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

[StarDust Bum]

Preview: Yankees (79-72) at Blue Jays (69-81)
Game: 2
Venue: Rogers Centre
Date: September 18, 2013 7:07 PM EDT


New York Yankees manager Joe Girardi knows his team is running out of time to reach the playoffs.

The Yankees have been anemic offensively during a four-game skid they hope to end Wednesday night on the road against the Toronto Blue Jays.

New York (79-72) fell 2-0 in Tuesday's opener of this three-game set. The Yankees are 3 1/2 games behind Texas and Tampa Bay, who are tied for the AL's wild-card spots, and must also overtake Cleveland and Baltimore.

"We're getting to where we can't lose much more,' Girardi said.

This untimely swoon has seen New York total seven runs while batting .167 with 28 strikeouts. Alex Rodriguez is 1 for 12 with four strikeouts, Ichiro Suzuki is 2 for 15 and Curtis Granderson 3 for 16 during this span, while Robinson Cano has one hit in his last 12 at_bats.

Rodriguez returned to the lineup after leaving Sunday's loss at Boston in the fifth inning with a strained right calf. He's also dealing with a sore left hamstring suffered Sept. 10 versus the Orioles. Rodriguez, who will likely serve as the DH throughout this series, went 0 for 4 and struck out looking twice.

Girardi said Rodriguez came through the game "OK."

"He never said anything," Girardi said.

In addition, catcher Austin Romine was scratched from Tuesday's starting lineup due to a concussion and replaced by Chris Stewart.

Colby Rasmus homered in his third straight game for Toronto (69-81), as he returned after sitting out Sunday's loss to Baltimore with general soreness. The Blue Jays, playing without injured sluggers Edwin Encarnacion and Jose Bautista, won for the second time in seven games.

Girardi will give Phil Hughes (4-13, 5.07 ERA) the start, but that may not mean much. Hughes returned to the rotation last Thursday in Baltimore after he was bypassed in favor of David Huff the previous time his turn came up.

The right-hander, however, was pulled after allowing one run in three innings in a 50-pitch effort to make way for the left-hander Huff, who went the next three innings. Neither has pitched since that 6-5 victory.

Hughes is 0-1 with a 3.78 ERA in three starts against the Blue Jays this year while Huff has thrown 8 1-3 scoreless innings over two appearances in 2013, with his lone start against Toronto coming as a rookie in 2009.

The Blue Jays have lost six straight home starts by J.A. Happ (4-6, 5.15), who is 0-5 with a 5.83 ERA in that span. The left-hander is 0-2 with a 6.75 ERA in three starts against the Yankees this year, with Alfonso Soriano homering twice off him.

Happ has failed to get through the sixth inning in six straight outings, allowing four runs in 4 1-3 innings in last Thursday's 4-3 home defeat to the Angels.

"I'm just trying to prove to myself more than anything," Happ told the Blue Jays' official website. "We have egos, you want to have success and you want to keep the team in the game and you want to have respect."

Yankees slugger Mark Reynolds, mired in a 2-for-19 slump, is hitless in 13 at_bats versus Happ.

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SERIES AT A GLANCE

GAME 1
Yankees at Blue Jays
Tue, Sep 17 Final 0 to 2
Boxscores • Recaps

GAME 2
Yankees at Blue Jays
Wed, Sep 18 - 7:07PM EDT

GAME 3
Yankees at Blue Jays
Thu, Sep 19 - 7:07PM EDT

[StarDust Bum]

Preview: Braves (89-62) at Nationals (81-70)
Game: 3
Venue: Nationals Park
Date: September 18, 2013 7:05 PM EDT


The Atlanta Braves' first division title in eight years appears virtually imminent, but the Washington Nationals have ensured they'll have to wait a little longer to clinch it.

The Nationals also have a chance at their first home sweep of the Braves in more than five years in Wednesday night's series finale.

With Monday's series opener postponed after the Navy Yard shootings, Washington took both games of a day-night doubleheader Tuesday, 6-5 and 4-0. The Braves (89-62) could have clinched their first NL East title since 2005 with victories in both, but instead the club's magic number remains at four. They'll have to wait until Friday at the earliest to wrap up the division.

Atlanta closer Craig Kimbrel's string of 37 consecutive converted saves was snapped in the first game as Andrelton Simmons' error lead to the go-ahead run in the bottom of the ninth.

Rookie Tanner Roark held the Braves to just two hits over seven innings in the second contest while Denard Span collected a single in each game, extending his hitting streak to 28 contests, the longest in the majors this season. He's hitting .378 during the streak with 19 runs scored.

Washington (81-70), which has won 10 of 11, trails Cincinnati by 4 1/2 games for the NL's second wild-card spot, while Atlanta still holds the NL's best record despite dropping nine of 13.

"I like where we are, our position, but there's still baseball games to be played," Braves manager Fredi Gonzalez said. "We've just got to get back on a roll again."

The Nationals entered the series 4-12 versus Atlanta this year, but now have a chance at their first home sweep of the Braves since Aug. 29-31, 2008.

Trying to clinch that sweep will be Ross Ohlendorf (4-0, 3.15 ERA), who filled in Friday against Philadelphia after Stephen Strasburg was scratched. The right-hander gave up a run on two singles and a walk in the first inning, but recovered nicely, allowing three more hits and another walk over four additional scoreless innings in a 6-1 win.

"He made the pitches," manager Davey Johnson said. "Great effort."

Ohlendorf gave up six runs in 3 2-3 innings the last time he matched up with the Braves, a 7-0 loss for Pittsburgh on May 21, 2010.

Atlanta will counter with rookie left-hander Alex Wood (3-3, 3.45), who had his scheduled start Thursday versus Miami skipped in order to give him more rest. That decision came on the heels of two rough starts as he gave up a combined 11 runs over seven innings. He didn't record a decision after yielding four runs and a season-high nine hits over 4 2-3 innings of a 6-5 loss at Philadelphia on Sept. 7.

"It's very frustrating," Wood said. "I'm trying to help my team clinch a pennant. I'm not doing exactly what I want to do when I go out there."

Perhaps facing Washington could get him back on track as he limited the Nationals to one run and five hits over 6 1-3 innings of a 3-2 victory on Aug. 16 with a season-high nine strikeouts.

Freddie Freeman became the first Brave to reach the 100-RBI mark since Chipper Jones and Jeff Francoeur in 2007 by driving in his 100th on Tuesday afternoon. He's hitting .352 over his last 28 games versus Washington with 23 RBIs.

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SERIES AT A GLANCE

GAME 1
Braves at Nationals
Mon, Sep 16 - 7:05PM EDT

Recaps
GAME 2
Braves at Nationals
Tue, Sep 17 Final 0 to 4
Boxscores • Recaps

GAME 3
Braves at Nationals
Wed, Sep 18 - 7:05PM EDT

[StarDust Bum]

Preview: Marlins (55-96) at Phillies (71-80)
Game: 3
Venue: Citizens Bank Park
Date: September 18, 2013 7:05 PM EDT


The Philadelphia Phillies likely won't avoid their first losing season in a decade, but games against the Miami Marlins are helping them delay the seemingly inevitable.

