) against HOUSTON this season
10 of 18 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+1.5 Units)

DALLAS KEUCHEL vs. TEXAS since 1997
KEUCHEL is 0-1 when starting against TEXAS with an ERA of 3.65 and a WHIP of 1.257.
His team's record is 1-3 (-0.4 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 2-2. (-0.3 units)

MARTIN PEREZ vs. HOUSTON since 1997
PEREZ is 1-0 when starting against HOUSTON with an ERA of 1.00 and a WHIP of 0.667.
His team's record is 1-0 (+1.0 units) in these starts. The OVER is 0-1. (-1.1 units)

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DETROIT (92 - 66) at MINNESOTA (66 - 91) - 8:10 PM
MAX SCHERZER (R) vs. KEVIN CORREIA (R)
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

Head-to-Head Series History
MINNESOTA is 8-10 (+4.3 Units) against DETROIT this season
12 of 16 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+7.4 Units)

MAX SCHERZER vs. MINNESOTA since 1997
SCHERZER is 5-2 when starting against MINNESOTA with an ERA of 4.87 and a WHIP of 1.185.
His team's record is 8-3 (+4.0 units) in these starts. The OVER is 6-5. (+0.6 units)

KEVIN CORREIA vs. DETROIT since 1997
CORREIA is 1-2 when starting against DETROIT with an ERA of 3.06 and a WHIP of 1.144.
His team's record is 2-3 (-0.4 units) in these starts. The OVER is 1-3. (-2.3 units)

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KANSAS CITY (83 - 74) at SEATTLE (69 - 89) - 10:10 PM
ERVIN SANTANA (R) vs. HISASHI IWAKUMA (R)
Top Trends for this game.
KANSAS CITY is 6-18 (-12.7 Units) against the money line when the total is 7 or less over the last 2 seasons.
SEATTLE is 27-8 (+18.2 Units) against the money line at home with a money line of -100 to -125 over the last 2 seasons.
IWAKUMA is 28-20 (+12.0 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
IWAKUMA is 27-19 (+11.7 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
KANSAS CITY is 83-74 (+5.4 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
KANSAS CITY is 39-37 (+6.4 Units) against the money line in road games this season.
KANSAS CITY is 79-71 (+3.4 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
KANSAS CITY is 60-50 (+9.4 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.
KANSAS CITY is 22-15 (+11.5 Units) against the money line in road games after a loss this season.
SEATTLE is 69-89 (-16.1 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
SEATTLE is 34-43 (-16.6 Units) against the money line in home games this season.
SEATTLE is 2-9 (-9.7 Units) against the money line in home games when playing on Wednesday this season.
SEATTLE is 66-86 (-17.1 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
SEATTLE is 23-31 (-14.2 Units) against the money line in home games in night games this season.
SEATTLE is 23-29 (-10.7 Units) against the money line in home games against right-handed starters this season.
SEATTLE is 41-50 (-23.5 Units) against the money line in home games after shutting out their opponent since 1997.
SEATTLE is 13-20 (-11.0 Units) against the money line in home games after a win this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
KANSAS CITY is 4-2 (+1.2 Units) against SEATTLE this season
3 of 6 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=-0.2 Units, Under=-0.4 Units)

ERVIN SANTANA vs. SEATTLE since 1997
SANTANA is 12-7 when starting against SEATTLE with an ERA of 4.06 and a WHIP of 1.306.
His team's record is 19-11 (+4.0 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 15-14. (-0.9 units)

HISASHI IWAKUMA vs. KANSAS CITY since 1997
No recent starts.

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


BOSTON (95 - 63) at COLORADO (72 - 86) - 8:40 PM
JAKE PEAVY (R) vs. JHOULYS CHACIN (R)
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

Head-to-Head Series History
BOSTON is 2-1 (+0.5 Units) against COLORADO this season
2 of 3 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+1.0 Units)

JAKE PEAVY vs. COLORADO since 1997
PEAVY is 4-6 when starting against COLORADO with an ERA of 3.92 and a WHIP of 1.350.
His team's record is 8-10 (-6.2 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 10-6. (+3.6 units)

JHOULYS CHACIN vs. BOSTON since 1997
CHACIN is 1-0 when starting against BOSTON with an ERA of 0.00 and a WHIP of 1.349.
His team's record is 1-0 (+1.3 units) in these starts. The OVER is 0-1. (-1.2 units)

