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

[StarDust Bum]

Preview: Padres (0-0) at Phillies (0-0)
Game: 3
Venue: Citizens Bank Park
Date: September 12, 2013 7:05 PM EDT


Four months removed from shoulder surgery, Roy Halladay is still trying to recapture his Cy Young form.

The San Diego Padres' Tyson Ross, meanwhile, has been pitching at a very high level.

After getting pushed back due to the flu, Halladay takes the mound opposite Ross as the Phillies conclude a three-game set against the visiting Padres on Thursday night.

Originally scheduled to pitch Wednesday, Halladay (3-4, 7.19 ERA) was given an extra day to recuperate after battling the flu over the weekend.

"I think he lost a lot of strength for a couple days there," interim manager Ryne Sandberg told the team's official website. "He actually went home the first day with it. He's feeling much better."

The two-time Cy Young Award winner gets the ball for the first time since last Wednesday's 3-2 loss to Washington, when he permitted one run and three hits in six innings. Halladay, though, threw just 57 of his 99 pitches for strikes and issued five walks for the first time in six seasons.

"It took me a little bit to find the right balance, mechanically," he said. "That's going to be a little bit of a battle at times. I think if I put in the work and put in the time, I can have those results."

Still trying to build up his velocity, the right-hander is 1-0 with a 4.24 ERA in three starts since coming off the disabled list Aug. 25.

"I still feel like things can increase and, you know, the more I'm out there, the more I can gain," he said. "I don't anticipate jumping to 95 or anything or something like that, but I feel like command-wise, movement-wise, I feel like I can gain throughout the rest of the year."

Halladay is 3-2 with a 2.15 ERA versus San Diego (66-78).

He may need to be at his best against Ross (3-7, 2.79), who has thrived in nine starts since rejoining the Padres' rotation July 23. The right-hander has gone 3-3 with a 2.16 ERA over that stretch while striking out 63 in 58 1-3 innings.

"I've been feeling good, I'm having fun and learning every time out there," he told MLB's official website. "I'm definitely happy where things are."

Ross, winless in his last five starts, has received one run of support in each of those outings. He allowed three hits over seven scoreless innings Saturday in a 2-1 victory over Colorado.

"He's gotten better," Rockies shortstop Troy Tulowitzki said of Ross. "They've made some adjustments with him. The slider has been a plus pitch, and he's throwing the fastball on both sides of the plate. The slider has always been there. But his fastball command - and if you'd ask him, he'd say the same thing - has improved."

Ross threw 2 1-3 scoreless innings in two relief appearances versus Philadelphia this year.

The Phillies (67-78) are seeking a fifth victory in six games after winning 4-2 on Wednesday. Freddy Galvis and Jimmy Rollins went a combined 5 for 6 with two homers and three RBIs.

Galvis is 8 for 16 with two homers and four RBIs in his last four games.

San Diego's Tommy Medica homered in his big league debut Wednesday and Jedd Gyorko hit his 18th of the year, second-most among rookies.

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SERIES AT A GLANCE

GAME 1
Padres at Phillies
Tue, Sep 10 Final 8 to 2
Boxscores • Recaps

GAME 2
Padres at Phillies
Wed, Sep 11 Final 2 to 4
Boxscores • Recaps

GAME 3
Padres at Phillies
Thu, Sep 12 - 7:05PM EDT

[StarDust Bum]

Preview: Cubs (62-83) at Pirates (84-61)
Game: 1
Venue: PNC Park
Date: September 12, 2013 7:05 PM EDT


The Pittsburgh Pirates shook off a sweep at the hands of one first-place team by sweeping another one.

Now they look to keep the momentum going against a last-place club as Jeff Locke tries to snap a winless streak of his own Thursday when the Pirates host the Chicago Cubs.

Pittsburgh (84-61) entered this week having lost four straight following a three-game sweep to NL Central-leading St. Louis. The Pirates recovered to win three in a row from AL West-leading Texas, capping a nine-game road trip with a 7-5 victory Wednesday.

"The thing I'm most impressed with is our consistency, our focus and our preparation," manager Clint Hurdle said. "It doesn't waver. We didn't come here with sweep on our mind. We came in here to win the first game."

They're still battling the Cardinals for the division lead and have a two-game edge over Cincinnati for the NL's top wild-card spot, and the schedule now seems to get a bit easier. Pittsburgh is opening an 11-game homestand with four games against Chicago, owner of the Central basement, followed by four against sub-.500 San Diego.

"You see how close this race is, so that's the way we've been taking it every day," said Clint Barmes, who homered Wednesday. "And I don't see that changing."

Locke (9-5, 3.23 ERA) would like his fortune to change, having not won since July 21 for his longest winless stretch since beginning his career with an 0-6 record through nine starts.

The All-Star was briefly sent to Double-A Altoona, and Locke said he felt rejuvenated following his first start back with Pittsburgh on Saturday despite losing again. He gave up three runs - two earned - and three hits in five innings of a 5-0 defeat to St. Louis.

"This was a confidence builder for me going forward," Locke said. "I was very excited to go out and pitch. It was nice to get a little break and I definitely feel like I was recharged."

Hurdle also was encouraged, especially considering Locke had a 12.71 ERA in his previous three starts and failed to get through five innings in any of them.

"In the big picture, there were a lot of improvements in a lot of different areas," Hurdle said. "The breaking ball played better. The changeup played better."

Poor control continues to plague Locke, who tops the NL with 78 walks. He had four more Saturday and has 27 walks through 38 1-3 innings during his winless streak.

Locke yielded a career-high seven walks - but only one run and one hit - in 5 2-3 innings of a 4-1 loss to the Cubs on June 9. He has a 4.50 ERA without a decision in three starts against them.

Chris Rusin (2-3, 2.89) also will look to record his first win in more than a month. For the most part, the winless streak isn't his fault, as the Cubs gave him a combined four runs of support in four starts leading up to Friday.

That's when Rusin could only get through 3 2-3 innings, yielding two runs and seven hits in Chicago's 8-5 win over Milwaukee.

Rusin picked up his first major league win the last time he faced Pittsburgh, allowing two runs in five innings of a 7-4 victory Sept. 14.

The Cubs (62-83) have hit .177 against the Pirates and trail the season series 7-5.

Anthony Rizzo struck out three times in Wednesday's 6-0 loss to Cincinnati and is hitless in his last 14 at_bats. He has singled, doubled and homered in seven at_bats against Locke.

[StarDust Bum]

Preview: Red Sox (89-58) at Rays (78-66)
Game: 3
Venue: Tropicana Field
Date: September 12, 2013 7:10 PM EDT


Despite scuffling for the past 2 1/2 weeks, the Tampa Bay Rays have been in control of their postseason destiny.

That may no longer be the case with another loss.

On the verge of losing control of their playoff fate for the first time in two months, the Rays try to salvage Thursday night's series finale with the Boston Red Sox.

Tampa Bay (78-66) was tied for the AL East lead Aug. 24, but has since gone 4-13 to plunge 9 1/2 games behind the first-place Red Sox (89-58), who have essentially wrapped up the division with 15 games remaining.

The Rays' struggles have also allowed the New York Yankees to pull within one game for the second wild card, while Baltimore and Cleveland are each 1 1/2 games back. Tampa Bay has been in control of at least one playoff spot since July 7.

"First of all, we're still in a wild-card situation," manager Joe Maddon told the Rays' official website after Wednesday's 7-3, 10-inning loss. "Everybody's been preaching doom and gloom, and from my perspective, it's been a very tough run right now. However, as we right ourselves, we're in pretty good position to continue on into the playoffs.

"I don't want our guys to go out there and worry about sharp objects. Just go out there and continue to play and get ourselves right."

Tampa Bay's offense has been brutal during its slump, batting .226 and plating a major league-worst 44 runs since Aug. 25. Cleanup hitter Evan Longoria is 2 for 17 with one RBI with runners in scoring position in his last 14 games.

The offense could again have problems going up against scheduled starter Jake Peavy (11-5, 4.01 ERA), though the right-hander wasn't as sharp his last time out.

Peavy gave up four runs and six hits in six-plus innings in last Thursday's 9-8, 10-inning win over the New York Yankees. He walked three after issuing three walks over his previous four starts combined while going 2-1 with a 1.95 ERA.

