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

[StarDust Bum]

Preview: Brewers (60-80) at Cubs (60-80)
Game: 2
Venue: Wrigley Field
Date: September 07, 2013 4:05 PM EDT


As they battle to avoid finishing in last place in the NL Central, the Chicago Cubs and Milwaukee Brewers have their eyes on the future.

Jake Arrieta and Johnny Hellweg, who oppose each other Saturday at Wrigley Field, are hoping to be a part of their teams' plans in 2014.

Arrieta (2-1, 3.77 ERA) has pitched pretty well for the Cubs since being acquired two months ago, but Milwaukee's Hellweg didn't find the same success in his first stint in the majors.

Arrieta has allowed one run or less in three of his five starts with Chicago after coming over as part of a four-player trade with Baltimore on July 2. The right-hander gave up one run and three hits in 6 2-3 innings of a 7-1 win over Philadelphia on Sunday.

"That's my goal is to be a part of this rotation for many years," he told the Cubs' official website. "I've developed some comfort here, the staff has been great so far, and I look forward to continuing relationships with the staff and players, because that's a huge part of every team, the chemistry and camaraderie in the clubhouse.

"There will be times when struggles come into play, but it's a matter of minimizing the struggles. I have to get over the hump of compounding difficult starts. When I'm able to do that, then I'm in the right spot. Not only will I benefit, but the organization and the team will see the reward, as well."

Arrieta's first start for Chicago came against the Brewers at Wrigley on July 30. He allowed one run and two hits over six innings but did not receive a decision as the Cubs lost 3-2.

Hellweg (0-3, 10.97) made his major league debut for Milwaukee on June 28 in Pittsburgh, and it did not go well. The 6-foot-9 right-hander was knocked out after giving up seven runs - five earned - and six hits while walking two in 1 2-3 innings of a 10-3 loss.

He was also roughed up in a relief appearance and another two starts before being sent back to the minors. The Brewers recalled Hellweg on Tuesday, giving him another chance to show why he is rated one of the organization's top prospects.

Hellweg was named the Pacific Coast League's pitcher of the year and Brewers' minor league pitcher of the year after going 12-5 with a 3.15 ERA in 23 starts at Triple-A Nashville.

"(Winning PCL pitcher of the year) kind of just shows that I did what I needed to at Triple-A and now it's time to do that here," Hellweg told the Brewers' official website.

"It's still the minor leagues down there at Triple-A, but it gives me a little bit of a confidence booster coming up here and giving this another shot."

Chicago (60-80) tied Milwaukee (60-80) for fourth place in the division and pulled within one victory of matching last season's total with an 8-5 win in the opener of this three-game series Friday.

The Cubs have won four of six and will be attempting to register three straight victories for the first time since sweeping the Giants in San Francisco from July 26-28.

Milwaukee has dropped six of seven and is inching closer to its first losing season since 2010.

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SERIES AT A GLANCE

GAME 1
Brewers at Cubs
Fri, Sep 6 Final 5 to 8
Boxscores • Recaps

GAME 2
Brewers at Cubs
Sat, Sep 7 - 4:05PM EDT

GAME 3
Brewers at Cubs
Sun, Sep 8 - 2:20PM EDT

[StarDust Bum]

Preview: Mets (63-76) at Indians (75-65)
Game: 2
Venue: Progressive Field
Date: September 07, 2013 6:05 PM EDT


After struggling for much of August, the Cleveland Indians have gotten their playoff drive back on track.

The Indians are hoping a healthier Corey Kluber can lead them to a fourth straight win Saturday night against the New York Mets.

Cleveland (75-65) opened August with a season-high eighth consecutive win, but went 12-16 during the month and finished with a five-game skid. The Indians are 4-1 in September after an 8-1 victory in Friday's series opener with New York (63-76) and remain well within striking distance of Tampa Bay for the final AL wild-card berth.

Nick Swisher's grand slam was one of the highlights of the rout and helped make up for the absence of the hot-hitting Michael Brantley, who left before Friday's game for the impending birth of his first child.

"This is a fun time of year," manager Terry Francona said. "When you show up to the ballpark and you're nervous about the game, that's really exciting.

"I wish we had a better record, but we're in this every bit as much as about four or five other teams."

Kluber (7-5, 3.54 ERA) will try to deliver another victory in his return from a sprained right middle finger and his first matchup with the Mets, losers in four of five. He was originally slated to pitch in relief Friday but Justin Masterson's oblique injury caused those plans to change.

In his first start since Aug. 5, the right-hander will have to make the most of his pitches as he's expected to throw between 75-80 before handing it over to the bullpen.

"It's exciting," Francona told the team's website "I actually think that he's going to go out there and, obviously we're going to cut it short, but I think he's going to pitch just fine."

Jon Niese (6-6, 3.66) has been sharp since coming off the disabled list. The left-hander is 3-0 with a 2.14 ERA in five starts since returning from a partially torn rotator cuff and has a 1.30 ERA in his last four.

Niese gave up a season-high 10 hits Sunday in Washington but only allowed two runs over 5 2-3 innings before leaving with a cramp in his left leg. He was in line for the win until the Nationals rallied for a 6-5 victory.

"A lot of things actually didn't go our way," Niese said. "A lot of broken-bat hits, ground-ball hits that got through the holes. That's kind of the way it goes sometimes. This game can unravel in a hurry, and you've just got to stay positive."

Niese won his only start against Cleveland on June 16, 2010, allowing three runs over seven innings at Progressive Field.

Among Indians hitters, Michael Bourn has the most experience against Niese, going 6 for 16 (.375).

Cleveland hasn't won four straight since its eight-game win streak July 24-Aug. 1.

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GAME 1
Mets at Indians
Fri, Sep 6 Final 1 to 8
Boxscores • Recaps

GAME 2
Mets at Indians
Sat, Sep 7 - 6:05PM EDT

GAME 3
Mets at Indians
Sun, Sep 8 - 1:05PM EDT

[StarDust Bum]

Preview: Braves (85-55) at Phillies (64-77)
Game: 2
Venue: Citizens Bank Park
Date: September 07, 2013 7:05 PM EDT


The Atlanta Braves opened up their series with the Philadelphia Phillies Friday with a loss, but offense came at a premium for both clubs.

After rough outings in their previous starts, Alex Wood and Kyle Kendrick hope to keep the offenses bottled up when the teams meet again Saturday night in Philadelphia.

The division-leading Braves (85-55) suffered a 2-1 setback in the series opener as the teams combined for seven hits. Cody Asche's two-run homer in the seventh was the difference for Philadelphia (64-77), while Atlanta's only run came on Andrelton Simmons' home run as Cliff Lee struck out 10 over eight innings.

Asche, who was called up from Triple-A Lehigh Valley on July 31, is hitting .452 over his last eight games with nine RBIs. He started off his major league career by going 1 for 17 over five games.

"I wouldn't say my nerves have dissipated," Asche said. "I just think you learn to control them."

Even with Asche's recent surge, the Phillies have scored 14 runs with 29 hits and are 2-3 since trading Michael Young, who is 5 for 12 since joining the Los Angeles Dodgers.