[StarDust Bum]

Wednesday, September 25

Game Score Status Pick Amount

NY Mets - 12:35 PM ET NY Mets +241 500 POD # 1

Cincinnati - Under 8 500

Washington - 1:45 PM ET Washington +106 500 POD # 2

St. Louis - Under 7 500

Pittsburgh - 2:20 PM ET Pittsburgh -167 500

Chi. Cubs - Over 6.5 500

Oakland - 3:35 PM ET LA Angels -116 500

LA Angels - Under 7.5 500

[StarDust Bum]

Preview: Blue Jays (72-85) at Orioles (81-76)
Game: 2
Venue: Oriole Park at Camden Yards
Date: September 25, 2013 7:05 PM EDT


The Baltimore Orioles' chances for a second straight postseason appearance have officially been dashed, largely due to the club's prolonged offensive slump.

They'll hope the offense finally comes alive Wednesday night against the visiting Toronto Blue Jays as the Orioles try to avoid their first seven-game losing streak in two years.

Baltimore (81-76) was mathematically eliminated from playoff contention Tuesday with a 3-2 loss in 10 innings, with Mark DeRosa driving in both the tying run in the eighth as a pinch-hitter as well as the go-ahead score.

The Orioles haven't been to the playoffs in consecutive seasons since 1996-97. Baltimore earned a reputation for squeaking out close victories last year after going 29-9 in one-run games, but is 17-31 in such contests this season.

The club hasn't lost seven in a row since a nine-game skid from July 4-15, 2011.

"We play all the way from February 15th or whenever we started to get to the playoffs," J.J. Hardy said. "It's hard to think that after how many games we've played since then, we're not going, so yeah, it's tough."

The Orioles trailed Tampa Bay by two games for the AL's second wild-card spot on Sept. 2. They're 8-13 since while scoring five runs or fewer in each contest, the first time they've done so in 21 consecutive games since 1992.

Baltimore has averaged 3.3 runs during this stretch, compared to a 4.8 average in its previous 136 games, which ranked fourth in baseball.

Trying to extend the Orioles' woes will be scheduled starter Esmil Rogers (5-8, 4.52 ERA), who comes off the second-shortest start of his career. He issued five walks and was charged with a wild pitch while allowing two runs and three hits in 2 1-3 innings of a 6-3 loss at Boston on Friday.

He is 1-0 with a 2.70 ERA over eight career appearances versus Baltimore, giving up three runs and five hits over six innings of a 4-3 victory in the only start on Sept. 14.

Chris Davis - who is 6 for 39 (.154) over his last nine games with 16 strikeouts - is 3 for 7 off Rogers with two doubles.

Matching up opposite Rogers will be Bud Norris (4-3, 4.63). Lingering elbow tightness has left him unable to start since Sept. 8, when he allowed four runs and nine hits in 4 1-3 innings in a 4-2 loss to the Chicago White Sox. He was the losing pitcher after surrendering the go-ahead run in a 5-4, 18-inning loss at Tampa Bay on Friday, throwing 2 1-3 innings of emergency relief.

The Orioles received good news Tuesday in the form of an MRI revealed a torn medial patellofemoral ligament in Manny Machado's left knee, an injury he can likely return from in time for spring training.

Adam Lind, who was 2 for 3 Tuesday, has hit safely in 15 of his 16 games against Baltimore this year, going 26 for 60 (.433).

Toronto can clinch the season series for the third time in four years with a win Wednesday.

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SERIES AT A GLANCE

GAME 1
Blue Jays at Orioles
Tue, Sep 24 Final 3 to 2
Boxscores • Recaps

GAME 2
Blue Jays at Orioles
Wed, Sep 25 - 7:05PM EDT

GAME 3
Blue Jays at Orioles
Thu, Sep 26 - 7:05PM EDT

[StarDust Bum]

Preview: Rays (88-69) at Yankees (82-75)
Game: 2
Venue: Yankee Stadium
Date: September 25, 2013 7:05 PM EDT


The Tampa Bay Rays are enjoying their longest win streak in over two months while the New York Yankees are on the brink of elimination.

A sixth straight win for the visiting Rays would officially end the Yankees' postseason hopes Wednesday night when these AL East rivals continue a three-game set.