The Phillies will try for a series-best eighth straight win against the Marlins on Wednesday night, and Zach Miner will seek to help in his first major league start in four years.

Philadelphia (71-80) hasn't posted a sub-.500 record since going 80-81 in 2002 and haven't lost more than 81 games since finishing 65-97 in 2000. Barring an incredible year-ending run, the Phillies won't avoid a sub-.500 finish, but they did further their recent dominance over Miami (55-96) on Tuesday.

Chase Utley homered and had four RBIs for the second straight game as Philadelphia held on for a 6-4 victory. Carlos Ruiz contributed a two-run single in the third inning, giving him 12 RBIs in his last seven games

Miner (0-1, 3.72 ERA) will try to lead the Phillies to another win in his first start since Aug. 12, 2009. The right-hander is getting the call after Kyle Kendrick developed inflammation in his right shoulder.

"It's very cautionary and conservative," manager Ryne Sandberg told the team's website. "(Kendrick's) felt something the last few weeks. He just wanted to get peace of mind about it. He was still able to pitch and could still pitch now. But it was a precautionary move now to get him checked out."

Miner has made 13 relief appearances since being called up from the minors Aug. 2. He's facing the Marlins, losers in 10 of 12, for the first time.

Miami's Nathan Eovaldi (3-6, 3.80 ERA) is starting for the first time since Sept. 7 after having to skip an outing due to tightness in his back. He gave up five runs over three innings in his previous game, a 9-2 loss to Washington on Sept. 7.

"Eovaldi is back, literally back," manager Mike Redmond told the team's website. "It's good. You never know with those things how it's going to act this late in the season. Hopefully, he can bounce back and give us a couple of starts."

Eovaldi hasn't faced the Phillies this season and went 0-4 with a 5.85 ERA in four matchups in 2012. Ruiz went 4 for 6 with three doubles and two RBIs against him in those games while Domonic Brown was 4 for 8.

Juan Pierre, who passed Joe DiMaggio on the all-time hits list Tuesday with 2,215, is the only current Marlins player to have faced Miner, going 0 for 1.

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SERIES AT A GLANCE

GAME 1
Marlins at Phillies
Mon, Sep 16 Final 2 to 12
Boxscores • Recaps

GAME 2
Marlins at Phillies
Tue, Sep 17 Final 4 to 6
Boxscores • Recaps

GAME 3
Marlins at Phillies
Wed, Sep 18 - 7:05PM EDT

[StarDust Bum]

Preview: Padres (70-80) at Pirates (87-64)
Game: 3
Venue: PNC Park
Date: September 18, 2013 7:05 PM EDT


The Pittsburgh Pirates are once again trailing in the NL Central in part because of their recent struggles at home against the San Diego Padres.

The Pirates are hoping a matchup with right-hander Tyson Ross will not only give them a boost in the division race Wednesday night but also help them earn only their second win in the last 15 matchups with the Padres at PNC Park.

Pittsburgh (87-64) entered this four-game series tied with St. Louis atop the Central and maintained a share of first place Monday despite registering one hit in a 2-0 defeat to the Padres (70-80). The Pirates weren't as fortunate after a 5-2 loss Tuesday.

Jedd Gyorko helped drop Pittsburgh one game behind the Cardinals and 1 1/2 ahead of third-place Cincinnati with an early three-run homer. The win was San Diego's 30th in 40 all-time games at PNC, which opened in 2001.

"Everybody's aware of where we are, what's going on," Pirates manager Clint Hurdle said. "At the end of the day, we had a couple of opportunities we didn't maximize on."

The Padres, winners in 10 of 14, might have a challenge as they try to continue that dominance in Pittsburgh and earn a season-high fourth straight road victory behind Ross (3-8, 3.29 ERA). The right-hander is 0-3 with a 5.40 ERA in his last five starts and didn't make it out of the first inning in a 10-5 loss in Philadelphia on Thursday.

Ross gave up six runs, five hits and two walks while recording just two outs.

"It wasn't a good outing by me at all," Ross told the team's website. "I wasn't able to minimize the damage and (manager Bud Black) had to come out in the first."

He started his losing streak by allowing five runs over 6 1-3 innings in an 8-1 defeat to Pittsburgh on Aug. 20, his only matchup with the Pirates.

While his teammates try to hand Ross another loss, Charlie Morton (7-4, 3.54) will seek to earn a third straight home win and try to improve to 3-0 lifetime against the Padres, whom he has not faced since 2009.

Morton is 0-1 with a 10.80 ERA in his last two starts but much of that damage came from a shortened outing in St. Louis on Sept. 8. He gave up five runs over 1 2-3 innings before being forced to leave with plantar fasciitis in his left heel.

Morton appeared healthier in his solid effort against the visiting Chicago Cubs on Friday, allowing three runs and four hits over five frames. The right-hander, owner of a 2.45 ERA in his last four home starts, was denied the win when the Pirates bullpen blew a one-run lead in a 5-4 defeat.

"Morton had to grind one out tonight," Hurdle told the team's website. "I think he went out there with intent and purpose."

Nick Hundley has two doubles in five at_bats against Morton. Chase Headley and Mark Kotsay are each 2 for 5 versus the right-hander.

Russell Martin has two doubles in four at_bats against Ross.

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SERIES AT A GLANCE

GAME 1
Padres at Pirates
Mon, Sep 16 Final 2 to 0
Boxscores • Recaps

GAME 2
Padres at Pirates
Tue, Sep 17 Final 5 to 2
Boxscores • Recaps

GAME 3
Padres at Pirates
Wed, Sep 18 - 7:05PM EDT

GAME 4
Padres at Pirates
Thu, Sep 19 - 12:35PM EDT

[StarDust Bum]

Preview: Orioles (80-70) at Red Sox (92-60)
Game: 2
Venue: Fenway Park
Date: September 18, 2013 7:10 PM EDT


Considering Baltimore's recent offensive mediocrity and Koji Uehara's dominance, the outlook didn't look great for the Orioles in the ninth inning of their series opener in Boston.

A late rally reversed those fortunes, however, something the Orioles hope to build on going into Wednesday night's meeting with the Red Sox.

Baltimore has struggled to come through with hits in key situations lately, going 22 for 116 (.190) with runners in scoring position during a 7-7 stretch, including an 0-for-6 mark Tuesday. Leading off the ninth, though, Danny Valencia provided a clutch hit with a triple, breaking Uehara's streak of 37 consecutive outs, four shy of the major league record for a reliever.

Matt Wieters followed with a sacrifice fly to drive in the go-ahead run in the Orioles' 3-2 victory.

"You don't like your chances there with Koji, but we got a big hit from Danny," manager Buck Showalter said.

Chris Davis also hit his team-record 51st homer to help keep Baltimore (80-70) two games off the pace behind Texas and Tampa Bay in the AL wild-card chase. Boston's magic number fell to three despite the loss as the Rangers defeated the Rays.