The Braves will hope to keep Philadelphia grounded with Wood (3-3, 3.15 ERA) on the mound. The left-handed rookie gave up a season-high seven runs and eight hits in 2 1-3 innings of a 7-0 loss to Miami on Sunday. He had posted a 0.90 ERA over his previous five starts, including six innings of one-run ball in a 4-1 win at Philadelphia on Aug. 4.

However, Wood had also been dominant the first time he faced the Marlins, throwing six shutout innings against them three weeks before Sunday's disappointment.

"I don't think it has anything to do with them getting a second look," Wood said. "I've thrown against some other teams more than once. Give them credit. They beat me like a drum today."

Kendrick (10-12, 4.51) gets the nod for Philadelphia looking to end a career worst-tying four-game losing streak. He is 1-6 with a 6.31 ERA over his last eight games and has thrown six innings or fewer in his last nine starts after throwing more than six nine times in his previous 19 outings.

The right-hander yielded five runs and eight hits over six innings in a 7-1 road loss to the Chicago Cubs on Sunday.

"You fall behind, it's tough to pitch," said Kendrick, who is averaging 17.6 pitches per inning in his last nine games compared to 15.0 pitches previously. "I went in and fell behind. That's what happens."

Kendrick owns a 7.80 ERA in his last three starts versus Atlanta. He gave up six runs and 11 hits in five innings of a 13-4 loss to the Braves on July 6. Justin Upton is 5 for 12 off him with two homers.

Simmons, who is slugging .706 over his last 11 games, is 2 for 7 off Kendrick with a homer.

The Braves have won 20 of the last 30 meetings but are 34-35 on the road this season compared to 51-20 at Turner Field.

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SERIES AT A GLANCE

GAME 1
Braves at Phillies
Fri, Sep 6 Final 1 to 2
Boxscores • Recaps

GAME 2
Braves at Phillies
Sat, Sep 7 - 7:05PM EDT

GAME 3
Braves at Phillies
Sun, Sep 8 - 1:35PM EDT

[StarDust Bum]

Preview: Tigers (82-59) at Royals (73-68)
Game: 2
Venue: Ewing M. Kauffman Stadium
Date: September 07, 2013 7:10 PM EDT


Two days after suffering their worst loss in nine years, the Detroit Tigers responded with a blowout victory over the Kansas City Royals.

Kansas City's Danny Duffy will be tasked with keeping Miguel Cabrera and company in check Saturday night at Kauffman Stadium while Justin Verlander tries to end his longest ever winless stretch against the Royals.

The Tigers (82-59) suffered a 20-4 loss at Boston on Wednesday, surrendering eight homers in their worst defeat since a 26-5 setback to Kansas City on Sept. 9, 2004. Then they turned around and handed the Royals (73-68) a 16-2 loss on Friday, just their fourth defeat in 13 games.

Kansas City is 4 1/2 games off the pace in the AL wild-card race while Detroit owns a 6 1/2-game edge over Cleveland in the AL Central.

Cabrera was 1 for 3 with two walks and drove in his major league-leading 131st run after missing four of five contests with an abdominal strain. His return seemed to give the rest of the lineup a lift, too, with Omar Infante recording career highs of five hits and six RBIs and Andy Dirks going 5 for 5.

Detroit recorded a season-high 26 hits.

"The hits just fell tonight," said Dirks, who is 27 for 66 (.409) in his last 19 games versus Kansas City. "That's baseball. When I hit it, it just went in the holes."

Duffy (2-0, 1.35 ERA) comes off a disappointing outing, lasting 3 2-3 innings in a 3-1 win versus Seattle on Monday, allowing a run, five hits and four walks while stranding six runners.

"I didn't have it today," Duffy said.

The left-hander had thrown 12 2-3 scoreless innings over his previous two starts, including six innings of one-hit ball in a 2-1 win at Detroit on Aug. 16. He had been 0-3 with a 5.16 ERA in his four previous starts against the Tigers.

Cabrera is 4 for 12 off Duffy and owns a 1.291 on-base plus slugging against lefties this year.

Verlander (12-10, 3.59) was the loser in that Aug. 16 contest despite limiting the Royals to two runs and seven hits over eight innings. He has notched at least one win over Kansas City each of the last seven years but is 0-2 in four starts this year despite a 2.60 ERA. He's 15-4 with a 2.71 ERA in 27 career outings against the Royals.

Verlander is also winless in his last five starts overall, with the Tigers losing each time. He threw seven shutout innings in a 4-0 loss to the Indians on Sunday.

"He pitched great," manager Jim Leyland said of Verlander's first scoreless performance in nine starts. "We just couldn't get the big hit when we really needed it."

Billy Butler is batting .344 over his last 31 games and is 27 for 62 (.435) off Verlander, including 6 for 9 this season.

Detroit's Austin Jackson, who was 3 for 6 with four RBIs Friday, is hitting .380 through his last 17 contests with 17 runs and 14 RBIs.

Tigers top prospect Nick Castellanos is expected to make his first big league start Saturday, according to the team's official website. He went 3 for 4 with a home run and three RBIs while winning MVP honors in the 2012 Futures Game at Kauffman Stadium.

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SERIES AT A GLANCE

GAME 1
Tigers at Royals
Fri, Sep 6 Final 16 to 2
Boxscores • Recaps

GAME 2
Tigers at Royals
Sat, Sep 7 - 7:10PM EDT

GAME 3
Tigers at Royals
Sun, Sep 8 - 2:10PM EDT

[StarDust Bum]

Preview: Blue Jays (65-76) at Twins (61-78)
Game: 2
Venue: Target Field
Date: September 07, 2013 7:10 PM EDT


The Toronto Blue Jays have been successful of late, but the same can't be said for J.A. Happ.

The left-hander will try again to snap out of his slump Saturday night while helping the Blue Jays add to their dominance over the Minnesota Twins.

Toronto (65-76) held off Minnesota 6-5 in Friday's series opener for its eighth win in 11 games and fourth in five road contests. The Blue Jays have won 33 of 43 over the Twins (61-78) and 15 of the last 19 road games in the series.

Happ (3-5, 5.54 ERA) will try to deliver another win while snapping a three-game skid. He has a 7.71 ERA in his last three starts after going 1-0 with a 4.96 ERA in his first three back from the disabled list.

Happ suffered a fractured skull and a sprained knee May 7 when he was hit in the head by a line drive in Tampa Bay.

"You guys are probably sick of me saying it's frustrating. It's frustrating for everybody," Happ said.

Happ hasn't pitched past the fifth inning in each of his last two starts, and he gave up five runs over four frames in a 5-0 loss to Kansas City on Sunday. He has failed to make it through six innings in 10 of his 13 outings this season.

"I just need to focus on being down in the zone. Maybe it's mixing it up a little more, trying to force contact earlier in the count, but it's tough to change the way you pitch. But I know I can definitely be better," Happ said.

Happ will face a Twins team that's dropped eight in a row at home and 10 of 11 overall. Kevin Correia (9-10, 4.18) will try to help end that skid with another strong outing.

The right-hander is 1-0 with a 0.64 ERA in his last two starts and gave up one run over seven innings in a 4-2 victory in Texas on Sunday. He might have pitched longer, but the 100-degree heat caused a mild cramp in his oblique, forcing him out after 79 pitches.

"I could have gone back out, but the coaches wouldn't let me," Correia said.

Correia is 1-2 with a 6.88 ERA in three career starts against Toronto. He gave up four runs and 10 hits over six innings in a 4-0 loss July 5.