Tampa Bay (88-69) cruised to a 7-0 victory in Tuesday's opener to maintain its one-game lead over Cleveland for the AL's top wild-card. The Rays have a magic number of four to reach the playoffs.

New York (82-75), which has dropped seven of 10, will be eliminated with one more loss or one more victory by the Indians. The Yankees have made the postseason 17 times in the previous 18 years.

The Rays are dealing with a number of injuries, with shortstop Yunel Escobar and catcher Jose Lobaton exiting Tuesday.

Escobar was lifted with a sore left ankle and Lobaton has a bruised right elbow. Both are day to day.

In addition, Desmond Jennings has missed the last two games with a tight left hamstring. There is no word on when he will return.

Tampa Bay's pitchers have posted a 1.67 ERA during the five-game streak, its longest since a six-game run July 13-22.

David Price (8-5, 3.43 ERA) will look to continue that trend and earn his first victory this month. He's 0-3 with a 4.05 ERA in his last five outings, allowing two runs in five innings Friday in a 5-4, 18-inning win over Baltimore.

The left-hander is 1-1 with a 3.21 ERA in two starts against the Yankees this year - both at home. He's 4-1 with a 3.79 ERA in his last six outings in the Bronx.

The Yankees went hitless in 10 at_bats with runners in scoring position Tuesday as they were limited to four hits by Matt Moore and two relievers.

"This is not a good feeling," manager Joe Girardi said. "It hurts."

New York could be hard-pressed to generate offense Wednesday. Robinson Cano is a .259 hitter against Price, Curtis Granderson is 9 for 48 (.188) with 20 strikeouts and Alex Rodriguez is 10 for 40 (.250) with 15 strikeouts. Vernon Wells is also batting .188 versus the lefty.

Phil Hughes (4-13, 5.07) will start for New York in place of CC Sabathia, who won't pitch again in 2013 due to a left hamstring strain.

Hughes is 0-6 with a 5.33 ERA in his last 12 starts. In his last two outings, he pitched three innings Sept. 12 at Baltimore and lasted 3 1-3 last Wednesday at Toronto, with left-hander David Huff replacing him both times. Huff took Hughes' place in the rotation Sept. 7 against Boston.

The Yankees have won both of Hughes' 2013 outings against the Rays, with the right-hander posting a 5.73 ERA and failing to receive either decision.

In Hughes' last start against Tampa Bay on July 28, Wil Myers homered twice off him. Matt Joyce is 6 for 14 with two homers in his career against Hughes.

Joyce ended a 23-game homerless drought by going deep to lead off the game Tuesday against Hiroki Kuroda. David DeJesus and James Loney each added two RBIs.

"You set the tone right from the start,' Joyce said. "Obviously Wil and David coming up behind me and not just settling for a couple of runs."

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

SERIES AT A GLANCE

GAME 1
Rays at Yankees
Tue, Sep 24 Final 7 to 0
Boxscores • Recaps

GAME 2
Rays at Yankees
Wed, Sep 25 - 7:05PM EDT

GAME 3
Rays at Yankees
Thu, Sep 26 - 7:05PM EDT

[StarDust Bum]

Preview: White Sox (62-95) at Indians (87-70)
Game: 2
Venue: Progressive Field
Date: September 25, 2013 7:05 PM EDT


The Cleveland Indians' Justin Masterson was enjoying a career year before getting hurt earlier this month.

While he won't be returning to the rotation, the All-Star is hoping to provide some relief help during these crucial last few games.

Masterson could be back as soon as Wednesday night for Cleveland, which tries to inch closer to a playoff berth with a 14th consecutive win over the visiting Chicago White Sox.

Leading the team with a career-high 14 wins, 188 strikeouts and 189 1-3 innings, Masterson has been sidelined since suffering a strained oblique muscle Sept. 2. The right-hander, though, has been cleared and is looking to help the Indians (87-70) continue their postseason push.

"What ended up possibly being a big negative for us, having Masty not around, all of a sudden has a chance to be a big weapon for us moving forward," manager Terry Francona said.

While most teams may have fallen off the pace after losing their ace, Cleveland has gone 15-5 to climb into the AL's second wild-card spot. The Indians are one game behind Tampa Bay and one ahead of Texas.

"It's great because we're winning ballgames. That's been fun. The guys are going out there and playing hard," Masterson said. "They don't need me. I'm just here to encourage and smile and give them hugs. It seems like that's working right now."

