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

[StarDust Bum]

MLB

Thursday, September 19

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Trend Report
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12:35 PM
SAN DIEGO vs. PITTSBURGH
San Diego is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games on the road
San Diego is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games when playing Pittsburgh
Pittsburgh is 1-14 SU in its last 15 games when playing at home against San Diego
Pittsburgh is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games when playing San Diego

1:08 PM
SEATTLE vs. DETROIT
Seattle is 5-2 SU in its last 7 games when playing on the road against Detroit
The total has gone OVER in 6 of Seattle's last 8 games when playing on the road against Detroit
Detroit is 2-5 SU in its last 7 games when playing at home against Seattle
Detroit is 6-2 SU in its last 8 games

1:10 PM
SAN FRANCISCO vs. NY METS
The total has gone OVER in 4 of San Francisco's last 5 games when playing on the road against NY Mets
The total has gone OVER in 4 of San Francisco's last 5 games
NY Mets are 3-7 SU in its last 10 games when playing at home against San Francisco
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of NY Mets's last 6 games

2:10 PM
CHI CUBS vs. MILWAUKEE
Chi Cubs are 0-5 SU in their last 5 games when playing Milwaukee
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Chi Cubs's last 5 games when playing Milwaukee
Milwaukee is 12-2 SU in their last 14 games when playing at home against Chi Cubs
Milwaukee is 6-1 SU in its last 7 games

3:10 PM
ST. LOUIS vs. COLORADO
St. Louis is 17-6 SU in its last 23 games when playing Colorado
St. Louis is 5-2 SU in its last 7 games when playing on the road against Colorado
The total has gone OVER in 8 of Colorado's last 10 games at home
Colorado is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games at home

3:40 PM
LA DODGERS vs. ARIZONA
LA Dodgers are 6-3 SU in their last 9 games when playing Arizona
The total has gone OVER in 4 of LA Dodgers's last 6 games
Arizona is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Arizona's last 6 games

7:05 PM
MIAMI vs. WASHINGTON
Miami is 1-6 SU in its last 7 games when playing Washington
Miami is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games when playing on the road against Washington
The total has gone OVER in 9 of Washington's last 13 games
Washington is 10-2 SU in its last 12 games

7:05 PM
HOUSTON vs. CLEVELAND
Houston is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Houston's last 6 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Cleveland's last 5 games
Cleveland is 5-2 SU in its last 7 games

7:07 PM
NY YANKEES vs. TORONTO
The total has gone UNDER in 7 of NY Yankees's last 8 games when playing Toronto
NY Yankees are 12-3 SU in their last 15 games when playing Toronto
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Toronto's last 5 games at home
Toronto is 3-12 SU in their last 15 games when playing NY Yankees

7:10 PM
BALTIMORE vs. BOSTON
Baltimore is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Baltimore's last 6 games when playing Boston
Boston is 17-6 SU in its last 23 games
Boston is 5-14 SU in its last 19 games when playing at home against Baltimore

7:10 PM
TEXAS vs. TAMPA BAY
Texas is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games when playing on the road against Tampa Bay
Texas is 15-8 SU in its last 23 games on the road
Tampa Bay is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games when playing at home against Texas
Tampa Bay is 5-2 SU in its last 7 games

10:05 PM
MINNESOTA vs. OAKLAND
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Minnesota's last 7 games when playing on the road against Oakland
The total has gone OVER in 6 of Minnesota's last 9 games when playing Oakland
Oakland is 9-4 SU in its last 13 games at home
Oakland is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games when playing at home against Minnesota

[StarDust Bum]

MLB

Thursday, September 19

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Thursday's MLB betting notes and tips
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NATIONAL

San Diego Padres at Pittsburgh Pirates (-145, 7)

Hot pitching stat: Pirates right-hander Gerrit Cole has won back-to-back starts against Texas and the Chicago Cubs, surrendering just one run on eight hits in 14 innings over that stretch.

Cold batting stat: Pittsburgh SS Clint Barmes and 3B Pedro Alvarez are a combined 2-for-26 against Padres starter Ian Kennedy.

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

Key betting note: Pittsburgh is 8-2 in the finale of its last 10 four-game series.


San Francisco Giants at New York Mets (+130, 7)

Cold pitching stat: Mets left-hander Jonathon Niese is 3-5 with a 4.48 ERA in 11 afternoon starts this season.

Cold batting stat: New York OF Eric Young, Jr. has just three hits with six strikeouts in 21 at-bats against Giants starter Madison Bumgarner.

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

Key betting note: The Mets have lost 11 of their last 12 games against left-handed starters.


Chicago Cubs at Milwaukee Brewers (-157, 8)

Cold pitching stat: Cubs right-hander Jake Arrieta was roughed up in his last outing against Milwaukee, allowing four runs over five innings of a 5-3 loss.

Hot batting stat: Chicago OF Junior Lake is 3-for-6 with a homer and four RBIs against Brewers starter Kyle Lohse.

Weather: Temperatures will be in the low-80s with a 50 percent chance of showers or thunderstorms. Wind will blow from right to left field at 10 mph.

Key betting note: Milwaukee is 9-2 in Lohse's last 11 home starts.


St. Louis Cardinals at Colorado Rockies (+155, 10)

Cold pitching stat: Rockies right-hander Roy Oswalt has lost all six of his starts in 2013 while allowing opponents to hit .360.

Hot batting stat: Cardinals OF Carlos Beltran is 11-for-31 with a homer and eight RBIs in his career against Oswalt.

Weather: Temperatures will be in the low-70s with partly cloudy skies. Wind will blow in from right field at 4 mph.

Key betting note: The over is 6-0 in umpire Victor Carapazza's last six games behind home plate.


Los Angeles Dodgers at Arizona Diamondbacks (-105, 8)

Hot pitching stat: Dodgers right-hander Ricky Nolasco is 8-2 with a 2.63 ERA in 13 starts since joining the club in a trade with Miami.

Hot batting stat: Los Angeles 2B Mark Ellis is 10-for-20 with four solo home runs lifetime against Diamondbacks righty Wade Miley.

Weather: Temperatures will be in the mid-90s with clear skies. Wind will blow from left to right field at 4 mph.

Key betting note: Arizona is 6-0 in Miley's last six starts against teams with winning records.


Miami Marlins at Washington Nationals (-250, 7)

Hot pitching stat: Nationals right-hander Stephen Strasburg has limited opposing hitters to a .181 average in 10 second-half starts.

Hot batting stat: Washington 3B Ryan Zimmerman has hit 10 home runs in a month for just the second time in his career.

Weather: Temperatures will be in the high-60s with sunny skies. Wind will blow out to left field at 5 mph.

Key betting note: The over is 4-0-1 in the last five meetings.


AMERICAN

Seattle Mariners at Detroit Tigers (-185, 8)

Hot pitching stat: Tigers right-hander Doug Fister is 1-0 with a 1.29 ERA in 14 innings against the Mariners, who drafted him in the seventh round in 2006.

Cold batting stat: Members of the Seattle roster are hitting a collective .229 in 48 at-bats against Fister.

Weather: Temperatures will be in the low-70s with a 30 percent chance of showers or thunderstorms. Wind will blow in from right field at 9 mph.

Key betting note: The under is 11-1 in Fister's previous 12 starts against teams with losing records.


Houston Astros at Cleveland Indians (-215, 8)

Hot pitching stat: Indians right-hander Ubaldo Jimenez is 5-5 with a 1.83 ERA and 71 strikeouts in 10 second-half starts.

Cold batting stat: Cleveland OF Michael Bourn is hitting just .138 with eight strikeouts in 38 career at-bats against the Astros.

Weather: Temperatures will be in the mid-70s with a 45 percent chance of showers. Wind will blow out to left-center field at 6 mph.

