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

[StarDust Bum]

MLB
Short Sheet

Friday, September 27

National League

Pittsburgh at Cincinnati, 7:10 ET
Burnett: Pittsburgh 22-15 SU as a road underdog of +100 to +150
Bailey: Cincinnati 9-17 SU in home games after allowing 4 runs or less 5 straight games

Milwaukee at NY Mets, 7:10 ET
Gallardo: Milwaukee 11-6 SU on the road when the total is 7 or less
Torres: NY Mets 3-11 SU in home games against NL Central opponents

Philadelphia at Atlanta, 7:35 ET
Lee: Philadelphia 3-12 SU after 6 consecutive games versus division rivals
Medlen: Atlanta 19-6 SU with an on base percentage of .285 or worse over their last 5 games

Chicago Cubs at St Louis, 8:15 ET
Wood: Cubs 2-15 SU in road games when playing with a day off
Lynn: St Louis 41-21 SU after having won 3 of their last 4 games

Washington at Arizona, 9:40 ET
Wood: Washington 10-0 SU after scoring 1 run or less 2 straight games
Lynn: Arizona 11-23 SU in home games after scoring 4 runs or less 3 straight games

Colorado at LA Dodgers, 10:10 ET
Strasburg: Colorado 4-22 SU as an underdog of +150 or more
Corbin: LA Dodgers 23-10 SU after 5 or more consecutive road games

San Diego at San Francisco, 10:15 ET
Smith: San Diego 41-35 SU when the money line is +125 to -125
Vogelsong: San Francisco 16-24 SU after scoring and allowing 3 runs or less

[StarDust Bum]

Friday, September 27

Game Score Status Pick Amount

Boston - 7:05 PM ET Baltimore +112 500
Baltimore - Under 8 500

Tampa Bay - 7:07 PM ET Tampa Bay -122 500
Toronto - Over 8 500

Pittsburgh - 7:10 PM ET Pittsburgh +114 500 POD # 6
Cincinnati - Over 7 500

Detroit - 7:10 PM ET Miami +136 500 POD # 5
Miami - Under 8 500

Milwaukee - 7:10 PM ET Milwaukee -104 500
NY Mets - Over 7 500

Philadelphia - 7:30 PM ET Philadelphia +115 500 POD # 4
Atlanta - Under 6.5 500

LA Angels - 8:05 PM ET Texas -137 500
Texas - Over 8.5 500

Kansas City - 8:10 PM ET Kansas City -113 500
Chi. White Sox - Under 6.5 500

Cleveland - 8:10 PM ET Cleveland -190 500
Minnesota - Over 8 500

NY Yankees - 8:10 PM ET NY Yankees -120 500
Houston - Under 8.5 500

Chi. Cubs - 8:15 PM ET St. Louis -160 500
St. Louis - Over 7 500

Washington - 9:40 PM ET Arizona +118 500 POD # 2
Arizona - Over 7.5 500

Colorado - 10:10 PM ET Colorado +254 500 POD # 3
LA Dodgers - Over 6.5 500

Oakland - 10:10 PM ET Seattle -111 500
Seattle - Under 6.5 500

San Diego - 10:15 PM ET San Diego +114 500 POD # 1
San Francisco - Under 7 500

[WThotrod]

I put $500 on each POD, Bum! My guy finally paid up! Now it is time to make more! Best of luck!!

[StarDust Bum]

Date WLT Pct Net Units Record

09/27/13 15-*14-*1 51.72% +*235 Detail
09/26/13 9-*9-*0 50.00% -*485 Detail
09/25/13 16-*14-*0 53.33% +*1230 Detail
09/24/13 11-*18-*1 37.93% -*4390 Detail
09/23/13 10-*12-*0 45.45% -*1290 Detail
09/22/13 18-*11-*1 62.07% +*2995 Detail
09/21/13 15-*12-*0 55.56% +*800 Detail
09/20/13 12-*15-*0 44.44% -*2420 Detail
09/19/13 9-*15-*0 37.50% -*3990 Detail
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 374-*334-*18 52.82% +7980