Jose Reyes went 3 for 4 with a double against Correia in that game and is 10 for 25 (.400) lifetime.

Minnesota is trying to avoid its first nine-game home losing streak since April 27-May 23, 2011.

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SERIES AT A GLANCE

GAME 1
Blue Jays at Twins
Fri, Sep 6 Final 6 to 5
Boxscores • Recaps

GAME 2
Blue Jays at Twins
Sat, Sep 7 - 7:10PM EDT

GAME 3
Blue Jays at Twins
Sun, Sep 8 - 2:10PM EDT

[StarDust Bum]

Preview: Nationals (71-69) at Marlins (53-86)
Game: 2
Venue: Marlins Park
Date: September 07, 2013 7:10 PM EDT


While the Washington Nationals were hoping to make a run in the NL wild-card race this weekend, they appear to have caught the league-worst Miami Marlins at the wrong time.

The Marlins try to stay hot Saturday night against the visiting Nationals, who need a lot to go their way if they want to climb back into contention.

Miami (53-86) had dropped six straight and 10 of 11 before winning four of five. The Marlins have hit .315 and averaged 6.2 runs during that stretch, and they continued their surge with a 7-0 victory in Friday's opener.

Chris Coghlan had three of the team's 13 hits and Giancarlo Stanton went 2 for 4 with a home run and three RBIs. Logan Morrison added a two-run shot, his second in as many games.

The Nationals (71-69) also had their hands full against Jose Fernandez, who combined with Chad Qualls and Brad Hand on a two-hitter. Washington, which failed to get a runner into scoring position for just the second time all season, dropped eight games behind Cincinnati for the second wild-card spot.

"(Jose) brings so much excitement to the ballpark and this team and you can just tell the guys really feed off of that and I think you saw that in the offense," said manager Mike Redmond, whose team improved to 4-9 against Washington. "It was fun to watch."

Instead of giving the ball to Ross Ohlendorf, the Nationals will try to bounce back behind Tanner Roark (4-0, 1.19 ERA). The 26-year-old rookie, set to make his first big league start, held opponents to a .182 average over nine relief appearances spanning 22 2-3 innings.

"This is giving Tanner Roark an opportunity to start up here in the big leagues and see how he fits," manager Davey Johnson told MLB's official website. "He was good out of the 'pen, but he is a young starter. (Minor league pitching coordinator) Spin Williams really likes him as a big league starter. So we figured we take a look at that."

The right-hander has put together three scoreless innings in two appearances versus Miami.

The Marlins counter with Nathan Eovaldi (3-5, 3.40). The right-hander had received a combined six runs of support during an eight-start winless stretch before throwing a season-high eight innings in Sunday's 7-0 victory at Atlanta.

"Give Nathan a lot of credit," Redmond said of Eovaldi, who snapped a five-game losing streak. "He went out there and pounded the strike zone and gave us a chance."

While Eovaldi was tagged for a career-worst 11 runs in three-plus innings in a 14-10 loss to San Francisco on Aug. 16, he has compiled a 2.25 ERA in his other five home outings.

Eovaldi allowed two runs in six innings in a 2-1 loss at Washington on Aug. 27, dropping to 1-1 with a 3.75 ERA in two starts in the series. Ian Desmond and Adam LaRoche are a combined 6 for 12 in their matchups, but Anthony Rendon and Jayson Werth are both 0 for 5.

It's unclear if Eovaldi will have to face Denard Span, who was a late scratch Friday due to a tight groin. The center fielder is batting .406 with 11 runs during a 17-game hitting streak.

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SERIES AT A GLANCE

GAME 1
Nationals at Marlins
Fri, Sep 6 Final 0 to 7
Boxscores • Recaps

GAME 2
Nationals at Marlins
Sat, Sep 7 - 7:10PM EDT

GAME 3
Nationals at Marlins
Sun, Sep 8 - 1:10PM EDT

[StarDust Bum]

Preview: Pirates (81-59) at Cardinals (81-60)
Game: 2
Venue: Busch Stadium
Date: September 07, 2013 7:15 PM EDT


While Adam Wainwright and Jeff Locke represented their respective teams at this year's All-Star game, neither has come close to pitching at that level of late.

With both starters looking to get back on track, the St. Louis Cardinals try to overtake the NL Central-leading Pittsburgh Pirates on Saturday night at Busch Stadium.

Wainwright (15-9, 3.14 ERA) is on the verge of losing a season-high third consecutive start after uncharacteristically getting knocked around in back-to-back defeats to Cincinnati. After surrendering a career-worst nine earned runs in two innings in a 10-0 rout Aug. 28, Wainwright yielded six runs in as many innings in Monday's 7-2 road defeat.

"Obviously, I'm frustrated," he told MLB's official website. "This team deserves more out of me, and the last two games, I haven't given them what they deserve.

"The last time, it was a matter of me leaving too many ball in the middle of the plate. Today, they hit some good pitches. I feel very strong. ... It's a head-scratcher, to be honest with you."

The Pirates (81-59) are hoping to see Locke (9-4, 3.22) regain his form after briefly sending him down to Double-A Altoona to clear his head. The left-hander, 0-2 with a 7.02 ERA in his last seven outings, will make his first start since yielding five runs in 4 2-3 innings in a 7-6 loss to Milwaukee on Aug. 27.

"I'm young, 25, but there is fatigue, and everyone says it's normal," said Locke, whose 148 1-3 innings are second on the team. "And we're not the only team doing something like this. I'm gonna want to take it every time, gonna want to keep going, regardless of how it's going.

"You gotta bring more than what I've been bringing. ... Just get away from it for a while, step back and hit the reset button."

Another poor showing could help St. Louis (81-60) climb atop the division. The Cardinals, who had scored 17 runs during a 2-6 stretch, moved within one-half game of Pittsburgh with Friday's 12-8 victory.

Jon Jay, Matt Holliday and Carlos Beltran combined for eight hits and seven RBIs, and Yadier Molina delivered a big a three-run homer.

"They made some mistakes over the plate and we did a real good job of taking advantage," Matt Carpenter said after posting his major league-leading 55th multihit effort.

Pittsburgh failed to get much going until scoring seven runs over the final two innings. Josh Harrison delivered a pinch-hit two-run homer and Jose Tabata had two RBIs.

"You've got to take one positive from tonight and that's this team and what they did to the final out," losing pitcher A.J. Burnett said.

The Pirates, hoping to avoid a third consecutive loss, are still one win from securing their first winning season since going 96-66 in 1992.

"It's a mile marker on the road," said manager Clint Hurdle, whose team has dropped five of eight to St. Louis.

Wainwright has been hit hard in his last five starts versus Pittsburgh, going 1-2 with a 6.00 ERA. Andrew McCutchen is 10 for 25 with five extra-base hits in their matchups, and Russell Martin is 9 for 21.

Locke threw seven innings of three-hit ball in a 9-0 win at St. Louis on April 28, but he was tagged for four runs and a career high-tying 10 hits in four innings against the Cardinals on July 31.

Locke will need to be careful against Holliday, who is 4 for 5 against him. The six-time All-Star has hit safely in 20 of 21 home games, going 30 for 72 (.417) with six homers and 24 RBIs.

Jay is 17 for 42 (.405) with eight RBIs and eight runs in his last 10 games versus Pittsburgh.