Key betting note: Houston is 1-10 in starter Dallas Keuchel's last 11 outings on five days' rest.


New York Yankees at Toronto Blue Jays (+108, 8.5)

Cold pitching stat: Yankees right-hander Hiroki Kuroda struggled in his previous start against Toronto, surrendering seven runs - five earned - on nine hits over five innings of a 7-2 defeat.

Hot batting stat: Blue Jays C J.P. Arencibia is 9-for-21 with a homer against Kuroda.

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

Key betting note: New York has lost eight of Kuroda's last 10 starts against American League East opponents.


Baltimore Orioles at Boston Red Sox (-130, 8.5)

Hot pitching stat: Orioles right-hander Chris Tillman has dominated the Red Sox in his career, going 4-1 with a 2.15 ERA in nine starts.

Hot batting stat: Baltimore slugger Chris Davis is 11-for-26 with a pair of homers and six RBIs against Boston starter John Lackey.

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

Key betting note: The under is 21-5-1 in Lackey's last 27 starts.


Texas Rangers at Tampa Bay Rays (-114, 7)

Hot pitching stat: Rays left-hander Matt Moore is 7-0 with a 1.90 ERA in his last 10 starts.

Cold batting stat: The Tampa Bay roster is batting just .143 with one RBI in 56 at-bats against Texas righty Yu Darvish.

Weather: Dome.

Key betting note: Texas has lost Darvish's last six starts.


Minnesota Twins at Oakland Athletics (-215, 7.5)

Hot pitching stat: Athletics right-hander Dan Straily has won four straight starts while allowing just five runs over 23 2/3 innings in that span.

Hot batting stat: Oakland OF Yoenis Cespedes went 5-for-11 with six RBIs in a three-game series against Minnesota earlier this month.

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

Key betting note: The over is 6-2-1 in the last nine meetings in Oakland.


**Odds, stats, weather forecast and probable pitchers as of 3:55 p.m. ET Wednesday.

[StarDust Bum]

MLB
Long Sheet

Thursday, September 19

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SAN DIEGO (71 - 80) at PITTSBURGH (87 - 65) - 12:35 PM
IAN KENNEDY (R) vs. GERRIT COLE (R)
Top Trends for this game.
PITTSBURGH is 87-65 (+20.2 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
PITTSBURGH is 48-29 (+11.2 Units) against the money line in home games this season.
PITTSBURGH is 87-65 (+20.2 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
PITTSBURGH is 70-52 (+18.2 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.
PITTSBURGH is 37-27 (+9.6 Units) against the money line after a loss this season.
PITTSBURGH is 53-31 (+15.8 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record this season.
SAN DIEGO is 71-80 (+3.9 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
SAN DIEGO is 11-5 (+9.1 Units) against the money line in September games this season.
SAN DIEGO is 79-75 (+19.3 Units) against the money line in day games over the last 3 seasons.
SAN DIEGO is 71-77 (+6.9 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
SAN DIEGO is 447-513 (+37.3 Units) against the money line in road games against right-handed starters since 1997.
SAN DIEGO is 35-35 (+7.0 Units) against the money line after a win this season.
SAN DIEGO is 22-14 (+13.0 Units) against the money line after 3 or more consecutive wins over the last 2 seasons.
KENNEDY is 8-0 (+8.6 Units) against the money line in September games over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
PITTSBURGH is 39-45 (-32.3 Units) against the money line as a home favorite of -150 to -175 since 1997.
PITTSBURGH is 15-30 (-21.5 Units) against the money line in September games over the last 2 seasons.
PITTSBURGH is 43-50 (-23.3 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record in the second half of the season over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
SAN DIEGO is 4-2 (+4.1 Units) against PITTSBURGH this season
4 of 5 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+2.7 Units)

IAN KENNEDY vs. PITTSBURGH since 1997
KENNEDY is 2-1 when starting against PITTSBURGH with an ERA of 2.90 and a WHIP of 1.065.
His team's record is 2-3 (-2.1 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 3-2. (+0.8 units)

GERRIT COLE vs. SAN DIEGO since 1997
COLE is 0-1 when starting against SAN DIEGO with an ERA of 3.00 and a WHIP of 1.667.
His team's record is 0-1 (-1.3 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 1-0. (+1.0 units)

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SAN FRANCISCO (70 - 82) at NY METS (68 - 83) - 1:10 PM
MADISON BUMGARNER (L) vs. JON NIESE (L)
Top Trends for this game.
SAN FRANCISCO is 70-82 (-22.9 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
SAN FRANCISCO is 33-40 (-16.3 Units) against the money line when the total is 7 or less this season.
SAN FRANCISCO is 69-78 (-20.1 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
SAN FRANCISCO is 36-44 (-13.7 Units) against the money line after a loss this season.
SAN FRANCISCO is 29-43 (-25.1 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record this season.
SAN FRANCISCO is 16-21 (-11.9 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record in the second half of the season this season.
NY METS are 22-11 (+14.8 Units) against the money line when playing on Thursday over the last 2 seasons.
NY METS are 20-12 (+10.9 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record in the second half of the season this season.
SAN FRANCISCO is 85-81 (+10.0 Units) against the money line in road games over the last 2 seasons.
SAN FRANCISCO is 62-47 (+14.4 Units) against the money line against left-handed starters over the last 2 seasons.
NY METS are 21-31 (-14.1 Units) against the money line when the total is 7 or less this season.
NY METS are 8-25 (-14.4 Units) against the money line as a home underdog of +125 to +150 over the last 2 seasons.
NY METS are 32-44 (-16.5 Units) against the money line in home games this season.
NY METS are 101-118 (-43.5 Units) against the money line in home games in September games since 1997.
NY METS are 12-21 (-13.4 Units) against the money line in home games in day games this season.
NY METS are 32-44 (-16.5 Units) against the money line in home games in games played on a grass field this season.
NY METS are 20-36 (-18.7 Units) against the money line in home games against left-handed starters over the last 2 seasons.
NY METS are 10-21 (-13.8 Units) against the money line in home games after a win this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
NY METS is 4-1 (+4.5 Units) against SAN FRANCISCO this season
5 of 5 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+5.2 Units)

MADISON BUMGARNER vs. NY METS since 1997
BUMGARNER is 1-0 when starting against NY METS with an ERA of 2.08 and a WHIP of 1.000.
His team's record is 1-1 (-0.9 units) in these starts. The OVER is 2-0. (+2.0 units)

JON NIESE vs. SAN FRANCISCO since 1997
NIESE is 1-1 when starting against SAN FRANCISCO with an ERA of 2.25 and a WHIP of 1.150.
His team's record is 1-2 (-0.9 units) in these starts. The OVER is 0-3. (-3.3 units)

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CHICAGO CUBS (63 - 89) at MILWAUKEE (68 - 83) - 2:10 PM
JAKE ARRIETA (R) vs. KYLE LOHSE (R)
Top Trends for this game.
CHICAGO CUBS are 63-89 (-12.0 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
CHICAGO CUBS are 13-28 (-12.7 Units) against the money line when the total is 8 to 8.5 this season.
CHICAGO CUBS are 27-62 (-26.6 Units) against the money line on the road when the total is 8 to 8.5 over the last 3 seasons.
CHICAGO CUBS are 23-46 (-16.0 Units) against the money line against division opponents this season.
CHICAGO CUBS are 27-45 (-16.2 Units) against the money line in day games this season.
CHICAGO CUBS are 63-89 (-12.0 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
CHICAGO CUBS are 42-68 (-19.6 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.
CHICAGO CUBS are 8-22 (-14.0 Units) against the money line after getting shut out over the last 2 seasons.
CHICAGO CUBS are 10-33 (-18.1 Units) against the money line in road games after 3 or more consecutive losses over the last 2 seasons.
CHICAGO CUBS are 59-81 (-19.6 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 2 seasons.
MILWAUKEE is 54-56 (+4.0 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.
MILWAUKEE is 7-20 (-15.5 Units) against the money line when playing on Thursday over the last 2 seasons.
MILWAUKEE is 17-33 (-16.4 Units) against the money line in day games this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
MILWAUKEE is 13-5 (+8.1 Units) against CHICAGO CUBS this season
10 of 17 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+2.1 Units)