Saturday, September 28

Game Score Status Pick Amount

LA Angels - 12:05 PM ET Texas -164 500
Texas - Under 9 500

Cleveland - 1:05 PM ET Cleveland -190 500
Minnesota - Over 8.5 500

Pittsburgh - 1:05 PM ET Pittsburgh +124 500 POD # 1
Cincinnati - Over 7.5 500

Tampa Bay - 1:07 PM ET Tampa Bay -162 500
Toronto - Under 7.5 500

San Diego - 4:05 PM ET San Francisco -149 500
San Francisco - Under 7 500

Milwaukee - 4:10 PM ET Milwaukee -106 500
NY Mets - Over 7.5 500

Oakland - 4:10 PM ET Oakland -149 500
Seattle - Under 7.5 500

Chi. Cubs - 4:15 PM ET Chi. Cubs +165 500 POD # 2
St. Louis - Under 7 500

Boston - 7:05 PM ET Boston -137 500
Baltimore - Over 8 500

Philadelphia - 7:10 PM ET Atlanta -237 500
Atlanta - Over 7 500

Kansas City - 7:10 PM ET Kansas City -119 500
Chi. White Sox - Under 7.5 500

Detroit - 7:10 PM ET Miami +165 500 POD # 3
Miami - Under 7 500

NY Yankees - 7:10 PM ET NY Yankees -163 500
Houston - Over 8.5 500

Washington - 8:10 PM ET Washington +102 500 POD # 4
Arizona - Under 9 500

Colorado - 9:10 PM ET LA Dodgers -225 500
LA Dodgers - Under 7 500

[StarDust Bum]

Sunday, September 29

Game Score Status Pick Amount

Tampa Bay - 1:07 PM ET Tampa Bay -174 500
Toronto -

Pittsburgh - 1:10 PM ET Pittsburgh +124 500 POD # 1
Cincinnati -

Detroit - 1:10 PM ET Miami +150 500 POD # 4
Miami - Over 7 500

Milwaukee - 1:10 PM ET Milwaukee -108 500
NY Mets - Over 7 500

Boston - 1:35 PM ET Baltimore -160 500
Baltimore -

Philadelphia - 1:35 PM ET Atlanta -230 500
Atlanta -

Kansas City - 2:10 PM ET Kansas City -104 500
Chi. White Sox - Over 7.5 500

Cleveland - 2:10 PM ET Cleveland -215 500
Minnesota -

NY Yankees - 2:10 PM ET Houston +116 500 POD # 3
Houston - Over 8.5 500

Chi. Cubs - 2:15 PM ET St. Louis -170 500
St. Louis -

LA Angels - 3:05 PM ET Texas -207 500
Texas -

San Diego - 4:05 PM ET San Diego +104 500 POD # 2
San Francisco - Over 7.5 500

Washington - 4:10 PM ET Arizona +102 500 POD # 5
Arizona -

Colorado - 4:10 PM ET LA Dodgers -210 500
LA Dodgers -

Oakland - 4:10 PM ET Oakland -129 500
Seattle - Over 7.5 500

[Udog]

Cleveland - 2:10 PM ET Cleveland -215 500
Minnesota -

I think that's the only way to see this one today but won't things get interesting for the next couple of days if Minnie can find a way?

[StarDust Bum]

Rangers force AL WC tiebreaker vs. Rays

September 29, 2013


ARLINGTON, Texas (AP) - The Texas Rangers forced a one-game tiebreaker for the second AL wild-card spot, winning their seventh in a row Sunday when Geovany Soto hit a tiebreaking RBI double and later homered to beat the Los Angeles Angels 6-2.

The Rangers (91-71) added game No. 163 to the regular season, and will host Tampa Bay on Monday night. The winner plays two days later at wild card leader Cleveland in another win-or-be-done matchup.

About the same time Tampa Bay wrapped up its 7-6 win at Toronto to necessitate a victory by the Rangers to keep playing, Craig Gentry hit a two-run single in the fifth for a 2-1 lead.

Los Angeles quickly tied the game against major league strikeout leader Yu Darvish in the sixth, but the Rangers went ahead to stay in the bottom half on Soto's two-out double.

Adrian Beltre and Soto added solo homers in the eighth. It was Beltre's 30th and the ninth for Soto, who has become the primary catcher for Darvish.

The Angels (78-84) finished with a losing record for only the second time in 10 seasons after being swept in a four-game series at Texas for the first time since June 1978.

Neal Cotts (8-3) replaced Darvish in the sixth and allowed the tying hit, but struck out Howie Kendrick for the inning-ending out with runners on first and third.

Robbie Ross, Tanner Scheppers and Joe Nathan each pitched a scoreless inning after that.

When the Rangers started their game, Tampa Bay already led 7-0 at Toronto. Then Mike Trout homered to put the Angels up 1-0.

Darvish struck out eight in 5 2-3 innings. But for the sixth time this season, and second game in a row, Darvish immediately gave up the lead a half-inning after the Rangers went ahead.

The right-hander from Japan finished with a majors-leading 277 strikeouts, the most since Randy Johnson had 290 for Arizona in 2004. The last AL pitcher with more was Pedro Martinez with 284 for Boston in 2000.

After Darvish walked Kole Calhoun with one out in the second, manager Ron Washington, pitching coach Mike Maddux, a trainer and Darvish's interpreter all went to the mound. It was a quick visit, and the pitcher was apparently OK.

Darvish retired the next 11 batters in a row through the end of the fifth, before the trouble in the sixth.

A.J. Pierzynski had a leadoff double in the fifth and Soto walked before an errant pickoff throw by Jason Vargas (9-8) moved both of them up a base. They scored on a single up the middle by Gentry, the No. 8 hitter who is 17 for 36 in his last 10 games.