Peavy faced the Rays on April 26, and permitted three runs in 6 2-3 innings of a 5-4 win for the Chicago White Sox. He is 3-1 despite a 4.99 ERA in five career starts versus Tampa Bay.

Longoria is 2 for 12 with a homer lifetime against Peavy.

The Rays turn to Jeremy Hellickson (11-8, 5.04), who will make his second start since being recalled from the minors.

Hellickson, who never actually reported to a minor league team, was demoted in an effort to help him regroup and get some additional rest before the stretch run. The tactic appeared to work, as the right-hander tossed 5 1-3 scoreless innings of four-hit ball in last Wednesday's 3-1 win over the Los Angeles Angels for his first victory since July 26. He was 0-5 with a 9.00 ERA before being sent down.

"I did feel rested," Hellickson said. "I think my fastball had a little more life to it. Curveball might have been a little sharper."

Hellickson was solid in his two starts this season against the Red Sox, going 1-0 with a 2.77 ERA.

Boston, however, has been on a tear lately, batting .322 with 66 runs and 49 extra-base hits in its last seven games.

Mike Carp lifted the Red Sox to their 14th victory in 17 games with a pinch-hit grand slam in the 10th inning Wednesday.

Mike Napoli hit a two-run double and is batting .452 with four homers, five doubles and 12 RBIs in his last 10 games. He is 2 for 11, however, lifetime against Hellickson.

Dustin Pedroia, who has gone 3 for 8 with a walk in two games since assuming the role of leadoff batter with Jacoby Ellsbury sidelined, is hitting .179 (5 for 28) lifetime versus Hellickson.

The Red Sox haven't swept a series in Tampa Bay since May 2010.

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SERIES AT A GLANCE

GAME 1
Red Sox at Rays
Tue, Sep 10 Final 2 to 0
Boxscores • Recaps

GAME 2
Red Sox at Rays
Wed, Sep 11 Final 7 to 3
Boxscores • Recaps

GAME 3
Red Sox at Rays
Thu, Sep 12 - 7:10PM EDT

[StarDust Bum]

Preview: Indians (77-68) at White Sox (58-87)
Game: 1
Venue: U.S. Cellular Field
Date: September 12, 2013 8:10 PM EDT


Despite being in the midst of the AL wild-card chase, the Cleveland Indians haven't been greeted by much enthusiasm from their home fans, at least in terms of attendance.

Maybe going on the road for the next seven games will help, especially considering the trip opens against the division's worst team.

The Indians try to bounce back after back-to-back home losses as they visit the Chicago White Sox on Thursday night.

Though Cleveland (77-68) dropped its last two of a three-game set against Kansas City, the club trails Tampa Bay by 1 1/2 games for the league's second wild-card spot. But a 6-2 defeat Wednesday cost the Indians a chance to trim that lead to one-half game as the Rays suffered a 7-3 loss to Boston in 10 innings.

A playoff berth would be just the second in the franchise's last 12 seasons. Despite that and a 45-30 home record - the AL's second-highest home win total - the announced attendance for the entire series with the Royals was just 34,494. That included a crowd of 9,794 in Monday's 4-3 win, the smallest attendance for a September crowd at Progressive Field, which opened in 1994.

"We would like to be supported a little bit more, if we could," said outfielder Michael Bourn, who is batting .154 over his last 10 games with 13 strikeouts. "We're in the hunt for the second wild card. It's been a long time since there's been a team in the wild-card race here."

The seven-game trip should be more welcoming, at least for four games with the White Sox (58-87), who have dropped 11 of the teams' last 13 meetings, including eight straight.

Corey Kluber (8-5, 3.54 ERA) gets the ball for Cleveland in his second start since missing a month due to a sprained middle finger. He allowed two runs and five hits over five-plus innings in a 9-4 win over the New York Mets on Saturday, picking up his first victory in five outings.

"He looked pretty much like he hadn't skipped a beat," manager Terry Francona told the team's official website. "For a layoff like that, that was outstanding."

Facing a White Sox offense that has produced just 35 runs during a 2-11 stretch might not present much of a challenge for Kluber, who threw a career-high 8 2-3 innings in a 6-5, 10-inning win over Chicago on July 31. No White Sox player with more than three at_bats against Kluber is hitting better than .250, with Adam Dunn, Paul Konerko and Alexei Ramirez going a combined 6 for 27. Those three were 0 for 11 with seven strikeouts in a 1-0 home loss to Detroit on Wednesday.

Chicago will counter with left-hander John Danks (4-12, 4.45), who has seemingly regressed after limiting opponents to two runs over 14 innings in back-to-back wins. He has lost two starts since while surrendering 10 runs in 10 1-3 innings.

Danks yielded three homers - the fourth time this year he's allowed at least three - over 5 1-3 innings in a 4-0 loss at Baltimore on Friday.

"The few mistakes I made, they hit them out of the ballpark," said Danks, who gave up two runs and two hits over six-plus innings of a 3-2 loss at Cleveland on July 29.

Nick Swisher wasn't in Wednesday's lineup but likely will be back Thursday as he's 5 for 15 off Danks with four walks.

[StarDust Bum]

Preview: Brewers (62-82) at Cardinals (85-60)
Game: 3
Venue: Busch Stadium
Date: September 12, 2013 8:15 PM EDT


While the St. Louis Cardinals were originally hoping Joe Kelly would shore up the back end of their rotation, he's looked more like someone who belongs in the front.

Looking to extend his personal winning streak to nine, Kelly tries to lead the NL Central-leading Cardinals to a season high-tying sixth consecutive victory in Thursday night's series finale against the visiting Milwaukee Brewers.

Kelly (8-3, 2.74 ERA) has greatly surpassed expectations since transitioning to the rotation July 6, going 8-0 with a 2.10 ERA in 11 outings. St Louis has won all but one of those games while backing him with an average of 6.58 runs of support.

The right-hander is looking to win a sixth straight start after yielding one run in six innings to beat Pittsburgh 12-8 on Friday.

"You've just got to make pitches when you need to," said Kelly, who surrendered a season high-tying eight hits and three walks. "I just tried to battle ... and make pitches when I needed to."

Though it wasn't his sharpest display, Kelly induced 13 groundouts and managed to avoid the big inning.

"That's something we didn't give him a lot of opportunity to do early in the year," manager Mike Matheny told MLB's official website. "When he got in trouble, we would normally try and get him out. ... He's earned that opportunity to work himself through it and he continues to be able to get big outs when he needs to."

Another solid showing could help the Cardinals (85-60) inch closer to the division title. Currently one game ahead of second-place Pittsburgh, St. Louis has won five in a row, including its last four by a 23-5 margin. Matheny's club won six straight April 30-May 5.

Leading the majors with 114 runs, Matt Carpenter has scored 14 and hit .390 in 10 games this month. Matt Holliday has four homers and an NL-best 20 RBIs since Aug. 21.

The Cardinals stayed hot Wednesday in a 5-1 victory, their 12th in 15 matchups versus Milwaukee (62-82). Matt Adams capped a four-run eighth inning with a two-run homer, and Holliday added two hits and two runs.

"I'm frustrated," Brewers manager Ron Roenicke said. "I'm tired of getting leads and just giving them away. We've got to win some of these games where we get leads."

Losers in eight of 11, the Brewers will try to bounce back behind Tyler Thornburg (1-1, 2.08). The right-hander is 0-1 despite a 1.13 ERA in four starts this year.

"I wouldn't say I'm more comfortable (starting). It's just what I'm used to. I'm sure if I'm in the bullpen for two or three years, I'm sure I'll get comfortable with that," said Thornburg, who could be auditioning for a spot in next year's rotation.

He takes the mound for the first time since allowing two runs in six innings in a 5-2 loss to Pittsburgh on Sept. 2.

In his only appearance versus St. Louis, Thornburg surrendered two solo homers and four walks in 4 2-3 innings of a 4-3 victory July 18, 2012.

Kelly, who went 1-1 with a 3.57 ERA in three starts versus Milwaukee last season, has yielded four runs in three innings of relief this year. Norichika Aoki is 5 for 9 with two doubles in their matchups.

Cardinals catcher Yadier Molina, hitting .318 with 11 homers and 65 RBIs in 120 games, missed Wednesday's win due to what Matheny called a family situation. Brother Bengie Molina, the club's assistant hitting coach, is also away from the team.