JAKE ARRIETA vs. MILWAUKEE since 1997
ARRIETA is 0-1 when starting against MILWAUKEE with an ERA of 4.09 and a WHIP of 1.000.
His team's record is 0-2 (-2.7 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 2-0. (+2.0 units)

KYLE LOHSE vs. CHICAGO CUBS since 1997
LOHSE is 5-5 when starting against CHICAGO CUBS with an ERA of 5.14 and a WHIP of 1.457.
His team's record is 13-6 (+7.5 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 6-13. (-8.7 units)

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ST LOUIS (89 - 63) at COLORADO (69 - 84) - 3:10 PM
MICHAEL WACHA (R) vs. ROY OSWALT (R)
Top Trends for this game.
ST LOUIS is 45-42 (-12.3 Units) against the money line after a win this season.
OSWALT is 59-27 (+26.4 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record in the second half of the season since 1997. (Team's Record)
ST LOUIS is 71-40 (+19.0 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.
COLORADO is 69-84 (-16.4 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
COLORADO is 115-122 (-30.0 Units) against the money line in home games over the last 3 seasons.
COLORADO is 2-13 (-14.5 Units) against the money line when playing on Thursday this season.
COLORADO is 40-63 (-24.1 Units) against the money line in day games over the last 2 seasons.
COLORADO is 69-81 (-13.4 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
ST LOUIS is 4-2 (+1.0 Units) against COLORADO this season
4 of 6 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+1.7 Units)

MICHAEL WACHA vs. COLORADO since 1997
No recent starts.

ROY OSWALT vs. ST LOUIS since 1997
OSWALT is 12-9 when starting against ST LOUIS with an ERA of 3.27 and a WHIP of 1.217.
His team's record is 16-18 (-6.7 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 21-13. (+6.6 units)

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LA DODGERS (87 - 65) at ARIZONA (77 - 74) - 3:40 PM
RICKY NOLASCO (R) vs. WADE MILEY (L)
Top Trends for this game.
LA DODGERS are 32-34 (-13.3 Units) against the money line against division opponents this season.
ARIZONA is 19-10 (+8.8 Units) against the money line in home games when playing against a team with a winning record this season.
LA DODGERS are 87-65 (+8.0 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
LA DODGERS are 41-33 (+8.6 Units) against the money line in road games this season.
LA DODGERS are 38-29 (+15.4 Units) against the money line in road games when playing against a team with a winning record in the second half of the season over the last 3 seasons.
NOLASCO is 64-48 (+30.2 Units) against the money line in road games since 1997. (Team's Record)
NOLASCO is 61-47 (+26.9 Units) against the money line in road games in games played on a grass field since 1997. (Team's Record)
NOLASCO is 34-27 (+15.6 Units) against the money line in road games after a loss since 1997. (Team's Record)
NOLASCO is 10-3 (+10.0 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record this season. (Team's Record)
NOLASCO is 6-0 (+7.7 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record in the second half of the season this season. (Team's Record)
ARIZONA is 46-55 (-18.6 Units) against the money line when the total is 8 to 8.5 over the last 2 seasons.
ARIZONA is 30-35 (-15.3 Units) against the money line at home when the total is 8 to 8.5 over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
ARIZONA is 10-8 (+3.3 Units) against LA DODGERS this season
11 of 18 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+4.2 Units)

RICKY NOLASCO vs. ARIZONA since 1997
NOLASCO is 8-2 when starting against ARIZONA with an ERA of 3.48 and a WHIP of 1.051.
His team's record is 9-2 (+8.5 units) in these starts. The OVER is 5-6. (-1.2 units)

WADE MILEY vs. LA DODGERS since 1997
MILEY is 3-1 when starting against LA DODGERS with an ERA of 3.02 and a WHIP of 1.248.
His team's record is 4-2 (+2.7 units) in these starts. The OVER is 3-3. (-0.5 units)

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MIAMI (56 - 96) at WASHINGTON (81 - 71) - 7:05 PM
HENDERSON ALVAREZ (R) vs. GIO GONZALEZ (L)
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

Head-to-Head Series History
WASHINGTON is 11-4 (+5.8 Units) against MIAMI this season
7 of 13 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+0.7 Units)

HENDERSON ALVAREZ vs. WASHINGTON since 1997
ALVAREZ is 0-1 when starting against WASHINGTON with an ERA of 4.11 and a WHIP of 1.499.
His team's record is 0-3 (-3.5 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 2-0. (+2.0 units)

GIO GONZALEZ vs. MIAMI since 1997
GONZALEZ is 3-2 when starting against MIAMI with an ERA of 1.54 and a WHIP of 0.800.
His team's record is 3-2 (+0.5 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 3-1. (+1.9 units)

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SEATTLE (67 - 85) at DETROIT (88 - 64) - 1:05 PM
JAMES PAXTON (L) vs. DOUG FISTER (R)
Top Trends for this game.
SEATTLE is 67-85 (-14.3 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
SEATTLE is 137-170 (-46.6 Units) against the money line when playing on Thursday since 1997.
SEATTLE is 64-82 (-15.3 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
DETROIT is 18-3 (+12.4 Units) against the money line as a home favorite of -175 to -200 this season.
DETROIT is 88-64 (-7.5 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
DETROIT is 84-61 (-8.1 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
DETROIT is 24-23 (-14.8 Units) against the money line against left-handed starters this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
DETROIT is 4-2 (+0.7 Units) against SEATTLE this season
3 of 5 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+0.7 Units)

JAMES PAXTON vs. DETROIT since 1997
No recent starts.

DOUG FISTER vs. SEATTLE since 1997
FISTER is 1-0 when starting against SEATTLE with an ERA of 1.29 and a WHIP of 0.643.
His team's record is 1-1 (-0.4 units) in these starts. The OVER is 1-1. (+0.0 units)

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HOUSTON (51 - 101) at CLEVELAND (82 - 70) - 7:05 PM
DALLAS KEUCHEL (L) vs. UBALDO JIMENEZ (R)
Top Trends for this game.
HOUSTON is 106-207 (-46.7 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
HOUSTON is 21-53 (-20.8 Units) against the money line when the total is 8 to 8.5 this season.
HOUSTON is 21-63 (-25.8 Units) against the money line on the road when the total is 8 to 8.5 over the last 3 seasons.
HOUSTON is 104-202 (-46.5 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
HOUSTON is 113-231 (-66.3 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters over the last 3 seasons.
HOUSTON is 67-138 (-35.1 Units) against the money line after a loss over the last 2 seasons.
HOUSTON is 17-58 (-23.1 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record this season.
HOUSTON is 20-63 (-23.6 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record in the second half of the season over the last 2 seasons.
CLEVELAND is 82-70 (+15.2 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
CLEVELAND is 45-30 (+10.8 Units) against the money line in home games this season.
CLEVELAND is 79-67 (+13.1 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
CLEVELAND is 29-21 (+10.4 Units) against the money line against left-handed starters this season.
CLEVELAND is 48-23 (+21.8 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record this season.
CLEVELAND is 27-12 (+12.1 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record in the second half of the season this season.
JIMENEZ is 18-11 (+9.8 Units) against the money line in all games this season. (Team's Record)
JIMENEZ is 17-11 (+8.2 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season. (Team's Record)
HOUSTON is 22-32 (+10.5 Units) against the money line in road games in night games this season.