There was a reverse double play in the Angels sixth - J.B. Shuck hit a grounder to second baseman Ian Kinsler, who ran back Andrew Romine before throwing to first baseman Mitch Moreland, who had to make a quick throw to shortstop Elvis Andrus to tag out Romine. But Darvish then gave up a single to Erick Aybar and walked Trout on four pitches.

Cotts, the left-hander whose 1.13 ERA is the lowest ever for a Texas reliever, gave up an tying RBI single to Josh Hamilton, who finished with a 14-game hitting streak - his longest in his Angels debut after the previous five years with the Rangers.

Beltre had a two-out single in the sixth and scored on Soto's go-ahead hit. Gentry led off the seventh with a single and scored on Kinsler's hit.

NOTES: Trout's 27th homer was his 190th hit, making the 22-year-old center fielder only the third major leaguer since 1900 with 190 hits, 100 walks and 30 stolen bases in the same season. The others are Ty Cobb in 1915 and Lenny Dykstra in 1993. ... Gentry had two stolen bases, and the Rangers have at least one steal in a team-record 12 consecutive games. ... Darvish was winless his last six home starts.

[StarDust Bum]

MLB
Dunkel

Tampa Bay at Texas
The Rays look to take today's tiebreaker against the Rangers and build on their 20-6 record in David Price's last 26 starts as a road favorite of -110 to -150. Tampa Bay is the pick (-135) according to Dunkel, which has the Rays favored by 1 1/2. Dunkel Pick: Tampa Bay (-135). Here are all of today's picks.

MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 30

Game 981-982: Tampa Bay at Texas (8:07 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Tampa Bay (Price) 16.842; Texas (Perez) 15.433
Dunkel Line: Tampa Bay by 1 1/2; 7
Vegas Line: Tampa Bay (-135); 7 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Tampa Bay (-135); Under




MLB
Armadillo's Write-Up

Monday, September 30

AL play-in game

-- Price is 1-1, 2.73 in his last four starts; he didn't pitch against the Rangers this year-- he allowed eight runs in 10.2 IP in two starts against them LY.
-- Perez is 1-0, 2.84 in his last two starts; he allowed two runs in five IP in a relief appearance vs Rays LY, only time they've seen him.

Rangers are 32-18 vs lefty starters, Tampa Bay is 29-23.

Texas just went 7-0 vs Astros/Angels on a homestand to get here, scoring 46 runs in those games; they had lost seven in a row at home before that. Rangers are 4-3 vs Tampa Bay this year, winning two of three here in early April.

Rays are 8-2 in last ten games but lost Friday/Saturday and almost blew a 7-0 lead Sunday; they've won seven of their last ten on the road.

Over is 5-1-1 in last seven Texas games, 4-1 in last five Tampa tilts.




MLB

Monday, September 30

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Trend Report
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8:07 PM
TAMPA BAY vs. TEXAS
Tampa Bay is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games when playing on the road against Texas
Tampa Bay is 8-2 SU in its last 10 games
Texas is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games when playing at home against Tampa Bay
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Texas's last 5 games at home


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MLB
Long Sheet

Monday, September 30

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TAMPA BAY (91 - 71) at TEXAS (91 - 71) - 8:05 PM
DAVID PRICE (L) vs. MARTIN PEREZ (L)
Top Trends for this game.
TEXAS is 11-3 (+8.9 Units) against the money line as a home underdog of +100 to +125 over the last 3 seasons.
PEREZ is 9-2 (+8.0 Units) against the money line after a win this season. (Team's Record)
TEXAS is 99-84 (-21.3 Units) against the money line after a win over the last 2 seasons.
TEXAS is 10-13 (-13.9 Units) against the money line in home games after 3 or more consecutive wins over the last 2 seasons.
TEXAS is 71-73 (-15.8 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.
TEXAS is 13-25 (-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.

Head-to-Head Series History
TEXAS is 4-3 (+0.9 Units) against TAMPA BAY this season
3 of 5 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+1.0 Units)
DAVID PRICE vs. TEXAS since 1997
PRICE is 1-7 when starting against TEXAS with an ERA of 5.57 and a WHIP of 1.429.
His team's record is 4-7 (-4.7 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 6-5. (+0.5 units)
MARTIN PEREZ vs. TAMPA BAY since 1997
No recent starts.


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MLB

Monday, September 30

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Rays at Rangers: What bettors need to know
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Tampa Bay Rays at Texas Rangers (+105, 7.5)

It is a must-win scenario for the Tampa Bay Rays and host Texas Rangers on Monday if they wish to advance to a second must-win situation. The two teams tied for the second American League wild-card spot and will break the tie for the right to meet the Cleveland Indians in Wednesday’s one-game round. Texas has won seven straight games and Tampa Bay has won eight of its last 10 contests.