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SERIES AT A GLANCE

GAME 1
Pirates at Cardinals
Fri, Sep 6 Final 8 to 12
Boxscores • Recaps

GAME 2
Pirates at Cardinals
Sat, Sep 7 - 7:15PM EDT

GAME 3
Pirates at Cardinals
Sun, Sep 8 - 2:15PM EDT

[StarDust Bum]

Preview: Rockies (66-76) at Padres (63-77)
Game: 2
Venue:
Date: September 07, 2013 8:40 PM EDT


The San Diego Padres opened this three-game home set with a rare victory over the Colorado Rockies.

Winning with Tyson Ross on the mound could be more difficult.

The unlucky Ross has lost both starts this year to the Rockies, and the Padres have given him little support in losing his last four outings heading into Saturday night's matchup at Petco Park.

San Diego (63-77) improved to 5-12 against Colorado by rallying for a 4-3 victory Friday. Chase Headley hit a tying homer to lead off the bottom of the ninth and pinch-hitter Jesus Guzman later singled with the bases loaded.

"I think that game was Chase Headley," Guzman said. "He win the game because he changed the game. If he don't change the game, I don't hit it."

Ross (3-7, 2.99 ERA) went 0-1 with a 4.82 ERA in two April starts versus the Rockies and has also allowed one run over 3 1-3 innings spanning two relief appearances against them.

The right-hander is 3-3 with a 2.45 ERA in eight starts since being re-inserted into the rotation July 23 at Milwaukee, but the Padres have totaled 14 runs of support for him in that span.

San Diego has scored one run in each of Ross' last four starts, as he has gone 0-2 with a 3.70 ERA.

Ross yielded one run over five innings and did not get a decision Sunday in a 2-1 loss to the Dodgers. He struck out a career-high 10 in a 105-pitch effort.

"I was just trying to execute in a couple of tough situations," Ross said. "Giving up one run and keeping us in the ballgame is always my goal."

Troy Tulowitzki, Michael Cuddyer and Dexter Fowler are the only Rockies with two hits apiece against Ross.

Fowler's status, however, is unclear after he left Friday in the sixth inning when he aggravated a left knee injury. The center fielder appeared to hurt the knee when he stole second base in the fifth.

Cuddyer went 0 for 3 as his average fell to .329, dropping behind Atlanta third baseman Chris Johnson's .330 mark in the race for the NL batting title.

Colorado (66-76) could have third baseman Nolan Arenado back in the lineup Saturday. Arenado, who leads all rookies with 117 hits, did not start Friday due to a thumb bruise, but entered to play defense in the ninth inning.

"I want to finish strong, and I want to play in every game after today," he told the Rockies' official website.

The Rockies will start Tyler Chatwood (7-4, 3.29), who returned after missing a month with right elbow inflammation and left Sunday's 7-4 victory over Cincinnati after two-plus innings with a bruised right thumb.

"It's frustrating," he said. "You wait a month to start and that happens."

The right-hander, 1-0 with a 5.23 ERA in two career starts against San Diego, had no setbacks Wednesday in a bullpen session.

Headley is 3 for 6 off Chatwood and 8 for 24 during a seven-game hitting streak, although he is batting .171 in the season series.

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[StarDust Bum]

Preview: Rangers (80-60) at Angels (66-74)
Game: 2
Venue: Angel Stadium of Anaheim
Date: September 07, 2013 9:05 PM EDT


The Texas Rangers entered Friday with a chance to set a franchise record for consecutive wins over the Los Angeles Angels. They left with a defeat that cost them first place.

They'll need Derek Holland to reverse his fortunes against the Angels on Saturday night for the Rangers to avoid losing their first series with Los Angeles this year.

Texas (80-60) held a one-half game edge in the AL West but now trails Oakland by the same margin after a 6-5 loss at Angel Stadium on Friday. The Rangers squandered a 3-0 lead after three innings and wasted a chance for a franchise-record eighth straight victory against Los Angeles.

Holland (9-7, 3.07 ERA) is 2-2 with a 6.50 ERA in seven starts versus the Angels since the start of last season, surrendering 11 home runs over 45 2-3 innings.

The left-hander has had a particularly tough time against Mike Trout, who is 9 for 22 (.409) off Holland with two homers, two doubles, and five walks. Trout also owns a .549 on-base percentage over his last 12 games and was 3 for 4 Friday.

Texas would love to see Holland cut down on walks after he issued a season high-tying five over 4 2-3 innings of a 4-2 loss at Oakland on Monday. He's averaging 5.16 walks per nine innings over his last five starts compared to a 2.97 rate on the season.

"Five walks is not acceptable," Holland said after allowing four runs and five hits to the Athletics. "There's no reason for it. I didn't execute my pitches. It was all around terrible by me."

Holland will look to keep Mark Trumbo in the yard after he connected for his 30th home run with a three-run shot Friday as the Angels (66-74) won for the 11th time in 14 games. Trumbo is the sixth player in franchise history with back-to-back 30 homer seasons and has taken Holland deep three times in 33 at_bats.

"Any time a team has beaten you up a little bit, that feeling can linger," Trumbo said of the Rangers, who have won 15 of the last 21 meetings, including seven of nine at Angel Stadium. "It feels good to get one back."

Los Angeles will turn to Garrett Richards, who is 3-2 with a 3.21 ERA in eight starts since becoming a full-time member of the Angels' rotation on July 27.

Like Holland, Richards (5-6, 4.06) also battled control issues his last time out. He recorded a victory despite issuing seven walks - tied for the second-most in baseball this year - over five innings while yielding two hits and a run in an 11-2 final over Tampa Bay on Monday.

Richards had walked a total of seven batters over his previous five outings.

"He never really got command of counts," manager Mike Scioscia said. "His ball-strike ratio was very poor and his first pitch strike ratio was bad. He couldn't really get his secondary pitches into the game - but when it's all said and done, it's a win for us, and hopefully he'll take that and learn for next time."

Richards hasn't recorded a decision in four career starts versus Texas while posting a 4.67 ERA. He allowed three runs and six hits in six innings of an 8-3 loss to the Rangers on Aug. 6.

Ian Kinsler was 2 for 5 Friday after going 4 for 26 over his previous six contests, but struck out to end the game with the tying run on first.

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SERIES AT A GLANCE

GAME 1
Rangers at Angels
Fri, Sep 6 Final 5 to 6
Boxscores • Recaps

GAME 2
Rangers at Angels
Sat, Sep 7 - 9:05PM EDT

GAME 3
Rangers at Angels
Sun, Sep 8 - 3:35PM EDT

[StarDust Bum]

Preview: Diamondbacks (71-69) at Giants (63-78)
Game: 3
Venue: AT&T Park
Date: September 07, 2013 9:05 PM EDT


After nearly witnessing the second perfect game in franchise history, the San Francisco Giants are hoping to see a strong outing from their only pitcher to accomplish that momentous feat.

Matt Cain will try to have a successful return from his first stint on the disabled list and help the Giants put another dent in the Arizona Diamondbacks' faint playoff hopes Saturday night.

Yusmeiro Petit, who took Cain's spot in the rotation, was within one out of perfection Friday, but Eric Chavez's pinch-hit single landed just in front of a diving Hunter Pence in right field. The 3-0 victory pushed Arizona eight games behind Cincinnati in the race for the NL's final wild card berth with 22 left to play.