Head-to-Head Series History
CLEVELAND is 2-1 (+0.9 Units) against HOUSTON this season
1 of 2 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+0.0 Units)

DALLAS KEUCHEL vs. CLEVELAND since 1997
KEUCHEL is 1-0 when starting against CLEVELAND with an ERA of 1.00 and a WHIP of 0.778.
His team's record is 1-0 (+1.0 units) in these starts. The OVER is 0-0. (+0.0 units)

UBALDO JIMENEZ vs. HOUSTON since 1997
JIMENEZ is 4-0 when starting against HOUSTON with an ERA of 2.49 and a WHIP of 1.154.
His team's record is 5-2 (+2.6 units) in these starts. The OVER is 2-4. (-2.3 units)

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NY YANKEES (80 - 72) at TORONTO (69 - 82) - 7:05 PM
HIROKI KURODA (R) vs. TODD REDMOND (R)
Top Trends for this game.
NY YANKEES are 51-64 (-16.2 Units) against the money line in road games in night games over the last 2 seasons.
KURODA is 1-9 (-8.6 Units) against the money line in road games in night games this season. (Team's Record)
NY YANKEES are 80-72 (+5.7 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
TORONTO is 69-82 (-11.5 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
TORONTO is 37-40 (-9.8 Units) against the money line in home games this season.
TORONTO is 25-41 (-13.4 Units) against the money line against division opponents this season.
TORONTO is 39-54 (-13.9 Units) against the money line in night games this season.
TORONTO is 41-46 (-10.8 Units) against the money line in games played on artificial turf this season.
TORONTO is 50-62 (-9.5 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.
TORONTO is 16-30 (-11.6 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record in the second half of the season this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
NY YANKEES is 14-4 (+9.6 Units) against TORONTO this season
10 of 17 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+2.2 Units)

HIROKI KURODA vs. TORONTO since 1997
KURODA is 4-2 when starting against TORONTO with an ERA of 3.71 and a WHIP of 1.145.
His team's record is 5-2 (+2.3 units) in these starts. The OVER is 2-4. (-2.4 units)

TODD REDMOND vs. NY YANKEES since 1997
REDMOND is 1-0 when starting against NY YANKEES with an ERA of 3.17 and a WHIP of 1.235.
His team's record is 1-0 (+1.3 units) in these starts. The OVER is 1-0. (+1.0 units)

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


BALTIMORE (81 - 70) at BOSTON (92 - 61) - 7:10 PM
CHRIS TILLMAN (R) vs. JOHN LACKEY (R)
Top Trends for this game.
BALTIMORE is 38-42 (-9.4 Units) against the money line after a win this season.
BOSTON is 92-61 (+18.6 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
BOSTON is 81-54 (+13.4 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
BOSTON is 40-20 (+17.3 Units) against the money line after a loss this season.
BALTIMORE is 81-70 (+3.7 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
BALTIMORE is 69-54 (+17.8 Units) against the money line when the total is 8 to 8.5 over the last 2 seasons.
BALTIMORE is 11-5 (+9.8 Units) against the money line as a road underdog of +125 to +150 this season.
BALTIMORE is 87-74 (+32.6 Units) against the money line in road games over the last 2 seasons.
BALTIMORE is 45-29 (+25.6 Units) against the money line in September games over the last 3 seasons.
BALTIMORE is 24-11 (+13.1 Units) against the money line when playing on Thursday over the last 2 seasons.
BALTIMORE is 77-65 (+21.0 Units) against the money line against division opponents over the last 2 seasons.
BALTIMORE is 74-61 (+5.0 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
BALTIMORE is 57-44 (+8.1 Units) against the money line in night games this season.
BALTIMORE is 56-45 (+7.1 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.
BALTIMORE is 45-37 (+8.5 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record this season.
TILLMAN is 20-10 (+10.3 Units) against the money line in all games this season. (Team's Record)
TILLMAN is 6-0 (+8.2 Units) against the money line as a road underdog of +125 to +150 over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
TILLMAN is 16-7 (+12.0 Units) against the money line in road games over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
TILLMAN is 18-9 (+9.3 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season. (Team's Record)
TILLMAN is 17-5 (+11.8 Units) against the money line in night games this season. (Team's Record)
TILLMAN is 13-6 (+8.4 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record this season. (Team's Record)
TILLMAN is 18-12 (+13.7 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record in the second half of the season since 1997. (Team's Record)
BOSTON is 84-74 (-15.7 Units) against the money line in home games over the last 2 seasons.
BOSTON is 25-44 (-27.5 Units) against the money line in September games over the last 3 seasons.
BOSTON is 29-41 (-25.1 Units) against the money line in home games against division opponents over the last 2 seasons.
BOSTON is 111-114 (-22.6 Units) against the money line in night games over the last 2 seasons.
BOSTON is 102-108 (-24.5 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters over the last 2 seasons.
BOSTON is 45-50 (-17.7 Units) against the money line in home games when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.
BOSTON is 182-179 (-48.7 Units) against the money line in home games when playing against a team with a winning record in the second half of the season since 1997.

Head-to-Head Series History
BALTIMORE is 9-6 (+4.0 Units) against BOSTON this season
11 of 14 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+7.5 Units)

CHRIS TILLMAN vs. BOSTON since 1997
TILLMAN is 4-1 when starting against BOSTON with an ERA of 2.15 and a WHIP of 1.172.
His team's record is 5-4 (+1.2 units) in these starts. The OVER is 4-5. (-1.0 units)

JOHN LACKEY vs. BALTIMORE since 1997
LACKEY is 12-5 when starting against BALTIMORE with an ERA of 3.49 and a WHIP of 1.256.
His team's record is 15-7 (+4.3 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 15-6. (+8.7 units)

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


TEXAS (82 - 69) at TAMPA BAY (83 - 68) - 7:10 PM
YU DARVISH (R) vs. MATT MOORE (L)
Top Trends for this game.
TEXAS is 82-69 (-10.6 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
TEXAS is 3-13 (-13.8 Units) against the money line in September games this season.
TEXAS is 69-71 (-15.8 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.
TEXAS is 11-23 (-15.8 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record in the second half of the season this season.
DARVISH is 14-15 (-14.3 Units) against the money line in all games this season. (Team's Record)
MOORE is 19-5 (+11.9 Units) against the money line in all games this season. (Team's Record)
MOORE is 15-2 (+12.4 Units) against the money line in night games this season. (Team's Record)
TEXAS is 33-21 (+11.9 Units) against the money line in road games in night games this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
TAMPA BAY is 3-3 (-0.1 Units) against TEXAS this season
2 of 4 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=-0.1 Units, Under=-0.4 Units)

YU DARVISH vs. TAMPA BAY since 1997
DARVISH is 1-0 when starting against TAMPA BAY with an ERA of 0.60 and a WHIP of 0.800.
His team's record is 2-0 (+2.0 units) in these starts. The OVER is 0-2. (-2.2 units)

MATT MOORE vs. TEXAS since 1997
MOORE is 2-0 when starting against TEXAS with an ERA of 0.00 and a WHIP of 0.892.
His team's record is 2-0 (+2.7 units) in these starts. The OVER is 1-1. (+0.0 units)