Cleveland nearly let one slip away Tuesday after Chris Perez blew the save in the opener of this two-game set, but Jason Giambi's pinch-hit two-run walkoff homer gave the Indians a 5-4 victory.

"It doesn't get any better than that. I'm speechless," said the 42-year-old Giambi, who became the 13th player since 1950 with at least 10 walkoff homers. "I've said this before, but this is the ultimate team I've ever played on. It's unbelievable how many people have helped us win games this season."

Cleveland, which has outscored the White Sox 95-43 during its 13-game winning streak, has also taken five straight overall.

The Indians haven't lost since Danny Salazar (1-3, 3.09 ERA) surrendered four runs in six innings last Wednesday in a 7-2 defeat at Kansas City. The 23-year-old rookie gave up three runs in the first before settling down.

"I think I tried to do a little bit too much," said Salazar, who has struck out 57 over nine starts spanning 46 2-3 innings. "I know I'm here to do the very best I can to get to the playoffs and the wild card."

The right-hander struck out nine over 3 2-3 scoreless innings but was removed after throwing 78 pitches in a 3-1 win at Chicago (62-95) on Sept. 13.

The White Sox counter with Dylan Axelrod (4-10, 5.72), who was tagged for a career worst-tying seven earned runs and 10 hits over 2 2-3 innings Friday in a 12-5 loss at Detroit. The right-hander's previous start came all the way back on July 10.

"I was prepared," said Axelrod, who started in place of the injured Andre Rienzo. "I'm not going to use that as an excuse. I didn't feel really out of sorts, I went about my regular routine. I'm used to starting so it wasn't that big of a deal, it just didn't work out."

Axelrod is 0-1 with a 2.70 ERA in five games - two starts - against the Indians this year. Nick Swisher is 0 for 11 in their matchups, and Mike Aviles and Asdrubal Cabrera are a combined 2 for 17.

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

SERIES AT A GLANCE

GAME 1
White Sox at Indians
Tue, Sep 24 Final 4 to 5
Boxscores • Recaps

GAME 2
White Sox at Indians
Wed, Sep 25 - 7:05PM EDT

[StarDust Bum]

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 Final 2 to 3
Boxscores • Recaps
GAME 3
Brewers at Braves
Wed, Sep 25 - 7:10PM EDT

[StarDust Bum]

Preview: Phillies (72-85) at Marlins (58-100)
Game: 3
Venue: Marlins Park
Date: September 25, 2013 7:10 PM EDT


Cole Hamels will look to dodge a dubious distinction as he takes the mound Wednesday night for the Philadelphia Phillies.

Considering how the Miami Marlins' recent offensive struggles at home and his history against them, Hamels might be safe.

The left-hander tries to avoid becoming the first Phillies pitcher to lose 15 games since Mark Leiter in 1997 as Philadelphia wraps up its series in Miami.

The Phillies (72-85) were held to four hits in a 4-0 loss in Monday's opener. They didn't manage much more offense Tuesday - recording five hits and scoring their runs on Darin Ruf's bases-loaded walk and Kevin Frandsen's ensuing RBI groundout - but it was enough for a 2-1 victory.

While the result marked the first win for Ryne Sandberg since being named the club's permanent manager, the Marlins (58-100) suffered their 100th loss for the second time. They finished 54-108 in 1998, manager Mike Redmond's rookie season.

"I wasn't sure what to expect coming in as far as the players and how many games we would lose, whatever," Redmond said. "Obviously, nobody wants to be a part of that. I guess if there was anybody who was prepared for this season out here, it was me - since I've been through it."

Hamels (8-14, 3.62 ERA) will try to hand them another defeat Wednesday, though he'll have to bounce back from a rough showing. He gave up six runs and 10 hits over seven innings of a 6-4 loss to the New York Mets on Friday, his first defeat since July 26. He had been 4-0 with a 2.18 ERA over his previous nine starts.

New York tagged Hamels - who has already set a career high for losses - for three runs in the first inning, which included a Phillies error.

"Cole pitched well," Sandberg said. "He had good stuff, but luck wasn't on his side. He adjusted after the first, but things just didn't go his way."

Hamels is 3-2 with a 1.47 ERA in his last six starts versus Miami with 45 strikeouts in 43 innings. He's also limited Miami to just seven runs in five career outings at Marlins Park.