Cain (8-8, 4.43 ERA) will try to hinder the Diamondbacks' postseason hopes in his first game back from a bruised right forearm. The right-hander suffered the injury when he was hit by a line drive in a 10-5 loss to Pittsburgh on Aug. 22.

"We were fortunate there was no fracture and so was he," manager Bruce Bochy said after that game. "That ball was smoked. It caught him flush."

Cain is 4-0 with a 2.57 ERA in his last seven starts against Arizona, losers in six of nine, and 3-0 with a 2.42 ERA in his last four home matchups. He gave up two runs over five innings in his most recent meeting with the Diamondbacks, a 4-3 victory at AT&T Park on July 20.

Arizona (71-69) is hitting .235 in its last nine games - 23 points lower than its season average - and has produced 20 runs. The Diamondbacks have scored 18 runs in their past nine contests against San Francisco while batting .227.

The Giants (63-78) have won 10 of 14 over their NL West rivals, and they'll face a struggling Brandon McCarthy in this game.

McCarthy (3-9, 4.94) is 1-6 with a 5.92 ERA in his last seven starts, the last six occurring since a return from the disabled list (right shoulder inflammation). The right-hander earned a 6-1 win over San Diego on Aug. 26, allowing one unearned run over seven innings, but suffered a complete-game loss to Toronto on Monday.

He gave up four runs and five hits in that 4-1 defeat and has received two runs or fewer in six of his last seven starts.

"He threw well and gave us a chance to win," manager Kirk Gibson said. "We just didn't hit."

McCarthy did not get a decision in his only start against San Francisco on May 1. He allowed four runs and eight hits over six innings in that 9-6 defeat.

Pence and Angel Pagan homered and doubled off him in that game. Pence, batting .500 (12 for 24) with three homers in his last seven games, is 5 for 10 with four extra-base hits in his career against McCarthy.

The Giants likely won't have catcher Buster Posey for this rest of this series. He has missed the past three games with a broken right ring finger.

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

SERIES AT A GLANCE

GAME 1
Diamondbacks at Giants
Thu, Sep 5 Final 4 to 2
Boxscores • Recaps

GAME 2
Diamondbacks at Giants
Fri, Sep 6 Final 0 to 3
Boxscores • Recaps

GAME 3
Diamondbacks at Giants
Sat, Sep 7 - 9:05PM EDT

GAME 4
Diamondbacks at Giants
Sun, Sep 8 - 4:05PM EDT

[StarDust Bum]

Preview: Rays (77-63) at Mariners (64-77)
Game: 2
Venue: Safeco Field
Date: September 07, 2013 9:10 PM EDT


The reality for the Tampa Bay Rays is the AL East crown is out of reach and they'll have to focus on the wild card.

The Rays have matched their largest division deficit of the season and continue to struggle on this 10-game trip ahead of Saturday night's contest against a Seattle Mariners team giving starter James Paxton his major league debut.

Tampa Bay (77-63) fell for the seventh time in nine games and dropped to 2-6 on the trip after Friday's 6-4 loss in the opener of this three-game set.

The Rays, tied for the division lead Aug. 24, have dropped 7 1/2 games behind first-place Boston - their worst deficit since May 2. Their lead for the AL's second wild card was cut to two games by Baltimore and Cleveland, with the New York Yankees 2 1/2 games back.

Evan Longoria, who leads Tampa Bay with 72 RBIs, has now gone nine games without driving in a run with seven hits in 34 at_bats.

Ben Zobrist is 11 for 32 in this nine-game stretch for the Rays and James Loney is 9 for 27 in those games, and each has four RBIs.

Tampa Bay is last in the majors with a .146 average with runners in scoring position since its woes began Aug. 29.

The Rays will try to be more productive Saturday against Paxton, who will get the start after he went 8-11 with a 4.45 ERA in 28 games - 26 starts - for Triple-A Tacoma. He becomes the fourth rookie pitcher to start for the Mariners.

"I feel like I've kind of done my part in the minor leagues, learned a lot of things," Paxton told the Mariners' official website. "I definitely feel like I'm ready for a shot up here and I'm just really excited about it and I'm ready to go."

The 24-year-old left-hander born in suburban Vancouver is a 2010 fourth-round draft pick by Seattle who pitched in college at Kentucky.

"I'm excited, excited to watch him," manager Eric Wedge said. "I know he's excited to pitch, as well he should be. It's always fun to watch a debut, especially when it's a starting pitcher."

Seattle (64-77) ended a six-game home skid Friday as Justin Smoak came through with a go-ahead two-run double in the eighth inning. Raul Ibanez homered for the second straight game and rookie Brad Miller added two hits.

Miller has five homers - two off Chris Archer (8-6, 3.14 ERA), who starts Friday for the Rays. Archer matched a season high by allowing five runs over five innings in a 5-4 home defeat to the Mariners on Aug. 13.

The Tampa Bay right-hander also gave up five runs over 3 2-3 innings Monday in an 11-2 loss to the Los Angeles Angels.

"When I take the mound, I definitely don't expect to go less than four innings," he said. "I should have done a lot better."

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

SERIES AT A GLANCE

GAME 1
Rays at Mariners
Fri, Sep 6 Final 4 to 6
Boxscores • Recaps

GAME 2
Rays at Mariners
Sat, Sep 7 - 9:10PM EDT

GAME 3
Rays at Mariners
Sun, Sep 8 - 4:10PM EDT

[StarDust Bum]

MLB
Dunkel

Detroit at Kansas City
The Royals look to take advantage of a Detroit team that is 0-5 in Justin Verlander's last 5 starts as a favorite. Kansas City is the pick (+115) according to Dunkel, which has the Royals favored by 1. Dunkel Pick: Kansas City (+115). Here are all of today's picks.

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 7

Game 951-952: Milwaukee at Chicago Cubs (4:05 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Milwaukee (Hellweg) 14.437; Cubs (Arrieta) 16.019
Dunkel Line: Chicago Cubs by 1 1/2; 7
Vegas Line: Chicago Cubs (-130); No Run Total
Dunkel Pick: Chicago Cubs (-130); N/A

Game 953-954: LA Dodgers at Cincinnati (1:05 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: LA Dodgers (Greinke) 15.904; Cincinnati (Latos) 14.970
Dunkel Line: LA Dodgers by 1; 8
Vegas Line: Cincinnati (-120); 7
Dunkel Pick: LA Dodgers (+100); Over

Game 955-956: Atlanta at Philadelphia (7:05 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Atlanta (Wood) 16.491; Philadelphia (Kendrick) 13.954
Dunkel Line: Atlanta by 1 1/2; 9
Vegas Line: Atlanta (-160); 8 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Atlanta (-160); Over

Game 957-958: Washington at Miami (7:05 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Washington (Roark) 14.430; Miami (Eovaldi) 15.592
Dunkel Line: Miami by 1; 7
Vegas Line: Washington (-120); 7 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Miami (+100); Under

Game 959-960: Pittsburgh at St. Louis (7:15 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Pittsburgh (Locke) 15.123; St. Louis (Wainwright) 14.123
Dunkel Line: Pittsburgh by 1; 6
Vegas Line: St. Louis (-170); 7 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Pittsburgh (+150); Under