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SERIES AT A GLANCE

GAME 1
Brewers at Cardinals
Tue, Sep 10 Final 2 to 4
Boxscores • Recaps

GAME 2
Brewers at Cardinals
Wed, Sep 11 Final 1 to 5
Boxscores • Recaps

GAME 3
Brewers at Cardinals
Thu, Sep 12 - 8:15PM EDT

[StarDust Bum]

Preview: Giants (66-80) at Dodgers (85-60)
Game: 1
Venue: Dodger Stadium
Date: September 12, 2013 10:10 PM EDT


The Los Angeles Dodgers will try to take another step toward clinching an NL West title by continuing their recent success against the last-place San Francisco Giants.

Having Zack Greinke on the mound for the opener of a four-game series would only seem to help.

Greinke will try to earn a seventh straight win in his first matchup with the Giants this season Thursday night.

Los Angeles' magic number for securing its first division crown in four years remained at six on Wednesday after a 4-1 loss to Arizona. The Dodgers (85-60) took two of three from the second-place Diamondbacks after losing four in a row.

Los Angeles will try to get closer by winning for the sixth time in seven games against the Giants (66-80). That stretch began with a three-game home sweep June 24-26.

``They'd like nothing more than to spoil anything that we're trying to accomplish,' A.J. Ellis said of the defending World Series champions. "We've had so many full houses here that have carried us through some of these dramatic victories we've had late in the game. If we can finish this off this weekend, we'll be fortunate.'

Greinke (14-3, 2.79 ERA) will try to get the Dodgers started toward another sweep by continuing his impressive run. Along with his lengthy win streak, the right-hander is 11-1 with a 2.13 ERA in his last 15 starts.

He gave up two runs or fewer in an eighth consecutive game Saturday in Cincinnati - allowing two in the first of his six innings - but did not get a decision for the first time in seven starts after the bullpen blew a one-run lead in a 4-3 loss in 10 innings.

"There were no pitches I'd take back," Greinke told the team's official website about the first inning. "They just had good at_bats. They didn't make many mistakes."

Greinke did not get a decision in his only start against San Francisco, a 6-4 win for Milwaukee on May 4, 2012. He allowed four runs over 5 1-3 innings in that game.

In this matchup, Greinke will pitch opposite Matt Cain (8-9, 4.37), who will try to build on his return from a bruised right forearm. The right-hander gave up two runs over 6 1-3 innings Saturday but took the loss in a 2-1 defeat to visiting Arizona.

Cain will try for a better result on the road, where he's 3-0 with a 1.23 ERA in his last five starts.

"I just want to finish the season healthy, hopefully get some good momentum going into the offseason," Cain told the team's website.

A repeat of his latest outing against the Dodgers won't help. Cain was charged with eight runs in 2 1-3 innings in a 10-2 drubbing July 5. He was 4-0 with a 1.80 ERA in his previous nine matchups, including two this season.

"I'm not going to watch any part of this one," he said after that game.

Marco Scutaro, batting .346 in his last six games, will try to help Cain in this meeting. He has eight hits in his last 13 at_bats versus Greinke, including four doubles.

Angel Pagan is batting .366 since his return from a strained right hamstring Aug. 30 and is 1 for 3 lifetime against the Dodgers right-hander.

Andre Ethier has more hits off Cain than any other player, going 29 for 65 (.446).

A loss Thursday would officially end San Francisco's streak of four consecutive winning seasons.

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SERIES AT A GLANCE

GAME 1
Giants at Dodgers
Thu, Sep 12 - 10:10PM EDT

GAME 2
Giants at Dodgers
Fri, Sep 13 - 10:10PM EDT

GAME 3
Giants at Dodgers
Sat, Sep 14 - 9:10PM EDT

GAME 4
Giants at Dodgers
Sun, Sep 15 - 4:10PM EDT

[StarDust Bum]

MLB
Dunkel

Cleveland at Chicago White Sox
The Indians look to build on their 7-1 record in Corey Kluber's last 8 starts when the total is set at 7 to 8 1/2 runs. Cleveland is the pick (-130) according to Dunkel, which has the Indians favored by 1 1/2. Dunkel Pick: Cleveland (-130). Here are all of today's picks.

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 12

Game 901-902: Atlanta at Miami (12:40 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Atlanta (Garcia) 14.454; Miami (Flynn) 13.104
Dunkel Line: Atlanta by 1 1/2; 7
Vegas Line: Atlanta (-150); 7 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Atlanta (-150); Under

Game 903-904: Washington at NY Mets (1:10 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Washington (Roark) 14.272; NY Mets (Harang) 15.125
Dunkel Line: NY Mets by 1; 9
Vegas Line: Washington (-145); 8
Dunkel Pick: NY Mets (+125); Over

Game 905-906: Chicago Cubs at Pittsburgh (7:05 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Cubs (Rusin) 14.190; Pittsburgh (Locke) 15.463
Dunkel Line: Pittsburgh by 1 1/2; 7
Vegas Line: Pittsburgh (-175); 7 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Pittsburgh (-175); Under

Game 907-908: San Diego at Philadelphia (7:05 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: San Diego (Ross) 15.278; Philadelphia (Halladay) 14.343
Dunkel Line: San Diego by 1; 9
Vegas Line: Philadelphia (-120); 8
Dunkel Pick: San Diego (+100); Over

Game 909-910: Milwaukee at St. Louis (8:15 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Milwaukee (Thornburg) 15.672; St. Louis (Kelly) 15.209
Dunkel Line: Milwaukee by 1/2; 9
Vegas Line: St. Louis (-170); 8
Dunkel Pick: Milwaukee (+150); Over

Game 911-912: San Francisco at LA Dodgers (10:10 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: San Francisco (Cain) 14.694; LA Dodgers (Greinke) 16.203
Dunkel Line: LA Dodgers by 1 1/2; 6
Vegas Line: LA Dodgers (-180); 6 1/2
Dunkel Pick: LA Dodgers (-180); Under

Game 913-914: Oakland at Minnesota (1:10 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Oakland (Griffin) 16.187; Minnesota (Diamond) 14.653
Dunkel Line: Oakland by 1 1/2; 7
Vegas Line: Oakland (-160); 8 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Oakland (-160); Under

Game 915-916: LA Angels at Toronto (7:07 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: LA Angels (Richards) 16.166; Toronto (Happ) 15.061
Dunkel Line: LA Angels by 1; 10
Vegas Line: Toronto (-110); 9
Dunkel Pick: LA Angels (-110); Over

Game 917-918: NY Yankees at Baltimore (7:05 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: NY Yankees (Hughes) 15.679; Baltimore (Chen) 15.124
Dunkel Line: NY Yankees by 1/2; 10
Vegas Line: Baltimore (-175); 9
Dunkel Pick: NY Yankees (+155); Over

Game 919-920: Boston at Tampa Bay (7:10 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Boston (Peavy) 17.240; Tampa Bay (Hellickson) 14.679
Dunkel Line: Boston by 2 1/2; 7
Vegas Line: Boston (-125); 8
Dunkel Pick: Boston (-125); Under

Game 921-922: Cleveland at Chicago White Sox (8:10 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Cleveland (Kluber) 16.348; White Sox (Danks) 14.800
Dunkel Line: Cleveland by 1 1/2; 10
Vegas Line: Cleveland (-130); 8 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Cleveland (-130); Over

[StarDust Bum]

MLB
Armadillo's Write-Up

Thursday, September 12

Hot pitchers
-- Roark blanked Miami out for six innings in his first MLB start.
-- Rusin is 0-0, 3.00 in his last three starts.
-- Ross allowed one run in 12 IP in his last two starts.
-- Kelly is 5-0, 1.50 in his last five starts. Thornburg has a 1.88 RA in four starts. but Brewers lost all four games.
-- Greinke is 6-0, 1.43 in his last seven starts. Cain is 3-3, 2.84 in his last eight.

-- Griffin is 3-0, 4.50 in his last three starts.
-- Richards is 3-1, 2.78 in his last four starts.
-- Peavy is 2-0, 2.60 in his last four starts.
-- Kluber is 2-0, 2.43 in his last six starts.