The left-hander will be trying to win a career-high fourth consecutive road start after allowing six earned runs over 22 innings in the previous three.

The Marlins have totaled 38 runs during a 4-10 stretch at home, hitting .190 with runners in scoring position after going 0 for 7 in such situations Tuesday. Logan Morrison, who is fourth on the team with 36 RBIs despite playing only 82 games, is hitting .143 in 13 home contests during that stretch. He was 0 for 3 Tuesday with a walk.

Brad Hand (1-1, 3.14) is scheduled to make just his third start since the beginning of 2012. He gave up four runs and five hits in 5 2-3 innings of a 4-3 road loss to the Mets on Sept. 13, his only start of the year.

The left-hander threw a scoreless inning of relief in a 4-3 win over the Phillies last Wednesday.

Justin Ruggiano drove in Miami's only run Tuesday and is 13 for 35 (.371) with 10 RBIs in his last 11 matchups with Philadelphia, but he's 3 for 17 off Hamels with seven strikeouts.

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

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 Final 2 to 1
Boxscores • Recaps

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

[StarDust Bum]

Preview: Astros (51-107) at Rangers (86-71)
Game: 3
Venue: Rangers Ballpark in Arlington
Date: September 25, 2013 8:05 PM EDT


Like most teams, the Texas Rangers have beat up on the major league-worst Houston Astros.

Unfortunately for them, they only have one meeting left.

Hoping to keep pace in the wild-card chase, the Rangers go for an 11th consecutive win over the visiting Astros, who try to avoid setting a new single-season franchise record for losses in Wednesday night's series finale.

Geovany Soto went 2 for 3 with an RBI and Adrian Beltre snapped a 23-game homerless drought in Tuesday's 3-2 win, helping Texas (86-71) remain one game behind Cleveland for the AL's second wild-card spot with five to play.

"Huge win," Joe Nathan told MLB's official website after earning his 41st save. "We did what we need to do to take care of business in this clubhouse and in this ballpark. We just need to do what we can to keep pace and keep the pressure on them. We did it today and we need to come back tomorrow and do it again"

The Rangers have clubbed 24 homers in taking 16 of 18 from Houston (51-107) this year, their most wins against one team in a single season. Texas has taken 10 straight in the series by a 67-28 margin.

"Every game we play now is going to be so important," said Beltre, who leads the league with 193 hits. "We have no place for mistakes. We have to try and win every game. Now we're kind of hoping that we win and they lose so we can sneak in. There's no tomorrow for us. Today was huge."

The Astros have also been outscored 62-16 during a season-worst 11-game losing streak overall. Their 107th defeat matched the franchise record set last year.

Manager Bo Porter's club could be in for another long day at the plate against Martin Perez (9-5, 3.54 ERA), who struck out a career-high eight while throwing a four-hitter in a 6-1 win at Houston on Aug. 11.

"I just want to finish strong, do the same things I did before: relax, be aggressive and attack the hitters," Perez said. "We know we have to win. That's what I want to do - win and compete. These games are just too important. I just need to win."

Tied for second among AL rookies in wins and third with 112 innings, the left-hander allowed one run in 5 2-3 innings but didn't factor in the decision of a 2-1 loss at Kansas City on Friday.

The Astros counter with Dallas Keuchel (6-9, 4.99). The southpaw had surrendered a combined 11 runs and 20 hits in his previous two starts spanning nine innings before throwing seven innings of one-run ball Thursday in a 2-1, 11-inning loss at Cleveland.

"Any time you can limit a good team that's pushing for the playoffs, that's big," he said. "I knew coming in I had to be conscious of throwing the fastball early. ... We had a good game plan going in, and it was about execution."

Keuchel had compiled a 2.81 ERA in three starts against the Rangers before surrendering six runs in 8 2-3 innings losing to Perez last month. Elvis Andrus is 2 for 12 in their matchups.

Keuchel will need to be careful against Beltre, who is batting .424 with six homers, 15 RBIs and 15 runs in his last 16 games in the series.

Alex Rios, who hit for the cycle in Monday's 12-0 rout, stole his career-high 40th base Tuesday. He is batting .405 during a 10-game stretch against the Astros.

Houston's Jose Altuve ranks third in the majors with a .374 average this month.

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

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 Final 2 to 3
Boxscores • Recaps

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