The Red Sox (92-60) were held to three hits after averaging 10.3 during a 15-4 stretch. Boston figures to have a better chance offensively Wednesday considering the last time the club faced scheduled starter Wei-Yin Chen (7-7, 3.99 ERA). The left-hander surrendered career worsts of eight runs and eight hits in 3 2-3 innings of a 13-2 loss at Fenway Park on Aug. 27. Chen had been 2-1 with a 2.96 ERA through his first four career starts against the Red Sox.

Dustin Pedroia is 7 for 13 off him with three doubles.

Chen wasn't effective his last time out, either, yielding five runs and seven hits in 6 1-3 innings of a 6-5 loss to the New York Yankees on Thursday. Eight of the first 14 batters he faced reached base.

"I should do a better job for the first three innings," Chen told the team's official website through his interpreter. "I tried to get my rhythm and tempo and timing back in my delivery. It was hard for me."

Boston starter Jake Peavy (11-5, 4.03) will also be looking to get back on track after two shaky outings in which he allowed seven runs in 12 innings with eight walks, failing to record a decision both times.

The veteran right-hander had gone 2-1 with a 1.95 ERA in his previous four starts while only issuing three walks over 27 2-3 innings.

"Just didn't have great command," Peavy said after matching a season high with five walks in six innings of a 4-3 loss at Tampa Bay on Thursday. "My stuff was good. I just didn't throw enough strikes to pitch deeper into the ballgame."

Even if Peavy struggles with his control again, Baltimore is one of the majors' least disciplined teams at the plate. The Orioles average a walk every 14.9 plate appearances, baseball's worst rate.

Peavy is 2-0 with a 2.77 ERA in two career starts versus Baltimore. Davis is 0 for 2 against him while J.J. Hardy is 1 for 14 with four strikeouts.

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SERIES AT A GLANCE

GAME 1
Orioles at Red Sox
Tue, Sep 17 Final 3 to 2
Boxscores • Recaps

GAME 2
Orioles at Red Sox
Wed, Sep 18 - 7:10PM EDT

GAME 3
Orioles at Red Sox
Thu, Sep 19 - 7:10PM EDT

[StarDust Bum]

Preview: Giants (70-81) at Mets (67-83)
Game: 2
Venue: Citi Field
Date: September 18, 2013 7:10 PM EDT


Matt Cain has been very good since a rather forgettable outing against the New York Mets.

His chance to exact some revenge is now at hand.

Cain will try to lead the San Francisco Giants to a fifth straight win Wednesday night when they continue a three-game set at Citi Field.

One of the worst starts of Cain's career came July 10 against the Mets as he failed to make it out of the first inning for the only time in 263 starts. He was lifted after recording only two outs, allowing three runs, two hits and three walks in a 7-2 loss.

``He was disappointed to come out, but I had to make the call,' Giants manager Bruce Bochy said after that game.

Since that early exit, the right-hander has gone 3-3 with a 2.65 ERA in nine starts. Cain (8-9, 4.24 ERA) had his second consecutive strong outing Thursday after spending 15 days on the disabled list with a bruised right forearm. He limited the Dodgers to two runs - one earned - in seven innings of a 3-2 loss.

Cain was 3-1 with a 2.01 ERA in his previous five starts versus New York (67-83) before that abbreviated July outing.

Angel Pagan kept the Giants (70-81) hot Tuesday, going 3 for 3 with a homer, a triple, three RBIs and three runs scored in an 8-5 victory.

The Giants have outscored opponents 35-13 during the four-game run, their longest since a season-best six-game streak April 29-May 5.

"I know we're not going to go to the postseason or whatever, but if we finish strong I think we can reflect for next year and get ready, use this year as a motivation to prepare," Pagan said.

Pagan was 4 for 21 with eight strikeouts entering the night against the team he spent 2008-2011 with.

"He's done such a nice job since he's come back," Bochy said. "I think we've seen the difference he makes in our club, and he certainly showed that tonight."

The Giants are 34-28 with Pagan and 36-53 without him. He missed 84 games with a strained left hamstring.

The Mets' loss was overshadowed by some positive news earlier in the day with the announcement that Matt Harvey will try to rehab his injured right elbow without reconstructive surgery - a move the All-Star ace hopes is going to keep him on the mound next season.

"We have to be optimistic, because he is optimistic," manager Terry Collins said. "If he's able to be successful, that would be a great find for the organization headed into next year."

New York will try to avoid a fourth straight home loss to San Francisco behind Aaron Harang (0-1, 4.50), who joined Harvey and Pedro Martinez as the only players in Mets' history to record double-digit strikeouts in their franchise debut.

Harang tied a season-high with 10 Thursday, allowing three runs in six innings of a 7-2 loss to Washington.

Though the right-hander has yet to see the Giants this season, he's 4-2 with a 2.12 ERA against them since 2008.

He has had success against Pablo Sandoval (4 for 23), Brandon Crawford (1 for 6) and Brandon Belt (0 for 5).

Hunter Pence, however, is 10 for 33 (.303) in their matchups. Pence is 14 for 29 (.483) with six homers and 20 RBIs during a seven-game hit streak.

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SERIES AT A GLANCE

GAME 1
Giants at Mets
Tue, Sep 17 Final 8 to 5
Boxscores • Recaps

GAME 2
Giants at Mets
Wed, Sep 18 - 7:10PM EDT

GAME 3
Giants at Mets
Thu, Sep 19 - 1:10PM EDT

[StarDust Bum]

Preview: Rangers (82-68) at Rays (82-68)
Game: 3
Venue: Tropicana Field
Date: September 18, 2013 7:10 PM EDT


While many were quick to write off the Texas Rangers, they aren't ready to lay down just yet.

The Rangers try to build on their first win in over a week Wednesday night when they continue a critical four-game road set against the fellow wild card-leading Tampa Bay Rays.

Texas (82-68) had been limited to 20 runs during a season-worst seven-game losing streak before breaking out in Tuesday's 7-1 victory. Ian Kinsler, Elvis Andrus and Leonys Martin homered and drove in all seven runs as the Rangers pulled even with Tampa Bay (82-68) atop the wild-card standings.

"You've got to have a sense of relief when you lose seven in a row and you know you're a better team than that," said manager Ron Washington, whose club improved to 3-12 this month. "We just kept grinding and good things began to happen for us."

Kinsler's leadoff shot gave Texas its first lead since beating the Los Angeles Angels 4-3 on Sept. 8.

"Obviously we've been fighting from behind a lot in this last week," he said, "so to be able to get a first hit out of the way, and a first run out of the way ... given the circumstances, it's a big win."

The Rays had won four of five by a 24-11 margin before managing four hits Tuesday.

"I'm not anticipating us just to go out there and be Minnesota Fats (and run the table)," manager Joe Maddon said. "I don't see it, so it's just going to be back and forth. You've got to deal with it. Keep coming and prepare for it."