Cold pitchers
-- Eovaldi is 1-4, 7.00 in his last five starts. Garcia
-- Harang was 0-3, 7.89 in his last six starts for Seattle, last of which was back on August 25.
-- Locke is 0-2, 10.47 in his last four starts.
-- Halladay has a 4.24 RA in three starts since coming off the DL.

-- Diamond is 0-2, 7.71 in his last three starts, last of which was August 1.
-- Happ is 1-3, 6.86 in his last four starts.
-- Hughes is 0-6, 6.46 in his last ten starts. Chen is 0-1, 8.56 in his last five.
-- Hellickson is 1-5, 7.42 in his last seven starts.
-- Danks is 0-2, 8.71 in his last couple 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........
-- Garcia 0-0; Eovaldi 5-15 (3 of last 5)
-- Roark 0-1; Harang 8-22
-- Rusin 3-10; Locke 6-27
-- Ross 4-12 (1 of last 5); Halladay 6-10 (5 of last 5)
-- Thornberg 1-4; Kelly 0-12
-- Cain 8-27; Greinke 8-24 (4 of last 9)

-- Griffin 3-29; Diamond 6-20 (1 of last 9)
-- Richards 4-13 (3 of last 3); Happ 4-14
-- Hughes 8-26 (3 of last 5); Chen 4-19 (1 of last 8)
-- Peavy 2-20 (0 of 7 with Bos); Hellickson 11-28 (3 of last 4)
-- Kluber 3-20 (0 of last 6); Danks 7-20

Totals
-- Six of last seven Atlanta games stayed under the total.
-- Eight of last eleven Washington games went over.
-- Five of last seven Pittsburgh games went over total; four of last five Chicago games stayed under.
-- Eight of last ten San Diego games stayed under.
-- Six of last eight Milwaukee games stayed under.
-- Ten of last thirteen San Francisco games stayed under.

-- Seven of last nine Minnesota games went over total.
-- Eight of last ten Angel games went over the total.
-- Over is 8-2-1 in last eleven Bronx games; under is 6-2-1 in last nine Oriole games.
-- Five of last seven Boston games went over the total.
-- Six of last seven White Sox games stayed under total.

Hot teams
-- Washington won seven of its last eight games.
-- Pirates won last three games, allowing nine runs.
-- San Diego won six of last eight games. Phillies won four of their last five.
-- Cardinals won last five games, scoring 35 runs.
-- Giants won three of their last four games.

-- A's won four of their last five games.
-- Angels won five of their last seven games.
-- Bronx won three of its last four games.
-- Red Sox won seven of their last eight games.

Cold teams
-- Braves lost five of their last seven games. Miami lost four of last five.
-- Mets lost five of their last six games.
-- Cubs are 10-19 in their last 29 games.
-- Brewers lost seven of their last ten games.
-- Dodgers lost five of their last seven games.

-- Twins lost five of their last seven games.
-- Toronto lost last three home games, allowing 22 runs.
-- Orioles lost three of their last four games.
-- Tampa Bay lost five of its last six games.
-- White Sox lost 11 of last 13 games. Indians lost three of their last four.

[StarDust Bum]

MLB

Thursday, September 12

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Trend Report
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12:40 PM
ATLANTA vs. MIAMI
Atlanta is 16-6 SU in its last 22 games when playing Miami
Atlanta is 2-5 SU in its last 7 games
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Miami's last 7 games when playing at home against Atlanta
Miami is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games

1:10 PM
OAKLAND vs. MINNESOTA
Oakland is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games when playing on the road against Minnesota
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Oakland's last 5 games when playing on the road against Minnesota
The total has gone OVER in 7 of Minnesota's last 9 games
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Minnesota's last 6 games at home

1:10 PM
WASHINGTON vs. NY METS
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Washington's last 6 games when playing on the road against NY Mets
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Washington's last 6 games
The total has gone OVER in 4 of NY Mets's last 5 games at home
NY Mets are 2-9 SU in its last 11 games at home

7:05 PM
NY YANKEES vs. BALTIMORE
NY Yankees are 4-2 SU in their last 6 games when playing Baltimore
The total has gone OVER in 8 of NY Yankees's last 11 games
Baltimore is 6-2 SU in their last 8 games when playing at home against NY Yankees
Baltimore is 2-4 SU in their last 6 games when playing NY Yankees

7:05 PM
CHI CUBS vs. PITTSBURGH
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Chi Cubs's last 5 games
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Chi Cubs's last 7 games when playing on the road against Pittsburgh
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Pittsburgh's last 7 games
The total has gone UNDER in 10 of Pittsburgh's last 13 games when playing Chi Cubs

7:05 PM
SAN DIEGO vs. PHILADELPHIA
San Diego is 3-6 SU in its last 9 games when playing on the road against Philadelphia
San Diego is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Philadelphia's last 6 games at home
Philadelphia is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games at home

7:07 PM
LA ANGELS vs. TORONTO
LA Angels are 6-1 SU in their last 7 games when playing Toronto
The total has gone OVER in 4 of LA Angels's last 5 games on the road
Toronto is 2-4 SU in their last 6 games when playing at home against LA Angels
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Toronto's last 5 games

7:10 PM
BOSTON vs. TAMPA BAY
Boston is 7-1 SU in its last 8 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Boston's last 7 games on the road
Tampa Bay is 1-6 SU in its last 7 games when playing at home against Boston
Tampa Bay is 1-5 SU in its last 6 games

8:10 PM
CLEVELAND vs. CHI WHITE SOX
Cleveland is 1-5 SU in its last 6 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 8 of Cleveland's last 9 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Chi White Sox's last 6 games when playing at home against Cleveland
Chi White Sox are 0-5 SU in their last 5 games when playing Cleveland

8:15 PM
MILWAUKEE vs. ST. LOUIS
Milwaukee is 3-8 SU in its last 11 games
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Milwaukee's last 5 games
St. Louis is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games
The total has gone OVER in 7 of St. Louis's last 10 games when playing Milwaukee

10:10 PM
SAN FRANCISCO vs. LA DODGERS
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of San Francisco's last 6 games on the road
San Francisco is 2-5 SU in their last 7 games when playing on the road against LA Dodgers
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of LA Dodgers's last 6 games when playing at home against San Francisco
LA Dodgers are 5-2 SU in their last 7 games when playing at home against San Francisco

[StarDust Bum]

MLB

Thursday, September 12

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Thursday's MLB betting notes and tips
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NATIONAL

Atlanta Braves at Miami Marlins (+135, 7.5)

Hot pitching stat: Marlins right-hander Nate Eovaldi silenced the Braves in their last encounter Sept. 1, limiting them to seven hits and a pair of walks over eight shutout innings in a 7-0 win.

Cold batting stat: Braves 1B Freddie Freeman is just 3-for-15 lifetime against Eovaldi.

Weather: Temperatures will be in the high-80s, but with a 50 percent chance of showers or thunderstorms, the roof at Marlins Park may be closed. Wind will blow in from right field at 6 mph.

Key betting note: The under is 3-0-2 in Eovaldi's last five starts against the Braves.

Washington Nationals at New York Mets (+127, 8)

Hot pitching stat: Nationals right-hander Tanner Roark has limited opponents to a .186 batting average and has yet to yield a homer in 28 2/3 major-league innings.

Hot batting stat: Washington 3B Ryan Zimmerman has five hits, including a pair of doubles, in 13 career at-bats against Mets starter Aaron Harang.

Weather: Temperatures will be in the mid-80s with a 60 percent chance of thunderstorms. Wind will blow out to center field at 11 mph.

Key betting note: The Nationals are 21-5 in their last 26 Thursday games.

Chicago Cubs at Pittsburgh Pirates (-166, 7.5)

Cold pitching stat: Pirates left-hander Jeff Locke is 0-3 in his last eight starts while failing to last more than 5 2/3 innings in his previous seven outings.

Cold batting stat: Members of the Chicago roster are hitting a combined .212 in 33 at-bats against Locke.

Weather: Temperatures will be in the high-60s with and 80 percent chance of rain. Wind will blow out to right-center field at 6 mph.

Key betting note: The under is 6-1-1 in the last eight meetings in Pittsburgh.

San Diego Padres at Philadelphia Phillies (-112, 8)

Hot pitching stat: Padres right-hander Tyson Ross has been sensational of late, allowing just one run while striking out 15 in 12 combined innings over his last two starts.