Rays ace David Price starts against Rangers rookie Martin Perez and Texas announced that power-hitting outfielder Nelson Cruz will be activated for Monday’s game. Cruz’s 50-game suspension for performance-enhancing drugs ended Sunday and he has fared well against Price, going 6-for-12 with two homers against the left-hander. Price is fired up about getting the ball in the tiebreaker. “This is a moment that I want to be in,” he said. “I want to be able to relish the moment and go out there and have fun.”

TV: 8:07 p.m. ET, TBS

LINE: Texas opened as a +119 home underdog and has been bet down to +105, taking Tampa Bay down from -129 to -116. The total has stayed steady at 7.5 runs.

WEATHER: Temperatures in the mid 70s, clear skies and winds blowing south at 6 mph.

PITCHING MATCHUP: Rays LH David Price (9-8, 3.39 ERA) vs. Rangers LH Martin Perez (10-5, 3.55)

Price didn’t face the Rangers this season but has traditionally struggled against them, going 1-4 with a 5.98 ERA in eight career outings. After being sensational in July and August, Price was 1-2 with a 3.78 ERA in five September starts. He has pitched at least seven innings in four of his last six turns.

The 22-year-old Perez won seven of his last nine decisions as one of Texas’ most-reliable starters over the second half of the season. He didn’t face the Rays this season and his lone career outing against them was a five-inning stint last season in which he gave up two runs and seven hits. Perez has allowed three or fewer runs in nine of his last 11 starts.

TRENDS:

* Over is 3-0-1 in the last four meetings.
* Under is 3-1-1 in the last five meetings in Texas.
* Under is 5-2 in Prices last seven starts vs. Rangers.
* Rays are 2-5 in Prices last seven starts vs. Rangers.

WALK-OFFS:

1. Texas defeated Tampa Bay in the AL Division Series in 2010 and 2011 en route to back-to-back World Series appearances.

2. The Rangers earned the right to host the play-in game because they won the regular-season series 4-3. The teams split a four-game series in mid-September.

3. Rangers OF Alex Rios is batting .435 with two homers and seven RBIs in 23 career at-bats against Price.


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MLB

Tuesday, October 1

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MLB betting: Looking at NL Wild Card starters
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Major League Baseball's postseason officially starts Tuesday with the National League Wild Card game between the Cincinnati Reds and Pittsburgh Pirates.

The Pirates and Reds will renew acquaintances for the seventh time in the past 10 games for each club.

Mat Latos was manager Dusty Baker's first choice to make the start, but the big righty has a bone chip in his elbow which is causing him discomfort, so Johnny Cueto gets the call.

The Bucs will call on southpaw Francisco Liriano to take the hill.

Here is a look inside the numbers for Tuesday's starting pitchers.

Liriano versus the Reds - 0-3, 3.70 ERA in four starts.

- The Reds roster bats .260 (32-for-123) with four homers and 12 RBIs versus Liriano.
- Todd Frazier is 3-for-9 with a pair of solo homers off the Pirates lefty.

Cueto versus the Pirates - 1-0, 0.73 ERA in two starts.

- The Pirates roster bats .209 (45-for-215) with five homers and 17 RBIs versus Cueto.
- Andrew McCutchen is 9-for-39 (.231) with three homers and five RBIs versus Cueto.


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MLB
Short Sheet

Monday, September 30

Tampa Bay at Texas, 8:05 ET
Price: Tampa Bay 46-30 SU when the money line is -100 to -150
Perez: Texas 25-35 SU after 3 straight games where they committed no errors
Reply With Quote

[StarDust Bum]

Monday, September 30

Game Score Status Pick Amount

Tampa Bay - 8:07 PM ET Texas +100 500 POD # 2

Texas - Under 7.5 500 POD # 1

[StarDust Bum]

Reds at Pirates

September 30, 2013


The National League playoffs begin on Tuesday night with a pair of NL Central rivals looking to take on division champ St. Louis in the NLDS. The Pirates swept the Reds at the Great American Ballpark this past weekend to grab home-field advantage in Tuesday's play-in game, winning all three games as an underdog. Now, Pittsburgh is listed in the favorite role.

The Pirates won 11 of 19 meetings with the Reds this season, including a 5-4 mark at PNC Park. Following a three-game home sweep in early April, the Reds grabbed four of the next six meetings, including two of three in late September. One of those losses almost cost the Pirates a home game in the Wild Card contest, as the Reds rallied from a 5-2 deficit in the ninth inning to win, 6-5 in 10 innings on September 20.

Francisco Liriano started that Friday night meltdown for the Pirates, as the southpaw allowed three hits and two earned runs in eight innings of work. Unfortunately, closer Mark Melancon couldn't shut the door by giving up three hits and three runs in the ninth inning, while recording just two outs. Joey Votto broke a 5-5 tie in the 10th inning with a solo home run, as Liriano received a no-decision in the one-run defeat.