Tampa Bay now turns to rookie Chris Archer (9-7, 3.03 ERA), who had posted an 8.22 ERA in losing back-to-back starts spanning a combined 7 2-3 innings before bouncing back Friday at Minnesota. The right-hander struck out seven over six innings of three-hit ball in a 3-0 win.

"He pretty much had his way," Maddon said. "I just want to really eye him up, because our intent is to play well into October, and I want to make sure that he's well."

Archer, who was removed after 87 pitches, hasn't thrown more than 92 in any of his last four outings.

"I still feel mentally and physically there," he said. "But I have an understanding of the big picture and maybe saving a couple extra innings, just in case if we do make that magical playoff run."

Archer is 2-0 with a 1.71 ERA in his last three home starts. He allowed two runs and struck out a career-high 11 in seven innings in a 4-2, 10-inning loss to Texas on Sept. 8, 2012, his only appearance in the series.

The Rangers, meanwhile, hope to see Derek Holland (9-9, 3.49) recapture his form. The left-hander, who has compiled a 10.13 ERA during a season-worst three-start losing streak, surrendered six runs over three-plus innings Friday in a 9-8 defeat to Oakland.

"This was just horrendous. I was missing too much in the plate, I'm up in the zone. I haven't done my job. It's embarrassing," he told MLB's official website following his shortest outing of the year. "I need to do a way better job than that."

Holland is 0-1 despite a 1.69 ERA in his last two starts versus Tampa Bay. Evan Longoria is 9 for 24 with three homers and four doubles in their matchups.

Holland will get his first look at Wil Myers, who is 11 for 27 with two homers, five doubles and seven RBIs during a seven-game hitting streak.

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SERIES AT A GLANCE

GAME 1
Rangers at Rays
Mon, Sep 16 Final 2 to 6
Boxscores • Recaps

GAME 2
Rangers at Rays
Tue, Sep 17 Final 7 to 1
Boxscores • Recaps

GAME 3
Rangers at Rays
Wed, Sep 18 - 7:10PM EDT

GAME 4
Rangers at Rays
Thu, Sep 19 - 7:10PM EDT

[StarDust Bum]

Preview: Indians (82-69) at Royals (79-72)
Game: 3
Venue: Ewing M. Kauffman Stadium
Date: September 18, 2013 8:10 PM EDT


Although a loss to the Cleveland Indians in Wednesday night's series finale wouldn't officially end Kansas City's playoff hopes, it conceivably could make the deficit for the wild card too great for the Royals to overcome.

The Royals look to rebound from a disappointing defeat when they face the Indians for the season's final time.

Leading the Indians 3-0 after five innings on Tuesday, Kansas City had a chance to pull within a single game of Cleveland in the AL wild-card race. Instead, the Indians scored in four consecutive frames to secure a 5-3 win at Kauffman Stadium.

"It happens sometimes," Royals catcher Salvador Perez said. "We have to keep going, keep playing hard through the last day of the season."

Michael Bourn drew Cleveland within one with an RBI triple and scored on a sacrifice fly to tie the score in the seventh. Asdrubal Cabrera gave the Indians (82-69) the lead with a run-scoring double an inning later, and Bourn provided insurance with a solo shot in the ninth.

Bourn is batting .310 with four extra-base hits over a seven-game hitting streak and is batting .300 against the Royals this season.

"We have a scrappy group in here, and we're not done," said Nick Swisher, whose sacrifice fly in the seventh tied it. "We're going to keep pushing because we want this. We want it bad.'

Cleveland snapped a streak of three straight losses to Kansas City and stands one-half game back of both Tampa Bay and Texas for the AL's two wild-card spots. The Royals (79-72), despite 15 wins in 23 games, stand 3 1/2 games back.

After this contest, Kansas City has three games against the Rangers, followed by a series with Seattle and the Chicago White Sox. Considering the Indians have a far easier path to the playoffs, with remaining series against Houston, the White Sox and Minnesota - the AL's three worst teams - the Royals can't afford a letdown in their last meeting.

Though he hasn't given the Indians many innings, Danny Salazar (1-2, 2.66 ERA) has made the most of his time on the mound.

Constrained by an 85-pitch limit, the right-hander has made it into the fifth inning in just two of his last six starts. That includes Friday against Chicago, when he lasted a season-low 3 2-3 innings.

"I felt good," Salazar said. "Too many pitches."

Salazar has fared well, however, allowing one run in his last 15 2-3 innings, including a scoreless performance Friday.

Perhaps buoyed by the rest he has received, Salazar has struck out 11.95 batters per nine innings, the highest total of any major league starter with at least 20 innings. He has 17 strikeouts in his last 7 2-3 innings, and recorded nine of 11 outs via the strikeout Friday.

The Royals turn to Bruce Chen (7-3, 3.11), who allowed six runs in 4 1-3 innings in Friday's 6-3 loss at Detroit.

"They had a really good plan going in. They were hacking early," said the veteran left-hander, who had gone 2-0 with a 2.41 ERA over his previous three starts. "They prepared themselves really well."

Chen, reached for seven home runs in his first 81 1-3 innings, has given up a long ball in each of his last four starts.

The Indians haven't seen Chen since July 12, when he held them to a hit in six innings of a 3-0 loss in his first start of the year.

Though Chen's lifetime ERA against the Indians rests at 4.33, he hasn't allowed an earned run in 12 1-3 innings against them this season.

Chen has struggled against Michael Brantley, who is 9 for 17 off him.

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SERIES AT A GLANCE

GAME 1
Indians at Royals
Mon, Sep 16 Final 1 to 7
Boxscores • Recaps

GAME 2
Indians at Royals
Tue, Sep 17 Final 5 to 3
Boxscores • Recaps

GAME 3
Indians at Royals
Wed, Sep 18 - 8:10PM EDT

[StarDust Bum]

Preview: Cubs (63-88) at Brewers (67-83)
Game: 3
Venue: Miller Park
Date: September 18, 2013 8:10 PM EDT


Despite being only marginally better than the Chicago Cubs in the standings, the Milwaukee Brewers' recent run of dominance in the series hasn't skipped a beat this year.

They'll look to continue that Wednesday night against left-hander Chris Rusin at Miller Park, a matchup that appears favorable considering their success versus southpaws.

After a 4-3 victory Tuesday following Logan Schafer's game-winning squeeze bunt, Milwaukee (67-83) has won 32 of the last 43 meetings between the teams dating back to July 26, 2011. The Brewers finished a combined 47 games ahead of the Cubs over the last two seasons, but are only 4 1/2 games better this year.

Milwaukee, though, owns a 12-5 edge in 2013, including four straight victories in which the Cubs (63-88) have been held to a combined eight runs and 21 hits.

The Brewers are one of baseball's better teams against left-handed pitching, with their .266 average and .419 slugging percentage both ranking near the top of the majors.

Norichika Aoki, Jean Segura, Carlos Gomez and Jonathan Lucroy all rank among the NL's top 20 versus left-handers with batting averages of .342, .317, .314 and .307, respectively.