Cold batting stat: San Diego 3B Chase Headley is a .176 career hitter with seven strikeouts over 17 at-bats against Phillies starter Roy Halladay.

Weather: Temperatures will be in the mid-70s with a 55 percent chance of showers or thunderstorms. Wind will blow out to right field at 5 mph.

Key betting note: The over is 7-1 in Halladay's last eight home starts.

Milwaukee Brewers at St. Louis Cardinals (-164, 8)

Hot pitching stat: Cardinals righty Joe Kelly is 7-0 with a 1.70 ERA and just two home runs allowed in nine starts since the All-Star break.

Hot batting stat: Brewers OF Norichika Aoki is 5-for-9 with two doubles and a walk in his career against Kelly.

Weather: Temperatures will be in the low-80s with partly cloudy skies. Wind will blow from left to right field at 6 mph.

Key betting note: The under is 6-0 in umpire Chris Guccione's last six games behind home plate.

San Francisco Giants at Los Angeles Dodgers (-165, 6.5)

Hot pitching stat: Dodgers right-hander Zack Greinke has been one of the top second-half pitchers in the majors, going 6-1 with a 1.94 ERA in 10 starts since the break.

Hot batting stat: Los Angeles OF Andre Ethier has dominated his matchup with San Francisco starter Matt Cain, batting .446 in 65 career at-bats against him.

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 7-2 in the last nine meetings in Los Angeles.


AMERICAN

Oakland Athletics at Minnesota Twins (+147, 8.5)

Cold pitching stat: Twins left-hander Scott Diamond was tagged for seven runs over three innings in his last start against Kansas City, dropping him to 0-4 over his previous seven outings.

Hot batting stat: Minnesota OF Josh Willingham has two home runs in three career at-bats against Athletics starter A.J. Griffin.

Weather: Temperatures will be in the low-70s with sunny skies. Wind will blow from left to right field at 11 mph.

Key betting note: The Twins are 1-11 in Diamond's last 12 starts against teams with winning records.

New York Yankees at Baltimore Orioles (-165, 9)

Cold pitching stat: Orioles left-hander Wei-Yin Chen is 3-4 with a 4.72 ERA in 10 starts since the All-Star break.

Hot batting stat: Members of the Yankees roster have six home runs in 104 combined at-bats against Chen.

Weather: Temperatures will be in the low-80s with a 45 percent chance of thunderstorms. Wind will blow from left to right field at 6 mph.

Key betting note: The under is 8-1 in Chen's last nine home starts.

Los Angeles Angels at Toronto Blue Jays (-102, 9)

Hot pitching stat: Angels right-hander Garrett Richards has surrendered just two earned runs over 12 combined innings in back-to-back victories over the Texas Rangers and Tampa Bay Rays.

Hot batting stat: Blue Jays 1B Edwin Encarnacion is 3-for-8 with a homer in his career against Richards.

Weather: Temperatures will be in the mid-50s with a 30 percent chance of rain. Wind will blow in from left field at 15 mph.

Key betting note: The Angels are 11-1 in their last 12 Thursday games.

Boston Red Sox at Tampa Bay Rays (+110, 8)

Cold pitching stat: Red Sox right-hander Jake Peavy is 4-5 with a 5.14 ERA in 12 road starts in 2013.

Hot batting stat: Boston DH David Ortiz is a career .364 hitter with two home runs in 22 at-bats against Tampa Bay starter Jeremy Hellickson.

Weather: Dome.

Key betting note: Tampa Bay is 7-1 in Hellickson's last eight home starts against teams with winning records.

Cleveland Indians at Chicago White Sox (+120, 8.5)

Cold pitching stat: White Sox right-hander John Danks has dropped back-to-back starts, surrendering 10 runs over 10 1/3 innings in that span.

Cold batting stat: Cleveland OF Michael Brantley has just two singles in 12 career at-bats against Danks.

Weather: Temperatures will be in the mid-60s with partly cloudy skies. Wind will blow from left to right field at 13 mph.

Key betting note: The Indians have won the last eight head-to-head meetings.


** Odds, stats, weather forecast and probable starters as of 4:40 p.m. ET Wednesday.

[StarDust Bum]

MLB

Thursday, September 12

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Four MLB ace pitchers running out of gas in September
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As the MLB season winds down, several marquee pitchers are struggling to recapture their form from earlier in the year. Whether it's fatigue, injury or other factors, these hurlers are getting hit down the stretch and it has often meant bad news for bettors who put their faith in them.

Here are four ace pitchers who have returned negative value over the past few weeks. Money values for $100 a game.

Yu Darvish, Texas Rangers (-$500 over his last five starts)

Darvish was headed for a Cy Young season but has fallen off the rails over his previous five outings, going 0-3 with 16 walks and five home runs allowed over that stretch. While his innings count isn't exactly out of hand - 186 2-3 entering Friday, 4 2-3 innings behind his total from his rookie 2012 campaign - the 27-year-old right-hander has battled persistent leg cramps that may be a byproduct of making half his starts in the jarring heat of Arlington.

Darvish returns to action when the Rangers host the Oakland Athletics Saturday.

Patrick Corbin, Arizona Diamondbacks (-$300 over his last three starts)

Corbin was the darling of moneyline bettors everywhere when he opened the season 12-1, but has had a miserable three-start stretch that has seen him give up 18 runs over his last 18 1-3 innings. Corbin's workload is likely the biggest factor here. The 24-year-old reliever-turned-starter threw just 186 1-3 innings all of last season and is already up to 190 2-3 with three starts remaining. Arizona may be wise to limit Corbin's innings from here on in or shut him down entirely.

Corbin takes the mound when the Diamondbacks tangle with the Los Angeles Dodgers Wednesday night.

David Price, Tampa Bay Rays (-$300 over his last three starts)

Price has wilted just when the Rays have needed him the most. The 28-year-old left-hander has coughed up 12 runs over 22 innings during his three-game losing skid, while getting just five combined runs of support in that span. The innings count isn't the issue with Price. He's at 159 1-3 for the season, well below his career high of 224 1-3. But at 8-8 with a 3.45 ERA - nearly a full run below last year's mark - 2013 just hasn't been Price's season.

Price looks to end his losing streak when the Rays visit the Minnesota Twins Sunday.

Max Scherzer, Detroit Tigers (-$147.37 over his last three starts)

Scherzer may still be at the front of the line in the American League Cy Young Award race, but the hard-throwing right-hander isn't helping his cause down the stretch. Scherzer has been decidedly subpar over his last three outings, surrendering 13 runs over 16 innings while losing back-to-back starts. At 194 1-3 innings - just 1 1-3 shy of his career high - and with three regular-season starts and playoff action remaining, Scherzer's best work of 2013 may be far behind him.

Scherzer gets the call Sunday, taking his third shot at win No. 20 against the visiting Kansas City Royals.

[StarDust Bum]

MLB
Long Sheet

Thursday, September 12

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ATLANTA (87 - 58) at MIAMI (54 - 90) - 12:40 PM
FREDDY GARCIA (R) vs. NATHAN EOVALDI (R)
Top Trends for this game.
ATLANTA is 9-14 (-9.6 Units) against the money line as a road favorite of -125 to -150 this season.
GARCIA is 46-43 (-24.5 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record in the second half of the season since 1997. (Team's Record)
MIAMI is 338-386 (+38.1 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record in the second half of the season since 1997.
ATLANTA is 87-58 (+12.7 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
ATLANTA is 88-52 (+23.3 Units) against the money line against division opponents over the last 2 seasons.
ATLANTA is 86-57 (+12.7 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
ATLANTA is 129-81 (+29.1 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters over the last 2 seasons.
GARCIA is 110-71 (+31.2 Units) against the money line in road games since 1997. (Team's Record)
GARCIA is 87-49 (+27.7 Units) against the money line in day games since 1997. (Team's Record)
GARCIA is 92-56 (+29.1 Units) against the money line in road games in games played on a grass field since 1997. (Team's Record)
GARCIA is 52-30 (+21.0 Units) against the money line in road games after a loss since 1997. (Team's Record)
MIAMI is 123-183 (-40.3 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
MIAMI is 100-133 (-39.2 Units) against the money line in home games over the last 3 seasons.
MIAMI is 122-179 (-37.4 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
MIAMI is 34-64 (-17.9 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.
MIAMI is 59-101 (-26.0 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
ATLANTA is 12-6 (+1.1 Units) against MIAMI this season
8 of 15 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+1.0 Units)