Game 961-962: Colorado at San Diego (8:40 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Colorado (Chatwood) 13.925; San Diego (Ross) 15.400
Dunkel Line: San Diego by 1 1/2; 8
Vegas Line: San Diego (-135); 7
Dunkel Pick: San Diego (-135); Over

Game 963-964: Arizona at San Francisco (9:05 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Arizona (McCarthy) 13.989; San Francisco (Cain) 15.418
Dunkel Line: San Francisco by 1 1/2; 8
Vegas Line: San Francisco (-145); 7
Dunkel Pick: San Francisco (-145); Over

Game 965-966: Boston at NY Yankees (1:05 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Boston (Lackey) 16.293; NY Yankees (Huff) 17.281
Dunkel Line: NY Yankees by 1; 8
Vegas Line: Boston (-135); 9
Dunkel Pick: NY Yankees (+115); Under

Game 967-968: Houston at Oakland (4:05 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Houston (Oberholtzer) 15.172; Oakland (Straily) 14.564
Dunkel Line: Houston by 1/2; 7
Vegas Line: Oakland (-220); 8
Dunkel Pick: Houston (+190); Under

Game 969-970: Chicago White Sox at Baltimore (1:05 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: White Sox (Santiago) 14.494; Baltimore (Chen) 15.874
Dunkel Line: Baltimore by 1 1/2; 9
Vegas Line: Baltimore (-180); 8 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Baltimore (-180); Over

Game 971-972: Detroit at Kansas City (7:10 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Detroit (Verlander) 15.177; Kansas City (Duffy) 16.214
Dunkel Line: Kansas City by 1; 7
Vegas Line: Detroit (-135); 8
Dunkel Pick: Kansas City (+115); Under

Game 973-774: Toronto at Minnesota (7:10 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Toronto (Happ) 14.271; Minnesota (Correia) 15.753
Dunkel Line: Minnesota by 1 1/2; 9
Vegas Line: Minnesota (-120); 8 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Minnesota (-120); Over

Game 975-976: Texas at LA Angels (9:05 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Texas (Holland) 16.290; LA Angels (Richards) 14.937
Dunkel Line: Texas by 1 1/2; 7
Vegas Line: Texas (-130); 8
Dunkel Pick: Texas (-130); Under

Game 977-978: Tampa Bay at Seattle (9:10 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Tampa Bay (Archer) 14.538; Seattle (Paxton) 15.632
Dunkel Line: Seattle by 1; 8
Vegas Line: Tampa Bay (-155); 7 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Seattle (+135); Over

Game 979-980: NY Mets at Cleveland (8:05 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: NY Mets (Niese) 15.867; Cleveland (Kluber) 14.973
Dunkel Line: NY Mets by 1; 7
Vegas Line: Cleveland (-160); 8
Dunkel Pick: NY Mets (+140); Under

[StarDust Bum]

MLB
Armadillo's Write-Up

Saturday, September 7

Hot pitchers
-- Greinke is 6-0, 1.22 in his last six starts.
-- Latos is 4-2, 1.79 in his last six starts.
-- Wood is 2-1, 2.70 in his last six starts.
-- Eovaldi is 1-2, 2.14 in his last three starts.

-- Niese is 2-0, 1.30 in his last four starts.

-- Straily is 2-0, 2.45 in his last two starts. Oberholtzer is 4-1, 2.20 in six starts this season.
-- Duffy is 2-0, 0.55 in his last three starts.
-- Richards is 2-1, 2.87 in his last three starts.
-- Correia is 1-0, 0.64 in his last couple starts.
-- Archer is 2-1, 3.28 in his last four starts.

Cold pitchers
-- Arrieta is 1-1, 6.32 in his last three starts. Hellweg is 0-3, 16.76 in his three starts this season.
-- Kendrick is 0-4, 7.24 in his last five starts.
-- Roark was 9-3, 3.15 in AAA this year, with 11 starts in 33 appearances; he is 4-0 in big leagues already, in only nine relief appearances (22.1 IP, 1.19 ERA).
-- Locke is 0-2, 8.44 in his last six starts. Wainwright is 0-2, 16.88 in his last two outings.
-- Chatwood allowed ten run in 4.1 IP in his last two starts.
-- Ross is 0-2, 6.23 in his last three starts.
-- McCarthy is 1-5, 5.09 in his last six starts. Cain is 1-2, 3.70 in his last four.

-- Kluber was 1-0, 2.25 in his last five starts before he went on DL; last start for him was August 5.

-- Lackey is 1-4, 3.19 in his last six starts; Boston was shut out in five of his last 11 starts. Huff is 20-26, 5.18 in 52 MLB starts; he is 2-0, 3.32 in 19 IP in bigs this year (9 games). He was 4-7, 3.90 in 14 minor league starts this year.
-- Chen is 1-4, 6.09 in his last six starts. Santiago is 1-2, 4.40 in his last five.
-- Detroit lost last five Verlander starts (0-2, 4.50).
-- Happ is 0-3, 9.00 in his last three starts.
-- Holland is 0-1, 4.86 in his last three starts.
-- Lefty Paxton was 8-11, 4.45 in 26 AAA starts this year; this is his first big league appearance. .

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........
-- Hellweg 2-3; Arrieta 2-10 (0 of 5 as Cub)
-- Greinke 7-23; Latos 9-28 (1 of last 9)
-- Wood 2-9; Kendrick 11-28 (4 of last 7)
-- Roark 0-0; Eovaldi 4-14
-- Locke 6-26; Wainwright 9-30 (5 of last 10)
-- Chatwood 5-16; Ross 4-11
-- McCarthy 6-17; Cain 8-26 (1 of last 7)

-- Niese 6-19; Kluber 3-19 (0 of last 5)

-- Lackey 10-25; Huff 0-0
-- Oberholtzer 1-6; Straily 5-23 (1 of last 6)
-- Santiago 4-19; Chen 4-18 (1 of last 7)
-- Verlander 9-29 (5 of last 9); Duffy 1-4
-- Happ 4-13 (3 of last 5); Correia 6-27 (0 of last 13)
-- Holland 4-28 (1 of last 6); Richards 3-12
-- Archer 6-18 (4 of last 6); Paxton 0-0

Totals
-- Six of last eight Milwaukee road games went over the total.
-- Under is 8-2-1 in last eleven Atlanta games.
-- Over is 10-4-1 in last fifteen Washington games.
-- Over is 6-2-1 in last nine eCincinnati games.
-- Over is 5-1-1 in Cardinals' last seven games.
-- Six of last seven Colorado games went over the total. Five of last six San Diego games stayed under total.
-- Seven of last nine Arizona games stayed under the total.

-- Seven of last eleven Cleveland games stayed under total.

-- Six of last seven Bronx games went over the total.
-- Four of last six White Sox games went over the total.
-- Six of last nine Kansas City games stayed under total.
-- Five of last seven Toronto games stayed under total; three of last four Twin games went over.
-- Over is 5-1-1 in last seven Angel games.
-- Eight of last twelve Houston games stayed under the total.
-- Four of last five Tampa Bay games went over the total.

Hot teams
-- Braves won eight of their last eleven games.
-- Washington seven of its last ten games on foreign soil. Marlins won four of their last five games.
-- Dodgers won five of their last seven games. Cincinnati won four of last five. .
-- San Diego won six of its last eight home games.