The Pirates will send out Liriano on Tuesday night, as Pittsburgh lost all four of his starts against Cincinnati this season. The Bucs won nine of Liriano's 11 starts at PNC Park, with the only two defeats coming to the Reds in late September and in early June.

The Reds look to put last season's NLDS meltdown against the Giants behind them on Tuesday as Johnny Cueto takes the mound. Cueto threw nine pitches in the NLDS opener last October before leaving the start due to back spasms. The right-hander has made just two starts since suffering a strained right lat muscle in June, as the Reds beat the Astros and Mets in his last two outings. In Cueto's lone start at PNC Park earlier this season, the righty tossed eight scoreless innings of one-hit ball in a 6-0 shutout of the Pirates.

Cincinnati finished slightly above .500 on the road at 41-40, while winning seven of their last 10 games in the role of an away underdog. Pittsburgh put together a solid 50-31 record at PNC Park, but won just eight of their final 18 games as a home favorite.

First pitch is at 8:05 PM from Pittsburgh and can be seen on TBS.

Other Postseason Notes:

-- As the Cardinals wait for the Pittsburgh/Cincinnati winner, Los Angeles will travel to Atlanta for the other NLDS. The Dodgers opened up as a $1.45 road favorite as Clayton Kershaw takes the mound, while Kris Medlen counters for the Braves. Atlanta won five of seven meetings against Los Angeles this season, including a three-game sweep at Turner Field. The series begins in Atlanta on Thursday night at 8:35 PM with coverage on TBS.

[StarDust Bum]

Preview: Reds (90-72) at Pirates (94-68)
Game: 1
Venue: Great American Ball Park
Date: October 01, 2013 8:07 PM EDT


PITTSBURGH (AP) - Where most saw misery and chaos, Clint Hurdle saw something else entirely.

The day Hurdle took over as the Pittsburgh Pirates manager in December, 2010, he spoke about electrifying the city. He preached optimism then went out and practiced it every day while talking about a vision that went far beyond returning a moribund franchise to respectability.

It's why Hurdle isn't satisfied after leading Pittsburgh to a 94-68 record and its first playoff berth in 21 years. It's why he doesn't view Tuesday night's wild-card game against Cincinnati as the culmination of three years of patience, progress and pragmatism.

Press Hurdle on how detailed he allowed his vision to get and he leans forward for emphasis.

``To win a sixth World Series,' he said.

First things first.

The team that spent all summer defying expectations now must find a way to do it again when it hosts the first playoff game in Pittsburgh in 7,660 days. Coming off a weekend sweep in Cincinnati that gave the Pirates home-field advantage for the one-and-done wild card, Pittsburgh has to press reset while trying not to get caught up in the kind of hype not seen in the city since Barry Bonds bolted for San Francisco 21 years ago.

``What happened over the weekend,' Hurdle said, ``doesn't matter.'

Neither does the six months that came before it, though Hurdle believes his team has all the hallmarks required to make sure this postseason appearance will extend beyond a cameo.

``I like the grit factor,' he said, ``and the lessons we've learned.'

Lessons hard won on a roster that is baseball's version of Ellis Island, a mixture of veterans looking to revive their careers and an exciting young core that includes MVP candidate Andrew McCutchen and ace-in-training Gerrit Cole.

Perhaps it's fitting that left-hander Francisco Liriano (16-8, 3.02 ERA) will start the team's most important game in a generation. Allowed to walk in free agency after an underwhelming stint with the Chicago White Sox in 2012, the Pirates signed Liriano to a two-year deal last winter that turned out to be one of the best bargains in baseball.

Fueled by a slightly overhauled delivery and a devastating slider, Liriano rediscovered the form that made him an All-Star in 2006. Even more, he's found a home in a clubhouse that wasn't always the most welcoming in the majors.

``In the beginning, when people came here, it was more of a rehabilitation center,' McCutchen said. ``I mean it's true. Guys came here toward the end of their career, saying this is going to boost them up, maybe they can have a big year so they can go somewhere else.'

Not so much anymore.

The arrival of pitcher A.J. Burnett in 2012 and catcher Russell Martin last winter signaled a sea change. Both players still have something to prove. Both wanted to be part of something significant.

They weren't alone. Former AL MVP Justin Morneau agreed to leave the Minnesota Twins after a decade to spend the final month of the season in Pittsburgh. Journeyman outfielder Marlon Byrd raced from New York to PNC Park for a chance to reach the postseason for the first time in his 12-year career.

Their paths, much like Liriano's, shadows the franchise's fall and subsequent rise. Once considered one of the game's future stars, Liriano spent five years searching for a new identity after undergoing Tommy John surgery in 2007. He's found one in a ballpark where he is 8-1 with a 1.47 ERA this season.

``He's a Pirate,' Hurdle said. ``There's a lot of Pirate in every guy in there. They've got a flawed manager though.'

Maybe, but one that has proven to be a perfect fit in Pittsburgh. Regardless of what happens on Tuesday, Hurdle believes his team has turned a corner.