FREDDY GARCIA vs. MIAMI since 1997
GARCIA is 0-1 when starting against MIAMI with an ERA of 9.69 and a WHIP of 2.000.
His team's record is 2-1 (+1.0 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 0-3. (-3.7 units)

NATHAN EOVALDI vs. ATLANTA since 1997
EOVALDI is 1-1 when starting against ATLANTA with an ERA of 2.19 and a WHIP of 1.135.
His team's record is 4-2 (+4.7 units) in these starts. The OVER is 0-4. (-4.3 units)

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WASHINGTON (76 - 69) at NY METS (64 - 80) - 1:10 PM
TANNER ROARK (R) vs. AARON HARANG (R)
Top Trends for this game.
WASHINGTON is 76-69 (-8.0 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
WASHINGTON is 22-25 (-10.0 Units) against the money line in day games this season.
WASHINGTON is 76-69 (-8.0 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
WASHINGTON is 53-52 (-12.9 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.
WASHINGTON is 14-22 (-9.4 Units) against the money line in road games after a win this season.
NY METS are 22-10 (+15.8 Units) against the money line when playing on Thursday over the last 2 seasons.
WASHINGTON is 97-70 (+26.0 Units) against the money line when the total is 8 to 8.5 over the last 3 seasons.
WASHINGTON is 28-10 (+14.8 Units) against the money line as a road favorite of -125 to -150 over the last 2 seasons.
WASHINGTON is 23-10 (+17.1 Units) against the money line in road games in September games over the last 3 seasons.
WASHINGTON is 26-10 (+14.1 Units) against the money line when playing on Thursday over the last 2 seasons.
NY METS are 7-24 (-14.9 Units) against the money line as a home underdog of +125 to +150 over the last 2 seasons.
NY METS are 28-41 (-17.7 Units) against the money line in home games this season.
NY METS are 11-24 (-14.3 Units) against the money line in home games in September games over the last 3 seasons.
NY METS are 43-62 (-24.3 Units) against the money line in home games against division opponents over the last 3 seasons.
NY METS are 11-19 (-12.1 Units) against the money line in home games in day games this season.
NY METS are 28-41 (-17.7 Units) against the money line in home games in games played on a grass field this season.
NY METS are 69-85 (-29.9 Units) against the money line in home games against right-handed starters over the last 3 seasons.
NY METS are 35-50 (-23.1 Units) against the money line in home games after a loss over the last 2 seasons.
NY METS are 28-49 (-22.3 Units) against the money line in home games when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.
NY METS are 23-53 (-22.9 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record in the second half of the season over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
WASHINGTON is 11-7 (+0.5 Units) against NY METS this season
11 of 18 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+2.9 Units)

TANNER ROARK vs. NY METS since 1997
No recent starts.

AARON HARANG vs. WASHINGTON since 1997
HARANG is 1-3 when starting against WASHINGTON with an ERA of 3.92 and a WHIP of 1.695.
His team's record is 4-4 (-0.7 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 6-2. (+3.7 units)

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CHICAGO CUBS (62 - 83) at PITTSBURGH (84 - 61) - 7:05 PM
CHRIS RUSIN (L) vs. JEFF LOCKE (L)
Top Trends for this game.
CHICAGO CUBS are 123-184 (-33.6 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
CHICAGO CUBS are 22-40 (-11.6 Units) against the money line against division opponents this season.
CHICAGO CUBS are 8-21 (-13.0 Units) against the money line after getting shut out over the last 2 seasons.
CHICAGO CUBS are 27-50 (-11.3 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record this season.
PITTSBURGH is 84-61 (+24.1 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
PITTSBURGH is 45-25 (+15.1 Units) against the money line in home games this season.
PITTSBURGH is 36-27 (+9.8 Units) against the money line against division opponents this season.
PITTSBURGH is 84-61 (+24.1 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
PITTSBURGH is 57-35 (+20.7 Units) against the money line in night games this season.
PITTSBURGH is 48-35 (+13.3 Units) against the money line after a win this season.
PITTSBURGH is 50-27 (+19.7 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record this season.
CHICAGO CUBS are 33-37 (+11.1 Units) against the money line in road games this season.
CHICAGO CUBS are 33-37 (+11.1 Units) against the money line in road games in games played on a grass field this season.
CHICAGO CUBS are 23-23 (+12.2 Units) against the money line in road games in night games this season.
CHICAGO CUBS are 14-7 (+14.7 Units) against the money line in road games against left-handed starters this season.
CHICAGO CUBS are 19-18 (+11.6 Units) against the money line in road games after a loss this season.
PITTSBURGH is 37-42 (-29.2 Units) against the money line as a home favorite of -150 to -175 since 1997.
PITTSBURGH is 12-26 (-17.7 Units) against the money line in September games over the last 2 seasons.
PITTSBURGH is 40-46 (-19.5 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.
LOCKE is 0-6 (-8.1 Units) against the money line in September games over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)

Head-to-Head Series History
PITTSBURGH is 7-5 (+0.5 Units) against CHICAGO CUBS this season
9 of 12 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+5.6 Units)

CHRIS RUSIN vs. PITTSBURGH since 1997
RUSIN is 1-0 when starting against PITTSBURGH with an ERA of 2.70 and a WHIP of 1.200.
His team's record is 2-0 (+3.0 units) in these starts. The OVER is 1-1. (-0.1 units)

JEFF LOCKE vs. CHICAGO CUBS since 1997
LOCKE is 0-0 when starting against CHICAGO CUBS with an ERA of 4.50 and a WHIP of 1.438.
His team's record is 0-3 (-4.2 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 2-1. (+0.8 units)

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SAN DIEGO (66 - 78) at PHILADELPHIA (67 - 78) - 7:05 PM
TYSON ROSS (R) vs. ROY HALLADAY (R)
Top Trends for this game.
HALLADAY is 25-8 (+15.6 Units) against the money line at home with a money line of -100 to -125 since 1997. (Team's Record)
SAN DIEGO is 142-164 (+2.4 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
SAN DIEGO is 66-75 (+1.1 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
SAN DIEGO is 443-511 (+33.2 Units) against the money line in road games against right-handed starters since 1997.
PHILADELPHIA is 67-78 (-15.3 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
PHILADELPHIA is 67-78 (-15.3 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
PHILADELPHIA is 30-37 (-11.7 Units) against the money line after a win this season.
PHILADELPHIA is 30-38 (-14.4 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
PHILADELPHIA is 3-2 (+0.9 Units) against SAN DIEGO this season
4 of 5 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+2.9 Units)

TYSON ROSS vs. PHILADELPHIA since 1997
No recent starts.

ROY HALLADAY vs. SAN DIEGO since 1997
HALLADAY is 3-2 when starting against SAN DIEGO with an ERA of 2.15 and a WHIP of 1.141.
His team's record is 3-2 (-0.2 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 3-2. (+0.6 units)

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MILWAUKEE (62 - 82) at ST LOUIS (85 - 60) - 8:15 PM
TYLER THORNBURG (R) vs. JOE KELLY (R)
Top Trends for this game.
MILWAUKEE is 62-82 (-15.5 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
MILWAUKEE is 2-11 (-10.2 Units) against the money line when playing on Thursday this season.
MILWAUKEE is 62-82 (-15.5 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
ST LOUIS is 85-60 (+7.3 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
ST LOUIS is 85-60 (+7.3 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
ST LOUIS is 68-38 (+19.2 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.
ST LOUIS is 57-22 (+21.2 Units) against the money line in home games when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 2 seasons.
ST LOUIS is 31-8 (+18.4 Units) against the money line in home games when playing against a team with a losing record in the second half of the season over the last 2 seasons.
KELLY is 10-2 (+8.1 Units) against the money line in all games this season. (Team's Record)
KELLY is 7-0 (+7.1 Units) against the money line against division opponents this season. (Team's Record)
KELLY is 10-2 (+8.1 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season. (Team's Record)
MILWAUKEE is 37-32 (+12.1 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.
ST LOUIS is 95-83 (-12.3 Units) against the money line after a win over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
ST LOUIS is 12-3 (+7.7 Units) against MILWAUKEE this season
9 of 15 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+2.9 Units)