Rusin (2-4, 2.85 ERA) lasted just 3 2-3 innings in an 8-5 win over Milwaukee on Sept. 6, allowing two runs and seven hits, but has been pitched well of late with a 2.45 ERA over his last four outings.

He matched a career high by going seven innings while allowing two runs and four hits in a 3-1 loss at Pittsburgh on Thursday as he continues to audition for a potential spot in the team's 2014 rotation.

"We'll cross those bridges when we get to it," manager Dale Sveum said. "He's definitely put himself in a position to have every opportunity to make the rotation."

Former Cub Aramis Ramirez, who is slugging .549 in 71 at_bats against left-handers this year, is 2 for 3 off Rusin with a homer.

The Brewers will counter Rusin with another impressive rookie in Tyler Thornburg (2-1, 2.18). The right-hander has thrown exactly six innings in each of his five starts this year while going 1-1 with a 1.50 ERA.

He limited a potent St. Louis lineup to two runs and three hits in a 5-3 victory at Busch Stadium on Thursday, his first career win as a starter.

"I thought I threw the ball pretty well," Thornburg said. "I was locating my fastball pretty well. Everything felt good."

Thornburg threw six shutout innings during a 3-2 win at Chicago on July 30, his first start of the year and only appearance against the Cubs.

Darwin Barney will try to break out of a slump as he's just 1 for 17 over his last six games.

Lucroy is 4 for 28 (.143) with eight strikeouts over his last nine contests.

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SERIES AT A GLANCE

GAME 1
Cubs at Brewers
Mon, Sep 16 Final 1 to 6
Boxscores • Recaps

GAME 2
Cubs at Brewers
Tue, Sep 17 Final 3 to 4
Boxscores • Recaps

GAME 3
Cubs at Brewers
Wed, Sep 18 - 8:10PM EDT

GAME 4
Cubs at Brewers
Thu, Sep 19 - 2:10PM EDT

[StarDust Bum]

Preview: Reds (86-66) at Astros (51-100)
Game: 3
Venue: Minute Maid Park
Date: September 18, 2013 8:10 PM EDT


While the Cincinnati Reds and major league-worst Houston Astros are now in different leagues, the results have been the same.

Looking to continue their playoff push, Jay Bruce and the visiting Reds try to sweep their former NL Central rivals on Wednesday night.

After taking Monday's opener 6-1, Cincinnati (86-66) improved to 40-17 against Houston since 2009 with a 10-0 rout the following night. Bruce hit a grand slam and drove in a career high-tying five runs for the Reds, who are 4 1/2 games ahead of Washington for the NL's second wild-card spot with 10 to go.

Bruce has now hit 30 homers in three straight seasons, and his 100 RBIs are a career high. The right fielder is batting .382 with eight homers and 26 RBIs in 17 games against the Astros since the start of last year.

"Thirty home runs is almost automatic if he stays healthy because that's his swing," manager Dusty Baker said. "We had (Sin-Soo) Choo on all the time and we had Joey (Votto) on all the time and he had quite a few chances. Now he's cashing them in and hopefully it continues into the playoffs."

The Astros (51-100), meanwhile, are the first team to lose 100 games in three straight seasons since Kansas City from 2004-06.

"I'm always going to concentrate on the things we need to do to improve," said manager Bo Porter, whose team has dropped four straight by a 24-4 margin. "I don't concern myself with what it is people are going to say. I concern myself about the men in that clubhouse and how we're going to get better every day."

Houston will try to regroup against Reds starter Greg Reynolds (1-2, 5.66 ERA). The right-hander hasn't pitched since allowing four runs and six hits in 1 2-3 innings after relieving an injured Tony Cingrani with two outs in the second inning of a 9-1 loss to the Chicago Cubs on Sept. 10.

Reynolds, though, went 1-1 with a 3.21 ERA in two starts toward the end of last month.

"You can prepare a lot better when you know you're getting the ball," he told MLB's official website. "I'm obviously more comfortable with that. I'm excited for another opportunity, and I just want to do well. I'm just kind of embracing this whole thing."

Reynolds will be opposed by Brad Peacock (5-5, 5.27), who is 4-1 with a 3.64 ERA in his last five outings. The right-hander is looking to win a career-high third consecutive start after yielding one run in six innings last Wednesday in a 6-1 victory at Seattle.

"He's been outstanding," Porter said of Peacock. "It's been quality start after quality start."

Peacock, who has never faced Cincinnati, is 1-3 with a 6.84 ERA in five home starts. He will need to be careful against Votto, who is batting .489 with five homers, 20 RBIs and 24 runs during a 23-game hitting streak at Minute Maid Park, the longest by a player in the stadium's history.

Votto is also batting .444 with two homers and six RBIs in his last 11 games overall.

Houston placed Jason Castro on the 15-day disabled list Tuesday with discomfort in his right knee, ending his season. The All-Star catcher hit .276 with 18 homers and 56 RBIs in 120 games.

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SERIES AT A GLANCE

GAME 1
Reds at Astros
Mon, Sep 16 Final 6 to 1
Boxscores • Recaps

GAME 2
Reds at Astros
Tue, Sep 17 Final 10 to 0
Boxscores • Recaps

GAME 3
Reds at Astros
Wed, Sep 18 - 8:10PM EDT

[StarDust Bum]

Preview: Cardinals (88-63) at Rockies (69-83)
Game: 3
Venue: Coors Field
Date: September 18, 2013 8:40 PM EDT


Adam Wainwright would like to finish as strong as he started.

The ace will take the mound Wednesday against one of his favorite foes as the St. Louis Cardinals visit the Colorado Rockies.

He can help the Cardinals (88-63), who moved one game ahead of Pittsburgh in the NL Central Tuesday with an 11-4 win over Colorado, reduce their magic number for a postseason berth from five.

"You like gaining a game on them," said Matt Holliday, who went 4 for 4 with a home run. "But there are still a lot of games left. We have to keep winning games, make it hard on them."

Wainwright (16-9, 2.96 ERA) began the season in dominant fashion, winning 10 of his first 14 starts with a 2.18 ERA. He has since gone 6-6 with a 3.64 ERA but appears to have found his early season form.

The right-hander stifled Pittsburgh on two hits in seven scoreless innings Sept. 7 before limiting Seattle to a run in eight innings of a 2-1, 10-inning win Friday. Wainwright is 4-1 with a 1.29 ERA in six career starts against the Rockies and pitched a two-hitter in a 3-0 win over Colorado on May 11.

While Tyler Chatwood (7-4, 3.20) also started the year strongly with a 7-3 record nd 2.48 ERA through 14 starts, he then was sidelined with elbow inflammation and has struggled since returning from that injury this month.

Chatwood has given up 11 free passes in 12 2-3 frames in three outings since being activated from the disabled list and has a 7.20 ERA in a four-start winless stretch. On Friday, Chatwood worked around a career-high six walks and seven hits to allow two runs in 4 2-3 innings of a 7-5 Colorado win at Arizona.

Chatwood made two relief appearances against the Cardinals in 2012, surrendering four runs in four innings, including a two-run shot by Allen Craig while taking the loss in a 9-3 defeat.