The Reds - equipped with postseason experience, as they've made the NL playoffs three times since 2010 - will try to make sure the Pirates have to wait another year before taking the next step. Cincinnati spent much of the season as the third team in a three-way race with St. Louis and Pittsburgh for the NL Central title.

Despite looking lifeless at times down the stretch, the Reds received a jolt by the return of right-hander Johnny Cueto. The 27-year-old missed most of the season with back problems but has been solid since his return on Sept. 16. The Reds are also likely to have in their lineup Brandon Phillips, their star second baseman who left Saturday's game with a leg injury.

Cueto - with less on the line of course - has been clutch vs. the Pirates. He is 13-4 with a 2.37 ERA in 21 career starts against Pittsburgh, numbers that are even better at PNC Park, where he is 8-2 with a 1.90 ERA.

``I don't know how to explain it,' Cueto said. ``I just do my job.'

If he can find a way to do it one more time, the Reds will play in St. Louis on Thursday. If not, baseball's unlikeliest success story will continue, just the way Hurdle envisioned.

``I think we're a perfect snapshot of our city,' Hurdle said. ``We're not perfect. We get down, we're going to get up. We get knocked down again, we're going to get up again.

``We'll continue to fight for what we believe in.'


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MLB HEAD TO HEAD

Sep 29, 2013 Score ATS Results
PIT « 4 Cover: +118
CIN 2 Under: 6
Tools: Boxscores • Recaps

Sep 28, 2013 Score ATS Results
PIT « 8 Cover: +110
CIN 3 Over: 11
Tools: Boxscores • Recaps

Sep 27, 2013 Score ATS Results
PIT « 4 Cover: +122
CIN 1 Under: 5
Tools: Boxscores • Recaps

Sep 22, 2013 Score ATS Results
CIN « 11 Cover: +108
PIT 3 Over: 14
Tools: Boxscores • Recaps

Sep 21, 2013 Score ATS Results
CIN 2 Under: 6
PIT « 4 Cover: +100
Tools: Boxscores • Recaps

Sep 20, 2013 Score ATS Results
CIN « 6 Cover: +107
PIT 5 Over: 11
Tools: Boxscores • Recaps

Jul 21, 2013 Score ATS Results
PIT « 3 Cover: +125
CIN 2 Under: 5
Tools: Boxscores • Recaps

Jul 20, 2013 Score ATS Results
PIT 4 Over: 9
CIN « 5 Cover: +100
Tools: Boxscores • Recaps

Jul 19, 2013 Score ATS Results
PIT 3 Over: 8
CIN « 5 Cover: +100
Tools: Boxscores • Recaps

Jun 20, 2013 Score ATS Results
PIT « 5 Cover: +180
CIN 3 Push: 8
Tools: Boxscores • Recaps

[StarDust Bum]

MLB
Dunkel

Cincinnati at Pittsburgh
Cincinnati hits the road tonight for the NL Wild Card game and looks to take advantage of a Pittsburgh team that is 0-4 in Francisco Liriano's last 4 starts against the Reds. Cincinnati is the pick (+110) according to Dunkel, which has the Reds favored by 1. Dunkel Pick: Cincinnati (+110). Here are all of today's picks.

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 1

Game 901-902: Cincinnati at Pittsburgh (8:07 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Cincinnati (Cueto) 15.489; Pittsburgh (Liriano) 14.341
Dunkel Line: Cincinnati by 1; 6
Vegas Line: Pittsburgh (-130); 6 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Cincinnati (+110); Under




MLB
Long Sheet

Tuesday, October 1

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CINCINNATI (90 - 72) at PITTSBURGH (94 - 68) - 8:05 PM
JOHNNY CUETO (R) vs. FRANCISCO LIRIANO (L)
Top Trends for this game.
CINCINNATI is 10-25 (-17.8 Units) against the money line in October games since 1997.
PITTSBURGH is 94-68 (+23.7 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
PITTSBURGH is 50-31 (+10.9 Units) against the money line in home games this season.
PITTSBURGH is 17-7 (+10.8 Units) against the money line when playing on Tuesday this season.
PITTSBURGH is 101-79 (+27.8 Units) against the money line in home games when playing with a day off since 1997.
PITTSBURGH is 45-31 (+13.6 Units) against the money line against division opponents this season.
PITTSBURGH is 94-68 (+23.7 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
PITTSBURGH is 63-40 (+18.9 Units) against the money line in night games this season.
PITTSBURGH is 76-55 (+20.7 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.
PITTSBURGH is 53-40 (+11.2 Units) against the money line after a win this season.
PITTSBURGH is 36-32 (+8.9 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record this season.
CINCINNATI is 656-725 (+56.7 Units) against the money line in road games since 1997.
CINCINNATI is 314-336 (+31.9 Units) against the money line in road games against division opponents since 1997.
CINCINNATI is 593-669 (+40.7 Units) against the money line in road games in games played on a grass field since 1997.
CINCINNATI is 428-471 (+36.2 Units) against the money line in road games in night games since 1997.
CINCINNATI is 86-52 (+22.7 Units) against the money line after a loss over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
PITTSBURGH is 11-8 (+5.5 Units) against CINCINNATI this season
10 of 18 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+0.9 Units)
JOHNNY CUETO vs. PITTSBURGH since 1997
CUETO is 13-4 when starting against PITTSBURGH with an ERA of 2.37 and a WHIP of 1.015.
His team's record is 14-7 (+3.5 units) in these starts. The OVER is 11-8. (+2.1 units)
FRANCISCO LIRIANO vs. CINCINNATI since 1997
LIRIANO is 0-3 when starting against CINCINNATI with an ERA of 3.70 and a WHIP of 1.110.
His team's record is 0-4 (-4.6 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 2-2. (-0.3 units)