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


MINNESOTA (65 - 86) at OAKLAND (89 - 63) - 10:05 PM
KEVIN CORREIA (R) vs. DANIEL STRAILY (R)
Top Trends for this game.
MINNESOTA is 51-97 (-20.8 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.
OAKLAND is 89-63 (+15.3 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
OAKLAND is 99-60 (+26.5 Units) against the money line in home games over the last 2 seasons.
OAKLAND is 86-59 (+16.3 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
OAKLAND is 53-36 (+9.6 Units) against the money line in night games this season.
OAKLAND is 59-42 (+9.6 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.
OAKLAND is 73-59 (+17.5 Units) against the money line after a loss over the last 2 seasons.
OAKLAND is 86-54 (+20.4 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 2 seasons.
MINNESOTA is 19-19 (+16.5 Units) against the money line as a road underdog of +175 to +200 over the last 3 seasons.
MINNESOTA is 34-43 (+10.8 Units) against the money line in road games this season.
MINNESOTA is 64-80 (+5.7 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
CORREIA is 98-89 (+29.3 Units) against the money line in all games since 1997. (Team's Record)
CORREIA is 45-46 (+17.6 Units) against the money line in road games since 1997. (Team's Record)
CORREIA is 96-87 (+28.3 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field since 1997. (Team's Record)
CORREIA is 65-61 (+19.0 Units) against the money line in night games since 1997. (Team's Record)

Head-to-Head Series History
OAKLAND is 2-1 (+0.3 Units) against MINNESOTA this season
2 of 3 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+1.0 Units)

KEVIN CORREIA vs. OAKLAND since 1997
CORREIA is 1-1 when starting against OAKLAND with an ERA of 3.71 and a WHIP of 1.059.
His team's record is 1-2 (-0.8 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 2-0. (+2.0 units)

DANIEL STRAILY vs. MINNESOTA since 1997
No recent starts.

[StarDust Bum]

Not a good day overall....


Date WLT Pct Net Units Record

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

Totals 259-*214-*15 54.76% +15295





Thursday, September 19

Game Score Status Pick Amount


San Diego - 12:35 PM ET San Diego +146 500 POD # 2


Pittsburgh - Under 7 500


Seattle - 1:08 PM ET Seattle +167 500 POD # 1


Detroit - Under 8 500


San Francisco - 1:10 PM ET San Francisco -137 500


NY Mets - Over 7 500


Chi. Cubs - 2:10 PM ET Milwaukee -142 500


Milwaukee - Over 8 500


St. Louis - 3:10 PM ET St. Louis -170 500


Colorado - Over 10 500


LA Dodgers - 3:40 PM ET Arizona -106 500


Arizona - Under 8 500

[StarDust Bum]

Preview: Yankees (80-72) at Blue Jays (69-82)
Game: 3
Venue: Rogers Centre
Date: September 19, 2013 7:07 PM EDT


The New York Yankees have somehow split the first two games of this series despite scoring in one of their 18 innings at the plate.

That production will likely have to improve over the final 10 games for them to reach the playoffs, and they have already lost once to Toronto Blue Jays starter Todd Redmond heading into Thursday night's series finale at Rogers Centre.

New York (80-72) was blanked for the first 16 innings in this set before breaking through for four runs in the eighth Wednesday to rally from a three-run deficit for a 4-3 victory that ended a four-game slide.

"We hadn't shaken hands for a while, so it was kind of nice," manager Joe Girardi said.

The Yankees and Kansas City are 2 1/2 games behind Texas for the AL's second wild-card spot. Baltimore is one game back and Cleveland is one-half game out.

Girardi used Mariano Rivera for a four-out save - his 44th of the year - after former Toronto outfielder Vernon Wells' two-run double capped the eighth-inning rally.

"Every time you win, it's a great feeling,' Rivera said. "Hopefully we come back tomorrow and wrap it up."

Numerous hitters continue to fare poorly. The most notable is Alex Rodriguez, who is 1 for 18 over his last six games while dealing with a strained right calf and a sore left hamstring.

Ichiro Suzuki did not start Wednesday and has three hits in his last 23 at_bats, Curtis Granderson is 8 for 36 with 13 strikeouts on this 10-game trip and Robinson Cano has three singles and no walks in his last 16 at_bats.

The Yankees will get another look at Redmond (3-2, 4.10 ERA), a rookie who is 2-0 with a 3.18 ERA in his last three outings. That run began when he limited New York to two runs over 5 2-3 innings in a 7-2 home win Aug. 28.

Redmond yielded one run over a career-high 6 1-3 innings last Friday in a 5-3 defeat to Baltimore, striking out seven with no walks.

"He threw a whale of a game," manager John Gibbons said.

Girardi said last month that Redmond has a deceptive arm angle and the manager will once again use Hiroki Kuroda (11-11, 3.13) to oppose the Toronto right-hander.

Kuroda surrendered seven runs over five innings in that outing after going 4-0 with a 1.60 ERA over his previous five starts against the Blue Jays. Last month's loss is part of a six-start winless stretch in which he is 0-4 with a 6.69 ERA.

The Yankees will be happy to have the right-hander on the mound to cool off Colby Rasmus, who is 3 for 27 with 11 strikeouts against him.

Rasmus continued to be Toronto's hitting star as he homered in his fourth straight game Wednesday - all since being activated off the 15-day disabled list before Friday's game against Baltimore.

Chris Stewart figures to be back at catcher for the Yankees after he did not start Wednesday, with rookie J.R. Murphy making his second career start.

New York is 14-4 against Toronto (69-82) for its most victories ever in this season series.

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

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 Final 4 to 3
Boxscores • Recaps

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

[StarDust Bum]

Preview: Astros (51-101) at Indians (82-70)
Game: 1
Venue: Progressive Field
Date: September 19, 2013 7:05 PM EDT


The Cleveland Indians blew a chance to wipe away their deficit in the AL wild-card chase.

Squandered opportunities aside, they have to like their remaining schedule.

A favorable stretch to conclude the season begins Thursday night with the first of four home games against the major league-worst Houston Astros.

Entering Wednesday with a one-half game margin separating them from Tampa Bay and Texas, the Indians (82-70) could have moved into the second wild-card spot but instead suffered a 7-2 loss at Kansas City. Since the Rays knocked off the Rangers, Cleveland remains one-half game behind Texas and 1 1/2 games behind Tampa Bay.

"It's not great, but they're a good team," Nick Swisher said of Kansas City. "We had a good road trip, 5-2. We'll take that every time and now we're going home. We're kind of playing against spoiler teams and that's what they're going to try to do to us, spoil it for us."

After the four-game set with Houston - loser of five straight - Cleveland will remain at home for two games with the AL Central-worst Chicago White Sox. The Indians conclude their season with four games in Minnesota.

They have to feel especially good Thursday considering they'll have Ubaldo Jimenez on the mound. Jimenez (12-9, 3.49 ERA) has been nothing short of dominant of late, going 4-2 with a 1.58 ERA over his last six starts. He received a total of two runs of support in the defeats.

He's struck out 50 over his last 40 innings, fanning exactly 10 batters in three of the last five games. Jimenez gave up a run and eight hits in 8 1-3 innings of an 8-1 road victory over the White Sox on Saturday, his longest outing since a complete game against the Los Angeles Dodgers on June 1, 2011, while with Colorado.

"I was looking for my first shutout in the American League," Jimenez said. "I was able to establish my fastball down. Even when they got runners on base, I was able to get everything down for ground balls."

He has issued just three walks in his last four starts after averaging 4.9 per nine innings in his first 25 outings.

Jimenez was 4-0 with a 1.88 ERA in his first six career starts versus Houston until struggling in this season's lone matchup. He gave up four runs over five-plus innings in Cleveland's 5-4 comeback win on April 21.

The Astros (51-101) could be a weary bunch after a 6-5 home loss in 13 innings to Cincinnati on Wednesday, a game that ended after midnight local time.

Scheduled starter Dallas Keuchel (6-9, 5.17) notched his first win since July 27 against the Los Angeles Angels on Friday, but it wasn't pretty. He gave up six runs and 10 hits - the second straight start he's given up 10 hits - in 5 2-3 innings of a 9-7 victory.