The Rockies (69-83) have lost eight of 11 and scored four runs or fewer in nine consecutive defeats. Michael Cuddyer regained the NL batting lead at .331 by going 2 for 3 on Tuesday, and retiring first baseman Todd Helton has tried to give some stability to an injury-ravaged lineup.

Carlos Gonzalez is likely out for the season with a sprained middle finger, and Nolan Arenado probably won't be available for this game after aggravating a right thumb injury Monday.

"I'm getting sick and tired of seeing doctors, hearing the same thing," Gonzalez told the team's official website. "I'm thinking about next year, getting ready for baseball."

Wilin Rosario started but had to leave early for the second consecutive game due to soreness in his right calf, and Dexter Fowler hasn't started since Sept. 6 with a left knee injury.

The Cardinals' offense has been uneven of late, averaging 6.7 runs in 20 wins since Aug. 14, but just 1.3 runs in 13 losses.

On Tuesday, they had a 10-0 lead after five innings and finished with at least 18 hits for the second time in three games.

"When we get it going like that, it's hard to stop us," Holliday said.

Yadier Molina is 7 for his last 15 and Matt Carpenter is 10 for his last 20.

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SERIES AT A GLANCE

GAME 1
Cardinals at Rockies
Mon, Sep 16 Final 2 to 6
Boxscores • Recaps

GAME 2
Cardinals at Rockies
Tue, Sep 17 Final 11 to 4
Boxscores • Recaps

GAME 3
Cardinals at Rockies
Wed, Sep 18 - 8:40PM EDT

GAME 4
Cardinals at Rockies
Thu, Sep 19 - 3:10PM EDT

[StarDust Bum]

Preview: Dodgers (87-64) at Diamondbacks (76-74)
Game: 3
Venue: Chase Field
Date: September 18, 2013 10:10 PM EDT


In his long-awaited return to the lineup, Matt Kemp led the Los Angeles Dodgers to the brink of their first NL West crown in four years.

Kemp will try to help the Dodgers secure that title Wednesday night with a victory over the Arizona Diamondbacks.

Making his first start since July 21, Kemp went 4 for 4 with three RBIs in Tuesday's 9-3 victory that snapped a four-game skid. Those nine runs matched Los Angeles' total during its losing streak.

Kemp struck out in a pinch-hit appearance to end Monday's 2-1 loss to Arizona after being activated from the disabled list for third time this season.

"It feels good to just be able to be here with the team and be able to go out there and run out with them and compete with them and do all that,' said Kemp, who had been dealing with a sprained left ankle. "I missed baseball, man."

Hanley Ramirez also singled and scored three runs in his first game since Thursday. The team's top hitter was recovering from an irritated nerve in his back.

Carl Crawford (back) and Andre Ethier (ankle) are still dealing with injuries and might not return before Los Angeles (87-64) wraps up its first division title since 2009.

The Dodgers have a 10 1/2-game lead over the second-place Diamondbacks (76-74) and their magic number is down to two.

Stephen Fife (4-3, 3.38 ERA) will try to lead the Dodgers to the West crown in a spot start. The right-hander, who is giving Clayton Kershaw some extra rest, is 4-3 with a 1.94 ERA in his last eight starts and has received two runs or fewer of support six times.

Fife, however, has given up seven runs over five innings in his two relief appearances since being called up from the minors Sept. 1. He's starting for the first time since going 5 1-3 innings in a 1-0 win over the Chicago Cubs on Aug. 4.

"Relieving for me is a challenge. It's interesting having to get going in three or four minutes. I've tried to learn how," Fife told the team's website. "But basically, all I've ever done in my baseball life is start and I'm definitely more comfortable starting."

Fife gave up two runs over 4 1-3 innings in his only start against Arizona on Aug. 1, 2012, taking the loss in a 4-0 defeat.

In this matchup, he'll pitch opposite Brandon McCarthy (4-9, 4.58), who is 2-1 with a 2.10 ERA in his last four outings. The right-hander, though, admittedly wasn't at his best Friday while not factoring in the decision in a 7-5 loss to Colorado.

McCarthy gave up a season-high 11 hits but was charged with only two runs over six innings.

"I didn't feel sharp at all," he told the team's website. "I didn't feel strong. It was one of those ones that you have to battle through."

McCarthy also didn't receive a decision in his only meeting with the Dodgers this season, a 5-3 win May 7, allowing three runs over 6 1-3 innings.

Paul Goldschmidt will try to spoil the Dodgers' plans for a celebration while continuing his hot hitting. The NL leader with 116 RBIs and co-leader with 33 homers is 15 for 27 (.556) in his last seven games.

Goldschmidt, who has six extra-base hits and nine RBIs during that stretch, is batting .406 in his last 27 contests against Los Angeles and is 2 for 2 all-time against Fife.

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SERIES AT A GLANCE

GAME 1
Dodgers at Diamondbacks
Mon, Sep 16 Final 1 to 2
Boxscores • Recaps

GAME 2
Dodgers at Diamondbacks
Tue, Sep 17 Final 9 to 3
Boxscores • Recaps

GAME 3
Dodgers at Diamondbacks
Wed, Sep 18 - 10:10PM EDT

GAME 4
Dodgers at Diamondbacks
Thu, Sep 19 - 3:40PM EDT

[StarDust Bum]

MLB
Dunkel

Texas at Tampa Bay
The Rays look to take advantage of a Texas team that is 4-10 in Derek Holland's last 14 road starts as an underdog of +110 to +150. Tampa Bay is the pick (-140) according to Dunkel, which has the Rays favored by 1 1/2. Dunkel Pick: Tampa Bay (-140). Here are all of today's picks.

WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 18

Game 901-902: Miami at Philadelphia (7:05 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Miami (Eovaldi) 13.172; Philadelphia (Miner) 15.210
Dunkel Line: Philadelphia by 2; 7
Vegas Line: No Line
Dunkel Pick: N/A

Game 903-904: Atlanta at Washington (7:05 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Atlanta (Wood) 15.314; Washington (Ohlendorf) 14.891
Dunkel Line: Atlanta by 1/2; 8
Vegas Line: Washington (-110); 7
Dunkel Pick: Atlanta (-110); Over

Game 905-906: San Diego at Pittsburgh (7:05 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: San Diego (Ross) 15.799; Pittsburgh (Morton) 14.517
Dunkel Line: San Diego by 1 1/2; 8
Vegas Line: Pittsburgh (-160); 7
Dunkel Pick: San Diego (+150); Over

Game 907-908: San Francisco at NY Mets (7:10 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: San Francisco (Cain) 15.740; NY Mets (Harang) 13.736
Dunkel Line: San Francisco by 2; 6
Vegas Line: San Francisco (-145); 7
Dunkel Pick: San Francisco (-145); Under

Game 909-910: Chicago Cubs at Milwaukee (8:10 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Cubs (Rusin) 15.510; Milwaukee (Thornburg) 14.612
Dunkel Line: Chicago Cubs by 1; 9
Vegas Line: Milwaukee (-130); 7 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Chicago Cubs (+110); Over