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MLB
Short Sheet

Tuesday, October 1

Cincinnati at Pittsburgh, 8:05 ET
Cueto: Cincinnati 10-25 SU in October
Liriano: Pittsburgh 30-11 SU after 3 straight games without giving up a stolen base




MLB
Armadillo's Write-Up

Tuesday, October 1

NL Wild Card game

-- Cueto was on DL three times this year; he is 1-0, 1.50 in two starts coming off DL last time, 1-0, 1.46 in two starts vs Pittsburgh this season.
-- Liriano is 1-1, 3.24 in his last four starts, 0-3, 3.70 vs Cincinnati this year.

Reds lost their last five games, scoring a total of 8 runs. Pirates are 5-1 in their last six games; they're 11-8 vs Cincinnati this year, 5-4 at home.

Reds are 41-41 on road this season. 27-25 vs lefty starters; Pittsburgh is 76-55 vs righties; they went 51-30 at PNC Park, which is hosting first-ever playoff game-- Pirates were last in playoffs in 1992.

Under is 8-3 in Cueto starts this season, 6-3-1 in Liriano's last 10 home starts, 5-1 in last six Cincinnati games, 3-1 in last four Pirate games.




MLB

Tuesday, October 1

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Trend Report
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8:07 PM
CINCINNATI vs. PITTSBURGH
The total has gone UNDER in 15 of Cincinnati's last 21 games when playing on the road against Pittsburgh
Cincinnati is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games when playing on the road against Pittsburgh
Pittsburgh is 2-5 SU in its last 7 games at home
Pittsburgh is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games when playing Cincinnati


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MLB

Tuesday, October 1

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Reds at Pirates: What bettors need to know
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Cincinnati Reds at Pittsburgh Pirates (-130, 6.5)

The Pittsburgh Pirates participate in their first postseason game in 21 years when they host the Cincinnati Reds in Tuesday’s National League wild-card game. Pittsburgh secured home-field advantage by sweeping a three-game series in Cincinnati and the winner of this one-game round meets the St. Louis Cardinals in the divisional round. The Reds are in the playoffs for the third time in four seasons but staggered down the stretch with five consecutive losses to match a season-worst skid.

Cincinnati planned to start Mat Latos but scratched him due to elbow soreness and will instead go with Johnny Cueto, who has a stellar 8-2 mark with a 1.91 ERA and 0.89 WHIP in 13 career starts at Pittsburgh’s PNC Park. The Pirates opted for left-hander Francisco Liriano, who struggled against the Reds this season with a 0-3 record and 3.70 ERA in four starts. Pittsburgh standout Andrew McCutchen (.317 average, 21 homers, 84 RBIs and 27 steals) had an MVP-caliber campaign while Cincinnati star Joey Votto (.306 average, 24 homers, 73 RBIs) set a franchise record by reaching base 316 times.

TV: 8:07 p.m. ET, TBS

LINE: The Bucs opened as -120 home faves and have moved to -130. The total has remained at 6.5.

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

PITCHING MATCHUP: Reds RH Johnny Cueto (5-2, 2.82 ERA) vs. Pirates LH Francisco Liriano (16-8, 3.02)

Cueto has excelled in two starts since returning from an injury and has allowed one earned run and eight hits in 12 innings. He blanked the Pirates on one hit over eight innings on May 31 and then went on the disabled list for the second of three times this season. Cueto is 13-4 with a 2.37 ERA in 21 career starts against Pittsburgh.

Liriano has been fantastic at home, sporting an 8-1 mark and 1.47 ERA in 11 outings. Though he set a career best for victories, he struggled in September with a 1-2 record and 5.14 ERA in five starts. Liriano had a sharp outing against Cincinnati on Sept. 20 when he gave up two runs and three hits in eight innings while receiving a no-decision.

TRENDS:

* Reds are 0-5 in their last five overall.
* Under is 5-0-1 in Cueto's last six road starts vs. Pirates.
* Pirates are 0-4 in Liriano's last four starts vs. Reds.
* Over is 4-1 in Reds last five playoff games.