The left-hander was hit hard in a 2 2-3-inning relief outing in a 19-6 loss to Cleveland on April 20, yielding seven hits and seven runs, with three earned. However, his only career complete game also came against the Indians in his second career start on June 23, 2012, tossing a six-hitter in an 8-1 victory.

After surrendering four stolen bases to Billy Hamilton on Wednesday, Houston will have to keep tabs on Jason Kipnis and Michael Bourn, who have 28 and 23 stolen bases, respectively.

Bourn, a Houston native who played for the Astros from 2008-11, is also batting .313 during a season-high eight-game hitting streak. He is a career .158 hitter against his former team.

[StarDust Bum]

Preview: Marlins (56-96) at Nationals (81-71)
Game: 1
Venue: Nationals Park
Date: September 19, 2013 7:05 PM EDT


Denard Span will seek a piece of team history while trying to boost the Washington Nationals' faint postseason hopes.

Span will try to become the second Nationals player to register a 30-game hit streak in Thursday night's series opener against the Miami Marlins.

Span extended the longest hitting streak of the 2013 season with a single in the seventh inning Wednesday but the Nationals (81-71) fell 5-2 to NL East-leading Atlanta. Washington's loss was only its second in 12 games but was a big blow to a club that still faces a 5 1/2-game deficit to Cincinnati in the race for the NL's final wild-card berth.

"We just can't afford to lose," manager Davey Johnson said after the end to a three-game win streak. "We've just to start another win streak. It's that simple."

Span will try to match teammate Ryan Zimmerman's 30-game run from 2009, the longest since the relocation from Montreal following the 2004 season. Vladimir Guerrero had a franchise-record 31-game run for the Expos in 1999.

Dan Uggla was the last major leaguer to have a hit streak of 30 games or longer, a 33-gamer July 5-Aug. 13, 2011, for Atlanta.

Span, batting .371 during his streak, is hitting .341 against Miami (56-96) this season and is 4 for 6 with two doubles all-time against scheduled starter Henderson Alvarez (4-4, 3.97 ERA).

Alvarez is coming off a dominant 3-0 win at the New York Mets on Saturday. The right-hander allowed four hits and walked none over seven innings and is 2-0 with a 2.08 ERA in his two road starts this month.

"It's nice to get the solid pitching performance from Alvarez. He looked great," manager Mike Redmond said.

Alvarez gave up one run in 1 2-3 innings in Washington on Aug. 28 before a rain delay ended his start in a 4-3 defeat. He allowed two runs over 6 2-3 innings July 14 in his only other start against the Nationals this season but did not get a decision in a 5-2 loss.

Stephen Strasburg was originally scheduled to start for Washington in this game but his return from forearm tightness was pushed back until Saturday. The Nationals will instead send out Gio Gonzalez (10-7, 3.40).

Gonzalez had a three-start win streak snapped Saturday with a 5-4 defeat to Philadelphia. He gave up four runs and nine hits over six innings after posting a 0.42 ERA in his previous three starts.

Gonzalez began that impressive stretch with a 9-0 win over Miami on Aug. 29, yielding three hits and three walks while striking out eight in seven innings. The left-hander has pitched 13 scoreless innings against the Marlins, losers in 10 of 13.

Miami earned one of those rare wins Wednesday, 4-3 in 10 innings at Philadelphia, as Ed Lucas hit the tiebreaking solo homer.

A second straight victory looks unlikely as Miami has dropped all six games in Washington this season and six of the past seven overall matchups.

The Nationals will try to secure the franchise's first set of back-to-back winning seasons since Montreal finished 83-79 in both 2002 and 2003.

[StarDust Bum]

Preview: Orioles (81-70) at Red Sox (92-61)
Game: 3
Venue: Fenway Park
Date: September 19, 2013 7:10 PM EDT


The Baltimore Orioles became the first team to take a series from the Boston Red Sox since mid-August.

They'll look to become the first club to sweep the Red Sox at Fenway Park all season as they continue their climb toward the final AL wild-card spot on Thursday night.

Trailing Texas by a one game for the second wild-card spot, Baltimore's playoff hopes will likely go down to the wire.

Boston is one win or a Cleveland loss away from its first postseason berth since 2009, and its magic number for its first AL East title since 2007 stands at three after Tampa Bay beat the Rangers on Wednesday.

"We know where the playoffs are. We know how far away we are. We're not stupid,' Boston catcher David Ross said.

The Red Sox (92-61) had won their last eight series before Chris Davis snapped a 3-for-22 skid with his go-ahead single in the top of the 12th Wednesday to give Baltimore a 5-3 win.

"Any time you're in a game like that you want to be the guy to get the hit - whether it's a squibber up the middle or a home run or whatever it is," Davis said. "You can feel the intensity of both teams trying to get a run. I'll take it whatever way I can get it."

The Orioles (81-70) will give the Red Sox their best shot with Chris Tillman (16-6, 3.70 ERA), who aims to become Baltimore's first 17-game winner since Mike Mussina in 1999.

No pitcher has more wins against Boston since Sept. 28 than Tillman, who has since gone 4-0 with a 1.08 ERA in five starts against the Red Sox. He held Boston to two runs while striking out eight in seven innings of a 3-2 win Aug. 29.

David Ortiz is hitless in 10 at_bats against Tillman. Jarrod Saltalamacchia hasn't been much better, with one hit and six strikeouts in 16 at_bats.

Will Middlebrooks, who snapped an 0-for-17 skid with three hits Wednesday, is 0 for 8 off Tillman.

Only Mike Napoli (.375) and Shane Victorino (.364), who homered off Tillman on Aug. 29, have seen the right-hander particularly well.

Tillman threw a six-hitter in a 4-3 loss in Toronto on Saturday.

"He was solid, just got a couple of changeups up," Orioles manager Buck Showalter said. "It's been a big pitch for him all year. Just elevated a couple and they made him pay for it."

The Red Sox give the ball to John Lackey (9-12, 3.56), who is 1-1 with a 4.35 ERA in three starts against the Orioles this season. He failed to record a decision while giving up three runs in 7 1-3 innings of a 4-3 win over Baltimore on Aug. 28.

He's surrendered five home runs in his last 13 2-3 innings against the Orioles, including two apiece to Manny Machado and Adam Jones.

The right-hander allowed four runs in 6 1-3 innings of an 8-4 win over the New York Yankees on Friday, but didn't record a decision.

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

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 Final 5 to 3
Boxscores • Recaps

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

[StarDust Bum]

Preview: Rangers (82-69) at Rays (83-68)
Game: 4
Venue: Tropicana Field
Date: September 19, 2013 7:10 PM EDT


The Texas Rangers overcame their recent struggles for one day, but the woes were restored in dramatic fashion Wednesday night in an extra-inning loss to the Tampa Bay Rays, costing them possession of the AL's top wild-card spot.

They seek a bounce-back victory behind Yu Darvish on Thursday night at Tropicana Field, but he'll likely need better run support than he's seen lately as he faces Matt Moore in a showdown between two of the league's top arms.

Texas (82-69) ended a seven-game losing streak with Tuesday's 7-1 win, but resumed its September lull with a 4-3 loss to the Rays in 12 innings on Wednesday. The Rangers are 3-13 this month, while the Rays (86-68) have won five of their last seven to overtake them in the wild-card hunt with a one-game advantage.

Desmond Jennings provided the game-winning single in the 12th inning, redeeming himself for a misplayed ball in center field that gave Texas a 2-0 lead in the second inning.

"I want to believe this game has to give us some kind of impetus moving forward," manager Joe Maddon said.

Meanwhile, Texas owns a one-half game edge over Cleveland for the league's second wild-card spot.

"If it was the last game and we weren't in it because of it, that would be the toughest loss," said closer Joe Nathan, who suffered his third blown save in the 11th inning after allowing Tampa Bay to tie the game at 3. "But we're still in the postseason aren't we? I can't see how this can be the toughest loss. We get another opportunity tomorrow."