TYLER THORNBURG vs. ST LOUIS since 1997
THORNBURG is 0-0 when starting against ST LOUIS with an ERA of 3.85 and a WHIP of 1.927.
His team's record is 1-0 (+1.4 units) in these starts. The OVER is 0-1. (-1.0 units)

JOE KELLY vs. MILWAUKEE since 1997
KELLY is 1-1 when starting against MILWAUKEE with an ERA of 3.57 and a WHIP of 1.471.
His team's record is 2-1 (+0.9 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 1-2. (-1.0 units)

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

SAN FRANCISCO (66 - 80) at LA DODGERS (85 - 60) - 10:10 PM
MATT CAIN (R) vs. ZACK GREINKE (R)
Top Trends for this game.
SAN FRANCISCO is 66-80 (-25.5 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
SAN FRANCISCO is 30-38 (-17.9 Units) against the money line when the total is 7 or less this season.
SAN FRANCISCO is 65-76 (-22.7 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
SAN FRANCISCO is 39-53 (-21.5 Units) against the money line in night games this season.
SAN FRANCISCO is 45-52 (-16.1 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.
CAIN is 11-16 (-10.6 Units) against the money line in all games this season. (Team's Record)
CAIN is 11-16 (-10.6 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season. (Team's Record)
LA DODGERS are 85-60 (+12.5 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
LA DODGERS are 82-60 (+9.2 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
LA DODGERS are 61-37 (+17.5 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.
LA DODGERS are 46-18 (+19.3 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record this season.
LA DODGERS are 29-8 (+17.8 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record in the second half of the season this season.
GREINKE is 19-5 (+14.5 Units) against the money line in all games this season. (Team's Record)
GREINKE is 13-1 (+12.5 Units) against the money line when the total is 7 or less this season. (Team's Record)
GREINKE is 11-1 (+10.0 Units) against the money line in home games this season. (Team's Record)
GREINKE is 30-10 (+17.3 Units) against the money line against division opponents over the last 3 seasons. (Team's Record)
GREINKE is 19-5 (+14.5 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season. (Team's Record)
GREINKE is 15-2 (+13.5 Units) against the money line in night games this season. (Team's Record)
GREINKE is 13-0 (+13.1 Units) against the money line in home games when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
GREINKE is 14-0 (+14.0 Units) against the money line in home games when playing against a team with a losing record in the second half of the season over the last 3 seasons. (Team's Record)
SAN FRANCISCO is 82-56 (+20.5 Units) against the money line against division opponents over the last 2 seasons.
CAIN is 19-7 (+12.8 Units) against the money line in road games in night games over the last 3 seasons. (Team's Record)
LA DODGERS are 65-66 (-19.3 Units) against the money line against division opponents over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
SAN FRANCISCO is 6-6 (+0.0 Units) against LA DODGERS this season
7 of 11 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+2.9 Units)

MATT CAIN vs. LA DODGERS since 1997
CAIN is 5-9 when starting against LA DODGERS with an ERA of 3.58 and a WHIP of 1.364.
His team's record is 11-15 (-5.6 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 12-12. (-1.4 units)

ZACK GREINKE vs. SAN FRANCISCO since 1997
GREINKE is 0-0 when starting against SAN FRANCISCO with an ERA of 5.07 and a WHIP of 1.501.
His team's record is 1-0 (+1.0 units) in these starts. The OVER is 1-0. (+1.3 units)

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OAKLAND (84 - 61) at MINNESOTA (63 - 81) - 1:10 PM
A.J. GRIFFIN (R) vs. SCOTT DIAMOND (L)
Top Trends for this game.
MINNESOTA is 62-75 (+7.4 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
OAKLAND is 84-61 (+12.4 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
OAKLAND is 42-24 (+16.5 Units) against the money line when the total is 8 to 8.5 this season.
OAKLAND is 81-73 (+20.4 Units) against the money line in road games over the last 2 seasons.
OAKLAND is 81-57 (+13.5 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
OAKLAND is 108-71 (+34.5 Units) against the money line after a win over the last 2 seasons.
OAKLAND is 84-52 (+21.4 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 2 seasons.
GRIFFIN is 31-14 (+17.4 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
GRIFFIN is 14-4 (+11.1 Units) against the money line when the total is 8 to 8.5 over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
GRIFFIN is 29-14 (+15.2 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
GRIFFIN is 18-5 (+12.8 Units) against the money line after a win over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
MINNESOTA is 61-90 (-26.8 Units) against the money line in home games over the last 2 seasons.
MINNESOTA is 49-74 (-24.4 Units) against the money line at home when the total is 8 to 8.5 over the last 3 seasons.
MINNESOTA is 76-94 (-36.3 Units) against the money line in home games when playing on Thursday since 1997.
MINNESOTA is 212-223 (-49.1 Units) against the money line in home games in day games since 1997.
MINNESOTA is 43-63 (-18.4 Units) against the money line in home games against right-handed starters over the last 2 seasons.
MINNESOTA is 40-61 (-27.1 Units) against the money line in home games after allowing 10 runs or more since 1997.
MINNESOTA is 14-26 (-11.8 Units) against the money line in home games after a loss this season.
MINNESOTA is 8-24 (-14.8 Units) against the money line in home games when playing against a team with a winning record this season.
MINNESOTA is 11-28 (-15.9 Units) against the money line in home games when playing against a team with a winning record in the second half of the season over the last 2 seasons.
DIAMOND is 0-8 (-8.1 Units) against the money line in home games when playing against a team with a winning record this season. (Team's Record)

Head-to-Head Series History
MINNESOTA is 1-1 (+0.7 Units) against OAKLAND this season
1 of 2 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+0.0 Units)

A.J. GRIFFIN vs. MINNESOTA since 1997
GRIFFIN is 1-0 when starting against MINNESOTA with an ERA of 4.50 and a WHIP of 1.500.
His team's record is 1-0 (+1.2 units) in these starts. The OVER is 1-0. (+1.0 units)

SCOTT DIAMOND vs. OAKLAND since 1997
DIAMOND is 0-0 when starting against OAKLAND with an ERA of 4.27 and a WHIP of 1.580.
His team's record is 1-0 (+1.0 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 0-0. (+0.0 units)

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

LA ANGELS (69 - 76) at TORONTO (67 - 78) - 7:05 PM
GARRETT RICHARDS (R) vs. J.A. HAPP (L)
Top Trends for this game.
LA ANGELS are 69-76 (-22.3 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
LA ANGELS are 47-59 (-25.1 Units) against the money line in night games this season.
LA ANGELS are 16-23 (-11.4 Units) against the money line against left-handed starters this season.
LA ANGELS are 699-686 (+62.1 Units) against the money line in road games since 1997.
LA ANGELS are 20-12 (+8.3 Units) against the money line in road games after a win this season.
TORONTO is 67-78 (-9.8 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
TORONTO is 38-51 (-11.9 Units) against the money line in night games this season.
TORONTO is 39-42 (-9.1 Units) against the money line in games played on artificial turf this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
LA ANGELS is 5-1 (+3.9 Units) against TORONTO this season
6 of 6 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+6.1 Units)

GARRETT RICHARDS vs. TORONTO since 1997
RICHARDS is 1-1 when starting against TORONTO with an ERA of 5.56 and a WHIP of 1.677.
His team's record is 1-1 (-0.1 units) in these starts. The OVER is 2-0. (+2.0 units)

J.A. HAPP vs. LA ANGELS since 1997
No recent starts.