-- Indians won four of their last five games.

-- Royals won eight of their last eleven games. Tigers won six of eight on road.
-- Red Sox won ten of their last twelve games.
-- Baltimore won five of its last six home games.
-- Blue Jays won eight of their last eleven games.
-- Angels won ten of their last thirteen games.
-- A's won ten of their last thirteen games.

Cold teams
-- Cubs are 7-18 in last 25 home games. Brewers lost six of last seven games.
-- Phillies lost four of their last six games.
-- St Louis lost five of its last eight games. Pirates are 11-15 in last 26 games.
-- Rockies lost seven of their last ten road games.
-- Giants are 1-7 in game after their last eight wins. Arizona lost six of its last nine games.

-- Mets lost four of their last five games.

-- Bronx lost last two games, allowing 21 runs.
-- White Sox lost their last eight games.
-- Detroit lost three of its last five games.
-- Tampa Bay lost ten of its last twelve games. Seattle lost four of last six.
-- Rangers lost five of their last seven games.
-- Houston lost eight of its last twelve games.

Umpires
-- Mil-Chi-- Favorites won seven of last eight McClelland games.
-- LA-Cin-- Last four Nelson games stayed under the total.
-- Atl-Phil-- Six of last nine Everitt games stayed under total.
-- Wsh-Mia-- Home side won 11 of last 13 Barksdale games.
-- Pitt-StL-- Last five Vanover games went over the total.
-- Col-SD-- 17 of last 23 Miller games stayed under the total.
-- Az-SF-- Last five Guccione games stayed under the total.

-- NY-Cle-- Under is 9-5-1 in last fifteen Meals games.

-- Bos-NY-- Three of last four Holbrook games stayed under.
-- Hst-A's-- Four of last five Gibson games went over the total.
-- Chi-Balt-- Five of last six Hoye games stayed under total.
-- Det-KC-- Favorites won five of last six Marquez games.
-- Tor-Min-- Five of last six Blaser games stayed under total.
-- Tex-LA-- Underdogs won five of last six BWelke games.
-- TB-Sea-- Six of last nine Fairchild games went over total.

[StarDust Bum]

MLB

Saturday, September 7

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Trend Report
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1:05 PM
LA DODGERS vs. CINCINNATI
LA Dodgers are 7-3 SU in their last 10 games when playing Cincinnati
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of LA Dodgers's last 5 games when playing Cincinnati
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Cincinnati's last 9 games when playing at home against LA Dodgers
The total has gone OVER in 6 of Cincinnati's last 9 games

1:05 PM
BOSTON vs. NY YANKEES
Boston is 7-1 SU in its last 8 games
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Boston's last 6 games when playing NY Yankees
NY Yankees are 13-4 SU in their last 17 games at home
The total has gone OVER in 5 of NY Yankees's last 5 games at home

1:05 PM
CHI WHITE SOX vs. BALTIMORE
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Chi White Sox's last 6 games when playing on the road against Baltimore
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Chi White Sox's last 5 games when playing Baltimore
Baltimore is 7-3 SU in their last 10 games when playing Chi White Sox
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Baltimore's last 6 games at home

4:05 PM
HOUSTON vs. OAKLAND
Houston is 3-8 SU in its last 11 games
Houston is 3-8 SU in its last 11 games when playing on the road against Oakland
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Oakland's last 6 games when playing Houston
Oakland is 6-2 SU in its last 8 games at home

4:05 PM
MILWAUKEE vs. CHI CUBS
Milwaukee is 10-5 SU in their last 15 games when playing on the road against Chi Cubs
Milwaukee is 1-6 SU in its last 7 games
Chi Cubs are 5-10 SU in their last 15 games when playing at home against Milwaukee
Chi Cubs are 6-16 SU in their last 22 games when playing Milwaukee

6:05 PM
NY METS vs. CLEVELAND
The total has gone OVER in 5 of NY Mets's last 5 games when playing on the road against Cleveland
NY Mets are 5-2 SU in its last 7 games when playing on the road against Cleveland
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Cleveland's last 6 games at home
Cleveland is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games

7:05 PM
ATLANTA vs. PHILADELPHIA
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Atlanta's last 6 games on the road
Atlanta is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Philadelphia's last 6 games when playing Atlanta
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Philadelphia's last 5 games

7:10 PM
TORONTO vs. MINNESOTA
Toronto is 15-4 SU in its last 19 games when playing on the road against Minnesota
Toronto is 4-8 SU in its last 12 games on the road
Minnesota is 4-8 SU in its last 12 games
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Minnesota's last 5 games

7:10 PM
DETROIT vs. KANSAS CITY
The total has gone OVER in 8 of Detroit's last 12 games
Detroit is 6-2 SU in its last 8 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 7 of Kansas City's last 9 games when playing at home against Detroit
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Kansas City's last 9 games

7:10 PM
WASHINGTON vs. MIAMI
The total has gone OVER in 7 of Washington's last 9 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Washington's last 6 games
Miami is 2-5 SU in its last 7 games at home
Miami is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games

7:15 PM
PITTSBURGH vs. ST. LOUIS
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Pittsburgh's last 5 games when playing St. Louis
The total has gone OVER in 7 of Pittsburgh's last 9 games when playing on the road against St. Louis
The total has gone OVER in 5 of St. Louis's last 7 games
St. Louis is 7-2 SU in its last 9 games at home

8:40 PM
COLORADO vs. SAN DIEGO
The total has gone OVER in 7 of Colorado's last 8 games
Colorado is 5-16 SU in its last 21 games on the road
San Diego is 5-12 SU in its last 17 games when playing Colorado
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of San Diego's last 6 games

9:05 PM
ARIZONA vs. SAN FRANCISCO
Arizona is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Arizona's last 5 games
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of San Francisco's last 6 games when playing at home against Arizona
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of San Francisco's last 5 games

9:05 PM
TEXAS vs. LA ANGELS
Texas is 7-1 SU in their last 8 games when playing LA Angels
The total has gone OVER in 6 of Texas's last 7 games when playing on the road against LA Angels
LA Angels are 1-7 SU in their last 8 games when playing Texas
The total has gone OVER in 9 of LA Angels's last 12 games when playing Texas

9:10 PM
TAMPA BAY vs. SEATTLE
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Tampa Bay's last 6 games when playing on the road against Seattle
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Tampa Bay's last 5 games
Seattle is 6-12 SU in its last 18 games when playing Tampa Bay
Seattle is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games

[StarDust Bum]

MLB

Saturday, September 7

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Saturday's MLB betting notes and tips
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NATIONAL

Los Angeles Dodgers at Cincinnati Reds (-117, 7)

Hot pitching stat: Dodgers right-hander Zack Greinke is 6-0 with a 1.24 ERA and 37 strikeouts over his previous six starts.

Cold batting stat: Reds OF Jay Bruce is just 3-for-24 with six strikeouts against Greinke.

Weather: Temperatures will be in the low-80s with sunny skies. Wind will blow from right to left field at 4 mph.

Key betting note: Cincinnati is 14-3 in right-hander Mat Latos' last 17 home starts against teams with winning records.

Milwaukee Brewers at Chicago Cubs (-130, OFF)

Cold pitching stat: Brewers right-hander Johnny Hellweg has walked 13 while allowing opponents to hit .365 over his first 10 2/3 major-league innings.