That opportunity comes with Darvish (12-9, 2.79 ERA) on the mound. The right-hander ranks third in the AL in ERA but is winless in his last six outings - and enters this contest with a career-worst four-start losing streak - despite compiling a 3.38 ERA with 49 strikeouts in 40 innings.

He received eight runs of support in the first four games in that stretch, then was the loser in 1-0 results in each of the last two.

"I can't control it. I can't do anything about it. The only thing I can do is concentrate on the batter in front of me," Darvish said through an interpreter, insisting that he has no frustration.

Darvish allowed one earned run over 15 innings in two starts versus Tampa Bay last year, going 1-0.

Moore (15-3, 3.11) would also rank among the league's ERA leaders but hasn't thrown enough innings to qualify after missing more than a month with elbow soreness.

He's been stellar since returning, limiting opponents to one earned run over 14 2-3 innings in three starts. However, his last outing was limited to three innings due to a 2 hour, 4 minute rain delay in a 7-0 victory at Minnesota on Saturday.

"Hopefully it will benefit me just this week," Moore said. "As far as my side work goes, hopefully I should be a little less sore those days."

Moore threw 5 1-3 innings of one-hit ball in a 2-0 win at Texas on April 10, though he matched a career high with six walks.

No Ranger has more than three at_bats versus Moore except Alex Rios, who is 1 for 11 with eight strikeouts.

Wil Myers extended his hitting streak to eight games with a single on Wednesday.

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

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 Final 3 to 4
Boxscores • Recaps

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

[StarDust Bum]

Preview: Twins (65-86) at Athletics (89-63)
Game: 1
Venue: O.co Coliseum
Date: September 19, 2013 10:05 PM EDT


Though they come off a disappointing result, the Oakland Athletics figure to have a good chance to clinch their second straight division title by the end of their four-game home series with the struggling Minnesota Twins.

Dan Straily tries to win a fifth straight start and help the A's inch closer to the AL West crown in Thursday night's opener.

The Athletics (89-63) have won 17 of 23 but come off a 5-4, 11-inning home loss to the Los Angeles Angels on Wednesday. Josh Hamilton's two-run game-tying homer in the ninth accounted for Grant Balfour's third blown save, and Hamilton later put the Angels ahead with a sacrifice fly.

Balfour had set an Oakland record earlier this season by converting his 41st straight save opportunity, and his 38 this year are the most by an A's pitcher since Keith Foulke's 43 in 2003.

His cause wasn't helped by Josh Donaldson's error on a sacrifice bunt, which helped led to the decisive run.

"We've had tough losses and dramatic wins," manager Bob Melvin said. "You just put this away and come back expecting to win."

It should be easy to do that considering Oakland outscored Minnesota 29-9 while taking two of three at Target Field last week. Yoenis Cespedes was 5 for 11 with six RBIs in the series and is hitting .457 with 14 RBIs in nine career games against the Twins.

The Athletics' magic number to clinch the AL West is five over Texas.

The struggling Rangers, who suffered a 4-3, 12-inning loss Wednesday at Tampa Bay, wrap up their four-game series with the Rays on Thursday night before heading to Kansas City for a three-game weekend set.

Straily (10-7, 4.11 ERA) has won his last four starts, the longest streak of his young career. He's posted a 1.90 ERA in those outings since matching a season high by allowing six runs in a loss at Baltimore on Aug. 23.

Although the right-hander allowed only two runs and two hits over 5 2-3 innings at Texas on Friday, he still seeks better command after issuing four walks and hitting a batter in the 9-8 victory.

"I was just missing," said Straily, who has never faced Minnesota. "Instead of being super-aggressive, I was trying to hit spots."

Oakland is the first of three contending teams the Twins will face in their final 11 games. The remaining slate also includes contests with Detroit and Cleveland.

"These guys get a taste of that," manager Ron Gardenhire said, referring to his team matching up against clubs involved in the playoff chase. "It's not like our goal is not to knock the other team out. Our goal is to go and compete with these guys and give it everything we have. We owe it to baseball."

Minnesota (65-86) thwarted a three-game sweep with a 4-3 road win over the Chicago White Sox on Wednesday, just their fourth victory in 14 games.

Scheduled starter Kevin Correia (9-12, 4.31) has dropped his last two starts while surrendering eight runs over 12 innings, though he also received a total of one run of support.

He's 1-1 with a 3.10 ERA in six games - three starts - versus the A's, last facing them in 2009.

[StarDust Bum]

Evening POD'S:


Houston - 7:05 PM ET Houston +206 500 POD # 3


Cleveland - Under 8 500



Miami - 7:05 PM ET Miami +236 500POD # 2


Washington - Under 7 500



NY Yankees - 7:07 PM ET NY Yankees -125 500


Toronto - Under 8.5 500



Baltimore -7:10 PM ET Baltimore +126 500 POD # 1


Boston - Under 8.5 500



Texas - 7:10 PM ET Tampa Bay -105 500


Tampa Bay - Over 7 500



Minnesota - 10:05 PM ET Oakland -220 500


Oakland - Over 7.5 500

[StarDust Bum]

Diamond Trends - Friday

September 20, 2013

SU TREND OF THE DAY:

-- The Cardinals are 11-0 since September 16, 2012 as a road favorite when they are off a loss in which they held the lead for a net profit of $1100.

PITCHER TREND OF THE DAY:

-- When Max Scherzer starts the Tigers are 10-0 since September 10, 2011 as a 140+ favorite after a quality start at home for a net profit of $1000.

MLB BIBLE ACTIVE TREND:

-- David Price has produced a team record of 15-3 in his career when he is off a start in which their team scored first and lost.

CHOICE TREND:

-- The Nationals are 10-0 since August 07, 2012 as a 140+ favorite after a one run win and it is not the last game of a series for a net profit of $1000.

ACTIVE TRENDS:

-- The Astros are 6-0 since August 27, 2009 as a road 140+ dog when they are off two one-run losses and it is not the first game of a series for a net profit of $1055.

-- The Pirates are 10-0 since May 17, 2013 as a home favorite when they won by one run in their starter’s last start for a net profit of $1000.

[StarDust Bum]

Preview: White Sox (60-92) at Tigers (89-64)
Game: 1
Venue: Comerica Park
Date: September 20, 2013 7:08 PM EDT


Max Scherzer insists he's only concerned with leading the Detroit Tigers to the AL Central crown, though he certainly wouldn't mind becoming the majors' first 20-game winner along the way.

Scherzer will try to help the Tigers reduce their magic number as he takes his fifth crack at reaching the 20-win mark Friday night against the visiting Chicago White Sox.

Prince Fielder had three hits and Torii Hunter hit his 17th home run as Detroit (89-64) moved closer to wrapping up its third straight division title with a 5-4 win over Seattle on Thursday.

While they have a healthy advantage over second-place Cleveland with nine games remaining, the Tigers won't be able to officially clinch the title until Saturday at the earliest if enough results fall into place.

Scherzer (19-3, 2.95 ERA), however, does have another opportunity to join teammate Justin Verlander (2011) as the only Detroit pitchers to reach the 20-win mark since 1991.

"I'm not sitting here chasing personal stuff down, I'm trying to win for the team," Scherzer told MLB's official website. "This is all about trying to get us into the postseason. I don't care if I win another game. If we win our division, that's all that matters."

Although Scherzer leads the majors with a 6.7 run-support average, he's received four runs while going 0-2 with a 4.70 ERA in his last four starts.

Scherzer had a season high-tying 12 strikeouts while allowing one run over seven innings Sunday, but the bullpen failed to hold a one-run lead in the eighth of a 3-2 win over Kansas City.