Game 911-912: St. Louis at Colorado (8:40 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: St. Louis (Wainwright) 15.152; Colorado (Chatwood) 13.750
Dunkel Line: St. Louis by 1 1/2; 8
Vegas Line: St. Louis (-155); 9
Dunkel Pick: St. Louis (-155); Under

Game 913-914: LA Dodgers at Arizona (10:10 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: LA Dodgers (Fife) 15.653; Arizona (McCarthy) 14.600
Dunkel Line: LA Dodgers by 1; 8
Vegas Line: Arizona (-125); 9
Dunkel Pick: LA Dodgers (+105); Under

Game 915-916: Minnesota at Chicago White Sox (2:10 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Minnesota (Diamond) 13.273; White Sox (Danks) 14.953
Dunkel Line: Chicago White Sox by 1 1/2; 9
Vegas Line: Chicago White Sox (-135); 8
Dunkel Pick: Chicago White Sox (-135); Over

Game 917-918: LA Angels at Oakland (3:35 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: LA Angels (Vargas) 15.549; Oakland (Griffin) 17.060
Dunkel Line: Oakland by 1 1/2; 9
Vegas Line: Oakland (-150); 8
Dunkel Pick: Oakland (-150); Over

Game 919-920: NY Yankees at Toronto (7:07 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: NY Yankees (Hughes) 15.518; Toronto (Happ) 14.414
Dunkel Line: NY Yankees by 1; 8
Vegas Line: Toronto (-110); 9
Dunkel Pick: NY Yankees (-110); Under

Game 921-922: Seattle at Detroit (7:08 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Seattle (Iwakuma) 15.588; Detroit (Verlander) 14.671
Dunkel Line: Seattle by 1; 9
Vegas Line: Detroit (-175); 7 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Seattle (+155); Over

Game 923-924: Texas at Tampa Bay (7:10 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Texas (Holland) 14.381; Tampa Bay (Archer) 15.859
Dunkel Line: Tampa Bay by 1 1/2; 6
Vegas Line: Tampa Bay (-140); 7
Dunkel Pick: Tampa Bay (-140); Under

Game 925-926: Baltimore at Boston (7:10 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Baltimore (Chen) 16.397; Boston (Peavy) 15.210
Dunkel Line: Baltimore by 1; 10
Vegas Line: Boston (-150); 8 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Baltimore (+130); Over

Game 927-928: Cleveland at Kansas City (8:10 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Cleveland (Salazar) 16.399; Kansas City (Chen) 17.761
Dunkel Line: Kansas City by 1 1/2; 7
Vegas Line: Kansas City (-125); 7 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Kansas City (-125); Under

Game 929-930: Cincinnati at Houston (8:10 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Cincinnati (Reynolds) 16.491; Houston (Peacock) 14.135
Dunkel Line: Cincinnati by 2 1/2; 8
Vegas Line: Cincinnati (-150); 9
Dunkel Pick: Cincinnati (-150); Under

[StarDust Bum]

MLB
Armadillo's Write-Up

Wednesday, September 18

Hot pitchers
-- Washington is 6-0 when Ohlendorf starts (3-0, 3.31).
-- Rusin is 1-3, 2.50 in his last seven starts.
-- Cain is 2-3, 2.79 in his last seven starts.
-- Thornburg is 1-1, 2.10 in five starts this season.
-- Wainwright is 1-0, 0.60 in his last couple starts.
-- McCarthy is 2-1, 2.40 in his last four starts. Fife is 3-1, 2.70 in his last four starts, last of which was August 4.

-- Peacock is 2-0, 2.07 in his last couple starts.

-- Griffin is 4-0, 3.60 in his last four starts.
-- Iwakuma is 2-0, 2.27 in his last six starts.
-- Peavy is 2-0, 2.94 in his last five starts.
-- Salazar has a 1.57 RA in his last five starts, but only lasted 23 innings total; he seems to be on an 80-pitch limit.

Cold pitchers
-- Eovaldi is 1-4, 7.00 in his last five starts. ZMiner is 25-21, 3.72 in 35 starts in big leagues, but his last start was in '09-- he was 5-6, 3.90 in 12 AAA starts this season.
-- Wood is 0-1, 14.14 in his last two starts.
-- Ross is 0-3, 6.48 in his last five starts. Morton is 0-1, 10.80 in his last two.
-- Harang is 0-4, 7.32 in his last seven starts.
-- Chatwood is 0-0, 3.55 in three starts since coming off the DL.

-- Reynolds is 1-2, 4.74 in three starts this season.

-- Danks is 0-3, 10.67 in last three starts. Diamond is 0-2, 7.72 in his last three.
-- Vargas is 0-2, 9.42 in his last three starts.
-- Hughes is 0-6, 6.24 in his last eleven starts. Happ is 1-4, 7.13 in his last five.
-- Verlander is 1-2, 4.96 in his last five starts.
-- Archer is 1-2, 5.27 in his last three starts. Holland is 0-3, 12.15 in his last three outings.
-- WChen is 0-1, 8.10 in his last four starts.
-- BChen is 2-3, 6.75 in his last six 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........
-- Eovaldi 5-15 (3 of last 5); ZMiner 0-0
-- Wood 2-10; Ohlendorf 2-5
-- Ross 5-13; Morton 3-17 (1 of last 9)
-- Cain 8-28 (1 of last 9); Harang 9-23 (3 of last 6)
-- Rusin 3-11; Thornburg 1-5
-- Wainwright 9-31 (5 of last 11); Chatwood 6-18
-- Fife 1-9; McCarthy 7-19 (3 of last 5)

-- Reynolds 1-3; Peacock 3-12 (0 of last 6)

-- Diamond 6-20 (1 of last 9); Danks 8-21
-- Vargas 3-21; Griffin 3-30
-- Hughes 8-27; Happ 4-15
-- Iwakuma 6-31 (1 of last 15); Verlander 9-31
-- Holland 6-30 (3 of last 4); Archer 7-20 (5 of last 8)
-- WChen 4-20 (1 of last 9); Peavy 2-21 (0 of 8 with Bos)
-- Salazar 2-8; BChen 3-12

Totals
-- Five of last seven Miami games stayed under the total.
-- Five of last seven Met games stayed under the total.
-- 11 of last 13 Atlanta games stayed under the total; 12 of last 17 Washington games went over..
-- Eight of last eleven San Diego games stayed under the total.
-- Nine of last eleven Cub games stayed under the total.
-- Over is 5-1-1 in last seven Colorado games.
-- Six of last eight Arizona games went over the total.

-- Seven of last eleven Houston games stayed under the total.

-- Eight of last ten Detroit games stayed under the total.
-- Six of last eight Hughes starts went over the total.
-- Under is 10-3-1 in last fourteen Baltimore games.
-- Eight of ten Archer home starts stayed under total.
-- Nine of 12 BChen starts stayed under the total.
-- 11 of last 16 Minnesota games went over the total.
-- Three of last four Oakland games stayed under the total.