Cold batting stat: Members of the Milwaukee roster are a combined 2-for-20 against Cubs starter Jake Arrieta.

Weather: Temperatures will be in the mid-80s with a 20 percent chance of thunderstorms. Wind will blow out to right field at 7 mph.

Key betting note: The over is 6-2-1 in umpire Tim McClelland's last nine games behind home plate.

Atlanta Braves at Philadelphia Phillies (+150, 8.5)

Cold pitching stat: Philadelphia right-hander Kyle Kendrick is 0-4 with a 5.27 ERA over his last five starts.

Hot batting stat: Atlanta 2B Dan Uggla is 12-for-38 with a pair of homers and seven RBIs in his career against Kendrick.

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

Key betting note: The over is 9-3-1 in the Phillies' last 13 Saturday games.

Washington Nationals at Miami Marlins (+105, 7.5)

Hot pitching stat: Nationals right-hander Tanner Roark enters his first major-league start 4-0 with a 1.19 ERA in 22 2/3 career innings.

Hot batting stat: Washington 1B Adam LaRoche is 3-for-6 with two RBIs lifetime against Miami starter Nathan Eovaldi.

Weather: Temperatures will be in the mid-80s with a 30 percent chance of showers or thunderstorms. Wind will blow from left to right field at 5 mph.

Key betting note: The under is 7-1-1 in Eovaldi's last nine starts.

Pittsburgh Pirates at St. Louis Cardinals (-160, 7.5)

Cold pitching stat: Cardinals right-hander Adam Wainwright has struggled of late, surrendering 15 runs over his last two starts spanning eight innings.

Hot batting stat: Pirates OF Andrew McCutchen is 10-for-25 with a homer in his career against Wainwright.

Weather: Temperatures will be in the mid-80s with partly cloudy skies. Wind will blow out toward left-center field at 5 mph.

Key betting note: St. Louis is 8-0 in Wainwright's last eight Saturday starts.

Colorado Rockies at San Diego Padres (-126, 7)

Hot pitching stat: Padres right-hander Tyson Ross was sensational in his last turn, holding the Los Angeles Dodgers to a run on five hits while fanning 10 over five innings of a no-decision.

Cold batting stat: Members of the Colorado roster are a combined 9-for-40 with eight strikeouts against Ross.

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

Key betting note: The under is 7-1 in Ross' last eight starts.

Arizona Diamondbacks at San Francisco Giants (-142, 7)

Cold pitching stat: San Francisco right-hander Matt Cain is 4-6 with a 5.03 ERA in 15 home starts.

Cold batting stat: Diamondbacks C Miguel Montero is a career .208 hitter with 15 strikeouts in 53 at-bats against Cain.

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

Key betting note: The Giants are 9-2 in Cain's last 11 home starts against Arizona.


AMERICAN

Chicago White Sox at Baltimore Orioles (-180, 8.5)

Cold pitching stat: Orioles right-hander Wei-Yin Chen is 3-4 with a 4.91 ERA in the second half after going 4-3 with a 2.82 ERA prior to the All-Star break.

Hot batting stat: White Sox 2B Jeff Keppinger is 5-for-11 lifetime against Chen; the rest of the White Sox are a combined 4-for-27.

Weather: Temperatures will be in the high-70s with sunny skies. Wind will blow out to left-center field at 4 mph.

Key betting note: The under is 13-4 in Chen's last 17 starts.

Boston Red Sox at New York Yankees (+118, 9)

Hot pitching stat: Red Sox right-hander John Lackey has registered four consecutive quality starts, a streak which began with a victory over the Yankees back on Aug. 17.

Cold batting stat: Yankees OF Alfonso Soriano is just 5-for-33 with seven strikeouts in his career against Lackey.

Weather: Temperatures will be in the high-70s with sunny skies. Wind will blow out to left field at 7 mph.

Key betting note: The under is 21-4-1 in Lackey's previous 26 outings.

Houston Astros at Oakland Athletics (-210, 8)

Hot pitching stat: Athletics right-hander Dan Straily has won back-to-back starts for the first time since early-July, surrendering just three runs over 11 innings in that span.

Cold batting stat: Astros 1B Brett Wallace went 0-for-3 with three strikeouts in his only career encounter with Straily.

Weather: Temperatures will be in the low-80s with sunny skies. Wind will blow from left to right field at 4 mph.

Key betting note: The under is 13-3-2 in Oakland's last 18 Saturday games.

Toronto Blue Jays at Minnesota Twins (-115, 8.5)

Cold pitching stat: Blue Jays lefty J.A. Happ has dropped his last three starts, allowing 14 runs while failing to go past 5 1/3 innings in any of them.

Cold batting stat: Twins C Ryan Doumit has just one hit in 10 career at-bats against Happ.

Weather: Temperatures will be in the mid-80s with partly cloudy skies. Wind will blow from left to right field at 8 mph.

Key betting note: The Twins have won just three of right-hander Kevin Correia's last 13 starts.

Detroit Tigers at Kansas City Royals (+122, 8)

Cold pitching stat: Tigers right-hander Justin Verlander rediscovered his form last time out, tossing seven shutout innings but settling for a no-decision in a 4-0 Cleveland victory.

Hot batting stat: Royals DH Billy Butler has had Verlander's number over his career, hitting .435 with two home runs, 10 RBIs and eight walks in 62 at-bats.

Weather: Temperatures will be in the low-90s with clear skies. Wind will blow out to left field at 7 mph.

Key betting note: The Royals have won each of Danny Duffy's last seven starts.

Texas Rangers at Los Angeles Angels (+115, 8)

Cold pitching stat: Angels right-hander Garrett Richards has struggled with his control of late, issuing 12 walks over his last 15 2/3 innings - including seven in an 11-2 win over Tampa Bay on Monday.

Hot batting stat: Los Angeles OF Mike Trout is batting .409 with a pair of homers, six RBIs and five walks in 22 at-bats against Texas starter Derek Holland.

Weather: Temperatures will be in the mid-80s with sunny skies. Wind will blow out to right-center field at 4 mph.

Key betting note: Texas is 6-0 in Derek Holland's last six starts on four days' rest.

Tampa Bay Rays at Seattle Mariners (+135, 7.5)

Hot pitching stat: Rays right-hander Chris Archer is 4-3 with a 3.31 ERA in nine starts since the All-Star break.

Hot batting stat: Mariners rookie SS Brad Miller homered twice in three at-bats in his previous meeting with Archer.

Weather: Temperatures will be in the high-60s with partly cloudy skies. Wind will blow from left to right field at 4 mph.

Key betting note: The under is 4-0 in Archer's last four Saturday start.


INTERLEAGUE

New York Mets at Cleveland Indians (-157, 8)

Hot pitching stat: Mets right-hander Jonathon Niese is 3-0 with a 2.14 ERA in five starts since coming off the disabled list.

Hot batting stat: Indians OF Michael Bourn is a career 6-for-16 hitter against Niese.

Weather: Temperatures will be in the high-70s with a 25 percent chance of thunderstorms. Wind will blow from left to right field at 7 mph.

Key betting note: New York is just 4-15 in its last 19 Saturday games.


** Odds, probable starters, stats and weather forecast as of 10:20 p.m. ET Friday.