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

NY YANKEES (78 - 68) at BALTIMORE (77 - 68) - 7:05 PM
DAVID HUFF (L) vs. WEI-YIN CHEN (L)
Top Trends for this game.
NY YANKEES are 49-61 (-15.5 Units) against the money line in road games in night games over the last 2 seasons.
BALTIMORE is 173-140 (+40.6 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
BALTIMORE is 77-60 (+16.2 Units) against the money line when the total is 9 to 9.5 over the last 2 seasons.
BALTIMORE is 41-27 (+24.1 Units) against the money line in September games over the last 3 seasons.
BALTIMORE is 13-4 (+9.6 Units) against the money line when playing on Thursday this season.
BALTIMORE is 73-63 (+19.5 Units) against the money line against division opponents over the last 2 seasons.
BALTIMORE is 72-60 (+4.2 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
BALTIMORE is 36-18 (+12.8 Units) against the money line in home games in night games this season.
BALTIMORE is 40-27 (+11.2 Units) against the money line after a loss this season.
BALTIMORE is 43-36 (+7.7 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record this season.
CHEN is 21-10 (+13.7 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
NY YANKEES are 78-68 (+7.4 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
NY YANKEES are 71-60 (+6.9 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
NY YANKEES are 100-62 (+26.9 Units) against the money line against left-handed starters over the last 3 seasons.
NY YANKEES are 39-36 (+7.7 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
BALTIMORE is 9-9 (-0.3 Units) against NY YANKEES this season
10 of 15 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+4.4 Units)

DAVID HUFF vs. BALTIMORE since 1997
HUFF is 1-0 when starting against BALTIMORE with an ERA of 0.00 and a WHIP of 0.875.
His team's record is 1-0 (+1.0 units) in these starts. The OVER is 0-1. (-1.0 units)

WEI-YIN CHEN vs. NY YANKEES since 1997
CHEN is 2-3 when starting against NY YANKEES with an ERA of 4.69 and a WHIP of 1.289.
His team's record is 3-4 (-0.4 units) in these starts. The OVER is 2-5. (-3.4 units)

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

BOSTON (89 - 58) at TAMPA BAY (78 - 66) - 7:10 PM
JAKE PEAVY (R) vs. JEREMY HELLICKSON (R)
Top Trends for this game.
BOSTON is 22-41 (-26.9 Units) against the money line in September games over the last 3 seasons.
BOSTON is 100-106 (-24.3 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters over the last 2 seasons.
TAMPA BAY is 510-593 (+22.4 Units) against the money line against division opponents since 1997.
BOSTON is 89-58 (+19.2 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
BOSTON is 42-33 (+8.8 Units) against the money line in road games this season.
BOSTON is 21-13 (+9.4 Units) against the money line in road games against division opponents this season.
BOSTON is 63-44 (+11.6 Units) against the money line in night games this season.
TAMPA BAY is 78-66 (-6.2 Units) against the money line in all games this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
BOSTON is 12-6 (+7.3 Units) against TAMPA BAY this season
13 of 18 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+7.4 Units)

JAKE PEAVY vs. TAMPA BAY since 1997
PEAVY is 3-1 when starting against TAMPA BAY with an ERA of 4.99 and a WHIP of 1.337.
His team's record is 3-2 (+1.7 units) in these starts. The OVER is 4-1. (+3.0 units)

JEREMY HELLICKSON vs. BOSTON since 1997
HELLICKSON is 4-2 when starting against BOSTON with an ERA of 3.84 and a WHIP of 1.279.
His team's record is 6-5 (+1.1 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 6-5. (+0.2 units)

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

CLEVELAND (77 - 68) at CHI WHITE SOX (58 - 87) - 8:10 PM
COREY KLUBER (R) vs. JOHN DANKS (L)
Top Trends for this game.
CHI WHITE SOX are 24-15 (+11.6 Units) against the money line in home games when playing against a team with a winning record in the second half of the season over the last 2 seasons.
CLEVELAND is 77-68 (+12.1 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
CLEVELAND is 74-65 (+10.0 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
CLEVELAND is 44-23 (+17.7 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record this season.
CHI WHITE SOX are 58-87 (-25.7 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
CHI WHITE SOX are 21-43 (-20.8 Units) against the money line when the total is 8 to 8.5 this season.
CHI WHITE SOX are 114-117 (-26.2 Units) against the money line in home games over the last 3 seasons.
CHI WHITE SOX are 7-18 (-12.9 Units) against the money line at home when the total is 8 to 8.5 this season.
CHI WHITE SOX are 13-26 (-14.7 Units) against the money line in September games over the last 2 seasons.
CHI WHITE SOX are 22-38 (-14.4 Units) against the money line against division opponents this season.
CHI WHITE SOX are 56-82 (-23.3 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
CHI WHITE SOX are 35-59 (-21.5 Units) against the money line in night games this season.
CHI WHITE SOX are 46-64 (-12.8 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.
CHI WHITE SOX are 2-11 (-9.8 Units) against the money line after getting shut out this season.
CHI WHITE SOX are 29-56 (-26.3 Units) against the money line after a loss this season.
DANKS is 24-36 (-20.1 Units) against the money line in home games in night games since 1997. (Team's Record)

Head-to-Head Series History
CLEVELAND is 11-2 (+9.7 Units) against CHI WHITE SOX this season
7 of 13 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+0.1 Units)

COREY KLUBER vs. CHI WHITE SOX since 1997
KLUBER is 1-1 when starting against CHI WHITE SOX with an ERA of 4.22 and a WHIP of 1.031.
His team's record is 2-1 (+1.8 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 1-2. (-1.3 units)

JOHN DANKS vs. CLEVELAND since 1997
DANKS is 4-8 when starting against CLEVELAND with an ERA of 4.73 and a WHIP of 1.313.
His team's record is 7-10 (-3.3 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 8-8. (-0.8 units)

[StarDust Bum]

MLB
Short Sheet

Thursday, September 12

National League

Atlanta at Miami, 12:40 ET
Garcia: 38-18 TSR away with a total of 8 to 8.5 runs
Flynn: Miami 27-49 SU with a total of 8 to 8.5 runs

Washington at NY Mets, 1:10 ET
Roark: Washington 27-13 SU off 9+ division games
Harang: Mets 9-20 SU at home after scoring 1 or 0 runs

Chicago Cubs at Pittsburgh, 7:05 ET WGN
Rusin: Cubs 8-21 SU off a shutout loss
Locke: Pittsburgh 16-7 SU revenging a loss by 1 run

San Diego at Philadelphia, 7:05 ET
Ross: San Diego 18-9 Over vs. NL East opponents
Halladay: Philadelpia 10-22 SU after winning 4 of their last 5 games

Milwaukee at St. Louis, 8:15 ET
Thornburg: Milwaukee 3-13 SU off 4+ Unders
Kelly: 7-0 TSR vs. division opponents

San Francisco at LA Dodgers, 10:10 ET
Cain: San Francisco 9-20 SU after winning 4 or 5 of their last 6 games
Greinke: 17-1 TSR as a home favorite of -150 to -200

[StarDust Bum]

Date WLT Pct Net Units Record

09/11/13 18-*11-*1 62.07% +*3520 Detail
09/10/13 16-*14-*0 53.33% +*890 Detail
09/09/13 12-*9-*1 57.14% +*875 Detail
09/08/13 18-*11-*0 62.07% +*2015 Detail
09/07/13 13-*15-*1 46.43% -*2350 Detail
09/06/13 20-*8-*0 71.43% +*5945 Detail
09/05/13 10-*3-*1 76.92% +*4390 Detail
09/04/13 15-*15-*0 50.00% -*760 Detail
09/03/13 11-*18-*1 37.93% -*4115 Detail
09/02/13 13-*16-*1 44.83% -*1875 Detail
09/01/13 16-*11-*1 59.26% +*1985 Detail

Totals 162-*131-*7 55.29% +10520


Thursday, September 12

Game Score Status Pick Amount

NY Yankees - 7:05 PM ET Baltimore -156 500
Baltimore - Under 9 500

Chi. Cubs - 7:05 PM ET Chi. Cubs +164 500 POD # 2
Pittsburgh - Under 7.5 500

San Diego - 7:05 PM ET San Diego -109 500
Philadelphia - Over 8 500

LA Angels - 7:07 PM ET LA Angels -116 500
Toronto - Under 9 500

Boston - 7:10 PM ET Boston -109 500
Tampa Bay - Under 8 500

Cleveland - 8:10 PM ET Chi. White Sox +114 500 POD # 1
Chi. White Sox - Over 8.5 500

Milwaukee - 8:15 PM ET St. Louis -176 500
St. Louis - Over 8 500

San Francisco - 10:10 PM ET San Francisco +156 500 POD # 3
LA Dodgers - Under 6.5 500

[WThotrod]

Good luck, BUM! $300 a piece. Let's make some more money!