WALK-OFFS:

1. Cincinnati 2B Brandon Phillips (shin) expects to play after being hurt while fouling a ball off his leg on Saturday.

2. McCutchen is batting .231 with three homers in 39 career at-bats against Cueto, while Votto is 2-for-10 against Liriano.

3. Pittsburgh won the season series, 11-8 – including a 5-4 mark at home.


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MLB

Tuesday, October 1

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MLB betting: Looking at NL Wild Card starters
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Major League Baseball's postseason officially starts Tuesday with the National League Wild Card game between the Cincinnati Reds and Pittsburgh Pirates.

The Pirates and Reds will renew acquaintances for the seventh time in the past 10 games for each club.

Mat Latos was manager Dusty Baker's first choice to make the start, but the big righty has a bone chip in his elbow which is causing him discomfort, so Johnny Cueto gets the call.

The Bucs will call on southpaw Francisco Liriano to take the hill.

Here is a look inside the numbers for Tuesday's starting pitchers.

Liriano versus the Reds - 0-3, 3.70 ERA in four starts.

- The Reds roster bats .260 (32-for-123) with four homers and 12 RBIs versus Liriano.
- Todd Frazier is 3-for-9 with a pair of solo homers off the Pirates lefty.

Cueto versus the Pirates - 1-0, 0.73 ERA in two starts.

- The Pirates roster bats .209 (45-for-215) with five homers and 17 RBIs versus Cueto.
- Andrew McCutchen is 9-for-39 (.231) with three homers and five RBIs versus Cueto.

[StarDust Bum]

Tuesday, October 1

Game Score Status Pick Amount

Cincinnati - 8:00 PM ET Pittsburgh -134 500 POD # 2


Pittsburgh - Under 6.5 500 POD # 1

[WThotrod]

Best of luck, Bum! Let's do this!

[StarDust Bum]

Rays at Indians

October 2, 2013


The American League Wild Card matchup involves two teams that hooked up in the opening series of the season. The surprising Indians are back in the playoffs for the first time since winning the AL Central back in 2007, while the Rays are in the postseason for the third time in four seasons after winning Monday's tiebreaker at Texas.

The Rangers had won seven straight games to force a play-in contest against the Rays, but David Price shut down the Texas lineup in a 5-2 victory as a short road favorite. Price tossed a complete-game to save the bullpen arms for a potential Wild Card contest on Wednesday, while Evan Longoria drove in a pair of runs as Tampa Bay led from start to finish.

The Indians took care of their business down the stretch by winning each of their last nine games, even though the victories came against the Astros, White Sox, and Twins - three teams who have been eliminated from playoff contention for a while. Terry Francona's club actually came within one game of Detroit for the AL Central championship, but the Tigers owned enough of an edge in the division despite getting swept by the Marlins in the final weekend.

One of Cleveland's keys to success this season was the 51-30 mark at Progressive Field, including a 13-4 record in the final 17 home contests. The Tribe's season comes down to 23-year old right-hander Danny Salazar on the mound, who put together a 3.12 ERA in 10 starts this season. However, Salazar put together just two quality outings, while lasting past the sixth inning only once since entering the rotation in July.

The Rays counter with righty Alex Cobb, who has been on fire in his last three starts. Cobb allowed just three earned runs, while striking out 26 batters in victories over the Rangers, Orioles, and Yankees - all in the favorite role. Since Cobb was drilled in the head with a line-drive against Kansas City in mid-June, the 25-year old is 5-1 in nine starts, which includes five quality outings.

Tampa Bay won four of six meetings from Cleveland this season, which started by taking two of three games at Tropicana Field in early April. One of the home victories by the Rays was started by Cobb, who tossed 7.1 scoreless innings in a 6-0 shutout on April 6. The Rays grabbed two of three at Progressive Field in early June, as Joe Maddon's club scored 20 runs in the two victories, resulting in a pair 'overs.'

Cleveland owns an 11-14 in 25 games as a home underdog this season, while Tampa Bay has won eight of its past 11 times in the road favorite role. The Rays enter tonight's contest as -115 away favorites, as the total is set at 7, shaded to the 'over' at -120. The game will be televised nationally on TBS at 8:00 PM EST.

AL Playoff Notes:

-- The Red Sox are waiting patiently to see if they'll face old friend Francona and the Indians, or have a 2008 ALCS rematch with the Rays. Boston beat Tampa Bay 12 of 19 times this season, while the Sox owned the Indians by beating Cleveland in six of seven meetings.

-- The Athletics lost in five games to the Tigers in the ALDS last October after rallying from a 2-0 deficit to force a decisive Game 5. This time around, Oakland will host the opening two games at O.Coliseum on Friday and Saturday, as the A's won four of seven meetings against the Tigers this season. Max Scherzer and Justin Verlander will start the first two games on the road for Detroit, while the resurgent Bartolo Colon will take the ball in the opener for Oakland.