Hot teams
-- Phillies won eight of their last eleven games.
-- Washington won 12 of its last 14 games.
-- Giants won seven of their last nine games.
-- Pirates won six of their last nine games. San Diego won eight of last eleven.
-- Brewers won five of their last six games.
-- Cardinals won eight of their last eleven games.
-- Diamondbacks won four of their last six games.

-- Reds are 10-5 in their last fifteen games.

-- Detroit won six of its last seven games.
-- Red Sox won eight of their last eleven games.
-- Tampa Bay won four of its last six games.
-- Kansas City won eight of its last 11 home games. Indians won ten of their last fourteen games overall.
-- A's won nine of their last eleven games; Angels won nine of last thirteen

Cold teams
-- Miami lost ten of its last twelve games.
-- Braves lost nine of their last thirteen games.
-- Mets lost six of their last nine games.
-- Cubs are 11-24 in their last 35 games.
-- Colorado lost ten of its last fourteen games.
-- Dodgers lost nine of their last twelve games.

-- Houston lost ten of its last twelve home games.

-- Mariners lost eight of their last nine games.
-- Blue Jays lost five of their last seven games. Bronx lost last four games, allowing 26 runs.
-- Orioles are 3-4 in their last seven games.
-- Texas lost 10 of its last 12 games.
-- Twins lost 10 of their last 13 games; White Sox lost 15 of last 19.

Umpires
-- Mia-Phil-- Over is 15-5 in last twenty Hernandez games.
-- Atl-Wsh-- Underdogs won eight of last ten Bucknor games; under is 6-2-2 in his last ten games behind the plate.
-- SF-NY-- Home teams won four of last five Hickox games.
-- SD-Pitt-- Underdogs won eight of last eleven TWelke games.
-- Chi-Mil-- Four of last six Basner games went over the total.
-- StL-Col-- 18 of last 20 Danley games stayed under the total.
-- LA-Az-- Under is 12-5-1 in last eighteen West games.

-- Cin-Hst-- Three of last four McClelland games stayed under.

-- Sea-Det-- Under is 14-1-1 in last sixteen Cuzzi games.
-- Blt-Bos-- Over is 11-5-1 in last 17 Diaz games; underdogs won 18 of his last 30 games behind the plate.
-- NY-Tor-- Underdogs won last eight Iassogna games; under is 6-1-1 in those eight games.
-- Tex-TB-- Under is 9-1-1 in last eleven Cooper games.
-- Min-Chi-- Home side won 13 of last 14 Dimuro games.
-- Cle-KC-- Under is 14-5-1 in l;ast twenty Johnson games.
-- LA-A's-- Favorites won seven of last nine Meals games.

[StarDust Bum]

MLB

Wednesday, September 18

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Trend Report
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2:10 PM
MINNESOTA vs. CHI WHITE SOX
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Minnesota's last 5 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 10 of Minnesota's last 15 games
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Chi White Sox's last 6 games
Chi White Sox are 4-15 SU in their last 19 games

3:35 PM
LA ANGELS vs. OAKLAND
LA Angels are 6-2 SU in their last 8 games
LA Angels are 15-4 SU in their last 19 games on the road
Oakland is 4-1 SU in their last 5 games when playing LA Angels
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Oakland's last 6 games when playing LA Angels

7:05 PM
SAN DIEGO vs. PITTSBURGH
San Diego is 20-5 SU in its last 25 games when playing Pittsburgh
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of San Diego's last 6 games when playing Pittsburgh
Pittsburgh is 5-20 SU in its last 25 games when playing San Diego
Pittsburgh is 1-13 SU in its last 14 games when playing at home against San Diego

7:05 PM
ATLANTA vs. WASHINGTON
Atlanta is 4-9 SU in its last 13 games on the road
Atlanta is 16-6 SU in its last 22 games when playing Washington
The total has gone UNDER in 9 of Washington's last 13 games when playing Atlanta
Washington is 2-7 SU in its last 9 games when playing at home against Atlanta

7:05 PM
MIAMI vs. PHILADELPHIA
Miami is 1-6 SU in its last 7 games
Miami is 1-6 SU in its last 7 games on the road
Philadelphia is 8-3 SU in its last 11 games
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Philadelphia's last 6 games

7:07 PM
NY YANKEES vs. TORONTO
NY Yankees are 1-4 SU in their last 5 games on the road
NY Yankees are 1-4 SU in their last 5 games
Toronto is 3-11 SU in their last 14 games when playing NY Yankees
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Toronto's last 7 games when playing NY Yankees

7:08 PM
SEATTLE vs. DETROIT
Seattle is 1-8 SU in its last 9 games
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Seattle's last 6 games when playing Detroit
Detroit is 6-1 SU in its last 7 games
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Detroit's last 7 games when playing at home against Seattle

7:10 PM
BALTIMORE vs. BOSTON
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Baltimore's last 5 games when playing on the road against Boston
Baltimore is 15-8 SU in its last 23 games when playing Boston
Boston is 17-5 SU in its last 22 games
Boston is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games when playing Baltimore

7:10 PM
SAN FRANCISCO vs. NY METS
San Francisco is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games
San Francisco is 1-5 SU in its last 6 games when playing NY Mets
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of NY Mets's last 5 games at home
The total has gone OVER in 5 of NY Mets's last 5 games when playing San Francisco

7:10 PM
TEXAS vs. TAMPA BAY
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Texas's last 7 games when playing on the road against Tampa Bay
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Texas's last 6 games on the road
Tampa Bay is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games at home
Tampa Bay is 8-15 SU in its last 23 games

8:10 PM
CHI CUBS vs. MILWAUKEE
Chi Cubs are 1-4 SU in their last 5 games when playing Milwaukee
Chi Cubs are 1-6 SU in their last 7 games
Milwaukee is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games
Milwaukee is 4-1 SU in their last 5 games when playing Chi Cubs

8:10 PM
CINCINNATI vs. HOUSTON
The total has gone OVER in 7 of Cincinnati's last 9 games on the road
Cincinnati is 7-1 SU in its last 8 games when playing on the road against Houston
Houston is 1-7 SU in its last 8 games when playing at home against Cincinnati
Houston is 4-12 SU in its last 16 games when playing Cincinnati

8:10 PM
CLEVELAND vs. KANSAS CITY
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Cleveland's last 7 games
Cleveland is 6-1 SU in its last 7 games on the road
Kansas City is 15-8 SU in its last 23 games
Kansas City is 8-3 SU in its last 11 games at home

8:40 PM
ST. LOUIS vs. COLORADO
The total has gone UNDER in 16 of St. Louis's last 23 games when playing Colorado
St. Louis is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games when playing on the road against Colorado
Colorado is 3-8 SU in its last 11 games
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Colorado's last 5 games

10:10 PM
LA DODGERS vs. ARIZONA
The total has gone OVER in 4 of LA Dodgers's last 6 games when playing Arizona
LA Dodgers are 6-2 SU in their last 8 games when playing Arizona
Arizona is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games at home
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Arizona's last 5 games