Now Scherzer faces the White Sox (60-92) for the second time in three starts after allowing five runs over a season-low four innings in a 5-1 loss at Chicago on Sept. 9. He had been 4-0 with a 1.26 ERA while limiting the White Sox to a .156 batting average in his previous five meetings.

Paul Konerko has gone 1 for 10 against the right-hander and is 8 for 43 (.186) versus the Tigers this season. Alexei Ramirez is 4 for 39 (.103) when facing Scherzer.

After taking two of three from visiting Minnesota, the White Sox look to build on their first series win this month by giving the ball to Andre Rienzo (2-2, 5.04).

The rookie right-hander hopes to rebound from his recent struggles. He's 1-2 with a 7.32 ERA in his last four outings, allowing seven home runs and 13 walks over 19 2-3 innings.

"It's the first time I play ball in September," Rienzo said. "But I don't feel tired. I feel good. I need to figure out little things to help me. If I can figure them out, I know I'll make the ball club next year."

Rienzo pitched well in his only start against the Tigers on Aug. 4, when he allowed two runs and four hits over six-plus innings in a 3-2, 12-inning road loss.

Victor Martinez went 1 for 2 with a walk while facing Rienzo in that meeting. He's 11 for 23 over a seven-game hitting streak against the White Sox.

The Tigers have won 10 of 16 in the season series, including a three-game home sweep Aug. 2-4.

[StarDust Bum]

Preview: Giants (71-82) at Yankees (80-73)
Game: 1
Venue: Yankee Stadium
Date: September 20, 2013 7:05 PM EDT


Desperation seems to be setting in for the New York Yankees.

Perhaps a return home can provide a lift, particularly at the plate.

While the Yankees attempt to solve their offensive woes, CC Sabathia attempts to extend his home winning streak to four games Friday night against the San Francisco Giants.

New York (80-73) is 3 1/2 games back of Tampa Bay and Texas for one of the AL's two wild-card spots, and it must also overtake Cleveland, Baltimore and Kansas City to reach the playoffs.

The Yankees have nine games left, starting with three games each at home against San Francisco (71-82) and Tampa Bay before visiting Houston to finish the season.

"We've got to run the table, there's no way around it," infielder Mark Reynolds said. "We've got some tough games coming up. The Giants have good pitching, Tampa's got good pitching. We've got to have a good homestand and hopefully go into Houston with a chance.

"There's only so many 'Get 'em tomorrows' left."

That mantra is ending since the Yankees have dropped five of six while batting .184 with 13 runs. Their offensive futility continued with five hits in Thursday's 6-2 loss at last-place Toronto.

"It's frustrating," manager Joe Girardi said. "We haven't swung the bats that well for the last week."

They have at home, hitting .285 with 22 homers and averaging 6.0 runs while winning 16 of 22 there.

Sabathia (13-13, 4.90 ERA) has also found some success at home, winning three straight starts despite a 4.74 ERA. He's lost his last two outings - both on the road - while giving up nine runs in 13 1-3 innings.

"It's very frustrating, because everybody keeps telling me I'm close, but I don't see it," Sabathia told the team's official website. "I want results and I know the team wants results. I know the fans want results. It's just tough not being able to deliver."

He's won both career starts versus the Giants with a 1.59 ERA, and is facing them for the first time since a road win with Milwaukee in 2008.

The Giants will counter the two-time Cy Young Award winner with one of their own in Tim Lincecum (10-13, 4.40).

Unlike Sabathia, Lincecum is putting together a strong stretch, going 4-0 with a 3.77 ERA in five starts. It's the right-hander's longest winning streak since going 6-0 over nine games bridging 2009 and 2010.

He got a great deal of help in order to keep his streak going Saturday, allowing three runs with six strikeouts in six innings of a 19-3 road victory over the Los Angeles Dodgers.

Facing the Yankees for the first time, Lincecum is 1-5 with a 5.93 ERA over eight interleague starts in two years.

He's two strikeouts shy of becoming the seventh pitcher to get 1,500 with the Giants, and the first since Gaylord Perry in 1971.

San Francisco has won five of six following Thursday's 2-1 victory over the New York Mets. Rookie Juan Perez, who went to high school in New York, had a season-high three hits, a walk and an RBI in four plate appearances in front of family and friends.

He's looking forward to doing it again in front of even more relatives in the Bronx.

"That will be a crazy series for me, tickets-wise," the outfielder said.

Buster Posey is in a 1-for-21 slump over his last six games after going 0 for 10 in three versus the Mets.

The Giants will be the first team to finish with a losing record the season after winning the World Series since St. Louis in 2007.

[StarDust Bum]

Preview: Astros (51-102) at Indians (83-70)
Game: 2
Venue: Progressive Field
Date: September 20, 2013 7:05 PM EDT


Sitting just outside the AL wild-card picture, the Cleveland Indians are hoping to continue taking advantage of their favorable remaining schedule.

The Indians go for a fourth straight win over the major league-worst Houston Astros on Friday night.

Matt Carson delivered an RBI single with two outs in the 11th inning of Thursday's 2-1 win, Cleveland's 10th walkoff victory. The Indians (83-70) are one-half game behind Tampa Bay and Texas, who are tied atop the wild-card standings, and six behind AL Central-leading Detroit.

"We'll take any win any way we can get it," manager Terry Francona said.

Cleveland has three more games against Houston (51-102) before hosting the last-place Chicago White Sox for two and concluding the season with four at fourth-place Minnesota.

The Astros have been outscored 32-10 while hitting .130 with runners in scoring position during a six-game losing streak. They went 1 for 8 in such situations Thursday.

"It's one thing to get beat, but it's another thing to beat yourself," said manager Bo Porter, whose team left a season-high 16 runners on base the previous night in a 6-5, 13-inning loss to Cincinnati.

"We just squandered opportunity after opportunity with poor at_bats and bad baserunning. It's extremely frustrating because this is basic baseball. We should have won these last two games."

Brett Wallace is mired in a 4-for-29 slump, and Jonathan Villar is 1 for his last 14.

Houston, which has dropped three straight in the series by a 26-11 margin, will try to bounce back against Zach McAllister (8-9, 3.96 ERA). The right-hander had gone 0-2 with an 8.78 ERA in his previous three starts before allowing one run in 6 2-3 innings in Sunday's 7-1 road win over the White Sox.

"I thought Zach's stuff today was probably as good as we've seen," Francona said. "He had velocity with his fastball and some power to it and he commanded it in and out very well."

McAllister has never faced the Astros, who counter with rookie Brett Oberholtzer (4-3, 2.98).

After allowing one run in 15 innings during his first two starts this month, Oberholtzer gave up four in six innings Saturday in a 6-2 defeat to the Los Angeles Angels.

"It didn't look like he had that pinpoint command, that late life that we had seen in a lot of his previous starts," Porter said. "His breaking ball didn't have the kind of depth that we were accustomed to, which is a credit to him to not have his good stuff and still battle and be able to get through six innings."

The left-hander surrendered home runs to Cleveland's Carlos Santana and Drew Stubbs in two innings of relief in his big league debut April 21.

Oberholtzer also needs to be wary of Nick Swisher, who is 19 for 50 (.380) with five homers and 12 RBIs in his last 13 games.

Michael Bourn had hit safely in eight straight before going 0 for 5 on Thursday. The speedy outfielder, who spent three-plus seasons with Houston from 2008-11, is 2 for 30 against his former team since the start of last year.

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

SERIES AT A GLANCE

GAME 1
Astros at Indians
Thu, Sep 19 Final 1 to 2
Boxscores • Recaps

GAME 2
Astros at Indians
Fri, Sep 20 - 7:05PM EDT

GAME 3
Astros at Indians
Sat, Sep 21 - 6:05PM EDT

GAME 4
Astros at Indians
Sun, Sep 22 - 1:05PM EDT